Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:25:37Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2009-08-27Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:12:39Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 yanaka_r_me_araca.pdf: 511150 bytes, checksum: 63600872d627729224217713ac1ecd0d (MD5) / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / Os objetivos deste estudo foram determinar o período de absorção intestinal de macromoléculas colostrais em cabritos alimentados com colostro bovino e caprino, e avaliar a variação dos parâmetros bioquímicos, hemogasométricos e imunológicos de cabras e cabritos no período até 75 dias pós-parto. Para tanto, determinaram-se as concentrações séricas de proteína total (refratometria), separação eletroforética das frações protéicas (eletroforese em acetato de celulose), imunoglobulina G (IgG) bovina e caprina (imunodifusão radial), as atividades séricas de aspartatoaminotransferase (AST), fosfatase alcalina (FA), gamaglutamiltransferase (GGT), os teores de creatinina e ureia, e os valores hemogasométricos e glicêmicos, nos momentos zero, dois, sete, 15, 30 e 75 dias pós-parto. Os cabritos que ingeriram colostro bovino até 12 horas pós-nascimento adquiriram títulos regulares de imunoglobulinas. Após 22 horas pós-parto, os cabritos não tiveram absorção adequada de macromoléculas colostrais, sendo classificados como portadores de falha de transferência de imunidade passiva. Aos 75 dias, todos os cabritos possuíam inadequadas concentrações de IgG. Os cabritos alimentados com colostro caprino tiveram concentrações mais elevadas de IgG quando comparados aos daqueles que ingeriram colostro bovino. Aos dois dias pósnascimento a concentração de GGT teve correlação significativa com a IgG, podendo, esta enzima, ser utilizada na avaliação da transferência de imunidade passiva. As cabras e os cabritos tiveram variações protéicas, bioquímicas e hemogasométricas até os 75 dias pós-parto, com pouca relevância clínica. / The aims of this study was to determine the absorption period of colostrum macromolecules by intestinal wall of goat kids fed bovine or caprine colostrum, and evaluate the variation of biochemistry, blood gas and immunologic parameters of goats and kids at post-partum period until 75 days. To accomplish these objectives the serum concentrations of total protein (refractometry), electrophoretic proteins fractions separation (acetate cellulose electrophoresis), bovine and caprine immunoglobulin G (IgG) by radial immunodiffusion assay, biochemicals assays for aspartateaminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gammaglutamyltransferase (GGT), creatinine and urea, hole blood assays for blood gas parameters and glycemia were determined at zero, two, seven, 15, 30 and 75 days postpartum. Kids which fed bovine colostrum until 12 hours after birth have acquired regular immunoglobulins titres. After 22 hours postpartum kids didn’t presented adequate absorption of colostrum macromolecules, being classified as failure of passive immunity transference. Although all kids presented bovine IgG at 75 days after birth, their low concentrations doesn’t provide adequate protection. Kids fed caprine colostrum presented higher concentrations of IgG compared to those fed bovine colostrum. At two days after birth GGT concentration correlated significantly with IgG, so it can be used as passive immunity predictor. Goats and kids had variations on protein, biochemical and blood gas variables until 75 days postpartum, but with physiological and/or nutritional causes, these findings had little clinical relevance for the animals.

Orientador: Francisco Leydson Formiga Feitosa / Banca: Raimundo de Souza Lopes / Banca: José Jurandir Fagliari / Resumo: Os objetivos deste estudo foram determinar o período de absorção intestinal de macromoléculas colostrais em cabritos alimentados com colostro bovino e caprino, e avaliar a variação dos parâmetros bioquímicos, hemogasométricos e imunológicos de cabras e cabritos no período até 75 dias pós-parto. Para tanto, determinaram-se as concentrações séricas de proteína total (refratometria), separação eletroforética das frações protéicas (eletroforese em acetato de celulose), imunoglobulina G (IgG) bovina e caprina (imunodifusão radial), as atividades séricas de aspartatoaminotransferase (AST), fosfatase alcalina (FA), gamaglutamiltransferase (GGT), os teores de creatinina e ureia, e os valores hemogasométricos e glicêmicos, nos momentos zero, dois, sete, 15, 30 e 75 dias pós-parto. Os cabritos que ingeriram colostro bovino até 12 horas pós-nascimento adquiriram títulos regulares de imunoglobulinas. Após 22 horas pós-parto, os cabritos não tiveram absorção adequada de macromoléculas colostrais, sendo classificados como portadores de falha de transferência de imunidade passiva. Aos 75 dias, todos os cabritos possuíam inadequadas concentrações de IgG. Os cabritos alimentados com colostro caprino tiveram concentrações mais elevadas de IgG quando comparados aos daqueles que ingeriram colostro bovino. Aos dois dias pósnascimento a concentração de GGT teve correlação significativa com a IgG, podendo, esta enzima, ser utilizada na avaliação da transferência de imunidade passiva. As cabras e os cabritos tiveram variações protéicas, bioquímicas e hemogasométricas até os 75 dias pós-parto, com pouca relevância clínica. / Abstract: The aims of this study was to determine the absorption period of colostrum macromolecules by intestinal wall of goat kids fed bovine or caprine colostrum, and evaluate the variation of biochemistry, blood gas and immunologic parameters of goats and kids at post-partum period until 75 days. To accomplish these objectives the serum concentrations of total protein (refractometry), electrophoretic proteins fractions separation (acetate cellulose electrophoresis), bovine and caprine immunoglobulin G (IgG) by radial immunodiffusion assay, biochemicals assays for aspartateaminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gammaglutamyltransferase (GGT), creatinine and urea, hole blood assays for blood gas parameters and glycemia were determined at zero, two, seven, 15, 30 and 75 days postpartum. Kids which fed bovine colostrum until 12 hours after birth have acquired regular immunoglobulins titres. After 22 hours postpartum kids didn't presented adequate absorption of colostrum macromolecules, being classified as failure of passive immunity transference. Although all kids presented bovine IgG at 75 days after birth, their low concentrations doesn't provide adequate protection. Kids fed caprine colostrum presented higher concentrations of IgG compared to those fed bovine colostrum. At two days after birth GGT concentration correlated significantly with IgG, so it can be used as passive immunity predictor. Goats and kids had variations on protein, biochemical and blood gas variables until 75 days postpartum, but with physiological and/or nutritional causes, these findings had little clinical relevance for the animals. / Mestre

The clinically used antibiotic lincomycin consists of an amino-sugar and an amino-acid moiety. The incorporated amino-acid 4-propyl-L-prolin (PPL) is very important for the linomycin bioactivity, as evidenced by the lower activity of the related antibiotic celesticetin, which incorporates proteinogenic L-prolin instead. Gene clusters for the biosynthesis of both lincosamides are published and reflect a common basis - biosynthesis of amino-sugar precursor and condensation reactions. Additionally, in the biosynthetic gene cluster for lincomycin there is a sub-cluster of genes encoding the biosynthesis of PPL, the alkylated proline derivative (APD). PPL has a common biosynthetic origin with other APDs that are part of the structures of antitumor pyrrolobenzodiazepines and the signal molecule hormaomycin, which is also reflected in the presence of homologous genes in their gene clusters. The acquired knowledge on PPL biosynthesis thus can be applied to a larger group of natural products. The first overall concept of APD biosynthesis was published forty years ago. The milestone was the year 1995 when the gene cluster for lincomycin biosynthesis was published and specific gene products have been proposed for individual biosynthetic steps. The functional proof of proteins has been performed so far just...

