Prenatal programming of adult diseases: treatment and prevention of outcomes of gestational hypoxia in rat offspring
Prenatálne programovanie chorôb v dospelosti: možnosti terapie a prevencie následkov prenatálnej hypoxie u potomstva potkanov
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	RNDr. Mach Mojmír PhD.
Annotation:	Hypoxia during pregnancy, labor or early life stage is a major determinant of neurological morbidity and mortality in the neonatal period. In the last decade the fetal origin of chronic adult diseases was proposed as the most important factor in genesis of diabetes and hypertension in adulthood. The scientists showed that malnutrition, and inadequate oxygen supply during embryofetal development may lead to the inadequate apoptosis/necrosis, and caused maldevelopment of the organs responsible for regulation blood pressure, glucose, or improper brain wiring. Although the understanding of perinatal asphyxia-related pathophysiology is gradually increasing, limited therapeutic options are available to prevent or even mitigate the devastating process that unfolds after injury. Mitochondria-targeted antioxidants (MTA) are one of the most important therapies for providing neuroprotection in cerebral ischemia. The aim of the project will be to explore the possibilities of using MTA in late gestational hypoxia model.
Duration:	1.1.2020 - 31.12.2023

Centre for biomedical research - BIOMEDIRES - II. stage
Centrum pre biomedicínsky výskum – BIOMEDIRES - II. etapa
Program:	EU Structural Funds Research & Development
Project leader:	doc. RNDr. Pecháňová Oľga DrSc.
Duration:	12.3.2020 - 11.3.2024

Indole-1-acetic acid derivatives as aldose reductase inhibitors: structure – activity relationships
Deriváty kyseliny 1-indoloctovej ako inhibítory aldózareduktázy: vzťah štruktúry a aktivity
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	Ing. Šoltésová Prnová Marta PhD.
Duration:	1.1.2018 - 31.12.2021

Electrophysiological correlates and determinants of visual working memory precision
Elektrofyziologické koreláty a determinanty presnosti vizuálnej pracovnej pamäti
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	MUDr. Riečanský Igor PhD.
Duration:	1.1.2019 - 31.12.2021

Experimental therapy of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (nHIE): potentiation of hypothermic neuroprotection by melatonin in newborn rats
Experimentálna liečba neonatálnej hypoxicko-ischemickej encefalopatie (nHIE): potenciácia hypotermickej neuroprotekcie melatonínom u novorodených potkanov
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	RNDr. Juránek Ivo PhD., DrSc.
Annotation:	Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (nHIE) is among most serious causes of mortality and morbidity in newborns. Efficacy of current nHIE treatment is rather low. Routinely used therapeutic hypothermia (HT) is only partially effective. To augment hypothermic neuroprotection, drugs like erythropoietin, anticonvulsants, antioxidants and inert gases are tested. In this project, using newborn rats, we will study possible augmentation of hypothermia effect by combining HT with melatonin (MEL)-derived antioxidants. We will assess brain damage and efficacy of each intervention by various techniques, including noninvasive in vivo MRI and MRS, histology and neurobehavioral testing. Novelty of the project lies in testing our idea that MEL-derivative possessing antioxidative properties 100 fold higher than MEL will be more effective in potentiating the hypothermic effect than MEL itself. Anticipated results may help understand better nHIE mechanisms and to propose new strategies to treat birth asphyxia effectively.
Duration:	1.1.2020 - 31.12.2023

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Experimentálna štúdia pôsobenia materskej depresie a antidepresívnej liečby počas gravidity a laktácie na zdravie matky a vývin potomstva.
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	RNDr. Dubovický Michal CSc.
Duration:	1.1.2019 - 31.12.2022

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Experimentálny infarkt myokardu: príspevok hypertenzie a obezity, účinok inhibítora toll-like receptorov.
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	doc. RNDr. Pecháňová Oľga DrSc.
Duration:	1.1.2019 - 31.12.2022

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Hodnotenie a porovnanie protizápalovej a antioxidačnej účinnosti karotenoidov in vitro a in vivo pomocou modelov chronických zápalových ochorení.
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	PharmDr. Bauerová Katarína PhD., DrSc.
Duration:	1.1.2020 - 31.12.2022

Bio-compatibility assessment of medical devices and novel medical device materials using in vitro methods based on 3D reconstructed human tissue models.
Hodnotenie biologickej kompatibility zdravotníckych pomôcok (ZP) a innovativnych materiálov pre výrobu ZP s využitím in vitro metód založených na 3D rekonštruovaných modeloch ľudského tkaniva.
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	Dr.rer.nat., Ing. Kanďárová Helena ERT
Duration:	1.1.2020 - 31.12.2023

