TY - GEN A1 - Morris, Penelope J. A1 - Salt, Carina A1 - Raila, Jens A1 - Brenten, Thomas A1 - Kohn, Barbara A1 - Schweigert, Florian J. A1 - Zentek, Jürgen T1 - Safety evaluation of vitamin A in growing dogs T2 - Potsprints der Universität Potsdam : Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe N2 - The safe upper limit for inclusion of vitamin A in complete diets for growing dogs is uncertain, with the result that current recommendations range from 5.24 to 104.80 mu mol retinol (5000 to 100 000 IU vitamin A)/4184 kJ (1000 kcal) metabolisable energy (ME). The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of feeding four concentrations of vitamin A to puppies from weaning until 1 year of age. A total of forty-nine puppies, of two breeds, Labrador Retriever and Miniature Schnauzer, were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups. Following weaning at 8 weeks of age, puppies were fed a complete food supplemented with retinyl acetate diluted in vegetable oil and fed at 1ml oil/100 g diet to achieve an intake of 5.24, 13.10, 78.60 and 104.80 mu mol retinol (5000, 12 500, 75 000 and 100 000 IU vitamin A)/4184 kJ (1000 kcal) ME. Fasted blood and urine samples were collected at 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 20, 26, 36 and 52 weeks of age and analysed for markers of vitamin A metabolism and markers of safety including haematological and biochemical variables, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, cross-linked carboxyterminal telopeptides of type I collagen and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Clinical examinations were conducted every 4 weeks. Data were analysed by means of a mixed model analysis with Bonferroni corrections for multiple endpoints. There was no effect of vitamin A concentration on any of the parameters, with the exception of total serum retinyl esters, and no effect of dose on the number, type and duration of adverse events. We therefore propose that 104.80 mu mol retinol (100 000 IU vitamin A)/4184 kJ (1000 kcal) is a suitable safe upper limit for use in the formulation of diets designed for puppy growth. T3 - Zweitveröffentlichungen der Universität Potsdam : Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe - 686 KW - puppies KW - dogs KW - Retinol KW - Retinyl esters KW - vitamin A Y1 - 2019 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-414929 IS - 686 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Ruhl, R. A1 - Fritzsche, Britta A1 - Vermot, J. A1 - Niederreither, K. A1 - Neumann, U. A1 - Schmidt, A. A1 - Schweigert, Florian J. A1 - Dolle, P. T1 - Regulation of expression of the retinoic acid-synthesising enzymes retinaldehyde dehydrogenases in the uteri of ovariectomised mice after treatment with oestrogen, gestagen and their combination N2 - The active metabolite of vitaminA, retinoic acid (RA), plays an important role in the female reproductive system. The synthesis of RA is tightly regulated by the activity of retinaldehyde dehydrogenases (Raldh). Among these, Raldh1 and Raldh2 exhibit specific temporal and spatial expression patterns in the mouse uterus, both during the oestrous cycle and early pregnancy. In the present study, we have assessed whether oestradiol and progesterone directly influence the uterine expression of Raldh1 and Raldh2 in ovariectomised mice. We investigated the effect of gestagen (promegestone 0.3 mg kg(-1) bodyweight), oestrogen (oestradiol 3 mu g kg(-1) bodyweight) and their combination on the uterine expression of Raldh2. Expression was analysed using in situ hybridisation and quantified using real-time detection reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The results show that the expression of Raldh2 is rapidly (within 1-4 h) induced in stromal cells by oestrogen, but not by gestagen, treatment, whereas combined oestrogen + gestagen treatment leads to a more prolonged (48 h) response. In contrast, oestrogen, but not progesterone, treatment downregulates (within 4 - 24 h) Raldh1 expression in the uterine glandular epithelium. We conclude that the uterine RA concentrations are regulated by oestrogens via an effect on the expression of the Raldh synthesising enzymes. Such a regulation is consistent with the natural fluctuations of Raldh expression during the oestrous cycle, early pregnancy and blastocyst implantation Y1 - 2006 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Schweigert, Florian J. A1 - Krieger, K. A1 - Schnurrbusch, D. A1 - Schams, D. A1 - Gropp, J. T1 - Effect of dietary ß-carotene on the early embryonic development and uterine fluid composition of gilts Y1 - 2003 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Schweigert, Florian J. A1 - Reimann, J. T1 - Micronutrients and their Relevance for the Eye - Function of Lutein, Zeaxanthin and Omega-3 Fatty Acids JF - Klinische Monatsblätter für Augenheilkunde N2 - Micronutrients play an important role in function and health maintenance for the eye. Especially lutein, zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids perform remarkable functions: lutein together with zeaxanthin forms the macular pigment, these carotenoids filter out the damaging blue light component from the sunlight as well as the ultraviolet light which leads to improved contrast sensitivity and less problems with screen glare. Furthermore, the macular pigment has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The omega-3 fatty acids also possess anti-inflammatory effects and, when converted into neuroprotectin, they protect against oxidative induced apoptosis in the retina. They are also responsible for the fluidity and supply to the photoreceptor membrane. These properties are important for the prevention and treatment of degenerative eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration. However, older people are often not sufficiently supplied of micronutrients in their diet. Because the supply of nutrients can hardly be achieved by dietary change, the additional intake in the form of food supplements is useful in this age group. Scientific studies have shown the positive effects of supplementation with micronutrients such as lutein/zeaxanthin, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid (DHA and EPA). Currently available nutritional products are based in part on the ingredients of the ARED study (Age Related Eye Disease Study). According to more recent studies formulations containing lutein and omega-3 fatty acids in physiologically meaningful doses without additional beta-carotene should be preferred. 