Zur Bestimmung von geringen Wirkstoffkonzentrationen in biologischen, speziell human-biologischen Matrizes wie Blut, Urin oder Mikrodialysat bedarf es einer Analysentechnik, die den Wirkstoff mit einem Höchstmaß an Selektivität, Spezifität und Präzision bestimmen kann. Daneben muß die verwendetete Methode eine hohe Geschwindigkeit aufweisen und sehr robust sein, da bei der heutigen marktwirtschaftlichen Lage Analysensysteme eine optimale Auslastung erfahren müssen. Aus diesem Grund ist der Umbau oder die Umstellung der Methode von einem zum anderen Wirkstoff ohne nennenswerten Zeitverlust ein maßgeblicher Faktor. Als Technik, die diese Anforderungen optimal erfüllt, hat sich in den letzten Jahren die LC-MS/MS-Technik etabliert. Sie ist den bislang überwiegenden Methoden, wie GC-MS-Techniken oder HPLC-UV-Detektion bzw. Fluoreszenztechniken in Bezug auf die oben genannten Parameter deutlich überlegen. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurden für die Wirkstoffe Cisaprid, SC-72393, Haloperidol, Linezolid, Methotrexat und Ketoprofen LC-MS/MS-Methoden entwickelt oder via unabhängiger Laborvalidierung auf die lokalen Gegebenheiten transferiert und zur Bestimmung pharmakokinetischer Parameter zur Anwendung gebracht. Ziel der Methodenentwicklung war es die hohe Selektivität und Empfindlichkeit des Detektors zu nutzten, um bei geringen Probenvolumina eine Bestimmungsgrenze zu erreichen, die es ermöglichte ausreichend viele Meßwerte zu bestimmen, um die pharmakokinetischen Parameter der Wirkstoffe zu berechnen. Zusätzlich wurde eine Maximierung des Probendurchsatzes und eine Minimierung des personellen und materiellen Aufwandes angestrebt ohne dabei einen Qualitätsverlust der Methode zu erleiden. Eine gelungene Methoden-entwicklung bedurfte daher der Optimierung der Probenaufarbeitung, die sich neben den chemisch-physikalischen Eigenschaften des Wirkstoffes hauptsächlich an der Menge der zur Verfügung stehenden Probe orientierte. Das chromato-graphische System hingegen hing weitestgehend von den chemischen Eigenschaften des Analyten und von den massenspektroskopischen Bedingungen ab, die verdampfbare Puffer im Fließmittel erforderten. Diese drei zu optimierenden Teilbereiche, die miteinander interagieren, wurden jeweils sorgsam aufeinander abgestimmt, um eine Methode zu entwickeln, die die zu erwartenden Wirkstoffkonzentrationen in der jeweiligen Matrix sicher und robust bis hin zum Quantifizierungslimit bestimmen konnte. / In order to quantify low drug concentrations in biological, specifically human matrices as blood, urine or microdialysate it is indispensable to use a technique, that is able to evaluate the drug with a maximum of selectivity, specifity and precision. In addition the used method needs to be fast and robust to meet todays economical requirements. For this reason the used equipment has to be exchangeable within the used methods without any time interuptions worth mentioning. The LC-MS/MS-technique, which has been established as routine technic over the last decade fulfils these requirements. It is superior with regards to selectivity, specifity and precision over methods such as GC-MS or HPLC with UV- or fluorescense-detection. In this thesis method development, validation or independent laboratory validation was done with LC-MS/MS on Cisapride, SC-72393, Haloperidol, Linezolid, Methotrexat and Ketoprofen to determine their concentrations and to calculate pharmakokinetic parameters. The objective of the method development was to use the high selectivity and sensetivity of the detector to reach a low quantification limit with the limited specimen volumes given. Besides that a maximum throughput of specimens with a minimum of personal expense was aspired without decreasing the quality of the produced data by taking into account the phamakokinetic parameters to be determined. Therefore an optimum of the work-up procedure as well as the chromatographic and the mass spectrometric conditions has to be developed for the individual drugs with their physicochemical properties. Limitations were frequently given by the availability of the specimen volume. Those three parts, which interact with each other were carefully coordinated to develop a method that quantifies the specific drug concentrations in the individual matrix with good sensitivity and robustness down to the limit of quantification.

This diploma thesis deals with hyphenation of liquid chromatography with mass spectrometric detection based on microfluidic chip. Firstly, a miniaturized ion source for atmospheric-pressure chemical ionization (APCI), and atmospheric-pressure photoionization (APPI) was constructed. The main component of this source was a glass microfluidic chip. Geometry and the working conditions of the chip were optimized. Since both ion sources work under the same conditions, possible advantages resulting from APCI/APPI combination were investigated. Furthermore, the performance characteristics of the sources were evaluated, and compared to the conventional high flow-rate sources. The best performing source, APCI, was then hyphenated with HPLC using low flow-rate. A method for separation of fatty acids methyl esters using Supelco 37 standard was developed. The separation conditions were as follows: C18 reversed stationary phase, and acetonitrile containing 0.1 % formic acids was used as the mobile phase. A temperature gradient was used in order to enhance the speed of the separation. The limits of detection and quantitation of for selected analytes using the chip micro-APCI were calculated, and compared to the ones obtained using a commercially available micro-APCI source. The method was used for separation of...

