PhD defence G.M. (Gianmarco) Balestra

Microcirculatory and Mitochondrial PO2 in Different (Patho-)Physiological States of the Rat Heart
Promotor
Prof.dr. R.J. Stolker
Promotor
Prof.dr. C. Ince
Co-promotor
Dr. E.G. Mik
Co-promotor
Dr. C.J. Zuurbier
Date
Friday 19 Apr 2024, 13:00 - 14:30
Type
PhD defence
Space
Senate Hall
Building
Erasmus Building
Location
Campus Woudestein
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On Friday 19 April 2024, G.M. Balestra will defend the doctoral thesis titled: ‘Microcirculatory and Mitochondrial PO2 in Different (Patho-)Physiological States of the Rat Heart'.

Brief summary of the doctoral thesis:

In this thesis we further developed and characterized our phosphorimetric method for near-simultaneous measurements of microcirculatory and mitochondrial oxygenation in the heart in vivo. In two animal models, right ventricular pressure overload and endotoxemia, we addressed the oxygenation level in the microcirculation and mitochondria. In both diseases no myocardial oxygen shortage was found. Our results suggest reprogramming of mitochondrial metabolic pathways and mitochondrial dysfunction as mechanisms for organ dysfunction in right ventricular pressure overload and endotoxemia, respectively. Elevated troponin levels were measured in animals treated with norepinephrine. Usual drug regimen according to sepsis treatment guidelines might therefore be associated with myocardial damage. Finally, it could be hypothesized that the mitochondrial mechanisms with altered metabolism and function represent a generic defense mechanism to severe cellular challenges as they have been described in a large number of cardiac, pulmonary, hepatic, neurologic and psychiatric diseases.

More information

The public defence will begin exactly at 13.00 hrs. The doors will be closed once the public defence starts, latecomers may be able to watch on the screen outside. There is no possibility of entrance during the first part of the ceremony. Due to the solemn nature of the ceremony, we recommend that you do not take children under the age of 6 to the first part of the ceremony. 

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