Adaptive and metabolomic physiology

Overview

Physiology, the study of the mechanisms of the body, spanning from cellular and metabolic biochemistry to overall function, is being transformed by the impact of recent advances in molecular biology, and in analytical technology.

The physiology of the organism can be changed by external influences such as environmental change, changes in diet, or illness.

The term 'adaptive' denotes the focus on the mechanisms by which the physiological state of the individual is changed by these external influences, in ways that are in general beneficial, hence adaptive.  

The term 'metabolomic' denotes the focus on the entire population of the metabolites found in human body fluids, and in the changes that are occur in some of these metabolites (both in chemical form, and in concentration) as a result of a change (environmental; dietary; exercise type, amount and intensity; and illness or disorder).

Metabolomics is in part based on the genomics of the individual, and also the nutrigenomics, and this demonstrates the integrity of all bodily processes.  

Accordingly, metabolomic studies are based on the analysis of body fluids, and we have interests in both of the main methods, involving the use of nuclear magnetic resonance (nmr) and the use of mass spectroscopy.

It is through these interests that the AMPRG is devoted to the improvement of athletic performance, recovery, and health, both short and long-term.  

The main strands of the research involve:  

• Studies on the mechanism of action of micro-nutrients   
• Studies on the cardio-vascular changes characteristic of skeletal muscular fatigue     
• Studies on the effects of specific forms of exercise on the metabolomic profile of serum and/or urine   
• Studies on changes in metabolomic profile in serum and/or urine following consumption of specific micro-nutrients

Collaborations  

The major collaboration of the Adaptive and Metabolomic Physiology Research Group is with the Functional and Performance Nutrition Research Group. Several academic staff have active interests that span both groups.

The AMPR group also supports the physiological studies of the Performance Testing Centre.