Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

B Behnke

Publications and source records attributed to B Behnke.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

A multivalent HIV-vaccine: development of a plasmid DNA for the expression of HIV envelope glycoproteins with hypervariable V3-loop domains.

The third hypervariable (V3) loop of the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120 plays an essential role in the process of viral entry. It contributes to the tropism, coreceptor usage and immune-escape of the virus. We generated a monovalent plasmid DNA and demonstrated the expression of HIV-1 clade B subtype NL4-3 gp120 and gp160 in comparison to a multivalent plasmid DNA encoding for a variety of V3-variants. In contrast to the membrane-anchored gp160, preliminary data demonstrate the monovariant gp120 is expressed in and presented on a human dendritic cell (DC) line, due to a HIVenv-specific re-stimulation of naïve T-cells detected by IFNgamma-ELISPOT assay.

AIDS Vaccines↗

Activity of histone H1.2 in infected burn wounds.

OBJECTIVES: Infections with multidrug-resistant microorganisms (e.g. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus) cause immense complications in wound care and in the treatment of immunosuppressed patients. Like most antimicrobial peptides, histones are relatively small polycationic proteins located in each eukaryotic nucleus, which naturally supercoil DNA. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro and in vivo activity of histone H1.2 in infected burn wounds and its potential toxicity. METHODS: To characterize the antimicrobial properties of histone H1.2 against potential causative organisms of burn wound infections, the in vitro radial diffusion assay and modified NCCLS microbroth dilution MIC assay were carried out. Haemolytic and cytotoxic properties were determined in human red blood cells and primary human keratinocytes. In vivo antimicrobial activity was tested in an infected rat burn model with P. aeruginosa (ATCC 27853). All results were compared with the naturally occurring broad-spectrum antimicrobial peptide protegrin-1 and with antibiotics clinically used against the corresponding bacteria. RESULTS: Human histone H1.2 exerted good antimicrobial activity against all tested microorganisms without significant haemolytic activity. Surprisingly, histone H1.2 showed cytotoxicity with an LD50 of 7.91 mg/L in primary human keratinocytes. The in vivo burn model data revealed a significant three-fold higher reduction in bacterial counts within 4 h compared with carrier control. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that histone H1.2 is a potential candidate for use as a local and, because of its low haemolytic activity, systemic antimicrobial agent. However, further investigations are needed to specify the cytotoxicity and the dose-response relationship for histone H1.2.

Animals↗

[Injury pattern caused by aggressive inline skating].

In order to evaluate the special injury pattern of aggressive inline skating, a field study was conducted in a local, non-commercial skate park equipped with all the typical features like ramps, halfpipes, gully areas. 66 unselected aggressive inline skaters were randomly enrolled and interviewed concerning their skating habits and their skating injury history. Average age was 15 (10 to 41) years, skating was performed since 2.1 (0.1 to 6) years, as aggressive skating since 1.3 (0.1 to 4) years. Medical treatment in a doctor's practice or in a hospital had been necessary in 66 cases, averaging 1.4 times per skater and year, averaging one injury per 586 hours of aggressive skating. The injury pattern reflected the regions typically injured in fitness skating, too, with a higher percentage of injuries concerning knee, tibia and ankle region. The use of protective devices varied from 41 % (wrist guards) to 94 % (knee pads), with an average of 69 %. Only 32 % of skaters wore all protective devices. As the personal thrill is an important motivation for aggressive skating, safer skating campaigns are quite unlikely to decrease the risk of injury in aggressive skaters.

Adolescent↗

[Experiences after 150 cartilage-bone-transplantations of the knee: a prospective analysis of the results].

