Macrophages are mononuclear phagocytic cells that have diverse roles within the body. Tissue specific macrophages, e.g. Kupffer cells, microglia and osteoclasts, have roles in tissue homeostasis, while circulating macrophages play an important role in the innate immune system. Macrophages detect the presence of pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) via a range of receptors known collectively as pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs). Detection of pathogens causes the macrophages to become ‘activated,’ during which the macrophages undergo extreme morphological and translational changes that enable the pathogen to be neutralised and other immune system components to be recruited. Macrophage activation must be carefully regulated and promptly resolved, as chronic inflammation is damaging to the host. MicroRNAs have emerged as one mechanism by which activation is regulated. MicroRNAs are small, non-coding pieces of RNA that function as a post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism. Their action is exerted through binding with a complementary region in the 3’ untranslated region (3’UTR) of the target mRNA. This binding, facilitated by the ribonuclear protein complex RISC, prevents successful translation of the mRNA into its protein product. MicroRNAs have been shown to function across species, throughout development and during the adult life-span. In the immune system, microRNAs are known to be required for correct formation of germinal centres and normal development of B- and T-cells. MicroRNAs have also been shown to be differentially regulated during macrophage activation with different stimuli. In particular, miR-155, miR-146a and miR-21 are associated with macrophage activation by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The objective of this work was to further understand the role of microRNAs during macrophage activation with LPS. Two approaches were adopted. Firstly, the regulation of individual microRNAs in LPS-activated bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDMs) was characterised by the use of illumina small RNA sequencing. Secondly, the requirement of the global microRNA population during macrophage biology was investigated through the use of DGCR8 and Dicer knockout systems. In keeping with the large number of changes reported in mRNA translation upon activation, expression of >400 microRNAs were found to be differentially regulated by exposure to LPS. Twelve of these microRNAs were chosen for further study (miR- 142-3p, -146a, -15b, -155, -16, -191, -21, -27b, -30b, -322-5p, -378 and -7a). Individual knock-down of these microRNAs in the RAW264.7 macrophage-like cell line mostly demonstrated subtle, rather than dramatic changes to the activation marker genes studied by RT-QPCR analysis. However, knock-down of miR-146a, -15b, - 155 and -191 were able to significantly alter the expression of the activation marker genes (Tnf-a, Cox2, Cxcl2, Il-6 and Saa3). Interestingly, knock-down of miR-142-3p, miR-146a and miR-155 appeared to show cross-regulation of these microRNAs. The cell index (CI) data suggested that miR-191 and miR-21 influence adhesion in activated macrophages. Studies with the DGCR8 and Dicer knockout systems showed that the global microRNA population was required for successful differentiation of macrophages from embryonic stem cells, and for normal expression of differentiation and activation markers in bone marrow derived macrophages. Overall, these results show that dynamic expression of microRNAs is an integral part of the macrophage response to LPS.

A própolis é uma substância resinosa, cujas atividades antibacteriana, antiinflamatória, antiviral, fungicida, imuno estimulante, cicatrizante e de anestésico local tem sido valorizadas no uso clínico. O lipopolissacarídeo (LPS) é reconhecidamente uma endotoxina e pode induzir processos inflamatórios. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram: a) analisar in vitro as seguintes propriedades do extrato de própolis verde: 1) perfil físico químico 2) Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM) frente à endotoxina da bactéria gram negativa Escherichia coli; e 3) sua atividade imunorregulatória sobre leucócitos de baço de ratos; b) analisar &Prime;in vivo&Prime; a ação do Extrato Etanólico de Própolis (EEP) 10% e 90% e do Extrato de Própolis Puro (EPP), em alvéolos dentais contaminados ou não com lipopolissacarídeo (LPS) bacteriano. Para o estudo in vivo 35 ratos foram submetidos às exodontias dos primeiros molares superiores direito e esquerdo, os quais, imediatamente tiveram o alvéolo dental direito contaminado com 0,1µL de lipopolissacarídeo (LPS) (100µg/kg) e o esquerdo sem tal contaminação. Os grupos com (n=7) para cada tratamento, após 2 semanas: GI- Controle Negativo (CN) - sem tratamento; GII- Tratados com Extrato de Própolis puro (EPP) GIII- Tratados com pasta de própolis a 90% (P90); GIV- Tratados com pasta de própolis a 10% (P10); e, GV- Tratado com veículo das pastas (SB) foram analisados. Os alvéolos foram removidos, desmineralizados, processados pela técnica histológica de rotina, submetidos a secções sistematizadas a 6 µm de espessura e corados em H.E. O volume de osso formado, foi avaliado por contagem de pontos, usando um