Das Proteasom ist ein multikatalytischer, ATP-abhängiger Enzymkomplex, der kurzlebige und regulatorische Proteine in der Zelle abbaut. Im Rahmen der Proteinqualitätskontrolle werden durch das Proteasom auch fehlerhaft synthetisierte bzw. falsch gefaltete oder chemisch geschädigte Proteine degradiert. Zellen hämatopoetischen Ursprungs exprimieren sogenannte Immunoproteasomen, die durch drei alternative katalytische Untereinheiten (LMP2, MECL-1 und LMP7) charakterisiert sind. Unter dem Einfluss von Interferonen kommt es auch in nicht-hämatopoetischen Zellen zur de novo Assemblierung von IP. Sie weisen im Vergleich zu Standardproteasomen einen erhöhten Substratumsatz sowie veränderte Schnittpräferenzen auf. Dadurch können Standard- und Immunoproteasomen verschiedene MHC Klasse I-restringierte antigene Peptide generieren. Die vorliegende Arbeit untersucht die Relevanz der LMP2- bzw. der LMP7- Untereinheit im Rahmen der Coxsackievirus B3 Myokarditis. LMP7-/- Mäuse zeigen eine suffiziente CD8+ T Zell Antwort, die zur vollständigen Viruselimination nach der akuten Entzündungsphase beiträgt. Die reguläre Expression pro-inflammatorischer Zytokine und antiviraler Signalwege sowie CVB3-spezifischer IgG-Antikörper spricht gegen eine spezielle Funktion von IP bei der Induktion einer effektiven Immunantwort in diesem Modell. Es konnte jedoch gezeigt werden, dass der verminderte Einbau aller IP-Untereinheiten in LMP7-defizienten Mäusen mit einer schweren Inflammation und Myokardschädigung einhergeht. Der verringerte Substratumsatz führt zur Akkumulation von polyubiquitinylierten, oxidativ geschädigten Proteinen sowie zur verstärkten Apoptose IP-defizienter Kardiomyozyten und inflammatorischer Zellen. / The standard proteasome is the major ATP-dependent multi-catalytic protein complex that is important for the proteolytic processing of short-lived and regulatory proteins. It also degrades exogenous or improperly synthesized, misfolded, and damaged proteins. Cells of hematopoietic origin predominantly express an alternative variant - the immunoproteasome, which is characterized by three specific catalytically active subunits (LMP2, MECL-1 and LMP7). In non-immune cells, these immunosubunits are also induced and incorporated into newly assembling IPs upon exposure to interferons. As compared to standard proteasomes, IPs display altered cleavage site preferences, resulting in the generation of a different spectrum of antigenic peptides for MHC class I presentation. The present thesis investigates the impact of LMP2- and LMP7 within the context of viral heart disease, making use of the well-established murine model of coxsackievirus B3 infection. LMP7-deficient mice demonstrate a potent CD8+ T cell capacity to control CVB3 infection, resulting in viral clearance after the acute stage of disease. The expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, innate antiviral mediators, and CVB3-specific IgG antibodies argue against a specific role of IPs in the induction of an effective immune response against CVB3 infection. However, the impaired incorporation of all three immunosubunits in LMP7-deficient hearts coincides with severe inflammation and myocardial tissue damage. Exposure to IFN-γ gives rise to prolonged accumulation of oxidant-damaged, poly-ubiquitylated proteins in IP-deficient cardiomyocytes and inflammatory cells. Along with the restricted degradation of toxic protein aggregates, inflammatory cells and the adjacent myocardium are prone to increased apoptotic cell death.

No Brasil, populações ribeirinhas da Amazônia estão expostas ao metilmercúrio (MeHg) e ao chumbo (Pb) oriundos, respectivamente, de peixes e farinha de mandioca contaminados. Embora a toxicidade destes elementos químicos seja explorada há tempo, pouco se sabe sobre os efeitos decorrentes da exposição crônica a baixas doses destes toxicantes e, menos ainda, acerca da exposição simultânea a estes dois metais. Neste sentido, este trabalho foi desenvolvido objetivando avaliar a ocorrência de efeitos bioquímicos, genotóxicos e relacionados ao estresse oxidativo, decorrentes da exposição crônica de ratos a baixas doses de MeHg e Pb, associados ou não, bem como a distribuição tecidual destes metais. Adicionalmente, foram investigados os efeitos da administração da vitamina antioxidante niacina (NA) diante destas exposições. Para isto, ratos machos Wistar foram divididos em 8 grupos (n = 6): Grupo controle; Grupo MeHg, tratado com cloreto de MeHg (140 ?g/Kg/dia) por gavagem; Grupo Pb, tratado com acetato de Pb (648 ?g/Kg/dia) por gavagem; Grupo MeHg + Pb, tratado com MeHg (140 ?g/Kg/dia) e Pb (648 ?g/Kg/dia) por gavagem. Grupos paralelos (NA; NA + MeHg; NA + Pb e NA + MeHg + Pb) receberam o mesmo tratamento associado à suplementação de niacina (50 mg/Kg/dia) adicionada na água. O tratamento teve duração de 92 dias. Foram avaliados os parâmetros bioquímicos colesterol total e frações, glicose, atividade das enzimas hepáticas aspartato aminotransferase (AST) e alanina aminotransferase (ALT), e hemoglobina. Os marcadores relacionados ao estresse oxidativo determinados foram tióis totais (GSH); lipoperoxidação, avaliada pela concentração de malondialdeído (MDA) e espécies reativas ao ácido barbitúrico (TBARS); além da atividade das enzimas antioxidantes superóxido dismutase (SOD), glutationa peroxidase (GSH-Px) e catalase (CAT). Ainda, foi avaliada a concentração de óxido nítrico (NO) plasmático e a genotoxicidade por meio do Ensaio Cometa. As concentrações