In vitro biocompatibility testing of medical devices (MDs) and new generation bio-materials for MDs
In vitro hodnotenie bio-kompatibility zdravotníckych pomôcok (ZP) a inovatívnych bio-materiálov pre ZP
Program:	SRDA
Project leader:	Dr.rer.nat., Ing. Kanďárová Helena ERT
Annotation:	Medical devices (MDs) have an irreplaceable role in the healthcare of the 21st century. The term ‘medical device’ covers a broad spectrum of products that are crucial in diagnosis and treatment, disease prevention and improving the quality of life of people suffering from disabilities or injuries. MD must not cause adverse effects and must demonstrate bio-compatibility with the tissues in the patient’s body. Most of the MDs' bio-compatibility assessments are still conducted in animals. However, thanks to the advances in cell and 3D tissue engineering and due to the accelerated progress of validation of alternative methods, the MD regulations also utilize in vitro tests, as demonstrated recently by the adoption of the in vitro reconstructed human epidermis (RhE) test for intra-cutaneous testing into the ISO standard 10993-23. The presented research proposal focuses on the development of in vitro methods for biocompatibility assessment of medical devices (MDs) and innovative materials to be used as MDs polymers and that are intended for the use in the oral and vaginal cavities or on/in ocular epithelium.
Duration:	1.7.2020 - 30.6.2024

Innovative approaches in toxicology of ageing
Inovatívne prístupy v toxikológii starnutia
Program:	SRDA
Project leader:	Ing. Račková Lucia PhD.
Duration:	1.7.2019 - 30.6.2023

Cognitive and brain mechanisms of semantic processing
Kognitívne a mozgové mechanizmy sémantického spracovania informácií
Program:	SRDA
Project leader:	MUDr. Riečanský Igor PhD.
Duration:	1.7.2020 - 30.6.2024

Cognitive and neurophysiological determinants of semantic cognition
Kognitívne a neurofyziologické determinanty sémantickej kognície
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	Mgr. Marko Martin PhD.
Annotation:	Semantic system creates and structures knowledge that guides adaptive cognition and behavior. The ability to access and use relevant semantic information is underpinned by a number of neurocognitive mechanisms, which are poorly understood. Our research aim is to investigate the cognitive systems and mechanisms that regulate the retrieval of information from semantic memory. For this purpose, we will use systematic manipulation of cognitive load and non-invasive transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) of the prefrontal brain cortex. Using these experimental approaches, we will inspect the role of executive control in semantic retrieval and provide a detailed description of the fundamental cognitive and neurophysiological determinants of semantic retrieval functions.
Duration:	1.1.2020 - 31.12.2022

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Komorbidity a aspekty farmakoterapie v kontexte štúdia inhibície nekroptózy ako potenciálneho klinicky použiteľného kardioprotektívneho prístupu
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	Ing. Ferko Miroslav PhD.
Duration:	1.1.2020 - 31.12.2023

Mitochondria as a key effector in processes of cardioprotective intervention
Mitochondrie ako kľúčový efektor v procesoch kardioprotektívnych intervencií
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	Ing. Ferko Miroslav PhD.
Duration:	1.1.2018 - 31.12.2021

Modulation of dysregulation of extracellular matrix and intercellular communication as a heart protection from its functional failure
Modulácia dysregulácie extracelulárnej matrix a medzibunkovej komunikácie ako protekcia srdcového svalu pred jeho funkčným zlyhaním
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	RNDr. Szeiffová Bačová Barbara PhD.
Annotation:	Cardiovascular diseases are accompanied by extracellular matrix remodeling and fibrosis associated with impaired myocardial gap junction communication, what subsequently results in the development of heart failure and malignant arrhythmias. Cardiac fibrosis is one of the major problems in medicine with no effective treatment. We aimed in this project to characterize key factors involved in profibrotic signaling in rats with hypertension, altered thyroid status, post-infarction injury and to examine the possibilities of pharmacological and non-pharmacological modulation of these profibrotic factors. This approach should reveal key signaling pathways and proteins whose modulation could reverse or stop fibrosis process and then improve intercellular communication in the myocardium. Project results should contribute to new knowledge potentially usable in clinical practice as well.
Duration:	1.1.2019 - 31.12.2022

