National Projects Archives - Page 4 of 4 - Institute for Medical Research

Fatty Acid Profiles and Trans Fatty Acid Content in Food Composition Databases and Traditional Foods as a Guide Toward Healthier Food Choices for Our Population

Project leader: Dr. Danijela Ristić-Medić

Project collaborators: Dr. Snježana Petrović, Dr. Aleksandra Arsić, Dr. Marija Takić, Dr. Vesna Vučić, Dr. Milica Zeković, Dr. Mirjana Gurinović

Project number: 451-03- 3095/2014-09/56

Duration of the project: January 2014-December 2015.

Leading institution: Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade

Description of the project:

The project focused on trans fatty acids (TFA) content, especially in traditional food in Serbia and Slovenia, and the assessment of TFA dietary intake. The primary goal of the project was promoting general health, because there are convincing data that TFA intake is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Teamwork, training, and mutual visits contributed to connecting young scientists with the aim of knowledge transfer. Determination of TFA by analytical methods, standardization of portion sizes, and application of software contributed to the harmonization of dietary intake assessment in both countries. Selection of foods and complex dishes with higher TMK content, recommendations, and constant media education can have a beneficial health effect on our population. The results of the project were published in an international journal doi:10.21101/cejph.a5928 and presented at international meetings.

Тип пројекта:

National Projects

Subproject: “Investigation of the Role of Active Components of Thymus serpyllum L. and Urtica dioica L. from Serbia in Experimental Models of Cardiovascular Diseases,” within the project: “Development of Novel Encapsulation and Enzymatic Technologies for the Production of Biocatalysts and Biologically Active Food Components to Improve Competitiveness, Quality and Safety”

Project leader: Dr. Nevena Mihailović-Stanojević

Project collaborators: Dr. Đurđica Jovović, Dr. Zoran Miloradović, Dr. Jelica Grujić Milanović, Dr. Milan Ivanov

Project number: III 46010

Duration of the project: 2011-2019.

Leading institution: Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade

Description of the project:

The subproject was designed with the aim to explore the possible role of the active components of Thymus serpyllum L. and Urtica dioica L. from Serbia in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. In this subproject, the in vivo effects of extracts of Thymus serpyllum L. and Urtica dioica L. on blood pressure, peripheral circulation resistance, lipid peroxidation, and oxidative stress were studied in the model of essential and malignant hypertension in rats with congenital hypertension. These results formed the basis for further research into the chronic effects of biologically active substances from Thymus serpyllum L. and Urtica dioica L. and for their application as dietary supplements in the therapy of cardiovascular diseases.

Тип пројекта:

National Projects

Investigation of the Antihypertensive and Renoprotective Potential of Natural and Synthetically Derived Substances in Experimental Models of Cardiovascular and Renal Diseases

Project leader: Dr. Đurđica Jovović

Project collaborators: Dr. Zoran Miloradović, Dr. Nevena Mihailović-Stanojević, Dr. Jelica Grujić Milanović, Dr. Milan Ivanov, Dr. Danijela Karanović, Dr. Una Jovana Vajić

Project number: OI175096

Duration of the project: January 2011-December 2019.

Leading institution: Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade

Description of the project:

One of the main objectives of the project was to investigate the effects of natural and synthetic antioxidant substances in hypertension and acute and chronic renal failure. The effects of using olive extract (which contains potent antioxidants) on animal models of essential hypertension and kidney disease were also studied. Part of the project also included testing the beneficial effects of resveratrol, a potent antioxidant molecule isolated from grapes, in models of experimental essential and malignant hypertension. The relationship between the renin-angiotensin system and oxidative stress in the development of post-ischemic acute renal failure and chronic kidney disease was investigated. We used rats with essential hypertension in which we induced acute kidney injury or adriamycin-induced renal glomerulosclerosis and administered angiotensin-2 receptor blockers and synthetic analogues of the enzyme superoxide dismutase. The results of these studies have revealed to us inadequately known mechanisms of action of oxidative stress and the renin-angiotensin system in hypertension, acute renal failure, and chronic kidney disease.

Тип пројекта:

National Projects

Hydroxyurea-Mediated Activation of Nitric Oxide Synthase in Erythroid Progenitors

Project leader: Dr. Milica Vukotić

Project collaborators: Dr. Teodora Dragojević, Dr. Tijana Subotički, Dr. Miloš Diklić, Dr. Olivera Mitrović Ajtić, Dr. Vladan Čokić

Project number: 6061921

Duration of the project: 2020-2022.

Leading institution: Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade

Description of the project:

The aim of this project is to investigate potential involvement of NOS enzymes in the molecular mechanism of action of the chemotherapeutic agent hydroxyurea, which is used for the treatment of myeloproliferative neoplasms, chronic myeloid leukemia, and solid tumors. Obtained results should answer the following scientific questions: 1) if HU activates NOS enzymes via direct interaction or indirectly, 2) if inhibition or reduced protein expression of NOS enzymes at least partially rescues HU-induced proliferation block and apoptosis and, 3) which of the NOS isoforms is involved in these processes? Primary mouse erythroid cells isolated from bone marrow and human erythroleukemic cell lines will be used in this study. The relevance of the results obtained in vitro will be confirmed by in vivo treatment of Nos2- or Nos3- deficient mice. Comprehensive knowledge of the molecular mechanism of HU might help improve its beneficial properties and decrease adverse effects.

Тип пројекта:

National Projects

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