Request for Funding

Medical Student Research Fellowship for Summer 2004

Mentor: Connie C.W. Hsia, M.D.
Department: Internal Medicine / Pulmonary
Room number: H8.122A
Mail Code: 9034
Phone number: 8-3426
E-mail: Connie.Hsia@utsouthwestern.edu
Project title: Pulmonary oxygen transport in patients with diabetes mellitus

Human subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable): 0290 04300

Animal subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable): N/A

Project Type (patient-based research, animal-based research, or basic research; this characterization is only to permit a general classification for grouping similar types of projects): Patient-based

Brief Description of Project:

Lung diffusing capacity (DL) measures the rate of gas uptake across the alveolar-capillary barrier, and is a clinically useful index of alveolar integrity. DL is significantly reduced at rest and upon exercise in asymptomatic patients with diabetes mellitus. This study will determine if the impairment in DL parallels other indices of microangiopathy, such as albuminuria, retinopathy and neuropathy, and whether established impairment in DL could be reversed by tight blood glucose control. In this project, we will measure lung function including DL at rest and during graded exercise on a cycle ergometer in patients with recent onset or long-standing type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and relate the results to glycemic control as well as indices of renal function, retinopathy and neuropathy.

Previous Research Activities or Publications with Medical Students:

1999, Samson Leung. Summer Medical Student project, "Effect of Retinoic Acid on Regenerative Lung Growth."

2002, Geoff Elmore. Summer Medical Student project, "Exogenous Retinoic Acid Enhances Strain-induced Lung Growth Following Pneumonectomy." Selected for presentation at the 41st Annual Medical Student Research Forum.

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