CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeiÃoamento de Pessoal de NÃvel Superior / FundaÃÃo de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Cearà / IntroduÃÃo: A via da hemeoxigenase-1 (HO-1) possui aÃÃes antioxidantes. Por outro lado, a ciclo-oxigenase 2 (COX-2) està envolvida na patogÃnese de muitas doenÃas inflamatÃrias e sua inibiÃÃo seletiva reduz eventos inflamatÃrios sem efeitos gÃstricos. Entretanto, ensaios clÃnicos demonstraram que os inibidores seletivos de COX-2 estÃo associados com efeitos cardiovasculares. Objetivo: Avaliar a interaÃÃo entre as vias da HO-1/BVD/CO e da COX-2 no controle da nocicepÃÃo e da inflamaÃÃo. MÃtodos: Protocolo 1: No modelo de contorÃÃo abdominal induzido por Ãcido acÃtico, camundongos foram prÃ-tratados com etoricoxibe (inibidor seletivo da COX-2; 0,1, 1 ou 10mg/Kg; i.p) ou com moduladores da via HO-1/BVD/CO, a saber: Hemina (substrato da via HO-1/BVD/CO; 0,3, 1, ou 3mg/Kg; s.c), DMDC (doador de CO; 0,00025, 0,025 ou 2,5ÂMol/Kg; s.c) ou ZnPP-IX (inibidor especÃfico da HO-1; 1, 3 ou 9mg/Kg; s.c). Os animais prÃ-tratados com etoricoxibe ou com os moduladores da via HO-1/BVD/CO receberam, apÃs 30 e 60 min, respectivamente, a injeÃÃo (i.p) de Ãcido acÃtico, seguido da quantificaÃÃo do nÃmero de contorÃÃes abdominais. Realizou-se ainda no mesmo modelo a coadministraÃÃo de doses inefetivas de etoricoxibe com hemina ou DMDC e de uma dose efetiva de etoricoxibe com ZnPP-IX. ApÃs 4 h da injeÃÃo de Ãcido acÃtico, a bilirrubina (produto da conversÃo de BVD pela enzima BVD redutase) foi entÃo dosada no lavado peritoneal. Protocolo 2: No modelo de placa quente, os camundongos foram prÃ-tratados com hemina (0,3, 1, ou 3mg/Kg; s.c), DMDC (0,00025, 0,025 ou 2,5ÂMol/Kg; s.c) ou ZnPP-IX (1, 3 ou 9mg/Kg; s.c) e, apÃs 30, 60 e 90 min, foi medido o tempo de permanÃncia dos animais na placa quente (55ÂC). Protocolo 3: No modelo de edema de pata induzido por carragenina (Cg), ratos foram prÃ-tratados com etoricoxibe (0,1, 1 ou 10mg/Kg; i.p) 30 min antes de receber a injeÃÃo sub-plantar na pata traseira direita de Cg, ou 60 min antes com Hemina (0,3, 1, ou 3mg/Kg; s.c), DMDC (0,25, 2,5 ou 25ÂMol/Kg; s.c) ou ZnPP-IX (1, 3 ou 9mg/Kg; s.c). Realizou-se ainda no mesmo modelo a coadministraÃÃo de doses nÃo efetivas de etoricoxibe com hemina ou DMDC e de uma dose efetiva de etoricoxibe com ZnPP-IX. Em seguida, o edema da pata foi medido por meio de um pletismÃmetro 1, 2, 3 e 4 h apÃs 60 min da injeÃÃo de Cg. ApÃs 4 h da injeÃÃo de Cg, amostras de tecidos da pata foram coletadas para anÃlise imunohistoquÃmica com anticorpos anti-COX-2 e anti-HO-1. Resultados: Hemina ou DMDC reduziram (p<0,05) o nÃmero de contorÃÃes e o edema de pata na 3 h, enquanto que o ZnPP-IX potencializou (p<0,05) o efeito do Ãcido acÃtico aumentando (p<0,05) o nÃmero de contorÃÃes e o edema de pata na 3 h, intensificando a aÃÃo da Cg. A coadministraÃÃo de etoricoxibe com hemina ou DMDC reduziu (p<0,05) o nÃmero de contorÃÃes. A coadministraÃÃo de etoricoxibe com DMDC reduziu (p<0,05) o edema de pata na 3 h, o que nÃo foi observado de forma significativa (p>0,05) na co-administraÃÃo de etoricoxibe com hemina. Jà na coadministraÃÃo de etoricoxibe com ZnPP-IX, observou-se que o ZnPP-IX reduziu o efeito analgÃsico e antiedematogÃnico do etoricoxibe. Nos modelos de placa quente, a administraÃÃo de hemina, DMDC ou ZnPP-IX nÃo afetou o tempo de permanÃncia dos camundongos na placa. ConclusÃo: A via da HO-1/BVD/CO à ativada nos modelos de contorÃÃo por Ãcido acÃtico e edema de pata por Cg, mas parece nÃo participar na mediaÃÃo central da nocicepÃÃo. O efeito analgÃsico e antiedematogÃnico do etoricoxibe depende, pelo menos parcialmente, da