Organic nitrates, such as glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), have been used clinically for more than a century. However optimal nitrate therapy is hindered by the development of tolerance, which is associated with a desensitized response to GTN, oxidative stress, and the inactivation of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2). This thesis evaluated the ALDH2 inactivation hypothesis of GTN tolerance and investigated the role of oxidative stress in GTN tolerance mediated by the lipid peroxidation product, 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE). Evidence for a direct role of ALDH2 in nitrate action was sought using a stably transfected cell line that overexpressed ALDH2, or siRNA to deplete endogenous ALDH2. Neither manipulation altered GTN-induced cGMP formation, indicating that ALDH2 does not mediate GTN bioactivation and tolerance. In a second study using an in vivo GTN tolerance model and a cell culture model of nitrate action, a marked increase in HNE adduct formation was detected in GTN-tolerant tissues, and treatment with HNE reduced the cGMP and vasodilator responses to GTN, thus mimicking GTN-tolerance. Together, the results suggest a primary role for HNE in the development of GTN tolerance, and provide the framework for a unified hypothesis that accommodates the previous findings of sulfhydryl depletion, ALDH2 inactivation and oxidative stress that are associated with nitrate tolerance. Studies have implicated oxidative stress and increased HNE formation in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). It was hypothesized that the gene deletion of ALDH2 would result in increased HNE-adduct formation leading to impaired cognitive function, and AD-like pathological changes. We observed a marked increase in HNE-adduct formation in Aldh2-/- mouse hippocampi as well as hyperphosphorylated tau, activated caspases, age-related changes in hippocampal amyloid βeta1-42 (Aβ1-42), post-synaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) and phosphorylated cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein (pCREB) expression, endothelial dysfunction and other vascular pathologies. These data provide further evidence for the importance of HNE and oxidative stress in AD pathogenesis, and establish Aldh2-/- mice as a new, oxidative stress-based animal model of age-related cognitive impairment and AD. / Thesis (Ph.D, Pharmacology & Toxicology) -- Queen's University, 2013-05-31 11:10:58.145

Organic nitrates, such as glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), have been used clinically for more than a century. However optimal nitrate therapy is hindered by the development of tolerance, which is associated with a desensitized response to GTN, oxidative stress, and the inactivation of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2). This thesis evaluated the ALDH2 inactivation hypothesis of GTN tolerance and investigated the role of oxidative stress in GTN tolerance mediated by the lipid peroxidation product, 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE). Evidence for a direct role of ALDH2 in nitrate action was sought using a stably transfected cell line that overexpressed ALDH2, or siRNA to deplete endogenous ALDH2. Neither manipulation altered GTN-induced cGMP formation, indicating that ALDH2 does not mediate GTN bioactivation and tolerance. In a second study using an in vivo GTN tolerance model and a cell culture model of nitrate action, a marked increase in HNE adduct formation was detected in GTN-tolerant tissues, and treatment with HNE reduced the cGMP and vasodilator responses to GTN, thus mimicking GTN-tolerance. Together, the results suggest a primary role for HNE in the development of GTN tolerance, and provide the framework for a unified hypothesis that accommodates the previous findings of sulfhydryl depletion, ALDH2 inactivation and oxidative stress that are associated with nitrate tolerance. Studies have implicated oxidative stress and increased HNE formation in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). It was hypothesized that the gene deletion of ALDH2 would result in increased HNE-adduct formation leading to impaired cognitive function, and AD-like pathological changes. We observed a marked increase in HNE-adduct formation in Aldh2-/- mouse hippocampi as well as hyperphosphorylated tau, activated caspases, age-related changes in hippocampal amyloid βeta1-42 (Aβ1-42), post-synaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) and phosphorylated cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein (pCREB) expression, endothelial dysfunction and other vascular pathologies. These data provide further evidence for the importance of HNE and oxidative stress in AD pathogenesis, and establish Aldh2-/- mice as a new, oxidative stress-based animal model of age-related cognitive impairment and AD. / Thesis (Ph.D, Pharmacology & Toxicology) -- Queen's University, 2013-05-31 11:10:58.145

