The consequences of putative inflammation on brain trace metal biology
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Kristina El-Khouri (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
- Advisor
- Keith Erikson
Abstract: Manganese, copper, and iron are essential trace metals necessary for proper functioning of the human body, and play important roles in cellular responses, signaling, regulation, and overall cell function and metabolism, making them necessary for normal function of the brain. Inflammation is present in nearly every disease, while systemic inflammation has been linked to alterations in brain trace metal homeostasis, which can cause detrimental effects to the brain, such as in cases of neurodegenerative diseases. This study aimed to determine the effects of inflammation on brain trace metal biology, through the utilization of two routes of inflammation in a mouse model study. We hypothesized that inflammation from TNF-a injections in C57BL/6J and utilization of LDLr-/- male mice would cause alterations of manganese, copper, and iron levels in the brain. In order to determine this, we dissected brain tissue into 3 regions, the midbrain, striatum, and cortex. Protein content was determined for the brain tissues, and metal analysis was performed in order to determine the concentration of each metal per milligram of protein. The findings from this study suggested that in the presence of inflammation, there may be increases of manganese in the cortex, copper in the striatum, and iron in the midbrain and striatum. The increases seen in this study seemed to decrease with the addition of carbon nanodot treatment, which promotes further research. The continuation of work on this subject has the potential to enhance research on inflammation and neurodegeneration, and potentially reduce the progression of neurodegenerative diseases through reduction of inflammation.
The consequences of putative inflammation on brain trace metal biology
PDF (Portable Document Format)
498 KB
Created on 5/1/2022
Views: 162
Additional Information
- Publication
- Thesis
- Language: English
- Date: 2022
- Keywords
- Copper, Inflammation, Iron, Manganese, Trace metals
- Subjects
- Inflammation
- Blood-brain barrier disorders
- Trace elements in the body