@misc{AlterOttvonWebskyetal.2011,
  author    = {Alter, Markus L. and Ott, Ina and von Websky, Karoline and Tsuprykov, Oleg and Sharkovska, Yuliya and Krause-Relle, Katharina and Raila, Jens and Henze, Andrea and Kretschmer, Axel and Stasch, Johannes-Peter and Hocher, Berthold},
  title     = {Additional stimulation of sGC on top of standard treatment with ARB`s may offer a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy resistant to ARB treatment alone},
  series = {Postprints der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam : Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe},
  journal   = {Postprints der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam : Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe},
  number    = {855},
  issn      = {1866-8372},
  doi       = {10.25932/publishup-42825},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-428250},
  pages     = {4},
  year      = {2011},
  abstract  = {Background Riociguat is the first of a new class of drugs, the soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulators. Riociguat has a dual mode of action: it sensitizes sGC to the body's own NO and can also increase sGC activity in the absence of NO. The NO-sGC-pathway is impaired in many cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure, pulmonary hypertension and diabetic nephropathy (DN). DN leads to high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. There is still a high unmet medical need. The urinary albumin excretion rate is a predictive biomarker for these clinical events. Therefore, we investigated the effect of riociguat, alone and in combination with the angiotensin II receptor antagonist (ARB) telmisartan on the progression of DN in diabetic eNOS knock out mice, a new model closely resembling human pathology. Methods Seventy-six male eNOS knockout C57BL/6J mice were divided into 4 groups after receiving intraperitoneal high-dose streptozotocin: telmisartan (1 mg/kg), riociguat (3 mg/kg), riociguat+telmisartan (3 and 1 mg/kg), and vehicle. Fourteen mice were used as non-diabetic controls. After 12 weeks, urine and blood were obtained and blood pressure measured. Glucose concentrations were highly increased and similar in all diabetic groups. Results Riociguat, alone (105.2 ± 2.5 mmHg; mean±SEM; n = 14) and in combination with telmisartan (105.0 ± 3.2 mmHg; n = 12), significantly reduced blood pressure versus diabetic controls (117.1 ± 2.2 mmHg; n = 14; p = 0.002 and p = 0.004, respectively), whereas telmisartan alone (111.2 ± 2.6 mmHg) showed a modest blood pressure lowering trend (p = 0.071; n = 14). The effects of single treatment with either riociguat (97.1 ± 15.7 µg/d; n = 13) or telmisartan (97.8 ± 26.4 µg/d; n = 14) did not significantly lower albumin excretion on its own (p = 0.067 and p = 0.101, respectively). However, the combined treatment led to significantly lower urinary albumin excretion (47.3 ± 9.6 µg/d; n = 12) compared to diabetic controls (170.8 ± 34.2 µg/d; n = 13; p = 0.004), and reached levels similar to non-diabetic controls (31.4 ± 10.1 µg/d, n = 12). Conclusion Riociguat significantly reduced urinary albumin excretion in diabetic eNOS knock out mice that were refractory to treatment with ARB's alone. Patients with diabetic nephropathy refractory to treatment with ARB's have the worst prognosis among all patients with diabetic nephropathy. Our data indicate that additional stimulation of sGC on top of standard treatment with ARB`s may offer a new therapeutic approach for patients with diabetic nephropathy resistant to ARB treatment.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{PrommerMaurervonWebskyetal.2018,
  author    = {Prommer, Hans-Ulrich and Maurer, Johannes and von Websky, Karoline and Freise, Christian and Sommer, Kerstin and Nasser, Hamoud and Samapati, Rudi and Reglin, Bettina and Guimaraes, Pedro and Pries, Axel Radlach and Querfeld, Uwe},
  title     = {Chronic kidney disease induces a systemic microangiopathy, tissue hypoxia and dysfunctional angiogenesis},
  series = {Scientific reports},
  volume    = {8},
  journal   = {Scientific reports},
  publisher = {Nature Publ. Group},
  address   = {London},
  issn      = {2045-2322},
  doi       = {10.1038/s41598-018-23663-1},
  pages     = {14},
  year      = {2018},
  abstract  = {Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with excessive mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD). Endothelial dysfunction, an early manifestation of CVD, is consistently observed in CKD patients and might be linked to structural defects of the microcirculation including microvascular rarefaction. However, patterns of microvascular rarefaction in CKD and their relation to functional deficits in perfusion and oxygen delivery are currently unknown. In this in-vivo microscopy study of the cremaster muscle microcirculation in BALB/c mice with moderate to severe uremia, we show in two experimental models (adenine feeding or subtotal nephrectomy), that serum urea levels associate incrementally with a distinct microangiopathy. Structural changes were characterized by a heterogeneous pattern of focal microvascular rarefaction with loss of coherent microvascular networks resulting in large avascular areas. Corresponding microvascular dysfunction was evident by significantly diminished blood flow velocity, vascular tone, and oxygen uptake. Microvascular rarefaction in the cremaster muscle paralleled rarefaction in the myocardium, which was accompanied by a decrease in transcription levels not only of the transcriptional regulator HIF-1 alpha, but also of its target genes Angpt-2, TIE-1 and TIE-2, Flkt-1 and MMP-9, indicating an impaired hypoxia-driven angiogenesis. Thus, experimental uremia in mice associates with systemic microvascular disease with rarefaction, tissue hypoxia and dysfunctional angiogenesis.},
