Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2004. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 127-141).

Streptococcus pneumoniae, le pneumocoque, est un pathogène majeur causant plus d'un million de morts par an dans le monde. De plus en plus de souches de pneumocoques sont résistants aux antibiotiques, en faisant un problème majeur de santé publique dans le monde. Une partie des ces antibiotiques sont les peptides anti-microbiens (AMP), qui sont produit aussi bien par l'hôte que des bactéries pathogènes en tant que premier système de défense. On trouve dans le pneumocoque un transporteur ABC (ATP-Binding Cassette) lié à un système de deux composants (TCS) – la kinase d'histidine (HK) et le régulateur de réponse (RR), qui cible les AMP. Récemment, il a été démontré, que l'absence du transporteur ABC augmente la sensibilité à la bacitracine. Dans ce projet, nous avons essayé à comprendre le mécanisme fonctionnel entre le transporteur ABC et TCS en utilisant des outils in vivo et in vitro. / Streptococcus pneumoniae, the pneumococcus, is a major human pathogen causing over a million deaths each year. Many pneumococcal strains display resistance towards antibiotics causing world-wide health concern. Some of these antibiotics are antimicrobial peptides (AMP), which are produced as a primary defense by hosts as well as pathogens. The pneumococcus harbors a system comprised of an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter and a two-component system (TCS) composed of a histidine kinase (HK) and a response regulator (RR), which targets these molecules. It has been shown recently that the removal of this ABC transporter increases the sensitivity of the bacteria towards bacitracin. In this project, we tried to understand the functioning mechanism of the ABC transporter and the co-operation with the TCS using both in vivo and in vitro techniques.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-08-26T17:15:04Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license.txt: 1748 bytes, checksum: 8a4605be74aa9ea9d79846c1fba20a33 (MD5) 122.pdf: 1194114 bytes, checksum: b0b0d31b9027bb954f6bb3ca83a18349 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007 / Os enterococos são patógenos com considerável capacidade de expressar resistência a vários antimicrobianos. Sua natureza ubiqüitária e resistência às condições ambientais adversas explicam sua habilidade para colonizar diferentes habitats e seu potencial para se disseminar com facilidade através da cadeia alimentar. No presente estudo avaliamos a distribuição das espécies e a susceptibilidade aos antimicrobianos entre enterococos isolados a partir de alimentos de origem animal (carne de frango e leite pasteurizado) obtidos de supermercados e feiras livres no Rio de Janeiro / RJ, Brasil. As seguintes espécies foram identificadas, entre 167 amostras isoladas obtidos de carne de frango e 127 obtidas de leite pasteurizado: E. faecalis (184 – 62,6%), E. casseliflavus (51 – 17,3%), E. durans (19 – 6,5%), E. gallinarum (9 – 3%), E. gilvus (7 – 2,4%), E. faecium 6 – 2%), E. hirae (4 – 1,4%) e E. sulfureus (3 – 1%). Os percentuais de resistência aos antimicrobianos entre os isolados foram: 32,1% à tetraciclina; 23,3% à eritromicina; 11,3% à estreptomicina; 0,7% ao cloranfenicol; 3,9% à gentamicina, 2,1% ao imipenem; 1,1% à norfloxacina; 0,7% à ciprofloxacina, nitrofurantoína e penicilina e 0,4% /à ampicilina. Resistência intermediária foi detectada em percentuais que variaram de 0,5% para a linezolida até 62% para a eritromicina. Nenhuma das amostras bacterianas apresentou resistência aos glicopeptídeos testados, vancomicina e teicoplanina. Resistência a níveis elevados de aminoglicosídeos foi observada em 13,1% dos isolados. Multirresistencia aos antimicrobianos foi observada nas espécies E. faecalis, E. casseliflavus, E. faecium, E. gallinarum, E. durans e E. gilvus. Entre os enterococos isolados de carne de frango e leite pasteurizado foi possível detectar a presença do gene ermB, responsável pela resistência à eritromicina entre E. faecalis, E. casseliflavus, E. gallinarum e E. durans. Os genes tetL, tetM e tetO, foram detectados nas espécies E. faecalis, E. casseliflavus e E. gallinarum isoladas a partir carne de frango. A diversidade genética de E. faecalis (54 isolados) apresentando características de multirresistencia aos antimicrobianos, procedentes de carne de frango e de leite pasteurizado foi avaliada através da análise dos perfis de fragmentação do DNA cromossômico utilizando a endonuclease de restrição SmaI e eletroforese