Dokument-ID Dokumenttyp Verfasser/Autoren Herausgeber Haupttitel Abstract Auflage Verlagsort Verlag Erscheinungsjahr Seitenzahl Schriftenreihe Titel Schriftenreihe Bandzahl ISBN Quelle der Hochschulschrift Konferenzname Quelle:Titel Quelle:Jahrgang Quelle:Heftnummer Quelle:Erste Seite Quelle:Letzte Seite URN DOI Abteilungen OPUS4-23053 Wissenschaftlicher Artikel Matthes, Niels; Diers, Johannes; Schlegel, Nicolas; Hankir, Mohammed; Haubitz, Imme; Germer, Christoph-Thomas; Wiegering, Armin Validation of MTL30 as a quality indicator for colorectal surgery Background Valid indicators are required to measure surgical quality. These ideally should be sensitive and selective while being easy to understand and adjust. We propose here the MTL30 quality indicator which takes into account 30-day mortality, transfer within 30 days, and a length of stay of 30 days as composite markers of an uneventful operative/postoperative course. Methods Patients documented in the StuDoQ|Colon and StuDoQ|Rectal carcinoma register of the German Society for General and Visceral Surgery (DGAV) were analyzed with regard to the effects of patient and tumor-related risk factors as well as postoperative complications on the MTL30. Results In univariate analysis, the MTL30 correlated significantly with patient and tumor-related risk factors such as ASA score (p<0.001), age (p<0.001), or UICC stage (p<0.001). There was a high sensitivity for the postoperative occurrence of complications such as re-operations (p<0.001) or subsequent bleeding (p<0.001), as well as a significant correlation with the CDC classification (p<0.001). In multivariate analysis, patient-related risk factors and postoperative complications significantly increased the odds ratio for a positive MTL30. A negative MTL30 showed a high specify for an uneventful operative and postoperative course. Conclusion The MTL30 is a valid indicator of colorectal surgical quality. 2020 PLoS One 15 8 urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-230530 10.1371/journal.pone.0238473 Klinik und Poliklinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral-, Gefäß- und Kinderchirurgie (Chirurgische Klinik I) OPUS4-32428 Wissenschaftlicher Artikel Silwedel, Christine; Hütten, Matthias C.; Speer, Christian P.; Härtel, Christoph; Haarmann, Axel; Henrich, Birgit; Tijssen, Maud P. M.; Alnakhli, Abdullah Ahmed; Spiller, Owen B.; Schlegel, Nicolas; Seidenspinner, Silvia; Kramer, Boris W.; Glaser, Kirsten Ureaplasma-driven neonatal neuroinflammation: novel insights from an ovine model Ureaplasma species (spp.) are considered commensals of the adult genitourinary tract, but have been associated with chorioamnionitis, preterm birth, and invasive infections in neonates, including meningitis. Data on mechanisms involved in Ureaplasma-driven neuroinflammation are scarce. The present study addressed brain inflammatory responses in preterm lambs exposed to Ureaplasma parvum (UP) in utero. 7 days after intra-amniotic injection of UP (n = 10) or saline (n = 11), lambs were surgically delivered at gestational day 128-129. Expression of inflammatory markers was assessed in different brain regions using qRT-PCR and in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by multiplex immunoassay. CSF was analyzed for UP presence using ureB-based real-time PCR, and MRI scans documented cerebral white matter area and cortical folding. Cerebral tissue levels of atypical chemokine receptor (ACKR) 3, caspases 1-like, 2, 7, and C-X-C chemokine receptor (CXCR) 4 mRNA, as well as CSF interleukin-8 protein concentrations were significantly increased in UP-exposed lambs. UP presence in CSF was confirmed in one animal. Cortical folding and white matter area did not differ among groups. The present study confirms a role of caspases and the transmembrane receptors ACKR3 and CXCR4 in Ureaplasma-driven neuroinflammation. Enhanced caspase 1-like, 2, and 7 expression may reflect cell death. Increased ACKR3 and CXCR4 expression has been associated with inflammatory central nervous system (CNS) diseases and impaired blood-brain barrier function. According to these data and previous in vitro findings from our group, we speculate that Ureaplasma-induced caspase and receptor responses affect CNS barrier properties and thus facilitate neuroinflammation. 2023 785-795 Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology 43 2 urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-324285 10.1007/s10571-022-01213-8 Klinik und Poliklinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral-, Gefäß- und Kinderchirurgie (Chirurgische Klinik I) OPUS4-20184 Wissenschaftlicher Artikel Silwedel, Christine; Speer, Christian P.; Haarmann, Axel; Fehrholz, Markus; Claus, Heike; Schlegel, Nicolas; Glaser, Kirsten Ureaplasma species modulate cytokine and chemokine responses in human brain microvascular endothelial cells Ureaplasma species are common colonizers of the adult genitourinary tract and often considered as low-virulence commensals. Intraamniotic Ureaplasma infections, however, facilitate chorioamnionitis and preterm birth, and cases of Ureaplasma-induced neonatal sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis raise a growing awareness of their clinical relevance. In vitro studies are scarce but demonstrate distinct Ureaplasma-driven impacts on immune mechanisms. The current study addressed cytokine and chemokine responses upon exposure of native or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) co-stimulated human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC) to Ureaplasma urealyticum or U. parvum, using qRT-PCR, RNA sequencing, multi-analyte immunoassay, and flow cytometry. Ureaplasma exposure in native HBMEC reduced monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-3 mRNA expression (p < 0.01, vs. broth). In co-stimulated HBMEC, Ureaplasma spp. attenuated LPS-evoked mRNA responses for C-X-C chemokine ligand 5, MCP-1, and MCP-3 (p < 0.05, vs. LPS) and mitigated LPS-driven interleukin (IL)-1α protein secretion, as well as IL-8 mRNA and protein responses (p < 0.05). Furthermore, Ureaplasma isolates increased C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 mRNA levels in native and LPS co-stimulated HBMEC (p < 0.05). The presented results may imply immunomodulatory capacities of Ureaplasma spp. which may ultimately promote chronic colonization and long-term neuroinflammation. 2019 International Journal of Molecular Science 20 14 urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-201848 10.3390/ijms20143583 Klinik und Poliklinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral-, Gefäß- und Kinderchirurgie (Chirurgische Klinik I) OPUS4-24629 Wissenschaftlicher Artikel Kelm, Matthias; Germer, Christoph-Thomas; Schlegel, Nicolas; Flemming, Sven The revival of surgery in Crohn's disease — early intestinal resection as a reasonable alternative in localized ileitis Crohn's disease (CD) represents a heterogeneous and complex disease with no curative therapeutic option available to date. Current therapy is mainly antibody-based focusing on the immune system while other treatment alternatives such as surgery are considered to be "last options". However, medical therapy for CD results in mild to severe side effects in a relevant amount of patients and some patients do not respond to the medication. Following that, quality of life is often significantly reduced in this patient cohort, thus, therapeutic alternatives are urgently needed. Updated evidence has revealed that surgery such as ileocecal resection (ICR) might be a potential therapeutic option in case of localized terminal ileitis since resection at early time points improves quality of life and significantly reduces the postoperative need for immunosuppressive medication with low rates of morbidity. In addition, new surgical approaches such as Kono-S anastomosis or inclusion of the mesentery result in significantly reduced rates of disease recurrence and reoperation. Based on the new evidence, the goal of this review is to provide an update on the role of surgery as a reasonable alternative to medical therapy in the interdisciplinary treatment of patients with CD. 2021 Biomedicines 9 10 urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-246296 10.3390/biomedicines9101317 Klinik und Poliklinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral-, Gefäß- und Kinderchirurgie (Chirurgische Klinik I) OPUS4-29977 Wissenschaftlicher Artikel Hendricks, Anne; Meir, Michael; Hankir, Mohammed; Lenschow, Christina; Germer, Christoph-Thomas; Schneider, Michael; Wiegering, Armin; Schlegel, Nicolas Suppurative thyroiditis caused by ingested fish bone in the thyroid gland: a case report on its diagnostics and surgical therapy Background Accidental ingestion of fish bone is a common cause of otolaryngological emergency. Migration of the ingested bone into the thyroid gland, however, occurs very rarely. The associated clinical presentation, symptoms and duration of discomfort are also highly variable between patients and can be diagnostically challenging. Case presentation Here, we report the case of a 71-year-old female patient presenting with an ingested fish bone that migrated into the right thyroid lobe as a rare cause of suppurative thyroiditis with the clinical features of sepsis. We outline the diagnostic approach, peri- and intraoperative management as well as complications. It is proposed that besides endoscopy, imaging methods such as ultrasound or computed tomography may be necessary to verify the diagnosis and location of an ingested fish bone. Prompt surgical removal of the foreign body and resection of the infectious focus is recommended to minimize the risk of local inflammation, recurrent nerve lesions and septic complications arising from the spread of infection. Conclusion Fish bone migration into the thyroid gland is an extremely rare event, the successful detection and surgical management of which can be achieved through a careful interdisciplinary approach. 