@article{MaaresKeilKozaetal.2018,
  author    = {Maares, Maria and Keil, Claudia and Koza, Jenny and Straubing, Sophia and Schwerdtle, Tanja and Haase, Hajo},
  title     = {In Vitro Studies on Zinc Binding and Buffering by Intestinal Mucins},
  series = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences},
  volume    = {19},
  journal   = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences},
  number    = {9},
  issn      = {1422-0067},
  doi       = {10.3390/ijms19092662},
  pages     = {20},
  year      = {2018},
  abstract  = {The investigation of luminal factors influencing zinc availability and accessibility in the intestine is of great interest when analyzing parameters regulating intestinal zinc resorption. Of note, intestinal mucins were suggested to play a beneficial role in the luminal availability of zinc. Their exact zinc binding properties, however, remain unknown and the impact of these glycoproteins on human intestinal zinc resorption has not been investigated in detail. Thus, the aim of this study is to elucidate the impact of intestinal mucins on luminal uptake of zinc into enterocytes and its transfer into the blood. In the present study, in vitro zinc binding properties of mucins were analyzed using commercially available porcine mucins and secreted mucins of the goblet cell line HT-29-MTX. The molecular zinc binding capacity and average zinc binding affinity of these glycoproteins demonstrates that mucins contain multiple zinc-binding sites with biologically relevant affinity within one mucin molecule. Zinc uptake into the enterocyte cell line Caco-2 was impaired by zinc-depleted mucins. Yet this does not represent their form in the intestinal lumen in vivo under zinc adequate conditions. In fact, zinc-uptake studies into enterocytes in the presence of mucins with differing degree of zinc saturation revealed zinc buffering by these glycoproteins, indicating that mucin-bound zinc is still available for the cells. Finally, the impact of mucins on zinc resorption using three-dimensional cultures was studied comparing the zinc transfer of a Caco-2/HT-29-MTX co-culture and conventional Caco-2 monoculture. Here, the mucin secreting co-cultures yielded higher fractional zinc resorption and elevated zinc transport rates, suggesting that intestinal mucins facilitate the zinc uptake into enterocytes and act as a zinc delivery system for the intestinal epithelium.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{DuyduBasaranAydinetal.2018,
  author    = {Duydu, Yalcin and Basaran, Nursen and Aydin, Sevtap and Ustundag, Aylin and Yalcin, Can {\"O}zg{\"u}r and Anlar, Hatice Gul and Bacanli, Merve and Aydos, Kaan and Atabekoglu, Cem Somer and Golka, Klaus and Ickstadt, Katja and Schwerdtle, Tanja and Werner, Matthias and Meyer, S{\"o}ren and Bolt, Hermann M.},
  title     = {Evaluation of FSH, LH, testosterone levels and semen parameters in male boron workers under extreme exposure conditions},
  series = {Archives of toxicology : official journal of EUROTOX},
  volume    = {92},
  journal   = {Archives of toxicology : official journal of EUROTOX},
  number    = {10},
  publisher = {Springer},
  address   = {Heidelberg},
  issn      = {0340-5761},
  doi       = {10.1007/s00204-018-2296-7},
  pages     = {3051 -- 3059},
  year      = {2018},
  abstract  = {Boric acid and sodium borates are currently classified in the EU-CLP regulation as "toxic to reproduction" under "Category 1B", with hazard statement of H360FD. However, so far field studies on male reproduction in China and in Turkey could not confirm such boron-associated toxic effects. As validation by another independent study is still required, the present study has investigated possible boron-associated effects on male reproduction in workers (n = 212) under different boron exposure conditions. The mean daily boron exposure (DBE) and blood boron concentration of workers in the extreme exposure group (n = 98) were 47.17 +/- 17.47 (7.95-106.8) mg B/day and 570.6 +/- 160.1 (402.6-1100) ng B/g blood, respectively. Nevertheless, boron-associated adverse effects on semen parameters, as well as on FSH, LH and total testosterone levels were not seen, even within the extreme exposure group. With this study, a total body of evidence has accumulated that allows to conclude that male reproductive effects are not relevant to humans, under any feasible and realistic conditions of exposure to inorganic boron compounds.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{AlkerSchwerdtleSchomburgetal.2019,
