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Associate Professor François-René Bertin
Associate Professor

François-René Bertin

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Overview

Background

Dr François-René Bertin (DVM, MS, PhD, dipl.ACVIM (LAIM)) is an equine internist with expertise in clinical endocrinology.

François-René completed a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (University of Nantes, France), an American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) residency in equine internal medicine (Purdue University, USA) and a PhD in physiology (McGill University, Canada). He moved to the School of Veterinary Science at UQ in 2016.

François-René’s research interests lie in the pathophysiology of hyperinsulinaemia-associated laminitis and the disorders of the equine hypothalamo-pituitary adrenocortical axis. Some of his current projects examine the regulators of pancreatic b-cell activity and the mechanisms of pituitary gland senescence. François-René has received awards from the School of Veterinary Science and the Faculty of Science for his contribution to Research and HDR student supervision.

François-René teaches equine internal medicine into the veterinary science and veterinary technology programs and coordinates the Equine Clinical Studies course. He has received Teaching and Learning Faculty Awards.

Availability

Associate Professor François-René Bertin is:
Available for supervision
Media expert

Qualifications

  • Doctoral Diploma of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Nantes
  • Masters (Coursework) of Science, Purdue University
  • Doctor of Philosophy, McGill University
  • Fellow, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine

Research interests

  • Equine endocrinology

  • Pancreatic b-cell activity

    Understanding the mechanisms associated with hyperinsulinaemia and the development of equine laminitis.

  • Hypothalamo-pituitary adrenocortical axis senescence

    Understanding the age-associated changes of the equine pituitary gland.

  • Clinical diagnostic testing

    Improving diagnostic testing of endocrine disorders in horses.

Works

Search Professor François-René Bertin’s works on UQ eSpace

126 works between 2010 and 2024

21 - 40 of 126 works

2023

Conference Publication

Epidemiological investigation of insulin dysregulation in Shetland and Welsh ponies in Australia

Clark, Brianna, Norton, Elaine, Bamford, Nicholas, Randhawa, Imtiaz, Kemp, Kate, McCue, Molly, Bertin, Francois-Rene and Stewart, Allison (2023). Epidemiological investigation of insulin dysregulation in Shetland and Welsh ponies in Australia. Bain Fallon Equine Veterinarians of Australia, Sunshine Coast, QLD, Australia, 17 July 2023.

Epidemiological investigation of insulin dysregulation in Shetland and Welsh ponies in Australia

2023

Journal Article

Equine Crofton weed (Ageratina spp.) pneumotoxicity: What do we know and what do we need to know?

Shapter, Frances Marie, Granados-Soler, José Luis, Stewart, Allison J., Bertin, Francois Rene and Allavena, Rachel (2023). Equine Crofton weed (Ageratina spp.) pneumotoxicity: What do we know and what do we need to know?. Animals, 13 (13) 2082, 1-15. doi: 10.3390/ani13132082

Equine Crofton weed (Ageratina spp.) pneumotoxicity: What do we know and what do we need to know?

2023

Conference Publication

Investigation of plasma leptin concentrations in association with obesity and laminitis status in ponies

Clark, Brianna L., Vaughn, Sarah A., Stewart, Allison J., Kemp, Kate L., Bamford, Nicholas J., Hart, Kelsey A. and Bertin, Francois-Rene (2023). Investigation of plasma leptin concentrations in association with obesity and laminitis status in ponies. American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Forum, Philadelphia, PA, United States, 15-17 June 2023. Hoboken, NJ, United States: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing.

