The grant, awarded through the University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, will help to provide new information on how two different diets (one high in sugar vs. the other high in fat) and two different meal frequencies (small frequent meals vs. large meals) affect lipid (fatty acids or their derivatives) production after a meal and overall lipid profiles that affect the risk of cardiovascular disease.

The past few decades heralded an era of high carbohydrate diets, some of which are now known to worsen lipid profiles and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Both diet composition and meal frequency affect lipid synthesis and kinetics, but the specific mechanisms remain unsettled.

This research, entitled “Lipogenesis, Lipoprotein Flux and Cardiovascular Risk: Role of Meal Composition and Frequency,” has the potential of developing evidence-based interventions and dietary guidance to mitigate cardiovascular disease risk and help rethink nutritional advice and policy.

Dr. Schwarz’s research team includes Dr. Kathy Mulligan (UCSF) as co-principal investigator, Dr. Alejandro Gugliucci of TUC, Dr.  Morris Schambelan and Dr. Susan Noworowlsky  (UCSF)  as co investigators, as well as postdoctoral fellows, consultants and research associates at TUC and at UCSF.

So far, the National Institutes of Health has awarded more than $8 million towards research at Touro University California. These projects include adaptation of a novel RNA virus for vaccine use; structure-based discovery and development of HIV-1 fusion inhibitors; and metabolic impact of fructose restriction in obese children.