Made available in DSpace on 2015-05-14T13:00:12Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 1253693 bytes, checksum: 473208aa372beaf58b2dc01deecdc9be (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-03-08 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Organic nitrates are nitric oxide (NO) donors used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases mimicking the role of endogenous NO. This study evaluated organic nitrates newly synthesized from glycerin, which cardiovascular actions had not yet been investigated. Therefore, the cardiovascular effects produced by organic nitrates derived from glycerin: 2-nitrate-1,3-dimethoxypropan (NDMP), 2-nitrate-1,3-diethoxypropan (NDEP), 2-nitrate-1 ,3-dipropoxypropan (NDPP) and 2-nitrate-1,3-dibutoxypropan (NDBP) in rats were investigated using in vitro and in vivo approaches. For in vitro studies, animals were euthanized and the superior mesenteric artery was isolated. Artery rings were kept in tanks with Tyrode at 37 ° C aerated with carbogen, then were attached to a force transducer (Fort 10, WPI, Sarasota, USA) coupled to a data acquisition system data (Miobath-4, WPI, Sarasota, USA) under a tension of 0.75 g for 1 hour. After this period, preparations were pre-contracted with phenylephrine (FEN) 10 μM or KCl 80 mM and then increasing concentrations of organic nitrates were cumulatively added. The nitrate with the most promising effects was selected for further studies and concentration-response curves of the compound selected in the presence of HDX, a hijacker of NO; ODQ, inhibitor of soluble guanylyl cyclase, KCl 20 mM, a modulator of potassium efflux, and blockers for calcium-sensitive potassium channel (TEA, 1 mM), blockers for ATP-sensitive potassium channel (GLIB, 1 M) and blockers for voltage-operated potassium channel (4-AP, 1 mM) were obtained. All compounds showed vasorelaxant activity endothelium-independent in superior mesenteric artery rings, being the NDBP was the most potent agent with Emax = 105.4 ± 2.7% in rings pre-contracted with FEN and Emax = 82, 7 ± 7.9% in KCl 80 mM induced contraction. The vasorelaxation was significantly attenuated in the presence of HDX and ODQ with Emax = 62.8 ± 14.9% and Emax = 15.2 ± 9.2%, respectively. In the presence of KCl 20 mM the vasorelaxat response was also reduced [Emax = 70.6 ± 15.02%] as well as in the presence of TEA [Emax = 87.97 ± 5.78%]; GLIB [Emax = 78, 2 ± 6.5%] and 4-AP, a lesser extent [Emax = 94.65 ± 6.6%]. For in vivo studies, we investigated the changes in blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) in conscious rats treated acutely with NDBP. Intravenous administration of NDBP (2, 5, 10, 15 and 20 mg/kg, randomly) produced hypotension (-6 ± 1.7, -22 ± 6.8, -58 ± 3.7, -70 ± 5.5, -77 ± 5.4 mmHg) and bradycardia (-12 ± 5, -40 ± 19.7, -133 ± 18.6, -179 ± 23.5, and -266 ± 12.4 bpm) in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, the vasorrelaxant response produced by NDBP possibly involves the NO release and subsequent activation of the CGs/GMPc/PKG pathway and BKCa, KATP and KV channels. These mechanism of action may be contributing to hypotension and bradycardia showed in non-anesthetized normotensive rats. / Os nitratos orgânicos são doadores de óxido nítrico (NO) utilizados no tratamento de doenças cardiovasculares mimetizando o papel do NO endógeno. Neste estudo foram avaliados nitratos orgânicos recém-sintetizados a partir da glicerina cujas ações cardiovasculares ainda não haviam sido investigadas. Portanto, os efeitos cardiovasculares do 2-nitrato-1,3-dimetoxipropano (NDMP), 2-nitrato-1,3-dietoxipropano (NDEP), 2-nitrato-1,3-dipropoxipropano (NDPP) e 2-nitrato-1,3-dibutoxipropano (NDBP) em ratos normotensos foram observados, utilizando técnicas in vitro e in vivo. Para os estudos in vitro, os animais foram eutanasiados e a artéria mesentérica superior foi isolada. Anéis de artéria mesentérica superior isolada de rato foram mantidos em cubas contendo Tyrode a 37 ºC gaseificado com carbogênio, em seguida foram fixados a um transdutor de força (FORT 10, WPI, Sarasota, EUA), acoplado a um sistema de aquisição de dados (Miobath-4, WPI, Sarasota, EUA) sob tensão de 0,75 g, durante 1 hora. Após este período, as preparações foram pré-contraídas com fenilefrina (FEN) 10 μM ou KCl 80 mM e, em seguida, concentrações crescentes dos nitratos orgânicos, foram adicionadas cumulativamente. O nitrato com efeito mais promissor foi selecionado para estudos subsequentes e foram obtidas curvas concentração-resposta do composto na presença de HDX, sequestrador de