Ulrich Ranft

Publications of Ulrich Ranft

• Birth weight and prenatal exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE): a meta-analysis within 12 European Birth Cohorts.

  Authors: Eva Govarts, Mark Nieuwenhuijsen, Greet Schoeters, Ferran Ballester, Karolien Bloemen, Michiel de Boer, Cécile Chevrier, Merete Eggesbø, Mònica Guxens, Ursula Krämer [......] Rémy Slama, Hein Stigum, Gunnar Toft, Tomas Trnovec, Stéphanie Vandentorren, Pál Weihe, Nynke Weisglas Kuperus, Michael Wilhelm, Jürgen Wittsiepe, Jens Peter Bonde

  Environmental health perspectives. 02/2012; 120(2):162-70.

  Exposure to high concentrations of persistent organochlorines may cause fetal toxicity, but the evidence at low exposure levels is limited. Large studies with substantial exposure contrasts andExposure to high concentrations of persistent organochlorines may cause fetal toxicity, but the evidence at low exposure levels is limited. Large studies with substantial exposure contrasts and appropriate exposure assessment are warranted. Within the framework of the EU (European Union) ENRIECO (ENvironmental Health RIsks in European Birth Cohorts) and EU OBELIX (OBesogenic Endocrine disrupting chemicals: LInking prenatal eXposure to the development of obesity later in life) projects, we examined the hypothesis that the combination of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) adversely affects birth weight. We used maternal and cord blood and breast milk samples of 7,990 women enrolled in 15 study populations from 12 European birth cohorts from 1990 through 2008. Using identical variable definitions, we performed for each cohort linear regression of birth weight on estimates of cord serum concentration of PCB-153 and p,p´-DDE adjusted for gestational age and a priori selected covariates. We obtained summary estimates by meta-analysis and performed analyses of interactions. The median concentration of cord serum PCB-153 was 140 ng/L (range of cohort medians 20-484 ng/L) and that of p,p´-DDE was 528 ng/L (range of cohort medians 50-1,208 ng/L). Birth weight decreased with increasing cord serum concentration of PCB-153 after adjustment for potential confounders in 12 of 15 study populations. The meta-analysis including all cohorts indicated a birth weight decline of 150 g [95% confidence interval (CI): -250, -50 g] per 1-µg/L increase in PCB-153, an exposure contrast that is close to the range of exposures across the cohorts. A 1-µg/L increase in p,p´-DDE was associated with a 7-g decrease in birth weight (95% CI: -18, 4 g). The findings suggest that low-level exposure to PCB (or correlated exposures) impairs fetal growth, but that exposure to p,p´-DDE does not. The study adds to mounting evidence that low-level exposure to PCBs is inversely associated with fetal growth.

• High frequency of diastolic dysfunction in a population-based cohort of elderly women--but poor association with the symptom dyspnea.

  Authors: Alfried Germing, Michael Gotzmann, Tamara Schikowski, Andrea Vierkötter, Ulrich Ranft, Ursula Krämer, Andreas Mügge

  BMC geriatrics. 11/2011; 11:71.

  The European Society of Cardiology recently proposed a new algorithm "How to diagnose heart failure with normal ejection fraction". Central element of the diagnostic strategy is the demonstration ofThe European Society of Cardiology recently proposed a new algorithm "How to diagnose heart failure with normal ejection fraction". Central element of the diagnostic strategy is the demonstration of diastolic dysfunction, either by tissue Doppler-derived indices in first line, or in second line by a combination of elevated blood levels of natriuretic peptide with abnormal tissue Doppler findings. We thought to use this diagnostic flowchart in a population-based cohort of elderly women, in whom the prevalence of diastolic dysfunction and heart failure is believed to be high. The purpose was to evaluate the association of dyspnea with the presence of diastolic dysfunction. The study cohort recruited from a cross-sectional follow-up examination of the SALIA cohort (study on the influence of air pollution on lung function, inflammation, and aging). Participants with cardiac or pulmonary disease were excluded, 291 participants formed the final study group (all women, age range 69 to 79 years, all in sinus rhythm, LV ejection fraction > 50%, LV enddiastolic volume index < 97 mL/m2). Quality of life was assessed by the Minnesota living with heart failure questionnaire, and actual symptoms by a structural questionnaire; the examination consisted of a physical examination, measurement of B-type natriuretic peptide, ECG and tissue Doppler echocardiography. Diastolic dysfunction was assumed when the E/E' ratio exceeded 15 as derived from tissue Doppler. In case, tissue Doppler yielded an E/E' ratio ranging from 8 to 15, additional non-invasive parameters had to be fulfilled: left atrial volume index > 40 ml/m2 body surface, or left ventricular mass index > 122 g/m2 body surface, or transmitral E/A ratio < 0.5 plus deceleration time > 280 ms, or blood level of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) > 200 pg/mL. The examinations were concordant with the presence of diastolic dysfunction in 122/291 participants (41.9%). The diagnosis based in 94% of cases on two criteria: in 50 cases on the criterion "E/E' ratio > 15", and in 65 cases on the criterion "15 > E/E'>8 and LV mass index > 122 g/m2". The participants with diastolic dysfunction had on average a higher body mass index, more frequent a history of arterial hypertension and of hospitalization for congestive heart failure, poorer quality of life, and higher BNP blood levels as compared to those participants without signs of diastolic dysfunction. The number of participants complaining exertional dyspnea, however, was similar distributed among the subgroups with and without signs of diastolic dysfunction (40.2 vs 40.8%; p = n.s). In a logistic regression model, the symptom dyspnea was best predicted by systolic pulmonary artery pressure, followed by left atrial volume index, BNP, and body mass index. The demonstration of diastolic dysfunction showed only a poor association with the symptom dyspnea in a cohort of elderly women with otherwise normal systolic function. Additional structural or hemodynamic changes are necessary to "explain" the symptom dyspnea. It is unclear whether these additional factors are secondary to a more advanced stage of diastolic dysfunction, or are related to cardiovascular co-morbidities, or both.

