@article{UngruBlueherCoenenetal.2012,
  author    = {Ungru, J. and Bl{\"u}her, M. and C{\"o}nen, M. and Raila, Jens and Boston, R. and Vervuert, I.},
  title     = {Effects of body weight reduction on blood adipokines and subcutaneous adipose tissue adipokine mRNA expression profiles in obese ponies},
  series = {The veterinary record},
  volume    = {171},
  journal   = {The veterinary record},
  number    = {21},
  publisher = {British Veterinary Association},
  address   = {London},
  issn      = {0042-4900},
  doi       = {10.1136/vr.100911},
  pages     = {528 -- +},
  year      = {2012},
  abstract  = {Fifteen obese ponies were used in a body weight (BW) reduction programme (BWRP, daily energy intake: 7.0-8.4 MJ/100 kg BW). A frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test was used to assess insulin sensitivity. Subcutaneous adipose tissue biopsies of the tail head were obtained for mRNA gene expression profiles of adiponectin, retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and macrophage activation marker (CD68) before and after BWRP. Blood samples were analysed for serum leptin, serum RBP4 and plasma adiponectin. Significant BW losses occurred with 7 MJ DE/100 kg BW. Serum leptin and RBP4 were initially similar between insulin-resistant (IR) and insulin-sensitive (IS) ponies, and both significantly decreased during BWRP. Compared with IS ponies, IR ponies initially had significantly lower plasma adiponectin levels. At the beginning of BWRP, mRNA expression of RBP4, adiponectin, IL-6 and CD68 was similar between IR and IS ponies. Plasma adiponectin was strongly related to IR, whereas serum leptin and RBP4 were closely linked to adiposity, independent of insulin sensitivity. Adipose tissue mRNA expression profiles did not clearly reflect these differences. However, the role of subcutaneous adipose tissue in IR remains open.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{ThawnashomTungtrongchitrChanchayetal.2011,
  author    = {Thawnashom, Kittisak and Tungtrongchitr, Rungsunn and Chanchay, Siriporn and Tungtrongchitr, Anchalee and Raila, Jens and Henze, Andrea and Schweigert, Florian J.},
  title     = {Association between Retinol-Binding protein and renal function among Asian subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus a cross-sectiona{\"o} study},
  series = {The Southeast Asian journal of tropical medicine and public health : official publication of the SEAMEO Regional Tropical Medicine and Public Health Project (TROPMED)},
  volume    = {42},
  journal   = {The Southeast Asian journal of tropical medicine and public health : official publication of the SEAMEO Regional Tropical Medicine and Public Health Project (TROPMED)},
  number    = {4},
  publisher = {SEAMEO},
  address   = {Bangkok},
  issn      = {0125-1562},
  pages     = {936 -- 945},
  year      = {2011},
  abstract  = {Retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) has been suggested as new adipokine, possibly linking obesity to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Since the kidneys are the main site of RBP4 degradation and since renal failure is a frequent co-morbid condition with diabetes mellitus, we evaluated the association among RBP4, renal function and T2DM in an Asian population. RBP4 serum levels were analyzed in 110 subjects (50 with T2DM) using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Based on a cut-off estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 60 ml/min per 1.73 m(2) (calculated according the abbreviated MDRD formula which uses serum creatinine level, age and gender) and on the T2DM status, subjects were assigned to four subgroups: Group A - controls with an eGFR > 60 ml/min per 1.73 m(2), Group B - controls with an eGFR < 60 ml/min per 1.73 m(2), Group C- T2DM subjects with an eGFR>60 ml/min per 1.73 m(2), and Group D - T2DM subjects with an eGFR <60 ml/ mm per 1.73 m(2). In both the T2DM and control groups, RBP4 levels were higher in subjects with an eGFR < 60 ml/min per 1.73 m(2) than in subjects with an eGFR >60 ml/min per 1.73 m(2). However, the difference was only significant between the control groups (p <0.05). After adjusting for age, gender, BMI, eGFR and the presence of T2DM, eGFR, not T2DM, was associated with plasma RBP4 levels (p<0.05). These results suggest among Asians the eGFR, but not the presence of T2DM, is a major determinant of RBP4 serum levels. The eGFR should be taken into account when evaluating the role of RBP4 in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and T2DM.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{StarzonekRoscherBlitheretal.2019,
