Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most prevalent reproductive endocrine disorder in women and results in a substantial financial burden to the American healthcare system. PCOS is characterized by an/oligoovulation, polycystic ovaries, and hyperandrogenism. PCOS patients are also at risk for the development of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. My laboratory focuses on the effects of obesity, hyperinsulinemia, and insulin resistance on androgen steroidogenesis and the interrelationship between androgens and insulin signaling in steroidogenic tissues and adipose tissue. An additional focus of my laboratory is the effect of novel fat sources on metabolic and reproductive function in the context of obesity. Using cell culture and rodent and porcine models, my research program examines the direct and indirect effects of obesity and resulting hyperandrogenemia on steroidogenesis and reproductive function in females. I also have a strong interest in wildlife and zoo animal endocrinology and reproductive physiology. In the past, I have conducted endocrine based research projects on the Pallas' Cat and African Wild Dog. My current research examines the effect of the introduction of novel pheromones versus novel animals on fecal steroid metabolite concentrations, behavior, and estrous cyclicity in captive, female Red River Hogs. I am also working with zoo-based collaborators to develop an eletroejaculation and artificial insemination protocol for Suidae (pig) and Tayassuidae (peccary) species and am engaged in a retrospective characterization of reproductive tract lesions in pigs and peccaries in relation to age, parity and contraceptive use.
- Ph.D. in Animal Science/Reproductive Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign - (Urbana, Illinois, United States) 2012
- M.Sc. in Production Animal Studies/Wildlife Reproduction, University of Pretoria - (Pretoria, South Africa) 2008
- D.V.M. in Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University - (Raleigh, North Carolina, United States) 2004
- B.S. in Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - (Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States) 2000
Academic Articles17
- Kothmann, K. H., Kay, M., Romney, S. E., Acebo, S., Reyna, A. J., Choudhury, M., Rutkowski, J. M., & Newell-Fugate, A. E. (2021). DHT Differentially Regulates T Helper Cell Related Cytokines and MicroRNAs In Visceral and Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue of Female Mice. 5(Supplement_1), a764-a764.
- Kothmann, K. H., Jacobsen, V., Laffitte, E., Bromfield, C., Grizzaffi, M., Jarboe, M., ... Newell-Fugate, A. E. (2021). Virilizing doses of testosterone decrease circulating insulin levels and differentially regulate insulin signaling in liver and adipose tissue of females.. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. (6), E1107-E1118.
- Self, T. S., Ginn-Hedman, A., Kaulfus, C. N., Newell-Fugate, A. E., Weeks, B. R., & Heaps, C. L. (2020). Iodine-enhanced micro-computed tomography of atherosclerotic plaque morphology complements conventional histology.. Atherosclerosis. 313, 43-49.
- Braundmeier-Fleming, A. G., Skenandore, C. S., Gil, L., Jacobsen, V., Cregger, M., Badger, T., ... Newell-Fugate, A. E. (2020). Dietary substitution of soybean oil with coconut oil in the absence of dietary antibiotics supports growth performance and immune function in nursery and grower pigs.. J Anim Sci Biotechnol. 11(1), 27.
- Goblet, C., Lewis, B., Jacobsen, V., Jarboe, M., Silva, D., Penfold, L., & Newell-Fugate, A. E. (2020). Exposure of managed red river hogs (Potamochoerus porcus) to urine from males stimulates estrous cycling and modulates fecal sex steroid metabolites in males and females.. Gen Comp Endocrinol.
Conference Papers3
- Newell-Fugate, A. E., Jarboe, M., Bromfield, C., Clark, S. G., Rosenfield, R. L., Bahr, J. M., & Nowak, R. A. (2014). Testosterone Administration to Female Pigs Causes Dose- and Time-Related Changes in Serum Insulin and Differentially up-Regulates Insr and IRS1 Gene Expression in Adipose Tissue. 35(3),
- Newell-Fugate, A. E., Taibl, J. N., Alloosh, M., Sturek, M., Nowak, R. A., & Krisher, R. L. (2011). Follicular Dynamics and Estrous Cycle Features of the Ossabaw Pig Model of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).. 85(Suppl_1), 818-818.
- Newell-Fugate, A. E., Taibl, J. N., Clark, S. G., Alloosh, M., Sturek, M., & Krisher, R. L. (2011). 320 BASELINE AND SUPEROVULATION HYPERANDROGENISM AND FOLLICULAR DYNAMICS IN THE OSSABAW PIG SUGGEST AN ANIMAL MODEL FOR POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME. Reproduction, Fertility and Development. 23(1), 256-256.
Principal Investigator2
- Follicular and endometrial pathology in polycystic ovary syndrome- awarded by National Institutes of Health 2015 - 2017
- BIMS491 Research Instructor
- VTPP285 Directed Studies Instructor
- VTPP423 Biomedical Physiology I Instructor
- VTPP427 Biomedical Physiology Ii Instructor
- VTPP485 Directed Studies Instructor
- Goblet, Camille Charlotte (2018-08). Effect of Introduction of Female and Male Urine Pheromones on Estrous Cycle Length and Progestogen and Testosterone Metabolite Concentration in Captive Red River Hogs (Potamochoerus Porcus) in North American Zoos. (Master's Thesis)