• Association between sun-exposure, smoking behaviour and plasma antioxidant levels with the different manifestation of skin ageing signs between Japanese and German women--a pilot study.

  Authors: Dany Perner, Andrea Vierkötter, Dorothee Sugiri, Mary Matsui, Ulrich Ranft, Charlotte Esser, Stephane Ethève, Regina Goralczyk, Natsumi Kaneko, Ai Yamamoto, Akimichi Morita, Jean Krutmann, Ursula Krämer

  Journal of dermatological science. 03/2011; 62(2):138-40.

• Prevalence of nickel sensitization and urinary nickel content of children are increased by nickel in ambient air.

  Authors: Monika Kasper-Sonnenberg, Dorothee Sugiri, Sabine Wurzler, Ulrich Ranft, Heinrich Dickel, Jürgen Wittsiepe, Jürgen Hölzer, Friederike Lemm, Georg Eberwein, Peter Altmeyer, Martin Kraft, Ursula Krämer, Michael Wilhelm

  Environmental research. 02/2011; 111(2):266-73.

  In a cross-sectional study performed in 2000, an unexpected positive association between nickel (Ni) in ambient air, urinary Ni content and the prevalence of Ni sensitization in a subgroup ofIn a cross-sectional study performed in 2000, an unexpected positive association between nickel (Ni) in ambient air, urinary Ni content and the prevalence of Ni sensitization in a subgroup of 6-yr-old children living near a steel mill was observed. Between 2005 and 2006, in a different and larger study population, we examined if Ni from ambient air or urinary Ni concentration was related to Ni sensitization in children living next to Ni-emitting steel mills. We studied 749 school beginners living in four Ni-polluted industrial areas of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. We assessed Ni in ambient air, Ni in urine from children and mothers, and Ni in tap water, conducted patch tests in children (including the NiSO(4)-dilution test) and collected questionnaire data. Statistics were done by linear and logistic regression analyses, adjusted for covariates. At increased Ni concentration in ambient air (unit of increase: 10 ng/m(3)), urinary Ni concentrations rose in both mothers (9.1%; 95% CI: 6.8-11.4%) and children (2.4%; 95% CI: 0.4-4.4%). The prevalence of Ni sensitization in children was associated with increased Ni from ambient air (unit of increase: 18 ng/m(3); odds ratio 1.28; 95% CI: 1.25-1.32) and urinary Ni concentration (unit of increase: 7.1 μg/L; odds ratio 2.4; 95% CI: 1.20-4.48). Ni in ambient air of areas with Ni-emitting factories contributes to internal Ni exposure in residents via inhalation and, furthermore, is a risk factor for the development of Ni sensitization in children.

• Diastolic dysfunction without abnormalities in left atrial and left ventricular geometry does not affect quality of life in elderly women.

  Authors: Alfried Germing, Michael Gotzmann, Tamara Schikowski, Andrea Vierkötter, Ulrich Ranft, Andreas Mügge

  Experimental and clinical cardiology. 01/2011; 16(2):37-9.

