Endothelial cells form the inner lining of a blood vessel and their structure and functional integrity are important in maintenance of the vessel wall and circulatory function. These cells play key roles in immune and inflammatory reactions by regulating lymphocyte and leukocyte movement into tissues; they are also main targets for antivascular agents in cancer therapy. Endothelial cell responses to different stimuli have been previously investigated using conventional approaches, 'HUVEC in vitro culture system'. In this study an ex vivo perfusion model was constructed and utilized using whole human umbilical cords, in attempts to replicate a more accurate in vivo microenvironment. Assessment of the proportion and duration of endothelial cell viability in the ex vivo model was undertaken using a MTT 3, (4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) 2, 5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide viability assay. A time baseline was successfully established for all experimental perfusions. Endothelial cell immune response was assessed through intravenous perfusion of the endotoxin, Lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Gene expression profiles revealed a significant increase in expression levels of E-Selctin (E-Sel), Intracellular adhesion molecule (I-CAM) and Tissue Factor (TF) relative to the housekeeping gene Beta 2 Microglobulin. When LPS was administered in combination with Hypertonic Saline Solution (HSS), expression levels declined indicating HSS interferes with the activation pathway of LPS ultimately suppressing its effectiveness on endothelial cells. HSS impact was also recognized from perfusion experiments on resting endothelial cells. All identified genes were suppressed by HSS apart from inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). As a potential target for antivascular agents, HUVEC were then stimulated with DMXAA and gene responses of Tumour Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) was analysed. DMXAA demonstrates excellent antivascular acivity in experimental tumours, so tumour conditioned media (TCM) was administered intravenously through umbilical cord segments to replicate a tumour microenvironment prior to DMXAA addition. When cells were stimulated with Tumour conditioned media then administered DMXAA, TNF-α expression was significantly upregulated; relative to the housekeeping gene Human Proteosome subunit Y, however, when the cells were exposed to tumour conditioned media in absence of DMXAA gene expression significantly decreased. Thus, the antitumour action of DMXAA is capable of inhibiting the gene response of TNF-α replicated in a tumour environment.

Previously, we found that 5-25 μg/ml safrole oxide could inhibit apoptosis and dramatically make a morphological change in human umbilical vein vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs). But the possible mechanism by which safrole oxide function is unknown. To answer this question, in this study, we first investigated the effects of it on the activity of nitric oxide synthetase (NOS), the expressions of Fas and integrin β4, which play important roles in HUVEC growth and apoptosis, respectively. The results showed that, at the low concentration (10 μg/ml), safrole oxide had no effects on NOS activity and the expressions of Fas and integrin β4. Then, we investigated whether HUVECs underwent differentiation. We examined the expressions of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and neurofilament-L (NF-L). Furthermore, we analyzed the changes of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). After 10 h of treatment with 10 μg/ml safrole oxide, some HUVECs became neuron-like cells in morphology, and intensively displayed positive NSE and NF-L. Simultaneously, ROS levels dramatically decreased during HUVECs differentiation towards neuron-like cells. At the low concentration, safrole oxide induced HUVECs differentiation into neuron-like cells. Furthermore, our data suggested that safrole oxide might perform this function by depressing intracellular ROS levels instead of by affecting cell growth or apoptosis signal pathways.

Mémoire numérisé par la Direction des bibliothèques de l'Université de Montréal.

