Author(s): Austin Lamoreaux
Mentor(s): Jennifer Meyer
Institution UTech
Our research focuses on synthesizing and characterizing novel pterostilbene (PTB) derivatives modified with through the addition of an alcohol group via epoxide and primary amines, specifically benzylamine and aniline. Experimenting with several different amines, benzylamine is of particular interest due to its potential to provide multiple benefits, not only reducing oxidative stress but also improving glucose tolerance, as seen in mice on a high-fat diet. We are using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to verify the success of our synthesis, and antioxidant capacity assays to determine the antioxidant activity of each derivative compared to PTB alone. Additionally, we aim to establish the molecular mechanism by which the PTB derivatives affect human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Ultimately, this research aims to further our understanding of how antioxidant therapies can be used, particularly in treating diabetic kidney disease.