Membrane proteins are important targets that represent more than 50% of current drug targets. However, characterisation of membrane proteins falls behind compared to their soluble counterparts. The most challenging part of membrane protein research is finding a suitable membrane mimetic that stabilises them in solution and maintains their native structure and function. The recently developed saposin-A (SapA) based lipid nanoparticle system seems to be advantageous over existing membrane mimetic system. It provides a native-like lipid bilayer, high incorporation yield and more importantly size adaptability. SapA lipid nanoparticles have been applied to structural studies and two high-resolution structures of membrane proteins were previously obtained using cryo-electron microscopy. This thesis aimed to study small-to-medium sized membrane proteins in SapA lipid nanoparticles using NMR spectroscopy. We first explore the mechanism of SapA lipid nanoparticle formation for the purpose of establishing an incorporation protocol that can be applied to most membrane proteins. The effect of pH and the presence of detergents on the opening of SapA was investigated in Chapter 2. A proposed energy diagram describing the mechanism of SapA opening is reported with which we were able to develop a protocol that can generate different sizes of SapA-1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC) nanoparticles. In addition, we also showed that SapA can form lipid nanoparticles with various lipid compositions, showing the versatility of the system. In Chapter 3, we validated the ability of SapA lipid nanoparticles to be used as a membrane mimetic. A -barrel model protein, bacterial outer membrane protein X (OmpX), was incorporated into SapA-DMPC nanoparticles and a 2D 15N-1H correlation NMR spectrum was recorded. Our result was compared to the NMR parameters of the same protein in MSP nanodiscs from the literature, and it was concluded that SapA lipid nanoparticles indeed provide a lipid bilayer environment similar to MSP nanodiscs. Because of high incorporation yield, we were able to incorporate OmpX into different lipid compositions to investigate the effect of lipid head groups and aliphatic chains on the membrane protein's chemical environment. Next, the applicability of SapA lipid nanoparticles was expanded to -helical transmembrane proteins in Chapter 4. Two microbial rhodopsins, Anabaena sensory rhodopsin (ASR) and Natronomonas pharaonis sensory rhodopsin II (pSRII), were tested. The parameters for expression and purification of ASR were first screened for the optimal yield. Although incorporation of ASR resulted in inhomogeneous particles due to imperfect experimental procedure, pSRII in SapA-DMPC nanoparticles showed high sample quality. The 2D NMR spectrum of pSRII in SapA-DMPC nanoparticles shows distinct differences to pSRII in detergent micelles, suggesting substantial effects from the membrane mimetic on the conformation of the membrane protein. Despite the good NMR spectral quality considering the large particle size, perdeuteration of pSRII and the lipids will be necessary for further investigation. With the SapA lipid nanoparticles established, we aimed to use it for the study of a biologically important G protein-coupled receptor, 1-adrenergic receptor (1AR), discussed in Chapter 5. The possibility of expressing 1AR using a cell-free expression system was explored first. Although a good amount of the protein was obtained, only a fraction of it was functional. Therefore, a conventional baculovirus-insect cell expression system was used to produce selective isotope labelled 1AR for NMR studies. NMR spectra of 1AR in SapA-DMPC nanoparticles with activating ligands and an intracellular binding partner were recorded and compared to the spectra of the same protein in detergents. This revealed a more active-like conformation of ligand-bound 1AR in the lipid bilayer, suggesting that certain parts of the protein are sensitive to the membrane mimetic used. This emphasises the importance of using a native-like membrane mimetic to capture the full properties of membrane proteins. In conclusion, I demonstrate in this thesis that SapA lipid nanoparticles are a versatile membrane mimetic system that can accommodate membrane proteins with different sizes and folds. This system is also compatible with solution NMR spectroscopy enabling structure and dynamics studies of biologically important membrane proteins. We believe SapA lipid nanoparticles will have a significant impact on membrane protein research in the future.

The fundamental structure of all biological membranes is the lipid bilayer. At- tributed to the multifaceted features of lipids and its dynamical interaction with other membrane-integrated molecules, the lipid bilayer is involved in a variety of physiological phenomena such as transmembrane transportation, cellular signalling transduction, energy storage, etc. Due to the nanoscale but high complexity of the lipid bilayer system, experimental investigation into many important processes at the molecular level is still challenging. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation has been emerging as a powerful tool to study the lipid membrane at the nanoscale. Utilizing atomistic MD, we have quantitatively investigated the effect of lamellar and nonlamellar lipid composition changes on a series of important bilayer properties, and how membranes behave when exposed to a high-pressure environment. A series of membrane properties such as lateral pressure and dipole potential pro les are quanti ed. Results suggest the hypothesis that compositional changes, involving both lipid heads and tails, modulate crucial mechanical and electrical features of the lipid bilayer, so that a range of biological phenomena, such as the permeation through the membrane and conformational equilibria of membrane proteins, may be regulated. Furthermore, water also plays an essential role in the biomembrane system. To balance accuracy and efficiency in simulations, a coarse-grained ELBA water model was developed. Here, the ELBA water model is stress tested in terms of temperature- and pressure-related properties, as well as hydrating properties. Results show that the accuracy of the ELBA model is almost as good as conventional atomistic water models, while the computational efficiency is increased substantially.

