Folia Farmaceutica March edition Aging by FoliaPharmaceutica

AGING

March 2025

112th volume, 2nd edition of the Folia Pharmaceutica

In Memoriam

This edition of the Folia Pharmaceutica is in memory of our friend Milan Turan.

Milan Turan was born on January 23rd, 2001 and passed away on November 17th, 2024.

AGENDA

K.N.P.S.V.

15.03: Policy Activity

01.04: One-day Internship SmartMed

05.04: Sport Activity

12.05 - 18.05: EPSA Annual Congress

29.05 - 01.06: K.N.P.S.V. Congress

G.F.S.V.

“Pharmaciae Sacrum”

19.03: EJC Party

21.03: Parents’ Day

25.03: March GMM

26.03: The Possibilities of Pharmacy

L.P.S.V. „Aesculapius”

17.03: Functionaries Activity

18.03: Alumni DDB

19.03: Beta Career Fair

19.03: Lab Coat Party

26.03: Panacea Activity

U.P.S.V. “Unitas Pharmaceuticorum”

19.03: Master activity and EFC party

20.03: Kookcie lunch

24.03: Industry night (master)

24.03: Battle of the Bands

VCSVU

18/19.03 AC activity

27.03 Statutory ALV

03.04 Orientation market + drinks 08/09.04 AC activity 14/15/16.04 Excursion

07.04: P.S. Social Drink

10.04: Pre-Foreign Trip Drink

15.04: SCP Meeting

16.04 - 22.04: Foreign Trip

24.04: Lunch Lecture SSS

24.04: Game Night

31.03: Spring General Assembly (ALV)

02.04: GoeDoecie Activity 04.04 – 12.04: Foreign Excursion

14.04: Praeses Course

15.04: April DDB

16.04: Acquisition Course

03.04: Teacher-student quiz

07.04: U.P. social drink

13.04 – 19.04: Study trip abroad

22.04: The Pubcrawl

28.04: U.P. social drink / Charity show

30.04: ChipSoft wine tasting evening

22/23.04 EJC activity

06.05 ALBA

07/08/09.05 Big AC activity 16.05 Alumni drinks

01.05: After-Foreign Trip Drink

02.05: Masters Activity

07.05: Beer Cantus

08/14/20/27/28.05: First Aid Course

12.05: Committee Carrousel

13.05: P.S. Social Drink

14.05: First-year Career Day

23.04: SpoEd Lunch Lecture

23.04: Panacea Party

28.04: First-Year Excursion

30.04: CuliCo Activity

07.05: Charity Lunch

09.05 – 11.05: “Aesculapius” Weekend

06.05 Six-Hour Run

09.05/10.05/11.05: Batavierenrace

14.05: Afternoon symposium

15.05: Master activity

22.05: (Field) disputen social drink

15.05: Women’s Activity

19.05: MedParty

21.05: Night of the Pharmacy

23.05: Commissioners’ Activity

24.05: Bicycle Performance Tour (RWPT)

19.05: Master’s Activity

20.05: Farewell DDB

21.05: SpoEd Activity

22.05: Pharmacy Café

23.05: Former Board Members’ Dinner

1885

Dear readers of the Folia Pharmaceutica,

We are excited to present to you the second edition of the Folia! We hope that 2025 has been treating you well so far. As spring approaches, nature is gradually preparing for a new season filled with color and vitality. The days are growing longer, temperatures are rising, and the first flowers are already beginning to bloom. It’s the perfect time to bid farewell to the cold winter months and look ahead with anticipation to the warmth of the sun. Spring brings not only changes in the weather but also a shift in our energy and mood.

At Fons Vitae, we have been hard at work on this second edition of Folia, focusing on the theme of Aging. When we were younger, many of us looked forward to becoming ‘grown-ups’: to work, gain experiences, and explore the world. However, this journey comes with changes in our bodies that we often find less appealing. The prevention and delay of these changes have been subjects of interest for many years. As early as the Middle Ages, philosophers reflected on the challenges that aging brings. In the 19th and 20th centuries, gerontology emerged as a scientific discipline, and since then, research has provided valuable insights into the mechanisms behind aging and potential interventions to influence this process.

In this edition, we explore a recent article about the characteristics of aging and examine the effects of aging on the vascular- and respiratory systems. We also share stories from our members and reflect on the recent K.N.P.S.V. events.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Prof. Schmidt and Dr. Baarsma for their invaluable contributions to the Folia and for generously sharing their knowledge. Additionally, we thank all of our members who have shared their stories with us.

We hope you enjoy reading this 112th edition of the Folia Pharmaceutica!

