Suresh Mathews, PhD, MPhil, MSc, FACN, FICS serves as Interim Dean, School of Public Health and Chair of Nutrition and Dietetics at Samford University. Dr. Mathews carried out clinical research on human malaria for his PhD dissertation and received his doctoral degree in Biochemistry from the University of Madras, India. He has held previous academic appointments at Auburn University, AL, Wayne State University School of Medicine, MI, and at the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, India.

Dr. Mathews served as Science Advisor for the United States Department of Agriculture, for 2 terms. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Association of Nutrition Departments and Programs. Dr. Mathews is a distinguished professor and researcher, genuinely committed to the academic success of students, encouraging student participation and critical thinking, and producing impactful research in the field of obesity and diabetes. Students have been able to benefit from Dr. Mathews’ personal and cross-cultural experiences.

Dr. Mathews has authored/co-authored over 130 peer-reviewed articles, published abstracts, and conference proceedings and has been funded by research grants from the American Diabetes Association, USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture and others. He is an invited reviewer for funding agencies nationally and internationally, serves on the editorial board of several journals, and is an invited speaker at conferences and symposia worldwide. At the community level, Dr. Mathews serves on the Board of the Community Foodbank of Central Alabama. Dr. Mathews serves as an honorary faculty for the Mar Thoma Institute of Mission and Culture. Through the Mar Thoma Mission Board, Dr. Mathews has served as Missions coordinator for the MOWA-Choctaw Native American Youth Mission for nearly 20 years and has been leading a Bible-study for the last 10 years.

Degrees and Certifications

• PhD, medical biochemistry, University of Madras, India
• MPhil, medical biochemistry, University of Madras, India
• MSc, biochemistry, Bharathiar University, India
• BSc, biochemistry, University of Madras, India

Expertise

• Clinical investigation in communicable diseases and chronic diseases, molecular mechanisms of insulin resistance and inflammation, and role of diet, plant bioactives, and physical activity in disease prevention and health promotion

Awards and Honors

• Outstanding Scholarship Award, School of Public Health, 2024

• Commencement speaker, Samford University, 2023
• USDA-NIFA, Grant Panel Manager, 2015, 2021-2022
• Fellow, American College of Nutrition, 2014
• Fellow, Indian Chemical Society, 1991

Publications

Students mentored are indicated with an asterisk (*)

• Wang M, Cantrell C, Mathews ST, Paudel P, Lee J, Mentreddy Agronomy, chemical analysis, and antidiabetic activity of basil (Ocimum species). ACS Food Science and Technology, 2, 8, 1243–1256, 2022
• Kothari V*, Babu JR, Mathews ST. AMP-activated kinase negatively regulates hepatic fetuin-A via p38 MAPK/C/EBPb/E3 ubiquitin ligase signaling pathway. PLoS ONE 17(5): e0266472, 2022
• Ren G*, Bowers R, Kim T, Mahurin AJ, Grandjean PW, Mathews ST. Serum fetuin-A and Ser312 phosphorylated fetuin-A responses and markers of insulin sensitivity after a single bout of moderate intensity exercise. Physiological Reports, 9: e14773, 2021
• Ren G*, Bowers R, Kim T, Araya-Ramirez F, Mahurin AJ, Dennis JD, Dean DM, Grandjean PW, Mathews ST. Alterations of serum Ser312-phosphorylated fetuin-A to exercise-induced moderate body weight loss in individuals with obesity. Obesity (Silver Spring) 28: 544-551, 2020
• Ren G*, Kim T, Papizan JB*, Okerberg CK*, Kothari VM*, Zaid H, Bilan PJ, Araya-Ramirez F, Littlefield LA, Bowers RL, Mahurin AJ, Nickles MM*, Ludvigsen R*, He X*, Grandjean PW, Mathews ST. Phosphorylation status of fetuin-A is critical for inhibition of insulin action and is correlated with obesity and insulin resistance. American Journal of Physiology – Endocrinology and Metabolism 317: E250-E260, 2019

• Ren G*, Rimando AM, Mathews ST. AMPK activation by pterostilbene contributes to suppression of hepatic gluconeogenic gene expression and glucose production in H4IIE cells. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 498: 640-645, 2018

