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Biomedical subjects

W Thierfelder

Publications and source records attributed to W Thierfelder.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) in former East and West Germany, 1997-1998.

The aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) in representative samples of the total former East German (FEG) and total former West German (FWG) populations. Type-specific testing with the HSV-1 (gG1) and HSV-2 (gG2) indirect ELISA was performed on an age- and sex-stratified random subsample of 3,792 sera collected during the 1997-1998 German National Health Survey. Weighted seroprevalence estimates were calculated for the total FEG and FWG populations. The overall age-standardised seroprevalence of HSV-1 was 82.6% in Germany, 85.5% (95%CI, 83.4-87.3%) in FEG and 81.8% (95%CI, 79.9-83.6%) in FWG. The overall seroprevalence of HSV-2 was 13.3% (95%CI, 11.8-14.9) in Germany, 16.5% (95%CI, 14.1-18.9) in FEG and 12.6% (95%CI, 10.7-14.5%) in FWG. The difference between FEG and FWG was largely due to the significantly higher age-adjusted seroprevalence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 in women (but not men) in FEG as compared to FWG. The HSV seroprevalence estimates in this study are consistent with results of previous less representative seroprevalence studies in Germany. Differences in HSV-2 seroprevalence between FEG and FWG suggest differences in sexual behaviour that warrant further investigation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Alcohol consumption and its relation to cardiovascular risk factors in Germany.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the association of alcohol consumption and blood lipids, haemostatic factors, and homocysteine in German adults by gender and age groups. DESIGN: Cross-sectional population-based survey. SETTING: Data from the German National Health Interview and Examination Survey 1998, representative for age, gender, community size, and federal state. SUBJECTS: From a sample of 7124 Germans between 18 and 79 y old, 2420 women and 2365 men were selected. Only individuals who were not currently receiving medical treatment or did not have disorders related to cardiovascular disease were selected for this study. RESULTS: Using analyses of variance, mean blood levels of total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, HDL/total cholesterol ratio, total glycerides, fibrinogen, antithrombin III, and homocysteine adjusted for age, socioeconomic status, East/West Germany residence, body mass index, tobacco use, sports activity, and coffee consumption, if appropriate are presented by alcohol consumption groups (0, >0-10, >10-20, >20-30 and >30 g/day). The HDL/total cholesterol ratio increased with higher alcohol groups up to 10-20 g/day (+15%) for women and >30 g/day (+18%) for men, showing the strongest rise among men aged 55-79 y. Fibrinogen decreased with higher alcohol groups up to 10-20 g/day for women and 20-30 g/day for men. Among women, homocysteine levels showed a U-shaped curve with a minimum of 8.49 mmol/l at 10-20 g alcohol/day (-8%, reference: nondrinking), whereas an inverse association was observed for men. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate alcohol consumption is associated with favourable levels of several cardiovascular risk factors. The most favourable cardiovascular risk factor profile among women was observed among those drinking 10-20 g alcohol/day. Beneficial effects seem to be more pronounced among older men.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

The seroepidemiology of herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 in Europe.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the seroepidemiology of herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 1 and 2 in the general populations of eight European countries to better understand recent reported changes in disease epidemiology. METHODS: Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, England and Wales, Finland, Germany, Netherlands, and Slovenia conducted national cross sectional serological surveys for HSV-1 and HSV-2 between 1989 and 2000. Survey sizes ranged from 3000 to 7166 sera. External quality control was ensured through reference panel testing. RESULTS: Large intercountry and intracountry differences in HSV-1 and HSV-2 seroprevalence were observed. Age standardised HSV-1 seroprevalence ranged from 52% in Finland, to 57% in the Netherlands, 67% in Belgium, 81% in Czech Republic, and 84% in Bulgaria. Age standardised (>12 years) HSV-2 seroprevalence ranged from 24% in Bulgaria, to 14% in Germany, 13% in Finland, 11% in Belgium, 9% in Netherlands, 6% in Czech Republic, and 4% in England and Wales. In all countries, probability of seropositivity for both infections increased with age. A large proportion of teenagers and young adults remain HSV-1 susceptible particularly in northern Europe. Women were significantly more likely to be HSV-2 seropositive in six of seven (p<0.05) countries and HSV-1 seropositive in four of seven (p<0.05) countries, particularly in northern Europe. No significant evidence of a protective role of HSV-1 for HSV-2 infection was found adjusting for age and sex (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There is large variation in the seroepidemiology of HSV-1 and HSV-2 across Europe. The observation that a significant proportion of adolescents are now HSV-1 susceptible may have implications for transmission and clinical presentation of HSV-1 and HSV-2.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

[Laboratory tests in The Child and Adolescent Health Survey].

Laboratory tests will be performed as part of the National Health Survey for Children and Adolescents to identify health risks and to determine the seroprevalence of disease markers. The parameters were selected from haematology, clinical chemistry, allergology, endocrinology and serology of infectious diseases as indicators of individual health risks, to validate information collected by means of the questionnaires and to identify age specific immunity gaps of vaccine-preventable diseases.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

[Monitoring of iodine in The Child and Adolescent Health Survey].

