No description available.

No description available.

De uma forma geral, animais ovíparos suprem sua prole somente com vitelo, composto principalmente por lipídios e proteínas. Em espécies de cecílias ovíparas e dermatófagas, as fêmeas mobilizam esses substratos energéticos para os ovários durante a vitelogênese e também utilizam esses mesmos compostos para a produção de uma pele mais espessa e nutritiva que servirá de alimento aos filhotes durante o cuidado parental. Em detrimento da grande importância do vitelo para o desenvolvimento de embriões e larvas, como apresentado, é curioso compreender como espécies ovíparas alocam parte da sua energia na produção de uma pele mais espessa, além de investirem na produção do vitelo. Desta forma, sendo as cecílias pouco conhecidas, é de grande importância entender os processos metabólicos e endócrinos envolvidos no armazenamento e na mobilização dos substratos energéticos ao longo do processo reprodutivo de machos e fêmeas, a fim de entender como ocorre o preparo das gônadas e da pele para a reprodução. Análises histológicas dos ovários e testículos foram realizadas, assim como a determinação de lipídios (e ácidos graxos dos fosfolipídios) e proteínas totais no fígado, músculo, gônadas, pele e plasma de machos e fêmeas de S. annulatus ao longo do ciclo anual. Além disso, a concentração plasmática dos esteróides gonadais (estradiol, testosterona e progesterona) foi também quantificada em ambos os sexos. De forma geral, oócitos em diferentes estágios de desenvolvimento foram encontrados nos ovários. A espermatogênese de Siphonops annulatus apresentou um padrão cístico como visto para os outros anamniotas, sendo o testículo formado por lobos que variam em número e tamanho. Com relação aos substratos energéticos, observamos que existe uma clara tendência em maior acúmulo de lipídios e proteínas nas gônadas das fêmeas que foram coletadas durante o inverno, caracterizadas por um desenvolvimento oocitário mais avançado, com a presença de oócitos vitelogênicos, sendo o mesmo observado para os machos. Em relação aos ácidos graxos, foi encontrado um padrão normalmente observado para os demais vertebrados, com a fração polar dos tecidos composta principalmente por ácidos graxos polinsaturados n6 em ambos os sexos. Destaca-se nas fêmeas uma grande mobilização de ácidos graxos dos tecidos de reserva para os ovários, principalmente os ácidos graxos polinsaturados, que são de grande importância para a vitelogênese e embriogênese. Alterações dos substratos no tecido dérmico da fêmea também foram observadas na primavera e no verão, sugerindo a importância deste tecido na dermatofagia. As análises hormonais demonstraram poucas variações ao longo do ano para ambos os sexos, devido à grande variação individual. Contudo, os valores de estradiol, testosterona e progesterona tendem a ser maiores para as fêmeas no inverno e para os machos durante a primavera. Os dados sugerem que o processo reprodutivo em S. annulatus mantida em cativeiro envolveu um processo de reostase programada, pois mesmo não havendo condições ambientais ideais, as fêmeas e os machos apresentam uma memória metabólica capaz de prepará-los para a reprodução. No entanto, o ambiente proporcionado pelo cativeiro suprimiu a ocorrência das fases finais do ciclo reprodutivo, como ovulação e cópula, resgatando o clássico conceito de reostase reativa. / Usually, oviparous animals keep their offspring only with yolk that is composed mostly of lipids and proteins. In oviparous and dermatophagic caecilians species, the females mobilize these energetic substrates to the ovaries during the vitellogenesis and also use these compounds to produce a ticker and nutritive skin that will be used as food for the offspring during parental care. In detriment of the great importance of the yolk to development of the embryos and larvae, as presented, it is curious to figure out how oviparous species allocate part of its energy to produce a thicker skin, beyond from investing in the production of yolk. Considering that caecilians are poorly known, it is important to understand the endocrine and metabolic processes involved in the storage and mobilization of energetic substrates during the reproductive process of males and females, in order to comprehend how the gonads and skin become ready for reproduction. Histological analysis of ovaries and testes were performed, as well as, total lipids (and fatty acids from phospholipids) and protein in liver, muscle, gonads, skin and plasma of males and females of S. annulatus during the annual cycle. Additionally, the plasma concentrations of gonadal steroids (estradiol, testosterone and progesterone) were quantified in both sexes. In general, oocytes at different stages of development were found in the ovaries. The spermatogenesis of Siphonops annulatus presented a cystic pattern as seen for other anamniotas, and the testes were formed by lobes which vary in number and size. Considering the energetic substrates, there is a clear tendency to a greater accumulation of lipids and protein in the ovaries in females collected in the winter, that were characterized by a more advanced stage of oocyte development, with the presence of vitellogenic oocytes. The same was observed for the males. Regarding to fatty acids, it was found a pattern commonly observed for others vertebrates, with the polar fraction of the tissues composed mainly by n6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in both sexes. It is important to highlight in females a great mobilization of fatty acids from the storages tissues to the ovaries, mainly the polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are of great importance for vitellogenesis and embryogenesis. Alterations in the energetic substrates of the dermal tissue of the female were also observed in spring and summer, suggesting the importance of this tissue in dermatophagy. The hormonal assays showed little variation throughout the year for both sexes, due to the large individual variation. However, the concentrations of estradiol, testosterone and progesterone have a clear tendency of being higher for females in the winter, and for males during the spring. The data suggests that the reproduction in S. annulatus maintained in captivity involved a programmed rheostasis process, because, even without the ideal environmental conditions, males and females presented a metabolic memory, that was enough to prepare the animals for reproduction. However, the environment provided by the captivity suppressed the occurrence of the final phases of the reproductive cycle, as ovulation and copulation, rescuing the classical concept of reactive rheostasis.