Nitroso-sulphide signal pathway - novel regulator vasoactive effects in different types of arterial hypertension
Nitrózo-sulfidová signálna dráha - nové regulačné vazoaktívne účinky v rôznych modeloch artériovej hypertenzie
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	RNDr. Čačányiová Soňa PhD.
Annotation:	Nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulphide (H2S) belong to important gaseous molecules engaged to the regulation of arterial tone in normotensive conditions. NO and H2S interaction includes a formation of new products which are part of an original nitroso-sulphide signalling pathway. Our previous experiments in Wistar rats demonstrated that these new signal molecules triggered a specific vasoactive response, different from the effect evoked by NO and H2S. In condition of arterial hypertension, the vasoactive effects of the novel signalisation have not been described yet. The aim of this project is to characterise the role of NO and H2S as well as of the nitroso-sulphide signalling pathway in different animal models of hypertension: essential (SHR), NO-deficient and also metabolic syndrome (hypertriglyceridemia – HTG). A simultaneous investigation of human vessels isolated from patients with hypertension and dyslipidemia represents an appropriate way how to associate results of basic research with clin. practise.
Duration:	1.1.2018 - 31.12.2021

Novel compounds in prevention and treatment of diseases caused by glucose toxicity
Nové látky pre prevenciu a terapiu ochorení spôsobených toxicitou glukózy
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	RNDr. Májeková Magdaléna PhD.
Annotation:	In the long term lasting plasma glucose level may affect the course of physiological processes through numerous metabolic pathways. A polyol pathway ranks among the important mechanisms of glucose toxicity and its main enzyme – aldose reductase – is a frequent target in design of drugs reducing the progress of chronic diabetic complications. Another target could be introduced by calcium homeostasis in cells, as the cytosolic calcium level is an important factor for many physiological processes, e.g. the insulin secretion. A modulation of calcium pump SERCA becomes another mechanism for the manifestation of glucose toxicity. The aim of our project is to find new compounds with polypharmacological effect, by means of combinatorial library of potential aldose reductase inhibitors and actual knowledge on SERCA activity.
Duration:	1.1.2018 - 31.12.2021

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Nové metódy prevencie a liečby oxidačného stresu, ischemicko-reperfúzne poškodenie a transplantácia srdca
Program:	Other projects
Project leader:	D.h.c., Prof., MUDr. Slezák Ján DrSc., FIACS
Duration:	1.11.2019 - 31.12.2021

New perspectives in the treatment of cardiovascular complications associated with COVID-19
Nové perspektívy v liečbe kardiovaskulárnych komplikácií spojených s COVID-19
Program:	SRDA
Project leader:	RNDr. Čačányiová Soňa PhD.
Annotation:	Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), linked to severe acute respiratory syndrome induced by coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), was declared as a global pandemic. While respiratory failure is the major cause of mortality due to COVID-19, the great number of patients exhibit cardiovascular disorders. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of cardiovascular complications associated with COVID-19 is of the great importance to reach the effective therapy and to reduce mortality due to COVID-19. In this project we will imitate the inhibition of ACE2- mediated signalling induced by SARS-Cov-2 using highly specific ACE2 inhibitor MLN-4760. In this pharmacological model of COVID-19 in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) we intend to examine the extend of MLN-4760-induced vascular damage as well as the mechanisms underlying the action of taxifoline and zofenapril, as perspective pharmacological tools for the treatment of cardiovascular complications associated with COVID-19. TX has been chosen as it was shown as promising drug-like substance inhibiting SARS-Cov-2 replication via inhibition of the main protease (Mpro). ZF is sulfhydryl-containing angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor spontaneously releasing hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Both substances provide several additional cardioprotective effects associated with elevated NO bioavailability and H2S release, respectively. These effects can improvefunction of the cardiovascular system via elevation of NO and H2S-mediated vasodilatation, inhibition of trombogenesis and induction of antioxidant and antiinflamatory action.
Duration:	16.9.2020 - 31.12.2021

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Nové prístupy k liečbe kachexie, zápalu a oxidačného stresu v experimentálnej artritíde: Účinok rôznych rastlinných extraktov z olivových listov, Rhodiola rosea, Tribulus terrestris a extra panenského olivového oleja
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	PharmDr. Poništ Silvester PhD.
Duration:	1.1.2019 - 31.12.2021

