O carcinoma de cabeça e pescoço é uma neoplasia maligna de origem epitelial que resulta em aproximadamente 500.000 novos casos por ano ao redor do mundo. Diversos estudos têm sido conduzidos de maneira a elucidar os mecanismos de proliferação e invasão desta doença, sendo a via de sinalização Akt/mTOR e proteínas relacionadas, apontada como uma das principais vias envolvidas em sua progressão. Sabe-se que células neoplásicas, bem como células de diferentes tecidos, podem ter seu comportamento modificado após terem sido irradiadas com laser em baixa intensidade (LLLT). Porém, os mecanismos de atuação da luz laser de baixa potência sobre estas células permanecem ainda não completamente esclarecidos. Portanto, o objetivo deste estudo foi o de analisar a viabilidade celular e expressão das proteínas Akt, pAkt, Hsp90, S6, pS6 e Ciclina D1 em duas linhagens celulares de carcinoma de boca (SCC9 e SCC25), bem como em uma linhagem de queratinócitos orais humanos com displasia (DOK) após irradiação com laser em baixa intensidade. O laser utilizado foi um diodo semicondutor de arseneto de Gálio e Alumínio (GaAlAs) operando nos comprimentos de onda vermelho (660nm) e infravermelho (780nm), com potência fixa em 40mW e três densidades de energia para cada comprimento de onda disponível: 2.05J/cm², 3.07J/cm² e 6.15J/cm². A análise de apoptose foi realizada por meio do teste de TUNEL e a expressão proteica foi obtida com imunofluorescência e western blotting. Após análise estatística por meio do método ANOVA dois critérios e testes de Tukey ou teste T de estudante, todos com nível de significância de 5%, pôde-se concluir que a LLLT induziu comportamentos distintos em cada uma das linhagens celulares utilizadas. Foi notado aumento, bem como diminuição da viabilidade celular, dependendo do comprimento de onda utilizado e das células irradiadas. A densidade de energia de 2.05J/cm² foi a que produziu efeitos mais significativos em SCC9. Para a linhagem celular SCC25, a dose mais relevante foi a de 3.07J/cm², enquanto que para a linhagem DOK, a dose de 6.15J/cm² causou efeitos mais proeminentes. Estas respectivas doses foram escolhidas para cada uma das linhagens para dar continuidade aos experimentos de Western Blotting e Imunofluorescência. Dentre os resultados mais relevantes obtidos com estas técnicas, pode-se citar a variação dos níveis de pS6 e Ciclina D1 para a linhagem DOK em determinados períodos. Já a linhagem SCC9 apresentou variação dos níveis de pAkt e Ciclina D1 nos períodos estudados. A linhagem SCC25 também teve as expressões de pAkt, pS6 e Ciclina D1 modificadas por LLLT. De maneira interessante, o aparecimento ou manutenção de uma isoforma de Hsp90 foi encontrado em SCC9 e SCC25 após irradiação laser. Por fim, a indução de apoptose foi detectada na linhagem SCC25. Em conclusão, pode-se dizer que a LLLT, como empregada neste estudo, foi capaz de aumentar a expressão de proteínas relacionadas à progressão e invasão em todas as linhagens estudadas. Além disso, a irradiação laser foi única, apesar de ter causado efeitos prolongados, algumas vezes até o último período estudado. / Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is an epithelial malignant neoplasm that accounts for approximately 500.000 new cases yearly around the world. Several studies have been conducted to elucidate the mechanisms of proliferation and invasion of this lesion, whereas the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway with its related proteins is being pointed out as one of the main pathways involved in HNSCC`s progression. Neoplastic cells, as well as cells that originate from different tissues may have their behavior modified by low level laser therapy (LLLT); however, the mechanisms through which the low level laser light interacts with these cells remain poorly understood. Thus, this study sought to evaluate the cell viability and the expression levels of Akt, pAkt, Hsp90, S6, pS6 and Cyclin D1 proteins in two oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lineages (SCC9 and SCC25) and in one oral dysplastic human keratinocyte cell line (DOK) after they had been treated with LLLT. The laser device was a semiconductor diode of Gallium and Aluminum Arsenate (GaAlAs), operating with wavelengths of 660nm (red) and 780nm (infrared), with a fixed power of 40mW and giving three different energy densities: 2.05J/cm², 3.07J/cm² and 6.15J/cm². Apoptosis was analyzed through TUNEL test and the protein expression was accessed with Immunofluorescence and Western blotting. After statistical analysis through two-way ANOVA and Tukey or Student`s T test, all of them with a level of significance of 5%, it was concluded that LLLT induced distinct behaviors to each of the studied cell lines. Increases and inhibitions in cell viabilities were detected depending on the wavelength and also on the irradiated cell line. The energy density of 