Role of environmental exposure in the initiation and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and insulin resistance

The impact of environmental factors on human health are currently largely underestimated. There are already several studies that implicate the link between exposure to environmental chemicals and diseases such as diabetes and non-alcoholic liver disease. It is likely that exposure to specific environmental chemicals can exacerbate the impacts of other risk factors, such as high-fat diet and certain genetic risk factors. Moreover, as diet is the main source of the environmental chemicals, the exposure may modify the gut microbiota which in turn can increase the risk of adverse health outcomes. However, the exact mechanisms are currently poorly understood.  In the current project, we will analyse the profiles of environmental chemicals in three group of people, with very wide weight distribution, and the health status varying from healthy to diabetic.  Next, we will combine this data on data on their metabolic profiles, genetic factors and data on their gut microbial composition and study how these factors together impact the risk of developing diabetes and non-alcoholic liver disease.