  Advanced age and female sex are associated with increased myocardial stiffness, even in the absence of cardiovascular disease. Left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and left atrial (LA) enlargement areAdvanced age and female sex are associated with increased myocardial stiffness, even in the absence of cardiovascular disease. Left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and left atrial (LA) enlargement are typical findings in patients with LV diastolic dysfunction (DD). Because DD has been described in asymptomatic subjects, its clinical impact remains controversial. It has previously been hypothesized that mild DD has no clinical impact when natriuretic peptide levels are normal. The present study aimed to determine the impact of LA volume and LV mass on DD in elderly women. A cross-sectional survey was used to investigate a cohort of 311 randomly selected, nonhospitalized elderly women (mean [± SD] age 74.3±2.9 years). Examination comprised quality of life, measurement of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels and echocardiography. The prevalences of different degrees of DD were as follows: mild 47.9% (n=149), moderate 36.7% (n=114) and severe 4.8% (n=15). Compared with normal diastolic function, moderate and severe DD were associated with higher BNP levels (P=0.038 and P<0.001, respectively) and elevated indexes of LA volume (LAVI) (P=0.007 and P<0.001, respectively) and LV mass (LVMI) (P=0.074 and P=0.017, respectively). Participants with normal diastolic function and mild DD had no significant differences in quality of life, BNP levels, LAVI or LVMI. Mild DD is common in elderly women and is not associated with increased BNP levels or poor quality of life. Compared with individuals with moderate and severe DD, LAVI and LVMI are normal in patients with mild DD.

• Airborne particle exposure and extrinsic skin aging.

  Authors: Andrea Vierkötter, Tamara Schikowski, Ulrich Ranft, Dorothea Sugiri, Mary Matsui, Ursula Krämer, Jean Krutmann

  The Journal of investigative dermatology. 12/2010; 130(12):2719-26.

  For decades, extrinsic skin aging has been known to result from chronic exposure to solar radiation and, more recently, to tobacco smoke. In this study, we have assessed the influence of airFor decades, extrinsic skin aging has been known to result from chronic exposure to solar radiation and, more recently, to tobacco smoke. In this study, we have assessed the influence of air pollution on skin aging in 400 Caucasian women aged 70-80 years. Skin aging was clinically assessed by means of SCINEXA (score of intrinsic and extrinsic skin aging), a validated skin aging score. Traffic-related exposure at the place of residence was determined by traffic particle emissions and by estimation of soot in fine dust. Exposure to background particle concentration was determined by measurements of ambient particles at fixed monitoring sites. The impact of air pollution on skin aging was analyzed by linear and logistic regression and adjusted for potential confounding variables. Air pollution exposure was significantly correlated to extrinsic skin aging signs, in particular to pigment spots and less pronounced to wrinkles. An increase in soot (per 0.5 × 10(-5) per m) and particles from traffic (per 475  kg per year and square km) was associated with 20% more pigment spots on forehead and cheeks. Background particle pollution, which was measured in low residential areas of the cities without busy traffic and therefore is not directly attributable to traffic but rather to other sources of particles, was also positively correlated to pigment spots on face. These results indicate that particle pollution might influence skin aging as well.

• Prohepcidin, B-type natriuretic peptide, and iron status in a cohort of elderly women from the Rhine-Ruhr area.

  Authors: Jana Henry, Swaantje Casjens, Tamara Schikowski, Axel Stachon, Alfried Germing, Ulrich Ranft, Martin Lehnert, Volker Harth, Ursula Krämer, Thomas Brüning, Beate Pesch

  Acta haematologica. 09/2010; 124(3):129-33.

  No abstract available.

• Traffic-related air pollution and incident type 2 diabetes: results from the SALIA cohort study.

  Authors: Ursula Krämer, Christian Herder, Dorothea Sugiri, Klaus Strassburger, Tamara Schikowski, Ulrich Ranft, Wolfgang Rathmann

  Environmental health perspectives. 09/2010; 118(9):1273-9.

