Research Symposium

BIO

Hello! My name is Riley Hart. I am a second-year student from Pensacola, Florida studying exercise physiology. I also am completing minors in child development, psychology, and biology. After I finish my undergraduate degree, I intend to continue my education into PA school. I have thoroughly enjoyed being a UROP student and getting to connect hands-on with research correlating with my field of study.

Literature Review- Vascular and Metabolic Dysfunction

Abstract

Vascular and metabolic dysfunction both occur in obesity and increased NADPH oxidative (Nox) activity has emerged as a key event in the development of cardiometabolic diseases. Data from the Hickner laboratory has identified that Nox is a major determinant of vascular complications in people with obesity. There is, however, limited research in humans that integrates the effects of Nox in vascular and metabolic tissues. Cell culture studies have identified Nox as a stimulus of lipolysis, which is the process of breaking down stored triglycerides and releasing them into the bloodstream. The overall goal of this study is to understand if Nox in adipose tissue and the adipose vasculature contribute to elevated blood glucose profiles through heightened rates of lipolysis and subsequently increased gluconeogenesis and hepatic glucose output.

Keywords: exercise physiology, vascular health, biology