@article{HocherSharkovskaMarketal.2013, author = {Hocher, Berthold and Sharkovska, Yuliya and Mark, Michael and Klein, Thomas and Pfab, Thiemo}, title = {The novel DPP-4 inhibitors linagliptin and BI 14361 reduce infarct size after myocardial ischemia/reperfusion in rats}, series = {International journal of cardiology}, volume = {167}, journal = {International journal of cardiology}, number = {1}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Clare}, issn = {0167-5273}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijcard.2011.12.007}, pages = {87 -- 93}, year = {2013}, abstract = {Background: Dipeptidylpeptidase-4 inhibition is reported to have beneficial effects on myocardial ischemia. Mechanisms might include a reduced degradation of stromal cell-derived factor-1 alpha with subsequent increased recruitment of circulating stem cells and/or incretin receptor-dependent pathways. This study evaluated the novel xanthine-based dipeptidylpeptidase-4 inhibitors linagliptin (BI 1356) and BI 14361 in cardiac ischemia. Methods: Male Wistar rats were pretreated with linagliptin or BI 14361 and subjected to ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery for 30 min. Results: Dipeptidylpeptidase-4 inhibition significantly reduced the infarct size after 7 days (-27.7\%, p<0.05) and 8 weeks (-18.0\%, p<0.05). There was a significantly improved maximum rate of left ventricular pressure decline (dP/dt min) in linagliptin-treated animals 8 weeks after ischemia/reperfusion. Apart from that, treatment did not improve cardiac function as determined by echocardiography and cardiac catheterization. Immunohistological staining revealed an increased number of cells positive for stromal cell-derived factor-1 alpha, CXCR-4 and CD34 within and around the infarcted area of BI 14361-treated animals. Conclusions: Linagliptin and BI 14361 are able to reduce infarct size after myocardial ischemia. The immunohistological findings support the hypothesis that dipeptidylpeptidase-4 inhibition via reduced cleavage of stromal cell-derived factor-1 alpha might lead to an enhanced recruitment of CXCR-4+ circulating progenitor cells.}, language = {en} } @article{SharkovskaKalkvonWebskyetal.2011, author = {Sharkovska, Yuliya and Kalk, Philipp and von Websky, Karoline and Relle, Katharina and Pfab, Thiemo and Alter, Markus L. and Fischer, Yvan and Hocher, Berthold}, title = {Renoprotective effects of combined endothelin-converting enzyme/neutral endopeptidase inhibitor SLV338 in acute and chronic experimental renal damage}, series = {Clinical laboratory : the peer reviewed journal for clinical laboratories and laboratories related to blood transfusion}, volume = {57}, journal = {Clinical laboratory : the peer reviewed journal for clinical laboratories and laboratories related to blood transfusion}, number = {7-8}, publisher = {Clin Lab Publ., Verl. Klinisches Labor}, address = {Heidelberg}, issn = {1433-6510}, pages = {507 -- 515}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) as well as chronic renal failure are associated with a huge mortality/morbidity. However, so far no drugs have been approved for the treatment of acute kidney failure and only a few for the treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD). We analysed the effect of SLV 338, a neutral endopeptidase (NEP)/endothelin converting enzyme (ECE)-inhibitor in animal models of acute kidney failure as well as chronic renal failure. Methods: Acute renal failure was induced in male Wistar rats by uninephrectomy and clamping of the remaining kidney for 55 minutes. SLV338 (total dose: 4.9 mg/kg) or vehicle was continuously infused for 2 hours (starting 20 minutes prior to clamping). Sham operated animals served as controls. Plasma creatinine was measured at baseline and day 2 and 8 after renal ischemia-reperfusion. Hypertensive renal damage was induced in male Sprague Dawley rats by nitric oxide deficiency using L-NAME (50 mg/kg per day, added to drinking water for 4 weeks). One group was treated over the same time period with SLV338 (30 mg/kg per day, mixed with food). Systolic blood pressure was monitored weekly. At study end, urine and blood samples were collected and kidneys were harvested. Results: Acute renal ischemia-reperfusion caused a 