The IMAGE Research Group’s annual Holiday Party took place on December 2nd, with over 100 past and current IMAGE study participants in attendance. The highlight of the very successful evening was the reunion of past study participants with their favorite PRAs, introductions of current participants with study investigators, and plenty of socialization (and even a little friendly competition) between study participants themselves.

Another highlight of the evening was two edible Jello molds created by TEAM participant, Bill Starke. Starke, a local artist, created lifelike heart and brain “sculptures” as an expression of his gratitude to the IMAGE group. Thank you, Bill!

NEEDED: A Few Good Men
Multi-year Studies Nearing Completion

Two of the IMAGE groups most popular studies—TEAM and MR ACET—are wrapping up this next year.

The TEAM Study began recruiting participants in 2005. The study examines the effects of testosterone supplementation and exercise in men who have lownormal testosterone levels. Eligible men are aged 60 years or older, non-smokers, in good general health, and not currently doing high-intensity weight lifting exercise.

So far, over 60 men have completed the yearlong study, and TEAM will continue to recruit eligible participants through May 2009. If you are interested in finding out more information regarding this study, or have a friend or spouse that may be interested, please contact Bethany Kelsey at 720.848.6399.

The MR ACET Study examines how the use of acetaminophen and ibuprofen affects muscle and bone adaptations to exercise training in men. Eligible participants are aged 50 years or older, not currently in a weight lifting program, have no history of peptic ulcers or stomach bleeding, and do not typically use acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or similar drugs more than 3 days per month.

MR ACET began enrolling in January 2007 and is about halfway to the enrollment goal. We are seeking another 20 men to participate in the upcoming year. The study includes 16 weeks of weight training with the option to continue training up to 9 months. For more information about participating, please contact Lindsey Stermole at 720.848.6481.

New IMAGE Study:CYCLE2

Did you know that endurance athletes, such as runners and cyclists, may be at risk for low bone density? In some studies as many as two-thirds of competitive cyclists have been found to have low bone density. Additionally, a study recently completed by the IMAGE group at the University of Colorado Denver showed that male cyclists lose bone density over the course of a year of training and competition. The rate of loss was similar to the expected declines in postmenopausal women.

The reasons for this loss of bone density are not known. One possibility is that calcium loss through sweating results in a decrease in blood calcium levels. This decrease triggers the release of calcium from bones to keep blood calcium levels normal. Over time, frequent episodes of releasing calcium from bones may lead to a decline in bone density. Drs. Dan Barry, Kent Hansen, and Wendy Kohrt are currently conducting another study in competitive male cyclists to determine whether taking a calcium supplement before exercise sessions can prevent the decline in bone density. If calcium can be absorbed from the intestine during exercise, rather than being released from bones, this may help to protect the bone density of these athletes.

And...New Faces in the IMAGE Group

Kent Hansen, PhD, is a postdoctoral research fellow working with Dr. Wendy Kohrt. Dr. Hansen received his PhD in Nutritional Science from UW-Madison in 2006 and his Master’s in Exercise Science at the University of Montana in 2001. His research interests include how aging affects fat accumulation spurned by the hormone shift of menopause. He is also interested in the relationship between bone and fat cells.

Dr. Kerry Hildreth received her M.D. from Duke University in 2004, where she also completed a residency in Internal Medicine from 2004-2007. During her fellowship in Geriatric Medicine at the University of Colorado Denver from 2007-2009, she began working with Drs. Robert Schwartz and Rachel Van Pelt investigating the relationship between cardiometabolic risk factors and cognitive impairment/dementia. Current research looks at novel treatments—medication or exercise—to attenuate cognitive decline in individuals at risk for Alzheimer’s Disease.

