Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-16T18:18:42Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Tese MARCELO SOUZA DE ANDRADE.pdf: 1768433 bytes, checksum: 8051d8f14c6a38ec8166fcb2e817b674 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-04-25 / FUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA E AO DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTIFICO E TECNOLÓGICO DO MARANHÃO / Introduction. The androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) is a rare disease (1:20,000 to 1:64.000)-linked X chromosome, which generates a disorder of sexual differentiation of the male fetus (XY) with a spectrum of phenotypes ranging from females complete (CAIS) to a male phenotype with discrete signs of androgen insensitivity. An increasing number of mutations have been cataloged and nearly 500 mutations have been related to CAIS and 1000 to the androgen receptor gene. The AR gene is located on Xq11-12, with eight exons, about 919 amino acids. Objective. To characterize the mutations in the AR gene families in the region of the "Bico do Papagaio" in the southwestern state of Maranhao. Methodology. We used molecular biology techniques such as DNA extraction, PCR, electrophoresis, purification of PCR products and sequencing. In addition, we analyzed the clinical and hormonal characteristics of 14 patients and their families. Results. In one family (with two twin affected), we found the mutation R753X and the third molecular diagnosis of CAIS in twins described in the World. In another family, with 12 patients, was identified a new mutation in exon 8, as described P893A, protein AR. Conclusion. This work enabled the application of molecular techniques for the accurate diagnosis of AIS, genetic counseling for relatives of affected patients, and contribute to the formation of more qualified human resources, aiming at the development of biotechnology in the state of Maranhão. / Introdução. A Síndrome de Insensibilidade Androgênica (AIS) é uma doença rara (1:20.000 a 1:64.000), de transmissão ligada ao cromossomo X, que gera um distúrbio da diferenciação sexual do feto masculino (XY) com um espectro de fenótipo que varia desde o feminino completo (CAIS) até um fenótipo masculino com discretos sinais de insensibilidade androgênica. Um número crescente de mutações tem sido catalogadas e quase 500 mutações já foram relacionadas à CAIS e cerca de 1000 ao gene do receptor androgênico. O gene AR localiza-se em Xq11-12, com 8 exons, com cerca de 919 aminoácidos. Objetivo. Caracterizar as mutações no gene AR em famílias da região do Bico do Papagaio , no sudoeste do Estado do Maranhão. Metodologia. Foram utilizadas técnicas de biologia molecular como extração de DNA, PCR, Eletroforese, Purificação de produtos de PCR e Sequenciamento automático. Além disso, foram analisados o quadro clínico e hormonal de 14 pacientes e de seus familiares. Resultados. Em uma das famílias (com duas gêmeas afetadas), foi encontrada a mutação R753X, sendo o terceiro diagnóstico molecular de CAIS em gêmeas descrito no Mundo. Em outra família, com 12 pacientes, foi a identificada uma mutação nova no exon 8, descrita como P893A, na proteína AR. Conclusão. Este trabalho possibilitou a aplicação de técnicas moleculares para o diagnóstico preciso de AIS, aconselhamento genético aos familiares das pacientes afetadas, além de contribuir para a formação de recursos humanos mais qualificados, visando o desenvolvimento da biotecnologia no Estado do Maranhão.