de mercúrio (Hg) e Pb foram determinadas em sangue total e tecidos dos animais por ICP-MS. A exposição a baixas doses de MeHg causou genotoxicidade, redução na atividade da CAT no cérebro e nas concentrações de GSH no sangue e fígado dos animais, além de peroxidação lipídica, evidenciada pelo aumento nas concentrações de MDA e TBARS no plasma e cérebro dos ratos. Os animais expostos exclusivamente ao MeHg apresentaram ainda atividade de ALT aumentada e concentração plasmática de NO reduzida. A distribuição do Hg no organismo foi maior no rim, seguido por sangue e, posteriormente, cérebro. A exposição exclusivamente ao Pb promoveu redução na concentração de GSH e na atividade de CAT, além de induzir peroxidação lipídica no cérebro dos ratos. A exposição ao Pb também resultou em genotoxicidade, além de redução na concentração de hemoglobina e NO. As maiores concentrações de Pb foram observadas no osso (fêmur) > rim > cérebro > sangue. A exposição simultânea ao MeHg e Pb não resultou em sinergismo de efeitos tóxicos em comparação ao tratamento com os metais individualmente. Considerando parâmetros como concentração plasmática de NO e GSH no sangue, fígado e cérebro, a exposição ii conjunta aos metais antagonizou os efeitos desencadeados por cada metal individualmente. Entretanto, a coexposição MeHg/Pb também promoveu genotoxicidade e lipoperoxidação. Já a administração de niacina apresentou efeitos protetores frente às alterações desencadeadas pela exposição aos metais, sem alterar a concentração e distribuição destes nos órgãos/tecidos. Em resumo, nossos resultados mostram que a exposição ao MeHg e Pb, até mesmo em doses baixas, induz toxicidade em roedores. Visto que a niacina apresentou efeitos antioxidantes e antigenotóxicos relevantes, a suplementação com esta vitamina pode ser uma alternativa para amenizar os efeitos tóxicos decorrentes da exposição ao MeHg e/ou Pb. / In Brazil, riverside populations of the Amazon are exposed to methylmercury (MeHg) and lead (Pb) coming respectively from contaminated fish and cassava flour. Although the toxicity of these elements has been explored for some time, little is known about the effects of chronic exposure at low doses and even less about the simultaneous exposure. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate the occurrence of biochemical, genotoxic and oxidative stress related effects, resulting from chronic exposure of rats at low doses of MeHg and Pb, associated or not, as well as the tissue distribution of these elements. Additionally, the effects of co-administration of the antioxidant vitamin niacin (NA) on the toxic effects were investigated. For this, male Wistar rats were divided into 8 groups (n = 6): Control group; MeHg group, received MeHg chloride (140 ?g/Kg/day) by gavage; Pb group, received Pb acetate (648 ?g/Kg/day) by gavage; MeHg + Pb group, received MeHg (140 ?g/Kg/day) and Pb (648 ?g/Kg/day) by gavage. Parallel groups (NA; NA + MeHg; NA + Pb and NA + MeHg + Pb) received the same treatment associated with niacin supplementation (50 mg/kg/day) added to the water. The treatment lasted 92 days. Biochemical parameters such as total and fractions cholesterol, glucose, hepatic enzyme activity such as aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT), and hemoglobin were determined. Oxidative stress markers such as total thiols (GSH); lipid peroxidation, measured by malondialdehyde (MDA) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) concentrations; besides the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT) antioxidant enzymes were evaluated in treated and non-treated animals. Also, the concentration of plasmatic nitric oxide (NO) and genotoxicity by the Comet Assay was assessed. Levels of mercury (Hg) and Pb were determined in whole blood and tissues of animals by ICP-MS. Low doses of exposure to MeHg caused reduction of CAT activity in the brain and reduction of GSH concentrations in the blood and liver of animals, besides genotoxicity and lipid peroxidation, as evidenced by the increase levels of MDA and TBARS in plasma and brain of rats. Animals exposed to MeHg still had increased ALT activity and decreased plasmatic NO levels. Levels of Hg were found higher in kidney, followed by blood and brain. Pb exposure alone promoted reduction of GSH concentration and CAT activity, and induced lipid peroxidation in the brain of rats. Moreover, genotoxicity, and reduction of hemoglobin and plasmatic NO levels were also observed in the group of animals treated only with Pb. The highest Pb levels were observed in bone (femur) > kidney > brain > blood. Simultaneous exposure to MeHg and Pb did not result in synergistic toxic effects. Considering parameters such as plasmatic NO and GSH levels in blood, liver and brain, the joint exposure to metals antagonized the effects produced by each metal individually. However, the MeHg/Pb co-exposure also promoted genotoxicity and lipid peroxidation. On the other hand, administration of niacin exhibited protective effects under the changes triggered by exposure to metals without altering the concentration and distribution of these metals in the organs/tissues of animals. Taken together, our results demonstrated that exposure to MeHg and Pb, even at low doses, are toxic to iv rodents. Moreover, since niacin presented relevant antioxidant and antigenotoxic effects, supplementation with this vitamin can be an alternative to mitigate the toxic effects resulting from exposure to MeHg and/or Pb.

