The Effects of Methylmercury on Breast Cancer Progression in Zebrafish

The Effects of Methylmercury on Breast Cancer Progression in Zebrafish
Author: Sara N. Morrow
Publisher:
Total Pages: 80
Release: 2016
Genre: Breast
ISBN:

Breast cancer is defined as a group of malignant cells that originate in the breast and have the potential to spread to distant sites in the body, most commonly the liver, lungs, bones and brain. Many factors increase the risk of breast cancer, including but not limited to environmental factors, age, race, gender and obesity. Methylmercury (MeHg) is an environmental metalloestrogen, a type of metal that mimics the activity of estrogen. Previous studies have shown that low concentrations of MeHg cause breast cancer proliferation via the estrogen receptor (ER), but that at high concentrations it causes cell death. However, the long-term effects of MeHg exposure on breast cancer development are unknown and thus worth researching. Many studies have used xenografts in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) to research metastatic capability. By using xenografts of mammalian breast cancer cells in zebrafish, the effects of MeHg in an in vivo system can be studied in regards to tumor progression. It is hypothesized that dietary MeHg treatment of zebrafish transplanted with human breast cancer cells will increase tumor size and the number of tumors and will result in micrometastases. In order to test this hypothesis, zebrafish from Professor Lanni’s lab in the Biochemistry Department at Wheaton College were used. First, fish were injected with fluorescently-labeled MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Fish survival and health as well as tumor growth and metastasis were measured. Once it was known that tumors could be successfully grown, an eight-week experiment was designed in which zebrafish were injected with fluorescently-labeled MCF-7 cells. Every week, fish were imaged under a fluorescent scope; after the eight-week period, fish were sacrificed and dissected for tumors. Although further troubleshooting is necessary, a protocol was successfully developed for the injection and growth of breast tumor cells in zebrafish.

Zebrafish Aging is a Determining Factor in Breast Cancer Cell Xenotransplant Efficacy

Zebrafish Aging is a Determining Factor in Breast Cancer Cell Xenotransplant Efficacy
Author: Raymond J Zhang
Publisher:
Total Pages: 92
Release: 2017
Genre: Breast
ISBN:

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women and a leading cause of cancer death in women. Studies that examine the effects of certain environmental factors, which can mimic estrogen function and thus mediate breast cancer development, are crucial to broadening understanding of molecular cancer mechanisms. Subsequent translation from in vitro to in vivo studies and ultimately to possible clinical therapies requires the development of effective techniques to study mechanistic function at each stage. Here, we present data describing the use of zebrafish xenotransplantation as an in vivo model for studying breast cancer progression and metastasis. A younger (~0.5 year, median 2.9cm length) and an older (~1.5 years, median 4.1cm length) group of zebrafish were immunosuppressed by dexamethasone treatment and transplanted with MCF-7/GFP breast cancer cells. By fluorescent imagery, tumor area and metastasis in both groups were observed over 7 weeks to compare transplant efficacy. In addition, a systematic method, using python codes, was developed to analyze images. Throughout the study, the younger group showed significantly lower transplant efficacy, with most fish showing no signs of tumor presence by 2 weeks post injection. The older group showed high transplant efficacy, with all individuals within the group showing tumor present throughout the length of the trial period. We conclude that zebrafish age is a determining factor in transplant efficacy. We speculate that the variable immune robustness of younger versus older fish impacts dexamethasone immunosuppression. In turn, this effect determines xenotransplant efficacy.

Environmental Toxicology

Environmental Toxicology
Author: T.W. Moon
Publisher: Elsevier
Total Pages: 577
Release: 2005-02-19
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0080458734

This sixth volume in this established series deals with the biochemical responses of fish to different environmental/ecological factors. Environmental Toxicology captures vital issues affecting the responses of fish to the chemical surroundings of their environment. Chapters included in this volume identify the systems found in fish to deal with xenobiotics, hormonal interactions initiated in the presence of these chemicals, the unique mechanisms used by fish to adjust to the present chemicals, and the new and evolving mixtures of chemicals in their environment. Also included, is a crucial review of the new methods being applied in fish systems to understand the effects of xenobiotics to fish fitness - a key theme in environmental health and critical to the future of fish populations. * Entirely new topic discussion and most recent volume in the acclaimed series* Includes chapters detailed on a cellular level * Introduces discussion of pharmaceutical effects on fish