Orientador: Wilma De Grava Kempinas / Texto em português e inglês / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Biologia / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-20T10:45:10Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Perobelli_JulianaElaine_D.pdf: 9640563 bytes, checksum: dea242a152c4f569490c3cdf5d5010c1 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012 / Resumo: Os desreguladores endócrinos são agentes químicos capazes de agir como agonistas ou antagonistas dos hormônios endógenos, interferindo na homeostasia do organismo. Como o sistema endócrino tem papel crítico sobre o desenvolvimento e função do sistema genital, este pode ser considerado um alvo particularmente vulnerável a perturbações endócrinas. A literatura apresenta dados sobre a exposição aos antiandrogênicos durante a vida pré-natal e adulta e suas consequências sobre a função reprodutiva de machos. Entretanto, poucos estudos se atentaram para as consequências da privação androgênica durante a pré-puberdade sobre o sistema genital masculino. A pré-puberdade corresponde à fase em que o epidídimo, órgão reprodutor masculino responsável pela maturação e estocagem dos espermatozoides, passa por importantes mudanças morfofuncionais, além de consistir em período de maior susceptibilidade aos desreguladores endócrinos. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar as possíveis consequências da privação de andrógenos durante a pré-puberdade sobre a morfofisiologia do sistema genital masculino de ratos púberes e adultos, com ênfase sobre o epidídimo e qualidade espermática. A escolha por um agente antiandrogênico foi devida à vasta exposição ambiental e ocupacional da população mundial a este grupo de contaminantes. Ratos machos da variedade Wistar foram alocados em: grupo flutamida (25mg/Kg/dia de flutamida, via oral, do dia pós natal 21 ao 44) e controle (óleo de milho, via oral, durante o mesmo período). Os animais foram avaliados aos 50 dias e 75 dias de idade. Foram analisados os níveis séricos dos hormônios sexuais (LH, FSH e testosterona), níveis de testosterona intratesticular, peso de órgãos, histologia testicular e epididimária, imunohistoquímica para marcação de receptor androgênico (AR), proteína espermática 22 (SP22), calmodulina (CALM) e Rab11A em tecido epididimário, além de marcação de CALM e Rab11A no testículo e western blot para AR no epidídimo. Avaliações adicionais foram realizadas nos animais de 75 dias, como comportamento sexual, fertilidade após acasalamento natural e inseminação artificial, motilidade e morfologia espermática, contagens espermáticas nos testículos e epidídimos, análise do perfil proteico de membrana espermática e contagem de células de Sertoli. No grupo tratado com flutamida, os animais púberes apresentaram redução do peso dos órgãos sexuais, relacionado à diminuição na testosterona sérica, além de alteração no padrão de imunomarcação para AR e CALM no epidídimo. Os demais parâmetros foram comparáveis entre os grupos experimentais. Nos animais de 75 dias de idade que receberam flutamida observou-se alteração no padrão de imunomarcação para AR, CALM e Rab11A no epidídimo, diminuição do potencial de fertilidade após inseminação artificial, comprometimento da motilidade espermática, diminuição do número de espermatozoides na cabeça/corpo e cauda do epidídimo, aceleração do trânsito espermático nestas regiões epididimárias e alteração na concentração de CALM e Rab11A na membrana espermática. Os demais parâmetros foram similares entre os grupos experimentais. Os resultados obtidos mostram que a privação de andrógenos durante a pré-puberdade causou alterações na qualidade dos espermatozóides prejudicando o potencial de fertilidade dos indivíduos na idade adulta. Tais resultados parecem estar associados a mudanças no perfil proteico da membrana dos espermatozoides e na expressão de determinadas proteínas no epitélio epididimário, sugerindo que o desenvolvimento pós-natal do epidídimo pode ter sido comprometido, acarretando danos funcionais permanentes ao órgão / Abstract: Endocrine disrupters are chemicals that can act as agonists or antagonists of endogenous hormones, interfering with the homeostasis of the organism. Since the endocrine system plays a critical role in the development and function of the male reproductive system, this is an especially vulnerable target of potential endocrine perturbations. The literature presents data on exposure to antiandrogens during the prenatal life and adulthood and its consequences on the male reproductive function. However, few studies have investigated the possible effects on the male reproductive system of rats after androgen deprivation during prepuberty. The prepubertal period comprehends the phase in which the epididymis, male reproductive organ responsible for the sperm maturation and storage, undergoes significant morphofunctional changes, besides being a period of more vulnerability to endocrine disrupters, possibly due to hormonal imprinting. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible consequences of androgen deprivation during the prepuberty on morphophysiology of male reproductive system of pubertal and adult rats, focusing on the epididymis and sperm quality. The choice of an antiandrogen agent was due to extensive environmental and occupational exposure of the general population to this group of contaminants. For this purpose, Wistar male rats were divided into flutamide group (flutamide 25mg/Kg/day, orally, from postnatal day 21 to 44) and control group (corn oil, orally, during the same period). The animals were evaluated at 50 days and 75 days of age. At both ages it was evaluated the serum sexual hormone levels, intra-testicular testosterone levels, organ weights, testicular and epididymal histopathology, immunohistochemistry for androgen receptor (AR), sperm protein 22 (SP22), calmodulin (CALM) and Rab11A in epididymal tissue, besides immunostaining for CALM and Rab11A in the testis and Western blot for AR in the epididymis. Furthermore, additional parameters were assessed in 75-day-old animals, such as sexual behavior, fertility after natural mating and after artificial insemination, sperm motility and morphology, sperm counts in the testis and epididymis, proteomic of sperm membrane by bi-dimensional electrophoresis and Sertoli cells counts. Pubertal animals showed reduced reproductive organs weight, probably due to a decrease in serum testosterone and changes in the pattern of immunostaining for AR and CALM in the epididymis. The other parameters were comparable between the groups. In animals at 75 days old changes in the pattern of immunostaining for AR, CALM and Rab11A in the epididymis, decreased fertility potential after artificial insemination, impaired sperm motility, decrease in the sperm numbers in the caput/corpus and cauda epididymis, acceleration of sperm transit time through these epididymal regions, and modifications in three proteins of sperm membrane were observed. Other parameters were similar between the groups. The results show that androgen deprivation during prepuberty impairs sperm quality affecting the fertility potential of the animals at adulthood. These results seem to be related to the changes in protein profile of sperm membrane and protein expression in the epididymis, suggesting that the postnatal development of the epididymis may have been compromised, causing permanent damage to the organ function / Doutorado / Biologia Celular / Doutor em Biologia Celular e Estrutural

Contexte : En France, le cancer de la prostate est une maladie fréquente de l’homme âgé et la première cause de cancer. Il est associé à une survie de 70 % à 10 ans. Différentes options thérapeutiques sont recommandées dans la prise en charge de ce cancer, parmi lesquelles l’hormonothérapie (ou thérapie par déprivation d’androgène, ADT). Le profil de sécurité de l’hormonothérapie et des différentes modalités qui la composent est remis en question depuis le milieu des années 2000 avec plusieurs auteurs ayant évoqué un sur-risque cardiovasculaire comparativement aux patients non traités. Les résultats de ces études étant discordants, l’hypothèse d’une hétérogénéité entre les différentes modalités d’ADT a été évoquée mais n’a pas été directement investiguée. Objectif : L’objet de ce travail a été d’évaluer l’hypothèse d’une hétérogénéité qualitative entre les différentes modalités d’ADT indiquées dans le cancer de la prostate. Méthodes : De façon originale par rapport aux études précédemment publiées, une méta-analyse des essais cliniques randomisés et des études observationnelles, « METADTCR », a été réalisée comparant la morbidité et mortalité cardiovasculaire ischémique ainsi que la mortalité toutes causes au sein des différentes modalités d’ADT. Dans un second temps, une étude observationnelle, « ADTCR », utilisant la base de données de l’Assurance Maladie couplée aux données de remboursement hospitalières, a été réalisée afin de suivre spécifiquement, sur une cohorte nationale de patients avec un cancer de la prostate initiant une hormonothérapie, l’apparition d’évènements ischémiques (accidents vasculaires cérébraux ischémiques et infarctus du myocarde). Résultats - Conclusion : Concernant METADTCR, les essais cliniques se sont révélés extrêmement peu contributifs quant au risque de morbidité et mortalité cardiovasculaire ; la méta-analyse des études observationnelles souffrant d’une hétérogénéité substantielle au niveau des différentes comparaisons étudiées, la question du risque de morbidité et mortalité cardiovasculaire subsistait. Concernant ADTCR, une hétérogénéité du risque d’évènements ischémiques a été constatée entre les différentes modalités d’ADT : comparativement aux agonistes GnRH, un sur-risque d’évènements ischémiques a été identifié avec le blocage androgénique complet et une diminution du risque observée avec les anti-androgènes. La comparaison