Richard Bruno, PhD, RD

Assistant Professor

Office Phone: (860) 486-1608
Fax: (860) 486-3674
Email: richard.bruno@uconn.edu

Education and Training

• Doctorate of Philosophy in Human Nutrition, June 2004
  The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
  Dissertation: The Role Of Oxidative Stress and Vitamin C On Vitamin E Utilization In Humans
• Dietetic Internship, September 2001–May 2002
  The Ohio State University; Columbus, Ohio
• Master of Science in Human Nutrition, December 1999
  University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware
  Thesis: Perceptions and Gastrointestinal Effects of Olestra
• Bachelor of Science in Applied Nutrition; Minor in Biology May 1997
  University of Delaware; Newark, Delaware

Professional Experience

• Assistant Professor 08/2005–Present, Department of Nutritional Sciences; University of Connecticut
• Research Associate 06/2004–08/2005, Linus Pauling Institute; Oregon State University
• Research Assistant 06/2002–06/2004, Human Nutrition and Food Management; Oregon State University
• Graduate Research/Teaching Associate 09/1999–05/2002, Department of Human Nutrition; The Ohio State University

Awards and Honors

• Chair, Vitamins & Minerals Research Interest Section, American Society for Nutrition, 2007–Present
• Top 25 Dietary Supplement Paper Published in 2005, Annual Bibliographies of Significant Advances in Dietary Supplement Research, NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, 2006
• Alumnus In the Spotlight, Dept. of Human Nutrition, The Ohio State University, 2005
• 1^st Prize, Ohio Agricultural Research Development Center Research Symposium, 2001
• J.F. Baldwin Scholarship Recipient, 1997
• North Atlantic Conference Academic Honor Role,1996

Professional Affiliations

• Member, Institute of Food Technologists 2008–Present
• Member, American Society for Nutrition, 2006–Present
• Affiliate Member, Connecticut Center of Excellence for Eliminating Health Disparities among Latinos, University of Connecticut, 2006–Present
• Registered Dietitian, Commission of Dietetic Registration, 2002–Present
• Member, Oxygen Club of California, 2002–Present
• Member, American Dietetic Association, 2001–Present
• Member, Society for Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 2000–Present
• Member, Society of Experimental Biology and Medicine, 2000–Present
• Treasurer, Ohio State University Nutrition Graduate Student Association, 2000–2002

Research

The underlying mission of the Bruno Laboratory is to define the mechanisms by which dietary antioxidants and phytonutrients contribute to optimal human health. Specifically, we are interested in elucidating the protective activities by which vitamin E (as α and γ-tocopherol) and dietary polyphenols such as green tea catechins, quercetin, and soy isoflavones exhibit their bioactivity and regulate the initiation and progression of obesity- and oxidative stress-triggered chronic diseases. Our laboratory is actively underway in evaluating these dietary agents as novel therapeutic strategies against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD), disorders that are strongly associated with obesity and exacerbated oxidative stress. In support of these goals, controlled studies are routinely conducted in human and animal models of oxidative stress such as obesity, dietary supplementation/restriction, or cigarette smoking. Ultimately, our expectations are to 1) elucidate the mechanisms by which dietary antioxidants and phytonutrients regulate oxidative/nitrative stress biomarkers, 2) discover and validate novel biomarkers of oxidative stress, and 3) to work towards the implementation of novel dietary strategies for achieving optimal health in humans.

