Biography:

Yasir Mohsen Alhazmi in 2013 received his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Taif University, Saudi. He worked as hospital pharmacist in tertiary hospital. In addition, he was supervisor for inpatient pharmacy and training. In 2018 , He completed master degree in clinical pharmacy with distinction from University of Strathclyde (The placement in a Glasgow hospital was 50% of the program).He is interested in clinical research, training and medical education. Currently working as full time internal medicine clinical pharmacist and collaborative with Jazan University, Saudi.

Abstract:

Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest hazards globally that is leading to prolonged hospital stay, inflated medical expenditures and increased morbidity and mortality. Many natural compounds have intrinsic antibacterial activity which needs to be exploited for their clinical use. Given its nutritional value, Date palm is considered as an essential nourishing source in many countries while the Date seed beverage is consumed locally to promote the health. Due to increase in the number of microorganisms resistant to drugs and antibiotics, there is an urgent need of modification of existing antibiotics and antifungal agents, updating of antimicrobial form or formula, and adding new antimicrobial agents for use in the clinics The aim of our research is to assess the active constituents from date palm seed cake for their antimicrobial activity.

Method: Extraction of the date seed powder using high polarity solvents i.e. hexane and ethyl-acetate using cold extraction method. The isolates were later assessed for antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria using agar-well diffusion method. The ethyl-acetate extract in a 10% Dimethyl sulfoxide exhibited effective inhibition of bacterial growth in comparison with gentamycin.

Findings: The gram-positive bacteria showed a significantly higher sensitivity to the date palm seed extract, while the gram-negative bacteria were less susceptible. The MRSA showed the strong susceptibility as indicated by a large zone of growth inhibition of 20 mm diameter as compared to the positive control (gentamycin) followed by E. faecalis.

Conclusion: Our results show the antibacterial properties of the date seed cake extract against a wide spectrum of bacteria. Among the tested bacteria, gram-positive bacteria MRSA showed the highest sensitivity. The results of MRSA are very encouraging as the extract was more effective than the control antibiotic (gentamycin). On the other hand, although the extract showed little effectiveness against gram-negative bacteria in general.

Biography:

Abdolaziz Rastegar Lari is founder of Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center President of Iranian Society for Medical Bacteriology. He is profetional on surveying on antibiotic resistance mechanism, espetialy in gram- negative bacteria.

Abstract:

Background: Antibiotic resistance is one of the global worrying problems that can increase morbidity and mortality. Some antibiotic resistance mechanisms such as biofilm formation can induce resistance to different groups of antibiotics and can cause of presence Multi- Drug Resistant (MDR) strains. The aim of this study was evaluation of different methods to determine the biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa isolated from burn- wound colonization.

Materials and Methods: Twenty- five P. aeruginosa collected from burn- wound colonization from Motahari hospital, Tehran, Iran. Phenotypic biofilm formation detection was done Congo red agar method and tube test. Congo red agar method: The preparation of Congo Red Agar (CRA) medium was explained previously. CRA plates were inoculated with test organisms and incubated at 375oC for 24 h aerobically. Black colonies with a dry crystalline consistency indicated biofilm production. The experiment was performed in triplicate and repeated three times

Micro-tube method: A loop full of test organisms was inoculated in 1 mL of trypticase soy broth with 1% glucose in test tubes. The micro-tubes were incubated at 37o C for 24 h. Micro-tubes were then stained with crystal violet (0.1%) after washing with phosphate buffer saline. The scoring for tube method was done according to the results of the control strains. Biofilm formation was considered in three types; i) strong, ii) moderate and iii) weak according to the mass of visible film lined the wall of micro-tubes. Amplification of ppk and modA genes has been done by PCR to  molecular detect of biofilm genes. Boiling method used for DNA extraction. The positive results of detection confirmed by Sanger sequencing. 

