Section - Biomarker

Head: PD Dr. Tobias Pischon

Obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer are among the major diet-related chronic diseases. Obesity has become not only a disease in its own right but it is also a risk factor for diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Results from the EPIC-Potsdam study as well as from other cohort studies indicate that obesity as such, as well as the distribution of body fat, are major determinants of chronic disease risk and early death. These study results also indicate that certain dietary and lifestyle factors may enhance the development of diabetes and cancer, independent of body weight. Data of the EPIC study reveal, for example, that persons who consume few whole-grain products have a higher diabetes risk or that those who consume high amounts of red meat have a higher risk of colon cancer. However, the underlying pathogenic mechanisms are not completely understood nor are the biologically active substances clearly identified. Further, genetic factors and their interaction with nutrition may substantially contribute to the development of chronic diseases.

The Biomarker Working Group was established in the summer of 2008 and is concerned with nutritionally and metabolically relevant biomarkers and genetic variants related to disease risk. Its major focus is on the relation of obesity, diet and lifestyle factors with risk of type-2-diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. The results of the group will help clarify the underlying mechanisms for these associations and also may improve the identification of individuals at risk for disease.