Mentoring in Endocrine and Metabolic Abnormalities in HIV and Aging

Project Summary Todd Brown, MD, PhD, a Professor of Medicine and Endocrinology in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, & Metabolism at Johns Hopkins University, submits this application to renew his K24 Mid-Career Development award in order to continue to provide protected time to mentor trainees in patient-oriented research (POR) in HIV Endocrinology. Dr. Brown is one of the few endocrinologists worldwide specializing in endocrine and metabolic disorders in people living with HIV. He will pursue additional training to expand his research program to support a wider range of early investigators in both the US and abroad. Candidate: Dr. Brown is a highly productive clinical researcher in the HIV Comorbidities field. Since 2004, he has been continuously NIH-funded to investigate the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and clinical management of endocrine and metabolic dysfunction in individuals with HIV, using long-standing, NIH-supported infrastructure as a platform for his investigations, including the MACS WIHS Combined Cohort Study (MWCCS), the AIDS Linked to the IntraVenous Experience (ALIVE) cohort, and the AIDS Clinical Trials Group. With his uncommon skill set and strong POR program in endocrine and metabolic complications in HIV, he has been a sought-after collaborator and mentor at Johns Hopkins and at institutions from around the country. Mentoring Plan/Environment: This application will leverage the extensive training resources at Johns Hopkins, including the Center for AIDS Research, the Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, and K12/T32 training grants in a variety of specialties. It draws on the unparalleled resources of the MWCCS and other funded studies to serve as a platform for POR trainees at multiple levels. Research Plan: The novel research supported by this K24 award will make a significant contribution to the understanding of the causes and consequences of endocrine and metabolic abnormalities in HIV-infected persons in three major areas: 1) Osteoporosis and Fracture Risk, 2) Hypogonadism, and 3) Insulin Resistance. It will build on ongoing work in the MWCCS, explore new hypotheses, and expand opportunities for trainees.