@article{JessbergerHoeggerGenestetal.2017, author = {Jessberger, Steffen and H{\"o}gger, Petra and Genest, Franca and Salter, Donald M. and Seefried, Lothar}, title = {Cellular pharmacodynamic effects of Pycnogenol\(^{®}\) in patients with severe osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled pilot study}, series = {BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine}, volume = {17}, journal = {BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine}, number = {537}, doi = {10.1186/s12906-017-2044-1}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-159532}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Background: The standardized maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol\(^{®}\)) has previously shown symptom alleviating effects in patients suffering from moderate forms of knee osteoarthritis (OA). The cellular mechanisms for this positive impact are so far unknown. The purpose of the present randomized pilot controlled study was to span the knowledge gap between the reported clinical effects of Pycnogenol\(^{®}\) and its in vivo mechanism of action in OA patients. Methods: Thirty three patients with severe OA scheduled for a knee arthroplasty either received 100 mg of Pycnogenol\(^{®}\) twice daily or no treatment (control group) three weeks before surgery. Cartilage, synovial fluid and serum samples were collected during surgical intervention. Relative gene expression of cartilage homeostasis markers were analyzed in the patients' chondrocytes. Inflammatory and cartilage metabolism mediators were investigated in serum and synovial fluid samples. Results: The oral intake of Pycnogenol\(^{®}\) downregulated the gene expression of various cartilage degradation markers in the patients' chondrocytes, the decrease of MMP3, MMP13 and the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL1B were statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05). Additionally, protein concentrations of ADAMTS-5 in serum were reduced significantly (p ≤ 0.05) after three weeks intake of the pine bark extract. Conclusions: This is the first report about positive cellular effects of a dietary supplement on key catabolic and inflammatory markers in patients with severe OA. The results provide a rational basis for understanding previously reported clinical effects of Pycnogenol\(^{®}\) on symptom scores of patients suffering from OA.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Spitzel2023, author = {Spitzel, Marlene}, title = {The impact of inflammation, hypoxia, and vasculopathy on pain development in the α-galactosidase A mouse model of Morbus Fabry}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-34579}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-345794}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Fabry disease (FD), an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder, is caused by variants in the gene α-galactosidase A (GLA). As a consequence, the encoded homonymous enzyme GLA is not produced in sufficient amount or does not function properly. Subsequently, globotriaosylceradmide (Gb3), the target substrate of GLA, starts accumulating in several cell types, especially neurons and endothelial cells. FD patients suffer from multiorgan symptoms including cardiomyopathy, nephropathy, stroke, and acral burning pain. It is suggested that the impact of pathological Gb3 accumulation, inflammatory and hypoxic processes, and vasculopathy are contributing to the specific FD pain phenotype. Thus, we investigated the role of inflammation, hypoxia, and vasculopathy on molecular level in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of the GLA knockout (KO) mouse model. Further, we investigated pain-like characteristics of GLA KO mice at baseline (BS), after capsaicin administration, and after repeated enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) administration for a period of 1.5 years. Acquired data showed disturbances in immune response markers represented by downregulated inflammation-associated genes and lower numbers of CD206+ macrophages in DRG of GLA KO mice. Hypoxic mechanisms were active in DRG of GLA KO mice reflected by increased gene expression of hypoxia- and DNA damage-associated targets, higher numbers of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α-positive (HIF1α+) and carbonic anhydrase 9-positive (CA9+) neurons in DRG of GLA KO mice, and DRG neuronal HIF1α cytosolic-nuclear translocation in GLA KO mice. Vascularization in DRG of GLA KO mice was reduced including lower numbers of blood vessel branches and reduced total blood vessel length. Pain-like behavior of the GLA KO mouse model revealed no mechanical hypersensitivity at BS but age-dependent heat hyposensitivity, which developed also age-matched wild type (WT) mice. Capsaicin administration under isoflurane anesthesia did not elicit the development of nocifensive behavior in GLA KO mice after mechanical or heat stimulation. Repeated ERT administration did not show a clear effect in GLA KO mice in terms of restored heat hyposensitivity to BS paw withdrawal latencies. In summary, we demonstrated the impact of disturbed immune response markers, active hypoxic mechanisms, and reduced vascularization on molecular FD pathophysiology.}, subject = {Fabry-Krankheit}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Landwehr2023, author = {Landwehr, Laura-Sophie}, title = {Steroid Hormones and Cancer Immunity - learning from Adrenocortical Carcinoma}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-25189}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-251895}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare, but highly aggressive endocrine malignancy. Tumor-related hypercortisolism is present in 60 \% of patients and associated with worse outcome. While cancer immunotherapies have revolutionized the treatment of many cancer entities, the results of initial studies of different immune checkpoint inhibitors in ACC were heterogeneous. Up to now, five small clinical trials with a total of 121 patients have been published and demonstrated an objective response in only 17 patients. However, one of the studies, by Raj et al., reported a clinically meaningful disease control rate of 52 \% and a median overall survival of almost 25 months suggesting that a subgroup of ACC patients may benefit from immunotherapeutic approaches. Following the hypothesis that some ACCs are characterized by a glucocorticoid-induced T lymphocytes depletion, several studies were performed as part of the presented thesis. First, the immune cell infiltration in a large cohort of 146 ACC specimens was investigated. It was demonstrated for the first time, and against the common assumption, that ACCs were infiltrated not only by FoxP3+ regulatory T cells (49.3 \%), but also that a vast majority of tumor samples was infiltrated by CD4+ TH cells (74 \%) and CD8+ cytotoxic T cells (84.3 \%), albeit the immune cell number varied heterogeneously and was rather low (median: 7.7 CD3+ T cells / high power field, range: 0.1-376). Moreover, the presence of CD3+-, CD4+- and CD8+ ACC-infiltrating lymphocytes was associated with an improved recurrence-free (HR: 0.31 95 \% CI 0.11-0.82) and overall survival (HR: 0.47 96 \% CI 0.25-0.87). Particularly, patients with tumor-infiltrating CD4+ TH cells without glucocorticoid excess had a significantly longer overall survival compared to patients with T cell-depleted ACC and hypercortisolism (121 vs. 27 months, p = 0.004). Hence, the impact of glucocorticoids might to some extent be responsible for the modest immunogenicity in ACC as hypercortisolism was reversely correlated with the number of CD4+ TH cells. Accordingly, CD3+ T cells co-cultured with steroidogenic NCI-H295R ACC cells demonstrated in vitro an enhanced anti-tumoral cytotoxicity by secreting 747.96 ±225.53 pg/ml IFN-γ in a therapeutically hormone-depleted microenvironment (by incubation with metyrapone), versus only 276.02 ±117.46 pg/ml IFN-γ in a standard environment with glucocorticoid excess. Other potential biomarkers to predict response to immunotherapies are the immunomodulatory checkpoint molecules, programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and its ligand PD-L1, since both are targets of antibodies used therapeutically in different cancer entities. In a subcohort of 129 ACCs, expressions of both molecules were heterogeneous (PD-1 17.4 \%, range 1-15; PD-L1 24.4 \%, range 1 - 90) and rather low. Interestingly, PD-1 expression significantly influenced ACC patients´ overall (HR: 0.21 95 \% CI 0.53-0.84) and progression- free survival (HR: 0.30 95 \% CI 0.13-0.72) independently of established factors, like ENSAT tumor stage, resection status, Ki67 proliferation index and glucocorticoid excess, while PD-L1 had no impact. In conclusion, this study provides several potential explanations for the heterogeneous results of the immune checkpoint therapy in advanced ACC. In addition, the establishment of PD-1 as prognostic marker can be easily applied in routine clinical care, because it is nowadays anyway part of a detailed histo-pathological work-up. Furthermore, these results provide the rationale and will pave the way towards a combination therapy using immune checkpoint inhibitors as well as glucocorticoid blockers. This will increase the likelihood of re-activating the immunological anti-tumor potential in ACC. However, this will have to be demonstrated by additional preclinical in vivo experiments and finally in clinical trials with patients.}, subject = {Steroidhormon}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Alzheimer2023, author = {Alzheimer, Mona}, title = {Development of tissue-engineered three-dimensional infection models to study pathogenesis of \(Campylobacter\) \(jejuni\)}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-19344}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-193440}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Infectious diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms are one of the largest socioeconomic burdens today. Although infectious diseases have been studied for decades, in numerous cases, the precise mechanisms involved in the multifaceted interaction between pathogen and host continue to be elusive. Thus, it still remains a challenge for researchers worldwide to develop novel strategies to investigate the molecular context of infectious diseases in order to devise preventive or at least anti-infective measures. One of the major drawbacks in trying to obtain in-depth knowledge of how bacterial pathogens elicit disease is the lack of suitable infection models to authentically mimic the disease progression in humans. Numerous studies rely on animal models to emulate the complex temporal interactions between host and pathogen occurring in humans. While they have greatly contributed to shed light on these interactions, they require high maintenance costs, are afflicted with ethical drawbacks, and are not always predictive for the infection outcome in human patients. Alternatively, in-vitro two-dimensional (2D) cell culture systems have served for decades as representatives of human host environments to study infectious diseases. These cell line-based models have been essential in uncovering virulence-determining factors of diverse pathogens as well as host defense mechanisms upon infection. However, they lack the morphological and cellular complexity of intact human tissues, limiting the insights than can be gained from studying host-pathogen interactions in these systems. The focus of this thesis was to establish and innovate intestinal human cell culture models to obtain in-vitro reconstructed three-dimensional (3D) tissue that can faithfully mimic pathogenesis-determining processes of the zoonotic bacterium Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni). Generally employed for reconstructive medicine, the field of tissue engineering provides excellent tools to generate organ-specific cell culture models in vitro, realistically recapitulating the distinctive architecture of human tissues. The models employed in this thesis are based on decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffolds of porcine intestinal origin. Reseeded with intestinal human cells, application of dynamic culture conditions promoted the formation of a highly polarized mucosal epithelium maintained by functional tight and adherens junctions. While most other in-vitro infection systems are limited to a flat monolayer, the tissue models developed in this thesis can display the characteristic 3D villi and crypt structure of human small intestine. First, experimental conditions were established for infection of a previously developed, statically cultivated intestinal tissue model with C. jejuni. This included successful isolation of bacterial colony forming units (CFUs), measurement of epithelial barrier function, as well as immunohistochemical and histological staining techniques. In this way, it became possible to follow the number of viable bacteria during the infection process as well as their translocation over the polarized epithelium of the tissue model. Upon infection with C. jejuni, disruption of tight and adherens junctions could be observed via confocal microscopy and permeability measurements of the epithelial barrier. Moreover, C. jejuni wildtype-specific colonization and barrier disruption became apparent in addition to niche-dependent bacterial localization within the 3D microarchitecture of the tissue model. Pathogenesis-related phenotypes of C. jejuni mutant strains in the 3D host environment deviated from those obtained with conventional in-vitro 2D monolayers but mimicked observations made in vivo. Furthermore, a genome-wide screen of a C. jejuni mutant library revealed significant differences for bacterial factors required or dispensable for interactions with unpolarized host cells or the highly prismatic epithelium provided by the intestinal tissue model. Elucidating the role of several previously uncharacterized factors specifically important for efficient colonization of a 3D human environment, promises to be an intriguing task for future research. At the frontline of the defense against invading pathogens is the protective, viscoelastic mucus layer overlying mucosal surfaces along the human gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The development of a mucus-producing 3D tissue model in this thesis was a vital step towards gaining a deeper understanding of the interdependency between bacterial pathogens and host-site specific mucins. The presence of a mucus layer conferred C. jejuni wildtype-specific protection against epithelial barrier disruption by the pathogen and prevented a high bacterial burden during the course of infection. Moreover, results obtained in this thesis provide evidence in vitro that the characteristic corkscrew morphology of C. jejuni indeed grants a distinct advantage in colonizing mucous surfaces. Overall, the results obtained within this thesis highlight the strength of the tissue models to combine crucial features of native human intestine into accessible in-vitro infection models. Translation of these systems into infection research demonstrated their ability to expose in-vivo like infection outcomes. While displaying complex organotypic architecture and highly prismatic cellular morphology, these tissue models still represent an imperfect reflection of human tissue. Future advancements towards inclusion of human primary and immune cells will strive for even more comprehensive model systems exhibiting intricate multicellular networks of in-vivo tissue. Nevertheless, the work presented in this thesis emphasizes the necessity to investigate host-pathogen interactions in infection models authentically mimicking the natural host environment, as they remain among the most vital parts in understanding and counteracting infectious diseases.}, subject = {Campylobacter jejuni}, language = {en} } @article{VoelkerWeigelStrehletal.2018, author = {V{\"o}lker, Hans-Ullrich and Weigel, Michael and Strehl, Annette and Frey, Lea}, title = {Levels of uPA and PAI-1 in breast cancer and its correlation to Ki67-index and results of a 21-multigene-array}, series = {Diagnostic Pathology}, volume = {13}, journal = {Diagnostic Pathology}, number = {67}, doi = {10.1186/s13000-018-0737-5}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-176960}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Background: Conventional parameters including Ki67, hormone receptor and Her2/neu status are used for risk stratification for breast cancer. The serine protease urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and the plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1) play an important role in tumour invasion and metastasis. Increased concentrations in tumour tissue are associated with more aggressive potential of the disease. Multigene tests provide detailed insights into tumour biology by simultaneously testing several prognostically relevant genes. With OncotypeDX\(^{®}\), a panel of 21 genes is tested by means of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The purpose of this pilot study was to analyse whether a combination of Ki67 and uPA/PAI-1 supplies indications of the result of the multigene test. Methods: The results of Ki67, uPA/PAI-1 and OncotypeDX\(^{®}\) were analysed in 25 breast carcinomas (luminal type, pT1/2, max pN1a, G2). A statistical and descriptive analysis was performed. Results: With a proliferation index Ki67 of < 14\%, the recurrence score (RS) from the multigene test was on average in the low risk range, with an intermediate RS usually resulting if Ki67 was > 14\%. Not elevated values of uPA and PAI-1 showed a lower rate of proliferation (average 8.5\%) than carcinomas with an increase of uPA and/or PAI-1 (average 13.9\%); p = 0.054, Student's t-test. When Ki67 was > 14\% and uPA and/or PAI-1 was raised, an intermediate RS resulted. These differences were significant when compared to cases with Ki67 < 14\% with non-raised uPA/PAI-1 (p < 0.03, Student's t-test). Without taking into account the proliferative activity, an intermediate RS was also verifiable if both uPA and PAI-1 showed raised values. Conclusion: A combination of the values Ki67 and uPA/PAI-1 tended to depict the RS to be expected. From this it can be deduced that an appropriate analysis of this parameter combination may be undertaken before the multigene test in routine clinical practice. The increasing cost pressure makes it necessary to base the implementation of a multigene test on ancillary variables and to potentially leave it out if not required in the event of a certain constellation of results (Ki67 raised, uPA and PAI-1 raised).