CTRAL Human Studies

Our goals are related to understanding metabolic changes that lead to muscle loss and how to target these alterations through nutritional interventions and exercise. We primarily test the effect of dietary proteins as the building blocks of muscle. We find it important to translate these effects to functional measures of muscle, such as lower/upper body strength and endurance.

Research in COPD

Our human studies are focused on older adults with common chronic diseases who could benefit from specific nutritional support. These diseases include cancer, chronic heart failure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Since muscle loss is commonly associated with these conditions, it is very important to develop nutritional strategies that can prevent this and improve well-being, treatment outcomes, and quality of life.

Research shows that older adults with COPD not only have local inflammation in the lungs, but also have systemic inflammation throughout the rest of the body. This systemic inflammation can lead to muscle loss and negatively affect the overall condition of afflicted adults and reduce their quality of life.

Fish oil, known for its anti-inflammatory properties could therefore, in combination with protein supplementation, be an important dietary strategy to prevent muscle loss. We test the acute effects of a protein meal before and after 4 weeks of fish oil supplementation.

Research in Heart Failure

We examine the effects of protein meals on the buildup and breakdown of proteins in the body. We also assess body composition and muscle function with the goal of improving physical function and quality of life in older adults.

For our research, we are looking for individuals with an established diagnosis of CHF who are 45 years or older.

Exclusions apply to those with a diagnosis of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, cancer, or severe liver/kidney disease.

Research in Cancer

For this research study, we are looking for individuals with an established diagnosis of cancer who are 45 years or older and will receive platinum-based chemotherapy.

Exclusions apply to those with a diagnosis of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, cancer, or severe liver/kidney disease.

Research in Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is the most common life-threatening recessive inherited disease in the Caucasian population. In the last 15 years, the average survival rate of CF patients has increased from 20 to 37 years. A major contributing factor to this increase is greater emphasis on optimal nutrition.

Research shows that CF children with better nutritional status have improved linear growth and maintain better pulmonary function and exercise tolerance. According to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation consensus guidelines, children and adolescents with CF are expected to experience typical growth when appropriate nutrition and pancreatic enzyme replacement are given.

Importance of Optimal Nutritional Support in CF

We discovered that patients with CF respond highly anabolic to nutritional supplements with essential amino acid mixtures even when they’re suffering from muscle wasting.

Causes of muscle wasting in CF:

  • Protein and fat digestion problems
  • Medication
  • Hormonal changes
  • Inflammation
  • Negative energy balance caused by dietary energy/protein intake and energy expenditure

Optimal enzyme concentration, timing of administration, and method of enzyme delivery can be determined in these patients so that we can derive the best possible treatment strategies.

Long-term Research Objectives

The information we gain from our CF research will contribute to existing knowledge regarding optimization of the nutritional status of CF patients. Results will be the first step to induce studies leading to the reformation of use of pancreatic enzymes in relation to nutritional composition. This information is crucial in order to ameliorate or even prevent body wasting in CF patients to improve both their quality of life and survival rates.

Research in Chronic Kidney Disease

For this research study, we are looking for individuals with an established diagnosis of kidney disease undergoing dialysis who are 55 years or older.

Exclusions apply to those with a diagnosis of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or severe liver/heart disease.