Results: According to the results of the tube test all of isolated showed potential to produce biofilm from score weak to strong. But less than 25% of them showed black colony in CRA assay. All of the strains carried out at least one of the ppk or modA genes according to PCR results.

Conclusion:  The results of this study showed that the tube test is more reliable methods for evaluation of biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa strains because the some strains with red colonies in CRA method but have one of the responsible genes to produce biofilm. But the results of the tube test confirmed by PCR.

Biography:

Ahmad Ali is currently works as Scientific Officer at the National Culture Collection of Pakistan (NCCP), Bio-resources Conservation Institute (BCI), National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad. Ahmad does research in Molecular Biology, Microbiology and Biotechnology. His current project is identification of zoonotic bacteria from neonatal calf diarrhea diseased animals. Genomics and taxonomic characterization of novel species of bacteria from Pakistan is another subject of his interest. He is also involved in the establishment of "National Microbial Culture Collection of Pakistan (NCCP)". 

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: Neonatal calf diarrhea (NCD) disease is an established zoonosis all over the world. U.S. National Animal Health Monitoring System reported 57% of weaning calf mortality attributed to diarrhea. A limited research is reported about the fate and prevalence of multi-drug resistant bacteria and their resistance gene pool reservoir in NCD disease animals of Pakistan. The present study aimed to understand bacterial patho-biome and the antibiotic resistance potential in fecal ecology of NCD diseased animals.

Methodology, Theoretical Orientation & Findings: A total of 51 (morphologically different) bacterial strains were isolated from feces of bovine diarrheic animals up to 3 months of age, collected from various livestock farms located in different villages of district Okara, Faisalabad, Multan, Abbottabad, Muzafargarh and Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) of Pakistan. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence and phylogenetic analysis, the isolates belonged to 17 genera with a diverse prevalent rate (Accession numbers: LC488898 to LC488948. Majority isolated strains (90 %) exhibited multi-drug resistance (against at least three antibiotics) with highest level of minimum inhibitory concentrations for Shigella spp. (MIC up to 70 µg/L) (Fig 2).  Using PCR for Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) producing bacteria, 60% isolates were positive for blaTEM antibiotic resistance gene whereas 55% were positive for blaNDM gene with the highest prevalence rate in Shigella spp.  

Conclusion & Significance: These preliminary findings conclude the highest load of multi-drug resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes, harbouring in diarrheic animal feces and pose the potential public health risk. These antibiotic resistance genes can transfer to other bacteria (horizontal gene transfer). Niche of neonatal calf diarrhea (NCD) animal feces is a major threat of zoonotic diseases and thus may be included in surveillance program of cattle infectious diseases in Pakistan. Results of these studies also showed the presence of candidate novel species of bacteria that may be validated as a new species from Pakistani ecology by poly-phasic taxonomic characterization.

Biography:

Davinder Singh has expertise Pharmaceutical Chemistry and 30 years old. He has synthesized numerous derivatives and evaluated for antibacterial as well as anticancer activity. At present, he is working as a Assistant Professor at RIMT University in School of Pharmaceutical Sciences department. He operated all type of instruments in Chemistry lab and has a great knowledge about Mass and HNMR spectrophotometer.

Abstract:

Treatment of infectious diseases still remains an important and challenging problem because of a combination factors including newly emerging infectious diseases and increasing number of multi-drug resistant microbial pathogens with particular relevance for Gram-positive bacteria. The need for new antimicrobial agents is greater than ever because of emergence for new infectious, and the potential use of multi drug resistance in common pathogen, the rapid emergence of new infectious, and the potential for use of multidrug-resistant agents. Pyrazoline is a five-membered heterocyclic ring having two adjacent nitrogen atoms within the ring. It has only one endocyclic double bond and is basic in nature. In the present study involves synthesis of 1-Substituted-2-thienyl-5-(4-chlorophenyl) pyrazoline derivatives. The synthesized compounds were subjected to antimicrobial screening against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria to determine the growth inhibitory effects of the compounds. Amongst all the derivatives in series (6a-j), the pyrazoline derivatives exhibited potent antimicrobial activity. All synthesized compound possessed good to moderate antimicrobial activity comparable to standard drug ciprofloxacin. The order for the % control growth inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus was found to be 6h> 6j> 6f> 6i> 6e> 6g> 6d> 6a. All the compounds inhibited 50% of the microbial growth at the conc. <10 µg/ml. The compound 6f and 6g inhibited the total microbial growth at the conc. <10 and 65.9 µg/ml respectively.