• The MOXI Study is examining how the use of ibuprofen in older, exercising women and men affects muscle and bone health. Eligible participants are 60-75 years of age who are not currently in a weight lifting program, have no history of peptic ulcers or stomach bleeding, and do not typically use acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or similar drugs more than 3 days per month. (COMIRB #06-0769)
• The DRIFT study is comparing the effect of two different diet methods - a normal, low calorie diet or intermittent fasting (not eating or drinking anything with calories every other day) - on weight loss and other health measures. Eligible participants are women and men, 18-55 years, who are obese based on a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 (to determine your BMI go to www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi). (COMIRB # 06-0383)
• The POEM Study is examining whether 6 months of cardiovascular exercise training or a study drug (Pioglitazone) can improve memory function. Eligible participants are healthy adults over the age of 55 years who are experiencing mild memory problems, are slightly overweight and considered pre-diabetic, non-smokers, and not regularly exercising. (COMIRB # 07-1215)
• The Lose-It Study will investigate the amount of exercise that health care providers should prescribe in order for patients to maintain weight loss. Eligible participants are healthy men and women between 18-45 years of age. Participants must be willing to engage in lifestyle changes including diet modifications and up to 100 minutes of daily physical activity. (COMIRB # 06-0369)
• The Minimally Invasive Total Knee Replacement Study looks at different surgical approaches for total knee replacement and combines these with a progressive rehabilitation program. Eligible adults are 50 to 85 years of age and are candidates for knee replacement surgery with Dr. Michael Dayton at the University of Colorado Hospital. (COMIRB #06-0183)
• The Rehabilitation for Total Knee Replacement Study is investigating 2 rehabilitation programs designed to restore muscle strength more effectively to improve function with daily activities. Eligible adults are 50 to 85 years of age and are candidates for knee replacement surgery. (COMIRB #06-0074)

• The POWER Study is examining the role of the female sex hormone estrogen in preventing excess fat gain in women. Eligible participants are healthy women aged 20-40, who have regular menstrual cycles, and are not currently using hormonal contraceptives. (COMIRB #06-0512)
• The FLARE Study is examining how leg and hip liposuction surgery affects fat metabolism and cardiovascular health. Eligible participants are healthy pre- or postmenopausal women aged 40-55 years who are good candidates for leg and hip liposuction surgery and not using oral contraceptives or hormone therapy. (COMIRB #07-0339)

• The SHAPE study is examining how short-term changes in estrogen affect cardiovascular health. Eligible participants are premenopausal women 21-35, perimenopausal women 40-55, and postmenopausal women 45-70 years, who are non-smokers, have normal blood pressure, and who are not taking birth control or hormone therapy. (COMIRB # 06-0537)
• The MUSE study is investigating the effects of estrogen on changes in muscle due to lack of use. Eligible participants are women aged 21-40, who have regular menstrual cycles, are not currently using hormonal contraceptives, are physically active but not competitive athletes, and willing to wear a knee brace and use crutches for 9 days. (COMIRB #07-0379)
• The SCALE study is examining the role of the sex hormone estrogen and weight loss on the metabolism of the stress hormone cortisol. Eligible participants are overweight/ obese but otherwise healthy, non-smoking postmenopausal (40-59 years), not currently on hormone replacement, and willing to take part in a 1 month estrogen therapy study followed by a 4 month supervised exercise program to lose weight. (COMIRB #07-0278)

• The TEAM study is examining the effects of testosterone supplementation and exercise in men who have low-normal testosterone levels. Eligible participants are men, 60 years and older, non-smokers, in good general health, and not currently doing high-intensity weight lifting exercise. (COMIRB # 02-1056)
• The Mr. ACET study is examining how the use of acetaminophen and ibuprofen in older, exercising men, affects muscle and bone health. Eligible participants are men, 60 years and older, who are not currently in a weight lifting program, have no history of peptic ulcers or stomach bleeding, and do not typically use acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or similar drugs more than 3 days per month. (COMIRB # 06-0343)
• The PROXI study is determining if weight lifting helps to prevent the loss of muscle and bone mass that occurs in men with prostate cancer on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Eligible participants are men, 45-85 years, with prostate cancer, who are taking ADT or plan to start ADT. (COMIRB #02-958)