Hypoxia and oxidativ stress
Research goals and strategy
Over the past 30 years, considerable research efforts have helped to elucidate the mechanisms of hypoxia and reoxygenation, oxidative stress, and subsequent oxidative damage. The PFI has substantially contributed to change the guidelines for resuscitation of neonates in October 2010; however, more research is required to elucidate the mechanisms and effects of oxidative stress and possible intervention strategies to reduce the potential harmful effects of oxygen. The group has conducted many experimental studies in various animal models (mainly piglets and mice) and in cell models.
The Institute's strategy has been and will be to recruit dedicated scientific professionals for ongoing studies in our key areas of research and to develop new ideas. The Institute has many local and international partners and is open to visiting scholars. Research group leader Ola Didrik Saugstad received in 2011 three awards for their contributions to neonatal medicine and for his involvement in the public debate about medical ethics, The Landmark Award (American Academy of Pediatrics), Bjornson Prize (along with Marte Wexelsen Goksøyr, Bjornson Academy) and Corresponding member (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Medizin Perinatal).
Current research projects
- Studies of newborn mice to identify whole-genome and transcriptome changes at hypoxia and reoxygenation
- Studies in newborn mice to investigate toxicity of DNA at reoxygenation after hypoxia
- Studies on newborn pigs to examine neuroprotective principles
- Studies in newborn pigs to optimize resuscitation algorithms
- Studies on brain cells in culture to study the toxic effects of bilirubin on the enzymatic and molecular levels
- Clinical trials in neonates
Main national and international collaborators
- Many different collaboration partners at the Oslo University Hospital and the University of Oslo, among others, research groups at PFI, Inner Medical Research Institute (Rikshospitalet), Children Medical Centre (OUS HF), Department of Microbiology (OUS HF), Department of Anatomy (OUS HF), Biotechnology Centre (University of Oslo), and the Biology Institute (University of Oslo)
- University & Polytechnic Hospital La Fe, Valencia, Spania
- UOC Pediatria Neonatale, Policlinico S. Maria alle Scotte, Siena, Italia
- Faculté de médecine, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, Frankrike
- Barnemedisinsk klinikk, Karolinska Sjukhuset, Stockholm
- Børneafdeling, Aalborg Amtssygehus, Universitetet i Aarhus, Danmark
Financial support
- Oslo University Hospital
- University of Oslo
- South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority
- The Norwegian Research Council
- Landsforeningen for uventet barnedød (LUB) (The National Association of unexpected child death)
- EU/EAAEU/EAA
- Chiesi Pharma AB