Professional Profile
Education 🎓
Assoc. Prof. Tolga Mercantepe earned his Ph.D. in Histology and Embryology from Atatürk University College of Medicine in 2015, with a thesis investigating the protective effects of amifostine, curcumin, and caffeic acid phenethyl ester against cisplatin-induced testicular damage in rats. Prior to that, he trained extensively in foundational biomedical research methodologies, including histopathology, biochemical assays, and animal model techniques. His rigorous doctoral training combines a deep understanding of tissue and organ-level biology with an emphasis on experimental design and translational potential. This solid academic background empowers him to design, execute, and interpret complex studies that bridge basic sciences and therapeutic innovation, laying a robust foundation for his ongoing career as a leader in biomedical research.
Professional Experience 🏥
Since 2020, Assoc. Prof. Mercantepe has served as Associate Professor in the Department of Histology and Embryology at Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University Faculty of Medicine, contributing to academic leadership and student mentorship. Between 2017 and 2020, he advanced from Assistant Professor to his current position, coordinating research teams and overseeing curriculum development in basic medical sciences. Earlier, from 2012 to 2014, he served as a Research Assistant at Atatürk University, gaining hands‑on experience in experimental study design and laboratory management. Across these roles, he has fostered interdisciplinary collaboration, mentored graduate students, and guided clinical‑translational research. His progression reflects a blend of educational commitment, scientific excellence, and leadership capacity, positioning him as a pivotal figure in both academic instruction and impactful research initiatives.
Research Interest 🔬
Assoc. Prof. Mercantepe is driven by a passion for exploring protective and regenerative strategies in tissue injury models. With a strong emphasis on histopathological and biochemical evaluation, his work delves into natural and synthetic therapeutics—including Camellia sinensis, white tea extracts, silver-ion coatings, dexmedetomidine, and growth factors—to mitigate tissue damage caused by irradiation, cisplatin, ischemia-reperfusion, and burns. He also investigates wound healing, neuroprotection, ocular health, and endocrine system preservation. His research interest lies in bridging bench-to-bedside applications, harnessing molecular insights into oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation, and healing to inform novel therapies. His interdisciplinary, translational focus drives innovation in pharmacological interventions aimed at improving patient outcomes and advancing regenerative medicine.
Awards and Honors 🏅
Assoc. Prof. Mercantepe has earned recognition for his outstanding scientific communication, notably receiving the Best Poster Presentation Award at the European Fellow in Obstetrics and Gynecology (EFOG-EBCOG) conference in May 2017. This accolade highlights his ability to effectively present and defend complex research findings in an international forum. While this stands as his most prominent award to date, his continued engagement in competitive funding and international dissemination showcases his rising scholarly reputation. This honor reflects his dedication to rigorous science, clear communication, and academic excellence. As his career progresses, opportunities to secure further international awards, invited talks, and editorial roles could amplify his visibility and consolidate his position within the global research community.
Research Skills 🧠
Assoc. Prof. Mercantepe excels across a diverse array of experimental and analytical techniques. His repertoire includes animal model development, histological and biochemical assays, oxidative stress measurement, immunohistochemistry, electrophysiology, and radioprotection studies. He is proficient in designing controlled interventional studies that evaluate therapeutic efficacy in vivo and ex vivo, demonstrating strong experimental planning, statistical analysis, and data interpretation. His leadership in multi-institutional, multidisciplinary teams underscores exceptional project management, grant writing, and collaborative skills. Through his work with natural compounds, pharmaceuticals, and advanced biomaterials, he navigates complex research challenges with innovation and precision. His technical versatility and critical thinking amplify his scientific contributions and equip him as a resourceful mentor and researcher in biomedical sciences.
