@misc{Kleuser2018, author = {Kleuser, Burkhard}, title = {The enigma of sphingolipids in health and disease}, series = {International journal of molecular sciences}, volume = {19}, journal = {International journal of molecular sciences}, number = {10}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {1422-0067}, doi = {10.3390/ijms19103126}, pages = {3}, year = {2018}, language = {en} } @article{FranzOttenMuellerWerdanetal.2019, author = {Franz, Kristina and Otten, Lindsey and M{\"u}ller-Werdan, Ursula and D{\"o}hner, Wolfram and Norman, Kristina}, title = {Severe Weight Loss and Its Association with Fatigue in Old Patients at Discharge from a Geriatric Hospital}, series = {Nutrients}, volume = {11}, journal = {Nutrients}, number = {10}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2072-6643}, doi = {10.3390/nu11102415}, pages = {10}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Although malnutrition is frequent in the old, little is known about its association with fatigue. We evaluated the relation of self-reported severe weight loss with fatigue and the predictors for fatigue in old patients at hospital discharge. Severe weight loss was defined according to involuntary weight loss >= 5\% in the last three months. We determined fatigue with the validated Brief Fatigue Inventory questionnaire. The regression analyses were adjusted for age, sex, number of comorbidities, medications/day, and BMI. Of 424 patients aged between 61 and 98 y, 34.1\% had severe weight loss. Fatigue was higher in patients with severe weight loss (3.7 +/- 2.3 vs. 3.2 +/- 2.3 points, p = 0.021). In a multinomial regression model, weight loss was independently associated with higher risk for moderate fatigue (OR:1.172, CI:1.026-1.338, p = 0.019) and with increased risk for severe fatigue (OR:1.209, CI:1.047-1.395, p = 0.010) together with the number of medications/day (OR:1.220, CI:1.023-1.455, p = 0.027). In a binary regression model, severe weight loss predicted moderate-to-severe fatigue in the study population (OR:1.651, CI:1.052-2.590, p = 0.029). In summary, patients with self-reported severe weight loss at hospital discharge exhibited higher fatigue levels and severe weight loss was an independent predictor of moderate and severe fatigue, placing these patients at risk for impaired outcome in the post-hospital period.}, language = {en} } @misc{KrsticReinischSchuppetal.2018, author = {Krstic, Jelena and Reinisch, Isabel and Schupp, Michael and Schulz, Tim Julius and Prokesch, Andreas}, title = {p53 functions in adipose tissue metabolism and homeostasis}, series = {International journal of molecular sciences}, volume = {19}, journal = {International journal of molecular sciences}, number = {9}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {1422-0067}, doi = {10.3390/ijms19092622}, pages = {21}, year = {2018}, abstract = {As a tumor suppressor and the most frequently mutated gene in cancer, p53 is among the best-described molecules in medical research. As cancer is in most cases an age-related disease, it seems paradoxical that p53 is so strongly conserved from early multicellular organisms to humans. A function not directly related to tumor suppression, such as the regulation of metabolism in nontransformed cells, could explain this selective pressure. While this role of p53 in cellular metabolism is gradually emerging, it is imperative to dissect the tissue-and cell-specific actions of p53 and its downstream signaling pathways. In this review, we focus on studies reporting p53's impact on adipocyte development, function, and maintenance, as well as the causes and consequences of altered p53 levels in white and brown adipose tissue (AT) with respect to systemic energy homeostasis. While whole body p53 knockout mice gain less weight and fat mass under a high-fat diet owing to increased energy expenditure, modifying p53 expression specifically in adipocytes yields more refined insights: (1) p53 is a negative regulator of in vitro adipogenesis; (2) p53 levels in white AT are increased in diet-induced and genetic obesity mouse models and in obese humans; (3) functionally, elevated p53 in white AT increases senescence and chronic inflammation, aggravating systemic insulin resistance; (4) p53 is not required for normal development of brown AT; and (5) when p53 is activated in brown AT in mice fed a high-fat diet, it increases brown AT temperature and brown AT marker gene expression, thereby contributing to reduced fat mass accumulation. In addition, p53 is increasingly being recognized as crucial player in nutrient sensing pathways. Hence, despite existence of contradictory findings and a varying density of evidence, several functions of p53 in adipocytes and ATs have been emerging, positioning p53 as an essential regulatory hub in ATs. Future studies need to make use of more sophisticated in vivo model systems and should identify an AT-specific set of p53 target genes and downstream pathways upon different (nutrient) challenges to identify novel therapeutic targets to curb metabolic diseases}, language = {en} } @misc{Kleuser2018, author = {Kleuser, Burkhard}, title = {Divergent role of sphingosine 1-phosphate in liver health and disease}, series = {International journal of molecular sciences}, volume = {19}, journal = {International journal of molecular sciences}, number = {3}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {1422-0067}, doi = {10.3390/ijms19030722}, pages = {18}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Two decades ago, sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) was discovered as a novel bioactive molecule that regulates a variety of cellular functions. The plethora of S1P-mediated effects is due to the fact that the sphingolipid not only modulates intracellular functions but also acts as a ligand of G protein-coupled receptors after secretion into the extracellular environment. In the plasma, S1P is found in high concentrations, modulating immune cell trafficking and vascular endothelial integrity. The liver is engaged in modulating the plasma S1P content, as it produces apolipoprotein M, which is a chaperone for the S1P transport. Moreover, the liver plays a substantial role in glucose and lipid homeostasis. A dysfunction of glucose and lipid metabolism is connected with the development of liver diseases such as hepatic insulin resistance, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or liver fibrosis. Recent studies indicate that S1P is involved in liver pathophysiology and contributes to the development of liver diseases. In this review, the current state of knowledge about S1P and its signaling in the liver is summarized with a specific focus on the dysregulation of S1P signaling in obesity-mediated liver diseases. Thus, the modulation of S1P signaling can be considered as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of hepatic diseases.}, 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} } @misc{VolkertBeckCederholmetal.2019, author = {Volkert, Dorothee and Beck, Anne Marie and Cederholm, Tommy and Cereda, Emanuele and Cruz-Jentoft, Alfonso J. and Goisser, Sabine and de Groot, Lisette and Grosshauser, Franz and Kiesswetter, Eva and Norman, Kristina and Pourhassan, Maryam and Reinders, Ilse and Roberts, Helen C. and Rolland, Yves and Schneider, St{\´e}phane M. and Sieber, Cornel and Thiem, Ulrich and Visser, Marjolein and Wijnhoven, Hanneke and Wirth, Rainer}, title = {Management of malnutrition in older patients}, series = {Journal of Clinical Medicine : open access journal}, volume = {8}, journal = {Journal of Clinical Medicine : open access journal}, number = {7}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2077-0383}, doi = {10.3390/jcm8070974}, pages = {16}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Malnutrition is widespread in older people and represents a major geriatric syndrome with multifactorial etiology and severe consequences for health outcomes and quality of life. The aim of the present paper is to describe current approaches and evidence regarding malnutrition treatment and to highlight relevant knowledge gaps that need to be addressed. Recently published guidelines of the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) provide a summary of the available evidence and highlight the wide range of different measures that can be taken—from the identification and elimination of potential causes to enteral and parenteral nutrition—depending on the patient's abilities and needs. However, more than half of the recommendations therein are based on expert consensus because of a lack of evidence, and only three are concern patient-centred outcomes. Future research should further clarify the etiology of malnutrition and identify the most relevant causes in order to prevent malnutrition. Based on limited and partly conflicting evidence and the limitations of existing studies, it remains unclear which interventions are most effective in which patient groups, and if specific situations, diseases or etiologies of malnutrition require specific approaches. Patient-relevant outcomes such as functionality and quality of life need more attention, and research methodology should be harmonised to allow for the comparability of studies.}, language = {en} } @article{GehreFlechnerKammereretal.2020, author = {Gehre, Christian and Flechner, Marie and Kammerer, Sarah and K{\"u}pper, Jan-Heiner and Coleman, Charles Dominic and P{\"u}schel, Gerhard Paul and Uhlig, Katja and Duschl, Claus}, title = {Real time monitoring of oxygen uptake of hepatocytes in a microreactor using optical microsensors}, series = {Scientific reports}, volume = {10}, journal = {Scientific reports}, number = {1}, publisher = {Macmillan Publishers Limited, part of Springer Nature}, address = {[London]}, issn = {2045-2322}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-020-70785-6}, pages = {12}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Most in vitro test systems for the assessment of toxicity are based on endpoint measurements and cannot contribute much to the establishment of mechanistic models, which are crucially important for further progress in this field. Hence, in recent years, much effort has been put into the development of methods that generate kinetic data. Real time measurements of the metabolic activity of cells based on the use of oxygen sensitive microsensor beads have been shown to provide access to the mode of action of compounds in hepatocytes. However, for fully exploiting this approach a detailed knowledge of the microenvironment of the cells is required. In this work, we investigate the cellular behaviour of three types of hepatocytes, HepG2 cells, HepG2-3A4 cells and primary mouse hepatocytes, towards their exposure to acetaminophen when the availability of oxygen for the cell is systematically varied. We show that the relative emergence of two modes of action, one NAPQI dependent and the other one transient and NAPQI independent, scale with expression level of CYP3A4. The transient cellular response associated to mitochondrial respiration is used to characterise the influence of the initial oxygen concentration in the wells before exposure to acetaminophen on the cell behaviour. A simple model is presented to describe the behaviour of the cells in this scenario. It demonstrates the level of control over the role of oxygen supply in these experiments. This is crucial for establishing this approach into a reliable and powerful method for the assessment of toxicity.}, language = {en} } @article{BorremansBusslerSaguTchewonpietal.2020, author = {Borremans, An and Bußler, Sara and Sagu Tchewonpi, Sorel and Rawel, Harshadrai Manilal and Schl{\"u}ter, Oliver K. and Leen, Van Campenhout}, title = {Effect of blanching plus fermentation on selected functional properties of mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) powders}, series = {Foods : open access journal}, volume = {9}, journal = {Foods : open access journal}, number = {7}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2304-8158}, doi = {10.3390/foods9070917}, pages = {17}, year = {2020}, abstract = {The aim of this study was to determine the effect of blanching followed by fermentation of mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) with commercial meat starter cultures on the functional properties of powders produced from the larvae. Full fat and defatted powder samples were prepared from non-fermented and fermented mealworm pastes. Then the crude protein, crude fat, and dry matter contents, pH, bulk density, colour, water and oil binding capacity, foaming capacity and stability, emulsion capacity and stability, protein solubility, quantity of free amino groups, and protein composition of the powders were evaluated. Regardless of the starter culture used, the blanching plus fermentation process reduced the crude and soluble protein contents of the full fat powders and in general impaired their water and oil binding, foaming, and emulsifying properties. Defatting of the powders improved most functional properties studied. The o-phthaldialdehyde assay revealed that the amount of free amino groups was higher in the fermented powders while sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis demonstrated that the soluble proteins of the fermented powders were composed of molecules of lower molecular mass compared to non-fermented powders. As molecular sizes of the soluble proteins decreased, it was clear that the protein structure was also modified by the fermentation process, which in turn led to changes in functional properties. In general, it was concluded that fermentation of mealworms with blanching as a pre-treatment does not contribute to the functional properties studied in this work. Nevertheless, the results confirmed that the properties of non-fermented powders are comparable to other food protein sources.}, language = {en} } @article{WrightUlkeFontetal.2020, author = {Wright, Stephanie L. and Ulke, Jannis and Font, Anna and Chan, Ka Lung Andrew and Kelly, Frank J.}, title = {Atmospheric microplastic deposition in an urban environment and an evaluation of transport}, series = {Environment international}, volume = {136}, journal = {Environment international}, publisher = {Elsevier, Pergamon Press}, address = {New York, NY [u.a.]}, issn = {0160-4120}, doi = {10.1016/j.envint.2019.105411}, pages = {7}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Microplastics are a global environmental issue contaminating aquatic and terrestrial environments. They have been reported in atmospheric deposition, and indoor and outdoor air, raising concern for public health due to the potential for exposure. Moreover, the atmosphere presents a new vehicle for microplastics to enter the wider environment, yet our knowledge of the quantities, characteristics and pathways of airborne microplastics is sparse. Here we show microplastics in atmospheric deposition in a major population centre, central London. Microplastics were found in all samples, with deposition rates ranging from 575 to 1008 microplastics/m(2)/d. They were found in various shapes, of which fibrous microplastics accounted for the great majority (92\%). Across all samples, 15 different petrochemical-based polymers were identified. Bivariate polar plots indicated dependency on wind, with different source areas for fibrous and non-fibrous airborne microplastics. This is the first evidence of airborne microplastics in London and confirms the need to include airborne pathways when consolidating microplastic impacts on the wider environment and human health.}, language = {en} } @article{FechnerHackethalHoepfneretal.2022, author = {Fechner, Carolin and Hackethal, Christin and H{\"o}pfner, Tobias and Dietrich, Jessica and Bloch, Dorit and Lindtner, Oliver and Sarvan, Irmela}, title = {Results of the BfR MEAL Study}, series = {Food chemistry: X}, volume = {14}, journal = {Food chemistry: X}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {2590-1575}, doi = {10.1016/j.fochx.2022.100326}, pages = {10}, year = {2022}, abstract = {The BfR MEAL Study provides representative levels of substances in foods consumed in Germany. Mercury, cadmium, lead, and nickel are contaminants present in foods introduced by environmental and industrial processes. Levels of these elements were investigated in 356 foods. Foods were purchased representatively, prepared as consumed and pooled with similar foods before analysis. Highest mean levels of mercury were determined in fish and seafood, while high levels of cadmium, lead, and nickel were present in cocoa products and legumes, nuts, oilseeds, and spices. The sampling by region, season, and production type showed minor differences in element levels for specific foods, however no tendency over all foods or for some food groups was apparent. The data on mercury, cadmium, lead, and nickel provide a comprehensive basis for chronic dietary exposure assessment of the population in Germany. All levels found were below regulated maximum levels.}, language = {en} } @misc{RawelHuschekSaguTchewonpietal.2019, author = {Rawel, Harshadrai Manilal and Huschek, Gerd and Sagu Tchewonpi, Sorel and Homann, Thomas}, title = {Cocoa Bean Proteins-Characterization, Changes and Modifications due to Ripening and Post-Harvest Processing}, series = {Nutrients}, volume = {11}, journal = {Nutrients}, number = {2}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2072-6643}, doi = {10.3390/nu11020428}, pages = {20}, year = {2019}, abstract = {The protein fractions of cocoa have been implicated influencing both the bioactive potential and sensory properties of cocoa and cocoa products. The objective of the present review is to show the impact of different stages of cultivation and processing with regard to the changes induced in the protein fractions. Special focus has been laid on the major seed storage proteins throughout the different stages of processing. The study starts with classical introduction of the extraction and the characterization methods used, while addressing classification approaches of cocoa proteins evolved during the timeline. The changes in protein composition during ripening and maturation of cocoa seeds, together with the possible modifications during the post-harvest processing (fermentation, drying, and roasting), have been documented. Finally, the bioactive potential arising directly or indirectly from cocoa proteins has been elucidated. The state of the art suggests that exploration of other potentially bioactive components in cocoa needs to be undertaken, while considering the complexity of reaction products occurring during the roasting phase of the post-harvest processing. Finally, the utilization of partially processed cocoa beans (e.g., fermented, conciliatory thermal treatment) can be recommended, providing a large reservoir of bioactive potentials arising from the protein components that could be instrumented in functionalizing foods.}, language = {en} } @article{KotthoffLisecSchwerdtleetal.2019, author = {Kotthoff, Lisa and Lisec, Jan and Schwerdtle, Tanja and Koch, Matthias}, title = {Prediction of transformation products of monensin by electrochemistry compared to microsomal assay and hydrolysis}, series = {Molecules}, volume = {24}, journal = {Molecules}, number = {15}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {1420-3049}, doi = {10.3390/molecules24152732}, pages = {12}, year = {2019}, abstract = {The knowledge of transformation pathways and identification of transformation products (TPs) of veterinary drugs is important for animal health, food, and environmental matters. The active agent Monensin (MON) belongs to the ionophore antibiotics and is widely used as a veterinary drug against coccidiosis in broiler farming. However, no electrochemically (EC) generated TPs of MON have been described so far. In this study, the online coupling of EC and mass spectrometry (MS) was used for the generation of oxidative TPs. EC-conditions were optimized with respect to working electrode material, solvent, modifier, and potential polarity. Subsequent LC/HRMS (liquid chromatography/high resolution mass spectrometry) and MS/MS experiments were performed to identify the structures of derived TPs by a suspected target analysis. The obtained EC-results were compared to TPs observed in metabolism tests with microsomes and hydrolysis experiments of MON. Five previously undescribed TPs of MON were identified in our EC/MS based study and one TP, which was already known from literature and found by a microsomal assay, could be confirmed. Two and three further TPs were found as products in microsomal tests and following hydrolysis, respectively. We found decarboxylation, O-demethylation and acid-catalyzed ring-opening reactions to be the major mechanisms of MON transformation.}, language = {en} } @article{KluthStadionGottmannetal.2019, author = {Kluth, Oliver and Stadion, Mandy and Gottmann, Pascal and Aga-Barfknecht, Heja and J{\"a}hnert, Markus and Scherneck, Stephan and Vogel, Heike and Krus, Ulrika and Seelig, Anett and Ling, Charlotte and Gerdes, Jantje and Sch{\"u}rmann, Annette}, title = {Decreased expression of cilia genes in pancreatic islets as a risk factor for type 2 diabetes in mice and humans}, series = {Cell reports}, volume = {26}, journal = {Cell reports}, number = {11}, publisher = {Cell Press}, address = {Maryland Heights}, issn = {2211-1247}, doi = {10.1016/j.celrep.2019.02.056}, pages = {3027 -- 3036}, year = {2019}, abstract = {An insufficient adaptive beta-cell compensation is a hallmark of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Primary cilia function as versatile sensory antennae regulating various cellular processes, but their role on compensatory beta-cell replication has not been examined. Here, we identify a significant enrichment of downregulated, cilia-annotated genes in pancreatic islets of diabetes-prone NZO mice as compared with diabetes-resistant B6-ob/ob mice. Among 327 differentially expressed mouse cilia genes, 81 human orthologs are also affected in islets of diabetic donors. Islets of nondiabetic mice and humans show a substantial overlap of upregulated cilia genes that are linked to cell-cycle progression. The shRNA-mediated suppression of KIF3A, essential for ciliogenesis, impairs division of MINE beta cells as well as in dispersed primary mouse and human islet cells, as shown by decreased BrdU incorporation. These findings demonstrate the substantial role of cilia-gene regulation on islet function and T2D risk.}, language = {en} } @article{KnocheLisecSchwerdtleetal.2022, author = {Knoche, Lisa and Lisec, Jan and Schwerdtle, Tanja and Koch, Matthias}, title = {LC-HRMS-Based identification of transformation products of the drug salinomycin generated by electrochemistry and liver microsome}, series = {Antibiotics}, volume = {11}, journal = {Antibiotics}, number = {2}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2079-6382}, doi = {10.3390/antibiotics11020155}, pages = {12}, year = {2022}, abstract = {The drug salinomycin (SAL) is a polyether antibiotic and used in veterinary medicine as coccidiostat and growth promoter. Recently, SAL was suggested as a potential anticancer drug. However, transformation products (TPs) resulting from metabolic and environmental degradation of SAL are incompletely known and structural information is missing. In this study, we therefore systematically investigated the formation and identification of SAL derived TPs using electrochemistry (EC) in an electrochemical reactor and rat and human liver microsome incubation (RLM and HLM) as TP generating methods. Liquid chromatography (LC) coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) was applied to determine accurate masses in a suspected target analysis to identify TPs and to deduce occurring modification reactions of derived TPs. A total of 14 new, structurally different TPs were found (two EC-TPs, five RLM-TPs, and 11 HLM-TPs). The main modification reactions are decarbonylation for EC-TPs and oxidation (hydroxylation) for RLM/HLM-TPs. Of particular interest are potassium-based TPs identified after liver microsome incubation because these might have been overlooked or declared as oxidated sodium adducts in previous, non-HRMS-based studies due to the small mass difference between K and O + Na of 21 mDa. The MS fragmentation pattern of TPs was used to predict the position of identified modifications in the SAL molecule. The obtained knowledge regarding transformation reactions and novel TPs of SAL will contribute to elucidate SAL-metabolites with regards to structural prediction.