Η Νουκλεολίνη είναι μια πρωτεΐνη που λειτουργεί ως υποδοχέας για διάφορα μόρια, όπως αυξητικοί παράγοντες, μόρια κυτταρικής προσκόλλησης, ακόμα και ιοί (HIV, coxsackie B, κ.ά.), που εμπλέκονται σε παθοφυσιολογικές διεργασίες. Συμμετέχει στις διαδικασίες της ογκογένεσης και της αγγειογένεσης και ανιχνεύεται στον πυρήνα, το κυτταρόπλασμα των κυττάρων, καθώς επίσης και στην επιφάνεια καρκινικών και μιτωτικά ενεργών ενδοθηλιακών κυττάρων. Το συνθετικό πεπτίδιο ΗΒ‐19 συνδέεται στη Νουκλεολίνη της επιφάνειας και καταστέλλει την ογκογένεση, αλλά και την αγγειογένεση Η ερευνητική ομάδα του εργαστηρίου έδειξε, σε προηγούμενες εργασίες, ότι το ΗΒ‐19 καταστέλλει την in vivo αγγειογένεση στο μοντέλο μελέτης της CAM σε έμβρυο όρνιθας. Βρέθηκε, ακόμη, ότι καταστέλλει την in vitro προσκόλληση, μετανάστευση και τον πολλαπλασιασμό των HUVEC, χωρίς να προκαλεί την απόπτωσή τους. Οι βιολογικές δράσεις αυτές φαίνεται να διαμεσολαβούνται και από τις κινάσες Src, ERK1/2, Akt και FAK, αφού παρατηρήθηκε ότι το ΗΒ‐19 καταστέλλει την ενεργοποίησή τους στα κύτταρα αυτά. Προκειμένου να διερευνηθεί ο μηχανισμός με τον οποίο το ΗΒ‐19 ασκεί τις βιολογικές του δράσεις, καθώς επίσης και η συμμετοχή της Νουκλεολίνης στη διαδικασία αυτή, HUVEC υπέστησαν παροδικό μετασχηματισμό με χρήση siRNA που στοχεύει το mRNA της Νουκλεολίνης. Η αποσιώπηση της Νουκλεολίνης εμπόδισε την κατασταλτική δράση του ΗΒ‐19 στον πολλαπλασιασμό και την προσκόλληση των HUVEC και, από το ίδιο πείραμα, φάνηκε ότι η Νουκλεολίνη είναι ένα κομβικό μόριο, καθώς η αποσιώπησή της ήταν από μόνη της ικανή να καταστείλει τις παραπάνω λειτουργίες. Για να επιβεβαιωθεί ότι η μεταγωγή σήματος του ΗΒ‐19 ενεργοποιείται από την αλληλεπίδρασή του με τη Νουκλεολίνη, μελετήθηκαν οι επιπτώσεις του στην ενεργοποίηση των κινασών Src και ERK1/2, σε παροδικά μετασχηματισμένα (με siRNA για Νουκλεολίνη) HUVEC.Παρατηρήθηκαν μειωμένα επίπεδα φωσφορυλίωσης των κινασών αυτών στα μετασχηματισμένα κύτταρα, συγκριτικά με τα φυσιολογικά. Ακόμη, η αποσιώπηση της Νουκλεολίνης εμπόδισε το ΗΒ‐19 να ασκήσει την κατασταλτική του δράση στη φωσφορυλίωσή τους. Συνοψίζοντας τα παραπάνω αποτελέσματα, φαίνεται ότι η αλληλεπίδραση του ΗΒ‐19 με τη Νουκλεολίνη πυροδοτεί οδούς μεταγωγής σήματος που μειώνουν τα επίπεδα φωσφορυλίωσης των Src και ERK1/2 και προκαλούν την καταστολή της προσκόλλησης και του πολλαπλασιασμού των HUVEC. Λαμβάνοντας υπ' όψιν και την υπάρχουσα βιβλιογραφία, φαίνεται πως το ΗΒ‐19 θα μπορούσε να χρησιμοποιηθεί στην αντικαρκινική θεραπεία ως μέρος μιας στρατηγικής με στόχο τη Νουκλεολίνη. / Nucleolin is a protein serving as a receptor for various ligands such as growth factors, cell adhesion molecules and viruses (e.g. HIV, coxsackie B), implicated in pathophysiological processes. It is overexpressed on the surface of tumour and mitotic endothelial cells and recent studies have demonstrated its involvement in tumour growth and angiogenesis. The synthetic peptide HB‐19 binds to the cell surface expressed Nucleolin and inhibits tumour growth and angiogenesis as well. The lab group has shown, in previous projects, that HB‐19 inhibits in vivo angiogenesis in the chicken embryo CAM assay. Evidence has been provided, in addition, that HB‐19 inhibits the in vitro adhesion, proliferation and migration of HUVEC, while not inducing their apoptosis. The aforementioned biological actions seem to be regulated by Src, ERK1/2, Akt and FAK kinases, as HB‐19 was found to inhibit their activation in HUVEC. In order to investigate the mechanism through which HB‐19 exerts the above described actions, as well as the involvement of cell‐surface Nucleolin in them, HUVEC were transiently transfected using siRNA targeting the mRNA of Nucleolin. The inhibitory effect of HB‐19 in cell proliferation and adhesion was blocked by the knockdown of Nucleolin and, as was shown by the same experiment, Nucleolin is a crucial factor to HUVEC proliferation and adhesion, since both processes were inhibited by the down‐regulation of Nucleolin expression. In order to confirm that HB‐19 signaling is activated by its reaction with Nucleolin, its