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M.Tech. / Please refer to full text to view abstract

There is accumulating evidence on differences in the link between types of dairy products and cardio-metabolic health, but inconsistent findings limit the field. In my PhD project, I undertook an epidemiological investigation comprising inter-related but distinct themes evaluating aspects of nutritional, molecular and genetic epidemiology to advance scientific understanding. I undertook research to describe dairy consumption patterns over time by evaluating nationally-representative data of the United Kingdom National Diet and Nutrition Survey. I observed significant time trends for specific dairy types and groups, which were different among different groups of people e.g. adults younger than 65 years or elderly people. Using data from the large Fenland (n~12,000) and EPIC Norfolk (n~25,000) studies, I investigated associations of total and types of dairy consumption with markers of metabolic risk and adiposity as potential pathways to cardio-metabolic disease. The analyses showed differential associations of dairy types and groups mainly with markers of adiposity and lipidaemia. I explored the potential of objective markers to assess dairy consumption, by examining metabolomics profiles and blood fatty acids to identify a set of biomarkers predicting dairy consumption and prospective associations of the identified biomarkers with type 2 diabetes risk. I was able to develop and validate metabolite scores reflecting consumption of some dairy products and observed inverse associations between some of these scores and type 2 diabetes incidence. I analysed genetic determinants of dairy consumption, using a genome-wide association study in the UK Biobank (n~500,000) and identified single nucleotide polymorphisms predicting milk, cheese and total dairy consumption. Overall, this PhD work contributed towards (1) a more precise description of dairy consumption patterns in the UK, (2) hypothesis formulation for potential biological pathways linking to cardio-metabolic disease, (3) discovery of metabolite scores as potential dairy biomarkers and (4) hypothesis formulation for potential genetic predictors of dairy consumption.

Probiotics can influence intestinal responses and mucosal immunity either directly or indirectly through transient modulation of the endogenous microenvironment or the immune system. During space travel, astronauts experience various physiological stresses including putting them at risk for infections or inappropriate immune responses. Macrophages and monocytes are a key cell type involved in innate immunity. The effects of dairy milk or soy milk base fermented with S. thermophilus ST5 in combination with either B. longum R0175 or L. helveticus R0052 on the cell line U937 and all-trans retinoic acid differentiated U937 were examined under normal gravity and simulated microgravity conditions, in order to screen for effects on monocytes and macrophages. Soy and milk ferments demonstrated the ability to modulate certain aspects of the innate immune system, both in normal gravity and in simulated microgravity. These probiotics affected U937 cells differently depending on differentiation stage (monocyte or macrophage) and whether or not the cells were tested in regular gravity or in simulated microgravity conditions. These results provide insight into effects on this aspect of innate immunity and may provide guidelines to potential in vivo administration. / UOIT

The aim of the work was to elaborate a literary review of the characteristics, reproductive properties of Holstein cattle and influences affecting the reproduction of cattle. Another objective of the work was to evaluate the selected influences on their reproduction in a group of selected dairy cows from the monitored cattle herd. The data were processed and sorted by genotype, level of milk performance, parity, length of dry period, length of insemination interval, difficulty of calving, age of the first calving and synchronization of estrous (Ovsynch). In evaluating the effect of the genotype on reproductive parameters, there were no statistically significant differences between purebred Holstein cows (H100) and crosses (H50-88C). In addition, the effect of milk yield on lactation on reproductive performance was evaluated. The results showed that with increasing performance, the values of reproduction indicators (insemination index, insemination interval and period service) have increased. The statistically lowest insemination index (1.70) and insemination interval (96 days) were detected in cows with a yield up to 8,000 kg. The service period (122 days) was conclusively the lowest in a cow group with a yield of 8,001 to 10,000 kg lactating milk. In contrast, the highest conclusive values of the insemination index, interval and period service were detected in a group of dairy cows with a yield above 12,001 kg of milk. It is further evident from the results that the values of the pregnancy rate after the first insemination increased with the increasing level of milk performance. The lowest value (27.14%) was detected in the group with the highest milk yield (over 12,001 kg of milk). There were no significant differences between the different groups of dairy cows in the evaluation of the influence of parity on the reproduction indicators. Furthermore, the influence of length of dry period was evaluated. The average dry period in the monitored herd was 69 days. The pregnancy rate after the first insemination was better for the group with a dry period over 61 days (40.38%). On the other hand, periods of service and days open values were lower in dairy cows with a dry period less than 60 days (119 and 394 days respectively). The length of uterine involution was also monitored by the length of insemination interval. Most cows in the monitored group of dairy cows (25.29%) were first inseminated 66th - 87th day after calving. No statistically significant differences were detected in the assessment of the age of the 1st calving and the severity of births on reproductive parameters. The use of controlled reproduction methods (Ovsynch) was also monitored and applied only in the case of reproductive disorders of dairy cows. In the monitored period, Ovsynch was used in only 10 dairy cows and the average service period was 140 days.