Thomas Wilson

Thomas A. Wilson, Ph.D.

Interim Department Chair, Associate Professor

College
Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences
Department
Biomedical & Nutritional Sciences, SCORE
Phone
978-934-4509
Fax
978-934-4704
Office
Weed Hall - 202

Expertise

Nutritional Sciences

Research Interests

Cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis and blood lipids; Macular degeneration; Nanotechnology delivery of nutrients and drugs; Nutrition and hormone metabolism; Diabetes and obesity; Nutrition and exercise physiology.

Influence of nutrients, diet, supplements and medications on chronic diseases in pre-clinical (animal models) and clinical studies including cardiovascular disease, macular degeneration, diabetes and obesity; Influence of nutrients, diet, supplements and medications on cancer prevention and treatment both in a xenograft mouse model and in vitro; Diet effects on antioxidant status and the development oxidative stress and its relationship to chronic disease development; Diet, drug, and supplement effects on inflammation and chronic disease prevention and treatment; Development of nanotechnology as delivery vehicles for nutrients in foods (especially water-based beverages) and supplements and medications on chronic disease prevention and treatment.

Education

  • Ph D: Department of Food Science and Nutrition, (1992), University of Rhode Island - West Kingston, RI
    Dissertation/Thesis Title: Influence of Body Composition, Gonadal Steroid Status, and Gender on Serum Carotenoids and Retinol Levels
  • Other: Nutrition, (1989), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Chapel Hill, NC
  • BS: Clinical Science/Medical Technology, (1987), University of Massachusetts Lowell - Lowell, MA

Selected Awards and Honors

  • College of Health Sciences Teacher Award (2014), Teaching - Student Government Association
  • Certificate of Excellence (2010), Teaching - UMass Lowell Student Government Association
  • Department Faculty Teaching Award (2009), Teaching - University of Massachusetts Lowell, MA
  • Graduate Student Scholarship (1988), Scholarship/Research - Cancer Prevention Fellowship Program

Selected Publications

  • Rozati, M., Barnett, J., Wu, D., Handelman, G.J., Dallal, G., Saltzman, E., Wilson, T.A., Li, L., Wang, J., Marcos, A. (2015). Cardiometabolic and Immunological Impacts of Extra Virgin Olive Oil Consumption in Overweight and Obese Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial. The FASEB Journal, 29(1 Supplement) 252.6.
  • Bagul, M., Kakumanu, S., Wilson, T.A. (2015). Crude Garlic Extract Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Induces Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis of Cancer Cells In Vitro. Journal of Medicinal Food, 18(7) 731-737.
  • Garelnabi, M.O., Mahini, H., Wilson, T.A. (2014). Quercetin intake with exercise modulates lipoprotein metabolism and reduces atherosclerosis plaque formation. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 11(1).
  • Bagul, M., Kakumanu, S., Wilson, T. (2014). In vitro efficacy studies for evaluating the activity of a self-assembled nanoemulsion formulation of paclitaxel on breast and ovarian cancer cells. Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, 6(3) 67-75.
  • Garelnabi, M.O., Mahini, H., Wilson, T.A. (2014). Quercetin intake with exercise modulates lipoprotein metabolism and reduces atherosclerosis plaque formation. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 11(1).
  • Ferrara, C., Laurent, C.S., Wilson, T.A. (2008). The Benefits of a Weight Loss Contest in Overweight and Obese College Students. Recreational Sports Journal, 32(1) 45.
  • Goodrow, E.F., Wilson, T.A., Houde, S., Vishwanathan, R., Scollin, P.A., Handelman, G.J., Nicolosi, R.J. (2006). Consumption of One Egg Per Day Increases Serum Lutein and Zeaxanthin Concentrations in Older Adults without Altering Serum Lipid and Lipoprotein Cholesterol Concentrations. Journal of Nutrition, 136(10) 2519.
  • Shea, T.B., Ekinci, F.J., Ortiz, D., Wilson, T.A., Nicolosi, R.J. (2003). Efficacy of vitamin E, phosphatidyl choline and pyruvate on Abeta neurotoxicity in culture. Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging, 7(4) 252-255.
  • Shea, T.B., Rogers, E., Ashline, D., Ortiz, D., Duarte, N., Wilson, T.A., Nicolosi, R.J., Sheu, M.S. (2003). Vitamin E deficiency does not induce compensatory antioxidant increases in central nervous system tissue of apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 5(1) 9-14.
  • Shea, T.B., Ekinci, F.J., Ortiz, D., Dawn-Linsley, M., Wilson, T.A., Nicolosi, R.J. (2002). Efficacy of vitamin E, phosphatidyl choline, and pyruvate on buffering neuronal degeneration and oxidative stress in cultured cortical neurons and in central nervous tissue of apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 33(2) 276-282.

