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Chronic inflammation has been linked to cancer. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is the most pro-inflammatory lipid and one of the downstream products of 2 isoforms of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes: COX-1 and COX-2. Although both COX isoforms have similar structure and function, they are encoded by different genes and show distinct expression patterns. COX-1 is expressed in most cells and tissues and remains constant under most physiologic conditions to play a housekeeping role whereas the COX-2 form is inducible and usually only expressed in response to various inflammatory stimuli. COX enzymes may be involved in both tumor establishment and maintenance of existing tumors. PGE2 exerts its effects on target cells by coupling to four subtypes of receptors which have been classified as EP1-4. Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological malignancy and mainly occurs in older women. Prevention may be the best approach to reduce ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among women and the most lethal gynecological malignancy. There are at least 3 well established risk factors for ovarian cancer: age, family history and environmental factors. Ovarian cancer is mainly seen in older women when their ovaries are not reproductively functional. Close to half of the women with ovarian cancer (48%) are in the age group of 65 or older. Epidemiological and preclinical studies indicate that increased dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids (OM-3FAs) reduces the incidence and growth of various cancers. Thus, increasing the consumption of OM-3FAs may be a nontoxic way to prevent or suppress ovarian cancer. Flaxseed is the richest vegetable source of omega-3 fatty acids which may be effective in the prevention of ovarian cancer. Fish oil is a source of OM-3FAs which may be effective in prevention of ovarian cancer. The main OM-6FA, Linoleic Acid (LA), is a direct precursor of the Arachidonic Acid (AA). Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is the main OM-3FA found in flax oil, whereas eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are the OM-3FAs in fish oil. ALA is elongated to form EPA and DHA in the intestine. Celecoxib is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drug that selectively inhibits COX-2. There are evidences showing that Celecoxib has some anti-cancer properties. Progress in the treatment and prevention of ovarian cancer has been hampered due to the lack of an appropriate animal model and absence of effective chemo-prevention strategies. The domestic hens spontaneously develop ovarian adenocarcinomas that share similar histological appearance and symptoms such as ascites and metastasis with humans. Our first objective was to investigate the effect of flaxseed supplementation for one year on ovarian cancer and correlate its effects to expression of COX enzymes and concentrations of prostaglandins. White Leghorn hens were fed 10% flaxseed-enriched or standard diet for one year. The severity of ovarian cancer was determined by gross pathology and histology. COX-1 and COX-2 localization and protein and mRNA expression and PGE2 and PGE3 concentrations in ovaries were measured by Immunohistochemistry, western blot, quantitative real-time PCR and LC-MS-MS, respectively. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in late stage ovarian tumors in the flaxseed-fed hens compared with the control diet-fed hens. In correlation with decreased ovarian cancer severity, concentrations of PGE2 and expression of COX-2 were diminished in ovaries of flaxseed-fed hens. PGE3 concentrations were below the level of detection. The results demonstrated that in normal ovaries, COX-1 was localized to the granulosa cell layer surrounding the follicles and ovarian surface epithelium (OSE) whereas COX-2 protein was localized to the granulosa cell layer in the follicle. Extensive COX-1 and COX-2 protein expression was found throughout the ovarian carcinoma. Our findings suggest that the flaxseed-mediated reduction in the severity of ovarian cancer in hens is correlated to the reduction in PGE2 in the ovaries of flaxseed-fed hens. Since no effect on ovarian cancer incidence was detected after feeding the 2. 5 year old hens with 10% flaxseed for 1 year, we designed a long-term study using 6 month old hens. Our objectives were: 1) to examine the expression of COX enzymes and PGE2 levels in ovaries and correlate them to ovarian cancer and aging 2) to determine if long-term consumption of a flaxseed enriched diet decreases ovarian cancer severity and incidence in the laying hen and to investigate its potential correlation with the expression of COX enzymes and PGE2 concentration. White Leghorn hens were fed 10% flaxseed-enriched or standard diet for 4 years. The severity and incidence of ovarian cancer were determined by gross pathology and histology. COX-1 and COX-2 protein and mRNA expression and PGE2 concentrations in ovaries were measured by western blot, quantitative real-time PCR and ELISA, respectively. Our results indicated an increase in ovarian cancer incidence and expression of