Browsing by Person "Schmieder, Hendrik"

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Exploring the link between fat-soluble vitamins and aging-associated immune system status: a literature review
(2025) Schmieder, Hendrik; Leischner, Christian; Piotrowsky, Alban; Marongiu, Luigi; Venturelli, Sascha; Burkard, Markus; Schmieder, Hendrik; Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 30, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany; Leischner, Christian; Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 30, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany; Piotrowsky, Alban; Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 30, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany; Marongiu, Luigi; Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 30, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany; Venturelli, Sascha; Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 30, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany; Burkard, Markus; Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 30, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
The importance of vitamin D for a well-functioning immune system is becoming increasingly evident. Nevertheless, the other fat-soluble vitamins A, E and K also seem to play a central role regarding the adequate function of immune cells and to counteract excessive immune reactions and inflammatory processes. However, recognizing hidden hunger, particularly micronutrient deficiencies in vulnerable groups like the elderly, is crucial because older adults often lack sufficient micronutrients for various reasons. This review summarizes the latest findings on the immune modulating functions of fat-soluble vitamins in a physiological and pathophysiological context, provides a graphical comparison of the Recommended Daily Allowances between Deutschland, Austria, Confoederatio Helvetica (D-A-CH; eng. GSA, Germany, Switzerland, Austria), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung (DGE; eng. German Nutrition Society) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) across all age groups and, in particular, addresses the question regarding the benefits of supplementation of the respective micronutrients for the aging population of industrialized nations to strengthen the immune system. The following review highlights the importance of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K which play critical roles in maintaining immune system function and, in some cases, in preventing excessive immune activation. Therefore, a better understanding of the relevance of adequate blood levels and consequently potential supplementation strategies may contribute to the prevention and management of infectious diseases as well as better overall health of the elderly.
The therapeutic potential of vitamins A, C, and D in pancreatic cancer
(2025) Piotrowsky, Alban; Burkard, Markus; Schmieder, Hendrik; Venturelli, Sascha; Renner, Olga; Marongiu, Luigi
The pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is among the deadliest tumor diseases worldwide. While treatment options have generally become more diverse, little progress has been made in the treatment of PDAC and the median survival time for patients with locally advanced PDAC is between 8.7 and 13.7 months despite treatment. The aim of this review was to explore the therapeutic potential of complementing standard therapy with natural or synthetic forms of vitamins A, C, and D. The therapeutic use of vitamins A, C, and D could be a promising addition to the treatment of PDAC. For all three vitamins and their derivatives, tumor cell-specific cytotoxicity and growth inhibition against PDAC cells has been demonstrated in vitro and in preclinical animal models. While the antitumor effect of vitamin C is probably mainly due to its pro-oxidative effect in supraphysiological concentrations, vitamin A and vitamin D exert their effect by activating nuclear receptors and influencing gene transcription. In addition, there is increasing evidence that vitamin A and vitamin D influence the tumor stroma, making the tumor tissue more accessible to other therapeutic agents. Based on these promising findings, there is a high urgency to investigate vitamins A, C, and D in a clinical context as a supplement to standard therapy in PDAC. Further studies are needed to better understand the exact mechanism of action of the individual compounds and to develop the best possible treatment regimen. This could contribute to the long-awaited progress in the treatment of this highly lethal tumor entity.