Biography:

Cher-un Limyada has completed her PhD in Cellular and Molecular Biology. She has experience in animal product research with Vet Products Research and Innovation Center for three years. She has built this research for a year with National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Thailand. Since peptides were found to an alternative antibiotic and warrant further development as a novel therapeutic for treatment of bacteria in animal production.

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: Antibiotics have been used routinely in pig and poultry production, however, improper use of antibiotics has caused serious environmental and health risks, in particular antimicrobial resistance. Due to their unique mode of action, antimicrobial peptides are novel alternatives to traditional antibiotics for tackling the issue of bacterial drug resistance.

Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: Protegrin-1 (PG-1) is an 18-amino-acid beta-hairpin antimicrobial peptide found in porcine leukocytes and belongs to the cathelicidin family.  It exhibited antimicrobial activity against many bacteria, fungi, and some enveloped viruses. In search for novel effective agents to combat swine and poultry gastrointestinal infections, a series of the PG-1 peptide and its truncated derivatives were synthesized chemically and their antibacterial activities were assessed. 

Findings:  Among the peptides tested, PG-11, PG-12, and PG-13 peptides, which were the modified peptide of the parental PG-1 peptide, clearly demonstrated potential inhibitory activity against colistin resistant Listeria monocytogenes and tetracycline resistant Salmonella typhimurium with 100 µg/ml. Decreasing the cationicity and increasing random coil percentage of PG-1 increased the potency against intestinal bacteria. 

Conclusion & Significance: The shortest PG-13 peptide is a promising antibacterial agent against intestinal pathogens of swine and poultry.

Biography:

Minashree Kumari has her expertise in risk assessment of emerging contaminants including antibiotics in drinking water samples. She has evaluated the health risk of antibiotics in drinking water samples of River Yamuna, Delhi, India. This study will help the regulatory agencies in developing and implementing strict control measure to reduce the antibiotic pollution. Previously she has worked on disinfection by-products especially trihalomethanes (THMs) in drinking water in which she has monitored, analysed, modelled and assessed the risk for different sub-poulations.

Abstract:

Due to the increased consumption of antibiotics for human and veterinary purposes, antibiotic residues have been frequently detected in aquatic environments. It is believed that antibiotics reach aquatic water bodies through sewage. Sewage treatment plants (STPs) are not designed for the removal of antibiotics and as a result antibiotic residues have been detected in different water matrices including drinking water. Yamuna River is the largest tributary of the River Ganga and a major source of potable water to Delhi. The river is unfortunately the receiving water body for the untreated and partially treated sewage from the city. Only two percent of the total length of the river flows though the city, but it receives 79% of its total pollutant loading there, primarily through sewage and industrial discharges. Ciprofloxacin (CIP) is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat different types of bacterial infections, including respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, certain types of diarrhea etc. High concentration of CIP has been reported in the effluents of STPs, discharged into River Yamuna. Human health risk estimation of CIP for two sub-populations was carried out using the acceptable daily intake (ADIs) values considering the point of departure (POD) and uncertainty factors (UFs). Hazard quotient (HQ) was calculated as a ratio of environmental concentration and predicted no effect concentration, below which no adverse health effects are expected. Average HQs values of CIP in adult and children were found below 1, the acceptable limit, signifying no potential health risk for both the subgroups. The study will help regulatory agencies like central pollution control board in developing the effluent discharge standard limits of antibiotics including health risk guideline values. Appropriate and strict control measures should be taken by regulatory agencies to eradicate the spread of antibiotic pollution based on the results of health risks of antibiotics exposure.