On behalf of the editorial team Fons Vitae, Farzaneh Fotovat Niya

Chair of the Editorial Committee of the Folia Pharmaceutica ‘24-’25 ‘Fons Vitae‘

Dear readers of the Folia Pharmaceutica,

After a long winter, spring is finally approaching. The days are getting longer, the sun is shining more often, and the first flower bulbs are emerging. With great enthusiasm, ‘‘Fons Vitae’’ presents the second edition of this academic year! Behind the scenes, they have once again worked hard to bring you engaging articles and features that will inspire and prepare you for our future as healthcare professionals.

The theme of this edition is ‘Aging’. Aging is an inevitable and natural process, but it is also a topic that receives significant attention in both science and society. How can we age healthily? What role do genetics, lifestyle, and medical advancements play in this process?

And what does aging mean for healthcare and for us as future healthcare providers?

During our studies, we learn about the biological mechanisms behind aging, from cellular aging and oxidative stress to neurodegenerative diseases. But growing older is more than just a process of decline—it also brings wisdom and experience. The experiences we gain during our student years shape our careers and the rest of our lives. In the ‘Friend of the Season’ section, you can read how former members of the K.N.P.S.V. experienced their student years and how this period influenced their careers and personal lives. How did they transition from studying to working? What lessons from their student days do they still carry with them? Let yourself be inspired by their stories and discover how our association plays a role not only during our studies but also beyond.

With spring on the way, this is the perfect time to enjoy the fresh air and recharge with new energy. Enjoy the first warm rays of sunshine!

On behalf of the 122nd board of K.N.P.S.V., I wish you lots of reading pleasure with this edition of the Folia Pharmaceutica.

Anne-Maartje Dolmans President of the K.N.P.S.V.

Dear Reader,

As you read this, spring has begun, bringing with it the cheerful sound of birdsongs and the first blossoms on the trees. A wonderful period lies behind us, during which our association enjoyed a fantastic Diesweek. This week was marked by a dazzling opening party, an engaging symposium, various fun activities and an unforgettable closing with a dinner and gala ball. During the social drink, the location for the Foreign Trip was also announced, an exciting prospect awaiting us in April. Additionally, our candidate board has been revealed, a reminder that the end of our own board year is steadily approaching.

Time truly flies during a board year. It feels just like yesterday that we were sitting together at the boardroom for the first time. These sentimental feelings tie in perfectly with the theme chosen by the Folia Pharmaceutica Editorial Committee for this edition: “Aging”. Growing older often happens faster than we realize, especially as students. Hangovers hit harder and the short nights become increasingly difficult to handle as your student years progress. Fortunately, aging also has its benefits. The further you get in your studies, the easier it becomes to study effectively. Moreover, you develop stronger bonds with your fellow students and get to know your professors better. Aging is a theme that remains relevant throughout life, and therefore I find it delightful that the committee has chosen this subject.

Finally, I would like to congratulate the committee on publishing yet another wonderful edition. I wish you enjoyable reading and hope to see you at one of the upcoming activities of the K.N.P.S.V.

Kind regards,

On behalf of the 143rd board of G.F.S.V. “Pharmaciae Sacrum,”

Jildou Bernaards h.t.. praeses

L.P.S.V. „Aesculapius”

Dear members of the K.N.P.S.V., dear reader,

At the time of writing, the Christmas break is already behind us. But before we could all enjoy that well-deserved rest, our wonderful Dies Week was first on the agenda. This week, filled with educational and cultural activities, was traditionally concluded with a spectacular gala. Immediately after the gala, the holiday began— and perhaps that was for the best. After all, such an intense week calls for some time to recover. A packed schedule can, for some, lead to a few extra wrinkles or the occasional stray gray hair!

Stress and lack of sleep are well-known factors that can accelerate the aging process. Additionally, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and prolonged exposure to sunlight also contribute to

speeding up the biological clock. These are all things that might occur more frequently during student life than on average. That is precisely why it is important to take good care of yourself and each other. Fortunately, there are also ways to slow down this process, such as regular exercise and a healthy diet. Want to look radiant at your graduation ceremony without deep wrinkles? Then grab that daily apple and take a refreshing walk! And if that’s not enough for you, you can always look up the latest skincare tips online. However, the most important thing remains that we stay healthy and have fun—because you’re only a student once!

I would like to congratulate the committee on delivering this wonderful edition of Folia. I also wish everyone lots of reading pleasure and hope to see you all at the upcoming K.N.P.S.V. activities!

That leaves me with just one thing to say: Vivat, Crescat, Floreat, „Aesculapius”,

On behalf of the 139th board of L.P.S.V. „Aesculapius” ‘Emazing’

Emma Soffner h.t. praeses aesculapii

Dear Reader,

“Aging” is one of the few phenomena for which modern pharmacy has yet to find an answer. For pharmacy students, this presents a fascinating challenge: can we slow down aging? Perhaps we could even stop it? While such a solution would undoubtedly generate vast amounts of money, the question is not just whether we can do this, but also whether we should.

