Department of Medical Biochemistry

Academic staff

Professor Anelia Bivolarska, MD, PhD – Head of the Department

Professor Tatyana Vlaykova, PhD

Chief Assistant Professor Iliyan Dimitrov, PhD – Quality and accreditation

Chief Assistant Professor Krasimir Boyanov, PhD – Science and research activities

Chief Assistant Professor Ginka Delcheva, PhD – Educational Activity and for International Cooperation and Project Activity

Chief Assistant Professor Katya Stefanova, PhD – Educational Activities and Chief Assistant Professor for Administrative Activities

Chief Assistant Professor Teodora Stankova, PhD – E-learning

Chief Assistant Professor Ivica Dimov, PhD – Fire safety and Postgraduate education

Chief Assistant Professor Mariya Choneva – Update of the web page of the department

Assistant Professor Mariya Motrenikova, MD – Social media

Assistant professor Kalina Metodieva, MD – Social media

Assistant professor Merlin Esad – Social media

Assistant Professor Teodora Bahchevanska

Technical Staff

Yulia Dimitrova – Chemist, Responsible for “Monitoring and Measurement Resources”

Veneta Chaova-Gizdakova – Chemist

Nedyalka Qassem – Laboratory technician

Research activity

Since 2009, the Department of Medical Biochemistry has been working on the following scientific directions:

1. Indicators for assessing disturbances in iron homeostasis as markers of the disease process and targets for therapeutic intervention in anemia in chronic inflammatory processes:
   • Informative value of new serum markers in assessing the state of anemia as an additional factor for clarifying the pathobiochemical mechanisms in type 2 diabetes.
   • Pathobiochemical mechanisms linking iron homeostasis with indicators of inflammatory activity in rheumatoid arthritis.
2. Studies on the links between rational nutrition, micronutrient deficiencies and obesity:
   • Iodine and iron deficiencies in at-risk population groups and the influence of the environment on their prevalence.
   • Studies on low-grade obesity in a high-lipid diet.
3. Post-translational protein modification as an adaptive mechanism for cellular regulation and a participant in the pathogenic mechanisms of diseases:
   • Influence of modulators with proven anti- and pro-coagulant effects on phosphorylation processes in human platelets.
   • Informative value of post-translational changes in proteins in metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes, presenting metabolic syndrome as a pre-diabetic condition.
4. Research on the role of genetic and other factors in the development, progression, and prognosis of chronic inflammatory lung diseases, oncology, and other socially significant multifactorial diseases.
5. Studies on the effects of prebiotic oligosaccharides on metabolism, antioxidant status, and cognitive functions in cell lines and experimental animals to clarify the role of nutrition in the prevention and treatment of diseases such as type 1 diabetes:
   • Investigation of the synergistic effect of prebiotic oligosaccharides on enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism and the body’s antioxidant defense.
   • Influence of prebiotics and aerobic training on the antioxidant and lipid profile of rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes.

Projects:

