Alternative bone repair strategies are frequently sought after in orthopaedic surgery to address the growing need for improved morbidity and healing rates. This thesis sought to initiate and validate such an alternative, harnessing the flexible nature of a biomaterial substrate and the unique potential of glycosaminoglycan sugars. A novel, biodegradable biomaterial polymer, PHBV, has previously been identified to have the potential to mimic the characteristics of bone necessary for tissue repair and in this study, it was hypothesized that PHBV would be able to support bone formation. When tested in vitro, PHBV was found to support osteoblast cell attachment, proliferation and differentiation, despite its rougher, more hydrophobic surface characteristics compared to tissue culture plastic (TCP). However, unlike the progression of cells on TCP, PHBV caused a developmental delay at each stage of osteogenesis, suggesting a sub-optimal cell-substrate interaction. The expression profiles of genes involved in the maintenance of the extracellular matrix were monitored to investigate this phenomenon further. The results suggested that cells cultured on PHBV appeared to preference 7 against a collagen-based ECM and, instead, trigger an increase in the expression of other factors, such as osteopontin, presumably to modify the biomaterial microenvironment to optimise continued growth and differentiation. This finding led to the next hypothesis that functionalisation of PHBV with suitable compounds could optimise and enhance the osteogenic development at the implant site by facilitating the desired and appropriate cell-substrate interactions. Non-protein factors are often preferred for functionalisation to material scaffolds over proteins, as they are relatively robust and can survive many of the processes used in the manufacture of biomaterials. Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) sugars were appropriate candidates for this purpose, as they are not only abundantly expressed in bone, but more importantly, they are capable of binding and facilitating the activity of growth factors. Furthermore, they are resistant to several environmental influences including changes in pH, heat and desiccation. To identify a GAG that could be integrated with PHBV or any other biomaterial substrate, GAGs were extracted from phenotypically-distinct stages of MG-63 osteosarcoma cells. These GAGs were identified to display gross structural differences, as well as differences in the enzymes synthesising them, between immature and mature osteoblastic cells, with the increased production of a larger GAG species observed as the cells differentiated. Unexpectedly, however, when these GAGs were subsequently dosed back into the media of growing MG-63 cells, their bioactivity did not match the stage at which they had been harvested: all GAG species were able to influence cell survival and growth to varying degrees but were not capable of affecting cell differentiation. However, if these same GAGs were exposed to cells by first being attached to the growth substrate, they induced varying degrees of aggregation in human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), with more mature GAGs producing the most profound effects. Interestingly, a similar phenomenon was not observed when MG-63 cells where cultured in a similar manner. A direct correlation between the GAGs expressed by osteoblasts and the specific cellular processes they functionally influence has yet to be identified. While the experiments presented here demonstrate an effect of GAGs in osteoblastic cell survival, a role for GAGs in the progression of bone formation was not revealed. Loss-of-function studies were therefore necessary to determine the role of GAGs in bone, but this was hampered by the limited availability of procedures that allow the alteration of GAGs and the subsequent detection of these effects. Therefore, a tool to screen the efficacy of a loss of GAG function was developed. TAT-EGFP, a purpose-designed fluorescent GAG-binding peptide, was able to confirm that treatment with sodium chlorate was an effective 8 strategy to hinder GAG expression in MG-63 cells with minimal cytotoxicity to the cells. Following more extensive studies with chlorate treatment, it was found that a recoverable disruption to both proliferation and mineralisation could be induced in MG-63 cells. This suggested a role for GAGs in osteogenesis. A series of experiments then carried out following gene expression microarray analysis indicated that GAG de-sulfation by chlorate gives rise to an S-phase block in the cell cycle and a disruption to the actin cytoskeleton, which appeared to be associated with a change in the activity of cell-surface proteoglycans, most likely syndecan 4. It was also found that cells up-regulated plasma membrane ALP activity and cholesterol synthesis, presumably in an attempt to recover from a chlorate-induced loss in GAG function. Cholesterol is known to be important in establishing connections between membrane elements and the actin cytoskeleton, and its up-regulation here may reflect dysfunctions in these units and a dysfunction in syndecan 4 activity. With further confirmation, this would suggest that syndecan 4 plays a pivotal role in maintaining osteogenesis, in at least MG-63 cells, and that sulfated GAGs function principally to facilitate this role. The effective use of GAGs in bone repair strategies will require further understanding of GAG/syndecan 4/osteogenesis relationship.