}, language = {en} } @article{AgaBarfknechtSoultoukisStadionetal.2022, author = {Aga-Barfknecht, Heja and Soultoukis, George A. and Stadion, Mandy and Garcia-Carrizo, Francisco and J{\"a}hnert, Markus and Gottmann, Pascal and Vogel, Heike and Schulz, Tim Julius and Sch{\"u}rmann, Annette}, title = {Distinct adipogenic and fibrogenic differentiation capacities of mesenchymal stromal cells from pancreas and white adipose tissue}, series = {International journal of molecular sciences}, volume = {23}, journal = {International journal of molecular sciences}, number = {4}, publisher = {Molecular Diversity Preservation International}, address = {Basel}, issn = {1422-0067}, doi = {10.3390/ijms23042108}, pages = {21}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Pancreatic steatosis associates with beta-cell failure and may participate in the development of type-2-diabetes. Our previous studies have shown that diabetes-susceptible mice accumulate more adipocytes in the pancreas than diabetes-resistant mice. In addition, we have demonstrated that the co-culture of pancreatic islets and adipocytes affect insulin secretion. The aim of this current study was to elucidate if and to what extent pancreas-resident mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) with adipogenic progenitor potential differ from the corresponding stromal-type cells of the inguinal white adipose tissue (iWAT). miRNA (miRNome) and mRNA expression (transcriptome) analyses of MSCs isolated by flow cytometry of both tissues revealed 121 differentially expressed miRNAs and 1227 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Target prediction analysis estimated 510 DEGs to be regulated by 58 differentially expressed miRNAs. Pathway analyses of DEGs and miRNA target genes showed unique transcriptional and miRNA signatures in pancreas (pMSCs) and iWAT MSCs (iwatMSCs), for instance fibrogenic and adipogenic differentiation, respectively. Accordingly, iwatMSCs revealed a higher adipogenic lineage commitment, whereas pMSCs showed an elevated fibrogenesis. As a low degree of adipogenesis was also observed in pMSCs of diabetes-susceptible mice, we conclude that the development of pancreatic steatosis has to be induced by other factors not related to cell-autonomous transcriptomic changes and miRNA-based signals.}, language = {en} } @article{PedroErnestodaSilvaRochaGomesetal.2022, author = {Pedro Ernesto, Pinho Tavares Leal and da Silva, Alexandre Alves and Rocha-Gomes, Arthur and Riul, Tania Regina and Cunha, Rennan Augusto and Reichetzeder, Christoph and Villela, Daniel Campos}, title = {High-salt diet in the pre- and postweaning periods leads to amygdala oxidative stress and changes in locomotion and anxiety-like behaviors of male wistar rats}, series = {Frontiers in behavioral neuroscience}, volume = {15}, journal = {Frontiers in behavioral neuroscience}, publisher = {Frontiers Media}, address = {Lausanne}, issn = {1662-5153}, doi = {10.3389/fnbeh.2021.779080}, pages = {12}, year = {2022}, abstract = {High-salt (HS) diets have recently been linked to oxidative stress in the brain, a fact that may be a precursor to behavioral changes, such as those involving anxiety-like behavior. However, to the best of our knowledge, no study has evaluated the amygdala redox status after consuming a HS diet in the pre- or postweaning periods. This study aimed to evaluate the amygdala redox status and anxiety-like behaviors in adulthood, after inclusion of HS diet in two periods: preconception, gestation, and lactation (preweaning); and only after weaning (postweaning). Initially, 18 females and 9 male Wistar rats received a standard (n = 9 females and 4 males) or a HS diet (n = 9 females and 5 males) for 120 days. After mating, females continued to receive the aforementioned diets during gestation and lactation. Weaning occurred at 21-day-old Wistar rats and the male offspring were subdivided: control-control (C-C)-offspring of standard diet fed dams who received a standard diet after weaning (n = 9-11), control-HS (C-HS)-offspring of standard diet fed dams who received a HS diet after weaning (n = 9-11), HS-C-offspring of HS diet fed dams who received a standard diet after weaning (n = 9-11), and HS-HS-offspring of HS diet fed dams who received a HS diet after weaning (n = 9-11). At adulthood, the male offspring performed the elevated plus maze and open field tests. At 152-day-old Wistar rats, the offspring were euthanized and the amygdala was removed for redox state analysis. The HS-HS group showed higher locomotion and rearing frequency in the open field test. These results indicate that this group developed hyperactivity. The C-HS group had a higher ratio of entries and time spent in the open arms of the elevated plus maze test in addition to a higher head-dipping frequency. These results suggest less anxiety-like behaviors. In the analysis of the redox state, less activity of antioxidant enzymes and higher levels of the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in the amygdala were shown in the amygdala of animals that received a high-salt diet regardless of the period (pre- or postweaning). In conclusion, the high-salt diet promoted hyperactivity when administered in the pre- and postweaning periods. In animals that received only in the postweaning period, the addition of salt induced a reduction in anxiety-like behaviors. Also, regardless of the period, salt provided amygdala oxidative stress, which may be linked to the observed behaviors.}, language = {en} } @article{StepanovskaZivkovicEnzmannetal.2020, author = {Stepanovska, Bisera and Zivkovic, Aleksandra and Enzmann, Gaby and Tietz, Silvia and Homann, Thomas and Kleuser, Burkhard and Engelhardt, Britta and Stark, Holger and Huwiler, Andrea}, title = {Morpholino analogues of fingolimod as novel and selective S1P1 ligands with in vivo efficacy in a mouse model of experimental antigen-induced encephalomyelitis}, series = {International journal of molecular sciences}, volume = {21}, journal = {International journal of molecular sciences}, number = {18}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {1422-0067}, doi = {10.3390/ijms21186463}, pages = {17}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory, autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) which is associated with lower life expectancy and disability. The experimental antigen-induced encephalomyelitis (EAE) in mice is a useful animal model of MS, which allows exploring the etiopathogenetic mechanisms and testing novel potential therapeutic drugs. A new therapeutic paradigm for the treatment of MS was introduced in 2010 through the sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) analogue fingolimod (FTY720, Gilenya(R)), which acts as a functional S1P(1) antagonist on T lymphocytes to deplete these cells from the blood. In this study, we synthesized two novel structures, ST-1893 and ST-1894, which are derived from fingolimod and chemically feature a morpholine ring in the polar head group. These compounds showed a selective S1P(1) activation profile and a sustained S1P(1) internalization in cultures of S1P(1)-overexpressing Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)-K1 cells, consistent with a functional antagonism. In vivo, both compounds induced a profound lymphopenia in mice. Finally, these substances showed efficacy in the EAE model, where they reduced clinical symptoms of the disease, and, on the molecular level, they reduced the T-cell infiltration and several inflammatory mediators in the brain and spinal cord. In summary, these data suggest that S1P(1)-selective compounds may have an advantage over fingolimod and siponimod, not only in MS but also in other autoimmune diseases.}, language = {en} } @article{GellnerSitterRackiewiczetal.2022, author = {Gellner, Anne-Kathrin and Sitter, Aileen and Rackiewicz, Michal and Sylvester, Marc and Philipsen, Alexandra and Zimmer, Andreas and Stein, Valentin}, title = {Stress vulnerability shapes disruption of motor cortical neuroplasticity}, series = {Translational Psychiatry}, volume = {12}, journal = {Translational Psychiatry}, number = {1}, publisher = {Nature Publishing Group}, address = {London}, issn = {2158-3188}, doi = {10.1038/s41398-022-01855-8}, pages = {13}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Chronic stress is a major cause of neuropsychiatric conditions such as depression. Stress vulnerability varies individually in mice and humans, measured by behavioral changes. In contrast to affective symptoms, motor retardation as a consequence of stress is not well understood. We repeatedly imaged dendritic spines of the motor cortex in Thy1-GFP M mice before and after chronic social defeat stress. Susceptible and resilient phenotypes were discriminated by symptom load and their motor learning abilities were assessed by a gross and fine motor task. Stress phenotypes presented individual short- and long-term changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis as well as distinct patterns of altered motor learning. Importantly, stress was generally accompanied by a marked reduction of spine density in the motor cortex and spine dynamics depended on the stress phenotype. We found astrogliosis and altered microglia morphology along with increased microglia-neuron interaction in the motor cortex of susceptible mice. In cerebrospinal fluid, proteomic fingerprints link the behavioral changes and structural alterations in the brain to neurodegenerative disorders and dysregulated synaptic homeostasis. Our work emphasizes the importance of synaptic integrity and the risk of neurodegeneration within depression as a threat to brain health.}, language = {en} } @article{VolkBrandschSchlegelmilchetal.2020, author = {Volk, Christin and Brandsch, Corinna and Schlegelmilch, Ulf and Wensch-Dorendorf, Monika and Hirche, Frank and Simm, Andreas and Gargum, Osama and Wiacek, Claudia and Braun, Peggy G. and Kopp, Johannes F. and Schwerdtle, Tanja and Treede, Hendrik and Stangl, Gabriele I.}, title = {Postprandial metabolic response to rapeseed protein in healthy subjects}, series = {Nutrients}, volume = {12}, journal = {Nutrients}, number = {8}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2072-6643}, doi = {10.3390/nu12082270}, pages = {22}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Plant proteins have become increasingly important for ecological reasons. Rapeseed is a novel source of plant proteins with high biological value, but its metabolic impact in humans is largely unknown. A randomized, controlled intervention study including 20 healthy subjects was conducted in a crossover design. All participants received a test meal without additional protein or with 28 g of rapeseed protein isolate or soy protein isolate (control). Venous blood samples were collected over a 360-min period to analyze metabolites; satiety was assessed using a visual analog scale. Postprandial levels of lipids, urea, and amino acids increased following the intake of both protein isolates. The postprandial insulin response was lower after consumption of the rapeseed protein than after intake of the soy protein (p< 0.05), whereas the postmeal responses of glucose, lipids, interleukin-6, minerals, and urea were comparable between the two protein isolates. Interestingly, the rapeseed protein exerted stronger effects on postprandial satiety than the soy protein (p< 0.05). The postmeal metabolism following rapeseed protein intake is comparable with that of soy protein. The favorable effect of rapeseed protein on postprandial insulin and satiety makes it a valuable plant protein for human nutrition.}, language = {en} } @article{BurkhardtRauschKlopfleischetal.2021, author = {Burkhardt, Wiebke and Rausch, Theresa and Klopfleisch, Robert and Blaut, Michael and Braune, Annett}, title = {Impact of dietary sulfolipid-derived sulfoquinovose on gut microbiota composition and inflammatory status of colitis-prone interleukin-10-deficient mice}, series = {International journal of medical microbiology : IJMM}, volume = {311}, journal = {International journal of medical microbiology : IJMM}, number = {3}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {M{\"u}nchen}, issn = {1618-0607}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijmm.2021.151494}, pages = {11}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The interplay between diet, intestinal microbiota and host is a major factor impacting health. A diet rich in unsaturated fatty acids has been reported to stimulate the growth of Bilophila wadsworthia by increasing the proportion of the sulfonated bile acid taurocholate (TC). The taurine-induced overgrowth of B. wadsworthia promoted the development of colitis in interleukin-10-deficient (IL-10(-/-)) mice. This study aimed to investigate whether intake of the sulfonates sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerols (SQDG) with a dietary supplement or their degradation product sulfoquinovose (SQ), stimulate the growth of B. wadsworthia in a similar manner and, thereby, cause intestinal inflammation. Conventional IL-10(-/-) mice were fed a diet supplemented with the SQDG-rich cyanobacterium Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina). SQ or TC were orally applied to conventional IL-10(-/-) mice and gnotobiotic IL-10(-/-) mice harboring a simplified human intestinal microbiota with or without B. wadsworthia. Analyses of inflammatory parameters revealed that none of the sulfonates induced severe colitis, but both, Spirulina and TC, induced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in cecal mucosa. Cell numbers of B. wadsworthia decreased almost two orders of magnitude by Spirulina feeding but slightly increased in gnotobiotic SQ and conventional TC mice. Changes in microbiota composition were observed in feces as a result of Spirulina or TC feeding in conventional mice. In conclusion, the dietary sulfonates SQDG and their metabolite SQ did not elicit bacteria-induced intestinal inflammation in IL-10(-/-) mice and, thus, do not promote colitis.