A degradação da interface adesiva em dentina pode acometer tanto a porção resinosa como a porção orgânica da camada híbrida. Evidências indicam que a degradação da porção orgânica pode ocorrer em parte devido a atividade enzimática de proteases da própria dentina. As metaloproteinases da matriz (MMPs) constituem a primeira classe de enzimas relacionada com a degradação da matriz orgânica. É possível que as MMPs, possam ser reativadas durante o procedimento adesivo em conseqüência da queda do pH do meio. Objetivo: Esta investigação teve como objetivos avaliar a influência de soluções desmineralizadoras com diferentes concentrações de ácido fosfórico (AF1%, AF10% e AF37%) na atividade proteolítica da dentina humana sadia, na degradação do colágeno exposto pela desmineralização, além de identificar imunologicamente as metaloproteinases. Material e Métodos: Vinte dentes molares permanentes foram triturados para obtenção de um pó de dentina. Alíquotas de 1g do pó foram acondicionadas em tubos plásticos para que a desmineralização do substrato pudesse ser realizada de acordo com as três diferentes concentrações de ácido fosfórico testadas. Após a neutralização do ácido com NaOH, as amostras foram centrifugadas. O sobrenadante foi utilizado para mensuração espectrofotométrica do conteúdo de Cálcio (Ca) liberado pela desmineralização. O precipitado obtido foi incubado com tampão de extração de proteínas por 24h a 4°C sob agitação. Nova centrifugação foi realizada e o sobrenadante utilizado para avaliação da atividade da MMP-2 e MMP-9 por zimografia e para a identificação imunológica das metaloproteinases por western blot. O precipitado obtido pela centrifugação foi liofilizado e separado em alíquotas de 40mg (n=10) de pó de dentina para cada condição experimental. As alíquotas foram incubadas em saliva artificial por 24h a 37°C sob agitação e hidrolisadas em autoclave. Após incubação a 65°C por 40 min, as amostras foram avaliadas por espectrofotometria para que a mensuração da concentração do aminoácido hidroxiprolina (HYP) liberado pela degradação do colágeno exposto pudesse ser obtida. Fatias de 0.3 mm da dentina coronária de outro dente foram obtidas e desmineralizadas, de acordo com as diferentes concentrações de ácido fosfórico para avaliação da atividade enzimática através do método da zimografia in situ. Os resultados foram submetidos à análise de variância de um fator sem vinculação ou teste de Kruskal-Wallis para identificação das diferenças existentes entre os grupos experimentais. Para contraste das médias foi realizado o teste de Student-Newman-Keuls com nível de significância de 5% (=0,05). Resultados: A atividade enzimática de MMP-2 foi estatisticamente maior quando a dentina foi desmineralizada com AF 1% ou 10%. O uso do ácido fosfórico 37% diminuiu consideravelmente a atividade desta enzima, em relação ao AF10% (<0,05). Em nenhuma das amostras desmineralizadas com AF foi detectada a atividade enzimática da MMP-9. A identidade da MMP-2 foi confirmada pelo immunoblotting da enzima com anticorpo específico. A MMP-9 não foi expressa nos extratos analisados. A expressão de MMP-2 foi maior quando utilizado AF 1% ou 10% e menor quando foi utilizado o AF 37%. A utilização do AF 37% liberou valores de Ca, em g/mL, estatisticamente superiores aos valores determinados para os demais grupos (<0,05). A maior concentração de HYP, em g/mL, foi encontrada nos extratos desmineralizados com AF 10%. Em seguida, aparecem os valores encontrados com o uso do AF1%. Os menores valores da concentração de HYP aparecem no grupo em que foi utilizado o AF 37% (<0,05). A concentração de HYP em função do peso de dentina utilizado (40mg) também foi calculada. A maior concentração de HYP por mg de dentina foi obtida com AF 10%, seguida pelos extratos desmineralizados com AF1%. Os menores valores foram detectados com AF 37% (<0,05). O uso do AF10% demonstrou ser responsável pela maior taxa de degradação de colágeno exposto (20,13%). Em seguida, aparecem valores intermediários (11,34%) obtidos com AF1%. Por último, surgem os menores valores (0,68%) com AF37%. A análise das imagens obtidas após a realização da zimografia in situ demonstrou maior atividade enzimática quando a dentina foi desmineralizada com AF10%. Conclusão: O uso