A própolis é uma substância resinosa coletada pelas abelhas de diversas partes das plantas, como brotos, botões florais e exudados resinosos, conhecida por do ácido cinâmico e ácido benzócio, foram ainda encontrados o ácido pimárico, várias atividades biológicas como antimicrobiana, anti-inflamatória, antiproliferativa e antioxidante. Sua composição química depende de vários fatores, como a localização geográfica, vegetação e clima. A própolis brasileira com certificação de produto orgânico, proveniente do sul do Brasil, foi coletada e avaliada em diferentes estações do ano. Essa própolis é produzida em florestas nativas e áreas de reflorestamento, locais livres de contaminação por insumos agrícolas, metais pesados e poluição industrial. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a composição química e atividade antioxidante, considerando a variação sazonal das estações de verão, outono e primavera. Foram coletadas ao todo 78 amostras provenientes de 14 apiários distintos. O teor de compostos fenólicos totais e flavonoides foram feitos por métodos colorimétricos, a atividade antioxidante foi avaliada pelos métodos de sequestro dos radicais livres DPPH•, ABTS+, sendo a capacidade antioxidante contra os radicais peroxila, determinado pelo método ORAC. O perfil químico do extrato de etanólico da própolis (EEPO) foi avaliado por cromatografia de camada delgada em fase reversa (CCDAE-FR), varredura no ultravioleta-visível (UV-vis) e cromatografia gasosa acoplada com espectrometria de massas (CGEM). A composição de voláteis foi analisada por CG-EM. Os teores de flavonoides variaram de não detectado até 4,76 mg.g-1 e de 6,80 a 72,55 mg.g-1 para fenólicos totais. Em relação à atividade antioxidante, a variação encontrada foi de 1,01 a 384,60 mg Trolox.g-1 para ABTS+, de 4,50 a 148,10 µmol Trolox.g-1 para DPPH• e de 0,20 a 1,25 µmol Trolox.g-1 de amostra para o ORAC. Em relação às estações, o verão apresentou maior teor de flavonoides (p=6%) e o outono, maior teor de DPPH• (p=7%). Com base no perfil químico pela técnica de CCDAE, foi possível classificar as 78 amostras em sete variantes distintas. Dentre os compostos presentes e derivados dos ácidos cinâmico e benzóico, analisados pela técnica CG/MS, identificou-se os compostos ácido pimárico, norolean-12 ene, alfa bisabolol e metil comate A. Também foram identificados oito compostos voláteis em grande quantidade como α-pineno (54,77%), β- pineno (14,83%), α-limoneno (3,78%), β- mirceno (9,29%), ?-candineno (2,11%), γ -muroleno (1,86%), β-felandreno (4,79%) e α-selineno (8,40%). Uma correlação estatística foi encontrada entre o teor de fenólicos totais e o método DPPH•, p=0,78, diferentemente do teor de flavonoides que não apresentou correlação com a atividade antioxidante. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que a própolis orgânica possui atividade antioxidante, embora apresente baixos teores de flavonoides. Não existe correlação entre os flavonoides e atividade antioxidante. Os compostos fenólicos e a atividade antioxidante foram influenciados pela sazonalidade, sendo o outono, a estação que apresentou teores maiores de fenólicos e atividade antioxidante. / Propolis is a resinous substance collected from plant buds, flowers, and exudates by Apis mellifera bees widely known for its biological activities such as antiviral, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative and antioxidant activities. Its chemical composition depends on many factors as geographic location, vegetation, and climate. A certified Brazilian propolis, originated from South Brazil, was collected and evaluated in different seasons. This kind of propolis is produced in native forest and in reforestation areas, where contamination derived from agricultural inputs, heavy metals, and factory fumes is found. Hence, the aim of this work was to evaluate the chemical composition and the antioxidant activity during seasonal variation in summer, autumn and spring. Seventy-eight samples were collected from 14 different apiaries. The phenolic compound content and flavonoids were performed by colorimetric methods. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by free radical scavenging methods such as DPPH• and ABTS+. The antioxidant capacity against peroxil radicals was assessed by ORAC method. The chemical profiles of the organic propolis ethanolic extracts were evaluated by reversed-phase thin-layer chromatography (RP-TLC), ultraviolet (UV) scanning, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Flavonoid content varied from non - detected to 4.76 mg. g-1 and 6.80 to 72.55 mg.g-1 for phenolics. The antioxidant activity varied from 1.01 to 384.60 mg Trolox.g-1 for ABTS+ and 4.50 to 148.10 µmol Trolox.g-1 for DPPH. Considering the seasonal variation, summer presented the highest compound content for flavonoids (p=6%), meanwhile autumn presented the highest compound content for DPPH• (p=7%). Thus, considering the chemical profile presented by RP-TLC, seven different variances of propolis were classified. Compounds such as pimaric acid, norolean-12-ene, alpha bisabolol, and methyl commate A were found by GC-MS technique on these seven variances. Eight volatile compounds were also identified as follow: α-pinene (54,77%), β- pinene (14,83%), α-limonene (3,78%), β-myrcene (9,29%), .-candinene (2,11%), γ - muurolene (1,86%), β-phellandrene (4,79%), and α-selinene (8,40%). In conclusion, the results demonstrated that autumn showed higher antioxidant activity by DPPH• method than those produced in other seasons. A statistical correlation was found between phenolic compound and DPPH•, p=0.78, differing from the flavonoid content which did not demonstrate a correlation with antioxidant activity. The results obtained showed that organic propolis presents antioxidant activity, although its flavonoid content is extremely low. On extent, there was no correlation between flavonoid content and antioxidant activity. Moreover, the seasonal variation showed its influence on phenolic compounds as well as on antioxidant activity, in which autumn presented the highest phenolic content and antioxidant activity.

