<p>Sialic acid synthase (NeuB) is a key enzyme in bacterial biosynthesis of the sialic acid <em>N</em>-acetylneuraminic acid (NeuNAc). It catalyzes the addition of phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) to <em>N</em>-acetylmannosamine (ManNAc) in the presence of a divalent cation such as Mn²⁺. We have explored the inhibition of NeuB by an oxacarbenium ion mimic, NeuNAc oxime, and hydroxylamine (NH₂OH). NeuNAc oxime shows slow-binding inhibition with a binding half-life of 2.5 h and an inhibition constant (<em>K</em>_i^*) of 1.6(± 0.7) pM. Even though NeuNAc oxime binds NeuB with high affinity, there remains approximately 10% residual activity even after extended pre-incubation with high inhibitor concentrations. In contrast, in the presence of substrates, when NeuB was actively catalyzing NeuNAc synthesis, complete inhibition by NeuNAc oxime was observed within 6 h. This inhibition profile is similar to NH₂OH; which has previously been shown to elicit complete, time-dependent inhibition. We propose the existence of two NeuB conformations: an asymmetric idle state conformation (NeuB^IS), in which NeuNAc oxime is able to bind to only one monomer of this dimeric enzyme, and a second conformation, running state NeuB (NeuB^RS), which is completely inhibited due to either NeuNAc oxime binding to the second monomer, or the dimer adopting a conformation in which the unbound monomer is inactive. Experiments with [1-¹⁴C]PEP showed that in the presence of large excess of substrate, inhibition occurred faster than with a lower excess. This suggests that a sustained buildup of NeuB^{RS<strong> </strong>}is required for complete inhibition.</p> / Master of Science (MSc)

No description available.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Erythropoietin is a sialoglycoprotein which promotes the increase of erythropoiesis. Clinically is used for the treatment of anaemia associated to chronic renal failure. Identification and separation of isoforms of recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) in biopharmaceuticals of different origins, was carried out by isoelectric focusing (IEF) western blotting and, also by lectin binding with Triticum vulgaris, showing 4-7 isoforms distributed in the isoeletric range of 4.4 to 5.2. N-acetylneuraminic acid content was quantified by reversed-phase liquid chromatography method with fluorescence detection giving values higher than 108.74 ηg/μg. Biological activity was evaluated by the normocythaemic mice bioassay, and investigating the TF-1 cell line in vitro. The correlation of the results of both of the methods were significant, as calculated by the Pearson s coefficient (r = 0.9967). In addition, the content/potency of the biopharmaceutical products was assessed by validated reversed phase and size exclusion liquid chromatography methods, showing mean values 2.11% and 1.21% lower, respectively, related to the in vivo bioassay. Sample was degraded under UV light to generate deamidate/sulphoxide forms and treatment at 65ºC for 12 hours to produce dimeric and aggregated forms. The potencies were evaluated by the normocythaemic mice assay and the TF-1 cell culture assay giving mean reduction of 14.05% and 32.87%, respectively, related to the intact molecule. The alternative in vitro assay investigated in the context of the reduction or replacement of the animals, and the evaluation of the correlations between physicochemical and biological methods, represent improvements which can be applied to the production steps and for the quality control of rhEPO, contributing to ensure the batch-to-batch consistency of bulk and finished biological products. / A eritropoietina é uma sialoglicoproteína que promove o aumento da eritropoiese. Clinicamente é usada para o tratamento de anemias associadas à falência renal crônica. No presente realizou-se identificação e separação das isoformas de eritropoietina humana recombinante (rhEPO) em produtos biofarmacêuticos de diferentes origens, por focalização isoelétrica (IEF), seguida de imunodetecção, e também por ligação à lectina Triticum vulgaris, demonstrando a presença de 4 a 7 isoformas, distribuídas na faixa de ponto isoelétrico de 4,4 a 5,2. Quantificou-se o conteúdo de ácido N-acetilneuramínico por cromatografia líquida por fase-reversa e detecção por fluorescência obtendo teores acima de 108,74 ηg/μg. Avaliou-se a