  author    = {Alker, Wiebke and Schwerdtle, Tanja and Schomburg, Lutz and Haase, Hajo},
  title     = {A Zinpyr-1-based Fluorimetric Microassay for Free Zinc in Human Serum},
  series = {International journal of molecular sciences},
  volume    = {20},
  journal   = {International journal of molecular sciences},
  number    = {16},
  publisher = {MDPI},
  address   = {Basel},
  issn      = {1661-6596},
  doi       = {10.3390/ijms20164006},
  pages     = {13},
  year      = {2019},
  abstract  = {Zinc is an essential trace element, making it crucial to have a reliable biomarker for evaluating an individual's zinc status. The total serum zinc concentration, which is presently the most commonly used biomarker, is not ideal for this purpose, but a superior alternative is still missing. The free zinc concentration, which describes the fraction of zinc that is only loosely bound and easily exchangeable, has been proposed for this purpose, as it reflects the highly bioavailable part of serum zinc. This report presents a fluorescence-based method for determining the free zinc concentration in human serum samples, using the fluorescent probe Zinpyr-1. The assay has been applied on 154 commercially obtained human serum samples. Measured free zinc concentrations ranged from 0.09 to 0.42 nM with a mean of 0.22 ± 0.05 nM. It did not correlate with age or the total serum concentrations of zinc, manganese, iron or selenium. A negative correlation between the concentration of free zinc and total copper has been seen for sera from females. In addition, the free zinc concentration in sera from females (0.21 ± 0.05 nM) was significantly lower than in males (0.23 ± 0.06 nM). The assay uses a sample volume of less than 10 µL, is rapid and cost-effective and allows us to address questions regarding factors influencing the free serum zinc concentration, its connection with the body's zinc status, and its suitability as a future biomarker for an individual's zinc status.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{WittEbertMeyeretal.2017,
  author    = {Witt, Barbara and Ebert, Franziska and Meyer, S{\"o}ren and Francesconi, Kevin A. and Schwerdtle, Tanja},
  title     = {Assessing neurodevelopmental effects of arsenolipids in pre-differentiated human neurons},
  series = {Molecular nutrition \& food research : bioactivity, chemistry, immunology, microbiology, safety, technology},
  volume    = {61},
  journal   = {Molecular nutrition \& food research : bioactivity, chemistry, immunology, microbiology, safety, technology},
  publisher = {Wiley},
  address   = {Hoboken},
  issn      = {1613-4125},
  doi       = {10.1002/mnfr.201700199},
  pages     = {10},
  year      = {2017},
  abstract  = {Scope: In the general population exposure to arsenic occurs mainly via diet. Highest arsenic concentrations are found in seafood, where arsenic is present predominantly in its organic forms including arsenolipids. Since recent studies have provided evidence that arsenolipids could reach the brain of an organism and exert toxicity in fully differentiated human neurons, this work aims to assess the neurodevelopmental toxicity of arsenolipids. Methods and results: Neurodevelopmental effects of three arsenic-containing hydrocarbons (AsHC), two arsenic-containing fatty acids (AsFA), arsenite and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA(V)) were characterized in pre-differentiated human neurons. AsHCs and arsenite caused substantial cytotoxicity in a similar, low concentration range, whereas AsFAs and DMA(V) were less toxic. AsHCs were highly accessible for cells and exerted pronounced neurodevelopmental effects, with neurite outgrowth and the mitochondrial membrane potential being sensitive endpoints; arsenite did not substantially decrease those two endpoints. In fully differentiated neurons, arsenite and AsHCs caused neurite toxicity. Conclusion: These results indicate for a neurodevelopmental potential of AsHCs. Taken into account the possibility that AsHCs might easily reach the developing brain when exposed during early life, neurotoxicity and neurodevelopmental toxicity cannot be excluded. Further studies are needed in order to progress the urgently needed risk assessment.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{WittMeyerEbertetal.2017,
