A dieta hiperlipídica (high-fat, HF) materna durante a gestação e/ou lactação aumenta a susceptibilidade da prole para o desenvolvimento de doenças crônicas na fase adulta. Verificar a hipótese que a ingestão materna de dieta HF nos períodos críticos de desenvolvimento (gestação e/ou lactação) predispõe à doença não alcoólica do fígado gorduroso e alterações pancreáticas e no tecido adiposo de camundongos machos adultos. Camundongos C57BL/6 fêmeas receberam durante a gestação e/ou lactação dieta padrão (standard chow, SC) ou HF. Filhotes machos foram divididos em cinco grupos: SC provenientes de mães SC; G provenientes de mães HF durante a gestação; L provenientes de mães HF durante a lactação; GL/HF provenientes de mães HF durante a gestação/lactação, mantendo a mesma dieta HF no período pós-natal (do desmame aos 3 meses deidade); GL provenientes de mães HF durante a gestação/lactação trocando a dieta para SC no período pós-natal (do desmame aos 3 meses deidade). Foi analisada ao longo do experimento a massa corporal da prole. No sacrifício (3 meses), o fígado, o pâncreas e a gordura epididimária foram removidos, pesados e processados e o sangue foi coletado para análise bioquímica. Ao nascimento e ao desmame, filhotes GL/HF foram mais pesados (+6% e +44%, p<0,05, respectivamente) que os filhotes SC. Os filhotes G apresentaram resistência à insulina e menor expressão do transportador de glicose no fígado (GLUT-2). A esteatose hepática foi observada nos grupos G, L, GL e principalmente nos filhotes do grupo GL/HF. A expressão hepática da proteína ligante de elementos regulatórios de esteróis (SREBP-1c) estava aumentada nos filhotes G, GL e GL/HF. Os filhotes G, GL e GL/HF apresentaram hipertrofia da ilhota pancreática e dos adipócitos quando comparados com o grupo SC. O consumo de dieta HF durante a gestação mostra-se ser o período mais prejudicial para os filhotes adultos de camundongos. A programação metabólica por dieta HF leva ao remodelamento adverso do fígado, do pâncreas e do tecido adiposo / Maternal high-fat diet (HF) during gestation and/or lactation period increases the susceptibility to development of chronic disease in offspring adult life. This work aimed to verify the hypothesis that maternal intake of high-fat diet in critical periods of pregnancy and/or suckling period predisposes to non alcoholic fatty liver disease, pancreatic and adipose tissue alterations in adulthood mice offspring. C57BL/6 female mice were fed, during gestation and/or lactation phases, with standard chow (SC) or HF diet. Male pups were divided into 5 groups: SC- from SC fed dam; G- from HF fed dam during gestation period; L- from HF fed dam during lactation period; GL- from HF fed dam during gestation and lactation periods and GL/HF- from HF fed dam during gestation and lactation, maintaining HF diet from post-weaning to adulthood. We analyzed body mass in all experiment, and at the euthanasia (3 mo-old), liver, pancreas and adipose tissue were removed, weighted and embedded. Blood was collected to biochemical analyses. At birth and at weaning, GL/HF pups were heavier than SC pups (+6% and +44%, p<0.05, respectively). G offspring showed insulin resistance and lower glucose transporter-2 expression (GLUT-2). Hepatic steatosis was present in G, L, GL and mainly in GL/HF offspring. Sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) expression was higher in G, GL and GL/HF offspring. It is important to mention that pancreatic islet hypertrophy and adipocyte hypertrophy were affected in G, GL and GL/HF offspring in comparison to SC. HF diet administration during gestation period is worse than lactation period. Furthermore, this type of programming by HF predisposes to adverse remodeling in liver, pancreas and adipose tissue in adult mice offspring

Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-02T19:22:57Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 5061.pdf: 12379581 bytes, checksum: c5740c3bf0a93d60530d4f55769c222d (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-03-22 / Universidade Federal de Sao Carlos / Obesity is associated with increased lipid peroxidation in the myocardium and an increased susceptibility to oxidative damage, which can lead to several cardiovascular risk factors including heart failure, insulin resistance, hypertension and dyslipidemia. The ONOOin conjunction with normal intracellular levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), are responsible, among other factors, to activate the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that are important in mediating the deleterious effects of cardiovascular diseases. The unregulated activity of MMPs, such as MMP-2, may promote the development of heart disease. Resistance training (RT) can mitigate or even reverse the obesity, prevent against lipid peroxidation, increasing the levels of antioxidant enzymes, improved lipid profile, reduced cardiovascular risk and reduce the concentration of fibrosis and dysregulation of MMP-2. Purpose: To analyze the effects of RT high intensity on ladder associated with high fat diet on the activity of MMP-2 and antioxidant enzymes (SOD Total, Mn-SOD, CAT, GPx), GSH and lipid peroxidation, related to left ventricle remodeling in rats. Methods: 60 rats Wistar were used in this study, which was divided into three phases: 1) three week period of obesity induction, control group fed with standard diet (CT-S n = 30) and control group fed with high fat diet (CT-H n = 30); 2) effect of fat diet for eight weeks, sedentary standard diet group (SED-S n = 10) and high fat diet sedentary (SED-H n = 10), 3) effect of high-intensity RT on ladder for eight weeks associated with high-fat diet, RT standard diet (RT-S n = 10) and RT high-fat diet RT (RT-H n = 10). Results: The three-week obesity induction was effective in promoting the group CTH increased body mass (p <0.05), LV mass (p <0.05) and activity of MMP-2 (p <.001), TBRs (p <0.03) and decrease the citrate synthase activity (p <0.05). After eight weeks of high fat diet, the SED-H group had a higher body mass (p <0.02) compared to SED-S. The volume LV for SED-H group was higher compared to that of CT-H (p <0.001), but did not change when compared to SED-S. There was a lower activity of MMP-2 (p <0.05) in SED-S compared to CT-H. Lipid accumulation was observed (p <0.007) in the LV of SED-H group compared to CT-H. The longer life associated with high-fat diet promoted suppression in the enzymatic activity of SOD Total (p <0.01) and Mn-SOD (p <0.002) (SED-H), and increased activity of GSH (p <0.004). The RT was effective in attenuating the gain body mass in RT-H group compared to SED-H, even though higher compared to RT-S (p <0.005). In the group RT-H of MMP-2 activity was higher (p <0.03) compared to RT-S, but lower (p <0.04) compared to SED-H. The RT promoted greater citrate synthase activity (p <0.03), SOD Total (p <0.001) and Mn-SOD (p <0.03) and lower activity of GSH (p <0.01) in RT-H. There was no significant increase in TBARs level in the VE of the RT-H group. However, we observed increased lipid content (p <0.04). Conclusion: We conclude that high intensity RT, in obese rats, could be a pharmacological tool able to positively modulate the activity of MMP-2 and some antioxidant enzymes such as SOD Total, Mn-SOD and GSH. These effects are important for the maintenance of heart health, relieving the deleterious effects on obesityrelated of the left ventricle remodeling, so experiment. / A obesidade está associada com aumento da peroxidação lipídica no miocárdio e com uma maior suscetibilidade ao dano oxidativo, o que pode levar a