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Contact details +6469516326

Dr Wei-Hang Chua

Senior Lecturer - Veterinary Science

School of Veterinary Science

Professional

Contact details

  • Ph: +64 6 951 6326
    Location: 2.13, Veterinary Science Building
    Campus: Manawatu

Research Expertise

Research Interests

Bone Structure and Function

Endocrinology

Cellular and Molecular Biology

Area of Expertise

Field of research codes
Animal Physiology - Biophysics (060601): Animal Physiology - Cell (060602): Animal Physiology - Systems (060603): Biochemistry and Cell Biology (060100): Biological Sciences (060000): Cell Development, Proliferation and Death (060103): Cell Metabolism (060104): Comparative Physiology (060604): Physiology (060600): Receptors and Membrane Biology (060110): Signal Transduction (060111)

Keywords

Bone cell biology

Comparative endocrinology and physiology

Research Projects

Summary of Research Projects

Position Current Completed
Project Leader 0 16
Team Member 0 6

Completed Projects

Project Title: Phytoestrogens and bone health: the case for equol

Estrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT) has been used effectively in stabilizing skeletal bone mineral density and preventing vertebral fractures. However, data from the Women¿s Health Initiative study (WHI) indicated that long-term administration of estrogen may cause breast cancer and other undesired side effects in postmenopausal women. Thus, compliance to ERT is low and the search for alternatives is ongoing. Phytoestrogens, including isoflavones, are plant-derived estrogen-like molecules and have been considered as an alternative therapeutic agent to ERT. But the studies on bone in women have been inconsistent. This apparent lack of effect by the phytoestrogens, especially in Caucasian women, is now ascribed to the lack of metabolism of one of the isoflavones, Daidzein, to its active metabolite equol, in the intestines. Recent research in animals indicated that gut bacteria can be manipulated in order to modify the metabolism of the isoflavones in the large intestine. The purpose of this study therefore is to evaluate the effects of soybean isoflavones in combination with functional food components, including agricultural, marine and dairy products in New Zealand, on equol production and bone health in menopausal women. The final goal of this study is to establish the method for preventing osteoporosis by cooperative effects of functional foods from Japan with foods from New Zealand.
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Date Range: 2012 - 2014

Funding Body: Use MINBIE -- Ministry of Science and Innovation

Project Team:

Research Outputs

Journal

Kelly, S., Valentine, M., Chua, WH., & Tatkov, S. (2023). Impact of high-and low-flow nebulised saline on airway hydration and mucociliary transport. ERJ Open Research. 9(3)
[Journal article]Authored by: Chua, W.
Vieco-Galvez, D., Castro, I., Morel, PCH., Chua, WH., & Loh, M. (2021). The eggshell structure in apteryx; form, function, and adaptation. Ecology and Evolution. 11(7), 3184-3202
[Journal article]Authored by: Castro, I., Chua, W., Morel, P.
Hulls, CM., Lentle, RG., Chua, WH., Suisted, P., King, QM., Chagas, JAB., . . . Stewart, L. (2019). Spatiotemporal Mapping of the Contracting Gravid Uterus of the Rabbit Shows Contrary Changes With Increasing Gestation and Dosage With Oxytocin. Frontiers in Endocrinology. 10
[Journal article]Authored by: Chambers, J., Chua, W., Hulls, C.
Simcock, DC., Chua, WH., Hekman, M., Levin, MT., & Brown, S. (2019). Distinguishing a ‘hit’ from a ‘view’: Using the access durations of lecture recordings to tell whether learning might have happened. Knowledge Management and E-Learning. 11(1), 81-94
[Journal article]Authored by: Chua, W.
Nordin, NH., Molan, A-L., Chua, W., & Kruger, MC. (2017). Total phenolic contents and antioxidant activities of selenium-rich black tea versus regular black tea. American Journal of Life Science Researches. 5(2), 40-50 Retrieved from http://www.diili.org/ojs-2.4.6/index.php/ajlsr/index
[Journal article]Authored by: Chua, W., Kruger, M.
Simcock, DC., Chua, WH., Hekman, M., Levin, MT., & Brown, S. (2017). A survey of first-year biology student opinions regarding live lectures and recorded lectures as learning tools. Advances in Physiology Education. 41(1), 69-76
[Journal article]Authored by: Chua, W., Hekman, M.
Boeyens, JCA., Deepak, V., Chua, WH., Kruger, MC., Joubert, AM., & Coetzee, M. (2014). Effects of ω3- and ω6-polyunsaturated fatty acids on RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation of RAW264.7 cells: A comparative in vitro study. Nutrients. 6(7), 2584-2601
[Journal article]Authored by: Chua, W., Kruger, M.
Tousen, Y., Wolber, FM., Chua, WH., Tadaishi, M., Ishimi, Y., & Kruger, MC. (2014). Effects of daidzein and kiwifruit on bone mineral density and equol production in ovariectomised rats. International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition. 65(3), 360-367
[Journal article]Authored by: Chua, W., Kruger, M.
Kruger, MC., Fear, A., Chua, WH., Plimmer, GG., & Schollum, LM. (2009). The effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 on mineral absorption and bone health in growing male and ovariectomised female rats. Dairy Science and Technology. 89(3-4), 219-231
[Journal article]Authored by: Chua, W., Kruger, M.
Kruger, MC., Chua, WH., Darragh, A., Booth, CL., Prosser, C., & Lowry, D. (2008). Impact of goat milk powdered formulations on mineral absorption, peak bone mass and bone loss due to ovariectomy in rats. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. 88(6), 1082-1090
[Journal article]Authored by: Chua, W., Kruger, M.