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the clinical outcome of cartilage-bone-transplantations of the knee in patients with different indications, we studied the clinical results of 45 patients with a follow-up of 24 months after operation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 29 male and 16 female patients with a mean age of 37.7 yrs (16-58 yrs) were included. Indications for operation were osteochondritis dissecans (OD) (n=13), limited arthritis (n=20), traumatic lesions (n=5) and retropatellar lesions (n=7). The results were evaluated by clinical score (McDermott Score; preoperatively, and 3, 6, 12, 24 months postoperatively), magnetic resonance imaging, and re-arthroscopy for most patients. RESULTS: 42 of 45 patients judged the operation as successful. The mean score value of all patients raised from 66.3 pts (out of 100 pts) preoperatively to 92.7 pts 24 months postoperatively. The results of the patients with circumscript arthritic lesions (62.9 pts. preoperatively vs. 91.5 pts. postoperatively) were comparable to those of the other patients. CONCLUSION: We conclude that cartilage-bone-transplantation of the knee is a valuable procedure to improve joint function not only after OD or trauma, but also in joints with local arthritic lesions on condition that there is an adequate quality of the donor site.

Adolescent↗

Effects of the antirheumatic remedy hox alpha--a new stinging nettle leaf extract--on matrix metalloproteinases in human chondrocytes in vitro.

Inflammatory joint diseases are characterized by enhanced extracellular matrix degradation which is predominantly mediated by cytokine-stimulated upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression. Besides tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) produced by articular chondrocytes and synovial macrophages, is the most important cytokine stimulating MMP expression under inflammatory conditions. Blockade of these two cytokines and their downstream effectors are suitable molecular targets of antirheumatic therapy. Hox alpha is a novel stinging nettle (Urtica dioica/Urtica urens) leaf extract used for treatment of rheumatic diseases. The aim of the present study was to clarify the effects of Hox alpha and the monosubstance 13-HOTrE (13-Hydroxyoctadecatrienic acid) on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1, -3 and -9 proteins (MMP-1, -3, -9). Human chondrocytes were cultured on collagen type-II-coated petri dishes, exposed to IL-1beta and treated with or without Hox alpha and 13-HOTrE. A close analysis by immunofluorescence microscopy and western blot analysis showed that Hox alpha and 13-HOTrE significantly suppressed IL-1beta-induced expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1, -3 and -9 proteins on the chondrocytes in vitro. The potential of Hox alpha and 13-HOTrE to suppress the expression of matrix metalloproteinases may explain the clinical efficacy of stinging nettle leaf extracts in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. These results suggest that the monosubstance 13-HOTrE is one of the more active antiinflammatory substances in Hox alpha and that Hox alpha may be a promising remedy for therapy of inflammatory joint diseases.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗

Bone mineral density in children with primary hyperoxaluria type I.

BACKGROUND: In primary hyperoxaluria type I (PH 1), hepatic overproduction of oxalate leads to its deposition in various organ systems including bone (oxalosis). To evaluate skeletal status non-invasively in PH 1 we measured bone mineral density (BMD). METHODS: Peripheral quantitative computed tomography of the distal radius was performed in 10 children with PH 1 (mean chronological age 9+/-3.1, mean skeletal age 8.3+/-3.0 years): seven were on conservative treatment (CT) including one patient after pre-emptive liver transplantation (PH1-CT) and three were studied with end-stage renal disease on peritoneal dialysis (PH1-ESRD). RESULTS: Mean trabecular bone density (TBD) was significantly increased in PH1-ESRD compared with both age-matched healthy and uraemic controls (65227 vs. 168+/-63 and 256+/-80 mg/cm(3); P<0.002 and P<0.007, respectively), while cortical bone density (CBD) was elevated to a lesser degree (517+/-23 vs. 348+/-81 vs. 385+/-113 mg/cm(3); P<0.02 and P<0.04, respectively). In PH 1, CBD and, even more so, TBD were significantly correlated with serum creatinine (r=0.91 and r=0.96, P<0.0001, respectively) and plasma oxalate levels (r=0.86 and r=0.94, P<0.001 and P<0.0001, respectively). In children with PH 1 and normal glomerular function, both CBD and TBD were comparable with healthy controls. CONCLUSION: These preliminary data suggest that in PH 1 BMD is significantly increased in ESRD, probably due to oxalate disposal. Measurement of BMD may be a valuable and non-invasive tool in determining and monitoring oxalate burden in this disorder.