Investigation of plasma leptin concentrations in association with obesity and laminitis status in ponies

2023

Journal Article

Investigation of breed differences in plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone concentrations among healthy horses and ponies

Bamford, N. J., Stewart, A. J., El-Hage, C. M., Bertin, F. R. and Bailey, S. R. (2023). Investigation of breed differences in plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone concentrations among healthy horses and ponies. Veterinary Journal, 296-297 105995, 1-5. doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2023.105995

Investigation of breed differences in plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone concentrations among healthy horses and ponies

2023

Journal Article

Evaluation of an HMGA2 variant contribution to height and basal insulin concentrations in ponies

Clark, Brianna L., Bamford, Nicholas J., Stewart, Allison J., McCue, Molly E., Rendahl, Aaron, Bailey, Simon R., Bertin, François‐René and Norton, Elaine M. (2023). Evaluation of an HMGA2 variant contribution to height and basal insulin concentrations in ponies. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 37 (3), 1186-1192. doi: 10.1111/jvim.16723

Evaluation of an HMGA2 variant contribution to height and basal insulin concentrations in ponies

2023

Journal Article

Effect of sirolimus on insulin dynamics in horses

de Tonnerre, Demia J., Medina Torres, Carlos E., Stefanovski, Darko, Robinson, Mary A., Kemp, Kate L., Bertin, François‐René and van Eps, Andrew W. (2023). Effect of sirolimus on insulin dynamics in horses. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 37 (2), 703-712. doi: 10.1111/jvim.16650

Effect of sirolimus on insulin dynamics in horses

2023

Conference Publication

Investigation of plasma leptin concentrations in association with laminitis or obesity status in ponies

Clark, Brianna L., Stewart, Allison J., Bamford, Nicholas J. and Bertin, Francois-Rene (2023). Investigation of plasma leptin concentrations in association with laminitis or obesity status in ponies. Global Equine endocrinology Symposium, Bern, Switzerland, 3-5 January 2023.

Investigation of plasma leptin concentrations in association with laminitis or obesity status in ponies

2022

Journal Article

Correlation of pituitary histomorphometry with dopamine and dopamine D2 receptor expression in horses with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction

Huang, Luoyi, Palmieri, Chiara and Bertin, François-René (2022). Correlation of pituitary histomorphometry with dopamine and dopamine D2 receptor expression in horses with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction. Research in Veterinary Science, 152, 427-433. doi: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2022.08.018

Correlation of pituitary histomorphometry with dopamine and dopamine D2 receptor expression in horses with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction

2022

Journal Article

Evaluation of commonly used field-testing protocols to diagnose insulin dysregulation and investigate the association with laminitis in ponies

Clark, Brianna, Stewart, Allison J., Kemp, Kate L., Bamford, Nicholas J. and Bertin, Francois-Rene (2022). Evaluation of commonly used field-testing protocols to diagnose insulin dysregulation and investigate the association with laminitis in ponies. SSRN Electronic Journal. doi: 10.2139/ssrn.4243385

Evaluation of commonly used field-testing protocols to diagnose insulin dysregulation and investigate the association with laminitis in ponies

2022

Conference Publication

Evaluation of commonly used field-testing protocols to diagnose insulin dysregulation and predict laminitis risk

Clark, Brianna, Allison J. Stewart, Kemp, Kate, Bamford, Nicholas and Bertin, Francois-Ren (2022). Evaluation of commonly used field-testing protocols to diagnose insulin dysregulation and predict laminitis risk. 40th American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine , Austin, TX USA, 23-35 July 2022.

Evaluation of commonly used field-testing protocols to diagnose insulin dysregulation and predict laminitis risk

2022

Conference Publication

Evaluation of an HMGA2 variant contribution to height and insulin in a population of Australian ponies

Clark, Brianna L., Bamford, Nicholas J., Stewart, Allison J., McCue, Molly E., Bailey, Simon R., Bertin, Francois-Rene and Norton, Elaine M. (2022). Evaluation of an HMGA2 variant contribution to height and insulin in a population of Australian ponies . 42nd Bain Fallon Memorial Lectures, Australian Equine Veterinary Association, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 17-21 July 2022.

