Hypoxanthine Project

Hypoxanthine Project

by | Dec 19, 2024

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Hypoxanthine Project

Exploring Microbial Metabolites and Immune Activation

Unveiling the Role of Hypoxanthine in Dendritic Cell Function

The human gut microbiota, a complex and dynamic community of microorganisms residing in our digestive tract, plays a pivotal role in health and disease. Emerging research reveals a fascinating interplay between the gut microbiota, the immune system, and metabolism. The gut microbiome engages in a constant dialogue with immune cells, educating and regulating them, which in turn maintains gut health and guards against pathogens. This project aims to unravel the hidden mechanisms underlying the interactions between bacterial metabolites in the microenvironment and the activation of immune cells, by in particularly focusing on the impact of hypoxanthine (HPX) on dendritic cell metabolism and biological function. Preliminary data showed that HPX is highly produced by bacteria expanding logarithmically and it can be sensed by DCs, fueling their activation. A lot of questions have still to be answered…

Project team: TrimLab

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DCB Research AG

Freiburgstrasse 3
3010 Bern
Switzerland

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The Moonwalk Project

The Moonwalk Project

by | Dec 2, 2024

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The Moonwalk Project

Investigating the relationship between glucose values and motion patterns during sleep

Glucose Levels and Sleep Patterns

People with diabetes need to carefully control their blood sugar levels to avoid short and long-term health complications. This can be done using insulin injections, but it also increases the risk of low blood sugar, called hypoglycaemia. Hypoglycaemia often occurs at night and can lead to serious problems such as falls and heart problems. It can also reduce quality of life and cause symptoms like shaking, abnormal breathing, and abnormal movements. Managing diabetes can be especially difficult for elderly people in long-term care due to other health conditions and changes in care providers. The Moonwalk project aims to investigate the possible association between glucose levels and motion patterns during sleep in people with diabetes. To achieve this, a QUMEA radar sensor is mounted on the ceiling to track motion during sleep, and wrist-worn smartwatches are used to collect data on physiological symptoms. Over the course of 10 days, data will be collected from 40 patients. After the end of the study, algorithms will be developed to build a warning system for nocturnal hypoglycaemia.

Project team: Prof. Lilian Witthauer, Prof. Markus Laimer, QUMEA AG

Funding: Diabetes Center Berne Foundation, Innosuisse Innovation Cheque, Von-Tobel Foundation

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Illuminating Personalized Medicine

Illuminating Personalized Medicine

by | Dec 2, 2024

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Illuminating Personalized Medicine

Porphyrin-based Aggregation-induced Emission Generating Molecules for Continuous Multi-Metabolite Monitoring

Personialized Medicine Study

In this project, a new sensor technology is being developed to improve the monitoring of multiple metabolites. Special molecules with aggregation-induced emission, known as AIEgens, are utilized, which emit particularly bright luminescence upon aggregation. These AIEgens are designed to emit light in different spectral regions, enabling the simultaneous measurement of various metabolites such as glucose, lactate, and ketones. Integrated into a biocompatible matrix and applied to the tip of an optical sensor, which is incorporated into a wearable device, this minimally invasive system allows for continuous monitoring of metabolism in the interstitial fluid under the skin. This technology has the potential to significantly improve diagnosis and personalized treatment for conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Project team: Prof. Lilian Witthauer, Dr. Emmanouil Rousakis

Funding: Swiss National Science Foundation

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3010 Bern
Switzerland

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Volatile Organic Compounds in Breath

Volatile Organic Compounds in Breath

by | Dec 2, 2024

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Volatile Organic Compounds in Breath

Volatile organic compounds and breath analysis in people with diabetes

Breath analysis in individuals with diabetes

The main goal of this research area is to identify distinctive patterns of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)s in breath and their dependence on blood glucose values in individuals with diabetes. VOCs are emitted by the human body, among which breath is the most important carrier. The breath contains a diverse array of VOCs that offer valuable insights into the body’s metabolic activities, including the glucose metabolism.

Project team: Prof. Lilian Witthauer, Prof. Markus Laimer

Funding: Diabetes Center Berne, University of Bern

Publications:
Nicolier C, Künzler J, Lizoain A, et al. Detection of hypoglycaemia in type 1 diabetes through breath volatile organic compound profiling using gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2024; 1-8. doi:10.1111/dom.15944

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Menstrual Cycle Study: Identifying changes in insulin sensitivity across the menstrual cycle in T1D

Menstrual Cycle Study: Identifying changes in insulin sensitivity across the menstrual cycle in T1D

by | Dec 13, 2023

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Menstrual Cycle Study: Identifying changes in insulin sensitivity across the menstrual cycle in T1D

DCB and Tidepool are entering a partnership to explore the relationship between diabetes and women’s health. The first initiative in this collaboration focuses on the menstrual cycle’s influence on insulin-dependent diabetes.

Menstrual Cycle Study

Recognising the challenges faced by women with insulin-dependent diabetes, research specifically investigating the menstrual cycle’s impact on diabetes management remains limited so far. This lack of focused study has hindered the development of tailored treatment strategies for women.

Diabetes Center Berne (DCB) and Tidepool aim to fill this critical research gap. The joint effort is focused on examining the interplay between the menstrual cycle and diabetes management, with the goal of enhancing care and improving quality of life.

With the goal of supporting the development of clinical guidance, tools, and products to reduce the burden of diabetes management throughout the menstrual cycle, Tidepool and DCB are joining forces to explore the relationship between menstrual cycles and insulin-dependent diabetes. While Tidepool facilitates access to the data of people living with type 1 diabetes who menstruate and provides their expertise in data collection for this initiative, DCB provides expertise in clinical research and research infrastructure.

Project team: Dr. Martina Rothenbühler (Project Leader Data Sciences, DCB), Stefanie Hossmann (Clinical Research Scientist, DCB), Maya Friedman (Founder of the Tidepool Period Project, Tidepool), Saira Khan-Gallo (Access & Equity Lead, Tidepool)

Project partner: Tidepool

 

About the Study Partners

DCB supports ideas and projects in the field of diabetes technology worldwide by providing expertise, access to clinical research facilities and its own laboratories, as well as financial resources. The goal is to bring them a big step closer to market entry in a collaborative partnership. The work of the DCB is non-profit –  the goals are new insights and innovations around diabetes management as well as a vibrant community. 

Tidepool is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. It was founded by people with diabetes, caregivers, and leading healthcare providers committed to helping all people with insulin-requiring diabetes safely achieve great outcomes through more accessible, actionable, and meaningful diabetes data.

Study requirements for U.S. residents

Links

$

Enroll in this cycle study!

(U.S. residents only)

dcberne.com/en/menstrual-cycle-study

Contact

Menstrual Cycle Study Team

menstrual.cycle@dcberne.com

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Switzerland

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