Human and non–human primate islet cell transplantation (ICT)

The ability to perform ICT at Ohio State epitomizes advancement in the care of patients with severe beta cell pancreatic diseases. The ICT program in both human and non-human primates has been a joint venture between Ohio State's Diabetes and Metabolism Research Center and Comprehensive Transplantation Center. Dr. Wang, a researcher within the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism and the Diabetes and Metabolism Research Center, set up an entire lab devoted to the basic research of islet cell biology. The lab is wholly focused on clinical research in the related field of diabetes study, which Dr. Wang had initially started at the HHMI lab in the University of Chicago in November 2006.

Improving beta cell function in young Mexican American women with prediabetes

This R01-funded investigation, led by principal investigator Willa Hsueh, MD, targets serious health disparities in metabolic disease in a highly vulnerable, rapidly growing population. It tests novel gender- and culturally-focused intervention strategies lead by co-investigator Evangelina Villagomez, PhD, in Houston, TX. The study team includes, Kathleen Wyne, MD, PhD, and David Bradley, MD. The primary endpoint will be improved pancreatic function Beta (β)-cell function (acute insulin response, deposition index) defined by frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance testing. Secondary endpoints include changes in β-cell markers (C-peptide, insulinogenic index (IGI), glucagon), novel plasma biomarkers that predict diabetes and inflammation and metabolic syndrome components.

Most genes that have been identified for diabetes-related traits influence β-cell growth, differentiation and function. Co-investigators from UCLA, Drs. Rotter, Chen and Goodarzi, will assist this team in selecting a group of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on the Metabochip to correlate variations in such type 2 diabetes genes and loci with insulin responses and other phenotypes in liraglutide-treated subjects.

Our objective is to combine an intensive lifestyle intervention approach (LSI), in combination with a glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist to improve β-cell function and prevent the downward spiral of metabolic disease in the Mexican American community plagued by poverty. We are targeting Mexican American women because they have the highest rates of metabolic syndrome in the U.S. compared to men or other ethnic groups.

Glucose fluctuations and comorbidities in patients with diabetes

Recent large multicenter inpatient and outpatient studies have highlighted the potential benefits as well as potential dangers of tight blood sugar control. Such studies have prompted calls for safer, more individualized approaches to diabetes therapy, particularly in patients with end organ complications. In particular, measures to stabilize glucose fluctuations may have the potential to preserve or enhance the benefits of glycemic control while reducing the risks for hypoglycemia. Several preliminary studies indicate that extreme fluctuations in glucose (glucose variability) are associated with cellular dysfunction, heart rhythm abnormalities and death, even if more conventional assessments of “average” glucose are acceptable.

Research initiatives include retrospective analysis of quality control measures as well as prospective studies, including the study of optimal methods of implementing insulin therapy in the hospital setting and the utility of continuous subcutaneous glucose monitoring technology.

A clinical trial for patients diagnosed with Hypophosphatasia.

Please contact Aleitha Gates at 614-366-4104.

A clinical trial for patients diagnosed with congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Please contact Maryam Aziz Bhatti at 614-688-6262.

A clinical trial for participants diagnosed with Primary Aldosteronism.

Please contact Lindsey Aldrich at 614-688-6885.

A disease monitoring study for patients diagnosed with Autosomal Dominant Hypocalcemia Types 1 and 2.

Please contact Maryam Aziz Bhatti 614-688-6262.

A registry collecting data on patients diagnosed with Hypophosphatasia.

Please contact Thaina Gatti at 614-688-3785.

A registry for patients diagnosed with Hypoparathyroidism.

Please contact Thaina Gatti at 614-688-3785.

A clinical trial for Paltusotine in participants diagnosed with Acromegaly.

Please contact Aleitha Gates at 614-366-4104.

A clinical trial for African American patients with pre-diabetes.

Please contact Maryam Aziz Bhatti at 614-688-6262.

A clinical trial for patients diagnosed with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Please contact Hangil Kim at 614-688-6858.

A registry collecting data on patients with NASH.

Please contact Thaina Gatti at 614-688-3785.

A clinical trial for patients diagnosed with X-linked Hypophosphatemia.

Please contact Lindsey Aldrich at 614-688-6885.