Research

Based on the discovery of a circular molecular process of inflammation Kurt Lucas and his team are interested in a deep understanding, how reactive species like peroxynitrite enhance inflammation. Further we look for herbal compounds, which can interrupt molecular signaling during inflammation. Highly effective we found Cinnamon extract (Cinnamomum verum) and its compound trans-cinnamaldehyde (Schink, et al. 2017). The cellular production of reactive species as superoxide, nitric oxide and peroxynitrite can be reduced by the application of molecular hydrogen.

The PRR Radical Cycle

Beside pro-inflammatory cytokines several DAMPs are released during inflammation. In parallel the cell produce reactive species, which can modify proteins. DAMPs as alpha Synuclein, Amyloid beta 42, HSP60 and HMGB1 activate receptors as TLR2, TLR4 and RAGE stronger after modification with peroxynitrite. Protein modifications are nitration and dimerization or higher order oligomerization. We try to figure out, how this amplification of inflammation works on the molecular level. Our approach is to investigate DAMP-dimerization, since it is known that dimeric ligands can activate dimer receptors like TLR4 much stronger than their monomers.

Allergens

It is known that allergens can become by nitration even more allergenic (Gruijthuijsen et al. 2006; Reinmuth-Selzle et al. 2014). To understand, how nitration influences the development of allergies, very basic question must be answered; e.g. What makes an allergen and how does an adjuvant work. Experiments with nitrated proteins are performed to investigate changes in the complex interaction of antigen presenting cells, T cells and B cells.

Formulation of an effervescent hydrogen releasing tablet

In cooperation with Prof. Langguth (Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University Mainz) we develop a hydrogen releasing tablet. The tablet is put in a liter of water and dissolves within a few minutes. The hydrogen enriched water is ready for consumption. Hydrogen enriched water is shown to be beneficial in many diseases. Especially chronic fatigue can be treated very well. This development is supposed to result in a tablet, which is in accordance with the requirements of nutritional supplements. Readers who are interested in a cooperation, please contact Kurt Lucas.

Mainz Center for Chemical Allergology, MCCA

Allergens and Inflammation is jointly conducted in the Mainz Program for Chemical Allergology, MPCA. We have an intensive cooperation with Prof. Schuppan, Director of the Institute of Translational Immunology (TIM), Mainz and Prof. Saloga, Department of Dermatology, University Medicine, Mainz.

Literature

Schink A , Naumoska K , Kitanovski Z , et al. Anti-inflammatory effects of cinnamon extract and identification of active compounds influencing the TLR2 and TLR4 signaling pathways. Food Funct. 2018;9(11):5950‐5964. doi:10.1039/c8fo01286e

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