O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o estado nutricional relativo ao selênio em indivíduos adultos relacionando-o com polimorfismos no gene da enzima GPx e sua influência sobre a enzima e o balanço redox. Foram selecionados 343 estudantes da Universidade Federal do Piauí entre 20 e 50 anos, de ambos os sexos, selecionados de acordo com critérios de inclusão adotados, como ausência de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis (DCNT) dentre outros. Sangue venoso foi coletado para análise de Se, genotipagem dos SNP da GPx1 (Pro198Leu, -602A/G e Arg5Pro), da atividade das enzimas antioxidantes (GSH-Px e SOD) eritrocitárias, malondialdeído (MDA) e capacidade de absorção de radicais de oxigênio (ORAC) plasmáticas. A análise de Se foi realizada por meio de espectrometria de absorção atômica por geração de hidretos, a genotipagem por PCR em tempo real em Step One Plus, as enzimas em analisador bioquímico automático utilizando kits comerciais, o MDA em cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência e ORAC em um leitor de microplaca. A análise estatística foi realizada por meio do software R 3.0.2. Foram realizados testes de comparação de duas e de mais que três médias entre as variáveis genéticas e os parâmetros de avaliação do Se e do balanço redox. Análises de regressão linear e linear generalizada foram realizadas para identificar a influência das variáveis genéticas, antropométricas, do perfil lipídico e estilo de vida sobre o Se sanguíneo e as variáveis do balanço redox. Os dados foram considerados significativos com p menor que 5%. A idade média dos participantes foi de 24,4±5,0 anos sendo 57,7% do sexo feminino. Entre os participantes, 95,7% eram carreadores do alelo Leu do SNP Pro198Leu e G do -602A/G e não possuíam quantidades mínimas de Se plasmático para otimizar a atividade da GPx. A atividade da GPx foi significativamente mais baixa e de ORAC mais alta nos indivíduos com o genótipo Leu/Leu em relação ao Pro/Pro do SNP Pro198Leu. Os indivíduos com o genótipo Arg/Pro apresentaram atividade da GPx significativamente maior que aqueles com o genótipo Arg/Arg do SNP Arg5Pro. Não houve diferença significativa entre as médias de MDA e SOD e os genótipos dos três SNP. As variáveis genéticas, de avaliação antropométrica, do perfil lipídico e estilo de vida mostraram influência sobre os marcadores do balanço redox, alterando o perfil antioxidante dos participantes. Os indivíduos são deficientes em Se e aqueles com o alelo Leu do SNP Pro198Leu apresentam em seu organismo maior concentração de ORAC, provavelmente para proteção contra radicais livres. O alelo variante do SNP Arg5Pro mostrou-se benéfico para o estado nutricional relativo ao Se. / The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional status relative to Se of adult individuals relating it to polymorphisms in the GPx enzyme gene and its influence on the enzyme and the redox balance. We selected 343 students of the Federal University of Piauí between 20 and 50 years, of both genders, selected according to inclusion criteria, such as the absence of chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCD) among others. Venous blood was collected for analysis of Se, genotyping of SNP of GPx1 (Pro198Leu, -602A / G and Arg5Pro), the activity of antioxidant enzymes (GSH-Px and SOD) erythrocyte, malondialdehyde (MDA) and absorption capacity of plasma oxygen radicals (ORAC). The analysis of Se was performed by atomic absorption spectrometry through hydride generation, genotyping by real time PCR in Step One Plus, enzymes in automatic biochemical analyzer by the use of commercial kits, MDA analysis was conducted in high-performance liquid chromatography and ORAC in a microplate reader. Statistical analysis was obtained using the software R version 3.0.2. Comparison tests were performed with two and more than three averages between the genetic variables and the evaluation parameters from Se and redox balance. Linear regression analysis and generalized linear were carried out to identify the influence of genetic variables, anthropometric, lipid profile and lifestyle on the sanguine Se and the variables of the redox balance. Data were considered significant for p less than 5%. The average age of participants was 24.4±5.0 years and 57.7% were female. Among the participants, 95.7% were allele carriers Leu of SNP Pro198Leu and G of -602A/G, and they did not have minimal amounts of Se plasma to optimize the activity of GPx. The GPx activity was significantly lower and that of ORAC was higher in subjects with the Leu/Leu genotype compared to Pro/Pro of SNP Pro198Leu. Individuals with the Arg/Pro genotype had GPx activity significantly higher than those with genotype Arg/Arg of SNP Arg5Pro. There was no significant difference between the means of MDA and SOD of the genotypes of the three SNP. The genetic variables, anthropometric measurements, lipid profile and lifestyle showed influence on markers of redox balance by changing the antioxidant profile of the participants. Individuals are deficient in Se, and those with the Leu allele of SNP Pro198Leu present in their bodies highest concentration of ORAC, probably to protect against free radicals. The variant allele of the SNP Arg5Pro proved to be beneficial to the nutritional status of the Se.