2.05J/cm² produced the most significant findings over SCC9. On the other hand, in SCC25 the most relevant results were detected with 3.07J/cm², while the most prominent findings were seen with 6.15J/cm² when the cell line DOK was evaluated. In that way, these respective doses were chosen for each cell line to continue with Western blotting and Immunofluorescence. Among the most relevant findings, the variation of pS6 and Cyclin D1 levels can be cited for DOK in some evaluated periods. SCC9 presented both pAkt and Cyclin D1 variations in the studied periods. Besides that, SCC25 also had pAkt, pS6 and Cyclin D1 levels modified by LLLT. Interestingly, the appearance and maintenance of an Hsp90 isoform was found in SCC9 and SCC25 after laser irradiation. Moreover, the induction of apoptosis was detected for the SCC25 cell line. Finally, the LLLT employed herein was able to enhance the expression of proteins related to progression and invasion in all of the studied cell lines. In addition, there was a single laser irradiation, although it caused prolonged effects, sometimes through the latest evaluated period.

A disfunção cardíaca, decorrente de um prejuízo na contratilidade miocárdica, tem sido reconhecida como um fator importante que contribui para as altas taxas de mortalidade na sepse. Outro fato importante aponta para o envolvimento das calpaínas na inibição da via de sinalização PI3K/mTOR levando a uma diminuição potencial das taxas globais de síntese proteica através da redução da maquinaria de tradução disponível, o que reforça o envolvimento destes elementos na progressão da disfunção cardíaca na sepse. Metodologia: Foram utilizados camundongos da linhagem C57/BL6 para indução de sepse através da técnica de ligadura e perfuração do ceco separados em quatro grupos: controle com e sem tratamento e sepse moderada com e sem tratamento, o tratamento foi realizado 2 horas antes da cirurgia com inibidor da via mTOR, rapamicina. Foi realizada análise histopatológica em metacrilato e coloração picrosirius para colágeno, western blotting para quantificação da expressão proteica e real-time PCR para quantificação da expressão gênica, por fim realizamos análise funcional através da ecocardiografia. Resultados: Foi encontrado aumento das lesões teciduais e depósito de colágeno no grupo séptico tratado com rapamicina. A análise por western blotting e real-time PCR demonstrou redução das proteínas envolvidas na via mTOR nos grupos sépticos com e sem tratamento com ênfase no grupo tratado e por fim a avaliação funcional mostrou redução dos parâmetros débito cardíaco e fração de ejeção nos grupos sépticos com e sem tratamento. Conclusão: Nossos resultados demonstram que a via mTOR é de extrema importância na estrutura e função cardíacas, visto que sua inibição ocasionou o aumento de lesões e deposição de colágeno juntamente com alterações funcionais, podendo se transformar em um possível alvo terapêutico para futuras pesquisas clínicas em animais e humanos. / Cardiac dysfunction, due to impairment in myocardial contractility, has been recognized as an important factor contributing to the high mortality rates in sepsis. Another important fact is the involvement of the calpain in the inhibition of the PI3K / mTOR signaling pathway leading to a potential decrease in the overall rates of protein synthesis through the reduction of available translation machinery, which reinforces the involvement of these elements in the progression of cardiac dysfunction in sepsis. Methods: C57 / BL6 mice were used for induction of sepsis through the technique of ligation and perforation of the cecum separated into four groups: control with and without treatment and moderate sepsis with and without treatment, treatment was performed 2 hours before surgery with mTOR pathway inhibitor, rapamycin. Histopathological analysis was performed on methacrylate and picrosirius staining for collagen, western blotting for quantification of protein expression and real-time PCR for quantification of gene expression. Finally we performed functional analysis through echocardiography. Results: Increased tissue lesions and collagen deposition were found in the septic group treated with rapamycin. Western blotting and real-time PCR analysis showed reduction of the proteins involved in the mTOR pathway in the septic groups with and without treatment with emphasis in the treated group and finally the functional evaluation showed a reduction of the parameters cardiac output and ejection fraction in the septic groups with and without treatment. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that the mTOR pathway is extremely important in cardiac structure and function, since its inhibition has resulted in increased lesions and collagen deposition along with functional alterations, and may become a possible therapeutic target for future clinical research in animals and humans.