  author    = {Starzonek, Janine and Roscher, Katja and Blither, Matthias and Blaue, Dominique and Schedlbauer, Carola and Hire, Manuela and Raila, Jens and Vervuert, Ingrid},
  title     = {Effects of a blend of green tea and curcuma extract supplementation on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in horses and ponies},
  series = {PeerJ},
  volume    = {7},
  journal   = {PeerJ},
  publisher = {PeerJ Inc.},
  address   = {London},
  issn      = {2167-8359},
  doi       = {10.7717/peerj.8053},
  pages     = {17},
  year      = {2019},
  abstract  = {Background. In horses and ponies numerous medical conditions are known to be linked with inflammation in different tissues, especially in the liver. Besides affecting other metabolic pathways such as the expression of certain interleukins (IL), inflammation is associated with stress of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In particular, ER stress leads to adaptive stress response and can be measured by several markers of inflammatory and stress signalling pathways, like nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB). Objectives. To investigate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory reactions and their modulation in horses and ponies by feeding a polyphenol-rich supplement consisting of green tea and curcuma. Methods. In a cross-over study, 11 animals were allocated to either a placebo or a supplement group and supplemented with 10 g of a blend of green tea and curcuma extract (GCE) or a placebo (calcium carbonate) once daily. After 21 days of supplementation, all animals underwent a LPS challenge to induce moderate systemic inflammation. Blood samples and liver biopsies were taken at standardized time points: 24 hours before and 12 hours after LPS challenge. Inflammatory blood parameters such as serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin and retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) were measured in serum. Hepatic mRNA levels of selected markers of inflammation such as haptoglobin, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), IL-1 beta, IL-6, cluster of differentiation 68 (CD68), fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21), NF-kappa B, activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) were quantified by RT-qPCR. In addition, liver biopsies were examined histologically for inflammatory alterations. Results. Blood markers of acute inflammatory response increased after LPS challenge. In the liver, the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1 beta showed significantly lower mRNA levels after LPS challenge in the supplemented group (P = 0.04) compared to the placebo group. Levels of the hepatic CD68 mRNA increased significantly in the placebo group (P = 0.04). There were no significant differences between supplemented and placebo groups concerning other markers of inflammation and markers of ER stress within the liver. The number of hepatic macrophages were not different after LPS challenge in both feeding groups. Conclusion. LPS was able to induce inflammation but seemed less suitable to induce ER stress in the horses and ponies. The polyphenol-rich supplement showed some potential to reduce inflammatory responses. Nevertheless, the supplementation did not exert an overall anti-inflammatory effect in horses and ponies.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{ShahidManchiSlunskyetal.2017,
  author    = {Shahid, Muhammad and Manchi, G. and Slunsky, Pavel and Naseer, O. and Fatima, A. and Leo, B. and Raila, Jens},
  title     = {A systemic review of existing serological possibilities to diagnose canine osteoarthritis with a particular focus on extracellular matrix proteoglycans and protein},
  series = {Polish journal of veterinary sciences : PJVS : the journal of Committee of Veterinary Sciences of Polish Academy of Sciences and University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn},
  volume    = {20},
  journal   = {Polish journal of veterinary sciences : PJVS : the journal of Committee of Veterinary Sciences of Polish Academy of Sciences and University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn},
  number    = {1},
  publisher = {De Gruyter},
  address   = {Berlin},
  issn      = {1505-1773},
  doi       = {10.1515/pjvs-2017-0024},
  pages     = {189 -- 201},
  year      = {2017},