Biography:

Said Wareg E has expertise in research studies in Medical Microbiology and related subjects. One of his interests is bacterial resistance to antimicrobials especially MRSA. Currently, he is the Director of newly established Scientific and Consultancy Research Centre in Nalut University/ Libya, looking forward to building mutual and bilateral partenship cooperation with national or international institutions for the benefit of the two parties. 

Abstract:

The evolution of resistance to antibiotics is one of the most significant problems in Modern medicine, posing serious threats to human and animal health. Multidrug-resistant organisms(MDRO,S), including MRSA, vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE)and certain Gram-negative bacilli have important infection control complications. From a previous study, an agar susceptibility testing was used to test all isolates against vancomycin, chloramphenicol, gentamicin, fusidic acid, erythromycin, streptomycin, Ciprofloxacin, cefotaxime and clindamycin. MRSA was detected using cefoxitin (30µg) disc and antibiotic susceptibility pattern was determined using the Kirby and Bauer disc diffusion susceptibility testing method and confirmed for fusidic acid and vancomycin by determination of minimum inhibitory concentration. The isolated MRSA strains showed multiple drug resistance pattern as 42% for IPHA-MRSA, 34% for OPHA-MRSA and 23% for CC-MRSA. The distribution of strains of IPHA, OPHA and CC-MRSA compared with the MIC and zone size of fusidic acid showed that the highest number of isolates were distributed about the highest MIC values for IPHA-MRSA(16, 8, 4mg/L), OPH-MRSA (8, 4,2mg/L) and CC-MRSA(8,4mg/L). These results showed high multi-drug resistance for all MRSA isolated strains. Interpretative zone of inhibition for fusidic acid and vancomycin was based on the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (BSAC) (Anon-2010/2013) guidelines. Standard international interpretation criteria for zone size for fusidic acid should be addressed.

Biography:

Raza Naqvi is currently Pharmacist & Post Grad Medic. He graduated from University of Nottingham. He completed his Postgraduate diploma, Pharmacy from Keele University and Master of Pharmacy from Liverpool School of Pharmacy. He worked as Pharmacist at Pharmaseekers Ltd and  also as a pre-registration pharmacist at Well Pharmacy.

Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the duration of antibiotic prescriptions, over a 4-week period, for the treatment of common infections at Wollaton Park Medical Centre compared to local guideline recommendations.

SETTING: General Practice – Wollaton Park Medical Centre.

PARTICIPANTS: 144 consultation that resulted in an antibiotic prescription for one of several indications: acute otitis media, cellulitis, pharyngitis, lower respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, community acquired pneumonia.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The percentage of antibiotic prescriptions with a duration exceeding the guideline recommendation, and the total number of days beyond the recommended duration for each indication.

RESULTS: The most common reasons for antibiotics being prescribed were for urinary tract infections (56, 38.9%), lower respiratory tract infections (29, 20.1%), tonsillitis (14, 9.7%) and cellulitis (14, 9.7%). Antibiotic treatment for respiratory tract indications and urinary tract infections accounted for more than half of the total prescriptions considered, and only 10.6% of these treatment course exceeded guidelines recommendations. 7.8% of prescriptions for cellulitis exceeded seven days. More than 28% of the antibiotic prescriptions were for durations other than 1st line guidelines recommended for tonsillitis. The percentage of antibiotic prescriptions exceeding the recommended duration was highest for otitis media, 85% and lower respiratory tract infection, 57.1%. For the 144 included consultations resulting in antibiotic prescriptions, approximately 79 days were beyond the durations recommended by guidelines.

CONCLUSION: For most common infections treated at Wollaton Park Medical Centre, a substantial proportion of antibiotic prescriptions met durations recommended in guidelines. Further reductions in antibiotic exposure can be accomplished by aligning antibiotic prescription durations with Nottinghamshire APC guidelines, notably for lower respiratory tract infections and otitis media.

