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Micronutrients, as essential components of prenatal care, are important to reduce the risk for maternal and child morbidity and mortality by lowering pregnancy-related complications. The present study aimed to investigate the status of the trace elements, i.e., selenium, zinc, and manganese in pregnant and non-pregnant women from a developing country and to evaluate its relationship with maternal and child complications. Selenium, zinc, and manganese concentrations were measured in the blood serum of 80 pregnant women and compared with 40 non-pregnant healthy controls. The quantitative analyses of trace elements were performed by using the inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) method. The information about the dietary habits of the study participants was recorded by using a food frequency questionnaire. The results showed significant lower selenium and zinc levels in pregnant women as compared to the controls (2.26 ± 1.09 vs. 2.76 ± 1.15 µmol/L, p = 0.031; 21.86 ± 7.21 vs. 29.54 ± 7.62 µmol/L, p < 0.001) respectively, with no difference in manganese concentrations (1.40 ± 0.09 vs.1.38 ± 0.09 log10 nmol/L, p = 0.365). Regarding maternal and child complications, higher manganese levels were associated with an increased odds ratio for maternal complications (OR = 3.175, CI (95%) 1.631−6.181; p = 0.038). Consumption of dairy products was associated with lower selenium and manganese values. Pregnant women showed a lower serum selenium and zinc status, and in addition elevated serum manganese concentrations, which might be associated with a higher risk for maternal pregnancy/birth complications, although more studies are necessary to evaluate this association.
Sehar Iqbal; Inayat Ali; Petra Rust; Michael Kundi; Cem Ekmekcioglu. Selenium, Zinc, and Manganese Status in Pregnant Women and Its Relation to Maternal and Child Complications. Nutrients 2020, 12, 725 .
AMA StyleSehar Iqbal, Inayat Ali, Petra Rust, Michael Kundi, Cem Ekmekcioglu. Selenium, Zinc, and Manganese Status in Pregnant Women and Its Relation to Maternal and Child Complications. Nutrients. 2020; 12 (3):725.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSehar Iqbal; Inayat Ali; Petra Rust; Michael Kundi; Cem Ekmekcioglu. 2020. "Selenium, Zinc, and Manganese Status in Pregnant Women and Its Relation to Maternal and Child Complications." Nutrients 12, no. 3: 725.
Birth related complications and comorbidities are highly associated with a poor nutritional status of pregnant women, whereas iron and iodine are among especially important trace elements for healthy maternal and fetal outcomes. The study compares the status of iron, iodine, and related functional parameters in pregnant and non-pregnant women from a developing country and associates the data with pregnancy complications. The concentrations of ferritin, hemoglobin (Hb), total triiodothyronine (TT3), total thyroxine (TT4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were determined in the blood serum of 80 pregnant women at the time of delivery and compared with 40 non-pregnant healthy controls. Spot urine samples were taken to evaluate the urinary iodine concentration (UIC). In pregnant women, ferritin, Hb concentrations, and UIC were significantly lower, and TT4 values were significantly higher compared to controls. Higher Hb levels were tendentially associated with a reduced risk for pregnancy complications (OR = 0.747, CI (95%) 0.556–1.004; p = 0.053). Regarding covariates, only previous miscarriages were marginally associated with pregnancy complications. High consumption of dairy products was associated with lower Hb and ferritin values. Our results suggest that pregnant women from a developing country have lower iron status with Hb levels being possibly associated with pregnancy complications.
Sehar Iqbal; Petra Rust; Lisbeth Weitensfelder; Inayat Ali; Michael Kundi; Hanns Moshammer; Cem Ekmekcioglu. Iron and Iodine Status in Pregnant Women from A Developing Country and Its Relation to Pregnancy Outcomes. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2019, 16, 4414 .
AMA StyleSehar Iqbal, Petra Rust, Lisbeth Weitensfelder, Inayat Ali, Michael Kundi, Hanns Moshammer, Cem Ekmekcioglu. Iron and Iodine Status in Pregnant Women from A Developing Country and Its Relation to Pregnancy Outcomes. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2019; 16 (22):4414.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSehar Iqbal; Petra Rust; Lisbeth Weitensfelder; Inayat Ali; Michael Kundi; Hanns Moshammer; Cem Ekmekcioglu. 2019. "Iron and Iodine Status in Pregnant Women from A Developing Country and Its Relation to Pregnancy Outcomes." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 16, no. 22: 4414.
Cem Ekmekcioglu; Michael Kundi; Hans-Peter Hutter. Let the morning sunshine in. The Lancet 2019, 394, 1518 .
AMA StyleCem Ekmekcioglu, Michael Kundi, Hans-Peter Hutter. Let the morning sunshine in. The Lancet. 2019; 394 (10208):1518.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCem Ekmekcioglu; Michael Kundi; Hans-Peter Hutter. 2019. "Let the morning sunshine in." The Lancet 394, no. 10208: 1518.
