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Articles 1 - 30 of 37
Full-Text Articles in Medicine and Health Sciences
The Association Of Long Working Hours And The Use Of Prescription Sedatives Among U.S. Workers., Emmanuel Ezekekwu
The Association Of Long Working Hours And The Use Of Prescription Sedatives Among U.S. Workers., Emmanuel Ezekekwu
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
BACKGROUND: Meeting the needs of a round-the-clock and globalized society has led to an increase in long working hours. This trend has been accompanied by a corresponding rise in sleep disorders and subsequent use of sedating medications. Overtime hours have been associated with adverse health outcomes such as cardiovascular diseases, symptoms of psychological distress, and health behaviors, including risky intake of alcohol and smoking. Hence, the main objectives of this three-paper dissertation were to examine the multi-faceted relationship between working hours, the use of prescription sleep aids, the onset of psychological distress, and the use of health care services. METHODS: …
Hgf-Mediated C-Met Signaling In Human Corneal Epithelial Cells., Kate Tarvestad
Hgf-Mediated C-Met Signaling In Human Corneal Epithelial Cells., Kate Tarvestad
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Vision is often regarded as the primary sense of humans. The cornea is the main refractive tissue that permits light through to the retina, allowing a clear image. When the cornea sustains damage, it opens a pathway for infection and blindness through fibrotic processes. Healing the corneal tissue is critical for vision restoration and pain alleviation. Growth factors and their cognate receptors are currently under investigation as tools to restore proper corneal physiology. We hypothesize that manipulating the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/ c-Met signaling pathway is one route to promote quality corneal healing. This thesis investigates the signaling, trafficking, and …
Histone Deacetylases In Alcohol Associated Liver Disease., Srineil Bodduluri
Histone Deacetylases In Alcohol Associated Liver Disease., Srineil Bodduluri
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Alcohol abuse is endemic worldwide and there is no FDA approved treatment for Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease (ALD). Many scholars have posited that targeting Histone Deacetylases (HDAC) may be therapeutic in ALD intervention. In this study, the changes in hepatic gene expression and immune phenotyping of mice undergoing chronic plus binge alcohol exposure was examined. The characterization of relative mRNA levels for all 18 HDAC were performed. Results showed decreased expression of the genes HDAC 1,7,9,10,11 and Sirtuin enzymes (SIRT) 3,4,5,7. Other pathways related to lipid metabolism as well as systemic inflammation and hepatic injury also exhibited significant changes. These altered …
The Role Of Src In Nsclc Cell And Lung Fibroblast Migration On 3d Cell-Derived Matrix., Austin M Krueger
The Role Of Src In Nsclc Cell And Lung Fibroblast Migration On 3d Cell-Derived Matrix., Austin M Krueger
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Lung cancer is responsible for the most cancer deaths between males and females, with a 6% five-year survival rate. Cancer metastasis is one of the leading causes of lung cancer lethality. Our lab has developed a method to culture cells on cell-derived matrix (CDM) and study cell-ECM interactions. This study utilized multiple cell migration methods to investigate the migration of NSCLC cells and IMR90 lung fibroblasts, both together and independently, on 2D plastic and 3D CDM. Our results showed that inhibiting Src, a significant influencer of cell migration and member of integrin activation, blocked cancer cell migration on 2D and …
Pde4 Inhibition: A Novel Therapeutic Strategy In Liver Fibrosis., Mohamed Elnagdy
Pde4 Inhibition: A Novel Therapeutic Strategy In Liver Fibrosis., Mohamed Elnagdy
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Background: Liver fibrosis is accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins due to chronic liver injury. Chronic hepatic damage can occur due to multiple causes including, alcohol, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and chronic viral hepatitis. Liver fibrosis is a critical problem worldwide due to the extremely high incidence of alcohol associated liver damage and chronic viral hepatitis. Moreover, there is no FDA approved therapy for liver fibrosis. Activation and transdifferentiation of quiecent hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) to myofibroblasts (MFBs) is the main event contributing to liver fibrosis. This process involves two phases, the initiation and the perpetuation phases. Hepatocyte injury and inflammatory response …