Sistema Teste sobreposto as imagens capturadas com auxílio de uma câmera acoplada a um microscópio. Observada a normalidade dos dados, procedeu-se o teste ANOVA fatorial e Tukey-Kramer test (p<0,05). In vitro determinou-se a propriedade da própolis, sua CIM e atividade imunorregulatória. In vivo os alvéolos dentais contaminados com lipopolissacarídeo bacteriano e tratados com a própolis verde apresentou maior área de osso neoformado, quando comparado aos demais grupos experimentais. O alvéolo não contaminado e tratado com própolis pura mostrou maior área de fibras colágenas. / Propolis is a resinous substance, whose antibacterial, antiinflammatory, antiviral, antifungal, immune stimulant, and local anesthetic wound healing properties has been considered for clinical practice. The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is recognized as an endotoxin and can induce inflammatory processes. Our objectives were: a) to analyze in vitro the following properties of green propolis extract: 1) physicochemical profile of green propolis sample, 2) Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) against endotoxin from gram negative Escherichia coli and 3) its immunoregulatory activity using leukocytes from the spleen of mice,. b) analyze in vivo, the action of propolis ethanol extract (EEP) 10% and 90% and Pure Propolis Extract (EPP) in dental alveoli or not contaminated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) bacterial. For in vivo study, 35 rats were subjected to extractions of maxillary first molars, right and left, which immediately had the right dental socket contaminated with 0.1 µL of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (100µg/kg) and left without such contamination. They were divided into groups (n = 7) for each sample after 2 weeks, according to the treatment in the right and left alveoli: GI-Negative Control (NC) - no treatment, GII-Treated Pure Propolis Extract (EPP) GIII-Treated folder with propolis 90% (P90), GIV-Treated folder with propolis 10% (P10) and GV-Treated folder with vehicle (SB). The alveoli were removed, demineralized, processed by routine histologic technique, submitted to systematic sections (6 microns) of thick and stained with HE for histological analysis to assess the new bone tissue volume by point counting method, using a Test system on images captured with the aid of a digital camera attached to a microscope. Observed data normality, we proceeded to ANOVA and Tukey-Kramer tests (p <0.05). In vitro, it was determined the propolis properties, CIM and immunoregulatory activity. In vivo, the alveoli contamined with bacterian lipopolysaccharide and treated with green propolis induced higher bone formation when compared to other groups. The non contamined alveoli and treated with pure propolis showed more quantity of collagen fibers.

In both the legume symbiont Sinorhizobium meliloti and the mammalian pathogen Brucella abortus, the inner membrane BacA protein is essential for host persistence. In free-living S. meliloti and B. abortus loss of the BacA protein also results in an increased resistance to the glycopeptide bleomycin and a ~ 50% decrease in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) very-long-chain-fatty-acid (VLCFA) content. Consequently, it was proposed that BacA may be involved in transport of peptides into the cell and/or that BacA may be involved in the VLCFA modification of the LPS. During this work it was determined that the increased resistance observed in an S. meliloti DbacA mutant to bleomycin and to the truncated eukaryotic peptide Bac7(1-16), is independent of the VLCFA modification. These data support a model for BacA having multiple non-overlapping functions. Using flow cytometry studies with fluorescently labelled forms of bleomycin and Bac7(1-16) it was found that the BacA protein plays a role in the uptake of bleomycin. However, BacA was shown to be essential for the uptake of Bac7(1-16). Additionally, it was determined that two symbiotically defective bacA site directed mutants with known reductions in their VLCFA could still take up Bac7, suggesting that the BacA function that leads to the VLCFA modification could also play a key role in host persistence. To investigate further the role of BacA in the VLCFA modification and where in the cell envelope the lipid A is modified with the VLCFA, the role of the putative lipid trafficking protein MsbA2 was investigated. Interestingly, it was discovered that S. meliloti lacking the MsbA2 protein, is unable to enter host cells and induces a plant defence response more characteristic of a pathogen. To investigate the importance of the VLCFA modification during the symbiosis S. meliloti mutants lacking either the AcpXL (VLCFA acyl carrier protein) or LpxXL (VLCFA acyl transferase protein) were characterized in the host. Although not essential for host persistence, loss of each of the proteins did result in distinct defects, suggesting the VLCFA modification is important during the symbiosis. Since there are hundreds of nodule specific cysteine-rich peptides produced by the host plant Medicago truncatula, the BacA mediated uptake of one of these peptides combined with the VLCFA modification may account for the essential role of the BacA protein in the legume symbiosis.

