PhD Study : MTHFR genotype and its interaction with B-vitamins in relation to blood pressure and neurodevelopment in early childhood: OptiPREG Offspring study

Apply and key information  

Summary

Hypertension is the leading risk factor contributing to mortality worldwide, primarily from cardiovascular disease (CVD), while effective treatment of hypertension is proven to reduce CVD events. Epidemiological studies from the western countries have shown a substantial increase of the prevalence of high blood pressure (BP) in children with rates of around 5% for hypertension (1-2) and up to 14% for elevated BP (3).

High blood pressure in children is frequently undetected allowing considerable damage to occur of the arterial system, heart and other organs (4). Emerging evidence suggests that the brain is one of the main targets affected by  hypertension with studies showing inverse association between elevated BP and child neurocognitive performance (5). Moreover, the presence of elevated BP in childhood has serious implications in later life as it is a key risk factor predictive of hypertension and CVD in adults (6). Therefore, the early diagnosis and prevention of hypertension in children by addressing the risk factors for the condition is of pivotal importance.

The cause of the primary hypertension in children is generally unknown; however, it is considered that the interplay between genetic and environmental factors has an important role. The common 677C→T polymorphism in the MTHFR gene is associated with an increased risk of hypertension in adults and pregnant women (7) and previous trials from our Centre in hypertensive adults have shown that riboflavin can lower BP specifically in those with homozygous variant (TT genotype; 8-10). However, it is unknown whether the adverse effect of TT genotype on BP is present in early childhood.

The project will achieve the following objectives:

* To investigate BP in relation to TT genotype in early childhood;

* To examine the effect of maternal riboflavin supplementation during pregnancy on BP in offspring with TT genotype;

* To investigate the relationship between neurodevelopment and BP in children with TT genotype.

Methods:

Currently we are conducting a randomised controlled trial, Optimal Nutrition for the Prevention of Hypertension (OptiPREG) which overall aim is to investigate the role of TT genotype as a determinant of blood pressure in pregnancy and to test the response of blood pressure to maternal supplementation with riboflavin. Pregnant women screened for the TT genotype were randomised to receive low dose riboflavin or placebo from 16 GW until delivery. Blood pressure was measured and blood sample was taken before and the end of the intervention. Cord blood was taken at delivery. All blood samples were analysed for relevant vitamin B status parameters.  Mother-child pairs participating in the original trial will be followed-up in the first year of the child (OptiPREG Offspring study). Information on the health and feeding of the baby and the health of the mother (postpartum) will be collected by a specially designed questionnaire. Infant’s BP and anthropometric measurements will be taken. Child’s neurodevelopment will be assessed by Bayley Scale for Infant and Toddler Development.

The PhD student will be involved in the running of the OptiPREG Offspring study and will receive full training for the required methodology; however, previous experience in subject recruitment would be an advantage. Opportunities will be given the findings of the project to be presented at relevant national and international scientific forums.

References:

1. Peters et al. J Hypertens 2012;30(9):1708-17.

2.  Santi et al. Curr Opin Cardiol 2015; 30(4):403-10.

3. Sharma et al. JAMA Pediatr. 2018;172(6):557-565.

4. Gopinath et al. J Hypertens. 2010; 28(7):1406-12.

5. Lande & Kupferman. Hypertension 2019;73:532-540.

6. Berenson et al. N Engl J Med 1998;338(23):16501656.

7. McNulty et al. Mol Aspects Med 2017;53:2-9.

8. Horigan et al. J Hypertens 2010;28(3):478-86.

9. Wilson et al. Am J Clin Nutr 2012;95(3):766-72.

10. Wilson et al. Hypertension. 2013;61(6):1302-8.

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

Preferred student start date
September 2020

Applying

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Contact supervisor

Professor Kristina Pentieva

Other supervisors