Project Title

Investigation of the Role of miRNA in Morbid Obesity and Obesity Patients

Supporting Organization(s)

FÜBAP

Project Time

Kürşat KARGÜN, erhan AYGEN, Naci ALAYUNT

Project Abstract

Obesity has become an increasingly prevalent public health issue worldwide. It is rapidly rising in our country as well, leading to severe consequences. Genetic factors associated with obesity are frequently investigated to achieve advancements in obesity treatment. In this context, the relationship between obesity and miRNAs, which are involved in regulating gene expression in addition to mutations in structural genes, has emerged as a prominent research topic. Thousands of miRNAs encoded in the human genome play regulatory roles in cell development, differentiation, proliferation, and apoptotic pathways. However, dysregulated miRNA expression has been reported to play a role in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases. From this perspective, miRNA-mediated gene expression is recognized as a crucial and indispensable mechanism.

miRNAs are not specific to the cells in which they are produced; they can exit these cells and circulate in the body via the bloodstream. They can travel to different organs or cells and suppress gene expression, making them a critical area of study. Furthermore, while the functions of miRNAs in developmental processes have been demonstrated, their role in the physiology of obesity remains unknown. For these reasons, the aim of our study is to investigate the effects of miRNAs, which have been reported to play significant roles in regulating obesity, on protein levels and their potential interactions with changes in vascular response patterns during this process. The increasing morbidity and mortality rates of obesity make studying miRNAs particularly important. Researching miRNAs in obesity pathology will be valuable for both foundational research and the development of obesity treatments. The patient group will consist of 60 individuals diagnosed with morbid obesity or obesity by the Department of General Surgery at Fırat University Faculty of Medicine, while the control group will include 30 individuals of similar age and gender without hypertension, chronic diseases, acute infections, or medication use, who visit the hospital for routine health screenings. Due to the high costs associated with Real-Time PCR in miRNA studies, the study will be conducted using the Fludeim device in the R&D laboratory of Nano Gen Technologies Ltd., which allows analysis of 90 miRNAs in 90 samples simultaneously.

The aim of this study is to contribute to the understanding of genetic variations and biochemical serum levels associated with morbid obesity and obesity, specifically by investigating the serum levels of miRNAs that suppress or activate gene expression, as well as their relationship with biochemical parameters in morbidly obese and obese patients in this region. Our project proposal has the potential to enhance the understanding of obesity pathophysiology with up-to-date molecular parameters, elucidate the mechanisms of miRNA action, and contribute to the scientific body of knowledge and literature. It may also aid in increasing the success of obesity treatment, developing new projects and treatment protocols, training researchers (undergraduate and graduate) involved in the project, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and generating widespread impact.

Proje Adı

Evaluation of Nutrition Education Program in Schizophrenia Patients in Terms of Body Weight, Image and Self-Perception

Destekleyen Kuruluş(Lar)

Tübatak 2209

Proje Ekibi

Deniz ÇAKAS, Filiz ERSÖĞÜTÇÜ

The aim of this project is to evaluate the effects of a comprehensive nutrition education program on body weight, body image and self-perception in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. It is known that problems such as unhealthy eating habits, weight gain, negative body image and low self-perception, which are frequently seen in schizophrenia patients, negatively affect the general quality of life and motivation of individuals during the treatment process. The project aims to provide healthy eating habits, support individuals in weight management, strengthen their body image and develop a positive self-perception. In addition, it is aimed to reveal the long-term effects of this education program on the physical health status, psychosocial well-being and treatment compliance levels of individuals. In this context, it is aimed to develop a nutrition education program that includes a multidisciplinary approach and specially designed for schizophrenia patients and to evaluate its effectiveness with scientific methods.

Proje Adı

Investigation of the Effect of Drug Education Program on Treatment Adherence and Anxiety in Individuals Diagnosed with Chronic Disease for the First Time

Destekleyen Kuruluş(Lar)

Tübitak 2209

Proje Ekibi

Fatma TOKMAK, Filiz ERSÖĞÜTÇÜ

This project aims to examine the effects of a drug education program applied to individuals diagnosed with a chronic disease for the first time on the level of compliance with treatment and anxiety levels of individuals. Being diagnosed with a chronic disease generally leads to problems with compliance with treatment and increased anxiety levels in individuals. This study aims to improve the process of compliance with treatment and reduce anxiety levels by increasing the knowledge and skills of individuals regarding drug use. The effects of the drug education program were evaluated in terms of both supporting the mental health of individuals and improving treatment processes.

Proje Adı

The Effect of Gratitude Practice on Psychological Resilience and Emotion Regulation in Adolescents

Destekleyen Kuruluş(Lar)

FÜBAP

Proje Ekibi

Kübra AYDIN, Filiz ERSÖĞÜTÇÜ

Adolescence is a sensitive stage of development, sometimes characterized by exposure to stressful life events and deterioration of psychological health. During this period, it is very important for adolescents to develop the ability to cope effectively with the problems they face. Positive psychology research suggests that people who experience gratitude are physically healthier and lead healthier lifestyles. The first role of gratitude in protecting health is as an antidote to negative emotion molecules. This study was planned to examine the effects of gratitude practice on psychological resilience and emotion regulation skills of adolescents in order to increase their capacity to cope with challenging life events and to understand the processes of achieving emotional balance. The research will be conducted in a randomized controlled experimental design. The research will be conducted with adolescent students studying at Şehit Arif Güneş Multi-Program Anatolian High School. The sample of the research was determined as 50 control and 50 experimental groups using the G Power program. In the research, gratitude practice consisting of 5 sessions will be applied to the experimental group.

