Major
Microbiology
Advisor
Fallini, Claudia
Advisor Department
Cell and Molecular Biology
Date
5-2024
Keywords
Stroke; Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation; Hypoxia; Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury; iPSCs
Abstract
Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability and decreased mobility worldwide. During stroke, neuronal damage results from both the initial oxygen-glucose deprivation and the increase in excitotoxicity and oxidative stress after restoration of blood flow, a phase called Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury (IRI). Reducing the impact of these processes could result in better outcomes for post-stroke patients by preventing excessive neuronal death. Many natural compounds derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant have been tested for neuroprotective effects due to their potential antioxidant properties. We hypothesized that neurons treated with cannabinoids immediately after experiencing an acute ischemic event will have an overall decrease in cell death compared to untreated controls. To test this hypothesis, we have performed a compound screen of various natural products on iPSC-derived human cortical neurons that have been exposed to 60 minutes of oxygen and glucose deprivation. Our results suggest that the effects of IRI can be observed up to seven days after the acute ischemic event and neurons treated with some of the cannabinoids experience reduced cell death. These findings could provide evidence that natural products can serve as therapeutics to prevent neuronal death in post-stroke patients.
Included in
Disease Modeling Commons, Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience Commons, Nervous System Diseases Commons, Other Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment Commons, Pharmaceutical Preparations Commons