Genes, hormones and personality changes in metabolic disorders

In the last two decades our programme P3-0298 is based on activities and achievements in basic, laboratory and clinical research in the field of chronic metabolic disorders such as osteoporosis and bone metabolism, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), diabetes type 2 and insulin resistance as a common component of the last two disorders. During 20 years we published more than 150 per-review papers in the field and participated in discovery of important bone-related genes like osteoprotegerin, RANKL, ADRA2A and the role of immune system, oxidative stress and epigenetic factors like microRNAs in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis. The overall objective of the research program is to improve osteoporosis management In the field of PCOS we intend to continue in searching improvements in therapy of this condition. We are the first to use incretin based therapy in obese women with high metabolic risk profile. Based on our reaserch in this patient population, liraglutide obtained registration as antiobesity drug.Our preliminary results with GLP-1 agonists are encouraging in the filed of reproduction, where we have developed our own short term therapeutic strategy to improve treatment outcomes in obese metabolically high risk patients procedeeing in vitro fertilization (IVF). In the field of adrenal gland we are searching for laboratory and clinical predictors in a cohort of patients with bilateral primary aldosteronism who can proceed with a treatment without chatetrization of adrenal veins. Together with other established European centers we have published important study on treatment outcomes in this patient population.

Studies of the genetic background of osteoporosis yielded a large amount of useful data that can be used in clinical work as well as clues for basic research. Our group contributed to this field and participated in discovery of important bone-related genes like osteoprotegerin, RANKL, ADRA2A and the role of immune system, oxidative stress and epigenetic factors like microRNAs in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis. In the field of PCOS, our short term treatment strategy with incretin based therapy improves fertility potential and reduces conversion rate from prediabetes to diabetes in obese women with high metabolic risk profile.

Our programme is based on the research in the field of chronic metabolic disorders such as osteoporosis and bone metabolism, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), diabetes type 2 and insulin resistance. These are the most prevalent endocrinological diseases and represent big burden and costs for our society. The aim of our resarch is to improve prevention strategy and treatment outcomes of these diseases.