Biologically active peptides are important for many physiological functions in the human body and therefore serve as interesting starting points in drug discovery processes. In this work the neuropeptide substance P 1–7 (SP1–7, H-Arg-Pro-Lys-Pro-Gln-Gln-Phe-OH), which has been demonstrated to reduce neuropathic pain and attenuate opioid withdrawal symptoms in animal models, has been addressed in a medicinal chemistry program with the overall aim of transforming this bioactive peptide into more drug-like compounds. Specific binding sites for this neuropeptide have been detected in the brain and the spinal cord. Interestingly, the smaller neuropeptide endomorphin-2 (EM-2, H-Tyr-Pro-Phe-Phe-NH2) also interacts with these binding sites, although 10-fold less efficient. In this work the structure–activity relationship of SP1–7 and EM-2, regarding their affinity to the SP1–7 binding site was elucidated using alanine scans, truncation, and terminal modifications. The C-terminal part of both peptides, and especially the C-terminal phenylalanine, was crucial for binding affinity. Moreover, the C-terminal functional group should preferably be a primary amide. The truncation studies finally resulted in the remarkable discovery of H-Phe-Phe-NH2 as an equally good binder as the heptapeptide SP1–7. This dipeptide amide served as a lead compound for further studies. In order to improve the drug-like properties and to find a plausible bioactive conformation, a set of rigidified and methylated dipeptides of different stereochemistry, and analogs with reduced peptide character, were synthesized and evaluated regarding binding, metabolic stability and absorption. Small SP1–7 analogs with retained affinity and substantially improved permeability and metabolic stability were identified. Beside peptide chemistry the synthetic work included the development of a fast and convenient microwave-assisted protocol for direct arylation of imidazoles. Furthermore, microwave-assisted aminocarbonylation using Mo(CO)6 as a solid carbon monoxide source was investigated in the synthesis of MAP amides and for coupling of imidazoles with amino acids. In a future perspective the present findings, together with the fact that some of the SP1–7 analogs discovered herein have been shown to reproduce the biological effects of SP1-7 in animal studies related to neuropathic pain and opioid dependence, can ultimately have an impact on drug discovery in these two areas.

SILVA, Katiane Pereira da. Propriedades estruturais e eletrônicas do cristal L-fenilalanina ácido nítrico e estudo vibracional sob condições extremas de pressão e temperatura. 2014. 119 f. Tese (Doutorado em Física) - Programa de Pós-Graduação em Física, Departamento de Física, Centro de Ciências, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, 2014. / Submitted by Edvander Pires (edvanderpires@gmail.com) on 2015-04-10T21:12:54Z No. of bitstreams: 1 2014_tese_kpsilva.pdf: 5357878 bytes, checksum: 251018043a6c9107f6c8d1df9df190fd (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Edvander Pires(edvanderpires@gmail.com) on 2015-04-10T21:13:24Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 2014_tese_kpsilva.pdf: 5357878 bytes, checksum: 251018043a6c9107f6c8d1df9df190fd (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-04-10T21:13:24Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2014_tese_kpsilva.pdf: 5357878 bytes, checksum: 251018043a6c9107f6c8d1df9df190fd (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014 / The L-phenylalanine is an essential amino acid that takes part of several bio chemicals processes related to the production of some human proteins and enzymes. This essential amino acid is converted into the L-tyrosine amino acid by means of the L-phenylalanine hydroxilase. Amino acids are interesting materials for non linear optics (NLO) applications as they contain a proton donor carboxylic acid (COOH) group and a proton acceptor amine (NH2) group. In the present work, a systematic investigation has been carried out on L-phenylalanine nitric acid [C9H11NO2.C9H11NO2+.NO3-] (LPN) single crystal obtained by slow evaporation at room temperature. This work shows studies performed in a pure atomistic way by computation simulation, on the electronic and optical properties, using method of density functional theory. The crystal was characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, Fourier Transform infrared (FT-IR) and Fourier Transform Raman (FT-Raman) analysis. The results of the X-ray diffraction data were analyzed by the Rietveld method. Single crystal data refinement of the LPN crystal shows that this compound grows with a monoclinic structure belonging to the P21 space group with two molecules per unit cell. The calculated lattice parameter is in good agreement with the experimental results. The Mulliken and Hirschfield charges show the zwiterrionic state of the LPN crystal in the DFT converged crystals. The band gap of LPN crystal is indirect and its energy is ~3.55 eV. The 2p orbitals are the largest contributors to the density of states, suggesting that the crystal behaves like an n-type wide gap insulator. We have characterized the LPN crystal at room temperature by means of the FT-IR in the spectral range between 400 cm-1 to 4000 cm-1 and by means of FT-Raman in the spectral range between 50 cm-1 to 3500 cm-1. There was no Raman band observed in the spectral interval between 1700 cm-1 to 2700 cm-1. For wavenumber greater than 3100 cm-1, there was no Raman band. In the range between 2850 cm-1and 3100 cm-1, it observed stretching modes associated with C-H and C-H2 units. Finally, single-crystal samples of LPN were studied by Raman spectroscopy in a diamond-anvil cell up to pressures of ~ 8.0 GPa. From the analysis of the results we observed that the crystal undergoes a phase transition at about 0.6 GPa. The transition is accompanied by the disappearance of a phonon in the external mode region of the spectrum and by changes of both the wavenumber of NH3+ rocking and CH2 rocking vibrations. / A L-fenilalanina é um aminoácido essencial que participa de diversos processos bioquímicos relacionados à constituição de diversas proteínas e enzimas do corpo humano. Este aminoácido essencial através da enzima L-fenilalanina hidroxilase, é convertido no aminoácido L-tirosina. Os aminoácidos são materiais interessantes para aplicações ópticas não lineares (ONL) uma vez que contêm um próton doador do grupo carboxílico (COOH) e um próton receptor do grupo amina (NH2). No presente trabalho, uma investigação sistemática foi realizada para o cristal de L-fenilalanina ácido nítrico [C9H11NO2.C9H11NO2+.NO3-] (LFN) obtido pelo método de evaporação lenta à temperatura ambiente. Neste trabalho, estudamos de forma inteiramente atomística através de simulação computacional as propriedades eletrônicas e ópticas utilizando o método da teoria do funcional da densidade. O cristal foi caracterizado por difração de raios-X, pelas técnicas vibracionais de Transformada de Fourier no infravermelho (FT-IR) e no Raman (FT-Raman). Os resultados de difração de raios-X foram analisados pelo método de Rietveld. Os resultados do refinamento para o cristal LFN mostram que este composto cristaliza-se na estrutura monoclínica pertecente ao grupo especial P21 com duas moléculas por célula unitária. Os parâmetros de rede calculados apresentaram boa concordância com os resultados experimentais. As cargas Mulliken e Hirschfield mostram que o estado zwitteriônico do cristal LFN estão bem convergidas. A energia do gap do cristal LFN (indireto) é aproximadamente 3,55 eV. Os orbitais 2p são os maiores contribuintes para a densidade de estados, o que sugere que o cristal se comporta como um isolante. Apresentamos resultados de caracterização do cristal de LFN à temperatura ambiente, através das técnicas utilizadas de espectroscopia de absorção por transformada de Fourier na região do infravermelho (FT-IR) no intervalo espectral entre 400 cm-1 e 4000 cm-1 e espectroscopia Raman por transformada de Fourier (FT-Raman) no intervalo espectral entre 50 cm-1 e 3500 cm-1. Nenhuma banda Raman foi observada no intervalo espectral entre 1700 cm-1 e 2700 cm-1. Para o intervalo acima de 3100 cm-1 nenhuma banda Raman foi observada, o que garante que o cristal tratado está na forma anidra. Destaca-se, por exemplo, a região entre 2850 cm-1 e 3100 cm-1, onde é esperado serem observados modos vibracionais do tipo estiramento das ligações C-H e do CH2. Finalmente, para o cristal de LFN foram investigados por espectroscopia Raman em uma célula do tipo bigorna de diamantes desde a pressão ambiente até ~ 8,0 GPa. Nas análises dos resultados de altas pressões observamos que o cristal sofre uma transição de fase em torno 0,6 GPa. A transição é acompanhada pelo desaparecimento de um fônon na região dos modos externos do espectro Raman e por alterações das bandas eferentes a vibrações do tipo rocking do NH3+ e CH2.

