Hyperthyroidism may lead to an increase in oxidative stress (OS) in testis, may cause male reproductive disorders, among them, the loss in the sperm quality. The effect of resveratrol (RSV) on sperm motility and on OS parameters in testis of euthyroid and hyperthyroid rats was investigated. Hyperthyroidism was induced by daily intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) of triiodothyronine (T3) (100 μg/kg, i.p.) for six weeks. After two weeks, concomitantly to T3 treatment, animals received daily injections of RSV at dose of 1 mg/kg e 10 mg/kg (i.p.) during four weeks, totaling six experimental weeks. At the end of experimental period animals were euthanized for removal of organs. Sperm of cauda epididymal was collected for sperm motility and morphology analysis Testis were homogenized for determination of lipoperoxidation by lipid hydroperoxides and thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS) levels; activity of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST); and non-enzimatic antioxidant glutathione (GSH). Hyperthyroid rats presented lower sperm motility, higher lipid hydroperoxides and TBARS levels, lower CAT and GPx activities and higher GST activity in testis than animals of control groups. RSV treatment at doses of 1 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg was able to prevent the loss on sperm motility induced by hyperthyroidism. In addition, RSV decreased lipid hydroperoxides and TBARS levels; reversed the decrease in CAT and GPx activities; and also prevented the increase in GST activity caused by hyperthyroidism in adult rat testis. Together these data show the protective effect of RSV in the testis, preserving sperm motility, and protecting testis against oxidative damage caused by hyperthyroidism, which suggests the RSV as a possible target of studies in the search for therapeutic strategies in order to preserve testicular function. / O hipertireoidismo pode levar ao aumento do estresse oxidativo (EO) nos testículos, podendo causar desordens na função reprodutiva masculina, entre elas, a perda na qualidade espermática. Este estudo avaliou o efeito do resveratrol (RSV) na qualidade espermática e em parâmetros de EO no testículo de ratos eutireóideos e hipertireóideos. O hipertireoidismo foi induzido pela injeção intraperitoneal (i.p) diária de triiodotironina (T3) (100 μg/kg) durante seis semanas. Após duas semanas do início do experimento, concomitante ao tratamento com T3, os animais começaram a receber injeções diárias de RSV nas doses de 1 mg/kg ou 10 mg/kg (i.p.) por quatro semanas, totalizando as seis semanas de tratamento. No final do período experimental, os animais foram eutanasiados para retirada dos órgãos. Os espermatozóides da cauda do epidídimo foram coletados para análise de motilidade e morfologia. Os testículos foram homogeneizados para determinação da lipoperoxidação através dos níveis de hidroperóxidos lipídicos e de substâncias que reagem ao ácido tiobarbitúrico (TBARS); da atividade das enzimas antioxidantes superóxido dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutationa peroxidase (GPx) e glutationa-S-transferase (GST); e dos níveis do antioxidante não-enzimático glutationa (GSH). Os ratos hipertireóideos apresentaram menor motilidade espermática, maiores níveis de hidroperóxidos lipídicos e de TBARS, menor atividade da CAT e da GPx e maior atividade da GST do que os animais dos grupos controle. O tratamento com RSV, nas doses de 1 mg/kg e 10 mg/kg, foi capaz de prevenir a perda de motilidade espermática induzida no hipertireoidismo. Em adição, o RSV também diminuiu níveis de hidroperóxidos lipídicos e de TBARS; reverteu a diminuição na atividade da CAT e da GPx; além de prevenir o aumento na atividade da GST causado pelo modelo de hipertireoidismo em testículos de ratos adultos. Em conjunto estes dados mostram o efeito protetor do RSV no testículo, preservando a motilidade espermática e protegendo contra danos oxidativos causados pelo hipertireoidismo, o que sugere o RSV como um possível alvo de estudos na busca de estratégias terapêuticas com o objetivo de preservar a função testicular.

