No description available.

In recent years it has been shown conclusively that at least two cannabinoid receptors, termed CB1 and CB2, exist in mammalian tissues. Previous studies using the mouse isolated vas deferens have yielded results which suggest that this tissue contains cannabinoid CB1 receptors which, when activated, can mediate inhibition of electrically-evoked contractions. However, there is evidence which indicates that several of the cannabinoid receptor agonists investigated in this study may exert their effects via non-CB, or even non- cannabinoid mechanisms. In the present study, this evidence was further investigated using the cannabinoid-mediated inhibition of electrically-evoked contractions in the mouse isolated vas deferens as a model of study. The results obtained from studies using the cannabinoid receptor antagonists O-1184 and the CB1-selective SR141716A highlighted the existence of a level of agonist-dependent antagonism in mouse isolated vas deferens. This was indicated by discrepancies obtained in the pKB values of these antagonists against the compounds under investigation. In this series of investigations it was observed that the endogenous cannabinoid receptor agonist, anandamide and the capsaicin-anandamide hybrid compound, arvanil were less potently antagonised by the CB1selective antagonist/inverse agonist, SR141716A than the highly CB1-selective agonist methanandamide. Such discrepancies in pKB values indicate that anandamide and arvanil may be acting on a receptor type distinct from the cannabinoid CB1 receptor. Additionally this series of studies indicated that anandamide and WIN55212-2 were more potently antagonised when non-cumulative responses to these compounds were constructed, indicating the possibility of tolerance developing to these compounds during the construction of cumulative concentration response curves. Several, more recent studies have indicated that anandamide and its metabolically more stable analogue methanandamide may exert their actions in part through vanilloid VR1 receptors. Upon further investigation using the vanilloid VR1 receptor antagonist capsazepine in addition to SR141716A, it was observed that the effects of anandamide, methanandamide, and the capsaicin-anandamide hybrid arvanil could be attenuated by both antagonists. These results indicate that these three agonists can act through both receptor types to mediate their effects in the mouse isolated vas deferens. In this study the putative water-soluble cannabinoid receptor agonist, O-1057 was shown to inhibit the of electrically-evoked contractions in the mouse isolated vas deferens when only water was used as a vehicle. This effect was inhibited by the cannabinoid receptor antagonists O-1184 and SR141716A, providing evidence that this novel water-soluble compound was acting through the CB1 receptor. In a further study the ability of the endogenous compound palmitoylethanolamide and a range of cannabinoids which can act on the CB2 in addition to the CB1 receptor, to downregulate mast cell degranulation was investigated. It was observed that PEA, CP55940 and WIN55212-2 but not the highly CB2 receptor-selective L759656 could exert this effect. It was not possible to investigate the effects of the CB2 receptor antagonist/inverse agonist SR144528 at this time.

No description available.

In recent years, endocrine disruption of corticosteroid signaling pathways in wildlife and humans by environmental chemicals have attracted increasing attention. The integrated potential of chemicals in the aquatic environment that disrupt corticosteroid actions have been evaluated using in vitro glucocorticoid receptor (GR) mediated bioassays. Exogenous natural and synthetic corticosteroids (CSs), which are widely used in human and animal therapeutic applications, were demonstrated to be the most important GR agonists, that can potentially cause adverse effects, especially on aquatic organisms. To date, only a few studies have investigated the occurrence and behavior of GR agonists in the aquatic environment and their removal in conventional wastewater treatment plants. Furthermore, there are hardly any data reported on the removal of GR agonists by advanced water and wastewater treatment, especially those synthetic CSs with high potency. To further understand the fate of GR agonists in water and wastewater treatment processes, a sensitive and robust LC-MS/MS method was successfully developed for analyzing a wide range of GR agonists in various environmental waters. The occurrence of GR agonists in surface water and groundwater was monitored along the Lower Santa Cruz River (SCR). Several GR agonists were detected, and a trend of degradation was observed downstream the two WWTP outfalls for both surface water and groundwater. The fate of GR agonists in a local wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) was investigated, and up to 14 GR agonists were detected at different stages. Highly potent synthetic CSs, including clobetasol propionate (CBP), fluticasone propionate (FTP), fluocinolone acetonide (FCA), and triamcinolone acetonide (TCA), were poorly removed in WWTP. Negative removal of some CSs was observed in primary treatment, which may due to the deconjugation of CS conjugates. Removal of GR agonists in secondary effluent during various advanced water treatment processes, including UV, ozonation, MF, RO and chlorination, were studied. UV and RO appeared to be the most efficient treatment process for the attenuation of GR agonists, followed by ozone, while chlorination had little effects on GR agonists in water. Bench-scale experiments were then carried out to investigate the removal of GR agonists by ultraviolet based advanced oxidation processes (UV/AOPs), and powder activated carbon (PAC). UV/chlorine and UV/H2O2 were demonstrated to be effective in removal GR agonists in wastewater, and UV photolysis would be the predominant mechanism in UV/AOP processes. Four types of PACs were tested for removing GR agonists in wastewater effluent, and Cabot HDB carbon was suggested, while Calgon PWA carbon was not recommended due to its low removal efficiency.