Introduction : Le cancer colorectal (CCR) est responsable de 500 000 morts par an dans le monde et représente la 2ème cause de mortalité par cancer dans les pays industrialisés. En dépit des progrès réalisés, il existe un réel besoin de développer de nouvelles thérapies pour améliorer la survie des patients. Un des principaux facteurs favorisant la survenue et la progression du CCR est le stress se traduisant notamment par la sécrétion de catécholamines activant les récepteurs β-adrénergiques (β1-, β2- et β3-AR) au niveau de la tumeur. Diverses études et observations ont démontré que l’activation des β-AR pouvait favoriser la prolifération tumorale de manière directe (via différents mécanismes comme la prolifération cellulaire) ou indirecte (via une action sur la composante immunitaire). Parmi les cellules immunitaires présentes au sein de la tumeur, les macrophages tumoraux (TAM) peuvent représenter jusqu’à 50% du volume tumoral. Ces derniers y sont retrouvés sous leurs différents phénotypes (M1-like antitumoral et M2-like pro-tumoral). Divers travaux ont fait état de la présence des β-AR à la surface des macrophages où leur effet semble être en faveur d’une polarisation vers un phénotype pro-tumoral. En outre, parmi les 3 sous-types de récepteurs, de nombreux arguments soulignent une implication majoritaire du β3-AR dans ces effets par rapport aux β1- et β2-AR, tandis que seule une surexpression du β3-AR a été observée dans les biopsies de tumeurs du côlon. Objectifs/Méthodes : Nous nous sommes donc attachés à mettre au point une stratégie méthodologique pour l’étude du β3-AR dans le macrophage en condition d’inflammation tissulaire présentant une importante composante macrophagique. Nous avons ensuite étudié les effets du β3-AR sur la prolifération de lignées de cancer colorectal puis sur la polarisation de macrophages humains ainsi que de TAM. Enfin, après avoir étudié la signalisation de ce récepteur chez les macrophages M1 et M2, nous avons observé les effets d’une inhibition pharmacologique du β3-AR sur la polarisation de TAM et sur la progression de tumeurs murines et humaines in vivo. Résultats : Nous avons confirmé que le β3-AR est présent et fonctionnel à la surface des macrophages où son activation résulte en un puissant effet antioxydant et anti-inflammatoire via l’inhibition de NOX2 et l’induction de l’expression de la catalase. Ces effets semblent passer par une signalisation Gs/PKA/Src/Erk1/2 induisant l’activation de PPARγ. Dans nos travaux, nous avons aussi pu voir que le β3-AR n’a pas d’effet prolifératif sur des lignées humaines de CCR. Nous avons également démontré que le β3-AR favorise la polarisation des macrophages vers un phénotype M2 et diminue la polarisation de ces derniers vers un phénotype M1. L’étude des signalisations de ce récepteur chez ces deux phénotypes a indiqué que les voies Gs/PKA/Src/ERK1/2 (M1) et Src/PI3K/ERK1/2 (M2) étaient impliquées. Enfin, l’inhibition du β3-AR a prévenu la progression de tumeurs murines (CT-26) et humaines (SW480) in vivo, via un effet anti-M2-like et pro-M1-like sur les TAM. En conclusion, ces résultats suggèrent que l’inhibition du β3-AR, à travers ses effets sur la polarisation des macrophages, pourrait être une stratégie prometteuse afin d’améliorer la prise en charge des patients souffrant de CCR. / Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is responsible for 500.000 deaths per year worldwide and represents the 2nd cause of death by cancer in industrialized countries. Despite the progress made, there is a real need for new therapies to increase patients’ survival. Stress is one of the main factors, which contributes to the occurrence and the progression of CRC, by secreting catecholamines that activate β-adrenergic receptors (β1-, β2- and β3-AR) within the tumor. Several studies and observations have showed that the activation of β-ARs could directly increase tumor proliferation (via mechanisms such as cell proliferation), or indirectly (via an action on immune cells). Among immune cells within the tumor, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) represent up to 50% of the tumor mass where they exhibit their different phenotypes (M1-like anti-tumor and M2-like pro-tumor). Several studies report the presence of β-ARs in macrophages where they seem to favour a pro-tumor polarization. Furthermore, among the three subtypes of β-ARs, most of the studies seem to describe a major implication of the β3-AR compared to β1- and β2-AR. Moreover, only the β3-AR was found to be overexpressed in CRC biopsies. Objectives/Methods: We thus aimed to develop a model to study the β3-AR in macrophages within inflammatory macrophage-dependent conditions. Then, we studied the effects of the β3-AR on colorectal cancer cells’ proliferation and human macrophages and TAMs polarization. Finally, after the study of the signaling pathways of this receptor within M1 and M2 macrophages, we assessed the effects of a pharmacological inhibition of the β3-AR on TAM polarization and tumor progression. Results: We confirmed that the β3-AR is expressed and functional in human macrophages where its activation leads to potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects through NOX2 inhibition and catalase expression. These effects appear to be subsequent to a Gs/PKA/Src/Erk1/2 signaling leading to the activation of PPARγ. In this work, we also saw that the β3-AR does not produce any effect on human CRC cell lines’ proliferation. We also showed that the β3-AR increases macrophage polarization towards the M2 phenotype while it decreases the M1 polarization. The study of β3-AR signaling in M1 and M2 macrophages exhibited Gs/PKA/Src/ERK1/2 and Src/PI3K/ERK1/2 pathways respectively. Finally, a pharmacological inhibition of the β3-AR prevented murine (CT-26) and human (SW480) tumors progression in vivo, through anti-M2-like and pro-M1-like effects on TAM polarization. In conclusion, these results suggest that the inhibition of the β3-AR, through its effects on macrophages polarization, could represent a promising strategy in order to improve CRC patient care.

