The objectives of this research were to characterize insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) gene expression in cattle, to determine how IGF-I gene expression is affected by nutritional intake and growth hormone (GH) in cattle, and to identify the regulatory DNA region that mediates GH stimulation of IGF-I gene expression. It was found that transcription of the IGF-I gene in cattle was initiated from both exon 1 and exon 2, generating class 1 and class 2 IGF-I mRNA, respectively. Both classes of IGF-I mRNA appeared to be ubiquitously expressed, with the highest level in liver and with class 1 being more abundant than class 2 in all tissues examined. Class 1 IGF-I mRNA may be also translated more efficiently than class 2 IGF-I mRNA. Liver expression of IGF-I mRNA was decreased (P < 0.01) by food deprivation in cattle, and this decrease was due to an equivalent decrease in both classes of IGF-I mRNA. Liver expression of IGF-I mRNA was increased (P < 0.01) by GH, and this increase resulted mainly from increased expression of class 2 IGF-I mRNA. Using cotransfection analyses, a ~700 bp chromosomal region ~75 kb 5' from the first exon of the human IGF-I gene was found to enhance reporter gene expression in the presence of constitutively active signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5) proteins, transcription factors that are known to be essential for GH-increased IGF-I gene expression. This 700 bp DNA region contains two STAT5-binding sites that appear to be conserved in mammals including cattle. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays and cotransfection analyses confirmed their ability to bind to STAT5 proteins and to mediate STAT5 activation of gene expression, respectively. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays indicated that overexpressed constitutively active STAT5b protein bound to the chromosomal region containing these two STAT5-binding sites in Hep G2 cells, and this binding was associated with increased expression of IGF-I mRNA. These two STAT5-binding sites were also able to mediate GH-induced STAT5 activation of gene expression in reconstituted GH-responsive cells. These results together suggest that the distal DNA region that contains two STAT5-binding sites may mediate GH-induced STAT5 activation of IGF-I gene transcription in vivo. / Ph. D.

The overall objective of this dissertation research was to understand the mechanisms by which serum insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) is regulated by nutritional intake in cattle. Two studies were conducted to achieve this objective. In the first study, effects of feeding levels on basal and growth hormone (GH)-stimulated serum concentrations of IGF-I, IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) and acid-labile subunit (ALS), and their mRNA expression in the liver were determined in beef cows. It was found that increased nutritional intake did not alter basal concentrations of serum IGF-I, IGFBP-3 or ALS, or their mRNA expression in the liver. However, under increased nutritional intake, GH administration stimulated a greater increase in serum IGF-I concentration, and this greater increase was not due to reduced degradation of IGF-I in serum. Increased nutritional intake did not enhance GH-stimulated IGF-I mRNA expression in the liver, but it increased the amount of IGF-I mRNA associated with polysomes, suggesting that liver translation of IGF-I mRNA is enhanced under increased nutritional intake. Under increased nutritional intake, GH also stimulated greater increases in serum IGFBP-3 and ALS concentrations, but these greater increases were not due to greater expression or translation of their mRNAs in the liver. Taken together, these results suggest that translation of GH-stimulated IGF-I mRNA in the liver is enhanced under increased nutritional intake and this enhancement may be partially responsible for the greater GH-stimulated increase in serum IGF-I concentration. These results also suggest that the greater GH-stimulated increases in serum IGFBP-3 and ALS may be secondary to the greater increase in serum IGF-I because increased IGF-I may increase the formation of IGF-I/IGFBP-3/ALS complexes, thereby increasing the retention of IGFBP-3 and ALS in the blood. In the second study, the effects of food deprivation on serum IGF-I concentration in steers and the underlying mechanism were determined. It was found that food deprivation decreased serum IGF-I concentration and that this decrease was not due to increased IGF-I degradation in serum. Food deprivation decreased liver IGF-I mRNA expression, and this decrease was associated with decreased expression of GH receptor (GHR) mRNA and protein in the liver. Food deprivation was also associated with increased mRNA expression of two inhibitors of the GHR signaling pathway, suppressor of cytokine signaling-2 (SOCS2) and cytokine-inducible SH2 protein (CIS). These results suggest that decreased IGF-I gene expression in the liver may be at least partially responsible for the decrease in circulating IGF-I concentration during food deprivation, and that the former decrease may be due to increased expression of SOCS2 and CIS, and decreased expression of GHR in the liver. Overall, this dissertation research indicates that multiple mechanisms are involved in nutritional regulation of circulating IGF-I concentration in cattle. / Ph. D.

