School of Interprofessional Health Studies

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The School of Interprofessional Health Studies develops and teaches the core interdisciplinary papers in the Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences degree programmes.

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Advancing speech pathology practice: lessons from an autoethnography
(Centre for Clinical Research Excellence (CCRE), 2012-10-09) Bright, FAS
It has been suggested that balancing ‘technical skills with a ‘human approach’ may promote a client-centred approach to treatment and may be more consistent with what clients see as important in rehabilitation. This poster draws on a co-autoethnography that explored how a philosophy of client-centred practice which explicitly incorporated both ‘technical’ and ‘caring’ skills informed clinical practice with people with acquired brain injury. It reflects on how this approach to therapy could inform speech pathology practice with people with aphasia.
Alternatives for Sustained Disaster Risk Reduction: A Re-assessment
(AOSIS, 2023-07-26) Le De, Loic; Baumann, Louise L; Moatty, Annabelle; Le Masson, Virginie; Kikano, Faten; Fayazi, Mahmood; Fernandez, Manuela; Tomassi, Isabella; Cadag, Jake Rom D
Alternatives for sustained disaster risk reduction’ was published in 2010 by Francophone and Anglophone researchers as a critique on the way disasters were studied and disaster risk reduction handled in the Francophone sphere. The authors criticized the dominant Francophone approach for being heavily hazard-centred and called for more emphasis on vulnerability to understand disasters and foster disaster risk reduction – a shift that had already taken place in the Anglophone disaster literature. Twelve years later, this paper draws upon a bibliographic analysis to examine if the arguments developed in the 2010 publication have stem attention in the Francophone disaster literature.Contribution: The article finds that the shift towards the vulnerability paradigm has, to some extent, happened but took much longer in the French context than in the Spanish language and the Asian disaster literature. The article emphasises the need for a re-assessment of our practices and study of disasters, including reflections on what disasters are studied, how, by whom, and for whom. Eventually, alternatives for sustained disaster risk reduction now and in the future might include drawing upon more diverse ontologies and epistemologies that are pertinent locally, considering local people as co-researchers though participatory methods, and empowering local Francophone researchers to play a greater role in researching disasters and leading disaster risk reduction in their own localities.
Approaches and Study Skills Inventory for Students (ASSIST) in an introductory course in chemistry
(The University of Wollongong, 2015-12-01) Brown, S; White, S; Wakeling, L; Naiker, M; Lawson, R
Approaches to study and learning may enhance or undermine educational outcomes, and thus it is important for educators to be knowledgeable about their students’ approaches to study and learning. TheApproaches and Study Skills Inventory for Students(ASSIST) – a 52 item inventory which identifies three learning styles (Deep, Strategic, and Surface), was given to first year undergraduate students undertaking an introductory chemistry course. Completed inventories (n=103, 85% response), included 30 BSc Biomedicine, 15 BSc Food and Nutrition, 22 BSc Geology, 18 BSc Science students, and a further 18 students on unnamed BSc pathways. The dominant learning style adopted was the Surface approach, with a mean score (SD) of 2.94 (0.54). The preference of the surface approach was consistent for all BSc pathways.There was a higher mean score for the strategic learning style in males (n= 59) compared to females (n=44) with no gender-based differences in either the deep or the surface learning styles.A surface approach may not necessarily indicate a lack of interest in chemistry, rather chemistry may be perceived as being peripheral to the students’ interests – this may be a problem when students with a diverse range of career aspirations study common content in large, first year introductory courses. Identifying students that adopt a surface learning style at an early stage in the undergraduate education journey is an important step in effectively targeting educational resources aimed at enhancing students’ learning habits.
