@inproceedings{ReichetzederPaschvonWebskyetal.2014,
  author    = {Reichetzeder, Christoph and Pasch, A. and von Websky, Karoline and Tsuprykov, Oleg and Klein, T. and Hocher, Berthold},
  title     = {The DPP-4 inhibitor linagliptin increases plasma fetuin-A concentrations in a rat model of uraemic calcification},
  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     = {S522 -- S522},
  year      = {2014},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{MeyerMatissekMuelleretal.2014,
  author    = {Meyer, S{\"o}ren and Matissek, M. and Mueller, S. M. and Taleshi, M. S. and Ebert, Franziska and Francesconi, Kevin A. and Schwerdtle, Tanja},
  title     = {In vitro toxicological characterisation of three arsenic-containing hydrocarbons},
  series = {Metallomics : integrated biometal science},
  volume    = {6},
  journal   = {Metallomics : integrated biometal science},
  number    = {5},
  publisher = {Royal Society of Chemistry},
  address   = {Cambridge},
  issn      = {1756-5901},
  doi       = {10.1039/c4mt00061g},
  pages     = {1023 -- 1033},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {Arsenic-containing hydrocarbons are one group of fat-soluble organic arsenic compounds (arsenolipids) found in marine fish and other seafood. A risk assessment of arsenolipids is urgently needed, but has not been possible because of the total lack of toxicological data. In this study the cellular toxicity of three arsenic-containing hydrocarbons was investigated in cultured human bladder (UROtsa) and liver (HepG2) cells. Cytotoxicity of the arsenic-containing hydrocarbons was comparable to that of arsenite, which was applied as the toxic reference arsenical. A large cellular accumulation of arsenic, as measured by ICP-MS/MS, was observed after incubation of both cell lines with the arsenolipids. Moreover, the toxic mode of action shown by the three arsenic-containing hydrocarbons seemed to differ from that observed for arsenite. Evidence suggests that the high cytotoxic potential of the lipophilic arsenicals results from a decrease in the cellular energy level. This first in vitro based risk assessment cannot exclude a risk to human health related to the presence of arsenolipids in seafood, and indicates the urgent need for further toxicity studies in experimental animals to fully assess this possible risk.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{LiangHuangLietal.2014,
  author    = {Liang, Xu-Jing and Huang, Si-Min and Li, Jian-Ping and Zhu, Xian-Nv and Lu, Yong-Ping and Hocher, Berthold and Chen, You-Peng},
  title     = {Hepatic impairment induced by scrub typhus is associated with new onset of renal dysfunction},
  series = {Clinical laboratory : the peer reviewed journal for clinical laboratories and laboratories related to blood transfusion},
  volume    = {60},
  journal   = {Clinical laboratory : the peer reviewed journal for clinical laboratories and laboratories related to blood transfusion},
  number    = {1},
  publisher = {Clin Lab Publ., Verl. Klinisches Labor},
  address   = {Heidelberg},
  issn      = {1433-6510},
  doi       = {10.7754/Clin.Lab.2013.121203},
  pages     = {63 -- 68},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {Background: Scrub typhus is a potentially fatal infectious disease caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi. There is little attention given to hepatic impairment in the adults with scrub typhus. This study investigated the incidence and the prognostic implications of hepatic impairment in patients with scrub typhus. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed a total of 143 adult patients with scrub typhus who were admitted between January 1999 and December 2010 in Guangdong province, China. The patients were divided into three groups, e.g., normal, mild, and moderate to severe groups based on the elevated serum ALT and/or total bilirubin levels. Furthermore, clinical characteristics and prognosis of the patient groups were compared. Results: 109 patients (76.2\%) had abnormal liver function. Among the patients with hepatic impairment 45 cases (31.4\%), 54 cases (37.8\%), and 10 cases (7.0\%) had mild, moderate, and severe hepatic damage, respectively. The moderate to severe hepatic impairment group had higher levels of serum creatinine compared with that of normal hepatic function. The incidence of new onset of renal dysfunction - defined as peak serum creatinine >= 176 mu mol/L during hospital stay with no evidence of renal disease prior hospitalization - was 0\% in the mild hepatic impairment group, 8.9\% in the moderate hepatic impairment group, and 21.9\% in the severe hepatic impairment group, (p = 0.005 for trend). Additionally, the patients with hepatic impairment (n = 109) had higher incidences of episodes of thrombocytopenia (45.9\% vs. 8.82\%, p < 0.001), hypoalbuminemia (50.5\% vs. 11.8\%, p < 0.001), new onset of renal dysfunction (16.5\% vs. 0.0\%, p = 0.011), and electrocardiogram abnormality (28.4\% vs. 8.82\%, p = 0.019) than the patients without hepatic impairment. Conclusions: The degree of hepatic impairment induced by scrub typhus is associated with new onset of renal dysfunction.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{LuLungXiaoetal.2014,
  author    = {Lu, Yong-Ping and Lung, Xu-Jing and Xiao, Xiao-Min and Huang, Si-Min and Liu, Zhi-Wei and Li, Jian and Hocher, Berthold and Chen, You-Peng},
  title     = {Telbivudine during the second and third trimester of pregnancy interrupts HBV intrauterine transmission: a systematic review and meta-analysis},
