Research Nina Hermans

Abstract

Background: The exposome encompasses the totality of environmental exposures of an individual or organism throughout life (including exposure to chemicals, diet, lifestyle, climate factors, stress), and how these exposures impact biology (e.g., metabolites, hormones, etc.) and health. In particular, exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), including metabolic disrupting chemicals (MDCs), has been linked to a broad range of non-communicable diseases and environmental health effects. Workflows for gathering and interpreting exposome data are still in development and are currently focusing on elucidating physiological pathways that link exposure to adverse effects. Ultimately, this will lead to a holistic understanding of how exposures interact with the phenotype to cause adverse health outcomes with potentially large societal, economic, and ecological costs. Aims: We will use innovative approaches to decipher the human exposome from early life on up to adulthood and its association with endocrine and metabolic alterations (leading to disorders, such as liver diseases, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and obesity), as well as effects on other important physiological processes mostly driven by endocrine and metabolic signaling.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Covaci Adrian
• Co-promoter: Bervoets Lieven
• Co-promoter: Bittremieux Wout
• Co-promoter: De Boeck Gudrun
• Co-promoter: Hermans Nina
• Co-promoter: Jorens Philippe
• Co-promoter: Knapen Dries
• Co-promoter: Leroy Jo
• Co-promoter: van Nuijs Alexander

Research team(s)

• Toxicological Centre

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Ellagitannin-rich herbal remedies are used traditionally because of their anti-inflammatory activity. This is connected not to the ellagitannins themselves but to their metabolites produced by the gut microbiota. Urolithin A (UroA) is recognized as the most significant of all ellagitannins' metabolites. However, not everyone is able to have it produced in their gut. The UroA production is exclusive to the hosts of urolithin metabotype A (UM-A) and B (UM-B) and is most probably dependent on the gut microbiota composition and activity. Preliminary trials showed that UM-A hosts have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Moreover, the transition from UM-A to other metabotypes is also connected to aging, which might suggest losing certain beneficial abilities. The identity of microorganisms that differentiate UroA producers were not yet revealed. If recognized, new probiotics might be designed. Providing non-UM-A hosts with the possibility to produce UroA efficiently would grant them an advantage due to reports of a wide range of proven and indicated UroAs biological activities. The project aims to isolate, characterize and preserve bacterial strains able to produce UroA from the fecal samples of UM-A and UM-B donors. This will be possible due to innovative substrate conversion screening strategies and novel metabolomic and sequencing techniques utilization. Results will provide missing insights about urolithin metabotypes for further explanatory studies focused on the elucidation of UM-dependant features. Moreover, bioinformatic tools will be developed to obtain multi-omic descriptions of the studied processes, combining metabolomic and targeted metagenomic data. The project will deliver protocols and data analysis methods that will enable us to run advanced projects in the field of natural products biotransformation research. The established pipelines will be suitable also for dysbiosis, xenobiotic-microbiome interaction and pre- and probiotic design studies.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Pieters Luc
• Co-promoter: Hermans Nina
• Co-promoter: Laukens Kris
• Co-promoter: Tuenter Emmy
• Fellow: Popowski Dominik

Research team(s)

• Natural Products & Food Research and Analysis - Pharmaceutical Technology (NatuRAPT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In this Chair research focuses on extracts and polyphenols of olive (Olea European), and their function in maintaining cardiovascular health. Cardiovascular diseases are one of the most important causes of death worldwide, and they remain the most important one in Belgium. Research of this Chair will contribute to the knowledge of the role of olive and olive polyphenols in maintaining cardiovascular health. The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, lipid lowering and anti-hypertensive activity of olive polyphenols and standardized olive extract will be investigated in depth. The effects of olive polyphenols will be studied in a clinical trial in metabolic syndrome patients with elevated blood lipid parameters and slightly elevated blood pressure, as well as in models of oxidative stress and inflammation. In addition, the biotransformation of olive polyphenols by the human gut microbiome will be investigated in the validated GIDM-Colon model, and the effects of formed metabolites on the cardiovascular system will be studied.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Hermans Nina

Research team(s)

• Natural Products & Food Research and Analysis - Pharmaceutical Technology (NatuRAPT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