d’intérêt pour les cliniciens concernait celle avec l’antagoniste GnRH : aucune différence statistiquement significative n’a été observée. La plausibilité pharmacologique expliquant un potentiel sur-risque d’évènements ischémiques entre ces deux modalités n’a par ailleurs pas emporté la conviction et nous conforte dans l’hypothèse de l’absence de différence de risque. Ces résultats viennent compléter les recommandations françaises et européennes de prise en charge du cancer de la prostate quant à la différence de profil de sécurité de certaines modalités d’ADT en matière d’évènements ischémiques à court terme (< 2 ans). / Context: In France, prostate cancer is a frequent disease in elderly men, and the first cause of cancer. It is associated with a 70 % survival at 10 years. Different therapeutics options are recommended in prostate cancer management, including hormonotherapy (or androgen deprivation therapy, ADT). Safety of ADT modalities is challenged since mid of 2000’s when some authors evoked an increased cardiovascular risk in ADT-treated patients compared to non-treated patients. Results of these studies appeared conflicting, and heterogeneity of cardiovascular risk across ADT modalities was evoked but not directly investigated. Objective: Our aim was to assess the hypothesis of qualitative heterogeneity across the different ADT modalities used for prostate cancer. Methods: Through a new approach compared to previously published studies, we firstly conducted a direct and network meta-analysis of both randomized controlled trials and observational studies, “METADTCR”, comparing ischemic cardiovascular morbidity, mortality and overall death across the different ADT modalities. Secondly, we set up a population-based cohort study, “ADTCR”, using French Health Insurance database (SNIIRAM/DCIR) linked to hospital reimbursement data (PMSI), including men with prostate cancer who initiated an ADT, and measuring the occurrence of ischemic diseases (myocardial infarction or ischemic stroke). Results – Conclusion: As regards METADTCR, randomized controlled trials gave too few data related to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality; observational studies meta-analysis suffered from substantial inconsistency and eventually the question of cardiovascular risk morbidity and mortality remained. In ADTCR, a heterogeneous risk of ischemic events was observed across ADT modalities: compared to GnRH agonists, an increased risk of ischemic events was identified with combined androgen blockade, and a decrease risk with anti-androgen alone. The most interesting comparison concerned GnRH antagonist: no statistically significant difference was observed. Pharmacological plausibility for a potential increased risk of ischemic events between GnRH agonists and antagonist is not convincing to date and the hypothesis of no risk difference might be true. These results add valuable information to the French and European guidelines for prostate cancer management as regards the safety profile of the different ADT modalities in term of short term ischemic events onset (< 2 years).

Le cancer de la prostate (CaP) représente le premier cancer chez l'homme et la seconde cause de mortalité. Alors que la plupart des malades atteints de cancer de la prostate évoluent favorablement (forme indolente), une fraction non négligeable développera une maladie agressive avec l’apparition de métastases. La recherche des biomarqueurs tumoraux peut aider à différencier les CaP dits indolent et les CaP agressifs qui sont responsables du décès des patients. Ils permettront de mieux sélectionner des patients afin d’éviter le surtraitement. La protéine CRIPTO est le premier membre de la superfamille des protéines EGF-CFC. Ce facteur de croissance est largement impliqué dans le développement embryonnaire et s'exprime dans de nombreux types de cancers. Son rôle dans le CaP reste encore non élucidé. L’objectif de mon travail de thèse consiste à examiner le profil d'expression de CRIPTO et d'évaluer son impact potentiel sur l’agressivité du cancer de la prostate.Les résultats ont montré que CRIPTO est exprimé de manière significative dans 37,9% de CaP. Il est absent voire faiblement détecté dans les prostates hyperplasiques bénignes et dans les tissus sains. Nous avons montré ensuite que la surexpression de CRIPTO favorise une transition épithéliale-mésenchymateuse (TEM) associée à l’augmentation de la capacité de migration et de la survie des cellules tumorales. Les voies de signalisation régulées par CRIPTO impliquent l’activation des voies PI3K / AKT et FGFR1 / ERK.De manière très intéressante, les cellules tumorales mésenchymateuses surexprimant CRIPTO secrètent excessivement des vésicules. Nous avons tenté alors de découvrir le rôle de ces vésicules dans la progression du cancer de la prostate. Les vésicules extracellulaires (VEs) purifiés étaient capables de moduler la signalisation du récepteur des androgènes et