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Biological Reasons For The Neurotoxic Effects Of Mdma (‘Ecstasy’) On The Developing Fetus, Leah Schneeweiss Jan 2015

Biological Reasons For The Neurotoxic Effects Of Mdma (‘Ecstasy’) On The Developing Fetus, Leah Schneeweiss

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

MDMA (3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is an illicit, recreational drug known by many individuals as ‘Ecstasy.’ MDMA has gained popularity over the past decade and has become a drug of choice at dance parties and clubs because of the stimulating and hallucinogenic effects that it has on the central nervous system. Scientists have determined that MDMA causes neurotoxic damage to adults by harming the serotonergic system in the adult brain. Researchers discovered that embryos exposed to MDMA while in utero also suffer neurotoxic deficits, although not due to impairments in the embryos’ serotonergic systems. These deficits arise because of the cortisol increase …


Mechanisms, Potential Therapies, And The Role Of Tgf-Β In The Formation Of Scars, Isaac Traube Jan 2015

Mechanisms, Potential Therapies, And The Role Of Tgf-Β In The Formation Of Scars, Isaac Traube

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Scarring is the inevitable outcome of wound healing. This review looks at some of the underlying mechanisms of this complex process with the aim of identifying targets for therapeutic manipulation that could result in reduced scarring or even scarless wound repair. Fetal wounds are shown to heal without scars primarily due to low levels of TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 and high levels of TGF-β3 as compared to adult wounds which heal with scars. Abnormal excessive scarring in keloid and hypertrophic scars are also attributed to TGF-β. Clinical manipulation of TGF-β ratios showed promise as a therapeutic means of controlling scar formation. …


Regulation Of Ghrelin: A Possible Treatment Option For Obesity And Diabetes, Sarah Picciotto Jan 2015

Regulation Of Ghrelin: A Possible Treatment Option For Obesity And Diabetes, Sarah Picciotto

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Obesity is a mounting problem in America today. One major concern about obesity is that it is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, a disease that impairs insulin sensitivity and secretion. This interferes with blood glucose levels and can cause hyperglycemia, which is when there is too much circulating glucose in the blood. Ghrelin, an amino acid peptide responsible for appetite stimulation and energy balance, plays a direct role in insulin secretion and glucose metabolism. In many experiments, elevated ghrelin levels are associated with decreased insulin secretion from pancreatic islet cells. Although ghrelin concentration is decreased in obese individuals …


Is There A Link Between Saturated Fat Intake And Alzheimer’S Disease?, Justin Konig Jan 2015

Is There A Link Between Saturated Fat Intake And Alzheimer’S Disease?, Justin Konig

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease that causes dementia and ultimately death. Currently, there is no treatment available for this disease. The aging of the population will only increase the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease, making it ever more important to find an effective method of prevention. Dietary intervention is a practical and affordable method of intervention. The brain is a fat rich organ, and dietary fats are critical for proper development of the brain. A literature review was conducted to determine whether there is a link between saturated fat intake and Alzheimer’s disease. According to the literature reviewed, saturated fat …