The overall objective of this research was to further understand the mechanism by which growth hormone (GH) stimulates milk production in cattle. Three studies were conducted toward this objective. In the first study, the effects of GH and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), a major mediator of GH action in vivo, on cell proliferation, nutrient transport, and milk protein gene expression in bovine mammary epithelial cell line MAC-T cells were determined. GH increased (P < 0.01) expression of four major milk protein genes in MAC-T cells transfected with GHR expression plasmid. Cotransfection analyses indicated that GH also stimulated (P < 0.01) luciferase reporter gene expression from the promoters of the four milk protein genes in MAC-T cells. These findings together with the fact that GHR mRNA and protein are expressed in the epithelial cells of the bovine mammary gland suggest that GH may directly stimulate milk protein gene expression in the mammary gland. This study also showed that IGF-I increased the proliferation (P < 0.01) and amino acid transport (P < 0.05) in MAC-T cells. Because GH is known to stimulate IGF-I production in animals, IGF-I-mediated mammary epithelial cell proliferation and amino acid uptake may be additional mechanisms by which GH increases milk production in cattle. In the second study, the role of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) on IGF-I-stimulated proliferation of MAC-T cells was investigated. A microarray analysis revealed that IGF-I decreased CTGF mRNA expression in MAC-T cells (P < 0.01). This effect of IGF-I was further found to be mediated through the PI-3 kinase/Akt signaling pathway from the IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR). CTGF alone stimulated MAC-T cell proliferation (P < 0.01). However, together with IGF-I, CTGF attenuated the proliferating effect of IGF-I on MAC-T cells, and this attenuation was reversed by additional IGF-I. Therefore, IGF-I inhibition of CTGF expression may benefit IGF-I stimulation of MAC-T cell proliferation. CTGF had no effect on IGF-I-induced phosphorylation of IGF-IR or total IGF-IR expression in MAC-T cells, suggesting that CTGF may attenuate IGF-I stimulation of MAC-T cell proliferation through a postreceptor inhibition of the IGF-IR signaling pathway. In the third study, whether a milk yield-associated T/A polymorphism in exon 8 of the bovine GHR gene affected GHR signaling was determined. It was found that the two corresponding GHR variants did not differ in mediating GH induction of gene expression, suggesting that the two GHR variants are not functionally different and hence are unlikely to mediate different effects of GH on milk production. In summary, the results of this dissertation research suggest that GH may directly stimulate milk protein gene expression and indirectly stimulate mammary epithelial cell proliferation and amino acid uptake through IGF-I, thereby stimulating milk production in cattle. The results also suggest that IGF-I stimulation of mammary epithelia cell proliferation may involve an inhibition of CTGF expression in the cells. / Ph. D.

Diets rich in hydrolyzable carbohydrates induce a hyperglycemic/insulinemic response and may increase the incidence of metabolic disorders associated with some types of laminitis, exertional rhabdomyolysis and osteochondrosis in horses. This study applied the minimal model of glucose and insulin dynamics to determine the effect of diet on metabolites and hormones that regulate glucose metabolism in young horses. Twelve Thoroughbred foals were raised on pasture and supplemented twice daily with a feed high in either sugar and starch (SS) or fat and fiber (FF). As weanlings (age 199 ± 19 d, weight 274 ± 18 kg), the subjects underwent a modified frequent sampling intravenous glucose tolerance test during which they remained in stalls and had access to grass hay and water ad libitum. Samples were colleted at -60, -45, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 19, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 30, 35, 40, 50, 60 , 70 , 80, 90, 100, 120, 150, 180, 210, 240, 270, 300, 330 and 360 min with a glucose bolus of 300 mg/kg BW at 0 min and an insulin bolus of 1.5 mU/kg BW at 20 min. Plasma was analyzed for glucose, insulin, growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) concentrations. Insulin sensitivity, glucose effectiveness, acute insulin response to glucose and disposition index were derived using Minmod Millennium and WinSAAM software. Diet groups were compared using the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test or the sign test. Time interactions were compared using a mixed model with repeated effects. Rank-ordered linear regression was used for correlations. Basal glucose did not differ between groups (P = 0.75). There was nearly a trend towards higher basal (P = 0.11), and median insulin was higher in the sugar and starch foals at all 36 sample points (P = 0.030). The basal glucose:basal insulin ratio for the sugar and starch supplemented foals was lower than for fat and fiber foals (P = 0.025). Insulin sensitivity (SI) was lower in foals fed sugar and starch than foals fed fat and fiber (P = 0.007). Acute insulin response to glucose was directly correlated to weight (r = 0.78; P = 0.003) and inversely correlated with SI (r = -0.55; P = 0.067). The glucose:insulin ratio was directly correlated to SI (r = 0.92; P < 0.001). Growth hormone concentrations were increased from basal from 19 to 180 min after the glucose dose (P < 0.05). Basal IGF-I was higher (P = 0.006) in the SS group compared to the FF group. Concentrations of total IGF-I increased with time (P = 0.002) in the SS group. The change in IGF-I concentration from baseline to the end of the study was positively correlated (r = 0.72; P = 0.008) to the area under the insulin curve from 0 to 80 min. Basal IGF-I was inversely correlated to SI (r = 0.71; P = 0.015). These results show that the metabolic response to a diet high in hydrolyzable carbohydrates differs from the response to a fat and fiber meal resembling forage. Weanlings adapted to meals high in glucose equivalents have higher insulin and IGF-I secretion as compared to foals adapted to a fat and fiber feed, possibly contributing to lower insulin sensitivity observed in these foals. Such deviations may contribute to metabolic dysfunction and osteochondrosis in horses fed grain diets. / Master of Science