2022 BMC Surgery 22 1 urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-299775 10.1186/s12893-022-01542-x Klinik und Poliklinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral-, Gefäß- und Kinderchirurgie (Chirurgische Klinik I) OPUS4-22491 Wissenschaftlicher Artikel Radeva, Mariya Y.; Walter, Elias; Stach, Ramona Alexandra; Yazdi, Amir S.; Schlegel, Nicolas; Sarig, Ofer; Sprecher, Eli; Waschke, Jens ST18 Enhances PV-IgG-Induced Loss of Keratinocyte Cohesion in Parallel to Increased ERK Activation Pemphigus is an autoimmune blistering disease targeting the desmosomal proteins desmoglein (Dsg) 1 and Dsg3. Recently, a genetic variant of the Suppression of tumorigenicity 18 (ST18) promoter was reported to cause ST18 up-regulation, associated with pemphigus vulgaris (PV)-IgG-mediated increase in cytokine secretion and more prominent loss of keratinocyte cohesion. Here we tested the effects of PV-IgG and the pathogenic pemphigus mouse anti-Dsg3 antibody AK23 on cytokine secretion and ERK activity in human keratinocytes dependent on ST18 expression. Without ST18 overexpression, both PV-IgG and AK23 induced loss of keratinocyte cohesion which was accompanied by prominent fragmentation of Dsg3 immunostaining along cell borders. In contrast, release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1 alpha, IL-6, TNF alpha, and IFN-gamma was not altered significantly in both HaCaT and primary NHEK cells. These experiments indicate that cytokine expression is not strictly required for loss of keratinocyte cohesion. Upon ST18 overexpression, fragmentation of cell monolayers increased significantly in response to autoantibody incubation. Furthermore, production of IL-1 alpha and IL-6 was enhanced in some experiments but not in others whereas release of TNF-alpha dropped significantly upon PV-IgG application in both EV- and ST18-transfected HaCaT cells. Additionally, in NHEK, application of PV-IgG but not of AK23 significantly increased ERK activity. In contrast, ST18 overexpression in HaCaT cells augmented ERK activation in response to both c-IgG and AK23 but not PV-IgG. Because inhibition of ERK by U0126 abolished PV-IgG- and AK23-induced loss of cell cohesion in ST18-expressing cells, we conclude that autoantibody-induced ERK activation was relevant in this scenario. In summary, similar to the situation in PV patients carrying ST18 polymorphism, overexpression of ST18 enhanced keratinocyte susceptibility to autoantibody-induced loss of cell adhesion, which may be caused in part by enhanced ERK signaling. 2019 770, 1-11 Frontiers in Immunology 10 urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-224910 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00770 Klinik und Poliklinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral-, Gefäß- und Kinderchirurgie (Chirurgische Klinik I) OPUS4-22994 Wissenschaftlicher Artikel Curtaz, Carolin J.; Schmitt, Constanze; Herbert, Saskia-Laureen; Feldheim, Jonas; Schlegel, Nicolas; Gosselet, Fabien; Hagemann, Carsten; Roewer, Norbert; Meybohm, Patrick; Wöckel, Achim; Burek, Malgorzata Serum-derived factors of breast cancer patients with brain metastases alter permeability of a human blood-brain barrier model Background The most threatening metastases in breast cancer are brain metastases, which correlate with a very poor overall survival, but also a limited quality of life. A key event for the metastatic progression of breast cancer into the brain is the migration of cancer cells across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Methods We adapted and validated the CD34\(^+\) cells-derived human in vitro BBB model (brain-like endothelial cells, BLECs) to analyse the effects of patient serum on BBB properties. We collected serum samples from healthy donors, breast cancer patients with primary cancer, and breast cancer patients with, bone, visceral or cerebral metastases. We analysed cytokine levels in these sera utilizing immunoassays and correlated them with clinical data. We used paracellular permeability measurements, immunofluorescence staining, Western blot and mRNA analysis to examine the effects of patient sera on the properties of BBB in vitro. Results The BLECs cultured together with brain pericytes in transwells developed a tight monolayer with a correct localization of claudin-5 at the tight junctions (TJ). Several BBB marker proteins such as the TJ proteins claudin-5 and occludin, the glucose transporter GLUT-1 or the efflux pumps PG-P and BCRP were upregulated in these cultures. This was accompanied by a reduced paracellular permeability for fluorescein (400 Da). We then used this model for the treatment with the patient sera. Only the sera of breast cancer patients with cerebral metastases had significantly increased levels of the cytokines fractalkine (CX3CL1) and BCA-1 (CXCL13). The increased levels of fractalkine were associated with the estrogen/progesterone receptor status of the tumour. The treatment of BLECs with these sera selectively increased the expression of CXCL13 and TJ protein occludin. In addition, the permeability of fluorescein was increased after serum treatment. Conclusion We demonstrate that the CD34\(^+\) cell-derived human in vitro BBB model can be used as a tool to study the molecular mechanisms underlying cerebrovascular pathologies. We showed that serum from patients with cerebral metastases may affect the integrity of the BBB in vitro, associated with elevated concentrations of specific cytokines such as CX3CL1 and CXCL13. 2020 Fluids and Barriers of the CNS 17 urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-229940 10.1186/s12987-020-00192-6 Klinik und Poliklinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral-, Gefäß- und Kinderchirurgie (Chirurgische Klinik I) OPUS4-12611 Wissenschaftlicher Artikel Schick, Martin A.; Baar, Wolfgang; Flemming, Sven; Schlegel, Nicolas; Wollborn, Jakob; Held, Christopher; Schneider, Reinhard; Brock, Robert W.; Roewer, Norbert; Wunder, Christian Sepsis-induced acute kidney injury by standardized colon ascendens stent peritonitis in rats - a simple, reproducible animal model Background Up to 50% of septic patients develop acute kidney injury (AKI). The pathomechanism of septic AKI is poorly understood. Therefore, we established an innovative rodent model to characterize sepsis-induced AKI by standardized colon ascendens stent peritonitis (sCASP). The model has a standardized focus of infection, an intensive care set up with monitoring of haemodynamics and oxygenation resulting in predictable impairment of renal function, AKI parameters as well as histopathology scoring. Methods Anaesthetized rats underwent the sCASP procedure, whereas sham animals were sham operated and control animals were just monitored invasively. Haemodynamic variables and blood gases were continuously measured. After 24 h, animals were reanesthetized; cardiac output (CO), inulin and PAH clearances were measured and later on kidneys were harvested; and creatinine, urea, cystatin C and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) were analysed. Additional sCASP-treated animals were investigated after 3 and 9 days. Results All sCASP-treated animals survived, whilst ubiquitous peritonitis and significantly deteriorated clinical and macrohaemodynamic sepsis signs after 24 h (MAP, CO, heart rate) were obvious. Blood analyses showed increased lactate and IL-6 levels as well as leucopenia. Urine output, inulin and PAH clearance were significantly decreased in sCASP compared to sham and control. Additionally, significant increase in cystatin C and NGAL was detected. Standard parameters like serum