vários fatores de risco cardiovascular incluindo insuficiência cardíaca, resistência à insulina, hipertensão e dislipidemia. O ONOO- em conjunto com níveis normais intracelular de glutationa reduzida (GSH), são responsáveis, dentre outros fatores, por ativar as metaloproteinases de matriz (MMPs), que são importantes na mediação dos efeitos deletérios de doenças cardiovasculares. A atividade desregulada das MMPs, como a MMP-2, pode favorecer o desenvolvimento de doenças cardíacas. O treinamento resistido (TR) pode amenizar ou mesmo reverter o quadro de obesidade, prevenir contra a peroxidação lipídica, aumentando os níveis das enzimas antioxidantes, melhora do perfil lipídico, diminui os riscos á doenças cardiovasculares, além de reduzir a concentração de fibrose e a desregulação da MMP-2. Objetivo: Analisar os efeitos do TR de alta intensidade em escada associado à dieta hiperlipídica na atividade da MMP-2 e enzimas antioxidantes (SOD Total, Mn-SOD, CAT, GPx), GSH e peroxidação lipídica, relacionadas ao remodelamento do ventrículo esquerdo, em ratos. Metodologia: 60 ratos Wistar foram utilizados neste estudo, sendo este divido em três fases: 1) período de três semanas de indução à obesidade, grupo controle alimentado com dieta padrão (CT-P n= 30) e controle alimentado com dieta hiperlipídica (CT-H n= 30); 2) efeito da dieta hiperlipídica por mais oito semanas, grupo sedentário dieta padrão (SED-P n= 10) e sedentário dieta hiperlipídica (SED-H n= 10); 3) efeito do TR em escada por oito semanas associado a dieta hiperlipídica, grupo TR dieta padrão (TR-P n= 10) e TR dieta hiperlipídica (TR-H n= 10). Resultados: As três semanas de indução à obesidade foi eficaz em promover aumento da massa corporal (p < 0,05), massa do VE (p < 0,05) e da atividade da MMP-2 (p < 0,001), do TBRs (p < 0,03) e de diminuir a atividade da citrato sintase (p < 0,05) no grupo CT-H. Após mais oito semanas de dieta hiperlipídica, o grupo SED-H teve a massa corporal maior (p < 0,02) comparado ao SED-P. Já a massa do VE para o grupo SED-H foi maior em comparação ao do CT-H (p < 0,001), porém não se modificou quando comparado ao SEP-P. Houve uma menor atividade da MMP-2 (p < 0,05) no grupo SED-H comparado ao CT-H. Foi observado acúmulo de lipídios totais (p < 0,007) no VE do grupo SD-H comparado ao CT-H. O maior tempo de vida associado à dieta hiperlipídica promoveu inibição da SOD Total (p < 0,01) e Mn-SOD (p < 0,002) (SED-H), e aumento da GSH (p < 0,004). O TR foi eficaz em atenuar o ganho de massa corporal no grupo TR-H comparado ao SED-H, mesmo sendo maior comparado ao TR-P (p < 0,005). No grupo TR-H a atividade da MMP-2 foi maior (p < 0,03) comparado ao TR-P, porém menor (p < 0,04) comparado ao SED-H. O TR promoveu maior atividade das enzimas citrato sintase (p < 0,03), SOD Total (p < 0,001) e Mn-SOD (p < 0,03) menor atividade da GSH (p < 0,01) no grupo TR-H. Não foi observado aumento significativo do TBARS no VE do TR-H. Contudo, foi observado aumento do conteúdo lipídico (p < 0,04). Conclusão: Concluímos que o TR de alta intensidade, em ratos obesos, pode ser uma ferramenta não farmacológica capaz de modular de forma positiva a atividade da MMP-2 e de algumas enzimas antioxidantes como a SOD Total, Mn-SOD e a GSH. Efeitos esses que são importantes para a manutenção da saúde cardíaca, amenizando os efeitos deletérios relacionados à obesidade sobre o remodelamento do ventrículo esquerdo, de forma experimental.

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro / Introdução: o óxido nítrico (NO) é um gás inorgânico com uma meia-vida curta e tem um papel crítico na manutenção da homeostase vascular e fluidez sanguínea. O NO é sintetizado a partir do aminoácido L-arginina por uma família de enzimas NO sintases (NOS). Estudos têm mostrado que eritrócitos expressam NOS endotelial (eNOS) funcional, que serve como uma fonte de NO intraluminal. Além disso, eritrócitos participam da defesa antioxidante removendo os radicais livres e prevenindo o dano oxidativo às membranas biológicas e a destruição do NO. Dietas hiperlípidicas estão associadas a um risco aumentado de doença cardiovacular e síndrome metabólica, mas os exatos mecanismos não estão completamente esclarecidos. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os efeitos de diferentes dietas hiperlípidicas na via L-arginina-NO e o estresse oxidativo em eritrócitos de camundongos. Metodologia: camundongos machos C57BL/6 de três meses de idade receberam diferentes dietas por 10 semanas: dieta normolipídica ou dieta hiperlipídica contendo banha de porco (HB), óleo de oliva (HO), óleo de girassol (HG) ou óleo de canola (HC). Foram analisados o transporte de L-arginina mediado pelos transportadores catiônicos y+ e y+L, a atividade da NOS, a expressão da eNOS e da NOS induzível (iNOS), a formação de substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico (TBARS) e a atividade das enzimas antioxidantes catalase (CAT) e superóxido dismutase (SOD). Resultados: o transporte total de L-arginina estava aumentado no grupo HO em comparação aos controles e aos outros grupos com dieta hiperlipídica. Quando o transporte foi fracionado, o sistema y+ estava mais ativado no grupo HO em relação aos controles e outros grupos que receberam dieta hiperlipídica. O transporte de L-arginina via sistema y+L estava maior nos grupos HO, HG e HC comparados aos grupos controle e HB. Adicionalmente, a atividade basal da NOS e a expressão de eNOS estavam aumentadas em eritrócitos independente do tipo de dieta hiperlípidica insaturada. Observou-se uma maior expressão da iNOS no grupo HO comparado ao controle. Em contraste, o grupo HB apresentou uma inibição da via L-arginina-NO. A análise da peroxidação lipídica, através da formação de TBARS, e da atividade da enzima antioxidante CAT não revelou diferenças entre os grupos, ao contrário do grupo HO, que induziu uma ativação de outra enzima antioxidante, a SOD. Conclusões: o presente estudo proporciona a primeira evidência de que os sistemas y+ e y+L regulam o transporte aumentado de L-arginina em eritrócitos de camundongos do grupo HO. Além disso, todas as dietas hiperlipídicas insaturadas induzem um aumento da atividade basal da NOS associada a uma expressão elevada da eNOS. É possível que diferentes mudanças na composição lipídica da membrana plasmática induzidas pelas dietas possam afetar transportadores e enzimas nos eritrócitos. Além disso, a inibição da via L-arginina-NO no grupo HB pode contribuir para o desenvolvimento da aterosclerose, enquanto dietas hiperlipídicas insaturadas podem ter um efeito protetor via aumento da geração de NO. / Introduction: nitric oxide (NO) is an inorganic gas with a short half life that plays a critical role in maintaining vascular homeostasis and blood fluidity in physiological conditions. NO is synthesized from the cationic amino acid L-arginine by a family of enzymes: nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Studies have shown that red blood cells (RBCs) express functional endothelial NOS (eNOS), which potentially serves as an intraluminal NO source. Moreover, circulating RBCs participate in antioxidant defence, scavenging oxygen free radicals and preventing oxidative damage to biological membranes and NO destruction. High fat diets are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome, but the exact mechanisms are not completely clear. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of different high fat (HF) diets in the RBC L-arginine-NO pathway and in oxidative stress in C57BL/6 mice. Methods: three-month-old male C57BL/6 mice were fed different diets for a 10-week period: a standard diet or high-fat (HF) diet containing lard oil (HF-L), olive oil (HF-O), sunflower oil (HF-S) or canola oil (HF-C). Studies of L-arginine transport, mediated by cationic transport systems y+ and y+L, basal activity of NOS, expression of eNOS and inducible NOS (iNOS), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) formation, and antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in RBCs were analysed in these groups. Results: total L-arginine influx into RBCs was upregulated in the HF-O group compared to controls and other HF diet groups. When transport systems were fractionated, there was a higher activation of system y+ in the HF-O group in relation to controls and other HF diet groups. L-arginine transport via system y+L in RBCs was increased in the HF-O, HF-S and HF-C groups compared to controls and the HF-L group. In addition, NOS activity and eNOS expression were enhanced in RBCs, independent of unsaturated HF diets. An overexpression of iNOS was observed in the HF-O group compared with controls. In contrast, the HF-L group showed an inhibition of the RBC L-arginine-NO pathway. The analysis of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme catalase activity revealed no differences among the groups studied. On the other hand, HF-O induced activation of another antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase (SOD). Conclusions: this study provides the first evidence that systems y+ and y+L mediate increased L-arginine transport into mice RBCs from the HF-O group. Moreover, all unsaturated high-fat diets can induce an increase in basal NOS activity associated with an overexpression of eNOS. It is possible that changes in the lipid composition of the plasmatic membrane induced differently by HF diets could affect transporters and enzymes in RBCs. An inhibition of the L-arginine-NO pathway in HF-L group could contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, while HF unsaturated diets may have a protector effect via enhanced generation of NO.

Gestational hypothyroidism is considerably prevalent. Low maternal thyroid hormones (THs) levels during pregnancy may affect several physiological systems in the offspring. Similarly, an inadequate maternal nutrition during pregnancy is implicated as the origin of many metabolic and cardiovascular diseases in the offspring. Therefore, gestational hypothyroidism, in addition to an inadequate maternal nutrition could trigger an even worse profile in the neuroendocrine, metabolic and feeding behavior throughout postnatal life of the offspring. The aim of this study was to assess metabolic aspects and ingestive behavior of the offspring of rats treated with high fat diet (HD) during gestation associated with experimental gestational hypothyroidism (EGH). On gestational day (GD) 3, we started to feed pregnant rats with the HD, and on GD 9, we started to induce EGH with 0.02% methimazole in drinking water, ad libitum. HD and EGH were only interrupted on the day of birth. The pregnant rats were weighted and monitored for the amount of food and water ingested from GD 3 up to GD 20. In the offspring, body development indexes were measured from postnatal day (PND) 1 up to PND 120. At PND 60, we performed the insulin tolerance test (ITT), glucose tolerance test (GTT), biochemical measurements, in both genders. Furthermore, food, water and 0.3 M NaCl ingestive behaviors were measured in male offspring at PND 30, 60, 90 and 120. Data were analyzed by two- or three-way ANOVAs with Bonferroni posttest. Male offspring from hypothyroid rats submitted to HD (OHT + HD) showed higher hematocrit, triglycerides, cholesterol and urea sera levels when compared to male offspring from hypothyroid rats submitted to control diet (OHT + CD). Moreover, female OHT + HD had higher glucose sensitivity at 30 minutes on the GTT when compared to OHT + CD (p<0.05) and also to offspring from euthyroid rats (OET) + HD (p<0.01). However, we observed no differences in fasting glycemia and ITT in female offspring from different groups. In conclusion, the association of EGH and HD during gestation caused a significant deficit in body development and dyslipidemia in male offspring, whereas female offspring exhibit higher glucose sensitivity. Thus, this data show, for the first time, how the association between low maternal THs with HD predict an abnormal metabolic profile in offspring, and give us an insert about the origin of several unknown metabolic diseases. / O hipotireoidismo gestacional apresenta considerável prevalência e já está devidamente documentado que a carência de hormônios tireoideanos durante a gestação gera repercussão na maturação dos sistemas fisiológicos de controle durante a vida pós-natal. Da mesma forma, inúmeras evidências apontam que o aporte nutricional inadequado durante a vida intrauterina, dependente do hábito alimentar materno, afeta o funcionamento orgânico na vida pós-natal. Assim, acredita-se que quantidade insuficiente dos hormônios tireoideanos durante a vida intrauterina associado ao estado nutricional inadequado das mães durante a gestação pode predispor, de modo particular, ao surgimento de diversas desordens neuroendócrinas, metabólicas e comportamentais ao longo da vida pós-natal. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar os aspectos metabólicos e o comportamento ingestivo da prole de ratas induzidas ao hipotireoidismo associado à dieta hiperlipídica durante a gestação. A partir do 3º dia de gestação (DG) as ratas prenhas receberam dieta hiperlipídica e, a partir do 9º DG, iniciou-se, também, a indução do hipotireoidismo gestacional experimental (HGE) adicionando metimazol 0,02% na água de beber. Tanto a dieta quanto a indução ao hipotireoidismo foram interrompidos no dia do parto. Nas ratas prenhas foi realizado o acompanhamento da massa corporal e da ingestão alimentar do 3º DG ao 20º DG. Na prole foram avaliados a massa corporal e o comprimento da cauda, semanalmente, do 1º dia pós-natal (DPN) aos 120º DPN e, aos 60 PDN, realizaram-se o teste de tolerância à insulina (TTI), o teste de tolerância à glicose (TTG), dosagens bioquímicas e o peso relativo dos órgãos, em ambos os sexos. Além disso, foram investigados o comportamento ingestivo de ração, água e NaCl 0,3 M somente nos machos da prole aos 30, 60, 90 e 120 DPN. Os dados foram submetidos à ANOVA de duas ou três vias, e em seguida ao pós-teste de Bonferroni. Os machos da prole de ratas submetidas à associação do hipotireoidismo com a dieta hiperlipídica (PRH + DH) maior hematócrito e maiores concentrações de triglicérides, colesterol e ureia quando comparados aos machos da prole de ratas hipotireoideanas com dieta controle (PRH + DC). As fêmeas da PRH + DH apresentaram maior sensibilidade à glicose, aos 30 minutos, no teste de tolerância à glicose, quando comparadas as fêmeas da PRH + DC (p<0,05) e as fêmeas da prole de ratas eutireoideanas com dieta hiperlipídica (PRE + DH) (p<0,01), entretanto não foram encontradas diferenças, nas fêmeas dos grupos estudados, na glicemia de jejum e no teste de tolerância à insulina. O HGE associado à dieta hiperlipídica, exclusivamente durante a gestação, está associado a déficit no desenvolvimento corporal e dislipidemia na vida pós-natal dos machos dessa prole, enquanto as fêmeas apresentam maior sensibilidade à glicose. Assim, esses dados mostram, pela primeira vez, que a associação do HGE com a dieta hiperlipídica promove alteração no perfil metabólico da prole e demonstra que alterações no ambiente intrauterino pode ser a causa de diversas doenças metabólicas que, atualmente, não apresentam uma causa definida.