Thesis

Chua, W. (2003). Corticosterone responses to stressors and the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in Japanese quail. (Doctoral Thesis, Massey University, Palmerston North)
[Doctoral Thesis]Authored by: Chua, W.

IP

Schollum, LM., Kruger, MC., & Chua, W.(2013). . CN102065877B: Compositions and methods for maintaining bone health or reducing bone loss
[Patent]Authored by: Chua, W., Kruger, M.

Conference

Vieco Gálvez, D., Castro, I., Morel, P., & Chua, W-H. (2018). Eggshell adaptations of four species of Kiwi to a burrow nesting strategy. (pp. 8 - 9). , Birds New Zealand Conference
[Conference Abstract]Authored by: Castro, I., Chua, W., Morel, P.
Vieco, D., Morel, P., Castro, I., & Chua, W. (2017). Incubation ecology of Kiwi: From the egg structure to nest architecture. (pp. 42 - 42). , Australasian Ornithological Conference 2017
[Conference Abstract]Authored by: Castro, I., Chua, W., Morel, P.
Kruger, MC., Norris, C., Schollum, L., Kuhn-Sherlock, B., & Chua, W-H.GLUCOSAMINE AND COLLAGEN IN A CALCIUM FORTIFIED MILK AFFECT MARKERS OF JOINT TURNOVER IN ACTIVE YOUNG WOMEN. OSTEOPOROSIS INTERNATIONAL. (pp. S774 - S775). 0937-941X.
[Conference]Authored by: Chua, W., Kruger, M.
Katsumata, S., Plimmer, G., Chua, W., Tadaishi, M., Nishide, Y., Tousen, Y., . . . Kruger, M. (2014). Combined effects of soy isoflavones and docosahexaenoic acid on osteoclast formation in mouse bone marrow cell culture. (pp. 83 - 83). , ANZBMS 24th Annual Scientific Meeting
[Conference Abstract]Authored by: Chua, W., Kruger, M.
Tousen, Y., Wolber, FM., Chua, WH., Ishimi, Y., Tadaishi, M., Nishide, Y., . . . Kruger, MC. (2013). THE SYNERGIC EFFECT OF DAIDZEIN AND KIWIFRUIT ON BONE LOSS AND EQUOL PRODUCTION IN OVARIECTOMISED RATS.. ANNALS OF NUTRITION AND METABOLISM. Vol. 63 (pp. 1608 - 1608).
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Chua, W., Kruger, M.
Boeyens, JCA., Chua, WH., Kruger, M., Joubert, AM., & Coetzee, M. (2012). Inhibisie van osteoklastvorming en beenresorpsie deur poli-onversadigde vetsure in RAW 264.7 muismonosiete. In Suid-Afrikaanse Tydskrif vir Notuurwetenskap en Tegnologie Vol. 31 (pp. 318 - 318). , Biological Sciences Symposium, presented un the protection of the Suid-Afrikan=anse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns South Africa: AOSIS Ltd
[Conference Abstract]Authored by: Chua, W., Kruger, M.
Chua, W., Norris, C., Lloyd-West, C., Kuhn-Sherlock, B., Schollum, L., & Kruger, MC. (2011). EFFECT OF A GREEN TEA EXTRACT ON BONE HEALTH AND BODY COMPOSITION IN OVARIECTOMISED SPRAGUE DAWLEY RATS. In OSTEOPOROSIS INTERNATIONAL Vol. 22 (pp. S647 - S647). , IOF Regionals 2nd Asia-Pacific Osteoporosis and Bone Meeting / ANZBMS Annual Scientific Meeting held with the JSBMR: SPRINGER LONDON LTD
[Conference Abstract]Authored by: Chua, W., Kruger, M.
Boeyens, JCA., Chua, W-H., Kruger, MC., Joubert, AM., & Coetzee, M. (2011). In vitro effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids on osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption in raw 264.7 murine macrophages. In BONE Vol. 48 (pp. S133 - S133). , 3rd Joint Meeting of the European-Calcified-Tissue-Society/International-Bone-and-Mineral-Society: ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC
[Conference Abstract]Authored by: Chua, W., Kruger, M.
Chua, W., Plimmer, GG., Hiess, J., & Kruger, MC. (2010). Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract inhibits osteoclast differentiation and resorption while having no effect on osteoblast proliferation in vivo. In 20th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Australian and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society(pp. 104 - 104). Australia: Australian and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society
[Conference Abstract]Authored by: Chua, W., Kruger, M.
Coetzee, M., Boeyens, JCA., Stander, BA., Fray, LM., Hiess, JR., Chua, W., . . . Kruger, MC. (2010). The effects of arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid on proliferation of and osteoclast formation from RAW 264.7 murine monocytes. In 20th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Australian and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society(pp. 104 - 104). Australia: Australian and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society
[Conference Abstract]Authored by: Chua, W., Kruger, M.
Nordin, NH., Molan, AL., Kruger, MC., & Chua, W-H. (2010). Selenium-containing black and green teas: Total phenolic content, antioxidant and free-radical scavenging activities. Poster session presented at the meeting of Nutrition Society of New Zealand 2010 Conference. Wellington New Zealand
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Chua, W., Kruger, M.
Kruger, MC., Schollum, LM., Hestiantoro, A., Sumapraja, K., Wijanto, P., Rositawati, W., . . . Todd, JM.(2008, December). BONE DENSITY AND CALCIUM INTAKES IN POSTMENOPAUSAL INDONESIAN WOMEN. OSTEOPOROSIS INTERNATIONAL. 20 (1)(pp. 181 - 181). 0937-941X.
