Biomedical Breakthroughs from the 6th International Bio-Medical Congress in Cyprus
November 2018 | Nicosia, Cyprus
The 6th International Multithematic Scientific Bio-Medical Congress (IMBMC), held in November 2018 at the European University Cyprus (EUC) in Nicosia, transformed the Mediterranean island into a global nexus for biomedical innovation.
Founded by Professor Ioannis Patrikios and internationally recognized for its scientific impact, this annual congress gathered Nobel laureates and leading researchers to tackle humanity's most persistent health challenges: cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular disorders, and aging 1 4 .
The congress earned significant recognition through publication in Nature's Cell Death & Disease journal, highlighting the quality of its scientific contributions 1 3 . With 18 Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits awarded and free public access, the event bridged cutting-edge research and clinical practice while fostering global scientific dialogue 4 .
Received an Honorary Doctorate from EUC and presented on the Ubiquitin Proteolytic System, illuminating cellular waste disposal machinery that regulates protein degradation 2 4 .
His insights revealed how malfunctions in this system contribute to cancer and neurodegenerative conditions, opening avenues for targeted therapies.
Explored how calcium transfer between these organelles influences cellular health and disease:
Professor Aspasia Tsezou connected epigenetics and osteoarthritis (OA), identifying hsa-miR-33a as a critical regulator of cholesterol metabolism in chondrocytes. This microRNA serves as both a serum biomarker for OA progression and a promising therapeutic target 2 .
| Disease | Key Molecule/Pathway | Role in Pathogenesis | Therapeutic Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Osteoarthritis | hsa-miR-33a | Inhibits cholesterol efflux → cartilage damage | Biomarker & drug target |
| Neurodegeneration | ER-Mitochondria Ca²⺠flux | Disrupted signaling → neuronal death | Regulate organelle crosstalk |
| Cancer | Ubiquitin-proteasome system | Misfolded protein accumulation → tumor growth | Proteasome inhibitors (e.g., bortezomib) |
Professor Philip C. Calder's exploration of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) offered transformative insights into cardiovascular disease prevention, combining epidemiological observations, clinical trials, and mechanistic biology 2 .
| Biological Mechanism | Effect on Cardiovascular System | Clinical Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Triglyceride Metabolism | ↓ Hepatic VLDL synthesis | ↓ Serum triglycerides by 15-30% |
| Anti-Inflammatory Action | ↓ Eicosanoid production | ↓ Plaque inflammation & endothelial damage |
| Plaque Stability | ↑ Collagen cap thickness | ↓ Risk of rupture & myocardial infarction |
| Anti-Arrhythmic Effect | Stabilizes cardiac ion channels | ↓ Sudden cardiac death |
Introduced small molecules that:
Overcoming limitations of protein-based neurotrophins 2 .
Redefined perioperative DOAC management:
Based on renal function and pharmacokinetics 2 .
Essential research reagents and resources presented at IMBMC 2018:
| Reagent/Resource | Function | Application Example |
|---|---|---|
| Ubiquitin-Proteasome Inhibitors | Block targeted protein degradation | Cancer therapy (e.g., bortezomib) |
| hsa-miR-33a Mimics/Antagomirs | Modulate cholesterol transport genes | Osteoarthritis biomarker & treatment |
| Omega-3 PUFA Concentrates | EPA/DHA supplements (≥80% purity) | Cardiovascular risk reduction trials |
| Circulating Tumor DNA (ctDNA) | Cancer-derived DNA fragments in biofluids | Early detection (PapSEEK/UroSEEK) |
| Microneurotrophins | Small-molecule neurotrophin receptor agonists | Stimulate brain repair in neurodegeneration |
The 2018 IMBMC transcended a typical scientific meeting—it ignited collaborations with lasting biomedical impact. From Ciechanover's Nobel-prized ubiquitin machinery to Calder's omega-3 epidemiology, the congress showcased how fundamental biology translates into lifesaving applications.
The research presented has since propelled clinical innovations: liquid biopsies are entering screening programs, microneurotrophins are advancing in trials, and omega-3 guidelines are evolving. As Professor Patrikios envisioned, this Cyprus-based congress remains a beacon of "academic excellence, research, and innovation"—proving that small islands can drive giant leaps in human health 2 4 .