Submitted by isabela.moljf@hotmail.com (isabela.moljf@hotmail.com) on 2017-08-11T14:54:39Z No. of bitstreams: 1 tatiannerosadossantos.pdf: 725266 bytes, checksum: 4d63e46332dc22b61f5160db1ed39b37 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Adriana Oliveira (adriana.oliveira@ufjf.edu.br) on 2017-08-14T17:11:18Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 tatiannerosadossantos.pdf: 725266 bytes, checksum: 4d63e46332dc22b61f5160db1ed39b37 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-08-14T17:11:18Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 tatiannerosadossantos.pdf: 725266 bytes, checksum: 4d63e46332dc22b61f5160db1ed39b37 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-02-21 / CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / A Ipriflavona (7-isopropoxi-3-fenil-4H-benzopiran-4-ona), um derivado sintético da isoflavona daidzeína, com ação estrogênica comprovada tem sido utilizado por mulheres com objetivo de aumentar a densidade óssea e prevenir a perda óssea. Estudos de toxicologia reprodutiva no período pré-implantacional apontam indícios de toxicidade, interferindo na implantação do blastocisto. Também foi demonstrado que a ipriflavona interfere na via de sinalização Hedgehog, importante no período de desenvolvimento embrionário. Estudos demonstram que as isoflavonas são transferidas para o leite materno o que poderia ocasionar danos a prole. Porém não foram encontrados estudos de toxicologia no período de lactação e desenvolvimento das crias utilizando-se da ipriflavona, sendo este o objetivo desse trabalho. Para o estudo foram utilizadas 60 ratas Wistar, provenientes do biotério do Centro de Biologia da Reprodução, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora. Os animais foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em cinco grupos experimentais (n = 12): controle da colônia, controle experimental e tratados 1, 2 e 3. O primeiro grupo não sofreu nenhum tipo de manipulação e foi utilizado para verificar os possíveis efeitos da gavagem. O segundo grupo recebeu via intragástrica, duas vezes ao dia, do 2º ao 16º dia de lactação, 1 ml de água destilada e os grupos tratados receberam; pelo mesmo procedimento, 1 ml de suspensão aquosa de ipriflavona nas doses de 0,01; 0,05 e 0,1 mg/g/dia, respectivamente. As variáveis maternas analisadas foram: presença de sinais clínicos de toxicidade; ganho de peso corporal e consumo de ração. Foram observados comportamentos maternais como: postura de amamentação, organização e manutenção do ninho, ato de recuperar, recolher filhotes e lambê-los. Os filhotes foram analisados quanto ao desenvolvimento físico e reflexológico. Como variáveis de desenvolvimento físico foram analisados: peso corporal, abertura dos olhos, desdobramento das orelhas, aparecimento de lanugo e pêlos, erupção dos incisivos superiores e inferiores, a abertura vaginal ou descida dos testículos. Para observação do desenvolvimento reflexológico foram feitos os seguintes testes: preensão palmar, resposta postural, esquiva ao abismo, orientação e geotaxia negativa. No modelo experimental estudado a ipriflavona não demonstrou indícios de toxicidade materna, nem alterações no desenvolvimento físico e reflexológico da prole. / The Ipriflavone (7-isopropoxy-3-phenyl-4H-benzopyran-4-one), a synthetic derivative of the isoflavone daidzein, with proven estrogenic activity has been used by women in order to increase bone density and prevent bone loss. Reproductive toxicology studies in the pre-implantation show signs of toxicity, which interferes with implantation of the blastocyst. It was also shown that ipriflavone affects the Hedgehog signaling pathway, important during embryonic development. Studies show that isoflavones are transferred to breast milk which can cause damage to offspring. However no studies were found in toxicology during lactation and development of offspring using the ipriflavone, which is the aim of this work. For the study were used 60 female Wistar rats from the vivarium of the Center for Reproductive Biology, Federal