Με τον όρο «Έκτοπη Οστεοποίηση» περιγράφεται ο σχηματισμός οστού σε σημεία που υπό φυσιολογικές συνθήκες δεν υφίσταται. Τα σημεία αυτά μπορεί να είναι μύες, τένοντες ή σύνδεσμοι και γενικότερα μεσεγχυματικού τύπου μαλακά μόρια, κυρίως γύρω από τις μεγαλύτερες αρθρώσεις. Η επίκτητη μορφή της νόσου, που είναι και η πιο κοινή, εμφανίζεται μετά από μυοσκελετικούς τραυματισμούς, κακώσεις του νωτιαίου μυελού και του κεντρικού νευρικού συστήματος γενικότερα, αλλά και σε περιπτώσεις σοβαρών εγκαυμάτων. Η παθοφυσιολογία της έκτοπης οστεοποίησης παραμένει άγνωστη, αυτό που γνωρίζουμε με βεβαιότητα είναι ότι για τον σχηματισμό της απαιτούνται τρείς βασικές προϋποθέσεις που είναι α) τα οστεοπρογονικά κύτταρα, β) οι κατάλληλοι επαγωγικοί παράγοντες και γ) το ευνοϊκό οστεοεπαγωγικό περιβάλλον. Στην παρούσα εργασία με την χρήση κυτταρομετρίας ροής, δοκιμασιών με ηλεκτροχημειοφωταύγεια, Elisa και ανοσοπροσδιορισμού με χρήση Cytometric Bead Array προσδιορίσαμε τις συγκεντρώσεις των total procollagen type 1 amino-terminal propeptide (TP1NP), osteoprotegerin (OPG), β-isomerized C-terminal telopeptides (β- Crosslaps), soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (sRANKL), N-MID osteocalcin, S100 και των κυτταροκινών IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, INF-γ και TNF-a στον ορό ασθενών και υγιών μαρτύρων. Επιπλέον, στο ολικό αίμα προσδιορίσαμε τον πληθυσμό των θετικών στην οστεοκαλσίνη κυττάρων. Όλα τα προς μελέτη μόρια είχαν άμεση ή έμμεση σχέση με την οστική ανακατασκευή και τις φλεγμονώδεις αντιδράσεις. Συνολικά μελετήθηκαν 55 ασθενείς από τους οποίους ελήφθησαν δείγματα καθόλη την διάρκεια νοσηλείας τους. Οι ασθενείς μελετήθηκαν με βάση το είδος του τραύματος, την εμφάνιση ή όχι έκτοπης οστεοποίησης και την έκβαση της κατάστασης τους. Επιπλέον, οι επιμέρους ομάδες ασθενών μελετήθηκαν συναρτήσει του χρόνου. Τα αποτελέσματα μας έδειξαν ότι στο σύνολο των ασθενών παρατηρήθηκαν στατιστικά μειωμένα επίπεδα β- crosslaps, N-MID osteocalcin, sRANKL και S100 συγκριτικά με τους υγιείς μάρτυρες. Αντίθετα, τα επίπεδα των TP1NP, των θετικών στην οστεοκαλσίνη κυττάρων, της OPG, της INF-γ και της IL-6 ήταν στατιστικά σημαντικά αυξημένα. Επιπλέον, στατιστικά σημαντικά αυξημένα παρατηρήθηκαν τα επίπεδα του S100 στους ασθενείς που είχαν υποστεί κρανιοεγκεφαλικές κακώσεις κατά το πρώτο εικοσιτετράωρο μετά την επαγωγή της κάκωσης. Στατιστικά σημαντικά αυξημένο επίσης παρατηρήθηκε και στην ομάδα των ασθενών με κακή έκβαση συγκριτικά με τους υγιείς δότες. Στην ίδια ομάδα ασθενών παρατηρήθηκε μια γενικευμένη αύξηση των επιπέδων των κυτταροκινών που φαίνεται να σχετίζεται άμεσα με την κακή έκβαση της κατάστασης τους. Πιο συγκεκριμένα η αύξηση αυτή ήταν στατιστικώς σημαντική για τις IL-4, INF-γ και TNF-α. / Heterotopic ossification (HO) is the presence of bone in soft tissue where normally does not exist. The acquired form, which is also the most common, develops after musculoskeletal trauma, spinal cord injury or central nervous system injury and severe burns. Pathophysiology of OH still remains unclear, what we know is that the formation of ectopic bone requires three entities which are a) osteogenic precursor cells, b) inducing agents and c) an appropriate environment. In the present study using either flow cytometry, Elisa, electrochemiluminescence immunoassays or cytometric bead array assays we determined the concentrations of the osteoblast progenitors: osteocalcin positive cells in peripheral blood and the serum concentrations of total procollagen type 1 amino-terminal propeptide (TP1NP), osteoprotegerin (OPG), β-isomerized C-terminal telopeptides (β- Crosslaps), soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (sRANKL), N-MID osteocalcin, S100 and the cytokines IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, INF-γ and TNF-a. All measured molecules participate directly or indirectly in bone formation and metabolism and in inflammation. Our 55 patients were divided and studied in 3 different ways, regarding the kind of their injury, their outcome and the formation of HO. They were also monitored in course of time. Among our most interesting results is that patients had significantly lower levels of β- crosslaps, N-MID osteocalcin, sRANKL and S100 compared to healthy donors. On the other hand, levels of TP1NP, osteocalcin positive cells, OPG, INF-γ and IL-6 were significantly higher. S100 is significantly increased during the first 24 hours in patients who have sustained traumatic brain injury. In addition, S100 was significantly increased in patients with poor outcome compared to healthy donors. Furthermore, patients with poor outcome seem to develop a cytokine storm which is of great importance for their outcome. All measured cytokine levels were increased compared to patients with good outcome. Especially for IL-4, INF-γ, TNF-α this increase was statistically significant.

