Marco Leitzke | immunology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Marco Leitzke | immunology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Marco Leitzke, Helios clinics, Germany

Dr. Marco Leitzke, born in 1970 in Karl-Marx-Stadt, Germany, is a senior anesthesiologist and pioneering researcher in neuromodulation and post-viral syndromes. He has served as Senior Consultant in Anesthesiology and Intensive Care at Helios Clinic Leisnig since 2015 and has extensive experience in pain therapy and palliative medicine. Renowned for his innovative studies on autonomic dysfunction, Dr. Leitzke has published extensively on cholinergic neurotransmission, COVID-19 coagulopathy, and vagus nerve stimulation. His recent focus on Long COVID as a disorder of disrupted acetylcholine signaling has gained significant scientific attention. With a dual career in clinical practice and experimental research, he bridges the gap between bedside and bench. His work earned him accolades, including a Poster Award at the 1st Long COVID Congress in Jena. Passionate about translational medicine, Dr. Leitzke continues to drive forward the understanding and treatment of complex neuroimmune disorders.

Publication Profile: 

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Scopus

Education:

Dr. Leitzke’s medical education and specialization reflect a deep commitment to anesthesiology and neurobiological research. He became a board-certified specialist in anesthesiology in 2006 and has built on this foundation with focused training in advanced pain management, ultrasound-guided interventions, and emergency medicine. He undertook specialized pain therapy training in 2015 and interventional pain techniques in 2014. In 2019, he began training as an Antibiotic Stewardship (ABS) expert physician, further demonstrating his holistic approach to patient safety and infection control. He also completed a transthoracic echocardiography course in 2018, showcasing his commitment to continuous learning and cross-disciplinary skills. This diverse academic background provides the basis for his translational research into neuroimmune and autonomic disorders, with a strong emphasis on clinical application. His combination of anesthesiology, ultrasound, pain therapy, and experimental neurobiology positions him as a uniquely skilled researcher bridging clinical practice and neuroscience.

Experience:

Dr. Marco Leitzke brings over two decades of clinical experience, predominantly in anesthesiology, intensive care, pain therapy, and palliative medicine. Since 2015, he has held the position of Senior Consultant at the Helios Clinic in Leisnig, where he leads interdisciplinary efforts in patient care and clinical innovation. Prior to this, he served as Senior Consultant at Asklepios Clinic Weißenfels from 2011 to 2014, while also operating as a freelance physician in Zeitz. His professional focus spans acute and chronic pain, complex anesthesia procedures, and critical care management, underpinned by a solid emergency medicine foundation gained since 2001. His hands-on experience with ultrasound-guided interventions, vagal modulation therapies, and autonomic diagnostics directly informs his research into the pathophysiology of post-viral syndromes. The integration of clinical insight and scientific exploration marks him as a dual-domain expert, fostering new therapeutic approaches rooted in both laboratory evidence and patient outcomes.

Research Focus:

Dr. Leitzke’s research centers on cholinergic neurotransmission and its impairment in acute and chronic post-viral conditions, particularly Long COVID. His central hypothesis suggests that autonomic dysfunction and neuromodulatory imbalance—specifically, disruption of the vagus nerve and acetylcholine pathways—underlie many post-viral symptoms. Through translational models using animal studies and human imaging, he explores therapeutic modulation, including vagal nerve stimulation and nicotine administration, to restore autonomic balance. His research extends to the role of NF-κB activation in COVID-19-associated coagulopathy, suggesting molecular pathways that link inflammation, clotting, and neuroimmune dysfunction. A hallmark of his work is the use of advanced imaging techniques (e.g., PET scans) to quantify cerebral receptor activity, particularly α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. This integrative and experimental approach offers new perspectives on diagnostics and treatment in neuroimmune conditions, making his work highly relevant to both the scientific and medical communities in the era of post-COVID syndromes.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. 📖 Long COVID – A Critical Disruption of Cholinergic Neurotransmission? (Springer Nature, 2025)

  2. 📖 Is the Post-COVID-19 Syndrome a Severe Impairment of Acetylcholine-Orchestrated Neuromodulation That Responds to Nicotine Administration? (Springer Nature, 2023)

  3. 🏅 COVID-19 – The Ultimate NF-κB Rush and the Crucial Importance of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors (Poster Award, Long COVID Congress, 2022)

  4. 🔬 Experimental Design for PET Detection of α7nAChR Under Gastric Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Piglets (DAS PLUS AN SCHUTZ, 2022)

  5. 🧠 The Viral Accelerated NF-κB Pathway and COVID-19-Associated Coagulopathy – A Case Report (Fortune Journals, 2021)

  6. 🧪 Afferent Vagal Stimulation via Gastric Electrical Stimulation Alters Sympathetic-Vagal Balance in Pigs – A Pilot Trial (Journal of Biological Regulators, 2021)

  7. ⚖️ Autonomic Balance Determines the Severity of COVID-19 Courses (Springer Nature, 2020)

  8. 🧮 A Semi-Automated Algorithm for Hypothalamus Volumetry in 3 Tesla MRI (Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging, 2018)

  9. 🧬 Image-Derived Input Function for (-)-[18F]Flubatine Using a Digital PET System (European Journal of Nuclear Medicine, 2024)

  10. 💊 What Is the Impact of Nicotine on the Post-COVID-19 Syndrome? – A Case Series (Preprint, 2025)

Conclusion:

Dr. Marco Leitzke is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his pioneering contributions to understanding and treating Long COVID and neuroimmune disorders. His strong publication record, interdisciplinary approach, and clinical insight mark him as a leading figure in his field. With enhanced international collaboration and clinical validation of his findings, his impact could be even greater. Overall, his research is timely, innovative, and of substantial scientific and societal importance.