em campo pulsado (PFGE). Foi detectado um número elevado (39) de diferentes perfis de fragmentação do DNA cromossômico. Deste total, a maioria (30) foi constituída por apenas um isolado, revelando um elevada diversidade genética. / The enterococci are important nosocomial pathogens with a remarkable capacity of expressing resistance to several antimicrobial agents. Their ubiquitous nature and resistance to adverse environmental conditions take account for their ability to colonize different habitats and for their potential for easy spreading through the food chain. In the present study we evaluated the distribution of species and antimicrobial susceptibility among enterococcal isolates recovered from food obtained in retail stores in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The following species were identified among 167 isolates obtained from poultry meat and 127 from pasteurized milk: Enterococcus faecalis (62.6%), Enterococcus casseliflavus (17.3%), Enterococcus durans (6.5%), Enterococcus gallinarum (3.0%), Enterococcus gilvus (2.4%), Enterococcus faecium (2.0%), Enterococcus hirae (1.4%), and Enterococcus sulfureus (1.0%). The overall percentages of antimicrobial resistant isolates were: 31.2 % to tetracycline, 23.8% to erythromycin, 11.3% to streptomycin, 4.3% to chloramphenicol, 3.9% to gentamicin, 1.4% to norfloxacin, 1.1% to imipenem, 0.7% to ciprofloxacin, nitrofurantoin, and penicillin and 0.4% to ampicillin. Intermediate resistance was detected in frequencies varying from 0.5% for linezolid to 58.2% for erythromycin. None of the isolates showed resistance to glycopeptides. High-level resistance to aminoglycosides was observed in 13.1% of the isolates. Multiresistance was observed in E. faecalis, E. casseliflavus, E. faecium, E. gallinarum, E. durans and E. gilvus. The presence of the gene ermB, coding for the resistance to erythromycin, was detected by PCR in E. faecalis, E. casseliflavus, E. gallinarum and E. durans. The presence of the genes tetL, tetM and tetO, associated with resistance to tetracycline, were detected by PCR, among E. faecalis, E. casseliflavus, and E. gallinarum isolatede from poultry meat. The genetic diversity among multiresistant E. faecalis (54 isolates) from poultry meat and pasteurized milk, was evaluated by the analysis of the cromossomic DNA fragmentation profile by PFGE after cleavage with SmaI by PFGE. A variety (39) of different cromossomic DNA fragmentation profile or clonal complexes was found among multiresistant E. faecalis from poultry meat and milk, indicating a high level of genetic diversity.

A P-glicoproteína (P-gp) é uma transportadora transmembrana de múltiplos fármacos, produto do gene MDR1 (ABCB1). A P-gp contribui para a função de barreira de vários tecidos e órgãos, funcionando como uma bomba de efluxo para muitos substratos. Diminuição na expressão desta proteína é associada à sensibilidade a fármacos. Cães da linhagem dos Collies possuem uma alta incidência de uma mutação no gene MDR1, denominada nt230(del4). Animais homozigotos para a mutação apresentam a supressão total de uma P-gp funcional e um animal heterozigoto apresenta uma maior sensibilidade para substratos da P-gp, devido a uma diminuição na expressão da mesma. Alguns fármacos opioides, como a morfina e a metadona, foram identificados como substratos da P-gp. O tramadol é um dos analgésicos opioides mais utilizados em cães. No presente trabalho, a mutação MDR1 nt230(del4) foi analisada em vinte cães Collie, utilizando reação em cadeia de polimerase (PCR). A identificação foi realizada por eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida de alta resolução, sendo o resultado confirmado por análise de sequênciamento de DNA. Como resultado, seis cães apresentaram normalidade nos dois alelos e 14 apresentaram heterozigose para a mutação. Estes animais foram submetidos à segunda fase do experimento, quando se administrou uma dose única de 100 mg de tramadol oral de liberação prolongada (SR), objetivando investigar o tramadol como sendo substrato da P-gp. Outro objetivo foi avaliar a farmacocinética deste tipo de formulação, pois ainda não foi estabelecida para cães. A análise farmacocinética do tramadol foi realizada utilizando cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE) com detecção por espectrometria de massas para a determinação e quantificação de tramadol no soro canino. O analito e o padrão interno foram extraídos do soro por método líquido-líquido. A separação cromatográfica foi obtida a partir de uma coluna analítica C18, mantida a 30°C, sob