both COX enzymes in ovaries of older hens. In correlation with ovarian cancer incidence and COX enzymes expression, PGE2 concentrations were elevated with age. Ovaries with tumor had elevated COX-1 expression and PGE2 concentration compared to normal ovaries. Our findings suggest that the up-regulation of COX enzymes with age is the main contributing factor in the age associated increase in PGE2. Furthermore, elevated PGE2 in ovaries of hens concomitant with age suggests its important role in early stages of ovarian carcinogenesis. The results demonstrated that there was a reduction in ovarian cancer severity and incidence in hens fed flaxseed diet. In correlation with decreased ovarian cancer severity and incidence, concentration of PGE2 and expression of COX-2 were diminished in ovaries of hens fed flaxseed. Our findings suggest that the lower levels of COX-2 and PGE2 are the main contributing factors in the chemo-suppressive role of long-term flaxseed consumption in ovarian cancer in laying hens. These findings may provide the basis for clinical trials of dietary intervention targeting prostaglandin biosynthesis for the prevention and treatment of ovarian cancer. Based on our previous findings, targeting COX expression and prostaglandin biosynthesis by dietary intervention using OM-3FAs and selective COX inhibitor can be an effective approach to prevent or suppress ovarian cancer. Thus, we conducted a series of studies to assess effect of fish oil, flax oil, Celecoxib, fish oil and Celecoxib combined or flax oil and Celecoxib combined on COX-1 and COX-2 expression, PGE2 concentrations, proliferation and apoptosis in normal and cancerous ovaries of laying hens. This study had not been performed in hens before, thus the first step was to find the optimum doses. In order to do so, we utilized one year old hens, divided them to groups of 6 hens, and fed them different doses of fish oil (50, 100, 175, 375 and 700 mg/kg), flax oil (100, 250, 500, 1000 and 1500 mg/kg) or Celecoxib (35, 65 and 100 mg/kg) for three weeks. The OM3-FAs andomega-6 fatty acids contents of egg yolks were determined by gas chromatography. Proliferation, apoptosis,COX-1, COX-2 and prostaglandin receptor subtype 4 (EP4) protein and mRNA expression and PGE2 concentration in ovaries were measured by PCNA, TUNEL, western blot, quantitative real-time qPCR and ELISA, respectively. The results indicated that 100 mg/kg fish oil was the most effective dose in reducing COX enzymes and PGE2, and increased apoptosis and reduced proliferation in ovaries. The lower doses of fish oil incorporated more OM-3FAs into yolks, reduced OM-6FAs and increased the egg laying frequency but did not affect EP4 expression. Unlike fish oil, the highest dose of flax oil (1500 mg/kg) caused the most significant reduction in COX expression and PGE2 concentration. Celecoxib was not perfectly selective in targeting COX-2, however, treating the hens with 65 mg/kg Celecoxib resulted in the most significant amelioration of PGE2 levels in ovaries. Using the optimum doses of fish oil, flax oil and Celecoxib, we aimed to investigate if these components can alter ovarian cancer end-points in normal and cancerous hen ovaries. There is an adverse relation between ovulation and health of ovaries. Thus, 3-4 year old hens were monitored for egg laying frequency and the hens with the least ovulation rate were selected for health assessment. The hens presenting poor health were scanned using ultrasound and if tumor mass and/or ascites were detected, they were chosen for this study. The hens with normal and cancerous ovaries were divided to groups and were fed fish oil, flax oil, Celecoxib, fish oil and Celecoxib combined, or flax oil and Celecoxib combined for 42 days. The results showed that fish oil and flax oil increased the incorporation of OM-3FAs into egg yolks in both normal and cancerous ovaries of hens. Fish oil reduced COX-1 and COX-2 in normal and cancerous ovaries. Fish oil, flax oil and Celecoxib reduced the COX-2 expression in ovaries. Combination of fish oil and Celecoxib and flax oil and Celecoxib decreased COX and PGE2 more than each of these treatments alone. The cancerous ovaries of hens treated with fish oil, flax oil, Celecoxib, and flax oil and Celecoxib combined increased the percentage of apoptotic cells compared to cancerous ovaries of control hens. The cancerous ovaries of hens treated with fish oil and Celecoxib had the highest number of apoptotic cells indicating that the combination of fish oil and Celecoxib is more effective than fish oil or Celecoxib alone. To our knowledge the present study provides the first insight into the efficacy of fish oil, flax oil, Celecoxib, alone or combined on the reduction of COX enzyme expression, PGE2 concentration and apoptosis in the normal and cancerous ovaries and further demonstrates the utility of the hen model for ovarian cancer. Our studies provided new insight into the potential mechanism of action of flaxseed, fish oil, flax oil and Celecoxib in the reduction of ovarian cancer and will establish the foundation for clinical trials to test the efficacy of dietary intervention for the prevention and suppression of ovarian cancer in women.