Assessing the Test–retest Repeatability of Insulin Resistance Measures: Homeostasis Model Assessment 2 and Oral Glucose Insulin Sensitivity
(African Online Scientific Information Systems (AOSIS), 2017) Crofts, C; Wheldon, MC; Zinn, C; Lan-Pidhainy, X-M; Wolever, T; Schofield, G
Background: Insulin resistance is commonly assessed using the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) variants. HOMA is potentially insensitive to change because of its high coefficient of variation. The repeatability coefficient is an alternative means of assessing test repeatability. To be confident of clinical change, rather than biological variation, a subsequent test needs to differ from the former by more than the repeatability coefficient using the equation. Test 1 = Test 2 ± repeatability coefficient. The repeatability coefficients for measures of insulin resistance are unknown. Aim: To compare the repeatability coefficient of HOMA2 variants (Beta-cell function [%B], insulin sensitivity [%S], insulin resistance [IR]) to a dynamic measure of insulin resistance, and the oral glucose insulin sensitivity (OGIS) test. Setting: The raw data from a previously used data set were reanalysed. Methods: Glycaemic and insulinaemic tests were performed on 32 men and women both with (n = 10) and without type 2 diabetes (n = 22). From these data, eight fasting tests and three 50-g oral glucose tolerance tests were used to calculate HOMA2 and OGIS. The methods of Bland and Altman assessed repeatability. Results: Repeatability coefficients for all participants for the HOMA2 %B, %S and IR variants were 72.91, 189.75 and 0.9, which equates to 89%, 135% and 89% of their respective grand means. By contrast, OGIS had a repeatability coefficient of 87.13, which equates to 21% of the grand mean. Conclusion: Because of the high repeatability coefficient relative to the grand mean, use of HOMA2 measures for assessing insulin resistance in small population studies should be reconsidered.
Attitude to Physiology in Undergraduate Nursing, Midwifery, and Paramedicine Students
(Timeline Publication, 2016-10-10) Brown, SJ; White, S; Bowmar, A; Power, N
Studying introductory human physiology is an essential part of the nursing, midwifery, and paramedicine university curriculum. Academic success is important, although attitude also contributes to an undergraduate’s experience. We measured attitude to physiology using a novel semantic differential purpose-designed diagnostic instrument, in 338 midwifery, nursing, and paramedicine undergraduates studying 2 compulsory courses in human physiology. The courses were a first semester introductory course (HAP 1) and a second semester course (HAP 2). Exploratory factor analysis identified 2 components, described as affective attitude (12 items), and cognitive attitude (8 items). Component scores were not different between the nursing, midwifery, and paramedicine programmes (P>0.05, Kruskall-Wallis 1-way ANOVA). However, the affective attitude score (mean (sd)) for HAP 1 was higher than HAP 2 (4.81 (0.61) versus 4.59 (0.57), P<0.01, Mann-Whitney U test), whereas the cognitive attitude score for HAP 1 was lower than HAP 2 (3.65 (0.45) versus 3.80 (0.45), P<0.01, Mann-Whitney U test). The instrument was simple to both administer and complete, and appeared to have a suitable structure to quantify both affective and cognitive components of attitude - it may be a suitable instrument to measure the effects of curriculum changes on student attitude, and monitor students’ attitude throughout a programme.
Attitude to the subject of chemistry in nursing and health science undergraduate students
(Timeline Publication, 2018) Brown, S; Naiker, M
Nurses require an understanding of biological sciences but may fear chemistry. We quantified attitude to chemistry in both nursing students, and health science students. Attitude toward the Subject of Chemistry Inventory (ASCI) was completed by 114 first year nursing students, and 88 health science students, enrolled in a regional university in Australia. Exploratory factor analysis identified items in the inventory which aligned to a common theme, and Cronbach’s alpha) determined the internal consistency of items which aligned with the identified theme. Two themes identified were named “Cognitive” and “Affective”, both of which are components of attitude. Cognitive refers to thoughts evoked by chemistry, and affective refers to emotional responses to chemistry. Quantifying attitude to chemistry may be used to measure the effects of both teaching chemistry to undergraduate nurses, and to assess the impact of novel strategies to engage undergraduate nurses in the subject of chemistry.
Attitudes Towards Science Among Senior Secondary Students in Fiji
(Wilf Malcolm Institute of Educational Research, 2020-12-08) Brown, S; Naiker, M; Sharma, B; Wakeling, L; Johnson, J; Mani, J; Kumar, B; Naidu, A; Khan, N
In order to investigate gender and ethnicity-based differences in scientific attitudes among Fijian students, the widely studied Test of Scientific Related Attitudes (TOSRA) was administered to 1401 senior secondary Fijian students (Years 11–13; approximately 15–18 years of age). Students generally had a positive attitude towards science overall in Years 11–13, with females showing a more positive attitude than males. By Year 13, the attitudes of females towards science had become more negative. The attitude of iTaukei students towards science started out lower than other ethnicities in Year 11 and increased during Year 12, before falling to below the starting attitude levels in Year 13. Fijian students of Indian descent generally had a positive attitude towards science that remained consistent throughout Years 11–13, with an increase in leisure and career interest in science in Year 13. A strong correlation was found between the ethnicity of a student and their first language. Continued science outreach programmes, particularly in Year 12, are important to achieve and retain scientific interest and attitudes among Fijian secondary students.
