The European Journal of Clinical Investigation's 2013 Research Update
In the constantly evolving world of medical science, where new discoveries emerge at a breathtaking pace, how do researchers and clinicians stay abreast of the most significant advancements? The answer often lies in comprehensive research updates that synthesize important findings and highlight emerging trends.
The European Journal of Clinical Investigation (EJCI), a prestigious Q1 medical journal with an impressive impact factor, has established itself as a crucial platform for disseminating robust clinical and translational research 4 . Each year, the journal publishes a special review that reflects on the previous year's most influential contributions, and the 2013 research update offers a particularly fascinating window into groundbreaking medical discoveries that continue to shape modern medicine.
This article will journey through the most compelling research from EJCI's 2013 publications, exploring how these studies have influenced various medical specialties and improved our understanding of human health and disease.
Before delving into the specific research updates, it's important to understand the significance of the journal itself. The European Journal of Clinical Investigation boasts a remarkable history dating back to 1970 and has established itself as a multidisciplinary publication that bridges the gap between basic molecular science and applied clinical research 4 .
SJR rating of 1.167 (Q1 in multiple categories including clinical biochemistry and medicine miscellaneous) and an H-index of 126.
Considers "any original contribution from the most sophisticated basic molecular sciences to applied clinical and translational research."
The journal's annual research updates serve as curated collections of scientific progress, highlighting studies that demonstrate methodological innovation, clinical relevance, and scientific rigor. The 2015 update specifically focused on articles published in 2013, providing readers with insights into how these studies had evolved and influenced medical science in the intervening years 1 2 .
Award-winning clinical research investigated inflammatory pathways in atherosclerosis and the relationship between thyroid function and cardiovascular risk 5 .
Groundbreaking studies explored the relationship between farnesoid X receptor activity and metabolic syndrome, and the role of phospholipase A(2) in diabetes complications .
Influential investigation by Mihai Netea explored the concept of "trained immunity"—the idea that innate immune cells can develop memory-like responses 5 .
| Research Category | Key Focus Areas | Notable Findings |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiovascular Medicine | Atherosclerosis, thyroid-heart connection, vascular stiffness | Inflammatory mechanisms in plaque formation, endocrine-cardiovascular interactions |
| Metabolic Research | Diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome | Nuclear receptor targeting, enzymatic pathways in complications |
| Immunology | Trained immunity, inflammatory pathways | Innate immune memory, novel therapeutic approaches |
| Translational Research | Biomarker development, methodological innovations | Bridging basic science and clinical application |
One of the most celebrated studies from EJCI's 2013 publications was Luca Scorrano's award-winning basic research on mitochondrial dynamics and their role in cellular function 5 . This research provides an excellent case study of how meticulous basic science can yield profound insights with potential clinical applications.
Mitochondrial shape profoundly influences cellular energy production, contrary to the traditional view that mitochondria simply function as cellular powerplants regardless of their structure.
Scorrano's team employed a multidisciplinary approach that combined genetic engineering, biochemical analysis, and advanced imaging techniques. The researchers developed sophisticated cell culture models in which they could precisely manipulate the expression of genes regulating mitochondrial fission and fusion processes.
Using CRISPR technology, researchers modified genes encoding proteins involved in mitochondrial dynamics.
The team documented how genetic alterations affected mitochondrial morphology using electron microscopy.
Researchers measured parameters of mitochondrial function including ATP production and reactive oxygen species.
Using mass spectrometry techniques, the team analyzed how changes affected overall cellular metabolism.
Examined how findings might relate to human diseases characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction.
| Experimental Manipulation | Effect on Mitochondrial Morphology | Functional Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Enhanced fusion | Elongated, interconnected networks | Improved ATP production under stress, enhanced calcium handling |
| Increased fission | Fragmented, discrete organelles | Facilitated removal of damaged components, altered apoptosis sensitivity |
| Balanced dynamics | Mixed population with heterogeneity | Optimal adaptability to changing cellular conditions |
The 2013 research period also reflected important advances in how clinical research is designed and conducted. During this time, there was growing recognition of the need for more rigorous standards in clinical trial protocols to improve reliability and reproducibility.
The SPIRIT (Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials) guidelines, published in 2013, represented a significant step forward in clinical trial methodology 9 .
The initiative developed a 33-item checklist that specified the minimum content that should be included in clinical trial protocols, addressing everything from study objectives to ethical considerations.
The implementation of these guidelines has had a profound impact on how clinical research is conducted and reported, addressing previously common deficiencies in trial protocols where many studies failed to adequately describe primary outcomes, allocation methods, blinding procedures, or statistical analysis plans 9 .
The groundbreaking research published in EJCI in 2013 relied on a variety of sophisticated reagents and technologies that enabled researchers to explore complex biological questions with unprecedented precision.
Precise gene editing
Subcellular visualization
Molecule quantification
Protein measurement
| Reagent/Technology | Function | Application Examples |
|---|---|---|
| CRISPR-Cas9 systems | Precise gene editing | Creating cellular models with specific genetic modifications |
| High-resolution microscopy | Visualization of subcellular structures | Examining mitochondrial dynamics and cellular organelles |
| Mass spectrometry | Identification and quantification of molecules | Metabolic profiling, proteomic analysis |
| ELISA assays | Measurement of specific proteins | Quantifying inflammatory biomarkers and hormone levels |
| Flow cytometry | Analysis of cell populations | Immune cell characterization and sorting |
| Next-generation sequencing | Comprehensive genetic analysis | Identifying genetic variants and expression patterns |
These tools, among others, provided the technical foundation for the sophisticated experiments that yielded important insights into human biology and disease mechanisms. The ongoing refinement of these technologies continues to drive medical research forward, enabling scientists to ask increasingly complex questions and obtain more detailed answers.
The research published in EJCI in 2013 and summarized in the 2015 update represents a cross-section of innovative medical science that continues to influence both basic research and clinical practice. From groundbreaking work on mitochondrial dynamics that earned Luca Scorrano an ESCI Award to paradigm-shifting research on trained immunity by Mihai Netea, these studies have expanded our understanding of human biology and opened new avenues for therapeutic intervention 5 .
The investigations spanned biochemistry, immunology, endocrinology, and cardiovascular medicine, exemplifying the collaborative nature of modern medical research.
Research trends established in 2013 have continued to evolve, with growing emphasis on personalized medicine and innovative trial designs 7 .
As we reflect on these research updates years later, it becomes clear that the studies published in EJCI in 2013 not only advanced their respective fields but also contributed to the broader evolution of medical science, helping to shape how we approach scientific investigation, clinical application, and ultimately, patient care.
The continued commitment to rigorous methodology, interdisciplinary collaboration, and translational relevance ensures that medical research will keep moving forward, building on these foundations to address the health challenges of today and tomorrow.