Proje Adı

The Effect of Music-Supported Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Perceived Stress and Pain in Individuals Diagnosed with Cancer

Destekleyen Kuruluş(Lar)

Atatürk Üniversitesi BAP

Proje Ekibi

Mehtap TAN, Sibel ASİ KARAKAŞ, Mine EKİNCİ, Filiz ERSÖĞÜTÇÜ, Asude AKSOY

The aim of this project is to examine the effects of music-supported Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) application on the perceived stress and pain levels of individuals diagnosed with cancer. Cancer diagnosis creates serious psychological and physical burdens on individuals and causes an increase in factors such as stress and pain that negatively affect the quality of life. In this context, the project aims to support the psychological well-being of individuals by increasing their stress coping skills and to reduce the perception of pain through ACT supported by music. The intervention program will combine ACT techniques, which aim to develop awareness, acceptance and value-oriented behavioral changes in individuals diagnosed with cancer, with the calming and therapeutic effects of music. The project will adopt a comparative design with the control group to evaluate the changes achieved by the participants during the therapy process and to measure the differences in perceived stress and pain levels. This study aims to offer an innovative solution to increase the physical and psychological resilience of individuals living with cancer and to strengthen multidisciplinary support approaches.

Proje Adı

Investigation of the Effect of Drug Education Program on Treatment Adherence in Individuals Starting Psychiatric Medication

Destekleyen Kuruluş(Lar)

Tübitak 2209

Proje Ekibi

Rüveyda OĞUZ, Filiz ERSÖĞÜTÇÜ

The aim of this project is to evaluate the effects of a drug education program implemented in individuals who start using psychiatric drugs on treatment compliance. Although drug treatment is an important component of the treatment process in psychiatric diseases, inadequate treatment compliance stands out as a critical problem that reduces treatment effectiveness and increases the risk of relapse. The project aims to inform individuals and increase their awareness about the correct use of psychiatric drugs, the effects of drugs, methods of coping with side effects, and the importance of the treatment process. In this context, a structured education program will be developed to increase individuals' levels of treatment compliance, reduce their negative attitudes towards drug use, and eliminate their lack of knowledge about drug treatment. The effectiveness of the program, individuals' rates of treatment continuity, regular use of drugs, and their effects on psychosocial functioning will be evaluated with scientific methods. The project aims to increase individuals' quality of life and success rates in the treatment process by increasing treatment compliance.

Proje Adı

Investigation of the Effect of Nutrition Education Program on Attitudes Towards Healthy Nutrition in Individuals Diagnosed with Depression

Destekleyen Kuruluş(lar)

Tübitak 2209

Proje Ekibi

Tuba BARUT, Filiz ERSÖĞÜTÇÜ

Depression is a common disease both in the world and in our country. Depression is a psychomotor inhibition state that can be defined as showing inappropriate reactions to environmental changes and being in constant contradictions in the inner life. Depression, one of the emotional disorders, can manifest itself with symptoms such as forgetfulness, difficulty in making decisions, sleeping less or more, difficulty in making decisions, disinterest in life, feelings of guilt, anxiety, feelings of worthlessness, not being able to enjoy the things you love, weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite or increased appetite, pessimistic feelings and thoughts, and slowing down in physiological functions. Today, it is an undeniable fact that nutrition and many diseases and symptoms are related to each other. Our diet can play a preventive, therapeutic or treatment-supporting role in many diseases from psychological disorders to cancer. It is seen that the nutrition of individuals with depression is quite inadequate in terms of content and their food preferences are in favor of foods that will contribute to depression. It has also been shown that thiamine deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, folate deficiency, pyridoxine deficiency, iron deficiency, protein deficiency, niacin deficiency, omega-3 deficiency or excessive sugar and sugary food consumption can lead to depression. As a result, it is very important to determine the nutritional status, food consumption and factors that cause inadequate dietary patterns in patients diagnosed with depression and to develop nutritional interventions accordingly. Providing nutritional support services to inpatients is one of the basic duties of nursing, as it increases the effectiveness of health services and improves individual nutritional practices, reduces preventable diseases, disabilities and premature deaths, and requires adequate and balanced nutritional support for optimal maintenance of body functions. Educative and counseling roles are among the responsibilities that nurses undertake the most. Despite this, nutritional education and counseling is an important but neglected issue. This project was planned as a randomized controlled experimental study to examine the effect of a nutritional education program on the attitude towards healthy nutrition in individuals diagnosed with depression. The randomization method will be used so that the patients can be assigned to the trial groups with equal chances that will be similar to each other in terms of the study participation criteria. For randomization, a simple random number table will be used to divide the groups into 2 groups and these groups will be equally distributed into experimental and control groups by the lottery method. The project will be carried out at Elazığ Mental Health and Diseases Hospital between , after obtaining the ethics committee and institutional permissions. The universe of the study will consist of patients diagnosed with depression who are receiving inpatient treatment at Elazığ Mental Health and Diseases Hospital. The universe of the study is based on an average of 70 patients, excluding duplicate patients, who are receiving inpatient treatment at Elazığ Mental Health and Diseases Hospital between January 2022 and June 2022. The sample of the study will consist of patients who meet the criteria for inclusion in the study and are open to communication and cooperation. The sample of the study was determined as 18 for the experimental group and 52 for the control group with a 95% confidence interval and a 1/3 case-control ratio with a randomized case-control study power analysis using the Epi Info program. The control and experimental groups in the study; Pre-test, post-test and 1st month follow-up data will be collected by the researcher via face-to-face interviews. The research intervention, the nutrition education program, will be implemented by the researcher. The education program will be given to each patient in 4 sessions by the researcher for 45-50 minutes. At the end of the session, individuals will be given an information booklet supported by visuals. If the project is successful at the expected level, the attitudes of depression patients regarding nutrition will change positively, and the study will contribute positively to the literature.