Prebiotic treatment for psoriasis

The gut microbiota plays a fundamental role in shaping our health. When its structure and function are disrupted, health problems can arise. Prebiotics and probiotics are helpful in restoring its balance. Researchers from the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn are investigating how supplementation with a prebiotic derived from chicory improves the health of patients with psoriasis.

– We hypothesise that rebalancing the gut microbiota and proper functioning of the intestinal barrier in people with psoriasis will alleviate the symptoms of inflammation and the severity of skin lesions seen in this chronic dermatitis – explains Dr Urszula Krupa-Kozak.

RESTORE THE BALANCE

The intestinal microbiota is a rich and diverse assemblage of microorganisms residing in the gastrointestinal tract that enable the digestion of food, support the proper functioning of the immune system and protect against invasion by pathogenic organisms.

– It is a complex ecosystem residing in our body, without which we are unable to stay healthy. Its close interaction with the intestinal epithelium enables the formation of immune mechanisms. The gut microbiota plays an important role in maintaining the integrity of the intestinal epithelium – that is, the selective barrier that, on the one hand, separates the immune cells located in the intestinal mucosa from the microorganisms present in the intestinal lumen and, at the same time, enables metabolites of the microbiota to interact with host cells, thereby regulating the immune response – explains a scientist from the Department Chemistry and Biodynamics of Food.

An imbalance of the intestinal microbiota (dysbiosis) can therefore result in an increase in the permeability of the intestinal barrier and consequently be the cause of the development of inflammation.

Plaque psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated dermatitis. It is a non-communicable disease, affecting approximately 2-3% of the world’s population, regardless of gender or age. It manifests as scaly, itchy and reddened skin. In most cases (approximately 70-80%), psoriatic lesions are mild and do not require systemic treatment.

– The pathogenesis of psoriasis is not yet fully understood. Recent research suggests that the increased immune response responsible for the systemic inflammation seen in this disease may be a consequence of the aforementioned intestinal dysbiosis – points out Urszula Krupa-Kozak.

DIETARY SUPPORT

Attempting to prove this relationship is one of the main tasks of a project just started by scientists from the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn.

– Diet and its components have a very strong influence on the course of psoriasis. Proper nutrition is a method to help counteract complications accompanying this disease, such as metabolic disorders, obesity or diabetes. Through a nutritional intervention using a prebiotic, we want to support the microbiome of our patients – emphasises the researcher.

Scientists have investigated a prebiotic derived from chicory: inulin-type β-fructans, which occurs naturally in onions, garlic, bananas or asparagus. – Numerous scientific studies have shown that it is a prebiotic that beneficially alters the composition and activity of intestinal microbes and alleviates intestinal inflammation. It has also proven itself in patients with coeliac disease, which is what I dealt with in a previous project – says Urszula Krupa-Kozak.

Prebiotics nourish the microorganisms that naturally reside in our digestive tract, mainly in the large intestine. Thanks to prebiotics, the beneficial probiotic bacteria increase their numbers and more actively produce their metabolites, mainly short-chain fatty acids, which have a beneficial effect on the body. These bacterial metabolites show anti-inflammatory effects by influencing the function and activity of immune cells.

– The aim of our study is to determine whether dietary supplementation with inulin-type β-fructans derived from chicory will provide measurable health benefits to patients with psoriasis. We will test whether these benefits result from modification of the composition and activity of the gut microbiota,” the researcher reports.

To achieve this goal, the team led by Dr Urszula Krupa-Kozak will conduct an original, advanced and complex study involving approximately 70 patients with psoriasis who will take the supplement for eight weeks. The study will include, among other things, characterisation of their gut microbiota, assessment of gut barrier function, analysis of selected biomarkers and metabolic parameters, which the researchers suspect will help to elucidate the nature of the interaction between the gut microbiota and the skin, providing clues to the functioning of the gut-skin axis.

– If our hypothesis proves itself and we show that this prebiotic has a beneficial effect on the study parameters, the results of our research will be able to contribute to the development of dietary recommendations that can be used to treat patients with psoriasis – concludes Urszula Krupa-Kozak.