  Cross-sectional and ecological studies indicate that air pollution may be a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, but prospective data are lacking. We examined the association between traffic-related airCross-sectional and ecological studies indicate that air pollution may be a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, but prospective data are lacking. We examined the association between traffic-related air pollution and incident type 2 diabetes. Between 1985 and 1994, cross-sectional surveys were performed in the highly industrialized Ruhr district (West Germany); a follow-up investigation was conducted in 2006 using data from the Study on the Influence of Air Pollution on Lung, Inflammation and Aging (SALIA) cohort. 1,775 nondiabetic women who were 54-55 years old at baseline participated in both baseline and follow-up investigations and had complete information available. Using questionnaires, we assessed 16-year incidence (1990-2006) of type 2 diabetes and information about covariates. Complement factor C3c as marker for subclinical inflammation was measured at baseline. Individual exposure to traffic-related particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen dioxide was determined at different spatial scales. Between 1990 and 2006, 87 (10.5%) new cases of diabetes were reported among the SALIA cohort members. The hazards for diabetes were increased by 15-42% per interquartile range of PM or traffic-related exposure. The associations persisted when different spatial scales were used to assess exposure and remained robust after adjusting for age, body mass index, socioeconomic status, and exposure to several non-traffic-related sources of air pollution. C3c was associated with PM pollution at baseline and was a strong independent predictor of incident diabetes. Exploratory analyses indicated that women with high C3c blood levels were more susceptible for PM-related excess risk of diabetes than were women with low C3c levels. Traffic-related air pollution is associated with incident type 2 diabetes among elderly women. Subclinical inflammation may be a mechanism linking air pollution with type 2 diabetes.Relevance to clinical practice: Our study identifies traffic-related air pollution as a novel and potentially modifiable risk factor of type 2 diabetes.

• Does airborne nickel exposure induce nickel sensitization?

  Authors: Eugen Mann, Ulrich Ranft, Georg Eberwein, Dieter Gladtke, Dorothee Sugiri, Heidrun Behrendt, Johannes Ring, Torsten Schäfer, Jutta Begerow, Jürgen Wittsiepe, Ursula Krämer, Michael Wilhelm

  Contact dermatitis. 06/2010; 62(6):355-62.

  Nickel is one of the most prevalent causes of contact allergy in the general population. This study focuses on human exposure to airborne nickel and its potential to induce allergicNickel is one of the most prevalent causes of contact allergy in the general population. This study focuses on human exposure to airborne nickel and its potential to induce allergic sensitization. The study group consisted of 309 children at school-starter age living in the West of Germany in the vicinity of two industrial sources and in a rural town without nearby point sources of nickel. An exposure assessment of nickel in ambient air was available for children in the Ruhr district using routinely monitored ambient air quality data and dispersion modelling. Internal nickel exposure was assessed by nickel concentrations in morning urine samples of the children. The observed nickel sensitization prevalence rates varied between 12.6% and 30.7%. Statistically significant associations were showed between exposure to nickel in ambient air and urinary nickel concentration as well as between urinary nickel concentration and nickel sensitization. Furthermore, an elevated prevalence of nickel sensitization was associated with exposure to increased nickel concentrations in ambient air. The observed associations support the assumption that inhaled nickel in ambient air might be a risk factor for nickel sensitization; further studies in larger collectives are necessary.

• Normal values for longitudinal function of the right ventricle in healthy women >70 years of age.

  Authors: Alfried Germing, Michael Gotzmann, Ricarda Rausse, Turgut Brodherr, Stephan Holt, Michael Lindstaedt, Johannes Dietrich, Ulrich Ranft, Ursula Krämer, Andreas Mügge

  European journal of echocardiography : the journal of the Working Group on Echocardiography of the European Society of Cardiology. 04/2010; 11(8):725-8.

  The application of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) as an additional echocardiographic tool to analyse right ventricular (RV) systolic function has been recently established andThe application of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) as an additional echocardiographic tool to analyse right ventricular (RV) systolic function has been recently established and two-dimensional-guided M-mode measurements of systolic long axis function of the RV are simple, repeatable, and highly reproducible. However, rare data are available on normal values. We aimed to analyse normal values in healthy women >70 years of age. In a cross-sectional survey, we investigated a cohort of randomly selected, non-hospitalized women >70 years of age. History of myocardial infarction, valvular heart disease, and diastolic dysfunction were exclusion criteria. In order to rule out left ventricular or RV dysfunction, a normal left ventricular ejection fraction and normal values of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) were necessary prior to study inclusion. A detailed echocardiographic examination was performed. A total of 80 participants were included (mean age 75 +/- 2.6 years). Mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 63.8 +/- 5.7%. Tissue Doppler derived mean E/E' ratio was 10 +/- 2.3. Mean right atrial diameter was 31.3 +/- 4.7 mm. Mean values for RV outflow tract and RV dimension were 27.3 +/- 3.6 and 28.8 +/- 3.7 mm, respectively. Mean TAPSE was 23.7 +/- 3.5 mm. Mean value of BNP was normal (42.5 +/- 35.7 pg/mL). In women >70 years of age without heart failure, structural heart disease, and neurohormonal activation, normal TAPSE values are approximately 24 mm.

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• Decline in air pollution and change in prevalence in respiratory symptoms and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in elderly women.

  Authors: Tamara Schikowski, Ulrich Ranft, Dorothee Sugiri, Andrea Vierkötter, Thomas Brüning, Volker Harth, Ursula Krämer

  Respiratory research. 01/2010; 11:113.