A atividade do complexo 1 da proteína alvo mecanístico da rapamicina (mTORC1), importante regulador da adiposidade e do metabolismo de lipídeos, está aumentada no tecido adiposo de camundongos obesos. A inibição completa de mTORC1 reduz a adiposidade, enquanto que sua inibição parcial potencializa a obesidade induzida por dieta. Assim, hipotetizamos que um nível ótimo de ativação de mTORC1 é necessário para promover aumento da adiposidade, de forma que sua superativação é tão inibitória para a deposição de gordura quanto sua inibição completa. Para testar esta hipótese, investigamos os efeitos da ativação constitutiva de mTORC1, induzida pela deleção de Tsc1, especificamente em adipócitos na adiposidade in vivo. A deleção de Tsc1 reduziu a massa do tecido adiposo visceral, mas não do subcutâneo, que foi associado ao aumento da lipólise e browning. Além disso, aumentou em ambos tecidos adiposos a massa e atividade oxidativa mitocondrial. Esses dados apoiam nossa hipótese de que é necessário um nível ótimo de ativação de mTORC1 para promover aumento da adiposidade. / The activity of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), an important regulator of adiposity and lipid metabolism, is increased in adipose tissue of obese mice. Complete mTORC1 inhibition reduces adiposity, whereas partial mTORC1 inhibition enhances diet-induced obesity. Therefore, we hypothesized that an optimal level of mTORC1 activity is required to increase adiposity, in such a manner that mTORC1 overactivation is as inhibitory to fat deposition as its complete inhibition. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the effects of constitutive mTORC1 activation, induced by Tsc1 deletion, specifically in adipocytes on adiposity in vivo. Tsc1 deletion reduced visceral, but not subcutaneous, fat mass, which was associated with increased lipolysis and browning. Moreover, it enhanced mitochondrial mass and oxidative activity in both visceral and subcutaneous fat. These data support our hypothesis that an optimal level of mTORC1 activation is necessary to increase adiposity.

Les tumeurs épithéliales thymiques (TET) humaines sont rares (250 - 300 cas/an en France). On distingue les thymomes de type A, AB ou B d'évolution lente avec une survie actuarielle > 95% à 5 ans pour les stades précoces et les carcinomes thymiques d'évolution plus sévère avec une survie actuarielle à 5 ans < 20% pour les stades IV. La pierre angulaire du traitement des TET est l'exérèse chirurgicale complète, facteur pronostique le plus significatif identifié à ce jour. Les récidives des TET, essentiellement pleurales pour les thymomes et générales pour les carcinomes thymiques, sont de prise en charge complexe. Les avancées thérapeutiques sont limitées notamment par l'absence de modèles d'étude de la cellule épithéliale thymique tumorale. Dans le cadre d'une prise en charge multidisciplinaire des récidives pleurales métastatiques, nous avons développé la pleurectomie de cytoréduction associée à une chimio hyperthermie (cisplatine/ mitomycine ; 42°C) intra thoracique (CHIT) pour la prise en charge des métastases pleurales de thymome. Chez des patients sélectionnés (n=19), la médiane de survie sans récidive était de 53 mois et les survies actuarielles à 1 an et 5 ans étaient respectivement de 93% et 86%. Cette technique chirurgicale innovante a permis de développer une alternative à la morbide pleuro pneumonectomie. L'efficacité de la CHIT pose des questions sur le rôle de l'hyperthermie et sur le type de chimiothérapie à associer. Avec pour objectif d'améliorer la prise en charge des patients, la connaissance de la biologie tumorale thymique et l'identification de potentielles