NO; ODQ, inibidor da ciclase de guanilil solúvel; KCl 20 mM, modulador do efluxo de potássio; e bloqueadores de canais para K+ sensíveis ao cálcio (TEA, 1 mM), ao ATP (GLIB, 1 M) e operados por voltagem (4-AP, 1 mM). Todos os compostos apresentaram atividade vasorrelaxante em anéis de artéria mesentérica superior isolada de rato independente do endotélio funcional, sendo o NDBP o mais potente com Emáx = 105,4 ± 2,7 % em anéis pré-contraídos com FEN e Emáx = 82,7 ± 7,9 % na contração induzida por KCL 80 mM. O vasorrelaxamento foi significativamente atenuado na presença de HDX e ODQ, com Emáx = 62,8 ± 14,9 % e Emáx = 15,2 ± 9,2 %, respectivamente. Na presença de KCl 20 mM a resposta vasorrelaxante também foi reduzida [Emáx = 70,6 ± 15,02 %], bem como na presença do TEA [Emáx = 87,97 ± 5,78 %]; GLIB [Emáx = 78,2 ± 6,5 %] e 4-AP, em menor proporção [Emáx = 94,65 ± 6,6 %]. Para os estudos in vivo, foram investigadas as alterações na pressão arterial (PA) e frequência cardíaca (FC) em ratos não-anestesiados tratados agudamente com o NDBP. A administração aleatória do NDBP (2, 5, 10, 15 e 20 mg/kg, i. v) produziu hipotensão (-6 ± 1,7; -22 ±6,8; -58 ± 3,7; -70 ± 5,5; -77 ± 5,4 mmHg) e bradicardia (-12 ± 5; -40 ± 19,7; -133 ± 18,6; -179 ± 23,5; e -266 ± 12,4 bpm) de maneira dose-dependente. Deste modo, a resposta vasorrelaxante promovida pelo NDBP possivelmente envolve a liberação de NO e posterior ativação da via CGs/GMPc/PKG e canais para K+ do tipo BKCa; KATP e KV. Este mecanismo de ação pode estar contribuindo para a hipotensão e bradicardia observadas em animais normotensos não-anestesiados.

Detailed understanding of the kinetics and mechanisms of heterogeneous reactions between gas-phase nitrate radicals, a key nighttime atmospheric oxidant, and organic particles will enable scientists to predict the fate and lifetime of the particles in the atmosphere. In an effort to acquire knowledge of interfacial reactions of nitrate radical with organics, model surfaces are created by the spontaneous adsorption of methyl-/vinyl-/hydroxyl-terminated alkanethiols on to a polycrystalline gold substrate. The self-assembled monolayers provide a well-defined surface with the desired functional group (-CH3, H2C=CH-, or HO-) positioned precisely at the gas-surface interface. The experimental approach employs in situ reflection-absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS) to monitor bond rupture and formation while a well-characterized flux of NO3 impinges on the organic surface. Overall, the reaction kinetics and mechanisms were found to depend on the terminal functional group of the SAM and incident energy of the nitrate radical (NO3). For reactions of the H2C=CH-SAM with NO3, the surface reaction kinetics obtained from RAIRS reveals that the consumption rate of the terminal vinyl groups is nearly identical to the formation rate of a surface-bound nitrate species and implies that the mechanism is one of direct addition to the vinyl group rather than hydrogen abstraction. Upon nitrate radical collisions with the surface, the initial reaction probability for consumption of carbon-carbon double bonds was determined to be (2.3 ± 0.5) -- 10-3. Studies of reactions of HO-SAM with the effusive source of NO3 suggest that the reaction between NO3 and the HO-SAM is initiated by hydrogen abstraction at the terminal - 'CH2OH groups with the initial reaction probability of (6 ± 1)-- 10-3. An Arrhenius plot was obtained to measure the activation energy of the H abstraction from the HO-SAM. Further, for reactions of the HO-SAM with the high incident energy of NO3 molecules created by molecular beam, the reaction probability for H abstraction at the hydroxyl terminus was determined to be ~0.4. The significant increase in the reaction probability was attributed to the promotion in the ability of NO3 abstracting hydrogen atom at the methylene groups along hydrocarbon chains. The reaction rates of NO3 with the model organic surfaces that have been investigated are orders of magnitude greater than the rate of ozone reactions on the same surfaces which suggests that oxidation of surface-bound organics by nighttime nitrate radicals may play an important role in atmospheric chemistry despite their relative low concentration. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) data suggests that oxidation of the model organic surfaces by NO3 leads to the production of organic nitrates, which are stable for a period time. In addition, the effect of background gases on reactions of NO3 with model organic surfaces needs further investigations at atmospheric pressures. The results presented in this thesis should help researchers to predict the fate and environmental impacts of organic particulates with which nitrate radicals interact. / Ph. D.