[Conference]Authored by: Chua, W., Kruger, M.
Kruger, MC., Schollum, LM., Li, YJT., Chua, WH., & Todd, JM.(2008, December). BONE MINERAL DENSITY AMONG POSTMENOPAUSAL FILIPINO WOMEN. OSTEOPOROSIS INTERNATIONAL. 20 (1)(pp. 180 - 181). 0937-941X.
[Conference]Authored by: Chua, W., Kruger, M.
Kruger, MC., Schollum, LM., Hestiantoro, A., Sumapraja, K., Wijanto, P., Rositawati, W., . . . Todd, JM. (2009). Bone density and calcium intakes in postmenopausal Indonesian women. In BONE Vol. 44 (pp. S108 - S108). , 2nd Joint Meeting of the International-Bone-and-Mineral-Society/Australian-New-Zealand-Bone-and-Mineral-Society: ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC
[Conference Abstract]Authored by: Chua, W., Kruger, M.
Kruger, MC., Schollum, LM., Kuhn-Sherlock, B., Yu, JL., Angeles-Agdeppa, L., Chua, WH., . . . Todd, JM. (2009). Bone mineral density, calcium intake and general health of a cohort of postmenopausal Filipino women. In BONE Vol. 44 (pp. S107 - S108). , 2nd Joint Meeting of the International-Bone-and-Mineral-Society/Australian-New-Zealand-Bone-and-Mineral-Society: ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC
[Conference Abstract]Authored by: Chua, W., Kruger, M.
Kruger, MC., Chua, WH., & Coetzee, M. (2007). Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids affect bone maintenance due to modulation of specific molecular signalling events. In BONE Vol. 40 (pp. S209 - S209). , 17th Scientific Meeting of the International-Bone-and-Mineral-Society: ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC
[Conference Abstract]Authored by: Chua, W., Kruger, M.
Chua, W., Booth, CL., Prosser, CL., Lowry, D., & Kruger, MC. (2006). Modified goat milk raises peak bone mass and reduces OVX induced bone loss in the female rat.. In 2006 IOF+ANZBMS Combined Meeting Final Programme & Abstract Book(pp. 156 - 156). , 2006 IOF+ANZBMS Combined Meeting Australia: IOF + ANZBMS
[Conference Abstract]Authored by: Chua, W., Kruger, M.
Kruger, MC., Fray, LM., Chua, W., & Fremon, L. (2006). Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids affect cytokine and tyrosine kinase activity in MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblast cells. In Calcified Tissue International: 33rd European Symposium on Calcified Tissues Vol. 78 (pp. S55 - S55). , 33rd European Symposium on Calcified Tissues: Springer
[Conference Abstract]Authored by: Chua, W., Kruger, M.
Chua, W., Booth, CL., Prosser, CG., Lowry, D., & Kruger, MC. (2006). Modified goat milk raises peak bone mass and reduces OVX induced bone loss in the female rat. Poster session presented at the meeting of 3rd International Osteoporosis Foundation Asia-Pacific Regional Conference on Osteoporosis & 16th Annual Meeting of the Australian and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society. Port Douglas, QLD
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Chua, W., Kruger, M.
Chua, W., & Cockrem, JF. (2002, June). Variation between birds in adrenocortical responses of Japanese quail (Coturnix Coturnix Japonica) and regulation of the response at the anterior pituitary and andrenal gland. Presented at New Zealand Society of Endocrinology Annual Scientific Meeting. Christchurch, NZ.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Chua, W.
Chua, W., & Cockrem, JF. (2002). Variation between birds in adrenocortical responses of Japanese quail (Coturnix Coturnix Japonica) and regulation of the response at the anterior pituitary and adrenal gland. In Endocrine Society of Australia Proceedings(pp. 161 - 162). Sydney: Endocrine Society of Australia
[Conference Abstract]Authored by: Chua, W.
Cockrem, JF., Adams, DC., Bennett, EJ., Boyd, RA., Candy, JJ., Chua, W., . . . Potter, MA. (2001). Conservation endocrinology in New Zealand. In Proceedings - Endocrine Society of Australia Vol. 44 (pp. 9 - 9). Melbourne, VIC: Endocrine Society of Australia
[Conference Abstract]Authored by: Chua, W., Henare, S., Potter, M.
Cockrem, JF., Adams, DC., Bennett, EJ., Boyd, RA., Candy, EJ., Chua, W., . . . Potter, A. (2000). Conservation endocrinology and reproduction in New Zealand birds. Poster session presented at the meeting of Reproduction and Integrated Conservation Science. The Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, UK
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Chua, W., Henare, S.
Chua, W., Hessell, GR., & Cockrem, JF. (2000). Short days and low temperatures are necessary to inhibit gonadal growth in the New Zealand strain of Japanese Quail (C. coturnix japonica). (pp. unpaged). , 7th International Symposium on Avian Endocrinology Varanasi, India: Banaras Hindu University, Department of Zoology
[Conference Abstract]Authored by: Chua, W.
Chua, W., Hessell, GR., & Cockrem, JF. (2000). Short days and low temperatures are necessary to inhibit gonadal growth in the New Zealand strain of Japanese quail. Poster session presented at the meeting of The 7th International Symposium on Avian Endocrinology. Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Chua, W.