creatinine and urea were elevated and sCASP-induced sepsis increased significantly in a time-dependent manner. The renal histopathological score of sCASP-treated animals deteriorated after 3 and 9 days. Conclusions The presented sCASP method is a standardized, reliable and reproducible method to induce septic AKI. The intensive care set up, continuous macrohaemodynamic and gas exchange monitoring, low mortality rate as well as the opportunity of detailed analyses of kidney function and impairments are advantages of this setup. Thus, our described method may serve as a new standard for experimental investigations of septic AKI. 2014 Intensive Care Medicine Experimental 2 34 urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-126111 10.1186/s40635-014-0034-x Klinik und Poliklinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral-, Gefäß- und Kinderchirurgie (Chirurgische Klinik I) OPUS4-32392 Wissenschaftlicher Artikel Lenschow, Christina; Wennmann, Andreas; Hendricks, Anne; Germer, Christoph-Thomas; Fassnacht, Martin; Buck, Andreas; Werner, Rudolf A.; Plassmeier, Lars; Schlegel, Nicolas Questionable value of [\(^{99m}\)Tc]-sestamibi scintigraphy in patients with pHPT and negative ultrasound Purpose A successful focused surgical approach in primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) relies on accurate preoperative localization of the parathyroid adenoma (PA). Most often, ultrasound is followed by [\(^{99m}\)Tc]-sestamibi scintigraphy, but the value of this approach is disputed. Here, we evaluated the diagnostic approach in patients with surgically treated pHPT in our center with the aim to further refine preoperative diagnostic procedures. Methods A single-center retrospective analysis of patients with pHPT from 01/2005 to 08/2021 was carried out followed by evaluation of the preoperative imaging modalities to localize PA. The localization of the PA had to be confirmed intraoperatively by the fresh frozen section and significant dropping of the intraoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. Results From 658 patients diagnosed with pHPT, 30 patients were excluded from the analysis because of surgery for recurrent or persistent disease. Median age of patients was 58.0 (13-93) years and 71% were female. Neck ultrasound was carried out in 91.7% and localized a PA in 76.6%. In 23.4% (135/576) of the patients, preoperative neck ultrasound did not detect a PA. In this group, [\(^{99m}\)Tc]-sestamibi correctly identified PA in only 25.4% of patients. In contrast, in the same cohort, the use of [\(^{11}\)C]-methionine or [\(^{11}\)C]-choline PET resulted in the correct identification of PA in 79.4% of patients (OR 13.23; 95% CI 5.24-33.56). Conclusion [\(^{11}\)C]-Methionine or [\(^{11}\)C]-choline PET/CT are superior second-line imaging methods to select patients for a focused surgical approach when previous ultrasound failed to identify PA. 2022 3661-3669 Langenbeck’s Archives of Surgery 407 8 urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-323926 10.1007/s00423-022-02648-9 Klinik und Poliklinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral-, Gefäß- und Kinderchirurgie (Chirurgische Klinik I) OPUS4-21281 Wissenschaftlicher Artikel Notz, Quirin; Schmalzing, Marc; Wedekink, Florian; Schlesinger, Tobias; Gernert, Michael; Herrmann, Johannes; Sorger, Lena; Weismann, Dirk; Schmid, Benedikt; Sitter, Magdalena; Schlegel, Nicolas; Kranke, Peter; Wischhusen, Jörg; Meybohm, Patrick; Lotz, Christopher Pro- and Anti-Inflammatory Responses in Severe COVID-19-Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome—An Observational Pilot Study Objectives The severity of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is largely determined by the immune response. First studies indicate altered lymphocyte counts and function. However, interactions of pro- and anti-inflammatory mechanisms remain elusive. In the current study we characterized the immune responses in patients suffering from severe COVID-19-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Methods This was a single-center retrospective study in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with confirmed COVID-19 between March 14th and May 28th 2020 (n = 39). Longitudinal data were collected within routine clinical care, including flow-cytometry of lymphocyte subsets, cytokine analysis and growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15). Antibody responses against the receptor binding domain (RBD) of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Spike protein were analyzed. Results All patients suffered from severe ARDS, 30.8% died. Interleukin (IL)-6 was massively elevated at every time-point. The anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was concomitantly upregulated with IL-6. The cellular response was characterized by lymphocytopenia with low counts of CD8+ T cells, natural killer (NK) and naïve T helper cells. CD8+ T and NK cells recovered after 8 to 14 days. The B cell system was largely unimpeded. This coincided with a slight increase in anti-SARS-CoV-2-Spike-RBD immunoglobulin (Ig) G and a decrease in anti-SARS-CoV-2-Spike-RBD IgM. GDF-15 levels were elevated throughout ICU treatment. Conclusions Massively elevated levels of IL-6 and a delayed cytotoxic immune defense characterized severe COVID-19-induced ARDS. The B cell response and antibody production were largely unimpeded. No obvious imbalance of pro- and anti-inflammatory mechanisms was observed, with elevated GDF-15 levels suggesting increased tissue resilience. 2020 Frontiers in Immunology 11 urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-212815 10.3389/fimmu.2020.581338 Klinik und Poliklinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral-, Gefäß- und Kinderchirurgie (Chirurgische Klinik I) OPUS4-14933 Wissenschaftlicher Artikel Wollborn, Jakob; Wunder, Christian; Stix, Jana; Neuhaus, Winfried; Bruno, Rapahel R.; Baar, Wolfgang; Flemming, Sven; Roewer, Norbert; Schlegel, Nicolas; Schick, Martin A. Phosphodiesterase-4 inhibition with rolipram attenuates hepatocellular injury in hyperinflammation in vivo and in vitro without influencing inflammation and HO-1 expression Objective: To investigate the impact of the phophodiesterase-4 inhibition (PD-4-I) with rolipram on hepatic integrity in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced hyperinflammation. Materials and Methods: Liver microcirculation in rats was obtained using intravital microscopy. Macrohemodynamic parameters, blood assays, and organs were harvested to determine organ function and injury. Hyperinflammation was induced by LPS and PD-4-I rolipram was administered intravenously one hour after LPS application. Cell viability of HepG2 cells was measured by EZ4U-kit based on the dye XTT. Experiments were carried out assessing the influence of different concentrations of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and LPS with or without PD-4-I. Results: Untreated LPS-induced rats showed significantly decreased liver microcirculation and increased hepatic cell death, whereas LPS + PD-4-I treatment could improve hepatic volumetric flow and cell death to control level whithout influencing the inflammatory impact. In HepG2 cells TNF-α and LPS significantly reduced cell viability. Coincubation with PD-4-I increased HepG2 viability to control levels. The heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) pathway did not induce the protective effect of PD-4-I. Conclusion: Intravenous PD-4-I treatment was effective in improving hepatic microcirculation and hepatic integrity, while it had a direct protective effect on HepG2 viability during inflammation. 2015 13-23 Journal of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics 6 1 urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-149336 10.4103/0976-500X.149138 Klinik und Poliklinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral-, Gefäß- und Kinderchirurgie (Chirurgische Klinik I) OPUS4-11060 Wissenschaftlicher Artikel Wiegering, Armin; Isbert, Christoph; Dietz, Ulrich A.; Kunzmann, Volker; Ackermann, Sabine; Kerscher, Alexander; Maeder, Uwe; Flentje, Michael; Schlegel, Nicolas; Reibetanz, Joachim; Germer, Christoph-Thomas; Klein, Ingo Multimodal therapy in treatment of rectal cancer is associated with improved survival and reduced local recurrence - a retrospective analysis over two decades Background The management of rectal cancer (RC) has substantially changed over the last decades with the implementation of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, adjuvant therapy and improved surgery such as total mesorectal excision (TME). It remains unclear in which way these approaches overall influenced the rate of local recurrence and overall survival. Methods Clinical, histological and survival data of 658 out of 662 consecutive patients with RC were analyzed for treatment and prognostic factors from a prospectively expanded single-institutional database. Findings were then stratified according to time of diagnosis in patient groups treated between 1993 and 2001 and 2002 and 2010. Results The study population included 658 consecutive patients with rectal cancer between 1993 and 2010. Follow up data was available for 99.6% of all 662 treated patients. During the time period between 2002 and 2010 significantly more patients underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (17.6% vs. 60%) and adjuvant chemotherapy (37.9% vs. 58.4%). Also, the rate of reported TME during surgery increased. The rate of local or distant metastasis decreased over time, and tumor related 5-year survival increased significantly with from 60% to 79%. Conclusion In our study population, the implementation of treatment changes over the last decade improved the patient's outcome significantly. Improvements were most evident for UICC stage III rectal cancer. 