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Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia due defective or deficient response to insulin secretion. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (Type 2 DM) is therefore associated with a general activation of the innate immune system, in which there is a chronic, cytokine-mediated state of low-grade inflammation. Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) is a cell-surface protease that bind with Adenosine deaminase (ADA) and both enzymes act in the lymphocytes proliferation and citokyne production. Vitis vinifera is a plant that has been studied due its pharmacology effects including the hypoglycemic properties. Thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate some inflammatory biomarkers, the ADA and DPP-IV activities in type 2 DM and investigate the effects of aqueous grape seed extract from Vitis vinifera (cv. Merlot) (GSE) in the ADA and DPP-IV activities in lymphocytes submitted to different glucose concentrations, in vitro. In the manuscript I, in lymphocytes, we observed a decrease in CD26 expression, an increase in ADA and n-acetil-β-d-glucosaminidase (NAG) activities in type 2 DM patients when compared to controls, while the gamma-glutamyl tranferase (GGT) and DPP-IV activities did not show differences between the groups. Moreover, the NAG activity demonstrated a positive correlation with ADA activity and a negative, with CD26 expression. GGT activity was positively correlated with waist circumference and body mass index (BMI), in type 2 DM. In the manuscript II, we observed we observed an increase in ADA activity when lymphocytes were exposure to the high concentration (100mM) of glucose and GSE prevented this increase in ADA activity. In serum, in the manuscript I, we showed an increase in ADA activity and in C reactive protein (CRP) levels in type 2 DM. Furthermore, the levels of CRP in diabetics were positively correlated with waist circumference and BMI. The GGT and DPP-IV activities did not show alterations between the groups, but in type 2 DM the DPP-IV activity was positively correlated with glicated hemoglobin. We concluded that, glucose might stimulated the ADA activity in the same time that it cause decrease in CD26 expression, in lymphocytes. Moreover, GSE prevents the ADA activation in presence of glucose possible due its hypoglycemic properties. / O diabetes melito (DM) é uma desordem metabólica caracterizada por hiperglicemia em virtude de resposta defeituosa ou deficiente à secreção de insulina. O DM tipo 2 (DM 2) está associado com a ativação do sistema imune, no qual há uma inflamação de baixo grau mediada por citocinas. A dipeptidil peptidase IV (DPP-IV, CD26) é uma protease multifuncional e na superfície celular ela encontra-se ligada a adenosina deaminase (ADA). Ambas estão envolvidas na proliferação de linfócitos e na produção de citocinas inflamatórias. A Vitis vinifera é uma planta que tem sido estudada devido suas propriedades farmacológicas, dentre essas, por apresentar efeitos hipoglicêmiantes. Desta forma, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar biomarcadores inflamatórios, a atividade da ADA e da DPP-IV em pacientes com DM 2, e verificar o efeito do extrato aquoso de sementes de Vitis vinifera (cv. Merlot) sobre a atividade da ADA e da DPP-IV em linfócitos expostos a diferentes concentrações de glicose, in vitro. Em linfócitos, no manuscrito I observamos uma diminuição na expressão do CD26, um aumento na atividade da ADA e da n-acetil-β-d-glicosaminidase (NAG) em pacientes com DM 2 em relação aos controles, enquanto que a atividade da gamaglutamil transferase (GGT) e da DPP-IV não se alterou. Também, a atividade da NAG linfocitária em pacientes com DM 2 mostrou-se positivamente relacionada com a atividade da ADA e negativamente com a expressão do CD26 e a atividade da GGT mostrou-se positivamente relacionada à circunferência abdominal e ao IMC. Já no manuscrito II, observamos um aumento na atividade da ADA quando os linfócitos forma expostos a 100mM de glicose e este aumento foi atenuado quando, expostos a glicose e extrato aquoso de sementes de Vitis vinifera. Em soro, no manuscrito I, observamos um aumento na atividade da ADA e também nos níveis de proteína C reativa (PCR) em pacientes com DM 2. Além disso, os níveis de PCR em diabéticos mostraram-se positivamente correlacionados com a circunferência abdominal e o índice de massa corporal (IMC) desses pacientes. A atividade da GGT e da DPP-IV não mostraram diferenças entre os grupos. No entanto, a atividade da DPP-IV sérica mostrou-se correlacionada com os níveis de hemoglobina glicada nos pacientes com DM 2. Conclui-se que, a glicose possa estimular a atividade da ADA ao mesmo tempo em que provoca uma redução da expressão do CD26 em linfócitos. Além disso, o extrato aquoso de sementes de Vitis vinifera é capaz de impedir a ativação da atividade da ADA em presença de glicose possivelmente devido suas propriedades hipoglicemiantes.