Nutrition is known to exert an undeniable impact on blood pressure with especially salt (sodium chloride), but also potassium, playing a prominent role. The aim of this review was to summarize meta-analyses studying the effect of different electrolytes on blood pressure or risk for hypertension, respectively. Overall, 32 meta-analyses evaluating the effect of sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium on human blood pressure or hypertension risk were included after literature search. Most of the meta-analyses showed beneficial blood pressure lowering effects with the extent of systolic blood pressure reduction ranging between -0.7 (95% confidence interval: -2.6 to 1.2) to -8.9 (-14.1 to -3.7) mmHg for sodium/salt reduction, -3.5 (-5.2 to -1.8) to -9.5 (-10.8 to -8.1) mmHg for potassium, and -0.2 (-0.4 to -0.03) to -18.7 (-22.5 to -15.0) mmHg for magnesium. The range for diastolic blood pressure reduction was 0.03 (-0.4 to 0.4) to -5.9 (-9.7 to -2.1) mmHg for sodium/salt reduction, -2 (-3.1 to -0.9) to -6.4 (-7.3 to -5.6) mmHg for potassium, and -0.3 (-0.5 to -0.03) to -10.9 (-13.1 to -8.7) mmHg for magnesium. Moreover, sufficient calcium intake was found to reduce the risk of gestational hypertension.
Sehar Iqbal; Norbert Klammer; Cem Ekmekcioglu. The Effect of Electrolytes on Blood Pressure: A Brief Summary of Meta-Analyses. Nutrients 2019, 11, 1362 .
AMA StyleSehar Iqbal, Norbert Klammer, Cem Ekmekcioglu. The Effect of Electrolytes on Blood Pressure: A Brief Summary of Meta-Analyses. Nutrients. 2019; 11 (6):1362.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSehar Iqbal; Norbert Klammer; Cem Ekmekcioglu. 2019. "The Effect of Electrolytes on Blood Pressure: A Brief Summary of Meta-Analyses." Nutrients 11, no. 6: 1362.
Molecular and clinical studies have linked vitamin D (vitD) deficiency to several aspects of muscle performance. For this retrospective cross-sectional study data from 297 male (M) and 284 female (F) healthy recreational athletes were used to evaluate the prevalence of vitD deficiency in athletes living in Austria and to determine whether serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) correlates with maximal (Pmax) and submaximal physical performance (Psubmax) measured on a treadmill ergometer. The data were controlled for age, season, weekly training hours (WTH), body mass index (BMI) and smoking status. 96 M and 75 F had 25(OH)D levels ≤ 20 ng/mL. 25(OH)D levels showed seasonal variations, but no seasonal differences in Pmax and Psubmax were detected. M with 25(OH)D levels ≤ 20 ng/mL had significantly lower Psubmax (p = 0.045) than those with normal levels. In F no significant differences in Pmax or Psubmax were detected. Stepwise multiple regression analysis including all covariates revealed significant correlations between 25(OH)D levels and Pmax (β = 0.138, p = 0.003) and Psubmax (β = 0.152, p = 0.002) in M. Interestingly, for F significant correlations between 25(OH)D and both Pmax and Psubmax disappeared after adding WTH to the model. In conclusion, our data suggest that 25(OH)D status is associated with physical performance especially in M, while in F, WTH and BMI seem to affect the correlation.
Cornelia Zeitler; Robert Fritz; Gerhard Smekal; Cem Ekmekcioglu. Association Between the 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Status and Physical Performance in Healthy Recreational Athletes. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2018, 15, 2724 .
AMA StyleCornelia Zeitler, Robert Fritz, Gerhard Smekal, Cem Ekmekcioglu. Association Between the 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Status and Physical Performance in Healthy Recreational Athletes. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2018; 15 (12):2724.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCornelia Zeitler; Robert Fritz; Gerhard Smekal; Cem Ekmekcioglu. 2018. "Association Between the 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Status and Physical Performance in Healthy Recreational Athletes." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 15, no. 12: 2724.
Excessive salt intake is known to increase blood pressure and cardiovascular risk. Nevertheless, salt intake exceeds the recommendations in most countries. To face this problem, it is important to identify high consumers as well as the main contributors of salt intake. Overall, data of 2018 adults between 18 and 64 years were analysed to determine the main sources, socio-demographic and anthropometric correlates of salt intake. Dietary intake was assessed from 24-h-recalls, information on socio-demographic characteristics was obtained using a questionnaire and anthropometric data were measured. Salt intake was significantly higher in males than in females. There was a significant positive association between salt intake and body mass index. No significant differences in salt intake were observed for other variables including affluence, educational level, smoking status and physical activity. The main contributor to salt intake were condiments including table salt (32.6%), followed by cereals and cereal products (27.0%), meat and meat products (16.1%) and dairy products (14.0%). These results highlight that specific population groups need to be targeted by public health initiatives and that a reduction in salt intake can only be achieved in tandem with the food producers by the reduction of salt in processed foods.
Verena Hasenegger; Petra Rust; Jürgen König; Anna Elisabeth Purtscher; Judith Erler; Cem Ekmekcioglu. Main Sources, Socio-Demographic and Anthropometric Correlates of Salt Intake in Austria. Nutrients 2018, 10, 311 .
AMA StyleVerena Hasenegger, Petra Rust, Jürgen König, Anna Elisabeth Purtscher, Judith Erler, Cem Ekmekcioglu. Main Sources, Socio-Demographic and Anthropometric Correlates of Salt Intake in Austria. Nutrients. 2018; 10 (3):311.