  abstract  = {Extra-cellular matrix (ECM) components are important and their stabilization is significant in maintaining normal healthy joint environment. In osteoarthritis (OA), ECM components are altered and indicate disease progression. The joint ECM is composed of proteoglycans (aggrecan, perlecan,inter α-trypsin inhibitor), glycoproteins (fibronectin, lubricin, COMP) and collagen types (most abundantly collagen type II) which represent structural and functional transformation during disease advancement. ECM investigation revealed significant biomarkers of OA that could be used as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool in different canine orthopedic diseases. This review deliberates our current findings of how the components of ECM change at the molecular level during disease progression in canine OA.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{SchweigertWirthRaila2004,
  author    = {Schweigert, Florian J. and Wirth, Kerstin and Raila, Jens},
  title     = {Characterization of the microheterogeneity of transthyretin in plasma and urine using SELDI-TOF-MS immunoassay},
  year      = {2004},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{SchweigertRailaSehoulietal.2004,
  author    = {Schweigert, Florian J. and Raila, Jens and Sehouli, Jalid and B{\"u}scher, Ulrich},
  title     = {Accumulation of Selected Carotenoids, alpha-tocopherol and Retinol in Human Ovarian Carcinoma Ascitic Fluid},
  issn      = {1421-9697},
  year      = {2004},
  abstract  = {Background: Patients with severe forms of cancer are reported to have reduced concentrations of micronutrients in plasma due to the chronic reduction of food intake and an increased metabolism of these components. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if an accumulation of carotenoids, alpha-tocopherol and retinol in malignant ascitic fluid in women with ovarian cancer might contribute to a loss of these components from plasma. Methods: Blood and ascitic fluid samples obtained from 21 women with ovarian carcinomas and 17 healthy controls were analyzed for retinol, retinol- binding protein (RBP), alpha-tocopherol and carotenoids. Results: Plasma concentrations of all micronutrients were lower in cancer patients compared to controls. Ascitic fluid concentration of all investigated components was comparable (73- 110\%) to plasma. While the mean concentration of retinol in malignant ascites represented 73\% of that in plasma, the concentration of RBP was less than 10\% resulting in an increased mean molar ratio of retinol to RBP from 1.18 to 10.5. Conclusions: The results suggest that lower plasma concentrations of micronutrients in women suffering from ovarian carcinoma are not only caused by a cachexia-induced decrease of food intake and a higher rate of metabolic utilization, but also by a substantial yet not considered transfer from plasma into ascitic fluid possibly associated with plasma lipoproteins. This raises questions with regard to the protective function of these plasma components in ascitic fluid, the consequences of paracentesis on an additional supplementation and finally the possibility to use one or a combination of these components as an additional marker to discriminate between benign and malignant ascites. Copyright (C) 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{SchweigertRailaHaebel1998,
  author    = {Schweigert, Florian J. and Raila, Jens and Haebel, Sophie},
  title     = {Vitamin A excreted in the urine of canines is associated with a Tamm-Horsfall-like Glycoprotein},
  year      = {1998},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{SchweigertRailaEisenachetal.1997,
  author    = {Schweigert, Florian J. and Raila, Jens and Eisenach, C. and Buchholz, Ingeborg},
  title     = {Distribution of vitamin A and retinol-binding-protein (RBP) in plasma, urine and various tissues of canines},
  year      = {1997},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{SchweigertRaila2005,
  author    = {Schweigert, Florian J. and Raila, Jens},
  title     = {Inadequate attempts to measure the microheterogeneity of transthyretin by low-resolution mass spectrometry : Response},
  issn      = {0009-9147},
  year      = {2005},
  language  = {en}
}
@inproceedings{SchuppRailaWitteetal.2012,
  author    = {Schupp, M. and Raila, Jens and Witte, N. and Tuvia, N. and M{\"u}nzner, Matthias},
  title     = {RBP4 and its membrane receptor stra6 control adipogenesis by regulating cellular retinoid homeostasis},
  series = {Diabetologia : journal of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD)},
  volume    = {55},
  booktitle = {Diabetologia : journal of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD)},
  publisher = {Springer},
  address   = {New York},
  issn      = {0012-186X},
  pages     = {S93 -- S93},
  year      = {2012},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{SchmiedchenLongardtLouietal.2016,
  author    = {Schmiedchen, Bettina and Longardt, Ann Carolin and Loui, Andrea and Buehrer, Christoph and Raila, Jens and Schweigert, Florian J.},
