@article{KaruwanarintPhonratTungtrongchitretal.2018, author = {Karuwanarint, Piyaporn and Phonrat, Benjaluck and Tungtrongchitr, Anchalee and Suriyaprom, Kanjana and Chuengsamarn, Somlak and Schweigert, Florian J. and Tungtrongchitr, Rungsunn}, title = {Vitamin D-binding protein and its polymorphisms as a predictor for metabolic syndrome}, series = {Biomarkers in medicine}, volume = {12}, journal = {Biomarkers in medicine}, number = {5}, publisher = {Future Medicine}, address = {London}, issn = {1752-0363}, doi = {10.2217/bmm-2018-0029}, pages = {465 -- 473}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Aim: To investigate the relationship of vitamin D-binding protein (GC) and genetic variation of GC (rs4588, rs7041 and rs2282679) with metabolic syndrome (MetS) in the Thai population. Materials \& methods: GCglobulin concentrations were measured by quantitative western blot analysis in 401 adults. All participants were genotyped using TaqMan allelic discrimination assays. Results: GC-globulin levels were significatly lower in MetS subjects than in control subjects, in which significant negative correlations of GC-globulin levels with systolic blood pressure, glucose and age were found. Male participants who carried the GT genotype for rs4588 showed an increased risk of MetS compared with the GG wild-type (odds ratio: 3.25; p = 0.004). Conclusion: GC-globulin concentrations and variation in GC rs4588 were supported as a risk factor for MetS in Thais.}, language = {en} } @article{ChaykovskaHeunischvonEinemetal.2018, author = {Chaykovska, Lyubov and Heunisch, Fabian and von Einem, Gina and Hocher, Carl-Friedrich and Tsuprykov, Oleg and Pavkovic, Mira and Sandner, Peter and Kretschmer, Axel and Chu, Chang and Elitok, Saban and Stasch, Johannes-Peter and Hocher, Berthold}, title = {Urinary cGMP predicts major adverse renal events in patients with mild renal impairment and/or diabetes mellitus before exposure to contrast medium}, series = {PLoS one}, volume = {13}, journal = {PLoS one}, number = {4}, publisher = {PLoS}, address = {San Fransisco}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0195828}, pages = {13}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Background The use of iodine-based contrast agents entails the risk of contrast induced nephropathy (CIN). Radiocontrast agents elicit the third most common cause of nephropathy among hospitalized patients, accounting for 11-12\% of cases. CIN is connected with clinically significant consequences, including increased morbidity, prolonged hospitalization, increased risk of complications, potential need for dialysis, and increased mortality rate. The number of in hospital examinations using iodine-based contrast media has been significantly increasing over the last decade. In order to protect patients from possible complications of such examinations, new biomarkers are needed that are able to predict a risk of contrast-induced nephropathy. Urinary and plasma cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) concentrations are influenced by renal function. Urinary cGMP is primarily of renal cellular origin. Therefore, we assessed if urinary cGMP concentration may predict major adverse renal events (MARE) after contrast media exposure during coronary angiography. Methods Urine samples were prospectively collected from non-randomized consecutive patients with either diabetes or preexisting impaired kidney function receiving intra-arterial contrast medium (CM) for emergent or elective coronary angiography at the Charite Campus Mitte, University Hospital Berlin. Urinary cGMP concentration in spot urine was analyzed 24 hours after CM exposure. Patients were followed up over 90 days for occurrence of death, initiation of dialysis, doubling of plasma creatinine concentration or MARE. Results In total, 289 consecutive patients were included into the study. Urine cGMP/creatinine ratio 24 hours before CM exposure expressed as mean +/- SD was predictive for the need of dialysis (no dialysis: 89.77 +/- 92.85 mu M/mM, n = 277; need for dialysis: 140.3 +/- 82.90 mu M/mM, n = 12, p = 0.008), death (no death during follow-up: 90.60 +/- 92.50 mu M/mM, n = 280; death during follow-up: 169.88 +/- 81.52 mu M/mM, n = 9; p = 0.002), and the composite endpoint MARE (no MARE: 86.02 +/- 93.17 mu M/mM, n = 271; MARE: 146.64 +/- 74.68 mu M/mM, n = 18, p<0.001) during the follow-up of 90 days after contrast media application. cGMP/creatinine ratio stayed significantly increased at values exceeding 120 pM/mM in patients who developed MARE, required dialysis or died. Conclusions Urinary cGMP/creatinine ratio >= 120 mu M/mM before CM exposure is a promising biomarker for the need of dialysis and all-cause mortality 90 days after CM exposure in patients with preexisting renal impairment or diabetes.}, language = {en} } @article{KnebelNeebZahnetal.2018, author = {Knebel, Constanze and Neeb, Jannika and Zahn, Elisabeth and Schmidt, Flavia and Carazo, Alejandro and Holas, Ondej and Pavek, Petr and P{\"u}schel, Gerhard Paul and Zanger, Ulrich M. and S{\"u}ssmuth, Roderich and Lampen, Alfonso and Marx-Stoelting, Philip and Braeuning, Albert}, title = {Unexpected Effects of Propiconazole, Tebuconazole, and Their Mixture on the Receptors CAR and PXR in Human Liver Cells}, series = {Toxicological sciences}, volume = {163}, journal = {Toxicological sciences}, number = {1}, publisher = {Oxford Univ. Press}, address = {Oxford}, issn = {1096-6080}, doi = {10.1093/toxsci/kfy026}, pages = {170 -- 181}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Analyzing mixture toxicity requires an in-depth understanding of the mechanisms of action of its individual