Association of the Composite Inflammatory Biomarker GlycA, with Exercise-Induced Changes in Body Habitus in Men and Women with Prediabetes

David Bartlett is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology. He earned his PhD in Immunology from the University of Birmingham, England where he specialized in the effects of exercise and lifestyles on immune function and systemic inflammation in the elderly. He was awarded a coveted Marie Curie Outgoing Fellowship from the European Union which brought him to Duke under the guidance of William Kraus, MD where he assessed the immunological and physiological responses of exercise training in patients with prediabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. His laboratory studies the effects of exercise and energy balance on immune function and physiology of patient groups including cancer, arthritis and diabetes. His research program is focused on human studies employing a wide range of techniques including human physiological testing, exercise training to in vitro and ex vivo cellular assays. 

Research in our laboratory focuses on the role of nutrition (particularly vitamins and minerals) in the prevention and management of chronic diseases in older adults. Previous studies have concerned trace elements and cardiovascular disease, calcium and osteoporosis, and renal synthesis of vitamin D as it relates to bone health. Some of our newest work emphasizes the role of micronutrients as antioxidants and their interaction with the aging process. We are also working on various aspects of energy balance in older adults, ranging from failure to thrive in stroke patients with dysphagia to exercise and nutrition effects in overweight subjects who begin physical training. Thus we have a number of clinical and epidemiological projects on-going, many of which include a strong emphasis on nutrition assessment techniques in middle-aged and elderly subjects.

Determining the role of physical activity in modulating health outcomes (cardiovascular disease risk) in persons with rheumatologic diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, gout, osteoarthritis)

Integrating clinical rheumatology, basic immunology, metabolism, and exercise science in order to reduce morbidity in individuals with arthritis

Evaluating relationships between circulating and intra-muscular metabolic intermediates and insulin resistance in sedentary as well as individuals engaging in regular exercise

Addressing the role of physical activity in modulating inflammation, metabolism, and functional health in aging populations