Our Project
This research is concerned with the effect of exercise on regulatory T cell populations in the tumors and spleens of tumor-bearing rats. It is hypothesized that exercised decreases the proliferation of regulatory T cells in the tumor microenvironment and lymphoid tissue.
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This image shows the different fluorescent, and the overlay showing the presence of Treg cells.
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Information about Cancer, Exercise, and Regulatory T Cells
Background Knowledge
Cancer
In 2017, there will be 1.7 million new cancer cases and 600 thousand deaths. It is only projected to become a larger problem as the projected global stats for 2030 is 21.7 million new cases of cancer with 13 million deaths. Cancer is caused by 4-5 mutations in DNA that causes abnormal, uncontrollable cell growth. The abnormal cells ignore apoptosis and manipulate the immune system in a way to better increase their chance of survival.
Regulatory T Cells
Regulatory T cells in healthy individuals suppress self-reactive lymphocytes. In cancer patients, Treg cells inhibit anti-tumor response. Increase of regulatory T cells during cancer is linked to a worse prognosis. Removing Treg cells is considered an effective cancer immunotherapy treatment strategy.
Exercise
Through the help of immune cells, specifically lymphocytes, exercise positively effects the body when it has a tumor. Exercise has been shown to mitigate the effects of cancer treatment, improve overall quality of life, and even in extreme cases regress tumors.