L’appréciation par le consommateur d’un produit alimentaire comme le chocolat est en grande partie due à sa composante aromatique. La perception de cette composante est étroitement liée à la libération des composés d’arômes lors de la consommation du produit. Une étude sensorielle systématiquement menée par la société Valrhona dans une démarche de qualification de ses chocolats noirs de pures origines, fabriqués selon un procédé standard à partir de lots de cacao différents, permet de classer ces chocolats, selon leur profil, en quatre grands pôles sensoriels. Le travail entrepris avait pour but la compréhension de l’origine de cette classification sensorielle par la mise en œuvre de techniques de caractérisation des molécules volatiles responsables de l’arôme des chocolats.Dans un premier temps, l’empreinte globale en composés volatils d’un lot de 206 chocolats représentatifs des quatre pôles sensoriels a été obtenue via une méthode d’analyse couplant un headspace dynamique à la spectrométrie de masse en injection directe, utilisant l’ionisation par transfert de protons (PTR-ToF-MS). Des analyses multivariées des données, et notamment une analyse discriminante de type PLS-DA, ont permis d’élaborer un modèle de prédiction de la classification sensorielle des chocolats basé sur leur composition en molécules volatiles. Différentes méthodes de sélection de variables ont permis de souligner l’existence de composés volatils particuliers capables de discriminer les quatre pôles sensoriels de chocolats.Le potentiel aromatique de 12 chocolats parmi les 206 (trois de chaque pôle) a ensuite été déterminé suite à l’extraction des arômes par une méthode de distillation sous vide dans une analyse par chromatographie en phase gazeuse couplée, d’une part, à l’olfactométrie (GC-O) basée sur la fréquence de détection obtenue par 12 juges, et d’autre part, à un spectromètre de masse (GC-MS) pour l’identification des composés odorants. Ainsi, des composés d’arômes permettant de discriminer les différents pôles sensoriels ont pu être caractérisés au moyen d’une analyse factorielle des correspondances.Enfin, l’analyse « nosespace » d’un jury de 12 personnes dégustant 8 chocolats (deux de chaque pôle parmi les 12 précédents) a été réalisé en PTR-MS. Cette étude, couplée à une analyse sensorielle temporelle (Dominance Temporelle des Sensations, DTS), a permis d’obtenir des données temporelles instrumentales et sensorielles de manière simultanée. L’analyse DTS révèle dans une analyse en composantes principales (ACP) une bonne discrimination des pôles sensoriels, avec des descripteurs dominants similaires dans les pôles 1 et 4, d’une part, et dans les pôles 2 et 3, d’autre part. L’analyse nosespace a permis le suivi de la libération en temps réel de 26 composés d’arômes. La relation entre les deux jeux de données (instrumentales et sensorielles) a été étudiée au moyen de l’indice AWD (Abundance While Dominance) qui représente l’abondance de chaque ion pendant qu’une sensation est dominante. Des analyses factorielles des correspondances menées sur les AWD ont permis pour chaque échantillon de déceler des relations entre composés d’arômes libérés et sensations dominantes. / Consumers’ appreciation of chocolate is mostly due to its aromatic composition. Perception of this component is clearly linked to the release of aroma compounds during chocolate consumption. A systematic sensory evaluation is conducted by the Valrhona Company in order to qualify their pure origin dark chocolates manufactured according to a standard process from differing cocoa batches. The obtained sensory profiles allow classifying the chocolates into four sensory categories, named poles. The objective of the present work was to understand the molecular origin of this sensory classification by using techniques aimed at characterizing volatile organic compounds (VOC) responsible for chocolate flavour.Firstly, global VOC profiles of a set of 206 chocolate samples classified in the four sensory poles were analysed by a direct injection mass spectrometry method using proton transfer reaction as ionisation process (PTR-ToF-MS). A supervised multivariate data analysis based on discriminant analysis of the PLS-DA type allowed the construction of a classification model that showed excellent prediction capability based on VOC composition of the chocolates. Variable selection using dedicated methods pinpointed some volatile compounds important for the chocolates sensory discrimination.Then, the aroma potential of 12 chocolate samples (chosen among the 206 ones with three samples representative of each pole) was investigated on aroma extracts obtained by distillation under vacuum. Gas chromatography coupled to olfactometry (GC-O) and to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to detect and identify the odorous compounds. GC-O data were obtained by 12 assessors using the detection frequency method. Aroma compounds allowing the discrimination of the sensory poles were determined thanks to a correspondence analysis.Finally, a nosespace analysis conducted by 12 assessors on 8 chocolates (two in each pole among the preceding 12) was realised using PTR-MS. This analysis was conducted simultaneously with a temporal sensory analysis (Temporal Dominance of Sensations, TDS), allowing temporal instrumental and sensorial data to be obtained. A principal component analysis (PCA) conducted on the TDS data revealed a good discrimination of the sensory poles, with similar dominant attributes in poles 1 and 4, on the one hand, and in poles 2 and 3, on the other hand. The nosespace data displayed real time release curves of 26 aroma compounds. The relationships between instrumental and sensory data were investigated thanks to the AWD (Abundance While Dominance) index that measures the abundance (area under the curve) of each ion during the dominance of a given sensation. Correspondence analyses of the AWD indices conducted for each chocolate sample allowed to define some relationships between dominant sensations and some released aroma compounds.

Ce projet porte sur l’étude de plusieurs plantes d’intérêt de la Lorraine afin d’extraire par voie sèche et d’analyser des substances bioactives pour une valorisation de la flore locale. Un procédé de broyage et de tamisage de matériel végétal en de fines particules est utilisé afin de concentrer les composés bioactifs dans les poudres résultantes. Les poudres présentent des tailles de particules allant de 20 µm à 500 µm. Les propriétés phytochimiques de chaque classe granulométrique sont comparées à celle des parties de plantes non tamisées. Ces activités sont liées aux métabolites secondaires notamment les polyphénols et les dérivés terpéniques, qui sont caractérisés et quantifiés par des analyses LC-MS et GC-MS. Au cours de ce travail ont été développés : - la validation d’une nouvelle technique de séparation différentielle en fonction de la granulométrie des poudres par comparaison avec des extraits de plantes non tamisées ; - le dosage des différents constituants chimiques par des méthodes spectrométriques (UV/Visible), la caractérisation par des techniques analytiques telles que la LC-MS et GC-MS ; - l’évaluation du potentiel antioxydant/anti-radicalaire et anti-acétylcholinestérase réalisée par voie chimique in vitro en fonction des classes granulométriques. Cette étude démontre l’intérêt que présente ce nouveau procédé d’extraction différentiel des composés bioactifs issue de matrices végétales. Un enrichissement en produits actifs est observé au niveau de certaines classes granulométriques. Au niveau des activités antioxydantes pour toutes les plantes et de l’activité anti-acétylcholinestérase dans le cas du saule blanc, on observe des variations significatives en fonction de la taille de particules des échantillons des poudres superfines. L’étude de l’activité anti-acétylcholinestérase a été complétée par une modélisation in silico afin de mettre en évidence l’interaction entre les composés et les sites actifs de l’enzyme acétylcholinestérase / This project focuses on the study of 12 plants coming from Lorraine region. The study aims to improve the exploitation of local flora using a dry extraction process. A milling and a sieving process up to fine particles of plant material is used to concentrate the bioactive compounds in the resulting powders. The powders were classified according to the particle size which were ranging from 20 µm to 500 µm. The phytochemical properties of each particle size fraction are compared to non-sieved plant parts. These activities are linked to secondary metabolites including polyphenols and terpene derivatives, which are characterized and quantified by LC-MS and GC-MS analyses. It was developed in this work a new validation technique of differential separation depending on the particle size of the powders compared with extracts of non-sieved plant parts. The quantification of chemical compound classes was done by UV-Visible methods and their identification was conducted using LC-PDA/MS and GC-MS characterization technics. The evaluations of the antioxidant activity and anti-acetylcholinesterase activity is carried out in vitro according to the particle sizes. This study demonstrates the usefulness of this new differential extraction process of bioactive compounds from vegetal matrices. The Enhancing of the concentration of the active products is observed according to the particle sizes. In silico modeling study of anti-acetylcholinesterase activity is employed to highlight the interactions between the active sites and some anticipated active compounds in the extract

A microextração por sorbente empacotado (MEPS) é uma técnica de preparo de amostras ainda pouco utilizada no âmbito da toxicologia, em que os mesmos princípios da extração em fase sólida convencional são adaptados para uma escala miniaturizada. As principais vantagens da técnica estão associadas ao pequeno volume de amostra e de solventes utilizados, à possibilidade de realizar múltiplas extrações com um mesmo cartucho e à facilidade de automação. Os benzodiazepínicos possuem grande relevância na toxicologia dada sua ampla utilização e seus efeitos que podem, por exemplo, comprometer a capacidade de dirigir, além do uso abusivo, e como drogas facilitadoras de crimes. Neste trabalho, um método de MEPS foi desenvolvido e otimizado para a determinação de sete benzodiazepínicos e seus produtos de biotransformação (diazepam, clonazepam, flunitrazepam, alprazolam, bromazepam, 7-aminoflunitrazepam e nordiazepam) utilizando 100 µL de amostra de sangue total post mortem. Após a extração, os eluatos foram analisados por cromatografia líquida em fase reversa acoplada a espectrometria de massas. O método foi validado de acordo com as recomendações do Scientific Working Group for Forensic Toxicology, apresentando linearidade adequada de 5 a 500 ng.mL-1 . Os valores de exatidão (90,4 a 109,5%), precisão intra-dia (2,5 a 10,7 %CV) e inter-dia (1,1 a 8,0 %CV) também foram satisfatórios. MEPS foi realizada mais de 60 vezes com a mesma fase extratora sem evidências de contaminação cruzada. Dez amostras reais fornecidas pelo Instituto Médico Legal de São Paulo foram analisadas. Foram quantificados diazepam, nordiazepam, clonazepam e bromazepam. Os resultados encontrados em cada uma das amostras foram comparados com dados da literatura. / Microextraction by