京都大学 / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(工学) / 甲第19003号 / 工博第4045号 / 新制||工||1622(附属図書館) / 31954 / 京都大学大学院工学研究科分子工学専攻 / (主査)教授 白川 昌宏, 教授 佐藤 啓文, 教授 梶 弘典 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering) / Kyoto University / DGAM

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / The main, underlying cause of neurodegenerative disease is the progressive loss of neuronal structure or function, whereby central and/or peripheral nervous system circuitry is severely and irreversibly damaged, resulting in the manifestation of clinical symptoms and signs. Neurodegenerative research has revealed many similarities among these diseases: although their clinical presentation and outcomes may differ, many parallels in their pathological mechanisms can be found. Unraveling these relationships and similarities could provide the potential for the discovery of therapeutic advances such that a treatment for one neurologic disease may also be effective for several other neurodegenerative disorders. There is growing awareness that due to the complexity of pathophysiological processes in human disease, specifically targeting or inactivating a single degenerative process or a discrete cellular molecular pathway may be ineffective in the treatment of these multifaceted disorders. Rather, potential therapeutics with a multi-target approach may be required to successfully and effectively control disease progression. Recent advances in neurodegenerative research involve the creation of animal disease models that closely mimic their human counterparts. The use of both toxin- exposure and genetic animal models in combination may give insight into the underlying pathologic mechanisms of neurodegenerative disorders (target identification) leading to the development and screening of prospective treatments and determination of their neuroprotective mechanism (target validation). Taken together, ideal candidates for the treatment of neurodegenerative disease would need to exert their neuroprotective effect on multiple pathological pathways. Previous studies from this laboratory and collaborators have shown that the naturally-occurring compound, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), is efficacious for the treatment against neurodegeneration. Because of its versatile abilities, CAPE was chosen for this study as this compound may be able to target the pathogenic pathways shared by two different animal models of neurodegeneration and may exhibit neuroprotection. In addition, adipose-derived stem cell conditioned media (ASC-CM), a biologically-derived reagent containing a multitude of neuroprotective and neurotrophic factors, was selected as ASC-CM has been previously shown to be neuroprotective by using both animal and cell culture models of neurodegeneration.

Copolymers that contain terminal or pendent functional groups have great potential in the biomedical area due to their biocompatibility and tunable properties.1-3 In this research, two vinyl functional epoxides, vinyldimethylsilylpropyl glycidyl ether (VSiGE) and ethoxy vinyl glycidyl ether (EVGE), were synthesized. These heterobifunctional monomers were polymerizable via the epoxide groups and can be functionalized via thiol-ene reactions through the pendent vinyl groups. A series of amphiphilic block copolyethers based on poly(ethylene oxide) and poly(1,2-butylene oxide) that incorporate VSiGE or EVGE were synthesized and characterized. The vinyl ether and vinyl silane functional groups were functionalized after polymerization and the functional polymers formed pH-sensitive micelles in aqueous medium. The copolyethers were loaded with ritonavir yielding well-controlled nanoparticles. Poly(L-glutamic acid) is comprised of naturally occurring L-glutamic acid repeating units that are linked together with amide bonds. In this research, we have prepared magnetic block ionomer complexes based on poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(L-glutamic acid) copolymers. This is of interest due to the biocompatibility and biodegradable nature of the poly(L-glutamic acid) component of the backbone. Allyl- and thiol-functional poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(L-glutamic acid) copolymers were also synthesized and coated onto the surface of iron oxide nanoparticles. Allyl- and thiol-tipped single particles were reacted with each other to prepare magnetic clusters. Transverse relaxivities of the clusters were found to be significantly higher than that of single particles. One major problem in commercial development of therapeutic proteins is their poor transport across cellular membranes and biological barriers such as the blood-brain barrier (BBB). One solution to this problem is to modify proteins with amphiphilic block copolymers such as PEO-b-PPO-b-PEO, Pluronics®. However, it isn't possible to independently tune the two PEO block lengths with commercial Pluronics® since a difunctional PPO macroinitator is utilized to grow both PEO blocks simultaneously (HO-EOn-b-POm-b-EOn-OH). Another challenge is introducing functional group which allows post-polymerization functionalization for specific applications. In this study, a series of heterobifunctional asymmetric amino-EOn1-b-POm-b-EOn2-OH block copolymers (APs) with different molecular weights of each block were synthesized and the amino terminal group was conjugated to an antioxidant enzyme, Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1). The conjugates were characterized and their cellular uptake was investigated. / Ph. D.

