Assistant Professor, University of Pecs, Medical School
Dr. Afshin Zand is an experienced academic and healthcare professional specializing in public health, pharmacology, and epigenetics. He earned his Ph.D. in Nutrigenetics from the University of Pécs, focusing on the epigenetic impact of food additives and natural compounds. As an Assistant Professor at the University of Pécs, he delivers lectures on public health, epigenetics, and nutrition while mentoring students and guiding research. His expertise spans pharmacology, molecular biology, and nutrigenetics, with significant contributions to understanding the effects of dietary components on gene expression. Dr. Zand has held various roles, including patient safety specialist at Tata Consultancy Services and community pharmacist in Hungary and the UK. His research explores the chemopreventive properties of natural compounds and the epigenetic risks of synthetic additives. He has received multiple awards for his contributions to scientific research and academia, actively shaping the future of public health and pharmacological sciences.
Profile
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🎓 Education
Dr. Afshin Zand completed his Ph.D. in Health Science (2018–2024) at the University of Pécs, Hungary, researching the epigenetic effects of food additives and natural compounds. His thesis focused on the impact of Tartrazine, Betanin, and Curcumin on DNA methylation and histone deacetylation in in vivo and in vitro models. He was awarded the National Hungarian Scholarship for four years. Before his Ph.D., he earned his Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) from the University of Pécs (2010–2016), gaining expertise in pharmacology, toxicology, and biochemistry. Additionally, he holds certifications in animal experimentation (Level B), first aid, and leadership from FranklinCovey. He has also completed advanced training in productivity, communication, and global sustainability through Erasmus+ and LinkedIn Learning. His strong multilingual skills, including proficiency in English, Hungarian, German, and Spanish, complement his international research collaborations and contributions to public health and pharmacology.
💼 Experience
Dr. Afshin Zand is an Assistant Professor at the University of Pécs (2022–present), specializing in public health, epigenetics, and food additives. He develops and delivers lectures, supervises research, and mentors master’s and Ph.D. students. Previously, he served as a patient safety specialist at Tata Consultancy Services (2021–2022), ensuring compliance with pharmacovigilance standards. From 2017 to 2021, he was a university lecturer at the Faculty of Health Science and Medical School, teaching pharmacology, cell biology, and nutrition science. His pharmaceutical experience includes working as a locum and staff pharmacist in Hungary and the UK (2016–2018), handling prescriptions, patient counseling, and addiction therapy management. He also contributed to pharmacological research at the University of Pécs (2016–2017), focusing on mycotoxins and cyclodextrins. With extensive teaching, research, and industry experience, Dr. Zand bridges academia and clinical practice, advancing knowledge in pharmacology and public health.
🏆 Awards & Honors
Dr. Afshin Zand has been recognized for his significant contributions to research and academia. In 2023, he received the Authors’ Celebration Award (Szerzők Ünnepe Díj) from the University of Pécs, Medical School, for outstanding scientific publications in theoretical research. His Ph.D. research earned him the prestigious National Hungarian Scholarship, supporting his work on the epigenetic effects of food additives. He was also awarded a monetary prize and commemorative statuette for his impact on public health and pharmacology. Additionally, he completed The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People® Leadership Course by FranklinCovey, enhancing his expertise in leadership and communication. His Animal Experimentation Certification (Level B) qualifies him to design and conduct animal research. Dr. Zand’s achievements reflect his dedication to advancing pharmacological sciences and mentoring future healthcare professionals, making him a key figure in the field of public health and nutrigenetics.
🔬 Research Focus
Dr. Afshin Zand specializes in epigenetics and nutrigenetics, investigating how food additives and natural compounds influence gene expression. His research on Tartrazine, a common food dye, revealed its potential to alter DNA methylation and histone deacetylation, impacting gene activity in vital organs and human cell lines (HaCaT, HepG2, A549). He explored Betanin’s protective effects against UV-induced DNA damage, demonstrating its potential in reactivating tumor suppressor genes via epigenetic mechanisms. Additionally, his studies on Curcumin’s chemopreventive properties showed its efficacy in regulating DNMT and HDAC gene expression, highlighting its role in reducing UV-induced cellular damage. His findings contribute to understanding dietary impacts on gene regulation, offering insights into disease prevention, personalized nutrition, and cancer research. By integrating molecular biology, pharmacology, and public health, Dr. Zand aims to develop evidence-based dietary interventions that promote long-term health and disease prevention.
