Gabriela Zdunek

Dr. Gabriela Zdunek

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

6Years (2021-Present)

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

Representative Publications

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8 May 2021 in Vaccines
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MGMagdalena Grochowska
Magdalena Grochowska
ARAleksandra Ratajczak
Aleksandra Ratajczak
GZGabriela Zdunek
Gabriela Zdunek
Aleksander AdamiecAleksander Adamiec
Aleksander Adamiec
Pawel WaszkiewiczPawel Waszkiewicz
Pawel Waszkiewicz
Wojciech FeleszkoWojciech Feleszko
Wojciech Feleszko
Despite research conducted worldwide, there is no treatment specifically targeting SARS-CoV-2 infection with efficacy proven by randomized controlled trials. A chance for a breakthrough is vaccinating most of the global population. Public opinion surveys on vaccine hesitancy prompted our team to investigate Polish healthcare workers’ (HCWs) attitudes towards the SARS-CoV-2 and influenza vaccinations. In-person and online surveys of HCWs: doctors, nurses, medical students, and other allied health professionals (n = 419) were conducted between 14 September 2020 and 5 November 2020. In our study, 68.7% of respondents would like to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccinations would persuade 86.3% of hesitant and those who would refuse to be vaccinated. 3.1% of all respondents claimed that no argument would convince them to get vaccinated. 61.6% of respondents declared a willingness to receive an influenza vaccination, of which 83.3% were also inclined to receive COVID-19 vaccinations. Although most respondents—62.5% (262/419) indicated they trusted in the influenza vaccine more, more respondents intended to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in the 2020/2021 season. The study is limited by its nonrandom sample of HCWs but provides a preliminary description of attitudes towards SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.

29 November 2025 in Life
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
GZGabriela Zdunek
Gabriela Zdunek
Remigiusz RecławRemigiusz Recław
Remigiusz Recław
ASAleksandra Suchanecka
Aleksandra Suchanecka
KCKrzysztof Chmielowiec
Krzysztof Chmielowiec
DLDariusz Larysz
Dariusz Larysz
AGAnna Maria Grzywacz
Anna Maria Grzywacz
Background: Impulsivity is a multidimensional trait associated with the development and maintenance of behavioral and substance addictions. Genetic polymorphisms, particularly within the dopaminergic system, are thought to modulate individual differences in impulsivity. The COMT rs4680 (Val158Met) polymorphism influences enzymatic activity of catechol-O-methyltransferase and may alter dopaminergic tone in the prefrontal cortex. This study investigated whether COMT rs4680 genotype interacts with addiction status (behavioral and substance addictions) to influence trait impulsivity. Methods: The study included 309 Polish men: 128 with mixed behavioral and substance addictions and 181 healthy controls. All participants completed the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) and were genotyped for COMT rs4680. A two-way ANOVA was used to assess main and interaction effects of genotype and group on total and subscale BIS-11 scores. Results: Individuals with mixed addictions scored significantly higher on all BIS-11 subscales (p < 0.01). A significant interaction effect was observed for the Non-Planning (F2,303 = 4.40, p = 0.0131, η2 = 0.028) and Total BIS-11 scale (F2,303 = 5.77, p = 0.0035, η2 = 0.037), with the A/A genotype associated with increased impulsivity, especially among the clinical group. Conclusions: These findings support a gene-by-environment interaction in impulsivity, where COMT rs4680 Met/Met homozygotes may be more susceptible to heightened impulsivity in addiction contexts. The results highlight the potential utility of COMT genotyping in personalizing therapeutic strategies for impulse-related disorders such as addictive disorders. This study extends evidence on dopaminergic modulation of impulsivity to behavioral and substance addictions.

31 March 2026 in Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
GZGabriela Zdunek
Gabriela Zdunek
Remigiusz RecławRemigiusz Recław
Remigiusz Recław
ASAleksandra Suchanecka
Aleksandra Suchanecka
KCKrzysztof Chmielowiec
Krzysztof Chmielowiec
DLDariusz Larysz
Dariusz Larysz
AGAnna Maria Grzywacz
Anna Maria Grzywacz
Background: Impulsivity is a key transdiagnostic trait linked to dysregulated reward processing in both behavioral and substance-related addictions, as recognized in DSM-5. Dopaminergic genes, including DRD2, may modulate individual differences in impulsivity, particularly under condi-tions of in-creased addiction vulnerability. This study examined whether the DRD2 Exon 8 rs6276 poly-morphism predicts impulsivity levels in men with mixed addictive behaviors compared with healthy controls. Methods: 328 males (128 with mixed behavioral and substance addictions and 200 controls) were assessed. Diagnoses were confirmed using the MINI interview, and impulsivity was measured with the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11). Genotyping of rs6276 was performed using real-time PCR. Statistical analysis included non-parametric tests and two-way ANOVA. Results: There were no significant differences in rs6276 genotype or allele frequencies between groups. However, participants with mixed addictions scored significantly higher on BIS-11 total, motor, and attentional impulsivity scales. A significant interaction between genotype and clinical status was found for motor impulsivity and total scores, with the G allele linked to elevated impulsivity in the clinical group. Conclusions: The DRD2 rs6276 polymorphism may act as a trait-modifying factor, enhancing impulsivity in individuals with mixed addictions. These findings support a gene–environment interaction model and underscore the value of dimensional phenotyping in addiction research.