condições isocráticas de uma fase móvel constituída por uma mistura de acetonitrila e ácido fórmico a 0,1% (80:20). A concentração de tramadol no soro foi maior do que o limite de quantificação (LOQ), em 17 cães. Os cães foram divididos em dois grupos, cães normais (MDR1 +/+) e heterozigotos (MDR1 +/-). Os cálculos farmacocinéticos para o tramadol oral SR obtiveram valores médios de concentração máxima no soro (Cmax) de 63,12 ng/mL ± 33,35 para o grupo normal e 58,00 ng/mL ± 27,29 para o grupo heterozigoto. Tmax (tempo de concentração plasmática maxima) foi de 4 h para ambos os grupos e t ½ (meia-vida) foram 2,85 h ± 1,61 e 2,81 ± 1,46 h para os cães normais e heterozigotos, respectivamente. A área sob a curva (AUC) média para o tramadol oral SR para o grupo normal e heterozigoto foram 350,20 ± 216,61 e 312,15 ± 155,43 ng.h/mL, respectivamente. A biodisponibilidade foi de 22% e 23% para os cães normais e heterozigotos, respectivamente. Não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos em todos os parâmetros farmacocinéticos. Os resultados sugerem que o tramadol não é um substrato da Pgp. A quantidade de dados farmacocinéticos do tramadol oral na formulação de liberação prolongada (SR) em cães é escassa, sendo necessários mais estudos farmacocinéticos e farmacodinâmicos para o tramadol oral de liberação prolongada em cães para estabelecer adequada dose e frequência de administração em cães. / The P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is a transmembrane multidrug transporter, product of the MDR1 (ABCB1) gene. P-gp contributes to the barrier function of several tissues and organs, acting as an efflux pump for many substrates. Decreased expression of this protein is associated with sensitivity to drugs. Collie dogs have a high incidence of a mutation in MDR1 gene, denominated MDR1 nt230 (del4). In homozygosis, this mutation results in the total absence of a functional P-gp and a heterozygote animal presents a greater sensibility to P-gp substrates, probably due to a decrease in the expression thereof. Some opioid drugs such as morphine and methadone were identified as P-gp substrates. Tramadol is one of the most commonly opioid used in dogs. In the present work MDR1nt230 (del4) mutation was analyzed in 20 healthy Collie dogs using allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Thereby, 6 homozygous intact and 14 heterozygous mutated MDR1 genotypes can be differentiated by high resolution polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, confirmed by DNA sequence analysis. These animals underwent the second phase of the experiment, when a single oral administration of 100 mg of sustained release (SR) tramadol was administrated to investigate the tramadol as P-gp substrate. In addition, another aim was evaluate the pharmacokinetics of sustained release formulation, which has not been established for dogs. Pharmacokinetic analysis of tramadol was evaluated using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with tandem mass spectrometry for determination and quantification of tramadol in canine serum. The analyte and internal standard (IS) were extracted from serum using liquid-liquid method. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a C18 analytical column, kept at 30°C, under isocratic conditions of a mobile phase consisted by a mixture of acetonitrile and water contained 0,1% formic acid (80:20). Serum tramadol concentration was greater than the limit of quantification (LOQ) in 17 dogs. The dogs were divided into two groups, normal dogs (MDR1 +/+) and heterozygous (MDR1 +/-) according to the MDR1 genotype. The median values of maximum serum concentration (Cmax) were 63.13 ng/mL ± 33.35 for the normal group and 58.01 ng/mL ± 27.29 for the heterozygous group. Tmax (time to maximum serum concentration) was 4 h for both groups and t ½ (half-life) were 2,85h ± 1,61 e 2,81h ± 1,46 for normal and heterozygous dogs, respectively. The mean area-under-the-curve (AUC) values for the sustained release tramadol compounds for the normal and heterozygous group were 350,20 ±216,61 and 312,15 ± 155,43 ng.h/mL, respectively. The bioavailability was 22% and 23% for normal and heterozygous dogs respectively. There was no statistic difference between groups in all pharmacokinetics parameters. The findings suggest that tramadol is not a P-gp substrate. The amount of pharmacokinetics data of SR formulation of tramadol in dogs is sparse. Therefore, more studies of oral SR tramadol in dogs are needed to establish appropriate dose and frequency of administration in dogs.

