The Effect of Sweeteners on the Expression of Superoxide Dismutase Isoforms
Location
CSU Ballroom
Start Date
11-4-2017 10:00 AM
End Date
11-4-2017 11:30 AM
Student's Major
Chemistry and Geology
Student's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Mentor's Name
Theresa Salerno
Mentor's Department
Chemistry and Geology
Mentor's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Description
We have examined the effect of sweeteners on the mRNA expression of two superoxide dismutase isoforms, SOD1 and SOD2, both of which are involved in reducing levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Medical complications can occur as a result of excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, as has been documented for diabetics and others with hyperglycemia. The effects of sucrose and other sweeteners, such as saccharin and Stevia, on the expression of SOD1 and SOD2 in the kidney have not been examined. Wistar-Kyoto rats were fed diets supplemented with sweeteners for a period of 6 weeks, at which point kidney samples were taken. RNAs were extracted from kidney samples using a MirVANA kit (Ambion) and reverse transcribed using a high capacity cDNA reverse transcription kit with random primers (Life Technologies).
Quantitative PCR was then used to analyze samples using the ∆∆Ct method. Our results have indicated that the addition of sweeteners has no significant effect on the expression of SOD1 and SOD2 mRNA, indicating that any potential down-regulation of SOD isoforms is not done at the mRNA level. Further analysis of SOD1 and SOD2 protein expression by protein extraction and Western Blot technique should be done to determine if SOD protein expression is changed due to treatment. These results should confirm or refute the idea that SOD expression is regulated at a different point in protein production.
The Effect of Sweeteners on the Expression of Superoxide Dismutase Isoforms
CSU Ballroom
We have examined the effect of sweeteners on the mRNA expression of two superoxide dismutase isoforms, SOD1 and SOD2, both of which are involved in reducing levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Medical complications can occur as a result of excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, as has been documented for diabetics and others with hyperglycemia. The effects of sucrose and other sweeteners, such as saccharin and Stevia, on the expression of SOD1 and SOD2 in the kidney have not been examined. Wistar-Kyoto rats were fed diets supplemented with sweeteners for a period of 6 weeks, at which point kidney samples were taken. RNAs were extracted from kidney samples using a MirVANA kit (Ambion) and reverse transcribed using a high capacity cDNA reverse transcription kit with random primers (Life Technologies).
Quantitative PCR was then used to analyze samples using the ∆∆Ct method. Our results have indicated that the addition of sweeteners has no significant effect on the expression of SOD1 and SOD2 mRNA, indicating that any potential down-regulation of SOD isoforms is not done at the mRNA level. Further analysis of SOD1 and SOD2 protein expression by protein extraction and Western Blot technique should be done to determine if SOD protein expression is changed due to treatment. These results should confirm or refute the idea that SOD expression is regulated at a different point in protein production.
Recommended Citation
Prak, Natalie. "The Effect of Sweeteners on the Expression of Superoxide Dismutase Isoforms." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 11, 2017.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2017/poster-session-A/33