Chicago/Turabian StyleVerena Hasenegger; Petra Rust; Jürgen König; Anna Elisabeth Purtscher; Judith Erler; Cem Ekmekcioglu. 2018. "Main Sources, Socio-Demographic and Anthropometric Correlates of Salt Intake in Austria." Nutrients 10, no. 3: 311.
Background: Vegetarian diets exclude meat, seafood, and products containing these foods. Although the vegetarian lifestyle could lead to a better health status in adults, it may also bear risks for certain nutritional deficiencies. Cross-sectional studies and narrative reviews have shown that the iron status of vegetarians is compromised by the absence of highly bioavailable haem-iron in meatless diets and the inhibiting effect of certain components present in plant foods on non-haem iron bioavailability. Methods: The databases Pubmed, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane CentralRegister of Controlled Trials were searched for studies comparing serum ferritin, as the major laboratory parameter for iron status of adult vegetarians with non-vegetarian control groups. A qualitative review was conducted as well as an inverse-variance random-effects meta-analysis to pool available data. In addition the effect of vegetarian diets according to gender was investigated with a subgroup analysis. The results were validated using a sensitivity analysis. Results: A total of 27 cross-sectional studies and three interventional studies were selected for the systematic review. The meta-analysis which combined data of 24 cross-sectional studies showed that adult vegetarians have significantly lower serum ferritin levels than their non-vegetarian controls (−29.71 µg/L, 95% CI [−39.69, −19.73], p < 0.01). Inclusion of semi-vegetarian diets did not change the results considerably (−23.27 µg/L, 95% CI [−29.77, −16.76], p < 0.01). The effects were more pronounced in men (−61.88 µg/L, 95% CI [−85.59, −38.17], p < 0.01) than in both premenopausal women (−17.70 μg/L, 95% CI [−29.80, −5.60], p < 0.01) and all women (−13.50 μg/L, 95% CI [−22.96, −4.04], p < 0.01), respectively. Conclusions: In conclusion our results showed that vegetarians are more likely to have lower iron stores compared with non-vegetarians. However, since high iron stores are also a risk factor for certain non-communicable diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, it is recommended that not only vegetarians but also non-vegetarians should regularly control their iron status and improve their diet regarding the content and bioavailability of iron by consuming more plants and less meat.
Lisa M. Haider; Lukas Schwingshackl; Georg Hoffmann; Cem Ekmekcioglu. The effect of vegetarian diets on iron status in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition 2017, 58, 1359 -1374.
AMA StyleLisa M. Haider, Lukas Schwingshackl, Georg Hoffmann, Cem Ekmekcioglu. The effect of vegetarian diets on iron status in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. 2017; 58 (8):1359-1374.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLisa M. Haider; Lukas Schwingshackl; Georg Hoffmann; Cem Ekmekcioglu. 2017. "The effect of vegetarian diets on iron status in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis." Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition 58, no. 8: 1359-1374.
Meat is an important food for human nutrition, by especially providing high-quality protein and also some essential micronutrients, in front iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. However, a high intake of red and processed meat is associated with an increased risk for diseases, especially type 2 diabetes and colorectal cancer, as several epidemiological studies and meta-analyses have shown. This review summarizes meta-analyses of publications studying the association between red and processed meat intake and type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, colorectal and other cancers, and all-cause mortality. Various potential mechanisms involved in the increased disease risk are discussed. Furthermore, the beneficial effects of healthy alternatives for meat, like fish, nuts, vegetables and fruits, pulses and legumes, whole grains, and dairy products are reviewed by including selected papers and recent meta-analyses.
Cem Ekmekcioglu; Peter Wallner; Michael Kundi; Ulli Weisz; Willi Haas; Hans-Peter Hutter. Red meat, diseases, and healthy alternatives: A critical review. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition 2017, 58, 247 -261.
AMA StyleCem Ekmekcioglu, Peter Wallner, Michael Kundi, Ulli Weisz, Willi Haas, Hans-Peter Hutter. Red meat, diseases, and healthy alternatives: A critical review. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. 2017; 58 (2):247-261.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCem Ekmekcioglu; Peter Wallner; Michael Kundi; Ulli Weisz; Willi Haas; Hans-Peter Hutter. 2017. "Red meat, diseases, and healthy alternatives: A critical review." Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition 58, no. 2: 247-261.
Epidemiological evidence suggests an association between low vitamin D status and risk for various outcomes including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Analyzing serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] is the most established means to evaluate an individual’s vitamin D status. However, cutoff values for 25(OH)D insufficiency as well as for optimal 25(OH)D levels are controversial. This systematic review critically summarizes the epidemiological evidence regarding 25(OH)D levels and the risk for colorectal cancer and T2DM. The meta-analytical calculation revealed a pooled relative risk (RR) of 0.62 (CI 0.56–0.70; I2 = 14.7%) for colorectal cancer and an RR of 0.66 (CI 0.61–0.73; I2 = 38.6%) for T2DM when comparing individuals with the highest category of 25(OH)D with those in the lowest. A dose–response analysis showed an inverse association between 25(OH)D levels and RR for both outcomes up to concentrations of about 55 ng/mL for colorectal cancer and about 65 ng/mL for T2DM. At still higher 25(OH)D levels the RR increases slightly, consistent with a U-shaped association. In conclusion, a higher 25(OH)D status is associated with a lower risk for colorectal cancer and T2DM; however, this advantage is gradually lost as levels increase beyond 50–60 ng/mL.