Graduate Students

Publications

Peer Reviewed

• RS Bruno and DM Medeiros. (2000). Lutein, zeaxanthin and age-related macular degeneration. J Nutraceuticals Funct Med Foods, 3(1): 75-85.
• RS Bruno and REC Wildman. (2001). Sources, properties and nutraceutical potential of lycopene. J Nutraceuticals Funct Med Foods, 3(2): 9-23.
• SW Leonard*, RS Bruno*, E Paterson, BC Schock, J Atkinson, TM Bray, CE Cross, MG Traber. (2003). 5-Nitro-gamma-tocopherol increases in human plasma exposed to cigarette smoke in vitro and in vivo. Free Radic Biol Med, 35 (12): 1560-7. *Both authors contributed equally
• T Offer, E Ho, MG Traber, RS Bruno, FA Kuypers, BN Ames. (2005). A simple assay for frequency of chromosome breaks and loss (micronuclei) by flow cytometry of human reticulocytes. Faseb J; 19(3): 485-7 (E-pub, Dec 15 2004).
• RS Bruno, R Ramakrishnan, TJ Montine, TM Bray, MG Traber. (2005). alpha-Tocopherol disappearance is faster in cigarette smokers and is inversely related to their ascorbic acid status. Am J Clin Nutr; 81(1): 95-103.
• SW Leonard, RS Bruno, R Ramakrishnan, T Bray, MG Traber. (2004). Cigarette smoking increases human vitamin E requirements as estimated by plasma deuterium-labeled CEHC. Ann NY Acad Sci; 1031: 357-360.
• RS Bruno and MG Traber. (2005). Cigarette smoke alters human vitamin E requirements. J Nutr; 135(4): 671-4 (Invited Review).
• RS Bruno, SW Leonard, J Li, TM Bray, MG Traber. (2005). Lower plasma alpha-carboxyethyl-hydroxychroman after deuterium labeled alpha-tocopherol supplementation suggests decreased vitamin E metabolism in smokers. Am J Clin Nutr; 81(5): 1052-9.
• JD Sowell, HM Conway, RS Bruno, MG Traber, B Frei, JF Stevens. (2005). Ascorbylated 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal as a potential biomarker of oxidative stress response. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci; 827(1):139-45; E-pub, Jul 14 2005.
• AW Taylor, RS Bruno, B Frei, MG Traber. (2006) Benefits of prolonged gradient separation for HPLC-MS-MS quantitation of plasma 15-series F2-isoprostanes. Anal Biochem, 350(1):41-51. E pub Jan 13 2006.
• RS Bruno*, SW Leonard, R Ramakrishnan, J Atkinson, TJ Montine, TM Bray, MG Traber. (2006). Faster plasma vitamin E disappearance in smokers is normalized by vitamin C supplementation. Free Radic Biol Med; 40(4):689-97; Epub Nov 15 2005. (*Received commentary: Buettner GR. (2006). Commentary on "Faster plasma vitamin E disappearance in smokers is normalized by vitamin C supplementation". Free Radic Biol Med; 40(4): 555-6).
• RS Bruno, SW Leonard, S-I Park, Y Zhao, MG Traber. (2006). Human vitamin E requirements assessed with the use of apples fortified with deuterium-labeled α-tocopheryl acetate. Am J Clin Nutr; 83: 299-304.
• RS Bruno and MG Traber. (2006). Vitamin E biokinetics, oxidative stress and cigarette smoking. Pathophysiology; 13(3):143-9; Epub, Jun 28 2006. (Invited Review).
• RS Bruno, Y Song, SW Leonard, DJ Mustacich, AW Taylor, MG Traber, E Ho. (2007). Dietary zinc restriction in rats alters antioxidant status and increases plasma F2-Isoprostanes. J Nutr Biochem; 18(8): 509-18; E pub, Dec 1 2006.
• J Carlstrom, JD Symons, TC Wu, RS Bruno, SE Litwin, T Jalili. (2007). A quercetin supplemented diet does not prevent cardiovascular complications in spontaneously hypertensive rats. J Nutr; 137(3):628-33.
• D Mustachich, RS Bruno, MG Traber. (2007). Vitamin E. Vitam Horm; 76:1-21. (Invited Review).
• RS Bruno, SW Leonard, R Ramakrishnan, J Atkinson, TJ Montine, TM Bray, MG Traber. (2007). Response to Harri Hemila, “Conclusions about intervention effects should not be based on surrogate end points” Free Radic Biol Med, 42(4):579-80; Epub 2006 Dec 15
• RS Bruno*, CE Dugan, JA Smyth, DA DiNatale, SI Koo. (2008). Green tea extract protects leptin-deficient, spontaneously obese mice from hepatic steatosis and injury. J Nutr, 138(2):323-31. (*Received commentary: American Society for Nutrition (2008). An international press release was issued that highlighted the findings of this investigation.
• K Nesaretnam, TH Koon, KR Selvaduray, RS Bruno, E Ho. (2008). Modulation of cell growth and apoptosis response in human prostate cancer cells supplemented with tocotrienols. Eur J Lipid Sci Technol; 110:23-31.
• AW Taylor, RS Bruno, MG Traber. (2008). Women and Smokers Have Elevated Urinary F2-Isoprostane Metabolites; Determinations using a Novel Extraction and LC-MS Methodology. Lipids; In Press; Epub 2008 Aug 27.
• DJ Mustachich, K Gohil, RS Bruno, M Yan, SW Leonard, E Ho, CE Cross, MG Traber. (2008). Alpha-tocopherol modulates genes involved in hepatic xenobiotic pathways in mice. J Nutr Biochem, In Press; E-pub 10 Sept 2008.
• HJ Park, SR Davis, H-Y Liang, DW Rosenberg, RS Bruno. (200x). Chlorogenic Acid Differentially Alters Hepatic and Small Intestinal Thiol Redox Status Without Protecting Against Azoxymethane-Induced Colon Carcinogenesis In Mice. Submitted.
• Y Song, CS Chung, RS Bruno, MG Traber, KH Brown, JC King, E Ho. (200x). Zinc status affects DNA damage and oxidative stress in healthy adult men. Submitted.

Book Chapters

• RS Bruno and REC Wildman. (2000). Lycopene: Source, properties and nutraceutical potential. In: Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods, (Wildman REC, ed.). Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.
• RJ Sokol, RS Bruno, MG Traber. (2005). Vitamin E and vitamin K metabolism (Chapter 70). In: Physiology Of The Gastrointestinal Tract, 4th Edition, Academic Press: 1773-1789.
• RS Bruno, REC Wildman, SJ Schwartz. (2006). Lycopene: Food sources, properties and health. In: Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods, 2nd Edition (Wildman REC, ed.). Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.
• RS Bruno and MG Traber. (2006). The role of α and γ-tocopherols in health. In: Handbook of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods, 2nd Edition (Wildman REC, ed.). Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.

