Publikationsfonds der Universität Hohenheim

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Über den Publikationsfonds der Universität Hohenheim erhalten Wissenschaftlerinnen und Wissenschaftler der Universität finanzielle Unterstützung bei der Veröffentlichung ihrer Forschungsergebnisse im Open Access. Gefördert werden Zeitschriftenartikel in Fully-Open-Access-Zeitschriften (Gold-OA) und hybriden Subskriptionszeitschriften (Hybrid-OA) sowie Monografien. Autorinnen und Autoren können online einen Förderantrag zur Finanzierungsbeteiligung ihrer Publikation stellen.

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Now showing 1 - 18 of 18

A sensitive bioassay to measure NOD1/2 ligands in human serum reveals differential postprandial NOD2 activation
(2025) Biber, Lucy; Schart, Nadine; Bosy-Westphal, Anja; Kufer, Thomas A.
Food intake is associated with the occurrence of components and metabolites from the gut microbiota in the bloodstream. Using a widely utilised cell-based assay to measure bacterial peptidoglycan via pattern-recognition receptor activation, we found that the performance of this assay is significantly influenced by the presence of other serum components. To address this challenge, an alternative luciferase-based reporter assay protocol was established to accurately measure NOD1 and NOD2 activation by serum samples with high sensitivity. Utilising postprandial human serum samples, we tested this assay and showed that the concentration of NOD2-activating ligands differed in the postprandial phase. Together, we provide a protocol to measure NOD1/2 activation by human serum samples and highlight a role for NOD2 in the postprandial response.
Associations and patterns in lifestyle and body weight among university students over one year into the Covid-19 pandemic: A cluster analysis
(2025) Bschaden, Andreas; Ströbele-Benschop, Nanette
In March 2020, the first wave of SARS-CoV-2 infections led to far-reaching measures worldwide to slow the spread of the virus. University students were particularly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic due to the shift to distance learning. Research found an increase in body weight among a significant proportion of students, as well as unfavourable changes in food consumption and physical activity in the first months of the pandemic. The present study aimed to examine changes in food consumption, physical activity, and body weight more than one year into the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among students at a German university in July/August 2021 (n = 951). Changes in food consumption, physical activity, and self-reported body weight since the beginning of the pandemic were assessed in comparison to pre-pandemic levels. Weight gain was reported by 38 % of students, weight loss by 30 %. Changes in sweet and savoury snacks consumption were positively, and changes in sporting frequency and fruit consumption were negatively associated with weight change. A cluster analysis revealed five groups of student clusters, two of which were able to benefit from the changes in their daily lives with increased physical activity and vegetable consumption. Negative consequences, such as reduced physical activity or increased sweet and savoury snack consumption, were found in two groups. One group appeared to be unaffected. The study helps to understand how the pandemic affected students differently. A closer look is needed to identify the reasons for these varied consequences and to develop strategies to assist those who are struggling to better cope with such situations.
Contamination-controlled upper gastrointestinal microbiota profiling reveals salivary-duodenal community types linked to opportunistic pathogen carriage and inflammation
(2025) Schmidt, Nina S.; Dörner, Elisabeth; Podlesny, Daniel; Bohlhammer, Elisabeth; Bubeck, Alena M.; Ruple, Hannah K.; Tetzlaff-Lelleck, Vivian; Sina, Christian; Schmidt, Herbert; Fricke, Florian W.
