A leucemia mielóide crônica (LMC) é uma doença mieloproliferativa clonal caracterizada pela presença do cromossomo Philadelphia e o oncogene BCR-ABL1. Este oncogene codifica a oncoproteína Bcr-Abl com atividade tirosina-quinase constitutiva. A proteína Bcr-Abl é responsável pela resistência das células leucêmicas a apoptose. Atualmente, os pacientes com LMC são tratados com os inibidores de tirosina-quinase - mesilato de imatinibe, dasatinibe e nilotinibe. Apesar de o tratamento ser eficiente, pacientes em fases avançadas e mesmo na fase crônica da doença, apresentam resistência à terapia. Desta forma, novos fármacos devem ser investigados para melhorar o tratamento da LMC. As L-aminoácido oxidases (LAAOs) têm sido descritas como substâncias citotóxicas e indutoras de apoptose. Assim, o principal objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar o potencial antitumoral da LAAO isolada da serpente Calloselasma rhodostoma (CR-LAAO) nas células Bcr-Abl positivas. Avaliou-se a citotoxicidade da CR-LAAO nas linhagens HL-60 (linhagem Bcr-Abl negativa), HL-60.Bcr-Abl, K562 e KCL22 (linhagens Bcr-Abl positivas) e nas células mononucleares (MNC) de sangue periférico de indivíduos saudáveis, na presença ou ausência da catalase. Para investigar os mecanismos da ação citotóxica da CR-LAAO, realizou-se os ensaios de indução de apoptose por meio da quantificação das percentagens de núcleos hipodiplóides e anexina V-FITC, nas linhagens celulares e nas células MNC de indivíduos saudáveis e pacientes com LMC. Avaliou-se também os níveis de expressão das caspases 3, 8 e 9, o potencial de membrana mitocondrial, danos no DNA e o efeito apoptótico da toxina combinada com os inibidores de tirosina-quinase nas linhagens Bcr-Abl positivas. Além disso, investigamos se a CR-LAAO foi capaz de modular a expressão dos apoptomiRs miR-15a, miR-16, miR-145, miR-26a, hsa-let-7d, miR-142-3p, miR-29c, miR-146a, miR-21, miR-130a e miR-130b, assim como das proteínas pro- e anti-apoptóticas Bak, Bax, Bid, Bim, A1, Bcl-2, c-Flip, Ciap-2 e Mcl-1 nas linhagens Bcr-Abl positivas. Nossos resultados mostraram que o efeito citotóxico da CR-LAAO foi mais potente nas linhagens Bcr-Abl positivas em relação às células MNC de indivíduos saudáveis, e está associado ao peróxido de hidrogênio produzido durante a reação enzimática da CR-LAAO. Demonstrou-se também que a CR-LAAO induziu apoptose nas linhagens Bcr-Abl postivas testadas e nas células MNC de pacientes com LMC na fase crônica da doença. Em todas as linhagens celulares detectou-se danos no DNA, perda do potencial de membrana e ativação das caspases 3, 8 e 9. A percentagem de apoptose aumentou quando as células HL-60.Bcr-Abl foram tratadas com a CR-LAAO combinada com os inibidores de tirosina-quinase. A CR-LAAO modulou a expressão dos apoptomiRs miR-15a, miR-16, miR-145, miR-26a, hsa-let-7d, miR-142-3p, miR-29c, miR-21, miR-130a e miR-130b e de possíveis proteínas alvos nas linhagens Bcr-Abl positivas. Sendo assim, os resultados obtidos sugerem que a CR-LAAO apresenta uma ação antitumoral capaz de destruir as células leucêmicas / Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a clonal myeloproliferative disease characterized by the presence of Philadelphia chromosome and BCR-ABL1 oncogene. This oncogene encodes the Bcr-Abl tyrosine kinase (TK) which presents a constitutive activity. The Bcr-Abl is responsible for leukemic cells resistance to apoptosis. The CML patients are currently treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) - imatinib mesylate, dasatinib and nilotinib. Although TKI are efficient for CML treatment, patients in advanced phases and even in chronic phase of the disease present resistance to therapy. Thus, potential new drugs must be investigated to improve the CML treatment. The L-amino acid oxidases (LAAOs) have been described as cytotoxic and apoptosis-inducing substances. Here, we investigated the LAAO from Calloselasma rhodostoma (CR-LAAO) antitumoral potential against Bcr-Abl positive cells. We evaluated the CR-LAAO cytotoxic effect against HL-60 (Bcr-Abl negative cell line), HL-60.Bcr-Abl, K562, KCL22 (Bcr-Abl positive cell lines) and the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from healthy subjects, in the presence or absence of catalase. To investigate the mechanisms underlying the CR-LAAO cytotoxic action, we performed the apoptosis induction assays through the hypodiploid nuclei and annexin-V quantification in the cell lines and PBMC from healthy subjects and CML patients. We also evaluated the levels of caspases 3, 8 and 9 expression, the mitochondrial membrane potential, DNA damage and the apoptotic effect of CR-LAAO combined with TKI on Bcr-Abl positive cells. In addition we investigated if CR-LAAO was capable of modulating the apoptomiRs miR-15a, miR-16, miR-29c, hsa-let-7d, miR-145, miR-146a, miR-21, miR-130a, miR-130b, miR-142-3p and miR-26a, the pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins (Bak, Bax, Bid, Bim, A1, Bcl-2, c-Flip, Ciap-2 and Mcl-1 expression in HL-60, HL-60.Bcr-Abl, K562 and KCL22 cells. Our results showed that the CR-LAAO cytotoxic effect was more potent in Bcr-Abl positive cell lines than in PBMC from healthy subjects and it is linked to hydrogen peroxide produced during the enzymatic action of CR-LAAO. It was also demonstrated that CR-LAAO was capable of inducing apoptosis in Bcr-Abl positive cell lines and CML patient\'s cells in chronic phase of the disease. In all tested cell lines, the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, DNA damage and caspases 3, 8 and 9 activation were detected. The apoptosis percentage was improved when HL-60.Bcr-Abl cells were treated with CR-LAAO combined with TKI. The CR-LAAO modulated the apoptomiRs miR-15a, miR-16, miR-145, miR-26a, hsa-let-7d, miR-142-3p, miR-29c, miR-21, miR-130a and miR-130b expression as well the predict target proteins levels on Bcr-Abl positive cells. Thus, our results suggest that CR-LAAO presents an antitumoral action capable of destroying the CML cells.

