Univ., Diss.--Osnabrück, 1998.

Abstract Interstitial lung diseases (ILD), including interstitial pneumonias (IP), represent disorders with variable degrees of parenchymal inflammation and/or fibrosis offer an ideal model to investigate the histopathological features in relation to the course of these diseases. The most common IP is idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) with the histological pattern of usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) exhibiting the histological hallmark of fibroblast foci (FF). Surgical lung biopsy (SLB) is not usually needed for diagnosis of IPF, but the lung biopsy samples taken by SLB confers the diagnosis in atypical cases. The safety of SLB in IPF/UIP has been a controversial issue. The acute exacerbation occasionally occurs during the course of IPF/UIP, but pathological features related to this event are poorly understood. Recent studies suggest that one important determinant in the pathogenesis of ILDs, as in IPF, is oxidant stress and an imbalance of the redox-state in the lung. Thiol containing redox-regulated proteins which paticipate in the antioxidant defence of the lung include thiorexin (Trx) and gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase (γGCS), also called glutamate-cysteine ligase (GLCL), the rate-limiting enzyme of glutathione (GSH) synthesis. The goal of this research was to evaluate the safety of SLB and the relationships between the histological findings and the course of IPF/UIP, and to investigate the above mentioned defense mechanisms in a variety of ILDs by means of immmunohistochemical analyses, Western Blotting and immunoelectronmicroscopy. No deaths occurred in the following 30 days after 34 video-assisted thoracoscopic lung biopsy (VATS). The number of FF in the lung sample predicted the survival, but it was not associated with acute exacerbation of IPF/UIP before death. Diffuse alveolar damage was a common feature in autopsy samples. The studied redox regulated defense enzymes were expressed in bronchial epithelium, metaplastic alveolar epithelium and alveolar macrophages, but the fibrotic areas generally showed no expression. In IPF/UIP VATS is a safe diagnostic method and counting the number of FF represents a reproducible and reliable method for predicting patient survival. Alterations in the redox regulated defense enzymes further point to the importance of oxidant burden in the fibrotic lung.

Algae are important to marine and fresh-water ecosystems. However, some species of algae are harmful or even toxic. They can consume oxygen or block sunlight that is essential for other organisms to live. Indeed, some algae blooms can produce toxins that damage the health of the environment, plants, animals, and humans. Harmful algal blooms (HABs) which are often more green, brown, or dark-colored than red have spread along the coastlines and in the surface waters of the United States. Therefore, scientists are making great efforts to study HABs in order to maintain human and ecosystem health. Karenia brevis, the major harmful algal bloom dinoflagellate of the Gulf of Mexico, plays a destructive role in the region. Karenia brevis, responsible for Florida red tide, is the principle HAB dinoflagellate in the Gulf of Mexico. K. brevis blooms can produce brevetoxin: ladder-shaped polyether (LSP) compounds, which can lead to adverse human health effects, like reduced respiratory function through inhalation exposure, or neurotoxic shellfish poisoning through consumption of contaminated shellfish. The poisoning has been attributed to their affinity for voltage-sensitive sodium ion channels causing channel opening and depolarization of excitable cell membranes. Conservative estimate suggests that the economic impact from all harmful algal bloom events in the United States is at least $82 million/year. The public health costs occupy $37 million alone. The study presented herein utilized fluorescent and photolabile brevetoxin probes to demonstrate that brevetoxin localizes in the chloroplast of K. brevis where it binds to light harvest complex II (LHC II) and thioredoxin (Trx). It had been discovered that the TrxR/Trx system was inhibited by brevetoxin-2 (PbTx-2) with an IC50 of 25 µM. The mechanism of the inhibition was discussed in this work. The research also revealed that the K. brevis high-toxic and low-toxic strains have a significant difference in their ability, not only to produce brevetoxin, but also to perform NPQ and in the production of ROS. I compared and contrasted various metabolic and biochemical parameters in two strains of K. brevis which had a ten-fold difference in toxin content. The work could shed light on the physiological role that brevetoxin fills for K. brevis and may contribute to understanding the effect of ladder-shaped polyether compounds on both marine animals and exposed humans and shall inform improved treatments for brevetoxicosis.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as H2O2 can damage cellular components and are formed as a byproduct of mitochondrial oxidative metabolism. Studies using the nematode C. elegans have found that increasing ROS during development or early adulthood can extend lifespan, while increasing ROS during later adulthood normally decreases lifespan. NADPH provides the reducing power for several cellular antioxidants and is synthesized in a two-step reaction from NAD+ with the first step being catalyzed by NAD kinase (NADK). In this study, the effects of knocking down C. elegans cytoplasmic NADK, nadk-1 globally or in a neuron or intestine-specific manner starting from early development on oxygen consumption and ROS levels were determined. Surprisingly, whole body knockdown of nadk-1 to decrease cytoplasmic NADPH levels decreased oxygen consumption and tert-butyl hydroperoxide-stimulated ROS levels, which was phenocopied by intestine-specific or neuron-specific knockdown. Thioredoxin reductase measurements following nadk-1 knockdown showed a trend toward increased activity.