• Rodick TC*, Seibels DR, Babu JR, Huggins KW, Ren G, Mathews ST. Potential role of coenzyme Q10 in health and disease conditions. Nutrition and Dietary Supplements 10:1-11, 2018
• Zhang AJ*, Rimando AM, Mizuno CS, Mathews ST. Alpha-glucosidase inhibitory effect of resveratrol and piceatannol. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry 47:86-93, 2017
• Kothari V*, Mathews ST. Hypoglycemic agents and potential anti-inflammatory activity. Journal of Inflammation Research 9:1-12, 2016
• Rimando AM, Khan SI, Mizuno CS, Ren G*, Mathews ST, Kim H, Yokoyama W. Evaluation of PPARα activation by known blueberry constituents. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 96:1666-1671, 2016
• Kothari V*, Mathews ST. Western blotting: Not all blockers are created equal. Methods in Molecular Biology, 1314: 27-32, 2015
• Desai GS*, Desai SV, Gavaskar RS, Mathews ST. Blood glucose lowering effect of Tridax procumbens: a pilot clinical study in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Phytotherapy Research, 29: 1404-1411, 2015
• Mathews ST, Graff E, Judd RL, Kothari V*. Comparison of chemiluminescence vs. infrared techniques for detection of fetuin-A in saliva. Methods in Molecular Biology, 1314: 333-348, 2015
• Desai GS*, Mathews ST. Saliva as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for inflammation and insulin-resistance. World Journal of Diabetes 5(6): 730-738, 2014.
• Desai G*, Zheng C, Geetha T, Mathews ST, White BD, Huggins KW, Zizza CA, Broderick TL and Babu JR. The pancreas-brain axis: insight into disrupted mechanisms associating type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer disease. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease 42: 347-356, 2014