No Brasil, populações ribeirinhas da Amazônia estão expostas ao metilmercúrio (MeHg) e ao chumbo (Pb) oriundos, respectivamente, de peixes e farinha de mandioca contaminados. Embora a toxicidade destes elementos químicos seja explorada há tempo, pouco se sabe sobre os efeitos decorrentes da exposição crônica a baixas doses destes toxicantes e, menos ainda, acerca da exposição simultânea a estes dois metais. Neste sentido, este trabalho foi desenvolvido objetivando avaliar a ocorrência de efeitos bioquímicos, genotóxicos e relacionados ao estresse oxidativo, decorrentes da exposição crônica de ratos a baixas doses de MeHg e Pb, associados ou não, bem como a distribuição tecidual destes metais. Adicionalmente, foram investigados os efeitos da administração da vitamina antioxidante niacina (NA) diante destas exposições. Para isto, ratos machos Wistar foram divididos em 8 grupos (n = 6): Grupo controle; Grupo MeHg, tratado com cloreto de MeHg (140 ?g/Kg/dia) por gavagem; Grupo Pb, tratado com acetato de Pb (648 ?g/Kg/dia) por gavagem; Grupo MeHg + Pb, tratado com MeHg (140 ?g/Kg/dia) e Pb (648 ?g/Kg/dia) por gavagem. Grupos paralelos (NA; NA + MeHg; NA + Pb e NA + MeHg + Pb) receberam o mesmo tratamento associado à suplementação de niacina (50 mg/Kg/dia) adicionada na água. O tratamento teve duração de 92 dias. Foram avaliados os parâmetros bioquímicos colesterol total e frações, glicose, atividade das enzimas hepáticas aspartato aminotransferase (AST) e alanina aminotransferase (ALT), e hemoglobina. Os marcadores relacionados ao estresse oxidativo determinados foram tióis totais (GSH); lipoperoxidação, avaliada pela concentração de malondialdeído (MDA) e espécies reativas ao ácido barbitúrico (TBARS); além da atividade das enzimas antioxidantes superóxido dismutase (SOD), glutationa peroxidase (GSH-Px) e catalase (CAT). Ainda, foi avaliada a concentração de óxido nítrico (NO) plasmático e a genotoxicidade por meio do Ensaio Cometa. As concentrações de mercúrio (Hg) e Pb foram determinadas em sangue total e tecidos dos animais por ICP-MS. A exposição a baixas doses de MeHg causou genotoxicidade, redução na atividade da CAT no cérebro e nas concentrações de GSH no sangue e fígado dos animais, além de peroxidação lipídica, evidenciada pelo aumento nas concentrações de MDA e TBARS no plasma e cérebro dos ratos. Os animais expostos exclusivamente ao MeHg apresentaram ainda atividade de ALT aumentada e concentração plasmática de NO reduzida. A distribuição do Hg no organismo foi maior no rim, seguido por sangue e, posteriormente, cérebro. A exposição exclusivamente ao Pb promoveu redução na concentração de GSH e na atividade de CAT, além de induzir peroxidação lipídica no cérebro dos ratos. A exposição ao Pb também resultou em genotoxicidade, além de redução na concentração de hemoglobina e NO. As maiores concentrações de Pb foram observadas no osso (fêmur) > rim > cérebro > sangue. A exposição simultânea ao MeHg e Pb não resultou em sinergismo de efeitos tóxicos em comparação ao tratamento com os metais individualmente. Considerando parâmetros como concentração plasmática de NO e GSH no sangue, fígado e cérebro, a exposição ii conjunta aos metais antagonizou os efeitos desencadeados por cada metal individualmente. Entretanto, a coexposição MeHg/Pb também promoveu genotoxicidade e lipoperoxidação. Já a administração de niacina apresentou efeitos protetores frente às alterações desencadeadas pela exposição aos metais, sem alterar a concentração e distribuição destes nos órgãos/tecidos. Em resumo, nossos resultados mostram que a exposição ao MeHg e Pb, até mesmo em doses baixas, induz toxicidade em roedores. Visto que a niacina apresentou efeitos antioxidantes e antigenotóxicos relevantes, a suplementação com esta vitamina pode ser uma alternativa para amenizar os efeitos tóxicos decorrentes da exposição ao MeHg e/ou Pb. / In Brazil, riverside populations of the Amazon are exposed to methylmercury (MeHg) and lead (Pb) coming respectively from contaminated fish and cassava flour. Although the toxicity of these elements has been explored for some time, little is known about the effects of chronic exposure at low doses and even less about the simultaneous exposure. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate the occurrence of biochemical, genotoxic and oxidative stress related effects, resulting from chronic exposure of rats at low doses of MeHg and Pb, associated or not, as well as the tissue distribution of these elements. Additionally, the effects of co-administration of the antioxidant vitamin niacin (NA) on the toxic effects were investigated. For this, male Wistar rats were divided into 8 groups (n = 6): Control group; MeHg group, received MeHg chloride (140 ?g/Kg/day) by gavage; Pb group, received Pb acetate (648 ?g/Kg/day) by gavage; MeHg + Pb group, received MeHg (140 ?g/Kg/day) and Pb (648 ?g/Kg/day) by gavage. Parallel groups (NA; NA + MeHg; NA + Pb and NA + MeHg + Pb) received the same treatment associated with niacin supplementation (50 mg/kg/day) added to the water. The treatment lasted 92 days. Biochemical parameters such as total and fractions cholesterol, glucose, hepatic enzyme activity such as aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT), and hemoglobin were determined. Oxidative stress markers such as total thiols (GSH); lipid peroxidation, measured by malondialdehyde (MDA) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) concentrations; besides the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT) antioxidant enzymes were evaluated in treated and non-treated animals. Also, the concentration of plasmatic nitric oxide (NO) and genotoxicity by the Comet Assay was assessed. Levels of mercury (Hg) and Pb were determined in whole blood and tissues of animals by ICP-MS. Low doses of exposure to MeHg caused reduction of CAT activity in the brain and reduction of GSH concentrations in the blood and liver of animals, besides genotoxicity and lipid peroxidation, as evidenced by the increase levels of MDA and TBARS in plasma and brain of rats. Animals exposed to MeHg still had increased ALT activity and decreased plasmatic NO levels. Levels of Hg were found higher in kidney, followed by blood and brain. Pb exposure alone promoted reduction of GSH concentration and CAT activity, and induced lipid peroxidation in the brain of rats. Moreover, genotoxicity, and reduction of hemoglobin and plasmatic NO levels were also observed in the group of animals treated only with Pb. The highest Pb levels were observed in bone (femur) > kidney > brain > blood. Simultaneous exposure to MeHg and Pb did not result in synergistic toxic effects. Considering parameters such as plasmatic NO and GSH levels in blood, liver and brain, the joint exposure to metals antagonized the effects produced by each metal individually. However, the MeHg/Pb co-exposure also promoted genotoxicity and lipid peroxidation. On the other hand, administration of niacin exhibited protective effects under the changes triggered by exposure to metals without altering the concentration and distribution of these metals in the organs/tissues of animals. Taken together, our results demonstrated that exposure to MeHg and Pb, even at low doses, are toxic to iv rodents. Moreover, since niacin presented relevant antioxidant and antigenotoxic effects, supplementation with this vitamin can be an alternative to mitigate the toxic effects resulting from exposure to MeHg and/or Pb.

