Clinical Laboratory Medicine: Med Uni Graz connects research on healthy ageing worldwide

The Symposium on Laboratory Diagnostics organised by the Austrian Society for Laboratory Medicine and Clinical Chemistry (ÖGLMKC), which took place recently at Seggau Castle, demonstrated just how closely the Medical University of Graz is integrated into international research networks. On the initiative of Graz-based laboratory physicians Markus Herrmann and Harald Mangge, experts from eleven countries came together to discuss current developments in precision diagnostics and new research approaches to healthy aging.

Healthy ageing at the heart of modern laboratory medicine

As we age, numerous metabolic processes in the body change. These changes affect, among other things, the health of bones and muscles and contribute to the development of age-related diseases. Modern laboratory medical procedures are increasingly enabling us to better understand these complex interrelationships and identify new avenues for prevention and treatment.

“Laboratory medicine is undergoing a profound transformation. International collaboration and new technologies are crucial for better understanding biological relationships and rapidly translating innovative diagnostic methods into patient care,” emphasise Markus Herrmann and Harald Mangge from the Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics (KIMCL) at the Medical University of Graz.

New insights into the role of bile acids

One example of this is current research into bile acid metabolism. Bile acids are primarily known for their role in fat digestion, but they also possess hormone-like properties and influence numerous metabolic processes.

During the symposium, Nerea Alonso and Giovanny Rodriguez-Blanco from KIMCL, together with Harjit Pal Bhattoa from the University of Debrecen, Hungary, presented new findings demonstrating a link between bile acids and age-related loss of bone and muscle mass.

The work forms part of a long-standing research focus at the Medical University of Graz. Supported by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF), Nerea Alonso’s research group is investigating the significance of bile acids for bone and energy metabolism. In the “Bile Acid Network Graz” (BANG), researchers from various disciplines pool their expertise, thereby enhancing the international visibility of Graz as a research hub.

International collaborations strengthen research into bone metabolism

In the field of vitamin D and bone metabolism, too, the Medical University of Graz relies on long-standing international collaborations. The KIMCL has been working closely for many years with Etienne Cavalier’s research group at the University of Liège, Belgium. Both institutions are among the internationally recognised centres for clinical mass spectrometry.

A further joint research project was launched during the symposium. The aim is to use highly specialised analytical methods to better understand changes in bone and mineral metabolism in patients with chronic kidney disease.

“The combination of complementary technologies and close collaboration with leading international centres enables us to investigate complex metabolic processes with a high degree of precision,” explains Markus Herrmann, Head of the Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics.

Vitamin D and vitamin K as key factors in healthy aging

In addition, the Graz researchers presented the latest findings on the importance of vitamin D and vitamin K for healthy Aging. Alongside vitamin D, which plays a key role in bone, muscle and immune system health, vitamin K2 in particular is increasingly becoming the focus of research due to its importance for bone health and the cardiovascular system.

Harald Mangge explained the complex interaction between the two vitamins. Whilst vitamin K1 is primarily known for its role in blood clotting, vitamin K2 is often underestimated. As an important partner of vitamin D, it performs key functions outside the liver and helps to support bone metabolism and the health of blood vessels.

International networking for the precision medicine of tomorrow

The symposium at Seggau Castle highlights the role of the Medical University of Graz as an internationally networked research hub. Together with partner institutions worldwide, scientists in Graz are investigating the complex interactions between metabolism, bone health and age-related diseases.

The research presented shows that healthy aging is the result of a finely tuned interplay of numerous biological processes. A better understanding of these relationships opens up new possibilities for prevention and personalised medicine and helps to promote health and quality of life well into old age.

What the evidence suggests about healthy aging

Science has identified key factors associated with healthy aging. Whilst they do not replace individual medical advice, they highlight well-researched areas of influence on metabolism, the cardiovascular system and bone health.

Physical activity

Regular everyday physical activity is considered one of the most important protective factors. Simply standing up frequently, walking and taking the short route can have positive effects on metabolism and circulation.

Sleep

Adequate, good-quality sleep supports key regenerative processes. A quiet, dark environment and regular sleep patterns are recommended.

Diet

The evidence points to an overall balanced, plant-based diet:

• more colourful vegetables and fruit
• Wholefoods and fibre-rich foods
• a reduction in highly processed and red meat
• fermented foods such as natural yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut or kimchi as part of a varied diet

Hydration

Regular and adequate fluid intake is important, with water playing a key role.

Psychosocial factors

In addition to physical factors, studies also highlight the importance of psychosocial aspects:

• Stable social relationships have a protective effect on health.
• A sense of purpose in life is associated with a better health prognosis.
• Conscious stress management contributes to long-term health.

These factors do not operate in isolation but interact with one another and are at the heart of current research into healthy ageing.

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Healthy aging at the Medical University of Graz – research, teaching and practice in dialogue.