Modern pharmacy has already had a tremendous impact: medications have extended life expectancy and made once-fatal diseases manageable. Yet, this progress has also brought challenges, such as an aging population and increasing pressure on healthcare systems.

Furthermore, in today’s society, there seems to be an overwhelming focus on preserving youth, making aging something to be feared. Anti-wrinkle creams, anti-gray shampoos, botox… However, is this fear of aging really justified?

As students, we are at the beginning of a journey filled with growth and development. Aging brings so much beauty: building knowledge, shaping a career, achieving personal milestones, and finding your place in the world. Perchance one of the most beautiful aspects of life is not just the passing years, but the experiences and memories created along the way.

The future of pharmacy may not lie in stopping the aging process, but in improving the quality of life at any age. Let this be an invitation to you, as future pharmacists, to not only explore what is technically possible, but also what is truly valuable. Aging is not a flaw, but an opportunity to grow – a natural journey we should all learn to appreciate more.

With kind regards, on behalf of the 130th board of U.P.S.V. “Unitas Pharmaceuticorum”,

Lisanne van Elk h.t. praeses

Dear reader of the Folia Pharmaceutica,

Time flies. We are already halfway through this academic year, and also halfway through our board year. We are now preparing for the next board, which feels a bit strange. It seems like we’ve only just started, yet we’re already looking for our successors. The clock is ticking. This brings me to the theme of this edition of the Folia Pharmaceutica: ‘aging.’

In this edition, we focus on the science behind aging. As pharmaceutical scientists, we have a unique opportunity to contribute to improving the quality of life, even as we grow older.

When I think about aging, I often reflect on the past. For instance, my time as a student and how much I’ve learned over the years. I started here as an inexperienced first-year student, and now I am the chair of the VCSVU. So much has changed, and there’s a lot to learn from that. Whether it’s the enthusiasm of a first-year student or the wisdom of a senior member who has been involved with the association for years, everyone contributes something special.

Looking back on the past few months, I realize how valuable it is to pause and focus on what truly matters: being together, enjoying small moments, and taking the time to experience things fully. I hope this edition of the Folia Pharmaceutica also gives you that sense of connection and inspiration.

I hope this theme inspires you to think about the impact of aging on life. I wish you an enjoyable read and many moments where time seems to stand still.

On behalf of the 60th board of the VCSVU,

Ruurd Hondema h.t. chair

Dear readers,

We are already halfway through the academic year! Finally, the sun is starting to shine again, after having been hidden behind the clouds for long periods of time in recent months. The warm rays of sunshine on your face are of course very nice. However, it is very important to protect your skin against the strong UV radiation of the sun. Longterm exposure causes skin cells to become damaged more quickly, which can cause wrinkles and fine lines and means faster ‘aging’ of the skin. Of course, this does not have to mean that you cannot enjoy the sun. If you apply SPF, you will already help your skin a lot with the protection! And certainly do not stay out of the sun completely. After all, your skin needs sunlight to produce vitamin D and a deficiency of this also increases the risk of premature aging.

With Hygeia we have again had all kinds of fun activities and have many more on the agenda. The open karaoke evening was a great success. The attendees were able to sing along to their favorite songs in Café Jaloezie after the K.N.P.S.V. AV. Of course we also had nice monthly dinners. Soon we will have our New Year’s borrel, which of course is almost never really around New Year’s, and the preparations for the lustrum trip to Guatemala are in full swing. The vaccinations are being done and the necessary purchases are made. Around this time new girls are also asked for our pink sorority to form the next class. In this way Hygeia also continues to grow. A form of aging or anti-aging? That depends on how you look at it.

With pink greetings,

Joy Pennicotte-Henrie h.t. Chairman of the Ph.V.D. “Hygeia”

Hallmarks

Chronic Inflammation & Dysbiosis

Low-grade, persistent inflammation (“inflammaging”) and imbalances in gut microbes (dysbiosis) can speed up agerelated damage. These factors promote chronic diseases and frailty. Controlling inflammation and restoring a healthy microbiome could significantly improve longevity.

Altered Intercellular Communication

Aging disrupts the signals cells send to each other, often leading to chronic inflammation and impaired organ coordination. This miscommunication hastens tissue breakdown and disease progression. Restoring healthy signaling networks may help maintain youthful function.

Stem Cell Exhaustion

Stem cells are crucial for tissue repair and renewal, yet they lose their regenerative capacity with age. As a result, healing slows and organ function declines. Protecting or revitalizing stem cells could extend the period of healthy living.

