Biochemical Phenomena, Metabolism, and Nutrition Commons^™

Is There A Role For Plant-Based “Meat” In Cardiovascular Disease Prevention?, Aziza Jadallah, Usmaan Al-Shehab, Adam Friedman

Stratford Campus Research Day

Diet is an established risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association recommends following a whole-food, minimally processed diet emphasizing fruit and vegetables to reduce cardiovascular mortality. Recently, processed plant-based meat substitutes, such as Beyond Meat® and Impossible™ foods have become easily accessible to consumers and are advertised as a healthful addition to a plant-based diet. However, these products are highly processed and contain high amounts of saturated fat and sodium. The purpose of this research is to investigate the effect of processed plant-based meat diets on adverse cardiovascular events compared to animal-based meat diets and minimally processed healthful …

Nicotinamide Riboside And Beta-Hydroxybutyrate Activate Parallel Pathways For C. Elegans Lifespan Extension, Mckenzie Peters

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Supplementation with nicotinamide riboside (NR), a form of vitamin B3 and a precursor of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺) extends lifespan in the nematode C. elegans and delays aging-related pathologies in mammals. During aging, levels of NAD⁺ decline causing metabolic dysfunction and oxidative damage. Studies in C. elegans found that when NR was administered during larval development it induced the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPR^mt), which is frequently associated with lifespan extension. Both calorie restriction (CR) and ketogenic diets (KD) have been shown to extend lifespan, in part through increasing NAD⁺ and through increasing levels …

Transcriptomic Changes Predict Metabolic Alterations In Lc3 Associated Phagocytosis In Aged Mice, Anuradha Dhingra, John W. Tobias, Nancy J. Philp, Kathleen Boesze-Battaglia

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

LC3b (Map1lc3b) plays an essential role in canonical autophagy and is one of several components of the autophagy machinery that mediates non-canonical autophagic functions. Phagosomes are often associated with lipidated LC3b to promote phagosome maturation in a process called LC3-associated phagocytosis (LAP). Specialized phagocytes, such as mammary epithelial cells, retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, and sertoli cells, utilize LAP for optimal degradation of phagocytosed material, including debris. In the visual system, LAP is critical to maintain retinal function, lipid homeostasis, and neuroprotection. In a mouse model of retinal lipid steatosis-mice lacking LC3b (LC3b−/−), we observed increased lipid deposition, metabolic dysregulation, …

The Effects Of Exercise On The Lipid Profile Of Extracellular Vesicles, Tesha Kerr

Nutrition & Health Sciences Dissertations & Theses

We sought to ascertain the effect of different types of exercise (aerobic training and resistance training) on the lipid profile of extracellular vesicles. Thus, we had participants perform bouts of AT and RT and rest (control) and collected blood samples from them immediately after (timepoint 0) and 30 minutes after (timepoint 30) exercise. Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) were isolated from plasma of participants using cushioned-density gradient ultracentrifugation (C-DGUC). Small EV size, morphology, and protein markers were determined using nanoparticle tracking analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and western blot, respectively. Additionally, we performed untargeted lipidomics on the sEV isolate. We found that …

Health Consequences Of Low Energy Availability In Females And Their Underlying Physiological Mechanisms, Grace Parry

Senior Honors Theses

Low energy availability (LEA) is a state in which energy intake is insufficient to support energy expenditure while maintaining energy balance, which has been shown to result in gastrointestinal distress, immunosuppression, reduced metabolic rate, menstrual dysfunction, diminished bone health, and impaired cardiovascular function in females. Alterations to the microbiome and mucosal lining may propagate gastrointestinal complaints and compromised immune function associated with LEA. The pathophysiology of LEA is otherwise largely driven by hormonal adaptations. Diminished production of thyroid hormones is known to contribute to reduced metabolic rate. Decreases in leptin and insulin and increases in ghrelin disrupt reproductive function through …

Med25 Limits Master Regulators That Govern Adipogenesis, Jasmine Saunders, Kunal Sikder, Elizabeth Phillips, Anurag Ishwar, David Mothy, Kenneth B. Margulies, Jason C. Choi

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

Mediator 25 (Med25) is a member of the mediator complex that relays signals from transcription factors to the RNA polymerase II machinery. Multiple transcription factors, particularly those involved in lipid metabolism, utilize the mediator complex, but how Med25 is involved in this context is unclear. We previously identified Med25 in a translatome screen of adult cardiomyocytes (CMs) in a novel cell type-specific model of LMNA cardiomyopathy. In this study, we show that Med25 upregulation is coincident with myocardial lipid accumulation. To ascertain the role of Med25 in lipid accumulation, we utilized iPSC-derived and neonatal CMs to recapitulate the in vivo …

Effect Of Stretch And Release On Myofascial Stem Cell Function In Vitro: A Putative Model To Understand The Molecular Benefits Of The Myofascial Release (Mfr) Technique, Ben Smith, Shahn Notta, Debasis Mondal

