Louisiana Via Research Day Book 2026

Biomedical Research: Section 1

Biomedical Research: Section 1

Shailie Shah, OMS-III 1 ; Lindsey Brierre, OMS-II 1 ; Margaret Bruchhaus, OMS-II 1 ; Ishal Dave, OMS-II 1 ; Alora McInnis, OMS-II 1 ; Lin Kang, PhD 1 ; Robin Varghese PhD 2 ; Melissa Lipsmeyer, PhD 1 1 VCOM-LA; 2 VCOM-Virginia 15 NDOLE-3-PROPIONIC ACID MEDIATES DISTINCT SIGNALING PATHWAYS OF PLACENTAL CELLS IN AN IN VITRO MODEL OF OBESITY

Krishna Patel, BS 1 ; Meagan Gruber, OMS-II 1 ; Magen Keys, MSN, RN 1 ; Kimmie Fresina, BSN, RN 1 ; Christopher Clark, DO 1 ; Stephen DiGiuseppe, PhD 1 ; Rebekah Morrow, PhD 1 1 VCOM-Louisiana; 2 Surgical Specialty Center of Baton Rouge 16 THE IMMUNE STIMULATORY IMPACT OF LYMPHATIC PUMP TECHNIQUE

Introduction: Maternal obesity is associated with changes in placental function, leading to complications such as gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia. The gut-microbiome regulates numerous body functions through the secretion of metabolites. One metabolite, indole-3 propionic acid (IPA), has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative stress and glucose regulatory functions - all of which are dysregulated in obesity. Previous studies have found altered levels of IPA in women with obesity and that serum IPA levels are correlated to adiposity. However, the physiological functions of IPA in the placenta and its potential protective effects against obesity-induced cellular dysfunction remain unclear. Objective: This study aimed to determine if IPA has a physiological role in the placenta and if IPA can protect against obesity-induced alterations in signaling of insulin and steroid hormone receptor-related pathways that are critical for normal functions of the placenta. Methods: An in vitro model of obesity was designed where two human placental cell lines, BeWo (choriocarcinoma) and HTR8 (normal

immortalized trophoblasts), were cultured in media conditioned by human adipocytes (ACM) to mimic an obesogenic environment. RNA sequencing (RNAseq) was utilized to identify acute gene expression changes due to a 24 hour treatment with either a control (DMSO), IPA (1uM, physiological levels), ACM, or ACM+IPA to evaluate if IPA can alter changes induced by ACM. QPCR and western blot analyses were performed to validate RNAseq findings and explore changes in other signaling pathways that are essential for placental function. MTT assay was used to assess cell viability alterations due to ACM or IPA treatment. Results: Initial RNAseq analysis revealed ACM induced changes in genes related to HIPPO signaling, and other metabolic pathways in BeWo cells, while changes in folate biosynthesis, DNA replication, and cell cycle were altered with ACM+IPA treatment. In HTR8 cells, ACM exposure induced changes in inflammatory and extracellular-matrix-related pathways while ACM+IPA altered focal adhesion, extracellular matrix interactions, and regulation of actin cytoskeleton function. The PI3K-AKT pathway was a common target in both cell lines, with

changes dependent upon the presence or absence of IPA. QPCR analysis confirmed ACM or IPA treatment altered expression of folate receptor isoforms and placental growth hormone in a cell-type specific manner. Western blot analysis also revealed several changes in steroid hormone receptor and insulin signaling with longer treatment (72hr) conditions. Conclusions: These findings offer insight into the molecular mechanisms of IPA in placental cells in a normal and obesogenic environment that include alterations in insulin signaling, steroid hormone receptor, and folate receptor expression. This study highlights the importance of a healthy gut microbiome and may offer a window of opportunity to mitigate the onset or severity of disorders such as gestational diabetes by enhancing the gut microbiome prior to pregnancy.

Context: The basis of osteopathic medicine, as articulated by Dr. A.T. Still, holds that the body is a unified, self-healing system in which structure and function are interdependent. Within this framework, maintenance of the lymphatic system is proposed to balance bodily fluids and stimulate responses that support recovery from illness and/or injury. Objective: We hypothesized that patients treated with lymphatic pump techniques will have measurable physiological changes in plasma biomarkers, circulating immune cells, and antibodies indicative of improved immune function. Methods: Healthy participants were randomized to receive OMT (n=17) or sham treatment (n=14). Blood samples were collected before and 30 minutes after intervention. Participants in the treatment group received thoracic inlet release, thoracoabdominal diaphragm release, and pedal pump techniques, while controls received simulated superficial contact.

ELISA. Within- and between-group comparisons were performed using appropriate statistical tests. Data analysis is currently ongoing.

Results: Plasma levels of cytokines, antibodies, and leukocyte populations were quantified by

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2026 Research Recognition Day