Ms. T. van den Berg, BSc
Jaar: 2019

The occurrence of microthrombi can potentially lead to local perfusion disorders and subsequently to deterioration of kidney graft function. We hypothesize that microthrombi are more frequent than we might expect, due to known activation of haemostatic pathways in deceased donors, the ischemia/reperfusion injury that occurs during the transplant surgery and enhanced kidney function after thrombolytic therapy. The aim of this study is to investigate how often these microthrombi occur, which consequences they bear and whether type of preservation influences their development and hemostatic processes.

Ms. W. Kalteren, BSc
Jaar: 2019

This project addresses the benefits and risks of the RBC transfusion in neonatal anemia in preterm born infants. The lack of knowledge on the balance of potential benefits and risk of RBC transfusion for anemic preterm infants, have led to controversies about the optimal indication for RBC transfusion for this population. Therefore, the overall aim of this research project is to clarify controversial issues regarding neonatal anemia and RBC transfusion. First, we intend to assess the feasibility of using a lower than conventional transfusion Hb-threshold combined with the degree of oxygen saturation of the brain. Second, we intend to increase knowledge of the association between anemia and epo gene expression and on the direct biochemical and functional effects of RBC transfusion in preterm infants regarding organ oxygenation, clinical factors, intestinal hypoxic cell damage, oxidative stress, and neurodevelopment.

Mr. V. van Suylen
Jaar: 2018

Currently, there is no clinical practice of donation after circulatory death (DCD) heart transplantation in the Netherlands. In addition, certain donation after brain death (DBD) hearts are not transplanted due to the existing strict selection criteria. This study will develop a preservation technique for discarded human donor hearts. It will focus on the effect of subnormothermic acellular machine perfusion on the inflammatory and oxidative status, energy storage capacity, and restoration of function of donor hearts currently deemed unsuitable for transplantation. To study the effect of this preservation technique, we will evaluate these hearts using a normothermic ex-situ heart perfusion machine. The advantage of this machine is its ability to assess the function of the hearts as well as biochemical parameters.

Prof.dr. J.A. Lisman
Jaar: 2017

Liver disease is associated with complex changes in the hemostatic system. Although routine indices of hemostasis such as the platelet count and prothrombin time suggest a bleeding tendency, these patients are in fact in hemostatic balance due to a simultaneous decline in pro- and anticoagulant drivers. Whether this rebalanced hemostatic state remains when patients with liver disease become critically ill is unknown and subject of this proposal. Knowledge on the hemostatic status of critically ill patients with liver disease is vital for a rational approach to hemostatic management.

Ms. I. van Zeventer, BSc, BA
Jaar: 2017

Some patients fail to mobilize sufficient numbers of CD34+ peripheral blood stem cells upon mobilization procedures for autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation. It is now known that clonal haematopoiesis might emerge during ageing and following chemotherapeutic treatment, implying a risk for development of myeloid neoplasms. We aim to study the presence of clonal haematopoiesis in poor mobilizers by a targeted sequencing approach and to relate the mutational profile to clinical outcomes and development of secondary haematological malignancies. Results from this study may contribute to improved and personalized treatment protocols.

Prof.dr. R.P. Coppes
Jaar: 2016

Insufficient levels of thyroid hormone due to cancer treatment related thyroidectomy may lead to fatigue, feeling cold, constipation, and weight increase; whereas high levels may lead to cardiovascular diseases or osteoporosis. In this project we developed a culture protocol for murine and human thyroid stem cell derived tissue resembling organoids. When xeno-transplanted into athyroid mice, these organoids form functional hormone producing thyroid follicles. This opens future therapeutic possibilities for tissue stem cell-based therapies for thyroid cancer patients suffering from hypothyroidism.

This project was a collaboration with Andries Groen, Prof. dr. John Plukker, Dr. Schelto Kruijff (all Surgical Oncology) and Prof. Thera Links (Endocrinology).

Ms. K. Mattes
Jaar: 2016

Leukemia stem cells  play a  crucial role in disease initiation and progression of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We identified that altered expression of the transcriptional regulators CITED2 and PU.1 impacts the survival and maintenance of both normal- and leukemia stem cells. With support of “Tekke Huizingafonds” we investigated potential molecular mechanisms underlying this observation. Understanding the mechanisms that regulate stem cell self-renewal and survival can help to improve current protocols for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation or highlight opportunities for AML therapy.

Mr. E.L. de Vrij
Jaar: 2016

Long term cold storage of human platelets for transfusion is not yet possible due to detrimental effects of low temperature on platelets causing rapid clearance after transfusion. Studies on platelets in hibernating animals do not show these detrimental effects of temperature, despite cycling through extreme temperatures. In this project we assessed the effects of temperature on platelet function in mice mimicking ‘daily hibernation’ and by using intravital microscopy analysis. Studying hibernators and their protective mechanisms against cold may unlock platelet cold storage for non-hibernating mammals.

Dr. M.E. Erasmus – UMCG
Jaar: 2014

Brain death and ischemia cause inflammatory and mitochondrial injury to donor lungs. In our project we stabilized the damaging process by giving stem cells during ex situ perfusion and ventilation of rat donor lungs pre-transplant. Multiple smaller doses were most efficient.

Prof. dr. H. van Goor – UMCG
Jaar: 2014

Hydrogen sulfide has protective properties during ischemia. It can hypometabolize cells and tissues comparable to cooling down. We currently uss this concept to protect transplant organs in the phases prior to transplantation.

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