The upper gastrointestinal (uGI) microbiota has been implicated in infectious, metabolic, and immunological conditions, yet remains poorly characterized due to invasive sampling and low microbial biomass. We developed and validated a contamination-controlled 16S rRNA gene and transcript-based protocol to profile the murine and human uGI microbiota from low-biomass samples. We applied this protocol to murine esophageal, gastric, and duodenal tissues, and to human saliva, gastric, and duodenal aspirates from patients undergoing endoscopy for suspected food-related, mild GI symptoms. Our objective was to identify conserved compositional and structural uGI microbiota patterns and assess their clinical relevance in relation to pathogen burden and inflammation. In mice, we found evidence for transcriptionally inactive and active intestinal taxa along the uGI tract, supporting horizontal microbiota transfer. In humans, we identified two distinct, inversely correlated salivary microbiota types – one dominated by the Prevotella 7 genus – which were conserved in the duodenum. The Prevotella 7-dominated uGI microbiota type was associated with lower relative abundances of gastrointestinal and extraintestinal opportunistic pathogens. These patterns were reproducible in an independent cohort and associated with lower systemic TNF-α levels. Our findings suggest that noninvasive salivary microbiota profiling can stratify individuals based on uGI microbiota composition and inflammation-associated risk traits, offering new opportunities for clinical applications and translational studie
EvaMol : A python tool for evaluating molecules in hit-to-lead optimization
(2025) Herzog, Anna-Maria; Steuber, Julia; Fritz, Günter
This Python script was developed as a tool in structure-based drug discovery processes, such as fragment-to-lead-optimization, where a large number of variants of an initially identified hit molecule have to be evaluated and ranked in silico. The tool facilitates the identification and selection of follow-up drug candidates with improved predicted pharmacokinetic and binding properties. These candidates can derive from different procedures like similarity search or systematic chemical modifications. The initial hit data are provided either as coordinates of the protein-molecule complex obtained experimentally or by in silico methods such as docking making the script a versatile tool adaptable to variable workflows.
Exploring the link between fat-soluble vitamins and aging-associated immune system status: a literature review
(2025) Schmieder, Hendrik; Leischner, Christian; Piotrowsky, Alban; Marongiu, Luigi; Venturelli, Sascha; Burkard, Markus
The importance of vitamin D for a well-functioning immune system is becoming increasingly evident. Nevertheless, the other fat-soluble vitamins A, E and K also seem to play a central role regarding the adequate function of immune cells and to counteract excessive immune reactions and inflammatory processes. However, recognizing hidden hunger, particularly micronutrient deficiencies in vulnerable groups like the elderly, is crucial because older adults often lack sufficient micronutrients for various reasons. This review summarizes the latest findings on the immune modulating functions of fat-soluble vitamins in a physiological and pathophysiological context, provides a graphical comparison of the Recommended Daily Allowances between Deutschland, Austria, Confoederatio Helvetica (D-A-CH; eng. GSA, Germany, Switzerland, Austria), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung (DGE; eng. German Nutrition Society) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) across all age groups and, in particular, addresses the question regarding the benefits of supplementation of the respective micronutrients for the aging population of industrialized nations to strengthen the immune system. The following review highlights the importance of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K which play critical roles in maintaining immune system function and, in some cases, in preventing excessive immune activation. Therefore, a better understanding of the relevance of adequate blood levels and consequently potential supplementation strategies may contribute to the prevention and management of infectious diseases as well as better overall health of the elderly.
The gut microbiota predicts and time-restricted feeding delays experimental colitis
(2025) Ruple, Hannah K.; Haasis, Eva; Bettenburg, Anna; Maier, Carina; Fritz, Carolin; Schüle, Laura; Löcker, Sarah; Soltow, Yvonne; Schintgen, Lynn; Schmidt, Nina S.; Schneider, Celine; Lorentz, Alex; Fricke, W. Florian
The etiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains unclear, treatment options unsatisfactory and disease development difficult to predict for individual patients. Dysbiosis of the gastrointestinal microbiota and disruption of the biological clock have been implicated and studied as diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Here, we examine the relationship of IBD to biological clock and gut microbiota by using the IL-10 deficient (IL-10-/-) mouse model for microbiota-dependent spontaneous colitis in combination with altered (4 h/4 h) light/dark cycles to disrupt and time-restricted feeding (TRF) to restore circadian rhythmicity. We show that while altered light/dark cycles disrupted the intestinal clock in wild type (WT) mice, IL-10-/- mice were characterized by altered microbiota composition, impaired intestinal clock, and microbiota rhythmicity irrespective of external clock disruption, which had no consistent colitis-promoting effect on IL-10-/- mice. TRF delayed colitis onset reduced the expression of inflammatory markers and increased the expression of clock genes in the intestine, and increased gut microbiota rhythmicity in IL-10-/- mice. Compositional changes and reduced rhythmicity of the fecal microbiota preceded colitis and could predict colitis symptoms for individual IL-10-/- mice across different experiments. Our findings provide perspectives for new diagnostic and TRF-based, therapeutic applications in IBD that should be further explored.
