Submitted by Sandro Camargo (sandro.camargo@unipampa.edu.br) on 2015-03-08T23:02:15Z No. of bitstreams: 1 126110004.pdf: 1813851 bytes, checksum: 1a28f794fef01acd23da69d00092235e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-03-08T23:02:16Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 126110004.pdf: 1813851 bytes, checksum: 1a28f794fef01acd23da69d00092235e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-02-22 / A δ-aminolevulinato desidratase (δ-ALA-D) é uma metaloenzima que requer íons zinco para sua atividade catalítica máxima. Devido a sua natureza sulfidrílica, a δ-ALA-D é extremamente sensível à presença de agentes oxidantes, sendo inibida por metais pesados que possuam elevada afinidade por grupamentos sulfidrílicos, como o Cádmio (Cd). O Cd é um metal pesado e um elemento não essencial utilizado industrialmente. É um dos poluentes mais tóxicos distribuídos no meio ambiente, uma vez que atividades antropogênicas fizeram com que sua concentração aumentasse na atmosfera e se tornasse um contaminante de alimentos e água. Uma importante fonte de Cd nos seres humanos é através da inalação da fumaça de cigarro, pois já que possui uma alta biodisponibilidade, é facilmente depositado em vários tecidos, especialmente o trato reprodutivo. Embora este metal possa causar graves danos aos embriões e aos órgãos reprodutivos, os mecanismos precisos referentes à sua toxicidade permanecem incertos. O objetivo deste tabalho foi avaliar o efeito do cádmio e do seleno-furanosídeo sobre a atividade da enzima δ-ALA-D de ovário, in vitro e ex vivo. Observou-se que baixas concentrações de Cd inibiram a atividade da enzima δ-ALA-D em ovário de vaca in vitro, e o valor da IC 50 obtido foi de 19,17 μM. O Seleno- furanosídeo (10, 50, 100, 200, 400 e 1000 μM) não foi capaz de reverter a toxicidade do Cd no tecido ovariano bovino in vitro. Foi demonstrado também o possível mecanismo pelo qual o Cd inibe a atividade da enzima δ-ALA-D, utilizando o ditiotreitol (DTT) e o Cloreto de Zinco (ZnCl 2 ), onde foi demonstrado que o DTT (3mM) protegeu a inibição da atividade da enzima causada pelo Cd, enquanto o ZnCl 2 (100μM) não protegeu o efeito inibitório do metal, sugerindo que a inibição da atividade da enzima estaria relacionado a oxidação dos grupos tiólicos. No estudo ex vivo utilizando camundongos Swiss (fêmeas adultas), a exposição aguda ao Cd (2,5 e 5 mg/kg intraperitoneal) provocou uma inibição significativa da atividade da δ-ALA-D de ovário (cerca de 27% e 34%, respectivamente). A terapia com o seleno- furanosídeo ex vivo (100 μmol/kg) foi capaz de restaurar a atividade enzimática. Assim, foi demonstrado pela primeira vez que a atividade da enzima δ-ALA-D ovariana é inibida pelo Cd tanto in vitro como ex vivo. Além disso, a terapia com o seleno-furanosídeo foi eficaz em restaurar a atividade da enzima inibida pela exposição ao Cd em ovário de camundongas, mas não foi eficaz em reverter o efeito do metal in vitro. Neste estudo, foi encontrado um novo marcador de toxicidade de Cd no tecido ovariano, bem como o efeito benéfico de um novo composto para tratar o efeito do metal após a exposição aguda do Cd. / δ- aminolevulinate dehydratase (δ-ALA-D) is a metalloenzyme that requires zinc ions for maximum catalytic activity. Due to its sulphidrilic nature, δ-ALA-D is very sensitive to the presence of oxidizing agents being inhibited by heavy metals that have a high affinity for sulfhydryl groups such as cadmium (Cd). Cd is a heavy metal and a non-essential element used industrially. It is one of the most toxic pollutants distributed in the environment, since anthropogenic activities have increased its concentration in the atmosphere and become a contaminant of food and water. An important source of Cd in humans is through inhalation of cigarette smoke, because since it has a high bioavailability, is easily deposited in various tissues, especially the reproductive tract. Although this metal can cause serious damage to embryos and reproductive organs, the precise mechanisms relating to its toxicity remain uncertain . The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of cadmium and seleno - furanoside on the activity of the enzyme δ-ALA-D ovary , in vitro and ex vivo. We observed that low concentrations of Cd inhibited cow ovary δ-ALA-D activity in vitro and the IC 50 value obtained was 19.17 μM. The Seleno-furanoside (10, 50, 100, 200, 400 and 1000 μM) did not reverse the Cd toxicity in bovine ovarian tissue in vitro. It was also shown possible mechanism by which Cd inhibits the enzyme activity of δ-ALA-D using dithiothreitol (DTT) and Zinc Chloride (ZnCl 2 ), where it was shown that DTT (3 mM) protected against enzyme activity inhibited by Cd while the ZnCl 2 (100μM) did not protect the inhibitory effect of the metal, suggesting that the inhibition of enzyme activity is related to the oxidation of thiol groups. In the ex vivo sturdy using Swiss (adult females), acute exposure to Cd (2.5 and 5 mg / kg intraperitoneally) caused a significant inhibition of δ-ALA-D ovarian (about 27% and 34% activity, respectively). Therapy with seleno-furanosídeo ex vivo (100 μmol /kg) was able to restore enzyme activity. Thus, it was demonstred for the first time that the activity of δ-ALA-D ovarian enzyme is inhibited by Cd both in vitro and ex vivo. In addition, therapy with seleno-furanoside was effective in restoring the enzyme activity inhibited by Cd exposure in mice ovary but was not effective in reversing the effect of metal in vitro. This study found a new marker of toxicity of Cd in ovarian tissue, as well as the beneficial effect of a new compound for treating metal effect after acute exposure of Cd. / Effect of Cadmium and Seleno-furanoside on the Δ-Aminolevulinate Dehydratase Activity In Vitro and Ex Vivo.