Pfaffia glomerata (Spregen.) Pedersen stands out as a species of great medical and commercial importance due to its major secondary metabolite β-ecdysone, which content can vary in roots under adverse conditions as nutritional stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of increasing concentrations of Cu and P in soil on the production of β-ecdysone of two accessions of P. glomerata (JB and BRA). The plants used were obtained through in vitro micropropagation and were subsequently acclimatized in hydroponics and then transplanted and grown in pots containing 4 kg of a Paleudalf soil, under glasshouse conditions. Twelve treatments were evaluated in a full factorial scheme (4x3), represented by the combination of four Cu levels (0, 20, 40 and 80 mg kg-1) and three P levels (10, 60 and 120 mg kg-1). After 100 days, the plants were harvested for evaluation of growth, nutrient content and root production of β-ecdysone. The maximum dry matter production of plants for both accesses (JB and BRA) occurred at doses of 40 mg kg-1 Cu and 10 mg kg-1 of P, and root dry matter of JB access was significantly higher when compared to BRA access. The dose of 60 mg kg-1 P influenced root growth of JB accessions at higher Cu, moreover, access roots acted as a barrier reducing the transference of the metal to the shoot. Plants of both accesses in high dose of Cu and in the presence of 10 and 120 mg kg-1 P exhibited marked growth inhibition, however the dose of 60 mg kg-1 P favored the growth of plants under conditions of metal excess in soil solution.The concentrations of β-ecdysone detected in roots of P. glomerata JB access were higher when compared to BRA access. High levels of Cu in the soil did not affect the production of β-ecdysone. However, the addition of P (120 mg kg-1) to soil reduced production of β-ecdysone. / A Pfaffia glomerata (Spregen.) Pedersen destaca-se como uma espécie de grande importância medicinal e comercial devido a seu principal metabólito secundário, a β-ecdisona, que pode sofrer variações em seus teores nas raízes por condições adversas, dentre elas o estresse nutricional. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos das concentrações crescentes de Cu e P no solo sobre a produção de β-ecdisona de dois acessos de P. glomerata (JB e BRA). As plantas utilizadas foram obtidas através de micropropagação in vitro e posteriormente foram aclimatizadas em hidroponia, sendo então transplantadas e cultivadas em vasos contendo 4 kg de um Argissolo Vermelho distrófico típico em casa de vegetação. Foram avaliados 12 tratamentos em um esquema bifatorial completo (4x3), representados pela combinação de quatro níveis de Cu (0, 20, 40 e 80 mg kg-1) e três níveis de P (10, 60 e 120 mg kg -1). Após 100 dias, a plantas foram colhidas e avaliou-se o crescimento, os teores de nutrientes e a produção de β-ecdisona nas raízes. A máxima produção de massa seca de plantas para ambos os acessos (JB e BRA) ocorreu nas doses de 40 mg kg-1 de Cu e 10 mg kg-1 de P, sendo que a massa seca do sistema radicular do acesso JB foi significativamente maior quando comparada ao acesso BRA. A dose de 60 mg kg-1 de P influenciou o crescimento do sistema radicular das plantas do acesso JB na maior dose de Cu, além disso, as raízes deste acesso atuaram como uma barreira reduzindo a transferência do metal para a parte aérea. As plantas de ambos os acessos na dose elevada de Cu e na presença de 10 e 120 mg kg-1 de P apresentaram acentuada inibição do crescimento, no entanto a dose de 60 mg kg-1 de P favoreceu o crescimento das plantas em condições de excesso de metal na solução do solo. As concentrações de β-ecdisona detectadas nas raízes de P. glomerata do acesso JB foram maiores quando comparadas ao acesso BRA. Altos teores de Cu no solo não afetaram a produção de β-ecdisona. No entanto, a adição de P (120 mg kg-1) ao solo reduziu a produção de β-ecdisona.