High physical activity is associated with decreased fungiform papillae area and number, elevated sucrose recognition thresholds, and increased IL-6 levels: an observational human study
(2025) Kimmeswenger, Isabella; Gaider, Marlies; Doppelmayer, Kevin; Ley, Jakob P.; Lieder, Barbara
Background: Disease-related inflammation affects chemosensory signaling, but knowledge on the impact of exercise-induced low-grade inflammation on taste function remains scarce. Here we hypothesized that intense habitual physical activity modifies sweet taste perception via increased cytokine release. Methods: In an observational human study we compared participants (m/f) engaging in high (n = 34) and low (n = 31) levels of habitual physical activity. Salivary IL-6 and urinary 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α levels, body composition, sucrose recognition threshold, preference and consumption of sweet foods, size and area of fungiform papillae as well as selected hormones regulating food intake were recorded. Statistical analysis was conducted using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) followed by Student’s t-tests and multiple regression models. Results: The PCA summarized the main outcome variables to two principal components (PC). PC1 was primarily influenced by body composition and fungiform papillae markers, while sucrose recognition thresholds, sweet food consumption, and IL-6 levels strongly contributed to PC2. Compared to the low activity group, the high activity group showed on average an increased sucrose recognition threshold (+ 35.8 ± 12.8%), increased IL-6 concentrations (+ 25.6 ± 10.9%), higher consumptions of sweet foods (+ 18.8 ± 4.9%) and decreased number (24.8 ± 4.9%) and area (-29.8 ± 6.4%) of fungiform papillae. Conclusions: The association between modified sweet taste function markers and increased IL-6 levels suggests that inflammatory processes may contribute to exercise-related changes in chemosensory perception.
Intestinal dysbiosis associated with non-nutritive sweeteners intake: an effect without a cause?
(2025) Marongiu, Luigi; Brzozowska, Ewa; Hetjens, Svetlana; Hoelzle, Ludwig E.; Venturelli, Sascha; Brzozowska, Ewa; Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland; Hetjens, Svetlana; Department of Medical Statistics, Biomathematics and Information Processing, University Clinic Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany; Hoelzle, Ludwig E.; Department of Food Microbiology and Hygiene, Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Venturelli, Sascha; Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
Non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) are present in various commercial articles, from foodstuffs to oral hygiene products. Despite their alleged safety, mounting evidence indicates that NNS intake is associated with an alteration of intestinal bacterial populations (dysbiosis) in animals and humans. Since NNS are commercialized based on the assumption that they are not metabolized by human cells and negligible effect on bacterial, the insurgence of dysbiosis associated with NNS intake remains unexplained. The current review aims to assess the effect of selected NNS (acesulfame potassium, advantame, aspartame, neotame, saccharin, stevia, and sucralose) on the human intestinal microbiota. Findings from this review suggests that NNS intake is linked not only to alterations in human physiology but also to modifications of bacterial biochemistry, including the hindrance of quorum sensing pathways, in a species-specific manner. Moreover, there were suggestions that NNS could also affect the biology of phages, namely by binding to the active sites of proteins involved in the infection process and altering the induction rate of prophages. The studies gathered in the present review provide a framework for understanding how NNS might be connected to dysbiosis, both directly through alterations in bacterial biochemistry and indirectly through impaired phage activity.