INTRODUÇÃO E OBJETIVOS: A a-Glutathiona-S-transferase (aGST) vem sendo proposta como um marcador sensível e não-invasivo de lesão hepática em pacientes com Hepatite pelo vírus C. Avaliamos neste trabalho como a (aGST) se correlaciona com características bioquímicas e histológicas em pacientes com HCV. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Realizamos a determinação da concentração plasmática das aGST, alanina aminotransferase (ALT), aspartato aminotransferase (AST) e gama-glutamyltransferase (gGT) em 114 pacientes com HCV, dos quais 97 foram submetidos à biópsia hepática em até 6 meses da realização dos testes bioquímicos. Avaliamos também os níveis de aGST em 66 doadores de sangue sadios, que serviram como controles. Comparamos os níveis de aGST com as demais provas bioquímicas e a histologia hepática. RESULTADOS: A aGST estava elevada em 85.96% dos pacientes com HCV e mostrou associação com a elevação das aminotransferases (p<0.01). O valor de 4mg/dL mostrou as melhores sensibilidade (85,96%) e especificidade (92,42%) para determinar a normalidade do teste aGST. aGST ³ 8mg/dL mostrou a melhor especificidade para determinar lesão histológica hepática mais agressiva e o melhor valor preditivo positivo e razão de verossimilhança positiva para inflamação portal e atividade parenquimatosa mais agressiva nos pacientes com HCV. CONCLUSÕES: A aGST está relacionada à lesão hepática na infecção pelo HCV (valor de corte = 4mg/dL) e lesões histológicas hepáticas mais agressivas (valor de corte = 8mg/dL). Neste contexto, a aGST poderia ser utilizada em pacientes com Hepatite pelo HCV com ALT elevada, como um indicador complementar de lesão histopatológica mais agressiva. Entretanto, seu valor preditivo positivo não é suficientemente elevado para evitar a necessidade de realizar a biópsia hepática, mesmo quando está acima de 8mg/dL. / BACKGROUND/AIMS: a-Glutathione-S-transferase (aGST) has been proposed as a sensitive non-invasive indicator of hepatocellular injury due to Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. In this work, we evaluate how alpha-GST concentration correlates with biochemical and histological features in HCV patients. METHODS: We assayed plasma aGST, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), spartate aminotransferase (AST) and gama-glutamyl-transferase (gGT) in 114 HCV+ patients, among whom liver biopsy was performed in 97, within 6 months of the biochemical evaluation. We also assessed aGST levels in 66 health blood donors, aimed to serve as control. We compared aGST levels with other biochemical tests and liver histology. RESULTS: In 85.96% of HCV patients aGST was elevated and showed association with serum aminotransferases (p<0.01). The value of 4mg/dL (or lower) showed the best sensitivity (85.96%) and specificity (92.42%) to determine normality on the aGST test. aGST levels 8mg/dL and higher showed the best specificity to determine the presence of more aggressive liver histological damage among HCV patients and the best predictive positive value and positive likelihood for more aggressive portal inflammation and lobular activity. CONCLUSION: aGST is related to HCV infection (cut-off = 4mg/dL) and more aggressive liver histological damage (cut-off = 8mg/dL). In this sense, aGST could be used in HCV patients with altered ALT levels as an indicator of more aggressive hystopathological damage. However, its positive predictive value (PPV) is not high enough to preclude the decision of performing hepatic biopsy, even when it is above 8mg/dL.

O experimento foi conduzido na FZEA/USP com objetivo de comparar a utilização de fontes orgânicas de selênio (Se) com o selenito de sódio na dieta de cordeiros, pela análise da concentração de Se nos tecidos, da atividade da enzima glutationa peroxidase no fígado, do balanço metabólico e do cálculo da biodisponibilidade. Foram utilizados 40 cordeiros Suffolk, os quais foram submetidos a três fontes e três níveis de Se suplementar por 84 dias. Os tratamentos foram: tratamento 1: sem suplementação; tratamentos 2, 3 e 4: 0,2; 0,8 e 1,4 mg/kg de Se suplementar na forma de selenito de sódio; tratamentos 5, 6 e 7: 0,2; 0,8 e 1,4 mg/kg de Se suplementar na forma de Se-levedura; tratamentos 8, 9 e 10: 0,2; 0,8 e 1,4 mg/kg de Se suplementar na forma de Se-metionina. Foram colhidas amostras de sangue para dosagem sérica de Se e ao final do experimento, os animais foram abatidos para colheita de amostras de fígado, músculo e rim, para determinação dos teores de Se e da atividade da glutationa peroxidase (fígado). Nos últimos cinco dias de experimento foi realizado um balanço metabólico de Se. A biodisponibilidade foi calculada através da técnica “slope ratio”, utilizando como parâmetros a concentração de selênio no fígado, músculo, rim e a atividade da glutationa peroxidase. Não houve efeito da fonte de Se utilizada na ingestão, absorção aparente e retenção de Se, atividade da glutationa peroxidase e nas concentrações de selênio no fígado, rim e soro; porém, as concentrações de selênio no músculo foram maiores nos animais suplementados com fontes orgânicas do que nos outros animais (P<0,0001). A biodisponibilidade de Se no músculo foi maior quando foram utilizadas fontes orgânicas de selênio. O uso de fontes orgânicas de Se promove maior acúmulo de Se no músculo de cordeiros e promoveria maior ingestão de Se por consumidores de carne ovina. / This research was carried out at FZEA/USP to compare the utilization of organic selenium (Se) sources to sodium selenite in lambs’ diet, through analyses of tissues Se concentrations, liver glutathione peroxidase activity, metabolic balance of Se and bioavailability assay. Forty Suffolk lambs were used and submitted to three sources and three levels of supplementary Se for 84 days. Treatments were: treatment 1: no supplement; treatments 2, 3 and 4: 0.2, 0.8 and 1.4 mg/kg of supplementary sodium selenite-selenium; treatments 5, 6 and 7: 0.2, 0.8 and 1.4 mg/kg of supplementary selenoyeast-selenium; treatments 8, 9 and 10: 0.2, 0.8 and 1.4 mg/kg of supplementary selenomethionine-selenium. Blood samples were taken to Se serum dosage and in the end of the experiment the animals were killed and samples of liver, muscle and kidney were taken to Se concentrations dosage and glutathione peroxidase activity (liver). In the last five days of the experiment, a Se metabolic balance was realized. Bioavailability was calculated by “Slope Ration Assay”, using liver, muscle and kidney Se concentrations and glutathione peroxidase activity as parameters. Se sources did not affect Se intake, apparent absorption and retention, glutathione peroxidase activity and Se concentrations in liver, kidney and serum; however, selenium concentrations in muscle of animals supplied with organic sources were higher than in other animals (P<0.0001). Se bioavailability in muscle was higher when organic Se sources were used. Using organic Se sources provides higher accumulation of Se in lambs’ muscle which would provide higher Se intake to consumers of sheep meat.

