Arnetta Fletcher

Participant: PROMISE AGEP Research Symposium

Arnetta Fletcher
Department: Nutrition and Food Science
Institution: University of Maryland, College Park

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ABSTRACT

Effects of Cruciferous Vegetable-derived Compounds on Human Prostate Cancer

This project focuses on identifying distinctive mechanisms of indole-3-carbinol (I3C) and phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) to modulate human prostate cancer growth. Three specific aims of this study addressed the biological mechanisms and efficacy of I3C and PEITC in a xenograft mouse model. Previous studies have shown an overlap in no effect and chemopreventive I3C dosage levels. Therefore, the first aim of this project was designed to assess for physiological and biological sensitivity to I3C in a commonly used xenograft model. Utilizing the same animal model, the second aim addressed the biological efficacy of low and moderately high, yet physiologically relevant doses of I3C defined by the first aim. The final aim of this study investigated the effects of PEITC along the tumor associated macrophage axis. Findings from this study highlighted unique, yet complicated, pleiotropic responses of cruciferous-derived compounds in prostate cancer.

 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

Arnetta Fletcher is a doctoral candidate in nutrition at the University of Maryland, College Park. Her research promotes the use of bioactive food components as means to reduce the risk of cancer. Her doctoral work examined the effects of cruciferous vegetable-derived bioactive compounds on human prostate cancer. Prior to attending the University of Maryland, Mrs. Fletcher was earned a Bachelor of Science degree in dietetics with a concentration in pediatrics from the University of Delaware. Her current research interests include exploring biological avenues of chemopreventive activity amongst wholesome fruits and vegetables in a variety of clinical and basic laboratory settings.

 

SELECTED LIST OF PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS

1. Fletcher, A., Yu, L., and Wang, T. T. Y. et al. “Evaluating Physiological Effects of Different Concentrations of Indole-3-Carbinol Fed to Athymic Mouse Model”. Manuscript.
2. Fletcher, A., Yu, L., Wang, T.T. Y., et al. “Inhibition of LNCaP, Human Prostate Carcinoma, Xenograft Tumor Growth by Dietary Administration of Phenethyl Isothiocyanate is Associated with Inhibition of Macrophage Infiltration and Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Pathway”. Research presented at Graduate Research Interaction Day, University of Maryland, College Park, MD; USDA BHNRC Poster Day, Beltsville, MD; and Department of Nutrition and Food Science Research Day, National Agricultural Library, Beltsville, MD. 2014.
3. Fletcher, A., Wang, TT., Yu, L., et. al. “Evaluating physiological effects of different concentrations of indole-3-carbinol fed to athymic mouse model”. Research presented at American Association of Cancer Research- Frontiers in Cancer Research, National Harbor, Fort Washington, MD. October 2013.

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