O presente estudo realizou o sequenciamento de nova geração do vírus da hepatite C genótipo 1, incluindo os subtipos 1a (n=51) e 1b (n=49), e identificou variantes associadas com resistência (RAV) aos antivirais de ação direta em pacientes sem tratamento prévio. No subtipo 1a, foram encontradas RAV para as regiões NS3-4A, NS5A e NS5B em 10%, 22% e 8% dos pacientes, respectivamente. RAV detectadas foram: T54S (2%), V55A (2%), Q80K (4%) e R155K (2%) na protease NS3-4A; Q30H (4%), H58P (10%) e Q30H/R+Y93C/H/N (8%) na região NS5A; e A421V (8%) na polimerase NS5B. As frequências das RAV para o subtipo 1b foram 12%, 53% e 31% para as regiões NS3-4A, NS5A e NS5B, respectivamente. Foram encontradas as RAV F43I (2%), T54S (4%), Q80H (2%), D168E (2%) e M175L (2%) na região NS3-4A; L28M (2%), R30Q (2%), L31M (2%), Q54H (27%), A92T (2%), Y93H (4%), Q54H+A92T (6%), Q54H+Y93H (6%) e A92T+Y93H (2%) na região NS5A e, L159F (2%), C316N (4%), A421V (7%), L159F+C316N (9%) e S556G (9%) na polimerase. Utilizando esta metodologia, um recombinante inter-subtipo 1a/1b foi identificado. / This study performed the next-generation sequencing of the hepatitis C virus genotype 1, including subtypes 1a (n = 51) and 1b (n = 49), and identified resistance-associated variants (RAVs) to direct-acting antivirals in previously untreated patients. In subtype 1a, RAVs were found for NS3-4A, NS5A, and NS5B regions in 10%, 22% and 8% of patients, respectively. RAVs detected were: T54S (2%), V55A (2%), Q80K (4%) and R155K (2%) in NS3-4A protease; Q30H (4%), H58P (10%) and Q30H/R+Y93C/H/N (8%) in NS5A region; and A421V (8%) in NS5B polymerase. Frequencies of RAV for subtype 1b were 12%, 53% and 31% for NS3-4A, NS5A and NS5B regions, respectively. RAVs F43I (2%), T54S (4%), Q80H (2%), D168E (2%) and M175L (2%) were found in NS3-4a region; L28M (2%), R30Q (2%), L31M (2%), Q54H (27%), A92T (2%), Y93H (4%), Q54H+A92T (6%), Q54H+Y93H (6%) and A92T+Y93H (2%) in NS5A region and, L159F (2%), C316N (4%), A421V (7%), L159F+C316N (9%) and S556G (9%) in polymerase. By using this methodology, a recombinant inter-subtype 1a/1b was identified.

A Síndrome de Gilbert é caracterizada por uma hiperbilirrubinemia indireta benigna que ocorre na ausência de hemólise ou doença estrutural do fígado. Manifesta-se por episódios intermitentes de icterícia, desencadeados por exposição a estressores físicos, baixa ingesta calórica, entre outros. A base genética da redução da atividade da enzima UDP - Glucoroniltransferase foi descoberta em 1995: em uma população caucasiana. Todos os pacientes estudados apresentaram uma adição dos nucleotídeos Timina-Adenina (TA) na região TATA box presente no promotor do gene UGT1A1, em ambos os alelos. Embora considerada uma condição benigna, a síndrome de Gilbert tem sido recentemente associada à hiperbilirrubinemia e a outros efeitos colaterais na utilização de algumas drogas como o Indinavir e Irinotecan. Outro ponto importante diz respeito ao nível de bilirrubina sérica como um indicador da severidade do acometimento de hepatopatas. A presença de mutação no gene UGT1A1 em pacientes hepatopatas pode levar ao aumento da bilirrubina sérica, supervalorizando o acometimento hepático da condição patológica. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a frequência do alelo UGT1A1*28 em doadores de sangue da Fundação Pró-sangue Hemocentro de São Paulo HC-FMUSP e em pacientes portadores de hepatite crônica C atendidos no ambulatório de Gastroenterologia Clínica da FMUSP. Relacionar o genótipo TA7/7 com o aumento de bilirrubina sérica nos pacientes com hepatite crônica C e avaliar a técnica de análise de fragmento no rastreamento e genotipagem da Síndrome de Gilbert. A frequência encontrada para o genótipo TA7/7 no grupo doador foi de 9% (30/313) e no grupo de pacientes VHC, de 10% (51/494). O genótipo TA7/7 parece estar relacionado com o aumento de bilirrubina. A técnica de análise de fragmentos mostrou-se rápida, sendo possível para fazer uma análise em grande escala. A herança genética da população brasileira é muito heterogênea. É constituída de caucasianos, africanos, indios, orientais e outros. Os dados sugerem que a variação genética da região promotora do gene UGT1A1 é alta entre pacientes com bilirrubina maior que 1mg/dL, e que a genotipagem para UGT1A1*28 deve ser considerada na avaliação dos pacientes com hepatite C crônica com