  title     = {Effect of vitamin A supplementation on the urinary retinol excretion in very low birth weight infants},
  series = {European journal of pediatrics : official organ of the Belgian Pediatric Association},
  volume    = {175},
  journal   = {European journal of pediatrics : official organ of the Belgian Pediatric Association},
  publisher = {Springer},
  address   = {New York},
  issn      = {0340-6199},
  doi       = {10.1007/s00431-015-2647-9},
  pages     = {365 -- 372},
  year      = {2016},
  abstract  = {Despite high-dose vitamin A supplementation of very low birth weight infants (VLBW, <1500 g), their vitamin A status does not improve substantially. Unknown is the impact of urinary retinol excretion on the serum retinol concentration in these infants. Therefore, the effect of high-dose vitamin A supplementation on the urinary vitamin A excretion in VLBW infants was investigated. Sixty-three VLBW infants were treated with vitamin A (5000 IU intramuscular, 3 times/week for 4 weeks); 38 untreated infants were classified as control group. On days 3 and 28 of life, retinol, retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4), glomerular filtration rate, proteinuria, and Tamm-Horsfall protein were quantified in urine. On day 3 of life, substantial retinol and RBP4 losses were found in both groups, which significantly decreased until day 28. Notwithstanding, the retinol excretion was higher (P<0.01) under vitamin A supplementation as compared to infants of the control group. On day 28 of life, the urinary retinol concentrations were predictive for serum retinol concentrations in the vitamin A treated (P<0.01), but not in the control group (P=0.570). Conclusion: High urinary retinol excretion may limit the vitamin A supplementation efficacy in VLBW infants. Advanced age and thus postnatal kidney maturation seems to be an important contributor in the prevention of urinary retinol losses.},
  language  = {en}
}
@misc{SchmiedchenLongardtBuehreretal.2017,
  author    = {Schmiedchen, Bettina and Longardt, Ann Carolin and B{\"u}hrer, Christoph and Raila, Jens and Loui, Andrea and Schweigert, Florian J.},
  title     = {The Relative Dose Response Test Based on Retinol-Binding Protein 4 Is Not Suitable to Assess Vitamin A Status in Very Low Birth Weight Infants},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-399853},
  pages     = {6},
  year      = {2017},
  abstract  = {Background: The relative dose response (RDR) test, which quantifies the increase in serum retinol after vitamin A administration, is a qualitative measure of liver vitamin A stores. Particularly in preterm infants, the feasibility of the RDR test involving blood is critically dependent on small sample volumes. Objectives: This study aimed to assess whether the RDR calculated with retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) might be a substitute for the classical retinol-based RDR test for assessing vitamin A status in very preterm infants. Methods: This study included preterm infants with a birth weight below 1,500 g (n = 63, median birth weight 985 g, median gestational age 27.4 weeks) who were treated with 5,000 IU retinyl palmitate intramuscularly 3 times a week for 4 weeks. On day 3 (first vitamin A injection) and day 28 of life (last vitamin A injection), the RDR was calculated and compared using serum retinol and RBP4 concentrations. Results: The concentrations of retinol (p < 0.001) and RBP4 (p < 0.01) increased significantly from day 3 to day 28. On day 3, the median (IQR) retinol-RDR was 27\% (8.4-42.5) and the median RBP4-RDR was 8.4\% (-3.4 to 27.9), compared to 7.5\% (-10.6 to 20.8) and -0.61\% (-19.7 to 15.3) on day 28. The results for retinol-RDR and RBP4-RDR revealed no significant correlation. The agreement between retinol-RDR and RBP4-RDR was poor (day 3: Cohen's κ = 0.12; day 28: Cohen's κ = 0.18). Conclusion: The RDR test based on circulating RBP4 is unlikely to reflect the hepatic vitamin A status in preterm infants.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{SchedlbauerBlaueRailaetal.2020,
  author    = {Schedlbauer, Carola and Blaue, Dominique and Raila, Jens and Vervuert, Ingrid},
  title     = {Alterations of serum vitamin E and vitamin A concentrations of ponies and horses during experimentally induced obesity},
  series = {Journal of animal physiology and animal nutrition},
  volume    = {104},
  journal   = {Journal of animal physiology and animal nutrition},
  number    = {5},
  publisher = {Wiley},
  address   = {Hoboken},
  issn      = {0931-2439},
  doi       = {10.1111/jpn.13385},
  pages     = {1501 -- 1508},
  year      = {2020},
