Ascites.org - The Bruns Cirrhosis Lab Aachen

Our Mission

The Bruns Cirrhosis Lab is committed to advancing the field of infections and immunity in patients with chronic liver disease and ascites.

Our primary objective is to investigate the intricate aspects of liver disease, focusing on the gut-liver axis in cirrhosis, peritoneal immunity and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, acute-on-chronic liver failure, and cirrhosis-related immune dysfunction.

Through meticulous research, our team endeavors to unravel the complexities of liver disease. We integrate the disciplines of hepatology and immunology, utilizing translational methodologies to drive advancements in patient care.

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Exloring Peritoneal Immunity In Human Liver Cirrhosis

In patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis, failures of gut and vascular barriers promote the translocation of microbial products and live bacteria from the gut into the circulation, perpetuating systemic inflammation that aggravates portal hypertension and leads to acute-on-chronic liver failure.

Meanwhile, peritoneal immune cells in ascites also get exposed to bacterial products, which shapes their future immune functions. This understanding opens a potential new pathway for treatment, where manipulating peritoneal immunity may aid to prevent infections, reduce inflammation, and improve survival chances.

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Univ.-Prof. med. habil. Tony Bruns
Tony is a Clinican Scientist and serves as a W3-Professor of Hepatology at RWTH University Aachen and as a Senior Consultant Hepatologist at the Medical Department III of the Aachen University Hospital. He holds board certifications in Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, Infectious Disease, and Transplant Medicine.

His research interests include:
1. Ascites, peritoneal immunity, and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
2. Immunological mediation of inflammation and organ failure in chronic liver diseases
3. Macrophage biology, innate-like T-cells, and leukocyte migration
4. Disease progression in liver cirrhosis and primary biliary cholangitis
His clinical focus areas are:
1. Portal hypertension and complications of cirrhosis
2. Liver transplantation
3. Infectious Disease
4. Autoimmune and cholestatic liver diseases
Tony is a Principal Investigator in the DFG Collaborative Research Center "SFB1382 Gut-Liver Axis" and has lead translational research within the DFG Research Training Group GRK1715 "Molecular Signatures of Adaptive Stress Responses" and the IFB "Center for Sepsis Control and Care."

Tony has contributed to more than 150 scientific publications in the fields of Hepatology, Gastroenterology, Inflammation, and Infectious Disease. He has served as a speaker for the DGVS Working Group "Complications of Cirrhosis" (2021 to 2023) and the DGVS Working Group "Young Gastroenterology" (2015 to 2017) and co-authored the 2023 German Guideline for Liver Transplantation.
Dr. rer. nat. Oluwatomi Ibidapo-Obe

Oluwatomi is a postdoctoral immunobiologist specialized in immune cell subsets in health and disease states. She earned her Ph.D. by investigating unconventional T-cell subsets in patients with decompensated liver disease during bacterial infections. Currently, her research focuses on the roles of resident CD8 and CD4 T cells in liver pathologies. She aims to decode the intricate interactions among immune system cells, understand their modulation by diseases, and explore their potential for therapeutic applications.
Dr. rer. nat. Johanna Reissing

Johanna is a graduate biologist specializing in T-helper cells and macrophage biology in patients with cirrhosis. She recently pivoted her research focus to explore the immunomodulatory effects of bile acids in the peritoneal cavity. This transition exemplifies her adaptability and dedication to broadening her scientific acumen.
Mick Frissen, M.Sc.

After earning his Master's in Molecular Life Science from Maastricht University, Mick is soon to complete his PhD investigating the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in cholestatic liver injury. He has since joined the team, focusing on the impact of miRNAs and neutrophil biology in chronic liver disease. Mick has a keen interest in bioinformatics analysis, particularly on large data sets.
Karsten Große

Karsten is a physician-in-training specializing in bacterial infections, liver health, and transplant medicine. He has published research on the prognostic implications of Enterococci in liver abscesses. Currently, he is advancing his MD thesis, which centers on identifying genetic risk factors contributing to spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.
Majda El Hassani, M.Sc.

Majda earned her master's degree in molecular and cellular biology from the University of Cagliari in Italy, where she investigated the role of the neuropeptide VGF in the mesencephalon. In 2023, Majda joined our lab to pursue her PhD, focusing on studying the differences between sterile injury-driven and bacterial infection-driven phase transition in alcohol-related cirrhosis.
Dr. med. Frederic Haedge

Frederic is a physician-in-training at Aachen University Hospital. He earned his medical degree with a thesis on the effects of gasotransmitters in kidney disease. Currently, Frederic is engaged in translational research projects, specifically focusing on intestinal barrier function in cirrhosis.
Mohamad Murad

Mohamad is a physician-in-training in internal medicine and gastroenterology, particularly interested in Infectious Disease. He is currently working on his MD thesis, focusing on the prognostic significance of HDL-related biomarkers in ascitic fluid in patients with cirrhosis.
Former Lab Members and Alumni

Dr. rer. nat. Sven Stengel
PD Dr. med. Philipp A. Reuken

PhD graduates
Dr. rer. nat. Michael Rooney
Dr. rer. nat. Eihab Al-Herwi
Dr. rer. nat. Nilay Köse-Vogel
Dr. rer. nat. Martina Mai

MD graduates
Dr. med. Clemens Kittler
Dr. med. Jack Peter
Dr. med. Stefanie Quickert
Dr. med. Anika Vogt

M.Sc. graduates
Alexander Olkus, M.Sc.

Lab Alumni
Melina Yarbakht, PhD

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