  series = {Clinical laboratory : the peer reviewed journal for clinical laboratories and laboratories related to blood transfusion},
  volume    = {60},
  journal   = {Clinical laboratory : the peer reviewed journal for clinical laboratories and laboratories related to blood transfusion},
  number    = {4},
  publisher = {Clin Lab Publ., Verl. Klinisches Labor},
  address   = {Heidelberg},
  issn      = {1433-6510},
  doi       = {10.7754/Clin.Lab.2013.130408},
  pages     = {571 -- 586},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {Beckground: Evaluate the efficacy and safety of telbivudine during the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy in intrauterine transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV). Based on the principle of Cochrane systematic reviews, a database was constructed from Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, the US National Science Digital Library (NSDL), the China Biological Medicine Database (CBM-disc), and contact with Chinese experts in the field from November 2006 to February 2013. Results: Either the Mantel-Haenszel or Inverse Variance fixed-effects model or Mantel-Haenszel or Inverse Variance random-effects model was applied for all analyses indicated by odds ratio (OR) and 95\% confidence interval (CI). The meta-analysis based on new onset of HBsAg seropositivity of infants at 6 - 12 months postpartum revealed that the control group had an intrauterine transmission rate of 8.25 - 42.31\%. This rate was reduced to 0 - 14.29\% in the telbivudine treatment group (OR 0.09, 95\% CI 0.04 - 0.22, including seven trials, p < 0.001). The rates of intrauterine transmission based on new onset of HBV DNA seropositivity of infants at 6 - 12 months postpartum were 8.25 - 19.23\% in the control group and 0 - 3.57\% in the treatment group (OR 0.07, 95\% CI 0.02 - 0.22, p < 0.001, including only five trials, since two trials had no data on HBV DNA in infants). With the exception of CK elevations, adverse effect frequencies were similar in both groups. Conclusions: Telbivudine is an effective and safe drug for preventing intrauterine transmission of HBV.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{ChaykovskaZientaraReseretal.2014,
  author    = {Chaykovska, Lyubov and Zientara, Alicja and Reser, Diana and Weise, Alexander and Reichert, Wolfgang and Hocher, Berthold},
  title     = {Development and validation of a macroarray system - MutaCHIP (R) ARTERO - for the detection of genetic variants involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis},
  series = {Clinical laboratory : the peer reviewed journal for clinical laboratories and laboratories related to blood transfusion},
  volume    = {60},
  journal   = {Clinical laboratory : the peer reviewed journal for clinical laboratories and laboratories related to blood transfusion},
  number    = {5},
  publisher = {Clin Lab Publ., Verl. Klinisches Labor},
  address   = {Heidelberg},
  issn      = {1433-6510},
  doi       = {10.7754/Clin.Lab.2014.140104},
  pages     = {873 -- 878},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {Background: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in developed countries. The underlying mechanism is often atherosclerotic remodeling of blood vessels in organs such as heart, kidney, brain, and large arteries in case of peripheral arterial disease. Beside environmental and behavioral factors such as smoking or lack of physical activity, genetic variants in genes involved in lipid metabolism, blood pressure regulation, oxidative stress, and coagulation play a prominent role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Methods: Thus, we developed and validated for clinical use and research a macroarray system for the simultaneous detection of key genetic variants in genes involved in lipid metabolism, blood pressure regulation, oxidative stress, and coagulation. Results: When compared with standard PCR technologies to determine all these genetic variants in parallel, the macroarray system (MutaCHIP (R) ARTERO) was as accurate but faster, cheaper, and easier to handle compared to classical real time PCR based technologies. Conclusions: MutaCHIP (R) ARTERO is a gene chip for diagnostics of a complex genetic panel involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. This method is as sensitive and precise as real time PCR and is able to replicate real time PCR data previously validated in evaluation studies.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{DraudePelsterKoersgenetal.2014,
  author    = {Draude, F. and Pelster, A. and Koersgen, M. and Kassenboehmer, R. and Schwerdtle, Tanja and Muething, J. and Arlinghaus, H. F.},
  title     = {ToF-SIMS imaging of plasma membrane lipids with sub-micrometer resolution},
  series = {Surface and interface analysis : an international journal devoted to the development and application of techniques for the analysis surfaces, interfaces and thin films},
  volume    = {46},
  journal   = {Surface and interface analysis : an international journal devoted to the development and application of techniques for the analysis surfaces, interfaces and thin films},
  publisher = {Wiley-Blackwell},
  address   = {Hoboken},
  issn      = {0142-2421},
  doi       = {10.1002/sia.5576},