Cem Ekmekcioglu; Daniela Haluza; Michael Kundi. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Status and Risk for Colorectal Cancer and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Epidemiological Studies. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2017, 14, 127 .
AMA StyleCem Ekmekcioglu, Daniela Haluza, Michael Kundi. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Status and Risk for Colorectal Cancer and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Epidemiological Studies. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2017; 14 (2):127.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCem Ekmekcioglu; Daniela Haluza; Michael Kundi. 2017. "25-Hydroxyvitamin D Status and Risk for Colorectal Cancer and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Epidemiological Studies." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 14, no. 2: 127.
Background.Little is known about the perception of salty taste in obese patients, especially after bariatric surgery. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyse possible differences in salt detection thresholds and preferences for foods differing in salt content in obese persons before and after bariatric surgery with weight loss compared to non-obese individuals.Methods.Sodium chloride detection thresholds and liking for cream soups with different salt concentrations were studied with established tests. Moreover, a brief salt food questionnaire was assessed to identify the usage and awareness of salt in food.Results.The results showed similar mean sodium chloride detection thresholds between non-obese and obese participants. After bariatric surgery a non-significant increase in the salt detection threshold was observed in the obese patients (mean ± SD: 0.44 ± 0.24 g NaCl/L before OP vs. 0.64 ± 0.47 g NaCl/L after OP,p= 0.069). Cream soup liking between controls and obese patients were not significantly different. However, significant sex specific differences were detected with the tested women not liking the soups (p< 0.001). Results from the food questionnaire were similar between the groups.Conclusion.No differences between non-obese persons and obese patients were regarding. However, due to highly significant differences in soup liking, sex should be taken into consideration when conducting similar sensory studies.
Cem Ekmekcioglu; Julia Maedge; Linda Lam; Gerhard Blasche; Soheila Shakeri-Leidenmühler; Michael Kundi; Bernhard Ludvik; Felix B. Langer; Gerhard Prager; Karin Schindler; Klaus Dürrschmid. Salt taste after bariatric surgery and weight loss in obese persons. PeerJ 2016, 4, e2086 .
AMA StyleCem Ekmekcioglu, Julia Maedge, Linda Lam, Gerhard Blasche, Soheila Shakeri-Leidenmühler, Michael Kundi, Bernhard Ludvik, Felix B. Langer, Gerhard Prager, Karin Schindler, Klaus Dürrschmid. Salt taste after bariatric surgery and weight loss in obese persons. PeerJ. 2016; 4 ():e2086.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCem Ekmekcioglu; Julia Maedge; Linda Lam; Gerhard Blasche; Soheila Shakeri-Leidenmühler; Michael Kundi; Bernhard Ludvik; Felix B. Langer; Gerhard Prager; Karin Schindler; Klaus Dürrschmid. 2016. "Salt taste after bariatric surgery and weight loss in obese persons." PeerJ 4, no. : e2086.
Excessive dietary salt (sodium chloride) intake is associated with an increased risk for hypertension, which in turn is especially a major risk factor for stroke and other cardiovascular pathologies, but also kidney diseases. Besides, high salt intake or preference for salty food is discussed to be positive associated with stomach cancer, and according to recent studies probably also obesity risk. On the other hand a reduction of dietary salt intake leads to a considerable reduction in blood pressure, especially in hypertensive patients but to a lesser extent also in normotensives as several meta-analyses of interventional studies have shown. Various mechanisms for salt-dependent hypertension have been put forward including volume expansion, modified renal functions and disorders in sodium balance, impaired reaction of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system and the associated receptors, central stimulation of the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, and possibly also inflammatory processes. Not every person reacts to changes in dietary salt intake with alterations in blood pressure, dividing people in salt sensitive and insensitive groups. It is estimated that about 50–60 % of hypertensives are salt sensitive. In addition to genetic polymorphisms, salt sensitivity is increased in aging, in black people, and in persons with metabolic syndrome or obesity. However, although mechanisms of salt-dependent hypertensive effects are increasingly known, more research on measurement, storage and kinetics of sodium, on physiological properties, and genetic determinants of salt sensitivity are necessary to harden the basis for salt reduction recommendations. Currently estimated dietary intake of salt is about 9–12 g per day in most countries of the world. These amounts are significantly above the WHO recommended level of less than 5 g salt per day. According to recent research results a moderate reduction of daily salt intake from current intakes to 5–6 g can reduce morbidity rates. Potential risks of salt reduction, like suboptimal iodine supply, are limited and manageable. Concomitant to salt reduction, potassium intake by higher intake of fruits and vegetables should be optimised, since several studies have provided evidence that potassium rich diets or interventions with potassium can lower blood pressure, especially in hypertensives. In addition to dietary assessment the gold standard for measuring salt intake is the analysis of sodium excretion in the 24 h urine. Spot urine samples are appropriate alternatives for monitoring sodium intake. A weakness of dietary evaluations is that the salt content of many foods is not precisely known and information in nutrient databases are limited. A certain limitation of the urine assessment is that dietary sources contributing to salt intake cannot be identified. Salt reduction strategies include nutritional education, improving environmental conditions (by product reformulation and optimization of communal catering) up to mandatory nutrition labeling and regulated nutrition/health claims, as well as legislated changes in the form of taxation. Regarding dietary interventions for the reduction of blood pressure the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet can be recommended. In addition, body weight should be normalized in overweight and obese people (BMI less than 25 kg/m2), salt intake should not exceed 5 g/day according to WHO recommendations (<2 g sodium/day), no more than 1.5 g sodium/d in blacks, middle- and older-aged persons, and individuals with hypertension, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease, intake of potassium (~4.7 g/day) should be increased and alcohol consumption limited. In addition, regular physical activity (endurance, dynamic resistance, and isometric resistance training) is very important.
