Research Group Small Fiber Neuropathies and Myopathies

In recent decades, emerging evidence shows that reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in more pathological processes than previously assumed. Muscle tissue is particularly susceptible to oxidative stress, and ROS are considered to be a key factor in the progression of muscular dystrophies and myositis.

We are working on establishing the NAD(P)H-fluorescence-lifetime-microscopy (FLIM) in the muscle tissue in vivo and ex vivo to investigate of enzymatic origins of oxidative stress.
We hope that future use of this method will provide deeper insights into the pathomechanisms in muscle disease and result in new therapeutic strategies.

The interdisciplinary study focuses on neurological, as well as cardiological and immunological characterization of patients with POTS and SFN.

The study takes place in the USA, Canada and Europe; other German centers are the neurological university clinics in Jena, Münster and Hannover. So far, there is no approved treatment for post-polio syndrome (PPS).
In the multicentric FORCE study it is to be determined whether a monthly infusion of immunoglobulins over a period of one year has a positive effect on muscle strength, walking distance and pain.

This study evaluates the effectiveness and safety of capsaicin 8% cutaneous patch in patients with painful CIPN in a prospective, observational trial.

• Dr. rer. nat. Raluca Niesner, Prof. Dr. Anja Hauser, Deutsches Rheumaforschungszentrum (DRFZ)
• Prof. Dr. med. Werner Stenzel, Institut für Neuropathologie, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
• Dr. Theo Kim, Klinik für Hämatologie, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
• Dr. med. Joachim Weber / Dr. med. Sein Schmidt, Berliner Institut für Gesundheitsforschung – Charité & Max-Delbrück-Centrum (BIH)
• Prof. Dr. Fabian Knebel, Medizinische Klinik mit Schwerpunkt Kardiologie und Angiologie, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
• Prof. J. Schulz-Menger, Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), Berlin-Buch