Kinetic inactivation of factor XIIIa and MTG were performed in a pressure range from 0.1 to 400 MPa at 40°C within a time from 0 to 60 min in a TRIS-acetate buffer at pH 6.0. The inactivation of both enzymes at these conditions followed a first order reaction model. The high inactivation rate constant of 26.6 x10-3/min-1 for factor XIIIa at low pressure (50 MP) indicated that this enzyme is much easier to inactivate than MTG, which achieved an inactivation rate constant value of 9.7 x10-3/min at higher pressure (200 MPa). An inactivation volume of –10.17±0.5 cm3/mol confirmed that MTG is very stable under high pressure. The stability of MTG under high pressure and thermal treatment was related to its conformational changes. Enzyme inactivation was accompanied by secondary and tertiary structure changes until an irreversible protein precipitation is achieved. The tertiary structure, represented by circular dichroism spectra in the aromatic region showed differences among native and MTG samples treated under high pressure, as well as at elevated temperature. Tyrosine bands, indicating protein unfolding, increased proportionally with increasing pressure treatment above 400 MPa. Nevertheless, compared to pressure, a maximal enhancement could be observed after thermal treatment at 0.1 MPa at 80°C. That demonstrated the exposure of hydrophobic groups to the protein surface with a concomitant protein unfolding. The spectra in the far ultraviolet region showed that increasing high pressure and high temperature lead to alterations in the secondary structure. The mathematical algorithms CONTIN used to calculate secondary structures stated that the 24.5% of alpha-helix of native MTG decreased to 17.2% after a treatment at 400 MPa at 40°C for 60 min and to 6.5% after a treatment at 0.1 MPa at 80°C for 2 min. However, beta-strand structures remained relatively stable after these several treatments. MTG is arranged in a way that the active site is located between beta-strand domains that are surrounded by alpha-helices, the results of this investigation suggested that MTG activity is related with the relative stability of alpha-helix and the outstanding stability of the central beta-strand structure. The irreversible precipitated protein observed at 600 MPa at 40°C for 60 min and 0.1 MPa at 80°C for 2 min was caused principally by the formation of disulfides bonds, because high pressure and high thermal treatment lead to the exposition of the Cys64 residue towards the solvent with the subsequent ability to react with neighbouring cysteine residues. Furthermore, the reaction between protein and reducing sugars resulted in the formation of Maillard products. Furosine, as an indicator of the early stages of Maillard reaction was measured. Concentration values of 261.0 mg/g protein from samples treated at 600 MPa and 40°C and 238.5 mg/g protein from samples treated at and 0.1 MPa and 80°C for 2 min were obtained. Pentosidine a subsequent product observed in the advanced Maillard reaction was also present. Concentrations of 13.7 and 6.7 mg/g protein were obtained in the samples treated at 600 MPa and 40°C for 60 min and 0.1 MPa and 80°C for 2 min, respectively. Kinetic inactivation studies of MTG in a pressure range from 0.1 to 600 MPa at 10, 30, 40, and 50°C within a long time range from 0 to 140 h were performed in order to study MTG stability under the simultaneous effect of pressure and temperature. The inactivation kinetic showed a first and very fast step and a second very slow step suggesting irreversible inactivation behaviour. Activation energy and entropy difference decreased with increasing pressure. Thereby, the inactivation rate constants of enzyme were less temperature dependent at high pressure. The effect of pressure and temperature on MTG inactivation had a synergistic behaviour. At temperatures of 10, 30, and 40°C, increasing pressure leads to increasing inactivation rate constants. However at 50°C a tendency change occurred. Negative activation volumes of –16.2±0.5, -13.6±0.1, -11.2±0.3 cm3/mol were obtained for 10, 30 and 40°C respectively and for treatment at 50°C a positive value of about +3.0±2.0 cm3/mol in a pressure range from 0.1 to 300 and a negative volume of –11.0±0.4 cm3/mol MPa from 300 to 600 MPa were calculated. A pressure/temperature diagram from inactivation rate constants was performed to represent MTG stability. The diagram shows that in a pressure and temperature range from 0.1 to 550 MPa and 10 to 40°C, pressure induces MTG stabilization against heat denaturation. At 50°C in range from 0.1 to 300 MPa, pressure induces also enzyme stabilization again heat denaturation, but at the same temperature and above 300 MPa the enzyme was inactivated. After MTG stability analysis, reaction kinetics from MTG with individual caseins in a TRIS-acetate buffer pH 6.0 were performed under atmospheric pressure (0.1 MPa) and high pressure (400 MPa) at 40°C. The reaction was monitored by gel permeation chromatography under in three assumptions: 1) The initial velocity kinetics was obtained from a non-progressive enzymatic reactions with the products. 2) The substrate concentration exceeded enzyme concentration. 