John W. Erdman, Jr.

Professor of Nutrition
Mars, Inc. Nutrition Research Chair
Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition
Nutritional Research Chair
Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine
B.S., 1968, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey
M.S., 1973, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey
Ph.D., 1975, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey
Campus Address: 455 Bevier Hall
Email: jwerdman@illinois.edu
Phone: 217-333-2527

Research Interests:

Nutritional and physiological biochemistry of humans and animals; nutrition and cancer; biological effects of carotenoids and vitamin A; soy protein and lipid metabolism; weight loss and control.

Epidemiological evaluations of diet and disease suggest that carotenoids may have modulating effects on a variety of diseases. We particularly are interested in the potential effect of the tomato carotenoids, lycopene, phytoene and phytofluene, and other components of the tomato on the incidence of prostate cancer. We are studying the impact of tomato powder, specific tomato carotenoids and other nutrients on prostate cancer progression in several animal models and in cell culture. In addition, we are collaborating with others to evaluate the interrelationships of diets high in carotenoids, serum levels of these compounds and prostate cancer risk in humans. Soy protein has been shown by researchers at this university and at other locations to depress total and LDL cholesterol in mildly hypercholesterolemic men and women. Studies are continuing on evaluation of the mechanisms of cholesterol depression. In addition, we are evaluating the impact of soy protein feeding on the progression of kidney disease in diabetic men. The impact of portion control on the ability to loose weight has been evaluated in both men and woman and portion control has been found to be more efficacious than following the food guide pyramid as a weight loss approach.

Representative Publications

Campbell, J.K., J.L. King, M. Harmston, M.A. Lila, and J.W. Erdman, Jr. (2006) Synergistic effects of flavonoids on cell proliferation in Hepa-1c1c7 and LNCaP cancer cell lines. J. Food Sci. 71:S358-363.

Gajic, M., S. Zaripheh, F. Sun, and J.W. Erdman, Jr. (2006) Apo-8'-lycopenal and apo-12'-lycopenal are metabolic products of lycopene in rat liver. J. Nutr. 136:1552-1557.

Hannum, S.M., L.A. Carson, E.M. Evans, E.L. Petr, C.M. Wharton, L. Bui, and J.W. Erdman, Jr. (2006) Use of packaged entrees as part of a weight-loss diet in overweight men: an 8-week randomized clinical trial. Diabetes, Obesity and Met. 8:146-155.

Zaripheh, S., T.Y. Nara, M.T. Nakamura, and J.W. Erdman, Jr. (2006) Dietary lycopene downregulates carotenoid 15,15'-monooxygenase and PPAR-gamma in selected rat tissues. J. Nutr. 136:932-938.

Chang, S., J.W. Erdman, Jr., S.K. Clinton, M. Vadiveloo, S.S. Strom, Y. Yamamura, C.M. Duphorne, M.R. Spitz, C.I. Amos, J.H. Contois, X. Gu, R.J. Babaian, P.T. Scardino, and S.D. Hursting. (2005) Relationship between plasma carotenoids and prostate cancer. Nutr. and Cancer 53:127-134.