  pages     = {127 -- 130},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) was used for label-free analyses of the molecular lateral distribution of two different epithelial cell membranes (PANC-1 and UROtsa). The goal of the research was to enhance the ion yield of specific membrane molecules for improving the membrane imaging capability of ToF-SIMS on the nanoscale lateral dimension. For this task, a special silicon wafer sandwich preparation technique was optimized using different wafer materials, spacers, and washing procedures. Under optimized preparation conditions, the yield could be significantly enhanced, allowing imaging of the inhomogeneous distribution of phosphocholine (common head group for phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin) of a PANC-1 cell membrane's outer lipid layer with a lateral resolution of less than 200nm. Copyright (c) 2014 John Wiley \& Sons, Ltd.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{UnterbergLeffersHuebneretal.2014,
  author    = {Unterberg, Marlies and Leffers, Larissa and Huebner, Florian and Humpf, Hans-Ulrich and Lepikhov, Konstantin and Walter, Joern and Ebert, Franziska and Schwerdtle, Tanja},
  title     = {Toxicity of arsenite and thio-DMA(V) after long-term (21 days) incubation of human urothelial cells: cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and epigenetics},
  series = {Toxicology research},
  volume    = {3},
  journal   = {Toxicology research},
  number    = {6},
  publisher = {Royal Society of Chemistry},
  address   = {Cambridge},
  issn      = {2045-452X},
  doi       = {10.1039/c4tx00036f},
  pages     = {456 -- 464},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {This study aims to further mechanistically understand toxic modes of action after chronic inorganic arsenic exposure. Therefore long-term incubation studies in cultured cells were carried out, to display chronically attained changes, which cannot be observed in the generally applied in vitro short-term incubation studies. Particularly, the cytotoxic, genotoxic and epigenetic effects of an up to 21 days incubation of human urothelial (UROtsa) cells with pico- to nanomolar concentrations of iAs(III) and its metabolite thio-DMA(V) were compared. After 21 days of incubation, cytotoxic effects were strongly enhanced in the case of iAs(III) and might partly be due to glutathione depletion and genotoxic effects on the chromosomal level. These results are in strong contrast to cells exposed to thio-DMA(V). Thus, cells seemed to be able to adapt to this arsenical, as indicated among others by an increase in the cellular glutathione level. Most interestingly, picomolar concentrations of both iAs(III) and thio-DMA(V) caused global DNA hypomethylation in UROtsa cells, which was quantified in parallel by 5-medC immunostaining and a newly established, reliable, high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS)-based test system. This is the first time that epigenetic effects are reported for thio-DMA(V); iAs(III) induced epigenetic effects occur in at least 8000 fold lower concentrations as reported in vitro before. The fact that both arsenicals cause DNA hypomethylation at really low, exposure-relevant concentrations in human urothelial cells suggests that this epigenetic effect might contribute to inorganic arsenic induced carcinogenicity, which for sure has to be further investigated in future studies.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{SharkovskaReichetzederAlteretal.2014,
  author    = {Sharkovska, Yuliya and Reichetzeder, Christoph and Alter, Markus L. and Tsuprykov, Oleg and Bachmann, Sebastian and Secher, Thomas and Klein, Thomas and Hocher, Berthold},
  title     = {Blood pressure and glucose independent renoprotective effects of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibition in a mouse model of type-2 diabetic nephropathy},
  series = {Journal of hypertension},
  volume    = {32},
  journal   = {Journal of hypertension},
  number    = {11},
  publisher = {Lippincott Williams \& Wilkins},
  address   = {Philadelphia},
  issn      = {0263-6352},
  doi       = {10.1097/HJH.0000000000000328},
  pages     = {2211 -- 2223},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {Background: Despite the beneficial effects of type 4 dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP-4) inhibitors on glucose levels, its effects on diabetic nephropathy remain unclear. Method: This study examined the long-term renoprotective effects of DPP-4 inhibitor linagliptin in db/db mice, a model of type 2 diabetes. Results were compared with the known beneficial effects of renin-angiotensin system blockade by enalapril. Ten-week-old male diabetic db/db mice were treated for 3 months with either vehicle (n = 10), 3 mg linagliptin/kg per day (n = 8), or 20 mg enalapril/kg per day (n = 10). Heterozygous db/m mice treated with vehicle served as healthy controls (n = 8). Results: Neither linagliptin nor enalapril had significant effects on the parameters of glucose metabolism or blood pressure in diabetic db/db mice. However, linagliptin treatment reduced albuminuria and attenuated kidney injury. In addition, expression of podocyte marker podocalyxin was normalized. We also analysed DPP-4 expression by immunofluorescence in human kidney biopsies and detected upregulation of DPP-4 in the glomeruli of patients with diabetic nephropathy, suggesting that our findings might be of relevance for human kidney disease as well. Conclusion: Treatment with DPP-4 inhibitor linagliptin delays the progression of diabetic nephropathy damage in a glucose-independent and blood-pressure-independent manner. The observed effects may be because of the attenuation of podocyte injury and inhibition of myofibroblast transformation.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{FrommBeisswangerKaebohreretal.2014,
  author    = {Fromm, Sabine and Beisswanger, Elena and Kaebohrer, Annemarie and Tenhagen, Bernd-Alois},
  title     = {Risk factors for MRSA in fattening pig herds - A meta-analysis using pooled data},