Petra Rust; Cem Ekmekcioglu. Impact of Salt Intake on the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Hypertension. Issues in Clinical Epileptology: A View from the Bench 2016, 956, 61 -84.
AMA StylePetra Rust, Cem Ekmekcioglu. Impact of Salt Intake on the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Hypertension. Issues in Clinical Epileptology: A View from the Bench. 2016; 956 ():61-84.
Chicago/Turabian StylePetra Rust; Cem Ekmekcioglu. 2016. "Impact of Salt Intake on the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Hypertension." Issues in Clinical Epileptology: A View from the Bench 956, no. : 61-84.
Growing evidence shows interrelations of psychological factors, neurological and immunological processes. Therefore, constructs like a balance of activities, the so called "occupational balance", could also have biological correlates. The aim of this study was to investigate potential associations between occupational balance, functioning, cytokines and C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients suffering from a chronic inflammatory disease like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and healthy people. Moreover, we wanted to explore potential differences in gender and employment status. A descriptive study in patients with RA and healthy people was conducted using the Occupational Balance-Questionnaire (OB-Quest) and the Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36). Serum levels of cytokines, such as interleukin 6 (IL-6) and 8 (IL-8), interferon alpha (INFα), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), rheumatoid factor (RF) and of CRP were measured. Descriptive statistics, as well as Mann-Whitney U tests and Spearmen's rank correlation coefficients (rs) were calculated. One-hundred-thirty-two patients with RA and 76 healthy people participated. Occupational balance was associated with functioning, cytokines and CRP. The strongest associations were identified in the unemployed healthy-people sample with cytokines and CRP being within the normal range. For example, the OB-Quest item challenging activities was associated with IL-8 (rs=-0.63, p=0.04) and the SF-36 sub-scale bodily pain was associated with IFNα (rs=-0.69, p=0.02). The items rest and sleep (rs=-0.71, p=0.01) and variety of different activities (rs=-0.74, p<0.01) correlated with the SF-36 sub-scale social functioning. Employed and unemployed people differed in their age and CRP levels. Additionally, gender differences were found in two OB-Quest items in that fewer women were able to adapt their activities to changing living conditions and fewer men were overstressed. In conclusion, we found preliminary biological evidence for the link between occupation and health in that the concepts encompassed in the construct of occupational balance were associated with functioning, cytokines and CRP.
Mona Dür; Günter Steiner; Michaela Alexandra Stoffer; Veronika Fialka-Moser; Alexandra Kautzky-Willer; Clemens Dejaco; Cem Ekmekcioglu; Birgit Prodinger; Alexa Binder; Josef Smolen; Tanja Alexandra Stamm. Initial evidence for the link between activities and health: Associations between a balance of activities, functioning and serum levels of cytokines and C-reactive protein. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2015, 65, 138 -148.
AMA StyleMona Dür, Günter Steiner, Michaela Alexandra Stoffer, Veronika Fialka-Moser, Alexandra Kautzky-Willer, Clemens Dejaco, Cem Ekmekcioglu, Birgit Prodinger, Alexa Binder, Josef Smolen, Tanja Alexandra Stamm. Initial evidence for the link between activities and health: Associations between a balance of activities, functioning and serum levels of cytokines and C-reactive protein. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2015; 65 ():138-148.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMona Dür; Günter Steiner; Michaela Alexandra Stoffer; Veronika Fialka-Moser; Alexandra Kautzky-Willer; Clemens Dejaco; Cem Ekmekcioglu; Birgit Prodinger; Alexa Binder; Josef Smolen; Tanja Alexandra Stamm. 2015. "Initial evidence for the link between activities and health: Associations between a balance of activities, functioning and serum levels of cytokines and C-reactive protein." Psychoneuroendocrinology 65, no. : 138-148.
Potassium is an essential mineral which plays major roles for the resting membrane potential and the intracellular osmolarity. In addition, for several years, it has been known that potassium also affects endothelial and vascular smooth muscle functions and it has been repeatedly shown that an increase in potassium intake shifts blood pressure to a more preferable level. Meanwhile, the blood pressure lowering effects of potassium were presented in several intervention trials and summarized in a handful of meta-analyses. Furthermore, accumulating epidemiological evidence from, especially, the last decade relates low dietary potassium intake or serum potassium levels to an increased risk for insulin resistance or diabetes. However, intervention trials are required to confirm this association. So, in addition to reduction of sodium intake, increasing dietary potassium intake may positively affect blood pressure and possibly also glucose metabolism in many populations. This concise review not only summarizes the studies linking potassium to blood pressure and diabetes but also discusses potential mechanisms involved, like vascular smooth muscle relaxation and endothelium-dependent vasodilation or stimulation of insulin secretion in pancreatic β-cells, respectively.
