Ben Janssen

Associate professor

Dr Ben Janssen graduated with the specialisation physiology and endocrinology at the Faculty of Biology of the University of Nijmegen (1983). He received his PhD with a thesis on ‘sensory renal nerves and hypertension’ at the Department of Pharmacology of Maastricht University (1988). Since then, he has been full member of the staff of the Department of Pharmacology and was appointed associate professor and teaching coordinator Pharmacology at the medical faculty in 2004. He enjoyed several cardiovascular research trainings in institutes across the USA and has worked for one year (1995) at Baker Medical Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia in the laboratory of Prof. Head (autonomic pharmacology).

His main research line focusses on integrative pharmacological control of autonomic function in cardiovascular disease. He has considerable experience in translating pharmacological research in vitro to hypothesis testing in vivo experimental animals and has specialised in baroreflex control of the circulation as well as circadian rhythms.

His current research area is related to the role of the kidney in the (perinatal) development of hypertension. He is sponsored by the Dutch Kidney Foundation on a project on the role of hypoxia in the development of chronic kidney disease. In these studies he makes use of state of the art in vivo telemetric recordings of tissue oxygen.

 

 

Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology
Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht
PO Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht
Room number: 4.260
T: +31(0)43 388 13 47

  • 2023
    • Donker, E. M., Osmani, H., Brinkman, D. J., van Rosse, F., Janssen, B., Knol, W., Dumont, G., Jorens, P. G., Dupont, A., Christiaens, T., van Smeden, J., de Waard-Siebinga, I., Peeters, L. E. J., Goorden, R., Hessel, M., Lissenberg-Witte, B. I., Richir, M. C., van Agtmael, M. A., Kramers, C., ... Education committee of the Dutch Society for Clinical Pharmacology and Biopharmacy (2023). The impact of a summative national prescribing assessment and curriculum type on the development of the prescribing competence of junior doctors. European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 79(12), 1613 - 1621. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00228-023-03567-4
    • Donker, E. M., Pandit, R., Poleij, M. C. S., Brinkman, D. J., van Agtmael, M. A., van Rosse, F., Dumont, G., Kramers, C., Atiqi, R., Richir, M. C., van Smeden, J., Hessel, M. H. M., Janssen, B. J., Knol, W., Tichelaar, J., & Pharmacotherapy Education working group of the Dutch Society for Clinical Pharmacology & Biopharmacy and its affiliated Dutch Network of Clinical Pharmacology Teachers (2023). The Dutch list of essential drugs for undergraduate medical education: A modified Delphi study. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 89(4), 1431-1451. https://doi.org/10.1111/bcp.15606
  • 2022
    • Donker, E. M., Brinkman, D. J., van Rosse, F., Janssen, B., Knol, W., Dumont, G., Jorens, P. G., Dupont, A., Christiaens, T., van Smeden, J., de Waard-Siebinga, I., Peeters, L. E. J., Goorden, R., Hessel, M., Lissenberg-Witte, B., Richir, M., van Agtmael, M., Kramers, C., Tichelaar, J., & Education committee of the Dutch Society for Clinical Pharmacology and Biopharmacy (2022). Do we become better prescribers after graduation: A 1-year international follow-up study among junior doctors. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 88(12), 5218-5226. https://doi.org/10.1111/bcp.15443
  • 2020
    • Vrolijk, M. F., van Essen, H., Opperhuizen, A., Bast, A., & Janssen, B. J. (2020). Haemodynamic effects of the flavonoid quercetin in rats revisited. British Journal of Pharmacology, 177(8), 1841-1852. https://doi.org/10.1111/bph.14955