10 to 20 mg of lutein and zeaxanthin represent a safe daily dose Regarding to the context above, beta-carotene in high doses plays a minor role to the eye and is especially critical for the health of smokers. This paper summarises the functions of the presented micronutrients in the eye and can assist ophthalmologists in advising their patients. KW - AMD KW - lutein KW - omega-3 fatty acids KW - macular pigment density KW - micronutrients KW - dosage recommendation Y1 - 2011 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0029-1245527 SN - 0023-2165 VL - 228 IS - 6 SP - 537 EP - 543 PB - Thieme CY - Stuttgart ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Brenten, Thomas A1 - Morris, Penelope J. A1 - Salt, Carina A1 - Raila, Jens A1 - Kohn, Barbara A1 - Brunnberg, Leo A1 - Schweigert, Florian J. A1 - Zentek, Juergen T1 - Energy intake, growth rate and body composition of young Labrador Retrievers and Miniature Schnauzers fed different dietary levels of vitamin A JF - The British journal of nutrition : an international journal devoted to the science of human and animal nutrition N2 - 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). KW - Dog growth KW - Vitamin A KW - Body composition KW - Energy intake Y1 - 2014 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114514000543 SN - 0007-1145 SN - 1475-2662 VL - 111 IS - 12 SP - 2104 EP - 2111 PB - Cambridge Univ. Press CY - Cambridge ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Morris, Penelope J. A1 - Salt, Carina A1 - Raila, Jens A1 - Brenten, Thomas A1 - Kohn, Barbara A1 - Schweigert, Florian J. A1 - Zentek, Juergen T1 - Safety evaluation of vitamin A in growing dogs JF - BRITISH JOURNAL OF NUTRITION N2 - The safe upper limit for inclusion of vitamin A in complete diets for growing dogs is uncertain, with the result that current recommendations range from 5.24 to 104.80 mu mol retinol (5000 to 100 000 IU vitamin A)/4184 kJ (1000 kcal) metabolisable energy (ME). The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of feeding four concentrations of vitamin A to puppies from weaning until 1 year of age. A total of forty-nine puppies, of two breeds, Labrador Retriever and Miniature Schnauzer, were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups. Following weaning at 8 weeks of age, puppies were fed a complete food supplemented with retinyl acetate diluted in vegetable oil and fed at 1ml oil/100 g diet to achieve an intake of 5.24, 13.10, 78.60 and 104.80 mu mol retinol (5000, 12 500, 75 000 and 100 000 IU vitamin A)/4184 kJ (1000 kcal) ME. Fasted blood and urine samples were collected at 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 20, 26, 36 and 52 weeks of age and analysed for markers of vitamin A metabolism and markers of safety including haematological and biochemical variables, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, cross-linked carboxyterminal telopeptides of type I collagen and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Clinical examinations were conducted every 4 weeks. Data were analysed by means of a mixed model analysis with Bonferroni corrections for multiple endpoints. There was no effect of vitamin A concentration on any of the parameters, with the exception of total serum retinyl esters, and no effect of dose on the number, type and duration of adverse events. We therefore propose that 104.80 mu mol retinol (100 000 IU vitamin A)/4184 kJ (1000 kcal) is a suitable safe upper limit for use in the formulation of diets designed for puppy growth. KW - Puppies KW - Dogs KW - Retinol KW - Retinyl esters KW - Vitamin A Y1 - 2012 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114512000128 SN - 0007-1145 VL - 108 IS - 10 SP - 1800 EP - 1809 PB - CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESS CY - CAMBRIDGE ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Bechir, Mahamat A1 - Schelling, E. A1 - Krämer, K. A1 - Schweigert, Florian J. A1 - Bonfoh, Bassirou A1 - Crump, L. A1 - Tanner, M. A1 - Zinsstag, J. T1 - Retinol assessment among women and children in sahelian mobile pastoralists JF - EcoHealth : conservation medicine, human health, ecosystem sustainability N2 - Micronutrient deficiencies are widespread in developing countries, particularly in remote communities such as mobile pastoralists. The nutritional and vitamin A status of this population is not well-documented in Chad. This study assessed serum retinol levels among women and children under five-year-old in nomadic and semi-nomadic pastoralist and rural-settled communities, who are similarly exposed to risk factors such as gastrointestinal parasitic infection, anaemia and emaciation. The novel method of portable fluorometry was used for the first time to measure beta-carotene and retinol levels in a pastoral nomadic area. Moderate level blood retinol deficiency (< 0.7 mu mol/L) was observed in 5% (CI 1-11) of nomadic, 29% (CI 13-45) of semi-nomadic and 22% (CI 8-35) of sedentary women. In children, 1% (CI 0.1-4), 17% (CI 9-25) and 28% (CI 18-39), respectively, had moderate level blood retinol deficiency. In nomadic communities, women and children had blood retinol levels close to normal. Deficiency of retinol was strongly linked with lifestyle (nomadic, semi-nomadic and settled) among women and lifestyle and age among children. The results support an ecological linkage between human retinol levels and livestock milk retinol. This study shows the feasibility of portable retinol and beta-carotene measurement in human blood as well as human and animal milk under remote field conditions, but the approach requires further validation. KW - vitamin A KW - retinol KW - nomadic pastoralist KW - Chad Y1 - 2012 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1007/s10393-012-0781-7 SN - 1612-9202 VL - 9 IS - 2 SP - 113 EP - 121 PB - Springer CY - New York ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Islam, Khan Shaiful A1 - Khalil, Mahmoud A1 - Männer, K. A1 - Raila, Jens A1 - Rawel, Harshadrai Manilal A1 - Zentek, J. A1 - Schweigert, Florian J. T1 - Effect of dietary alpha-tocopherol on the bioavailability of lutein in laying hen JF - Journal of animal physiology and animal nutrition N2 - Lutein and its isomer zeaxanthin have gained considerable interest as possible nutritional ingredient in the prevention of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in humans. Egg yolk is a rich source of these carotenoids. As an oxidative sensitive component, antioxidants such as -tocopherol (T) might contribute to an improved accumulation in egg yolk. To test this, chickens were fed lutein esters (LE) with and without -tocopherol as an antioxidant. After depletion on a wheat-soya bean-based lutein-poor diet for 21days, laying hens (n=42) were equally divided into three groups and fed the following diets for 21days: control (basal diet), a LE group (40mg LE/kg feed) and LE+T group (40mg LE plus 100mg T/kg feed). Eggs and blood were collected periodically. Carotenoids and -tocopherol in yolk and blood plasma were determined by HPLC. Egg yolk was also analysed for total carotenoids using a one-step spectrophotometric method (iCheck(())). Lutein, zeaxanthin, -tocopherol and total carotenoids in egg yolk were highest after 14days of feeding and decreased slightly afterwards. At the end of the trial, eggs of LE+T group contained higher amount of lutein (13.72), zeaxanthin (0.65), -tocopherol (297.40) and total carotenoids (21.6) compared to the LE group (10.96, 0.55, 205.20 