Breast carcinoma is a multifactorial disease involving FOXN3, SINA3 and NEAT through repression of GATA3 and TJP
(Pioneer Bioscience Publishing Company (PBPC), 2018) Hassouna, A; Sabry, D; Mostafa, A
No abstract.
Can the Molar Insulin: C-Peptide Ratio Be Used to Predict Hyperinsulinaemia?
(MDPI, 2020)
Hyperinsulinaemia is the precursor to numerous metabolic disorders. Early diagnosis and intervention could improve population health. Diagnosing hyperinsulinaemia is problematic because insulin has a very short half-life (2-5minutes). It is theorised that c-peptide levels (half-life 20-30minutes) would be a better proxy for insulin due to both hormones being released in equimolar amounts. However, the correlation between c-peptide and insulin levels is unknown. We aim to identify their correlation following a four-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Data were obtained from records of routine medical care at St Joseph's Hospital, Chicago, IL, USA, during 1977. Two hundred and fifty-five male and female participants aged over 20 years undertook a fourhour OGTT with plasma glucose, insulin and c-peptide levels recorded. Correlation was assessed with Pearson's correlation. There was a weak correlation between insulin and c-peptide, which increased to moderate across the four-hour OGTT (r = 0.482-0.680). There was no significant change in this relationship when data was subdivided according to either the WHO glucose status or Kraft insulin response. Although there was a correlation between insulin and c-peptide, it was too weak to recommend the use of c-peptide as an alternative biomarker for the diagnosis of hyperinsulinaemia.
Carbon-carbon Double Bond and Resorcinol in Resveratrol and Its Analogues: What Is the Characteristic Structure in Quenching Singlet Oxygen?
(MDPI AG, 2019) Kong, Q; Ren, X; Qi, J; Yu, J; Lu, J; Wang, S
Stilbenes, particularly resveratrol and resveratrol dimers, could effectively quench singlet oxygen (1O2). It was reported that both resorcinol and carbon-carbon double bond quenching 1O2 can participate in the mechanism. However, it is still not clear which structure plays a dominant role in quenching 1O2. To investigate the characteristic structure in the mechanism of quenching 1O2, the resveratrol, pterostilbene and piceatannol quenching 1O2 abilities were compared by UHPLC-QTOF-MS2 and UHPLC-QQQ-MS2. Results showed that catechol, carbon-carbon double bond and resorcinol participated in the quenching of 1O2. Catechol ring plays a leading role in the mechanism, and the contribution of the structures in quenching 1O2 activity are as follows: catechol ring > carbon-carbon double bond > resorcinol ring, which is supported by the calculation of energy. Our findings will contribute to the future screening of stilbenes with higher activity, and those stilbenes may have great therapeutic potential in 1O2-mediated diseases.
Cluster Analysis of Assessment in a Compulsory Human Physiology Course for Health Science Undergraduates
(Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia (HERDSA), 2015-11-25) Brown, S; White, S; Power, N; Bowmar, A
No abstract.
Cluster Analysis of Assessment in Anatomy and Physiology for Health Science Undergraduates
(International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (IJTLHE), 2016-07-01) Brown, S; White, S; Power, N
Academic content common to health science programs is often taught to a mixed group of students; however, content assessment may be consistent for each discipline. This study used a retrospective cluster analysis on such a group, first to identify high and low achieving students, and second, to determine the distribution of students within clusters based on their chosen program of study. Using a two-step cluster analysis based on five summative assessment scores for 773 undergraduate students, three distinct groups of students were identified: these are described as High Achievers, Standard Achievers, and Low Achievers. High Achievers scored higher in all five assessments compared with Standard Achievers and Low Achievers (all P < 0.01). Also, Standard Achievers scored higher than Low Achievers in all assessments. Membership of the High Achievers cluster comprised 15% Midwives, 20% Nurses, 10% Occupational Therapists, 11% Paramedics, 24% Physiotherapists, and 21% Standard Pathway students. This novel approach provides an opportunity for quantitative reflection on assessment in a large group of students with diverse career aspirations. It may be used to distinguish levels of achievement relative to peers within a group and potentially identify students within a program of study in need of academic assistance.
