@article{ScherzadHagenHackenberg2019, author = {Scherzad, Agmal and Hagen, Rudolf and Hackenberg, Stephan}, title = {Current Understanding of Nasal Epithelial Cell Mis-Differentiation}, series = {Journal of Inflammation Research}, volume = {12}, journal = {Journal of Inflammation Research}, doi = {10.2147/JIR.S180853}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-228562}, pages = {309-317}, year = {2019}, abstract = {The functional role of the respiratory epithelium is to generate a physical barrier. In addition, the epithelium supports the innate and acquired immune system through various cytokines and chemokines. However, epithelial cells are also involved in the pathogenesis of various respiratory diseases, some of which are mediated by increased permeability of the mucosal membrane or disturbed mucociliary transport. In addition, it has been shown that epithelial cells are involved in the development of inflammatory respiratory diseases. The following review article focuses on the aspects of epithelial mis-differentiation, in particular with respect to nasal mucosal barrier function, epithelial immunogenicity, nasal epithelial-mesenchymal transition and nasal microbiome.}, language = {en} } @article{MeyerGerhardHartmannLodesetal.2021, author = {Meyer, Till Jasper and Gerhard-Hartmann, Elena and Lodes, Nina and Scherzad, Agmal and Hagen, Rudolf and Steinke, Maria and Hackenberg, Stephan}, title = {Pilot study on the value of Raman spectroscopy in the entity assignment of salivary gland tumors}, series = {PLoS One}, volume = {16}, journal = {PLoS One}, number = {9}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0257470}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-264736}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Background The entity assignment of salivary gland tumors (SGT) based on histomorphology can be challenging. Raman spectroscopy has been applied to analyze differences in the molecular composition of tissues. The aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of RS for entity assignment in SGT. Methods Raman data were collected in deparaffinized sections of pleomorphic adenomas (PA) and adenoid cystic carcinomas (ACC). Multivariate data and chemometric analysis were completed using the Unscrambler software. Results The Raman spectra detected in ACC samples were mostly assigned to nucleic acids, lipids, and amides. In a principal component-based linear discriminant analysis (LDA) 18 of 20 tumor samples were classified correctly. Conclusion In this proof of concept study, we show that a reliable SGT diagnosis based on LDA algorithm appears possible, despite variations in the entity-specific mean spectra. However, a standardized workflow for tissue sample preparation, measurement setup, and chemometric algorithms is essential to get reliable results.}, language = {en} } @article{RadeloffRadeloffTiradoetal.2019, author = {Radeloff, Katrin and Radeloff, Andreas and Tirado, Mario Ramos and Scherzad, Agmal and Hagen, Rudolf and Kleinsasser, Norbert H. and Hackenberg, Stephan}, title = {Long-Term Impact of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Differentiation and Cytokine Secretion of Human Adipose-Derived Stromal Cells}, series = {Materials}, volume = {12}, journal = {Materials}, number = {1823}, doi = {10.3390/ma12111823}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-224779}, pages = {1-14}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) are widely utilized, for example in manufacturing paints and in the cosmetic industry. In addition, there is raising interest in the application of NPs in stem cell research. However, cytotoxic, genotoxic and pro-inflammatory effects were shown for NPs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of ZnO-NPs on cytokine secretion and differentiation properties of human adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (ASCs). Human ASCs were exposed to the subtoxic concentration of 0.2 mu g/mL ZnO-NPs for 24 h. After four weeks of cultivation, adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation procedures were performed. The multi-differentiation potential was confirmed histologically and using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In addition, the gene expression of IL-6, IL-8, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and caspase 3 was analyzed. Over the course of four weeks after ZnO-NPs exposure, no significant differences were detected in the gene expression of IL-6, IL-8, VEGF and caspase 3 compared to non-exposed cells. The differentiation was also not affected by the ZnO-NPs. These findings underline the fact, that functionality of ASCs is likely to be unaffected by ZnO-NPs, despite a long-term disposition of NPs in the cells, supposing that the starting concentration was safely in the non-toxic range. This might provide important information for single-use nanomedical applications of ZnO-NPs.