2014 urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-110606 10.1186/1471-2407-14-816 Klinik und Poliklinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral-, Gefäß- und Kinderchirurgie (Chirurgische Klinik I) OPUS4-28183 Wissenschaftlicher Artikel Kusan, Simon; Surat, Güzin; Kelm, Matthias; Anger, Friedrich; Kim, Mia; Germer, Christoph-Thomas; Schlegel, Nicolas; Flemming, Sven Microbial spectrum and antibiotic resistance in patients suffering from penetrating Crohn's disease Intraabdominal abscess formation occurs in up to 30% of patients suffering from Crohn's disease (CD). While international guidelines recommend a step-up approach with a combination of empiric antibiotic therapy and percutaneous drainage to delay or even avoid surgery, evidence about microbial spectrum in penetrating ileitis is sparse. We retrospectively assessed outcomes of 46 patients with terminal penetrating Ileitis where microbial diagnostics have been performed and compared microbial spectrum and antibiotic resistance profile of CD patients with patients suffering from diverticulitis with intraabdominal abscess formation. In both groups, the most frequently isolated pathogen was the gram-negative bacterium E. coli belonging to the family of Enterobacterales. However, overall Enterobacterales were significantly more often verifiable in the control group than in CD patients. Furthermore, microbial analysis showed significant differences regarding isolation of anaerobic pathogens with decreased frequency in patients with CD. Subgroup analysis of CD patients to evaluate a potential influence of immunosuppressive therapy on microbial spectrum only revealed that Enterobacterales was less frequently detected in patients treated with steroids. Immunosuppressive therapy did not show any impact on all other groups of pathogens and did not change antibiotic resistance profile of CD patients. In conclusion, we were able to demonstrate that the microbial spectrum of CD patients does differ only for some pathogen species without increased rate of antibiotic resistance. However, the empiric antibiotic therapy for CD-associated intra-abdominal abscess remains challenging since different points such as local epidemiological and microbiological data, individual patient risk factors, severity of infection, and therapy algorithm including non-surgical and surgical therapy options should be considered before therapeutical decisions are made. 2022 Journal of Clinical Medicine 11 15 urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-281835 10.3390/jcm11154343 Klinik und Poliklinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral-, Gefäß- und Kinderchirurgie (Chirurgische Klinik I) OPUS4-26746 Wissenschaftlicher Artikel Kannapin, Felix; Schmitz, Tobias; Hansmann, Jan; Schlegel, Nicolas; Meir, Michael Measurements of transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) are affected by junctional length in immature epithelial monolayers The measurement of transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) is a common technique to determine the barrier integrity of epithelial cell monolayers. However, it is remarkable that absolute TEER values of similar cell types cultured under comparable conditions show an immense heterogeneity. Based on previous observations, we hypothesized that the heterogeneity of absolute TEER measurements can not only be explained by maturation of junctional proteins but rather by dynamics in the absolute length of cell junctions within monolayers. Therefore, we analyzed TEER in epithelial cell monolayers of Caco2 cells during their differentiation, with special emphasis on both changes in the junctional complex and overall cell morphology within monolayers. We found that in epithelial Caco2 monolayers TEER increased until confluency, then decreased for some time, which was then followed by an additional increase during junctional differentiation. In contrast, permeability of macromolecules measured at different time points as 4 kDA fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran flux across monolayers steadily decreased during this time. Detailed analysis suggested that this observation could be explained by alterations of junctional length along the cell borders within monolayers during differentiation. In conclusion, these observations confirmed that changes in cell numbers and consecutive increase of junctional length have a critical impact on TEER values, especially at stages of early confluency when junctions are immature. 2021 609-616 Histochemistry and Cell Biology 156 6 urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-267465 10.1007/s00418-021-02026-4 Klinik und Poliklinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral-, Gefäß- und Kinderchirurgie (Chirurgische Klinik I) OPUS4-23408 Wissenschaftlicher Artikel Hankir, Mohammed K.; Seyfried, Florian; Schellinger, Isabel N.; Schlegel, Nicolas; Arora, Tulika Leaky gut as a potential culprit for the paradoxical dysglycemic response to gastric bypass-associated ileal microbiota Altered host-intestinal microbiota interactions are increasingly implicated in the metabolic benefits of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery. We previously found, however, that RYGB-associated ileal microbiota can paradoxically impair host glycemic control when transferred to germ-free mice. Here we present complementary evidence suggesting that this could be due to the heightened development of systemic endotoxemia. Consistently, application of ileal content from RYGB-treated compared with sham-operated rats onto Caco-2 cell monolayers compromised barrier function and decreased expression of the barrier-stabilizing proteins claudin-4 and desmoglein-2. Our findings raise the possibility that RYGB-associated ileal microbiota produce and release soluble metabolites which locally increase intestinal permeability to promote systemic endotoxemia-induced insulin resistance, with potential implications for the treatment of RYGB patients who eventually relapse onto type 2 diabetes. 2021 Metabolites 11 3 urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-234085 10.3390/metabo11030153 Klinik und Poliklinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral-, Gefäß- und Kinderchirurgie (Chirurgische Klinik I) OPUS4-28627 Wissenschaftlicher Artikel Reschke, Moritz; Salvador, Ellaine; Schlegel, Nicolas; Burek, Malgorzata; Karnati, Srikanth; Wunder, Christian; Förster, Carola Y. Isosteviol sodium (STVNA) reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 and GM-CSF in an in vitro murine stroke model of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) Early treatment with glucocorticoids could help reduce both cytotoxic and vasogenic edema, leading to improved clinical outcome after stroke. In our previous study, isosteviol sodium (STVNA) demonstrated neuroprotective effects in an in vitro stroke model, which utilizes oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). Herein, we tested the hypothesis that STVNA can activate glucocorticoid receptor (GR) transcriptional activity in brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) as previously published for T cells. STVNA exhibited no effects on transcriptional activation of the glucocorticoid receptor, contrary to previous reports in Jurkat cells. However, similar to dexamethasone, STVNA inhibited inflammatory marker IL-6 as well as granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) secretion. Based on these results, STVNA proves to be beneficial as a possible prevention and treatment modality for brain ischemia-reperfusion injury-induced blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction. 