Introdução Os feijões comuns, da espécie Phaseolus vulgaris, são amplamente produzidos e consumidos no Brasil. As variedades, carioca e preto ganham destaque na região Sudeste do país. Encontra-se descrita na literatura a ação hipocolesterolemizante de algumas leguminosas, tais como, soja, tremoço e feijão caupi, que podem estar associados à redução do risco de doenças cardiovasculares. Objetivo Avaliar o potencial efeito da adição de farinhas de feijões carioca e preto (Phaseolus vulgaris) no metabolismo lipídico de hamsters alimentados com dieta contendo gordura saturada e colesterol. Métodos A produção das farinhas dos feijões envolveu as etapas de autoclavagem, congelamento, liofilização e moagem. As propriedades hipocolesterolemizantes destas farinhas foram avaliadas por meio de dois ensaios biológicos. Foram utilizados hamsters Golden Syrian, machos com 21 dias, pesando 60 ± 4g, que receberam as dietas experimentais ad libitum. No Ensaio A, os animais foram separados em 3 grupos, diferenciados pela dieta. Todas as dietas eram hipercolesterolemizantes [13.5 por cento de gordura de coco e 0.1 por cento colesterol] e tinham as mesmas quantidades de proteínas, carboidratos, fibras, vitaminas e minerais. O Grupo Controle (C) tinha como fonte protéica a caseína; no Grupo Feijão Carioca (FC) a farinha de feijão carioca representou 15 por cento do peso total da dieta e no Grupo Feijão Preto a farinha de feijão preto representou 15 por cento do peso total da dieta. No Ensaio B, os animais foram separados em três grupos novamente. Desta vez, a única diferença entre os grupos foi quanto a fonte protéica, para o grupo controle (C) somente caseína, para o grupo feijão carioca (FC), 67 por cento de feijão e 7,5 por cento de caseína e para o grupo feijão preto (FP), 62 por cento de feijão e 7,5 por cento de caseína. Nos dois ensaios, após 21 dias de experimento, foi realizada coleta de materiais biológicos (plasma, fígado e fezes). Resultados O processo de produção das farinhas de feijões cozidas liofilizadas não alterou a composição centesimal das matérias-primas. A análise de fibras alimentares revelou que não há diferenças entre os cultivares Pérola e Uirapuru. No Ensaio A, as concentrações de colesterol não HDL e HDL colesterol foram maiores nos grupos que receberam feijão de maneira significativa. Quanto aos demais parâmetros plasmáticos não foram observadas diferenças entre os grupos. No Ensaio B as concentrações plasmáticas de triglicerídeos foram maiores no grupo FP. As concentrações de HDL colesterol foram maiores nos grupos FP e FC, sendo estatisticamente significativa para o feijão carioca em relação ao grupo controle. As excreções fecais de ácidos biliares foram maiores no grupo FC e a de colesterol no grupo C. A determinação de lipídeos totais no fígado não revelou diferenças entre os grupos, dados que corroboraram com a análise do grau de esteatose nos fígados, a qual demonstrou desenvolvimento de acúmulo de lipídeos nos hepatócitos dos animais dos três grupos. O teste qui quadrado mostrou que as variáveis grau de esteatose e tipo de dieta, assim como tipo de dieta e grau de inflamação portal hepática são independentes. Já o grau de inflamação parenquimatosa hepática está associado ao tipo de dieta e o feijão carioca mostrou-se capaz de reduzir em 30 por cento o risco de desenvolver esteatoepatite severa. Conclusões Os feijões não foram capazes de proteger contra o aumento do colesterol total, triglicérides e colesterol não HDL no plasma, mas mesmo na presença de gordura saturada e colesterol na dieta, o feijão carioca foi capaz de aumentar a HDL, mostrando que o mecanismo de remoção do colesterol plasmático foi preservado. O feijão carioca mostrou-se eficaz na proteção contra a inflamação parenquimatosa hepática severa. / Carioca and black beans are the varieties of Phaseolus vulgaris most consumed on Brazil Southwest. It is well described that some legumes, as soy and cowpea beans, have hypocholesterolaemic effects. To test cholesterol-lowering properties of carioca and black beans, two biological assays were conducted. Golden Syrian hamsters, 21 days old, were housed individually under 12 h light-dark cycle and temperature-controlled environment, with free access to food and water. There was a adaptation period of 6 days, before the start of experimental period. In Assay A, the animals (n=19) were randomly assigned to three distinct groups. All groups received a hypercholesterolaemic diet (13.5 per cent coconut oil and 0.1 per cent cholesterol) and similar amounts of proteins, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins and minerals to suit the animal requirements. Control group received casein as the only protein source; Carioca bean group received 15 per cent of carioca bean flour and casein to complement protein requirement and Black bean group received 15 per cent of black bean flour and casein to complement protein requirement. After 21 days, the