"WNV infection is the most common cause of epidemic encephalitis in humans in Europe and the United States. West Nile Neuro-invasive Disease (WNND) develops in 1% of infected individuals; it has a 10% case fatality rate and is associated with long-term neurologic and cognitive sequelae in survivors. WNV penetrates the blood-brain barrier, invades the central nervous system and causes necrosis and apoptosis of neurons, but the extent of neuronal injury encountered in brain regions with similar viral load varies widely. We hypothesize that the induction of oxidative stress and autophagy by WNV infection determines the severity of infection and the outcome of neuronal injury in WNV infection. During the 2020 WNV transmission season in Romania, one of the high burden countries in Europe, we will for the first time, comprehensively investigate the sequential intra-host profile of a panel of established markers of oxidative stress and autophagy in plasma, erythrocytes, Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells, serum and urine in human WNV cases (n=10) and age-matched healthy controls (n=5). We will develop multiparameter indexes to measure the redox status and to investigate associations of these indexes with clinical, radiological and neuropsychological outcomes. Elucidation of the role of oxidative stress could lead to new opportunities for pharmacotherapeutic interventions in WNV infections."

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Hermans Nina

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Arterial stiffness, a major health issue, progresses with age. Dietary polyphenols improve vascular stiffening via vascular, inflammatory and other mechanisms, most likely due to their metabolites. Although promising effects for prevention and treatment of arterial stiffness have been reported for blueberry and olive polyphenols, it is largely unknown which polyphenol metabolites interact with which underlying mechanisms. In this project, polyphenol metabolites will be generated in gastrointestinal and liver simulations and will be identified subsequently. Since gut microbial composition is linked to arterial stiffness, is affected by polyphenols and is different in the elderly, an aged and young biotransformation model will be compared. Metabolites will be tested, separately and in mixtures analogous to the in vivo situation, in assays on vascular, oxidative, inflammatory and other mechanisms contributing to arterial stiffness. Also, polyphenol effects on gut microbial composition will be evaluated. This combination of analyses renders this project innovative and original. Results will provide a unique insight on polyphenol metabolism and the influence of age thereupon, and on polyphenol prebiotic-like effects. Moreover, they will increase understanding regarding the influence of olive and blueberry polyphenol metabolites on fundamental processes underlying arterial stiffness and multiple other pathological conditions, facilitating future research.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Hermans Nina
• Co-promoter: Roth Lynn
• Co-promoter: Tuenter Emmy
• Fellow: Lauwers Stef

Research team(s)

• Natural Products & Food Research and Analysis - Pharmaceutical Technology (NatuRAPT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Atherosclerotic plaque rupture is the leading cause of acute cardiovascular syndromes and is responsible for 3.9 million deaths in Europe every year. Preventive strategies are greatly needed to reduce the health care burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The Mediterranean diet results in a lower CVD risk, with virgin olive oil as an important element. Many of the health-promoting effects are ascribed to the olive polyphenols (OPs), which have shown to reduce oxidative stress and were recently linked with autophagy. Autophagy is a cellular housekeeping mechanism and autophagy deficiency is detrimental in the development of CVD. Thus, inducing autophagy is likely to be an effective preventive strategy. OPs were identified as natural autophagy inducers, but further research is needed to define the contribution of this mechanism to their antioxidant and atheroprotective effects. Therefore, we will determine the most potent autophagy-inducing OP in endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells and define the underlying molecular mechanisms linked to autophagy. The most potent OP will be selected for further in vivo analysis, in which we will identify its effects on the functionality of healthy blood vessels, CVD prevention and oxidative stress. This project will give insight in the mechanism of action of OPs and is an important step towards the implementation of OP-based nutraceuticals for the prevention of CVD.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Hermans Nina
• Co-promoter: Roth Lynn
• Fellow: Steenput Bieke

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The Royal Decree KB 29.08.1997 updated in 2017 (KB 24.01.2017 ), imposes the criteria and analytical requirements to which herbal food supplements (containing plants) must comply. These requirements are defined as "does not contain detectable amounts of …" or specify a "maximalamount of ..." a particular compound or class of compounds. However, in many cases appropriate analytical procedures are lacking or not adequate. The general objective of this project is to develop and validate analytical methods to detect (and to establish detection limits) or to quantify concerned products.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Pieters Luc
• Co-promoter: Hermans Nina

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This gift is related to a clinical trial which is conducted by NatuRA research group. This double blind, placebo and active product controlled clinical trial is investigating the effects of Pycnogenol on Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity-Disorder (ADHD).