participaÃÃo da via da HO-1/BVD/CO. / Introduction: Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) plays a preventive role in oxidative stress. In contrast, COX-2 is involved in the pathogenesis of many inflammatory diseases and COX-2 selective inhibition has been shown to be effective in reversing inflammation without gastric side effects. However, serious cardiovascular effects of some selective COX-2 inhibitors emerged from clinical studies. Purpose: To assess the interaction between heme oxygenase -1/ biliverdin/ carbon monoxide (HO-1/BVD/CO) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) pathways for nociception and inflammation control in rats and mice. Methods: Protocol 1: In the abdominal writhe model induced by acetic acid, mice were pretreated with etoricoxib (selective COX-2 inhibitor; 0.1, 1 or 10mg/Kg; i.p) or with HO-1/BVD/CO pathway modulators, knowingly: Hemin (substrate of HO-1/BVD/CO pathway; 0.3, 1 or 3mg/Kg; s.c), DMDC (CO donor; 0.00025, 0.025 or 2.5ÂMol/Kg; s.c) or ZnPP-IX (specific HO-1 inhibitor; 1, 3 or 9mg/Kg; s.c). Animals pretreated with etoricoxib or HO-1/BVD/CO pathway modulators received the acetic acid injection (i.p.) after 30 and 60 min, respectively. Next, the number of abdominal contortions was quantified. In the same model, ineffective doses of etoricoxib were coadministered with hemin or DMDC and an effective dose of etoricoxib with ZnPP-IX. Four hours after the acetic acid injection, bilirubin levels (product of BVD conversion by the BVD reductase enzyme) were diagnosed in the peritoneal lavage. Protocol 2: In the hot-plate model, mice were pretreated with hemin (0.3, 1 or 3mg/Kg; s.c), DMDC (0.00025, 0.025 or 2.5ÂMol/Kg; s.c) or ZnPP-IX (1, 3 or 9mg/Kg; s.c) and, after 30, 60 and 90 min, the animalsâ response latency on the hot plate (55ÂC) was measured. Protocol 3: In the paw edema model induced by carrageenin (Cg), rats were pretreated with etoricoxib (0.1, 1 or 10mg/Kg; i.p) 30 min before receiving the subplantar injection of Cg in the right back paw, or 60 min before receiving injections with Hemin (0.3, 1 or 3mg/Kg; s.c), DMDC (0.25, 2.5 or 25ÂMol/Kg; s.c) or ZnPP-IX (1, 3 or 9mg/Kg; s.c). In the same model, ineffective doses of etoricoxib were coadministered with hemin or DMDC and an effective dose of etoricoxib with ZnPP-IX. Next, the paw edema was measured with a plethysmometer 1, 2, 3 and 4 h at 60 min after the Cg injection. Four hours after the Cg injection, paw tissue samples were collected for immunohistochemical analysis with anti-COX-2 and anti-HO-1 antibodies. Results: Hemin or DMDC reduced (p<0.05) the number of writhes and the paw edema in the 3rd h, while ZnPP-IX potentiated (p<0.05) the effect of acetic acid by increasing (p<0.05) the number of writhes and the paw edema in the 3rd h, intensifying Cg action. The coadministration of etoricoxib with hemin or DMDC reduced (p<0.05) the number of writhes. Coadministration of etoricoxib with DMDC reduced (p<0.05) the paw edema in the 3rd h, which was not significantly observed (p>0.05) when etoricoxib was coadministered with hemin. When etoricoxib was coadministered with ZnPP-IX, it was observed that ZnPP-IX reduced the analgesic and antiedematogenic effects of etoricoxib. In the hot-plate model, hemin, DMDC or ZnPP-IX administration did not affect the miceâs response latency on the plate. Conclusion: The HO-1/BVD/CO pathway is activated in the abdominal writhe model induced by acetic acid and paw edema by Cg, but does not seem to participate in the central mediation of nociception. The analgesic and antiedematogenic effect of etoricoxib at least partially depends on the participation of the HO-1/BVD/CO pathway.