}, language = {en} } @article{ScherzadMeyerIckrathetal.2019, author = {Scherzad, Agmal and Meyer, Till and Ickrath, Pascal and Gehrke, Thomas Eckhart and Bregenzer, Maximillian and Hagen, Rudolf and Dembski, Sofia and Hackenberg, Stephan}, title = {Cultivation of hMSCs in human plasma prevents the cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of ZnO-NP in vitro}, series = {Applied Sciences}, volume = {9}, journal = {Applied Sciences}, number = {23}, issn = {2076-3417}, doi = {10.3390/app9234994}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-193063}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) are commonly used for industrial applications. Consequently, there is increasing exposure of humans to them. The in vitro analysis of cytotoxicity and genotoxicity is commonly performed under standard cell culture conditions. Thus, the question arises of how the results of genotoxicity and cytotoxicity experiments would alter if human plasma was used instead of cell culture medium containing of fetal calf serum (FCS). Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) were cultured in human plasma and exposed to ZnO-NPs. A cultivation in expansion medium made of DMEM consisting 10\% FCS (DMEM-EM) served as control. Genotoxic and cytotoxic effects were evaluated with the comet and MTT assay, respectively. hMSC differentiation capacity and ZnO-NP disposition were evaluated by histology and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The protein concentration and the amount of soluble Zn2+ were measured. The cultivation of hMSCs in plasma leads to an attenuation of genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of ZnO-NPs compared to control. The differentiation capacity of hMSCs was not altered. The TEM showed ZnO-NP persistence in cytoplasm in both groups. The concentrations of protein and Zn2+ were higher in plasma than in DMEM-EM. In conclusion, the cultivation of hMSCs in plasma compared to DMEM-EM leads to an attenuation of cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in vitro.}, language = {en} } @article{IckrathSpruegelBeyersdorfetal.2021, author = {Ickrath, Pascal and Spr{\"u}gel, Lisa and Beyersdorf, Niklas and Scherzad, Agmal and Hagen, Rudolf and Hackenberg, Stephan}, title = {Detection of Candida albicans-Specific CD4+ and CD8+ T Cells in the Blood and Nasal Mucosa of Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis}, series = {Journal of Fungi}, volume = {7}, journal = {Journal of Fungi}, number = {6}, issn = {2309-608X}, doi = {10.3390/jof7060403}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-239671}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Candida albicans is ubiquitously present, and colonization in the nose and oral cavity is common. In healthy patients, it usually does not act as a pathogen, but in some cases can cause diseases. The influence of C. albicans as a trigger of T cell activation on the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is controversial, and its exact role is not clear to date. The aim of the present study was to detect and characterize C. albicans-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in patients with CRS, with and without nasal polyps. Tissue and blood samples were collected from patients suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis with (CRSwNP) and without nasal polyps (CRSsNP), and from healthy controls. A peptide pool derived from C. albicans antigen was added to tissue and blood samples. After 6 days, lymphocytes were analyzed by multicolor flow cytometry. Activation was assessed by the intracellular marker Ki-67, and the cytokine secretion was measured. Tissue CD8+ T cells of CRSsNP patients showed a significantly higher proportion of Ki-67+ cells after activation with C. albicans antigen compared to peripheral blood CD8+ T cells. Cytokine secretion in response to C. albicans antigen was similar for all study groups. In this study, C. albicans-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were detected in peripheral blood and mucosal tissue in all study groups. In patients suffering from CRSsNP, C. albicans-specific CD8+ T cells were relatively enriched in the nasal mucosa, suggesting that they might play a role in the pathogenesis of CRSsNP.}, language = {en} } @article{RadeloffRadeloffRamosTiradoetal.2020, author = {Radeloff, Katrin and Radeloff, Andreas and Ramos Tirado, Mario and Scherzad, Agmal and Hagen, Rudolf and Kleinsasser, Norbert H. and Hackenberg, Stephan}, title = {Toxicity and functional impairment in human adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (hASCs) following long-term exposure to very small iron oxide particles (VSOPs)}, series = {Nanomaterials}, volume = {10}, journal = {Nanomaterials}, number = {4}, issn = {2079-4991}, doi = {10.3390/nano10040741}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-203676}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Magnetic nanoparticles (NPs), such as very small iron oxide NPs (VSOPs) can be used for targeted drug delivery, cancer treatment or tissue engineering. Another important field of application is the labelling of mesenchymal stem cells to allow in vivo tracking and visualization of