Cellular Senescence

When cells incur significant damage, they can enter a “senescent” state—no longer dividing but releasing inflammatory signals. This harmful environment accelerates tissue damage and age-related diseases. Targeting or clearing senescent cells may rejuvenate tissues.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction

López-Otín, C., Blasco, M. A., Partridge, L., Serrano, M., & Kroemer, G. (2023). Hallmarks of aging: An expanding universe. Cell, 186(2), 243–278. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2022.11.001

Levine, B., & Kroemer, G. (2008). SnapShot: Macroautophagy. Cell, 132(1), 162.e1–162.e3. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2007.12.026

Mitochondria generate energy for cells, but they grow less efficient and produce more harmful byproducts as we age. This energy shortfall weakens tissues and speeds up agerelated decline. Improving mitochondrial function can boost overall vitality and resilience.

of Aging

Genomic Instability

Over time, DNA accumulates damage from factors like radiation, chemicals, or errors in replication. This damage can disrupt essential genes, leading to malfunctioning cells and age-related diseases. Strategies that reduce DNA damage or improve repair may slow aging.

Deregulated Nutrient Sensing

Pathways that sense nutrients (such as insulin/IGF-1) become less accurate over time, leading to metabolic imbalances. This dysregulation can drive obesity, diabetes, and other age-related conditions. Correcting these signals may enhance metabolic health and longevity.

Telomere Attrition

Telomeres are protective caps on the ends of chromosomes, and they shorten each time a cell divides. When they become too short, cells stop dividing and can trigger tissue decline. Preserving telomere length could help maintain healthier, more active cells for longer.

Epigenetic Alterations

Chemical “tags” on DNA and associated proteins control gene activity without changing the DNA sequence itself. Aging disturbs these tags, leading to faulty gene expression and cellular dysfunction. Adjusting epigenetic marks might help restore youthful cell behavior.

Loss of Proteostasis

Cells must keep proteins properly folded and balanced, but with age this quality control breaks down. Misfolded or aggregated proteins accumulate, harming cell function and contributing to disorders like Alzheimer’s. Supporting protein maintenance systems is key to healthier aging.

Disabled macroautophagy

The impairment or inefficiency of macroautophagy. Macroautophagy is a catabolic process in which portions of the cytoplasm are sequestered within double- or multimembraned vesicles termed autophagosomes and then delivered to lysosomes for bulk degradation.

Vascular Reversibleaging: or not?

Prof. Dr. Martina Schmidt

Rosalind Franklin Fellow, Head Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, The Netherlands; m.schmidt@rug.nl

Vessel dysfunction exhibits an increasing prevalence in the aging world population, a phenomenon also known as vascular aging. Depending on the vessel origin dysfunctions diverse as myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, kidney failure, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary fibrosis ischemic stroke, vascular dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson disease, to name but a few. Recent evidence point to profound alterations in the definition of vascular aging.

Vascular aging has been primarily linked to the abundance of atherosclerotic plaques due to factors such as lifestyle, smoking, obesity and diabetes, also known as extrinsic risk factors. Next to these factors vascular aging is driven by intrinsic factors linked to age-related alterations in vascular responses. During aging processes such as deposition of extracellular matrix components (e.g. collagen, fibrinogen, versican, laminin) lead to a profound change in vessel elasticity, subsequently leading to a higher index in fibrosis and vessel stiffness. Different cell types are involved in vascular aging such as endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells and (myo)fibroblasts. Alterations in the inside out signaling capacity due to changes in vascular stiffness is linked to alterations in cytoskeleton dynamics, involving next to contractile proteins different members of the Ras superfamily of small GTPases. Central players such as members of the Transforming growth factor (TGF) superfamily (including proteins of the bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) contribute to the process of mechano-transduction crucial in the alterations in vessel stiffness. Certainly changes in genomic stability (e.g. LMNA gene) and epigenetics (e.g. DNA methylation) contribute to vascular aging.

Processes underpinning the manifestation of vascular aging are chronic inflammation, closely related to cellular senescence and a senescenceassociated secretory phenotype, ultimately leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and a process known as metabolic reprogramming. The process of chronic inflammation involves the NLRP3 (NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3), known to modulate interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6 (IL-6) responses due to the sensing of nuclear factor NF-kb. Central in the body’s defense against intruders (e.g. bacteria, viruses, environmental factors) is the innate immune systems with cells diverse as macrophages, basophils, neutrophils, mast cells, eosinophils, and microglia and the neuroglia like astrocytes. Interestingly, bacterial infections known to release lipopolysaccharide (LPS) a toxin from gram-negative bacteria has been linked to changes in Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) known to further amplify chronic inflammation, and therefore accelerating vascular aging. Such profound changes in the inflammatory microenvironment in aged vessels lead to alterations in the outcome of signaling pathways such as cyclic nucleotide signaling (e.g. cGMP, cAMP) known to be linked to vascular functions.