cibles thérapeutiques sont des voies de recherche importantes pour améliorer la survie des patients. Nous avons développé des cultures de cellules épithéliales thymiques dérivées in vitro de 12 TET (11 thymomes A, AB ou B et un carcinome thymique), caractérisées par leur potentiel prolifératif et leur expression de cytokératine. La voie PI3K / Akt / mTOR joue un rôle clé dans de nombreux cancers ; plusieurs études de phases I / II ont rapporté un effet positif des inhibiteurs de mTOR pour le contrôle de l'évolution du thymome chez les patients. Nous avons mis en évidence l'expression et l'activation des effecteurs mTOR, Akt et P70S6K dans les thymomes et dans les cellules épithéliales thymiques dérivées in vitro. Nous avons montré l'efficacité de la rapamycine, inhibiteur de mTOR, à réduire la prolifération cellulaire (30%) sans induire de mort cellulaire. Nos résultats suggèrent que l'activation de la voie Akt / mTOR participe à la prolifération cellulaire associée à la croissance tumorale. Nous avons établi un nouvel outil permettant l'étude de la dérégulation cellulaire au cours des thymomes. Dans un contexte de tumeurs rares, ces cellules permettront d'aborder des études mécanistiques in vitro et de tester l'efficacité de drogues anti tumorales / Human thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) are rare (250 – 300 cases/ year in France). We distinguish thymomas (A, AB and B subtypes) with indolent evolution (5 years actuarial survival in early stages >95%) and more aggressive thymic carcinomas (5 years actuarial survival <20% in stage IV). Surgical complete resection when feasible is the corner stone of a multimodal therapy and the most significant factor on survival. Relapse of TETs principally in pleura for thymomas (75%) and general for thymic carcinomas are difficult to treat. Therapeutics advances are limited given the lack of studies models of tumoral thymic epithelial cell. In a multidisciplinary approach for the treatment of metastatic pleural relapse of thymomas we developed an innovative surgical technique: cytoreductive pleurectomy associated with hyper thermic intra pleural chemotherapy (Cysplatin/ Mitomycin; 42°C) (ITCH). In selected patient (n=19), ITCH provides an efficient alternative to the morbid pleuro pneumonectomy. The median of free disease survival was 53 months, one year and five years actuarial survival were respectively 93% and 86%. However, the effectiveness of ITCH procedure questions on the played role ok hyperthermia, on the choice of chemotherapy association. With the aim to improve TETs therapies, the knowledge of TETs biology to identify potential target therapies is currently challenging. We developed an in vitro study model of tumoral thymic epithelial cells derived from 12 TETs (11 A, AB and B thymomas and one thymic carcinoma) characterized by their proliferative abilities and the cytokeratin expression. The PIK3 / Akt / mTOR pathway is implicated in numerous cancers. Several phase I, II studies advocate the potential role of mTOR inhibitors in the control of the metastatic disease. We highlighted the expression and the activation of mTOR, Akt and P70S6K effectors in TETs and in thymic epithelial cells in vitro derived. We showed the efficacy of rapamycin (mTOR inhibitor) in the inhibition (-30%) of in vitro cell proliferation without cell death induction. Our results suggest the implication of the PIK3 / Akt / mTOR pathway in the tumoral cell growth. We established a new tool to study cell dysregulation in TETs. In the context of rare tumors, these cells could allow in vitro mechanistic studies and test the efficacy of new anti tumoral therapies

No description available.