3) The sum of the individual catalytic constants of the reactive glutamine residues inside caseins are represented by a single MTG-monomeric casein complex. Enzyme reaction kinetics of MTG with the individual caseins carried out at 0.1 MPa at 40°C showed Michaelis-Menten-Henri behaviour with maximal velocities of 2.7 x 10-3, 0.8 x 10-3, and 1.3 x 10-3 mmol/L∙min and Km values of 59 x 10-3, 64 x 10-3 and 50 x 10-3 mmol/L of beta-, alpha-s1-, and whole-casein, respectively. This suggested that MTG achieved a maximal velocity with ß-casein, but had the best affinity with acid casein followed by beta- casein and finally alpha-s1-casein. Enzyme reaction kinetics of beta-casein carried out at 400 MPa and 40°C also showed a Michaelis-Menten-Henri behaviour with a similar maximal velocity of 2.6 x 10-3 mmol/L×min, but the Km value of 144 x 10-3 mmol/L showing kinetical similarity to a non-competitive inhibition. The reaction of MTG with alpha-s1-casein under high pressure did not fit in to Henri-Michaelis-Menten kinetics. Kinetic parameters showed that the affinity of MTG to beta- and alpha-s1-casein under atmospheric pressure is higher than the affinity of MTG to these caseins under high pressure. This loss of affinity can be explained by a constant number of reactive glutamine residues of casein, although the protein is unfolding at high pressure, a decrease of enzyme activity of MTG to 74% after treatment at 400 MPa at 40°C for 15 min and self association of casein under thermal and high pressure treatment. Fur technological application, the formation of acid milk gels was studied under the influence of MTG within its range of pH stability. Simultaneous addition of MTG and different concentrations of glucono-delta-lactone (Gdl) to casein solutions (5% w/v) at 40°C was analysed. Gels firmness was accessed by oscillation rheometry and gel permeation chromatography. Oscillation rheometry data showed that the time of gelation decreased with an increasing Gdl concentration added to the system, however higher concentrations of Gdl caused the formation of weaker gels. Addition of 1 g Gdl/g protein without MTG caused gelation within 5 min and a storage module value G´ of 48.9 Pa. With the simultaneous addition of 1 g Gdl/g protein and 6 U MTG/ g protein the gelation time was 4 min and the reached storage modulus was 63.7 Pa. However, the addition of 0.21 g Gdl/g protein and 6 U/g protein MTG increase the gelation time to about 69 min, but, a higher module value G´ of 111.0 Pa was achieved. Addition of high Gdl concentration caused a rapid drop of pH below 5 leading to a fast enzyme inactivation. However addition of very low Gdl concentrations was also not optimal. The simultaneous influence of MTG and Gdl concentration on the gelation time and elastic properties was evaluated by a central composite rotatable design (CCRD). The resulting quadratic storage modulus model showed that, MTG concentration had a significant influence on storage modulus G´ and, that the firmness of the gels increase in direct proportion with MTG activity with the existence of a optimum Gdl concentration, whereas the resulting linear model of the gelation time stated that Gdl concentration has a significant influence on the gelation time, while it is independent of the MTG activity. A maximal firmness of 136 ± 2 Pa was reached between a range of 0.24 - 0.27 g Gdl/g protein and 5.8 U MTG/g within a time from 49 to 59 min. Gel permeation chromatography analysis demonstrated that acid gels induced by Gdl were formed by reversible cross-linking like electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonds as well as disulfide bonds caused by temperature treatment. Whereas, the addition of MTG proved the formation of non-reversible cross-linking like oligomers based on Ne-(g-glutamyl)- lysine, which gave more firmness and stabilization on the casein gel network.

Kinetic inactivation of factor XIIIa and MTG were performed in a pressure range from 0.1 to 400 MPa at 40°C within a time from 0 to 60 min in a TRIS-acetate buffer at pH 6.0. The inactivation of both enzymes at these conditions followed a first order reaction model. The high inactivation rate constant of 26.6 x10-3/min-1 for factor XIIIa at low pressure (50 MP) indicated that this enzyme is much easier to inactivate than MTG, which achieved an inactivation rate constant value of 9.7 x10-3/min at higher pressure (200 MPa). An inactivation volume of –10.17±0.5 cm3/mol confirmed that MTG is very stable under high pressure. The stability of MTG under high pressure and thermal treatment was related to its conformational changes. Enzyme inactivation was accompanied by secondary and tertiary structure changes until an irreversible protein precipitation is achieved. The tertiary structure, represented by circular dichroism spectra in the aromatic region showed differences among native and MTG samples treated under high pressure, as well as at elevated temperature. Tyrosine bands, indicating protein unfolding, increased proportionally with increasing pressure treatment above 400 MPa. Nevertheless, compared to pressure, a maximal enhancement could be observed after thermal treatment at 0.1 MPa at 80°C. That demonstrated the exposure of hydrophobic groups to the protein surface with a concomitant protein unfolding. The spectra in the far ultraviolet region showed that increasing high pressure and high temperature lead to alterations in the secondary structure. The mathematical algorithms CONTIN used to calculate secondary structures stated that the 24.5% of alpha-helix of native MTG decreased to 17.2% after a treatment at 400 MPa at 40°C for 60 min and to 6.5% after a treatment at 0.1 MPa at 80°C for 2 min. However, beta-strand structures remained relatively stable after these several treatments. MTG is arranged in a way that the active site is located between beta-strand domains that are surrounded by alpha-helices, the results of this investigation suggested that MTG activity is related with the relative stability of alpha-helix and the outstanding stability of the central beta-strand structure. The irreversible precipitated protein observed at 600 MPa at 40°C for 60 min and 0.1 MPa at 80°C for 2 min was caused principally by the formation of disulfides bonds, because high pressure and high thermal treatment lead to the exposition of the Cys64 residue towards the solvent with the subsequent ability to react with neighbouring cysteine residues. Furthermore, the reaction between protein and reducing sugars resulted in the formation of Maillard products. Furosine, as an indicator of the early stages of Maillard reaction was measured. Concentration values of 261.0 mg/g protein from samples treated at 600 MPa and 40°C and 238.5 mg/g protein from samples treated at and 0.1 MPa and 80°C for 2 min were obtained. Pentosidine a subsequent product observed in the advanced Maillard reaction was also