  While adverse effects of exposure to air pollutants on respiratory health are well studied, little is known about the effect of a reduction in air pollutants on chronic respiratory symptoms andWhile adverse effects of exposure to air pollutants on respiratory health are well studied, little is known about the effect of a reduction in air pollutants on chronic respiratory symptoms and diseases. We investigated whether different declines in air pollution levels in industrialised and rural areas in Germany were associated with changes in respiratory health over a period of about 20 years. We used data from the SALIA cohort study in Germany (Study on the influence of Air pollution on Lung function, Inflammation and Aging) to assess the association between the prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic respiratory symptoms and the decline in air pollution exposure. In 1985-1994, 4874 women aged 55-years took part in the baseline investigation. Of these, 2116 participated in a questionnaire follow-up in 2006 and in a subgroup of 402 women lung function was tested in 2008-2009. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were used to estimate the effect of a reduction in air pollution on respiratory symptoms and diseases. Ambient air concentrations of particulate matter with aerodynamic size < 10 microm (PM10) declined in average by 20 microg/m3. Prevalence of chronic cough with phlegm production and mild COPD at baseline investigation compared to follow-up was 9.5% vs. 13.3% and 8.6% vs. 18.2%, respectively. A steeper decline of PM10 was observed in the industrialized areas in comparison to the rural area, this was associated with a weaker increase in prevalence of respiratory symptoms and COPD. Among women who never smoked, the prevalence of chronic cough with phlegm and mild COPD was estimated at 21.4% and 39.5%, respectively, if no air pollution reduction was assumed, and at 13.3% and 17.5%, respectively, if air pollution reduction was assumed. We concluded that parallel to the decline of ambient air pollution over the last 20 years in the Ruhr area the age-related increase in chronic respiratory diseases and symptoms appears to attenuate in the population of elderly women.

• Long-term exposure to traffic-related particulate matter impairs cognitive function in the elderly.

  Authors: Ulrich Ranft, Tamara Schikowski, Dorothee Sugiri, Jean Krutmann, Ursula Krämer

  Environmental research. 10/2009;

  Animal studies have suggested that fine particulate matter (PM) can translocate from the upper respiratory tract to the brain and cause brain inflammation. Brain inflammation is involved in theAnimal studies have suggested that fine particulate matter (PM) can translocate from the upper respiratory tract to the brain and cause brain inflammation. Brain inflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Hypothesizing therefore that long-term exposure to fine PM might contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD), the objective of this study was to investigate the association between exposure to fine PM and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) which is associated with a high risk of progression to AD. A study group of 399 women aged 68-79 years who lived for more than 20 years at the same residential address has been assessed for long-term exposure to PM and tested for MCI. The exposure assessment comprised background concentration of PM(10) and traffic-related PM indicated by the distance of the residential address to the next busy road. The women were assessed for MCI by a battery of several neuropsychological tests and their odor identification ability. Consistent effects of traffic-related air pollution exposure on test performances including a dose-response relation were found. The associations were adjusted for potential confounders using regression analysis. These results indicate that chronic exposure to traffic-related PM may be involved in the pathogenesis of AD.

• Eczema, respiratory allergies, and traffic-related air pollution in birth cohorts from small-town areas.

  Authors: Ursula Krämer, Dorothea Sugiri, Ulrich Ranft, Jean Krutmann, Andrea von Berg, Dietrich Berdel, Heidrun Behrendt, Thomas Kuhlbusch, Matthias Hochadel, Heinz-Erich Wichmann, Joachim Heinrich

  Journal of dermatological science. 09/2009;

  BACKGROUND: Traffic-related air pollution (TAP) impairs respiratory health and could influence the development of allergies, as was demonstrated in urban areas with relatively high pollution. WhetherBACKGROUND: Traffic-related air pollution (TAP) impairs respiratory health and could influence the development of allergies, as was demonstrated in urban areas with relatively high pollution. Whether eczema is affected by TAP was rarely investigated. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether exposure to TAP affects eczema and respiratory allergies also in small-town areas with lower concentrations of pollution. METHODS: Between 1995 and 1999, we recruited 3390 newborns from small-town areas. Diagnoses and symptoms of eczema and respiratory allergies were recorded by annual questionnaires. Seventy-seven percent of families participated until the child's 6th birthday, when a clinical test for eczema and IgE-sensitization was performed. Individual exposure to traffic-related soot and NO(2) at the children's home addresses was determined by land-use-regression. We used Cox-regression/log-binomial-regression to determine its confounder-adjusted association with incidence and prevalence of eczema and respiratory allergies. RESULTS: The prevalence of eczema at age 6 was significantly higher in children who resided in areas where TAP was higher. The adjusted relative risk for doctor diagnosed eczema for instance was 1.69 (95% confidence interval 1.04-2.75) per 90%-range of soot concentration. Current eczema at the 6 year clinical investigation was likewise associated, children with parental allergies showed significantly stronger effects (p<0.05). Incidence of eczema was not affected. No associations between TAP and asthma, hay fever, or allergic sensitization emerged. CONCLUSION: Eczema was sensitive to TAP, effects emerged even in lower polluted small-town areas of Germany. They could be seen for prevalence but not incidence of eczema. This is equivalent to a longer duration of eczema in exposed children.

• The SCINEXA: A novel, validated score to simultaneously assess and differentiate between intrinsic and extrinsic skin ageing.

  Authors: Andrea Vierkötter, Ulrich Ranft, Ursula Krämer, Dorothea Sugiri, Verena Reimann, Jean Krutmann

  Journal of dermatological science. 01/2009;

  BACKGROUND: Studies on the pathogenesis of skin ageing as well as efficacy testing of cosmetic and aesthetic measures to prevent or reverse skin ageing require - as an easy to use method - aBACKGROUND: Studies on the pathogenesis of skin ageing as well as efficacy testing of cosmetic and aesthetic measures to prevent or reverse skin ageing require - as an easy to use method - a validated non-invasive clinical score, which allows to simultaneously assess and differentiate between intrinsic (=chronological) and extrinsic (=photo-) skin ageing. Such an ideal score, however, does currently not exist. OBJECTIVES: We developed a novel skin ageing score 'SCINEXA' comprising 5 items indicative of intrinsic and 18 items highly characteristic of extrinsic skin ageing. These items were used to define an index (index(discr)) that allowed differentiating between intrinsic versus extrinsic skin ageing. In order to validate the 'SCINEXA', we asked whether it can be used to discriminate regular sunbed users, which have been chronically exposed to ultraviolet radiation and thus are prone to photoageing, from non-sunbed users, which were considered paradigmatic for intrinsic skin ageing. METHODS: For this purpose, 58 non-sunbed users and 16 regularly sunbed users were assessed. In addition to the clinical examination of the 23 score items potential confounders were considered by questionnaire. RESULTS: By employing the index(discr), we were able to classify 92% of all study subjects correctly as sunbed or non-sunbed users. Specifically, an index above 2 was associated with sunbed use and thus extrinsic skin ageing, whereas an index below 2 indicated intrinsic skin ageing. CONCLUSION: The novel 'SCINEXA' is suitable for the simultaneous assessment of intrinsic and extrinsic skin ageing.

• Childhood social position and associations between environmental exposures and health outcomes.

  Authors: Barbara Hoffmann, Bita Kolahgar, Knut Rauchfuss, Georg Eberwein, Isabelle Franzen-Reuter, Martin Kraft, Michael Wilhelm, Ulrich Ranft, Karl-Heinz Jöckel

  International journal of hygiene and environmental health. 06/2008;

  BACKGROUND: Growing evidence indicates that environmental exposures are more prevalent among socially disadvantaged groups. We investigated the distribution of environmental exposures and healthBACKGROUND: Growing evidence indicates that environmental exposures are more prevalent among socially disadvantaged groups. We investigated the distribution of environmental exposures and health outcomes in preschool children, and examined the role of social position on their associations. METHODS: We analysed data from a cross-sectional study on 968 preschool children from three districts in the Ruhr Area and one rural community in North Rhine-Westphalia in 2000. Parents filled in a questionnaire on socio-demographic characteristics, environmental exposures, respiratory infections and allergic diseases. Residential annual total suspended particulate matter (TSP) mass concentrations were derived from a small-scale interpolation model. Lung function, allergic sensitisation and immunologic function were assessed. We analysed the associations between environmental exposures and health outcomes in social subgroups with logistic regression. RESULTS: High TSP concentrations at the home address and unfavourable living conditions were more prevalent in the socially disadvantaged groups, while allergic and respiratory infectious diseases were reported more frequently in the privileged groups. The odds ratio for the association between TSP and history of allergic diseases was 1.17 (95% CI 0.95-1.45) in children without immigration background and 0.71 (95% CI 0.53-0.95) with immigration background. Heterogeneity for exposure-outcome associations was also seen between TSP and lung function as well as unfavourable living conditions and allergic diseases. CONCLUSIONS: We found evidence for an influence of social position on environment-health associations. Possible explanations for heterogeneity include social group-specific over- and underreporting and effect measure modification, which need to be taken into account when designing and analysing environmental health studies.

• Sunbed use induces the photoaging-associated mitochondrial common deletion.

  Authors: Verena Reimann, Ursula Krämer, Dorothee Sugiri, Peter Schroeder, Barbara Hoffmann, Kathrin Medve-Koenigs, Karl-Heinz Jöckel, Ulrich Ranft, Jean Krutmann

  The Journal of investigative dermatology. 06/2008; 128(5):1294-7.

  Sunbeds have become very popular and, as a result, health effects of their use are of growing concern. In this regard, exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunbeds may cause premature skin aging.Sunbeds have become very popular and, as a result, health effects of their use are of growing concern. In this regard, exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunbeds may cause premature skin aging. Evidence for this assumption, however, has thus far been elusive. In this study, we assessed whether sunbed use induced the generation of a large-scale mitochondrial DNA mutation in human skin, the so-called Common Deletion, which is well known to be photoaging-associated. Fifty-nine individuals who voluntarily started to use sunbeds were observed over 3 months. Punch biopsies were taken from neck and buttock skin before the first and after their last sunbed visit. The Common Deletion content was determined by quantitative real-time PCR. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed for statistical analysis. Volunteers without previous sunbed use showed a 2.56-fold increase (95% CI: 0.97-6.78) of the Common Deletion in neck and a 3.58-fold increase (95% CI: 1.44-8.89) of the Common Deletion in buttock skin samples after sunbed use. Participants with previous sunbed use showed no increase. This study indicates that sunbed use may contribute to mtDNA deletion-associated skin photoaging.

• Environmental exposure to dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls reduce levels of gonadal hormones in newborns: results from the Duisburg cohort study.

  Authors: Yuguang Cao, Gerhard Winneke, Michael Wilhelm, Jürgen Wittsiepe, Friederike Lemm, Peter Fürst, Ulrich Ranft, Matthias Imöhl, Martin Kraft, Barbara Oesch-Bartlomowicz, Ursula Krämer

  International journal of hygiene and environmental health. 04/2008; 211(1-2):30-9.

  BACKGROUND: Endocrine dysfunction related to the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) and/or the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG) is being discussed as underlying developmental adversity ofBACKGROUND: Endocrine dysfunction related to the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) and/or the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG) is being discussed as underlying developmental adversity of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). This study was done to evaluate effects related to the HPG axis. METHODS: A birth-cohort study was initiated in the year 2000. Healthy mother-infant pairs were recruited in the industrialized city of Duisburg, Germany. Dioxins, dioxin-like PCBs and six indicator PCBs were measured in maternal blood during pregnancy and in maternal milk. Testosterone and estradiol levels were measured in maternal and cord serum of 104 mother-infant pairs representing a subsample with a complete data set of the total basic sample of 232 participants. Linear regression analysis was used to describe the association of PCDD/Fs or PCB in maternal blood or milk with sex steroid concentrations after adjustment for confounding. RESULTS: Median concentrations for PCDD/Fs in maternal blood fat and milk fat in terms of WHO-TEq were 15.3 and 13.1pg WHO-TEq/g, respectively, and for the sum of the indicator PCBs (#28, #52, #101, #138, #153, #180) 149 and 177ng/g. The adjusted ratio of geometric means when doubling the concentration of PCDD/Fs in maternal blood fat was 0.86, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.72-1.03 for testosterone and 0.73 (0.61-0.87) for estradiol in cord serum. Typically, testosterone reduction was more pronounced in cord serum of female and estradiol reduction in that of male babies. Reduction of hormone levels was generally more pronounced for dioxins than for indicator PCBs. CONCLUSIONS: The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis of newborn babies is influenced by prenatal exposure to PCDD/Fs and PCBs in a manner suggestive of AhR-mediation. The clinical relevance of this finding remains to be established, however.

• Lack of neurodevelopmental adversity by prenatal exposure of infants to current lowered PCB levels: comparison of two German birth cohort studies.

  Authors: Michael Wilhelm, Ulrich Ranft, Ursula Krämer, Jürgen Wittsiepe, Friederike Lemm, Peter Fürst, Georg Eberwein, Gerhard Winneke

  Journal of toxicology and environmental health. Part A. 02/2008; 71(11-12):700-2.

  Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), persistent environmental contaminants, may affect neurodevelopment of infants following prenatal exposure. A negative impact of prenatal PCB exposure onPolychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), persistent environmental contaminants, may affect neurodevelopment of infants following prenatal exposure. A negative impact of prenatal PCB exposure on neurodevelopment was found in the Dusseldorf (Germany) cohort study (1993-2000). PCB levels of the sum of the three indicator congeners in breast milk were negatively associated with mental/motor development as assessed by the Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID) in infants. Since general exposure to PCB has decreased, a new birth cohort study was initiated in 2000 in the industrial city of Duisburg, which is located 30 km downstream from Dusseldorf on the River Rhine. A subgroup of the Duisburg birth cohort study was used to compare PCB exposure and developmental effects with results from the Dusseldorf cohort. The recruitment phase of the Duisburg cohort study occurred from 2000 to 2002. Mental and motor development was assessed by means of the BSID at the ages of 12 and 24 mo. Prenatal PCB exposure of newborns from Duisburg cohort was about two- to threefold lower than the Dusseldorf cohort. Although in the Dusseldorf birth cohort mental and motor development at ages 18 and 30 mo were negatively associated with PCB exposure, there was no association observed in the Duisburg study. Evidence indicates that exposure to PCB at current exposure levels no longer apparently impair neurodevelopment of infants.

• Lead concentration in the blood of children and its association with lead in soil and ambient air--trends between 1983 and 2000 in Duisburg.

  Authors: Ulrich Ranft, Thomas Delschen, Monika Machtolf, Dorothee Sugiri, Michael Wilhelm

  Journal of toxicology and environmental health. Part A. 02/2008; 71(11-12):710-5.

  Children are known to be at greater risk of exposure to lead (Pb). As Pb levels in ambient air have decreased during the last decades, the relative contribution of soil ingestion to ambient PbChildren are known to be at greater risk of exposure to lead (Pb). As Pb levels in ambient air have decreased during the last decades, the relative contribution of soil ingestion to ambient Pb exposure has increased. Using data from five cross-sectional studies conducted during 1983 to 2000 in the industrial city of Duisburg and comprising 843 children, 6-11 yr old, the aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of Pb in soil to Pb blood levels of children in comparison to the contribution of Pb in air. Based on measurements of soil samples, the spatial distribution of Pb in soil (0-10 cm depth) was estimated for the study area. Pb exposure in ambient air was calculated using routinely monitored air quality data and Lagrange dispersion modeling. Individual exposure data were assigned using geo-coded home addresses. Multiple linear regression analysis was applied to estimate adjusted association measures. Median (95th percentile) level of Pb in soil was 206 (877) mg/kg. A simultaneous decrease in air Pb and blood Pb was observed (air: from 0.47 (0.47) to 0.03 (0.16) microg/m(3); blood: from 86 (163) to 31 (68) microg/L). Significant associations between Pb in blood and Pb in the two exposure media were found. An increase of 0.44 microg/m(3) Pb in air led to an rise in blood Pb by 155%, whereas blood Pb changed by about 63% if Pb in soil increased by 800 mg/kg. The results of the study were used for a local risk assessment and the definition of action values for Pb in soil.

• Lack of association of delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase polymorphisms with blood lead levels and hemoglobin in Romanian women from a lead-contaminated region.

  Authors: Sylvia Rabstein, Klaus Unfried, Ulrich Ranft, Thomas Illig, Melanie Kolz, Chinara Mambetova, Mariana Vlad, Cecilia Roman, Tobias Weiss, Doreen Becker, Thomas Brüning, Beate Pesch

  Journal of toxicology and environmental health. Part A. 02/2008; 71(11-12):716-24.

  As part of a project on environmental pollution, this study aimed to evaluate associations between blood lead (BPb) levels, hemoglobin (Hb) content, and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) ofAs part of a project on environmental pollution, this study aimed to evaluate associations between blood lead (BPb) levels, hemoglobin (Hb) content, and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) gene in 129 unrelated women from Romania. Five SNPs (rs1805313, rs2228083, rs1805312, rs1800435, rs1139488) were analyzed with respect to haplotype structure and impact on BPb levels and Hb content with proportional odds and analysis of covariance models. Combinations of SNPs were rare (16%). Low haplotype diversity was found with seven haplotypes. One rare haplotype implied the C allele of rs1800435, often referred to as the ALAD2 allele (frequency 8.6%). The putative risk genotype (CC) occurred in only one woman with BPb below 0.5 microg/dl. Median BPb was 4.8 microg/dl and differed markedly by community with a level of 12.5 microg/dl near a mining-spill region. Hb was regular (interquartile range 12.3-13.7 g/dl) and not correlated with BPb, although quantitatively lower in women living near the spill region. No significant associations were found for BPb or Hb with SNPs, haplotypes, or diplotypes. BPb levels were higher in this region than in populations from industrialized countries but without hematotoxic effects. An impact of ALAD2 on BPb or Hb was not seen in these women.