In this thesis, different aspects of the insulin resistance syndrome in relation to plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) activity are investigated in a longitudinal population-based study. Participants were men investigated at ages 50 and 70 with follow-up data on mortality. High PAI-1 activity was associated with low insulin sensitivity, high concentrations of serum triglycerides, high body mass index and high waist/hip ratio, independently of each other and of potential confounders. Low birth weight predicted high blood pressure, insulin resistance, truncal obesity and high PAI-1 activity but not the abdominal obesity or dyslipidaemia present in the insulin resistance syndrome. Increased physical activity level between 50 and 70 years of age, in the absence of active intervention, was associated with improved glucose, insulin, proinsulin and lipoprotein metabolism. Insulin and proinsulin seemed to be important factors that mediate much of the association between a sedentary lifestyle and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The reported dietary intake of both mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids was positively associated with PAI-1 activity, whereas saturated fatty acid intake displayed no association. The associations present between PAI-1 activity and the fatty acid proportions in serum cholesterol esters were partly influenced by factors related with the insulin resistance syndrome. This thesis provides further knowledge to the epidemiological view of the interrelations of the insulin resistance syndrome, PAI-1, birth weight, and lifestyle factors as physical activity and dietary habits. PAI-1 is a part of the insulin resistance syndrome and is associated both with modifiable and non-modifiable factors related with this syndrome.

Objetive: To evaluate if the 4G/5G polymorphism of the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 gene is likely to lead to increase risk of thromboembolic neurological complications and that these complications will increase length of mechanical ventilation and length of stay.Design: Prospective, case-control study. Setting: A 14 bed surgical intensive care unit of a university hospital.Patients: 260 consecutive patients who underwent cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass and 111 controls were enrolled.Interventions: DNA was isolated and 4G/5G polymorphism was typed using RFLP methodology. Measurements and results: Genetic analysis revealed 4G/5G in 131 patients (50.4%), 5G/5G genotype in 82 (31.5%), and 4G/4G in only 47 (18.1%). Prevalence of neurological complications was 20.8% (n= 54) [stroke 5.4% (n= 14) and encephalopathy 15.4% (n= 40)]. A two-fold increase in stroke (8.5% vs 4.7%; RR 1.9, 95% CI 0.7 to 6.3) and encephalopathy (27.7% vs 12.7%; RR 2.6, 95% CI 1.2 to 5.6) was documented in 4G/4G carriers. Multivariate analysis showed that development of stroke or encephalopathy was independently associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation (OR 20, 95% CI 1.2 to 5.6) and that neurological complication (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.1 to 5.5) and 4G/4G genotype (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.1 to 6.5) were independently associated with prolonged hospital length of stay ≥ 2 weeks. Conclusions: The 4G/4G genotype could increase the risk of thromboembolic neurological complications after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary by-pass. The neurological complications resulted in longer time on ventilator and longer hospital stay. / A consecuencia del carácter poligénico de las patologías que nos ocupan hace poco probable que un solo polimorfismo pueda explicar todas las complicaciones postoperatorias. Sin embargo, debemos subrayar que esta variación genética pudiera ser un factor de riesgo más que sumado a los ya referidos hiciera más probable la aparición de complicaciones neurológicas. A través del desarrollo de este tipo de complicaciones pudiera explicarse coherentemente que los pacientes estuvieran más tiempo bajo ventilación mecánica y fueran dados de alta más tardíamente del hospital. En definitiva, si futuros estudios confirmasen los presentes hallazgos, y los pacientes homocigotos 4G/4G (junto otros polimorfismos que puedan describirse en el futuro) pudieran considerarse de alto riesgo, la evaluación de estas variables genéticas podrían identificar precozmente pacientes en los cuales realizar una investigación preoperatorio más exhaustiva y considerar, cuando sea posible, la realización de técnicas quirúrgicas alternativas además de añadir información individual sobre el riesgo quirúrgico. Por tanto, nuestro estudio, además de aportar otra variable en el puzzle de etiopatogenia de las complicaciones neurológicas en el postoperatorio de cirugía cardiaca sugiere la consideración de de factores genéticos como marcadores o estratificadores de riesgo perioperatorio.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM The prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has increased significantly in the black South African population in recent years. Early in the development of CVD, atherosclerotic plaques form in the vessel wall. When this plaque becomes unstable and ruptures, the coagulation cascade is activated and a blood clot forms. The function of this clot is to stop bleeding. However, it cannot remain in the vasculature indefinitely and has to be lysed again. The ability of the body to lyse clots can be measured with global fibrinolytic potential (GFP) assays and expressed as lysis time. Increased clot lysis time (CLT) has been shown to be significantly associated with various CVD risk factors and CVD events in Caucasian populations while very little information is available for other ethnicities. In this study we investigated plasma GFP and its relation to CVD risk factors in a large black African population. We also determined the effect of three polymorphisms in the promoter area of the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) gene on PAI-1act (activity) levels (a main determinant of CLT) and CLT, together with gene-environment interactions and the effect of urbanisation on these interactions. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS Apparently healthy men and women between the ages of 35 and 65 years were recruited to take part in the South African arm of the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study. Approximately 1000 rural and 1000 urban black African individuals participated. Data and samples were collected during a 12-week collection period in 2005 for cross-sectional analysis. RESULTS Increased PAI-1act levels, body mass index (BMI), glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), triglycerides, fibrinogen concentration, C-reactive protein, female sex, positive HIV-status and the metabolic syndrome were all associated with prolonged CLTs, while increased habitual alcohol consumption was associated with shorter iv CLTs. Urban-rural differences for CLT existed in women only. This is likely due to the larger extent of rural-urban differences in other CVD risk factors observed in women compared to what was observed in men. Of the CVD risk factors measured, PAI-1 explained the largest proportion of the variance in CLT (27%). Owing to the important role PAI-1act plays in CLT, we investigated three polymorphisms in the PAI-1 gene promoter area (the 4G/5G polymorphism, the novel SNP C428T and SNP G429A (previously identified)), and the influence of these polymorphisms on PAI-1act levels and CLT. The frequency of the 5G allele was high (0.85) in comparison with previously reported literature. PAI-1act increased significantly across genotypes in the urban (5G/5G: 3.84 U/ml; 4G/5G: 4.85 U/ml; 4G/4G: 5.96 U/ml p=0.009) but not the rural subgroup, while CLT did not differ. We found significant interactions between the 4G/5G polymorphism and BMI, waist circumference and triglycerides in determining PAI-1act, and between the 4G/5G polymorphism and fibrinogen and fibrinogen gamma prime in determining CLT. Direct relationships with PAI-1act or CLT were not found for the C428T and G429A polymorphisms; they did, however, influence associations of other environmental factors with PAI-1act and CLT. Several of these interactions differed significantly between rural and urban subgroups, particularly in individuals harbouring the mutant alleles. CONCLUSION CLT associated with many of the same CVD risk factors described in the literature for Caucasian populations, but also with other risk factors. Rural-urban differences in CLT are dependent on the association of CLT with other CVD risk factors in the rural-urban setting. Genetic polymorphisms of the PAI-1 gene did not directly influence CLT, despite influencing PAI-1act. The main contributor to PAI-1act variance, however, was (central) obesity. The effect of the 4G/5G polymorphism on PAI-1act, as well as gene–environment interactions for the C428T and G429A genotypes in determining PAI-1act and CLT, were significantly influenced by urbanisation. / Thesis (PhD (Nutrition))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM The prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has increased significantly in the black South African population in recent years. Early in the development of CVD, atherosclerotic plaques form in the vessel wall. When this plaque becomes unstable and ruptures, the coagulation cascade is activated and a blood clot forms. The function of this clot is to stop bleeding. However, it cannot remain in the vasculature indefinitely and has to be lysed again. The ability of the body to lyse clots can be measured with global fibrinolytic potential (GFP) assays and expressed as lysis time. Increased clot lysis time (CLT) has been shown to be significantly associated with various CVD risk factors and CVD events in Caucasian populations while very little information is available for other ethnicities. In this study we investigated plasma GFP and its relation to CVD risk factors in a large black African population. We also determined the effect of three polymorphisms in the promoter area of the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) gene on PAI-1act (activity) levels (a main determinant of CLT) and CLT, together with gene-environment interactions and the effect of urbanisation on these interactions. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS Apparently healthy men and women between the ages of 35 and 65 years were recruited to take part in the South African arm of the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study. Approximately 1000 rural and 1000 urban black African individuals participated. Data and samples were collected during a 12-week collection period in 2005 for cross-sectional analysis. RESULTS Increased PAI-1act levels, body mass index (BMI), glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), triglycerides, fibrinogen concentration, C-reactive protein, female sex, positive HIV-status and the metabolic syndrome were all associated with prolonged CLTs, while increased habitual alcohol consumption was associated with shorter iv CLTs. Urban-rural differences for CLT existed in women only. This is likely due to the larger extent of rural-urban differences in other CVD risk factors observed in women compared to what was observed in men. Of the CVD risk factors measured, PAI-1 explained the largest proportion of the variance in CLT (27%). Owing to the important role PAI-1act plays in CLT, we investigated three polymorphisms in the PAI-1 gene promoter area (the 4G/5G polymorphism, the novel SNP C428T and SNP G429A (previously identified)), and the influence of these polymorphisms on PAI-1act levels and CLT. The frequency of the 5G allele was high (0.85) in comparison with previously reported literature. PAI-1act increased significantly across genotypes in the urban (5G/5G: 3.84 U/ml; 4G/5G: 4.85 U/ml; 4G/4G: 5.96 U/ml p=0.009) but not the rural subgroup, while CLT did not differ. We found significant interactions between the 4G/5G polymorphism and BMI, waist circumference and triglycerides in determining PAI-1act, and between the 4G/5G polymorphism and fibrinogen and fibrinogen gamma prime in determining CLT. Direct relationships with PAI-1act or CLT were not found for the C428T and G429A polymorphisms; they did, however, influence associations of other environmental factors with PAI-1act and CLT. Several of these interactions differed significantly between rural and urban subgroups, particularly in individuals harbouring the mutant alleles. CONCLUSION CLT associated with many of the same CVD risk factors described in the literature for Caucasian populations, but also with other risk factors. Rural-urban differences in CLT are dependent on the association of CLT with other CVD risk factors in the rural-urban setting. Genetic polymorphisms of the PAI-1 gene did not directly influence CLT, despite influencing PAI-1act. The main contributor to PAI-1act variance, however, was (central) obesity. The effect of the 4G/5G polymorphism on PAI-1act, as well as gene–environment interactions for the C428T and G429A genotypes in determining PAI-1act and CLT, were significantly influenced by urbanisation. / Thesis (PhD (Nutrition))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

Introdução: O diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) representa cerca de 90% dos tipos de diabetes e vem atingindo de forma cada vez mais intensa a população adulta e atualmente também jovens e até crianças. Uma dieta hipercalórica, aliada ao sedentarismo tem sido junto com a predisposição genética os principais desencadeantes das complicações crônicas associadas com o DM2. Infelizmente, são essas complicações que levam ao grande aumento da morbidade e mortalidade que pode chegar até 80% nesta doença, sendo que as principais são as de natureza micro e macrovascular. Complicações microvasculares compreendem a retinopatia diabética (RD), a nefropatia diabética (ND) e a neuropatia periférica (NP), enquanto que as complicações macrovasculares compreendem a doença cardiovascular (DCV), a doença arterial periférica (DAP) e o acidente vascular cerebral (AVC). Pacientes com DM2 em sua fase inicial já podem apresentar um quadro protrombótico que só tende a piorar com a progressão da doença. Esse quadro protrombótico é resultante principalmente do processo inflamatório e da disfunção endotelial. Polimorfismos genéticos relacionados com as diferentes fases da hemostasia podem contribuir para o aumento ou diminuição no risco de formação de trombos arteriais e venosos que podem afetar a micro e macrovasculatura destes indivíduos. Objetivos: Investigar a influência de polimorfismos envolvidos com a hemostasia como fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento de complicações crônicas micro e macrovasculares em pacientes com DM2. Metodologia: Foi realizado um estudo de caso controle aninhado em uma coorte de pacientes DM2 não relacionados provenientes de um estudo multicêntrico no sul do Brasil. Os pacientes DM2 foram divididos em 2 grupos de estudo. Para o grupo com complicação macrovascular estudou-se 404 pacientes DM2. Casos para a complicação macrovascular