La Fibrose Pulmonaire idiopathique (FPI) est une maladie fibroproliférative pour laquelle il n’existe aucun traitement efficace. Les mécanismes à l’origine de cette pathologie sont méconnus et impliquent plusieurs types cellulaires et facteurs de croissance, comme le TGF-β responsable de la différenciation de fibroblastes en myofibroblastes. Pour mieux comprendre ces mécanismes physiopathologiques, nous nous sommes intéressés à l’implication des miARN dans ce processus. Une analyse par puces à ADN de l’ensemble des miARN modulés dans des échantillons pulmonaires de souris, résistantes ou sensibles à la fibrose pulmonaire induite par la bléomycine, nous a permis d’identifier miR-199a-5p comme le meilleur candidat associé à la fibrose pulmonaire mais aussi fibrose rénale et hépatique. J’ai ensuite démontré que l’expression de miR-199a-5p était induite par le TGF-β in vitro, et que sa surexpression ectopique induisait la différenciation des fibroblastes. Une combinaison d’approche in silico et expérimentale, m’a permis d’identifier la Cavéoline-1 (CAV-1) comme cible de ce miARN. La CAV-1 est impliquée dans la dégradation du récepteur TGF-β. Ainsi, l’inhibition de CAV-1 par miR-199a-5p constitue une boucle de rétrocontrôle positif exacerbant la voie TGF-β. De manière intéressante, l’inhibition de miR-199a-5p in vitro régule la différenciation, la prolifération et la migration des fibroblastes pulmonaires par le TGF-β. Par ailleurs, nos résultats précliniques indiquent que l’inhibition de ce miARN diminue les marqueurs de fibrose, permettant d’envisager le développement de nouvelles approches thérapeutiques dans le traitement de la FPI et d’autres maladies fibroprolifératives. / Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a fibroproliferative disease with poor prognosis and for which no effective treatment exists. The mechanisms of this disease remain poorly understood and involve numerous cell types and growth factors such as TGF-β, which leads to the activation of lung fibroblasts into myofibroblasts; the key cell type driving the fibrogenic process. In this context, we focused the involvement of miRNAs in fibrosis process. To identify miRNAs with potential roles in lung fibrogenesis, we performed a genome-wide assessment of miRNA expression in lungs from two different mouse strains known for their distinct susceptibility to lung fibrosis after bleomycin exposure. We identified miR- 199a-5p as the best candidate associated with lung fibrosis but also kidney and liver fibrosis. I observed that miR-199a-5p expression was induced upon TGF-β exposure, and that its ectopic expression was sufficient to promote the pathogenic activation of pulmonary fibroblasts. Using combination of targets miRNA prediction tools and a transcriptomic approach we identified the Caveolin-1 (CAV-1), a critical mediator of pulmonary fibrosis, as a specific target of miR-199a-5p. Thus, we shown that miR-199a-5p is a key effector of TGF-β signaling in lung fibroblasts by regulating CAV1. Interestingly, inhibition of miR-199a-5p in vitro prevents the differentiation, proliferation and migration of fibroblasts after TGF-β stimulation. Finally, our preclinical results indicate that inhibition of this miRNA decreases fibrosis markers. Thus, miR-199a-5p behaves as a major regulator of tissue fibrosis with therapeutic potency for the treatment of IPF and fibroproliferative diseases.

L’ingénierie des compléments alimentaires solides offre plusieurs avantages dans la formulation industrielle des produits alimentaires, en termes de production, stockage, et manipulation. Pour ces raisons, l’objectif de cette thèse était d’élaborer des ‘cargos’ bio-réactifs, permettant l’encapsulation d’une enzyme exogène capable de réaliser la réaction d’hydrolyse des molécules de lactose. Aujourd’hui il est établi que les symptômes caractéristiques de l’intolérance au lactose sont associés à une carence en lactase dans le gros intestine. Ainsi, fournir au corps humain de la lactase est l’application ciblée par ce travail, par la conception de matériaux siliciques comme support d’encapsulation. En général, les types de cargos développés doivent surmonter les conditions gastriques pour libérer l’enzyme dans le gros intestine. La silice poreuse amorphe est un matériau inorganique non-toxique qui assure une bonne protection dans des conditions acides et permet une libération contrôlée au pH légèrement basique du colon. L’utilisation de silice amorphe poreuse permet à coût réduit d’obtenir une structure intrinsèque contrôlée (forme, taille particulaire, diamètre du pore) et une chimie de surface modifiable. En accord avec les objectifs principaux, quatre stratégies d’encapsulation bio-adaptées ont été étudiées comme de potentiels voies pour la production de compléments alimentaires solides d’intérêt pour le traitement de l’intolérance au lactose : (i) immobilisation de l’enzyme par adsorption dans des matériaux siliciques meso-macroporeux pré-synthétises, (ii) immobilisation de l’enzyme sur des particules de silice faiblement poreuses recouvertes par des liposomes, (iii) encapsulation de l’enzyme dans des nanoparticules de lipides solides (SLNs), (iv) encapsulation