Magdalena Czaja

Ms. Magdalena Czaja

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

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

Representative Publications

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Journal Article
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JKJulia Kuźniar
Julia Kuźniar
PKPatrycja Kozubek
Patrycja Kozubek
MCMagdalena Czaja
Magdalena Czaja
HSHanna Sitka
Hanna Sitka
UKUrszula Kochman
Urszula Kochman
Jerzy LeszekJerzy Leszek
Jerzy Leszek
Alzheimer’s disease, a neurodegenerative brain disorder leading to the progressive decline in cognitive functions, is the most common type of dementia. The main risk factor for its development is aging. Recent studies indicate that cellular senescence mechanisms are among the major factors in a heterogeneous aging process. Cellular senescence is characterized by a permanent proliferative arrest. Many factors might initiate senescence, for example, damage of DNA, shortening of telomeres, dysfunction of mitochondria, and oncogene activation. These processes lead to alterations in the morphology and function of senescent cells. Research is still ongoing to identify one universal marker that could detect senescent cells and distinguish them from other non-proliferating cells. Those cells are involved in age-related pathologies through many heterogeneous processes, including secretion of pro-inflammatory senescence-associated secretory phenotype factors, which affect the brain differently. Alzheimer’s disease is an example of a neurodegenerative condition connected to cellular senescence. Senescent cells have been demonstrated to accumulate near Aβ plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. In this review, the multifactorial connection between Alzheimer’s disease and cellular senescence is discussed, including topics such as senescence of astrocytes, defective mitochondria, dysregulation of cellular autophagy, and the role of senescent microglia.

30 December 2024 in Biomedicines
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Journal Article
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PKPatrycja Kozubek
Patrycja Kozubek
JKJulia Kuźniar
Julia Kuźniar
MCMagdalena Czaja
Magdalena Czaja
HSHanna Sitka
Hanna Sitka
UKUrszula Kochman
Urszula Kochman
Jerzy LeszekJerzy Leszek
Jerzy Leszek
The human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are ancient exogenous retroviruses that were embedded in the germline over 30 million years ago and underwent an endogenization process. They make up roughly 8% of the human genome. HERVs exhibit many physiological and non-physiological functions; for example, they play a role in the development of many diseases. They have been shown to affect carcinogenesis by modifying the expression of host genes through their functions as enhancers and promoters. Additionally, some molecules derived from HERVs may stimulate the immune system. Recently research has been focused on the effect of human endogenous retroviruses on the development of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which is the most common cause of dementia. AD is also linked to a significant deterioration in quality of life. The article aims to highlight the potential role of HERVs in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and senescence. Moreover, it is estimated that HERVs may be potential targets for diagnosis and therapy of AD.

30 August 2025 in Cells
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Journal Article
Open access
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UKUrszula Kochman
Urszula Kochman
HSHanna Sitka
Hanna Sitka
JKJulia Kuźniar
Julia Kuźniar
MCMagdalena Czaja
Magdalena Czaja
PKPatrycja Kozubek
Patrycja Kozubek
Jerzy LeszekJerzy Leszek
Jerzy Leszek
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is marked by the pathological aggregation of amyloid β (Aβ) and tau proteins. Emerging research reveals that these proteins undergo liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS), forming biomolecular condensates that promote aggregation and neurotoxicity. These phase-separated structures reshape the intracellular environment, facilitating protein misfolding and spreading. This review highlights recent advances in understanding the role of condensates in AD pathogenesis and explores novel therapeutic strategies targeting condensate dynamics. Promising approaches include small molecules that disrupt LLPS, epigenetic drugs influencing nuclear condensates, and compounds like DDL 920 and RI AG03 that modulate tau phase separation and neuroinflammation, respectively. Additionally, anti-inflammatory agents, such as nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), offer potential for upstream intervention. Targeting biomolecular condensates presents a next-generation strategy for AD treatment. Future research should focus on in vivo profiling of condensate composition, biomarker development, and the development of patient-specific therapies to enable early, disease-modifying interventions.

