Innovative Research Award
Elif Ece Akgun
Atatürk University, Turkey
Elif Ece Akgun is a researcher affiliated with Atatürk University whose scholarly work spans veterinary histology, embryology, biomedical research, and experimental investigations involving biological responses to bioactive compounds. Her indexed research record includes 8 Scopus documents, 170 citations, and a Scopus h-index of 5, according to the supplied research metrics. Her recent collaborative publication in Physiology & Behavior examines the cardiopulmonary and metabolic effects of kratom alkaloids in a controlled mouse model, providing a relevant example of interdisciplinary experimental research.
Abstract
Elif Ece Akgun’s research profile reflects an interdisciplinary orientation toward biological mechanisms, veterinary biomedical science, tissue-level investigation, and experimental health research. A recent open-access study co-authored by Akgun investigated standardized Mitragyna speciosa extract and mitragynine in high-fat-diet-induced obese mice. The study evaluated respiratory rate, minute ventilation, heart rate, body-weight change, and behavioral outcomes. Acute administration reduced respiratory rate without reducing minute ventilation, while repeated exposure to a higher extract dose was associated with increased body-weight gain. The findings support continued investigation into kratom alkaloids, metabolism, and cardiopulmonary responses. [2]
Keywords
Veterinary histology; embryology; biomedical research; kratom alkaloids; cardiopulmonary physiology; experimental medicine; metabolic research; health sciences.
Introduction
Akgun’s research sits within the broader biomedical and veterinary sciences, where cellular, tissue, physiological, and experimental approaches are used to understand mechanisms relevant to health. Her institutional profile identifies veterinary histology and embryology as principal research areas. [4] Her publication record also demonstrates collaboration across disciplines, including veterinary science, nutritional science, medicinal chemistry, natural products research, and physiology.
Research Profile
The research profile of Elif Ece Akgun combines histological and embryological expertise with experimental biomedical investigations. Her recent work on kratom provides an example of translationally relevant animal research in which physiological measurements are integrated with dietary and metabolic variables. The study used whole-body plethysmography and volume-pressure recordings to assess cardiopulmonary responses, alongside controlled dietary exposure and behavioral assessment. [2]
Research Contributions
A notable contribution is the examination of kratom extract under conditions of diet-induced obesity, an experimental context that had received comparatively limited attention in relation to cardiopulmonary effects. The investigation distinguished respiratory-rate changes from minute-ventilation outcomes and examined dose-dependent effects on body-weight gain. [2] Such work contributes experimental evidence that may help frame future studies of botanical alkaloids, metabolism, and physiological safety.
Publications
Among the documented recent publications is the 2026 open-access article Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) alkaloids influence on cardiopulmonary measures and high-fat diet-induced weight gain in mice, published in volume 307 of Physiology & Behavior, article 115231. Akgun is listed among ten authors, reflecting collaborative research across multiple institutions and scientific disciplines. [2]
Research Impact
The supplied metrics indicate 170 citations across 8 Scopus-indexed documents and an h-index of 5. These indicators provide a quantitative view of scholarly visibility, while the subject diversity of the research demonstrates engagement with veterinary and biomedical questions. The 2026 article currently records no citations in the indexed sources consulted, which is consistent with its recent publication date. [3]
Award Suitability
For an Innovative Research Award, Akgun’s profile is relevant because her recent work applies controlled experimental methods to a contemporary biomedical question and integrates physiological, metabolic, and behavioral measurements. The combination of veterinary expertise and interdisciplinary collaboration provides a reasonable scholarly basis for recognition within an innovation-oriented forensic and health-science award context.
Conclusion
Elif Ece Akgun presents a developing research profile centered on veterinary biomedical science and experimental investigation. Her indexed publication record, citation indicators, and recent interdisciplinary study of kratom alkaloids demonstrate continued engagement with clinically and biologically relevant research questions. The documented work provides a substantive basis for consideration under the Innovative Research Award category.
External Links
References
- Elsevier. (n.d.). Scopus author details: Elif Ece Akgun, Author ID 58707767600. Scopus.
https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=58707767600
- Fields, S. E., Elango, A., Akgun, E. E., et al. (2026). Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) alkaloids influence on cardiopulmonary measures and high-fat diet-induced weight gain in mice. Physiology & Behavior, 307, 115231.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.2026.115231
- National Library of Medicine. (2026). Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) alkaloids influence on cardiopulmonary measures and high-fat diet-induced weight gain in mice. PubMed PMID: 41547469.
- Atatürk University. (n.d.). Elif Ece Akgün: Academic Profile. AVESİS, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.
- ScienceDirect. (2026). Physiology & Behavior: Kratom alkaloids and cardiopulmonary measures. Elsevier.
- Rutgers University. (2026). Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) alkaloids influence on cardiopulmonary measures and high-fat diet-induced weight gain in mice. Research output record.