transplanted cells using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). For these NPs, however, various toxic effects, as well as functional impairment of the exposed cells, are described. The present study evaluates the influence of VSOPs on the multilineage differentiation ability and cytokine secretion of human adipose tissue derived stromal cells (hASCs) after long-term exposure. Human ASCs were labelled with VSOPs, and the efficacy of the labelling was documented over 4 weeks in vitro cultivation of the labelled cells. Unlabelled hASCs served as negative controls. Four weeks after labelling, adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation was histologically evaluated and quantified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Changes in gene expression of IL-6, IL-8, VEGF and caspase 3 were determined over 4 weeks. Four weeks after the labelling procedure, labelled and unlabelled hASCs did not differ in the gene expression of IL-6, IL-8, VEGF and caspase 3. Furthermore, the labelling procedure had no influence on the multidifferentiation ability of hASC. The percentage of labelled cells decreased during in vitro expansion over 4 weeks. Labelling with VSOPs and long-term intracellular disposition probably have no influence on the physiological functions of hASCs. This could be important for the future in vivo use of iron oxide NPs.}, language = {en} } @article{MeyerStoethMoratinetal.2021, author = {Meyer, Till Jasper and St{\"o}th, Manuel and Moratin, Helena and Ickrath, Pascal and Herrmann, Marietta and Kleinsasser, Norbert and Hagen, Rudolf and Hackenberg, Stephan and Scherzad, Agmal}, title = {Cultivation of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells with wound fluid leads to cisplatin resistance via epithelial-mesenchymal transition induction}, series = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences}, volume = {22}, journal = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences}, number = {9}, issn = {1422-0067}, doi = {10.3390/ijms22094474}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-258722}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Locoregional recurrence is a major reason for therapy failure after surgical resection of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The physiological process of postoperative wound healing could potentially support the proliferation of remaining tumor cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of wound fluid (WF) on the cell cycle distribution and a potential induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). To verify this hypothesis, we incubated FaDu and HLaC78 cells with postoperative WF from patients after neck dissection. Cell viability in dependence of WF concentration and cisplatin was measured by flow cytometry. Cell cycle analysis was performed by flow cytometry and EMT-marker expression by rtPCR. WF showed high concentrations of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10, CCL2, MCP-1, EGF, angiogenin, and leptin. The cultivation of tumor cells with WF resulted in a significant increase in cell proliferation without affecting the cell cycle. In addition, there was a significant enhancement of the mesenchymal markers Snail 2 and vimentin, while the expression of the epithelial marker E-cadherin was significantly decreased. After cisplatin treatment, tumor cells incubated with WF showed a significantly higher resistance compared with the control group. The effect of cisplatin-resistance was dependent on the WF concentration. In summary, proinflammatory cytokines are predominantly found in WF. Furthermore, the results suggest that EMT can be induced by WF, which could be a possible mechanism for cisplatin resistance.}, language = {en} } @article{IckrathWagnerScherzadetal.2017, author = {Ickrath, Pascal and Wagner, Martin and Scherzad, Agmal and Gehrke, Thomas and Burghartz, Marc and Hagen, Rudolf and Radeloff, Katrin and Kleinsasser, Norbert and Hackenberg, Stephan}, title = {Time-Dependent Toxic and Genotoxic Effects of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles after Long-Term and Repetitive Exposure to Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells}, series = {International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health}, volume = {14}, journal = {International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health}, number = {12}, doi = {10.3390/ijerph14121590}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-169932}, pages = {1590}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NP) are widely spread in consumer products. Data about the toxicological characteristics of ZnO-NP is still under controversial discussion. The human skin is the most important organ concerning ZnO-NP exposure. Intact skin was demonstrated to be a sufficient barrier against NPs; however, defect skin may allow NP contact to proliferating cells. Within these cells, stem cells are the most important toxicological target for NPs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of ZnO-NP at low-dose