MitoFit

Welcome to MitoCom

• Willkommen bei MitoCom Tyrol (Deutsch)

Diagnosis of mitochondrial functions and mitochondrial injuries represents a current challenge for biomedical research and development. We address these challenges by introducing and extending the approach of cell ergometry as the state-of-the-art functional test of mitochondrial competence. MitoCom establishes an inter-university Network in Mitochondrial Physiology and Comprehensive Exercise Testing, supporting translational research on mitochondrial competence in close collaboration with the local industry and other networks, e.g. Oncotyrol. Mitochondrial competence will play an increasing role in therapeutic and preventive medicine, with exercise and caloric balance providing the most effective measures for the reduction of several age-related health risks and degenerative diseases. MitoCom is a gateway and milestone to better diagnose, support and treat patients in our modern, rapidly ageing society.

The logo of MitoCom is based on MiPArt by Odra Noel.

MitoCom Tyrol – 2020 m and above

You may be too late to visit the 2014 FIS World Cup races in Kuehtai, but it is never too late to join those who seek the special recreational and adventurous experience with physical exercise in the alps. Your exercise is the gateway to your mitochondrial competence.

MitoCom Tyrol evolves as the unique network of practitioners in the high-end sector of recreation, sport and protective medicine, in collaboration with experts on mitochondrial physiology and mitochondrial medicine.

See altitude training in Kuehtai - 2020 m and more.

We all know that feeling of being well from head to toe – or from muscle to brain – up in the mountains. Scientists want to get to the basis of this wellbeing, to gain insights into invisible molecular functions: is it caused by the ’good air‘ we breathe, even though air gets very thin high up in the Alps? How do the lungs, blood, heart, brain, arms and legs – all organs and all somatic cells – react to altitude and relaxation in nature, to challenges in sport or to a short period of life on a mountain pasture?

Mitochondria are responsible for the energy supply in human and animal tissues; this is cell ergometry, cell respiration – mitochondrial oxygen consumption. With the OROBOROS Oxygraph-2k, we determine energy turnover of carbohydrates and fatty acids and quantify the efficiency of mitochondria in maintaining the vital body functions. In order to determine cellular fitness, parameters for oxidative stress and stress resistance are measured along with mitochondrial oxygen consumption. Biomedical research all over the world applies this method for the diagnosis of mitochondrial competence, especially in sports medicine and gerontology. The Oxygraph-2k, developed by the company OROBOROS INSTRUMENTS, is the world-wide leading instrument for diagnosing the aerobic capacity of mitochondria with the help of small samples of tissue or blood. OROBOROS INSTRUMENTS is located in Innsbruck, Austria. In the Mitochondrial Research Laboratory, the company tests the newest developments and develops standard protocols in cell ergometry.

Impact on life style: Tyrol – a heart for sport

Mitochondrial knowledge will, with its innovative approach, arouse a new awareness of preventive medicine, to which a physically active and calorie-balanced lifestyle can contribute significantly. Of particular importance is “healthy aging”, a generally improved quality of life and a reduced risk of a multiplicity of degenerative diseases influenced by the mitochondria: e.g. obesity, diabetes 2, various forms of cancer and dementias. Mitochondrial competence will be made a reality to a larger proportion of the population and the regional identity strengthened both amongst our own population and amongst tourists through the offer of exercise-orientated leisure packages in the Alpine landscape of Tyrol.

Linkages are being created by MitoCom between research and clinical/practical needs with regard to the very recently established Olympic centre at the Institute of Sport Science of the LFU in Innsbruck and the Altitude Training Centre in Kühtai near Innsbruck leading to optimization of diagnostic exercise testing and training strategies. Importantly, this project seeks to promote research on exercise effects at moderate altitude. Tyrol represents a unique location which is visited by several millions of skiers and mountaineers, annually. On the one hand, regular physical activity and probably also exposures to moderate altitudes up to about 2500 m may contribute to well-being and longevity. On the other hand, however, unaccustomed exercise and acute altitude exposure may trigger serious cardiovascular adverse events in subjects at risk. This initiative should contribute to a better understanding of mechanisms responsible for beneficial and adverse effects supporting the development of appropriate preventive measures.

Appreciation by politicians and communication with an aspirational general public are essential to benefit from world-class research, for comprehensive mitochondrial and exercise testing and implementation of exercise as a medicine, and the development of a scientific foundation that may allow us to translate the complex diagnostic results into a patient-related mitochondrial score. The MitoCom network will emphasize the connections to international mitochondrial networks, for exchange of expertise and standardization of diagnostic approaches, in a joint effort to helping mitochondrial patients, preventing numerous diseases and making a difference to society.

• Perspectives of cooperation: http://www.hoehentraining-kuehtai.at/
• Health tourism: http://www.tt.com/wirtschaft/7750785-91/mehr-gesundheit-f%C3%BCr-tirol-urlauber.csp
• More information
• Ludwig Boltzmann Institutes - Health Sciences