A acne é uma doença de pele com alta prevalência e seu tratamento é importante para evitar lesões cutâneas permanentes ou o agravamento de transtornos psicológicos provenientes do abalo à autoestima. Dessa forma, o desenvolvimento de formulações dermocosméticas eficazes que possam melhorar as condições desse tipo de pele é de grande valia. Dentre os ativos com potenciais benefícios para o controle de alguns dos principais fatores causadores da acne, estão a vitamina B3, um derivado de vitamina B6 e o PCA zinco. Assim o objetivo deste estudo foi o desenvolvimento de formulações dermocosméticas para a pele acnéica contendo vitamina B3, derivado lipossolúvel de vitamina B6 e PCA zinco bem como a avaliação da estabilidade e eficácia clínica dessas formulações. Para tal, foram desenvolvidas diferentes formulações, as quais, em um primeiro momento, foram avaliadas quanto à estabilidade frente à adição do ingrediente ativo Zinc PCA. Após esta etapa, os demais ingredientes ativos foram adicionados e as formulações foram submetidas a testes preliminares de estabilidade e ao estudo da estabilidade física por determinação do comportamento reológico. A formulação mais estável foi avaliada quanto à compatibilidade cutânea e também em relação à comedogenicidade do veículo. A formulação composta pelos ingredientes ativos foi avaliada, ainda, quanto as suas características sensoriais e eficácia clínica. Os estudos de eficácia foram realizados por meio de métodos objetivos e subjetivos, após seis semanas do uso da formulação. Os métodos objetivos consistiram no uso de metodologias in vivo, não invasivas (métodos biofísicos e de imagem), sendo avaliados parâmetros relacionados à hidratação, função barreira, conteúdo lipídico, pH cutâneo, contagem de porfirinas, de microcomedões e de lesões inflamatórias. Em relação aos métodos subjetivos, foi realizada a percepção da eficácia por meio de um questionário para a comparação da pele antes e após o tratamento. Os resultados mostraram que, de todas as formulações desenvolvidas, apenas uma mostrou-se estável frente aos testes de estabilidade realizados. A formulação (veículo e adicionada de ingredientes ativos) apresentou compatibilidade cutânea considerada como \"muito boa\", de acordo com o teste realizado, e o veículo sem potencial comedogênico. Na avaliação sensorial as frequências obtidas para os parâmetros considerados como ruins foram baixas, indicando que o sensorial da formulação mostrou-se adequado para as finalidades propostas. No estudo de eficácia clínica, a formulação não alterou a hidratação e a função barreira da pele e mostrou-se eficaz na redução da contagem de porfirinas e das lesões inflamatórias (p<0,05). A avaliação clínica por métodos subjetivos mostrou a eficácia da formulação quanto à melhora da acne inflamatória, oleosidade da pele, hidratação e maciez. Por fim, os resultados obtidos mostraram que a formulação desenvolvida é eficaz e compatível com a pele, bem como a importância da pesquisa e desenvolvimento para a obtenção de formulações estáveis, seguras, eficazes e com sensorial adequado. / Acne is a skin disease with high prevalence and its treatment is important to prevent permanent skin lesions or the aggravation of psychological disorders due to self-esteem shaken. This way, the development of effective dermocosmetic formulations, that can improve the conditions of this skin type, is very important. Vitamin B3, a vitamin B6 derivative and zinc PCA are among the active ingredients which present potential benefits in the controlling of some pathogenic factors of acne. Thus, the aim of this research was to develop cosmetic formulations for acneic skin containing vitamin B3, vitamin B6 lipophilic derivative and zinc PCA, as well as the evaluation of stability and clinical efficacy. For this purpose, were developed different formulations which, at first, were evaluated in terms of stability face to zinc PCA addition. After this, the others active ingredients were added and the formulations were submitted to preliminary tests of stability and physical stability studies by rheological behavior determination. The most stable formulation was subject to skin compatibility evaluation and vehicle comedogenicity. The formulation with the active ingredients was also evaluated regarding their sensorial characteristics and clinical efficacy. Efficacy studies were performed by means of objective and subjective methods, after a sixweek- period of use of the formulation. The objective methods consisted in non-invasive in vivo methodologies (biophysical techniques and image analysis) where were evaluated hydration, barrier function, lipid content, skin pH and the counting of porphyrins, microcomedones and inflammatories lesions. In relation to subjective methods, was performed the efficacy perception using a questionnaire in order to compare the skin before and after the treatment. The results showed that among the formulations developed, only one kept stable after the stability tests. The formulations were considered as \"very good\" on skin compatibility test and showed no comedogenic potential. In sensorial evaluation, frequencies obtained for the parameters considered bad were low, which indicate the sensorial of the formulation was adequate for the purposes. In clinical efficacy study, the formulation under study did not alter the parameters related to hydration and skin barrier function and was effective in reducing the counting of porphyrins and inflammatories lesions (p<0,05). Clinical evaluation by subjective methods showed the formulation effectiveness regarding the improvement of inflammatory acne, skin oiliness, hydration and softness. Finally, the results obtained showed the formulation developed is effective and compatible with the skin and, besides the importance of research and development for obtaining stable, safe and effective formulations with suitable sensorial.

