Project: Alterations in Metabolism During Ketogenic Therapy for Seizures
I am currently working with a patient population at Shands at UF with intractable epilepsy on a dietary therapy for their seizures known as ketogenic therapy. It has been used for decades however the mechanism behind its effectiveness is unknown. There is controversy in the literature as to whether or not growth and dyslipidemia are potential adverse effects of the therapy.
My current project and goals are to use both a retrospective database of patients at Shands since 1995 and a prospective database to examine growth and dyslipidemia in this patient population. Preliminary evidence suggests that the type of fat is more important than the amount of fat for increasing the risk of dyslipidemia. I am the clinical coordinator for a prospective study in the General Clinical Research Center (GCRC) at Shands that is ongoing to more closely monitor these patients’ growth, blood levels, and dietary intake. In addition to growth and dyslipidemia, we are analyzing the acylcarnitine profile, β-hydroxybutyrate (a specific ketone body), glucose, and lactate at baseline, fasting, and after the ingestion of a ketogenic meal. Researchers have shown that there is an increase in acylcarnitine concentrations, specifically short chain acylcarnitines such as acetylcarnitine, during fasting, starvation, and diabetic ketosis. Current literature suggests that acetylcarnitine has neuroprotective effects on the brain outside of ketogenic therapy and epilepsy. The hypothesis is that this patient population has an increase in acetylcarnitine concentration and this may be a contributing factor in the mechanism of action. Based on an interim analysis, we will design an interventional study potentially with acyl- or acetylcarnitine supplementation, or a balanced fat blend to be implemented in the GCRC.
I hope to further the knowledge of ketogenic therapy, specifically on how to improve the therapy and potentially lend some insight into how it works. My area of research can be classified as clinical and translational science. I love being able to work in the clinic, talk with patients and families, and then implement their needs and concerns into scientific questions and hypotheses. I hope to continue this type of research of nutrition and metabolism as it relates to health and disease throughout my academic and professional career.
Date Started: Summer 2005
Degree Program: Ph.D. program in Nutritional Sciences
Undergraduate Institution: University of Florida