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / The present work describes the phytochemical study and biological activity evaluation of the Buddleja brasiliensis Jacq. ex. Spreng and Artemisia verlotorum Lamotte. Were isolated three compounds from Buddleja brasiliensis: verbascoside (1), β-sitosterol (54) and stigmasterol (55), and it was carried out a phytochemical screening, a study of the ability to inhibit the enzymes prolyl oligopeptidase (POP), dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP IV) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE), a study of the antimicrobial activity of the specie and the extraction of the essential oil. The fractions F4 and F12 inhibited significantly POP and AchE activity. All Buddleja brasiliensis fractions tested presented low activity of DPP IV inhibition. The phenylpropanoid verbascoside (1) demonstrated a significant and selective inhibitory activity against POP (IC50 = 1.3 mM), showed weak activity against DPP-IV (IC50 >> 150 mM) and was inactive against AChE (pMIQ 9.6). The essential oil obtained from this species has as major constituents the a-tujaplicin monoterpene (11.5%) and the diterpenoid heneicosane (14.5%). This oil was inactive against all tested enzymes. The antimicrobial activity of 1, the crude extract and fractions of Buddleja brasiliensis were tested against several fungi and bacteria. Fractions dichloromethane and ethyl acetate showed moderate activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus pyogenes, while 1 showed no antimicrobial activity. The crude extract, fractions and essential oil obtained from Artemisia verlotorum were also evaluated for inhibitory activity against the POP and DPP IV, as well as against various fungi and bacteria. Dichloromethane fraction of Artemisia verlotorum showed the best antimicrobial activity, mainly against the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, with an MIC of 125 μg/mL. Analysis by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry of the essential oil of Artemisia verlotorum indicated as the main components santonilil acetate (37.2%) and a-cadinol (9.59%). / O presente trabalho descreve o estudo fitoquímico e a avaliação da atividade biológica das espécies Buddleja brasiliensis Jacq. ex. Spreng e Artemisia verlotorum Lamotte. De Buddleja brasiliensis foram isolados três compostos: verbascosídeo (1), β-sitosterol (54) e estigmasterol (55). Desta espécie, fez-se a prospecção fitoquímica, a avaliação da capacidade de inibição das enzimas prolil oligopeptidase (POP), dipeptidil peptidase (DPP IV) e acetilcolinesterase (AChE), a obtenção do óleo essencial, e avaliação da atividade antimicrobiana. Nos testes de inibição frente à enzima POP foi observada significativa atividade das frações F4 e F12. Estas frações também demonstraram atividade inibitória da enzima AChE. Nos testes com a DPP IV verificou-se baixa atividade para todas as frações testadas. O fenilpropanóide verbascosídeo (1) demonstrou ter uma significativa e seletiva atividade inibitória frente à POP (IC50 = 1,3 μM), enquanto frente à DPP IV demonstrou fraca atividade inibitória (IC50 >>150 μM) e frente à AChE foi inativo (pMIQ de 9,6). O óleo essencial obtido desta espécie tem como constituintes principais o monoterpeno a-tujaplicina (11,5 %) e o diterpeno heneicosano (14,5 %). Este óleo foi inativo frente a todas as enzimas testadas. A atividade antimicrobiana de 1, do extrato bruto e das frações de Buddleja brasiliensis foi testada frente a vários fungos e bactérias. O composto 1 não apresentou nenhuma atividade antimicrobiana, enquanto que as frações que demonstram atividade moderada foram as frações Diclorometano e Acetato de etila para Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus pyogenes. O extrato bruto, as frações e o óleo essencial obtidos de Artemisia verlotorum também foram avaliados quanto a atividade de inibição frente à POP e a DPP IV, bem como frente a vários fungos e bactérias. A fração Diclorometano de Artemisia verlotorum demonstrou a melhor atividade antimicrobiana, principalmente frente ao fungo Saccharomyces cerevisae, com uma CIM de 125 μg/mL. A análise por cromatografia gasosa acoplada a espectrômetro de massa do óleo essencial de Artemisia verlotorum indicou como constituintes principais acetato de santonilila (37,2 %) e a-cadinol (9,59%).

