Interactions between fetal programming and postnatal diet in development of the metabolic syndrome [ 2007 - 2009 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Brendan Waddell (Principal investigator) ,  Prof Trevor Mori

Brief description More than 50,000 Australians die annually from cardiovascular disease, accounting for almost 40% of all deaths. Obesity and high blood pressure are both key risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and so it is crucial that we understand the underlying causes of these conditions and how lifestyle changes, such as diet, can prevent them. We now know that several adult-onset diseases, including high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes, are influenced by how well we grow and develop as a fetus. This effect, known as 'fetal programming', means that if we have a poor environment as a fetus (eg, maternal undernutrition), we are more likely to develop health problems such as high blood pressure many years later. In this study we are interested in how the events in fetal life 'program' these later health problems, and how we might reverse the adverse effects by lifestyle changes after birth. We have developed an animal model in which high blood pressure and problems with fat and muscle function that can lead to obesity and diabetes. These detrimental effects on adult health can be completely prevented in our model by placing offspring on a diet rich in omega-3 fats from the time of birth. These fats are commonly found in fish oil and are well known for their beneficial effects on cardiovascular function. The present proposal will extend these findings by determining whether omega-3 fatty acids can reverse the adverse programming outcomes after they have emerged in adult life. We will also investigate whether fetal programming effects are made even worse by the consumption of excess total dietary fat during development to adulthood, and if this effect can also be overcome by supplementation of the diet with omega-3 fats.

Funding Amount $AUD 445,578.39

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant