Spring 2009 - Pennington Biomedical Research Center

Message from the ExecutiveDirector of the PenningtonBiomedical Research CenterThis is an extremely exciting moment in time for our Center. We were recently joined byGovernor Bobby Jindal, along with members of the legislature and state and local businessleaders, to break ground on our new clinical research building. This new construction roundsout a plan begun nearly ten years ago to expand all major areas of the Center: basic research,population research, and now clinical research. We owe our thanks to the legislature and citizens ofBaton Rouge and Louisiana who have supported us in word and deed from the beginning.The construction of the new clinical research building is also the first of a new means of growth forus. To date, the Pennington Medical Foundation has provided private funding to support all PBRCcampus growth. For this project, the Foundation provided in excess of $2 million towards the designand architectural fees, new parking surfaces and utility services to the physical plant. The buildingconstruction costs are being funded by the State of Louisiana. We are truly grateful for the overwhelmingconfidence and support that the Governor and the legislature have placed in us to investtaxpayer dollars into our campus.Specifically, the legislature allocated most of the funds in its regular 2007 session to begin clinicconstruction. In 2008, led by Governor Bobby Jindal with his request for an additional $50 million,we are not only able to complete the building, but build an imaging center, renovate our existingclinic to bring it up to modern research standards, as well as purchase new equipment and update ourphysical plant.In this new facility, as in our existing, people and science meet. Thousands of individuals haveparticipated in trials to determine if diseases can be prevented through exercise, nutrition, new drugsor a combination of all. As we search for means to prevent chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease,obesity, cancer and dementia, this new clinic facility is the key to the Center attracting more andlarger research grants designed to find preventive measures and treatments for chronic illness. As wegrow faculty and research in this new facility, we should generate within about three years anadditional $20 million annually in research grants, an amount that will substantially increase overtime. Approximately 300 new faculty and support staff positions plus all indirect jobs will have abouta $38 million annual economic impact for our region.This new clinical research facility will not only change the face of our campus, it is our hope thenew capabilities it brings will help us change the face of clinical research through the state. Thenew research building will also be home to a new endeavor called LA CaTS (Louisiana Clinicaland Translational Science Center). The LA CaTS Center will be a collaboration among all medicalschools and key research universities and research organizations in Louisiana. The effort is led by thePennington Biomedical Research Center, with a mission to develop the discipline of clinical andtranslational science, to increase the quality and quantity of clinical research conducted in the state,and to train the next generation of clinical research scientists.Claude Bouchard, Ph.D.PBRC Executive Director,George A. Bray, Jr. Endowed Super Chair in NutritiontwoNew FacultyGang Hu, M.D., Ph.D.,M.P.H.,has joined PBRCfaculty as an AssistantProfessor in the PopulationScience area. Dr. Hu willdevelop a research programin chronic disease epidemiology.Dr. Hu receivedan M.D. from TianjinMedical University in China in 1989, an M.P.H.and Ph.D. from the University of Kuopio inFinland. Dr. Hu worked as a researcher in theDepartment of Nutrition, Food Safety Controland Inspection Institute in Tianjin, China from1989-1998. Most recently, Dr. Hu was a seniorresearcher in the Department of Epidemiologyand Health Promotion at the National PublicHealth Institute in Helsinki, Finland.Rea Anunciado-Koza,D.V.M., has joined thefaculty as Instructor inthe Molecular GeneticsLaboratory. Dr. Anunciado-Koza received a D.V.M. in1993 from the University ofthe Philippines at Los Banosand a Ph.D. in 2000 fromNagoya University in Japan, and joined PBRCas a postdoctoral researcher in 2004. Shewill continue working with her PBRC mentor,Dr. Leslie Kozak, on molecular genetics andthermogenesis research.Chuanhui (Jasmine)Yu, Ph.D., has joinedthe faculty as Instructorin the Blood-BrainBarrier Laboratory. Dr.Yu received her Ph.D.in Pharmaceutics fromVirginia CommonwealthUniversity in Richmond.Most recently, shehas been a postdoctoral researcher inthe blood-brain barrier group at PBRC.She will continue working with herPBRC mentor, Dr. Weihong Pan.PromotionsZhanguo Gao, Ph.D., hasbeen promoted to AssistantProfessor-Research. Dr.Gao came to PBRC as aPostdoctoral Fellow towork in the Antioxidantand Gene RegulationLaboratory. Dr. Gao joinedthe faculty as Instructor in2004. He has recently secured funding fromthe ADA for his research in dyslipidemia (highblood cholesterol).

Promotions continued. . .Gregory Sutton, Ph.D.,has been promotedto Assistant Professor-Research. Dr. Sutton cameto PBRC as a PostdoctoralFellow in the Laboratoryof Neurobiology andthen moved to theNeuropeptides Laboratory.Dr. Sutton joined the faculty as Instructor in2007. He has recently secured funding fromthe American Diabetes Association (ADA) forhis research on metabolic syndrome.Distinguished HarvardPhysician Visits PBRCBouchard Announces Retirement. . . continued from page oneLeadership of this significance is an institutionaltreasure, and we are grateful that Dr.Bouchard’s skills, abilities, and wisdom willremain an asset of PBRC after his retirementas executive director.”Under Bouchard’s direction, PBRCtripled in size, significantly increasing theCenter’s scientific research into the rolethat nutrition, exercise and genetics play inprevention of obesity, diabetes, heart disease,dementia, and cancer.Bouchard spearheaded the effort to devisetwo five-year strategic plans at PBRC,road maps that led to the construction ofa second basic science research building,a population science wing, and a secondclinical research facility, currently underconstruction. Plans are also finalized tobegin the construction of a research imagingcenter and an expanded central utilities andstorage facility.During his tenure as executive director,Bouchard, who holds the George A. Bray, Jr.Endowed Super Chair in Nutrition andis the author of several books and morethan 900 scientific papers, garneredwidespread recognition that includedall major national and international awardsfrom obesity research and exercise sciencesocieties. His recognition culminated in hisrecent election to the rank of Fellow of theAmerican Association for the Advancementof Science.“We have invested an enormous amount oftime and energy, with the support ofour foundations, local philanthropistsand the state, in the growth of the Center,”said Bouchard. “PBRC is now well positionedto take advantage of research andeconomic development opportunities inthe future.”▲▲Distinguished Harvard Physician Visits-(left to right) Dr. Clifford B. Saper,Chairman of the Department of Neurology at Beth Israel Deaconess MedicalCenter in Boston and noted physician, guest speaker; Janet Olson, CapitalOne Senior Vice President; Maxine Cormier, PBRF Board Member; and Dr.Claude Bouchard, PBRC Executive Director and holder of the George A. Bray, Jr.Endowed Super Chair in NutritionCommunity supporters of the PenningtonBiomedical Research Center and Foundationjoined PBRC faculty members in welcomingDr. Clifford Saper,Professor of Neurologyand Neuroscienceat Harvard MedicalSchool and Chairmanof the Department ofNeurology at Beth IsraelDeaconess MedicalCenter in Boston,during his recent visit to the Center. Dr. Saperwas invited to be the featured speaker at a specialluncheon hosted by the Pennington BiomedicalResearch Foundation (PBRF) and underwrittenby Capital One.More than 75 community supporters and facultyattended the luncheon that was preceded by atour of the Pennington Biomedical ResearchCenter. The tour highlighted the Center’s innovativeresearch facilities and gave guests an overviewof the health and preventive medicine initiativescurrently underway at the Center.Dr. Saper and his fellow colleaguesbelieve that "sleep loss" may be acontributing factor to the currentepidemic of obesity, diabetes, andcardiovascular complications.Dr. Saper enlightened guests with a fascinatingpresentation on why sleep is vital to healthy living.He presented research findings that showeda correlation betweensleep and cognitive andmetabolic functions,such as memoryfunction. In addition,Dr. Saper and his fellowcolleagues believe that"sleep loss" may be acontributing factor tothe current epidemic of obesity, diabetes, andcardiovascular complications.This is the fifth year that Capital One hasunderwritten the scientific speaker series. ThePennington Biomedical Research Foundationgratefully extends its gratitude to Capital Onefor its continued support and commitment tothe Pennington Biomedical Research Centerand its vital research directly related to health,nutrition, and preventive medicine.three

A Message fromf o u n d a t i o nTim Barfield, Foundation ChairmanIn January of this year, I was honored to assume the chairmanship of the Pennington Biomedical ResearchFoundation. I continue to appreciate the national and international significance of the lifesaving andimpactful research that is conducted at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center. I look forward toworking with you as we help advance the Center, its scientists, and most importantly the research, to aidin finding quicker, more cost effective health solutions.Today, the research of PBRC is more important than ever. Pennington has earned a worldwidereputation for finding ways to prevent today’s most serious diseases: diabetes, obesity, heart disease,cancer and dementia. Private philanthropy – your donations – plays a critical role in supportingPennington’s research programs.You’ll read in these pages about the ground breaking for the Clinical Research Building, a criticaladvancement that will pave the way for a significant increase in Pennington’s ability to translate discoveriesfrom the laboratory to individuals. However, this will only become a reality if we can fill this new spacewith more researchers and expanded clinical programs.Your support helps in so many ways…seed funding for emerging research projects, the most advancedinstrumentation and equipment, recruiting the best and brightest scientists to Pennington, andunderwriting vital community education programs to put PBRC’s discoveries into actions.In this issue, you’ll learn more about how your support is making an impact and I hope you’ll agree that we cannot pause for a moment, despitethe challenging economic climate. To the contrary, we have to seize this moment and opportunity to advance PBRC to the greatest degreepossible. Our health, and the health of future generations, is dependent upon our success in doing so. For it is medical research, that providesthe hope for longer healthier lives. Thank you for your generosity and ongoing commitment to this organization.Sincerely,New PBRF Board MembersTim BarfieldPBRF Chairman of the BoardGeorge D. Nelson, Jr.Mr. Nelson is the President/CEOof LouisianaCompanies and Querbes& Nelson in Shreveport.He is also the presidentof the Life InsuranceCompany of Louisianaas well as the NorthwestRegional President/MarketManager for Bank One, Louisiana, N.A. He isactive in many organizations, including theCommittee of 100 for Economic Developmentof Louisiana, Public Affairs Research Councilof Louisiana, and the executive committee ofCentenary College of Louisiana.Clay M. AllenMr. Allen is a partnerwith the law firmAllen & Goochin Lafayette. Hepresently servesas an active boardmember for theLafayette GeneralMedical Center,the Greater Lafayette Chamber ofCommerce, and Louisiana Associationof Business and Industry. He also serveson the University of Lafayette Collegeof Business Advisory Board and theLouisiana Council for Fiscal Reform.Paul M. HaygoodMr. Haygood is apartner with the firmFishman, Haygood,Phelps, Walmsley, Willis& Swanson, L.L.P. inNew Orleans. He hasplayed an active role inthe civic affairs of theCity of New Orleansand the State of Louisiana, having servedas President of the Council for a BetterLouisiana, as President of the New OrleansBureau of Governmental Research, and asan active board member of a number ofphilanthropic organizations.four

f o u n d a t i o nPBRC Professor Establishes Planned GiftThe Pennington Biomedical ResearchFoundation (PBRF) gratefully announces aplanned gift that will lead to the establishmentof the Allen A. Copping Professorship at thePennington Biomedical Research Center. Theplanned gift was made by Douglas Braymer,LSU Vice President Emeritus of AcademicAffairs and current PBRC Professor, andMarilyn Braymer.Dr. Copping, now retired, previously servedas president of the Louisiana State UniversitySystem. He was instrumental in the formationand early growth of the Center.Dr. Braymer said in making the gift, “As wecelebrated PBRC’s 20th anniversary, I wouldoften reflect on the creation of the Center andthose important conversations Dr. Copping hadwith “Doc” Pennington – and especially therole that Copping played in supporting Doc’svisionary mission for PBRC.” Dr. Braymerremarked, “The Center’s focus on nutritionand preventive medicine has proven a uniquemechanism in which to build PBRC and tomake it a world leader at a time when obesityand associated chronic diseases are so prevalent.It was visionary.”“I am extremely appreciative of Dr. Copping’sleadership to both PBRC and the LSU System,and I personally owe him a great debt ofgratitude for his impact on my own career,”affirmed Dr. Braymer.Dr. Copping served on the Pennington MedicalFoundation Board of Trustees for 28 years andserved as President of the LSU System from1985 to 1999.This planned gift, when realized, will besupported by a matching gift from theLouisiana Education Quality Support Fundto formally establish the professorship inDr. Copping’s name.Jennifer Winstead, PBRF President and CEOacknowledged, “The Pennington BiomedicalResearch Foundation is honored to be thebeneficiary of this charitable planned gift. Theirgift is helping to create a long-range and enduringinvestment that will move the Center’s healthand preventive medicine research forward.”PBRF's Legacy Society was formed toacknowledge those individuals who include thePennington Biomedical Research Foundationin their estate plans. Planned gifts provide anindividual and families with great personalsatisfaction, while providing the Center with animportant opportunity to enhance the scope andbreadth of its work.Center Breaks Ground for New Clinic▼ ▼ Governor Bobby Jindal joined leaders of the Pennington Biomedical Research Center to break ground for a new 90,000 square foot, $25 million clinical researchbuilding at an event held on the PBRC campus. Joining the governor, Claude Bouchard, Ph.D., executive director of the Center, said research had outgrown thecurrent clinical research building. The new construction will expand the Center to 635,000 square feet of total research space, and allow its researchers to staycurrent in a highly competitive field. Following the Governor’s lead in a special legislative session last year, the legislature approved approximately $50 million forthe Center's expansion, renovation and new equipment. Participating in the ground breaking event were (left to right): Front Row: Rep. Avon Honey; Rep. MichaelJackson; Rep. Steve Carter; Sen. Sharon Weston Broome; Adam Knapp, President/CEO, Baton Rouge Area Chamber; Mayor-President Melvin "Kip" Holden; Paulade la Bretonne, PBRF and PMF Board Member; Governor Bobby Jindal; Dr. Claude Bouchard, PBRC Executive Director; Dr. John Lombardi, President, LSU System;Dr. Sally Clausen, Commissioner of Higher Education; Dr. Donna Ryan, PBRC Associate Executive Director of Clinical Science. Back Row: Rep. Clif Richardson; Rep.Franklin Foil; Jerry Shea, LSU Board of Supervisors; Henry Barham, LSU Board of Supervisors; Rep. Erich Ponti; and Tim Barfield, PBRF Board Chairman.five

2009 Irene W. Pennington Wellness Day for WomenBrings Louisiana Women TogetherThe 9 th annual Irene W. PenningtonWellness Day for Women held at thePennington Biomedical Research Centerwas a tremendous success drawing morethan 700 attendees from near and far. Thisfree educational event included health andwellness activities and informative sessionsfor women of all ages.The day started with greeting and hospitalityfrom Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s TeamBlue. PBRC Instructor Dr. Valerie Myersgave the keynote presentation on “Today’sWoman: Super Woman, Super Stressful.”Throughout the day, Our Lady of the LakeRegional Medical Center provided freehealth screenings for attendees and familymembers. Of those screened, more than79% were in need of medical follow-up(borderline to high – blood pressure,glucose, or cholesterol).“This event allows women and familymembers to receive information andmultiple screenings at one time and in oneplace,” said Marilyn Shalley-Damberg,OLOL Divisional Director, CommunityHealth. "It is wonderful to see womenof all ages taking responsibility for theirown physical and emotional health – andenjoying the camaraderie of their friends,daughters, mothers, and grandmothers."Our Lady of the Lake also hosted informativewellness sessions by OLOL physicians:Lauren Barfield, M.D., Susan Nelson, M.D.,and Katherine Pearce, M.D.Special thanks to the volunteer communityleadership who serve throughout the year withthe PBRC staff to plan this wonderful educationalevent: Jeanette Johnson, Brenda Katzmarzyk,Diana Luikart, Janell O’Halloran, Paula Neck,Kathy Prejean, Myra Russell, and MarilynShalley-Damberg.Keynote Presentation Highlights"Today’s Woman: Super Woman,Super Stressful"Presentation by Valerie Myers, Ph.D., PBRC Behavioral Medicine InstructorKey Points to Combat Stress:Woman play multiple roles these days;mother, wife, sister, employee, caregiver.These roles can be a source of stressbut can also be a source of comfort andcoping. Everyone has stress, and eachperson’s stress reaction is unique to them,much like fingerprints are unique to eachperson. Stress is defined as when thedemands that are placed on an individualoutweigh the resources the person has tocope with them. Identifying and understandingstress is critical in learning howto reduce it.External stresses are all of the stressorsthat are in your environment (work,traffic, kids). Internal stress is the self-talkthat people engage in (the “should’ve,could’ve, and ought to-s). Researchsuggests that 43% of adults suffer adversehealth effects from stress and 75% to90% of all physician office visits have astress-related component.Thank You Sponsors!Thank you to the companies and individuals who participated in the event through theirgenerous event sponsorship or in-kind product or service donations.The AdvocateAmbrosia BakeryBally’sBaton Rouge CardiologyBaton Rouge Coca ColaBottling Company, Inc.Benny’s Car WashKaye Buhler, LicensedMassage TherapistCapitol Spine & RehabilitationChico’sCity SocialColdwater Creek¤Recognize ¤ your stress symptoms¤Evaluate ¤ your lifestyle - What canbe changed?¤Work ¤ on time management¤Limit ¤ setting with others… learn to say “no”¤Assertiveness¤¤Use ¤ relaxation techniques¤Exercise ¤¤Watch ¤ your diet¤Get ¤ enough rest & sleep¤Talk ¤ with others¤Help ¤ others¤Get ¤ away for awhile¤Tackle ¤ one thing at a time¤Don’t ¤ try to be perfect¤Laugh ¤ & be with people you enjoy!CC’s Community Coffee HouseDermatology and Aesthetic Institute,Dr. Donna NunallyDick’s Sporting GoodsDiGuilio’s RestaurantDutch Physical TherapyFleet Feet SportsMary Gaudin, Pampered ChefJuban DentalThe Kitchenary in Towne CenterLouis DeAngelo’s CateringLouisiana Organ Procurement AgencyLux Salon & SpaMARCELLO’s Wine WarehouseMary Bird Perkins Cancer CenterMaxwell’s MarketNational Kidney FoundationPBRC Women’s NutritionResearch ProgramPiggly WigglyThe Red ShoesThe Royal StandardSoutheastern CardiovascularConsultantsSullivan’s RestaurantWhole Foods MarketWWThe Irene W. Pennington Wellness Day for Women was made possible by Our Lady of the LakeRegional Medical Center, Presenting Sponsor and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana,Contributing Sponsor. From left to right, Paula Neck, BCBS Foundation and BCBS Team Blue VolunteerSupport, and Marilyn Shalley-Damberg, OLOL Divisional Director, Community Health joinedDr. Catherine Champagne, PBRC Women's Nutritional Research Program Director, and Dr. ValerieMyers, PBRC Behavioral Medicine Instructor and event keynote speaker, for a group sponsor photo.six

PBRF Annual Giving Leadership CampaignAnnual support vital to research at PenningtonPennington Biomedical Research Center, founded withan extraordinary and transformational gift by Irene W.and C. B. “Doc” Pennington, has taken its place—asDoc Pennington envisioned—as a world leader in nutritionand preventive medicine.You can join PBRC’s world-renowned scientists in pursuingdiscoveries that promote healthy living and prevent prematuredeath from chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, obesity, heartdisease, and dementia. Every gift makes a difference and movesPBRC closer to critical health discoveries!The annual giving leadership campaign, chaired by communityleaders Anne and Bill Hise, is in full swing. Please renew yourannual gift, or join as an annual donor today! Your gift is aninvestment in internationally recognized medical research and thehealth of mankind.$10,000+ Pennington Council of 100$5,000+ Discovery Partners Explorer$2,500+ Discovery Partners Patron$1,000+ Discovery Partners Supporter$100--$999 Prevention PartnersYour philanthropic support helps:YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE¤ ¤ Recruiting and retaining top scientists—the core ingredient for the growth and success ofthe Center and its research;¤ ¤ Resources for scientists—including research equipment, enhanced laboratory facilities, andcritical pilot funding for emerging research; and. . .¤ ¤ Strong basic science programs, discoveries to benefit mankind,advances to prevent disease, relevant education for the community while building aknowledge-based pathway to economic development for our state and region.LEVERAGE YOUR INVESTMENTFor every one dollar of unrestricted support, PBRC’s scientists can successfully acquire $3 inadditional research grants.Help the Foundation reach its goal of raising $600,000 during the annual campaign. Every giftis important. Please make your gift today.For more information about the annual giving campaign, call Ann Wilkinson, Directorof Leadership Giving, at (225) 763-2512.PBRC Dementia Research and PreventionQ&A SeriesTOPICS: Causes of Dementia • Respite Care for Dementia Patients & Caregiver •Interacting with Dementia Patients • Behavioral Management of Dementia PatientsSecond Thursday of Every Month • 6:00 pm – 7:30 pmC. B. Pennington, Jr. Building Auditorium. • 6400 Perkins RoadInformation: Rob Brouillette at (225)763-2973 or dementia@prbc.eduhttp:IDRP.PBRC.eduseven

Take 5 Program Awarded CertificationWilliam E. Montan Charitable Trust Provides GrantIt all started when two PBRC dietitians wanted to reach out to local residentswith diabetes. Learning of this initiative, the Trustees of the WilliamE. Montan Charitable Trust were intrigued with the proposed communityoutreach concept and gave a generous $20,000 philanthropic grant of supportto the Pennington Biomedical Research Foundation to expand a seriesof PBRC community-based educational classes called TAKE 5 – Diabeteseducation for life.As the name implies, this is a series of five classes, open to personswith prediabetes or diabetes and their spouse, caregiver or familymember. Class members learn self-care skills such as the importance ofhealthy eating, exercise and monitoring blood sugar that will promote bettermanagement of their diabetes treatment regimen and receive individualizedcounseling.Now, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) has recognized thequality of the course by certifying TAKE 5 as a DiabetesSelf-Management Education Program. This certification means the coursehas fully met national standards for diabetes education. The Center is proudto merit this prestigious program certification.According to the ADA, this recognition acknowledges that TAKE 5content and educators deliver state-of-the-art education that promotes selfmanagementof diabetes. According to TAKE 5 Coordinator Patti Boyd,“Improving self-management skills can help prevent unnecessary hospitaladmissions and some of the acute and chronic complications of diabetes.We are helping motivate class members to make healthy lifestyle changes byincorporating principles and techniques of behavior change learned throughsome of PBRC’s clinical trials.”The Pennington Biomedical Research Foundation expresses its gratitudeto the William E. Montan Charitable Trust for their grant.For more information about TAKE 5 or to enroll in the program, call763-0918 or visit www.pbrc.edu.Volunteer Turns ParticipantJim D’Amico, retired data processorfrom Prairieville, first stepped onto thePennington Biomedical Research Centercampus after Hurricane Katrina. Hehelped sort personal diabetic supplies into“go bags” that PBRC physicians and staffcreated for emergency shelters. The bagscontained 30 days of supplies for thosewho had to flee their homes and leavemedicines behind.In a bit of irony, Jim later learned he wasdiabetic and soon found himself on thereceiving end of PBRC’s expertise. He enrolledin TAKE 5, the Center’s five-sessioncourse to learn how to manage the disease.