present. Concentrations of 13.7 and 6.7 mg/g protein were obtained in the samples treated at 600 MPa and 40°C for 60 min and 0.1 MPa and 80°C for 2 min, respectively. Kinetic inactivation studies of MTG in a pressure range from 0.1 to 600 MPa at 10, 30, 40, and 50°C within a long time range from 0 to 140 h were performed in order to study MTG stability under the simultaneous effect of pressure and temperature. The inactivation kinetic showed a first and very fast step and a second very slow step suggesting irreversible inactivation behaviour. Activation energy and entropy difference decreased with increasing pressure. Thereby, the inactivation rate constants of enzyme were less temperature dependent at high pressure. The effect of pressure and temperature on MTG inactivation had a synergistic behaviour. At temperatures of 10, 30, and 40°C, increasing pressure leads to increasing inactivation rate constants. However at 50°C a tendency change occurred. Negative activation volumes of –16.2±0.5, -13.6±0.1, -11.2±0.3 cm3/mol were obtained for 10, 30 and 40°C respectively and for treatment at 50°C a positive value of about +3.0±2.0 cm3/mol in a pressure range from 0.1 to 300 and a negative volume of –11.0±0.4 cm3/mol MPa from 300 to 600 MPa were calculated. A pressure/temperature diagram from inactivation rate constants was performed to represent MTG stability. The diagram shows that in a pressure and temperature range from 0.1 to 550 MPa and 10 to 40°C, pressure induces MTG stabilization against heat denaturation. At 50°C in range from 0.1 to 300 MPa, pressure induces also enzyme stabilization again heat denaturation, but at the same temperature and above 300 MPa the enzyme was inactivated. After MTG stability analysis, reaction kinetics from MTG with individual caseins in a TRIS-acetate buffer pH 6.0 were performed under atmospheric pressure (0.1 MPa) and high pressure (400 MPa) at 40°C. The reaction was monitored by gel permeation chromatography under in three assumptions: 1) The initial velocity kinetics was obtained from a non-progressive enzymatic reactions with the products. 2) The substrate concentration exceeded enzyme concentration. 3) The sum of the individual catalytic constants of the reactive glutamine residues inside caseins are represented by a single MTG-monomeric casein complex. Enzyme reaction kinetics of MTG with the individual caseins carried out at 0.1 MPa at 40°C showed Michaelis-Menten-Henri behaviour with maximal velocities of 2.7 x 10-3, 0.8 x 10-3, and 1.3 x 10-3 mmol/L∙min and Km values of 59 x 10-3, 64 x 10-3 and 50 x 10-3 mmol/L of beta-, alpha-s1-, and whole-casein, respectively. This suggested that MTG achieved a maximal velocity with ß-casein, but had the best affinity with acid casein followed by beta- casein and finally alpha-s1-casein. Enzyme reaction kinetics of beta-casein carried out at 400 MPa and 40°C also showed a Michaelis-Menten-Henri behaviour with a similar maximal velocity of 2.6 x 10-3 mmol/L×min, but the Km value of 144 x 10-3 mmol/L showing kinetical similarity to a non-competitive inhibition. The reaction of MTG with alpha-s1-casein under high pressure did not fit in to Henri-Michaelis-Menten kinetics. Kinetic parameters showed that the affinity of MTG to beta- and alpha-s1-casein under atmospheric pressure is higher than the affinity of MTG to these caseins under high pressure. This loss of affinity can be explained by a constant number of reactive glutamine residues of casein, although the protein is unfolding at high pressure, a decrease of enzyme activity of MTG to 74% after treatment at 400 MPa at 40°C for 15 min and self association of casein under thermal and high pressure treatment. Fur technological application, the formation of acid milk gels was studied under the influence of MTG within its range of pH stability. Simultaneous addition of MTG and different concentrations of glucono-delta-lactone (Gdl) to casein solutions (5% w/v) at 40°C was analysed. Gels firmness was accessed by oscillation rheometry and gel permeation chromatography. Oscillation rheometry data showed that the time of gelation decreased with an increasing Gdl concentration added to the system, however higher concentrations of Gdl caused the formation of weaker gels. Addition of 1 g Gdl/g protein without MTG caused gelation within 5 min and a storage module value G´ of 48.9 Pa. With the simultaneous addition of 1 g Gdl/g protein and 6 U MTG/ g protein the gelation time was 4 min and the reached storage modulus was 63.7 Pa. However, the addition of 0.21 g Gdl/g protein and 6 U/g protein MTG increase the gelation time to about 69 min, but, a higher module value G´ of 111.0 Pa was achieved. Addition of high Gdl concentration caused a rapid drop of pH below 5 leading to a fast enzyme inactivation. However addition of very low Gdl concentrations was also not optimal. The simultaneous influence of MTG and Gdl concentration on the gelation time and elastic properties was evaluated by a central composite rotatable design (CCRD). The resulting quadratic storage modulus model showed that, MTG concentration had a significant influence on storage modulus G´ and, that the firmness of the gels increase in direct proportion with MTG activity with the existence of a optimum Gdl concentration, whereas the resulting linear model of the gelation time stated that Gdl concentration has a significant influence on the gelation time, while it is independent of the MTG activity. A maximal firmness of 136 ± 2 Pa was reached between a range of 0.24 - 0.27 g Gdl/g protein and 5.8 U MTG/g within a time from 49 to 59 min. Gel permeation chromatography analysis demonstrated that acid gels induced by Gdl were formed by reversible cross-linking like electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonds as well as disulfide bonds caused by temperature treatment. Whereas, the addition of MTG proved the formation of non-reversible cross-linking like oligomers based on Ne-(g-glutamyl)- lysine, which gave more firmness and stabilization on the casein gel network.