concentrations after long-term and repetitive exposure to human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC). Cytotoxic effects of ZnO-NP were measured by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Furthermore, genotoxicity was evaluated by the comet assay. For long-term observation over 6 weeks, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was applied. The results of the study indicated cytotoxic effects of ZnO-NP beginning at high concentrations of 50 μg/mL and genotoxic effects in hMSC exposed to 1 and 10 μg/mL ZnO-NP. Repetitive exposure enhanced cyto- but not genotoxicity. Intracellular NP accumulation was observed up to 6 weeks. The results suggest cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of ZnO-NP. Even low doses of ZnO-NP may induce toxic effects as a result of repetitive exposure and long-term cellular accumulation. This data should be considered before using ZnO-NP on damaged skin.}, language = {en} } @article{MoratinIckrathScherzadetal.2021, author = {Moratin, Helena and Ickrath, Pascal and Scherzad, Agmal and Meyer, Till Jasper and Naczenski, Sebastian and Hagen, Rudolf and Hackenberg, Stephan}, title = {Investigation of the immune modulatory potential of zinc oxide nanoparticles in human lymphocytes}, series = {Nanomaterials}, volume = {11}, journal = {Nanomaterials}, number = {3}, issn = {2079-4991}, doi = {10.3390/nano11030629}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-234016}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NP) are commonly used for a variety of applications in everyday life. In addition, due to its versatility, nanotechnology supports promising approaches in the medical sector. NP can act as drug-carriers in the context of targeted chemo- or immunotherapy, and might also exhibit autonomous immune-modulatory characteristics. Knowledge of potential immunosuppressive or stimulating effects of NP is indispensable for the safety of consumers as well as patients. In this study, primary human peripheral blood lymphocytes of 9 donors were treated with different sub-cytotoxic concentrations of ZnO-NP for the duration of 1, 2, or 3 days. Flow cytometry was performed to investigate changes in the activation profile and the proportion of T cell subpopulations. ZnO-NP applied in this study did not induce any significant alterations in the examined markers, indicating their lack of impairment in terms of immune modulation. However, physicochemical characteristics exert a major influence on NP-associated bioactivity. To allow a precise simulation of the complex molecular processes of immune modulation, a physiological model including the different components of an immune response is needed.}, language = {en} } @article{GehrkeScherzadHagenetal.2022, author = {Gehrke, Thomas and Scherzad, Agmal and Hagen, Rudolf and Hackenberg, Stephan}, title = {Deep neck infections with and without mediastinal involvement: treatment and outcome in 218 patients}, series = {European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology}, volume = {279}, journal = {European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology}, number = {3}, issn = {1434-4726}, doi = {10.1007/s00405-021-06945-9}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-266814}, pages = {1585-1592}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Purpose Infections of the deep neck, although becoming scarcer due to the widespread use of antibiotics, still represent a dangerous and possibly deadly disease, especially when descending into the mediastinum. Due to the different specialities involved in the treatment and the heterogenous presentation of the disease, therapeutic standard is still controversial. This study analyzes treatment and outcome in these patients based on a large retrospective review and proposes a therapeutic algorithm. Methods The cases of 218 adult patients treated with deep neck abscesses over a 10-year period at a tertiary university hospital were analyzed retrospectively. Clinical, radiological, microbiological and laboratory findings were compared between patients with and without mediastinal involvement. Results Forty-five patients (20.64\%) presented with abscess formation descending into the mediastinum. Those patients had significantly (all items p < 0.0001) higher rates of surgical interventions (4.27 vs. 1.11) and tracheotomies (82\% vs. 3.4\%), higher markers of inflammation (CRP 26.09 vs. 10.41 mg/dl), required more CT-scans (3.58 vs. 0.85), longer hospitalization (39.78 vs 9.79 days) and more frequently needed a change in antibiotic therapy (44.44\% vs. 6.40\%). Multi-resistant pathogens were found in 6.67\% vs. 1.16\%. Overall mortality rate was low with 1.83\%. Conclusion Despite of the high percentage of mediastinal involvement in the present patient collective, the proposed therapeutic algorithm resulted in a low mortality rate. Frequent CT-scans, regular planned surgical revisions with local drainage and lavage, as well as an early tracheotomy seem to be most beneficial regarding the outcome.}, language = {en} }