Selected Presentations

  • Seeing is Believing: The role of nutrition in maintaining eye health - American Dietetic Association: Food and Nutrition Expo 2008, October 2008 - Chicago, IL
  • Serum lutein and zeaxanthin responses to consumption of two and four egg yolks in older adults on cholesterol-lowering medication, October 2008 - San Diego, CA
  • A nanoemulsion of an anti-oxidant synergy formulation reduces tumor growth rate in neuroblastoma-bearing nude mice - Experimental Biology •07, April 2007 - Washington DC
  • A nanoemulsion preparation of aspirin enhances its anti-inflammatory effect in CD-1 mice - Experimental Biology •07, April 2007 - Washington DC
  • C-reactive protein levels are not affected in participants consuming the equivalent of 2 and 4 egg yolks/day while on cholesterol-lowering medication - Experimental Biology •07, April 2007 - Washington DC
  • Consumption of menus containing the equivalent of two and four egg yolks in older adults on cholesterol lowering medications is associated with significant changes in serum lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations and macular pigment optical density - Experimental Biology •07, April 2007 - Washington DC
  • Increased bioavailability of a transdermal application of a delta-tocopherol nanoemulsion preparation - Experimental Biology •07, April 2007 - Washington DC
  • Statins prevent the expected rise in serum total and lipoprotein cholesterol levels while consuming up to 1000 mg per day of cholesterol as egg yolk - Experimental Biology •07, April 2007 - Washington DC
  • Anti-Atherogenic Properties of Beta-Glucans from Barley and Oats in Hypercholesterolemic Syrian Golden Hamsters - Experimental Biology •03, April 2003 - San Diego, CA
  • Lipid-Lowering Effects of a Mid-Oleic Sunflower Oil in Moderately Hypercholesterolemic Men and Women - Experimental Biology •03, April 2003 - San Diego, CA
  • Influence of Triglyceride Structure on Cholesterol Metabolsim in Cholesterol-fed Hamsters, May 2002 - Montreal, Canada
  • Consumption of Ground Bison and Ground Beef Reduces the Development of Early Aortic Atherosclerosis Compared to Soy Protein and Casein in Hypercholesterolemic Hamsters - Experimental Biology 2001, April 2001 - Orlando, FL
  • Bison Fat Prevents a Greater Increase in Plasma Cholesterol Levels Compared to Beef Fat in Hyperchoilesterolemic Hamsters - Experimental Biology •01, April 2001 - Orlando, FL
  • Feeding of Olive Oil Reduces LDL Oxidation and Aortic Cholesterol Compared to Sunflower Oil in Hamsters - Experimental Biology •01, April 2001 - Orlando, FL
  • Dose Response Study of a 2,3-Oxidosqualene:Lanosterol Cyclase Inhibitor in Hypercholesterolemic Hamsters - Thirteenth Annual Mid Atlantic Lipid Research Symposium 2001, March 2001 - Atlantic City, NJ
  • Does Saturated Fat have a Greater Influence on the Development of Atherosclerosis than Cholesterol? - American College of Nutrition Conference, October 1999 - Washington DC
  • Rice Bran Is as Efficacious as Oat Bran on Plasma Cholesterol Lowering and the Development of Early Aortic Atherosclerosis in Hypercholesterolemic Hamsters - Experimental Biology ê99, April 1999 - Washington DC
  • Consumption of Bison and Beef Reduce the Development of Early Aortic Atherosclerosis Compared to Soy Protein and Casein in Hypercholesterolemic Hamsters - National Bison Association Conference, August 1998 - Quad Cities, IA
  • Studies of Cholesterol and Bile Acid Metabolism in Hamsters fed GT16-239, a Novel Bile Acid Sequestrant (BAS) - Mid-Atlantic Lipid Research Symposium, March 1998 - Atlantic City, NJ
  • The ACAT Inhibitor, CI-1011 is Effective in the Prevention and Regression of Early Atherosclerosis in Hamsters - Mid-Atlantic Lipid Research Symposium, March 1998 - Atlantic City, NJ
  • The Hypocholesterolemic and Anti-atherogenic Effects of Soy Lecithin in Hypercholesterolemic Hamsters: Beyond Linoleate - Experimental Biology •97, April 1997 - New Orleans, LA

