Does Dietary Modulation Of The Colonic Microflora Attenuate The Effects Of Advanced Glycation Endproducts?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$125,913.00
Summary
This research aims to determine whether the daily consumption of a prebiotic (fibre) supplement can encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria living in the human colon. Substances produced by these friendly bacteria may help to reduce inflammation, insulin resistance and harmful levels of Advanced Glycation Endproducts (AGEs), which can increase the risk of diabetets in susceptible individuals.
Glucose is a critical fuel for living organisms and its presence in the gut triggers nerves that slow stomach emptying. However, little is known of how glucose is actually detected in the gut. We have established that sweet taste molecules of the tongue are also present in the gut, where they may detect glucose. This research will measure the expression and function of these molecules in the gut of humans and mice, and reveal key information on their potential as targets in health and disease.