Systemic inflammation is thought to be an important driver in chronic neurodegeneration. During systemic infection, the inflammatory status of the periphery is communicated to the brain and conserved sickness behaviours initiated. However, in the context of dementia the same inflammatory stimulus might trigger delirium. Delirium is a severe, transient neuropsychiatric condition characterised by altered levels of arousal, inattention, cognitive deficits and psychoses. Delirium and systemic inflammation exacerbate the trajectory of pre-existing dementia, and are associated with increased risk of future dementia. Accumulating experimental studies suggest microglia are “primed” by chronic neurodegeneration, such that a subsequent inflammatory insult – central or systemic – induces an increased inflammatory response which manifests as exaggerated sickness behaviours. To date there have been no studies of microglial priming in the context of pure tau pathology, without amyloid pathology, and none investigating acute sickness behaviour in such a model. The overarching aim of this thesis is to address this gap in the literature and further our understanding of the interactions between systemic inflammation, neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in the context of tauopathy. The P301S mouse over-expresses human mutant tau protein under the Thy1.2 promoter. It develops hyperphosphorylated and insoluble tau accumulations and progressive neuronal loss. Consequently, P301S mice develop progressive hind limb paralysis. This study identified the horizontal bar task, a test of motor control and coordination, conducted at weekly intervals from 8-22 weeks of age, as a non-invasive measure of disease progression. In addition, a detailed temporal profile of pathological hallmarks at 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 16 and 20 weeks of age was determined. Key results presented here demonstrate progressive, superficial neuronal loss in the cortex of P301S mice, with associated astrogliosis and surprisingly this occurs in the absence of apparent cortical microgliosis. In stark contrast, there is progressive microgliosis in the spinal cord of P301S mice. On this background, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a chemical moiety found on the outer surface of gram-negative bacteria, was used to mimic a systemic bacterial infection. P301S mice and C57BL/6 control mice were injected, at 10 or 16 weeks of age, intraperitoneally with 500 μg/kg LPS or saline and were monitored in the following hours and weeks. Acutely, P301S mice showed signs of an exaggerated, longer lasting sickness response. Importantly, exaggerated acute symptoms extended beyond those typically associated with sickness behaviour; LPS induced an exaggerated acute impairment of horizontal bar performance in P301S mice and not C57BL/6 mice – a function which is known to be impaired in P301S mice later in disease. Impairments were age-dependent in terms of timing of injection. These data suggest an interaction between acute infection and existing CNS vulnerability leading to acute neurological dysfunction that is not a feature observed in sickness in a normal animal. LPS-injected P301S mice also showed, again age-dependent, increased rate of decline in motor performance compared with controls. There was no evidence of microglial priming in P301S mice. LPS caused an acute increase in AT8-positive phospho-tau however this did not persist until end stage. At 22 weeks of age there was significant disease-associated cortical neuronal loss in the vehicle-injected P301S mice, and additional superficial cortical neuronal loss in LPS-injected P301S mice and control mice. There was significant IBA1-positive microgliosis in the spinal cord of P301S mice at end stage which was further increased in LPS-injected P301S mice. Taken together these data indicate a clear and clinically relevant interaction between systemic inflammation and tau-associated neuropathology with acute and long-term functional consequences. In the absence of evidence of microglial priming, future work will explore potential mechanisms.