A disfunção endotelial, comumente observada em doenças cardiovasculares como hipertensão, é caracterizada por um prejuízo na liberação de fatores vasodilatadores e/ou aumento de fatores vasoconstritores provenientes do endotélio. O desequilíbrio na produção de fatores relaxantes, como o óxido nítrico (NO) e prostaciclina (PGI2), e fatores contráteis, como tromboxano (TXA2), é geralmente associada à excessiva produção de espécies reativas de oxigênio (EROs). Dada a importância do sistema nervoso autonômico simpático para o controle do tônus vascular, esse estudo teve o objetivo de investigar os mecanismos celulares envolvidos na disfunção endotelial na hipertensão renovascular. Avaliamos o papel do endotélio e da produção das EROs, ânion superóxido (O2-) e peróxido de hidrogênio (H2O2), para a resposta contrátil estimulada com agonista 1-adrenérgico fenilefrina e resposta vasodilatadora induzida pelo doador de NO AuNPs-{Ru-4PySH}n em aorta de ratos normotensos (2R) e hipertensos renais (2R-1C). Curvas concentração-efeito para a fenilefrina (PE) e para AuNPs-{Ru-4PySH}n foram construídas em aortas de ratos 2R e 2R-1C com endotélio intacto (E+) e sem endotélio (E-), na ausência (Controle) ou após incubação com o sequestrador de O2- tiron (0,1 ou 1 mmol/L) ou catalase (30, 90, 150 ou 300 U/mL). Curvas concentração-efeito para PE foram construídas na presença de inibidores seletivos e não seletivos para NO-Sintase e ciclooxigenase (COX). A expressão das enzimas eNOS e COX foi avaliada por Western Blot. A produção de GMPc, TXA2 e PGI2 estimulada com PE foi quantificada por Kit imunoenzimático. A produção de NO e EROs em células endoteliais isoladas foi avaliada por citometria de fluxo utilizando as sondas fluorescentes DAF-2DA e DHE, respectivamente. A produção de H2O2 foi avaliada utilizando o Kit Amplex Red. Nossos resultados indicam que a resposta contrátil induzida pela PE sob tensão de repouso de 1,5 g foi reduzida em aorta de ratos 2R-1C E+ comparada a 2R E+. Essa menor resposta contrátil se deve à maior produção de H2O2 e hiperatividade da eNOS em 2R-1C E+. Embora a COX também esteja hiperativa, o efeito do NO prevalece sobre o efeito do TXA2 em aorta de 2R-1C E+ sob 1,5 g de tensão de repouso, mas não sob 3,0 g de tensão. A produção de H2O2 potencializou a resposta vasodilatadora do doador de NO AuNPs-{Ru-4PySH}n em aorta de 2R-1C E- e a hiperatividade da eNOS reduziu seu efeito em 2R-1C E+. / The endothelial dysfunction present in cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, is characterized by reduced endothelium-dependent vasodilator response and/or increased contractile response. The imbalance in the production of endothelium-derived relaxing factors, such as nitric oxide (NO) and prostacyclin (PGI2), and contractile factors, such as thromboxane A2 (TXA2) can contribute to endothelial dysfunction. Endothelial dysfunction has also been associated to increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Since the sympathetic nervous system plays an important role on vascular tone control, the aim of this study was to evaluate the role of endothelium and ROS, superoxide anion (O2-) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), involved in the 1-adrenergic agonist phenylephrine induced contractile response on endothelial dysfunction in renovascular hypertension. Furthermore, we evaluated the endothelium and ROS role on the vasodilator effect induced by the NO donor AuNPs-{Ru-4PySH}n in normotensive (2K) and hypertensive (2K-1C) rat aortas, contracted by phenylephrine (PE). Accordingly, concentration-effect curves to PE and AuNPs-{Ru-4PySH}n were performed in endothelium-intact (E+) and endothelium-denuded aorta (E-) from 2K and 2K-1C rat in the absence (Control) or after incubation with the O2- scavenger Tiron (0.1 and 1 mmol/L) or Catalase (30, 90, 150 and 300 U/mL). Concentrationeffect curves to PE were performed in the presence of inhibitors of endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS) and Cyclooxygenase (COX). Protein expression of endothelial NOS (eNOS) and COX was evaluated by Western blot. The production of cyclic GMP, TXA2 and PGI2 was quantified by Elisa Kit Imuno enzyme Assay. NO and EROs production was evaluated by flow citometry using the fluorescence probes DAF-2DA and DHE, respectively. The H2O2 production was evaluated by Kit Amplex Red Assay. Our results indicate that the contractile response induced by PE is reduced in 2K-1C E+ aorta as compared to 2K E+ on 1.5 g of rest tension. This reduced response was due to the high production of H2O2 and hyperactivity of eNOS in 2K-1C E+. Although COX activity is increased in 2K-1C rat aorta, the vasodilator effect to NO attenuates the contractile response induced by TXA2 in 2K-1C E+ on 1.5 g but not 3.0 g of rest tension. The H2O2 production potentiated the vasodilator effect induced by AuNPs-{Ru-4PySH}n in 2K-1C E- aorta and the hyperactivity of eNOS reduced its effect in 2K-1C E+ aorta.