2022 Pharmaceutics 14 9 urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-286275 10.3390/pharmaceutics14091753 Klinik und Poliklinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral-, Gefäß- und Kinderchirurgie (Chirurgische Klinik I) OPUS4-25891 Wissenschaftlicher Artikel Meir, Michael; Kannapin, Felix; Diefenbacher, Markus; Ghoreishi, Yalda; Kollmann, Catherine; Flemming, Sven; Germer, Christoph-Thomas; Waschke, Jens; Leven, Patrick; Schneider, Reiner; Wehner, Sven; Burkard, Natalie; Schlegel, Nicolas Intestinal epithelial barrier maturation by enteric glial cells is GDNF-dependent Enteric glial cells (EGCs) of the enteric nervous system are critically involved in the maintenance of intestinal epithelial barrier function (IEB). The underlying mechanisms remain undefined. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) contributes to IEB maturation and may therefore be the predominant mediator of this process by EGCs. Using GFAP\(^{cre}\) x Ai14\(^{floxed}\) mice to isolate EGCs by Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), we confirmed that they synthesize GDNF in vivo as well as in primary cultures demonstrating that EGCs are a rich source of GDNF in vivo and in vitro. Co-culture of EGCs with Caco2 cells resulted in IEB maturation which was abrogated when GDNF was either depleted from EGC supernatants, or knocked down in EGCs or when the GDNF receptor RET was blocked. Further, TNFα-induced loss of IEB function in Caco2 cells and in organoids was attenuated by EGC supernatants or by recombinant GDNF. These barrier-protective effects were blunted when using supernatants from GDNF-deficient EGCs or by RET receptor blockade. Together, our data show that EGCs produce GDNF to maintain IEB function in vitro through the RET receptor. 2021 International Journal of Molecular Sciences 22 4 urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-258913 10.3390/ijms22041887 Klinik und Poliklinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral-, Gefäß- und Kinderchirurgie (Chirurgische Klinik I) OPUS4-31105 Wissenschaftlicher Artikel Glaser, Kirsten; Kern, David; Speer, Christian P.; Schlegel, Nicolas; Schwab, Michael; Thome, Ulrich H.; Härtel, Christoph; Wright, Clyde J. Imbalanced inflammatory responses in preterm and term cord blood monocytes and expansion of the CD14\(^+\)CD16\(^+\) subset upon toll-like receptor stimulation Developmentally regulated features of innate immunity are thought to place preterm and term infants at risk of infection and inflammation-related morbidity. Underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. Differences in monocyte function including toll-like receptor (TLR) expression and signaling have been discussed. Some studies point to generally impaired TLR signaling, others to differences in individual pathways. In the present study, we assessed mRNA and protein expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in preterm and term cord blood (CB) monocytes compared with adult controls stimulated ex vivo with Pam3CSK4, zymosan, polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid, lipopolysaccharide, flagellin, and CpG oligonucleotide, which activate the TLR1/2, TLR2/6, TLR3, TLR4, TLR5, and TLR9 pathways, respectively. In parallel, frequencies of monocyte subsets, stimulus-driven TLR expression, and phosphorylation of TLR-associated signaling molecules were analyzed. Independent of stimulus, pro-inflammatory responses of term CB monocytes equaled adult controls. The same held true for preterm CB monocytes—except for lower IL-1β levels. In contrast, CB monocytes released lower amounts of anti-inflammatory IL-10 and IL-1ra, resulting in higher ratios of pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory cytokines. Phosphorylation of p65, p38, and ERK1/2 correlated with adult controls. However, stimulated CB samples stood out with higher frequencies of intermediate monocytes (CD14\(^+\)CD16\(^+\)). Both pro-inflammatory net effect and expansion of the intermediate subset were most pronounced upon stimulation with Pam3CSK4 (TLR1/2), zymosan (TR2/6), and lipopolysaccharide (TLR4). Our data demonstrate robust pro-inflammatory and yet attenuated anti-inflammatory responses in preterm and term CB monocytes, along with imbalanced cytokine ratios. Intermediate monocytes, a subset ascribed pro-inflammatory features, might participate in this inflammatory state. 2023 International Journal of Molecular Sciences 24 5 urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-311056 10.3390/ijms24054919 Klinik und Poliklinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral-, Gefäß- und Kinderchirurgie (Chirurgische Klinik I) OPUS4-26522 Wissenschaftlicher Artikel Kayisoglu, Özge; Schlegel, Nicolas; Bartfeld, Sina Gastrointestinal epithelial innate immunity-regionalization and organoids as new model The human gastrointestinal tract is in constant contact with microbial stimuli. Its barriers have to ensure co-existence with the commensal bacteria, while enabling surveillance of intruding pathogens. At the centre of the interaction lies the epithelial layer, which marks the boundaries of the body. It is equipped with a multitude of different innate immune sensors, such as Toll-like receptors, to mount inflammatory responses to microbes. Dysfunction of this intricate system results in inflammation-associated pathologies, such as inflammatory bowel disease. However, the complexity of the cellular interactions, their molecular basis and their development remains poorly understood. In recent years, stem cell-derived organoids have gained increasing attention as promising models for both development and a broad range of pathologies, including infectious diseases. In addition, organoids enable the study of epithelial innate immunity in vitro. In this review, we focus on the gastrointestinal epithelial barrier and its regional organization to discuss innate immune sensing and development. 2021 517–530 Journal of Molecular Medicine 99 4 urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-265220 10.1007/s00109-021-02043-9 Klinik und Poliklinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral-, Gefäß- und Kinderchirurgie (Chirurgische Klinik I) OPUS4-26752 Wissenschaftlicher Artikel Hendricks, Anne; Lenschow, Christina; Kroiss, Matthias; Buck, Andreas; Kickuth, Ralph; Germer, Christoph-Thomas; Schlegel, Nicolas Evaluation of diagnostic efficacy for localization of parathyroid adenoma in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism undergoing repeat surgery Purpose Repeat surgery in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) is associated with an increased risk of complications and failure. This stresses the need for optimized strategies to accurately localize a parathyroid adenoma before repeat surgery is performed. However, evidence on the extent of required diagnostics for a structured approach is sparse. Methods A retrospective single-center evaluation of 28 patients with an indication for surgery due to pHPT and previous thyroid or parathyroid surgery was performed. Diagnostic workup, surgical approach, and outcome in terms of complications and successful removement of parathyroid adenoma with biochemical cure were evaluated. Results Neck ultrasound, sestamibi scintigraphy, C11-methionine PET-CT, and selective parathyroid hormone venous sampling, but not MRI imaging, effectively detected the presence of a parathyroid adenoma with high positive predictive values. Biochemical cure was revealed by normalization of calcium and parathormone levels 24-48h after surgery and was achieved in 26/28 patients (92.9%) with an overall low rate of complications. Concordant localization by at least two diagnostic modalities enabled focused surgery with success rates of 100%, whereas inconclusive localization significantly increased the rate of bilateral explorations and significantly reduced the rate of biochemical cure to 80%. Conclusion These findings suggest that two concordant diagnostic modalities are sufficient to accurately localize parathyroid adenoma before repeat surgery for pHPT. In cases of poor localization, extended diagnostic procedures are warranted to enhance surgical success rates. We suggest an algorithm for better orientation when repeat surgery is intended in patients with pHPT. 2021 1615-1624 Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery 406 5 urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-267520 10.1007/s00423-021-02191-z Klinik und Poliklinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral-, Gefäß- und Kinderchirurgie (Chirurgische Klinik I) OPUS4-6638 Wissenschaftlicher Artikel Schick, Martin Alexander; Isbary, Jobst Tobias; Stueber, Tanja; Brugger, Juergen; Stumpner, Jan; Schlegel, Nicolas; Roewer, Norbert; Eichelbroenner, Otto; Wunder, Christian Effects of crystalloids and colloids on liver and intestine microcirculation and function in cecal ligation and