Open Access Kent State (OAKS)

We have previously shown that both the acylethanolamide oleoylethanolamide (OEA) and its metabolically stable analog AM3102 (N-[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl-9Z-octadecenamide) induces apoptosis in OV2008 ovarian adenocarcinoma cells independent of PPAR-α receptor signaling pathway. This cytotoxicity is reversed in the presence of α-tocopherol, indicative of reactive oxygen species (ROS) involvement in cell death. We have also shown that palmityl trifluoromethyl ketone (PTK), independent of its inhibitory effect on phospholipase A2, enhances the toxicity of OEA (ASCB 2012, Abstract #888). The enzyme neutral cholesterol ester hydrolase 1 (NCEH1) has also been shown to be a target of trifluoromethylketones (Nat Biotechnol 21:687, 2003). Furthermore, inhibition of NCEH1 leads to reduced migration of SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells in vitro and their growth in vivo (Chem Biol 13: 1041, 2006). Therefore, in this study, using Chlorpyrifos-Oxon (CPO), a potent inhibitor of the enzyme NCEH1, we explored the relationship between OEA and NCEH1 in the OV2008 ovarian cancer cell line. Cytotoxicity was observed in response to both OEA (IC50: 14-21 μM) and CPO (IC50: 48-50 μM). When the compounds were administered together, cytotoxicity was enhanced (OEA IC50: 8-9 μM; CPO IC50: 15-19 μM) with evidence of weak synergism. However, Western blot analysis of OEA and CPO treated cells indicated, when compared with control, no change in the expression of NCEH1. Live cell labeling with dihydroethidium showed an increase superoxide by about 10% in the presence of OEA. CPO itself did not increase the ROS in cells. Live cell fluorescence microscopy using MitoSOX Red also revealed an increase in superoxide anion in the mitochondria in the presence of OEA. The results of our study suggest that one mechanism by which OEA induces cytotoxicity in OV2008 cells is via superoxide generation. It is possible that OEA-mediated increase in ROS makes the OV2008 cells further susceptible to CPO (This undergraduate student research was supported by funds from the University Research Council).

Feeding habits of Lepidoptera are sometimes categorized into two feeding guilds, flower-visitors (nectar feeders) and non-flower-visitors (sap and rotting fruit feeders). The structure of the proboscis tip of non-flower-visitors (brush-like) has an adaptive value, facilitating fluid uptake from surfaces; however, the adaptive value of smooth proboscises of flower-visitors is understudied. This study’s purpose was to quantify the overall hydrophobicity of the drinking region of proboscises of flower- and non-flower-visiting butterflies and provide evidence for the potential adaptive value of a smooth proboscis. We used Nile red to stain the hydrophobic structures on proboscises of butterfly species from both feeding guilds. Stained proboscises were imaged on a confocal microscope and the percent hydrophobicity was quantified using Lenseye® color analysis. Our results indicate that smooth proboscises are more hydrophobic than brush-like proboscises. The hydrophobic nature of smooth proboscises might aid in retrieval of nectar from floral corollas by having less adhesive surfaces.

For this project, I have interviewed the administrators at three local agencies to explore and identify the perceived needs of pregnant adolescents. The questions focused on in this study include the values and mission of these local agencies, how the agencies protect the minor rights of young pregnant teens, and perceptions on how to make the available resources better known. The outcome of this project is a pamphlet that presents current research on the topics identified by the organizations which can be passed out among the agencies. The goal of creating such a pamphlet is to help pregnant adolescents feel informed, educated, and to aid in any pregnancy-based decision making.

We studied the pollination biology of three nocturnal moth species collected at the Biopond at Kent State Stark. The purpose of this research was to quantify the pollen load on the mouthparts (proboscis and labial palpi) of moth species. We hypothesized that moth species would differ in their pollen load; therefore, moth species differ in their role as pollinators. Moths were collected at the Stark Campus Biopond at night using a white sheet and a 250W mercury vapor light and stored in a -80 degree C freezer. Moth mouthparts were studied with a stereoscope and confocal microscopy to assess pollen load. Our results indicate significant differences in pollen load among species and that pollination patterns might not be based on family-level phylogenetic relationships, but represent species-level, moth-flower interactions. We suggest that additional studies are needed regarding this important insect-plant interaction.