The thesis is focused on the system of funding public universities in the Czech Republic. At first, the basic characteristics of university education are presented and the connection between university education, externalities, human capital and economic growth is outlined. Then we proceed to define the system of funding public universities and the development of individual indicators in this process. Briefly, following the university education, also the demographic development is mentioned. The last part of the thesis analyzes the impact of introducing the qualitative criteria into public universities and the expert interviews are used to determine how these changes affect the actual public universities.

Les spermaphytes majoritairement représentés par les angiospermes ou plantes à fleur, ont le trait fondamental de pouvoir se multiplier par la formation de graine. Les graines représentent un caractère essentiel pour la survie des plantes, leur dissémination et un usage important pour l’industrie, notamment agro-alimentaire. Lors de la formation de la graine, des transitions cruciales ont lieu, en particulier pour le développement, l’établissement des réserves, la maturation, l’acquisition de la tolérance à la dessiccation et la dormance. Ces étapes sont régulées par des facteurs de transcription et notamment les LAFL (LEC1, ABI3, FUS3, LEC2). Les LAFL sont composés de deux familles, les facteurs de transcription à domaine B3 (ABI3, FUS3, LEC2) et les NF-Y (LEC1), qui sont impliqués dans la régulation génique dans différentes étapes du développement de la graine. Des études suggèrent la possibilité de la formation d’un complexe composé de ABI3, LEC1 et LEC2 sur le promoteur de l’OLEOSINE1 permettant d’activer plus fortement la transcription du gène. Néanmoins la caractérisation des protéines, leur action, régulation et leur capacité à interagir entre elles et former un complexe, restent encore méconnues. Dans un premier temps, je me suis attachée à caractériser la formation du complexe protéique composé d’ABI3, LEC1 et LEC2, plus particulièrement, l’interaction entre LEC1 et LEC2. La localisation subcellulaire des deux protéines par étiquetage in planta, ou grâce à des anticorps spécifiques, leur interaction dans un système double hybride et la mesure de l’effet de LEC1 sur LEC2 par thermophorèse ont permis de montrer que LEC2 et LEC1 peuvent former un dimère sur le promoteur de l’OLEOSINE1 et que cette association change l’affinité de LEC2 pour son ADN cible. Dans une deuxième approche, j’ai cherché à identifier des partenaires avec (données bibliographiques) et sans (approche de TAP-tag) a priori pour compléter l’étude. / The spermaphytes predominantly represented by angiosperms or flowering plants, have the fundamental ability to disseminate through seeds. Seeds are essential for the survival of plants, their dissemination and important resource for industry, especially food industry. During seed formation, critical transitions occur, in particular for development, establishment of reserves, maturation, acquisition of desiccation tolerance and dormancy. These steps are regulated by transcription factors and especially LAFL (LEC1, ABI3, FUS3, LEC2). LAFLS are composed of two families, B3 domain containing transcription factors (ABI3, FUS3, and LEC2) and NF-Y (LEC1) that are involved in gene regulation in different stages of seed development. Studies have suggested the possibility that a complex composed of ABI3, LEC1 and LEC2 is formed on the promoter of OLEOSINE1, allowing activating the transcription of the gene. Nevertheless, the characterization of proteins, their action, regulation and their capacity to interact with each another and form a complex, are still unknown. In a first step, I focused on characterizing the formation of the protein complex composed of ABI3, LEC1 and LEC2, more particularly on the interaction between LEC1 and LEC2. The subcellular localization of the two proteins were followed by labelling in planta, or by means of specific antibodies, their interaction tested in a double hybrid system and the measurement of the effect of LEC1 on LEC2 validated by thermophoresis. All the results demonstrated that LEC2 and LEC1 can form a dimer on the promoter of OLEOSINE1 and that this association change the affinity of LEC2 for its target DNA. In a second approach, I sought to identify partners with (bibliographic data) and without (TAP tagging approach) a priori to complete the study.

CoxsackievirusB3 (CVB3), a member of the Picornaviridae family is the causative agent of Virus-induced Myocarditis and Dilated Cardiomyopathy. The 5’UTR contains an Internal Ribosome Entry Site or IRES element that recruits ribosomes in a cap-independent manner. The ribosomes are recruited upstream of the AUG triplet at 591 (AUG591), also called as the cryptic AUG, after which they scan downstream for about 150 nucleotide, before initiating at the initiator AUG or AUG741. The 3’UTR of CVB3 is 99 nts long, highly structured RNA containing conserved domains, and is followed by a poly (A) tail of variable lengths. We have investigated possible involvement of host proteins which may interact with CVB3 IRES and influence its activity. We have demonstrated the role of Poly-pyrimidine tract binding protein (PTB) and established PTB as a bona-fide ITAF for CVB3, by characterizing the effect of partial silencing of PTB ex-vivo in HeLa cells. The IRES activity in BSC-1 cells, reported to have very low level of endogenous PTB, is found to be significantly low compared to that in HeLa cells. PTB is observed to interact with both the 5’ and 3’ UTR of CVB3, although with different affinities. Finer mapping of the interaction between PTB and the UTRs showed that the protein interacts with multiple regions of both UTRs. We have also shown the cis-acting effect of the CVB3-3’UTR on IRES mediated translation. The PTB contact points on the 3’UTRwas found to map to conserved regions, the deletion of which abrogates the 3’UTR mediated enhancement of the IRES activity. The possible role played by PTB in enhancing IRES activity by CVB3 3’UTR suggests that PTB protein might help in circularization of the CVB3 RNA by bridging the ends necessary for efficient translation of the viral RNA. In the second part, we have investigated possible role of some of the cis-acting element present in the CVB3 5’UTR RNA particularly the cryptic AUG. We have shown that mutation in cryptic AUG reduces the