Selected Intellectual Property

  • Patent - Nicolosi, R.J., Wilson, T.A., Kou, F., Kakumanu, S., Baguls, M., Vishwanathan, R."Compositions and Methods for the Preparation of Bioactive Nanoemulsions,"
  • Patent - Nicolosi, R.J., Wilson, T.A."Compositions and Methods for Making and Using Nanoemulsions,"
  • Patent - Nicolosi, R.J., Wilson, T.A., Fisher, R."Use of a NanoEmulsion Delivery System to Incorporate and Increase the Efficacy of Lipid Soluble Nutrients in Beverages and Fat Free or Low Fat Foods,"

Selected Contracts, Fellowships, Grants and Sponsored Research

  • The Effect of Two Eggs per Day on the Progression of Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) in Older Individuals (2011), Grant - Massachusetts' Lions Eye Research Fund, Inc.
    Wilson, T.A. (Principal)
  • The Effect of Two Eggs per Day on the Progression of Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) in Older Individuals (2010), Grant - Massachusetts' Lions Eye Research Fund, Inc.
    Wilson, T.A. (Principal)
  • Anticarcinogenic properties of high-lauric acid cheese on colon cancer in mice (2009), Grant - Pennsylvania State University
    Wilson, T.A. (Principal)
  • Bioavailability Study of Nanoemulsion Formulations Containing Quercetin and Curcumin in Rats (2009), Grant - U.S. Army Natick Research
    Wilson, T.A. (Co-Principal)
  • Anticarcinogenic Properties of High-Lauric Acid Cheese (2008), Grant - University of Idaho
    Wilson, T.A. (Principal)
  • Bioavailability Studies of Lutein and Zeaxanthin from a Nanoemulsion Preparation or Eggs in Humans (2008), Grant - Massachusetts Lions Eye Research Fund, Inc.
    Wilson, T.A. (Co-Principal)
  • Bioavailability Studies of Lutein and Zeaxanthin from a Nanoemulsion Preparation or Eggs in Humans (2008), Grant - Massachusetts Lions Eye Research Fund, Inc.
    Wilson, T.A. (Co-Principal)
  • Bioavailability Study of Nanoemulsion Formulations Containing Quercetin, Tyrosine, and Curcumin in Rats (2008), Grant - U.S. Army Natick Research
    Wilson, T.A. (Co-Principal)
  • A Novel Drug that Inhibits Arterial Mast Cell Activities in Early Aortic Lesions of Hypercholesterolemic Hamsters (2007), Grant - Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development
    Wilson, T.A. (Co-Principal)
  • Animal Research to Characterize Therapies (2007), Grant - Encapsion, Inc.
    Wilson, T.A. (Principal)
  • Characterization of Three Pro-Pharmacueticals' Carbohydrate-Based Drug Formulations (2007), Grant - Pro-Pharmaceuticals, Inc
    Wilson, T.A. (Co-Principal)
  • Cholesterol-Lowering Properties of High-Lauric Acid Cheeses in Hypercholesterolemic Hamsters (2007), Grant - University of Idaho
    Wilson, T.A. (Principal)
  • Dietary and Blood Lutein and Zeaxanthin Levels and Macular Pigment Density (2007), Grant - Massachusetts Lions Eye Research Fund, Inc.
    Wilson, T.A. (Co-Principal)
  • Evaluations of Nanoemulsion Formulations Containing Quercetin, Tyrosine, and Curcumin (2007), Grant - U.S. Army Natick Research
    Wilson, T.A. (Co-Principal)
  • The Effect of Twelve Eggs per Week on the Progression of Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) in Older Individuals (2007), Grant - USDA/Egg Nutrition Center
    Wilson, T.A. (Principal)
  • Use of Nano-Emulsion Technology to Increase the Fluorescence Intensity, Bioavailability and Efficacy of the Imaging and Detection Agent Fluorescein for Early Diagnosis of Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (2007), Grant - Microfluidics Inter'l Corp.
    Wilson, T.A. (Co-Principal)
  • Egg Yolk Consumption in Older Adults Taking Cholesterol-Lowering Medication: Effects on Serum Lipids, Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Lutein and Zeaxanthin and Retinal Macular Pigment Concentrations (2006), Grant - Massachusetts Lions Eye Research Fund, Inc.
    Wilson, T.A. (Co-Principal)
  • Exploring the Relationships among Prenatal Weight Gain, Maternal Weight Retention, and Infant/Childhood Growth in a Diverse Sample Representing the Lowell Community (2006), Grant - UMASS Lowell Faculty Seed Grant