University of Juiz de Fora. The animals were randomly divided into five groups (n = 12) control of the colony, experimental control and treated 1, 2 and 3. The first group did not have any type of manipulation and was used to assess the possible effects of gavage. The second group received intragastrically, twice a day, from the 2nd to the 16th days of lactation, 1 ml of distilled water and the treated groups received, by the same procedure, 1 ml of water suspension of ipriflavone at doses of 0,01; 0,05 e 0,1 mg/g/day, respectively. Maternal variables were analyzed: presence of clinical signs of toxicity, body weight gain and food intake. Maternal behaviors were observed as: breastfeeding posture, organization and maintenance of the nest, the act of recovering, collecting pups and licking them. The pups were assessed for physical development and reflexology. As physical variables were analyzed: body weight, eye opening, unfolding of the ears, and appearance of lanugo hair, eruption of upper and lower incisors, the vaginal opening or descent of the testicles. For observing the reflexology development the following tests were made: grip, posture response, dodging the abyss, orientation, and negative geotaxis. In the experimental model studied ipriflavone showed no signs of maternal toxicity, or changes in the physical and reflexology development of offspring.

Les flavonoïdes, molécules naturelles possédant des propriétés antiradicalaires et antioxydantes, sont produits au cours de cascades enzymatiques impliquant plusieurs enzymes. Il a récemment été proposé que certaines de ces enzymes s'assembleraient pour former un complexe multienzymatique transitoire, appelé métabolon, ancré à la membrane cellulaire. Cette structure rendrait possible des phénomènes de transfert direct de métabolites d'un site actif à l'autre (substrate channeling), réduisant ainsi les temps de diffusion et minimisant les effets de solvatation/désolvatation du substrat. L'objectif de ce travail est de proposer un premier modèle de ce type de complexe, impliquant trois enzymes de la biosynthèse des flavonoïdes : la dihydroflavonol-4-réductase (DFR), la flavonoïd-3'-hydroxylase (F3’H) et la leucoanthocyanidine réductase (LAR). L'étude de ces complexes moléculaires requiert la mise en œuvre d'une méthodologie multi-échelles basée sur l’utilisation i) de méthodes hybrides QM/MM pour l'étude de la réactivité enzymatique, ii) de simulations de dynamique moléculaire à résolution atomique se déroulant sur des échelles de temps de l'ordre de la microseconde pour estimer des propriétés thermodynamiques et cinétiques, iii) de calculs de docking protéine-protéine en résolution gros grain. L'application des différents niveaux de théorie nous a permis d'établir un premier modèle de métabolon à trois enzymes en interaction avec une membrane cellulaire. / Flavonoids, some natural compounds exhibiting antioxidant properties, are synthesized along enzymatic cascades involving several enzymes. It has been recently proposed that some of these enzymes are involved in the formation of large transient macromolecular edifices, called metabolon, interacting with cellular membrane. Such molecular complexes should allow direct metabolites transfer from one active site to the other (substrate channeling phenomenon), minimizing diffusion time and solvation effects. The present work aims to establish a first model of a metabolon involving 3 enzymes of the flavonoid biosynthesis: the dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR), the flavonoid 3'-hydroxylase (F3'H) and the leucoanthocyanidin reductase (LAR). The study of such large molecular system requires a multiscale approach based on i) hybrid QM/MM methods to decipher enzymatic mechanism, ii) molecular dynamic simulations in microsecond timescale to estimate thermodynamic and kinetic properties and iii) protein-protein docking at coarse-grained resolution. These different levels of theory allow us to establish a first model of a three-enzymes-metabolon in interaction with a model of cellular membrane.

