A Metabolomic Framework in Predicting Optimal Fitness and Performance

The objective of Phase II is prospective studies on healthy subjects to develop a predictor describing fitness states. The Phase I demonstration of metabolomic spectra to discriminate different levels of exercise response provides a solid foundation. We will combine the clinical expertise at Tufts University’s Human Nutrition Research Center with Nuvera’s computational research capability. The key objectives of Phase II: 1. Discover molecular markers based on metabolomic analyses. Subjects from 3 sub-groups will be recruited, (i) sedentary, (ii) recreational runners, and (iii) weight-trainers. 2. Develop a molecular predictor and evaluate its predictive characteristics. 3. Implement an interventional exercise study to validate the molecular predictor. 4. Propose potential diagnostic test and steps for commercial development. NMR analyses will be done in urine and/or blood samples. Nuvera’s algorithms will help provide (i) statistically valid sets of molecular predictors, and (ii) combine the best predictor variables into a model of fitness state for validation. Year 2 will select about 10 individuals from the sedentary sub-group for a nutrition/exercise intervention. Using the predictor, individuals likely to be high responders will be predicted and the algorithm refined and validated. The deliverable will design a possible diagnostic tool for performance monitoring and optimization.