von Healing lab

Prof. von Haehling and his team investigate the interactions between cardiac dysfunction, skeletal muscle, metabolism, and cognitive function. A particular focus is placed on sarcopenia and muscle wasting, as the loss of muscle strength and muscle mass significantly affects physical capacity, independence, and prognosis. Current research investigates biomarkers of muscle wasting and demonstrates that the regulation of microRNA-22-3p differs between age-related and disease-associated sarcopenia.

Another key research area is energy metabolism in heart failure. The team particularly investigates iron deficiency, mitochondrial function, and the utilization of ketone bodies as an alternative energy substrate. In the FAIR-HFpEF interventional study, the research group demonstrated that intravenous iron administration can significantly improve walking distance in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and iron deficiency. In addition, the team explores the relationships between metabolic disorders, physical performance, and cognitive impairment within the framework of the heart–brain axis.

In cardio-oncology, the research group investigates how cancer and its treatment affect the heart, skeletal muscle, and metabolism. The main areas of focus include physical exercise capacity, cardiac and skeletal muscle wasting, and biomarkers for the early detection of adverse changes. Recent studies demonstrate associations between cardiac wasting, dysregulation of the GH–IGF-I axis, and elevated cardiovascular biomarkers in patients with advanced cancer.

Best Publications

• Different Pattern in Circulating MicroRNA-22-3p Levels Between Patients With Primary Versus Secondary Sarcopenia. 

Vatic M, et al. 

Aging Cell. 2025;24. doi:10.1111/acel.70284.

• Sarcopenia in Ageing and Chronic Illness: Trial Endpoints and Regulatory Issues. 

von Haehling S, et al.

 J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle. 2025;16. doi:10.1002/jcsm.13841

• Ferric carboxymaltose and exercise capacity in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and iron deficiency: the FAIR-HFpEF trial. 

von Haehling S, et al. 

Eur Heart J. 2024;45:3789–3800. doi:10.1093/eurheartj/ehae479.

• New cardiovascular biomarkers in patients with advanced cancer. 

Anker MS, et al. 

Eur J Heart Fail. 2025;27:1047–1055. doi:10.1002/ejhf.3497.

• Association of an impaired GH-IGF-I axis with cardiac wasting in patients with advanced cancer. 

Fröhlich AK, et al. 

Clin Res Cardiol. 2025;114:1118–1132. doi:10.1007/s00392-024-02400-x.