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / Nowadays, obesity is an endemic condition of great importance and the treatment of obesity includes many pharmacological or non-pharmacological alternatives. Medicinal plants are found between these alternatives and many plants are used for this purpose in Brazil, but the ethnobotanical studies are restricted to isolated regions and no study was performed to integrate these information, in order to give direction to scientific studies. In this context, in the present study it was conducted a systematic review about the use of medicinal plants in Brazil for obesity and weight loss. We have used the terms ethnobotanical , obesity , weight loss , Brazil and their variations in English and Portuguese for searching for papers in scientific databases. Thirty-one studies were identified and indicated 43 species popularly utilized to this purpose. The main species found were Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC. ( carqueja , 14 citations), Annona muricata L. ( graviola , 6 citations) and Hancornia speciosa Gomes ( mangabeira , 4 citations). Scarce scientific evidence was found for the majority of plants referred by the ethnobotanical surveys, which strengthened the need for more studies in this field. Interestingly, H. speciosa was the third plant more cited and the ethnobotanical surveys have demonstrated that the bark of H. speciose is the part of the plant that is popularly used to treat obesity or induce body weight loss. As there are no study that support the possible actions of this plant on obesity and/or weight loss, the present study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of aqueous extract of the stem bark of H. speciosa (AEHS) on the glycemic and adipogenic profiles of obese mice. For this purpose, Swiss mice were divided into four groups that received standard diet (SD), standard diet plus AEHS (SDE), high-fat diet (HD) and high-fat diet plus AEHS (HDE). The EAHS was administered in the drinking water for the last 8 weeks of a total period of 18 weeks that animals received their diets. At the end of the experiment, the water and food intake, body weight, weight of adipose tissue pads, blood glucose levels, insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance were evaluated. Data demonstrated the development of obesity in animals of group HD, which was associated to insulin resistance and glucose intolerance, since this group showed increased area over the curve for insulin (p < 0.01) and glucose (p < 0.001) tolerance tests, along with augmented fasting blood glucose levels (p < 0.05) when compared to SD group. Besides, HD group showed increased weight of retroperitoneal (p < 0.05), perirenal (p < 0.001) and periepididymal (p < 0.05) adipose pads, as well as augmented the adiposity index (p < 0.05), in comparison with SD group. The addition of AEHS to mice did not changed the liquid or food intake, but it was not possible to observe difference between HD and HDE groups in the majority of the parameters evaluated. This treatment only caused a reduction in the weight of perirenal adipose pad, without affection the adiposity index. In this way, AEHS did not change the effects caused by the induction of obesity in mice, in contrast to ethnobotanical studies that indicate the use of the bark of H. speciosa in obesity and body weight loss. / A obesidade é uma condição endêmica, de grande importância nos dias atuais e para seu tratamento muitas alternativas farmacológicas ou não-farmacológicas são utilizadas. Dentre estas alternativas, encontram-se as plantas medicinais. Várias plantas são utilizadas para este fim no Brasil, mas os estudos etnobotânicos são restritos a regiões isoladas e não há na literatura estudos integrando estas informações para direcionar os estudos científicos. Neste contexto, no presente estudo foi realizada uma revisão sistemática sobre o uso de plantas medicinais no Brasil para a obesidade e perda de peso. Foram feitas buscas em bases de dados científicos com os termos ethnobotanical , obesity , weight loss , Brazil e suas variações em inglês e português e foram identificados 31 estudos que indicaram 43 espécies utilizadas popularmente para o fim proposto. As principais espécies encontradas foram Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC. ( carqueja , 14 citações), Annona muricata L. ( graviola , 6 citações) e Hancornia speciosa Gomes ( mangabeira , 4 citações). Poucas evidências científicas foram encontradas para a maioria das plantas citadas nos estudos etnobotânicos, alertando para a necessidade de pesquisas para este fim. De forma interessante, a H. speciosa foi a terceira planta mais citada e os estudos etnobotânicos têm demonstrado que a casca do caule desta planta é a parte utilizada pela população para tratar a obesidade ou produzir perda de peso corpóreo. Como não há estudos que comprovem as ações desta planta sobe a obesidade e/ou perda de peso, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo principal investigar o potencial terapêutico do extrato aquoso da casca do caule da H. speciosa (EAHS) no perfil glicêmico e adipogênico de camundongos obesos. Para cumprir este objetivo, foram utilizados camundongos Swiss divididos em 4 grupos que receberam dieta padrão (DP), dieta padrão associada ao EAHS (DPE), dieta hiperlipídica (DH) e dieta hiperlipídica associada ao EAHS (DHE). O EAHS foi administrado na água de beber durante as 8 últimas semanas de um período total de 18 semanas em que os animais receberam as respectivas dietas. Ao final do experimento foram avaliados o consumo hídrico e de ração, peso corporal, peso dos coxins adiposos, glicemia, sensibilidade à insulina e tolerância à glicose. Foi observado o desenvolvimento de obesidade nos animais do grupo DH, associado à resistência à insulina e intolerância à glicose, pois este grupo apresentou maior área sob a curva nos testes de tolerância à insulina (p < 0,001) e à glicose (p < 0,001), além de maior glicemia de jejum (p < 0,05), quando comparado ao grupo DP. Além disso, o grupo DH mostrou aumento da massa dos coxins retroperitoneal (p < 0,05), perirenal (p < 0,001) e periepididimal (p < 0,05), bem como elevou o índice de adiposidade (p < 0,05) em comparação ao grupo DP. A adição do EAHS não alterou a ingestão hídrica ou consumo de ração dos animais, porém não foi possível observar diferença entre os grupos DH e DHE na grande maioria dos parâmetros avaliados. Este tratamento apenas reduziu significativamente a massa do coxim adiposo perirenal, sem afetar o índice de adiposidade. Dessa forma, o EAHS não alterou os efeitos causados pela indução da obesidade em camundongos, contrastando com os estudos etnobotânicos que indicam o uso da casca da H. speciosa na obesidade e na perda de massa corpórea.