and 18.0mg/kg, respectively, p<0.05). Blood plasma values of LE+T group contain higher lutein (1.3), zeaxanthin (0.06) and tocopherol (20.1) compared to LE group (1.02, 0.04 and 14.90mg/l, respectively, p<0.05). In conclusion, dietary -tocopherol enhances bioavailability of lutein reflecting higher content in egg yolk and blood plasma. Improved bioavailability might be due to increased absorption of lutein in the presence of tocopherol and/or a greater stability of lutein/zeaxanthin due to the presence of -tocopherol as an antioxidant. KW - carotenoids KW - tocopherol KW - egg yolk KW - bioavailability KW - HPLC KW - iCheck Y1 - 2016 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1111/jpn.12464 SN - 0931-2439 SN - 1439-0396 VL - 100 SP - 868 EP - 875 PB - Wiley-Blackwell CY - Hoboken ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Schweigert, Florian J. A1 - Buchholz, Ingeborg A1 - Schumacher, A. A1 - Gropp, J. T1 - Effect of dietary ß-carotene on the accumulation of ß-carotene and vitamin A in plasma and tissues of gilts Y1 - 2001 ER - TY - GEN A1 - Brenten, Thomas A1 - Morris, Penelope J. A1 - Salt, Carina A1 - Raila, Jens A1 - Kohn, Barbara A1 - Brunnberg, Leo A1 - Schweigert, Florian J. A1 - Zentek, Jürgen T1 - Energy intake, growth rate and body composition of young Labrador Retrievers and Miniature Schnauzers fed different dietary levels of vitamin A T2 - Postprints der Universität Potsdam : Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe N2 - 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). T3 - Zweitveröffentlichungen der Universität Potsdam : Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe - 603 KW - dog growth KW - vitamin A KW - body composition KW - energy intake Y1 - 2019 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-415681 SN - 1866-8372 IS - 603 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Rawel, Harshadrai Manilal A1 - Frey, Simone K. A1 - Meidtner, Karina A1 - Kroll, Jürgen A1 - Schweigert, Florian J. T1 - Determining the binding affinities of phenolic compounds to proteins by quenching of the intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence JF - Molecular nutrition & food research : bioactivity, chemistry, immunology, microbiology, safety, technology N2 - The noncovalent binding of selected phenolic compounds (chlorogenic-, ferutic-, gallic acid, quercetin, rutin, and isoquercetin) to proteins (HSA, BSA, soy glycinin, and lysozyme) was studied by an indirect method applying the quenching of intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence. From the data obtained, the binding constants were calculated by nonlinear regression (one site binding; y = Bx/k + x). It has been reported that tannins inhibit human salivary amylase and that these complexes may reduce the development of cariogenic plaques. Further, amylase contains two tryptophan residues in its active site. Therefore, in a second part of the study involving 31 human subjects, evidence was sought for noncovalent interactions between the phenols of green tea and saliva proteins as measured by the fluorescence intensity. Amylase activity was determined before and after the addition of green tea to saliva of 31 subjects. Forty percent of the subjects showed an increase in amylase activity contrary to studies reporting only a decrease in activity. The interactions of tannin with amylase result in a decrease of its activity. It still remains to be elucidated why amylase does not react uniformly under conditions of applying green tea to saliva. Further, in terms of using phenols as caries inhibitors this finding should be of importance. KW - amylase activity KW - green tea phenols KW - protein-phenol binding KW - saliva proteins KW - tryptophan quenching Y1 - 2006 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.200600013 SN - 1613-4125 VL - 50 IS - 8 SP - 705 EP - 713 PB - Wiley CY - Weinheim ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Ghaffari, Morteza Hosseini A1 - Bernhoeft, Katrin A1 - Etheve, Stephane A1 - Immig, Irmgard A1 - Hoelker, Michael A1 - Sauerwein, Helga A1 - Schweigert, Florian J. T1 - Technical note: Rapid field test for the quantification of vitamin E, beta-carotene, and vitamin A in whole blood and plasma of dairy cattle JF - Journal of dairy science N2 - Fast and easy tests for quantifying fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin E and vitamin A, as well as beta-carotene, in whole blood without a need to preprocess blood samples could facilitate assessment of the vitamin status of dairy cattle. The objective of this study was to validate a field-portable fluorometer/spectrophotometer assay for the rapid quantification of these vitamins in whole blood and plasma of dairy cows and calves. We measured the concentrations of vitamin E and beta-carotene in whole blood and plasma from 28 dairy cows and 11 calves using the iCheck test (Bio-Analyt GmbH, Teltow, Germany) and compared the results with the current analytical standard (HPLC) in 2 independent laboratories, one at the University of Potsdam (Germany) and at one at DSM Nutritional Products Ltd. (Kaiseraugst, Switzerland). For vitamin A, the HPLC measurements were done only in the laboratory in Germany. The whole-blood concentrations of vitamin E as determined by iCheck (blood-hematocritcorrected) ranged from 1.82 to 4.99 mg/L in dairy cows and 0.34 to 3.40 mg/L in calves. These findings were moderately correlated (R-2 = 0.66) with the values assessed by HPLC in dairy cattle (cows + calves). When calves were excluded, the correlation was higher (R-2 = 0.961). The beta-carotene and vitamin A values obtained by the reference method HPLC were highly correlated with the iCheck methods in whole blood (R-2 = 0.99 and 0.88, respectively). In plasma, we observed strong correlations between the concentrations assessed by iCheck and those of HPLC for vitamin E (R-2 = 0.97), beta-carotene (R-2 = 0.98), and vitamin A (R-2 = 0.92) in dairy cattle (cows + calves). For vitamin E, beta-carotene, and vitamin A, we compared the relationship between the differences obtained by the iCheck assay and the HPLC measurements, as well as the magnitude of measurements, using Bland-Altman plots to test for systematic bias. For all 3 vitamins, the differences values were not outside the 95% acceptability limits; we found no systematic error between the 2 methods for all 3 analytes. KW - vitamin KW - cow-side assay KW - HPLC KW - method comparison Y1 - 2019 U6 - https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2019-16755 SN - 0022-0302 SN - 1525-3198 VL - 102 IS - 12 SP - 11744 EP - 11750 PB - Elsevier CY - New York ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Garcia, Ada Lizbeth A1 - Raila, Jens A1 - Koebnick, Corinna A1 - Eulenberger, Klaus A1 - Schweigert, Florian J. T1 - Great apes show highly selective plasma carotenoids and have physiologically high plasma retinyl esters compared to humans JF - American journal of physical anthropology N2 - Great apes are the closest living