• Moss CJ*, Mathews ST. Thiamin status and supplementation in the management of diabetes mellitus and its vascular comorbidities. Vitamins and Minerals 2:111, 2013
• Rege SD, Kumar S, Wilson DN, Tamura L, Geetha T, Mathews ST, Huggins KW, Broderick TL, Babu JR. Resveratrol protects the brain of obese mice from oxidative damage. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity Article ID 419092, 2013
• Zhang AJ*, Rimando AM, Fish W, Mentreddy SM, Mathews ST. Serviceberry [Amelanchier alnifolia (Nutt.) Nutt. ex. M. Roem (Rosaceae)] leaf extract inhibits mammalian -glucosidase activity and suppresses postprandial glycemic response in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity and hyperglycemia. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 143: 481-487, 2012
• Ren G*, Okerberg CK*, Mathews ST. Ultra-sensitive protein detection and imaging: Comparison of Lumitein™, ProteoSilver™, SYPRO™ Ruby, and Coomassie™ Brilliant Blue gel stains. Methods in Molecular Biology 869: 621-32, 2012
• Amin RH, Mathews ST, Alli A, Leff T. Endogenously produced adiponectin protects cardiomyocytes from hypertrophy by a PPAR-dependent autocrine mechanism. American Journal of Physiology: Heart and Circulatory Physiology 299:H690-H698, 2010. Erratum in: American Journal of Physiology: Heart and Circulatory Physiology 300:H714, 2011
• Amin RH**, Mathews ST**, Camp HS, Ding L, Leff T. Selective activation of PPARγ in skeletal muscle induces endogenous production of adiponectin and protects mice from diet-induced insulin resistance. American Journal of Physiology: Endocrinology and Metabolism 298: E28-E37, 2010
• Kim T#, Davis J*, Zhang AJ*, He X*, Mathews ST. Curcumin activates AMPK and suppresses gluconeogenic gene expression in hepatoma cells. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 388:377-382, 2009.
• Kaushik SV*, Plaisance EP, Kim T#, Huang E, Mahurin AJ, Grandjean PW, Mathews ST. Decreased serum fetuin-A concentrations are associated with lowering of triglycerides in niaspan-treated individuals with metabolic syndrome. Diabetes/Metabolism: Research and Reviews, 25: 427-434, 2009.
• Mathews ST, Plaisance EP, Kim T#. Imaging systems for Westerns: Chemiluminescence vs. infrared detection. Methods in Molecular Biology, 536:499-513, 2009
• Mathews ST, Kim T#. Fetuin-A, a novel regulator of insulin action: Role in insulin resistance. In: Yao, EB (Ed.): Insulin Resistance: New Research, Nova Science Publishers, Inc., 99-116, 2009; ISBN: 978-1-60692-332-0
• Davis J*, Kim T#, Mathews ST. The Role of Curcumin in Insulin Action and Glucose Metabolism. In: Martirosyan, DM (Ed.): Functional Foods for Chronic Diseases, Dallas, USA, Vol. III, 72-83, 2008; ISBN: 0-9767535-4-5, Library of Congress Control Number: 2007909262
• Mathews ST, Rakhade S, Zhou X, Parker G, Coscina DV, Grunberger G. Fetuin-null mice are protected against obesity and insulin resistance associated with aging. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 350: 437-443, 2006
• Leff T, Mathews ST, Camp HS. PPARg, the adipocyte and diabetes. Experimental Diabesity Research 5: 99-109, 2004
• Chu, AJ, Mathews ST. Poly-L-hisditine downregulates fibrinolysis. Blood Coagulation and Fibrinolysis 14: 627-632, 2003
• Chu AJ, Mathews ST. Anticoagulant potential of an antibody against factor VII. Journal of Surgical Research 114: 37-41, 2003
• Chu AJ, Rauci, M, Nwobi OI, Mathews ST, Beydoun S. Novel anticoagulant activity of polyamino acid offsets bacterial endotoxin-induced extrinsic hypercoagulation: Downregulation of monocytic tissue factor-dependent FVII activation. Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology 42: 477-483, 2003
• Chu AJ, Beydoun S, Mathews ST, Hoang J.  Novel anticoagulant polyethylenamine suppresses blood coagulation: Inhibition of thrombin-catalyzed fibrin formation. Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics 415: 101-108, 2003