PROJECT LAUNCH

The research is being carried out as part of the project ‘Effect of intestinal microbiota modulation induced by the chicory inulin-type β-fructans on metabolic parameters and biomarkers of the gut-skin axis in chronic skin inflammation’, funded by the National Science Centre (NCN).

The leader of the project is the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn. Partners: the School of Medicine of the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn (team of dermatologists from the Department and Clinic of Dermatology, Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Clinical Immunology under the direction of Prof. Agnieszka Owczarczyk-Saczonek) and the Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences of the Warsaw University of Life Sciences (team from the Department of Dietetics under the direction of Prof. Ewa Lange).

The amount of funding is more than PLN 2 million. The project is expected to be completed in 2027.

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Vitamin D helps maintain immune cell balance

Vitamin D regulates hundreds of genes and dozens of physiological functions in the human body, including those responsible for immune system activity. Scientists from the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn have just demonstrated that vitamin D in healthy individuals actually helps maintain a state of balance in immune system cells.

– Vitamin D has long been known to have beneficial effects on human health. In our recent studies, we have confirmed that in healthy individuals, vitamin D stabilises the homeostasis of human immune cells and counteracts molecular stress occurring, for example, due to microbial infection or inflammation – emphasises Dr Julia Jarosławska-Miszkiewicz from the Nutrigenomics Team of the IAR&FR PAS in Olsztyn.

– Previously, this knowledge was conjectural, we have confirmed for the first time in a study that vitamin D in a healthy body actually regulates biological functions at the cellular level – adds the nutrigenomics scientist, who studies how the foods we eat (nutri-) interacts with all of our genes (-genomics).

The basis for the study was material taken from 25 healthy people – blood drawn before and after taking the recommended monthly dose of vitamin D (80,000 units). The researcher looked at so-called signal transduction pathways in cells. Cell signalling is part of a complex communication system that regulates cell processes and coordinates cell activity.

– A number of genes in cells, including those of the immune system, are responsible for transmitting the appropriate signal from outside or inside the cell to produce the appropriate molecular effect, i.e. to encode proteins accordingly. I carried out an analysis of 16 such major signalling pathways, assessing a number of biochemical reactions through which this process occurs – says the scientist.

Analysis has shown that vitamin D in healthy immune cells in healthy humans modulates these pathways and thus regulates physiological cell functions such as, for example, growth, differentiation, cell migration or the cell’s response to stress factors.

The results of the described research were published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

Vitamin D – essential for our health

Vitamin D affects the functioning of the entire body. Its most well-known action is to maintain adequate levels of calcium in the body to maintain normal bone structure. Vitamin D is also important for 'training’ the immune system so that it works effectively in case of microbial infections, but also does not overreact in case of possible autoimmune reactions.

Long-term vitamin D deficiency can lead to bone diseases – rickets in children and osteomalacia (soft bones) in adults. It also causes a malfunction of the immune system, leading to, for example, increased susceptibility to infectious diseases or autoimmune diseases.

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More information on nutrigenomics at IAR&FR PAS in Olsztyn and the latest research of the ERA Chair WELCOME2 team can be found on the website: https://welcome2.pan.olsztyn.pl/.

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Institute’s PhD students with PRELUDIUM 22 grants

PRELUDIUM is a competition of the National Science Centre for research projects for people without doctoral degrees. Among the winners of the 22nd edition of the competition are Anna Wójtowicz and Ewelina Żebrowska, PhD students of Dr Anna Szóstek-Mioduchowska from the Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology at our Institute, who, thanks to the grant, will extend their research into fertility disorders in mares, resulting in severe losses in the horse breeding industry.

Grant-winning projects:

Building blocks and energy carriers in the course of mare endometrial fibrosis – identification of metabolic changes and the effect of inflammatory mediators

Project leader: Anna Wójtowicz

Research supervisor: Dr Anna Szóstek-Mioduchowska

Grant: PLN 140 000

The objective of this research project is to investigate the metabolic changes occurring in the mare

endometrium during the development of fibrosis. We aim to identify alterations in the metabolome

profile at each stage of fibrosis and understand the impact of inflammatory mediators, such as IL-4

and IL-13 on the metabolic state of mare endometrial fibroblasts and the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS).