We examined the effect of cyclosporin A, tacrolimus, sirolimus and everolimus on the cell growth, viability, proliferation, expression of cellular adhesion molecules (CAM) and leukocyte (PBMC) binding of human macrovascular (coronary artery, saphenous vein) and microvascular endothelial cells (EC). Tacrolimus did not affect EC integrity, growth or expression of CAM. Exclusively, EC from the coronary arteries showed a reduced cellular growth (about 30%) under cyclosporin A and tacrolimus treatment. In contrast, treatment with mTOR inhibitors reduced EC proliferative activity by about 40%, independently of the EC origin. No induction of apoptosis (caspase-3/7 activity) or cytotoxicity (MTS test) was observed. Long-term treatment with high concentrations of sirolimus and everolimus did not enhance the expression of CAM. Stimulation with tumor necrosis factor significantly increased the expression of CAM, independently of the drugs used. None of the mTOR inhibitors influenced the tumor necrosis factor-induced expression of CAM, whereas adhesion of PBMC increased significantly, as described by other papers. In summary, neither calcineurin inhibitors nor mTOR inhibitors activate human micro- and macrovascular EC. Therefore, the investigated drugs are unlikely to contribute to EC activation during transplant-associated vasculopathy. / Dieser Beitrag ist mit Zustimmung des Rechteinhabers aufgrund einer (DFG-geförderten) Allianz- bzw. Nationallizenz frei zugänglich.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second most common cause of cancerrelated mortality worldwide. AKT pathway has been found activated in 50% of HCC cases, making it promising target. Therefore we assess efficacy of the allosteric AKT inhibitor or the combination of Sorafenib with AKT inhibitor compared to untreated control and to standard treatment, Sorafenib, in vitro and in vivo. AKT inhibitor blocked phosphorylation of AKT in vitro and strongly inhibited cell growth with significantly higher potency than Sorafenib. Similarly, apoptosis and cell migration were strongly reduced by AKT inhibitor in vitro. To mimic human advanced HCC, we used diethylnitrosamine-induced cirrhotic rat model with fully developed HCC. MRI analyses showed that AKT inhibitor significantly reduced overall tumor size. Furthermore, number of tumors was decreased by AKT inhibitor, which was associated with increased apoptosis and decreased proliferation. Tumor contrast enhancement was significantly decreased in the AKT inhibitor group. Moreover, on tumor tissue sections, we observed a vascular normalization and a significant decrease in fibrosis in surrounding liver of animals treated with AKT inhibitor. Finally, pAKT/AKT levels in AKT inhibitor treated tumors were reduced, followed by down regulation of actors of AKT downstream signalling pathway: pmTOR, pPRAS40, pPLCγ1 and pS6K1. In conclusion, we demonstrated that AKT inhibitor blocks AKT phosphorylation in vitro and in vivo. In HCC-rat model, AKT inhibitor was well tolerated, showed anti-fibrotic effect and had stronger antitumor effect than Sorafenib. Our results confirm the importance of targeting AKT in HCC. / Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second most common cause of cancerrelated mortality worldwide. AKT pathway has been found activated in 50% of HCC cases, making it promising target. Therefore we assess efficacy of the allosteric AKT inhibitor or the combination of Sorafenib with AKT inhibitor compared to untreated control and to standard treatment, Sorafenib, in vitro and in vivo. AKT inhibitor blocked phosphorylation of AKT in vitro and strongly inhibited cell growth with significantly higher potency than Sorafenib. Similarly, apoptosis and cell migration were strongly reduced by AKT inhibitor in vitro. To mimic human advanced HCC, we used diethylnitrosamine-induced cirrhotic rat model with fully developed HCC. MRI analyses showed that AKT inhibitor significantly reduced overall tumor size. Furthermore, number of tumors was decreased by AKT inhibitor, which was associated with increased apoptosis and decreased proliferation. Tumor contrast enhancement was significantly decreased in the AKT inhibitor group. Moreover, on tumor tissue sections, we observed a vascular normalization and a significant decrease in fibrosis in surrounding liver of animals treated with AKT inhibitor. Finally, pAKT/AKT levels in AKT inhibitor treated tumors were reduced, followed by down regulation of actors of AKT downstream signalling pathway: pmTOR, pPRAS40, pPLCγ1 and pS6K1. In conclusion, we demonstrated that AKT inhibitor blocks AKT phosphorylation in vitro and in vivo. In HCC-rat model, AKT inhibitor was well tolerated, showed anti-fibrotic effect and had stronger antitumor effect than Sorafenib. Our results confirm the importance of targeting AKT in HCC.

