Low molecular weight polysialic acid as glycome-based biologic for the therapy of dry age-related macular degeneration
Increased activity of the innate immune system is an essential pathophysiological aspect in the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Both cellular processes of invading or locally activated mononuclear phagocytes (immune cells) of the retina and a hyperactive complement system (soluble immune proteins of the plasma) contribute to the degeneration of nerve cells in the retina. Especially the macula, the area of our sharpest vision in the retina, is affected in dry AMD. Currently, there is no approved therapy for the treatment of dry AMD.
Gene, Mechanism, Therapy: A Network for Precision Medicine of Genetic Neurological Diseases (PRECISE.net)
Neurological diseases due to genetic mutations have long been long considered untreatable. It is precisely these diseases, however, which might now become pioneers of a precision medicine for neurological diseases, given their clearly defined molecular cause. The EKFS research college PRECISE.net will systematically pave the way for this innovative development.
iPRIME - Clinician Scientist
Worldwide there is increasing incidence of inflammation, autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases. Depending on the severity and organ manifestation, the consequences of inflammatory reactions range from restrictions in quality of life to severe, life-threatening complications. Existing therapies are often unspecific and can sometimes trigger serious side effects. Therefore, the aim of the iPrime CS program is the development of novel, specific, and mild side-effect therapeutic approaches.
Immunooncology and local interventions (IOLIN)
Immunotherapies can help many. However, a significant number of patients will not benefit from these. A major reason for treatment failure is the suppressive tumor environment. Oncologists are more and more making use of local treatments for metastasis (surgery, radiotherapy, radiology) which appear to have an important immunological impact. Along these lines, such local interventions are predestined for combinations with immunotherapies. This is the focus of IOLIN which aims at generating evidence for the synergy of such combined modalities to the benefit of cancer patients.
EKFS bewilligt drei neue Forschungskollegs für junge Ärztinnen und Ärzte
Die EKFS unterstützt mit ihrer Förderlinie Medizinische Fakultäten und Hochschulklinika in Deutschland im Rahmen von wissenschaftlichen Kollegs. Ziel ist es, jungen Ärztinnen und Ärzten ein optimales Umfeld zur Vertiefung ihrer Forschungsarbeit und zum Einstieg in einen erfolgreichen Berufsweg als Clinician Scientist zu ermöglichen. Die Kollegiatinnen und Kollegiaten können sich ein bis zwei Jahre ganz auf ihr Forschungsprojekt in einer wissenschaftlich exzellenten Forschungsgruppe konzentrieren.
Gender gap in pancreatic diseases: Interplay of Atg5-dependent autophagy and sexual hormones during the transition phase from inflammation to regeneration
Release of digestive enzymes in the pancreas induces inflammation and fibrosis, collectively known as pancreatitis. Autophagy is a recycling mechanism targeting cellular organelles and proteins. Defective autophagy in mouse models leads gender-dependently to the full-blown clinical picture of chronic pancreatitis corresponding as well to the epidemiological accumulation seen in males. Preliminary work revealed a connection between autophagy and sexual hormones. Interestingly, experimental castration of autophagy-deficient male mice could prevent the development of chronic pancreatitis.
Emotional burden and course of pregnancy after prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease – longitudinal digital assessment of symptoms of anxiety, depression and medical outcomes of the child
Heart ultrasound of the unborn child is an established procedure for the early diagnosis of a congenital heart disease (CHD). This enables parents to receive early, comprehensive counselling regarding the further course of pregnancy and prognosis of their unborn child with CHD. The diagnosis of CHD can cause considerable emotional stress for the mother and can sometimes also affect the unborn child: delayed growth and circulatory problems in the womb as well as prematurity can occur. However, we know little about this possible correlation.
PRO*BPD: Effectiveness of outpatient treatment PROgrams for Borderline Personality Disorder: A comparison of Schema Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a severe mental illness. The PRO*BPD-study is the first randomized trial to compare dialectical behavior therapy and schema therapy, the two best evaluated behavior therapy methods. By examining the clinical effectiveness of a broad spectrum of outcome parameters (e.g. BPD-typical symptoms, general psychopathology, comorbidity, quality of life, psychosocial functioning), conducting an economic evaluation and assessing patients’ experiences with qualitative methods, this study will significantly advance our knowledge on psychotherapy for BPD.
The role of central insulin resistance in the development of depressive symptoms
Diabetes and depression often occur together and are the leading causes of disability worldwide. However, the mechanisms underlying this high comorbidity rate are unclear. In this study, we use brain imaging, behavioral experiments and blood tests to investigate whether reduced sensitivity to the metabolic hormone insulin and chronic inflammatory processes are related to brain functional changes and depressive symptoms in both disorders.