The Radhakrishnan Pediatric Surgical Laboratory is approximately 1,200 sq. ft. and is located on the 3rd floor of Research Building 6. The focus of the laboratory is cardiovascular physiology after burn injury. Specifically, we examine the effect
of burn injury on cardiac function, mitochondrial function, and cardiac fibrogenesis. In addition, we examine the role of burn injury on intestinal smooth muscle function, including contractility and mitochondrial function. Furthermore, we collaborate
with the UTMB Biochemistry Department to identify novel derivatives of natural compounds to modulate fibrogenesis. The lab space includes bench space, cell culture, fluorescence microscopy, RT-PCR, and immunohistochemistry facilities.
Additionally, the lab has capabilities to perform advanced cardiovascular monitoring on small and large animals as well as patients for clinical study. Specifically, we explore heart rate variability as a methodology to identify sepsis after burn injury in patients and in animal models. Moreover, we examine cardiac function and cardiac physiology utilizing pressure volume loop analysis.
The lab has extensive experience in machine learning and data mining techniques to identify patterns in large bodies of data. The lab has been funded by the Department of Defense since 2014 to study sepsis after burn injury in burn patients utilizing heart rate variability and machine learning techniques.
The Division is dedicated to clinical and outcomes research in pediatric obesity. We currently have multiple approved prospective and retrospective IRBs dedicated to the investigation and treatment of childhood and adolescent obesity and obesity-related conditions. The gastrointestinal
effects of obesity are being evaluated through liver and serum banking of obese adolescents with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Funding for these projects includes two President’s Cabinet Awards from UTMB, the Adolescent Weight Loss Program and the Tough and Tiny Program.