  author    = {Witt, Barbara and Meyer, S{\"o}ren and Ebert, Franziska and Francesconi, Kevin A. and Schwerdtle, Tanja},
  title     = {Toxicity of two classes of arsenolipids and their water-soluble metabolites in human differentiated neurons},
  series = {Archives of toxicology : official journal of EUROTOX},
  volume    = {91},
  journal   = {Archives of toxicology : official journal of EUROTOX},
  publisher = {Springer},
  address   = {Heidelberg},
  issn      = {0340-5761},
  doi       = {10.1007/s00204-017-1933-x},
  pages     = {3121 -- 3134},
  year      = {2017},
  abstract  = {Arsenolipids are lipid-soluble organoarsenic compounds, mainly occurring in marine organisms, with arsenic-containing hydrocarbons (AsHCs) and arsenic-containing fatty acids (AsFAs) representing two major subgroups. Recently, toxicity studies of several arsenolipids showed a high cytotoxic potential of those arsenolipids in human liver and bladder cells. Furthermore, feeding studies with Drosophila melanogaster indicated an accumulation of arsenolipids in the fruit fly's brain. In this study, the neurotoxic potential of three AsHCs, two AsFAs and three metabolites (dimethylarsinic acid, thio/oxo-dimethylarsenopropanoic acid) was investigated in comparison to the toxic reference arsenite (iAsIII) in fully differentiated human brain cells (LUHMES cells). Thereby, in the case of AsHCs both the cell number and cell viability were reduced in a low micromolar concentration range comparable to iAsIII, while AsFAs and the applied metabolites were less toxic. Mechanistic studies revealed that AsHCs reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential, whereas neither iAsIII nor AsFAs had an impact. Furthermore, neurotoxic mechanisms were investigated by examining the neuronal network. Here, AsHCs massively disturbed the neuronal network and induced apoptotic effects, while iAsIII and AsFAs showed comparatively lesser effects. Taking into account the substantial in vitro neurotoxic potential of the AsHCs and the fact that they could transfer across the physiological barriers of the brain, a neurotoxic potential in vivo for the AsHCs cannot be excluded and needs to be urgently characterized.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{LossowSchwerdtleKipp2019,
  author    = {Lossow, Kristina and Schwerdtle, Tanja and Kipp, Anna Patricia},
  title     = {Selen und Jod: essenzielle Spurenelemente f{\"u}r die Schilddr{\"u}se},
  series = {Ern{\"a}hrungs-Umschau : Forschung \& Praxis},
  volume    = {66},
  journal   = {Ern{\"a}hrungs-Umschau : Forschung \& Praxis},
  number    = {9},
  publisher = {Umschau-Zeitschriftenverl.},
  address   = {Frankfurt, Main},
  issn      = {0174-0008},
  doi       = {10.4455/eu.2019.032},
  pages     = {M531 -- M536},
  year      = {2019},
  abstract  = {Selen und Jod sind essenzielle Spurenelemente, die gemeinsam f{\"u}r eine optimale Funktionst{\"u}chtigkeit der Schilddr{\"u}se erforderlich sind. Der Mangel eines oder beider Elemente f{\"u}hrt zu Verschiebungen auf Ebene der Schilddr{\"u}senhormonproduktion mit weitreichenden Konsequenzen f{\"u}r Stoffwechselprozesse, neurologische Entwicklung und Erkrankungen. Auch bei Autoimmunerkrankungen der Schilddr{\"u}se spielt die Versorgung mit Jod und Selen eine wichtige Rolle. Als Biomarker f{\"u}r den Selenstatus eignet sich der Gehalt des Gesamtselens oder der des Selenoproteins P im Serum. Zur Bestimmung des Jodstatus wird in der Regel der Jodgehalt im Urin herangezogen. Um den Versorgungszustand an diesen und vier weiteren essenziellen Spurenelementen besser zu erfassen, charakterisiert die Forschungsgruppe TraceAge alters- und geschlechtsspezifische Spurenelementprofile und neue funktionelle Biomarker der einzelnen Spurenelemente. Außerdem sollen Interaktionen weiterer Spurenelemente genauer untersucht werden.},