A própolis é uma substância resinosa, cujas atividades antibacteriana, antiinflamatória, antiviral, fungicida, imuno estimulante, cicatrizante e de anestésico local tem sido valorizadas no uso clínico. O lipopolissacarídeo (LPS) é reconhecidamente uma endotoxina e pode induzir processos inflamatórios. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram: a) analisar in vitro as seguintes propriedades do extrato de própolis verde: 1) perfil físico químico 2) Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM) frente à endotoxina da bactéria gram negativa Escherichia coli; e 3) sua atividade imunorregulatória sobre leucócitos de baço de ratos; b) analisar &Prime;in vivo&Prime; a ação do Extrato Etanólico de Própolis (EEP) 10% e 90% e do Extrato de Própolis Puro (EPP), em alvéolos dentais contaminados ou não com lipopolissacarídeo (LPS) bacteriano. Para o estudo in vivo 35 ratos foram submetidos às exodontias dos primeiros molares superiores direito e esquerdo, os quais, imediatamente tiveram o alvéolo dental direito contaminado com 0,1µL de lipopolissacarídeo (LPS) (100µg/kg) e o esquerdo sem tal contaminação. Os grupos com (n=7) para cada tratamento, após 2 semanas: GI- Controle Negativo (CN) - sem tratamento; GII- Tratados com Extrato de Própolis puro (EPP) GIII- Tratados com pasta de própolis a 90% (P90); GIV- Tratados com pasta de própolis a 10% (P10); e, GV- Tratado com veículo das pastas (SB) foram analisados. Os alvéolos foram removidos, desmineralizados, processados pela técnica histológica de rotina, submetidos a secções sistematizadas a 6 µm de espessura e corados em H.E. O volume de osso formado, foi avaliado por contagem de pontos, usando um Sistema Teste sobreposto as imagens capturadas com auxílio de uma câmera acoplada a um microscópio. Observada a normalidade dos dados, procedeu-se o teste ANOVA fatorial e Tukey-Kramer test (p<0,05). In vitro determinou-se a propriedade da própolis, sua CIM e atividade imunorregulatória. In vivo os alvéolos dentais contaminados com lipopolissacarídeo bacteriano e tratados com a própolis verde apresentou maior área de osso neoformado, quando comparado aos demais grupos experimentais. O alvéolo não contaminado e tratado com própolis pura mostrou maior área de fibras colágenas. / Propolis is a resinous substance, whose antibacterial, antiinflammatory, antiviral, antifungal, immune stimulant, and local anesthetic wound healing properties has been considered for clinical practice. The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is recognized as an endotoxin and can induce inflammatory processes. Our objectives were: a) to analyze in vitro the following properties of green propolis extract: 1) physicochemical profile of green propolis sample, 2) Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) against endotoxin from gram negative Escherichia coli and 3) its immunoregulatory activity using leukocytes from the spleen of mice,. b) analyze in vivo, the action of propolis ethanol extract (EEP) 10% and 90% and Pure Propolis Extract (EPP) in dental alveoli or not contaminated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) bacterial. For in vivo study, 35 rats were subjected to extractions of maxillary first molars, right and left, which immediately had the right dental socket contaminated with 0.1 µL of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (100µg/kg) and left without such contamination. They were divided into groups (n = 7) for each sample after 2 weeks, according to the treatment in the right and left alveoli: GI-Negative Control (NC) - no treatment, GII-Treated Pure Propolis Extract (EPP) GIII-Treated folder with propolis 90% (P90), GIV-Treated folder with propolis 10% (P10) and GV-Treated folder with vehicle (SB). The alveoli were removed, demineralized, processed by routine histologic technique, submitted to systematic sections (6 microns) of thick and stained with HE for histological analysis to assess the new bone tissue volume by point counting method, using a Test system on images captured with the aid of a digital camera attached to a microscope. Observed data normality, we proceeded to ANOVA and Tukey-Kramer tests (p <0.05). In vitro, it was determined the propolis properties, CIM and immunoregulatory activity. In vivo, the alveoli contamined with bacterian lipopolysaccharide and treated with green propolis induced higher bone formation when compared to other groups. The non contamined alveoli and treated with pure propolis showed more quantity of collagen fibers.

Confinement of the obligate intracellular bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis to a membrane-bound vacuole, termed an inclusion, within infected epithelial cells neither prevents secretion of chlamydial antigens into the host cytosol nor protects chlamydiae from innate immune detection. However, the details leading to chlamydial antigen presentation are not clear. By immunoelectron microscopy of infected endometrial epithelial cells and in isolated cell secretory compartments, chlamydial major outer membrane protein (MOMP), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the inclusion membrane protein A (IncA) were localized to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and co-localized with multiple ER markers, but not with markers of the endosomes, lysosomes, Golgi nor mitochondria. Chlamydial LPS was also co-localized with CD1d in the ER. Since the chlamydial antigens, contained in everted inclusion membrane vesicles, were found within the host cell ER, these data raise additional implications for antigen processing by infected uterine epithelial cells for classical and non-classical T cell antigen presentation.