1 September 2025 in International Journal of Innovative Technologies in Social Science
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Journal Article
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ABAnna Blazhkova
Anna Blazhkova
MCMagdalena Czaja
Magdalena Czaja
MŁMartyna Łukaszyk
Martyna Łukaszyk
HSHanna Sitka
Hanna Sitka
SSSven Solisch
Sven Solisch
ESEwa Szczęsna
Ewa Szczęsna
Introduction: Nowadays, the world is facing a global issue of infertility. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) influence homeostasis and contribute to the development of various diseases. The endocrine system plays a crucial role in maintaining proper body functions, including metabolism regulation, fluid and electrolyte balance, and, importantly, the regulation of reproductive functions. The EDCs analyzed in this study (pesticides, BPA, phthalates, parabens and phenols, and dioxins) are commonly found in everyday items such as food containers, personal care products, and even children's articles. Recent studies show that their impact on the endocrine system contributes to female infertility. Purpose of the study: This study aims to investigate the relationship between EDCs found in everyday-use products and the female reproductive system, with an emphasis on their mode of action, substance-specific effects, and duration of exposure. Materials and methods: An overview of 31 articles sourced from PubMed and open-access databases was conducted. The reviewed literature focused on the disruption of follicular development, prolonged time to pregnancy, and reduced ovarian function. Most of the studies were conducted on women of reproductive age. Conclusions: EDCs have a negative impact on the female reproductive system on many levels, including hormonal regulation, cellular function, and gene expression.

25 December 2024 in Journal of Education, Health and Sport
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Journal Article
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CWCezary Michał Wegenko
Cezary Michał Wegenko
HSHanna Sitka
Hanna Sitka
MCMagdalena Czaja
Magdalena Czaja
JKJulia Kuźniar
Julia Kuźniar
PKPatrycja Kozubek
Patrycja Kozubek
Introduction and purpose: Gradual progression of cognitive and physical disability negatively affects personal, social and economic well-being of patients with multiple sclerosis. This particular group of people has a high risk of developing depressive disorders. This study reviews the prevalence, current diagnostic tools and evidence-based methods of treating depression in patients suffering from MS. Material and Methods: This paper reviews various types of research documents with a special focus on sources from the past 10 years. Works from the 1980s and 1990s were also cited to outline the progress made in exploring the given topic. Its main aim is to indicate that MS poses a risk of developing depression and to emphasize that this disorder may be mistakenly attributed to the primary disease. It highlights the need for raising awareness about the topic to ensure interdisciplinary care. Results: The study proved the connection between the prevalence of depression in MS. Characteristic somatic depressive symptoms such as chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, can conclude either from MS or depression. Because of that prevalence of depression in MS patients is artificially altered. Conclusion: The prevalence of depression is significantly greater in patients with multiple sclerosis compared to the general population. Many somatic symptoms caused directly by neurodegenerative changes pose difficulties in differential diagnosis. Multidisciplinary treatment, including both psycho- and pharmacotherapy, remains the most effective therapeutic approach. Nevertheless, the development of new, accurate diagnostic methods is necessary in order to screen for depression in this group of patients.

2 September 2025 in International Journal of Innovative Technologies in Social Science
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
ABAnna Blazhkova
Anna Blazhkova
MCMagdalena Czaja
Magdalena Czaja
HSHanna Sitka
Hanna Sitka
SSSven Solisch
Sven Solisch
ASAnna Susłow
Anna Susłow
ESEwa Szczęsna
Ewa Szczęsna
Introduction: Recently, there has been a significant increase in interest in the use of psychedelics for various psychiatric conditions. Psilocybin is receiving particular attention as a psychoactive substance with significant therapeutic potential. Recent research focuses on its possible benefits in the treatment of major depressive disorders (MDD) and anorexia nervosa (AN). Purpose of the study: This study aims to investigate the therapeutic potential of psilocybin in treating MDD and AN by analyzing its mechanism of action, clinical trials results and further implications of PAT. Materials and methods: An overview of 26 articles sourced from PubMed and open-access databases was conducted, with a focus on randomized controlled trials, neurobiological mechanisms and also exploratory research. Conclusions: Psilocybin and PAT demonstrated significant antidepressant effects, enhancing neuroplasticity, connectivity and cognitive flexibility. While evidence in MDD is significantly more established, preliminary findings in AN are promising, but still require further controlled clinical trials. Psilocybin represents a novel approach to treatment of MDD and AN.