INTRODUÇÃO: A prevalência global da obesidade duplicou desde 1980, alcançando mais de 600 milhões de adultos obesos em 2014. Em paralelo a este aumento, alguns autores relataram uma tendência mundial de declínio da concentração de espermatozoides no ejaculado nas últimas décadas. Consequentemente, surge a hipótese da relação entre esses dois fatos temporais. Dentre todas as formas de tratamento da obesidade, a cirurgia bariátrica é a que apresenta melhores resultados em termos de perda de peso e melhor efetividade a longo-prazo. Há evidências na literatura que sugerem que a obesidade é capaz de alterar os níveis dos hormônios reprodutivos e função erétil. No entanto, seus efeitos sobre os parâmetros seminais clássicos e no índice de fragmentação do DNA espermático (IFD) são pouco estabelecidos. Além disso, o impacto da cirurgia bariátrica sobre estas alterações ainda não foi devidamente esclarecido. OBJETIVO: Identificar os efeitos da obesidade sobre a função erétil, hormônios reprodutivos, função testicular e IFD de homens obesos. Adicionalmente, avaliar se a cirurgia bariátrica é capaz de afetar estes mesmos parâmetros. MÉTODOS: Este estudo foi organizado em duas fases. Na primeira fase, indivíduos com índice de massa corpórea (IMC) menor que 30 kg/m2 e fertilidade comprovada foram comparados a pacientes obesos em programação para cirurgia bariátrica, com IMC maior que 35 kg/m2. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a dosagem de hormônios reprodutivos, análise seminal e aferição do IFD pelo método do cometa alcalino. O questionário do Índice Internacional de Função Erétil (IIEF-5) foi aplicado. Na segunda fase, parte dos indivíduos obesos foi submetida à cirurgia bariátrica e todos foram convocados para reavaliação em 6 meses. RESULTADOS: Homens obesos apresentam maiores níveis séricos de estradiol, LH e FSH, e menores níveis séricos de testosterona total (TT) quando comparados com homens férteis eutróficos. Além disso, apresentam piores parâmetros seminais, com redução do volume ejaculado, concentração seminal, número total de espermatozoides no ejaculado, motilidade total, motilidade progressiva e percentual de espermatozoides com morfologia normal, e elevação do IFD. Na fase 2, homens obesos submetido a cirurgia bariátrica apresentaram elevação dos valores de FSH, SHBG, TT e testosterona livre (TL), e redução dos níveis de prolactina sérica. Além disso, apresentam queda da concentração seminal e do número total de espermatozoides no ejaculado, e queda na fragmentação do DNA espermático. Controles obesos, por outro lado, não apresentaram alterações nas variáveis estudadas. Além disso, maior intensidade da perda de peso esteve associada com alterações mais importantes do número total de espermatozoides no ejaculado, e dos níveis séricos de TT, TL, SHBG e FSH. CONCLUSÕES: A obesidade é capaz de induzir alterações importantes dos hormônios reprodutivos, parâmetros seminais e IFD. A cirurgia bariátrica, entretanto, pode reverter os efeitos deletérios sobre os hormônios reprodutivos e fragmentação do DNA, mas pode trazer piora de parâmetros seminais em 6 meses de seguimento / INTRODUCTION: Worldwide obesity prevalence has duplicated since 1980, reaching more than 600 million obese adults in 2014. Parallel to this increase, several authors have reported a global tendency of ejaculated sperm concentration decline in the last decades. Therefore, comes to light the hypothesis that these two temporal trends are related. Among all forms of obesity treatments, the one that reaches the best results and long-term effectiveness is the bariatric surgery. Growing evidence in the literature suggests that obesity is capable of altering reproductive hormones levels and erectile function. Effects on classic semen parameters and DNA fragmentation index (DFI), however, have not been properly established. OBJECTIVE: Determine the effects of obesity over erectile function, reproductive hormones, testicular function, and DFI in obese men. Additionally, evaluate if bariatric surgery can also impact those parameters. METHODS: This study was divided into two phases. On the first phase, individuals with body mass index (BMI) lower than 30 kg/m2 and proven fertility were compared to obese men, with BMI higher than 35 kg/m2, waiting to be submitted to bariatric surgery. Reproductive hormones evaluation, semen analysis and evaluation of DFI by the alkaline comet assay were performed in all patients. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) was used to assess erectile function. On phase two, part of the obese patients was submitted to bariatric surgery, and all were invited to 6-month revaluation. RESULTS: Obese men have higher blood levels of estradiol, LH and FSH, and lower levels of total testosterone (TT) when compared to eutrophic fertile men. Additionally, they present worse semen parameters, with a reduction in ejaculated volume, sperm concentration, total number of sperm in the ejaculate, total motility, progressive motility, and percentage of normal sperm, and higher sperm DFI. On phase two, obese men submitted to bariatric surgery showed higher FSH, SHBG, TT, and free testosterone (FT) levels, and reduction of blood prolactin levels. Moreover, they exhibited a reduction in sperm concentration and total ejaculated sperm count, and a reduction in sperm DNA fragmentation. Obese controls, however, did not experience changes in the studied variables. Finally, the intensity of weight loss was associated with greater changes in total ejaculated sperm count and in TT, TL, SHBG and FSH blood levels. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity can induce important changes in reproductive hormones, semen parameters, and DFI. Bariatric surgery, however, can revert the deleterious effects in reproductive hormones and DFI, but can result in worsening of semen parameters on 6-month follow-up