Ahmet Kor | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Kor | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Kor , aksaray university training and research hospital , Turkey

Dr. Ahmet Kor is an associate professor at the Department of Rheumatology, Aksaray Education and Research Hospital, Turkey. With a profound expertise in rheumatology, he has made significant contributions to biomarker-based research in various rheumatological diseases. Dr. Kor is well-known for his pioneering work in understanding the relationship between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and interstitial lung disease, as well as his research on small vessel vasculitis and renal estrogen receptors. His work is highly regarded for its originality and depth in the study of biomarkers and disease mechanisms. Dr. Kor’s academic journey has seen him publish numerous journal articles, collaborate with global researchers, and gain recognition in the field. He is committed to advancing rheumatology research and improving clinical outcomes for patients with autoimmune diseases.

Publication Profile:

Orcid

Strengths for the Award:

Dr. Ahmet Kor’s impressive body of work in rheumatology, particularly his focus on biomarkers, places him as an ideal candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.” He has contributed significantly to understanding complex mechanisms in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and primary Sjögren’s syndrome. Notably, his pioneering research into the relationship between RA and interstitial lung disease, as well as his exploration of estrogen receptors in small vessel vasculitis, has opened new avenues for diagnostics and treatment. With a remarkable publication record, Dr. Kor has demonstrated both depth and breadth in his research, having published 17 peer-reviewed articles in SCI-indexed journals. His research also bridges the gap between clinical practice and scientific exploration, which enhances its relevance. His ability to identify novel biomarkers like netrin-1 in various diseases showcases his innovative thinking and commitment to advancing rheumatology.

Areas for Improvements:

While Dr. Kor’s research is highly impactful, expanding the focus of his work to include larger-scale clinical trials could provide additional validation of his findings in broader populations. Furthermore, enhancing collaborations with research institutions worldwide could increase the global applicability of his discoveries. A more extensive exploration into therapeutic implications of his findings may also contribute significantly to clinical advancements.

Education:

Dr. Ahmet Kor completed his medical degree (MD) at a prestigious university in Turkey, focusing on the field of rheumatology. He then pursued specialized training and completed his residency in internal medicine before further refining his expertise in rheumatology. His educational background allowed him to develop a deep understanding of autoimmune diseases, particularly their biomarkers and disease progression. Throughout his academic career, Dr. Kor has engaged in continuous education and research, publishing books and numerous peer-reviewed journal articles. His research interests have evolved into studying the molecular mechanisms underlying rheumatological diseases, contributing valuable knowledge to both the academic and clinical communities. Dr. Kor’s educational foundation combined with his professional training has solidified his status as a leading expert in rheumatology, and he continues to inspire students and colleagues alike through his work and teachings.

Experience:

Dr. Ahmet Kor has significant experience in both clinical practice and academic research in rheumatology. He currently holds the position of associate professor at Aksaray Education and Research Hospital in Turkey, where he leads a team of researchers in exploring biomarker-based studies for rheumatological diseases. Over the years, Dr. Kor has worked extensively in clinical settings, diagnosing and treating various autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and small vessel vasculitis. His extensive research portfolio spans multiple domains, from interstitial lung diseases to novel biomarkers for autoimmune diseases. Dr. Kor has been involved in consulting for the pharmaceutical industry and collaborated with other research institutions globally. His experience extends beyond clinical practice, as he actively contributes to scientific journals, editorial roles, and academic committees. His ability to bridge research with clinical application allows him to make lasting contributions to the field of rheumatology.

Research Focus:

Dr. Ahmet Kor’s research focuses on the exploration of biomarkers in rheumatology, particularly in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and small vessel vasculitis. His work aims to identify novel biomarkers that can predict disease progression, diagnose early-stage diseases, and guide therapeutic interventions. He has made significant discoveries regarding the relationship between RA-associated interstitial lung disease and netrin-1 levels, as well as the connection between small vessel vasculitis and renal estrogen receptors. Additionally, Dr. Kor’s research delves into the molecular mechanisms of disease, such as the thiol/disulfide balance in psoriatic arthritis and the potential role of estrogen receptors in primary Sjögren’s syndrome. His studies are instrumental in advancing personalized medicine in rheumatology, with the aim of improving diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic outcomes. Through his interdisciplinary research, Dr. Kor seeks to make impactful contributions to the understanding of autoimmune diseases and their biomarkers.

Publications Top Notes:

  • Urinary Total Superoxide Dismutase Activity in Rheumatoid Patients 🔬🧬

  • Does Eta Protein Differentiate Rheumatoid Arthritis from Psoriatic Arthritis? 🤔💉

  • Renal Tubular Estrogen ß Receptors in Small Vessel Vasculitis 🧑‍🔬🔬

  • Thiol/Disulfide Balance in Psoriatic Arthritis 🧪🧬

  • Ensemble Learning and Feature Selection in Diagnosis of Low Back Pain 💻🩺

  • Serum Netrin-1 Level in Rheumatoid Arthritis 🧪🔬

  • Estrogen Receptor ß in Minor Salivary Glands of Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome 🧑‍🔬💉

  • Serum Netrin-1 as a Potential Biomarker for Diabetic Peripheral Artery Disease 🩸💉

  • 14-3-3η Proteins in Primary Sjögren Syndrome 🧬💡

Conclusion:

Dr. Ahmet Kor is a distinguished researcher whose contributions to the field of rheumatology, particularly in biomarker-based studies, make him highly deserving of the “Best Researcher Award.” His innovative approach to understanding complex autoimmune diseases, combined with his extensive publications and collaborations, reflects his dedication to improving patient care and advancing the scientific understanding of rheumatology. His research offers significant potential for future breakthroughs, making him an outstanding candidate for this prestigious award.