Motivation Alcohol consumption is one of the major risk factors of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Excessive alcohol drinking is the fifth leading cause of death worldwide and the prevalence of alcohol abuse continues to increase especially in low-income areas of sub-Saharan Africa. The alarming rate of urbanisation seems to be the driving force for excessive alcohol intake in the developing world. In addition to its influence on CVD, heavy drinking also results in a number of non-cardiovascular consequences that include injury, risky sexual behaviour, violent crime and family dysfunction among black South Africans, contributing to high mortality. Moreover, the highest number of individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in South Africa is partly attributable to high intake of alcohol. HIV remains a major concern in South Africa with significant funding diverted to address the pandemic. The continued increases in mortality from preventable outcomes such as stroke, myocardial infarction and renal failure are largely due to urbanisation, poverty and dysfunctional health systems working with limited budgets. These are some of the factors requiring in-depth study of the scientific aspects of alcohol intake in South Africa. Although there is enough evidence that links excessive drinking with hypertension and CVD, the markers of alcohol intake – self reporting of alcohol, gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and carbohydrate deficient transferrin – are still not specific enough to isolate other confounding factors in the association of alcohol intake with CVD. The markers of alcohol that independently predict CVD and mortality need to be explored. Finally, the severe lack of longitudinal investigations on alcohol-related hypertension development and total mortality in black South Africans has compromised the early identification of risk factors associated with these outcomes. This study will therefore attempt to address the limited availability of longitudinal studies and stimulate interest for continued investigation. Aim The aim of this study was to investigate whether alcohol intake of black South Africans is related to specific measures of cardiovascular function (change in blood pressure (BP), hypertension development) and mortality over a period of 5 years. Methodology This study was based on the international Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study which includes 26 countries, investigating the cause and development of cardiovascular risk factors in low, middle and high income countries. This South African leg of the PURE study started in 2005 in which the baseline data was collected from 2021 black South Africans from rural and urban areas in Ikageng, Ganyesa and Tlakgameng in the North West Province. Eleven participants presented with missing data, leaving 2010 participants with complete datasets at baseline. However, data from these 11 participants was useful, especially for Chapter 4. All participants gave informed consent and the Ethics committee of the North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus) approved the study. The follow-up data collection was done in 2010. General health questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, lipid profiles and cardiovascular measurements were taken both at baseline and follow-up using appropriate methods. We also collected blood samples and performed biochemical analyses for lipid markers, liver enzymes, inflammatory markers and percentage carbohydrate deficient transferrin (%CDT). Finally, we obtained data on cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular mortality through verbal autopsy and death certificates. We made use of analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Chi-square tests to compare means and proportions, respectively. We used dependent t-tests and the McNemar test to compare baseline and follow-up variables. Furthermore, we employed single and partial linear regression analyses to correlate alcohol markers with each other and with the cardiovascular measures. Multiple regression analyses were used to correlate dependent variables in the study with various independent variables as required. Finally, we employed multivariable-adjusted Cox regression analyses to assess the association of the selected alcohol markers with mortality while adjusting for several independent variables. Results and Conclusions of each manuscript - With the first research article (Chapter 4), we aimed to compare self-reported alcohol intake estimates with GGT and %CDT, considering their relationship with percentage change in brachial blood pressure (BP) and central systolic blood pressure (cSBP) over 5 years. The results indicated that only self-reported alcohol intake independently predicted % change in brachial BP and cSBP. This was not found for the biochemical markers GGT and %CDT. Self-reported alcohol intake seems to be an important measure to implement by health systems in low income areas of sub-Saharan Africa, where honest reporting is expected. - Given the likely presence of high GGT levels in both alcohol consumption and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the second manuscript (Chapter 5) aimed to compare the cardiovascular and metabolic characteristics of excessive alcohol users and individuals with suspected NAFLD (confirmed with self-report, GGT and %CDT). We found that different sex and cardiometabolic profiles characterised excessive alcohol users and individuals suspected with NAFLD. Lean body mass and male sex were the dominant characteristics in excessive alcohol use while the NAFLD group had a dysmetabolic profile with obese women making up the higher proportion of this group. In excessive alcohol users systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure were independently associated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Diastolic blood pressure showed a significant correlation with waist circumference. These disparate profiles may guide healthcare practitioners in primary healthcare clinics to identify individuals with elevated GGT levels who may suffer from NAFLD or alcohol overuse. These results emphasise the importance of modifiable risk factors as the main contributors to CVD and that lifestyle change should be the main focus in developing countries such as South Africa. - The third manuscript (Chapter 6) aimed to determine the measure of alcohol intake (selfreported alcohol intake, GGT and %CDT) that related best with hypertension development, cardiovascular and all-cause mortality over 5 years in the same population of black South Africans. We found that GGT was the only independent predictor of hypertension development, cardiovascular as well as all-cause mortality. Moreover, self-reporting of alcohol intake predicted incident hypertension, confirming our findings from Chapter 4. The third marker, %CDT, a highly specific marker of alcohol intake, was not related with any outcome variable, perhaps due to its low sensitivity. Although self-reported alcohol intake is useful in low-resource primary healthcare settings, measurement of GGT is encouraged due to its predictive value for hypertension and mortality. GGT represents alcohol intake, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and obesity - all known to have severe cardiovascular consequences. Discussion and Conclusions Excessive alcohol intake remains a major concern in the development of hypertension, CVD and premature death in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite their weaknesses such as bias and nonspecificity, self-reporting of alcohol consumption and GGT emerged as reliable alcohol markers that independently predicted 5-year change in BP, hypertension development and total mortality in this population. Serum %CDT did not show any association with the mentioned cardiovascular markers. Finally, we were also able to show that black South Africans with suspected NAFLD (i.e. with high GGT levels who do not consume alcohol) are typically obese women, whereas lean men were more likely to have high alcohol consumption. Further prospective investigations are encouraged regarding (a) these mentioned associations, as well as (b) other self-reporting estimates such as quantity and frequency of drinking and (c) the use of %CDT as a highly specific marker of alcohol intake. The simultaneous presence of HIV infection in alcohol abuse in this population also warrants further investigation. / PhD (Physiology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Motivation