Scientific Presenations

Oral

• RS Bruno. (2004). The role of oxidative stress on vitamin E utilization in humans. Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Ohio State University; Columbus, OH.
• RS Bruno. (2004). The role of oxidative stress on vitamin E utilization in humans. Pharmavite LLC; North Ridge, CA.
• RS Bruno. (2004). Diet and lifestyle: The effect of free radicals on our body’s need for vitamin E. Association for Office Professionals, Oregon State University; Corvallis, OR.
• RS Bruno. (2005). Does oxidative stress alter vitamin E utilization in humans? Department of Nutrition and Exercise Sciences, Oregon State University; Corvallis, OR.
• RS Bruno. (2005). Human clinical trials evaluating the role of oxidative stress on vitamin E utilization. Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Connecticut; Storrs, CT.
• RS Bruno. (2005). Human clinical trials to evaluate vitamin E bioavailability, utilization and metabolism. Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Sciences, University of Connecticut; Storrs, CT.
• RS Bruno. (2006). Oxidative stress-mediated alterations of vitamin E pharmacokinetics in humans. Department of Animal Sciences, University of Connecticut; Storrs, CT.
• RS Bruno. (2007). Green tea extract attenuates nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in spontaneously obese mice. USDA W1002 Regional Project Directors Meeting; U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC.
• RS Bruno, DA DiNatale, CE Dugan, JA Smyth, SI Koo. (2007). Obesity-triggered hepatic steatosis and injury in spontaneously obese mice are attenuated by green tea extract. 4th International Diet and Optimum Health Conference; Portland, OR (No Abstract # / Oral Presentation).
• RS Bruno. (2007). Evaluation of dietary antioxidants in the prevention of obesity mediated nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and cardiovascular disease. USDA W1002 Regional Project Directors Meeting; Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR.
• RS Bruno. (2008). Novel methodologies for assessing vitamin E absorption, utilization, & dietary requirements. Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut; Storrs, CT.
• RS Bruno. (2008). Cigarette smoke-induced oxidative stress on vitamin E utilization. Grand Rounds, University of Connecticut Health Center; Farmington, CT.

Outreach and Extension

• RS Bruno. (2006). Vitamin E: One Of Nature’s Many Antioxidants. E-Extension bulletin.
• Radio Interview Guest (Dec 2006), The Wayne Norman Show; Wili-AM Radio (Willimantic, CT). The Wayne Norman Show is the longest continuously running morning show in Connecticut. The station is broadcasted to ~100,000 Eastern Connecticut residents and is listened to by 5,000-10,000 individuals daily.
• CE Dugan and RS Bruno. (2007). Tea: If Only All Accidents Were This Healthy. Home & Garden News; University of Connecticut Home & Garden Education Center, March/April 2007.
  The Home & Garden News is a subscription-based (~630 subscribers) bimonthly newsletter distributed by the Home & Garden Education Center in College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Connecticut.
• CE Dugan, DA DiNatale, JA Smyth, SI Koo, RS Bruno. (2007). Green Tea Extract Decreases the Amount of Fat in Livers of Obese Mice. University of Connecticut Cornucopia Fest 2007; October 7, 2007
  A poster presentation was provided to a diverse lay audience describing the beneficial effects of green tea on the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
• Scientists study health effects of green tea (2007). College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Journal, University of Connecticut.
• American Society of Nutrition. (2008). Consumption of Green Tea Extract Decreases Weight Gain and Fatty Liver in Obese Mice. A press release was broadly distributed in the U.S. and internationally describing the findings of our study from green tea fed mice.
• RS Bruno. (2008). Interview provided to GreenWise magazine regarding the protective effects of green tea on obesity and fatty liver disease. Circulation of the magazine is ~500,000 subscribers.
• RS Bruno. (2008). Interview provided for Today’s Dietitian regarding the antioxidant properties of vitamin E and its dietary requirements. National circulation of this trade publication is ~110,000, predominately to practicing dietitians, nutritionists, and health professionals.
• RS Bruno. (2008). Clinical Rounds Guest Radio Speaker, Green Tea for Fatty Liver Disease. Participants in Q & A for health practitioners (MD, RN, RD) on the benefit effects of green tea on the development of obesity-related nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

News and Updates

Fall 2009 Seminar Series
A Seminar Series Presented by the Department of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Connecticut
More Information

Positions Open

Professor & Director of Functional Foods Initiative

Nutritional Sciences, 75% Research and 25% Teaching, 10 month, tenure-track. – Applications and supporting materials will be reviewed beginning November 30, 2009 until the positions are filled.

Assistant/Associate Professor

Nutritional Sciences, 50% research and 50% teaching, 9 month, tenure-track. – Applications and supporting materials will be reviewed beginning October 12, 2009 until the positions are filled.