foram definidos como tendo cardiopatia isquêmica (CI), acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico (AVCI) ou DAP enquanto que controles foram definidos como pacientes com pelo menos 5 anos de DM2 e sem a respectiva complicação. Para o estudo das complicações microvasculares 393 pacientes com DM2 foram estudados. Os casos foram definidos como tendo RD, ND ou neuropatia sensório distal (NSD). Controles para a complicação microvascular foram pacientes com pelo menos 10 anos de DM2 e sem a respectiva complicação. Os polimorfismos estudados foram testados em duplicata utilizando-se a PCR seguida de RFLP quando necessário. Foram investigados nove polimorfismos assim distribuídos: Na fase da coagulação foram estudados cinco polimorfismos (FGB rs1800790, F2 rs1799963, FV rs6025 F7 rs5742910 e F13A rs5985); dois (PLAT rs4646972 e PAI-1 rs1799768) na fase da fibrinólise e um (ITGB3 rs5918) na fase plaquetária. O polimorfismo da MTHFR rs1801133 envolvido com a hiperhomocisteínemia é considerado um fator de risco para DCV e por isso foi incluído. Para a análise estatística foi utilizado o teste do χ2 para a comparação das frequências genotípicas e alélicas. Os polimorfismos com diferença significativa foram testados na regressão de Poisson com variância robusta ajustado pelas variáveis de confusão. Para as complicações microvasculares também foi utilizado o teste do χ2 com análise de resíduo ajustado. Resultados: O polimorfismo do receptor plaquetário ITGB3 rs5918 apresentou associação com os desfechos AVCI e DAP. Para o desfecho AVCI o genótipo 176TC mostrou associação significativa [(PR = 2.04(1.11-3.73); P = 0.021], enquanto que para a DAP a associação foi com o genótipo 176CC [PR = 1.90(1.29-2.81); P = 0.001]. Em relação às complicações microvasculares o único polimorfismo que mostrou associação foi o PAI-1 rs1799768. Neste caso, o polimorfismo demonstrou ter uma associação inesperada para o alelo 4G como um fator de proteção quando comparamos pacientes com e sem ND [PR = 0.71(0.57-0.89); P = 0.003]. Porém, quando foi estratificado o grupo de pacientes com ND de acordo com a severidade, foi possível demonstrar usando a análise de resíduo ajustado do teste do χ2 que havia uma diminuição significativa na frequência do alelo 4G somente no estágio mais avançado da doença renal (P = 0.009; AR = -2.95) o que sugere o seu envolvimento com uma maior taxa de mortalidade na ND. Também foi possível mostrar que o alelo de risco 4G está significativamente associado com a cardiopatia isquêmica nos indivíduos com ND (P = 0.03; AR = 2.5). Conclusões: Os pacientes com DM2 portadores do alelo de risco 176C do polimorfismo ITGB3 rs5918 apresentam um risco significativamente aumentado de desenvolver AVCI e DAP, enquanto que os portadores do alelo de risco 4G do polimorfismo PAI-1 rs1799768 provavelmente apresentem maior risco de desenvolver ND. Além disso, os portadores do alelo 4G e que tem ND apresentaram um risco significativamente aumentado de desenvolverem CI. / Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represents approximately 90% of the diabetes types, increasingly affecting the adult population and nowadays also occurring in young adults and children. Hypercaloric diets, sedentarism and genetic predisposition are the main triggering factors of chronic complications associated to T2DM. Unfortunately, these are the complications that lead to a considerable increase in morbidity and mortality, which may reach 80%, with the main complications being of micro- and macrovascular nature. The microvascular complications are diabetic retinopathy (DR), diabetic nephropathy (DN) and peripheral neuropathy (PN). The macrovascular complications include cardiovascular disease (CVD), peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and stroke. In the initial T2DM stage, patients may present a prothrombotic state that tends to worsen as the disease evolves. This prothrombotic state results mainly from the inflammatory process and from the endothelial dysfunction. Genetic polymorphisms related to the different stages of hemostasis may play a role in the increase or decrease of the risk of arterial and venous thrombus, which may affect the micro- and the macrovasculature of these individuals. Objectives: To investigate the influence of the polymorphisms related to hemostasis as risk factors for the development of micro- and macrovascular complications in T2DM patients. Methods: A nested case-control study was conducted with a cohort of unrelated T2DM patients from a multicenter study made in southern Brazil. T2DM patients were divided in two groups. The macrovascular complication group included 404 T2DM patients. Macrovascular complications were defined according to the presence of the following criteria: ischemic heart disease (IHD), ischemic stroke (IS) or PAD. The control group was formed by patients who had had T2DM for at least five years but without the respective complications. The microvascular complication group included 393 T2DM patients. Microvascular complications were defined based on the presence of the following criteria: DR, DN, or distal sensory neuropathy (DSN). The controls used in the investigation of the microvascular complications were patients who had T2DM for at least 10 years, without the respective complications. The polymorphisms investigated were analyzed by PCR with RFLP, when necessary. In total, nine polymorphisms were studied. Five polymorphisms (FGB rs1800790, F2 rs1799963, FV rs6025, F7 rs5742910 and F13A1 rs5985) were investigated for the coagulation stage, two (PLAT rs4646972 and PAI-1 rs1799768) for the fibrinolysis stage, and one (ITGB3 rs5918) for the platelet stage. The polymorphism MTHFR rs1801133, associated to hyperhomocysteinemia, which is considered a risk factor for IHD, was also investigated. The statistical analysis used the χ² test to compare genotypic and allelic frequencies. The polymorphisms presenting significant differences were tested using the Poisson regression with robust variance adjusted for the confounding variables. The χ² test with the analysis of adjusted residues was also used for microvascular complications. Results: The polymorphism of the platelet receptor ITGB3 rs5918 was associated with the outcomes IS and PAD. Considering IS, the genotype 176TC exhibited significant association [(PR = 2.04(1.11-3.73); P = 0.021], while considering PAD the association was with genotype 176CC [PR = 1.90(1.29-2.81); P = 0.001]. Regarding the microvascular complications, the only polymorphism that presented association was PAI-1 rs1799768. In this case, the polymorphism demonstrated an unexpected association with allele 4G as a protection factor when patients with and without DN [PR = 0.71(0.57-0.89); P = 0.003]. However, when the group of patients with DN was stratified in terms of severity, it was possible to demonstrate a significant decrease in 4G allele frequency only n the more advanced stage of the renal disease, using the adjusted residue of the χ2 test (P = 0.009; AR = -2.95), which suggests its involvement with a higher mortality rate in DN. It was also possible to show that the risk allele 4G is significantly associated with ischemic cardiopathy in individuals with DN (P = 0.03; AR = 2.5). Conclusions: The T2DM patients carriers of the risk allele 176C of the polymorphism ITGB3 rs5918 present a significantly increased risk of developing IS and PAD, while carriers of the risk allele 4G of the polymorphism PAI-1 rs1799768 probably present higher risk of developing DN. Apart from this, this group of subjects also presented a significant risk of developing IHD.

