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Functional Studies
Functional studies encompass a range of research methods aimed at assessing how substances or treatments affect biological functions within cells. These studies focus on understanding how substances influence specific physiological processes such as mitochondrial function, glycolytic activity, inflammation response, regenerative capacity, antioxidant efficiency, and toxicity profiles. By employing various models and analytical techniques, functional studies provide insights into the functional outcomes and mechanisms underlying the effects of substances on biological systems.
Mytochondrial function
The substance's impact on mitochondrial function is evaluated by assessing its effect on the efficiency of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and phosphorylation system, as well as the integrity of the inner and outer mitochondrial membranes, and other parameters indicative of mitochondrial health.
Glycolytic activity
Assessing substance effect on the glycolysis efficiency and the capacity of the glycolytic system in the selected tissue.
Inflammation response
Measuring the ability of a substance to cause inflammation in immune cells, such as macrophages, microglia, fibroblasts, astrocytes, etc. Inflammation extent is assessed by the production and secretion of cytokines and chemokines, metalloproteinases, active oxygen and nitrogen compounds, transition from mitochondrial-glycolytic energy metabolism.
Regenerative capacity
Evaluation of regenerative effects on selected tissue cells by wound healing, total metabolic activity, energy metabolism intensity, and other methods. Possible models - skin (epidermis, mesoderm, hypodermis, full-thickness), respiratory, brain, intestinal, myocardial, skeletal muscle, retinal neuroepithelium, stem cells, immune cells, etc.
Antioxidant efficiency
Determination of the degree of oxidation of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids in biological samples that allows to assess antioxidant efficiency.
Toxicity studies
Measuring toxicity of drugs, nutritional supplements or functional food in vitro can inform doses for in vivo studies. This allows evaluation of cell tolerance to selected preparation. Possible evaluation parameters are total cellular metabolic activity, viability (determination of LC50), determination of the cell death pathway, activation of the inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and studies of mitochondrial and glycolytic energy activity. Established models - gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, skin, nervous system, mucous membranes, blood vessels, heart and skeletal muscle, stem cells, and immune cells. It is also possible to implement the model according to individual needs.
In vitro disease models
H: In vitro disease models are utilised to investigate the efficacy of substances in mitigating cellular damage and dysfunction associated with various diseases. Studies focus on evaluating protective effects against ischemic conditions in myocardial and cerebral tissues, as well as neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease. Parameters assessed include cell survival pathways, functional outcomes such as synaptic activity and mitochondrial integrity, and levels of inflammatory markers. Experimental models encompass cell cultures tailored to mimic disease-specific conditions and anatomical sites, facilitating targeted research on therapeutic interventions.
Viral & bacterial inflamattion
Studies can investigate the efficacy of anti-inflammatory drugs in modulating the immuno-metabolic responses of immune and selected cellular populations following activation by viral or bacterial pathogens. Key parameters assessed include the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and metalloproteinases, as well as the generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Additionally, the transition from mitochondrial to glycolytic energy metabolism is evaluated to understand cellular metabolic adaptations during inflammation. Experimental models can encompass various anatomical sites such as the respiratory tract, blood vessels, myocardium, gastrointestinal tract, neuroglial cells, and customisable models tailored to specific research objectives
Myocardial ischemia
The experimental model tests whether and to what extent investigated substances protects cardiomyocytes from ischemia-induced death. Possible extension of the study to assess effects on different death pathways (apoptosis, necrosis, ferroptosis, etc.), functionality (contractility), and mitochondrial integrity.
Cerebral ischemia
The cell culture model is designed to determine if the tested substance protects neurons from ischemic death. Optional assessment parameters include neuronal death, number of synapses, synaptic activity and signal quality, levels of the inflammatory activity of astrocytes and microglia, mitochondrial and glycolytic functionality, and levels of inflammatory factors.