Cem Ekmekcioglu; Ibrahim Elmadfa; Alexa Meyer; Thomas Moeslinger. The role of dietary potassium in hypertension and diabetes. Journal of Physiology and Biochemistry 2015, 72, 93 -106.
AMA StyleCem Ekmekcioglu, Ibrahim Elmadfa, Alexa Meyer, Thomas Moeslinger. The role of dietary potassium in hypertension and diabetes. Journal of Physiology and Biochemistry. 2015; 72 (1):93-106.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCem Ekmekcioglu; Ibrahim Elmadfa; Alexa Meyer; Thomas Moeslinger. 2015. "The role of dietary potassium in hypertension and diabetes." Journal of Physiology and Biochemistry 72, no. 1: 93-106.
An inverse relationship between the body mass index (BMI) and the risk of completed suicide was shown in several studies. Furthermore, it is suggested that obesity might be associated with a lower risk for violent criminality. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze whether a higher BMI is associated with a lower risk for being arrested due to violent behavior in a sample of 43,992 male offenders. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was applied to assess the relationship between different BMI categories and categories of committed crime as outcome variable by including various covariates. Our results indicated that compared to a normal BMI a higher BMI was associated with a significantly lower risk for being arrested in different crime categories associated with interpersonal violence, such as crimes against life and limb (for example: odds ratio = 0.60, CI 95%: 0.52–0.69 for 30–34.9 kg/m2).
Cem Ekmekcioglu; Selin Devletlian; Gerhard Blasche; Michael Kundi. Is There an Association Between the Body Mass Index and Interpersonal Violent Behavior? Journal of Forensic Sciences 2015, 60, 1350 -1354.
AMA StyleCem Ekmekcioglu, Selin Devletlian, Gerhard Blasche, Michael Kundi. Is There an Association Between the Body Mass Index and Interpersonal Violent Behavior? Journal of Forensic Sciences. 2015; 60 (5):1350-1354.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCem Ekmekcioglu; Selin Devletlian; Gerhard Blasche; Michael Kundi. 2015. "Is There an Association Between the Body Mass Index and Interpersonal Violent Behavior?" Journal of Forensic Sciences 60, no. 5: 1350-1354.
Resveratrol and celecoxib were used as chemopreventive agents in animal models of carcinogenesis, and exert antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects on cancer cells. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether combining resveratrol with celecoxib may exert more potent anticarcinogenic effects than the single agents. Mammary carcinogenesis was initiated in 70 female Sprague–Dawley rats with N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (NMU). The chemoprevention with resveratrol, celecoxib, and their combination started 2 weeks before the first carcinogen dose and lasted until the end of the experiment. Tumor incidence and frequency, latency period, tumor volume, the expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) and growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15), and also the formation of reactive oxygen species were analyzed using different methods. In addition, the levels of resveratrol and its metabolites in blood and selected tumor tissues were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Finally, the anticancer effects of the reagents were studied in the human breast cancer cell line MCF-7. Celecoxib as a single agent significantly decreased tumor frequency, prolonged tumor latency, and decreased the total number of malignant tumors compared with the NMU conditions. Tumor volume was nonsignificantly reduced (0.68±0.25 vs. 0.93±0.28 cm3). Importantly, the addition of resveratrol to celecoxib reduced tumor volume by 60% compared with celecoxib alone (from 0.68±0.25 to 0.27±0.07 cm3, P<0.05). Furthermore, the combination of resveratrol and celecoxib reduced tumor frequency by 29% compared with celecoxib alone (P=0.53). Tumor latency was not influenced by this combination compared with celecoxib alone (126.56±3.45 vs. 120.71±4.08 days). In addition, COX2 mRNA and immunoreactive protein stained on tumor sections were reduced and GDF15 protein increased significantly by the combination studied compared with the NMU conditions. In agreement with these data, a significant reduction in reactive oxygen species in blood lymphocytes of the combination was detected, which may have contributed toward the cancer-preventive effects of this application. This study showed that in NMU-induced mammary cancer in rats, the combination of resveratrol and celecoxib led to a significant reduction in all tumor parameters. In addition, in terms of tumor volume, the combination was more efficient than celecoxib as a single agent.
Terézia Kisková; Rastislav Jendželovský; Erdenetsetsek Rentsen; Alexandra Maier-Salamon; Natália Kokošová; Zuzana Papčová; Jaromír Mikeš; Peter Orendáš; Bianka Bojková; Peter Kubatka; Martin Svoboda; Karol Kajo; Peter Fedoročko; Walter Jäger; Cem Ekmekcioglu; Monika Kassayová; Theresia Thalhammer. Resveratrol enhances the chemopreventive effect of celecoxib in chemically induced breast cancer in rats. European Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014, 23, 506 -513.
AMA StyleTerézia Kisková, Rastislav Jendželovský, Erdenetsetsek Rentsen, Alexandra Maier-Salamon, Natália Kokošová, Zuzana Papčová, Jaromír Mikeš, Peter Orendáš, Bianka Bojková, Peter Kubatka, Martin Svoboda, Karol Kajo, Peter Fedoročko, Walter Jäger, Cem Ekmekcioglu, Monika Kassayová, Theresia Thalhammer. Resveratrol enhances the chemopreventive effect of celecoxib in chemically induced breast cancer in rats. European Journal of Cancer Prevention. 2014; 23 (6):506-513.
