Dr. Petra Frohberg
Overview
Research projects
Lipid mediators
Arachidonic acid (eicosatetraenoic acid, AA), a major component of cellular lipids, functions as a precursor of a large number of extremely potent biological lipid mediators. Several physiological and pathophysiological processes are mediated by these eicosanoids. They play an important role in inflammation, cancer development and immunity. Other lipid mediators such as derivatives of ω-3 fatty acids are involved in all these processes as well and can act in opposite directions.
To investigate the modulating characteristics of potential active compounds the formation of lipid mediators is monitored in stimulated human whole blood. The inhibition or stimulation of the eicosanoid biosynthesis is determined by a sample work up developed in our group. The lipid mediators are quantified using HPLC and LC MS/MS methods as well.
Small bioactive compounds
Small therapeutic molecules still constitute a real target for pharmaceutical research. Many compounds with nitrogen containing heterocycles, which were selected by nature over the period of biological evolution, play a part in important molecular functions. These bioactive compounds represent an enormous diversity of structures. Otherwise the conversion of large proteins into small bioactive compounds can also be amenable to success.
The physicochemical parameters including logP, pKa and solubility values describe molecular properties of bioactive compounds important for drug pharmacokinetics in the human body. Several novel 1-phenyl-5,5-dimethyl- 4,5-dihydro-1H-1,2,4-triazoles were characterised as potential inhibitors of biosynthesis of lipid mediators. The physicochemical parameters of derivatives can be determined according OECD guidelines. Additionally, the “drug-likeness” can be estimated using the free available software Osiris and Molinspiration.
Teaching
Analysis of drug compounds according to Pharmacopoeia (ABU, 3rd academic year)
Analysis of drugs - Drug monitoring, toxicological und environmental analysis (AMA, 4th academic year)