The Myrtaceae family has 145 genera. In Brazil are recorded 23 genera and about 1,013 species. Several plants of this family are used in food stuffs, for example, Psidium guajava L. fruits, commonly known as guava. In folk medicine Psidium guajava L. leaves are used for colic, colitis, diarrhea, dysentery, and stomach illness. The objective of this study was to evaluate the biological effects of essential oil (OEPGP) and hydro alcoholic extract (HEPG) of Psidium guajava var. pomifera L. To evaluate the OEPGP bioinseticide effect Drosophila melanogaster were used. The flies exposure to OEPGP was performed by a fumigation protocol: Adult flies (males and females) were placed in glass vials containing a filter paper soaked in 1% sucrose. Then, a filter paper was set on the inner side of the cover containing the OEPGP (0, 3, 7.5, 15, 23.5 and 30 μg/ml). The flies mortality was assessed 6, 12, 24 and 48 h. In turn, to assess antioxidant and chelating action against inorganic mercury, DPPH, TBARS, and 1,5 diphenylcarbazone assays were carried out using 0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 mM HgCl2 and 0, 25, 33, 50, 100 and 200 μg/ml of EHAPGP. Cell growth was assessed using Sacharomices cerevisiae, which were exposed to concentrations of 100, 125 and 150 mM of HgCl2 and 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.25, 2.5, and 5 μg/ml of HEPG. Our results showed that OEPGP has a bioinseticide action when flies were exposed to concentrations of 23.5 and 30 μg/ml. Locomotor activity was impaired at concentrations of 15, 23.5, and 30 μg/ml during the first 6 hours of treatment. The OEPGP caused an increase in TBARS levels and in antioxidant enzymes activities. In turn, the HEPG has high concentrations of phenols and flavonoids and showed antioxidant activity, as demonstrated in the DPPH and TBARS assays. The chelating action of HEPG was proven by the test of 1.5 difenilcarbazone and the dosages of Hg levels by ICP-AES. The HEPG partially prevented the cell death caused by HgCl2. Our study indicated that HEPG has antioxidant and HgCl2 protection purposes, while the essential oil presents a bioinseticide action to trigger a pro-oxidant action. / A família Myrtaceae possui 145 gêneros. No Brasil são registrados 23 gêneros e cerca de 1.013 espécies. Muitas plantas desta família são utilizadas na alimentação, como os frutos da Psidium guajava L., popularmente conhecidos como goiaba. As folhas da goiabeira são utilizadas na medicina popular para cólicas, colite, diarréia, disenteria e dor de barriga. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos biológicos do óleo essencial (OEPGP) e do extrato hidro alcóolico (HEPG) das folhas de Psidium guajava var. pomifera L. Para avaliar a ação bioinseticida do OEPGP foram utilizadas Drosophila melanogaster. A exposição das moscas ao OEPGP foi realizada por um protocolo de fumigação: moscas adultas (machos e fêmeas) foram colocadas em frascos de vidro, contendo um papel filtro embebido em 1% de sacarose. Um papel filtro foi fixado no lado interior da tampa para aplicação de diferentes doses de óleo essencial (0, 3, 7,5, 15, 23,5 e 30 μg/mL). A mortalidade das moscas foi avaliada 6, 12, 24 e 48 h. Por sua vez, para avaliar a ação antioxidante e quelante contra o mercúrio foram elaborados ensaios de DPPH, TBARS e 1,5-difenilcarbazona, nas concentrações de 0, 0,1, 0,2 e 0,4 mM de HgCl2 e concentrações de 0, 25, 33, 50, 100 e 200 μg/mL do HEPG. O crescimento celular foi avaliado utilizando Sacharomices cerevisae, os quais foram expostos a concentrações de 100, 125 e 150 μM de HgCl2 e 0, 0,25, 0,5, 1, 1,25, 2,25 e 5 μg/mL de HEPG. Os resultados mostram que o OEPGP apresenta uma ação bioinseticida quando as moscas foram expostas às concentrações de 23,5 e 30 μg/mL. A atividade locomotora foi comprometida nas concentrações de 15, 23,5, e 30 μg/mL nas primeiras 6 h de tratamento. O OEPGP causou aumento nos níveis de TBARS e na atividade das enzimas antioxidantes GST e CAT. Por sua vez, o HEPG apresenta elevadas concentrações de fenóis e flavonoides e apresentou atividade antioxidante, comprovada nos ensaios de TBARS e DPPH. A ação quelante do HEPG foi comprovada pelo ensaio da 1,5-difenilcarbazona e pelas dosagens dos níveis de Hg por ICP-AES. O HEPG evitou parcialmente a morte celular causada por HgCl2. Nosso estudo indicou que HEPG tem efeitos antioxidantes e de proteção contra o estresse oxidativo causado pelo HgCl2, enquanto que o óleo essencial apresenta uma ação bioinseticida por desencadear uma ação pró-oxidante.