efficiency of translation mediated by the CVB3 IRES. Mutation in cryptic AUG moiety also reduces the interaction of mutant RNA with La protein. We have demonstrated that binding of 48S ribosomal complex with mutant IRES RNA was weaker compared to wt IRES RNA. We have investigated the possible alteration in secondary structure in the mutant RNA by chemical and enzymatic modification, which suggests that there is marginal alteration in the local structure due to mutation. It appears that integrity of cryptic AUG is important for efficient translation initiation by the CVB3 IRES. Results suggest that cryptic AUG plays a significant role in mediating internal initiation of translation of CVB3 RNA by mediating precise La binding and correct positioning of the 48S ribosomal complex. Finally, we have investigated the importance of a conserved hexa-nucleotide stretch in the apical loop within stem loop C (SLC, nt104-180), upstream of the ribosome landing site, on CVB3 IRES function. It has been already shown from our laboratory that the deletion at this apical loop resulted in significant decrease in IRES activity. This deletion mutant was shown to alter the secondary structure of the CVB3 5’UTR RNA. Here we have investigated the effect of point mutation in the apical loop SLC/c on CVB3 IRES activity by generating substitution mutation in the apical loop SLC/c in order to avoid possible alteration in secondary structure. Both the deletion or substitution mutation at this apical loop resulted in significant decrease in IRES activity. Both the mutant IRES RNAs (deletion and substitution mutant) failed to interact with certain trans-acting factors. Furthermore, expression of CVB3 2A protease significantly enhanced IRES activity of the wild type, but the effect was not so pronounced on the mutant IRESs. It is possible that the mutant RNAs were unable to interact with some trans-acting factors critical for enhanced IRES function. We have short-listed three proteins of approximate molecular mass of 56, 64 and 90 kDa, which showed reduced binding with mutant IRESs. By using RNA affinity column with biotinylated UTP labeled RNA we have purified couple of proteins and identified p64 as Cyto Keratin 1 protein by performing in-gel trypsin digestion followed by MALDI analysis. Overall, the results characterize the CVB3 IRES structurally and functionally, which could be useful in targeting critical RNA-protein interactions to develop candidate antiviral agent against Coxsackievirus infection.

Der Großteil MHC Klasse I restringierter Epitope wird bei der Proteindegradation durch das Ubiquitin Proteasom System (UPS) generiert. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurde die Rolle des UPS in der Antigenpräsenation in einer Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) induzierten akuten und chronischen Myokarditis untersucht. Für in vitro Degradationsexperimente mit isolierten 20S Proteasomen wurden CVB3 Polypeptide synthetisiert und die Degradationsprodukte massenspektrometrisch analysiert. Eine erhöhte Substratumsatzrate und eine Verschiebung von Schnittpräferenzen durch Immunoproteasomen oder unter dem Einfluss von PA28 führten zu einer verbesserten Generierung immunrelevanter CVB3 Fragmente. Inflammatorische Kardiomyopathien können in Mäusen durch eine CVB3 Infektion ausgelöst werden. Resistente Stämme (C57BL/6) eliminieren das Virus vollständig, in anfälligen Mäusen (A.BY/SnJ) erfolgt keine vollständige Elimination. In Herzen gesunder Mäuse werden vorwiegend konstitutive 20S Proteasomen exprimiert. Eine myokardiale Entzündung, ausgelöst durch eine CVB3 Infektion, führte in den Herzen beider Mausstämme zu der Bildung von Immunoproteasomen, was zu einer gesteigerten Generierung immunrelevanter CVB3 Fragmente führte. Die größte Menge immunrelevanter Fragmente wurden durch Proteasomen gebildet, die am Tag vier aus den Herzen akut erkrankender C57BL/6 Mäuse und am Tag acht aus chronisch erkrankenden A.BY/SnJ Mäusen isoliert wurden. Dies korrelierte mit der Inkorporation von Immunountereinheiten in de novo assemblierende Proteasomen und einer unterschiedlichen Interferon (IFN) Typ I Kinetik. In Geweben lymphatischen Ursprungs hingegen waren Zusammensetzung und proteolytische Aktivität der Proteasomen im Verlauf der Infektion in beiden Mausstämmen unverändert. Die vorliegende Arbeit unterstreicht die Bedeutung einer zeitlich optimalen IFN Sekretion an der Infektionsstelle, die zu der Anpassung des UPS an die inflammatorischen Bedingungen führt. / The recognition of viral antigens bound to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules by CD8+ T cells is crucial for virus elimination. Most MHC class I restricted antigenic peptides are produced by the Ubiquitin Proteasome System (UPS). In the present study, the impact of the UPS in antigen presentation during Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) induced acute and chronic myocarditis has been investigated. To examine whether the proteasome is involved in the generation of MHC class I ligands derived from the CVB3 polyprotein, polypeptides were synthesized for in vitro processing by 20S proteasomes. Mass spectrometry analysis demonstrated an enhanced generation of immunorelevant CVB3 fragments due to an increased substrate degradation rate and altered cleavage site preferences by immunoproteasomes or in the presence of PA28. Murine models of CVB3 induced myocarditis mimic human disease pattern with diverse outcomes. Permissive mice (A.BY/SnJ) develop chronic myocarditis with cardiac CVB3 persistence whereas resistant mice (C57BL/6) recover and eliminate the virus after acute infection. Constitutive 20S proteasomes are mainly expressed in hearts of healthy mice. Myocardial inflammation, caused by a CVB3 infection, resulted in immunoproteasome formation in hearts of both, resistant C57BL/6 and susceptible A.BY/SnJ mice, and was correlated with enhanced generation of immunorelevant CVB3 peptides. In concurrence with distinctive type I interferon kinetics, immunoproteasome formation and improved epitope generation peaked on day 4 post infection in resistant mice, and was delayed in susceptible mice. No alterations were observed in assembly and proteolytic activity of 20S proteasomes in lymphatic tissues during CVB3 infection, independent from mouse strain. The results emphasise the impact of a rapid adjustment of the UPS to viral infection due to early secretion of type I interferon at site of infection.