A scourge of Type I and Type II diabetes impacts the health of hundreds of millions worldwide. The number and prevalence of diabetics are expected to rise dramatically in the next two decades. Diabetes is defined by chronic hyperglycemia which can result in a number of detrimental and costly metabolic, renal, cardiovascular and neurological disorders. Identification of at risk individuals and effective blood glucose management are critical to improving diabetic outcomes and preventing hyperglycemic complications. Diabetes prevention and treatment is limited by the understanding of islet function and mass in the diabetogenic and diabetic state. The islets of Langerhans are dispersed throughout the pancreas and comprise <2% of the pancreatic mass. The reclusive nature of islet cells presents unique challenges understanding disease development. No agent capable of exclusively targeting pancreatic β-cells within the islet has been discovered and the lack of targeting agent specificity impedes efforts to: quantify β-cell mass and develop novel therapeutics. We propose β-cell targeting can be improved by targeting unique combinations of receptors simultaneously with multivalent ligands. A synthetic multivalent agent composed of two β-cell specific diabetic therapeutics, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glibenclamide (Glb), targeted against the GLP-1R and the sulfonylurea-1 receptor (SUR1) is a lead compound for the development of specific bi-functional islet cell targeting agents for use in the in vivo detection and treatment of β -cells. Herein, we describe the synthesis and initial characterization of a heterobivalent ligand composed of GLP-1 coupled to Glb. The heterobivalent ligand binds to an unaltered β-cell line with increased specificity relative to a human pancreatic exocrine cell line. Additionally, receptor cross-linking modifies β-cell signaling. Exposure of β-cells to the heterobivalent ligand results in antagonism of SUR1-Ca²⁺ signaling and equipotent agonism of GLP-1R-cAMP signaling, in comparison to the cognate monomeric ligands (Glb and GLP-1). Perturbations in intracellular signaling modifies β-cell insulin secretion resulting in decreased basal insulin secretion and with maintained yet reduced ability to potentiate β-cell glucose stimulated insulin secretion. GLP-1/Glb β-cell specificity and functional modulation suggests combinatorial receptor targeting is an effective strategy for the development of bi-functional cell-specific targeting agents, warranting further investigation and optimization.

No / Previously, dose emission below 30 L min(-1) through DPI has not been routinely determined. However, during routine use some patients do not achieve 30 L min(-1) inhalation flows. Hence, the aim of the present study was to determine dose emission characteristics for low inhalation flows from terbutaline sulphate Turbuhaler. Total emitted dose (TED), fine particle dose (FPD) and mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of terbutaline sulphate Turbuhaler were determined using inhalation flows of 10-60 L min(-1) and inhaled volume of 4 L. TED and FPD increase significantly with the increase of inhalation flows (p <0.05). Flows had more pronounced effect on FPD than TED, thus, faster inhalation increases respirable amount more than it increases emitted dose. MMAD increases with decrease of inhalation flow until flow of 20L min(-1) then it decreases. In vitro flow dependent dose emission has been demonstrated previously for Turbuhaler for flow rates above 30 L min(-1) but is more pronounced below this flow. Minimal FPD below 30 L min(-1) suggests that during routine use at this flow rate most of emitted dose will impact in mouth. Flow dependent dose emission results suggest that Pharmacopoeias should consider the use variety of inhalation flows rather than one that is equivalent to pressure drop of 4 KPa.

