PLAN Research Day May 25 2007
From NIER
PLAN Day Amsterdam
Friday the 25th of May the 11th PLAN research day was held in the AMC in Amsterdam. This day was organized by the 2 academic medical centers in Amsterdam, the AMC and the VUMC. Enthusiastic young researchers from all over the Netherlands joined us during this day to get an update on the nephrology research conducted in Amsterdam.
The day started off with a short introduction into the nephrology research fields present in the AMC by Prof. Dr. Sandrine Florquin of the Pathology department. Thereafter she explained in more detail the focuses of her research and introduced the experimental (animal) models used in her group.
The first two presentations by PhD students were from the department of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics & Bioinformatics (CEBB) and Nephrology (both AMC). The results from clinical research were presented in which the effect of disordered mineral metabolism (CEBB) and the impact of ACE-inhibitors and AII receptors (Nephrology) on the dialysis were investigated. Thereafter two PhD students from the department of Pathology (AMC) elaborated on their research project. First the effect of TLR4, a component of the innate immunity, on the process of renal inflammation after ischemia/reperfusion injury was discussed. Thereafter the data from microarray analysis of kidney tissue at different periods after ischemia/reperfusion injury were presented with a focus on reparative processes.
After a nice lunch, a tour in the Museum Vrolik in the AMC was organized. The collection of the Museum Vrolik originates from the splendid private collection of anatomical (both normal and pathological), zoological and teratological specimens of Professor Gerardus Vrolik (1755-1859) and his son Professor Willem Vrolik (1801-1863). It was sold to the University of Amsterdam and there have been subsequent additions to the collection. Nowadays an exhibition of congenital malformations is shown. During this interactive tour a good impression was given about what can go wrong during development.
After this intermezzo, two PhD students from the VUMC (from the department of Nephrology, and the department of Molecular Cell Biology & Immunology respectively) presented their work. First the outcomes of the Dutch CONTRAST study on improved cardiovascular morbidity and mortality by on-line hemodifiltration were explained. Thereafter the effects of therapeutic intervention with (LMW) heparin in a rat model for peritoneal dialysis were presented. The last two presentations of the day were from the department of Pathology of the AMC. The accelerated kidney repair in an ischemia/reperfusion mouse model by Stem Cell Factor, which interestingly was not mediated by stem cells, was discussed. Next it was shown that intrarenal CD20+ cells are not a prognostic value in acute renal allograft rejection.
After these diverse scientific presentations and fruitful discussions it was time for drinks and a dinner in the city. All together, this was an inspiring and interesting day and the ultimate way to get to know your colleagues and their research projects.
On behalf of PLAN,
Ingrid Stroo