Submitted by Maike Costa (maiksebas@gmail.com) on 2017-02-20T11:58:45Z No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivo total.pdf: 1664038 bytes, checksum: 10c74036755f7796ffefc80faf342151 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-02-20T11:58:45Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivo total.pdf: 1664038 bytes, checksum: 10c74036755f7796ffefc80faf342151 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-11-23 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / Organic nitrates have been used in cardiovascular disorders therapy because they work as nitric oxide (NO) donors. The present study aimed to characterize the 2-nitrate-1,3-dioctanoxypropan (NDOP), an organic nitrate synthesized from glycerin as a NO donor. The ability of NO release elicited by NDOP was evaluated in vascular smooth muscles cells (VSMC) from aorta and in vascular reactivity essays in thoracic aorta rings from C57BL/6 mice pre-contracted with phenylephrine. In addition, in vitro tolerance for NDOP and the acute pre-clinical toxicity to its oral administration (v.o.) (300 and 2000 mg/kg) were evaluated. The treatment with NDOP increased NO levels in VSMC when compared to cells stimulated with DAF probe only (53,20 ± 1,61 vs. 10,74 ± 0,86 a.u., n = 13 and 13, respectively, p < 0.05). The NO increase in VSMC was not inhibited by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) inhibitor, L-NG-Nitroarginine (L-NNA, 100 μM) (52,80 ± 2,89 vs. 53,75 ± 2,18 a.u., n = 13 each). NDOP (10-8 – 10-3 M) induced endothelium-independent vasorelaxant effect in aorta from mice (Emax = 102,6 ± 1,7% vs. 107,3 ± 7,5%, n = 8 and 6, respectively). Pre-incubation with NOS blocker, L-NAME (100 μM) did not change the vasorelaxant response in functional endothelium rings (Emax= 112,5 ± 7,4%, n = 7). However the vasorelaxant effect to NDOP in rings without functional endothelium was decreased by pre-treatment with NO scavenger, 2-phenyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl 3-oxide (PTIO, 300 μM) (Emax= 75,7 ± 5,6%, n = 7, p < 0.05) and by PTIO + hydroxocobalamin (Emáx= 38,8 ± 4,6%, n = 4, p < 0.05). The soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) selective inhibitor, 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ, 10 μM), reduced the NDOP vasorelaxant response (Emáx = 22,2 ± 6,7%, n = 6, p < 0.05). When rings were contracted with modified Krebs solution by KCl 60 mM, NDOP maximum relaxation efficiency was attenuated (Emax = 80,4 ± 5,2%; n = 6, p < 0,05). The unspecified inhibition of potassium channels (K+) using Krebs depolarizing solution in addition to KCl 20 mM reduced the efficiency of relaxation induced by NDOP (Emax= 72,8 ± 3,4%; n = 6, p < 0.05). Specific blocking of BKca by TEA (1 mM), Kv by 4-aminopyridine (4-AP; 1 mM) or KATP by glybenclamide (GLIB, 10 μM) did not change the standard relaxing curve for NDOP. However, the pre-incubation with barium chloride (BaCl2, 30 μM), an inward-rectifier potassium channels (KIR) blocker reduced the relaxation effect induced by NDOP (Emax= 73,7 ± 5,7%, n = 6, p <0.05). In aorta rings pre-incubation with NDOP (10-4 M), the vasorelaxation induced by NDOP was reduced in rings with endothelium (Emax= 49,4 ± 3,5% vs. 102,6 ± 1,7%; n = 7 and 8, respectively, p < 0.05) and without endothelium (Emax= 44,1 ± 5,9% vs. Emax= 107.3 ± 7.5%, n = 6 and 6, respectively, p < 0.05). Oral administration of NDOP (300 and 2000 mg/kg) in female mice demonstrated that the compound present low pre-clinical acute toxicity and the DL50 was about 5000 mg/kg. The results demonstrate that NDOP acts as a NO donor in VSMC and produce vasorelaxation via NO-cGMP-PKG pathway and activation of KIR channels. However, although the low pre-clinical acute toxicity, NDOP demonstrate to induce