Introdução: O diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) representa cerca de 90% dos tipos de diabetes e vem atingindo de forma cada vez mais intensa a população adulta e atualmente também jovens e até crianças. Uma dieta hipercalórica, aliada ao sedentarismo tem sido junto com a predisposição genética os principais desencadeantes das complicações crônicas associadas com o DM2. Infelizmente, são essas complicações que levam ao grande aumento da morbidade e mortalidade que pode chegar até 80% nesta doença, sendo que as principais são as de natureza micro e macrovascular. Complicações microvasculares compreendem a retinopatia diabética (RD), a nefropatia diabética (ND) e a neuropatia periférica (NP), enquanto que as complicações macrovasculares compreendem a doença cardiovascular (DCV), a doença arterial periférica (DAP) e o acidente vascular cerebral (AVC). Pacientes com DM2 em sua fase inicial já podem apresentar um quadro protrombótico que só tende a piorar com a progressão da doença. Esse quadro protrombótico é resultante principalmente do processo inflamatório e da disfunção endotelial. Polimorfismos genéticos relacionados com as diferentes fases da hemostasia podem contribuir para o aumento ou diminuição no risco de formação de trombos arteriais e venosos que podem afetar a micro e macrovasculatura destes indivíduos. Objetivos: Investigar a influência de polimorfismos envolvidos com a hemostasia como fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento de complicações crônicas micro e macrovasculares em pacientes com DM2. Metodologia: Foi realizado um estudo de caso controle aninhado em uma coorte de pacientes DM2 não relacionados provenientes de um estudo multicêntrico no sul do Brasil. Os pacientes DM2 foram divididos em 2 grupos de estudo. Para o grupo com complicação macrovascular estudou-se 404 pacientes DM2. Casos para a complicação macrovascular foram definidos como tendo cardiopatia isquêmica (CI), acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico (AVCI) ou DAP enquanto que controles foram definidos como pacientes com pelo menos 5 anos de DM2 e sem a respectiva complicação. Para o estudo das complicações microvasculares 393 pacientes com DM2 foram estudados. Os casos foram definidos como tendo RD, ND ou neuropatia sensório distal (NSD). Controles para a complicação microvascular foram pacientes com pelo menos 10 anos de DM2 e sem a respectiva complicação. Os polimorfismos estudados foram testados em duplicata utilizando-se a PCR seguida de RFLP quando necessário. Foram investigados nove polimorfismos assim distribuídos: Na fase da coagulação foram estudados cinco polimorfismos (FGB rs1800790, F2 rs1799963, FV rs6025 F7 rs5742910 e F13A rs5985); dois (PLAT rs4646972 e PAI-1 rs1799768) na fase da fibrinólise e um (ITGB3 rs5918) na fase plaquetária. O polimorfismo da MTHFR rs1801133 envolvido com a hiperhomocisteínemia é considerado um fator de risco para DCV e por isso foi incluído. Para a análise estatística foi utilizado o teste do χ2 para a comparação das frequências genotípicas e alélicas. Os polimorfismos com diferença significativa foram testados na regressão de Poisson com variância robusta ajustado pelas variáveis de confusão. Para as complicações microvasculares também foi utilizado o teste do χ2 com análise de resíduo ajustado. Resultados: O polimorfismo do receptor plaquetário ITGB3 rs5918 apresentou associação com os desfechos AVCI e DAP. Para o desfecho AVCI o genótipo 176TC mostrou associação significativa [(PR = 2.04(1.11-3.73); P = 0.021], enquanto que para a DAP a associação foi com o genótipo 176CC [PR = 1.90(1.29-2.81); P = 0.001]. Em relação às complicações microvasculares o único polimorfismo que mostrou associação foi o PAI-1 rs1799768. Neste caso, o polimorfismo demonstrou ter uma associação inesperada para o alelo 4G como um fator de proteção quando comparamos pacientes com e sem ND [PR = 0.71(0.57-0.89); P = 0.003]. Porém, quando foi estratificado o grupo de pacientes com ND de acordo com a severidade, foi possível demonstrar usando a análise de resíduo ajustado do teste do χ2 que havia uma diminuição significativa na frequência do alelo 4G somente no estágio mais avançado da doença renal (P = 0.009; AR = -2.95) o que sugere o seu envolvimento com uma maior taxa de mortalidade na ND. Também foi possível mostrar que o alelo de risco 4G está significativamente associado com a cardiopatia isquêmica nos indivíduos com ND (P = 0.03; AR = 2.5). Conclusões: Os pacientes com DM2 portadores do alelo de risco 176C do polimorfismo ITGB3 rs5918 apresentam um risco significativamente aumentado de desenvolver AVCI e DAP, enquanto que os portadores do alelo de risco 4G do polimorfismo PAI-1 rs1799768 provavelmente apresentem maior risco de desenvolver ND. Além disso, os portadores do alelo 4G e que tem ND apresentaram um risco significativamente aumentado de desenvolverem CI. / Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represents approximately 90% of the diabetes types, increasingly affecting the adult population and nowadays also occurring in young adults and children. Hypercaloric diets, sedentarism and genetic predisposition are the main triggering factors of chronic complications associated to T2DM. Unfortunately, these are the complications that lead to a considerable increase in morbidity and mortality, which may reach 80%, with the main complications being of micro- and macrovascular nature. The microvascular complications are diabetic retinopathy (DR), diabetic nephropathy (DN) and peripheral neuropathy (PN). The macrovascular complications include cardiovascular disease (CVD), peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and stroke. In the initial T2DM stage, patients may present a prothrombotic state that tends to worsen as the disease evolves. This prothrombotic state results mainly from the inflammatory process and from the endothelial dysfunction. Genetic polymorphisms related to the different stages of hemostasis may play a role in the increase or decrease of the risk of arterial and venous thrombus, which may affect the micro- and the macrovasculature of these individuals. Objectives: To investigate the influence of the polymorphisms related to hemostasis as risk factors for the development of micro- and macrovascular complications in T2DM patients. Methods: A nested