• Hegele RA, Cao H, Frankowski C, Mathews ST, Leff T: PPARG F388L, a transactivation-deficient mutant, in familial partial lipodystrophy. Diabetes 51: 3586-3590, 2002
• Mathews ST, Singh GP, Ranaletta M, Cintron VJ, Qiang X, Goustin AS, Jen K-LC, Charron MJ, Jahnen-Dechent W, Grunberger G: Improved insulin sensitivity and resistance to weight gain in mice null for the Ahsg gene. Diabetes 51: 2450-2458, 2002
• Chu AJ, Rauci M, Nwobi OI, Mathews ST, Beydoun S. Novel anticoagulant activity of polybrene: Inhibition of monocytic tissue factor hypercoagulation following bacterial endotoxin induction. Blood Coagulation and Fibrinolysis 13: 123-128, 2002
• Mathews ST, Deutsch DD, Iyer G, Hora N, Pati B, Marsh J and Grunberger G. a2-HS glycoprotein kinetics after acute myocardial infarction: Development of a sandwich ELISA using commercial antibodies. Clinica Chimica Acta 319: 27-34, 2002
• Grunberger G, Mathews ST, Deutsch DD: Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors.  In: Grunberger G, Zick Y (Eds.): Insulin Signaling: From Cultured Cells to Animal Models, Frontiers in Animal Diabetes Research, Taylor & Francis Inc., pp.281-297, 2002
• Grunberger G, Qiang X, Li Z-G, Mathews ST, Sbriessa D, Shisheva A, Sima AAF: Molecular basis for the insulinomimetic effects of C-peptide. Diabetologia 44: 1247-1257, 2001
• Mathews ST, Chellam N, Srinivas PR, Cintron V, Leon MA, Goustin AS, Grunberger G: a2-HSG, a specific and reversible inhibitor of insulin receptor autophosphorylation, interacts with the insulin receptor. Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology 164: 87-98, 2000
• Mathews ST, Srinivas PR, Leon MA, Grunberger G: Bovine fetuin is an inhibitor of insulin receptor tyrosine kinase. Life Sciences 61: 1583-1592, 1997
• Srinivas PR, Deutsch DD, Mathews ST, Goustin AS, Leon MA, Grunberger G: Recombinant human a2-HS glycoprotein inhibits insulin-stimulated mitogenic pathway without affecting metabolic signaling in Chinese Hamster Ovary cells overexpressing the human insulin receptor. Cellular Signalling 8: 567-573, 1996
• Josekutty PC, Mathews ST: Implications of Plant Breeders Rights for material propagated through in vitro methods. In: Breeders and Farmers Rights: An Interdisciplinary Dialogue, CRSARD, Madras, pp.213-220, 1994
• Mathews ST, Selvam R: Changes in glutathione metabolic enzymes in erythrocytes of Plasmodium vivax-infected patients. Clinica Chimica Acta 219: 159-165, 1993
• Selvam R, Mathews ST: Biochemical alterations in vivax malaria following radical treatment. Indian Journal of Malariology 29: 103-111, 1992
• Mathews ST: Blood lipid peroxidation in human Plasmodium vivax malaria. PhD dissertation submitted to the University of Madras, India, for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, 1991
• Mathews ST, Selvam R: Effect of radical treatment on erythrocyte lipid peroxidation in Plasmodium vivax-infected malaria patients. Biochemistry International 25: 211-220, 1991
• Mathews ST, Selvam R: Cholinesterase and acetylcholinesterase activities in patients infected with Plasmodium vivax. Medical Science Research 19: 807-809, 1991
• Mathews ST, Selvam R: Peroxidative and antiperoxidative agents in red blood cells in human malaria In: Kidwai AM, Upreti RK, Ray PK (Eds.) Biomembranes in Health and Disease, Vol II. Today and Tomorrow's Printers and Publishers, New Delhi, pp.545-560, 1991
• Mathews ST, Kumaresan PR, Selvam R: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency and malaria-a study on North Madras population. Journal of Communicable Diseases 23: 178-181, 1991
• Mathews ST, Latha VM, Satakopan VN, Srinivasan R: Effect of simulated water stress on IAA oxidase in groundnut (Arachis hypogea) seedlings. Current Science 57: 485-486, 1988

