Exploring the possibilities of fusion of discovery, innovation, and application at Thomas Jefferson University and Nemours

The show must go on! I am looking forward to attending Thomas Jefferson University & Nemours Research Lecture Series on October 28, 2021 as a way to continue exploring joint research projects with my colleagues from Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, College of Humanities and Sciences, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, College of Life Sciences, as well as College of Pharmacy. We have a renewed interest in transdisciplinary and multi-professional approach to explore additive, antagonistic, and synergistic effects of heavy metals in pediatric health.

Several studies have shown that toxic metals exposure causes long term health problems in human populations. Although the acute and chronic effects are known for some metals, little is known about the health impact of mixtures of toxic elements. Research reports have pointed out that toxic elements might interfere metabolically with nutritionally essential metals such as iron, calcium, copper, and zinc. However, the literature is scarce regarding the combined toxicity of heavy metals. Simultaneous exposure to multiple heavy metals may produce a toxic effect that is either additive, antagonistic, or synergistic.

Elucidating the mechanistic basis of heavy metal interactions is essential for health risk assessment and management of chemical mixtures. Hence, research is needed to further elucidate the molecular mechanisms as well as public health impact associated with human exposure to mixtures of toxic metals.