The present work describes the phytochemistry study and of biological activity of the species Scutellaria racemosa Pers (Labiatae) and Pfaffia tuberosa Spreng (Amaranthaceae). Four compounds were isolated of the S. racemosa Pers: lupeol (14), oroxilin A (10), dinatin (12) and oroxyloside (11). The antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities and the capacity of inhibition of enzymes prolyl oligopeptidase (POP), dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) of the crude extract (EB), fractions and isolated compounds of the S. racemosa Pers were evaluated. The n-hexane (FH) and ethyl acetate (FA) fractions were the most active against Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The evaluation of the crude extract and fractions using the Brine Shrimp Lethality Test indicated that this plant does not present toxicity. About the tests of enzymatic inhibition, the ethyl acetate (FA) and n-butanol (FB) fractions of S. racemosa Pers and the compounds dinatin (12) and oroxyloside (11) demonstrated significant capacity of inhibition of the POP. The inhibition promoted for the dinatina (12) (100 μM) corresponded 43% and for the oroxyloside (11) (100 μM) corresponded 34% of the total enzyme tested. The crude extract (EB) and the respective fractions of the Pfaffia tuberosa Spreng were also evaluated about the antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities and of enzymatic inhibition of the POP, DPP IV and AChE. Through these assays, it was verified that the crude extract (EB) and the fractions of the Pfaffia tuberosa Spreng do not present important antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity. In relation to the tests of inibitory activity of the POP, the dichloromethane (FD) and ethyl acetate (FA) fractions present IC50 of 21.4 and 28.5 μg/mL against of POP, respectively. Dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions (FD, FA and FB) presented low activity against DPP IV (< 20%). The ethyl acetate (FA) and n-butanol (FB) fractions showed significant inhibition of the AChE in the amounts, 6.25 and 25 μg, respectively. / O presente trabalho descreve o estudo fitoquímico e a atividade biológica das espécies Scutellaria racemosa Pers (Labiatae) e Pfaffia tuberosa Spreng (Amaranthaceae). Quatro compostos foram isolados da S. racemosa Pers: lupeol (14), oroxilina A (10), dinatina (12) e oroxilosídeo (11). A atividade antimicrobiana, citotóxica e a capacidade de inibição das enzimas prolil oligopeptidase (POP), dipeptidil peptidase IV (DPP IV) e acetilcolinesterase (AChE) do extrato bruto (EB), frações e compostos isolados da S. racemosa Pers foram avaliadas. As frações n-hexano (FH) e acetato de etila (FA) foram as mais ativas contra Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus subtilis e Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A avaliação do extrato bruto (EB) e frações através do teste de letalidade frente a Artemia salina indicou que esta planta não apresenta toxicidade significativa. Quanto aos testes de inibição enzimática, as frações acetato de etila (FA) e n-butanol (FB) de S. racemosa Pers e os compostos dinatina (12) e oroxilosídeo (11) demonstraram significativa capacidade de inibição da POP. A inibição promovida pela dinatina (12) (100 μM) correspondeu a 43% e pelo oroxilosídeo (11) (100 μM) correspondeu a 34% do total de enzima testada. O extrato bruto (EB) e as respectivas frações da Pfaffia tuberosa Spreng também foram avaliadas quanto a atividade antimicrobiana, citotóxica e de inibição enzimática da POP, DPP IV e AChE. Através destes ensaios, verificou-se que o extrato bruto (EB) e a frações da Pfaffia tuberosa Spreng não apresentam importante atividade antimicrobiana e citotóxica. Em relação aos testes de atividade inibitória da POP, as frações diclorometano (FD) e acetato de etila (FA) foram as que apresentaram os melhores resultados, com IC50 de 21,4 e 28,5 μg/mL, respectivamente. As frações diclorometano, acetato de etila e n-butanol (FD, FA e FB) apresentaram baixa capacidade de inibição da DPP IV (< 20%). As frações acetato de etila (FA) e n-butanol (FB) apresentaram significativa inibição da AChE, nas quantidades de 6,25 e 25 μg, respectivamente.

Introduction: Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease caused by autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells. The theory of the disease onset is derived from study of a disease course in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice, in which the diabetes occurs due to a dysregulation of the immune system. Experimental and clinical studies showed that the autoimmunity may be abrogated by immune intervention, which if initiated early enough may at least slow down the ongoing beta cells lost and preserve residual insulin secretion. But immune intervention alone is not sufficient to restore normoglycemia in the majority of cases. Several interventional studies showed that stimulation of proliferation and/or regeneration of beta cells are necessary to restore normoglycemia in animal models. Aim of the study: To find out, if the combination of a potent immunosuppression (murine anti-thymocyte globulin (mATG), gusperimus) together with stimulation of islet regeneration (sitagliptin) will be able to slow down or reverse the course of the disease. Another aim is to identify the mechanism by which the substances act. Material and methods: All experiments were performed in female NODShiLtJ (H2g7 ) mice. The following parameters were examined at day 0, 7, 14 and 28: blood glucose, subpopulations of...