La Polyarthrite Rhumatoïde, caractérisée par une synovite à l'origine de lésions progressives ostéo-articulaires, est le plus fréquent des rhumatismes inflammatoires. Les formes réactives de l'oxygène (ROS) produites par la NADPH oxydase des polynucléaires neutrophiles (PMN) infiltrant le pannus rhumatoïde, sont responsables de lésions tissulaires. La NADPH oxydase des phagocytes, est formée d'un centre catalytique membranaire, le cytochrome b558, sur lequel vient s'associer des protéines cytosoliques régulatrices (p67phox, p47phox, p40phox et Rac1/2). L'étude du complexe NADPH oxydase isolé et constitutivement actif, à partir de PMN activés, a révélé la présence de deux enzymes impliquées dans la régulation du métabolisme du glucose. Il s'agit de la PFK2 (6-phosphofructokinase 2) et de la 6PGDH (6-phosphogluconate déshydrogénase) [Paclet et al. 2007]. De plus, l'étude des protéines cytosoliques retenues sur une matrice d'affinité ciblant p47phox, a établi que les protéines S100A8 et S100A9, constituant 40% des protéines cytosoliques du PMN, participent à l'activation de l'oxydase [Berthier et al. 2003]. L'hétérocomplexe S100A8/A9, augmente l'activité de la NADPH oxydase phagocytaire et induit un changement conformationnel du cytochrome b558. Au regard de l'importance de la stimulation du PMN dans la physiopathologie de la PR, notre objectif, à terme, est d'analyser les mécanismes de l'activation de la NADPH oxydase dans cette pathologie. D'une part, nous avons étudié la spécificité de l'interaction entre la 6PGDH ou la PFK2 et la NADPH oxydase des PMN. D'autre part, nous avons caractérisé les domaines de l'hétérocomplexe S100A8/A9 impliqués dans l'activation de la NADPH oxydase phagocytaire. Par ailleurs, une étude de la signature protéique dans le liquide synovial a été menée afin de rechercher l'empreinte de l'activation du PMN dans la PR et de caractériser des biomarqueurs spécifiques de cette pathologie. Après stimulation par le PMA, la 6PGDH et la PFK2 co-imunoprécipitent avec les facteurs cytosoliques p67phox, p47phox and p40phox. Les expériences de microscopie confocale suggèrent une co-localisation de ces deux enzymes du métabolisme du glucose avec la NADPH oxydase, dans des micro-domaines membranaires : les radeaux lipidiques. La 6PGDH est impliquée dans l'activation de la NADPH oxydase phagocytaire en élevant la concentration du NADPH cytosolique mais également en augmentant l'affinité de cette enzyme pour son substrat, le NADPH. PFK2 est l'enzyme majeure de la régulation de la glycolyse. Dans les neutrophiles, cette voie est essentielle pour la production d'ATP disponible, d'une part, pour la phosphorylation des facteurs cytosoliques de la NADPH oxydase et d'autre part, pour la NDP Kinase. Cette dernière enzyme pourrait, secondairement, activer Rac en formant du GTP à partir d'ATP. Les protéines S100A8/A9 sont directement impliquées dans les mécanismes de régulation de la NADPH oxydase. L'utilisation du complexe S100A8/A9 et de protéines chimères de fusion nous a permis de révéler que la partie C-terminale de S100A8 est impliquée dans la liaison avec le cytochrome b558 et l'activation de la NADPH oxydase phagocytaire. In vivo, le profil protéique du liquide articulaire de PR a mis en évidence l'empreinte de l'activation du PMN dans cette pathologie. Les protéines S100A8, S100A9 permettraient de différencier le liquide synovial rhumatoïde de celui de patients arthrosiques ou souffrant d'arthrites non rhumatoïdes. De manière intéressante, une production ectopique de S100A8/A9 par les synoviocytes de type fibroblastique a été mise en évidence, suggérant une implication potentielle de ces protéines dans la physiopathologie de la PR. En conclusion, la 6PGDH, la PFK2 et l'hétérodimère S100A8/A9 sont de nouveaux partenaires d'activation de la NADPH oxydase des phagocytes. Dans la Polyathrite Rhumatoïde, l'activation des PMNs conduit à la sécrétion de S100A8/A9 qui semblent constituer à la fois des biomarqueurs pertinents, mais également des cibles thérapeutiques potentielles.