A doença inflamatória intestinal (DII) e a esclerose sistêmica (ES) são doenças inflamatórias crônicas de difícil diagnóstico e tratamento. A etiologia da DII e da ES ainda não é completamente compreendida, mas sabe-se que fatores genéticos, imunológicos e ambientais estão envolvidos na sua patogênese. A DII possui dois principais subtipos clínicos: a doença de Crohn (DC) e a retocolite ulcerativa (RCU), caracterizados pela inflamação do intestino delgado e/ou cólon. Evidências sugerem que o aumento do estresse oxidativo desempenha um papel importante na fisiopatologia da DII. A ES é uma doença inflamatória autoimune rara, caracterizada pela fibrose progressiva da pele e de órgãos internos. A hipótese de que o aumento do dano oxidativo pode iniciar o dano vascular e desencadear os eventos patológicos observados na ES vem sendo investigada. Genes e enzimas envolvidos na metabolização (Fase I) e detoxificação (Fase II) de xenobióticos são utilizados como marcadores de susceptibilidade para o desenvolvimento de doenças que possuem fatores ambientais como fatores de risco. Em uma reação de Fase I, as enzimas do Citocromo P450 (CYP) inserem um átomo de oxigênio em um substrato deixando-o eletrofílico e reativo, criando um sítio para posterior conjugação pelas enzimas de Fase II. As enzimas Glutationa S-tranferases (GST) de Fase II catalisam a conjugação da glutationa com uma grande variedade de compostos eletrofílicos, detoxificando substâncias endógenas e exógenas. A atividade catalítica aumentada das enzimas CYP, bem como a falha na detoxificação de metabólitos pelas GST pode contribuir para o aumento do estresse oxidativo. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o papel de polimorfismos nos genes que codificam enzimas de metabolização (CYP1A*2C e CYP2E1*5B) e detoxificação (GSTT1 nulo, GSTM1 nulo e GSTP1 Ile105Val) na susceptibilidade a estas doenças. O grupo de pacientes com DII era constituído por 235 indivíduos e o grupo controle por 241 indivíduos, todos eurodescendentes. Na ES, 122 pacientes (99 eurodescendentes e 23 afrodescendentes) e 329 controles (241 eurodescendentes e 87 afrodescendentes) foram analisados. Os polimorfismos CYP foram genotipados por PCR-RFLP, enquanto que os polimorfismos em GSTT1 e GSTM1 foram genotipados por PCR multiplex e PCR-RFLP para GSTP1. As frequências alélicas e genotípicas foram comparadas entre pacientes e controles usando o teste de Qui-Quadrado. A respeito dos resultados das análises em DII, as frequências alélicas e genotípicas dos polimorfismos CYP1A1*2C, CYP2E1*5B e GSTP1 Ile105Val, bem como as frequências genotípicas do polimorfismo de presença/ausência de GSTM1, foram similares nos três grupos de pacientes (DII, DC e RCU) quando comparados ao grupo controle (P>0,05). Observouse uma frequência significativamente aumentada do genótipo nulo de GSTT1 no grupo de pacientes com DII quando comparado ao grupo controle [0,28 vs 0,18; χ² com Yates P=0,02; OR=1,71 (IC 95% 1,09 –2,71)]. Quando separamos o grupo de pacientes em DC ou RCU, esta frequência permaneceu significativamente aumentada somente no grupo de pacientes com RCU comparado ao grupo controle [0,29 vs 0,18; χ² com Yates P=0,035; OR=1,84 (IC 95% 1,03 –3,24)]. Com relação aos resultados das análises na ES, uma frequência significativamente aumentada do genótipo *1A/*1A (P=0,03; 0,74 vs. 0,61) e do alelo *1A (P=0,013; 0,86 vs 0,78; OR=0,57, IC 95% 0,36–0,90) do polimorfismo CYP1A1*2C foi observada entre os indivíduos controles eurodescendentes. Em contrapartida, a frequência do alelo *2C estava significativamente aumentada entre os pacientes de mesma etnia (P=0,013; 0,22 vs 0,14; OR=1,75, IC 95% 1,11–2,74). Com relação às frequências alélicas e genotípicas dos polimorfismos CYP2E1*5B e GSTP1 Ile105Val, e as frequências genotípicas do polimorfismo de presença/ausência de GSTM1, nenhuma diferença significativa foi observada quando os grupos de pacientes de ambas as etnias foram comparados aos grupos controle (P>0,05). Uma frequência significativamente aumentada do genótipo nulo de GSTT1 [0,29 vs 0,18; χ² com Yates P=0,035; OR=1,85 (IC 95% 1,03–3,29)], bem como uma alta frequência da dupla deleção de GSTT1/GSTM1 [0,19 vs 0,08; χ² com Yates P=0,007; OR=2,62 (IC 95% 1,25 –5,46)], foi observada no grupo de pacientes comparado aos controles (eurodescendentes). Estas associações não se repetiram entre indivíduos afrodescendentes. Concluindo, nossos resultados sugerem que o genótipo nulo de GSTT1 está associado à susceptibilidade a DII e pode influenciar na definição do curso da doença para a RCU. Além disso, o genótipo nulo de GSTT1 sozinho ou em combinação com o genótipo nulo de GSTM1 é um fator genético de susceptibilidade para a ES, enquanto que o genótipo *1A/*1A ou a presença do alelo *1A do polimorfismo CYP1A1*2C pode exercer um papel protetor contra o desenvolvimento da ES em indivíduos eurodescendentes. / Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and systemic sclerosis (SSc) are chronic inflammatory diseases of difficult diagnosis and treatment. The etiology of IBD and SSc is not completely understood but it is known that genetic, immunologic and environmental factors are involved in its pathogenesis. Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are the two major subtypes of IBD, characterized by inflammation of the small intestine and/or colon. Evidences suggest that the increase of oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathophysiology of IBD. SSc is a rare autoimmune inflammatory disease of the connective tissue characterized by progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. The hypothesis that the increase of oxidative stress can initiate vascular damage and triggers the pathological events in SSc has been investigated. Genes and enzymes involved in metabolism (Phase I) and detoxification (Phase II) of xenobiotics are used as markers of susceptibility to the development of diseases that have environmental factors as risk factors. In a Phase I reactions, the Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes insert an oxygen atom in a substrate that making it more electrophilic and reactive, and creating a site for subsequent conjugation by Phase II enzymes. Phase II Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) enzymes catalyze the conjugation of glutathione with a variety of electrophilic compounds, detoxifying endogenous and exogenous substances. A higher catalytic activity of CYP enzymes, as well as the failure in detoxifying of metabolites by GST enzymes may to contribute for the increase of oxidative stress. The aim of this study was investigated the role of polymorphisms in genes coding Phase I enzymes (CYP1A*2C and CYP2E1*5B) and Phase II (GSTT1 null, GSTM1 null and GSTP1 Ile105Val) in susceptibility to these diseases. IBD group was constituted by 235 patients and the control group by 241 individuals, all European-derived. In SSc group, 122 patients (99 European-derived and 23 African-derived) and 329 controls (241 European-derived and 87 African-derived) were analyzed. The CYP polymorphisms were genotyped by PCR-RFLP, whereas polymorphisms in GSTM1 and GSTT1 were genotyped by multiplex PCR and PCRRFLP for GSTP1. Allelic and genotypic frequencies were compared between patients and controls using the Chi-square test. Concerning IBD, allelic and genotypic frequencies of CYP1A1*2C, CYP2E1*5B and GSTP1 Ile105Val polymorphisms, as well as genotypic frequencies of GSTM1 presence/absence polymorphism were similar in all groups patients (IBD, CD, and UC) and controls (P>0.05). We observed a significantly increased frequency of GSTT1 null genotype in IBD group as compared to controls [0.28 vs. 0.18, χ ² with Yates P=0.02, OR=1.71 (95% CI 1.09 – 2.71)]. When patients were classified in CD or UC group, this frequency remained significantly increased only among UC patients [0.29 vs. 0.18, χ ² with Yates P=0,035, OR=1.84 (95% CI 1.03 – 3.24)] as compared to controls. Regarding results in SSc, a frequency significantly increased of *1A/*1A genotype (P=0.03; 0.74 vs. 0.61) and *1A allele (P=0.013; 0.86 vs 0.78; OR=0.57, 95% CI 0.36–0.90) from CYP1A1*2C polymorphism was observed among European-derived controls. On the other hand, the frequency of *2C allele was significantly increased among patients of same ethnic group (P=0.013; 0.22 vs 0.14; OR=1.75, 95% CI 1.11–2.74). The allelic and genotypic frequencies of CYP2E1*5B and GSTP1 Ile105Val polymorphisms, as well as genotypic frequencies of GSTM1 presence/absence polymorphism were similar between SSc patients and controls of both ethnic groups (P>0.05). We observed a significantly increased frequency of GSTT1 null genotype [0.29 vs. 0.18, χ ² with Yates P=0.035, OR=1.85 (95% CI 1.03–3.29)], as well as an increased frequency of GSTT1/GSTM1 double-null in SSc patients as compared to controls [0.19 vs. 0.08; χ ² with Yates P=0.007, OR=2.62 (95% CI 1.25 – 5.46)]. These associations were exclusive to European-derived individuals. In conclusion, our results suggest that the GSTT1 null genotype is associated with susceptibility to IBD and may influence in defining the course of the disease for RCU. Furthermore, the GSTT1 null genotype alone or combined with GSTM1 null genotype is a susceptibility genetic factor to SSc, while the *1A/*1A genotype or the presence of *1A allele from CYP1A1*2C polymorphism may plays a protector role in SSc development in Brazilian Europeanderived individuals.

O Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico (LES) é uma doença inflamatória crônica autoimune que apresenta uma ampla variedade de manifestações clínicas e anormalidades imunológicas, afetando principalmente mulheres. É caracterizado pela perturbação da homeostase imunológica, que envolve a indução e produção de autoanticorpos, bem como pela formação e deposição de complexos imunes, que conduzem a uma intensa resposta inflamatória e dano tecidual. Há evidências de que fatores imunológicos, ambientais, hormonais e genéticos estão implicados na patogênese da doença. Genes e proteínas envolvidas na metabolização/detoxificação de xenobióticos são frequentemente utilizados como marcadores de susceptibilidade para o desenvolvimento de doenças, cuja etiologia está relacionada à exposição a fatores de risco ambientais. Enzimas do Citocromo P450 (CYP) são as principais responsáveis pela fase I de detoxificação, na qual ativam o xenobiótico, tornando-o mais eletrofílico e, desta forma, mais reativo. As Glutationa S-transferases (GST) são enzimas detoxificantes de fase II e normalmente conjugam a glutationa reduzida com uma variedade de compostos eletrofílicos, como espécies reativas de oxigênio, facilitando a excreção de produtos tóxicos. Polimorfismos nos genes CYP e GST são capazes de alterar a expressão e a atividade catalítica das enzimas, sendo responsáveis por diferenças interindividuais quanto à capacidade de biotransformação de xenobióticos. O objetivo do nosso trabalho foi avaliar a influência de três polimorfismos GST (GSTM1 nulo, GSTT1 nulo, e GSTP1*Val) e dois polimorfismos CYP (CYP1A1*2C e CYP2E1*5B) na predisposição ao LES em uma amostra de 370 pacientes com LES e 329 doadores de sangue saudáveis provenientes da região sul do Brasil. Os polimorfismos CYP foram genotipados por PCR-RFLP, enquanto que os polimorfismos GST foram genotipados por PCR multiplex (GSTM1 nulo, GSTT1 nulo) e PCR-RFLP para GSTP1. As freqüências alélicas e genotípicas foram comparadas entre pacientes e controles usando o teste de Qui-Quadrado ou o teste Exato de Fisher. As análises foram realizadas subdividindo os indivíduos de acordo com sua origem étnica. Entre os indivíduos Euro-descendentes, observou-se uma menor freqüência de genótipos heterozigotos GSTP1*Val em pacientes com LES em comparação aos controles (p=0,0047; OR 0,63 CI 95% 0,43 – 0,93 em relação a GSTP1*Ile/Ile e OR 0,49 CI 95% 0,26 – 0,92 em relação a GSTP1*Val/Val). No grupo Afro-descendente, houve tendência a uma maior freqüência do alelo GSTP1*Val em pacientes quando comparados aos controles (p=0,061). O alelo CYP2E1*5B foi significativamente mais freqüente nos pacientes do que em controles (p=0,038; OR 2,69 CI 95% 1,00 – 8,42). Não foi observada qualquer implicação clínica dos polimorfismos CYP e GST nos pacientes com LES. Nossos dados sugerem um papel protetor do genótipo heterozigoto GSTP1*105Ile/Val em Euro-descendentes e uma possível influência do alelo CYP2E1*5B na susceptibilidade ao LES entre Afro-descendentes. / Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune chronic inflammatory disease that presents a variety of clinical manifestations and immunological abnormalities, particularly affecting women. It is characterized by disruption of immunologic homeostasis, which results in the induction and production of autoantibodies, as well as the formation and deposition of immune complexes, leading to an intense inflammatory response and tissue damage. There is evidence that immunological, environmental, hormonal and genetic factors are involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. Genes and proteins involved in metabolism/detoxification of xenobiotics are often used as markers of susceptibility to the development of diseases whose etiology is related to exposure to environmental risk factors. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes are primarily responsible for phase I detoxification, in which activate the xenobiotic, making it more electrophilic and thus more reactive. The Glutathione S-transferases (GST) are phase II detoxifying enzymes and usually conjugate reduced glutathione with a variety of electrophilic compounds, such as reactive oxygen species, facilitating the excretion of toxic products. Polymorphisms in the CYP and GST genes can alter the expression and catalytic activity of enzymes, being responsible for interindividual differences regarding the capacity of xenobiotics biotransformation. The aim of our study was to evaluate the influence of three GST polymorphisms (GSTM1 null, GSTT1 null and GSTP1*Val) and two CYP polymorphisms (CYP1A1*2C and CYP2E1*5B) in SLE predisposition in a sample of 370 SLE patients and 329 healthy blood donors, both from southern Brazil. The CYP polymorphisms were genotyped by PCR-RFLP, while the GST polymorphisms were genotyped by multiplex PCR and PCR-RFLP for GSTP1. Allelic and genotypic frequencies were compared between patients and controls using the Chi-square test or Fisher´s exact test. Analyses were performed subdividing the individuals according to their ethnic origin. Among European-derived individuals, it was observed a lower frequency of GSTP1*Val heterozygous genotypes in SLE patients compared to controls (p = 0.0047; OR 0.63 CI 95% 0.43 - 0.93 in relation to GSTP1*Ile/Ile) and (OR 0.49 95% CI 0.26 - 0.92 in relation to GSTP1*Val/Val). In African-derived group, there was a trend to a higher frequency of GSTP1*Val allele in patients when compared to controls (p=0.061). The CYP2E1*5B allele was significantly more frequent in patients than controls (p=0.038, OR 2.69 95% CI 1.00 - 8.42). We did not observe any clinical implication of the CYP and GST polymorphisms in patients with SLE. Our data suggest a protective role of the GSTP1*105Ile/Val heterozygous genotype in European-derived and a possible influence of the CYP2E1*5B allele in SLE susceptibility among African-derived.