Obesity over the last several has become a major health concern in our country as well as the world. Obesity is also one of the risk factors which lead to several inflammatory complications such as diabetes, artherosclerosis, etc. Two leading factors involved in the causes of inflammatory complications include leptin and low dose endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS). However, the mechanism underlying the involvement of these two mediators is not clearly understood. The purpose of this study is to understand the mechanism underlying inflammatory complications caused by leptin and low dose endotoxin most recently coined metabolic endotoxemia. Interleukin-Receptor Associated Kinase 1 (IRAK-1) is an intracellular signaling component shown to activate NFκB which leads to the induction of proinflammatory mediators. Deletion of IRAK-1 in mice has beneficial effects in alleviating inflammatory complications and human variations in IRAK-1 gene are correlated with higher risks for inflammatory diseases. Therefore, we hypothesized that IRAK-1 is critically involved for the induction of proinflammatory mediators induced by leptin and low dose LPS. IL-6 mRNA levels were measured in THP-1 (human monocytic cells) and wild type and IRAK-deficient bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDM) challenged with different combinations of leptin and LPS. Data shows that leptin alone will not induce inflammatory mediators. However, increased induction of IL-6 was observed in a synergistic manner involving both LPS and leptin in an IRAK-1 dependent manner causing a robust inflammatory response. With regard to the effect of low dose LPS, we observed that human monocytic cells treated with low concentrations of LPS showed a mild yet sustained induction of proinflammatory cytokines, which is contrast to the robust and transient induction of cytokines by a high dose LPS. To further determine the molecular mechanisms, we measured several key signaling molecules that include IRAK-1, IKKepsilon, and C/EBPdelta. Our study revealed a novel mechanism that appears to be distinct from the traditional NFï «B pathway responsible for the effect of low dose LPS. / Ph. D.

A depressão é hoje a doença mental mais comum do mundo, afetando mais de 121 milhões de pessoas. Além disso, estima-se que em aproximadamente uma década ela se torne a 2º doença responsável pela perda prematura de vida entre todas as idades e sexos. Diferentes propostas foram feitas no intuito de se compreender os mecanismos pelos quais essa doença incide, contudo a etiologia dos transtornos depressivos ainda não é totalmente entendida. Existem consideráveis evidências de que a administração perinatal de lipopolissacarídeo (LPS), uma endotoxina bacteriana, promove efeitos persistentes no desenvolvimento e comportamento da prole de camundongos, os quais podem-se manter até a idade adulta. Ainda, esses eventos podem ter implicações evolucionárias ligadas a alterações transgeracionais. Tendo em vista que a ativação do sistema imune pode estar relacionada com os transtornos depressivos, o presente trabalho expos pré-natalmente ao LPS uma geração de camundongos avaliando os efeitos comportamentais dessa exposição em três gerações subsequentes levando-se em consideração os comportamentos depressivos e não depressivos de cada geração avaliada. Para isso camundongos fêmeas, após terem o comportamento selecionado pelo teste de suspensão da cauda (TSC), foram cruzadas com machos de mesmo comportamento recebendo 100g/kg de LPS ou solução salina no 15º dia de prenhez. Após os nascimentos, as gerações subsequentes tiveram o comportamento em questão avaliado pelo TSC, bem como a atividade geral em campo aberto. Além disso, a interação materno-filhote foi avaliada, uma vez que alterações na mesma poderiam contribuir para os efeitos do tratamento com a endotoxina. Ainda, foi-se realizado um desafio com LPS na geração filial 3, na qual o nível de citocinas e a expressão do comportamento doentio foram avaliadas. Os resultados mostraram que (i) a administração do LPS na geração parental não afetou o comportamento depressivo e não depressivo nas três gerações avaliadas, dado que animais com comportamento depressivo tiveram mais filhotes com o mesmo comportamento em todas as gerações. (ii) Foram observadas alterações no comportamento materno da geração parental, possivelmente ligadas a motivação materna desses animais. (iii) Foram encontradas alterações transgeracionais na atividade geral de camundongos machos e fêmeas das gerações filiais 1 e 2. Tais alterações foram mais x expressivas nos machos e, havendo diferenças entre o comportamento. Esses