β-Sitosterol Isolated from Theobroma Cocoa Induces the Expression Of Mkp-1 and Il-10 In Trigeminal Neurons

<p>Previous results from in vitro and in vivo studies in our laboratory provided evidence that cocoa beans contain anti-inflammatory compounds that can repress activation of trigeminal nerves. These results led me to hypothesize that a novel compound could be isolated from cocoa beans to treat inflammatory disorders such as migraine and temporomandibular joint disorder. In my study, I was able to isolate and characterize an anti-inflammatory compound from cocoa beans by screening fractions obtained from column chromatography for expression of MKP-1 in trigeminal cultures. The active compound was identified as β-sitosterol based on NMR and HPLC/MS/MS data. The anti-inflammatory mediators MKP-1 and IL-10 were up-regulated in trigeminal neurons in a concentration-dependent manner by β-sitosterol. A somewhat surprising finding from my study was that the active compound β-sitosterol functioned by a similar mechanism as that of the commonly prescribed anti-inflammatory steroid drug dexamethasone. Based on results from my study, I propose that the natural product, β-sitosterol, may be useful as a novel treatment of inflammatory diseases such as migraine and temporomandibular joint disorders.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science in Biology

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biology

Year

2011

Author dc:creator

• Hirst, Jeffrey J.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Paul Durham

• β-sitosterol
• MKP-1
• IL-10
• migraine
• TMJD
• trigeminal
• natural products
• inflammation
• Biology

Statement dc:rights

• © Jeffrey J. Hirst

Repository record dc:identifier

https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/1296

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:bearworks.missouristate.edu:theses-2297