Em insetos, as enzimas glutationa S-transferases (GSTs) são conhecidas pela capacidade de degradar inseticidas, pesticidas e outros compostos químicos, naturais ou não naturais, estranhos ao organismo, podendo também promover o transporte intracelular de hormônios, metabólitos, e atuar na proteção celular contra o estresse oxidativo. Além disto, a função de uma GST tem sido associada ao processo de sequestro, pelo corpo gorduroso, de um tipo de proteína (hexamerinas) estocada na hemolinfa larval para ser utilizada como fonte de aminoácidos durante a metamorfose. Os objetivos deste trabalho consistiram em caracterizar a estrutura, a expressão e aspectos da função dos genes codificadores de GSTs em abelhas operárias Apis mellifera, além de investigar a possível função de um destes genes, hp191(GSTS1), na dinâmica de sequestro de hexamerinas durante a metamorfose. A metodologia utilizada abrangeu técnicas de biologia molecular, como RT-PCR semiquantitativa e em tempo real, sequenciamento de nucleotídeos, western blot, silenciamento gênico. Resumidamente os resultados mostraram (1) diferenças estruturais (número e organização de íntrons e éxons) entre os dez genes GSTs de A. mellifera, (2) aumento da atividade destes genes relacionado ao envelhecimento e intensa atividade de forrageamento, (3) níveis de expressão dependente do tipo de dieta alimentar, (4) perfil de expressão de hp191(GSTS1), assim como sua resposta aos hormônios morfogenéticos (hormônio juvenil e 20-hidroxiecdisona), consistentes com função na metamorfose, (4) diminuição dos níveis de hexamerina HEX 70a na hemolinfa em consequência do silenciamento de hp191(GSTS1) mediado por RNAi. Em conjunto, estes dados informam sobre estrutura, expressão e função dos genes GSTs de A. mellifera com particular foco na potencial participação de hp191(GSTS1) na metamorfose. / In insects, the enzymes glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are known for their ability to degrade insecticides, pesticides and other chemical compounds, natural or not, which are not normally produced or expected to be present in the organism. GSTs can also promote the intracellular transportation of hormones and metabolites as well as act in the cellular protection against oxidative stress. In addition, the GST function has been associated with the process of sequestration, by the fat body, of one type of protein (hexamerin) which is stored in the larval hemolymph to be used as a source of amino acids during metamorphosis. The aims of this study were (1) to characterize structure and expression, and explore the roles of the GST encoding genes in Apis mellifera worker bees and, (2) to investigate the potential role of one of these genes, hp191(GSTS1), in the dynamics of hexamerin sequestration during metamorphosis. The methodology included molecular biology techniques, such as semiquantitative and real time RT-PCR, gene sequencing and silencing, and western blot. Briefly, the results revealed structural differences (number and organization of introns and exons) among the ten GSTs genes of A. mellifera, increased activity of these genes associated to bee aging and the intense foraging activity, and modulation of the expression levels of GST genes by the type of diet. The results also revealed that the expression profile of hp191(GSTS1), as well as its response to the morphogenetic hormones (juvenile hormone and 20-hydroxyecdysone), are consistent with a function in metamorphosis. Furthermore, hp191(GSTS1) silencing mediated by RNAi resulted in decreased hemolymph levels of a hexamerin (HEX 70a) with an essential function in metamorphosis. Altogether, these data provide novel findings concerning the structure, expression and function of the GSTs genes of A. mellifera with a special focus on the potential participation of hp191(GSTS1) in metamorphosis.