do AF37% para o condicionamento da dentina durante a realização do procedimento adesivo pode minimizar os efeitos degradantes das proteases endógenas sobre o colágeno. Em contrapartida, estudos realizados com pó de dentina desmineralizado com AF1% ou 10% podem estar sobreestimando a atividade das MMPs, em relação à prática clínica. / The dentin adhesive interface degradation can occur in resin and in organic portion of the hybrid layer. Evidence indicates that the degradation of organic matrix may partially occur due to the enzymatic activity of proteases own dentin. The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been described as the first class of enzymes associated with degradation of the organic matrix. It is possible that MMPs may be reactivated during the adhesive procedure as a result of the fall of pH. Purpose: The objectives of the present investigation are to evaluate the influence of different demineralizing phosphoric acid solutions (PA1%, PA10% and PA37%) on the proteolytic activity of human sound dentin, on the collagen degradation that was exposed after demineralization, as well as to identify the metaloproteases immunologically. Material and Methods: Dentin powder was obtained from twenty human molars. One gram aliquots were placed in polyestyrene tubes and the dentin demineralization was performed using the three different phosphoric acid concentrations tested in this study. After neutralization with NaOH, the samples were centrifuged. The supernatant was used for the spectrophotometrically quantification of calcium (Ca) released by the demineralization while the precipitate was re-suspended and incubated with a protein extraction buffer for 24h at 4ºC under agitation. The sample was centrifuged and the supernatant was used for the identification of MMP-2 and MMP-9 by western blot and for the evaluation of gelatinolytic activity by zymography. The pellet was lyophilized and 40 mg aliquots of the dentin powder (n=10) were incubated in artificial saliva for 24h at 37°C under agitation and hydrolysed in autoclave after incubation at 65°C for 40 min. The samples were analyzed spectrophotometrically to measure the hydroxyproline (HYP) released after collagen degradation. Slices of 0.3 mm of the dentine crown of the another tooth were obtained and demineralized in accordance with the concentrations of phosphoric acid used in this study for evaluating the enzymatic activity by the method of in situ zymography.The data were analyzed by ANOVA one-way or Kruskal-Wallis test for the identification of differences between the experimental groups. The means were analyzed by Student-Newmans-Keulss test (=0,05). Results: The MMP-2 enzymatic activity was statistically higher when the dentin was demineralized with 1% or 10% PA. The 37% phosphoric acid decreased the activity of such enzyme relative to PA 10% (<0,05). MMP-9 activity was not detected in any demineralization condition (1%, 10% or 37% PA). MMP-2 identification was confirmed by immunoblotting while MMP-9 was not observed in any condition. MMP-2 identification was higher when 1% or 10% PA were used while 37% PA showed lower MMP-2 identification. The use of 37% PA resulted in higher release of Ca, which was significantly higher when compared to other PA concentrations (<0,05). The highest HYP concentration was observed when 10% PA was used, followed by 1% PA. The lowest values were observed for 37% PA (<0,05). The HYP concentration according to the dentin weight used (40 mg) was also calculated. Highest concentrations of HYP per mg of dentin were observed for 10% and 1% PA, while 37% PA resulted in the lowest HYP concentration (<0,05). The use of 10% PA showed to be responsible for the highest exposed collagen degradation after demineralization (20,13%) when compared to 1% PA (11,34%) and 37% PA (0,68%). The analysis of images obtained after the realization of in situ zymography showed greater enzyme activity when the dentin was demineralized in PA10%. Conclusion: The use of 37% PA for dentin etching during the restorative procedure might minimize collagen degradation by host-derived proteases. On the other hand, studies that have been using 1% or 10% PA might have overestimated MMPs activity when compared to the clinical situation.