Orientador: Antonio Carlos Paes / Resumo: A tuberculose causada por Mycobacterium bovis (bTB) é uma zoonose de distribuição mundial com ampla gama de hospedeiros. Nos países onde a bTB é prevalente, 10 a 20% dos casos de tuberculose humana são causados por M. bovis. São escassos em todo o mundo estudos que investigam a resistência à isoniazida (INH) e rifampicina (RMP) em linhagens de M. bovis de origem bovina, reservatórios silvestres, e em casos humanos de tuberculose. Foi investigada a diversidade genotípica de 67 linhagens de M. bovis isoladas de bovinos de abatedouro, obtidas de 100 linfonodos com lesão caseosa, pelas técnicas de Spoligotyping e MIRU-VNTR, bem como foi determinado o perfil fenotípico de resistência à INH e RMP pela técnica de REMA, e pesquisadas possíveis bases genéticas para resistência aos antimicrobianos. Dentre os isolados, 11 (16%) foram classificados como MDR-TB, 8 (12%) resistentes à INH e 2 (3%) resistentes à RMP. A pesquisa pelo GenoType MTBDRplus ver. 2.0 não acusou a presença de mutações em nenhum dos isolados fenotipicamente resistentes. Foram identificados 16 spoligotipos entre as linhagens. A subfamília BOV_1 predominou com 52 (77,6%) isolados, com os SIT 481, 482, 594, 665, 691, 698, 1021, 1667, 1852, 2141 e dois isolados sem shared type. A BOV_2 foi identificada em 8 (11,9%) isolados, com o SIT 683. Os SIT 982, 1851 e 1853 foram agrupados na família BOV. Dois isolados não foram classificados em família ou subfamília. A análise de MIRU-VNTR com painel de 12 MIRUs, identificou 31 i... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium bovis (bTB) is a zoonosis of worldwide distribution with broad host range. In countries where bTB is prevalent, 10-20% of the human cases of tuberculosis are caused by M. bovis. All over the world there are few studies investigating the resistance to isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RMP) in M. bovis strains from cattle, wild reservoirs, and human cases of tuberculosis. The genotypic diversity of 67 M. bovis strains obtained out of 100 lymph nodes with caseous lesions from slaughtered animals was investigated by Spoligotyping and MIRU-VNTR techniques, as well as the assessment of their phenotypic profile of resistance to INH and RMP by REMA method and the search of possible genetic basis for antimicrobial resistance. Among the obtained isolates, 11 (16%) were classified as MDR-TB, 8 (12%) INH-resistant and 2 (3%) RMP-resistant. The use of GenoType MTBDRplus ver. 2.0 did not pointed the presence of genetic mutations in any of the phenotypically resistant isolates. Sixteen different spoligotype patterns were identified. The BOV_1 subfamily predominated with 52 (77.6%) isolates, with SITs 481, 482, 594, 665, 691, 698, 1021, 1667, 1852, 2141 and two isolates without a given SIT. BOV_2 was identified in 8 (11.9%) isolates, within SIT 683. The SITs 982, 1851 and 1853 were grouped in BOV family. Two isolates were not classified in family or subfamily. The MIRU-VNTR analysis using the 12 classical MIRUs, identified a cluster of 31 isolates belonging... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

A P-glicoproteína (P-gp) é uma transportadora transmembrana de múltiplos fármacos, produto do gene MDR1 (ABCB1). A P-gp contribui para a função de barreira de vários tecidos e órgãos, funcionando como uma bomba de efluxo para muitos substratos. Diminuição na expressão desta proteína é associada à sensibilidade a fármacos. Cães da linhagem dos Collies possuem uma alta incidência de uma mutação no gene MDR1, denominada nt230(del4). Animais homozigotos para a mutação apresentam a supressão total de uma P-gp funcional e um animal heterozigoto apresenta uma maior sensibilidade para substratos da P-gp, devido a uma diminuição na expressão da mesma. Alguns fármacos opioides, como a morfina e a metadona, foram identificados como substratos da P-gp. O tramadol é um dos analgésicos opioides mais utilizados em cães. No presente trabalho, a mutação MDR1 nt230(del4) foi analisada em vinte cães Collie, utilizando reação em cadeia de polimerase (PCR). A identificação foi realizada por eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida de alta resolução, sendo o resultado confirmado por análise de sequênciamento de DNA. Como resultado, seis cães apresentaram normalidade nos dois alelos e 14 apresentaram heterozigose para a mutação. Estes animais foram submetidos à segunda fase do experimento, quando se administrou uma dose única de 100 mg de tramadol oral de liberação prolongada (SR), objetivando investigar o tramadol como sendo substrato da P-gp. Outro objetivo foi avaliar a farmacocinética deste tipo de formulação, pois ainda não foi estabelecida para cães. A análise farmacocinética do tramadol foi realizada utilizando cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE) com detecção