  series = {Preventive veterinary medicine : an international journal on research and development in veterinary epidemiology, animal disease prevention and control, and animal health economics},
  volume    = {117},
  journal   = {Preventive veterinary medicine : an international journal on research and development in veterinary epidemiology, animal disease prevention and control, and animal health economics},
  number    = {1},
  publisher = {Elsevier},
  address   = {Amsterdam},
  issn      = {0167-5877},
  doi       = {10.1016/j.prevetmed.2014.08.014},
  pages     = {180 -- 188},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {The importance of livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA) as an infectious agent for humans has increased in recent years in Germany. Although it is well known that the prevalence of MRSA in pig farms is high, risk factors for the presence of MRSA in herds of fattening pigs are still poorly understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate available data from previous studies on MRSA in fattening pigs in a meta-analysis to answer the question: What are the factors associated with the occurrence of MRSA in fattening pig herds? The studies on MRSA in pigs that were identified by literature research were heterogeneous with respect to the risk factors investigated and the type of herds focused on. Therefore we decided to carry out a pooling analysis on herd level rather than a typical meta-analysis. Eligible herd data were identified based on the published literature and communication with the authors. The final data set covered 400 fattening pig herds from 10 different studies and 12 risk factors. The prevalence of MRSA in the 400 fattening pig herds was 53.5\%. Data were analyzed using generalized estimating equations (GEE). The resulting multi-variate model confirmed previously identified risk factors for MRSA in pig herds (herd size and herd type). It also identified further risk factors: group treatment of fattening pigs with antimicrobial drugs (OR=1.79) and housing fattening pig herds on at least partially slatted floors (OR=2.39) compared to plain floor. In contrast, according to the model, fattening pig herds on farms keeping other livestock along with pigs were less likely to harbor MRSA (OR=0.54). The results underline the benefits from a pooling analysis and cooperative re-evaluation of published data. (C) 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{ReichetzederChenFoelleretal.2014,
  author    = {Reichetzeder, Christoph and Chen, Hong and Foeller, Michael and Slowinski, Torsten and Li, Jian and Chen, You-Peng and Lang, Florian and Hocher, Berthold},
  title     = {Maternal vitamin D deficiency and fetal programming - lessons learned from humans and mice},
  series = {Kidney \& blood pressure research : official organ of the Gesellschaft f{\"u}r Nephrologie},
  volume    = {39},
  journal   = {Kidney \& blood pressure research : official organ of the Gesellschaft f{\"u}r Nephrologie},
  number    = {4},
  publisher = {Karger},
  address   = {Basel},
  issn      = {1420-4096},
  doi       = {10.1159/000355809},
  pages     = {315 -- 329},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {Background/Aims: Cardiovascular disease partially originates from poor environmental and nutritional conditions in early life. Lack of micronutrients like 25 hydroxy vitamin D-3 (25OHD) during pregnancy may be an important treatable causal factor. The present study explored the effect of maternal 25OHD deficiency on the offspring. Methods: We performed a prospective observational study analyzing the association of maternal 25OHD deficiency during pregnancy with birth outcomes considering confounding. To show that vitamin D deficiency may be causally involved in the observed associations, mice were set on either 25OHD sufficient or insufficient diets before and during pregnancy. Growth, glucose tolerance and mortality was analyzed in the F1 generation. Results: The clinical study showed that severe 25OHD deficiency was associated with low birth weight and low gestational age. ANCOVA models indicated that established confounding factors such as offspring sex, smoking during pregnancy and maternal BMI did not influence the impact of 25OHD on birth weight. However, there was a significant interaction between 25OHD and gestational age. Maternal 25OHD deficiency was also independently associated with low APGAR scores 5 minutes postpartum. The offspring of 25OHD deficient mice grew slower after birth, had an impaired glucose tolerance shortly after birth and an increased mortality during follow-up. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates an association between maternal 25OHD and offspring birth weight. The effect of 25OHD on birth weight seems to be mediated by vitamin D controlling gestational age. Results from an animal experiment suggest that gestational 25OHD insufficiency is causally linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Since birth weight and prematurity are associated with an adverse cardiovascular outcome in later life, this study emphasizes the need for novel monitoring and treatment guidelines of vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{LiChenDongetal.2014,
  author    = {Li, Jian and Chen, You-Peng and Dong, Yun-Peng and Yu, Cal-Hong and Lu, Yong-Ping and Xiao, Xiao-Min and Hocher, Berthold},
  title     = {The impact of umbilical blood flow regulation on fetal development differs in diabetic and non-diabetic pregnancy},
  series = {Kidney \& blood pressure research : official organ of the Gesellschaft f{\"u}r Nephrologie},
