Otto Bekers

Professor

Prof. Otto Bekers studied Pharmacy at the University of Leiden and graduated in 1987 with honour. He recieved his PhD degree in 1991 at the Utrecht University, title of his dissertation was 'Inclusion comlexation of cyclodextrins with some cytostatic drugs'. After this he specialised in Clinical Chemistry at the Leyenburg Hospital (now Haga Hospital) in The Hague.

Since 1997 he is working as a Clinical Chemist at the Maastricht UMC+. First as head of the unit General Clinical Chemistry and from 2014 he is professor in Clinical Chemistry and head of the Central Diagnostic Laboratory (CDL).

He is heading the cardiac marker research at the CDL and also focussed on personalised medice.

Central Diagnostic Laboratory
P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX Maastricht
PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht
Room number: 5.E2.004
T: +31 (0)43 387 646 94

  • 2017
    • Hilderink, J. M., Klinkenberg, L. J. J., Aakre, K. M., de Wit, N. C. J., Henskens, Y. M. C., van der Linden, N., Bekers, O., Rennenberg, R. J. M. W., Koopmans, R. P., & Meex, S. J. R. (2017). Within-day biological variation and hour-to-hour reference change values for hematological parameters. Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, 55(7), 1013-1024. https://doi.org/10.1515/cclm-2016-0716
    • Van Der Linden, N., Streng, A. S., Wodzig, W. K. W. H., Bekers, O., & Meex, S. J. R. (2017). Better, higher, lower, faster: increasingly rapid clinical decision making using high-sensitivity cardiac troponin assays. Journal of Laboratory and Precision Medicine, 2, Article 14. https://doi.org/10.21037/jlpm.2017.04.03
    • Martens, R. J. H., Kimenai, D. M., Kooman, J. P., Stehouwer, C. D. A., Tan, F. E. S., Bekers, O., Dagnelie, P. C., van der Kallen, C. J. H., Kroon, A. A., Leunissen, K. M. L., van der Sande, F. M., Schaper, N. C., Sep, S. J. S., Schram, M. T., van Suijlen, J. D., van Dieijen-Visser, M. P., Meex, S. J. R., & Henry, R. M. A. (2017). Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate and Albuminuria Are Associated with Biomarkers of Cardiac Injury in a Population-Based Cohort Study: The Maastricht Study. Clinical Chemistry, 63(4), 887-897. https://doi.org/10.1373/clinchem.2016.266031
    • Mingels, A. M. A., Cardinaels, E. P. M., Broers, N. J. H., van Sleeuwen, A., Streng, A. S., van Dieijen-Visser, M. P., Kooman, J. P., & Bekers, O. (2017). Cardiac Troponin T: Smaller Molecules in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease than after Onset of Acute Myocardial Infarction. Clinical Chemistry, 63(3), 683-690. https://doi.org/10.1373/clinchem.2016.261644
    • Streng, A. S., de Boer, D., van Doom, W. P. T. M., Bouwman, F. G., Mariman, E. C. M., Bekers, O., van Dieijen-Visser, M. P., & Wodzig, W. K. W. H. (2017). Identification and and Characterization of Cardiac Troponin T Fragments in Serum of Patients Suffering from Acute Myocardial Infarction. Clinical Chemistry, 63(2), 563-572. https://doi.org/10.1373/clinchem.2016.261511
    • Kusters, R. W. J., Simons, A. P., Lance, M. D., Ganushchak, Y. M., Bekers, O., & Weerwind, P. W. (2017). Blood warming, pump heating and haemolysis in low-flow extracorporeal life support; an in vitro study using freshly donated human blood. Perfusion, 32(1), 27-34. https://doi.org/10.1177/0267659116656045
    • Houben, I. P. L., van Berlo, C. J. L. Y., Bekers, O., Nijssen, E. C., Lobbes, M. B. I., & Wildberger, J. E. (2017). Assessing the Risk of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy Using a Finger Stick Analysis in Recalls from Breast Screening: The CINFIBS Explorative Study. Contrast Media & Molecular Imaging, Article 5670384. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/5670384