Alcohol consumption is one of the major risk factors of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Excessive alcohol drinking is the fifth leading cause of death worldwide and the prevalence of alcohol abuse continues to increase especially in low-income areas of sub-Saharan Africa. The alarming rate of urbanisation seems to be the driving force for excessive alcohol intake in the developing world. In addition to its influence on CVD, heavy drinking also results in a number of non-cardiovascular consequences that include injury, risky sexual behaviour, violent crime and family dysfunction among black South Africans, contributing to high mortality. Moreover, the highest number of individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in South Africa is partly attributable to high intake of alcohol. HIV remains a major concern in South Africa with significant funding diverted to address the pandemic. The continued increases in mortality from preventable outcomes such as stroke, myocardial infarction and renal failure are largely due to urbanisation, poverty and dysfunctional health systems working with limited budgets. These are some of the factors requiring in-depth study of the scientific aspects of alcohol intake in South Africa. Although there is enough evidence that links excessive drinking with hypertension and CVD, the markers of alcohol intake – self reporting of alcohol, gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and carbohydrate deficient transferrin – are still not specific enough to isolate other confounding factors in the association of alcohol intake with CVD. The markers of alcohol that independently predict CVD and mortality need to be explored. Finally, the severe lack of longitudinal investigations on alcohol-related hypertension development and total mortality in black South Africans has compromised the early identification of risk factors associated with these outcomes. This study will therefore attempt to address the limited availability of longitudinal studies and stimulate interest for continued investigation. Aim The aim of this study was to investigate whether alcohol intake of black South Africans is related to specific measures of cardiovascular function (change in blood pressure (BP), hypertension development) and mortality over a period of 5 years. Methodology This study was based on the international Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study which includes 26 countries, investigating the cause and development of cardiovascular risk factors in low, middle and high income countries. This South African leg of the PURE study started in 2005 in which the baseline data was collected from 2021 black South Africans from rural and urban areas in Ikageng, Ganyesa and Tlakgameng in the North West Province. Eleven participants presented with missing data, leaving 2010 participants with complete datasets at baseline. However, data from these 11 participants was useful, especially for Chapter 4. All participants gave informed consent and the Ethics committee of the North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus) approved the study. The follow-up data collection was done in 2010. General health questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, lipid profiles and cardiovascular measurements were taken both at baseline and follow-up using appropriate methods. We also collected blood samples and performed biochemical analyses for lipid markers, liver enzymes, inflammatory markers and percentage carbohydrate deficient transferrin (%CDT). Finally, we obtained data on cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular mortality through verbal autopsy and death certificates. We made use of analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Chi-square tests to compare means and proportions, respectively. We used dependent t-tests and the McNemar test to compare baseline and follow-up variables. Furthermore, we employed single and partial linear regression analyses to correlate alcohol markers with each other and with the cardiovascular measures. Multiple regression analyses were used to correlate dependent variables in the study with various independent variables as required. Finally, we employed multivariable-adjusted Cox regression analyses to assess the association of the selected alcohol markers with mortality while adjusting for several independent variables. Results and Conclusions of each manuscript - With the first research article (Chapter 4), we aimed to compare self-reported alcohol intake estimates with GGT and %CDT, considering their relationship with percentage change in brachial blood pressure (BP) and central systolic blood pressure (cSBP) over 5 years. The results indicated that only self-reported alcohol intake independently predicted % change in brachial BP and cSBP. This was not found for the biochemical markers GGT and %CDT. Self-reported alcohol intake seems to be an important measure to implement by health systems in low income areas of sub-Saharan Africa, where honest reporting is expected. - Given the likely presence of high GGT levels in both alcohol consumption and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the second manuscript (Chapter 5) aimed to compare the cardiovascular and metabolic characteristics of excessive alcohol users and individuals with suspected NAFLD (confirmed with self-report, GGT and %CDT). We found that different sex and cardiometabolic profiles characterised excessive alcohol users and individuals suspected with NAFLD. Lean body mass and male sex were the dominant characteristics in excessive alcohol use while the NAFLD group had a dysmetabolic profile with obese women making up the higher proportion of this group. In excessive alcohol users systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure were independently associated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Diastolic blood pressure showed a significant correlation with waist circumference. These disparate profiles may guide healthcare practitioners in primary healthcare clinics to identify individuals with elevated GGT levels who may suffer from NAFLD or alcohol overuse. These results emphasise the importance of modifiable risk factors as the main contributors to CVD and that lifestyle change should be the main focus in developing countries such as South Africa. - The third manuscript (Chapter 6) aimed to determine the measure of alcohol intake (selfreported alcohol intake, GGT and %CDT) that related best with hypertension development, cardiovascular and all-cause mortality over 5 years in the same population of black South Africans. We found that GGT was the only independent predictor of hypertension development, cardiovascular as well as all-cause mortality. Moreover, self-reporting of alcohol intake predicted incident hypertension, confirming our findings from Chapter 4. The third marker, %CDT, a highly specific marker of alcohol intake, was not related with any outcome variable, perhaps due to its low sensitivity. Although self-reported alcohol intake is useful in low-resource primary healthcare settings, measurement of GGT is encouraged due to its predictive value for hypertension and mortality. GGT represents alcohol intake, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and obesity - all known to have severe cardiovascular consequences. Discussion and Conclusions Excessive alcohol intake remains a major concern in the development of hypertension, CVD and premature death in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite their weaknesses such as bias and nonspecificity, self-reporting of alcohol consumption and GGT emerged as reliable alcohol markers that independently predicted 5-year change in BP, hypertension development and total mortality in this population. Serum %CDT did not show any association with the mentioned cardiovascular markers. Finally, we were also able to show that black South Africans with suspected NAFLD (i.e. with high GGT levels who do not consume alcohol) are typically obese women, whereas lean men were more likely to have high alcohol consumption. Further prospective investigations are encouraged regarding (a) these mentioned associations, as well as (b) other self-reporting estimates such as quantity and frequency of drinking and (c) the use of %CDT as a highly specific marker of alcohol intake. The simultaneous presence of HIV infection in alcohol abuse in this population also warrants further investigation. / PhD (Physiology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