    Wilson, T.A. (Co-Principal)
  • Reducing Risk Factors in Peripheral Arterial Disease (2006), Grant - Northwestern University/NIH/NHLBI
    Wilson, T.A. (Principal)
  • Rice Bran Extract: Cholesterol-Lowering Potential and Mechanism(s) of Action (2006), Grant - NatuRi Corp.
    Wilson, T.A. (Co-Principal)
  • Rice Bran Extract: Cholesterol-Lowering Potential and Mechanism(s) of Action: Study 2 (2006), Grant - NatuRi Corp.
    Wilson, T.A. (Co-Principal)
  • Serum Vitamin E and Carotenoid Concentrations in Human (2006), Grant - Pennsylvania State University
    Wilson, T.A. (Principal)
  • Biological Activity of Rice Bran Extract (2005), Grant - NatuRi Corp.
    Wilson, T.A. (Co-Principal)
  • Cholesterol and PK Effects of Three Different Doses of a Novel Drug in Hamsters (2005), Grant - Hoffmann La Roche Pharmaceutical
    Wilson, T.A. (Co-Principal)
  • Egg powder consumption in older adults taking cholesterol-lowering statins: Effects on serum lipids, lipoprotein cholesterol and lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations (2005), Grant - USDA/Egg Nutrition Center
    Wilson, T.A. (Co-Principal)
  • Egg Yolk Consumption in Older Adults Taking Cholesterol-Lowering Medication: Effects on Serum Lipids, Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Lutein and Zeaxanthin and Retinal Macular Pigment Concentrations (2005), Grant - Massachusetts Lions Eye Research Fund, Inc.
    Wilson, T.A. (Co-Principal)
  • Egg Yolk Consumption in Older Adults Taking Cholesterol-Lowering Medication: Effects on Serum Lipids, Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Lutein and Zeaxanthin and Retinal Macular Pigment Concentrations (2005), Grant - USDA/Egg Nutrition Center
    Wilson, T.A. (Co-Principal)
  • HDL raising capacity of niacin, fenofibrate and lovastatin compared to a novel statin drug combination in hamsters (2005), Grant - JJ Pharma
    Wilson, T.A. (Co-Principal)
  • HDL-Cholesterol Raising Properties of Statins-Analogs in Hamsters (2005), Grant - JJ Pharma
    Wilson, T.A. (Co-Principal)
  • Hypocholesterolemic Effects of Test Fiber Preparations versus Psyllium in Hamsters (2005), Grant - Procter & Gamble
    Wilson, T.A. (Co-Principal)
  • Comparison of novel lipid lowering compounds and Crestor in hamsters (2004), Grant - JJ Pharma
    Wilson, T.A. (Co-Principal)
  • Dose response study of cholesterol-lowering properties of a statin analog (2004), Grant - JJ Pharma, Inc.
    Wilson, T.A. (Co-Principal)
  • Fatty acid effects on blood glucose concentrations (2004), Grant - Faculty Development Fund
    Wilson, T.A. (Principal)
  • Fatty acid effects on blood glucose response following an oral tolerance test (2004), Grant - Professional Development Research Grant
    Wilson, T.A. (Principal)
  • Application of diabetes/atherosclerosis hamster model (2003), Grant - University of Massachusetts Lowell
    Wilson, T.A. (Co-Principal)
  • Egg consumption in older adult nursing home residents: Effects on plasma and lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and plasma and lipoprotein levels of lutein and zeaxanthin (2003), Grant - USDA/Egg Nutrition Center
    Wilson, T.A. (Co-Principal)
  • Plasma lipid analyses from samples pre-treated by filtration (2003), Grant - Millipore Inc.
    Wilson, T.A. (Principal)
  • Dose-response effect of soy protein on cholesterol levels in hamsters (2002), Grant - Central Soya Company, Inc.
    Wilson, T.A. (Co-Principal)
  • Effect of water-washed soy protein on cholesterol levels in humans (2002), Grant - Central Soya Company, Inc.
    Wilson, T.A. (Co-Principal)
  • Are inflammatory markers in hamsters, mice, and rats associated with the development of early aortic atherosclerosis (2001), Grant - Healey Grant Fund
    Wilson, T.A. (Principal)
  • Comparative effects of sunflower oil, olive oil, and moderately high oleic sunflower oil on plasma lipoproteins and tocopherol levels, LDL oxidative stress, early atherosclerosis and accumulation of aortic oxidi (2001), Grant - National Sunflower Association