experimental period was over and liver, blood and feces were collected. In Assay B, all groups also received a hypercholesterolaemic diet (13.5 per cent coconut oil and 0.1 per cent cholesterol). In this assay the only difference between groups (n=27) was protein source: casein for control group, and the others received carioca (67 per cent ) or black bean whole seed flour (62 per cent ) plus 7,5 per cent of casein. The beans flours obtained showed no differences in chemical composition. In Assay A, plasma HDL cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol were higher in Carioca bean group and Black bean group. The other plasma parameters had no differences. In assay B, plasma triglyceride was higher in Black bean group. The HDL cholesterol was increased in both beans groups, and was significant in Carioca group. Fecal excretion of bile acids was higher in animals of Carioca bean group. Fecal excretion of cholesterol was higher in Control group. There were no differences between groups in total liver lipid concentration, data supporting the steatosis analysis in livers. The chi-square test showed that the type of experimental diet and steatosis grade were independents, also the portal hepatic inflammation was not associated with the experimental diets. The parenchymal inflammation of the liver was associated with Carioca bean group, which showed that the chance of developing severe inflammation was 30 per cent lower in carioca bean group compared with Control group. Beans had no cholesterol-lowering effect, but the HDL increases in plasma and lower inflammation in Carioca bean group deserves further investigation.

Dispersões do fosfolipídio saturado aniônico dimiristoil fosfatidil glicerol (DMPG) têm sido extensivamente estudadas devido ao seu comportamento termo-estrutural muito peculiar. Em baixa força iônica, a transição gel-fluida acontece ao longo de uma faixa de temperatura em torno de 17 ºC, apresentando vários eventos térmicos em seu perfil calorimétrico, bem diferente do pico calorimétrico único em torno de 23 ºC, visto em dispersões de DMPG em alta força iônica. Esta região de temperatura também é caracterizada por apresentar baixa turbidez, alta condutividade elétrica e alta viscosidade. A presente tese teve por objetivo aprofundar os conhecimentos acerca deste peculiar comportamento termoestrutural. Para tanto, a dependência térmica das dispersões foi investigada, em função da concentração lipídica e força iônica, através da técnica de calorimetria exploratória diferencial (DSC) e medidas de turbidez, condutividade elétrica, viscosidade e mobilidade eletroforética. Além disso, o encapsulamento de sacarose radioativa no volume interno de agregados de DMPG claramente indicou que o DMPG forma vesículas, e não micelas ou bicelas. No entanto, medidas de viscosidade indicaram que as vesículas formadas ao longo da região de transição são certamente diferentes das formadas nas fases gel e fluida. As concentrações lipídicas estudadas variaram de 1 a 50 mM, e dispersões de 10 mM de DMPG foram estudadas em diferentes forças iônicas, de 2 a 250 mM de NaCl adicionado. As propriedades térmicas das dispersões mostraram-se dependentes da concentração lipídica e tal dependência mostrou-se similar à dependência com a força iônica: o aumento de concentração lipídica diminuía a região de transição. A similaridade entre os dois regimes, tanto o aumento de sal quanto da concentração lipídica, foi discutida em termos da correlação com os íons de sódio da dispersão. Através de medidas de condutividade elétrica da amostra e da mobilidade eletroforética de vesículas de DMPG, foi possível calcular a dependência térmica do grau de ionização de vesículas de DMPG, em diferentes concentrações lipídicas e de sal. Mostramos que as vesículas estão mais ionizadas ao longo da região de transição, e menos ionizadas com o aumento de concentração lipídica ou de concentração de sal. Além do aumento na condutividade ao longo da região de transição, foi observado um aumento brusco na condutividade na pré-transição das bicamadas, indicando que ela está relacionada ao começo do processo de fusão das cadeias. Será discutida aqui a relevância da curvatura da bicamada e o grau de ionização no peculiar comportamento térmico de dispersões de DMPG. Vesículas altamente deformadas e ionizadas parecem estar presentes ao longo da região de transição das bicamadas de DMPG, exibindo grandes flutuações de forma e densidade da bicamada. É interessante especular se estas grandes flutuações da bicamada podem ter relevância biológica. / Dispersions of the saturated anionic phospholipid dimyristoyl phosphatidyl glycerol (DMPG) have been extensively studied regarding their peculiar thermo-structural behavior. At low ionic strength, the gel-fluid transition is spread along nearly 17 ºC, displaying several thermal events in the calorimetric profile, quite different from the single sharp peak around 23 ºC