“The staff took time to answer questions,handled the various cases in the class,and presented very helpful, educationalmaterial,” D’Amico said.D’Amico, 71, also invited his wife, Erika.“She got more out of it than me concerningcooking and diet,” D’Amico said, “She stayson me to write down what I eat.”▲▲Jim D'Amico, TAKE 5 ParticipantD’Amico was set back a bit by a kneesurgery shortly after the course, but withhis wife’s help, he says he’ll be back in agroove soon, and firmly believes in theclass and the PBRC staff.“I’ve already recommended TAKE 5 to atleast three people,” he proudly remarked.Save the date • august 8, 20092009Ticket and table sales available at: www.pbrf.org. Table reservations sell out every year – please make your reservations early!For information call (225) 763-2511.eight

PBRCIn the News...Viral ObesityFrom the BBC to Radio Colombia,from The Advocate to Reuters, andfrom NBC to CBS and Russian T.V.,Dr. Nikhil Dhurandhar’s groundbreaking research on a virus that appearsto cause obesity in some humans is makingheadlines. Following a special report on BBC,Dr. Dhurandhar could not stray more than afew steps from his phone for three days dueto the volume of inquiring phone calls hereceived. Dr. Dhurandhar is the first scientistto identify an infectious form of obesityand to identify a virus that may causeit. The virus Ad-36 (a human adenovirus)▲ ▲ Television crew in St. Petersburg, Russiavideotapes interview with Dr. Nikhil Dhurandharvia computer – a first for PBRC!works by attacking pre-fat cells (fatderived stem cells) converting themin higher-than-normal numbers tofat cells. The virus also suppresses the immunesystem, allowing it to more rapidly spread andmore easily enter the pre-fat cells. Togetherwith a team of researchers, Dr. Dhurandharcontinues to advance this research forward andstrives to discover vaccines that will possiblystop this viral process.Why People Gain WeightA crew from the BBC spent a fewdays here last summer to interviewDrs. Bouchard, Ravussin and Dhurandharconcerning the variety of ways in whichhumans may gain weight. Each researcher gavehis perspective. The production crew chose toconduct the interviews from a series of localrestaurant cafes. The program continues to airon BBCZ.Dementia Is Subject ofConversationDr. Jeffrey Keller has finalized the creationof Louisiana’s first Institute for DementiaResearch & Prevention (IDRP), a new centerassociated with the Pennington BiomedicalResearch Center. Dr. Keller has become a“regular” on WRKF radio’s special Health segment.Keller was initially interviewed earlier inthe year, and was promptly asked to join theirregular program schedule.WRKF is Baton Rouge’spublic radio station.Don’t Let the ScaleWorry You,Keep Walking.Drs. Corby Martin and Tim Church have beenfielding nationaland internationalmediacalls about theirnewly publishedresults that showwomen whowalk regularly,can improvetheir quality ofhealth and life –even if they don’tlose weight.Clinical Trials spring 2009If you are interested in participating in these or other research studies, call our recruiting department at (225)-763-3000,or visit www.pbrc.edu or email clinicaltrials@pbrc.edu.InSightWhat factors determine future health?The purpose of this multi-year study is tohelp determine what biological, behavioraland genetic factors in a person play a role inyour future health.You may qualify based onAge (18-35 years) • WeightReceive benefits such as:Study related medical screenings at nocost to you. Earn up to $9250.HART-DHow does physical activity impact bloodsugar level?This study will help determine howphysical activity can help improve yourblood sugar level. Participants will be placedinto 1 of 3 physical activity programssupervised by trained fitness professionals.Participants will receive free membershipto the PBRC Fitness Center and freepersonalized fitness training sessions.You may qualify based upon:Age (30-75 years) • Diagnosed withtype 2 diabetesReceive benefits such as:Study related medical care at no cost toyou. Membership to PBRC Fitness Centerat no cost to you. Earn up to $200.CAPSPALAttention Men: Is your metabolism slow?The purpose of this study is to determine if anaturally-based supplement will help increasemetabolism and reduce total body fatYou may qualify based upon:Males only • Age (18-60 years) • WeightReceive benefits such as:Study-related medical care at no cost toyou. Earn up to $500.PINNIAttention Ladies: Do you need helpcontrolling your hunger?The purpose of this study is to determineif a breakfast drink made with a naturalproduct will help reduce hunger andprevent over eating.You may qualify based upon:Females only • Age (18-55 years) •WeightReceive benefits such as:Study-related medical care at no cost toyou. Earn up to $500.nine