  language  = {en}
}
@inproceedings{HocherReichetzedervonWebskyetal.2014,
  author    = {Hocher, Berthold and Reichetzeder, Christoph and von Websky, Karoline and Tsuprykov, Oleg and Klein, T.},
  title     = {Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibition in a rat model of ischaemia-reperfusion injury may accelerate tubular regeneration but does not improve glomerular filtration rate},
  series = {Diabetologia : journal of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD)},
  volume    = {57},
  booktitle = {Diabetologia : journal of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD)},
  publisher = {Springer},
  address   = {New York},
  issn      = {0012-186X},
  pages     = {S538 -- S538},
  year      = {2014},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{AlterOttvonWebskyetal.2012,
  author    = {Alter, Markus L. and Ott, Ina M. and von Websky, Karoline and Tsuprykov, Oleg and Sharkovska, Yuliya and Krause-Relle, Katharina and Raila, Jens and Henze, Andrea and Klein, Thomas and Hocher, Berthold},
  title     = {DPP-4 Inhibition on top of angiotensin receptor blockade offers a new therapeutic approach for diabetic nephropathy},
  series = {Kidney \& blood pressure research : official organ of the Gesellschaft f{\"u}r Nephrologie},
  volume    = {36},
  journal   = {Kidney \& blood pressure research : official organ of the Gesellschaft f{\"u}r Nephrologie},
  number    = {1},
  publisher = {Karger},
  address   = {Basel},
  issn      = {1420-4096},
  doi       = {10.1159/000341487},
  pages     = {119 -- 130},
  year      = {2012},
  abstract  = {Background: The need for an improved treatment for diabetic nephropathy is greatest in patients who do not adequately respond to angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). This study investigated the effect of the novel dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor linagliptin alone and in combination with the ARB telmisartan on the progression of diabetic nephropathy in diabetic endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) knockout mice. Methods: Sixty male eNOS knockout C57BL/6J mice were divided into four groups after receiving intraperitoneal high-dose streptozotocin: telmisartan (1 mg/kg), linagliptin (3 mg/kg), linagliptin + telmisartan (3 mg/kg + 1 mg/kg) and vehicle. Fourteen mice were used as non-diabetic controls. Results: After 12 weeks, urine and blood were obtained and blood pressure measured. Glucose concentrations were increased and similar in all diabetic groups. Telmisartan alone reduced systolic blood pressure by 5.9 mmHg versus diabetic controls (111.2 +/- 2.3 mmHg vs 117.1 +/- 2.2 mmHg; mean +/- SEM; P = 0.071). Combined treatment significantly reduced albuminuria compared with diabetic controls (71.7 +/- 15.3 mu g/24 h vs 170.8 +/- 34.2 mu g/24 h; P = 0.017), whereas the effects of single treatment with either telmisartan (97.8 +/- 26.4 mu g/24 h) or linagliptin (120.8 +/- 37.7 mu g/24 h) were not statistically significant. DPP-4 inhibition, alone and in combination, led to significantly lower plasma osteopontin levels compared with telmisartan alone. Histological analysis revealed reduced glomerulosclerosis after Linagliptin alone and in combination with telmisartan in comparison to non treated diabetic animals (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05). Kidney malonaldehyde immune-reactivity, a marker of oxidative stress, was significantly lower in animals treated with linagliptin. Conclusions: DPP-4 inhibition on top of ARB treatment significantly reduced urinary albumin excretion and oxidative stress in diabetic eNOS knockout mice. Linagliptin on top of an angiotensin II receptor blocker may offer a new therapeutic approach for patients with diabetic nephropathy.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{HocherHeidenvonWebskyetal.2011,
  author    = {Hocher, Berthold and Heiden, S. and von Websky, Karoline and Rahnenf{\"u}hrer, J{\"o}rg and Kalk, Philipp and Pfab, T.},
  title     = {Dual endothelin-converting enzyme/neutral endopeptidase blockade in rats with D-galactosamine-induced liver failure},
  series = {European journal of medical research : official organ "Deutsche AIDS-Gesellschaft"},
  volume    = {16},
  journal   = {European journal of medical research : official organ "Deutsche AIDS-Gesellschaft"},
  number    = {6},
  publisher = {Med. Scientific Publ. Holzapfel},
  address   = {M{\"u}nchen},
  issn      = {0949-2321},
  pages     = {275 -- 279},
  year      = {2011},