  • 2019
    • Daskalopoulos, E. P., Hermans, K. C. M., Debets, J., Strzelecka, A., Leenders, P., Vervoort-Peters, L., Janssen, B. J. A., & Blankesteijn, W. M. (2019). The Beneficial Effects of UM206 on Wound Healing After Myocardial Infarction in Mice Are Lost in Follow-Up Experiments. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, 6, Article 118. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcvm.2019.00118
    • Jansen, D. R. M., Keijsers, C. J. P. W., Kornelissen, M. O., Rikkert, M. G. M. O., Kramers, C., Tichelaar, J., Janssen, B., van den Brink, A. M., Peeters, L., Dumont, G., Hessel, M., Rissmann, R., Knol, W., & Education working group of the Dutch Society for Clinical Pharmacology and Biopharmacy (2019). Towards a "prescribing license" for medical students: development and quality evaluation of an assessment for safe prescribing. European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 75(9), 1261-1268. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00228-019-02686-1
  • 2018
    • Emans, T. W., Patinha, D., Joles, J. A., Koeners, M. P., Janssen, B. J., & Krediet, C. T. P. (2018). Angiotensin II-induced hypertension in rats is only transiently accompanied by lower renal oxygenation. Scientific Reports, 8, Article 16342. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-34211-2
    • Emans, T. W., Janssen, B. J., Joles, J. A., & Krediet, C. T. P. (2018). Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibition Induces Renal Medullary Hypoxia in Conscious Rats. Journal of the American Heart Association, 7(15), Article 009501. https://doi.org/10.1161/JAHA.118.009501
    • Chennupati, R., Meens, M. J., Janssen, B. J., van Dijk, P., Hakvoort, T. B. M., Lamers, W. H., De Mey, J. G. R., & Koehler, S. E. (2018). Deletion of endothelial arginase 1 does not improve vasomotor function in diabetic mice. Physiological Reports, 6(11), Article 13717. https://doi.org/10.14814/phy2.13717
  • 2017
    • Kramers, C., Janssen, B. J., Knol, W., Hessel, M. H. M., Mulder, W. M., Dumont, G., van den Brink, A. M., & Tichelaar, J. (2017). A Licence to Prescribe. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 83(8), 1860-1861. https://doi.org/10.1111/bcp.13257
    • Lemkens, P., Spijkers, L. J. A., Meens, M. J., Nelissen, J., Janssen, B., Peters, S. L. M., Schiffers, P. M. H., & De Mey, J. G. R. (2017). Dual NEP/ECE inhibition improves endothelial function in mesenteric resistance arteries of 32-week-old SHR. Hypertension Research, 40(8), 738-745. https://doi.org/10.1038/hr.2017.38
    • Emans, T. W., Janssen, B. J., Joles, J. A., & Krediet, C. T. P. (2017). Circadian Rhythm in Kidney Tissue Oxygenation in the Rat. Frontiers in physiology, 8, Article 205. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2017.00205
  • 2016
    • Emans, T. W., Janssen, B. J., Pinkham, M. I., Ow, C. P. C., Evans, R. G., Joles, J. A., Malpas, S. C., Krediet, C. T. P., & Koeners, M. P. (2016). Exogenous and endogenous angiotensin-II decrease renal cortical oxygen tension in conscious rats by limiting renal blood flow. Journal of Physiology, 594(21), 6287-6300. https://doi.org/10.1113/JP270731
    • Daeichin, V., Kooiman, K., Skachkov, I., Bosch, J. G., Theelen, T. L., Steiger, K., Needles, A., Janssen, B. J., Daemen, M. J. A. P., van der Steen, A. F. W., de Jong, N., & Sluimer, J. C. (2016). QUANTIFICATION OF ENDOTHELIAL alpha(V)beta(3) EXPRESSION WITH HIGH-FREQUENCY ULTRASOUND AND TARGETED MICROBUBBLES: IN VITRO AND IN VIVO STUDIES. Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology, 42(9), 2283-2293. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2016.05.005
