PREDICT
Multidisciplinary research of neurophysiological mechanisms and biomarkers in response to intermittent hypoxia - translation from an animal model to patients, with the aim of developing personalized diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in sleep medicine - PREDICT (IP-UNIST-31)
Project title: Multidisciplinary research of neurophysiological mechanisms and biomarkers in response to intermittent hypoxia - translation from an animal model to patients, with the aim of developing personalized diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in sleep medicine - PREDICT (IP-UNIST-31)
Beneficiary: University of Split School of Medicine
Grant amount: 238.049,70 EUR
Project duration: 1/10/2025 - 30/09/2029
Project coordinator: Prof Zoran Đogaš, MD, PhD
Contact: Prof Zoran Đogaš, MD, PhD (
zdogas@mefst.hr)
Project description:
The project aims to investigate the neurophysiological mechanisms of sleep-related breathing disorders, particularly obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), using advanced multidisciplinary approaches. The core research topics link the effects of intermittent hypoxia on the brain and various organ systems, the identification of biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic dysregulation, through a translational approach that includes basic research in an animal model and clinical research in patients with OSA, alongside the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic tools.
The clinical part of the project includes the collection of data from patients and divers (examining maladaptive responses in OSA patients and adaptive responses in divers to intermittent hypoxia), including neurophysiological analyses and life quality assessments, with the aim of developing a personalized approach to patients with sleep disorders. Basic research is conducted using an animal model to elucidate neurophysiological and molecular mechanisms, with the establishment of a biobank of samples and digital platforms for data analysis.
The project also develops advanced digital tools, artificial intelligence, and machine learning for the interpretation of complex datasets and includes student education, professional training, and the popularization of science through workshops and public activities. The overall goal is to improve the diagnostics, treatment and prevention of sleep disorders through an integrated and personalized approach.
Project’s objectives:
C1. To enhance scientific excellence through the implementation of basic and clinical research of sleep disorders, particularly sleep-related breathing disorders (OSA) and insomnia, research into hypoxia exposure, the establishment of biobanks of blood/tissue of patients and experimental animals, and the development and application of digital tools in research of sleep disorders.
C2. To establish a foundation for applied research and innovation development in the field of diagnostics and treatment of sleep disorders, particularly sleep-related breathing disorders (OSA) and insomnia, through interdisciplinary collaboration between biomedical, technical and social sciences.
C3. To enable students to continue their active participation in research activities during their studies and to improve the quality and success of studying through student involvement in research activities and the preparation and mentoring of students’ final theses through the project.
C4. To strengthen social responsibility through the popularization of knowledge in field of sleep medicine, the establishment of resources for informing and educating the general population and the implementation of activities aimed at raising awareness about sleep disorders.
Collaborators:
Prof Renata Pecotić, MD, PhD; Prof Maja Valić, MD, PhD; Assoc Prof Ivana Pavlinac Dodig, MD, PhD; Assist Prof Linda Lušić Kalcina, PhD; Katarina Madirazza, PhD; Maja Rogić Vidaković, PhD; Assoc Prof Varja Đogaš, MD, PhD; Assoc Prof Mladen Carev, MD, PhD; Assist Prof Sanda Stojanović Stipić, MD, PhD; Assist Prof Božidar Duplančić, MD, PhD; Assist Prof Ivan Agnić, MD, PhD; Assoc Prof Trpimir Glavina, MD, PhD; Assoc Prof Davor Lasić, MD, PhD; Assoc Prof Boran Uglešić, MD, PhD; Assoc Prof Ivica Bilić, MD, PhD; Assist Prof Mario Mihalj, MD, PhD; Assoc Prof Gordan Džamonja, MD, PhD; Assoc Prof Sanda Pavelin, MD, PhD; Prof Marina Titlić, MD, PhD; Assoc Prof Zaviša Čolović, MD, PhD; Assoc Prof Mirko Kontić, MD, PhD; Assist Prof Draško Cikojević, MD, PhD; Prof Zoran Valić, MD, PhD; Tanja Dragun, MD, PhD; Petar Žuljević, MD; Assoc Prof Joško Markić, MD, PhD
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