Dans le contexte de la physiologie comparée de la reproduction, les amphibiens sont peu étudiés. Le travail réalisé durant cette thèse visait à analyser des marqueurs de différenciation testiculaire chez l'urodèle Pleurodeles waltl, dont le déterminisme génétique du sexe (ZZ/ZW) peut être influencé par la température. Nos études ont d'abord porté sur le gène sox9 marqueur de la différenciation testiculaire chez les vertébrés supérieurs. Le gène cloné chez le pleurodèle montre une bonne conservation par rapport aux autres vertébrés. Son expression plus élevée dans la gonade mâle n'apparaît que tardivement suggérant qu'il n'est probablement pas impliqué dans les stades précoces de la différenciation testiculaire. En outre, son expression dans le mésonéphros rend difficile son utilisation comme marqueur de différenciation testiculaire. Nous avons ensuite étudié l'Amh, hormone testiculaire impliquée dans la régression des canaux de Müller chez de nombreux vertébrés. Son expression spécifique de la gonade, précocement plus élevée chez les larves ZZ que les ZW en font un excellent marqueur de la différenciation testiculaire. Le fait que les pleurodèles mâles voient les canaux de Müller persister malgré la présence d'Amh suggère que la fonction primaire de cette hormone était en relation avec la différenciation gonadique et que la fonction de régression des canaux de Müller n'est apparue que secondairement au cours de l'évolution. Ces marqueurs ont été mis à profit pour caractériser le phénotype gonadique lors d'inversions sexuelles ou lors de développements en absence de cellules germinales. Ils ont permis de montrer que les cellules germinales ne semblent pas jouer de rôle dans la différenciation gonadique du pleurodèle / In the context of comparative physiology of reproduction, amphibians are poorly studied. This work was dedicated to the analysis of testis differentiation markers in the newt Pleurodeles waltl, which shows a ZZ/ZW genetic mode of sex determination that can be affected by temperature. First, we studied sox9, a testis differentiation marker well characterized in many higher vertebrates. The gene cloned in Pleurodeles shows a good level of identity with other vertebrates. The testis-enriched expression appears late during the testis differentiation process indicating that it is probably not involved in the early steps of testis differentiation. Its use as a marker of testicular differentiation proved difficult since it is expressed not only in the gonads but also in the mesonephros. Then, we studied amh, a testis hormone responsible for müllerian duct regression in many vertebrates. Its early expression in the gonad, significantly higher in male than in female larvae makes it an excellent marker for testis differentiation. Since in Pleurodeles waltl, Müllerian ducts persist in males, it suggests that during the course of evolution, the function of Amh on the regression of Müllerian ducts appeared secondarily after its role in gonadal differentiation. These markers have been used to characterize the gonadal phenotype during sex reversal, or in gonads developed in the absence of germ cells. They showed that these cells do not seem to play a role in gonadal differentiation of Pleurodeles waltl

INTRODUÇÃO: A insuficiência cardíaca (IC) é uma síndrome sistêmica, cuja uma das possíveis evoluções se caracteriza pela perda de massa magra e intolerância aos esforços, quadro conhecido como caquexia cardíaca (CC). Estudos realizados usando homens e ratos demonstram que na associação da IC com hipogonadismo há um pior quadro clínico e desenvolvimento de CC, levando a um mal prognóstico e aumento da mortalidade. Para o sexo feminino, tanto no período pré ou pós-menopausa, não é conhecida a associação de possível deficiência de hormônios sexuais, tampouco seu impacto no prognóstico, mortalidade e desenvolvimento de CC em pacientes com IC. Os objetivos deste estudo foram: 1) Avaliar o efeito da IC sobre o possível desenvolvimento de CC em ratas. 2) Avaliar o efeito da IC sobre a produção de hormônios sexuais: Testosterona total, estradiol, FSH. MÉTODOS: Ratas da linhagem Sprague Dawley, com 60 dias de vida, foram divididas de acordo com os procedimentos cirúrgicos: Ratas intactas (INT) ou com ooforectomia (OVX), ratas com cirurgia fictícia (SHAM) do infarto do miocárdio (IM) ou cirurgia IM. A combinação destes procedimentos originou quatro grupos experimentais: INT+SHAM, INT+IM, OVX+SHAM e OVX+IM. Trinta dias após a OVX, amostras de sangue foram coletadas, para a dosagem hormonal e os animais foram submetidos à cirurgia de indução ao IM ou SHAM. Após oitos semanas, as ratas passaram pela avaliação ecocardiográfica. A partir desta, estabeleceu-se um corte de Fração de Ejeção (FE) <= 50% para definir o desenvolvimento de disfunção cardíaca a partir da realização do