  abstract  = {Secondary activation of the endothelin system is thought to be involved in toxic liver injury. This study tested the hypothesis that dual endothelin-converting enzyme / neutral endopeptidase blockade might: be able to attenuate acute toxic liver injury. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were implanted with subcutaneous minipumps to deliver the novel compound SLV338 (10 mg/kg*d) or vehicle. Four days later they received two intraperitoneal injections of D-galactosamine (1.3 g/kg each) or vehicle at an interval of 12 hours. The animals were sacrificed 48 hours after the first injection. Injection of D-galactosamine resulted in very severe liver injury, reflected by strongly elevated plasma liver enzymes, hepatic necrosis and inflammation, and a mortality rate of 42.9 \%. SLV338 treatment did not show any significant effect on the extent of acute liver injury as judged from plasma parameters, hepatic histology and mortality. Plasma measurements of SLV338 confirmed adequate drug delivery. Plasma concentrations of big endothelin-1 and endothelin-1 were significantly elevated in animals with liver injury (5-fold and 62-fold, respectively). Plasma endothelin-1 was significantly correlated with several markers of liver injury. SLV338 completely prevented the rise of plasma big endothelin-1 (p<0.05) and markedly attenuated the rise of endothelin-1 (p = 0.055). In conclusion, dual endothelin-converting enzyme / neutral endopeptidase blockade by SLV338 did not significantly attenuate D-galactosamine-induced acute liver injury, although it largely prevented the activation of the endothelin system. An evaluation of SLV338 in a less severe model of liver injury would be of interest, since very severe intoxication might not be relevantly amenable to pharmacological interventions.},
  language  = {en}
}
@inproceedings{PfabSharkovskaAlteretal.2011,
  author    = {Pfab, T. and Sharkovska, Yukiya and Alter, Markus L. and von Websky, Karoline and Mark, M. and Klein, T. and Hocher, Berthold},
  title     = {Effect of linagliptin on infarction size and cardiac function in rats after myocardial ischaemia reperfusion},
  series = {Diabetologia : journal of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD)},
  volume    = {54},
  booktitle = {Diabetologia : journal of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD)},
  publisher = {Springer},
  address   = {New York},
  issn      = {0012-186X},
  pages     = {S329 -- S329},
  year      = {2011},
  language  = {en}
}
@inproceedings{ReichetzedervonWebskyTsuprykovetal.2015,
  author    = {Reichetzeder, Christoph and von Websky, Karoline and Tsuprykov, Oleg and Antonenko, V. and Samarin, Azin Mohagheghi and Hocher, Berthold},
  title     = {Effects of DPP-4 inhibition on glomerular and tubular function in a rat model of ischaemia-reperfusion injury},
  series = {Diabetologia : journal of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD)},
  volume    = {58},
  booktitle = {Diabetologia : journal of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD)},
  publisher = {Springer},
  address   = {New York},
  issn      = {0012-186X},
  pages     = {S34 -- S35},
  year      = {2015},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{ChaykovskavonWebskyRahnenfuehreretal.2011,
  author    = {Chaykovska, Lyubov and von Websky, Karoline and Rahnenf{\"u}hrer, Jan and Alter, Markus L. and Heiden, Susi and Fuchs, Holger and Runge, Frank and Klein, Thomas and Hocher, Berthold},
  title     = {Effects of DPP-4 Inhibitors on the Heart in a Rat Model of Uremic Cardiomyopathy},
  series = {PLoS one},
  volume    = {6},
  journal   = {PLoS one},
  number    = {11},
  publisher = {PLoS},
  address   = {San Fransisco},
  issn      = {1932-6203},
  doi       = {10.1371/journal.pone.0027861},
  pages     = {9},
  year      = {2011},
  abstract  = {Background: Uremic cardiomyopathy contributes substantially to mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) may improve cardiac function, but is mainly degraded by dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4). Methodology/Principal Findings: In a rat model of chronic renal failure, 5/6-nephrectomized [5/6N] rats were treated orally with DPP-4 inhibitors (linagliptin, sitagliptin, alogliptin) or placebo once daily for 4 days from 8 weeks after surgery, to identify the most appropriate treatment for cardiac dysfunction associated with CKD. Linagliptin showed no significant change in blood level AUC(0-infinity) in 5/6N rats, but sitagliptin and alogliptin had significantly higher AUC(0-infinity) values; 41\% and 28\% (p=0.0001 and p=0.0324), respectively. No correlation of markers of renal tubular and glomerular function with AUC was observed for linagliptin, which required no dose adjustment in uremic rats. Linagliptin 7 mu mol/kg caused a 2-fold increase in GLP-1 (AUC 201.0 ng/l*h) in 5/6N rats compared with sham-treated rats (AUC 108.6 ng/l*h) (p=0.01). The mRNA levels of heart tissue fibrosis markers were all significantly increased in 5/6N vs control rats and reduced/normalized by linagliptin. Conclusions/Significance: DPP-4 inhibition increases plasma GLP-1 levels, particularly in uremia, and reduces expression of cardiac mRNA levels of matrix proteins and B-type natriuretic peptides (BNP). Linagliptin may offer a unique approach for treating uremic cardiomyopathy in CKD patients, with no need for dose-adjustment.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{ChenWangWangetal.2014,
  author    = {Chen, Yao and Wang, Guang and Wang, Xiao-yu and Ma, Zheng-lai and Chen, You-peng and Chuai, Manli and von Websky, Karoline and Hocher, Berthold and Yang, Xuesong},
  title     = {Effects of high salt-exposure on the development of retina and lens in 5.5-Day Chick Embryo},
  series = {Cellular physiology and biochemistry : international journal of experimental cellular physiology, biochemistry and pharmacology},
  volume    = {34},
  journal   = {Cellular physiology and biochemistry : international journal of experimental cellular physiology, biochemistry and pharmacology},