Six isoflavones derived from Millettia griffoniana namely, 4’-methoxy-7-O-[(E)-3-methyl-7hydroxymethyl-2,6 octadienyl]isoflavone (7-O-DHF), Griffonianone C (Griff C), 7-O-geranylformononetin (7-O-GF), 3’,4’-dihydroxy-7-O-[(E)-3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienyl]isoflavone (7-O-GISO), Griffonianone E (Griff E), 4’-O-geranylisoliquiritigenin (4-O-GIQ) were tested for potential oestrogenic activities in three different oestrogen receptor alpha (ERα) dependent assays, namely a recombinant yeast assay, a reporter gene assay based on stably transfected MCF-7 cells (MVLN cells) and the induction of alkaline phosphatase in Ishikawa cells. The oestrogenic activities of isoflavones from Millettia griffoniana could be completely suppressed by the pure oestrogen antagonist, fulvestrant. The expression of Ki-67, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and cyclin D1 (CD1) mRNA used as indicator of cell proliferation in MCF-7 cells was assayed. Based on these in vitro results, Griff C was further tested in vivo. The main objective of this part of the work was to study the mechanistic basis of the oestrogenicity Three different doses of Griff C (2, 10, or 20 mg/kg BW) of Griff C in ovariectomised Wistar rats. 17β-oestradiol (E2: 10 µg/kg BW) was used as positive control. They were treated daily for three consecutive days and sacrificed 24 hours after receiving the last dose. The whole uterus was removed and weight. Liver and vena cava fragments were also collected and stored together with uteri in liquid nitrogen for subsequent real-time PCR to evaluate the effects of Griff C on the regulation of some relevant oestrogen–responsive genes in the uterus, the liver and the vena cava. The role of Griff C in apoptosis or in cell survival, through mediation of the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase-Akt (PI3K-Akt) signaling pathway, was also investigated. Western blot analysis revealed that Griff C slightly increased the phosphorylation of Akt at its serine 473 residue. In this work, oestrogenic properties of the isoflavones derived from Millettia griffoniana are described using reporter gene assays and the oestrogen-inducible alkaline phosphatase Ishikawa model for the first time. These in vitro data were verified in vivo showing the regulation of the expression of various relevant oestrogen-responsive genes by Griff C. The spectrum of its activity was clearly similar to that of 17β-oestradiol on uterine hepatic and vena cava tissues of ovariectomised rats except for the proliferative response. However Griff C remained 100 to 1000 times less effective than oestradiol. These findings confirmed that some of the biological effects attributed to Millettia griffoniana are closely related to oestrogen-mediated action.

No description available.