}, language = {en} } @article{SolgerKunzFinketal.2019, author = {Solger, Franziska and Kunz, Tobias C. and Fink, Julian and Paprotka, Kerstin and Pfister, Pauline and Hagen, Franziska and Schumacher, Fabian and Kleuser, Burkhard and Seibel, J{\"u}rgen and Rudel, Thomas}, title = {A role of sphingosine in the intracellular survival of Neisseria gonorrhoeae}, series = {Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology}, volume = {10}, journal = {Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology}, publisher = {Frontiers Media}, address = {Lausanne}, issn = {2235-2988}, doi = {10.3389/fcimb.2020.00215}, pages = {12}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Obligate human pathogenic Neisseria gonorrhoeae are the second most frequent bacterial cause of sexually transmitted diseases. These bacteria invade different mucosal tissues and occasionally disseminate into the bloodstream. Invasion into epithelial cells requires the activation of host cell receptors by the formation of ceramide-rich platforms. Here, we investigated the role of sphingosine in the invasion and intracellular survival of gonococci. Sphingosine exhibited an anti-gonococcal activity in vitro. We used specific sphingosine analogs and click chemistry to visualize sphingosine in infected cells. Sphingosine localized to the membrane of intracellular gonococci. Inhibitor studies and the application of a sphingosine derivative indicated that increased sphingosine levels reduced the intracellular survival of gonococci. We demonstrate here, that sphingosine can target intracellular bacteria and may therefore exert a direct bactericidal effect inside cells.}, language = {en} } @article{DerakhshaniKurzJaptoketal.2019, author = {Derakhshani, Shaghayegh and Kurz, Andreas and Japtok, Lukasz and Schumacher, Fabian and Pilgram, Lisa and Steinke, Maria and Kleuser, Burkhard and Sauer, Markus and Schneider-Schaulies, Sibylle and Avota, Elita}, title = {Measles Virus Infection Fosters Dendritic Cell Motility in a 3D Environment to Enhance Transmission to Target Cells in the Respiratory Epithelium}, series = {Frontiers in immunology}, volume = {10}, journal = {Frontiers in immunology}, publisher = {Frontiers Research Foundation}, address = {Lausanne}, issn = {1664-3224}, doi = {10.3389/fimmu.2019.01294}, pages = {14}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Transmission of measles virus (MV) from dendritic to airway epithelial cells is considered as crucial to viral spread late in infection. Therefore, pathways and effectors governing this process are promising targets for intervention. To identify these, we established a 3D respiratory tract model where MV transmission by infected dendritic cells (DCs) relied on the presence of nectin-4 on H358 lung epithelial cells. Access to recipient cells is an important prerequisite for transmission, and we therefore analyzed migration of MV-exposed DC cultures within the model. Surprisingly, enhanced motility toward the epithelial layer was observed for MV-infected DCs as compared to their uninfected siblings. This occurred independently of factors released from H358 cells indicating that MV infection triggered cytoskeletal remodeling associated with DC polarization enforced velocity. Accordingly, the latter was also observed for MV-infected DCs in collagen matrices and was particularly sensitive to ROCK inhibition indicating infected DCs preferentially employed the amoeboid migration mode. This was also implicated by loss of podosomes and reduced filopodial activity both of which were retained in MV-exposed uninfected DCs. Evidently, sphingosine kinase (SphK) and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) as produced in response to virus-infection in DCs contributed to enhanced velocity because this was abrogated upon inhibition of sphingosine kinase activity. These findings indicate that MV infection promotes a push-and-squeeze fast amoeboid migration mode via the SphK/S1P system characterized by loss of filopodia and podosome dissolution. Consequently, this enables rapid trafficking of virus toward epithelial cells during viral exit.}, language = {en} } @article{NaserKadowSchumacheretal.2021, author = {Naser, Eyad and Kadow, Stephanie and Schumacher, Fabian and Mohamed, Zainelabdeen H. and Kappe, Christian and Hessler, Gabriele and Pollmeier, Barbara and Kleuser, Burkhard and Arenz, Christoph and Becker, Katrin Anne and Gulbins, Erich and Carpinteiro, Alexander}, title = {Characterization of the small molecule ARC39}, series = {Journal of Lipid Research}, volume = {61}, journal = {Journal of Lipid Research}, number = {6}, publisher = {American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology}, address = {Bethesda}, issn = {1539-7262}, doi = {10.1194/jlr.RA120000682}, pages = {896 -- 910}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Inhibition of acid sphingomyelinase (ASM), a lysosomal enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of sphingomyelin into ceramide and phosphorylcholine, may serve as an investigational tool or a therapeutic intervention to control many diseases. Specific ASM inhibitors are currently not sufficiently characterized. Here, we found that 1-aminodecylidene bis-phosphonic acid (ARC39) specifically and efficiently (>90\%) inhibits both lysosomal and secretory ASM in vitro. Results from investigating sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase 1 (SMPD1/Smpd1) mRNA and ASM protein levels suggested that ARC39 directly inhibits ASM's catalytic activity in cultured cells, a mechanism that differs from that of functional inhibitors of ASM. We further provide evidence that ARC39 dose- and time-dependently inhibits lysosomal ASM in intact cells, and we show that ARC39 also reduces platelet- and ASM-promoted adhesion of tumor cells. The observed toxicity of ARC39 is low at concentrations relevant for ASM inhibition in vitro, and it does not strongly alter the lysosomal compartment or induce phospholipidosis in vitro. When applied intraperitoneally in vivo, even subtoxic high doses administered short-term induced sphingomyelin accumulation only locally in the peritoneal lavage without significant accumulation in plasma, liver, spleen, or brain. These findings require further investigation with other possible chemical modifications. In conclusion, our results indicate that ARC39 potently and selectively inhibits ASM in vitro and highlight the need for developing compounds that can reach tissue concentrations sufficient for ASM inhibition in vivo.}, language = {en} } @article{OlayideLargeStridhetal.2020, author = {Olayide, Priscilla and Large, Annabel and Stridh, Linnea and Rabbi, Ismail and Baldermann, Susanne and Stavolone, Livia and Alexandersson, Erik}, title = {Gene expression and metabolite profiling of thirteen Nigerian cassava landraces to elucidate starch and carotenoid composition}, series = {Agronomy}, volume = {10}, journal = {Agronomy}, number = {3}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2073-4395}, doi = {10.3390/agronomy10030424}, pages = {1 -- 16}, year = {2020}, abstract = {The prevalence of vitamin A deficiency in sub-Saharan Africa necessitates effective approaches to improve provitamin A content of major staple crops. Cassava holds much promise for food security in sub-Saharan Africa, but a negative correlation between beta-carotene, a provitamin A carotenoid, and dry matter content has been reported, which poses a challenge to cassava biofortification by conventional breeding. To identify suitable material for genetic transformation in tissue culture with the overall aim to increase beta-carotene and maintain starch content as well as better understand carotenoid composition, root and leaf tissues from thirteen field-grown cassava landraces were analyzed for agronomic traits, carotenoid, chlorophyll, and starch content. The expression of five genes related to carotenoid biosynthesis were determined in selected landraces. Analysis revealed a weak negative correlation between starch and beta-carotene content, whereas there was a strong positive correlation between root yield and many carotenoids including beta-carotene. Carotenoid synthesis genes were expressed in both white and yellow cassava roots, but phytoene synthase 2 (PSY2), lycopene-epsilon-cyclase (LCY epsilon), and beta-carotenoid hydroxylase (CHY beta) expression were generally higher in yellow roots. This study identified lines with reasonably high content of starch and beta-carotene that could be candidates for biofortification by further breeding or plant biotechnological means.}, language = {en} } @article{WetzelScholtkaSchumacheretal.2021, author = {Wetzel, Alexandra Nicole and Scholtka, Bettina and Schumacher, Fabian and Rawel, Harshadrai Manilal and Geisend{\"o}rfer, Birte and Kleuser, Burkhard}, title = {Epigenetic DNA methylation of EBI3 modulates human interleukin-35 formation via NFkB signaling}, series = {International journal of molecular sciences}, volume = {22}, journal = {International journal of molecular sciences}, number = {10}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {1422-0067}, doi = {10.3390/ijms22105329}, pages = {21}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Ulcerative colitis (UC), a severe chronic disease with unclear etiology that is associated with increased risk for colorectal cancer, is accompanied by dysregulation of cytokines. Epstein-Barr virus-induced gene 3 (EBI3) encodes a subunit in the unique heterodimeric IL-12 cytokine family of either pro- or anti-inflammatory function. After having recently demonstrated that upregulation of EBI3 by histone acetylation alleviates disease symptoms in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-treated mouse model of chronic colitis, we now aimed to examine a possible further epigenetic regulation of EBI3 by DNA methylation under inflammatory conditions. Treatment with the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor (DNMTi) decitabine (DAC) and TNF alpha led to synergistic upregulation of EBI3 in human colon epithelial cells (HCEC). Use of different signaling pathway inhibitors indicated NF kappa B signaling was necessary and proportional to the synergistic EBI3 induction. MALDI-TOF/MS and HPLC-ESIMS/MS analysis of DAC/TNF alpha-treated HCEC identified IL-12p35 as the most probable binding partner to form a functional protein. EBI3/IL-12p35 heterodimers (IL-35) induce their own gene upregulation, something that was indeed observed in HCEC cultured with media from previously DAC/TNF alpha-treated HCEC. These results suggest that under inflammatory and demethylating conditions the upregulation of EBI3 results in the formation of anti-inflammatory IL-35, which might be considered as a therapeutic target in colitis.}, language = {en} } @article{ShiXieQietal.2019, author = {Shi, Jiang and Xie, Dongchao and Qi, Dandan and Peng, Qunhua and Chen, Zongmao and Schreiner, Monika and Lin, Zhi and Baldermann, Susanne}, title = {Methyl jasmonate-induced changes of flavor profiles during the processing of Green, Oolong, and Black Tea}, series = {Frontiers in plant science}, volume = {10}, journal = {Frontiers in plant science}, publisher = {Frontiers Research Foundation}, address = {Lausanne}, issn = {1664-462X}, doi = {10.3389/fpls.2019.00781}, pages = {13}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Tea aroma is one of the most important factors affecting the character and quality of tea. Here we describe the practical application of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) to improve the aroma quality of teas. The changes of selected metabolites during crucial tea processing steps, namely, withering, fixing and rolling, and fermentation, were analyzed. MeJA treatment of tea leaves (12, 24, 48, and 168 h) greatly promotes the aroma quality of green, oolong, and black tea products when comparing with untreated ones (0 h) and as confirmed by sensory evaluation. MeJA modulates the aroma profiles before, during, and after processing. Benzyl alcohol, benzaldehyde, 2-phenylethyl alcohol, phenylacetaldehyde, and trans-2-hexenal increased 1.07- to 3-fold in MeJA-treated fresh leaves and the first two maintained at a higher level in black tea and the last two in green tea. This correlates with a decrease in aromatic amino acids by more than twofold indicating a direct relation to tryptophan- and phenylalanine-derived volatiles. MeJA-treated oolong tea was characterized by a more pleasant aroma. Especially the terpenoids linalool and oxides, geraniol, and carvenol increased by more than twofold.