Dr. Martha L. Slattery, Ph.D.

Professor, Division of Clinical Epidemiology

Title: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY OF ALASKA NATIVES & AMERICAN INDIANS - NIH National Cancer Institute

Obesity or lack or energy balance appears to be critical to the development of several chronic diseases, including cancers of the colon, uterus, prostate and breast, diabetes, and heart disease. Obesity and its consequences represent the largest single health disparity among American Indians. In this continuation of the Navajo portion of the Alaska Native American Indian cohort, we propose to study the broad spectrum of energetics encompassing both causes and consequences of obesity. Our initial work shows on the Navajo Nation shows that almost 50% of the population has a BMI of 30 or more. We propose: 1) to examine the underlying susceptibility to obesity and lack of energy balance by studying genetic susceptibility and how diet and activity patterns interact with genetic susceptibility to cause obesity and weight change; 2) to study the metabolic consequences of obesity as it predisposes to alterations in inflammation, insulin, and metabolic syndrome; and 3) to obtain a better understanding of the socio-cultural and behavioral aspects of obesity. We propose to monitor the existing population enrolled (N=7500) through short questionnaires, clinic visits, and electronic medical record abstracts and to collect saliva samples. With these existing participants we will examine genetic susceptibility to weight change. We also propose to enroll 10,000 additional participants to further establish the cohort and address study goals. Baseline data are collected using a computerized audio- self-administered questionnaire that includes a diet history, a physical activity history, and medical history. Medical measurements include waist and hip circumference, height, weight, blood pressure, LDL, HDL, glucose, total cholesterol, and C-reactive protein. DNA samples will be collected via a saliva sample. We propose to incorporate genetic information regarding control of appetite and satiety to evaluate causes of obesity and genes regulating insulin and inflammation to examine the consequences of obesity. We will evaluate how diet and lifestyle factors influence genetic susceptibility to both the causes and consequences of obesity. IMPORTANCE: The genetic and behavioral focus of this proposal will help obtain a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms and complex interactions of the multifaceted biological pathways associated with obesity. This study is a critical step towards developing effective approaches to alleviate health disparities among Navajo people stemming from obesity.

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Principal Investigator:

• Martha L. Slattery, Ph.D.
Marty.Slattery@hsc.utah.edu

Co-Investigators:

    • Maureen Murtaugh, Ph.D.
         Maureen.Murtaugh@hsc.utah.edu
    • Lillian Tom-Orme, Ph.D.
         Lillian.Tom-Orme@hsc.utah.edu

Research Associates:

    • Sandra Edwards
         Sandra.Edwards@hsc.utah.edu
    • Khe-ni Ma
         Khe-ni.Ma@hsc.utah.edu
    • Amy Rogers
         Amy.Rogers@hsc.utah.edu

Study Coordinators:

      • Leslie Palmer
         Leslie.Palmer@hsc.utah.edu
      • Clarina Clark
         Clarina.Clark@hsc.utah.edu
      • Carmen George
         Carmen.George@hsc.utah.edu

Bone Densitometrists:

      • Jean Bia
         Jean.Bia@hsc.utah.edu
      • Celena George
         Celena.George@hsc.utah.edu

Research Assistant:

• Alison Edwards
Alison.Edwards@hsc.utah.edu

Computer Professionals:

      • Roger Edwards
         Roger.Edwards@hsc.utah.edu
      • Wesley George
         Wesley.George@hsc.utah.edu

Administration:

      • Tricia Sweeney
         Tricia.Sweeney@hsc.utah.edu
      • Nefi Aquilar
         Nefi.Aguilar@hsc.utah.edu