Different pharmacological approaches are considered to diminish vascular aging, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antibodies against IL-6 (Tocilzumab), TNF-alpha (e.g. Adalimunab), phosphodiesterase inhibitors (eg Sildenafil, Rofluminast), and senolytics targeting aged cells (e.g. Metformin, Glucocorticoids, Statins, curcumin, Resveratrol). Future studies will further unravel the intriguing networks driving vascular aging and will certainly further improve targeted drug therapies.

Literature - Roth L, Dogan S, Tuna BG, Aranyi T, Benitez S, Borrell-Pages M, Bozaykut P, De Meyer GRY, Duca L, Durmus N, Fonseca D, Fraenkel E, Gillery P, Giudici A, Jaisson S, Johansson M, Julve J, Lucas-Herald AK, Martinet W, Maurice P, McDonnell BJ, Ozbek EN, Pucci G, Pugh CJA, Rochfort KD, Roks AJM, Rotllan N, Shadiow J, Sohrabi Y, Spronck B, Szeri F, Terentes-Printzios D, Tunc Aydin E, Tura-Ceide O, Ucar E, Yetik-Anacak G. Pharmacological modulation of vascular ageing: A review from VascAgeNet. Ageing Res Rev. 2023 Dec;92:102122. doi: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102122. Epub 2023 Nov 11.PMID: 37956927

- Dieffenbach PB, Aravamudhan A, Fredenburgh LE, Tschumperlin DJ. The Mechanobiology of Vascular Remodeling in the Aging Lung. Physiology (Bethesda). 2022 Jan 1;37(1):28-38. doi: 10.1152/physiol.00019.2021. Epub 2021 Sep 13.PMID: 34514871

- Cao Y, Xu W, Liu Q. Alterations of the blood-brain barrier during aging. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab. 2024 Jun;44(6):881-895. doi: 10.1177/0271678X241240843. Epub 2024 Mar 21. PMID: 38513138

Twinnet Niš - Leiden

“Twinnet is one of those experiences I would repeat a thousand times... What Twinnet offers is not just the chance to travel, but to create memories for a lifetime.“

Jovana Mitić

“These memories enriched our professional experience and inspired us for further collaboration and exchange of knowledge and ideas. Twinnet, without a doubt, provided an opportunity to view pharmacy from a broader, international perspective.“

Emilija Milkic

“What left the biggest impression on me was undoubtedly the socializing, playing board games while enjoying pancakes and traditional drinks – it was a special pleasure“

Katarina Krstić

“Apart from all the events and moments from this Twinnet exchange, I still think that the thing I cherish the most is how close I became with our peers from the Netherlands, and I truly believe we will stay in touch for a long time and share new adventures (of course, nothing without the better part of my team :D)!“

Luka Kusalo

“What made me happiest was when they told us, “We’ve never seen hospitality like this anywhere else, especially in Serbia” or “Do you always eat this much? In the Netherlands, we would eat this much over the course of a whole day, not just one meal.” They also made sure to make our stay in Leiden as enjoyable as possible.“

Ivana Mitić

“The friendship that is formed is unlike any other; you develop special feelings for the people who hosted you, welcomed you into their home, and made sure you spent a few unforgettable days! The experience offered by this type of project is unique and irreplaceable. Imagine Dutch people eating cevapi, playing kolo, or being in a classic Serbian tavern. Now imagine Serbs riding bikes all day and eating sweet waffles for breakfast.“

Helena Pejčić

3 november, 2024

“A day at the beach, trying drinks in different pubs, and the dinner they prepared for us as a team are moments I will forever remember!“

Dijana Vasić

One of the most beautiful moments was riding bikes through their narrow streets, along the canals. Leiden as a city left a strong impression on me, and I enjoyed every moment spent there.“

Neda Radenković

“You realize how precious it is to meet new people, understand their views, and way of thinking. I returned home richer with a new experience. This exchange was an excellent opportunity to broaden our horizons. We brought with us memories and stories that we will be sharing long after the exchange.“

Emilija Nasković

IS BENU IETS VOOR JOU?

Als werken aan slimme, persoonlijke en toegankelijke zorg samen met collega apothekers iets is wat je aanspreekt, dan willen wij jou graag in ons team! Als marktleider met onder andere meer dan 335 apotheken door het hele land bieden wij ambitieuze apothekers aantrekkelijke carrièremogelijkheden.

