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Varman Samuel, MD, PhD

he/him/his
Associate Professor of Medicine (Endocrinology)
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Additional Titles

Section Chief, Endocrinology, VA

About

Titles

Associate Professor of Medicine (Endocrinology)

Section Chief, Endocrinology, VA

Biography

Dr. Varman Samuel is an adult endocrinologist who practices in the VA Connecticut Healthcare System where he serves as the section chief of Endocrinology. Dr. Samuel has an interest in the underlying mechanisms of insulin resistance, especially in relation to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, the care of patients with diabetes and health care delivery for veterans with diabetes within the VA system.

Appointments

Other Departments & Organizations

Education & Training

PhD
Yale University School of Medicine, Investigative Medicine (2005)
Postdoctoral Fellowship
University of Chicago Hospitals (2000)
Residency
University of Chicago Hospitals (1998)
MD
NYU School Of Medicine (1995)
BS
Cornell University (1991)

Board Certifications

  • Endocrinology & Metabolism

    Certification Organization
    AB of Internal Medicine
    Latest Certification Date
    2023
    Original Certification Date
    2003

Research

Overview

My research focuses on the underlying mechanisms leading to ectopic hepatic lipid accumulation (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, NAFLD) and the impact on liver insulin action and inflammation. Dysregulation of insulin signaling and hepatic glucose production account for two of the most common clinical findings in patients with type 2 diabetes: impaired glucose tolerance and fasting hyperglycemia. Hepatic insulin resistance arises when an increase in hepatic sn 1,2 diacylglycerol activated protein kinase c epsilon which then impairs hepatic insulin receptor kinase activation. This proximal defect in insulin signaling impacts all downstream pathways tied to insulin signaling.

Recently, our lab has been focused on fructose metabolism. We have explored the use of ketohexokinase inhibition using novel antisense oligonucleotides on the development of insulin resistance in rodents fed modest fructose diets that mimic the amounts consumed by humans. Interestingly, this seems to primarily improve white adipose tissue insulin action, suggesting that the primary defect induced by modest amounts of fructose may be at the level of white adipose tissue. The development of hepatic steatosis and hepatic insulin resistance may be secondary to adipose dysfunction. We will explore this hypothesis in rodent and tissue culture models.

In addition, we have used our experience and techniques studying NAFLD to better understanding the pathogenesis of alcohol-associated liver disease (AALD). Together with collaborators, we are applying novel isotopic techniques to quantifying changes in liver mitochondrial flux in acute and chronic models of AALD and assessing the impact of emerging NALFD therapies (i.e. mitochondrial uncouplers and acetyl-CoA carboxylase inhibition). These studies may provide insights into the links between mitochondrial function, lipid accumulation and inflammation

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)

Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Fatty Liver, Alcoholic; Gluconeogenesis; Insulin Resistance; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; Pyruvate Carboxylase

Research at a Glance

Yale Co-Authors

Frequent collaborators of Varman Samuel's published research.

Publications

2024

2023

2022

2021

Academic Achievements & Community Involvement

  • activity

    Geraitrics Section Chief Search Committee

  • activity

    VA Connecticut Transition Team

  • activity

    Endocrine Societ

  • activity

    Workgroup Memeber

  • activity

    Veterans Affairs

Get In Touch

Contacts

Secondary Academic Office Number
Mailing Address

Endocrinology

PO BOX 208020, 300 Cedar St

New Haven, CT 06520-8020

United States