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Marroquín’s Lab

Marroquín’s lab is focused on studying how lifestyle interventions such as nutrition and physical activity modify the function and composition of the gut microbiome and how this one in turn affects health-outcomes. 

Meet Dr. Marroquín

Elisa posing for a headshot photo

Elisa is an Assistant Professor and the Director of Graduate Studies at the Department of Nutritional Sciences. She did her postdoctoral training at the University of Texas and obtained her Ph.D. and M.S. in Exercise Physiology and Nutrition from Baylor University. Elisa graduated summa cum laude from the Nutrition Department of Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (México), being awarded a Fulbright Scholarship for her graduate studies in the United States. She has been a speaker for the World Obesity Federation, the National Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the Texas American College of Sports Medicine, the International Society of Sports Nutrition, the Mexican Society of Obesity, and the Mexican College of Nutrition, among others.

Elisa has published 33 peer-reviewed scientific articles and two textbook chapters. She currently possesses private and government funding. Elisa’s main research interest is the potential relationship between Obesity, Nutrition, and Physical Activity with the Gut Microbiota.

Muñoz Mireles, G., Mantzios, M., Schellinger, J. N., Messiah, S. E., and Morales Marroquin, E. Mindful and Intuitive Eating as Tools for Diabetes Prevention and Management: A Review of Potential Mechanisms of Action. Accepted in October 2023 for publication at Mindfulness.

Almandoz, J.P., Xie, L., Tejani, S., Mathew, S., Schellinger, J.N., Marroquin, E., and Messiah, E., Impact of Emplo ment Status and Setting on Body Weight Among People with Obesity. Accepted in September 2023 for publication at Work

Haddad JD, Almandoz JP, Gomez V, Schulman AR, Horton JD, Schellinger J, Messiah SE, Mathew MS, Marroquin EM, Tavakkoli A. Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty: A Practice Pattern Survey. Obes Surg. 2023 Jun 20. doi: 10.1007/s11695-023-06684-2. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37338795.

Ngenge S, Xie L, McAdams C, Almandoz JP, Mathew MS, Schellinger JN, Kapera O, Marroquin E, Francis J, Kukreja S, Schneider BE, Messiah SE. Depression and Anxiety as Predictors of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Completion Among Ethnically Diverse Patients. Obes Surg. 2023 Jul;33(7):2166-2175. doi: 10.1007/s11695-023-06652-w. Epub 2023 May 22. PMID: 37217806; PMCID: PMC10202355.

Kapera, O., Xie, L., Marroquín, E. M., Ngenge, S., Mathew, M. S., Almandoz, J. P., Schellinger, J., Kukreja, S. S., Schneider, B., McAdams, C., & Messiah, S. E. (2023). The Role of Body Appreciation in the Decision to Complete Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Among Ethnically Diverse Patients. Obesity Surgery, 33(3), 879–889.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-023-06456-y

Murvelashvili, N., Xie, L., Schellinger, J. Mathew, M., Marroquin, E., Lingvay, I., Messiah, S.E., and Almandoz, J. Effectiveness of Semaglutide vs. Liraglutide for Treating Post-Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Weight Recurrence. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2023; 1- 10. doi:10.1002/oby.23736

Xie, L., Almandoz, J.A., Mathew, M.S., Schellinger, J.N., Kapera, O., Ngenge, S., Marroquin, E.M., McAdams, C. Kukreja, S., Schneider, B., and Messiah, S.E. Association Between Patient Satisfaction with Their Patient-Physician Relationship and Completion of Bariatric Surgery by Race and Ethnicity Among US Adults. JAMA, 2022 doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.47431

Tang, M. and Marroquin, E. Material Obesity Potentially Regulating Offspring’s Obesity by Acting Through the Gut Microbiota. Frontiers. 2022. doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2022.1057424

Fernández-Alonso M, Aguirre Camorlinga A, Messiah SE, Marroquin E. Effect of adding probiotics to an antibiotic intervention on the human gut microbial diversity and composition: a systematic review. J Med Microbiol. 2022 Nov;71(11). doi: 10.1099/jmm.0.001625.
This paper has been ranked by the Microbiology Society as:
• One of the highest-scoring outputs from this source (#2 of 2,765)
• High Attention Score compared to outputs of the same age and source (99th percentile)
• High Attention Score compared to outputs of the same age (96th percentile)
• In the top 5% of all research outputs scored by Altmetric

Link to current paper stats. (https://microbiologyresearch.altmetric.com/details/138502635)

Graybeal, A.J., Willis, J.L., Morales-Marroquin, E., Tinsley, G.M., Messiah, S.E., & Shaha M. Emerging evidence of the relationship between fat-free mass and ghrelin, glucagon-like peptide-1, and peptide-YY. Nutrition. 2022. doi.org/10.1016/j.nut.2022.111815.