Chicago/Turabian StyleTerézia Kisková; Rastislav Jendželovský; Erdenetsetsek Rentsen; Alexandra Maier-Salamon; Natália Kokošová; Zuzana Papčová; Jaromír Mikeš; Peter Orendáš; Bianka Bojková; Peter Kubatka; Martin Svoboda; Karol Kajo; Peter Fedoročko; Walter Jäger; Cem Ekmekcioglu; Monika Kassayová; Theresia Thalhammer. 2014. "Resveratrol enhances the chemopreventive effect of celecoxib in chemically induced breast cancer in rats." European Journal of Cancer Prevention 23, no. 6: 506-513.
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) show modulated circadian rhythms of inflammatory cytokines and cortisol, which may be associated with a modified expression of clock genes. The expression of major clock genes was previously studied in synovial tissues and fibroblasts of patients with RA and osteoarthritis (OA). We therefore especially aimed to examine the localization of clock genes at the cellular level in synovial tissue. Furthermore we were interested in studying the expression of the D site of albumin promoter (albumin D-box) binding protein (DBP) at the immunohistochemical level in human samples. Methods used include the in situ expression of the clock genes Brain and muscle aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator-like 1 (Bmal 1), Circadian Locomotor Output Cycles Kaput (Clock), Period 1 and 2 (Per 1 and Per 2), and DBP was examined by immunohistochemistry in synovial tissues of patients with RA or OA. Additionally, expression profiles of different clock genes were determined over 24h by real time PCR in synovial fibroblasts (SFs) after a 2h serum shock or TNF-α. Results show that all clock genes investigated were found to be expressed both in RA and OA synovial tissues. Double staining against cell specific markers revealed that clock proteins were especially seen in macrophages, SFs and B-lymphocytes. Cell counting showed that clock proteins were found in approximately 5-20% of cells. Additionally, preliminary cell culture experiments showed that TNF-α treatment resulted in differential 24h expression profiles between RA and OA samples and also compared to the results obtained from the serum shock experiments. From our study we conclude that the major clock genes, including DBP, are expressed in samples from RA and OA patients, especially in macrophages and synovial fibroblasts, but also in B-lymphocytes. Preliminary experiments suggest that TNF-α seems to be able to modify clock gene expression in synovial fibroblast
Tatjana Becker; Makiyeh Tohidast-Akrad; Susanne Humpeler; Danielle M. Gerlag; Hans-Peter Kiener; Peter Zenz; Günter Steiner; Cem Ekmekcioglu; Guenter Steiner. Clock gene expression in different synovial cells of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Acta Histochemica 2014, 116, 1199 -1207.
AMA StyleTatjana Becker, Makiyeh Tohidast-Akrad, Susanne Humpeler, Danielle M. Gerlag, Hans-Peter Kiener, Peter Zenz, Günter Steiner, Cem Ekmekcioglu, Guenter Steiner. Clock gene expression in different synovial cells of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Acta Histochemica. 2014; 116 (7):1199-1207.
Chicago/Turabian StyleTatjana Becker; Makiyeh Tohidast-Akrad; Susanne Humpeler; Danielle M. Gerlag; Hans-Peter Kiener; Peter Zenz; Günter Steiner; Cem Ekmekcioglu; Guenter Steiner. 2014. "Clock gene expression in different synovial cells of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis." Acta Histochemica 116, no. 7: 1199-1207.
Background: Due to an alarming trend of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents, along with the sparse data on dietary habits and lifestyle factors, the present study aims to analyze the current nutritional behavior as well as the lifestyle and mental health of adolescents and young adults living in Austria. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 500 respondents (aged between 14 and 24 years) completed an anonymous questionnaire on nutrition behavior, mental health, and lifestyle factors by Internet survey. Results: Only 50% of the participants ate breakfast daily and 10% did not eat breakfast at all. About 47% of the respondents consumed milk and milk products daily. Furthermore, only 31% ate fruit and 21% ate vegetables at least once a day, and 46% ate fish seldom or never. Nearly 28% of young people liked to eat fast food twice or thrice a week and more, with males more often replacing a meal with a fast food product (36%) than females (21%). About 46% of the respondents engaged in physical activity only once a week (or more rarely). A fifth of our respondents (23%) spent more than 2 h a day using various social networks, with Facebook being the most popular social network among the respondents. Around 27% claimed to be smokers, with more female (33%) than male (20%) smoker. In terms of sleeping habits, 19% slept Conclusions: Unhealthy eating habits, suboptimal physical activity, and smoking are still prominent in a sample of Austrian adolescents and young people. In addition, stress and tiredness are also relevant problems in this collective.
Julia Walther; Ulrike Aldrian; Hans Peter Stüger; Ingrid Kiefer; Cem Ekmekcioglu. Nutrition, lifestyle factors, and mental health in adolescents and young adults living in Austria. International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health 2014, 26, 377 -386.
