Surrey researchers study how dietary carbohydrates influence the thickening of arteries
Tuesday 7 July 2009
A research team from the University of Surrey are asking the question: How does dietary carbohydrate influence the development of atherosclerosis? Atherosclerosis is the condition in which an artery wall thickens as the result of a build-up of fatty materials such as cholesterol. The study team led by Professors Bruce Griffin and Margot Umpleby will investigate how the body metabolises different types of carbohydrate. The study hopes to open an exciting new area of research that will help scientists to understand how different types of carbohydrate affect fat metabolism. This will help formulate appropriate dietary advice for men at risk of metabolic syndrome. The study has been funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, a government funded research body.
The aim of the dietary study will be to compare two diets with the same weight and energy from carbohydrates but either high or low amounts of sugars in men with low and moderate amounts of fat in their liver. Half the men in the study will have the high sugar diet first followed by the low sugar diet second and the other half will have the low sugar diet first and the high sugar diet second. The nutritionist will give guidance and advice on how to follow the diets and they will be prepared and eaten in the participants own homes.
The liver fat will be measured by a whole body scan (MRI) at the beginning of the study and at the end of each diet. The effect the diets have on how much fat the liver is making and how much fat the body is burning will be tested by spending a day with the team at the Cedar Centre for Endocrinology Diabetes and Research at the Royal Surrey County Hospital.
Professor Griffin comments: "This is a landmark study that will help us to establish the mechanisms by which dietary sugars increase risk of cardiovascular disease through their adverse effects on the metabolism of fat in the liver and blood circulation."
The research team is currently recruiting overweight men, aged 45-65 years from the local area, who are at increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome but are without diabetes. If you are interested in taking part in this study please contact Cheryl Isherwood at the University of Surrey Tel: 01483 688642 or E-mail: c.isherwood@surrey.ac.uk
Media Enquiries
Peter La, Press Office at the University of Surrey, Tel: +44 (0)1483 689191, or Email mediarelations@surrey.ac.uk