RESEARCH

My research interests involve nutrition related factors and body composition analysis in chronic disorders such as cancer, type 2 diabetes, and obesity in minority populations.

Currently, I am conducting a study focused on breast cancer etiology, specifically the interrelationships between hormones, diet, body fat content, body fat distribution, and breast cancer in 1,500 Hispanic women. The aims of the study are to evaluate: a) the correlation of insulin resistance and breast cancer, b) the association of hormones and peptides (estradiol, estrone, sex-hormone binding-protein, IGF1, IGFBP3, and insulin) with breast cancer, and c) the role of phytoestrogen consumption in decreasing the risk of breast cancer. This clinic-based case-control study will be useful in identifying factors associated with decreased breast cancer risk among Hispanic women.

An additional ongoing study is investigating body composition and serum leptin levels in Mexican-Americans. I am investigating body fat content, body fat distribution, serum leptin, body image, and physical activity in 500 Mexican-Americans. This cross-sectional study will provide information about the pattern of overweight and obesity in South Texas, a region with one of the highest rates of obesity in the U.S. 

Resources available in my lab include:

Body composition analysis: tetra-polar bioelectrical impedance analysis, eight-electrodes bioelectrical impedance analysis, air-displacement plethysmography (BOD POD), underwater weighing.

Quantitative methods for body specimens: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for hormones and peptides such as leptin, estradiol, estrone, sex hormone-binding protein, IGF-1, IGFBP-3, insulin, adiponectin, etc., and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for micronutrients such as carotenoids and phytoestrogens.