vascular tolerance in vitro. / Nitratos orgânicos têm sido utilizados na terapia de desordens cardiovasculares pois são doadores de óxido nítrico (NO) e podem mimetizar o papel do NO endógeno. O presente estudo foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de caracterizar o 2-nitrato-1,3-di(octanoxi)propano (NDOP), um nitrato orgânico sintetizado a partir da glicerina, como um doador de NO. A capacidade de liberação de NO eliciada pelo NDOP foi avaliada em células de músculo liso vascular (CMLV) de artéria aorta e em ensaios de reatividade vascular em anéis de aorta torácica de camundongos (Mus musculus) C57BL/6 pré-contraidos com fenilefrina. Em adição, foi também avaliada a tolerância in vitro para o NDOP e a toxicidade aguda pré-clinica frente sua administração via oral (v.o.) (300 e 2000 mg/kg) em camundongos fêmeas. O tratamento com NDOP aumentou os níveis de NO nas CMLV quando comparado às células estimuladas apenas com a sonda DAF (53,20 ± 1,61 vs.10,74 ± 0,86 a.u., n = 13 e 13, respectivamente, p < 0,05). O aumento de NO nas CMLV não foi inibido pelo bloqueio da enzima óxido nítrico sintase endotelial (eNOS) utilizando L-NG-Nitroarginina (L-NNA, 100 μM) (52,80 ± 2,89 vs. 53,75 ± 2,18 a.u., n = 13 e 13, respectivamente). O NDOP (10-8 – 10-3 M) induziu efeito vasorrelaxante em aorta torácica de camundongo C57BL/6 com e sem endotélio funcional de forma semelhante (Emáx = 102,6 ± 1,7% vs. 107,3 ± 7,5%, n = 8 e 6, respectivamente). A pré-incubação com o bloqueador da NOS, L-NAME (100 μM) não alterou a resposta vasorrelaxante em anéis com endotélio funcional (Emáx= 112,5 ± 7,4%, n = 7). Por outro lado, o efeito vasorrelaxante do NDOP em anéis sem endotélio funcional foi diminuído pelo pré-tratamento com o sequestrador de NO, 2-(4-fenil)-4,4,5,5-tetrametilimidazolina-1-oxi-3-óxido (PTIO, 300 μM) (Emáx= 75,7 ± 5,6%, n = 7, p < 0,05) e pelo PTIO juntamente com a hidroxicobalamina (Emáx= 38,8 ± 4,6%, n = 4, p < 0,05). O uso do 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-ona (ODQ, 10 μM), um inibidor seletivo da enzima ciclase de guanilil solúvel (CGs) reduziu a resposta vasorrelaxante do NDOP (Emáx = 22,2 ± 6.7%, n = 6, p < 0,05). Quando os anéis foram contraídos com a solução de Krebs modificada com KCl 60 mM, a eficiência máxima de relaxamento do NDOP foi atenuada (Emáx = 80,4 ± 5,2%; n = 6, p < 0,05). O bloqueio inespecífico dos canais para potássio (K+) com solução despolarizante de Krebs adicionada de KCl 20 mM reduziu a eficácia do relaxamento induzido pelo NDOP (Emáx = 72,8 ± 3,4%; n = 6, p < 0,05). O uso de TEA (1 mM), 4-aminopiridina (1 mM) e Glibenclamida (10 μM) para bloqueio dos canais BKCa, KV e KATP, respectivamente, não alterou o vasorrelaxamento induzido pelo NDOP. Entretanto, a pré-incubação dos anéis com cloreto de bário (BaCl2, 30 μM), inibidor dos canais para K+ retificadores de entrada (KIR) reduziu a eficiência de relaxamento induzido pelo NDOP (Emáx= 73,7 ± 5,7%, n = 6, p < 0,05). A pré-exposição dos anéis ao NDOP (10-4 M), durante 30 minutos, diminuiu o vasorrelaxamento induzido pelo composto em anéis com endotélio (Emáx= 49,4 ± 3,5% vs. 102,6 ± 1,7%; n = 7 e 8, respectivamente, p < 0,05) e sem endotélio vascular (Emáx= 44,1 ± 5,9% vs. Emáx= 107,3 ± 7,5%, n = 6 e 6, respectivamente, p < 0,05). A administração (v.o.) de 300 e 2000 mg/kg do NDOP em camundongos fêmeas demonstrou que o composto apresenta baixa toxicidade aguda pré-clínica e a DL50 foi aproximadamente 5000 mg/kg. Os resultados demonstram que NDOP atua como doador de NO em CMLV e que o vasorrelaxamento induzido pelo NDOP envolve a ativação dos canais para K+ do tipo KIR e a participação da CGs por meio da via NO-GMPc-PKG. Entretanto, apesar da baixa toxicidade aguda pré-clínica, o NDOP demostrou provocar tolerância vascular in vitro.