Submitted by Nuzia Santos (nuzia@cpqrr.fiocruz.br) on 2013-01-24T17:51:01Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Alberto kazuo fuzikawa.pdf: 276958 bytes, checksum: 80d1525e280d315c92a5de15284db642 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2013-01-24T17:51:01Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Alberto kazuo fuzikawa.pdf: 276958 bytes, checksum: 80d1525e280d315c92a5de15284db642 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007 / A apolipoproteína E (apoE) é um gene polimórfico, cujo produto protéico tem múltiplas funções no organismo humano, sobretudo no metabolismo lipídico. Tem sido investigado no contexto do envelhecimento, mas existem poucos estudos em populações bem definidas de idosos em países em desenvolvimento. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram (1) descrever a distribuição dos alelos comuns da apoE ( 2, 3, 4) e seus genótipos, numa população de 1.408 idosos (80,8% de todos os idosos com idade 60 anos) da linha de base da coorte de Bambuí, MG, Brasil, e estudar sua associação com variáveis demográficas (idade, sexo e cor da pele), (2) analisar a associação do polimorfismo da apoE com hipertensão arterial prevalente e variáveis biológicas (pressão arterial sistólica, diastólica, HDL colesterol, LDL colesterol e triglicérides), considerando potenciais fatores de confusão como idade, sexo, fatores de risco cardiovascular, ácido úrico e creatinina séricos. As amostras de DNA foram amplificadas pela reação em cadeia da polimerase e posteriormente digeridas com a enzima de restrição HhaI. O alelo 3 predominou (80,0%), seguido pelo 4 (13,5%) e 2 (6,5%). Todos os seis genótipos possíveis foram observados, sendo o genótipo 3 3 o mais freqüente (63,4%). Esta distribuição é semelhante à descrita em populações ocidentais. A análise de associação com variáveis demográficas foi feita por regressão logística multinomial, usando como variáveis dependentes os três alelos, seis genótipos e o número de alelos 4 por indivíduo. O sexo não se mostrou associado ao número de alelos 4, mas a cor de pele negra apresentou forte associação com a presença de dois alelos 4 (OR ajustado para idade e sexo = 7,38; IC 95% = 1,93-28,25), mostrando que Afro-brasileiros têm alta prevalência do alelo 4, como observado em populações negras Africanas. Nenhuma associação foi encontrada entre idade e o polimorfismo da apoE, sugerindo ausência de associação entre os genótipos e mortalidade nesta população. Hipertensão arterial, definida como pressão arterial sistólica 140 mmHg e / ou diastólica 90 mmHg, ou uso de medicação anti-hipertensiva, apresentou prevalência de 61,3%. Nas análises de associação com a pressão arterial e variáveis biológicas, a variável exploratória foi o genótipo da apoE, classificada em portadores de 2 ( 2 2 e 2 3) e portadores de 4 ( 4 4 e 3 4), tendo como grupo de referência os 3 3. Foram usados modelos de regressão linear múltipla para avaliar a associação com as variáveis biológicas e modelos de regressão de Poisson para estimar as razões de prevalência da hipertensão. Comparados aos homozigotos 3 3, os portadores de 2 tinham níveis séricos mais baixos de LDL colesterol (p < 0,001) e mais altos de triglicérides (p = 0,022), enquanto os portadores de 4 tinham níveis séricos mais altos de LDL colesterol (p = 0,036). Os portadores de 2 e de 4 não mostraram associação com a hipertensão arterial prevalente (razões de prevalência ajustados = 0,94, IC 95% = 0,83-1,07 e 0,98; IC 95% = 0,89-1,07, respectivamente), fornecendo evidência epidemiológica para a ausência de associação entre os genótipos da apoE com a hipertensão arterial prevalente entre idosos. / Apolipoprotein E (apoE) is a polymorphic gene, whose protein product is involved in several key roles in the human body, especially in lipid metabolism. It has been investigated in the context of aging, but there are few studies in well defined populations from developing countries. The objectives of this study were (1) to describe the allelic and genotypic distribution of the common apoE polymorphism ( 2, 3, 4) in a population of 1,408 elderly members (80.8% of all residents 60 years of age) from the baseline of a cohort from Bambuí city, Brazil, and to evaluate its association with demographic variables such as