5-fold plasma creatinine elevation (day 2), which was significantly attenuated by more than 50 \% in animals treated with SLV338 (p < 0.05). Renal failure was accompanied by a 67 \% mortality in vehicle-treated rats, but only 20 \% after SLV338 treatment (p = 0.03 compared to sham controls). Chronic L-NAME administration caused hypertension, urinary albumin excretion, glomerulosclerosis, renal arterial remodelling, and renal interstitial fibrosis. Treatment with SLV338 did not significantly affect blood pressure, but abolished renal tissue damage (interstitial fibrosis, glomerulosclerosis, renal arterial remodelling (p < 0.05 versus L-NAME group in each case). Conclusions: The dual ECE/NEP inhibitor SLV338 preserves kidney function and reduces mortality in severe acute ischemic renal failure. Moreover, combined ECE/NEP inhibition prevents hypertensive renal tissue damage in a blood pressure independent manner in L-NAME-treated rats.}, language = {en} } @article{ChenLiWangetal.2012, author = {Chen, You-Peng and Li, Jian and Wang, Zi-Neng and Reichetzeder, Christoph and Xu, Hao and Gong, Jian and Chen, Guang-Ji and Pfab, Thiemo and Xiao, Xiao-Min and Hocher, Berthold}, title = {Renin angiotensin aldosterone system and glycemia in pregnancy}, series = {Clinical laboratory : the peer reviewed journal for clinical laboratories and laboratories related to blood transfusion}, volume = {58}, journal = {Clinical laboratory : the peer reviewed journal for clinical laboratories and laboratories related to blood transfusion}, number = {5-6}, publisher = {Clin Lab Publ., Verl. Klinisches Labor}, address = {Heidelberg}, issn = {1433-6510}, pages = {527 -- 533}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Background: The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is involved in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes in the general population. The RAAS is activated during pregnancy. However, it is unknown whether the RAAS contributes to glycemia in pregnant women. Methods: Plasma renin activity (PRA) and plasma aldosterone levels were quantified at delivery in 689 Chinese mothers. An oral glucose tolerance test in fasted women was performed in the second trimester of pregnancy. The diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and impaired glucose tolerance during pregnancy were made according to the guidelines of the Chinese Society of Obstetrics. Results: Plasma aldosterone was significantly higher in pregnant women with GDM as compared to those without impairment of glycemic control (normal pregnancies: 0.27 +/- 0.21 ng/mL, GDM: 0.36 +/- 0.30 ng/mL; p<0.05). Regression analyses revealed that PRA was negatively correlated with fasting blood glucose (FBG) (R-2 = 0.03, p = 0.007), whereas plasma aldosterone and aldosterone/PRA ratio were positively correlated with FBG (R-2 = 0.05, p<0.001 and R-2 = 0.03, p = 0.007, respectively). Multivariable regression analysis models considering relevant confounding factors confirmed these findings. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that fasting blood glucose in pregnant women is inversely correlated with the PRA, whereas plasma aldosterone showed a highly significant positive correlation with fasting blood glucose during pregnancy. Moreover, plasma aldosterone is significantly higher in pregnant women with GDM as compared to those women with normal glucose tolerance during pregnancy. Although causality cannot be proven in association studies, these data may indicate that the RAAS during pregnancy contributes to the pathogenesis of insulin resistance/new onset of diabetes during pregnancy.}, language = {en} } @article{HocherHeidenvonWebskyetal.2011, author = {Hocher, Berthold and Heiden, Susi and von Websky, Karoline and Arafat, Ayman M. and Rahnenf{\"u}hrer, Jan and Alter, Markus L. and Kalk, Philipp and Ziegler, Dieter and Fischer, Yvan and Pfab, Thiemo}, title = {Renal effects of the novel selective adenosine A(1) receptor blocker SLV329 in experimental liver cirrhosis in rats}, series = {PLoS one}, volume = {6}, journal = {PLoS one}, number = {3}, publisher = {PLoS}, address = {San Fransisco}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0017891}, pages = {8}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Liver