VCOM Louisiana Research Day Program Book 2024

Biomedical Research: Section 2

Landon Ossman; Carter Murphy; Olivia Hubbard; Emma Purifoy; Logan Escalon; Jamie Newman, PhD Louisiana Tech University 24 THE EFFECTS OF FRUCTOSE AND SUCRALOSE ON ADIPOGENESIS AND SELF-RENEWAL IN HUMAN ADIPOSE DERIVED STEM CELLS

Background: Today, approximately two thirds of the United States population is obese or overweight. Obesity is intricately linked to a myriad of diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and respiratory disorders. The multifaceted impact of obesity on health underscores the need for comprehensive strategies to address and mitigate its associated comorbidities. Objective: Sugar is one of many established contributors to the progression of adipogenesis; therefore, we aim to determine the influence that sugar and sugar substitutes have on adipose derived stem cell self-renewal and adipogenic differentiation. Methods: We have purchased human adipose derived stem cells (hASCs) from Obatala Sciences. Quantitative reverse-transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR) will be used to monitor changes in transcription of specific genes related to self-renewal and adipogenesis. To confirm proper proliferation and morphology of self renewing cells we will monitor ki-67 expression, a gene expressed during DNA replication, and stain the cells using phalloidin and dapi, which stains actin filaments and nuclei, respectively. To confirm adipogenic differentiation, we will monitor ppar γ expression, a gene associated

with adipogenesis, and use Oil Red O staining. This stain may also be extracted to allow for the quantitative analysis of adipocyte differentiation. We will test four concentrations of fructose and sucralose using previously published data that indicates an optimal range for these types of experiments. With each treatment we will assess changes in self-renewal and adipogenesis by monitoring the expression of ki-67, ppar γ , glut5, adipoq, notch1, and notch3 in both self-renewing cells and those undergoing adipogenic differentiation. The notch genes are of interest because our lab has shown their role in regulating ppar γ in early and late phases of adipogenesis. We also want to see if the combination of fructose and sucralose results in any amplification of adipogenesis. Results: Preliminary data validates methods and ability to monitor cell changes in cell behavior and gene expression. This study is currently in progress and the results are yet to be completed. Conclusions: With this work we aim to contribute to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that sugar and sugar substitutes utilize to initiate and enhance adipogenesis in hASCs.

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