Introdução: A doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica é caracterizada pelo acúmulo hepático de lipídeos, principalmente na forma de triglicerídeos. Devido à atividade inflamatória progressiva pode evoluir para uma forma mais grave, a esteatohepatite não alcoólica. Os ácidos graxos poli-insaturados ômega-3 são associados a efeitos metabólicos positivos para redução da esteatose hepática, no entanto, são mais susceptíveis a peroxidação lipídica. Os triglicerídeos de cadeia média (TCMs) promovem a prevenção do bloqueio da beta-oxidação de ácidos graxos e redução da peroxidação lipídica, no entanto os efeitos na redução da esteatose ainda são controversos. Objetivo: O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar as implicações da dieta hiperlipídica (HL+) com óleo de peixe ou com óleo de TCM no desenvolvimento da esteatose hepática, no perfil de ácidos graxos hepáticos e no estresse oxidativo em ratos. Metodologia: Cinquenta ratos machos da linhagem wistar foram divididos em 5 grupos. Os animais receberam água e comida a vontade durante 45 dias. A adaptação a dieta HL+ foi realizada nos primeiros 15 dias. A composição da dieta do grupo que recebeu somente a gordura animal (HL+GA) era de 50% de gordura animal, e a dieta dos grupos HL+OS, HL+TCM e HL+OP era composta por 35% de gordura animal e 15% de óleo de soja, óleo de TCM e óleo de peixe, respectivamente. Resultados: Todos os grupos que receberam as dietas hiperlipídicas apresentaram maior acúmulo de gordura total e de triglicerídes hepaticos e somente os grupos HL+GA e HL+TCM apresentaram maior acúmulo de colesterol total hepático em relação ao controle. O grupo HL+TCM apresentou maior acúmulo percentual de gordura e um exacerbado acúmulo de triglicerídeos hepáticos em relação aos grupos alimentados com as dietas HL+. A redução do colesterol total sérico foi observada nos grupos HL+TCM e HL+OP, comparados ao controle. A maior incorporação hepática dos ácidos graxos EPA e DHA no grupo HL+OP contribuiu para o aumento do Índice de Peroxibilidade dos ácidos graxos e das substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico livres e totais e para a depleção da vitamina E no fígado. A maior razão AGS/AGPI hepática observada no grupo HL+TCM contribuiu para a preservação dos antioxidantes hepáticos. A alanina aminotransferase, um marcador de dano hepático, apresentou-se aumentada em todos os grupos que receberam as dietas HL+. Conclusões: A dieta hiperlipídica foi eficiente na indução do acúmulo de gordura hepática. O uso do óleo de TCM foi associado a uma maior concentração de lipídeos e preservação dos antioxidantes hepáticos. A dieta hiperlipídica com óleo de peixe foi associada ao aumento significativo na peroxidação lipídica, apesar do menor acúmulo de colesterol e triglicerídeos hepaticos. / Introduction: The Non-alcoholic Fatty liver disease is characterized by hepatic accumulation of lipids, mainly in the form of triglycerides. The disease may progress to a more severe form, the Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, due to progressive inflammatory activity. Many authors have shown positive metabolic effects associated with the use of polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids and reduction in hepatic steatosis. However, these fatty acids are more susceptible to lipid peroxidation. The medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) are able to block beta-oxidation of fatty acids and reduce lipid peroxidation, but the MCT effects in steatosis are still controversial. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the implications of high-fat diet (HF+) with fish oil or with MCT oil in the development of hepatic steatosis, liver fatty acid profile and oxidative stress markers in rats. Methodology: Fifty wistar male rats were divided into 5 groups. The animals had free access to food and water for 45 days. The first 15 days was dedicated for adaptation to high-fat diet. The HF+AF group received high-fat diet with 50% of animal fat and the other high-fat diets were made with 35% of animal fat plus 15% of other types of fat: soybean oil (HF+SO), MCT oil (HF+MCT) and fish oil (HF+FO). Results: The high-fat groups had higher hepatic total fat and triglycerides accumulation and only the groups HF+AF and HF+MCT had higher accumulation of hepatic cholesterol compared to control. The HF+MCT group had the highest percentage of hepatic fat accumulation and an exacerbated triglyceride accumulation in the liver among HF+ groups. The serum total cholesterol decreased in groups HF+MCT and HF+FO compared with the control group. The highest incorporation of hepatic fatty acids EPA and DHA in the HF+FO group contributed to the increased fatty acids peroxidizability index and total and free hepatic TBARS and depletion of hepatic vitamin E. The biggest ratio SFA/PUFA of liver fatty acids observed in the HF+MCT group contributed to the preservation of hepatic antioxidants. The alanine aminotransferase is a liver damage marker and was increased in all high-fat groups. Conclusions: The high-fat diet was effective to increase the hepatic fat concentration. The consumption of MCT oil can increase the hepatic lipid concentration and hepatic antioxidants. There was a significant increase in hepatic lipid peroxidation in the HF+FO group, although hepatic cholesterol and triglycerides were decreased.

Abstract Obesity is associated with greater risk of several diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) within the fat mass- and obesity-associated gene FTO are robustly associated with increased body mass index (BMI) in several age and ethnic groups. Studies with transgenic mice support a mechanistic role for FTO protein in energy metabolism. Fto-deficient mice are leaner than wild-type and overexpression of Fto leads to obese phenotype; however, the precise mechanism of FTO action in the control of BMI has remained obscure. Fto mRNA is most abundant in the brain while high expression is present also in white and brown adipose tissues (WAT and BAT, respectively). WAT stores the nutritional energy and BAT dissipates it to produce heat. Furthermore, these organs participate in a complex endocrine network affecting the whole body metabolism, which is more or less disrupted in obesity. In the browning process, white adipocytes begin to manifest brown characteristics. MicroRNAs (miRNA) are small RNA molecules, which fine-tune post-transcriptionally the expression of genes important in several cellular processes, including WAT and BAT differentiation and browning of WAT. FTO has been shown to participate in these processes as well as miRNA regulation. The current study used a new Fto-deficient mouse model to reveal deeper insights into the role of Fto on genes affecting WAT and BAT differentiation and function, as well as WAT browning. Furthermore, the effects of Fto on the miRNA regulation in WAT browning and BAT were investigated. Our results supported a role for Fto in adipose tissue. Fto-deficient mice were resistant to diet-induced obesity and their WAT and BAT adipocytes did not become hypertrophic similar to wild-type on high-fat diet. Furthermore, the expression of genes affecting adipose tissue differentiation and function was altered in Fto-deficient WAT and BAT, especially after high-fat diet, and the changes may be mediated via altered miRNA expression. Fto-deficient WAT was more susceptible to browning, which in part contributed to the lean phenotype of these mice. Current study supported a role for Fto in whole body metabolism and adaptation of adipose tissue to changes in dietary environment. / Tiivistelmä Lihavuus on toistuvasti yhdistetty useisiin liitännäissairauksiin, kuten tyypin 2 diabetekseen ja metaboliseen oireyhtymään. FTO-geenissä (fat mass- and obesity-associated) esiintyvien yhden nukleotidin muutoksien (single nucleotide polymorphia, SNP) on useissa ikä- ja etnisissä ryhmissä raportoitu liittyvän korkeampaan painoindeksiin ihmisillä. Muuntogeenisillä hiirillä tehdyt tutkimukset tukevat FTO:n mekanistista roolia energia-aineenvaihdunnassa, sillä Fto-poistogeeniset hiiret ovat villityypin hiiriä laihempia ja sen yliekspressio johtaa ylipainoon. FTO:n tarkka rooli painon säätelyssä on kuitenkin vielä epäselvä. Fto:ta tuotetaan eniten aivoissa, mutta myös valkoisessa ja ruskeassa rasvassa. Valkoinen rasva varastoi ravinnosta saatavan energian ja ruskea hajottaa sitä lämmöntuotantoon. Näillä kudoksilla on lisäksi tärkeä rooli energia-aineenvaihdunnan monimutkaisessa verkostossa. Valkoisen rasvakudoksen ruskettumisprosessissa valkoiset rasvasolut alkavat muistuttaa ruskeita rasvasoluja. Mikro-RNA:t (miRNA) ovat pieniä RNA-juosteita, jotka hienosäätävät geenien ekspressiota transkription jälkeen ja vaikuttavat useisiin solun tärkeisiin tapahtumiin, myös valkoisen ja ruskean rasvasolun erilaistumiseen ja ruskettumiseen. FTO osallistuu näihin prosesseihin sekä miRNA-säätelyyn. Tämän tutkimuksen tavoitteena oli selventää Fto:n roolia valkoisen ja ruskean rasvakudoksen erilaistumisessa ja toiminnassa Fto-poistogeenisen hiirimallin avulla. Lisäksi selvitettiin Fto:n vaikutuksia valkoisen rasvan ruskettumiseen ja ruskean rasvan toimintaan osallistuvien miRNA:iden säätelyyn. Tulokset tukivat FTO:n roolia rasvakudoksessa. Fto-poistogeeniset hiiret eivät lihoneet rasvaisella ruokavaliolla eivätkä niiden rasvasolut varastoineet rasvaa yhtä paljon kuin villityypin hiirillä rasvaisen ruokavalion jälkeen. Lisäksi Fto-poistogeenisen rasvakudoksen erilaistumiseen ja toimintaan liittyvien geenien esiintyvyys muuttui erityisesti rasvaisella ruokavaliolla. Nämä muutokset voivat osittain selittyä muuttuneella miRNA-säätelyllä. Tulokset viittasivat siihen, että Fto-poistogeeninen valkoinen rasvakudos oli alttiimpaa ruskettumiselle, mikä osaltaan vaikutti Fto-poistogeenisten hiirten laihuuteen. Tutkimus tuki Fto-geenin roolia energia-aineenvaihdunnan säätelyssä sekä rasvakudoksen mukautumisessa ruokavalion muutoksiin.

