Glioblastoma - Effects of Natural Compounds
Session Number
Project ID: BIO 24
Advisor(s)
Dr. Sowmya Anjur; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Dr. Don Dosch; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Discipline
Biology
Start Date
22-4-2020 8:50 AM
End Date
22-4-2020 9:05 AM
Abstract
Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive brain cancer that leaves the average patient with a projected survival time of just one year after an initial diagnosis, despite the common utilization of standard therapies such as chemotherapy. To combat the side-effects of such a disease, researchers have been looking into naturally occuring, less toxic agents for their antitumor and apoptotic effects in GBM cell lines. Our goal with our glioblastoma research project is to add to the inventory of scientific research on the subject of natural product usage in GBM treatment. Caffeine, a widely known natural neurostimulant, is known to impact psychological performance, enhance long-term memory, and decrease the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Glioblastoma Multiforme, and curcumin was used experimental models in previous studies due to its ability to augment the apoptotic effects of ceramides. In this SIR project, we studied the efficacy of curcumin and turmeric in the enhancement of GBM cell destruction by splitting our cells lines multiple times and conducting the serial dilution method involving separate solutions of curcumin and caffeine. Afterwards, we counted the amount of cells present, treated the cells with the dilution, and performed an MTT assay. Further experimentation is planned to gather evidence to make conclusions.
Glioblastoma - Effects of Natural Compounds
Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive brain cancer that leaves the average patient with a projected survival time of just one year after an initial diagnosis, despite the common utilization of standard therapies such as chemotherapy. To combat the side-effects of such a disease, researchers have been looking into naturally occuring, less toxic agents for their antitumor and apoptotic effects in GBM cell lines. Our goal with our glioblastoma research project is to add to the inventory of scientific research on the subject of natural product usage in GBM treatment. Caffeine, a widely known natural neurostimulant, is known to impact psychological performance, enhance long-term memory, and decrease the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Glioblastoma Multiforme, and curcumin was used experimental models in previous studies due to its ability to augment the apoptotic effects of ceramides. In this SIR project, we studied the efficacy of curcumin and turmeric in the enhancement of GBM cell destruction by splitting our cells lines multiple times and conducting the serial dilution method involving separate solutions of curcumin and caffeine. Afterwards, we counted the amount of cells present, treated the cells with the dilution, and performed an MTT assay. Further experimentation is planned to gather evidence to make conclusions.