Goran Lab: Research Studies

Our Clinical Trials

Home intervention for reducing sugary drinks and obesity in Latino women and infants

Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages in infancy correlates with obesity in early childhood. This study aims to reduce consumption of sugary drinks in postpartum mothers and their babies.

Human milk oligosaccharides

This study focuses on the complex sugars (HMOs) present in breast milk. These sugars are important to the infant immune system, gut health and brain development. Our studies are working to examine how different HMOs affect development of the gut microbiome, appetite regulation and brain development.

Impact of sugars and human milk oligosaccharides on infant microbiome and obesity

Sugars and extended breastfeeding exert opposing effects on early obesity risk, but the mechanisms are unclear. This study will identify how early-life dietary exposures affect the growth of gut microbiota and impact obesity, brain development and appetite regulation.

Early life social, environmental and nutritional determinants of chronic disease risk in Latino children

This is a comprehensive study in Latino children to examine the contributions of early-life nutrition, exposure to environmental toxins, and social determinants of health on subclinical markers of chronic disease risk at 5 years of age.

Nutrigenetic intervention to reduce liver fat in Hispanics

In this study we will determine the effects of two interventions on overweight or obese Latino adolescents with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Previous Research Projects

We have completed several research projects in the Goran Lab, including:

Intra-abdominal fat and risk of disease in adolescents

Funder: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (RO1 HD/HL 33064)

Risk factors for type 2 diabetes in Hispanic adolescents

Funder: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (RO1 DK 59211)

USC center for transdisciplinary research on energetics and cancer

Funder: National Cancer Institute (U54 CA 16848)

Obesity in minority youth in Los Angeles: A generation at risk

Funder: National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (P60 MD002254)