TNMU Scholar Studied Best Practices in Stem Cell Biotechnology and Regenerative Medicine within ERASMUS+ KA1 Staff Mobility – Mobility for Training Program

On March 10-19, 2023, Alina Dovhaliuk, Associate Professor of the Department of Histology and Embryology, Head of the Department of Cell Cultures of the Experimental Research Sector of TNMU, visited the School of Medicine of Aristotle University in Thessaloniki (Greece). This business trip was organized for the purpose of sharing experience in stem cell biotechnology and regenerative medicine within the framework of ERASMUS+ KA1 Staff Mobility – Mobility for Training program.

Today, the practice of using stem cells for the treatment of a number of previously untreatable diseases is rapidly developing in the world. This is how a new field called regenerative medicine appeared, which aims to restore the structure and functions of organs and tissues damaged by disease or injury as much as possible by replacing destroyed cells and/or stimulating endogenous reparation potential. There are currently more than 200 institutes of regenerative medicine in the world, which is rightfully considered the medicine of the future.

In connection with the rapid development of regenerative medicine, medical universities are currently showing increased interest in researching the mechanisms of the therapeutic effectiveness of stem cells and their derivatives – extracellular vesicles. In particular, our university has created a Laboratory of Cell Culture, a cryobank for the storage of biological samples, and offered students a new discipline “Cell Technologies in Medicine”.

In order to learn from the experience of European colleagues in teaching the subject of regenerative medicine and research in this field, as part of the Erasmus+ program, it was agreed to hold the training “Stem cells and regenerative medicine” on the basis of the Aristotle University in Thessaloniki (Greece).

One of the buildings of the School of Medicine at Aristotle University.

During this event, the participant had a chance to learn about the material and technical facilities of the School of Medicine of Aristotle University, in particular, more detailed attention was paid to the equipment and scientific directions of the Department of Histology and Embryology and the Department of Biological Sciences and Preventive Medicine.

Preparations of embryos with various developmental defects.

Associate Professor Paschalis Theotokis conducts a tour of the educational premises of the Department of Histology and Embryology.

A modern large lecture hall, where the lecturer’s presentation is broadcast for the back rows on additional suspended screens.

There was an exchange of scientific experience with colleagues from the Department of Histology and Embryology (Prof. Sultana Meditskou, Prof. Antonia Sioga, Prof. Theodora Papamitsou, Assoc. Prof. Marilena Mantou and Assoc. Prof. Paschalis Theotokis) as part of the planned seminar and took part in the 12th annual scientific conference School of Medicine of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Greek colleagues highly appreciated the presented results of research carried out on the basis of the Laboratory of Cell Cultures at our university.

Commemorative photo with the participants of the scientific seminar (Prof. Sultana Meditskou, Assoc. Prof. Alina Dovhaliuk, Prof. Teodora Papamitsou, Prof. Antonia Sioga, Assoc. Prof. Marilena Mantou).

In the electron microscopy laboratory with Greek colleagues. The Japanese electron microscope “Jeol” is actively used for research in the Histology and Embryology Laboratory.

Certificate as confirmation of participation in the conference.

Report of Assoc. Prof. Paschalis Theotokis at the 12th annual scientific congress of the Aristotle University School of Medicine on March 16, 2023. related to the latest approaches in teaching embryology for students of medical specialties.

As part of the visit, Alina Dovhaliuk also got acquainted with the scientific director of the scientific and technological company for regenerative medicine Biohellenika, Professor K. Kouzi-Koliakou. She told about the equipment of the biotechnology laboratory for the cultivation of stem cells and the possibilities of cryopreservation of biological samples in their bank, and also outlined the main directions of scientific research and clinical trials carried out on the basis of their company. In addition to the main office in Thessaloniki, the Biohellenika concern has several branches located in Athens, Bulgaria, Armenia, Serbia, Cyprus and Italy. The company’s laboratories and cryobanks are accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB).

The central office of the scientific and technological company Biohellenika in the city of Thessaloniki.

With the scientific director of the scientific and technological company for regenerative medicine Biohellenika, Professor K. Kouzi-Koliakou

Corridors of the scientific laboratories of the central office of Biohellenika in Thessaloniki, which collectively occupy an area of more than 2800 m2.

A modern cryo-storage with an electronic panel that informs about the temperature, pressure, nitrogen level inside the vessel, etc.

One of the premises of the Biohellenika cryobank.

As a result of the business trip, contacts were established with Greek colleagues, prospects for conducting joint scientific research in the field of studying the regenerative potential of stem cells both in preclinical experiments on animal models and in clinical trials were expanded. The trip also contributed to improving English language skills, obtaining scientific about experience in the international context, strengthening of intercultural competences of all participants of this event.