La stéatose hépatique non alcoolique (NAFLD) est une manifestation du syndrome métabolique dont la prévalence est en constante évolution. Les stratégies thérapeutiques sont soit difficiles à mettre en œuvre soit d’une efficacité limitée. Nous avons étudié une approche nutritionnelle avec 3 acides aminés particuliers : la glutamine, l’arginine et la citrulline (Cit) pour leurs propriétés de pharmaconutriments azotés. Dans un modèle de NAFLD modérée induite par le fructose, seule la citrulline (1 g/kg/j) permettait une amélioration du métabolisme lipidique. Toutefois, l’étude de la cinétique de NAFLD suggérait un effet protecteur du simple apport azoté. L’effet spécifique de la Cit par rapport au simple apport azoté (AANE) a donc été déterminé dans un modèle de NAFLD induite par 8 semaines de régime enrichi en fructose. Ceci a permis de confirmer l’effet protecteur de la Cit et des AANE. Toutefois, la Cit exerce un effet plus spécifique sur l’expression de Srebp1c et de Fas et améliore la disponibilité périphérique en Arg, un élément important de l’insulino-sensibilité. La stéatose est associée à une perte de masse maigre, suggérant une oxydation des AA aux dépens de l’anabolisme musculaire, et une accumulation de lipides à l’origine de la stéatose et du gain de masse grasse viscérale ; la Cit et les AANE en agissant sur la NAFLD préviendraient cet effet du fructose. Nous avons ensuite évalué les effets de la Cit dans un modèle de stéatose plus sévère induite par le western diet. La Cit améliore la fonction hépatique (diminution des lipides et de l’inflammation hépatique) et préserve l’axe intestin-foie (restauration du groupe Bacteroides/Prevotella dans la muqueuse colique, diminution de l’inflammation intestinale et augmentation de l’expression de la Claudine 1) mais ne permet pas de prévenir l’ensemble des altérations liées au western diet. Il serait intéressant d’évaluer la relation effet/dose et l’efficacité de la Cit en association avec d’autres traitements. Par ailleurs, les mécanismes cellulaires restent à élucider. / Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a manifestation of the metabolic syndrome whose prevalence is constantly growing. Therapeutic strategies are either difficult to implement or of limited effectiveness. We studied a nutritional approach with three specific amino acids: glutamine, arginine and citrulline (Cit) for their pharmaconutrient properties. In a model of moderate fructose-induced NAFLD, citrulline alone (1 g/kg/day) improved lipid metabolism. However, the study of the kinetics of NAFLD suggested a protective effect of nitrogen supply by itself. The specific effect of Cit compared to that of nitrogen (NEAAs) has been determined in a model of 8 week fructose diet-induced NAFLD. This has confirmed the protective effect of Cit and NEAAs. However, Cit exerted a specific effect on the expression of Fas and SREBP1c and improves peripheral Arg availability, an important component of insulin sensitivity. Steatosis was associated with loss of lean mass, suggesting AA oxidation at the expense of muscle anabolism, and lipid accumulation causing steatosis and visceral fat gain; Cit and NEAAs by acting on NAFLD would prevent this effect of fructose. We then evaluated the effects of Cit in a model of more severe steatosis induced by western diet. Cit improved liver function (reduced fat and liver inflammation) and protected the liver-gut axis (restoration of Bacteroides/Prevotella group in the colonic mucosa, decreased intestinal inflammation and increased expression of claudin 1) but did not prevent all western diet-induced alterations. It would be interesting to assess the dose/effect relationship and the effectiveness of Cit in combination with other treatments. Furthermore, the cellular mechanisms remain to be elucidated.

Das Auffinden spezifischer Strukturmerkmale integraler Membranproteine ist eine wichtige Grundlage zum Verständnis der Stabilität und Faltung und die notwendige Voraussetzung zur Modellierung ihrer Raumstruktur. Die Aminosäurezusammensetzung der innerhalb des hydrophoben Bereichs der Membranabschnitte befindlichen alpha-Helices wird entscheidend durch dieses Milieu determiniert, wie der Vergleich mit beta-Barrel Membranproteinen und alpha-Helices globulärer Proteine zeigt. Die Untersuchung der Phi-, Psi- und Chi1-Winkel lieferte gleichwohl eine Reihe von signifikanten Besonderheiten welche speziell bei einigen polaren (Asn, Asp) bzw. aromatischen Aminosäuren (Trp, Tyr) deutlich miteinander korrelieren. Der Anteil kürzerer, der für alpha-Helices typischen i, i+4 Wasserstoffbrückenbindungen ist innerhalb der Membran insgesamt höher, was ebenfalls mit der Verschiebung der Phi- und Psi- Winkel korreliert. Die Geometrie von alpha-Helices integraler Membranproteine ist damit näherungsweise ideal. An den Enden von Membranhelices und in den Helixturns werden neben Pro und Gly häufig polare, amphiphile oder aromatische Aminosäuren gefunden. Die polaren und amphiphilen Aminosäuren liegen überwiegend in den Helixturns und im Bereich der polaren Lipidköpfchen auf der Seite der Helix, welche der Membran zugewandten ist. Zur Fettschicht im Zentrum der Membran hin ragen umgekehrt vorherrschend lipophile Aminosäureseitenketten. Dieser Gradient ist folgerichtig auch an der Aminosäurezusammensetzung der Helixcaps erkennbar, welche die transmembranen Helices zumeist intra- und extrazellulär abschließen. Helixcaps alpha-helikaler Membrandomänen sind somit spezifische, von den klassischen Caps globulärer Proteine unterscheidbare Strukturmotive. Die konsequente Trennung der Untersuchungen der alpha-helikalen Abschnitte innerhalb der hydrophoben Lipiddoppelschicht von den Helixenden im polar-wässrigen Milieu ermöglicht außerdem die Identifikation vieler Aminosäurepräferenzen für exponierte (Leu, Ile), oder verdeckte Positionen (Ser, Asn, Cys). Umgekehrt wie bei den alpha-Helices globulärer Proteine ist die Atomzusammensetzung der Solvent exponierten Aminosäureseitenketten im Zentrum der Membran doppelt so hydrophob wie im Proteininnern. / Sorting out structural patterns that are specific for integral membrane proteins is a crucial base for understanding their stability and folding and a valuable source for the modelling of their tertiary structure. The detailed comparison of alpha-helical with beta-barrel membrane proteins and alpha-helices of globular proteins pointed out, that the amino acid composition of integral membrane proteins is overwhelmingly directed by the influence of the surrounding hydrophobic milieu. Nevertheless the investigation of the phi-, psi und chi1-angles yielded remarkable peculiarities of alpha-helical membrane