Abstract Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer-associated death in women in Finland. Although ovarian cancer is relatively common, the precise mechanism of its development is still unknown. Additionally, it appears that the modes of pathogenesis differ depending on histotype. Although the initial response to platinum-based chemotherapy is usually good, the majority of ovarian cancer patients relapse and develop platinum resistance. This is a major problem in the treatment of ovarian cancer. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are metabolites of oxygen. They are continuously formed in normal cells as a by-product of aerobic respiration and they play an important role in normal cell functions. Oxidative stress occurs when ROS formation overrides the antioxidative defence system. Oxidative stress is associated with carcinogenesis. A small proportion of cancer cells are stem cells that survive initial chemotherapy. These cells are suspected of being associated with the development of platinum resistance. To evaluate the significance of oxidative stress in ovarian cancer we examined ROS-derived damage and antioxidant regulators in benign and borderline ovarian tumours and ovarian cancer samples by immunohistochemistry and analysis of serum samples. The existence of cancer stem cell markers was also assessed in ovarian cancer samples. The expression levels of various markers were compared with clinicopathological parameters. Our results confirm that oxidative stress (8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine) exists in benign tumours and antioxidant enzymes, such as peroxiredoxins and thioredoxin are widely expressed in benign and borderline tumours. Oxidative stress was associated with poor survival, higher stage and platinum resistance in ovarian cancer. Oxidative stress markers were more strongly expressed in certain histotypes of ovarian cancer, such as serous and endometrioid type. Cancer stem cell markers were found in ovarian cancer and they were associated with the development of platinum resistance. These observations are beneficial in understanding the pathobiology of ovarian cancer and help in the design of new treatment options. / Tiivistelmä Munasarjasyöpä on yksi merkittävistä syöpäkuolleisuuden aiheuttajista naisilla Suomessa. Se on kohtalaisen yleinen, mutta sen perimmäinen syntymismekanismi on vielä epäselvä. Lisäksi näyttää siltä, että eri histologioilla syntymekanismit poikkeavat toisistaan. Vaikka yleensä platinapohjaisella solunsalpaajahoidolla saadaan hyvä vaste, suurimmalla osalla hoidetuista potilaista tauti uusii ja kehittyy vastustuskyky platinapohjaisille solunsalpaajille. Tämä on suuri ongelma munasarjasyövän hoidossa. Vapaat radikaalit ovat hapen johdannaisia. Niitä muodostuu jatkuvasti soluissa soluhengityksen sivutuotteena, ja niillä on tärkeä merkitys normaaleissa solun toiminnoissa. Jos vapaiden radikaalien tuotanto ylittää antioksidatiivisen puolustusjärjestelmän, syntyy oksidatiivinen stressitilanne. Oksidatiivisen stressin on todettu olevan yhteydessä useiden syöpien syntymiseen. Osaa syövän soluista kutsutaan kantasoluiksi. Nämä solut voivat selvitä solunsalpaajahoidoista ja niiden epäillään olevan yhteydessä vastustuskyvyn kehittymisessä platinapohjaisia sytostaatteja kohtaan. Tutkimuksessamme arvioimme oksidatiivisen stressin merkitystä munasarjakasvaimissa. Tutkimme vapaiden radikaalien aiheuttamia vaurioita ja antioksidatiivisia säätelijöitä hyvänlaatuisissa, rajalaatuisissa sekä munasarjasyöpä kasvaimissa immunohistokemiallisesti ja seeruminäytteistä. Lisäksi selvitimme syövän kantasolumerkkiaineiden esiintymistä munasarjasyövässä. Tutkittujen merkkiaineiden pitoisuuksia verrattiin kliinisiin potilastietoihin. Tutkimustuloksemme mukaan oksidatiivista stressiä (8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine) esiintyi jo hyvänlaatuisissa kasvaimissa. Myös antioksidatiiviset entsyymit, kuten peroksiredoksiinit ja tioredoksiini, esiintyivät jo hyvänlaatuisissa ja rajalaatuisissa kasvaimissa. Oksidatiivinen stressi oli yhteydessä huonompaan tautiennusteeseen ja platinakohtaisen vastustuskyvyn kehittymiseen. Oksidatiivista stressiä oli enemmän seroosissa ja endometrioidissa munasarjasyöpätyypissä. Syövän kantasolumerkkiaineita esiintyi munasarjasyövässä, ja ne olivat yhteydessä huonontuneeseen hoitovasteeseen platinapohjaisille solunsalpaajille. Tulokset auttavat ymmärtämään munasarjasyövän syntymekanismeja ja suunnittelemaan uusia hoitovaihtoehtoja erityyppisissä munasarjasyövissä.