de l’enzyme dans une matrice de biopolymère recouvert d’une coque de silice mésoporeuse / The engineering of solid dietary supplements provides several advantages in the industrial formulation of food products, in terms of its production, storage and handling. Thereby, the goal of this doctoral work is to design bio-responsive carriers for the encapsulation of an exogenous enzyme able to catalyze the hydrolysis of lactose towards simple sugar molecules. In fact, there is a consensus that the onset of symptoms characteristic of lactose intolerance are associated with lactase deficiency in the small intestine. Providing the organism with exogenous lactase is the underlying application targeted by this work through the design of silicabased materials for encapsulation. The different types of bio-carriers developed had to overcome the simulated gastric conditions in order to release active enzyme molecules in the small intestine. Amorphous porous silica is a very good and non-toxic component affording protection versus acidic conditions, while providing controlled release. This inorganic material approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a relatively low cost, and presents a controlled structure (shape, size, pore diameter), as well as tunable surface chemistry. In agreement with the main objectives, four bio-adapted encapsulation strategies were investigated as potential routes to produce solid dietary supplements for lactose intolerance treatment: (i) physical entrapment of the enzyme in pre-synthesized meso-macroporous silica materials, (ii) physical entrapment of the enzyme in low porosity silica particles coated by liposomes, (iii) encapsulation of the enzyme into thermosensitive solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) (iv) encapsulation of the enzyme into a biopolymer matrix coated in a mesoporous silica shell

This dissertation describes the phytochemical study of Maytenus ilicifolia Mart species. ex Reissek belonging to Celastreceae family. Further, structural modification reactions were performed in β-sitosterol compound, in order to carry out a study of structure / activity against strains of micro-organisms. Through the root bark collected in the municipality of Santana do Livramento - RS was obtained crude extract methanol which gave different subfractions according to the polarity, as it was possible to isolate 4 secondary metabolites. In addition reactions were carried out using acetic anhydride, succinic anhydride and phthalic anhydride to obtain various derivatives of the metabolite isolated β-sitosterol. Ending with analysis of the antimicrobial activity of extracts, fractions and isolated compounds derived from β-sitosterol, carried out by microdilution method plates, opposite to five Gram-positive bacteria, six gram-negative and seven fungi. It was observed in this analysis that the extracts, fractions and isolated metabolites tested showed good results mainly against bacteria Enterococcus and Shigella sonnei, and front the fungus Candida krusei and Cryptococcus neoforman. In the study of structure / activity it has been observed that the addition of two carbolines β-sitosterol contribute to antimicrobial activity. / O presente trabalho de dissertação descreve o estudo fitoquímico da espécie Maytenus ilicifolia Mart. ex Reissek, pertencente a família Celastreceae. Além disso, foram realizadas reações de modificações estruturais no composto β-sitosterol, a fim de se realizar um estudo da relação estrutura/atividade frente a cepas de micro-organismos. Através das cascas da raiz coletas no município de Santana do Livramento RS foi obtido o extrato bruto metanólico o qual originou diferentes subfrações de acordo com a polaridade, a partir disto foi possível isolar 4 metabolitos secundários. Complementarmente foram realizadas reações utilizando anidrido acético, anidrido Succínico e Anidrido Ftálico para obtenção de diferentes derivados do metabolito isolado β-sitosterol. Findando com análise da atividade antimicrobiana dos extratos, frações, substâncias isoladas e derivados do β-sitosterol, realizadas através do método da microdiluição em placas, frente a cinco bactérias Gram-positivas, seis Gram-negativas e sete fungos. Observou-se nesta análise que os extratos, frações e metabólitos isolados testados apresentaram bons resultados principalmente contra as bactérias Enterococcus e Shigella sonnei, e frente os fungos Candida krusei e Cryptococcus neoforman. No estudo da relação estrutura/atividade observou-se que adição de duas carbolinas ao β-sitosterol contribuiu para atividade antimicrobiana.