L’athérosclérose est à l’origine d’importantes obstructions vasculaires. La sévérité de l’ischémie tissulaire provoquée par l’athérosclérose dépend en partie de la capacité de l’organisme à former de nouveaux vaisseaux (néovascularisation). Les mécanismes de néovascularisation sont modulés par la balance oxydo-réductive. Une exacerbation du stress oxydant est retrouvée dans tous les facteurs de risque cardiovasculaire, et en particulier lors du vieillissement. Au niveau vasculaire, la CuZnSOD est la principale enzyme antioxydante. Cependant, son rôle spécifique dans le vieillissement vasculaire et dans le développement de nouveaux vaisseaux en réponse à l’ischémie n’est pas connu. Nos hypothèses de recherche sont: 1) qu’une absence de CuZnSOD diminue la néovascularisation réparatrice en réponse à l’ischémie 2) que cette diminution de la néovascularisation est dûe au vieillissement de la vasculature affectant à la fois les cellules endothéliales matures et les cellules progénitrices endothéliales. Nous avons démontré qu’une déficience en CuZnSOD diminue significativement la néovascularisation en réponse à l’ischémie. Cette diminution de néovascularisation est associée à une augmentation du stress oxydant et une réduction de la biodisponibilité du NO. La déficience en CuZnSOD réduit significativement le nombre de EPCs (moelle, rate). De plus, ces EPCs présentent une augmentation significative des niveaux de stress oxydant, une diminution de la production de NO et une capacité réduite à migrer et à s’intégrer à un réseau tubulaire. Fait important, il iv est possible d’améliorer la néovascularisation des souris déficientes en CuZnSOD par une supplémentation en EPCs provenant de souris contrôles. Nous avons également démontré que la récupération du flot sanguin suivant l’ischémie est significativement réduite par l’âge. À la fois chez les jeunes et les vieilles souris, la déficience en CuZnSOD mène à une réduction additionnelle de la néovascularisation. Fait intéressant, le potentiel néovasculaire des jeunes souris déficiente en CuZnSOD est similaire à celui des vieilles souris contrôles. Les niveaux de stress oxydant sont également augmentés de façon similaire dans ces deux groupes de souris. L’âge et la déficience en CuZnSOD sont tous deux associés à une réduction du nombre d’EPCs isolées de la moelle et de la rate. L’effet de l’âge seul sur la fonction des EPCs est modeste. Par contre, la déficience en CuZnSOD en condition de vieillissement est associée à d’importants effets délétères sur l’activité fonctionnelle des EPCs. En résumé, nos résultats suggèrent que la protection contre le stress oxydant par la CuZnSOD est essentielle pour préserver la fonction des EPCs et la néovascularisation réparatrice en réponse à l’ischémie. Le défaut de néovascularisation observé en absence de CuZnSOD est associé à un vieillissement vasculaire accéléré. Nos résultats suggèrent que dans le contexte du vieillissement, la CuZnSOD a un rôle encore plus important pour limiter les niveaux de stress oxydant, préserver la fonction des EPCs et maintenir l’intégrité des tissus ischémiques. / When atherosclerotic vascular obstructions are so extensive that direct revascularization techniques cannot be undertaken successfully, the severity of residual tissue ischemia will depend in large part on the ability of the organism to spontaneously develop new blood vessels (neovascularization). The mechanisms involved in neovascularization depend on the oxidative stress balance. Increased oxidative stress is a common feature of all