Reproductive and Developmental Toxicology

Reproductive and Developmental Toxicology
Author: Ramesh C. Gupta
Publisher: Academic Press
Total Pages: 1460
Release: 2017-03-24
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0128042400

Reproductive and Developmental Toxicology, Second Edition, is a comprehensive and authoritative resource that provides the latest literature on this complex subject with a primary focus on three core components—parent, placenta, and fetus—and the continuous changes that occur in each. Enriched with relevant references describing every aspect of reproductive toxicology, this revised and updated resource addresses the totality of the subject, discussing a broad range of topics, including nanoparticles and radiation, gases and solvents, smoking, alcohol and drug abuse, and metals, amongst others. With a special focus on placental toxicity, this book is the only available reference to connect the three key risk stages, also including discussions on reproductive and developmental toxicity in domestic animals, fish, and wildlife. Completely revised and updated to include the most recent developments in the field, the book is an essential resource for advanced students and researchers in toxicology, as well as biologists, pharmacologists, and teratologists from academia, industry, and regulatory agencies. Provides a complete, up-to-date, integrated source of information on the key risk stages during reproduction and development Includes new chapters covering significant developments, such as dose-response assessment for developmental toxicity, juvenile toxicity, and neural tube defects, as well as emerging science, such as stem cell application, toxicoproteomics, metabolomics, endocrine disruption, surveillance and regulatory considerations, and risk assessment Offers diverse and unique in vitro and in vivo toxicity models for reproductive and developmental toxicity testing in a user-friendly format that assists in comparative analysis

Environmental Epigenetics

Environmental Epigenetics
Author: L. Joseph Su
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 327
Release: 2015-05-18
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 1447166787

This book examines the toxicological and health implications of environmental epigenetics and provides knowledge through an interdisciplinary approach. Included in this volume are chapters outlining various environmental risk factors such as phthalates and dietary components, life states such as pregnancy and ageing, hormonal and metabolic considerations and specific disease risks such as cancer cardiovascular diseases and other non-communicable diseases. Environmental Epigenetics imparts integrative knowledge of the science of epigenetics and the issues raised in environmental epidemiology. This book is intended to serve both as a reference compendium on environmental epigenetics for scientists in academia, industry and laboratories and as a textbook for graduate level environmental health courses. Environmental Epigenetics imparts integrative knowledge of the science of epigenetics and the issues raised in environmental epidemiology. This book is intended to serve both as a reference compendium on environmental epigenetics for scientists in academia, industry and laboratories and as a textbook for graduate level environmental health courses.

Scientific Frontiers in Developmental Toxicology and Risk Assessment

Scientific Frontiers in Developmental Toxicology and Risk Assessment
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 347
Release: 2000-11-21
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 0309171806

Scientific Frontiers in Developmental Toxicology and Risk Assessment reviews advances made during the last 10-15 years in fields such as developmental biology, molecular biology, and genetics. It describes a novel approach for how these advances might be used in combination with existing methodologies to further the understanding of mechanisms of developmental toxicity, to improve the assessment of chemicals for their ability to cause developmental toxicity, and to improve risk assessment for developmental defects. For example, based on the recent advances, even the smallest, simplest laboratory animals such as the fruit fly, roundworm, and zebrafish might be able to serve as developmental toxicological models for human biological systems. Use of such organisms might allow for rapid and inexpensive testing of large numbers of chemicals for their potential to cause developmental toxicity; presently, there are little or no developmental toxicity data available for the majority of natural and manufactured chemicals in use. This new approach to developmental toxicology and risk assessment will require simultaneous research on several fronts by experts from multiple scientific disciplines, including developmental toxicologists, developmental biologists, geneticists, epidemiologists, and biostatisticians.

Index Medicus

Index Medicus
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 2098
Release: 2004
Genre: Medicine
ISBN:

Vols. for 1963- include as pt. 2 of the Jan. issue: Medical subject headings.