cirrhosis is often complicated by an impaired renal excretion of water and sodium. Diuretics tend to further deteriorate renal function. It is unknown whether chronic selective adenosine A(1) receptor blockade, via inhibition of the hepatorenal reflex and the tubuloglomerular feedback, might exert diuretic and natriuretic effects without a reduction of the glomerular filtration rate. In healthy animals intravenous treatment with the novel A(1) receptor antagonist SLV329 resulted in a strong dose-dependent diuretic (up to 3.4-fold) and natriuretic (up to 13.5-fold) effect without affecting creatinine clearance. Male Wistar rats with thioacetamide-induced liver cirrhosis received SLV329, vehicle or furosemide for 12 weeks. The creatinine clearance of cirrhotic animals decreased significantly (-36.5\%, p < 0.05), especially in those receiving furosemide (-41.9\%, p < 0.01). SLV329 was able to prevent this decline of creatinine clearance. Mortality was significantly lower in cirrhotic animals treated with SLV329 in comparison to animals treated with furosemide (17\% vs. 54\%, p < 0.05). SLV329 did not relevantly influence the degree of liver fibrosis, kidney histology or expression of hepatic or renal adenosine receptors. In conclusion, chronic treatment with SLV329 prevented the decrease of creatinine clearance in a rat model of liver cirrhosis. Further studies will have to establish whether adenosine A(1) receptor antagonists are clinically beneficial at different stages of liver cirrhosis.}, language = {en} } @article{HocherSchlemmHaumannetal.2011, author = {Hocher, Berthold and Schlemm, Ludwig and Haumann, Hannah and Li, Jian and Rahnenf{\"u}hrer, Jan and Guthmann, Florian and Bamberg, Christian and Kalk, Philipp and Pfab, Thiemo and Chen, You-Peng}, title = {Offspring sex determines the impact of the maternal ACE I/D polymorphism on maternal glycaemic control during the last weeks of pregnancy}, series = {Journal of the renin angiotensin aldosterone system}, volume = {12}, journal = {Journal of the renin angiotensin aldosterone system}, number = {3}, publisher = {Sage Publ.}, address = {London}, issn = {1470-3203}, doi = {10.1177/1470320310387843}, pages = {254 -- 261}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Hypothesis/Introduction: We recently demonstrated that fetal sex may affect maternal glycaemic control in genetically prone mothers. We tested the hypothesis that fetal sex/fetal Y/X chromosomes might affect maternal glycaemic control during pregnancy depending on the maternal angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) I/D polymorphism. Material and methods: One thousand, three hundred and thirty-two Caucasian women without pre-existing diabetes and pre-existing hypertension with singleton pregnancies delivering consecutively at the Charite obstetrics department were genotyped. Glycaemic control was analysed by measuring total glycated haemoglobin at birth. Correction for confounding factors and multiple testing was done. Results: Maternal ACE I/D polymorphism showed significant interaction with fetal sex concerning maternal total glycated haemoglobin. Total glycated haemoglobin in DD mothers delivering boys was 6.42 +/- 0.70\% vs. 6.21 +/- 0.66\% in DD mother delivering girls (p < 0.005), whereas the II carrying mothers showed the opposite effect. II mothers delivering a girl had a higher (p = 0.044) total glycated haemoglobin at birth (6.40 +/- 0.80\%) compared to II mothers delivering boys (6.21 +/- 0.81\%). There was no interaction of the ACE I/D polymorphism and fetal sex with respect to new onset proteinuria, new onset edema and pregnancy-induced hypertension. Conclusions: Maternal glycaemic control during the last weeks of pregnancy seems to be influenced by an interaction of the ACE I/D genotyp and fetal sex.