1. SDP-06/2012: “Assessment of iodine and iron deficiency in at-risk population groups”. Project leaders – Prof. Ana Maneva, DSc, Prof. Penka Gatseva, MD, PhD; participants from the department – Prof. Ana Maneva, DSc, Chief Asst. Prof. Anelia Bivolarska, MD (PhD student), Asst. Prof. Ginka Delcheva, PhD. Project duration: 30.11.2012 – 28.12.2013.
2. SDP-07/2012: “Contribution of adipose tissue and liver to elevated levels of acute-phase proteins (CRP and SAA) in obesity”. Project leader – Assoc. Prof. Vasil Kamenov, MD, PhD; participants from the department – Assoc. Prof. Vasil Kamenov, MD, PhD, Asst. Prof. Iliyan Dimitrov. Project duration: 13.03.2013 – 13.03.2014.
3. VUP NO-11/2013: “Studies on pathobiochemical mechanisms linking iron homeostasis to indicators of inflammatory activity in rheumatoid arthritis”. Project leaders – Prof. Ana Maneva, DSc, Prof. Anastas Batalov, MD, PhD; participants from the department – Prof. Ana Maneva, DSc, Asst. Prof. Ginka Delcheva, PhD, Asst. Prof. Katya Stefanova (PhD student). Project duration: 08.07.2013 – 08.07.2015.
4. VUP NO-19/2014: “Drug-induced antibodies in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis treated with TNF-α blockers”. Project leaders: Prof. Anastas Batalov, MD, PhD, Prof. Ana Maneva, DSc; participants from the department – Prof. Ana Maneva, DSc, Chief Asst. Prof. Ginka Delcheva, PhD, Asst. Prof. Katya Stefanova (PhD student). Project duration: 01.07.2014 – 03.2017.
5. VUP NO-05/2015: “Contribution of the liver, adipose tissue and skeletal muscles to the development of chronic low-grade inflammation in obesity”. Project leader: Assoc. Prof. Vasil Kamenov, MD, PhD; lead researcher Asst. Prof. Iliyan Dimitrov (PhD student); participants from the department – Assoc. Prof. Vasil Kamenov, MD, PhD, Assoc. Prof. Anelia Bivolarska, MD, PhD, Asst. Prof. Iliyan Dimitrov (PhD student), Asst. Prof. Teodora Stankova. Project duration: 01.04.2016 – 01.04.2018.
6. SDP-02/2015: “Study of intracellular signaling pathways used by lactoferrin in platelets”. Project leader – Prof. Ana Maneva, DSc; participants from the department – Prof. Ana Maneva, Asst. Prof. Krasimir Boyanov (PhD student). Project duration: 01.09.2015 – 01.09.2016.
7. SDP-16/2015: “Antibodies against modified citrullinated vimentin – diagnostic and prognostic possibilities in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and the potential role of Porphyromonas gingivalis for their production”. Project leaders: Prof. Anastas Batalov, MD, PhD, Assoc. Prof. Elena Firkova-Bernard, MD, PhD; participants from the department – Prof. Ana Maneva, DSc, Chief Asst. Prof. Ginka Delcheva, PhD, Asst. Prof. Katya Stefanova (PhD student), Asst. Prof. Teodora Stankova. Project duration: 01.09.2015 – 05.2017.
8. PROJECT D03-128/23.09.2015: “Increasing the capacity of teachers at Medical University of Plovdiv in education focusing on the health awareness of the Roma community” under the BG09 program – “European Economic Area Scholarship Fund”, measure “Projects for inter-institutional cooperation”, 2015-2018, project member – Assoc. Prof. Anelia Bivolarska, MD, PhD.
9. SDP-08/2017: PhD programs start, MU-Plovdiv, on the topic: “Study of post-translational changes in proteins in metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes”. Project leader – Prof. Ana Maneva, DSc; participants from the department – Prof. Ana Maneva, DSc, Asst. Prof. Teodora Stankova, Chief Asst. Prof. Ginka Delcheva, PhD. Project duration: 01.09.2017 – 01.09.2018.
10. Project BG05M2OP001-1.002-0005: Center of Competence “Personalized Innovative Medicine (PERIMED)”, financed by the Operational Program “Science and Education for Smart Growth”, co-financed by the European Union through the European Structural and Investment Funds. March 2018 – 31 December 2023, project member – Assoc. Prof. Anelia Bivolarska, MD, PhD.
11. VUP NO-07/2019: “Influence of prebiotics and aerobic training on the antioxidant and lipid profile of rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes”. Project leader and lead researcher: Assoc. Prof. Anelia Bivolarska, MD, PhD; participants from the department – Assoc. Prof. Anelia Bivolarska, MD, PhD, Prof. Tatyana Vlaykova, PhD, Chief Assist. Prof. Krasimir Boyanov, PhD, Chief Asst. Prof. Iliyan Dimitrov, PhD, Asst. Prof. Ivica Dimov, Asst. Prof. Mariya Choneva. Project duration: 01.04.2019 – 01.10.2021.
12. NO-03/2021: “Biochemical markers for assessing osteointegration after the placement of titanium implants”. Project leader: Prof. Tatyana Vlaykova, PhD; lead researcher Chief Asst. Prof. Teodora Stankova, PhD; participants from the department – Prof. Tatyana Vlaykova, PhD, Chief Asst. Prof. Teodora Stankova, PhD, Chief Asst. Prof. Katya Stefanova, PhD, Chief Asst. Prof. Iliyan Dimitrov, PhD. Project duration: 01.04.2021 – 01.04.2023.
13. DPD 05/2022: “Serum levels of indoxyl sulfate and para-cresol in patients with CKD IV-V stage as biochemical markers for intestinal dysbiosis in uremia – clinical significance and possibilities for therapeutic control”. Project leader – Prof. Emil Kumchev, MD, PhD, participants from the department – Chief Asst. Prof. Krasimir Boyanov, PhD, Asst. Prof. Kalina Metodieva. Project duration: 01.09.2022-01.09.2023.
14. NO-12/2022: “Levels of adipokines (chemerin and resistin) in serum and synovial fluid in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis of the knee”. Project leaders – Assoc. Prof. Rositsa Karalilova, MD, PhD, Assoc. Prof. Boyan Nonchev, MD, PhD; participants from the department – Chief Asst. Prof. Teodora Stankova, PhD, Chief Asst. Prof. Katya Stefanova, PhD, Chief Asst. Prof. Ginka Delcheva, PhD. Duration: 01.04.2022 – 04.2024.
15. NO-03/2023: “Study of the biological effects of an extract from Micromeria frivaldszkyana (Degen) Velen. (Lamiaceae)”. Project leader – Assoc. Prof. Elisaveta Apostolova, PhD; participants from the department – Asst. Prof. Ivica Dimov, PhD, Asst. Prof. Mariya Choneva, PhD Asst. Prof. Merlin Esad, Asst. Prof. Kalina Metodieva, MD. Duration: 04.2023-04.2025.
16. NO-13/2023 on the topic “Investigation of the relationship between cortisol concentration in saliva, hair and nails, and the level of physical activity, stress and depressive symptoms in students at the Medical University of Plovdiv”. Project leader – Prof. Tatyana Vlaikova, PhD; participants from the department – Prof. Tatyana Vlaikova, PhD, Chief Asst. Prof. Krasimir Boyanov, PhD, laboratory assistant Nedyalka Kasem. Project duration – 03.04.2023-03.04.2025.
17. PSNIIR-MUP, №3.4.5./15.01.2024 on the topic “Investigation of ‘smart’ drug-delivery systems with extract from Betonica bulgarica Degen et Neič. (Bulgarian betony) in an experimental model of skin wounds and human skin”. Project leader – Assoc. Prof. Anelia Bivolarska, MD, PhD, Assoc. Prof. Elisaveta Apostolova, PhD; participants from the department – Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anelia Bivolarska, MD, PhD, Asst. Prof. Ivica Dimov, PhD, Asst. Prof. Maria Choneva, PhD, Asst. Prof. Merlin Esad. Project duration: 01.2024 – 12.2026.
18. VUP HO-05/2025 “Investigation of the antioxidant activity, chronic stress and inflammatory markers in the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease”. Project leader – Chief Asst. Prof. Krasimir Boyanov, PhD. Participants from the department – Chief Asst. Prof. Krasimir Boyanov, PhD, Asst. Prof. Maria Motrenikova, MD, Chief Asst. Prof. Ivica Dimov, PhD, Chief Asst. Prof. Mariya Choneva, PhD. Project duration: 04.2025 – 04.2027.
19. VUP HO-14/2025 “Assessment of the oxidative stress and inflammatory response in the skeletal muscles of ageing rats after the inclusion of Aronia melanocarpa juice into their diet”. Project leaders – Chief Asst. Prof. Iliyan Dimitrov, PhD and Chief Asst. Prof. Elena Daskalova, MD, PhD. Participants from the department – Chief Asst. Prof. Iliyan Dimitrov, PhD, Asst. Prof. Kalina Metodieva, MD, Chief Asst. Prof. Ivica Dimov, PhD, Chief Asst. Prof. Mariya Choneva, PhD. Project duration: 04.2025 – 04.2027.
20. VUP HO-11/2025 “New markers for metabolic disturbances and cardiovascular risk in women with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis”. Project leaders – Prof. Tanya Deneva, MD, PhD and Prof. Ludmila Vladimirova-Kitova, MD, PhD. Participants from the department – Chief Asst. Prof. Mariya Choneva, PhD. Project duration: 04.2025 – 04.2027.