A degradação da interface adesiva em dentina pode acometer tanto a porção resinosa como a porção orgânica da camada híbrida. Evidências indicam que a degradação da porção orgânica pode ocorrer em parte devido a atividade enzimática de proteases da própria dentina. As metaloproteinases da matriz (MMPs) constituem a primeira classe de enzimas relacionada com a degradação da matriz orgânica. É possível que as MMPs, possam ser reativadas durante o procedimento adesivo em conseqüência da queda do pH do meio. Objetivo: Esta investigação teve como objetivos avaliar a influência de soluções desmineralizadoras com diferentes concentrações de ácido fosfórico (AF1%, AF10% e AF37%) na atividade proteolítica da dentina humana sadia, na degradação do colágeno exposto pela desmineralização, além de identificar imunologicamente as metaloproteinases. Material e Métodos: Vinte dentes molares permanentes foram triturados para obtenção de um pó de dentina. Alíquotas de 1g do pó foram acondicionadas em tubos plásticos para que a desmineralização do substrato pudesse ser realizada de acordo com as três diferentes concentrações de ácido fosfórico testadas. Após a neutralização do ácido com NaOH, as amostras foram centrifugadas. O sobrenadante foi utilizado para mensuração espectrofotométrica do conteúdo de Cálcio (Ca) liberado pela desmineralização. O precipitado obtido foi incubado com tampão de extração de proteínas por 24h a 4°C sob agitação. Nova centrifugação foi realizada e o sobrenadante utilizado para avaliação da atividade da MMP-2 e MMP-9 por zimografia e para a identificação imunológica das metaloproteinases por western blot. O precipitado obtido pela centrifugação foi liofilizado e separado em alíquotas de 40mg (n=10) de pó de dentina para cada condição experimental. As alíquotas foram incubadas em saliva artificial por 24h a 37°C sob agitação e hidrolisadas em autoclave. Após incubação a 65°C por 40 min, as amostras foram avaliadas por espectrofotometria para que a mensuração da concentração do aminoácido hidroxiprolina (HYP) liberado pela degradação do colágeno exposto pudesse ser obtida. Fatias de 0.3 mm da dentina coronária de outro dente foram obtidas e desmineralizadas, de acordo com as diferentes concentrações de ácido fosfórico para avaliação da atividade enzimática através do método da zimografia in situ. Os resultados foram submetidos à análise de variância de um fator sem vinculação ou teste de Kruskal-Wallis para identificação das diferenças existentes entre os grupos experimentais. Para contraste das médias foi realizado o teste de Student-Newman-Keuls com nível de significância de 5% (=0,05). Resultados: A atividade enzimática de MMP-2 foi estatisticamente maior quando a dentina foi desmineralizada com AF 1% ou 10%. O uso do ácido fosfórico 37% diminuiu consideravelmente a atividade desta enzima, em relação ao AF10% (<0,05). Em nenhuma das amostras desmineralizadas com AF foi detectada a atividade enzimática da MMP-9. A identidade da MMP-2 foi confirmada pelo immunoblotting da enzima com anticorpo específico. A MMP-9 não foi expressa nos extratos analisados. A expressão de MMP-2 foi maior quando utilizado AF 1% ou 10% e menor quando foi utilizado o AF 37%. A utilização do AF 37% liberou valores de Ca, em g/mL, estatisticamente superiores aos valores determinados para os demais grupos (<0,05). A maior concentração de HYP, em g/mL, foi encontrada nos extratos desmineralizados com AF 10%. Em seguida, aparecem os valores encontrados com o uso do AF1%. Os menores valores da concentração de HYP aparecem no grupo em que foi utilizado o AF 37% (<0,05). A concentração de HYP em função do peso de dentina utilizado (40mg) também foi calculada. A maior concentração de HYP por mg de dentina foi obtida com AF 10%, seguida pelos extratos desmineralizados com AF1%. Os menores valores foram detectados com AF 37% (<0,05). O uso do AF10% demonstrou ser responsável pela maior taxa de degradação de colágeno exposto (20,13%). Em seguida, aparecem valores intermediários (11,34%) obtidos com AF1%. Por último, surgem os menores valores (0,68%) com AF37%. A análise das imagens obtidas após a realização da zimografia in situ demonstrou maior atividade enzimática quando a dentina foi desmineralizada com AF10%. Conclusão: O uso do AF37% para o condicionamento da dentina durante a realização do procedimento adesivo pode minimizar os efeitos degradantes das proteases endógenas sobre o colágeno. Em contrapartida, estudos realizados com pó de dentina desmineralizado com AF1% ou 10% podem estar sobreestimando a atividade das MMPs, em relação à prática clínica. / The dentin adhesive interface degradation can occur in resin and in organic portion of the