HDHL-Biomarkers: Fatty Acid Metabolism - Interlinking Diet with Cardiometabolic Health (FAME)
Lead Research Organisation:
University of East Anglia
Department Name: Norwich Medical School
Abstract
Abstracts are not currently available in GtR for all funded research. This is normally because the abstract was not required at the time of proposal submission, but may be because it included sensitive information such as personal details.
Technical Summary
The overall objective is to use existing biobanked samples and dietary and phenotype data from cohort studies and randomized controlled trials to,
a) identify novel lipidomics biomarkers of cardiometabolic health which could replace or be used in addition to fatty acid profiles as more sensitive biomarkers of status and of future cardiometabolic clinical events,
b) establish relationships between whole diets and specific foods with tissue status of fatty acids as explanatory factors for diet relationships with cardiometabolic health, and
c) to investigate genetic determinants of fatty acid status and metabolism which modify the physiological effects of dietary intake.
WORKPLAN
WP1. Lipid metabolites from lipidomics as novel biomarkers of cardiometabolic health will be identified based on follow-up of prospective studies on type 2 diabetes with exploration and cross-validation (EPIC-Potsdam cohort and CORDIOPREV trial). Potential for dietary modification of identified biomarkers will be tested in well-controlled trials involving FA modification (DIVAS, LIPGENE, RESET, SATGENE).
WP2. Specific SFA and trans-FA and novel lipid biomarkers will be tested as biomarkers of dairy fat intake in a wellcontrolled
trial (RESET) and subsequently evaluated as markers of cardiometabolic health (DIVAS, SATGENE, RESET) and long-term cardiometabolic risk (EPIC-Potsdam, CORDIOPREV, PREDIMED [n=7447])
WP3. Polyphenols and candidate genes as determinants of response to FA intake will be evaluated in the PREDIMED trial and EPIC-Potsdam cohort and subsequently validated in well-controlled trials on FA (LIPGENE, SATGENE) and polyphenol (FLAVURS) modification.
EXPECTED RESULTS
Results of the project may contribute to the refinement of current food and nutrients based dietary guidelines, e.g. with regard to dairy intake, PUFA intake and plant-based diets and the targeting of intervention strategies aimed at improved cardiometabolic health to those most likely to benefit
a) identify novel lipidomics biomarkers of cardiometabolic health which could replace or be used in addition to fatty acid profiles as more sensitive biomarkers of status and of future cardiometabolic clinical events,
b) establish relationships between whole diets and specific foods with tissue status of fatty acids as explanatory factors for diet relationships with cardiometabolic health, and
c) to investigate genetic determinants of fatty acid status and metabolism which modify the physiological effects of dietary intake.
WORKPLAN
WP1. Lipid metabolites from lipidomics as novel biomarkers of cardiometabolic health will be identified based on follow-up of prospective studies on type 2 diabetes with exploration and cross-validation (EPIC-Potsdam cohort and CORDIOPREV trial). Potential for dietary modification of identified biomarkers will be tested in well-controlled trials involving FA modification (DIVAS, LIPGENE, RESET, SATGENE).
WP2. Specific SFA and trans-FA and novel lipid biomarkers will be tested as biomarkers of dairy fat intake in a wellcontrolled
trial (RESET) and subsequently evaluated as markers of cardiometabolic health (DIVAS, SATGENE, RESET) and long-term cardiometabolic risk (EPIC-Potsdam, CORDIOPREV, PREDIMED [n=7447])
WP3. Polyphenols and candidate genes as determinants of response to FA intake will be evaluated in the PREDIMED trial and EPIC-Potsdam cohort and subsequently validated in well-controlled trials on FA (LIPGENE, SATGENE) and polyphenol (FLAVURS) modification.
EXPECTED RESULTS
Results of the project may contribute to the refinement of current food and nutrients based dietary guidelines, e.g. with regard to dairy intake, PUFA intake and plant-based diets and the targeting of intervention strategies aimed at improved cardiometabolic health to those most likely to benefit
Planned Impact
N/A
People |
ORCID iD |
Anne-Marie Minihane (Principal Investigator) |
Publications

Jennings A
(2020)
Can nutrition support healthy cognitive ageing and reduce dementia risk?
in BMJ (Clinical research ed.)

Pontifex MG
(2022)
DHA-Enriched Fish Oil Ameliorates Deficits in Cognition Associated with Menopause and the APOE4 Genotype in Rodents.
in Nutrients

Saleh R
(2021)
Fish, n -3 fatty acids, cognition and dementia risk: not just a fishy tale
in Proceedings of the Nutrition Society

Saleh RNM
(2021)
APOE Genotype Modifies the Plasma Oxylipin Response to Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation in Healthy Individuals.
in Frontiers in nutrition