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / In this work, we explored new methodologies to obtain β-enamino carbonylic compounds derived from 1,3-dicarbonyl and α-amino acids using microwave and solvent free conditions. The β-enamino carbonylic compounds were prepared by the reaction of 1,3- dicarbonyl compounds, acetilacetone, ethyl acetoacetate or ethyl 2-oxo-1- cyclopentanecarboxylate with α-amino esters hydrochlorides derived from glycine, Lalanine, L-serine and L-proline. The reactions were performed with or without solid support (K-10 or KSF) using microwave irradiation. An addition aim of this study is the investigation of the reactivity of the β-enamino carbonylic compounds, with the possibility of creating alternative synthetic routes for heterocyclic compounds. The reactivity of the acyclic β-enamino carbonylic (C,N-dinucleophiles) was evaluated by reactions with the 1,2-diketones. To evaluate the influence of the group -CHR1COOEt (N- substituted) on the reactivity of the β-enamino carbonyl compounds obtained by reduction reactions, we used NaBH4/EtOH, which is effective for the selective reduction of the derived compounds of the acetilacetone or ethyl 2-oxo-1-cyclopentanecarboxylate giving their respective β-hidroxyenamino products. The reactivity of diethyl-3-benzylamino-2-pentenedioate was also evaluated using NaBH4, where the methylene acetate fragment (-CHR1COOEt), instead of being bonded to the nitrogen atom, is bonded to the β-carbon atom. This model allows us to evaluate the complexation of the nitrogen atom and carbonyl carbon atom with the tetrahydroborate and subsequent hydride transfer allowing a comparison with the reductions mentioned previously. The antimicrobial activity of the cyclic β-enamino carbonylic coumpounds, β- hydroxyenamino and of the heterocyclic 2-pyrrolin-5-one obtained, was investigated by the Bioautography method against different indicative microorganisms. / Neste trabalho buscamos estabelecer metodologias para obtenção de compostos β-enamino carbonílicos, derivados de 1,3-dicarbonílicos e α-aminoácidos utilizando energia de microondas e ausência de solvente. Os compostos β-enamino carbonílicos foram obtidos empregando compostos dicarbonílicos como acetilacetona ou acetoacetato de etila ou 2-oxo-1-ciclopentanocarboxilato de etila com cloridratos de α-aminoésteres derivados da glicina, Lalanina, L-serina e L-prolina. Estes compostos foram obtidos empregando reações em forno de microondas doméstico associado ou não a suporte sólido (K-10 ou KSF). Nossos estudos também tem por objetivo uma aplicação imediata na investigação da reatividade dos sistemas β-enamino carbonílicos obtidos, visualizando a possibilidade de criarmos rotas alternativas para obtenção de compostos heterocíclicos. Portanto, neste trabalho, com o propósito de obter compostos N-heterociclos, avaliou-se a reatividade dos β-enamino carbonílicos acíclicos (C,N-dinucleófilos), através de reações com 1,2-dicetonas. Com o intuito de avaliarmos a influência do grupo -CHR1COOEt (N-funcionalizado) na reatividade dos β-enamino carbonílicos obtidos em reações de redução, empregamos NaBH4/EtOH, o qual foi efetivo na redução seletiva dos compostos derivados da acetilacetona e 2-oxo-1-ciclopentanocarboxilato de etila levando a obtenção dos respectivos β-hidroxienaminos. A reatividade do composto 3- benzilamino-2-pentenodioato de dietila também foi avaliada utilizando NaBH4, onde o fragmento metileno acetato (-CHR1COOEt), ao invés de estar ligado ao Nitrogênio está ligado ao carbono β. Este modelo nos permite avaliar a complexação do Nitrogênio e da carbonila com o tetrahidroborato e posterior transfência do hidreto possibilitando estabelecer uma comparação com as reduções efetuadas anteriormente. A investigação da atividade antimicrobiana dos compostos cíclicos como os β-enamino carbonílicos, β-hidroxienaminos e do heterociclo 2-pirrolin-5-ona obtidos neste trabalho, foi realizada através do método de Bioautografia, frente a diferentes microorganismos indicadores.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is one of the main mycotoxins that can be identified in foods, and has relevance for agricultural economics and public health because of its immunotoxic properties. A functional immune system is a basic requirement for a healthy life in modern animal production. The interaction involving nutrition and immunity is a strategic factor to obtain a high quality performance in the poultry industry. Immunomodulators such as β-glucans have an immunostimulating activity, which enables the host ability to resist opportunistic infections. To contribute to the elucidation of the mechanism of action of β-glucans in broiler chicken lymphocytes, the effects of the concentrations of 0.1, 1 and 10% of β-glucans derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae were investigated in lymphocytes exposed to increasing concentrations of AFB1 (0, 0.1, 1, 10, 20 μg/ml). Lymphocytes were separated by Ficoll-Histopaque density and cultured in 96 well-plates containing AFB1 and/or β-glucans in a 5% CO2 atmosphere at 39°C. MTT, PicoGreen® and 2'-7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate cytotoxicity tests were evaluated at 24, 48 and 72 h of incubation. The comet assay to elucidate the DNA damage was also performed. The percentage of viable cells decreased in the presence of 10 μg/ml AFB1 at 48 h (p < 0.05) and 10 and 20 μg/ml AFB1 at 72 h (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively), when compared to the control group (0 μg/ml). Furthermore, an increase in cell-free DNA in AFB1 concentrations > 1 μg/ml (p < 0.001) and the generation of ROS at 24 h were also observed. DNA damage increased approximately 2.3 fold in lymphocytes