Does Ferutinin Dose-Dependently Increase Nodule Formation in TNF-Alpha Activated MC3T3-E1 Preosteoblast-like Cells?

• Other Authors: Muravyeva, Yelizaveta (authoraut)
• Format: Others
• Language: English; English
• Published: Florida State University
• Subjects: Food
• Online Access: http://purl.flvc.org/fsu/fd/FSU_migr_etd-2185

Forty-four million men and women are affected by osteoporosis in the United States. Women are at a greater risk for developing osteoporosis due to their lower peak bone mass and going through menopause which accelerates bone loss (1). Treatments for osteoporosis may be associated with adverse effects such as renal toxicity and osteonecrosis of the jaw (2). Contrary to earlier findings that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) decreases risk factors for cardiovascular disease, the Women's Health Initiative Study revealed that HRT actually increases risk factors for cardiovascular disease such as high blood pressure and thrombosis. These findings along with increases in incidence of endometrial and breast cancer, have made women seek alternative therapies (3). Among dietary alternatives, ferutinin, a phytochemical from the genus Ferula Hermonis (Umbelliferae), has recently been reported to have the benefits of estrogen without any side effects. Ferutinin is grown in Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan. It plays a role in alleviating different health problems and recent findings suggest that this plant extract can prevent bone loss and excess body weight gain in ovariectomized rats. Although there has been research done with ferutinin and bone in animal models, the mechanism by which ferutinin exerts its bone protective effects is unknown. Therefore, we identified what effects ferutinin had on tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α) activated MC3T3-E1 preosteoblast-like cells. The experiment involved treating the cells using TNF-α to induce inflammation that is associated with osteoporosis. Alkaline phosphatase activity, nodule formation, and cell viability were measured to evaluate the effect of ferutinin on preosteoblast- like cells. Unlike previous studies with ferutinin, the findings of this study suggest that ferutinin does not modulate bone parameters in preosteoblast-like cells. === A Thesis Submitted to the Department of Nutrition, Food, and Exercise Sciences in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science. === Summer Semester, 2011. === May 4, 2011. === ferutinin, steoporosis, phytochemical, cell culture, bone, alternative therapy, preosteoblasts === Includes bibliographical references. === Bahram H. Arjmandi, Professor Directing Thesis; Lisa Eckel, Committee Member; Jeong-Su Kim, Committee Member.