Biography:

Abdur Rafi is an undergraduate (MBBS) student of Rajshahi Medical College, Rajshahi, Bangladesh. He is the co-founder of Dhaka Cast, an online platform to support diabetic patients of Bangladesh. He also works in the lab of American Society for Microbiology, Rajshshi University chapter as a research assistant.

Abstract:

Urinary tract infection is one of the most common pediatric infections. The present study aims at identifying the causative agents of pediatric UTI and their resistance pattern against different antibiotics as well as rate and determinants of multi drug resistance in northern Bangladesh. In this retrospective study report of culture and sensitivity test of 991 clean-catch mid-stream urine sample from clinically suspected UTI patients, aged between 0 and 17 years, performed in microbiology laboratory of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital by Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method was analyzed. Multivariate analyses were used to identify the determinants of multidrug resistance. 991 suspected culture of urine yielded 261 (26.3%) bacterial growth. Rate of isolation was higher among female (30.2%) than male (19.3), p-value <0.001. Age distribution of isolation was not significant. Escherichia coli was most commonly isolated pathogen (80.1%) followed by Staphylococcus saprophyticus (12.3%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (3.8%). 92.3% of all bacteria were multidrug resistant. In logistic regression, female sex was significantly more susceptible to be affected by MDR pathogens (OR 3.945, p-value <0.01). Both gram positive and gram negative bacteria from different age groups were equally resistant to multi drugs. Both gram negative and positive organisms were highly resistant against most of the third generation cephalosporins, quinolones and aminoglycosides (65 to 100%) except Cefepime and Levofloxacin. Imipenem, meropenem and nitrofurantoin were the most susceptible antibiotics. Rational use of empirical antibiotics based on these evidences is crucial to preserve long term efficacy of the sensitive drugs.

Biography:

Gembong Satria Mahardhika has done some researches on antibiotic resistance and its development while finishing his master degree. Being able to experience life in Asia, he is quite familiar with tropical medicine and it made him interested on that as well as infectious disease and any other internal medicine. His passion and dedication towards healthcare and education has made him fully committed on engaging his fellow doctors and junior on understanding human better. He is enthusiast on continuing his journey for medical research and pursuing further education.

Abstract:

The emergence of strains of bacteria that are resistant to many antibiotics including Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, is a serious problem, moreover it is supported by the ability of these bacteria to form biofilms, causing antimicrobial agents and immune system responses are not effective in eliminating biofilm cells. The aim of this study is to understand the comparison of ica A/D genes in MRSA producing biofilms between health workers in hospitals and the general population in Banyumas.This study is a cross sectional study aimed at describing the ica A/D gene in biofilm-producing MRSA among health workers in TK Wijayakusuma Hospital compared to the general population in Banyumas. Samples were taken using the nasal swab method. Microbiological examination was carried out to identify MRSA strains. Biofilm identification uses a microtiter plate biofilm assay, after that it detects the ica A/D genes. A number of 120 samples were examined, one sample (0.008%) showed MRSA results and 6 samples (0.05%) showed MSSA results. A number of 7 samples were examined for biofilm showing one sample with moderate biofilm results, 2 weak biofilm samples, 4 non biofilm samples. Examination of ica A/D gene was performed on 3 samples that showed moderate biofilm and weak biofilm results. The results in 3 samples showed positive ica A/D gene results. Comparison between ica A/D genes in health workers in hospitals with the general population cannot be done, because MRSA samples are only found in the health care group in hospitals. The conclusion from this study is there was no difference in the ica A/D gene in MRSA producing biofilms between health workers in the hospital compared to the general population in Banyumas district, because only one MRSA sample was found, that was in the group of health workers.

Biography:

Amal A ALmousa is Currently Assistant Professor, Microbiology at College of Science, King Saud University. His personality is optimistic and positive, his research interests to be address environmental problems and take advantage of all the waste and raising awareness among the public to contribute to the friendship of the environment.