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Hermans Nina

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Atherosclerotic plaque rupture is the leading cause of acute cardiovascular syndromes and is responsible for 3.9 million deaths in Europe every year. Preventive strategies are greatly needed to reduce the health care burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD). It is well-known that the Mediterranean diet results in a lower CVD risk, with virgin olive oil as an important element. Many of the health-promoting effects are ascribed to the olive polyphenols. Over the years, studies have shown that olive polyphenols reduce oxidative stress and inflammation and enhance vascular function. In recent literature, these effects were related to the upregulation of autophagy. Autophagy is a cellular housekeeping mechanism and autophagy deficiency is detrimental in the development of CVD. Thus, inducing autophagy is likely to be an effective preventive strategy. Olive polyphenols were identified as natural autophagy inducers, but further research is needed to define the contribution of this mechanism to their antioxidant and atheroprotective effects. Therefore, we will determine the most potent autophagy-inducing olive polyphenol in endothelial cells (ECs) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and define the underlying molecular mechanisms linked to autophagy. The most potent polyphenol will be selected for further in vivo analysis, in which we will identify its effects on the functionality of healthy blood vessels, CVD prevention and oxidative stress, with a special focus on the role of EC and VSMC autophagy. This project will give insight in the mechanism of action of olive polyphenols and is an important step towards the implementation of olive polyphenol-based nutraceuticals for the prevention of CVD.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Hermans Nina
• Co-promoter: Roth Lynn
• Fellow: Steenput Bieke

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The requested infrastructure (comprehensive liquid chromatograph-ion mobility-quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometer LCxLC-IM-QTOFMS) combines several state-of-the-art technologies into one platform which aims at bringing metabolomics research to the next level. As such, the infrastructure will deliver a combined five-dimension separation and detection technology, the first of its kind in Belgium. This instrument will be dedicated to metabolomics research, the science of endogenous metabolites in cells, tissues or organisms. The infrastructure will be able to optimally separate, detect and identify the very broad and complex chemical space of metabolites ranging from very polar (e.g. amino acids) to non-polar (e.g. lipids and hormones) at low nanomolar concentration range. Within UA, there is a growing need to combine the currently scattered efforts in metabolomics, an Emerging Frontline Research Domain in the UA research scene. Research ranges from drug discovery (mode of action and pharmacokinetic profiling), biomarker and toxicity studies to advanced data-analysis and systems biology approaches, but a dedicated metabolomics infrastructure to strengthen these studies is currently missing. As such, the investment in a core facility together with the gathering of nine research groups from five departments and two faculties would centralize the metabolomics research. This will position UA as a key player in the academic metabolomics research in the BeNeLux and worldwide.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Covaci Adrian
• Co-promoter: Augustyns Koen
• Co-promoter: Baggerman Geert
• Co-promoter: Bervoets Lieven
• Co-promoter: De Meester Ingrid
• Co-promoter: De Meyer Guido
• Co-promoter: Hermans Nina
• Co-promoter: Laukens Kris
• Co-promoter: Lemière Filip
• Co-promoter: Maes Louis
• Co-promoter: van Nuijs Alexander

Research team(s)

• Toxicological Centre

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Methylphenidate (MPH, e.g. Rilatine, Medikinet, Concerta), the first choice medication for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), is associated with several adverse effects like insomnia and decreased appetite. In addition, ADHD has been associated with immune and oxidantantioxidant imbalances, which offer potential for certain nutritional supplements as ADHD therapy. A commercially available extract from Pinus pinaster, Pycnogenol®, has antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities. One small randomised trial suggests therapeutic benefit from Pycnogenol® in ADHD, though this study had several limitations. This project is therefore a randomised, double blind, parallel multicenter trial to compare the effect of Pycnogenol® to MPH and placebo over a ten week period on the behaviour of 144 ADHD and Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADD) patients. The ability of Pycnogenol® to improve ADHD or ADD behaviour will be evaluated in week 5 and 10. Evaluations of effects on immunity, oxidative stress and other psychiatric/physical complaints (to investigate mechanism of action) will be performed in week 10 as compared to baseline. Acceptability evaluations will be performed in week 10, based on adherence, dropouts and reports of adverse events. Dietary habits will be taken into account. Patients will be recruited from the university hospitals of Antwerp and Ghent, as well as ZNA Erasmus hospital (Antwerp).