Presentations/Published Abstracts

• Simmons MH*, Johnson CE, McNeal TV, Presley LG, Mathews ST. Effect of a four-week intervention using baby carrots or multivitamin supplements on skin carotenoid scores in young adults. Current Developments in Nutrition 8, Suppl. 2, 2024, 102236, ISSN 2475-2991, Nutrition 2024, Annual Meeting of the American Society for Nutrition, Boston, July 29-July 2, 2024
• Mathews ST, Marchand EM*, Hynekamp KE*, Burnham EP*, Metzger AE*. Assessment of fruit and vegetable intake among undergraduate students using spectroscopy-based skin carotenoid measurements and ASA-24 dietary assessment. Current Developments in Nutrition 7 Suppl. 1, P24-081-23, Page 116, 2023. Nutrition 2023, Annual Meeting of the American Society for Nutrition, Boston, July 22-25, 2023
• Mentreddy SR, Duong L, Pham T, Kumar S, Setzer W, Wang M, Cantrell C, Mathews ST, and Gajula D. Ethnobotany and production of three high-value medicinally active herbs, basil, turmeric, and mountain mint in North Alabama. Journal of Medicinally Active Plants 11 (2), O18. 2022 American Council for Medicinally Active Plants (ACMAP)-11th Annual Hybrid Conference
• Mathews ST, Grace K*, Reeder A*, Tylicki M*. Effect of a moderate weight loss on serum fetuin-A and markers of inflammation in individuals with obesity. Current Developments in Nutrition 5: Suppl.2, Page 1232, June 2021, Nutrition 2021 meeting, June 7-10, 2021
• Mathews ST, Brown MK*, Brown S*, Walton E*, Gammon W*, Coate K. Effect of short-term normal-dose and high-dose aspartame consumption on sweet-taste preference among college-aged students. Current Developments in Nutrition, 4: Suppl.2, Page 547, June 2020, Nutrition 2020 meeting, June 1-4, 2020
• Mathews S, Nickles M*, Williams C*, Cantrell C, Mentreddy SR (2019). Inhibition of alpha-glucosidase activity by extracts of Ocimum Abstracted. Current Developments in Nutrition 3: Suppl.1, P06-040-19. Nutrition 2019 meeting, Baltimore, Maryland, June 8-11, 2019
• Rimando AM, Nickles MM*, Williams CF, Mentreddy SR, and Mathews ST. Analysis of antidiabetic constituents in Ocimum Abstracted. In Abstracts of Papers of the American Chemical Society(vol. 256). 1155 16th St, NW, Washington, DC 20036 USA: Amer Chemical Soc. Abstract for the 256^th American Chemical Society National Meeting & Exposition, Boston, Massachusetts, August 19-23, 2018
• Mathews ST, Bishop HD*, Bowen CR, Liang Y, West EA, Rogers RR, Marshall MR, Petrella JK. Acute effects of oral peppermint oil ingestion on exercise performance in moderately active college students. Abstracted. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 13 (Suppl 1):33. DOI:1186/s12970-016-0144-9. Proceedings of the Thirteenth International Society of Sports Nutrition Conference and Expo, Clearwater Beach, FL, June 9-11, 2016
• Kothari VM*, Mathews ST. AICAR downregulates high glucose-induced expression of fetuin-A through AMPK-p38 MAPK axis in HepG2 cells. Abstracted. Liver Metabolism and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), #X8 2030, p.105, 2015, Keystone Symposia, Whistler, British Columbia, Canada, March 22-27, 2015
• Rimando AN, Khan SI, Mizuno CS, Ren G*, Mathews ST, Kim H, Yokoyama W. Further studies on pterostilbene as PPARa ligand. Abstracted. 6^th Annual Conference, American Council for Medicinally Active Plants, Spokane, WA, June 9-12, 2015
• Rimando A, Khan S, Mizuno C, Ren G*, Mathews S, Kim H, Yokoyama W. Are anthocyanins PPAR alpha agonists? In: Abstracts of Papers of the American Chemical Society 2015 Aug 16 (Vol. 250). 1155 16TH ST, NW, Washington, DC 20036 USA: Amer Chemical Soc., 2015
• Mathews ST, Ren G*, He X*, Kim T*, Okerberg C*, Papizan J*, Bowers R, Mahurin AJ, Araya-Ramirez F, Littlefield L, Grandjean PW. Ser312-phosphorylated fetuin-A: role in insulin action and insulin resistance. Abstracted: Diabetologia 57: Suppl.1, S97, O-212, 2014. 50^th Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes, Vienna, Austria, Sep.15-19, 2014
• Ren G*, Grandjean PW, He X*, Kim T*, Okerberg CK*, Kothari VM*, Papizan J*, Ludvigsen R*, Bowers R, Araya-Ramirez F, Littlefield L, Mahurin AJ, Mathews ST. Phosphorylation status of fetuin-A (Ser-312) is critical for inhibition of insulin action and is correlated with obesity and insulin resistance. Abstracted: Diabetes 63 (Suppl.1) A96, 367-OR, 2014. 74^th Scientific Sessions, American Diabetes Association, San Francisco, June 13-17, 2014