  abstract  = {Vitamin A, vitamin E and retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) are a focus of current obesity research in humans. The impact of body weight (BW) gain on fat-soluble vitamins and its associated parameters in equines has not been previously reported. Ten Shetland ponies and 9 Warmblood horses, all adult geldings, non-obese and healthy, were fed an excessive energy diet for 20 months to induce BW gain. Serum alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E), retinol (vitamin A), retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) and retinol/RBP4 ratio were analysed before BW gain induction and at six timepoints during the BW gaining period. The mean (+/- SD) \% BW gain achieved during two years of excess energy intake was 29.9 +/- 19.4\% for ponies and 17 +/- 6.74\% for horses. Serum alpha-tocopherol increased significantly in ponies and horses during excess energy intake and circulating alpha-tocopherol levels correlated positively with alpha-tocopherol intake (r = .6; p < .001). Serum retinol concentrations showed variations during the study but without relation to intake. Serum RBP4 decreased at the end of the study. The retinol/RBP4 ratio increased with BW gain without differences between ponies and horses. In comparison with human research, the increase in the retinol/RBP4 ratio was unexpected and needs further elucidation.},
  language  = {en}
}
@misc{SchedlbauerBlaueRailaetal.2020,
  author    = {Schedlbauer, Carola and Blaue, Dominique and Raila, Jens and Vervuert, Ingrid},
  title     = {Alterations of serum vitamin E and vitamin A concentrations of ponies and horses during experimentally induced obesity},
  series = {Zweitver{\"o}ffentlichungen der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam : Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe},
  journal   = {Zweitver{\"o}ffentlichungen der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam : Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe},
  number    = {5},
  issn      = {1866-8372},
  doi       = {10.25932/publishup-51951},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-519515},
  pages     = {10},
  year      = {2020},
  abstract  = {Vitamin A, vitamin E and retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) are a focus of current obesity research in humans. The impact of body weight (BW) gain on fat-soluble vitamins and its associated parameters in equines has not been previously reported. Ten Shetland ponies and 9 Warmblood horses, all adult geldings, non-obese and healthy, were fed an excessive energy diet for 20 months to induce BW gain. Serum alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E), retinol (vitamin A), retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) and retinol/RBP4 ratio were analysed before BW gain induction and at six timepoints during the BW gaining period. The mean (+/- SD) \% BW gain achieved during two years of excess energy intake was 29.9 +/- 19.4\% for ponies and 17 +/- 6.74\% for horses. Serum alpha-tocopherol increased significantly in ponies and horses during excess energy intake and circulating alpha-tocopherol levels correlated positively with alpha-tocopherol intake (r = .6; p < .001). Serum retinol concentrations showed variations during the study but without relation to intake. Serum RBP4 decreased at the end of the study. The retinol/RBP4 ratio increased with BW gain without differences between ponies and horses. In comparison with human research, the increase in the retinol/RBP4 ratio was unexpected and needs further elucidation.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{RailaWirthChenetal.2004,
  author    = {Raila, Jens and Wirth, Kerstin and Chen, Frank and B{\"u}scer, Ulrich and Dudenhausen, Joachim W. and Schweigert, Florian J.},
  title     = {Excretion of vitamin A in urine of women during Normal pregnancy and pregnancy complications},
  issn      = {0250-6807},
  year      = {2004},
  abstract  = {Background/Aims: The renal function, including the excretion of low-molecular-weight proteins, changes during pregnancy and may cause a urinary excretion of retinol-binding protein (RBP). Whether it is accompanied by a substantial loss of vitamin A ( retinol) has not been established yet. We therefore determined the excretion of retinol and RBP in urine of pregnant women. Methods: The study involved analyses of urine samples from 40 healthy pregnant women and 29 women with pregnancy complications during the third trimester. Analyses of plasma and urine of 7 healthy women and 5 women with pregnancy complications were also carried out 6 weeks antepartum, at time of delivery and 1 week postpartum. Results: Urinary retinol