puncture induced septic rodents Background: Septic acute liver and intestinal failure is associated with a high mortality. We therefore investigated the influence of volume resuscitation with different crystalloid or colloid solutions on liver and intestine injury and microcirculation in septic rodents. Methods: Sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in 77 male rats. Animals were treated with different crystalloids (NaCl 0.9% (NaCl), Ringer's acetate (RA)) or colloids (Gelafundin 4% (Gel), 6% HES 130/0.4 (HES)). After 24 h animals were re-anesthetized and intestinal (n = 6/group) and liver microcirculation (n = 6/group) were obtained using intravital microscopy, as well as macrohemodynamic parameters were measured. Blood assays and organs were harvested to determine organ function and injury. Results: HES improved liver microcirculation, cardiac index and DO2-I, but significantly increased IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α levels and resulted in a mortality rate of 33%. Gel infused animals revealed significant reduction of liver and intestine microcirculation with severe side effects on coagulation (significantly increased PTT and INR, decreased haemoglobin and platelet count). Furthermore Gel showed severe hypoglycemia, acidosis and significantly increased ALT and IL-6 with a lethality of 29%. RA exhibited no derangements in liver microcirculation when compared to sham and HES. RA showed no intestinal microcirculation disturbance compared to sham, but significantly improved the number of intestinal capillaries with flow compared to HES. All RA treated animals survided and showed no severe side effects on coagulation, liver, macrohemodynamic or metabolic state. Conclusions: Gelatine 4% revealed devastated hepatic and intestinal microcirculation and severe side effects in CLP induced septic rats, whereas the balanced crystalloid solution showed stabilization of macro- and microhemodynamics with improved survival. HES improved liver microcirculation, but exhibited significantly increased pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. Crystalloid infusion revealed best results in mortality and microcirculation, when compared with colloid infusion. 2012 urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-78151 Klinik und Poliklinik für Anästhesiologie (ab 2004) OPUS4-22882 Wissenschaftlicher Artikel Kelm, Matthias; Anger, Friedrich; Eichlinger, Robin; Brand, Markus; Kim, Mia; Reibetanz, Joachim; Krajinovic, Katica; Germer, Christoph-Thomas; Schlegel, Nicolas; Flemming, Sven Early Ileocecal Resection Is an Effective Therapy in Isolated Crohn's Disease Despite the increasing incidence and prevalence of Crohn's Disease (CD), no curative options exist and treatment remains complex. While therapy has mainly focused on medical approaches in the past, growing evidence reveals that in cases of limited inflammation, surgery can suffice as an alternative primary treatment. We retrospectively assessed the disease course and outcomes of 103 patients with terminal Ileitis who underwent primary surgery (n = 29) or received primary medical treatment followed by surgery (n = 74). Primary endpoint was the need for immunosuppressive medication after surgical treatment (ileocecal resection, ICR) during a two-years follow-up. Rates for laparoscopic ICR were enhanced in case of early surgery, but no differences were seen for postoperative complications. In case of immunosuppressive medication, patients with ICR at an early state of disease needed significantly less anti-inflammatory medication during the two-year postoperative follow-up compared to patients who were primarily treated medically. Furthermore, in a subgroup analysis for patients with localized ileocecal disease manifestation, early surgery consistently resulted in a decreased amount of medical therapy postoperatively. In conclusion primary ICR is safe and effective in patients with limited CD, and the need for immunosuppressive medication during the postoperative follow-up is low compared to patients receiving surgery at a later stage of disease. 2021 Journal of Clinical Medicine 10 4 urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-228822 10.3390/jcm10040731 Klinik und Poliklinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral-, Gefäß- und Kinderchirurgie (Chirurgische Klinik I) OPUS4-11116 Wissenschaftlicher Artikel Wiegering, Armin; Korb, Doreen; Thalheimer, Andreas; Kämmerer, Ulrike; Allmanritter, Jan; Matthes, Niels; Linnebacher, Michael; Schlegel, Nicolas; Klein, Ingo; Ergün, Süleyman; Germer, Christoph-Thomas; Otto, Christoph E7080 (Lenvatinib), a Multi-Targeted Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor, Demonstrates Antitumor Activities Against Colorectal Cancer Xenografts Clinical prognosis of metastasized colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is still not at desired levels and novel drugs are needed. Here, we focused on the multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor E7080 (Lenvatinib) and assessed its therapeutic efficacy against human CRC cell lines in vitro and human CRC xenografts in vivo. The effect of E7080 on cell viability was examined on 10 humanCRCcell lines and humanendothelial cells (HUVEC). The inhibitory effect of E7080 on VEGF-induced angiogenesis was studied in an ex vivo mouse aortic ring angiogenesis assay. In addition, the efficacy of E7080 against xenografts derived fromCRC cell lines and CRC patient resection specimenswithmutated KRASwas investigated in vivo. Arelatively low cytotoxic effect of E7080 on CRC cell viabilitywas observed in vitro. Endothelial cells (HUVEC)weremore susceptible to the incubation with E7080. This is in line with the observation that E7080 demonstrated an anti-angiogenic effect in a three-dimensional ex vivo mouse aortic ring angiogenesis assay. E7080 effectively disrupted CRC cell-mediated VEGF-stimulated growth of HUVEC in vitro. Daily in vivo treatment with E7080 (5 mg/kg) significantly delayed the growth of KRAS mutated CRC xenografts with decreased density of tumor-associated vessel formations and without tumor regression. This observation is in line with results that E7080 did not significantly reduce the number of Ki67-positive cells in CRC xenografts. The results suggest antiangiogenic activity of E7080 at a dosage thatwas well tolerated by nudemice. E7080 may provide therapeutic benefits in the treatment of CRC with mutated KRAS. 2014 urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-111165 10.1016/j.neo.2014.09.008 Klinik und Poliklinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral-, Gefäß- und Kinderchirurgie (Chirurgische Klinik I) OPUS4-29028 Wissenschaftlicher Artikel Kelm, Matthias; Kusan, Simon; Surat, Güzin; Anger, Friedrich; Reibetanz, Joachim; Germer, Christoph-Thomas; Schlegel, Nicolas; Flemming, Sven Disease- and medication-specific differences of the microbial spectrum in perianal fistulizing Crohn's Disease — relevant aspects for antibiotic therapy Perianal fistulizing Crohn's Disease (CD) with abscess formation represents an aggressive phenotype in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) with increased morbidity. Treatment is multidisciplinary and includes antibiotics, but knowledge about the microbial spectrum is rare often resulting in inadequate antimicrobial therapy. In this single center retrospective study, all patients who were operated due to perianal abscess formation were retrospectively analyzed and the microbial spectrum evaluated. Patients were divided into a CD and non-CD group with further subgroup analysis. 138 patients were finally included in the analysis with 62 patients suffering from CD. Relevant differences were detected for the microbial spectrum with anaerobic bacteria being significantly more often isolated from non-CD patients. In a subgroup-analysis of CD patients only, medical therapy had a relevant effect on the microbial spectrum since Streptococcus groups and Enterobacterales were significantly more often isolated in patients treated with steroids compared to those being treated by antibodies. In conclusion, the microbial spectrum of patients suffering from CD varies significantly from non-CD patients and immunosuppressive medication has a relevant effect on isolated pathogens. Based on that, adaption of antibiotic treatment might be discussed in the future. 