relatives of humans. Physiological similarities between great apes and humans provide clues to identify which biological features in humans are primitive or derived from great apes. Vitamin A (VA) and carotenoid metabolism have been only partially studied in great apes, and comparisons between great apes and humans are not available. We aimed to investigate VA and carotenoid intake and plasma concentrations in great apes living in captivity, and to compare them to healthy humans. Dietary intakes of humans (n = 20) and, among the great apes, chimpanzees (n = 15) and orangutans (n = 5) were calculated. Plasma retinol (ROH), retinol-binding protein (RBP), retinyl esters, and major carotenoids were analyzed. The great ape diet was higher in VA than in humans, due to high intake of provitamin A carotenoids. Plasma ROH concentrations in great apes were similar to those in humans, but retinyl esters were higher in great apes than in humans. Differences in plasma carotenoid concentrations were observed between great apes and humans. Lutein was the main carotenoid in great apes, while P-carotene was the main carotenoid for humans. RBP concentrations did not differ between great apes and humans. The molar ratio of ROH to RBP was close to 1.0 in both great apes and humans. In conclusion, great apes show homeostatic ROH regulation, with high but physiological retinyl esters circulating in plasma. Furthermore, great apes show great selectivity in their plasmatic carotenoid concentration, which is not explained by dietary intake. KW - vitamin A KW - diet KW - retinol-binding protein KW - chimpanzee KW - orangutan Y1 - 2006 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.20428 SN - 0002-9483 VL - 131 IS - 2 SP - 236 EP - 242 PB - Wiley CY - Hoboken ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Abebe, Zeweter A1 - Haki, Gulelat Desse A1 - Schweigert, Florian J. A1 - Henkel, Ina M. A1 - Baye, Kaleab T1 - Low breastmilk vitamin A concentration is prevalent in rural Ethiopia JF - European journal of clinical nutrition N2 - Background There is scant information on the breastmilk vitamin A (BMVA) concentration of lactating women in developing countries, partly due to lack of methods applicable in-field. Objective To assess BMVA concentrations of samples collected from lactating women of children aged 6-23 months, in Mecha district, Ethiopia. Subjects/methods Data on socio-demographic and anthropometric characteristics were collected from randomly selected lactating women (n = 104). Breast milk samples were collected and vitamin A concentrations were analyzed using HPLC and iCheck FLUORO then the two measurements were compared. Results The prevalence of underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m(2)) among lactating women was 17%. Seventy six percent of the BMVA values were < 1.05 mu mol/l and 81% were < 8 mu g/g fat. The mean BMVA concentration accounted to 41% of the estimated average value for mothers in developing countries. The BMVA values from HPLC and iCheck were correlated (r = 0.59, p = < 0.001), but it was not strong. Conclusions The result indicates the low vitamin A status of the lactating women and their children. It further indicates that intake assessments should not use average BMVA composition. The possibility of using iCheck for monitoring interventions designed to improve vitamin A status of lactating women with low BMVA requires further investigation. Y1 - 2019 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1038/s41430-018-0334-4 SN - 0954-3007 SN - 1476-5640 VL - 73 IS - 8 SP - 1110 EP - 1116 PB - Nature Publ. Group CY - London ER - TY - GEN A1 - Jamnok, Jutatip A1 - Sanchaisuriya, Kanokwan A1 - Yamsri, Supawadee A1 - Fucharoen, Goonnapa A1 - Fucharoen, Supan A1 - Schweigert, Florian J. A1 - Sanchaisuriya, Pattara T1 - Application of a new portable nephelometer for screening thalassemia in countries with limited resources T2 - International Journal of Laboratory Hematology Y1 - 2018 SN - 1751-5521 SN - 1751-553X VL - 40 SP - 62 EP - 62 PB - Wiley CY - Hoboken ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Karuwanarint, Piyaporn A1 - Phonrat, Benjaluck A1 - Tungtrongchitr, Anchalee A1 - Suriyaprom, Kanjana A1 - Chuengsamarn, Somlak A1 - Schweigert, Florian J. A1 - Tungtrongchitr, Rungsunn T1 - Vitamin D-binding protein and its polymorphisms as a predictor for metabolic syndrome JF - Biomarkers in medicine N2 - Aim: To investigate the relationship of vitamin D-binding protein (GC) and genetic variation of GC (rs4588, rs7041 and rs2282679) with metabolic syndrome (MetS) in the Thai population. Materials & methods: GCglobulin concentrations were measured by quantitative western blot analysis in 401 adults. All participants were genotyped using TaqMan allelic discrimination assays. Results: GC-globulin levels were significatly lower in MetS subjects than in control subjects, in which significant negative correlations of GC-globulin levels with systolic blood pressure, glucose and age were found. Male participants who carried the GT genotype for rs4588 showed an increased risk of MetS compared with the GG wild-type (odds ratio: 3.25; p = 0.004). Conclusion: GC-globulin concentrations and variation in GC rs4588 were supported as a risk factor for MetS in Thais. KW - GC gene KW - GC-globulin KW - metabolic syndrome KW - polymorphism KW - Thai population KW - vitamin D-binding protein Y1 - 2018 U6 - https://doi.org/10.2217/bmm-2018-0029 SN - 1752-0363 SN - 1752-0371 VL - 12 IS - 5 SP - 465 EP - 473 PB - Future Medicine CY - London ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Forterre, Simone A1 - Raila, Jens A1 - Kohn, Barbara A1 - Brunnberg, Leo A1 - Schweigert, Florian J. T1 - Protein profiling of organic stone matrix and urine from dogs with urolithiasis N2 - Two-thirds of the organic matrix in urinary stones consists of proteins. Their relationship to calculogenesis remains controversial with regard to their effect as inhibitors or promoters during stone formation. The purpose of the present study was to determine the differences in peptide and protein pattern between the urine of stone formers (n = 23) and control dogs (n = 12), as well as between organic matrix of different urinary stones (struvite n = 11, calcium oxalate n = 8, uric acid n = 4) using surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Specific differences in protein and peptide profiles were found in the organic matrix of different mineral compositions. Characteristic differences were also found in urinary peptide and protein pattern especially in molecular masses below 20 kDa between affected and healthy dogs. Based on the obtained molecular masses they were in some cases tentatively identified as proteins that are known to be involved in stone formation in humans. The study shows that in dogs, specific-urinary peptides and proteins might be associated with urolithiasis. It indicates the importance to further characterize those proteins for possible diagnostic purposes in prognosis