found for higher ionic strength DMPG dispersions. This extended transition region is also characterized by low turbidity, high conductivity and high viscosity. The purpose of this thesis was to extend the knowledge about this peculiar thermostructural behavior of DMPG dispersions. Accordingly, the thermal dependence of the dispersions was investigated as a function of lipid and ionic strength concentrations, using several techniques: differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and measurements of turbidity, electrical conductivity, viscosity and electrophoretic mobility. Moreover, the encapsulation of radioactive sucrose in the internal aqueous volume of DMPG aggregates clearly indicated that DMPG forms vesicles and not micelles or bicelles. However, viscosity measurements indicated that the DMPG vesicles formed along the transition region are certainly different from those formed in the gel and fluid phases. The studied lipid concentrations varied from 1 to 50 mM, and the 10 mM DMPG dispersion was studied at different ionic strengths, from 2 to 250 mM of added NaCl. The thermal properties of the dispersions were shown to be dependent on the lipid concentration, and this dependence was shown to be similar to the dependence on the ionic strength: the increase in lipid or salt concentrations decreased the temperature range of the transition region. The similarity between the two regimes, either the increase in salt or lipid concentration, is discussed here, in the light of their correlation with the concentration of bulk Na+. By measuring the sample electrical conductivity, and the electrophoretic mobility of the DMPG vesicles, it was possible to calculate the temperature dependence of the degree of ionization of DMPG vesicles, at different lipid and salt concentrations. It could be shown that the vesicles are more ionized along the transition region, and less ionized as the lipid or salt concentration increases. Besides the increase in conductivity along the transition region, a sharp increase in conductivity was observed at the pre-transition of the bilayers, indicating that this temperature is related to the beginning of the chain melting process. The relevance of the bilayer curvature and ionization degree to the peculiar thermal behavior of DMPG dispersions Will be discussed here. Highly ionized and deformed vesicles seem to be present along the extended thermal transition of DMPG bilayers, presenting large fluctuations of form and bilayer density. It is interesting to speculate if those large bilayer fluctuations could be biologically relevant.

The aim of the thesis project was to examine what form(s) of Amyloid beta (Aβ) (25-­‐35) peptide interact with phospholipids in vitro and the implications of this for the mechanism of Alzheimer’s Diseases (AD). The mechanism of AD is thought to involve protein folding and misfolding. An increasing amount of evidence has shown that protein misfolding plays an important role in the biological and pathological processes of AD. Although seen as the biomedical markers of those diseases, the roles of amyloid aggregates themselves are still not fully understood. Whether the aggregates, or the monomer, or some other intermediates of Aβ cause AD is still unknown. In order to investigate the membrane-­‐interaction of Aβ and its implications for AD, two forms of Aβ, namely levorotary and dextrorotary (L-­‐ and D-­‐) Aβ isomers were used. Evidence has shown that L-­‐ and D-­‐ peptide can each form aggregates in a humid environment. However, when mixed together, L-­‐ and D-­‐ peptides tend not to form any aggregates. Using the mixtures of L-­‐ and D-­‐ peptides at different proportions and as well as using L-­‐ and D-­‐ alone can help us to determine the toxic form of Aβ. Phospholipids have been used to mimic membrane bilayers. Biological membranes in vivo are a complicated system. They contain three types of lipids, namely phospholipids, glycolipids, and steroids. Different types of cells and different membranes have different proportions of those lipids. Studying the interaction between Aβ and membranes in vivo can be extremely difficult. Artificial membranes, which only contains one kind of lipids, on the other hand, are a useful tool for the study of molecular interactions. Phospholipids are the most abundant type of membrane lipid and thus that can be seen as representative of cell membranes. The interactions of Aβ and different kinds of phospholipids have been investigated in this project. This thesis discusses the secondary structure of Aβ in different environment, the interaction between Aβ and phospholipids at the air-­‐water surface, and the location of Aβ in membranes during the interaction. The study provides useful information of the mechanisms and the origin of AD. At the end of the thesis, a discussion chapter analyses the difficulties of studying Aβ and AD and the potentials and inadequacies of this research.