Combining Multiple Serum Biomarkers in Tumor Diagnosis: A Clinical Assessment
(Spandidos Publications, 2013) Li, X; Lu, J; Ren, H; Chen, T; Gao, L; Di, L; Song, Z; et al
The present study aimed to assess the diagnostic/ prognostic value of various clinical tumor markers, including carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), cytokeratin 19 (CYFRA21-1), α-fetoprotein (AFP), carbohydrate antigen-125 (CA-125), carbohydrate antigen-19.9 (CA-19.9) and ferritin, individually or in combination. The electro-chemiluminescence immunization method was performed to detect the levels of seven tumor markers in 560 cancer patients and 103 healthy subjects for comparison. The serum levels of the seven markers measured in cancer patients were higher compared to healthy subjects (P<0.05 for AFP and P<0.001 for the remaining six markers). Different markers had different sensitivity towards different types of tumors. Combining more markers significantly increased the ratios of positive diagnosis in the tumors. The diagnostic sensitivities of combining seven markers were particularly high in digestive, urinary and skeletal tumors (82, 92 and 83%, respectively). Gynecological tumors have exhibited a constant yet relatively low positive diagnosis irrespective of the use of a single marker or combined markers. However, the increase in sensitivity when combining markers was accompanied by a decrease in specificity. Generally, combining more markers increased the tumor detection rates, while a combination of the seven markers provided the highest detection rate. Combined detection showed a particularly high sensitivity in detecting respiratory, digestive and urinary system tumors, with the lowest sensitivity observed in gynecological tumors. As a result, combining tumor markers may play an important role in early tumor detection/diagnosis while the loss of specificity can be tolerated.
Covalently Immobilized Battacin Lipopeptide Gels With Activity Against Bacterial Biofilms
(MDPI AG, 2020) De Zoysa, GH; Wang, K; Lu, J; Hemar, Y; Sarojini, V
Novel antibiotic treatments are in increasing demand to tackle life-threatening infections from bacterial pathogens. In this study, we report the use of a potent battacin lipopeptide as an antimicrobial gel to inhibit planktonic and mature biofilms of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. The antimicrobial gels were made by covalently linking the N-terminal cysteine containing lipopeptide (GZ3.163) onto the polyethylene glycol polymer matrix and initiating gelation using thiol-ene click chemistry. The gels were prepared both in methanol and in water and were characterised using rheology, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Antibacterial and antibiofilm analyses revealed that the gels prepared in methanol have better antibacterial and antibiofilm activity. Additionally, a minimum peptide content of 0.5 wt% (relative to polymer content) is required to successfully inhibit the planktonic bacterial growth and disperse mature biofilms of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. The antibacterial activity of these lipopeptide gels is mediated by a contact kill mechanism of action. The gels are non-haemolytic against mouse red blood cells and are non-cytotoxic against human dermal fibroblasts. Findings from this study show that battacin lipopeptide gels have the potential to be developed as novel topical antibacterial agents to combat skin infections, particularly caused by S. aureus.
Cytotoxicity of Extracts From New Zealand Surf Clams Against Organ Cancer Cell Lines
(MDPI, 2019) Odeleye, T; White, WL; Lu, J
In this study, we examined the cytotoxic effects of four fractions from three species of New Zealand (NZ) surf clam on four common organ cancer cells. In most cases, a dose- and time-dependent inhibition on the proliferation of the cancer cells was observed. This was most significant in WiDr (colon) cells, where the percentages of viability reduced to as low as 6%, 5%, and 17% (at 1000 µg 72 h) by extracts from Diamond shell, Storm shell, and Tua tua species, respectively. A549 (lung) cells were the least susceptible to the treatment, with viability percentages at 82%, 15%, and 45%, under the same conditions. Induction of caspase-dependent apoptosis and alterations to the cell cycle further supported the observed morphological analysis. The ethanol, petroleum ether, and ethyl acetate fractions of NZ surf clam, rich in lipids and proteins, were more potent than their water-based counterpart. This is the first demonstration where extracts from NZ surf clams show the ability to inhibit the growth and proliferation of cancer cell lines. We suggest that NZ surf clam extracts have the potential to be further studied and developed as candidates for cancer supplementary management/treatment.