Bone Density↗

Fluorescence imaging of frit effects in capillary separations.

The gradient of five dansylated amino acids in a capillary-based separation system commonly used in capillary liquid chromatography (LC) or capillary electrochromatography (CEC) was followed and examined in detail using a detection method based on laser-induced fluorescence imaging. The detection system consisted of an XeCl excimer laser and an image-intensified charge-coupled device (CCD) camera. Fluorescence intensity profiles along the capillary column were displayed and continuously updated on a computer screen. The detector system enabled the separation dynamics in the column to be monitored. The experiments were focused on the course of events, especially at interfaces. The processes occurring at the beginning of the reversed-phase packing material were studied as well as at the transition from stationary phase to the outlet frit and the open tubular area. Striking differences in signal intensity and separation efficiency were revealed depending on where on the column detection was performed. Furthermore, adsorption of the analytes on the frits was observed.

Amino Acids↗

Plant extracts from stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), an antirheumatic remedy, inhibit the proinflammatory transcription factor NF-kappaB.

Activation of transcription factor NF-kappaB is elevated in several chronic inflammatory diseases and is responsible for the enhanced expression of many proinflammatory gene products. Extracts from leaves of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) are used as antiinflammatory remedies in rheumatoid arthritis. Standardized preparations of these extracts (IDS23) suppress cytokine production, but their mode of action remains unclear. Here we demonstrate that treatment of different cells with IDS23 potently inhibits NF-kappaB activation. An inhibitory effect was observed in response to several stimuli, suggesting that IDS23 suppressed a common NF-kappaB pathway. Inhibition of NF-kappaB activation by IDS23 was not mediated by a direct modification of DNA binding, but rather by preventing degradation of its inhibitory subunit IkappaB-alpha. Our results suggests that part of the antiinflammatory effect of Urtica extract may be ascribed to its inhibitory effect on NF-kappaB activation.

Animals↗

Tryptic digest mapping by gradient capillary electrochromatography.

A high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system complemented with T-split, capillary detection cell and a high voltage power supply was used for peptide mapping by gradient electrochromatography and nanoliquid chromatography (nano-LC). With capillary columns of 100 microm ID, 6 cm packed with octadecylated 1.5 microm silica particles, the typical analysis time was approximately 10-15 min. The resolution of a tryptic digest of cytochrome c obtained by electrochromatography at 100 kV/m was superior compared to the analysis by nano-LC. Bubble formation caused by Joule heating at currents up to 100 microA was successfully suppressed by using a resistor capillary of 25 microm ID connected to the outlet of the packed column.

Chromatography, Liquid↗

Enhancing of anti-viral activity against HIV-1 by stimulation of CD8+ T cells with thymic peptides.

HIV-1 can be neutralized by soluble factors produced and secreted by activated CD8+ T cells. Production of such anti-viral CD8 factors (including chemokines) can be induced with IL-2 or phytohaemagglutinin (PHA). In addition to PHA or IL-2, we have co-stimulated CD8+ T cells with PHA/IL-2 and a mixture of thymic peptides (TP) of molecular weights below 10 kD. For the activation, CD8+ T cells were purified from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of HIV-1- individuals and any resultant anti-viral activity was monitored using an HIV-1 neutralization assay. Using HIV-1 isolates highly resistant to chemokine inhibition we detected significantly higher levels of HIV-1 neutralizing activity in CD8+ T cell culture supernatants which had been co-activated with TP. When the TP-induced anti-viral activity was monitored, neutralization of both non-syncytia-inducing (NSI) and syncytia-inducing (SI) patient isolates was enhanced by 38% (NSI, PHA +/- TP), 66% (SI, PHA +/- TP), 28% (NSI, IL-2 +/- TP), and 57% (SI, IL-2 +/- TP) compared with the anti-viral activity present in supernatants from CD8+ T cell cultures stimulated only with PHA or IL-2. Peptide sequence analysis of purified TP showed that the TP mixture predominantly contains peptides with homology to human histone and collagen sequences. Our data demonstrate that CD8+ T cells are additionally activated by a mixture of TP. In this way, the production of HIV-1 neutralizing CD8 factors can be enhanced.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

Antirheumatic effect of IDS 23, a stinging nettle leaf extract, on in vitro expression of T helper cytokines.

