Document Type
Oral Presentation
Publication Date
Spring 4-19-2024
Date Assignment Submitted
2024
Abstract
Exposure to cadmium, a harmful chemical found within our environment, poses significant health risk, impacting various organ systems and even leading to cancer. Present in everyday items like cigarettes and batteries, a buildup can lead to oxidative stress, an imbalance between the production of molecules like reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body’s ability to overcome the damage. Planaria are freshwater flatworms that are well known in scientific studies for their remarkable ability to regrow body parts while also showing sensitivity to different chemicals. In this study, planaria are used to examine the effect of exposure to cadmium on planarian regeneration.
This is where specialized cells, called neoblasts, regrow lost tissue and organs, representing a valuable model for studying tissue repair processes. A trunk fragment assay involving head amputation on planaria Girardia dorotocephala was conducted to assess their head regrowth over two weeks following exposure to different concentrations of cadmium chloride (CdCl2), 2.5-20 ÂμM, exploring its toxic effect. We found that higher amounts of CdCl2 led to more deaths and delayed planarian regeneration, suggesting that it slowed their repair process. Planarians were also co-treated with antioxidants N-acetyl-L-cysteine and MitoTEMPO, known for their ROS-neutralizing properties to mitigate cadmium-induced oxidative stress and enhance regeneration capacity. The antioxidants are anticipated to slow cellular damage, encouraging rescuing effects despite cadmium toxicity. This study highlights the importance of understanding the mechanisms underlying cadmium-induced toxicity and the protective effects of antioxidants, which can contribute to developing regenerative medicine approaches with broader implications for human health.
Publisher
Lynn University
Conference/Symposium
Lynn University Student Research Symposium
Contest
Oral Presentation
City/State
Boca Raton, FL
Department
College of Arts and Sciences
Instructor
Dr. Cassandra S. Korte
Recommended Citation
Gonzalez, N. (2024, April 19). Mitigating cadmium toxicity on planarian head regeneration [Oral presentation]. Lynn University Student Research Symposium, Boca Raton, FL, United States.
Comments
Mentor: Dr. Cassandra S. Korte
Committee Members: Dr. Erika L. Doctor & Dr. Alanna L. Lecher