hybrid layer. Evidence indicates that the degradation of organic matrix may partially occur due to the enzymatic activity of proteases own dentin. The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been described as the first class of enzymes associated with degradation of the organic matrix. It is possible that MMPs may be reactivated during the adhesive procedure as a result of the fall of pH. Purpose: The objectives of the present investigation are to evaluate the influence of different demineralizing phosphoric acid solutions (PA1%, PA10% and PA37%) on the proteolytic activity of human sound dentin, on the collagen degradation that was exposed after demineralization, as well as to identify the metaloproteases immunologically. Material and Methods: Dentin powder was obtained from twenty human molars. One gram aliquots were placed in polyestyrene tubes and the dentin demineralization was performed using the three different phosphoric acid concentrations tested in this study. After neutralization with NaOH, the samples were centrifuged. The supernatant was used for the spectrophotometrically quantification of calcium (Ca) released by the demineralization while the precipitate was re-suspended and incubated with a protein extraction buffer for 24h at 4ºC under agitation. The sample was centrifuged and the supernatant was used for the identification of MMP-2 and MMP-9 by western blot and for the evaluation of gelatinolytic activity by zymography. The pellet was lyophilized and 40 mg aliquots of the dentin powder (n=10) were incubated in artificial saliva for 24h at 37°C under agitation and hydrolysed in autoclave after incubation at 65°C for 40 min. The samples were analyzed spectrophotometrically to measure the hydroxyproline (HYP) released after collagen degradation. Slices of 0.3 mm of the dentine crown of the another tooth were obtained and demineralized in accordance with the concentrations of phosphoric acid used in this study for evaluating the enzymatic activity by the method of in situ zymography.The data were analyzed by ANOVA one-way or Kruskal-Wallis test for the identification of differences between the experimental groups. The means were analyzed by Student-Newmans-Keulss test (=0,05). Results: The MMP-2 enzymatic activity was statistically higher when the dentin was demineralized with 1% or 10% PA. The 37% phosphoric acid decreased the activity of such enzyme relative to PA 10% (<0,05). MMP-9 activity was not detected in any demineralization condition (1%, 10% or 37% PA). MMP-2 identification was confirmed by immunoblotting while MMP-9 was not observed in any condition. MMP-2 identification was higher when 1% or 10% PA were used while 37% PA showed lower MMP-2 identification. The use of 37% PA resulted in higher release of Ca, which was significantly higher when compared to other PA concentrations (<0,05). The highest HYP concentration was observed when 10% PA was used, followed by 1% PA. The lowest values were observed for 37% PA (<0,05). The HYP concentration according to the dentin weight used (40 mg) was also calculated. Highest concentrations of HYP per mg of dentin were observed for 10% and 1% PA, while 37% PA resulted in the lowest HYP concentration (<0,05). The use of 10% PA showed to be responsible for the highest exposed collagen degradation after demineralization (20,13%) when compared to 1% PA (11,34%) and 37% PA (0,68%). The analysis of images obtained after the realization of in situ zymography showed greater enzyme activity when the dentin was demineralized in PA10%. Conclusion: The use of 37% PA for dentin etching during the restorative procedure might minimize collagen degradation by host-derived proteases. On the other hand, studies that have been using 1% or 10% PA might have overestimated MMPs activity when compared to the clinical situation.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-08-20T14:31:29Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 dissertacao_ana_paula_de_lara.pdf: 4627911 bytes, checksum: 887ee69dd56b73509c1a603e3b25aebd (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-03-08 / Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a Gram-positive bacteria, ubiquitous, facultative anaerobic, and form spores. During sporulation produce a parasporal crystals inclusion. Within these inclusions there are δ-endotoxin proteins well known for its insecticides proprieties. Among them, the Cry (crystal) is wide employed for biological control of plagues. The δ-endotoxin has an advantage of been more specific than chemical insecticides, thus been consider more favorable for the environment. The aim of this study was to obtain the Cry 11Aa recombinant protein of Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis in Escherichia coli, active for use in biocontrol. Two expression E. coli strains were tested: BL 21 (DE3) C41 and BL 21 (DE3) Ril. The protein Cry 11Aa was expressed and secreted in a soluble form by the two strains. The expression was demonstrated by Western Blot using anti-histidin monoclonal antibody. The strain BL 21 (DE3) C41 express the protein Cry 11Aa ~3.6 times more than the strain Rill, and showed a biologic efficiency of 95% of mortality for Culex quinquefaciatus larvae. The data obtained in this study suggest that the protein recombinant Cry 11Aa expressed in E. coli has a potential to be used in biological control. / Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) é uma bactéria Gram-positiva, de ocorrência ubíqua, anaeróbica facultativa, formadora de esporos. Produz cristais, como inclusões parasporal durante a esporulação. Estas inclusões contêm proteínas chamadas de δ-endotoxinas, que são bem conhecidas pelas suas propriedades inseticidas. Dentre elas as toxinas Cry (crystal) são largamente empregadas no controle biológico de pragas. As δ-endotoxinas têm a vantagem de serem mais específicos do que os inseticidas químicos sintéticos, portanto, são considerados como agentes de controles favoráveis ao meio ambiente. O objetivo deste estudo foi a obtenção da proteína Cry 11Aa recombinante de Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis em Escherichia coli, ativa, para utilização no controle biológico.Duas cepas de E. coli de expressão foram testadas: BL 21 (DE3) C41 e BL 21 (DE3) Ril. A proteína Cry 11Aa foi expressa e secretada na forma solúvel pelas duas cepas. A expressão foi demonstrada por Western blot utilizando-se anticorpo monoclonal anti-histidina. A cepa BL 21 (DE3) C41 expressou a proteína Cry 11Aa ~3.6 vezes mais que a cepa BL 21 (DE3) Ril, e apresentou, em teste biológico, uma eficácia de 95% de mortalidade sobre larvas de Culex quinquefaciatus. Com os dados obtidos neste trabalho podemos sugerir que a proteína recombinante Cry 11Aa expressa em E. coli é um potencial candidato para ser utilizado no controle biológico.

Foram testadas, com o teste não treponêmico VDRL e com o teste treponêmico imunoenzimático de competição, 23.531 amostras de soros, coletados em todas as regiões do Brasil, com o objetivo de verificar o comportamento do teste imunoenzimático treponêmico na triagem de amostras. A prevalência obtida foi de 0,63% com o VDRL e de 0,84% para o teste imunoenzimático. A análise dos dados foi feita comparando-se os resultados dos dois testes com os resultados do teste treponêmico de imunofluorescência indireta (FTA-ABS), considerado como teste de referência. No total, 1120 amostras foram submetidas ao teste FTA-ABS, incluindo todas as que foram reagentes em qualquer um dos testes de triagem e 872 amostras negativas. Amostras com resultados discordantes entre os testes foram submetidas a um teste imunoenzimático do tipo Western blot. Nas amostras por nós estudadas, o teste imunoenzimático apresentou sensibilidade de 89,95% e especificidade de 99,78%, muito superior aos 55,11% de sensibilidade e 97,43% de especificidade que encontramos para o VDRL. Os resultados dos testes detectaram positividade em amostras diferentes portanto, recomendamos utilizar a associação dos dois testes, como método de triagem, quando se trata de populações de baixa prevalência. Resultados preliminares do Western blot sugerem a participação doas proteínas de 43 kD, 17 kD e 15,5 kD na reação de ELISA treponêmico competitivo. / The VDRL, a non treponemal test, and a treponemal competitive ELISA were used to test 23,531 serum samples, collected from conscript men throughout Brazil, with the objective of assessing the performance of the competitive ELISA on the screening of serum samples. The VDRL showed a prevalence of 0.63% contrasting with a 0.84% prevalence showed by the competitive ELISA. The results obtained with the two tests were then compared to those obtained by fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-ABS) test which is considered the gold standard method for detection of antibodies for syphilis. A total number of 1,120 samples, which included all that were reagent in at least one of the screening test plus 872 that were negative in both tests, were submitted to the FTA_ABS test. In addition, some of the samples that presented discrepant results between the two tests studied were also submitted to the Western blot test. The results of the screening tests showed an 89.95% sensitivity and a 99.78% specificity for the competitive ELISA, which are much higher than the 55.11% sensitivity and 97.43% specificity presented by the VDRL. Also, the tests detected positivity in different samples. In conclusion, we recommended the use in tandem of both tests as screening for syphilis antibodies in low prevalence populations. In addition, the results of the Western blot seemed to suggest the positivity of the ELISA becoming non reactive after treatment of the patient and that the 43 kD, 17 kD and 15 kD proteins are the main proteins involved in the ELISA competitive reaction.