Neuropsychological impairment following cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) remains a serious consequence of otherwise successful surgery. The incidence of neuropsychological decline is poorly understood due to varied measurement intervals, and perhaps more importantly the use of unreliable detection and classification methods. The reported incidence varies considerably, ranging anywhere from 30% to 90% of subjects. While the nature of this impairment has not been fully elucidated, recent evidence suggests that microembolism during surgery may be the principal causative agent of postoperative cerebral dysfunction. The work described in this thesis investigates one possible source of microembolism leading to postoperative decline, namely thromboembolism arising from excessive activation of the haemostatic mechanism. Crucial to the accurate detection of significant decline in individual patients, this work also focuses on the development and use of meaningful criteria to be used when describing change in neuropsychological performance measures. The strong haemostatic activation during CPB is controlled by heparin anticoagulation. The clinical performance of the Hepcon heparin-monitoring instrument was compared to the activated clotting time (ACT), which is used in most cardiac centres. An analysis of samples from 42 elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients shows that the ACT does not detect the significant decline in heparin concentration seen upon connection to CPB, in comparison to the Hepcon. The Hepcon appears to be in satisfactory agreement with laboratory anti-Xa analysis of heparin concentration, with the mean difference for the Hepcon at -0.46 U/ml, and the limits of agreement +/- 1.12 U/ml. Further analysis shows that that for 95% of cases, the Hepcon will give values that are between 0.53 and 1.27 times the value for anti-Xa. The loss of relationship between ACT and heparin concentration was further investigated by converting ACT values to heparin concentration. The results provide data on the degree of prolongation in ACT times brought about by factors associated with CPB. A methodology is presented by which users can adjust for the loss of relationship between ACT and heparin. This work also demonstrates that under normal usage of the ACT, the user may obtain values up to 3 times appropriate for the plasma heparin concentration. The computer-administered neuropsychological testing tool (the MicroCog) was validated using 40 age-matched control subjects. Using a two-week interval, the summary score correlation coefficients ranged from .49 to .84, with all scores demonstrating significant practice effects. Also presented are retest normative data that may be used to determine significant change in a homogeneous sample using both reliable change and regression models of analysis. The performance of four different models of change analysis was then analysed using data from the clinical group. The regression technique of analysis was shown to be the most useful prediction model as it provides correction for both practice effects and regression toward the mean in each individual. A novel statistical rationale is presented for the choice of criteria in the identification of patients that may be defined as overall impaired when using a battery of test scores. When using one-tailed prediction models for decline, the binomial distribution of scores was shown to be a useful descriptive statistic providing an estimate of change due to chance. When applied to a suitable selection of scores that minimise shared variance, a value +/- 20% of test scores used was demonstrated to be a rational cut-off for an individual to be classified as impaired. Using this methodology, 32.7% of patients were identified as significantly deteriorated in neuropsychological test function immediately prior to discharge from hospital. Patient age was shown to be a significant predictor of neuropsychological decline following CPB. No significant relationship was identified between thrombin generation and neuropsychological change scores, however problems with patient recruitment and retention limited the statistical power of this study. An intriguing relationship with heparin concentration was noted that might warrant further investigation. This work highlights the complex nature of post-bypass neuropsychological dysfunction and the complexities in assessing decline. The regression-based model was shown to be highly useful in the analysis of data from a suitably validated neuropsychological testing tool. The argument that no suitable criterion exists for the identification of patients as overall impaired has been challenged with the development of a rational cut-off based on the likely distribution of change scores across a series. The work presented here confirms the need for standardised testing methods based on sound statistical criteria. This work also highlights the problems associated with current methods for monitoring anticoagulation therapy during bypass surgery. Methodology is presented that allows adjustment of ACT results to account for CPB-induced prolongation of clotting times. Current techniques for heparin monitoring overestimate heparin levels on bypass by up to threefold, which may predispose to subclinical coagulation and increased delivery of protamine.

A obesidade juntamente com suas comorbidades vem aumentando em números assustadores. A cirurgia bariátrica associada com a qualidade dos alimentos consumidos é a mais eficaz opção para o tratamento da obesidade e as suas complicações, especialmente o diabetes tipo 2. O excesso de tecido adiposo pode desencadear uma inflamação crônica e sistêmica, ocasionando disfunção dos tecidos, entre eles o mesentérico, responsável por alojar diversas células secretoras de fatores que influenciam no metabolismo da glicose. Objetivos: O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a expressão do RNA mensageiro (mRNA) de proglucagon, peptídeo insulinotrófico dependente de glicose (GIP), prohormônio convertase 1/3 (PC1/3), e dipeptidil peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) em células jejuno de obesos mórbidos (OB) não diabéticos do tipo 2 diabetes (NDM2) e diabéticos tipo 2 (DM2), para determinar a base molecular da secreção das incretinas após a cirurgia bariátrica. Além disso, objetivamos avaliar os efeitos in vitro de MUFAs sobre a expressão do mRNA, imunoconteúdo e secreção de incretinas, bem como a relação entre a expressão de PPAR-γ e NF-kB em células intestinais de pacientes obesos submetidos a cirurgia bariátrica. E com objetivo de identificar um biomarcador para DM2, dosamos níveis de S100B sanguíneo em indivíduos não obesos (NOB) NDM2 ou DM2, OB NDM2 ou DM2. Métodos: As amostras de mucosa do jejuno foram obtidas dos pacientes OB submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica. Pacientes NDM2: retirada de uma secção do jejuno a 60 centímetros distais ao ligamento de Treitz; e DM2: remoção de uma secção do jejuno a cerca de 100 cm distais ao ligamento de Treitz. A mucosa do jejuno foi analisada com ou sem tratamento com ácidos graxos oléico, elaidico ou vaccenico (50 μM). O RNA total foi extraído usando Trizol. Foi realizada a quantificação por PCR em tempo real (RT-qPCR). As amostras foram sequenciadas para PC1/3 pela ACTGene Análises Moleculares Ltda. O imunoconteúdo de GIP e de peptídeo semelhante a glucagon-1 (GLP-1) foi quantificado em microscópio de fluorescência. A secreção de GIP, GLP-1 e S100B foi quantificada pela técnica de ELISA, utilizando KIT específico. Resultados: DM2 apresentaram diminuição na expressão PC1 / 3 mRNA (primer a, p = 0,014; primer b, p = 0,048). 