Sulforaphane Protects Against Ethanol-Induced Apoptosis And Teratogenesis Through Epigenetic Modulation Of Anti-Apoptotic Genes., Yihong Li
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Background. Ethanol-induced excessive apoptosis in neural crest cells (NCCs), a multipotent progenitor cell population, is one of the major mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying FASD that results from maternal alcohol exposure during pregnancy are poorly understood. The overall goals of this study are to examine the mechanisms by which ethanol induces apoptosis and malformations in vitro and in vivo, and to develop a nutritional-based approach by using SFN and SFN-rich BSE to prevent FASD through epigenetic modulation. Results. This study demonstrates that ethanol exposure resulted in a significant increase …
A Recombinant Cholera Toxin B Subunit Variant (Ctb-Kdel) Exhibits Unique Colon Mucosal Healing Effects That Have Therapeutic Implications For Inflammatory Bowel Disease., Joshua Mark Royal
A Recombinant Cholera Toxin B Subunit Variant (Ctb-Kdel) Exhibits Unique Colon Mucosal Healing Effects That Have Therapeutic Implications For Inflammatory Bowel Disease., Joshua Mark Royal
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
This dissertation uncovers the mechanism and explores the utility of a recombinant cholera toxin B subunit (CTB) variant containing a KDEL endoplasmic reticulum (ER) retention motif (CTB-KDEL) as a drug candidate for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). CTB is a mucosal immunomodulatory protein that induces robust mucosal and systemic antibody responses. This well-known biological activity has been exploited in cholera prevention (as a component of Dukoral® vaccine) and vaccine development for decades. On the other hand, several studies have investigated CTB’s immunotherapeutic potential in the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as Crohn’s disease and asthma. Here, we reveal …
Development Of A Lectin-Fc Fusion Protein With Antiviral And Anti-Cancer Activity., Matthew William Dent
Development Of A Lectin-Fc Fusion Protein With Antiviral And Anti-Cancer Activity., Matthew William Dent
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
This thesis describes the development of a novel lectin-Fc fusion protein and its antiviral and anti-cancer activity. The molecule, Avaren-Fc (AvFc), is a fusion of a variant of the actinomycete lectin actinohivin (Avaren) and the Fc region of human IgG1, and is selective for the terminal α1,2-mannose residues found at the ends of high-mannose-type glycans that can be found on the surface of certain heavily glycosylated viruses and cancer cells. Here, AvFc was found to be able to neutralize simian immunodeficiency virus as well as Hepatitis C virus with nanomolar IC50 values. Furthermore, AvFc recognizes a number of cell …
Influence Of Bilberry-Derived Anthocyanidins On Key Regulators Of Colorectal Cancer Development., Ashley M. Mudd
Influence Of Bilberry-Derived Anthocyanidins On Key Regulators Of Colorectal Cancer Development., Ashley M. Mudd
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths within the United States. A variety of factors including exposure to environmental carcinogens, such as benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), dysbiosis of the gut microbiome and hereditary influences, including APC mutations, have been shown to lead to an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. Given the recent alarming rise in cases of colorectal cancer diagnosed in individuals under the age of 40, further insight into developing novel and effective prevention and treatment strategies are warranted. The family of plant pigments known as the anthocyanins has been identified with …
A Clinically Relevant Mouse Model Of Cisplatin-Induced Kidney Injury., Cierra Nichole Sharp
A Clinically Relevant Mouse Model Of Cisplatin-Induced Kidney Injury., Cierra Nichole Sharp
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Cisplatin is a potent chemotherapeutic used for the treatment of many solid cancers, including testicular, ovarian, and lung cancer. Cisplatin causes many adverse side effects, of which nephrotoxicity leading to acute kidney injury is dose-limiting. Approximately 30% of patients will develop nephrotoxicity with cisplatin, and will either have their next dose of cisplatin lowered, skipped, or be switched to a less nephrotoxic chemotherapeutic altogether. These outcomes are not ideal when trying to treat cancer. Previously, it was believed that patients could recover from cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury with little to no lasting effects, but recent longitudinal studies have shown this …