effect on the activation of Src and ERK1/2 was tested on transiently transfected HUVEC (using siRNA for Nucleolin). A decrease in phosphorylation levels of Src and ERK1/2 was induced on the transfected cells, compared to wild type cells. Furthermore, Nucleolin knockdown blocked HB‐19‐induced Src and ERK1/2 inactivation. In conclusion, these results indicate that HB‐19's interaction with Nucleolin triggers a signal transduction pathway that reduces the phosphorylation levels of Src and ERK1/2 and causes inhibition of HUVEC proliferation and adhesion. Thereof, HB‐19 could constitute a potentially interesting tool for tumour therapy, as part of a Nucleolin targeting strategy.

O desenvolvimento de dispositivos microfluídicos biomiméticos, \"órgãos-em-chip\", tem permitido melhores respostas em ensaios que carecem de uma correlação fisiológica mais próxima da in vivo. Explorando as tecnologias da microfluídica e microfabricação, esses dispositivos recapitulam aspectos específicos de estruturas e funções dos órgãos. Ainda, os avanços obtidos em culturas tridimensionais de células, modelos de matrizes extracelulares e tecnologias direcionadas às células tronco, têm consolidado os órgãos-em-chip como uma ferramenta fundamental para a compreensão de diversas respostas biológicas do corpo humano frente às aplicações biomédicas, farmacêuticas, químicas e ambientais. Com os avanços da nanotecnologia e ciência dos materiais, inúmeros progressos têm sido alcançados na farmácia e na medicina. Devido à redução da escala, propriedades que se diferenciam substancialmente daquelas encontradas na escala macro são obtidas. As nanopartículas de dióxido de titânio (NPs TiO2) têm apresentado múltiplas aplicações na medicina e na indústria. Em vista disso, faz-se necessário a investigação dos efeitos tóxicos dessas nanopartículas, seja na saúde ou no meio ambiente. É bem documentado que as NPs TiO2 podem chegar à corrente sanguínea e alcançar vários órgãos, causando reações inflamatórias e interações celulares que podem ser patogenicamente relevantes. Assim, o presente trabalho propõe o estudo dos efeitos das NPs TiO2 em células endoteliais (HUVEC) cultivadas em um dispositivo microfluídico fabricado em poliéster-toner (PT), uma tecnologia simples que alia rapidez e baixo custo de produção. A viabilidade do uso dos microchips de PT foi avaliada por meio do teste MTT e produção de NO e verificou-se serem adequados para a cultura de células endoteliais. As células no sistema microfluídico foram expostas às NPs TiO2, e os resultados comparados a um sistema estático (placas de cultura de células) submetido às condições semelhantes. Os sobrenadantes de ambos os sistemas foram utilizados para determinação da produção de VEGF-A. Ademais, foram avaliadas a produção de aníon superóxido e a indução de apoptose. Os resultados esclarecem os mecanismos de toxicidade das NPs TiO2 e são correlacionados com as patologias que eventualmente estão associadas a esses efeitos. Por meio deste estudo, demonstrou-se o grande potencial dos microchips de PT para estudos em biologia celular, os quais podem fornecer a base para ensaios pré-clinicos com maior poder preditivo, alternativos ao uso de animais e cobaias na pesquisa científica. / The development of biomimetic microfluidic devices, \"organ-on-chips\", has allowed better responses in assays that need a closer in vivo physiological correlation. Exploring the technologies of microfluidics and microfabrication, these devices recapitulate specific aspects of structures and functions of the organs. In addition, the progress made in 3D cell cultures, extracellular matrix models, and stem cells technologies, have consolidated the organ-on-chips as a key tool for understanding various biological responses of the human body in face of biomedical, pharmaceutical, chemical, and environmental applications. With the advances in nanotechnology and materials science, much progress has been made in pharmacy and medicine. Due to the scale reduction, properties that differ substantially from those found on the macro scale are obtained. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) have found many applications in medicine and industry. In view of this fact, it is necessary to investigate the toxic effects of nanoparticles, either on health or in the environment. It has been well documented that TiO2 NPs can reach the bloodstream and affect various organs, causing inflammatory reactions and cellular interactions that can be pathogenetically relevant. Thus, this work proposes the study of the effects of TiO2 NPs in endothelial cells (HUVEC) cultured in a microfluidic device made of polyester toner (PT), a simple technology that combines speed and low cost of production. The viability of the use of PT microchips was evaluated by MTT assay and production of NO and we found that it is suitable for culturing of endothelial cells. The HUVEC in the microfluidic system were exposed to TiO2 NPs and the results compared to a static system (cell culture plates) subjected to similar conditions. Supernatants from both systems were used for determining the production of the VEGF-A. Furthermore, we have evaluated superoxide anion production and induction of apoptosis. The results clarify the mechanisms of toxicity of NPs TiO2 and are correlated with the pathologies that eventually are associated with these effects. Through this study, we demonstrated the great potential of PT microchips for studies in cell biology, which may provide the basis for pre-clinical trials with greater predictive power, alternative to the use of animals in scientific research.

O desenvolvimento de dispositivos microfluídicos biomiméticos, \"órgãos-em-chip\", tem permitido melhores respostas em ensaios que carecem de uma correlação fisiológica mais próxima da in vivo. Explorando as tecnologias da microfluídica e microfabricação, esses dispositivos recapitulam aspectos específicos de estruturas e funções dos órgãos. Ainda, os avanços obtidos em culturas tridimensionais de células, modelos de matrizes extracelulares e tecnologias direcionadas às células tronco, têm consolidado os órgãos-em-chip como uma ferramenta fundamental para a compreensão de diversas respostas biológicas do corpo humano frente às aplicações biomédicas, farmacêuticas, químicas e ambientais. Com os avanços da nanotecnologia e ciência dos materiais, inúmeros progressos têm sido alcançados na farmácia e na medicina. Devido à redução da escala, propriedades que se diferenciam substancialmente daquelas encontradas na escala macro são obtidas. As nanopartículas de dióxido de titânio (NPs TiO2) têm apresentado múltiplas aplicações na medicina e na indústria. Em vista disso, faz-se necessário a investigação dos efeitos tóxicos dessas nanopartículas, seja na saúde ou no meio ambiente. É bem documentado que as NPs TiO2 podem chegar à corrente sanguínea e alcançar vários órgãos, causando reações inflamatórias e interações celulares que podem ser patogenicamente relevantes. Assim, o presente trabalho propõe o estudo dos efeitos das NPs TiO2 em células endoteliais (HUVEC) cultivadas em um dispositivo microfluídico fabricado em poliéster-toner (PT), uma tecnologia simples que alia rapidez e baixo custo de produção. A viabilidade do uso dos microchips de PT foi avaliada por meio do teste MTT e produção de NO e verificou-se serem adequados para a cultura de células endoteliais. As células no sistema microfluídico foram expostas às NPs TiO2, e os resultados comparados a um sistema estático (placas de cultura de células) submetido às condições semelhantes. Os sobrenadantes de ambos os sistemas foram utilizados para determinação da produção de VEGF-A. Ademais, foram avaliadas a produção de aníon superóxido e a indução de apoptose. Os resultados esclarecem os mecanismos de toxicidade das NPs TiO2 e são correlacionados com as patologias que eventualmente estão associadas a esses efeitos. Por meio deste estudo, demonstrou-se o grande potencial dos microchips de PT para estudos em biologia celular, os quais podem fornecer a base para ensaios pré-clinicos com maior poder preditivo, alternativos ao uso de animais e cobaias na