Pericyte Bridging in Hyperglycemia, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Comorbid Pre-Clinical Models; A Sociotechnical Analysis of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist Medications in the Treatment of Obesity

Eluvathingal Muttikkal, Tess

Pericyte Bridging in Hyperglycemia, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Comorbid Pre-Clinical Models; A Sociotechnical Analysis of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist Medications in the Treatment of Obesity 14 views

Author

Eluvathingal Muttikkal, Tess, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Virginia 0009-0000-0401-9583

Advisors

Francisco, Pedro Augusto , EN-Engineering and Society , University of Virginia
Peirce-Cottler, Shayn , MD-BIOM Biomedical Eng , University of Virginia
El-Ghazawi, Kareem , MD-BIOM Biomedical Eng , University of Virginia

Abstract

Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) impact millions on a global scale and are linked. T2D and AD have been observed to have a high rate of comorbidity and share pathological hallmarks including microvascular dysfunction. Notably, obesity is a shared risk factor for T2D and AD as well as many other systemic pathologies including cardiovascular disease and end stage renal disease. Considering the rising global disease burden and connections between these pathologies, it is important to continue the study of these conditions and existing treatments to improve management and preventative care. The technical portion aims to improve the workflow to quantitatively assess microvascular dysfunction involving abnormal pericyte morphology observed in AD, T2D, and comorbid preclinical models. This can increase efficiency and throughput of experimental studies that can inform development of treatments. The sociotechnical portion shifts to examining broader implications of emerging downstream therapeutic developments in obesity treatment. The use of GLP-1 receptor agonist medications to manage obesity has rapidly grown in recent years and interacts with larger societal perceptions of obesity. Analysis of these interactions can demonstrate how developed treatments are more than technical tools for disease management. Technical innovation has significant sociotechnical impacts. Together, these two components trace the continuum from basic scientific discovery to clinical translation and wider societal impact across a triad of deeply connected conditions.

Degree

BS (Bachelor of Science)

Keywords

Alzheimer's Disease; Diabetes; Obesity; GLP-1; Pericytes

Notes

School of Engineering and Applied Science

Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering

Technical Advisors: Shayn Peirce-Cottler, Kareem El-Ghazawi

STS Advisor: Pedro Francisco

Technical Team Members: Corrina Peachey, Bryan Tang, Yashasvisai Veeramasu

Language

English

Rights

Issued Date

2026-05-06

Suggested Citation

Eluvathingal Muttikkal, Tess. Pericyte Bridging in Hyperglycemia, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Comorbid Pre-Clinical Models; A Sociotechnical Analysis of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist Medications in the Treatment of Obesity. University of Virginia, School of Engineering and Applied Science, BS (Bachelor of Science), 2026-05-06, https://doi.org/10.18130/11n9-az67.