dados apontam que a exposição a endotoxina possui diferentes consequências de acordo com o comportamento e, (iv) os animais da geração filial 3 quando desafiados com a endotoxina apresentaram maior comportamento doentio e maiores níveis de citocinas. Esses dados apontam para um forte componente genético na transmissão do comportamento, além de, uma influencia epigenética na modulação do mesmo. Ainda, foi possível concluir que a inflamação gerada pela administração pré-natal do LPS atua de forma distinta entre os sexos, bem como o histórico comportamental, no caso, o comportamento depressivo e não depressivo estudados nesse trabalho / Depression disorders are to be considered the most common mental illness affecting more than 121 million people worldwide. It is estimated that approximately one decade it becomes the 2nd disease most responsible for premature loss of life of all ages and sexes. Different proposals to understand this disorders have been made in the past years, however its etiology it is still yet fully understood. There is considerable evidence that the administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a bacterial endotoxin, promotes persistent effects on development and behavior of the offspring of mice, which are maintained into adulthood. Still, these events may have evolutionary implications related to transgenerational changes. Given that activation of the immune system may be related to depressive disorders, this study aimed to expose a generation of mice to LPS evaluating the behavioral effects on three subsequent generations taking into account the depressive-like and non depressive-like behaviors assessed on each generation by the tail suspension test (TST). For this, female mice after behavior selected by the tail suspension test (TST) were crossed with males of the same behavior and exposed to 100g/kg of LPS or saline solution on day 15th of pregnancy. After births, the subsequent generations were also evaluated on the TST and in the open field for general activity. In addition, the maternal interaction was also evaluated, since changes on this parameter could contribute to the treatment effects of the endotoxin. Yet, has been performed a challenge with LPS in the generation branch 3, wherein the level of expression of cytokines and sickness behavior were evaluated. The results showed that (i) the administration of LPS in the parental generation did not affect the depressive-like behaviors on the three generations evaluated, since animals with depressive-like and non depressive-like behavior had more offspring with the same behavior in all generations. (ii) Changes were observed in maternal behavior of the parental generation which is possibly related to a change in motivational state of those animals. (iii) Transgenerational alterations were found in the general activity of male and female mice of the filial generation 1 and 2. These changes were more significant in males and differences between depressive-like e non depressive-like behaviors were also observed. Together, these data indicate that the exposure to endotoxin has different consequences according to the animal historical behavior and, xii finally, (iv) the animals of filial generation 3 when challenged with endotoxin had higher sickness behavior and higher levels of cytokines when evaluated in the open field test. These data point to a strong genetic component in the transmission of behavior and, besides, a possible influence of epigenetic mechanism of the same. Furthermore it was possible to concluded that inflammation state created by the prenatal LPS exposure acts differently according to the animal historical behavior, in this case, the depressive-like and non depressive-like behavior studied, and also acting differently according to the sexes

Os aminoácidos de cadeia ramificada (ACR) são considerados indispensáveis, pois não podem ser sintetizados endogenamente, sendo facilmente obtidos pela dieta. Entretanto, em determinadas condições clínicas, tanto a ingestão quando a absorção desses aminoácidos pode estar comprometida, levando ao estado hipercatabólico e prejudicando a função imune. O papel imunomodulador dos ACR tem sido relacionado com a melhora no balanço nitrogenado e o aumento da síntese e proliferação de células imunes, bem como, da síntese de mediadores inflamatórios. Entretanto, o mecanismo pelo qual os ACR exercem essas funções supracitadas ainda não é claro na literatura científica. Desta forma, esse trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos da suplementação com ACR sobre os parâmetros inflamatórios e moleculares em macrófagos RAW 264.7 estimulados com