<p>Uvod: Pu&scaron;enje predstavlja jedan od najznačajnijih uzroka lo&scaron;e kontrole astme, zbog iritativnog dejstva duvanskog dima na disajne puteve i razvoja rezistencije na inhalatorne kortikosteroide. Stoga je pu&scaron;ače sa astmom često potrebno lečiti kombinovanom antiinflamatornom terapijom, iako je efikasnost ovakvog tretmana jo&scaron; uvek nedovoljno ispitana. Cilj: utvrditi efikasnost kombinovane antiinflamatorne terapije: inhalatorni kortikosteroidi (ICS) u kombinaciji sa dugodelujućim beta2-adrenergičkim agonistima (DDBA) u odnosu na ICS u kombinaciji sa antagonistima leukotrijenskih receptora (ALTR) u postizanju dobre kontrole astme, pobolj&scaron;anju kvaliteta života i plućne funkcije kod pu&scaron;ača u odnosu na nepu&scaron;ače sa astmom. Metod: Pacijenti starosti od 18-50 godina sa astmom (&ge;6meseci), FEV1 većim od 60%, podeljeni su u grupu nepu&scaron;ača &ndash;NP (N=60) i aktivnih pu&scaron;ača &ndash;PU (&le;2 &ge;15 p/g i &ge;10&le;40 cigareta na dan; N=60). Obe grupe su randomizovane u jednu od dve, otvorene, terapijske grupe (ICS uz dodatak DDBA ili ALTR) u trajanju od 24 nedelje. Rezultati: u svakoj od 4 randomizovane grupe (NP-DDBA, NP-ALTR, PU-DDBA, PU-ALTR) je bilo po 30 pacijenata. Tokom 24 nedelje, PU su imali lo&scaron;ije kontrolisanu astmu od NP (p=0,02), bez ralizke između DDBA vs ALTR (0,677 vs 0,634). Konstantno dobru kontrolu astme (ACQ&lt;0,75) tokom 24 nedelje je postiglo 48% NP i 32% PU (p=0,094), bez značajne razlike u odnosu na terapiju (DDBA vs ALTR; p=1,000). NP su imali bolji kvalitet života od PU, ali razlika nije dostigla statističku značajnost (p=0,056)- Kod NP i kod PU u oba modaliteta lečenja (LABA, ALTR) je do&scaron;lo do statistički značajne promene srednjeg skora AQLQ (p&lt;0,001). Povećanje FEV1(%) je bilo statistički značajno i u grupi NP i u grupi PU (p=0,001 vs. p=0,002). Kod pacijenata lečenih DDBA povećenje FEV(%) je bilo na nivou p=0,001, dok je u grupu ALTR bilo na nivou p=0,005. Multivarijantnom analizom je utvrđeno da su nezavisni faktori postizanja dobre kontrole astme BMI&ge;24, nepu&scaron;ač, FEV1&ge;90%, ACQ&le;2,2 i AQLQ&ge;4,2 Zaključak: Kombinovana antiinflamatorna terapija je efikasnija kod NP u odnosu na PU, dok su u populaciji aktivnih pu&scaron;ača, oba dodatna leka (DDBA, ALTR) bila podjednako efikasna u pobolj&scaron;anju kontrole astme, kvaliteta života i plućne funkcije.</p> / <p>Introduction: Smoking is one of the major causes of a bad asthma control, due to negative effects of the tobacco smoke on the airways and consequent resistance to inhalant corticosteroids. Smoking asthmatics should therefore often be treated with combined anti-inflammatory therapy, although the efficacy of this treatment regimen has not been completely examined yet. Objective: To examine the efficacy of the combined anti-inflammatory therapy (ICS combined to LABA vs.LTRA) in achieving a good asthma control, better quality of life and improved lung function in smoking vs. nonsmoking asthmatics. Method: The patients at 18-50 years of age with asthma (&ge;6 months), FEV1 &gt; 60%, were subclassified into the group of nonsmokers &ndash;NS (N=60), and the group of active smokers - SM (&le;2 &ge;15 p/g and &ge;10&le;40 cigarettes a day; N=60). Both groups were randomized into one of the two open therapy groups (ICS combined