Almandoz JP, Xie L, Schellinger JN, Mathew MS, Marroquin EM, Murvelashvili N, Khatiwada S, Kukreja S, McAdams C, Messiah SE. Changes in body weight, health behaviors, and mental health in adults with obesity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2022 Jun 30. doi: 10.1002/oby.23501.

Messiah, S.E., Xie, L., Mathew, M.S. Morales-Marroquin, E., et al. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Utilization and Safety in the United States. (2022). Obes Surg. doi.org/10.1007/s11695-022-06077-x

Morales-Marroquin E, Khatiwada S, Xie L, et al. Five Year Trends in the Utilization of Robotic Bariatric Surgery Procedures, United States 2015-2019 (2022). Obes Surg. 2022;10.1007/s11695-022-05964-7.  doi:10.1007/s11695-022-05964-7

Knell, G., Li, Q., Morales-Marroquin, E., Drope, J., Gabriel, K.P., & Shuval, K. (2021) Physical Activity, Sleep, and Sedentary Behavior among Successful Long-Term Weight Loss Maintainers: Findings from a U.S. National Study. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, 18, 5557. doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18115557

Shuval K, Marroquin EM, Li Q, Knell G, Pettee Gabriel K, Drope J, Yaroch AL, Chartier KG, Fennis BM, Qadan M. Long-term weight loss success and the health behaviours of adults in the USA: findings from a nationally representative cross-sectional study. BMJ Open. 2021 Jul 14;11(7):e047743. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-047743.

Morales-Marroquin, E., Xie, L., Uppuluri, M., Almandoz, J. P., Cruz-Muñoz, N., & Messiah, S. E. (2021). Immunosuppression and Clostridium difficile Infection Risk in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Patients. Journal of the American College of Surgeons, S1072-7515(21)00342-2. Advance online publication.
doi.org/10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2021.04.028

Arrona Cardoza P, Spillane MB, & Morales Marroquin E. (2021) Alzheimer's disease and gut microbiota: does trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) play a role? Nutr Rev. doi: 10.1093/nutrit/nuab022. PMID: 33942080.

Srikanth, N., Xie, L., Morales-Marroquin, E., Ofori, A., de la Cruz-Munoz, N., & Messiah, S. E. (2021). Intersection of smoking, e-cigarette use, obesity, and metabolic and bariatric surgery: a systematic review of the current state of evidence. J Addict Dis, 1-19. doi:10.1080/10550887.2021.1874817

Morales-Marroquin, E., Xie, L., Meneghini, L., de la Cruz-Munoz, N., Almandoz, J. P., Mathew, S. M., . . . Messiah, S. E. (2021). Type 2 Diabetes and HbA1c Predict All-Cause Post-Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Hospital Readmission. Obesity (Silver Spring), 29(1), 71-78. doi:10.1002/oby.23044

Morales-Marroquin, E., Kohl, H. W., 3rd, Knell, G., de la Cruz-Munoz, N., & Messiah, S. E. (2020). Resistance Training in Post-Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Patients: a Systematic Review. Obes Surg, 30(10), 4071-4080. doi:10.1007/s11695-020-04837-1

Morales-Marroquin, E., Hanson, B., Greathouse, L., de la Cruz-Munoz, N., & Messiah, S. E. (2020). Comparison of methodological approaches to human gut microbiota changes in response to metabolic and bariatric surgery: A systematic review. Obes Rev, 21(8), e13025. doi:10.1111/obr.13025