Introduction: Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease caused by autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells. The theory of the disease onset is derived from study of a disease course in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice, in which the diabetes occurs due to a dysregulation of the immune system. Experimental and clinical studies showed that the autoimmunity may be abrogated by immune intervention, which if initiated early enough may at least slow down the ongoing beta cells lost and preserve residual insulin secretion. But immune intervention alone is not sufficient to restore normoglycemia in the majority of cases. Several interventional studies showed that stimulation of proliferation and/or regeneration of beta cells are necessary to restore normoglycemia in animal models. Aim of the study: To find out, if the combination of a potent immunosuppression (murine anti-thymocyte globulin (mATG), gusperimus) together with stimulation of islet regeneration (sitagliptin) will be able to slow down or reverse the course of the disease. Another aim is to identify the mechanism by which the substances act. Material and methods: All experiments were performed in female NODShiLtJ (H2g7 ) mice. The following parameters were examined at day 0, 7, 14 and 28: blood glucose, subpopulations of...

<p>Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and their risk factors remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in North America. Food-derived bioactive peptides (BAP) have been shown to play a role in regulating physiological pathways of CVD risk factors including hypertension, diabetes, and chronic inflammation. Common sources of BAP include dairy and plant proteins. In addition to being an alternative protein source, it is now accepted that edible insect proteins can also confer health benefits beyond nutrition. However, as with any novel protein source, allergenicity remains a major concern surrounding edible insect consumption. </p> <p>This dissertation aimed to: 1) Evaluate the bioactive potential of peptides from an edible cricket species and; 2) determine the effects of BAP production methods on immunoreactivity. First, peptide-rich extracts were generated from farmed food-grade crickets via enzymatic hydrolysis techniques with the commercial protease Alcalase™. To measure the <i>in vitro</i> bioavailability, cricket peptides were also subject to simulated gastrointestinal digestion (SGD). Peptides and their digests were tested for relevant bioactivities and active groups were further fractionated by chromatographic methods to identify the major peptides responsible for the bioactivity. When tested for <i>in vitro</i> antihypertensive and anti-glycemic properties, cricket peptides were found to inhibit the activities of angiotensin converting enzyme, dipeptidyl peptidase-4, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase. The anti-inflammatory potential was expounded using RAW-264.7 macrophages and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Cricket peptides (after SGD) effectively lowered NF-κB, MCP-1, and IL-6 production in cells without affecting their viability. Proteomic analyses identified 18 sequences from the enriched cationic peptide fraction that showed the highest activity. Three novel peptides were identified via molecular docking, as potent ACE-inhibitors and binding was similar to that of the commercial drug captopril. Key binding characteristics included interaction with hydrophobic amino acids (Phe, Pro, Leu) near the C-terminal position and coordination with Zn (II) ions near the ACE active site.</p> <p>Immunological reactivity was measured by IgE-binding from shrimp-allergenic patient sera to antigens present within cricket peptides. Our studies demonstrate that immunoreactivity was impacted by enzymatic hydrolysis, depending on the conditions and heating source used. Tropomyosin (a major shrimp allergen) was extracted from both untreated crickets and protein hydrolysates, and verified as the major reactive protein. Tropomyosin reactivity decreased (under both partial and extensive hydrolysis) or retained (under conditions which prevented epitope cleavage). However, using microwave-assisted enzymatic hydrolysis was effective at decreasing tropomyosin reactivity in all immunoassays tested (IgG and IgE). Proteomic and immunoinformatic analyses revealed prominent allergen binding regions of cricket tropomyosin available for cleavage during enzymatic hydrolysis. Conserved antigen regions showed greater homology with other crustacean species, but not with other well studied allergenic insect proteins (i.e., cockroach). Lastly, LC-MS/MS and FT-Raman spectrometry suggests that reactivity was affected due to distinct epitope cleavage within the protein instead of decreased antigen extractability/solubility. </p> <p>The findings of this dissertation support that edible cricket proteins are a potential source of bioactive peptides for functional food or nutraceutical development. Additionally, using protein extraction methods such as microwave-assisted hydrolysis seems a promising tool for minimizing the immunoreactivity of the allergen present in this edible cricket species.</p>