was higher in women who suffered from pregnancy disorders with an influence on maternal metabolism ( p < 0.01). RBP was excreted at substantial concentrations in the urine of all 69 women, but there were no differences between the groups. Women with a concomitant excretion of retinol had higher levels of urinary RBP than those without a retinol excretion ( p < 0.05). Differences in plasma retinol and RBP were not significant. Conclusion: The excretion of urinary retinol may increase significantly during pregnancy complications, which needs further clarification to which extent this condition may negatively affect the vitamin A status in such women. Copyright (C) 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel},
  language  = {en}
}
@book{RailaWirthBuescheretal.2001,
  author    = {Raila, Jens and Wirth, Kerstin and B{\"u}scher, Ulrich and Dudenhausen, Joachim W. and Schweigert, Florian J.},
  title     = {Einfluss normaler und pathologischer Schwangerschaftsverl{\"a}ufe auf die renale Ausscheidung von Vitamin A und Retinol-Bindungsprotein},
  year      = {2001},
  language  = {de}
}
@article{RailaWillnowSchweigert2005,
  author    = {Raila, Jens and Willnow, T. E. and Schweigert, Florian J.},
  title     = {Megalin-mediated reuptake of retinol in the kidneys of mice is essential for vitamin A homeostasis},
  issn      = {0022-3166},
  year      = {2005},
  abstract  = {The reuptake of retinol (ROH) and retinol-binding protein (RBP) in the kidneys is mediated by the endocytic receptor megalin, suggesting an important role for this receptor in vitamin A (VA) metabolism. We examined the extent to which megalin deficiency may affect urinary ROH excretion, levels of ROH and RBP in plasma, as well as storage of VA in liver and kidney. For this purpose, mice with a kidney-specific megalin gene defect (megalin(lox/lox):; apoE(Cre)) and control mice (megalin(lox/lox)) were fed either a basal diet containing 4500 retinol equivalents (RE)/kg diet or a diet without VA during experimental periods of 42 and 84 d. Urinary ROH excretion was observed only in megalin(lox/lox); apoE(Cre) mice (P < 0.0001, 2-way ANOVA) and not in the controls. Plasma ROH and RBP differed only by diet (P < 0.05), but not genotype (P = 0.615). A major effect of megalin deficiency, however, was evident in retinyl ester levels in the liver (P < 0.05), which were similar to 37\% lower than those in megalin(lox/lox) controls (P < 0.05, Student's t test) during the 84-d period of dietary VA deprivation. Kidney levels of VA were not affected by the receptor gene defect. The findings demonstrate that urinary ROH excretion caused by megalin deficiency requires accelerated mobilization of hepatic VA stores to maintain normal plasma ROH levels, which suggests that megalin plays an essential role in systemic VA homeostasis},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{RailaStohrerForterreetal.2004,
  author    = {Raila, Jens and Stohrer, M. and Forterre, Simone and Stangassinger, M. and Schweigert, Florian J.},
  title     = {Effect of exercise on the mobilization of retinol and retinyl esters in plasma of sled dogs},
  year      = {2004},
  abstract  = {Fasting dogs do transport vitamin A (VA) in plasma not only as retinol but predominantly as retinyl esters. Contrary to retinol, nothing is known concerning the effects of athletic performance on plasma retinyl ester concentrations. The aim of this study was therefore to examine whether physical stress because of exercise and modification of the oxidative stress by supplementation of alpha-tocopherol influences the concentrations of retinol and retinyl esters in plasma of sled dogs. The study was carried out on 41 trained adult sled dogs, which were randomly assigned into two groups. One group (19 dogs) was daily substituted with 50 mg DL-alpha-tocopheryl acetate per kilogram body weight and the control group (22 dogs) was maintained on a basal diet during 3 months prior to exercise. The plasma concentrations of retinol, retinyl esters, alpha-tocopherol and triglycerides were measured immediately before, directly after and 24 h after exercise. The supplementation of alpha-tocopheryl acetate had no effect on plasma retinol and retinyl ester concentrations at any measurement time point. However, retinyl ester levels doubled in the non- supplemented group immediately after the race (p < 0.001), whereas in the supplemented group similar high levels were observed not until 24 h post-racing (p < 0.001). The high levels of retinyl esters were paralleled to some extent by an increase in plasma triglyceride concentrations, which were significantly higher 24 h post-racing than immediately before (p < 0.001) and after exercise (p < 0.001) in both groups. The increase in retinyl ester concentrations might be indicative of their mobilization from liver and adipose tissue. Whether plasma retinyl esters can be used as an indicator for the extent of nutrient mobilization during and post-exercise in sled dogs remains to be elucidated},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{RailaSchweigertStanitznigetal.2017,
