75 Years of Discovery at Ukraine's Palladin Institute of Biochemistry
More than test tubes and microscopes, the O.V. Palladin Institute of Biochemistry has spent 75 years deciphering the molecular poetry of life—from battlefield trauma to the secrets of our cells. Nestled in Kyiv, this scientific powerhouse has not just witnessed history; it has rewritten the biochemical rules governing health, disease, and human resilience.
Founded in 1925, the Palladin Institute became Ukraine's first dedicated biochemistry hub, evolving into a beacon for pioneering research under the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. Named after Alexander Palladin—a titan of functional biochemistry—the institute cultivated globally recognized schools of thought in neurochemistry, enzyme mechanisms, and metabolic regulation. Its mission: to translate molecular whispers into medical breakthroughs 1 .
Institute founded as Ukraine's first biochemistry research center
Establishment of neurochemistry research program
Pioneering work in enzyme mechanisms
Expansion into molecular immunology and lipid biochemistry
When joints attack themselves in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), inflammation and oxidative stress create a vicious cycle. A landmark study led by researchers at Palladin's Molecular Immunology Department targeted Fibrinogen-like protein-1 (FGL1)—a dual-purpose molecule implicated in both immunity and cellular repair .
Synovial fluid and blood serum were gathered from:
Using the DPPH Radical Scavenging Assay:
RA-derived FGL1 showed 24% greater antioxidant capacity than healthy versions—suggesting cells ramp up FGL1 production as a countermeasure against inflammation-induced oxidation. This positions FGL1 as both a biomarker (higher levels signal active disease) and a therapy blueprint (boosting FGL1 may calm inflamed joints) .
| Sample Source | IC50 (ng/mL) | Activity vs. Control |
|---|---|---|
| Healthy Serum | 2.798 | Baseline |
| RA Patient Serum | 2.172 | 22.4% Increase |
| RA Synovial Fluid | 2.124 | 24.1% Increase |
| Group | IL-6 (pg/mL) | TNF-α (pg/mL) | AFP (ng/mL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthy Controls | 12.1 ± 1.2 | 15.3 ± 2.1 | 5.8 ± 0.9 |
| RA Patients | 86.7 ± 10.4* | 74.6 ± 8.3* | 8.2 ± 1.1 |
| Reagent/Material | Function | Example in FGL1 Study |
|---|---|---|
| Ammonium Sulfate | Salts out proteins from solution | Precipitated FGL1 from serum |
| Sephadex G-75 Resin | Size-exclusion chromatography medium | Purified FGL1 by molecular weight |
| DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) | Free radical generator for antioxidant tests | Measured FGL1's radical-scavenging power |
| SDS-PAGE Gel | Separates proteins by size/charge | Confirmed FGL1 purity (~70 kDa band) |
| HPLC System | High-resolution separation of complex mixes | Validated FGL1 isolation precision |
Analyzed with PTSD and TBI
War leaves invisible scars. Palladin's Neurochemistry Department analyzed 450 soldiers with PTSD and traumatic brain injury (TBI), testing two potential biomarkers:
Surprisingly, neither biomarker showed significant changes across groups—underscoring the complexity of combat-related disorders and the need for deeper diagnostics . This "negative" result is science in action: disproving assumptions to redirect inquiry.
Designing FGL1-based RA treatments
Identifying combat trauma biomarkers
Sharing Ukrainian science with the world
"In the dance of atoms, we seek the rhythm of life."
From Palladin's founding vision to today's battle against disease and trauma, this institute proves that molecules, when understood, can mend worlds.