A atividade do complexo 1 da proteína alvo mecanístico da rapamicina (mTORC1), importante regulador da adiposidade e do metabolismo de lipídeos, está aumentada no tecido adiposo de camundongos obesos. A inibição completa de mTORC1 reduz a adiposidade, enquanto que sua inibição parcial potencializa a obesidade induzida por dieta. Assim, hipotetizamos que um nível ótimo de ativação de mTORC1 é necessário para promover aumento da adiposidade, de forma que sua superativação é tão inibitória para a deposição de gordura quanto sua inibição completa. Para testar esta hipótese, investigamos os efeitos da ativação constitutiva de mTORC1, induzida pela deleção de Tsc1, especificamente em adipócitos na adiposidade in vivo. A deleção de Tsc1 reduziu a massa do tecido adiposo visceral, mas não do subcutâneo, que foi associado ao aumento da lipólise e browning. Além disso, aumentou em ambos tecidos adiposos a massa e atividade oxidativa mitocondrial. Esses dados apoiam nossa hipótese de que é necessário um nível ótimo de ativação de mTORC1 para promover aumento da adiposidade. / The activity of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), an important regulator of adiposity and lipid metabolism, is increased in adipose tissue of obese mice. Complete mTORC1 inhibition reduces adiposity, whereas partial mTORC1 inhibition enhances diet-induced obesity. Therefore, we hypothesized that an optimal level of mTORC1 activity is required to increase adiposity, in such a manner that mTORC1 overactivation is as inhibitory to fat deposition as its complete inhibition. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the effects of constitutive mTORC1 activation, induced by Tsc1 deletion, specifically in adipocytes on adiposity in vivo. Tsc1 deletion reduced visceral, but not subcutaneous, fat mass, which was associated with increased lipolysis and browning. Moreover, it enhanced mitochondrial mass and oxidative activity in both visceral and subcutaneous fat. These data support our hypothesis that an optimal level of mTORC1 activation is necessary to increase adiposity.

Estudos em animais mostram que a desnutrição proteica intrauterina pode acarretar redistribuição do fluxo sanguíneo intraútero, podendo promover modificações permanentes na estrutura e funcionalidade de alguns órgãos, o que ocasiona modificações no metabolismo. Além disso, a desnutrição intrauterina pode afetar a secreção de hormônios que atuam no crescimento fetal, podendo conduzir à restrição do crescimento intrauterino. Esse fenômeno pode parcialmente ser explicado pela hipótese da programação fetal, na qual é sugerido que ocorra uma adaptação metabólica e fisiológica do feto a uma condição intrauterina adversa, que pode induzir o desenvolvimento de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis na vida adulta. Neste contexto, pesquisas com suplementação de aminoácidos de cadeia ramificada (BCAA) têm verificado a capacidade desses nutrientes promoverem a síntese proteica mesmo em condições catabólicas, por meio da ativação de uma via bioquímica intracelular intercedida pela proteína quinase Alvo da Rapamicina em Mamíferos (mTOR), a qual está envolvida no estímulo à etapa de tradução proteica. Assim, o presente trabalho avaliou o efeito da suplementação de BCAA em proles submetidas à desnutrição proteica materna. Para tanto, ratas Wistar foram acasaladas com ratos adultos de mesma raça. Uma vez constatada a gravidez, as matrizes foram distribuídas em grupos de acordo com a dieta que seria fornecida no decorrer da gestação: CON (20% proteína); VAL/ISO (5% proteína + 2% VAL + 2% ISO); AAE (5% proteína + 4% AAE); e BCAA (5% proteína + 4% BCAA). O protocolo de restrição proteica materna adotado causou redução no crescimento corporal e na massa de órgãos das proles. Embora a suplementação com VAL/ISO e AAE não tenha recuperado os efeitos mediados pela deficiência de proteína, foi constatado que a suplementação com BCAA reverteu parte do déficit observado no crescimento das proles, uma vez que foi eficaz em minimizar ou mesmo em restaurar plenamente diversos parâmetros como peso de órgãos, massa de gordura da carcaça e parâmetros indicativos do estado nutricional proteico, como as concentrações de proteína e RNA hepáticas e musculares. Estes efeitos podem parcialmente ser explicados pelo estímulo induzido pela suplementação com BCAA, na via de sinalização da mTOR, considerando que foi verificado no fígado das proles de matrizes que receberam esta suplementação, aumento na fosforilação desta