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DETERMINING THE EFFECTS OF GREEN TEA EXTRACT, QUERECITIN, AND EPICATECHIN ON CELL PROLIFERATION AND LACTATE LEVELS IN MOUSE HEPATOCYTES**

Abstract

Many health benefits have been reported in relation to the consumption of green tea, including the possible prevention of Type II Diabetes. Green tea (GT) is known to contain a variety of bioflavonoids, including quercetin and epicatechin, which are both ligands of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). The AhR has been associated with the regulation of intracellular lactate levels, which are high in diabetics, especially when in a state of ketoacidosis. Long-term exposure to high lactate levels can result in the development of a variety of health concerns related to decreased heart function and increased mortality. Using a colorimetric assay, we are examining the ability of GT ethanol extracts, quercetin (200 μM), or epicatechin (100-200 μM) to lower L-lactate levels in Hepa 1.1 mouse hepatocytes in the presence or absence of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), another ligand of the AhR that is commonly found in the human diet. Cell morphology (as monitored using photographs taken through an inverted microscope) will be analyzed to determine if any treatments impacted cell growth or survival. Total protein levels (measured using a Bradford Assay) will also be used to normalize lactate readings in the samples. Initial results indicate that GT and quercetin treatments lowered lactate levels; however, this is likely due to a decrease in cell confluency observed under these conditions. Neither lactate levels nor cell growth seem to be influenced by epicatechin. Similarly, the addition of B[a]P to these treatments does not appear to impact lactate levels.

Acknowledgements

YHC Undergraduate Research for the Common Good

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