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Inhibition Of Cancer Stem Cells By Glycosaminoglycan Mimetics, Connor P. O'Hara

Theses and Dissertations

Connor O’Hara July 29, 2019

Inhibition of Cancer Stem Cells by Glycosaminoglycan Mimetics

In the United States cancer is the second leading cause of death, with colorectal cancer (CRC) being the third deadliest cancer and expected to cause over 51,000 fatalities in 2019 alone.¹ The current standard of care for CRC depends largely on the staging, location, and presence of metastasis.² As the tumor grows and invades nearby lymph tissue and blood vessels, CRC has the opportunity to invade not only nearby tissue but also metastasize into the liver and lung (most commonly).³ The 5-year survival rate …

Impact Of Physical Activity In The Prevention Of Colorectal Cancer, Sarah Ashley Barnes

Theses and Dissertations

This review evaluates the current understanding of research on the impact of physical activity in the prevention of colorectal cancer. Current biological mechanisms implicated in physical activity and colorectal cancer risk reduction are blood glucose regulation, insulin sensitivity, leptin and adiponectin profiles, inflammation as well as secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), an exercise induced myokine. Recent literature indicates that 30-60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity a day is effective against colorectal cancer development, and there is convincing evidence of aerobic exercise as differently beneficial in recruiting mechanisms identified as preventative against colorectal cancer. This article provides …

Linking Obesity To Colorectal Cancer: Recent Insights Into Plausible Biological Mechanisms, Catherine Guffey

Theses and Dissertations

Obesity has emerged as a leading environmental risk factor for the development of CRC. However, the mechanisms underlying this relationship have not yet been fully explained. Recent literature has focused on 1) inflammatory processes, 2) adipokines, and 3) estrogen. Obesity-enhanced inflammation is largely orchestrated by increases in adipose tissue macrophages leading to the secretion of TNF-alpha, MCP-1, and IL-6, all of which are linked to CRC. Adiponectin is decreased with obesity and has been reported to be negatively associated with CRC, while leptin, which is increased, is positively associated with the disease. Estrogen has been shown to influence CRC, although …