Aksel Bernhoft, PhD

Toxinology Research Group
Norwegian Veterinary Institute
Elizabeth Stephansens vei 1
1433 Ås
Norway

Tel.: +47/932 66 995
E-mail: aksel.bernhoft@vetinst.no

Research interests

General interest in veterinary toxicology; occurrence, exposure, effect studies, toxicokinetics and risk assessment of various natural toxins and contaminants.

Background

Cand. med. vet. from the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science (1988). Doctoral degree from the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science (1994, “Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs): Studies of biological effects of selected compounds and determination of residue levels”). Researcher at the Norwegian Veterinary Institute since 1995.

Articles

  • Windahl, U., Tevell Åberg, A., Kryuchkov, F., Lundgren, S., Tegner, C., Dreimanis, K., Koivisto, S., Simola, O., Sandvik, M., Bernhoft, A. Alpha-chloralose poisoning in cats in three Nordic countries – the importance of secondary poisoning. BMC Veterinary Research 2022, 18, 334.
  • Falk M, Bernhoft A, Framstad T, Salbu B, Wisløff H, Kortner TM, Kristoffersen AB, Oropeza-Moe M. 2018. Effects of dietary sodium selenite and organic selenium sources on immune and inflammatory responses and selenium disposition in growing pigs. J Trace Elem Med Biol 50: 527-536.
  • Moldal T, Bernhoft A, Rosenlund G, Kaldhusdal M, Koppang EO. 2018. Dietary deoxynivalenol (DON) impairs the epithelial barrier and modulates the cytokine signaling in the intestine of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Toxins 10: 376, 11 pp.
  • Bernhoft A, Høgåsen HR, Rosenlund G, Moldal T, Grove S, Berntssen MHG, Thoresen SI, Alexander J. 2018. Effects of dietary deoxynivalenol or ochratoxin A on performance and selected health indices in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Food Chem Toxicol 121: 374-386.
  • Ademi A, Bernhoft A, Govasmark E, Bytyqi H, Sivertsen T, Singh BR. 2017. Selenium and other mineral concentrations in feed and sheep’s blood in Kosovo. Transl Anim Sci 1: 97-107.
  • Bernhoft A, Høgåsen HR, Rosenlund G, Ivanova L, Berntssen MHG, Alexander J, Eriksen GS, Fæste CK. 2017. Tissue distribution and elimination of deoxynivalenol and ochratoxin A in dietary exposed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Food Addit Contam Part A, 14 pp.
  • Brodal G, Hofgaard IS, Eriksen GS, Bernhoft A, Sundheim L. 2016. Mycotoxins in organically versus conventionally produced cereal grains and some other crops in temperate regions. World Mycotox J
  • Høgåsen HR, Ørnsrud R, Knutsen HK, Bernhoft A. 2016. Lead intoxication in dogs: risk assessment of feeding dogs trimmings of lead-shot game. BMC Vet Res 12: 152, 8 pp.
  • Sivertsen T, Garmo TH, Lierhagen S, Bernhoft A, Steinnes E. 2015. Geographical and botanical variation in concentrations of copper, molybdenum, sulphur and iron in sheep pasture plants in Norway. Acta Agric Scand Sect A, 1-10.
  • Sivertsen T, Garmo TH, Lierhagen S, Bernhoft A, Steinnes E. 2015. Geographical and botanical variation in concentrations of selenium, cobalt, zinc, iodine and other essential elements in sheep pasture plants in Norway. Acta Agric Scand Sect A, 1-10.
  •  Oropeza-Moe M, Wisløff H, Bernhoft A. 2015. Selenium deficiency assiociated porcine and human cardiomyopathies. J Trace Elem Med Biol 31: 148-156.
  •  Ademi A, Govasmark E, Bernhoft A, Bytyqi H, Djikic M, Manojlovic M, Loncaric Z, Drinic M, Filipovic A, Singh BR. 2015. Status of selenium in sheep and dairy cow blood in Western Balkan countries. Acta Agric Scand Sect A, 1-8.
  • Yazdankhah S, Rudi K, Bernhoft A. 2014. Zinc and copper in animal feed – development of resistance and co-resistance to antimicrobial agents in bacteria of animal origin. Microbial Ecol Health Dis 25: 25862
  • Meltzer HM, Dahl H, Brantsæter A-L, Birgisdottir BE, Knutsen HK, Bernhoft A, Oftedahl, B, Lande US, Alexander J, Haugen M, Ydersbond TA. 2013.Consumption of lead-shot cervid meat and blood lead concentrations in a group of adult Norwegians. Environ Res 127: 29-39.
  • Bernhoft, A., Torp, M., Clasen, P.-E., Loes, A. K., Kristoffersen, A. B. 2012. Influence of agronomic and climatic factors on Fusarium infestation and mycotoxin contamination of cereals in Norway. Food Additives and Contaminants Part A – Chemistry, Analysis, Exposure & Risk Assessment, 29, 1129-1140.
