Paula Pongrac

Ms. Paula Pongrac


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

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

Representative Publications

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5 June 2025 in Biomolecules
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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ARAnamarija Raspudic
Anamarija Raspudic
IOIlijana Odak
Ilijana Odak
MMMilena Mlakić
Milena Mlakić
AJAntonija Jelčić
Antonija Jelčić
KBKarla Bulava
Karla Bulava
IŠIrena Škorić
Irena Škorić
This manuscript reports the synthesis and characterization of 19 novel heterostilbene carbamates, designed as selective butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitors with potential applications in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Alzheimer’s disease. The compounds were synthesized from resveratrol analogs, and their structures were confirmed by NMR spectroscopy, high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), and single-crystal X-ray diffraction for selected derivatives (compounds 1 and 4). In vitro assays demonstrated high selectivity toward BChE over acetylcholinesterase (AChE), with compound 16 exhibiting exceptional inhibitory activity (IC50 = 26.5 nM). Furthermore, compound 16 showed moderate anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting LPS-stimulated TNF-α production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In silico ADME(T) profiling revealed favorable pharmacokinetic properties and low mutagenic potential for the majority of compounds. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations confirmed stable binding interactions within the BChE active site. These results highlight heterostilbene carbamates as promising lead structures for developing novel therapeutic agents targeting neurodegenerative diseases.

11 July 2025 in Pharmaceuticals
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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AJAntonija Jelčić
Antonija Jelčić
ARAnamarija Raspudic
Anamarija Raspudic
DBDanijela Barić
Danijela Barić
ARAna Ratković
Ana Ratković
IŠIvana Šagud
Ivana Šagud
IŠIrena Škorić
Irena Škorić
Background/Objectives: This research reports the synthesis and evaluation of novel charged thienobenzo-triazoles as non-selective cholinesterase inhibitors (AChEs and BChEs), their anti-inflammatory properties, and a computational study. Methods: Fifteen derivatives were created through photochemical cyclization and quaternization of the triazole core. The compounds were tested for AChE and BChE inhibition. They showed greater potency and selectivity toward BChE. Results: The most potent compound, derivative 14, inhibited BChE with an IC50 of 98 nM, while derivative 9 also displayed significant anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting LPS-induced TNF-α production (IC50 = 0.66 µM). Molecular docking revealed that triazolinium salts form key π-π and electrostatic interactions within enzyme active sites. In silico predictions indicated favorable ADME-Tox properties for compounds 9 and 11, including low mutagenicity and moderate CNS permeability. Conclusions: These findings highlight the potential of new charged triazolinium salts as peripherally selective cholinesterase inhibitors with additional anti-inflammatory potential.

10 June 2025 in Preprints.org
Verified
Preprint
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AJAntonija Jelčić
Antonija Jelčić
ARAnamarija Raspudic
Anamarija Raspudic
DBDanijela Barić
Danijela Barić
ARAna Ratković
Ana Ratković
IŠIvana Šagud
Ivana Šagud
IŠIrena Škorić
Irena Škorić
This study presents the synthesis and evaluation of novel charged thienoben-zo-1,2,3-triazoles as non-selective cholinesterase inhibitors (AChE and BChE), including their anti-inflammatory properties and computational analysis. Fifteen derivatives were synthesized via photochemical cyclization and triazole core quaternization. The compounds were tested for AChE and BChE inhibition, showing greater potency and selectivity toward BChE. The most potent compound, derivative 14, inhibited BChE with an IC₅₀ of 98 nM, while derivative 9 also demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting LPS-induced TNF-α production (IC₅₀ = 0.66 µM). Molecular docking revealed that triazolium salts form key π-π and electrostatic interactions within enzyme active sites. In silico predictions indicated favorable ADME-Tox properties for compounds 9 and 11, including low mutagenicity and moderate CNS permeability. These results highlight the potential of novel charged triazoles as peripherally selective cholinesterase inhibitors with added anti-inflammatory effects.

