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Dr. Crowe-White investigates the therapeutic impact of bioactive food compounds and functional foods on redox and inflammatory balance as well as clinical outcomes related to obesity and cardiometabolic diseases. These outcomes are investigated at both the biochemical and genetic level in human and animal models.
The Crowe-White Redox Lab uses chromatography and mass spectrometry in the assessment of redox biomarkers as well as flow-mediated dilation (FMD), 24-hr ambulatory blood pressure, and aortic ring dissection in the clinical assessment of vascular function. Below are highlights of currently funded studies from her Redox Lab. |
The MOXIE StudyBioactive Compounds in Watermelon Modulating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Elders
Bioactive compounds in watermelon may improve vascular function by reducing oxidative stress and increasing nitric oxide bioavailability. In research funded by the American Heart Association, Drs. Crowe-White and Ellis are investigating the effects of 100% watermelon juice on reducing cardiovascular risk factors using robust measures of vascular function, oxidative stress, and inflammation in women ages 55-69y.
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The OIL StudyObesity's Influence on Lycopene Bioavailability
The carotenoid lycopene is known for its potent free radical scavenging potential exerting both primary and secondary antioxidant action. Despite the potential of lycopene to influence mechanisms underpinning obesity and cardiometabolic diseases, the lipophilic nature of lycopene may limit its functionality. This funded research is using an animal model (Sprague-Dawley rats) to test the hypothesis that adiposity blunts the metabolic kinetics, circulation, and distribution of lycopene. |
The MOSAIC StudyModulating Oxidative Stress through Antioxidant-infused Spice Chews
The connection between oral and vascular oxidative stress and CVD is well established. Thus, the proposed study is utilizing a commonly enjoyed oral refreshment, sugar-free chewing gum, for delivering antioxidants from spices to decrease CVD risk by restoring oral and systemic redox balance, thus influencing endothelial function. This study is funded by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the McCormick Science Institute.
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Lycopene's Role in Adaptive ThermogenesisExcess adipose tissue (AT) during pregnancy may have long-term cardiovascular implications for the developing fetus, yet in response to nutritional stimuli, AT undergoes adipocyte differentiation. It is unknown if lycopene may metabolically induce adaptive thermogenesis or brown adipose tissue development whereby disrupting the ensuing dysfunction of an excessive energy burden. Acknowledging the downstream effects of an obesogenic pregnancy, interventions to increase brown adipose tissue development are warranted. The purpose of this study is to assess AT development and metabolic profiles of Sprague-Dawley offspring from mothers fed normal and high fat diets supplemented with 1% lycopene during the suckling and post-weaning period.
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Dietary Nitrates and the Enterosalivary Pathway for Cardiovascular HealthSimilar to the gut microbiota, the oral cavity has a diverse array of bacteria that give rise to the nitrate-nitrite-nitric oxide (NO) enterosalivary pathway. This pathway results in systemic generation of the vasodilatory molecule NO from dietary nitrate, a bioactive compound found most commonly in green, leafy vegetables. As such, the enterosalivary pathway is vital to blood pressure regulation and overall cardiovascular health. Acknowledging that typical dietary patterns are deficient in nitrates, the RINSE study aims to optimize a common oral hygiene product for delivering nitrates and antioxidants to support the enterosalivary pathway for oral and vascular health. Funding for this mentored graduate research proposal was awarded to Katelyn E. Senkus, MS and the Crowe-White Redox Lab by the Colgate-Palmolive Company and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation.
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