Producing competent and fertilizable oocytes from in vitro grown primordial follicles could revolutionize female infertility treatment, particularly using fertility preservation approaches that use cryopreserved ovarian tissue. However, the protracted length of folliculogenesis in humans makes follicular culture complex, and the mechanisms controlling the tightly-regulated activation of primordial follicles remain largely unknown. The delicate balance between follicular recruitment and quiescence might be affected by preservation procedures, such as ovarian fragmentation or in vitro culture, that disrupt crucial pathways, such as the Hippo and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways, that are involved in this process. When activated, these pathways induce massive recruitment of primordial follicles and accelerate follicular growth in vitro, with potential negative consequences on future oocyte developmental competence. Therefore, we hypothesized that the inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway might improve follicular growth by slowing down the activation process.In the first part of this thesis, we explored the potential benefit of inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling on the regulation of in vitro follicular activation and growth, as well as its impact on the Hippo pathway. The effect of everolimus (EVE), a specific mTORC1 inhibitor, was compared to the PI3K/Akt activators recently used to reinitiate the growth of residual follicles in the ovarian tissue of patients with premature ovarian insufficiency. We showed that short-term incubation of ovarian cortex with EVE partially delayed follicular recruitment while supporting follicle survival and steroidogenesis. However, morphological abnormalities were observed in all conditions, suggesting that EVE failed to protect follicles from accelerated in vitro growth-related defects.Our findings also provided evidence that ovarian fragmentation, which disrupts the Hippo pathway, contributes to the triggering of primordial follicle recruitment and early development of quiescent human follicles. Moreover, our data suggested that both PI3K/Akt and Hippo signaling could act synergistically to promote follicular activation and growth.In the second part of the project, we further investigated the integrity of EVE-treated follicles based on their ultrastructural and functional status. Our observations indicate that the integrity of oocyte and granulosa cells, as well as their physical contacts, were preserved in EVE and control conditions, although some in vitro grown follicles sustained cryopreservation- and culture- induced damage. We also found that short exposure to EVE allowed the maintenance of intra-follicular communication while preserving follicular developmental potential. Importantly, results obtained suggested that, at a similar developmental stage, cell coupling and oocyte growth may be improved in EVE-treated follicles.Altogether, these data provide better insight into the regulation of the follicular activation process and emphasize the importance of getting closer to physiological conditions to preserve follicle integrity. They also provide proof-of-concept evidence that reducing the initiation of growth is feasible, and suggest that mTORC1 inhibitors are a potentially useful pharmacological tool to regulate in vitro follicular growth. / La production d'ovocytes compétents et fécondables à partir de follicules primordiaux développés in vitro pourrait révolutionner les traitements liés à l'infertilité féminine, en particulier les approches de préservation de la fertilité à partir du tissu ovarien cryopréservé. Cependant, la longue durée de la folliculogenèse chez l'Homme rend la culture folliculaire complexe, et les mécanismes contrôlant l'activation des follicules primordiaux restent largement inconnus. L’équilibre fragile entre quiescence folliculaire et entrée en croissance pourrait être affecté par la fragmentation ovarienne ou la culture in vitro elle-même, qui perturbent deux voies de signalisation cruciales: les voies Hippo et PI3K/Akt/mTOR, respectivement. Lorsqu'elles sont activées, elles induisent un recrutement massif de follicules primordiaux et accélèrent la croissance folliculaire in vitro, avec des conséquences potentiellement néfastes sur la capacité future des ovocytes à devenir compétents. Par conséquent, nous avons émis l’hypothèse que l’inhibition de la voie PI3K/Akt/mTOR pourrait améliorer la croissance folliculaire via un ralentissement du processus d’activation.Dans la première partie de cette thèse, nous avons exploré le potentiel bénéfice d’une inhibition de la voie PI3K/Akt/mTOR sur la régulation de l'activation et de la croissance folliculaire in vitro, ainsi que son impact sur la voie Hippo. L’effet de l’évérolimus (EVE), un inhibiteur spécifique de mTORC1, a été comparé à ceux d’activateurs de PI3K/Akt, récemment utilisés afin d’initier la croissance des follicules résiduels au sein de tissus ovarien de patientes en insuffisance ovarienne précoce. Nous avons montré que l'exposition à court terme de cortex ovarien à l'EVE retardait partiellement le recrutement