Research Introduction

Outline

My plan of action includes comparing the seizure recovery times of bs Drosophilia Melanogaster that are not exposed to non-centrifugal sugar to the bs Drosophilia Melanogaster that are exposed to the Non-centrifugal sugar.

Ayurvedic Medicine and Non Centrifugal Sugar

Due to my Indian background and heritage, I've always been extremely curious about Ayurvedic Medicine. Through prior research done with ayurvedic compounds in biotech, I found out about circumin as a substitute for medication for epilepsy. Circumin is a substance found in turmeric an ayurvedic herb historically to treat many illnesses. Through previous research done at my school in the biotechnology program, I found a project comparing the seizure times in bs drosophila induced with avobenzene, a drug used to treat epilepsy. Through important evidence and data collection, it was found that circumin was proved to be effective in this project. I gained familiarity with this compound through my Biotech class, where I conducted a project using turmeric and planaria

(Jaggery)

(Cytokines)

What is Jaggery?

Jaggery is known as a form of non centrifugal sugar (NCS). These non-centrifugal sugars are used in developing places in the world such as Japan, India, and Africa. Jaggery reduces the unregulated cytokine production that is seen in patients with epilepsy (Zidan). Cytokines are “small secreted proteins released by cells that have a specific effect on the interactions and communications between cells” (Zhang and An). If this compound is proven to have a positive correlation with reducing the seizure times of the flies it can easily be used as a treatment for patients with epilepsy or to prevent neurodegenerative diseases. This compound is used in numerous foods already, such as sweetener for drinks and curries, it can be a direct replacement for the sugar that is commonly found in many foods. This compound is also accessible and affordable and can help with patients struggling with epilepsy that can not afford medicines like avobenzene.

(Arias, 2010 CC BY 3.0) This image showcases how epilepsy occurs because of mutation with the sodium ion channels.

This showcases the bs Drosophila Melanogaster's siezure cycle

Why bs Drosophilia Melanogaster?

As for using bang-sensitive fruit flies, I am using these organisms because of their versatility and many other researchers and projects have used drosophila as well. Drosophila have been used in multiple different projects to look at different diseases such as “genetics and inheritance, embryonic development, learning, behavior, and aging.” I am specifically looking at a specific breed of drosophila, these drosophila have an epilepsy mutation that happens in the pumillo 2 or pum 2 gene, this gene is associated with the pumillo 2 protein and is responsible for neuron firings in drosophila as well as other mammals. This protein works by inactivating the sodium pathways in cell membranes, therefore affecting neuronal activity because when sodium is unable to travel outside of the cell there is a sodium buildup then the cell releases a nerve impulse (Parker). This signal results in a seizure being induced.

[Images that do not belong to me are hyperlinked to the source]

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