Submitted by Luciana Sebin (lusebin@ufscar.br) on 2016-10-11T18:07:04Z No. of bitstreams: 1 DissCDSJ.pdf: 5508281 bytes, checksum: 494e75225dc01ef99c7d2a4685a0f5a7 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Ronildo Prado (ronisp@ufscar.br) on 2016-10-17T18:15:48Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 DissCDSJ.pdf: 5508281 bytes, checksum: 494e75225dc01ef99c7d2a4685a0f5a7 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Ronildo Prado (ronisp@ufscar.br) on 2016-10-17T18:15:57Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 DissCDSJ.pdf: 5508281 bytes, checksum: 494e75225dc01ef99c7d2a4685a0f5a7 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-10-17T18:23:05Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 DissCDSJ.pdf: 5508281 bytes, checksum: 494e75225dc01ef99c7d2a4685a0f5a7 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-02-24 / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) / Phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) catalyzes the non-oxidative deamination of L-Phe. It is an important enzyme in the production of enantio-pure mixtures of phenylalanine. Besides being important in plant secondary metabolism, PAL has also been used both for industrial applications as in the treatment of leukemia and phenylketonuria. The PAL have high similarity with histidine ammonia lyase (HAL) and it is believed that the PAL originated from HAL. Use of HAL termini sequences, previously obtained from the metagenome of Poraquê Lake (03°57' S, 63°10' W) to produce an engineered enzyme. The HAL assembled from them had its catalytic core exchanged by one which was designed from the previously described PAL sequences. Thus, We aim to shift the HAL activity making it active in the presence of phenylalanine through an easy protocol. Our phylogenetic analysis shows a clear division between plant and fungal PALs, and showed that recombination played a key role in the separation of these groups. In addition, We also observed that PAL catalytic core is conserved despite positive selection operating in protein termini. The recombinant enzyme, mPAL_c1, was produced in insoluble form and was refolded in vitro. mPAL_c1, when using L-Phe as substrate, has a TOPT. of 30°C (at pH 7.5 with 2mM MnCl2), KM of 55μM and Kcat/KM of 0.01633 mM-1s-1. The activity of mPAL_c1 showed about 30% of activity of commercial PAL from Rhodotorula toruloides at 2 mM L-Phe. Activation of mPAL_c1 was tested through substrate concentration rising from 2 mM to 5 mM of L-Phe, and its activity was almost 5 times higher. The results still suggest a histidine ammonia lyase remnant activity. The low catalytic rates are justified due to protein aggregation and misfolding, detected by size exclusion chromatography and by circular dichroism. In summary, our protocol has proved to be useful in protein design. / A fenilalanina amônia liase (PAL) catalisa a desaminação não oxidativa de L-Phe. Ela é uma enzima importante na produção de misturas enântio-puras de fenilalanina. Além de ser importante no metabolismo secundário vegetal, a PAL também tem sido utilizada tanto para aplicações industriais quanto no tratamento de leucemia e fenilcetonúria. As PAL apresentam alta similaridade com as histidina amônia liases (HAL) e acredita-se que as PAL se originaram das HAL. Utilizamos sequências das extremidades de uma HAL, previamente obtidas do metagenoma do Lago Poraquê (03°57' S e 63°10' W) para produção de uma enzima engenheirada. A HAL montada a partir delas teve seu núcleo catalítico trocado por um que foi desenhado a partir de sequências de PAL previamente descritas. Desta forma visamos deslocar as atividades da HAL tornando-a ativa em presença de fenilalanina por meio de um protocolo simplificado. As nossas análises filogenéticas revelam uma divisão clara entre PALs vegetais e fúngicas, e mostram que a recombinação teve um papel fundamental na separação destes grupos. Além disto, também observamos que o núcleo catalítico da enzima é conservado, com relação às extremidades. A enzima recombinante, mPAL_c1, foi produzida sob forma insolúvel e reenovelada in vitro. A mPAL_c1 tendo como substrato a L-Phe, possui uma Topt. de 30°C num pH de 7,5 com 2mM de MnCl2 e um KM de 55μM, VMáx de 15mU e Kcat/KM de 0,01633 mM-1s-1. A atividade da mPAL_c1 se mostrou cerca de 30% da atividade da PAL comercial de Rhodotorula toruloides a 2 mM de L-Phe. A ativação pelo substrato foi de quase 5 vezes quando a concentração de L-Phe foi elevada de 2mM até 5mM. Os resultados sugerem um resquício de atividade de histidina amônia-liase. As baixas taxas catalíticas se justificam devido à agregação e misfolding proteicos, detectados pela cromatografia de exclusão molecular e pelo dicroísmo circular. Por fim, o protocolo estabelecido neste estudo se mostrou útil para a engenharia de proteínas.