and therapy Y1 - 2006 UR - http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/122630496/grouphome/home.html U6 - https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0396.2005.00590.x SN - 0931-2439 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Forterre, Simone A1 - Raila, Jens A1 - Forterre, Franck A1 - Brunnberg, Leo A1 - Schweigert, Florian J. T1 - Characterisation of transthyretin and retinol-binding protein in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid of dogs N2 - The aim of this study was to investigate differences in concentrations of vitamin A, transthyretin (TTR) and retinol-binding protein (RBP) between plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in dogs. RBP was detected using ELISA, and both RBP and TTR by Western blot analysis after separation on SDS-PAGE. Vitamin A was determined by high performance liquid chromatography. RBP and TTR as well as vitamin A were detected in all samples but at substantially lower concentrations in CSF compared to plasma. RBP in dog plasma showed a similar molecular mass to that of humans, whereas canine TTR had a lower molecular mass. Comparison between plasma and CSF showed that both RBP and TTR were of lower molecular mass in CSF. In CSF, RBP and retinol were present at 10-100-fold lower concentrations compared to plasma. Retinyl esters were present only in minute amounts in 5/17 samples. In conclusion, the CSF of dogs compared to humans is significantly different in terms of both quality and quantity of transport proteins for vitamin A. Y1 - 2006 UR - http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/10900233 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2004.11.017 SN - 1090-0233 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Andert, Christoph U. A1 - Sanchaisuriya, Pattara A1 - Sanchaisuriya, Kanokwan A1 - Schelp, Frank P. A1 - Schweigert, Florian J. T1 - Nutritional status of pregnant women in Northeast Thailand N2 - A comparative study on the nutritional status of primiparous and multiparous women in the first trimester of pregnancy was conducted in the northeastern province of Thailand, Khon Kaen, to investigate differences in protein- energy-mal nutrition, iron deficiency anaemia, vitamin A deficiency and carotenoid status between both parity groups. 94 subjects were recruited at first attendance of antenatal clinic. Data about weight, height, haemoglobin and haematocrit were obtained from hospital records. Anthropometric measurements of mid-upper arm circumference and triceps skinfold were done on a sub sample. Retinol, carotenoids and alpha-tocopherol were analysed using a reversed-phase high- performance liquid chromatography method. Ferritin, transthyretin and retinol-binding protein were determined by enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay. Primiparous women showed lower body mass index, mid-upper arm circumference, corrected arm muscle area (P <0.001) as well as lower retinol, cholesterol and triceps skinfold (P <0.05). After adjusting for age and socio-economical status the significant difference persisted for all parameters but triceps skinfold. No significant differences of alpha-tocopherol, serum proteins, carotenoids and iron indices could be observed, even though a tendency to higher values for ferritin, haemoglobin and haematocrit was shown in multiparous women. Prevalence of protein-energy- malnutrition (body mass index <18.5 kg/m(2)) in the primiparous group was significantly higher compared to the multiparous group (P<0.05). Prevalence of protein-energy-malnutrition, iron deficiency anaemia and vitamin A deficiency were 15.1%, 6.3% and 3.3%, respectively, in the total study population. No differences between parity groups could be observed for prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia and vitamin A deficiency Y1 - 2006 UR - http://www.healthyeatingclub.com/APJCN/ SN - 0964-7058 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Raila, Jens A1 - Forterre, Simone A1 - Schweigert, Florian J. T1 - Markerproteine im Harn von Hunden Y1 - 2005 SN - 3-8304-1051-4 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Schweigert, Florian J. A1 - Sehouli, Jalid T1 - Transthyretin, a biomarker for nutritional status and ovarian cancer Y1 - 2005 SN - 0008-5472 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Schweigert, Florian J. A1 - Raila, Jens T1 - Inadequate attempts to measure the microheterogeneity of transthyretin by low-resolution mass spectrometry : Response Y1 - 2005 SN - 0009-9147 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Hammes, Annette A1 - Andreassen, Thomas K. A1 - Spoelgen, Robert A1 - Raila, Jens A1 - Hubner, Norbert A1 - Schulz, Herbert A1 - Metzger, Jochen A1 - Schweigert, Florian J. A1 - Luppa, Peter B. A1 - Nykjaer, Andreas A1 - Willnow, Thomas E. T1 - Role of endocytosis in cellular uptake of sex steroids N2 - Androgens and estrogens are transported bound to the sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). SHBG is believed to keep sex steroids inactive and to control the amount of free hormones that enter cells by passive diffusion. Contrary to the free hormone hypothesis, we demonstrate that megalin, an endocytic receptor in reproductive tissues, acts as a pathway for cellular uptake of biologically active androgens and estrogens bound to SHBG. In line with this function, lack of receptor expression in megalin knockout mice results in impaired descent of the testes into the scrotum in males and blockade of vagina opening in females. Both processes are critically dependent on sex-steroid signaling, and similar defects are seen in animals treated with androgen- or estrogen-receptor antagonists. Thus, our findings uncover the existence of endocytic pathways for protein bound androgens and estrogens and their crucial role in development of the reproductive organs Y1 - 2005 SN - 0092-8674 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Raila, Jens A1 - Willnow, T. E. A1 - Schweigert, Florian J. T1 - Megalin-mediated reuptake of retinol in the kidneys of mice is essential for vitamin A homeostasis N2 - 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 Y1 - 2005 SN - 0022-3166 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Raila, Jens A1 - Forterre, Simone A1 - Schweigert, Florian J. T1 - Physiologische und pathophysiologische Grundlagen der Proteinurie : eine Übersicht Y1 - 2005 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Rawel, Harshadrai Manilal A1 - Rohn, Sascha A1 - Kroll, Jürgen A1 - Schweigert, Florian J. T1 - Surface enhanced laser desorptions ionization-time of flight-mass spectrometry analysis in complex food and biological systems Y1 - 2005 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Garcia, Ada A1 - Ruhl, R. A1 - Schweigert, Florian J. T1 - Retinoid concentrations in the mouse during postnatal development and after maternal vitamin a supplementation N2 - Background: Vitamin A (VA) and its derivates (retinoids) are important nutritional substances, which