hiperbilirrubinemia. / Gilberts syndrome is a benign condition characterized by unconjugated hiperbilurubinemia that occurs in the absence of hemolysis or liver chronic disease. It is clinically manifested by intermittently jaundice, triggered by exposition to physical stress, low calory diet, among others. The genetic base is the reduction of the activity of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase enzyme described in 1995: in a Caucasian population, all patients studied presented a Thymine Adenine (TA) addition in the TATA box region in both alleles of the UGT1A1 gene promoter. Although, Gilberts syndrome has been considered a benign condition, recently it has been associated to hiperbilirrubinemia and other adverse events during the utilization of some drugs such as Indinavir and Irinotecan. Another important issue to consider is that bilirubin is used to evaluate the severity of liver dysfunction in chronic liver diseases. The presence of this mutation in those patients could increase bilirubin levels, overestimating liver damage. The aim of this study were: 1) to verify the frequency of the genotype UGT1A1*28 (TA7/7) in blood donors and in chronic hepatitis C patients from the Gastroenterology outpatients clinics of the University of São Paulo School of Medicine; 2) to establish a relationship with TA7/7 genotype and bilirubin elevation in chronic hepatitis C patients and 3) to evaluate the fragment analysis technique to screening and genotyping the Gilbert syndrome. The frequencies of TA7/7 genotype found in blood donors group were 9.6% (30/313) and in the chronic hepatitis C group were 10% (51/494). The TA7/7 genotype seems to be related with increase of bilirubin. The fragment analysis technique is fast and able to a large scale screening approach. The genetic background of Brazilian population is highly heterogeneous. It is comprised of Caucasians, Africans, Indians, Orientals and others. The data suggests that genetic variation of promoter region of UGT1A1 gene is high among patients with bilirubin levels greater than 1 mg/dl, and UGT1A1*28 genotypes should be considered when evaluating chronic hepatitis C patients with hiperbilirubinemia.

by Shuk-kei Lau. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 141-148). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Acknowledgement --- p.i / Table of Contents --- p.ii / Abstract --- p.vi / 論文摘要 --- p.viii / Abbreviations --- p.ix / List of Figures --- p.x / List of Tables --- p.xii / Chapter Chapter 1 --- Introduction / Chapter 1.1 --- General introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- HBV and its role in hepatocarcinogenesis --- p.3 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Current situation of HBV infection and the HCC incidencein the world --- p.3 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Current situation of HBV infection and the HCC incidencein Hong Kong --- p.4 / Chapter 1.2.3 --- Genetic organization of HBV --- p.4 / Chapter 1.2.4 --- Principle of hepatocarcinogenesis induced by HBV --- p.5 / Chapter 1.2.4.1 --- Role of chronic hepatitis in hepatocarcinogenesis --- p.5 / Chapter 1.2.4.2 --- Role of HBV in hepatocarcinogenesis --- p.6 / Chapter 1.2.5 --- Current screening tests for HCC --- p.7 / Chapter 1.2.6 --- Current therapies for HCC --- p.9 / Chapter 1.3 --- Aim of the present study --- p.13 / Chapter 1.4 --- "Combining Expressed Sequence Tag (EST), Suppression Subtractive Hybridization and cDNA microarray for rapid differentially by expressed genes screening" --- p.14 / Chapter 1.4.1 --- Expressed Sequence Tag (EST) --- p.14 / Chapter 1.4.2 --- cDNA subtraction --- p.15 / Chapter 1.4.3 --- cDNA microarray --- p.16 / Chapter Chapter 2 --- Materials and Methods / Chapter 2.1 --- PCR-select cDNA subtraction --- p.17 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Amplification of subtracted cDNA clones by PCR --- p.17 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- Cycle sequencing of subtracted cDNA clones --- p.18 / Chapter 2.1.3 --- Sequence analysis using BLAST server and Stanford Online Universal Resource for Clones and ESTs (SOURCE) --- p.19 / Chapter 2.2 --- cDNA microarray analysis --- p.20 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Array fabrication --- p.20 / Chapter 2.2.1.1 --- Amplification of cDNA clones by PCR --- p.20 / Chapter 2.2.1.2 --- Purification of PCR products --- p.21 / Chapter 2.2.1.3 --- Cycle sequencing for clones checking --- p.22 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Microarray printing --- p.22 / Chapter 2.2.2.1 --- Preparation of cDNA target --- p.22 / Chapter 2.2.2.2 --- Arraying --- p.22 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Screening of differentially expressed genes in hepatocellular carcinoma and its surrounding normal counterpart by cDNA microarray --- p.23 / Chapter 2.2.3.1 --- Extraction of RNA --- p.23 / Chapter 2.2.3.2 --- RNA labeling --- p.24 / Chapter 2.2.3.3 --- Microarray hybridization --- p.26 / Chapter 2.2.3.4 --- Collection of data --- p.27 / Chapter 2.2.3.5 --- Data normalization and analysis --- p.28 / Chapter 2.3 --- Molecular cloning and characterization of a novel cDNA clone differentially expressed in HCC --- p.30 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Tissue distribution of T2L522 gene --- p.30 / Chapter 2.3.1.1 --- Northern hybridization --- p.30 / Chapter 2.3.1.2 --- Reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) --- p.33 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Expression level of T2L522 in HCC and its surrounding normal counterpart --- p.33 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Identification of interacting partner of T2L522 using yeast two-hybrid assay --- p.35 / Chapter 2.3.3.1 --- "Cloning of T2L522 gene into the yeast two-hybrid DNA-BD vector, pGBKT7" --- p.35 / Chapter 2.3.3.2 --- Transformation of yeast competent cells --- p.39 / Chapter 2.3.3.3 --- Mating of T2L522-BD with pretransformed human liver cDNA library --- p.40 / Chapter 2.3.3.4 --- Colony lift p-galactosidase filter assay --- p.42 / Chapter 2.3.4 --- Subcellular localization of T2L522 gene by tagging with green fluorescence protein (GFP) --- p.43 / Chapter 2.3.4.1 --- "Cloning of T2L522 gene into the eukaryotic GFP expression vector, pEGFP-Cl" --- p.43 / Chapter 2.3.4.2 --- Transfection of pEGFP-T2L522 into HepG2 cell --- p.43 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- Results / Chapter 3.1 --- PCR-select cDNA subtraction --- p.45 / Chapter 3.1.1 --- The sequencing results of subtracted-HCC cDNA clones --- p.45 / Chapter 3.1.2 --- Categorization of ESTs sequenced from subtracted-HCC library --- p.45 / Chapter 3.2 --- Microarray analysis --- p.49 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Array fabrication --- p.49 / Chapter 3.2.1.1 --- Amplification of cDNA microarray targets --- p.49 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Microarray printing --- p.52 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Microarray analysis of differentially expressed genesin hepatocellular carcinoma and its surrounding normal counterpart --- p.55 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- Data collection --- p.57 / Chapter 3.2.5 --- Image processing: spots finding and quantitation --- p.61 / Chapter 3.2.6 --- Data normalization and analysis --- p.61 / Chapter 3.3 --- Molecular cloning and characterization of a novel cDNA clone differentially expressed in HCC --- p.73 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Tissue distribution of T2L522 --- p.77 / Chapter 3.3.1.1 --- Northern hybridization --- p.77 / Chapter 3.3.1.2 --- Reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) --- p.79 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Expression level of T2L522 in hepatocellular carcinoma and its surrounding normal counterpart --- p.81 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- Identification of interacting partner of T2L522 using yeast two-hybrid assay --- p.85 / Chapter 3.3.4 --- Subcellular localization of GFP tagged T2L522 --- p.87 / Chapter Chapter 4 --- Discussion / Chapter 4.1 --- EST analysis on subtracted-HCC cDNA library --- p.89 / Chapter 4.2 --- cDNA microarray analysis --- p.92 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Generation of reliable data using cDNA microarray --- p.92 / Chapter 4.2.1.1 --- Reproducibility of signal and normalized ratio --- p.92 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Comparison of data between multiple slides --- p.96 / Chapter 4.2.2.1 --- Assession of data quality and statistical significance --- p.96 / Chapter 4.2.2.2 --- Interpretation of gene expression data from single and multiple hybridizarion --- p.97 / Chapter 4.3 --- Candidate genes differentially expressed in HCC