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Shafer Collaborates on Calcium Absorption Research Project

MADISON – Martin Shafer, Ph.D., associate scientist in the WSLH Environmental Health Division, is a collaborator on a University of Wisconsin Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR) grant to study whether the acid-reflux and heartburn drug Omeprazole affects the ability of post-menopausal women to absorb calcium, potentially increasing their risk for osteoporosis.

The Principal Investigator on the grant is Karen Hansen, MD, assistant professor in the UW School of Medicine and Public Health’s Department of Medicine. Dr. Hansen’s grant was one of 16 awarded during ICTR’s first round of research funding.

Dr. Shafer and staff of the WSLH trace element research group will be performing the high precision stable isotope ratio analyses in the Omeprazole study. Intestinal calcium absorption in the study participants will be determined using two enriched stable (non-radioactive) isotopes of calcium as tracers. One isotope is administered orally, and the other intravenously, and the change in natural calcium isotope ratios in a 24-hour urine specimen provides a measure of the total calcium absorption. 

Very high precision isotope ratio analyses are required for this approach to be successful, and the WSLH performs these measurements using a high resolution magnetic-sector Inductively-Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (HR-ICP-MS).  Stable isotope tracers have revolutionized many disciplines of clinical biochemical research; advances made possible by a new generation of plasma mass spectrometry instrumentation.

More information on all ICTR grants, including Dr. Hansen and Dr. Shafer’s.

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Posted By: Jan Klawitter, WSLH Public Affairs and Training Manager
Date: June 6, 2008

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