FIRST LA CaTSSUMMER SCHOLARIn an effort totrain the nextgeneration ofclinical researchscientists, PBRChosted the firstLA CaTS summerScholar. The luckyresearcher wasJohnny Li.Johnny Li began his college career atLSU and has since continued with abiochemistry major at Rice University,after engaging in a prestigious educationalexperience at the PenningtonBiomedical Research Center.During his internship, Johnny workedon a project to compare two devicesused to measure a person’s metabolicrate: the Deltatrac and Cosmed QuarkRMR devices. His study compared andvalidated the measurements of restingmetabolic rate (RMR) of a new metabolicequipment against our currentmetabolic equipment.For the project, Johnny had to becomefamiliar with indirect calorimetry, thetechnique used to calculate energyexpenditure from the measurementsof oxygen used and CO 2 produced.These measures yield the amount ofcalories humans “burn” while at rest.Participants simply breath into thedevices by way of a special oxygenintake mask.Besides this project, Johnny rotatedthrough several clinical laboratories,the research kitchen, the inpatientunit, and the clinical laboratory andassisted with several procedures tomeasure insulin sensitivity in clinicalparticipants.The internship is part of the newLouisiana Clinical and TranslationalScience Center led by Dr. Donna Ryan,PBRC Associate Executive Director ofClinical Research. LA CaTS’s mission isto develop the discipline of clinicaland translational science, to increasethe quality and quantity of clinicalresearch conducted in Louisiana, andto train the next generation of clinicalresearch scientists.tenSCIENCE INSIGHTMysteries of Weight Gain –PBRC Looks to Unravel AnswersWhy do some people gainweight and others don’t?Experts around the world, especially thoseat the Pennington Biomedical ResearchCenter, are trying to answer this exactquestion. Researchers are approachingthe answer by examining a wide range ofpossibilities in studying appetite control,muscle and fat cell formation, nutrientabsorption and energy use by muscles, ormetabolic rate. Other specialists believe theanswer resides in activity levels, lifestyleor how the brain processes one’s behavior,mood, and even food choices.So what is PBRC’s strategyto unlocking the answer?“Assemble a team of the world’s bestscientists and study the same group ofpeople at the same time from a wide rangeof perspectives,” says Dr. Steven R. Smith,Assistant Associate Director of ClinicalResearch at the Pennington BiomedicalResearch Center. “We believe PBRC is theonly place in the world to initiate a researchchallenge such as this.”Smith calls the research project InSight –the first long-term study of young adultsin which all disciplines will be examined:biology, behavior and environment. Withstart-up funding from the U.S. Departmentof Agriculture, this research project has everysign of becoming a “landmark” study. The1,200 participants recruited by Smith willbe followed by PBRC physician scientistsfor the next ten years.Smith and his fellow PBRC researcherswill be collaborating on the research. Thestudy will engage the full capabilities ofnearly 50 separate PBRC laboratories,19 specialized core facilities labs and theresearch kitchen. The study will also utilizethe vast resources of the world renownedPBRC and its full Clinic resources ofphysicians, nurses, nutritionists–each ofwhich can perform specific innovativescientific analysis needed for the study.Smith and his PBRC colleaguesare thrilled with the opportunityto take on such an ambitiousresearch project of this magnitudeand importance. When askedabout the planning for just such aproject, Smith remarked “The goalis to find out which of the focusareas are most important, and tobetter understand how the piecesof the puzzle fit together to lead toweight gain.”WWDr. Steven R. Smith, AssistantAssociate Director of ClinicalResearch at the PenningtonBiomedical Research Centerwill be using MagneticResonance Imaging as one ofmany resources in studyingweight gain.