Role Of Human Arylamine N-Acetyltransferase 1 In Tumorigenesis And Cancer Biology., Marcus William Stepp
Role Of Human Arylamine N-Acetyltransferase 1 In Tumorigenesis And Cancer Biology., Marcus William Stepp
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Human arylamine N-acetyltransferase 1 (NAT1) is a well-known phase II metabolic enzyme that has been associated with carcinogenesis. Its role in the biotransformation of aromatic and heterocyclic amine carcinogens has been investigated for many years, but more recent investigations focus on a possible endogenous role of human NAT1 in cancer initiation and progression. To further explore and understand possible endogenous roles for NAT1, we conducted in vitro enzymatic reactions, in vivo studies using homozygous high (rapid) or low (slow) NAT2 activity congenic F344.WKY rats, and genetically modified human breast cancer cell lines. Human NAT1 and rodent NAT2 hydrolyzed acetyl-coenzyme …
Withaferin A Synergistically Enhances The Effects Of Paclitaxel Against Lung Cancer., Al Hassan Kyakulaga
Withaferin A Synergistically Enhances The Effects Of Paclitaxel Against Lung Cancer., Al Hassan Kyakulaga
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among both men and women in the U.S and worldwide. Today, paclitaxel (PAC) or taxol alongside platinum-based drugs is the most widely used agent as the first-line regimen for advanced NSCLC. However, due to toxicity, drug resistance, solubility and efficacy issues, efficacy has plateaued. In the present study, the potential of a novel plant-derived steroidal-lactone, withaferin A (WFA), for clinical use alongside PAC to improve efficacy against NSCLC was explored. The anticancer effects of PAC and WFA alone, and in combination against the in vitro cell proliferation, cell adhesion, migration and …
Mechanism Of Interaction Of Peptide Modified Nanoparticles With Porphyromonas Gingivalis., Ankita Jain
Mechanism Of Interaction Of Peptide Modified Nanoparticles With Porphyromonas Gingivalis., Ankita Jain
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Studies suggest that P. gingivalis functions as a keystone pathogen and interacts with primary colonizers in the supragingival biofilm such as S. gordonii. This interaction contributes to the initial colonization of the oral cavity by P. gingivalis and thus represents a potential target for therapeutic intervention. We have identified a peptide (BAR) derived from the streptococcal SspB protein that functions to inhibit P. gingivalis adherence to S. gordonii. In addition, we showed that nanoparticles (NPs) functionalized with BAR inhibit this interaction more potently than free soluble peptide, possibly by promoting interaction with P. gingivalis at higher valency than …
The Role Of Nicotine, A7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors And Extracellular Matrix Remodeling In Pulmonary Fibrosis., Glenn Ward Vicary
The Role Of Nicotine, A7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors And Extracellular Matrix Remodeling In Pulmonary Fibrosis., Glenn Ward Vicary
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The median survival for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients from diagnosis is a dismal 3 years. This condition is characterized by pulmonary fibroproliferation and excess production and disordered deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins resulting in obliteration of the original tissue architecture, loss of lung function and eventual death due to respiratory failure. The main hindrance to the development of effective treatments against pulmonary fibrosis is the late detection of its progression and is often of unknown cause. Tobacco smoke represents the most important environmental factor linked to the development of pulmonary fibrosis, with over 60% of IPF patients current …
The Regulation And Mechanisms Of Egfr-Mediated Apoptosis In Mda-Mb-468 Cells., Nicole Marion Jackson
The Regulation And Mechanisms Of Egfr-Mediated Apoptosis In Mda-Mb-468 Cells., Nicole Marion Jackson