Abstract:

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is one of the most common gynecologic problems affecting the women. It was reported that about 75.0% of all females develop this type of infection at least once during their life; 90.0% of which are caused by Candida albicans. In recent years, due to resistance to common antifungal medication, the use of traditional medicine of anti-fungal and herbal treatments increased. Therefore the objective of this study was to determine the effects of vaginal cream, where a mixture of honey 50% diluted (semi-liquefaction) then honey, yogurt (invevo Nestle´ TM. Inventor almarai) and distilled water. The efficacy of the mixture was tested in vitro on isolated Candida albicans. The result of present study indicated that the therapeutic effects of vaginal cream, yogurt and honey is more effective in relieving some symptoms of vaginal candidacies, in addition to inhibition of the growth C. albicans in vitro. The combination of honey with yogurt causes synergistic effects of honey against candidacies are based on the synergistic effect of honey and starch against C. albicans. Based on these positive results we recommend further studies in this field.

Biography:

Kaya Stokes is a Sophomore Biology major at South Carolina State University from Baltimore, Maryland. She has hopes of attending medical school. She has been actively engaged in research for the past year.

Vacarie Burgess is a Sophomore Biology major at South Carolina State University from Orangeburg, SC. She has hopes of attending veterninary school. She has been actively engaged in research for the past year.

Abstract:

In the United States, childhood obesity has been a growing epidemic with, 1/3 of US children considered overweight or obese. The increased number of overweight and obese children can be linked to several factors including nutrition and social economic status. Households that do not have access to healthy, nutritious foods are significantly more likely to be obese earlier in life than other children. Obesity in children can lead to numerous health complications such as diabetes, high blood pressure, chronic inflammation and carcinogenesis. African American minorities are more likely to be diagnosed and die from one of the various forms of cancer. Therefore, eliminating or reducing preventable risk factors such as unhealthy nutrition and childhood obesity could have important implications for reducing clinical manifestations of adult cancer outcomes. In order to understand the implication of inflammation in the participants, we first analyzed the expression of the inflammation biomarkers in prostate cancer cells, used as our baseline data. The pro-inflammatory markers and obesity related genes investigated include adiponectin, leptin, CRP, VEGF, SAA1 /2, Interleukin 1 and 6. The transcriptional levels of pro-inflammatory genes was measured by quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction. The results indicated that the expression of chronic inflammation markers were increased in cancer DNA as compared normal DNA. Overall, reducing childhood obesity and pro-inflammatory diets, while increasing physical activity and access to healthy foods are beneficial in the reduction of cancer risk and will serve as preventive measures for early-stage onset of adult cancers.

Biography:

Christyan Norman is a Senior Biology major at South Carolina State University from Orlando, Florida. He has hopes of attending dental school. He has been actively engaged in research for the past four years.

Elijah Medina-Bandy is a Senior Biology major at South Carolina State University from Atlanta, Georgia. He has plans of attending medical school He has been actively engaged in research for the past four years.

Abstract:

In South Carolina childhood obesity is growing at an alarming rate surpassing the national average Forty percent of children in SC are classified as either overweight or obese. Childhood obesity can lead to numerous health complications in adulthood that includes diabetes, high-cholesterol, chronic joint pain and cancer. Childhood obesity could be caused by various other factors such as socioeconomic status and poor nutritional choices. In SC, Orangeburg County is located within the I-95 Corridor “Corridor of Shame”, because of issues such as poverty, lack of health care, poor health choices, and obesity due to being severely underfunded and underdeveloped. The purpose of this study is to enroll SC children to determine if obesity and/or high-fat pro-inflammatory diets contribute to increased levels of pro-inflammatory markers. A screening survey, which gives a brief overview of the candidate’s nutritional/physical activity background and demographics was conducted and analyzed in addition to the collection of saliva biospecimens from each participant. The majority of participants enrolled were between 10-13 years old with a family income of less than $20K annually. 42% and 31% were categorized as ideal weight or obese, respectively. Extracted RNA was used to analyze the expression of acute inflammation markers (IL8 and IL6) and chronic inflammation markers (ADP, CRP, Il-1β, and SAA1). Data suggests that irrespective of weight class, expression levels of chronic inflammation markers are correlated with high fat diets. If the preventable risk factor of childhood obesity is targeted, it could play a significant role in reducing chronic inflammation in children.

