Maria Löfgren

The main focus of my research is studying inflammatory equine diseases using in vitro models. My thesis included studies of equine cartilage using in vitro models, and genomic, proteomic and histological analyses with the aim to study osteoarthritis disease progression. I have continued working with in vitro models with the aim to extend the knowledge about osteoarthritis disease progression, identify biomarkers and to evaluate treatments against joint disease. 

The project "Autologous biological treatments – content and effect on joint inflammation" financed by The Swedish-Norwegian Foundation for Equine Research include the use of in vitro models to study treatments that today are used without evidence of efficiency.

My future research aim to establish tissue explants as in vitro models to study  diseases such as equine asthma.

Doctor of Philosophy. Subject: Pathobiology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.

Master of Science. Main field of study: Applied Biotechnology, Uppsala University, Sweden.

Bachelor of Science with a major in biology within the study program in Biotechnology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.

PhD thesis: Chondrocyte and extracellular matrix alterations in equine cartilage during development and inflammation. SLU, Acta Universitatis agriculturae Sueciae, 1652-6880; 2016:16, ISBN 978-91-576-8534-6, eISBN 978-91-576-8535-3

Time-dependent changes in gene expression induced in vitro by interleukin-1β in equine articular cartilage. Löfgren M, Svala E, Lindahl A, Skiöldebrand E, Ekman S.Res Vet Sci. 2018. 118:466-76, 2018.

An inflammatory equine model demonstrates dynamic changes of immune response and cartilage matrix molecule degradation in vitro. Svala E, Löfgren M, Sihlbom C, Rüetschi U, Lindahl A, Ekman S, Skiöldebrand E. Connect Tissue Res. 56(4):315-25, 2015.

Cell and matrix modulation in prenatal and postnatal equine growth cartilage, zones of Ranvier and articular cartilage. Löfgren M, Ekman S, Svala E, Lindahl A, Ley C, Skiöldebrand E. J Anat. 225(5):548-68, 2014.

The genes of all seven CYP3A isoenzymes identified in the equine genome are expressed in the airways of horses. Tydén E, Löfgren M, Hakhverdyan M, Tjälve H, Larsson P. J Vet Pharmacol Ther. 36(4):370-5, 2013.

Differential gene expression of CYP3A isoforms in equine liver and intestines. Tydén E, Löfgren M, Pegolo S, Capolongo F, Tjälve H, Larsson P. J Vet Pharmacol Ther. 35(6):588-95, 2012.