Research

Clinical Research
The Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center’s Intramural Research Program involves more than 225 research projects focused on improving health care for veterans. These projects are funded by more than $10 million from multiple sources, including more than $5 million from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.

Various medical disciplines are of interest to veterans’ affairs researchers, including diabetes, cancer, hypertension, liver disease, epilepsy, mental health, skin disorders, spinal cord injuries, and immune disorders. In addition, the VA Medical Center’s affiliation with the University of Miami School of Medicine has attracted pioneers in chronic fatigue, HIV/AIDS, and transplant research.

As a result, many of the research studies at the VA Medical Center have multiple points of focus. By studying the evolving characteristics of disease processes and the outcomes of long-term treatment, medical care can be improved for all patients, regardless of age.

Dr. Carlos Abraira, Dr. Jennifer Marks, Dr. Fernando Samos, and Dr. Andrew Taylor have recently initiated a seven-year study focusing on the relationship between the control of blood glucose in diabetes and the occurrence of heart attack and stroke. Their results are anticipated to improve the long-term health of veterans who develop diabetes.

The long-term effects of psychiatric diseases such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and depression are being examined by Dr. Richard Douyon, Dr. Maria Llorente, and Dr. Frederico Adan. They are studying the function and quality of life in patients afflicted with these mental illnesses, as well as the effect on their families. These studies are expected to yield valuable theoretical and methodological insights into the long-term effects of psychiatric disorders and treatment outcomes.

Dr. Nancy Klimas has initiated several studies on the disease mechanisms and treatment strategies for patients suffering from life-long immunological disorders such as chronic fatigue syndrome and HIV. These research efforts may provide insight into immune mechanisms in other disease processes.

Dr. Eugene Ramsay and Dr. John DeToledo have focused on the treatment of epilepsy to examine the effect of drug dose, absorption, and metabolism for medications to treat elderly patients suffering from seizures. It is expected that new research in this area will vastly improve the outcome and quality of life for patients suffering from this disorder as well as provide new information on how drugs are processed in older patients.

Basic Science Research
In addition to clinically-focused studies, the center also has an active basic science research program, which enhances the clinical program. Laboratory work on the cellular mechanisms of disease and the effects of drug treatments allow for new therapies to be developed and tested in a controlled environment without harm to patients.

An ongoing basic science project directed by Dr. John Hackman is investigating different patterns in gene expression of Gamma Amino Butyric Acid (GABA) receptors in human neuronal cells provided by organ donors. The GABA receptor is involved in the effects of sedatives and anti-anxiety medications. Knowledge of the different types of GABA receptors in humans will allow for the development of more effective drugs to alleviate suffering with fewer side effects.

At Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center several laboratory scientists are researching the development and degeneration of brain cells. Dr. Paul Schiller and colleagues are studying the mechanisms involved in the early generation of neurons. Knowledge provided by these experiments may generate new ideas about the protection and survival of these cells. Dr. Joseph Neary studies mechanisms involved in neuronal injury and disease. Dr. Michael Nuremburg investigates cellular mechanisms involved in brain cell degeneration.

Kidney disease and hypertension are under investigation by Dr. Leopoldo Raij and Dr. Edgar Jaimes. They study the hormonal regulation of cellular processes to develop new treatment strategies for these life-threatening diseases.

In 1991, the Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center was designated a Geriatric Research, Educational, and Clinical Center (GRECC) under the co-direction of Dr. Bernard Roos and Dr. Guy Howard. Incorporating a multifaceted approach to disease processes and the biological, psychological, and sociological effects of illness on an aging population of patients, three major areas of collaborative research have been emphasized, including biomedical basic science, applied clinical studies, and the delivery of health services. Laboratory studies include work on bone and cartilage metabolism, prostate disease, and neurodegeneration. Clinical studies have focused on osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, Paget’s disease, and prostate cancer. To obtain more information concerning on-going GRECC research, visit www.va.gov/seniors.