Western Diet and Binge Drinking Accelerate Liver Disease in Study

Dr. Ihsan Shawki Akili is delivering the key research outcomes from the study during a departmental colloquium presentation. Credit: University of Vermont A group of four undergraduate students at the University of Vermont, set to graduate with their diplomas at the upcoming Commencement ceremony n

Dr. Ihsan Shawki Akili is delivering the key research outcomes from the study during a departmental colloquium presentation. Credit: University of Vermont

A group of four undergraduate students at the University of Vermont, set to graduate with their diplomas at the upcoming Commencement ceremony next month, are departing with far more than just their academic credentials. They have earned recognition as co-authors on a recently published, peer-reviewed scientific paper that delves into the ways a typical Western diet, when paired with episodes of binge drinking, hastens the development of liver disease. This accomplishment stands out as particularly impressive for researchers at the undergraduate level.

The research article, titled "The impact of a Western diet and binge drinking on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in male and female mice," appeared in the journal Experimental Physiology. It lists 15 authors in total, including four graduating seniors from UVM: Jake Grenon, Maddy Orlowski, Colby Filosa, and Alanna Sherman. These students took active part in every phase of the project, from devising the experimental protocols and gathering data to scrutinizing the results and crafting the illustrative figures.

The investigation was spearheaded by Dr. Chris Skinner, an assistant professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences within UVM's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, along with his doctoral candidate mentee, Ihsan Shawki Akili. Akili explains the rationale behind including undergraduates in the RAMP Lab's work and how the study was structured to encourage their participation: "The element of college-style eating habits initially captured their interest, as it mirrors everyday life on campus."

Jake Grenon, pursuing a major in neuroscience with a minor in nutrition and preparing for medical school, found the project immediately compelling. "We nicknamed it 'the college student study' at the start, highlighting how many college students tend to follow unhealthy eating patterns and consume alcohol excessively. That resonated with me deeply as a highly pertinent subject for investigation.

When I discussed it with Dr. Skinner, he hadn't planned to examine brain tissues but was open to collaborating with me on an extension. Together, we developed a focused initiative for my senior thesis, exploring the neurodegenerative consequences of a Western diet combined with binge drinking. Primarily, I've managed brain-related experiments in the lab, but I've also assisted with various other procedures and data evaluation."

Alanna Sherman, who is majoring in nutrition and food science with a dietetics focus and also on the pre-med path, discovered that the research aligned perfectly with her passions. Eager to engage in hands-on scientific inquiry, she was drawn in after hearing Dr. Skinner present his work during one of her classes.

"Research has always been a goal for me in college, especially in areas connecting nutrition to preventing diseases, given its relevance to healthcare professions. I was undecided between dietetics and medicine, so a project bridging both was ideal. This one seamlessly blended everything I care about."

Maddy Orlowski experienced a comparable spark of curiosity upon learning about the study. "Every nutrition major completes a course called Survey of the Field, where faculty from the department share their backgrounds and ongoing projects. Dr. Skinner's talk on diet, alcohol, and liver effects really stood out. I thought it was fascinating but didn't reach out right away.

The following year, in his Sports Nutrition class, I emailed him early in the term to chat about his research. We met, and he invited me to visit the lab, try it out, and commit time as I saw fit to see if research suited me. I've been a steady presence there ever since."

Investigating Relevant Health Challenges

This research tackles a critical public health concern. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously termed nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, currently impacts about one-third of adults in the United States, with projections indicating it could rise to 50% by 2025. The condition is closely associated with dietary habits rich in sugars and saturated fats. Binge drinking, characterized by rapid alcohol intake sufficient to elevate blood alcohol levels to 0.08%, frequently accompanies such eating patterns, especially among younger populations.

Employing a mouse model, the team explored the interplay between these lifestyle factors and assessed whether sex differences play a role in disease advancement. Their results revealed that a Western diet by itself led to substantial liver fat buildup and oxidative stress in both male and female subjects. Yet, when binge drinking was added, male mice exhibited more severe liver damage compared to diet alone, whereas females seemed particularly susceptible to the dietary component.

"While the core emphasis was the combined effects of diet and alcohol on liver function, the sex-based variations excite me the most. Ours is the first publication addressing Western diet and binge drinking in female subjects, and further studies are essential to uncover the mechanisms behind these differences. Ultimately, this could lead to targeted treatments and prevention strategies to lessen the disease's prevalence," Skinner noted.

Dr. Ihsan Shawki Akili, holding a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Aleppo in Syria plus master's degrees in Public Health and in Public Health for Emergencies and Disasters, contributes extensive professional expertise and diverse cultural perspectives to both his investigations and his mentoring responsibilities.

"Fostering a sense of project ownership is paramount. If an undergraduate joins but doesn't feel integrated, they lack the drive to persist. Research uniquely teaches that errors are learning opportunities, not failures. We maintain surplus samples to allow retries without setback.