L'objectif de notre travail a consisté en l'étude des mécanismes enzymatiques impliqués dans la libération de l'oxyde nitrique à partir des S-nitrosothiols (RSNO) et dans leurs effets vasorelaxants. Notre intérêt porte sur deux enzymes : la gamma-glutamyltransférase (GGT) et la protéine disulfure isomérase (PDI) car elles jouent un rôle important dans la dénitrosation des RSNO. Nous avons choisi d'étudier la dénitrosation de deux RSNO : le S-nitrosoglutathion (GSNO), un mononitrosothiol endogène et la S,S'-dinitrosobucillamine (BUC(NO)2), un nouveau dinitrosothiol. Nous avons synthétisé ces RSNO et nous avons vérifié la nature du produit obtenu par une caractérisation physico-chimique complète. Les analyses ont montré que ces RSNO présentent une pureté élevée (>97%) avec un niveau faible d'impuretés permettant leur utilisation dans des expérimentations biologiques. Les effets vasorelaxants des RSNO ainsi que l'implication des enzymes ont été évalués. Nos résultats montrent que la GGT et la PDI sont capables de dénitroser in vitro le GSNO. Le modèle ex vivo d'anneau aortique isolé de rat Wistar nous a permis de démontrer que l'effet vasorelaxant de GSNO (CE50=3,2±0,5.10-7 M) est dépendant de l'endothélium et de l'activité de la GGT et de la PDI. Concernant la BUC(NO)2, ce dinitrosothiol est catabolisé in vitro par la PDI, est un vasorelaxant plus puissant que la plupart des RSNO (CE50=2,2±0,2.10-8 M) et met en jeu l'activité de la PDI vasculaire. Nos travaux ont conduit à une meilleure compréhension des mécanismes enzymatiques impliqués dans les effets vasculaires des RSNO, ce qui permettra d'optimiser le choix de la meilleure RSNO à utiliser dans une finalité thérapeutique / The aim of our work was to evaluate the enzymatic pathways involved in the release of nitric oxide and in the vasorelaxant effect of S-nitrosothiols (RSNO). We were interested in two enzymes: the gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and the protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), because they play an important role in RSNO denitrosation. Two RSNO were studied: S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), an endogenous mononitrosothiol, and S,S'-dinitrosobucillamine (BUC(NO)2), a new dinitrosothiol. We synthesized RSNO and we structurally characterized these products. The resulting data are consistent with the expected structure. Our products have a high purity (>97%) and a limited amount of impurities allowing their suitable use in biological experiments. The vasorelaxant effects of RSNO and the involvement of GGT and PDI were evaluated. The results indicate that purified GGT and PDI denitrosate GSNO in vitro. Furthermore, we demonstrated by using an ex vivo model consisting in an aortic ring isolated from Wistar rat that the vasorelaxant effect of GSNO (EC50=3,2±0,5.10-7 M) was dependent on the endothelium and GGT and PDI activities. As concerns BUC(NO)2, this dinitrosothiol catabolized in vitro by PDI, is more potent (EC50=2,2±0,2.10-8 M) than the most of nitrosothiols described in the literature. This vasorelaxation effect was dependent on PDI activity. In conclusion, our data led to a better understanding of the enzymatic mechanisms involved in the vascular effects of RSNO, which will permit, in physiopathological context, to optimize the choice of the best RSNO for use in a therapeutic purpose

Made available in DSpace on 2014-07-29T15:07:57Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Flavia Gontijo de Lima.pdf: 1240048 bytes, checksum: 8f761878f68bc3d24859e788703e5b5c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-03-03 / The species of Brachiaria are important forages from Brazilian tropical regions, mainly the Central-Western region. Some species of Brachiaria have been described as cause of hepatogenous photosensitization in ruminants. Initially, the disease was attributed to the fungus Pithomyces chartarum, but recent studies suggest that the steroidal saponins present in the grasses have toxic principles responsible for the photosensitization. The objective of this study was to evaluate the hepatic function and the performance of lambs fed with B. brizantha hay or sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum L.), by means of clinical examination, laboratory tests, and macro and microscopic analysis of the liver. Twelve Saint Ines lambs were used. The animals were divided into two experimental groups: group hay (six lambs fed with roughage of B. brizantha hay and concentrate) and group sugar cane (six lambs fed with roughage of sugar cane and concentrate). The hay used to feed the lambs did not contain Pithomyces chartarum spores. The clinical examinations occurred at each seven days, the laboratory tests at each 14 days, and the weighings at each 28 days. At the end of 93 days of experiment the lambs were slaughtered, the macroscopic analysis of the the organs was carried out, and the liver fragments were collected for the microscopic analysis. The lambs were clinically healthy, during the whole period, except at the beginning of the experiment, when some animals presented pneumonia. The only biochemistry alterations suggestive of hepatic damage were the increase of the GGT values and the decrease of total cholesterol in both groups. No animal fed with B. brizantha hay presented macroscopic alteration in the liver. The microscopic analysis of the liver revealed preserved hepatocytes and presence of multifocal infiltration of mononuclear inflammatory cells in the hepatic parenchyma and also in the portal triads, characterizing cholangitis in both groups. Degenerations suggestive of hepatic esteatosis were observed in four animals fed with sugar cane. Feeding lambs with B. brizantha hay promoted similar performance than feeding the animals with sugar cane. Regardless of the type of feeding, the lambs presented, as biochemistry alteration of the hepatic function, increase of the serum levels of GGT and decrease of total cholesterol, followed by histological alterations, characteristic of light cholangitis. / As espécies de Brachiaria são importantes forrageiras de regiões tropicais do Brasil, principalmente na região Centro-Oeste. Algumas espécies de Brachiaria têm sido descritas como causadoras de fotossensibilização hepatógena em ruminantes. Inicialmente a enfermidade foi atribuída ao fungo Pithomyces chartarum, mas estudos recentes sugerem que as saponinas esteroidais contidas nas forrageiras possuem princípios tóxicos responsáveis pela fotossensibilização. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a função hepática e o desempenho de ovinos alimentados com feno de B. brizantha ou cana-de-açúcar (Saccharum officinarum L.), por meio de exames clínicos, laboratoriais, análise macro e microscópica do fígado. Foram utilizados 12 ovinos da raça Santa Inês que constituíram dois grupos experimentais: grupo feno (seis ovinos alimentados com volumoso feno de Brachiaria brizantha e concentrado) e grupo cana (seis ovinos alimentados com volumoso cana-de-açúcar e concentrado). O feno destinado a alimentação dos animais não possuía esporos do fungo P. chartarum. Os exames clínicos ocorreram a cada sete dias. Os exames laboratoriais a cada 14 dias e as pesagens a cada 28 dias. Ao final de 93 dias de experimento os ovinos foram abatidos, realizada análise macroscópica dos órgãos e colheita de fragmentos de fígado para a análise microscópica. Os animais durante todo o período estiveram clinicamente saudáveis, exceto no início do experimento alguns apresentaram pneumonia. As únicas alterações bioquímicas sugestivas de lesão hepática foram a elevação dos valores de GGT e diminuição de colesterol total em ambos os grupos. Nenhum animal alimentado com feno de B. brizantha apresentou alteração macroscópica no fígado. A análise microscópica dos fragmentos de fígado revelou hepatócitos preservados e presença de infiltrados celulares mononucleares multifocais no parênquima hepático e também no espaço porta, caracterizando-se leve colangite em ambos os grupos. Em quatro animais alimentados com cana-de-açúcar foi observado degenerações micro e macrovacuolares sugestivas de esteatose hepática. A alimentação de ovinos com feno de Brachiaria brizantha promoveu desempenho semelhante a ovinos alimentados com cana-de-açúcar. Independente do tipo de alimentação os ovinos apresentaram como alteração bioquímica da função hepática, elevação nos níveis séricos de GGT e diminuição de colesterol total, acompanhados de alterações histológicas características de leve colangite.