    Wilson, T.A. (Co-Principal)
  • Comparative effects of sunflower oil, olive oil, and moderately high oleic sunflower oil on plasma lipoproteins and tocopherol levels, LDL oxidative stress, early atherosclerosis and accumulation of aortic oxidized LDL in hamsters (2001), Grant - National Sunflower Association
    Wilson, T.A. (Co-Principal)
  • Effect of barley beta-glucan versus oat beta-glucans on hypercholesterolemia (2001), Grant - Cargill Health & Food Technologies
    Wilson, T.A. (Co-Principal)
  • Effect of structured triglycerides on hypercholesterolemia (2001), Grant - Nisshin Oil Mills LTD
    Wilson, T.A. (Co-Principal)
  • Is the reduced levels of early aortic atherogenesis in cholesterol-fed versus saturated fat-fed hamsters with equivalent levels of LDL-C associated with differences in aortic lipids, aortic oxidant stress, adhesion molecules and/or various cytokines (2001), Grant - USDA/Egg Nutrition Center
  • Effect of conjugated linoleic acid and linoleic acid on the progression and regression of the advanced atherosclerotic lesion in hamsters (2000), Grant - National Cattlemen's Beef Association
    Wilson, T.A. (Principal)
  • Studies of platelet adhesion, aggregation, and clotting activity in rats fed polyphenols (2000), Grant - Processed Apples Institute
    Wilson, T.A. (Principal)
  • Studies of the anti-atherosclerosis properties of bison and beef protein in hamsters (2000), Grant - National Bison Association
    Wilson, T.A. (Principal)
  • Cholesterol lowering properties of chitosan with different degrees of acetylation (1999), Grant - University of Massachusetts Lowell
    Wilson, T.A. (Co-Principal)
  • Development of atherosclerosis in guinea pigs (1999), Grant - University of Connecticut
  • Dose response study of Ro 48-8071, a new 2,3-oxidosqualene:lanosterol cyclase inhibitor, in hypercholesterolemic hamsters (1999), Grant - Hoffmann -- La Roche Ltd.
    Wilson, T.A. (Principal)
  • Retaining Cholesterol-Lowering Micro-Nutrients in Oil (1999), Grant - NIH/SBIR
    Wilson, T.A. (Principal)
  • Transdermal effect of vitamin E in hamsters (1999), Grant - LeciGel, LLC
    Wilson, T.A. (Principal)
  • Are there differences in the degree of atherogenecity between hypercholesterolemic hamsters fed saturated fat vs. cholesterol-containing diets? (1998), Grant - USDA/Egg Nutrition Center
    Wilson, T.A. (Co-Principal)
  • Cholesterol lowering activity of barley oil in hypercholesterolemic hamsters (1998), Grant - University of Massachusetts Lowell
    Wilson, T.A. (Co-Principal)
  • Dose response effect of Troglitazone, a hypoglycemic agent: In vitro and in vivo studies in hamsters and rats (1998), Grant - Parke-Davis Pharmaceuticals
    Wilson, T.A. (Principal)
  • Dose response studies of lecithin and an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor on plasma lipids and lipoprotein cholesterol in hamsters (1998), Grant - LeciGel, LLC
    Wilson, T.A. (Principal)
  • PI: Hypocholesterolemic properties of different sources of Fibercel, a novel yeast- derived beta glucan fiber in hamsters (1998), Grant - Medical Foods, Inc.
  • The Effect of Twelve Eggs per Week on the Progression of Dry Age-Related Macular (2012), Grant - U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
    Wilson, T.A. (Principal)
  • Anticarcinogenic properties of high-lauric acid cheese on colon cancer in mice (2009), Grant -
    Wilson, T.A. (Principal)
  • The Effect of Twelve Eggs per Week on the Progression of Dry Age-Related Macular (2011), Grant - U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
    Wilson, T.A. (Principal)
  • The Effect of Twelve Eggs per Week on the Progression of Dry Age-Related Macular (2010), Grant -
    Wilson, T.A. (Principal)
  • Anticarcinogenic properties of high-lauric acid cheese (2008), Grant -
    Wilson, T.A. (Principal)
  • Cholesterol-Lowering Properties of High-Lauric Acid Cheese in Hypercholesterolemi (2007), Grant -
    Wilson, T.A. (Principal)