Research: The Effect of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs on DPPC Through Differential Scanning Calorimetry
Mentor: Dr. Sunghee Lee
Research Location: Iona College
Awards: Participant - Westlake 2019; Participant - JSHS 2020, 2021; Participant - WESEF 2021
Abstract:
Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are part of 5-10% of medications administered to people, and they are the most commonly used drugs for pain and inflammation. The cell membrane acts as a protective barrier for a cell, controlling what molecules can cross into and out of the cell. It is composed of phospholipids and contains fatty acids that alter the rigidity of the bilayer and cholesterol that can change the permeability of the cell membrane. Specific alterations to fatty acids within the cell membrane can affect the semi-permeable nature of this membrane. A Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) is an instrument involved in the use of phase transitions Phospholipids have a specific melting point or phase change temperature, when added if the drug changes the phase change it affects the phospholipids’ natural melting point. A lipid found in cell membranes is dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC). The drugs (NaDiclofenac, Caffeine, Ibuprofen, and Acetaminophen) will have an effect on DPPC’s melting point.The effort of designing a drug with all of these key components will help support the hypothesis that permeability through the cell membrane is necessary in enhancing drug development efficacy. Lipophilicity has the tendency to be in an inverse relationship with the lowering of the melting points. Enhancing all of those aspects can maximize drug absorption which can lead to better operation of these drugs in vivo. The melting points within the drugs measured by the DSC are how these drugs react to the cell membrane. Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs such as caffeine, acetaminophen, Nadiclofenac, and Naibuprofen, are used in the experiment with DPPC. Future research pertains to the lipid encapsulated coronavirus and the effects that NSAIDS have on this infected model membrane created by lysophospholipids.
About this Scientist:
Joslyn is attending Hunter College in the fall. She plans to study Biochemistry to follow in her mentor’s footsteps. She is so excited about learning in college and she takes great pride in her achievements that this class has brought her. Joslyn is incredibly grateful for all the people who believed in her and made her dream a reality.