atividade biológica pelo bioensaio em camundongos normocitêmicos e pesquisou-se o ensaio alternativo baseado na cultura da linhagem celular TF-1 in vitro. Os resultados dos bioensaios apresentaram correlação significativa, conforme calculado pelo coeficiente de correlação de Pearson (r = 0,9967). Paralelamente, determinou-se o teor/potência dos produtos pelas metodologias validadas por cromatografia líquida por fase reversa e por exclusão molecular, que forneceram média de resultados 2,11% e 1,21% menores, respectivamente, em relação ao bioensaio in vivo. Submeteu-se amostra à degradação por luz UV para obter as formas desamidadas/oxidadas e tratamento a 65°C por 12 horas para as diméricas e agregadas. Efetuou-se a avaliação pelo bioensaio in vivo e in vitro, que apresentaram redução média de 14,05% e 32,87% respectivamente, em relação à molécula intacta. Desse modo, o ensaio biológico alternativo in vitro, pesquisado no contexto da redução ou substituição do uso de animais, e as avaliações de correlação entre métodos físico-químicos e biológicos, representam aprimoramentos aplicáveis para as etapas do processo de produção e para o controle de qualidade de rhEPO, contribuindo para garantir a consistência lote-a-lote da solução concentrada e dos produto biológicos acabados.

Cette thèse décrit l'état de l'art des sondes et nanoparticules fluorescents traditionnels utilisés en imagerie de fluorescence ainsi que le développement de nouveaux nanomatériaux à base de polymère à empreinte moléculaire, aussi dénommé ‘anticorps plastique’, pour le ciblage et la bioimagerie. En biologie et en médecine, il y a un besoin constant de diagnostiquer diverses maladies pour leur éventuel traitement et prévention. Une distribution anormale et un taux élévé de glycosylation (e.g. acides hyaluronique et sialique) à la surface ou dans les cellules sont indicateurs d’une infection ou d’un cancer. Généralement, l’imagerie par fluorescence permet de visualiser, localiser et quantifier les biomarqueurs de pathologie mais à l’heure actuelle, il n’existe pas d’outil analytique fiable pour cibler spécifiquement les molécules de glycosylation car les anticorps et les lectines vendus dans le commerce ont une faible affinité et sélectivité vis-à-vis de ces cibles. Dans ce contexte, les polymères à empreintes moléculaires (MIPs) pourraient apporter une solution. Les MIPs sont des récepteurs synthétiques possédant des affinités et sélectivités comparables à ceux des anticorps, mais exhibant une stabilité physique, thermique et chimique bien plus accrue. De plus, leur fabrication est peu coûteuse et ne nécessite pas de tuer des animaux comme pour l’obtention des anticorps biologiques. Dans cette thèse, nous avons optimisé et synthétisé des MIPs biocompatibles pour leur utilisation en bioimagerie afin de détecter et quantifier l’acide hyaluronique et l’acide sialique sur les cellules et les tissus de peau humaine. L’acide glucuronique, une composante de l’acide hyaluronique et l’acide N-acétylneuraminique, l’acide sialique le plus commun, ont été utilisés comme molécules ‘patron’, générant des MIPs très sélectifs envers leur cible en milieu aqueux. Deux types de nanoparticules de MIPs fluorescents ont été synthétisés: (1) en incorporant un colorant rhodamine polymérisable dans la solution de pré-polymérisation et (2) en encapsulant des boîtes quantiques InP/ZnS générant ainsi des MIPs de type cœur-coquille. Pour cela, nous avons adopté une stratégie innovante qui consiste à synthétiser les coquilles de MIPs directement autour des boîtes quantiques en utilisant l’énergie de l’onde fluorescente émise par l’excitation des points quantiques, pour initier la polymérisation. Un protocole d'immunocoloration standard a ensuite été optimisé afin d’imager des kératinocytes humains fixés et vivants ainsi que des tissus de peau, par microscopie à épifluorescence et confocale. Les résultats étaient similaires à ceux obtenus par la méthode de référence utilisant une protéine biotinylée reconnaissant l'acide hyaluronique. L'imagerie multiplex en combinant deux MIPs couplés à deux couleurs de boîtes quantiques et l’imagerie des cellules cancéreuses ont également été démontrées. Bien que les MIPs n’étaient pas cytotoxiques aux concentrations utilisées pour la bioimagerie, la toxicité des différentes composantes du MIP pourrait être un frein à leur utilisation dans le