Can loss of a ‘hunger’ hormone increase heart disease in Pacific people?
This study aims to pave the way for future research targeting ghrelin to reduce cardiovascular disease risk among Pacific communities.
What's involved?
In New Zealand, Pacific Island peoples are over-represented in those with diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The reasons for this remain unclear.
The ‘hunger’ hormone ghrelin is known to protect against cardiovascular disease, in part, by silencing the part of the nervous system that stresses cardiovascular system (i.e. the sympathetic nerves).
The purpose of our study is to test whether ghrelin is lower in Pacific Island peoples and could explain their increased cardiovascular disease risk. It is hoped that our work will pave the way for future studies targeting ghrelin to safely lower cardiovascular disease risk.
Studies will be undertaken at the Human Cardiorespiratory Physiology Laboratory, Clinical Research Centre Facility, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland.
Eligibility criteria
To participate in this study, you must:
- Be of Pacific Island background (both biological parents of Pacific Island origin) or non-Pacific (NZ European) background
- Be in good health (no history of severe cardiac, disease, arrhythmias, respiratory disease)
- Type 2 diabetics
- Aged over 18 years
Read the full eligibility criteria and exclusions in the participation information sheet.
Contact details
Dr James P Fisher
Principal Investigator
Email: jp.fisher@auckland.ac.nz
Phone: 09 373 7599 | Ext 86320
Dr Ana Luiza Carrari Sayegh
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Email: ana.sayegh@auckland.ac.nz
Phone: 09 373 7599 | Ext 81438
Further information
This study has been reviewed and approved by Health and Disability Ethics Committee. Protocol number 2024 EXP 20637.