packed sorbent (MEPS) is a sample preparation technique still little used in toxicology, where the same principles of conventional solid phase extraction are adapted to a miniaturized scale. The main advantages of the technique are associated with the small volume of sample and solvents required, the possibility of performing multiple extractions with the same cartridge and ease process automation. Benzodiazepine drugs are relevant in toxicology because of their widespread use, and effects (which may, for example, compromise the ability to drive vehicles), abuse and records as crime-facilitating drugs. In this work, a MEPS method was developed and optimized for a determination of seven benzodiazepines and their metabolites (diazepam, nordiazepam, clonazepam, flunitrazepam, 7-aminoflunitrazepam, alprazolam, and bromazepam) using 100 µL of post mortem whole blood. After extraction, the eluates were analyzed by reversed-phase liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The method was validated according to the recommendations of the Scientific Working Group for Forensic Toxicology, presenting adequate linearity from 5 to 500 ng.mL-1 . The values of accuracy (90.4 to 109.5%), intra-day precision (2.5 to 10.7 %CV) and inter-day (1.1 to 8.0 %CV) also presented satisfactory results. MEPS was performed more than 60 times with the same extractive phase without compromising the results with the evidence of carryover. Institute of Legal Medicine were submitted to analysis by MEPS-LC-MS/MS. In these samples, the following analytes were quantified: diazepam, nordiazepam, clonazepam and bromazepam. The results found in each of the samples were compared with data from the literature.

Este estudo apresenta o desenvolvimento da metodologia de extração em fase sólida e separação em cromatográfica líquida acoplada a espectrometria de massas em sequencia, SPE-LC-MS/MS, para a determinação de 21 (vinte e um) fármacos pertencentes a diferentes classes terapeuticas, 1 (uma) droga de abuso e seu principal metabólito, em amostras de água superficial. A separação cromatográfica foi otimizada estudando o desempenho de fases estacionárias e fases móvies. A quantificação dos compostos selecionados foi realizada com a ionização por eletronebulização (electrospray ionization- ESI) e o espectrômetro de massas operando no modo de Monitoramento de Múltiplas Reações (Multiplas Reaction Monitoring- MRM). A validação da metodologia proposta foi realizada utilizando os parâmetros de seletividade, efeito de matriz, faixa de trabalho, linearidade, limites de detecção (LD) e quantificação (LQ), precisão, exatidão, recuperação e robustez. A validação da metodologia permitiu a sua aplicação na avaliação da distribuição dos 23 compostos selecionados, nas águas da represa Guarapiranga, um dos principais sistemas produtor de água potável da Região Metropolitana de São Paulo (RMSP). A presença desses poluentes nos ambientes aquáticos é proveniente da liberação direta do esgoto urbano das habitações do seu entorno, como consequência do precário sistema de saneamento básico. As águas da represa Guarapiranga foram avaliadas em 14 (quatorze) locais estrategicamente escolhidos e amostradas durante 3 (três) campanhas de coleta de amostra (agosto de 2011, setembro de 2012 e abril de 2013). Nessas amostras foram quantificados acetaminofeno (9,6 - 254 ng L-1), atenolol (8,5 177 ng L-1), benzoilegonina (7,9 139 ng L-1), cafeína (27 27386 ng L-1), carbamazepina (12 358 ng L-1), clortalidona (9,4 35 ng L-1), cocaína (12,8 2650 ng L-1), diclofenaco (8 35 ng L-1), enalapril (20 ng L-1), losartana (6,7 114 ng L-1) e valsartana (9,7 - 47 ng L-1). O ponto de coleta denominado de GU103-12 (23°4188.5S 46°4467.3W) foi a região que apresentou os valores mais elevados quanto ao nível de concentração dos compostos avaliados e ao índice de risco integrado de poluição química aquática (Integrated Risk Index of Chemical Aquatic Pollution IRICAP). O estudo também foi realizado em amostras de água de reservatórios das Unidades de Gerenciamento de Recursos Hídricos (UGRHI) 5 e 6 do Estado de São Paulo. Os resultados demonstraram que o uso e a ocupação do solo influenciam diretamente na qualidade da água dos reservatórios, evidenciando a necessidade de implementar melhorias no sistema de coleta de esgoto e de ocupação irregular para evitar a contaminação e o descarte inadequado em ambientes aquáticos. / This study presents the development of the methodology of solid phase extraction and liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry, SPE-LC-MS/MS, for the determination of 21 (twenty one) pharmaceuticals belonging to different therapeutic groups, 1 (one) illicit drug and its major metabolite, in surface water samples. The chromatographic separation was optimized by studying the performance of different stationary and mobile phases. Quantitation of selected compounds was performed by electrospray ionization (ESI) and the mass spectrometer operating in a multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The validation of the proposed methodology was performed using the parameters of selectivity, matrix effect, dynamic range, linearity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), precision, accuracy, recovery and robustness. The validation of methodology allowed to apply the methodology in