domaine biomédical. Afin de rendre ces MIPs plus ‘inoffensifs’, nous avons supprimé l’amorceur de polymérisation, une molécule considérée comme toxique. Les MIPs ont été synthétisés en employant des monomères qui s’auto-initient sous l’effet de l’UV ou de la chaleur. La spécificité et la sélectivité des MIPs obtenus étaient similaires à ceux préparés avec des amorceurs. En conclusion, cette thèse décrit la première utilisation des MIPs comme anticorps synthétique pour la bioimagerie de fluorescence. Ce travail ouvre la voie à de nouvelles applications en détection, diagnostique et thérapie par des MIPs. / This thesis describes the state of the art in nanomaterials-based targeted bioimaging and introduces molecularly imprinted polymers, also termed ‘plastic antibodies’ as novel biorecognition agents for labeling and imaging of cells and tissues. In fundamental biology and medical diagnostics, there is a constant need to localize and quantify specific molecular targets. Abnormal glycosylation levels or distributions of hyaluronan or sialic acids on cells are indicators of infection or malignancy. In general, bioimaging with fluorescent probes enables the localization and qualitative or quantitative determination of these pathological biomarkers. However, no reliable tools for the recognition of glycosylation sites on proteins exist, because the commercially available antibodies or lectins have poor affinity and selectivity for these targets. In this context, tailor-made molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are promising synthetic receptor materials since they present a series of advantages over their natural counterparts such as the ease and low cost of preparation and their physical and chemical stability. Thus, MIPs could provide a robust and specific imaging tool for revealing the location/distribution, time of appearance and structure of glycosylation sites on/in cells, which would lead to a better insight of the tremendously diverse biological processes in which these molecules are involved. Herein, we describe the synthesis of water-compatible MIPs for the molecular imaging of hyaluronan and sialylation sites on cells and tissues. Since molecular imprinting of entire biomacromolecules like oligosaccharides is challenging, we opted for what is commonly called the ‘epitope approach’, which was inspired by nature. The monosaccharides, glucuronic acid and N-acetylneuraminic acid were imprinted, and the resulting MIPs were able to bind these molecules when present and accessible on the terminal unit of hyaluronan and sialylation sites. Fluorescent MIPs were synthesized as rhodamine-labeled nanoparticles and as MIP-coated InP/ZnS core-shell quantum dot (QD) particles. For the coating of the QDs, a novel versatile solubilization and functionalization strategy was proposed, which consists of creating polymer shells directly on QDs by photopolymerization using the particles as individual internal light sources. A standard immunostaining protocol was then successfully adapted for the application of the fluorescently labeled MIPs to image fixed and living human keratinocytes and skin tissues, by epifluorescence and confocal fluorescence microscopy. The results were comparable to those obtained with a reference method where staining was done with a biotinylated hyaluronic acid binding protein. Multiplexed and cancer cell imaging were also performed, demonstrating the potential of molecularly imprinted polymers as a versatile biolabeling and bioimaging tool. Although the MIPs were not cytotoxic at the concentrations used for bioimaging, in order to render them generally applicable in biomedicine, where toxicity of the polymerization precursors is a matter of concern, we suppressed the initiator, a toxic chemical. Initiator-free MIPs were thus synthesized by using monomers that can self-initiate under UV irradiation or heat. The specificity and selectivity of the obtained MIPs were as good as the ones prepared with initiators. In conclusion, we have demonstrated for the first time the great potential of MIPs as synthetic antibody mimics for bioimaging. The possibility to associate other functionalities such as QDs and additionally attach drugs to the same material appears rather straightforward due to the synthetic polymeric nature of MIPs, which paves the way to new potential applications in theranostics.