  language  = {de}
}
@article{MeyerMatissekMuelleretal.2014,
  author    = {Meyer, S{\"o}ren and Matissek, M. and M{\"u}ller, Sandra Marie and Taleshi, M. S. and Ebert, Franziska and Francesconi, Kevin A. and Schwerdtle, Tanja},
  title     = {In vitro toxicological characterisation of three arsenic-containing hydrocarbons},
  series = {Metallomics},
  volume    = {2014},
  journal   = {Metallomics},
  number    = {6},
  issn      = {1756-591X},
  doi       = {10.1039/c4mt00061g},
  pages     = {1023 -- 1033},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {Arsenic-containing hydrocarbons are one group of fat-soluble organic arsenic compounds (arsenolipids) found in marine fish and other seafood. A risk assessment of arsenolipids is urgently needed, but has not been possible because of the total lack of toxicological data. In this study the cellular toxicity of three arsenic-containing hydrocarbons was investigated in cultured human bladder (UROtsa) and liver (HepG2) cells. Cytotoxicity of the arsenic-containing hydrocarbons was comparable to that of arsenite, which was applied as the toxic reference arsenical. A large cellular accumulation of arsenic, as measured by ICP-MS/MS, was observed after incubation of both cell lines with the arsenolipids. Moreover, the toxic mode of action shown by the three arsenic-containing hydrocarbons seemed to differ from that observed for arsenite. Evidence suggests that the high cytotoxic potential of the lipophilic arsenicals results from a decrease in the cellular energy level. This first in vitro based risk assessment cannot exclude a risk to human health related to the presence of arsenolipids in seafood, and indicates the urgent need for further toxicity studies in experimental animals to fully assess this possible risk.},
  language  = {en}
}
@misc{MeyerMatissekMuelleretal.2014,
  author    = {Meyer, S{\"o}ren and Matissek, M. and M{\"u}ller, Sandra Marie and Taleshi, M. S. and Ebert, Franziska and Francesconi, Kevin A. and Schwerdtle, Tanja},
  title     = {In vitro toxicological characterisation of three arsenic-containing hydrocarbons},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-74201},
  pages     = {1023 -- 1033},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {Arsenic-containing hydrocarbons are one group of fat-soluble organic arsenic compounds (arsenolipids) found in marine fish and other seafood. A risk assessment of arsenolipids is urgently needed, but has not been possible because of the total lack of toxicological data. In this study the cellular toxicity of three arsenic-containing hydrocarbons was investigated in cultured human bladder (UROtsa) and liver (HepG2) cells. Cytotoxicity of the arsenic-containing hydrocarbons was comparable to that of arsenite, which was applied as the toxic reference arsenical. A large cellular accumulation of arsenic, as measured by ICP-MS/MS, was observed after incubation of both cell lines with the arsenolipids. Moreover, the toxic mode of action shown by the three arsenic-containing hydrocarbons seemed to differ from that observed for arsenite. Evidence suggests that the high cytotoxic potential of the lipophilic arsenicals results from a decrease in the cellular energy level. This first in vitro based risk assessment cannot exclude a risk to human health related to the presence of arsenolipids in seafood, and indicates the urgent need for further toxicity studies in experimental animals to fully assess this possible risk.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{UnterbergLeffersHuebneretal.2014,
  author    = {Unterberg, Marlies and Leffers, Larissa and H{\"u}bner, Florian and Humpf, Hans-Ulrich and Lepikhov, Konstantin and Walter, J{\"o}rn and Ebert, Franziska and Schwerdtle, Tanja},
  title     = {Toxicity of arsenite and thio-DMAV after long-term (21 days) incubation of human urothelial cells: cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and epigenetics},
  series = {Toxicology Research},
  volume    = {3},
  journal   = {Toxicology Research},
  number    = {6},
