Projects / Programmes
Genes, hormones and mental changes in metabolic disorders
January 1, 2009
- December 31, 2014
| 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 |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 3.02 |
Medical and Health Sciences |
Clinical medicine |
osteoporosis, diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCO), intracellular signalling, bone turnover markers, diabetic nephropathy, vitamin D, mental disorders
Researchers (31)
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
The background of several bone and metabolic disorders is nowadays widely studied, but still poorly understood. In the development of these diseases, several mechanisms are involved and many of them are still not discovered and understood. By studying and explaining the development of the disease, potential new diagnostic and therapeutic targets are being discovered. Our research led to discovering new associations between RANK/RANKL/OPG system and osteoporosis. On the basis of new insights into disease mechanisms, new diagnostic tests could be developed, possibly providing a better, patientfriendlier and more reliable diagnostic and prognostic tool. We were the first to translate the newest discoveries in the pathophysiology of PCOS into the treatment of this syndrome.
Significance for the country
Publications in renowned SCI journals, resulting from our research, have many citations in scientific literature, proving the quality of our work and its worldwide recognition. Many doctors and young researchers produce their Ph thesis under the auspices of our programme group. By collaborating with research groups abroad we contribute to the fact that Slovenian research is recognized among the scientists worldwide.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
2012,
2013,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2009,
2011,
2012,
2013,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