}, language = {en} } @article{HorikoshiYaghootkarMookKanamorietal.2013, author = {Horikoshi, Momoko and Yaghootkar, Hanieh and Mook-Kanamori, Dennis O. and Sovio, Ulla and Taal, H. Rob and Hennig, Branwen J. and Bradfield, Jonathan P. and St Pourcain, Beate and Evans, David M. and Charoen, Pimphen and Kaakinen, Marika and Cousminer, Diana L. and Lehtimaki, Terho and Kreiner-Moller, Eskil and Warrington, Nicole M. and Bustamante, Mariona and Feenstra, Bjarke and Berry, Diane J. and Thiering, Elisabeth and Pfab, Thiemo and Barton, Sheila J. and Shields, Beverley M. and Kerkhof, Marjan and van Leeuwen, Elisabeth M. and Fulford, Anthony J. and Kutalik, Zoltan and Zhao, Jing Hua and den Hoed, Marcel and Mahajan, Anubha and Lindi, Virpi and Goh, Liang-Kee and Hottenga, Jouke-Jan and Wu, Ying and Raitakari, Olli T. and Harder, Marie N. and Meirhaeghe, Aline and Ntalla, Ioanna and Salem, Rany M. and Jameson, Karen A. and Zhou, Kaixin and Monies, Dorota M. and Lagou, Vasiliki and Kirin, Mirna and Heikkinen, Jani and Adair, Linda S. and Alkuraya, Fowzan S. and Al-Odaib, Ali and Amouyel, Philippe and Andersson, Ehm Astrid and Bennett, Amanda J. and Blakemore, Alexandra I. F. and Buxton, Jessica L. and Dallongeville, Jean and Das, Shikta and de Geus, Eco J. C. and Estivill, Xavier and Flexeder, Claudia and Froguel, Philippe and Geller, Frank and Godfrey, Keith M. and Gottrand, Frederic and Groves, Christopher J. and Hansen, Torben and Hirschhorn, Joel N. and Hofman, Albert and Hollegaard, Mads V. and Hougaard, David M. and Hyppoenen, Elina and Inskip, Hazel M. and Isaacs, Aaron and Jorgensen, Torben and Kanaka-Gantenbein, Christina and Kemp, John P. and Kiess, Wieland and Kilpelainen, Tuomas O. and Klopp, Norman and Knight, Bridget A. and Kuzawa, Christopher W. and McMahon, George and Newnham, John P. and Niinikoski, Harri and Oostra, Ben A. and Pedersen, Louise and Postma, Dirkje S. and Ring, Susan M. and Rivadeneira, Fernando and Robertson, Neil R. and Sebert, Sylvain and Simell, Olli and Slowinski, Torsten and Tiesler, Carla M. T. and Toenjes, Anke and Vaag, Allan and Viikari, Jorma S. and Vink, Jacqueline M. and Vissing, Nadja Hawwa and Wareham, Nicholas J. and Willemsen, Gonneke and Witte, Daniel R. and Zhang, Haitao and Zhao, Jianhua and Wilson, James F. and Stumvoll, Michael and Prentice, Andrew M. and Meyer, Brian F. and Pearson, Ewan R. and Boreham, Colin A. G. and Cooper, Cyrus and Gillman, Matthew W. and Dedoussis, George V. and Moreno, Luis A. and Pedersen, Oluf and Saarinen, Maiju and Mohlke, Karen L. and Boomsma, Dorret I. and Saw, Seang-Mei and Lakka, Timo A. and Koerner, Antje and Loos, Ruth J. F. and Ong, Ken K. and Vollenweider, Peter and van Duijn, Cornelia M. and Koppelman, Gerard H. and Hattersley, Andrew T. and Holloway, John W. and Hocher, Berthold and Heinrich, Joachim and Power, Chris and Melbye, Mads and Guxens, Monica and Pennell, Craig E. and Bonnelykke, Klaus and Bisgaard, Hans and Eriksson, Johan G. and Widen, Elisabeth and Hakonarson, Hakon and Uitterlinden, Andre G. and Pouta, Anneli and Lawlor, Debbie A. and Smith, George Davey and Frayling, Timothy M. and McCarthy, Mark I. and Grant, Struan F. A. and Jaddoe, Vincent W. V. and Jarvelin, Marjo-Riitta and Timpson, Nicholas J. and Prokopenko, Inga and Freathy, Rachel M.}, title = {New loci associated with birth weight identify genetic links between intrauterine growth and adult height and metabolism}, series = {Nature genetics}, volume = {45}, journal = {Nature genetics}, number = {1}, publisher = {Nature Publ. Group}, address = {New York}, organization = {MAGIC, Early Growth Genetics EGG}, issn = {1061-4036}, doi = {10.1038/ng.2477}, pages = {76 -- U115}, year = {2013}, abstract = {Birth weight within the normal range is associated with a variety of adult-onset diseases, but the mechanisms behind these associations are poorly understood(1). Previous genome-wide association studies of birth weight identified a variant in the ADCY5 gene associated both with birth weight and type 2 diabetes and a second variant, near CCNL1, with no obvious link to adult traits(2). In an expanded genome-wide association metaanalysis and follow-up study of birth weight (of up to 69,308 individuals of European descent from 43 studies), we have now extended the number of loci associated at genome-wide significance to 7, accounting for a similar proportion of variance as maternal smoking. Five of the loci are known to be associated with other phenotypes: ADCY5 and CDKAL1 with type 2 diabetes, ADRB1 with adult blood pressure and HMGA2 and LCORL with adult height. Our findings highlight genetic links between fetal growth and postnatal growth and metabolism.