proteins that correlate strongly in particular for some polar (asn, asp) and aromatic (trp, tyr) amino acids. The portion of the shorter and stronger i, i+4 H-bonds, that is typically found in alpha-helices is higher within the borders of the membrane. This observation confirms the observed shift of the phi- and psi- angles as well. Consequently the geometry of alpha-helices in membrane proteins is nearly ideal. At the ends of alpha-helices and in the turns of integral membrane proteins pro, gly and those amino acids are predominant that contain polar, amphiphilic or aromatic side chains. Whilst the aromats are equally positioned at the protein inside, the polar or amphiphilic amino acids are largely found at the helix turns, or at the side of the helix that contacts the polar lipid head groups. In contrast merely hydrophobic side chains face the lipophilic tails of the fatty acids in the core of the membrane. This gradient consequently shapes the amino acid composition of the helix caps that frequently coat the transmembrane helices on both sides of the membrane, too. Hence helix caps of transmembrane domains are substantially specific structural patterns that must be distinguished from the classical caps, known from alpha-helices of globular proteins. The clear distinction of the alpha-helical parts that are in contact with the lipophilic tails of the fatty acids, from the helix ends that stretch out into the polar aqueous solvent, advances the identification of amino acid preferences either lipid-exposed (Leu, Ile) or protein-buried (Ser, Asn, Cys). Finally, in sharp contrast to the helices of globular proteins, in the core of the membrane, the atomic composition of the solvent exposed amino acid side chains is twice as hydrophobic as inside the protein.

As L-aminoácido oxidases (LAAOs) isoladas de peçonhas de serpentes são alvos de um grande número de pesquisas devido às suas inúmeras ações biológicas e farmacológicas. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi caracterizar funcionalmente a Laminoácido oxidase da peçonha de Calloselasma rhodostoma (CR-LAAO) por meio das atividades: bactericida, fungicida, leishmanicida, tripanomicida, citotóxica, inflamatória e análise da expressão de genes e proteínas apoptóticas. A CR-LAAO mostrou-se altamente citotóxica sobre as células tumorais HepG2 e HL-60, promovendo cerca de 80% de morte celular na maior concentração testada (100 ?g/mL) e apresentou baixa toxicidade sobre células PBMC. Foi possível observar que a proteína induziu apoptose (AV+) em PBMC. Em HepG2, as menores concentrações (0,1-2,5 ?g/mL) causaram apoptose (AV+), e as maiores (5-100 ?g/mL) causaram apoptose/necrose (PI+/AV+). Em HL-60, as concentrações testadas (0,1-100 ?g/mL) induziram apoptose/necrose (PI+/AV+). A expressão do gene FAS e ativação das caspases 8 e 3 determinou a ativação da via extrínseca da apoptose na linhagem HL-60. A CR-LAAO promoveu algumas alterações na modulação do ciclo celular, sendo que nas linhagens tumorais os atrasos se concentraram nas fases G0/G1 e S do ciclo celular. Ademais, a CR-LAAO mostrouse bactericida contra as cepas S. aureus e E. coli, com maior especificidade para a cepa gram-positiva (S. aureus). Em análises de microscopia de transmissão, foi possível observar um desmantelamento da parede celular bacteriana. Após 6h de pré-incubação com C. albicans, a CR-LAAO foi capaz de inibir 80% do crescimento da levedura. A CR-LAAO mostrou-se também um bom agente leishmanicida contra as espécies L. infantum chagasi (IC50=16,66 ?g/mL) e L. braziliensis (IC50=24,47 ?g/mL) e inibiu o crescimento da forma promastigota do Trypanosoma cruzi (IC50=196,8 ?g/mL). Testes in vivo revelaram que a CR-LAAO promoveu inflamação local aguda, recrutando células inflamatórias como neutrófilos e induzindo a formação de citocinas (IL-6 e IL-1?) e mediadores lipídicos (LTB4 e PGE2). Os resultados obtidos sugerem que a CR-LAAO apresenta potencial biotecnológico evidente, com efeitos antiparasitários, fungicida, bactericida, bem como atividade antitumoral in vitro. Dessa forma, os resultados obtidos para a CR-LAAO fornecem subsídios importantes para o desenvolvimento de estratégias terapêuticas de ação direcionada, como quimioterápicos e antimicrobianos mais eficazes. / L-amino acid oxidases (LAAOs) isolated from snake venoms are targets of a large number of researches due to their numerous biological and pharmacological actions. The objective of this study was to functionally characterize the L-amino acid oxidase from the venom of Calloselasma rhodostoma (CR-LAAO) through the activities: bactericidal, fungicidal, leishmanicidal, trypanocidal, cytotoxic, inflammatory and analysis of gene expression and apoptotic proteins. CR-LAAO showed high cytotoxicity in HepG2 and HL-60 tumor cells, inducing about 80% cell death at the highest concentration tested (100 ?g/mL) and showing low toxicity in PBMC cells. It was observed that the protein induced apoptosis (AV+) in PBMC. In HepG2, lower concentrations (0.1-2.5 ?g/mL) caused apoptosis (AV+), while major concentrations (5-100 ?g/mL) caused apoptosis/necrosis (PI+/AV+). In HL-60, the concentrations tested (0.1-100 ?g/mL) induced apoptosis/necrosis (PI+/AV+). The FAS gene expression and activation of caspases 8 and 3 determined the activation of the extrinsic pathway of apoptosis in HL-60 cells. CR- LAAO promoted some changes in the modulation of the cell cycle, and delays in tumor cell lines were concentrated in G0/G1 and S cell cycle phases. In addition, CR-LAAO proved to be bactericidal against S. aureus and E. coli strains, with higher specificity for Gram-positive strains (S. aureus). In analyses of transmission electron microscopy, it was possible to observe a dismantling of the bacterial cell wall. After 6 hours of preincubation with C. albicans, CR-LAAO was able to inhibit 80% of growth of yeast. CR-LAAO also showed antiparasite potential against species L. chagasi infantum (IC50 = 16.66 ?g/mL) and L. braziliensis (IC50 = 24.47 ?g/mL) and inhibited the growth of Trypanosoma cruzi promastigote form (IC50 = 196.8 ?g/mL). In vivo tests revealed that CR-LAAO promotes acute local inflammation by recruiting inflammatory cells as neutrophils and by inducing the production of cytokines (IL-6 and IL-1?) and lipid mediators (PGE2 and LTB4). The results suggest that CR-LAAO presents evident biotechnological potential, with antiparasite, fungicidal, bactericidal and antitumor effects in vitro. Thus, the results obtained for CR-LAAO provide important information for the development of therapeutic strategies with directed action, such as more effective chemotherapeutic and antimicrobial agents.