Research Day

Despite the beneficial effects of osteopathic manipulative techniques (OMT), there is a lack of in vitro models to understand the molecular mechanisms associated with these time-tested therapies. The Myofascial Release (MFR) technique is a non-invasive approach that involves passive stretching, hold and release, of the soft tissue to achieve myofascial homeostasis. Tissue-resident mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) can regulate the myofascial microenvironment by altering their secreted factors following stretch and release. Therefore, we initiated studies to develop an in vitro model to investigate the possible effects of stretch and release on MSC function, i.e. proliferation and differentiation capabilities, and changes in …

Knockout Of Endospanin 1 Via Crispr In Zebrafish, Danio Rerio, Jared Kittinger

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

I made endospanin 1 knockout (KO) zebrafish to examine its effects on lipid and bone metabolism. Endospanin 1, or leptin receptor overlapping transcript (leprot), is a cytosolic protein linked to the protein hormone leptin that influences the trafficking of leptin receptors to the plasma membrane of cells. Genes for endospanin and tyrosinase (a pigmentation enzyme) were targeted via a microinjection of guide RNAs and CRISPR Cas9 into zebrafish embryos at 2-4 cell stages. I was able to disrupt the endospanin 1 gene (based upon the disruption of tyrosinase), but very few mutant zebrafish fully developed into adults. Only low KO …

The Effects Of Sex On Zebrafish Bone Metabolism, Simon Bagatto

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

I investigated the effects of diet and sex on zebrafish bone metabolism. Zebrafish were subjected to either a high-calorie or low-calorie diet over a five-week period. After this diet, zebrafish scales were used to measure alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) enzyme activity with a fluorescent substrate. The enzyme activities were markers of the osteoblasts (ALP) and the osteoclasts (TRAP). These data were compared among sex and diet of the zebrafish using a repeated measures ANOVA statistical test. I also measured the number of resorption lacunae per scale (another indicator of osteoclast activity). The results showed higher TRAP …

A Single Bout Of Breast Milk Expression Does Not Increase Resting Metabolic Rate, Leryn J. Reynolds, Kayla R. Powell, Taskina Akhter, Hannah M. Twiddy, Patrick B. Wilson

Human Movement Sciences Faculty Publications

Introduction: Breastfeeding women have elevated resting metabolic rate (RMR); however, whether a single bout of lactation increases RMR is unknown. This study aimed to determine if a single bout of lactation acutely increased RMR.

Methods: Twenty-two lactating women (age: 31 ± 0.9 year, body mass index: 27.3 ± 1.2 kg/m²) were recruited. RMR was assessed at baseline and at 1- and 2-h following breast milk expression.

Results: RMR was unchanged in lactating women following a single bout of lactation (baseline: 1437 ± 39; 1 h: 1425 ± 37 2 h: 1440 ± 31 kcal/day) (p > .05). RMR was …

Metabolic Foundations Of Exercise-Induced Cardiac Growth., Kyle Levi Fulghum

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Regular aerobic exercise promotes physiological cardiac growth, which is an adaptive response thought to enable the heart to meet higher physical demands. Cardiac growth involves coordination of catabolic and anabolic activities to support ATP generation, macromolecule biosynthesis, and myocyte hypertrophy. Although previous studies suggest that exercise-induced reductions in cardiac glycolysis are critical for physiological myocyte hypertrophy, it remains unclear how exercise influences the many interlinked pathways of metabolism that support adaptive remodeling of the heart. In this thesis project, we tested the general hypothesis that aerobic exercise promotes physiological cardiac growth by coordinating myocardial metabolism to promote glucose-supported anabolic pathway …

The Impact Of High-Intensity Interval Training On Vascular Function In Adults: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Mousa Khalafi, Mohammad Hossein Sakhaei, Fatemeh Kazeminasab, Michael E. Symonds, Sara K. Rosenkranz

Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences Faculty Publications

Aim: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) compared with moderateintensity continuous training (MICT) or with no exercise (CON) on vascular function in adults who were free of cardiometabolic diseases and those with cardiometabolic diseases.

Methods: A search across three electronic databases including Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science was conducted through February 2022 to identify the randomized trials evaluating HIIT vs. MICT and/or CON on vascular function as measured using brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in adults. Separate analyses were conducted for HIIT vs. MICT and/or CON to calculate weighted …

Eating Disorders In Men: A Comprehensive Summary, Connor James Spratt, Liam Alexander Mackenzie Myles, Emanuele Maria Merlo

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Eating disorders (EDs) have detrimental effects on an individual’s physical and mental health, along with significant interpersonal, social and economic effects. Furthermore, men who are suffering with an ED face unique challenges with this. Men suffering with EDs have historically received little attention within ED research, diagnosis and intervention. However, the number of men suffering with these issues is significant and growing. Understanding of EDs tend to ignore male experiences, meaning many are left to suffer in silence until the ED has developed to a critical point. However, many now recognize the need to understand the issues facing men suffering …

Chronic Stress May Disrupt Covariant Fluctuations Of Vitamin D And Cortisol Plasma Levels And Placentome Formation In Pregnant Sheep During The Last Trimester: A Methodological Approach And Preliminary Report, Colin Wakefield

Tower Health Research Day

No abstract provided.