  • Bernhoft A, Clasen P-E, Kristoffersen AB, Torp M. 2010. Less Fusarium infestation and mycotoxin contamination in organic than in conventional cereals. Food Addit Contam, 27 (6): 842-852.
  • Eriksen GS, Hultin Jäderlund K, Moldes-Anaya A, Schönheit J, Bernhoft A, Jæger G, Rundberget T, Skaar I. 2010. Poisoning of dogs with tremorgenic Penicillium toxins. Med Mycol, 48 (1): 188-196.
  • Haug A, Eich-Greatorex S, Bernhoft A, Hetland H & Sogn T. 2008. Selenium bioavailability in chicken fed selenium-fertilized wheat. Acta Agric Scand, Sect A – Anim Sci, 58: 65-70.
  • Handeland K, Bernhoft A & Aartun MS. 2008. Copper deficiency and effects of copper supplementation in a herd of red deer (Cervus elaphus). Acta Vet Scand, 50 (8).
  • Steen A, Strøm T & Bernhoft A. 2008. Organic selenium supplementation increased selenium concentrations in ewe and newborn lamb blood and in slaughter lamb meat compared to inorganic selenium supplementation. Acta Vet Scand, 50 (7).
  • Uhlig S, Ivanova L, Bernhoft A & Eriksen GS. 2008. 2-Amino-14,16-dimethyloctadecan-3-ol: in vitro bioactivity and bio-production by the fungus Fusarium avenaceum. World Mycotox J 1: 49-58.
  • Haug A, Eich-Greatorex S, Bernhoft A, Wold JP, Hetland H, Christophersen, OA & Sogn T. 2007. Effect of dietary selenium and omega-3 fatty acids on muscle composition and quality in broilers. Lipids Health Dis., 6 (29).
  • Bolstad T, Garmo TH, Haug A, Volden H, Bernhoft A & Harstad OM. 2007. Effect of white clover rich grass pasture allowance on α-tocopherol and selenium content in cow milk. J Anim Feed Sci, 16, Suppl 1: 84-89.
  • Sivertsen T, Vie E, Bernhoft A & Baustad B. 2007. Vitamin E and selenium plasma concentrations in weaning pigs under field conditions in Norwegian pig herds. Acta Vet Scand 49 (1).
  • Stuen S, Moum T, Bernhoft A & Vene S. 2006. A paretic condition in an Anaplasma phagocytophilum infected roe deer calf. J Wildl Dis, 42: 170-174.
  • Vikøren T, Bernhoft A, Waaler T & Handeland K. 2005. Liver concentrations of copper, cobalt and selenium in wild Norwegian red deer (Cervus elaphus). J Wildl Dis, 41: 569-579.
  • Govasmark E, Steen A, Strøm T, Hansen S, Singh BR & Bernhoft A. 2005. Status of selenium and vitamin E on Norwegian organic sheep and dairy cattle farms. Acta Agric Scand Section A, 55: 40-46.
  • Govasmark E, Steen A, Bakken AK, Strøm T, Hansen S & Bernhoft A. 2005. Copper, molybdenium and cobalt in herbage and ruminants from organic farms in Norway. Acta Agric Scand Section A, 55: 21-30.
  • Bernhoft A, Keblys M, Morrison E, Larsen HJS & Flåøyen A. 2004. Combined effects of selected Penicillium mycotoxins on in vitro proliferation of porcine lymphocytes. Mycopathologia, 158: 441-450.
  • Keblys M, Bernhoft A, Höfer C, Morrison E, Larsen HJS & Flåøyen A. 2004. The effects of the Penicillium mycotoxins citrinin, cyclopiazonic acid, ochratoxin A, patulin, penicillic acid, and roquefortine C on in vitro proliferation of porcine lymphocytes. Mycopathologia, 158: 317-324.
  • Handeland K & Bernhoft A. 2004. Ostechondrosis associated with copper deficiency in a red deer herd in Norway. Vet Rec, 155: 676-678.
  • Sivertsen T, Jørgensen A, Bernhoft A, Sylliaas GA, Juul HM & Baustad B. 2003. Acute selenium poisoning from selenium-containing iron supplement in suckling pigs. Vet Human Toxicol, 45: 31-32.
  • Holme JA, Morrison E, Samuelsen JT, Wiger R, Låg M, Schwartze P, Bernhoft A & Refsnes M. 2003. Mechanisms involved in the induction of apoptosis by T-2 and HT-2 toxin in HL-60 human promyelocytic leukemia cells. Cell Biol Toxicol, 19: 53-68.
  • Lie E, Bernhoft A, Riget F, Belikov SE, Boltunov A, Derocher AE, Garner GW, Wiig Ø. & Skaare JU. 2003. Geographical distribution of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in polar bears (Ursus maritimus) in the Norwegian and Russian Arctic. Sci Tot Environ, 306: 159-170.
  • Skaare JU, Larsen HJ, Lie E, Bernhoft A, Derocher AE, Norstrom R, Ropstad E, Lunn NF & Wiig Ø. 2002. Ecological risk assessment of persistent organic pollutants in the arctic. Toxicology, 181-182: 193-197.