and its surrounding normal counterpart --- p.99 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- Protein up-regulated in HCC --- p.99 / Chapter 4.3.1.1 --- Extracellular matrix protein --- p.99 / Chapter 4.3.1.2 --- Protein involved in other metabolism --- p.100 / Chapter 4.3.1.3 --- Protein involved in transcription and translation --- p.100 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- Protein down-regulated in HCC --- p.101 / Chapter 4.3.2.1 --- Membrane associated protein --- p.101 / Chapter 4.3.2.2 --- Protein involved in other metabolism --- p.102 / Chapter 4.3.2.2 --- Secretory protein --- p.104 / Chapter 4.3.3 --- Novel protein differentially expressed in HCC --- p.107 / Chapter 4.4 --- "TBC1 domain containing protein, T2L522" --- p.108 / Chapter 4.4.1 --- Possible involvement of T2L522 gene in HCC --- p.109 / Chapter 4.4.2 --- Tissue distribution and expression pattern of T2L522 --- p.110 / Chapter 4.4.3 --- Potential interacting partner of T2L522 --- p.110 / Chapter 4.4.4 --- Subcellular localization of T2L522 --- p.112 / Chapter 4.5 --- Summary --- p.113 / Appendix --- p.114 / References --- p.141

Les aurones, qui constituent une sous-classe des flavonoïdes, présentent un profil pharmacologique et un spectre d'activités biologiques prometteurs. Au cours de ce travail, nous avons mis à profit ce potentiel pour la modulation de deux cibles thérapeutiques majeures. En premier lieu, depuis la mise sur le marché d'inhibiteurs de la protéase NS3/4A, l'inhibition de la polymérase NS5B du virus de l'hépatite C représente un enjeu primordial dans la lutte contre cette maladie. L'utilisation des aurones contre cette polymérase trouve ici ses premiers développements. L'évaluation de quatre générations de composés a mené à l'identification de plusieurs dérivés actifs, dont certains produits naturels, présentant un IC50 inférieur à 5 μM. L'étude des interactions ligand – récepteur a en outre permis de déterminer que les aurones se fixent probablement sur le site « Thumb I ». En second lieu, si la modulation de la tyrosinase dans un cadre thérapeutique reste actuellement hypothétique, de nombreuses études voient en cette enzyme une cible pour le traitement futur de pathologies difficilement curables, comme le cancer ou la maladie de Parkinson. Les aurones ont fait preuve lors de ce travail d'une grande versatilité face à la tyrosinase, adoptant au gré des substitutions des comportements très différents de substrat alternatif, d'activateur hyperbolique ou d'inhibiteur mixte. Un modèle cohérent a cependant été proposé, qui regroupe et explique ces comportements. Au cours de ce travail, de nombreux dérivés d'aurone diversement substitués ou modifiés ont été préparés, par le biais de méthodes de synthèse adaptées à la structure de chaque produit formé. / Aurones, a subclass of flavonoids, present a favorable pharmacological profile and a wide, promising spectrum of biological activites. During this work, we used this potential for the modulation of two major therapeutic targets. Firstly, since several hepatitis C virus protease NS3/4A inhibitors were recently marketed, the inhibition of the polymerase NS5B is now the focus of research efforts in the fight against HCV. The use of aurones against the HCV polymerase is here reported for the first time. Four generations of compounds were synthesized and evaluated, and several bioactive derivatives were found, including some natural products, with an IC50 below 5 μM. Furthermore, additional investigations regarding inhibitor – receptor interactions allowed to identify the aurones binding site, which is Thumb Site I. Secondly, although the modulation of tyrosinase in a therapeutic aim remains a matter of discussion, a number of studies considers this enzyme as a potential target for future treatments against some hardly curable diseases, such as cancer or Parkinson's disease. During this work, aurones showed a great versatility toward tyrosinase. According to their substitution pattern, the compounds embraced very different behaviours, i.e. alternative substrate, hyperbolic activator or mixed inhibitor behaviour. However a consistent model was proposed, which gathers and explains all of these behaviours. During this study, a large number of widely substituted or modified aurone derivatives were prepared, according to structure-dependant adaptative synthetic methods.