Our lab prioritizes student education, with schedules aligned to their availability to ensure experiments proceed smoothly. If a student starts a procedure but faces an interruption like a class, I can take over and review outcomes with them afterward. It's crucial they experience the full research cycle."

Securing authorship on peer-reviewed biomedical papers as an undergraduate is uncommon, especially in intricate animal-based studies spanning nutrition, physiology, and pathology. Here, the undergraduates collaborated seamlessly with graduate peers in Skinner's lab.

Skinner outlines his approach to building a supportive lab atmosphere: "Undergraduates are vital to our operations, and I rely on my graduate students to guide them. We excel at distributing project responsibilities.

This publication forms a cornerstone of Ihsan's dissertation, with significant input from Ph.D. student Corina Miko in Animal Biosciences and MS student Mel Wetzel in Nutrition and Food Sciences. Our work demands substantial time and effort, and I'm grateful for UVM's dedicated students who embrace challenges.

Students don't just perform tasks; they contribute ideas too. Jake and Alanna's theses have shaped our trajectory. Every participant advances our mission."

The paper acknowledges Filosa, Orlowski, and Sherman for their roles in executing experiments, processing data, and generating visuals, while Grenon supported experimental execution and result analysis. Their engagement led to co-authorship on a globally accessible paper for scientists and medical professionals. Beyond résumé enhancement, it offered authentic insight into scientific practice—embracing setbacks, teamwork, and precise record-keeping.

All four undergraduates praise the lab's tight-knit environment and the exceptional guidance from Dr. Skinner and his Ph.D. students.

Colby Filosa, among the earliest undergrads in the newly formed RAMP lab, values Skinner's mentorship highly. "Chris has masterfully built a sense of community; I've formed lasting friendships through it. We're heading to Minnesota soon for the American Physiology Summit, and I'm thrilled to connect with lab mates at a major conference.

Being here has made research enjoyable. We share activities, meals, and productive, engaging meetings. Many miss out on undergrad research, but it's enriched my education profoundly."

"Chris is always accessible for questions—my thesis even thanks him for answering hundreds over three years. With many undergrads, he's cultivated a vibrant group. We support one another, grads assist us, and as a senior, I now mentor newcomers, which is rewarding," Grenon adds.

Sherman reflects: "Research hones problem-solving skills. My outcomes often defied expectations, mirroring real science. Connecting dots and tackling novel issues surpasses rote textbook learning and exams.

Hands-on involvement in intriguing work is profoundly educational. I was lucky to join a lab matching my passions, elevating my growth."

Skinner stresses that their achievements exemplify UVM's dedication to early undergraduate research immersion. "Research engagement deepens learning, and UVM facilitates structured entry points. Students apply classroom knowledge to real issues.

My lab thrives on undergrad contributions; each is indispensable for labor and insights. I can't commend them sufficiently."

In addition to the graduate students and four seniors, juniors Alec Thibeault and Cate Young, alumnus Virginia Clubb, recent Landmark College grad and Vermont Biomedical Research Network participant Madison Wan, and second-year Larner College of Medicine student Aldi Chan also contributed meaningfully.

Pathway from Academic Courses to Published Science

As awareness grows about diet and alcohol's health ramifications—especially relevant on campuses—these findings bolster evidence tying habits to liver risks.

Equally vital, the paper spotlights undergraduates' potential in knowledge creation. For Grenon, Orlowski, Filosa, and Sherman, it's a pivotal achievement affirming experiential education and mentorship at a research institution.

Orlowski recalls: "Seeing my name on a contribution felt exhilarating, sharing the work proudly. Knowing it informs public health awareness and inspires further studies fills me with pride. My debut authorship, tied to substantial input, is gratifying."

Grenon, marking his second co-authored paper—his first on fruit fly neural pathways with Biology's Molly Stanley—cherishes UVM's opportunities. "Proactivity unlocks remarkable experiences here. Not everyone gets this; our paper endures eternally with our names. Gratitude to Chris abounds."

Filosa blends pride and reflection: "Publishing is a research pinnacle; starting in Chris's nascent lab, witnessing evolution from scratch to print is special. Weekly meetings tracked progress—rewarding and dreamlike. We study such papers in class; now, perhaps others will study ours."

The experience reshaped Filosa's path. Alongside Skinner's lab, UVM Climate Kitchen ignited food science interest, leading to an internship via Dr. Todd Pritchard. Post-graduation, she'll pursue a master's with Food Science's Dr. Fatemeh Zare.

Sherman and Grenon plan gap years before med school; Orlowski stays with Skinner, extending her sweetener-alcohol health project. Skinner beams: "Publication thrills me, as does the vital research, but student involvement tops it. This embodies our students' caliber, UVM's research support, and collaborative spirit. Collaborators Dr. Azhar Saeed and Dr. Matthew Caporizzo were indispensable."

Akili advises aspiring undergrad researchers: "Pinpoint interests and pursue them via research. Dedicate time—rewards follow. No prior expertise required; we teach skills like pipetting. Anyone can contribute meaningfully."