In the first quarter of 2003 a National Health Survey for Children and Adolescents will be started and carried out over a period of three years. In 11,300 children and adolescents between 6 and 18 years a comprehensive iodine monitoring will be realised. The volume of the thyroid gland will be determined sonographically, thyroid hormones and the urinary iodine excretion will be measured. Apart from the nutritional intake of iodine and the use of supplements, socio-demographic and other variables relevant to health will be recorded in a self-administered questionnaire. In the pilot study of the Health Survey for Children and Adolescents from March 2001 to March 2002 the method was tested on 426 children and adolescents and has proved feasible. The sample for the pretest was not representative for the population of children and adolescents in Germany but may already be an indication for the iodine supply. A low goitre prevalence of 4.2% was found. The total thyroid volume correlated significantly with height and weight. There was no significant difference between boys and girls or between a rural and an urban sample point.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Prevalence of markers for hepatitis A, B and C in the German population. Results of the German National Health Interview and Examination Survey 1998.

The prevalence of serological parameters indicative of infection with hepatitis A, B and C was determined using sera collected from representative population samples in the former East German (new) federal states and the West German (old) federal states during the German National Health and Examination Survey in 1998. Sera were tested for antibodies to hepatitis A virus (HAV), to hepatitis B core antigen (HBc) and to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis C Virus (HCV), as well as for the presence of HBsAg and HCV-RNA. The mean weighted prevalence of anti-HAV was 46.5% (95% CI: 45.3-47.7) and increased markedly with age. The mean weighted prevalence of past infection with hepatitis B was 7.7% (95% CI: 7.0-8.4) in the old federal states and 4.3% (95% CI: 3.2-5.3) in the new federal states, corresponding to an overall prevalence of 7.0% (95% CI: 6.4-7.6). The mean weighted prevalence of HBsAg carriage was 0.6% (95% CI: 0.4-0.8), while the prevalence of HCV antibodies was 0.4% (95% CI: 0.2-0.5).

Cross-Sectional Studies↗
PubMed2000

[German Health survey 1997/98: immune status against poliomyelitis].

BACKGROUND: One of the goals of the WHO is the worldwide eradication of poliomyelitis in the next years. A high level of population immunity protects against imported wild viruses from endemic areas. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The first German Health Survey, a representative study of the health status of the population (aged between 17 and 79 years) in unified Germany, was started in 1997. In order to study the serological status against poliomyelitis, a representative serum panel was investigated (n = 2564). Furthermore, 881 sera from persons aged less than 18 years were included in the study. The microneutralization test was used to demonstrate antibodies against the three poliovirus types. For the first time, the results were expressed in International Units. The threshold values 0.075 IU, 0.180 IU, 0.080 IU were calculated for Polio 1, 2, 3 respectively. RESULTS: Overall, neutralizing antibodies against poliovirus type 1, 2 and 3 were detected in 96.2%; 96.8% and 89.6% of samples, respectively. 85% of test persons had antibodies against all three virus types. CONCLUSIONS: The seroprevalence of antibodies against all three types of polioviruses indicates a very high population immunity. It must be kept after the switch of immunization strategy from attenuated to inactivated vaccine in Germany (OPV to IPV).

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

[Helicobacter pylori--prevalence in the German population].

Within the framework of the German National Health interview and Examination Survey determinations of IgG-antibodies against the bacterium Helicobacter pylori in serum samples of study participants were conducted. The prevalence for the total population of Germany was 40%. No differences could be found between sexes. The comparison between study participants from the old and those from the new (territory of the former GDR) federal states of Germany did show that the prevalence rates were significantly higher in all age-groups of the eastern part (former GDR) of Germany. Possible causes and factors of influence are discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

[Prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses in the German population].

Representative random samples were tested for hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections within the framework of the German National Health Interview and Examination Survey. The laboratory parameters included determination of anti-HAV, anti-HBc, anti-HBs, HbsAg, anti-HCV and hepatitis C virus RNA. The prevalence rate for anti-HAV was 46.5% with a definite age-dependence. The infection rates for hepatitis B of 7.7% in former West Germany and of 4.3% in former East Germany were obtained. This is equivalent to a total of 7% prevalence rate. The HbsAg carrier rate was 0.6%. Hepatitis C virus antibodies showed a prevalence rate of 0.4%.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

[Folic acid intake of women in childbearing age].

An optimal maternal folate status reduces the risk of neural tube defects in the offspring. In the German National Health Interview and Examination Survey, red cell folate and serum folate levels have been measured in 1,266 women aged between 18 and 40 years. Applying the dietary assessment software DISHES 98 made it possible to estimate the individual folate intake. A high proportion of the participants showed sub-optimal red cell folate levels as well as folate intakes below the recommendations.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Signaling by the cytokine receptor superfamily.

A variety of cytokines that regulate functions of multiple lineages share the utilization of receptors that are structurally and functionally related and are referred to as the cytokine receptor superfamily. These receptors associate with one or more of the four mammalian Janus kinases (Jaks) and ligand-induced receptor aggregation results in their activation. Critical roles for Jak3 and Jak2 are demonstrated by the phenotypes of mice that lack each gene. Among the substrates of the Jaks are one or more of the seven members of the signal transducers and activators of transcription (Stats). Each Stat family member plays a critical role in the biological functions of specific cytokines as demonstrated by the phenotype of mice lacking one or more of these genes.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Jaks and Stats in cytokine signaling.