Streptococcus suis et Streptococcus du groupe B (GBS) sont deux bactéries encapsulées qui induisent des pathologies similaires chez l’homme et/ou l’animal, incluant septicémies et méningites. La capsule polysaccharidique (CPS) est un facteur de virulence clé de ces deux pathogènes et les anticorps (Ac) anti-CPS présentent un bon potentiel protecteur. Néanmoins, ces molécules sont faiblement immunogéniques et les mécanismes de la génération de la réponse humorale anti-CPS demeurent méconnus. L’objectif principal de cette thèse était d’évaluer les caractéristiques et les mécanismes du développement de la réponse Ac dirigée spécifiquement contre les CPS de S. suis et GBS, ainsi que l’effet de la biochimie de la CPS dans cette réponse. Nous avons étudié S. suis types 2 et 14 et GBS types III et V, dont les CPS présentent plusieurs similarités dans leurs compositions et leurs structures, incluant la présence d’acide sialique, un sucre potentiellement immunosuppresseur, tout en possédant une antigénicité propre. Nous avons tout d’abord analysé la nature de la réponse Ac anti-CPS sérique face à la bactérie entière. Les souris infectées par S. suis développent une réponse très faible (S. suis type 2) voire insignifiante (S. suis type 14) de profil isotypique restreint à l’IgM et sont incapables de monter une réponse mémoire efficace face à une seconde infection. Un profil similaire est obtenu chez le porc infecté par S. suis type 2. On détecte des titres d’IgM anti-CPS significatifs chez les souris infectées par GBS (type III ou V). Toutefois, la magnitude de la réponse reste globalement faible et aucune commutation de classe n’est observée. Nous avons ensuite examiné l’influence de la biochimie de la CPS sur ces profils de réponse en conduisant des expériences avec la CPS hautement purifiée de ces pathogènes. Tandis que la CPS de GBS type III administrée aux souris conserve des propriétés immunogéniques similaires à celles observées durant l’infection par la bactérie intacte, les CPS de S. suis type 2 et GBS type V perdent toute capacité à induire une réponse Ac spécifique. L’analyse de l’interaction in vitro des CPS avec les cellules dendritiques (DC) murines, des acteurs clés dans la détection des pathogènes et l’orchestration des réponses immunitaires subséquentes, révèle que ces molécules stimulent la production de niveaux conséquents de chémokines via différents récepteurs. Néanmoins, les CPS sont inaptes à induire la sécrétion de cytokines et elles interfèrent avec la capacité des DC à exprimer BAFF, une cytokine clé dans la différenciation des lymphocytes B en plasmocytes. L’utilisation de CPS chimiquement désialylées démontre que l’acide sialique ne joue aucun rôle immunosuppresseur majeur dans le développement de la réponse Ac dirigée contre les CPS purifiées de S. suis ou GBS, ni sur l’interaction des CPS avec les DC in vitro, ni sur profil de la réponse in vivo. D’autres propriétés biochimiques intrinsèques à ces CPS seraient responsables de l’inaptitude de l’hôte infecté à monter une réponse Ac adéquate et les identifier constituera un outil précieux pour une meilleure compréhension de l’immunopathogénèse de S. suis et GBS ainsi que pour développer des moyens de lutte efficaces contre ces bactéries. / Streptococcus suis and Group B Streptococcus (GBS) are two encapsulated bacteria that induce similar pathologies in humans and/or animals, including septicemia and meningitis. The capsular polysaccharide (CPS) is a major virulence factor for both pathogens and CPS-specific antibodies (Ab) display a good protective potential. However, CPSs are weak immunogenic molecules and the mechanisms of the generation of the CPS-specific humoral response remain poorly known. Thus, the main objective of this thesis was to evaluate the characteristics and the mechanisms of the development of the Ab response directed against S. suis and GBS CPSs, as well as the influence of the biochemistry of the CPS on this response. We worked with S. suis types 2 and 14 and GBS types III and V, whose CPSs present several similarities in their compositions and structures, including the presence of sialic acid, a potentially immunosuppressive sugar, while being very distinct antigens. Initially, we analyzed the features of the CPS-specific serum Ab response to whole bacteria. S. suis-infected mice developed a very low (S. suis type 2) to undetectable (S. suis type 14) response restricted to the IgM isotype, and were unable to mount an efficient memory response after a secondary infection. A similar profile of response was obtained in S. suis type 2-infected pigs. We detected significant CPS-specific IgM titers in GBS-infected mice (type III or V). Nonetheless, the magnitude of the response remained