<p>U okviru ove doktorske disertacije razvijene su elektroanalitičke metode za određivanje pojedinih vitamina B grupe. Za određivanje vitamina B₁ i B₃ primenjena je adsorpciona hronopotenciometrijska striping analiza (AdHSA) na tankoslojnoj živinoj elektrodi kao radnoj elektrodi, dok je za određivanje vitamina B2 primenjena hronopotenciometrijska analiza (HA) na dvema geometrijski različitim elektrodama od staklastog ugljenika: planarnoj disk elektrodi i elektrodi u vidu procesne posude. U cilju optimizacije metoda ispitan je uticaj najznačajnijih eksperimentalnih faktora. Optimalni eksperimentalni uslovi za određivanje vitamina B₁ su podrazumevali primenu 0,2 mol/l citratnog pufera vrednosti pH 6 kao pomoćnog elektrolita, potencijala i vremena akumulacije od -1,313 V i 50 s, redom, i struje rastvaranja depozita od 1,9 &ndash; 6,1 &mu;A. Odgovarajući eksperimentalni faktori za određivanje vitamina B₂ su bili: 0,025 mol/l HCl kao pomoćni elektrolit, inicijalni potencijal od 0,023 V i struja redukcije od 0,8 &ndash; 4,2 &mu;A, dok su optimalni radni uslovi za određivanje vitamina B₃ obuhvatali primenu 0,05 mol/l citratnog pufera pH 6, potencijala akumulacije od -1,405 V pri vremenu akumulacije od 15 s, i struji rastvaranja u intervalu od 1,4 &ndash; 15,1 &mu;A. U slučaju određivanja vitamina B₂ primenom radne elektrode u vidu procesne posude ispitan je i uticaj aktivne povr&scaron;ine radne elektrode na analitički signal vitamina B₂. Optimalna vrednost aktivne povr&scaron;ine radne elektrode iznosila je 13,4 cm². Pod optimalnim eksperimentalnim uslovima, dolazilo je do elektrooksidacije molekula vitamina B₁ i B₃ na tankoslojnoj živinoj elektrodi u analitičkom koraku, dok se vitamin B₂ redukovao na elektrodama od staklastog ugljenika. U okviru validacije metoda definisani su opsezi linearnosti, određene su vrednosti granice detekcije i granice kvantitativnog određivanja, ocenjena je preciznost i ispitane su interferencije. Uz odgovarajuće uslove rada, dobijena je dobra linearnost analitičkog signala od sadržaja za sva tri ispitivana vitamina. Ostvarene su granice detekcije od 1,64 mg/l za vitamin B₁, 0,076 mg/l za vitamin B₂ uz primenu planarne disk elektrode i 0,018 mg/l (vitamin B₂) uz primenu procesne posude od staklastog ugljenika kao radne elektrode. Ostvarena granica detekcije za vitamin B₃ je iznosila 2,20 mg/l. Nakon optimizacije i validacije, razvijene metode HA i AdHSA primenjene su za određivanje vitamina B₁, B₂ i B₃ u komercijalnim multivitaminskim dodacima ishrani i multivitaminskim instant napicima. Tačnost razvijenih metoda je potvrđena paralelnim analizama izvedenim primenom visokopritisne tečne hromatografije.</p> / <p>Within the scope of this doctoral dissertation, electroanalytical methods for the determination of several vitamins of the B-complex are developed. For the determination of vitamin B1 and B3 adsorptive chronopotentiometric stripping analysis was applied, with mercury film electrode as the working electrode. For vitamin B2 determination, the chronopotentiometric analysis was performed on two geometrically different glassy carbon working electrodes: the planar disc electrode and the process vessel electrode. The most important experimental parameters of the analysis were investigated and optimized. For vitamin B₁ determination, the optimized experimental conditions were: 0,2 mol/l citrate buffer pH 6 as the supporting electrolyte, accumulation potential of -1,313 V, accumulation time of 15 s and the oxidation current between 1,9 &mu;A and 6,1 &mu;A. The appropriate experimental factors for vitamin B₂ determination included 0,025 mol/l HCl solution (supporting electrolyte), initial potential of 0,023 V and reduction current in the range from 0,8 &ndash; 4,2 &mu;A, whereas the optimal working parameters for vitamin B3 determination were as follows:0,05 mol/l citrate buffer pH 6, accumulation potential of -1,405 V, accumulation time of 15 s and dissolution current from 1.4 &ndash; 15.1 &mu;A. When the process vessel was used as the working electrode, the optimal volume of the analyzed solution i.e. the active surface area of the electrode was optimized. The optimal value of the active surface area was 13,4 cm2. As well, under the optimal experimental conditions, vitamin B₁ and vitamin B3 underwent electrooxidation process in the analytical step, whereas vitamin B₂ was electrochemically reduced on glassy carbon electrodes. A validation procedure of the optimized methods was performed by evaluation of the following parameters: linearity, the limit of detection (LOD), the limit of quantitation (LOQ), precision, selectivity, and accuracy. Under optimal working conditions, the linearity of the proposed methods was very good. The achieved limits of detection were 1.64 mg/l for vitamin B₁, 0,076 mg/l for vitamin B₂ (planar disc electrode) and 0,018 mg/l (process vessel electrode) and 2,2 mg/l for vitamin B₃.<br />After optimization and validation procedures, the developed methods were applied for vitamin B₁, B₂, and vitamin B₃ determination in commercially available multivitamin supplements and instant multivitamin beverages. The accuracy of the proposed methods was tested by parallel HPLC analyses of the same samples.</p>