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / This study explores the roles of exogenously applied nitric oxide, exogenously applied caffeic acid and salt stress on the ontioxidant system in cereal (exemplified by maize) and legume (using soybean as an example) plants together with their influence on membrane integrity and cell death. This study investigates changes in H₂O₂ content, root lipid peroxidation, root cell death and antioxidant enzymatic activity in maize roots in response to exogenously applied nitric oxide (NO) and salt stress. This part of the study is based on the partially understood interaction between NO and reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as H₂O₂ and the role of antioxidant enzymes in plant salt stress responses. The results show that application of salt (NaCl) results in elevated levels of H₂O₂ and an increase in lipid peroxidation, consequently leading to increased cell death. The study also shows that by regulating the production and detoxification of ROS through modulation of antioxidant enzymatic activities, NO plays a pivotal role in maize responses to salt stress. The study argues for NO as a regulator of redox homeostasis that prevents excessive ROS accumulation during exposure of maize to salinity stress that would otherwise be deleterious to maize. This study extends the role of exogenously applied NO to improve salt stress tolerance in cereals crops (maize) further to its role in enhancing salt stress tolerance in legumes. The effect of long-term exposure of soybean to NO and salt stress on root nodule antioxidant activity was investigated to demonstrate the role of NO in salt stress tolerance. The results show that ROS scavenging antioxidative enzymes like SOD, GPX and GR are differentially regulated in response to exogenous application of NO and salt stress. It remains to be determined if the NO induced changes in antioxidant enzyme activity under salt stress are sufficient to efficiently reduce ROS accumulation in soybean root nodules to levels close to those of unstressed soybean root nodules. Furthermore, this study investigates the effect of long-term exposure of soybean to exogenous caffeic acid (CA) and salt stress, on the basis of the established role of CA as an antioxidant and the involvement of antioxidant enzymes in plant salt stress responses. The effect of CA on soybean nodule number, biomass (determined on the basis of nodule dry weight, root dry weight and shoot dry weight), nodule NO content, and nodule cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) content in response to salt stress was investigated. Additionally, CA-induced changes in nodule ROS content, cell viability, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activity as well as some genes that encode antioxidant enzymes were investigated in the presence or absence of salt stress. The study shows that long-term exposure of soybean to salt stress results in reduced biomass associated with accumulation of ROS, elevated levels of lipid peroxidation and elevated levels of cell death. However, exogenously applied CA reversed the negative effects of salt stress on soybean biomass, lipid peroxidation and cell death. CA reduced the salt stress-induced accumulation of ROS by mediating changes in root nodule antioxidant enzyme activity and gene expression. These CA-responsive antioxidant enzymes were found to be superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and glutathione reductase (GR), which contributed to the scavenging of ROS in soybean nodules under salt stress. The work reported in Chapter 2 has been published in a peer-reviewed journal [Keyster M, Klein A, Ludidi N (2012) Caspase-like enzymatic activity and the ascorbate-glutathione cycle participate in salt stress tolerance of maize conferred by exogenously applied nitric oxide. Plant Signaling and Behavior 7: 349-360]. My contribution to the published paper was all the work that is presented in Chapter 2, whereas the rest of the work in the paper (which is not included in Chapter 2) was contributed by Dr Marshall Keyster.

