MAHSC: Pilot study: Non-Invasive measuring of Advanced Oxidation Protein Products to monitor response to exercise

Project Description

Importance of biomarkers in intervention: Previously, our work has shown significant improvements to vascular function and metabolic measures despite BMI remaining in the morbidly obese range REF ADAM. This work required invasive measurements ranging from blood samples to gluteal biopsies. Beyond the scientific merit of these findings, participant feedback can underpin behavioural changes; having a non-invasive biomarker, which can demonstrate health improvements in response to intervention will enhance compliance and engagement REF. A systematic review of behavioural change in response to knowledge of biomarker feedback suggested there is greater reported motivation to change REF. By including biological information in a supported intervention, we hypothesise that this will increase motivation to adopt healthier lifestyles and sustain positive behaviour changes. Our study: This pilot project aims to validate the use of AOPP as a biomarker of physiological improvement in response to exercise. These data will underpin future applications to support the use of AOPP in tertiary care exercise interventions in multiple cohorts (cardiovascular risk, fertility, etc) at The University of Salford, together with our healthcare partners at the Northern Care Alliance (NCA). This pilot study is a collaborative project between the School of Health and Society and the School of Science, Engineering and Environment, at the University of Salford. Research questions: •Can we reliably measure AOPP in saliva samples self-collected by participants? •Are there any correlations of AOPP with other study measures including BMI, sex, exercise intensity? •Does AOPP change over a 12-week exercise intervention period? •Does resistance or aerobic exercise have more pronounced effects on AOPP levels? Methodology 40 volunteers will be recruited through the Sports Centre at the University of Salford and Bury Athletic Club. Participants will be pseudo-anonymised throughout the study. Once informed consent has been obtained, participants will take part over a 12-week window. Participants will be provided with appropriate sample collection equipment and asked to provide a free-flowing saliva sample at time 0, 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Alongside this sample, a self-report of BMI and exercise undertaken will be collated through an online report form. Saliva samples will be aliquoted and stored at -80oC prior to quantification of AOPP. This has been shown to have no impact on sample integrity for up to 6 months. Quantification of AOPP will be conducted by spectrophotometry. Briefly, 200µls of saliva and chloramine-T standards (0–100 µmol/l) will be pipetted into a 96-well plate. 1.16 mol/l Potassium iodide will be added and vortexed, followed by glacial acetic acid. After which, absorbance can be measured using a plate reader at 340nm and AOPP concentration determined. (THIS IS A WORK IN PROGRESS)