  volume    = {39},
  journal   = {Kidney \& blood pressure research : official organ of the Gesellschaft f{\"u}r Nephrologie},
  number    = {4},
  publisher = {Karger},
  address   = {Basel},
  issn      = {1420-4096},
  doi       = {10.1159/000355815},
  pages     = {369 -- 377},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {Background/Aims: Diabetes is well-known to influence endothelial function. Endothelial function and blood flow regulation might be different in diabetic and non-diabetic pregnancy. However, the impact of umbilical blood flow regulation in gestational diabetes on fetal development is unknown so far. Methods: In a prospective birth cohort study, we analyzed the association of the umbilical artery Doppler indices (pulsatility index, resistance index and systolic/diastolic ratio) and fetal size measures (biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference, femur length and birth weight) in 519 non-gestational diabetes mellitus pregnancies (controls) and 226 gestational diabetes mellitus pregnancies in middle (day 160.32 +/- 16.29 of gestation) and late (day 268.12 +/- 13.04 of gestation) pregnancy. Results: Multiple regression analysis considering confounding factors (gestational day of ultrasound examination, offspring sex, maternal body mess index before pregnancy, maternal age at delivery, maternal body weight at delivery and maternal hypertension) showed that umbilical artery Doppler indices (pulsatility index, resistance index and systolic/diastolic ratio) were associated with fetal head circumference and femur length in middle gestational diabetes mellitus pregnancy but not in non-gestational diabetes mellitus pregnancy. Head circumference, biparietal diameter, abdominal circumference and femur length in mid gestation were smaller in fetus of gestational diabetes mellitus pregnancy versus non-gestational diabetes mellitus pregnancy. In contrast to non-gestational diabetes mellitus pregnancy in late gestation, umbilical artery Doppler indices in gestational diabetes mellitus pregnancy were not associated with ultrasound measures of fetal growth. Birth weight was slightly increased in gestational diabetes mellitus pregnancy as compared to non-gestational diabetes mellitus pregnancy. Conclusions: The impact of umbilical blood flow on fetal growth is time dependent in human gestational diabetes mellitus and non-gestational diabetes mellitus pregnancy. In gestational diabetes mellitus pregnancy umbilical blood flow is critical for organ development in much earlier stages of pregnancy as compared to non-gestational diabetes mellitus pregnancy. The physiological and molecular pathways why there is a catch up growth in later times of gestational diabetes mellitus pregnancy resulting in larger gestational diabetes mellitus babies at birth needs to be addressed in further studies.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{PutraTsuprykovVonWebskyetal.2014,
  author    = {Putra, Sulistyo Emantoko Dwi and Tsuprykov, Oleg and Von Websky, Karoline and Ritter, Teresa and Reichetzeder, Christoph and Hocher, Berthold},
  title     = {Dealing with large sample sizes: comparison of a new one spot dot blot method to western blot},
  series = {Clinical laboratory : the peer reviewed journal for clinical laboratories and laboratories related to blood transfusion},
  volume    = {60},
  journal   = {Clinical laboratory : the peer reviewed journal for clinical laboratories and laboratories related to blood transfusion},
  number    = {11},
  publisher = {Clin Lab Publ., Verl. Klinisches Labor},
  address   = {Heidelberg},
  issn      = {1433-6510},
  doi       = {10.7754/Clin.Lab.2014.140317},
  pages     = {1871 -- 1877},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {Background: Western blot is the gold standard method to determine individual protein expression levels. However, western blot is technically difficult to perform in large sample sizes because it is a time consuming and labor intensive process. Dot blot is often used instead when dealing with large sample sizes, but the main disadvantage of the existing dot blot techniques, is the absence of signal normalization to a housekeeping protein. Methods: In this study we established a one dot two development signals (ODTDS) dot blot method employing two different signal development systems. The first signal from the protein of interest was detected by horseradish peroxidase (HRP). The second signal, detecting the housekeeping protein, was obtained by using alkaline phosphatase (AP). Results: Inter-assay results variations within ODTDS dot blot and western blot and intra-assay variations between both methods were low (1.04 - 5.71\%) as assessed by coefficient of variation. Conclusions: ODTDS dot blot technique can be used instead of western blot when dealing with large sample sizes without a reduction in results accuracy.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{LongardtSchmiedchenRailaetal.2014,
  author    = {Longardt, Ann Carolin and Schmiedchen, B. and Raila, Jens and Schweigert, Florian J. and Obladen, M. and Buehrer, Christoph and Loui, A.},
  title     = {Characterization of the vitamin A transport in preterm infants after repeated high-dose vitamin A injections},
  series = {European journal of clinical nutrition},
  volume    = {68},
  journal   = {European journal of clinical nutrition},
  number    = {12},
  publisher = {Nature Publ. Group},
  address   = {London},
  issn      = {0954-3007},
  doi       = {10.1038/ejcn.2014.202},