age, gender and skin color and (2) to analyze the association of the apoE polymorphism with prevalent arterial hypertension and biological variables (systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides) in this population, considering potential confounding factors such as age, gender, cardiovascular risk factors, serum uric acid and creatinine. DNA samples were amplified by polymerase chain reaction and then digested with HhaI restriction enzyme. The 3 allele was predominant (80.0%), followed by 4 (13.5%) and 2 (6.5%). All six possible genotypes were observed, with 3 3 being the most frequent (63.4%). This distribution is similar to that described in other western populations. Analysis of association with demographic variables was done by multinomial logistic regression, using as dependent variables the three alleles, six genotypes and the number of 4 alleles per individual. Gender was not associated with the number of 4 alleles, but black skin color was strongly and independently associated with the presence of two 4 alleles (OR adjusted for age and gender = 7.38, 95% CI = 1.93-28.25), showing that African-Brazilians have a high prevalence of the 4 allele, as described in black African populations. No association was found between age and apoE polymorphism, suggesting an absence of association between apoE genotypes and mortality in this population. Arterial hypertension defined as systolic blood pressure 140 mmHg and / or diastolic blood pressure 90 mmHg, or use of antihypertensive medication, was present in 61.3% of participants. For the analysis of association with prevalent arterial hypertension and biological variables the exposure variable was the apoE genotype, divided as 2 carriers ( 2 2 and 2 3) and 4 carriers ( 4 4 and 3 4), having 3 homozygotes as the reference group. Multiple linear regression models were used to study association with biological variables and Poisson regression models to estimate prevalence ratios for hypertension. Compared to the 3 homozygotes, 2 carriers had lower levels of LDL cholesterol (p < 0.001) and higher levels of triglycerides (p = 0.022), while 4 carriers had higher levels of LDL cholesterol (p = 0.036). Neither the 2 or 4 carrier status was associated with hypertension (adjusted prevalence ratios = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.83-1.07 and 0.98, 95% CI = 0.89-1.07, respectively), providing epidemiologic evidence for the lack of association of apoE genotype with prevalent hypertension in old age.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:33:28Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2005-03-26Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:45:02Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 vergani_sa_dr_arafo.pdf: 639289 bytes, checksum: 6483b0519cf455414c9e0881668e277f (MD5) / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / O objetivo do presente estudo foi o de avaliar os efeitos do controle de placa supragengival, em pacientes com doença periodontal crônica generalizada, por meio dos parâmetros clínicos microbiológicos e imunológicos. Foram selecionados 30 pacientes, com idade entre 32 e 59 anos, apresentando 4 bolsas entre 3 e 5mm e 4 bolsas entre 6 e 10mm e sem envolvimento sistêmico. Após o exame inicial, os pacientes foram submetidos a raspagem supragengival e receberam instruções de higiene oral, sendo acompanhados semanalmente por um período de 30 dias. Os parâmetros clínicos avaliados foram profundidade de sondagem, recessão gengival, índice de placa, índice gengival e sangramento à sondagem. Amostras de fluido crevicular das bolsas foram coletadas para análise da concentração dos mediadores de inflamação interleucina-1b e prostaglandina E2 e identificação pela reação de polimerase em cadeia dos microrganismos Porphyromonas gingivalis, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Bacteroides forsythus, Prevotella intermedia e Prevotella nigrescens. Os resultados demonstraram a ocorrência de melhoras evidenciadas pelos parâmetros clínicos avaliados. Observou-se ainda uma redução significante no número de Porphyromonas gingivalis, Bacteroides forsythus, Prevotella intermedia e Prevotella nigrescens. O microrganismo A. actinomycetemcomitans não apresentou diferença significante. Para o exame imunológico não foram encontradas diferenças nos níveis de interleucina-1b, sendo constatado ainda um aumento nas concentrações de prostaglandina E2 nas bolsas de 6 a 10mm que apresentavam sangramento no final do tratamento. Concluiu-se que decisão da necessidade de tratamento periodontal em sítios profundos, após a realização do controle de placa supragengival, baseada somente na ausência de sangramento à sondagem pode subestimar... . / The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of supragingival plaque control, in patients with generalized chronic periodontal disease using clinical, microbiological and immunological parameters. 