O aumento da participação dos biocombustíveis na matriz energética mundial pode ajudar a prolongar a existência das reservas de petróleo, mitigar as ameaças representadas pela mudança climática e permitir melhor segurança do fornecimento de energia em uma escala global. Neste cenário, o processo brasileiro da produção de etanol a partir da cana-de-açúcar tem ganhado papel de destaque, pelo alto rendimento e baixo custo da produção. Linhagens de S. cerevisiae são amplamente empregadas nas fermentações industriais e, embora sejam consideradas mais tolerantes em relação a outras, o processo brasileiro impõe uma variedade de fatores estressantes sob a mesma, afetando o seu metabolismo e crescimento. A fermentação com alto teor alcoólico, realizada a partir da utilização de mostos contendo altas concentrações de açúcares, é uma das maneiras mais eficientes de se obter elevados níveis de etanol. No entanto, tal tecnologia procede ocasionando efeitos deletérios adicionais à levedura. Neste contexto, aumentar a tolerância da levedura é de fundamental importância para alcançar um desempenho fermentativo satisfatório. Neste estudo foram avaliadas linhagens de S. cerevisiae, isogênicas a linhagem industrial CAT-1, com a sobre-expressão dos genes TRP1 e MSN2, envolvidos na biossíntese de triptofano e na resposta geral ao estresse, respectivamente. Tais linhagens foram avaliadas quanto ao seu potencial para realizar fermentações com alto teor alcoólico, simulando as condições industriais brasileiras. Os resultados revelaram que o gene MSN2, na versão truncada, favoreceu a linhagem principalmente com relação ao estresse osmótico, aumentando a velocidade de fermentação e o consumo de açúcares. O gene TRP1 promoveu maior crescimento da linhagem em meio YEPD com 8% de etanol, contudo, tornou a linhagem menos viável em concentrações acima deste nível. No presente trabalho também foi avaliado o efeito da suplementação de aminoácidos na fisiologia da linhagem CAT-1 em meio YNB e em mostos de melaço e xarope de cana-de-açúcar. A suplementação com histidida promoveu maior crescimento e viabilidade celular nos diferentes meios testados. Além de histidina, os aminoácidos lisina e alanina aumentaram o crescimento da CAT-1 em mosto de melaço. A suplementação de triptofano e asparagina também promoveu aumento da viabilidade celular em mosto de xarope. Por outro lado, nos testes em microplacas a suplementação com cisteína depreciou o crescimento da linhagem em meio YNB com 10 e 12% de etanol e em mosto de melaço com 20% de ART. Os resultados obtidos indicam que tanto a engenharia genética, quanto a suplementação de aminoácidos podem ser alternativas viáveis para aumentar a tolerância de S. cerevisiae, para suportar condições de múltiplo estresse, encontradas em destilarias brasileiras. / The expansion biofuels participation in the world energy matrix would help to extend the existence of fossil fuel reservoirs, mitigate the threats of climate change, and enable a better security of energy supply. The Brazilian process of ethanol production from sugarcane has gained an important role in the global energy scenario, for the high yield and low production cost. S. cerevisiae species is widely used in industrial fermentations for being resistant, but the Brazilian process imposes a variety of stressing factors to the yeast, affecting its metabolism and growth. The Very High Gravity Fermentation is performed by the utilization of musts with high sugar concentration and is one of the most efficient ways for obtaining high ethanol levels. However, this technology causes additional deleterious effects to the yeast. In this context, increasing yeast tolerance is of fundamental importance for a satisfactory fermentative performance. In this study we assessed S. cerevisiae strains - isogenic to the industrial strain CAT-1 - with over expression of TRP1 and MSN2 genes involved to tryptophan biosynthesis and in general stress response, respectively. These strains were evaluated for their potential to perform fermentations with high ethanol content, simulating the conditions of Brazilian distilleries. The results showed that the MSN2 gene in the truncated version improved strain mainly to respond to the osmotic stress, increasing in fermentation velocity and the consumption of sugars. The TRP1 gene overexpression promoted higher growth in YEPD medium with 8% ethanol, however, decreased viability at concentrations above this level. The present work also evaluated the effect of amino acid supplementation on the physiology of the CAT-1 strain in YNB medium and in molasses and syrup of sugarcane. Histidide supplementation increased the growth and cell viability in the different media tested. In addition to histidine, the amino acids lysine and alanine increased the growth of CAT-1 in molasses. Supplementation of tryptophan and asparagine also promoted increased cell viability in sugarcane syrup. On the other hand, in microplate assays, cysteine supplementation decreased growth in YNB medium with 10 and 12% ethanol, and in molasses with 20% ART. The results indicate that both genetic engineering and amino acid supplementation may be viable alternatives to increase tolerance of S. cerevisiae to supporting multiple stress conditions typical in Brazilian distilleries.