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal form of cancerwith very few available treatment options of which none has great effect.Cancer cells and stromal cells such as stellate cells which exist in abundancein PDAC interact by crosstalk, resulting in a tumorigenic collective response.With the help of a previously developed 3D co-culture spheroid model theeffect of a CRISPR/cas9 knockout of the cellular communication cetworkfactor 1 (CCN1) gene together with gemcitabine (GEM) treatment has beeninvestigated in terms of Panc1 cell viability and gene expression. Spheroidsconsisting of wild-type and knockout cell lines, each identified by westernblots were cultured, imaged and treated. Viability assays and RNA extractionfollowed by PCR showed that the viability of the cancer cells in the spheroidswere higher for the cells with CCN1 knockout. Cancer cells were also coculturedwith stellate cells with the goal of investigating the effect of thecellular crosstalk on chemoresistance. / Pankreatisk duktal adenokarcinom (PDAC)  är en ytterst dödlig form av cancermed få tillgängliga behandlingsalternativ, varav ingen är särskilt effektiv.Cancerceller och stromala celler så som de stellatceller som rikligt förekommeri PDAC interagerar med varandra genom överhörning, vilket leder till en effektsom hjälper tumören att proliferera. Effekten av en CRISPR/cas9 knockoutav genen CCN1 tillsammans med behandling med gemcitabin vad gällercellviabilitet och genuttryck studerades med hjälp av en tidigare utveckladfleratig sfäroidmodell. Sfäroider, bestående av vildtypceller och knockoutcellerlinjersom identifierades med western blots, odlades, fotades och behandlades.Viabilitetstester och extraktion av RNA följt av PCR visade att viabilitetenav cancerceller i sfäroiderna var högre för de celler som var knockout.Cancerceller samodlades även med stellatceller med målet att undersökaeffekten av cellernas överhörning på motståndet mot kemoterapi.

Parascaris equorum is a nematode parasite that infects young horses, sometimes causing unthriftiness, respiratory signs, or intestinal impaction in severe cases. Infection can be diagnosed by detection of eggs in feces, but this is only possible after the worms are fully mature. The goal of this study was to develop an antibody-based test for prepatent diagnosis of P. equorum infection. To produce western blot (WB) antigen, P. equorum larvae were cultured for collection of excretory-secretory antigens (ESA). Sera from 18 pregnant broodmares, their subsequent foals, and a group of 12 older mares and geldings were analyzed. In order to check for cross-reactivity between P. equorum and other ascarid species and equine parasites, additional sera were analyzed. Sera from a horse with monospecific P. equorum infection was compared to horses with monospecific Strongyloides westeri or cyathostome infections, rabbits inoculated with Baylisascaris procyonis or Toxocara canis eggs, dogs naturally infected with T. canis, and rabbits immunized with B. procyonis or P. equorum ESA. Molecular weights of silver-stained P. equorum larval ESA ranged between 12 to 94 kDa. In WB analysis, sera from 94% of broodmares contained IgG(T) antibody that recognized multiple P. equorum larval ESA. Foals showed no IgG(T) antibodies pre-suckle, but antibodies similar to their dams were observed post-suckle and thereafter. Of the older mares and geldings, 58% had IgG(T) antibodies recognizing larval ESA. Serum IgG(T) antibodies against P. equorum larval ESA were also found in parasite-free and monospecific infection equine sera. Ascarid positive foals did not produce detectable amounts of IgE or IgM antibodies against larval ESA. When P. equorum, T. canis, and B. procyonis antibody reactivity was compared, antigens at 19 kDa and 34 kDa had the highest potential for identification of larval P. equorum infections. When immature adult P. equorum ESA was examined, IgG(T) antibody recognition was demonstrated in 50% of broodmares and 17% of the older horses, and appeared several weeks prior to patency in foal serum. Results indicate that IgG(T) antibodies against P. equorum ESA are common in mature horses, and are transferred from mare to foal, limiting the diagnostic potential of an antibody-based test.