MMP21 behaves as a fluid flow transported morphogen to impart laterality during development
(2025) Ott, Tim; Brugger, Amelie; Szenker-Ravi, Emmanuelle; Kurrle, Yvonne; Aberle, Olivia; Tisler, Matthias; Blum, Martin; Whalen, Sandra; Bouvagnet, Patrice; Reversade, Bruno; Schweickert, Axel
Heterotaxy (HTX) is frequently caused by deleterious variants in the gene encoding Matrix metallopeptidase 21 (MMP21). However, the underlying pathomechanism has not been ascertained. In this study, we report on a novel HTX-associated MMP21 knockout allele in humans and investigate the peptidase’s role during laterality development using Xenopus embryos as animal model. The targeted inactivation of mmp21 in f0 mutant Xenopus successfully phenocopied the human HTX condition, yet the cilia-driven leftward fluid flow, which initiates asymmetric gene activity at the left-right organizer (LRO), was unaltered in mmp21 null frogs. Instead, our analysis of downstream events revealed that flow response, the left-sided repression of dand5, could not take place. Remarkably, gain-of-function experiments demonstrated that Mmp21 spreads over LRO cells and triggers flow response. Additionally, Mmp21 functions upstream of Cirop, another metallopeptidase, which we found specifically localized to LRO cilia. Thus, our findings suggest that Mmp21 may be the long-sought morphogen, which is actively transported by the leftward fluid flow to Cirop-laden cilia, in order to specify the left side of the embryo.
Motivational framing strategies in health care information security training: randomized controlled trial
(2025) Keller, Thomas; Warwas, Julia Isabella; Klein, Julia; Henkenjohann, Richard; Trenz, Manuel; Thanh-Nam Trang, Simon
Background: Information security is a critical challenge in the digital age, especially for hospitals, which are prime targets for cyberattacks due to the monetary worth of sensitive medical data. Given the distinctive security risks faced by health care professionals, tailored Security Education, Training, and Awareness (SETA) programs are needed to increase both their ability and willingness to integrate security practices into their workflows. Objective: This study investigates the effectiveness of a video-based security training, which was customized for hospital settings and enriched with motivational framing strategies to build information security skills among health care professionals. The training stands out from conventional interventions in this context, particularly by incorporating a dual-motive model to differentiate between self- and other-oriented goals as stimuli for skill acquisition. The appeal to the professional values of responsible health care work, whether absent or present, facilitates a nuanced examination of differential framing effects on training outcomes. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 130 health care professionals from 3 German university hospitals. Participants within 2 intervention groups received either a self-oriented framing (focused on personal data protection) or an other-oriented framing (focused on patient data protection) at the beginning of a security training video. A control group watched the same video without any framing. Skill assessments using situational judgment tests before and after the training served to evaluate skill growth in all 3 groups. Results: Members of the other-oriented intervention group, who were motivated to protect patients, exhibited the highest increase in security skills (ΔM=+1.13, 95% CI 0.82-1.45), outperforming both the self-oriented intervention group (ΔM=+0.55, 95% CI 0.24-0.86; P=.04) and the control group (ΔM=+0.40, 95% CI 0.10-0.70; P=.004). Conversely, the self-oriented framing of the training content, which placed emphasis on personal privacy, did not yield significantly greater improvements in security skills over the control group (mean difference=+0.15, 95% CI –0.69 to 0.38; P>.99). Further exploratory analyses suggest that the other-oriented framing was particularly impactful among participants who often interact with patients personally, indicating that a higher frequency of direct patient contact may increase receptiveness to this framing strategy. Conclusions: This study underscores the importance of aligning SETA programs with the professional values of target groups, in addition to adapting these programs to specific contexts of professional action. In the investigated hospital setting, a motivational framing that resonates with health care professionals’ sense of responsibility for patient safety has proven to be effective in promoting skill growth. The findings offer a pragmatic pathway with a theoretical foundation for implementing beneficial motivational framing strategies in SETA programs within the health care sector.
