Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death in the United States. Inflammation and oxidative stress activated by the TBI can lead to systemic inflammation. Gastrointestinal complications are common secondary injuries to TBI and are associated with elevated levels of common pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress found across the body. Intestinal permeability after TBI has also been established in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. Pomegranate polyphenols have strong anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce brain and intestinal inflammation and improve functioning after TBI. This study examined the protective effects of pomegranate polyphenol supplementation in a Drosophila model of TBI. Pomegranate juice and an ellagic acid compound were used to test whether treatment can prevent intestinal permeability following a TBI, decrease TBI-induced locomotor deficits, and increase survival after a TBI and throughout lifespan. TBI was associated with increased 24-hour mortality following TBI, intestinal permeability, climbing deficits, and reduced lifespan. Dietary polyphenols reduced 24-hour mortality and increase lifespan following a TBI but did not affect climbing or activity. Overall, this study supports our laboratory’s Drosophila model of TBI and was the first to suggest that dietary polyphenols may provide protection from the negative consequences of concussive brain injury in flies.

LLU Discipline

Clinical Psychology

Department

Psychology

School

School of Behavioral Health

First Advisor

Richard E. Hartman

Second Advisor

Grace J. Lee

Third Advisor

Lisa E. Olson

Fourth Advisor

David A. Vermeersch

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Degree Level

Ph.D.

Year Degree Awarded

2020

Date (Title Page)

9-2020

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Brain Injuries, Traumatic; Inflammation; Oxidative Stress; Dietary Supplements; Polyphenols

Type

Dissertation

Page Count

x, 70 p.

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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