We already know the results of the eighth edition of the MINIATURA competition announced by the National Science Centre in Krakow. Among the prize-winners is Ms Amanda Bartkowiak, PhD, who will carry out a project entitled: “Do flozins improve erythrocyte nanomechanics? Investigation of the new flozin effect in patients with heart failure”.
SGLT2 inhibitors, commonly known as flozins, were recently considered primarily as antidiabetic drugs, reducing hyperglycemia by promoting the excretion of excess glucose in urine. However, it has been observed that flozin administration is also associated with beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system, making them a promising therapeutic option for patients with chronic heart failure, regardless of whether they have diabetes.
The main objective of the proposed scientific project is to investigate the impact of flozins on the functional status of erythrocytes in patients with advanced ischemic systolic heart failure. The research task will be conducted using a unique methodology combining vibrational spectroscopy with the assessment of mechanical properties at the single-cell level using atomic force microscopy. The project will be carried out at JCET in collaboration with the 2nd Department of Cardiology of the Institute of Cardiology at the Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College.
Results of the MINIATURA 8 competition