folliculaire tout en préservant la survie et la stéroidogenèse des follicules. Toutefois, des anomalies morphologiques ont été observées dans toutes les conditions, ce qui suggère que l’EVE ne préserve pas les follicules de défauts liés à une croissance accélérée.Nos résultats ont également prouvé que la fragmentation ovarienne, en perturbant la voie Hippo, contribue au recrutement et au développement précoce des follicules primordiaux. De plus, les données obtenues suggèrent que les voies PI3K/Akt/mTOR et Hippo pourraient agir de manière synergique pour promouvoir l'activation et la croissance folliculaire.Dans la deuxième partie du projet, nous avons étudié la qualité des follicules traités avec de l’EVE en se basant sur des critères ultrastructural et fonctionnel. Nos observations ont indiqué que l'intégrité des ovocytes et des cellules de la granulosa ainsi que leurs contacts physiques était préservée dans les conditions EVE et contrôle, bien que certains follicules en croissance présentent des signes de dommages induits par la cryopréservation et la culture. Nous avons également constaté qu'une courte exposition à l’EVE permettait de maintenir les communications intra-folliculaires tout en préservant le potentiel de développement des follicules. De façon importante, les résultats obtenus suggèrent qu’à un stade de développement similaire, le couplage cellulaire et la croissance des ovocytes pourraient être améliorés dans les follicules traités à l’EVE.En conclusion, ces données contribuent à une meilleure compréhension de la régulation de l'activation folliculaire in vitro, et soulignent l'importance de mimer les conditions physiologiques pour préserver l'intégrité des follicules. Elles apportent également la preuve qu’un ralentissement de l’initiation de la croissance est réalisable, et suggèrent que l’utilisation d’inhibiteurs de mTORC1 pourrait représenter un outil pharmacologique efficace pour réguler la croissance folliculaire in vitro. / Doctorat en Sciences biomédicales et pharmaceutiques (Médecine) / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

Orientador: Gilson Hélio Toniollo / Banca: Renée Laufer Amorim / Banca: Antonio Carlos Alessi / Resumo: Os órgãos reprodutores das fêmeas caninas sofrem transformações morfológicas e funcionais durante o ciclo estral, sob influência do estrógeno e da progesterona. A proteína CYR61 (proteína rica em cisteína, 61kilodaltons), mediada por citocinas inflamatórias, interleucinas, integrinas e outros, regula processos como proliferação e diferenciação celular, quimiotaxia, angiogênese e tumorgênese. É identificada em endometriose em mulheres, ratas e fêmeas de babuíno, acometidas por endometriose ou hiperplasia endometrial. Objetivou-se com este estudo imunolocalizar e quantificar a expressão da CYR61 em órgãos reprodutores das fêmeas caninas saudáveis, sob diferentes níveis séricos de progesterona e estradiol, e acometidas por piometra. Os tecidos coletados das 100 fêmeas caninas foram submetidos à técnica de imunoistoquímica com anticorpo anti-CYR61, e apresentaram marcação citoplasmática positiva nos componentes epiteliais em maior intensidade quando comparada aos componentes estromais. Foi identificada correlação linear positiva de área com marcação citoplasmática no ovário, corno uterino e corpo do útero, na fase lútea do ciclo estral. As tubas uterinas demonstraram maior expressão e correlação linear positiva com a fase proliferativa do ciclo estral. É possível concluir que a expressão do CYR61 está diretamente relacionada com as alterações morfológicas e funcionais dos órgãos reprodutores femininos, provocadas pelos hormônios ovarianos nas diferentes fases do ciclo estral, de forma particular sobre cada tecido, de acordo com suas funções fisiológicas / Abstract: The reproductive organs of female dogs suffer morphological and functional changes during the estrous cycle, under the influence of estrogen and progesterone. CYR61 protein (cystein-rich protein, 61kilodaltons) mediated by inflammatory cytokines, interleukins, integrins and others, regulates the processes such as cell proliferation and differentiation, chemotaxis, angiogenesis and tumorgenesis. It was identified in endometriosis in women, rats and female baboon, who suffers from endometriosis or endometrial hyperplasia. The objective of this study was the immunolocalization and quantification of CYR61 expression in reproductive organs of healthy canine females under different levels of progesterone and estradiol, and females affected by pyometra. The tissues collected from 100 females dogs were subjected to immunohistochemistry analyses with anti-CYR61, and showed cytoplasmatic positive reaction in higher intensity on epithelial components, when compared with stromal components. This study identified positive linear correlation of cytoplasmatic area with positive reaction on the ovary and uterus in luteal phase of the estrous cycle. The fallopian tubes showed higher expression and positive linear correlation with estradiol, in proliferative phase of the estrous cycle. It was concluded that the CYR61 expression is directly related to the morphological and functional changes of the female reproductive organs, caused by the ovarian hormones at different stages of the estrous cycle in a particular way on each tissue, according to their physiological functions / Mestre