the evaluation of the distribution of the 23 (twenty one) selected compounds, in Guarapiranga Dam waters, an of the major producer system of drinking water of the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo (MRSP). The presence of these pollutants in aquatic environments is from the direct release of urban sewage from the homes of your surroundings, as a result of poor sanitation system. The waters of Guarapiranga dam were evaluated in 14 (fourteen) locations strategically chosen and sampled in 3 (three) campaigns of sample collection (August 2011, September 2012 and April 2013). In these samples were quantified acetaminophen (9.6 - 254 ng L-1), atenolol (8.5 - 177 ng L-1), benzoylegonine (7.9 - 139 ng L-1), caffeine (27 - 27386 ng L-1) carbamazepine (12 - 358 ng L-1), chlorthalidone (9.4 - 35 ng L-1), cocaine (12.8 - 2560 ng L-1), diclofenac (8 - 36 ng L-1), enalapril (20 ng L-1), losartan (6.7 - 114 ng L-1) and valsartan (9.7 - 47 ng L-1). The sample siting GU103-12 (23°4188.5S 46°4467.3W) was the region with the highest values in the level of concentration of the target compounds and the integrated risk index of chemical aquatic pollution (IRICAP). The study was also conducted on water samples from reservoirs of the UGRHI (Unit of Water Resources Management) 5 and 6, State o São Paulo. The results showed that the use and occupation of land directly influence the reservoir water quality highlighting the need to implement improvements in sewage collection system and illegal occupation to prevent contamination and the improper disposal in aquatic environments.

Uma das características de qualidade dos vinhos espumantes, e que também impõe a sua identidade, é a aparência das borbulhas. Tradicionalmente, acredita-se que a capacidade de formação e estabilização dessas borbulhas depende de macromoléculas do vinho, em especial das proteínas, devido a sua ação tensoativa. Este trabalho de doutorado visou o estudo proteômico do vinho espumante brasileiro a fim de identificar quais proteínas estão presentes nesses vinhos para entender melhor a influência dessas na estabilização da espuma (perlage e colarinho), e com o intuito de potencializar essa característica em nossos produtos. Foram utilizados os métodos de extração de proteínas clássico, ácido tricloroacético/acetona e de última geração, biblioteca combinatória de ligantes peptídicos, sendo estas separadas por SDS-PAGE, 2DE e OFFGEL. As proteínas extraídas foram digeridas com tripsina e a mistura de peptídeos analisada por nLC-MS/MS com metodologia shotgun. Os resultados iniciais obtidos por eletroforese 2DE e OFFGEL, mostraram a presença de três grupos de proteínas de massa molecular distintas, sendo duas próximas a 25 kDa e uma próxima a 70 kDa. Estas proteínas parecem estar presentes nos vinhos em mais de uma isoforma evidenciado pelo espalhamento de todas as bandas de mesma massa molecular em diferentes pH. Foram identificadas 40 proteínas, sendo 17 proteínas de organismos do sub-reino Viridiplantae e 23 proteínas pertencentes ao gênero Saccharomyces, onde 10 e 6 proteínas, respectivamente, estão presentes em pelo menos duas amostras de espumantes nacionais. Dessas, seis proteínas foram identificadas pela primeira vez em vinhos. Três proteínas originárias da levedura Saccharomyces cerevisiae estão presentes em todos os produtos analisados, podendo essas proteínas serem as responsáveis pela melhor formação de espuma observada em nossos produtos em relação ao Champagne (vinho espumante tradicional da França). / The type of fizzy bubbles is one of the aspects that characterizes the quality of sparkling wines and also helps defining their identity. Traditionally, it is believed that the ability of these bubbles to form and stabilize depends on the macromolecules found in the wine, particularly proteins, due to their surfactant action. The aim of this work is the proteomic study of the brazilian sparkling wines in order to identify which proteins are present to better understand the influence of these molecules in the foam formation (perlage and collar), in order to improve our products. The protein extraction methods used were the classical TCA/acetone precipitation and the modern combinatory peptide ligand library. Then, proteins were separated by SDS-PAGE, 2DE and OFFGEL. The protein extracted were digested with trypsin and the peptide mixture were analyzed with nLC-MS/MS using the shotgun method. The first results obtained by electrophoresis 2DE and OFFGEL showed the presence of three groups of proteins with different molecular mass, two of them close to 25 kDa and the other one close to 70 kDa. These proteins appear to be present in wine in more than one isoform evidenced by spreading in all bands of similar molecular weight at different pH. In total, 40 proteins were identified, 17 protein from Viridiplantae sub-kingdom organisms and 23 proteins belonging to Saccharomyces genus, where 10 and 6 proteins, respectively, are present in at least two samples of domestic sparkling wines. Six of those proteins were identified in wine for the first time. Three proteins originating from Saccharomyces cerevisiae are present in all analyzed products, and those may be responsible for a better foam formation observed in our products in comparison to Champagne (traditional French sparkling wine).

