Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by an accumulation of neutral lipids in the form of triglycerides and cholesterol esters accounting for >5% of liver weight. Excess neutral lipids accumulate in large lipid droplets, i.e., macrosteatosis, displacing the nucleus of cells. Current theory suggests neutral lipid accumulation is the...
Premature birth interrupts the typical development of the human fetus, leaving the infant born with underdeveloped gastrointestinal and immune systems. Preterm infants have reduced stomach acidity, reduced digestive protease activity, more permeable intestinal membranes, impaired innate and adaptive immune response, and poor microbiome development. Due to these factors, preterm infants...
Estrogen is a sex hormone responsible for the development and regulation of the reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics. They also play a critical role in the development of breast and uterine cancer. The formation of agonistic metabolites of estrogen, especially 16α-hydroxyestrone, have been found to have cancer-inducing effects meanwhile...
Altogether, this dissertation highlights the value of mass spectrometry-based analysis of intact proteins for solving problems related to understanding disease mechanisms and developing new therapeutics.
Mutations to the antioxidant enzyme Cu, Zn Superoxide Dismutase (SOD1) perturb protein structure in vivo to cause 2-5% of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) cases. Metal-deficient...
Isothiocyanates (ITCs) are produced by roots in a variety of agricultural plants, such as those within the Brassicaceae family. ITCs act as fumigants, and are used to control microbial plant pathogens by adding brassica-origin seed meal to soil prior to replanting. However, there is suggestion that the presence of residual...
Microscopic organisms inhabit virtually every niche on this planet, where they perform functions vital to all life on earth. Accordingly, humans host a complex community of microorganisms (i.e. the gut microbiome) that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract and modulate host physiology. Insight into the specific mechanisms through which gut microbes influence...
During the peripartum period (3 weeks before through 3 weeks after calving, a.k.a. “transition”), high producing dairy cows experience, among others, , oxidative stress and immune suppression that compromise performance and increased incidence of diseases.Among trace minerals, supplementation of Selenium (Se) can help to improve the transition by enhancing glutathione...
Nitrogen is a crucial nutrient required by yeast to successfully complete alcoholic fermentation. In particular, the concentration of yeast assimilable nitrogen (YAN) influences fermentation kinetics and the production of a range of volatile aroma compounds, both desirable and undesirable. YAN is naturally present in the grape, but producers can boost...
Purpose: Many programs are available to engage people in health-promoting behaviors or behavior change, but most target specific behavior outcomes (e.g., weight loss, smoking cessation) rather than wellness. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a tracking-based health challenge focused on overall wellness, with or without peer support.
Methods:...
Metabolic syndrome is a problem affecting people around the world. In a number of studies, soy intake has been documented to possess antidiabetic and anticardiovascular effect. My project is focused on the impact of the intake of compounds found within soy, the isoflavones, their impact on metabolic syndrome symptoms, and...