The major focus of the lab, involving many both internal and external projects, is the study of the molecular, pathological and functional consequences of marginal (subclinical) vitamin C deficiency (as opposed to chronic severe vitamin C deficiency that inevitably leads to scurvy).

The condition is common in humans but has been given little attention in the literature in spite of overwhelming epidemiological evidence of its consistent association to morbidity. Our two main areas of interest are early brain development and cardiovascular disease.

Our lab is among the leading labs in the world in this particular field. Besides our own research using the guinea pigs as animal model, we participate in many national and international experimental and clinical studies. Other interests within deficiency toxicology include vitamin D deficiency and kwashiorkor.

These projects involve development and validation of biomarkers of oxidative stress in the vasculature in a variety of species (mice, rats, guinea pigs, dogs, pigs, humans) as well as testing drugs and drug candidates in animal models of disease.

Particular emphasis is on oxidative stress in conditions related to the metabolic syndrome cluster and diabetes. Again, both animal models and human studies are carried out with special focus on translational aspects including characterization of model validity.

In relation to our interest in early brain development, we have recognized cognitive performance as an important functional outcome of impaired growth.

This work is pursued particularly with the purpose of validating cognitive measures in guinea pigs.

We have a fundamental interest in pharmacokinetic and -dynamic models.

Current projects include the non-linear absorption, distribution and elimination of vitamin C, clearance of biopharmaceuticals in hepatectomised and nephrectomised rats as well as in vivo imaging of drug action in mice and rats.