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Background: The Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) is a 170- kilodalton transmembrane protein that belongs to the ErbB family of receptor tyrosine kinases. Upon ligand-mediated activation, the EGFR responsible for cell growth, proliferation, and tissue homeostasis in epithelial cells; however, the EGFR is overexpressed in many human malignancies including MDA-MB-468 cells, a metastatic breast epithelial cell line. Previous studies have indicated that within the MDA-MB-468 cell line, receptors at the cell surface promote cell growth when activated with Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) ligand. Activated receptors that are internalized to the endosomes however induce apoptosis. This contrasting response at different cellular …
Suramin Protects From Cisplatin-Induced Acute Kidney Injury., Tess Dupre
Suramin Protects From Cisplatin-Induced Acute Kidney Injury., Tess Dupre
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
In rodent models, suramin improves recovery following acute kidney injury (AKI). We hypothesized that suramin would be useful in protection against cisplatin-induced AKI. This hypothesis was tested by pre-treating C57BL/6j mice with suramin prior to cisplatin. Our data indicates that suramin protects the kidney from injury by decreasing cisplatininduced decreases in kidney function. Renal histology indicated that suramin significantly protected from cisplatin-induced AKI. Data indicate that suramin pretreatment attenuated mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines following cisplatin treatment, while also decreasing markers of cell stress and cell death. We utilized the same experimental design with 10-month old FVB mice …
Identifying Hepatocellular Carcinoma (Hcc) Cells With Cancer Stem Cell-Like Properties., Harshulkumar M. Pandit
Identifying Hepatocellular Carcinoma (Hcc) Cells With Cancer Stem Cell-Like Properties., Harshulkumar M. Pandit
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is a challenging condition to treat in the clinic due to its distinct tumor phenotype, aggressive growth, and chemotherapy resistance. Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) are a poorly differentiated subpopulation of cells within the tumor microenvironment, and role of CSCs in tumor initiation and chemotherapy resistance is not well understood in HCC. In this study, we have successfully identified HCC cells with CSC-like properties that showed resistance to Doxorubicin. Using the established serum free culture techniques, we have enriched CSC-like cells among hepatocellular cancer cells. These enriched cells exhibit all CSC-like properties i.e. self-renewal capability, anchorage independent growth …
Searching For Novel Ligands For The Cannabinoid And Related Receptors., Pritesh Prakash Kumar
Searching For Novel Ligands For The Cannabinoid And Related Receptors., Pritesh Prakash Kumar
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The first purpose of the present dissertation was to apply a high throughput assay to systematically screen a library of food and drug administration (FDA)-approved drugs as potential ligands for the cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2). A cell-based, homogenous time resolved fluorescence (HTRF) method for measuring changes in intracellular cAMP levels was validated and found to be suitable for testing ligands that may act on CB2. Among the 640 FDA-approved drugs screened, raloxifene, a drug used to treat/prevent post-menopausal osteoporosis, was identified for the first time to be a novel CB2 inverse agonist. The dissertation reporting these results demonstrated that by …
Improved Oncolytic Virotherapy By Increasing Virus Spread Within Tumors., Stephen Wechman
Improved Oncolytic Virotherapy By Increasing Virus Spread Within Tumors., Stephen Wechman
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Oncolytic adenoviruses (Ads) have great therapeutic potential for lung cancer. Cancer selective E1b-deleted Ads are safe, however their efficacy remains limited clinically. To improve E1b-deleted Ads, Adhz60 was selected for greater anti-cancer efficacy by a process called bioselection, producing AdUV. AdUV preferentially lysed A549 and H1299 lung cancer cells more effectively than both the cancer selective Adhz60 and non-selective Ad5. AdUV induced greater LC3-II expression, relative to LC3-I, indicating that AdUV (30.9-fold) induced autophagy more effectively than Ad5 (12.2-fold) and Adhz60 (7.8-fold) in A549 cells. Mice treated with AdUV had significantly smaller tumors (p-value < 0.001) and prolonged survival (p-value = 0.0005) than mice treated with the negative control AdGFP. These results suggest that AdUV efficiently lyses lung cancer cells in vitro and in vivo.