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the National Neonatal Screening Program in Sergipe State in Brazil Northeastern (PNTN/SE) for phenylketonuria (PKU). It was performed a cross-sectional study. Variables assessed were: phenylalanine blood concentrations at filter paper collected from the heel of 43.449 children (PKUneo); blood phenylalanine concentrations obtained by venipuncture in the children with abnormal PKUneo; children s age in the different program phases from January 2007 to June 2008; and the coverage in 2007. The suspected children were selected when PKUneo were above the cut-off level of 5 mg/dL. Furthermore, these children were classified by the venous concentration of phenylalanine in according to the literature, thereby obtaining the prevalence of hyperphenylalaninemy (HPA) and phenylketonuria from January 2007 to June 2008. The cases diagnosed before 2007 were not analysed. Finally, we verified the venous concentrations of phenylalanine at those children on dietetic treatment for the disease as much as the amount of phenylalanine present on their diet. The children s age at PKUneo collection was 107 days (MDP), the age when the assay was done was 2813 days and at the venous collection in the diagnosis confirmation was 5317 days. Twelve children were called based on the PKUneo cut-off. From these, the concentrations of phenylalanine collected by venipuncture were normal in five children, one child was classified as hyperphenylalaninemy and five as PKU with the prevalence of 1/43449 and 1/8690, respectively. The treatment for PKU began with 5112 days. The coverage of PNTN/SE/2007 was 78.93%, besides, 11% of the Sergipe´s children that have private health care. In conclusion, PNTN/SE presented satisfactory coverage, PKU and hyperphenylalaninemy prevalences compatible with the literature and adequate cut-off. On the other hand, the collection of PKUneo is late and the onset of treatment is delayed. / O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o Programa Nacional de Triagem Neonatal no Estado de Sergipe no Nordeste do Brasil (PNTN/SE) para a fenilcetonúria (PKU). Foi realizado um estudo transversal. As variáveis estudadas foram: concentrações de fenilalanina no sangue coletado em papel-filtro do calcanhar de 43.449 crianças (PKUneo); concentrações de fenilalanina no sangue coletado por punção venosa realizada nas crianças convocadas após resultado de PKUneo alterado; idade das crianças nas diferentes fases do PNTN/SE, no período entre janeiro de 2007 a junho de 2008, e a cobertura do programa no ano de 2007. As crianças suspeitas foram selecionadas quando apresentavam concentrações de PKUneo acima do ponto de corte de 5 mg/dL. Além disso, classificamos estas crianças segundo as concentrações venosas de fenilalanina de acordo com a literatura, calculando, assim, a prevalência de PKU e da hiperfenilalaninemia (HPA) no período de janeiro de 2007 a junho de 2008, não utilizando os casos diagnosticados antes de janeiro de 2007 e depois de junho de 2008. Por fim, foram acompanhadas as concentrações venosas de fenilalanina das crianças classificadas como fenilcetonúricas e hiperfenilalaninêmicas em tratamento dietético, assim como a quantidade de fenilalanina ingerida na alimentação. A idade das crianças, na coleta do PKUneo, foi de 107 dias (MDP), na realização do ensaio foi de 2813 dias e na coleta para confirmação do diagnóstico foi de 5317 dias. Foram convocadas doze crianças após resultado de PKUneo alterado, das quais cinco tiveram concentrações venosas normais de fenilalanina, uma foi classificada como hiperfenilalaninêmica e cinco como fenilcetonúricas com prevalência de 1/43449 e 1/8690, respectivamente. A terapia nas cinco crianças com PKU foi iniciada com 5112 dias. A cobertura do PNTN/SE em 2007 foi de 79%, não sendo considerados nesse resultado os 11% da população coberta por planos privados de saúde. Deste modo, o PNTN/SE apresentou no período estudado cobertura satisfatória, prevalências de PKU e HPA compatíveis com àquelas encontradas na literatura e ponto de corte adequado. Em contrapartida, a coleta do PKUneo é tardia e o início do tratamento é demorado.

