Josh M. Bock, Ph.D.

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SUMMARY

Josh M. Bock, Ph.D., is a physiologist studying the intersection of lifestyle patterns such as diet, exercise, sleep and cardiovascular health. He has experience with managing clinical trials ranging in duration from acute studies through months-long interventions. Dr. Bock's research focuses on sex differences in the pathophysiology of obstructive sleep apnea. He also studies the impact of nocturnal inorganic nitrate supplementation on sleep architecture and early-morning neurocirculatory control. Dr. Bock is an advocate for conducting "team science" and has developed collaborations across Mayo Clinic enterprises.

Focus areas

• Sex differences in obstructive sleep apnea. Experimental sleep disruption in healthy people impacts markers for cardiovascular risks more in females than in males. Dr. Bock's research has translated these findings to people with obstructive sleep apnea. He studies sex differences in the mechanisms of sympathetic overactivation and immune dysfunction as contributors to cardiovascular risks in this population.
• Neurophysiological effects of inorganic nitrate. Impairments in nitric oxide synthesis and signaling precipitate the onset of cardiovascular abnormalities. This is classically described through impaired vasorelaxation. Dr. Bock has shown that increasing nitric oxide levels via inorganic nitrate supplementation can also modulate the autonomic nervous system. Currently, he is exploring if nocturnal inorganic nitrate supplementation offsets age-related changes in the neurobiology of sleep and if this translates to improved early-morning cardiovascular health.
• Determinants of exercise capacity. The ability to perform high levels of aerobic exercise is indicative of cardiovascular risk. Consequently, understanding the mechanisms that restrict oxygen delivery and utilization during exercise provide a unique perspective into an individual's cardiovascular risk. Dr. Bock studies the contributions of sympathetic nerve activity and skeletal muscle mitochondria to exercise intolerance in people with obstructive sleep apnea.

Significance to patient care

The objective of Dr. Bock's research is to reduce the lifetime burden of cardiovascular conditions through modifications in lifestyle patterns such as sleep, exercise and diet. His studies employ clinical outcomes and gold-standard measurement techniques to provide mechanistic insight into age- and sex-related differences. Through this work, Dr. Bock is currently developing and testing new interventions to improve cardiovascular health in older adults as well as individuals with obstructive sleep apnea.

Professional highlights

• Mayo Clinic Alumni Association Edward C. Kendall Award for Meritorious Research, Mayo Clinic, 2024.
• Career Development Award, Sleep Research Society Foundation, 2023.
• K12 scholar, Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women's Health, Mayo Clinic, 2023.
• Sex Differences Career Enhancement Award, specialized centers of research excellence, Mayo Clinic, 2022.
• T32 Fellow, Cardiovasology Training Program, Mayo Clinic, 2020.