Einfluss des Wachstumsfaktors Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) auf das Follikelwachstum beim Weißbüschelaffen (Callithrix jacchus) Aus dem Veterinär-Physiologisch-Chemischen Institut der Veterinärmedizinischen Fakultät der Universität Leipzig Eingereicht im September 2010 (86 S., 16 Abb., 9 Tab., 225 Lit., 4 S. Anhang) Schlüsselwörter: Insulin-like Growth Factor-I (IGF-I), Granulosazellen, Steroidhormone (Östradiol, Progesteron), Gonadotropine (FSH, hCG) In der vorliegenden Studie wurde die Rolle von IGF-I und das Zusammenwirken mit den Gonadotropinen (FSH, hCG) auf die Sekretion der Steroidhormone (Progesteron, Östradiol) kultivierter Granulosazellen von 13 Weißbüschelaffen untersucht, um zu prüfen, ob und wie weit IGF-I die Sekretion und Reifung der Granulosazellen beeinflusst. Für die in vitro-Experimente wurden Zellkulturen mit Granulosazellen kleiner ( 0,5 - 1 mm) und präovulatorischer Follikel ( > 2 mm) von Ovarien am 7. Tag der Follikelphase verwendet. Vor jedem Versuch wurde das Wachstum der Follikel durch zwei Ultraschalluntersuchungen kontrolliert. Während der Kultur wurden drei Inkubationsintervalle von je 48 h durchgeführt. Die Zellen wurden mit IGF-I allein oder in Kombination mit FSH bzw. hCG stimuliert. Zum Teil wurden die Gonadotropine auch zur Prästimulation verwendet. Das Signifikanzniveau der Hormoneffekte lag bei p<0,05. Bei den Granulosazellen kleiner Follikel lässt sich durch die alleinige Gabe von IGF-I nur am Ende der Kultur (144 h) eine signifikante Erhöhung der Progesteronsekretion feststellen. Bei einer Kombinationsgabe von IGF-I und FSH findet sich schon am Anfang (48 h) ein signifikanter Einfluss auf die Sekretion von Progesteron und Östradiol. Bei der Progesteronsekretion ist der Effekt der Kombination signifikant höher als bei Einzelgabe beider Hormone. Dagegen ist bei der Östradiolsekretion der Effekt der Kombination zwar nicht höher als bei einer alleinigen Gabe von FSH, aber die Zellen reagieren wesentlich schneller auf IGF-I, wenn sie zusammen mit FSH stimuliert werden. Keine signifikante Wirkung in der Steroidhormonsekretion ruft die Hormonkombination IGF-I und hCG im Vergleich zur alleinigen Gabe der beiden Hormone hervor. Bei dem Vergleich beider Gonadotropine ist eine signifikante Erhöhung der Steroidhormonsekretion nur bei alleiniger Gabe von FSH zu beobachten. Bei den Experimenten mit Prästimulationen (FSH oder hCG) lässt sich nur bei der FSH-Prästimulation mit einer nachfolgenden Kombinationsgabe von hCG und IGF-I eine signifikante Erhöhung der Steroidhormonsekretion feststellen. Dies bedeutet, dass FSH die kleinen Granulosazellen auf die Wirkung von hCG sensibilisiert, wobei IGF-I diesen Vorgang unterstützt. Im Gegensatz zu den kleinen Follikeln lässt sich bei den Granulosazellen der präovulatorischen Follikel ein signifikanter Effekt von verschiedenen Hormonstimulationen schon früh beobachten. Durch alleinige IGF-I-Gabe lässt sich bereits am Anfang der Kultur (48 h) eine signifikante Erhöhung der Steroidhormonsekretion feststellen. Eine Kombinationsgabe von IGF-I und der Gonadotropine (FSH oder hCG) zeigt, dass die Kombination mit FSH zu einer signifikanten Erhöhung beider Steroide im Vergleich zur Kontrolle führt. Dagegen zeigt sich bei einer Kombination von IGF-I und hCG eine signifikante Erhöhung der Steroidhormonsekretion schon ab 48 h sowohl im Vergleich zur Kontrolle als auch zur alleinigen Gabe dieser Hormone. Bei der Untersuchung des Effekts beider Gonadotropine (FSH oder hCG) ist schon ab 48 h ein signifikanter Effekt auf beide Steroidhormone zu erkennen. Beide Gonadotropinprästimulationen (FSH oder hCG) mit nachfolgender Hormonkombination (hCG und IGF-I) führen bei den Granulosazellen der präovulatorischen Follikel zu einer signifikant geringeren Steroidhormonsekretion im Vergleich zur Gabe von hCG und IGF-I ohne Prästimulation. Die Zellen reagieren offenbar in dieser Art und Weise, um eine mögliche übermäßige Steroidgenese, und somit eine pathologische Situation, zu verhindern. Die vorliegende Arbeit zeigt, dass IGF-I bei den kleinen und präovulatorischen Follikeln unterschiedliche Wirkungen hervorruft. Es scheint, dass IGF-I die Sekretion von Progesteron und Östradiol auf unterschiedliche Art und Weise beeinflusst, und dass die Granulosazellen der Weißbüschelaffen erst während der Follikelentwicklung die Fähigkeit erwerben, auf IGFI entsprechend zu reagieren. Die Ergebnisse zeigen weiterhin, dass IGF-I bei den Granulosazellen der kleinen Follikel eine eher unterstützende Rolle für die Gonadotropine spielt, und dass IGF-I mit den Gonadotropinen bei der Reifung und der Differenzierung der Follikel mitwirkt. Möglicherweise spielt IGF-I auch während der Entwicklung und des Wachstums des präovulatorischen Follikels sowie bei der Regulierung der Progesteronsekretion eine Rolle. Die vorliegenden Ergebnisse unterstützen die Hypothese, dass IGF-I zusammen mit hCG die Zelldifferenzierung bei den Granulosazellen der präovulatorischen Follikel fördert. Außerdem kann vermutet werden, dass bei den Granulosazellen der präovulatorischen Follikel IGF-I zusammen mit FSH in unabhängiger Weise wirkt. Abschließend kann gesagt werden, dass ein Zusammenwirken zwischen den Gonadotropinen und IGF-I in Bezug auf die Bildung des präovulatorischen Follikels und die darauffolgende Ovulation existiert, dies gilt es auch bei pathologischen Situationen der Follikelreifung und Ovulation zu berücksichtigen.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Linköping : Univ., 2002. / Härtill 5 uppsatser.

