As women gain weight after the menopause fat is preferentially deposited in the abdominal, and particularly the intra- abdominal region. Risk of metabolic and cardiovascular disease also increases non-linearly after the menopause. The central theme of this research project is the study of the role of intra-abdominal fat (IAF) and estrogen in the regulation of whole body and regional adipose tissue lipolysis in women.
Three specific aims will address the following hypotheses in postmenopausal women: 1) IAF volume is associated with resistance to insulin suppression of lipolysis in whole body and regional adipose tissue, 2) regular use of estrogen attenuates this resistance to insulin suppression of lipolysis, and 3) a reduction in IAF will enhance the antilipolytic action of insulin. The applicant, Rachael E. Van Pelt, PhD, is currently supported by an individual NRSA from NHLBI and has demonstrated a consistent focus and record of research productivity in the study of age-, exercise-, and hormone-related changes in body composition, metabolism and cardiovascular disease risk. Her career goal is to become an independent scientist and to develop an extramurally-funded research program to continue her focus in gerontologic research. The K01 Mentored Research Scientist Development Award would provide Dr. Van Pelt protected research time to obtain the additional research skills and experience necessary to achieve this goal. In addition to addressing the specific aims of the proposal, an important goal of her training is to learn the technically challenging micro dialysis and hyperinsulinemic, euglycemic clamp procedures, and to acquire further experience in basic bench work and stable isotope kinetics. During the award period Dr. Van Pelt will take courses through the Certificate Program in Clinical Science in the School of Medicine. She will also attend and participate in weekly research seminars, journal clubs and grand rounds, as well as relevant annual scientific meetings. Dr. Van Pelt's sponsor, Wendy M. Kohrt, PhD, is an established investigator and mentor in aging research and has a well-funded laboratory in the division of Geriatric Medicine at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. She and the department will provide Dr. Van Pelt the rich learning environment, resources, and technical guidance necessary to successfully complete her training and career development.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Type
Research Scientist Development Award - Research & Training (K01)
Project #
5K01AG019630-02
Application #
6623915
Study Section
National Institute on Aging Initial Review Group (NIA)
Program Officer
Rossi, Winifred K
Project Start
2002-05-01
Project End
2007-04-30
Budget Start
2003-05-01
Budget End
2004-04-30
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2003
Total Cost
$114,152
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Colorado Denver
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
041096314
City
Aurora
State
CO
Country
United States
Zip Code
80045
Shea, K L; Gozansky, W S; Sherk, V D et al. (2014) Loss of bone strength in response to exercise-induced weight loss in obese postmenopausal women: results from a pilot study. J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact 14:229-38
Casey, Beret A; Kohrt, Wendy M; Schwartz, Robert S et al. (2014) Subcutaneous adipose tissue insulin resistance is associated with visceral adiposity in postmenopausal women. Obesity (Silver Spring) 22:1458-63
Van Pelt, R E; Gozansky, W S; Wolfe, P et al. (2014) Estrogen or raloxifene during postmenopausal weight loss: adiposity and cardiometabolic outcomes. Obesity (Silver Spring) 22:1024-31
Van Pelt, Rachael E; Gozansky, Wendolyn S; Kohrt, Wendy M (2012) A Novel Index of Whole Body Antilipolytic Insulin Action. Obesity (Silver Spring) :
Van Pelt, Rachael E; Jankowski, Catherine M; Gozansky, Wendolyn S et al. (2011) Sex differences in the association of thigh fat and metabolic risk in older adults. Obesity (Silver Spring) 19:422-8
Villalon, Karen L; Gozansky, Wendolyn S; Van Pelt, Rachael E et al. (2011) A losing battle: weight regain does not restore weight loss-induced bone loss in postmenopausal women. Obesity (Silver Spring) 19:2345-50
Jankowski, Catherine M; Gozansky, Wendolyn S; Van Pelt, Rachael E et al. (2011) Oral dehydroepiandrosterone replacement in older adults: effects on central adiposity, glucose metabolism and blood lipids. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 75:456-63
Jankowski, Catherine M; Gozansky, Wendolyn S; Kittelson, John M et al. (2008) Increases in bone mineral density in response to oral dehydroepiandrosterone replacement in older adults appear to be mediated by serum estrogens. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 93:4767-73
Van Pelt, Rachael E; Schwartz, Robert S; Kohrt, Wendy M (2008) Insulin secretion and clearance after subacute estradiol administration in postmenopausal women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 93:484-90
Jankowski, Catherine M; Gozansky, Wendolyn S; Van Pelt, Rachael E et al. (2008) Relative contributions of adiposity and muscularity to physical function in community-dwelling older adults. Obesity (Silver Spring) 16:1039-44

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