  number    = {3},
  publisher = {Karger},
  address   = {Basel},
  issn      = {1015-8987},
  doi       = {10.1159/000363044},
  pages     = {804 -- 817},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {Background/Aims: Excess maternal salt intake during pregnancy may alter fetal development. However; our knowledge on how an increased salt intake during pregnancy influences fetal eye development is limited. In this study, we investigated the effects of high salt treatment on the developing eyes in chick embryos, especially focusing on the development of the retina and the lens. Methods: 5.5 day chick embryos were exposed to 280mosm/l (n=17), or 300mosm/l (n=16) NaCl. The treated embryos were then incubated for 96 hours before they were fixed with 4\% paraformaldehyde for H\&E staining, whole mount embryo immunostaining and TUNEL staining. BrdU and PH3 incorporation experiments were performed on the chick embryos after high salt treatment. RT-PCR analyses were conducted from chick retina tissues. Results: We demonstrated that high-salt treatment altered the size of eyes in chick embryos, induced malformation of the eyes and impaired the development of the lens and the retina. We found an impaired expression of Paired box 6 (PAX6) and neuronal cells in the developing retina as revealed by neurofilament immunofluorescent staining. There was a reduction in the number of BrdU-positive cells and PH3-positive cells in the retina, indicating an impaired cell proliferation with high salt treatment. High salt treatment also resulted in an increased number of TUNEL-positive cells in the retina, indicating a higher amount of cell death. RT-PCR data displayed that the expression of the pro-apoptotic molecule nerve growth factor (NGF) in chick retina was increased and CyclinD1 was reduced with high-salt treatment. The size of the lens was reduced and Pax6 expression in the lens was significantly inhibited. High salt treatment was detrimental to the migration of neural crest cells. Conclusion: Taken together; our study demonstrated that high salt exposure of 5.5 day chick embryos led to an impairment of retina and lens development, possibly through interfering with Pax6 expression.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{OttAltervonWebskyetal.2012,
  author    = {Ott, Ina M. and Alter, Markus L. and von Websky, Karoline and Kretschmer, Axel and Tsuprykov, Oleg and Sharkovska, Yuliya and Krause-Relle, Katharina and Raila, Jens and Henze, Andrea and Stasch, Johannes-Peter and Hocher, Berthold},
  title     = {Effects of Stimulation of Soluble Guanylate Cyclase on Diabetic Nephropathy in Diabetic eNOS Knockout Mice on Top of Angiotensin II Receptor Blockade},
  series = {PLOS ONE},
  volume    = {7},
  journal   = {PLOS ONE},
  number    = {8},
  publisher = {PUBLIC LIBRARY SCIENCE},
  address   = {SAN FRANCISCO},
  issn      = {1932-6203},
  doi       = {10.1371/journal.pone.0042623},
  pages     = {9},
  year      = {2012},
  abstract  = {The prevalence of diabetes mellitus and its complications, such as diabetic nephropathy (DN), is rising worldwide and prevention and treatment are therefore becoming increasingly important. Therapy of DN is particularly important for patients who do not adequately respond to angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) treatment. Novel approaches include the stimulation of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) as it is reported to have beneficial effects on cardiac and renal damage. We aimed to investigate the effects of the sGC stimulator riociguat and ARB telmisartan on kidney function and structure in a hypertensive model of diabetic nephropathy. Seventy-six diabetic male eNOS knockout C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided after having received streptozotocin: telmisartan (1 mg/kg/d), riociguat (3 mg/kg/d), riociguat+telmisartan (3+1 mg/kg/d), and vehicle. Fourteen mice were used as non-diabetic controls. Treatment duration was 11 weeks. Glucose concentrations were increased and similar in all diabetic groups. Telmisartan insignificantly reduced blood pressure by 5.9 mmHg compared with diabetic controls (111.2 +/- 2.3 mmHg vs. 117.1 +/- 2.2 mmHg; p = 0.071). Treatment with riociguat both alone and in combination with telmisartan led to a significant reduction of blood pressure towards diabetic vehicle (105.2 +/- 2.5 mmHg and 105.0 +/- 3.2 mmHg, respectively, vs. 117.1 +/- 2.2 mmHg). Combined treatment also significantly decreased albuminuria compared with diabetic controls (47.3 +/- 9.6 mu g/24 h vs. 170.8 +/- 34.2 mu g/24 h; p = 0.002) reaching levels similar to those of non-diabetic controls (34.4 +/- 10.6 mu g/24 h), whereas the reduction by single treatment with either telmisartan (97.8 +/- 26.4 mu g/24 h) or riociguat (97.1 +/- 15.7 mu g/24 h) was not statistically significant. The combination treatment led to a significant (p < 0.01) decrease of tissue immunoreactivity of malondialdehyde, as consequence of reduced oxidative stress. In conclusion, stimulation of sGC significantly reduced urinary albumin excretion in diabetic eNOS knockout mice treated already with ARB. Thus, this new drug class on top of standard ARBs administration may offer a new therapeutic approach for patients resistant to ARB treatment.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{ChaykovskaAltervonWebskyetal.2013,