to DDBA or ALTR), receiving the selected treatment for 24 weeks. Results: Any of the four randomized groups (NS-LABA, NS-LTRA, SM-LABA, SM-LTRA) consisted of 30 patients. During the 24-week period, SM had a worse control of their asthma than NS (p=0.02), but no difference was registered between DDBA vs. ALTR therapy subgroups (0.677 vs. 0.634). Over the 24-week period, a constantly good asthma control (ACQ&le;0,75) was achieved by 48% of NS and 32% of SM (p=0.094), and no significant difference related to the applied therapy regimen (LABA vs. LTRA; p=1.000). NS had a better life quality than SM, but this difference remained statistically insignificant (p=0.056). Both the NS and the SM group in either treatment modality (LABA, ALTR) had a statistically significant change of the AQLQ score (p&lt;0.001). FEV1 (%) improvement was statistically significant t in both the NS and the SM group (p=0.001 vs. p=0.002). The LABA and LTRA treated patients had their FEV (%) improvement at the level of p=0.001, and p=0.005 respectively. The multivariate analysis has established the following independent factors of a good asthma control: BMI&ge;24, nonsmoker, FEV1&ge;90%, ACQ&le;2.2, and AQLQ&ge;4.2. Conclusion: The combined anti-inflammatory therapy is more efficient in NS than in SM asthmatics, while in the population of active smokers, both additional drugs (LABA, LTRA) were equally efficient in improving asthma control, life quality, and lung function.</p>

Hintergrund: Die Gustafsson sche Yin-Yang-Theorie sagt dem stimulierten Östrogenrezeptors β hemmende oder modulierende Funktionen nach. Diese Studie untersuchte die Wirkungen der Kombination aus dem selektiven Östrogenrezeptoragonisten α (16α-LE2) und β (8β-VE2) sowie der Kombination aus Östradiol und dem ERβ-Agonist an 3 Monate alten ovarektomierten Sprague-Dawley-Ratten. Die subkutane Verabreichung erfolgte für insgesamt vier Wochen in kontinuierlich simultaner und zeitversetzt zweiwöchiger, simultaner Kombination. Eine Östradiolgruppe diente als Positivkontrolle. Als physiologischer Vergleichsparameter galt eine intakte sham-ovx Gruppe. Anhand von histologischen Schnitten und Hämatoxylin-Eosin-Färbung wurden der Uterus und die Vagina auf proliferative Effekte und histomorphologisch untersucht. Zusätzlich wurden das Uterusgewicht, die Futteraufnahme, das Körpergewicht und mittels RIA der Hormonhaushalt (Östradiol, LH, TSH, fT3 und fT4) beurteilt. Die kontinuierlich verabreichten Kombinationen aus E2 bzw. dem ERα-Agonisten und dem ERβ-Agonisten präsentierten in keinem der genannten Organ- bzw. Hormonsysteme nennenswerte Unterschiede zur Wirkung von Östradiol. Die kontinuierliche Verabreichung zeigte keine bedeutenden Unterschiede zur zeitversetzten Kombination. Verglichen mit der sham-ovx Referenzgruppe präsentierten sich die Futteraufnahme, das Körpergewicht und das Hormonsystem (außer Östradiol) im physiologischen Bereich. Der Serumöstradiolwert, die uterine Schichtdicke des Myometriums und Epithels sowie die vaginale Epitheldicke wiesen supraphysiologische Werte auf. Die gewonnenen Resultate widersprechen somit der Gustafsson schen Yin-Yang-Theorie , nach welcher es durch die Stimulation des Östrogenrezeptors β zu einer hemmenden oder modulierenden Antwort der östrogenen Wirkung von Östradiol und dem selektiven ERα-Agonisten kommen sollte.