components. Substances with the same target organ, same toxic effect and same mode of action (MoA) are believed to cause additive effects, whereas substances with different MoAs are assumed to act independently. Here, we tested 2 triazole fungicides, propiconazole, and tebuconazole (Te), for individual and combined effects on liver toxicity-related endpoints. Both triazoles are proposed to belong to the same cumulative assessment group and are therefore thought to display similar and additive behavior. Our data show that Te is an antagonist of the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) in rats and humans, while propiconazole is an agonist of this receptor. Both substances activate the pregnane X-receptor (PXR) and further induce mRNA expression of CYP3A4. CYP3A4 enzyme activity, however, is inhibited by propiconazole. For common targets of PXR and CAR, the activation of PXR by Te overrides CAR inhibition. In summary, propiconazole and Te affect different hepatotoxicity-relevant cellular targets and, depending on the individual endpoint analyzed, act via similar or dissimilar mechanisms. The use of molecular data based on research in human cell systems extends the picture to refine cumulative assessment group grouping and substantially contributes to the understanding of mixture effects of chemicals in biological systems.}, language = {en} } @article{EckelLiKuxhausetal.2018, author = {Eckel, Nathalie and Li, Yanping and Kuxhaus, Olga and Stefan, Norbert and Hu, Frank B. and Schulze, Matthias Bernd}, title = {Transition from metabolic healthy to unhealthy phenotypes and association with cardiovascular disease risk across BMI categories in 90 257 women (the Nurses' Health Study)}, series = {The lancet diabetes \& endocrinology}, volume = {6}, journal = {The lancet diabetes \& endocrinology}, number = {9}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {New York}, issn = {2213-8587}, doi = {10.1016/S2213-8587(18)30137-2}, pages = {714 -- 724}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Background Cardiovascular disease risk among individuals across different categories of BMI might depend on their metabolic health. It remains unclear to what extent metabolic health status changes over time and whether this affects cardiovascular disease risk. In this study, we aimed to examine the association between metabolic health and its change over time and cardiovascular disease risk across BMI categories. Findings During 2 127 391 person-years of follow-up with a median follow-up of 24 years, we documented 6306 cases of cardiovascular disease including 3304 myocardial infarction cases and 3080 strokes. Cardiovascular disease risk of women with metabolically healthy obesity was increased compared with women with metabolically healthy normal weight (HR 1.39, 95\% CI 1.15-1.68), but risk was considerably higher in women with metabolically unhealthy normal weight (2.43, 2.19-2.68), overweight (2.61, 2.36-2.89) and obesity (3.15, 2.83-3.50). The majority of metabolically healthy women converted to unhealthy phenotypes (2555 [84\%] of 3027 women with obesity, 22 215 [68\%] of 32 882 women with normal-weight after 20 years). Women who maintained metabolically healthy obesity during follow-up were still at a higher cardiovascular disease risk compared with women with stable healthy normal weight (HR 1.57, 1.03-2.38), yet this risk was lower than for initially metabolically healthy women who converted to an unhealthy phenotype (normal-weight 1.90, 1.66-2.17 vs obesity 2.74, 2.30-3.27). Particularly incident diabetes and hypertension increased the risk among women with initial metabolic health. Interpretation Even when metabolic health is maintained during long periods of time, obesity remains a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, risks are highest for metabolically unhealthy women across all BMI categories. A large proportion of metabolically healthy women converted to an unhealthy phenotype over time across all BMI categories, which is associated with an increased cardiovascular disease risk. Copyright (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.}, language = {en} } @article{SchwingshacklRuzanskaAntonetal.2018, author = {Schwingshackl, Lukas and Ruzanska, Ulrike Alexandra and Anton, Verena and Wallroth, Raphael and Ohla, Kathrin and Knueppel, Sven and Schulze, Matthias Bernd and Pischon, Tobias and Deutschbein, Johannes and Schenk, Liane and Warschburger, Petra and Harttig, Ulrich and Boeing, Heiner and Bergmann, Manuela M.}, title = {The NutriAct Family Study: a web-based prospective study on the epidemiological, psychological and sociological basis of food choice}, series = {BMC public health}, volume = {18}, journal = {BMC public health}, publisher = {BMC}, address = {London}, issn = {1471-2458}, doi = {10.1186/s12889-018-5814-x}, pages = {12}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Background: Most studies on food choice have been focussing on the individual level but familial aspects may also play an important role. This paper reports of a novel study that will focus on the familial aspects of the formation of food choice among men and women aged 50-70 years by recruiting spouses and siblings (NutriAct Family Study; NFS). Discussion: Until August 4th 2017, 4783 EPIC-Participants were contacted by mail of which 446 persons recruited 2 to 5 family members (including themselves) resulting in 1032 participants, of whom 82\% had started answering or already completed the questionnaires. Of the 4337 remaining EPIC-participants who had been contacted, 1040 (24\%) did not respond at all, and 3297 (76\%) responded but declined, in 51\% of the cases because of the request to recruit at least 2 family members in the respective age range. The developed recruitment procedures and web-based methods of data collection are capable to generate the required study population including the data on individual and inter-personal determinants which will be linkable to food choice. The information on familial links among the study participants will show the role of familial traits in midlife for the adoption of food choices supporting healthy aging.