OBJECTIVE: Stinging nettle leaf extracts are registered in Germany for adjuvant therapy of rheumatic diseases. In a whole blood culture system the nettle extract IDS 23 (Rheuma-Hek) inhibited lipopolysaccharide stimulated monocyte cytokine expression, indicating an immunomodulating effect. We investigated the immunomodulating effects of IDS 23 on phytohemagglutinin (PHA) stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in vitro. METHODS: Using commercial immunoassays the distinct cytokine patterns of Th1 and Th2 cells were determined. Interleukin 2 (IL-2) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) mRNA expression was evaluated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with PHA stimulated PBMC. RESULTS: IDS 23 inhibited PHA stimulated production of Th1-specific IL-2 and IFN-gamma in PBMC culture (n = 10) in a dose dependent manner up to 50+/-32% and 77+/-14%, respectively. In contrast, IDS 23 stimulated the secretion of Th2-specific IL-4. The dose dependent inhibiting effect on IL-2 and IFN-gamma expression was also detected with RT-PCR, while the amount of actin-specific mRNA transcript was not modified by IDS 23. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest the effective ingredient of IDS 23 acts by mediating a switch in T helper cell derived cytokine patterns. IDS 23 may inhibit the inflammatory cascade in autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

Antirheumatic Agents↗

Effects of antihypertensive drugs on cholesterol metabolism of human mononuclear leukocytes and hepatoma cells.

OBJECTIVES: Primary prevention trials of antihypertensive therapy have shown conflicting results on coronary events. Potential interference of antihypertensive agents with cellular lipid metabolism may alter the atherosclerotic risk of individuals. DESIGN AND METHODS: The effects of the calcium antagonist's verapamil, diltiazem, and nifedipine and of the beta-blockers propranolol and metoprolol on low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor activity, cholesterol esterification rate, oleate incorporation in triglycerides and sterol synthesis were studied in freshly isolated human leukocytes and HEP G2 cells. RESULTS: Up to a concentration of 3-10 mumol/L, verapamil, propranolol, and metoprolol led to an increased cellular content of 125I-LDL by an inhibition of degradation. In mononuclear cells verapamil stimulated accumulation and degradation. No effect on binding was observed. Diltiazem was only stimulatory on 125I-LDL processing in leukocytes. Beta blockers and verapamil significantly reduced the LDL mediated 14C-oleate incorporation in cholesterol esters. In the presence of 25-hydroxycholesterol the esterification was not diminished, which suggests that cholesterolacyltransferase (ACAT) was not affected per se. Whereas all the agents induced the synthesis of lanosterol, metoprolol inhibited cholesterol synthesis. None of the agents had a significant influence on 14C-oleate incorporation in triglycerides, suggesting a specific influence on cholesterol metabolism. CONCLUSIONS: Antihypertensive drugs affect the cholesterol metabolism on a cellular level. Mechanisms are an interference with degradation of LDL and consequent alterations of cholesterol esterification. Using leukocytes as peripheral cells and HEP G2 as a model of human liver, these results may have importance when antihypertensive long-term therapy is conducted for primary or secondary prevention of atherosclerotic complications.

Antihypertensive Agents↗

Bone alkaline phosphatase in children with chronic renal failure.

