Research Interests

Essential Metal Nutritional Status in IDDM Children

We are investigating the use of white blood cells as well as other blood components as suitable tissues for the assessment of the essential metal nutritional status in pediatric patients with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Of particular interest are copper, magnesium, manganese, selenium and zinc and the effects of frequent episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis on the concentrations of these metals. Magnesium deficiency, in particular, is known to occur in IDDM children and thought to contribute to the development of peripheral neuropathy and cardiomyopathy in these patients. Deficiencies of the other metals may be associated with the development of immune system dysfunction and lipid disorders also known to occur in individuals with IDDM.


Analysis and Speciation of Toxic Metals in Human Tissues and Body Fluids

Knowledge of the speciation of toxic metals in human tissues and body fluids can be extremely important in assessing toxicity and also can be of considerable influence in the choice of methods of treatment. We are involved in determining the speciation of toxic metals such as aluminum, cadmium and lead in human blood components and urine combining separation techniques with graphite furnace Zeeman-effect atomic absorption spectroscopy.