globally low and no isotype switching was observed. Then, we examined the influence of the biochemistry of the CPS on these response profiles by conducting experiments with highly purified CPSs from these pathogens. Whereas the purified GBS type III CPS administrated to mice retained similar immunogenic properties as those observed during the infection with the intact bacteria, purified S. suis type 2 and GBS type V CPSs were no longer able to induce a specific Ab response. The analysis of the in vitro interaction between the CPSs and murine dendritic cells (DCs), crucial actors in the detection of pathogens and the orchestration of subsequent immune responses, revealed that these molecules stimulate the production of significant levels of chemokines through different receptors. Nevertheless, CPSs were unable to induce cytokine secretion and interfered with the ability of DCs to express BAFF, a key cytokine for B lymphocyte differentiation into plasma cells. The use of chemically desialylated CPSs demonstrated that sialic acid does not play a major immunosuppressive role in the development of the Ab response specific to purified S. suis or GBS CPSs, neither on the in vitro interaction between CPSs and DCs, nor on the profile of the in vivo response. Other biochemical properties intrinsic to these CPSs would be responsible for the inaptitude of the infected host to mount an adequate Ab response, and their identification will be a precious tool for a better understanding of the immunopathogenesis of S. suis and GBS, as well as for the development of efficient strategies to fight against these bacteria.

Introduktion och syfte: Kariesutveckling influeras av faktorer hos både värd och bakterier. Men när olika individer exponeras för samma nivåer av externa riskfaktorer, är en del individer mer mottagliga för karies jämfört med andra. En förklaring skulle kunna vara olika glykosylering av glykoprotein i saliven. I denna pilotstudie undersökte vi skillnaden i nivåer av monosackariderna sialinsyra, fukos och galaktos hos personer som aldrig haft karies och personer som har/har haft karies. Syftet var även att undersöka om plackenzym kan vara en modifierare av nämnda glykoprotein.Material och metod: Två grupper, med 10 individer i varje, inkluderades i studien. Ena gruppen hade DMFT = 0 och den andra DMFT ≥ 1. Saliv och plack samlades och innehållet av bundna monosackarider (sialinsyra, fukos och galaktos) samt glykosidaser (sialidas, β-fukosidas, β-galaktosidas, α-glukosidas och N-acetylglukosaminidas) analyserades med en fluorometer. Även salivflödet kalkylerades.Resultat: Innehållet av både sialinsyra och galaktos var signifikant högre i gruppen med DMFT = 0, medan innehållet av fukos inte skilde sig åt signifikant mellan grupperna. Ingen signifikant skillnad kunde ses mellan de två grupperna avseende enzymaktivitet och salivflöde.Konklusion: Högre nivåer av bunden sialinsyra och galaktos fanns hos gruppen med DMFT = 0. Resultaten indikerar att dessa monosackarider kan vara en möjlig markör för oral hälsa. Större longitudinella studier behövs för att verifiera sambandet. / Introduction and aim: Caries development is affected by factors within bacteria and host. But when different individuals are exposed to same levels of external risk factors, some individuals are still more susceptible to caries. One explanation could be different glycosylation of salivary glycoproteins. In this pilot study, we investigated the difference in levels of the monosaccharides sialic acid, fucose and galactose between individuals with or without previous caries experience. We also aimed to investigate if plaque glycosidases could be a modifier of these glycoproteins.Material and method: Two groups, with 10 subject in each, were included in this study. One group had DMFT = 0 and the other DMFT ≥ 1. Saliva and plaque were collected and content of bound monosaccharides (sialic acid, fucose and galactose) and glycosidases (sialidase, α-fucosidase, β-galactosidase, α-glucosidase and N-acetylglucosaminidase) were detected using absorbance and fluoroscens respectively. Salivary flow rate was also measured.Results: Content of both sialic acid and galactose were significantly higher in the group with DMFT = 0, while the content of fucose did not differ significantly between the groups. No significant differences could be seen between the two groups (DMFT = 0 and DMFT ≥ 1) regarding any of the investigated glycosidases and salivary flow rate. Conclusion: Higher levels of bound sialic acid and galactose were found in the group with DMFT = 0 and the results indicate that these monosaccharides could be a possible marker for oral health. Larger longitudinal studies are needed to verify this correlation.