Orientador: Carla Beatriz Collares Buzato / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Biologia / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-18T15:01:37Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Oliveira_RicardoBeltramede_M.pdf: 4343326 bytes, checksum: c45de34d36b3510fa7bea078864506dc (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011 / Resumo: Tem havido um grande interesse na determinação das vias envolvidas na proliferação e função/disfunção da célula beta e a aplicação deste conhecimento em terapias moleculares e celulares da diabetes. A patogênese da diabetes melito tipo 2 (T2DM) é complexa, mas frequentemente está associada com obesidade e distúrbios do metabolismo de lipídios (hipercolesterolemia e hipertrigliceridemia). A T2DM envolve o desenvolvimento de um quadro de resistência periférica à insulina parcialmente compensada por hiperinsulinemia e hiperplasia da célula beta pancreática, resultando em intolerância à glicose e hiperglicemia. Os mecanismos interligando os estados de obesidade/hipercolesterolemia e resistência à insulina ao fenômeno da hiperplasia da célula beta não são completamente conhecidos. A presente dissertação teve como objetivos: 1) caracterizar um modelo animal adequado para se estudar a proliferação e disfunção da célula beta pancreática, e 2) avaliar, no pâncreas endócrino desses animais, a possível ativação da via de sinalização Wnt/beta-catenina, conhecida por estar envolvida no processo de proliferação celular em outros tecidos/órgãos. Para tal, foram empregados camundongos C57BL/6, wild-type (WT) e knockout para receptor de lipoproteína LDL (LDLr-/-), os quais foram submetidos à dieta hiperlipídica (HF) por 60 dias. Após a dieta HF, os animais WT tornaram-se obesos e hipercolesterolêmicos, bem como moderadamente hiperglicêmicos, hiperinsulinêmicos, intolerantes à glicose e resistentes à insulina, caracterizando-os como pré-diabéticos. Além disso, os animais alimentados com dieta HF apresentaram uma diminuição significativa na resposta secretora das células beta à glicose. De modo geral, os animais LDLr-/- apresentaram uma susceptibilidade relativamente mais alta à dieta HF, sugerida pela acentuada hipercolesterolemia, intolerância à glicose, e reduzida secreção de insulina estimulada por glicose observadas nestes animais. No entanto, a dieta HF induziu, de forma semelhante em animais WT e LDLr-/-, uma diminuição significativa no conteúdo celular de Cx36, uma proteína associada à junção comunicante e um marcador de diferenciação terminal da célula beta. Ambos os grupos WT e LDLr-/- alimentados com dieta HF mostraram aumento na proliferação de células beta, como avaliada pela imunomarcação das ilhotas para a proteína Ki67, mas apenas os animais WT exibiram alterações morfométricas indicativas de hiperplasia do pâncreas endócrino, tais como aumento na massa total de ilhotas e de células beta. Uma vez estabelecido que camundongos WT alimentados com dieta HF por 60 dias consistiam em um modelo adequado para a segunda etapa deste estudo, fomos investigar a possível ativação da via Wnt/beta-catenina nas ilhotas pancreáticas desses animais, avaliando-se a distribuição e expressão celular das proteínas beta-catenina total, beta-catenina ativada, c-Myc e ciclina D. A análise por imunofluorescência para beta-catenina não mostrou acúmulo citoplasmático ou translocação para o núcleo desta proteína em ilhotas pancreáticas, que poderia indicar ativação da via Wnt/beta-catenina no nosso modelo de hiperplasia do pâncreas endócrino. No entanto, a análise por Western Blot revelou um aumento significativo na expressão de beta-catenina ativada e ciclina D em ilhotas de animais alimentados com dieta HF em relação ao grupo controle. Concluindo, a dieta HF por 60 dias induz alterações metabólicas típicas da pré-diabetes em animais WT e LDLr-/-. O estado de pré-diabetes está associado a uma diminuição da expressão de Cx36 nas células beta pancreáticas, sugerindo um possível papel da comunicação intercelular mediada pelas junções comunicantes na patogênese da T2DM. A maior susceptibilidade metabólica à dieta HF apresentada por camundongos LDLr-/-, em relação aos WT, pode ser explicada pela maior deficiência na secreção de insulina em resposta à glicose e ausência de hiperplasia compensatória do pâncreas endócrino. Ainda, a análise preliminar de expressão protéica de algumas proteínas da via Wnt/beta-catenina sugere que esta via parece estar ativada durante o processo de hiperplasia do pâncreas endócrino observada no nosso modelo animal / Abstract: The pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is often associated with obesity and dyslipidemia (hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia). T2DM involves intolerance to glucose and insulin resistance partially compensated by hyperinsulinemia and pancreatic beta cell hyperplasia. The mechanisms linking obesity/hypercholesterolemia and insulin resistance to beta cell hyperplasia are not fully known. The Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway has been reported to be involved in cell growth and differentiation in several tissues/organs but its role in endocrine pancreas development and function is still unclear. This work aimed at: 1) establishing an appropriate animal model of T2DM to study pancreatic beta cell proliferation and dysfunction and, 2) investigating a putative involvement of the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway in the beta cell hyperplasia in this model. To this end, we employed C57BL/6 wild-type (WT) and LDL lipoprotein receptor knockout (LDLr-/-) mice, fed a high fat (HF) diet for 60 days. After feeding a HF diet, WT mice became obese, hypercholesterolemic and moderately hyperglycemic, hyperinsulinemic, glucose intolerant and insulin resistant, characterizing them as pre-diabetics. Moreover, animals fed a HF diet showed a significant decrease in beta-cell secretory response to glucose. In general, LDLr-/- animals showed a relatively higher susceptibility to HF diet, as suggested by a marked hypercholesterolemia, glucose intolerance and reduced insulin secretion stimulated by glucose observed in these animals as compared to the control ones. However, HF diet induced similarly in both WT and LDLr-/- mice a significant decrease in cellular content of Cx36, a gap junctional protein and marker of terminally differentiated beta cell. Both WT and LDLr-/- fed a HF diet showed increased proliferation of beta cells, as assessed by Ki67 immunostaining, but only WT mice exhibited morphometric changes indicative of endocrine pancreas hyperplasia, such as increased total islet and beta cell masses. After we investigated a possible activation of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway in these hyperplasic pancreatic islets of WT animals fed a HF diet. This was done by assessing the distribution and cellular protein expression of some proteins associated to this pathway (i.e., total and activated beta-catenin, c-Myc