Nutrient–response modeling with a single and interpretable artificial neuron
(2025) Rodehutscord, Markus; Ahmadi, Hamed
Precise estimation of nutrient requirements and utilization efficiency is fundamental to nutritional sciences, yet it is mainly performed using classical nonlinear regression models. These models are interpretable but require careful selection of the functional form and initial parameter values. Flexible machine learning (ML) methods are seemingly disliked due to their perceived “black box” nature, which can obscure biological insight. A minimal and interpretable ML framework addresses this gap in nutrient–response modeling. The proposed approach uses a single artificial neuron with a hyperbolic tangent activation. Mathematically, this resembles a four-parameter sigmoidal function but with greater flexibility and distinct parameter definitions, allowing capture of the monotonic, saturating dynamics typical of essential nutrient responses. The method is enhanced with modern ML best practices, including data augmentation, Bayesian regularization, and bootstrap resampling, providing robust, uncertainty-quantified estimates of key nutritional metrics—such as asymptotic response, inflection point, and nutrient requirements—even from small datasets. Evaluations across 12 diverse datasets from poultry and fish studies, including amino acids and phosphorus, demonstrated that the single artificial neuron matches or exceeds the performance of classical models while providing full analytical transparency. The framework is implemented as a no-code graphical application, ‘NutriCurvist’, offering an easy-to-use alternative tool for nutrient-response modeling to support data-driven, precision nutrition.
Oral intake of the microalgae Nannochloropsis oceanica, Chlorella vulgaris, or Phaeodactylum tricornutum improves metabolic conditions in hypercaloric-fed mice
(2024) Kopp, Lena; Seethaler, Benjamin; Neumann, Ulrike; Bischoff, Stephan C.
Diet-induced metabolic load is associated with excess body weight and liver steatosis. Here, selected microalgae, known to contain bioactive nutrients, were studied for beneficial metabolic effects in a mouse model of liver steatosis. Adult mice (8 per group) were fed either a Western-style diet (WSD) or a control diet +/ 15 % of the microalgae Chlorella vulgaris (CV), Nannochloropsis oceanica (NO), or Phaeodactylum tricornutum (PT) for 12 weeks. We evaluated liver fat content and liver damage, as well as fecal microbiota and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) translocation. NO supplementation to a WSD reduced the grade of liver steatosis (from 17 % to 4.7 %, p < 0.002), the liver damage score (p < 0.001), and LPS translocation (p < 0.001). PT had similar effects on liver damage score (p < 0.001) and LPS translocation (p < 0.001). CV supplementation reduced LPS translocation (p < 0.001). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of microalgae may be a novel sustainable approach to combat metabolic loads.
Plant-based burger patties are a source of bioaccessible iron and zinc
(2025) Pospiech, Jonas; Kruger, Johanita; Frank, Jan
Background: The consumption of plant-based meat alternatives has increased substantially in recent years. However, due to the presence of absorption inhibitors, such as phytate, oxalate, and condensed tannins, the uptake of zinc and iron from plant foods may be low. We therefore quantified minerals (Fe, Zn), inhibitors (phytate, oxalate, condensed tannins), and enhancers (ascorbic acid, carotenoids) of mineral absorption in pea protein-, soy protein-, soy flour-, and sunflower protein-based burger patties and the resulting bioaccessibility of the contained iron and zinc conducting in vitro digestion experiments. Results: The soy flour-based burger had nearly complete bioaccessibility for zinc (105 ± 6 %) and iron (101 ± 11 %), while the three other plant burgers had significantly lower bioaccessibilities (zinc, 9–12 %; iron, 43–57 %). The phytate but not the oxalate and condensed tannin contents of the patties were negatively correlated with the bioaccessibility of iron and zinc (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Plant-based meat alternatives may be an important source of bioaccessible iron and zinc, if they contain low amounts of phytate, and may contribute to an adequate supply of these minerals. Conclusion: Plant-based meat alternatives may be an important source of bioaccessible iron and zinc, if they contain low amounts of phytate, and may contribute to an adequate supply of these minerals.