BACKGROUND: With the introduction of a new immunoradiometric assay based on two monoclonal antibodies (Tandem-Ostase, Hybritech) the determination of bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP) to evaluate bone metabolism in chronic renal failure has become easier and more valid. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Using this test we investigated BAP in a total of 90 paediatric patients, 42 (9.2+/-5.5 years) with chronic renal failure on conservative treatment, 22 (9.5+/-5.4 years) under chronic dialysis, and 26 (16.2+/-5.9 years) after renal transplantation, compared to 203 controls (10.1+/-5.7 years). RESULTS: The physiological age dependency found in controls including two peaks during infancy and puberty was distinctly disturbed in chronic renal failure. However, in patients BAP significantly correlated with height velocity rather reflecting the last 6 (r=0.56 P<0.001) than the last 12 months. Although BAP correlated well with total alkaline phosphatase (TAP; r=0.95 P<0.001), a significant correlation with the serum level of the intact parathyroid hormone could only be detected for BAP (r=0.45 P<0.001) but not for TAP (r=0.19 n.s.). Furthermore, BAP positively correlated with trabecular (n=40; r=0.40 P<0.05) and inversely with cortical bone density (n=19; r=-0.58 P<0.01) but no relationship was found with conventional X-ray. CONCLUSION: BAP determined by the new radioimmunoassay seems to represent an additional diagnostic tool to assess growth and bone turnover in paediatric patients with chronic renal failure that is complementary to the information provided by X-ray and total alkaline phosphatase.

Adolescent↗

Enzyme activities in tissue of human benign prostatic hyperplasia after three months' treatment with the Sabal serrulata extract IDS 89 (Strogen) or placebo.

OBJECTIVE: The mechanism of action of plant extracts used for the medical treatment of human benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is still unknown. In this prospective, randomized, double-blind trial, we investigated the possible influence of the Sabal serrulata extract IDS 89 (Strogen) on epithelial and stromal enzyme activities of BPH tissue. METHODS: 18 patients with BPH were randomly assigned to receive 3 x 2 capsules Strogen uno (320 mg/capsule) (n = 8) or placebo (n = 10) daily for 3 months. The activity (Vmax and Km) of 5 alpha-reductase. 3 alpha-HSORred, 3 beta-HSORred, and creatine kinase was determined in mechanically separated epithelium and stroma of human BPH. RESULTS: The multivariate correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between therapy and the following enzyme alterations: (1) In epithelium, the substrate affinity of the 5 alpha-reductase decreased slightly (increase of Km value). (2) In stroma, the Vmax value of the 3 alpha-HSORred increased statistically distinctly, leading to a moderate increase of Vmax/Km. (3) In stroma, the Vmax value of the 3 beta-HSORred increased moderately, but not statistically significant. (4) In stroma, the Vmax value of creatine kinase increased significantly, leading to a statistically distinct increase of Vmax/Km. CONCLUSION: This double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial with the S. serrulata extract IDS 89 revealed significant biochemical changes at the cellular level of BPH tissue. However, the alterations are merely moderate, their biochemical causes and consequences regarding the pathophysiology of BPH rather uncertain. Therefore, more studies are needed before plant extracts like IDS 89 become valid candidates likewise synthetic substances already used for medical treatment of human BPH.

3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

Effects of the sabal serrulata extract IDS 89 and its subfractions on 5 alpha-reductase activity in human benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Extract from fruit of Sabal serrulata are used in the treatment of human benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Therefore, it is of interest whether this phytopharmacon has any influence on the androgen metabolism in the human prostate. It was found that the extract IDS 89 of Sabal serrulata inhibited dose dependently 5 alpha-reductase activity in the epithelium and stroma of human BPH, the mean inhibition being 29% and 45%, respectively. This inhibitory effect is mainly due to the saponifiable subfraction of IDS 89 showing a mean 5 alpha-reductase inhibition of 39% and 38% in epithelium and stroma, respectively. The inhibition was dose dependent and noncompetitive. At a testosterone concentration of 580 nM as substrate for 5 alpha-reductase, the main fatty acids of the extract IDS 89 gave rise to a percentual enzyme inhibition in the epithelium and stroma as follows: 51% and 42% (lauric acid), 5% and 0% (oleic acid), 43% and 34% (myristic acid), 2% and 0% (palmitic acid), respectively. The inhibitory effect of lauric acid was noncompetitive and dose dependent up to a concentration of 0.2 nM, the maximal inhibition in the epithelium and stroma being 52% and 45%, respectively. The nonsaponifiable subfraction, consisting mainly of phytosterols, showed a mean inhibition of 5 alpha-reductase in the epithelium and stroma of 15% and 10%, respectively. Finally, the hydrophilic subfraction, containing carbohydrates, amino acids, and polysaccharides, showed no inhibitory effect. The present in vitro studies suggest that the Sabal serrulata extract IDS 89 has an inhibitory effect on 5 alpha-reductase in the epithelium and stroma of human BPH. This inhibition is mainly due to the fatty acids of the saponifiable subfraction.