Exposomics applies metabolomics methods and technologies to the comprehensive analysis of all low molecular weight molecules (< 1.5 kDa) in complex biological samples to characterize the interaction between cellular metabolism and exogenous lifestyle exposures that determine health and quality of life. To fully access the diverse classes of biological molecules related to an individual’s metabolic profile, metabolomics frequently requires the use of complementary analytical platforms, and employs targeted and untargeted molecular profiling strategies to identify biomarkers that are clinically relevant to an individual’s health status. Chapter 2 describes a quinoline-based boronic acid biosensor for N-acetylneuraminic acid that undergoes a striking binding enhancement under strongly acidic conditions. For the first time, this work allows for direct analysis of acidic sugars with high selectivity when using UV absorbance or fluorescence detection based on formation of a highly stable boronate ester complex with metabolites containing an α-hydroxycarboxylate moiety. Chapter 3 describes a targeted analysis of 24 different organic contaminants using GC-MS that can serve as biomarkers of recent smoke exposure following search-and-rescue training exercises by firefighters located at three different sites across the province of Ontario. Importantly, skin and possible respiratory uptake of various polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, methoxyphenols, and resin acids was confirmed by peak excretion of several wood smoke biomarkers in urine within 6 h following acute exposure. Chapter 4 applied a cross-platform metabolomics strategy based on CE-MS and GC-MS in order to identify and validate dietary biomarkers in matching plasma and urine samples collected from healthy participants in the pilot Diet and Gene Interaction Study (DIGEST). For the first time, we demonstrate that a panel of metabolites can serve as reliable biomarkers following contrasting Prudent and Western diets over 2 weeks of food provisions, which correlated well with self-reported diet records. This work paves the way for the development of objective biomarkers for accurate assessment of wood smoke exposures, as well as complex dietary patterns as required for new advances in occupational health and nutritional epidemiology. / Dissertation / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) / Exposomics is an emerging multidisciplinary science aimed at deciphering the complex interactions that impact human health and gene expression, such as lifestyle choices (i.e., habitual diet) and lifelong environmental exposures. There is growing interest in identifying biomarkers that can be readily measured for chronic disease prevention given an alarming global prevalence of obesity and cardiometabolic disorders, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer. The research in this thesis focuses on developing new analytical methods for identifying and quantifying metabolites that may allow for better assessments of human health, and has contributed to the development of novel biosensors for the targeted analysis of N-acetylneuraminic (sialic) acid and related acidic sugars, as well as high resolution methods for broad spectrum analysis of biotransformed organic contaminants from smoke exposure by GC-MS, and plasma and urinary metabolites that differentiate contrasting Prudent and Western diets and correlate well with self-reported diet records.