Submitted by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2014-11-07T10:55:53Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Mirian de Sylvio - 2009.pdf: 865608 bytes, checksum: bba24a89ef1938c31376520a3eff1e60 (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2014-11-07T11:29:38Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Mirian de Sylvio - 2009.pdf: 865608 bytes, checksum: bba24a89ef1938c31376520a3eff1e60 (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2014-11-07T11:29:38Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Mirian de Sylvio - 2009.pdf: 865608 bytes, checksum: bba24a89ef1938c31376520a3eff1e60 (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-12-15 / Infection with Toxoplasma gondii occurs throughout the globe, with a prevalence of up to 90% in the population. The physiological changes caused by this parasite are well studied in immunocompromised individuals and in cases of congenital transmission. In immunocompetent individuals the infection is usually asymptomatic and little explored by researchers. Experimental studies follow the pattern of human studies, and there fow mention about the biochemical changes (liver and kidney metabolisms) in the host infected by T. gondii. This study aimed the quantification of hepatic and kidney alterations caused by acute infections by T. gondii (non cystogenic strain – RH) and by chronic infections (cystogenic strain – ME-49). The control group was formed by mice without infection, only submitted to saline stress. Several enzymes were measured in serum and peritoneal exudate of mice infected and control such as: aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), glutamyltransferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), urea, creatinine and lactate dehydrogenase, using an automated methodology. AST and ALT presented a significative difference in the serum of mice infected with RH strain when compared to controls indicating a destruction of liver cells. The peritoneal exudates did not present significative changes in relation to controls nor did the urea and creatinine levels. The séric lactate dehydrogenase showed gradual changes in all days of the infection in mice peritoneal exudates as early as this change was evident only in the fifth day of infection. All samples of the group infected with ME-49 strain showed changes in serum and peritoneal exudate during all days of analysis. Only ALT peritoneal exudates showed no change during all days of analysis. An increase in urea at all doses was observed, however, creatinine showed a change only within 120 days of infection. The LDH was altered in the serum in all days of analysis. In conclusion, the T. gondii infection may cause hepatic and kidney injuries either when caused by non-cystogenic as by cystogenic strains of the parasite. / A infecção pelo Toxoplasma gondii ocorre em todo o mundo, com prevalência de até 90% na população conforme seus hábitos culturais e condições socioeconômicas. As alterações fisiopatológicas provocadas por este parasito são muito estudadas nos indivíduos imunocomprometidos, nos casos de transmissão congênita, e nos indivíduos imunocompetentes a infecção é, geralmente, assintomática e pouco explorada pelos pesquisadores. Experimentalmente, os estudos seguem o padrão dos estudos humanos, e há pouca referência sobre as alterações bioquímicas (hepáticas e renais) no hospedeiro infectado pelo T. gondii. Este trabalho objetivou avaliar as alterações hepáticas e renais causadas por esse parasito em camundongos na fase aguda, usando a cepa não cistogênica (RH), e na fase crônica, com a cepa cistogênica (ME-49), tendo como controles camundongos sem infecção, somente submetidos ao estresse de inoculação com salina. Foram dosadas no soro e no exsudato peritoneal dos camundongos infectados e controles os níveis das enzimas Aspartato aminotransferase (AST), Alanina aminotransferase (ALT), Gamaglutamiltransferase (GGT), Fosfatase alcalina (FAL), desidrogenase lática (DHL) e dos seguintes compostos: uréia e creatinina, por metodologia automatizada. As enzimas AST e ALT apresentaram diferença significativa no soro de camundongos infectados com cepa RH, demonstraram alterações em relação aos controles indicando uma destruição das células hepáticas. No exsudato peritoneal não foram demonstradas alterações em relação aos controles. A uréia e creatinina dosadas não demonstraram alteração significativa. A enzima lactato desidrogenase sérica apresentou alterações gradativas em todos os dias de infecção do camundongo no soro, já no exsudato peritoneal essa alteração foi evidenciada somente no quinto dia da infecção, mostrando que com o aumento de parasitos e a destruição celular causada por esse, essa enzima presente em várias células é responsável por demonstrar aumentos consideráveis. Todas as amostras de soro analisadas do grupo infectado com a cepa ME-49 demonstraram alterações durante todo período de acompanhamento. Enquanto que no exsudato peritoneal não mostrou nenhuma alteração durante todo período analisado. Houve aumento crescente na uréia em todos os dias de analises, porém, a creatinina não apresentou nenhuma alteração. A LDH mostrou-se alterada no soro em todos os dias de analisado. Conclui-se que a infecção pelo T. gondii pode provocar alterações hepáticas e renais ao longo do curso de infecção, tanto em infecções com cepa cistogênica quanto com cepa não cistogênica.