The Metabolism Core was designed to provide state-of-the-art assessments of human energy expenditure, substrate metabolism, body composition, body fat distribution, and bone quality; to provide cost-effective, centralized analytical services to ongoing funded and pilot research projects; to promote multi-disciplinary research and training in clinical nutrition and obesity across the UAB campus; and to offer training, advice, and instruction to students, fellows, and investigators.
History
The Cost of Nutrition Sciences established the “Energy Metabolism Research Unit” (EMRU) in 1994 to provide a comprehensive assessment of human body composition, energy expenditure, and substrate metabolism. Services offered were body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA); body volume/density by underwater weighting; free-living energy expenditure by doubly-labeled water; 24-h energy metabolism using whole-room indirect calorimetry; and resting and exercise energy metabolism by the portable metabolic monitor (indirect calorimetry). In 2000, the EMRU became the “Energy Metabolism / Body Composition Core” of the NIDDK-funded Clinical Nutrition Research Center (CNRC). During the 2005 CNRC renewal, the name was changed to the “Metabolism Core.” The DXA was updated to a wider scanning bed and a table that could accommodate patients up to 450 lbs. In 2011, the Metabolism Core continued under the newly funded Nutrition Obesity Research Center (NORC).
Services (Research only)
Energy Expenditure/Substrate Metabolism:
- Total energy expenditure by doubly-labeled water
- Resting energy expenditure by indirect calorimetry
- 24-h energy expenditure by whole-room indirect calorimetry
- Design consultation
Body Composition:
- Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry
- Total body water by isotope dilution
- Multi-compartment models
- MRI/CT scan analysis
Exercise and Physical Activity:
- Maximal and submaximal oxygen consumption during exercise
- Strength testing
- Functional testing
- Accelerometry
Resources
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Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer (IRMS)
The Core is equipped with two IRMS (Optima and Delta-V) for measurement of enrichment of deuterium and oxygen-18 in biological samples. Stable isotope dilution and metabolism can be used to assess body composition and free-living energy expenditure.
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Indirect Calorimetry (resting)
Two open-circuit metabolic monitors are available for assessment of resting energy expenditure (REE) and substrate oxidation (fat, carbohydrate) (Vmax ENCORE 29N Systems, SensorMedics Corporation, Yorba Linda, CA).
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Indirect Calorimetry (whole-room)
Room indirect calorimetry is used for evaluation of 24-h energy metabolism. The calorimeter has a gross volume of 17,500 liters (3.4m long, 2.1m wide, and 2.6m high). It is equipped with a fold-out bed, desk, chair, refrigerator, toilet, sink, television, video player, telephone, and airlock for the passage of food and materials in and out of the room. Data can be collected for sleeping energy expenditure, resting energy expenditure, physical activity-related energy expenditure, and diet-induced thermogenesis. Activity is monitored by a short-range, precision microwave motion detector.
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Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA)
DXA for determination of total and regional body compositionThe Core houses two iDXA instruments (GE-Lunar Radiation Corp. Madison, WI) for assessment of total and regional body composition. The new CoreScan software includes an estimate of visceral fat that is produced by subtracting measured subcutaneous abdominal fat from measured total abdominal fat. Bone density of the spine and hip also can be assessed. Whole-body scans require ~10-15 min. Additional hip or spine scans require re-positioning and re-scanning.
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
MRI results showing thigh muscle
and adipose tissue
MRI scanning is conducted on clinical scanners in the Departments of Radiology and Cardiology at UAB. The Department of Radiology offers MRI scans on a Philips 1.5 Tesla Ingenia Omega HP; Cardiology uses a Philips Intera 3 Tesla scanner (Philips Medical Systems, Best, The Netherlands). Scanning is not offered as a NORC Core service; rather, each investigator makes his/her own arrangements with the appropriate departmental personnel, and arranges for faculty in Radiology/Cardiology to provide assistance with determining appropriate acquisition parameters. The Core provides scan analysis, and assistance with making necessary contacts.
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Parvo Medics TrueOne® 2400
The TrueOne 2400 is a computerized, integrated metabolic measurement system for cardiopulmonary stress testing, indirect calorimetry, and maximal O2 consumption measurement.
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LODE Cycle Ergometer
The Lode Corival ergometer has a digital interface and can be controlled easily by the Parvo Medics TrueOne for obtaining timely, accurate measurements.The workload is adjustable in a range of 7 to 1000 watts.
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Actigraph GT3X-BT accelerometers with ActiLife software
The ActiGraph wGT3X-BT captures and records high resolution raw acceleration data, which is converted into a variety of objective activity and sleep measures.
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Hypoxico HYP-123
The HYP-123 hypoxicator can assist in boosting the body’s oxygen transport systems through enhanced ventilation, naturally increased EPO production and increased mitochondrial efficiency.
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CR 2000
Produced by Hypertension Diagnostics, this equipment uses non-invasive radial artery pulse wave analysis for measurement of arterial elasticity.
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Treadmills
Our treadmills sync with the TrueOne 2400 for timely, accurate measurements.
Fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| DLW (IRMS analysis/calculations) | $220 per patient |
| REE (core staff performs test) | $100 per patient |
| REE (investigator performs test) | $75 per patient |
| Room calorimeter | $500 per patient |
| DXA | $75 (whole-body) $75 (hip and spine) per patient |
| Total body water (IRMS analysis /calculations) | $60 per patient |
| MRI/CT scan analysis | Based on slice number and location |
| Seca mBCA | $15 per patient |
| Ultrasound | $5 per day |
| VO2max | $80 per patient |
| Submaximal exercise test | $75 per patient |
| Strength testing | $50 per patient |
| Functional testing | $65 per patient |
| Accelerometry with data analysis (4 days) | $50 per patient |
| Accelerometry without data analysis (4 days) | $25 per patient |
All Core users are asked to complete and submit a “Core Use Request Form” when applying for Core services. This form requests information concerning investigator funding, and the types and numbers of services requested.
Teams
Robert Petri
Programmer/Analyst
Nutrition Sciences Research
Zhaojing Zeng
Scientist I
Nutrition Sciences Research
Heather Hunter
Scientist I
Nutrition Sciences Research
David Bryan
Clinical Research Coordinator III
Nutrition Obesity Research Center
Lia Puzzo
Consultant-H
Nutrition Sciences Clinical Services
Contact
Barbara A. Gower, Ph.D.
Director, Metabolism Core
Professor
Department of Nutrition Sciences
School of Health Professions
Phone: (205) 934-4087
Email: