MARKOPOLO investigates the health effects of traffic noise and air pollution (especially particulate matter and ultrafine particulate matter) using an innovative approach that combines experimental and computer-based models in clinical and epidemiological studies. The aim is to identify biomarkers and understand molecular mechanisms in diseases of the brain, lungs and cardiovascular system. The ‘from the lab to real life’ approach is intended to help better understand environmental factors, improve risk assessments and develop preventive measures. The project also takes social and political framework conditions into account.
‘We will apply the so-called ‘exposome concept’, a concept that helps us to understand how everything we are exposed to in the course of our lives - in particular environmental factors, nutrition or stress - can influence our health. With this approach, we want to find out more precisely which of these influences make us ill. We focus on how these factors are connected and how they work in the body in order to better understand and prevent diseases. This is what makes MARKOPOLO so special,’ explains Prof. Dr Andreas Daiber, Head of the Molecular Cardiology research group. In addition to experimental studies, the innovative MARKOPOLO approach also utilises AI-supported computer models in order to ideally be able to increasingly dispense with complex experimental studies in the future.
Prof. Dr Thomas Münzel emphasises the importance of the project for strengthening the leading international position in research into environmental and cardiovascular diseases. The EU funding acknowledges the longstanding pioneering work of Prof. Münzel and Prof. Daiber in this field.
Source: Press release University Medical Center Mainz
Contakt:
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Andreas Daiber, Head of the Molecular Cardiology Research, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Mainz, daiber(at)uni-mainz.de
