UCDavis University of California

Education

• B.Sc., Biochemistry, University of Leipzig, Institute of Biochemistry
• M.Sc., Biochemistry, University of Leipzig, Institute of Biochemistry
• Ph.D., Biochemistry, King’s College London

Research Interests

Dr. Schroeter’s main research interests focus on the elucidation of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the putative beneficial effects of flavanols against degenerative human diseases such as cardiovascular disorders and neurodegeneration. In this context, Dr. Schroeter investigates the relationship between physiological/pathophysiological cellular stimuli, MAPK/PI-3-kinase signaling and a particular biological response with regard to apoptosis, survival and adaptation.

Current research projects include:

1. Investigations into the potential flavan-3-ol/proanthocyanidin-mediated modulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthesis in vivo and in vitro.
2. The study of the endothelial glycocalyx with regard to cellular uptake of flavan-3-ols/proanthocyanidins and the effects this may have on the mobility within different pharmacological compartments in vivo.
3. The analysis of flavan-3-ol biotransformation/metabolism in humans and animals with regard to pharmacokinetic parameters as well as tissue distribution/concentration using radiolabeled tracers.

Publications

• Balzer J, Rassaf T, Heiss C, Kleinbongard P, Lauer T, Merx M, Heussen N, Gross H, Keen CL, Schroeter H, Kelm M (2008) Sustained benefits in vascular function through flavanol-containing cocoa in medicated diabetic patients: A double-masked, randomized, controlled trial. Journal of the American College of Cardiology; June 2008 [Epub ahead of print].
• Schnorr O, Brossette T, Momma TY, Kleinbongard P, Keen CL, Schroeter H, Sies H. (2008) Cocoa flavanols lower vascular arginase activity in human endothelial cells in vitro and in erythrocytes in vivo. Arch Biochem Biophys. Mar 6.
• van Praag H, Lucero MJ, Yeo GW, Stecker K, Heivand N, Zhao C, Yip E, Afanador M, Schroeter H, Hammerstone J, Gage FH. (2007) Plant-derived flavanol (-)epicatechin enhances angiogenesis and retention of spatial memory in mice. Journal of Neuroscience 30;27(22):5869-78.
• Schroeter H, Bahia P, Spencer JP, Sheppard O, Rattray M, Cadenas E, Rice-Evans C, Williams RJ. (2007) (-)Epicatechin stimulates ERK-dependent cyclic AMP response element activity and up-regulates GluR2 in cortical neurons. Journal of Neurochemistry. 101(6):1596-606.
• Heiss C, Schroeter H, Balzer J, Kleinbongard P, Matern S, Sies H, Kelm M. (2006) Endothelial function, nitric oxide, and cocoa flavanols. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 2006;47 Suppl 2:S128-35; discussion S172-6. Review.
• Balzer J, Heiss C, Schroeter H, Brouzos P, Kleinbongard P, Matern S, Lauer T, Rassaf T, Kelm M. (2006) Flavanols and cardiovascular health: effects on the circulating NO pool in humans. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 2006;47 Suppl 2:S122-7;
• H. Schroeter, C. Heiss, J. Balzer, P. Kleinbongard, C.L. Keen, N.K. Hollenberg, H. Sies, C. Kwik-Uribe, H.H. Schmitz and M. Kelm (2006) Flavanols, epicatechin, and vascular function: An insight into the health benefits of diets rich in fruit and vegetables. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the USA; 24;103(4):1024-9.
• C. Heiss, P. Kleinbongard, A. Dejam, S. Perre’, H. Schroeter, H. Sies and M. Kelm (2005) Acute consumption of flavanol-rich cocoa and the reversal of endothelial dysfunction in smokers. Journal of the American College of Cardiology 46(7):1276-1283.
• H. Schroeter, R.R. Holt, TJ Orozco, H.H. Schmitz, C.L. Keen (2003) Nutrition: Milk and the absorption of dietary flavanols. Nature 426(6968):787-788.
• H. Schroeter, C.S. Boyd, R. Ahmed, J.P.E Spencer, R.R. Duncan, C. Rice-Evans and E. Cadenas (2002) JNK-mediated modulation of brain mitochondria function: New target proteins for JNK signaling in mitochondria. Biochemical J, 2003, 372:359-69.