Heart protection in situations of excessive formation of oxygen and nitrosyl radicals: Molecular hydrogen as a new potential therapeutic tool?
Ochrana srdca v situáciách nadmernej tvorby kyslikových a nitrozylových radikálov: Molekulárny vodík ako nový potenciálny therapeutický nástroj?
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	Mgr. Kura Branislav PhD.
Duration:	1.1.2018 - 31.12.2021

Are connexin channels involved in extracellular matrix remodeling of overloaded heart?
Podieľajú sa konexinové kanály v preťaženom srdcovom svale na extracelulárnej remodelácii?
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	RNDr. Tribulová Narcisa DrSc.
Annotation:	Cardiac connexin (Cx) channels that are localized at the gap junctions in intercalated discs ensure electrical and molecular signals propagation among cardiomyocytes. Such direct intercellular signaling is essential for synchronized heart contraction. Cardiovascular diseases in humans as well as in animal models are accompanied by abnormal Cx43 expression and its enhanced localization to the lateral sides of the cardiomyocytes. Consequently, it deteriorates synchronized heart function and increase a risk for malignant arrhythmias. Based on general knowledge and our studies we hypothesize that laterally localized Cx43 channels might transmit signals from cardiomyocytes into extracellular space and by this way contribute to adverse extracellular matrix remodeling. Intention of the project is to reveal the possible implication of Cx43 channels in modulation of extracellular space in diseased heart. It may stimulate to search novel approaches in protection from cardiac dysfunction and arrhythmias.
Duration:	1.1.2020 - 31.12.2023

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PROTEKCIA KARDIOVASKULÁRNEHO SYSTÉMU PRI EXPERIMENTÁLNEJ HYPERTENZII A ZLYHANÍ SRDCA DUÁLNOU INHIBÍCIOU NEPRILYZÍNU A AT1 RECEPTOROV PRE ANGIOTENZÍN II: POROVNANIE S ACE-INHIBÍCIOU A MELATONÍNOM
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	doc. RNDr. Pecháňová Oľga DrSc.
Duration:	1.1.2019 - 31.12.2022

Investigation of endotoxin effects on mechanosensoric complex in the heart of normotensive rats.
Skúmanie vplyvu bakteriálneho endotoxínu na mechanosenzorický komplex v srdci.
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	RNDr. Okruhlicová Ľudmila CSc.
Duration:	1.12.2020 - 31.12.2023

Training Network for improving of safety of medical devices - focus on oral cavity
Školiaca sieť zameraná na zvýšenie bezpečnosti zdravotníckych pomôcok - fokus na ústnu dutinu
Program:	SRDA
Project leader:	Dr.rer.nat., Ing. Kanďárová Helena ERT
Annotation:	Medical devices (MDs) have irreplaceable role in modern healthcare. The term ‘medical device’ covers a broad spectrum of products that are crucial in diagnosis and treatment, disease prevention and improving the quality of life of people suffering from disabilities or injuries. MDs used in the oral cavity are usually those helping in the treatment of aphthae or canker sores irritations and lesions of the oral mucosa by forming a barrier that adheres to the oral mucosa and promotes healing. Dental materials and dental prosthetic devices are also an important group of MDs with apparent contact with oral mucosa. Most of the MDs bio-compatibility assessments is still conducted in animals. However, thanks to the advances in cell and 3D tissue engineering and due to the accelerated progress in validation of alternative methods, the MD regulations are also in vitro tests, as demonstrated recently by the adoption of the in vitro reconstructed epidermis test for intra-cutaneous testing into the ISO standard 10993-23 (Kandarova et al.,/DeJong et al., 2018). Biocompatibility testing of MDs is based on the toxicity assessment of extracts from MDs, that are in fact highly diluted solutions of potential irritants. Therefore any already validated in vitro tests and prediction models must be fine-tuned to achieve different levels of sensitivity for this specific type of materials. The proposed project builds on the practical experiences gained in the validation study for intra-cutaneous testing of MDs in which the research teams from Slovakia and Czech republic participated between 2012-2018. The current project will use 3D reconstructed tissues of oral/buccal epithelia and cell cultures with the origin in oral cavity with the aim to develop highly sensitive testing strategy for local tolerance testing in vitro. The project also aims into the training of PhD students and early career scientist in the use of in vitro methods for the safety assessment of MDs.
Duration:	1.3.2020 - 31.12.2022