  pages     = {1300 -- 1304},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Preterm infants have low vitamin A stores at birth, and parenteral administration of high-dose vitamin A reduces pulmonary morbidity. The aim was to characterize vitamin A transport and status. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Prospective study of 69 preterm infants (median birth weight 995 g, gestational age 28 weeks), in which 51 received 5000 IU vitamin A three times per week intramuscular (i.m.) for 4 weeks and 18 infants without i.m. vitamin A served as controls. Serum retinol, retinyl palmitate, total retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4), retinol-unbound RBP4 (apo-RBP4) and transthyretin concentrations were determined at days 3 (D3) and 28 (D28) of life. RESULTS: D3 retinol concentrations were low for the entire group (382 (285/531) nmol/l; median/interquartile range) and unrelated to gestational age. D28 retinol was unchanged in controls (382 (280/471) nmol/l), but increased in the vitamin A group (596 (480/825) nmol/l; P < 0.001). A similar pattern was observed for RBP4. The calculated retinol-to-RBP4 ratio rose in vitamin A infants (D3: 0.81 (0.57/0.94), D28: 0.98 (0.77/1.26); P < 0.01) but not in controls. In the vitamin A group, the retinol-to-RBP4 ratio was 41 in 15\% of all infants on D3 and in 45\% of infants on D28, but was <= 1 in all, but one, controls on D28. CONCLUSIONS: In preterm infants receiving a 4-week course of high-dose i. m. vitamin A, serum retinol concentrations increased by 55\%, with molar concentrations of retinol exceeding those of RBP4 in 45\% of the infants suggesting transport mechanisms other than RBP4.},
  language  = {en}
}
@misc{ReichetzederTsuprykovHocher2014,
  author    = {Reichetzeder, Christoph and Tsuprykov, Oleg and Hocher, Berthold},
  title     = {Endothelin receptor antagonists in clinical research - Lessons learned from preclinical and clinical kidney studies},
  series = {Life sciences : molecular, cellular and functional basis of therapy},
  volume    = {118},
  journal   = {Life sciences : molecular, cellular and functional basis of therapy},
  number    = {2},
  publisher = {Elsevier},
  address   = {Oxford},
  issn      = {0024-3205},
  doi       = {10.1016/j.lfs.2014.02.025},
  pages     = {141 -- 148},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {Endothelin receptor antagonists (ETRAs) are approved for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension and scleroderma-related digital ulcers. The efforts to approve this class of drugs for renal indications, however, failed so far. Preclinical studies were promising. Transgenic overexpression of ET-1 or ET-2 in rodents causes chronic renal failure. Blocking the ET system was effective in the treatment of renal failure in rodent models. However, various animal studies indicate that blocking the renal tubular ETAR and ETBR causes water and salt retention partially mediated via the epithelial sodium transporter in tubular cells. ETRAs were successfully tested clinically in renal indications in phase 2 trials for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy. They showed efficacy in terms of reducing albumin excretion on top of guideline based background therapy (RAS blockade). However, these promising results could not be translated to successful phase Ill trials so far. The spectrum of serious adverse events was similar to other phase III trials using ETRAs. Potential underlying reasons for these failures and options to solve these issues are discussed. In addition preclinical and clinical studies suggest caution when addressing renal patient populations such as patients with hepatorenal syndrome, patients with any type of cystic kidney disease and patients at risk of contrast media induced nephropathy. The lessons learned in renal indications are also important for other potential promising indications of ETRAs like cancer and heart failure. (C) 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/).},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{VignonZellwegerRelleRahnenfuehreretal.2014,
  author    = {Vignon-Zellweger, Nicolas and Relle, Katharina and Rahnenfuehrer, Jan and Schwab, Karima and Hocher, Berthold and Theuring, Franz},
  title     = {Endothelin-1 overexpression and endothelial nitric oxide synthase knock-out induce different pathological responses in the heart of male and female mice},
  series = {Life sciences : molecular, cellular and functional basis of therapy},
  volume    = {118},
  journal   = {Life sciences : molecular, cellular and functional basis of therapy},
  number    = {2},
  publisher = {Elsevier},
  address   = {Oxford},
  issn      = {0024-3205},
  doi       = {10.1016/j.lfs.2013.12.003},
  pages     = {219 -- 225},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {Aims: The nitric oxide and endothelin systems are key components of a local paracrine hormone network in the heart. We previously reported that diastolic dysfunction observed in mice lacking the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS-/-) can be prevented by a genetic overexpression of ET-1. Sexual dimorphisms have been reported in both ET-1 and NO systems. Particularly, eNOS-/- mice present sex related phenotypic differences. Main methods: We used the ET-1 transgenic (ET+/+), eNOS-/-, and crossbred ET+/+ eNOS-/- mice, and wild type controls. We measured cardiac function by heart catheterization. Cardiac ventricles were collected for histological and molecular profiling. Key findings: We report here that (i) the level of ET-1 expression in eNOS-/- mice was elevated in males but not in females. (ii) Left ventricular end-diastolic blood pressure