Salivary Molecules As Indicators Of Hydration Status, José Meléndez-Gallardo Dr., Mariana Figueroa, Gonzalo Butti, Mauro Iriart, María Lucía Stefanelli

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Maintaining an appropriate level of hydration is essential to health, especially when doing physical exercise. Thus, the importance of monitoring the before, during and after exercise status. Therefore, knowing and studying the changes and indicators that may provide reliable information on fluctuations in a simple, quick manner, via non-invasive sampling techniques becomes essential. Material and Methods: The data analyzed and processed (α-amylase, K⁺, Cl^-, cortisol, total protein, and osmolality concentration in saliva) in this study are available on the free access research platform for complex physiological signals (https://physionet.org/content/qde/1.0.0/). Ten male subjects voluntarily took part in …

Relationship Between 25-Hydroxyvitamin D And Interleukin-6 With Frailty In Hospitalized Elderly Patients With Chronic Disease In The Stable Phase, Jingrong Dai, Jie Li, Xu He, Yang Li, Yan Li

General Practice in China

Background Frailty-related issue is increasingly prominent with the acceleration of aging in China.However, domestic research on frailty is still in its infancy characterized by non-objective diagnosis basis, unclear pathogenesis and imperfect interventions.Objective To investigate the correlation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and interleukin-6 with frailty in elderly patients with chronic disease in the stable phase，so asto explore objective diagnostic basis and new interventions for frailty. Methods A total of 152 inpatients （≥ 60 years old） with chronic disease in the stable phase were recruited from Department of Geriatrics，the First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province（hereinafter referred to as “the department of the hospital”） …

The Health Effects Of A Plant-Based Diet On The Human Gut Microbiome, Bryant T. Bell

Student Papers & Posters

The popularity of a plant-based diet is sweeping the western world. Markets and social media influencers are promoting and encouraging this dietary lifestyle. With people switching diets, research is needed to see how one’s gut microbiome and health are affected. In this review article, the health effect of a plant-based diet on the gut microbiota is evaluate. Over 15 articles contained research on the physiology of the gastrointestinal system, microbes in the gut, nutrition, and diets affecting health issues. It is concluded that a plant-based diet promotes good health and gut microbiome; however, there are some nutritional deficiencies that may …

Reno-Protective And Immune Effects Of Growth Differentiation Factor 15 In Obesity-Related Kidney Disease, Jessie T. Sullivan

Honors Thesis

According to the World Health Organization, worldwide obesity has tripled since 1975 and is still on the rise, putting people at a higher risk of some cardiovascular diseases and kidney disease. Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is a stress-responsive cytokine that has been studied recently for its role in multiple biological processes and diseases. The member of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-b) family has been investigated as a therapeutic agent and biomarker for obesity and associated cardiovascular diseases, stroke, diabetes, osteoarthritis, cancer, and kidney disease. Studies have shown the anti-inflammation, anti-obesity, and anti-diabetic effects of GDF15, but few have …

Improvement Of Memory Loss Through Dietary Intervention In The Assisted Living And Rehabilitative Settings, Alexander Swartz, Martin Forsberg

Stratford Campus Research Day

• The ketogenic diet is a popular, controversial diet that fuels the brain through beta-oxidation of fatty acids and production of ketone bodies, the most populous of which is betahydroxybutyrate (BHB).

• The ketogenic diet consists of 70-80% fats, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% carbohydrates.

• Medically, the ketogenic diet is utilized in patients with epilepsy and recommended by some physicians to improve general health through weight loss and insulin sensitivity.

• Key factors of neurodegeneration include glucose hypometabolism, oxidative damage, and neuroinflammation.

• Studies have shown that with ingestion of exogenous ketones alone, or endogenous ketonemia through a ketogenic diet, there is: …

Characterizing The Roles Of Cannabinoid Receptor 1 & 2 In Zebrafish Behavior, Metabolism, And Seizure-Induced Activity, Kayci Kimmons

Honors Theses

Epileptic disorders like Dravet Syndrome require novel studies to determine the most ideal treatment. New research linking the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to epileptic disorders is arising, but there is still much to be discovered about the function and regulatory impact of the endocannabinoid system and its receptors in epilepsies like Dravet. In this study, knockout models of larval and adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) were used to investigate the roles of cannabinoid receptors 1 & 2 in behavior, brain mitochondrial metabolism, and seizure-induced activity following exposure to THC and CBD. Larval zebrafish which lacked cannabinoid receptor 1 exhibited increased …