cardiovascular risk factors and particularly aging. In the vascular wall, CuZnSOD is the predominant antioxidant enzyme. Nevertheless, its specific role in vascular aging and new blood vessels formation is currently unknown. Accordingly, we hypotheze that 1) CuZnSOD deficiency reduces neovascularization in response to ischemia 2) this reduction is partly due to vascular aging affecting mature endothelial cells and endothelial progenitor cells. We have demonstrated that CuZnSOD deficiency significantly reduces neovascularization in response to ischemia. This reduction is associated with increased oxidative stress and reduced NO bioavailability. CuZnSOD deficiency significantly decreases EPCs number (bone marrow, spleen). Moreover, these EPCs present significant increased oxidative stress levels, reduced NO production and decreased migration and incorporation into tubular-like structures capacities. Importantly, neovascularization in CuZnSOD deficient-mice can be rescued by an EPCs supplementation from control mice. vii We have also demonstrated that the blood flow recovery following ischemia was significantly reduced with aging. Both in old and young mice, CuZnSOD deficiency led to a further reduction of neovascularization. Interestingly, the resulting neovascularization potential in young CuZnSOD-deficient mouse was similar to that of an older wild type mouse. Oxidative stress levels were also increased to similar levels in these two groups. Both aging and CuZnSOD deficiency were associated with reduced number of bone marrow and peripheral EPCs. The effect of moderate aging alone on specific functional activities of EPCs was modest. However, CuZnSOD deficiency was associated with severe age-dependent defect in EPC fucntional activities. In summary, our resultats suggest that CuZnSOD protection against oxidative stress is essential for EPC functional activities and neovascularization in response to ischemia. The defective neovascularization observed in CuZnSODdeficient mice is associated with accelerated vascular aging. Our results suggest that in aging context, CuZnSOD has a critical role limiting increased oxidative stress and protecting both EPC functional activities and ischemic tissues integrity.

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the insulin-secreting ß-cells in the pancreas. It leads to an absolute deficiency of insulin. Chronic hyperglycemia induces increased production of reactive oxygen species, which leads to a decrease of natural antioxidant level in blood, and it contributes to genesis of diabetes complications (e.g. vascular or pulmonic). Moreover, the oxidative stress results in onset of pancreas inflammations and the damage of its ß-cells. Aims: Our aim was to assess whether or not certain genotypes or their combinations occur with higher frequency among groups of patients of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes and in a control group of healthy individuals. Methods: The study included groups of 40 T1D patients, 40 T2D patients and 45 healthy individuals. The polymorphisms of genes involved in the oxidative stress response were analyzedby using RFLP, PCR with TaqMan probes and allele specific PCR. The target genes involved superoxide dismutase SOD1 and SOD3 genes; glutathione-S-transferase GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTP1 genes; glutathioneperoxidase gene GPX1 and catalase gene CAT. The levels of plasma malondialdehyde were measured by using liquid chromatography. Results: Statistically significant differences were found in the...