Submitted by Helena Bejio (helena.bejio@unioeste.br) on 2017-11-23T17:51:39Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Eloisa Lorenzetti 2017.pdf: 1638897 bytes, checksum: 37d0d636adf093d3df43c201d58eeb5b (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-11-23T17:51:39Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Eloisa Lorenzetti 2017.pdf: 1638897 bytes, checksum: 37d0d636adf093d3df43c201d58eeb5b (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-02-10 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / Several works using extracts obtained from medicinal plants have demonstrated direct and potential antimicrobial action to induce the accumulation of secondary metabolites, which are very important as plant defense mechanisms against pathogens. The objective of this work was to develop an alternative method using rosemary extract (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) at concentrations 0%, 1%, 2.5% and 5%, to verify the antimicrobial activity against Macrophomina phaseolina, control of charcoal rot in soybean stem and determine the activity of peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and protein content on soybean plants. We performed in vitro assays in order to analyze mycelial growth of the fungus, fungus mass and number of micro-sclerotia, greenhouse tests to evaluate the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC), and biochemical analyzes to verify a possible induction of resistance in the treated plants. For the determination of the defense enzymes, soybean plants were treated with the extracts and inoculated with M. phaseolina. Samples were collected at 0, 36, 72, 120, 168, 216 and 264 h after treatment. The rosemary extract reduced by 44% and 74% the fungal growth on solid and liquid media, respectively, while for the micro-sclerotia the reduction was of 61%. For the AUDPC in the first and in second assays, there were a reduction of 53% and 56% respectively in the disease. For the samples collected at the base of steam, peroxidase had the highest concentrations of the extract with two peaks of induction. The polyphenol oxidase activity increased from 36 to 120 hours after treatment with extract at 5%. PAL activity was induced only with 5% extract, with increases 83% and 130% higher in times 168 and 216 hours after treatment, respectively. For enzymes activities in root, peroxidase again showed two peaks for increase at 5% concentration, polyphenol oxidase was 426% higher at 216 hours after treatment and PAL showed an increase of 340% at 216 hours after treatment with 5% extract. These results indicate potential of rosemary extract in the control of charcoal rot in soybean and in the induction of plant defense enzymes in soybean. / Diversos trabalhos utilizando extratos obtidos de plantas medicinais têm demonstrado ação antimicrobiana direta e potencial de induzir o acúmulo de metabólitos secundários, sendo estes muito importantes nos principais mecanismos de defesa das plantas aos patógenos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver um método alternativo através da utilização do extrato de alecrim (Rosmarinus officinalis L.), nas concentrações 0%, 1%, 2,5% e 5%, para verificar a atividade antimicrobiana contra Macrophomina phaseolina, controlar a podridão cinzenta da haste em soja e determinar as atividades de peroxidase, polifenoloxidase, fenilalanina amônia-liase e teor de proteína de plantas de soja tratadas. Foram realizados ensaios in vitro a fim de analisar o crescimento micelial do fungo, a massa do fungo e o número de microescleródios, ensaios in vivo em casa de vegetação para avaliar a área abaixo da curva de progresso da doença (AACPD), além de análises bioquímicas para verificar uma possível indução de resistência nas plantas tratadas. Para determinação das enzimas de defesa, plantas de soja foram tratadas com os extratos e inoculadas com M. phaseolina, sendo retiradas amostras para análise nos tempos 0, 36, 72, 120, 168, 216 e 264 h após o tratamento. O extrato de alecrim reduziu em até 44% e 74% o crescimento fúngico em meios sólido e líquido, respectivamente, enquanto que para micro-escleródios a redução foi de 61%. Para AACPD, no primeiro e no segundo ensaios houve redução de 53% e 56% respectivamente. Nas amostras retiradas do colo das plantas, para peroxidase, as concentrações mais elevadas do extrato proporcionaram dois picos de indução. Houve constante incremento na atividade de polifenoloxidase desde 36 até 120 h após o tratamento para a concentração 5% do extrato de alecrim. Para FAL apenas a concentração 5% promoveu incremento 83% e 130% maior nos tempos 168 e 216 h após o tratamento, respectivamente. Para as atividades na raiz, a peroxidase novamente apresentou dois picos de incremento para a concentração 5% do extrato, a polifenoloxidase foi 426% maior na concentração 5% às 216 h após o tratamento e a atividade de FAL apresentou incremento de 340% no tempo 216 h após o tratamento com 5% do extrato. Estes resultados indicam potencial do extrato de alecrim no controle de podridão cinzenta da haste em soja e na indução da atividade de enzimas de defesa em colo e raiz de soja.