The unique floral biodiversity of Southern Africa would be reflected in the phenolic acid and flavonoid composition as well as the antioxidant activity of honeys from this region. In this exploratory investigation the total polyphenolic (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) content, antioxidant activity as well as the cellular protective effects of a selection of honeys collected in this region was evaluated. Thirteen honey samples representative of the Western Cape (WCa, WCb and WCc), Eastern Cape (ECa, ECb and ECc), South East Mozambique (SEMa, SEMb and SEMc) and Agricultural: A-E (Eucalyptus) (A-E1 and A-E2), A-L (Litchi) and A-O (Orange) were collected. These samples were subjected to physicochemical analysis, the antioxidant content (TPC and TFC) and both enzymatic (catalase activity) and non-enzymatic activity, using the 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and oxygen radical antioxidant capacity (ORAC) assays was determined. From the DPPH, TEAC and ORAC data the Relative Antioxidant Capacity Index (RACI) was calculated. To determine whether high antioxidant activity translates into significant cellular protection, biological and cellular assays were undertaken. Using the pBR322 plasmid assay and the erythrocyte haemolysis assay the ability of honeys to protect against 2,2’-Azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH) oxidative damage was evaluated. Further evaluation was undertaken in the SC-1 fibroblast cell line and the physiologically more relevant Caco-2 cell line. Toxicity and antioxidant effects were evaluated in the SC-1 cell line while antioxidant effects were only evaluated in the Caco-2 cell line. The long-term mitogenic and toxic effects were determined in the SC-1 cell line using the 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), Neutral Red (NR) and Crystal Violet (CV) assays. Short term, total- and intracellular antioxidant effects were determined in both cell lines using the dichlorofluorescein diacetate assay (DCFH-DA) assay. For all cellular experiments honey at concentrations of 0.01% and 1% were used. The physiochemical properties of the honeys evaluated fulfilled the regulatory standards compiled in the Codex Alimentarius (CODEX STAN12-1981 revision 2001). The results were as follows: SEMb had the highest TPC (167.96 mg GAE/100g) and TFC (51.60 mg CE/100g) while A-E2 had the highest catalase (38.48 µmol H2O2/g) activity. RACI revealed that WCb had the highest antioxidant activity.SEMc showed the highest protection of plasmid DNA against oxidative-induced strand breaks while SEMa showed the highest protection of erythrocytes against AAPH-induced haemolysis. Although correlations were found between antioxidant content and antioxidant activity assays, no correlation was found these parameters and the biological assays. For the long-term cytotoxicity assay, AAPH showed significant cytoxicity at 0.78mM, 1.56mM and 0.28mM when measured using the MTT, NR and CV assays, respectively. Some honeys 4/13 and 3/13 showed a mitogenic effect at a concentration of 0.01% and 1% respectively. Toxic effects, were observed for 1/13 and 8/13 at 0.01% and 1% honey respectively. Toxicity after 72 h exposure varied from 10-30% (CV assay). The same concetrations of honey was used to determine the short-term, 2h, antioxidant effects in both the SC-1 and Caco-2 cell lines. No oxidative effect was found for all honeys at these concentrations. For the DCFH-DA assay using the SC-1 cell line at 1%, 12/13 and 7/13 honeys showed total and intracellular protection respectively. The highest extracellular protection was for SEMa (% Protection (%P) = 95) and SEMb (%P = 93). Intracellular protection was the highest for SEMc (%P = 21) and A-L (%P = 20). At 0.01%, 7/13 and 8/13 honeys exhibited total and intracellular protection, respectively. For both the highest protection was found for SEMc (%P = 43, total and %P = 30, intracellular). For the Caco-2 cell line at 1%, 11/13 and 4/13 showed total and intracellular protection, respectively. Of these the highest extracellular protection was for SEMb (% Protection (%P) = 90). Intracellular protection was the highest for ECa (%P = 28) and WCc (%P = 26). At 0.01%, 4/13 and 8/13 honeys showed total and intracellular protection respectively. The highest extracellular protection was found for SEMc (%P = 62) and intracellular protection was ECc (%P = 28). The SC-1 cell line was found to be the most sensitive to the antioxidant effects of honey compared to the Caco-2 cell line. The honeys SEMa, SEMb and SEMc showed protection against oxidative damage in both cell lines. In conclusion, the antioxidant activity of honeys from Southern Africa is of a high quality. The WC, SEM and EC honeys showed the highest antioxidant effects and could provide health benefits against diseases associated with oxidative stress as indicated by these results. Copyright / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Anatomy / unrestricted