mediate their biological activity mainly via nuclear retinoid receptors. Maternal VA intake during lactation influences the VA content in milk and the VA status of the progeny. We investigated the effects of maternal supplementation during lactation and direct supplementation to the pups after weaning on the retinoid concentration in serum and liver of neonatal mice using high doses of VA. Methods: Dams were fed a basal (4,500 retinol equivalents/ kg diet) or a VA- supplemented (324,000 retinol equivalents/ kg diet) diet during lactation. Pups kept receiving the same diet after weaning. Serum and liver samples of the pups were collected during lactation at days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 and post-weaning at days 21 and 65 after birth. Samples were analysed for retinoids by high-performance liquid chromatography. Results: Maternal VA supplementation resulted in significantly higher concentrations of retinol, retinyl palmitate and retinyl stearate in serum of mice neonates at days 5, 7, 14, 21 and 65 after birth in comparison to the basal diet, whereas significantly higher concentrations were observed in liver at days 5, 14, 21 and 65 after birth. At day 7 after birth, a decrease in the liver retinoid concentrations occurred in the VA-supplemented diet. Conclusion: Our results show for the first time that supplementation with high doses of VA during the lactation period in mice can affect serum retinol concentrations in the neonates and report that day 7 after birth is a critical time in the tissue distribution of retinoids during postnatal development. Copyright (C) 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel Y1 - 2005 SN - 0250-6807 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Gericke, Beate A1 - Raila, Jens A1 - Sehouli, Jalid A1 - Haebel, Sophie A1 - Konsgen, D. A1 - Mustea, A. A1 - Schweigert, Florian J. T1 - Microheterogeneity of transthyretin in serum and ascitic fluid of ovarian cancer patients N2 - Background: Transthyretin (TTR), a traditional biomarker for nutritional and inflammatory status exists in different molecular variants of yet unknown importance. A truncated form of TTR has recently been described to be part of a set of biomarkers for the diagnosis of ovarian cancer. The main aim of the study was therefore to characterize differences in microheterogeneity between ascitic fluid and plasma of women affected with ovarian cancer and to evaluate the tumor site as the possible source of TTR. Methods: Subjects were 48 women with primary invasive epithelial ovarian cancer or recurrent ovarian carcinoma. The control group consisted of 20 postmenopausal women. TTR and retinol-binding protein (RBP) levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunoassay ( ELISA) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels by a high- sensitivity latex particle turbidimetric assay. The molecular heterogeneity of TTR was analysed using immunoprecipitation and matrix-associated laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). Presence of TTR in tumor tissue was determined with indirect peroxidase immunostaining. Results: TTR and RBP (mu g/ml) levels in serum were 148.5 +/- 96.7 and 22.5 +/- 14.8 in affected women compared to 363.3 +/- 105.5 and 55.8 +/- 9.3 in healthy postmenopausal women ( p < 0.01). In ascitic fluid, levels were 1.02 +/- 0.24 and 4.63 +/- 1.57 mu g/ml, respectively. The mean levels of TTR and RBP in serum showed a tendency to decrease with the severity of the disease and were lower in affected women whose CRP levels were > 40 mg/ml ( p = 0.08 for TTR; p < 0.05 for RBP). No differences in TTR microheterogeneity were observed between TTR isolated from serum of affected and healthy women or from ascitic fluid. TTR occurred rather consistently in four variants. Mass signals were at 13758 +/- 7, 13876 +/- 13 ( greatest intensity), 13924 +/- 21 and 14062 +/- 24 Da, representing native, S-cysteinylated, S-cysteinglycinylated and glutathionylated TTR, respectively. Serum of healthy and affected women as well as ascitic fluid contained the truncated fragment of TTR ( 12828 +/- 11 Da). No immunoreactive TTR was observed in the tumor sites. Conclusion: The severity of the cancer associated catabolism as well as the inflammation status affect serum TTR and RBP levels. Neither TTR nor its truncated form originates from tumor tissue and its occurrence in ascites may well reflect the filtration from blood into ascitic fluid Y1 - 2005 SN - 1471-2407 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Raila, Jens A1 - Forterre, Simone A1 - Schweigert, Florian J. T1 - Physiology and pathophysiology of proteinuria : a review N2 - The term proteinuria is taken to mean abnormally high protein excretion in the urine. Proteinuria is the consequence of glomerular filtration of plasma proteins, their subsequent reabsorption by the proximal tubular cells and secretion of protein by the tubular cells and distal urinary tract. In physiological conditions, the structural integry of the glomerular filtration barrier prevents the abnormal passage of albumin (molecular mass 66 kDa) and high-molecular- weight proteins (> 66 kDa),whereas the passage of low-molecular-weight proteins (< 66 kDa) is almost completely unrestricted. Proteins that arrive the tubular lumen are reabsorbed by endocytosis after binding to the megalin-cubilin complex. An increased load of proteins in the tubular lumen leads to the saturation of the reabsorptive mechanism and higher urinary protein excretion. Proteinuria can originate from prerenal, renal and postrenal causes. Elevated tubular protein concentrations have been recognized to be toxic to tubular cells and associated with the progression of chronic renal disease. Therefore, the quantitative and qualitative evaluation of proteinuria is important for the diagnosis of renal disease Y1 - 2005 SN - 0005-9366 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Lohrke, B. A1 - Viergutz, L. A1 - Kanitz, W. A1 - Becker, F. A1 - Gollnitz, K. A1 - Hurtienne, Andrea A1 - Schweigert, Florian J. T1 - Relationship between oxidant stress and milk productivity in dairy cows N2 - An imbalance between formation and detoxification of oxygen radicals leads to oxidant stress that may increase in more intense oxidative metabolism caused by a high intake of metabolizable energy to provide metabolic intermediates for the milk synthesis and secretion. This hypothesis was tested using dairy cows and the concentration of hydroperoxides in lipids (LHP) extracted from circulative lipoprotein particles of low and very low density (LDL and VLDL/chylomicrons) as oxidant stress indicator. The particles were prepared by ultracentrifugation of serum obtained by coccygeal bleeding (13 cows, 1. parity, n=8 and 2. parity, n=5, lactation stage, 53 +/- 1.4 days post partum) and purified by precipitation. Concentrations of LHP-LDL/mg Lipoprotein correlated significantly with daily milk yield (r = 0.73, P = 0.004) or daily milk energy output (r = 0.77, P = 