Nadja Berger
Doctor of Philosophy, (Nutritional Science)
Study Completed: 2016
College of Health
Citation
Thesis Title
Identification of biomarkers of colitis to monitor effects of dietary omega -3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the interleukin-10 gene-deficient mouse model of inflammatory bowel diseases
Read article at Massey Research Online: 
Ms Berger’s research investigated the effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid-based diets on inflammatory bowel disease, a disorder of the intestinal tract characterised by chronic inflammation. As part of her research she used the Interleukin-10 gene-deficient mouse model that spontaneously develops intestinal inflammation when raised under conventional conditions. The focus of her investigation was salmon, a nutrient-rich food with high levels of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. She found that the reduction of intestinal inflammation in Interleukin-10 gene-deficient mice fed the salmon-based diets was dependent on the dose of salmon. Ms Berger further used blood, urine and digesta to identify biomarkers (genes, metabolites and microbiota) of these responses which could ultimately be validated for use in humans, and potentially enable nutritional management of inflammatory bowel disease.
Supervisors
Dr Wc McNabb
Dr Emma Bermingham
Dr Janine Cooney
Distinguished Professor Paul Moughan
Dr Nicole Roy