Yes / Organometallic complexes offer the prospect of targeting multiple pathways that are important in cancer biology. Here, the preclinical activity and mechanism(s) of action of a silver-bis(N-heterocyclic carbine) complex (Ag8) were evaluated. Ag8 induced DNA damage via several mechanisms including topoisomerase I/II and thioredoxin reductase inhibition and induction of reactive oxygen species. DNA damage induction was consistent with cytotoxicity observed against proliferating cells and Ag8 induced cell death by apoptosis. Ag8 also inhibited DNA repair enzyme PARP1, showed preferential activity against cisplatin resistant A2780 cells and potentiated the activity of temozolomide. Ag8 was substantially less active against non-proliferating non-cancer cells and selectively inhibited glycolysis in cancer cells. Ag8 also induced significant anti-tumour effects against cells implanted intraperitoneally in hollow fibres but lacked activity against hollow fibres implanted subcutaneously. Thus, Ag8 targets multiple pathways of importance in cancer biology, is less active against non-cancer cells and shows activity in vivo in a loco-regional setting. / RMP and MS funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research (pump priming grant BPP 046). IJS and AL funded by NIHR Research & Innovation Division, Strategic Project Funding 2013 and Manchester Pharmacy School Fellowship.

Submitted by LIEGE ABDALLAH KAWAI null (liegekawai@gmail.com) on 2017-12-13T13:56:50Z No. of bitstreams: 1 liege kawai - tese final.pdf: 5173025 bytes, checksum: 74d38826e72cc45ba04c0050ac6a409b (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Elza Mitiko Sato null (elzasato@ibilce.unesp.br) on 2017-12-13T14:57:31Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 kawai_la_dr_sjrp.pdf: 5173025 bytes, checksum: 74d38826e72cc45ba04c0050ac6a409b (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-12-13T14:57:31Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 kawai_la_dr_sjrp.pdf: 5173025 bytes, checksum: 74d38826e72cc45ba04c0050ac6a409b (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-11-22 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis (C. pseudotuberculosis), é uma bactéria gram positiva anaeróbia facultativa, pleomórfica, que não esporula, não forma cápsula, e que apresenta 2 biotipos ou biovares, sendo o biovar equi capaz de infectar preferencialmente equinos, enquanto o biótipo denominado ovis acomete pequenos ruminantes. Esta bactéria faz parte do grupo CMNR (Corynebacterium, Mycobacterium, Nocardia e Rhodococcus), que demonstra grande importância veterinária e médica, uma vez que estes micro-organismos comumente infectam animais, podendo infectar o homem, causando perdas econômicas pela ineficácia ou alto custo de terapias existentes. Um exemplo seria a linfadenite caseosa (LC) causada por C. pseudotuberculosis, que afeta particularmente a pecuária de caprinos e ovinos, com a condenação da carcaça e redução da produção de lã e de carne. A transmissão da doença e contágio dos animais é direta, muitas vezes através da alimentação e ingestão de água em local contaminado por animais doentes. Essa doença possui incidência na pecuária mundial, principalmente de caprinos e ovinos, havendo registros de ocorrência no Brasil, Europa, Oriente Médio, Austrália, Nova Zelândia, África do Sul, Canadá e Estados Unidos e mesmo com todos os avanços tecnológicos, ainda não há métodos de prevenção totalmente eficazes, como vacinas e medicamentos, tampouco para o tratamento de animais infectados, que geralmente são de custo elevado, por longos períodos e sem a garantia de cura ou de isenção de reincidência da LC. Deste modo, técnicas mais rápidas e fáceis para detecção e diagnóstico da doença, bem como para seu tratamento, se tornam imprescindíveis, evitando não só a disseminação da doença, mas também suas consequentes perdas econômicas. Atualmente, devido ao uso indiscriminado de antibióticos para o tratamento de infecções de origem bacteriana, bem como à constante exposição destes micro-organismos a essas drogas em ambientes hospitalares, observa-se o desenvolvimento de micro-organismos