A síndrome dos ovários policísticos (SOP) e a obesidade estão associadas ao aumento do risco cardiovascular, mas não está estabelecido se tal aumento é determinado por estas condições propriamente ditas ou pelos fatores de risco cardiometabólicos a elas associados. Objetivo: determinar, em mulheres jovens e sem fatores de risco cardiometabólicos, a influência da SOP e da obesidade sobre parâmetros vasculares relacionados ao processo de aterogênese. Métodos: foram estudadas pacientes com SOP, subdivididas em portadoras de índice de massa corpórea (IMC) normal e obesas, as quais foram comparadas a mulheres sem SOP (grupo controle) pareadas para o IMC. Foram excluídas participantes tabagistas, com distúrbios do metabolismo da glicose, hipertensão arterial, LDL-C 160 mg/dL e triglicérides 250 mg/dL. Foram avaliados parâmetros clínicos, laboratoriais (perfis hormonal e metabólico) e vasculares [espessura íntimamédia da artéria carótida comum (EIM-ACC), complacência da artéria carótida comum (CP-ACC) e função endotelial da artéria braquial (DMF)], os quais foram avaliados de maneira não-invasiva através de imagens ultrasonográficas de alta-resolução. Para determinar a influência da SOP e da obesidade sobre tais parâmetros, foram formados grupos de acordo com a presença ou ausência de tais condições: grupo SOP vs grupo Controle, independentemente do IMC; grupo IMC normal vs grupo Obesidade, independentemente da presença da SOP. Resultados: Foram selecionadas 25 pacientes com SOP, sendo 10 com IMC normal (34,0 ± 3,2 kg/m2) e 15 obesas (22,4 ± 2,1 kg/m2) e 23 mulheres controles (12 com IMC normal e 11 obesas). As médias de testosterona livre das pacientes com SOP foram significativamente superiores às médias das mulheres controles, independentemente do IMC. As médias do HOMA-IR e da área sob a curva de insulina das pacientes obesas com SOP foram significativamente superiores às observadas nas pacientes com SOP portadoras de IMC normal e mulheres controles. A média da EIM-ACC das pacientes obesas com SOP foi significativamente superior à das mulheres controles com IMC normal (50,0 ± 4,0 vs 47,0 ± 3,0 mm.10-2; p<0,05). As médias da CP-ACC e da DMF foram semelhantes entre pacientes com SOP e mulheres controles, independentemente do IMC. Para avaliar a influência da SOP e da obesidade, as comparações foram, respectivamente: grupo SOP (n=25) vs grupo Controle (n=23); grupo IMC normal (n=22) vs grupo Obesidade (n=26). A faixa etária global foi de 26,0 ± 4,7 anos. Tanto a SOP quanto a obesidade influenciaram os parâmetros de resistência insulínica. A média da EIM-ACC foi maior no grupo SOP do que no grupo Controle (49,1 ± 1,0 vs 47,2 ± 1,0 mm.10-2; p<0,05) e semelhante entre os grupos IMC normal e Obesidade (49,1 ± 1,0 vs 47,3 ± 1,0 mm.10-2; NS). Não foi observada influência da SOP ou da obesidade na CP-ACC e na DMF. Os parâmetros vasculares estudados não se correlacionaram com as outras variáveis analisadas entre as pacientes com SOP e entre as mulheres controles. Conclusão: Em mulheres jovens e sem fatores de risco cardiometabólicos, a presença da SOP teve influência no aumento da EIM-ACC. Assim, a EIMACC pode ser o marcador inicial do processo de aterogênese nesse grupo de pacientes / Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and obesity are related to the increase in cardiovascular risk, but it is still not known if such risk is due to these conditions themselves or to the cardiometabolic risk factors associated with them. Objective: determine, in young women without cardiometabolic risk factors, the influence of PCOS as well as obesity on vascular parameters related to the process of atherogenesis. Methods: We studied patients with PCOS, subdivided in patients with normal body mass index (BMI) and obeses, who were compared with women without PCOS (control group) pairwise matched for BMI. We excluded smoking subjects, subjects with glucose metabolism disturbances, with arterial hypertension, LDC -L 160 mg/dl and with triglycerides 250 mg/dl. We evaluated clinical, laboratory (hormonal and metabolic profiles) and vascular parameters [common carotidy artery intima-media thickness (CCA-IMT), compliance of commom carotid artery (CP-CCA) and endothelium function of the braquial artery (FMD)], through a non-invasive method using high resolution ultrasound imaging. In order to determine the influence of PCOS and obesity on such parameters, groups were formed according to the presence or absence of such conditions: PCOS group vs Control group, independently of BMI; normal BMI group vs obesity group, independently of PCOS presence. Results: Twenty-five patients with PCOS were selected, being 10 with normal BMI (34.0 ± 3.2 kg/m²), 15 obeses (22.4 ± 2.1 kg/m²) and 23 control women (12 with normal BMI and 11 obeses). The mean values of free testosterone in PCOS patients were significantly higher than the means in controls, independently of BMI. The means of HOMA-IR and the area under the insulin curve in obese PCOS