d’activer la voie du TGFß. Les cellules tumorales prostatiques traitées par ces VEs deviennent plus agressive et acquierent des caractéristiques mésenchymateuses.En conclusion, nos résultats mettent en évidence une nouvelle fonction importante de CRIPTO dans le cancer de la prostate. Nous démontrons également que les cellules tumorales surexprimant ce facteur de croissance secrètent excessivement des vésicules qui participent activement dans la communication intercellulaire et promeuvent la progression du CaP. L’ensemble de nos travaux suggère que le ciblage thérapeutique de CRIPTO et le blocage de la sécrétion des VEs pourraient être des nouvelles approches thérapeutiques innovantes pour le traitement du cancer de la prostate. / Prostate cancer (PCa) remains at the top of the list of the most common malignant tumors and the dominant cause of mortality and morbidity in men worldwide. Detection of tumor biomarkers to aid differentiate indolent from severe PCa cases and well-choose patients at high risk for intensive treatment. The founding member of EGF-CFC protein superfamily, CRIPTO, is widely implicated in embryonic development and is found to be expressed in a wide spectrum of human tumors. As its role in PCa was still unclear, we aimed to investigate expression profile of CRIPTO in PCa and relate its potential impact on prostate malignancy.Prostatic tissues and cell lines, both normal and cancerous, were engaged in experimental studies and design was based on techniques used in biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology.CRIPTO showed to be upregulated in 37.9% of PCas, while being absent or marginally detected in benign conditions. Our results displayed that CRIPTO overexpression promoted epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) associated with enhanced migration capacity and survival under stress conditions due to propensity to stimulate PI3K/AKT and FGFR1/ERK signaling pathways.More interestingly, tumor mesenchymal like cells overexpressing CRIPTO secreted vesicles excessively. Thus we attempted to uncover the role of these vesicles in the progression of PCa. Extracellular vesicles derived from these cells were highly capable to modulate androgen receptor signaling through TGF-ß pathway and rendering the recipient prostatic cells more aggressive by acquisition of mesenchymal features.Our results highlight a new substantial function of CRIPTO in PCa and put in evidence its importance as a new promising target for PCa treatment. Moreover, we emphasize on an original role of mesenchymal extracellular vesicles in the interclonal communication to carry and transfer tumorigenic contents and enhance progression of PCa. This opens new scopes towards better understanding of vesicles secreted by prostate cancer cells and their impact to better cure the disease.

Introduction: Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy in Brazilian males and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is generally employed in its treatment. However, ADT is associated with negative outcomes, like increased incidence of obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, dyslipidemia and cardiovascular diseases. Many of these side effects are closely related to atherosclerosis. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is an important biomarker of atherosclerosis, and is employed as risk predictor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. Objectives: The study aimed to analyze the carotid intima-media thickness in patients with prostate cancer, inspect for the presence of plaque in their carotid arteries, and investigate the relationship between carotid plaques with ADT duration and cardiovascular risk factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 65 men diagnosed with prostate cancer undergoing ADT for, at least three months, was conducted from July to November 2013. Patients were matched for age, comorbidities, treatment type, duration and stage of the neoplasm. The presence of plaque was defined as a focal structure that encroaches into the arterial lumen of at least 0.5 mm or 50% of the surrounding intima-media thickness value or demonstrates a thickness >1.5. Results: Seventy participants were enrolled, but five were excluded due to incomplete data collection. The mean age (±SD) was 73.9 (±9.4) years, 34% were receiving maximum androgen blockade (peripheral and central associated) and patients were under ADT for 34.8 (±31.5) months. The LDL-c, HDL-c and triglycerides had values outside the normal range in 26%, 65% and 48% patients, respectively. Thirty-nine (60%) patients had carotid plaques. The average thickness of the carotid intima-media in patients without plaques was 1.24 (±0.18) mm. Statistically significant relationship between the intima-media thickness and age, diastolic blood pressure and body mass index (BMI) was found (p = 0.002; p = 0.015 and p = 0.007, respectively). About the laboratory tests, statistical