Identifier

etd-03092006-205849

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Human Ecology

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

Angiogenesis is the process of developing and elongating blood vessels. In obesity, angiogenesis controls the development of the adipose tissue, allowing it to expand as energy stores increase. When angiogenesis is blocked in rodent models, adipose tissue not only stops expanding, but regresses, proving a possible mechanism for weight loss. Nt, a Chinese herbal decoction, and gallic acid, an active antiangiogenic ingredient in Nt, were tested in clinical trials in combination for possible use as a supplement for weight loss. The Nt-gallic acid combination did not cause weight loss or a decrease in food intake in humans, principally due to the inability to achieve adequate serum levels. The highest absorption seen was 19% of 800mg gallic acid, far below the level needed to cause weight loss. In further research, gallic acid was tested in combination with colchicine, a tubulin inhibitor. This combination was hypothesized to act synergistically in an in vitro assay to inhibit angiogenesis. The combination inhibited angiogenesis 91% compared to the control, while the addition of the two compounds separately led to an 81% inhibition. In addition, pilot data shows that this combination, when added to a cream base, may aid in the treatment of psoriasis. These studies suggest that gallic acid is capable of inhibiting angiogenesis in humans when adequate therapeutic levels are reached.

Date

2006

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Secure the entire work for patent and/or proprietary purposes for a period of one year. Student has submitted appropriate documentation which states: During this period the copyright owner also agrees not to exercise her/his ownership rights, including public use in works, without prior authorization from LSU. At the end of the one year period, either we or LSU may request an automatic extension for one additional year. At the end of the one year secure period (or its extension, if such is requested), the work will be released for access worldwide.

Committee Chair

Frank L. Greenway

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_theses.1261

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Human Ecology Commons

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