patients were significantly higher than the ones observed in PCOS patients with normal BMI and controls. The means of CCA-IMT in obese PCOS patients was significantly higher than in controls with normal BMI (50.0 ± 4.0 vs 47.0 ± 3.0 mm.10-2; p<0.05). The means of CP-CCA and FMD were similar between PCOS patients and controls, independently of BMI. To evaluate the influence of PCOS and obesity, the comparisons were respectively: PCOS group (n=25) vs Control group (n=23); normal BMI group (n=22) vs Obesity group (n=26). Global age range was 26.0 ± 4.7 years. PCOS as well as obesity influenced the insulin resistance parameters. The means of CCA-IMT was higher in PCOS group than in Control group (49.1 ± 1.0 vs 47.2 ± 1.0 mm.10-2; p<0.05) and similar between normal BMI and Obesity groups (49.1 ± 1.0 vs 47.3 ± 1.0 mm 10-2; NS). It was not observed any influence of PCOS or obesity in CP-CCA and in FMD. The vascular parameters studied did not correlate with the other variables analized between PCOS patients and controls. Conclusions: In young women without cardiometabolic risk factors, the presence of PCOS had influence on the increase of CCA-IMT. Thus, CCA-IMT might be the initial marker of the atherogenic process in this group of patients

A osteoporose é um distúrbio esquelético caracterizado pela diminuição da força óssea, resultando em um risco aumentado de fratura. A perda óssea ocorre tanto em mulheres como em homens devido ao processo de envelhecimento natural [Drake et al.,2015]. De acordo com o diagnóstico e classificação da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS), a osteoporose é definida pela densidade mineral óssea (DMO) na coluna lombar ou quadril inferior a -2,5 do desvio padrão abaixo da média da DMO para uma população de jovens adultos [Cosman et al., 2014]. Tem uma alta prevalência sendo mais freqüente do que a soma de casos de infarto do miocárdio, câncer de mama e acidente vascular cerebral. Essa doença deve ser considerada como um problema de saúde pública, pois afeta o indivíduo em sua função social, física e de trabalho e, portanto, causa impacto socioeconômico [Haddad et al.,2015]. Neste trabalho, desenvolvemos um novo modelo de osteoporose em ratos nude por ooforectomia visando o uso de células humanas para a Medicina Traslacional. Para tanto, foram estabelecidos dois passos e a osteoporose foi analisada por densitometria óssea aos 0, 21, 45 e 60 dias após a cirurgia e por análises histológicas de ossos femorais, i) padronização do modelo animal de osteoporose por ooforectomia, utilizando ratos Sprague-Dawley fêmeas de 12 semanas; ii) na segunda fase do projeto, a osteoporose foi induzida em ratos imunodeficientes nude Rowett fêmeas (NTacFCfiq: NIJ-Whn) de 12 semanas e os mesmos ensaios foram conduzidos para detectar a osteoporose. O soro foi coletado para a medida de estrogênio. As análises da DMO e histológicas mostraram modificação do contéudo mineral e ósseos e da estrutura óssea, respectivamente, aos 60 dias após a cirurgia em ambas as linhagens de ratos fêmeas. Com este trabalho, pretendemos contribuir para a compreensão da biologia da osteoporose utilizando um novo modelo animal, o que pode levar ao desenvolvimento de novos protocolos clínicos e terapêuticos no futuro. / Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder characterized by decreased bone strength resulting in an increased risk of fracture. Bone loss occurs in both women and men due to the natural aging process [Drake et al.,2015]. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) diagnosis and classification, osteoporosis is defined by the bone mineral density (BMD) in the hip or lumbar spine being less than or equal to -2.5 of the standard deviation below the BMD average for a population of young adults [Cosman et al.,2014]. It has a high prevalence being more frequent than the sum of cases of myocardial infarction, breast cancer and stroke. This disease should be considered as a public health problem, since it affects the individual in his social, physical and work function and, therefore, causes socioeconomic impact [Haddad et al.,2015]. In this work, we developed a new rat model of osteoporosis by oophorectomy aiming the use of human cells for Traslational Medicine. To this end, two steps were established, i) standardization of the animal model of osteoporosis by oophorectomy, using female Sprague-Dawley rats at 12 weeks. The osteoporosis was analyzed by bone densitometry at 0, 21, 45 and 60 days after surgery and by histological analyzes of femoral bones. The serum was collected for measurement of estrogen markers; ii) at second stage of the project, osteoporosis was induced in immunodeficient female nude Rowett (NTacFCfiq: NIJ-Whn) at 12 weeks and the same assays were conducted to detect osteoporosis. Bone mineral density and bone histological analyzes showed changes in the of bone mineral content and bone structure, respectively, at 60 days after surgery in both rat lineages. With this work, we intend to contribute to the understanding of osteoporosis biology using a new animal model, which can lead to the development of new clinical and therapeutic protocols in the future.

