Liborija Lugović-Mihić

Full Citation: Lugović-Mihić L, Štrajtenberger M, Kuna M, Ladika-Davidović B, Barac E, Vilibić M. Association Between Proinflammatory Cytokines IL-6 and TNF-Alpha, Psychological Stress and Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria Severity. Int J Mol Sci. 2025;26(21):10384.

I find medical research deeply engaging, especially when collaborating with young, enthusiastic colleagues. For a scientist, enthusiasm and dedication are essential for producing meaningful knowledge.

Prof. Liborija Lugović‑Mihić, MD, PhD, is a dermatovenerologist and allergologist at the Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center in Zagreb and a faculty member at the University of Zagreb School of Dental Medicine.  

Professor Lugović‑Mihić is a Croatian scientist and researcher internationally recognized for her work in dermatovenerology, allergology and psychoneuroimmunology and is listed among the World’s Top 2% Scientists by Stanford University.

She is the founder and head of the Croatian Urticaria Center of Reference and Excellence (UCARE). Throughout her career, Professor Lugović-Mihić has published several books and numerous scientific papers on chronic urticaria, atopic dermatitis, psychoneuroimmunological mechanisms in skin diseases, and various other topics. She has led multiple research studies, mentored 20 doctoral dissertations, and supervised 5 students who have received the Rector’s Award. Her work has been recognized with numerous professional and scientific honors.

Her broad clinical background includes years of work in emergency medicine and primary care, which shaped her holistic approach to patients. In dermatolovenerology and allergology, she is particularly motivated by the fact that many skin diseases remain incompletely understood, creating a strong impetus for research that directly informs clinical practice.

Understanding the Link between Inflammation, Stress and Disease Severity in Chronic Urticaria

The awarded research addresses chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), a condition that significantly impairs patients’ quality of life and is strongly influenced by both immunological and psychological factors. In this prospective case-control study, patients with chronic urticaria were found to have significantly higher serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), as well as elevated cortisol levels, compared with healthy controls.

Importantly, disease severity was shown to correlate with cortisol levels and with impaired quality of life, highlighting the close interaction between systemic inflammation, neuroendocrine activation and patient-reported outcomes. By simultaneously assessing cytokines, cortisol and validated clinical and psychological instruments, the study provides strong evidence for complex psychoneuroimmunological interactions underlying CSU.

These findings support a biopsychosocial approach to the management of chronic urticaria. Beyond standard dermatologic and allergologic treatment, the results underline the importance of addressing psychological stress, sleep and lifestyle factors. The study also points toward potential therapeutic strategies targeting mast cells and neuropeptide pathways, as well as stress-reducing measures such as exercise, rest, sleep optimization and nutrition. In selected cases, antidepressants may play a role due to their anti-inflammatory effects. Altogether, the work contributes valuable insights into CSU pathogenesis and supports more comprehensive, multidisciplinary patient care.

A Career Driven by Curiosity, Clinical Questions and Collaboration

Professor Lugović-Mihić values medicine for the diversity it offers – ranging from treating patients with complex conditions to engaging in scientific research. Her daily clinical work continually raises new questions inspired by patients’ skin manifestations, which often become the foundation for research projects. She is actively involved in all stages of scientific work, from study design and patient recruitment to data analysis, interpretation and publication. Therefore, her work with patients every working day, “on the front lines”, results in conducting valuable studies. 

She finds medical research deeply engaging, particularly when collaborating with young, motivated colleagues. For her, enthusiasm, dedication and teamwork are essential ingredients for producing meaningful scientific knowledge and translating it into better patient care.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, especially on weekends. Music, reading books and magazines, watching sports, socializing and traveling are important sources of relaxation and inspiration. She values a positive, supportive environment and believes that surrounding oneself with optimistic and kind people is essential both personally and professionally.

Being selected as a finalist for the International Medis Awards is a source of great joy and encouragement for Professor Lugović-Mihić. She finds this recognition particularly meaningful because it reflects evaluation by independent international experts and affirms the value of interdisciplinary research that bridges dermatovenerology, allergology, and psychoneuroimmunology. It motivates her to continue advancing clinical care and scientific research with the same dedication and intensity.