exposed to 20 μg/ml of AFB1 when compared to the control group. Conversely, β-glucans showed cytoprotective effects (p < 0.001), and the concentration of 1% reverted the AFB1-induced lymphocyte damage. β-glucans at 10% significantly increased (p < 0.001) the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), potentiating the AFB1-induced ROS formation. In conclusion, this study showed that AFB1 and β-glucans exert influence on lymphocyte oxidative metabolism and have dose-dependent potentiating effects. The results also showed genoprotective in vitro effect of β-glucans in poultry lymphocytes exposed to AFB1, being the concentration of 1% β-glucans able to maintain DNA integrity. / A aflatoxina B1 (AFB1) é uma das principais micotoxinas que podem ser identificadas em alimentos, possuindo relevância agroeconômica e para a saúde pública, por ser considerada imunotóxica. Um sistema imune funcional é um requisito básico para uma vida saudável na produção moderna de animais. A interação envolvendo nutrição e imunidade é um fator estratégico para obter um bom desempenho em frangos de corte. Devido as suas atividades imunomodulatórias, substâncias como as β-glucanas proporcionam ao hospedeiro uma maior capacidade de resistir a infecções oportunistas. Para melhor compreender o mecanismo de ação das β-glucanas, sobre os linfócitos de frangos de corte, investigou-se os efeitos das concentrações de 0.1, 1 e 10% de β-glucanas derivadas do fungo Saccharomyces cerevisiae em linfócitos expostos a crescentes concentrações de AFB1 (0, 0.1, 1, 10, 20 μg/ml). Os linfócitos foram separados através do reagente de densidade Ficoll-Histopaque e cultivados em placas de 96 poços, contendo as concentrações de AFB1 e/ou β-glucanas em atmosfera de 5% de CO2 a 39°C durante 24, 48 e 72 h. A citotoxicidade celular foi avaliada através dos testes MTT e PicoGreen®, e a formação de espécies reativas de oxigênio (EROS) através do ensaio 2′-7′- diacetato diclorofluoresceína. Também foi utilizado o teste cometa para elucidar os danos ao DNA. A viabilidade celular reduziu na presença de 10 μg/ml de AFB1 em 48 h (p < 0.05) e em 10 and 20 μg/ml de AFB1 (p < 0.01 e p < 0.001, respectivamente) em 72 h quando comparada ao grupo controle. Além disso, as concentrações de AFB1 > 1 μg/ml aumentaram significativamente (p < 0.001) a liberação de fita dupla de DNA (dsDNA) e a produção de EROS em 24 h. Os danos causados ao DNA foram confirmados através do momento cauda do cometa e aumentaram cerca de 2,3 vezes em linfócitos expostos a 20 μg/ml de AFB1 quando comparados ao grupo controle. Por outro lado, as β-glucanas exerceram efeitos citoprotetores (p < 0.001), sendo que a concentração de 1% foi capaz de reverter os danos genotóxicos causados pela ação da AFB1. Já a concentração de 10% de β-glucanas aumentou significativamente (p < 0.001) a formação de EROS, potencializando a ação da AFB1. Em conclusão, este estudou evidenciou que a AFB1 e as β-glucanas exercem influência sobre o metabolismo oxidativo dos linfócitos e possui efeito potencializador dose-dependente. Os resultados também evidenciaram o efeito genoprotetor in vitro de β-glucanas em linfócitos de frangos expostos a AFB1, sendo a concentração de β-glucanas a 1% capaz de manter a integridade do DNA.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:22:58Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2011-02-17Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T18:08:59Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 ishii_pl_me_rcla.pdf: 341469 bytes, checksum: 30957c71a427ca667e0c86edb9d40228 (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / A Nutrigenômica é definida como o efeito da dieta na expressão gênica, e a extensão pela qual as diferenças genéticas entre os indivíduos influenciam a resposta a um padrão específico de dieta, à ingestão de alimentos funcionais e à suplementação de micronutrientes, em termos de um resultado para a saúde humana. A α-tomatina é um glicoalcalóide encontrado no tomate (Lycopersicon esculentum) que possui funções biológicas importantes como a redução dos níveis de colesterol LDL, inibição do crescimento de células cancerosas, estimulação do sistema imune e efeito antimetastático. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a citotoxicidade da α-tomatina, os seus efeitos na proliferação celular, na indução de apoptose e expressão de RNAm dos genes APC, Ciclina A2, Catenina, CASP9, BAK, BAX e BCL-XL em células HT29. As células foram cultivadas em meio de cultura DMEM, suplementado com 10% de soro bovino fetal, e tratadas nas concentrações de 0,1, 1 e 10 μg/mL para o ensaio do MTT e proliferação celular. Na análise de apoptose morfológica utilizou-se as concentrações de 0,1, 1 e 2 μg/mL. Já para a avaliação da expressão gênica utilizou-se a concentração de 1 μg/mL. Após 12 horas de tratamento, o RNA das células foi extraído e a expressão dos genes foi avaliada através do método de PCR em tempo real. O gene GPDH foi utilizado como normalizador. A análise estatística foi realizada por ANOVA/Tukey para o ensaio do MTT. Os resultados do ensaio de cinética de proliferação celular, viabilidade celular e avaliação da indução de