Hematopoiesis is regulated through the binding of cytokines to receptors of the cytokine receptor superfamily. Although lacking catalytic domains, members of the cytokine receptor superfamily mediate ligand-dependent activation of protein tyrosine phosphorylation through their association and activation of members of the Janus kinase (Jak) family of protein tyrosine kinases. The activated Jaks phosphorylate the receptors which creates docking sites for SH2-containing signaling proteins which are tyrosine phosphorylated following their association with the complex. Among the substrates of tyrosine phosphorylation are members of the signal transducers and activators of the transcription family of proteins (Stats). Various cytokines induce the tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of one or more of the seven family members. The pattern of Stat activation provides a level of cytokine individuality that is not observed in the activation of other signaling pathways. The role of various Stats in the biological responses to cytokines has been assessed through the analysis of receptor mutations which disrupt Stat activation and more recently by disruption of the genes in mice. Our results have demonstrated that the activation of Stat5a and Stat5b by erythropoietin is critical for the activation of a number of immediate early genes but is not required for a mitogenic response. Mice in which the genes for Stat4 and Stat6 are disrupted are viable but lack functions that are mediated by interleukin 12 (IL-12) or IL-4, respectively, suggesting that these Stats perform very specific functions in immune responses.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Phosphorylation and activation of the DNA binding activity of purified Stat1 by the Janus protein-tyrosine kinases and the epidermal growth factor receptor.

The activation of Janus protein-tyrosine kinases (Jaks) and the subsequent phosphorylation and activation of latent signal transducers and activators of transcription (Stats) are common elements in signal transduction through the cytokine receptor superfamily. To assess the role and specificity of Jaks in Stat activation, we have utilized baculovirus expression systems to produce Stat1 and the Jaks. Co-expression of Stat1 with Tyk2, Jak1, or Jak2 resulted in the specific tyrosine phosphorylation of Stat1 at Tyr701, the residue phosphorylated in mammalian cells stimulated with interferon gamma. Alternatively, Stat1, purified to apparent homogeneity from insect cell extracts, was phosphorylated at Tyr701 in Jak immune complex kinase reactions. Phosphorylation of purified Stat1 was necessary and sufficient for the acquisition of DNA binding activity. The specificity in both systems was indicated by the inability of a Jak2 catalytically inactive mutant (Jak2-Glu882) or the Tec protein-tyrosine kinase to phosphorylate Stat1. However, immune complex-purified epidermal growth factor receptor was capable of phosphorylating purified Stat1 at Tyr701 and activating its DNA binding activity in in vitro reactions.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1995

Effects of trinitrotoluene (TNT) metabolites on chemiluminescence response of phagocytic cells.

The effects of TNT metabolites on the generation of activated oxygen species was investigated by a sensitive luminol-dependent chemiluminescence (CL) assay. Spleen cell suspensions containing 2,4-diaminotoluene, 2,4,6-triaminotoluene, 2-amino-6-nitrotoluene, 4-amino-3,5-dinitrotoluene and 2-amino-4,6-dinitrotoluene were stimulated with zymosan. Aminotoluenes and amino-nitrotoluenes induced a dose-dependent inhibition of CL response. The mixed substituted toluenes generally required higher doses than aminotoluenes for the suppression of CL response which was not due to the cytotoxic reduction of cell viability. CL appears to be a well-suited assay for determination of the immunotoxic potential of diverse molecules on phagocytic cells of the immune system.

Aniline Compounds↗
PubMed1995

Cloning of murine Stat6 and human Stat6, Stat proteins that are tyrosine phosphorylated in responses to IL-4 and IL-3 but are not required for mitogenesis.

By searching a database of expressed sequences, we identified a member of the signal transducers and activators of transcription (Stat) family of proteins. Human and murine full-length cDNA clones were obtained and sequenced. The sequence of the human cDNA was identical to the recently published sequence for interleukin-4 (IL-4)-Stat (J. Hou, U. Schindler, W.J. Henzel, T.C. Ho, M. Brasseur, and S. L. McKnight, Science 265:1701-1706, 1994), while the murine Stat6 amino acid and nucleotide sequences were 83 and 84% identical to the human sequences, respectively. Using Stat6-specific antiserum, we demonstrated that Stat6 is rapidly tyrosine phosphorylated following stimulation of appropriate cell lines with IL-4 or IL-3 but is not detectably phosphorylated following stimulation with IL-2, IL-12, or erythropoietin. In contrast, IL-2, IL-3, and erythropoietin induce the tyrosine phosphorylation of Stat5 while IL-12 uniquely induces the tyrosine phosphorylation of Stat4. Inducible tyrosine phosphorylation of Stat6 requires the membrane-distal region of the IL-4 receptor alpha chain. This region of the receptor is not required for cell growth, demonstrating that Stat6 tyrosine phosphorylation does not contribute to mitogenesis.

Amino Acid Sequence↗