significance was found between atherosclerosis in this population and SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin) and quantitative CRP (C-reactive protein), p = 0.033 and p = 0.011, respectively. Patients under maximum androgen blockade had significantly higher risk for the presence of carotid plaques in comparison to patients under exclusive central androgen blockage (p = 0.01). Conclusion: Among the 65 men tested, the average thickness of the carotid intima-media was 1.24 mm. Carotid-artery plaque was present in 60% of the individuals, although no statistical significance was found between the presence of carotid plaques and duration of androgen treatment. On the other hand, a significant relationship between CIMT and age, BMI, diastolic blood pressure, maximum androgen blockade, SHBG and CRP was observed, that should be considered for risk-benefit discussion related to ADT and future studies. / Introdução: O câncer de próstata é a neoplasia maligna mais comum no homem brasileiro e o tratamento antiandrogênico (TAA) é frequentemente utilizado. No entanto, seu uso está relacionado a uma série de efeitos adversos, como obesidade, resistência à insulina, diabetes mellitus, dislipidemia e doenças cardiovasculares. Muitos desses efeitos colaterais guardam relação bem estabelecida com o processo de aterosclerose. A espessura íntima-média carotídea (EIMC) é um importante marcador diagnóstico de aterosclerose subclínica e é utilizada como preditor de risco para doença cardiovascular (DCV) e cerebrovascular. Objetivos: Analisar a EIMC em pacientes portadores de câncer de próstata, verificar a presença de placas nas artérias carótidas, relacionar a presença de placas carotídeas à duração do TAA e aos fatores de risco de DCV. Casuística e métodos: Estudo transversal envolvendo 65 homens com diagnóstico de câncer de próstata em TAA há pelo menos três meses, no período de julho a novembro de 2013. Os pacientes foram pareados por idade, comorbidades, tipo de tratamento, duração e estágio da neoplasia. Considerou-se como placa uma alteração focal que se projeta para a luz arterial em pelo menos 0,5 mm ou 50% do valor adjacente da EIMC, ou uma medida da EIMC > 1,5 mm. Resultados: Setenta pacientes foram entrevistados, porém cinco foram excluídos por desistência. A média da idade foi de 73,9 (±9,4) anos, 34% recebiam bloqueio androgênico combinado (castração associada a bloqueio periférico) e os pacientes encontravam-se em média há 34,8 (±31,5) meses sob TAA. O LDL-c, o HDL-c e os triglicerídeos apresentaram valores fora da normalidade em 26%, 65% e 48% dos pacientes, respectivamente. Trinta e nove (60%) pacientes apresentaram placas carotídeas. A espessura média da íntima-média carotídea nos pacientes sem placas foi de 1,24 (±0,18) mm. Foi encontrada significância estatística, quanto à presença de espessamento médio-intimal com relação à idade, à pressão arterial diastólica (PAD) e ao índice de massa corpórea (IMC), com p=0,002; p=0,015 e p=0,007, respectivamente. Quanto aos exames laboratoriais, houve significância estatística entre a presença de aterosclerose e os valores encontrados na análise sérica de SHBG (globulina transportadora de hormônio sexual) e PCR (proteína C reativa) quantitativa, com p=0,033 e p=0,011, respectivamente. Os pacientes em uso de bloqueio hormonal combinado apresentaram significativamente maior risco para placas carotídeas que os pacientes em castração exclusiva (p=0,01). Conclusão: Dentre os 65 homens analisados, a espessura média da íntima-média carotídea foi de 1,24 mm. Foi observada presença de placas nas artérias carótidas de 60% da amostra, porém não foi encontrada significância estatística entre a presença de placas carotídeas e a duração do tratamento antiandrogênico. Por outro lado encontrou-se relação significativa entre EIMC e idade, IMC, PAD, bloqueio androgênico combinado, SHBG e PCR, que devem ser levados em consideração na discussão do risco-benefício do TAA e em futuros estudos.

European eel (Anguilla anguilla, L., 1758) is suffering a strong population decrease and at the same time it is a very appreciated species and by now it has not been possible closing its cycle life. In fact, this species does not mature in captivity unless hormonally induced. So all the production is up to the natural population. All these factors together make urgent achieving the closing of the productive cycle and for this aim it is important to understand the reproductive physiology and the reasons of this development blockage. The present thesis wants to be a new contribution to the knowledge of reproductive physiology in female European eel submitted at hormonal treatment. To achieve this goal, expression of genes not previously studied in this species (cyp19a1, ara, arb, gnrhr1a, gnrhr1b, gnrhr2, zpb and zpc) was analyzed in eels reared under a constant thermal regime, accordingly to the usual rearing conditions. Also, the effect of rearing temperature on