and cyclin D) in islets of our animal model. Beta-catenin immunofluorescence showed no cytoplasmic accumulation or translocation into the nucleus of beta cells in HF-fed mice. However, immunoblotting revealed a significant increase of unphosphorylated beta-catenin (activated) and cyclin D expression in islets of HF diet-fed animals when compared to its control group. In conclusion, a HF diet for 60d induced pre-diabetes state in both WT and LDLr-/- mice. The pre-diabetes state is associated with a decreased expression of Cx36 in pancreatic beta cells, suggesting a possible role of intercellular communication mediated by gap junctions in the pathogenesis of T2DM. The relatively high metabolic susceptibility to the HF diet showed by LDLr-/- mice, as compared to WT, may be explained by a marked impairment of glucosestimulated insulin secretion and a lack of compensatory hyperplasia of the endocrine pancreas. In addition, the protein expression analysis suggests that the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway may be activated during the islet hyperplasia process in our animal model / Mestrado / Histologia / Mestre em Biologia Celular e Estrutural

Hhip (Hedgehog interacting protein), un antagoniste de la voie de signalisation Hegehog (Hh) a était devouverte comme un antagoniste des 3 ligands Hh, soit Sonic (Shh), Indian (Ihh) et Desert (Dhh). La protéines Hhip régularise la fonction cellulaire autant par voie (Hh) canonique que non-canonique. Elle est formée de 700 acides aminés et est fortement exprimée dans les tissus riches en cellules endothéliales, comme les reins et le pancréas. Toutefois, son rôle dans le fonctionnement des cellules bêta matures soit en condition de bonne santé ou de maladie comme dans des conditions d’obésité provoquée par une diète riche en gras ainsi que son role dans les maladies chronique du rein et la dysfonction rénale. Les souris en déficience de Hhip (Hhip-/-) ont une malformation des ilots pancréatiques (une diminution de 45% des ilots et de 40% de la prolifération des cellules beta) et un problème pulmonaire qui cause la mort post-natale. L’objectif de notre étude initiale était de démontrer le role de Hhip dans le pancréas, en utilisant un KO corporel entier en réponse à une diète riche en gras (HFD) et la dysfonction des cellules beta in vivo et ex vivo sur des souris hétérozygotes pour Hhip (Hhip+/-) et des souris contrôles (Hhip +/+) Suite à une HFD, toutefois, les souris mâles et femelles HFD-Hhip+/+ ont développé une intolérance sévère au glucose (IPGTT) et cette intolérance a été améliorée chez les souris HFD-Hhip+/-. Associé a cette intolérance, les males HFD-Hhip+/- démontraient une hyperinsulinémie et leur taux d’insuline plasmatique (phase 1 et 2), contrairement aux souris males HFD-Hhip+/+, augmentait de façon significative. Dans les îlots de souris Hhip+/+, l’augmentation de Hhip induite par une HFD a été observée principalement dans les cellules bêta mais aucunement dans les cellules alpha. Sans varier le nombre total d’îlots et la quantité de cellules bêta, les souris mâles HFD-Hhip+/+ avaient un nombre supérieur de gros îlots dans lesquels le taux d’insuline était diminué. La structure de ces îlots était désorganisée, démontrant une évidente invasion des cellules alpha au coeur des îlots bêta, le stress oxidatif (8-OHdG et NADPH oxidase 2 (Nox 2)) est aussi augmentée. En revanche, chez les souris mâles HFD-Hhip+/-, il a été possible d’observer une augmentation du nombre de petits îlots, de la prolifération des cellules bêta, et aussi de la sécrétion d’insuline stimulée par le glucose (GSIS), une amélioration du stress oxidatif et un maintien de l’intégrité des îlots ont été démontré. In vitro, la protéine recombinante Hhip (rHhip) a accentué le stress oxidatif (Nox2 et l’activité de NADPH oxidase 2) et a causé une diminution du nombre de cellules bêta ; par contre, le siRNA-Hhip augmente le GSIS et abolit la stimulation de l’expression du gène Nox2 induite par le palmitate de sodium (PA)-BSA. Grace a ces observations, il est démontré que les genes Hhip pancréatiques inhibe la sécrétion d’insuline en altérant la structure des ilots et en favorisant l’expression du gene Nox2 dans les ilots en réponse à la dysfonction des cellules beta suite a une diète riche en gras HFD. Le diabète engendre des risques élevés de complication tel que des problèmes chroniques des reins caractérisés par une perte graduelle des fonctions rénales. Cette situation a été récemment reliée au taux élevé d’obésité. On a aussi démontré dans notre modèle de diabète gestationnel que l’augmentation de Hhip causait des irrégularités durant la néphrogénèse des rejetons [127]. Ensuite, nos données récentes démontrent que, chez les souris adultes, l’hyperglycémie a provoqué une forte expression du gene Hhip rénales causant ainsi l’apoptose des cellules épithéliales des glomérules et la transition endothéliale à mésenchymateuse (EndoMT) - liée à fibrose rénale [128]. Dans l’étude présente, on a établi que la surexpression de Hhip dans les cellules des tubules proximaux rénaux contribuait au développement initial des problèmes chroniques des reins suite a une HFD de 14 semaines. Un gain de poids significatif a été observé chez les souris du groupe HFD comparativement aux groupes ND. Les souris du groupe HFD ont développé une intolérance au glucose mais sans changement apparent à la sensibilité à l’insuline ni à l’hypertension (pression arterielle) même si ces souris mâles avaient des légers dépôts du gras périrénal. Les fonctions rénales telle que mesurées par le taux de filtration glomérulaire restaient normales dans tous les groupes révélant ainsi que ces deux facteurs (HFD et surexpression de Hhip) n’avaient aucune influence sur l’hyperfiltration rénale. Néanmoins, la morphologie rénale a révélé que les souris du groupe HFD présentaient une lésion infraclinique et des signes de vacuolisation tubulaire et des lésions par rapport aux souris ND. Cette pathologie de lésion tubulaire et de vacuolisation était plus prononcée chez les souris transgéniques (Hhip-Tg) que chez les souris non-Tg, ce qui favorisait l'apoptose des cellules tubulaires bénignes et un stress oxydatif accru. En conclusion, l'obésité provoquée par l'HFD a eu des effets néfastes sur la tolérance au glucose et de légères modifications morphologiques des reins, caractérisées par la présence d'une néphrose osmotique, une augmentation du stress oxydatif rénal et une apoptose pouvant être induites par une augmentation de la FABP4 rénale. Cela a été exacerbé par la surexpression de Hhip dans les tubules rénaux proximaux. / Hedgehog interacting protein (Hhip), a signaling molecule in the Hedgehog Hh pathway, was originally discovered as a putative antagonist of all 3 secreted Hh ligands, i.e., Sonic (Shh), Indian (Ihh), and Desert (Dhh). Hhip regulates cell function via either canonical- or non-canonical Hh pathway. Hhip encodes a protein of 700 amino acids, and is abundantly expressed in vascular endothelial