The effect of macrophages on the miRNA expression profile in equine endometrial fibroblasts

Project leader: Ewelina Żebrowska

Research supervisor: Dr Anna Szóstek-Mioduchowska

Grant: PLN 209 960

The research team hypothesized that paracrine factors secreted by activated Mϕ1 and Mϕ2a induce changes in the miRNA profile in equine endometrial fibroblasts and their effect differs between Mϕ1 and Mϕ2a via secreted mediators. This project aims to investigate the effect of different types of Mϕs on miRNA profile in equine endometrial fibroblast in processes associated with the development of endometrosis.

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Institute researchers with OPUS 25 grants

OPUS 25 is a competition of the National Science Centre aimed at financing basic research carried out as part of research projects by scientists at all stages of their scientific career. Among the grantees of the 25th edition of the competition are scientists of the IAR&FR PAS, who, thanks to the grants, will investigate the epigenetic memory of immune cells and the influence of diet on wound healing.

Grant-winning projects:

The effect of Western diet modified with vegetable oils on the healing process of skin wounds in mice

Poject Leader: dr Joanna Wiśniewska

Grant: PLN 3 495 898

The aim of the project is to show that changing eating habits by partial substitution of dietary animal fat by plant oils improves skin wound healing by reducing pro-inflammatory effect of WD and restoring skin ability to heal wounds via repair (scarring). Additionally, a comparative analysis of the effect on skin between diet rich in rapeseed and palm oil will be performed. To achieve our goal, experimental mice will be fed modified versions of laboratory animal WD in which 50% of the animal fat content will be replaced with rapeseed or palm oil, and standard WD (control). In post-injured skin samples collected from animals at the inflammatory and remodeling phase of wound healing, we will determine: (a) macrophage phenotype and their functional features, (b) inflammatory markers expression, (c) markers of reparative healing. In the in vitro experiments there will be investigated the mechanism underlying the effect of diet on interactions between macrophages and dermal fibroblasts, and the role of the CD36 (FA transporter) and Wnt/β-catenin pathway in establishing these interactions. Single cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) and chromatin profiling (scATACseq) will provide detailed molecular – level information on the impact of diet on intact and post-injured skin cell populations.

Investigating the mechanisms of epigenetic memory at the example of the responsiveness of human immune cells to vitamin D

Project leader: prof. Carsten Carlberg

Grant: PLN 3 371 280

The effects of vitamin D on the epigenome of immune cells and their functional response in terms of gene activity (transcriptome) will be measured by a series of so-called next generation sequencing methods. The data will be analyzed by bioinformatic methods and used to build mechanistic in silico models of vitamin D’s function in immune cells. We expect to observe responses of the epigenome and transcriptome of immune cells to vitamin D that are found in all study participants as well as individual-specific responses. This will allow us to understand the molecular basis of individual differences in the response to vitamin D, referred to as the vitamin D response index. As a consequence, we will be able to provide more personalized advices for vitamin D supplementation, in order to obtain optimized health benefits in terms of a well-functioning immune system.

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Unknown parental influence on offspring quality in perch

Fish eggs are among the largest sex cells in the vertebrate world, but the processes and mechanisms within them are not yet fully known. In perch, one of the unknowns is the influence of factors from the parents on the quality of the offspring – the larvae. The answer is being sought by scientists from the Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology of our Institute.

– We know little about parental influence on offspring quality in most domesticated fish species. In the case of perch, no such data are available at all. Therefore, we are looking for an answer to the question of what factors on the part of the female and/or the male make one fish of their offspring qualitatively better and the other worse – explains study leader Dr Daniel Żarski from the Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology of the IAR&FR PAS in Olsztyn.

„PACKAGE” WITH A SET OF EXPERIENCES

Key to understanding these factors is the study of eggs and larvae at the molecular level. Fish eggs are some of the largest sex cells in the vertebrate world – they have a lot of different kinds of molecules in them, including a lot of spare material (mainly in the form of fats and proteins), which allows the fish larvae to continue to develop for some time after hatching. This is because fish in our climatic zone spawn and in most cases abandon their eggs (there is no gestation stage as in mammals or egg-laying as in birds), so such a cell, in order to develop on its own, must be adequately protected and supplied „for the immediate future”.