O objetivo deste estudo foi mensurar o fluxo salivar, pH, capacidade tampão, concentrações de proteína total e ácido siálico, atividades das enzimas amilase e peroxidase e concentração dos íons sódio, potássio, cálcio, fósforo, zinco e magnésio em saliva total de indivíduos síndrome de Down com idade entre 1 e 25 anos. Nos indivíduos com idade entre 1 e 5 anos a saliva total foi coletada através de uma leve sucção, enquanto que nos outros indivíduos com idade entre 6 e 10, 11 e 15, 15 e 20, 21 e 25 a saliva total foi coletada com estimulação mecânica através da mastigação de parafilm, durante 10 minutos. O pH e a capacidade tampão foramdeterminadas usando um pHmetro digital. A capacidade tampão foi mensurada através de titulação com HCl a 0,01N. A concentração de eletrólitos foi determinada através de um espectrofotômetro de emissão atômica com fonte de excitação de argônio induzido. A proteína total foi mensurada através do reagente de Folin. A atividade da amilase foi mensurada através da produção de maltose e a atividade da peroxidase foi mensurada através da utilização de orto-dianisidina. Para a analise estatística os dados foram apresentados em media ± desvio padrão. Foi utilizado o teste “t" de Student para determinar as diferenças entre as medias dos indivíduos síndrome de Down e o grupo controle. Nenhuma diferença significante foi observada na concentração de ácido siálico, fósforo, zinco, magnésio e cálcio entre os indivíduos síndrome de Down e o grupo controle. A concentração de sódio, proteína total e a capacidade tampão demonstraram ser maior nos indivíduos com síndrome de Down em comparação ao grupo controle. Por outro lado, o fluxo salivar, a concentração de potássio, e a atividade das enzimas amilase e peroxidase foram menores no grupo síndrome de Down quando comparado ao grupo controle. Estes resultados sugerem que as pessoas com síndrome de Down apresentam alterações no metabolismo do ducto e/ou das células acinares das glândulas salivares. / The aim of this study was to measure the flow rate, pH, buffer capacity, sialic acid, total protein concentrations, amylase and peroxidase activities and sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, zinc and magnesium concentration whole saliva of individuals with Down syndrome aged 1 - 25 years. In individuals aged 1-5 years the whole saliva was collected under slight suction, while in the others individuals aged 6-10, 11-15, 15-20, 21-25 the whole saliva was collected with stimulation by chewing a piece of parafilm, for 10 minutes. The pH and the buffer capacity were determined using a digital pHmeter. The buffer capacity was measured by titration with 0.01 N HCl. Electrolyte concentrations were determined by inductively coupled argon plasma with atomic emission spectrometry. Sialic acid was determined by thiobarbituric acid assay. Protein was determined by the folin’s phenol reagent. Amylase was assayed measuring the maltose produced by the breakdown of starch and peroxidase with ortho dianisidine. For statistical analysis the date are presented as mean ± SD. Student’s “t" test was used to determine differences between the mean of the Down syndrome and control groups. No statistically significant differences were observed in sialic acid, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium and calcium concentration between the individuals with Down syndrome and control group. The sodium and total protein concentration and buffer capacity showed higher in the Down syndrome than in the control group. On the other hand the flow rate and potassium concentration, amylase and peroxidase activities were lower in the Down syndrome than in the control group. These results suggest that the Down syndrome persons present alteration in the metabolism of the duct and/or acinar cells of salivary glands.

To study the functions of glycoconjugates in biological systems reliable and efficient protocols for glycoconjugate synthesis are needed. To reach this goal we have developed methods for solid-phase synthesis of glycoconjugates that can be monitored with gel-phase 19F spectroscopy using fluorinated linkers, building blocks, and protecting groups. We have developed a new fluorine containing linker suitable for solid-phase synthesis of glycoconjugates. The linker was more acid-labile than similar linkers in order to enable cleavage under mild conditions of the target compound from the linker resin.  A carbamate-based strategy has been applied to attach a spacer carrying an amino group to a fluorinated Wang linker for synthesis of amino-functionalized glycoconjugates using thioglycoside donors with fluorinated protective groups. Cleavage from the solid support was performed with trifluoroacetic acid and subsequent protecting group removal gave the target compound. The terminal amine was conjugated with didecyl squarate and this derivative can be attached to various proteins and solid surfaces carrying primary or secondary amines. To evaluate this methodology we have immobilized glycoconjugates in amino-functionalized microtiter plates and successfully probed them with lectin. In addition, a novel fluorine containing protecting group has been designed, synthesized and evaluated. The protecting group was used for protection of the unreactive 4-OH in a galactose building block that was applied in the synthesis of 6-aminohexyl galabioside and was removed with TBAF in THF. Adenovirus serotype 8 (Ad8), Ad19, and Ad37 cause the severe ocular infection, epidemic keratoconjunctivities (EKC). During infection, the adenoviruses interact with sialic acid containing glycoconjugates on the epithelial cells via fiber structures extending from the viral particles. The virus particle most likely binds to the host cell in a multivalent way by simultaneously using multiple fiber proteins and binding sites. Multivalent sialic acid containing conjugates could efficiently inhibit Ad37 cell attachment and subsequent infection of human corneal epithelial (HCE) cells. Three compact tri- and tetravalent sialic acid conjugates were prepared and evaluated as inhibitors of adenoviral host cell attachment and subsequent infection and all conjugates were potent as anti-adenoviral agents. The conjugates can readily be synthesized from accessible starting materials. A crystal structure of the Ad37 fiber knob protein and the trivalent sialic acid conjugate showed that the three binding sites were all occupied by one sialic acid residue each.

