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Susan
Shapses, PhD |
| Title: Associate Professor |
| Affiliation: Rutgers, The State University of NJ |
| Department:
Food Science |
| Research Interests:
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This research program focuses on the nutritional regulation of skeletal tissues by examining bone turnover, mass and quality in human trials. In addition, we examine the biochemistry and gene expression within the extracellular matrix (proteoglycans and collagen). Importantly, our studies address how nutritional intake influences the development of osteoporosis using imaging techniques such as DXA , pQCT and uCT. The major focus in the laboratory is to determine how loss of body weight contributes to the risk of osteoporosis. Evidence shows that subjects who diet and lose weight also lose bone. Our goal is to determine mechanisms that regulate the rate of bone turnover and bone loss during caloric restriction. Bone turnover is measured in the urine and blood (e.g., pyridinium cross-links, serum osteocalcin) using techniques of spectrophotometry, HPLC, and radioimmunoassay. Calcium absorption (using stable isotopes and mass spectrometry) and bone-regulating hormones are examined in these studies to address mechanisms of regulation. In addition, studies examining gastric bypass patients are in progress to understand how obesity surgery influences calcium homeostasis and bone mass. Due to the high rate of morbidity and mortality associated with osteoporotic fractures, we also use rodent models to better understand how nutrition regulates bone turnover, composition, and biomechanical properties. In addition, there is an interest bone turnover during disease states. For example, we have studied how glycemic control and hormones regulate bone turnover in insulin-dependent patients with diabetes. In addition, the role of lipids and chemokines in the regulation of bone are being addressed in the laboratory. |
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