As in any other cell, there are a number of different molecules in the egg besides the DNA itself. – We looked specifically at the mRNA, where there is encoded information that the mother wants to pass on to her offspring – a set of experiences from a whole year, such as the stress she has experienced or interactions with other fish or predators. All this information is passed on by the mother to the egg so that the offspring, at least initially, are prepared for the problems they may encounter. We call this non-genetic inheritance – says the fish reproductive scientist.

This information is easily modifiable – the mother 'updates’ it every year on the occasion of each reproduction.
– Among other things, precisely because of the factors to which the female has been exposed recently, one year her offspring will be of better quality and the next year they may be of worse quality – adds Daniel Żarski.

Such factors that determine the quality of the offspring – here understood as the ability of the larvae to hatch and to adapt to the rearing conditions – are numerous. Not only on the part of the mother, but also on the part of the father, and they are still not fully known.

ON THE HALFWAY

Daniel Żarski’s team is working on solving this issue, conducting research as part of the project entitled 'Transcriptomic and zootechnical analysis of parental influence on offspring quality in perch, Perca fluviatilis’, funded by the National Science Centre (NCN).

We are halfway through the project. We have already carried out 4 of the 6 planned experiments (plus one additional one), and we have to remember that under our climate conditions we are able to carry out reproductive studies on perch only once a year – in spring, when the fish are spawning. One of the biggest challenges so far has been to carry out an experiment comparing two extremely different phenotypes, i.e. larvae from wild, domesticated fish and their crosses. We are now analysing the collected data, the preliminary results of which seem very promising – the scientist points out.

The researchers still have an experiment ahead of them which is expected to help decipher what causes twin offspring to have different growth potential and, as a result, to be of different sizes.

– Our project is not based on specific hypotheses, but is an exploratory project. In other words, we are trying to understand these mechanisms that we observe, rather than 'squeezing them’ into a top-down framework – emphasises Daniel Żarski.

The project started in 2021 and will last until 2026. The amount of funding is more than PLN 2.8 million. IAR&FR’s partner in the project is the Stanisław Sakowicz Inland Fisheries Institute in Olsztyn.

OBJECTIVE: TO SET THE STANDARDS

According to Daniel Żarski, the knowledge gained through the project’s research will not only contribute to the advancement of science on the topic of perch fish reproduction and larviculture, but may also find applications in aquaculture in the future.

– Perch are the right species to study for several reasons: they are much larger than typical model fish, they have high fecundity, they are a young species phylogenetically, and they have a large and growing breeding potential. Therefore, our overarching goal is to set some standards for creating selection criteria, always much needed by breeders,” explains Daniel Żarski.

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New idea for research demonstrating effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation

A new idea for research demonstrating the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation has been developed by researchers from the ERA Chair WELCOME2 nutrigenomics team. They propose to divide patients into three groups according to the degree of response of the body to vitamin D, based on measuring the expression (response) of specific genes to the vitamin.

– Measuring vitamin D levels in the body alone is not an effective way to determine whether we have enough vitamin D. It is crucial to take into account the individual level of the body’s response to this vitamin by measuring the expression of specific genes. Only such an approach will give a reliable result as to whether vitamin D supplementation has the intended effect – explains Dr Emilia Gospodarska of the Nutrigenomics team of the IAR&FR PAS in Olsztyn.

Publication on this topic has just been published in the journal „Nutrients”.

Changing the approach

Emilia Gospodarska explains that current blood tests to determine the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation are not well designed.

– These tests are designed along the lines of therapeutic drug tests, not a nutritional compound such as vitamin D. Measuring the difference between a level of zero, that is, without administration of the drug, and then after a time when the drug has been taken, does not work for vitamin D. One reason for this is that, after all, everyone already has a certain level of this vitamin; it is never zero. Furthermore, people differ in their response to vitamin D. Our doubts have been confirmed by recent long-term studies (RCTs – randomised controlled trials) on a large scale (up to 25,000 participants) to evaluate the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation in preventing the development of a number of diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease or cancer, which did not provide any statistically significant results – the researcher emphasises.

A team of nutrigenomics experts from Olsztyn (nutrigenomics is the science that studies the effect of nutrients on the expression of genes, among others, responsible for health) has therefore proposed a paradigm shift.