Apesar de vários avanços no combate ao câncer, a incidência do câncer de pele tipo melanoma e a mortalidade relacionada a essa doença tem aumentado. Considerando-se que a radiação ultravioleta (UV) é o principal agente causador de diversos danos à pele, inclusive o câncer de pele, é de grande importância medir de forma adequada as propriedades fotoprotetoras dos filtros solares. Diante dos problemas provocados pelo uso de filtros solares, as pesquisas têm se voltado no sentido de encontrar produtos naturais com propriedades antioxidantes visto que já foi demonstrado que muitos desses agentes naturais possuem efeitos anticarcinogênico, e antimutagênico. Assim, um dos objetivos desse trabalho foi a avaliação de três formulações fotoprotetoras comerciais por meio de parâmetros bioquímicos não comumente utilizados, mas que refletem o efeito dessas formulações no sistema antioxidante natural da pele e também no processo inflamatório induzido pela radiação UV. Esses efeitos foram mensurados in vivo em camundongos sem pelos, utilizando-se como marcadores o antioxidante não enzimático glutationa reduzida (GSH), enzima antioxidante superóxido dismutase (SOD), a enzima mieloperoxidase (MPO) e as citocinas IL-1? e TNF-?. Outro importante objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar o efeito de um extrato de soja biotransformado (ESB) pelo fungo A. awamori em células de melanoma humano das linhagens 451LU e A375, altamente metastáticas, e estudar os mecanismos de ação pelos quais o extrato induz a morte celular por apoptose nestas células e também avaliar o potencial desse extrato para a prevenção e tratamento do câncer de pele. Os resultados mostraram que com relação ao processo inflamatório induzido pela radiação UVB, verificou-se que o FPS, apesar de avaliar somente o eritema, é um bom indicador do nível de proteção da pele, uma vez que todas as formulações apresentaram um potencial protetor contra o aumento da atividade da MPO e liberação das citocinas pró-inflamatórias IL-1? e TNF-?. No entanto, as formulações não forneceram proteção contra a depleção do antioxidante endógeno GSH e, apesar de possuírem mesmo FPS 15 essas formulações apresentaram diferentes níveis de proteção com relação à redução da atividade da enzima SOD induzida pela radiação UV. Os resultados referentes ao estudo do ESB mostraram que o tratamento das células de melanoma altamente invasivas com o extrato resultou em inibição do crescimento/viabiliade das células associado com a indução de apoptose. As análises revelaram que o ESB resultou em indução da clivagem de PARP e ativação das caspases-3, -7 e -8; aumento da expressão de TNF-R2 e da expressão de TRAIL e do receptor DR4. Além disso, o tratamento das células de melanoma com o extrato ESB aumentou a fosforilação e ativação de IKK, degradação de I?B? e translocação de p65/NF?B para o núcleo. Apesar de ser geralmente aceito que a ativação do NF-?B seja responsável pela resistência à apoptose, neste estudo foi demonstrado que a estimulação da via do NF-?B é necessária pela indução da apoptose mediada pelo extrato ESB. Finalmente, conclui-se que as formulações fotoprotetoras devem ser avaliadas de forma mais profunda, empregando-se diferentes métodos a fim de se garantir formulações mais eficazes tanto contra os danos induzidos tanto pela radiação UVB quanto pela radiação UVA. Além disso, esses estudos identificaram uma atividade anticâncer do extrato ESB que é altamente relevante para a quimioprevenção/quimioterapia contra o câncer de pele tipo melanoma. / Despite several advances in fighting cancer, the incidence of melanoma type skin cancer and the mortality related to this disease have increased. Considering that ultraviolet radiation (UV) is the main causative agent of various skin damages, including skin cancer, it is of great importance to adequately measure the photoprotective properties of sunscreens. Considering the problems caused by the use of sunscreens, researches have been focused towards finding natural products with antioxidant properties as it has been shown that many of these natural agents possess anticarcinogenic and antimutagenic effects. Thus, an objective of this study was to evaluate three marketed photoprotective formulations through biochemical parameters not commonly used, but which reflect the effect of these formulations on the skin\'s natural antioxidant system and also in the inflammatory process induced by UV radiation. These effects were measured in vivo in hairless mice, employing as markers reduced glutathione (GSH), a non-enzymatic antioxidant; superoxide dismutase (SOD), an antioxidant enzyme; myeloperoxidase (MPO) enzyme and IL-1? and TNF-? cytokines. Another important objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a biotransformed soy extract (BSE) by the A. awamori fungus against 451LU and A375 human melanoma cell strains, highly metastatic, and to study the action mechanisms by which the extract induces cell death by