}, language = {en} } @article{HocherHaumannRahnenfuehreretal.2016, author = {Hocher, Berthold and Haumann, Hannah and Rahnenf{\"u}hrer, Jan and Reichetzeder, Christoph and Kalk, Philipp and Pfab, Thiemo and Tsuprykov, Oleg and Winter, Stefan and Hofmann, Ute and Li, Jian and P{\"u}schel, Gerhard Paul and Lang, Florian and Schuppan, Detlef and Schwab, Matthias and Schaeffeler, Elke}, title = {Maternal eNOS deficiency determines a fatty liver phenotype of the offspring in a sex dependent manner}, series = {Epigenetics : the official journal of the DNA Methylation Society}, volume = {11}, journal = {Epigenetics : the official journal of the DNA Methylation Society}, publisher = {Routledge, Taylor \& Francis Group}, address = {Philadelphia}, issn = {1559-2294}, doi = {10.1080/15592294.2016.1184800}, pages = {539 -- 552}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Maternal environmental factors can impact on the phenotype of the offspring via the induction of epigenetic adaptive mechanisms. The advanced fetal programming hypothesis proposes that maternal genetic variants may influence the offspring's phenotype indirectly via epigenetic modification, despite the absence of a primary genetic defect. To test this hypothesis, heterozygous female eNOS knockout mice and wild type mice were bred with male wild type mice. We then assessed the impact of maternal eNOS deficiency on the liver phenotype of wild type offspring. Birth weight of male wild type offspring born to female heterozygous eNOS knockout mice was reduced compared to offspring of wild type mice. Moreover, the offspring displayed a sex specific liver phenotype, with an increased liver weight, due to steatosis. This was accompanied by sex specific differences in expression and DNA methylation of distinct genes. Liver global DNA methylation was significantly enhanced in both male and female offspring. Also, hepatic parameters of carbohydrate metabolism were reduced in male and female offspring. In addition, male mice displayed reductions in various amino acids in the liver. Maternal genetic alterations, such as partial deletion of the eNOS gene, can affect liver metabolism of wild type offspring without transmission of the intrinsic defect. This occurs in a sex specific way, with more detrimental effects in females. This finding demonstrates that a maternal genetic defect can epigenetically alter the phenotype of the offspring, without inheritance of the defect itself. Importantly, these acquired epigenetic phenotypic changes can persist into adulthood.}, language = {en} } @article{LiWangSchlemmetal.2011, author = {Li, Jian and Wang, Zi-Neng and Schlemm, Ludwig and Pfab, Thiemo and Xiao, Xiao-Min and Chen, You-Peng and Hocher, Berthold}, title = {Low birth weight and elevated head-to-abdominal circumference ratio are associated with elevated fetal glycated serum protein concentrations}, series = {Journal of hypertension}, volume = {29}, journal = {Journal of hypertension}, number = {9}, publisher = {Lippincott Williams \& Wilkins}, address = {Philadelphia}, issn = {0263-6352}, doi = {10.1097/HJH.0b013e328349a2e6}, pages = {1712 -- 1718}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Objective To analyze the association between low birth weight, head-to-abdominal circumference ratio, and insulin resistance in early life. Method and results Glycated serum proteins (GSPs) were quantified at delivery in 612 Chinese mother/child pairs serving as a surrogate of maternal and fetal glycemia. Differential ultrasound examination of the fetal's body (head circumference, biparietal diameter, pectoral diameter, abdominal circumference, and femur length) was done in average 1 week prior to delivery. Multivariable regression analysis considering gestational age at delivery, the child's sex, maternal BMI, maternal age at delivery, maternal body weight, and pregnancyinduced hypertension revealed that fetal GSP was inversely associated with birth weight (R(2) = 0.416; P < 0.001). Fetal GSP was furthermore positively associated with the head-to-abdominal circumference ratio, whereas the maternal GSP was negatively correlated with the offspring's head-to-abdominal circumference ratio (R(2) = 0.285; P = 0.010 and R(2) = 0.261; P = 0.020, respectively). The increased head-to-abdominal circumference ratio in newborns with higher fetal GSP is mainly due to a reduced abdominal circumference rather than reduced growth of the brain. Conclusion The disproportional intrauterine growth is in line with the concept of so-called brain sparing, a mechanism maintaining the intrauterine growth of the brain at the expense of trunk growth. Our data suggest that the low birth weight phenotype, linked to cardiovascular diseases like hypertension in later life, might be a phenotype of disproportional intrauterine growth retardation and early life insulin resistance.