36,5% não transcreveram o mRNA de PC1/3. NDM2 e indivíduos DM2 não mostraram significativa diferença na expressão do mRNA de proglucagon, GIP e DPP-IV. O imunoconteúdo de GLP-1 e GIP se encontraram diminuído em DM2, mas incubação com alta concentração de glicose estimulou esses depósitos. Nas incubações, ácido vaccênico estimulou a expressão de mRNA de GIP e proglucagon no jejuno de obesos NDM2 (p = 0,041; p= 0,041 respectivamente) e proglucagon em DM2 (p = 0,02). O ácido oléico regulou negativamente a expressão de mRNA de DPP-IV em obesos NDM2 (p = 0,045). Vaccênico aumentou significativamente o imuno conteúdo de GLP-1, mas não aumentou a sua secreção. Expressão basal de mRNA do PPAR-γ foi baixa no jejuno dos OB DM2 e não foi modulada após tratamento com os ácidos graxos. DM2 apresentou aumento da relação de NF-kB/ PPAR-γ no jejuno. S100B se mostrou elevada nos pacientes NOB e OB DM2, comparando com os outros grupos. Conclusões: Os resultados sugerem que a bioativação de pro-GIP e proglucagon poderia estar prejudicada pela baixa expressão do mRNA de PC1/3 em células do jejuno de pacientes OB DM2. No entanto, após a cirurgia, altas concentrações de glicose nesta região do jejuno podem ativar este sistema. Os DM2 apresentaram um estado próinflamatório no jejuno indicado pelo aumento da razão NF-kB/ PPAR-γ. Este efeito foi aumentado após tratamento com ácido vaccênico. Também este ácido graxo aumentou a quantidade intracelular de GLP-1, mas não estimulou a sua secreção. Diante dos resultados, sugerimos que a S100B seja mais investigada como um biomarcador para DM2. / Obesity along with its comorbidities is increasing in alarming numbers. Bariatric surgery associated with the quality of food consumed is the most effective option for the treatment of obesity and complications thereof, especially diabetes type 2. Excess adipose tissue may trigger a chronic and systemic inflammation, causing dysfunction of tissues, including they mesenteric, responsible for housing various cells secreting factors that influence the metabolism of glucose. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of messenger RNA (mRNA) of proglucagon, glucose-dependent insulinotrófico peptide (GIP), prohormone convertase 1/3 (PC1/3), and dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) in jejunal cells morbidly obese (OB) non-diabetic type 2 (NDM2) and type 2 diabetes (DM2), to determine the molecular basis of secretion of incretins after bariatric surgery. Furthermore, we aimed to assess the in vitro effects of MUFA of mRNA expression, and secretion of incretins immunocontent as well as the relationship between the expression of PPAR-γ and NF-kB in intestinal cells of obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery. And in order to identify a biomarker for DM2, dosamos blood levels of S100B in non-obese individuals (NOB) NDM2 or DM2, OB NDM2 or DM2. Methods: The mucosa of the jejunum samples were obtained from patients undergoing bariatric surgery OB. Patients NDM2: removal of a section of the jejunum 60 cm distal to the ligament of Treitz; and DM2: removing a section of the jejunum approximately 100 cm distal to the ligament of Treitz. The jejunum was examined with or without treatment with fatty acids oleic, elaidic and vaccenic (50 mM). Total RNA was extracted using Trizol. Quantification by real time PCR was carried out (RT-qPCR). The samples were sequenced for PC1/3 by ACTGene Analysis Molecular Ltda. The immunocontent GIP and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) was quantified with a fluorescence microscope. The secretion of GIP, GLP-1 and S100B was quantified by ELISA using specific KIT. Results: DM2 showed a decrease in PC1/3 mRNA expression (primer a, p = 0.014; primer b, p = 0.048). 36.5% did not transcribed mRNA PC1/3. NDM2 and DM2 subjects showed no significant difference in the expression of proglucagon mRNA, GIP and DPP-IV. The immunocontent GLP-1 and GIP met decreased in DM2, but incubation with high glucose stimulated these deposits. All incubations vaccenic acid stimulated GIP and proglucagon mRNA expression in jejunum NDM2 obese (p = 0.041; p = 0.041 respectively) in proglucagon and DM2 (p = 0.02). Oleic acid negatively regulated DPP-IV expression of mRNA in obese NDM2 (p = 0.045). Vaccenic significantly increased immune content of GLP-1, but did not increase secretion. Basal expression of PPAR-γ mRNA was low in the jejunum of B DM2 and is not modulated after treatment with fatty acids. DM2 presented an increase in NF-kB / PPAR-γ in the jejunum. S100B showed high NOB and OB DM2 patient compared to the other groups. Conclusions: The results suggest that the bioactivation of proproglucagon and GIP could be hampered by the low mRNA expression of PC1/3 cells in the jejunum of ob T2DM patients. However, after surgery, glucose concentrations this high jejunal region can activate this system. The DM2 showed a pro-inflammatory state in the jejunum indicated by increased reason NF-kB/PPAR-γ. This effect was increased after treatment with vaccenic acid. Also this fatty acid increased the intracellular amount of GLP-1, but did not stimulate secretion. Therefore, the results suggest that S100B is further investigated as a biomarker for DM2.

Mesmo a isquemia sendo a terceira causa de morte em países industrializados, os mecanismos relacionados a esta doença ainda continuam polêmicos e obscuros. Utilizou-se a técnica de privação de oxigênio e glicose (OGD) em fatias do hipocampo de rato para investigar parâmetros mitocondriais, neurais, astrogliais e metabólicos no período de isquemia e durante o período de reoxigenação. Os resultados mostraram uma diminuição na atividade mitocondrial durante o período isquêmico que foi mantido durante todo o período de reoxigenação. Analisando o sobrenadante destas fatias submetidas à OGD, foi observado que os níveis de LDH, NSE e GFAP se elevaram. Com relação aos níveis de lactato, verificou-se sua diminuição durante todos os períodos. Os níveis de S100B estavam elevados somente durante o período de reoxigenação. Este aumento pode ser tanto um mecanismo de neuroproteção desta proteína frente ao insulto ou ainda uma liberação por dano celular astrocitário. Além disso, foi observado um grande aumento nos níveis de glutamato durante a isquemia e este aumento retornou no período de reoxigenação. Por fim, houve uma diminuição na captação de glutamato somente no período de reoxigenação. Todos estes resultados podem ser conseqüência de uma hiper-estimulação dos receptores glutamatérgicos devido ao insulto isquêmico. Em resumo, nosso estudo mostrou alterações em diversos parâmetros neuroquímicos específicos tanto no período isquêmico quanto na reoxigenação, mostrando que cada tipo celular, reage diferentemente frente ao insulto isquêmico na técnica de OGD in vitro. / Stroke is the third cause of mortality in industrialized countries, and the mechanisms related to this disease are polemic and unclear. Oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) in acute rat hippocampal slices was performed to investigate mitochondrial, neural, astroglial and metabolic neurochemical parameters at different ischemic and reoxygenation periods. Results showed the mitochondrial activity decrease due energy failure during ischemic insult and reoxygenation time. In the supernatant medium, LDH, NSE and glutamate levels were increased and the lactate decrease by the lack of energy observed in the ischemic period. Parameters such as GFAP, S100B and glutamate uptake suffered alterations only at the reoxygenation period. These results have shown the vulnerability of neurons facing ischemic insult. Meanwhile, it was also observed a delayed injure of astrocytes only at reoxygenation time, which demonstrate the difference between cell types at OGD. In summary, our finding has shown altered at specific neurochemical parameters in OGD in vitro which features the ischemic episodes and reoxygenation periods.