National Grocery Manufacturers and Surgeon Generallearn the latest from local researchersMembers of the Grocery Manufacturers’Association (GMA) and the U.S. SurgeonGeneral gathered in Baton Rouge at thePennington Biomedical Research Center tohear the latest findings in nutrition and healthfrom PBRC scientistsand researchers duringa scientific symposiumtitled “Cultivating aHealthy Population: TheIntersection of Food andHealth.” GMA SeniorVice President and ChiefScience and RegulatoryAffairs Officer Dr. RobertE. Brackett along with corporatescientific officers andnutritionists from nationaland international food andbeverage companies joined PBRC researchers tocollaborate on food, nutrition and health issuesfacing our nation and our communities.According to Dr. Brackett, “Each day the newsmedia reports on our nation’s growing publichealth concerns – from childhood obesity to thea c k n o w l e d g i n g t r i b u t e g i f t s …The Foundation gratefully recognizes Memorial and Honor gifts received through May 15, 2009.i n m e m o r y o f . . .Yvette BouchardDr. Claude Bouchard and Monique ChagnonNan and Herb BoydstunCatherine Champagne, Ph.D., R.D.Catherine G. HueyDonna H. Ryan, M.D. and Edwin LupbergerEunice CarsonMs. Beverly SmileySister Marie Edana CorcoranMr. and Mrs. John H. HernandezJohn W. Barton, Sr.Princeton and Dadie BardwellAnn WilkinsonJane T. BoyceMs. Millicent DittmarMr. and Mrs. John H. HernandezMelanie BoyceMrs. Jane T. Boyce“...As the makers of theworld’s most prominent foodand consumer products,GMA member companieshave the opportunity tohelp solve some of thesepublic health challenges bylearning about Pennington’sexciting biomedical researchportfolio.”debilitating effects of aging. As the makersof the world’s most prominent food andconsumer products, GMA member companieshave the opportunity to help solve some ofthese public health challenges by learningabout Pennington’s excitingbiomedical researchportfolio.”Mildred Babin DavisMr. and Mrs. John H. HernandezFaye Lafield Boudreaux LandryDoris B. DantinSister Pauline O’SullivanMr. and Mrs. John H. HernandezLorraine Bonaventure PourciauAnn WilkinsonGeraldine Fleniken “Jerry” SchwingAnn WilkinsonSpecial guest and KeynoteSpeaker of the symposiumdinner was the acting U.S.Surgeon General, RearAdmiral Steven K. Galson,M.D. M.P.H., who outlinedcurrent federal policy as itrelates to health, nutrition,and science innovation.Leaders of the Center saidthey were pleased to have this opportunity todiscuss health challenges with the U.S. SurgeonGeneral and the GMA members. PBRC isactively working to find preventive solutions tochronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease,obesity, cancer and dementia.i n h o n o r o f . . .Louis CuretThe Alma Lee and H. N. Saurage, Jr. FundPaula de la BretonneAnonymousDr. William HanselRobert and Martha Rouzer▲▲PBRC Executive Director Dr. ClaudeBouchard welcomes Dr. Robert E.Brackett, GMA Senior Vice Presidentand Chief Science and RegulatoryAffairs Officer and GMA memberguests who attended the two dayscientific symposium held at PBRC.Bert TurnerMrs. Jane T. BoyceMr. and Mrs. Martin SvendsonP. Chauvin WilkinsonAnn WilkinsonRuth Murphy WilkinsonAnn WilkinsonMary Holt WrightForrest H. Wright, M.D.John H. HernandezMrs. Jane T. BoycePolly HernandezMrs. Jane T. BoyceMr. John H. HernandezJohn B. NolandAnn Wilkinsoneleven

Pennington Biomedical Research Foundation6400 Perkins RoadBaton Rouge, LA 70808-4124www.pbrf.orgwww.pbrc.edu(225) 763-2511Non-Profit Org.U.S. PostagePAIDPermit NO. 664Baton Rouge, LADid you know…PBRC has expanded its research programs tolook for the basis and prevention of dementia.You can help bysupporting this effort.Tofind out how – contactthe Foundation officetoday or visithttp://idrp.pbrc.edu.Pennington biomedicalResearch foundationBoard of directorsTim A. Barfield, Jr., ChairmanJohn B. Noland, Immediate Past ChairJ. Gerard "Jerry" Jolly, Vice ChairKevin R. Lyle, SecretaryC. Brent McCoy, TreasurerDirectorsHerschel L. Abbott, Jr.Clay M. AllenAnnette D. BartonJ. Herbert BoydstunJ.S. “Si” Brown, IIIJ. Terrell BrownJoseph “Jay” H. Campbell, Jr.Maxine CormierPaula P. de la BretonneBrace B. Godfrey, Jr.Paul M. HaygoodCharles A. LandryCarl S. Luikart, M.D.Elizabeth “Betsy” S. NaltyGeorge D. Nelson, Jr.Nanette NolandKevin P. Reilly, Sr.Elizabeth Querbes SammonsJohn SpainEx-OfficioClaude Bouchard, Ph.D.Executive Director, PBRCJohn V. Lombardi, Ph.D.President, LSU SystemMelvin "Kip" HoldenMayor-President, East Baton Rouge ParishAdam KnappPresident/CEO, Baton Rouge Area ChamberAnne W. Hise and Bill HiseAnnual Giving Co-ChairsJennifer Winstead, PBRF President/CEOJ. Brad Jewell, PBRF Chief Financial OfficerYou Can Make a Difference!Make your gift during the Annual Giving CampaignPlease make a gift today to help continue the vital funding for nutrition-based research.PBRC is striving to prevent premature death from chronic diseases such as heart disease,diabetes, cancer, obesity and dementia. Your support will provide funds for vitallyneeded research equipment, expanded laboratory facilities and resources for recruitmentof world-class faculty members.WAYS TO MAKE YOUR GIFT:Make a gift online at www.pbrf.orgCall us at (225) 763-2646 to make your gift by phoneTo mail your gift, use the enclosedpostage-paid envelope or send to:●●●●●●Pennington Biomedical Research Foundation6400 Perkins RoadBaton Rouge, Louisiana 70808Please remember the Pennington Biomedical Research Foundation in your estate plans.Thank you for supporting the work of PBRC with your gift to thePennington Biomedical Research Foundation..Printed by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana as a community service.Responsibility for editorial content is solely that of the Pennington Biomedical Research Center and Foundation.