Projects / Programmes
Genes, hormones and mental changes in metabolic disorders
July 1, 2004
- December 31, 2008
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 3.07.00 |
Medical sciences |
Metabolic and hormonal disorders |
|
| 1.09.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Pharmacy |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| B480 |
Biomedical sciences |
Endocrinology, secreting systems, diabetology |
osteoporosis, diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCO), intracellular signalling, bone turnover markers, diabetic nephropathy, vitamin D, mental disorders
Researchers (22)
Organisations (2)
Abstract
The programme is based on the results of our previous research in the field of osteoporosis, diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCO).
In osteoporosis research the approach will include determinations of local regulators of bone metabolism (osteoprotegerin, RANK, RANKL, interleukine 1, TNF, kathepsin K). Expression of genes relevant to bone metabolism will be measured in bone tissue provided during hip surgery in osteoporotic patients. We hope to provide new insight into pathophysiology of osteoporosis at cellular level. We will proceed with our research in genetics of osteoporosis to get possible predictors of therapy response and of risk for osteoporosis.
We will proceed investigation on insulin resistance in AIDS and PCO, trying to get information of possible differences compared to patients with diabetes mellitus type 2. In patients with PCO we plan to follow changes in insulin resistance after therapy with metpformin or rosiglitazone.
In patients with diabetes mellitus our research will focus on endothelin, endothelin gene polymorphism and adiponectin and their role in pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy.
The other aspect of diabetes research will include mental disorders in this population. We will screen outpatient population by means of CES-D and SCL90. These tests were not yet used in diabetes mellitus patients.
Significance for science
In the field of osteoporosis our description of new polymorphisms in candidate genes enriched the pool of known genetic variations influencing bone mineral density. We also contributed to the knowledge of how these polymorphisms influence the expression of genes coding for proteins involved in bone metabolism. This knowledge contributes to the unravelling the association between osteoporosis and variations in genotype, phenotype, and lifestyle. The ultimate aim is the development of personalised osteoporosis prevention. In the field of PCOS our programme group was the first to reveal a part of molecular mechanisms for reducing insulin resistance by metformin and rosiglitazon in these patients. In the clinical context we found the positive effect of this treatment on endothelial dysfunction, which is supposed to be an early reflection of vascular atherosclerotic changes in women with PCOS.
Significance for the country
Data obtained by basic medical research rarely result in immediate direct applications. New discoveries and publications in renown international ......contribute to the recognition and reputation of Slovenian medical researchers.
Most important scientific results
Final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Final report,
complete report on dLib.si