Ce travail de thèse porte sur l’effet du rayonnement UV-B sur la physiologie foliaire et la maturation des baies chez la Vigne (Vitis vinifera L. cv Tempranillo), dans le contexte du changement climatique en cours. Dans ce but, des expériences ont été menées en conditions contrôlées en serre, sur des boutures fructifères. Les plantes ont été exposées à trois doses de rayonnement UV-B biologiquement actifs (0, 5,98 et 9,66 kJ.m-2.jour-1), soit à partir de la nouaison, soit à partir de la véraison, et ce jusqu’à la pleine maturité. Le rayonnement UV-B a été appliqué seul ou en combinaison avec d’autres stress abiotiques (déficit hydrique, taux de CO2 et température élevés). L’impact de ces stress sur l’activité photosynthétique, les contenus en pigments et en composés photoprotecteurs, ainsi que sur les activités des enzymes produisant des composés antioxydants, ont été étudiés. La phénologie, les profils d’accumulation des flavonols et des anthocyanes, ainsi que le contenu en acides aminés des baies ont également été analysés, de même que l’expression des principaux gènes régulateurs et structuraux de la voie de biosynthèse des polyphénols. Les résultats obtenus montrent que les effets des UV-B sur la physiologie foliaire peuvent être découpés en deux phases : une première phase transitoire de diminution de l’activité photosynthétique, suivie d’une phase d’acclimatation due à la production de composés photoprotecteurs (flavonoïdes essentiellement) et à l’activité d’enzyme de détoxification des forme actives de l’oxygène (superoxyde dimutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase). Le déficit hydrique, le stress thermique et un taux de CO2 élevé (700ppm, +4ºC) ne modifient pas le processus d’acclimatation aux UV-B ; en revanche on note une interaction positive entre les UV-B d’une part et la tolérance aux températures et au taux de CO2 élevé d’autre part, atténuant les dommages oxydatifs dus à l’induction de sénescence par ces deux derniers facteurs. La maturité des baies est retardée par les UV-B et le déficit hydrique, et ce phénomène et amplifiés lorsque ces deux stress sont appliqués en combinaison ; alors que les hautes températures et un taux de CO2 élevé ont l’effet inverse. Dans ce dernier cas, le UV-B rayonnement atténue les effets du couple température/CO2 élevés. Ces effets sur la phénologie de la Vigne ont pu être reliés à des modifications de l’activité photosynthétique des feuilles. En ce qui concerne la composition des baies, l’augmentation du rayonnement UV-B et le déficit hydrique ont augmenté les concentrations en anthocyanes et en potassium des moûts et diminué leur acidité, ce qui peut s’expliquer en partie par une augmentation du ratio de masse pellicule/pulpe. L’augmentation des teneurs en anthocyanes et flavonols des pellicules observée en réponse aux UV-B a pu être reliée à l’induction de gènes structuraux (CHS, F3’H, FLS, UFGT and GST) et régulateurs (MYBF1 et MYBA1) de la voie de biosynthèse des flavonoïdes. Ces changements quantitatifs étaient toujours associés à des changements qualitatifs, avec une augmentation de la part relative des flavonols mono- et disubstitués, en raison d’une compétition de la flavonol synthase avec les F3’ et F3’5’ hydroxylases pour les mêmes substrats. Une interaction notable a été observée entre le rayonnement UV-B et le déficit hydrique, sur les profils d’hydroxylation des flavonols, ce qui s’explique par le fait que ces deux facteurs agissent sur deux étapes distinctes de la voie de biosynthèse. / The aim of the thesis was to assess the effect of UV-B radiation on grapevine Vitis viniferacv. Tempranillo leaf physiology and grape berry composition, framed within the climatechange scenario. Experiments were conducted under glasshouse controlled conditions withfruit-bearing cuttings. Plants were exposed to three UV-B biologically effective doses (0,5.98, 9.66 kJ m-2 d-1) either from fruit set or veraison to maturity. The combined effects of UVand water deficit, as well as, UV-B and elevated CO2-temperature (700ppm, +4ºC), appliedfrom fruit set to maturity were also tested. Gas exchange, Chlorophyll a fluorescence, lipidperoxidation, antioxidant enzyme activity, UV-B absorbing compound levels and chlorophylland carotenoid concentration were determined in leaves. Berry development was assessedquantitatively (e.g. elapsed time to reach phenological stages). Amino acid, anthocyanin andflavonol concentrations and profiles were analyzed in berries, as well as, transcript profilingof regulatory and structural genes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis.The results show that initial down-regulation of photosynthesis was followed by anacclimation, mediated by the accumulation of UV-B absorbing compounds and antioxidantresponse elicitation (flavonoids and antioxidant enzymes). Water deficit and elevated CO2-temperature did not alter UV-B acclimation process, however, UV-B did led to certain degreeof cross-tolerance to elevated CO2-temperature, avoiding the senescence-induced oxidativedamage. Berry technological