The core of their idea is to move away from measuring vitamin D levels alone to studying the body’s response to the vitamin – based on the expression levels of specific genes, which are markers, or determinants, of this action.

Currently, scientists are looking for the best ones to study from a wide range of genes – potential markers. Bioinformaticians are involved in the work.

Crucial to this new approach described is the division of the population into three groups – in terms of their level of response to vitamin D: high responders, medium responders and low responders.

– This classification was proposed by our team leader Professor Carsten Carlberg, based on his research on the Finnish and Saudi Arabian populations. Based on this classification, we know, for example, that people with a high vitamin D response (i.e. when the body is able to maximise the effects of vitamin D) will need less vitamin D than those with low levels. Let me give an example to illustrate: the standard established vitamin D dose for an adult is 2000 units per day. However, it turns out that people in the low-response group need more of it. How much exactly – this will be determined on the basis of the studies we are developing – points out Emilia Gospodarska.

The research conducted by scientists from Olsztyn is basic level research. However, Emilia Gospodarska is convinced that the solution has a chance of commercialisation.

– Our proposal will make it possible not only to demonstrate the actual effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation, but also to personalise the therapy by determining the exact dose needed for a given patient – concludes the scientist.

Vitamin D – essential for our health

Vitamin D affects the functioning of the entire body. Its most well-known action is to maintain adequate calcium levels in the body to maintain proper bone structure. Vitamin D is also important for 'training’ our immune system so that it works effectively in the case of microbial infections, but also does not overreact in the case of possible autoimmune reactions.

Long-term vitamin D deficiency can lead to bone diseases – rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. It also causes a malfunction of the immune system, leading to, among other things, increased susceptibility to infectious diseases or autoimmune diseases.

For more information visit: https://welcome2.pan.olsztyn.pl/

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A step closer to understanding the mechanisms that influence pregnancy success

In an early stage of pregnancy, the dialogue between the developing embryo and mother is one of the key factors determining the success of the embryo implantation process in the uterus. Scientists from the Molecular Biology Laboratory of IARFR PAS have discovered another relationship that helps to understand this complicated process.

The results of their research indicate the key role of extracellular vesicles, i.e. unique molecular cargo carriers, secreted by both the embryo and mother.

DIALOGUE – A WAY TO SUCCESS

The mechanisms determining the proper maintenance of pregnancy in various species of mammals and the process of communication between the embryo with the mother (how it takes place and with what factors) are the topics of the scientific interests of Prof. Monika Kaczmarek, who heads the Molecular Biology Laboratory at the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn.

– In early pregnancy, when the embryo reaches the uterus, intense communication begins between the embryo and the uterus. The exchange of signals is one of the factors determining the successful implantation (nesting) of the embryo in the uterine wall. How does this dialogue go? The embryo sends the signal: „I am here” and the uterus „responds” with a readiness to accept the embryo and providing the factors and nutrients necessary for its further development. It is known that hundreds of particles are involved in this dialogue, but despite the identification of many of them, the full understanding of the complexity of this mechanism still remains a mystery – says Prof. Monika Kaczmarek.

Understanding the communication process between the embryo and mother will allow researchers to answer questions about the causes of pregnancy failure, which may depend, among others. from genetic defects of the embryos, lack of readiness of the uterus to accept the embryo (i.e. uterine receptivity) or disorders of the mentioned dialogue.

USEFUL VESICLES

Research by the team of Prof. Monika Kaczmarek has shown that the early stages of embryo implantation are regulated by the replacement of extracellular follicles between the embryo and the endometrial (mucosa lining the uterine cavity). 

– Extracellular vesicles (EVS) are nanoparticles covered with a membrane, secreted by all types of cells in living organisms. Recently, they have gained recognition as an important element of intercellular communication. What’s more, over the past decade, their role has become particularly important in the area of mammal reproduction biology, attracting the attention of many scientific teams and researchers around the world – describes the researcher.

The conducted works used a model of a home pig (Sus Scrofa), which has an extended preimplantation period, which facilitates investigating the dialogue between the embryo and the mother. Scientists isolated extracellular bubbles from uterine fluid taken in various days of pregnancy, and then confirmed their participation in maintaining this key communication.