Submitted by Luanna Matias (lua_matias@yahoo.com.br) on 2015-02-04T19:29:51Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Raquel Silva Pinheiro - 2014.pdf: 1371271 bytes, checksum: b44f6cc1923da6f739d3902c7f1ab282 (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2015-02-05T09:49:52Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Raquel Silva Pinheiro - 2014.pdf: 1371271 bytes, checksum: b44f6cc1923da6f739d3902c7f1ab282 (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-02-05T09:49:52Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Raquel Silva Pinheiro - 2014.pdf: 1371271 bytes, checksum: b44f6cc1923da6f739d3902c7f1ab282 (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-02-28 / Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico - CNPq / Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is a major cause of enterically transmitted hepatitis worldwide. Poor sanitary conditions particularly lack of safe water and sewerage systems have been associated with increased prevalence of this infection. In Brazil, there are more than 1, 200, 00 families living in rural settlements. Most of them have no access to safety water, and many had lived previously in landless camping in poor hygiene conditions. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis A among people living in rural settlements in Central Brazil. From 2008 to 2011, individuals living in rural settlement in the municipalities of Jataí and surround (n=466), Goiás/GO and Ponta Porã, Mato Grosso do Sul/MS (n= 454) were interviewed and blood samples were collected and tested for HAV antibodies (total anti-HAV) by ELISA, respectively. Globally 85.9% (95% CI: 83.5 – 88.0). Of individuals had been previously infected by HAV. None child aged less than five years was anti-HAV positive. Otherwise, almost the totality (98.7%) of individuals aged 20 years or more were exposed to HAV. Concerning individuals with 10-19 years old, the overall prevalence of HAV was 69,6%. In the settlements studied in Goiás, age, history of life in landless, number of people per household and water source were independently associated to HAV positivity (p< 0.05). The results of this study suggest intermediate infection rates for HAV infection in rural settlements in Central Brazil, ratifying the need for public health politics addressed to this population segment that presents characteristics which may favor HAV acquiring and spread. Hepatitis A vaccine should be guaranteed for rural populations. / O vírus da hepatite A (HAV) é uma das principais causas de hepatites transmitidas entericamente em todo o mundo. Condições sanitárias deficientes, particularmente, a falta de água potável e sistemas de esgoto têm sido associadas com prevalência elevada para essa infecção. No Brasil, mais de 1.200.000 famílias vivem em assentamentos rurais, e a maioria não tem acesso a água potável. Além disso, muitos relatam ter vivido anteriormente em acampamentos sob condições precárias de higiene. O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar a prevalência da infecção pelo HAV em assentamentos rurais da Região Centro-Oeste do Brasil. Trata-se de um estudo observacional, de corte transversal. De 2008 a 2011, indivíduos de assentamentos rurais dos municípios de Jataí e Entorno (n = 466), Goiás/GO e Ponta Porã, Mato Grosso do Sul/MS (n = 454) foram entrevistados e amostras de sangue foram coletadas e testadas para detecção de anticorpos anti-HAV total pelo ensaio imunoenzimático (ELISA). A prevalência global para infecção pelo HAV foi de 85,9% (IC95%: 83,5 - 88,0). Nenhuma criança com menos de cinco anos foi exposta ao HAV. Por outro lado, quase a totalidade (98,7%) dos indivíduos com idade igual ou superior a 20 anos foram anti-HAV positivos. Considerando os indivíduos na faixa etária de 10-19 anos, a prevalência global foi de 69,6%. Nos assentamentos estudados em Goiás, idade, história de vida em acampamento, número de pessoas por domicílio e origem da água consumida foram fatores independentemente associados a positividade ao anti-HAV (p<0,05). Os resultados deste estudo sugerem uma endemicidade intermediária para a infecção pelo HAV em assentamentos rurais do Brasil Central, ratificando a necessidade de políticas públicas direcionadas para esse segmento populacional, que apresenta características que favorecem a aquisição e propagação desse vírus. A vacinação contra hepatite A deve ser garantida para população rural.