  • Morrison E, Kosiak EB, Ritieni A, Aastveit AH, Uhlig S & Bernhoft A. 2002. Mycotoxin production by Fusarium avenaceum strains isolated from Norwegian grain and the cytotoxicity of rice culture extracts to porcine kidney epithelial cells. J Agric Food Chem, 50: 3070-3075.
  • Bernhoft A, Waaler T, Mathiesen SD & Flåøyen A. 2002. Trace elements in reindeer from Rybatsjij Ostrov, north western Russia. Rangifer, 22: 67-73.
  • Morrison E, Rundberget T, Kosiak EB, Aastveit AH & Bernhoft A. 2001. Cytotoxicity of trichothecenes and fusarochromanone produced by Fusarium equiseti strains isolated from Norwegian cereals. Mycopathologia, 153: 49-56.
  • Bernhoft A, Behrens GHG, Ingebrigtsen K, Langseth W, Berndt S, Haugen TB. & Grotmol T. 2001. Placental transfer of the estrogenic mycotoxin zearalenone in rats. Reprod Toxicol, 15: 545-550.
  • Andersen M, Lie E, Derocher AE, Belikov SE, Bernhoft A, Boltunov A, Garner GW, Skaare JU & Wiig Ø. 2001. Geographical variation of PCB congeners in polar bears (Ursus maritimus) from Svalbard east to the Chukchi Sea. Polar Biol, 24: 231-238.
  • Skaare JU, Bernhoft A, Wiig Ø, Norum KR, Haug E, Eide DM & Derocher AE 2001. Relationships between plasma levels of organochlorines, retinol and thyroid hormones from polar bears (Ursus maritimus) at Svalbard. J Toxicol Environ Health, Part A, 62: 227-241.
  • Bernhoft A, Skaare JU, Wiig Ø, Derocher AE & Larsen HJ. 2000. Possible immunotoxic effects of organochlorines in polar bears (Ursus maritimus) at Svalbard. J Toxicol Environ Health, Part A, 59: 561-574.
  • Skaare JU, Bernhoft A, Derocher A, Gabrielsen GW, Goksøyr A, Henriksen E, Larsen HJ, Lie E & Wiig Ø. 2000. Organochlorines in top predators at Svalbard – occurrence, levels and effects. Toxicol Lett, 112-113: 103-109.
  • Langseth W, Bernhoft A, Rundberget T, Kosiak B & Gareis M. 1999. Mycotoxin production and cytotoxicity of Fusarium strains isolated from Norwegian cereals. Mycopathologia, 144: 103-113.
  • Sannes E, Bernhoft A, Nafstad I, Engen P & Øye I. 1998. Behavioural alteration in the progeny of rats exposed to ketamine, a n-methyl-d-aspartate receptor blocker. Scand J Lab Anim Sci, 25: 33-143.
  • Bernhoft, A, Wiig, Ø. & Skaare, JU. 1997. Organochlorines in polar bears (Ursus maritimus) at Svalbard. Environ Pollut, 95: 159-175.
  • Holene E, Nafstad I, Skaare JU, Bernhoft A, Engen P & Sagvolden T. 1995. Behavioral effects pf pre- and postnatal exposure to individual polychlorinated biphenyl congeners in rats. Environ Toxicol Chem, 14: 967-976.
  • Bernhoft A, Nafstad I, Engen P & Skaare JU. 1994. Effects of pre- and post-natal exposure to 3,3´,4,4´,5-pentachlorobiphenyl on physical development, neurobehavior and xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes in rats. Environ Toxicol Chem, 13: 1589-1597.
  • Hektoen H, Bernhoft A, Ingebrigtsen K, Skaare JU & Goksøyr A. 1994. Response of hepatic xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and cod (Gadus morhua) to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD). Aquat Toxicol, 28: 97-106.
  • Bernhoft A & Skaare JU. 1994. Levels of selected individual polychlorinated biphenyls in different tissues of harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) from the Southern coast of Norway. Environ Pollut, 86: 99-107.
  • Bernhoft A, Hektoen H, Skaare JU & Ingebrigtsen K. 1994. Tissue distribution and effects on hepatic xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes of 2,3,3´, 4,4´-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB-105) in cod (Gadus morhua) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Environ Pollut, 85: 351-359.

Books

  • Bernhoft A (editor). 2010. Bioactive compounds in plants – benefits and risks for man and animals. Proceedings of a symposium held at the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters, Oslo, 13-14 November 2008. Novus, Oslo. ISBN 978-82-7099-583-7.
  • Grotmol T, Bernhoft A., Eriksen GS & Flaten TP (editors) 2006. Endocrine disrupters. Proceedings of a symposium held at the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters, Oslo, 13-14 October 2005. Novus, Oslo. ISBN 978-82-7099-437-3.
  • Bernhoft A. 1993. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs): Studies of biological effects of selected compounds and determination of residue levels. Thesis. Norwegian Scool of Veterinary Science, Oslo. ISBN 82-7725-014-2.