Study of biological effects of H2S/NO/selenium products and molecular mechanisms of their actions
Štúdium biologických účinkov produktov H2S/NO/selénovej interakcie a molekulárne mechanizmy ich pôsobenia
Program:	SRDA
Project leader:	RNDr. Čačányiová Soňa PhD.
Annotation:	Reactive sulfur (RSS), nitrogen (RNS) and selenium species (RSEs) are groups of simple chemical molecules of radical or non-radical nature, which interact with cellular components and thereby influence various biological processes. The study of biological effects of RSS, RNS and RSeS and their mutual interactions is important for the understanding of their biological roles, moreover for the potential application of these species in medicine. Our studies of the reactive species interaction in the last 3 years showed that: - products of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and polysulfides (H2Sn, n≥2) interaction with nitric oxide (NO) or selenium compounds (R-Se) significantly affect oxygen radicals concentrations, hydroperoxide cleavage, DNA damage, rat blood pressure and tension/relaxation of isolated aorta.- H2S and H2S2 interact with tetracycline antibiotics, mainly doxycycline (DOXY) and thereby produce/inhibit superoxide and hydroxyl radicals and induce/inhibit DNA damage These findings imply the possibility that reactive oxygen species (ROS) and other H2S/NO/R-Se interaction products affect (patho)physiological functions in living organisms. In the project´s aims we will build on the previous findings and investigate following new hypotheses: 1) Do mixtures (H2Sn/R-Se, H2Sn/R-Se/NO alebo H2Sn/DOXY) produce ROS or other biologically active compounds? 2) Are these products responsible for production/inhibition of radicals, cleavage of hydroperoxides and induction/inhibition of DNA damage? 3) Do interaction products affect ferroptosis or intracellular calcium concentration in cells? 4) Do these products affect rat blood pressure, arterial pulse waveform and tension of isolated arteries? The aim of this project is to investigate the chemical biology, activity and effects of the interaction products on cellular, organ and whole-organism level. These findings may contribute to the development of novel therapeutic interventions based on the modulation of cellular redox biology.
Duration:	1.7.2020 - 30.6.2024

Study of new mechanisms of cardioprotection against ischemia-reperfusion injury of the heart: role of extracellular vesicles, non-coding RNAs and impact of metabolic co-morbidities on these mechanisms
Štúdium nových mechanizmov kardioprotekcie voči ischemicko-reperfúznemu poškodeniu srdca: úloha extracelulárnych vezikúl, nekódujúcich RNA a vplyv metabolických komorbidít na tieto mechanizmy
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	doc. RNDr. Barteková Monika PhD.
Annotation:	Ischemic heart disease and myocardial infarction represent major diseases associated with ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury of the heart. Despite several powerful cardioprotective interventions against I/R injury including endogenous (e.g. ischemic conditioning) as well as exogenous ones including treatment with natural antioxidants, have been proposed, molecular mechanisms of cardioprotection are not fully clarified so far; moreover, there are serious translational gaps in transferring cardioprotective interventions into clinics due to comorbidities present in real patients suffering from cardiac I/R injury. The aim of the present project is to uncover the role of extracellular vesicles as new players in cardioprotection, to identify particular non-coding RNAs involved in cardioprotection, and to explore the effect of metabolic co-morbidities on molecular mechanisms and efficiency of cardioprotection, altogether in the sake of effective transfer of experimental knowledge to human personalized medicine.
Duration:	1.1.2020 - 31.12.2023

Study of triggering factors and signal transduction mechanisms induced by noninvasive adaptive interventions in rats aimed to protect myocardium against schemia
Štúdium spúšťacích faktorov a mechanizmov prenosu signálu indukovaných neinvazívnymi adaptačnými intervenciami v organizme potkana za účelom ochrany myokardu pred schémiou
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	MUDr. Ravingerová Táňa DrSc., FIACS
Annotation:	Cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of mortality in modern society. They are predicted to rise over the coming decades, due to aging population, longer survival of patients after myocardial infarction, and incidence of civilization diseases. Research pointed out to the protective effects of adaptive phenomenon of ischemic preconditioning (IPC) and its novel clinically acceptable and safer forms. Currently, cellular mechanisms activated by stimuli like exercise, acute hypoxia and PC of the remote organ are not yet completely elucidated as compared with classiccal IPC. For that reason, several pathological animal models (myocardial ischemia, hypertension, d. mellitus, dyslipidemia) will be used. Acute and longer lasting adaptive interventions will be tested using relevant methodology (combination of physiological, morphological and biochemical techniques). The results obtained in this project may lead to development of novel or modified therapeutic strategies to manage myocardial ischemia
Duration:	1.1.2018 - 31.12.2021

