The health impacts of a personalized nutrition approach in blood pressure management in women in pregnancy and mid life

Summary

Hypertension is the leading risk factor contributing to all-cause mortality and is estimated to affect 1.13 billion people globally, resulting in over 9 million deaths annually, predominantly from cardiovascular disease (CVD).

This project, which is focused on hypertension in women, will investigate a novel, personalized approach for managing Blood Pressure (BP) in women with a particular genetic risk factor, known as the MTHFR TT genotype.

This genetic risk affects 10% of people globally and is associated with a higher risk of developing elevated BP.

In novel work conducted at this center the B-vitamin riboflavin has been shown to play an important role in controlling BP among individuals affected by the TT genotype.

Riboflavin is a much-overlooked micronutrient and deficiency may be considerably more widespread than is generally appreciated, but typically goes undetected due to lack of reliable data.

There is some evidence to suggest that poor riboflavin status appears to be a particular problem in women of childbearing years and teenage girls.

Supplementation with riboflavin could play a key role in reducing these risks among women affected by this genetic risk factor.

This PhD project forms part of the larger OptiPREG study, investigating the role of optimal B-vitamin status for healthy BP in pregnancy, in terms of maternal and child health.

The project aims to follow up women who received riboflavin supplementation during pregnancy to investigate the wider health benefits (cardiovascular and cognitive) of maternal B-vitamin intervention and to track blood pressure in mid-life with the aim of identifying potential early markers of cardiovascular risk in this cohort.

In addition in a separate study, the effectiveness of riboflavin intervention for reducing BP and additional markers of vascular health, in younger non-pregnant MTHFR TT women will be investigated to help shed light on biological mechanisms linking this genetic variant with hypertension

Important Information: Applications for more than one PhD studentship are welcome, however if you apply for more than one PhD project within Biomedical Sciences, your first application on the system will be deemed your first-choice preference and further applications will be ordered based on the sequential time of submission.

If you are successfully shortlisted, you will be interviewed only on your first-choice application and ranked accordingly. Those ranked highest will be offered a PhD studentship.

In the situation where you are ranked highly and your first-choice project is already allocated to someone who was ranked higher than you, you may be offered your 2nd or 3rd choice project depending on the availability of this project.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal detailing background, research questions, aims and methodology
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement demonstrating interest in the subject area

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• Applicants should hold, or expect to hold a First Class Honours Degree in a relevant subject area
• Applicants should hold, or expect to hold a relevant Masters Degree at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Experience of presentation of research findings

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)

This scholarship will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £21,000* (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of approximately £900 per annum is also available.

To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a UK National, or

• Have settled status, or

• Have pre-settled status, or

• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter, or

• be an Irish National

Applicants should also meet the residency criteria which requires that they have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the three years preceding the start date of the research degree programme.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period