}, language = {en} } @article{KlopschBaldermannVossetal.2019, author = {Klopsch, Rebecca and Baldermann, Susanne and Voss, Alexander and Rohn, Sascha and Schreiner, Monika and Neugart, Susanne}, title = {Narrow-Banded UVB Affects the Stability of Secondary Plant Metabolites in Kale (Brassica oleracea var. sabellica) and Pea (Pisum sativum) Leaves Being Added to Lentil Flour Fortified Bread: A Novel Approach for Producing Functional Foods}, series = {Foods}, volume = {8}, journal = {Foods}, number = {10}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2304-8158}, doi = {10.3390/foods8100427}, pages = {20}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Young kale and pea leaves are rich in secondary plant metabolites (SPMs) whose profile can be affected by ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. Carotenoids and flavonoids in kale and pea exposed to narrow-banded UVB, produced by innovative light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and subsequently used for breadmaking were investigated for the first time, thus combining two important strategies to increase the SPMs intake. Breads were also fortified with protein-rich lentil flour. Antioxidant activity in the 'vegetable breads' indicated health-promoting effects. Lentil flour increased the antioxidant activity in all of the 'vegetable breads'. While carotenoids and chlorophylls showed a minor response to UVB treatment, kaempferol glycosides decreased in favor of increasing quercetin glycosides, especially in kale. Additionally, breadmaking caused major decreases in carotenoids and a conversion of chlorophyll to bioactive degradation products. In 'kale breads' and 'pea breads', 20\% and 84\% of flavonoid glycosides were recovered. Thus, kale and pea leaves seem to be suitable natural ingredients for producing innovative Functional Foods.}, language = {en} } @article{OdongoSchlotzBaldermannetal.2018, author = {Odongo, Grace Akinyi and Schlotz, Nina and Baldermann, Susanne and Neugart, Susanne and Huyskens-Keil, Susanne and Ngwene, Benard and Trierweiler, Bernhard and Schreiner, Monika and Lamy, Evelyn}, title = {African Nightshade (Solanum scabrum Mill.)}, series = {Nutrients}, volume = {10}, journal = {Nutrients}, number = {10}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2072-6643}, doi = {10.3390/nu10101532}, pages = {20}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Plant cultivation and processing may impact nutrient and phytochemical content of vegetables. The present study aimed at determining the influence of cultivation and processing on the health promoting capacity of African nightshade (Solanum scabrum Mill.) leaves, an indigenous vegetable, rich in nutrients and phytochemicals. Anti-genotoxicity against the human liver carcinogen aflatoxin B1 (AFB(1)) as determined by the comet assay and radical oxygen species (ROS) scavenging capacity of ethanolic and aqueous extracts were investigated in human derived liver (HepG2) cells. ROS scavenging activity was assessed using electron paramagnetic spin resonance and quantification of ARE/Nrf2 mediated gene expression. The cultivation was done under different environmental conditions. The processing included fermentation and cooking; postharvest ultraviolet irradiation (UV-C) treatment was also investigated. Overall, S. scabrum extracts showed strong health promoting potential, the highest potential was observed with the fermented extract, which showed a 60\% reduction of AFB(1) induced DNA damage and a 38\% reduction in FeSO4 induced oxidative stress. The content of total polyphenols, carotenoids and chlorophylls was indeed affected by cultivation and processing. Based on the present in vitro findings consumption of S. scabrum leaves could be further encouraged, preferentially after cooking or fermentation of the plant.}, language = {en} } @article{JonasKluthHelmsetal.2022, author = {Jonas, Wenke and Kluth, Oliver and Helms, Anett and Voss, Sarah and Jahnert, Markus and Gottmann, Pascal and Speckmann, Thilo and Knebel, Birgit and Chadt, Alexandra and Al-Hasani, Hadi and Sch{\"u}rmann, Annette and Vogel, Heike}, title = {Identification of novel genes involved in hyperglycemia in mice}, series = {International journal of molecular sciences}, volume = {23}, journal = {International journal of molecular sciences}, number = {6}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {1661-6596}, doi = {10.3390/ijms23063205}, pages = {13}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Current attempts to prevent and manage type 2 diabetes have been moderately effective, and a better understanding of the molecular roots of this complex disease is important to develop more successful and precise treatment options. Recently, we initiated the collective diabetes cross, where four mouse inbred strains differing in their diabetes susceptibility were crossed with the obese and diabetes-prone NZO strain and identified the quantitative trait loci (QTL) Nidd13/NZO, a genomic region on chromosome 13 that correlates with hyperglycemia in NZO allele carriers compared to B6 controls. Subsequent analysis of the critical region, harboring 644 genes, included expression studies in pancreatic islets of congenic Nidd13/NZO mice, integration of single-cell data from parental NZO and B6 islets as well as haplotype analysis. Finally, of the five genes (Acot12, S100z, Ankrd55, Rnf180, and Iqgap2) within the polymorphic haplotype block that are differently expressed in islets of B6 compared to NZO mice, we identified the calcium-binding protein S100z gene to affect islet cell proliferation as well as apoptosis when overexpressed in MINE cells. In summary, we define S100z as the most striking gene to be causal for the diabetes QTL Nidd13/NZO by affecting beta-cell proliferation and apoptosis. Thus, S100z is an entirely novel diabetes gene regulating islet cell function.}, language = {en} } @article{GohlkeZagoriyInostrozaetal.2019, author = {Gohlke, Sabrina and Zagoriy, Vyacheslav and Inostroza, Alvaro Cuadros and Meret, Michael and Mancini, Carola and Japtok, Lukasz and Schumacher, Fabian and Kuhlow, Doreen and Graja, Antonia and Stephanowitz, Heike and J{\"a}hnert, Markus and Krause, Eberhard and Wernitz, Andreas and Petzke, Klaus-Juergen and Sch{\"u}rmann, Annette and Kleuser, Burkhard and Schulz, Tim Julius}, title = {Identification of functional lipid metabolism biomarkers of brown adipose tissue aging}, series = {Molecular Metabolism}, volume = {24}, journal = {Molecular Metabolism}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {2212-8778}, doi = {10.1016/j.molmet.2019.03.011}, pages = {1 -- 17}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Objective: Aging is accompanied by loss of brown adipocytes and a decline in their thermogenic potential, which may exacerbate the development of adiposity and other metabolic disorders. Presently, only limited evidence exists describing the molecular alterations leading to impaired brown adipogenesis with aging and the contribution of these processes to changes of systemic energy metabolism. Methods: Samples of young and aged murine brown and white adipose tissue were used to compare age-related changes of brown adipogenic gene expression and thermogenesis-related lipid mobilization. To identify potential markers of brown adipose tissue aging, non-targeted proteomic and metabolomic as well as targeted lipid analyses were conducted on young and aged tissue samples. Subsequently, the effects of several candidate lipid classes on brown adipocyte function were examined. Results: Corroborating previous reports of reduced expression of uncoupling protein-1, we observe impaired signaling required for lipid mobilization in aged brown fat after adrenergic stimulation. Omics analyses additionally confirm the age-related impairment of lipid homeostasis and reveal the accumulation of specific lipid classes, including certain sphingolipids, ceramides, and dolichols in aged brown fat. While ceramides as well as enzymes of dolichol metabolism inhibit brown adipogenesis, inhibition of sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 2 induces brown adipocyte differentiation. Conclusions: Our functional analyses show that changes in specific lipid species, as observed during aging, may contribute to reduced thermogenic potential. They thus uncover potential biomarkers of aging as well as molecular mechanisms that could contribute to the degradation of brown adipocytes, thereby providing potential treatment strategies of age-related metabolic conditions.}, language = {en} } @article{RancanVolkmannGiulbudagianetal.2019, author = {Rancan, Fiorenza and Volkmann, Hildburg and Giulbudagian, Michael and Schumacher, Fabian and Stanko, Jessica Isolde and Kleuser, Burkhard and Blume-Peytavi, Ulrike and Calderon, Marcelo and Vogt, Annika}, title = {Dermal Delivery of the High-Molecular-Weight Drug Tacrolimus by Means of Polyglycerol-Based Nanogels}, series = {Pharmaceutics : Molecular Diversity Preservation International}, volume = {11}, journal = {Pharmaceutics : Molecular Diversity Preservation International}, number = {8}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {1999-4923}, doi = {10.3390/pharmaceutics11080394}, pages = {14}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Polyglycerol-based thermoresponsive nanogels (tNGs) have been shown to have excellent skin hydration properties and to be valuable delivery systems for sustained release of drugs into skin. In this study, we compared the skin penetration of tacrolimus formulated in tNGs with a commercial 0.1\% tacrolimus ointment. The penetration of the drug was investigated in ex vivo abdominal and breast skin, while different methods for skin barrier disruption were investigated to improve skin permeability or simulate inflammatory conditions with compromised skin barrier. The amount of penetrated tacrolimus was measured in skin extracts by liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), whereas the inflammatory markers IL-6 and IL-8 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Higher amounts of tacrolimus penetrated in breast as compared to abdominal skin or in barrier-disrupted as compared to intact skin, confirming that the stratum corneum is the main barrier for tacrolimus skin penetration. The anti-proliferative effect of the penetrated drug was measured in skin tissue/Jurkat cells co-cultures. Interestingly, tNGs exhibited similar anti-proliferative effects as the 0.1\% tacrolimus ointment. We conclude that polyglycerol-based nanogels represent an interesting alternative to paraffin-based formulations for the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions.}, language = {en} } @article{ReichelRheinHofmannetal.2018, author = {Reichel, Martin and Rhein, Cosima and Hofmann, Lena M. and Monti, Juliana and Japtok, Lukasz and Langgartner, Dominik and F{\"u}chsl, Andrea M. and Kleuser, Burkhard and Gulbins, Erich and Hellerbrand, Claus and Reber, Stefan O. and Kornhuber, Johannes}, title = {Chronic Psychosocial Stress in Mice Is Associated With Increased Acid Sphingomyelinase Activity in Liver and Serum and With Hepatic C16:0-Ceramide Accumulation}, series = {Frontiers in Psychiatry}, volume = {9}, journal = {Frontiers in Psychiatry}, publisher = {Frontiers Research Foundation}, address = {Lausanne}, issn = {1664-0640}, doi = {10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00496}, pages = {8}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Chronic psychosocial stress adversely affects human morbidity and is a risk factor for inflammatory disorders, liver diseases, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and major depressive disorder (MDD). In recent studies, we found an association of MDD with an increase of acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) activity. Thus, we asked whether chronic psychosocial stress as a detrimental factor contributing to the emergence of MDD would also affect ASM activity and sphingolipid (SL) metabolism. To induce chronic psychosocial stress in male mice we employed the chronic subordinate colony housing (CSC) paradigm and compared them to non-stressed single housed control (SHC) mice. We determined Asm activity in liver and serum, hepatic SL concentrations as well as hepatic mRNA expression of genes involved in SL metabolism. We found that hepatic Asm activity was increased by 28\% (P = 0.006) and secretory Asm activity by 47\% (P = 0.002) in stressed mice. C16:0-Cer was increased by 40\% (P = 0.008). Gene expression analysis further revealed an increased expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha (P = 0.009) and of several genes involved in SL metabolism (Cers5, P = 0.028; Cers6, P = 0.045; Gba, P = 0.049; Gba2, P = 0.030; Ormdl2, P = 0.034; Smpdl3B; P = 0.013). Our data thus provides first evidence that chronic psychosocial stress, at least in mice, induces alterations in SL metabolism, which in turn might be involved in mediating the adverse health effects of chronic psychosocial stress and peripheral changes occurring in mood disorders.