proteína (P < 0,05), a qual é responsável por desencadear uma cascata de eventos biomoleculares que culminam, em última instância, no acréscimo da síntese proteica. Diante disto, torna-se relevante a realização de pesquisas que avaliem em longo prazo, os efeitos da suplementação com BCAA em proles submetidas à dieta materna restrita em proteína. / Animal studies show that intrauterine malnutrition may cause redistribution of blood flow in uterus, which may promote permanent changes in structure and function of some organs, which causes changes in metabolism. Furthermore, intrauterine malnutrition can affect the secretion of hormones that act on fetal growth and may lead to intrauterine growth restriction. This phenomenon can partly be explained by the hypothesis of fetal programming, which is suggested that occur a metabolic and physiological adaptation of the fetus to an adverse intrauterine condition, which can induce the development of chronic diseases in later life. In this context, researches with supplementation of branched chain amino acids (BCAA), especially leucine, have verified the ability of these nutrients to promote protein synthesis in catabolic conditions, through the activation of an intracellular biochemical pathway interceded by protein kinase Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR), which is involved in the stimulating of protein translation stage. Thus, this study evaluated the effect of BCAA supplementation in offspring subjected to maternal protein-restrict diet. To this, Wistar rats were mated with adult rats of the same race. Once was confirmed the pregnancy, the pregnants were distributed into groups according to the diet that would be provided during pregnancy: CON (20% protein); VAL/ISO (5% protein + 2% + 2% VAL/ISO), AAE (5% protein + 4% EAA) and BCAA (5% protein + 4% BCAA). The protocol adopted maternal protein restriction caused a reduction in body growth and weight of the offspring\'s organs. Although supplementation with VAL/ISO and AAE has not recovered the effects mediated by protein deficiency, it was found that supplementation with BCAA has reversed part of the deficit observed in the growth of the offspring, since it was effective in minimizing or even fully restoring various parameters such as organ weight, carcass fat mass and parameters indicative of nutritional protein, such as the concentrations of protein and RNA in liver and muscle. These effects may be partially explained by the stimulation induced by BCAA supplementation on the mTOR signaling pathway, considering that was verified in the liver of the offspring from dams that received this supplementation augment on the phosphorylation of this protein (P < 0,05), which is responsible for triggering a cascade of molecular events that culminate, ultimately, in increased protein synthesis. Given this, it becomes relevant to conducting research to assess long-term effects of supplementation with BCAA in offspring subjected to maternal protein-restricted diet.

L’endométriose concerne 8 à 10% des femmes en âge de procréer et est responsable de douleurs pelviennes chroniques et d’infertilité. Seule l’exérèse chirurgicale des lésions permet un traitement curatif de la maladie. Dans le cas de l’endométriose profonde avec atteinte rectale la chirurgie est extensive et associée à une morbidité significative. Les traitements médicaux reposent sur une hormonothérapie visant à bloquer la fonction ovarienne dont l’effet n’est que suspensif et transitoire. Il n’existe à ce jour aucun traitement ciblant les mécanismes à l’origine de la maladie. L’objectif de notre travail était d’explorer différents mécanismes potentiellement impliqués dans le développement de la maladie et d’identifier des molécules capables d’intervenir sur ces mécanismes. Dans un premier temps nous avons exploré le phénotype hyperprolifératif des cellules endométriosiques profondes et cherché un lien avec différentes voies métaboliques impliquées dans la prolifération cellulaire telles que le stress oxydant, la voie ERK et la voie Akt. Dans un deuxième temps, nous avons exploré le recrutement des cellules endométriales au sein de la cavité péritonéale au travers de l’interaction CXCR4-CXCL12. Des cultures cellulaires ont été réalisées à partir de prélèvements humains de nodules endométriosiques profonds, d’endomètre eutopique et d’endomètre sain. Des lames histologiques ont été préparées à partir de nodules endométriosiques profonds. Des prélèvements de liquide péritonéal de femmes