– We have shown that during early pregnancy, uterine light abounds in extracellular vesicles, which transfer many molecules of miRNA capable of expression (a process, during which specific genetic information is decoded and transferred to „protein production”) of genes involved in the development of the embryo and the organism. Vesicles, after delivering trophoblast to primary cells, affect genes regulating development, as well as signaling and interactions between cells, as a consequence affecting proliferation (cell ability to multiply), migration and invasive abilities of trophoblast cells – explains Prof. Monika Kaczmarek.

On this basis, scientists conclude that the replacement of the unique population of extracellular follicles and their molecular load between the embryo and mother is the key to the success of the implantation of the embryo and the success of pregnancy.

The results of the above research were published in The FASEB Journal. They constitute an important element of Dr. Joanna Szuszkiewicz’s doctoral thesis.

RESEARCH CONTINUED

The extracellular vesicles are also the subject of subsequent scientific publications of the team of researchers from IARFR PAS  in Olsztyn, which have just appeared in the magazines: Cell Communication and Signaling and The FASEB Journal. They are part of the doctoral thesis of Maria Guzewska.

– We have shown that the synthesis of extracellular vesicles in the uterus is dependent on embryonic signals. In addition, we have shown that the miRNA embryo present in cells regulates the expression of genes that determine the formation of a specific EVs population secreted by the embryo. This groundbreaking discovery indicates the key role of the embryo and its signals in defining subsequent stages of pregnancy involving extracellular vesicles – emphasizes prof. Monika Kaczmarek

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Invitation

We cordially invite PhD students, scientific supervisors and all Institute’s employees to the Oath of the PhD students of the Interdisciplinary Doctoral School of Agricultural Sciences.

The inauguration of the academic year of will be honoured with the lecture of Dr. Bartosz Fotschki: „Super Raspberries – the hero that supports staying healthy”.

The event will take place October 2, 2023 at 9:00 am in the seminar room of IARFR PAS at Tuwima 10.

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Ketogenic diet and health. Research by Dr. Natalia Drabińska

The increased popularity of the ketogenic diet is not followed by scientific knowledge on the safety of its use, points out Dr Natalia Drabińska from the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn, who studies the effects of the ketogenic diet on metabolism, inflammation, selected nutritional parameters and oxidative stress in overweight and obese women.

The ketogenic diet is a high fat, low carbohydrate diet that involves putting the body into a state of ketosis. – It is quite a demanding diet, but one that gives quick results and allows you to lose unwanted kilograms in a short period of time. This is why it has become so popular in recent years – emphasises Dr Natalia Drabińska from the Department of Chemistry and Biodynamics of Food at the IAR&FR PAS in Olsztyn.

However, this does not mean that the ketogenic diet is scientifically well understood; there is still a lot of information published on the internet about the effects of this diet on the human body that is not supported by scientific research. – Although the available scientific literature indicates that the use of the ketogenic diet may be beneficial in reducing body weight, comprehensive studies guaranteeing the safety of its use are not available – she adds.

Seeking to fill this gap, the researcher, as part of an NCN-funded project, is investigating how the ketogenic diet affects metabolism, inflammation, selected nutritional parameters and oxidative stress in overweight and obese women.

The first correlation studied is the effect of the ketogenic diet on metabolism, i.e. the total biochemical processes in the body that process the energy of nutrients from food.

The next step will be to investigate the effect of the ketogenic diet on inflammation – whether and how it can reduce it.

In the effects of the ketogenic diet on selected nutritional parameters, the researcher will examine the levels of fat-soluble vitamins, namely vitamins A, D, E and K; determine the amino acid profile and the fatty acid profile.

The effect of the ketogenic diet on oxidative stress, on the other hand, will be determined by the level of antioxidant activity – what from the diet increases it and how the body responds to it; the level of enzymes involved in neutralising free radicals; and the level of lipid and nucleic acid peroxidation products. – My previous animal research showed that the ketogenic diet, even in a fairly extreme form, did not induce oxidative stress, and in fact lowered it – says the researcher.

– We have now carried out most of the research and have begun to analyse the results. Thanks to them, we will be able to answer questions asked by many people struggling with obesity and overweight, wondering whether the ketogenic diet is a safe and effective way to lose extra kilograms – emphasises Natalia Drabińska.