Mesmo a isquemia sendo a terceira causa de morte em países industrializados, os mecanismos relacionados a esta doença ainda continuam polêmicos e obscuros. Utilizou-se a técnica de privação de oxigênio e glicose (OGD) em fatias do hipocampo de rato para investigar parâmetros mitocondriais, neurais, astrogliais e metabólicos no período de isquemia e durante o período de reoxigenação. Os resultados mostraram uma diminuição na atividade mitocondrial durante o período isquêmico que foi mantido durante todo o período de reoxigenação. Analisando o sobrenadante destas fatias submetidas à OGD, foi observado que os níveis de LDH, NSE e GFAP se elevaram. Com relação aos níveis de lactato, verificou-se sua diminuição durante todos os períodos. Os níveis de S100B estavam elevados somente durante o período de reoxigenação. Este aumento pode ser tanto um mecanismo de neuroproteção desta proteína frente ao insulto ou ainda uma liberação por dano celular astrocitário. Além disso, foi observado um grande aumento nos níveis de glutamato durante a isquemia e este aumento retornou no período de reoxigenação. Por fim, houve uma diminuição na captação de glutamato somente no período de reoxigenação. Todos estes resultados podem ser conseqüência de uma hiper-estimulação dos receptores glutamatérgicos devido ao insulto isquêmico. Em resumo, nosso estudo mostrou alterações em diversos parâmetros neuroquímicos específicos tanto no período isquêmico quanto na reoxigenação, mostrando que cada tipo celular, reage diferentemente frente ao insulto isquêmico na técnica de OGD in vitro. / Stroke is the third cause of mortality in industrialized countries, and the mechanisms related to this disease are polemic and unclear. Oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) in acute rat hippocampal slices was performed to investigate mitochondrial, neural, astroglial and metabolic neurochemical parameters at different ischemic and reoxygenation periods. Results showed the mitochondrial activity decrease due energy failure during ischemic insult and reoxygenation time. In the supernatant medium, LDH, NSE and glutamate levels were increased and the lactate decrease by the lack of energy observed in the ischemic period. Parameters such as GFAP, S100B and glutamate uptake suffered alterations only at the reoxygenation period. These results have shown the vulnerability of neurons facing ischemic insult. Meanwhile, it was also observed a delayed injure of astrocytes only at reoxygenation time, which demonstrate the difference between cell types at OGD. In summary, our finding has shown altered at specific neurochemical parameters in OGD in vitro which features the ischemic episodes and reoxygenation periods.

A obesidade juntamente com suas comorbidades vem aumentando em números assustadores. A cirurgia bariátrica associada com a qualidade dos alimentos consumidos é a mais eficaz opção para o tratamento da obesidade e as suas complicações, especialmente o diabetes tipo 2. O excesso de tecido adiposo pode desencadear uma inflamação crônica e sistêmica, ocasionando disfunção dos tecidos, entre eles o mesentérico, responsável por alojar diversas células secretoras de fatores que influenciam no metabolismo da glicose. Objetivos: O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a expressão do RNA mensageiro (mRNA) de proglucagon, peptídeo insulinotrófico dependente de glicose (GIP), prohormônio convertase 1/3 (PC1/3), e dipeptidil peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) em células jejuno de obesos mórbidos (OB) não diabéticos do tipo 2 diabetes (NDM2) e diabéticos tipo 2 (DM2), para determinar a base molecular da secreção das incretinas após a cirurgia bariátrica. Além disso, objetivamos avaliar os efeitos in vitro de MUFAs sobre a expressão do mRNA, imunoconteúdo e secreção de incretinas, bem como a relação entre a expressão de PPAR-γ e NF-kB em células intestinais de pacientes obesos submetidos a cirurgia bariátrica. E com objetivo de identificar um biomarcador para DM2, dosamos níveis de S100B sanguíneo em indivíduos não obesos (NOB) NDM2 ou DM2, OB NDM2 ou DM2. Métodos: As amostras de mucosa do jejuno foram obtidas dos pacientes OB submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica. Pacientes NDM2: retirada de uma secção do jejuno a 60 centímetros distais ao ligamento de Treitz; e DM2: remoção de uma secção do jejuno a cerca de 100 cm distais ao ligamento de Treitz. A mucosa do jejuno foi analisada com ou sem tratamento com ácidos graxos oléico, elaidico ou vaccenico (50 μM). O RNA total foi extraído usando Trizol. Foi realizada a quantificação por PCR em tempo real (RT-qPCR). As amostras foram sequenciadas para PC1/3 pela ACTGene Análises Moleculares Ltda. O imunoconteúdo de GIP e de peptídeo semelhante a glucagon-1 (GLP-1) foi quantificado em microscópio de fluorescência. A secreção de GIP, GLP-1 e S100B foi quantificada pela técnica de ELISA, utilizando KIT específico. Resultados: DM2 apresentaram diminuição na expressão PC1 / 3 mRNA (primer a, p = 0,014; primer b, p = 0,048). 