Antioxidant networks Antioxidant networks in health and disease

​The research in this project focuses on the role of redox processes in drug toxicity and in pathologies of the lung, the cardiovascular system and the liver. Moreover, the possibilities for therapeutic intervention with antioxidants are explored. Antioxidants, which are studied, are either food-derived compounds or drugs. The research is performed on a (bio-)chemical, cellular, organ or whole animal level. Also clinical human research is performed.

Examples of ongoing studies or studies in the past are:

  • Protection against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. Doxorubicin is widely used as a antitumour agent. It major drawback it its cardiotoxicity. Flavonoids offer protection. Flavonoids are also investigated for their protection against more general cardiovascular damage and for their contribution to maintaining cardiovascular health.
  • The antioxidant network in various tissues. Many chronic diseases are associated with oxidative stress. The involvement of the antioxidant network in chronic lung diseases (e.g. COPD, interstitial lung disease) or liver diseases (e.g. NASH) is investigated.
  • The role of oxygen radicals in fibrosis and the possibilities to protect against ROS-induced fibrosis.
  • The molecular mechanisms of action of food supplements (like ATP, polyphenols, thiols) focus on antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

    • Associated Staff

    Gertjan den Hartog
    Assistant Professor

    Dr GJM (Gertjan) den Hartog (Harderwijk, The Netherlands, 1973) studied Chemistry at the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam with Medicinal Chemistry (Maj more ...

    Misha Vrolijk
    Assistant Professor

    Dr. Misha Vrolijk is an Assistant Professor with a background in Food Toxicology. For his research he focuses on food safety from a toxicological pers more ...

    Marie-José Drittij
    Technician

    Marie-José Drittij studied at the ‘Zuidlimburgse Laboratorium School’ in Sittard, The Netherlands. She is specialized in analytical chemistry and inst more ...