was higher in male eNOS-/- mice than in females. (ii) eNOS-/- males but not females developed cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. (iv) Perivascular fibrosis of intra-cardiac arteries developed in female ET+/+ and eNOS-/- mice but not in males. Additionally, (v) the cardiac expression of metalloprotease-9 was higher in eNOS-/- males compared to females. Finally, (vi) cardiac proteome analysis revealed that the protein abundance of the oxidative stress related enzyme superoxide dismutase presented with sexual dimorphism in eNOS-/- and ET+/+ mice. Significance: These results indicate that the cardiac phenotypes of ET-1 transgenic mice and eNOS knockout mice are sex specific. Since both systems are key players in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, our findings might be important in the context of gender differences in patients with such diseases. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/).},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{HeunischvonEinemAlteretal.2014,
  author    = {Heunisch, Fabian and von Einem, Gina and Alter, Markus L. and Weist, Andreas and Dschietzig, Thomas and Kretschmer, Axel and Hocher, Berthold},
  title     = {Urinary ET-1 excretion after exposure to radio-contrast media in diabetic patients and patients with preexisting mild impaired renal function},
  series = {Life sciences : molecular, cellular and functional basis of therapy},
  volume    = {118},
  journal   = {Life sciences : molecular, cellular and functional basis of therapy},
  number    = {2},
  publisher = {Elsevier},
  address   = {Oxford},
  issn      = {0024-3205},
  doi       = {10.1016/j.lfs.2013.12.233},
  pages     = {440 -- 445},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {Aims: Contrast media-induced nephropathy (CIN) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The renal endothelin system has been associated with disease progression of various acute and chronic renal diseases. However, robust data coming from adequately powered prospective clinical studies analyzing the short and long-term impacts of the renal ET system in patients with CIN are missing so far. We thus performed a prospective study addressing this topic. Main methods: We included 327 patients with diabetes or renal impairment undergoing coronary angiography. Blood and spot urine were collected before and 24 h after contrast media (CM) application. Patients were followed for 90 days for major clinical events like need for dialysis, unplanned rehospitalization or death. Key findings: The concentration of ET-1 and the urinary ET-1/creatinine ratio decreased in spot urine after CM application (ET-1 concentration: 0.91 +/- 1.23pg/ml versus 0.63 +/- 1.03pg/ml, p<0.001; ET-1/creatinine ratio: 0.14 +/- 0.23 versus 0.09 +/- 0.19, p<0.001). The urinary ET-1 concentrations in patients with CIN decreased significantly more than in patients without CIN (-0.26 +/- 1.42pg/ml vs. -0.79 +/- 1.69pg/ml, p=0.041), whereas the decrease of the urinary ET-1/creatinine ratio was not significantly different (non-CIN patients: -0.05 +/- 0.30; CIN patients: -0.11 +/- 0.21, p=0.223). Urinary ET-1 concentrations as well as the urinary ET-1/creatinine ratio were not associated with clinical events (need for dialysis, rehospitalization or death) during the 90day follow-up after contrast media exposure. However, the urinary ET-1 concentration and the urinary ET-1/creatinine ratio after CM application were higher in those patients who had a decrease of GFR of at least 25\% after 90days of follow-up. Significance: In general the ET-1 system in the kidney seems to be down-regulated after contrast media application in patients with moderate CIN risk. Major long-term complications of CIN (need for dialysis, rehospitalization or death) are not associated with the renal ET system. (C) 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{YangLaiDengetal.2014,
  author    = {Yang, Fang and Lai, Xinlong and Deng, Li and Liu, Xiaoxiao and Li, Jian and Zeng, Shuixiu and Zhang, Cheng and Hocher, Carl-Friedrich and Hocher, Berthold},
  title     = {Association of endothelin-1 gene polymorphisms with the clinical phenotype in primary nephrotic syndrome of children},
  series = {Life sciences : molecular, cellular and functional basis of therapy},
  volume    = {118},
  journal   = {Life sciences : molecular, cellular and functional basis of therapy},
  number    = {2},
  publisher = {Elsevier},
  address   = {Oxford},
  issn      = {0024-3205},
  doi       = {10.1016/j.lfs.2014.04.010},
  pages     = {446 -- 450},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {Aims:This study aims to investigate the relationship between plasma endothelin-1 (ET-1) concentrations, ET-1 gene polymorphisms in loci rs5370, rs1630736, 3A/4A and clinical features of primary nephrotic syndrome (NS) in children. Materials and methods: Thirty-six children with primary NS were selected as case group, and 94 healthy children were selected as control group. All subjects were genotyped for three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs5370, rs10478694 [3A4A) and rs 1630736) in the ET-1 gene by gene sequencing. The plasma ET-1 concentrations were measured using a radio-immunoassay. Key findings: Plasma ET-1 concentrations were higher in NS patients (P = 0.007) as compared to healthy children. The allele frequencies between control and NS patients were significantly different only with respect to the rs10478694 SNP of the ET-1 gene. The allele frequencies between control and NS patients for the rs5370 SNP showed a trend towards difference (P = 0.057). Plasma cholesterol in NS patients is associated with both: the Cl genotype in locus rs5370 and the 3A4A genotype in locus rs10478694 (P < 0.05 in both cases). Significance: The ET systems might play a disease modifying role in pediatric NS. Plasma cholesterol, a hallmark of NS. seems to be associated with genetic variations within the human ET-1 gene. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.},
