The European Society of Toxicologic Pathology (ESTP) offers every second year an award for a thesis in toxicological pathology, sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG.

Winners in 2008:

1. Dr. Andreas Falko Blutke
   honored with EUR 5,000
   
   Dr. Andreas Falko Blutke receives the award for his doctoral thesis entitled "Common patterns of glomerular gene expression profiles in different murine models of early nephropathy."
   
   This thesis addresses a topic of high relevance for human health: The pathogenesis, identification and potential treatment of chronic kidney diseases. The literature survey adequately introduced the relevant topics and led to the generation of a hypothesis for the pathogenesis of the progression of nephropathies, the "hypertrophy hypothesis".
   
   Many sophisticated methods were applied, the experiments were excellently designed. Existing methologies were further developed leading to a patent application for optimized perfusion of kidneys. Quality control steps were included for each critical methodical step like perfusion of kidneys with magnetic beads. The evaluation of the "hypertrophy hypothesis" was supported by quantitative stereology. "Common differentially expressed genes / transcripts" were identified by comparing the up- and down-regulated genes in the two animal models applied (mice transgenic for the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor and growth-hormone transgenic mice). Thereby, glomerulosclerosis-specific differentially expressed genes could be separated from animal model specific genes.
   
   The results of this thesis are of major relevance for toxicological pathology. They may represent the basis for the identification of new diagnostic markers and new therapeutic targets in the treatment of early stage nephropathies.
   
   Reference:
   Blutke AF. Common patterns of glomerular gene expression profiles in different murine models of early nephropathy [doctoral thesis] Munich (Germany), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, 2008
   
   
2. Dr. Raoul Kuiper
   honored with EUR 3,000
   
   Dr. Raoul Kuiper receives the award for his doctoral thesis entitled "Toxicity of brominated flame retardants in fish, with emphasis on endocrine effects and reproduction."
   
   This doctoral thesis impresses by its unusual model systems: in-vitro and in-vivo investigations in fish and the related experimental challenges like test article administration. These hurdles were excellently handled by a fully state of the art experimental design which enabled the identification of the toxicity profile of brominated flame retardants in fish, in particular their effects on the endocrine and reproductive system. The results were adequately presented and discussed in an appropriate manner. The conclusions drawn were reasonable and further investigations are suggested.
   
   This doctoral thesis impressively demonstrates the impact of toxicologic pathology in environmental toxicology and risk assessment.
   
   Reference:
   Kuiper R. Toxicity of brominated flame retardants in fish, with emphasis on endocrine effects and reproduction [PhD-thesis] Utrecht (Netherlands) Utrecht University, 2007
   
   
3. Dr. Reiner Georg Ulrich
   honored with EUR 2,000
   
   Dr. Reiner Georg Ulrich receives the award for his doctoral thesis entitled "Investigations on the role of matrix-metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in demyelinating Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis employing RT-qPCR."
   
   The investigations presented in this thesis were performed in an important model for research in demyelinating CNS disease like multiple sclerosis.
   
   The literature overview was comprehensive, the experiments were adequately designed and the results presented in a very clear and stringent manner. In the same way, the discussion was clearly structured and comprehensive. A hypothesis was generated which adds to the understanding of TEMV infection and pathogenesis. Thus, these results lead to a better characterization of this important animal model.
   
   This doctoral thesis has considerable relevance for experimental and toxicological pathology and for research in demyelinating CNS diseases.
   
   Reference:
   Ulrich RG. Investigations on the role of matrix-metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in demyelinating Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis employing RT-qPCR. [Doctoral thesis] Hannover (Germany), School of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, 2008
   
   

Edinburgh, Scotland, September 24, 2008