Submitted by Jorge Silva (jorgelmsilva@ufrrj.br) on 2017-06-02T19:54:07Z No. of bitstreams: 1 2015 - Soraia John da Silva.pdf: 1762972 bytes, checksum: aae3e43996736241367a1924339662c0 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-06-02T19:54:07Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2015 - Soraia John da Silva.pdf: 1762972 bytes, checksum: aae3e43996736241367a1924339662c0 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-08-20 / CAPES / The glyphosate, herbicide used in different countries, inhibits the 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS), blocking the synthesis of aromatic amino acids. With this, it still affects the activity of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and the concentration of metabolites in plants. Its activity was first reported as a metal chelator. Therefore, to make use of this herbicide, may be formation of complexes with metals from soil, occurring change in the effectiveness of the product and loss of minerals. Thus, to avoid such problems,this study aimed to compare the effectiveness of three forms of glyphosate: purified, previously complexed with metals, and a commercial form (Roundup WG?). The effects of glyphosate complexes with copper, cobalt and nickel with different stoichiometries and different pH values on the in vitro activity of EPSPs were evaluated. Selected complex for the first experiment in vivo were Cu421 and Co821 (first number for pH and the latter two to stoichiometry glyphosate: metal). These complexes were used in the in vivo experiment I, as well as distilled water (control), purified Roundup and glyphosate on transgenic soybean and B. decumbens. In the following experiments (II and III), mineral oil was used in all treatments to reduce leaching of the compounds. The complex selected for continuation of this study was Cu421 due to its emphasis on the results obtained in the first experiment in vivo. When comparing the effect of the compounds in Falker Chlorophyll Index (ICF) of B. decumbens compared to control, there was fall of this index when using Roundup, Cu421 and purified glyphosate (the latter only in the second experiment). Later it was analyzed fresh mass accumulation and collected fresh material for determination of enzyme activities and N-NO3- levels. The complex Cu421 caused a more significant fresh mass reduction and still allowed the increase in the content of soluble nitrate in Brachiaria decumbens, probably due to the presence of nitrate in this complex. In the case of transgenic soybean there was no significant change in ICF. The use of Roundup and the complex did not change significantly the fresh mass accumul ation in this species. The application of the purified glyphosate, however, caused increase in mass accumulation and all treatments altered soybeans in nitrate content. In experiments with mineral oil in B. decumbens, the Cu421 complex inhibited significantly the EPSPs activity, as well as purified Roundup and glyphosate (the latter only in the experiment III). No inhibition occurred in transgenic soybean. All treatments in vivo stimulated PAL activity only on weed, which suggests that the increase in this activity is a consequence of the inhibition of EPSPs and other deleterious effects of compounds on susceptible plants. This study showed that especially Cu421 complex might be used effectively as a herbicide since it inhibits EPSPs, activates the PA,L reduces fresh mass accumulation and influences