  language  = {en}
}
@inproceedings{BaranyaiGoedtelArmbrustNestleretal.2014,
  author    = {Baranyai, Dorothea and Goedtel-Armbrust, Ute and Nestler, Sebastian and Kleuser, Burkhard and Wojnowski, Leszek},
  title     = {A role for cutaneous CYP3A in vitamin D homeostasis?},
  series = {NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERGS ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY},
  volume    = {387},
  booktitle = {NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERGS ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY},
  publisher = {Springer},
  address   = {New York},
  issn      = {0028-1298},
  pages     = {S27 -- S27},
  year      = {2014},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{PrueferSchuchardtToelleetal.2014,
  author    = {Pruefer, Jasmin and Schuchardt, Mirjam and Toelle, Markus and Pruefer, Nicole and Hoehne, Matthias and Zidek, Walter and van der Giet, Markus},
  title     = {Harmful effects of the azathioprine metabolite 6-mercaptopurine in vascular cells: Induction of mineralization},
  series = {PLoS one},
  volume    = {9},
  journal   = {PLoS one},
  number    = {7},
  publisher = {PLoS},
  address   = {San Fransisco},
  issn      = {1932-6203},
  doi       = {10.1371/journal.pone.0101709},
  pages     = {8},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {Vascular mineralization contributes to the high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients who suffer from chronic kidney disease and in individuals who have undergone solid organ transplantation. The immunosuppressive regimen used to treat these patients appears to have an impact on vascular alterations. The effect of 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) on vascular calcification has not yet been determined. This study investigates the effect of 6-MP on vascular mineralization by the induction of trans-differentiation of rat vascular smooth muscle cells in vitro. 6-MP not only induces the expression of osteochondrocyte-like transcription factors and proteins but also activates alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity and produces calcium deposition in in vitro and ex vivo models. These processes are dependent on 6-MP-induced production of reactive oxygen species, intracellular activation of mitogen-activated kinases and phosphorylation of the transcription factor Cbfa1. Furthermore, the metabolic products of 6-MP, 6-thioguanine nucleotides and 6-methyl-thio-inosine monophosphate have major impacts on cellular calcification. These data provide evidence for a possible harmful effect of the immunosuppressive drug 6-MP in vascular diseases, such as arteriosclerosis.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{BrentenMorrisSaltetal.2014,
  author    = {Brenten, Thomas and Morris, Penelope J. and Salt, Carina and Raila, Jens and Kohn, Barbara and Brunnberg, Leo and Schweigert, Florian J. and Zentek, Juergen},
  title     = {Energy intake, growth rate and body composition of young Labrador Retrievers and Miniature Schnauzers fed different dietary levels of vitamin A},
  series = {The British journal of nutrition : an international journal devoted to the science of human and animal nutrition},
  volume    = {111},
  journal   = {The British journal of nutrition : an international journal devoted to the science of human and animal nutrition},
  number    = {12},
  publisher = {Cambridge Univ. Press},
  address   = {Cambridge},
  issn      = {0007-1145},
  doi       = {10.1017/S0007114514000543},
  pages     = {2104 -- 2111},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {Research in rodents has shown that dietary vitamin A reduces body fat by enhancing fat mobilisation and energy utilisation; however, their effects in growing dogs remain unclear. In the present study, we evaluated the development of body weight and body composition and compared observed energy intake with predicted energy intake in forty-nine puppies from two breeds (twenty-four Labrador Retriever (LAB) and twenty-five Miniature Schnauzer (MS)). A total of four different diets with increasing vitamin A content between 5.24 and 104.80 mu mol retinol (5000-100 000 IU vitamin A)/4184 kJ (1000 kcal) metabolisable energy were fed from the age of 8 weeks up to 52 (MS) and 78 weeks (LAB). The daily energy intake was recorded throughout the experimental period. The body condition score was evaluated weekly using a seven-category system, and food allowances were adjusted to maintain optimal body condition. Body composition was assessed at the age of 26 and 52 weeks for both breeds and at the age of 78 weeks for the LAB breed only using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The growth curves of the dogs followed a breed-specific pattern. However, data on energy intake showed considerable variability between the two breeds as well as when compared with predicted energy intake. In conclusion, the data show that energy intakes of puppies particularly during early growth are highly variable; however, the growth pattern and body composition of the LAB and MS breeds are not affected by the intake of vitamin A at levels up to 104.80 mu mol retinol (100 000 IU vitamin A)/4184 kJ (1000 kcal).},
  language  = {en}
}