From Oestrogen Receptors to Ageing Brains

 

 

Institute Research Student Seminars

Speakers:  Stephanie Meyer & Elizabeth Dutton

 

Venue: Seminar room L2.5, 2^nd floor, William Leech Building, Medical School

Date and time:  Wednesday 29^th October 2014 at 12.30

 

Stephanie Meyer will present:

 

"Effect of oestrogenic chemicals on the liver"

 

The oestrogen receptors (ERs) are a major target for endocrine disruptor chemicals which can affect health and reproduction by disturbing the hormone system in animals and humans. The commonly used food colour tartrazine has previously been shown to activate the human ERα in vitro and caused a cholestatic liver injury when injected into mice intraperitoneally. Therefore tartrazine was examined for its ability to activate the mouse oestrogen receptors and its potential to cause adverse effects when administered orally in an experimental mouse model was investigated.

 

 

Key words:  Oestrogen receptors, xenoestrogens, cholestatic liver disease

 

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Elizabeth Dutton will discuss:

 

"Use-it-or-lose-it" - Older adults' perceptions of brain health and its maintenance"

 

Physical activity is associated with a reduced risk of dementia. However, health messages have limited impact on physical activity levels amongst older adults. A design-research workshop explored perceptions of brain health with eight older adults, and what actions, if any, people undertake to maintain their brain health. The research forms part of a PhD research project to design products and services to engage people in physical activity to improve brain health.

 

 

Key words: Physical activity, brain health, dementia

 

 

 

Chair:  Rebecca Brennan