Biography:

Brandon Sutton is a Junior Biology Major at South Carolina State University from Andrews, South Carolina. He has hopes of attending medical school. He has been actively engaged in research for the past three years.

Abstract:

Prostate cancer affects African American (AA) men disproportionately in the US, but even more so in the state of South Carolina, with three times higher mortality rates for AA men when compared to European American (EA) men. Advanced Glycation End products (AGEs) are proteins or lipids that become highly glycated as a result of exposure to sugars. AGEs are found in the foods we eat such chargrilled foods and fried foods. Among PCa patients, AGE accumulation is higher in blacks with African ancestry (AAs) than in European Americans (EAs). AGEs are linked to many chronic diseases, protein damage, aberrant cell signaling, increased stress responses, and decreased genetic fidelity. They are formed as a result of making poor lifestyle choices such as; lack of exercise, poor diet, obesity, etc. Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Prostate Cancer can also contribute to these processes associated with AGE accumulation, poor clinical outcomes, and reduced health-related quality of life. This study had two different objectives. One being to limit AGE accumulation by testing possible agents such as chitosan which reduces serum AGE levels in advanced cancer patients. The other objective is to define the impact of AGE’s on promoting a more aggressive prostate cancer phenotype through the upregulation of miR-204, MYC and the downregulation of the androgen receptor. The methods used in these experiments are DNA Stool extraction, Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and In Situ Hybridization (ISH). Standardization of the protocols has been established. Collection of samples and analysis is ongoing and results will be presented in the closing ceremony.

Biography:

Abstract:

It has been recently shown that nutritional ketosis is effective against seizure disorders and various acute/chronic neurological disorders. Physiologically, glucose is the primary metabolic fuel for cells. However, many neurodegenerative disorders have been associated with impaired glucose transport/metabolism and with mitochondrial dysfunction, such as Alzheimer’s/Parkinson’s disease, general seizure disorders, and traumatic brain injury. Ketone bodies and tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates represent alternative fuels for the brain and can bypass the rate- limiting steps associated with impaired neuronal glucose metabolism. Therefore, therapeutic ketosis can be considered as a metabolic therapy by providing alternative energy substrates. It has been estimated that the brain derives over 60% of its total energy from ketones when glucose availability is limited. In fact, after prolonged periods of fasting or ketogenic diet (KD), the body utilizes energy obtained from free fatty acids (FFAs) released from adipose tissue. Because the brain is unable to derive significant energy from FFAs, hepatic ketogenesis converts FFAs into ketone bodies-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and acetoacetate (AcAc)-while a percentage of AcAc spontaneously decarboxylates to acetone. Large quantities of ketone bodies accumulate in the blood through this mechanism. This represents a state of normal physiological ketosis and can be therapeutic. Ketone bodies are transported across the blood-brain barrier by monocarboxylic acid transporters to fuel brain function. Starvation or nutritional ketosis is an essential survival mechanism that ensures metabolic flexibility during prolonged fasting or lack of carbohydrate ingestion. Therapeutic ketosis leads to metabolic adaptations that may improve brain metabolism, restore mitochondrial ATP production, decrease reactive oxygen species production, reduce inflammation, and increase neurotrophic factors’ function. It has been shown that KD mimics the effects of fasting and the lack of glucose/insulin signaling, promoting a metabolic shift towards fatty acid utilization. In this work, the author reports a number of successful case reports treated through metabolic ketosis.