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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 mechanistic and clinical outcomes in cardiometabolic diseases and aging. These outcomes are investigated at both the biochemical and genetic level in human and animal models.
The Crowe-White Redox Lab uses chromatography, mass spectrometry, and spectroscopy in the assessment of redox biomarkers along with various methods for vascular functionality. Below are highlights of funded studies. |
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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Epigenetic
Influences of Prenatal Dietary Nitrate on Brown Adipose Tissue Differentiation and Cardiometabolic Outcomes Dietary nitrates provide substrate for nitric oxide production; however, nitric oxide deficiency is a primary mechanisms underpinning the metabolic perturbations of obesity. With a high percentage of women entering pregnancy as overweight or obese, Sprague-Dawley rats will be used to test the hypothesis that prenatal dietary nitrate provision blunts the metabolic perturbations of an obese pregnancy by increasing brown adipose tissue differentiation and improving cardiometabolic health of offspring from obese dams. This study is funded by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Research Dietetic Practice Group and the Sugar Association.
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The SPICE StudyCultivating a Healthy Gut Microbiome and Cardiometabolic Profile
When gut microbiome populations in the colon are in true symbiosis with the host, health and well-being predominate. Bacteria-derived metabolites produced in the colon elicit downstream effects on cholesterol and glucose metabolism as well as influencing inflammation and gut barrier integrity. This study, funded by the McCormick Science Institute, is the first of its kind to elucidate the role of culinary spices on the interplay between a healthy gut microbiome and cardiometabolic profile.
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Dietary Nitrate as Adjuvant Therapy for Hypertensive PregnanciesDietary nitrates, abundant in the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, are powerful vasodilators that have been shown to improve vascular function and lower blood pressure. Nevertheless, little is known regarding nitrate’s effect during the prenatal phase or its influence on offspring born from hypertensive pregnancies. This research will investigate the effects of dietary nitrate as an adjuvant therapy with anti-hypertensive medication to treat maternal hypertension and its harmful effects on offspring. Funding for this mentored graduate research proposal was awarded to Janie C. DiNatale, MS, RD and the Crowe-White Redox Lab by the American Heart Association.
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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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