lipopolissacarídeo (LPS). As culturas celulares foram distribuídas em cinco grupos: CTL - sem suplementação com ACR; LEU - suplementado com leucina (2 mmol/L); ISO - suplementado com isoleucina (2mmol/L); VAL - suplementado com valina (2 mmol/L) e LIV - suplementado com leucina (2 mmol/L), isoleucina (2 mmol/L) e valina (2 mmol/L). O estado inflamatório foi induzido pela adição de LPS (1 &#181;g/mL) ao meio de cultura, seguindo quatro protocolos de tratamento: PT - pré-tratamento; TA - tratamento agudo; TC - tratamento crônico e TT - tratamento tardio. O ensaio de viabilidade celular foi realizado pelo teste MTT e a dosagem de óxido nítrico (NO) pela reação de Griess. As citocinas pró e anti-inflamatórias, e a prostaglandina E2 (PGE2) foram analisadas pelo método de ELISA. Para a avaliação dos parâmetros moleculares foi utilizado o método de western blotting. Houve aumento da viabilidade celular em todos os grupos suplementados em relação ao grupo controle no TA, no TC e no TT. Acerca da síntese de NO, a suplementação com ACR foi capaz de aumentar esse parâmetro em três dos quatro tratamentos propostos (PT, TA e TC). Em relação à síntese de citocinas pró e anti-inflamatórias, o PT e o TC foram mais eficazes em aumentar esse parâmetro em comparação aos outros tratamentos. Não houve diferença entre os grupos em relação à capacidade de síntese de PGE2 e à fosforilação de proteínas intracelulares. A partir dos resultados obtidos é possível concluir que os ACR contribuem significativamente para a viabilidade celular, bem como para a síntese de mediadores pró e anti-inflamatórios, sendo que o protocolo de suplementação se apresenta como fator determinante para obtenção desses resultados. Apesar da literatura científica atribuir grande parte dos efeitos imunomodulatórios à leucina, os resultados obtidos nesse estudo atribuem relevante potencial imunomodulador à isoleucina, abrindo espaço para um importante tema de estudo. / Branched chain amino acids (BCAA) are considered indispensable, since they cannot be endogenously synthesized, being easily obtained by diet. However, in certain clinical conditions, both the intake and absorption of these amino acids may be compromised, leading to the hypercatabolic state and impairing the immune function. The immunomodulatory role of BCAA has been associated with the nitrogen balance improvement and the increase of production and proliferation of immune cells, as well as the synthesis of inflammatory mediators. However, the mechanisms by which BCAA modulate the immune system have not yet been completely elucidated. In this sense, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of BCAA supplementation on intracellular mechanisms and inflammatory parameters in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Cell cultures were distributed into five groups: CTL - without ACR supplementation; LEU - supplemented with leucine (2 mmol/L); ISO - supplemented with isoleucine (2mmol / L); VAL - supplemented with valine (2 mmol/L) and LIV - supplemented with leucine (2 mmol/L), isoleucine (2 mmol/L) and valine (2 mmol/L). The inflammatory state was induced by the addition of LPS (1 &#181;g/ml) to the culture medium, following four treatment protocols: PT - pre-treatment; TA - acute treatment; TC - chronic treatment and TT - late treatment. The cell viability assay was performed by the MTT test and the nitric oxide (NO) dosage by the Griess reaction. Pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were analyzed by ELISA. For the evaluation of the molecular parameters, the western blotting method was used. There was an increase in cell viability in all supplemented groups in relation to the control group in the TA, TC and TT treatments. Regarding NO synthesis, BCAA supplementation was able to increase NO production in three of the four proposed treatments (PT, TA and TC). In relation to the production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, PT and CT were more effective in increasing this parameter, compared to the other treatments. There was no difference between groups in relation to PGE2 production and intracellular protein phosphorylation. From the obtained results it is possible to conclude that the BCAA significantly contributed to the cell viability, as well as, for the production of pro and anti-inflammatory mediators, and the supplementation protocol presents as determinant factor to obtain these results. Although the scientific literature attributed a large part of the immunomodulatory effects to leucine, the results obtained in this study attribute relevant immunomodulatory potential to isoleucine, opening space for an important study topic.