Chronic Ethanol Exposure Sensitizes The Lung In A Mouse Model Of Endotoxemia-Induced Acute Lung Injury : Potential Role Of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1., Lauren G. Poole
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The goal of this project is to characterize a new mouse model of alcohol-enhanced acute lung injury (ALI) and to determine the role of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) in this model. Male mice (WT and PAI-1-/-) were exposed to ethanol-containing Lieber-DeCarli diet or pair-fed control diet for 6 weeks; some animals were administered intraperitoneal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) prior to sacrifice. Chronic alcohol feeding enhanced induction of the chemokines MIP-2 and KC (murine IL-8 homologues) after LPS injection in wild type animals. This enhanced chemokine expression did not correlate with enhanced pulmonary neutrophil infiltration, however animals exposed to chronic ethanol showed sustained …
Regulation Of Receptor Tyrosine Kinases By Ubiquilin1., Zimple Kurlawala
Regulation Of Receptor Tyrosine Kinases By Ubiquilin1., Zimple Kurlawala
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Receptor Tyrosine Kinases (RTK’s) like EGFR, Insulin Receptor, IGF1R and others mediate growth, proliferation and balance between apoptosis and survival. Dysregulation of RTK activity has been identified in a wide range of cancers and contributes to initiation, progression and metastasis of tumors. Ubiquilins (UBQLN) are fairly novel proteins and are studied mostly in the field of neurodegenerative disorders. Our laboratory recently discovered a link between UBQLN1 function and tumorigenesis. UBQLN1 is lost in about 50% of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cases. We have identified an interaction between UBQLN1 and IGF1R. Furthermore, UBQLN1 regulates activity of IGF1R and EGFR. Following …
Metabolomics Of Transformed Mda-Mb-231 Cell Lines Expressing Different Levels Of Human Arylamine N-Acetyltransferase 1 (Nat1)., Samantha Marie Carlisle
Metabolomics Of Transformed Mda-Mb-231 Cell Lines Expressing Different Levels Of Human Arylamine N-Acetyltransferase 1 (Nat1)., Samantha Marie Carlisle
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Human arylamine N-acetyltransferase 1 (NAT1) is a phase II xenobiotic metabolizing enzyme that is found in almost all tissues of the body. Expression of NAT1 is commonly elevated in several cancers including breast cancer. However, the exact mechanism by which NAT1 expression affects cancer risk and progression remains unclear. Three MDA-MB-231 breast adenocarcinoma cell lines that stably express wild-type, increased, and decreased levels of human NAT1 have been constructed and characterized for NAT1 mRNA, NAT1 acetylation activity, cell doubling rates, and endogenous acetyl-CoA levels. Differences in polar metabolic profile between these three cell lines were investigated using a comprehensive GC×GC−TOF …
Promoting Differentiation And Survival Of Human C-Kit+ Cardiac Progenitor Cells Ex Vivo., Tareq Al-Maqtari
Promoting Differentiation And Survival Of Human C-Kit+ Cardiac Progenitor Cells Ex Vivo., Tareq Al-Maqtari
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
c-kit+ cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) have recently gained much attention due to the therapeutic effects they exert on cardiac function following their administration into the infarcted heart as evidenced by animal studies and by a recent clinical trial (SCIPIO). However, injecting these cells in the heart is associated with poor differentiation into specialized cardiac cell types and with rapid death of the engrafted cells. With the ultimate goal of advancing cardiac stem cell therapy, we sought to facilitate the differentiation of human CPCs into cardiac cell types (e.g. cardiomyocytes, smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells and cardiac fibroblasts) by overexpressing selected …
Exploring The Roles Of Host And Tumor Cell Α4 And Α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors In Lung Cancer., John Caleb Greenwell
Exploring The Roles Of Host And Tumor Cell Α4 And Α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors In Lung Cancer., John Caleb Greenwell
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in men and women worldwide. Tobacco exposure represents the major risk factor. Nicotine, an addictive plant alkaloid found in tobacco, has been demonstrated to stimulate lung carcinoma cells directly via nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) that trigger downstream signals capable of promoting lung cancer growth and progression. Attention has been given to α7 nAChRs, while less is known about α4 nAChRs. However, most studies evaluating these receptors relied on chemical inhibitors notorious for their off-target effects. Consequently, the true role of α4 and α7 nAChRs in lung cancer remains unclear. To address …
Lunasin Reduces The Melanoma Stem Cell Population In Vitro And Inhibits Tumor Proliferation In Vivo., Christopher Paul Shidal
Lunasin Reduces The Melanoma Stem Cell Population In Vitro And Inhibits Tumor Proliferation In Vivo., Christopher Paul Shidal