30 patients were selected, aged 32 to 59 years, presenting 4 periodontal pockets between 3 and 5mm and 4 pockets between 6 and 10mm. After initial exam patients received supragingival scaling and oral hygiene instructions, which were reinforced once a week for 30 days. Clinical parameters were probing depth, gingival resection, plaque index, gingival index and bleeding upon probing. Samples of crevicular fluid were taken for analyses of interleukin-1b and prostaglandin E2 and for identification by polymerase chain reaction of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Bacteroides forsythus, Prevotella intermedia and Prevotella nigrescens. The results demonstrated an improvement of the clinical parameters. The microbiological findings indicate reduction of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Bacteroides forsythus, Prevotella intermedia, and Prevotella nigrescens. A. actinomycetemcomitans did not show significant difference. In regard to the immunological exam, no differences were observed in interleukin-1b concentration. Prostaglandin E2 concentrations were elevated in pockets between 6 and 10mm with persistent bleeding upon probing after treatment. In conclusion the decision for treatment needs after supragingival plaque control only based on the absence of bleeding upon probing might underestimate the periodontal disease activity.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:23:42Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2007-07-27Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:48:19Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 ribeiro_ap_me_jab.pdf: 821460 bytes, checksum: 9540c58da44188e3ae8a41593d305a9c (MD5) / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / Estudou-se a eficácia do meloxicam e do carprofeno, aplicados por diferentes vias, em uveítes experimentais em cães. Realizou paracentese de câmara anterior em dois momentos (M0 e M1), com intervalo de cinco horas entre si. Em M0 e M1, colheram-se 0,2 ml de humor aquoso e determinou-se a concentração de proteína total e de prostaglandina E2 (PGE2). Em um primeiro período, constituíram-se quatro grupos (n = 5), que receberam meloxicam ao final de M0 pelas vias subcutânea (GIm), subconjuntival (GIIm) e tópica (GIIIm). Um quarto grupo não recebeu tratamento (Controle). Decorridos sete dias, os animais foram submetidos aos mesmos procedimentos adotados previamente e receberam carprofeno. Avaliação clínica foi também realizada, assim como histopatologia da conjuntiva dos animais dos grupos GIIm e GIIc. Os resultados foram avaliados estatisticamente (p LÜ 0,05). Em todos os grupos, encontrou-se aumento significativo dos níveis protéicos e de PGE2 em M1 (p < 0,001). Não se observou diferença significativa entre os grupos para os valores de proteína total e de PGE2 em M1 (p > 0,05). Observou-se correlação positiva entre proteína total e PGE2 (p < 0,05) apenas no GIm, GIc, GIIIm, GIIIc e GIIm. Exsudado inflamatório de caráter agudo e hemorragia discreta foram vistos à histopatologia após a aplicação de ambos os fármacos (p > 0,05). O meloxicam e o carprofeno foram ineficazes em inibir a síntese de PGE2 e o influxo de proteínas para a câmara anterior, por qualquer uma das vias testadas. A redução nos níveis de 44% proteínas, quando o carprofeno foi utilizado pela via tópica, sugere que por esta via, ele pode ser utilizado como adjuvante no controle da uveíte em cães. / Efficacy of meloxican and carprofen, administered by different routes, in experimental uveitis in dogs were studied. Anterior chamber paracenteses was accomplished at two different moments (M0 and M1), with a five