Interests
Whole eggs are a rich source of two forms of vitamin D: 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and cholecalciferol. Our lab has demonstrated that diets rich in whole egg, were effective in maintaining circulating 25(OH)D concentrations in animals with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Additionally, whole eggs are a significant source of choline, which aids in one-carbon metabolism, which is important in numerous diseases. Literature demonstrates how diabetes perturbs the normal metabolism of methyl donors, folate, homocysteine, and choline. Our lab interrogates these models of attenuated one-carbon metabolism through nutrition-based intervention strategies in animal models with metabolic implications.
Current Projects
Whole Egg Impact on Weight Gain and Vitamin D Status in Type 2 Diabetes
The objective of this study was to determine the lowest dose of whole egg-based diets to
effectively attenuate the obese phenotype in T2D rats using a dose-response experimental design.
Anti-obesogenic Effects of Whole Egg-Derived MicroRNAs
We have found that a diet containing whole eggs reduced weight gain and body fat in multiple rodent models of obesity and diabetes. However, a whole egg-based diet was without effect on the lean control rats in these models, indicating that the obese phenotype is more sensitive to the anti-obesogenic effects of dietary whole egg. Our hypothesis is that the exosome encapsulated miRNA content of whole egg is responsible for the reduction in weight gain and body fat.
Dietary Intervention Strategies to Support Methyl Group Metabolism in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex disorder that results in a trail of comorbidities, like gestational and type 2 diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease. Medical interventions for this condition are challenging as there is a multitude of metabolic conditions to address. Due to pharmacological interventions having only a small influence on correcting these conditions, lifestyle interventions are the primary target to managing obesity and in turn, ovarian function. Therefore, our project is aimed at determining the influence whole egg consumption has on methyl group metabolism and management of PCOS.