AMA StyleJulia Walther, Ulrike Aldrian, Hans Peter Stüger, Ingrid Kiefer, Cem Ekmekcioglu. Nutrition, lifestyle factors, and mental health in adolescents and young adults living in Austria. International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health. 2014; 26 (3):377-386.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJulia Walther; Ulrike Aldrian; Hans Peter Stüger; Ingrid Kiefer; Cem Ekmekcioglu. 2014. "Nutrition, lifestyle factors, and mental health in adolescents and young adults living in Austria." International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health 26, no. 3: 377-386.
Melatonin, the popular hormone of the darkness, is primarily synthesized in the pineal gland, and acts classically through the G-protein coupled plasma membrane melatonin receptors MT1 and MT2, respectively. Although some of the receptor mediated functions of melatonin, especially those on the (central) circadian system, have been more or less clarified, the functional meaning of MT-receptors in various peripheral organs are still not sufficiently investigated yet. There is, however, accumulating evidence for oncostatic effects of melatonin with both, antioxidative and MT-receptor mediated mechanisms possibly playing a role. This review briefly summarizes the physiology of melatonin and MT-receptors, and discusses the expression and function of MT-receptors in human cancer cells and tissues. Melatonin, das populäre Hormon der Dunkelheit, wird primär in der Zirbeldrüse gebildet und wirkt klassischerweise über die G-Protein gekoppelten Melatonin-Rezeptoren MT1 and MT2. Obwohl gewisse Rezeptor-vermittelte Funktionen des Melatonins, insbesondere auf das (zentrale) circadiane System, mehr oder minder aufgeklärt wurden, ist die funktionelle Bedeutung der MT-Rezeptoren in verschiedenen peripheren Organen noch unzureichend untersucht. In letzter Zeit mehren sich die Hinweise, dass Melatonin onkostatische Wirkungen aufweist, wobei sowohl antioxidative als auch Rezeptor- induzierte Mechanismen beteiligt zu sein scheinen. Diese Übersichtsarbeit fasst in komprimierter Form die Physiologie des Melatonins und der Melatonin-Rezeptoren zusammen und gibt einen Überblick über die Expression und mögliche Funktionen von Melatonin-Rezeptoren in humanen Karzinomzellen und im Krebsgewebe.
Cem Ekmekcioglu. Expression and putative functions of melatonin receptors in malignant cells and tissues. Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift 2014, 164, 472 -478.
AMA StyleCem Ekmekcioglu. Expression and putative functions of melatonin receptors in malignant cells and tissues. Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift. 2014; 164 (21-22):472-478.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCem Ekmekcioglu. 2014. "Expression and putative functions of melatonin receptors in malignant cells and tissues." Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift 164, no. 21-22: 472-478.
Melatonin acts mostly through G-protein-coupled plasma membrane receptors. MT1 and MT2 are the two functional melatonin membrane receptors. They are expressed in various organs of all mammals, including humans. The functional meaning of the receptors in the various organs is still not sufficiently investigated. This chapter summarizes the currently available data about MT1 and MT2 receptors in human tissues and human cells. Established and putative functions of melatonin after receptor activation will be described, and the clinical relevance of these findings will be discussed.
Cem Ekmekcioglu; Theresia Thalhammer. Melatonin Receptors and Their Role in Human Diseases. Melatonin and Melatonergic Drugs in Clinical Practice 2013, 1 -15.
AMA StyleCem Ekmekcioglu, Theresia Thalhammer. Melatonin Receptors and Their Role in Human Diseases. Melatonin and Melatonergic Drugs in Clinical Practice. 2013; ():1-15.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCem Ekmekcioglu; Theresia Thalhammer. 2013. "Melatonin Receptors and Their Role in Human Diseases." Melatonin and Melatonergic Drugs in Clinical Practice , no. : 1-15.
Humans evolved on potassium-rich diets containing only small amounts of sodium. Nowadays, sodium intake considerably exceeds potassium intake. However, from the evolutionary point of view we are not accustomed to such high salt (sodium chloride) ingestion. The consequences of a high dietary salt intake are primarily elevated blood pressure with a higher risk for cardiovascular diseases, but also a higher probability of developing kidney diseases and stomach cancer. High sodium consumption is favored by an extremely 'salty' environment, where palatable salty food is frequently available promoting a dietary salt overload of the human body. To efficiently achieve a consistent reduction in dietary salt intake, sodium content of food should be reduced and eating behavior modified. This review covers both of these aspects, including the reasons why we are not 'programmed' to cope with high salt loads, the clinical consequences of a high salt consumption and the possibilities of reducing dietary salt intake and getting rid of the 'salty' environment.
Cem Ekmekcioglu; Gerhard Blasche; Thomas Ernst Dorner. Too Much Salt and How We Can Get Rid of It. Forschende Komplementärmedizin / Research in Complementary Medicine 2013, 20, 454 -460.
AMA StyleCem Ekmekcioglu, Gerhard Blasche, Thomas Ernst Dorner. Too Much Salt and How We Can Get Rid of It. Forschende Komplementärmedizin / Research in Complementary Medicine. 2013; 20 (6):454-460.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCem Ekmekcioglu; Gerhard Blasche; Thomas Ernst Dorner. 2013. "Too Much Salt and How We Can Get Rid of It." Forschende Komplementärmedizin / Research in Complementary Medicine 20, no. 6: 454-460.