photosynthesis in the tested weed. Besides, the transgenic soybean showed little sensitive to this compound, which further increases the prospect of using the same as herbicide. / O glifosato, herbicida usado mundialmente, atua inibindo a enzima 5-enolpiruvil-chiquimato- 3-fosfato-sintase (EPSPs), bloqueando a s?ntese de amino?cidos arom?ticos. Com isso, ainda influencia a atividade de fenilalanina am?nia liase (PAL) e a concentra??o de metab?litos nas plantas. A sua primeira a??o reportada foi como agente quelante de metais. Portanto, ao fazer uso deste herbicida, pode haver forma??o de complexos com metais do solo, ocorrendo altera??o da efic?cia do produto e defici?ncia mineral. Assim, de modo a evitar tais problemas, este trabalho teve como objetivo, comparar a efici?ncia de tr?s formas de glifosato: purificado, previamente complexado com metais, e uma das suas formas comerciais (Roundup WG?). Os efeitos de complexos de glifosato com cobre, cobalto e n?quel, sintetizados sob diferentes estequiometrias e valores de pH, foram avaliados sobre a atividade in vitro de EPSPs. Os complexos selecionados para o primeiro experimento in vivo foram: Cu421 e Co821 (primeiro n?mero referente ao pH e os dois ?ltimos ? estequiometria glifosato:metal). Estes complexos foram usados no experimento in vivo I, assim como ?gua destilada (controle), Roundup e glifosato purificado, sobre soja transg?nica e Brachiaria decumbens. Nos experimentos seguintes utilizou-se ?leo mineral em todos os tratamentos para reduzir a lixivia??o dos compostos. O complexo selecionado para continua??o deste estudo foi o Cu421 devido a seu destaque nos resultados obtidos no primeiro experimento in vivo. Ao comparar o efeito dos compostos no ?ndice de Clorofila Falker (ICF) de B. decumbens em rela??o ao controle, observou-se queda deste ?ndice ao usar Roundup, Cu421 e glifosato purificado (este ?ltimo, somente no segundo experimento). Posteriormente foi analisado ac?mulo de massa fresca e coletado material fresco para determina??o das atividades enzim?ticas e dos teores N-NO3-. O complexo Cu421 foi o que provocou maior redu??o da massa fresca e ainda possibilitou o aumento no teor sol?vel de nitrato em B. decumbens, provavelmente devido ? presen?a de nitrato neste complexo. No caso da soja transg?nica n?o houve altera??o significativa de ICF. O uso de Roundup e dos complexos n?o alterou de forma significativa o ac?mulo de massa fresca nesta esp?cie. A aplica??o do glifosato purificado, entretanto, causou incremento no ac?mulo de massa e todos os tratamentos alteraram o teor de nitrato em soja. Nos experimentos com ?leo mineral em B. decumbens, o complexo Cu421 inibiu de forma significativa a atividade de EPSPs, assim como Roundup e glifosato purificado (este ?ltimo, somente no experimento III). Em soja transg?nica n?o houve inibi??o. Todos os tratamentos in vivo estimularam a atividade de PAL somente na gram?nea, permitindo sugerir que o aumento nesta atividade seja consequ?ncia da inibi??o de EPSPs e de outros efeitos delet?rios dos compostos sobre plantas suscept?veis. O presente estudo mostrou que principalmente o complexo Cu421 pode vir a ser utilizado de forma eficaz como herbicida, uma vez que inibe a EPSPs, ativa a PAL, reduz ac?mulo de massa fresca e influencia a fotoss?ntese na planta daninha testada. E, em contrapartida, a soja transg?nica mostrou-se pouco sens?vel a este composto, o que aumenta ainda mais a perspectiva do uso do mesmo como herbicida.