Determining a Diagnostic Algorithm for Hyperinsulinaemia
(AOSIS, ) Crofts, CAP; Schofield, G; Wheldon, MC; Zinn, C; Kraft, JR
Background: Ascertaining Kraft dynamic insulin response patterns following a 3-h 100 g oral glucose tolerance test seems to be the most reliable method for diagnosing hyperinsulinaemia. However, this test may be too resource-intensive for standard clinical use. Aim: This study aims to see if Kraft patterns can be accurately predicted using fewer blood samples with sensitivity and specificity analyses. Setting: St Joseph Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, United States and Human Potential Centre, Auckland University of technology, Auckland, New Zealand. Method: We analysed the results of 4185 men and women with a normal glucose tolerance, who had a 100 g oral glucose tolerance test with Kraft pattern analysis. Participants were dichotomised into normal–low insulin tolerance (Kraft I or V patterns) or hyperinsulinaemia (Kraft IIA–IV patterns). Sensitivity and specificity analysis was applied to available variables (including age, body mass index, fasting insulin or glucose) both individually and in combination. Results: Out of a maximal combined sensitivity and specificity score of 2.0, 2-h insulin level > 45 µU/mL attained the highest score (1.80). Two-hour insulin also attained the highest sensitivity (> 30 µU/mL, 0.98) and the highest specificity (> 50 µU/mL, 0.99) scores. Combining the 2-h insulin with other variables reduced the sensitivity and/or specificity. Dynamic measures had a better combined sensitivity and specificity compared to fasting or anthropological measures. Conclusion: People with a 2-h plasma insulin level < 30 µU/mL are unlikely to be hyperinsulinaemic. Given that first-line treatment is lifestyle modification, we recommend that a 2-h plasma insulin level > 30 µU/mL following a 100 g oral glucose tolerance test be used to identify the hyperinsulinaemic individual.
Early Detection of Risk for Type 2 Diabetes and Sugary Drinks Intake
(MDPI, 2019-12-13) Jalili Moghaddam, S; Iusitini, L; Taylor, S; Plank, L; Mearns, G; Krebs, J; Tautolo, ES; Paterson, J; Rush, E
In New Zealand, the incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is increasing in Pacific youth. A high intake of sugary drinks has been proposed as an explanation. Glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a widely used biomarker which reflects the person’s average blood glucose over the last 2–3 months. Point-of-care testing (POCT) of HbA1c have been used in the management of individuals with diabetes but POCT HbA1c is not recommended for the diagnosis of diabetes. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of a POCT HbA1c test measured by the AfinionTM AS100 Analyser with a reference venous blood measure and investigate associations between HbA1c and daily sugary drinks intake among Pacific youth. A sub-sample of 94 girls and 96 boys aged 15y, was drawn from the Pacific Islands Families Study. HbA1c was measured with the Afinion using a capillary fingerprick sample. The measurement was repeated one year later and concurrently a venous blood sample was analysed by boronate affinity chromatography. An online validated qualitative food frequency questionnaire was applied. Bland-Altman, paired t-test, and correlation coefficient compared the two POCT and reference measures. There was a moderate to strong correlation between the two POCT measures between years (r = 0.55, 95% CI 0.44, 0.65, p < 0.001) with a mean difference 0.14 ± 2.18 (SD) mmol.mol−1. For the same day analysis, the mean difference in capillary and venous measures was 0.54 mmol.mol−1 (95% CI mean: 0.25, 0.83, p < 0.001) with ±1.96SD limits of agreement: 4.48, −3.40 mmol.mol−1. Median daily sugary drinks intake was 2.12 servings (1.13, 3.64). There was no relationship between sugary drinks intakes and HbA1c. The Afinion POCT test has the potential to identify those at early risk of elevated HbA1c and inform dietary advice. The relationship of sugary drinks intake to T2D risk factors needs further investigation.
