Aplikativna in bazična fiziologija in patofiziologija v medicini (Slovene)

The most important role of the programme P3-0019 for the development of science is its interdisciplinarity. We have combined the research on molecular, genetic, cellular and clinical level leading to the translational science in medicine in the interconnected field(s) of neuroscience, neurovascular coupling and cardiovascular medicine. Here are some representative examples: New inhibitor of AChE and blocker of nAChR has been discovered and synthetic analogues synthetized. These substances may be important in the development of drugs targeting at a) dementias and b) treatment of addictions. Neurodegenerative effects of microcystins, a naturally occurring toxins have been discovered. New methods for brain segmentations have been developed and used in the study of brain plasticity, e.g. in deaf subjects (absence of auditory output results in widespread structural brain changes). The ionic basis of the vasoactive intestinal peptide caused arrhythmias has been elucidated. As most of the studied pathology can be linked to the damage by the reactive oxidative species leading to apoptosis the latter process has been studied in detail. We have demonstrated that the early stages of apoptosis are, contrary to our previous knowledge, reversible. This is an important discovery that will be studied in the future in combination with the study of cell senescence.

Integration of research »from molecule to man« in the field(s) of neuroscience, neurovascular coupling and cardiovascular medicine is important for affirmation of translational medicine in Slovenia. Together with scientists in Slovenia and abroad (France, USA) we have developed several procedures useful for scientific research as well as for the clinical practice. Public awareness of the importance of the research is tightly related to the transfer of knowledge into the every day’s practice. Here are some examples of achievements with socio-economic impact: Our group was the first in Slovenia to introduce whole body DWI and also the first to introduce pudendal nerve MR imaging in the diagnostics of pelvic anomalies. Research of the influence of the laminar flow on endothelial function has contributed to the introduction of the new generation of the left ventricular assist devices. Development of EKG and high-resolution EKG analysis has led to US patent. Carbon monoxide poisoning is relatively frequent in Slovenia. In the field of hyperbaric medicine we have shown that only hyperbaric oxygen and not 100 % oxygen at atmospheric pressure can prevent neuronal apoptosis after carbon monoxide intoxication. Two members of the team have achieved exceptional results in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases: introduction of transcutaneous aortic valve replacement and treatment of cardiomyopathies with trans-epicardial application of CD34+ cells.