0.003) in contrast to LHP of VLDL/chylomicron particles. Thus, some evidence was obtained for an almost linear, positive relationship between milk productivity and oxidant stress occurring in LDL Y1 - 2005 SN - 0005-9366 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Löhrke, B. A1 - Vierguth, T. A1 - Kanitz, W. A1 - Göllnitz, K. A1 - Becker, F. A1 - Hurtienne, Andrea A1 - Schweigert, Florian J. T1 - High milk yield in dairy cows associated with oxidant stress Y1 - 2004 SN - 1328-925X ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Schweigert, Florian J. A1 - Wirth, Kerstin A1 - Raila, Jens T1 - Characterization of the microheterogeneity of transthyretin in plasma and urine using SELDI-TOF-MS immunoassay Y1 - 2004 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Foreterre, Simone A1 - Raila, Jens A1 - Forterre, Franck A1 - Brunnberg, Leo A1 - Schweigert, Florian J. T1 - Characterisation of transthyretin and retinol-binding protein in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid of dogs Y1 - 2004 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Schweigert, Florian J. A1 - Raila, Jens A1 - Sehouli, Jalid A1 - Büscher, Ulrich T1 - Accumulation of Selected Carotenoids, alpha-tocopherol and Retinol in Human Ovarian Carcinoma Ascitic Fluid N2 - 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 Y1 - 2004 SN - 1421-9697 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Forterre, Simone A1 - Raila, Jens A1 - Schweigert, Florian J. T1 - Protein profiling of urine from dogs with renal disease using ProteinChip analysis N2 - Measurement of total urinary proteins in individuals that tested positive by urinary dipstick is a typical method for assessing the presence of potentially serious renal disorders. In the absence of such overt proteinuria, however, measurement of specific urinary proteins may be useful in the diagnosis of nephropathies and may provide greater insight into the pathogenesis. The urine of 28 dogs (16 with renal disease and 12 healthy) was evaluated to determine whether specific low-molecular-weight proteins or the pattern of protein excretion could also be used as a marker of tubular dysfunction in dogs. Specific proteins were assessed by immunological methods, whereas protein profiles were determined by surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MS). In particular, changes in the excretion of retinol-binding protein (RBP) and Tamm-Horsfall protein (THP) appear to be of clinical relevance in the diagnosis of canine kidney diseases. The pattern of urinary protein and peptides revealed specific changes in abundance in dogs with renal disease at molecular masses (kD) of 11.58, 12.41, 12.60, 14.58, 20.95 (RBP), 27.85, and 65.69 (albumin). In conclusion, comparable proteins as in humans might be used as urinary markers for proximal (RBP) and distal (THP) tubular dysfunction in dogs. Surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight MS is a promising tool for the study of kidney physiology and pathophysiology and might aid in the discovery of new biomarkers of renal disease Y1 - 2004 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Schweigert, Florian J. A1 - Bathe, Katharina A1 - Chen, Frank A1 - Büscher, Ulrich A1 - Dudenhausen, Joachim W. T1 - Effect of the stage of lactation in humans on carotenoid levels in milk, blood plasma and plasma lipoprotein fractions N2 - In mammals the composition of milk changes during early lactation, with a rapid decline of fat-soluble vitamins and a continuous increase in total lipids. The mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are not well understood, but might involve selective mechanisms related to mammary uptake or secretion into the milk. Since carotenoids are specifically distributed among the lipoprotein fractions in plasma, the simultaneous determination of carotenoids in plasma, lipoprotein fractions and milk might offer an opportunity to gain insight into this phenomenon. In 21 healthy mothers carotenoids in plasma and lipoprotein fractions were investigated at day 2 and 19 and milk on day 4 and 19 after delivery. Plasma levels of alpha-tocopherol and cholesterol as well as lutein, zeaxanthin and cryptoxanthin were significantly lower later in lactation (day 19) than shortly after birth (P < 0.01). The stage of lactation had no effect on the distribution of carotenoids and -tocopherol among the plasma lipoprotein fractions. In milk, triacylglycerol increased (P < 0.01). In contrast, levels of carotenoids, alpha- tocopherol and vitamin A were highest in colostrum and declined (P < 0.01). Because the magnitude of decrease was not the same in all carotenoids, the carotenoid pattern changed substantially. In colostrum the carotenoid pattern resembled those of plasma and the low- density lipoprotein fraction. In mature milk it was similar to the pattern found in the high density lipoprotein fraction. Based on these observations a selective mechanism might be responsible for the transfer of these components in milk involving different lipoprotein fractions at specific times of lactation Y1 - 2004 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Rühl, Ralph A1 - Garcia, Ada A1 - Schweigert, Florian J. A1 - Worm, Margitta T1 - Modulation of cytokine production by low and high retinoid diet in ovalbumin-sensitized mice N2 - Retinoids modulate many physiological processes such as the differentiation and growth of different cell types. including cells from the immune system. We have previously shown that retinoids modulate IgE production in vitro and in vivo. In the present study we investigated the effects of retinoids in non-sensitized and ovalbumin-sensitized mice that were fed for 11 weeks with three different vitamin A (VA) diets: a) VA-deficiency diet, b) base diet, and c) base diet supplemented with 0.5% all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA). Phorbol-myristate-acetate (PMA)/ionomycin-stimulated SMC (splenic mononuclear cells) from mice fed with ATRA and the vitamin A-deficient diet group showed increased interleukin-4 (IL-4) responses in non-sensitized mice. After ovalbumin sensitization in the VA-deficient and the ATRA supplementation diet groups, no significant effects on IL-4 production were observed. By contrast, gamma interferon (IFN-gamma production from PMA/ionomycin-stimulated SMC was enhanced in the VA-deficient diet group in ovalbumin-sensitized mice, and also in non-sensitized mice compared to the base and the ATRA-supplemented diet group. The data indicate that VA and retinoid content in a diet influences the cytokine response in non-sensitized and also ovalbumin-sensitized mice. Therefore these molecules may serve as active modulators of cytokine production in vivo that are responsible for the induction and persistence of atopic diseases Y1 - 2004 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Raila, Jens A1 - Stohrer, M. A1 - Forterre, Simone A1 - Stangassinger, M. A1 - Schweigert, Florian J. T1 - Effect of exercise on the mobilization of