Conclusion
Dr. Afshin Zand’s comprehensive background in research, teaching, and professional practice, combined with his recognized contributions to the field, make him a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. Addressing the identified areas for improvement could further bolster his candidacy and amplify his impact in the scientific community.
Publication
Poór, M., Faisal, Z., Zand, A., Bencsik, T., Lemli, B., Kunsági-Máté, S., & Szente, L. (2018). Removal of zearalenone and zearalenols from aqueous solutions using insoluble beta-cyclodextrin bead polymer. Toxins, 10(6), 216.
Macharia, J. M., Kaposztas, Z., Varjas, T., Budán, F., Zand, A., Bodnar, I., et al. (2023). Targeted lactate dehydrogenase genes silencing in probiotic lactic acid bacteria: A possible paradigm shift in colorectal cancer treatment? Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 160, 114371.
Poór, M., Zand, A., Szente, L., Lemli, B., & Kunsági-Máté, S. (2017). Interaction of α-and β-zearalenols with β-cyclodextrins. Molecules, 22(11), 1910.
Hammoud, S., Khatatbeh, H., Zand, A., & Kocsis, B. (2021). A survey of nurses’ awareness of infection control measures in Baranya County, Hungary. Nursing Open, 8(6), 3477-3483.
Nowrasteh, G., Zand, A., Raposa, L. B., Szabó, L., Tomesz, A., Molnár, R., et al. (2023). Fruit extract, rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, modifies the expression of DNMT and HDAC genes involved in epigenetic processes. Nutrients, 15(8), 1867.
Nyakundi, P. N., Némethné Kontár, Z., Kovács, A., Járomi, L., Zand, A., & Lohner, S. (2023). Fortification of staple foods for household use with vitamin D: an overview of systematic reviews. Nutrients, 15(17), 3742.
Zand, A., Enkhbilguun, S., Macharia, J. M., Varajti, K., Szabó, I., Gerencsér, G., et al. (2024). Betanin attenuates epigenetic mechanisms and UV-induced DNA fragmentation in HaCaT cells: implications for skin cancer chemoprevention. Nutrients, 16(6), 860.
Zand, A., Agócs, A., Deli, J., & Nagy, V. (2012). Synthesis of carotenoid-cysteine conjugates. Acta Biochimica Polonica, 59(1).
Macharia, J. M., Mwangi, R. W., Szabó, I., Zand, A., Kaposztas, Z., Varjas, T., et al. (2023). Regulatory activities of Warbugia ugandensis ethanolic extracts on colorectal cancer-specific genome expression dose-dependently. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 166, 115325.
Zand, A., Enkhbilguun, S., Macharia, J. M., Budán, F., Gyöngyi, Z., & Varjas, T. (2023). Tartrazine modifies the activity of DNMT and HDAC genes—Is this a link between cancer and neurological disorders? Nutrients, 15(13), 2946.
Zand, A., Macharia, J. M., Szabó, I., Gerencsér, G., Molnár, Á., Raposa, B. L., et al. (2025). The impact of tartrazine on DNA methylation, histone deacetylation, and genomic stability in human cell lines. Nutrients, 17(5), 913.
Macharia, J. M., Maina, J. K., Zand, A., Rono Cheriro, B., Varjas, T., Sipos, D., et al. (2025). Antitumor activity of Warbugia ugandensis: Methanolic extracts and gene regulation in colorectal cancer. Nutrients, 17(3), 471.
Szabó, I., Szenczi, Á., Zand, A., Varjas, T., & Varga, C. (2024). The effect of Szigetvár medicinal water on HaCaT cells exposed to dithranol. Life, 14(10), 1318.
Macharia, J. M., Pande, D. O., Zand, A., Budán, F., Káposztás, Z., Kövesdi, O., et al. (2024). In vitro inhibition of colorectal cancer gene targets by Withania somnifera L. methanolic extracts: A focus on specific genome regulation. Nutrients, 16(8), 1140.
Zand, A. (2024). Exploring the influence of tartrazine, betanin and curcumin on gene expression of DNA methyltransferase and histone deacetylase enzymes in vivo and in vitro models. PQDT-Global.
Macharia, J. M., Kaposztas, Z., Varjas, T., Budán, F., Zand, A., Bodnar, I., et al. (2023). Targeted lactate dehydrogenase genes silencing in probiotic lactic acid bacteria: A shift in colorectal cancer treatment? Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 160.
Zand, A., Agócs, A., Deli, J., & Nagy, V. (2012). Carotenoid-cysteine conjugates. Acta Biologica Cracoviensia. Series Botanica. Supplement, 53(1).