The Effects of Blueberry Supplementation on the Rate of Neocytolysis
Faculty Sponsor
Dr. Michael F. Sardinia msardinia@whitworth.edu
Session Type
Poster Presentation
Research Project Abstract
Some athletes will train at high altitudes before competitions to stimulate an increase in red blood cell mass. The hormone erythropoietin (EPO) is a hormone produced in the kidneys that triggers generation of new red blood cells during periods of anemia. Upon returning to sea level, the newly produced red blood cells are the first to be preferentially hemolyzed as the body’s hematocrit returns to baseline, a process termed neocytolysis. We simulated polycythemia experienced by athletes in high altitude training conditions by injecting Sprague Dawley rats with 50 units EPO per week for three weeks. We then supplemented the diets of these rats with blueberries for 12 days to ascertain whether their naturally high concentration of anthocyanidins was sufficient to attenuate the rate of neocytolysis.There was no significant difference between the group receiving blueberry supplementation and the control group.
Session Number
PS2
Location
HUB Multipurpose Room
Abstract Number
PS2-n
The Effects of Blueberry Supplementation on the Rate of Neocytolysis
HUB Multipurpose Room
Some athletes will train at high altitudes before competitions to stimulate an increase in red blood cell mass. The hormone erythropoietin (EPO) is a hormone produced in the kidneys that triggers generation of new red blood cells during periods of anemia. Upon returning to sea level, the newly produced red blood cells are the first to be preferentially hemolyzed as the body’s hematocrit returns to baseline, a process termed neocytolysis. We simulated polycythemia experienced by athletes in high altitude training conditions by injecting Sprague Dawley rats with 50 units EPO per week for three weeks. We then supplemented the diets of these rats with blueberries for 12 days to ascertain whether their naturally high concentration of anthocyanidins was sufficient to attenuate the rate of neocytolysis.There was no significant difference between the group receiving blueberry supplementation and the control group.