pesquisa científica. / The development of biomimetic microfluidic devices, \"organ-on-chips\", has allowed better responses in assays that need a closer in vivo physiological correlation. Exploring the technologies of microfluidics and microfabrication, these devices recapitulate specific aspects of structures and functions of the organs. In addition, the progress made in 3D cell cultures, extracellular matrix models, and stem cells technologies, have consolidated the organ-on-chips as a key tool for understanding various biological responses of the human body in face of biomedical, pharmaceutical, chemical, and environmental applications. With the advances in nanotechnology and materials science, much progress has been made in pharmacy and medicine. Due to the scale reduction, properties that differ substantially from those found on the macro scale are obtained. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) have found many applications in medicine and industry. In view of this fact, it is necessary to investigate the toxic effects of nanoparticles, either on health or in the environment. It has been well documented that TiO2 NPs can reach the bloodstream and affect various organs, causing inflammatory reactions and cellular interactions that can be pathogenetically relevant. Thus, this work proposes the study of the effects of TiO2 NPs in endothelial cells (HUVEC) cultured in a microfluidic device made of polyester toner (PT), a simple technology that combines speed and low cost of production. The viability of the use of PT microchips was evaluated by MTT assay and production of NO and we found that it is suitable for culturing of endothelial cells. The HUVEC in the microfluidic system were exposed to TiO2 NPs and the results compared to a static system (cell culture plates) subjected to similar conditions. Supernatants from both systems were used for determining the production of the VEGF-A. Furthermore, we have evaluated superoxide anion production and induction of apoptosis. The results clarify the mechanisms of toxicity of NPs TiO2 and are correlated with the pathologies that eventually are associated with these effects. Through this study, we demonstrated the great potential of PT microchips for studies in cell biology, which may provide the basis for pre-clinical trials with greater predictive power, alternative to the use of animals in scientific research.

Mémoire numérisé par la Direction des bibliothèques de l'Université de Montréal.

No / 1 In this study we examined the signalling events that regulate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated induction of interferon regulatory factor (IRF)-1 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECS). 2 LPS stimulated a time- and concentration-dependent increase in IRF-1 protein expression, an effect that was mimicked by the cytokine, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-¿. 3 LPS stimulated a rapid increase in nuclear factor kappa B (NFKB) DNA-binding activity. Preincubation with the NFKB pathway inhibitors, N-¿-tosyl-L-lysine chloromethyl ketone (TLCK) or pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), or infection with adenovirus encoding IKB¿, blocked both IRF-1 induction and NFKB DNA-binding activity. 4 LPS and TNF¿ also stimulated a rapid activation of gamma interferon activation site/gamma interferon activation factor (GAS/GAF) DNA-binding in HUVECs. Preincubation with the Janus kinase (JAK)-2 inhibitor, AG490 blocked LPS-stimulated IRF-I induction but did not affect GAS/ GAF DNA-binding. 5 Preincubation with TLCK, PDTC or infection with I¿Ba adenovirus abolished LPS-stimulated GAS/GAF DNA-binding. 6 Incubation of nuclear extracts with antibodies to RelA/p50 supershifted GAS/GAF DNA-binding demonstrating the involvement of NF¿B isoforms in the formation of the GAS/GAF complex. 7 These studies show that NF¿B plays an important role in the regulation of IRF-1 induction in HUVECs. This is in part due to the interaction of NF¿B isoforms with the GAS/GAF complex either directly or via an intermediate protein.