}, language = {en} } @article{MaaresDumanKeiletal.2018, author = {Maares, Maria and Duman, Ayse and Keil, Claudia and Schwerdtle, Tanja and Haase, Hajo}, title = {The impact of apical and basolateral albumin on intestinal zinc resorption in the Caco-2/HT-29-MTX co-culture model}, series = {Metallomics : integrated biometal science}, volume = {10}, journal = {Metallomics : integrated biometal science}, number = {7}, publisher = {Royal Society of Chemistry}, address = {Cambridge}, issn = {1756-5901}, doi = {10.1039/c8mt00064f}, pages = {979 -- 991}, year = {2018}, abstract = {The molecular mechanisms of intestinal zinc resorption and its regulation are still topics of ongoing research. To this end, the application of suitable in vitro intestinal models, optimized with regard to their cellular composition and medium constituents, is of crucial importance. As one vital aspect, the impact of cell culture media or buffer compounds, respectively, on the speciation and cellular availability of zinc has to be considered when investigating zinc resorption. Thus, the present study aims to investigate the impact of serum, and in particular its main constituent serum albumin, on zinc uptake and toxicity in the intestinal cell line Caco-2. Furthermore, the impact of serum albumin on zinc resorption is analyzed using a co-culture of Caco-2 cells and the mucin-producing goblet cell line HT-29-MTX. Apically added albumin significantly impaired zinc uptake into enterocytes and buffered its cytotoxicity. Yet, undigested albumin does not occur in the intestinal lumen in vivo and impairment of zinc uptake was abrogated by digestion of albumin. Interestingly, zinc uptake, as well as gene expression studies of mt1a and selected intestinal zinc transporters after zinc incubation for 24 h, did not show significant differences between 0 and 10\% serum. Importantly, the basolateral application of serum in a transport study significantly enhanced fractional apical zinc resorption, suggesting that the occurrence of a zinc acceptor in the plasma considerably affects intestinal zinc resorption. This study demonstrates that the apical and basolateral medium composition is crucial when investigating zinc, particularly its intestinal resorption, using in vitro cell culture.}, language = {en} } @article{WernoWilhelmiKuropkaetal.2018, author = {Werno, Martin Witold and Wilhelmi, Ilka and Kuropka, Benno and Ebert, Franziska and Freund, Christian and Sch{\"u}rmann, Annette}, title = {The GTPase ARFRP1 affects lipid droplet protein composition and triglyceride release from intracellular storage of intestinal Caco-2 cells}, series = {Biochemical and biophysical research communications}, volume = {506}, journal = {Biochemical and biophysical research communications}, number = {1}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {San Diego}, issn = {0006-291X}, doi = {10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.10.092}, pages = {259 -- 265}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Intestinal release of dietary triglycerides via chylomicrons is the major contributor to elevated postprandial triglyceride levels. Dietary lipids can be transiently stored in cytosolic lipid droplets (LDs) located in intestinal enterocytes for later release. ADP ribosylation factor-related protein 1 (ARFRP1) participates in processes of LD growth in adipocytes and in lipidation of lipoproteins in liver and intestine. This study aims to explore the impact of ARFRP1 on LD organization and its interplay with chylomicron-mediated triglyceride release in intestinal-like Caco-2 cells. Suppression of Arfrp1 reduced release of intracellularly derived triglycerides (0.69-fold) and increased the abundance of transitional endoplasmic reticulum ATPase TERA/VCP, fatty acid synthase-associated factor 2 (FAF2) and perilipin 2 (Plin2) at the LD surface. Furthermore, TERA/VCP and FAF2 co-occurred more frequently with ATGL at LDs, suggesting a reduced adipocyte triglyceride lipase (ATGL)-mediated lipolysis. Accordingly, inhibition of lipolysis reduced lipid release from intracellular storage pools by the same magnitude as Arfrp1 depletion. Thus, the lack of Arfrp1 increases the abundance of lipolysis-modulating enzymes TERA/VCP, FAF2 and Plin2 at LDs, which might decrease lipolysis and reduce availability of fatty acids for triglyceride synthesis and their release via chylomicrons. (C) 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc.}, language = {en} } @article{RuszkiewiczdeMacedoMirandaVizueteetal.2018, author = {Ruszkiewicz, Joanna A. and de Macedo, Gabriel Teixeira and Miranda-Vizuete, Antonio and Teixeira da Rocha, Joao B. and Bowman, Aaron B. and Bornhorst, Julia and Schwerdtle, Tanja and Aschner, Michael}, title = {The cytoplasmic thioredoxin system in Caenorhabditis elegans affords protection from methylmercury in an age-specific manner}, series = {Neurotoxicology : the interdisciplinary journal of effects to toxic substances on the nervous system}, volume = {68}, journal = {Neurotoxicology : the interdisciplinary journal of effects to toxic substances on the nervous system}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0161-813X}, doi = {10.1016/j.neuro.2018.08.007}, pages = {189 -- 202}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Methylmercury (MeHg) is an environmental pollutant linked to many neurological defects, especially in developing individuals. The thioredoxin (TRX) system is a key redox regulator affected by MeHg toxicity, however the mechanisms and consequences of MeHg-induced dysfunction are not completely understood. This study evaluated the role of the TRX system in C. elegans susceptibility to MeHg during development. Worms lacking or overexpressing proteins from the TRX family were exposed to MeHg for 1 h at different developmental stage: L1, L4 and adult. Worms without cytoplasmic thioredoxin system exhibited age-specific susceptibility to MeHg when compared to wild-type (wt). This susceptibility corresponded partially to decreased total glutathione (GSH) levels and enhanced degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. In contrast, the overexpression of the cytoplasmic system TRX-1/TRXR-1 did not provide substantial protection against MeHg. Moreover, transgenic worms exhibited decreased protein expression for cytoplasmic thioredoxin reductase (TRXR-1). Both mitochondrial thioredoxin system TRX-2/TRXR-2, as well as other thioredoxin-like proteins: TRX-3, TRX-4, TRX-5 did not show significant role in C. elegans resistance to MeHg. Based on the current findings, the cytoplasmic thioredoxin system TRX-1/TRXR-1 emerges as an important age-sensitive protectant against MeHg toxicity in C. elegans.}, language = {en} } @article{HenkelAlfineSainetal.2018, author = {Henkel, Janin and Alfine, Eugenia and Sa{\´i}n, Juliana and J{\"o}hrens, Korinna and Weber, Daniela and Castro, Jos{\´e} Pedro and K{\"o}nig, Jeannette and Stuhlmann, Christin and Vahrenbrink, Madita and Jonas, Wenke and Kleinridders, Andr{\´e} and P{\"u}schel, Gerhard Paul}, title = {Soybean Oil-Derived Poly-Unsaturated Fatty Acids Enhance Liver Damage in NAFLD Induced by Dietary Cholesterol}, series = {Nutrients}, volume = {10}, journal = {Nutrients}, number = {9}, publisher = {Molecular Diversity Preservation International (MDPI)}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2072-6643}, doi = {10.3390/nu10091326}, pages = {1 -- 17}, year = {2018}, abstract = {While the impact of dietary cholesterol on the progression of atherosclerosis has probably been overestimated, increasing evidence suggests that dietary cholesterol might favor the transition from blunt steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), especially in combination with high fat diets. It is poorly understood how cholesterol alone or in combination with other dietary lipid components contributes to the development of lipotoxicity. The current study demonstrated that liver damage caused by dietary cholesterol in mice was strongly enhanced by a high fat diet containing soybean oil-derived ω6-poly-unsaturated fatty acids (ω6-PUFA), but not by a lard-based high fat diet containing mainly saturated fatty acids. In contrast to the lard-based diet the soybean oil-based diet augmented cholesterol accumulation in hepatocytes, presumably by impairing cholesterol-eliminating pathways. The soybean oil-based diet enhanced cholesterol-induced mitochondrial damage and amplified the ensuing oxidative stress, probably by peroxidation of poly-unsaturated fatty acids. This resulted in hepatocyte death, recruitment of inflammatory cells, and fibrosis, and caused a transition from steatosis to NASH, doubling the NASH activity score. Thus, the recommendation to reduce cholesterol intake, in particular in diets rich in ω6-PUFA, although not necessary to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, might be sensible for patients suffering from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.}, language = {en} } @article{JohnGruneOttetal.2018, author = {John, Cathleen and Grune, Jana and Ott, Christiane and Nowotny, Kerstin and Deubel, Stefanie and K{\"u}hne, Arne and Schubert, Carola and Kintscher, Ulrich and Regitz-Zagrosek, Vera and Grune, Tilman}, title = {Sex Differences in Cardiac Mitochondria in the New Zealand Obese Mouse}, series = {Frontiers in Endocrinology}, volume = {9}, journal = {Frontiers in Endocrinology}, publisher = {Frontiers Research Foundation}, address = {Lausanne}, issn = {1664-2392}, doi = {10.3389/fendo.2018.00732}, pages = {9}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Background: Obesity is a risk factor for diseases including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disorders. Diabetes itself contributes to cardiac damage. Thus, studying cardiovascular events and establishing therapeutic intervention in the period of type T2DM onset and manifestation are of highest importance. Mitochondrial dysfunction is one of the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to impaired cardiac function. Methods: An adequate animal model for studying pathophysiology of T2DM is the New Zealand Obese (NZO) mouse. These mice were maintained on a high-fat diet (HFD) without carbohydrates for 13 weeks followed by 4 week HFD with carbohydrates. NZO mice developed severe obesity and only male mice developed manifest T2DM. We determined cardiac phenotypes and mitochondrial function as well as cardiomyocyte signaling in this model. Results: The development of an obese phenotype and T2DM in male mice was accompanied by an impaired systolic function as judged by echocardiography and MyH6/7 expression. Moreover, the mitochondrial function only in male NZO hearts was significantly reduced and ERK1/2 and AMPK protein levels were altered. Conclusions: This is the first report demonstrating that the cardiac phenotype in male diabetic NZO mice is associated with impaired cardiac energy function and signaling events.