My research is on the anti-carcinogenic effects of cruciferous vegetables that have been attributed to the hydrolysis products of glucosinolates. The primary glucosinolate in broccoli is glucoraphanin (GP). In my study, I have set out to determine if purified GP, in the absence of the plant-derived hydrolyzing enzyme myrosinase, could affect pulmonary or hepatic ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) and/or quinone reductase (QR) activity. Gavage of male F344 rats with semi-purified or purified GP (240 mg/kg rat daily for 4 days) caused similar changes in QR and no change in EROD.  In a second study, varying doses of semi-purified GP (0, 30, 60, or 120 mg/kg rat daily for 4 days) caused no change in EROD activity, but a dose-dependent increase in QR. In addition, the GI tract, liver, lung, kidney and bladder all exhibited normal histopathology, except cecum.  The cecum from rats receiving 120 mg/kg daily for 4 days showed some inflammation and those receiving 240 mg/kg showed extensive inflammation.  Urine analysis by HPLC/UV was greater on day 4 than day 1 of administration, and the lower the dose, the greater the recovery. We conclude that GP 30 and 60 mg/kg, daily for 4 days, are safe and effectively enhance QR in all tissues evaluated. 

My current research interests are to study the molecular mechanisms of detoxification of environmental toxins by insect pests. Insects have adapted to an array of natural toxic compounds and have recently evolved resistance to insecticides. It is very interesting to compare the molecular mechanism of detoxification of natural toxic chemicals from their food and human-synthesized insecticides. In addition, I am focusing on a mycotoxin, aflatoxin, which is an extremely toxic compound to humans and responsible for the annual loss of millions of dollars in the U.S. due to crop contamination. Very recently, I found that one insect, Amyelois transitella (Navel Orangeworm), a specialist frequently encountering aflatoxins in their hosts, has an amazing ability to resist against aflatoxins. I highly expect that I can identify some detoxification enzymes with an efficient rate of aflatoxin-detoxification from A. transitella and later they can be applied into industry for bioremediation of aflatoxins in aflatoxin-contaminated foods.

I am a Ph.D. student in Dr. Jodi Flaws’ laboratory in the Department of Veterinary Biosciences.  My research project focuses on studying the effects of an organochlorine pesticide, methoxychlor (MXC), on the mouse ovary.  MXC poses a threat to female reproduction because it is commonly used in many countries and it selectively destroys antral follicles in a variety of species by increasing their rate of atresia (i.e., death of antral follicles).  A loss of antral follicles will lead to a decrease in fertility compromising species’ abilities to reproduce effectively.  Although the exact mechanism by which MXC causes atresia is unknown, we hypothesize that it involves members of the Bcl-2 family of anti-apoptotic and pro-apoptotic factors.  One of the goals in our lab is to investigate how MXC may be altering the levels of Bcl-2 factors and their function in the follicles.  My future goal is to be able to apply the knowledge gained from my graduate training to conservation efforts throughout the world.  Once I have completed my toxicological training, I hope to work as a researcher investigating the effects of pollutants on various species and work on developing ways to prevent toxicants from entering and disrupting healthy ecosystems.