  publisher = {Royal Society of Chemistry},
  address   = {Cambridge},
  issn      = {2045-4538},
  pages     = {456 -- 464},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {This study aims to further mechanistically understand toxic modes of action after chronic inorganic arsenic exposure. Therefore long-term incubation studies in cultured cells were carried out, to display chronically attained changes, which cannot be observed in the generally applied in vitro short-term incubation studies. Particularly, the cytotoxic, genotoxic and epigenetic effects of an up to 21 days incubation of human urothelial (UROtsa) cells with pico- to nanomolar concentrations of iAsIII and its metabolite thio-DMAV were compared. After 21 days of incubation, cytotoxic effects were strongly enhanced in the case of iAsIII and might partly be due to glutathione depletion and genotoxic effects on the chromosomal level. These results are in strong contrast to cells exposed to thio-DMAV. Thus, cells seemed to be able to adapt to this arsenical, as indicated among others by an increase in the cellular glutathione level. Most interestingly, picomolar concentrations of both iAsIII and thio-DMAV caused global DNA hypomethylation in UROtsa cells, which was quantified in parallel by 5-medC immunostaining and a newly established, reliable, high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS)-based test system. This is the first time that epigenetic effects are reported for thio-DMAV; iAsIII induced epigenetic effects occur in at least 8000 fold lower concentrations as reported in vitro before. The fact that both arsenicals cause DNA hypomethylation at really low, exposure-relevant concentrations in human urothelial cells suggests that this epigenetic effect might contribute to inorganic arsenic induced carcinogenicity, which for sure has to be further investigated in future studies.},
  language  = {en}
}
@misc{UnterbergLeffersHuebneretal.2014,
  author    = {Unterberg, Marlies and Leffers, Larissa and H{\"u}bner, Florian and Humpf, Hans-Ulrich and Lepikhov, Konstantin and Walter, J{\"o}rn and Ebert, Franziska and Schwerdtle, Tanja},
  title     = {Toxicity of arsenite and thio-DMAV after long-term (21 days) incubation of human urothelial cells: cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and epigenetics},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-76239},
  pages     = {456 -- 464},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {This study aims to further mechanistically understand toxic modes of action after chronic inorganic arsenic exposure. Therefore long-term incubation studies in cultured cells were carried out, to display chronically attained changes, which cannot be observed in the generally applied in vitro short-term incubation studies. Particularly, the cytotoxic, genotoxic and epigenetic effects of an up to 21 days incubation of human urothelial (UROtsa) cells with pico- to nanomolar concentrations of iAsIII and its metabolite thio-DMAV were compared. After 21 days of incubation, cytotoxic effects were strongly enhanced in the case of iAsIII and might partly be due to glutathione depletion and genotoxic effects on the chromosomal level. These results are in strong contrast to cells exposed to thio-DMAV. Thus, cells seemed to be able to adapt to this arsenical, as indicated among others by an increase in the cellular glutathione level. Most interestingly, picomolar concentrations of both iAsIII and thio-DMAV caused global DNA hypomethylation in UROtsa cells, which was quantified in parallel by 5-medC immunostaining and a newly established, reliable, high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS)-based test system. This is the first time that epigenetic effects are reported for thio-DMAV; iAsIII induced epigenetic effects occur in at least 8000 fold lower concentrations as reported in vitro before. The fact that both arsenicals cause DNA hypomethylation at really low, exposure-relevant concentrations in human urothelial cells suggests that this epigenetic effect might contribute to inorganic arsenic induced carcinogenicity, which for sure has to be further investigated in future studies.},
  language  = {en}
}