maturity (ca. 22ºBrix) was delayed by UV-B exposure and waterdeficit, especially when combined, whereas it was hastened by elevated CO2-temperature. Inthe last case, UV-B attenuated the effect of elevated CO2 and temperature. Changes in berryripening rates were associated with changes in photosynthetic performance.UV-B radiation and water deficit induced lower grape must acidity, mediated by increases inrelative skin mass or potassium levels rather than a decrease in organic acid concentration.In addition this increase in relative skin mass may have contributed to higher anthocyaninconcentration in the must. Grape berry skin flavonol and anthocyanin concentration wasincreased by UV-B, mainly due to the up-regulation of the structural (CHS, F3’H, FLS, UFGTand GST) and regulatory genes (MYBF1 and MYBA1) committed to their synthesis.Quantitative changes in flavonol concentration induced by UV-B were always associated withqualitative changes in flavonol profile (i.e. increased relative abundance of mono- anddisubstituted flavonols), as a result of the competition of FLS with flavonoid hydroxylases(F3’H and F3’5’H) for the same substrates. The independent up-regulation of FLS and F3’5’Hby UV-B radiation and water deficit, respectively, resulted in an intaractive effect on theflavonol B ring hydroxylation pattern. Under elevated CO2-temperature anthocyanin-sugaraccumulation was decoupled. However, UV-B partially alleviated this uncoupling by upregulatinganthocyanin biosynthesis and modulating berry ripening rates.UV-B radiation greatly influenced grapevine leaf physiology and berry composition. Theseresponses to UV-B were modulated, to a greater or lesser extent, by other factors linked toclimate change (water availability, atmospheric CO2 levels and temperature).

This research is done to determine the distribution of flavonoids in diverse varieties of onions (commercial and wild onions). Reflux extraction method was done on dried onions and the abstracts were analyzed subsequently by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS). Statistical calculations were done to see if there are significant differences in the varieties of onions studied from the chromatographic profiles obtained. The chromatograms obtained were patterned using visual observations, scatter plot study, correlation co-efficient, and ANOVA to evaluate the significant difference of the distribution of flavonoids in varieties of onions. The organic white onions seem to have closer flavonoids profile to that of natural wild onions with a corelation coefficient of 0.99 from HPLC data and 0.88 from the GCMS data. The ANOVA results also support these conclusions. However, natural wild onions tend to have more constituents that can be beneficial.

Flavonoid glycosyltransferases (GTs), enzymes integral to plant ecological responses and human pharmacology, necessitate rigorous structural elucidation to decipher their mechanistic function and substrate specificity, particularly given their role in the biotransformation of diverse pharmacological agents and natural products. This investigation delved into a comprehensive exploration of the flavonol 3-O GT from Citrus paradisi (Cp3GT), scrutinizing the impact of a c-terminal c-myc/6x histidine tag on its enzymatic activity and substrate specificity, and successfully achieving its purification to apparent homogeneity. This established a strong foundation for potential future crystallographic and other structure/function analyses. Through the strategic implementation of site-directed mutagenesis, a thrombin cleavage site was incorporated proximal to the tag, followed by cloning in Pichia pastoris, methanol-induced expression, and cobalt-affinity chromatography for initial purification stages. Notably, the recombinant tags did not exhibit a discernible influence on Cp3GT kinetics, substrate preference, pH optima, or metal interactions, maintaining its specificity towards flavonols at the 3-OH position and favoring glucosylation of quercetin and kaempferol. Subsequent purification steps, including MonoQ anion exchange and size-exclusion chromatography, yielded Cp3GT with ≥95% homogeneity. In silico molecular models of Cp3GT and its truncated variants, Cp3GTΔ80 and Cp3GTΔ10, were constructed using D-I-TASSER and COFACTOR to assess binding interactions with quercetin and kaempferol. Results indicated minimal interference of c-myc/6x-his tags with the native Cp3GT structure. This study not only lays a foundation for impending crystallographic studies, aiming to solidify the understanding of Cp3GT's stringent 3-O flavonol specificity, but also accentuates the potential of microbial expression platforms and plant metabolic engineering in producing beneficial compounds. To this end, a thorough review of four pivotal classes of plant secondary metabolites, flavonoids, alkaloids, betalains, and glucosinolates, was conducted. This will open avenues for further research and applications in biotechnological, medical, and agricultural domains.