Textbooks

The academic staff of The Department of Medical Biochemistry are authors and co-authors of the following books:

1. The academic staff of the Department of Medical Biochemistry are authors and co-authors of the following books:
2. Bivolarska A. Biochemistry guide book for students in Medicine, Dental medicine and Pharmacy. Lax book, 2022.
3. Workbook for practical exercises and preparation in Biochemistry for students of Medicine. A. Bivolarska, G. Delcheva, I. Dimitrov, T. Stankova, I. Dimov, K. Boyanov, M. Choneva, K. Stefanova, 2024.
4. Workbook for practical exercises and preparation in Biochemistry for students of Dental Medicine. T. Vlaykova, A. Bivolarska, G. Delcheva, I. Dimitrov, T. Stankova, I. Dimov, K. Boyanov, M. Choneva, K. Stefanova, 2024.
5. Workbook for practical exercises and preparation in Biochemistry for students of Pharmacy. A. Bivolarska, G. Delcheva, T. Stankova, K. Stefanova, I. Dimitrov, K. Boyanov, I. Dimov, M. Choneva, M. Motrenikova, K. Metodieva, M. Esad, 2024. ISBN 978-619-189-147-4.

Publications

Publications in scientific journals with IF and SJR

1. Boyanov К, Maneva A. Modulation of PI3K Tyr-467/199 phosphorylation in human platelets. C R Acad Bulg Sci. 2017;70(12):1681-1688. ISSN 1310–1331 (Print) / ISSN 2367–5535 (Online). IF2023 = 0.3, Q4, SJR2023 = 0.16, Q3.

2. Davidov, H., Bivolarska, A. Psychologic and psychiatric comorbidity in patiens with phenylketonuria. General Medicine. Volume 20, Issue 1, 2018, Pages 47-51. ISSN 1311-1817. SJR2023 = 0.12, Q4.

3. Ginka Delcheva, Boriana Zhekova, Katya Stefanova, Teodora Stankova, Georgi Dobrev, Ana Maneva, Ivan Pishtiyski, Preparation and characterization of Aspergillus niger B 03 endo-xylanase immobilized on the smart polymers Eudragit L-100 and S-100, Research Journal of Pharmaceutical, Biological and Chemical Sciences (RJPBCS), 2018, 9, (3), 1114-1121. SJR2018 = 0,127, Q3.

4. Stefanova, K.I., Delcheva, G.T., Maneva, A.I., Batalov, A.Z., Geneva-Popova, M.G., Karalilova, R.V., Simitchiev, K.K. Pathobiochemical Mechanisms Relating Iron Homeostasis with Parameters of Inflammatory Activity and Autoimmune Disorders in Rheumatoid Arthritis, Folia medica 2018, 60(1), 124-132. SJR2023 = 0,22, Q4.

5. Boyanov К, Maneva A. Influence of platelet aggregation modulators on cyclic AMP production in human thrombocytes. Folia Med (Plovdiv). 2018;60(2):241-247. ISSN 1314-2143 (online) / ISSN 0204-8043 (print). SJR2023 = 0,22, Q4.

6. T. R. Stankova, G. T. Delcheva, K. I. Stefanova, A. I. Maneva, S. V. Vladeva, G.A. Tsvetkova, 3-nitrotyrosine as a serum biomarker of nitroxidative stress and insulin resistance in nascent metabolic syndrome, Bulgarian Chemical Communications 2018,Volume 50, Pages 165-171. IF2017 = 0,242; SJR2023 = 0,15, Q4.

