Dr. Afshin Zand, PhD
Assistant Professor of Public Health Medicine
Dr. Zand earned his Master’s in Pharmacy (Pharmacy.D.) with honors from the University of Pécs, Faculty of Pharmacy in 2016, conducting research through the Undergraduate Research Society. In 2018, he received a Hungarian PhD scholarship at the Faculty of Health Sciences Doctoral School and began research at the Department of Public Health Medicine while lecturing on Pharmacology for nursing and midwifery students. He designed syllabi, delivered lectures, and evaluated students. In 2022, he became an Assistant Professor, developing courses on Public Health, epigenetics, healthy lifestyles, and food additives while co-supervising master’s theses. Completing his PhD in 2024, Dr. Zand published in Q1/D1 journals MDPI Nutrients and Toxins and presented at the Hungarian Society of Nutrition and the Association of Hungarian Hygienists.
Research Focus
My primary research centers on epigenetics and nutrigenetics, examining how dietary and synthetic compounds influence gene expression and overall health. In particular, I investigate how synthetic dyes (such as Tartrazine) and natural pigments (including Betanin and Curcumin) affect DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs), key enzymes in epigenetic regulation. By exploring these interactions in both in vivo and in vitro models, I aim to:
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Identify potential health risks associated with certain additives
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Uncover protective or chemopreventive effects of natural compounds
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Develop evidence-based strategies for reducing disease risks related to diet and lifestyle
Ultimately, my work seeks to bridge the gap between molecular discoveries and practical applications, shedding light on how everyday food components can either disrupt or support healthy gene regulation.