Einfluss des Wachstumsfaktors Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) auf das Follikelwachstum beim Weißbüschelaffen (Callithrix jacchus) Aus dem Veterinär-Physiologisch-Chemischen Institut der Veterinärmedizinischen Fakultät der Universität Leipzig Eingereicht im September 2010 (86 S., 16 Abb., 9 Tab., 225 Lit., 4 S. Anhang) Schlüsselwörter: Insulin-like Growth Factor-I (IGF-I), Granulosazellen, Steroidhormone (Östradiol, Progesteron), Gonadotropine (FSH, hCG) In der vorliegenden Studie wurde die Rolle von IGF-I und das Zusammenwirken mit den Gonadotropinen (FSH, hCG) auf die Sekretion der Steroidhormone (Progesteron, Östradiol) kultivierter Granulosazellen von 13 Weißbüschelaffen untersucht, um zu prüfen, ob und wie weit IGF-I die Sekretion und Reifung der Granulosazellen beeinflusst. Für die in vitro-Experimente wurden Zellkulturen mit Granulosazellen kleiner ( 0,5 - 1 mm) und präovulatorischer Follikel ( > 2 mm) von Ovarien am 7. Tag der Follikelphase verwendet. Vor jedem Versuch wurde das Wachstum der Follikel durch zwei Ultraschalluntersuchungen kontrolliert. Während der Kultur wurden drei Inkubationsintervalle von je 48 h durchgeführt. Die Zellen wurden mit IGF-I allein oder in Kombination mit FSH bzw. hCG stimuliert. Zum Teil wurden die Gonadotropine auch zur Prästimulation verwendet. Das Signifikanzniveau der Hormoneffekte lag bei p<0,05. Bei den Granulosazellen kleiner Follikel lässt sich durch die alleinige Gabe von IGF-I nur am Ende der Kultur (144 h) eine signifikante Erhöhung der Progesteronsekretion feststellen. Bei einer Kombinationsgabe von IGF-I und FSH findet sich schon am Anfang (48 h) ein signifikanter Einfluss auf die Sekretion von Progesteron und Östradiol. Bei der Progesteronsekretion ist der Effekt der Kombination signifikant höher als bei Einzelgabe beider Hormone. Dagegen ist bei der Östradiolsekretion der Effekt der Kombination zwar nicht höher als bei einer alleinigen Gabe von FSH, aber die Zellen reagieren wesentlich schneller auf IGF-I, wenn sie zusammen mit FSH stimuliert werden. Keine signifikante Wirkung in der Steroidhormonsekretion ruft die Hormonkombination IGF-I und hCG im Vergleich zur alleinigen Gabe der beiden Hormone hervor. Bei dem Vergleich beider Gonadotropine ist eine signifikante Erhöhung der Steroidhormonsekretion nur bei alleiniger Gabe von FSH zu beobachten. Bei den Experimenten mit Prästimulationen (FSH oder hCG) lässt sich nur bei der FSH-Prästimulation mit einer nachfolgenden Kombinationsgabe von hCG und IGF-I eine signifikante Erhöhung der Steroidhormonsekretion feststellen. Dies bedeutet, dass FSH die kleinen Granulosazellen auf die Wirkung von hCG sensibilisiert, wobei IGF-I diesen Vorgang unterstützt. Im Gegensatz zu den kleinen Follikeln lässt sich bei den Granulosazellen der präovulatorischen Follikel ein signifikanter Effekt von verschiedenen Hormonstimulationen schon früh beobachten. Durch alleinige IGF-I-Gabe lässt sich bereits am Anfang der Kultur (48 h) eine signifikante Erhöhung der Steroidhormonsekretion feststellen. Eine Kombinationsgabe von IGF-I und der Gonadotropine (FSH oder hCG) zeigt, dass die Kombination mit FSH zu einer signifikanten Erhöhung beider Steroide im Vergleich zur Kontrolle führt. Dagegen zeigt sich bei einer Kombination von IGF-I und hCG eine signifikante Erhöhung der Steroidhormonsekretion schon ab 48 h sowohl im Vergleich zur Kontrolle als auch zur alleinigen Gabe dieser Hormone. Bei der Untersuchung des Effekts beider Gonadotropine (FSH oder hCG) ist schon ab 48 h ein signifikanter Effekt auf beide Steroidhormone zu erkennen. Beide Gonadotropinprästimulationen (FSH oder hCG) mit nachfolgender Hormonkombination (hCG und IGF-I) führen bei den Granulosazellen der präovulatorischen Follikel zu einer signifikant geringeren Steroidhormonsekretion im Vergleich zur Gabe von hCG und IGF-I ohne Prästimulation. Die Zellen reagieren offenbar in dieser Art und Weise, um eine mögliche übermäßige Steroidgenese, und somit eine pathologische Situation, zu verhindern. Die vorliegende Arbeit zeigt, dass IGF-I bei den kleinen und präovulatorischen Follikeln unterschiedliche Wirkungen hervorruft. Es scheint, dass IGF-I die Sekretion von Progesteron und Östradiol auf unterschiedliche Art und Weise beeinflusst, und dass die Granulosazellen der Weißbüschelaffen erst während der Follikelentwicklung