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Lunasin is a 44 amino acid peptide derived from the soybean seed that has been shown to have cancer chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic properties. In this study, we investigated the potential utility of lunasin as a chemotherapeutic in a melanoma model. Initial studies showed that lunasin has little activity against established melanoma cell lines in vitro using adherent culture methods; however, lunasin’s in vitro activity was significantly higher in non-adherent colony-forming assays in soft agar and oncosphere assays. These results led us to investigate whether lunasin selectively affects cancer initiating cells (CIC) that are known to be present in these melanoma …
Study Of Novel Nanoparticle Transport And Drug Release For Cancer Treatment., Christopher Gene England 1988-
Study Of Novel Nanoparticle Transport And Drug Release For Cancer Treatment., Christopher Gene England 1988-
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Nano-scale particles sized 10—400 nm administered systemically preferentially extravasate from tumor vasculature due to the enhanced permeability and retention effect. Therapeutic success remains elusive, however, because of inhomogeneous particle distribution within tumor tissue. Insufficient tumor vascularization limits particle transport and also results in avascular hypoxic regions with non-proliferating cells, which can regenerate tissue after nanoparticle-delivered cytotoxicity or thermal ablation. In this study, gold nanoparticles were functionalized with phosphatidylcholine (two-layer) or phosphatidylcholine and HDL (three-layer) in the formation of “layered” nanoparticles. The diffusivity of both two- and three layered colloidal gold nanoparticles and silica gold nanoshells were examined in 3D cell …
Extracellular Matrix Proteins And The Liver-Lung Axis In Disease., Veronica L. Massey
Extracellular Matrix Proteins And The Liver-Lung Axis In Disease., Veronica L. Massey
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
No abstract provided.
Building A Metabolic Bridge Between Glycolysis And Sphingolipid Biosynthesis : Implications In Cancer., Morgan L. Stathem
Building A Metabolic Bridge Between Glycolysis And Sphingolipid Biosynthesis : Implications In Cancer., Morgan L. Stathem
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Cancer therapeutics has seen an emergence and re-emergence of two metabolic fields in recent years, namely bioactive sphingolipids and glycolytic metabolism. Anaerobic glycolysis and its role in cancer has been recognized in cancer biology over 90 years. In recent decades, the role of sphingolipids in cancer cell metabolism has gained recognition, notably ceramide’s essential role in programmed cell death and the role of the glucosylceramide synthase (GCS) in chemotherapeutic resistance. Despite this knowledge, a direct link between these two fields has yet to be concretely drawn. Herein, we show that in a model of highly glycolytic cells, generation of the …
Evaluation Of The Safety And Pharmacokinetic Profile Of The Broad Spectrum Antiviral Lectin Griffithsin., Christopher Lynn Barton
Evaluation Of The Safety And Pharmacokinetic Profile Of The Broad Spectrum Antiviral Lectin Griffithsin., Christopher Lynn Barton
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Carbohydrate binding agents that target viral envelope glycans are being studied for their potential use as microbicides and antiviral therapeutics. Griffithsin is a lectin originally identified in a red alga Griffithisia sp. Multiple studies have shown that GRFT inhibits HIV-1, Coronaviruses, Hepatitis C, influenza and Ebola virus replication in vitro. This antiviral activity suggests potential uses in chemoprophylaxis and disease treatment. However, safety of GRFT administration has not been extensively studied. In vivo testing--chronic subcutaneous treatment as well as single dose subcutaneous, oral, and intravenous administrations of Griffithsin in Sprague Dawley Rats (Rattus Norvegicus)--was used to assess Griffithsin’s pharmacokinetic properties …
Bone Strength And Architecture : Pharmacological Targeting Of Camkk2 As A Method For Enhancing Bone Quality., Zachary James Pritchard
Bone Strength And Architecture : Pharmacological Targeting Of Camkk2 As A Method For Enhancing Bone Quality., Zachary James Pritchard
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Mice lacking or pharmacologically inhibited for calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase 2 (CaMKK2) have enhanced bone mass and microarchitecture. This enhanced bone mass and architecture is due to changes in osteoblast and osteoclast numbers as well as activity. Whether the enhanced bone mass translated to increased bone quality and strength was further explored by developing a method to directly test the trabecular strength of the distal femur. Micro computed tomography (CT)-based measurement of the length of the epiphysis of the distal femur, aided in its removal, allowing the exposure of the trabecular bone volume used to determine the microarchitecture parameters. Following …