O objetivo deste estudo foi mensurar o fluxo salivar, pH, capacidade tampão, concentrações de proteína total e ácido siálico, atividades das enzimas amilase e peroxidase e concentração dos íons sódio, potássio, cálcio, fósforo, zinco e magnésio em saliva total de indivíduos síndrome de Down com idade entre 1 e 25 anos. Nos indivíduos com idade entre 1 e 5 anos a saliva total foi coletada através de uma leve sucção, enquanto que nos outros indivíduos com idade entre 6 e 10, 11 e 15, 15 e 20, 21 e 25 a saliva total foi coletada com estimulação mecânica através da mastigação de parafilm, durante 10 minutos. O pH e a capacidade tampão foramdeterminadas usando um pHmetro digital. A capacidade tampão foi mensurada através de titulação com HCl a 0,01N. A concentração de eletrólitos foi determinada através de um espectrofotômetro de emissão atômica com fonte de excitação de argônio induzido. A proteína total foi mensurada através do reagente de Folin. A atividade da amilase foi mensurada através da produção de maltose e a atividade da peroxidase foi mensurada através da utilização de orto-dianisidina. Para a analise estatística os dados foram apresentados em media ± desvio padrão. Foi utilizado o teste “t” de Student para determinar as diferenças entre as medias dos indivíduos síndrome de Down e o grupo controle. Nenhuma diferença significante foi observada na concentração de ácido siálico, fósforo, zinco, magnésio e cálcio entre os indivíduos síndrome de Down e o grupo controle. A concentração de sódio, proteína total e a capacidade tampão demonstraram ser maior nos indivíduos com síndrome de Down em comparação ao grupo controle. Por outro lado, o fluxo salivar, a concentração de potássio, e a atividade das enzimas amilase e peroxidase foram menores no grupo síndrome de Down quando comparado ao grupo controle. Estes resultados sugerem que as pessoas com síndrome de Down apresentam alterações no metabolismo do ducto e/ou das células acinares das glândulas salivares. / The aim of this study was to measure the flow rate, pH, buffer capacity, sialic acid, total protein concentrations, amylase and peroxidase activities and sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, zinc and magnesium concentration whole saliva of individuals with Down syndrome aged 1 - 25 years. In individuals aged 1-5 years the whole saliva was collected under slight suction, while in the others individuals aged 6-10, 11-15, 15-20, 21-25 the whole saliva was collected with stimulation by chewing a piece of parafilm, for 10 minutes. The pH and the buffer capacity were determined using a digital pHmeter. The buffer capacity was measured by titration with 0.01 N HCl. Electrolyte concentrations were determined by inductively coupled argon plasma with atomic emission spectrometry. Sialic acid was determined by thiobarbituric acid assay. Protein was determined by the folin’s phenol reagent. Amylase was assayed measuring the maltose produced by the breakdown of starch and peroxidase with ortho dianisidine. For statistical analysis the date are presented as mean ± SD. Student’s “t” test was used to determine differences between the mean of the Down syndrome and control groups. No statistically significant differences were observed in sialic acid, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium and calcium concentration between the individuals with Down syndrome and control group. The sodium and total protein concentration and buffer capacity showed higher in the Down syndrome than in the control group. On the other hand the flow rate and potassium concentration, amylase and peroxidase activities were lower in the Down syndrome than in the control group. These results suggest that the Down syndrome persons present alteration in the metabolism of the duct and/or acinar cells of salivary glands.