apoptosis in these cells; in addition it was intended to evaluate the potential of this extract for the prevention and treatment of skin cancer. The results demonstrated that regarding the inflammatory process induced by UVB irradiation, it was found that the FPS, although only assessing the erythema, is a good indicator of the level of skin protection, since all formulations showed a protector potential against the increased MPO activity and the release of IL-1? and TNF-? pro-inflammatory cytokines. Nevertheless, the formulations did not provide protection against the depletion of the GSH endogenous antioxidant and, despite having the same nominal SPF (SPF=15), these formulations showed different levels of protection with respect to the reduction of SOD activity induced by UV radiation. The results of the BSE study demonstrated that the treatment of highly invasive melanoma cells with the extract resulted in the cell growth/viability inhibition associated with the induction of apoptosis. The analysis revealed that BSE resulted in induction of PARP cleavage and activation of caspase-3, -7 and -8, increased expression of TNF-R2 and expression of TRAIL and DR4 receptor. Furthermore, the treatment of melanoma cells with BSE extract increased phosphorylation and activation of IKK, degradation of I?B? and translocation of p65/NF?B to the nucleus. Although it is generally accepted that the activation of NF-kB is responsible for resistance to apoptosis, this study demonstrated that the stimulation of NF-?B is required for the induction of apoptosis mediated by BSE extract. Finally, it is concluded that the photoprotective formulations should be more deeply evaluated, using different methods in order to ensure more effective formulations against damages induced both by UVB radiation and UVA radiation. In addition, these studies identified an anticancer activity of the BSE extract that is highly relevant to chemoprevention/chemotherapy against melanoma type skin cancer.

Em decorrência da destruição da camada de ozônio pela poluição, a incidência da radiação ultravioleta sobre a Terra tem aumentado, e consequentemente, o número de casos de câncer de pele tem elevado cada vez mais. Diversos estudos têm demonstrado que os danos causados pela radiação solar à pele são causados frequentemente pela geração de radicais livres e ativação de mediadores do processo inflamatório. Estudos têm concluído que os filtros solares são capazes de penetrarem na pele e agirem como fontes de formação de espécies reativas de oxigênio (EROs) quando submetidos à radiação ultravioleta, o que leva a uma preocupação de que as moléculas fotoprotetoras podem ser geradoras de EROs ao invés de prevenir a formação dessas espécies pelo bloqueio da radiação solar. Desta forma, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos dos filtros solares 3- benzofenona (3-BZ), octilmetoxicinamato (OMC) e salicilato de octila (OS) na pele de camundongos sem pêlos submetida ou não à radiação UVB. Além disso, a retenção cutânea dos filtros solares foi avaliada in vitro utilizando pele de orelha de porco em células de difusão e in vivo em pele de camundongos sem pêlos. Os resultados de retenção cutânea in vitro demonstraram que a formulação gel creme promoveu maior retenção dos filtros solares na pele em comparação às formulações loção e creme. Além disso, a 3-BZ apresentou a maior retenção na pele quando comparadas as retenções dos filtros solares veiculados na mesma formulação. Todos os filtros solares penetraram na pele de camundongos sem pêlos após 1 hora da aplicação da formulação gel creme, o que garantiu a presença dos filtros solares na derme e epiderme no momento da exposição à radiação UVB. A formulação adicionada dos filtros solares preveniu em 76% a depleção de GSH induzida pela radiação UVB. Entretanto, o tratamento dos animais com a formulação contendo os filtros solares não foi capaz de impedir o aumento das atividades da metaloproteinase-9 e mieloperoxidases induzido pela radiação. Além disso, a utilização da formulação adicionada dos filtros solares em associação à exposição à radiação UVB provocou uma diminuição da atividade da enzima antioxidante superóxido dismutase presente na pele. Desta forma, considerando os parâmetros avaliados neste estudo, a formulação fotoprotetora parece não proteger a pele contra os danos causados pela radiação UVB quanto deveria. Além disso, estes filtros parecem ser instáveis frente à radiação o que comprometendo assim a eficácia e segurança dos mesmos. / Due to the destruction of the ozone layer by pollution, the incidence of ultraviolet radiation on Earth has enlarged and, consequently, the number of cases of skin cancer has increased even more. Several studies have shown that the damages caused by solar radiation to the skin are usually caused by free radical generation and activation of inflammatory mediators. Several studies have concluded that sunscreens are able to penetrate the skin and act as sources of formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) under ultraviolet radiation exposition, leading, therefore, to the concern regarding the possibility of sunscreen molecules generate ROS instead of preventing the formation of these species by blocking sunlight. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of benzophenone-3 (3-BZ), octylmethoxycinnamate (OMC) and octyl salicylate (OS) sunscreens in the skin of hairless mice exposed or not to UVB radiation. Furthermore, the sunscreen skin retention was in vitro assessed using pig ear skin in diffusion cells and in vivo assessed using hairless mice. The results demonstrated that the cream gel rendered higher epidermal concentrations of the evaluated filters compared to the lotion and cream formulations. Comparing the skin retention amounts of each filter in the same formulation, 3-BZ showed higher skin retention ability than OMC and OS. In addition, all sunscreens penetrated the skin of hairless mice after 1 hour of the applied gel cream formulation, which guaranteed the presence of sunscreen in the dermis plus epidermis at the time of UVB exposure. The formulation of sunscreens prevented by 76% the GSH depletion induced by UVB radiation. However, the treatment of the animals with the sunscreens loaded-formulation was not able to inhibit the increase of metalloproteinase-9 and myeloperoxidase activities induced by radiation. Furthermore, the use of sunscreens loaded-formulation in combination with UVB radiation exposition caused the decrease in the amounts of the superoxide dismutase antioxidant enzyme present in skin. Thus, considering the parameters evaluated in this study, the sunscreens loaded-formulation does not seem to effectively protect skin against damages caused by UVB radiation as it was supposed to. Moreover, these filters seem to be unstable against the radiation and thus compromising their efficacy and safety.

Superóxido dismutases (SODs) são metaloenzimas que convertem o ânion superóxido em oxigênio molecular (O2) e peróxido de hidrogênio (H2O2). A presença de metal nessas enzimas está diretamente relacionada com seus mecanismos de catálise e com suas estruturas tridimensionais. Evolucionariamente, FeSOD e MnSOD podem ter evoluído de um gene ancestral comum, porque possuem sequências homólogas e estruturas cristalográficas sobreponíveis. Entretanto, a nível catalítico, ambas as proteínas divergiram o suficiente para que seus metais não possam ser intercambiáveis, produzindo uma enzima funcional, indicando que essas proteínas possuem alta especificidade por metal. O objetivo deste projeto de pesquisa é Identificar os determinantes estruturais do ajuste fino da especificidade por metal de MnSOD e FeSOD. Inicialmente, pretendese selecionar resíduos para mutagênese sítio-dirigida em TrMnSOD e TbFeSODB2, a partir de análise de acoplamento estatístico (SCA). Em seguida, mutantes serão construídos, expressos, purificados e cristalizados. A estrutura tridimensional dos mutantes será resolvida por cristalografia e sua atividade enzimática determinada, bem como a acomodação estrutural dos metais por Resonância Paramagnética Eletrônica. Nossa hipótese de trabalho é que através de SCA é possível elencar resíduos de aminoácidos candidatos para mutagênese sítio-dirigida para desenhar novas SODs, com características intermediárias de ligação por Fe/Mn, como possibilidade de interconversão de especificidade, caminhando na história evolutiva dessas moléculas. / Superoxide dismutases (SODs) are metalloenzymes that convert the superoxide anion in molecular oxygen (O2) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The metal in the catalytic center of such enzymes is directly related to their catalysis mechanisms and tridimensional structures. Evolutionarily, FeSOD and MnSOD may have evolved from a common ancestor, because both proteins have homologous primary sequences and superposable crystallographic structures. However, at the catalytic level, both proteins diverged sufficiently to prevent interchange of their metallic centers, which would generate non-functional enzymes, indicating that these proteins have high metal specificity. The objective of this research project is to identify structural determinants of Fe/MnSODs necessary to metal specificity. We intend to use statistical coupling analysis (SCA) to select amino acid residues for site-directed mutagenesis in TrMnSOD e TbFeSODB2. Mutant genes will be constructed and their proteins expressed, purified and crystallized. The tridimensional structure of such mutants will be solved by X-ray crystallography and their enzymatic activities determined, as well as their electron paramagnetic resonance spectra. We hypothesize that SCA is useful to identify amino acid candidates for site-directed mutagenesis to design new SODs with intermediated Fe/Mn specificity, and even metal specificity interconversion, by studying the evolutionary history of these proteins.