Submitted by Maike Costa (maiksebas@gmail.com) on 2017-02-24T14:06:25Z No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivo total.pdf: 3861832 bytes, checksum: 51f845d5047e9aaddd5d14c6395b40a2 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-02-24T14:06:25Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivo total.pdf: 3861832 bytes, checksum: 51f845d5047e9aaddd5d14c6395b40a2 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-08-31 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico - CNPq / Human umbilical cord vessels (HUCV), often considered biological waste, are good models for evaluation of vasoactive substances. The effect of glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) has been characterized in several animal blood vessels, but this nitrate presents little effect on HUCV. The tetrahydrofurfuryl nitrate (NTHF) and 13-cis-9-octadecanoate acetate nitrate (NCOE) are nitric oxide (NO) donors, whose effect has been characterized in animal vessels. 1,2-bis (tetrahydrofuran-2-yl) ethane-1,2-diildinitrato (BIS-NTHF) is a novel compound (two molecules of NTHF) that has no pharmacological studies. The aim of this study was to implement and standardize the technique involving HUCV, and characterize the effect of these four organic nitrates both in artery (HUA) and vein (HUV) rings isolated from umbilical cord. The standardization of the technique showed that 3g and 3h are, respectively, the ideal voltage and time to experiment with the umbilical vessels, besides the fact that it presents a spontaneous decrease both basal tone as the contractile. The study of nitrates showed that these compounds have relaxed the basal tone of HUCV. All nitrate induced vasorelaxation in both umbilical vessels pre-contracted with serotonin (5-HT), with maximum effects than 90%, and more effectively in relaxing HUA than HUV. In this situation, GTN was the most potent nitrate in causing vasodilation, BIS NTHF presented an intermediate power value, while NCOE and NTHF were less potent in relaxing HUV and HUA, respectively. When HUA rings were pre-contracted with KCl 60 mM, there was an attenuation of vasodilation promoted by nitrates. GTN and the NTHF also showed decreased vasorelaxation in HUV rings contracted with KCl 60 mM, while NCOE and BIS-NTHF have effects similar to the rings pre-contracted with 5 HT. Preincubation of GTN, BIS-NTHF and NTHF attenuated contractions induced by 5-HT in HUA rings. Additionally, GTN and BIS-NTHF also inhibited contraction stimulated by 5-HT in HUV. In contrast, preincubation of NTHF in HUV, and NCOE both in HUV as HUA led to lower inhibition when compared with the other nitrates. GTN, NTHF and BIS-NTHF inhibited the phasic and tonic components of the contraction induced by 5-HT in the absence of extracellular Ca2+. NCOE was more effective to inhibit the tonic contraction. Pre-incubation of 10 μM of ODQ, inhibitor of soluble cyclase guanylyl, attenuated significantly the vasodilator response to GTN, NTHF, NCOE and BIS NTHF was. Preincubation of 10 mM TEA, a blocker of potassium channels, decreased the relaxant response of the four nitrates in HUA, while do not alter the effect in HUV. In view of what has been exposed here, it can be concluded that GTN, NTHF, NCOE and BIS-NTHF cause vasorelaxation of HUCV rings, both in basal tone as contractions induced by 5-HT or KCl. The mechanism of nitrates action in these human vessels involves activation of sCG and channels for potassium; and inhibition of calcium entry, release of stocks of this ion by sarcoplasmic reticulum and ROCK activity. / Vasos umbilicais humano (HUCV), muitas vezes considerado lixo biológico, são bons modelos para avaliação de substâncias vasoativas. O efeito do trinitrato de gliceril (GTN) já foi caracterizado em vários vasos sanguíneos animais, mas em HUCV foi apenas relatado que este nitrato apresenta pouco efeito. O nitrato de tetra-hidrofurfurilo (NTHF) e o 13-nitrato-cis-9-octadecanoato de etila (NCOE) são doadores de óxido nítrico (NO), cujo efeito foi caracterizado em vasos animais. O 1,2-bis(tetrahidrofuran-2-il)etano-1,2-diildinitrato (BIS-NTHF) é um composto inédito (duas moléculas de NTHF) que não possui estudos farmacológicos. O objetivo deste estudo foi implantar e padronizar a técnica envolvendo HUCV, e caracterizar o efeito desses quatro nitratos orgânicos tanto em anéis de artéria (HUA) como veia (HUV) isoladas de cordão. A padronização da técnica mostrou que 3 g e 3h são, respectivamente, a tensão e tempo ideais para experimentos com os vasos umbilicais, além do fato de que estes apresentam uma queda espontânea tanto do tônus basal como do contrátil. O estudo com os nitratos mostrou que esses compostos relaxaram o tônus basal de HUCV. Todos os nitratos induziram vasorrelaxamento, em ambos os vasos umbilicais pré-contraídos com serotonina (5-HT), com efeitos máximos superiores a 90%, e com maior eficácia em relaxar HUA do que HUV. Nesta situação, GTN foi o nitrato mais potente em causar vasodilatação, BIS-NTHF apresentou um valor de potência intermediário, enquanto que NCOE e NTHF foram os menos potentes em relaxar HUV e HUA, respectivamente. Quando os anéis de HUA foram pré-contraídos com KCl 60 mM, houve uma atenuação da vasodilatação promovida pelos nitratos. GTN e NTHF também apresentaram o vasorrelaxamento diminuído nos anéis de HUV pré-contraídos com KCl 60 mM, enquanto NCOE e BIS-NTHF tiveram seus efeitos de forma semelhante aos anéis pré-contraídos com 5-HT. A pré-incubação de GTN, NTHF e BIS-NTHF atenuou as contrações induzidas por 5-HT, em anéis de HUA. Adicionalmente, GTN e BIS-NTHF também inibiram a contração estimulada por 5-HT em HUV. Em contrapartida, a pré-incubação de NTHF, em HUV, e de NCOE, tanto em HUV como em HUA, levaram à inibição menor, quando comparados aos outros nitratos. GTN, NTHF e BIS-NTHF inibiram o componente fásico e tônico da contração induzida por 5-HT, na ausência do Ca2+ extracelular. NCOE, por sua vez, foi mais eficaz em inibir a contração tônica. A pré-incubação de 10 μM de ODQ, inibidor da ciclase de guanilil solúvel, fez com que a resposta vasodilatadora de GTN, NTHF, NCOE e BIS-NTHF fosse atenuada de maneira significativa. A pré-incubação de 10 mM de TEA, um bloqueador de canais para potássio, em HUA diminuiu a resposta relaxante dos quatro nitratos, não alterando o efeito em HUV. Diante do exposto, pode-se concluir que os nitratos orgânicos GTN, NTHF, NCOE e BIS-NTHF causam vasorrelaxamento de anéis de HUCV, tanto no tônus basal quanto de contrações induzidas por 5-HT ou KCl. O mecanismo de ação dos nitratos nestes vasos humanos envolve ativação da sGC e de canais para potássio; e inibição da entrada de cálcio, liberação dos estoques deste íon do retículo sarcoplasmático e da atividade da ROCK.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-05-14T13:21:46Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 1804420 bytes, checksum: 7f1229339fc39b87970bae7fb09a5054 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-11-30 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / The major purposes for the production and use of biodiesels are environmental, social and economic benefits. However the production of 90 cubic meters of biodiesel generates about 10 cubic meters of glycerin, so partial or total replacement of diesel by biodiesel can because of glycerin generate a lot of problems. A great surplus (without market), could force the devaluation of its price, and glycerin factories losing competitiveness might be forced to close down. However the world is in a race to develop new processes and add new technologies for the rational use of bio-fuel co-products like glycerin. This study obtained "New Materials" by using glycerin with applicability to biology, diesel fuels, and bio-fuels with cetane improvers. We obtained five organic