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD

This study is focused on study of changes of enzyme and low-molecular weight antioxidants in different fruits during long-term storage. In theoretical part individual low-molecular weight antioxidants and enzymes are described. The main causes of fruit decay and some possibilities of fruit preservation and storage are summarized. As biological material some common fruits were chosen - green and red apples, peaches, plums and white grapes. The fruits were stored in laboratory, cellar, in refrigerator and in freezer. In freezing experiments some ways of fruit preparation and processing were tested and their influence on fruit antioxidant status was compared. Shortened storage experiment was applied on blueberries, cranberries, raspberries and strawberries too. In fruits some group parameters – total antioxidant status, dry mass content, ascorbate level, total flavonoids and total phenolics were analyzed spectrophotometrically. Individual flavonoids and phenolics were determined by RP-HPLC/UV-VIS and on-line LC/PDA/ESI-MS. Antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase SOD, catalase CAT, polyphenol oxidase PPO and lipoxygenase LOX) were measured by spectrophotometry. The surface microscopy and cultivation of moulds from fruit surface were performed too. Influence of storage conditions on biological activities is dependent on fruit sort. Freezing is the most suitable procedure for long-term storage without significant changes of active substance content. Long-term storage in controlled temperature conditions and/or atmosphere is usable for fruits with longer storage period. In these fruits stabile levels of antioxidant enzymes are stored for relatively long time. Some of enzymes act synergistically. Enzyme activities differed according to storage phase; at the beginning mainly high SOD and LOX activities were observed. CAT and PPO are probably activated as defence systems in rippened and/or damaged fruits. Levels of total as well as individual low molecular weight antioxidants varied during storage in all sorts, generally, increased course with longer storage period can be observed.

The goal of presented dissertation has been complex analysis of changes in content of fatty acids, enzymatic and low-molecular antioxidants in apples and related evaluation of perception of originators of storage diseases for apples stored in various conditions. Main part of the work has been dedicated to study of the impact of storage of apples in modified atmosphere with reduced amount of oxygen and in reference “normal” atmosphere for six months. Next part of the work has been dedicated to study how apple storage in common, consumer affordable, conditions (storage in a cellar, in a refrigerator, and in room temperature) affects content of low-molecular antioxidants. For testing has been selected apple kinds Jonagored, Golden Delicious, Idared, Šampion, and Granny Smith. Within the scope of this work has been optimized the method for determination of fatty acids in plant material with higher content of wax. The measured values imply the apples are valuable source of many important nutrition substances like vitamins, provitamins and antioxidants. During the storage process these substances exhibit considerable protective function. Long-term storage, mainly in the atmosphere with reduced amount of oxygen (FAN), enables preservation of majority of these important nutrition substances depending on the kind of apple and conditions of storage. Freezing process is conservative to apples (mainly in the presence of protective substances), while in the process of drying the values of all monitored antioxidants decrease depending on temperature and conditions of drying. Upon the choice of the storage method one must consider nutrition, sensoric characteristic and consumer demands.

Magister Scientiae (Biodiversity and Conservation Biology) / Wheat is a key global commodity in terms of acreage and tradeable value and as a staple in household diets. Many factors including biotic stress conditions have detrimental effects on global wheat production and yield. The increasing prevalence of biotic stress inflicted by fungal species such as Fusarium has significantly reduced yield and quality of cereal crops thus, threatening sustainable agriculture and food security. Interactions between wheat and Fusarium spp. such as Fusarium proliferatum triggers the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to levels toxic to the plant thus leading to oxidative damage and ultimate cellular death. In order to maintain redox homeostasis, plants rely on ROS-scavenging antioxidants (enzymatic and non-enzymatic) to control ROS molecules to levels less toxic to plants. This study investigated the impact of F. proliferatum on the physio-biochemical responses of two wheat cultivars (SST 015 and SST 088). Changes in seed germination, growth, biomass, chlorophyll and mineral contents were monitored. Furthermore, changes in ROS accumulation and antioxidant enzyme activity was measured in the shoots of both wheat cultivars.

