Masters Theses

Date of Award

5-2017

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Nutrition

Major Professor

Ahmed Bettaieb

Committee Members

Jay Whalen, Dallas Donohoe

Abstract

Pancreatic Cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer that one can acquire. Following diagnoses, only 8.5% with invasive pancreatic cancer will live 5 years beyond diagnosis. While cancer survival rates have improved overall, the rates for pancreatic cancer have remained unchanged. Numerous risk factors including aging, smoking, obesity, chronic pancreatitis, familial history, and diabetes can all effect pancreatic cancer outcomes. The biology and cellular signaling that drives pancreatic cancer progression and survival is intricate and multifactorial. In addition, pancreatic cancer often develops resistance to chemotherapeutics such as gemcitabine and cisplatin. This lack of effectiveness has driven the demand for new and innovative approaches, aimed at targeting and enhancing the known therapies. Phytochemicals such as ginger, turmeric, cannabidiol (CBD) and resveratrol have all shown potential against pancreatic cancer. Zyflamend is polyherbal supplement comprised of ten extracts and created originally to target inflammation. Interestingly, cancer research began to identify Zyflamend as a promising treatment option. Zylamend has proven effective against cancers of the skin, mouth, bone, kidney, colon and pancreas. However, the research targeting the pancreatic cancer and Zyflamend has been limited. Based on the cumulative findings and potential for further mechanistic exploration, our research specifically investigated the precise response Zyflamend elicits on pancreatic cancer cells. Through systematic reasoning and comprehensive analysis, we identified the precise mechanism, by which Zyflamend induces in-vitro cell death and apoptosis.

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