It is known that African American ethnicity is an independent risk factor for exaggerated oxidative stress which is intricately intertwined with inflammation, hypertension (HT), and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The purpose of this dissertation study was to examine the racial differences that exist between African Americans and Caucasians in oxidative stress levels at the molecular level using an in vitro model of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs). African American HUVECs were found to have significantly higher baseline levels of oxidative stress in vitro compared to Caucasian HUVECs. In order to establish proof of concept, three preliminary studies were conducted. The first preliminary study, an acute exercise protocol was conducted in young healthy adults in order to measure plasma oxidative stress markers in response to a single moderate intensity treadmill exercise bout. In this study, it was found that the treadmill exercise did not elicit a race-dependent responses, but that African American adults had higher level of oxidative stress at all sample times when compared to the Caucasians. A second preliminary study was conducted using a parallel cell culture design to measure basal oxidative stress levels in African American and Caucasian HUVECs without stimulation. These data were shown in relation to the plasma levels of oxidative stress in resting African American and Caucasian adults. This was done in order to show that the common oxidative stress markers measured in human plasma can also be measured in cell culture supernatant and lysate. It was found that both African American adults and HUVECs had heightened oxidative stress and inflammatory markers when compared to their Caucasian counterparts. The third preliminary study was conducted using tumor Necrosis Factor-#945; (TNF-#945;) as an inflammatory stimulant and measuring the oxidative stress response in both African American and Caucasian HUVECs. This was done in order to show that cells of different race respond differently to stimuli. It was found that the response to TNF-α was blunted in African American HUVECs. The final step was to use laminar shear stress (LSS) as an exercise mimetic in order to examine whether HUVECs from different race respond differently. HUVECs from both race were harvested under static condition (no LSS), with low LSS at 5 dyne/cm2, and with a moderate level of LSS at 20 dyne/cm2. It was found that despite the fact that African American HUVECs had higher levels of oxidative stress under static conditions, when LSS was applied, protein expressions and oxidative stress biomarkers adjusted to levels that were similar to the Caucasian HUVEC adaptations to LSS. From this, it appears that African American HUVECs have a larger response to LSS stimulus indicating that aerobic exercise prescriptions may be valuable for this population since the potential exists for large improvements in oxidative stress levels for this population. / Kinesiology

Em condições inflamatórias do sistema vascular, altas concentrações de mieloperoxidase somada à presença do ácido úrico, sugerem a formação local do oxidante hidroperóxido de urato. A ação desse peróxido já foi demonstrada sobre glutationa e peroxirredoxinas, tornando plausível a possibilidade de que outras proteínas tiólicas também pudessem ser alvo de oxidação. A proteína dissulfeto isomerase é uma ditiol-dissulfeto oxidoredutase e chaperona, localizada principalmente no retículo endoplasmático, onde participa do enovelamento de proteínas nascentes. Além disso, um pool dessas enzimas foi identificado na superfície da célula e no meio extracelular (secretada) e parece ser especialmente importante em eventos vasculares como ativação e agregação de plaquetas, trombose e remodelamento vascular. Primeiramente, foi investigado se o hidroperóxido de urato era capaz de oxidar a PDI. Pelo ensaio do DTNB foi verificado que os tióis livres da proteína eram consumidos após reação com o peróxido e, em seguida, por nLC-MS/MS os resíduos de cisteínas dos sítios catalíticos foram identificados como os principais alvos de oxidação. Embora não tenham sido verificadas outras modificações além de dissulfetos, foi observado que o tratamento com hidroperóxido promoveu agregação e inativação da proteína. Os estudos subsequentes envolveram uma linhagem de células endoteliais (HUVECs). Análises preliminares de citotoxicidade (detecção da atividade da enzima lactato desidrogenase no sobrenadante e incorporação de sondas fluorescentes ao DNA) mostraram que tratamentos com concentrações de até 400 µM de hidroperóxido de urato não são letais às células em cultura. Usando alquilantes impermeáveis à membrana celular foi mostrado que o hidroperóxido