apoptose foram analisados estatisticamente através de ANOVA/Dunnet, e para a análise da expressão gênica utilizou-se o método de Pfaffl et al. (2002), através do cálculo estimado pelo método ΔΔCt. Os estudos experimentais indicaram que a α-tomatina foi citotóxica apenas na concentração de 10 μg/mL... / Nutrigenomics is defined as the effect of diet on gene expression, and the extent to which genetic differences between individuals influence the response to a specific pattern of diet, intake of functional foods and micronutrient supplementation, in terms of a result for human health. The α- tomatine is highlighted as a glycoalkaloid found in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) that has important biological functions such as reducing levels of LDL cholesterol, inhibit cancer cell growth, stimulation of the immune system and antimetastátic effect. In view of these considerations, the objective of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity of α-tomatine, their effects on cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis and morphological expression of mRNA of APC gene, Cyclin A2, β-Catenin, CASP9, BAK, BAX and BCL-XL in HT29 cells. The cells were grown in DMEM culture medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum, and treated at concentrations of 0.1, 1 and 10μg/mL for the MTT assay and cell proliferation. In the morphological analysis of apoptosis, we used concentrations of 0.1, 1 and 2μg/mL. As for the evaluation of gene expression we used a concentration of 1 mg/mL. After 12 hours of treatment, the RNA from cells was extracted and gene expression was evaluated by the method of real-time PCR. The gene GPDH was used as normalizer. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA / Tukey test for MTT. The test results of kinetics of cell proliferation, cell viability and assessment of apoptosis were analyzed with ANOVA / Dunnet, and for analysis of gene expression we used the method of Pfaffl et al. (2002), by calculating estimated by ΔΔCt. Experimental studies suggested that α-tomatine was cytotoxic only at concentration of 10μg/mL. In the evaluation of cell proliferation were no significant differences in the treatments with α-tomatine, except that for the concentration... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / The antioxidant properties of selenium organic compounds have been largely investigated in the last decades, especially because the oxidative stress is directly related to various chronic-degenerative deseases. However, a few studies verify the action of nucleophlilic or electrophilic radicals on the protective activity of selenium compounds. In this work, it was evaluated the influence of different substituent radicals on the antioxidant activities of β-selenoamines. The capacity of β-selenoaminas in mimicry the glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity and/or be substrate to the hepatic thioredoxinereductase (TrxR) enzyme were also investigated in experimental modelsin vitro.In DPPH assay, the β-selenoamines tested did not show antioxidant activity when compared to acorbic acid (AA). However, similar to compound (PhSe)2, the β-selenoamines with p-methoxy and tosylradicals were effective in preventing the lipid peroxidation induced by Fe2SO4. The compounds with other radicals did not exhibit the same activity. The β-selenoamine with the substituent group p-methoxy also showed mimetic activity to GPx and was reduced by hepatic TrxR. Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed among these parameters to β-selenoamines, which was not found in the results obtained with (PhSe)2. The data of this work show the influence of different substituent radicals on activity of organic selenium compounds and point the use of β-selenoaminas as pharmacological promissor compounds in in vivo experimental models. / As propriedades antioxidantes de compostos orgânicos de selênio têm sido amplamente investigadas nas últimas décadas, especialmente pelo fato do estresse oxidativo estar diretamente relacionado a uma grande variedade de doenças crônico-degenerativas. Contudo, poucos estudos têm verificado a ação exercida por radicais nucleofílicos ou eletrofílicos na atividade protetora de compostos de selênio. Neste trabalho foi avaliada a influência de diferentes radicais substituintes sobre a atividade antioxidante de β-selenoaminas. A capacidade das β-selenoaminas em mimetizar a atividade da glutationa peroxidase (GPx) e/ou serem substratos para a enzima tiorredoxina redutase hepática (TrxR) também foram investigadas em modelos experimentais in vitro. No ensaio de DPPH , as β-selenoaminas testadas não apresentaram atividade antioxidante quando comparadas ao ácido ascórbico (AA). Contudo, assim como o composto disseleneto de difenila (PhSe)2, as β-selenoaminas com grupos p-metóxi e tosil na estrutura foram efetivas em prevenir a peroxidação lipídica induzida por Fe2SO4. Os compostos com outros radicais não apresentaram a mesma atividade. A β-selenoamina com o grupo substituinte p-metóxi também apresentou atividade mimética à GPx e foi reduzida pela TrxR hepática. Além disso, uma correlação positiva foi encontrada entre estes parâmetros para as β-selenoaminas; o que não foi observado quando considerados os resultados obtidos com o composto (PhSe)2. Os dados do presente trabalho mostram a influência de diferentes radicais substituintes na atividade de compostos orgânicos de selênio, bem como, aponta o uso de β-selenoaminas como compostos promissores farmacologicamente em modelos experimentais in vivo.