2022 Biomedicines 10 11 urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-290281 10.3390/biomedicines10112682 Klinik und Poliklinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral-, Gefäß- und Kinderchirurgie (Chirurgische Klinik I) OPUS4-32394 Wissenschaftlicher Artikel Reibetanz, Joachim; Kelm, Matthias; Uttinger, Konstantin L.; Reuter, Miriam; Schlegel, Nicolas; Hankir, Mohamed; Wiegering, Verena; Germer, Christoph-Thomas; Fassnacht, Martin; Lock, Johan Friso; Wiegering, Armin Differences in morbidity and mortality between unilateral adrenalectomy for adrenal Cushing's syndrome and bilateral adrenalectomy for therapy refractory extra-adrenal Cushing's syndrome Purpose In selected cases of severe Cushing's syndrome due to uncontrolled ACTH secretion, bilateral adrenalectomy appears unavoidable. Compared with unilateral adrenalectomy (for adrenal Cushing's syndrome), bilateral adrenalectomy has a perceived higher perioperative morbidity. The aim of the current study was to compare both interventions in endogenous Cushing's syndrome regarding postoperative outcomes. Methods We report a single-center, retrospective cohort study comparing patients with hypercortisolism undergoing bilateral vs. unilateral adrenalectomy during 2008-2021. Patients with adrenal Cushing's syndrome due to adenoma were compared with patients with ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome (Cushing's disease and ectopic ACTH production) focusing on postoperative morbidity and mortality as well as long-term survival. Results Of 83 patients with adrenalectomy for hypercortisolism (65.1% female, median age 53 years), the indication for adrenalectomy was due to adrenal Cushing's syndrome in 60 patients (72.2%; 59 unilateral and one bilateral), and due to hypercortisolism caused by Cushing's disease (n = 16) or non-pituitary uncontrolled ACTH secretion of unknown origin (n = 7) (27.7% of all adrenalectomies). Compared with unilateral adrenalectomy (n = 59), patients with bilateral adrenalectomy (n = 24) had a higher rate of severe complications (0% vs. 33%; p < 0.001) and delayed recovery (median: 10.2% vs. 79.2%; p < 0.001). Using the MTL30 marker, patients with bilateral adrenalectomy fared worse than patients after unilateral surgery (MTL30 positive: 7.2% vs. 25.0% p < 0.001). Postoperative mortality was increased in patients with bilateral adrenalectomy (0% vs. 8.3%; p = 0.081). Conclusion While unilateral adrenalectomy for adrenal Cushing's syndrome represents a safe and definitive therapeutic option, bilateral adrenalectomy to control ACTH-dependent extra-adrenal Cushing's syndrome or Cushing's disease is a more complicated intervention with a mortality of nearly 10%. 2022 2481-2488 Langenbeck’s Archives of Surgery 407 6 urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-323947 10.1007/s00423-022-02568-8 Klinik und Poliklinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral-, Gefäß- und Kinderchirurgie (Chirurgische Klinik I) OPUS4-24102 Wissenschaftlicher Artikel Lauruschkat, Chris D.; Page, Lukas; White, P. Lewis; Etter, Sonja; Davies, Helen E.; Duckers, Jamie; Ebel, Frank; Schnack, Elisabeth; Backx, Matthijs; Dragan, Mariola; Schlegel, Nicolas; Kniemeyer, Olaf; Brakhage, Axel A.; Einsele, Hermann; Loeffler, Juergen; Wurster, Sebastian Development of a simple and robust whole blood assay with dual co-stimulation to quantify the release of T-cellular signature cytokines in response to Aspergillus fumigatus antigens Deeper understanding of mold-induced cytokine signatures could promote advances in the diagnosis and treatment of invasive mycoses and mold-associated hypersensitivity syndromes. Currently, most T-cellular immunoassays in medical mycology require the isolation of mononuclear cells and have limited robustness and practicability, hampering their broader applicability in clinical practice. Therefore, we developed a simple, cost-efficient whole blood (WB) assay with dual α-CD28 and α-CD49d co-stimulation to quantify cytokine secretion in response to Aspergillus fumigatus antigens. Dual co-stimulation strongly enhanced A. fumigatus-induced release of T-cellular signature cytokines detectable by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or a multiplex cytokine assay. Furthermore, T-cell-dependent activation and cytokine response of innate immune cells was captured by the assay. The protocol consistently showed little technical variation and high robustness to pre-analytic delays of up to 8 h. Stimulation with an A. fumigatus lysate elicited at least 7-fold greater median concentrations of key T-helper cell signature cytokines, including IL-17 and the type 2 T-helper cell cytokines IL-4 and IL-5 in WB samples from patients with Aspergillus-associated lung pathologies versus patients with non-mold-related lung diseases, suggesting high discriminatory power of the assay. These results position WB-ELISA with dual co-stimulation as a simple, accurate, and robust immunoassay for translational applications, encouraging further evaluation as a platform to monitor host immunity to opportunistic pathogens. 2021 Journal of Fungi 7 6 urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-241025 10.3390/jof7060462 Klinik und Poliklinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral-, Gefäß- und Kinderchirurgie (Chirurgische Klinik I) OPUS4-24705 Wissenschaftlicher Artikel Burkard, Natalie; Meir, Michael; Kannapin, Felix; Otto, Christoph; Petzke, Maximilian; Germer, Christoph-Thomas; Waschke, Jens; Schlegel, Nicolas Desmoglein2 Regulates Claudin2 Expression by Sequestering PI-3-Kinase in Intestinal Epithelial Cells Inflammation-induced reduction of intestinal desmosomal cadherin Desmoglein 2 (Dsg2) is linked to changes of tight junctions (TJ) leading to impaired intestinal epithelial barrier (IEB) function by undefined mechanisms. We characterized the interplay between loss of Dsg2 and upregulation of pore-forming TJ protein Claudin2. Intraperitoneal application of Dsg2-stablising Tandem peptide (TP) attenuated impaired IEB function, reduction of Dsg2 and increased Claudin2 in DSS-induced colitis in C57Bl/6 mice. TP blocked loss of Dsg2-mediated adhesion and upregulation of Claudin2 in Caco2 cells challenged with TNFα. In Dsg2-deficient Caco2 cells basal expression of Claudin2 was increased which was paralleled by reduced transepithelial electrical resistance and by augmented phosphorylation of AKT\(^{Ser473}\) under basal conditions. Inhibition of phosphoinositid-3-kinase proved that PI-3-kinase/AKT-signaling is critical to upregulate Claudin2. In immunostaining PI-3-kinase dissociated from Dsg2 under inflammatory conditions. Immunoprecipitations and proximity ligation assays confirmed a direct interaction of Dsg2 and PI-3-kinase which was abrogated following TNFα application. In summary, Dsg2 regulates Claudin2 expression by sequestering PI-3-kinase to the cell borders in intestinal epithelium. 2021 Frontiers in Immunology 12 urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-247059 10.3389/fimmu.2021.756321 Klinik und Poliklinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral-, Gefäß- und Kinderchirurgie (Chirurgische Klinik I) OPUS4-28451 Wissenschaftlicher Artikel Schick, Martin Alexander; Schlegel, Nicolas Clinical implication of phosphodiesterase-4-inhibition The pleiotropic function of 3′,5′-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent pathways in health and disease led to the development of pharmacological phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDE-I) to attenuate cAMP degradation. While there are many isotypes of PDE, a predominant role of PDE4 is to regulate fundamental functions, including endothelial and epithelial barrier stability, modulation of inflammatory responses and cognitive and/or mood functions. This makes the use of PDE4-I an interesting tool for various therapeutic approaches. However, due to the presence of PDE4 in many tissues, there is a significant danger for serious side effects. Based on this, the aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the approaches and effects of PDE4-I for different therapeutic applications. In summary, despite many obstacles to use of PDE4-I for different therapeutic approaches, the current data warrant future research to utilize the therapeutic potential of phosphodiesterase 4 inhibition. 