die Fähigkeit erwerben, auf IGFI entsprechend zu reagieren. Die Ergebnisse zeigen weiterhin, dass IGF-I bei den Granulosazellen der kleinen Follikel eine eher unterstützende Rolle für die Gonadotropine spielt, und dass IGF-I mit den Gonadotropinen bei der Reifung und der Differenzierung der Follikel mitwirkt. Möglicherweise spielt IGF-I auch während der Entwicklung und des Wachstums des präovulatorischen Follikels sowie bei der Regulierung der Progesteronsekretion eine Rolle. Die vorliegenden Ergebnisse unterstützen die Hypothese, dass IGF-I zusammen mit hCG die Zelldifferenzierung bei den Granulosazellen der präovulatorischen Follikel fördert. Außerdem kann vermutet werden, dass bei den Granulosazellen der präovulatorischen Follikel IGF-I zusammen mit FSH in unabhängiger Weise wirkt. Abschließend kann gesagt werden, dass ein Zusammenwirken zwischen den Gonadotropinen und IGF-I in Bezug auf die Bildung des präovulatorischen Follikels und die darauffolgende Ovulation existiert, dies gilt es auch bei pathologischen Situationen der Follikelreifung und Ovulation zu berücksichtigen.

Leishmaniose visceral (LV) é uma doença causada pelo protozoário Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum nas Américas que acomete células do sistema fagocítico mononuclear. Na doença ativa, ocorre redução nos níveis de lipoproteínas de alta densidade (HDL) e aumento nos níveis de colesterol total e triglicérides, sendo que a progressão da doença pode estar relacionada com essas alterações no nível de lipoproteínas. Desta forma, neste trabalho avaliamos: o efeito das lipoproteínas de muita baixa densidade (VLDL) e HDL no parasitismo de células de linhagem monocítica humana (THP-1) por L. (L.) infantum, a atividade da arginase e a expressão do mRNA do fator de crescimento insulina símile-I (\"insulin-like growth factor-I\" = IGF-I) e seu receptor (\"insulin-like growth factor-I receptor\" = IGF-IR). Células THP-1 foram infectadas por 6 h com promastigotas de L. (L.) infantum, na presença de 0,5% de soro com baixa concentração lipídica (infranadante) e na presença ou ausência das frações lipoprotéicas em diferentes concentrações. As células foram lavadas e mantidas depois em meio de cultura acrescido com infranadante por 24, 48 e 72 h. Quando as frações de VLDL e HDL foram adicionadas separadamente durante a incubação inicial o parasitismo aumentou em relação ao controle. Quando as frações de VLDL e HDL foram adicionadas concomitantemente houve diminuição do parasitismo em relação ao controle, mas aumento inesperado da atividade da arginase, nos períodos de 24 e 48 h. A expressão do mRNA de IGF-I e IGF-IR mostrou uma diminuição nas células infectadas na presença e ausência das frações em relação às células não infectadas. Os resultados obtidos sugerem um papel importante de VLDL e HDL na infecção de células THP-1 por L. (L.) infantum. / Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a disease caused by the protozoan Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum in Americas that affects cells of the mononuclear phagocytic system. During active disease reduction in high density lipoprotein (HDL) and increase in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels are observed. Thus in this study we evaluated the effect of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and HDL on the parasitism of cells of human monocytic line (THP-1) by L. (L.) infantum, the arginase activity and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF-IR) mRNA expressions. THP-1 cells were infected for 6 h with L. (L.) infantum promastigotes in the presence of 0.5% low lipid concentration serum (infranatant) in the presence or absence of lipoprotein fractions at different concentrations. The cells were washed and then maintained in medium with infranatant for 24, 48 and 72 h. When VLDL and HDL were added separately the parasitism increased when compared with the control. When VLDL and HDL were added concomitantly the parasitism decreased in relation to the control but with unexpected increase in arginase activity. The evaluation of IGF-I and IGF-IR mRNA expression showed a decrease in the cells infected in the presence and absence of the fractions comparing with the uninfected cells. The results suggest an important effect of VLDL and HDL in the infection of THP-1 cells by L. (L.) infantum.