Submitted by Renata Lopes (renatasil82@gmail.com) on 2017-03-29T13:30:24Z No. of bitstreams: 1 carolinadelourdesjuliaovieirarocha.pdf: 438849 bytes, checksum: 0e5f838b152a2294e48909758b185709 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Adriana Oliveira (adriana.oliveira@ufjf.edu.br) on 2017-03-30T11:20:43Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 carolinadelourdesjuliaovieirarocha.pdf: 438849 bytes, checksum: 0e5f838b152a2294e48909758b185709 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-03-30T11:20:43Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 carolinadelourdesjuliaovieirarocha.pdf: 438849 bytes, checksum: 0e5f838b152a2294e48909758b185709 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-01-01 / O Diabetes Mellitus é um problema mundial de saúde pública, de incidência elevada, em termos de pessoas afetadas e mortalidade prematura. As ulcerações em membros inferiores são a maior causa de morbidade entre os diabéticos, tendo como conseqüência a amputação. Na presença desta doença, o processo cicatricial é mais dificultado. Diversos estudos estão sendo realizados com a utilização da Terapia Laser de Baixa Intensidade no processo de cicatrização e reparo tecidual. A terapia laser de baixa intensidade tem sido relatada como importante moduladora da cicatrização de feridas cutâneas. No presente estudo, nós avaliamos os efeitos da terapia laser de baixa intensidade sobre a intensidade do infiltrado inflamatório e quantidade de vasos sangüíneos em feridas cutâneas de camundongos diabéticos não obesos (NOD), adicionalmente, analisamos a expressão da enzima ciclooxigenase 2 no sítio do reparo tecidual utilizando o modelo experimental camundongos NOD para estudar a cicatrização de feridas cutâneas. Foram utilizados 30 camundongos NOD. Destes, 14 ficaram diabéticos e foram divididos em dois grupos: grupo I (n = 7), controle, composto por camundongos NOD não submetidos à terapia laser de baixa intensidade e grupo II (n = 7), tratado, composto por camundongos NOD submetidos à terapia laser de baixa intensidade nos seguintes parâmetros: 15 mW de potência, dose de 3,8 J/cm2, e tempo de aplicação de 20 segundos. Após sete dias do ato cirúrgico e após aplicação do laser, os animais foram eutanasiados com sobredose de anestesia e foram colhidas amostras das feridas para posterior análise histopatológica, histomorfométrica e imunohistoquímica. Os resultados em conjunto sugeriram que a terapia laser de baixa intensidade é capaz de modular negativamente a expressão da enzima ciclooxigenase 2 contribuindo para o controle da resposta inflamatória em feridas cutâneas de camundongos NOD. / Diabetes Mellitus is a worldwide problem of public health, the high incidence, in terms of people affected and premature mortality. Ulcers of the lower limbs are the leading cause of morbidity among diabetic patients, which resulted in amputation. In this disease, the healing process is hampered. Several studies are being conducted with the use of low-level laser therapy in the process of healing and tissue repair. The low-level laser therapy has been reported as an important modulator of healing of skin wounds. In this study we evaluated the effects of low-level laser therapy intensity of the inflammatory infiltrate and number of blood vessels in wounds of non-obese diabetic mice (NOD), in addition, we analyzed the expression of cyclooxygenase 2 enzyme at the site of repair tissue using the NOD mice experimental model to study the healing of skin wounds. Were used thirty NOD mice, these fourteen were diabetic and were divided into two groups: group I (n = 7) underwent a surgical procedure of skin wounds and group II (n = 7) underwent a surgical procedure of skin wounds and treated with LLLT. Group II was submitted to LLLT in the following parameters: 15 mW of power, dose of 3.8 J/cm2 and exposure time of 20 seconds. Seven days after surgery and after laser application, animals were euthanized with an overdose of anesthesia and were submitted colleted tissue samples for subsequent histological analysis, histomorphometry and immunohistochemistry. A low-level laser therapy has promoted the inhibition of cyclooxygenase 2 expression in skin wounds in mice diabetic. The results together suggested that low-level laser therapy is able to negatively modulate the expression of cyclooxygenase 2 enzyme contributing to the inflammatory response in cutaneous wounds in NOD mice.