    • Maessen, D. E., Brouwers, O., Gaens, K. H., Wouters, K., Cleutjens, J. P., Janssen, B. J., Miyata, T., Stehouwer, C. D., & Schalkwijk, C. G. (2016). Delayed Intervention With Pyridoxamine Improves Metabolic Function and Prevents Adipose Tissue Inflammation and Insulin Resistance in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice. Diabetes, 65(4), 956-966. https://doi.org/10.2337/db15-1390
    • Marsch, E., Theelen, T., Janssen, B. J., Briedé, J. J., Haenen, G. R., Senden, J., van Loon, L. J., Poeze - van Bokhoven, M., Bierau, J., Gijbels, M. J., Daemen, M. J., & Sluimer, J. (2016). The effect of prolonged dietary nitrate supplementation on atherosclerosis development. Atherosclerosis, 245, 212-221. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2015.11.031
  • 2015
    • Zuurbier, C. J., Koeman, A., & Janssen, B. J. (2015). Letter to the editor: Ketamine-only versus isoflurane effects on murine cardiac function: comparison at similar depths of anesthesia?American Journal of Physiology-heart and Circulatory Physiology, 309(12), H2160. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpheart.00792.2015
    • Daeichin, V., Sluimer, J. C., van der Heiden, K., Skachkov, I., Kooiman, K., Janssen, A., Janssen, B., Bosch, J. G., de Jong, N., Daemen, M. J. A. P., & van der Steen, A. F. W. (2015). Live Observation of Atherosclerotic Plaque Disruption in Apolipoprotein E-Deficient Mouse. Ultrasound International Open, 1(2), E67-71. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0035-1565092
    • Daeichin, V., Akkus, Z., Skachkov, I., Kooiman, K., Needles, A., Sluimer, J., Janssen, B., Daemen, M. J. A. P., van der Steen, A. F. W., de Jong, N., & Bosch, J. G. (2015). Quantification of Bound Microbubbles in Ultrasound Molecular Imaging. Ieee Transactions on Ultrasonics Ferroelectrics and Frequency Control, 62(6), 1190-1200. https://doi.org/10.1109/TUFFC.2015.006264
    • Kornmann, L. M., Zernecke, A., Curfs, D. M. J., Janssen, B. J. A., Weber, C., de Winther, M. P. J., Reneman, R. S., Hoeks, A. P. G., & Reesink, K. D. (2015). Echogenic perfluorohexane-loaded macrophages adhere in vivo to activated vascular endothelium in mice, an explorative study. Cardiovascular Ultrasound, 13, Article 1. https://doi.org/10.1186/1476-7120-13-1
  • 2014
    • Dirkx, E., van Eys, G. J. J. M., Schwenk, R. W., Steinbusch, L. K. M., Hoebers, N., Coumans, W. A., Peters, T., Janssen, B. J., Brans, B., Vogg, A. T., Neumann, D., Glatz, J. F. C., & Luiken, J. J. F. P. (2014). Protein kinase-D1 overexpression prevents lipid-induced cardiac insulin resistance. Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology, 76, 208-217. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yjmcc.2014.08.017
    • Chennupati, R., Meens, M. J., Marion, V., Janssen, B. J., Lamers, W. H., de Mey, J. G., & Kohler, S. E. (2014). Endothelial arginine resynthesis contributes to the maintenance of vasomotor function in male diabetic mice. PLOS ONE, 9(7), Article e102264. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0102264
    • Altara, R., Manca, M., Hessel, M. H. M., Janssen, B. J., Struijker-Boudier, H. H. A., Hermans, R. J. J., & Blankesteijn, M. (2014). Improving membrane based multiplex immunoassays for semi-quantitative detection of multiple cytokines in a single sample. BMC Biotechnology, 14, Article 63. https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6750-14-63
    • Heijnen, B. F. J., Pelkmans, L. P. J., Danser, A. H. J., Garrelds, I. M., Mullins, J. J., De Mey, J. G. R., Struijker-Boudier, H. A. J., & Janssen, B. J. A. (2014). Cardiac remodeling during and after renin-angiotensin system stimulation in Cyp1a1-Ren2 transgenic rats. Journal of the Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone System, 15(1), 69-81. https://doi.org/10.1177/1470320313480537