case-control study was conducted with a cohort of unrelated T2DM patients from a multicenter study made in southern Brazil. T2DM patients were divided in two groups. The macrovascular complication group included 404 T2DM patients. Macrovascular complications were defined according to the presence of the following criteria: ischemic heart disease (IHD), ischemic stroke (IS) or PAD. The control group was formed by patients who had had T2DM for at least five years but without the respective complications. The microvascular complication group included 393 T2DM patients. Microvascular complications were defined based on the presence of the following criteria: DR, DN, or distal sensory neuropathy (DSN). The controls used in the investigation of the microvascular complications were patients who had T2DM for at least 10 years, without the respective complications. The polymorphisms investigated were analyzed by PCR with RFLP, when necessary. In total, nine polymorphisms were studied. Five polymorphisms (FGB rs1800790, F2 rs1799963, FV rs6025, F7 rs5742910 and F13A1 rs5985) were investigated for the coagulation stage, two (PLAT rs4646972 and PAI-1 rs1799768) for the fibrinolysis stage, and one (ITGB3 rs5918) for the platelet stage. The polymorphism MTHFR rs1801133, associated to hyperhomocysteinemia, which is considered a risk factor for IHD, was also investigated. The statistical analysis used the χ² test to compare genotypic and allelic frequencies. The polymorphisms presenting significant differences were tested using the Poisson regression with robust variance adjusted for the confounding variables. The χ² test with the analysis of adjusted residues was also used for microvascular complications. Results: The polymorphism of the platelet receptor ITGB3 rs5918 was associated with the outcomes IS and PAD. Considering IS, the genotype 176TC exhibited significant association [(PR = 2.04(1.11-3.73); P = 0.021], while considering PAD the association was with genotype 176CC [PR = 1.90(1.29-2.81); P = 0.001]. Regarding the microvascular complications, the only polymorphism that presented association was PAI-1 rs1799768. In this case, the polymorphism demonstrated an unexpected association with allele 4G as a protection factor when patients with and without DN [PR = 0.71(0.57-0.89); P = 0.003]. However, when the group of patients with DN was stratified in terms of severity, it was possible to demonstrate a significant decrease in 4G allele frequency only n the more advanced stage of the renal disease, using the adjusted residue of the χ2 test (P = 0.009; AR = -2.95), which suggests its involvement with a higher mortality rate in DN. It was also possible to show that the risk allele 4G is significantly associated with ischemic cardiopathy in individuals with DN (P = 0.03; AR = 2.5). Conclusions: The T2DM patients carriers of the risk allele 176C of the polymorphism ITGB3 rs5918 present a significantly increased risk of developing IS and PAD, while carriers of the risk allele 4G of the polymorphism PAI-1 rs1799768 probably present higher risk of developing DN. Apart from this, this group of subjects also presented a significant risk of developing IHD.

Introdução: O diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) representa cerca de 90% dos tipos de diabetes e vem atingindo de forma cada vez mais intensa a população adulta e atualmente também jovens e até crianças. Uma dieta hipercalórica, aliada ao sedentarismo tem sido junto com a predisposição genética os principais desencadeantes das complicações crônicas associadas com o DM2. Infelizmente, são essas complicações que levam ao grande aumento da morbidade e mortalidade que pode chegar até 80% nesta doença, sendo que as principais são as de natureza micro e macrovascular. Complicações microvasculares compreendem a retinopatia diabética (RD), a nefropatia diabética (ND) e a neuropatia periférica (NP), enquanto que as complicações macrovasculares compreendem a doença cardiovascular (DCV), a doença arterial periférica (DAP) e o acidente vascular cerebral (AVC). Pacientes com DM2 em sua fase inicial já podem apresentar um quadro protrombótico que só tende a piorar com a progressão da doença. Esse quadro protrombótico é resultante principalmente do processo inflamatório e da disfunção endotelial. Polimorfismos genéticos relacionados com as diferentes fases da hemostasia podem contribuir para o aumento ou diminuição no risco de formação de trombos arteriais e venosos que podem afetar a micro e macrovasculatura destes indivíduos. Objetivos: Investigar a influência de polimorfismos envolvidos com a hemostasia como fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento de complicações crônicas micro e macrovasculares em pacientes com DM2. Metodologia: Foi realizado um estudo de caso controle aninhado em uma coorte de pacientes DM2 não relacionados provenientes de um estudo multicêntrico no sul do Brasil. Os pacientes DM2 foram divididos em 2 grupos de estudo. Para o grupo com complicação macrovascular estudou-se 404 pacientes DM2. Casos para a complicação macrovascular foram definidos como tendo cardiopatia isquêmica (CI), acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico (AVCI) ou DAP enquanto que controles foram definidos como pacientes com pelo menos 5 anos de DM2 e sem a respectiva complicação. Para o estudo das complicações microvasculares 393 pacientes com DM2 foram estudados. Os casos foram definidos como tendo RD, ND ou neuropatia sensório distal (NSD). Controles para a complicação microvascular foram pacientes com pelo menos 10 anos de DM2 e sem a respectiva complicação. Os polimorfismos estudados foram testados em duplicata utilizando-se a PCR seguida de RFLP quando necessário. Foram investigados nove polimorfismos assim distribuídos: Na fase da coagulação foram estudados cinco polimorfismos (FGB rs1800790, F2 rs1799963, FV rs6025 F7 rs5742910 e F13A rs5985); dois (PLAT rs4646972 e PAI-1 rs1799768) na fase da fibrinólise e um (ITGB3 rs5918) na fase plaquetária. O polimorfismo da MTHFR rs1801133 envolvido com a hiperhomocisteínemia é considerado um fator de risco para DCV e por isso foi incluído. Para a análise estatística foi utilizado o teste do χ2 para a comparação das frequências genotípicas e alélicas. Os polimorfismos com diferença significativa foram testados na regressão de Poisson com variância