Yes / Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in humans, describes a group of lung conditions characterised by airflow limitation that is poorly reversible. The airflow limitation usually progresses slowly and is related to an abnormal inflammatory response of the lung to toxic particles. COPD is characterised by oxidative stress and an increased risk of lung carcinoma. The 2-amino-3-methylimidazo [4,5-f]quinoline (IQ) is one of a number of mutagenic/carcinogenic heterocyclic amines found mainly in well-cooked meats which are thus part of the regular diet. Antioxidants are very important in order to protect the cells against oxidative damage. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of IQ on the level of DNA damage and susceptibility to a potent mutagen in peripheral blood cells of COPD patients. DNA damage and the frequency of micronuclei (MNi) were evaluated using the Comet and micronucleus assays, respectively. Differential expressions of both mRNA and protein of the endogenous antioxidant enzyme catalase were evaluated with quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blot analysis, respectively. Furthermore, the effect of bulk and nano forms of quercetin and their combination with IQ were examined. Results of the present study clearly demonstrated that MNi frequency in the peripheral blood lymphocytes exhibited a positive correlation with the DNA damage as evident from the different Comet assay parameters. Increase of the endogenous antioxidant catalase also showed there was a stimulation of this enzyme system by IQ. Whereas, the endogenous antioxidant quercetin significantly reduced oxidative stress in COPD patients and healthy individuals. / Libyan Government

Les flavonoïdes sont des ingrédients prometteurs pour différentes applications alimentaires et non alimentaires, grâce à leurs propriétés antioxydantes et biologiques. Cependant, la formulation de ces molécules est difficile à réaliser en raison de leur faible solubilité dans la plupart des solvants. Afin de remédier à cette difficulté, l’approche suivie dans cette étude est l’incorporation des flavonoïdes dans des particules à base de biopolymères (protéine-polysaccharide), stables et fonctionnelles. Le principal objectif de cette thèse était d’acquérir des connaissances à différentes échelles d’étude sur les mécanismes d’interaction et d’assemblage entre un flavonoïde, la quercétine, et deux biopolymères,B-lactoglobuline (BLG) et la gomme d’Acacia (AG). Dans une première étape, nous avons pu mettre au point des particules submicroniques (Dh : ~250 nm) de gomme d’Acacia-quercétine (GAQ) possédant une structure assimilée à un assemblage « cœur-couronne » et traduisant un comportement correspondant à celui de particules molles. Dans une seconde étape, nous avons étudié les mécanismes d’assemblage des particules de GAQ avec la BLG à pH 4,2 et à 25 °C. Les paramètres thermodynamiques d’interaction ont été déterminés par calorimétrie de titration isotherme (ITC) et montrent des isothermes de liaison caractérisées par une séquence exothermique-endothermique. Les différentes entités structurales formées durant la complexation entre la GA et la BLG ou la GAQ et la BLG ont été caractérisées en utilisant la même approche par titration que pour l’ITC. Enfin, des mesures par spectroscopie infra-rouge à transformée de Fourier (FTIR) ont montré une modification de la structure secondaire de la BLG après interaction avec la GA et la GAQ. D’importantes pertes de structures (hélices-α et feuillets-β), encore plus marquées en présence de quercétine / Flavonoids are promising ingredients in food and non food applications through their antioxidative and biological properties. However, their negligible solubility in most solvent renders problematic technological developments. In order to overcome this drawback, the approach followed in this study was the incorporation of flavonoids in stable and functional particles based on biopolymers (protein-polysaccharide). The main objective of this thesis was to acquire knowledge at different scales to study the mechanisms of interaction and linkage between a flavonoid, quercetin, and two biopolymers, B-lactoglobulin (BLG) and Acacia gum (AG). In a first step, we were able to develop submicronic particles (Dh : ~250 nm) of quercetin-Acacia gum (GAQ) based on a core of quercetin and a shell of Acacia gum, reflecting a behavior of soft particles. In a second step, we investigated the assembly mechanisms GAQ with BLG at pH 4.2 and 25 ° C. The thermodynamic parameters of interaction were determined by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and show binding isotherm characterized by an exothermic-endothermic sequence. The various structural entities formed during the complexation between GA and BLG or BLG and GAQ were characterized using the same approach as for the ITC titration. Finally, measurements using infra-red Fourier transform (FTIR) showed changes in the secondary structure of BLG after interaction with the GA and the GAQ. There was a significant loss of secondary structures (α-helices and β-sheets), even more pronounced in presence of quercetin