7. Tsvetelina R. Mladenova, Plamen S. Stoyanov, Irina K. Michova-Nankova, Rumen D. Mladenov, Doychin T. Boyadzhiev, Anelia V. Bivolarska, Krasimir T. Todorov. Comparative Leaf Epidermis Analyses оf Micromeria frivaldszkyana (Degen) Velen. and Clinopodium vulgare L. (Lamiaceae) from Bulgarka Nature Park, Bulgaria. Ecologia Balkanica. 2019, Vol. 11, Issue 2, pp. 133-140. SJR2023=0.17, Q4.

8. Zhelyazkova YA, Tacheva TT, Dimov DM, Vlaykova DG, Bivolarska AV, Vlaykova TI. Possible role of serum leptin as biomarker in COPD. Folia Medica (Plovdiv) 61(4): 512-521, 2019. SJR2023 = 0,22, Q4.

9. Stankova TR, Delcheva GT, Maneva AI, Vladeva SV. Serum levels of carbamylated LDL, nitrotyrosine and soluble lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 in poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus. Folia Medica 2019, 61(3): 419-425. SJR2023 = 0,22, Q4.

10. Dimitrov I., V. Kamenov, N. Boyadjiev, K. Georgieva, A. Bivolarska, M. Draganova-Filipova, P. Angelova, S. Delchev, E. Daskalova, F. Gerginska, T. Stankova, V. Gramatikov. Impact of a high-fat diet on the development of chronic inflammation in heart of Wistar rats. Folia Medica, vol. 61(3): 404-10, 2019; lSSN-0204-8043, eISSN-1314-2143. SJR2023 = 0,22, Q4.

11. Stankova, T., Delcheva, G., Maneva, A., Vladeva, S., Serum levels of carbamylated LDL and soluble lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 are associated with coronary artery disease in patients with metabolic syndrome, Medicina (Lithuania) 2019, 55(8),493. IF2023 = 2.4, Q3; SJR2023 = 0.59, Q2.

12. Krasimir Kraev, Mariela Geneva-Popova, Velichka Popova, Stanislava Popova, Ana Maneva, Anastas Batalov, Teodora Stankova, Ginka Delcheva, Katya Stefanova, Drug-neutralizing Antibodies against TNF-α blockers as Biomarkers of Therapy Effect Evaluation, Folia Medica, 2020;62(2):282-9. SJR2023 = 0,22, Q4.

13. P. Selimov, E. Firkova, L. Damjanovska-Krstikj, A. Batalov, A. Maneva, R. Karalilova, G. Delcheva, K. Stefanova, T. Stankova. Porphyromonas gingivalis – periodontal pathogen with potential roll in rheumatoid arthritis. Ann. Rheum. Dis. 2020, vol 70, Suppl. 1, p. 1346. IF2023 = 20.3, Q1; SJR2023 = 6.14, Q1) (Еxtended abstract).

14. VI Turiyski, IV Dimitrov, RG Ardasheva, PG Vassilev. Influence of obesity on the tolerance of abdominal hypertension in rats-some mechanical aspects. Indian Journal of Animal Research.2020.(54):953-956. IF2023 = 0.4, Q4; SJR2023 = 0.23, Q3.

15. M Pencheva, Y Koeva, I Dimitrov, N Atanassova. ANGIOTENSIN CONVERTING ENZYME (ACE) IN SEMINAL PLASMA AND SPERM MEMBRANE AS A MARKER FOR MALE INFERTILITY. COMPTES RENDUS DE L ACADEMIE BULGARE DES SCIENCES. 2020. 73 (5), 633-640. IF2023 = 0.3, Q4, SJR2023 = 0.16, Q3.

16. M. Popova, M. Esad, Ts. Mladenova, P. Stoyanov, A. Bivolarska. Biochemical aspects of the effect of silymarin on lipid metabolism and glucose homeostasis. General Medicine. Volume 23, Issue 2, 2021, Pages 45-50. ISSN 1311-1817. SJR2023 = 0.12, Q4.

17. Mladenova, Ts., Stoyanov, P., Denev, P., Dimitrova, S., Katsarova, M., Teneva, D., Todorov, K., Bivolarska, A. (2021). Phytochemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of the Balkan endemic Micromeria frivaldszkyana (Degen) Velen. (Lamiaceae). Plants. 10(4), 710. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10040710. IF2023=4.0, Q1; SJR2023= 0.8, Q1.

18. Mladenova T, Stoyanov P, Todorov K, Davcheva D, Kirova G, Deneva T, Gyuzeleva D, Mladenov R, Bivolarska A. Phytochemical and Biological Traits of Endemic Betonica bulgarica (Lamiaceae). Separations. 2021; 8(2):11. https://doi.org/10.3390/separations8020011. IF2023=2.5, Q3; SJR2023=0.41, Q3.

19. Katya Stefanova, Ginka Delcheva, Teodora Stankova, Ana Maneva, Pavel Selimov, Rositza Karalilova, Anastas Batalov, sRANKL, OPG AND sRAGE AS MARKERS OF BONE METABOLISM IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: RELATION TO INDICATORS OF IMPAIRED IRON HOMEOSTASIS AND INFLAMMATION, Comptes rendus de l’Acade’mie bulgare des Sciences, 2021, Vol 74, No8, pp.1238-1246. IF2023 = 0.3, Q4, SJR2023 = 0.16, Q3.

