Metabolism (AG Parhofer)
Research Group: Metabolism
Research topics:
The focus of our research group are clinical studies in different fields of metabolism. Our studies are financed by public and non-public grant providers such as the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF), Else-Kroener-Stiftung, Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and partners from the industry.
Lipid metabolism: With in-vivo studies we explore the mechanisms behind different hypo- and hyperlipidemias and examine fasting and postprandial metabolism, diabetic dyslipidemia and aspects of lipoprotein apheresis. We perform small-scale proof of concept studies but also participate in large multicenter outcome trials. Recent studies evaluated the effect of nutritional factors such as walnuts and medium chain fatty acids but also new therapeutic approaches as PCSK9-inhibition or apoC-III antisense oligonucleotides.
Inborn errors of metabolism: As one of the very few departments treating adult patients with inborn errors of metabolism we also perform clinical studies in affected individuals. Recent projects include the evaluation of short-term strict phenylalanine control on cognitive function in adults with phenylketonuria (PKU) or the effect of sebelipase alpha on lipids and liver function tests in LAL-deficiency or the effect of pegvaliase on quality of life in patients with PKU.
International studies on non-communicable diseases: We also participate and supervise a number of projects in developing countries such as Cameroon, Nigeria, Mozambique, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Nepal and Vietnam. Many (but not all) of these projects are managed in cooperation with the Center for International Health at our University (https://www.lmu.de/de/die-lmu/internationales-netzwerk/). With these projects we evaluate country or region specific aspects of obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes and cardiovascular health. Current projects include screening for gestational diabetes in Tajikistan, implementation of a diabetes screening program in Vietnam and evaluation of age dependent effects of cardiovascular risk factors in different regions of Nepal.
