News & Events - Psychology

Experimental Student to Present Work at VCGS Graduate Student Research Forum

On February 3^rd, Amanda VanLaeken from the Experimental Program in the Department of Psychology will be presenting her work on “Epigallocatechin gallate Effect on Functional Outcomes Following Experimental Traumatic Brain Injury” at the Virginia Council of Graduate Schools’ Graduate Student Research Forum. Ms. VanLaeken’s work focuses on the how a primary ingredient in Green Tea may actually prevent the negative effects of traumatic brain injury.

Each year, the Virginia Council of Graduate Schools (VCGS) hosts the Graduate Student Research Forum. Held at the Library of Virginia, in Richmond, the forum provides an opportunity for the public, legislators, and the business community to hear about current graduate student research, which promotes economic, social, and civic development in Virginia. This year, the Forum will be on February 3^rd.

Presentation Abstract

Flavonoids such as (-)-Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the primary catechin found in green tea, may have beneficial effects following nervous system injury. EGCG has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties which may protect against nervous system injury, but it is unclear to what extent EGCG therapy translates into improved behavioral outcome. The present study investigated the application of EGCG to the treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI), a major public health concern and a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. The current study demonstrates that animals treated with EGCG display significant improvements in functional outcome following traumatic brain injury. Both motor and cognitive outcome were improved in EGCG-treated animals relative to untreated controls. These results suggest that EGCG and other flavonoids may be beneficial for treating nervous system injury.

Jan 20, 2011