Animal Physiology
In 1996-1999, we set up the basis for the study of antioxidant/anticarcinogenic activity in molecular and cellular level of different natural antioxidant extracts. Afterwards, in the context of grants from GSRT, that were completed recently the antioxidant properties of extracts from different Greek grape varieties were investigated. The results from the previous studies were reported in different publications reporting the interesting antimutagenic and antioxidant activity of white grape varieties that has not been known so far. The aim of the previous studies, at first, was to prove using different assays in molecular and cellular level that the extracts had antioxidant activity. After that, we tested the activity of the extracts in whole organisms. For the previous purpose, we had to develop a system that increases the oxidative stress without involving a pathological condition and at the same time to be manifested and stopped intentionally. We thought that this could be achieved through the exercise. Thus, we performed a number of studies to analyze both the mechanisms and markers of oxidative stress in different human groups submitted in aerobic and anaerobic exercise, and consequently in different levels of oxidative stress. Thus, we had a model of developing oxidative stress and so we could pass to the next stage that is considered the most interesting. Namely, to examine which from the active extracts tested in a cellular level have also activity in vivo and what is the mechanism of action. Also, we aim to investigate by measuring different oxidative stress markers if the extracts affecting the increased oxidative stress in the selected human groups also develop an environment that is in pace with a better health status. Finally, we use the technology of proteomics to investigate the effect of different extracts exhibiting antioxidant activity on a protein expression level and to characterize on close examination the previous activity. Moreover, research is carried out for the development of biofunctional foods based on the personal oxidative stress profile of patients.
Government gazzette:
1971 10/09/2009
E-mail:
dkouret@uth.gr
Webpage:
http://www.bio.uth.gr./index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=192%3Alab-bio-6&catid=51%3Aresearch-labs&Itemid=71&lang=el
Department:
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology
Tel.:
+30 2410 565286
Research Activities:
Antioxidant mechanisms of phytochemicals in cellular and molecular level.
Study of cellular adaptation mechanisms regarding oxidative stress during exercise.
Study of molecular mechanisms involved in anticarcinogenic activity of phytochemicals.
Study of effects of plant extracts and phytochemicals on angiogenesis.
Research Projects:
PENED 2003 ‘Identification and assessment of biological active chemical compounds in Greek wines and respective Greek grape varieties (VITIS VINIFERA)– Investigation of their roles as chemopreventive compounds’ (completed).
EYREKA 2006–2008 ‘Exploitation of byproducts from tomato paste industry and processing of fruits through the regain of bioactive compounds of high added value’. Budget: 350000 euros.
INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION in the context of Thrace’s PEP 2006–2008 ‘Incorporation of bioactive plant extracts in the production and certification of biofunctional milk products of high added value’. Budget 400000 euros.
Nutritional value and production of high quality biofunctional milk products by adding plant extracts enriched in antioxidants (budget: 260000 euros) From the grant Innovation poles of GSRT.
Development of biofunctional flour by incorporation of plant extracts enriched in bioactive compounds. In collaboration with the Kaplanides’ Mills company (budget: 70000 euros).
Human networks of research and technological education. Human network of education in the field of biofunctional foods. It was funded by the GSRT with 200000 euros.
Production of biofunctional milk products of high quality by adding plant extracts enriched in antioxidants (budget: 50000 euros) in collaboration with the Olympos company.
Programme of Research Committee. Study of molecular mechanisms of cancer cells resistance in chemotherapeutic agents using cell cancer lines.
Production of biofunctional foods from extracts of pharmaceutical plants from Kissavos (50.000 euros). Prefecture of Larissa (2009–2011).
Study of co–existece of genetic modified with normal plants in Cyprus (150.000 euros). From Cypriot Government after international competition (2009–2011).
Biochemical monitoring of athletes of the Greek national team of S.E.G.A.S. Funding: S.E.G.A.S. (2007–2008; 55000 €).
Contract work for spin–off K–Meditura (105.000 euros for 3 years) (2010–2012).
Programme of Research Committee of University of Thessaly. ‘Study of anti–angiogenetic activity of grape stem extract from a Greek Vitis vinifera variety (3300 euros) (2011–2012).
Integration of natural antimicrobials of plant origin in the production and certification of meats and meat products of high added value. Funding: STEFANOS VOGIATZOGLOU FOODS AND MEATS S.A. (2011–2013; 80000 €).
Study of chemical composition and toxicity of fluids used in the electronic cigarettes. Funding: ASSOCIATION OF GREEK COMPANIES OF ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE. (2012–2015; 756000 €).
Integration of grape stems in bakery products and assessment in vivo of their antioxidant activity. Funding: KAPLANIDIS’ MILLS S.A., KATZA S.A., DOUGOS’ WINERY S.A. (2010–2013; 756000 €).
Study of the agricultural–nutritional identity of foods. Funding: Theodora Tatsi S.A., EATWALK HELLAS. (2012–2014; 60000 €).
Study of oxidative stress markers and metabolic profile of patients. Funding: Health mapping, G. Leon S.A. (2012–2014; 200000 €).
Effects of administration of carbohydrates–proteins mixture on biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation and hypoxia in humans after exercise. Funding: EPEDVM–ESPA 2007–2013. (2011–2014; 45000 €).
Laboratory Infrastructure:
1 flow cytometry.
DNA electrophoresis apparatus.
1 protein wlwctrophoresis apparatus.
1 biochemical analyzer.
Western blot apparatus.
2 freezing centrifuges.
1 microcentrifuge.
1 PCR machine.
2 spectrophotometers UV-VIS.
2 digital analysis systems for DNA and protein electrophoresis.
1 optical microscope equipped with digital camera.
1 ELISA plate reader.
1 water bath.
Analytical laboratory scales.
1 2-D protein gel electrophoresis system.
1 oven-incubator.
1 pH-meter.
1 sonicator.
4 refrigerators-freezers.
4 PCs.
Research Results / Products:
Collaboration with the ‘Eatwalk’ company for the modeling and production of biofunctional foods with health benefits (www.eatwalk.gr). The products are marketed in 8 countries.
Personnel:
| First Name | Last Name | Position | Telephone | Web-link | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dimitrios | Kouretas | Assistant Professor | dkouret@uth.gr | +30 2410 565277 | |
Dimitrios | Stagos | Lecturer | stagkos@med.uth.gr | +30 2410 565229 | |
Anastasios | Mpesios | Technicians | |||
Euthalia | Kerasioti | Researcher | |||
Nikolaos | Goutzourelas | Researcher | |||
Konstantinos | Gerasopoulos | Researcher |
