How to
cite the GCRC!Metabolism Core
The Metabolism Core Laboratory of UAB's General Clinical Research Center, established in June, 1999, provides analytical services and insulin sensitivity assessment for GCRC-supported research studies. The Core Laboratory is located in the Webb Nutrition Sciences Building, and is administered by Director Barbara A. Gower, PhD, Associate Professor. Dr. Gower conducts clinical research in the areas of obesity, endocrinology, and metabolism, and has over 20 years' experience in hormone analysis. She oversees four full-time staff members who conduct the indicated analyses.
Analytical services:
- Hormones, including obesity-related hormones (e.g., leptin, adiponectin), diabetes-related hormones (e.g., insulin, C-peptide, glucagon, GLP-1, GIP), a reproductive-endocrine panel (e.g., estradiol, testosterone, other steroid hormones, gonadotropins), and elements of the IGF system (e.g., IGF-1 and its binding proteins).
- Cytokines and markers of inflammation (all high-sensitivity), including TNF-(Fá and its receptors (RI and RII), IL-6, CRP
- Lipids, glucose, lactate, and other metabolites
- GC/IRMS for assessment of stable isotopes (e.g., O18 and deuterium), including assessment of total body water and free-living energy expenditure by doubly-labeled water
Insulin sensitivity testing:
In conjunction with in-patient nursing, the Metabolism Core provides assessment of insulin sensitivity using the insulin-modified, frequently-sampled, intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) with computer modeling (Minimal Model, “Millennium” version 5.15, © RN Bergman).
For further information, please contact:
Barbara A Gower, PhD, Metabolism Core Director
205-934-4087
bgower@uab.edu
