Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) exert a broad range of toxicity via both parent compounds and their metabolites. Our previous study showed that hydroquinone (H2Q) metabolites of PCBs act as cosubstrates for prostaglandin H synthase (PGHS), and are oxidized by this enzyme to corresponding quinones (Q). The goal of this thesis is to illuminate the PGHS-mediated toxicity of lower chlorinated PCBs. It is hypothesized that PGHS catalyzes two sequential one-electron oxidations of PCB-H2Q to semiquinone (SQ), and Q that interact with biomolecules, such as amino acids, glutathione (GSH), protein, and DNA. In addition, the oxidation of H2Q by PGHS results in an elevation of downstream prostaglandin (PG) production in vivo. Employing 4-chlorobiphenyl-2f,5f-hydroquinone (4-CB-2f,5f-H2Q) as a model compound, I found that PGHS-2 catalyzes the one-electron oxidation of 4-CB-2f,5f-H2Q to SQ. An unusual electronically distorted SQ spectrum was observed as a result of the mixture of two different SQ species, a quartet and a doublet. Fate of 4-CB-2f,5f-SQ and/or Q in the presence of biomolecules was further investigated in the next study. 4-CB-2f,5f-SQ/Q reacts readily with the thiol-containing molecules, such as cysteine, and GSH. Oligonucleotides, and DNA did not form a covalent adduct with 4-CB-2f,5f-SQ but preferably stabilized 4-CB-2f,5f-SQ by pi-stacking interaction under the assay conditions. The in vivo study of downstream PG production in rats treated with 4-CB-2f,5f-H2Q revealed that PGE2 was significantly elevated in ratsf kidneys at 24 h post intratracheal instillation. The increased PGE2 production was correlated with an elevation of alveolar macrophages. These findings suggest two possible mechanisms of enhanced PGE2 production: i) 4-CB-2f,5f-H2Q as a cosubstrate for PGHS in kidney, and 2) release of cytokines from macrophages, leading to stimulation of PGE2 production in other tissues but released and accumulated in kidney for excretion. In summary, the toxicity of lower chlorinated PCBs metabolites is potentially mediated by PGHS. Quinones generated from the PGHS metabolic pathway covalently bind to GSH resulting in GSH depletion, and oxidative stress. The intercalation or pi-stacking of SQ in DNA may be implicated in genotoxicity as a result of the change in DNA structure.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-17T18:39:42Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 4298.pdf: 15812505 bytes, checksum: 0d001ab7407810f069373f198494cc0f (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-12-14 / Prostaglandin H synthases (PGHS), or cyclooxygenases (COX), are known to exist in at least two isoforms, COX-1 and COX-2, encoded by different genes. COX s play a central role in the inflammatory cascade by converting arachidonic acid, released from membrane phospholipids, into bioactive prostanoids. Non-steriodal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) represent an important therapeutic category related to the reduction of inflammation, pain and fever, however, can cause gastric and kidney failure. Selective inhibition of COX-2 by NSAIDs known as coxibs leads to a significant reduction of these side effects in addition reduce fatal thrombotic events and act in controlling some types of cancer and progression of Alzheimer's disease, when used for a long period. This study, based on molecular docking, describes the search for the most favorable poses in the formation of complexes between COX-2 and resveratrol analogues and 1,2,3-triazole derivatives. The three dimensional structure of the enzyme, 1cx2, was obtained from the Protein Data Bank (PDB). The structures of the ligands were obtained by molecular modeling. The docking calculations were carried out with the program GOLD 4.1.2. Analyses of the docking results show that interactions with residues of the side pocket of COX are important for the stabilization of the complexes, in particular His90, Arg120, Ser353, Tyr355 and Arg513 should be mentioned. The ligands studied locate, preferably, between α-helices 13 and 26 of the isoenzyme, and the interaction with the serine 353 residue seems to be related to the activity presented by ligands with low IC50 values, a characteristics that can be exploited in rational design of new leader molecules or in the optimization of selective ligands that should occupy the side pocket of the cyclooxygenase active site of COX-2. / Prostaglandinas H sintases (PGHS), ou ciclooxigenases (COX), existem em pelo menos duas isoformas, COX-1 e COX-2, codificadas por genes diferentes. A COX desempenha um papel central no processo inflamatório através da conversão do ácido araquidônico, liberado a partir dos fosfolipídios da membrana, em prostanóides bioativos. Anti-inflamatórios não esteroides (AINEs) representam uma importante categoria terapêutica relacionada à redução de inflamação, dor, e febre, no entanto, podem causar insuficiência renal e gástrica. A inibição seletiva da COX-2 pelos AINEs conhecidos como coxibs leva a uma redução significativa desses efeitos colaterais, além de reduzir eventos trombóticos fatais e agir no controle de alguns tipos de câncer e na progressão do mal de Alzheimer, quando utilizados de forma prolongada. Este estudo, baseado em docking molecular, descreve a busca das poses mais favoráveis para a formação dos complexos entre a COX-2 e ligantes análogos do resveratrol e derivados de 1,2,3-triazol. A estrutura tridimensional da enzima 1cx2 foi obtida do Protein Data Bank (PDB). As estruturas dos ligantes foram obtidas por modelagem molecular. Os cálculos de docking foram realizados utilizando o programa GOLD 4.1.2. As análises dos resultados de docking mostram que as interações com os resíduos do bolso lateral presente na COX são importantes para a estabilização dos complexos, especialmente, His90, Arg120, Ser353, Tyr355 e Arg513. Os ligantes estudados se localizam, preferencialmente, entre as α- hélices 13 e 26 da isoenzima, sendo que a interação com o resíduo serina 353 demonstra estar relacionada com a atividade apresentada por ligantes com baixos valores de IC50, característica que pode ser explorada racionalmente no desenho de novas moléculas lideres ou na otimização de ligantes seletivos que ocupem o bolso lateral do sítio ativo ciclooxigenase da COX-2.

