Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Role Of Mitochondrial Dysfunction In Causing Hypertension During Pregnancy As Observed In The Rupp Model Of Preeclampsia, Michael Franks

Honors Theses

Preeclampsia (PE) is a disease characterized by new-onset hypertension in the third trimester of pregnancy, endothelial dysfunction, and placental ischemia. Contributory to these characteristics are circulating factors such as agonistic autoantibodies to the angiotensin I type II receptor (AT1-AA), CD4+ T cells, natural killer cells (NK), and oxidative stress, which I will show to contribute to renal and placental mitochondrial dysfunction during pregnancy. The adoptive transfer of CD4+ T cells from the Reduced Uterine Perfusion Pressure (RUPP) rat model of PE to a healthy normal pregnant rat has been shown to result in many of these characteristics, including AT1-AA production. …

Occupational Fine Particulate Matter Exposure And Its Associated Effects On The Cardiovascular System: A Systematic Review, Jordan Rickwa

Honors Theses

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5), the solid and liquid portion of air pollution under 2.5 microns in diameter, has been shown to cause numerous negative effects on the body. These inhalable particles are often researched for their effects on the respiratory system in outdoor settings, however systemic health impacts have been observed following inhalation of PM2.5 . Additionally, exposures to PM2.5 can occur in occupational settings but are less frequently studied compared to outdoors. This literature review seeks to identify studies that determined associations between inhaled PM2.5 and the resulting cardiovascular effects in occupational settings. We conducted a search of literature …

The Effects Of Progesterone Induced Blocking Factor And 17-Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate On The Pathophysiology Of Preeclampsia, Kyleigh M. Comley

Honors Theses

Preeclampsia (PE) is responsible for about 20% of the 13 million preterm births each year worldwide, including 100,000 cases annually in the United States. Despite being a leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity, the mechanisms of pathogenesis are still largely unknown. PE is progesterone deficient state characterized by hypertension, chronic immune activation, endothelial dysfunction and severe forms can lead to seizures. Treatment of seizures includes the administration of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) though not all PE patients are responsive, and it does not decrease PE-associated hypertension. To resolve these conditions, PE patients are delivered early thereby making PE the leading …

Baseline Health Assessment Of A Rural Delta Community, Sydney Mitchell

Honors Theses

The Lower Mississippi Delta is characterized by poverty, chronic health issues, health disparities, and food insecurity. The rural Delta communities are primarily African American, experiencing disproportionately higher rates of poverty, job loss, and chronic health problems. Historically, chronic health issues have persisted in these areas over time, including obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, which have only seemed to increase in this region. The food environment in this rural region tends to assist in the creation of the largely obesogenic population which, in turn, contributes to the increased prevalence of diabetes and hypertension and a lower quality of life. Many residents in …

The Effects Of Meditation In Lowering Blood Pressure And Reducing Symptoms Of Stress In Baccalaureate Nursing Students, Isabella Fleming

Honors Theses

Hypertension and stress are two conditions that have the capability to cause extensive and long-term damage to both mental and physical health. Baccalaureate nursing students report high levels of stress while in the process of obtaining a degree. This population is at risk for consistently high stress levels; therefore, they are also at risk for physiologic complications of stress such as hypertension.

In this study, all participants were asked to complete two short surveys: one assessed their stress, and one survey assessed their perceptions of meditation. The blood pressure (BP) of all participants was measured as well. Once the surveys …

Nutrition And Disease, Libby Cook

Honors Theses

This paper examines how diet can impact disease.