resistentes às terapias disponíveis, sendo um desafio mundial a descoberta e elaboração de tratamentos eficazes para a prevenção, controle e eliminação destes patógenos, como alternativa aos já existentes. Visando terapias alternativas e direcionadas para infecção por C. pseudotuberculosis, as proteínas tioredoxina, tioredoxina redutase e diphtheria toxin repressor foram estudadas no presente trabalho, a fim de melhor compreender este micro-organismo. / Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis (C. pseudotuberculosis), is a gram-positive, facultative anaerobe, pleomorphic, non-sporulating bacterium with two biotopes or biovars, being the biovar equi capable of infecting horses, whereas the biotype called ovis infects small ruminants. It is part of the CMNR group (Corynebacterium, Mycobacterium, Nocardia and Rhodococcus), which demonstrates great veterinary and medical importance, since these common microorganisms infect animals and can infect humans, causing economic losses due to the inefficiency or high cost of existing therapies. An example is a caseous lymphadenitis (LC) caused by C. pseudotuberculosis, which particularly affects the goats and sheep livestock, with carcass condemnation and reduction of wool and meat production. The transmission of disease and the contagion of animals is direct, often through feeding and drinking water in places contaminated by sick animals. This disease has an incidence in the world livestock, mainly of goats and sheep, with occurrence records in Brazil, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada and the United States and even with all technological advances, still there are no totally effective prevention methods, such as vaccines and medications, nor for the treatment of infected animals, which are usually of a high cost, for long periods and without guarantee of cure or exemption from recurrence of LC. In this way, faster and easier techniques for the detection of the diagnosis of this disease as well as for its treatment become essential, avoiding not only a spread of the disease, but also its consequent economic losses. Currently, the use of indiscriminate antibiotics for the treatment of infections of bacterial origin, as well as the constant exposure of these microorganisms to these drugs in hospital environments, shows the development of microorganisms resistant to the available therapies, being one world-wide challenge the elaboration of effective treatments for the prevention, control and elimination of these pathogens, as an alternative to the existing ones. Aiming alternative therapies for infection by C. pseudotuberculosis, proteins such as thioredoxin, thioredoxin reductase, diphtheria toxin repressor, were studied in the present work, for a better comprehension of this microorganism.

of study named: Effects of selected natural substances on the antioxidant system of an organism Developed: Mgr. Anna Hodková Department of Pharmacology and Toxikology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University in Prague Pilsen 2016 The aim of this study was to compare the effects of selected natural substances on the antioxidant defense system under comparable conditions, focusing on influencing the activity of selenoenzymes thioredoxin reductase (TrxR-1) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx-1). Experiments were performed in rats (Wistar, male). Livers, and in some cases kidneys were collected in all experiments. Homogenates were created from the collected organs and subsequently the activity of TrxR-1 and GPx-1, glutathione reductase (GR), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH) and lipid peroxidation (LP) levels were determined. We demonstrated significant effects of selected natural substances on the redox system, including influences of selenoenzymes thioredoxin reductase and glutathione peroxidase. The biggest influence on the activity of selenoenzymes thioredoxin reductase and glutathione peroxidase had hydroxytyrosol (HT) and oleuropein (OLEU). In rat liver tissue there was a significant decrease of the activity of both above mentioned enzymes after...