In onze BENU organisatie (onderdeel van Brocacef Groep) maken mensen het verschil en daarom stimuleren wij persoonlijke ontwikkeling en ondernemerschap. Collega’s die vooruit willen om de zorg te verbeteren, daar houden we van en daar zorgen we goed voor.

Wat zijn de mogelijkheden?

• Ga aan de slag in een BENU Apotheek als beherend of tweede apotheker;

• Ondersteun je collega’s ‘in het veld’ bij BENU vanuit het hoofdkantoor;

• Kies voor Brocacef Ziekenhuisfarmacie en geef integrale farmaceutische zorg aan instellingen.

En wat hebben wij te bieden?

• Brocacef Academy, met volledig geaccrediteerde cursussen en trainingen;

• Opleiding tot een volwaardige beherend apotheker;

• Ruime carrièrekansen en doorgroeimogelijkheden;

• Een werkplek met ruimte voor implementatie van jouw ideeën!

• Een groot netwerk aan collega’s om van te leren.

Nieuwsgierig naar jouw carrièremogelijkheden? Stuur ons een mail: recruitment@benu.nl, dan koppelen we jou aan de juiste persoon. Of kijk op www.brocacef.nl/werkenbij naar onze openstaande vacatures.

January GA + Karaoke Night

On January 25, 2025, the general assembly of the K.N.P.S.V. took place. This was the first general assembly I attended. As a first-year student, I do not yet have much knowledge of the many aspects involved in student associations, but I found it very interesting. During the assembly, I learned more about what the K.N.P.S.V. entails and what it does.

After the general assembly, we had some free time and explored the beautiful city of Utrecht with a small group. Later, we gathered again for dinner at Café De Beuntjes, where I had the opportunity to chat with some fellow students. I personally really enjoyed the delicious food (especially the dessert).

After dinner came the highlight of the day: the karaoke night. This evening was organized by the Pharmaceutical Women’s Society ‘Hygeia’ and took place at Café Jaloezie in Utrecht. We could choose our own songs, and everyone sang along enthusiastically. All in all, the day provided a great opportunity to get to know other pharmacy and (bio-)pharmaceutical sciences students in a relaxed and informal way. The karaoke night turned out to be a fantastic ending to a day full of both serious and fun moments.

Anna van Manen

Rejuvenating the lungs?

Dr. Hoeke Baarsma,

Lecturer in Molecular Pharmacology at the Faculty of Science and Engineering of the University of Groningen

The phenomenon of aging has fascinated people for centuries, compelling them to find ways to halt and reverse the process in pursuit of eternal youth. Stories on the legendary fountain of youth - a mythical spring that supposedly restores the youth of anyone who drinks or bathes in its waters - have been around for ages. A more recent example in the fight against aging is anti-aging creams, cosmetic products that claim to reduce signs of skin aging.

While aging affects all organs in the entire body, its impact on the respiratory system is particularly significant as it increases our susceptibility to disease. Can we counteract lung aging and maybe live a longer and healthier life?

The lung is exposed to the outside environment and is continuously subjected to harmful substances such as cigarette smoke, air pollutants, bacteria and viruses. Consequently, the environmental impact on lung structure and function critically determines lung health. During the regular course of life (natural or physiological aging), structural and functional changes occur in the lung which collectively result in a decreased lung performance over time. Nevertheless, in the absence of disease, the respiratory system retains its ability to sustain adequate gas exchange throughout life.

Interestingly, aging is a major risk factor for noninfectious chronic lung diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancers and pulmonary fibrosis. The prevalence of these diseases increases with aging; however, the relative contribution of aging to the pathogenesis of each of these diseases differs. Several clinical and pre-clinical observations suggest that COPD is a disease of accelerated lung aging. For instance, the lung function decline with age in healthy individuals is accelerated in COPD patients. Similarly, cellular senescence - one of the hallmarks of aging - is more frequently observed in COPD. Researchers have achieved promising preclinical results in treating age-related disorders by using senostatics and senolytics (senotherapeutics), drugs that prevent the development of senescence or interfere with antiapoptotic pathways of senescent cells allowing the cells to undergo apoptosis. Pharmacological anti-aging therapies, such as senotherapeutics, show promise as future treatments for chronic lung diseases, but more research is needed to confirm their efficacy and safety in human.

Furthermore, COPD patients benefit from physical activity and exercise. Do activity and exercise affect lung aging and age-related lung function decline in otherwise healthy individuals? Scientists are still debating this, as some observed positive effects, whereas other studies were not able to confirm this. Nevertheless, it is undisputed that physical activity and exercise improve overall health and quality of life.

So, get out there and stay active!