}, language = {en} } @article{AkhrifRomanosDomschkeetal.2018, author = {Akhrif, Atae and Romanos, Marcel and Domschke, Katharina and Schmitt-Boehrer, Angelika and Neufang, Susanne}, title = {Fractal Analysis of BOLD Time Series in a Network Associated With Waiting Impulsivity}, series = {Frontiers in Physiology}, volume = {9}, journal = {Frontiers in Physiology}, issn = {1664-042X}, doi = {10.3389/fphys.2018.01378}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-189191}, pages = {1378}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Fractal phenomena can be found in numerous scientific areas including neuroscience. Fractals are structures, in which the whole has the same shape as its parts. A specific structure known as pink noise (also called fractal or 1/f noise) is one key fractal manifestation, exhibits both stability and adaptability, and can be addressed via the Hurst exponent (H). FMRI studies using H on regional fMRI time courses used fractality as an important characteristic to unravel neural networks from artificial noise. In this fMRI-study, we examined 103 healthy male students at rest and while performing the 5-choice serial reaction time task. We addressed fractality in a network associated with waiting impulsivity using the adaptive fractal analysis (AFA) approach to determine H. We revealed the fractal nature of the impulsivity network. Furthermore, fractality was influenced by individual impulsivity in terms of decreasing fractality with higher impulsivity in regions of top-down control (left middle frontal gyrus) as well as reward processing (nucleus accumbens and anterior cingulate cortex). We conclude that fractality as determined via H is a promising marker to quantify deviations in network functions at an early stage and, thus, to be able to inform preventive interventions before the manifestation of a disorder.}, language = {en} } @article{AwadOthmanStopper2017, author = {Awad, Eman and Othman, Eman M. and Stopper, Helga}, title = {Effects of resveratrol, lovastatin and the mTOR-inhibitor RAD-001 on insulin-induced genomic damage in vitro}, series = {Molecules}, volume = {22}, journal = {Molecules}, number = {12}, doi = {10.3390/molecules22122207}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-159260}, pages = {2207}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the major current health problems due to lifestyle changes. Before diagnosis and in the early years of disease, insulin blood levels are elevated. However, insulin generates low levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which are integral to the regulation of a variety of intracellular signaling pathways, but excess levels of insulin may also lead to DNA oxidation and DNA damage. Three pharmaceutical compounds, resveratrol, lovastatin and the mTOR-inhibitor RAD-001, were investigated due to their known beneficial effects. They showed protective properties against genotoxic damage and significantly reduced ROS after in vitro treatment of cultured cells with insulin. Therefore, the selected pharmaceuticals may be attractive candidates to be considered for support of DM therapy.}, language = {en} } @article{DaViaSolimandoGaritanoTrojaolaetal.2019, author = {Da Vi{\`a}, Matteo Claudio and Solimando, Antonio Giovanni and Garitano-Trojaola, Andoni and Barrio, Santiago and Munawar, Umair and Strifler, Susanne and Haertle, Larissa and Rhodes, Nadine and Vogt, Cornelia and Lapa, Constantin and Beilhack, Andreas and Rasche, Leo and Einsele, Hermann and Kort{\"u}m, K. Martin}, title = {CIC Mutation as a Molecular Mechanism of Acquired Resistance to Combined BRAF-MEK Inhibition in Extramedullary Multiple Myeloma with Central Nervous System Involvement}, series = {The Oncologist}, volume = {25}, journal = {The Oncologist}, number = {2}, doi = {10.1634/theoncologist.2019-0356}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-219549}, pages = {112-118}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Combined MEK-BRAF inhibition is a well-established treatment strategy in BRAF-mutated cancer, most prominently in malignant melanoma with durable responses being achieved through this targeted therapy. However, a subset of patients face primary unresponsiveness despite presence of the activating mutation at position V600E, and others acquire resistance under treatment. Underlying resistance mechanisms are largely unknown, and diagnostic tests to predict tumor response to BRAF-MEK inhibitor treatment are unavailable. Multiple myeloma represents the second most common hematologic malignancy, and point mutations in BRAF are detectable in about 10\% of patients. Targeted inhibition has been successfully applied, with mixed responses observed in a substantial subset of patients mirroring the widespread spatial heterogeneity in this genomically complex disease. Central nervous system (CNS) involvement is an extremely rare, extramedullary form of multiple myeloma that can be diagnosed in less than 1\% of patients. It is considered an ultimate high-risk feature, associated with unfavorable cytogenetics, and, even with intense treatment applied, survival is short, reaching less than 12 months in most cases. Here we not only describe the first patient with an extramedullary CNS relapse responding to targeted dabrafenib and trametinib treatment, we furthermore provide evidence that a point mutation within the capicua transcriptional repressor (CIC) gene mediated the acquired resistance in this patient.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{PaulusverhRehling2023, author = {Paulus [verh. Rehling], Sofia}, title = {CRISPR/Cas9-basierte Etablierung Alkalischer Phosphatase-defizienter odontogener Zelllinien zur Analyse der dentalen Aspekte der Hypophosphatasie}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-24349}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-243491}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Die Hypophosphatasie (HPP) ist eine seltene Erberkrankung, welche durch compound-heterozygote oder dominant negative heterozygote Mutationen des ALPL Gens zu einem Funktionsverlust der gewebeunspezifischen Alkalischen Phosphatase (TNAP) f{\"u}hrt. Die daraus resultierenden Mineralisierungsst{\"o}rungen betreffen sowohl den Knochen als auch in milderen Auspr{\"a}gungsformen die Z{\"a}hne und den Zahnhalteapparat. Das zahnmedizinische Leitsymptom und in vielen F{\"a}llen das erste Anzeichen der HPP ist dabei der vorzeitige Verlust der Milchz{\"a}hne ohne physiologische Wurzelresorption. Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit wurden verschiedene TNAP defiziente immortalisierte Zellen des parodontalen Ligaments (PDL) mittels der CRISPR/Cas9 Methode generiert und anschließend f{\"u}nf Zelllinien charakterisiert. Die dabei entstandenen Mutationen variierten von einer moderaten heterozygoten Punktmutation zu einer schwerwiegenden homozygoten Deletion eines einzelnen Nukleotids, welche in einem vorzeitigen Stopcodon resultierte. Analysen der ALPL Expression (qPCR), TNAP Aktivit{\"a}tsmessungen (CSPD Assay) und TNAP F{\"a}rbungen zeigten einen signifikanten R{\"u}ckgang in allen TNAP-defizienten Zelllinien mit einer starken Korrelation zwischen der Restaktivit{\"a}t und dem Ausmaß der Mutation, welche in Einklang mit der komplexen Genotyp-Ph{\"a}notyp Korrelation bei HPP zu bringen ist. Das Potential der osteogenen Differenzierung der hTERT PDL Zellen wurde in der homozygot mutierten Zelllinie komplett unterdr{\"u}ckt. M{\"o}gliche Mechanismen des vorzeitigen Zahnverlustes bei HPP Patienten ist die geminderte Formation und Mineralisation des Wurzelzements und die fehlerhafte Insertion der parodontalen Fasern. Die hier erstmalig etablierten Zellkulturmodelle liefern ein valides spenderunabh{\"a}ngiges in vitro Modell der HPP, welches dazu beitragen kann, die molekularbiologischen Zusammenh{\"a}nge der dentalen Aspekte der Hypophosphatasie zu ergr{\"u}nden und daraus gegebenenfalls neue Therapieans{\"a}tze abzuleiten.}, subject = {Hypophosphatasie}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{GotthardtgebSchubert2023, author = {Gotthardt [geb. Schubert], Sonja}, title = {Einfluss von Oncostatin M auf die Pathogenese der Nicht-alkoholischen Fettlebererkrankung}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-28131}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-281312}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Die Nicht-alkoholische Fettlebererkrankung (NAFLD) ist eine der h{\"a}ufigsten chronischen Lebererkrankungen der westlichen Welt. Die Pathogenese der Erkrankung ist noch nicht vollst{\"a}ndig erforscht und wirksame medikament{\"o}se Therapien sind bisher nicht zugelassen. Wachsende Evidenz zeigt, dass das Interleukin-6-Typ-Zytokin Oncostatin M (OSM) eine wichtige Rolle in der Pathogenese der NAFLD spielt. Die japanische Arbeitsgruppe um Komori et al. zeigte an OSM-Rezeptor-β-defizienten (Osmr-KO-) M{\"a}usen sowie durch OSM-Behandlung von genetisch und ern{\"a}hrungsbedingt adip{\"o}sen M{\"a}usen, dass OSM vor einer hepatischen Steatose und metabolischer Komorbidit{\"a}t sch{\"u}tzen kann. Andere Publikationen suggerieren, dass OSM an NAFLD-Entwicklung und -Progression beteiligt ist, indem es die Expression von Genen der β-Oxidation und Very-Low-Density-Lipoprotein (VLDL-) Sekretion reprimiert und die Expression profibrogenetischer Gene f{\"o}rdert. Low-Density-Lipoprotein-Rezeptor-defiziente- (Ldlr-KO-) M{\"a}use sind seit Langem als Atherosklerose-Modell etabliert und wurden zuletzt auch als physiologisches Modell f{\"u}r NAFLD identifiziert. Um die Rolle von OSM in der NAFLD-Pathogenese zu beleuchten, wurden Osmr-KO-M{\"a}use auf Wildtyp- (WT-) und Ldlr-KO-Hintergrund untersucht, die {\"u}ber 12 Wochen eine fett- und cholesterinreiche Western Diet erhielten und anschließend f{\"u}r die Organentnahme geopfert wurden. Im Vorfeld dieser Arbeit wurden K{\"o}rpergewicht, Blutglukose, Serum-Cholesterin und Lebergewicht der Tiere gemessen. Hierbei zeigte sich ein erh{\"o}htes K{\"o}rpergewicht, unver{\"a}nderte Blutglukose, erh{\"o}htes Serum-Cholesterin sowie ein erh{\"o}htes Lebergewicht in Osmr-KO- gegen{\"u}ber WT-M{\"a}usen. Andersherum waren K{\"o}rpergewicht, Blutglukose, Serum-Cholesterin und Lebergewicht in Ldlr-Osmr-KO- gegen{\"u}ber Ldlr-KO-M{\"a}usen vermindert. Im Rahmen der vorliegenden Arbeit erfolgte die histologische Untersuchung des Lebergewebes, die Messung von Serum-Triglyzeriden und Fetts{\"a}uren sowie die Untersuchung der hepatischen Genexpression. An kultivierten Zellen der humanen Hepatom-Zelllinie HepG2 wurde eine m{\"o}gliche Regulation der CYP7A1-Genexpression durch OSM untersucht. CYP7A1 ist als Schrittmacherenzym der Gallens{\"a}uresynthese an der hepatischen Cholesterin-Clearance beteiligt. Osmr-KO-M{\"a}use zeigten gegen{\"u}ber WT-M{\"a}usen histologisch eine verst{\"a}rkte hepatische Steatose. Bei der Untersuchung der mRNA-Expression von Genen mit Beteiligung an der hepatischen Lipidhom{\"o}ostase zeigte sich eine Minderexpression von Ldlr in Osmr-KO-M{\"a}usen. Weiterhin zeigte sich eine etwas geringere Expression von Cyp7a1 in Osmr-KO-M{\"a}usen. Die Expression aller anderen untersuchten Gene, die an Fetts{\"a}uresynthese, Cholesterintransport und -metabolismus beteiligt sind, lieferten keine Erkl{\"a}rung f{\"u}r eine erh{\"o}hte hepatische Lipidakkumulation in Osmr-KO-M{\"a}usen. Ldlr-Osmr-KO-M{\"a}use hatten gegen{\"u}ber Ldlr-KO-M{\"a}usen eine geringer ausgepr{\"a}gte hepatische Steatose. Die mRNA-Expression von Genen der Fetts{\"a}uresynthese, der Cholesterinbiosynthese und des Cholesterintransports waren in Ldlr-Osmr-KO- gegen{\"u}ber Ldlr-KO-M{\"a}usen nicht wesentlich ver{\"a}ndert. Allerdings fiel eine deutliche Hochregulation von Cyp7a1 in Ldlr-Osmr-KO-M{\"a}usen auf. Dar{\"u}ber hinaus war Osm in Ldlr-KO-M{\"a}usen gegen{\"u}ber WT-M{\"a}usen st{\"a}rker exprimiert. Um eine Regulation von CYP7A1 durch OSM nachzuweisen, wurde die Genexpression in HepG2-Zellen nach Stimulation mit OSM untersucht. Hierbei zeigte sich, dass OSM die mRNA-Expression von CYP7A1 supprimierte. Dieser Effekt war durch die Zugabe von Inhibitoren der Januskinasen (JAK), Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase/ERK-Kinase (MEK) und Extracellular-signal Regulated Kinase ½ (ERK1/2) reversibel. Die CYP7A1-Suppression durch OSM ging mit einer verminderten Expression des Transkriptionsfaktor-Gens HNF4A einher. Osmr-KO-M{\"a}use zeigten gegen{\"u}ber WT-M{\"a}usen nach 12 Wochen Western Diet verst{\"a}rkte Adipositas, Dyslipid{\"a}mie sowie eine hepatische Steatose. Die Analyse der hepatischen mRNA-Expression legt nahe, dass die Minderexpression von Ldlr in Osmr-KO-M{\"a}usen im Vergleich zu WT-M{\"a}usen zur Verst{\"a}rkung der Dyslipid{\"a}mie und hepatischen Steatose beigetragen hat. Weiterhin kann die geringere Expression von Cyp7a1 in Osmr-KO-M{\"a}usen durch daraus resultierende Akkumulation von Cholesterin zur erh{\"o}hten hepatischen Lipidakkumulation in diesen M{\"a}usen beigetragen haben. Ldlr-KO-M{\"a}use zeigten nach 12 Wochen Western Diet ebenfalls eine hepatische Steatose. Diese war in Ldlr-Osmr-KO-M{\"a}usen gegen{\"u}ber Ldlr-KO-M{\"a}usen geringer ausgepr{\"a}gt. Die erh{\"o}hte Expression von Cyp7a1 in Ldlr-Osmr-KO-M{\"a}usen kann die Verbesserung von hepatischer Lipidakkumulation und Dyslipid{\"a}mie durch erh{\"o}hte Cholesterinmetabolisierung zu Gallens{\"a}uren erkl{\"a}ren. {\"U}bereinstimmend mit der Cyp7a1-Regulation in LDLR-defizienten M{\"a}usen zeigte sich in vitro, dass OSM die Expression von CYP7A1 in HepG2-Zellen vermindert und sich so negativ auf die hepatische Lipidhom{\"o}ostase auswirken kann. Insgesamt implizieren diese Ergebnisse eine divergierende Rolle von OSM bei der Entwicklung einer hepatischen Steatose abh{\"a}ngig vom genetischen Hintergrund. OSM scheint bei WT-M{\"a}usen f{\"u}r die Erhaltung der metabolischen Gesundheit wichtig zu sein. Bei Ldlr-KO-M{\"a}usen hingegen scheint OSM die Entwicklung von Adipositas, Dyslipid{\"a}mie und hepatischer Steatose zu f{\"o}rdern. Die differenzielle Rolle in WT- und Ldlr-KO-M{\"a}usen k{\"o}nnte durch unterschiedliche Osm-Expressionsspiegel zustande kommen: W{\"a}hrend basale OSMRβ-Signaltransduktion durch geringe OSM-Spiegel in WT-M{\"a}usen f{\"u}r die Lipidhom{\"o}ostase essenziell zu sein scheint, k{\"o}nnte erh{\"o}hte oder prolongierte OSMRβ-Signaltransduktion durch h{\"o}here OSM-Spiegel in Ldlr-KO-M{\"a}usen das Fortschreiten der hepatischen Steatose f{\"o}rdern. Dies stellt OSM als m{\"o}gliches NAFLD-Therapeutikum in Frage. Um die Hypothese zu {\"u}berpr{\"u}fen, dass OSM abh{\"a}ngig von der H{\"o}he und Kinetik der Spiegel g{\"u}nstige oder ung{\"u}nstige Effekte auf die NAFLD-Entwicklung hat, sollte in zuk{\"u}nftigen Experimenten der Einfluss kurz- und langfristiger Behandlung von WT-M{\"a}usen mit OSM unterschiedlicher Konzentrationen auf die Entwicklung einer hepatischen Steatose untersucht werden.}, subject = {Fettleber}, language = {de} } @article{Kramer2017, author = {Kramer, Susanne}, title = {The ApaH-like phosphatase TbALPH1 is the major mRNA decapping enzyme of trypanosomes}, series = {PLoS Pathogens}, volume = {13}, journal = {PLoS Pathogens}, number = {6}, doi = {10.1371/journal.ppat.1006456}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-158482}, pages = {e1006456}, year = {2017}, abstract = {5'-3' decay is the major mRNA decay pathway in many eukaryotes, including trypanosomes. After deadenylation, mRNAs are decapped by the nudix hydrolase DCP2 of the decapping complex and finally degraded by the 5'-3' exoribonuclease. Uniquely, trypanosomes lack homologues to all subunits of the decapping complex, while deadenylation and 5'-3' degradation are conserved. Here, I show that the parasites use an ApaH-like phosphatase (ALPH1) as their major mRNA decapping enzyme. The protein was recently identified as a novel trypanosome stress granule protein and as involved in mRNA binding. A fraction of ALPH1 co-localises exclusively with the trypanosome 5'-3' exoribonuclease XRNA to a special granule at the posterior pole of the cell, indicating a connection between the two enzymes. RNAi depletion of ALPH1 is lethal and causes a massive increase in total mRNAs that are deadenylated, but have not yet started 5'-3' decay. These data suggest that ALPH1 acts downstream of deadenylation and upstream of mRNA degradation, consistent with a function in mRNA decapping. In vitro experiments show that recombinant, N-terminally truncated ALHP1 protein, but not a catalytically inactive mutant, sensitises the capped trypanosome spliced leader RNA to yeast Xrn1, but only if an RNA 5' polyphosphatase is included. This indicates that the decapping mechanism of ALPH1 differs from the decapping mechanism of Dcp2 by leaving more than one phosphate group at the mRNA's 5' end. This is the first reported function of a eukaryotic ApaH-like phosphatase, a bacterial-derived class of enzymes present in all phylogenetic super-groups of the eukaryotic kingdom. The substrates of eukaryotic ApaH-like phosphatases are unknown. However, the substrate of the related bacterial enzyme ApaH, diadenosine tetraphosphate, is highly reminiscent of a eukaryotic mRNA cap.}, language = {en} } @article{KunzGoettlichWallesetal.2017, author = {Kunz, Meik and G{\"o}ttlich, Claudia and Walles, Thorsten and Nietzer, Sarah and Dandekar, Gudrun and Dandekar, Thomas}, title = {MicroRNA-21 versus microRNA-34: Lung cancer promoting and inhibitory microRNAs analysed in silico and in vitro and their clinical impact}, series = {Tumor Biology}, volume = {39}, journal = {Tumor Biology}, number = {7}, doi = {10.1177/1010428317706430}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-158399}, year = {2017}, abstract = {MicroRNAs are well-known strong RNA regulators modulating whole functional units in complex signaling networks. Regarding clinical application, they have potential as biomarkers for prognosis, diagnosis, and therapy. In this review, we focus on two microRNAs centrally involved in lung cancer progression. MicroRNA-21 promotes and microRNA-34 inhibits cancer progression. We elucidate here involved pathways and imbed these antagonistic microRNAs in a network of interactions, stressing their cancer microRNA biology, followed by experimental and bioinformatics analysis of such microRNAs and their targets. This background is then illuminated from a clinical perspective on microRNA-21 and microRNA-34 as general examples for the complex microRNA biology in lung cancer and its diagnostic value. Moreover, we discuss the immense potential that microRNAs such as microRNA-21 and microRNA-34 imply by their broad regulatory effects. These should be explored for novel therapeutic strategies in the clinic.