Morales, E., Chen, J., & Greathouse, K. L. (2019). Compositional Analysis of the Human Microbiome in Cancer Research. Methods Mol Biol, 1928, 299-335. doi:10.1007/978-1-4939-9027-6_16

Hwang, P., Morales Marroquin, F.E., Gann, J., Andre, T., McKinley-Barnard, S., Kim, C., . . . Willoughby, D. S (2018). Eight weeks of resistance training in conjunction with glutathione and L-Citrulline supplementation increases lean mass and has no adverse effects on blood clinical safety markers in resistance-trained males. J Int Soc Sports Nutr, 15(1), 30. doi:10.1186/s12970-018-0235-x

Liu, D., Morales, F.E., IglayReger, H.B., Treutelaar, M. K., Rothberg, A.E., Hubal, M.J., . . . Gordon, P.M. (2018). Expression of macrophage genes within skeletal muscle correlates inversely with adiposity and insulin resistance in humans. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab, 43(2), 187-193. doi:10.1139/apnm-2017-0228
*Selected as “the Editor’s Choice” by the Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism Journal

Tinsley, G.M., Forsse, J.S., Morales, E., & Grandjean, P.W. (2018). Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry visceral adipose tissue estimates: reproducibility and impact of pre-assessment diet. Eur J Clin Nutr, 72(4), 609-612.
doi:10.1038/s41430-017-0038-1

Ismaeel, A., Weems, S., McClendon, M., & Morales, F. E. (2018). Interventions Aimed at Decreasing Obesity in Hispanic Children in the First 1000 Days: A Systematic Review. J Immigr Minor Health, 20(5), 1288-1293.
doi:10.1007/s10903-017-0672-7

Morales Marroquín, F.E., & Willoughby, D. (2017) “Exercise and Dietary Factors Affecting the Microbiota: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives” Journal of Nutritional Health and Food Engineering. DOI: 10.15406/jnhfe.2017.06.00199

Morales, F. E. M., Tinsley, G. M., & Gordon, P. M. (2017). Acute and Long-Term Impact of High-Protein Diets on Endocrine and Metabolic Function, Body Composition, and Exercise-Induced Adaptations. J Am Coll Nutr, 36(4), 295-305. doi:10.1080/07315724.2016.1274691
* Selected as “Trending Research” by the Journal of the American College of Nutrition

Morales, F.E., Forsse, J.S., Andre, T.L., McKinley-Barnard, S.K., Hwang, P.S., Anthony, I.G., . . . Willoughby, D. S. (2017). BAIBA Does Not Regulate UCP-3 Expression in Human Skeletal Muscle as a Response to Aerobic Exercise. J Am Coll Nutr, 1-10. doi:10.1080/07315724.2016.1256240

Tinsley, G.M., Morales, E., Forsse, J.S., & Grandjean, P.W. (2017). Impact of Acute Dietary Manipulations on DXA and BIA Body Composition Estimates. Med Sci Sports Exerc, 49(4), 823-832. doi:10.1249/MSS.0000000000001148

Hwang, P.S., Andre, T.L., McKinley-Barnard, S.K., Morales Marroquin, F.E., Gann, J. J., Song, J.J., & Willoughby, D.S. (2017). Resistance Training-Induced Elevations in Muscular Strength in Trained Men Are Maintained After 2 Weeks of Detraining and Not Differentially Affected by Whey Protein Supplementation. J Strength Cond Res, 31(4), 869-881. doi:10.1519/JSC.0000000000001807

Marroquín, F.E.M., & Willoughby, D.S. (2015) “Factors Regulating Uncoupling Protein-3 Expression in Skeletal Muscle”. Journal of Nutritional Health and Food Engineering 3(1): 00101. doi: 10.15406/jnhfe.2015.03.00101

Riojas-Hernandez, A., Bernal-Ramirez, J., Rodriguez-Mier, D., Morales-Marroquin, F. E., Dominguez-Barragan, E. M., Borja-Villa, C., . . . Garcia, N. (2015). Enhanced oxidative stress sensitizes the mitochondrial permeability transition pore to opening in heart from Zucker Fa/fa rats with type 2 diabetes. Life Sci, 141, 32-43.
doi:10.1016/j.lfs.2015.09.018