Submitted by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2014-10-06T15:17:41Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Helen de Oliveira Soares - 2013.pdf: 801287 bytes, checksum: 7d8d0899bf1a66a37c47e1cc61097a1e (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2014-10-06T15:55:38Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Helen de Oliveira Soares - 2013.pdf: 801287 bytes, checksum: 7d8d0899bf1a66a37c47e1cc61097a1e (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-06T15:55:38Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Helen de Oliveira Soares - 2013.pdf: 801287 bytes, checksum: 7d8d0899bf1a66a37c47e1cc61097a1e (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-04-29 / Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is mainly transmitted by the oral-fecal route. HAV infection prevalence is associated with socio-economic and hygienic conditions. In Brazil, hepatitis A is considered an endemic infection and some studies have shown a shift from high to intermediate endemicity pattern. Almost recyclable waste collectors have a lifestyle that is characterized by precarious social, cultural and environmental factors. The epidemiological status of HAV infections of these workers remains unknown. So, this study aimed to investigate the hepatitis A virus infection profile in recyclable waste collectors in Goiânia, Goiás. A cross-sectional survey was carried out with 431 individuals who were recruited in all 15 recycling cooperatives in Goiânia, Goiás. All individuals were interviewed and their serum samples were tested for anti-HAV total marker by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Total anti-HAV positive samples were tested for IgM anti-HAV marker by ELISA. Almost all population (429/431) was positive for total anti-HAV antibodies. By contrast, none were IgM anti-HAV positive. The seroprevalence of HAV infection among recyclable waste collectors in Goiânia-Goiás was 99,5% (IC 95%: 98,1-99,9). Unfavorable socio-economic, sanitary and house conditions (low education and family income, high number of people at home and lack of treated/filtered water), as well as risk practices (contact with contaminated waste, irregular use of gloves and eating from the garbage) were reported by a considerable percentage of participants. These findings highlight the need of actions of health promotion and diseases prevention to the population of recyclable waste collectors in Goiânia, Goiás. / O vírus da hepatite A (HAV) é transmitido principalmente pela via oral-fecal. A prevalência da infecção pelo HAV está associada às condições socioeconômicas e de higiene. No Brasil, a hepatite A é considerada uma infecção endêmica e alguns estudos têm revelado uma mudança no perfil de endemicidade de alto para intermediário. A maioria dos catadores de materiais recicláveis vive em condições sociais, culturais e ambientais precárias. A situação epidemiológica da infecção pelo HAV desses trabalhadores permanece desconhecida. Assim, este estudo teve como objetivo investigar o perfil da infecção pelo vírus da hepatite A em catadores de materiais recicláveis em Goiânia, Goiás. Constitui-se em estudo transversal realizado com 431 indivíduos recrutados nas 15 cooperativas de reciclagem em Goiânia, Goiás. Todos os participantes foram entrevistados e suas amostras de soros testadas para o marcador anti-HAV total pelo ensaio imunoenzimático (ELISA). As amostras positivas foram testadas para o marcador anti-HAV IgM também por ELISA. A quase totalidade da população (429/431) apresentou positividade para o marcador anti-HAV total, porém nenhum indivíduo foi positivo para anti-HAV IgM. A soroprevalência da infecção pelo HAV em catadores de materiais recicláveis em Goiânia-Goiás foi de 99,5% (IC 95%: 98,1-99,9). Características socioeconômicas, sanitárias e de moradia desfavoráveis (baixa escolaridade e renda familiar, número elevado de pessoas no domicílio e falta de água tratada/filtrada), bem como práticas de risco (contato com resíduos contaminados, uso irregular de luvas e ingestão de alimentos encontrados no lixo) foram relatadas por percentuais consideráveis dos participantes. Esses achados evidenciam a necessidade de ações de promoção da saúde e prevenção de doenças para a população de catadores de materiais recicláveis em Goiânia, Goiás.

