CAPS scholar Ken Kunisaki hopes to improve the quality of life for
those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. COPD is a common,
prevalent disease—it is the fourth leading cause of wordwide mortality—
with associated exacerbations that often result in emergency room visits
or hospitalizations. Unfortunately, there are few clinical options for
patients: treatment is largely limited to smoking cessation and a few
classes of inhalers.
One area that may provide new treatment is micronutrients—vitamins
and minerals the body needs in small amounts. Micronutrients have been
found to play critical roles in the regulation and function of multiple,
different immune system cells and might protect against infections.
“Current data suggest that among the more elderly or ill patients, of
whom most patients with COPD would be included, micronutrients
could play an important role in protection from infection,” says Kunisaki,
assistant professor in the Medical School’s Division of Pulmonary,
Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine. “This is of particular
importance in COPD,” he adds, “as up to 80% of COPD exacerbations
are attributed to respiratory infections.”
Kunisaki is currently conducting an observational study at the Minneapolis
VA Medical Center, where he has a joint appointment. During the
study, he will examine participants’ diets, test for micronutrient blood
levels, and observe COPD exacerbation rates. Previous studies have
demonstrated that COPD patients have micronutrient deficiencies, but
nothing is known about the relationship of these deficiencies and their risk
of infections and exacerbations. “This study will provide preliminary data
necessary to establish, or refute, the rationale for a clinical trial,” he says.
The CAPS program, which provides 75% protected time, will be
instrumental in developing his research and career. “It’s difficult to find
funding mechanisms for preliminary studies, especially for those early in
their career. This program supports preliminary work and provides an opportunity
to develop skills on how to conduct clinical research,” he says.
“The CAPS emphasis on multidisciplinary research is also exciting to
me,” he says. While his previous research was narrowly focused on
pulmonary medicine, Kunisaki will now extend his work into the broad
field of nutritional research. “I am learning how to assess and analyze
dietary intakes and how to evaluate micronutrient status of individuals.
Also, I am learning how to communicate among disciplines.” Kunisaki’s
mentoring team is multidisciplinary: Dennis Niewoehner, M.D., professor
and chief of pulmonary medicine at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center;
John Connett, Ph.D., professor and division head of biostatistics; and
Allen Levine, Ph.D., professor and dean of the College of Food,
Agriculture, and Natural Resource Sciences.
Ultimately, Kunisaki hopes this research will clarify the relationship
between micronutrients and clinical outcomes of this devastating disease.
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