Other

Chua, W. (2013, March). The role of milk and dairy bioactives in bone health. In Seperex Nutritionals Bone Health Seminar, New Zealand Central, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, Shanghai.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Chua, W.
Chua, W., Sansom, A., & Kruger, M. (2012, November). A milk lipid concentration protects against trabecular bone loss in a pre-clinical model of post-menopausal osteoporosis. In Bone Health Symposium, Hong Kong Science Park. Presented at Hong Kong Science Park.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Chua, W., Kruger, M.
Chua, W. (2007, December). Conducting scientific research in Antarctica. In Huntley School year 7 students. Presented at Marton, NZ.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Chua, W.
Chua, W. (2003, April). Penguins of Ross Island: 2002-2003 Antarctica summer season (PostGraduate Seminar). : Massey University, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences Postgraduate Seminar.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Chua, W.
Chua, W. (2001, November). Stress and reproduction in the Japanese quail (IVABS Research Colloquium). : Massey University, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Chua, W.

Teaching and Supervision

Summary of Doctoral Supervision

Position Current Completed
Main Supervisor 0 2
Co-supervisor 2 4

Current Doctoral Supervision

Co-supervisor of:

  • Abi Schoup - Doctor of Philosophy
    Enlisting Kākahi - developing a model system to protect Māui dolphins from toxoplasmosis
  • Ubaid Shah - Doctor of Philosophy
    Novel and Sustainable Protein Sources: Enhancing the Nutritional Value of Lucerne (Medicago sativa) and Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) Seeds Through Fermentation

Completed Doctoral Supervision

Main Supervisor of:

  • 2023 - Corrin Hulls - Doctor of Philosophy
    Spatiotemporal mapping of spontaneous smooth muscle motility in capacious organs: the ex vivo urinary bladder and in vivo gravid uterus of the rabbit
  • 2018 - Diane Hooton - Doctor of Philosophy
    Brush border digestion: Development of a physiologically relevant in vitro model

Co-supervisor of:

  • 2022 - Saima Rizwan - Doctor of Philosophy
    Effects of whole greenshell mussel (Perna canaliculus) powder on macrophage, osteoblast, and chondrocyte cell models of metabolic osteoarthritis
  • 2020 - David Vieco Galvez - Doctor of Philosophy
    The Egg and the Nest: Obtaining information about the reproductive biology of Apteryx spp. (Family: Apterygidae), a cryptic avian taxon, through eggshells
  • 2017 - Noor Nordin - Doctor of Philosophy
    The impact of selenium-rich green and black tea water extracts on bone health in vitro, and in an animal model of osteoporosis
  • 2016 - Janyawat Vuthijumnonk - Doctor of Philosophy
    Biological properties of blueberries and their effects on breast cancer in DMBA - induced mammary tumorigenesis rat models