Improvement of feeding regimens for production animals has been hindered by a lack of fundamental knowledge about how the capacity to regulate nutrient absorption across cell membranes affects the function of nutrient metabolizing enzymes. The objective is to determine if the activities and protein content of system X-AG glutamate transporter, its regulatory protein (GTRAP3-18 and ARL6IP1), glutamine synthetase (GS) and glutathione (GSH) content, changes in liver (Experiment 1), longissimus dorsi (LM) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SF) (Experiment 2) as beef steers transitioned from predominantly-lean (growing) to -lipid (finished) tissue accretion phases. In liver (Experiment 1), system X-AG activity in canalicular membranes was abolished as steers developed from growing to finished stages but did not change in basolateral membranes. EAAC1 protein content in liver homogenates decreased in finished vs. growing steers, whereas GTRAP3-18 and ARL6IP1 content increased and GLT-1 content did not change. Concomitantly, hepatic GS activity decreased in finished steers whereas GS protein content did not differ. Hepatic GSH content did not differ in finished vs. growing steers. These results demonstrate a negative functional relationship between GTRAP3-18 and system X-AG activity with glutamine synthesis capacity in livers of fattened cattle. In addition to liver, skeletal muscle and adipose tissues play important roles in maintaining whole-body glutamate and nitrogen homeostasis. In Experiment 2, Western blot analysis of LM homogenates showed decreased EAAC1 and GS content, whereas GTRAP3-18 and ARL6IP1 did not differ in finished vs. growing steers. GSH content in LM was increased in finished vs. growing steers in concomitance with increased mRNA expression of GSH-synthesizing enzymes. In SF, GTRAP3-18 and ARL6IP1 content was increased, whereas EAAC1 and GS content did not differ. Concomitantly, GSH content in SF was decreased in finished vs. growing steers in parallel with decreased mRNA expression of GSH-metabolizing enzymes. These results demonstrate that the negative regulatory relationship between GTRAP3-18 and ARL6IP1 with EAAC1 and GS expression, which exists in liver, does not exist in LM and SF of fattened cattle; and antioxidant capacity in LM and SF changes and differs as steer compositional gain shifts from lean to lipid phenotype. To further explore the upstream regulatory machinery of EAAC1, transcriptome analysis (Experiment 3) was conducted to gain a greater understanding of hepatic metabolic shifts associated with the change in whole-body compositional gain of growing vs. finished beef steers. The expression of upstream regulators of EAAC1 was decreased in a manner consistent with the decreased EAAC1 activity in Experiment 1. Bioinformatic analysis found that, for amino acid metabolism, finished steers had increased capacities for ammonia, arginine, and urea production, and shunting of amino acid carbons into pyruvate. For carbohydrate metabolism, capacity for glycolysis was inhibited, whereas glycogen synthesis was stimulated in finished steers. For lipid metabolism, finished steers showed decreased capacity for fatty acid activation and desaturation, but increased capacity for fatty acid b-oxidation and lipid storage. In addition, redox capacity and inflammatory responses were decreased in finished steers. Collectively, these data describe novel regulatory relationships of system X-AG in liver and peripheral tissues, and the metabolic mechanisms that control nutrient use efficiency, as beef steers develop from lean to lipid phenotypes.

The lens of the eye needs to be transparent with a high refractive index to focus images on the retina. In cataracts the lens becomes opaque, eventually leading to blindness. There are many possible causes of cataract but a lot of evidence implicates oxidative damage as contributing to opacification. This includes epidemiological studies showing that diets rich in antioxidants lowered the prevalence of cataract. This research tested the hypothesis that if cataracts were at least partially caused by oxidative damage then their progression would be slowed by application of antioxidants. The antioxidants used were two plant compounds found in the diet, resveratrol and quercetin. The system used was sheep lenses cultured in Eagles Minimal Essential Medium (EMEM). Lenses remained transparent for up to 7 days in EMEM but became opaque within 24 h when exposed to 1 mM hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The lens is exposed to H2O2 in vivo as it is found in the aqueous humor. Prior Lenses pre-treated with quercetin reduced but did not prevent opacification. Lens cell death, as determined by measurement of leakage of lactate dehydrogenase, was found to increase with H2O2 and the increase was prevented by pre-treatment with antioxidants. The role of the endogenous antioxidant glutathione was also investigated. It was found that H2O2 decreased the amount of reduced glutathione in the lens cortex and increased the levels of oxidised glutathione but only at levels of 2 mM and above. Thus the results of this research indicate that H2O2 at low concentration (1 mM) is able to damage lens cells and cause opacification without affecting the reduced glutathione levels and that the exogenous antioxidants have some ability to protect the lens.

<p>The thesis focuses on the development of new homogeneous gels for the separation of drug enantiomers, peptides, DNA and virus by electrophoresis and electrochromatography in capillaries and microchips. This type of separation media offers high resolution and small zone broadening. Compared to particulate beds the resolution in this type of separation media is high because the eddy diffusion is zero and the resistance to mass transfer is small, since the diffusional distance between two polymer chains in the gel is considerably shorter than that between two beads in a packed bed.</p><p>The gels have been characterized in terms of plate heights, plate numbers, resolution, etc. Gels of agarose, polyvinyl alcohol, albumin and polyacrylamide have been employed for electrochromatography or electrophoresis. <i>N,N’</i>-methylene-bisacrylamide, the most widely used crosslinker in polyacrylamide gels, was exchanged for allyl-β-cyclodextrin to get a multi-purpose gel, <i>i.e.,</i> a separation medium the separation properties of which is determined not only by the polyacrylamide chains, but also by β-cyclodextrin with its complexation power.</p><p>A cost-effective, hybrid microdevice has been designed for fast electrophoretic and electrochromatographic analyses as well as for microchromatography. It consists of a fused silica capillary mounted on a supporting plate which integrates most of the compartments necessary for automation and sensitive detection at short UV wavelengths.</p>

Die Induktion antioxidativer Enzyme gilt als eine Möglichkeit, die antioxidative Kapazität von Zellen zu steigern und dadurch mit oxidativem Stress assoziierten Erkrankungen (z. B. Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen, Neurodegeneration, Atherosklerose) vorzubeugen. Ausgehend davon wurde in der vorliegenden Arbeit der Dual-Luciferase-Reportergen-(DLR)-Assay zum Nachweis der Induktion der antioxidativen Enzyme Katalase (CAT), zytosolische Glutathion-Peroxidase (GPX1) und Kupfer-Zink-Superoxid-Dismutase (SOD1) entwickelt. Im Zuge dessen wurden drei Säugetierzelllinien (CaCo2, IEC-18, V79) auf ihre Eignung zur Modellzelllinie untersucht. Aufgrund der Transfektionseffizienz wurde die Fibroblastenzelllinie V79 ausgewählt. Zur Gewährleistung eines hohen Substanzdurchsatzes des DLR-Assays wurden bei der Etablierung Parameter wie Kulturplattenformat, DNA-Menge, Luciferasen-Kinetik berücksichtigt. Nach erfolgreicher Etablierung des Versuchs im 96-Well-Format wurden L-Carnitin, Catechin, Epigallocatechingallat, Genistein, Wasserstoffperoxid (H2O2), Natrium-Ascorbat, Paraquat, Quercetin, 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-Acetat (TPA) und Trolox in nicht-zytotoxischen Konzentrationen hinsichtlich der Aktivierung des Ratten-CAT-, des humanen GPX1- und des humanen SOD1-Promotors untersucht. Die Bestimmung der maximal tolerierbaren Behandlungskonzentration erfolgte im Vorfeld mittels Resazurintest. Von den zehn Verbindungen zeichneten sich drei Substanzen als potente Induktoren für die SOD1 und die GPX1 aus. Die 24-stündige Behandlung von mit Reportergenkonstrukten transient transfizierten V79-Zellen mit 100 µM Paraquat resultierte in einer Verdopplung der relativen SOD1-Promotor-Aktivität und einer Erhöhung der relativen GPX1-Promotor-Aktivität auf 1,6 bzw. 1,7. Die Stimulation mit 20 µM Genistein oder 10 µM Quercetin führte wiederum zu einer Verdopplung bis Verdreifachung der relativen SOD1- und GPX1-Promotor-Aktivität. Der Promotor der Rattenkatalase konnte demgegenüber nur durch 50 µM H2O2 aktiviert werden (1,5fach). Für diesen DLR-Assays bieten sich folglich Genistein, Quercetin wie auch H2O2 als Referenzsubstanzen an. Um aber eine qualitative Charakterisierung der einzelnen Verbindungen hinsichtlich ihres Induktionspotentials zu gewährleisten, sollten von allen getesteten Substanzen Dosis-Wirkungskurven aufgenommen werden. Zudem wird für den routinemäßigen Einsatz die Verwendung stabil transfizierter Zellen zur Vermeidung von mit der Transfektion verbundenen experimentellen Schwankungen empfohlen. / The induction of antioxidative enzymes might be an opportunity to elevate the cellular antioxidative capacity and, thus, to prevent oxidative stress associated diseases (e. g. cardio-vascular disease, neurodegenerative disease, atherosclerosis). Based on this idea the dual luciferase reporter gene (DLR) assay was developed to demonstrate the induction of three antioxidative enzymes: catalase (CAT), cytosolic glutathione peroxidase (GPX1), and copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD1). In the course of the development three mammalian cell lines (CaCo2, IEC-18, V79) were tested for their ability to serve as a model cell line. The line V79 was chosen due to the transfection efficiency. To give consideration to a high-throughput several parameters were studied (e. g. format of the cultural plates, amount of DNA, kinetics of the luciferases) and the DLR assay was successfully established in 96 well plates. Subsequently, L-carnitine, catechin, epigallocatechin gallate, genistein, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), sodium ascorbate, paraquat, quercetin, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) and trolox were tested in non-cytotoxic concentrations for the activation of the rat CAT, human GPX1 and human SOD1 promoter. The maximally tolerable concentrations were determined by resazurin test in advance. Three out of these ten compounds were identified as potent inducers of GPX1 and SOD1. Stimulation of reporter gene construct transient transfected V79 cells for 24 hours with 100 µM paraquat caused a duplication of the relative GPX1 promoter activity and a 1.6-/1.7-fold increase of the relative SOD1 promoter activity. The incubation with 20 µM gen-istein or 10 µM quercetin resulted in duplication to triplication of both, the relative GPX1 and SOD1 promoter activity. In contrast, the rat CAT promoter was activated by 50 µM H2O2 (1.5-fold). Consequently, genistein, quercetin, and H2O2 are considered to be suitable reference substances for this DLR assay. To further characterize the inducing potential of the tested compounds all of them should be tested in different concentrations. Furthermore, for the routinely performed DLR assay it is recommended to use stably transfected cells to eliminate transfection caused variations.