Evaluation of an HMGA2 variant contribution to height and insulin in a population of Australian ponies

2022

Journal Article

Influence of unilateral and bilateral vocal cordectomy on airflow across cadaveric equine larynges at different Rakestraw grades of arytenoid abduction

Lean, Natasha E., Bertin, Francois R. and Ahern, Benjamin J. (2022). Influence of unilateral and bilateral vocal cordectomy on airflow across cadaveric equine larynges at different Rakestraw grades of arytenoid abduction. Veterinary Surgery, 51 (6), 974-981. doi: 10.1111/vsu.13823

Influence of unilateral and bilateral vocal cordectomy on airflow across cadaveric equine larynges at different Rakestraw grades of arytenoid abduction

2022

Journal Article

Evaluation of postsale endoscopy as a predictor of future racing performance in an Australian thoroughbred yearling population

Ahern, B. J., Sole, A., Klerk, K., Hogg, L. R., Vallance, S . A., Bertin, F. R. and Franklin, S. H. (2022). Evaluation of postsale endoscopy as a predictor of future racing performance in an Australian thoroughbred yearling population. Australian Veterinary Journal, 100 (6), 254-260. doi: 10.1111/avj.13155

Evaluation of postsale endoscopy as a predictor of future racing performance in an Australian thoroughbred yearling population

2022

Journal Article

Short-term effects of temperature and thyrotropin-releasing hormone stimulation on adrenocorticotropin stability in horses

Hinrichsen, Sophia L., Yuen, Ka Y., Dryburgh, Elizabeth L., Bertin, François-René and Stewart, Allison J. (2022). Short-term effects of temperature and thyrotropin-releasing hormone stimulation on adrenocorticotropin stability in horses. Animals, 12 (3) 324, 324. doi: 10.3390/ani12030324

Short-term effects of temperature and thyrotropin-releasing hormone stimulation on adrenocorticotropin stability in horses

2021

Journal Article

Repeatability of a thyrotropin‐releasing hormone stimulation test for diagnosis of pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction in mature horses

Kam, Yan Ning, McKenzie, Kelly, Coyle, Mitchell and Bertin, François‐René (2021). Repeatability of a thyrotropin‐releasing hormone stimulation test for diagnosis of pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction in mature horses. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 35 (6), 2885-2890. doi: 10.1111/jvim.16281

Repeatability of a thyrotropin‐releasing hormone stimulation test for diagnosis of pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction in mature horses

2021

Conference Publication

Evaluation of an HMGA2 variant contribution to height and insulin in an Australian population of ponies

Clark, Brianna, Bamford, Nicholas, Stewart, Allison J., Bailey, Simon, McCue, Molly, Bertin, Francois-Rene and Norton, Elaine E. (2021). Evaluation of an HMGA2 variant contribution to height and insulin in an Australian population of ponies. 39th American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) Annual Symposium, Virtual, 10-12 June 2021.

Evaluation of an HMGA2 variant contribution to height and insulin in an Australian population of ponies

2021

Journal Article

Changes associated with the peri-ovulatory period, age and pregnancy in ACTH, cortisol, glucose and insulin concentrations in mares

Hicks, Gemma R., Fraser, Natalie S. and Bertin, François-René (2021). Changes associated with the peri-ovulatory period, age and pregnancy in ACTH, cortisol, glucose and insulin concentrations in mares. Animals, 11 (3) 891, 891-8. doi: 10.3390/ani11030891

Changes associated with the peri-ovulatory period, age and pregnancy in ACTH, cortisol, glucose and insulin concentrations in mares

2021

Journal Article

Plasma amino acid concentrations during experimental hyperinsulinemia in 2 laminitis models

Stokes, Simon M., Stefanovski, Darko, Bertin, François‐René, Medina‐Torres, Carlos E., Belknap, James K. and Eps, Andrew W. (2021). Plasma amino acid concentrations during experimental hyperinsulinemia in 2 laminitis models. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 35 (3) jvim.16095, 1-8. doi: 10.1111/jvim.16095

Plasma amino acid concentrations during experimental hyperinsulinemia in 2 laminitis models

2021

Conference Publication

Renal ultrasound and cystoscopy

Stewart, Allison J., Bertin, Francois-Rene and Clark, Brianna (2021). Renal ultrasound and cystoscopy. 3rd UQVETS Equine Practitioners Conference, Gatton, QLD, Australia, 2-3 February 2021.

