Dr. Domokos Csukás: Investigation of Peyronie’s Disease in a Rat Model (Experimental research)
Brief description of the topic:
Peyronie’s disease is a chronic condition characterized by the pathological accumulation of fibrous scar tissue within the penis, occurring either as solitary lesions or as multiple fibrotic foci, and can significantly impair patients’ quality of life. In our experimental animal model, we aim to gain a better understanding of the pathomechanisms underlying the disease, with the ultimate goal of contributing to the development of more effective therapeutic approaches.
Dr. Domokos Csukás: Histological Investigation of Porcine Pulmonary Intravascular Macrophages (PIMs) – Key Players in the Adverse Effects of Nanomedicines? (Experimental research)
Brief description of the topic:
Pulmonary intravascular macrophages (PIMs) represent a unique subpopulation of immune cells within the pulmonary immune system. These cells are thought to be partly responsible for the acute immune responses induced by certain nanomedicines. Such immune reactions currently represent a major obstacle to the widespread application of these drugs and their carrier systems.
In our studies, we investigate lung tissues from pigs, rats, and other laboratory animal species in collaboration with specialists in the field. Our aim is to determine how these cells can be visualized, stained, specifically labelled, and distinguished from other macrophage populations. A better characterization of PIMs may contribute to understanding the mechanisms underlying nanomedicine-induced immune reactions.
Important: Students have the opportunity to become involved in an ongoing, active PhD research project. Depending on the level of contribution and involvement, participation may also provide the opportunity for co-authorship in resulting scientific publications.
Dr. Domokos Csukás: Systematic Review of Mini-Laparoscopy in Rat and Rabbit Models (Literature research)
Brief description of the topic:
Mini-laparoscopy is a specialized and promising field of minimally invasive surgery. In this research project, we will systematically review the technical aspects of mini-laparoscopy, its advantages and limitations, and the results of experimental studies performed in rat and rabbit models.
In addition, we aim to identify research questions and directions that have not yet been sufficiently investigated and that could provide the basis for future collaborative experimental projects, potentially including a subsequent PhD-level research project.
Dr. Domokos Csukás: Systematic Review of Microsurgically Induced Cardiovascular Models in Mice, Rats, and Rabbits (Literature research)
Brief description of the topic:
To date, numerous surgically induced cardiovascular models have been developed. These models involve the experimental induction of pathological conditions in which alterations of the cardiovascular system can be specifically investigated. But what exactly are these models? Which procedures are invasive or non-invasive? Which models represent acute or chronic conditions? What are their main advantages and disadvantages? And how can the most appropriate animal model be selected for a particular research question?
In this research project, we will systematically review the technical aspects of microsurgically induced cardiovascular models, their advantages and limitations, and the results of experimental studies performed in mice, rats, and rabbits. In addition, we aim to identify research questions and directions that have not yet been sufficiently investigated and that could provide the basis for future collaborative experimental projects, potentially including a subsequent PhD-level research project.
Dr. Domokos Csukás: Systematic Review of Catheterization Models in Mice, Rats, and Rabbits (Literature research) Brief description of the topic:
Short- and long-term catheterization is a common and widely used surgical procedure in laboratory animals. It can be applied in a broad range of experimental settings and frequently serves as a preparatory step for the main experimental procedure. What catheterization techniques are available? What are the precise technical parameters—often critical determinants of procedural success? Which organs and vessels can be catheterized, for what purposes, and for how long? What are the advantages and limitations of the different approaches? And how can the most appropriate animal model be selected?
In this research project, we will systematically review the technical aspects of catheterization methods, their advantages and limitations, and the results of experimental studies performed in mice, rats, and rabbits. In addition, we aim to identify research questions and directions that have not yet been sufficiently investigated and that could provide the basis for future collaborative experimental projects, potentially including a subsequent PhD-level research project.