A Esclerose Lateral Amiotrófica (ELA) é uma doença crônica, progressiva e neurodegenerativa causada pela morte dos neurônios motores. O diagnóstico destes pacientes pode levar até 12 meses para acontecer, sendo que estes vão à óbito entre 3-5 anos do início dos sintomas. Há, porém, grande variabilidade de quadro clínico, com alguns pacientes falecendo com menos de 1 ano do início dos primeiros sinais, e outros que sobrevivem por décadas. A identificação da ELA8, causada por uma mutação missense no gene VAPB (c.C166T, p.P56S), tem contribuído significativamente com o conhecimento dos mecanismos moleculares por trás da ELA. A literatura recente tem evidenciado que a diminuição dos níveis de VAPB está presente em modelos celulares e murinos da doença, e também em amostras de pacientes, sugerindo que esta proteína teria papel central na doença e uma contribuição significativa para a morte dos neurônios motores. O presente trabalho buscou três objetivos principais: (1) o diagnóstico molecular através de um painel de sequenciamento de nova geração que inclui os genes SOD1, FUS, TARDBP, SETX, SPG11, FIG4 e VAPB; (2) a avaliação dos níveis de RNAm de VAPA, VAPB e EPHA4 em pacientes de ELA8, controles familiares e outros pacientes de ELA, com o intuito de investigar possíveis papéis destes genes na doença; e por fim, (3) o desenvolvimento de um ensaio quantitativo para as proteínas VAPA, VAPB e VAPC baseado em cromatografia líquida acoplada à espectrometria de massas em tandem (LC-MS/MS), para a posterior avaliação de VAPB como possível biomarcador em ELA, e de suas isoformas VAPA e VAPC como modificadores da doença. Para a análise genômica, foram avaliados 67 pacientes, sendo que 31 (ou 46%) apresentaram a mutação c.C166T em VAPB; 4 pacientes (6%) em SOD1, sendo que um destes apresentou uma mutação também em FIG4; 1 paciente (1.5%) foi identificado uma mutação patogênica em FUS; outro, duas mutações deletérias em trans em SPG11. Os níveis de RNAm de VAPB, VAPA e EPHA4 não são estatisticamente distintos entre pacientes e controles; porém, os níveis de EPHA4 estavam significativamente elevados em dois pacientes de início bulbar da doença. Para o desenvolvimento do método quantitativo por LC-MS/MS, foram escolhidos 8 peptídeos inequívocos para análise, estabelecidos dos parâmetros de corrida, e desenvolvidos dois padrões internos (linhagens SILAC e VAPB recombinante) para a quantificação. Esta ferramenta desenvolvida poderá auxiliar não apenas os estudos moleculares que envolvem os mecanismos por trás ELA8, responsável por uma elevada taxa dos casos familiais brasileiros, mas também poderá determinar o potencial de VAPB como biomarcador para Esclerose Lateral Amiotrófica / Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by the death of motor neurons. Diagnosis can take up to 12 months, with no molecular marker to expedite this process. In this scenario, patients die within 3 to 5 years of symptom onset, although a large clinical variability is seen, with severe patients dying less than one year after onset, and others surviving for decades. The identification of ALS8, caused by a missense mutation in the VAPB gene (c.C166T; p.P56S), has contributed significantly to the knowledge of molecular mechanisms behind ALS. Recent literature has evidenced that the decrease of VAPB levels is present in cellular and murine models, and also in patient samples, suggesting a central role in motor neuron death in ALS. The present work sought three main objectives: (1) a molecular diagnosis through a NGS sequencing panel including the SOD1, FUS, TARDBP, SETX, SPG11, FIG4 and VAPB genes; (2) analyze the expression levels of VAPA, VAPB and EPHA4 in patients, family controls and other forms of ALS, in order to investigate their possible roles in ALS8; and (3) the development of a targeted quantitative mass spectrometry based assay, gold standard in protein quantification due to its precision and sensitivity, for the VAPA, VAPB and VAPC proteins, seeking the analysis of VAPB as a potential biomarker in ALS and of its isoform\'s potential roles as modifiers in the disease. The genomic analyses revealed that out of 67 patients, 31 presented the ALS8 mutation in VAPB, 4 patients (6%) presented a