Anorexia nervosa e transtorno alimentar não especificado (TANE) são os transtornos alimentares mais frequentes na adolescência. Cursam com alterações hormonais e amenorreia. Este projeto tem como objetivo a maior compreensão das alterações laboratoriais e hormonais que ocorrem concomitantemente com esses transtornos alimentares na adolescência, em especial a relação com o retorno dos ciclos menstruais, a recuperação nutricional e a secreção de leptina e IGF-1. Vinte e oito adolescentes do sexo feminino, portadoras de anorexia nervosa ou TANE foram submetidas a coletas de amostras de sangue para dosagem de leptina, LH, FSH, PRL, estradiol, GH, IGF-1, TSH, T4L, T4, T3, proteínas totais e frações, função renal, hemograma, ferro, ferritina e eletrólitos no início do estudo e a cada cinco semanas num total de cinco coletas. Densitometria óssea foi realizada no início do acompanhamento e após seis meses para avaliar comprometimento ósseo. As principais complicações clínicas observadas foram amenorreia (78%) e osteoporose (14,8%). No início do estudo, 12 pacientes encontravam-se desnutridas com z score de IMC -2. As alterações hormonais presentes foram: diminuição do T3, estradiol, leptina, LH e IGF-1. As pacientes evoluíram com boa recuperação nutricional (variação da média de IMC ao longo do estudo IMC p < 0,01) e melhora dos parâmetros clínicos e hormonais. O IGF-1 apresentou-se como o melhor marcador de recuperação nutricional (p = 0,0001) e teve boa correlação com o retorno menstrual. À época do retorno menstrual as pacientes apresentaram IGF-1 > 340ng/mL (p = 0,04) / Anorexia Nervosa (AN) and eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS) are the most frequent eating disorders in adolescence. The patients show hormonal alterations as well as amenorrhea. The aim of this study was to improve the knowledge of hormonal disturbances that occur together with AN and EDNOS, especially with regard to menstrual cycles, nutritional recovery as well as leptin and IGF-1 secretion. Twenty eight female adolescents with AN or EDNOS had blood collected for the following dosages: leptin, LH, FSH, PRL, estradiol, GH, IGF-1, TSH, FT4, T4, T3, total proteins and fractions, renal function, CBC, iron , ferritin, electrolytes in the beginning of the study and at every 5 weeks totalizing 5 samples per patient. Bone densitometry was performed at the start and after 6 months. The main clinical complications were amenorrhea (78%) and osteoporosis (14.8%). Twelve patients were undernourished at the start of the study (BMI z score = -2). Hormonal alterations were low T3, estradiol, leptina, LH, and IGF-1. The patients had good nutritional recovery, evaluated as a variation of BMI (p < 0.001) and improved clinical and hormonal parameters. IGF-I was the best marker of nutritional recovery (p = 0.0001) and correlated very well with menstrual cycles recovery. At the time when the patients resumed menstrual cycles, IGF-1 was above 340ng/mL (p = 0.04)

類胰島素生長因子1(IGF1)是一種負責代謝、細胞生長、身體發展的多肽激素。微衛星和單核苷酸多態性(SNP), 與循環IGF1水平顯著相關。然而，目前沒有研究指出微衛星和SNPs的綜合影響，且這些遺傳變異對IGF1的調控機制仍是未知。本研究的假設是，微衛星和SNPs在啟動子區域可能有相互作用從而調控IGF1水平。因此，本研究的目的是找出影響IGF1表達的主要元素，並研究每個基因變異的作用。 / 在這項研究中，整個IGF1的基因，包括上游和下游的5萬鹼基對(bp)，可分為4個單體型區段，而IGF1的調控區在第3和第4個區段。與其它重復序列的微衛星相比，有21個重復序列的微衛星(IGF1上游969bp)與一套獨特的SNPs有關連。此外，有19個重復序列的微衛星有較低的循環IGF1。 / 功能性細胞分析進一步分析在生長激素(GH)依賴模型和GH獨立模型中，每個基因變異的角色。在GH獨立模型中，常見的單體型之間有不同的轉錄活性。與以前的研究結果相一致的是，有19個重複序列的單倍型轉錄活性最低。當單倍型為C-T-T，啓動子的轉錄活性受微衛星長度影響，較長的單體型有較低的轉錄活性。微衛星的長度效應或倚賴功能性SNP 1411C> T（rs35767）和叉頭蛋白A3（FOXA3）。以前研究發現在不同基因調控中，一個只結合C等位點並含有CCAAT /增強子結合蛋白delta（CEBPD）的轉錄激活複合物與FOXA3並存。因此，CEBPD可能與FOXA3相互作用從而調控IGF1的表達。而微衛星長度可能通過調節上游CEBPD轉錄複雜和下游FOXA3的相互作用從而影響IGF1的表達。單倍型T-C-A可能採取另一種調控機制，該機制或許被長約178鹼基對，含有“CA“部分的片段調控。GH依賴模型是模擬幼年時期IGF1的表達。在這個階段中，常見的單體型之間有不同的轉錄活性，但每個基因變異的調節作用均不強。 / 總括而言，IGF1的表達主要是由微衛星和SNPs組成的單體型調控。在幼年和成年，常見的單體型之間有差別顯著的轉錄活動。然而，GH獨立模型和GH依賴模型的調控機制是不同的。 / Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) is a polypeptide hormone responsible for metabolism, cell growth, and somatic development. Microsatellite and SNPs have been demonstrated to be significantly associated with circulating IGF1 level. However, no studies have ever investigated the combined effects of microsatellite and SNPs, and regulatory mechanisms of IGF1 expression by these genetic variants are yet unknown. The hypotheses of this study were that the microsatellite and SNPs may have certain regulatory functions in the promoter region, and interact with each other in the regulation. Therefore, the objectives were to identify the primary regulatory element in the regulation of IGF1 expression and to investigate the role of each genetic variant. / In this study, the whole IGF1 gene, including 50kb upstream and downstream, was divided into four haplotype blocks, in which the regulatory region of IGF1 lied in