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Hermans Nina
• Co-promoter: Ceulemans Berten

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The human lives in symbiosis with millions of micro-organisms. A great amount of bacteria is located in the human gut. These micro-organisms, in combination with their unique genes, are called the gastrointestinal microbiome. Only recently the role of the intestinal microbiome in the formation of metabolites of orally ingested compounds has become evident. Fundamental questions concerning the role of the gut microbiome however remain unanswered for the majority of therapeutic, toxic and diet-derived xenobiotics. The composition of the gut microbiome is quite stable in healthy adults and contributes to the maintenance of a healthy state in adulthood. On the other hand, several pathological states are characterized by a modified composition of the intestinal microflora as already demonstrated in obesity and type 2 diabetes. Therefore, the aim of the project is to develop an integrated experimental platform to identify biotransformation due to the microbiome and to evaluate the influence of different disorders (type 2 diabetes, obesity) on this 'microbiotic metabolism'. The fate of the test compounds (simvastatin, tetrabromobisphenol A and epigallocatechin gallate) in a validated in vitro gastrointestinal dialysis system with a colon phase and in well-characterized phenotypes of healthy people and obese and type 2 diabetic patients, will be studied. Detection and identification of the metabolites will be achieved by advanced analytical techniques.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Hermans Nina
• Co-promoter: van Nuijs Alexander
• Fellow: Mortelé Olivier

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

A novel approach is presented in order to characterize new lead compounds from natural sources. Many natural products are pro-drugs that are metabolized and activated after oral administration. Nevertheless, this aspect is usually overlooked when searching for new therapeutic agents using classical approaches. In this project, Salix spp. (willow bark) and Filipendula ulmaria (meadowsweet) were selected as case studies for the characterization of new leads for anti-inflammatory drugs.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Pieters Luc
• Co-promoter: Apers Sandra
• Co-promoter: Hermans Nina
• Fellow: Van der Auwera Anastasia

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The general aim of this project is to improve understanding of immune and oxidative stress aberrancies in ADHD and to evaluate the effects of supplementation with Pinus pinaster bark extract on behaviour and comorbid symptoms and on immune, oxidative stress and antioxidant biomarkers, as compared to placebo, no intervention and MPH treatment.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Hermans Nina
• Fellow: Verlaet Annelies

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a research contract awarded by the University of Antwerp. The supervisor provides the Antwerp University research mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions stipulated by the university.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Augustyns Koen
• Co-promoter: Apers Sandra
• Co-promoter: Cos Paul
• Co-promoter: Delputte Peter
• Co-promoter: De Meester Ingrid
• Co-promoter: De Winter Hans
• Co-promoter: D'Haese Patrick
• Co-promoter: Hermans Nina
• Co-promoter: Kiekens Filip
• Co-promoter: Lambeir Anne-Marie
• Co-promoter: Maes Louis
• Co-promoter: Pieters Luc
• Co-promoter: Van Der Veken Pieter
• Fellow: Joossens Jurgen
• Fellow: Pauwels Maxim
• Fellow: Verhoeven Kristien

Research team(s)