nitrates characterized as 2-nitrate-1,3-diethoxypropane (NDM); 2-nitrate-1,3- dimethoxypropane (NDE); 2-nitrate-1,3-dipropoxypropano (NDP); 2-nitrate-1.3-dibutoxypropano (NDB) and (+/-)-2,2-dimethyl-1,3- dioxolan-4-metilnitrato (nitrate solketal - NSKT). pharmacological evaluation showed that the nitrates of diesters have hypotensive activity on the cardiovascular system revealing NDB as the compound that showed greater potency and effectiveness against the vasorelaxant effect in the superior mesenteric artery isolated from rats in the order of 115.58 ± 5.59. The nitrate solketal ((+/-)-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-metilnitrato) (NSKT) was tested as a cetane improver for biodiesel so as to obtain a new low cetane bio-fuel. The addition of NSKT 7% to ethanol, formed a low cetane fuel capable of operating diesel engines. / O grande propósito para a produção e o uso do biodiesel são os benefícios ambientais, sociais e econômicos. Entretanto na produção de 90 m3 de biodiesel são gerados cerca de 10 m3 de glicerina, assim com a substituição parcial ou total do diesel pelo biodiesel a glicerina gerada no processo pode ser um grande problema econômico e ambiental. Uma grande produção de glicerina provoca a desvalorização do produto e conseqüentemente fábricas que produzem ou a usam como insumo podem perder competitividade até não ser mais viável o seu funcionamento. Todavia o mundo busca o desenvolvimento de novos processos e agregar novas tecnologias visando o aproveitamento racional da glicerina. Neste trabalho foram obtidos Novos Materiais pelo aproveitamento da glicerina do biodiesel com aplicabilidades biológicas na síntese de moléculas bioativas e em combustíveis ou biocombustíveis com os melhoradores de Cetano. Assim foram obtidos cinco nitratos orgânicos: 2-nitrato-1,3- dimetoxipropano (NDM); 2-nitrato-1,3-dietoxipropano (NDE); 2-nitrato- 1,3-dipropoxipropano (NDP) e o 2-nitrato-1,3-dibutoxipropano (NDB). A avaliação farmacológica mostrou que os nitratos dos diéteres possuem atividade hipotensora sobre o sistema cardiovascular sendo NDB o composto que apresentou maior potencia e eficácia frente ao efeito vasorelaxante na arteria mesentérica superior isolada de rato na ordem de 115,58 ± 5,59. O Nitrato de solketal ((+/-)-2,2-Dimetil-1,3-dioxolano-4- metilnitrato) (NSKT) foi testado como melhorador de cetano tanto para o biodiesel como para a obtenção de um novo biocombustível de baixo cetano. A adição de NSKT no teor de 7% ao etanol formou um combustível de baixo cetano capaz de funcionar um motor do ciclo diesel.

Polymer-based drug delivery systems represent one of the promising strategies for successful tumor treatment. Conjugation of a low-molecular-weight drug to a syn- thetic polymer carrier enables targeted drug delivery to tumor tissue/cells and limited systemic toxicity of the drug. The conjugates show extended circulation time, and preferentially accumulate in tumor tissue due to the Enhanced Permeability and Re- tention (EPR) effect. The EPR effect depends on a structural anomaly in tumor neovasculature, and vasodilators were shown to enhance the EPR effect via an in- crease of blood supply in the tumor. Polymer drug carriers based on water-soluble N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) benefit from variable architecture, drug loading and controlled release. HPMA-based conjugates with cancerostatics have al- ready proved high anti-tumor activity, inducing complete tumor regression followed by resistance to a second tumor challenge in experimental murine models. Three HPMA-based conjugates with organic nitrates (labeled 1, 2, and 3) were pre- pared as polymer donors of nitric oxide (NO) with the aim to intensify the EPR effect, thereby enhancing accumulation of co-administered macromolecular cancerostatics in the tumor. In this study, the conjugates were non-toxic to cancer cells and did not potentiate...