Schulze MB
(2020)
Intake and metabolism of omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids: nutritional implications for cardiometabolic diseases.
in The lancet. Diabetes & endocrinology
Description | 1. Early indications are that statins and alcohol intake influence the concentration of the beneficial long chain n-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in humans 2. ALOX is a protein involved in the concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acid into highly active lipids called oxylipins. We have recently established that common genetic variation in ALOX can affect fatty acid status and how we response to EPA/DHA (fish oil) intervention. 3. We have identified a comprehensive list of gene variants which are now testing in a number of UK datasets, namely Twins UK and the seAFOod Polyp Prevention Trial 4. We have identified the common APOE genotype to influence the production of bioactive lipids, the oxylipins from EPA and DHA |
Exploitation Route | 1. The dietary PUFA-tissue lipidomic status- cardio-metabolic phenotype data to emerge from the consortium will advance the overall academic knowledge base in the area 2. Inform public health policy and new product development in the areas of dietary fatty acid and health 3. The BBSRC work is part of a larger EU JPI initiative involving 5 partners from 3 countries. A major achievement from the award has been the establishment of our lipidomic consortium which we believe will be sustained following the completion of the current work programme 4. Could help inform dietary omega-3 guidelines regarding the most responsive population subgroup for omega-3 fatty acid recommendations |
Sectors | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Education,Healthcare,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
Description | Cyprus Research Promotion Foundation (RPF)_reviewer of grant |
Geographic Reach | Europe |
Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
URL | http://www.research.org.cy/ |
Description | UK Wpmens Health Strategy |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Contribution to a national consultation/review |
URL | https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/womens-health-strategy-call-for-evidence/womens-health-s... |
Description | Lipidmoic analysis of brain samples |
Organisation | Metabolon Inc |
Country | United States |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Supply of brain tissues pre- and post-intervention |
Collaborator Contribution | Commercial lipidomic analysis |
Impact | NA |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Albert Latner Public Lecture: Fish oils and brain health: what dose does what in whom? |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Annual Albert Latner lecture in Clinical Biochemistry_Newcastle |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | https://www.ncl.ac.uk/events/noticeboard/item/fishoilsandbrainhealthwhatdosedoeswhatinwhom.html |
Description | BNF 50th Anniversary conference: Who is shaping the food choices of the future?, 14th November 2017, London |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Celebration of 5o years of successful collaborations between academia, educationists, policy makers etc. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | http://www.futureoffood.ox.ac.uk/events/who-shaping-food-choices-future-bnf-50th-anniversary-confere... |
Description | British Nutrition Foundation Webinar_Long chain n-3 PUFA, cardiovascular and cognitive health |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Live nutrition webinar |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | https://www.nutrition.org.uk/component/rseventspro/event/44-a-plaice-for-fish-in-the-diet-free-lunch... |
Description | EIRA Healthy Ageing: Research to Application |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | To consider the translation of research into policy and practice |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | https://www.uea.ac.uk/medicine/engagement/blog/-/blogs/eira-healthy-ageing-research-to-application-e... |
Description | Genes and nutrition, Nutrigenetics and Personalised Approaches to Dietary Advice |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | A presentation on nutrigenetics and health and how it relates to Public Health Policy and new product innovation |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | How to be a scientist & Growth |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Science week event |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | International Life Sciences Scientific Advisor |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | I am a member of a scientific advisor group for ILSI Europe which is a tripartite organisation, between academics, industry and policy makers. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://ilsi.eu/about-us/ |
Description | Lab Notes: Gender, diet and brain health |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | public event on nutrition, menopause and brain health |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sb0ksu-ae4 |
Description | Maintaining health and wellbeing during lockdown_PODCAST |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | A PODCAST delivered by Professor Anne Marie Minihane (UEA), Dr Valerie Gladwell (Essex) and Dr Glen Davison (Kent) discuss what we mean by wellbeing, how lockdown has impacted on it, and what we can do to keep healthy and well in the current situation. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://easternarc.ac.uk/podcasts/episode-5-maintaining-health-and-wellbeing-during-lockdown/ |
Description | Nutrition and Brain Vitality |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Talk to a local group |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Nutrition, cognition and dementia risk |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Talk to Department of Health and Social care Group |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Presentation at industry focussed conference at to Universites, Sappora Japan |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Series of presentation and visits to Japanese Universities and companies |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | http://icnim.jpn.org/e/conference/25icnim.php |
Description | Primary school interactive session on healthy eating |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Afternoon of discussion and cooking health foods |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | http://www.littlemeltonprimaryschool.co.uk/science-week/ |
Description | Public Lecture: Nutrition, Brain Vitality and Dementia |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | A UEA organised public lecture in Regent St Cinema London |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxqEeImQ_8Q |
Description | The Big Fat Debate, Nutrition Bulletin Article, Jan 2018 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Article for issue on dietary fat, aimed for education, and increased public awareness |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | https://www.nutrition.org.uk/bnf-publications/bulletin/1113-nbudietaryfats.html |
Description | UK Public Bioanalyst Course in Reading, UK |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Workshop at training even for Association of Public Analyst members |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Your Brain Matters Guide |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | It was a one page spread in the Independent Newspaper, advertising the Your Brain Matters booklet from Alzheimer's Research UK. The focus of the booklet is how behaviour change, eating, physical activity, sleep, socialisation etc, impacts on our brain health and risk of dementia. I am the main academic contributor to this publication as indicated in the article and my accompanying photo |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/campaign/your-brain-matters-booklet/?promo=ecapPPC&utm_source=G... |