Grant Abstract: Vitamin D and Arterial Function in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Grant Number: 5K23DK087859-03
PI Name: Kendrick
Project Title: Vitamin D and Arterial Function in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Abstract: DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Dr. Kendrick is currently the chief Nephrology fellow at the University of Colorado at Denver Health Sciences Center whose main area of interest is in vitamin D dysregulation and its relationship with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). She has a strong foundation in epidemiologic research having completed and published in peer-reviewed journals several observational studies in the field of mineral metabolism thereby gaining experience and skills in study design, data analysis, and manuscript writing. She has presented numerous abstracts and oral presentations on her research at national meetings and has participated in a NIH sponsored randomized controlled clinical trial with her mentor, Dr. Michel Chonchol. She received a 2 year AMGEN fellowship grant for her research project on an observational study of 1133 patients with advanced CKD in which she thoroughly examined the relationship between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) levels with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease events, providing good preliminary data for the present proposal. Her immediate career goal is to establish herself as an independent investigator in the field of mineral metabolism. Her long-term career goal is to become a successful clinical investigator and academician and to establish and direct extramurally funded clinical studies in mineral metabolism and vascular disease in CKD patients. In order to become a successful independent investigator, Dr. Kendrick will receive training in clinical techniques including study design, patient recruitment and data analysis through her primary mentor, Dr. Chonchol, Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Colorado at Denver and Director of Clinical Research in the Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, a highly experienced clinical investigator in the field of mineral metabolism and CVD in patients with CKD. She will also receive training in brachial artery flow- mediated dilation, endothelial cell collections and immunofluorescence measurements through her co-mentor Dr. Douglas Seals, Professor of Integrative Medicine at the University of Colorado at Boulder, a highly experienced and nationally renowned investigator in vascular pathophysiology. She will receive additional training in experimental design and statistical analyses through a consulting mentor, Dr. Kim McFann, Faculty member at the University of Colorado School of Public Health. She will also receive further training in conducting clinical trials through her consulting mentor, Dr. Tomas Berl, Professor of Medicine at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. Dr. Berl has vast experience conducting clinical trials and has been a member of the Collaborative Study Group for over 20 years and now serves on the executive committee. She has already completed a Certificate in Public Health Sciences in which she took classes in biostatistics, epidemiology, research design, and ethics. She is enrolling in the Master of Public Health Program and will complete this degree in the first two years of the award period. She already has 21 of the 42 credits required for the Master's degree. She will also be involved in other activities that will enhance her academic career including opportunities for teaching and for publications. She has completed training in the responsible conduct of research through the Colorado IRB as well as public health classes and will continue to receive training throughout the award period. Dr. Kendrick will have 75-85% protected time to devote to the proposed research activities of the K23 award. She will also be provided with a research coordinator by the Nephrology Division who will help with patient recruitment and follow-up and will assist with measurements planned in this proposal. CVD is the leading cause of mortality in CKD patients and large artery damage

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