}, language = {en} } @article{KimFranckKangetal.2015, author = {Kim, Jae Ho and Franck, Julien and Kang, Taewook and Heinsen, Helmut and Ravid, Rivka and Ferrer, Isidro and Cheon, Mi Hee and Lee, Joo-Yong and Yoo, Jong Shin and Steinbusch, Harry W. and Salzet, Michel and Fournier, Isabelle and Park, Young Mok}, title = {Proteome-wide characterization of signalling interactions in the hippocampal CA4/DG subfield of patients with Alzheimer's disease}, series = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {5}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, number = {11138}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-151727}, year = {2015}, abstract = {Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia; however, mechanisms and biomarkers remain unclear. Here, we examined hippocampal CA4 and dentate gyrus subfields, which are less studied in the context of AD pathology, in post-mortem AD and control tissue to identify possible biomarkers. We performed mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis combined with label-free quantification for identification of differentially expressed proteins. We identified 4,328 proteins, of which 113 showed more than 2-fold higher or lower expression in AD hippocampi than in control tissues. Five proteins were identified as putative AD biomarkers (MDH2, PCLO, TRRAP, YWHAZ, and MUC19 isoform 5) and were cross-validated by immunoblotting, selected reaction monitoring, and MALDI imaging. We also used a bioinformatics approach to examine upstream signalling interactions of the 113 regulated proteins. Five upstream signalling (IGF1, BDNF, ZAP70, MYC, and cyclosporin A) factors showed novel interactions in AD hippocampi. Taken together, these results demonstrate a novel platform that may provide new strategies for the early detection of AD and thus its diagnosis.}, language = {en} } @article{KleikersHooijmansGoebetal.2015, author = {Kleikers, Pamela W. M. and Hooijmans, Carlijn and G{\"o}b, Eva and Langhauser, Friederike and Rewell, Sarah S. J. and Radermacher, Kim and Ritskes-Hoitinga, Merel and Howells, David W. and Kleinschnitz, Christoph and Schmidt, Harald H. H. W.}, title = {A combined pre-clinical meta-analysis and randomized confirmatory trial approach to improve data validity for therapeutic target validation}, series = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {5}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, number = {13428}, doi = {10.1038/srep13428}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-151401}, year = {2015}, abstract = {Biomedical research suffers from a dramatically poor translational success. For example, in ischemic stroke, a condition with a high medical need, over a thousand experimental drug targets were unsuccessful. Here, we adopt methods from clinical research for a late-stage pre-clinical meta-analysis (MA) and randomized confirmatory trial (pRCT) approach. A profound body of literature suggests NOX\(_{2}\) to be a major therapeutic target in stroke. Systematic review and MA of all available NOX\(_{2}\)\(^{-/y}\) studies revealed a positive publication bias and lack of statistical power to detect a relevant reduction in infarct size. A fully powered multi-center pRCT rejects NOX\(_{2}\) as a target to improve neurofunctional outcomes or achieve a translationally relevant infarct size reduction. Thus stringent statistical thresholds, reporting negative data and a MA-pRCT approach can ensure biomedical data validity and overcome risks of bias.}, language = {en} } @article{ErlbeckMochtyKuebleretal.2017, author = {Erlbeck, Helena and Mochty, Ursula and K{\"u}bler, Andrea and Real, Ruben G. L.}, title = {Circadian course of the P300 ERP in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - implications for brain-computer interfaces (BCI)}, series = {BMC Neurology}, volume = {17}, journal = {BMC Neurology}, number = {3}, doi = {10.1186/s12883-016-0782-1}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-157423}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Background: Accidents or neurodegenerative diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) can lead to progressing, extensive, and complete paralysis leaving patients aware but unable to communicate (locked-in state). Brain-computer interfaces (BCI) based on electroencephalography represent an important approach to establish communication with these patients. The most common BCI for communication rely on the P300, a positive deflection arising in response to rare events. To foster broader application of BCIs for restoring lost function, also for end-users with impaired vision, we explored whether there were specific time windows during the day in which a P300 driven BCI should be preferably applied. Methods: The present study investigated the influence of time of the day and modality (visual vs. auditory) on P300 amplitude and latency. A sample of 14 patients (end-users) with ALS and 14 healthy age matched volunteers participated in the study and P300 event-related potentials (ERP) were recorded at four different times (10, 12 am, 2, \& 4 pm) during the day. Results: Results indicated no differences in P300 amplitudes or latencies between groups (ALS patients v. healthy participants) or time of measurement. In the auditory condition, latencies were shorter and amplitudes smaller as compared to the visual condition. Conclusion: Our findings suggest applicability of EEG/BCI sessions in patients with ALS throughout normal waking hours. Future studies using actual BCI systems are needed to generalize these findings with regard to BCI effectiveness/efficiency and other times of day.}, language = {en} } @article{GulveFrankKlepschetal.2017, author = {Gulve, Nitish and Frank, Celina and Klepsch, Maximilian and Prusty, Bhupesh K.}, title = {Chromosomal integration of HHV-6A during non-productive viral infection}, series = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {7}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, number = {512}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-017-00658-y}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-158117}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Human herpesvirus 6A (HHV-6A) and 6B (HHV-6B) are two different species of betaherpesviruses that integrate into sub-telomeric ends of human chromosomes, for which different prevalence rates of integration have been reported. It has been demonstrated that integrated viral genome is stable and is fully retained. However, study of chromosomally integrated viral genome in individuals carrying inherited HHV-6 (iciHHV-6) showed unexpected number of viral DR copies. Hence, we created an in vitro infection model and studied retention of full or partial viral genome over a period of time. We observed an exceptional event where cells retained viral direct repeats (DRs) alone in the absence of the full viral genome. Finally, we found evidence for non-telomeric integration of HHV-6A DR in both cultured cells and in an iciHHV-6 individual. Our results shed light on several novel features of HHV-6A chromosomal integration and provide valuable information for future screening techniques.}, language = {en} } @article{HeroldHerzWinteretal.2017, author = {Herold, Volker and Herz, Stefan and Winter, Patrick and Gutjahr, Fabian Tobias and Andelovic, Kristina and Bauer, Wolfgang Rudolf and Jakob, Peter Michael}, title = {Assessment of local pulse wave velocity distribution in mice using k-t BLAST PC-CMR with semi-automatic area segmentation.}, series = {Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance}, volume = {19}, journal = {Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance}, number = {77}, doi = {10.1186/s12968-017-0382-2}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-157696}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Background: Local aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a measure for vascular stiffness and has a predictive value for cardiovascular events. Ultra high field CMR scanners allow the quantification of local PWV in mice, however these systems are yet unable to monitor the distribution of local elasticities. Methods: In the present study we provide a new accelerated method to quantify local aortic PWV in mice with phase-contrast cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (PC-CMR) at 17.6 T. Based on a k-t BLAST (Broad-use Linear Acquisition Speed-up Technique) undersampling scheme, total measurement time could be reduced by a factor of 6. The fast data acquisition enables to quantify the local PWV at several locations along the aortic blood vessel based on the evaluation of local temporal changes in blood flow and vessel cross sectional area. To speed up post processing and to eliminate operator bias, we introduce a new semi-automatic segmentation algorithm to quantify cross-sectional areas of the aortic vessel. The new methods were applied in 10 eight-month-old mice (4 C57BL/6J-mice and 6 ApoE\(^{(-/-)}\)-mice) at 12 adjacent locations along the abdominal aorta. Results: Accelerated data acquisition and semi-automatic post-processing delivered reliable measures for the local PWV, similiar to those obtained with full data sampling and manual segmentation. No statistically significant differences of the mean values could be detected for the different measurement approaches. Mean PWV values were elevated for the ApoE\(^{(-/-)}\)-group compared to the C57BL/6J-group (3.5 ± 0.7 m/s vs. 2.2 ± 0.4 m/s, p < 0.01). A more heterogeneous PWV-distribution in the ApoE \(^{(-/-)}\)-animals could be observed compared to the C57BL/6J-mice, representing the local character of lesion development in atherosclerosis. Conclusion: In the present work, we showed that k-t BLAST PC-MRI enables the measurement of the local PWV distribution in the mouse aorta. The semi-automatic segmentation method based on PC-CMR data allowed rapid determination of local PWV. The findings of this study demonstrate the ability of the proposed methods to non-invasively quantify the spatial variations in local PWV along the aorta of ApoE\(^{(-/-)}\)-mice as a relevant model of atherosclerosis.}, language = {en} } @article{OezkurMagyarThomasetal.2017, author = {Oezkur, Mehmet and Magyar, Attila and Thomas, Phillip and Stork, Tabea and Schneider, Reinhard and Bening, Constanze and St{\"o}rk, Stefan and Heuschmann, Peter U. and Leyh, Rainer G. and Wagner, Martin}, title = {TIMP-2*IGFBP7 (Nephrocheck®) Measurements at Intensive Care Unit Admission After Cardiac Surgery are Predictive for Acute Kidney Injury Within 48 Hours}, series = {Kidney \& Blood Pressure Research}, volume = {42}, journal = {Kidney \& Blood Pressure Research}, doi = {10.1159/000479298}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-157988}, pages = {456-467}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Background/Aims: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a postoperative complication after cardiac surgery with a high impact on mortality and morbidity. Nephrocheck® [TIMP-2*IGFBP7] determines markers of tubular stress, which occurs prior to tubular damage. It is unknown at which time-point [TIMP-2*IGFBP7] measurement should be performed to ideally predict AKI. We investigated the association of [TIMP-2*IGFBP7] at various time-points with the incidence of AKI in patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery including cardio-pulmonary bypass. Methods: In a prospective cohort study, serial blood and urine samples were collected from 150 patients: pre-operative, at ICU-admission, 24h and 48h post-surgery. AKI was defined as Serum-Creatinine rise >0.3 mg/dl within 48hrs. Urinary [TIMP-2*IGFBP7] was measured at pre-operative, ICU-admission and 24h post-surgery; medical staff was kept blinded to these results. Results: A total of 35 patients (23.5\%) experienced AKI, with a higher incidence in those with high [TIMP-2*IGFBP7] values at ICU admission (57.1\% vs. 10.1\%, p<0.001). In logistic regression [TIMP-2*IGFBP7] at ICU admission was independently associated with the occurrence of AKI (Odds Ratio 11.83; p<0.001, C-statistic= 0.74) after adjustment for EuroSCORE II and CBP-time. Conclusions: Early detection of elevated [TIMP-2*IGFBP7] at ICU admission was strongly predictive for postoperative AKI and appeared to be more precise as compared to subsequent measurements.}, language = {en} } @article{SauerLiHollWiedenetal.2017, author = {Sauer, Alexander and Li, Mengxia and Holl-Wieden, Annette and Pabst, Thomas and Neubauer, Henning}, title = {Readout-segmented multi-shot diffusion-weighted MRI of the knee joint in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis}, series = {Pediatric Rheumatology}, volume = {15}, journal = {Pediatric Rheumatology}, number = {73}, doi = {10.1186/s12969-017-0203-z}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-158095}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Background: Diffusion-weighted MRI has been proposed as a new technique for imaging synovitis without intravenous contrast application. We investigated diagnostic utility of multi-shot readout-segmented diffusion-weighted MRI (multi-shot DWI) for synovial imaging of the knee joint in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Methods: Thirty-two consecutive patients with confirmed or suspected JIA (21 girls, median age 13 years) underwent routine 1.5 T MRI with contrast-enhanced T1w imaging (contrast-enhanced MRI) and with multi-shot DWI (RESOLVE, b-values 0-50 and 800 s/mm\(^2\)). Contrast-enhanced MRI, representing the diagnostic standard, and diffusion-weighted images at b = 800 s/mm\(^2\) were separately rated by three independent blinded readers at different levels of expertise for the presence and the degree of synovitis on a modified 5-item Likert scale along with the level of subjective diagnostic confidence. Results: Fourteen (44\%) patients had active synovitis and joint effusion, nine (28\%) patients showed mild synovial enhancement not qualifying for arthritis and another nine (28\%) patients had no synovial signal alterations on contrast-enhanced imaging. Ratings by the 1st reader on contrast-enhanced MRI and on DWI showed substantial agreement (κ = 0.74). Inter-observer-agreement was high for diagnosing, or ruling out, active arthritis of the knee joint on contrast-enhanced MRI and on DWI, showing full agreement between 1st and 2nd reader and disagreement in one case (3\%) between 1st and 3rd reader. In contrast, ratings in cases of absent vs. little synovial inflammation were markedly inconsistent on DWI. Diagnostic confidence was lower on DWI, compared to contrast-enhanced imaging. Conclusion: Multi-shot DWI of the knee joint is feasible in routine imaging and reliably diagnoses, or rules out, active arthritis of the knee joint in paediatric patients without the need of gadolinium-based i.v. contrast injection. Possibly due to "T2w shine-through" artifacts, DWI does not reliably differentiate non-inflamed joints from knee joints with mild synovial irritation.}, language = {en} } @article{BaurMatheGesierichetal.2017, author = {Baur, Johannes and Mathe, Katrin and Gesierich, Anja and Weyandt, Gerhard and Wiegering, Armin and Germer, Christoph-Thomas and Gasser, Martin and Pelz, J{\"o}rg O. W.}, title = {Morbidity and oncologic outcome after saphenous vein-sparing inguinal lymphadenectomy in melanoma patients}, series = {World Journal of Surgical Oncology}, volume = {15}, journal = {World Journal of Surgical Oncology}, number = {99}, doi = {10.1186/s12957-017-1164-x}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-157687}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Background: Inguinal lymph node dissection (LND) is a surgical procedure with a high morbidity rate. Variations in surgical procedure, such as sparing of the saphenous vein, have been proposed to reduce surgical morbidity. While sparing of the saphenous vein has shown promising results in earlier studies, data for this procedure in melanoma patients are rare. In this retrospective study, we report 10-year findings on the effects of saphenous vein-sparing LND on surgical morbidity and oncologic outcomes in melanoma patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis of melanoma patients receiving inguinal LND in our facility between 2003 and 2013 was performed. Patients were divided into two groups: the saphenous vein resection group and the vein sparing group. Surgical morbidity, including wound infection, lymphatic fistula, severe bleeding, neurological complications, and chronic lymphedema, as well as regional recurrence-free survival were investigated. Results: A total of 106 patients were included in this study; of these, the saphenous vein was spared in 41 patients (38.7\%). The rate of lymphatic fistula was 51.6 vs. 48.8\%, wound infection occurred in 31.3 vs. 24.4\%, and patients suffered from chronic lymphedema in 30.0 vs. 26.5\% in V. saphena magna resection vs. sparing group. Differences observed, however, were not significant. No difference in regional recurrence-free survival between the two study groups was detected. Conclusions: The results of our retrospective analysis could not confirm the promising results reported in earlier studies. Thus, sparing of the saphenous vein appears to be optional.}, language = {en} } @article{SunOrtegaTanetal.2018, author = {Sun, Ping and Ortega, Gabriela and Tan, Yan and Hua, Qian and Riederer, Peter F. and Deckert, J{\"u}rgen and Schmitt-B{\"o}hrer, Angelika G.