Abstract Bone remodelling occurs in humans throughout life, therefore bone is continuously renewed to better respond to changes in weightbearing circumstances. Bone remodelling is extremely vulnerable during fracture healing and integration of prostheses into the surrounding bone. Bone remodelling is a complex system in which many growth factors, cytokines and enzymes, which are essential for the differentiation of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, are involved. Some widely used drugs can affect this sensitive system of remodellation in unexpected manner. Painkillers such as cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors have been demonstrated in animal studies to interfere with fracture healing and a few retrospective clinical studies confirm these observations. Bisphosphonates (BP), main target of which is the bone resorbing osteoclast, have been suggested to be the drug of choice to improve periprosthetic bone density and thus prevent aseptic loosening of implants. The exact mechanism of action of clodronate (CLO), a non-amino-BP, which was selected for the study, has not been clarified thus far. In order to gain a deeper understanding of the role of the COX enzyme in the differentiation of osteoblasts we studied human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) cultures in the presence of different COX-inhibitors; indomethacine, parecoxib and NS398, a specific COX-2 inhibitor. We used the liposome encapsulated CLO metabolite (AppCCl2p) to study in detail the mechanism of BP induced apoptosis in osteoclast. The effects of different BPs CLO, pamidronate (PAM) and zoledronic acid (ZOL), on the differentiation of osteoblasts and osteoclasts were tested in vitro. The optimal concentration for in situ CLO rinsing in clinical study was found. Finally, the effects of in situ and per oral CLO on the periimplant bone density and integration of prostheses were studied in vivo. All tested COX-inhibitors significantly inhibited osteoblast differentiation from hMSCs and stimulated the differentiation of adipocytes. It was also demonstrated that AppCCl2p inhibits mitochondrial function by a mechanism that involves competitive inhibition of ADP/ATP translocase. In the comparison of BPs, ZOL seemed to posses the properties of both non-amino- and amino-BPs and it thus belongs to a new class of BPs. Peroral and in situ CLO seemed to have different mechanisms of action. Peroral CLO delayed the integration of prosthesis to the bone and increased peri-implant osteolysis while is situ CLO accelerated integration. In conclusion, we can alter normal bone remodellation during fracture healing and prosthesis integration. On the other hand, we can also improve the circumstances for the integration of implant to the surrounding bone by in situ BP rinsing, thus creating a better environment for bone ingrowth. / Tiivistelmä Läpi elämän luustossa tapahtuu uudelleenmuotoutumista, remodelaatiota, jonka seurauksena luu pystyy paremmin vastaamaan muuttuneisiin kuormitusolosuhteisiin. Remodelaatioprosessi on hyvin haavoittuvainen murtuman luutumisen aikana sekä proteesin kiinnittyessä ympäröivään luuhun. Luun remodelaatioon osallistuvat kasvutekijät, sytokiinit ja entsyymit, jotka puolestaan ovat välttämättömiä osteoblastien ja osteoklastien erilaistumiselle. Monet lääkeaineet voivat yllättävällä tavalla vahingoittaa tätä herkkää remodelaatiosysteemiä. Kipulääkkeet, kuten syklo-oksygenaasi (COX) estäjät, voivat häiritä murtuman luutumista aikaisempien eläintöiden ja muutamien retrospektiivisten potilastutkimusten mukaan. Lisäksi bisfosfonaatit, joiden päävaikutuskohde on luuta hajoittava osteoklasti, voisivat olla lupaavia lääkkeitä myös parantamaan proteesia ympäröivän luun laatua ja siten estämään aseptista implantin irtoamista. Tutkimuksen yhtenä tarkoituksena oli selvittää klodronaatin, ensimmäisen polven typpi-ryhmää sisältämättömän bisfosfonaatin tarkka vaikutusmekanismi. Viljelemällä ihmisen luuytimen kantasoluja indometasiinia, parekoksibia tai spesifistä COX-2 estäjää NS 398:a, sisältävässä kasvatusliuoksessa selvitettiin COX-entsyymin merkitys osteoblastien erilaistumiselle. Liposomien sisälle pakattua klodronaatin metaboliittia (AppCCl2p) käytettiin tutkittaessa millä vaikutusmekanismilla klodronaatti aiheuttaa osteoklastien apoptoosin. Bisfosfonaattien; klodronaatin, pamidronaatin ja tsoledronaatin vaikutusta osteoklastien ja osteoblastien erilaistumiseen tutkittiin soluviljelmämallissa ja määritettiin kliinisessä potilastyössä paikallisesti käytettävän klodronaattiliuoksen pitoisuus. Lopuksi potilastyössä selvitettiin paikallisen klodronaattihuuhtelun ja suun kautta annostellun klodronaatin vaikutus proteesia ympäröivän luun tiheyteen ja proteesin kiinnittymiseen ympäristöönsä. Tutkimukseen valitut COX-estäjät vähensivät ihmisen kantasolujen erilaistumista osteoblasteiksi ja lisäsivät erilaistumista rasvasoluiksi. Lisäksi todettiin, että AppCCl2p estää mitokondrioissa tapahtuvaa hengitystä estämällä ADP/ATP-vaihtajan toiminnan, saaden aikaan solukuoleman. Vertailtaessa bisfosfonaatteja, tsoledronaatilla vaikutti olevan sekä ensimmäisen, että kolmannen polven (sisältää typpi-ryhmän) bispfosfonaattien vaikutuksia, joten tsoledronaatti kuuluu aivan uuteen bisfosfonaattiryhmään. Potilastutkimuksessa suun kautta ja paikallisesti reisiluun ytimeen annostellulla klodronaatilla oli täysin erilainen vaikutus. Suun kautta syötynä klodronaatti hidasti proteesin kiinnittymistä ja aiheutti osteolyysiä. Sen sijaan paikallinen klodronaatti nopeutti merkittävästi proteesin kiinnittymistä ympäröivään luuhun. Näiden tutkimustulosten perusteella voidaan olettaa, että COX-estäjät, samoin kuin peroraalinen bisfosfonaatti, voivat tahattomasti häiritä luun remodelaatiota.

