For Dr. Jason Dyck, curiosity has always been the driving force. Born and raised in Edmonton, he completed both his BSc and PhD at the University of Alberta, where he first immersed himself in the world of molecular biology. That early passion led him across North America—from Dartmouth College to Baylor College of Medicine—specializing in cardiovascular science and the molecular pathways that influence heart health. Today, as a professor at his alma mater, Dr. Dyck leads a research program that spans a range of topics, including cardiovascular disease, cancer biology, obesity, diabetes, and the side effects of emerging treatments.
One of his most recent studies, highlighted in Folio, focuses on a pressing question that many Canadians may not yet be aware of: while medications like semiglutide have transformed obesity care, they can also unintentionally reduce muscle mass, including that of the heart. “Given how many people are using these drugs, it’s important to understand if these drugs have unintended effects and to develop strategies that might prevent these potential downsides,” he explains.
His team investigated whether adding ketone ester supplements could help protect muscle during semaglutide-related weight loss. In mouse studies, the results were striking: ketone esters helped preserve both heart and skeletal muscle mass, maintained strength, and prevented the molecular changes linked to muscle weakening – without reducing the benefits of fat loss. “These findings are exciting because ketone therapy is simple, accessible, and has real potential to translate into human clinical care”, says Dr. Dyck.
That translational mindset is at the core of his work. With support from the U of A’s Transformational Medical Research Grant competition – funded by The River Phillip Foundation – and the Alberta Diabetes Institute, Dr. Dyck and a team of collaborators are now preparing a clinical trial (referred to as GLIMMER GLP1-induced Loss and Impairment of Muscle Mass – Evaluation and Retention) to explore this intervention’s potential in people. For Dr. Dyck, these types of projects are most rewarding: “There’s something special about discovering something new – knowing only a handful of people in the world share that knowledge. But it’s even more meaningful when that discovery has the potential to rapidly advance to new treatment options for many people around the world.”
And there’s more on the horizon. Dr. Dyck’s team is finalizing a manuscript that delves deeper into how semaglutide affects skeletal muscle at the molecular level – and importantly, how a simple intervention could prevent these effects and be quickly tested in humans. As his research program continues to grow, one theme remains constant: a commitment to science that not only advances knowledge but also directly supports healthier lives.
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