}, language = {en} } @article{MuellerEngelMuelleretal.2018, author = {Mueller, Steffen and Engel, Tilman and M{\"u}ller, Juliane and Stoll, Josefine and Baur, Heiner and Mayer, Frank}, title = {Sensorimotor exercises and enhanced trunk function}, series = {International journal of sports medicine}, volume = {39}, journal = {International journal of sports medicine}, number = {7}, publisher = {Thieme}, address = {Stuttgart}, issn = {0172-4622}, doi = {10.1055/a-0592-7286}, pages = {555 -- 563}, year = {2018}, abstract = {The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a 6-week sensorimotor or resistance training on maximum trunk strength and response to sudden, high-intensity loading in athletes. Interventions showed no significant difference for maximum strength in concentric and eccentric testing (p>0.05). For perturbation compensation, higher peak torque response following SMT (Extension: +24Nm 95\%CI +/- 19Nm; Rotation: + 19Nm 95\%CI +/- 13Nm) and RT (Extension: +35Nm 95\%CI +/- 16Nm; Rotation: +5Nm 95\%CI +/- 4Nm) compared to CG (Extension: -4Nm 95\%CI +/- 16Nm; Rotation: -2Nm 95\%CI +/- 4Nm) was present (p<0.05).}, language = {en} } @article{RohnMarschallKroepfletal.2018, author = {Rohn, Isabelle and Marschall, Talke Anu and Kr{\"o}pfl, Nina and Jensen, Kenneth Bendix and Aschner, Michael and Tuck, Simon and Kuehnelt, Doris and Schwerdtle, Tanja and Bornhorst, Julia}, title = {Selenium species-dependent toxicity, bioavailability and metabolic transformations in Caenorhabditis elegans}, series = {Metallomics : integrated biometal science}, volume = {10}, journal = {Metallomics : integrated biometal science}, number = {6}, publisher = {Royal Society of Chemistry}, address = {Cambridge}, issn = {1756-5901}, doi = {10.1039/c8mt00066b}, pages = {818 -- 827}, year = {2018}, abstract = {The essential micronutrient selenium (Se) is required for various systemic functions, but its beneficial range is narrow and overexposure may result in adverse health effects. Additionally, the chemical form of the ingested selenium contributes crucially to its health effects. While small Se species play a major role in Se metabolism, their toxicological effects, bioavailability and metabolic transformations following elevated uptake are poorly understood. Utilizing the tractable invertebrate Caenorhabditis elegans allowed for an alternative approach to study species-specific characteristics of organic and inorganic Se forms in vivo, revealing remarkable species-dependent differences in the toxicity and bioavailability of selenite, selenomethionine (SeMet) and Se-methylselenocysteine (MeSeCys). An inverse relationship was found between toxicity and bioavailability of the Se species, with the organic species displaying a higher bioavailability than the inorganic form, yet being less toxic. Quantitative Se speciation analysis with HPLC/mass spectrometry revealed a partial metabolism of SeMet and MeSeCys. In SeMet exposed worms, identified metabolites were Se-adenosylselenomethionine (AdoSeMet) and Se-adenosylselenohomocysteine (AdoSeHcy), while worms exposed to MeSeCys produced Se-methylselenoglutathione (MeSeGSH) and -glutamyl-MeSeCys (-Glu-MeSeCys). Moreover, the possible role of the sole selenoprotein in the nematode, thioredoxin reductase-1 (TrxR-1), was studied comparing wildtype and trxr-1 deletion mutants. Although a lower basal Se level was detected in trxr-1 mutants, Se toxicity and bioavailability following acute exposure was indistinguishable from wildtype worms. Altogether, the current study demonstrates the suitability of C. elegans as a model for Se species dependent toxicity and metabolism, while further research is needed to elucidate TrxR-1 function in the nematode.}, language = {en} } @article{BaldermannHomannNeugartetal.2018, author = {Baldermann, Susanne and Homann, Thomas and Neugart, Susanne and Chmielewski, Frank M. and G{\"o}tz, Klaus-Peter and G{\"o}deke, Kristin and Huschek, Gerd and Morlock, Gertrud E. and Rawel, Harshadrai Manilal}, title = {Selected Plant Metabolites Involved in Oxidation-Reduction Processes during Bud Dormancy and Ontogenetic Development in Sweet Cherry Buds (Prunus avium L.)}, series = {Molecules}, volume = {23}, journal = {Molecules}, number = {5}, publisher = {Molecular Diversity Preservation International}, address = {Basel}, issn = {1420-3049}, doi = {10.3390/molecules23051197}, pages = {1 -- 19}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Many biochemical processes are involved in regulating the consecutive transition of different phases of dormancy in sweet cherry buds. An evaluation based on a metabolic approach has, as yet, only been partly addressed. The aim of this work, therefore, was to determine which plant metabolites could serve as biomarkers for the different transitions in sweet cherry buds. The focus here was on those metabolites involved in oxidation-reduction processes during bud dormancy, as determined by targeted and untargeted mass spectrometry-based methods. The metabolites addressed included phenolic compounds, ascorbate/dehydroascorbate, reducing sugars, carotenoids and chlorophylls. The results demonstrate that the content of phenolic compounds decrease until the end of endodormancy. After a long period of constancy until the end of ecodormancy, a final phase of further decrease followed up to the phenophase open cluster. The main phenolic compounds were caffeoylquinic acids, coumaroylquinic acids and catechins, as well as quercetin and kaempferol derivatives. The data also support the protective role of ascorbate and glutathione in the para- and endodormancy phases. Consistent trends in the content of reducing sugars can be elucidated for the different phenophases of dormancy, too. The untargeted approach with principle component analysis (PCA) clearly differentiates the different timings of dormancy giving further valuable information.