Publications by authors named "Tracy Womble"

Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) is the most characterized polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon associated with breast cancer. Our lab previously reported that the organosulfur compound (OSC), diallyl trisulfide (DATS), chemoprevention mechanism works through the induction of cell cycle arrest and a reduction in oxidative stress and DNA damage in normal breast epithelial cells. We hypothesize that DATS will inhibit B[a]P-induced cancer initiation in premalignant breast epithelial (MCF-10AT1) cells.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background/aim: Chemotherapy resistance in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells is well documented. Therefore, it is necessary to develop safer and more effective therapeutic agents to enhance the outcomes of chemotherapeutic agents. The natural alkaloid sanguinarine (SANG) has demonstrated therapeutic synergy when coupled with chemotherapeutic agents.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Garlic has long been used medicinally for many diseases, including cancer. One of the active garlic components is diallyl sulfide (DAS), which prevents carcinogenesis and reduces the incidence rate of several cancers. In this study, non-cancerous MCF-10A cells were used as a model to investigate the effect of DAS on Benzo (a)pyrene (BaP)-induced cellular carcinogenesis.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

When human umbilical cord blood (HUCB) cells are systemically administered following middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in rats, they produce a reduction in infarct size resulting in recovery of motor function. Rats receiving HUCB cells have a less severe inflammatory response compared to MCAO stroke rats. The purpose of this study was to determine the interaction between HUCB cells and the main resident immune cells of the brain (microglia) under normoxic and hypoxic conditions in vitro.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Recent studies have highlighted the involvement of the peripheral immune system in delayed cellular degeneration after stroke. In the permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model of stroke, the spleen decreases in size. This reduction occurs through the release of splenic immune cells.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Alterations in lysosomal proteases have been implicated in many neurodegenerative diseases. The current study demonstrates a concentration-dependent decrease in PC12 cell viability and transient changes in cystatin C (CYSC), cathepsin B (CATB), cathepsin D (CATD) and caspase-3 following exposure to H2O2. Furthermore, activation of CATD occurred following exposure to H2O2 and cysteine protease suppression, while inhibition of CATD with pepstatin A significantly improved cell viability.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Alteration in the lysosomal system (LS) may represent a central mechanism in neurodegeneration. 6-Hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) induces oxidative stress and cell death in catecholaminergic cells. The LS and caspases participate in apoptosis, although the mechanism(s) that is involved is not completely understood.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

6-Hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) is a selective neurotoxin used to induce apoptosis in catecholamine-containing neurons. Although biochemical products and reactive oxygen species (ROS) of 6-OHDA have been well documented, the activation of cellular pathways following exposure are not well understood. Apoptosis in PC12 (Pheochromocytoma) cells was induced by 6-OHDA in a dose (10-150 microM) and time-dependent (24-72 h) manner compared to experimental controls (no treatment).

View Article and Find Full Text PDF