Vlatka Sotošek

Research gives me the energy to ask new questions, learn continuously, and contribute to improving patient care. The combination of curiosity, hands-on laboratory work, and the possibility that my findings may translate into better clinical outcomes keeps me motivated and engaged

Vlatka Sotošek, MD, PhD, is a full professor at the Department of Anesthesiology, Resuscitation, Emergency and Intensive Care Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, and at the Department of Clinical Medical Sciences II at the Faculty of Health Studies, University of Rijeka.

Professor Vlatka Sotošek is a specialist in anesthesiology, resuscitation and intensive care medicine, a subspecialist in intensive care medicine and a specialist in laboratory immunology. She graduated from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka in 1997, obtained her Master of Science degree in 2002 and earned her Doctor of Science degree in 2010. Her scientific interests focus primarily on immunology and intensive care medicine, with a strong emphasis on translational research.

Exploring inflammation and endothelial injury in cardiac surgery

Surgical myocardial revascularization, regardless of technique, is associated with ischemia–reperfusion injury mediated by inflammation and degradation of the endothelial glycocalyx. In this study, Professor Sotošek and her team investigated differences between on-pump and off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery by analyzing the concentration of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-18 (IL-18) and biomarkers related to endothelial glycocalyx degradation, namely syndecan-1 and hyaluronic acid, in both peripheral and cardiac circulation during surgery and in the early postoperative period.

The results demonstrated that concentrations of IL-18, C-reactive protein, cardiac troponin T and leukocyte counts increased significantly 24 and 72 hours after revascularization compared to baseline values. These increases were consistently and significantly higher in patients undergoing on-pump surgery. Importantly, syndecan-1 and hyaluronic acid levels increased only in on-pump patients, indicating greater endothelial glycocalyx degradation associated with this technique.

Further analysis revealed that IL-18 correlated positively with syndecan-1 and C-reactive protein exclusively in the on-pump setting and with leukocyte count in both surgical regimens. These findings clearly indicate that IL-18 plays a key role in the early postoperative inflammatory response during open heart surgery and contributes to endothelial glycocalyx damage, while it does not appear to be directly responsible for myocardial necrosis.

Advancing Risk Stratification in Cardiac Surgery

The clinical significance of this research is substantial. The study clarifies how different surgical myocardial revascularization techniques differentially affect inflammation and endothelial injury. IL-18 emerges as a promising biomarker for identifying high-risk patients in the early postoperative period and as a potential therapeutic target for reducing inflammation and endothelial damage. Measuring IL-18 may enable improved risk stratification, more targeted anti-inflammatory strategies and ultimately better recovery and outcomes for patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

The work is highly novel, as there are currently no published investigations focusing on the role of IL-18 in this specific clinical context. The introduction of IL-18 as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target represents a meaningful advancement in perioperative and intensive care medicine. The research was supported by two major funding bodies: the Croatian Science Foundation and the Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency, further underscoring its scientific relevance.

Motivation rooted in science and medicine

Professor Sotošek’s decision to pursue a career in medicine was strongly influenced by her personal background. Growing up in a medical family, with her father and brothers also working in the field, she was inspired by the dedication, responsibility and impact of medical work. At the same time, her early interest in biology and fascination with the functioning of the human body made medicine a natural choice. After completing medical school, she began working in a laboratory, where she discovered a strong affinity for experimental research and scientific problem-solving.

Outside of her professional life, she values activities that help her relax and maintain balance. She enjoys cooking, especially baking, reading, sports and long walks. Traveling is another important source of inspiration, allowing her to experience new cultures and perspectives that enrich both her personal and professional life.
Being selected as a finalist for the International Medis Awards represents a meaningful recognition of Professor Sotošek’s dedication to both clinical medicine and research. It confirms the broader value of her scientific work and further motivates her to continue contributing to medical knowledge with the ultimate goal of improving patient care.