• Medicinal Chemistry (UAMC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Many natural products are pro-drugs that are metabolized and activated after oral administration, but this is usually overlooked when searching for new lead compounds. Here Filipendula ulmaria (meadowsweet) and Herniaria hirsuta are selected as case studies for the characterization of new leads for anti-inflammatory drugs, and drugs for nephrolithiasis. An LC-MS and 1H-NMR platform will be used for the fast metabolomic profiling of plant extracts. Secondly, a dialysis model simulating human gastro-intestinal (GI) metabolization will be applied to activate potential pro-drugs. In addition, the dialysate containing the GI metabolites will be treated with microsomal S9 fractions to mimic liver metabolization. The resulting metabolized samples (before and after S9 treatment) will be profiled in the same LC-MS and 1H-NMR platform, and compared with the original profiles. At the same time all extracts and metabolized extracts will be pharmacologically evaluated in a range of in vitro assays related to anti-inflammatory and anti-nephrolithiasis properties, and all data will be analyzed in a metabolomics approach using multivariate data analysis in order to characterize the pharmacologically active constituents and their metabolites as new lead compounds.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Pieters Luc
• Co-promoter: Apers Sandra
• Co-promoter: Hermans Nina

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

A novel approach is presented in order to characterize new lead compounds from natural sources. Many natural products are pro-drugs that are metabolized and activated after oral administration. Nevertheless, this aspect is usually overlooked when searching for new therapeutic agents using classical approaches. In this project, the Nauclea pobeguinii tree, Herniaria hirsuta herb, Salix spp. (willow bark) and Filipendula ulmaria (meadowsweet) were selected as case studies for the characterization of new leads for antimalarial, anti-nephrolithiasis, and anti-inflammatory drugs. LC-MS (Liquid Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry) and NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy) platforms will be established for the fast metabolic profiling of plant extracts, prepared using comprehensive extraction methods to cover the full range of constituents. Secondly, a gastro-intestinal dialysis model (GIDM) simulating human GI metabolization, will be applied in order to activate potential pro-drugs. In addition, the dialysate containing the GI metabolites will be treated with microsomal S9 fractions to mimic liver metabolization. The resulting metabolized samples (before and after S9 treatment) will be profiled using the same LC-MS and NMR platforms, and compared with the original profiles. At the same time all extracts and metabolized extracts will be pharmacologically evaluated in a range of in vitro assays related to antimalarial, anti-nephrolithiasis and anti-inflammatory properties. Pharmacological and chromatographic/ phytochemical data will be analyzed in a metabolomics approach using multivariate data analysis in order to identify pharmacologically active constituents or metabolites. Targeted isolation and final pharmacological evaluation in vitro and in vivo will yield new lead compounds against malaria, nephrolithiasis and inflammatory diseases.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Pieters Luc
• Co-promoter: Apers Sandra
• Co-promoter: Covaci Adrian
• Co-promoter: Hermans Nina

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Mycotoxins cause animal diseases and decrease production of eggs, milk and meat. Genotoxic or mutagenic effects are amongst the important adverse effects. A mutagenic compound is most often also carcinogenic. Aflatoxins are one of the important mycotoxins and amongst the most potent carcinogens. Other mycotoxins may also be mutagenic and carcinogenic. In this project we intend to evaluate extracts of South African plants as detoxifying agents against the mutagenic effects of mycotoxins. Preliminary research found this to be a very realistic approach which may provide identification of protective substances that can be added to feeds and foods as chemo-preventive measures against the genotoxic/carcinogenic effects of mycotoxins. Extracts of the plants will be prepared and antimutagenic effects will be tested against mycotoxin (such as aflatoxin B1, fumonisin and ochratoxin)-induced mutagenicity. For this, bacteria (Ames test and Vitotox test) or human cell lines (comet assay and micronucleus/cytome test) will be exposed to the toxin alone, and in the presence of extract. The mutagenicity response of both treatments will be compared. The most promising extracts will be fractionated and fractions will again be tested until active compounds are purified. The active compounds will then be quantified in the original extracts, and the well-characterised extracts will be evaluated in vivo in rats for their protective effects against aflatoxin-induced toxicity.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Pieters Luc
• Co-promoter: Apers Sandra
• Co-promoter: Hermans Nina
• Co-promoter: Verschaeve Luc

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The general aim of this project is to improve understanding of immune and oxidative stress aberrancies in ADHD and to evaluate the effects of supplementation with Pinus pinaster bark extract on behaviour and comorbid symptoms and on immune, oxidative stress and antioxidant biomarkers, as compared to placebo, no intervention and MPH treatment.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Hermans Nina
• Co-promoter: Ceulemans Berten
• Co-promoter: Pieters Luc
• Fellow: Verlaet Annelies