robusta ajustado pelas variáveis de confusão. Para as complicações microvasculares também foi utilizado o teste do χ2 com análise de resíduo ajustado. Resultados: O polimorfismo do receptor plaquetário ITGB3 rs5918 apresentou associação com os desfechos AVCI e DAP. Para o desfecho AVCI o genótipo 176TC mostrou associação significativa [(PR = 2.04(1.11-3.73); P = 0.021], enquanto que para a DAP a associação foi com o genótipo 176CC [PR = 1.90(1.29-2.81); P = 0.001]. Em relação às complicações microvasculares o único polimorfismo que mostrou associação foi o PAI-1 rs1799768. Neste caso, o polimorfismo demonstrou ter uma associação inesperada para o alelo 4G como um fator de proteção quando comparamos pacientes com e sem ND [PR = 0.71(0.57-0.89); P = 0.003]. Porém, quando foi estratificado o grupo de pacientes com ND de acordo com a severidade, foi possível demonstrar usando a análise de resíduo ajustado do teste do χ2 que havia uma diminuição significativa na frequência do alelo 4G somente no estágio mais avançado da doença renal (P = 0.009; AR = -2.95) o que sugere o seu envolvimento com uma maior taxa de mortalidade na ND. Também foi possível mostrar que o alelo de risco 4G está significativamente associado com a cardiopatia isquêmica nos indivíduos com ND (P = 0.03; AR = 2.5). Conclusões: Os pacientes com DM2 portadores do alelo de risco 176C do polimorfismo ITGB3 rs5918 apresentam um risco significativamente aumentado de desenvolver AVCI e DAP, enquanto que os portadores do alelo de risco 4G do polimorfismo PAI-1 rs1799768 provavelmente apresentem maior risco de desenvolver ND. Além disso, os portadores do alelo 4G e que tem ND apresentaram um risco significativamente aumentado de desenvolverem CI. / Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represents approximately 90% of the diabetes types, increasingly affecting the adult population and nowadays also occurring in young adults and children. Hypercaloric diets, sedentarism and genetic predisposition are the main triggering factors of chronic complications associated to T2DM. Unfortunately, these are the complications that lead to a considerable increase in morbidity and mortality, which may reach 80%, with the main complications being of micro- and macrovascular nature. The microvascular complications are diabetic retinopathy (DR), diabetic nephropathy (DN) and peripheral neuropathy (PN). The macrovascular complications include cardiovascular disease (CVD), peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and stroke. In the initial T2DM stage, patients may present a prothrombotic state that tends to worsen as the disease evolves. This prothrombotic state results mainly from the inflammatory process and from the endothelial dysfunction. Genetic polymorphisms related to the different stages of hemostasis may play a role in the increase or decrease of the risk of arterial and venous thrombus, which may affect the micro- and the macrovasculature of these individuals. Objectives: To investigate the influence of the polymorphisms related to hemostasis as risk factors for the development of micro- and macrovascular complications in T2DM patients. Methods: A nested case-control study was conducted with a cohort of unrelated T2DM patients from a multicenter study made in southern Brazil. T2DM patients were divided in two groups. The macrovascular complication group included 404 T2DM patients. Macrovascular complications were defined according to the presence of the following criteria: ischemic heart disease (IHD), ischemic stroke (IS) or PAD. The control group was formed by patients who had had T2DM for at least five years but without the respective complications. The microvascular complication group included 393 T2DM patients. Microvascular complications were defined based on the presence of the following criteria: DR, DN, or distal sensory neuropathy (DSN). The controls used in the investigation of the microvascular complications were patients who had T2DM for at least 10 years, without the respective complications. The polymorphisms investigated were analyzed by PCR with RFLP, when necessary. In total, nine polymorphisms were studied. Five polymorphisms (FGB rs1800790, F2 rs1799963, FV rs6025, F7 rs5742910 and F13A1 rs5985) were investigated for the coagulation stage, two (PLAT rs4646972 and PAI-1 rs1799768) for the fibrinolysis stage, and one (ITGB3 rs5918) for the platelet stage. The polymorphism MTHFR rs1801133, associated to hyperhomocysteinemia, which is considered a risk factor for IHD, was also investigated. The statistical analysis used the χ² test to compare genotypic and allelic frequencies. The polymorphisms presenting significant differences were tested using the Poisson regression with robust variance adjusted for the confounding variables. The χ² test with the analysis of adjusted residues was also used for microvascular complications. Results: The polymorphism of the platelet receptor ITGB3 rs5918 was associated with the outcomes IS and PAD. Considering IS, the genotype 176TC exhibited significant association [(PR = 2.04(1.11-3.73); P = 0.021], while considering PAD the association was with genotype 176CC [PR = 1.90(1.29-2.81); P = 0.001]. Regarding the microvascular complications, the only polymorphism that presented association was PAI-1 rs1799768. In this case, the polymorphism demonstrated an unexpected association with allele 4G as a protection factor when patients with and without DN [PR = 0.71(0.57-0.89); P = 0.003]. However, when the group of patients with DN was stratified in terms of severity, it was possible to demonstrate a significant decrease in 4G allele frequency only n the more advanced stage of the renal disease, using the adjusted residue of the χ2 test (P = 0.009; AR = -2.95), which suggests its involvement with a higher mortality rate in DN. It was also possible to show that the risk allele 4G is significantly associated with ischemic cardiopathy in individuals with DN (P = 0.03; AR = 2.5). Conclusions: The T2DM patients carriers of the risk allele 176C of the polymorphism ITGB3 rs5918 present a significantly increased risk of developing IS and PAD, while carriers of the risk allele 4G of the polymorphism PAI-1 rs1799768 probably present higher risk of developing DN. Apart from this, this group of subjects also presented a significant risk of developing IHD.