The prevalence of obesity is dramatically increasing and thus constitutes a major risk factor for developing chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular diseases, and certain forms of cancer. High-caloric nutrition and a lack of physical activity are the main contributing factors for this global epidemic. Estrogen receptors (ERs) are recognized to be involved in many processes related to the control of energy homeostasis. In my studies, I investigated the impact of estrogens (17beta-estradiol (E2)) on energy homeostasis. Special emphasis was given to the effects of two synthetic ER subtype-selective agonists, 16alpha-LE2 (Alpha) and 8beta-VE2 (Beta), to determine to what extend the two distinct ER subtypes are involved in the underlying molecular mechanisms. Because of its estrogenic activity and also its widespread use as a nutritional supplement the influence of the isoflavone genistein (Gen) was examined. For this purpose two different female rat models were used: Wistar rats with nutrition-induced obesity and leptin resistant Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats. In both experiments, the animals were ovariectomized (OVX) and treated with vehicle (untreated controls) or the estrogenic compounds. The most important finding was that treatment of OVX animals with Beta enlarges soleus muscle fiber sizes in both animal models compared to untreated OVX animals. This anabolic effect may in turn improve the muscle/fat ratio of the body that enhances muscular uptake and utilization of fuels. By contrast, in the gastrocnemius muscle of OVX ZDF rats substitution with Alpha increased expression and distribution of the insulin-dependent glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4). Consequently, systemic insulin sensitivity in both animal models was improved by treatment with estrogenic compounds compared to untreated OVX animals. The strongest effect was observed in E2-treated rats that indicate an additive effect through activation of both pathways. In all OVX rats, treatment with either ER subtype-selective agonist showed an anti-lipogenic effect in adipose tissue, liver, and skeletal muscle of nutrition-induced obese Wistar rats in comparison to OVX animals without treatment. Decreased visceral fat mass, adipocyte sizes, serum leptin levels, triglyceride accumulation in liver and muscle as well as mRNA expression of genes that are involved in lipo-/adipogenesis reflected this. Therefore, the lower visceral fat mass as well as decreased accumulation of triglycerides in non-adipose tissues such as liver and skeletal muscle most likely contributes to the improved insulin sensitivity in such treated animals. Gen exerted effects similar to those of the ER beta-selective agonist (except on adipose tissue in Wistar rats). Especially, the similar ability to induce anabolic activity in the soleus muscle might be highly relevant. Gen-treated animals might have a more effective utilization of fuels compared to untreated OVX animals because they showed a lower TG content in muscle and liver as well as improved glucose metabolism. In conclusion, because of my studies and the fact that ER beta signaling is not involved in proliferation of uterus and mammary gland, an effective way to treat obesity and co-morbidities in postmenopausal women might be substances that only activate ER beta. A combination with physical activity may support the therapy of obesity and co-morbidities. The isoflavone Gen is able to activate both ER-subtypes. This compound is already placed on the market for treatment of postmenopausal complaints, although adverse effects of Gen cannot be excluded so far (e.g., increased risk of breast cancer). However, Gen might be a natural alternative – not only to the conventional hormone replacement therapy, but also as a strategy for treatment of obesity and co-morbidities – that deserves further research with respect to these new data. / Die dramatisch zunehmende Prävalenz der Adipositas und das damit verbundene Risiko für Folgeerkrankungen wie Diabetes mellitus, Hypertonie, Dyslipidämie und koronare Herzkrankheiten stellt eine große Herausforderung für das Gesundheitswesen dar. Als Hauptursache wird ein chronisches Missverhältnis der Energiehomöostase aufgrund permanenter Überernährung und Bewegungsmangel postuliert. Estrogene beeinflussen den Glukose- und Lipidstoffwechsel und sind somit in die Regulation des Energiehaushaltes involviert. Estrogene vermitteln ihre Effekte über zwei Estrogenrezeptor (ER)-Subtypen, den ER alpha und den ER beta. Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit war es mittels tierexperimentellen Studien den Einfluss von Estrogenen, speziell 17beta-Estradiol, auf den Energiehaushalt zu untersuchen. Um einen tieferen Einblick in die zugrundeliegenden molekularen Mechanismen zu erhalten, wurden zwei Subtyp-selektive ER-Agonisten, 16alpha-LE2 (Alpha) and 8beta-VE2 (Beta), synthetischer Herkunft eingesetzt. Aufgrund der estrogenen Aktivität und der Verfügbarkeit als Nahrungsergänzungsmittel wurde des Weiteren der Einfluss des Isoflavons Genistein untersucht. Für die Studien wurden zwei Tiermodelle genutzt: zum einen weibliche Wistar-Ratten mit ernährungsinduzierter Adipositas und zum anderen weibliche leptinresistente „Zucker diabetic fatty“ (ZDF)-Ratten. Die Tiere wurden ovarektomiert (OVX) und entweder mit einem Vehikel (unbehandelte Kontrolltiere) oder mit der entsprechenden estrogenen Substanz behandelt. Die interessanteste Erkenntnis war, dass im Vergleich zu unbehandelten OVX-Tieren beider Tiermodelle die Behandlung mit Beta zur Vergrößerung der Faserquerschnitte im Soleusmuskel führte. Dieser anabole Effekt könnte die muskuläre Aufnahme und Verwertung von Brennstoffmolekülen verbessern und sich insgesamt positiv auf die Körperzusammensetzung auswirken. Den stärksten Effekt hinsichtlich einer erhöhten Expression und Translokation des insulinabhängigen Glukosetransporters 4 (GLUT4) in die Zellmembran des Gastrocnemiusmuskels zeigte sich dagegen durch die Behandlung von OVX ZDF-Ratten mit Alpha. Im Endergebnis zeigten die Tiere beider Modelle durch die Behandlung mit estrogenen Substanzen eine verbesserte systemische Insulinsensitivität im Vergleich zu unbehandelten Kontrolltieren. E2-behandelte Tiere tolerierten die Glukose am besten und lassen einen additiven Effekt aufgrund der Aktivierung beider Signalwege vermuten. Im Vergleich zu unbehandelten OVX Wistar-Ratten führte die Behandlung mit E2 oder mit jeweils einem der beiden ER-Subtyp-selektiven Agonisten zu einer geringeren viszeralen Fettmasse, kleineren Fettzellen, niedrigeren Leptinspiegeln im Serum und geringeren Triglyzeridwerten in Leber und Muskel. Auf der Ebene der Genexpression waren zudem geringere mRNA-Spiegel von lipo- und adipogenen Genen messbar. Somit scheinen beide ER-Subtypen in die antilipogene Wirkung von E2 involviert zu sein. Sowohl die reduzierte viszerale Fettmasse als auch die geringere Anreicherung von Triglyzeriden in Leber und Muskel tragen sehr wahrscheinlich ebenfalls zur verbesserten Insulinsensitivität bei. Die Behandlung von OVX Tieren mit Gen führte zu ähnlichen Ergebnissen wie die Behandlung mit Beta. Eine alleinige Ausnahme stellte das Fettgewebe dar, da hier eine Gen-Behandlung keine antilipogenen/-adipogenen Effekte zeigte. Speziell die Fähigkeit von Gen ebenfalls anabol zu wirken, könnte die molekulare Grundlage sein, weshalb Gen-behandelte Tiere im Vergleich zu unbehandelten Tiere eine verbesserte Toleranz gegenüber Glukose und eine geringere Anreicherung von Triglyzeriden in Muskel und Leber zeigten. Der ER beta ist nicht in die estrogenvermittelte Proliferation von Uterus und Brustdrüse involviert. Vor diesem Hintergrund lassen meine Ergebnisse vermuten, dass eine Behandlung mit ER beta-selektiven Substanzen eine effektive Möglichkeit darstellt, um Adipositas und deren Folgeerkrankungen in postmenopausalen Frauen zu behandeln, ohne deren Risiko für estrogenabhängige Krebsformen zu erhöhen. Eine Kombination mit regelmäßiger körperlicher Aktivität könnte die Erfolge bei der Behandlung von Adipositas und deren Folgeerkrankungen noch maximieren bzw. eine geringere Dosierung der verwendeten Substanz bei gleichbleibendem Behandlungserfolg ermöglichen. Das Isoflavon Gen mit seiner Fähigkeit beide ERs zu aktivieren ist eine bereits auf dem Markt befindliche Substanz und wird zur Behandlung von postmenopausalen Beschwerden eingesetzt, obwohl mögliche negative Effekte (z.B. ein erhöhtes Brustkrebsrisiko) noch nicht abschließend geklärt sind. Falls diese Risiken von Gen ausgeräumt werden können, könnte diese Substanz eventuell eine kostengünstige Alternative darstellen, um sowohl postmenopausale Beschwerden als auch Adipositas und deren Folgekrankheiten zu behandeln.

