PhD Study : Blue whiting protein hydrolysates for management of sarcopenia

Apply and key information  

Summary

Age-related loss of muscle mass and function is common in the elderly and can lead to disability, loss of independence and increased risk of death. Sarcopenia is a key contributor to frailty and increased dependency in older adults (Cruz Jentoft et al., 2010) and thus is highly prevalent among institutionalized older adults (Bravo-Jose et al., 2018). Diet, specifically protein, has a role in the prevention and treatment of muscle loss in the older adult population nevertheless there is paucity of research on the effect of protein supplementation on lean body mass and other clinical outcomes in older adults in residential care (Donaldson et al., 2019) where the prevalence of muscle loss and weakness is reported to be high (Senior et al, 2015; Landi et al, 2012). Protein supplementation, in combination with exercise or additional nutritional supplements, has been shown to exert beneficial effects on muscle in community dwelling sarcopenic older adults (Kim et al., 2012, Bauer et al., 2015), albeit the effects of protein supplements alone have not been extensively studied in sarcopenic individuals. Muscle protein synthesis is influenced by both the amount and type of protein consumed (Pennings et al., 2011, Devries and Phillips, 2015).

The proposed PhD project aims to investigate the efficacy of a novel protein hydrolysate derived from the pelagic fish, blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou), which to date has predominantly been used to produce protein hydrolysates for the feed industry. The proposed PhD project aims to evaluate the potential of a selected blue whiting protein hydrolysate (BWPH) to beneficially modulate markers of sarcopenia in free living community dwelling older adults (study 2) and older adults residing in care homes (study 3).

Study 1 Aim: A systematic review will be undertaken to investigate the efficacy of different protein sources on the risk of sarcopenia.

Study 2: Aim: To investigate the effect of blue whiting protein on whole body lean mass tissue and measures of muscle strength and functionality in free living community dwelling older adults.

Study 3:  Aim:  To investigate the effect of BWPH supplementation on whole body lean mass tissue and measures of muscle strength and functionality in older adults in care homes.

Design used for study 2 and 3

A double blind randomised parallel human intervention trial will be undertaken at UU to investigate the impact of consuming the BWPH on measures of muscle mass and function. The primary outcome of the study will be to measure differences in lean tissue mass between participants consuming BWPH and the control. Secondary measures will investigate changes in muscle functionality through the use of hand grip strength, ‘Timed get up and go’ test and 6 minute walk test. The impact of treatment on quality of life will also be investigated using the validated Short Form Health Survey version 2 (SF-36v2). Blood measures associated with sarcopenia (serum vitamin D status, proinflammatory cytokine profile) will be quantified and basic measures of general health will be assessed (full lipid profile as well as liver and kidney function tests). A four day weight food diary will be collected at baseline to determine habitual protein intake differences between the treatment groups. The recent physical activity questionnaire (RPAQ) will be complete at baseline and postintervention to determine each participant’s level of physical activity. A power calculation was based on data from Norton et al. (2015) in which a lean tissue mass difference of 0.61 kg between the protein group and placebo group with a 1.4 kg standard deviation (based on Borsheim et al. 2008) would require a minimum sample size of 38 participants per group. A final sample size of 75 per treatment group was selected to ensure sufficient sample size given the reported high dropout rate reported in previous studies (>50%) (Norton et al. 2015).

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

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.

  • Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
  • Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
  • Work experience relevant to the proposed project
  • Publications - peer-reviewed
  • Publications record appropriate to career stage
  • Experience of presentation of research findings
  • A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
  • Use of personal initiative as evidenced by record of work above that normally expected at career stage.
  • Relevant professional qualification and/or a Degree in a Health or Health related area

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

  • Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
  • Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
  • Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

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.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

  • Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
  • Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
  • Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
  • 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. Further information on cost of living

The Doctoral College at Ulster University

Key dates

Submission deadline
Friday 7 February 2020
12:00AM

Interview Date
9 to 20 March 2020

Preferred student start date
Mid September 2020

Applying

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Contact supervisor

Dr Philip Allsopp

Other supervisors