A síndrome dos ovários policísticos (SOP) é o distúrbio endócrino mais frequente em mulheres em idade reprodutiva. Sua etiologia é desconhecida, mas recentemente, fatores ambientais, como o excesso esteróides sexuais em fases precoces da vida, têm sido implicados na origem da SOP. Em ratas, o excesso de androgênios ou estrogênios na vida neonatal altera a função do eixo hipotálamo-hipófise-gonadal e induz alterações reprodutivas e metabólicas similares às observadas na SOP em humanos. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a expressão dos genes relacionados ao controle da secreção de GnRH (Gnrh, Gnrhr, Kiss1, Kiss1r e Ar) no hipotálamo de modelos animais de SOP e avaliar a correlação com a morfologia ovariana, níveis séricos de gonadotrofinas e esteróides sexuais, e a expressão de genes chaves na esteroidogênese ovariana (Cyp17a1 e Lhr). Foram utilizadas 30 ratas alocadas em igual número em três grupos. De acordo com os grupos, os animais receberam por injeção subcutânea, entre 0-3 dias de vida, os seguintes compostos: propionato de testosterona (1,25 mg) (grupo Testosterona); benzoato de estradiol (0,5 mg) (grupo Estradiol); e veículo (0,1 mL) (grupo Controle). Os animais foram pesados semanalmente a partir do nascimento até os 90 dias de vida. Ao completarem 90 dias, os animais foram eutanasiados e tiveram coletados o hipotálamo, os ovários e o sangue. Foi avaliada a expressão dos genes Gnrh, Gnrhr, Kiss1, Kiss1r e Ar no hipotálamo e Cyp17a1 e Lhr no ovário por PCR quantitativo em Tempo Real. O ovário também foi analisado morfológica e morfometricamente após coloração com hematoxilina e eosina (H.E.) e o sangue foi utilizado para a dosagem sérica dos hormônios LH, FSH, estradiol, progesterona e testosterona. A análise estatística foi realizada utilizando a análise de variância (ANOVA) complementada pelo teste de comparações múltiplas de Tukey. Os animais dos grupos Estradiol e Testosterona apresentaram 11 anovulação e maior peso corporal em relação ao grupo Controle. O gene Kiss1 encontrou-se hipoexpresso nos grupos Estradiol e Testosterona em relação ao grupo Controle (p<0,0001). No grupo Estradiol, o gene Kiss1r apresentou expressão aumentada em relação ao grupo Controle (p<0,01). O gene Gnrh não exibiu variações de expressão entre os grupos. A expressão de Gnrhr exibiu aumento no grupo Testosterona em relação ao grupo Estradiol (p<0,004). No grupo Testosterona, o gene do receptor de androgênio (Ar) apresentou expressão aumentada em relação ao grupo Controle (p<0,04). Quanto ao nível sérico de LH, o grupo Testosterona exibiu aumento em relação aos grupos Estradiol e Controle (p<0,001). O grupo Estradiol exibiu maior concentração sérica de estradiol em relação ao grupo Testosterona (p<0,01). Os níveis séricos de FSH, progesterona e testosterona não exibiram diferenças significativas entre os grupos. A expressão do gene Lhr apresentou-se aumentada nos grupos Estradiol e Testosterona em comparação ao Controle (p<0,003). O gene Cyp17a1 apresentou-se hiperexpresso no grupo Estradiol em relação aos grupos Controle e Testosterona (p<0,0001 e p<0,001, respectivamente). A contagem diferencial de folículos pré-antrais e antrais não diferiu significativamente entre os grupos. Os ovários dos grupos Estradiol e Testosterona apresentaram ausência de corpos lúteos e exibiram aumento da área intersticial e diminuição do volume do núcleo das células intersticiais, sendo todas essas alterações estatisticamente significativas (p<0,0001). Conclui-se que o excesso de estradiol ou testosterona na vida neonatal altera a fisiologia do hipotálamo e do ovário e leva a anovulação de ratas na vida adulta / Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women at reproductive age. Its etiology is unknown, but recently, environmental factors, such as excess of sex steroids in early life, have been compared to PCOS origin. In female rats, the excess of androgens or estrogens in neonatal life alters the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis function and induces to reproductive and metabolic alterations like those observed in human PCOS. The aim of this study is to analyze the expression of genes compared to GnRH secretion control (Gnrh, Gnrhr, Kiss1, Kiss1r e Ar) in the hypothalamus of animal models of PCOS and to evaluate the correlation with ovarian morphology, serum levels of gonadotropins and sex steroids and expression of key genes in ovarian steroidogenesis (Cyp17a1 e Lhr). 30 rats were used and allocated equally into three groups. According to the groups, animals received a subcutaneous injection, between 0-3 days old, of the following compounds: testosterone propionate (1.25 mg) (Testosterone group); estradiol benzoate (0.5 mg) (Estradiol group) and vehicle (0.1 mL) (Control group). Animals were weighed weekly from birth until 90 days of life. At 90 days, the animals were euthanized and were collected the hypothalamus, the ovaries and blood. We evaluated the expression of genes Gnrh, Gnrhr, Kiss1, Kiss1r and Ar in hypothalamus and Lhr and Cyp17a1 in ovary, both by quantitative Real-Time PCR. The ovary was also analyzed morphologically and morphometrically after staining with hematoxylin and eosin (H.E.) and the blood was used for evaluation of serum levels of LH, FSH, estradiol, progesterone and testosterone. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) complemented by Tukeys multiple comparisons test. The animals of the Testosterone and Estradiol groups had anovulation and had higher body weight compared to the Control group. The Kiss1 gene was downregulated in Estradiol and 13 Testosterone groups in relation to the Control group (p<0.0001). In Estradiol group, Kiss1r gene expression was increased in relation to the control group (p<0.01). The Gnrh gene expression did not show variations between groups. The Gnrhr expression was increased in Testosterone group in relation to Estradiol group (p<0.004). In Testosterone group, the androgen receptor gene (Ar) showed an increased expression compared to the Control group (p<0.04). Testosterone group exhibited increased serum levels of LH in comparison to Control and Estradiol groups (p<0.001). Estradiol group exhibited higher serum levels of estradiol compared to Testosterone group (p<0.01). Serum levels of FSH, progesterone and testosterone exhibited no significant differences between groups. Lhr gene expression was increased in Estradiol and Testosterone groups in comparison to the control (p<0.003). The Cyp17a1 gene was upregulated in Estradiol group compared to Testosterone and Control groups (p<0.0001 and p<0.001, respectively). The differential counting of preantral and antral follicles did not differ significantly between groups. Ovaries of the animals of Estradiol and Testosterone groups showed absence of corpora lutea and exhibited increased interstitial area and reduced interstitial cells nuclear volume, and all of these changes were statistically significant (p<0.0001). It was concluded that excess of estradiol or testosterone in neonatal life alters the hypothalamic and ovarian physiology and leads to anovulation in rats at adulthood

Durante a gestação, em varias espécies de mamíferos, os fibroblastos endometriais são alvos de profundas modificações morfofuncionais que levam a aquisição de um fenótipo epitelial e à expressão de novas moléculas, formando uma nova estrutura no útero denominada decídua. Em camundongos, a reação decidual pode ser estimulada artificialmente (na ausência de embrião), resultando na formação do deciduoma, um modelo de grande relevância para a identificação de fatores oriundos ou não do embrião necessários para a promoção da decidualização. A decidualização também promove uma profunda remodelação da matriz extracelular (MEC) do endométrio, e ambos os processo são fundamentais para o sucesso da gestação. Existem evidencias, muitas das quais são oriundas dos estudos do Laboratório de Biologia da Reprodução e Matriz extracelular (LBR-MEC), mostrando que a remodelação da MEC do útero não grávido é modulada pelos hormônios ovarianos estrógeno (E2) e progesterona (P4). Faltam, entretanto, na literatura, estudos consistentes sobre a regulação da MEC endometrial na ausência de sinais parácrinos provenientes do embrião. Além disso, não se conhece detalhes sobre a ação dos hormônios ovarianos sobre a produção de componentes da MEC por células deciduais. Nesse contexto, o presente estudo teve dois objetivos centrais: (i) caracterizar por imuno-histoquímica a composição e organização da MEC durante o desenvolvimento do deciduoma, (ii) estudar por qPCR, Western blot, e imunolocalização o efeito dos hormônios E2 e Medroxiprogesterona (MPA) na dinâmica da expressão de RNAm, síntese e secreção de moléculas da MEC em culturas primárias de células obtidas de deciduoma. Observamos que, a distribuição do colágeno tipo I, III, IV, V e dos proteoglicanos decorim, biglicam e versicam no deciduoma, foi semelhante ao já observado na decídua. As análises in vitro, mostram que o hormônio E2 aumenta a expressão gênica, a síntese e a deposição de decorim enquanto o MPA tem como alvo o biglicam. Ambos hormônios modulam a expressão de desmina, um marcador de decidualização. O presente estudo também mostra que o padrão de remodelação das moléculas alvo do presente estudo, é similar ao observado durante a decidualização da gestação normal, Conclui-se, portanto, que a remodelação da MEC é um evento intrínseco do processo de decidualização quer na gestação quer na pseudogestação. Ou seja, não foram identificadas diferenças que indicassem a existência de controle pelo embrião. Mostramos ainda que, in vitro, os hormônios E2 e MPA regulam de modo específico a expressão gênica e a secreção do proteoglicanos decorim e biglicam. / During pregnancy in several species of mammals, including humans and mice, endometrial fibroblasts undergo extensive morphofunctional changes acquiring an epithelial phenotype. Those new cells form a new structure in the uterus called decidua. In mice, the decidual reaction can be artificially induced in pseudopregnant females resulting in the formation of a structure morphologically similar to the decidua called deciduoma, a relevant model to study the putative role of the embryo upon decidualization. Endometrial decidualization is an essential event for the success of pregnancy. A notable remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) organization and molecular composition occurs during this process. There are evidences, many of them coming from studies of the Laboratory of Reproductive and Extracellular Matrix Biology (LBR-MEC), that estrogen (E2) and progesterone (P4) modulate the remodeling of the uterine ECM. Nevertheless, there is no consistent information about the role, if it exists, of the embryo on the regulation of the endometrial ECM. Furthermore, it was not yet clarified how the ovarian hormones act on the production of ECM components by decidual cells. Thus, the objective of present study was to identify the composition and organization of the ECM during the development of the mouse deciduoma; and to study by qPCR, Western blot and immunolocalization methods, the effect of hormones E2 and medroxiprogesterone (MPA) on synthesis and secretion of ECM molecules by primary cultures of mouse decidual cells obtained from deciduoma. We found that the distribution of collagen types I, III, IV, V and proteoglycans decorin, biglycan and versican in deciduoma, was similar to that previously observed in the decidua. The in vitro assays showed E2 increases the gene expression for the core protein of Decorin, while MPA increases the expression of the core protein of Biglycan. In addition, was observed that both hormones increase the expression of desmin a marker of decidualization. These results showed that in the endometrium of both pregnant and pseudopregnant animals ECM molecules such as collagens and proteoglycans are similarly modulated by ovarian hormones. At from the present study we may conclude that ECM remodeling is an intrinsic event that happens during decidualization modulated by E2 and MPA and this modualation independ of the presence of the embryo in the uterus. In adition we showed that in decidual cells in vitro the gene expression and the secretion of proteoglycans decorin and biglycan are differentially regulated by hormones E2 and MPA.