Regulation of Klotho production by mineralocorticoid receptor signaling in renal cell lines
(2025) Kohm, Elena; Feger, Martina; Föller, Michael; Kohm, Elena; Department of Physiology, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; Feger, Martina; Department of Physiology, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; Yayama, Katsutoshi; Department of Physiology, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; Yayama, Katsutoshi
Through the mineralocorticoid receptor, aldosterone controls extracellular volume and arterial blood pressure by stimulating Na⁺ absorption and K⁺ secretion in epithelial cells of the kidney, colon, and several glands. Hyperaldosteronism promotes fibrosis and inflammation in epithelial and non-epithelial tissues, thereby favoring loss of kidney and heart function. Mineralocorticoid receptor blockade therefore gains relevance especially in renal and cardiac disease. Kidney-derived Klotho is a powerful anti-aging protein with anti-fibrosis and anti-inflammatory effects providing cardio- and nephroprotection. We wondered whether Klotho expression and production is influenced by mineralocorticoid receptor agonists and antagonists. Using four renal cell lines, Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK), normal rat kidney, subtype 52E (NRK-52E), human kidney 2 (HK2) cells, and primary renal proximal tubule epithelial cells (RPTECs), and the four most frequently prescribed mineralocorticoid receptor blockers, spironolactone, eplerenone, finerenone, and esaxerenone, we assessed Klotho gene expression by qRT-PCR and Klotho protein by Western blotting. Aldosterone and eplerenone did not significantly affect Klotho expression in either cell line. Spironolactone enhanced Klotho expression in MDCK and NRK-52E cells and downregulated Klotho in HK2 cells and RPTECs. Novel non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist finerenone downregulated Klotho expression in MDCK, NRK-52E, and low-dose finerenone in HK2 cells. To conclude, common mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists are characterized by highly diverse effects on Klotho in four renal cell lines. Further studies are needed to define the role of mineralocorticoid receptor blockade for Klotho production.
Sucrose reduction with maintained sweetness level lowers glycemic fluctuations and energy intake in healthy males
(2025) Gaider, Marlies; Kimmeswenger, Isabella; Schmidt, Jana; Thines, Cynthia; Wu, Anni; Stoffl, Teresa K.; Rust, Petra; Ley, Jakob P.; Krammer, Gerhard E.; Somoza, Veronika; Lieder, Barbara; Gaider, Marlies; Christian Doppler Laboratory for Taste Research, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Kimmeswenger, Isabella; Vienna Doctoral School of Chemistry (DoSChem), University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Schmidt, Jana; Department Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Institute of Clinical Nutrition, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Thines, Cynthia; Christian Doppler Laboratory for Taste Research, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Wu, Anni; Christian Doppler Laboratory for Taste Research, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Stoffl, Teresa K.; Christian Doppler Laboratory for Taste Research, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Rust, Petra; Department of Nutrional Science, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Ley, Jakob P.; Symrise AG, Holzminden, Germany; Krammer, Gerhard E.; Symrise AG, Holzminden, Germany; Somoza, Veronika; Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
Introduction: The sole perception of sweet taste is discussed to interfere with postprandial blood glucose regulation and leading to enhanced cravings for sweet foods. This raises the question whether preserving sweetness while reducing sugar in a test solution can sustain beneficial effects on blood glucose regulation and subsequently decrease postprandial energy intake. Specifically, we hypothesized that reducing the caloric load of a sucrose solution while maintaining the perceived sweetness intensity by adding hesperetin as a taste modifier attenuates large fluctuations in postprandial blood glucose concentrations with beneficial effects on appetite and cravings for sweet foods. Methods: In a randomized crossover study with 32 healthy male participants, the effect of a 10% sucrose solution on blood glucose regulation and energy intake was compared to an equi-sweet 7% sucrose solution with 50 mg/L hesperetin. Data was analyzed using paired Student’s t-tests or Repeated-measures ANOVA. The study was approved by the ethical committee of the University of Vienna (approval number 00903) and registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05705596). Results: The results show that the decline in blood glucose concentrations was less pronounced after consumption of the 7% sucrose solution with hesperetin than after the isosweet 10% sucrose solution. Additionally, participants reported less desire for a sweet snack and had on average a 10 ± 7% (p < 0.05) lower energy intake after consumption of the 7% sucrose hesperetin-spiked solution. Conclusion: In conclusion, our results argue for a pronounced role of the carbohydrate content in postprandial appetite regulation.