L’identification des facteurs de risque de la maladie thromboembolique veineuse (MVTE) est un enjeu pour la prévention de la maladie et de sa récidive. Nous avons montré chez l’homme que le cumul des facteurs de risque cardiovasculaires d’athérosclérose (FRCV) est associé à la MVTE non provoquée, à sa gravité et au risque de récidive. Le vieillissement, FRCV et facteur de risque de MVTE, induit chez le rat une dysfonction endothéliale de la veine fémorale liée aux cyclooxygénases (COX), associée à la génération de prostanoïdes au profil pro-thrombogène. Chez le rat obèse ZSF1 jeune, le cumul des FRCV induit une dysfonction endothéliale veineuse précoce liée aux COX-1 et 2. Un traitement par Ω-3 chez le rat vieillissant permet de moduler le métabolisme de l’acide arachidonique pour générer des prostanoïdes moins délétères COX-2-dépendants pouvant réduire le risque thrombogène, faisant des Ω-3 un traitement adjuvant potentiel de la MVTE. / Identification of risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major concern for the prevention of the disease and its recurrence. We have shown in humans that the cumulative cardiovascular risk factors (CVFR) for atherosclerosis were associated with unprovoked VTE, its severity and the risk of recurrence. Aging, CVRF and VTE risk factor, induced an endothelial dysfunction in the rat femoral vein involving cyclooxygenases (COX) associated with potential pro-thrombogenic prostanoids generation. In the young obese ZSF1 rat, cumulative CVRF induced early venous endothelial dysfunction related to COX-1 and 2. Omega-3 treatment in aging rats modulates arachidonic acid pathway leading to COX-2-mediated formation of less deleterious prostanoids, associated with a decreased thrombogenic risk, making omega-3 a potential adjuvant treatment for VTE.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are one of the most commonly used classes of drugs. They target the cyclooxygenases (COX) 1 and 2 to reduce the physiological responses of pain, fever, and inflammation. Due to their role in inducing angiogenesis, COX proteins have also been identified as targets in cancer therapies. In this thesis, I describe computational protocols of molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations and free energy calculations. These methods were used in this thesis to determine structure-activity relationships of a diverse set of NSAIDs in binding to their target proteins COX-1 and 2. Binding affinities were calculated and used to predict the binding modes. Based on combinations of molecular dynamics simulations and free energy calculations, binding mechanisms of sub-classes of NSAIDs were also proposed. Two stable conformations of COX were probed to understand how they affect inhibitor affinities. Finally, a brief discussion on selectivity towards either COX isoform is discussed. These results will be useful in future de novo design and testing of third-generation NSAIDs.