    • Heijnen, B. F. J., Van Essen, H., Schalkwijk, C. G., Janssen, B. J. A., & Struijker-Boudier, H. A. J. (2014). Renal inflammatory markers during the onset of hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Hypertension Research, 37(2), 100-109. https://doi.org/10.1038/hr.2013.99
    • van Bilsen, M., Daniels, A., Brouwers, O., Janssen, B. J. A., Derks, W. J. A., Brouns, A. E., Munts, C., Schalkwijk, C. G., van der Vusse, G. J., & van Nieuwenhoven, F. A. (2014). Hypertension Is a Conditional Factor for the Development of Cardiac Hypertrophy in Type 2 Diabetic Mice. PLOS ONE, 9(1), Article e85078. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0085078
    • Marsch, E., Theelen, T. L., Demandt, J. A., Jeurissen, M., van Gink, M., Verjans, R., Janssen, A., Cleutjens, J. P., Meex, S. J., Donners, M. M., Haenen, G., Schalkwijk, C. G., Dubois, L. J., Lambin, P., Mallat, Z., Gijbels, M. J., Heemskerk, J. W., Fisher, E. A., Biessen, E. A., ... Sluimer, J. C. (2014). Reversal of hypoxia in murine atherosclerosis prevents necrotic core expansion by enhancing efferocytosis. Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, 34(12), 2545-2553. https://doi.org/10.1161/ATVBAHA.114.304023
    • Brouwers, O., Niessen, P. M. G., Miyata, T., Ostergaard, J. A., Flyvbjerg, A., Peutz-Kootstra, C. J., Sieber, J., Mundel, P. H., Brownlee, M., Janssen, B. J. A., De Mey, J. G. R., Stehouwer, C. D. A., & Schalkwijk, C. G. (2014). Glyoxalase-1 overexpression reduces endothelial dysfunction and attenuates early renal impairment in a rat model of diabetes. Diabetologia, 57(1), 224-235. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00125-013-3088-5
  • 2013
    • Brouwers, O., de Vos-Houben, J. M., Niessen, P. M., Miyata, T., van Nieuwenhoven, F., Janssen, B. J., Hageman, G., Stehouwer, C. D., & Schalkwijk, C. G. (2013). Mild oxidative damage in the diabetic rat heart is attenuated by glyoxalase-1 overexpression. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 14(8), 15724-15739. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms140815724
    • VanTeeffelen, J. W. G. E., Brands, J., Janssen, B. J. A., & Vink, H. (2013). Effect of acute hyaluronidase treatment of the glycocalyx on tracer-based whole body vascular volume estimates in mice. Journal of Applied Physiology, 114(9), 1132-1140. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00842.2012
    • Daskalopoulos, E. P., Hermans, K. C. M., Janssen, B. J. A., & Blankesteijn, W. M. (2013). Targeting the Wnt/frizzled signaling pathway after myocardial infarction: A new tool in the therapeutic toolbox?Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine, 23(4), 121-127. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tcm.2012.09.010
    • Aleksinskaya, M. A., van Faassen, E. E. H., Nelissen, J., Janssen, B. J. A., De Mey, J. G. R., Hanemaaijer, R., Rabelink, T., & van Zonneveld, A. J. (2013). Identification of Free Nitric Oxide Radicals in Rat Bone Marrow: Implications for Progenitor Cell Mobilization in Hypertension. PLOS ONE, 8(3), Article e57761. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0057761
    • Heijnen, B. F. J., Nelissen, J., van Essen, H., Fazzi, G. E., Tervaert, J. W. C., Peutz-Kootstra, C. J., Mullins, J. J., Schalkwijk, C. G., Janssen, B. J. A., & Struijker-Boudier, H. A. J. (2013). Irreversible Renal Damage after Transient Renin-Angiotensin System Stimulation: Involvement of an AT(1)-Receptor Mediated Immune Response. PLOS ONE, 8(2), Article e57815. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0057815
  • 2012
    • Lemkens, P., Nelissen, J., Meens, M. J. P. M. T., Fazzi, G. E., Janssen, G. J. M., Debets, J. J. M., Janssen, B. J. A., Schiffers, P. M. H., & De Mey, J. G. R. (2012). Impaired flow-induced arterial remodeling in DOCA-salt hypertensive rats. Hypertension Research, 35(11), 1093-1101. https://doi.org/10.1038/hr.2012.94