• Ren G*, Grandjean PW, Bowers RL, Araya-Ramirez F, Littlefield L, He X*, Kim T*, Ludvigsen R*, Mahurin AJ, Mathews ST. Fetuin-A and Ser31phosphofetuin-A responses to moderate body weight loss in obese individuals. Abstracted: Diabetes 63 (Suppl.1) A527, 2064-P, 2014. 74^th Scientific Sessions, American Diabetes Association, San Francisco, June 13-17, 2014
• Mathews ST, Ren G*, He X*, Bowers R, Araya-Ramirez F, Littlefield L, Grandjean P. Plasma fetuin-A and phosphofetuin-A (Ser312) responses to a single or short-term repeated bout of exercise in obese and normal-weight individuals. Abstracted: The FASEB Journal 28(1), Suppl. 1028.2, Experimental Biology Meeting, San Diego, CA, Apr.26-30, 2014
• Desai G*, Desai S, Gavaskar R, Mathews ST. Blood glucose lowering effect of Tridax procumbens in type 2 diabetes may be attributed to AMPK activation and suppression of hepatic gluconeogenesis. The FASEB Journal 28(1), Suppl. 259.8 Experimental Biology Meeting, San Diego, CA, Apr.26-30, 2014
• Rimando AM, Khan S, Mizuno CS, Guang R*, Mathews S, Kim H, Yokoyama W. Further studies demonstrate PPARa activation and gene expression up-regulation by pterostilbene. In: Abstracts of Papers of the American Chemical Society 2013 Sep 8 (Vol. 246). 1155 16TH ST, NW, Washington, DC 20036 USA: Amer Chemical Soc., 2013
• Mathews ST, Zhang AJ*, Rimando AM, Fish, WJ, Mentreddy SR. Serviceberry leaf extracts inhibit mammalian alpha-glucosidase activity and delay carbohydrate absorption. Oral presentation in “Nutrition in Health and Disease” session. Abstracted: P1126, 2^nd Middle East Congress of the American Society of Nutrition, Dubai, Feb.20-22, 2013
• Grandjean PW, Ren G*, He X*, Kim T*, Littlefield LA, Bowers RL, Araya-Ramirez F, Mahurin AJ, Mathews ST. Fetuin-A responses to incremental weight loss. Abstracted: Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise 44 (5S), p.267-958, 2012 (Poster # 2397). American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting, San Francisco, May 29, 2012 to June 2, 2012
• Rimando AM, Ren G*, Mathews S. Pterostilbene increases PPAR alpha gene expression, activates AMPK, and suppresses expression of genes involved in hepatic lipid metabolism and gluconeogenesis. In: Pharmaceutical Biology 50 (5): 642-643, 2013. Telephone House, 69-77 Paul Street, London EC2A 4LQ, England: Informa Healthcare
• Desai GS*, Desai SV, Gavaskar RS, Mathews ST. Blood glucose lowering effect of Tridax procumbens in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Abstracted: Diabetes 61 (Suppl.1): A609, 2417-PO, 2012. 72^nd Scientific Sessions, American Diabetes Association, Philadelphia, June 8-12, 2012
• Littlefield, LA, Bowers RL, Araya-Ramirez F, Mahurin AJ, Taylor JK, Kim T*, He X, Mathews ST, Grandjean PW. Changes in fibroblast growth factor 21 with modest weight loss. Abstracted: Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise 43(5), p. 669, 2011. American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting, Denver, CO, May 31-June 4, 2011
• Rong Y, Ren G*, Mathews ST, Huggins KW. Stearidonic acid suppresses adipocyte differentiation by decreasing adipogenic gene expression. In: The FASEB Journal 25:777.33-777.33, 2011. Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. Annual Meeting EB 2011, Washington DC, April 9-13, 2011
• Mathews ST, Grandjean PW, He X, Bowers R, Kim T#, Ludvigsen RA*, Araya-Ramirez F, Mahurin AJ, Dennis JD, Dean DM. Temporal changes in serum fetuin-A concentrations in response to an oral glucose challenge and a single bout of exercise in obese versus lean individuals. Abstracted: Diabetes 59 (Suppl.1): A126, 472-PP, 2010. 70^th Scientific Sessions, American Diabetes Association, Orlando, June 25-29, 2010
• Grandjean PW, Mathews ST, Araya-Ramirez F, Taylor JK, He X*, Mahurin AJ. Cytokine responses to daily exercise in men with Metabolic Syndrome. Abstracted. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise 42 (5) p 517, 2010. American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting, Baltimore, Maryland, June 1-5, 2010
• Mathews ST, Zhang, AJ*, Kim T#, Davis J*. Molecular mechanisms mediating insulin-sensitizing effects of curcumin. Abstracted. AGFD Cornucopia Spring 2010, SA4, p.21, 2010. 239^th American Chemical Society National Meeting, San Francisco, CA, Mar.21-25, 2010
• Viswaprakash N, Leff T, Mathews S, Amin RH. Cardiomyocyte specific adiponectin protects the cell against cardiac hypertrophy via a PPAR-gamma mediated autocrine mechanism. Diabetes 59: A427-A428, 2010. 70^th Scientific Sessions, American Diabetes Association, Orlando, FL, June 25-29, 2010