20. P. Gatseva, M. Vasileva, V. Atanasova, St. Harizanova, A. Bivolarska. Health risk factors associated with the future medical specialists lifestyle – comparative study among Bulgarian and foreign students ‒ General Medicine, 24, 2022, № 4, 31-38. SJR2023 = 0.12, Q4.
21. Donika P. Gyuzeleva, Plamen S. Stoyanov, Anelia V. Bivolarska, Rumen D. Mladenov, Tsvetelina R. Mladenova, Venelin H. Petkov, Krasimir T. Todorov. Anatomical Investigation of Marrubium friwaldskyanum Boiss. and Marrubium peregrinum L. (Lamiaceae) from Bulgaria. Ecologia balkanika Online ISSN: 1313-9940 │ Print ISSN: 1314-0213 Vol. 14, Issue 1 June 2022 pp. 87-101. SJR2023=0.17, Q4.

22. Pencheva M, Koeva I, Dimitrov I, Daskalova E. High lipid diet and the expression of proinflammatory markers in testis. Folia Med (Plovdiv). 2022; 64(2): 288-295. doi:10.3897/folmed.64.e65467. SJR2023 = 0,22, Q4.

23. Tsvetelina Mladenova, Tsvetelina Batsalova, Balik Dzhambazov, Rumen Mladenov, Ivanka Teneva, Plamen Stoyanov and Anelia Bivolarska. Antitumor and Immunomodulatory Properties of the Bulgarian Endemic Plant Betonica bulgarica Degen et Neič. (Lamiaceae). Plants 2022, 11(13), 1689; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11131689. IF2023=4.0, Q1; SJR2023= 0.8, Q1.

24. Ginka Delcheva, Ana Maneva, Tanya Deneva, Anelia Bivolarska, Association between iron and thyroid status in pregnant women, Journal of IMAB, 2022 Jan-Mar;28(1):4194-4201. IF2023 = 0.1, SJR2020 Q4.

25. I. V. Dimitrov, T. R. Stankova, P. A. Angelova, N. P. Boyadjiev, K. N. Georgieva, D. I. Popov, I. Dimov, A. V. Bivolarska, F. D. Gerginska, E. P. Daskalova, M. N. Draganova-Filipova, S. D. Delchev. Inflammatory Response of Skeletal Muscles to a High-Fat Diet. MLTJ (Muscle, Ligaments and Tendons Journal) 2022;12 (4):490-496. IF2023=0.5, Q4; SJR2023=0.24, Q3.

26. Choneva M, Shishmanova-Doseva M, Dimov I, Boyanov K, Dimitrov I, Vlaykova T, Georgieva K, Hrischev P, Bivolarska A. Xylooligosaccharides and aerobic training regulate metabolism and behavior in rats with streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetes. Open Medicine. 2022;17(1): 1632-1644. https://doi.org/10.1515/med-2022-0579. IF2023 = 1.7, Q2; SJR2023 = 0.42, Q3.

27. Boyanov KO, Choneva MA, Dimov I, Dimitrov IV, Vlaykova TI, Gerginska FD, Delchev SD, Hrischev PI, Georgieva KN, Bivolarska AV. Effect of oligosaccharides on the antioxidant, lipid and inflammatory profiles of rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus. Z Naturforsch C J Biosci. 2022 Feb 24;77(9-10):379-386. doi: 10.1515/znc-2021-0215. PMID: 35218687. IF2023 = 1.8, Q4; SJR2023 = 0.36, Q3.

28. Pavel Selimov, Rositsa Karalilova, Ljubinka Damjanovska, Ginka Delcheva, Teodora Stankova, Katya Stefanova, Ana Maneva, Teodor Selimov, Anastas Batalov, (2023) Rheumatoid arthritis and the proinflammatory cytokine IL-17. Folia Medica 65(1): 53-59. https://doi.org/10.3897/folmed.65.e72448. SJR2023 = 0,22, Q4.

29. Yanachkova, V., Stankova, T., & Staynova, R. (2023). Thyroid dysfunction as a long-term post-COVID-19 complication in mild-to-moderate COVID-19. Biotechnology & Biotechnological Equipment, 37(1), 194-202. IF2023 = 1.5, Q4; SJR2023 = 0.33, Q3.

30. Yanachkova, V., Staynova, R., Stankova, T., & Kamenov, Z. (2023). Placental Growth Factor and Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein-A as Potential Early Predictors of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. Medicina, 59(2), 398. IF2023 = 2.4, Q2; SJR2023 = 0.59, Q2.

31. Gyuzeleva, D.; Benina, M.; Ivanova, V.; Vatov, E.; Alseekh, S.; Mladenova, T.; Mladenov, R.; Todorov, K.; Bivolarska, A.; Stoyanov, P. Metabolome Profiling of Marrubium peregrinum L. and Marrubium friwaldskyanum Boiss Reveals Their Potential as Sources of Plant-Based Pharmaceuticals. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 24 (23), 17035 (2023). IF2023 = 4.9, Q1; SJR2023 = 1.18, Q1.