}, title = {Streptozotocin impairs proliferation and differentiation of adult hippocampal neural stem cells in vitro-correlation with alterations in the expression of proteins associated with the insulin system}, series = {Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience}, volume = {10}, journal = {Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience}, number = {145}, doi = {10.3389/fnagi.2018.00145}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-176741}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Rats intracerebroventricularily (icv) treated with streptozotocin (STZ), shown to generate an insulin resistant brain state, were used as an animal model for the sporadic form of Alzheimer's disease (sAD). Previously, we showed in an in vivo study that 3 months after STZ icv treatment hippocampal adult neurogenesis (AN) is impaired. In the present study, we examined the effects of STZ on isolated adult hippocampal neural stem cells (NSCs) using an in vitro approach. We revealed that 2.5 mM STZ inhibits the proliferation of NSCs as indicated by reduced number and size of neurospheres as well as by less BrdU-immunoreactive NSCs. Double immunofluorescence stainings of NSCs already being triggered to start with their differentiation showed that STZ primarily impairs the generation of new neurons, but not of astrocytes. For revealing mechanisms possibly involved in mediating STZ effects we analyzed expression levels of insulin/glucose system-related molecules such as the glucose transporter (GLUT) 1 and 3, the insulin receptor (IR) and the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) 1 receptor. Applying quantitative Real time-PCR (qRT-PCR) and immunofluorescence stainings we showed that STZ exerts its strongest effects on GLUT3 expression, as GLUT3 mRNA levels were found to be reduced in NSCs, and less GLUT3-immunoreactive NSCs as well as differentiating cells were detected after STZ treatment. These findings suggest that cultured NSCs are a good model for developing new strategies to treat nerve cell loss in AD and other degenerative disorders.}, language = {en} } @article{ZayatsJacobsenKleppeetal.2016, author = {Zayats, T and Jacobsen, KK and Kleppe, R and Jacob, CP and Kittel-Schneider, S and Ribas{\´e}s, M and Ramos-Quiroga, JA and Richarte, V and Casas, M and Mota, NR and Grevet, EH and Klein, M and Corominas, J and Bralten, J and Galesloot, T and Vasquez, AA and Herms, S and Forstner, AJ and Larsson, H and Breen, G and Asherson, P and Gross-Lesch, S and Lesch, KP and Cichon, S and Gabrielsen, MB and Holmen, OL and Bau, CHD and Buitelaar, J and Kiemeney, L and Faraone, SV and Cormand, B and Franke, B and Reif, A and Haavik, J and Johansson, S}, title = {Exome chip analyses in adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder}, series = {Translational Psychiatry}, volume = {6}, journal = {Translational Psychiatry}, number = {e923}, doi = {10.1038/tp.2016.196}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-168297}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a highly heritable childhood-onset neuropsychiatric condition, often persisting into adulthood. The genetic architecture of ADHD, particularly in adults, is largely unknown. We performed an exome-wide scan of adult ADHD using the Illumina Human Exome Bead Chip, which interrogates over 250 000 common and rare variants. Participants were recruited by the International Multicenter persistent ADHD CollaboraTion (IMpACT). Statistical analyses were divided into 3 steps: (1) gene-level analysis of rare variants (minor allele frequency (MAF)<1\%); (2) single marker association tests of common variants (MAF⩾1\%), with replication of the top signals; and (3) pathway analyses. In total, 9365 individuals (1846 cases and 7519 controls) were examined. Replication of the most associated common variants was attempted in 9847 individuals (2077 cases and 7770 controls) using fixed-effects inverse variance meta-analysis. With a Bonferroni-corrected significance level of 1.82E-06, our analyses of rare coding variants revealed four study-wide significant loci: 6q22.1 locus (P=4.46E-08), where NT5DC1 and COL10A1 reside; the SEC23IP locus (P=6.47E-07); the PSD locus (P=7.58E-08) and ZCCHC4 locus (P=1.79E-06). No genome-wide significant association was observed among the common variants. The strongest signal was noted at rs9325032 in PPP2R2B (odds ratio=0.81, P=1.61E-05). Taken together, our data add to the growing evidence of general signal transduction molecules (NT5DC1, PSD, SEC23IP and ZCCHC4) having an important role in the etiology of ADHD. Although the biological implications of these findings need to be further explored, they highlight the possible role of cellular communication as a potential core component in the development of both adult and childhood forms of ADHD.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Fischer2023, author = {Fischer, Julia Katrin}, title = {Evaluation der Lebensqualit{\"a}t von Patienten mit Multiplem Myelom mittels standardisierter Frageb{\"o}gen der EORTC}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-31662}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-316628}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Im Rahmen dieser Studie wurde die Lebensqualit{\"a}t (QoL) von Patienten mit Multiplem Myelom zu verschiedenen Therapiezeitpunkten untersucht. Dabei erwies sich die erstmals im Rahmen einer Studie mit Myelompatienten angewandte Kombination aus PHQ-4, EORTC QLQ-C30 und dem spezifischen -MY20 Fragebogen als geeignetes Instrument zur validen Erfassung von {\"A}ngstlichkeit/Depressivit{\"a}t und Lebensqualit{\"a}t. Insgesamt sch{\"a}tzten Erstlinienpatienten, M{\"a}nner und j{\"u}ngere Patienten vor, w{\"a}hrend und nach der Therapie ihre Lebensqualit{\"a}t positiver ein, sodass insbesondere Rezidivpatienten, Frauen und {\"a}ltere Patienten von einer intensivierten therapiebegleitenden supportiven Betreuung profitieren k{\"o}nnten. Es sollte bei der Therapiewahl ber{\"u}cksichtigt werden, dass Erstlinienpatienten zum einen {\"u}ber eine insgesamt bessere allgemeine QoL und geringere Schmerzen als Rezidivpatienten berichteten und zum anderen es durch die systemische Therapie bei diesen zu einer weiteren Verbesserung kommen kann. Unabh{\"a}ngig hiervon korrelierte der ECOG-Status signifikant mit der QoL und sollte daher regelm{\"a}ßig erhoben werden. W{\"a}hrend der Therapie kam es bei Myelompatienten v.a. zu einer negativeren Wahrnehmung des eigenen K{\"o}rperbilds, einer Abnahme der kognitiven Funktion und einer Zunahme der Therapienebenwirkungen, sodass interdisziplin{\"a}re Behandlerteams neben einem optimalen Nebenwirkungsmanagement auch in der klinischen Routine noch nicht so fest etablierte Ressourcen ber{\"u}cksichtigen sollten, wie z.B. psychoedukative Interventionen, Entspannungsverfahren oder auch kognitives Training. Eine der wichtigsten Erkenntnisse der Studie war die signifikant reduzierte Lebensqualit{\"a}t bei Patienten mit vermehrter {\"A}ngstlichkeit/Depressivit{\"a}t, die die Notwendigkeit eines regelm{\"a}ßigen Screenings in der klinischen Routine aufzeigt, um Risikopatienten entsprechend zu identifizieren. Trotz der vermuteten Lebensqualit{\"a}tsbeeinflussung durch die intensivere, l{\"a}ngere Therapie, zeigten sich bei Tandemtransplantierten nicht mehr Lebensqualit{\"a}tsvariablen signifikant negativ beeinflusst als beim Gesamtkollektiv, sodass diese Beobachtung eine wertvolle Entscheidungshilfe f{\"u}r Patienten sein k{\"o}nnte, die aus Sorge vor einer reduzierten Lebensqualit{\"a}t transplantationsbasierten Konzepten zur{\"u}ckhaltend gegen{\"u}berstehen. Unter Ber{\"u}cksichtigung der o.g. Limitationen, konnte zus{\"a}tzlich eine deutliche positive Beeinflussung der Lebensqualit{\"a}t durch Teilnahme an klinischen Therapiestudien aufgezeigt werden, sodass Patienten evtl. von einer noch intensiveren multiprofessionellen Begleitung wie sie in Studiensettings gegeben ist profitieren k{\"o}nnten.}, subject = {Lebensqualit{\"a}t}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Krumma2024, author = {Krumma, Judith Josefine Birgitta}, title = {Morphologie und bildgebende Ver{\"a}nderung in der Magnetresonanztomographie bei p{\"a}diatrischen Patienten/innen mit Rezidiven eines kranialen Ependymoms - Kohorte der Deutschen HIT- REZ Studie}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-35149}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-351498}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2024}, abstract = {In dieser Arbeit wurde einerseits retrospektiv untersucht, wie sich supratentorielle und infratentorielle Ependymome bildmorphologisch unterscheiden, ob Lokalrezidive eines Ependymoms dessen Bildeigenschaften teilen und welche Art von Rezidiven im Verlauf auftreten k{\"o}nnen. Die von uns beschriebenen Bildcharakteristika der Ependymome decken sich zum gr{\"o}ßten Teil mit bereits ver{\"o}ffentlichten Studien. Supratentorielle Ependymome unterscheiden sich signifikant in ihrer Bildmorphologie im Vergleich zu Ependymome der hintern Sch{\"a}delgrube. Alle p{\"a}diatrischen Ependymompatienten/innen in unserem Kollektiv erkrankten an mindestens einem Rezidiv. Am h{\"a}ufigsten traten Lokalrezidive gefolgt von Meningeosen im ersten Rezidiv auf. Seltener fanden sich transiente postradiogene L{\"a}sionen, Diffuse intrinsische Ponsgliome und extraneurale Metastasen. Der bildmorphologische Vergleich, Primarius versus Lokalrezidiv ergab {\"u}berwiegend {\"a}hnliche bildgebende Eigenschaften vor allem im Signalverhalten, Tumorbegrenzung und KM-Aufnahme sowie KM anreichernder Tumoranteil. Die kranielle Meningeose pr{\"a}sentierte sich zum ersten Rezidivzeitpunkt different zum Prim{\"a}rtumor. Die extraneuralen Metastasen hatten bildcharakteristisch {\"A}hnlichkeiten zum Prim{\"a}rtumor. Bei der Bewertung neuer intraparenchymaler L{\"a}sionen sollte immer der zeitliche Zusammenhang zur letzten Therapie und damit m{\"o}gliche vor{\"u}bergehende postradiologischen Ver{\"a}nderungen ber{\"u}cksichtigt werden. Letztlich ist das p{\"a}diatrische Ependymom und Ependymomrezidiv ein komplexes und immer noch unvollst{\"a}ndiges erfasstes Krankheitsbild. Durch umfangreichere Studien und die Zusammenf{\"u}hrung dieser Ergebnisse k{\"o}nnte schlussendlich die Komplexit{\"a}t des Krankheitsbildes und somit die Therapieoptionen verbessert werden. Durch unsere Studie gelang einerseits die Beschreibung und der Vergleich des prim{\"a}ren Ependymoms bez{\"u}glich supra- und infratentorieller Lokalisation und andererseits gelang eine neuroradiologische Beschreibung von Ependymomrezidiven im Vergleich zum prim{\"a}ren Ependymom, wodurch in Zukunft die Nachsorge der Ependymomrezidive und die Therapieoptionen optimiert werden k{\"o}nnten.}, subject = {Ependymom}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Seeger2023, author = {Seeger, Fabian Reinhard}, title = {Moderators of exposure-based treatment outcome in anxiety disorders: an fMRI approach}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-21435}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-214356}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Even though exposure-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) constitutes a first-line treatment for anxiety disorders, a substantial proportion of patients does not respond in a clinically significant manner. The identification of pre-treatment patient characteristics that are associated with treatment outcome might aid in improving response rates. Therefore, the present doctoral thesis aimed at investigating moderators of treatment outcome in anxiety disorders: first, we investigated the neural correlates of comorbidity among primary panic disorder/agoraphobia (PD/AG) and secondary social anxiety disorder (SAD) moderating treatment outcome towards exposure-based CBT. Second, pre-treatment functional resting-state connectivity signatures of treatment response in specific phobia were studied. Within the first study, we compared PD/AG patients with or without secondary SAD regarding their clinical and neurofunctional outcome towards a manualized CBT treatment focusing on PD/AG symptoms. Prior to treatment, PD/AG+SAD compared to PD/AG-SAD patients exhibited a specific neural signature within the temporal lobe, which was attenuated to the level of PD/AG-SAD patients afterwards. CBT was equally effective in both groups. Thus, comorbidity among those two anxiety disorders did not alter treatment outcome substantially. This might be due to the high overlap of shared pathophysiological features within both disorders. In the second study, we assessed pre-treatment functional resting-state connectivity within a sample of spider phobic patients that were treated with massed in virtuo exposure. We found responders already prior to treatment to be characterized by stronger inhibitory frontolimbic connectivity as well as heightened connectivity between the amygdala and regions related to the ventral visual stream. Furthermore, patients demonstrating high within-session extinction exhibited pronounced intrinsic prefrontal connectivity. Our results point to responders exhibiting a brain prepared for the mechanism of action of exposure. Taken together, results highlight the major impact of pre-treatment characteristics on treatment outcome. Both, PD/AG+SAD patients as well as responders within the SpiderVR study exhibited heightened activation or connectivity within the ventral visual pathway and the amygdala. Pronounced visual processing together with enhanced executive control and emotion regulation seem to constitute a fruitful soil for successful exposure. The results provide starting points for personalized treatment approaches in order to improve treatment success in the anxiety disorders. Future studies are needed to investigate the benefit of neuroscientifically informed CBT augmentation strategies such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation.}, subject = {Angstst{\"o}rung}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Marquardt2023, author = {Marquardt, Andr{\´e}}, title = {Machine-Learning-Based Identification of Tumor Entities, Tumor Subgroups, and Therapy Options}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-32954}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-329548}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Molecular genetic analyses, such as mutation analyses, are becoming increasingly important in the tumor field, especially in the context of therapy stratification. The identification of the underlying tumor entity is crucial, but can sometimes be difficult, for example in the case of metastases or the so-called Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP) syndrome. In recent years, methylome and transcriptome utilizing machine learning (ML) approaches have been developed to enable fast and reliable tumor and tumor subtype identification. However, so far only methylome analysis have become widely used in routine diagnostics. The present work addresses the utility of publicly available RNA-sequencing data to determine the underlying tumor entity, possible subgroups, and potential therapy options. Identification of these by ML - in particular random forest (RF) models - was the first task. The results with test accuracies of up to 99\% provided new, previously unknown insights into the trained models and the corresponding entity prediction. Reducing the input data to the top 100 mRNA transcripts resulted in a minimal loss of prediction quality and could potentially enable application in clinical or real-world settings. By introducing the ratios of these top 100 genes to each other as a new database for RF models, a novel method was developed enabling the use of trained RF models on data from other sources. Further analysis of the transcriptomic differences of metastatic samples by visual clustering showed that there were no differences specific for the site of metastasis. Similarly, no distinct clusters were detectable when investigating primary tumors and metastases of cutaneous skin melanoma (SKCM). Subsequently, more than half of the validation datasets had a prediction accuracy of at least 80\%, with many datasets even achieving a prediction accuracy of - or close to - 100\%. To investigate the applicability of the used methods for subgroup identification, the TCGA-KIPAN dataset, consisting of the three major kidney cancer subgroups, was used. The results revealed a new, previously unknown subgroup consisting of all histopathological groups with clinically relevant characteristics, such as significantly different survival. Based on significant differences in gene expression, potential therapeutic options of the identified subgroup could be proposed. Concludingly, in exploring the potential applicability of RNA-sequencing data as a basis for therapy prediction, it was shown that this type of data is suitable to predict entities as well as subgroups with high accuracy. Clinical relevance was also demonstrated for a novel subgroup in renal cell carcinoma. The reduction of the number of genes required for entity prediction to 100 genes, enables panel sequencing and thus demonstrates potential applicability in a real-life setting.}, subject = {Maschinelles Lernen}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Muench2023, author = {M{\"u}nch, Luca}, title = {Die Rolle transposabler Elemente in der Genese des malignen Melanom im Fischmodell Xiphophorus}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-28922}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-289228}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Der Name der transposablen Elemente beruht auf ihrer F{\"a}higkeit, ihre genomische Position ver{\"a}ndern zu k{\"o}nnen. Durch Chromosomenaberrationen, Insertionen oder Deletionen k{\"o}nnen ihre genomischen Transpositionen genetische Instabilit{\"a}t verursachen. Inwieweit sie dar{\"u}ber hinaus regulatorischen Einfluss auf Zellfunktionen besitzen, ist Gegenstand aktueller Forschung ebenso wie die daraus resultierende Frage nach der Gesamtheit ihrer biologischen Signifikanz. Die Weiterf{\"u}hrung experimenteller Forschung ist unabdingbar, um weiterhin offenen Fragen nachzugehen. Das Xiphophorus-Melanom-Modell stellt hierbei eines der {\"a}ltesten Tiermodelle zur Erforschung des malignen Melanoms dar. Durch den klar definierten genetischen Hintergrund eignet es sich hervorragend zur Erforschung des b{\"o}sartigen schwarzen Hautkrebses, welcher nach wie vor die t{\"o}dlichste aller bekannten Hautkrebsformen darstellt. Die hier vorliegende Arbeit besch{\"a}ftigt sich mit der Rolle transposabler Elemente in der malignen Melanomgenese von Xiphophorus.