BMEBT MS Thesis Defense by Andrew Medeiros
BMEBT MS Thesis Defense by Andrew Medeiros
Date: May 28, 2025
Time: 10am
Location: TEX 219
Title: Investigation of Irisin on Osteocyte Cell Behavior Within Induced Hyperglycemic Conditions
Abstract:
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with elevated fracture risk despite normal bone mineral density (BMD), suggesting deficits in bone quality. Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), formed under chronic hyperglycemia, alter collagen cross-linking and osteocyte signaling, impairing bone remodeling. Irisin, a myokine secreted after exercise, may counteract these effects by improving glucose metabolism and promoting osteoblast activity, but its role in osteocyte function remains unknown. This study investigates how hyperglycemia and AGEs influence osteocyte behavior and tests irisin’s potential to mitigate these effects. Using the mature osteocyte cell line Ocy454, we assess both cell viability under no-sugar, high-sugar, and irisin-treated high-sugar conditions, and gene/protein expression of key bone remodeling markers (RANKL, OPG, SOST, TNF-α, IL-6, and RAGE). We hypothesize that high glucose will reduce osteocyte viability and upregulate pro-resorptive signals, while irisin will restore viability and promote pro-formative pathways. By linking AGE-driven osteocyte dysfunction to irisin’s therapeutic potential, this work may inform novel strategies to improve bone quality in T2DM, addressing a critical gap in diabetic bone pathology.
Advisor: Dr. Lamya Karim, Dept. of Bioengineering
Committee members:
Dr. Tracie Ferreira, Dept. of Bioengineering
Dr. Laura Hanzly, Dept. of Bioengineering
All BMEBT graduate students are encouraged to attend, and all interested parties are invited.
TEX 219
Lamya Karim
lkarim@umassd.edu