Auburn Research Day 2022

Nancy Arellano Rangel, OMS-II 1 ; Keeley Pownall, OMS-II 1 ; Devon Ashley, OMS-II 1 ; Alex Essman, OMS-II 1 ; John Landrum, OMS- II 1 ; Joshua Quintana, OMS-III 1 ; Robert. L. Judd, PhD 2 ; Joseph W. Brewer, PhD 1 1 Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Auburn; 2 Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine B i omed i ca l Resea rch | Med i ca l St udent Evidence for Regulatory Interactions Between Adipocytes and B-1 Lymphocytes 67

Obesity-induced adipose tissue (AT) inflammation causes metabolic dysfunction which is linked to major chronic conditions including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes mellitus, all of which are major threats to human health. Adipocytes occupy the largest amount of AT volume, specialize in fat storage, and secrete adipokines, a group of hormone-like molecules such as adiponectin that regulate metabolism and immune cell functions. B-1 cells, a population of innate-like B lymphocytes, mitigate AT inflammation, glucose intolerance, and insulin resistance in mouse models of high fat diet-induced obesity. At least in part, B-1 cells mediate these protective effects by secreting IgM antibodies and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. B-1 cells that localize to the AT are well-positioned to interact with adipocytes, but whether these two cell types engage in regulatory interactions with each other is not known. To investigate this question, we established an in vitro experimental system for co-culture of adipocytes and B-1 cells. Murine 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes were differentiated into healthy, insulin-responsive adipocytes which secrete adiponectin. CH12.LX is a murine B cell

lymphoma with a B-1 phenotype which secretes IgM and IL-10. 3T3-L1 adipocytes and CH12.LX B-1 cells were co-cultured in either direct contact or close contact but separated by a trans-well insert with a semi-permeable membrane. Total IgM, IL-10, and adiponectin in culture supernatants was assessed by ELISA. Initial studies revealed that IL-10 production by CH12.LX B-1 cells was enhanced in the presence of 3T3-L1 adipocytes (≈45% in direct contact, ≈15% in close contact but separated). Adiponectin production by 3T3-L1 adipocytes was slightly reduced (≈20%) in the presence of CH12.LX B-1 cells, either in direct contact or in close contact but separated. IgM production was markedly reduced (≈65%) when CH12.LX B-1 cells were co-cultured in direct contact with 3T3-L1 adipocytes. By contrast, IgM production was enhanced (≈45%) when the two cell types were co-cultured in close contact but separated. These initial data support the hypothesis that B-1 cells and adipocytes engage in reciprocal interactions that can modulate the functions of these two secretory cell types and, consequently, have the potential to influence AT inflammation.

M. Rodriguez 1 ; A. Lambert 2 , H. Kluess 2 ; MA Taylor 1 ; D. Stephen 1 ; R. Anglin 1 ; T. McCann 2 ; D. Thomas 1 ; A. Rizzieri 1 ; F. Alvarez 1 ; J. Frank 2 ; M. Schultz 2 ; T. Knapp 2 ; G. Breimhorst 2 ; S. Williams 1 ; J. Hunt 1 ; C. Smith 1 ; S. Kyeremeh 2 ; S. Hart 1 1 Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Auburn Campus; 2 Auburn University Nursing School | Auburn Univeristy Kinesiology Cl i n i ca l Resea rch | Med i ca l St udent Mom Stress & Child Health(Medal) Pilot Study: A Mixed-Methods Approach to the Associations Between Maternal Experience and Child Toxic Stress Response in Black Families 68

For young families living in the South, the long history of environmental stressors (ie: poverty, racism/discrimination, lack of access to care) as well as personal stressors (ie: parenting, mental health) play a significant role in decreased health outcomes. The COVID-19 pandemic led to stay-at-home orders in 2020, and little is known on how social distancing, prolonged confinement and isolation have played a role. Families living in underserved areas face difficult environmental conditions which may lead to long lasting health implications. In a sequential exploratory mixed-methods approach this study recruited 7 Black/African American mothers and children (4-10yo) living in underserved areas. Non-invasive biomarkers of toxic stress assessed neuroendocrine (hair cortisol), immune (C-reactive protein), and cardiovascular (blood pressure) function for both mom and child. We also interviewed families assessing on indicators of

resilience as they relate to chronic stressors (COVID-19 quarantine, discrimination, parenting). Qualitative analysis found that there is an association of perceived discrimination and the pandemic responses between mother and child.

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