}, subject = {Transposon}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Herbinger2023, author = {Herbinger, Anna Maria}, title = {Wirkungsverst{\"a}rkung von Vincristin und Paclitaxel auf Glioblastomzellen durch TTFields}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-32983}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-329836}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Das Glioblastom (GBM) ist der h{\"a}ufigste maligne prim{\"a}re Hirntumor im Erwachsenenalter und geht mit einer infausten Prognose einher. Die Standardtherapie bei Erstdiagnose besteht aus Tumorresektion gefolgt von kombinierter Radiochemotherapie mit Temozolomid nach Stupp-Schema. Eine neue Therapieoption stellen die Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) in Form lokal applizierter elektrischer Wechselfelder dar. Mit dem Einsatz der TTFields kann durch St{\"o}rung der mitotischen Abl{\"a}ufe die Zellproliferation von Tumorzellen gehemmt und dadurch das Gesamt{\"u}berleben im Vergleich zur alleinigen Radiochemotherapie nachweislich deutlich verl{\"a}ngert werden. Auch verschiedene Chemotherapeutika, die bereits klinisch eingesetzt werden, greifen in den Ablauf der Mitose ein. So auch die Zytostatika Vincristin (VIN) und Paclitaxel (PTX), die durch einen gegens{\"a}tzlichen Mechanismus durch Destabilisierung bzw. Stabilisierung von Mikrotubulistrukturen ihre Wirkung entfalten. Die Frage, ob eine Verst{\"a}rkung dieser Wirkung durch den kombinierten Einsatz mit TTFields erreicht werden kann, wurde in dieser Arbeit an den beiden GBM-Zelllinien U87 und GaMG untersucht. Zun{\"a}chst wurde mit dem xCELLigence-Systems {\"u}ber eine Real-Time-Impedanzmessung f{\"u}r diese beiden Chemotherapeutika jeweils die mittlere effektive Dosis (EC50-Wert), bei der ein halbmaximaler Effekt auftritt, spezifisch f{\"u}r jede Zelllinie bestimmt. Diese betrug bei VIN durchschnittlich 200nM f{\"u}r die Zelllinie U87 bzw. 20nM f{\"u}r die Zelllinie GaMG und lag f{\"u}r PTX bei 60nM f{\"u}r beide Zelllinien. Mit diesen Dosierungen wurden die beiden Zelllinien allein und in Kombination mit TTFields {\"u}ber 72h behandelt. Anschließend wurde die Zellproliferation analysiert und mit unbehandelten Tumorzellen verglichen. W{\"a}hrend jeder Behandlungsarm einzeln eine signifikante Wirkung gegen{\"u}ber der unbehandelten Vergleichsgruppe zeigte, hatte weder die Kombination von TTFields mit VIN noch mit PTX in den untersuchten Dosierungen einen zus{\"a}tzlichen signifikanten Nutzen. Es besteht weiterer Forschungsbedarf zum kombinierten Einsatz von TTFields mit anderen Therapieformen.}, subject = {Tumortherapiefelder}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Idris2023, author = {Idris, Raja}, title = {Untersuchung der Rolle von GFAP-Autoantik{\"o}rpern bei der Pathogenese von HIV-assoziierten neurologischen Erkrankungen}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-32831}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-328311}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Zusammenfassung Hintergrund: Das saure Gliafaserprotein (GFAP) kommt im ZNS vor allem in Astrozyten vor und spielt eine Rolle bei der Astrozytose, die wiederum ist ein pathogenetisches Merkmal von HIV-assoziierten neurologischen Erkrankungen (HAND). In dieser Arbeit wird das Vorkommen von GFAP-Autoantik{\"o}rpern bei PLWH und deren Bedeutung bei der Entstehung von HAND untersucht. Außerdem wird eruiert, ob GFAP-Autoantik{\"o}rper als Marker eines neurokognitiven Defizites bei HAND in Frage kommen. Methoden: Homogenisiert Gewebeschnitte von verschiedenen Gehirnareale wurden mittels SDS-Gelelektrophorese und Western Blot auf Membranen {\"u}bertragen. Diese Membranen wurden mit Blutproben aus der HAND-1 Studie inkubiert. Der Nachweis von GFAP-Antik{\"o}rpern erfolgte indirekt mittels eines IgG-Antik{\"o}rpers. Die Anti-GFAP Signalintensit{\"a}ten wurden semiquantitativ ausgewertet und mit den Daten der neurokognitiven Test der HAND-1 Studie korreliert. Egebnisse: Die GFAP-Autoantik{\"o}rper Signalintensit{\"a}t unterscheidet sich je nach Gehirnareal (p < 0,0001). Insbesondere die DM-Signale sind signifikant st{\"a}rker als die der anderen Areale (p < 0,01). Es l{\"a}sst sich insgesamt kein signifikanter Unterschied in der Signalst{\"a}rke zwischen Menschen mit HIV und Kontrollen feststellen (p = 0,1742). Bei der HIV-Gruppe zeigt das Gesamtergebnis des MMS einen signifikanten, negativen und starken Zusammenhang mit der GFAP- Antik{\"o}rpersignalintensit{\"a}t der Areale DM (p = 0,004), ST (p = 0,011), MC (p = 0,007) und FC (p = 0,002). Es konnten keine signifikanten Korrelationen zwischen den CD4-Zellzahlen und den Anti-GFAP Signalintensit{\"a}ten festgestellt werden. Bei der Kontrollgruppe fanden sich lediglich vereinzelt signifikante Korrelationen. Diskussion: Diese Promotion ist die bis dato erste Ver{\"o}ffentlichung, in der GFAP-Autoantik{\"o}rper bei Menschen mit HIV gemessen wurden. Dass kein Unterschied im Vorkommen von GFAP-Ak bei PLWH und der Kontrollgruppe gefunden wurde, k{\"o}nnte an der geringen Teilnehmendenzahl oder am Mangel von Teilnehmenden mit HAD liegen. Andererseits k{\"o}nnte es auch daf{\"u}r sprechen, dass anti-GFAP nicht obligat pathogen ist, sondern erst nach {\"U}bertritt {\"u}ber die Blut-Hirn-Schranke pathologische Folgen hat. F{\"u}r diese Hypothese spricht die Erkenntnis, dass eine h{\"o}here Menge von GFAP-Ak mit einem schlechteren Abschneiden bei neurokognitiven Tests korreliert. Demnach k{\"o}nnten sich GFAP-Autoantik{\"o}rper als diagnostische und m{\"o}glicherweise prognostische Marker eines neurokognitiven Defizites bei HAND eignen.}, subject = {HIV}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Helmel2024, author = {Helmel, Jacqueline Larissa}, title = {Untersuchung der Expressionslevel des Gens NR3C1 bei {\"a}ngstlich-depressiven Personen in Zusammenhang mit der Funktion der Hypothalamus-Hypophysen-Nebennierenrinden-Achse und Ber{\"u}cksichtigung von Kindheitstraumatisierungen}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-34865}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-348652}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2024}, abstract = {Die {\"a}ngstliche Depression stellt einen Subtypus der Depression dar, der noch nicht ausreichend erforscht ist und somit eine Herausforderung im klinischen Alltag darstellt. Laut der bisherigen Literatur sind genetische Unterschiede sowie Kindheitstraumatisierungen an der Pathophysiologie von Depressionen beteiligt und mitverantwortlich f{\"u}r die Auspr{\"a}gung des Subtypus {\"a}ngstliche Depression. In dieser Untersuchung wurde erforscht, ob es unterschiedliche Genexpressionslevel des Gens NR3C1 zwischen {\"a}ngstlich-depressiven und nicht-{\"a}ngstlich-depressiven Personen gibt. Zus{\"a}tzlich wurde gepr{\"u}ft, ob Kindheitstraumatisierungen einen weiteren Einfluss auf die Genexpression der beiden Subtypen der Depression haben. Es zeigte sich, dass {\"a}ngstlich-depressive Personen in Woche 1 bis 4 h{\"o}here HAM-D-Summenwerte erzielten, mit zus{\"a}tzlichen Kindheitstraumatisierungen wurden die h{\"o}chsten HAM-D-Werte festgestellt. Diese Gruppe hatte geh{\"a}uft Kindheitstraumata im Fragebogen angegeben, die Traumata Emotionale Misshandlung und K{\"o}rperliche Vernachl{\"a}ssigung kamen signifikant h{\"a}ufiger vor. Anhand dieser durchgef{\"u}hrten Studie konnten zusammengefasst werden, dass sich die Genexpressionslevel von NR3C1 zwischen den beiden Subtypen als unterschiedlich erwies. Zus{\"a}tzlich scheinen die beiden Kindheitstraumata Emotionale Misshandlung und K{\"o}rperliche Vernachl{\"a}ssigung einen weiteren Einfluss auf die Genexpression von NR3C1 zu haben. Die unterschiedliche Genexpression von NR3C1 deutet auf verschiedene Funktionsweisen des GR zwischen den Subtypen hin. Dies k{\"o}nnte f{\"u}r die Verlaufsbeurteilung und Therapieans{\"a}tze der Erkrankung von Bedeutung sein. Die h{\"a}ufiger vorkommenden Kindheitstraumatisierungen bei {\"a}ngstlich-depressiven Personen k{\"o}nnen als ein pathophysiologischer Baustein f{\"u}r die Entstehung der {\"a}ngstlichen Depression gesehen werden. Daher ist es umso wichtiger, das {\"U}berpr{\"u}fen von erlebten Kindheitstraumata bei initialer Befragung in den klinischen Alltag mitaufzunehmen. Da auch der Depressionsschweregrad durch Kindheitstraumatisierungen in dieser Studie zunahm, ergeben sich daraus m{\"o}gliche Konsequenzen f{\"u}r die therapeutische Planung.}, subject = {{\"A}ngstliche Depression}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{ZimmermannneePapp2024, author = {Zimmermann [n{\´e}e Papp], Lena}, title = {Platelets as modulators of blood-brain barrier disruption and inflammation in the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-30285}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-302850}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2024}, abstract = {Ischemia-reperfusion injury (I/R injury) is a common complication in ischemic stroke (IS) treatment, which is characterized by a paradoxical perpetuation of tissue damage despite the successful re-establishment of vascular perfusion. This phenomenon is known to be facilitated by the detrimental interplay of platelets and inflammatory cells at the vascular interface. However, the spatio-temporal and molecular mechanisms underlying these cellular interactions and their contribution to infarct progression are still incompletely understood. Therefore, this study intended to clarify the temporal mechanisms of infarct growth after cerebral vessel recanalization. The data presented here could show that infarct progression is driven by early blood-brain-barrier perturbation and is independent of secondary thrombus formation. Since previous studies unravelled the secretion of platelet granules as a molecular mechanism of how platelets contribute to I/R injury, special emphasis was placed on the role of platelet granule secretion in the process of barrier dysfunction. By combining an in vitro approach with a murine IS model, it could be shown that platelet α-granules exerted endothelial-damaging properties, whereas their absence (NBEAL2-deficiency) translated into improved microvascular integrity. Hence, targeting platelet α-granules might serve as a novel treatment option to reduce vascular integrity loss and diminish infarct growth despite recanalization. Recent evidence revealed that pathomechanisms underlying I/R injury are already instrumental during large vessel occlusion. This indicates that penumbral tissue loss under occlusion and I/R injury during reperfusion share an intertwined relationship. In accordance with this notion, human observational data disclosed the presence of a neutrophil dominated immune response and local platelet activation and secretion, by the detection of the main components of platelet α-granules, within the secluded vasculature of IS patients. These initial observations of immune cells and platelets could be further expanded within this thesis by flow cytometric analysis of local ischemic blood samples. Phenotyping of immune cells disclosed a yet unknown shift in the lymphocyte population towards CD4+ T cells and additionally corroborated the concept of an immediate intravascular immune response that is dominated by granulocytes. Furthermore, this thesis provides first-time evidence for the increased appearance of platelet-leukocyte-aggregates within the secluded human vasculature. Thus, interfering with immune cells and/or platelets already under occlusion might serve as a potential strategy to diminish infarct expansion and ameliorate clinical outcome after IS.}, subject = {Schlaganfall}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Feick2024, author = {Feick, J{\"o}rn}, title = {Relevanz lokaler Blutgasparameter innerhalb des zerebralen Kollateralkreislaufs w{\"a}hrend akuter zerebraler Isch{\"a}mie}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-35167}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-351678}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2024}, abstract = {St{\"o}rungen der Ionen- und Blutgas Hom{\"o}ostase mit Verschiebungen von Na+ und K+ in der regionalen Hypoxie sind ein Kennzeichen der experimentellen zerebralen Isch{\"a}mie, wurden aber in ihrer Bedeutung f{\"u}r Schlaganfallpatienten noch nicht hinreichend untersucht. Wir berichten {\"u}ber eine prospektive, humane Querschnittsstudie an 366 Schlaganfallpatienten, die mit einer endovaskul{\"a}ren Rekanalisation bei einem akuten LVO der vorderen Zirkulation zwischen dem 18.Dezember 2018 und dem 31.August 2020 behandelt wurden. Im Rahmen der vorliegenden Dissertationsarbeit wurden intraprozedural arterielle Blutgasproben (1ml) aus dem lokal isch{\"a}mischen Kollateralkreislauf und der intraindividuellen systemischen Referenzlokalisation in 51 Patienten gewonnen. Die Probengewinnung mit Hilfe eines Mikrokatheters erfolgte nach einem bereits ver{\"o}ffentlichten Protokoll. Diese Arbeit weist in der Perakutphase eines Großgef{\"a}ßverschlusses signifikant nach, dass der lokal isch{\"a}mische paO2 (-4,29\%, paO2isch{\"a}misch=185,3 mmHg vs. paO2systemisch=193,6mmHg; p=0,035) und die Konzentration von K+ (-5,49\%, K+isch{\"a}misch=3,44mmol/L vs. K+systemisch=3,64mmol/L; p=0,0081) signifikant reduziert war. Wir beobachteten, dass der Na+:K+-Quotient in der Kollateralzirkulation (+3,29\%; Na+:K+-Quotientisch{\"a}misch=41,74 vs. Na+:K+-Quotientsystemisch=40,38; p=0,0048) im Vergleich zur systemischen Zirkulation signifikant erh{\"o}ht war, w{\"a}hrend die Na+-Konzentration signifikant positiv mit einer Zunahme des Infarktausmaßes assoziiert war (r=0,42, p=0,0033). Wir fanden eine alkaline Tendenz des zerebralen pH (+0,14\%, pHisch{\"a}misch=7,38 vs. pHsystemisch=7,37, p=0,0019), mit einer zeitabh{\"a}ngigen Verschiebung in den azidotischen Bereich (r=-0,36, p=0,0549). Schlussfolgernd deuten unsere Ergebnisse darauf hin, dass die durch den Schlaganfall verursachten Ver{\"a}nderungen der zerebralen Sauerstoffversorgung, der Ionenzusammensetzung und des S{\"a}ure-Basen-Gleichgewichts dynamisch auftreten, w{\"a}hrend der okklusiven Isch{\"a}mie fortschreiten und mit der akuten Gewebesch{\"a}digung im Zusammenhang stehen. W{\"u}nschenswert sind weitere prospektive Studien, um die Ergebnisse valide zu reproduzieren.}, subject = {Schlaganfall}, language = {de} } @article{RemdeKranzMorelletal.2023, author = {Remde, Hanna and Kranz, Stefanie and Morell, Sarah Maria and Altieri, Barbara and Kroiss, Matthias and Detomas, Mario and Fassnacht, Martin and Deutschbein, Timo}, title = {Clinical course of patients with adrenal incidentalomas and cortisol autonomy}, series = {Frontiers in Endocrinology}, volume = {14}, journal = {Frontiers in Endocrinology}, issn = {1664-2392}, doi = {10.3389/fendo.2023.1123132}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-316793}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Background Adrenal incidentalomas with cortisol autonomy are associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Specific data on the clinical and biochemical course of affected patients are lacking. Methods Retrospective study from a tertiary referral centre in Germany. After exclusion of overt hormone excess, malignancy and glucocorticoid medication, patients with adrenal incidentalomas were stratified according to serum cortisol after 1 mg dexamethasone: autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS), >5.0; possible ACS (PACS), 1.9-5.0; non-functioning adenomas (NFA), ≤1.8 µg/dl. Results A total of 260 patients were enrolled (147 women (56.5\%), median follow-up 8.8 (2.0-20.8) years). At initial diagnosis, median age was 59.5 (20-82) years, and median tumour size was 27 (10-116) mm. Bilateral tumours were more prevalent in ACS (30.0\%) and PACS (21.9\%) than in NFA (8.1\%). Over time, 40/124 (32.3\%) patients had a shift of their hormonal secretion pattern (NFA to PACS/ACS, n=15/53; PACS to ACS, n=6/47; ACS to PACS, n=11/24; PACS to NFA, n=8/47). However, none of the patients developed overt Cushing's syndrome. Sixty-one patients underwent adrenalectomy (NFA, 17.9\%; PACS, 24.0\%; ACS, 39.0\%). When non-operated patients with NFA were compared to PACS and ACS at last follow-up, arterial hypertension (65.3\% vs. 81.9\% and 92.0\%; p<0.05), diabetes (23.8\% vs. 35.6\% and 40.0\%; p<0.01), and thromboembolic events (PACS: HR 3.43, 95\%-CI 0.89-13.29; ACS: HR 5.96, 95\%-CI 1.33-26.63; p<0.05) were significantly less frequent, along with a trend towards a higher rate of cardiovascular events in case of cortisol autonomy (PACS: HR 2.23, 95\%-CI 0.94-5.32; ACS: HR 2.60, 95\%-CI 0.87-7.79; p=0.1). Twenty-five (12.6\%) of the non-operated patients died, with higher overall mortality in PACS (HR 2.6, 95\%-CI 1.0-4.7; p=0.083) and ACS (HR 4.7, 95\%-CI 1.6-13.3; p<0.005) compared to NFA. In operated patients, prevalence of arterial hypertension decreased significantly (77.0\% at diagnosis to 61.7\% at last follow-up; p<0.05). The prevalence of cardiovascular events and mortality did not differ significantly between operated and non-operated patients, whereas thromboembolic events were significantly less frequent in the surgical treatment group. Conclusion Our study confirms relevant cardiovascular morbidity in patients with adrenal incidentalomas (especially those with cortisol autonomy). These patients should therefore be monitored carefully, including adequate treatment of typical cardiovascular risk factors. Adrenalectomy was associated with a significantly decreased prevalence of hypertension. However, more than 30\% of patients required reclassification according to repeated dexamethasone suppression tests. Thus, cortisol autonomy should ideally be confirmed before making any relevant treatment decision (e.g. adrenalectomy).}, language = {en} } @article{WeismannSchneiderHoeybye2016, author = {Weismann, Dirk and Schneider, Andreas and H{\"o}ybye, Charlotte}, title = {Clinical aspects of symptomatic hyponatremia}, series = {Endocrine Connections}, volume = {5}, journal = {Endocrine Connections}, number = {5}, doi = {10.1530/EC-16-0046}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-162936}, pages = {R35-R43}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Hyponatremia (HN) is a common condition, with a large number of etiologies and a complicated treatment. Although chronic HN has been shown to be a predictor of poor outcome, sodium-increasing treatments in chronic stable and asymptomatic HN have not proven to increase life expectancy. For symptomatic HN, in contrast, the necessity for urgent treatment has broadly been accepted to avoid the development of fatal cerebral edema. On the other hand, a too rapid increase of serum sodium in chronic HN may result in cerebral damage due to osmotic demyelinisation. Recently, administration of hypertonic saline bolus has been recommended as first-line treatment in patients with moderate-to-severe symptomatic HN. This approach is easy to memorize and holds the potential to greatly facilitate the initial treatment of symptomatic HN. First-line treatment of chronic HN is fluid restriction and if ineffective treatment with tolvaptan or in some patients other agents should be considered. A number of recommendations and guidelines have been published on HN. In the present review, the management of patients with HN in relation to everyday clinical practice is summarized with focus on the acute management.