A leucemia mielóide crônica (LMC) é uma doença mieloproliferativa caracterizada citogeneticamente pela presença do cromossomo Philadelfia (Ph) e molecularmente pelo neogene bcr-abl1 que codifica a oncoproteína BCR-ABL com alta atividade de tirosina-quinase. A célula leucêmica BCR-ABL+ apresenta baixa adesão ao estroma medular, resistência à apoptose e potencial mitogênico exacerbado. A LMC possui curso evolutivo trifásico (fase crônica, acelerada e blástica) e seu tratamento pode ser realizado por meio de diferentes modalidades terapêuticas, destacando-se o mesilato de imatinibe (MI) que inibe a TK BCR-ABL induzindo altas taxas de remissão citogenética dos pacientes na fase crônica da doença. Apesar do MI ser eficiente, os pacientes na fase acelerada e blástica da doença são comumente refratários a essa terapia e na fase crônica há casos de resistência ao MI descritos. Nesse contexto, potenciais novos fármacos são investigados para melhorar a eficiência da terapia da LMC. Nesse estudo, investigamos o efeito do veneno bruto (VB) e da enzima L-amino-ácido-oxidase (LAAO) da Bothrops pirajai em desencadear apoptose em células BCR-ABL+. A apoptose das células HL-60 e HL-60.BCR-ABL foi quantificada pela detecção da percentagem de células com núcleos hipodiplóides pela da citometria de fluxo e confirmada pela observação da ativação das caspases 3, 8 e 9 por western-blot. Os resultados obtidos indicam que a LAAO é capaz de induzir apoptose em células HL-60 e HL-60.BCR-ABL por ativação das vias extrínseca e intrínseca. Além disso, foi verificado que a LAAO diminui a fosforilação de BCR-ABL em células HL-60.BCR-ABL e quando associada ao MI potencializou a inibição da atividade quinase de BCR-ABL. Os dados da presente investigação indicaram ainda que a LAAO é capaz de modular a expressão de bad, bak, bax, bid, bimel, fas,fasl, a1, bcl-2, bcl-xl, bcl-w e c-flip, genes reguladores da apoptose celular. Apesar do pouco conhecimento acerca do mecanismo de ação dessa toxina, os dados obtidos sugerem que a LAAO possui o potencial de estimular a apoptose nas linhagens HL-60 e HL-60.BCR-ABL e aumentar o efeito do inibidor da atividade quinase, MI, dados relevantes para estudos futuros associados a descrição de novos fármacos contra leucemia mielóide crônica. / Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative disorder cytogenetically characterized by the presence of Philadelphia chromosome (Ph) and molecularly by bcr-abl1 neogene that encodes the BCR-ABL oncoprotein with high tyrosine kinase (TK) activity. The leukemic cell BCR-ABL+ presents poor adhesion to bone marrow stroma, resistance to apoptosis and exacerbated mitogenic potential. The CML has a three-phase course (chronic, accelerated and blastic phase) and its treatment can be performed by different therapeutic modalities, especially the imatinib mesylate (IM) that inhibits the TK BCR-ABL inducing high rates of cytogenetic remission in chronic phase. Although MI is effective, patients in accelerated and blastic phases of the disease are often refractory to this therapy and there are also cases of resistance to MI described in chronic phase. In this context, potential new drugs are investigated to improve the efficiency of the therapy of CML. In this study, we investigated the effect of crude venom (CV) and of the enzyme L-amino acid oxidase (LAAO) from Bothrops pirajai in triggering apoptosis in BCR-ABL+. The apoptosis of HL-60 cells and HL-60. BCR-ABL was quantified by detecting the percentage of cells with hypodiploid nuclei by flow cytometry and confirmed by observation of the activation of caspases 3, 8 and 9 by Western blot. The results indicate that LAAO is able to induce apoptosis in HL-60 cells and HL-60. BCR-ABL by activation of the extrinsic and intrinsic pathways. Furthermore, it was found that LAAO decreases phosphorylation of BCR-ABL in HL-60 cells. BCR-ABL when associated with MI potencialized the inhibition of kinase activity of BCR-ABL. The data from this study also indicated that the LAAO is able to modulate the expression of bad, bak, bax, bid, bimel, fas, FasL, A1, bcl-2, bcl-xl, bcl-w and c-flip, regulatory genes of apoptosis. Even though there is little knowledge about the mechanism of action of this toxin, the data obtained suggests that LAAO has the potential to stimulate apoptosis in HL-60 lines and HL-60. BCR-ABL and increase the effect of the inhibitor of protein kinase activity, MI, relevant data for future studies associated with the description of new drugs against chronic myeloid leukemia.