Mycobacteria are multifaceted pathogens capable of causing both acute disease as well as an asymptomatic latent infection. Protective immunity against pathogenic mycobacteria depends principally on cell-mediated immunity executed by efficient anti-infectious functions of type 1 T helper (Th1) subset of CD4+ T cells. The polarization of Th1 responses is orchestrated by IL-12 secreted by antigen presenting cells (APCs) such as macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs). A hallmark of Th1 type CD4+ T cells is the production of IFN-γ that activates plethora of innate cell-mediated immunity. It is well known that cytokines such as IFN-γ, IL-12 and TNF-α are required for control of mycobacterial infection in humans as well as in mice. However, it remains unclear that why the immune response controls mycobacteria, but does not eradicate infection suggesting critical roles for series of survival strategies employed by pathogenic mycobacteria. In general, these evasion strategies include blockade of phagosome-lysosome fusion, secretion of ROI antagonistic proteins like superoxide dismutase & catalase, inhibition of processing of its antigens for presentation to T cells, induced secretion of immunosuppressive cytokines like IL-10 and TGF-β etc. that ultimately suppress the secretion of IL-12 and IFN-γ from APCs and T cells respectively, culminating in a skewed Th1/Th2 balance towards unprotective Th2 responses. Th2 cells secrete IL-4, IL-5, IL-9, IL-10 and IL-13 but are deficient in clearing intracellular infections including pathogenic mycobacteria. This eventually leads to inhibition of host’s immuno-protective responses with concomitant increase in the vulnerability to chronic mycobacterial infection. In this intricate process, modulation of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) levels, a key enzyme catalyzing the rate-limiting step in the inducible production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), by mycobacteria like Mycobacterium bovis BCG assumes critical importance in influencing the overall host immune response. PGE2, an immunosuppressive member of prostaglandin family, is known to restrain production of IL-12, as well as reactive oxygen intermediates. PGE2-mediated inhibition of IL-12R, diminishes IL-12 responsiveness of macrophages and dendritic cells. PGE2 also inhibits the secretion of IFN-γ, which is important in activating T cells and macrophages. In contrast, PGE2 promotes IL-10 production by macrophages, dendritic cells and Th1-to-Th2 shift of acquired immune responses by inhibiting IL-2 and enhancing IL-4 production. Albeit, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways are generally believed to be involved, little is known about the signaling molecules playing significant roles upstream of MAPK and NF-κB pathways during mycobacteria triggered COX-2 expression. Further, information on early receptor proximal signaling mechanisms essential during mycobacteria mediated induction of COX-2 remains scanty. In this regard, signaling cascade triggered upon recognition of mycobacterial components by pattern recognition receptors (PRR) signify as critical event in overall regulation of cell fate decisions. PRR like Toll like receptor (TLR2) and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2 (NOD2) are two nonredundant recognition mechanisms of pathogenic mycobacteria. Several components of mycobacteria have been identified as being responsible for TLR2-dependent activation including 19-kDa lipoprotein, lipomannan etc.; while NOD2 recognizes mycobacterial peptidoglycans through its interaction with muramyl dipeptide (MDP). Interestingly, although mycobacteria reside within phagolysosomes of the infected macrophages, many cell wall antigens like lipoarabinomannan (LAM), phosphatidyl-myo-inositol mannosides (PIM), trehalose 6,6′-dimycolate (TDM; cord factor), PE/PPE family proteins etc., are released and traffic out of the mycobacterial phagosome platform into endocytic compartments. Importantly, these antigens could gain access to the extracellular environment in the form of exocytosed vesicles. In this perspective, PIM represents a variety of phosphatidyl-myo-inositol mannosides (PIM) 1-6 containing molecules and are integral component of the mycobacterial envelope. Further, PIM2 is a known TLR2 agonist and reported to activate NF-κB, AP-1, and MAPK suggesting that mycobacterial envelope antigen PIM2 could modulate the inflammatory responses similar to mycobacteria bacilli. In this context, we explored the signaling events modulated by M. bovis BCG, and role for TLR2 and NOD2 in this intricate process, to trigger the expression of COX-2 in macrophages. Our studies demonstrated that M. bovis BCG triggered TLR2-dependent signaling leads to COX-2 expression and PGE2 secretion in vitro in macrophages and in vivo in mice. Further, the presence of PGE2 could be demonstrated in sera or CSF of tuberculosis patients. Similarly, mycobacterial TLR2 agonist PIM2 and NOD2 ligand MDP triggered COX-2 expression in macrophages. The induced COX-2 expression in macrophages either by M. bovis BCG or PIM2 or MDP was dependent on NF-κB activation, which was in turn mediated by iNOS/NO and Wnt-β-Catenin dependent participation of the members of Notch1-PI3K signaling cascade. Importantly, loss of iNOS activity either in iNOS null macrophages or by pharmacological intervention in wild type macrophages severely abrogated M. bovis BCG ability to trigger the generation of Notch1 intracellular domain (NICD) as well as activation of PI3K signaling cascade. On contrary, treatment of macrophages with SIN-1, an NO donor, resulted in a rapid increase in generation of NICD, activation of PI3K pathway as well as the expression of COX-2. Interestingly, pharmacological inhibition as well as siRNA mediated knockdown of Wnt-β-Catenin signaling compromised ability of M. bovis BCG to induce activation of Notch1-PI3K signaling and drive COX-2 expression. Concomitantly, activation of Wnt-β-Catenin signaling