mutation in SOD1, with one patient carrying a second mutation in FIG4; 1 (1.5%) patient was identified with a pathogenic mutation in FUS; and another presented two pathogenic mutations in trans in the SPG11 gene. Thus, we were able to diagnose over half of the patients included in this study with a panel of only 7 genes. VAPB, VAPA and EPHA4 mRNA levels are not statistically different between patients and controls; however, EPHA4 was shown to be highly elevated in two bulbar-onset non-ALS8 patients. For the development of the LC-MS/MS targeted assay, 8 surrogate peptides were chosen for analysis, run parameters were established, and two internal standards for quantification were developed (SILAC cell lines and recombinant VAPB). This tool will prove to be useful not only towards elucidating the molecular mechanisms behind ALS8, one of the most prevalent forms of familial ALS in Brazil, but also to determine VAPB\'s potential as a biomarker for ALS

O presente estudo objetivou avaliar a microbiota fúngica e a ocorrência de micotoxinas por Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Eficiência acoplada à Espectrometria de Massas em amostras de grãos de trigo recém-colhidas e armazenadas. Os resultados revelaram a predominância do gênero Alternaria nas amostras de todas as coletas, seguido de Epicoccum (12,6%), Fusarium (8,3%) e mais 16 outros gêneros de fungos filamentosos. As espécies de Fusarium e Alternaria foram identificadas utilizando métodos moleculares, sendo F. graminearum e A. alternata as espécies mais frequentes. De 70 amostras, 69 (98,6%) estavam contaminadas com a toxina DON (210-2910 ppb) e 3 (4,3%) amostras contaminadas com a toxina ZEA (20-30,1 ppb). O nível de contaminação por DON é inferior aos limites estabelecidos recentemente pela legislação brasileira (3000 ppb), porém superam os limites da Comunidade Européia (1750 ppb). É prudente que se realize um monitoramento contínuo de grãos de trigo a fim de avaliar a exposição dos consumidores às contaminações e estabelecer diretrizes de segurança alimentar. / The present study aimed to evaluated the mycoflora and occurrence of mycotoxins by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass in freshly harvested and stored wheat samples. The results showed the predominance of genus Alternaria in all samples, followed by Epicoccum (12.6%), Fusarium (8.3%) and over 16 other genera of filamentous fungi. The species of Fusarium and Alternaria were identified using molecular methods, and F. graminearum and A. alternata were the most frequent species. Of 70 samples, 69 (98.6%) were contaminated with toxin DON (210-2910 ppb), and 3 (4.3%) samples contaminated with the toxin ZEA (20-30.1 ppb). The level of DON contamination is below of the limits recently established by Brazilian legislation (3000 ppb), but exceed the limits of the European Community (1750 ppb). It is prudent to perform a continuous monitoring of wheat to assess consumer exposure to contaminants and establish guidelines for food safety.

A oxidação do DNA por espécies reativas de oxigênio, como o oxigênio molecular singlete [O2 (1Δg)] , pode estar relacionada ao aparecimento de mutações e ao desenvolvimento de doenças. O O2 (1Δg) pode ser gerado biologicamente por reação de fotossensibilização, pela reação de H2O2 e HOCl e pela decomposição de peróxidos orgânicos contendo hidrogênio alfa (α-ROOH), na presença de metais de transição (Fe2+, Cu2+) ou HOCl. A decomposição de α-ROOH, como hidroperóxidos de lipídeos ou proteínas na presença de metais de transição, pode gerar O2 (1Δg) via mecanismo de Russell. Neste mecanismo, a oxidação de α -ROOH gera radicais peroxila, que podem reagir entre si, formando um intermediário tetraóxido linear. Este intermediário tetraóxido linear pode decompor através de um mecanismo cíclico e produzir O2 (1Δg), um álcool e um composto carbonílico. Como a decomposição de α-ROOH pelo mecanismo de Russell pode ser uma importante fonte biológica de O2 (1Δg) decidimos investigar se o α-hidroperóxido de timina, 5-(hidroperoximetil)uracil (5-HMPU), poderia gerar esta espécie reativa na presença de metais (Ce4+, Fe2+, Cu2+) e HOCl. Outro objetivo foi avaliar os efeitos oxidativos, em DNA plasmidial (pBR322), da decomposição