}, language = {en} } @article{NairHocherVerkaartetal.2012, author = {Nair, Anil V. and Hocher, Berthold and Verkaart, Sjoerd and van Zeeland, Femke and Pfab, Thiemo and Slowinski, Torsten and Chen, You-Peng and Schlingmann, Karl Peter and Schaller, Andre and Gallati, Sabina and Bindels, Rene J. and Konrad, Martin and H{\"o}nderop, Joost G.}, title = {Loss of insulin-induced activation of TRPM6 magnesium channels results in impaired glucose tolerance during pregnancy}, series = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {109}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, number = {28}, publisher = {National Acad. of Sciences}, address = {Washington}, issn = {0027-8424}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.1113811109}, pages = {11324 -- 11329}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Hypomagnesemia affects insulin resistance and is a risk factor for diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the epithelial magnesium channel TRPM6 ((VI)-I-1393, (KE)-E-1584) were predicted to confer susceptibility for DM2. Here, we show using patch clamp analysis and total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy, that insulin stimulates TRPM6 activity via a phosphoinositide 3-kinase and Rac1-mediated elevation of cell surface expression of TRPM6. Interestingly, insulin failed to activate the genetic variants TRPM6 ((VI)-I-1393) and TRPM6((KE)-E-1584), which is likely due to the inability of the insulin signaling pathway to phosphorylate TRPM6(T-1391) and TRPM6(S-1583). Moreover, by measuring total glycosylated hemoglobin (TGH) in 997 pregnant women as a measure of glucose control, we demonstrate that TRPM6((VI)-I-1393) and TRPM6((KE)-E-1584) are associated with higher TGH and confer a higher likelihood of developing GDM. The impaired response of TRPM6((VI)-I-1393) and TRPM6((KE)-E-1584) to insulin represents a unique molecular pathway leading to GDM where the defect is located in TRPM6.}, language = {en} } @misc{HocherReichetzederDwiPutraetal.2017, author = {Hocher, Berthold and Reichetzeder, Christoph and Dwi Putra, Sulistyo Emantoko and Slowinski, Torsten and Neuber, Corinna and Kleuser, Burkhard and Pfab, Thiemo}, title = {Increased global placental DNA methylation levels are associated with gestational diabetes}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-400914}, pages = {10}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. It is known that GDM is associated with an altered placental function and changes in placental gene regulation. More recent studies demonstrated an involvement of epigenetic mechanisms. So far, the focus regarding placental epigenetic changes in GDM was set on gene-specific DNA methylation analyses. Studies that robustly investigated placental global DNA methylation are lacking. However, several studies showed that tissue-specific alterations in global DNA methylation are independently associated with type 2 diabetes. Thus, the aim of this study was to characterize global placental DNA methylation by robustly measuring placental DNA 5-methylcytosine (5mC) content and to examine whether differences in placental global DNA methylation are associated with GDM. Methods: Global DNA methylation was quantified by the current gold standard method, LC-MS/MS. In total, 1030 placental samples were analyzed in this single-center birth cohort study. Results: Mothers with GDM displayed a significantly increased global placental DNA methylation (3.22 ± 0.63 vs. 3.00 ± 0.46 \%; p = 0.013; ±SD). Bivariate logistic regression showed a highly significant positive correlation between global placental DNA methylation and the presence of GDM (p = 0.0009). Quintile stratification according to