IM, constituindo dessa forma, os grupos INT+IM e OVX+IM. Com quatro semanas adicionais (totalizando 12 semanas após a indução do IM), houve a consolidação do quadro crônico de IC; então as ratas foram submetidas à avaliação hemodinâmica, da capacidade funcional e a nova coleta de sangue para dosagem hormonal. Após a eutanásia, os tecidos foram coletados para as análises morfológicas e histológicas. RESULTADOS: As ratas dos grupos OVX (OVX+SHAM e OVX+IM) não apresentaram ciclos ovarianos, demonstraram hipertrofia dos úteros e aumento do peso corporal final quando comparadas aos grupos INT (INT+SHAM e INT+IM), além de alterações na morfologia das glândulas adrenais - caracterizando o quadro de privação de hormônios ovarianos. As ratas dos grupos IM (INT+IM e OVX+IM) não tiveram alterações hemodinâmicas, contudo demonstraram reduzida capacidade funcional e piora nas variáveis ecocardiográficas (FE, FS, DSVE, TCIV) quando comparadas aos grupos SHAM (INT+SHAM e OVX+SHAM); as avaliações histológicas apontam valores de área infartada entorno de 40% e hipertrofia de septo nos grupos IM. Os animais não caracterizaram quadro de CC - caracterizada por diminuição do peso corporal, diminuição da densidade capilar na musculatura e atrofia das fibras musculares (m. sóleo) - após12 semanas de disfunção cardíaca / Introduction: Heart failure (HF) is a systemic disease, which one of the possible progress is characterized by lean mass loss and intolerance to efforts, this framework is known as cardiac cachexia (CC). Studies in men and rats have shown that when HF is associated with hypogonadism it has a worse clinical condition and CC evolution, leading to a poor prognosis and increased mortality. For females, both in the pre menopause period than in the post menopause it is not known how the association of sex hormones deficiency with HF can impact the prognosis and mortality of female patients, as well as the development of CC. The objectives of this study were: 1) Evaluate the effect of HF on the possible CC development in female rats. 2) Evaluate the effect of HF on the production of sex hormones: Total testosterone, estradiol, FSH. METHODS: Female rats (Sprague Dawley strain, 60 days old) were divided according to the surgical procedures: intact rats (INT) or ovariectomy (OVX) rats with sham surgery (SHAM) of myocardial infarction (MI) or MI surgery. The combination of these procedures led to four groups: INT + SHAM, INT + MI, OVX + SHAM and OVX + MI. 30 days after OVX, blood samples were collected for hormone dosage and the animals have been underwent to surgery to the MI induction or SHAM. After eight weeks, the rats have gone through echocardiographic evaluation. From this procedure, it was established a cutting Ejection Fraction (EF) <= 50% to define the development of cardiac dysfunction from the realization of MI, constituting INT + IM and IM + OVX groups. With four additional weeks (totaling 12 weeks after MI induction), there was the consolidation of HF\'s chronic condition; female rats were subjected to evaluation of functional and hemodynamic capacity and a new blood collection for hormonal dosage. After euthanasia, tissues were collected for morphological and histological analyzes. RESULTS: The rats of the OVX groups (OVX + SHAM and OVX + MI) showed no ovarian cycles, demonstrated uterus\' hypertrophy and an increase in final body weight when compared to INT groups (INT + SHAM and INT + MI), changes in morphology of the adrenal glands - evidencing the situation of ovarian hormones deprivation. The rats of the MI group (INT + MI and OVX + MI) had no hemodynamic changes, but showed reduced functional capacity and deterioration of echocardiographic variables (EF, FS, LVSD, IVCT) when compared to SHAM groups (INT + SHAM and OVX + SHAM ); the histological evaluations indicate infarcted area values around 40% and septal hypertrophy at MI groups. The animals did not characterize CC - characterized by decreased body weight, decreased capillary density in the muscle and muscle fiber atrophy (m. soleus) - even after 12 weeks of cardiac dysfunction

De uma forma geral, animais ovíparos suprem sua prole somente com vitelo, composto principalmente por lipídios e proteínas. Em espécies de cecílias ovíparas e dermatófagas, as fêmeas mobilizam esses substratos energéticos para os ovários durante a vitelogênese e também utilizam esses mesmos compostos para a produção de uma pele mais espessa e nutritiva que servirá de alimento aos filhotes durante o cuidado parental. Em detrimento da grande importância do vitelo para o desenvolvimento de embriões e larvas, como apresentado, é curioso compreender como espécies ovíparas alocam parte da sua energia na produção de uma pele mais espessa, além de investirem na produção do vitelo. Desta forma, sendo as cecílias pouco conhecidas, é de grande importância entender os processos metabólicos e endócrinos envolvidos no armazenamento e na mobilização dos substratos energéticos ao longo do processo reprodutivo de machos e fêmeas, a fim de entender como ocorre o preparo das gônadas e da pele para a reprodução. Análises histológicas dos ovários e testículos foram realizadas, assim como a determinação de lipídios (e ácidos graxos dos fosfolipídios) e proteínas totais no fígado, músculo, gônadas, pele e plasma de machos e fêmeas de S. annulatus ao longo do ciclo anual. Além