2016 Graduate Research Dayhttp://hdl.handle.net/10675.2/6042382024-03-28T08:24:15Z2024-03-28T08:24:15ZEDTA Could Prevent Bisphosphonates-Related Osreonecrosis of Jaw after Traumatic InjuryAwad, Mohamedhttp://hdl.handle.net/10675.2/6057872019-08-30T07:10:36Z2016-03-01T00:00:00ZEDTA Could Prevent Bisphosphonates-Related Osreonecrosis of Jaw after Traumatic Injury
Awad, Mohamed
The pathophysiological mechanism underlying Bisphosphonates related osteonecrosis of Jaw (BRONJ) remains poorly understood. Bisphosphonates localize to sites of osteoclast activity as Bisphosphonates bind Ca+2 in Tridentate manner. The aims of this study is to 1) prove the feasibility of in-vivo targeted removal of bisphosphonates from bone using chelating agents, and 2) use the targeted chelation to prevent BRONJ in rats. First, we tested whether local application of EDTA will reduce the bisphosphonate content in alveolar bone. Then, we tested the effect of EDTA in preventing BRONJ in eight Sprague Dawley rats that were treated intravenously for 12 weeks by Zoledronate [80 mg/kg; once per week]. Immediately after the last dose, the mandibular first and second molars were extracted on both sides, followed by application to the extraction site of EDTA on one side and saline on the other side in each animal for 10 minutes. Four weeks later, animals were sacrificed, and mandibles harvested for micro CT analysis and Extraction sites analysis. Exposure and necrosis of alveolar bone were evident on the PBS-treated extraction sites. Contralateral extraction sites treated with EDTA showed significantly improved mucosal covering and the signs of bone necrosis were significantly diminished both clinically and with micro-CT. We concluded that application of local chelating agents after tooth extraction maybe a new way for improving bone healing and preventing BRONJ.
Poster presented at the 2016 Graduate Research Day
2016-03-01T00:00:00ZUnderstanding and Promoting Breastfeeding among African American Woman of the Rural SouthStewart, Jessica Lynnhttp://hdl.handle.net/10675.2/6057682019-08-30T07:10:36Z2016-03-01T00:00:00ZUnderstanding and Promoting Breastfeeding among African American Woman of the Rural South
Stewart, Jessica Lynn
African American women (AAW) have lower rates of breastfeeding (BF) than whites and other U.S. minority groups. Along with its many maternal and child health benefits, research indicates BF can reduce the risk of developing triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), an aggressive subtype of breast cancer with higher mortalities and incidence in AAW. Thus, increasing BF can be an important strategy for addressing breast cancer health disparities.This research seeks to ultimately determine whether increased awareness that BF reduces breast cancer and TNBC risk will positively alter AAW’s BF decision-making. A survey and an in-depth interview based on the Theory of Planned Behavior framework are used to examine AAW’s perceptions of breast cancer risk and prevention as well as their beliefs, attitudes and motivations that underlie BF decision-making. Preliminary analysis of 10 interviews to date showed that all of the participants had an intention and desire to BF, but many (n=6) lacked a realistic plan to manage BF and address expected barriers. When asked about breast cancer, most (n=8) demonstrated fear and avoidance of the topic. There was a general lack of knowledge, but excitement about the benefits of BF on TNBC prevention. Dissemination of this new evidence may be useful in guiding BF promotions among AAW. Also, there was a clear disconnect in BF intention versus action in this population. Further analysis will identify intervening factors that bridge the gap.
Poster presented at the 2016 Graduate Research Day
2016-03-01T00:00:00ZNeurovascular Injury After Retinal Ischemia Reperfusion Insult: Contrasting Roles Of Arginase Enzyme IsoformsShosha, Esraahttp://hdl.handle.net/10675.2/6009962019-08-30T07:11:24Z2016-03-08T00:00:00ZNeurovascular Injury After Retinal Ischemia Reperfusion Insult: Contrasting Roles Of Arginase Enzyme Isoforms
Shosha, Esraa
Purpose: We have previously shown the involvement of arginase enzyme in retinal neurovascular injury. The present study was undertaken to determine the distinct roles of arginase 1 (A1) and arginase 2 (A2) in neurovascular damage following ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Methods: We used wild type (WT) mice, A2 knock out mice (A2-/-) and mice lacking one copy of A1 (A1+/-). Western blotting, RT-PCR, vascular digests, immunofluorescence, Propidium Iodide (PI) labeling and electroretinography (ERG) were used to evaluate retinal injury and function. Results: I/R injury caused significant increases in A2 expression along with thinning of the neural retina, decreases in NeuN+ GCL neurons and formation of acellular capillaries. Increases in PI labeling and RIP-3 expression showed that cell death occurred by necroptosis. Neurovascular injury was accompanied by microglial activation along with increased expression of GFAP and impairment of the ERG. Neuronal cell loss, capillary degeneration, necroptosis, gliosis and ERG impairment were all significantly reduced by deletion of A2. On the other hand, A1 deletion exacerbated I/R-induced neuronal and vascular injury and further increased necroptosis and gliosis as compared with WT retinas. Conclusions: This study shows for the first time the different roles of arginase isoforms after I/R insult. I/R-induced necrotic cell death and gliosis are mediated by A2, whereas upregulation of A1 may play a role in limiting the pathology.
Poster presented at the 2016 Graduate Research Day
2016-03-08T00:00:00ZSalubrinal Mediated Fetal Hemoglobin Induction Through The PERK-eIF2α-ATF4 Signaling PathwayLopez, Nicolehttp://hdl.handle.net/10675.2/6008942019-08-30T07:10:37Z2016-03-01T00:00:00ZSalubrinal Mediated Fetal Hemoglobin Induction Through The PERK-eIF2α-ATF4 Signaling Pathway
Lopez, Nicole
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited disorder caused by a point mutation in the β-globin gene affecting ~100,000 people in the United States. These individuals suffer from hemolytic anemia, pain, and progressive organ damage. The best therapeutic intervention in SCD is fetal hemoglobin (HbF) induction by pharmacologic agents, however, Hydroxyurea is the only FDA-approved drug with proven efficacy. The goal of this project is to discover drugs that induce HbF by novel mechanisms for SCD treatment. Salubrinal (SAL), a selective inhibitor of eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (eIF2α), was shown to increase HbF levels by enhancing γ-globin mRNA translation. These findings lead us to test the hypothesis that SAL activates the PERK-eIF2α-ATF4 stress response, as a mechanism of HbF induction in erythroid progenitors. Studies were conducted in K562 and erythroid progenitor generated from CD34+ stem cells treated with SAL (5, 12, and 18µM) for 48hr. RT-qPCR and western blot were used to measure γ-globin mRNA and HbF protein levels respectively. Preliminary data revealed a dose-dependent increase for HbF levels in K562 and erythroid progenitors treated with SAL. Flow cytometry showed an increase in the number of cells producing HbF (%F-cells). Furthermore, eIF2α and ATF4 levels were increased by SAL in K562 cells. These findings suggest SAL mediates HbF induction through eIF2α/ATF-4 signaling; future studies using the preclinical sickle cell mouse model will be investigated.
Poster presented at the 2016 Graduate Research Day
2016-03-01T00:00:00Z