hour interval among them. At M0 and M1, 0,2 ml of aqueous humor were collected and total protein and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) concentration was determined. Four groups were formed in a first period (n = 5), which received meloxican at the end of M0, by the following routes: subcutaneous (GIm), subconjunctival (GIIm), and topical (GIIIm). A fourth group that received no treatment was instituted (Control). Seven days after, animals underwent the same procedures described previously and received carprofen. Clinical evaluation was also performed, as well as conjunctival histopathology of the conjunctiva of the animals of GIIm and GIIc. Results were evaluated statistically (p LÜ 0,05). In all groups, protein and PGE2 values enhanced significantly in M1 (p < 0,001). Protein and PGE2 values, did not change significantly between groups at M1 (p > 0,05). Positive correlation among total protein and PGE2 (p < 0,05) was only noted in GIm, GIc, GIIIm, GIIIc and GIIm. Inflammatory exudate of acute character and mild hemorrhage were seen at histopathology, after both agents were administered. Meloxican and carpofen were unable to inhibit PGE2 synthesis and the protein influx to the anterior chamber by any of the tested routes. The lowering of 44% in protein levels, when carprofen was used by the topical route, suggests that by this route, it can be used as an adjuvant to control uveitis in dogs.

Orientador: Carlos Roberto Daleck / Banca: Renée Laufer Amorim / Banca: Mirela Tinucci Costa / Resumo: Pensando na contribuição ao estudo da oncologia humana e no aumento da sobrevida de cadelas com câncer de mama o objetivo deste trabalho foi de investigar a imunorreatividade da prostaglandina E2 (PGE2) no diagnóstico e prognóstico das neoplasias mamárias. O estudo foi realizado com 60 amostras de neoplasias de mama de cadelas que foram atendidas nos anos de 2002 a 2004. Este material foi dividido em seis grupos de 10 amostras. Nos grupos adenoma, carcinoma com prognóstico bom e carcinoma com prognóstico ruim a seleção dos casos se deu pela classificação histológica e evolução clínica do tumor. Os outros 30 tumores foram representados por 10 amostras de carcinoma primário metastático, 10 amostras de metástase pulmonar e 10 de carcinoma inflamatório. O Grupo Controle tinha 5 amostras de tecido mamário sem alterações patológicas. A avaliação da imunorreatividade da PGE2 foi realizada através do exame imunoistoquímico, utilizando o anticorpo primário anti- PGE2 , clone PG 31, Oxford Biomedical Research. Avaliou-se também a incidência das neoplasias mamárias relacionadas à idade dos animais, o estadiamento clínico de acordo com a classificação histopatológica do tumor e a sobrevida dos animais que foram submetidos à cirurgia. O número de células imunomarcadas pelo anticorpo não apresentou variação significativa e não houve diferença estatística (P = 0,239) entre os grupos (adenoma, carcinoma com prognóstico bom, carcinoma com prognóstico ruim, carcinoma primário metastático, metástase pulmonar e carcinoma inflamatório), no grupo controle observou-se uma diferença estatística (P < 0,014) com relação aos demais grupos. / Abstract: Considering the contribution to researches in human oncology and the increasing surveillance of bitches with mammary neoplasm, the main purpose of this paper was to investigate the immunoreactivity of prostaglandine E2 (PGE2) in the diagnosis and prognosis of mammary neoplasm. The research was performed in 60 samples of mammary neoplasm in bitches attempted between 2002 and 2004. The material was separated into six groups of 10 samples each. In the group consisting of adenoma, carcinoma with good prognosis and carcinoma with poor prognosis, the cases were chosen according to the histological grade and clinical behavior of the tumor. The other 30 tumours consisted of 10 samples of primary metastatic carcinoma, 10 samples of pulmonary metastasis and 10 samples of inflammatory carcinoma. The control group consisted in 5 samples of mammary tissue without pathological changes. The immunoreactivity of PGE2 was evaluated by immunohistochemistry, using the primary antibody anti-PGE2, clone PG31, Oxford Biomedical Research. The incidence of mammary neoplasm was also analyzed according to the age of animals, clinical stage following the histopathologic grade of tumor and surveillance of bitches that underwent surgery. The number of positive cells for the antibody did not showed a significant range and there was no statistical difference (P = 0,239) between the groups (adenoma, carcinoma with good prognosis, carcinoma with poor prognosis, primary metastatic carcinoma, pulmonary metastasis and inflammatory carcinoma), regarding the control group it was observed a statistical difference (p < 0,014) when compared to other groups. / Mestre

