The international study conducted by Atatürk University scientists on pancreatic cancer was published in a highly respected scientific journal with an impact factor of 24.3.

Two scientists from Atatürk University published an article titled "Cell Membrane-Camouflaged Bufalin Nanoparticles Target NOD2 and Overcome Multidrug Resistance in Pancreatic Cancer" in the Q1 journal "Drug Resistance Updates" with a very high impact factor (IF=24.3). Scientists from Turkey, China, Germany and Hong Kong also contributed to this collaboration.

The medical world aims to find an effective and safe way to treat deadly diseases such as pancreatic cancer. In this context, a group of researchers from Turkey, China, Germany and Hong Kong have produced a promising solution to overcome this challenge. Prof. Dr. Abdelaty Hassibelnaby and Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hacımüftüoğlu, faculty members of Atatürk University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Pharmacology, put into practice a study called cell membrane-coated bufalin nanoparticles, which they call CBAP for short.

Developed Method Increases Individual's Ability to Fight Cancer

CBAP represents a powerful drug delivery system targeting Bufalin, a compound used in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Bufalin, a compound derived from frog secretions, is known as a potential drug that can target cancer cells. However, the risk of Bufalin causing cardiotoxicity prevents the use of this valuable compound. CBAP successfully addresses this issue. By coating Bufalin with the cell membrane, it greatly reduces this harmful effect and at the same time enhances Bufalin's ability to fight cancer.

Observing that CBAP makes pancreatic cancer cells more sensitive and more effective against drugs usually used in treatment, the researchers also studied the working mechanism of CBAP and made a surprising discovery. CBAP targets the NOD2/NF-κB signalling pathway, a pathway that causes drug resistance in pancreatic cancer cells. This interaction allows drugs to reach cancer cells more effectively by reducing the expression of ATP-binding transporters (ABCB1 and ABCG2) that lead to drug resistance.

In the study, in which CBAP was revealed as a nanomedicine method that can be used in pancreatic cancer treatment, this new approach has the potential to overcome drug resistance and increases the hope of use for pancreatic cancer treatment while minimizing the cardiac side effects associated with Bufalin.

"We are working for our country to maintain its competitive position"

Ataturk University Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Çomaklı, who stated that the work continues intensively as a university in order for Turkey to maintain its global competitive position in the pharmaceutical sector and to move to higher steps, stated that important steps have been taken towards domestic pharmaceutical production with the domestic and national technology move. Rector Çomaklı stated that these chains have started to break with the breakthroughs made for the sector, which has been dependent on foreign countries for years: "As a university, every development we will experience in the pharmaceutical sector will ensure that the equity will remain in Turkey. Again, exporting the developed domestic drugs will bring self-confidence as well as economic gain."

"Our aim; To Contribute to the Domestic and National Pharmaceutical Production Process of Our Country"

Stating that they have put this issue on their agenda since the first day they took office and that important studies have been carried out in the process, Prof. Dr. Çomaklı said: "In order to accelerate the domestic drug processes, we bring together many disciplines, especially in the fields of pharmacy, medicine, biology, chemistry, physics and engineering, and carry out drug discovery or development studies by exchanging information with academics, researchers, pharmaceutical companies and related service institutions. During the pandemic process, we have once again closely witnessed the importance of the health sector. Our aim is to contribute to the domestic and national drug production process of our country. We have the research infrastructure and manpower to fulfil this important mission."

"We Have Responsibilities to Humanity"

Rector Çomaklı stated that as Atatürk University, they prioritise the use of knowledge on behalf of society by working human-oriented: "We support every step taken in this direction to the end. We have responsibilities to humanity. One of them is to realise studies that can cure diseases. I congratulate Prof. Dr. Abdelaty Hassibelnaby and Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hacımüftüoğlu, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Pharmacology, for the method they developed for the treatment of pancreatic cancer on the way they set out to fulfil such a sacred duty, and I wish them continued success."

What is High Impact Factor Publication?

High impact factor publications and international collaborations are of great importance for the academic world and universities. High impact factor publications often represent research that pushes the boundaries of knowledge. Institutions associated with high impact factor publications gain more recognition and prestige. Such studies, which are generally read and cited by a wider readership, also bring international collaborations.

Article Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1368764623000882