cell-rich tissues, including the pancreas, and kidneys. To date, less is known about Hhip’s expression pattern in mature islet cells, and its function under normal and/or disease conditions, such as diet induced-obesity, as well as its role in chronic kidney disease, and kidney dysfunction. Hhip null mice (Hhip-/-) display markedly impaired pancreatic islet formation (45% reduction of islet mass with a decrease of beta cell proliferation by 40%), however Hhip-/- mice die shortly after birth mainly due to lung defects. In our first study, we systemically studied the role of pancreatic Hhip expression by using a whole body knock out in response to 8 weeks high fat diet (HFD) insult, and HFD-mediated beta cell dysfunction in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro using heterozygous (Hhip+/-) vs. wild type (Hhip+/+) mice. Both HFD-fed Hhip+/+ male and female mice developed severe glucose intolerance (IPGTT), which was ameliorated in male and female HFD-Hhip+/- mice. Associated with this glucose intolerance, was hyperinsulinemia, which was observed only in HFD-fed male Hhip+/- mice. HFD-fed Hhip+/- mice had high levels of circulating plasma insulin in both insulin secretion phases compared to HFD fed Hhip+/+ mice. In the pancreas, Hhip expression was increased in the islets of HFD-Hhip+/+ mice, mainly co-localized in beta cells and none in alpha cells. While maintaining the total islet number, and beta cell mass, male HFD-Hhip+/+ mice had a higher number of larger islets, in which insulin content was reduced; islet architecture was disoriented, with evident invasion of alpha cells into the central core of beta cells; and an evident increase in oxidative stress markers (8-OHdG and NADPH oxidase 2 (Nox 2)). In contrast, male HFD-Hhip+/- mice had a higher number of smaller islets, with increased beta cell proliferation, pronounced glucose stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS), ameliorated oxidative stress and preserved islet integrity. In vitro, recombinant Hhip (rHhip) dose-dependently increased oxidative stress (Nox2 and NADPH activity), and decreased the number of insulin-positive beta cells, while siRNA-Hhip enhanced GSIS, and abolished the stimulation of sodium palmitate (PA)-BSA on Nox2 gene expression. We believe our data highlights a novel finding as to how pancreatic Hhip gene inhibits insulin secretion, by altering islet integrity, and promoting Nox2 gene expression in beta cells in response to HFD-mediated beta cell dysfunction. Diabetes presents high risk factors associated with complications such as chronic kidney disease (CKD) characterized by a gradual loss in kidney function. The increased incidence of diabetic related kidney complications has been recently correlated with increase rate of obesity. We recently established that impaired nephrogenesis in kidneys of offsprings of our murine model of maternal diabetes was associated with upregulation of Hhip gene expression [127]. Subsequently, our recent data also shows that hyperglycemia induced increased renal Hhip gene expression in adult murine kidneys leading to apoptosis of glomerular epithelial cells and endothelial to mesenchymal transition (Endo-MT) - related renal fibrosis [128]. In this current study, we demonstrated how Hhip overexpression in renal proximal tubular cells, contributes to early development of chronic kidney disease after 14 weeks of HFD. Mice in HFD-fed groups showed significantly greater weight gain as compared to mice in ND fed groups. IPGTT revealed that HFD fed mice also developed glucose intolerance, with no apparent changes in insulin sensitivity. HFD did not impact hypertension, even though we had a modest trend of increase in perirenal fat deposit in the HFD fed subgroups. Renal function as measured by the glomerular filtration rate was normal in all four subgroups, indicating that neither HFD, nor Hhip overexpression promoted renal hyperfiltration. Nonetheless, renal morphology revealed HFD kidneys had subclinical injury, presented signs of tubular vacuolization and damage compared to ND fed mice. This pathology of tubular damage and vacuolization was more pronounced in HFD-fed transgenic (Hhip-Tg) mice compared to non-Tg mice, and this promoted mild tubular cell apoptosis and enhanced oxidative stress. In conclusion, HFD feeding-induced obesity led to detrimental effects on glucose toleranc,e and mild morphological changes in kidneys, characterized by the presence of osmotic nephrosis, increased renal oxidative stress, and apoptosis which might be mediated by an increase in renal FABP4. This was exacerbated by the over-expression of Hhip in the renal proximal tubules.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common and deadly cancers in the western world. The incidence of CRC shows the tendency to rise with the increase of obesity, which is caused by current increase in fat intake, suggesting the correlation between CRC and high-fat diet (HFD). HFD-induced obesity causes gut inflammation which is also noticed in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and CRC and can be seen as an important factor in CRC development. Moreover, it has been demonstrated, that while both sexes are at risk of developing CRC, men have higher incidence compared to women, showing the protective effect of estrogen. In addition, since gut microbiome is first to respond to colon inflammation, we hypothesized, that intestinal estrogen signaling could contribute to reduced initiation and progression of colon cancer by modifying the microbiota composition. For that, two experiments with two different mouse models were conducted. First part of the study concentrated on the effect of (HFD, 60%) and different estrogenic ligands (17-β estradiol, and DPN) on microbiota. Bioinformatics analysis on whole genome sequencing (WGS) data and qPCR validation were used as the methods. Here we found that estrogenic ligands achieved restoration of close-to-normal microflora after significant change initiated by HFD. We also found that microbiome in males showed stronger reaction to HFD than female microbiome, implying protective actions in females. Furthermore, the effect of ligands also proved to be stronger in males. Second part of the study concentrated on the effect of estrogen receptor β (ERβ) on microbiota for which ERβ knockout mice were used in addition to cancerogenic AOM/DSS treatment. Bioinformatics analysis on WGS data was used as the method. We found that female mice were more affected by AOM/DSS treatment compared to males, especially the mice with knockout gene. The genotype alone, however, resulted in very few differences. In summary, this project shows the effect of HFD, estrogen and ERβ expression on gut microbiota diversity. It shows that microbiome of male mice is more susceptible to dietary changes and estrogen supplementation. Likewise, it demonstrates, that the microbiome of females reacts strongly to combination of carcinogenic treatment and lack of iERβ.