  • 2016
    • Streng, A. S., de Boer, D., van Doorn, W. P. T. M., Kocken, J. M. M., Bekers, O., & Wodzig, W. K. W. H. (2016). Cardiac troponin T degradation in serum is catalysed by human thrombin. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 481(1-2), 165-168. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.10.149
    • Klinkenberg, L. J. J., Wildi, K., van der Linden, N., Kouw, I. W. K., Niens, M., Twerenbold, R., Gimenez, M. R., Puelacher, C., Neuhaus, J. D., Hillinger, P., Nestelberger, T., Boeddinghaus, J., Grimm, K., Sabti, Z., Bons, J. A. P., van Suijlen, J. D. E., Tan, F. E. S., ten Kate, J., Bekers, O., ... Meex, S. J. R. (2016). Diurnal Rhythm of Cardiac Troponin: Consequences for the Diagnosis of Acute Myocardial Infarction. Clinical Chemistry, 62(12), 1602-1611. https://doi.org/10.1373/clinchem.2016.257485
    • van der Linden, N., Klinkenberg, L. J. J., Bekers, O., van Loon, L. J. C., van Dieijen-Visser, M. P., Zeegers, M. P., & Meex, S. J. R. (2016). Prognostic value of basal high-sensitive cardiac troponin levels on mortality in the general population A meta-analysis. Medicine, 95(52), Article e5703. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000005703
    • van der Linden, N., Cornelis, T., Klinkenberg, L. J. J., Kimenai, D. M., Hilderink, J. M., Litjens, E. J. R., Kooman, J. P., Bekers, O., van Dieijen-Visser, M. P., & Meex, S. J. R. (2016). Strong diurnal rhythm of troponin T, but not troponin I, in a patient with renal dysfunction. International Journal of Cardiology, 221, 287-288. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijcard.2016.06.268
    • Klinkenberg, L. J. J., Luyten, P., van der Linden, N., Urgel, K., Snijders, D. P. C., Knackstedt, C., Dennert, R., Kietselaer, B. L. J. H., Mingels, A., Cardinaels, E. P. M., Peeters, F. E. C. M., van Suijlen, J. D. E., ten Kate, J., Marsch, E., Theelen, T. L., Sluimer, J. C., Wouters, K., Bekers, O., Bekkers, B., ... Meex, S. J. R. (2016). Cardiac Troponin T and I Release After a 30-km Run. American Journal of Cardiology, 118(2), 281-287. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjcard.2016.04.030
    • Kleijkers, S. H. M., van Montfoort, A. P. A., Bekers, O., Coonen, E., Derhaag, J. G., Evers, J. L. H., & Dumoulin, J. C. M. (2016). Ammonium accumulation in commercially available embryo culture media and protein supplements during storage at 2-8A degrees C and during incubation at 37A degrees C. Human Reproduction, 31(6), 1192-1199. https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/dew059
    • Cardinaels, E. P. M., Altintas, S., Versteylen, M. O., Joosen, I. A., Jellema, L.-J. C., Wildberger, J. E., Das, M., Crijns, H. J., Bekers, O., van Dieijen-Visser, M. P., Kietselaer, B. L., & Mingels, A. M. A. (2016). High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin Concentrations in Patients with Chest Discomfort: Is It the Heart or the Kidneys As Well?PLOS ONE, 11(4), Article e0153300. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0153300
    • Kimenai, D. M., Henry, R. M. A., van der Kallen, C. J. H., Dagnelie, P. C., Schram, M. T., Stehouwer, C. D. A., van Suijlen, J. D. E., Niens, M., Bekers, O., Sep, S. J. S., Schaper, N. C., van Dieijen-Visser, M. P., & Meex, S. J. R. (2016). Direct comparison of clinical decision limits for cardiac troponin T and I. Heart, 102(8), 610-616. https://doi.org/10.1136/heartjnl-2015-308917