por espectrometria de massas para a determinação e quantificação de tramadol no soro canino. O analito e o padrão interno foram extraídos do soro por método líquido-líquido. A separação cromatográfica foi obtida a partir de uma coluna analítica C18, mantida a 30°C, sob condições isocráticas de uma fase móvel constituída por uma mistura de acetonitrila e ácido fórmico a 0,1% (80:20). A concentração de tramadol no soro foi maior do que o limite de quantificação (LOQ), em 17 cães. Os cães foram divididos em dois grupos, cães normais (MDR1 +/+) e heterozigotos (MDR1 +/-). Os cálculos farmacocinéticos para o tramadol oral SR obtiveram valores médios de concentração máxima no soro (Cmax) de 63,12 ng/mL ± 33,35 para o grupo normal e 58,00 ng/mL ± 27,29 para o grupo heterozigoto. Tmax (tempo de concentração plasmática maxima) foi de 4 h para ambos os grupos e t ½ (meia-vida) foram 2,85 h ± 1,61 e 2,81 ± 1,46 h para os cães normais e heterozigotos, respectivamente. A área sob a curva (AUC) média para o tramadol oral SR para o grupo normal e heterozigoto foram 350,20 ± 216,61 e 312,15 ± 155,43 ng.h/mL, respectivamente. A biodisponibilidade foi de 22% e 23% para os cães normais e heterozigotos, respectivamente. Não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos em todos os parâmetros farmacocinéticos. Os resultados sugerem que o tramadol não é um substrato da Pgp. A quantidade de dados farmacocinéticos do tramadol oral na formulação de liberação prolongada (SR) em cães é escassa, sendo necessários mais estudos farmacocinéticos e farmacodinâmicos para o tramadol oral de liberação prolongada em cães para estabelecer adequada dose e frequência de administração em cães. / The P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is a transmembrane multidrug transporter, product of the MDR1 (ABCB1) gene. P-gp contributes to the barrier function of several tissues and organs, acting as an efflux pump for many substrates. Decreased expression of this protein is associated with sensitivity to drugs. Collie dogs have a high incidence of a mutation in MDR1 gene, denominated MDR1 nt230 (del4). In homozygosis, this mutation results in the total absence of a functional P-gp and a heterozygote animal presents a greater sensibility to P-gp substrates, probably due to a decrease in the expression thereof. Some opioid drugs such as morphine and methadone were identified as P-gp substrates. Tramadol is one of the most commonly opioid used in dogs. In the present work MDR1nt230 (del4) mutation was analyzed in 20 healthy Collie dogs using allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Thereby, 6 homozygous intact and 14 heterozygous mutated MDR1 genotypes can be differentiated by high resolution polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, confirmed by DNA sequence analysis. These animals underwent the second phase of the experiment, when a single oral administration of 100 mg of sustained release (SR) tramadol was administrated to investigate the tramadol as P-gp substrate. In addition, another aim was evaluate the pharmacokinetics of sustained release formulation, which has not been established for dogs. Pharmacokinetic analysis of tramadol was evaluated using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with tandem mass spectrometry for determination and quantification of tramadol in canine serum. The analyte and internal standard (IS) were extracted from serum using liquid-liquid method. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a C18 analytical column, kept at 30°C, under isocratic conditions of a mobile phase consisted by a mixture of acetonitrile and water contained 0,1% formic acid (80:20). Serum tramadol concentration was greater than the limit of quantification (LOQ) in 17 dogs. The dogs were divided into two groups, normal dogs (MDR1 +/+) and heterozygous (MDR1 +/-) according to the MDR1 genotype. The median values of maximum serum concentration (Cmax) were 63.13 ng/mL ± 33.35 for the normal group and 58.01 ng/mL ± 27.29 for the heterozygous group. Tmax (time to maximum serum concentration) was 4 h for both groups and t ½ (half-life) were 2,85h ± 1,61 e 2,81h ± 1,46 for normal and heterozygous dogs, respectively. The mean area-under-the-curve (AUC) values for the sustained release tramadol compounds for the normal and heterozygous group were 350,20 ±216,61 and 312,15 ± 155,43 ng.h/mL, respectively. The bioavailability was 22% and 23% for normal and heterozygous dogs respectively. There was no statistic difference between groups in all pharmacokinetics parameters. The findings suggest that tramadol is not a P-gp substrate. The amount of pharmacokinetics data of SR formulation of tramadol in dogs is sparse. Therefore, more studies of oral SR tramadol in dogs are needed to establish appropriate dose and frequency of administration in dogs.