Effects of natural and synthetic compounds on oxidative damage of biomacromolecules. Pro-oxidative and antioxidative mechanisms.
Účinky prírodných a syntetických zlúčenín pri oxidačnom poškodení biomakromolekúl. Pro- a antioxidačné mechanizmy.
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	RNDr. Valachová Katarína PhD.
Duration:	1.1.2019 - 31.12.2022

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Účinok bakteriálneho endotoxínu na komunikačné spojenia ciev srdca za podmienok hypertenzie.
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	Ing. Frimmel Karel PhD.
Duration:	1.1.2019 - 31.12.2022

The role of matrix metalloproteinases in pathophysiology of cardiovascular system diseases and their relation to cellular redox signaling.
Úloha matrixových metaloproteináz v patofyziológii ochorení kardiovaskulárneho systému a ich vzťah k bunkovej redoxnej signalizácii.
Program:	SRDA
Project leader:	RNDr. Barančík Miroslav DrSc.
Duration:	1.7.2019 - 30.6.2023

The role of miRNAs in the onset and progression of cardiovascular diseases - new approach to the protection of the heart in situations of increased production of reactive oxygen species
Úloha miRNA pri vzniku a priebehu kardiovaskulárnych ochorení - nové prístupy ochrany srdca v situáciách zvýšenej produkcie reaktívnych foriem kyslíka
Program:	SRDA
Project leader:	Mgr. Kura Branislav PhD.
Annotation:	Despite progress in prevention, diagnosis and treatment, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the highest morbidity and mortality rates in the world. World Health Organization statistics suggest that in 2030 approximately 23.6 million people will die of CVD, particularly from heart failure and myocardial infarction. One of the most common causes of many CVDs is excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These arise naturally in all organisms that gain energy by oxidizing substrates, but are also the result of various exogenous effects, such as radiation or air pollution. ROSs affect all types of cells in the body. By their activity, they cleave electrons from the molecules, making the surrounding molecules unstable and subsequently damaging other surrounding molecules. This damage process leads to cell apoptosis, tissue damage and pathological processes and diseases. At present, many experimental works emphasize the use of microRNAs (miRNAs) in diagnostics and potentially also in CVD therapy. miRNA is a group of short non-coding RNAs that, upon binding to a protein mRNA chain, inhibit its synthesis, greatly affecting many processes in the body. ROS production and the effect of miRNA expression are linked to the development of many CVDs, so it is important to understand the relationship between these factors. Research into new suitable substances and methods that can positively affect the effects of excessive ROS formation on the cardiovascular system can significantly improve the quality of life of cardiological patients. The aim of the project is to look for suitable substances that will prevent toxic effects of excessively formed ROS and positively affect the mechanisms that cause damage. At the same time, elucidation of the role of miRNA involvement in signaling pathways associated with the action of ROS on the development and progression of various CVDs is also be presented.
Duration:	1.7.2020 - 30.6.2024

The role of non-ischemic adaptive stimuli in protection of ischemic myocardium: study of triggering mechanisms and cardioprotective cell signaling
Úloha neischemických adaptačných stimulov v ochrane ischemického myokardu: štúdium spúšťacích mechanizmov a bunkovej kardioprotektívnej signalizácie.
Program:	SRDA
Project leader:	MUDr. Ravingerová Táňa DrSc., FIACS
Annotation:	Cardiovascular diseases, especially ischemic heart disease (IHD) as a leading cause of heart failure and mortality worldwide, will not reduce over the coming decades despite the progress in pharmacotherapy, interventional cardiology and surgery. It is due to aging population and longer survival after acute myocardial infarction (MI), gradual decline of its function and incidence of comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia). Experimental studies revealed attenuation of MI by adaptive phenomenon of ischemic “conditioning“. However, it is not usually applicable in clinical medicine. In line with translation-oriented research, the project is aimed to: 1. verify the efficiency of cardioprotection induced by non-ischemic stimuli, such as motoric activity, hypoxia and non-invasive remote “conditioning“; 2. identify triggering mechanisms and pathways of signal transduction (“survival” cascades RISK and SAFE) to the target structures involved in heart injury reduction (mitochondrial permeability transition VV 2019 Základný výskum APVV-19-0540 Akronym: NEISAD 06.07.2020 10:48 Strana/Page: 2 pore, MPTP, nuclear PPAR receptors); 3. investigate the impact of comorbidities, age and gender on the adaptive processes considering functional, structural and subcellular cardiac alterations. Special emphasis will be placed on the role of small non-coding RNA (miRNA) regulating cell “survival” pathways and processes of apoptosis and necroptosis associated with cell oxidative state and Ca2+ homeostasis. We will focus on disclosure of the benefits of combination therapy: pleiotropic effects of PPAR agonists, MPTP inhibitors, coupled with noninvasive adaptive interventions not only under normal but also under pathological conditions (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia). On animal in vivo and ex vivo models, combination of physiological, biochemical, selected biophysical and molecular biology methods will enable to elucidate processes of heart failing/regeneration and gain results that may lead to development of novel/modified strategies of IHD management.
Duration:	1.7.2019 - 30.6.2024