}, language = {en} } @article{BernacchioniGhiniCencettietal.2017, author = {Bernacchioni, Caterina and Ghini, Veronica and Cencetti, Francesca and Japtok, Lukasz and Donati, Chiara and Bruni, Paola and Turano, Paola}, title = {NMR metabolomics highlights sphingosine kinase-1 as a new molecular switch in the orchestration of aberrant metabolic phenotype in cancer cells}, series = {Molecular oncology / Federation of European Biochemical Societies}, volume = {11}, journal = {Molecular oncology / Federation of European Biochemical Societies}, publisher = {Wiley}, address = {Hoboken}, issn = {1878-0261}, doi = {10.1002/1878-0261.12048}, pages = {517 -- 533}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Strong experimental evidence in animal and cellular models supports a pivotal role of sphingosine kinase-1 (SK1) in oncogenesis. In many human cancers, SK1 levels are upregulated and these increases are linked to poor prognosis in patients. Here, by employing untargeted NMR- based metabolomic profiling combined with functional validations, we report the crucial role of SK1 in the metabolic shift known as the Warburg effect in A2780 ovarian cancer cells. Indeed, expression of SK1 induced a high glycolytic rate, characterized by increased levels of lactate along with increased expression of the proton/monocarboxylate symporter MCT1, and decreased oxidative metabolism, associated with the accumulation of intermediates of the tricarboxylic acid cycle and reduction in CO2 production. Additionally, SK1-expressing cells displayed a significant increase in glucose uptake paralleled by GLUT3 transporter upregulation. The role of SK1 is not limited to the induction of aerobic glycolysis, affecting metabolic pathways that appear to support the biosynthesis of macromolecules. These findings highlight the role of SK1 signaling axis in cancer metabolic reprogramming, pointing out innovative strategies for cancer therapies.}, language = {en} } @article{ChaykovskaHeunischvonEinemetal.2018, author = {Chaykovska, Lyubov and Heunisch, Fabian and von Einem, Gina and Hocher, Carl-Friedrich and Tsuprykov, Oleg and Pavkovic, Mira and Sandner, Peter and Kretschmer, Axel and Chu, Chang and Elitok, Saban and Stasch, Johannes-Peter and Hocher, Berthold}, title = {Urinary cGMP predicts major adverse renal events in patients with mild renal impairment and/or diabetes mellitus before exposure to contrast medium}, series = {PLoS one}, volume = {13}, journal = {PLoS one}, number = {4}, publisher = {PLoS}, address = {San Fransisco}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0195828}, pages = {13}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Background The use of iodine-based contrast agents entails the risk of contrast induced nephropathy (CIN). Radiocontrast agents elicit the third most common cause of nephropathy among hospitalized patients, accounting for 11-12\% of cases. CIN is connected with clinically significant consequences, including increased morbidity, prolonged hospitalization, increased risk of complications, potential need for dialysis, and increased mortality rate. The number of in hospital examinations using iodine-based contrast media has been significantly increasing over the last decade. In order to protect patients from possible complications of such examinations, new biomarkers are needed that are able to predict a risk of contrast-induced nephropathy. Urinary and plasma cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) concentrations are influenced by renal function. Urinary cGMP is primarily of renal cellular origin. Therefore, we assessed if urinary cGMP concentration may predict major adverse renal events (MARE) after contrast media exposure during coronary angiography. Methods Urine samples were prospectively collected from non-randomized consecutive patients with either diabetes or preexisting impaired kidney function receiving intra-arterial contrast medium (CM) for emergent or elective coronary angiography at the Charite Campus Mitte, University Hospital Berlin. Urinary cGMP concentration in spot urine was analyzed 24 hours after CM exposure. Patients were followed up over 90 days for occurrence of death, initiation of dialysis, doubling of plasma creatinine concentration or MARE. Results In total, 289 consecutive patients were included into the study. Urine cGMP/creatinine ratio 24 hours before CM exposure expressed as mean +/- SD was predictive for the need of dialysis (no dialysis: 89.77 +/- 92.85 mu M/mM, n = 277; need for dialysis: 140.3 +/- 82.90 mu M/mM, n = 12, p = 0.008), death (no death during follow-up: 90.60 +/- 92.50 mu M/mM, n = 280; death during follow-up: 169.88 +/- 81.52 mu M/mM, n = 9; p = 0.002), and the composite endpoint MARE (no MARE: 86.02 +/- 93.17 mu M/mM, n = 271; MARE: 146.64 +/- 74.68 mu M/mM, n = 18, p<0.001) during the follow-up of 90 days after contrast media application. cGMP/creatinine ratio stayed significantly increased at values exceeding 120 pM/mM in patients who developed MARE, required dialysis or died. Conclusions Urinary cGMP/creatinine ratio >= 120 mu M/mM before CM exposure is a promising biomarker for the need of dialysis and all-cause mortality 90 days after CM exposure in patients with preexisting renal impairment or diabetes.}, language = {en} } @article{McNultyGoupilAlbaradoetal.2020, author = {McNulty, Margaret A. and Goupil, Brad A. and Albarado, Diana C. and Casta{\~n}o-Martinez, Teresa and Ambrosi, Thomas H. and Puh, Spela and Schulz, Tim Julius and Sch{\"u}rmann, Annette and Morrison, Christopher D. and Laeger, Thomas}, title = {FGF21, not GCN2, influences bone morphology due to dietary protein restrictions}, series = {Bone Reports}, volume = {12}, journal = {Bone Reports}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {2352-1872}, doi = {10.1016/j.bonr.2019.100241}, pages = {1 -- 10}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Background: Dietary protein restriction is emerging as an alternative approach to treat obesity and glucose intolerance because it markedly increases plasma fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) concentrations. Similarly, dietary restriction of methionine is known to mimic metabolic effects of energy and protein restriction with FGF21 as a required mechanism. However, dietary protein has been shown to be required for normal bone growth, though there is conflicting evidence as to the influence of dietary protein restriction on bone remodeling. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effect of dietary protein and methionine restriction on bone in lean and obese mice, and clarify whether FGF21 and general control nonderepressible 2 (GCN2) kinase, that are part of a novel endocrine pathway implicated in the detection of protein restriction, influence the effect of dietary protein restriction on bone. Methods: Adult wild-type (WT) or Fgf21 KO mice were fed a normal protein (18 kcal\%; CON) or low protein (4 kcal\%; LP) diet for 2 or 27 weeks. In addition, adult WT or Gcn2 KO mice were fed a CON or LP diet for 27 weeks. Young New Zealand obese (NZO) mice were placed on high-fat diets that provided protein at control (16 kcal\%; CON), low levels (4 kcal\%) in a high-carbohydrate (LP/HC) or high-fat (LP/HF) regimen, or on high-fat diets (protein, 16 kcal\%) that provided methionine at control (0.86\%; CON-MR) or low levels (0.17\%; MR) for up to 9 weeks. Long bones from the hind limbs of these mice were collected and evaluated with micro-computed tomography (mu CT) for changes in trabecular and cortical architecture and mass. Results: In WT mice the 27-week LP diet significantly reduced cortical bone, and this effect was enhanced by deletion of Fgf21 but not Gcn2. This decrease in bone did not appear after 2 weeks on the LP diet. In addition, Fgf21 KO mice had significantly less bone than their WT counterparts. In obese NZO mice dietary protein and methionine restriction altered bone architecture. The changes were mediated by FGF21 due to methionine restriction in the presence of cystine, which did not increase plasma FGF21 levels and did not affect bone architecture. Conclusions: This study provides direct evidence of a reduction in bone following long-term dietary protein restriction in a mouse model, effects that appear to be mediated by FGF21.}, language = {en} } @article{SchjeideSchenkeSeegeretal.2022, author = {Schjeide, Brit-Maren and Schenke, Maren and Seeger, Bettina and P{\"u}schel, Gerhard}, title = {Validation of a novel double control quantitative copy number PCR method to quantify off-target transgene integration after CRISPR-induced DNA modification}, series = {Methods and protocols : M\&Ps}, volume = {5}, journal = {Methods and protocols : M\&Ps}, number = {3}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel, Schweiz}, issn = {2409-9279}, doi = {10.3390/mps5030043}, pages = {1 -- 14}, year = {2022}, abstract = {In order to improve a recently established cell-based assay to assess the potency of botulinum neurotoxin, neuroblastoma-derived SiMa cells and induced pluripotent stem-cells (iPSC) were modified to incorporate the coding sequence of a reporter luciferase into a genetic safe harbor utilizing CRISPR/Cas9. A novel method, the double-control quantitative copy number PCR (dc-qcnPCR), was developed to detect off-target integrations of donor DNA. The donor DNA insertion success rate and targeted insertion success rate were analyzed in clones of each cell type. The dc-qcnPCR reliably quantified the copy number in both cell lines. The probability of incorrect donor DNA integration was significantly increased in SiMa cells in comparison to the iPSCs. This can possibly be explained by the lower bundled relative gene expression of a number of double-strand repair genes (BRCA1, DNA2, EXO1, MCPH1, MRE11, and RAD51) in SiMa clones than in iPSC clones. The dc-qcnPCR offers an efficient and cost-effective method to detect off-target CRISPR/Cas9-induced donor DNA integrations.}, language = {en} } @article{BornhorstNustedeFudickar2019, author = {Bornhorst, Julia and Nustede, Eike Jannik and Fudickar, Sebastian}, title = {Mass Surveilance of C. elegans-Smartphone-Based DIY Microscope and Machine-Learning-Based Approach for Worm Detection}, series = {Sensors}, volume = {19}, journal = {Sensors}, number = {6}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {1424-8220}, doi = {10.3390/s19061468}, pages = {14}, year = {2019}, abstract = {The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) is often used as an alternative animal model due to several advantages such as morphological changes that can be seen directly under a microscope. Limitations of the model include the usage of expensive and cumbersome microscopes, and restrictions of the comprehensive use of C. elegans for toxicological trials. With the general applicability of the detection of C. elegans from microscope images via machine learning, as well as of smartphone-based microscopes, this article investigates the suitability of smartphone-based microscopy to detect C. elegans in a complete Petri dish. Thereby, the article introduces a smartphone-based microscope (including optics, lighting, and housing) for monitoring C. elegans and the corresponding classification via a trained Histogram of Oriented Gradients (HOG) feature-based Support Vector Machine for the automatic detection of C. elegans. Evaluation showed classification sensitivity of 0.90 and specificity of 0.85, and thereby confirms the general practicability of the chosen approach.