Palm Oil is the highest produced edible oil globally, with over 66 million tonnes produced annually. It has been estimated that up to 50% of all products sold in the supermarket contain palm oil in some form. Palm oil has attractive properties such as a high melting point and texture due to a balanced ratio of unsaturated and saturated fatty acids. It contains approximately 40% oleic acid (monounsaturated fatty acid), 10% linoleic acid (polyunsaturated fatty acid), 45% palmitic acid and 5% stearic acid (saturated fatty acid), that results in an edible oil that is suitable for use in a variety of food, detergent and cosmetics products. In addition, palm oil is the least expensive oil produced due to its high productivity and extensive production. Due to the high demand for the product, vast amounts of rainforest have been cleared to make way for more plantations, reducing biodiversity and releasing huge levels of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. There is a clear need for an alternative lipid that can match palm oils properties but can be produced sustainably. Recent work suggests that some yeasts are capable of producing a similar oil to palm oil and can be grown on waste resources. In this thesis a novel bioprospecting protocol was developed to isolate yeasts that can survive the harsh conditions necessary for industrial biotechnology. In this way a vineyard and the local area was sampled for yeasts which were then cultured under extremes of pH, multiple sugars and inhibitors caused from the breakdown of lignocellulose. The wild yeast were cultured in four stages: minimal medium with Lysine; minimal medium with inhibitors; minimal medium with xylose as sole carbon-source; and lastly minimal medium with only arabinose and cellobiose as carbon-sources. Only strains that survived each stage were taken forward to the next, to isolate species that were truly suited to these conditions. Out of the estimated 1000s of strains screened this resulted in 12 strains of yeast, mostly in the Metschnikowia pulcherrima, group being able to cope with the conditions. The 12 strains were further analyzed by culturing them in an array of 4 different model lignocellulosic feedstocks namely wheat straw, corn Stover, sugarcane bagasse, and palm kernel cake hydrolysates. Other conditions incorporated in these analysis were a range of pH from pH 1.5 to pH 7.0; four levels of a mixture of 5 inhibitors; and two different temperatures. All of the 12 strains showed similar behaviour where inhibitor tolerance was only marked at higher pH, and at low pH the strains could not grow at all. Though all strains were able to grow on the hydrolysate models, even those with little glucose and/or xylose content. The lipid profile of the strains was also assessed and proved to be similar to most terrestrial crops, with suitable lipid profiles for a rapeseed oil, and in some cases palm oil substitute. Lastly, to further evaluate the accurate identification of the strains as there are some ambiguity in the Metschnikowia pulcherrima group, we applied an approach only widely used for Pathogenic Bacteria/Yeast identification, Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST). Using 25 strains (7 of this collection), 6 type species and some isolates from the original culture collection in Bath. Sequences of 6 genes was analysed using the Bayesian statistical method. The result showed grouping of M. pulcherrima into 3-4 groups 9 different for each gene. M. Corniflorae being the outgroup. In all 3 genes successfully sequenced: M. Fruticola; R6; Mp DAH 3; and ICS48 were consistently shown to be clonal. The work presented here demonstrates a new method for bioprospecting strains capable of isolating strains for industrial biotechnology, and for characterisation of the yeast in the Metschnikowia genus. Some of the yeasts identified were oleaginous, and could potentially be used as a novel source of palm oil substitute.

Introdução: A barreira hematoencefálica limita a penetração de compostos farmacologicamente ativos para o cérebro devido à presença de zônulas de oclusão no endotélio cerebral e a expressão de transportadores de influxo e efluxo que modulam o acesso de fármacos para o parênquima cerebral. Nanocápsulas de núcleo lipídico (LNC) tem sido estudadas como carreadores de fármacos para o tecido cerebral devido à capacidade de modulação da farmacocinética desses compostos. Entretanto, ainda pouco se sabe sobre os processos envolvidos nas alterações farmacocinéticas e na distribuição tecidual promovidas por esses transportadores. Objetivo: Pretendeu-se investigar as alterações na farmacocinética plasmática e penetração cerebral da quetiapina (QTP) nanoencapsulada em ratos Wistar. Materiais e Métodos: QLNC (1mg/mL) foram obtidas através da metodologia de nanoprecipitação e apresentaram reduzido tamanho de partícula (143 ± 6 nm), baixo indicie de polidispersão (PI < 0.1), alta eficiência de encapsulação (96%), potencial zeta negativo (-7.65 ± 0.815 mV) e pH ácido. QLNC quando visualizadas por MET apresentaram tamanho esférico, homogêneo com ausência de agregados. Os estudos in vivo desse trabalho foram aprovados pelo CEUA/UFRGS. Análise do plasma total e a utilização da microdiálise para determinação das concentrações plasmáticas e cerebrais livres foram realizadas após administração intravenosa da formulação de nanocápsulas de QTP (5 mg /kg ) (QLCN) ou do fármaco em solução (FQ) (5 mg /kg e 10 mg /kg) na presença e na ausência de 30 mg /kg de probenecida (PB), um inibidor de transportadores de membrana. Métodos validados foram utilizados para a quantificação do fármaco em diferentes matrizes. As