Vazoactive effects of hydrogen sulphide signalling pathway and its interaction with nitric oxide in different animal models of metabolic syndrome
Vazoaktívne účinky sulfidovej signalizácie a jej interakcia s oxidom dusnatým v rôznych animálnych modeloch metabolického syndrómu
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	Mgr. Berényiová Andrea PhD.
Annotation:	Nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulphide (H2S) are signalling molecules involved into the regulation of the arterial tone. The synthesis of both has been shown in arterial wall, moreover their contribution in physiological (relaxation of arterial smooth muscle cells) and pathophysiological processes (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis) have been already proved. Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a group of abnormalities including obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia which that together increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Studies have characterised H2S signalisation and NO-H2S interaction especially in normotensive rats, information about their role in experimental hypertension are just limited and about their engagement into the etiopathogenesis of metabolic syndrome is totally missing. The main goal of this project is to describe the vasomotoric role of NO and H2S in different models of MS: induced by high-fructose diet, by high-fat diet in normotension and primary hypertension.
Duration:	1.1.2019 - 31.12.2022

Effect of fructose diet in experimental models of metabolic syndrome and in healthy subjects: proposal of effective pharmacological treatment
Vplyv fruktózovej diéty v experimentálnych modeloch metabolického syndrómu a u zdravých jedincov: návrh účinnej farmakologickej liečby
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	RNDr. Gáspárová Zdenka PhD.
Annotation:	The project will contribute to the knowledge about etiopathogenesis of metabolic syndrome (MetS). It extend the current project, where we study the impact of high-fat and high-fat-high-fructose diet on hypertriacylglycerolemic(HTG) rats. Chronic diseases such as MetS are generally multifactorial. Thus in their origin and development play a role not only environment (diet, physical activity, stress) but also genetic predisposition. In the new project, we will examine effect of fructose diet (FD) on various animal models (spontaneously hypertensive, HTG, Zucker obese/nonobese and Wistar healthy rats) and find which main risk factor of MetS together with FD cause the most serious damage. We will test the effect of the prospective pyridoindole SMe1EC2 and omega-3 fatty acids on the established model. By combining of these drugs, we expect increased effect on a number of risk factors of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases without causing adverse effects, thus a proposal for a new more effective treatment.
Duration:	1.1.2019 - 31.12.2022

The effect of aging and hypertension on experimental myocardial infarction
Vplyv starnutia a hypertenzie na experimentálny infarkt myokardu
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	RNDr. Cebová Martina PhD.
Annotation:	Myocardial infarction is a serious cardiovascular disease associated with cardiac remodeling as a consequence of ischemia. Hypertension and aging aggravate the consequences of heart attack by the formation of oxidative and inflammatory mediators in the heart. Mereover, reperfusion after ischemia creates additional oxidative stress with a negative effect on myocardial tissue. To monitor the signaling molecules that can block or reverse the pathological process of infarction in hypertension is an important hypothesis for successful treatment of myocardial infarction. Therefore, our goal will be to exmine the effect of hypertension and aging on myocardial infarction and to analyze the effect of nitric oxide production, free oxygen radicals, and pleiotropic transcription factor Nrf2. In particular, the activation of Nrf2 and its target genes in elderly individuals may provide a novel mechanism of protection the myocardium from pathological cardiac remodeling.
Duration:	1.1.2020 - 31.12.2023