A P-glicoproteína (P-gp) é uma transportadora transmembrana de múltiplos fármacos, produto do gene MDR1 (ABCB1). A P-gp contribui para a função de barreira de vários tecidos e órgãos, funcionando como uma bomba de efluxo para muitos substratos. Diminuição na expressão desta proteína é associada à sensibilidade a fármacos. Cães da linhagem dos Collies possuem uma alta incidência de uma mutação no gene MDR1, denominada nt230(del4). Animais homozigotos para a mutação apresentam a supressão total de uma P-gp funcional e um animal heterozigoto apresenta uma maior sensibilidade para substratos da P-gp, devido a uma diminuição na expressão da mesma. Alguns fármacos opioides, como a morfina e a metadona, foram identificados como substratos da P-gp. O tramadol é um dos analgésicos opioides mais utilizados em cães. No presente trabalho, a mutação MDR1 nt230(del4) foi analisada em vinte cães Collie, utilizando reação em cadeia de polimerase (PCR). A identificação foi realizada por eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida de alta resolução, sendo o resultado confirmado por análise de sequênciamento de DNA. Como resultado, seis cães apresentaram normalidade nos dois alelos e 14 apresentaram heterozigose para a mutação. Estes animais foram submetidos à segunda fase do experimento, quando se administrou uma dose única de 100 mg de tramadol oral de liberação prolongada (SR), objetivando investigar o tramadol como sendo substrato da P-gp. Outro objetivo foi avaliar a farmacocinética deste tipo de formulação, pois ainda não foi estabelecida para cães. A análise farmacocinética do tramadol foi realizada utilizando cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE) com detecção por espectrometria de massas para a determinação e quantificação de tramadol no soro canino. O analito e o padrão interno foram extraídos do soro por método líquido-líquido. A separação cromatográfica foi obtida a partir de uma coluna analítica C18, mantida a 30°C, sob condições isocráticas de uma fase móvel constituída por uma mistura de acetonitrila e ácido fórmico a 0,1% (80:20). A concentração de tramadol no soro foi maior do que o limite de quantificação (LOQ), em 17 cães. Os cães foram divididos em dois grupos, cães normais (MDR1 +/+) e heterozigotos (MDR1 +/-). Os cálculos farmacocinéticos para o tramadol oral SR obtiveram valores médios de concentração máxima no soro (Cmax) de 63,12 ng/mL ± 33,35 para o grupo normal e 58,00 ng/mL ± 27,29 para o grupo heterozigoto. Tmax (tempo de concentração plasmática maxima) foi de 4 h para ambos os grupos e t ½ (meia-vida) foram 2,85 h ± 1,61 e 2,81 ± 1,46 h para os cães normais e heterozigotos, respectivamente. A área sob a curva (AUC) média para o tramadol oral SR para o grupo normal e heterozigoto foram 350,20 ± 216,61 e 312,15 ± 155,43 ng.h/mL, respectivamente. A biodisponibilidade foi de 22% e 23% para os cães normais e heterozigotos, respectivamente. Não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos em todos os parâmetros farmacocinéticos. Os resultados sugerem que o tramadol não é um substrato da Pgp. A quantidade de dados farmacocinéticos do tramadol oral na formulação de liberação prolongada (SR) em cães é escassa, sendo necessários mais estudos farmacocinéticos e farmacodinâmicos para o tramadol oral de liberação prolongada em cães para estabelecer adequada dose e frequência de administração em cães. / The P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is a transmembrane multidrug transporter, product of the MDR1 (ABCB1) gene. P-gp contributes to the barrier function of several tissues and organs, acting as an efflux pump for many substrates. Decreased expression of this protein is associated with sensitivity to drugs. Collie dogs have a high incidence of a mutation in MDR1 gene, denominated MDR1 nt230 (del4). In homozygosis, this mutation results in the total absence of a functional P-gp and a heterozygote animal presents a greater sensibility to P-gp substrates, probably due to a decrease in the expression thereof. Some opioid drugs such as morphine and methadone were identified as P-gp substrates. Tramadol is one of the most commonly opioid used in dogs. In the present work MDR1nt230 (del4) mutation was analyzed in 20 healthy Collie dogs using allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Thereby, 6 homozygous intact and 14 heterozygous mutated MDR1 genotypes can be differentiated by high resolution polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, confirmed by DNA sequence analysis. These animals underwent the second phase of the experiment, when a single oral administration of 100 mg of sustained release (SR) tramadol was administrated to investigate the tramadol as P-gp substrate. In addition, another aim was evaluate the pharmacokinetics of sustained release formulation, which has not been established for dogs. Pharmacokinetic analysis of tramadol was evaluated using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with tandem mass spectrometry for determination and quantification of tramadol in canine serum. The analyte and internal standard (IS) were extracted from serum using liquid-liquid method. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a C18 analytical column, kept at 30°C, under isocratic conditions of a mobile phase consisted by a mixture of acetonitrile and water contained 0,1% formic acid (80:20). Serum tramadol concentration was greater than the limit of quantification (LOQ) in 17 dogs. The dogs were divided into two groups, normal dogs (MDR1 +/+) and heterozygous (MDR1 +/-) according to the MDR1 genotype. The median values of maximum serum concentration (Cmax) were 63.13 ng/mL ± 33.35 for the normal group and 58.01 ng/mL ± 27.29 for the heterozygous group. Tmax (time to maximum serum concentration) was 4 h for both groups and t ½ (half-life) were 2,85h ± 1,61 e 2,81h ± 1,46 for normal and heterozygous dogs, respectively. The mean area-under-the-curve (AUC) values for the sustained release tramadol compounds for the normal and heterozygous group were 350,20 ±216,61 and 312,15 ± 155,43 ng.h/mL, respectively. The bioavailability was 22% and 23% for normal and heterozygous dogs respectively. There was no statistic difference between groups in all pharmacokinetics parameters. The findings suggest that tramadol is not a P-gp substrate. The amount of pharmacokinetics data of SR formulation of tramadol in dogs is sparse. Therefore, more studies of oral SR tramadol in dogs are needed to establish appropriate dose and frequency of administration in dogs.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by the infection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is progressively becoming multi-drug resistant (MDR). Understanding the mechanism by which the organism interacts with host lipids, infect macrophages and how components redistribute within the host could open the investigation of new ways of inhibiting and eradicating the infection suffered by patients world wide. Flow fluorometry of liposomes containing mycolic acids, which are â-hydroxy fatty acids with a long á-alkyl side chain of mycobacteria, may be useful to determine the dynamics of interaction of these lipids with the host membrane lipids and with cholesterol. This will increase the understanding about the structure-function relationship of mycolic acids in M.tb. It was shown in this thesis that natural mycolic acids had a unique property, it could exchange rapidly between liposomes in the presence and absence of cholesterol even at low temperatures. Rapid exchange of mycolic acids within the host could be the mechanism by which trafficking of mycobacterial lipids comes about, ultimately leading to immune response modulation beyond the infected cell. It also provides direction for future investigation to bring about new serodiagnostic tests based on lipid antigens. Although flow fluorometry as a modern technique was unable to resolve the exchange of mycolic acids in relation with other lipids, a unique property of mycolic acids was demonstrated for the first time, that of rapid exchange. Copyright / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2009. / Biochemistry / unrestricted

Thesis (MSc. (Medical Sciences)) -- University of Limpopo, 2015 / Introduction: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) caused by resistance to at least rifampicin (RIF) and isoniazid (INH) drugs is a growing public health concern in South Africa. The detection of MDR-TB still relies on culture despite advancement in molecular diagnostic technology. Currently MTBDRplus and GeneXpert are the only available assays used in rapid diagnosis of MDR-TB using chromosomal mutations in drug target regions. Some strains are missed by these assays due to their limitation in mutational detection profile. Novel Seegene Anyplex assays simultaneously detect TB and resistance to RIF and INH using fifteen and six mutational probes, respectively within 3 hours. Limpopo Province has limited information on the circulating strains of TB. Aim: To determine drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) mutations using Anyplex™ MTB/NTM/MDR-TB real time assay and characterise the drug-resistant strains. Methods: We prospectively collected 204 clinical samples at Modimolle MDR-TB unit and retrospectively used 104 culture isolates from MRC laboratory in Pretoria. The MTBDRplus assay was used to screen for M. tuberculosis and drug resistant mutations to RIF and INH drugs. Anyplex™ MTB/NTM/MDR-TB assay was used for rapid detection of M. tuberculosis and drug resistance to RIF and INH within 3 hours. The discordance between phenotypic and genotypic assays was resolved by sequencing and the Anyplex™ resistant profiles were spoligotyped. Diagnostic data was collected from NHLS and MRC databases and analysed using the Microsoft excel and Epi Info version 3.5. Descriptive statistics (percentages and frequencies) were used to explain proportions. Results: The Anyplex™ MTB/NTM assay detected