concentrações cerebral e hepática totais foram investigadas através da técnica de homogeneizado de tecido. Além disso, a fração livre no plasma (fu) e a penetração nos eritrócitos também foi realizada. Resultados: QTP apresentou farmacocinética linear na faixa de doses investigadas, é um substrato para transportadores de efluxo na BHE. Diferenças foram observadas na fu da QTP até 2 h após administração de QLNC indicando que LNC do tipo III promove uma liberação sustentada do fármaco do carreador. QLNC não foi capaz de alterar o coeficiente de partição nos eritrócitos determinado in vitro. As concentrações cerebrais e hepáticas totais foram aumentadas após administração da formulação de nanocápsulas, porém, as concentrações cerebrais livres não foram alteradas em comparação com o QTP em solução. Após administração de PB o fator de penetração da QTP livre no cérebro foi reduzido de 1,55 ± 0.17 para 0,94 ± 0,15. Porém, essa inibição pela probenecida não teve efeito na penetração cerebral de QLNC (0,88 ± 0,21 – 0,92 ± 0.13) provavelmente devido ao fato da QTP ser carreada pela LNC e não estar disponível para interagir com transportadores. Conclusão: Considerando todos os resultados sugere-se que as LNC do tipo III carreiam a QTP através da circulação sistêmica até o parênquima cerebral. / Introduction: Blood-brain barrier (BBB) hinders the delivery of therapeutics to central nervous system due to the endothelial cells tight junctions, which restrict paracellular transport of substances, and the expression of influx and efflux transporters, which modulate drugs access to the brain. Lipid-core nanocapsules (LNC) have been proposed as drug carriers to improve brain delivery by modulating drug pharmacokinetics (PK). However, little in know about this modulation process and it is not clear whether the LCN carry the drug through the BBB or increase free drug penetration due to changes in the barrier permeability. Objective: The work aimed to investigate the alterations in the model drug quetiapine (QTP) plasma PK and brain penetration following nanoencapsulation into LNC (QLNC) using microdialysis. Methods: QLNC (1 mg.mL-1) were obtained by nanoprecipitation and presented small particle size (143 ± 6 nm), low polidispersion index (PI < 0.1), high incorporation efficiency (96%), negative zeta potential (–7.65 ± 0.815 mV) and acidic pH. TEM photomicrography showed spherically shaped particles and absence of aggregation. Animal studies approved by CEUA/UFRGS. Total plasma and free plasma and brain concentrations, last two determined by microdialysis, were analyzed after QLNC (5 mg/kg) and free drug (FQ – 5 and 10 mg/gk) i.v. dosing to Wistar rats alone or following probenecid (PB), an influx transporter inhibitor, i.v. administration (30 mg/kg). Drug was quantified in all matrices by validate LC/UV methods. Total brain and liver concentration after FQ and QLNC dosing were investigated in tissues homogenate. Furthermore, QTP free fraction (fu) in plasma and erythrocyte penetration were determined. Results: QTP presented linear PK in the dose range investigated and is substrate to influx transporters at the BBB. Differences observed on QTP fu up to 2 h after QLNC dosing indicate a drug slow release in the blood stream loaded into the LNC type III nanocarrier for this period of time. The LNC did not altered QTP erythrocytes partition coefficient. Total brain and liver concentrations were increased after QLNC dosing but free brain concentrations were not altered in comparison with FQ dosing. After PB dosing, QTP brain penetration was reduced from 1.55 ± 0.17 to 0.94 ± 0.15 when FQ was administered but the inhibition of influx transporters had no effect on QLNC brain penetration (0.88 ± 0.21 to 0.92 ± 0.13) probably because QTP is loaded into the LNC and not available to interact with transporters. Conclusions: Taking together these results suggested that LNC type III carries QTP in the blood stream and delivers the drug to the brain.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:30:56Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2011-06-30Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:21:26Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 teixeira_gr_dr_botib.pdf: 723691 bytes, checksum: eef20f91963f33fb45c90b84a0e28737 (MD5) / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / O consumo de etanol está associado a alterações metabólicas e reprodutivas, causando doenças, como o câncer de próstata. Umas das medidas que pode amenizar a manifestação do câncer, incluindo o da próstata, é o exercício físico regular. Nosso trabalho tem o objetivo de avaliar a influência do exercício físico resistido e do etanol no metabolismo da próstata ventral de ratos adultos. Vinte ratos Wistar sem a preferência ao etanol, 20 ratos UChB, consumo alto de etanol e 20 ratos UChB abstinentes foram divididos em seis grupos. Tres grupos foram submetidos ao treinamento físico com uma semana de adaptação e 13 semanas de treinamento, realizando quatro séries de 10 saltos com sobrecarga crescente de 50-70% do peso corporal preso ao tórax, com 60 segundos de descanso entre cada série, três vezes por semana. Os demais grupos permaneceram sedentários. Dois dias após a última sessão de treinamento, os animais foram submetidos à eutanásia por decaptação, o sangue e as regiões intermediária e distal da próstata ventral foram coletados e processados para análises imunohistoquímicas, Western Blot, hormonais e bioquímicas. Nossos resultados sugerem que o exercício físico altera o metabolismo prostático através das interações parácrinas prevenindo as lesões prostáticas / Ethanol consumption is associated with reproductive