INTRODUÇÃO: O transtorno obsessivo-compulsivo (TOC) apresenta prevalência ao longo da vida ao redor de 2%. O tratamento farmacológico de primeira linha para o TOC é feito com inibidores da recaptura de serotonina (IRS). Aproximadamente metade dos pacientes tratados adequadamente com um IRS não apresenta resposta satisfatória. Resultados de estudos de neuroimagem, genéticos e de análise do líquido cefalorraquidiano de portadores de TOC sugerem o envolvimento da disfunção da atividade glutamatérgica na fisiopatologia do TOC. Medicamentos com efeito modulador da atividade glutamatérgica vem sendo testados em pacientes com TOC e alguns deles mostraram-se eficazes. A N-Acetilcisteína (NAC) é um agente modulador da atividade glutamatérgica e antioxidante. Este estudo tem como objetivo principal testar a eficácia da potencialização de IRS com NAC, em comparação com placebo, em pacientes com TOC resistente ao tratamento. MÉTODOS: Estudo duplo cego, randomizado e controlado com placebo, com duração de 16 semanas, conduzido num ambulatório especializado de um hospital terciário (maio/2012 - outubro/2014). Critérios de inclusão: 18-65 anos; diagnóstico principal de TOC, de acordo com os critérios do DSM-IV; falha terapêutica a pelo menos um tratamento farmacológico adequado para o TOC; escore inicial da escala Yale-Brown de Sintomas Obsessivo-Compulsivos (Y-BOCS) >= 16 ou >= 10, se apenas compulsões; e gravidade inicial do TOC pelo menos moderada, de acordo com a escala de gravidade da Impressão Clínica Global. Os medicamentos em uso no momento da randomização foram mantidos nas mesmas doses. A intervenção consistiu na associação de NAC (até 3000 mg/dia) ou placebo. Avaliações cegas foram realizadas antes e ao final da intervenção. Utilizamos como desfecho primário os escores da Y-BOCS. Utilizamos análise de variância não-paramétrica para medidas repetidas. Como desfechos secundários, consideramos a redução dos escores iniciais dos Inventários de Depressão e Ansiedade de Beck, da Y-BOCS Dimensional e da Escala Brown de Avaliação de Crenças. Registro do estudo: clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01555970. RESULTADOS: Foram realizadas 145 consultas de triagem, 129 indivíduos preencheram os critérios de inclusão, 40 foram randomizados (NAC até 3000 mg/dia, n= 18; placebo, n= 22), 39 iniciaram a intervenção e 35 terminaram o estudo. Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos quanto à taxa de perda (NAC: 1 em 17 [5,9%]; placebo: 3 em 22 [13,6%]; ?2 = 0,63; P= 0,43). Todos os indivíduos melhoraram significativamente ao longo do tempo, de acordo com a redução do escore da Y-BOCS, mas não houve diferenças significativas entre os grupos (NAC: 25,6 [DP= 4,4] para 21,3 [DP= 8,1]; placebo: 24,8 [DP= 3,8] para 21,8 [DP= 6,0]; F= 0,33; P= 0,92). A associação com NAC foi superior ao placebo em relação à melhora da gravidade dos sintomas ansiosos, indicada pela redução do escore do Inventário de Ansiedade de Beck (média [DP]: NAC= 7,8 [11,7]; placebo: -0,55 [7,9]; U= 89; P= 0,02). Não houve diferenças significativas entre os grupos quanto à melhora dos sintomas depressivos, das diferentes dimensões de sintomas de TOC e do nível de insight. CONCLUSÕES: A potencialização de IRS com NAC foi superior ao placebo em relação à melhora da gravidade dos sintomas ansiosos. Entretanto, não houve diferença entre os grupos na melhora da gravidade dos sintomas do TOC / INTRODUCTION: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a debilitating psychiatric disorder with a lifetime prevalence of 2-3%. Treatment guidelines recommend serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) as the first-line pharmacological treatment for OCD. However, approximately half of patients treated with an adequate trial of SRIs fail to fully respond to treatment. OCD is associated with hyperactivity in cortical-striatum-thalamus-cortical (CSTC) circuits. Cortico-striatal and thalamo-striatal afferents use the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate, and there is evidence suggesting abnormal glutamate levels and/or homeostasis in OCD patients. Researchers have been testing glutamate-modulating medications in OCD, with some evidence for efficacy. N-Acetylcysteine (NAC), a glutamate-modulating agent, is being considered as an add-on strategy for treatment-resistant OCD. The main objective of this study was to determine if NAC is effective in treatment-resistant OCD patients after 16 weeks of SRI augmentation. METHODS: We conducted a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, 16-week trial in an OCD-specialized outpatient clinic at a tertiary hospital (May 2012-October 2014). Inclusion criteria: age between 18-65 years; DSM-IV primary diagnosis of OCD; failure to respond to at least one previous adequate pharmacological treatment for OCD; baseline Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) global score >= 16 or >= 10 if only compulsions are present; OCD symptoms of at least moderate severity on the Clinical Global Impression-Severity subscale. Medications in use at randomization were maintained at the same dose. Assessments were conducted at baseline and end of the study. The primary outcome measure was the Y-BOCS scores. To evaluate the variables group, time, and interaction effects for Y-BOCS scores at all time points, we used nonparametric analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures. The secondary outcomes were the mean reduction of the baseline Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventories, Dimensional Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale and Brown Assessment of Beliefs Scale scores. Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT01555970. RESULTS: We assessed 145 patients for eligibility, 129 were eligible, 40 were randomized (NAC up to 3000 mg/day, n= 18; placebo, n= 22), 39 initiated the intervention and 35 completed the trial. Dropout did not significantly differ by treatment group (NAC: 1 of 17 [5.9%]; placebo: 3 of 22 [13.6%]; ?2 = .63; P= .43). Both groups significantly improved over the 16 weeks, as indicated by the reduction of baseline Y-BOCS scores, but there were no significant differences between groups (NAC: 25.6 [SD= 4.4] to 21.3 [DP= 8.1]; placebo: 24.8 [SD= 3.8] to 21.8 [SD= 6.0]; F= .33; P = .92). Adding NAC to SRI was superior to placebo in improving anxiety symptoms, as measured by the reduction of baseline Beck Anxiety Inventory score (mean [SD]: NAC= 7.8 [11.7]; placebo: -.55 [7.9]; U= 89; P= .02). There were no significant differences between groups in regards to the improvement of depressive symptoms, different dimensions of OCD symptoms and insight level. CONCLUSIONS: NAC augmentation of SRI was more effective than placebo in reducing the severity of anxiety symptoms in this sample of treatment-resistant OCD individuals. However, it was not better than placebo in reducing OCD severity

Submitted by (edna.saturno@ufrpe.br) on 2017-03-22T12:24:42Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Ana Paula da Silva Ferreira Santos.pdf: 254127 bytes, checksum: f61bc4123a4a165a0b7cc4f2fc276b83 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-03-22T12:24:42Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Ana Paula da Silva Ferreira Santos.pdf: 254127 bytes, checksum: f61bc4123a4a165a0b7cc4f2fc276b83 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2006-02-23 / Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico - CNPq / Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico - CNPq / The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of substitution of soybean meal protein by cottonseed meal protein (FA) on the performance of broiler chickens. The treatments consisted of a reference diet containing corn and soy meal and four experimental diets, substituting 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% of soybean meal crude protein of reference diet. The results obtained were analyzed through the SAS mixed procedure. The performance results had been correlatedwith the diets cost for bioeconomic analysis. The study showed that until the level of 40% of substitution did not have significant effect on the weight gain (GP) and feed intake (CR). However, linear increase in the feed conversion have occurred (CA). The rentability presented negative linear effect for diets containing cottonseed meal. The zootechnical performance of the broilers was not wronged, however the feed conversion reduced the yield of the production. / Este estudo objetivou avaliar o efeito da substituição da proteína do farelo de soja pela proteína do farelo de algodão (FA) sobre o desempenho de frangos de corte.Os tratamentos consistiram de uma ração referência à base de milho e farelo de soja e quatro dietas experimentais, substituindo 10%, 20%, 30% e 40% da proteína bruta do farelo de soja da ração referência. Os resultados obtidos foram analisados pelo mixed procedure do SAS. Os resultados de desempenho foram correlacionados com custo das dietas para análise bioeconômica. O estudo mostrou que até o nível de 40% de substituição não houve efeito significativo sobre o ganho de peso (GP) e consumo de ração (CR). Entretanto, ocorreu aumento linear na conversão alimentar (CA). A rentabilidade apresentou efeito linear negativo para dietas contendo farelo de algodão. O desempenho zootécnico das aves não foi prejudicado, contudo a conversão alimentar reduziu a rentabilidade da produção.