O zinco (Zn) é um mineral que participa de diversas funções biológicas no organismo. É necessário para cerca de 300 enzimas, dentre elas a enzima Cu, Zn - superóxido dismutase (SOD1) que desempenha ações importantes no controle do estresse oxidativo e no processo de carcinogênese. Polimorfismos de nucleotídeo único (SNP) no gene para a SOD1 poderiam favorecer o aumento do estresse oxidativo e o surgimento do câncer. Este trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar a influência dos SNPs A35C (rs 2234694) e G2809A (rs 4998557) no gene da SOD1 no risco do câncer da cavidade oral e orofaringe (Estudo I) e associação entre esses SNPs, estado nutricional relativo ao zinco e estresse oxidativo em pacientes com câncer da cavidade oral e orofaringe (Estudo II). No Estudo I incluíram-se 169 homens com câncer da cavidade oral e orofaringe (casos) e 181 homens sem a doença (controles). A distribuição da frequência dos genótipos para o SNP A35C, para o grupo caso, foi de 91% de AA, 8% de AC e 1% de CC. Em relação ao genótipo para o SNP G2809A, no grupo caso observaram-se 66% de GG, 29% de GA e 5% de AA, e no grupo controle observaram-se 62% de GG, 34% de GA e 4% de AA. No estudo II incluíram-se 29 homens com câncer da cavidade oral e orofaringe. O consumo alimentar de Zn foi de 10,02 ± 4,81mg/dia [média ± desvio-padrão (dp)]. Observaram-se concentrações plasmáticas e eritrocitárias de Zn de 76,80 ± 23,77µg/dL e 44,26 ± 4,79 µg/g de hemoglobina (média ± dp); atividade da SOD total no eritrócito de 1.629,57 ± 675,25 U/g de hemoglobina (média ± dp); concentrações plasmáticas de malondialdeído (MDA) de 1,65 ± 0,58 nmol/dL (média ± dp); concentração de ORAC de 2607,89 ± 440,60 µmol TE/L. O SNP G2809A parece não ter influência no risco no câncer da cavidade oral e orofaringe. Os dados sugerem pacientes com câncer da cavidade oral e orofaringe apresentam deficiência no estado nutricional relativo ao Zn e aumento do estresse oxidativo. / Zinc (Zn) is a mineral with diverse biological functions. It is necessary for 300 enzymes, including Cu, Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) that displays important roles in oxidative stress control and in carcinogenesis. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in SOD1 gene could lead to increased oxidative stress and cancer development. We aimed at investigating the influence of the A35C (rs 2234694) and G2809A (rs 4998557) SNPs in SOD1 gene on oral and orofaryngeal cancer risk (Study I) and the association between these SNPs, Zn nutritional status and oxidative stress in oral and orofaryngeal cancer patientes (Study II). 169 men with oral and orofaryngeal cancer (cases) and 181 men without the disease (controls) were included in Study I. Genotype frequency distribution for SOD1 A35C was the following: 91% AA, 8% AC and 1% CC (cases). Genotype frequency distribution for SOD1 G2809A was the following: 66% GG, 29% GA and 5% AA (cases) and 62% GG, 34% GA and 4% AA (controls). 29 men with oral and orofaryngeal cancer were included in Study II. Dietary Zn consumption was 10,02 ± 4,8 mg/day. Zn plasma and eritrocyte concentrations were 76,80 ± 23,77µg/dL and 44,26 ± 4,79 µg/g hemoglobin; total SOD activity in the eritrocyte was 1.629,57 ± 675,25 U/g hemoglobin; malondialdehyde (MDA) plasmatic concentration was 1,65 ± 0,58 nmol/dL and ORAC was 2607,89 ± 440,60 µmol TE/L. SOD1 G2809A does not seem to increase oral and orofaryngeal cancer risk. Furthermore oral and orofaryngeal cancer patients seem to present deficiency in Zn nutritional status and increased oxidative stress.

