Browsing by Author "Rodgers, Shaefali"
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Item Combined Effects of Binge Alcohol and Exercise on Intensity of Perineuronal Nets(2021-04-01) Popson, Pierce; Met-Hoxha, Erisa; Rodgers, ShaefaliPerineuronal Nets (PNNs) are lattice-like protein structures that surround the soma and processes of neurons in the extracellular matrix. PNNs have been known to exist for over a century and regulate two main functions: neuroplasticity and neuroprotection. The roles of neuroplasticity and protection are deeply involved with everyday life but are of key importance concerning specific behaviors such as alcohol consumption and exercise. While many people can consume alcohol without experiencing negative consequences that outweigh the positive experiences, there is still a necessity to understand the underlying neurological consequences of consuming alcohol regularly. Limited research indicates that the expression of PNNs increases after alcohol exposure and decreases with physical exercise in cortical regions (Chen et al., 2015; Reichelt et al., 2019; Smith et al., 2015). This increased expression of PNNs seems to indicate a restriction of plasticity from specific behaviors such as binge drinking and a possible neuroprotective effect against the immunological effects of alcohol. Comparatively, the reduction in expression of PNNs in the presence of exercise suggests an increase in neuroplasticity. However, research surrounding perineuronal nets has been sporadic in the methods for the analysis of these structures. This lack of clarity has led to difficulty in the interpretation of data from existing sources. Through the use of fluorescent staining, ImageJ, and PIPSQUEAK AI, a standardized methodological approach for the quantification of PNNs was further developed to analyze the interaction between variables such as binge alcohol consumption and exercise.Item Topical Mast Cell Stabilizer Cromolyn Sodium Reduces Post-burn Hypertrophic Scars in the Female Red Duroc Pig(2020-09-29) Siddiqui, RaimaPainful, motion-limiting hypertrophic scars (HTS) form subsequent to protracted wound healing in patients with severe full-thickness burns and pose difficult treatment challenges. Newer evidence points to mast cells (MC) as important regulators of intricate signaling cascades during the initiation and progression of post-burn scars. Previous investigations have demonstrated increased mast cell densities in burn wounds and during the formation of HTS.1,2 Mast cells release a wide array of mitogenic cytokines and potent proteases that contribute directly to myofibroblast differentiation and excessive proliferation in burn wounds; further prolonging fibrotic pathology.3 Cromolyn sodium (CS) is an FDA-approved mast cell stabilizer known to inhibit degranulation and has been successfully used to relieve detrimental symptoms associated with mast cell activation. Here, we show that CS may be an effective conjunctive therapy to prevent pathological fibrosis following severe burn injury. This project was completed with contributions from Jayson W. Jay, Anesh Prasai, and Amina El Ayadi from the University of Texas Medical Branch.