  author    = {Chaykovska, Lyubov and Alter, Markus L. and von Websky, Karoline and Hohmann, Margarete and Tsuprykov, Oleg and Reichetzeder, Christoph and Kutil, Barbara and Kraft, Robin and Klein, Thomas and Hocher, Berthold},
  title     = {Effects of telmisartan and linagliptin when used in combination on blood pressure and oxidative stress in rats with 2-kidney-1-clip hypertension},
  series = {Journal of hypertension},
  volume    = {31},
  journal   = {Journal of hypertension},
  number    = {11},
  publisher = {Lippincott Williams \& Wilkins},
  address   = {Philadelphia},
  issn      = {0263-6352},
  doi       = {10.1097/HJH.0b013e3283649b4d},
  pages     = {2290 -- 2299},
  year      = {2013},
  abstract  = {Objective:To investigate the effects of linagliptin alone and in combination with the angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), telmisartan on blood pressure (BP), kidney function, heart morphology and oxidative stress in rats with renovascular hypertension.Methods:Fifty-seven male Wistar rats underwent unilateral surgical stenosis of the renal artery [2-kidney-1-clip (2k1c) method]. Animals were randomly divided into four treatment groups (n=14-18 per group) receiving: telmisartan (10mg/kg per day in drinking water), linagliptin (89ppm in chow), combination (linagliptin 89ppm+telmisartan 10mg/kg per day) or placebo. An additional group of 12 rats underwent sham surgery. BP was measured one week after surgery. Hypertensive animals entered a 16-week dosing period. BP was measured 2, 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks after the initiation of treatment. Blood and urine were tested for assessment of kidney function and oxidative stress 6, 10, 14 and 18 weeks after surgery. Blood and urine sampling and organ harvesting were finally performed.Results:Renal stenosis caused an increase in meanSD systolic BP as compared with the sham group (157.7 +/- 29.3 vs. 106.2 +/- 20.5mmHg, respectively; P<0.001). Telmisartan alone and in combination with linagliptin, normalized SBP (111.1 +/- 24.3mmHg and 100.4 +/- 13.9mmHg, respectively; P<0.001 vs. placebo). Telmisartan alone and in combination with linagliptin significantly prevented cardiac hypertrophy, measured by heart weight and myocyte diameter. Renal function measured by cystatin C was not affected by 2k1c surgery. Telmisartan significantly increased plasma concentration of cystatin C. 2k1c surgery initiated fibrosis in both kidneys. Telmisartan promoted further fibrotic changes in the clipped kidney, as measured by protein expression of Col1a1 and histology for interstitial fibrosis and glomerulosclerosis. In non-clipped kidneys, telmisartan demonstrated antifibrotic properties, reducing Col1a1 protein expression. Plasma levels of oxidized low-density lipoprotein were higher in the placebo-treated 2k1c rats as compared to sham-operated animals. The increase was abolished by linagliptin alone (P=0.03 vs. placebo) and in combination with telmisartan (P=0.02 vs. placebo). Combination therapy also significantly reduced plasma concentration of carbonyl proteins (P=0.04 vs. placebo).Conclusion:Inhibition of type 4 dipeptidyl peptidase with linagliptin did not counter BP-lowering effects of ARB in 2k1c rats. Linagliptin reduced lipid and protein oxidation in 2k1c rats, and this effect was BP-independent.},
  language  = {en}
}
@misc{OngvonWebskyHocher2015,
  author    = {Ong, Albert C. M. and von Websky, Karoline and Hocher, Berthold},
  title     = {Endothelin and Tubulointerstitial Renal Disease},
  series = {Seminars in nephrology},
  volume    = {35},
  journal   = {Seminars in nephrology},
  number    = {2},
  publisher = {Elsevier},
  address   = {Philadelphia},
  issn      = {0270-9295},
  doi       = {10.1016/j.semnephrol.2015.03.004},
  pages     = {197 -- 207},
  year      = {2015},
  abstract  = {All components of the endothelin (ET) system are present in renal tubular cells. In this review, we summarize current knowledge about ET and the most common tubular diseases: acute kidney injury (AKI) and polycystic kidney disease. AKI originally was called acute tubular necrosis, pointing to the most prominent morphologic findings. Similarly, cysts in polycystic kidney disease, and especially in autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease, are of tubular origin. Preclinical studies have indicated that the ET system and particularly ETA receptors are involved in the pathogenesis of ischemia-reperfusion injury, although these findings have not been translated to clinical studies. The ET system also has been implicated in radiocontrast-dye-induced AKI, however, ET-receptor blockade in a large human study was not successful. The ET system is activated in sepsis models of AKI; the effectiveness of ET blocking agents in preclinical studies is variable depending on the model and the ET-receptor antagonist used. Numerous studies have shown that the ET system plays an important role in the complex pathophysiology associated with cyst formation and disease progression in polycystic kidney disease. However, results from selective targeting of ET-receptor subtypes in animal models of polycystic kidney disease have proved disappointing and do not support clinical trials. These studies have shown that a critical balance between ETA and ETB receptor action is necessary to maintain structure and function in the cystic kidney. In summary, ETs have been implicated in the pathogenesis of several renal tubulointerstitial diseases, however, experimental animal findings have not yet led to use of ET blockers in human beings. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.},