36,5% não transcreveram o mRNA de PC1/3. NDM2 e indivíduos DM2 não mostraram significativa diferença na expressão do mRNA de proglucagon, GIP e DPP-IV. O imunoconteúdo de GLP-1 e GIP se encontraram diminuído em DM2, mas incubação com alta concentração de glicose estimulou esses depósitos. Nas incubações, ácido vaccênico estimulou a expressão de mRNA de GIP e proglucagon no jejuno de obesos NDM2 (p = 0,041; p= 0,041 respectivamente) e proglucagon em DM2 (p = 0,02). O ácido oléico regulou negativamente a expressão de mRNA de DPP-IV em obesos NDM2 (p = 0,045). Vaccênico aumentou significativamente o imuno conteúdo de GLP-1, mas não aumentou a sua secreção. Expressão basal de mRNA do PPAR-γ foi baixa no jejuno dos OB DM2 e não foi modulada após tratamento com os ácidos graxos. DM2 apresentou aumento da relação de NF-kB/ PPAR-γ no jejuno. S100B se mostrou elevada nos pacientes NOB e OB DM2, comparando com os outros grupos. Conclusões: Os resultados sugerem que a bioativação de pro-GIP e proglucagon poderia estar prejudicada pela baixa expressão do mRNA de PC1/3 em células do jejuno de pacientes OB DM2. No entanto, após a cirurgia, altas concentrações de glicose nesta região do jejuno podem ativar este sistema. Os DM2 apresentaram um estado próinflamatório no jejuno indicado pelo aumento da razão NF-kB/ PPAR-γ. Este efeito foi aumentado após tratamento com ácido vaccênico. Também este ácido graxo aumentou a quantidade intracelular de GLP-1, mas não estimulou a sua secreção. Diante dos resultados, sugerimos que a S100B seja mais investigada como um biomarcador para DM2. / Obesity along with its comorbidities is increasing in alarming numbers. Bariatric surgery associated with the quality of food consumed is the most effective option for the treatment of obesity and complications thereof, especially diabetes type 2. Excess adipose tissue may trigger a chronic and systemic inflammation, causing dysfunction of tissues, including they mesenteric, responsible for housing various cells secreting factors that influence the metabolism of glucose. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of messenger RNA (mRNA) of proglucagon, glucose-dependent insulinotrófico peptide (GIP), prohormone convertase 1/3 (PC1/3), and dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) in jejunal cells morbidly obese (OB) non-diabetic type 2 (NDM2) and type 2 diabetes (DM2), to determine the molecular basis of secretion of incretins after bariatric surgery. Furthermore, we aimed to assess the in vitro effects of MUFA of mRNA expression, and secretion of incretins immunocontent as well as the relationship between the expression of PPAR-γ and NF-kB in intestinal cells of obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery. And in order to identify a biomarker for DM2, dosamos blood levels of S100B in non-obese individuals (NOB) NDM2 or DM2, OB NDM2 or DM2. Methods: The mucosa of the jejunum samples were obtained from patients undergoing bariatric surgery OB. Patients NDM2: removal of a section of the jejunum 60 cm distal to the ligament of Treitz; and DM2: removing a section of the jejunum approximately 100 cm distal to the ligament of Treitz. The jejunum was examined with or without treatment with fatty acids oleic, elaidic and vaccenic (50 mM). Total RNA was extracted using Trizol. Quantification by real time PCR was carried out (RT-qPCR). The samples were sequenced for PC1/3 by ACTGene Analysis Molecular Ltda. The immunocontent GIP and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) was quantified with a fluorescence microscope. The secretion of GIP, GLP-1 and S100B was quantified by ELISA using specific KIT. Results: DM2 showed a decrease in PC1/3 mRNA expression (primer a, p = 0.014; primer b, p = 0.048). 36.5% did not transcribed mRNA PC1/3. NDM2 and DM2 subjects showed no significant difference in the expression of proglucagon mRNA, GIP and DPP-IV. The immunocontent GLP-1 and GIP met decreased in DM2, but incubation with high glucose stimulated these deposits. All incubations vaccenic acid stimulated GIP and proglucagon mRNA expression in jejunum NDM2 obese (p = 0.041; p = 0.041 respectively) in proglucagon and DM2 (p = 0.02). Oleic acid negatively regulated DPP-IV expression of mRNA in obese NDM2 (p = 0.045). Vaccenic significantly increased immune content of GLP-1, but did not increase secretion. Basal expression of PPAR-γ mRNA was low in the jejunum of B DM2 and is not modulated after treatment with fatty acids. DM2 presented an increase in NF-kB / PPAR-γ in the jejunum. S100B showed high NOB and OB DM2 patient compared to the other groups. Conclusions: The results suggest that the bioactivation of proproglucagon and GIP could be hampered by the low mRNA expression of PC1/3 cells in the jejunum of ob T2DM patients. However, after surgery, glucose concentrations this high jejunal region can activate this system. The DM2 showed a pro-inflammatory state in the jejunum indicated by increased reason NF-kB/PPAR-γ. This effect was increased after treatment with vaccenic acid. Also this fatty acid increased the intracellular amount of GLP-1, but did not stimulate secretion. Therefore, the results suggest that S100B is further investigated as a biomarker for DM2.