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / The antioxidant properties of selenium organic compounds have been largely investigated in the last decades, especially because the oxidative stress is directly related to various chronic-degenerative deseases. However, a few studies verify the action of nucleophlilic or electrophilic radicals on the protective activity of selenium compounds. In this work, it was evaluated the influence of different substituent radicals on the antioxidant activities of β-selenoamines. The capacity of β-selenoaminas in mimicry the glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity and/or be substrate to the hepatic thioredoxinereductase (TrxR) enzyme were also investigated in experimental modelsin vitro.In DPPH assay, the β-selenoamines tested did not show antioxidant activity when compared to acorbic acid (AA). However, similar to compound (PhSe)2, the β-selenoamines with p-methoxy and tosylradicals were effective in preventing the lipid peroxidation induced by Fe2SO4. The compounds with other radicals did not exhibit the same activity. The β-selenoamine with the substituent group p-methoxy also showed mimetic activity to GPx and was reduced by hepatic TrxR. Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed among these parameters to β-selenoamines, which was not found in the results obtained with (PhSe)2. The data of this work show the influence of different substituent radicals on activity of organic selenium compounds and point the use of β-selenoaminas as pharmacological promissor compounds in in vivo experimental models. / As propriedades antioxidantes de compostos orgânicos de selênio têm sido amplamente investigadas nas últimas décadas, especialmente pelo fato do estresse oxidativo estar diretamente relacionado a uma grande variedade de doenças crônico-degenerativas. Contudo, poucos estudos têm verificado a ação exercida por radicais nucleofílicos ou eletrofílicos na atividade protetora de compostos de selênio. Neste trabalho foi avaliada a influência de diferentes radicais substituintes sobre a atividade antioxidante de β-selenoaminas. A capacidade das β-selenoaminas em mimetizar a atividade da glutationa peroxidase (GPx) e/ou serem substratos para a enzima tiorredoxina redutase hepática (TrxR) também foram investigadas em modelos experimentais in vitro. No ensaio de DPPH , as β-selenoaminas testadas não apresentaram atividade antioxidante quando comparadas ao ácido ascórbico (AA). Contudo, assim como o composto disseleneto de difenila (PhSe)2, as β-selenoaminas com grupos p-metóxi e tosil na estrutura foram efetivas em prevenir a peroxidação lipídica induzida por Fe2SO4. Os compostos com outros radicais não apresentaram a mesma atividade. A β-selenoamina com o grupo substituinte p-metóxi também apresentou atividade mimética à GPx e foi reduzida pela TrxR hepática. Além disso, uma correlação positiva foi encontrada entre estes parâmetros para as β-selenoaminas; o que não foi observado quando considerados os resultados obtidos com o composto (PhSe)2. Os dados do presente trabalho mostram a influência de diferentes radicais substituintes na atividade de compostos orgânicos de selênio, bem como, aponta o uso de β-selenoaminas como compostos promissores farmacologicamente em modelos experimentais in vivo.

Submitted by Renata Lopes (renatasil82@gmail.com) on 2016-01-04T11:05:16Z No. of bitstreams: 1 adrianagarcia.pdf: 5680932 bytes, checksum: 0970d1d8e230c125593c98d09c712728 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Adriana Oliveira (adriana.oliveira@ufjf.edu.br) on 2016-01-25T15:37:43Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 adrianagarcia.pdf: 5680932 bytes, checksum: 0970d1d8e230c125593c98d09c712728 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-01-25T15:37:43Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 adrianagarcia.pdf: 5680932 bytes, checksum: 0970d1d8e230c125593c98d09c712728 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-03-06 / PROQUALI / Este trabalho descreve a síntese, caracterização, atividade citotóxica e potencial de inibição da enzima tiorredoxina redutase (TrxR) de quatro novos complexos de ouro(I) derivados do adamantano com 1,3,4-oxadiazol ou 1,3-tiazolidina-2-tiona e alquil ou aril fosfinas. Os compostos foram avaliados quanto à citotoxicidade em três linhagens de células tumorais e uma linhagem normal, sendo determinada a concentração inibitória de cinquenta por cento da viabilidade celular (CI50) e o índice de seletividade (IS). Uma das mais importantes aplicações de complexos metálicos na clínica médica é no tratamento do câncer como é o caso da Cisplatina [(cis-diamindicloroplatina(II)] e seus derivados. Entretanto, existem problemas associados ao seu uso, especialmente a resistência celular desenvolvida por alguns tipos de tumor e os graves efeitos colaterais, que geram uma demanda por compostos mais ativos contra o câncer e menos tóxicos para o paciente. Dentro deste contexto, a busca por complexos contendo diferentes metais que possibilitem novos alvos celulares surgiu como forma de contornar tais problemas. A ação de complexos com platina ocorre preferencialmente sobre o DNA enquanto a ação do ouro está relacionada à inibição da enzima TrxR que