La radiothérapie thoracique peut induire le développement de pneumopathies aiguës et de fibroses. La dysfonction du système vasculaire participe au développement de lésions radiques. Dans l'intestin, un KO endothélial de PAI-1 protège les souris de la fibrose radique. Le premier objectif de ce projet est d'explorer le rôle de PAI-1 dans l'apparition de la fibrose radique pulmonaire. L'irradiation thoracique de souris à 17 Gy altère sévèrement le parenchyme pulmonaire et l'analyse histologique révèle que l'invalidation de PAI-1 aggrave les lésions à 2 et 13 semaines. Cette invalidation ne protège donc pas les animaux des dommages radiques pulmonaires. L'organisation en parallèle du poumon permet d'envisager une tolérance à de fortes doses par fraction sur des petits volumes. Des irradiations en conditions stéréotaxiques ont donc été réalisées chez la souris. Les analyses histologiques montrent une déstructuration alvéolaire et un fort infiltrat inflammatoire au niveau de la zone cible. Un œdème est observable dans l'ensemble du poumon ipsilatéral deux semaines après irradiation. Le poumon ipsilatéral est également affecté par des altérations de structure, tel un épaississement des septa alvéolaires. Ces bouleversements se traduisent également au niveau transcriptomique. A la vue de l'ensemble de ces altérations, un test à l'effort a été réalisé pour évaluer l'impact potentiel sur la fonction pulmonaire. Les résultats mettent en évidence une diminution des performances des animaux. Les analyses sont à approfondir mais elles démontrent l'importance de s'intéresser aux tissus sains situés hors du volume cible mais recevant des fractions variables de la dose délivrée. / Radiation-induced endothelial dysfunction is known to participate to the development of normal tissue damage. PAI- is implicated in the phenotypic changes of irradiated endothelial cells and KOendo mice are protected from radiation damage to the gut. Whole thorax of PAI-1 KOendo and floxed mice were exposed to 17 Gy. Histological analyzes showed that PAI-1 KOendo induces a worsening of injuries at 2 and 13 weeks. Consequently, contrary to the gut no protection from radiation-induced lung damage is observed in PAI-1 KOendo mice. Our second aim was to study the effects of a single high dose stereotactic irradiation on pulmonary tissues. Histological analyzes and scanner imaging show important injuries on the targeted volume. An ipsilateral edema can also be observed 2 weeks after irradiation. Ipsilateral lung is moreover importantly damaged. A thickening of alveolar septa is notably observable. A transcriptomic analysis show important similarities between tissues from the ipsilateral lung and the focal lesion. As really highly damages have been observed in both scanner and histological analyzes, we decided to perform forced physical activity test on treadmill. A drastic decrease of maximal distance traveled has been observed from two weeks. These experiments highlighted a deficiency in respiratory function and all of these results show the importance of non-targeted irradiated pulmonary volume in the development of radiation-induced fibrosis. Effect of an endothelium-specific deletion of HIF-1α has been investigated in this model of stereotactic irradiation. Only few differences have been observed between KOendo and control mice. Experiments are still ongoing.

Les lésions radiques aux tissus sains représentent un réel problème de santé publique, puisqu’elles constituent l’un des principaux facteurs limitants des traitements radiothérapeutiques. Les concepts qui entourent leur pathogenèse ont progressivement évolués vers une vision intégrée de la pathogénèse, qui implique l’ensemble des compartiments qui composent le tissu cible. Parmi eux, l’endothélium semble tenir une place centrale dans la séquence d’évènements interdépendants qui conduisent au développement des lésions radiques. Grâce à l’utilisation de nouveaux modèles murins transgéniques, ce travail de thèse fournit la démonstration directe d’un continuum endothélium-dépendant dans l’évolution des lésions intestinales radiques. En effet, la modification du phénotype endothélial grâce à la délétion ciblée du gène SERPINE1, choisi du fait de son rôle clé dans le développement de l’entérite radique, influence différents paramètres du développement de la pathologie. Ainsi, les souris PAI-1 KOendo présentent une meilleure survie, ainsi que des atteintes tissulaires précoces et tardives moins sévères, après irradiation localisée du grêle. En outre, ces animaux présentent une diminution du nombre de cellules intestinales apoptotiques dans les heures qui suivent l’irradiation, de la densité de l’infiltrat de macrophages une semaine après irradiation, ainsi qu’une polarisation différentielle de ces macrophages tout au long du processus physiopathologique. Dans une volonté de protéger les tissus sains des effets secondaires de la radiothérapie sans entraver le traitement anti-cancéreux, l’intérêt de PAI-1 comme cible thérapeutique laisse peu de place aux doutes. / Radiation-induced injury to healthy tissues is a real public health problem, since they are one of the most limiting factors that restrict efficiency of radiation therapy. Concepts surrounding the development of radiation-induced damage have gradually evolved into a contemporary and integrated view of the pathogenesis, involving all compartments of target tissue. Among them, endothelium seems to be central in the sequence of interrelated events that lead to the development of radiation-induced damage, although there are rare concrete elements that support this concept. By using new transgenic mouse models, this PhD project provides a direct demonstration of an endothelium-dependent continuum in evolution of radiation-induced intestinal damage. Indeed, changes in the endothelial phenotype through targeted deletion of the gene SERPINE1, chosen because of its key role in the development of radiation enteritis, influences various parameters of the development of the disease. Thus, lack of PAI-1 secretion by endothelial cells significantly improves survival of the animals, and limits severity of early and late tissue damage after a localized small bowel irradiation. Furthermore, these mice partially KO for PAI-1 showed a decrease in the number of apoptotic intestinal stem cells in the hours following irradiation, a decrease in the macrophages infiltrate density one week after irradiation, and a change in the polarization of macrophages throughout the pathophysiological process. In an effort to protect healthy tissues from radiation therapy side effects, without hindering the cancer treatment, PAI-1 seems to be an obvious therapeutic target.