gene expression and steroid profile (T, 11-KT and E2) was studied. In fact, eels migrate to Sargasso Sea to reproduce and during the travel experiment temperature changes, while traditionally they are reared at a constant high temperature which could affect vitellogenesis progression and final oocyte quality. For the study it was necessary cloning and characterizing some genes which have not still been sequenced in European eel. Gene expression was studied by qPCR after designing primer and optimizing the qPCR race. Steroid profiles were analyzed by immunoassays and the gonadal development stages were established by histology. The first result obtained at the end of the study were six new genes characterized in European eel. The analysis of gene expression allowed to understand the involvement of specific genes during vitellogenesis (arb, gnrhr1b and gnrhr2) in different brain regions. The temperature was conformed as a crucial environmental factor affecting vitellogenesis. On one hand, eels matured at lower starting temperatures showed better reproductive parameters which could have an influence in the final oocyte quality. On the other hand higher temperatures are necessary to achieve further vitellogenetic stages / Mazzeo, I. (2014). Effect of thermal regime on the expression of key reproductive genes during hormonally-induced vitellogenesis in female European eels [Tesis doctoral no publicada]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/48490 / TESIS

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<p>Adult prostate stem cells (PSC) are a rare epithelial progenitor population in the prostate. While essential for normal homeostasis, they have also been implicated in hyperplasia and cancer initiation. While studies have shown that inflammatory growth factors and cytokines can fuel stem cell expansion, the impact of inflammation on PSC is not well understood. To study the impact of inflammation on the prostate, the Ratliff laboratory developed the Prostate Ovalbumin Expressing Transgenic 3 (POET3), an inducible mouse model of abacterial T cell mediated prostate inflammation, which functions as a model for human autoimmune prostatitis. Previous studies using the POET3 demonstrated that inflammation increased proliferation and differentiation of PSC enrichments. Based on these findings, it was speculated that inflammation impacts prostate stem cells to enhance mechanisms of survival, possibly as a means of tissue protection.</p><p>Since androgen receptor (AR) signaling is the major driver of cellular differentiation and survival in the prostate, it was further hypothesized that inflammation promotes AR signaling in the PSC. To address this hypothesis, PSC and their resulting organoids from inflamed and non-inflamed (naïve) POET3 mice as well as human patient samples were assessed for AR and its signaling components.</p><p>These data were expanded by single cell mRNA sequencing using Fluidigm’s C1 platform, which revealed changes in stem cell populations, differential expression of interleukin 1 alpha (IL-1⍺) and its signaling components, and upregulation of various genes associated with immune regulation. Thus, experiments described herein probed the impacts of inflammation on AR, IL-1⍺, and T cell regulatory abilities in the PSC.</p>The results of these studies indicate that indeed, inflammation increases PSC survival. Inhibition of IL-1⍺ via inflammation-mediated up-regulation of IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) promotes AR signaling, resulting in proliferation, differentiation, and AR target gene expression which can be modulated by Enzalutamide (a clinical AR inhibitor). Furthermore, PSC from inflamed mice are able to suppress cytotoxic T cell function in <i>ex vivo</i> assays. These studies set the foundation for new ways to treat proliferative diseases of the prostate by targeting IL-1⍺, AR, and immune regulation in the PSC.

Orientador: Patricia Fernanda Felipe Pinheiro / Resumo: A programação fetal (PF) é o resultado permanente do organismo na presença de estímulos ocorridos durante os períodos críticos de desenvolvimento. Vários fatores ambientais podem levar à PF. Entre eles, podemos citar a restrição alimentar materna ou a deficiência específica de nutrientes. De acordo com a janela de programação fetal masculinizante (MPW), os andrógenos agem para assegurar o desenvolvimento normal dos órgãos reprodutores do macho, assim, foram estudados os efeitos da restrição proteica materna durante a gestação e lactação sobre o desenvolvimento da próstata ventral de ratos Wistar. Para isto, dois grupos de ratas gestantes foram alimentadas com dietas isocalóricas, sendo um grupo normoproteico (NP) e o outro grupo hipoproteico (RP). Os grupos NP e RP tiveram livre acesso à dieta durante os períodos de gestação e lactação. Após o desmame, metade da prole de machos foi eutanasiada. A outra metade da prole de machos recebeu dieta padrão de animais de laboratório até os 120 dias de idade. A próstata ventral foi estudada por imuno-histoquímica para a avaliação da localização do antígeno de proliferação celular (PCNA), da proteína p63, dos receptores de andrógeno (AR), de estrógeno alfa (ER-α), de grelina (GHSR-1a), de leptina (Ob -R). Os pesos corpóreo, da próstata ventral, dos testículos e do tecido adiposo e os níveis de testosterona e estradiol foram obtidos. A PF determinou atraso no crescimento somático dos animais do grupo RP e diminuição do estradiol plasmáti... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Fetal programming (FP) is the permanent result of the organism in the presence of stimuli during the periods of development. Several environmental factors can lead to FP. Among them, we can mention the maternal food restriction or deficiency of specific nutrients. According to the masculinization programming window (MPW) in which androgens act to ensure normal development of the male reproductive organs, we studied the effects of maternal protein restriction during pregnancy and lactation period on the development of the Wistar rat ventral prostate. Dams of the group (NP) were fed diet containing 17% protein; Dams of the group (RP) were fed diet containing 8% protein. The NP and RP groups had free access to diet during pregnancy and lactation period. After weaning, half of the male pups was killed. The other half of male pups received a standard laboratory diet until 120 days old. The ventral prostate was studied immunohistochemically to evaluate the expression of cell proliferation antigen (PCNA), p63 protein, androgen (AR), alpha estrogen (ER-α), ghrelin (GHSR-1a), leptin (Ob -R) receptors. The body, ventral prostate, testes and adipose tissue weights, testosterone and estradiol levels were determined. FP determined a delay somatic growth of the RP group and decrease of the plasmatic estradiol of the adult animals of the RP group. At 21 days of age, the RP group presented less intense immunostaining for ER-α, GHSR-1a, and Ob-R when compared to the NP group. At 120 days, the... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

Die im Rahmen dieser Arbeit durchgeführten Untersuchungen zum Einfluss der Wachstumsfaktoren IGF-I, EGF und dem Zytokin IL-6 auf den Androgenrezeptor-Signalweg zeigten in verschiedenen Prostatakarzinom-zelllinien schon nach zwei Stunden eine deutliche Degradation des Androgenrezeptor-Proteins. Die ausschließlich auf Protein-Ebene stattfindende, Wachstumsfaktor-induzierte negative Regulation des Androgenrezeptors konnte durch einen schnellen Androgeneffekt wieder aufgehoben werden. Mittels Luziferase-Reportergen-Assays wurde kein Einfluss der Wachstums-faktorwirkung auf die transkriptionelle Aktivität des Androgenrezeptors nachgewiesen. Darüber hinaus konnte eine signifikant reprimierende Wirkung durch IGF-I und EGF in Kombination mit geringen Mengen DHT beobachtet werden. Weitere Resultate dieser Arbeit deuten auf einen, durch den PI3-Kinase-Signalweg vermittelten, proteasomalen Abbauprozess des Rezeptors hin. Da die Suppression der downstream gelegenen Proteinkinase Akt keine Veränderung hinsichtlich der Degradation aufwies, konzentrierte sich die weiterführende Arbeit auf eine mögliche direkte Regulation des Androgen-rezeptors durch die PI3-Kinase. Unter Verwendung von rekombinanten GST-Fusionsproteinen konnte in Interaktionsstudien unter in vitro Bedingungen eine Phosphotyrosin-unabhängige Bindung zwischen der C-SH2-Domäne der p85-Untereinheit der PI3-Kinase und dem N- und C-Terminus des Androgenrezeptors nachgewiesen werden. Durch die nähere Charakterisierung dieser Bindungsbereiche mit Hilfe von Peptidarrays und anschließenden Alanin-Substitutionen war es möglich, für den N-Terminus 18, für den C-Terminus des Androgenrezeptors 6 und für die p85-C-SH2-Domäne der PI3-Kinase 11 Aminosäuren zu identifizieren. Die durch gezielte Punktmutagenese an diesen Aminosäurepositionen hergestellten Androgenrezeptor-Einzel- und -Mehrfachmutanten wiesen in Bindungsstudien dennoch Interaktion zur PI3-Kinase auf. Eine von Anderson und Kollegen postulierte Phosphotyrosin-unabhängige Bindung der SH2-Domänen der p85-Untereinheit der PI3-Kinase durch sogenannte „basic-X-basic“-Motive wurde ebenfalls in Interaktionstests zwischen der PI3-Kinase und dem Androgenrezeptor überprüft. Aufgrund der Tatsache, dass einige der identifizierten Aminosäuren auf dem Androgenrezeptor Teil eines „basic-X-basic“-Bindungsmotives sind, wurden Kombinationsmutanten generiert, die sowohl im N-Terminus als auch im C﷓Terminus des Androgenrezeptors ein bzw. zwei zerstörte „basic-X-basic“-Motive enthielten. Untersuchungen zum Bindungsverhalten dieser Mutanten zeigten zwar weiterhin Interaktion zur p85-C-SH2-Domäne der PI3-Kinase, jedoch der durch Western-blot-Analyse überprüfte IGF-I-induzierte Degradationseffekt des Androgenrezeptor-Proteins konnte mit zwei der verwendeten Androgenrezeptor-Kombinationsmutanten nicht mehr beobachtet werden.