Dissertação(mestrado) - Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia Física, Química e Geológica, Instituto de Oceanografia, 2007. / Submitted by Cristiane Silva (cristiane_gomides@hotmail.com) on 2013-02-18T15:57:58Z No. of bitstreams: 1 2007_fabiana_gutierrez.pdf: 651273 bytes, checksum: 521f5497a65fcefafef6ef4795036615 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Bruna Vieira(bruninha_vieira@ibest.com.br) on 2013-06-12T16:59:29Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 2007_fabiana_gutierrez.pdf: 651273 bytes, checksum: 521f5497a65fcefafef6ef4795036615 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2013-06-12T16:59:29Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2007_fabiana_gutierrez.pdf: 651273 bytes, checksum: 521f5497a65fcefafef6ef4795036615 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007 / Florações de cianobactérias têm sido freqüentemente encontradas nas águas do estuário da Lagoa dos Patos (RS). Um das principais cianobactérias de ocorrência local é o gênero Microcystis. As células de Microcystis têm tolerância a baixas salinidades, porém com o aumento abrupto da salinidade, as células podem sofrer lise. Muitas vezes, em função da hidrodinâmica local, essas florações de cianobactérias podem atingir a região da Praia do Cassino, possibilitando o contato com banhistas. Devido à natureza Gram-negativa da composição da parede celular das cianobactérias, esse contato com as células pode resultar em na ocorrência de casos de irritação epicutânea e reações alérgicas. O agente causador é o lipídeo A (endotoxina), encontrado no lipopolissacarídeo (LPS) da membrana externa das cianobactérias. Com o objetivo de detectar concentrações ambientais de LPS das florações de cianobactérias foi utilizado o método cromogênico cinético de ponto final do teste do Lisado do Amebócito de Limulus polyphemus (teste LAL). O teste LAL foi realizado em amostras de água de superfície coletadas nas regiões de São Lourenço do Sul, Praia do Laranjal (Pelotas), Museu Oceanográfico da FURG, Yacht Club do Rio Grande e Praia do Cassino (Rio Grande), entre os meses de dezembro de 2005 e março de 2006. Nestas amostras também foram estimados a abundância celular dos principais grupos do fitoplâncton, a concentração de clorofila-a, e medida a salinidade local no momento da coleta. Para avaliar a possível interferência dos sais nos resultados do teste LAL, também foram realizados cultivos da cianobactéria Microcystis crescendo em diferentes salinidades, onde também foram estimados a abundância celular, e as concentrações de clorofila-a, LPS e microcistinas. Os ajustes metodológicos realizados no teste LAL durante o trabalho resultaram em uma sensibilidade para sua aplicação nas amostras ambientais. As maiores concentrações de endotoxinas detectadas nas amostras ambientais (109,5 EU.mL-1, 71,8 EU.mL-1 e 93,7 EU.mL-1) se correlacionaram positivamente com as maiores abundâncias celulares (aproximadamente 600.000 células.mL-1, 400.000 células.mL-1 e 300.000 células.mL-1, respectivamente), todas com a presença da cianobactéria Microcystis. / Cyanobacterial blooms have been frequently observed in the waters of the Patos Lagoon estuary (RS). One of the main cyanobacterium of local occurrence is the genus Microcystis. The Microcystis cells present some tolerance to low salinity, but with the rapid salt increase the cells may suffer breakdown. Usually due to the local hydrodynamics these blooms may reach the recreational waters of the Cassino Beach, exposing swimming bathers to its contact. Due to the Gram-negative nature of the cyanobacterial cell membrane, this contact with the cells may result in case occurrences of epicutaneous irritation and allergic reactions. The causing agent is the lipid A (endotoxin), found on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of the external membrane of cyanobacteria. With the objective to detect environmental concentrations of LPS from cyanobacterial blooms, it was used the kinetic chromogenic endpoint method of the Limulus polyphemus Amebocyte Lisate test (LAL test). The LAL test was performed in surface water samples collected from the regions of São Lourenço do Sul, Laranjal Beach (Pelotas), FURG’s Oceanographic Museum, Yacht Club Rio Grande, and Cassino Beach (Rio Grande) betwen December 2005 and March 2006. In these samples it was also estimated the cellular abundance of the main phytoplanktonic groups, the chlorophyll-a concentration, and measured the local salinity. To evaluate the possible interference of salinity in the LAL test results, it was also cultivated the cyanobacterium Microcystis growing in different salinities. From these cultures it was estimate the cellular abundance, and chlorophyll-a, LPS and microcystin concentrations.. The methodological adjustments performed in the LAL test during this work resulted in a sensitivity for its application in environmental samples. The highest endotoxin concentrations detected in the environmental samples (109.5 EU.mL-1, 71.8 EU.mL-1 and 93.7 EU.mL-1) have positively correlated with the highest cell abundances (approximately 600,000 cells.mL-1, 400,000 cells.mL-1 and 300,000 cells.mL-1, respectively), all of them with the presence of the cyanobacteria Microcystis.