}, language = {en} } @article{PeresArantesMiahetal.2018, author = {Peres, Tanara Vieira and Arantes, Leticia P. and Miah, Mahfuzur R. and Bornhorst, Julia and Schwerdtle, Tanja and Bowman, Aaron B. and Leal, Rodrigo B. and Aschner, Michael}, title = {Role of Caenorhabditis elegans AKT-1/2 and SGK-1 in Manganese Toxicity}, series = {Neurotoxicity Research}, volume = {34}, journal = {Neurotoxicity Research}, number = {3}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {New York}, issn = {1029-8428}, doi = {10.1007/s12640-018-9915-1}, pages = {584 -- 596}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Excessive levels of the essential metal manganese (Mn) may cause a syndrome similar to Parkinson's disease. The model organism Caenorhabditis elegans mimics some of Mn effects in mammals, including dopaminergic neurodegeneration, oxidative stress, and increased levels of AKT. The evolutionarily conserved insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1 signaling pathway (IIS) modulates worm longevity, metabolism, and antioxidant responses by antagonizing the transcription factors DAF-16/FOXO and SKN-1/Nrf-2. AKT-1, AKT-2, and SGK-1 act upstream of these transcription factors. To study the role of these proteins in C. elegans response to Mn intoxication, wild-type N2 and loss-of-function mutants were exposed to Mn (2.5 to 100 mM) for 1 h at the L1 larval stage. Strains with loss-of-function in akt-1, akt-2, and sgk-1 had higher resistance to Mn compared to N2 in the survival test. All strains tested accumulated Mn similarly, as shown by ICP-MS. DAF-16 nuclear translocation was observed by fluorescence microscopy in WT and loss-of-function strains exposed to Mn. qRT-PCR data indicate increased expression of γ-glutamyl cysteine synthetase (GCS-1) antioxidant enzyme in akt-1 mutants. The expression of sod-3 (superoxide dismutase homologue) was increased in the akt-1 mutant worms, independent of Mn treatment. However, dopaminergic neurons degenerated even in the more resistant strains. Dopaminergic function was evaluated with the basal slowing response behavioral test and dopaminergic neuron integrity was evaluated using worms expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) under the dopamine transporter (DAT-1) promoter. These results suggest that AKT-1/2 and SGK-1 play a role in C. elegans response to Mn intoxication. However, tissue-specific responses may occur in dopaminergic neurons, contributing to degeneration.}, language = {en} } @article{TsuprykovBuseSkobloetal.2018, author = {Tsuprykov, Oleg and Buse, Claudia and Skoblo, Roman and Haq, Afrozul and Hocher, Berthold}, title = {Reference intervals for measured and calculated free 25-hydroxyvitamin D in normal pregnancy}, series = {The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology}, volume = {181}, journal = {The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Oxford}, issn = {0960-0760}, doi = {10.1016/j.jsbmb.2018.03.005}, pages = {80 -- 87}, year = {2018}, abstract = {The determination of free 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) as compared to the analysis of total 25-hydroxyvitamin D might reflect better the vitamin D status during pregnancy, since vitamin D-binding protein (DBP) concentrations increase throughout pregnancy and the vast majority of 25(OH)D is tightly bound to DBP thus strongly influencing total 25(OH)D. The concentration of the biologically active free 25(OH)D - on the other hand - is much less dependent on the DBP concentrations. The study was conducted in May-June 2016 in 368 Caucasian pregnant healthy women - residents of Northeastern Germany. Free 25(OH)D was either measured directly by commercial ELISA kit or assessed by calculation via total 25(OH)D, DBP, and albumin serum concentrations. Regardless of the detection method, free 25(OH)D lowers in the 3rd trimester comparing to the 1st trimester (by 12\% and 21\%, p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, for measured and calculated free 25(OH)D, respectively), whereas total 25(OH)D was not decreased in late pregnancy. DBP rises with gestational age. Total 25(OH)D was not correlated with serum calcium (p = 0.251), whereas free 25(OH)D was significantly (p = 0.007 for measured free 25(OH)D and p < 0.001 for calculated free 25(OH)D) positively correlated with calcium. All 25(OH) D isoforms were significantly negatively correlated with bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP), however the correlation strength was the lowest with total 25(OH)D (rho = -0.108, p = 0.038), whereas both measured and calculated free 25(OH)D revealed better associations with BSAP (rho = -0.203 and rho = -0.211 for measured and calculated free 25(OH)D, respectively, p < 0.001 for both). We established pregnancy trimester specific reference intervals for free measured and calculated 25(OH)D and DBP. Both measured and calculated free 25(OH)D showed better correlations with parameters of the endocrine vitamin D system (calcium and BSAP). Both ways of measuring free 25(OH)D in pregnant women are suitable as novel laboratory parameter for vitamin D status monitoring during human pregnancy and might replace in the future the routine total 25(OH)D assessment.