}, language = {en} } @article{VonaNandaShehataDieleretal.2017, author = {Vona, Barbara and Nanda, Indrajit and Shehata-Dieler, Wafaa and Haaf, Thomas}, title = {Genetics of Tinnitus: Still in its Infancy}, series = {Frontiers in Neuroscience}, volume = {11}, journal = {Frontiers in Neuroscience}, number = {236}, doi = {10.3389/fnins.2017.00236}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-170926}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Tinnitus is the perception of a phantom sound that affects between 10 and 15\% of the general population. Despite this considerable prevalence, treatments for tinnitus are presently lacking. Tinnitus exhibits a diverse array of recognized risk factors and extreme clinical heterogeneity. Furthermore, it can involve an unknown number of auditory and non-auditory networks and molecular pathways. This complex combination has hampered advancements in the field. The identification of specific genetic factors has been at the forefront of several research investigations in the past decade. Nine studies have examined genes in a case-control association approach. Recently, a genome-wide association study has highlighted several potentially significant pathways that are implicated in tinnitus. Two twin studies have calculated a moderate heritability for tinnitus and disclosed a greater concordance rate in monozygotic twins compared to dizygotic twins. Despite the more recent data alluding to genetic factors in tinnitus, a strong association with any specific genetic locus is lacking and a genetic study with sufficient statistical power has yet to be designed. Future research endeavors must overcome the many inherent limitations in previous study designs. This review summarizes the previously embarked upon tinnitus genetic investigations and summarizes the hurdles that have been encountered. The identification of candidate genes responsible for tinnitus may afford gene based diagnostic approaches, effective therapy development, and personalized therapeutic intervention.}, language = {en} } @article{MuelekSeefriedGenestetal.2017, author = {M{\"u}lek, Melanie and Seefried, Lothar and Genest, Franca and H{\"o}gger, Petra}, title = {Distribution of constituents and metabolites of maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol\(^{®}\)) into serum, blood cells, and synovial fluid of patients with severe osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial}, series = {Nutrients}, volume = {9}, journal = {Nutrients}, number = {5}, doi = {10.3390/nu9050443}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-159862}, pages = {443}, year = {2017}, abstract = {The present randomized controlled study aimed to investigate the in vivo distribution of constituents or metabolites of the standardized maritime pine bark extract Pycnogenol\(^{®}\). Thirty-three patients with severe osteoarthritis scheduled for a knee arthroplasty were randomized to receive either 200 mg per day Pycnogenol\(^{®}\) (P+) or no treatment (Co) over three weeks before surgery. Serum, blood cells, and synovial fluid samples were analyzed using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization (LC-ESI/MS/MS). Considerable interindividual differences were observed indicating pronounced variability of the polyphenol pharmacokinetics. Notably, the highest polyphenol concentrations were not detected in serum. Catechin and taxifolin primarily resided within the blood cells while the microbial catechin metabolite δ-(3,4-dihydroxy-phenyl)-γ-valerolactone, ferulic, and caffeic acid were mainly present in synovial fluid samples. Taxifolin was detected in serum and synovial fluid exclusively in the P+ group. Likewise, no ferulic acid was found in serum samples of the Co group. Calculating ratios of analyte distribution in individual patients revealed a simultaneous presence of some polyphenols in serum, blood cells, and/or synovial fluid only in the P+ group. This is the first evidence that polyphenols distribute into the synovial fluid of patients with osteoarthritis which supports rationalizing the results of clinical efficacy studies.}, language = {en} } @article{LeeEyerFelgenhaueretal.2015, author = {Lee, Marcel and Eyer, Florian and Felgenhauer, Norbert and Klinker, Hartwig H. F. and Spinner, Christoph D.}, title = {Overdose of dolutegravir in combination with tenofovir disaproxil fumarate/emtricitabine in suicide attempt in a 21-year old patient}, series = {AIDS Research and Therapy}, volume = {12}, journal = {AIDS Research and Therapy}, number = {18}, doi = {10.1186/s12981-015-0054-y}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-151994}, year = {2015}, abstract = {A 21 year old MSM patient with newly diagnosed HIV infection was hospitalized in our department after ingestion of an overdose of his antiretroviral therapy (ART) comprising dolutegravir (DTG - Tivicay\(^{®}\)) and tenofovir disaproxil fumarate/emtricitabine (Truvada\(^{®}\)) in suicidal intention. On admission, the patient did not show any clinical signs of intoxication and laboratory findings were unremarkable. After 6 hours of intensive care monitoring, the patient was referred to a psychiatric clinic. 5 days after the day of intoxication, serum creatinine levels increased to high normal values (1.2 mg/dl). However, levels never exceeded the upper threshold. 8 and 12 weeks later, serum creatinine normalized to levels measured prior to the intoxication. No other adverse events occurred, and the patient does not suffer from permanent impairments.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{LieberothLeden2018, author = {Lieberoth-Leden, Dominik}, title = {Neuromuskul{\"a}res Assessment durch Bodenreaktionskraftanalysen im Rahmen der Sarkopeniediagnostik bei {\"a}lteren M{\"a}nnern}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-163280}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Die dargelegte Arbeit befasst sich mit der Validierung und Anwendbarkeit der Sprunganalyse mittels Bodenreaktionskraftanalysen zur genaueren Quantifizierung neuromuskul{\"a}rer Leistungsf{\"a}higkeit in einer insbesondere f{\"u}r die Sarkopeniediagnostik, -screening und -pr{\"a}vention relevanten Kohorte, die sich durch ein m{\"o}glichst repr{\"a}sentatives Abbild in Haushalten lebender M{\"a}nner fortgeschrittenen Alters auszeichnet und damit auch mobilit{\"a}ts- und morbidit{\"a}tseingeschr{\"a}nkte Probanden umfasst. In der vorliegenden Studie konnte mithilfe der JM altersassoziiert dabei ein deutlicher Verlust, insbesondere der Sprungleistung, Geschwindigkeit und Sprungh{\"o}he bei gleichzeitig nur geringem Verlust der Sprungkraft, nachgewiesen werden. Gegen{\"u}ber Studienkollektiven mit einer deutlichen Positivselektion f{\"u}r gesunde, fitte Teilnehmer ließ sich ein signifikantes und deutliches Defizit f{\"u}r die Sprungleistung, -geschwindigkeit und -h{\"o}he aufzeigen. Es ergab sich diesen Vergleichsgruppen gegen{\"u}ber jedoch im hohen Alter kein {\"u}berproportionaler Abfall der neuromuskul{\"a}ren Leistungsf{\"a}higkeit. In Bezug auf die anthropometrischen Daten der Probanden ließ sich die Ergebnisse mit der bisherigen Erkenntnis in Einklang bringen, dass Muskelqualit{\"a}t gegen{\"u}ber der -quantit{\"a}t ausschlaggebend f{\"u}r neuromuskul{\"a}re Leistungsf{\"a}higkeit zu sein scheint. Die JM stellt daf{\"u}r eine geeignete Quantifizierungsm{\"o}glichkeit dar. In der vorliegenden Arbeit erweist sich die Sprunganalyse des s2lj mithilfe einer GRFP im Allgemeinen insbesondere im h{\"o}heren Alter und dar{\"u}ber hinaus f{\"u}r mobilit{\"a}ts- und multimorbidit{\"a}tseingeschr{\"a}nkten M{\"a}nner als sichere und vielversprechende Methodik zur genaueren Quantifizierung neuromuskul{\"a}rer Leistungsf{\"a}higkeit. Dabei qualifiziert sich hierf{\"u}r in Zusammenschau mit bisherigen Studien die gewichtsadjustierte Sprungleistung (PPr) als aussagekr{\"a}ftigster Parameter. Zum einen wird das probandenindividuelle K{\"o}rpergewicht ber{\"u}cksichtigt, zum anderen zeigte sich in der vorliegenden Arbeit, dass sie zusammen mit der Sprungh{\"o}he sowie der Maximalgeschwindigkeit den deutlichsten altersassoziierten R{\"u}ckgang aufweist. Im Rahmen dieser Untersuchung ließen sich mit der JM bei den Sarkopenen zun{\"a}chst deutliche und signifikant geringere Parameterwerte als auf Seiten der nicht Sarkopenen finden. Die Defizite zeigten sich bei der Sprungleistung sowie Maximalgeschwindigkeit am deutlichsten. Der bisher vielversprechende Interventions- und Pr{\"a}ventionsansatz in Form regelm{\"a}ßiger sportlicher Aktivit{\"a}t zeigte in der vorliegenden Studie signifikant positive Auswirkungen auf die Sprungleistung und folglich neuromuskul{\"a}re Leistungsf{\"a}higkeit des untersuchten Gesamtkollektives. Unter Ber{\"u}cksichtigung des Lebensalters stellt sich in der Untersuchung der Zusammenhang jedoch, alleine f{\"u}r sich betrachtet, als unerwartet gering dar. Sowohl f{\"u}r Sarkopene als auch nicht Sarkopene konnte zwar bei regelm{\"a}ßiger sportlicher Aktivit{\"a}t eine signifikant bessere Sprungleistung nachgewiesen werden, aber trotz regelm{\"a}ßiger sportlicher Aktivit{\"a}t Sarkopener konnten sie nur die Sprungleistung in H{\"o}he der nicht sporttreibenden Gesunden erzielen. Es best{\"a}tigt sich in der JM, dass regelm{\"a}ßige sportliche Aktivit{\"a}t auch bei als sarkopen klassifizierten Probanden mit besserer neuromuskul{\"a}rer Leistungsf{\"a}higkeit assoziiert ist. Ob sich dies auch tats{\"a}chlich als Intervention bzw. Therapie oder Pr{\"a}vention zur Verbesserung des mit der Sarkopenie einhergehenden neuromuskul{\"a}ren Leistungsverlustes eignet, wird sich mit der JM in longitudinalen Studien beweisen m{\"u}ssen. Weiterhin bleibt zu pr{\"u}fen, ob sich die hier dargelegten Erkenntnisse zur JM im Alter auch sowohl in regional abweichenden Kohorten Deutschlands, Europas und der Welt als auch bei Frauen best{\"a}tigen lassen und wenn nicht, wo und in welchem Ausmaß m{\"o}glicherweise regionale und insbesondere geschlechtsspezifische Unterschiede bestehen.}, subject = {Muskelatrophie}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Keller2018, author = {Keller, Sabrina Irene}, title = {Erreger und antibiotische Therapie bei Kindern und Jugendlichen mit Pleuraempyemen und parapneumonischen Erg{\"u}ssen in Deutschland}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-157344}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, pages = {83}, year = {2018}, abstract = {In der Dissertation wurden die Daten von 645 Kindern und Jugendlichen in Deutschland mit Pleuraempyemen oder parapneumonischen Erg{\"u}ssen (PE/PPE) analysiert, welche im Zeitraum von Oktober 2010 bis Juni 2013 in deutschen Kinderkliniken station{\"a}r aufgenommen wurden. Schwerpunkte der Arbeit waren die Erfassung und Analyse der vorkommenden Erreger, der Pneumokokkenserotypen und des Pneumokokkenimpfstatus, sowie der antibiotischen Therapie 203 von 645 Kindern und Jugendlichen mit PE/PPE wiesen einen positiven Erregernachweis in der Blutkultur, der Pleurapunktatkultur und/oder der Pleurapunktat-PCR auf. Der h{\"a}ufigste vorkommende Erreger war mit 55\% S. pneumoniae. S. pyogenes stellte mit 15\% den zweith{\"a}ufigsten Erreger dar. S. epidermidis machte 4\% und S. aureus 3\% der nachgewiesenen Erreger aus. Bei allen drei Nachweismethoden (Blutkultur, Pleurapunktatkultur und Pleurapunktat-PCR) war einzeln betrachtet S. pneumoniae jeweils der h{\"a}ufigste nachgewiesene Erreger. Beim Vergleich von Patienten mit positivem Erregernachweis in Blutkultur, Pleurapunktatkultur oder Pleurapunktat-PCR mit Patienten ohne Erregernachweis, zeigten die Patienten mit positivem Erregernachweis eine l{\"a}ngere Krankenhausaufenthaltsdauer (19 vs. 16 Tagen im Median, p-value <0,001), eine h{\"o}here Komplikationsrate (80\% vs. 57\%, p-value <0,001)) sowie eine h{\"a}ufigere Er{\"o}ffnung des Pleuraraumes (94\% vs. 71\%, p-value<0,001). Es kam bei Patienten mit positivem Erregernachweis ebenso h{\"a}ufiger zu einer Intensivpflichtigkeit (74\% vs. 51\%, p-value<0,001), sowie zu gesicherten oder m{\"o}glichen Krankheitsfolgen (25\% vs. 15\%, p-value 0,004). Vergleicht man, bei Patienten mit positivem Erregernachweis, die unterschiedlichen Erreger (S. pneumoniae, S. pyogenes, S. epidermidis, S. aureus, „andere Erreger") hinsichtlich der klinischen Charakteristika, so zeigen sich keine wesentlichen Unterschiede bez{\"u}glich des klinischen Verlaufes, sowie der Akut- und Langzeit-Komplikationen. Die Serotypen des am h{\"a}ufigsten aufgetretenen Erregers S. pneumoniae wurden molekularbiologisch identifiziert. Insgesamt konnte bei 36\% der Patienten mit S. pneumoniae der Pneumokokkenserotyp nachgewiesen werden. Der h{\"a}ufigste Serotyp war Serotyp 1, der zweith{\"a}ufigste Serotyp 3. Diese beiden Serotypen sind nicht im Pneumokokken-Konjugatimpfstoff PCV-7, jedoch im Pneumokokken-Konjugatimpfstoff PCV-13 enthalten. Es wurde nur ein Serotyp (35F) nachgewiesen, welcher in keinem der derzeit zugelassenen polyvalenten Konjugatimpfstoffen enthalten ist. Bei der Betrachtung des Pneumokokkenimpfstatus der Kinder und Jugendlichen mit PE/PPE zeigte sich, dass 60\% der Patienten (294 von 490 Patienten mit bekanntem Pneumokokkenimpfstatus) mit mindestens einer Dosis Pneumokokkenimpfstoff geimpft worden waren. Der am h{\"a}ufigsten verwendete Impfstoff war der Pneumokokken-Konjugatimpfstoff PCV-7, der zweith{\"a}ufigste der Pneumokokken-Konjugatimpfstoff PCV-13. Bei 6 der geimpften Patienten wurde ein Pneumokokkenserotyp nachgewiesen, welcher in dem mindestens einmal geimpften Pneumokokkenimpfstoff enthalten war. Dabei wurde bei 2 von den 6 Patienten mit Durchbruchsinfektion der Serotyp 3 nachgewiesen. Die verwendeten Antibiotika bei den Kindern und Jugendlichen mit PE/PPE wurden genauer analysiert. 35\% der Patienten erhielten eine vorstation{\"a}re Antibiotikatherapie. Am h{\"a}ufigsten wurden dabei Cephalosporine eingesetzt. Patienten, welche vorstation{\"a}r Antibiotika erhalten haben, hatten eine k{\"u}rzere Krankenhausaufenthaltsdauer (16 vs. 18 Tage im Median, p-value 0,026), eine geringere Wahrscheinlichkeit f{\"u}r eine Intensivpflichtigkeit (51\% vs. 62\%, p-value 0,009), jedoch eine l{\"a}ngere Dauer der vorstation{\"a}ren Erkrankung (7 vs. 4 Tage im Median, p-value <0,001) bei jeweils gleicher Gesamtdauer des Pleuraergusses (14 Tage im Median). Außerdem war die Nachweiswahrscheinlichkeit eines Erregers in Blutkultur, Pleurapunktatkultur und/oder Pleurapunktat-PCR bei Patienten mit vorstation{\"a}rer Antibiotikagabe geringer (26\% vs. 35\%, p-value 0,024) und es gab Unterschiede in der Erregerverteilung zwischen Patienten mit und ohne vorstation{\"a}rer Antibiotikagabe. So machte S. pneumoniae bei Patienten mit vorstation{\"a}rer Antibiotikagabe 41\% der Erreger aus, bei Patienten ohne vorstation{\"a}re Antibiotikagabe 61\%. Bei Patienten mit vorstation{\"a}rer Antibiotikagabe zeigte sich daf{\"u}r ein h{\"o}herer Anteil von 37\% der Gruppe der „anderen Erreger" (welche nicht zu den vier h{\"a}ufigsten Erregern S. pneumoniae, S. pyogenes, S. epidermidis und S. aureus geh{\"o}ren), als bei Patienten ohne vorstation{\"a}re Antibiotikatherapie. Bei Patienten ohne vorstation{\"a}re Antibiotikagabe machten die „anderen Erreger" lediglich 16\% der Erreger aus. Station{\"a}r erhielten 99\% der Patienten eine intraven{\"o}se Therapie und 45\% der Patienten orale Antibiotika. Am h{\"a}ufigsten wurden intraven{\"o}s Cephalosporine der 2. Generation, wie beispielsweise Cefuroxim, verabreicht. Oral wurden station{\"a}r am h{\"a}ufigsten Makrolide, zum Beispiel Erythromycin oder Clarithromycin, eingesetzt. Der relativ h{\"a}ufige Einsatz von Makroliden (59\% der station{\"a}r eingesetzten oralen Antibiotika sowie 26\% der vorstation{\"a}ren Antibiotika) ist bei nicht optimaler Wirksamkeit und hoher Resistenzrate von S. pneumoniae gegen{\"u}ber Makroliden bei Kindern (Im{\"o}hl et al. 2010) kritisch zu betrachten. Bei parapneumonischen Erg{\"u}ssen, bzw. Pleuraempyemen, handelt es sich um eine schwere Erkrankung im Kindes- und Jugendalter, deren h{\"a}ufigster Erreger S. pneumoniae ist. Die zwischen Oktober 2010 und Juni 2013 gefundenen Pneumokokkenserotypen waren gr{\"o}ßtenteils nicht in dem, zwischen 2006 und 2009 {\"u}berwiegend verwendeten, 7-valenten Pneumokokkenkonjugatimpfstoff enthalten, w{\"a}hrend Pneumokokkenserotypen, welche im seit 2009 {\"u}berwiegend verwendeten 13-valenten Pneumokokkenkonjugatimpfstoff enthalten sind, vorherrschten. Damit besteht aktuell eine gute M{\"o}glichkeit der Impfpr{\"a}vention gegen{\"u}ber dieser schweren Komplikation der ambulant erworbenen Pneumonie. Die Wirksamkeit gegen{\"u}ber dem prinzipiell durch den 13-valenten Impfstoff erfassten Pneumokokken-Serotyp 3, bei dem in der vorliegenden Erhebung 2 Durchbruchsinfektionen beobachtet wurden, erscheint jedoch m{\"o}glicherweise als nicht ausreichend. In dem hier betrachteten Zeitraum von Oktober 2010 bis Juni 2013 kam es nicht zu einer Zunahme der Krankenhausaufnahmen aufgrund von PE/PPE bei Kindern und Jugendlichen. Dies steht im Gegensatz zu Studien aus anderen L{\"a}ndern, welche auf einen Anstieg der Pleuraempyeminzidenz bei Kindern hinweisen (Hendrickson et al. 2008; Byington et al. 2006; Sakran et al. 2014). Eine weitere Surveillance der Inzidenz und verursachenden Erreger von parapneumonischen Erg{\"u}ssen und Pleuraempyemen im Kindesalter ist daher, insbesondere bez{\"u}glich eines m{\"o}glichen Serotypenreplacements oder einer Erregerverschiebung, notwendig und damit auch f{\"u}r die Impfpr{\"a}vention von hoher Bedeutung.