The Arkansas Integrative Metabolic Research Center (AIMRC) will host Megan Rosa-Caldwell, assistant professor of exercise science at the U of A, at 12:55 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19, in ARKV 0002.

Rosa-Caldwell's research focuses on investigating the short- and long-term effects of musculoskeletal alterations during anorexia nervosa (AN). This includes how skeletal muscle is directly affected by AN or how skeletal muscle health may influence other systems such as the brain, bones and more.

Abstract: Anorexia nervosa is a highly prevalent and difficult-to-treat psychiatric disease. Concurrently with bodyweight loss, there is a substantial loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength. Given muscle mass' key role in metabolic and overall health, these muscle alterations may be a key determinant of short- and long-term health outcomes in this population. In this talk, Rosa-Caldwell will discuss the current clinical literature on muscle health in those with AN or a prior history of AN. She will also discuss preliminary findings on changes to muscle physiology and biology during AN and following weight restoration, as well as highlight future areas for investigation.

Biography: Rosa-Caldwell is an assistant professor of exercise science in the Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation at the U of A. Her research investigates musculoskeletal alterations during anorexia nervosa. Rosa-Caldwell's team has developed a rodent model of anorexia nervosa that simulates the prolonged duration of anorexia nervosa, and using this model, the team investigates how anorexia-induced muscle loss influences acute and long-term health. Rosa-Caldwell currently has over 45 publications in the field of muscle biology and is an active member of the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Physiological Society.

This event is supported by NIGMS of the National Institutes of Health under award number P20GM139768. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

Pizza and beverages will be served. Please contact Kimberley Fuller, fullerk@uark.edu, for more information.

For those unable to attend in person, this seminar will also be available via Zoom.