  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{LuReichetzederPrehnetal.2018,
  author    = {Lu, Yong-Ping and Reichetzeder, Christoph and Prehn, Cornelia and von Websky, Karoline and Slowinski, Torsten and Chen, You-Peng and Yin, Liang-Hong and Kleuser, Burkhard and Yang, Xue-Song and Adamski, Jerzy and Hocher, Berthold},
  title     = {Fetal serum metabolites are independently associated with Gestational diabetes mellitus},
  series = {Cellular physiology and biochemistry : international journal of experimental cellular physiology, biochemistry and pharmacology},
  volume    = {45},
  journal   = {Cellular physiology and biochemistry : international journal of experimental cellular physiology, biochemistry and pharmacology},
  number    = {2},
  publisher = {Karger},
  address   = {Basel},
  issn      = {1015-8987},
  doi       = {10.1159/000487119},
  pages     = {625 -- 638},
  year      = {2018},
  abstract  = {Background/Aims: Gestational diabetes (GDM) might be associated with alterations in the metabolomic profile of affected mothers and their offspring. Until now, there is a paucity of studies that investigated both, the maternal and the fetal serum metabolome in the setting of GDM. Mounting evidence suggests that the fetus is not just passively affected by gestational disease but might play an active role in it. Metabolomic studies performed in maternal blood and fetal cord blood could help to better discern distinct fetal from maternal disease interactions. Methods: At the time of birth, serum samples from mothers and newborns (cord blood samples) were collected and screened for 163 metabolites utilizing tandem mass spectrometry. The cohort consisted of 412 mother/child pairs, including 31 cases of maternal GDM. Results: An initial non-adjusted analysis showed that eight metabolites in the maternal blood and 54 metabolites in the cord blood were associated with GDM. After Benjamini-Hochberg (BH) procedure and adjustment for confounding factors for GDM, fetal phosphatidylcholine acyl-alkyl C 32:1 and proline still showed an independent association with GDM. Conclusions: This study found metabolites in cord blood which were associated with GDM, even after adjustment for established risk factors of GDM. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating an independent association between fetal serum metabolites and maternal GDM. Our findings might suggest a potential effect of the fetal metabolome on maternal GDM. (c) 2018 The Author(s) Published by S. Karger AG, Basel},
  language  = {en}
}
@misc{LuReichetzederPrehnetal.2018,
  author    = {Lu, Yong-Ping and Reichetzeder, Christoph and Prehn, Cornelia and von Websky, Karoline and Slowinski, Torsten and Chen, You-Peng and Yin, Liang-Hong and Kleuser, Burkhard and Yang, Xue-Song and Adamski, Jerzy and Hocher, Berthold},
  title     = {Fetal serum metabolites are independently associated with Gestational diabetes mellitus},
  series = {Postprints der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam : Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe},
  journal   = {Postprints der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam : Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe},
  number    = {637},
  issn      = {1866-8372},
  doi       = {10.25932/publishup-42458},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-424585},
  pages     = {14},
  year      = {2018},
  abstract  = {Background/Aims: Gestational diabetes (GDM) might be associated with alterations in the metabolomic profile of affected mothers and their offspring. Until now, there is a paucity of studies that investigated both, the maternal and the fetal serum metabolome in the setting of GDM. Mounting evidence suggests that the fetus is not just passively affected by gestational disease but might play an active role in it. Metabolomic studies performed in maternal blood and fetal cord blood could help to better discern distinct fetal from maternal disease interactions. Methods: At the time of birth, serum samples from mothers and newborns (cord blood samples) were collected and screened for 163 metabolites utilizing tandem mass spectrometry. The cohort consisted of 412 mother/child pairs, including 31 cases of maternal GDM. Results: An initial non-adjusted analysis showed that eight metabolites in the maternal blood and 54 metabolites in the cord blood were associated with GDM. After Benjamini-Hochberg (BH) procedure and adjustment for confounding factors for GDM, fetal phosphatidylcholine acyl-alkyl C 32:1 and proline still showed an independent association with GDM. Conclusions: This study found metabolites in cord blood which were associated with GDM, even after adjustment for established risk factors of GDM. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating an independent association between fetal serum metabolites and maternal GDM. Our findings might suggest a potential effect of the fetal metabolome on maternal GDM. (c) 2018 The Author(s) Published by S. Karger AG, Basel},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{RokutanSuckowvonHaehlingetal.2012,
  author    = {Rokutan, Hirofumi and Suckow, Christian and von H{\"a}hling, Stephan and Strassburg, Sabine and Bockmeyer, Barbara and D{\"o}hner, Wolfram and Waller, Christiane and Bauersachs, Johann and von Websky, Karoline and Hocher, Berthold and Anker, Stefan D. and Springer, Jochen},