2022 International Journal of Molecular Sciences 23 3 urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-284511 10.3390/ijms23031209 Klinik und Poliklinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral-, Gefäß- und Kinderchirurgie (Chirurgische Klinik I) OPUS4-24520 Wissenschaftlicher Artikel Lauruschkat, Chris D.; Etter, Sonja; Schnack, Elisabeth; Ebel, Frank; Schäuble, Sascha; Page, Lukas; Rümens, Dana; Dragan, Mariola; Schlegel, Nicolas; Panagiotou, Gianni; Kniemeyer, Olaf; Brakhage, Axel A.; Einsele, Hermann; Wurster, Sebastian; Loeffler, Juergen Chronic occupational mold exposure drives expansion of Aspergillus-reactive type 1 and type 2 T-helper cell responses Occupational mold exposure can lead to Aspergillus-associated allergic diseases including asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Elevated IL-17 levels or disbalanced T-helper (Th) cell expansion were previously linked to Aspergillus-associated allergic diseases, whereas alterations to the Th cell repertoire in healthy occupationally exposed subjects are scarcely studied. Therefore, we employed functional immunoassays to compare Th cell responses to A. fumigatus antigens in organic farmers, a cohort frequently exposed to environmental molds, and non-occupationally exposed controls. Organic farmers harbored significantly higher A. fumigatus-specific Th-cell frequencies than controls, with comparable expansion of Th1- and Th2-cell frequencies but only slightly elevated Th17-cell frequencies. Accordingly, Aspergillus antigen-induced Th1 and Th2 cytokine levels were strongly elevated, whereas induction of IL-17A was minimal. Additionally, increased levels of some innate immune cell-derived cytokines were found in samples from organic farmers. Antigen-induced cytokine release combined with Aspergillus-specific Th-cell frequencies resulted in high classification accuracy between organic farmers and controls. Aspf22, CatB, and CipC elicited the strongest differences in Th1 and Th2 responses between the two cohorts, suggesting these antigens as potential candidates for future bio-effect monitoring approaches. Overall, we found that occupationally exposed agricultural workers display a largely balanced co-expansion of Th1 and Th2 immunity with only minor changes in Th17 responses. 2021 Journal of Fungi 7 9 urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-245202 10.3390/jof7090698 Klinik und Poliklinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral-, Gefäß- und Kinderchirurgie (Chirurgische Klinik I) OPUS4-23336 Wissenschaftlicher Artikel Lenschow, Christina; Fuss, Carmina Teresa; Kircher, Stefan; Buck, Andreas; Kickuth, Ralph; Reibetanz, Joachim; Wiegering, Armin; Stenzinger, Albrecht; Hübschmann, Daniel; Germer, Christoph Thomas; Fassnacht, Martin; Fröhling, Stefan; Schlegel, Nicolas; Kroiss, Matthias Case Report: Abdominal Lymph Node Metastases of Parathyroid Carcinoma: Diagnostic Workup, Molecular Diagnosis, and Clinical Management Parathyroid carcinoma (PC) is an orphan malignancy accounting for only ~1% of all cases with primary hyperparathyroidism. The localization of recurrent PC is of critical importance and can be exceedingly difficult to diagnose and sometimes futile when common sites of recurrence in the neck and chest cannot be confirmed. Here, we present the diagnostic workup, molecular analysis and multimodal therapy of a 46-year old woman with the extraordinary manifestation of abdominal lymph node metastases 12 years after primary diagnosis of PC. The patient was referred to our endocrine tumor center in 2016 with the aim to localize the tumor causative of symptomatic biochemical recurrence. In view of the extensive previous workup we decided to perform [18F]FDG-PET-CT. A pathological lymph node in the liver hilus showed slightly increased FDG-uptake and hence was suspected as site of recurrence. Selective venous sampling confirmed increased parathyroid hormone concentration in liver veins. Abdominal lymph node metastasis was resected and histopathological examination confirmed PC. Within four months, the patient experienced biochemical recurrence and based on high tumor mutational burden detected in the surgical specimen by whole exome sequencing the patient received immunotherapy with pembrolizumab that led to a biochemical response. Subsequent to disease progression repeated abdominal lymph node resection was performed in 10/2018, 01/2019 and in 01/2020. Up to now (12/2020) the patient is biochemically free of disease. In conclusion, a multimodal diagnostic approach and therapy in an interdisciplinary setting is needed for patients with rare endocrine tumors. Molecular analyses may inform additional treatment options including checkpoint inhibitors such as pembrolizumab. 2021 Frontiers in Endocrinology 12 urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-233362 10.3389/fendo.2021.643328 Klinik und Poliklinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral-, Gefäß- und Kinderchirurgie (Chirurgische Klinik I) OPUS4-12606 Wissenschaftlicher Artikel Schick, Martin Alexander; Baar, Wolfgang; Bruno, Raphael Romano; Wollborn, Jakob; Held, Christopher; Schneider, Reinhard; Flemming, Sven; Schlegel, Nicolas; Roewer, Norbert; Neuhaus, Winfried; Wunder, Christian Balanced hydroxyethylstarch (HES 130/0.4) impairs kidney function in-vivo without inflammation Volume therapy is a standard procedure in daily perioperative care, and there is an ongoing discussion about the benefits of colloid resuscitation with hydroxyethylstarch (HES). In sepsis HES should be avoided due to a higher risk for acute kidney injury (AKI). Results of the usage of HES in patients without sepsis are controversial. Therefore we conducted an animal study to evaluate the impact of 6% HES 130/0.4 on kidney integrity with sepsis or under healthy conditions Sepsis was induced by standardized Colon Ascendens Stent Peritonitis (sCASP). sCASP-group as well as control group (C) remained untreated for 24 h. After 18 h sCASP+HES group (sCASP+VOL) and control+HES (C+VOL) received 50 ml/KG balanced 6% HES (VOL) 130/0.4 over 6h. After 24h kidney function was measured via Inulin- and PAH-Clearance in re-anesthetized rats, and serum urea, creatinine (crea), cystatin C and Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) as well as histopathology were analysed. In vitro human proximal tubule cells (PTC) were cultured +/- lipopolysaccharid (LPS) and with 0.1-4.0% VOL. Cell viability was measured with XTT-, cell toxicity with LDH-test. sCASP induced severe septic AKI demonstrated divergent results regarding renal function by clearance or creatinine measure focusing on VOL. Soleley HES (C+VOL) deteriorated renal function without sCASP. Histopathology revealed significantly derangements in all HES groups compared to control. In vitro LPS did not worsen the HES induced reduction of cell viability in PTC cells. For the first time, we demonstrated, that application of 50 ml/KG 6% HES 130/0.4 over 6 hours induced AKI without inflammation in vivo. Severity of sCASP induced septic AKI might be no longer susceptible to the way of volume expansion 2015 e0137247 PLoS One 10 9 urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-126068 10.1371/journal.pone.0137247 Klinik und Poliklinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral-, Gefäß- und Kinderchirurgie (Chirurgische Klinik I) OPUS4-12656 Wissenschaftlicher Artikel Chen, Wen; Gaßner, Birgit; Börner, Sebastian; Nikolaev, Viacheslav O.; Schlegel, Nicolas; Waschke, Jens; Steinbronn, Nadine; Strasser, Ruth; Kuhn, Michaela Atrial natriuretic peptide enhances microvascular albumin permeability by the caveolae-mediated transcellular pathway Aims Cardiac atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) participates in the maintenance of arterial blood pressure and intravascular volume homeostasis. The hypovolaemic effects of ANP result from coordinated actions in the kidney and systemic microcirculation. Hence, ANP, via its guanylyl cyclase-A (GC-A) receptor and intracellular cyclic GMP as second messenger, stimulates endothelial albumin permeability. Ultimately, this leads to a shift of plasma fluid into interstitial pools. Here we studied the role of caveolae-mediated transendothelial albumin transport in the hyperpermeability effects of ANP. Methods and results Intravital microscopy studies of the mouse cremaster microcirculation showed that ANP stimulates the extravasation of fluorescent albumin from post-capillary venules and causes arteriolar vasodilatation. The hyperpermeability effect was prevented in mice with conditional, endothelial deletion of GC-A (EC GC-A KO) or with deleted caveolin-1 (cav-1), the caveolae scaffold protein. In contrast, the vasodilating effect was preserved. Concomitantly, the acute hypovolaemic action of ANP was abolished in EC GC-A KO and Cav-1−/− mice. In cultured microvascular rat fat pad and mouse lung endothelial cells, ANP stimulated uptake and transendothelial transport of fluorescent albumin without altering endothelial electrical resistance. The stimulatory effect on albumin uptake was prevented in GC-A- or cav-1-deficient pulmonary endothelia. Finally, preparation of caveolin-enriched lipid rafts from mouse lung and western blotting showed that GC-A and cGMP-dependent protein kinase I partly co-localize with Cav-1 in caveolae microdomains. Conclusion ANP enhances transendothelial caveolae-mediated albumin transport via its GC-A receptor. This ANP-mediated cross-talk between the heart and the microcirculation is critically involved in the regulation of intravascular volume. 2012 141–151 Cardiovascular Research 93 1 urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-126562 10.1093/cvr/cvr279 Pathologisches Institut