Research

Molecular Mechanisms of the Disease Process

Basic research in lipoprotein metabolism investigating good (HDL) and bad (LDL) cholesterol which translates into our clinical interest in controlling human lipoprotein disorders.

Clinical research projects include new pharmacotherapies in type 1 and type 2 diabetes, including novel insulin sensitizers and new insulin analogs. Clinical research in Obesity includes lifestyle interventions and novel pharmacotherapeutic agents used as adjunctive agents in Obesity management. 

Type 1 diabetes is caused by the body's defense or immune system destroying the insulin-producing islet cells. Studies are underway to investigate whether insulin, given before the onset of type1diabetes, can prevent the onset of disease. One disadvantage of using insulin as a preventative therapy is that it can cause low blood sugar reactions. Using a unique insulin (B25 Asp analog) which has been slightly modified so that it does not lower blood sugar, recent studies at the University of Kentucky in an animal model of diabetes demonstrate that this analog prevents diabetes more effectively than insulin. Thus, this may be an ideal agent for clinical use in individuals at risk to develop diabetes since it can be used without the risk of low blood sugar reactions. These translational studies will be invaluable in development of therapies for the prevention of type 1 diabetes in man.

Destruction of insulin producing islet by immune T cells

Determination of biological-pathologic protocols to assist in the development of molecular therapies in the treatment of the following diseases:

• Atherosclerosis

• Hyperlipidemia

• Immunology of Type 1 Diabetes

• Obesity

• Thyroid Cancer

Metabolic Research 

Clinical research evaluating new pharmacological and nutritional therapies of obesity, hyperlipidemia and diabetes mellitus.

Metabolic Research Group (MRG). Dr. James Anderson established the MRG in 1978 to conduct clinical research in diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity and nutrition. The MRG is a cohesive multi-disciplinary team of motivated and self-directed professionals. Its mission is to enhance health and reduce the consequences of metabolic diseases through clinical and applied laboratory research. Since 1990 we have published 39 peer-reviewed reports on our clinical trials. In the last 10 years we have conducted approximately 10-15 clinical trials annually and currently have 19 clinical trials in progress. Current trials are in obesity (9 trials), diabetes (8 trials), and dyslipidemia (2 trials).

Obesity Research Network. In 1996, Dr. Anderson teamed with Dr. Marshall Sack to form the Obesity Research Network (ORN). About 20 leading obesity investigators have participated in the ORN since its inception. The mission of the ORN is to bring experienced clinical investigators together to advance the management of obesity. Network investigators, coordinators and staff are committed to developing and testing approaches to improve treatment of obesity and related conditions. Network team members direct clinical sites tailored to recruit subjects in a timely manner, provide excellent quality clinical data, and assist sponsors in all aspects of clinical research.