Yip, Wing Kit. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 100-119). / Abstract also in Chinese. / Abstract (English version) --- p.i / Abstract (Chinese version) --- p.iii / Acknowledgments --- p.v / Table of Contents --- p.vii / List of Tables --- p.x / List of Figures --- p.xi / List of Abbreviations --- p.xiii / Chapter CHAPTER 1 --- INTRODUCTION --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Hepatocellular Carcinoma --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.1 --- Epidermiology --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.2 --- Etiology --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Hepatitis B Virus --- p.3 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- The Epidermiology of Hepatitis B Virus Infection --- p.3 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- The Morphology and Genome of Hepatitis B Virus --- p.4 / Chapter 1.2.3 --- HBV Genotypes and Their Significance --- p.8 / Chapter 1.3 --- Hepatitis B Virus X Protein --- p.9 / Chapter 1.3.1 --- HBx Alters Various Signal Transduction Pathways --- p.10 / Chapter 1.3.2 --- HBx Interacts with Various Transcription Factors and Co-activators --- p.12 / Chapter 1.3.3 --- HBx Induces Epigenetic Alterations --- p.14 / Chapter 1.3.4 --- Identification of COOH-terminal Truncated HBx in Liver Tumors --- p.15 / Chapter 1.4 --- MicroRNAs --- p.17 / Chapter 1.4.1 --- Transcriptional Regulation and Biogenesis of MicroRNAs --- p.18 / Chapter 1.4.2 --- MicroRNAs and Cancer --- p.21 / Chapter 1.4.3 --- MicroRNAs and HCC --- p.25 / Chapter 1.5 --- Hypothesis and Aims of the Study --- p.29 / Chapter CHAPTER 2 --- MATERIALS and METHODS --- p.30 / Chapter 2.1 --- Patients --- p.30 / Chapter 2.2 --- Cell Lines --- p.30 / Chapter 2.3 --- Cloning of Various HBx Constructs --- p.32 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- PCR Amplification of HBx Fragments --- p.32 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Cloning of HBx Fragments into TA-vectos --- p.33 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Heat Shock Transformation --- p.33 / Chapter 2.3.4 --- Sub-cloning of HBx Fragments into Lentiviral Vectors --- p.34 / Chapter 2.4 --- Generation of Lentivirus --- p.37 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Lentivirus Infection --- p.37 / Chapter 2.5 --- RNA Extraction --- p.38 / Chapter 2.6 --- Western Blot Analysis --- p.39 / Chapter 2.7 --- MiRNA Microarray --- p.40 / Chapter 2.7.1 --- Cyanine3-pCp Labeling of RNA Samples --- p.40 / Chapter 2.7.2 --- Sample Hybridization --- p.41 / Chapter 2.7.3 --- Microarray Wash --- p.41 / Chapter 2.7.4 --- Array Slide Scanning and Processing --- p.41 / Chapter 2.8 --- Detection of HBx Gene Deletion by PCR --- p.43 / Chapter 2.9 --- Immunohistochemistry --- p.44 / Chapter 2.10 --- Quantitative Real-time PCR --- p.45 / Chapter 2.11 --- Proliferation Assay --- p.47 / Chapter 2.12 --- Cell Cycle Analysis --- p.48 / Chapter 2.13 --- Annexin V Apoptosis Assay --- p.49 / Chapter 2.14 --- Colony Formation Assay --- p.50 / Chapter 2.15 --- Statistical Analysis --- p.51 / Chapter CHAPTER 3 --- RESULTS --- p.52 / Chapter 3.1 --- Detection of Full-length and COOH-terminal Truncated HBx in HCC Tissues --- p.52 / Chapter 3.2 --- Confirmation of HBx Expression in HCC Tissues --- p.55 / Chapter 3.3 --- Comparison of HBx from Different HBV Genotypes for Study --- p.61 / Chapter 3.4 --- Functional Characterization of COOH-tterminal Truncated HBx --- p.64 / Chapter 3.4.1 --- Selection of COOH-terminal Truncated HBx --- p.64 / Chapter 3.4.2 --- Generation of Various HBx-expressing Hepatocyte Cell Lines --- p.66 / Chapter 3.4.3 --- Effect of Full-length and COOH-terminal Truncated HBx on Cell Proliferation --- p.69 / Chapter 3.4.4 --- Effect of Full-length and COOH-terminal Truncated HBx Cell Cycle --- p.34 / Chapter 3.4.5 --- Effect of Full-length and COOH-terminal Truncated HBx on Apoptosis --- p.45 / Chapter 3.5 --- MicroRNA Profiling of Various HBx-expressing Hepatocyte Cell Lines --- p.76 / Chapter 3.5.1 --- Identification of Deregulated MicroRNAs by Microarray --- p.76 / Chapter 3.5.2 --- Validation of Deregulated MicroRNAs by Real-time PCR Analysis --- p.80 / Chapter 3.5.3 --- Confirmation of Deregulated MiRNAs in HCC and Adjacent Non-tumor Tissues --- p.84 / Chapter 3.5.4 --- Potential Downstream Targets of the HBx-deregulated MiRNAs --- p.87 / Chapter CHAPTER 4 --- DISCUSSION --- p.91 / Chapter 4.1 --- The Impact of COOH-terminal Truncated HBx in HCC --- p.91 / Chapter 4.2 --- The Biological Significance of COOH-terminal Truncated HBx Induced MiRNAs --- p.94 / Chapter 4.3 --- Limitations of the Present Study --- p.97 / Chapter 4.4 --- Future Studies --- p.98 / Chapter CHAPTER 5 --- CONCLUSION --- p.99 / REFERENCES --- p.100

<p>Virus mRNAs can be divided into functional regions. The focus of this thesis will be to investigate the function of one of these regions, the 3’ untranslated region (UTR). The 3’UTR of HCV contains a U-rich element and the late 3’UTR of HPV-1 contains an AU-rich element. The roles of these regions in translation and stability of HCV and HPV have been studied. </p><p>A method was established for studying translation of HCV mRNA in living cells. Noninfectious minivirus clones were synthesised <i>in vitro </i>and were transfected into cells by electroporation. This made it possible to bypass the nucleus and to transfer RNA directly into the cell cytoplasm. We found that HCV mRNAs that are translated from the HCV internal ribosome entry site (IRES) are inefficiently translated in comparison to capped and polyadenylated cellular mRNAs. Interestingly, the addition of a cap and a poly(A) tail resulted in a tremendous increase in the initiation of translation at the HCV IRES. This was the result of a discontinuous scanning or shunting mechanism. We also found that the 3’UTR had a small but not significant effect on the virus mRNA translation. Next, we set up an <i>in vitro </i>stability assay to investigate if HCV 3’UTR affects the stability of the virus mRNA. We found that the HCV 3’UTR is very unstable but interaction with the cellular La protein protects the mRNA from premature degradation.