Tannic acid and ethacridine lactate attenuate markers of stress-induced intestinal barrier dysfunctions in murine small intestinal organoids
(2025) Filipe Rosa, Louisa; Gonda, Steffen; Roese, Nadine; Bischoff, Stephan C.; Kwok, Hang Fai (Henry); Alaimo, Alessandro
(1) Background: Tannacomp® is a drug consisting of tannin albuminate, a complex of tannic acid (TA) and ethacridine lactate (Eta) used for treating acute and traveler’s diarrhea. TA is thought to modulate gastrointestinal barrier function, but the underlying mechanisms and whether Eta has similar effects remains unclear. (2) Methods: to investigate the effects of TA and Eta on the intestinal barrier, stress responses were induced in murine intestinal organoids by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure or withdrawal of growth factors from cell culture medium (GFRed). Further, organoids were exposed to either TA (0.01 mg/mL) or Eta (0.002 mg/mL) and markers of inflammatory response and gut barrier function were assessed. (3) Results: TA and Eta reduced several inflammatory markers such as interleukin 6, interleukin 1β, tumor necrosis factor α, and myeloid differentiation primary response 88 in stressed organoids. In addition, TA and Eta attenuated LPS- and GFRed-mediated gut barrier dysfunctions, with normalization of tight junction, adherent junction and mucin gene expression and reduction of Nod2- and matrix metalloproteinase 7-dependent activation of antimicrobial peptides. (4) Conclusions: our data show that TA and Eta modulate markers of inflammation and the intestinal barrier and suggest novel mechanisms of action of this drug that could broaden its treatment indications.
The therapeutic potential of vitamins A, C, and D in pancreatic cancer
(2025) Piotrowsky, Alban; Burkard, Markus; Schmieder, Hendrik; Venturelli, Sascha; Renner, Olga; Marongiu, Luigi
The pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is among the deadliest tumor diseases worldwide. While treatment options have generally become more diverse, little progress has been made in the treatment of PDAC and the median survival time for patients with locally advanced PDAC is between 8.7 and 13.7 months despite treatment. The aim of this review was to explore the therapeutic potential of complementing standard therapy with natural or synthetic forms of vitamins A, C, and D. The therapeutic use of vitamins A, C, and D could be a promising addition to the treatment of PDAC. For all three vitamins and their derivatives, tumor cell-specific cytotoxicity and growth inhibition against PDAC cells has been demonstrated in vitro and in preclinical animal models. While the antitumor effect of vitamin C is probably mainly due to its pro-oxidative effect in supraphysiological concentrations, vitamin A and vitamin D exert their effect by activating nuclear receptors and influencing gene transcription. In addition, there is increasing evidence that vitamin A and vitamin D influence the tumor stroma, making the tumor tissue more accessible to other therapeutic agents. Based on these promising findings, there is a high urgency to investigate vitamins A, C, and D in a clinical context as a supplement to standard therapy in PDAC. Further studies are needed to better understand the exact mechanism of action of the individual compounds and to develop the best possible treatment regimen. This could contribute to the long-awaited progress in the treatment of this highly lethal tumor entity.
Workplace stressors and burnout among healthcare professionals: Insights from the pandemic and implications for future public health crises
(2025) Daneshvar, Elahe; Otterbach, Steffen
This study evaluates the prevalence of burnout among healthcare professionals (HCPs) during the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran and examines its association with key occupational stressors (workload, job control, and leadership communication). Furthermore, it proposes relevant organisational interventions for future pandemic preparedness. A cross-sectional survey of HCPs (N = 723) was conducted in four hospitals in Tehran during the third peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran, including the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory and items on perceived workload, job control, and leadership communication. The study found that 67.41% of HCPs reported substantial symptoms of burnout (moderate-to-high burnout, i.e. CBI ≥ 50), with a mean score of 59.6 points. The prevalence of burnout (CBI ≥ 50) was prominent across all three dimensions—personal, work, and patient-related—at 72.86%, 69.87%, and 65.37%, respectively. The analysis demonstrated significant associations between burnout and the three foundational workplace stressors. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that frontline, female, and married HCPs reported the highest levels of burnout. This study provides practical implications for healthcare organisations and policy makers, highlighting the need for targeted organizational interventions that could mitigate burnout during ongoing and future health crises.

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