  title     = {Furosemide induces mortality in a rat model of chronic heart failure},
  series = {International journal of cardiology},
  volume    = {160},
  journal   = {International journal of cardiology},
  number    = {1},
  publisher = {Elsevier},
  address   = {Clare},
  issn      = {0167-5273},
  doi       = {10.1016/j.ijcard.2011.03.005},
  pages     = {20 -- 25},
  year      = {2012},
  abstract  = {Objectives: In an experimental heart failure model, we tested the hypothesis that furosemide causes excess mortality. Background: Post-hoc analysis of large clinical heart failure trails revealed that furosemide treatment might be associated with worsening of morbidity and even mortality in heart failure patients. Methods and results: Myocardial infarction was induced in 7 +/- 1 week old male Wistar rats by ligation of the left coronary artery. In study 1, animals were randomly assigned to treatment with furosemide (10 mg/kg/d via drinking water, n = 33) or placebo (n = 33) starting 18 days after surgery. In study 2, animals received furosemide from day 18 and were then randomized to ongoing treatment with either furosemide only (n = 38) or furosemide plus ACE-inhibitor Ramipril (1 mg/kg/d, n = 38) starting on day 42. In study 1 survival rate in the furosemide group was lower than in the placebo group (hazard ratio {HR} 3.39, 95\% confidence interval {CI} 1.14 to 10.09, p = 0.028). The furosemide group had a lower body weight (-6\%, p = 0.028) at the end of the study and a higher sclerosis index of the glomeruli (+9\%, p=0.026) than the placebo group. Wet lung weight, infarct size, and cardiac function were similar between the groups. In study 2, the furosemide group had a higher mortality rate than the furosemide + ramipril group (HR 4.55, 95\% CI 2.0 to 10.0, p = 0.0003). Conclusion: In our rat model of heart failure furosemide, provided at a standard dose, was associated with increased mortality. This increased mortality could be prevented by additional administration of an ACE-inhibitor.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{ReichetzedervonWebskyTsuprykovetal.2017,
  author    = {Reichetzeder, Christoph and von Websky, Karoline and Tsuprykov, Oleg and Samarin, Azadeh Mohagheghi and Falke, Luise Gabriele and Putra, Sulistyo Emantoko Dwi and Hasan, Ahmed Abdallah Abdalrahman Mohamed and Antonenko, Viktoriia and Curato, Caterina and Rippmann, Joerg and Klein, Thomas and Hocher, Berthold},
  title     = {Head-to-head comparison of structurally unrelated dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors in the setting of renal ischemia reperfusion injury},
  series = {British journal of pharmacology : journal of The British Pharmacological Society},
  volume    = {174},
  journal   = {British journal of pharmacology : journal of The British Pharmacological Society},
  publisher = {Wiley},
  address   = {Hoboken},
  issn      = {0007-1188},
  doi       = {10.1111/bph.13822},
  pages     = {2273 -- 2286},
  year      = {2017},
  abstract  = {BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Results regarding protective effects of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) inhibitors in renal ischaemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) are conflicting. Here we have compared structurally unrelated DPP4 inhibitors in a model of renal IRI. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH IRI was induced in uninephrectomizedmale rats by renal artery clamping for 30 min. The shamgroup was uninephrectomized but not subjected to IRI. DPP4 inhibitors or vehicle were given p. o. once daily on three consecutive days prior to IRI: linagliptin (1.5 mg.kg(-1).day(-1)), vildagliptin (8mg.kg(-1).day(-1)) and sitagliptin (30 mg.kg(-1).day(-1)). An additional group received sitagliptin until study end (before IRI: 30 mg.kg(-1).day(-1); after IRI: 15mg.kg(-1).day(-1)). KEY RESULTS Plasma-active glucagon-like peptide type 1 (GLP(-1)) increased threefold to fourfold in all DPP4 inhibitor groups 24 h after IRI. Plasma cystatin C, a marker of GFR, peaked 48 h after IRI. Compared with the placebo group, DPP4 inhibition did not reduce increased plasma cystatin C levels. DPP4 inhibitors ameliorated histopathologically assessed tubular damage with varying degrees of drug-specific efficacies. Renal osteopontin expression was uniformly reduced by all DPP4 inhibitors. IRI-related increased renal cytokine expression was not decreased by DPP4 inhibition. Renal DPP4 activity at study end was significantly inhibited in the linagliptin group, but only numerically reduced in the prolonged/dose-adjusted sitagliptin group. Active GLP(-1) plasma levels at study end were increased only in the prolonged/dose-adjusted sitagliptin treatment group. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS In rats with renal IRI, DPP4 inhibition did not alter plasma cystatin C, a marker of glomerular function, but may protect against tubular damage.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{vonWebskyHasanReichetzederetal.2018,
  author    = {von Websky, Karoline and Hasan, Ahmed Abdallah Abdalrahman Mohamed and Reichetzeder, Christoph and Tsuprykov, Oleg and Hocher, Berthold},
  title     = {Impact of vitamin D on pregnancy-related disorders and on offspring outcome},
  series = {The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology},
  volume    = {180},
  journal   = {The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology},
  publisher = {Elsevier},
  address   = {Oxford},
  issn      = {0960-0760},