Publications Top Note 📝
Title: Investigation of the preventive effect of methylsulfonylmethane on alveolar bone loss and oxidative stress in a rat model of periodontitis
Authors: M. Beder, Melek; H. Yemenoglu, Hatice; S.A. Bostan, Semih Alperen; A. Yilmaz, Adnan; L. Tümkaya, Levent
Year: 2025
Source: BMC Oral Health
Title: Radioprotective effects of coenzyme Q10 on X-ray radiation-induced intestinal damage via oxidative stress and apoptosis
Authors: M. Uyan, Mikail; H. Yilmaz, Hamit; L. Tümkaya, Levent; Z. Topal Suzan, Zehra; T. Mercantepe, Tolga
Year: 2025
Source: Archives of Medical Research
Title: Effects of 5G mobile phone network electromagnetic field exposure on testicular endoplasmic reticulum stress and the protective role of coenzyme Q10
Authors: H. Yilmaz, Hamit; L. Tümkaya, Levent; T. Mercantepe, Tolga; F. Gul, Fatih; Z. Topal Suzan, Zehra
Year: 2025
Source: Archives of Medical Research
Title: Effect of Propolis Extracts on OxLDL and LOX-1 Levels in ApoE Knockout Mice Fed a High Fat Diet
Authors: K. Korkmaz, Katip; Ö. Deǧer, Örhan; E. Yigit, Ertugrul; T. Mercantepe, Tolga; S. Demir, Selim
Year: 2025
Source: Life
Title: Can Iron Absorption in Molasses Be Increased with Probiotic Additives? “Molasses with Increased Bioavailability”
Authors: Y. Yildiz, Yasin; A. Topcu, Atilla; T. Mercantepe, Tolga; İ.E. Yıldız, İlknur Esen; L. Tümkaya, Levent
Year: 2025
Source: Nutrients
Title: Comparison of the Effectiveness of Thymoquinone, St. John Wort Oil and Silver Sulfadiazine in Experimental Burn Wounds
Authors: Y. Canbaz, Yasin; P. Karakol, Perçin; R. Erten, Remzi; M.Ç. Raǧbetli, Murat Çetin; S. Yüce, Serdar
Year: 2025
Citations: 1
Source: Journal of Burn Care and Research
Title: The effectiveness of concentrated growth factor in facial nerve crush injury
Authors: E. Balaban, Emre; E. Demir, Emine; Ö. Çelebi Erdivanli, Özlem; L. Tümkaya, Levent; E. Dursun, Engin
Year: 2025
Source: Journal of Stomatology Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Title: Investigation of the Effect of Camellia Sinensis Essence Cream on Skin Burns
Authors: T. Mercantepe, Tolga; A. Yilmaz, Adnan; A. Topcu, Atilla; L. Tümkaya, Levent; F. Mercantepe, Filiz
Year: 2025
Citations: 1
Source: Life
Title: Cardioprotective Effects of Dapagliflozin and Trimetazidine on Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Streptozotocin-Induced Type 1 Diabetic Rats via Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: M.M. Öǧütveren, Muhammed Mürsel; Ö. Şatiroǧlu, Ömer; Z. Ozden, Zulkar; H. Koc, Haldun; T. Mercantepe, Tolga
Year: 2025
Source: Journal of Clinical Medicine
Title: Evaluation of the effects of low-level laser and steroid therapy, separately or in combination, for the treatment of facial nerve injury: An experimental study in rats
Authors: Z. Gümrükçü, Zeynep; E. Balaban, Emre; T. Mercantepe, Tolga; F.M. Gökçe, Fatih Mehmet; A. Yilmaz, Adnan
Year: 2025
Citations: 1
Source: Current Problems in Surgery
Conclusion 🌟
Assoc. Prof. Tolga Mercantepe is a dedicated and multifaceted researcher whose work spans tissue protection, regenerative medicine, and therapeutic innovation. His strong academic foundation, complemented by progressive professional roles and a dynamic project portfolio, positions him as a leader in his field. With a keen eye for translational impact, he expertly integrates histopathological, biochemical, and electrophysiological approaches to address real-world medical challenges—from oxidative injury to wound healing. His demonstrated research skills, effective communication, and collaborative leadership highlight his potential to contribute significantly to both scientific discovery and clinical applications. As he continues to expand his international presence and pursue translational opportunities, he is poised to make enduring contributions to the advancement of biomedical science.