}, language = {en} } @misc{ChenBornhorstNeelyetal.2018, author = {Chen, Pan and Bornhorst, Julia and Neely, M. Diana and Avila, Daiana Silva}, title = {Mechanisms and Disease Pathogenesis Underlying Metal-Induced Oxidative Stress}, series = {Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity}, journal = {Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity}, publisher = {Hindawi}, address = {London}, issn = {1942-0900}, doi = {10.1155/2018/7612172}, pages = {3}, year = {2018}, language = {en} } @article{KehmJaehnertDeubeletal.2020, author = {Kehm, Richard and J{\"a}hnert, Markus and Deubel, Stefanie and Flore, Tanina and K{\"o}nig, Jeannette and Jung, Tobias and Stadion, Mandy and Jonas, Wenke and Sch{\"u}rmann, Annette and Grune, Tilman and H{\"o}hn, Annika}, title = {Redox homeostasis and cell cycle activation mediate beta-cell mass expansion in aged, diabetes-prone mice under metabolic stress conditions: role of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP)}, series = {Redox Biology}, volume = {37}, journal = {Redox Biology}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {2213-2317}, doi = {10.1016/j.redox.2020.101748}, pages = {11}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Overnutrition contributes to insulin resistance, obesity and metabolic stress, initiating a loss of functional beta-cells and diabetes development. Whether these damaging effects are amplified in advanced age is barely investigated. Therefore, New Zealand Obese (NZO) mice, a well-established model for the investigation of human obesity-associated type 2 diabetes, were fed a metabolically challenging diet with a high-fat, carbohydrate restricted period followed by a carbohydrate intervention in young as well as advanced age. Interestingly, while young NZO mice developed massive hyperglycemia in response to carbohydrate feeding, leading to beta-cell dysfunction and cell death, aged counterparts compensated the increased insulin demand by persistent beta-cell function and beta-cell mass expansion. Beta-cell loss in young NZO islets was linked to increased expression of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), presumably initiating an apoptosis-signaling cascade via caspase-3 activation. In contrast, islets of aged NZOs exhibited a sustained redox balance without changes in TXNIP expression, associated with higher proliferative potential by cell cycle activation. These findings support the relevance of a maintained proliferative potential and redox homeostasis for preserving islet functionality under metabolic stress, with the peculiarity that this adaptive response emerged with advanced age in diabetesprone NZO mice.}, language = {en} } @article{HoffmannOttRaupbachetal.2022, author = {Hoffmann, Holger and Ott, Christiane and Raupbach, Jana and Andernach, Lars and Renz, Matthias and Grune, Tilman and Hanschen, Franziska S.}, title = {Assessing bioavailability and bioactivity of 4-Hydroxythiazolidine-2-Thiones, newly discovered glucosinolate degradation products formed during domestic boiling of cabbage}, series = {Frontiers in nutrition}, volume = {9}, journal = {Frontiers in nutrition}, publisher = {Frontiers Media}, address = {Lausanne}, issn = {2296-861X}, doi = {10.3389/fnut.2022.941286}, pages = {13}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Glucosinolates are plant secondary metabolites found in cruciferous vegetables (Brassicaceae) that are valued for their potential health benefits. Frequently consumed representatives of these vegetables, for example, are white or red cabbage, which are typically boiled before consumption. Recently, 3-alk(en)yl-4-hydroxythiazolidine-2-thiones were identified as a class of thermal glucosinolate degradation products that are formed during the boiling of cabbage. Since these newly discovered compounds are frequently consumed, this raises questions about their potential uptake and their possible bioactive functions. Therefore, 3-allyl-4-hydroxythiazolidine-2-thione (allyl HTT) and 4-hydroxy-3-(4-(methylsulfinyl) butyl)thiazolidine-2-thione (4-MSOB HTT) as degradation products of the respective glucosinolates sinigrin and glucoraphanin were investigated. After consumption of boiled red cabbage broth, recoveries of consumed amounts of the degradation products in urine collected for 24 h were 18 +/- 5\% for allyl HTT and 21 +/- 4\% for 4-MSOB HTT (mean +/- SD, n = 3). To investigate the stability of the degradation products during uptake and to elucidate the uptake mechanism, both an in vitro stomach and an in vitro intestinal model were applied. The results indicate that the uptake of allyl HTT and 4-MSOB HTT occurs by passive diffusion. Both compounds show no acute cell toxicity, no antioxidant potential, and no change in NAD(P)H dehydrogenase quinone 1 (NQO1) activity up to 100 mu M. However, inhibition of glycogen synthase kinases-3 (GSK-3) in the range of 20\% for allyl HTT for the isoform GSK-3 beta and 29\% for 4-MSOB HTT for the isoform GSK-3 alpha at a concentration of 100 mu M was found. Neither health-promoting nor toxic effects of 3-alk(en)yl-4-hydroxythiazolidine-2-thiones were found in the four tested assays carried out in this study, which contrasts with the properties of other glucosinolate degradation products, such as isothiocyanates.}, language = {en} } @article{MaharjanSinghHanifetal.2022, author = {Maharjan, Romi Singh and Singh, Ajay Vikram and Hanif, Javaria and Rosenkranz, Daniel and Haidar, Rashad and Shelar, Amruta and Singh, Shubham Pratap and Dey, Aditya and Patil, Rajendra and Zamboni, Paolo and Laux, Peter and Luch, Andreas}, title = {Investigation of the associations between a nanomaterial's microrheology and toxicology}, series = {ACS omega / American Chemical Society}, volume = {7}, journal = {ACS omega / American Chemical Society}, number = {16}, publisher = {ACS Publications}, address = {Washington, DC}, issn = {2470-1343}, doi = {10.1021/acsomega.2c00472}, pages = {13985 -- 13997}, year = {2022}, abstract = {With the advent of Nanotechnology, the use of nanomaterials in consumer products is increasing on a daily basis, due to which a deep understanding and proper investigation regarding their safety and risk assessment should be a major priority. To date, there is no investigation regarding the microrheological properties of nanomaterials (NMs) in biological media. In our study, we utilized in silico models to select the suitable NMs based on their physicochemical properties such as solubility and lipophilicity. Then, we established a new method based on dynamic light scattering (DLS) microrheology to get the mean square displacement (MSD) and viscoelastic property of two model NMs that are dendrimers and cerium dioxide nanoparticles in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) complete media at three different concentrations for both NMs. Subsequently, we established the cytotoxicological profiling using water-soluble tetrazolium salt-1 (WST-1) and a reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay. To take one step forward, we further looked into the tight junction properties of the cells using immunostaining with Zonula occluden-1 (ZO-1) antibodies and found that the tight junction function or transepithelial resistance (TEER) was affected in response to the microrheology and cytotoxicity. The quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR) results in the gene expression of ZO-1 after the 24 h treatment with NPs further validates the findings of immunostaining results. This new method that we established will be a reference point for other NM studies which are used in our day-to-day consumer products.}, language = {en} } @article{CastroFernandoReegetal.2019, author = {Castro, Jose Pedro and Fernando, Raquel and Reeg, Sandra and Meinl, Walter and Almeida, Henrique and Grune, Tilman}, title = {Non-enzymatic cleavage of Hsp90 by oxidative stress leads to actin aggregate formation}, series = {Redox Biology}, volume = {21}, journal = {Redox Biology}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {2213-2317}, doi = {10.1016/j.redox.2019.101108}, pages = {10}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Aging is accompanied by the accumulation of oxidized proteins. To remove them, cells employ the proteasomal and autophagy-lysosomal systems; however, if the clearance rate is inferior to its formation, protein aggregates form as a hallmark of proteostasis loss. In cells, during stress conditions, actin aggregates accumulate leading to impaired proliferation and reduced proteasomal activity, as observed in cellular senescence. The heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is a molecular chaperone that binds and protects the proteasome from oxidative inactivation. We hypothesized that in oxidative stress conditions a malfunction of Hsp90 occurs resulting in the aforementioned protein aggregates. Here, we demonstrate that upon oxidative stress Hsp90 loses its function in a highly specific non-enzymatic iron-catalyzed oxidation event and its breakdown product, a cleaved form of Hsp90 (Hsp90cl), acquires a new function in mediating the accumulation of actin aggregates. Moreover, the prevention of Hsp90 cleavage reduces oxidized actin accumulation, whereas transfection of the cleaved form of Hsp90 leads to an enhanced accumulation of oxidized actin. This indicates a clear role of the Hsp90cl in the aggregation of oxidized proteins.}, language = {en} } @article{KehmRueckriemenWeberetal.2019, author = {Kehm, Richard and R{\"u}ckriemen, Jana and Weber, Daniela and Deubel, Stefanie and Grune, Tilman and H{\"o}hn, Annika}, title = {Endogenous advanced glycation end products in pancreatic islets after short-term carbohydrate intervention in obese, diabetes-prone mice}, series = {Nutrition \& Diabetes}, volume = {9}, journal = {Nutrition \& Diabetes}, publisher = {Nature Publ. Group}, address = {London}, issn = {2044-4052}, doi = {10.1038/s41387-019-0077-x}, pages = {5}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Diet-induced hyperglycemia is described as one major contributor to the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) under inflammatory conditions, crucial in type 2 diabetes progression. Previous studies have indicated high postprandial plasma AGE-levels in diabetic patients and after long-term carbohydrate feeding in animal models. Pancreatic islets play a key role in glucose metabolism; thus, their susceptibility to glycation reactions due to high amounts of dietary carbohydrates is of special interest. Therefore, diabetes-prone New Zealand Obese (NZO) mice received either a carbohydrate-free, high-fat diet (CFD) for 11 weeks or were additionally fed with a carbohydrate-rich diet (CRD) for 7 days. In the CRD group, hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia were induced accompanied by increasing plasma 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) levels, higher amounts of 3-NT and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) within pancreatic islets. Furthermore, N-epsilon-carboxymethyllysine (CML) was increased in the plasma of CRD-fed NZO mice and substantially higher amounts of arg-pyrimidine, pentosidine and the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) were observed in pancreatic islets. These findings indicate that a short-term intervention with carbohydrates is sufficient to form endogenous AGEs in plasma and pancreatic islets of NZO mice under hyperglycemic and inflammatory conditions.}, language = {en} } @article{MenzelLongreeAbrahametal.2022, author = {Menzel, Juliane and Longree, Alessa and Abraham, Klaus and Schulze, Matthias Bernd and Weikert, Cornelia}, title = {Dietary and plasma phospholipid profiles in vegans and omnivores-results from the RBVD study}, series = {Nutrients}, volume = {14}, journal = {Nutrients}, number = {14}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2072-6643}, doi = {10.3390/nu14142900}, pages = {13}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Over the last few years, the vegan diet has become increasingly popular in Germany. It has been proposed that this diet is generally lower in fat, but less is known about the impact on fatty acid (FA) profiles. Therefore, the cross-sectional "Risks and Benefits of a Vegan Diet" (RBVD) study (n = 72) was used to investigate dietary FA intake as well as plasma phospholipid FA in vegans (n = 36) compared to omnivores (n = 36). Vegans had a significantly lower dietary intake of total fat (median 86 g/day, IQR 64-111) in comparison to omnivores (median 104 g/day, IQR 88-143, p = 0.004). Further, vegans had a lower intake of saturated fatty acids (SFA) (p < 0.0001) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) (p = 0.001) compared to omnivores. Vegans had a higher intake in total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), omega-3 and omega-6 PUFA compared to omnivores, but without statistical significance after Bonferroni correction. According to plasma phospholipid profiles, relatively lower proportions of SFA (p < 0.0001), total trans fatty acids (TFA) (p = 0.0004) and omega-3-FA (p < 0.0001), but higher proportions of omega-6-FA (p < 0.0001) were observed in vegans. With the exception of omega-3 PUFA, a vegan diet is associated with a more favorable dietary fat intake and more favorable plasma FA profiles and therefore may reduce cardiovascular risk.