M. tuberculosis in 69/111(62%) and 100/104 (96%) of clinical and culture samples respectively. The sensitivities, specificity, PPV and NPV obtained for both RIF and INH resistance by Anyplex™ MDR-TB assay were 67%, 59%, 67%, 55% and 15%, 100%, 100% and 17%, respectively. Anyplex™ MTB/NTM/MDR-TB resolved 23/45 (51%) of discordant vi samples. Sequencing of remaining discordant isolates revealed L511P, L533P and D516Y mutations within rpoB gene. A novel R385W mutation within katG was also detected. Spoligotyping of Anyplex™ MDR-TB resistant clinical isolates revealed Euro American clade with 20% followed by 15% Manu2, 5% East African Indian, 5% H37Rv, 5% atypical and 50% were orphans. Conclusion: The novel Anyplex™ MTB/NTM/MDR-TB assay is a rapid and valid technique for detecting M. tuberculosis and most common mutations conferring resistance to RIF and INH. However further investigations are required, as the assay has a lower sensitivity as compared to already endorsed techniques. / National Research Foundation (NRF) and University of Limpopo TB Grant

The intra- and extracellular activities of 2 novel tetramethylpiperidine (TMP)-substituted phenazines, B4121 and B4128 against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37R (ATCC 27294) were determined and compared with those of clofazimine (B663). Clofazimine, together with B4121 and B4128, were also tested for their activities against drug-resistant strains of M.tuberculosis. Both B4121 and B4128 were significantly more active than clofazimine against M.tuberculosis, including multidrug-resistant clinical strains of this microbial pathogen, demonstrating a lack of cross resistance between the riminophenazines and standard anti-tuberculous drugs. Using M.tuberculosis-infected monocyte-derived macrophages both B4121 and B4128 were found to possess intracellular activity, which was superior to that of both clofazimine and rifampicin. The relationship between anti mycobacterial action of the TMP-subsitituted phenazines and clofazimine and the effects of these agents on microbial PLA2 activity, cation (K+, Ca2+) fluxes and energy metabolism (ATP) was also investigated. PLA2 and cation fluxes were measured by radiometric procedures, while microbial ATP was assayed using a luciferin/luciferase chemiluminescence method. All 3 riminophenazines, particularly B4128 caused dose-related enhancement of microbial PLA2 activity, which was associated with inhibition of K+-influx and enhancement of uptake of Ca2+. The results of kinetics studies demonstrated that riminophenazine-mediated enhancement of PLA2 activity and inhibition of K+ uptake in mycobacteria are rapidly-occurring and probably related events that precede, by several minutes, any detectable effects on microbial ATP concentrations and uptake of Ca2+. Inclusion of the extracellular and intracellular Ca2+-chelating agents EGTA and BAPTA, respectively, individually or in combination, did not prevent the effects of the riminophenazines on mycobacterial PLA2 (enhancement) or K+ transport (inhibition), whereas α-tocopherol, which neutralizes PLA2 primary hydrolysis products, antagonized the inhibitory effects of the riminophenazines on microbial K+ uptake. These results demonstrated that the riminophenazine-mediated enhancement of PLA2 is a Ca2+-independent event. The involvement of PLA2 in the antimicrobial activity of the riminophenazines was supported by the observation that added, exogenous Iysophosphotidylcholine (a primary hydrolysis product of PLA2 action on membrane phospholipids) also inhibited K+ transport and growth of mycobacteria. Enhancement of endogenous PLA2 as a mechanism of riminophenazine-mediated disruption of cation transport and antimycobacterial activity was further investigated using the conventional calcium-mobilizing stimuli, calcium ionophore A23187 and thapsigargin. Both agents, but A23187 in particular caused in dose-related enhancement of microbial PLA2 activity, which was associated with inhibition of K+ influx and growth. Influx of Ca2+ into A23187- and thapsigargin-treated mycobacteria was observed using both radiometric and FURA-2-based spectrofluorimetric procedures. Exposure of the mycobacteria to these agents resulted in an immediate increase in uptake of Ca2+, which implies that enhancement of PLA2 activity in calcium-mobilizing stimuli-treated mycobacteria is Ca2+ dependent. In conclusion, the TMP-substituted phenazines possess anti mycobacterial properties which are superior to those of clofazimine, particularly against intraphagocytic M.tuberculosis. The superior anti mycobacterial properties of these agents is paralleled by their potentiating effects on microbial PLA2 and consequent inhibitory action on uptake of K+, particularly in the case of B4128. Mycobacterial PLA2 and K+ transporters may therefore represent novel targets for antimicrobial chemotherapy. / Thesis (DPhil (Medical Immunology))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Immunology / unrestricted