    • Rieswijk, L., Claessen, S. M. H., Bekers, O., van Herwijnen, M., Theunissen, D. H. J., Jennen, D. G. J., de Kok, T., Kleinjans, J. C. S., & van Breda, S. G. J. (2016). Aflatoxin B1 induces persistent epigenomic effects in primary human hepatocytes associated with hepatocellular carcinoma. Toxicology, 350, 31-39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tox.2016.05.002
    • Sharma, A. S., Weerwind, P., Bekers, O., Wouters, E., & Maessen, J. (2016). Carbon dioxide dialysis in a swine model utilizing systemic and regional anticoagulation. Intensive Care Medicine Experimental, 4(1), Article 2. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40635-016-0076-3
    • Bekers, O. (2016). The role of pharmacogenetics in drug-induced toxicity. ILD Care Today, 9(16). http://www.ildcare.nl/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/675699_ildCARE-2016__32-tot-37-Otto-Bekers-.pdf
  • 2015
    • van der Linden, N., Klinkenberg, L. J., Leenders, M., Tieland, M., Verdijk, L., Niens, M., van Suijlen, J. D. E., de Groot, L. C., Bekers, O., van Loon, L. J., van Dieijen-Visser, M. P., & Meex, S. J. R. (2015). The effect of exercise training on the course of cardiac troponin T and I levels: three independent training studies. Scientific Reports, 5, Article 18320. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep18320
    • Cardinaels, E. P., Cornelis, T., van der Sande, F. M., Leunissen, K. M., van Dieijen-Visser, M. P., Mingels, A. M., Kooman, J. P., & Bekers, O. (2015). Acute effects of conventional and extended hemodialysis and hemodiafiltration on high-sensitivity cardiac troponins. Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, 53(11), e289-e292. https://doi.org/10.1515/cclm-2015-0201
    • Knapen, M. H. J., Braam, L. A. J. L. M., Drummen, N. E., Bekers, O., Hoeks, A. P. G., & Vermeer, C. (2015). Menaquinone-7 supplementation improves arterial stiffness in healthy postmenopausal women A double-blind randomised clinical trial. Thrombosis and Haemostasis, 113(5), 1135-1144. https://doi.org/10.1160/TH14-08-0675
    • Cardinaels, E. P. M., Daamen, M. A. M. J., Bekers, O., ten Kate, J., Niens, M., van Suijlen, J. D. E., van Dieijen-Visser, M. P., Brunner-La Rocca, H. P., Schols, J. M. G. A., & Mingels, A. M. A. (2015). Clinical Interpretation of Elevated Concentrations of Cardiac Troponin T, but Not Troponin I, in Nursing Home Residents. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 16(10), 884-891. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2015.06.026
    • de Raadt, W. M., Wijnen, P. A., Bast, A., Bekers, O., & Drent, M. (2015). Acute eosinophilic pneumonia associated with glyphosate-surfactant exposure. Sarcoidosis Vasculitis and Diffuse Lung Diseases, 32(2), 172-175. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26278698
  • 2014
    • Venema, L. H., Sharma, A. S., Simons, A. P., Bekers, O., & Weerwind, P. W. (2014). Contemporary Oxygenator Design Relative to Hemolysis. Journal of ExtraCorporeal Technology, 46(3), 212-6.
    • Vlassaks, E., Nikiforou, M., Strackx, E., Hutten, M., Bekers, O., Gazzolo, D., Li Volti, G., Martinez-Martinez, P., Kramer, B. W., & Gavilanes, A. W. (2014). Acute and chronic immunomodulatory changes in rat liver after fetal and perinatal asphyxia. Journal of developmental origins of health and disease, 5(2), 98-108. https://doi.org/10.1017/S2040174413000561
    • Cornelis, T., van der Sande, F. M., Eloot, S., Cardinaels, E., Bekers, O., Damoiseaux, J., Leunissen, K. M., & Kooman, J. P. (2014). Acute Hemodynamic Response and Uremic Toxin Removal in Conventional and Extended Hemodialysis and Hemodiafiltration: A Randomized Crossover Study.American Journal of Kidney Diseases, 64(2), 247-265. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.ajkd.2014.02.016