disso, a concentração plasmática dos esteróides gonadais (estradiol, testosterona e progesterona) foi também quantificada em ambos os sexos. De forma geral, oócitos em diferentes estágios de desenvolvimento foram encontrados nos ovários. A espermatogênese de Siphonops annulatus apresentou um padrão cístico como visto para os outros anamniotas, sendo o testículo formado por lobos que variam em número e tamanho. Com relação aos substratos energéticos, observamos que existe uma clara tendência em maior acúmulo de lipídios e proteínas nas gônadas das fêmeas que foram coletadas durante o inverno, caracterizadas por um desenvolvimento oocitário mais avançado, com a presença de oócitos vitelogênicos, sendo o mesmo observado para os machos. Em relação aos ácidos graxos, foi encontrado um padrão normalmente observado para os demais vertebrados, com a fração polar dos tecidos composta principalmente por ácidos graxos polinsaturados n6 em ambos os sexos. Destaca-se nas fêmeas uma grande mobilização de ácidos graxos dos tecidos de reserva para os ovários, principalmente os ácidos graxos polinsaturados, que são de grande importância para a vitelogênese e embriogênese. Alterações dos substratos no tecido dérmico da fêmea também foram observadas na primavera e no verão, sugerindo a importância deste tecido na dermatofagia. As análises hormonais demonstraram poucas variações ao longo do ano para ambos os sexos, devido à grande variação individual. Contudo, os valores de estradiol, testosterona e progesterona tendem a ser maiores para as fêmeas no inverno e para os machos durante a primavera. Os dados sugerem que o processo reprodutivo em S. annulatus mantida em cativeiro envolveu um processo de reostase programada, pois mesmo não havendo condições ambientais ideais, as fêmeas e os machos apresentam uma memória metabólica capaz de prepará-los para a reprodução. No entanto, o ambiente proporcionado pelo cativeiro suprimiu a ocorrência das fases finais do ciclo reprodutivo, como ovulação e cópula, resgatando o clássico conceito de reostase reativa. / Usually, oviparous animals keep their offspring only with yolk that is composed mostly of lipids and proteins. In oviparous and dermatophagic caecilians species, the females mobilize these energetic substrates to the ovaries during the vitellogenesis and also use these compounds to produce a ticker and nutritive skin that will be used as food for the offspring during parental care. In detriment of the great importance of the yolk to development of the embryos and larvae, as presented, it is curious to figure out how oviparous species allocate part of its energy to produce a thicker skin, beyond from investing in the production of yolk. Considering that caecilians are poorly known, it is important to understand the endocrine and metabolic processes involved in the storage and mobilization of energetic substrates during the reproductive process of males and females, in order to comprehend how the gonads and skin become ready for reproduction. Histological analysis of ovaries and testes were performed, as well as, total lipids (and fatty acids from phospholipids) and protein in liver, muscle, gonads, skin and plasma of males and females of S. annulatus during the annual cycle. Additionally, the plasma concentrations of gonadal steroids (estradiol, testosterone and progesterone) were quantified in both sexes. In general, oocytes at different stages of development were found in the ovaries. The spermatogenesis of Siphonops annulatus presented a cystic pattern as seen for other anamniotas, and the testes were formed by lobes which vary in number and size. Considering the energetic substrates, there is a clear tendency to a greater accumulation of lipids and protein in the ovaries in females collected in the winter, that were characterized by a more advanced stage of oocyte development, with the presence of vitellogenic oocytes. The same was observed for the males. Regarding to fatty acids, it was found a pattern commonly observed for others vertebrates, with the polar fraction of the tissues composed mainly by n6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in both sexes. It is important to highlight in females a great mobilization of fatty acids from the storages tissues to the ovaries, mainly the polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are of great importance for vitellogenesis and embryogenesis. Alterations in the energetic substrates of the dermal tissue of the female were also observed in spring and summer, suggesting the importance of this tissue in dermatophagy. The hormonal assays showed little variation throughout the year for both sexes, due to the large individual variation. However, the concentrations of estradiol, testosterone and progesterone have a clear tendency of being higher for females in the winter, and for males during the spring. The data suggests that the reproduction in S. annulatus maintained in captivity involved a programmed rheostasis process, because, even without the ideal environmental conditions, males and females presented a metabolic memory, that was enough to prepare the animals for reproduction. However, the environment provided by the captivity suppressed the occurrence of the final phases of the reproductive cycle, as ovulation and copulation, rescuing the classical concept of reactive rheostasis.