Prostaglandin (PG) E2 is an eicosanoid derived from the polyunsaturated twenty carbon fatty acid arachidonic acid (AA). PGE2 has physiological as well as pathophysiological functions and is known to be a key mediator of inflammatory responses. Formation of PGE2 is dependent upon the activities of three specific enzymes involved in the AA cascade; phospholipase A2 (PLA2), cyclooxygenase (COX) and PGE synthase (PGEs). Although the research within this field has been intense for decades, the regulatory mechanisms concerning the PGE2 synthesising enzymes are not completely established. PGE2 was investigated in human monocytes with or without lipopolysaccharide (LPS) pre-treatment followed by stimulation with calcium ionophore, opsonised zymosan or phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). Cytosolic PLA2a (cPLA2a) was shown to be pivotal for the mobilization of AA and subsequent formation of PGE2. Although COX-1 was constitutively expressed, monocytes required expression of COX-2 protein in order to convert the mobilized AA into PGH2. The conversion of PGH2 to the final product PGE2 was to a large extent due to the action of microsomal PGEs-1 (mPGEs-1). In addition, experiments with inhibitors of extracellular signal regulated kinase and p38 activation, indicated that phosphorylation of cPLA2α was markedly advantageous for the formation of PGE2. Ellagic acid, a natural polyphenolic compound found in fruits and nuts, was shown to inhibit stimuli induced release of PGE2 in human monocytes. The effect of ellagic acid was not due to a direct effect on the activities of the enzymes but rather to inhibition of the LPS-induced protein expression of COX-2, mPGEs-1 and cPLA2a.

Breast cancer is a disease associated with excess exposures to estrogens. While the mode of cancer causation is unknown, others have shown that oxidative stress induced by prolonged exposure to estrogens mediates renal, liver, endometrial and mammary tumorigenesis though the mechanism(s) underling this process is unknown. In this study, we show that 4-hydroxyl 17β-estradiol (4-OHE2), a catechol metabolite of estrogen, induces mammary tumorigenesis in a redox dependent manner. We found that the mechanism of tumorigenesis involves redox activations of nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF1); a transcriptions factor associated with regulation of mitochondria biogenesis and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), as well as mediation of cell survival and growth of cells during periods of oxidative stress. Key findings from our study are as follows: (i) Prolonged treatments of normal mammary epithelial cells with 4-OHE2, increased the formation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). (ii) Estrogen-induced ROS activates redox sensitive transcription factors NRF1. (iii) 4-OHE2 through activation of serine-threonine kinase and histone acetyl transferase, phosphorylates and acetylate NRF1 respectively. (iv) Redox mediated epigenetic modifications of NRF1 facilitates mammary tumorigenesis and invasive phenotypes of breast cancer cells via modulations of genes involved in proliferation, growth and metastasis of exposed cells. (v) Animal engraftment of transformed clones formed invasive tumors. (vi) Treatment of cells or tumors with biological or chemical antioxidants, as well as silencing of NRF1 expressions, prevented 4-OHE2 induced mammary tumorigenesis and invasive phenotypes of MCF-10A cells. Based on these observations, we hypothesize that 4-OHE2 induced ROS epigenetically activate NRF1 through its phosphorylation and acylation. This, in turn, through NRF1-mediated transcriptional activation of the cell cycle genes, controls 4-OHE2 induced cell transformation and tumorigenesis.

