Research Interests

Anil D. Kulkarni, MSc, Ph.D.

Professor of Surgery

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Role of Nutritional Nucleotides in Immunomodulation

The focus of my research is role of nutritional nucleotides in immunomodulation. My current project studies dietary nucleotide supplementation and its immunomodulatory application in microgravity. These studies involve in vivo and in vitro models of simulated microgravity namely the anti-orthostatic tail suspension of mice and in vitro studies using NASA developed Bioreactor where lymphocytes are cultured under constant free fall state. We will examine the mechanisms involved in nucleotide supplementation as a countermeasure to obviate immune dysfunction in microgravity by looking at the molecular level for expression of various cytokines and intracellular messages.

Other projects study the role of nutrition and immune response in wound healing using various animal models. These wound models include normal and experimental diabetic animals. We measure several parameters of wound healing such as collagen deposition, collagenase levels, histology, and quantitative image analysis measurements of wound closure.

We are also interested in clinical applications of nucleotide preparations and currently developing a protocol for human studies.

A tutorial in my laboratory would provide opportunities in various immunological methodology in general and especially in relation to above referred projects. You would also learn the importance and relevance of translational nutritional immunology in the medical field.

Other Projects:

• Nutrition and melanoma in space environment.

• Nutrition and radiation effects in microgravity.

• Nutritional countermeasure to radiation effects in microgravity.

• Anti-tumor immunity in anti-orthostatic model of simulated microgravity.

• Role of nitric oxide and relationship to immunity in microgravity.

• Application of simulated microgravity methodology to study immunity and infection resistance in space.

• Nucleotide nutrition in stress, shock and trauma.

• Clinical studies of enteral nucleotide nutrition in trauma patients.

• Role of green tea and its components in neuro-immune axis and microgravity.

Patents:

Ribonucleotide Preparations and Uses Thereof (U.S. Patent No. 5,712,256).

Methods & Compositions for Promotion of Wound Healing. (U. S. Patent No. 6,342,484).

Location & Contact

6431 Fannin Street
MSB 4.020
Houston, Texas 77030
Tel: 713-500-7200
Fax: 713-500-7213

Faculty Biography

• Anil D. Kulkarni, MSc, Ph.D.
• Professor of Surgery
• Department of Surgery
• The University of Texas Medical School at Houston
  6431 Fannin Street, MSB 4.164
  Houston, Texas 77030
• phone: (713) 500-7303
  fax: (713) 500-7268
  e-mail: Anil.D.Kulkarni@uth.tmc.edu

Research Interests