Peroxinitrito (ONOO- + ONOOR), o produto da reação controlada por difusão do óxido nítrico com o ânion radical superóxido, tem recebido muita atenção como possível mediador dos efeitos deletérios associados a uma superprodução de óxido nítrico. O peroxinitrito é um potente oxidante que é capaz de oxidar e nitrar várias biomoléculas cujos mecanismos contribuímos para esclarecer. Particularmente relevante foi demonstrar inequívocamente, por EPR de fluxo, que a rápida reação entre peroxinitrito e o biologicamente abundante dióxido de carbono, produz dióxido de nitrogênio e ânion radical carbonato em rendimentos de aproximadamente 35%. Sugerimos então, que o peroxinitrito deveria atuar na maioria dos ambientes biológicos através de seus radicais derivados que produziriam radicais de biomoléculas. Consubstanciamos essa sugestão pelo estudo da oxidação dos biotióis cisteína, glutationa e BSA-cys34 por peroxinitrito e peroxinitrito/dióxido de carbono. Também, demonstramos que a reação entre o nitróxido tempol e os radicais derivados do peroxinitrito é uma etapa relevante para que o tempol redirecione a reatividade do peroxinitrito de nitração para nitrosação de biomoléculas. Finalmente, demonstramos que existem outras potenciais fontes biológicas de dióxido de nitrogênio e anion radical carbonato como a atividade peroxidásica da enzima superóxido dismutase e a enzima xantina oxidase. / Peroxynitrite (ONOO- + ONOOR), which is formed by the diffusion-controlled reaction between nitric oxide and superoxide anion, has been receiving increasing attention as a mediator of the deleterious effects associated with an overproduction of nitric oxide. Peroxynitrite is a strong oxidant that is able to oxidize and nitrate a variety of biotargets by mechanisms that this work has contributed to establish. Particularly relevant, was the unequivocal demonstration by rapid flow EPR that the rapid reaction between peroxynitrite and the biologically ubiquitous carbon dioxide produces nitrogen dioxide and carbonate radical anion in yields of around 35%. This led us to suggest that in most biological environments peroxynitrite would act through its derived radicals that would oxidize biomolecules to radicals. This hypothesis was clearly supported by our studies of biothioI (cysteine, glutathioneand BSA-cys34) oxidation by peroxynitrite and peroxynitrite/carbon dioxide. In addition, we demonstrated that the reaction between the nitroxide tempol and peroxynitrite-derived radicals is an important step of the mechanism by which tempol diverts peroxynitrite reactivity from nitration to nitrosation of biomolecules. Finally, we demonstrated that there are other potential sources of nitrogen dioxide and carbonate radical anion such as the peroxidase activity of the enzyme Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase and the enzyme xanthine oxidase turnover.