Honors College Theses

Publication Date

6-29-2016

Major

Biology (B.S.B.)

Document Type and Release Option

Thesis (restricted to Georgia Southern)

Faculty Mentor

Worlanyo Eric Gato

Abstract

The extreme prevalence of diabetes in the United States has not always existed; the number of cases has dramatically risen in recent history. Previous research has indicated 2-aminoanthracene causing alteration of gene expression and systemic injury in adult rats (Gato, 2011). This project will determine the effects of 2AA on the in utero pups after being ingested by the dams. The goal is to identify any systemic injuries or effects on the in utero pups after ingestion of 2-aminoanthracene by their dams. This information is useful to determine the possible effects of pregnant humans ingesting 2-aminoanthracene, which is a compound that could easily be ingested in large quantities because of its prevalence in products and prepared food. 2AA could have potential effects on the pregnant mother and her unborn child. 2-aminoanthracene may cause alteration in gene expression or systemic injury that could last into adulthood and encourage or even cause insulin resistance or Type-II diabetes. Weight gain differed between the test groups and the control group. The low dose of 2AA promoted weight gain and the high dose inhibited. No significant difference in CD68+ cell count between the treated and untreated groups occurred. Alteration in gene expression because of 2AA exposure was found. mRNA quantification revealed that AMPK, FASN and PPRA were not expressed, while CD36, HNF4, PCK1 and SOCS1 were up-regulated. Findings from this study suggest intrauterine exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, particular 2-aminoanthracene, may lead to susceptibility to Type-II diabetes.

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