A obesidade juntamente com suas comorbidades vem aumentando em números assustadores. A cirurgia bariátrica associada com a qualidade dos alimentos consumidos é a mais eficaz opção para o tratamento da obesidade e as suas complicações, especialmente o diabetes tipo 2. O excesso de tecido adiposo pode desencadear uma inflamação crônica e sistêmica, ocasionando disfunção dos tecidos, entre eles o mesentérico, responsável por alojar diversas células secretoras de fatores que influenciam no metabolismo da glicose. Objetivos: O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a expressão do RNA mensageiro (mRNA) de proglucagon, peptídeo insulinotrófico dependente de glicose (GIP), prohormônio convertase 1/3 (PC1/3), e dipeptidil peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) em células jejuno de obesos mórbidos (OB) não diabéticos do tipo 2 diabetes (NDM2) e diabéticos tipo 2 (DM2), para determinar a base molecular da secreção das incretinas após a cirurgia bariátrica. Além disso, objetivamos avaliar os efeitos in vitro de MUFAs sobre a expressão do mRNA, imunoconteúdo e secreção de incretinas, bem como a relação entre a expressão de PPAR-γ e NF-kB em células intestinais de pacientes obesos submetidos a cirurgia bariátrica. E com objetivo de identificar um biomarcador para DM2, dosamos níveis de S100B sanguíneo em indivíduos não obesos (NOB) NDM2 ou DM2, OB NDM2 ou DM2. Métodos: As amostras de mucosa do jejuno foram obtidas dos pacientes OB submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica. Pacientes NDM2: retirada de uma secção do jejuno a 60 centímetros distais ao ligamento de Treitz; e DM2: remoção de uma secção do jejuno a cerca de 100 cm distais ao ligamento de Treitz. A mucosa do jejuno foi analisada com ou sem tratamento com ácidos graxos oléico, elaidico ou vaccenico (50 μM). O RNA total foi extraído usando Trizol. Foi realizada a quantificação por PCR em tempo real (RT-qPCR). As amostras foram sequenciadas para PC1/3 pela ACTGene Análises Moleculares Ltda. O imunoconteúdo de GIP e de peptídeo semelhante a glucagon-1 (GLP-1) foi quantificado em microscópio de fluorescência. A secreção de GIP, GLP-1 e S100B foi quantificada pela técnica de ELISA, utilizando KIT específico. Resultados: DM2 apresentaram diminuição na expressão PC1 / 3 mRNA (primer a, p = 0,014; primer b, p = 0,048). 36,5% não transcreveram o mRNA de PC1/3. NDM2 e indivíduos DM2 não mostraram significativa diferença na expressão do mRNA de proglucagon, GIP e DPP-IV. O imunoconteúdo de GLP-1 e GIP se encontraram diminuído em DM2, mas incubação com alta concentração de glicose estimulou esses depósitos. Nas incubações, ácido vaccênico estimulou a expressão de mRNA de GIP e proglucagon no jejuno de obesos NDM2 (p = 0,041; p= 0,041 respectivamente) e proglucagon em DM2 (p = 0,02). O ácido oléico regulou negativamente a expressão de mRNA de DPP-IV em obesos NDM2 (p = 0,045). Vaccênico aumentou significativamente o imuno conteúdo de GLP-1, mas não aumentou a sua secreção. Expressão basal de mRNA do PPAR-γ foi baixa no jejuno dos OB DM2 e não foi modulada após tratamento com os ácidos graxos. DM2 apresentou aumento da relação de NF-kB/ PPAR-γ no jejuno. S100B se mostrou elevada nos pacientes NOB e OB DM2, comparando com os outros grupos. Conclusões: Os resultados sugerem que a bioativação de pro-GIP e proglucagon poderia estar prejudicada pela baixa expressão do mRNA de PC1/3 em células do jejuno de pacientes OB DM2. No entanto, após a cirurgia, altas concentrações de glicose nesta região do jejuno podem ativar este sistema. Os DM2 apresentaram um estado próinflamatório no jejuno indicado pelo aumento da razão NF-kB/ PPAR-γ. Este efeito foi aumentado após tratamento com ácido vaccênico. Também este ácido graxo aumentou a quantidade intracelular de GLP-1, mas não estimulou a sua secreção. Diante dos resultados, sugerimos que a S100B seja mais investigada como um biomarcador para DM2. / Obesity along with its comorbidities is increasing in alarming numbers. Bariatric surgery associated with the quality of food consumed is the most effective option for the treatment of obesity and complications thereof, especially diabetes type 2. Excess adipose tissue may trigger a chronic and systemic inflammation, causing dysfunction of tissues, including they mesenteric, responsible for housing various cells secreting factors that influence the metabolism of glucose. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of messenger RNA (mRNA) of proglucagon, glucose-dependent insulinotrófico peptide (GIP), prohormone convertase 1/3 (PC1/3), and dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) in jejunal cells morbidly obese (OB) non-diabetic type 2 (NDM2) and type 2 diabetes (DM2), to determine the molecular basis of secretion of incretins after bariatric surgery. Furthermore, we aimed to assess the in vitro effects of MUFA of mRNA expression, and secretion of incretins immunocontent as well as the relationship between the expression of PPAR-γ and NF-kB in intestinal cells of obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery. And in order to identify a biomarker for DM2, dosamos blood levels of S100B in non-obese individuals (NOB) NDM2 or DM2, OB NDM2 or DM2. Methods: The mucosa of the jejunum samples were obtained from patients undergoing bariatric surgery OB. Patients NDM2: removal of a section of the jejunum 60 cm distal to the ligament of Treitz; and DM2: removing a section of the jejunum approximately 100 cm distal to the ligament of Treitz. The jejunum was examined with or without treatment with fatty acids oleic, elaidic and vaccenic (50 mM). Total RNA was extracted using Trizol. Quantification by real time PCR was carried out (RT-qPCR). The samples were sequenced for PC1/3 by ACTGene Analysis Molecular Ltda. The immunocontent GIP and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) was quantified with a fluorescence microscope. The secretion of GIP, GLP-1 and S100B was quantified by ELISA using specific KIT. Results: DM2 showed a decrease in PC1/3 mRNA expression (primer a, p = 0.014; primer b, p = 0.048). 36.5% did not transcribed mRNA PC1/3. NDM2 and DM2 subjects showed no significant difference in the expression of proglucagon mRNA, GIP and DPP-IV. The immunocontent GLP-1 and GIP met decreased in DM2, but incubation with high glucose stimulated these deposits. All incubations vaccenic acid stimulated GIP and proglucagon mRNA expression in jejunum NDM2 obese (p = 0.041; p = 0.041 respectively) in proglucagon and DM2 (p = 0.02). Oleic acid negatively regulated DPP-IV expression of mRNA in obese NDM2 (p = 0.045). Vaccenic significantly increased immune content of GLP-1, but did not increase secretion. Basal expression of PPAR-γ mRNA was low in the jejunum of B DM2 and is not modulated after treatment with fatty acids. DM2 presented an increase in NF-kB / PPAR-γ in the jejunum. S100B showed high NOB and OB DM2 patient compared to the other groups. Conclusions: The results suggest that the bioactivation of proproglucagon and GIP could be hampered by the low mRNA expression of PC1/3 cells in the jejunum of ob T2DM patients. However, after surgery, glucose concentrations this high jejunal region can activate this system. The DM2 showed a pro-inflammatory state in the jejunum indicated by increased reason NF-kB/PPAR-γ. This effect was increased after treatment with vaccenic acid. Also this fatty acid increased the intracellular amount of GLP-1, but did not stimulate secretion. Therefore, the results suggest that S100B is further investigated as a biomarker for DM2.