    • Wijnen, P. A., Cremers, J. P., Nelemans, P. J., Erckens, R. J., Hoitsma, E., Jansen, T. L., Bekers, O., & Drent, M. (2014). Association of the TNF-α G-308A polymorphism with TNF-inhibitor response in sarcoidosis. European Respiratory Journal, 43(6), 1730-1739. https://doi.org/10.1183/09031936.00169413
  • 2013
    • Seehase, M., Houthuizen, P., Jellema, R. K., Collins, J. J., Bekers, O., Breuer, J., & Kramer, B. W. (2013). Propofol administration to the fetal-maternal unit reduces cardiac injury in late-preterm lambs subjected to severe prenatal asphyxia and cardiac arrest. Pediatric Research, 73(4), 427-434. https://doi.org/10.1038/pr.2013.10
    • Wijnen, P. A. H. M., Verschakelen, J. A., Bast, A., Bekers, O., & Drent, M. (2013). Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage in coumarin users: a fibrosing interstitial pneumonia trigger?Lung, 191(1), 53-59. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00408-012-9436-2
    • Baumgartner, S., Mensink, R. P., den Hartog, G. J., Bast, A., Bekers, O., Husche, C., Lutjohann, D., & Plat, J. (2013). Oxyphytosterol formation in humans: Identification of high vs. low oxidizers.Biochemical Pharmacology, 86(1), 19-25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bcp.2013.02.035
  • 2012
    • van Gerven, P. W. M., van Boxtel, M. P. J., Ausems, E. E. B., Bekers, O., & Jolles, J. (2012). Do apolipoprotein E genotype and educational attainment predict the rate of cognitive decline in normal aging? A 12-year follow-up of the Maastricht Aging Study. Neuropsychology, 26(4), 459-472. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0028685
    • Hanssen, S. J. P., van de Poll, M. C. G., Houben, A. J., Vermeulen Windsant, I. C., Snoeijs, M. G., Bekers, O., Buurman, W. A., & Jacobs, M. J. H. M. (2012). Hemolysis compromises nitric oxide-dependent vasodilatory responses in patients undergoing major cardiovascular surgery.Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon, 60(4), 255-261. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0031-1299571
    • Cardinaels, E. P., Mingels, A. M., Jacobs, L. H., Meex, S. J., Bekers, O., & van Dieijen-Visser, M. P. (2012). A comprehensive review of upper reference limits reported for (high-)sensitivity cardiac troponin assays: The challenges that lie ahead. Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, 50(5), 791-806. https://doi.org/10.1515/cclm-2011-0895
    • Knottnerus, I. L. H., Winckers, K., ten Cate, H., Hackeng, T. M., Lodder, J., Rouhl, R. P. W., Staals, J., Govers-Riemslag, J. W. P., Bekers, O., & van Oostenbrugge, R. J. (2012). Levels of heparin-releasable TFPI are increased in first-ever lacunar stroke patients. Neurology, 78(7), 493-498. https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0b013e318246d6b7
    • Vlassaks, E., Gavilanes, A. W. D., Bieghs, V., Reinartz, A., Gassler, N., van Gorp, P. J. J., Gijbels, M. J. J., Bekers, O., Zimmermann, L. J. I., Pillow, J. J., Polglase, G. R., Nitsos, I., Newnham, J. P., Kallapur, S. G., Jobe, A. H., Shiri-Sverdlov, R., & Kramer, B. W. (2012). Antenatal exposure to chorioamnionitis affects lipid metabolism in 7-week-old sheep. Journal of developmental origins of health and disease, 3(2), 103-110. https://doi.org/10.1017/S2040174412000049
    • van Dieijen-Visser, M. P., Mingels, A. M., Jacobs, L. H., Cardinaels, E. P., Wodzig, K. W. H., Bekers, O., Klinkenberg, L. J., & Meex, S. J. R. (2012). Troponin, the best there is!Nederlands tijdschrift voor klinische chemie en laboratoriumgeneeskunde, 37, 15-18.