  doi       = {10.1016/j.jsbmb.2017.11.008},
  pages     = {51 -- 64},
  year      = {2018},
  abstract  = {Observational studies from all over the world continue to find high prevalence rates of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in many populations, including pregnant women. Beyond its classical function as a regulator of calcium and phosphate metabolism, vitamin D elicits numerous effects in the human body. Current evidence highlights a vital role of vitamin D in mammalian gestation. During pregnancy, adaptations in maternal vitamin D metabolism lead to a physiologic increase of vitamin D levels, mainly because of an increased renal production, although other potential sources like the placenta are being discussed. A sufficient supply of mother and child with calcium and vitamin D during pregnancy ensures a healthy bone development of the fetus, whereas lack of either of these nutrients can lead to the development of rickets in the child. Moreover, vitamin D insufficiency during pregnancy has consistently been associated with adverse maternal and neonatal pregnancy outcomes. In multitudinous studies, low maternal vitamin D status was associated with a higher risk for pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus and other gestational diseases. Likewise, several negative consequences for the fetus have been reported, including fetal growth restriction, increased risk of preterm birth and a changed susceptibility for later-life diseases. However, study results are diverging and causality has not been proven so far. Meta-analyses on the relationship between maternal vitamin D status and pregnancy outcomes revealed a wide heterogeneity of studied populations and the applied methodology in vitamin D assessment. Until today, clinical guidelines for supplementation cannot be based on high-quality evidence and it is not clear if the required intake for pregnant women differs from non-pregnant women. Long-term safety data of vitamin D supplementation in pregnant women has not been established and overdosing of vitamin D might have unfavorable effects, especially in mothers and newborns with mutations of genes involved in vitamin D metabolism. Reliable data from large observational and interventional randomized control trials are urgently needed as a basis for any detailed and safe recommendations for supplementation in the general population and, most importantly, in pregnant women. This is of utmost importance, as ensuring a sufficient vitamin D-supply of mother and child implies a great potential for the prevention of birth complications and development of diseases.},
  language  = {en}
}
@inproceedings{HocherTsuprykovAlteretal.2013,
  author    = {Hocher, Berthold and Tsuprykov, Oleg and Alter, Markus L. and von Websky, Karoline and Chaykovska, Lyubov and Antonenko, V. and Rahnenf{\"u}hrer, Jan and Klein, T. and Reichetzeder, Christoph},
  title     = {Linagliptin and the angiotensin II receptor blocker telmisartan show comparable efficacy but different renoprotective pathways in rats with 5/6 nephrectomy},
  series = {Diabetologia : journal of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD)},
  volume    = {56},
  booktitle = {Diabetologia : journal of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD)},
  number    = {15-16},
  publisher = {Springer},
  address   = {New York},
  issn      = {0012-186X},
  pages     = {S66 -- S66},
  year      = {2013},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{LuZengChenetal.2013,
  author    = {Lu, Yong-Ping and Zeng, De-Ying and Chen, You-Peng and Liang, Xu-Jing and Xu, Jie-Ping and Huang, Si-Min and Lai, Zhi-Wei and Wen, Wang-Rong and von Websky, Karoline and Hocher, Berthold},
  title     = {Low birth weight is associated with lower respiratory tract infections in children with hand, foot, and mouth disease},
  series = {Clinical laboratory : the peer reviewed journal for clinical laboratories and laboratories related to blood transfusion},
  volume    = {59},
  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},
  doi       = {10.7754/Clin.Lab.2012.120725},
  pages     = {985 -- 992},
  year      = {2013},
  abstract  = {Background: Low birth weight (LBW) might be a risk factor for acquiring lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) associated with disease related complications in early childhood. HFMD, a frequent viral infection in southern China, is a leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections in children. We analyzed whether LBW is a risk factor for children with HFMD to develop lower respiratory tract infections. Methods: A total of 298 children with HFMD, admitted to a hospital in Qingyuan city, Guangdong province, were recruited. Demographic data and clinical parameters such as serum glucose level and inflammatory markers including peripheral white blood cell count, serum C-reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were routinely collected on admission. Birth weight data were derived from birth records. Results: Mean birth weight (BW) was 167 g lower in patients with HFMD and LRTIs as compared to patients with solely HFMD (p = 0.022) and the frequency of birth weight below the tenth percentile was significantly higher in patients with HFMD and LRTIs (p = 0.002). Conclusions: The results of the study show that low birth weight is associated with a higher incidence of lower respiratory tract infections in young children with HFMD.},
  language  = {en}
}