In this paper, we provide a mathematical model of the effect of aspirin on blood clotting. The model tracks the enzyme prostaglandin H synthase and an important blood clotting factor, thromboxane A2, in the form of thromboxane B2. Through model analysis, we determine conditions under which the reactions of prostaglandin H synthase are self-sustaining. Lastly, through numerical simulations, we demonstrate that the model accurately captures the steady-state chemical concentrations of interest in blood, both with and without aspirin treatment.

<p>In the present thesis the density functional B3LYP has been used to study reactions of NO and O₂ in redox active enzymes.</p><p>Reduction of nitric oxide (NO) to nitrous oxide (N₂O) is an important part in the bacterial energy conservation (denitrification). The reduction of NO in three different bimetallic active sites leads to the formation of hyponitrous acid anhydride (N₂O₂^2-). The stability of this intermediate is crucial for the reaction rate. In the two diiron systems, respiratory and scavenging types of NOR, it is possible to cleave the N-O bond, forming N₂O, without any extra protons or electrons. In a heme-copper oxidase, on the other hand, both a proton and an electron are needed to form N₂O.</p><p>In addition to being an intermediate in the denitrification, NO is a toxic agent. Myoglobin in the oxy-form reacts with NO forming nitrate (NO₃ ^-) at a high rate, which should make this enzyme an efficient NO scavenger. Peroxynitrite (ONOO^-) is formed as a short-lived intermediate and isomerizes to nitrate through a radical reaction.</p><p>In the mechanism for pumping protons in cytochrome oxidase, thermodynamics, rather than structural changes, might guide protons to the heme propionate for further translocation.</p><p>The dioxygenation of arachidonic acid in prostaglandin endoperoxide H synthase forms the bicyclic prostaglandin G₂, through a cascade of radical reactions. The mechanism proposed by Hamberg and Samuelsson is energetically feasible.</p>

In the present thesis the density functional B3LYP has been used to study reactions of NO and O2 in redox active enzymes. Reduction of nitric oxide (NO) to nitrous oxide (N2O) is an important part in the bacterial energy conservation (denitrification). The reduction of NO in three different bimetallic active sites leads to the formation of hyponitrous acid anhydride (N2O22-). The stability of this intermediate is crucial for the reaction rate. In the two diiron systems, respiratory and scavenging types of NOR, it is possible to cleave the N-O bond, forming N2O, without any extra protons or electrons. In a heme-copper oxidase, on the other hand, both a proton and an electron are needed to form N2O. In addition to being an intermediate in the denitrification, NO is a toxic agent. Myoglobin in the oxy-form reacts with NO forming nitrate (NO3 -) at a high rate, which should make this enzyme an efficient NO scavenger. Peroxynitrite (ONOO-) is formed as a short-lived intermediate and isomerizes to nitrate through a radical reaction. In the mechanism for pumping protons in cytochrome oxidase, thermodynamics, rather than structural changes, might guide protons to the heme propionate for further translocation. The dioxygenation of arachidonic acid in prostaglandin endoperoxide H synthase forms the bicyclic prostaglandin G2, through a cascade of radical reactions. The mechanism proposed by Hamberg and Samuelsson is energetically feasible.