Interview with Dr. Shaw

How did you become interested in the study of metabolic disorders?

I was very excited about applying new computer software to solve the riddle of children’s diseases in which the causes were unknown. I looked for abnormalities associated with genetic muscle diseases. I noticed several unusual compounds were consistently elevated that were not traceable to muscle disease. Further research concluded that these compounds were from bacteria and yeast. My research showed that these metabolites had a significant impact on the behavior of the autistic children in whom these were found. That is when I started to study the neurological effects of metabolic abnormalities in great detail.

What are the most significant discoveries you have made so far?

My research with fungal metabolites, oxalate production, cholesterol deficiency, and specific mitochondria markers has been very rewarding. All of these areas of research led to my understanding of the extent to which these abnormalities can affect the brain and body. The medical community had previously thought that these types of abnormalities were of little to no significance for most of the population. We are finding out that in some predisposed people, these abnormalities lead to behaviors such as the ones associated with Autism, OCD, Depression, and Alzheimer’s. Furthermore, they contribute to complex immune reactions such as the ones found in Parkinson’s disease, Cystic Fibrosis and autoimmune diseases. The ground work is being laid for some very promising treatments to take place.

What is your favorite aspect of working in this field?

I have to say that meeting people from all over the world has been a real advantage of working in this field. It is gratifying to witness how my research has influenced the lives of so many different people. Actually, all people only seem different on the outside because of their culture, language, or customs, but really, the basic human biochemical foundation is very similar for everyone. No matter where I go, India, Dubai, Japan, Mexico, Canada, Italy, people are seeking answers to health challenges facing a loved one, a patient, or themselves. Their expressions of gratitude make me feel very good about this work. It’s quite amazing when I think about it.

What motivates you to keep moving forward?

I get inspiration from everything around me. There are days when I am motivated by my stepdaughter, Paulina, who has a genetic disorder called Rett’s syndrome. Her life is a real reflection of the influence that our environment has on our genetics and vice versa. I am motivated by the people that I can help. I think about the patients who need hope, the practitioners who need answers, and the employees who keep the lab functioning to gain inspiration.

What are your plans for the future of the lab?

I am working on plans to keep up with the demands of our internet-based society. I am taking steps to move our laboratory toward a paperless facility during the coming years. I intend to offer many more free web conferences worldwide and hope to air them on a daily basis. Eventually, I want to present a video-based information resource center where medical practitioners, researchers, and diplomats from all over the globe can share relevant scientific information with the rest of the world - for free!

Where do you think that the scientific community is headed in the near future?

There are many new and promising treatments currently being developed right now as we speak. The scientific and medical community is becoming increasingly interested in the complex interactions that happen between our genetics and our environment. Every single day another researcher, like myself, discovers another factor that affects a metabolic pathway. Eventually, we will understand and know exactly what contributes to all the multifactorial disorders.

What advice do you have for people who are chronically ill?

Do not lose hope! Finding treatment is a process of elimination. Keep looking for answers and reading all relevant materials. Learn as much as you possibly can. Find a practitioner who will listen and respect your efforts, even if you have to travel a distance. It is never too late to improve some aspect of your health. Just take it one step at a time. You can move yourself closer to a healthier functioning body with motivation and education.