Department of Biochemistry accommodates two research groups.

Dr. Ana Djordjevic's group is currently doing research with a common baseline - the problem of obesity and related metabolic disorders. In the last 10 years, our group (then led by Professor Gordana Matić) has dealt with the role of glucocorticoid hormones in neuroendocrine adaptation to stress and in the pathophysiology of metabolic syndrome in the animal models of fructose-fed rats and mice and female rats with polycystic ovary syndrome. We are currently developing new animal models to examine the role of the intestinal microbiota in obesity, and we have recently started cooperation with a special hospital for thyroid disease and metabolic diseases "Čigota" on Zlatibor, which is a leading institution for the treatment of obesity in children and adolescents.

You can find more information about us at the following link: https://sites.google.com/view/disobescience/home?authuser=0

Research of Dr. Tomić's group is in the field of newly-synthesized and natural neuro/psychopharmacological substances and the research is focused on molecular mechanisms of their action in animal models and in vitro cell culture. In the field of nutritional biochemistry, the research is focused on role and mechanisms of folate and fatty acid action in the CNS and animal behavior.

Research is conducted on cell lines and animal models using different techniques including biochemical analysis, Western blot, qPCR, proteomics and behavioral testing.

GENERAL TOPICS:

• The role of intestinal microbiota and inflammation in the development of obesity and metabolic disorders
• The role of glucocorticoid hormones in neuroendocrine and metabolic adaptation to stress and hypercaloric diet
• Analysis of pathophysiological changes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome and in animal models of the syndrome
• Influence of external and genetic factors on the occurrence of neurodevelopmental disorders
• Investigation of endothelial-protective and anticancer potential of plant extracts rich in polyphenols on cell models