Pancreatic cancer is relatively uncommon. Despite its relative scarcity, it is the fourth-ranked cancer killer in the Western world with less than a 5% 5-year survival rate. The high mortality rate is due to the asymptomatic nature of the disease and the advanced stage at which it is usually diagnosed. S100P is a calcium-binding protein that has been shown to be highly expressed in the early stages of pancreatic cancer and has been proposed as a potential therapeutic target via the blocking of its interaction with its receptor RAGE, the receptor for advanced glycation end-products. In this thesis, computational techniques were employed on the NMR ensemble of S100P (PDB Accession code 1OZO) to identify potential inhibitors of the S100P-RAGE interaction in the hope of identifying a series of novel leads that could be developed into clinical candidates for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. In silico studies identified putative binding sites at the S100P dimeric interface capable of accommodating cromolyn, an anti-allergy drug shown to bind to the protein both in vitro and in vivo. Virtual screening of >1 million lead-like compounds using 3D pharmacophore models derived from the predicted binding interactions between S100P and cromolyn, identified 9,408 'hits'. These were hierarchically clustered according to similarities between chemical structures into 299 clusters and 77 singletons. Biological screening of 17 of the 'hits' identified from virtual screening stuidies, 4 of which were synthesised in-house, against pancreatic cancer cell lines identified five compounds that demonstrated an equal or greater capacity to reduce BxPC-3 S100P-expressing pancreatic cells' metastatic potential in vitro relative to cromolyn. Compound 24 in particular, showed significant (p<0.05) inhibition of invasion of these cells at a concentration of 100 μM that was comparable to cromolyn at the same concentration. This compound, structurally distinct from cromolyn, was successfully synthesised, purified and characterised in-house alongside 39 of its analogues. Biological screening of compound 24 and four of its analogues for anti-proliferative activity against BxPC-3 and Panc-1 pancreatic cancer cell lines showed all five compounds significantly (p < 0.0001) inhibiting proliferation in both cell lines at a concentration of 1 μM relative to the non-treated control. Hence, structurally distinct compounds that show promising inhibitory activity on the metastasis and proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells have been identified using a structure-based drug design methodology. These compounds, with further optimisation, could provide good starting points as therapeutic lead candidates for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Traumatic brain injuries are common (hospitalization incidence: 250-300 per 100.000 inhabitants/year) and a great majority of these injuries (80-85%) are classified as mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI/concussion). Many patients with MTBI (20-80%) suffer from subsequent persistent and often disabling symptoms. In previous studies serum levels of biochemical markers of brain tissue damage (S-100B and neuron-specific enolase, NSE) have been propounded to serve as predictors of persisting symptoms.In the present studies serum concentrations of S-100B, NSE and cortisol in acute phase and post-concussion symptoms, post-traumatic stress-related symptoms, disabilities and life satisfaction one year after the trauma, were investigated in 88 patients (53 men and 35 women) with MTBI. Serum concentrations of S-100B and NSE were also assessed in elite players (n=54) of typical contact sports (ice-hockey and soccer), which are known to be high risk activities with respect to head injury. Basketball players (n=18) were used as a control group. A majority of patients with MTBI showed higher serum concentrations of S-100B, NSE and cortisol on admission compared with a second blood sample obtained about 7 hours later (p&lt;0.001 for all analyses). Sequelae were common one year after the injury. Postconcussion symptoms were encountered in 45 % of the patients, stress-related symptoms in 17 % and disabilities in 48 %, but only 3 patients (4 %) were on sick-leave on follow-up due to the head trauma. There was a statistically significant negative correlation between the total score of life satisfaction and the total score of disability (r= -0.514, p&lt;0.001). Symptoms on admission (dizziness, nausea) and S-100B were statistically significantly associated with disabilities (p&lt;0.024, multiple logistic regression analysis). Nausea on admission was also statistically significantly associated with life satisfaction (p=0.004). A statistically significant association was found only for S-100B with early (0-1 week postinjury, p=0.008) and only for cortisol with late (more than 52 weeks post-injury, p=0.022) post-traumatic stress-related symptoms. Concentrations of S-100B after game were statistically significantly increased in comparison with the levels before game (soccer, p&lt;0.001; ice-hockey, p&lt;0.001; basketball (p&lt;0.001). Concentrations of NSE were only raised after soccer play (p&lt;0.001). Increases in S-100-B (post-game minus pre-game values) were correlated to the number of jumps in basketball play (r=0.706, p=0.002). For soccer, increases in S-100B were correlated to the number of headers (r=0.428, p=0.02) and to the number of acceleration/deceleration events other than heading (r=0.453, p=0.02). The findings provide support for the idea that injury of brain tissue is involved in the genesis of persisting disabilities and long-term changes of life satisfaction in MTBI. Since S-100B increases in serum were correlated to the number of headers and since soccer play also increased serum levels of NSE (in contrast to ice hockey and basketball), it seems that heading may have an impact on brain tissue. The studies have also shown that ordinary playing of the team sports in question (i.e. soccer, ice hockey and basketball) increases S-100B serum concentrations, which has to be taken into consideration when S-100B is used for the detection of injury of brain tissue in sportsmen with acute/overt head trauma during sport practice. An analysis of the biochemical markers of brain damage (in particular S-100B) may be an additional source of valuable information in the management of patients and sportsmen with MTBI. S-100B also seems to be promising for the prediction of impairments and disabilities after MTBI.