In 2019, Adams, Ehlting, and Edwards developed a four-variable system of ordinary differential equations modelling phenylalanine metabolism in plants according to Michaelis-Menten kinetics. Analysis of the model suggested that when a series of reactions known as the Shikimate Ester Loop (SEL) is included, phenylalanine flux into primary metabolic pathways is prioritized over flux into secondary metabolic pathways when the availability of shikimate, a phenylalanine precursor, is low. Adams et al. called this mechanism of metabolic regulation the Precursor Shutoff Valve (PSV). Here, we attempt to simplify Adams and colleagues’ model by reducing the system to three variables and replacing the Michaelis-Menten terms with piecewise-defined approximations we call ramp functions. We examine equilibria and stability in this simplified model, and show that PSV-type regulation is still present in the version with the SEL. Then, we define a class of systems structurally similar to the simplified Adams model called biochemical ramp systems. We study the properties of the Jacobian matrices of these systems and then explore equilibria and stability in systems of n ≥ 2 variables. Finally, we make several suggestions regarding future work on biochemical ramp systems. / Graduate

The traditional treatment for phenylketonuria (PKU) is a phenylalanine (Phe)-restricted diet, supplemented with a Phe-free/low-Phe protein substitute. Pharmaceutical treatment with synthetic tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), an enzyme cofactor, allows a patient subgroup to relax their diet. However, dietary protocols guiding the adjustments of protein equivalent intake from protein substitute with BH4 treatment are lacking. We systematically reviewed protein substitute usage with long-term BH4 therapy. Electronic databases were searched for articles published between January 2000 and March 2020. Eighteen studies (306 PKU patients) were eligible. Meta-analyses demonstrated a significant increase in Phe and natural protein intakes and a significant decrease in protein equivalent intake from protein substitute with cofactor therapy. Protein substitute could be discontinued in 51% of responsive patients, but was still required in 49%, despite improvement in Phe tolerance. Normal growth was maintained, but micronutrient deficiency was observed with BH4 treatment. A systematic protocol to increase natural protein intake while reducing protein substitute dose should be followed to ensure protein and micronutrient requirements are met and sustained. We propose recommendations to guide healthcare professionals when adjusting dietary prescriptions of PKU patients on BH4. Studies investigating new therapeutic options in PKU should systematically collect data on protein substitute and natural protein intakes, as well as other nutritional factors.

No / Patients with acute vitiligo have low epidermal catalase expression/activities and accumulate 10 -3 M H 2O 2. One consequence of this severe oxidative stress is an altered calcium homeostasis in epidermal keratinocytes and melanocytes. Here, we show decreased epidermal calmodulin expression in acute vitiligo. Since 10 -3M H 2O 2 oxidises methionine and tryptophan residues in proteins, we examined calcium binding to calmodulin in the presence and absence of H 2O 2 utilising 45calcium. The results showed that all four calcium atoms exchanged per molecule of calmodulin. Since oxidised calmodulin looses its ability to activate calcium ATPase, enzyme activities were followed in full skin biopsies from lesional skin of patients with acute vitiligo (n = 6) and healthy controls (n = 6). The results yielded a 4-fold decrease of ATPase activities in the patients. Computer simulation of native and oxidised calmodulin confirmed the loss of all four calcium ions from their specific EF-hand domains. Taken together H 2O 2-mediated oxidation affects calcium binding in calmodulin leading to perturbed calcium homeostasis and perturbed L-phenylalanine-uptake in the epidermis of acute vitiligo.

This diploma thesis deals with the efficiency and factors affecting the adsorption of AOM (Algal Organic Matter) amino acids (AAs) arginine (Arg), phenylalanine (Phe) and aspartic acid (Asp) onto granular activated carbon (GAC) Picabiol 12x40 (PIC). The efficiency of AOM AAs removal was studied in laboratory equilibrium and kinetic experiments and it was shown that the adsorption efficiency of the selected AAs is dependent on the structure of the molecule of AAs and the nature of the functional groups of their side chain, and more particularly to solution pH, which determines the nature and size and surface charge of AAs and GAC. In contrast to this, the ionic strength (IS) of solution had relatively low effect on the AAs adsorption. Arg adsorption efficiency increased with increasing pH and reached a maximum at pH 9, where AAs and GAC were oppositely charged, and this leads to attractive electrostatic interactions. In the case of Asp adsorption on PIC practically did not work. The reason is that under all experimental conditions Asp molecules and the surface of the PIC carried identical negative charge. This led to the strong electrostatic repulsion between Asp and PIC which prevented effective adsorption. In the case of Phe the adsorption decreases with increasing pH. Maximum adsorption...