Le présent travail vise à étudier le couplage de l’échange d’ions et de l’électrodialyse. Cette étude est appliquée à la séparation de biomolécules. Un des objectifs est de diminuer la génération d’effluents salins produits par les étapes d’échange d’ions utilisées de façon classique dans les bioséparations. Une première approche a conduit à la conception d’une architecture avec un mode de fonctionnement cyclique en 3 étapes qui permet de purifier certaines familles de peptides sans utiliser de tampon de pH ni générer d’effluents. Le dispositif expérimental est constitué d’une cellule d’électrodialyse dans laquelle sont introduites des résines échangeuses d’anions. Les trois étapes sont les suivantes : fixation des biomolécules sur la résine initialement sous forme carbonate, élution par une solution de dioxyde de carbone dissous dans l’eau, électrorégénération de la résine sous sa forme initiale, conduisant simultanément à la régénération de la solution d’acide carbonique. L’étape d’électrorégénération a été modélisée et les simulations permettent d’améliorer la compréhension des processus couplés mis en jeu comme les équilibres d’échange d’ions, les équilibres en solution, l’électromigration. Une deuxième approche a ensuite consisté à étudier les possibilités de contrôle du pH par voie électrochimique, afin de limiter l’utilisation de solutions tampons. La dissociation de l’eau, conduisant à la formation de protons et d’ions hydroxyles, a été plus particulièrement étudiée en mettant à profit les propriétés des contacts dits « bipolaires » sous l’effet d’un champ électrique. Il s’est alors avéré que les choix du type de résine et de la densité de courant permettent de jouer sur le pH Toutefois ce travail doit être poursuivi par la recherche d’architectures et de modes opératoires qui permettent d’obtenir un pouvoir tampon adéquat / The present work aims to study the coupling of ion exchange and electrodialysis. This study is applied to the separation of biomolecules. One objective is to reduce the generation of saline wastewater produced by the ion exchange steps used conventionally in bioseparations. One approach has led to the design of architecture with a cyclic mode in 3 steps to purify some families of peptides without using a buffer pH or generate wastes. The experimental device consists of an electrodialysis cell in which are introduced anion exchange resins. The three steps are: loading of biomolecules on the resin initially in the carbonate form, elution with a solution of carbon dioxide dissolved in water, electroregeneration of the resin in its original form leading simultaneously to the regeneration of the carbonic acid solution. Using a modelling of the electroregeneration step, simulations can improve the understanding of coupled processes as the ion exchange equilibria, the equilibria in solution, the electromigration. A second approach has then been to study the possibilities of controlling the pH by electrochemical means to limit the use of buffers. The dissociation of water, leading to the formation of protons and hydroxyl ions, has been particularly studied by accounting the properties of contacts called « bipolar » as a result of an electric field. It was established that the choice of resin type and the current density can modify the pH. However this work must be pursued through research of architectures and operating procedures that deliver appropriate buffer capacity

CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeiÃoamento de Pessoal de NÃvel Superior / Os venenos de serpentes contem substÃncias biologicamente ativas, primariamente consistindo de proteÃnas (90-95%). Algumas delas apresentam atividade enzimÃtica como as fosfolipases A2 e L-aminoÃcido oxidase. O presente estudo verificou a aÃÃo dos venenos de Bothrops leucurus (BleuVT) e Bothrops marajoensis (BmarVT), e suas fraÃÃes PLA2 (BleuPLA2 e BmarPLA2) e LAAO (BleuLAAO e BmarLAAO) sobre cepas de bactÃria, C. albicans, Leishmania sp e T. cruzi, bem com sua toxicidade sobre macrÃfagos murinos. A susceptibilidade das cepas bacterianas e fÃngica foi analisada atravÃs do mÃtodo de difusÃo em Ãgar, para determinaÃÃo do potencial antimicrobiano; e microdiluiÃÃo em caldo, para determinaÃÃo da CIM e CLM, com modificaÃÃes. A atividade antiparasitÃria foi avaliada atravÃs do tratamento das culturas de parasitos com diferentes concentraÃÃes dos venenos ou de suas fraÃÃes. As formas promastigotas de Leishmania sp. foram cultivadas, durante 72h, em meio NNN/Schneider a 28ÂC; e as formas epimastigotas de T. cruzi foram cultivadas em meio LIT, durante 5 dias, a 28ÂC. Os macrÃfagos foram cultivados em meio RPMI 1640, em presenÃa de diferentes concentraÃÃes dos venenos e fraÃÃes, durante 24h, e submetidos ao ensaio com MTT. Os resultados foram estatisticamente analisados atravÃs do teste t ou ANOVA seguida do teste Bonferroni, quando apropriado, com p<0.05. A BmarLAAO foi capaz de inibir o