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a metabolite of arachidonic acid, plays a role in water and sodium reabsorption in the collecting duct of the kidney. The collecting duct is responsible for the fine tuning of water and electrolytes. Only a small fraction of the filtered water and sodium is reabsorbed in the collecting duct, a fraction crucial to the regulation of water and electrolyte balance. This current study addresses the role of EP1, one of four PGE2 receptors, in the collecting duct. It is well documented that PGE2 inhibits sodium and water reabsorption in the collecting duct, however the exact mechanism is still debated. To determine whether the EP1 receptor mitigates AngII renal effects, an in vivo study was performed with EP1-/- mice. Global EP1-/- knockout mice were crossed with a renin overexpressing mouse line (herein denoted as “Ren”) and subjected to a high salt (HS) and low salt (LS) diet. Ren mice displayed an 11mmHg increase in systolic blood pressure (BP) on a HS diet and a decrease in BP of 14mmHg on a LS diet compared to the normal salt (NS) diet. Ren EP1-/- mice did not display a significant increase or decrease in BP on a HS or LS diet. On a LS diet, Ren EP1-/- displayed a drop in urine osmolarity (1641 mOsm/ kgH2O) vs. wild type (WT) mice (2107 mOsm/ kgH2O), consistent with increased sodium reabsorption. Narrowing in on the collecting duct, Ren EP1-/- mice had enhanced αENaC levels compared to Ren mice. In ex vivo microperfusion experiments, EP1-/- tubules show no response to PGE2 in the presence of AVP, whereas PGE2 inhibits AVP induced water reabsorption in WT mice. An increase in αENaC membrane accumulation due to EP1 gene ablation results in increased sodium reabsorption subsequently leading to a rise in BP. This contributes to the lack of salt sensitivity in EP1-/- mice. Overall, the EP1 receptor in the collecting duct represents a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of hypertension.

The incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing. CKD is characterized by a gradual decrease in renal function leading to end stage renal disease (ESRD). Damage to the glomerular podocytes, is one of the first hallmarks of CKD. We hypothesized that podocyte prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) receptors contribute to the progression of glomerular injury in models of CKD. To test this hypothesis, transgenic mice were generated with either podocyte-specific overexpression or deletion of the PGE2 EP4 receptor (EP4pod+and EP4pod-/- respectively). Mice were next tested in the 5/6 nephrectomy (5/6 Nx) or angiotensin II (Ang II) models of CKD. These studies revealed increased proteinuria and decreased survival for EP4pod+ mice while EP4pod-/- mice were protected against the development of glomerular injury. Furthermore, our findings were supported by in vitro studies using cultured mouse podocytes where an adhesion defect was uncovered for cells overexpressing the EP4 receptor. Additionally, our investigations have demonstrated a novel synergy between angiotensin II AT1 receptors and prostaglandin E2 EP4 receptors. This was revealed by in vitro studies using isolated mouse glomeruli. There we were able to show that Ang II stimulation leads to increased expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), the enzyme responsible for synthesis of PGE2, in a p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) dependent fashion. Moreover increased PGE2 synthesis was measured in response to Ang II stimulation. We confirmed the presence of this synergy in our cultured mouse podocytes and showed an adhesion defect in response to Ang II stimulation which was COX-2 and EP4 dependent. These findings suggest that Ang II AT1 receptors and PGE2 EP4 receptors act in concert to exacerbate glomerulopathies. Studies using mice with either podocyte-specific overexpression of a dominant negative p38 MAPK or mice with global deletion of the EP1 receptor did not provide conclusive results as to their respective signaling involvement in podocyte injury. Altogether our findings provide novel insight for podocyte PGE2 EP4 and Ang II AT1 receptor signaling in models of CKD. These studies provide novel avenues for pursuing therapeutic interventions for individuals with progressive kidney disease.