endométriosiques et de témoins ont été congelés. La prolifération cellulaire a été étudiée par incorporation de thymidine tritiée. La production des FRO a été évaluée par spectrofluorimétrie. La voie ERK a été évaluée par western blot, ELISA et immunohistochimie. La voie Akt été évaluée par western blot et immunohistochimie. Nous avons montré un phénotype hyperprolifératif des cellules endométriosiques profondes en rapport avec une activation de la voie ERK par le biais du stress oxydant et à une activation de la voie Akt. Nous avons montré qu’un anti-oxydant (NAC), un inhibiteur de protéines kinases (A771726), un inhibiteur de Raf (sorafenib), un inhibiteur de mTOR (temsirolimus), un agoniste des cannabinoïdes (WIN 55212-2) et un anti-métabolite (5-FU) pouvaient contôler la prolifération des cellules endométriosiques profondes in vitro et la progression de nodules endométriosiques profonds implantés dans des souris Nudes. L’interaction CXCR4-CXCL12 a été étudiée par western blot, analyse de migration, cytométrie de flux et ELISA. Nous avons montré une attraction spécifique des cellules endométriosiques profondes sur-exprimant le CXCR4 par la chimiokine CXCL12 présente en quantité accrue dans le liquide péritonéal des femmes endométriosiques. En conclusion, nous avons montré que le traitement médical de l’endométriose pouvait être non hormonal et que le stress oxydant, la voie ERK et la voie Akt constituaient de nouvelles pistes thérapeutiques à évaluer dans le cadre d’essais cliniques. Nous avons également montré comment la modification constitutive des cellules de l’endomètre eutopique pouvait favoriser leur recrutement dans la cavité péritonéale. / Endometriosis, a common disease that affects approximately 8 to 10% of women of childbearing age, is responsible for chronic pelvic pain and infertility. There is currently no cure other than surgical removal of lesions. In the case of deep infiltrating endometriosis with rectal involvement, surgery is associated with a significant morbidity. Medical treatments are based on a hormone used to block ovarian function. Their effects are only transient and suspensive. There is currently no treatment targeting the mechanisms underlying the disease. The aim of our study was to explore different pathways potentially involved in the development of endometriosis and to identify molecules that act on these mechanisms. In a first step, we explored the hyperproliferative phenotype of deep infiltrating endometriosis cells and sought a link with different metabolic pathways involved in cell proliferation such as oxidative stress, ERK, and Akt pathways. In a second step, we explored the recruitment of endometrial cells in the peritoneal cavity through the CXCL12-CXCR4 interaction. Cell cultures were taken from deep infiltrating endometriosis nodules, eutopic endometrium and control endometrium. Histological slides were prepared from deep endometriotic nodules. Peritoneal fluid of women with deep infiltrating endometriosis, and of women without endometriosis were frozen. Cell proliferation was determined by [H3]thymidine incorporation. Cellular production of ROS was assessed by spectrofluorometry. ERK pathway was assessed by Western blot, ELISA assay and immunohistochemistry. The Akt pathway was assessed by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. We showed a hyperproliferative phenotype of deep infiltrating endometriosis cells in line with an activation of the ERK pathway through an up-regulation of oxidative stress, and activation of the Akt pathway. We have shown that an antioxidant (NAC), an inhibitor of protein kinases (A771726), a Raf inhibitor (sorafenib), an inhibitor of mTOR (temsirolimus), a cannabinoid agonist (WIN 55212-2) and an anti-metabolite (5-FU) could control the proliferation of endometriotic cells in vitro, and the growth of endometriotic nodules grafted in Nude mice. The CXCL12-CXCR4 interaction was studied by Western blot, Transwell migration assay, flow cytometry and ELISA assay. We showed a specific attraction of deep infiltrating endometriosis cells over-expressing the CXCR4 chemokine by CXCL12 present in increased amounts in the peritoneal fluid of endometriotic women. In conclusion, we have shown that medical treatment of endometriosis could be non-hormonal and that oxidative stress, ERK and Akt were new therapeutic approaches to assess in clinical trials. We also showed how the molecular changes of eutopic endometrial cells could facilitate their recruitment into the peritoneal cavity.