de urato oxida não só a proteína dissulfeto isomerase, mas também proteínas tiólicas totais expressas na superfície das HUVECs. Experimentos de wound healing foram feitos para avaliação da capacidade de migração das células mediante o tratamento com hidroperóxido de urato, mas nenhuma diferença foi observada. Contudo, a incubação das células com os agentes oxidantes hidroperóxido de urato e diamida, inibidores de PDI e integrina e um alquilante de tiol, resultaram, pelo menos nos trinta primeiros minutos, em menor capacidade de adesão das células à fibronectina. Além disso, as células tratadas com hidroperóxido de urato se tornaram mais sensíveis ao destacamento da placa de cultura e apresentaram alteração na morfologia. O tratamento com o peróxido também afetou a homeostase redox das HUVECs, observado pela diminuição da razão GSH/GSSG. Finalmente foram apresentadas evidênciasindiretas de que o ácido úrico é substrato da peroxidasina, uma heme peroxidase abundantemente expressa no sistema vascular. Primeiro, pelo ensaio do Amplex Red foi observado que a presença de ácido úrico na mistura reacional resultou em menor taxa de oxidação do reagente. Depois, por LC-MS/MS, também em amostra na qual o ácido úrico estava presente, foi identificado o hidroxiisourato, álcool resultante da decomposição do hidroperóxido de urato. Todo o conjunto de dados deverá contribuir para o maior entendimento da participação do hidroperóxido de urato em processos oxidativos vasculares − especialmente a oxidação de proteínas − que pode ser um dos mecanismos responsáveis pela alteração da função endotelial e da homeostase vascular. / During vascular inflammatory conditions, high amounts of myeloperoxidase added to the presence of uric acid, suggest the local formation of urate hydroperoxide. Its oxidative action has already been demonstrated on glutathione and peroxiredoxins, making plausible the possibility that other thiol proteins could also be a target for oxidation. The protein disulfide isomerase is a dithiol-disulfide oxidoreductase and chaperone, located mainly in the endoplasmic reticulum, where it is involved in the correct folding of nascent proteins. Also, a pool of these enzymes has been identified in cell surface and the extracellular (secreted) milieu and appears to be important in vascular events, such as platelet activation and aggregation, thrombosis and vascular remodeling. First, it was investigated whether urate hydroperoxide was capable of oxidizing PDI. By the DTNB assay, it was found that the free thiols of the protein were consumed after reaction with the peroxide and then, by nLC-MS / MS, the active redox cysteine residues were identified as the main oxidation targets. Although no modifications other than disulfides have been found, hydroperoxide treatment has been shown to promote protein aggregation and inactivation. Subsequent studies involved an endothelial cell line (HUVECs). Preliminary cytotoxicity analyzes (detection of lactate dehydrogenase enzyme activity in the supernatant and incorporation of fluorescent probes into DNA) have shown that treatments with concentrations up to 400 µM are not lethal to cells in culture. Then, using alkylating agents impermeable to the cell membrane, urate hydroperoxide was shown to oxidize not only PDI but also total thiol proteins expressed on HUVECs surface. Wound healing experiments were performed to evaluate cell migration after treatment with urate hydroperoxide, but no difference was observed. However, incubation of the cells with the oxidizing agents urate hydroperoxide and diamide, inhibitors of both PDI and integrin and a thiol alkylator, resulted, at least for the first thirty minutes, in reduced cell adhesion to fibronectin. In addition, cells treated with urate hydroperoxide became more sensitive to detachment from the culture dish and exhibited alterations in morphology. Treatment with the peroxide also affected the redox homeostasis of the HUVECs, observed by a decrease in the GSH / GSSG ratio. Finally, indirect evidence was presented that uric acid is a substrate of peroxidasin, a heme peroxidase abundantly expressed in the vascular system. First, with the Amplex Red assay it was observed that the presence of uric acid in the reaction mixture resulted in lower oxidation rates of the reagent. Then, by LC-MS / MS, hydroxyisourate, which is the alcohol derived from urate hydroperoxide decomposition, was also identified in samples containing uric acid. Taken together, the data presented should contribute to a better understanding of the involvement of urate hydroperoxide in vascular oxidative processes − especially protein oxidation − that may be one mechanism associated to disturbances in endothelial function and vascular homeostasis.