Internship
About the Internship
Workplace
It is estimated that 14% of the adult US population has chronic kidney disease (CKD). This is approximately 1 in 7 adults. Bone loss is a common side effect of CKD which leads to increased risk of bone fractures. Treatments in CKD are challenging due to decreased kidney function, making safe, effective therapies very needed. In the Allen lab, our goal is to explore different factors that can possibly prevent bone loss in those with CKD. This study specifically explored the impact of different dietary fibers on bone health in rats with CKD. We found that all the different fiber types we studied (inulin, pectin, psyllium) protected against bone loss in CKD and mitigated the declines in bone strength. Overall, this study shows that dietary changes may help protect bone and prevent fracture in CKD.
Below if a photo of a 1272 Skyscan CT scanner, which is what I have used at my internship this year. I used it to scan rat tibias to get an internal image of the bones and their densities. (https://miap.eu/equipments/skyscan-1272-%C2%B5ct/)
Project Summary
It is estimated that 14% of the adult US population has chronic kidney disease (CKD). This is approximately 1 in 7 adults. Bone loss is a common side effect of CKD which leads to increased risk of bone fractures. Treatments in CKD are challenging due to decreased kidney function, making safe, effective therapies very needed. In the Allen lab, our goal is to explore different factors that can possibly prevent bone loss in those with CKD. This study specifically explored the impact of different dietary fibers on bone health in rats with CKD. We found that all the different fiber types we studied (inulin, pectin, psyllium) protected against bone loss in CKD and mitigated the declines in bone strength. Overall, this study shows that dietary changes may help protect bone and prevent fracture in CKD.
One of my strengths as a member of the Allen Lab Research Team is that I am attentive and interested in the studies and experiments conducted in the lab. I have grown to become a less-dependent team member. I have learned how to do many tasks independently, only needing assistance occasionally. As the least experienced member of the lab, this was expected. I want to work on diagnostic skills such as CT scanning and using digital scan processing software. Being proficient in using technology and different types of scans is crucial to being successful in the world of healthcare.
The work that I have done this year has contributed to the lab by producing data on some types of dietary fiber that decrease bone loss in CKD. This data can be used by the lab to publish for others to learn and use in creating more effective CKD treatments. I helped produce this data by CT scanning the rat bones, analyzing the density, analyzing the rate of bone growth and loss, and testing the strength of the bones.
I was exposed to many different perspectives of the members of my lab. Some members are highly educated in our field of research, while others like myself are undergrad students using our research as an opportunity to learn more about CKD and bone loss. the varying perspectives allowed us to quickly solve problems whether that be in technology issues, thinking of future study ideas, or reviewing others' research.