The cohort included 80 women (72 completed) – healthy, slightly overweight (with a BMI of 25.5-35), with an average age of 35-40 years; they were volunteers from Olsztyn and the surrounding area. For 8 weeks, women received daily balanced meals, provided by a diet catering service, and attended regular check-ups. – All the ladies are satisfied with the results of this diet, as they have shed a total of 380 kg! – indicated the researcher, who also went on a diet.

THE KETOGENIC DIET – WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW?

The ketogenic diet involves balancing meals in such way that the main part of the calories comes from fats and the consumption of carbohydrates is maximally limited. Interestingly, the ketogenic diet was originally used to treat patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.

After four to six weeks of adaptation to such a diet, a state of ketosis occurs in the body, i.e. the body 'switches’ so that it derives energy from ketone bodies (i.e. fat accumulated in the tissues) and not – as before – from sugars (glucose).

– Before this happens, however, you need patience and determination, because the ketogenic diet can make you feel worse in the first few weeks. This is because when your body runs out of glucose and is not yet able to use ketone bodies, you will lose strength and may experience flu-like symptoms. This is when it is especially important to remember to drink plenty of water and to keep an eye on electrolyte levels. As a start, I also recommend supplementation with MCT oil – this is an oil containing medium chain acids that go directly to the liver (without passing through the pancreas) and are converted into ketone bodies there, says the researcher.

The scientist reminds us that in following any diet, it is important to proceed with caution and awareness. – In some situations, it is necessary to consult a doctor, as a high-fat diet should not be followed by people with kidney or liver problems, for example. We must remember that it is a diet based mainly on fat, which is metabolised by the liver. Therefore, loading it with a high-fat diet in people who are ill can be dangerous to their health. It is therefore worth doing a liver panel (ALT, AST, GGTP) before starting the diet, as well as checking kidney parameters such as uric acid, the level of which increases especially at the beginning of a ketogenic diet – she points out.

The ketogenic diet is an elimination diet, so it is important to ensure that it is varied and balanced. – The ketogenic diet is not about meat dripping with fat, but, above all, about healthy fat from, for example, eggs, avocados, nuts, olive oil or selected fruit and vegetables,” emphasises Natalia Drabińska.

As the researcher points out, according to current scientific knowledge, there are no contraindications to prolonged/longed use of the ketogenic diet.

Dr Natalia Drabińska’s research is being conducted as part of a project entitled 'KETO-MINOX: Effects of an isocaloric, reducing ketogenic diet on metabolism, inflammation, selected nutritional parameters and oxidative stress in overweight and obese women’, funded by the National Science Centre (NCN). The project will last until 2025.

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Check the response of your body to vitamin D supplementation

The Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research PAS in Olsztyn invites healthy (not smoking) women and men aged 18-65 with normal body weight (BMI 19-25) to participate in a scientific study on vitamin D.

The study will be conducted from November 2023 to February 2024 (7 meetings).

By taking part in this study, you will learn:

  • what is the level of vitamin D in your blood;
  • whether your body has a very good, average or poor response to vitamin D.

What do you need to do?

  • contact us to participate in the initial examination;
  • come to your appointment after overnight fasting and give your blood sample (approx. 20 mL);
  • take a personalized monthly dose of vitamin D (under the supervision of our doctor);
  • come the next day to give another blood sample (approx. 20 mL);
  • this procedure will be done once a month over a 3-month period.

In addition, by participating in the study, you will receive breakfast together with a dose of vitamin D, and get a chance to be selected for a long-term intervention study that will allow you to optimize the level of vitamin D in your body.

If you are interested in participating in the study, please contact us by phone or e-mail:

Dr. Marianna Raczyk (+48 790 567 861, m.raczyk@pan.olsztyn.pl)
Dr. Emilia Gospodarska (+48 793 929 156, e.gospodarska@pan.olsztyn.pl)

Project leader: prof. Carsten Carlberg, e-mail: c.carlberg@pan.olsztyn.pl, +48 604 336 461

The study is part of the Horizon Europe ERA Chairs WELCOME2 project.

#welcome2nutrigenomics

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