Framework and baseline examination of the German National Cohort (NAKO)

The German National Cohort (NAKO) is a multidisciplinary, population-based prospective cohort study that aims to investigate the causes of widespread diseases, identify risk factors and improve early detection and prevention of disease. Specifically, NAKO is designed to identify novel and better characterize established risk and protection factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases, musculoskeletal diseases, respiratory and infectious diseases in a random sample of the general population. Between 2014 and 2019, a total of 205,415 men and women aged 19–74 years were recruited and examined in 18 study centres in Germany. The baseline assessment included a face-to-face interview, self-administered questionnaires and a wide range of biomedical examinations. Biomaterials were collected from all participants including serum, EDTA plasma, buffy coats, RNA and erythrocytes, urine, saliva, nasal swabs and stool. In 56,971 participants, an intensified examination programme was implemented. Whole-body 3T magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 30,861 participants on dedicated scanners. NAKO collects follow-up information on incident diseases through a combination of active follow-up using self-report via written questionnaires at 2–3 year intervals and passive follow-up via record linkages. All study participants are invited for re-examinations at the study centres in 4–5 year intervals. Thereby, longitudinal information on changes in risk factor profiles and in vascular, cardiac, metabolic, neurocognitive, pulmonary and sensory function is collected. NAKO is a major resource for population-based epidemiology to identify new and tailored strategies for early detection, prediction, prevention and treatment of major diseases for the next 30 years. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10654-022-00890-5

Microarray-Based Gene Expression Profiling Suggests adaptation of Lung Epithelial Cells Subjected to Chronic Cyclic Strain

Background/Aims: Mechanical strain of the lung tissue is a physiological process that affects the behavior of lung cells. Since recent evidence also suggests alterations in the expression of certain genes as a consequence of mechanotransduction, our study aimed at the analysis of the gene expression profile in lung epithelial cells subjected to chronic cyclic strain. Methods: Various human lung epithelial cell lines (A549 as principal adherent cell line and four others) were subjected to cyclic strain (16 % surface distension, 12 min-1) in a Strain Cell Culture Device for 24 h. In comparison to static controls, expression analyses were performed by gene microarray and qPCR. Results: Microarray analysis revealed many differences in the gene expression but at moderate levels. Altogether 25 genes were moderately down-regulated (0.86-fold ± 0.06) and 26 genes were up-regulated (1.18-fold ± 0.10) in A549 and the others. Strain-regulated genes often code for transcription factors, such as E2F4 and SRF. qPCR analyses confirmed the up-regulation of both transcription factors and further genes, such as PLAU (urokinase-type plasminogen activator) and S100A4 (S100 protein A4). Moreover, we showed the down-regulations of AGR2 (anterior gradient 2) and LCN2 (lipocalin 2). Conclusions: We identified many genes of which the expression was moderately altered in lung epithelial cells subjected to chronic cyclic strain. Although many moderate changes in the gene expression profile might affect cellular behavior, it also suggests an effective adaptation of cells to mechanical forces in long-term conditions

Framework and baseline examination of the German National Cohort (NAKO)

The German National Cohort (NAKO) is a multidisciplinary, population-based prospective cohort study that aims to investigate the causes of widespread diseases, identify risk factors and improve early detection and prevention of disease. Specifically, NAKO is designed to identify novel and better characterize established risk and protection factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases, musculoskeletal diseases, respiratory and infectious diseases in a random sample of the general population. Between 2014 and 2019, a total of 205,415 men and women aged 19–74 years were recruited and examined in 18 study centres in Germany. The baseline assessment included a face-to-face interview, self-administered questionnaires and a wide range of biomedical examinations. Biomaterials were collected from all participants including serum, EDTA plasma, buffy coats, RNA and erythrocytes, urine, saliva, nasal swabs and stool. In 56,971 participants, an intensified examination programme was implemented. Whole-body 3T magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 30,861 participants on dedicated scanners. NAKO collects follow-up information on incident diseases through a combination of active follow-up using self-report via written questionnaires at 2–3 year intervals and passive follow-up via record linkages. All study participants are invited for re-examinations at the study centres in 4–5 year intervals. Thereby, longitudinal information on changes in risk factor profiles and in vascular, cardiac, metabolic, neurocognitive, pulmonary and sensory function is collected. NAKO is a major resource for population-based epidemiology to identify new and tailored strategies for early detection, prediction, prevention and treatment of major diseases for the next 30 years