Molecular Epidemiology and Toxicology Group
Experimental models are the tools of choice for the hazard assessment of contemporary exposures. Our research focuses on mechanisms of action of environmental agents, using cell cultures, experimental laboratory models and controlled human exposures. The research strives to use experimental models to reduce or replace animal experiments.
The research deals with the impact of exposures to environmental factors on health effects related to reproduction, lungs, cardiovascular system and cancer. The group conducts research using methods ranging from experimental laboratory models to molecular epidemiology.
Burning candles emit large quantities of particles. The project aims to investigate the health effects of exposure to particles from candles in experimental model systems and controlled human exposures.
Biodiesel is used as an alternative to fossil fuel. The combustion of biodiesel emits particles, which may cause damage to lung cells. This project investigates the DNA damaging effect of biodiesel exhaust in humans after controlled exposure and mechanisms of toxicity in cell cultures.
Carbon nanotubes are fibrous nanomaterials with high tensile strength. They resemble asbestos, which causes mesothelioma. The project investigates oxidative stress and persistent inflammation as mechanisms of carbon nanotubes-generated DNA damage in mesothelial cells.
Plastic particles are widely dispersed in the environment, but there is little knowledge about the consequences to human health. The project investigates if plastic particles cause oxidative stress, inflammation and DNA damage in cells.
This international network examines the use of the comet assay for measuring DNA damage and DNA repair activity in human cells, pooled analysis of published research and assessment of the variation in measurements between laboratories.
The project investigates the effect of metaloxide nanoparticles on the cardiovascular system. Metal oxides are known to induce metal fume fever, and the potency of different types of metal oxides will be investigated in relation to systemic effects.
The project investigates the effect of exposure to environmental agents on the function of the human placenta and transport of chemicals across the placental barrier.
For more information please visit the project website (in Danish).
[Note: link to https://ifsv.ku.dk/placenta].
Our cell-culture based assays range from simple mono-cultures to more advanced co-cultures as well as organoid models. Mechanistic effects investigated are e.g. cell death pathways, inflammation, oxidative stress, DNA damage, Senescence and telomere dynamics.
Internal researchers
| Name | Title | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carlsen, Lisbeth Bille | Laboratory Technician | +4535327655 | |
| Jensen, Annie | Laboratory Coordinator | +4535327650 | |
| Lawrence, Julie Hansen | Laboratory Technician | +4535337208 | |
| Loft, Steffen | Professor | +4535327649 | |
| Mathiesen, Line | Associate Professor | +4535327657 | |
| Møller, Peter | Professor | +4535327654 | |
| Roursgaard, Martin | Associate Professor | +4535327989 | |
| Wils, Regitze Sølling | Teaching Assistant |
External researchers
| Name | Institution | |
|---|---|---|
| Di Ianni, Emilio | NFA | edi@nfa.dk |
| Hougaard, Karin Sørig | NFA | ksh@nfa.dk |
| Wallin, Håkan | STAMI | hakan.wallin@stami.no |