10 October 2025 in Biomedicines
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
DKDorian Kršul
Dorian Kršul
EPEma Prenc
Ema Prenc
LPLidija Pozgaj
Lidija Pozgaj
DŠDora Štefok
Dora Štefok
PPPaula Pongrac
Paula Pongrac
MZMarko Zelić
Marko Zelić
Background/Objectives: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression and are proposed as biomarkers in colorectal cancer (CRC). This study evaluated miR-185-5p, miR-141-5p, and miR-21-5p expression in CRC tissues; their association with tumor location, histopathology, and clinical outcomes; and the suitability of miR-16-5p and miR-151a-3p as housekeeping controls. Previous reports suggest tumor-suppressive roles for miR-185 and miR-141 and an oncogenic function for miR-21, though findings remain inconsistent. Methods: Paired tumor and adjacent normal tissues from 70 CRC patients were analyzed. RNA was extracted from FFPE samples, and miRNA expression quantified by RT-qPCR. Relative expression values were normalized to miR-151a-3p. Tumor–normal differences, localization effects, and associations with clinicopathological and outcome variables were assessed using repeated-measures ANOVA and non-parametric tests. Results: miR-185-5p and miR-141-5p were significantly reduced in tumors compared with normal mucosa while miR-21-5p was upregulated. miR-16-5p showed higher expression in normal tissue, indicating its instability and unsuitability as a housekeeping control. A modest but significant localization effect was observed for miR-185, while other miRNAs were minimally influenced by location. Baseline asymmetry between non-tumor samples, observed for miR-185-5p, further indicated sidedness effects. None of the miRNAs were associated with stage, histological type, grade, invasion, immune infiltration, progression, or five-year survival. Conclusions: miR-185-5p, miR-141-5p, and miR-21-5p show robust tumor–normal differences, supporting their diagnostic potential, while miR-16-5p is unsuitable as a housekeeper. Modest but significant localization effect was observed for miR-185 in right-sided tumors. None showed prognostic value in stage I–III CRC. Larger, location-stratified studies are warranted.

2 May 2025 in Preprints.org
Verified
Preprint
Open access
PDF file
ARAnamarija Raspudic
Anamarija Raspudic
IOIlijana Odak
Ilijana Odak
MMMilena Mlakić
Milena Mlakić
AJAntonija Jelčić
Antonija Jelčić
KBKarla Bulava
Karla Bulava
IŠIrena Škorić
Irena Škorić
This manuscript reports the synthesis and characterization of 19 novel heterostilbene carbamates, designed as selective butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitors with potential application in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Alzheimer's disease. The compounds were synthesized from resveratrol analogs, and their structures were confirmed by NMR spectroscopy, high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), and single-crystal X-ray diffraction for selected derivatives (compounds 1 and 4). In vitro assays demonstrated high selectivity toward BChE over acetylcholinesterase (AChE), with compound 16 exhibiting exceptional inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ = 26.5 nM). Furthermore, compound 16 showed moderate anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting LPS-stimulated TNF-α production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In silico ADME(T) profiling revealed favorable pharmacokinetic properties and low mutagenic potential for the majority of compounds. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations confirmed stable binding interactions within the BChE active site. These results highlight heterostilbene carbamates as promising lead structures for developing novel therapeutic agents targeting neurodegenerative diseases.

20 August 2025 in Molecules
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
AJAntonija Jelčić
Antonija Jelčić
STStanislava Talić
Stanislava Talić
IOIlijana Odak
Ilijana Odak
PPPaula Pongrac
Paula Pongrac
DŠDora Štefok
Dora Štefok
IŠIrena Škorić
Irena Škorić
Background: It has been shown previously that thienobenzo-1,2,3-triazoles exhibit very good selective inhibition toward butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), while the same derivatives converted into salts also display inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), enzymes relevant to Alzheimer’s disease therapy. They show even better BChE inhibition potential than neutral analogs. Methods: This study presents the synthesis and biological evaluation of a novel series of charged thienobenzo-1,2,3-triazolinium salts (1–17) as inhibitors of AChE and BChE. The basic skeleton of the targeted compounds was synthesized via a photochemical method and subsequently converted into corresponding bromide salts. Their structures were confirmed using NMR and HRMS analyses. Results: In vitro testing showed that all synthesized compounds exhibit moderate to strong BChE inhibition and, to a lesser extent, AChE inhibition. Compounds 8 and 11 emerged as the most potent AChE inhibitors (IC50 ~ 2.6–3.2 µM), while compounds 1, 2, and 8 demonstrated excellent and selective BChE inhibition (IC50 ~ 0.3–0.4 µM), outperforming the reference drug galantamine. Anti-inflammatory evaluation revealed limited activity, with compound 17 slightly reducing LPS-induced TNF-α production at the highest tested concentration. Conclusions: These findings highlight the role of the electric charge and substituent type in modulating biological activity and confirm the therapeutic potential of these molecules as dual cholinesterase inhibitors for further development in neurodegenerative disease treatment.