}, subject = {Pleuraempyem}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{KraemerGabert2018, author = {Kr{\"a}mer-Gabert, Marc Benjamin}, title = {Effekt k{\"o}rperlicher Belastung auf die Zahl zirkulierender mesenchymaler Stammzellen bei allergischem Asthma bronchiale}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-158911}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, pages = {85}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Asthma bronchiale geh{\"o}rt weltweit zu den h{\"a}ufigsten chronischen Erkrankungen des Menschen. In verschiedenen Leitlinien zur Asthmatherapie sind Sport bzw. regelm{\"a}ßige k{\"o}rperliche Aktivit{\"a}t als nicht-medikament{\"o}se Maßnahmen mittlerweile ein integrativer Bestandteil. Etliche Studien haben gezeigt, dass regelm{\"a}ßige k{\"o}rperliche Aktivit{\"a}t sowohl die Lebensqualit{\"a}t als auch den Krankheitsverlauf bei Asthmatikern positiv beeinflussen kann. Welche Mechanismen genau die positiven Effekte von Sport bei dieser Erkrankung vermitteln, ist jedoch noch nicht abschließend gekl{\"a}rt. Die Erkl{\"a}rungsans{\"a}tze reichen dabei von einer Zunahme der kardiopulmonalen Fitness sowie Verbesserung der Lungenfunktion {\"u}ber eine immunologisch vermittelte Reduzierung der Atemwegsinflammation bis hin zu einer Verbesserung k{\"o}rpereigener Reparaturmechanismen. Letztere ist in den letzten Jahren zunehmend in den Fokus wissenschaftlicher Arbeiten ger{\"u}ckt, wobei man vermutet, dass dabei insbesondere CD34+ Progenitorzellen und MSCs eine bedeutende Rolle spielen k{\"o}nnten. In der hier vorliegenden Arbeit wurde untersucht, inwieweit sich k{\"o}rperliche Belastung auf die Anzahl zirkulierender CD34+ Progenitorzellen und MSCs bei Patienten mit einem allergischen Asthma bronchiale gegen Hausstaubmilben der Art Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus verglichen mit gesunden Kontroll-Probanden auswirkt. Hierf{\"u}r unterzogen sich sieben Patienten und zw{\"o}lf Gesunde einem spiroergometrischen Ausdauerleistungstest bis zur subjektiven k{\"o}rperlichen Ausbelastung. Vor und nach der Spiroergometrie erfolgten Blutentnahmen. Neben einer Bestimmung von Entz{\"u}ndungsparametern wurde jeweils ein Blutbild inklusive Differenzierung angefertigt und die Anzahl zirkulierender CD34+ Progenitorzellen und MSCs mittels FACS-Analyse bestimmt. Weiterhin wurde {\"u}berpr{\"u}ft, ob sich mithilfe einer g{\"a}ngigen Methode zur Kultivierung von MSCs aus Knochenmark diese auch aus peripherem Blut isolieren und kultivieren lassen. Bez{\"u}glich der CD34+ Progenitorzellen und der MSCs kam es dabei nach Belastung bei getrennter Berechnung f{\"u}r die beiden Studiengruppen zu keiner signifikanten Ver{\"a}nderung. Die Gesamtheit der Studienteilnehmer wurde daher nochmals in einer Gesamtgruppe zusammengefasst, f{\"u}r die ebenfalls durch Belastung hervorgerufene Ver{\"a}nderungen berechnet wurden. Hier ließ sich ein signifikanter Anstieg von CD34+ Progenitorzellen feststellen, wohingegen bei den MSCs weiterhin keine Ver{\"a}nderung zu beobachten war. In den Versuchen zur Kultivierung von MSCs aus peripherem Blut ließen sich keine nennenswerten Mengen dieser Zellen kultivieren, wenngleich die Kulturen doch m{\"o}glicherweise zu Beginn einige dieser Zellen enthielten. Im Gegensatz dazu war die Kultivierung von MSCs aus Knochenmark erfolgreich. Dass es nach k{\"o}rperlicher Aktivit{\"a}t bzw. Sport zu einem Anstieg CD34+ Progenitorzellen im peripheren Blut kommt, ist in der Literatur bereits vielfach beschrieben. Es wird vermutet, dass diese Zellen an k{\"o}rpereigenen Reparaturvorg{\"a}ngen beteiligt sind. Dieser Mechanismus k{\"o}nnte eine m{\"o}gliche Erkl{\"a}rung f{\"u}r die positiven Effekte von Sport bei Patienten mit Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen darstellen. Auch bei Lungenerkrankungen wird CD34+ Progenitorzellen eine Rolle bei Reparaturvorg{\"a}ngen zugeschrieben. Obwohl es zunehmend Hinweise daf{\"u}r gibt, dass auch MSCs f{\"u}r diese Vorg{\"a}nge von Bedeutung sind, ist die Frage, welche spezifische Rolle diesen Zellen im zirkulierenden peripheren Blut zukommt, weiterhin nicht hinreichend gekl{\"a}rt. Bei Untersuchungen zu diesem Thema kommt erschwerend hinzu, dass MSCs im peripheren Blut nur in sehr geringer Frequenz nachweisbar sind und die Gruppe dieser Zellen eine sehr große Heterogenit{\"a}t aufweist. Auch eine Kultivierung von MSCs aus peripherem Blut scheint nicht so ohne weiteres m{\"o}glich zu sein. All dies bereitet Schwierigkeiten bei der genauen Quantifizie-rung und Charakterisierung dieser Zellen. Auch wenn es in dieser Studie nicht gelang einen Effekt k{\"o}rperlicher Belastung auf die Anzahl zirkulierender MSCs nachzuweisen, sollten dennoch weitere Untersuchungen zu den durch Sport vermittelten Effekten auf diese Zellen folgen. Der Fokus sollte dabei insbesondere auf die Untersuchung von Einfl{\"u}ssen k{\"o}rperlicher Aktivit{\"a}t auf die f{\"u}r das Homing dieser Zellen verantwortlichen Mechanismen gelegt werden. Auch weitere Untersuchungen zur Isolation und Expansion von MSCs aus peripherem Blut scheinen notwendig zu sein, um diesbez{\"u}glich langfristig eine sichere, erfolgsversprechende Kulturmethodik entwickeln zu k{\"o}nnen. Besonders vielversprechend scheint hier der Einsatz vorselektierter Zellen aus mobilisiertem Blut zu sein. Zusammenfassend k{\"o}nnte all dies einen wichtigen Beitrag dazu leisten, die Mechanismen k{\"o}rpereigener Reparaturvorg{\"a}nge besser zu verstehen. Diese Erkenntnisse wiederum k{\"o}nnten dann zur Entwicklung neuer Strategien zur Therapie diverser Lungenerkrankungen wie auch Asthma beitragen.}, subject = {Bronchialasthma}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Nelke2019, author = {Nelke, Lena}, title = {Establishment and optimization of 3-dimensional mamma carcinoma models for therapy simulation and drug testing}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-17228}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-172280}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide and the second most common cause of cancer death in the developed countries. As the current state of the art in first-line drug screenings is highly ineffective, there is an urgent need for novel test systems that allow for reliable predictions of drug sensitivity. In this study, a tissue engineering approach was used to successfully establish and standardize a 3-dimensional (3D) mamma carcinoma test system that was optimized for the testing of anti-tumour therapies as well as for the investigation of tumour biological issues. This 3D test system is based on the decellularised scaffold of a porcine small intestinal segment and represents the three molecular subsets of oestrogen receptor-positive, HER2/Neu-overexpressing and triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). The characterization of the test system with respect to morphology as well as the expression of markers for epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and differentiation indicate that the 3D tumour models cultured under static and dynamic conditions reflect tumour relevant features and have a good correlation with in vivo tumour tissue from the corresponding xenograft models. In this respect, the dynamic culture in a flow bioreactor resulted in the generation of tumour models that exhibited best reflection of the morphology of the xenograft material. Furthermore, the proliferation indices of 3D models were significantly reduced compared to 2-dimensional (2D) cell culture and therefore better reflect the in vivo situation. As this more physiological proliferation index prevents an overestimation of the therapeutic effect of cytostatic compounds, this is a crucial advantage of the test system compared to 2D culture. Moreover, it could be shown that the 3D models can recapitulate different tumour stages with respect to tumour cell invasion. The scaffold SISmuc with the preserved basement membrane structure allowed the investigation of invasion over this barrier which tumour cells of epithelial origin have to cross in in vivo conditions during the process of metastasis formation. Additionally, the data obtained from ultrastructural analysis and in situ zymography indicate that the invasion observed is connected to a tumour cell-associated change in the basement membrane in which matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are also involved. This features of the model in combination with the mentioned methods of analysis could be used in the future to mechanistically investigate invasive processes and to test anti-metastatic therapy strategies. The validation of the 3D models as a test system with respect to the predictability of therapeutic effects was achieved by the clinically relevant targeted therapy with the monoclonal antibody trastuzumab which induces therapeutic response only in patients with HER2/Neu-overexpressing mamma carcinomas due to its specificity for HER2. While neither in 2D nor in 3D models of all molecular subsets a clear reduction of cell viability or an increase in apoptosis could be observed, a distinct increase in antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) was detected only in the HER2/NEU-overexpressing 3D model with the help of an ADCC reporter gene assay that had been adapted for the application in the 3D model in the here presented work. This correlates with the clinical observations and underlines the relevance of ADCC as a mechanism of action (MOA) of trastuzumab. In order to measure the effects of ADCC on the tumour cells in a direct way without the indirect measurement via a reporter gene, the introduction of an immunological component into the models was required. This was achieved by the integration of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), thereby allowing the measurement of the induction of tumour cell apoptosis in the HER2/Neu-overexpressing model. Hence, in this study an immunocompetent model could be established that holds the potential for further testing of therapies from the emergent field of cancer immunotherapies. Subsequently, the established test system was used for the investigation of scientific issues from different areas of application. By the comparison of the sensitivity of the 2D and 3D model of TNBC towards the water-insoluble compound curcumin that was applied in a novel nanoformulation or in a DMSO-based formulation, the 3D test system was successfully applied for the evaluation of an innovative formulation strategy for poorly soluble drugs in order to achieve cancer therapy-relevant concentrations. Moreover, due to the lack of targeted therapies for TNBC, the TNBC model was applied for testing novel treatment strategies. On the one hand, therapy with the WEE1 kinase inhibitor MK 1775 was evaluated as a single agent as well as in combination with the chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin. This therapy approach did not reveal any distinct benefits in the 3D test system in contrast to testing in 2D culture. On the other hand, a novel therapy approach from the field of cellular immunotherapies was successfully applied in the TNBC 3D model. The treatment with T cells that express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) against ROR1 revealed in the static as well as in the dynamic model a migration of T cells into the tumour tissue, an enhanced proliferation of T cells as well as an efficient lysis of the tumour cells via apoptosis and therefore a specific anti-cancer effect of CAR-transduced T cells compared to control T cells. These results illustrate that the therapeutic application of CAR T cells is a promising strategy for the treatment of solid tumours like TNBC and that the here presented 3D models are suitable for the evaluation and optimization of cellular immunotherapies. In the last part of this work, the 3D models were expanded by components of the tumour stroma for future applications. By coculture with fibroblasts, the natural structures of the intestinal scaffold comprising crypts and villi were remodelled and the tumour cells formed tumour-like structures together with the fibroblasts. This tissue model displayed a strong correlation with xenograft models with respect to morphology, marker expression as well as the activation of dermal fibroblasts towards a cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) phenotype. For the integration of adipocytes which are an essential component of the breast stroma, a coculture with human adipose-derived stromal/stem cells (hASCs) which could be successfully differentiated along the adipose lineage in 3D static as well as dynamic models was established. These models are suitable especially for the mechanistic analysis of the reciprocal interaction between tumour cells and adipocytes due to the complex differentiation process. Taken together, in this study a human 3D mamma carcinoma test system for application in the preclinical development and testing of anti-tumour therapies as well as in basic research in the field of tumour biology was successfully established. With the help of this modular test system, relevant data can be obtained concerning the efficacy of therapies in tumours of different molecular subsets and different tumour stages as well as for the optimization of novel therapy strategies like immunotherapies. In the future this can contribute to improve the preclinical screening and thereby to reduce the high attrition rates in pharmaceutical industry as well as the amount of animal experiments.}, subject = {Brustkrebs}, language = {en} } @article{WeigandRonchiRizkRabinetal.2017, author = {Weigand, Isabel and Ronchi, Cristina L. and Rizk-Rabin, Marthe and Dalmazi, Guido Di and Wild, Vanessa and Bathon, Kerstin and Rubin, Beatrice and Calebiro, Davide and Beuschlein, Felix and Bertherat, J{\´e}r{\^o}me and Fassnacht, Martin and Sbiera, Silviu}, title = {Differential expression of the protein kinase A subunits in normal adrenal glands and adrenocortical adenomas}, series = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {7}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, number = {49}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-017-00125-8}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-157952}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Somatic mutations in protein kinase A catalytic α subunit (PRKACA) were found to be causative for 30-40\% of cortisol-producing adenomas (CPA) of the adrenal gland, rendering PKA signalling constitutively active. In its resting state, PKA is a stable and inactive heterotetramer, consisting of two catalytic and two regulatory subunits with the latter inhibiting PKA activity. The human genome encodes three different PKA catalytic subunits and four different regulatory subunits that are preferentially expressed in different organs. In normal adrenal glands all regulatory subunits are expressed, while CPA exhibit reduced protein levels of the regulatory subunit IIβ. In this study, we linked for the first time the loss of RIIβ protein levels to the PRKACA mutation status and found the down-regulation of RIIβ to arise post-transcriptionally. We further found the PKA subunit expression pattern of different tumours is also present in the zones of the normal adrenal cortex and demonstrate that the different PKA subunits have a differential expression pattern in each zone of the normal adrenal gland, indicating potential specific roles of these subunits in the regulation of different hormones secretion.}, language = {en} } @article{WangIpKlausKarikarietal.2017, author = {Wang Ip, Chi and Klaus, Laura-Christin and Karikari, Akua A. and Visanji, Naomi P. and Brotchie, Jonathan M. and Lang, Anthony E. and Volkmann, Jens and Koprich, James B.}, title = {AAV1/2-induced overexpression of A53T-α-synuclein in the substantia nigra results in degeneration of the nigrostriatal system with Lewy-like pathology and motor impairment: a new mouse model for Parkinson's disease}, series = {Acta Neuropathologica Communications}, volume = {5}, journal = {Acta Neuropathologica Communications}, number = {11}, doi = {10.1186/s40478-017-0416-x}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-159429}, year = {2017}, abstract = {α-Synuclein is a protein implicated in the etiopathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). AAV1/2-driven overexpression of human mutated A53T-α-synuclein in rat and monkey substantia nigra (SN) induces degeneration of nigral dopaminergic neurons and decreases striatal dopamine and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). Given certain advantages of the mouse, especially it being amendable to genetic manipulation, translating the AAV1/2-A53T α-synuclein model to mice would be of significant value. AAV1/2-A53T α-synuclein or AAV1/2 empty vector (EV) at a concentration of 5.16 x 10\(^{12}\) gp/ml were unilaterally injected into the right SN of male adult C57BL/6 mice. Post-mortem examinations included immunohistochemistry to analyze nigral α-synuclein, Ser129 phosphorylated α-synuclein and TH expression, striatal dopamine transporter (DAT) levels by autoradiography and dopamine levels by high performance liquid chromatography. At 10 weeks, in AAV1/2-A53T α-synuclein mice there was a 33\% reduction in TH+ dopaminergic nigral neurons (P < 0.001), 29\% deficit in striatal DAT binding (P < 0.05), 38\% and 33\% reductions in dopamine (P < 0.001) and DOPAC (P < 0.01) levels and a 60\% increase in dopamine turnover (homovanilic acid/dopamine ratio; P < 0.001). Immunofluorescence showed that the AAV1/2-A53T α-synuclein injected mice had widespread nigral and striatal expression of vector-delivered A53T-α-synuclein. Concurrent staining with human PD SN samples using gold standard histological methodology for Lewy pathology detection by proteinase K digestion and application of specific antibody raised against human Lewy body α-synuclein (LB509) and Ser129 phosphorylated α-synuclein (81A) revealed insoluble α-synuclein aggregates in AAV1/2-A53T α-synuclein mice resembling Lewy-like neurites and bodies. In the cylinder test, we observed significant paw use asymmetry in the AAV1/2-A53T α-synuclein group when compared to EV controls at 5 and 9 weeks post injection (P < 0.001; P < 0.05). These data show that unilateral injection of AAV1/2-A53T α-synuclein into the mouse SN leads to persistent motor deficits, neurodegeneration of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system and development of Lewy-like pathology, thereby reflecting clinical and pathological hallmarks of human PD.}, language = {en} } @article{WilhelmSmetakReimeretal.2016, author = {Wilhelm, M. and Smetak, M. and Reimer, P. and Geissinger, E. and Ruediger, T. and Metzner, B. and Schmitz, N. and Engert, A. and Schaefer-Eckart, K. and Birkmann, J.}, title = {First-line therapy of peripheral T-cell lymphoma: extension and long-term follow-up of a study investigating the role of autologous stem cell transplantation}, series = {Blood Cancer Journal}, volume = {6}, journal = {Blood Cancer Journal}, doi = {10.1038/bcj.2016.63}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-164506}, pages = {e452}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Current guidelines recommend consolidation with autologous stem cell transplantation (autoSCT) after induction chemotherapy for most patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL). This assumption is based on five prospective phase II studies, three of which included <50 patients with limited follow-up. Here we present the final analysis of the prospective German study. The treatment regimen consisted of four to six cycles of CHOP chemotherapy followed by mobilizing therapy and stem cell collection. Patients in complete remission (CR) or partial remission (PR) underwent myeloablative chemo(radio)therapy and autoSCT. From January 2001 to July 2010, 111 patients were enrolled in the study. The main subgroups were PTCL not specified (n=42) and angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (n=37). Seventy-five (68\%) of the 111 patients received transplantation. The main reason for not receiving autoSCT was progressive disease. In an intent-to-treat analysis, the complete response rate after myeloablative therapy was 59\%. The estimated 5-year overall survival, disease-free survival and progression-free survival rates were 44\%, 54\% and 39\%, respectively. The results of this study confirm that upfront autoSCT can result in long-term remissions in patients with all major subtypes of PTCL and therefore should be part of first-line therapy whenever possible.