  author    = {Raila, Jens and Schweigert, Florian J. and Stanitznig, A. and Lambacher, B. and Franz, S. and Baldermann, Susanne and Wittek, T.},
  title     = {No detectable carotenoid concentrations in serum of llamas and alpacas},
  series = {Journal of animal physiology and animal nutrition},
  volume    = {101},
  journal   = {Journal of animal physiology and animal nutrition},
  publisher = {Wiley},
  address   = {Hoboken},
  issn      = {0931-2439},
  doi       = {10.1111/jpn.12638},
  pages     = {629 -- 634},
  year      = {2017},
  abstract  = {Carotenoids are lipid-soluble pigments and important for a variety of physiological functions. They are major dietary vitamin A precursors and act as lipophilic antioxidants in a variety of tissues and are associated with important health benefits in humans and animals. All animals must acquire carotenoids from their diet, but to our knowledge, there are no studies investigating the intestinal carotenoid absorption and their blood concentrations in New World camelids. The present study aimed to assess the serum concentrations of selected carotenoids in llamas (n=13) and alpacas (n=27). Serum carotenoids as well as retinol (vitamin A) and -tocopherol (vitamin E) were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and these were unable to detect any carotenoids (- and -carotene, - and -cryptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene) in the samples. The concentrations of retinol in alpacas (2.89 +/- 1.13mol/l; mean +/- SD) were higher (p=0.024) than those found in llamas (2.05 +/- 0.87mol/l); however, the concentrations of -tocopherol were not significantly (p=0.166) different (llamas: 3.98 +/- 1.83mol/l; alpacas: 4.95 +/- 2.14mol/l). The results show that both llamas and alpacas are not able to absorb intact carotenoids, but efficiently convert provitamin A carotenoids to retinol.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{RailaSchweigertKohn2011,
  author    = {Raila, Jens and Schweigert, Florian J. and Kohn, Barbara},
  title     = {C-reactive protein concentrations in serum of dogs with naturally occurring renal disease},
  series = {Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation},
  volume    = {23},
  journal   = {Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation},
  number    = {4},
  publisher = {Sage Publ.},
  address   = {Thousand Oaks},
  issn      = {1040-6387},
  doi       = {10.1177/1040638711407896},
  pages     = {710 -- 715},
  year      = {2011},
  abstract  = {The current study was undertaken to investigate the relation between serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations and parameters of renal function in dogs with naturally occurring renal disease. Dogs were assigned to groups according to plasma creatinine concentration, urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio (UP/UC), and exogenous plasma creatinine clearance (P-Cl(Cr)) rates. Group A (healthy control dogs; n = 8): non-azotemic (plasma creatinine <125 mu mol/l) and nonproteinuric (UP/UC <0.2), with P-Cl(Cr) rates >90 ml/min/m(2); group B (n = 11): non-azotemic, nonproteinuric dogs with reduced P-Cl(Cr) rates (50-89 ml/min/m(2)); group C (n = 7): azotemic, borderline proteinuric dogs (P-Cl(Cr) rates: 22-67 ml/min/m(2)); and group D (n = 6): uremic, proteinuric dogs (not tested for P-Cl(Cr)). The serum CRP concentrations were measured via commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The CRP concentrations in the clinically healthy dogs (group A) ranged from 2.09 mg/l to 8.60 mg/l (median: 3.21 mg/l). In comparison with dogs of group A, median CRP concentrations were significantly (P < 0.01) elevated in dogs of group B (17.6 mg/l, range: 17.0-19.2 mg/l), group C (24.8 mg/l, range: 18.0-32.5 mg/l), and group D (59.7 mg/l, range: 17.7-123 mg/l). Serum CRP was significantly related to P-Cl(Cr) (r = -0.83; P < 0.001), plasma creatinine (r = 0.81; P < 0.001), UP/UC (r = 0.70; P < 0.001), and leukocytes (r = 0.49; P < 0.01). The significant relations between serum CRP concentrations and biochemical parameters of kidney function in plasma and urine suggest that a stimulation of the acute phase response is implicated in the pathogenesis of canine renal disease.},
  language  = {en}
}