Dr. David Poole

Department: Kinesiology and Anatomy & Physiology
poole@vet.k-state.edu
Dr. Poole's webpage in Kinesiology, Dr. Poole's webpage in Anatomy & Physiology

The delivery of oxygen to tissues at a rate proportional to their metabolic demands requires a highly sensitive and rapid degree of control to avoid tissue hypoxia and energetic dysfunction. For instance, skeletal muscles during exercise may require 100-fold more oxygen than at rest and slow system kinetics, such as found in chronic heart failure, diabetes and cancer, deplete finite energy stores and induce fatigue. Our laboratory uses a range of novel and established strategies (e.g., nitrate supplementation, altered oxidant state, dietary fish oil) to alter tissue oxygenation and impact metabolic control. Greater understanding of these processes will enhance targeted therapeutic strategies for tumors and, by increasing the exercise tolerance of patients, will improve their quality of life. The capacity to engage in regular physical exercise substantially reduces the risk of many forms of cancer.