• Mathews ST, Kim T#, Davis J*, Zhang AJ*. Molecular mechanisms mediating the anti-diabetic effect of curcuminoids. Abstracted: Diabetes 58 (Suppl.1): A340, 1301-P, 2009. 69^th Scientific Sessions, American Diabetes Association, New Orleans, June 5-9, 2009
• Bowers RL, Araya-Ramirez F, Kim T#, Ludvigsen RA*, Mahurin AJ, Dennis JD, Dean DM, Mathews ST, Grandjean PW. Fetuin-A responses to exercise in men with metabolic syndrome. Abstracted: Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 41 (5), No. 2983, p S589, 2009. American College of Sports Medicine International Meeting, Seattle, Washington, May 27-30, 2009
• Rimando AM, Mizuno CS, Zhang AJ*, Mathews ST. Alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity of resveratrol analogs. 237^th National Meeting and Exposition, American Chemical Society, Salt Lake City, UT, March 22-26, 2009
• Mathews ST, Kaushik SV*, Plaisance EP, Kim T#, Huang E, Mahurin AJ, Grandjean PW. Association of fetuin-A with decreased serum triglycerides after six weeks of extended-release niacin intervention in individuals with metabolic syndrome. Abstracted: Diabetologia 51 (Suppl 1): S374, 2008. 44^th Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes, Rome, Italy, Sep.7-11, 2008
• Mathews ST, Kim T#, Zhang, AJ*, Fish W, Rimando AM, Mentreddy S. Anti-diabetic properties of savisberry (Amelanchier alnifolia). Abstracted: Planta Medica 74, P-70, 2008, 7th Annual Oxford International Conference on the Science of Botanicals, University, MS, April 12-16, 2008
• Kim T#, Davis J*, Zhang, AJ*, Mathews ST: Curcumin activates AMPK and suppresses gluconeogenic gene expression in hepatoma cells. Abstracted: Planta Medica 74, O-3, 2008, 7th Annual Oxford International Conference on the Science of Botanicals, University, MS, April 12-16, 2008
• Huang, E*, Kim T#, White BD, Mathews ST: Dexamethasone-induced insulin resistance is associated with increased fetuin-A levels in rats. Abstracted: Diabetes, Insulin Action and Resistance, #211, p.80, 2008, Keystone Symposia, Breckenridge, CO, Jan.22-27, 2008
• Papizan JB*, Kim T#, Wernette C, White BD, Mathews ST: A novel role for leptin in regulating phosphorylation status of alpha2-HS glycoprotein, a physiological inhibitor of insulin action. Abstracted: Diabetes: Molecular Genetics, Signaling Pathways and Integrated Physiology #302, p.81, 2007, Keystone Symposia, Keystone, CO, Jan.14-19, 2007
• Kim T#, Price JC*, Sunkara R*, Mathews ST: Fetuin inhibits insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis in L6 GLUT4myc skeletal muscle cells. 66^th Scientific Sessions, American Diabetes Association, Washington D.C., June 9-13, 2006. Abstracted: Diabetes 55 (Suppl.1): 1211P/A285, 2006
• White BD, Wernette CM, Mathews ST, Kim T#, Judd R: Leptin-treated diabetic rats become hypoglycemic during a short-term fast and cannot derive glucose from lactate or alanine. Abstracted: Diabetes Mellitus and the Control of Cellular Energy Metabolism #332, p.88, 2006, Keystone Symposia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Jan.21-26, 2006
• Li G, Mathews ST, Leff T: Molecular analysis of a lipodystrophy associated point mutation (Arg425Cys) in the human PPARG gene. 64^th Scientific Sessions, American Diabetes Association, Orlando, Florida, June 4-8, 2004. Abstracted: Diabetes 53 (Suppl.2), A276, 2004 (20%: experiment design, data collection and analysis, abstract preparation, and revision)
• Mathews ST, Camp HS, Liyun D, Leff T: Modulation of insulin sensitivity by nutrition in mice expressing constitutively active PPARg1 in skeletal muscle. Abstracted: Molecular Control of Adipogenesis and Obesity #319, p.207, 2004, Keystone Symposia, Banff, Alberta, Canada, March 4-10, 2004
• Mathews ST, Hegele RA, Leff T: Molecular analysis of a human PPARg mutation associated with lipodystrophy and diabetes. The 18^th International Diabetes Federation Congress, Paris, France, Abstracted: Diabetologia 46 (Suppl.2), A226, 2003
• Chu AJ Nwobi OT, Mathews ST: Polyamino acids antagonize monocytic tissue factor hypercoagulation in response to bacterial endotoxin. XIV World Congress of Pharmacology, San Francisco. Abstracted: The Pharmacologist 44 (Suppl.1), A12, 2002
• Mathews ST, Rakhade S, Zhou X, Coscina DV, Grunberger G: Improved insulin sensitivity of fetuin-null mice protects aging-induced obesity and insulin resistance. 62^nd Scientific Sessions, American Diabetes Association, San Francisco. Abstracted: Diabetes 51 (Suppl.2), A328, 2002
• Mathews ST, Cintron V, Qiang X, Singh GP, Jahnen-Dechent W, Goustin AS, Grunberger G: Enhanced glucose clearance and insulin sensitivity in fetuin-deficient mice. 2^nd Annual International Motor City Diabetes Symposium, Detroit. Abstracted: J Diab.Compl. 15(1) pp.23, 2001
