Marija Hefer

Ms. Marija Hefer

Department of biophysics, biology and chemistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, JJ Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Osječko-Baranjska Županija, Croatia
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Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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7 July 2023 in Crystals
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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MHMarija Hefer
Marija Hefer
IHIvana M. Huskić
Ivana M. Huskić
APAna Petrovic
Ana Petrovic
NRNikola Raguz-Lucic
Nikola Raguz-Lucic
TKTomislav Kizivat
Tomislav Kizivat
MSMartina Smolic
Martina Smolic
Nephrolithiasis is a pathological condition characterized by the formation of solid crystals in the kidneys or other parts of urinary tract. Kidney stones are a serious public health issue and financial burden for health care system, as well as a painful and uncomfortable condition for patients, resulting in renal tissue injury in severe cases. Dietary habits, low fluid and high salt intake predominantly, contribute to the development of kidney stones. Current research suggests that polyphenols have a protective effect in the pathogenesis of kidney stones. Polyphenols are a group of naturally occurring compounds found in plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, tea, and coffee. In this review, we explore mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of polyphenols, such as oxidative stress reduction and modulation of inflammatory pathways, in various in vitro models of nephrolithiasis. Additionally, certain polyphenols, such as catechins found in green tea, have been shown to inhibit the formation and growth of kidney stones in animal studies. This review highlights the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as the inhibition of crystal formation, as results of polyphenol treatment in vitro. Further research is required to determine the specific effects of polyphenols on kidney stone formation in humans; however, current knowledge implicates that incorporating a variety of polyphenol-rich foods into the diet may be a beneficial strategy for individuals at risk of developing nephrolithiasis.

Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
TKTea Omanovic Kolaric
Tea Omanovic Kolaric
LKLucija Kuna
Lucija Kuna
MCMarina Covic
Marina Covic
HRHrvoje Roguljić
Hrvoje Roguljić
AMAnita Matic
Anita Matic
MSMartina Smolic
Martina Smolic
Liver fibrosis represents one of the greatest challenges in medicine. The fact that it develops with the progression of numerous diseases with high prevalence (NAFLD, viral hepatitis, etc.) makes liver fibrosis an even greater global health problem. Accordingly, it has received much attention from numerous researchers who have developed various in vitro and in vivo models to better understand the mechanisms underlying fibrosis development. All these efforts led to the discovery of numerous agents with antifibrotic properties, with hepatic stellate cells and the extracellular matrix at the center of these pharmacotherapeutic strategies. This review focuses on the current data on numerous in vivo and in vitro models of liver fibrosis and on various pharmacotherapeutic targets in the treatment of liver fibrosis.