Louisiana Via Research Day Book 2026

Biomedical Research: Section 1

Biomedical Research: Section 1

Maysoon Makhlouf, PhD 1 ; Berony Geneste, OMS-III 1 ; Haley Jones, OMS-II 1 ; Kazi Rahman, OMS-II 1 ; Hussain Darwiche, OMS-II 1 ; Lin Kang PhD 1,2 ; George Matthaiolampakis, PhD 2 ; Zakaria Y. Abd Elmageed, PhD 1,2 1 VCOM-Louisiana 2 School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe 19 TARGETED DISRUPTION OF SMALL UBIQUITIN-LIKE MODIFIER PROTEIN SIGNALING FOR THE TREATMENT OF CASTRATION-RESISTANT PROSTATE CANCER

David Kang, OMS-III; Dr. Zakaria Elmageed, PhD VCOM-Louisiana 20 EXPLORING SEED OILS AND CANCER RISK IN GERIATRIC HEALTH: REVIEW ARTICLE

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in older men. Progression to castration-resistant PCa (CRPC) remains a major therapeutic challenge. Although enzalutamide (ENZ) is a standard treatment, resistance inevitably develops, highlighting the need for strategies that target multiple signaling pathways. Small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) proteins—post-translational modifiers linked to poor cancer outcomes—represent one such target. The objective of this study is to evaluate the combined inhibitory effects of the SUMOylation inhibitor TAK-981 and ENZ in CRPC cells. Methods: CRPC PC-3M AND CWR-R1CA cells were exposed to varying concentrations of TAK 981, ENZ, and their combination. IC 50 values were calculated for each agent and selected 0.1× and 0.5× IC 50 doses were used to evaluate their individual and combined effects on CRPC suppression in vitro and in a preclinical mouse model. Results: Treatment of CRPC cells with sublethal IC50 of TAK-981 showed a significant decrease in cell proliferation and migration (p<0.001). The

best combination was observed at 0.1× IC50 of TAK-981combined with 0.5× IC50 of ENZ. Animal studies revealed that mice treatment with TAK-981 (10 mg/kg/day) for three weeks reduced tumor volume by 50.1% (p<0.001) compared to ENZ (26%) and mice received vehicle. This effect was augmented by 10.3% when the two drugs was combined Conclusion: The study represents an innovative approach to treating aggressive PCa by simultaneously targeting the androgen receptor and protein SUMOylation pathways. Disrupting these two signaling mechanisms effectively inhibited CRPC cell growth, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy that may enhance treatment efficacy and ultimately improve patient survival. Keywords: Castration-resistant prostate cancer, SUMOylation pathway, TAK-981, antitumor activity, tumor volume

Context: Seed oils, widely used as cooking oils, have seen a marked rise in the last decades. This increased usage has been associated with higher prevalence of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, and cancers through different mechanisms such as oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. While existing research has investigated the effect of seed oils on the general population, there is a notable lack of targeted studies focusing on the geriatric population. Investigating the effect of seed oils on geriatric health is an important research topic, given the heightened susceptibility of older adults to chronic diseases and the rapid growing population. Objective: This review aims to highlight the composition of commonly used seed oils and the biological mechanisms through which these oils are metabolized and distributed throughout the body. It will also explore the carcinogenic agents that may arise directly or indirectly from seed oil consumption, and the susceptibility of its deleterious effects on geriatric population. Topics (in place of methods & results) This research reviews topics

including the composition of cooking seed oil composition, different types of fatty acids in seed oils, and the physiological effects of these fatty acids. It further elucidates mechanisms of fatty acids storage, the effect of relationship between cholesterol and fatty acids, and the potential carcinogenic risks of seed oils through the formation of harmful agents during heating & indirect, via alterations in fat metabolism. Additionally, the study explores the biophysiology of geriatric population, and geriatric susceptibility to the harmful effects of seed oils. Conclusion: Certain fatty acids present in seed oils such as saturated, trans, and omega six are associated with adverse effects including elevated LDL cholesterol and increased inflammation. The heated oil also generates specific carcinogenic compounds as a result of oxidation. Observable indicators, such as the presence of distinct cooking fumes during overheating, highlight these risks. Furthermore, the cost of cooking oils and the physiological changes associated with aging may place the geriatric population at higher risk.

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2026 Research Recognition Day