@article{SchweigertSteinhagenTruepschuchetal.2000,
  author    = {Schweigert, Florian J. and Steinhagen, Beate and Tr{\"u}pschuch, Annett and Siemann, A. and B{\"u}scher, Ulrich and Dudenhausen, Joachim W.},
  title     = {Transfer of carotenoids, alfa-tocopherol and retinol from plasma into follicular fluid in women},
  year      = {2000},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{SchweigertBatheChenetal.2004,
  author    = {Schweigert, Florian J. and Bathe, Katharina and Chen, Frank and B{\"u}scher, Ulrich and Dudenhausen, Joachim W.},
  title     = {Effect of the stage of lactation in humans on carotenoid levels in milk, blood plasma and plasma lipoprotein fractions},
  year      = {2004},
  abstract  = {In mammals the composition of milk changes during early lactation, with a rapid decline of fat-soluble vitamins and a continuous increase in total lipids. The mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are not well understood, but might involve selective mechanisms related to mammary uptake or secretion into the milk. Since carotenoids are specifically distributed among the lipoprotein fractions in plasma, the simultaneous determination of carotenoids in plasma, lipoprotein fractions and milk might offer an opportunity to gain insight into this phenomenon. In 21 healthy mothers carotenoids in plasma and lipoprotein fractions were investigated at day 2 and 19 and milk on day 4 and 19 after delivery. Plasma levels of alpha-tocopherol and cholesterol as well as lutein, zeaxanthin and cryptoxanthin were significantly lower later in lactation (day 19) than shortly after birth (P < 0.01). The stage of lactation had no effect on the distribution of carotenoids and -tocopherol among the plasma lipoprotein fractions. In milk, triacylglycerol increased (P < 0.01). In contrast, levels of carotenoids, alpha- tocopherol and vitamin A were highest in colostrum and declined (P < 0.01). Because the magnitude of decrease was not the same in all carotenoids, the carotenoid pattern changed substantially. In colostrum the carotenoid pattern resembled those of plasma and the low- density lipoprotein fraction. In mature milk it was similar to the pattern found in the high density lipoprotein fraction. Based on these observations a selective mechanism might be responsible for the transfer of these components in milk involving different lipoprotein fractions at specific times of lactation},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{SteinhagenSiemannBuescheretal.2000,
  author    = {Steinhagen, Beate and Siemann, A. and B{\"u}scher, Ulrich and Dudenhausen, Joachim W. and Schweigert, Florian J.},
  title     = {Carotenoids, retinol and tocopherol in plasma and follicular fluid of women},
  year      = {2000},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{SchweigertRailaSehoulietal.2004,
  author    = {Schweigert, Florian J. and Raila, Jens and Sehouli, Jalid and B{\"u}scher, Ulrich},
  title     = {Accumulation of Selected Carotenoids, alpha-tocopherol and Retinol in Human Ovarian Carcinoma Ascitic Fluid},
  issn      = {1421-9697},
  year      = {2004},
  abstract  = {Background: Patients with severe forms of cancer are reported to have reduced concentrations of micronutrients in plasma due to the chronic reduction of food intake and an increased metabolism of these components. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if an accumulation of carotenoids, alpha-tocopherol and retinol in malignant ascitic fluid in women with ovarian cancer might contribute to a loss of these components from plasma. Methods: Blood and ascitic fluid samples obtained from 21 women with ovarian carcinomas and 17 healthy controls were analyzed for retinol, retinol- binding protein (RBP), alpha-tocopherol and carotenoids. Results: Plasma concentrations of all micronutrients were lower in cancer patients compared to controls. Ascitic fluid concentration of all investigated components was comparable (73- 110\%) to plasma. While the mean concentration of retinol in malignant ascites represented 73\% of that in plasma, the concentration of RBP was less than 10\% resulting in an increased mean molar ratio of retinol to RBP from 1.18 to 10.5. Conclusions: The results suggest that lower plasma concentrations of micronutrients in women suffering from ovarian carcinoma are not only caused by a cachexia-induced decrease of food intake and a higher rate of metabolic utilization, but also by a substantial yet not considered transfer from plasma into ascitic fluid possibly associated with plasma lipoproteins. This raises questions with regard to the protective function of these plasma components in ascitic fluid, the consequences of paracentesis on an additional supplementation and finally the possibility to use one or a combination of these components as an additional marker to discriminate between benign and malignant ascites. Copyright (C) 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel},
  language  = {en}
}