Les deux systèmes nodulaires symbiotiques les plus importants au niveau agronomique et environnemental sont, d'une part, les symbioses Rhizobium-légumineuses qui concernent environ 14 000 espèces, et d'autre part, les symbioses entre les plantes actinorhiziennes (environ 200 espèces) et l'actinomycète du sol Frankia. La plupart des plantes actinorhiziennes sont capables de fixer des quantités d'azote comparable à celles des Légumineuses ; ce sont généralement des plantes pionnières capables de coloniser des environnements pauvres en éléments minéraux. Elles représentent donc un atout écologique important. Si la symbiose Rhizobium-légumineuse est très étudiée, les mécanismes moléculaires à l'origine de la formation des nodules actinorhiziens restent actuellement peu connus. Ainsi, chez les Légumineuses, les flavonoïdes sont des molécules-clefs du processus de nodulation, alors que chez les plantes actinorhiziennes, l'implication des flavonoïdes dans la nodulation reste imprécise. L'objectif de cette thèse était de comprendre l'implication des flavonoïdes au cours de l'interaction symbiotique entre l'arbre actinorhizien tropical Casuarina glauca et son symbiote Frankia. L'analyse d'une base de données d'unigènes couplée à celle de données d'expression de puces à ADN a permis l'identification de huit genes de C. glauca impliqués dans la voie de biosynthèse des flavonoïdes. L'étude de leur expression dans les racines par PCR quantitative au cours d'une cinétique d'infection de C. glauca par Frankia a montré que les transcrits de la chalcone isomerase et de l'isoflavone reductase s'accumulaient très tôt après l'inoculation, suggérant ainsi une implication des isoflavonoïdes dans la symbiose actinorhizienne. Nous avons alors utilisé une stratégie d'ARN interférent pour réduire l'expression du gène de la chalcone synthase, la première enzyme de la voie de biosynthèse des flavonoïdes. La réduction de l'expression du gène de la chalcone synthase a provoqué une réduction significative du taux de flavonoïdes dans les racines ainsi qu'une très forte diminution du taux de nodulation chez les plantes transformées. Une restauration du taux de nodulation a pu être obtenu en présence de naringenin, une molécule centrale de la voie de biosynthèse des flavonoïdes.Nos résultats apportent donc, pour la première fois, une évidence directe de l'implication forte des flavonoïdes au cours de la nodulation des plantes actinorhiziennes. / Nitrogen-fixing root nodulation, confined to four plant orders, encompasses more than 14,000 Leguminosae species, and approximately 200 actinorhizal species forming symbioses with rhizobia and Frankia bacterial species, respectively. Most actinorhizal plants are capable of high rates of nitrogen fixation comparable to the nitrogen fixing symbiosis between legumes and Rhizobium. As a consequence, these plants are able to grow in poor and disturbed soils and are important elements in plant community worldwide. The basic knowledge of the symbiotic interaction between Frankia and actinorhizal plants is still poorly understood, although it offers striking differences with the Rhizobium-legume symbiosis. In the symbiosis between legumes and Rhizobium, flavonoids are key molecules for nodulation. In actinorhizal plants, the involvement of flavonoids in symbiosis is poorly understood, but because of the similarities of the infection process between some actinorhizal plants and legumes, flavonoids were proposed to act as plant signals for the bacteria Frankia. The objective of this thesis was to investigate the involvement of flavonoids during the actinorhizal nodulation process resulting from the interaction between the tropical tree Casuarina glauca and the actinomycete Frankia.Eight C. glauca genes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis were identified from a unigene database and their expression patterns were monitored by quantitative real-time PCR during the nodulation time course. Our results showed that chalcone isomerase and isoflavone reductase transcripts accumulated preferentially early after inoculation with Frankia, suggesting thus for the first time that isoflavonoids are implicated in actinorhizal nodulation. To go deeper in the understanding of the role of these molecules in actinorhizal symbiosis, we used RNA interference strategy to silence chalcone synthase, the enzyme that catalyzes the first committed step of the flavonoid pathway. Knockdown of chalcone synthase expression led to a strong reduction of specific flavonoids levels and resulted in a severely impaired nodulation. Nodule formation could be rescued by supplementation of plants with naringenin, which is an upstream intermediate in flavonoid biosynthesis. Our results provide, for the first time, direct evidence of a strong implication of flavonoids during actinorhizal nodulation.