</p><p>In parallel experiments, we studied translation and stability of the HPV-1 late mRNAs. By studying an AU-rich sequence in the 3’UTR, we mapped two minimal inhibitory sequence elements, UAUUUAU and UAUUUUUAU that reduced mRNA half-life. We found that the same motifs in the AU-rich element inhibit mRNA translation, demonstrating that the AU-rich element acts via a bimodal mechanism to reduce mRNA stability and inhibit translation.</p>

Virus mRNAs can be divided into functional regions. The focus of this thesis will be to investigate the function of one of these regions, the 3’ untranslated region (UTR). The 3’UTR of HCV contains a U-rich element and the late 3’UTR of HPV-1 contains an AU-rich element. The roles of these regions in translation and stability of HCV and HPV have been studied. A method was established for studying translation of HCV mRNA in living cells. Noninfectious minivirus clones were synthesised in vitro and were transfected into cells by electroporation. This made it possible to bypass the nucleus and to transfer RNA directly into the cell cytoplasm. We found that HCV mRNAs that are translated from the HCV internal ribosome entry site (IRES) are inefficiently translated in comparison to capped and polyadenylated cellular mRNAs. Interestingly, the addition of a cap and a poly(A) tail resulted in a tremendous increase in the initiation of translation at the HCV IRES. This was the result of a discontinuous scanning or shunting mechanism. We also found that the 3’UTR had a small but not significant effect on the virus mRNA translation. Next, we set up an in vitro stability assay to investigate if HCV 3’UTR affects the stability of the virus mRNA. We found that the HCV 3’UTR is very unstable but interaction with the cellular La protein protects the mRNA from premature degradation. In parallel experiments, we studied translation and stability of the HPV-1 late mRNAs. By studying an AU-rich sequence in the 3’UTR, we mapped two minimal inhibitory sequence elements, UAUUUAU and UAUUUUUAU that reduced mRNA half-life. We found that the same motifs in the AU-rich element inhibit mRNA translation, demonstrating that the AU-rich element acts via a bimodal mechanism to reduce mRNA stability and inhibit translation.

Hepatitis C is a global health problem that affects approximately 120–180 million people. This viral infection causes serious liver diseases and the therapy available suffers from low efficiency and severe side effects. Consequently, there is a huge unmet medical need for new therapeutic agents to combat the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Inhibition of the viral NS3 protease has recently emerged as a promising approach to defeat this infection, and the first HCV NS3 protease inhibitors have now entered clinical trials. In this project, several novel HCV NS3 protease inhibitors have been designed, synthesized and biochemically evaluated. Inhibitors with various P1 C-terminal functional groups intended as potential bioisosteres to the carboxylic acid found in product-based inhibitors have been revealed. Special focus has been placed on establishing structure–activity relationships of inhibitors containing the promising P1 C-terminal acyl sulfonamide group. The properties of the acyl sulfonamide functionality that are important for producing potent inhibitors have been identified. In addition, the advantages of the acyl sulfonamide group compared to the carboxylic acid have been demonstrated in both enzymatic and cell-based assays. Besides the acyl sulfonamide functionality, the acyl cyanamide and the acyl sulfinamide groups have been identified as new carboxylic acid bioisosteres in HCV NS3 protease inhibitors. The synthetic work included the development of a fast and convenient methodology for the preparation of aryl acyl sulfonamides. The use of microwave heating and Mo(CO)6 as a solid carbon monoxide source provided aryl acyl sulfonamides from aryl halides in excellent yields. This method was subsequently used in the decoration of novel HCV NS3 protease inhibitors comprising a non-natural P1 moiety. This new class of compounds can be used as lead structures in a future optimization process aimed at producing more drug-like HCV NS3 protease inhibitors.