    • Nelissen, J., Lemkens, P., Sann, H., Bindl, M., Bassissi, F., Jasserand, D., De Mey, J. G. R., & Janssen, B. J. A. (2012). Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of SOL1: A novel dual inhibitor of neutral endopeptidase and endothelin converting enzyme. Life Sciences, 91(13-14), 587-592. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lfs.2012.01.015
    • Lemkens, P., Nelissen, J., Meens, M. J. P. M. T., Janssen, B. J. A., Schiffers, P. M. H., & De Mey, J. G. R. (2012). Dual neural peptidase/endothelin-converting enzyme inhibition improves endothelial function in mesenteric resistance arteries of young spontaneously hypertensive rats. Journal of Hypertension, 30(9), 1799-1808. https://doi.org/10.1097/HJH.0b013e3283569c7a
    • Seemann, I., Gabriels, K., Visser, N. L., Hoving, S., te Poele, J. A., Pol, J. F., Gijbels, M. J., Janssen, B. J., Van Leeuwen, F. W., Daemen, M. J., Heeneman, S., & Stewart, F. A. (2012). Irradiation induced modest changes in murine cardiac function despite progressive structural damage to the myocardium and microvasculature. Radiotherapy and Oncology, 103(2), 143-150. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radonc.2011.10.011
    • Daskalopoulos, E. P., Janssen, B. J. A., & Blankesteijn, W. M. (2012). Myofibroblasts in the Infarct Area: Concepts and Challenges. Microscopy and Microanalysis, 18(1), 35-49. https://doi.org/10.1017/S143192761101227X
  • 2011
    • Spijkers, L. J. A., Janssen, B. J. A., Nelissen, J., Meens, M. J. P. M. T., Wijesinghe, D. S., Chalfant, C. E., De Mey, J. G. R., Alewijnse, A. E., & Peters, S. L. M. (2011). Antihypertensive Treatment Differentially Affects Vascular Sphingolipid Biology in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats. PLOS ONE, 6(12), Article e29222. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0029222
    • Heijnen, B. F. J., Peutz-Kootstra, C. J., Mullins, J. J., Janssen, B. J. A., & Struijker-Boudier, H. A. J. (2011). Transient renin-angiotensin system stimulation in an early stage of life causes sustained hypertension in rats. Journal of Hypertension, 29(12), 2369-2380. https://doi.org/10.1097/HJH.0b013e32834cfcf4
    • Laeremans, H., Hackeng, T. M., van Zandvoort, M. A. M. J., Thijssen, V. L. J. L., Janssen, B. J. A., Ottenheijm, H. C. J., Smits, J. F. M., & Blankesteijn, W. M. (2011). Blocking of Frizzled Signaling With a Homologous Peptide Fragment of Wnt3a/Wnt5a Reduces Infarct Expansion and Prevents the Development of Heart Failure After Myocardial Infarction. Circulation, 124(15), 1626-U107. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.110.976969
    • Spijkers, L. J. A., van den Akker, R. F. P., Janssen, B. J. A., Debets, J. J., De Mey, J. G. R., Stroes, E. S. G., van den Born, B.-J. H., Wijesinghe, D. S., Chalfant, C. E., MacAleese, L., Eijkel, G. B., Heeren, R. M. A., Alewijnse, A. E., & Peters, S. L. M. (2011). Hypertension Is Associated with Marked Alterations in Sphingolipid Biology: A Potential Role for Ceramide. PLOS ONE, 6(7), 9. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0021817
    • Meens, M. J. P. M. T., Mattheij, N. J. A., Nelissen, J., Lemkens, P., Compeer, M. G., Janssen, B. J. A., & De Mey, J. G. R. (2011). Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Terminates Long-Lasting Vasopressor Responses to Endothelin 1 In Vivo. Hypertension, 58(1), 99-U181. https://doi.org/10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.110.169128
    • Constantinides, C., Mean, R., & Janssen, B. J. (2011). Effects of isoflurane anesthesia on the cardiovascular function of the C57BL/6 mouse. Ilar Journal, 52(3), e21-31.
