PhD Study : Impact of (poly)phenols and their microbiota mediated metabolites on macro and microvascular circulation

Summary

Diets rich in (poly)phenols are recognised as having beneficial roles in health and the prevention of a wide range of chronic diseases (CVD, AMD)1 and systemic circulation impacts upon microvascular circulation.  Dietary (poly)phenols including flavonols, anthocyanins, and proanthocyanidins common to berrys, tea, cocoa etc are known to cause acute vasodilation in microvasculature increasing blood flow via flow mediated dilation (FMD).

However, sustained effects on macro/microvascular blood flow are more likely to mediated by colonic gut metabolites e.g. Phenyl γ-valerolactones which reach higher concentrations and persist longer in blood plasma^2-4 Phenyl γvalerolactones also exhibit a stronger effect on vasodilation (due to their ACE inhibitory activity) than the parent compounds⁵. Consequently, phenyl γ-valerolactones⁶ are by far the most relevant ‘hit’ the human body receives after dietary intake of flavan-3-ols.

In collaboration, with the University of Parma (Prof D Del Rio), we will quantify phenyl- ᵧ -valerolactones (PVLs) and their related phenylvaleric acids (PVAs), using UHPLC-ESI-MSn⁷. Establishing if these compounds exert effects upon both the macro- (FMD) and micro-vasculature (ocular) in an at risk population.

Visiting professors - Ulster University

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
• Clearly defined research proposal detailing background, research questions, aims and methodology

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
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• Experience of presentation of research findings
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• 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