32. Ivica Dimov, Daniela Mollova, Tonka Vasileva, Veselin Bivolarski, Mariana Nikolova, Anelia Bivolarska & Ilia Iliev (2023) Metabolic profiling of probiotic strain Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus L14 cultivated in presence of prebiotic oligosaccharides and polysaccharides in simulating in vitro gastrointestinal tract system. Biotechnology & Biotechnological Equipment, 37:1, 260-272. IF2023 = 1.5, Q4; SJR2023 = 0.33, Q3.

33. Alakidi A, Dimitrov I, Bivolarska AV, Mihaylova V. Changes in the levels of marker molecules salivary α-amylase and cortisol as a stress response to everyday activities of general practitioners in rural areas of the Republic of Bulgaria. Rural Remote Health. 2023 Jan;23(1):7318. doi: 10.22605/RRH7318. Epub 2023 Jan 30. PMID: 36710477. IF2023 = 2.0, Q3; SJR2023 = 0.575, Q2.

34. Kuskunov T, Tilkiyan E, Doykov D, Boyanov K, Bivolarska A, Hristov B. The Effect of Synbiotic Supplementation on Uremic Toxins, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Hemodialysis Patients—Results of an Uncontrolled Prospective Single-Arm Study. Medicina. 2023; 59(8):1383. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina59081383. IF2023 = 2.4, Q2; SJR2023 = 0.59, Q2.

35. Ginka Delcheva, Katya Stefanova, Teodora Stankova. Serum sRAGE, sRANKL and osteoprotegerin in subgroups of rheumatoid arthritis patients: biomarkers associated with iron and disease status, Biotechnology & Biotechnological Equipment, 2023, 37:1, 2256428. DOI: 10.1080/13102818.2023.2256428. IF2023 = 1.5, Q4; SJR2023 = 0.33, Q3.

36. Ginka Delcheva, Teodora Stankova, Katya Stefanova, Anelia Bivolarska. Assessment of health status and cardiovascular risk factors in a Roma population sample from South Bulgaria, Central European Journal of Public Health 2023, 31(2):115-119. DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a7071. IF2023 = 1.1, Q4; SJR2023 = 0.35, Q3.

37. Atanasova T, Stankova T, Bivolarska A, Vlaykova T. Matrix Metalloproteinases in Oral Health—Special Attention on MMP-8. Biomedicines. 2023; 11(6):1514. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11061514. IF2023 = 3.9, Q2; SJR2023 = 0.962, Q1.

38. Dimitrov I, Stankova T, Angelova P, Boyadjiev N, Georgieva K, Dimov I, Bivolarska A, Draganova M, Gerginska F, Daskalova E, Gramatikov V, Delchev S. Diet-Induced Early Inflammatory Response of Visceral Adipose Tissue in Healthy Male Wistar Rats. Nutrients. 2024; 16(8):1184. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16081184, IF2023=4.8, Q1; SJR2023=1.3, Q1.

39. Choneva M, Hristozov M, Dimov I, Boyanov K, Dimitrov I, Murdjeva M, Hrischev P, Vasilev V, Georgieva K, Bivolarska A. Effect of oligosaccharides and aerobic training on hyperglycemia, growth and intestinal microbial diversity of diabetic rats. Turkish Journal of Biochemistry. 2024;49(1): 90-98. https://doi.org/10.1515/tjb-2023-0070. IF2023=0.6, Q4; SJR2023=0.21, Q3.

40. Stavrakeva K, Metodieva K, Benina M, Bivolarska A, Dimov I, Choneva M, Kokova V, Alseekh S, Ivanova V, Vatov E, Gechev T, Mladenova T, Mladenov R, Todorov K, Stoyanov P, Gyuzeleva D, Popova M, Apostolova E. Metabolic Composition of Methanolic Extract of the Balkan Endemic Species Micromeria frivaldszkyana (Degen) Velen and Its Anti-Inflammatory Effect on Male Wistar Rats. Int J Mol Sci. 2024 May 15;25(10):5396. doi: 10.3390/ijms25105396. PMID: 38791434; PMCID: PMC11121417. IF2023 = 4.9, Q1; SJR2023 = 1.18, Q1.

41. Merlin Esad, Mihaela Popova, Elisaveta Apostolova, Anelia Bivolarska. „Signal transduction in wound healing: the effects of plant-derived biologically active substances”, Pharmacia 71: 1–7. 2024.

42. Delcheva, G.; Stefanova, K.; Stankova, T. Ceramides – Emerging Biomarkers of Lipotoxicity in Obesity, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Inflammation. Diseases 2024, 12(9), 195. https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases12090195.

43. Choneva M, Delchev S, Hrischev P, et al. Modulation of the Cardiovascular Risk in Type 1 Diabetic Rats by Endurance Training in Combination with the Prebiotic Xylooligosaccharide. Int J Mol Sci. 2024;25(18):10027. Published 2024 Sep 18. doi:10.3390/ijms251810027.

44. Stefanova K, Delcheva G, Stankova T. Are the Soluble Receptors sRAGE, sRANKL, and Osteoprotegerin Associated with Anemia in Rheumatoid Arthritis? Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25, 12729. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252312729.