>Magister Scientiae - MSc / Biotic stress is one of the main causes for agricultural loss of economically important cereal crops. The increasing prevalence of biotic stress inflicted by fungal species such as Fusarium has significantly reduced yields and quality of cereals, threatening sustainable agriculture and food security worldwide. Interactions between wheat and Fusarium spp. such as Fusarium oxysporum promotes the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Overproduction of ROS can become toxic to plants depending on the scavenging ability of antioxidant systems to maintain redox homeostasis. This study investigated the effects of F. oxysporum on the physiological and biochemical response of three wheat cultivars namely, SST 056, SST 088 and SST 015. Physiological responses were monitored by measuring changes observed in plant growth parameters including shoot and root growth and biomass, relative water content as well as photosynthetic metabolism and osmolyte content in all three wheat cultivars. Downstream biochemical analysis involved monitoring the accumulation of ROS biomarkers (superoxide and hydrogen peroxide) as well as the detection of enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and peroxidase (POD). These biochemical responses were only monitored on the two wheat cultivars which presented contrasting responses to F. oxysporum infection. Results showed that F. oxysporum significantly reduced plant growth, biomass, chlorophyll pigments and relative water content of all three cultivars, with the highest reduction observed for SST 088 relative to SST 015 and SST056. On the other hand, proline content was significantly enhanced in all three wheat cultivars, with the highest increase observed for SST 015 relative to SST 056 and SST 088. Based on the contrasting physiological results observed for these three cultivars, downstream biochemical analysis was focused on SST 015 and SST 088. F. oxysporum trigged an increased in superoxide and hydrogen peroxide contents in both cultivars, with the highest increase observed for SST 088. A similar trend was observed for the extent of lipid peroxidation, manifested as enhanced MDA levels. Furthermore, F. oxysporum differentially altered antioxidant enzyme activity relative to the control of both wheat cultivars. A Significant increase in SOD activity was observed for both cultivars in response to F. oxysporum. However, contrasting responses in APX and POD activity (as seen for the band intensities of individual isoforms) was observed in these wheat cultivars in response to F. oxysporum. Based on the results obtained in this study we suggest that F. oxysporum infection has varying degrees of severity in different wheat cultivars. In light of the significant reduction of plant development coupled with enhanced ROS accumulation and differential antioxidant capacity for SST 015 relative SST 088, we suggest that SST 015 is more resilient to F. oxysporum. We thus conclude that a direct relationship exists between ROS accumulation and antioxidant scavenging in regulating plant tolerance against F. oxysporum pathogens.

Dita Kašparová Chronická hypoxie a exprese genů 4 Abstract Adaptation to chronic hypoxia (CH) is characterized by a variety of functional changes in order to maintain metabolic and energy homeostasis. It has been known for many years that both humans and animals indigenous or adapted to high-altitude hypoxia are more tolerant to an acute ischemic injury of the heart. Cardioprotective mechanisms activated by adaptive responses to chronic hypoxia can be the result of altered transcriptional regulations in left ventricles. Here we report results from the gene expression profiling of adaptive responses in three models of chronically hypoxic heart. Adult male Wistar rats were exposed for 21 days to either continuous normobaric hypoxia (CCH; 10% O2) or CCH interrupted daily by 1-hour reoxygenation (RCH) or CCH interrupted daily by 16-hour (CIH). Cardiprotective effect of CCH adaptation is abolished by brief daily reoxygenation, RCH adaptation. In the present study, we aimed to determine myocardial mRNA expression of 19 candidate genes divided into three important groups: i) Hypoxia inducible factor (HIF1α) and its prolyl and asparaginyl hyroxylases (PHDs and FIH respectively, ii) Creatine kinase (CK) isoenzymes which play important role in energy homeostases of heart and iii) the group of main enzymatic...