}, language = {en} } @article{NeuschaeferRubePatheNeuschaeferRubeHippenstieletal.2018, author = {Neusch{\"a}fer-Rube, Frank and Pathe-Neusch{\"a}fer-Rube, Andrea and Hippenstiel, Stefan and P{\"u}schel, Gerhard Paul}, title = {PGE(2) enhanced TNF alpha-mediated IL-8 induction in monocytic cell lines and PBMC}, series = {Cytokine}, volume = {113}, journal = {Cytokine}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {London}, issn = {1043-4666}, doi = {10.1016/j.cyto.2018.06.020}, pages = {105 -- 116}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Background \& purpose: Recent studies suggested a role of prostaglandin E-2 (PGE(2)) in the expression of the chemokine IL-8 by monocytes. The function of EP4 receptor for TNF alpha-induced IL-8 expression was studied in monocytic cell lines. Experimental approach: IL-8 mRNA and protein induction as well as IL-8 promoter activity and transcription factor activation were assessed in monocytic cell lines, primary blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and transgenic HEK293 cells expressing the EP4 receptor. Key results: In monocytic cell lines THP-1, MonoMac and U937 PGE(2) had only a marginal impact on IL-8 induction but strongly enhanced TNFa-induced IL-8 mRNA and protein synthesis. Similarly, in PBMC IL-8 mRNA induction was larger by simultaneous stimulation with TNF alpha and PGE(2) than by either stimulus alone. The EP4 receptor subtype was the most abundant EP receptor in all three cell lines and in PBMC. Stimulation of THP-1 cells with an EP4 specific agonist enhanced TNF alpha-induced IL-8 mRNA and protein formation to the same extent as PGE(2). In HEK293 cells expressing EP4, but not in wild type HEK293 cells lacking EP4, PGE(2) enhanced TNFainduced IL-8 protein and mRNA synthesis. In THP-1 cells, the enhancement of TNF alpha-mediated IL-8 mRNA induction by PGE(2) was mimicked by a PICA-activator. Furthermore in these cells PGE(2) induced expression of transcription factor C/EBPS, enhanced NF-KB activation by TNFa and inhibited TNF alpha-mediated AP-1 activation. PGE(2) and TNF alpha synergistically activated transcription factor CREB, induced C/EBPS expression and enhanced the activity of an IL-8 promoter fragment containing-223 bp upstream of the transcription start site. Conclusions and implications: These findings suggest that a combined stimulation of TNF alpha and PGE(2)/EP4 signal chains in monocytic cells leads to maximal IL-8 promoter activity, as well as IL-8 mRNA and protein induction, by activating the PICA/CREB/C/EB1313 as well as NF-kappa B signal chains.}, language = {en} } @article{NowotnyCastroHugoetal.2018, author = {Nowotny, Kerstin and Castro, Jose Pedro and Hugo, Martin and Braune, Sabine and Weber, Daniela and Pignitter, Marc and Somoza, Veronika and Bornhorst, Julia and Schwerdtle, Tanja and Grune, Tilman}, title = {Oxidants produced by methylglyoxal-modified collagen trigger ER stress and apoptosis in skin fibroblasts}, series = {Free radical biology and medicine : the official journal of the Oxygen Society, a constituent member of the International Society for Free Radical Research}, volume = {120}, journal = {Free radical biology and medicine : the official journal of the Oxygen Society, a constituent member of the International Society for Free Radical Research}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {New York}, issn = {0891-5849}, doi = {10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2018.03.022}, pages = {102 -- 113}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Methylglyoxal (MG), a highly reactive dicarbonyl, interacts with proteins to form advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGEs include a variety of compounds which were shown to have damaging potential and to accumulate in the course of different conditions such as diabetes mellitus and aging. After confirming collagen as a main target for MG modifications in vivo within the extracellular matrix, we show here that MG-collagen disrupts fibroblast redox homeostasis and induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and apoptosis. In particular, MG-collagen-induced apoptosis is associated with the activation of the PERK-eIF2 alpha pathway and caspase-12. MG-collagen contributes to altered redox homeostasis by directly generating hydrogen peroxide and oxygen-derived free radicals. The induction of ER stress in human fibroblasts was confirmed using collagen extracts isolated from old mice in which MG-derived AGEs were enriched. In conclusion, MG-derived AGEs represent one factor contributing to diminished fibroblast function during aging.}, language = {en} } @article{GalbeteKroegerJannaschetal.2018, author = {Galbete, Cecilia and Kr{\"o}ger, Janine and Jannasch, Franziska and Iqbal, Khalid and Schwingshackl, Lukas and Schwedhelm, Carolina and Weikert, Cornelia and Boeing, Heiner and Schulze, Matthias Bernd}, title = {Nordic diet, Mediterranean diet, and the risk of chronic diseases}, series = {BMC Medicine}, volume = {16}, journal = {BMC Medicine}, publisher = {BMC}, address = {London}, issn = {1741-7015}, doi = {10.1186/s12916-018-1082-y}, pages = {13}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Background: The Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) has been acknowledged as a healthy diet. However, its relation with risk of major chronic diseases in non-Mediterranean countries is inconclusive. The Nordic diet is proposed as an alternative across Northern Europe, although its associations with the risk of chronic diseases remain controversial. We aimed to investigate the association between the Nordic diet and the MedDiet with the risk of chronic disease (type 2 diabetes (T2D), myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and cancer) in the EPIC-Potsdam