Exercise, liver biomarkers in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: preliminary data analyses and grant writing.

• Grant number: 23/16796-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research
• Start date: May 05, 2024
• End date: August 04, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physical Education
• Principal Investigator: João Paulo Botero
• Grantee: João Paulo Botero
• Host Investigator: Wagner Luiz do Prado
• Host Institution: Instituto de Saúde e Sociedade (ISS). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus Baixada Santista. Santos , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: California State University, San Bernardino, United States

Abstract

The proposed research project focuses on the impact of physical exercise on liver health in children with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Collaborating with renowned researchers, Prof. Wagner Prado and Prof. Babu Balagopal, the project aims to investigate the acute effects of exercise on liver biomarkers, exploring potential differences based on exercise modalities, intensities, and durations. The research also addresses a literature gap concerning the lack of data on how exercise influences liver health in children with NAFLD. The study involves a comprehensive experimental design using an animal model, with specific groups subjected to different diets and exercise protocols. The ultimate goal is to identify candidate biomarkers associated with liver health and exercise stress, both in hepatic tissue and plasma. The project will leverage the facilities and expertise at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) for experimental analyses, including the assessment of proteins related to hepatic oxidative stress. The proposed project has two specific aims: 1)Biomarker Identification: Utilizing CSUSB facilities, the researcher plans to analyze proteins related to liver function, focusing on oxidative stress biomarkers. The goal is to identify and understand the responses of specific biomarkers to different exercise parameters. 2)Grant Writing: Building on the preliminary findings from biomarker analyses, the researcher intends to initiate discussions with collaborators, including Prof. Prado and Prof. Balagopal. Together, they will systematically discuss the identified liver biomarkers and draft a clinical trial involving human subjects. The ultimate objective is to develop a strong joint grant proposal for submission to funding agencies in Brazil (FAPESP) and the United States (NIH, AHA, etc.). The importance of the project lies in filling a critical gap in understanding the acute effects of exercise on liver health in children with NAFLD. The collaboration with international experts and the use of state-of-the-art facilities at CSUSB enhance the potential impact of the project. Additionally, the results are expected to contribute valuable insights into safe and effective physical activity interventions for this high-risk population. The proposed project aligns with the broader goal of the researcher to consolidate and advance their research group at UNIFESP. The international collaboration and the potential for future funding applications underscore the importance of the project not only at a personal level but also for the scientific community and students involved in the research group. In conclusion, the Technical Visit Proposal presents a unique opportunity for integration and research activities at a major international center. The outcomes of this study are expected to lay the groundwork for advancing knowledge in the field and establishing effective interventions for children with NAFLD, while also fostering long-term scientific collaborations.