  • 2010
    • Daniels, A., van Bilsen, M., Janssen, B. J. A., Brouns, A. E., Cleutjens, J. P. M., Roemen, T. H., Schaart, G., van der Velden, J., van der Vusse, G. J., & van Nieuwenhoven, F. A. (2010). Impaired cardiac functional reserve in type 2 diabetic db/db mice is associated with metabolic, but not structural, remodelling. Acta Physiologica, 200(1), 11-22. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-1716.2010.02102.x
    • Meens, M. J. P. M. T., Compeer, M. G., Hackeng, T. M., van Zandvoort, M. A., Janssen, B. J. A., & De Mey, J. G. R. (2010). Stimuli of Sensory-Motor Nerves Terminate Arterial Contractile Effects of Endothelin-1 by CGRP and Dissociation of ET-1/ETA-Receptor Complexes. PLOS ONE, 5(6), 11. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0010917
    • Post, S., Smits, A. M., van den Broek, A. J., Sluijter, J. P. G., Hoefer, I. E., Janssen, B. J., Snijder, R. J., Mager, J. J., Pasterkamp, G., Mummery, C. L., Doevendans, P. A., & Goumans, M.-J. (2010). Impaired recruitment of HHT-1 mononuclear cells to the ischaemic heart is due to an altered CXCR4/CD26 balance. Cardiovascular Research, 85(3), 494-502. https://doi.org/10.1093/cvr/cvp313
    • Megens, R. T. A., Reitsma, S., Prinzen, L., Egbrink, M. G. A. O., Engels, W., Leenders, P. J. A., Brunenberg, E. J. L., Reesink, K. D., Janssen, B. J. A., Romeny, B. M. T. H., Slaaf, D. W., & van Zandvoort, M. A. M. J. (2010). In vivo high-resolution structural imaging of large arteries in small rodents using two-photon laser scanning microscopy. Journal of Biomedical Optics, 15(1), 10. https://doi.org/10.1117/1.3281672
  • 2008
    • Rensen, S., Niessen, P. M., van Deursen, J. M., Janssen, B. J., Heijman, E., Hermeling, E., Meens, M. J. P. M. T., Lie, N., Gijbels, M. J., Strijkers, G. J., Doevendans, P. A., Hofker, M. H., de Mey, J. G., & van Eys, G. J. (2008). Smoothelin-B deficiency results in reduced arterial contractility, hypertension, and cardiac hypertrophy in mice. Circulation, 118(8), 828-36. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.107.743690
  • 2007
    • van de Schans, V. A. M., van den Borne, S. W. M., Strzelecka, A. E., Janssen, B. J., van der Velden, J. L., Langen, R. C., Wynshaw Boris, A., Smits, J. F., & Blankesteijn, W. M. (2007). Interruption of Wnt Signaling Attenuates the Onset of Pressure Overload-Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy. Hypertension, 49(3), 473-480. https://doi.org/10.1161/01.HYP.0000255946.55091.24