Effect of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells-derived Exosomes on Diabetes-induced Retinal Injury: Implication of Wnt/ B-catenin Signaling Pathway
(Elsevier BV, 2022-10) Ebrahim, N; El-Halim, HEA; Helal, OK; El-Azab, NE-E; Badr, OAM; Hassouna, A; Saihati, HAA; Aborayah, NH; Emam, HT; El-wakeel, HS; Aljasir, M; El-Sherbiny, M; Sarg, NAS; Shaker, GA; Mostafa, O; Sabry, D; Fouly, MAK; Forsyth, NR; Elsherbiny, NM; Salim, RF
Background Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a serious microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus. Mesenchymal stem cells are currently studied as therapeutic strategy for management of DR. Exosomes, considered as a promising cell-free therapy option, display biological functions similar to those of their parent cells. In retinal development, Wnt/b-catenin signaling provides key cues for functional progression. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential efficacy of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (BM-MSCs-Ex) in diabetes-induced retinal injury via modulation of the Wnt/ b-catenin signaling pathway. Methods Eighty-one rats were allocated into 6 groups (control, DR, DR + DKK1, DR + exosomes, DR + Wnt3a and DR + exosomes+Wnt3a). Evaluation of each group was via histopathological examination, assessment of gene and/or protein expression concerned with oxidative stress (SOD1, SOD2, Nox2, Nox4, iNOS), inflammation (TNF-α, ICAM-1, NF-κB) and angiogenesis (VEGF, VE-cadherin). Results Results demonstrated that exosomes blocked the wnt/b-catenin pathway in diabetic retina concomitant with significant reduction of features of DR as shown by downregulation of retinal oxidants, upregulation of antioxidant enzymes, suppression of retinal inflammatory and angiogenic markers. These results were further confirmed by histopathological results, fundus examination and optical coherence tomography. Additionally, exosomes ameliorative effects abrogated wnt3a-triggered retinal injury in DR. Conclusion Collectively, these data demonstrated that exosomes ameliorated diabetes-induced retinal injury via suppressing Wnt/ b-catenin signaling with subsequent reduction of oxidative stress, inflammation and angiogenesis.
Effect of Lactobacillus Rhamnosus Probiotic in Early Pregnancy on Plasma Conjugated Bile Acids in a Randomised Controlled Trial
(MDPI AG, 2021) Chen, Y; Lu, J; Wickens, K; Stanley, T; Maude, R; Stone, P; Barthow, C; Crane, J; Mitchell, EA; Merien, F; Murphy, R
We have previously shown that probiotic supplementation with Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 (HN001) led to a reduced incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Here we investigate whether HN001 supplementation resulted in alterations in fasting lipids, insulin resistance, or bile acids (BAs) during pregnancy. Fasting plasma samples collected at 24-30 weeks' gestation, from 348 women randomised at 14-16 weeks' gestation to consume daily probiotic HN001 (n = 172) or a placebo (n = 176) were analysed for lipids, insulin, glucose and BAs. Women supplemented with HN001 had lower fasting glucose compared with placebo (p = 0.040), and lower GDM. Significant differences were found in fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c), high density lipoprotein (HDL)-c, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and BAs by GDM status. Lower fasting conjugated BAs were seen in women receiving HN001. A significant decrease of glycocholic acid (GCA) was found in older (age ≥ 35) women who received HN001 (p = 0.005), while GDM women showed significant reduced taurodeoxycholic acid (TDCA) (p = 0.018). Fasting conjugated BA was positively correlated with fasting glucose (r = 0.136, p = 0.020) and fasting insulin (r = 0.113, p = 0.036). Probiotic HN001 supplementation decreases conjugated BAs and might play a role in the improvement of glucose metabolism in women with pregnancy.
Effect of Overexpression of LPAAT and GPD1 on Lipid Synthesis and Composition in Green Microalga Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii
(Springer Nature, 2018) Wang, C; Li, Y; Lu, J; Deng, X; Li, H; Hu, Z
Biodiesel is an alternative energy source which has attracted increasing attention lately. Although algae-based biodiesel production has many benefits, it is still far from industrial application. Research suggests that improving lipid quality and production through genetic engineering of metabolic pathways will be the most promising way. To enhance lipid content, both lysophosphatidic acyltransferase gene (c-lpaat) and glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene (c-gpd1), optimized according to the codon bias of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, were inserted into the genomic DNA of model microalga C. reinhardtii by the glass bead method. Transgenic algae were screened by zeomycin resistance and RT-PCR. The transcription levels of inserted genes and the fatty acid content were significantly increased after intermittent heat shock. Most of all, the transcription levels of c-lpaat and c-gpd1 were increased 5.3 and 8.6 times after triple heat shocks, resulting in an increase of 44.5 and 67.5% lipid content, respectively. Furthermore, the content of long-chain saturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids, especially C18 and C18:1t, notably increased, while unsaturated fatty acids dramatically decreased. The results of this study offer a new strategy combining genetic manipulation and intermittent heat shock to enhance lipid production, especially the production of long-chain saturated fatty acids, using C. reinhardtii.

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