and metabolic changes, causing diseases such as prostate câncer. The ethanol chronic consumption of is associated with prostate cancer. One of the measures that can lessen the manifestation of cancer, including prostate, is regular exercise. Our work aims to evaluate the influence of resistive exercise and metabolism of ethanol in the ventral prostate of adult rats. Twenty rats without preference to ethanol, 20 UChB rats, ethanol high consumption and 20 UChB abstinent rats were divided into six groups. Three groups were subjected to physical training consisted of one week for adaptation and 13 weeks of physical training, performing four sets of 10 jumps with increasing overload of 50-70% body weight attached to the chest with 60 seconds rest between each series, three times per week. The other groups remained sedentary. Two days after the last training session, rats were euthanized by decapitation, blood and the intermediate and distal ventral prostate regions were collected and processed for immunohistochemical, western blot, biochemical and hormonal analysis. Our results suggest that exercise alters the metabolism of the prostate through paracrine interactions preventing prostate lesions

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:31:03Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2011-04-20Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T18:41:32Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 larosa_g_dr_arafcf.pdf: 673974 bytes, checksum: 4d2ce27e8e4be82a1d47bbc38eabfa9c (MD5) / Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) / O objetivo deste trabalho foi elaborar um produto cárneo a partir da CMS de tilápia-do- Nilo contendo os antioxidantes naturais: alecrim, orégano, sálvia e moringa e o antioxidante sintético propil galato, visando sua utilização como recheio ou acompanhamento da refeição. As degradações químicas e microbiológicas constituem os principais fatores de deterioração dos alimentos, sendo a oxidação um dos mais importantes processos de degradação por gerar sabores e odores desagradáveis. Como forma de prevenir ou retardar a oxidação, são adicionados ao alimento substâncias antioxidantes, e os condimentos têm demonstrado certo poder antioxidante, oferecendo uma alternativa ao uso de antioxidantes sintéticos. A composição centesimal, avaliação microbiológica e análise sensorial foram realizadas no início e final do armazenamento e, periodicamente foram determinados TBARS, BNVT, pH, cor instrumental e contagem de microrganismos psicrotróficos. Os resultados mostraram que os diferentes antioxidantes influenciaram o índice de oxidação lipídica e os valores de pH durante o período de armazenamento da CMS. Os valores de pH ficaram compreendidos entre 6,17 e 6,55 e os valores iniciais de malonaldeído foram semelhantes no início e a com orégano apresentou a menor oxidação (0,158 mg de MDA.kg-1 ), a qual foi acompanhada pela que continha sálvia (0,186 mg de MDA.kg-1 ). A maior oxidação, neste período, foi verificada para a CMS sem antioxidante, e o alecrim e moringa foram os antioxidantes naturais menos efetivos. Os valores da intensidade de vermelho (a*) para as CMS elaboradas sem antioxidante e com alecrim não apresentaram alterações durante o armazenamento e os valores de BNVT (11,41 a 12,35 mgN.100g-1 ) não foram alterados com os condimentos. Considerando o efeito dos antioxidantes x armazenamento os recheios apresentaram valores diferentes de pH quando... / The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of oregano, sage, moringa and rosemary as natural antioxidants and propyl gallate as artificial antioxidant used in stuffed food made with minced fish of tilapia and stored frozen for 120 days. Chemistry and microbiological degradations are the main causes of food deterioration, and oxidation is one of the most important process of degradation because it can generate unpleasant flavor. Lipid oxidation is one of the most important alterations that affect both oils or fats and foods that contain them, as a way to prevent or retard oxidation, antioxidant substances are added in the food. The condiments have demonstrated antioxidant activity and offer an alternative in order to replace synthetic antioxidants. Protein, fat, moisture and ashes determination, microbiological analysis and sensory evaluations were conducted in the beginning and the end of storage period. TBARS, BNVT, pH, instrumental color and psychrotrophic microorganism count were determined periodically. The antioxidants interfered in pH (6,17 and 6,55) and TBARS values during 120 days under freezing (-18 o C). The lowest TBA values were found for oregano (0,158 mg de MDA.kg-1 ) and sage (0,186 mg de MDA.kg-1 ). The stuffed food made with minced fish of tilapia, without antioxidant, had the most oxidation, and sage and moringa were not good source of antioxidant. Red color (a*), in products with rosemary and control, and BNVT values (11,41 - 12,35 mgN.100g-1 ) were not altered. The lowest pH value was found for the product with sage (6,20), but similar to the moringa and propyl gallate, while oregano and rosemary showed the highest values (6,63 and 6,29), at 5 days of storage. Microbiological analyses were in accordance with Brazilian legislation. Sensory evaluation indicated that the panelists preferred the formulations made with oregano and propyl gallate. The results showed ... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

O benefício do consumo de compostos bioativos, como os carotenóides, tem sido amplamente demonstrado pela literatura científica. No entanto, alguns destes bioativos (como os carotenos), devido à sua hidrofobicidade, apresentam dificuldades para serem incorporados em formulações alimentícias aquosas, além de serem, dependendo da matriz alimentícia na qual estão inseridos, dificilmente absorvidos no tratogastrointestinal - ou seja, possuem limitada biodisponibilidade. Tais problemas podem ser contornados através da micro e da nanoencapsulação. O presente trabalho de Mestrado teve como objetivo utilizar a triestearina e o ácido esteárico para a encapsulação do beta-caroteno em micro e nanopartículas lipídicas sólidas, a caracterização físico-química das estruturas formadas e a avaliação da estabilidade química e microestrutural das mesmas. Nos sistemas microparticulados de ácido esteárico (AE) foi utilizado como tensoativo o polisorbato 80 e foram produzidos com 4 e 6% de lipídio, na ausência e na presença de alfa-tocoferol, e todos se mostram extremamente estáveis em relação à distribuição do tamanho médio das partículas, mas somente as partículas que continham alfa-tocoferol conseguiram preservar o beta-caroteno ao longo do período de 7 meses de armazenagem. No caso das micropartículas de triestearina também foram produzidos sistema com 4 e 6% de lipídio total, e a presença do hidrocolóide goma xantana foi essencial para evitar a floculação e permitir a estabilidade do sistema, e foram testadas formulações contendo misturas de tensoativos fosfatidilcolina de soja e polisorbato 60 e fosfatidilcolina de soja e polisorbato 20. Dentre tais sistemas, somente as micropartículas sólidas estabilizadas com polisorbato 60 se mostraram estáveis em relação ao tamanho médio das partículas, e o sistema com menor quantidade de lipídio manteve-se resistente à floculação até o 4º mês de estocagem. Sistemas nanoparticulados foram produzidos com 6% de lipídio total, testando-se uma e duas passagens no homogeneizador à alta pressão. Os dados obtidos indicaram que as nanopartículas lipídicas de AE não diferiram em relação à distribuição de tamanho, mas apresentaram aumento do diâmetro de partícula ao longo do tempo de estocagem. Por sua vez, para as nanopartículas de triestearina os sistemas (tanto com uma quanto com duas passagens no homogeneizador a alta pressão) se mostraram estáveis até cerca de dois meses de armazenagem, em termos de diâmetro médio de partícula, sendo que a distribuição de tamanho se mostrou mais homogênea para o sistema com duas passagens. A microestrutura de todos os sistemas foi avaliada por difratometria de raio-X (DRX) e calorimetria diferencial de varredura (DSC), e a quantidade de beta-caroteno preservada ao longo do tempo foi monitorada espectofometricamente e por colorimetria instrumental. De maneira geral, os sistemas microparticulados se mostraram melhores do que os nanoparticulados, tanto do ponto de vista de estabilidade da estrutura quanto da preservação do beta-caroteno. / The benefits from the consumption of bioactive compounds, like carotenoids, have been widely demonstrated for scientific literature. However, some of this compounds (like carotenes), due totheir hydrophobicity, are difficult to be incorporated in aqueous food formulations, and, depending on the food matrices where they are introduced, are hardly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract - in order words, they present limited bioavailability. These problems can be overcome by micro and nanoencapsulation. In this context, the objective of this study was to investigate the temporal stability of beta-carotene encapsulated in solid lipid micro and nano particles produced with a mixture of stearic acid or tristearin and sunflower oil, monitoring the microstructure of the systems by X-ray diffractometry, differential scanning calorimetry, zeta potential and particle size measurements, and try to link the preservation of beta-carotene with microstructural considerations. The surfactant used for the stearic acid microparticulate systems was polysorbate 80 and formulations with 4 and 6% of total lipid were produced, in the absence and presence of alpha-tocopherol, and all systems showed high stability in terms of average particle diameter and size distribution, but only the particles containing alpha-tocopherol preserved the content of beta-carotene during the storage period of 7 months In the case of the tristearin microparticles the presence of a hydrocolloid (xanthan gum) was essential for avoid flocculation and improves the system stability, and formulations containing mixtures of surfactants (soybean phosphatidylcholine and polysorbate 60 and phosphatidylcholine and polysorbate 20) were tested. Among such systems, only the solidmicroparticles stabilized with phosphatidylcholine and polysorbate 60 showed stability in terms of average particle diameter and size distribution, and the system with less concentration of solid lipid did not show significant destabilization until the 4th month of storage. As for the nanoparticulated systems, formulations with 6% of total lipid were produced, testing one and two passages in high pressure homogenizer. Our results indicated the stearic acid solid nanoparticles did not exhibitalterations of size distribution, but average particle diameter increased along the time. On the other hand, the triestearin nanoparticles (both with one and two passage in high pressure homogeneizer) showed stability until two months of storage, in terms of average particle diameter, and the size distribution demonstrated to be more homogeneous for the systems submitted to two passages. As an overall conclusion, the microparticulated systems seemed to be more stable than the nanoparticulated ones, from the point of view of structure stability as well as in terms of beta-carotene preservation of beta-carotene.