Submitted by Cleide Dantas (cleidedantas@ufpa.br) on 2014-11-10T16:49:50Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 22974 bytes, checksum: 99c771d9f0b9c46790009b9874d49253 (MD5) Dissertacao_EstudoBiologiaReprodutiva.pdf: 1411254 bytes, checksum: 73333b64565a727a4f03b52319a5cd06 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Ana Rosa Silva (arosa@ufpa.br) on 2014-11-11T13:13:42Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 22974 bytes, checksum: 99c771d9f0b9c46790009b9874d49253 (MD5) Dissertacao_EstudoBiologiaReprodutiva.pdf: 1411254 bytes, checksum: 73333b64565a727a4f03b52319a5cd06 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2014-11-11T13:13:42Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 22974 bytes, checksum: 99c771d9f0b9c46790009b9874d49253 (MD5) Dissertacao_EstudoBiologiaReprodutiva.pdf: 1411254 bytes, checksum: 73333b64565a727a4f03b52319a5cd06 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012 / CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / O presente estudo analisou o ciclo reprodutivo e estabeleceu a relação dos fatores abióticos com os estádios de desenvolvimento gonadal de Crassostrea gasar criadas no estuário amazônico. Foram coletados mensalmente cerca de 20 ostras no período de agosto de 2009 a dezembro de 2010. Os meses de coleta foram agrupados em quatro períodos sazonais (seco, transicional seco/chuvoso, chuvoso e transicional chuvoso/seco). No local da coleta foram mensurados in situ salinidade, pH, temperatura e oxigênio dissolvido. A gônada foi dissecada e submetida ao procedimento histológico. Um total de 351 animais foram coletados, sendo 190 fêmeas, 161 machos e 2 hermafroditas. Histologicamente machos e fêmeas foram classificados em quatro estádios gonadais: I- imaturo, II - em maturação, III - maturo e IV - desovado (fêmeas) e espermiado (machos). Dentre os fatores abióticos analisados apenas a salinidade e a precipitação pluviométrica apresentaram diferenças estatisticamente significantes durante o estudo. Houve correlação entre esses dois fatores e a maturação gonadal, sugerindo que esses fatores estejam influenciando na reprodução, visto que foram encontrados predominância de indivíduos maturos (III) no período chuvoso e transicional chuvoso/seco (baixa salinidade e alta precipitação pluviométrica). Nos períodos seco e transicional seco/chuvoso (alta salinidade e baixa precipitação) foram encontrados indivíduos nos estágios imaturo (I), em maturação (II) e desovado/espermiado (IV). Por conseguinte, para o cultivo é indicado que a coleta de sementes seja feita nos períodos seco e transicional seco/chuvoso. / The present study analyzed gonadal development in Crassostrea gasar from an Amazonian estuary and characterized the relationship between the reproductive cycle and the variation in abiotic factors. Samples of approximately 20 oysters were collected each month between August, 2009, and December, 2010. The study period was divided into four seasonal periods (dry, dry-rainy transition, rainy, and rainy-dry transition). The salinity, pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen concentration of the water were measured in situ during the collection of specimens. The gonads were dissected and analyzed histologically. A total of 353 specimens were collected, of which 190 were female, 161 were male, and two were hermaphrodite. Histologically, the specimens were classified in four gonadal stages: I – immature; II – maturing; III – mature, and IV – spawned (females) and spermiated (males). Of the abiotic factors analyzed, only salinity and rainfall varied significantly over the study period, with correlations being found between these factors and gonadal maturation, suggesting that they influence the reproductive cycle of the species. A predominance of mature (stage III) and maturing individuals were recorded during the rainy and rainy-dry periods (low salinity and high rainfall), whereas immature (I) and spawned/spermiated (IV) specimens were more common during the dry and dry-rainy periods (high salinity and low rainfall). Given this, the collection of seeds for farming would be recommended during the latter period, when spawned/spermiated oysters were more common.

Jiang, Jieying. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 170-186). / Abstract also in Chinese. / ACKNOWLEDGEMENT --- p.II / ABBREVIATIONS --- p.III / ABSTRACT OF THESIS ENTITLED: --- p.VI / 摘要 --- p.IX / Chapter CHAPTER 1 --- INTRODUCTION --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Individual variations of blood sex steroid levels and their determinants --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.1 --- Introduction to Sex steroids --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.2 --- Androgens --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.2.1 --- Types of androgens --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.2.2 --- Androgens plasma concentration and relative biological potencies --- p.2 / Chapter 1.1.2.3 --- Androgen biosynthesis and metabolism --- p.3 / Chapter 1.1.2.4 --- Testosterone transportation