    • van Wijk, S., Jacobs, L., Eurlings, L. W., van Kimmenade, R., Lemmers, R., Broos, P., Bekers, O., Prins, M. H., Crijns, H. J., Pinto, Y. M., van Dieijen-Visser, M. P., & Brunner-La Rocca, H. P. (2012). Troponin T Measurements by High-Sensitivity vs Conventional Assays for Risk Stratification in Acute Dyspnea. Clinical Chemistry, 58(1), 284-292. https://doi.org/10.1373/clinchem.2011.175976
  • 2011
    • Schiepers, O. J. G., van Boxtel, M. P. J., de Groot, R. H. M., Jolles, J., Bekers, O., Kok, F. J., Verhoef, P., & Durga, J. (2011). Genetic variation in folate metabolism is not associated with cognitive functioning or mood in healthy adults. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry, 35(7), 1682-1688. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pnpbp.2011.06.008
    • Debats, I. B., Koeneman, M. M., Booi, D. I., Bekers, O., & van der Hulst, R. R. W. J. (2011). Intravenous arginine and human skin graft donor site healing: A randomized controlled trial.Burns, 37(3), 420-426. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.burns.2010.06.003
    • Wijnen, P. A. H. M., Voorter, C. E., Nelemans, P. J., Verschakelen, J. A., Bekers, O., & Drent, M. (2011). Butyrophilin-like 2 in pulmonary sarcoidosis: a factor for susceptibility and progression?Human Immunology, 72(4), 342-347. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.humimm.2011.01.011
    • Coolen, E. J., Arts, I. C., Bekers, O., Vervaet, C., Bast, A., & Dagnelie, P. C. (2011). Oral bioavailability of ATP after prolonged administration.British Journal of Nutrition, 105(3), 357-366. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114510003570
    • Wijnen, P. A. H. M., Bekers, O., & Drent, M. (2011). Development of Cocaine-Induced Interstitial Lung Damage in Two CYP2C and VKORC1 Variant Allele Carriers. Molecular Diagnosis & Therapy, 15(3), 177-180. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03256408
    • Sep, S., Rijvers, C., Smits, L., van Bilsen, M., Bekers, O., & Peeters, L. (2011). Early-pregnancy changes in maternal lipid profile in women with recurrent preeclampsia and previously preeclamptic women with normal next pregnancy. Reproductive Sciences, 18(10), 998-1004. https://doi.org/10.1177/1933719111401665
  • 2010
    • Bieghs, V., Vlassaks, E., Custers, A., van Gorp, P. J. J., Gijbels, M. J. J., Bast, A., Bekers, O., Zimmermann, L. J. I., Lutjohann, D., Voncken, J. W., Gavilanes, A. W., Kramer, B. W., & Shiri-Sverdlov, R. (2010). Chorioamnionitis induced hepatic inflammation and disturbed lipid metabolism in fetal sheep.Pediatric Research, 68(6), 466-472. https://doi.org/10.1203/PDR.0b013e3181f70eeb
    • de Boer, D., Houben, C., Bekers, O., & Menheere, P. P. C. A. (2010). Gelofusine (R) affects the quality control performance of QuickVue (R) point-of-care human chorionic gonadotropin test devices. Clinical Biochemistry, 43(16-17), 1371-1372. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2010.08.017
    • Cranenburg, E. C. M., Koos, R., Schurgers, L. J., Magdeleyns, E. J. P., Schoonbrood, T. H. M., Landewe, R. B., Brandenburg, V. M., Bekers, O., & Vermeer, C. (2010). Characterisation and potential diagnostic value of circulating matrix Gla protein (MGP) species. Thrombosis and Haemostasis, 104(4), 811-822. https://doi.org/10.1160/TH09-11-0786
    • Wijnen, P. A. H. M., Bekers, O., & Drent, M. (2010). Relationship between drug-induced interstitial lung diseases and cytochrome P450 polymorphisms.Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine, 16(5), 496-502. https://doi.org/10.1097/MCP.0b013e32833c06f1
    • Lind, J. S., Dingemans, A. M., Groen, H. J., Thunnissen, F. B., Bekers, O., Heideman, D. A., Honeywell, R. J., Giovannetti, E., Peters, G. J., Postmus, P. E., van Suylen, R. J., & Smit, E. F. (2010). A multicenter phase II study of erlotinib and sorafenib in chemotherapy-naive patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Clinical Cancer Research, 16(11), 3078-3087. https://doi.org/10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-09-3033
    • Wijnen, P. A., Nelemans, P. J., Verschakelen, J. A., Bekers, O., Voorter, C. E., & Drent, M. (2010). The role of tumor necrosis factor alpha G-308A polymorphisms in the course of pulmonary sarcoidosis.Tissue Antigens, 75(3), 262-268. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1399-0039.2009.01437.x