retinol and retinyl esters in plasma of sled dogs N2 - 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 Y1 - 2004 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Gericke, Beate A1 - Koebnick, Corinna A1 - Reimann, Manja A1 - Forterre, Simone A1 - Zunft, Hans-Joachim Franz A1 - Schweigert, Florian J. T1 - Influence of hormone replacement therapy on proteomic pattern in serum of postmenopausal women N2 - Objectives: Proteomics approaches to cardiovascular biology and disease hold the promise of identifying specific proteins and peptides or modification thereof to assist in the identification of novel biomarkers. Method: By using surface-enhanced laser desorption and ionization time of flight mass spectroscopy (SELDI-TOF-MS) serum peptide and protein patterns were detected enabling to discriminate between postmenopausal women with and without hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Results: Serum of 13 HRT and 27 control subjects was analyzed and 42 peptides and proteins could be tentatively identified based on their molecular weight and binding characteristics on the chip surface. By using decision tree-based Biomarker Patterns (TM) Software classification and regression analysis a discriminatory function was developed allowing to distinguish between HRT women and controls correctly and, thus, yielding a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 100%. The results show that peptide and protein patterns have the potential to deliver novel biomarkers as well as pinpointing targets for improved treatment. The biomarkers obtained represent a promising tool to discriminate between HRT users and non-users. Conclusion: According to a tentative identification of the markers by their molecular weight and binding characteristics, most of them appear to be part of the inflammation induced acute-phase response. (c) 2004 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved Y1 - 2004 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Rühl, Ralph A1 - Sczech, Ronny A1 - Landes, Nico A1 - Pfluger, Paul Thomas A1 - Kluth, Dirk A1 - Schweigert, Florian J. T1 - Carotenoids and their metabolites are naturally occurring activators of gene expression via the pregnane X receptor N2 - Carotenoids are important micronutrients in the human diet and are present in human serum at micromolar concentrations. In addition to their antioxidant potential, carotenoids obtain physiologically relevant properties such as influencing cellular signal pathways, gene expression or induction of detoxifying enzymes. In this study, we determined the transactivation of PXR by cotransfection with the full-length receptor and a PXR-responsive reporter gene. Carotenoids and retinol revealed a 5-6-fold reporter gene activity in HepG2 cells in comparison to a 7-fold induction by the well known PXR agonist rifampicin whereas apo-carotenals and lycopene exerted less or no activation potential. The inductive efficacy was hereby concentration-dependent. In addition, carotenoid or retinol mediated gene expression of PXR responsive genes like CYP3A4/CYP3A7, CYP3A5, MDR-1 and MRP-2 has been determined in HepG2 cells by RT- PCR with upregulative properties of beta-carotene or retinol being comparable or even higher than that of rifampicin. In conclusion, PXR-mediated upregulation of CYP3A4/CYP3A7 and CYP3A5 as well as MDR1 and MRP2 by carotenoids points to a potential interference on the metabolism of xenobiotic and endogenous relevant compounds Y1 - 2004 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Raila, Jens A1 - Wirth, Kerstin A1 - Chen, Frank A1 - Büscer, Ulrich A1 - Dudenhausen, Joachim W. A1 - Schweigert, Florian J. T1 - Excretion of vitamin A in urine of women during Normal pregnancy and pregnancy complications N2 - 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 Y1 - 2004 SN - 0250-6807 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Rühl, Ralph A1 - Hamscher, Gerd A1 - Garcia, Ada A1 - Nau, Heinz A1 - Schweigert, Florian J. T1 - Identification of 14-hydroxy-retro-retinol and 4-hydroxy-retinol as endogenous retinoids in rats throughout neonatal development N2 - 14-Hydroxy-retro-retinol was previously described as an in vivo and in vitro metabolite of retinol. Furthermore, the retinoid 4-hydroxy-retinol was identified as an endogenous occurring retinoid in the amphibian organism and an in vitro metabolite of retinol. We describe in the present study that 14-hydroxy-retro-retinol and 4-hydroxy- retinol are present in normal neonatal rat serum as endogenous occurring retinoids in normal non-vitamin A supplemented mammals (rats). Both retinoids were detected in serum and liver of neonatal rats at days 3 and 11 after birth. The respective concentrations at day 11 after birth were 41.8 +/- 2.8 ng/ml (serum)/ 104 +/- 6 ng/g (liver) for 4-hydroxy- retinol and 23 +/- 4.6 ng/ml (serum)/ 285 +/- 5 ng/g (liver) for 14-hydroxy-retro-retinol. Both retinoids could not be detected in adult rat serum and liver. From our experiments important physiological functions of these retinoids during postnatal development could be postulated. (C) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved Y1 - 2004 SN - 0024-3205 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Raila, Jens A1 - Forterre, Simone A1 - Schweigert, Florian J. T1 - Die Bedeutung von Megalin in der Pathogenese der tubulären Proteinurie des Hundes Y1 - 2003 SN - 3-936815-65-8 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Raila, Jens A1 - Neumann, U. A1 - Schweigert, Florian J. T1 - Immunochemical Localization of Megalin, Retinol-binding protein and Tamm-Horsfall Glycoprotein in the Kidneys of Dogs Y1 - 2003 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Garcia, Ada A1 - Rühl, Ralph A1 - Herz, U. A1 - Koebnick, Corinna A1 - Schweigert, Florian J. A1 - Worm, Margitta T1 - Retinoid- and carotenoid-enriched diets influence the ontogenesis of the immune system in mice Y1 - 2003 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Raila, Jens A1 - Forterre, Simone A1 - Schweigert, Florian J. T1 - Levels of retinol and retinyl esters in plasma and urine of dogs with urolithiasis Y1 - 2003 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Schweigert, Florian J. T1 - Research note : Changes in the concentration of beta-carotene, alpha-tocopherol and retinol in the bovine corpus luteum during the ovarian cycle Y1 - 2003 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Schweigert, Florian J. T1 - Carotinoide Y1 - 2003 SN - 3-86022- 555-3 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Schweigert, Florian J. A1 - Klinger, Jeannine A1 - Hurtienne, Andrea A1 - Zunft, Hans-Joachim Franz T1 - Vitamin A, carotenoid and vitamin E plasma concentrations in children from Laos in relation to sex and growth failure Y1 - 2003 UR - http://www.nutritionj.com/content/2/1/17 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Schweigert, Florian J. A1 - Gericke, Beate A1 - Mothes, Ralf T1 - Lebensmittelanalytik mittels SELDI-TOF-MS Y1 - 2003 ER -