Organic nitrates, such as nitroglycerine (NTG), are widely used for their potent vasodilator capacity in the management of coronary artery disease and heart failure. Unfortunately, their beneficial effect is rapidly lost due to the development of nitrate tolerance, which is translated by an impaired vasorelaxation to NTG and an increased oxidative stress production. Although the mechanisms of the development of nitrate tolerance are still not fully elucidated, much interest has been focused in treating nitrate-receiving patients together with other drugs in order to overcome the development of nitrate tolerance. The Nitric Oxide generating enzyme, eNOS, and the superoxide anion generating enzyme, NAD(P)H oxidase, have been suggested to play a role in the development of nitrate tolerance. The aim of this study was to analyse the underlying mechanism by which ramipril, an ACE inhibitor and rosuvastatin, a new molecule of the statin class, are able to protect against the development of nitrate tolerance in the aortas isolated from rats, wild-type (wt) and eNOS-/- mice. These results show that ramipril as well as rosuvastatin are able to protect against the development of nitrate tolerance in the wt and eNOS-/- mice aortas suggesting that eNOS is not necessary for their protective effect. The aortas from nitrate tolerant rats and mice showed a significant increase in the NAD(P)H oxidase activation compared to the aortas from the control and from the co-treated ramipril+NTG or rosuvastatin+NTG animals. In line with these findings were the results obtained by RT-PCR analysis: the mRNA expression of the different subunits of the NAD(P)H oxidase, such as gp91phox, p22phox, were significantly decreased after rosuvastatin or ramipril treatment in wt and eNOS-/- mice aortas. Apocynin, the NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitor was also able to inhibit the development of nitrate tolerance in the rat and mouse aortas. In conclusion, these results suggest that rosuvastatin and ramipril are able to protect against the development of nitrate tolerance by counteracting the nitrate-induced oxidative stress. The mechanism of protection involves a direct interaction with the NAD(P)H oxidase pathway and seems to be completely independent of the eNOS pathway.

<p>Food allergy is an IgE-mediated immunological disease, which affects almost 4% of the adult population and up to 6% of children. Proteins from milk, egg, peanuts, soybean, wheat, fish and nuts are the main cause of food allergies. A less common allergen is pea protein. The National Food Administration analyses undeclared pea protein and contaminations of pea protein in foods using rocket immunoelectrophoresis and immunodiffusion. For both methods an antiserum against pea protein is needed. The aim of this study has been to characterize a newly developed rabbit-antiserum against pea protein. It is important to know if the antiserum is specific against peas, the detection as well as the quantification limits before it can be taken into use. The results of the study show that the antiserum was not absolutely specific, since it cross-reacted with chickpeas, fenugreek and lenses. However there is an "in-house" established PCR-method that can distinguish between chickpeas, fenugreek and peas and that method can be used as a complement to the rocket immunoelectrophoresis. The PCR-method cannot be used alone because it is not quantitative. Rocket immunoelectro¬phoresis detects 0,003% pea protein with purified IgG-antibodies from the antiserum.</p>