participa do balanço redox intracelular. Com o intuito de potencializar a ação dos complexos de ouro(I) selecionamos os ligantes derivados do adamantano com anel heterocíclico oxadiazol ou tiazolidina e fosfinas (alifáticas ou aromáticas) que estão presentes em substâncias bioativas. Os compostos sintetizados foram caracterizados por CHN, RMN 1H e 13C, IV, Raman, TG além de difração de raios X por monocristal no caso dos ligantes e do complexo 1 {trifenilfosfino[5-adamantil-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-tiolato(κS)]ouro(I)}. Todos os complexos foram mais ativos sobre as células tumorais que os ligantes livres e foram mais eficientes e seletivos do que a Cisplatina para a linhagem de células de melanoma (B16-F10). O complexo 4 {Cloreto de trietilfosfino[(metil-1-adamantano)1,3-tiazolidina-2- tiona(κS)]ouro(I)} apresentou valores de CI50 próximos a Auranofina [2,3,4,6-tetra-o-acetil-1- tio-β-D-glicopiranosato-trietilfosfinouro(I)] e maior seletividade. Quanto a capacidade de inibição da enzima TrxR, os complexos com trietilfosfina foram mais eficientes, alcançando porcentagem de inibição próxima a da Auranofina. Notamos uma relação entre a capacidade de inibição da TrxR e a citotoxicidade, o que sugere o mecanismo de ação destes compostos de ouro via inativação da enzima. Dessa forma, o presente trabalho apresenta uma importante contribuição para a química de coordenação dos complexos de ouro(I). / This work describes the synthesis, characterization, cytotoxic activity and potential inhibition of thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) of four new gold (I) complexes with novel ligands derived from adamantine, 1,3,4-oxadiazole or 1,3-thiazolidine-2-thionering and alkyl or aryl phosphines. The cytotoxicity of compounds was investigated in three tumor cell lines and one normal cell to determine the inhibitory concentration of fifty percent of cell viability (IC50) and selectivity index (SI). One of the most important applications for metal complexes such as Cisplatin [cis-diamindichloroplatinum(II)] and derivatives is in cancer treatment. However, there are several problems associated with their use, especially cellular resistance, developed by some tumor cells, and serious side effects. Those problems create a demand for new compounds more active against cancer and less toxic to patient. In this context, the search for complexes with other metals that present different cellular targets appeared to circumvent such problems. The action of platinum complexes occurs preferentially on DNA while the gold action is related to the inhibition of the enzyme TrxR which participates in intracellular redox balance. To enhance biological activity of gold complexes we prepared ligands containing adamantane with heterocyclic ring oxadiazole or thiazolidine and phosphines (trimethyl or triphenyl) which are present in bioactive substances. The synthesized compounds were characterized by CHN, 1H and 13C NMR, IR, Raman, TG and X-ray diffraction for ligands and complex 1 {triphenylphosphin[5-adamantyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2- thiolate(κS)]gold(I)}. All complexes were more active against tumor cells compared to the free ligands and more efficient and selective than cisplatin for melanoma cell line (B16-F10). The complex 4 {Triethylphosphine chloride[(metyl-1-adamantane)1,3-thiazolidine-2- thione(κS)]gold(I)} showed IC50 values near Auranofin [2,3,4,6-tetra-o-acetyl-1-thio-β-Dglycopyranosate- trietylphosphingold(I)] and higher selectivity. The ability to inhibit TrxR was most relevant for the complexes with ethyl phosphine reaching the inhibition promoted by Auranofin. We have observed a relationship among the capacity to inhibit TrxR, structure and cytotoxicity which contributes to confirm the mechanism of action for gold compounds. Thus, this study is an important contribution to the coordination chemistry of gold(I) complexes.

of study named: Effects of selected natural substances on the antioxidant system of an organism Developed: Mgr. Anna Hodková Department of Pharmacology and Toxikology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University in Prague Pilsen 2016 The aim of this study was to compare the effects of selected natural substances on the antioxidant defense system under comparable conditions, focusing on influencing the activity of selenoenzymes thioredoxin reductase (TrxR-1) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx-1). Experiments were performed in rats (Wistar, male). Livers, and in some cases kidneys were collected in all experiments. Homogenates were created from the collected organs and subsequently the activity of TrxR-1 and GPx-1, glutathione reductase (GR), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH) and lipid peroxidation (LP) levels were determined. We demonstrated significant effects of selected natural substances on the redox system, including influences of selenoenzymes thioredoxin reductase and glutathione peroxidase. The biggest influence on the activity of selenoenzymes thioredoxin reductase and glutathione peroxidase had hydroxytyrosol (HT) and oleuropein (OLEU). In rat liver tissue there was a significant decrease of the activity of both above mentioned enzymes after...