Nov 2021 Podcast: “Dr. Elisa Morales Marroquin and How Probiotics and Bariatric Surgery Relate to Weight Gain” By Flatline Fitness

Sep 2020 Podcast: “Episode #69: Dr. Elisa Morales and the Athlete Gut Microbiome” By Athlete Factors

Aug 2019 Podcast: (SPANISH) “How to increase muscle mass with Dra. Elisa Morales” By Con Ciencia Healthcast

Jan 2023

Telegraph
Over 40 and taking antibiotics? Here’s what you need to know about your gut

Dec 2022

NBC News
Article: “Silicon Valley is coming for your gut biome

Nov 2022

Microbiology Society
Article: “Take probiotics alongside your prescribed antibiotics to reduce damage to your gut microbiome, says the first review of the data

American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Article: “Take probiotics alongside your prescribed antibiotics to reduce damage to your gut microbiome, says the first review of the data

The Pharmaceutical Journal (Official Journal of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society
Article: “Probiotics should be considered when prescribing antibiotics, finds systematic review

Science Daily
Article: “Take probiotics alongside your prescribed antibiotics to reduce damage to your gut microbiome, says the first review of the data

Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology Tools
Article: “Probiotics Taken with Antibiotics Reduce Damage to Gut Microbiome"

Science News Net England
Article: “Take probiotics alongside your prescribed antibiotics to reduce damage to your gut microbiome, says the first review of the data”

News Medical
Article: “Taking probiotics alongside antibiotics can prevent or lessen damage to gut microbiome composition

Medical News Today
Article: “Probiotics may offset gut damage caused by antibiotics

Verve Times
Article: “Take Probiotics Alongside Your Prescribed Antibiotics To Reduce Damage To Your Gut Microbiome, Says The First Review Of The Data — ScienceDaily

Mirage
Article: “Take probiotics alongside your prescribed antibiotics to reduce damage to your gut microbiome, says first review of data

MD Edge
Article: “Give bacterial diversity a chance: The antibiotic dichotomy

EX Bulletin
Taking probiotics along with antibiotics can prevent or reduce damage to gut microbiota composition

Study Finds
Taking probiotics while on antibiotics could protect your gut microbiome

Big News Network
Article: “Experts advice taking probiotic along with antibiotic to reduce damage to gut microbiome

News Wise
Article: “Take probiotics alongside your prescribed antibiotics to reduce damage to your gut microbiome, says the first review of the data

The Print
Article: “Experts advice taking probiotic along with antibiotic to reduce damage to gut microbiome

Latestly  (https://www.latestly.com/agency-news/health-news-experts-advice-taking-probiotic-along-withantibiotic-to-reduce-damage-to-gut-microbiome-4468374.html)

Medical Xpress
Article: “Experts Advice Taking Probiotic Along with Antibiotic to Reduce Damage to Gut Microbiome

newKerala.com
Article: “Experts advice taking probiotic along with antibiotic to reduce damage to gut microbiome

Swift Telecast
Take Probiotics Alongside Your Prescribed Antibiotics To Reduce Damage To Your Gut Microbiome, Says The First Review Of The Data — ScienceDaily

NewsAzi
Article: “Take Probiotics Alongside Your Prescribed Antibiotics To Reduce Damage To Your Gut Microbiome, Says The First Review Of The Data

Devdiscourse
Article: “Experts advice taking probiotic along with antibiotic to reduce damage to gut microbiome

Revyuh
Article: “Are antibiotics hurting your gut? a simple thing you can do to avoid the damage – new research

Pakistan Observer
Article: “Probiotics may offset gut damage caused by antibiotics

Ask By Geeks
Article: “Taking probiotics alongside prescribed antibiotics could reduce damage to gut microbiome

Other Languages:

Galileo [Italian]
Article “Perché i probiotici aiutano il microbiota durante la terapia antibiotica

Pourquoi Docteur [French]
Article: “Antibiotiques : comment réduire leur impact sur notre microbiote

Aponet.DE [German]
Article: “Probiotika reduzieren Schäden durch Antibiotika

Nach Welt [German]
Article: “Die Einnahme von Probiotika zusammen mit Antibiotika kann Schäden an der Zusammensetzung des Darmmikrobioms verhindern oder verringern

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