The prevalence of obesity is dramatically increasing and thus constitutes a major risk factor for developing chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular diseases, and certain forms of cancer. High-caloric nutrition and a lack of physical activity are the main contributing factors for this global epidemic. Estrogen receptors (ERs) are recognized to be involved in many processes related to the control of energy homeostasis. In my studies, I investigated the impact of estrogens (17beta-estradiol (E2)) on energy homeostasis. Special emphasis was given to the effects of two synthetic ER subtype-selective agonists, 16alpha-LE2 (Alpha) and 8beta-VE2 (Beta), to determine to what extend the two distinct ER subtypes are involved in the underlying molecular mechanisms. Because of its estrogenic activity and also its widespread use as a nutritional supplement the influence of the isoflavone genistein (Gen) was examined. For this purpose two different female rat models were used: Wistar rats with nutrition-induced obesity and leptin resistant Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats. In both experiments, the animals were ovariectomized (OVX) and treated with vehicle (untreated controls) or the estrogenic compounds. The most important finding was that treatment of OVX animals with Beta enlarges soleus muscle fiber sizes in both animal models compared to untreated OVX animals. This anabolic effect may in turn improve the muscle/fat ratio of the body that enhances muscular uptake and utilization of fuels. By contrast, in the gastrocnemius muscle of OVX ZDF rats substitution with Alpha increased expression and distribution of the insulin-dependent glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4). Consequently, systemic insulin sensitivity in both animal models was improved by treatment with estrogenic compounds compared to untreated OVX animals. The strongest effect was observed in E2-treated rats that indicate an additive effect through activation of both pathways. In all OVX rats, treatment with either ER subtype-selective agonist showed an anti-lipogenic effect in adipose tissue, liver, and skeletal muscle of nutrition-induced obese Wistar rats in comparison to OVX animals without treatment. Decreased visceral fat mass, adipocyte sizes, serum leptin levels, triglyceride accumulation in liver and muscle as well as mRNA expression of genes that are involved in lipo-/adipogenesis reflected this. Therefore, the lower visceral fat mass as well as decreased accumulation of triglycerides in non-adipose tissues such as liver and skeletal muscle most likely contributes to the improved insulin sensitivity in such treated animals. Gen exerted effects similar to those of the ER beta-selective agonist (except on adipose tissue in Wistar rats). Especially, the similar ability to induce anabolic activity in the soleus muscle might be highly relevant. Gen-treated animals might have a more effective utilization of fuels compared to untreated OVX animals because they showed a lower TG content in muscle and liver as well as improved glucose metabolism. In conclusion, because of my studies and the fact that ER beta signaling is not involved in proliferation of uterus and mammary gland, an effective way to treat obesity and co-morbidities in postmenopausal women might be substances that only activate ER beta. A combination with physical activity may support the therapy of obesity and co-morbidities. The isoflavone Gen is able to activate both ER-subtypes. This compound is already placed on the market for treatment of postmenopausal complaints, although adverse effects of Gen cannot be excluded so far (e.g., increased risk of breast cancer). However, Gen might be a natural alternative – not only to the conventional hormone replacement therapy, but also as a strategy for treatment of obesity and co-morbidities – that deserves further research with respect to these new data. / Die dramatisch zunehmende Prävalenz der Adipositas und das damit verbundene Risiko für Folgeerkrankungen wie Diabetes mellitus, Hypertonie, Dyslipidämie und koronare Herzkrankheiten stellt eine große Herausforderung für das Gesundheitswesen dar. Als Hauptursache wird ein chronisches Missverhältnis der Energiehomöostase aufgrund permanenter Überernährung und Bewegungsmangel postuliert. Estrogene beeinflussen den Glukose- und Lipidstoffwechsel und sind somit in die Regulation des Energiehaushaltes involviert. Estrogene vermitteln ihre Effekte über zwei Estrogenrezeptor (ER)-Subtypen, den ER alpha und den ER beta. Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit war es mittels tierexperimentellen Studien den Einfluss von Estrogenen, speziell 17beta-Estradiol, auf den Energiehaushalt zu untersuchen. Um einen tieferen Einblick in die zugrundeliegenden molekularen Mechanismen zu erhalten, wurden zwei Subtyp-selektive ER-Agonisten, 16alpha-LE2 (Alpha) and 8beta-VE2 (Beta), synthetischer Herkunft eingesetzt. Aufgrund der estrogenen Aktivität und der Verfügbarkeit als Nahrungsergänzungsmittel wurde des Weiteren der Einfluss des Isoflavons Genistein untersucht. Für die Studien wurden zwei Tiermodelle genutzt: zum einen weibliche Wistar-Ratten mit ernährungsinduzierter Adipositas und zum anderen weibliche leptinresistente „Zucker diabetic fatty“ (ZDF)-Ratten. Die Tiere wurden ovarektomiert (OVX) und entweder mit einem Vehikel (unbehandelte Kontrolltiere) oder mit der entsprechenden estrogenen Substanz behandelt. Die interessanteste Erkenntnis war, dass im Vergleich zu unbehandelten OVX-Tieren beider Tiermodelle die Behandlung mit Beta zur Vergrößerung der Faserquerschnitte im Soleusmuskel führte. Dieser anabole Effekt könnte die muskuläre Aufnahme und Verwertung von Brennstoffmolekülen verbessern und sich insgesamt positiv auf die Körperzusammensetzung auswirken. Den stärksten Effekt hinsichtlich einer erhöhten Expression und Translokation des insulinabhängigen Glukosetransporters 4 (GLUT4) in die Zellmembran des Gastrocnemiusmuskels zeigte sich dagegen durch die Behandlung von OVX ZDF-Ratten mit Alpha. Im Endergebnis zeigten die Tiere beider Modelle durch die Behandlung mit estrogenen Substanzen eine verbesserte systemische Insulinsensitivität im Vergleich zu unbehandelten Kontrolltieren. E2-behandelte Tiere tolerierten die Glukose am besten und lassen einen additiven Effekt aufgrund der Aktivierung beider Signalwege vermuten. Im Vergleich zu unbehandelten OVX Wistar-Ratten führte die Behandlung mit E2 oder mit jeweils einem der beiden ER-Subtyp-selektiven Agonisten zu einer geringeren viszeralen Fettmasse, kleineren Fettzellen, niedrigeren Leptinspiegeln im Serum und geringeren Triglyzeridwerten in Leber und Muskel. Auf der Ebene der Genexpression waren zudem geringere mRNA-Spiegel von lipo- und adipogenen Genen messbar. Somit scheinen beide ER-Subtypen in die antilipogene Wirkung von E2 involviert zu sein. Sowohl die reduzierte viszerale Fettmasse als auch die geringere Anreicherung von Triglyzeriden in Leber und Muskel tragen sehr wahrscheinlich ebenfalls zur verbesserten Insulinsensitivität bei. Die Behandlung von OVX Tieren mit Gen führte zu ähnlichen Ergebnissen wie die Behandlung mit Beta. Eine alleinige Ausnahme stellte das Fettgewebe dar, da hier eine Gen-Behandlung keine antilipogenen/-adipogenen Effekte zeigte. Speziell die Fähigkeit von Gen ebenfalls anabol zu wirken, könnte die molekulare Grundlage sein, weshalb Gen-behandelte Tiere im Vergleich zu unbehandelten Tiere eine verbesserte Toleranz gegenüber Glukose und eine geringere Anreicherung von Triglyzeriden in Muskel und Leber zeigten. Der ER beta ist nicht in die estrogenvermittelte Proliferation von Uterus und Brustdrüse involviert. Vor diesem Hintergrund lassen meine Ergebnisse vermuten, dass eine Behandlung mit ER beta-selektiven Substanzen eine effektive Möglichkeit darstellt, um Adipositas und deren Folgeerkrankungen in postmenopausalen Frauen zu behandeln, ohne deren Risiko für estrogenabhängige Krebsformen zu erhöhen. Eine Kombination mit regelmäßiger körperlicher Aktivität könnte die Erfolge bei der Behandlung von Adipositas und deren Folgeerkrankungen noch maximieren bzw. eine geringere Dosierung der verwendeten Substanz bei gleichbleibendem Behandlungserfolg ermöglichen. Das Isoflavon Gen mit seiner Fähigkeit beide ERs zu aktivieren ist eine bereits auf dem Markt befindliche Substanz und wird zur Behandlung von postmenopausalen Beschwerden eingesetzt, obwohl mögliche negative Effekte (z.B. ein erhöhtes Brustkrebsrisiko) noch nicht abschließend geklärt sind. Falls diese Risiken von Gen ausgeräumt werden können, könnte diese Substanz eventuell eine kostengünstige Alternative darstellen, um sowohl postmenopausale Beschwerden als auch Adipositas und deren Folgekrankheiten zu behandeln.