45. Vasileva, E., Stankova, T., Batalov, K., Staynova, R., Nonchev, B., Bivolarska, A., Karalilova, R. Association of serum and synovial adipokines (chemerin and resistin) with inflammatory markers and ultrasonographic evaluation scores in patients with knee joint osteoarthritis- a pilot study. Rheumatol Int. 2024, 44, 1997–2005. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-024-05672-8.

46. Bacelova, M., Stankova, T., Alakidi, A., Bivolarska, A., Petkova, V. A retrospective look at the impact of smoking on glycemic control and thyroid status in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1DM). Pharmacia 2024, 71, 1-5. https://doi.org/10.3897/pharmacia.71.e126100.

47. Ginka Delcheva, Katya Stefanova, Teodora Stankova, Ana Maneva. Serum thioredoxin and lactoferrin in rheumatoid arthritis and their association with rheumatoid factor. Journal of Medical Biochemistry 2024, 43, 1-7. DOI: 10.5937/jomb0-44758.

48. Teneva, O.; Petkova, Z.; Antova, G.; Angelova-Romova, M.; Stoyanov, P.; Todorov, K.; Mladenova, T.; Radoukova, T.; Mladenov, R.; Petkov, V.; Bivolarska A. et al. Chemical Composition and Lipid Bioactive Components of Centaurea thracica Dwelling in Bulgaria. Molecules 2024, 29, 3282. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29143282.

49. A. Bivolarska, K. Indjian, R. Pavlova, A. Alakidi. Do e-cigarettes have less impact on cardiovascular health than combustible cigarettes? Gemenal medicine 26, 2024, № 3, 33-40.

50. Popov, D., Boyadjiev, N., Kanalev, K., Indjian, K., Dimitrov, I., & Angelova, P. (2024). CHANGE IN PEAK OXYGEN CONSUMPTION AND EXERCISE ECONOMY IN MALE AND FEMALE WEIGHTLIFTERS AFTER A 20-DAY TRAINING PROGRAM. KNOWLEDGE – International Journal , 63(4), 540–543.

51. Donika Gyuzeleva, Tsvetelina Batsalova, Balik Dzhambazov, Ivanka Teneva, Tsvetelina Mladenov, Rumen Mladenov, Plamen Stoyanov, Krasimir Todorov, Dzhemal Moten, Desislava Apostolova, Anelia Bivolarska. Assessment of the biological activity of Marrubium friwaldskyanum Boiss. (Lamiaceae) Heliyon Volume 10, Issue 11, e32599, June 15, 2024 DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e3259.

52. Georgieva Bacelova M, Dimitrova Gatseva P, Ivanova Deneva T, Miteva Davcheva D, Veselinova Bivolarska A. Are the elements zinc, copper, magnesium, and rubidium related to nutrition and iodine deficiency in pregnant Bulgarian women from iodine deficient region? Cent Eur J Public Health. 2024 Mar;32(1):31-38. doi: 10.21101/cejph.a7796. PMID: 38669155.

53. Barbutska D., Dimitrov D., Georgieva K., Petrov PP., Motrenikova M, Penchev P., Todorov T. THE SEVENTH CRANIAL NERVE AND ITS CLINICAL MANIFESTATION – BELL’S PALSY. Scientific works of the Union of Scientists in Bulgaria-Plovdiv, series G. Medicine, Pharmacy and Dental medicine, Vol. ХХХI. ISSN 1311-9427 (Print), ISSN 2534-9392 (On-line) 2024.

Monographs

Individual Monographs

1. Bivolarska A. Zinc, Magnesium, Copper, Iodine and Iron: Functions, Metabolism and Diseases. Lax Book Publishing – Plovdiv, 2016. ISBN 978-619-189-037-8. Individual monograph.
2. Bivolarska A. The diet is the code. Lax Book Publishing – Plovdiv, 2024. ISBN 978-619-189-265-5. Individual monograph.

Contributions to Monographs

1. Maneva A. and Maneva-Radicheva, L. Chapter 12. Protein Kinases and Protein Phosphatases as Participants in Signal Transduction of Erythrocytes, In Book “Protein Kinases” ISBN: 978-953-51-0640-1 Ed. G.Xavier, InTech, 2012, pp. 249-287.
2. Manev, V., Maneva A., Sirakov L. Chapter 40. Effect of Lactoferrin on Phagocytic Activity of Polymorphonuclear Cells Isolated from Blood of Patients with Autoimmune Diseases and Staphylococcus aureus Allergy, In Book: Advances in Lactoferrin Research Eds. Genevieve Spik et al., Plenum Press, New York & London; ISBN 0-306-45926-4; Adv. Exp. Med. Biol., 1998, 443, 321-330. IF=0.646, ISSN: 0065-2598, PubMed PMID: 9781376.
3. Maneva, A., Mihailova, D., Manev, V., Taleva, B., Maneva-Radicheva, L. Decreased sCD23 Serum Content by Vitamin E Therapy in Children with Juvenile Chronic Arthritis: Correlation with the Thiol Antioxidant Status. “Problems of Immunological Health in the 21st Century”, Sofia, November 2006, pp. 129-145; ISBN: 10: 954-91962-1-6; ISBN: 13: 978-954-91962-1-4.
4. Maneva, A., Angelova-Gateva P., Taleva, Maneva-Radicheva L., Manev, V. Lactoferrin Stimulates Erythrocyte Na+/K+-ATPase: Effect of Modulators of Membrane Phosphorylation and Antioxidative Protection. “Problems of Immunological Health in the 21st Century”, Sofia, November 2006, pp. 185-208; ISBN: 10: 954-91962-1-6; ISBN: 13: 978-954-91962-1-4.
5. Maneva, A., Manev, V. Mechanisms of the Antitumor Activity of Lactoferrin. “Problems of Immunological Health in the 21st Century”, Sofia, November 2006, pp. 146-184; ISBN: 10: 954-91962-1-6; ISBN: 13: 978-954-91962-1-4.
6. Dimo Dimov, Tatyana Vlaikova. Some Laboratory Analysis in Pulmonology (Chapter 13 of the textbook) in: Pulmonary Diseases (Part 1, Fundamentals of Pulmonology), edited by Prof. Kosta Kostov, vol. 1, pp. 277-284, InSpiro, Sofia, 2016 (90 co-authors).
7. Vlaikova T. Tumor Angiogenesis. In: Yovchev Y., Yulianov A. Rectal Cancer. “Litera Print” AD – Stara Zagora, 2015, pp. 23-54.
8. Vlaikova T., Dimitrov E. Biological Markers. In: Yovchev Y., Yulianov A. Rectal Cancer. “Litera Print” AD – Stara Zagora, 2015, pp. 55-86.