Renal ultrasound and cystoscopy

2020

Journal Article

Oxytetracycline associated acute kidney injury in a neonatal foal

Fletcher, J. R., Bertin, F. R., Owen, H., Fraser, N. S., Rose, A. M. and Stewart, A. J. (2020). Oxytetracycline associated acute kidney injury in a neonatal foal. Equine Veterinary Education, 33 (10) eve.13372, e345-e351. doi: 10.1111/eve.13372

Oxytetracycline associated acute kidney injury in a neonatal foal

Funding

Current funding

  • 2024 - 2025
    Role of plasma extracellular vesicles in equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) condition
    Research Donation Generic
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2026
    Hendra virus antibody titres in foals derived from maternal antibodies and in response to vaccination
    John & Mary Kibble Trust
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2023 - 2024
    The role of dopamine in intestinal inflammation and oxidation in horses with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction
    Research Donation Generic
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2024
    Determination of proteomic and lipidomic profiles of horses with Equine Metabolic Syndrome and hyperinsulinemia-associated laminitis
    Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2023
    Controlling Insulin Dysregulation with Sirolimus (Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation administered by UPenn).
    University of Pennsylvania
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2022
    Epidemiological and genetic evaluation of insulin dysregulation in ponies
    Resident Research Grants
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2021
    Part 2 - Efficacy clinical trial of new oral pergolide in horses
    Luoda Pharma Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2023
    Dopamine as a new diagnostic tool for horses with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction and its effect on the equine intestinal microbiota
    Australian Companion Animal Health Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2023
    Evaluation of a Genetic test for Equine Metabolic Syndrome in Ponies
    Research Donation Generic
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2023
    Investigating insulin and glucose dynamics in horses with Equine Metabolic Syndrome receiving Phenylbutazone
    Morris Animal Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2022
    Endocrine profiles and reproduction performance in mares
    Research Donation Generic
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2020
    Automated immunohistochemical analysis module for the expansion of research and clinical diagnostic capabilities at UQ
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2020
    Improvement of insulin stability in horses at risk of Equine Metabolic Syndrome
    John & Mary Kibble Trust
    Open grant
  • 2018
    Efficacy clinical trial of an herbal formulation to treat equine insect bite hypersensitivity
    Red Healer
    Open grant
  • 2018
    Assessment of value of a combined thyrotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test and 2-step insulin response test to diagnose Equine Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction and Equine Metabolic Syndrome
    UQ Early Career Researcher
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2021
    Stability of equine adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) under conditions encountered by Australian veterinarians
    Boehringer Ingelheim Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2018
    Establishment of seasonal reference intervals for adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) concentrations for horses in Southern Queensland
    Research Donation Generic
    Open grant

Supervision

Availability

Associate Professor François-René Bertin is:
Available for supervision

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Available projects

  • Insulin dysregulation

    Insulin dysregulation is the hallmark of equine metabolic syndrome and has received attention because of its direct association with laminitis. In the absence of an adequate treatment for laminitis, our research focuses on the mechanisms leading to laminitis as well as on the early detection of individuals at risk of developing laminitis.

  • Hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal dysfunctions

    The hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis is a major regulator of homeostasis. With sickness or with age, this axis can be dysregulated leading to critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency or to pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) respectively. The latter is a common condition of older horses that can result in laminitis and our research focuses on the detection and management of horses developping PPID.

Supervision history

Current supervision

Completed supervision

Media

Enquiries

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