Diabetology, Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases Unit

Head of the Unit

Stefano Genovese

The Unit’s research activities are carried out through both investigator-initiated and sponsored clinical trials, conducted in collaboration with Monzino’s Clinical Trials Office and the Institute’s clinical departments. The Unit has also established collaborations with several Monzino Research Units to conduct nurse- and psychologist-led studies focusing on the psychosocial aspects of diabetes.

An important collaboration has also been established with the Department of Cardiovascular, Endocrine-Metabolic and Aging-Related Diseases of the Italian National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità, ISS), focusing on diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and their associated risk factors. The ISS and Monzino will share collected data, particularly from the CUORE Project, and perform detailed statistical analyses to:

  • Evaluate lifestyle-related factors in patients with diabetes and their association with other clinical and socioeconomic risk factors;
  • Assess the role of fasting glucose in predicting cardiovascular risk in the general population;
  • Implement nested case-control studies using available biological data and samples to support public health research projects;
  • Develop joint initiatives aimed at implementing strategies for the prevention of diabetes and its complications, as well as chronic diseases more broadly at the population level;
  • Establish primary prevention services designed to delay, prevent, or postpone disease onset in individuals with dysglycemia and prehypertension, through lifestyle improvements, particularly increased physical activity;
  • Disseminate information on dysglycemia, diabetes, and disease prevention through healthy lifestyles, in line with the mission of the ISS Department of Cardiovascular, Endocrine-Metabolic and Aging-Related Diseases.

Clinical Trials

Effects of the Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (DPP-4) Inhibitor Linagliptin on Left Ventricular Myocardial Dysfunction in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Concentric Left Ventricular Geometry (DYDA2 Trial)

The aim of this study is to gather information on the efficacy and safety of linagliptin when administered as add-on therapy to patients with diabetes mellitus and asymptomatic left ventricular systolic dysfunction. The trial seeks to determine whether linagliptin may contribute to improving cardiac function while maintaining an acceptable safety profile in this patient population.

Selected Projects

  • Selection of Individuals at Low Cardiovascular Risk: Development of a Low-Cost Pre-Screening Algorithm Using Only Non-Laboratory Measures (SKIM Risk Study)

    The aim of this project is to develop and validate a low-cost pre-screening algorithm capable of identifying individuals at low cardiovascular risk using only non-laboratory measurements. By relying on easily obtainable clinical and demographic data, the study seeks to provide a practical and cost-effective tool for large-scale cardiovascular risk assessment.

    If successful, the project will provide the scientific rationale for the implementation of future nationwide prevention programs that are both effective and economically sustainable.

    Impact of Therapy on Hospital Outcomes in Diabetic Patients Admitted for Acute Myocardial Infarction

    This project aims to evaluate the potential association between different classes of glucose-lowering medications, short-term clinical outcomes, and infarct size in a cohort of patients with diabetes hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

    The study seeks to clarify whether specific antidiabetic treatments may influence prognosis and myocardial damage following an acute coronary event.

    Effects of Incretin Analogues on the Function of CD34+ Stem Cells in Patients with Diabetes

    The objective of this study is to assess the effects of liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, on dysfunctional CD34+ stem cells in patients with diabetes and to investigate the mechanisms underlying its ability to restore or enhance their regenerative potential.

    The project aims to improve understanding of the cellular and molecular pathways through which incretin-based therapies may contribute to vascular repair and tissue regeneration in diabetes.

    The Role of PCSK9 in the Modulation of Platelet Function

    The primary objective of this project is to investigate the role of PCSK9, an enzyme involved in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) metabolism, in the regulation of platelet function.

    The study aims to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the enhanced platelet reactivity observed in healthy individuals and to determine whether PCSK9 contributes to the platelet hyperreactivity commonly observed in patients with diabetes. A better understanding of these mechanisms may provide new insights into the increased thrombotic risk associated with diabetes and support the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

best publications in the last three years

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Staff

  • CLINICAL RESEARCH: Stefano Genovese

    Maurizio Rondinelli

    Chiara Molinari

    LIPID CLINIC: Pablo Werba

    Monica Giroli