La dépression majeure représente l’une des affections les plus lourdes dans le monde, touchant plus de 350 millions depersonnes. La 5e édition du Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) est la référence mondiale utiliséepour poser le diagnostic de la pathologie chez l’humain. Bien que très nombreux, les antidépresseurs prescrits à ce jour restentencore malheureusement inefficaces pour 30% des patients. Dans ce contexte, il est fondamental de développer de nouvellesstratégies thérapeutiques pour soigner les patients. Des études récentes suggèrent, sans toutefois le démontrer véritablement,l’implication de l’axe « activateur tissulaire du plasminogène / inhibiteur de l’activateur tissulaire du plasminogène de type 1 »(axe tPA/PAI-1) dans la pathogenèse de la dépression majeure.La première partie de mes travaux a été consacrée à la mise au point d’un nouveau système d’évaluation comportementalede la dépression majeure chez la souris en modélisant de manière exhaustive et standardisée les symptômes cliniques du DSMV.La seconde partie de mes travaux a consisté à étudier les mécanismes d’action potentiels de l’axe tPA/PAI-1 dans ladépression majeure. Pour ce faire, j’ai tout d’abord caractérisé le phénotype comportemental de souris déficientes en tPA (souristPA-/-) et en PAI-1 (souris PAI-1-/-), ainsi que de leurs homologues de type sauvage, grâce au système fonctionnel d’évaluationinitialement mis en place. Par ailleurs, du fait de la forte comorbidité entre anxiété et dépression, les comportements de typeanxieux ont également été analysés chez ces animaux. Mes expériences ont révélé un phénotype de type dépressif, indépendantdu tPA, chez les souris déficientes en PAI-1, associé à des diminutions des concentrations de deux monoamines (sérotonine etdopamine) dans des structures cérébrales connues pour être impliquées dans la dépression majeure (hippocampe et noyau du litde la strie terminale). De surcroît, l’enrichissement modéré de l’environnement n’amenuise pas les symptômes de type dépressifdes souris PAI-1-/- mais conduit cependant à la disparition des troubles anxieux dépendants, quant à eux, de l’axe tPA/PAI-1.La troisième partie de ma thèse a été dédiée à des manipulations pharmacologiques visant à tester l’efficacitéd’antidépresseurs de type inhibiteurs de la recapture de la sérotonine. L’escitalopram produit un effet anxiolytique chez les sourisdéficientes en PAI-1, sans toutefois contrebalancer le phénotype dépressif chez ces mêmes sujets. Qui plus est, la fluoxétine, àla même dose que l’escitalopram, est toxique pour ces souris.Les résultats de ma thèse apportent ainsi la première démonstration de l’implication de PAI-1 dans la dépression majeurepar un mécanisme indépendant de son interaction avec le tPA. Ces travaux démontrent également que la souris PAI-1-/- constitueun outil essentiel et innovant pour étudier les mécanismes cellulaires et moléculaires sous-jacents à la dépression majeure, ainsique pour la recherche de cibles thérapeutiques visant à améliorer l’efficacité des traitements. / Major depressive disorder is one of the heaviest mental disorders in the world, affecting more than 350 people worldwide.It is in the fifth edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) that the basis for an internationallyadmitted diagnosis was laid. Albeit diverse, existing antidepressants still remain ineffective for 30% of the patients. Under suchcircumstances, the necessity of developing new therapeutical strategies has arisen. Recent studies tend to suggest, withoutabsolute demonstration, the implication of the axis "Tissue Plasminogen Activator / Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor type-1"(tPA/PAI-1 axis) in the pathogenesis of major depressive disorders.The first section of my works has been devoted to the development of a new system of behavioural assessment in micefor depressive-like disorders, through a comprehensive and standardised modelling of clinical symptoms of DSM-V.The second section of my works has consisted in studying the potential action mechanisms of the tPA/PAI-1 axis in theemergence of depressive-like disorders. To do so, I first had to identify the behavioural phenotype of mice having from a tPA(tPA-/- mice) and PAI-1 (PAI-1-/-mice) deficiency as well as their wild-type counterparts through the system of assessment setup in the beginning of my research. In addition, due to the significant comorbidity between anxiety and depression, anxious-likebehaviours have been analysed as well. Among PAI-1-deficient mice, my experiments have disclosed a depressive-likephenotype, independent of tPA, and correlated with a decrease in the concentration of two monoamines (serotonin and dopamine)in brain structures known to be involved in major depressive disorder (hippocampus and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis).Besides, the moderate enrichment of the environment does not reduce the depressive-like symptoms of PAI-1-/- mice, yet inducesthe dissipation of dependent-tPA/PAI-1 axis anxious disorders.The third section of my PhD has been devoted to pharmacological experiments meant to assess the effectiveness ofantidepressants classified among selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Escitalopram produces anxiolytic falloutsamong PAI-1-deficient mice without for all that offsetting the depressive phenotype among these same mice. Moreover,fluoxetine administered in the same concentration as escitalopram has proven to be toxic for these mice.The results of these doctoral experiments have therefore demonstrated for the first time the implication of PAI-1 in theprocess of major depressive disorder through a mechanism independent from its interaction with tPA. These works have alsodemonstrated that PAI-1-/- mice make up a fundamental and cutting edge tool to study the cellular and molecular mechanismsunderlying major depressive disorder as well as to develop competent therapeutical targets intended to improve the efficiency oftreatments.