Literature

- Senotherapy A New Horizon for COPD Therapy; Jonathan R. Baker, Louise E. Donnelly, and Peter J. Barnes; Chest, 2020

- Delaying Decline in Pulmonary Function with Physical Activity; A 25-Year Follow-up; Margit Pelkonen , Irma-Leena Notkola , Timo Lakka , Hannu O. Tukiainen , Paula Kivinen , and Aulikki Nissinen; American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 2003

- Does Regular Physical Activity Mitigate the Age-Associated Decline in Pulmonary Function? Johannes Burtscher, Grégoire P. Millet, Hannes Gatterer, Karin Vonbank,Martin Burtscher; Sports medicine, 2022

- Aging and aging-related diseases: from molecular mechanisms to interventions and treatments; Jun Guo, Xiuqing Huang, Lin Dou, Mingjing Yan, Tao Shen, Weiqing Tang & Jian Li; Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy; 2022

- Hallmarks of aging: An expanding universe Carlos López-Otín, Maria A Blasco, Linda Partridge, Manuel Serrano, Guido Kroemer; Cell, 2023

- Hallmarks of the ageing lung; Silke Meiners, Oliver Eickelberg, Melanie Königshoff; Eur Respir J, 2015

- COPD and exercise: does it make a difference? Martijn A. Spruit, Chris Burtin, Patrick De Boever, Daniël Langer, Ioannis Vogiatzis, Emiel F.M. Wouters, Frits M.E. Franssen. Breathe, 2016.

- Benidipine calcium channel blocker promotes the death of cigarette smoke-induced senescent cells and improves lung emphysema, Alberta Palazzo, Gabriela Makulyte, Delphine Goerhig, Jean-Jacques Médard, Vincent Gros, François Trottein, Serge Adnot, David Vindrieux, Jean-Michel Flaman, David Bernard. Aging, 2023

Internship Abroad

One of the most remarkable experiences during your studies is doing an internship abroad. I highly recommend everyone to seriously consider this opportunity. It offers a unique chance to expand your network, broaden your horizons, and learn from another research institute. Moreover, you get time to reflect on your career while experiencing an amazing period filled with new friendships and sociocultural experiences.

I was fortunate enough to conduct my second research project for my master’s degree with a research group at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. There, I worked with machine learning models to predict molecules that could potentially lead to new medicines. Combining the expertise and insights from both Leiden and Melbourne not only enhanced the quality of my project but also enriched my personal development as a scientist.

Although an internship abroad is a valuable addition to both your academic and personal growth, it also comes with significant costs. Spending half a year in Australia, for example, can quickly add up to

thousands of euros before you can even begin your internship. That is why scholarships, such as the stipend fund from KNMP, provide crucial financial support. Through this fund, you can receive up to 500 euros for a standard project and up to 3,000 euros for exceptional projects.

Applying for a scholarship can be an intensive process, and it is not always clear whether your project qualifies. Fortunately, KNMP has published an overview on its website of all previously funded projects. This serves as a useful reference point to see how your project compares to past applications.

An internship abroad is a unique opportunity that I would recommend to everyone. It opens doors, enriches your perspective, and provides unforgettable experiences that serve as a valuable addition to your studies and future career.

Tim Markesteijn

CROSSWORD

2 – A type of medication used to relieve pain, frequently needed by older adults.

4 – The branch of medicine that focuses on the health of older adults.

6 – A class of drugs used to lower cholesterol, frequently prescribed to seniors.

8 – The loss of muscle mass due to ageing.

10 – The biological process of ageing.

12 – The use of multiple medications by a patient, common in elderly care.

Down

1 – Medications that help remove excess fluid from the body, commonly used in heart failure management.

3.– A condition characterized by weakened bones, common in older adults.

5.– Abnormally low blood pressure, sometimes caused by medications in the elderly.

7.– A drug that prevents blood clotting, often used to reduce stroke risk in the elderly.

9.– A decline in cognitive function often associated with ageing.

11– A progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting memory, often linked to ageing.

Friend of the Season Priscilla Tan

When I was little, I had no clue what I wanted to become. I do remember that my grandmother wanted one of her grandchildren to become a doctor. Unfortunately, I didn’t make it through the selection for Medicine in Utrecht and was therefore ‘forced’ to study BioPharmaceutical Sciences in Leiden. I hadn’t signed up for a student association, but I did register for the study association. I quickly became active at „Aesculapius”, and from my second year, I attended the Congress of the K.N.P.S.V. every year.

Because I knew a few people within the K.N.P.S.V. and wanted to travel, I signed up for the IPSF World Congress in Kigali, Rwanda, in 2019. After the World Congress, I traveled with other Dutch participants to Tanzania and Zanzibar for a few weeks. Just like at the K.N.P.S.V. Congress, I enjoyed meeting so many new people during the World Congress.