haploblock 3 and 4. Results of high-resolution melting analysis showed that a microsatellite (969bp upstream) with 21 repeats was associated with a different set of SNPs, compared to microsatellite with other repeat numbers. Also, haplotype with 19 CA repeats was significantly associated with a lower level of circulating IGF1. / Functional cellular assays were performed to further analyze the roles of each genetic variant in growth hormone (GH)-independent and GH-dependent models. In GH-independent model, it was found that common haplotypes showed differential transcriptional activities, and, consistent with previous findings, haplotype with 19 repeats was the least activated. On the background of haplotype C-T-T, transcriptional activity was regulated by microsatellite length, in which the haplotype with a longer microsatellite length tended to have a lower transcriptional activity. Further analysis showed that the microsatellite length effect depended on a functional polymorphism -1411C>T (rs35767) and forkhead box A3 (FOXA3), whose binding sites were several base pairs upstream of IGF1 transcription start site. Telgmann et al found a transcription activator complex containing CCAAT/enhancer binding protein delta (CEBPD) bound exclusively to the C allele and CEBPD often coexisted with FOXA3 in the regulation of various genes. Therefore, in the activation of IGF1, microsatellite length might regulate the interaction between the upstream CEBPD transcription complex and the downstream FOXA3. Haplotype T-C-A showed a yet unknown regulatory mechanism of IGF1 expression, which might be accounted for by the “C-A“ portion. In GH-dependent model, common haplotypes also showed differential transcriptional activities. However, further analysis revealed that the regulatory effects of each genetic variant alone (microsatellite or SNPs) were not strong. / To conclude, haplotype effect, which was contributed by both microsatellite and SNPs, played an important role in the regulation of IGF1 expression. Common haplotypes showed significantly differential transcriptional activities. However, the regulatory mechanisms were different in GH-independent model and GH-dependent model. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Chen, Yu Holly. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2012. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 127-140). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstract also in Chinese. / Abstract --- p.i / 摘要 --- p.iii / Acknowledgement --- p.v / LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS --- p.vi / LIST OF FIGURES --- p.viii / LIST OF TABLES --- p.x / PUBLICATIONS --- p.xi / Chapter CHAPTER 1 --- INTRODUCTION TO INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR 1 (IGF1) --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Production of IGF1 --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Other factors affecting IGF1 level --- p.5 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Nutritional status --- p.5 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Ethnicity --- p.5 / Chapter 1.2.3 --- Age --- p.8 / Chapter 1.2.4 --- Gender --- p.8 / Chapter 1.2.5 --- IGFBP --- p.9 / Chapter 1.2.6 --- Other growth factors --- p.10 / Chapter 1.3 --- Cellular functions of IGF1 --- p.10 / Chapter 1.4 --- Physiological functions of IGF1 --- p.13 / Chapter 1.4.1 --- Metabolism --- p.14 / Chapter 1.4.2 --- Somatic growth --- p.17 / Chapter 1.4.3 --- Longevity --- p.18 / Chapter CHAPTER 2 --- PATHOLOGY OF IGF1 --- p.20 / Chapter 2.1 --- IGF1 and cancer predisposition --- p.20 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Evidences in genetic studies --- p.21 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- Evidences in lifestyle factors --- p.21 / Chapter 2.1.3 --- Evidences from population studies --- p.22 / Chapter 2.1.4 --- Miscellaneous evidence --- p.22 / Chapter 2.2 --- IGF1 and diabetes mellitus (DM) --- p.23 / Chapter 2.3 --- IGF1 and other diseases --- p.24 / Chapter CHAPTER 3 --- HYPOTHESES AND AIMS OF THE STUDY --- p.26 / Chapter 3.1 --- Hypotheses of the study --- p.26 / Chapter 3.2 --- Aims of the study --- p.26 / Chapter CHAPTER 4 --- RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GENETIC VARIANTS AND IGF1 EXPRESSION --- p.28 / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.28 / Chapter 4.2 --- Materials and methods --- p.31 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Study subjects --- p.31 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- tagSNP selection and haplotype block construction --- p.32 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Genescan analysis of the CA repeat microsatellite --- p.32 / Chapter 4.2.4 --- Genotyping assay of tagSNPs --- p.34 / Chapter 4.2.5 --- Statistical analysis --- p.36 / Chapter 4.3 --- Results --- p.37 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- Characteristics of the subjects --- p.37 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- Determination of haplotype blocks --- p.38 / Chapter 4.3.3 --- Selection of tagSNPs --- p.41 / Chapter 4.3.4 --- Genotyping analysis of tagSNPs --- p.43 / Chapter 4.3.5 --- Genescan analysis of -969bp CA repeat microsatellite --- p.46 / Chapter 4.3.6 --- Phased haplotype consisting of SNP / SNP and microsatellite --- p.48 / Chapter 4.3.7 --- Correlation between haplotypes in IGF1 promoter and circulating IGF1 level --- p.50 / Chapter 4.4 --- Discussion --- p.53 / Chapter CHAPTER 5 --- Transcriptional regulation of GENETIC VARIANTS IN different haplotypeS --- p.57 / Chapter 5.1 --- Introduction --- p.57 / Chapter 5.1.1 --- IGF1 gene structure --- p.57 / Chapter 5.1.2 --- Regulatory elements in IGF1 promoter --- p.58 / Chapter 5.1.3 --- Functional variant -1411C>T (rs35767) in IGF1 promoter --- p.60 / Chapter 5.1.5 --- Objectives of the study --- p.62 / Chapter 5.2 --- Materials and methods --- p.64 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- Comparative genomics --- p.64 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- Study subjects --- p.64 / Chapter 5.2.3 --- tagSNP selection and genotyping assay --- p.64 / Chapter 5.2.4 --- Primers and standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR) --- p.65 / Chapter 5.2.5 --- Enzyme digestion --- p.68 / Chapter 5.2.6 --- Ligation --- p.68 / Chapter 5.2.7 --- Transformation of DNA ligation products --- p.68 / Chapter 5.2.8 --- Preparation of E.coli supercompetent cells --- p.69 / Chapter 5.2.9 --- Construction of plasmids --- p.70 / Chapter 5.2.10 --- Cell lines --- p.71 / Chapter 5.2.11 --- Nucleic acid extraction --- p.72 / Chapter 5.2.12 --- Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) --- p.73 / Chapter 5.2.13 --- Transient transfection --- p.73 / Chapter 5.2.14 --- Luciferase reporter assay --- p.73 / Chapter 5.2.15 --- Optimization of a saturated luciferase reporter system --- p.74 / Chapter 5.2.16 --- Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) --- p.74 / Chapter 5.2.17 --- Western blot analysis --- p.74 / Chapter 5.2.18 --- Prediction of putative functional SNPs --- p.76 / Chapter 5.2.19 --- Statistical analysis --- p.77 / Chapter 5.3 --- Results --- p.77 / Chapter 5.3.1 --- Evolutionarily conserved region (ECR) --- p.77 / Chapter 5.3.2 --- Frequency distribution of haplotypes of IGF1 promoter in the Chinese population --- p.79 / Chapter 5.3.3 --- Optimization of luciferase reporter system --- p.81 / Chapter 5.3.3.1 --- Gene expression level of different cell lines --- p.81 / Chapter 5.3.3.2 --- Cell line selection --- p.81 / Chapter 5.3.3.3 --- Saturation of expression plasmids in the luciferase reporter system --- p.83 / Chapter 5.3.3.4 --- Western blot analysis of gene expression level after transfection --- p.86 / Chapter 5.3.4 --- Possible functional SNPs in IGF1 regulatory region beyond ECR --- p.89 / Chapter 5.3.4.1 --- In silico analysis of putative functional SNPs --- p.89 / Chapter 5.3.4.2 --- Binding capacity of possible functional SNPs --- p.92 / Chapter 5.3.5 --- Transcriptional activities of common haplotypes and their derivatives --- p.95 / Chapter 5.3.5.1 --- GH-independent (GH-) model --- p.95 / Chapter 5.3.5.1.1 --- Common haplotypes --- p.95 / Chapter 5.3.5.1.2 --- Effect of microsatellite length on transcriptional activity of IGF1 promoter --- p.97 / Chapter 5.3.5.1.3 --- Effect of SNP on transcriptional activity of IGF1 promoter --- p.99 / Chapter 5.3.5.1.4 --- Summary --- p.101 / Chapter 5.3.5.2 --- GH-dependent (GH+) model --- p.101 / Chapter 5.3.5.2.1 --- Common haplotypes --- p.101 / Chapter 5.3.5.2.2 --- Effect of microsatellite length on transcriptional activity of IGF1 promoter --- p.103 / Chapter 5.3.5.2.3 --- Effect of SNP on transcriptional activity of IGF1 promoter --- p.105 / Chapter 5.3.5.2.4 --- Summary --- p.106 / Chapter 5.3.6 --- Putative mechanism of the interaction between microsatellite and SNPs --- p.106 / Chapter 5.3.6.1 --- Microsatellite length effect in C-T-T haplotype relied on rs35767 (-1411C>T) --- p.107 / Chapter 5.3.6.2 --- The interaction of SNP and microsatellite was dependent on FOXA3 --- p.110 / Chapter 5.3.6.3 --- Summary --- p.112 / Chapter 5.3.7 --- Serial deletion of IGF1 promoter fragment --- p.112 / Chapter 5.4 --- Discussion --- p.116 / Chapter 5.4.1 --- Distal regulatory mechanism of IGF1 expression --- p.116 / Chapter 5.4.2 --- Localized regulatory mechanism of IGF1 expression --- p.117 / Chapter CHAPTER 6 --- CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE STUDIES --- p.125 / Chapter 6.1. --- Conclusions --- p.125 / Chapter 6.2. --- Future studies --- p.126 / Reference --- p.127