}, language = {en} } @article{KoelmanPivovarovaRamichPfeifferetal.2019, author = {Koelman, Liselot A. and Pivovarova-Ramich, Olga and Pfeiffer, Andreas F. H. and Grune, Tilman and Aleksandrova, Krasimira}, title = {Cytokines for evaluation of chronic inflammatory status in ageing research}, series = {Immunity \& Ageing}, volume = {16}, journal = {Immunity \& Ageing}, publisher = {BMC}, address = {London}, issn = {1742-4933}, doi = {10.1186/s12979-019-0151-1}, pages = {12}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Background: There is a growing interest in the role of inflammageing for chronic disease development. Cytokines are potent soluble immune mediators that can be used as target biomarkers of inflammageing; however, their measurement in human samples has been challenging. This study aimed to assess the reliability of a pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine panel in a sample of healthy people measured with a novel electrochemiluminescent multiplex immunoassay platform (Meso Scale Discovery, MSD), and to characterize their associations with metabolic and inflammatory phenotypes.}, language = {en} } @article{WeitkunatBishopWittmuessetal.2021, author = {Weitkunat, Karolin and Bishop, Christopher Allen and Wittm{\"u}ss, Maria and Machate, Tina and Schifelbein, Tina and Schulze, Matthias Bernd and Klaus, Susanne}, title = {Effect of microbial status on hepatic odd-chain fatty acids is diet-dependent}, series = {Nutrients / Molecular Diversity Preservation International (MDPI)}, volume = {13}, journal = {Nutrients / Molecular Diversity Preservation International (MDPI)}, number = {5}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2072-6643}, doi = {10.3390/nu13051546}, pages = {15}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Odd-chain fatty acids (OCFA) are inversely associated with type-2-diabetes in epidemiological studies. They are considered as a biomarker for dairy intake because fermentation in ruminants yields high amounts of propionate, which is used as the primer for lipogenesis. Recently, we demonstrated endogenous OCFA synthesis from propionate in humans and mice, but how this is affected by microbial colonization is still unexplored. Here, we investigated the effect of increasing microbiota complexity on hepatic lipid metabolism and OCFA levels in different dietary settings. Germ-free (GF), gnotobiotic (SIH, simplified human microbiota) or conventional (CONV) C3H/HeOuJ-mice were fed a CHOW or high-fat diet with inulin (HFI) to induce microbial fermentation. We found that hepatic lipogenesis was increased with increasing microbiota complexity, independently of diet. In contrast, OCFA formation was affected by diet as well as microbiota. On CHOW, hepatic OCFA and intestinal gluconeogenesis decreased with increasing microbiota complexity (GF > SIH > CONV), while cecal propionate showed a negative correlation with hepatic OCFA. On HFI, OCFA levels were highest in SIH and positively correlated with cecal propionate. The propionate content in the CHOW diet was 10 times higher than that of HFI. We conclude that bacterial propionate production affects hepatic OCFA formation, unless this effect is masked by dietary propionate intake.}, language = {en} } @article{BirukovPolemitiJaegeretal.2022, author = {Birukov, Anna and Polemiti, Elli and Jaeger, Susanne and Stefan, Norbert and Schulze, Matthias Bernd}, title = {Fetuin-A and risk of diabetes-related vascular complications}, series = {Cardiovascular diabetology}, volume = {21}, journal = {Cardiovascular diabetology}, number = {1}, publisher = {BMC}, address = {London}, issn = {1475-2840}, doi = {10.1186/s12933-021-01439-8}, pages = {11}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Background Fetuin-A is a hepatokine which has the capacity to prevent vascular calcification. Moreover, it is linked to the induction of metabolic dysfunction, insulin resistance and associated with increased risk of diabetes. It has not been clarified whether fetuin-A associates with risk of vascular, specifically microvascular, complications in patients with diabetes. We aimed to investigate whether pre-diagnostic plasma fetuin-A is associated with risk of complications once diabetes develops. Methods Participants with incident type 2 diabetes and free of micro- and macrovascular disease from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-Potsdam cohort (n = 587) were followed for microvascular and macrovascular complications (n = 203 and n = 60, respectively, median follow-up: 13 years). Plasma fetuin-A was measured approximately 4 years prior to diabetes diagnosis. Prospective associations between baseline fetuin-A and risk of complications were assessed with Cox regression. Results In multivariable models, fetuin-A was linearly inversely associated with incident total and microvascular complications, hazard ratio (HR, 95\% CI) per standard deviation (SD) increase: 0.86 (0.74; 0.99) for total, 0.84 (0.71; 0.98) for microvascular and 0.92 (0.68; 1.24) for macrovascular complications. After additional adjustment for cardiometabolic plasma biomarkers, including triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein, the associations were slightly attenuated: 0.88 (0.75; 1.02) for total, 0.85 (0.72; 1.01) for microvascular and 0.95 (0.67; 1.34) for macrovascular complications. No interaction by sex could be observed (p > 0.10 for all endpoints). Conclusions Our data show that lower plasma fetuin-A levels measured prior to the diagnosis of diabetes may be etiologically implicated in the development of diabetes-associated microvascular disease.}, language = {en} } @article{SchroeterNeugartSchreineretal.2019, author = {Schr{\"o}ter, David and Neugart, Susanne and Schreiner, Monika and Grune, Tilman and Rohn, Sascha and Ott, Christiane}, title = {Amaranth's 2-Caffeoylisocitric Acid—An Anti-Inflammatory Caffeic Acid Derivative That Impairs NF-κB Signaling in LPS-Challenged RAW 264.7 Macrophages}, series = {Nutrients}, volume = {11}, journal = {Nutrients}, number = {3}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2072-6643}, doi = {10.3390/nu11030571}, pages = {14}, year = {2019}, abstract = {For centuries, Amaranthus sp. were used as food, ornamentals, and medication. Molecular mechanisms, explaining the health beneficial properties of amaranth, are not yet understood, but have been attributed to secondary metabolites, such as phenolic compounds. One of the most abundant phenolic compounds in amaranth leaves is 2-caffeoylisocitric acid (C-IA) and regarding food occurrence, C-IA is exclusively found in various amaranth species. In the present study, the anti-inflammatory activity of C-IA, chlorogenic acid, and caffeic acid in LPS-challenged macrophages (RAW 264.7) has been investigated and cellular contents of the caffeic acid derivatives (CADs) were quantified in the cells and media. The CADs were quantified in the cell lysates in nanomolar concentrations, indicating a cellular uptake. Treatment of LPS-challenged RAW 264.7 cells with 10 µM of CADs counteracted the LPS effects and led to significantly lower mRNA and protein levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interleukin 6, by directly decreasing the translocation of the nuclear factor κB/Rel-like containing protein 65 into the nucleus. This work provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms that attribute to amaranth's anti-inflammatory properties and highlights C-IA's potential as a health-beneficial compound for future research.}, language = {en} } @article{EichelmannSchulzeWittenbecheretal.2019, author = {Eichelmann, Fabian and Schulze, Matthias Bernd and Wittenbecher, Clemens and Menzel, Juliane and Weikert, Cornelia and di Giuseppe, Romina and Biemann, Ronald and Isermann, Berend and Fritsche, Andreas and Boeing, Heiner and Aleksandrova, Krasimira}, title = {Association of Chemerin Plasma Concentration With Risk of Colorectal Cancer}, series = {JAMA network open}, volume = {2}, journal = {JAMA network open}, number = {3}, publisher = {American Veterinary Medical Association}, address = {Chicago}, issn = {2574-3805}, doi = {10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.0896}, pages = {14}, year = {2019}, abstract = {IMPORTANCE Inflammatory processes have been suggested to have an important role in colorectal cancer (CRC) etiology. Chemerin is a recently discovered inflammatory biomarker thought to exert chemotactic, adipogenic, and angiogenic functions. However, its potential link with CRC has not been sufficiently explored. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the prospective association of circulating plasma chemerin concentrations with incident CRC. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Prospective case-cohort study based on 27 548 initially healthy participants from the European Prospective Investigation Into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-Potsdam cohort who were followed for up to 16 years. Baseline study information and samples were collected between August 23, 1994, and September 25, 1998. Recruitment was according to random registry sampling from the geographical area of Potsdam, Germany, and surrounding municipalities. The last date of study follow-up was May 10, 2010. Statistical analysis was conducted in 2018. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Incident CRC, colon cancer, and rectal cancer. Baseline chemerin plasma concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This study found that the association between chemerin concentration and the risk of incident CRC was linear and independent of established CRC risk factors. Further studies are warranted to evaluate chemerin as a novel immune-inflammatory agent in colorectal carcinogenesis.}, language = {en} } @article{GalbeteKroegerJannaschetal.2018, author = {Galbete, Cecilia and Kr{\"o}ger, Janine and Jannasch, Franziska and Iqbal, Khalid and Schwingshackl, Lukas and Schwedhelm, Carolina and Weikert, Cornelia and Boeing, Heiner and Schulze, Matthias Bernd}, title = {Nordic diet, Mediterranean diet, and the risk of chronic diseases}, series = {BMC Medicine}, volume = {16}, journal = {BMC Medicine}, publisher = {BMC}, address = {London}, issn = {1741-7015}, doi = {10.1186/s12916-018-1082-y}, pages = {13}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Background: The Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) has been acknowledged as a healthy diet. However, its relation with risk of major chronic diseases in non-Mediterranean countries is inconclusive. The Nordic diet is proposed as an alternative across Northern Europe, although its associations with the risk of chronic diseases remain controversial. We aimed to investigate the association between the Nordic diet and the MedDiet with the risk of chronic disease (type 2 diabetes (T2D), myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and cancer) in the EPIC-Potsdam cohort. Methods: The EPIC-Potsdam cohort recruited 27,548 participants between 1994 and 1998. After exclusion of prevalent cases, we evaluated baseline adherence to a score reflecting the Nordic diet and two MedDiet scores (tMDS, reflecting the traditional MedDiet score, and the MedPyr score, reflecting the MedDiet Pyramid). Cox regression models were applied to examine the association between the diet scores and the incidence of major chronic diseases. Results: During a follow-up of 10.6 years, 1376 cases of T2D, 312 of MI, 321 of stroke, and 1618 of cancer were identified. The Nordic diet showed a statistically non-significant inverse association with incidence of MI in the overall population and of stroke in men. Adherence to the MedDiet was associated with lower incidence of T2D (HR per 1 SD 0.93, 95\% CI 0.88-0.98 for the tMDS score and 0.92, 0.87-0.97 for the MedPyr score). In women, the MedPyr score was also inversely associated with MI. No association was observed for any of the scores with cancer. Conclusions: In the EPIC-Potsdam cohort, the Nordic diet showed a possible beneficial effect on MI in the overall population and for stroke in men, while both scores reflecting the MedDiet conferred lower risk of T2D in the overall population and of MI in women.}, language = {en} }