Available laboratory equipment at the Department of Medical Biochemistry

• High-resolution LC-MS/MS system, comprising a high-resolution mass spectrometer for determining accurate masses Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Exploris 240, connected to a high-performance liquid chromatography system, Thermo Scienticif Vanquish Flex.
  This modular system can be used for identification, confirmation, and quantitative determination of all organic substances that can be ionized. It is a system of latest generation that combines high sensitivity and a resolution up to 240,000. This enables high-quality results in multiple applications:
  1. Metabolomics (assessment of a range of endogenous and exogenous low molecular weight metabolites such as amino acids, carbohydrates, fatty acids, steroids, nucleotides, substances isolated from natural sources, synthetic organic compounds, drug metabolites, etc.); proteomics (study of protein function and structure, protein identification, post-translational modifications, determination of the amino acid sequence of protiens, formation of protein-ligand complexes under physiological conditions); lipidomics (identification and quantitative analysis of lipids, their cellular signaling, metabolism and homeostasis);
  2. Biochemical monitoring of enzymatic reactions and modifications;
  3. Biopharmaceutical research;
  4. Metabolite identification and impurity testing;
  5. Toxicology and anti-doping;
  6. Investigation of food, beverages, industry, and the environment.
• ELISA analyzer, HumaReader HS (HUMAN) – for qualitative and quantitative analysis of metabolites in serum, urine, saliva and tissue homogenates.
• Spectrophotometer, Evolution 300 UV-VIS + VISION – for qualitative and quantitative analysis of metabolites in serum, urine, saliva and tissue homogenates.
• Spectrophotometer BioMate™ 160 UV-Vis Spectrophotometer – for qualitative and quantitative analysis of metabolites in serum, urine, saliva and tissue homogenates.

Dissertations

The main priority of the Department of Medical Biochemistry is the professional and scientific development of the faculty members.

Defended dissertations in Medical Biochemistry for the acquisition of a PhD degree:

• A. Angelov, MD (1975) “In vivo influence of thyroxine and thimidazole on tissue enzymes”;
• N. Atanasov, MD (1968) “On the issue of the metabolic significance of tissue lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes in laboratory animals”;
• I. Pashev, MD (1969) “On the issue of the molecular heterogeneity of glutamate dehydrogenase”;
• V. Kamenov, MD (1985) “Methods for determining the factors and inhibitors of blood coagulation”;
• A. Maneva (1985) “Studies on the involvement of lactoferrin in the protective functions of colostrum cells”, 1985, Sofia;
• T. Vlaykova (2002) “Prognostic factors in metastatic melanoma: special attention to tumor vascularization, proliferation and bcl-2 expression” University of Turku, Finland;
• G. Delcheva (2011) “Immobilization of pectinolytic and xylanolytic enzymes on synthetic polymer carriers”;
• A. Bivolarska, MD (2014) “Iodine and iron deficiency in risk groups of the population in some areas of Southern Bulgaria and the influence of environmental factors on their spread”;
• K. Boyanov (2017) “Influence of modulators with proven anticoagulant effect on glycolysis and phosphorylation processes in human platelets”;
• I. Dimitrov (2018) “Role of metabolically active tissues in the development of chronic low-grade inflammation in experimentally induced obesity”;
• K. Stefanova (2020) “Studies on the pathobiochemical mechanisms linking iron homeostasis with markers of inflammatory and autoimmune disorders in rheumatoid arthritis”;
• T. Stankova (2020) “Studies on post-translationally modified proteins in metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus”;
• I. Dimov (2021) “Investigation of the synergistic effect of prebiotic oligosaccharides on carbohydrate metabolism enzymes and antioxidant protection of the body”;
• M. Choneva (2024) “Effects of prebiotic oligosaccharides and aerobic training on metabolic and behavioral impairments in an experimental model of type 1 diabetes”.
Defended dissertation in Medical Biochemistry for the acquisition of the degree “Doctor of Biological Sciences”:
• A. Maneva (2009) “Studies on the mechanisms of regulation of blood cell functions by lactoferrin and transferrin. Receptor and post-receptor studies”.