This experiment was designed to determine the involvement of varying levels of whole-body irradiation on ovarian follicular and corpora luteal development in mice. Previous research has indicated reduced counts of ovarian follicles and corpora lutea in mice flown in space. These differences may be the result of microgravity, increased exposure to radiation, or some combination of both. Fifty-six mice were divided into three groups (apocynin-treated, nox2 knockout, and wild-type control) before exposure to 0 Gy, 0.5 Gy, or 2.0 Gy radiation. The tissues were harvested, preserved, run through the appropriate paraffin embedding procedures, serially sectioned, mounted on microscope slides, and stained using a standard H&E staining technique. Total and mean follicular and corpora luteal counts were accessed and compared across treatment groups. Mean ovarian weight, mean total reproductive weight, mean ovarian weight percentage of total body weight, mean total reproductive weight percentage of total body weight, and the apparent estrous phase of the animals were also compared. Radiation from 0.5-2.0 Gy had no significant effect on mean ovarian weight, mean total reproductive weight, mean ovarian weight percentage of total body weight, or mean total reproductive weight percentage of total body weight. Radiation from 0.5-2.0 Gy significantly increased mean early-stage follicular count in the wildtype group only. Radiation of 2.0 Gy increased late-stage follicular count across all groups after accounting for mean ovarian percent of total body weight. Radiation of 2.0 Gy significantly increased mean corpora lutea count in the wildtype group only. This result not only suggests that low-dose radiation accelerates oocyte development in the murine ovary, but also that the inaction of NADPH-oxidase (via apocynin inhibition or genetic knockout) may ameliorate some of these effects.

Intraovarian growth factors play a vital role in influencing the fate of ovarian follicles. They affect proliferation versus apoptosis of granulosa cells (GCs), and can influence whether small antral follicles continue their growth or undergo atresia. Transforming Growth Factor-alpha (TGFα), an oocyte-derived growth factor, is thought to regulate granulosa cell function, yet has been largely overshadowed by current interest in TGF-beta superfamily members, such as bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH). In the current study, effects of TGFα on bovine GC proliferation, intracellular signaling and cytokine-induced apoptosis were evaluated. Briefly, all small antral follicles (3-5mm) from bovine ovaries were aspirated and the cells were initially plated in T25 flasks containing DMEM/F12 medium, 10% FBS, and antibiotic-antimycotic, and incubated at 37 degrees Celsius in 5% CO2 for 3-4 days. Once confluent, the cells were sub-cultured to 96-, 12- or 6-well plates in serum-free conditions (insulin 100 ng/mL; transferrin 55 ng/mL; sodium selenite 6.7 pg/mL). 24-hour treatment of bovine GCs with TGFα (10 and 100ng/mL) stimulated cell proliferation compared to control (p<0.05; n = 7 ovary pairs). Cell proliferation was accompanied by a concomitant increase in mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling within 2 hours of treatment, as measured by phosphorylated ERK1/2 expression (p<0.05, n = 3 ovary pairs). These effects were entirely negated, however, by the MAPK inhibitor, U0126 (10uM, p<0.05). Additionally, pre-exposure of the bovine GCs to TGFα (100ng/mL) failed to prevent Fas Ligand (100ng/mL)-induced apoptosis, as determined by caspase 3/7 activity (P<0.05, n = 7 ovary pairs). Collectively, the results indicate TGFα stimulates proliferation of bovine GCs from small antral follicles via a MAPK/ERK-mediated mechanism, but this action alone fails to prevent apoptosis, suggesting TGFα may be incapable of promoting the persistence of follicles during the process of follicular selection and deviation.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine system disorder that affects women of reproductive age. If not treated properly, PCOS can lead to infertility. Lack of proper treatment of PCOS may also result in medical complications such as diabetes or heart disease. The rural clinic where this project took place did not have a mandatory guideline for treatment of PCOS; therefore, no standardized method of diagnosis or treatment of PCOS existed. The purpose of this project, guided by the IOWA evidence-based practice model, was to educate providers on the evidence-based guideline for diagnosis and treatment of PCOS outlined by the Endocrine Society Taskforce. The guideline was selected after a comprehensive literature review and was used to develop an educational program that was provided to 5 nurse practitioners, the medical director and staff. A pre-test post-test design was used to determine if the participants understood the content from the guideline that was presented. Results showed that the researcher-developed test administered to participants yielded scores of 74 on the pre-test and increased after the education program with all participants scoring 100 on the post-test. The guideline used for the education was then presented to the clinic for implementation with the assistance of the medical director's support. The project provided an evidence-based guideline for diagnosing and treating PCOS and raised awareness of PCOS among all staff in a rural clinic where many patients with PCOS are treated. Positive social change may result as providers are better prepared to deliver evidence-based care for PCOS and as infertility and complications of untreated PCOS are reduced.