crescimento bacteriano do Gram-negativo P. aeruginosa, da levedura C. albicans e do Gram-positivo S. aureus; e o BleuTV inibiu o crescimento de S. aureus, sendo a inibiÃÃo dose-dependente. A ordem de susceptibilidade dos microorganismos testados com BmarLAAO foi S. aureus > C. albicans > P. aeruginosa. Por outro lado o BmarTV, BmarPLA2, BleuPLA2 e BleuLAAO nÃo apresentaram nenhum grau de inibiÃÃo sobre as cepas em estudo. O potencial inibitÃrio foi mais significante sobre S. aureus apresentando CIM= 50Âg/mL e CLM=200Âg/mL para BmarLAAO, e CIM=CLM=25Âg/mL para BleuTV. Em concentraÃÃes maiores que 1.56Âg/mL a BmarLAAO foi capaz de inibir o crescimento de formas promastigotas de L. chagasi e L.amazonensis, sendo os valores de IC50, apÃs 72h de cultivo, para L. amazonenis, 2.55Âg/mL e 2.86 Âg/mL para L. chagasi. BmarTV e BleuTV tambÃm apresentaram significante inibiÃÃo sobre o crescimento parasitÃrio, sendo os valores de IC50 86.56 Âg/mL para L. amazonensis e 79.02Âg/mL para L. chagasi, quando tratado com BmarTV; e 5.49Âg/mL para L. amazonensis e 1.94Âg/mL para L. chagasi, quando tratado com BleuTV. Os venenos e BmarLAAO mostraram efeito inibitÃrio sobre formas epimastigotas de T. cruzi. Os valores de IC50 para BleuTV, BmarTV e BmarLAAO foram, respectivamente, 1.14Âg/mL, 24.19Âg/mL e 0.89Âg/mL. As fraÃÃes BmarPLA2, BleuPLA2 e BleuLAAO nÃo foram capazes de promover nenhum efeito inibitÃrio sobre os parasitos em estudo. O BmarLAAO , BmarTV e BleuTV apresentaram baixa toxicidade sobre macrÃfagos nas concentraÃÃes estudadas. Em conclusÃo, os veneno de B. leucurus e de B. marajoensis, bem como a L-aminoÃcido oxidase de Bothrops marajoensis mostraram ser capazes de interferir no crescimento de diferentes microorganismos como S.aureus, C. albicans, P. aeruginosa, Leishmania sp. e T. cruzi. / Snakes venoms contain biologically active substances primarily consisting of proteins (90-95%). Some of these present enzymatic activities, such as phospholipases A2 and the L-amino acid oxidases. In this study we verify the action of Bothrops leucurus (BleuTV) and Bothrops marajoensis (BmarTV) venoms, and fractions PLA2 (BleuPLA2 and BmarPLA2) and LAAO (BleuLAAO and BmarLAAO) on strains of bacteria, yeast, Leishmania sp and T. cruzi. The susceptibility of bacterial and yeast strains was analyzed through disc-diffusion assay, for determination of antimicrobial potential; and the microdilution method, for determination of MIC and MLC, with modifications. The antiparasitic activity was evaluated through of the culture treatment of parasites with different concentrations of venoms or their fractions. The forms promastigotes of Leishmania sp. had been cultived, during 72h, in NNN/Schneider media, 28ÂC; and the forms epimastigotes of T. cruzi had been cultived in LIT media, during 5d, 28ÂC. The macrophages were cultured in RPMI 1640 media, during 24h, 37ÂC and 5% of CO2, with different concentrations of venoms or fractions. After, they were analyzed by MTT method. The results was statistically analyzed with t test or ANOVA followed the Bonferroniâs test, when appropriated, with p<0.05. The BmarLAAO was able to inhibit the growth of gram negative P. aeruginosa, of yeast C. albicans and of gram positive S. aureus; and the BleuTV inhibited the growth of S. aureus, being the inhibitions dose-dependent. The order of susceptibility of microorganisms tested against BmarLAAO was S. aureus > C. albicans > P. aeruginosa. On the other hand the BmarTV, BmarPLA2, BleuPLA2 and BleuLAAO had not provided any degree of inhibition on strains in study. The inhibitory effect was more significant on S. aureus presenting CIM= 50Âg/mL and CLM=200Âg/mL for BmarLAAO, and CIM=CLM=25Âg/mL for the BleuTV. In concentrations greater than 1.56Âg/mL BmarLAAO was able to inhibit the growth of promastigotes forms of L. chagasi and L.amazonensis, after 72h of culture. The IC50 values were 2.55Âg/mL for L. amazonenis, and 2.86 Âg/mL for L. chagasi. BmarTV and BleuTV also provided significant inhibition of the parasitic growth, with an IC50 value of 86.56 Âg/mL for L. amazonensis and 79.02 Âg/mL for L. chagasi, when treated with BmarTV; and 5.49Âg/mL for L. amazonensis and 1.94Âg/mL for L. chagasi, when treated with BleuTV. The venoms and BmarLAAO showed inhibitory effect on epimastigotes forms of T. cruzi. The IC50 value for BleuTV, BmarTV and BmarLAAO where, respectively 1.14Âg/mL, 24.19Âg/mL and 0.89Âg/mL.This effects presented behavior dose-dependent. The fractions BmarPLA2, BleuPLA2 and BleuLAAO had not been capable to promote any inhibition on the growth of these parasites. The BmarLAAO, BmarTV and BleuTV presented low toxicity in studied concentrations. In conclusion, the whole venoms as well as the L-amino acid oxidase from Bothrops marajoensis showed to be capable to interfere in the growth of several microorganisms as S.aureus, Candida albicans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Leishmania sp. and T. cruzi.