• Qiang X, Li Z-G, Mathews ST, Sima AAF, Grunberger G: Are C-peptide effects mediated by the insulin receptor? 61^st Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association, Philadelphia. Abstracted: Diabetes 50 (Suppl.2) A257, 2001
• Qiang X, Srinivas PR, Mathews ST, Riedel H, Sima AAF, Grunberger G: C-peptide stimulates glycogen synthesis in L6 myoblasts. 2^nd Annual International Motor City Diabetes Symposium, Detroit. Abstracted: J Diab.Compl. 15(1) pp.21, 2001
• Mathews ST, Singh GP, Ana LS, Buison EJ, Jen K-LC, Goustin AS, Grunberger G: Increased insulin sensitivity in mice lacking fetuin (Ahsg) gene. Oral presentation: 36^th Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes, Jerusalem. Abstracted: Diabetologia 43 (Suppl. 1): I-IV, A34, 2000
• Mathews ST, Singh GP, Qiang X, Goustin AS, Jahnen-Dechent W, Grunberger G: Mice Null for Ahsg suggest a new physiological role for fetuin in insulin control of glucose homeostasis. Oral presentation: 60^th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association, San Antonio. Abstracted: Diabetes 49 (Suppl.1) A6, 2000
• Grunberger G, Qiang X, Mathews ST, Li Z-G, Sima AAF, Sbrissa D, Shisheva A: C-peptide stimulates glycogen synthesis via a wortmannin-sensitive and Akt-independent pathway. 60^th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association, San Antonio. Abstracted: Diabetes 49 (Suppl.1) A447, 2000
• Mathews ST, Srinivas PR, Grunberger G, Goustin AS: Role of MAP kinase signaling pathways in RSK2 activation in vascular smooth muscle cells. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology'99 (ASBMB Meeting), San Francisco. Abstracted: FASEB Journal 13 : A1489, 1999
• Mathews ST, Srinivas PR, Cintron VJ, Leon MA, Goustin AS, Grunberger G: a2-HS glycoprotein (human fetuin), a specific and reversible inhibitor of insulin receptor autophosphorylation, interacts with the insulin receptor. 58^th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association, Chicago. Abstracted: Diabetes 47 (Suppl.1) A442, 1998
• Grunberger G, Mathews ST, Srinivas PR: a2-HS glycoprotein inhibits trypsin-activated insulin receptor tyrosine kinase activity. 16th International Diabetes Federation Congress, Helsinki, Finland. Abstracted: Diabetologia 40 (Suppl.1) A141, 1997
• Mathews ST, Srinivas PR, Goustin AS, Grunberger G: a2-HSG inhibits insulin-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin receptor and IRS-1 in vivo. 56th Scientific Sessions, American Diabetes Association, San Francisco. Abstracted: Diabetes 45 (Suppl.2), 116A, 1996
• Mathews ST, Srinivas PR, Leon MA, Grunberger G: Bovine fetuin is an inhibitor of insulin receptor tyrosine kinase. ASBMB/ASIP/AAI Joint Meeting, New Orleans. Abstracted: FASEB Journal 10(6), A1247, 1996
• Grunberger G, Srinivas PR, Mathews ST, Leon MA, Goustin AS: a2-HS glycoprotein inhibits insulin-stimulated insulin receptor signaling in vitro and in vivo. VI International Symposium on Insulin Receptors & Insulin Action - Molecular and Clinical Aspects, Copenhagen. Abstracted: Endocrinology and Diabetes 104 (Suppl. 2), 136-138, 1996

Research

Research is focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms of insulin resistance, a hallmark of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Dr. Mathews has pioneered research on fetuin-A, a blood protein, which negatively regulates insulin action, and which is associated with insulin resistance and the incidence of type 2 diabetes. Recent studies from Dr. Mathews point to the phosphorylated form of fetuin-A as the active form of the inhibitor. Current studies are focused on understanding molecular mechanisms that regulate the expression of fetuin-A, specifically, its phosphorylated form.

Another area of active interest is the role of plant bioactives/phytochemicals in exerting beneficial effect on insulin action, health promotion, and disease prevention. Current research on carotenoids, pterostilbene, curcumin from Curcuma longa (turmeric), and extracts/bioactives  from Tridax procumbens (coat buttons), Amelanchier alnifolia (serviceberry), and Ocimum sanctum (holy basil) have generated interesting leads on antidiabetic mechanisms and grant funding from federal agencies.

Involvement

• Academic Nutrition Departments and Programs
• American Society of Nutrition
• American Diabetes Association
• American Public Health Association
• American Council of Medicinally Active Plants