cohort. Methods: The EPIC-Potsdam cohort recruited 27,548 participants between 1994 and 1998. After exclusion of prevalent cases, we evaluated baseline adherence to a score reflecting the Nordic diet and two MedDiet scores (tMDS, reflecting the traditional MedDiet score, and the MedPyr score, reflecting the MedDiet Pyramid). Cox regression models were applied to examine the association between the diet scores and the incidence of major chronic diseases. Results: During a follow-up of 10.6 years, 1376 cases of T2D, 312 of MI, 321 of stroke, and 1618 of cancer were identified. The Nordic diet showed a statistically non-significant inverse association with incidence of MI in the overall population and of stroke in men. Adherence to the MedDiet was associated with lower incidence of T2D (HR per 1 SD 0.93, 95\% CI 0.88-0.98 for the tMDS score and 0.92, 0.87-0.97 for the MedPyr score). In women, the MedPyr score was also inversely associated with MI. No association was observed for any of the scores with cancer. Conclusions: In the EPIC-Potsdam cohort, the Nordic diet showed a possible beneficial effect on MI in the overall population and for stroke in men, while both scores reflecting the MedDiet conferred lower risk of T2D in the overall population and of MI in women.}, language = {en} } @article{CastroWardelmannGruneetal.2018, author = {Castro, Jose Pedro and Wardelmann, Kristina and Grune, Tilman and Kleinridders, Andre}, title = {Mitochondrial Chaperones in the Brain}, series = {Frontiers in Endocrinology}, volume = {9}, journal = {Frontiers in Endocrinology}, publisher = {Frontiers Research Foundation}, address = {Lausanne}, issn = {1664-2392}, doi = {10.3389/fendo.2018.00196}, pages = {13}, year = {2018}, abstract = {The brain orchestrates organ function and regulates whole body metabolism by the concerted action of neurons and glia cells in the central nervous system. To do so, the brain has tremendously high energy consumption and relies mainly on glucose utilization and mitochondrial function in order to exert its function. As a consequence of high rate metabolism, mitochondria in the brain accumulate errors over time, such as mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations, reactive oxygen species, and misfolded and aggregated proteins. Thus, mitochondria need to employ specific mechanisms to avoid or ameliorate the rise of damaged proteins that contribute to aberrant mitochondrial function and oxidative stress. To maintain mitochondria homeostasis (mitostasis), cells evolved molecular chaperones that shuttle, refold, or in coordination with proteolytic systems, help to maintain a low steady-state level of misfolded/aggregated proteins. Their importance is exemplified by the occurrence of various brain diseases which exhibit reduced action of chaperones. Chaperone loss (expression and/or function) has been observed during aging, metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and in neurode-generative diseases such as Alzheimer's (AD), Parkinson's (PD) or even Huntington's (HD) diseases, where the accumulation of damage proteins is evidenced. Within this perspective, we propose that proper brain function is maintained by the joint action of mitochondrial chaperones to ensure and maintain mitostasis contributing to brain health, and that upon failure, alter brain function which can cause metabolic diseases.}, language = {en} } @article{GubertPuntelLehmenetal.2018, author = {Gubert, Priscila and Puntel, Bruna and Lehmen, Tassia and Fessel, Joshua P. and Cheng, Pan and Bornhorst, Julia and Trindade, Lucas Siqueira and Avila, Daiana S. and Aschner, Michael and Soares, Felix A. A.}, title = {Metabolic effects of manganese in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans through DAergic pathway and transcription factors activation}, series = {Neurotoxicology : the interdisciplinary journal of effects to toxic substances on the nervous system}, volume = {67}, journal = {Neurotoxicology : the interdisciplinary journal of effects to toxic substances on the nervous system}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0161-813X}, doi = {10.1016/j.neuro.2018.04.008}, pages = {65 -- 72}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Manganese (Mn) is an essential trace element for physiological functions since it acts as an enzymatic co-factor. Nevertheless, overexposure to Mn has been associated with a pathologic condition called manganism. Furthermore, Mn has been reported to affect lipid metabolism by mechanisms which have yet to be established. Herein, we used the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans to examine Mn's effects on the dopaminergic (DAergic) system and determine which transcription factors that regulate with lipid metabolism are affected by it. Worms were exposed to Mn for four hours in the presence of bacteria and in a liquid medium (85 mM NaCl). Mn increased fat storage as evidenced both by Oil Red O accumulation and triglyceride levels. In addition, metabolic activity was reduced as a reflection of decreased oxygen consumption caused by Mn. Mn also affected feeding behavior as evidenced by decreased pharyngeal pumping rate. DAergic neurons viability were not altered by Mn, however the dopamine levels were significantly reduced following Mn exposure. Furthermore, the expression of sbp-1 transcription factor and let-363 protein kinase responsible for lipid accumulation control was increased and decreased, respectively, by Mn. Altogether, our data suggest that Mn increases the fat storage in C. elegans, secondary to DAergic system alterations, under the control of SBP-1 and LET-363 proteins.}, language = {en} }