Cholestenone 5 alpha-Reductase↗

In vitro inhibition of testicular delta 5-3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and prostatic 5 alpha-reductase activities in rats and humans by strogen forte extract.

Clinical findings indicate that Strogen forte (a standardized extract of the plant Sabalis serrulata) can be use successfully in the medical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible inhibitory effects of the Strogen forte extract on rat and human testicular delta 5-3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (delta 5-3 beta-HSD) and prostatic 5 alpha-reductase (5 alpha-R). Strogen forte proved to be a direct inhibitor of medium effectivity, with similar IC50 values for rat testicular delta 5-3 beta-HSD (400 +/- 23 micrograms/ml) and human testicular delta 5-3 beta-HSD (212 +/- 8.6 micrograms/ml). 5 alpha-R activities were analysed by in vitro incubation of rat and human prostatic tissue homogenates with 14C-labelled testosterone as substrate in KRPG-DTT medium (pH = 7.4) with NADPH coenzyme, in air, at 37 degrees C, in the presence of Strogen forte extract. The results clearly demonstrate that Strogen forte is a potent inhibitor of prostatic 5 alpha-R, with IC50 values of 385 +/- 35.6 micrograms/ml for rat and 245 +/- 64.6 micrograms/ml for human prostatic 5 alpha-R. The present study has revealed that this plant extract inhibits not only prostatic 5 alpha-R, but also testicular delta 5-3 beta-HSD.

3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

Ex-vivo in-vitro inhibition of lipopolysaccharide stimulated tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1 beta secretion in human whole blood by extractum urticae dioicae foliorum.

An extract of Urtica dioica folium (IDS 23, Rheuma-Hek), monographed positively for adjuvant therapy of rheumatic diseases and with known effects in partial inhibition of prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis in vitro, was investigated with respect to effects of the extract on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in human whole blood of healthy volunteers. In the assay system used, LPS stimulated human whole blood showed a straight increase of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) secretion reaching maximum concentrations within 24 h following a plateau and slight decrease up to 65 h, respectively. The concentrations of these cytokines was strongly positively correlated with the number of monocytes/macrophages of each volunteer. TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta concentration after LPS stimulation was significantly reduced by simultaneously given IDS 23 in a strictly dose dependent manner. At time 24 h these cytokine concentrations were reduced by 50.8% and 99.7%, respectively, using the highest test IDS 23 assay concentration of 5 mg/ml (p < 0.001). After 65 h the corresponding inhibition was 38.9% and 99.9%, respectively (p < 0.001). On the other hand IDS 23 showed no inhibition but stimulated IL-6 secretion in absence of LPS alone. Simultaneously given LPS and IDS 23 resulted in no further increase. In contrast to described effects on arachidonic acid cascade in vitro, tested Urtica dioica phenol carbon acid derivates and flavonoides such as caffeic malic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, quercetin and rutin did not influence LPS stimulated TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta and IL-6 secretion in tested concentrations up to 5 x 10(-5) mol/l. These further findings on the pharmacological mechanism of action of Urticae dioica folia may explain the positive effects of this extract in the treatment of rheumatic diseases.

Adult↗