in plasma --- p.6 / Chapter 1.1.2.5 --- Measurement of free testosterone --- p.7 / Chapter 1.1.2.6 --- The hypothalamus-pituitary-testicular axis and testosterone secretion --- p.8 / Chapter 1.1.2.7 --- Androgen action --- p.10 / Chapter 1.1.2.8 --- Androgen biological function and diseases in men --- p.11 / Chapter 1.1.3 --- Estrogen biological function and diseases in men --- p.12 / Chapter 1.1.4 --- Factors influencing circulating sex steroid levels --- p.13 / Chapter 1.1.4.1 --- Genetic determinants affecting sex steroid levels --- p.15 / Chapter 1.2 --- Genetic variants in sex steroid metabolic pathway and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) --- p.18 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Epidemiology of HCC --- p.18 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Etiological factors of HCC --- p.22 / Chapter 1.2.3 --- The male predominance in HCC --- p.24 / Chapter 1.2.4 --- Genetic predisposition to HCC --- p.26 / Chapter CHAPTER 2 --- PART A STUDY: GENETIC VARIATIONS IN SEX STEROID METABOLIC PATHWAY AND ASSOCIATION WITH SEX STEROID LEVELS --- p.28 / Chapter 2.1 --- Introduction --- p.28 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Candidate genes association with sex steroid levels --- p.28 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- Genes involved in androgen metabolism --- p.29 / Chapter 2.1.2.1 --- SRD5A --- p.29 / Chapter 2.1.2.2 --- HSD3B1 --- p.30 / Chapter 2.1.2.3 --- HSD17B2 --- p.31 / Chapter 2.1.2.4 --- AKR1C3 and AKRlC4 --- p.31 / Chapter 2.1.2.5 --- AKR1D1 --- p.32 / Chapter 2.1.3 --- Genes involved in estrogen metabolism --- p.32 / Chapter 2.1.3.1 --- CYP19A1 --- p.32 / Chapter 2.1.3.2 --- Other genes involved in estrogen metabolism --- p.33 / Chapter 2.1.4 --- Association of sex steroid related genes and blood concentrations of sex steroid levels --- p.33 / Chapter 2.1.4.1 --- Genes involved in androgen metabolic pathway and association with sex steroid levels --- p.33 / Chapter 2.1.4.2 --- Genes involved in estrogen metabolic pathway and association with sex steroid levels --- p.36 / Chapter 2.1.5 --- Aims of the study (Part A) --- p.37 / Chapter 2.2 --- Materials and methods --- p.38 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Study subjects and biological samples --- p.38 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- TagSNP selection --- p.39 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Genotyping of tagging SNPs --- p.41 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- Genotyping methods comparison --- p.52 / Chapter 2.2.5 --- Statistics --- p.53 / Chapter 2.3 --- Results --- p.54 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Characteristics of study population --- p.54 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Replication study for the association of CYP19A1 --- p.55 / Chapter 2.3.2.1 --- Association of the SNP rs2470152 and rs2899470 with serum estrogen and testosterone levels --- p.55 / Chapter 2.3.2.2 --- Halotype analysis and haplotype association in the tertile groups --- p.61 / Chapter 2.3.2.3 --- Haplotype construction of 3 SNPs --- p.63 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- SRD5A1 --- p.65 / Chapter 2.3.3.1 --- Association of SRD5A1 and sex steroid levels --- p.65 / Chapter 2.3.3.2 --- Haplotype analysis and haplotype association in the tertile groups --- p.71 / Chapter 2.3.4 --- SRD5A2 --- p.72 / Chapter 2.3.4.1 --- Association of SRD5A2 and sex steroid levels --- p.72 / Chapter 2.3.4.2 --- Haplotype association analysis of SRD5A2 in tertile groups --- p.76 / Chapter 2.3.5 --- HSD3B1 --- p.77 / Chapter 2.3.5.1 --- Association of HSD3B1 and sex steroid levels --- p.77 / Chapter 2.3.6 --- HSD17B2 --- p.80 / Chapter 2.3.6.1 --- Association of HSD17B2 and sex steroid levels --- p.80 / Chapter 2.3.6.2 --- Halotype association analysis of HSD17B2 in the tertile groups --- p.87 / Chapter 2.3.7 --- AKR1C4 --- p.89 / Chapter 2.3.7.1 --- Association of AKR1C4 and sex steroid levels --- p.89 / Chapter 2.3.7.2 --- Halotype association analysis of AKR1C4 in the tertile groups --- p.93 / Chapter 2.3.8 --- AKR1D1 --- p.94 / Chapter 2.3.8.1 --- Association of AKR1D1 and sex steroid levels --- p.94 / Chapter 2.3.8.2 --- Haplotype association analysis of AKR1D1 in the tertile groups --- p.99 / Chapter 2.3.9 --- AKR1C3 --- p.100 / Chapter 2.3.9.1 --- Association of AKR1C3 and sex steroid levels --- p.100 / Chapter 2.3.9.2 --- Haplotype association analysis of AKR1C3 in the tertile groups --- p.104 / Chapter 2.3.10 --- Overall association of polymorphisms in sex steroid metabolism genes and metabolites levels in blood --- p.105 / Chapter 2.4 --- Discussion --- p.106 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- SRD5A and sex steroid levels --- p.106 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- HSD17B2 and sex steroid levels --- p.110 / Chapter 2.4.3 --- "AKR1D1, AKR1C4, AKR1C3 and catabolic intermediates of sex steroids" --- p.112 / Chapter 2.4.4 --- HSD3B1 and sex steroid levels --- p.114 / Chapter 2.4.4 --- CYP19A1 and sex steroid levels --- p.114 / Chapter