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The general aim of this project is to combine the LC-MS and LC-NMR platform available in the Laboratory of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Analysis (Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp) for the characterisation of cyclopeptide alkaloids, a promising class of natural products, from selected plant sources, followed by their targeted isolation, and establishment of structure-activity relationships in several pharmacological models.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Pieters Luc
• Co-promoter: Hermans Nina
• Fellow: Tuenter Emmy

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a research contract awarded by the University of Antwerp. The supervisor provides the Antwerp University research mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions stipulated by the university.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Leroy Jo
• Co-promoter: Hermans Nina
• Fellow: De Bie Jessie

Research team(s)

• Veterinary physiology and biochemistry

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The general aim of this project is to improve understanding of immune and oxidative stress aberrancies in ADHD and to evaluate the effects of supplementation with Pinus pinaster bark extract on behaviour and comorbid symptoms and on immune, oxidative stress and antioxidant biomarkers, as compared to placebo, no intervention and MPH treatment.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Hermans Nina
• Co-promoter: Pieters Luc
• Fellow: Verlaet Annelies

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The general aim of this project is to combine the LC-MS and LC-NMR platform available in the Laboratory of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Analysis (Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp) for the characterisation of cyclopeptide alkaloids, a promising class of natural products, from selected plant sources, followed by their targeted isolation, and establishment of structure-activity relationships in several pharmacological models.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Pieters Luc
• Co-promoter: Apers Sandra
• Co-promoter: Hermans Nina
• Fellow: Tuenter Emmy

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project comprises the identification of the active metabolites of selected natural products with a proven biological activity. The focus will be on Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) which is used against urinary tract infections, and the Congolese medicinal plant Nauclea pobeguinii, which showed promising activity against malaria in vitro as well as in vivo. For both plants, in vivo activity may be attributed to the formation of biologically active metabolites. The identification of these active metabolites involves the integrated application of in vitro and in vivo test systems with up-to-date technologies such as LC-MS (Liquid Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry) and LC-NMR (Liquid Chromatography – Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy) combined with modern information technology such as MVA (multivariate data analysis) to process large amounts of data. These investigations on metabolites of selected natural products with a proven biological activity represent a challenging research field, whereas the successful completion of the submitted proposal might also lead to the characterisation of potential lead compounds for new drugs.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Apers Sandra
• Co-promoter: Covaci Adrian
• Co-promoter: Hermans Nina
• Co-promoter: Pieters Luc

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal service agreement between UA and on the other hand Hogeschool Hasdenbosch. UA provides Hogeschool Hasdenbosch research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Hermans Nina

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project comprises the development of a continuous flow in vitro dialysis model with a colonic-phase which simulates the gastro-intestinal tract and permits to investigate the absorption and metabolisation of different food constituents. This study focuses on the metabolisation by the gut flora of polyphenolic food constituents, and the antioxidative effects of the metabolites formed and absorbed.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Hermans Nina
• Co-promoter: Bosscher Douwina

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The first objective of this research project is to determine the in vivo antioxidant profile of plant polyphenols after oral supplementation in animals of some selected standardised plant preparations. However, prior to starting this in vivo evaluation, it is essential to extend the existing battery of assays of the research group with additional methods for the assessment of oxidative damage to other endogenous biomolecules than lipids, such as DNA and proteins. The second objective is the development of an in vitro continuous dialysis model with a colon-phase to study the metabolisation by gut flora of the same selected plant preparations and their polyphenolic constituents, the absorption and the antioxidative properties of their metabolites. The presence of the metabolites formed in the in vitro model will be checked in plasma of the laboratory animals. The in vitro antioxidative profile of the metabolites will be compared with the reduction of in vivo parameters of oxidative stress, in order to validate this in vitro dialysis model. In this way the in vitro dialysis model with colon-phase may be, at least in part, a substitute for experiments in laboratory animals in the future.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Pieters Luc
• Co-promoter: Apers Sandra
• Co-promoter: Hermans Nina

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Hermans Nina
• Promoter: Pieters Luc

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vlietinck Arnold
• Fellow: Hermans Nina

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project