Osteoporosis sufferers have to cope with bone loss, leading to frequent fractures and unstable, fragile bones. The risk of osteoporosis increases with age. Progressive loss of bone mass leads to complicated fractures, which often results in patients needing long-term care. Health insurance companies project this will cost billions as demographic change takes hold. In Germany, more than six million people already suffer from the widely prevalent disease – most particularly women, who make up 80 percent of the total.
Focusing on the interaction between bone metabolism and the cardiovascular system
Drug therapies are intended to inhibit bone depletion, but patients often do not respond to treatment. Studies also indicate a link between osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore the primary therapy for loss of bone mass is to increase calcium intake, the mineral is said to increase the stability of the bones. But raising the dosage of the mineral can lead to calcium deposits in veins, leading potentially to an increased risk of vascular occlusion and heart attack. The OsteoSys project (see box “Overview of the OsteoSys project”) therefore aims to investigate the interactions between cardiovascular diseases, inflammation, and bone metabolism, with a view to providing patients with personalized therapy and minimizing drug-related side effects.
Whether genetic or epigenetic (the influence of the environment on genes), the scientists take factors at the level of cells or organs into account to develop biomarkers and algorithms that predict adverse effects and enable patients to receive individualized treatment.
The role of the Fraunhofer FIT researchers in Sankt Augustin is to integrate data and create algorithms and models for the project. They are also establishing a sample management system and biobank management tools. “The software we develop to manage samples and laboratory procedures supports physicians in handling samples. Efficient data management supports our partners in their research work through the secure and traceable exchange of data, samples, and information,” says Carina Goretzky, a scientist at Fraunhofer FIT.
The sample management software platform will be on display at the Fraunhofer booth (Hall 10, Booth G05/H04) at the MEDICA trade fair in Düsseldorf from November 12 to 15.
Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft