Activation of Human Adrenergic Receptors and Trace Amine-Associated Receptor 1 by Phenethylamine Analogues Present in Food Supplements.

Pre-workout supplements are popular among sport athletes and overweight individuals. Phenethylamines (PEAs) and alkylamines (AA) are widely present in these supplements. Although the health effects of these analogues are not well understood yet, they are hypothesised to be agonists of adrenergic (ADR) and trace amine-associated receptors (TAARs).

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) decrease the expression of recombination-activating genes (RAG1 and RAG2) in human B lymphoma Namalwa cells.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are omnipresent and have been shown to induce a wide range of adverse effects, including hepatotoxicity, developmental toxicity and immunotoxicity. So far, little information is available about the mechanisms underlying the toxicity of PFASs, including those related to their immunotoxicity. Reported immunotoxic effects of PFASs include decreased antibody responses in experimental animals and humans, indicating that PFASs may, among others, affect B cell function.

Comparison of gene expression and biotransformation activity of HepaRG cells under static and dynamic culture conditions.

Flow conditions have been shown to be important in improving longevity and functionality of primary hepatocytes, but the impact of flow on HepaRG cells is largely unknown. We studied the expression of genes encoding CYP enzymes and transporter proteins and CYP1 and CYP3A4 activity during 8 weeks of culture in HepaRG cells cultured under static conditions (conventional 24-/96-well plate culture with common bicarbonate/CO buffering) and under flow conditions in an organ-on-chip (OOC) device. Since the OOC-device is a closed system, bicarbonate/CO buffering was not possible, requiring application of another buffering agent, such as HEPES.

Development of a villi-like micropatterned porous membrane for intestinal magnesium and calcium uptake studies.

Intestinal enterocytes are key players in the absorption of magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca). Understanding the exact molecular mechanisms by which their absorption behavior is regulated could greatly improve treatment strategies for stimulating intestinal absorption in diseases with Mg and/or Ca deficiency. However, such studies are hampered by the lack of in vitro intestinal cell models mimicking the mechanical and physiological properties of the gut.