Neurodegeneration
Model allows to assess substance's ability to provide protection to neurons (pure or co-cultured with other brain cells - microglia, astrocytes) from neurotoxic. Additional evaluation parameters can be selected, including neuronal death rate, number of synapses, synaptic activity and signal quality, and astrocyte and microglial inflammatory activity level.
Alzheimer's disease
Model allows to determined whether the substance protects neuronal synapses, improves their function, reduces the level of inflammation, and boosts energy metabolism. Sporadic (based on amyloidogenic peptides), familial (based on mutation), or mixed models are available.
Skin
Understanding how ingredients interact with and cross the skin barrier aids in optimising formulations for enhanced efficacy and delivery of active compounds. Moreover, it ensures that cosmetic products achieve desired effects without compromising skin barrier function, thereby supporting safety and efficacy assessments in product development. Evaluation of the efficiency of the migration of compounds through the skin barrier formed in vitro on the membrane of the tissue culture insert.
Brain-blood-barrier
Compound migration through the in vitro model of the blood-brain barrier, which is simulated using a membrane of tissue culture inserts comprising endothelial and astrocyte layers is assessed. It provides insights into the potential of compounds to reach the brain tissue, which is essential for developing treatments targeting neurological conditions. By studying barrier permeability, researchers can optimise formulations and assess the efficacy of drug delivery strategies aimed at treating brain disorders while ensuring minimal disruption to the barrier's integrity.
Intestine
These studies assess how bioactive compounds interact with and permeate the intestinal barrier, simulated using tissue culture inserts. Understanding this process is essential for optimising formulations of functional foods aimed at delivering beneficial ingredients to target sites within the gastrointestinal tract. It ensures that bioactive compounds can effectively cross the intestinal barrier to exert their intended physiological effects, such as promoting gut health, modulating immune responses, or enhancing nutrient absorption. This research contributes to the development of functional foods that are both effective and scientifically validated in their intended health benefits.
Vascular endothelium
Studies on vascular endothelium involve evaluating the efficiency of compound migration through the vascular barrier formed on tissue culture insert membranes. This research is critical for understanding how substances interact with and traverse the endothelial barrier, which plays a pivotal role in regulating vascular permeability and maintaining vascular health. Assessing compound migration through this barrier provides insights into potential therapeutic strategies for targeting vascular diseases.
Airway epithelium
This study assesses the efficiency with which substances penetrate the airway barrier, simulating conditions relevant to airway diseases and inhalation therapies. Additionally, a two-layer model simulating the alveoli of the airway epithelium and vascular endothelium provides a comprehensive platform to study interactions between compounds and both epithelial and endothelial layers, offering insights into potential treatments for respiratory conditions.
Tumour
Evaluation of viability, proliferation, migration, and oncogenic factor production intensity of cancer cells cultured in tumor-mimicking 3D format and close-to-real conditions. Models of glioblastoma, melanoma, intestinal carcinoma, and other tumours are possible.
3D models
3D models provide a more physiologically relevant environment for studying the effects of various substances on tissue structure and function. These models enable developers to evaluate complex interactions within tissues, mimicking in vivo conditions more closely than traditional cell cultures. This approach enhances the reliability and applicability of experimental findings to real-world scenarios.
Skin
Investigation of the effect of the tested preparation on skin structure (formation of characteristic layers, their thickness, and shape) and function (production of extracellular matrix proteins) in a 3D skin model cultured in the air-liquid interface.
Tumour
Evaluation of viability, proliferation, migration, and oncogenic factor production intensity of cancer cells cultured in tumor-mimicking 3D format and close-to-real conditions. Models of glioblastoma, melanoma, intestinal carcinoma, and other tumours are possible.
Brain
Assessment of neuronal viability and functionality in 3D in vitro models reproducing the natural cellular composition, structure, and function of the brain
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EXOLITUS, UAB
Kaunas, Lithuania Corp. ID 305464858
Kaunas, Lithuania Corp. ID 305464858
info@exolitus.com
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Don’t hesitate to contact us
+370 664 09669
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