Cardiorespiratory/Metabolic Laboratory (CRML)

Director:  Richard J. Bloomer

Research Focus

Within the Cardiorespiratory/Metabolic Laboratory, we have one global focus: the study of nutrition, isolated nutrients and nutraceuticals, and dietary supplements to improve aspects of health and performance—often linked to oxidative stress. Our work primarily involves human subjects, although sometimes involves animals and cell culture studies (done in conjunction with other investigators within the College of Health Sciences). 

Oxidative stress is a condition in which an imbalance exists between prooxidant and antioxidant levels in such a way that prooxidant production overwhelms antioxidant defenses, often leading to oxidative modification of lipids, proteins, DNA and other molecules in ways that impair cellular function. The generation of these "reactive oxygen and nitrogen species" (often referred to as "free radicals") occurs in part as a consequence of normal cellular metabolism. Under ordinary physiologic conditions, the body's endogenous antioxidant defense system, in conjunction with exogenous antioxidants consumed through dietary sources, act to protect small and large molecules from modification and destruction via oxidants. Regular exercise training can also impart a protective effect against oxidative stress.

Considering the above, many of our past investigations have focused on the study of oxidative stress in response to acute stressors such as feeding and exercise, including methods to alleviate the oxidative burden. More recently, studies have focused on the role of nutrients and dietary supplements to reduce oxidative stress and associated ill-health.

Aside from biochemical measurements, we have tools to measure several cardio-metabolic parameters including resting metabolism, exercise metabolism, electrocardiogram, blood flow and pressure, and related outcomes.