de 5-HPMU na presença de Cu2+. A geração de O2 (1Δg) na reação de 5-HPMU e Ce4+ ou HOCl foi demonstrada por meio do monitoramento da emissão de luz monomolecular de O2 (1Δg) na região do infravermelho próximo (IR-próximo, λ = 1270 nm) e bimolecular na região do visível (λ = 634 e 703 nm). A aquisição do espectro de emissão de O2 (1Δg) forneceu evidências inequívocas da geração desta espécie reativa na reação de 5-HPMU e Ce4+ ou HOCl. Além disto, a formação de O2 (1Δg) na reação de 5-HPMU e Fe2+, Cu2+ ou HOCl foi demonstrada através da captação química de O2 (1Δg) utilizando 9,10- divinilsulfonatoantraceno (AVS) e detecção por HPLC/MS/MS do endoperóxido (AVSO2) formado. A detecção por HPLC/MS/MS dos produtos de decomposição de 5-HPMU, 5- (hidroximetil)uracila (5-HMU) e 5-formiluracila (5-FoU), reforçaram a hipótese de geração de O2 (1Δg) pelo mecanismo de Russell. A análise dos resultados da incubação de pBR322, 5-HPMU e crescente concentração de Cu2+ mostraram o aumento da forma circular aberta (OC), indicando a formação de quebra de fita simples do DNA, provavelmente proveniente da presença dos radicais peroxila e alcoxila de 5-HPMU. Já a utilização das enzimas de reparo FPG e NTH na incubação de pBR322, 5-HPMU e Cu2+ forneceu evidências da formação preferencial de purinas oxidadas, especialmente de 2’-desoxiguanosina (dGuo). O aumento significativo da forma OC na presença de FPG indicou a formação de 8-oxo-2’-desoxiguanosina, resultante da oxidação da dGuo por O2 (1Δg) e/ou pelos radicais derivados de 5-HPMU. Podemos concluir que 5-HPMU pode ser uma importante fonte biológica de O2 (1Δg) . Além disto, a presença de 5-HPMU pode levar a propagação dos danos oxidativos no DNA, pois sua decomposição pode gerar radicais peroxila e alcoxila / Oxidation of DNA by singlet molecular oxygen O2 (1Δg) can be involved in the development of mutations and diseases. In vivo, O2 (1Δg) can be generated by photosensitization reaction, H2O2 and HOCl reaction and decomposition of organic hydroperoxides with α-hydrogen (α-ROOH) in the presence of metal ions (Fe2+, Cu2+) or HOCl. The α-ROOH decomposition, such as lipid or protein hydroperoxides in the presence of metal ions or HOCl can generate O2 (1Δg) by Russell mechanism. In this mechanism, the self-reaction of peroxyl radicals generates a linear tetraoxide intermediate that decomposes to O2 (1Δg) , an alcohol and an aldehyde. Therefore, the purpose of this work is to investigate if O2 (1Δg) can be generated by α-thymine hydroperoxide, 5- (hydroperoxymethyl)uracil (5-HPMU) in the presence of Ce4+, Fe2+, Cu2+ or HOCl. Another purpose is to study base modification and strand breaks formation in plasmid DNA (pBR322) by 5-HPMU decomposition in the presence of Cu2+. The generation of O2 (1Δg) in the reaction of 5- HPMU and Ce4+ or HOCl was monitored by monomol light emission in the near-infrared region (NIR, λ = 1270 nm) and dimol light emission in the visible region (λ = 634 e 703 nm). The generation of O2 (1Δg) during the reaction of 5-HPMU and Ce4+ or HOCl was confirmed by acquisition of the light emission spectrum in the NIR. Furthermore, the generation of O2 (1Δg) produced by 5-HPMU and Fe2+, Cu2+ or HOCl was also confirmed by chemical trapping using anthracene-9,10-divinylsulfonate (AVS) and HPLC/MS/MS detection of the corresponding endoperoxide (AVSO2). The detection by HPLC/MS/MS of 5-(hydroxymethyl)uracil (5-HMU) and 5-formyluracil (5-FoU), two 5-HPMU decomposition products, support the Russell mechanism. Plasmid results from pBR322, 5-HPMU and Cu2+ reaction showed formation of DNA open circular form (OC), probably produced by 5-HPMU peroxyl and alkoxyl radicals. Additionally, the reaction of pBR322, 5-HPMU and Cu2+ following by Fpg and NTH enzyme treatment demonstrated evidences of purine modification, especially 2’-deoxyguanosine (dGuo). The use of FPG enzyme indicated the formation of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2’-deoxyguanosine, a dGuo oxidation product formed by O2 (1Δg) and/or 5-HPMU peroxyl and alkoxyl radicals. We can conclude that 5-HPMU can be a biological source of O2 (1Δg)] and 5-HPMU decomposition can lead to an enhancing of DNA oxidative damage by 5-HPMU peroxyl and alkoxyl radicals formation