CHAPTER 3 --- PART B STUDY: GENETIC VARIATIONS IN SEX STEROID METABOLIC PATHWAY AND ASSOCIATION WITH HCC --- p.119 / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.119 / Chapter 3.1.1 --- Previous genetic association studies of HCC on sex steroid metabolic pathways --- p.119 / Chapter 3.1.2 --- Previous genetic association studies of HCC in other pathways --- p.120 / Chapter 3.1.3 --- "Association of sex steroid related genes and other cancers, like prostate cancer" --- p.121 / Chapter 3.1.4 --- Aims of the study (Part B) --- p.123 / Chapter 3.2 --- Materials and method --- p.125 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- "Study subjects, Genomic DNA extraction" --- p.125 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Tissue specimen and cell lines --- p.125 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- TagSNP selection --- p.126 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- Genotyping of tagging SNPs --- p.126 / Chapter 3.2.5 --- Statistics --- p.127 / Chapter 3.2.6 --- Extraction of RNA and Reverse-Transcription-PCR --- p.128 / Chapter 3.3 --- Results --- p.130 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- SRD5A1 --- p.130 / Chapter 3.3.1.1 --- SRD5A1 polymorphisms and risk of HCC --- p.130 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- SRD5A2 --- p.134 / Chapter 3.3.2.1 --- SRD5A2 polymorphisms and risk of HCC --- p.134 / Chapter 3.3.2.2 --- Haplotype analysis --- p.136 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- HSD3B1 --- p.137 / Chapter 3.3.3.1 --- HSD3B1 polymorphisms and risk of HCC --- p.137 / Chapter 3.3.3.2 --- Haplotype analysis --- p.139 / Chapter 3.3.4 --- HSD17B2 --- p.140 / Chapter 3.3.4.1 --- HSD17B2 polymorphisms and risk of HCC --- p.140 / Chapter 3.3.4.2 --- Haplotype analysis --- p.143 / Chapter 3.3.5 --- CYP19A1 --- p.144 / Chapter 3.3.5.1 --- CYP19A1 polymorphisms and risk of HCC --- p.144 / Chapter 3.3.5.2 --- Haplotype analysis --- p.146 / Chapter 3.3.6 --- AKR1C4 --- p.147 / Chapter 3.3.6.1 --- AKR1C4 polymorphisms and risk of HCC --- p.147 / Chapter 3.3.6.2 --- Haplotype analysis --- p.148 / Chapter 3.3.7 --- AKR1D1 --- p.149 / Chapter 3.3.7.1 --- AKR1D1 polymorphisms and risk of HCC --- p.149 / Chapter 3.3.7.2 --- Haplotype analysis --- p.150 / Chapter 3.3.8 --- AKR1C3 --- p.151 / Chapter 3.3.8.1 --- AKR1C3 polymorphisms and risk of HCC --- p.151 / Chapter 3.3.8.2 --- Haplotype analysis --- p.152 / Chapter 3.3.9 --- mRNA expression study of the 5 α -reductase isoforms --- p.153 / Chapter 3.3.9.1 --- Expression of SRD5A1 and SRD5A2 mRNAin HCC patients --- p.153 / Chapter 3.3.9.2 --- Expression of SRD5A1 and SRD5A2 mRNAin prostate and HCC cell lines --- p.154 / Chapter 3.3.10 --- Overall association of polymorphisms in sex steroid metabolism genes and risk of HCC --- p.154 / Chapter 3.3.11 --- GMDR analysis --- p.156 / Chapter 3.4 --- Discussion --- p.159 / Chapter 3.4.1 --- 5 α-reductase and risk of HCC --- p.159 / Chapter 3.4.1.1 --- SRD5A2 --- p.160 / Chapter 3.4.1.2 --- SRD5A1 --- p.161 / Chapter 3.4.2 --- Other genes and association with HCC --- p.162 / Chapter 3.4.2.1 --- HSD17B2 and risk of HCC --- p.162 / Chapter 3.4.2.2 --- "HSD3B1, AKR1C3, AKR1C4, AKR1D1 and risk of HCC" --- p.163 / Chapter 3.4.2.3 --- CYP19A1 and risk of HCC --- p.164 / Chapter 3.4.3 --- Gene-Gene interactions associated with HCC --- p.165 / Chapter CHAPTER 4 --- CONCLUSIONS AND PROSPECT FOR FUTURE WORK --- p.166 / Chapter 4.1 --- Conclusion --- p.166 / Chapter 4.2 --- Future works and prospect --- p.169 / REFERENCES --- p.170

<p>Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a chronic inflammatory connective tissue disease of unknown etiology. The disease primarily involves salivary and lacrimal glands which results in oral and ocular dryness (sicca symptoms). A wide spectrum of extraglandular features from various organs may be seen. </p><p>In this thesis, the frequency of psychiatric symptoms in women with primary Sjögren's syndrome was studied and an attempt was made to assess how these symptoms might influence their well being and quality of life. The main finding was that the women with pSS suffered significantly more often from symptoms of anxiety and depression when compared with age matched, healthy females and female patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The physical and mental well-being of the patients with pSS was significantly reduced compared to patient controls. </p><p>The possible link of psychiatric symptoms to the altered function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and adrenal androgen secretion was elucidated. Women with pSS have intact cortisol synthesis but reduced serum concentrations of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S) (p<0.05) and an increased cortisol/DHEA-S ratio (p<0.05), compared to healthy controls. These findings may reflect a constitutional or disease-meditated influence on adrenal steroid synthesis. Positive correlation was found between DHEA-S serum levels and quality of sexual life (p<0.01) and mental well-being (p<0.01) in women with pSS. </p>