}, language = {en} } @article{WeigandBoosTasbihietal.2016, author = {Weigand, Annika and Boos, Anja M. and Tasbihi, Kereshmeh and Beier, Justus P. and Dalton, Paul D. and Schrauder, Michael and Horch, Raymund E. and Beckmann, Matthias W. and Strissel, Pamela L. and Strick, Reiner}, title = {Selective isolation and characterization of primary cells from normal breast and tumors reveal plasticity of adipose derived stem cells}, series = {Breast Cancer Research}, volume = {18}, journal = {Breast Cancer Research}, number = {32}, doi = {10.1186/s13058-016-0688-2}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-164759}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Background There is a need to establish more cell lines from breast tumors in contrast to immortalized cell lines from metastatic effusions in order to represent the primary tumor and not principally metastatic biology of breast cancer. This investigation describes the simultaneous isolation, characterization, growth and function of primary mammary epithelial cells (MEC), mesenchymal cells (MES) and adipose derived stem cells (ADSC) from four normal breasts, one inflammatory and one triple-negative ductal breast tumors. Methods A total of 17 cell lines were established and gene expression was analyzed for MEC and MES (n = 42) and ADSC (n = 48) and MUC1, pan-KRT, CD90 and GATA-3 by immunofluorescence. DNA fingerprinting to track cell line identity was performed between original primary tissues and isolates. Functional studies included ADSC differentiation, tumor MES and MEC invasion co-cultured with ADSC-conditioned media (CM) and MES adhesion and growth on 3D-printed scaffolds. Results Comparative analysis showed higher gene expression of EPCAM, CD49f, CDH1 and KRTs for normal MEC lines; MES lines e.g. Vimentin, CD10, ACTA2 and MMP9; and ADSC lines e.g. CD105, CD90, CDH2 and CDH11. Compared to the mean of all four normal breast cell lines, both breast tumor cell lines demonstrated significantly lower ADSC marker gene expression, but higher expression of mesenchymal and invasion gene markers like SNAI1 and MMP2. When compared with four normal ADSC differentiated lineages, both tumor ADSC showed impaired osteogenic and chondrogenic but enhanced adipogenic differentiation and endothelial-like structures, possibly due to high PDGFRB and CD34. Addressing a functional role for overproduction of adipocytes, we initiated 3D-invasion studies including different cell types from the same patient. CM from ADSC differentiating into adipocytes induced tumor MEC 3D-invasion via EMT and amoeboid phenotypes. Normal MES breast cells adhered and proliferated on 3D-printed scaffolds containing 20 fibers, but not on 2.5D-printed scaffolds with single fiber layers, important for tissue engineering. Conclusion Expression analyses confirmed successful simultaneous cell isolations of three different phenotypes from normal and tumor primary breast tissues. Our cell culture studies support that breast-tumor environment differentially regulates tumor ADSC plasticity as well as cell invasion and demonstrates applications for regenerative medicine.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Seiler2023, author = {Seiler, Jonas}, title = {Die Expression des Vitamin-D-Rezeptors und der 24-Hydroxylase in Knochenmetastasen unterschiedlicher Entit{\"a}t}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-32182}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-321827}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Knochenmetastasen sind unter den drei h{\"a}ufigsten Manifestationsorten metastatischer Absiedelungen von fortgeschrittenen Tumorerkrankungen. Dabei sind insbesondere Patientinnen und Patienten mit Prostata- und Mammakarzinom von Knochenmetastasen betroffen. Diese Knochenmetastasen f{\"u}hren h{\"a}ufig zu einer deutlichen Verschlechterung der Lebensqualit{\"a}t und zu einer Begrenzung der Therapieoptionen auf lediglich palliative Ans{\"a}tze. Die biologisch aktive Form von Vitamin D3, 1,25(OH)2-Vitamin D3, zeigt in pr{\"a}klinischen Studien antiproliferative und differenzierende Effekte auf Tumorzellen (101, 102, 104), die haups{\"a}chlich durch die Bindung an den Vitamin D-Rezeptor (VDR) vermittelt werden. Dar{\"u}berhinaus konnte pr{\"a}klinisch gezeigt werden, dass eine niedrige Expression des VDRs, ligandenunabh{\"a}ngig, die Knochenmetastasierung und das Tumorwachstum beg{\"u}nstigt (118). Eine niedrige VDR-Expression ist in Prim{\"a}rtumoren in klinischen Studien mit aggressiven Tumoreigenschaften assoziiert (111, 113, 115) und kann zudem mit einer erh{\"o}hten/fr{\"u}heren oss{\"a}ren Metastasierung einhergehen (167). Zudem gibt es Hinweise auf einen dysregulierten 1,25(OH)2-Vitamin D3-Katabolismus durch eine erh{\"o}hte Expression des 1,25(OH)2-Vitamin D3 katabolisierenden Enzyms CYP24A1/24-Hydroxylase in prim{\"a}rem Tumorzellen (70, 121, 122). Durch die Untersuchungen der Prim{\"a}rtumoren ist damit zu hypothetisieren, dass die Expression des VDRs und von CYP24A1 bei der Tumorprogression und Knochenmetastasierung von Bedeutung sein k{\"o}nnte. Entsprechende Untersuchungen des VDRs und der 24-Hydroxylase in Knochenmetastasen fehlen allerdings. Deshalb wurde in dieser Arbeit die Expression des VDRs und von CYP24A1 in Knochenmetastasen unterschiedlicher Prim{\"a}rtumoren von 66 Patientinnen und Patienten untersucht und m{\"o}gliche Assoziationen mit aggressiven Tumoreigenschaften analysiert. Der VDR konnte sowohl im Zytoplasma als auch im Nukleus nachgewiesen werden, w{\"a}hrend CYP24A1 nur im Zytoplasma lokalisiert war. Dabei wiesen insgesamt 71 \% der Knochenmetastasen eine hohe VDR-Expression im Nukleus und 56 \% im Zytoplasma auf. 59 \% der Knochenmetastasen wiesen eine hohe Expression des VDRs insgesamt auf. CYP24A1 war ebenso in 59 \% der Knochenmetastasen hoch exprimiert. Bei der Auswertung des Zusammenhangs zwischen den TNM-Stadien und des Gradings zeigte sich ein nicht signifikanter Trend von schlecht differenzierten Tumoren hin zu einer niedrigeren nukle{\"a}ren VDR-Expression (p=0.07, siehe Abbildung 33). Bez{\"u}glich der T-Stadien zeigten sich keine Unterschiede der Expression des VDRs und von CYP24A1 in den Knochenmetastasen zwischen lokal fortgeschrittenen und kleinen Prim{\"a}rtumoren. Weiterhin hatten Patientinnen und Patienten mit Lymphknotenmetastasen tendenziell eine verminderte VDR- und auch CYP24A1-Expression in den Knochenmetastasen im Vergleich zu Patienten und Patientinnen ohne Lymphknotenmetastasen (pVDR=0.15, pCYP24A1=0.06, siehe Abbildung 35). Außerdem hatten Patientinnen und Patienten mit multiple metastasierten Tumoren eine signifikant niedrigere nukle{\"a}re VDR- und auch CYP24A1-Expression im Vergleich zu Patientinnen und Patienten mit ausschließlich oss{\"a}rer Metastasierung (pVDR=0.03, pCYP24A1=0.01, Abbildung 36). Die Proteinexpression des VDRs- und von CYP24A1 korrelierten signifikant (p=0.001). Somit konnte mit dieser Arbeit die Proteinexpression des VDRs und von CYP24A1 in Knochenmetastasen durch Immunhistologie nachgewiesen werden. Insgesamt wurde der VDR und CYP24A1 von Knochenmetastasen diverser Entit{\"a}t unterschiedlich stark exprimiert. Jedoch k{\"o}nnten insbesondere Patienten mit VDR-exprimierenden Knochenmetastasen von einer Vitamin D3-Supplementierung profitieren, die h{\"a}ufig einen 25-OH-Vitamin D3 Mangel zeigen (165, 166). Ebenso k{\"o}nnte eine Untersuchung auf einen niedrigen VDR-Status in Prim{\"a}rtumoren dabei helfen, Krebspatienten mit einem hohen Metastasierungsrisiko zu identifizieren. Allerdings sind weitere und gr{\"o}ßere Studien inbesondere mit Evaluation des gesamten Vitamin D-Metabolismus und -Signalwegs notwendig, um diesen Zusammenhang weiter zu untersuchen.}, subject = {Vitamin D3}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Albrecht2024, author = {Albrecht, Jacqueline}, title = {Auswirkungen der Herzinsuffizienz und ihrer Komorbidit{\"a}ten Hypertonie und Diabetes mellitus auf Morphologie und Histologie des Hippocampus am Mausmodell}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-35256}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-352568}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2024}, abstract = {In dieser Arbeit wurden die Auswirkungen der Herzinsuffizienz und ihrer Komorbidit{\"a}ten Hypertonie und Diabetes mellitus auf Morphologie und Histologie des Hippocampus am Mausmodell untersucht.}, subject = {Herzinsuffizienz}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Peindl2024, author = {Peindl, Matthias}, title = {Refinement of 3D lung cancer models for automation and patient stratification with mode-of-action studies}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-31069}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-310693}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2024}, abstract = {Lung cancer is the main cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Despite the availability of several targeted therapies and immunotherapies in the clinics, the prognosis for lung cancer remains poor. A major problem for the low benefit of these therapies is intrinsic and acquired resistance, asking for pre-clinical models for closer investigation of predictive biomarkers for refined personalized medicine and testing of possible combination therapies as well as novel therapeutic approaches to break resistances. One third of all lung adenocarcinoma harbor mutations in the KRAS gene, of which 39 \% are transitions from glycine to cysteine in codon 12 (KRASG12C). Being considered "undruggable" in previous decades, KRASG12C-inhibitors now paved the way into the standard-of-care for lung adenocarcinoma treatment in the clinics. Still, the overall response rates as well as overall survival of patients treated with KRASG12C-inhibitors are sobering. Therefore, 3D KRASG12C-biomarker in vitro models were developed based on a decellularized porcine jejunum (SISmuc) using commercial and PDX-derived cell lines and characterized in regards of epithelial-mesenchymal-transition (EMT), stemness, proliferation, invasion and c-MYC expression as well as the sensitivity towards KRASG12C-inhibiton. The phenotype of lung tumors harboring KRAS mutations together with a c-MYC overexpression described in the literature regarding invasion and proliferation for in vivo models was well represented in the SISmuc models. A higher resistance towards targeted therapies was validated in the 3D models compared to 2D cultures, while reduced viability after treatment with combination therapies were exclusively observed in the 3D models. In the test system neither EMT, stemness nor the c-MYC expression were directly predictive for drug sensitivity. Testing of a panel of combination therapies, a sensitizing effect of the aurora kinase A (AURKA) inhibitor alisertib for the KRASG12C-inhibitor ARS-1620 directly correlating with the level of c-MYC expression in the corresponding 3D models was observed. Thereby, the capability of SISmuc tumor models as an in vitro test system for patient stratification was demonstrated, holding the possibility to reduce animal experiments. Besides targeted therapies the treatment of NSCLC with oncolytic viruses (OVs) is a promising approach. However, a lack of in vitro models to test novel OVs limits the transfer from bench to bedside. In this study, 3D NSCLC models based on the SISmuc were evaluated for their capability to perform efficacy and risk assessment of oncolytic viruses (OVs) in a pre-clinical setting. Hereby, the infection of cocultures of tumor cells and fibroblasts on the SISmuc with provided viruses demonstrated that in contrast to a wildtype herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) based OV, the attenuated version of the OV exhibited specificity for NSCLC cells with a more advanced and highly proliferative phenotype, while fibroblasts were no longer permissive for infection. This approach introduced SISmuc tumor models as novel test system for in vitro validation of OVs. Finally, a workflow for validating the efficacy of anti-cancer therapies in 3D tumor spheroids was established for the transfer to an automated platform based on a two-arm-robot system. In a proof-of-concept process, H358 spheroids were characterized and treated with the KRASG12C-inhibitor ARS-1620. A time- and dose-dependent reduction of the spheroid area after treatment was defined together with a live/dead-staining as easy-to-perform and cost-effective assays for automated drug testing that can be readily performed in situ in an automated system.}, subject = {Krebs }, language = {en} } @article{WunschZhangHansonetal.2015, author = {Wunsch, Marie and Zhang, Wenji and Hanson, Jodi and Caspell, Richard and Karulin, Alexey Y. and Recks, Mascha S. and Kuerten, Stefanie and Sundararaman, Srividya and Lehmann, Paul V.}, title = {Characterization of the HCMV-Specific CD4 T Cell Responses that Are Associated with Protective Immunity}, series = {Viruses}, volume = {7}, journal = {Viruses}, doi = {10.3390/v7082828}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-151462}, pages = {4414 -- 4437}, year = {2015}, abstract = {Most humans become infected with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). Typically, the immune system controls the infection, but the virus persists and can reactivate in states of immunodeficiency. While substantial information is available on the contribution of CD8 T cells and antibodies to anti-HCMV immunity, studies of the T\(_{H}\)1, T\(_{H}\)2, and T\(_{H}\)17 subsets have been limited by the low frequency of HCMV-specific CD4 T cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC). Using the enzyme-linked Immunospot\(^{®}\) assay (ELISPOT) that excels in low frequency measurements, we have established these in a sizable cohort of healthy HCMV controllers. Cytokine recall responses were seen in all seropositive donors. Specifically, interferon (IFN)-\({\gamma}\) and/or interleukin (IL)-17 were seen in isolation or with IL-4 in all test subjects. IL-4 recall did not occur in isolation. While the ratios of T\(_{H}\)1, T\(_{H}\)2, and T\(_{H}\)17 cells exhibited substantial variations between different individuals these ratios and the frequencies were relatively stable when tested in samples drawn up to five years apart. IFN-\({\gamma}\) and IL-2 co-expressing polyfunctional cells were seen in most subjects. Around half of the HCMV-specific CD4 cells were in a reversible state of exhaustion. The data provided here established the T\(_{H}\)1, T\(_{H}\)2, and T\(_{H}\)17 characteristic of the CD4 cells that convey immune protection for successful immune surveillance against which reactivity can be compared when the immune surveillance of HCMV fails.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Kaltdorf2020, author = {Kaltdorf, Martin Ernst}, title = {Analyse von regulatorischen Netzwerken bei Zelldifferenzierung und in der Infektionsbiologie}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-19852}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-198526}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Das zentrale Paradigma der Systembiologie zielt auf ein m{\"o}glichst umfassendes Ver-st{\"a}ndnis der komplexen Zusammenh{\"a}nge biologischer Systeme. Die in dieser Arbeit angewandten Methoden folgen diesem Grundsatz. Am Beispiel von drei auf Basis von Datenbanken und aktueller Literatur rekonstruier-ten Netzwerkmodellen konnte in der hier vorliegenden Arbeit die G{\"u}ltigkeit analyti-scher und pr{\"a}diktiver Algorithmen nachgewiesen werden, die in Form der Analy-sesoftware Jimena angewandt wurden. Die daraus resultierenden Ergebnisse sowohl f{\"u}r die Berechnung von stabilen Systemzust{\"a}nden, der dynamischen Simulation, als auch der Identifikation zentraler Kontrollknoten konnten experimentell validiert wer-den. Die Ergebnisse wurden in einem iterativen Prozess verwendet werden um das entsprechende Netzwerkmodell zu optimieren. Beim Vergleich des Verhaltens des semiquantitativ ausgewerteten regulatorischen Netzwerks zur Kontrolle der Differenzierung humaner mesenchymaler Stammzellen in Chondrozyten (Knorpelbildung), Osteoblasten (Knochenbildung) und Adipozyten (Fett-zellbildung) konnten 12 wichtige Faktoren (darunter: RUNX2, OSX/SP7, SOX9, TP53) mit Hilfe der Berechnung der Bedeutung (Kontrollzentralit{\"a}t der Netzwerkknoten identifi-ziert werden). Der Abgleich des simulierten Verhaltens dieses Netzwerkes ergab eine {\"U}bereinstimmung mit experimentellen Daten von 47,2\%, bei einem widerspr{\"u}chlichen Verhalten von ca. 25\%, dass unter anderem durch die tempor{\"a}re Natur experimentel-ler Messungen im Vergleich zu den terminalen Bedingungen des Berechnung der stabilen Systemzust{\"a}nde erkl{\"a}rt werden kann. Bei der Analyse des Netzwerkmodells der menschlichen Immunantwort auf eine Infek-tion durch A. fumigatus konnten vier Hauptregulatoren identifiziert werden (A. fumi-gatus, Blutpl{\"a}ttchen, hier Platelets genannt, und TNF), die im Zusammenspiel mit wei-teren Faktoren mit hohen Zentralit{\"a}tswerten (CCL5, IL1, IL6, Dectin-1, TLR2 und TLR4) f{\"a}hig sind das gesamte Netzwerkverhalten zu beeinflussen. Es konnte gezeigt werden, dass sich das Aktivit{\"a}tsverhalten von IL6 in Reaktion auf A. fumigatus und die regulato-rische Wirkung von Blutpl{\"a}ttchen mit den entsprechenden experimentellen Resultaten deckt. Die Simulation, sowie die Berechnung der stabilen Systemzust{\"a}nde der Immunantwort von A. thaliana auf eine Infektion durch Pseudomonas syringae konnte zeigen, dass die in silico Ergebnisse mit den experimentellen Ergebnissen {\"u}bereinstimmen. Zus{\"a}tzlich konnten mit Hilfe der Analyse der Zentralit{\"a}tswerte des Netzwerkmodells f{\"u}nf Master-regulatoren identifiziert werden: TGA Transkriptionsfaktor, Jasmons{\"a}ure, Ent-Kaurenoate-Oxidase, Ent-kaurene-Synthase und Aspartat-Semialdehyd-Dehydrogenase. W{\"a}hrend die ersteren beiden bereits lange als wichtige Regulatoren f{\"u}r die Gib-berellin-Synthese bekannt sind, ist die immunregulatorische Funktion von Aspartat-Semialdehyd-Dehydrogenase bisher weitgehend unbekannt.}, subject = {Netzwerksimulation}, language = {de} }