As cardiovascular diseases remain a leading global mortality cause, the 8th Joint Winter School “Translational Medicine” gathered experts and students at the Comprehensive Heart Failure Center (DZHI Würzburg). Focused on 'Mechanisms, treatment and innovative approaches,' the event bridged the gap between basic research and clinical application to explore the complexity of heart failure.
To kick off the event, Prof Christoph Maack (DZHI, Würzburg) took participants on a guided tour through the DZHI, showcasing the research labs, the examination area for cohort and intervention studies, and the 7-Tesla MRI in the basement. Following this insight into the infrastructure, the scientific program opened with a comprehensive look at the "epidemic" of heart failure. Prof Stefan Störk (DZHI, Würzburg) highlighted the complexity of the disease, which is often driven by comorbidities and requires precise phenotyping.
A major focus was placed on the biological roots of the disease: Prof Brenda Gerull (DZHI, Würzburg) discussed genetic causes of cardiomyopathies and the rapid evolution of diagnostic tools like Next Generation Sequencing. She outlined futuristic therapeutic targets, including gene replacement and gene editing technologies, which offer hope for correcting hereditary defects.
Shifting the perspective to translational research, Prof Gustavo Ramos (DZHI, Würzburg) explored the body's own immune response to heart injury. His presentation on the role of macrophages and T-cells in tissue repair illustrated how the immune system could be harnessed to support cardiac healing. This interdisciplinary approach was further expanded by Dr Jorge Pagola (Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona), who examined the critical "Heart-Brain Interaction," specifically the link between heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and stroke risks.
The second day focused on novel treatment strategies and the digital future of medicine. PD Carolin Morbach (UKW, DZHI, Würzburg) presented the use case of Amyloidosis, demonstrating how a once fatal diagnosis is transforming into a treatable condition through innovative substances. A key highlight was the integration of digital tools in therapy. Prof Rüdiger Pryss (JMU, IKE-B, Würzburg) introduced the potential of medical apps, such as digitally supported 6-minute walk tests using smartphones and wearables. These technologies aim to bridge the gap between clinical environments and patients' everyday lives.
However, innovation requires infrastructure and trust. Prof Claudia Hanson (Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm) offered a comparative view on "Public trust in health data," using the Swedish model of comprehensive quality registries. Addressing structural care, Prof Störk and Martha Schutzmeier (JMU, IKE-B, Würzburg) presented the "HI-PLUS" project. This nationwide cluster-randomized trial investigates whether heart failure care can be improved through optimized case management involving specialized non-physician staff (HI-MFA) and an eHealth platform. The goal is to enhance quality of care and reduce hospitalizations. Finally, Prof Frank Breuckmann (Klinikum Kitzinger Land) discussed the organization of hospitals and outpatient clinics to ensure better transitions of care.
Beyond the expert lectures, the Winter School served as a vibrant platform for the next generation of researchers. In a dedicated poster session, students of the Elite Graduate Program “Translational Medicine” presented additional topics related to heart failure, fostering lively discussions. Prof Peter Heuschmann (JMU, IKE-B, Würzburg) concluded the event, emphasizing that tackling heart failure requires a collaborative effort-combining molecular science, digital innovation, and structural reforms.
Text: Steffi Jírů-Hillmann, Elite Graduate Program “Translational Medicine”
