
Dr. rer. nat. Nicolle Kränkel (PD)
Malfunctions of the immune system are involved in the development of the vast majority of cardiovascular diseases. The molecular mechanisms and the cells involved can vary depending on the disease. While we would like to dampen the constant exaggerated activation of the immune system for cardiovascular diseases, the immune system's fight against pathogens should remain unaffected.
In my research group "Vascular Biology, Inflammation, Sport", we investigate how the different forms of immune activation and attenuation influence the individual risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The complex interaction of our immune system with other organs such as blood vessels or muscles also plays a role here. Our research is "translational", i.e. we measure directly in patient samples and try to quickly transfer the knowledge gained into applications that help people: for the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
Another core focus of my research is the effects of regular exercise and sport on the immune system and the function of blood vessels and metabolism. Together with colleagues at the FS-CPC, we are investigating the questions "Why does physical activity need to be regular to have an effect?", "How intense does the training need to be to be effective?" and "How often and for how long do we need to exercise every day to prevent cardiovascular disease?".
I am firmly convinced that we can achieve more together than alone. That is why I am committed to improving heart health in the European Society of Preventive Cardiology. I am also a member of the editorial team of the cardiology program "ESC TV Today" of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), the ESC Communications Committee and the ESC Program Committee, where I work to make the latest findings in preventive cardiology known to doctors and researchers.