placental DNA 5mC levels revealed that the frequency of GDM was evenly distributed in quintiles 1-4 (2.9-5.3 \%), whereas the frequency in the fifth quintile was significantly higher (10.7 \%; p = 0.003). Bivariate logistic models adjusted for maternal age, BMI, ethnicity, recurrent miscarriages, and familiar diabetes predisposition clearly demonstrated an independent association between global placental DNA hypermethylation and GDM. Furthermore, an ANCOVA model considering known predictors of DNA methylation substantiated an independent association between GDM and placental DNA methylation. Conclusions: This is the first study that employed a robust quantitative assessment of placental global DNA methylation in over a thousand placental samples. The study provides large scale evidence that placental global DNA hypermethylation is associated with GDM, independent of established risk factors.}, language = {en} } @article{KalkSharkovskaKashinaetal.2011, author = {Kalk, Philipp and Sharkovska, Yuliya and Kashina, Elena and von Websky, Karoline and Relle, Katharina and Pfab, Thiemo and Alter, Markus L. and Guillaume, Philippe and Provost, Daniel and Hoffmann, Katrin and Fischer, Yvan and Hocher, Berthold}, title = {Endothelin-Converting Enzyme/Neutral Endopeptidase Inhibitor SLV338 Prevents Hypertensive Cardiac Remodeling in a Blood Pressure-Independent Manner}, series = {HYPERTENSION}, volume = {57}, journal = {HYPERTENSION}, number = {4}, publisher = {LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS \& WILKINS}, address = {PHILADELPHIA}, issn = {0194-911X}, doi = {10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.110.163972}, pages = {755 -- 763}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Hypertensive heart disease is a major contributor to cardiovascular mortality. Endothelin is a potent vasoconstrictive and profibrotic mediator produced by the endothelin-converting enzyme (ECE), whereas natriuretic peptides, degraded by the neutral endopeptidase (NEP), have diuretic, vasodilatory, and antifibrotic properties. Thus, combined ECE/NEP inhibition may halt hypertensive cardiac remodeling. This study examined effects of SLV338, a novel ECE/NEP inhibitor, on cardiac protection in experimental renovascular hypertension (2-kidney, 1-clip [2K1C]). Male rats were allocated to 5 groups: sham-operated rats, untreated animals with 2K1C, 2K1C animals treated with oral SLV338 (30 and 100 mg/kg per day), and 2K1C animals treated with oral losartan (20 mg/kg per day). Treatment duration was 12 weeks. Blood pressure was assessed every 4 weeks. At study end, hearts were taken for histology/computer-aided histomorphometry/immunohistochemistry. Pharmacological properties of SLV338 are described. SLV338 is a dual ECE/NEP inhibitor, as demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. In the 2K1C study, losartan lowered blood pressure by <= 46 mm Hg, whereas both dosages of SLV338 had no effect. However, SLV338 (both dosages) completely normalized cardiac interstitial fibrosis, perivascular fibrosis, myocyte diameter, and media: lumen ratio of cardiac arteries, as did losartan. Cardiac transforming growth factor-beta 1 expression was significantly enhanced in untreated 2K1C rats versus controls, whereas treatment with SLV338 and losartan prevented this effect. Taken together, dual ECE/NEP inhibitor SLV338 prevents cardiac remodeling to the same extent as losartan, but in a blood pressure-independent manner, in a rat model of renovascular hypertension. This effect is at least partially mediated via suppression of cardiac transforming growth factor-beta 1 expression. (Hypertension. 2011;57:755-763.)}, language = {en} } @article{TsuprykovChaykovskaKretschmeretal.2015, author = {Tsuprykov, Oleg and Chaykovska, Lyubov and Kretschmer, Axel and Stasch, Johannes-Peter and Pfab, Thiemo and Krause-Relle, Katharina and Reichetzeder, Christoph and Kalk, Philipp and Adamski, Jerzy and Hocher, Berthold}, title = {Endothelin-1 overexpression improves renal function in eNOS knockout mice}, series = {Cellular physiology and biochemistry : international journal of experimental cellular physiology, biochemistry and pharmacology}, volume = {37}, journal = {Cellular physiology and biochemistry : international journal of experimental cellular physiology, biochemistry and pharmacology}, number = {4}, publisher = {Karger}, address = {Basel}, issn = {1015-8987}, doi = {10.1159/000438516}, pages = {1474 -- 1490}, year = {2015}, abstract = {Background/Aims: To investigate the renal phenotype under conditions of an activated renal ET-1 system in the status of nitric oxide deficiency, we compared kidney function and morphology in wild-type, ET-1 transgenic (ET+/+), endothelial nitric oxide synthase knockout (eNOS-/-) and ET+/+eNOS-/- mice. Methods: We assessed blood pressure, parameters of renal morphology, plasma cystatin C, urinary protein excretion, expression of genes associated with glomerular filtration barrier and tissue remodeling, and plasma metabolites using metabolomics. Results: eNOS-/- and ET+/+eNOS-/- mice developed hypertension. Osteopontin, albumin and protein excretion were increased in eNOS-/- and restored in ET+/+eNOS-/- animals. All genetically modified mice developed renal interstitial fibrosis and glomerulosclerosis. Genes involved in tissue remodeling (serpinel, TIMP1, Collal, CCL2) were up-regulated in eNOS-/-, but not in ET+/+eNOS-/- mice. Plasma levels of free carnitine and acylcarnitines, amino acids, diacyl phosphatidylcholines, lysophosphatidylcholines and hexoses were descreased in eNOS-/- and were in the normal range in ET+/+eNOS-/- mice. Conclusion: eNOS-/- mice developed renal dysfunction, which was partially rescued by ET-1 overexpression in eNOS-/- mice. The metabolomics results suggest that ET-1 overexpression on top of eNOS knockout is associated with a functional recovery of mitochondria (rescue effect in 13-oxidation of fatty acids) and an increase in antioxidative properties (normalization of monounsaturated fatty acids levels). (C) 2015 The Author(s) Published by S. Karger AG, Basel}, language = {en} } @article{HocherHeimerlSlowinskietal.2011, author = {Hocher, Berthold and Heimerl, Dirk and Slowinski, Torsten and Godes, Michael and Halle, Horst and Priem, Friedrich and Pfab, Thiemo}, title = {Birthweight and Fetal Glycosylated Hemoglobin at Birth in Newborns Carrying the GLUT1 XbaI Gene Polymorphism}, series = {Clinical laboratory : the peer reviewed journal for clinical laboratories and laboratories related to blood transfusion}, volume = {57}, journal = {Clinical laboratory : the peer reviewed journal for clinical laboratories and laboratories related to blood transfusion}, number = {9-10}, publisher = {Clin Lab Publ., Verl. Klinisches Labor}, address = {Heidelberg}, issn = {1433-6510}, pages = {651 -- 657}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Background: Low birthweight is an independent risk factor of glucose intolerance and type 2 diabetes in later life. Genetically determined insulin resistance and subsequently impaired glucose uptake might explain both reduced fetal growth and elevated blood glucose. The glucose transporter 1 (GLUT!) plays an important role for fetal glucose uptake as well as for maternal-fetal glucose transfer, and it has been associated with insulin resistance in adults. The present study hypothesized that the common fetal GLUT1 XbaI polymorphism might reduce fetal insulin sensitivity and/or glucose supply in utero, thus affecting fetal blood glucose and fetal growth. Methods: A genetic association study was conducted at the obstetrics department of the Charite University Hospital, Berlin, Germany. 119.1 white women were included after delivery, and all newborns were genotyped for the GLUT1 XbaI polymorphism. Total glycosylated hemoglobin was quantified, serving as a surrogate of glycemia during the last weeks of pregnancy. Results: The analysis of this large population showed no significant differences in fetal glycosylated hemoglobin or birthweight for the different fetal GLUT1 XbaI genotypes. Only newborns carrying the mutated allele show the previously published inverse association between birthweight and glycosylated hemoglobin. Conclusions: The results suggest that there is no prenatal effect of the fetal GLUT1 XbaI polymorphism on fetal insulin sensitivity, intrauterine fetal glucose supply or fetal growth. However, the polymorphism seems to modulate the inverse interaction between birthweight and fetal glycemia.}, language = {en} }