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 is an Assistant Professor in 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
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”
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
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
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”
Dr. Marroquín's Research Team
Daniel Woodfin
Daniel is a first-year medical student at TCU Burnett School of Medicine. He is most interested in the effects of preventive medicine, such as diet and exercise, on the quality of the gut microbiome. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, playing pickleball, and spending time with his partner.
Cecilia Cannata
Cecilia (Cece) is a first-year medical student at The Burnett School of Medicine at TCU. She graduated with a B.S. in Applied Nutrition and Nutrition Science and a minor in Dance from Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, California. Her hobbies include spending time with friends and family, baking, and taking dance classes.
Melissa Fernández
Melissa Fernández is a first-year Masters in Nutritional Science student at TCU. Her research interest focus mainly on the gut microbiota. In her free time, she enjoys staying active through yoga, pilates or hiking, she loves listening to music and reading.
Matthew Loritz
Matthew is a second-year nutrition student at TCU in the Combined BS/MS Dietetics program, seeking a career as a Registered Dietitian. He has a current research interest in the gut microbiome and nutrigenomics. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, rock climbing, and listening to music.
Katie Harnen
Katie is a third-year Nutrition Student in the Didactic Program in Dietetics at TCU, with research interests in supplementation data and pediatrics. She is working towards getting her Masters to pursue a career as a Registered Dietitian. In her free time, she enjoys teaching indoor cycling classes, shopping, and playing with her puppy Halo.
Genevieve Aiwonegbe
Genevieve is a third-year student at TCU, majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Nutrition. Her research interest includes studying chronic diseases in response to changes in nutrition. In particular Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular disease, and many types of cancer. She is also interested in how obesity drives aging, resulting in an early onset of multiple chronic conditions like type II diabetes. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting, trying new food, and thrifting.
Brayce Martin
Brayce is a fourth-year student at TCU, majoring in Chemistry with a minor in Nutrition. After graduation, he plans to attend medical school to pursue a career in orthopedic surgery. His passion is to help people stay active and eat nutritiously, which stems from his 100-pound weight loss journey. In his free time, he enjoys weightlifting, listening to audiobooks, and cooking.
Meghan Jurgens
Meghan Jurgens is a third-year student at Texas Christian University pursuing a degree in Nutritional Sciences through the John V. Roach Honors College on the Pre-PA track. She plans to attend Physician Assistant (PA) school following graduation. Meghan's academic and research interests are deeply rooted in the concept of "food is medicine," with a specific focus on the gut microbiome and its application in preventative health. As part of the research team, she assists with ongoing projects by serving as a resident phlebotomist. Outside of academics, Meghan enjoys Pilates, hiking, traveling, and spending time with friends.
Kalea Flores
Kalea is a second-year Nutrition Student in the Didactic Program of Dietetics at TCU. After graduating from the DPD program, she plans to obtain her Master’s degree to pursue a career as a Registered Dietitian. Her current interest is in understanding the effects preventive nutrition care has on cellular functions and how it influences the health of individuals.
Kameryn Smudde
Kameryn Smudde is a fourth-year Nutrition student on the Pre-Dental track at Texas Christian University. She has served as an executive member of the TCU Pre-Dental Society for the past three years and is currently President. She co-led the TCU Experiential Projects that Impact the Community (EPIC) Grant for the New Smiles Drive over the past two years and now leads the project, focusing on improving oral health education and access in partnership with local clinics and schools. After graduation, she plans to attend dental school to pursue a career in dentistry. In her free time, she enjoys snowboarding, weightlifting, traveling, volunteering, and spending time outdoors with friends and family.