During my Master’s in Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences in Leiden, I realized that research might not be my calling. Then, I got the opportunity to become part of the 119th board of the K.N.P.S.V. Since I was almost done with my studies and still didn’t

know what I wanted to do, I said yes. It felt like a leap into the unknown, and it certainly was. I learned so much during my board year and expanded my network.

A year after my board year, it was time to think about what I wanted to do after my studies. Once again, as if taking a leap into the unknown and applied for a position as a Production Support Specialist (PSS) at Abbott, and I’m still working there today. As a PSS, I’m responsible for ensuring the quality and compliance aspects of the production process of drugs. I work closely with departments such as production, Quality Assurance, Quality Control, and Supply Chain to make sure the production process runs smoothly around the clock.

Looking back, I didn’t become a doctor as my grandmother had wished for, but I am responsible for production and quality assurance. Also, I didn’t study Medicine in Utrecht, but last year I did move to Utrecht. After living in Leiden for many years, I needed a change. Once again, I took a leap into the unknown and moved to Utrecht, thanks to the network I built through the K.N.P.S.V.!

PORTOKALOPITA RECIPE

This is a Greek orange pie recipe

For the pie

2 orange peels

450g fillo dough

250g sunflower oil

250g sugar

2 packs of vanilla sugar

5 eggs beaten

500g greek yoghurt

200g heavy cream

20g baking powder

Method

for the syrup

600g sugar

500g water

1 cinnamon stick

1 orange (juice + peel)

100g orange marmalade

To make the syrup, put the sugar, water and cinnamon in a pot, when it comes to a boil, leave to boil for 4 minutes (do not stir while boiling).

Add the rest of the ingredients and let it cool off.

Stir the mixture.

To make the filling, add oil, sugar, vanilla, scraped peel, marmalade, eggs, heavy cream lastly yoghurt in a bowl.

Beat until homogenous.

Add baking powder then stir.

To make the dough, defrost the fillo dough then roll it and cut into ribbons. Detangle the ribbons then lay them put so they can dry a bit - let them sit for ten minutes.

Add the micture into an oiled baking tray and smoothen it out equally. Try to get a shallow tray.

Preheat the oven to 1600C on air or 1800C on static.

Bake for 30-45 minutes until the crust browns.

Add the cold syrup slowly and sperad evenly.

Let it cool and enjoy!

Zelfstandig openbaar apotheker: beschik jij over het juiste DNA?

Ik zie het belang van samenwerken

Ik denk in kansen en mogelijkheden

Ik ben graag betrokken bij mensen

Ik kan een team enthousiasmeren

Ik kijk vooruit en ben ondernemend

Ik zie een toekomst in leefstijladvies

Meer dan één vakje aangevinkt? Gefeliciteerd! Dan heb jij de kwaliteiten van een zelfstandig openbaar apotheker in je! In de openbare farmacie ben je een spin in het web en veel méér dan alleen een medicatiespecialist.

Is dat iets voor jou?

Ontdek het via hetapotheekloket.nl

“Als VNA-apotheker heb ik de mogelijkheid om zonder groot financieel risico en met veel support zelf te ondernemen”

Luuk Dohmen

Wil jij later je eigen apotheek?

Eigenlijk is het te mooi om waar te zijn... Je beheert een eigen apotheek, leert het ondernemersvak en runt je zaak zoals jij het wilt. Zonder financieringsrisico. En als er iets aan de hand is, helpen wij je met een oplossing.

Toch is dit precies wat VNA al sinds 1948 voor jonge apothekers doet.

Bij VNA kun je je registratiefase doorlopen. Word je vervolgens gevestigd apotheker, dan deel je na twee jaar al mee in de winst. Na vijf jaar beheer je de apotheek geheel zelfstandig als medevennoot van VNA. Uiteindelijk is de apotheek 100% van jou.

Interesse?

Bel 033-460 10 00, mail naar vna@vna.nl of kijk op www.vna.nl

Colophon

Editorial Folia Pharmaceutica

2024-2025 “Fons Vitae”

Farzaneh Fotovat Niya President

Ignatios Evangelou Secretary

Aleksandar Nikolov Editor I

Diaco Ismail Editor II

Chido Chikomo Editor III

This Folia Pharmaceutica “Aging” is published on March 20, 2025.

Acknowledgements

Our gratitude goes out to everyone who contributed to the creation of this Folia Pharmaceutica. In particular, the authors of all contributions and the 122nd board of the K.N.P.S.V.

Copy

Editorial Folia Pharmaceutica attn. I.Evangelou, folia@knpsv.nl