Effect of therapy on redox regulation, biochemical markers and cell signaling of age-dependent cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases.
Vplyv terapie na redoxnú reguláciu, biochemické markery a bunkovú signalizáciu vekovo-závislých kardiovaskulárnych a neurodegeneratívnych ochorení.
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	doc. RNDr. Dovinová Ima PhD.
Annotation:	In cardiovascular damage, oxidative stress is triggered by an increase in oxidative stress, affecting changes in the activities of SOD / NOS proteins, biochemical markers, metabolites, as well as redox regulation of SERCA Ca2 + -ATPases. Oxidative stress is a regulated antioxidant and detoxification response by activating the transcription factor Nrf2. The nuclear receptor and nutritional factor PPAR gamma is another regulator of signaling pathways that is positively linked to the regulation of Nrf2. PPAR gamma nuclear receptor agonists play an important role in the regulation of cardiovascular and hypertensive diseases.
Duration:	1.1.2020 - 31.12.2022

The effect of virtual reality on the sensory regulation of balance control, physiological and psychological functions in humans
Vplyv virtuálnej reality na senzorickú reguláciu rovnováhy, fyziologické a psychologické funkcie človeka
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	Mgr. Hirjaková Zuzana PhD.
Annotation:	Virtual reality (VR) is an environment that can be used to assess the postural and psycho-physiological parameters of different groups of people. The virtual environment provides an experience close to reality in laboratory conditions or at home. The aim of the project is to gain new knowledge about the body orientation, sensory regulation of balance control and the level of psycho-physiological stimulation in the VR. The volunteers will be introduced into the VR and at the same time their postural activity, reactions to vibratory stimulation of lower limb muscles, physiological and psychological level of arousal and stress will be recorded. We assume that the project results will provide the basis for designing promising methods for testing sensory balance control and psycho-physiological reactivity to the virtual environment. The obtained results may be helpful in rehabilitation of patients with postural balance disorders as well as people with psychological or physiological difficulties.
Duration:	1.1.2019 - 31.12.2021

Research of magnetic forms of iron in development of cardiovascular diseases and behavioural disorders
Výskum magnetických foriem železa v rozvoji kardiovaskulárnych chorôb a porúch správania
Program:	SRDA
Project leader:	RNDr. Bernátová Iveta DrSc.
Annotation:	This project proposal is focused on the investigation of the role of iron in development of cardiovascular and behavioural disorders, prevalence of which is increasing during aging. The aim of this project is to investigate the impact of aging on the metabolism of biogenic iron and its magnetic properties in association with metabolic and functional alterations in the cardiovascular system and brain in rats with various genetic predispositions to hypertension. We will determine the molecular biological changes on the level of gene expression, their encoded proteins and the activities of the enzymes involved in the endogenous antioxidant protection, the regulation of nitric oxide production and cell death due to ferroptosis in course of aging. We will also investigate the impact of exogenously administered iron in the form of the biocompatible ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (USPIONs) on blood pressure regulation and function of the heart and blood vessels in conditions of normotension, chronically increased blood pressure and acute stress (i.e. acutely elevated blood pressure). Results achieved in this project will contribute to better understanding of the effects of the altered iron metabolism, magnetic forms of bodily iron, as well as iron in the form of USPIONs, on the cardiovascular and central nervous systems and to prevention of cardiovascular risk resulting from the use of USPIONs in targeted drug delivery or as the contrast materials for new imaging methods in medicine.
Duration:	1.7.2017 - 30.6.2021

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Výskum prírodných látok s terapeutickým potenciálom v humánnej medicíne: komplexná analýza, biologické účinky a štúdium synergie.
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	Ing. Račková Lucia PhD.
Annotation:	Research work in the field of natural sources of antimicrobial active substances from the last two decades confirms the strong potential of natural substances and extracts, both in the eradication of resistant bacteria and fungi, but also in the prevention of biofilm formation and its destruction. The aim of this project is to test the biological activities of selected plant extracts, their secondary metabolites and their semisynthetic derivatives as potential antimicrobial and antibiofilm, as well as antioxidant, antiphlogistic and immunomodulatory agents. At the same time to exclude their cytotoxic potential on human cells in vitro and to evaluate the fingerprint of plant extracts by modern analytical methods. The target site for the action of these substances should be microbes colonizing skin infections (especially poorly healing, burns, surgical / postoperative wounds) and infections of the oral mucosa (especially the root canals of devital teeth and periradicular tissues). Another aim is to create a combination of active substances / extracts (synergistically acting), which will be adjusted to a gel base, which will be enriched with high-purity micronized beta-glucan in order to eradicate microbes on the skin and mucosa and promote tissue regeneration.
Duration:	1.1.2020 - 31.12.2023

The total number of projects: 41