Welcome to the information page for the "MitoSwitch" study. Here you will find information on the content of our study. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us by telephone 0731 50-39105 or by e-mail mitoswitch@uni-ulm.de.

Cellular energy metabolism is crucial for the body's overall metabolism and energy utilisation, both in a healthy and diseased state. Mitochondria play a central role in this complex process and regulate systemic processes such as the central nervous system, hormones and inflammatory activities. The central role of mitochondria in the general health and functioning of the body as well as in adapting to stress has generated a great deal of interest in medical, psychological and neurobiological research in recent years. Previous research has shown that people with inflammatory mental and physical illnesses often have altered mitochondrial energy metabolism and higher levels of inflammation than healthy individuals. At the cellular level, changes in mitochondrial energy metabolism can lead to an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), known as oxidative stress, which can damage cells when produced in excessive amounts. Current findings suggest that this condition is associated with symptoms such as lack of joy, loss of energy, chronic fatigue, cognitive deficits and slowed body movements, which are also common in people with depression, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder, multiple sclerosis and post-COVID. In order to maintain the function of mitochondria or the entire energy metabolism and to prevent oxidative stress, the system must be supplied with a variety of different nutrients (e.g. vitamins, minerals, etc.). Accordingly, vitamin, mineral and trace element deficiencies could play an important role in the pathology or in the maintenance of the symptoms. Our study aims to analyse the influence of nutrition on inflammatory and energy metabolism processes of mitochondria in mental and neurological diseases. In particular, we are analysing the status of immune cells and the interaction of mitochondrial energy metabolism, inflammatory activity and nutrient intake in different disease contexts and in healthy controls. By analysing these relationships, we hope to inspire new approaches for the treatment and prevention of such diseases in the long term.