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The traditional use of antibiotics in aquaculture as growth promoters has been limited due to the negative effects caused by these drugs. As an alternative to the use of these drugs has been sought manipulation of the microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract of aquatic animals through the use of oligosaccharides and dietary fibers with prebiotic potential. Thus, this study aimed to apply different methodologies to obtain Dietary Fiber Concentrates (DFC) = mucilage (MG); pectin (PN) and β-glucan + manan (βG + M) and evaluate the prebiotic potential of these supplements in the diet of juvenile jundiá (Rhamdia quelen). The determination of the nutritional composition of the ingredients revealed that the predominant component in all DFCs were dietary fiber and insoluble fiber. The DFC that had higher extraction yield was βG + M (19.81 ± 8.54%), followed by pectin (14.54% ± 2.72), and mucilage (7.18 ± 1.54%). The composition of mucilage and pectin had a greater diversity of monosaccharides, since the βG+M consisted primarily of mannose (74.5%) and glucose (24.3%). The supplementation of DFC in jundiás diet was assessed for eight weeks through study of growth, body nutrient deposition, digestive enzymes, biochemical and metabolic parameters, responses to stress and immune and intestinal morphology. The jundiás supplemented with DFCs achieved higher growth than the control group and similar to animals supplemented with 5 g kg-1 commercial prebiotic (CP 5). Most somatic parameters and whole fish proximate composition were influenced by supplementation of DFCs. The supplementation of pectin promoted lower activity of digestive enzymes in relation the control group. The animals supplemented with DFC obtained positive changes in biochemical parameters. Furthermore, jundiás showed no response to application of the stressor, maintaining basal cortisol levels. The fish supplemented with DFCs had higher hepatic glycogen stores in relation the control group. Moreover, supplementation with DFCs increased the height of intestinal villi of jundiá. However, these values were lower for the animals of the group PC 5. For thickness of the epithelium this variable was higher in the control group compared to animals supplemented with β-glucan+Manana. / O uso tradicional de antibióticos na aquicultura como promotores de crescimento tem sido limitado em função dos efeitos negativos promovidos por estes medicamentos. Como alternativa ao uso destas drogas, tem se buscado a manipulação da microbiota do trato gastrointestinal dos animais aquáticos através da utilização de oligossacarídeos e de fibras alimentares com potencial prebiótico. Neste sentido, este estudo teve como objetivo aplicar metodologias para obtenção de diferentes Concentrados de Fibras Alimentares (CFAs) = Mucilagem (MG); Pectina (PN) e β-Glicana+Mananas (βG+M) e avaliar o potencial prebiótico destes suplementos na dieta de juvenis de jundiá (Rhamdia quelen). A determinação da composição nutricional dos ingredientes revelou que os componentes predominantes em todos os CFAs obtidos foram fibra alimentar total e fibra insolúvel. O CFA que apresentou maior rentabilidade de extração foi a βG+M (19,81%±8,54), seguida da Pectina (14,54%±2,72) e Mucilagem (7,18%±1,54). A composição da Mucilagem e Pectina obtiveram maior diversidade de monossacarídeos, já a βG+M consistiu basicamente de manose (74,5%) e glicose (24,3%). A suplementação dos CFAs na dieta de jundiás foi avaliada durante oito semanas, através de estudo de crescimento, deposição corporal de nutrientes, enzimas digestivas, parâmetros bioquímicos e metabólicos, resposta ao estresse e imunológica e morfometria intestinal. Os jundiás suplementados com os CFAs obtiveram crescimento superior em relação ao grupo controle e similar aos animais suplementados com 5 g kg-1 de prebiótico comercial (PC 5). A maioria dos parâmetros somáticos e de composição centesimal de peixe inteiro foram influenciados pela suplementação dos CFAs. A suplementação de Pectina promoveu menor atividade das enzimas digestivas em relação ao grupo controle. Os animais suplementados com os CFAs obtiveram alterações positivas nos parâmetros bioquímicos avaliados. Além disso, os jundiás não mostraram resposta à aplicação do agente estressor, mantendo os níveis de cortisol basal. Os peixes suplementados com os CFAs obtiveram maiores estoques de glicogênio hepático em relação ao grupo controle. Além do mais, a suplementação com os CFAs promoveu aumento na altura de vilos intestinais dos jundiás. Porém, estes valores foram menores em relação aos animais do grupo PC 5. Para espessura do epitélio (EE) esta variável foi maior no grupo Controle comparado aos animais suplementados com β- glicana + Manana.