Overview
I have a research interest in the pathogenesis and predictors of progression to Type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents. I examined the relationship between insulin secretion and GAD65 antibody levels at diagnosis on glycemic control in Type 2 Diabetes. I then explored the relationship between body mass index and GAD65 antibody status on β-cell secretion at diabetes onset in African-American children. I subsequently demonstrated that type 2 diabetes in children is associated with abnormalities in cortisol metabolism.
Type 2 diabetes is disproportionately high among African Americans and Hispanic populations and is more common in adolescent females than males despite comparable BMI-z scores. My colleagues and I have explored these differences in a recent analysis of obese adolescents. Using metabolomic profiling, principal components analysis, and regression analysis, we found associations between insulin resistance and a branched chain amino acid-related metabolic signature as well as striking sex dependent differences in metabolic profiles. Our findings are the first to underscore the role of sex differences in metabolic function and outcomes in pediatric obesity. Collectively, my studies have identified strong associations between insulin resistance, cortisol metabolism, and sex steroid action.
I would like to explore if changes in cortisol metabolism and the sex differences in metabolic function is a cause or a consequence of obesity; and if these metabolic findings can predict the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
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Recent Publications
Sex Differences in Branched-chain Amino Acid and Tryptophan Metabolism and Pathogenesis of Youth-onset Type 2 Diabetes.
Journal Article J Clin Endocrinol Metab · March 15, 2024 OBJECTIVES: Insulin resistance is associated with elevations in plasma branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). BCAAs compete with aromatic amino acids including tryptophan for uptake into β cells. To explore relationships between BCAAs and tryptophan metabolis ... Full text Link to item CiteCatabolism of fats and branched-chain amino acids in children with Type 1 diabetes: Association with glycaemic control and total daily insulin dose.
Journal Article Endocrinol Diabetes Metab · November 2023 OBJECTIVE: Hyperglycaemia in Type 1 diabetes (T1D) results from an absolute insulin deficiency. However, insulin resistance (IR) may exacerbate glycaemic instability in T1D and contribute to long-term cardiovascular complications. We previously showed that ... Full text Link to item CiteBranched-chain α-keto acids and glutamate/glutamine: Biomarkers of insulin resistance in childhood obesity.
Journal Article Endocrinol Diabetes Metab · January 2023 OBJECTIVES: Insulin resistance (IR) in adolescents with obesity is associated with a sex-dependent metabolic 'signature' comprising the branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), glutamate/glutamine, C3/C5 acylcarnitines and uric acid. Here, we compared the level ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Serotonin as a Novel Biomarker for Progression to Type 2 Diabetes in Obese Adolescents
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2018 - 2023Branched Chain Amino Acids: Metabolomic predictors of skeletal muscle mass accrual and glycemic control among children with Type 1 diabetes
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Diabetes Research Connection · 2020 - 2022View All Grants