by LiCl triggered activation of Notch1 and PI3K pathway as well as COX-2 expression. Stable expression of NICD in RAW 264.7 macrophages resulted in augmented expression of COX-2. Further, signaling perturbation experiments suggested involvement of the cross-talk of Notch1 with PI3K signaling cascade. In this perspective, we propose TLR2 and NOD2 as two major receptors involved in mycobacteria mediated activation of Notch1PI3K signaling, and the activation of iNOS/NO and Wnt-β-Catenin signaling axis as obligatory early receptor proximal signaling events during mycobacteria induced COX-2 expression in macrophages. Functional characterization of mycobacterial antigens that are potent modulators of host immune responses to pathogens by virtue of induced expression of COX-2 assumes critical importance for deciphering pathogenesis of mycobacterial diseases as well as to identify novel therapeutic targets to combat the disease. In this context, a group of novel antigens carried by M. tuberculosis that are expressed upon infection of macrophages belong to PE and PPE family of proteins. Ten percent of the coding capacity of M. tuberculosis genome is devoted to the PE and PPE gene family members, exemplified by the presence of Pro-Glu (PE) and Pro-Pro-Glu (PPE) motifs near the N-terminus of their gene products. Many members of the PE family exhibit multiple copies of polymorphic guanine-cytosine– rich sequences (PGRS) at the C-terminal end, which are designated as the PE_PGRS family of proteins. A number of PE/PPE proteins associate with the cell wall and are known to induce strong T & B cell responses in humans. However information related to effects of PE/PPE antigens on the maturation and functions of human dendritic cells and eventual modulation of T cell responses as well as underlying signaling events remains obscure. Our results demonstrated that two cell wall associated/secretory PE_PGRS proteins PE_PGRS 17, PE_PGRS 11 and PPE family protein PPE 34 recognize TLR2, induce maturation and activation of human dendritic cells and enhance the ability of dendritic cells to stimulate CD4+ T cells. In addition, tuberculosis patients were found to have a high frequency of T cells specific to PE_PGRS and PPE antigens. We further found that PE/PPE proteins-mediated activation of dendritic cells involves participation of ERK1/2, p38 MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways. While, PE_PGRS antigens-matured dendritic cells secreted high amounts of inflammatory cytokine IL-12, PPE 34 triggered maturation of dendritic cells was associated with secretion of high amounts of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 but not the Th1-polarizing cytokine IL-12. Consistent with these results, PPE 34-matured dendritic cells favored secretion of IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10 from CD4+ T cells and contributed to Th2 skewed cytokine balance ex vivo in healthy individuals and in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. Interestingly, PPE 34-skewed Th2 immune response involved induced expression of COX-2 in dendritic cells. Our results suggest that by inducing differential maturation and activation of human dendritic cells, PE/PPE proteins could potentially modulate the initiation of host immune responses against mycobacteria. Taken together, our observations clearly signify the potential role for TLR2 and NOD2 triggering by M. bovis BCG in activating receptor proximal Notch1-PI3K signaling during induced COX-2/PGE2 expression which represents a crucial immune subversion mechanism employed by mycobacteria in order to suppress or attenuate host immune responses. Further, differential maturation of human dendritic cells by PE_PGRS and PPE antigens as well as their ability to stimulate CD4+ T cells towards Th1 and Th2 phenotype respectively, improves our understanding about host-mycobacteria interactions and clearly paves a way towards the development of novel combinatorial therapeutics.

The zona-pellucida (zona, ZP) is an adhesion-refractory, acellular coat enclosing the rapidly growing, free-living mammalian preimplantation embryo which undergoes successive cleavage divisions to form the blastocyst, composed of ICM-cells surrounded by outer TE-cells. For further development, the blastocyst must ‘hatch’ or ‘escape’ out of the zona before it can implant into the endometrium for further development (Fig. 5.1A). Hence, the event of hatching or ‘zona escape’ assumes critical importance for the establishment of a successful pregnancy. The golden-hamster blastocyst offers a very unique paradigm to understand hatching, whereby upon attainment of a fully-expanded state, the blastocyst undergoes a dramatic (and molecularly unexplained) deflation event, followed by appearance of TE-derived dynamic cellular projections called TE-projections, whose appearance in an embryonic-stage and -time dependant manner suggest an intimate association with the hatching phenomenon (Fig. 5.1B). Thirdly, embryo-derived zonalytic proteases have been shown to bring about a focal-lysis of the ZP followed by global zona dissolution. Earlier work in the laboratory had demonstrated the intimate involvement of signaling molecules like LIF, HB-EGF, TGF-β and (ER)-α with hatching (Seshagiri et al., 2002, 2009). Investigations also revealed the involvement of cysteine-proteases of the cathepsin (cts) family, especially cts-L, -B and-P to be involved in zona lysis (Sireesha et al., 2008). In order to achieve a better understanding of mammalian preimplantation development, especially hatching, it was important to investigate the role and impact of other critical regulators of developmental and reproductive physiology. COX-2 is one such key signaling moiety and it was decided to investigate the role, if any, of COX-2 and its derived PGs in hamster peri-implantation events. COX-2 transcripts and immunoreactive COX-2 protein were detected in the different preimplantation stages, from 8-cell onwards. COX-2 protein was abundant in both the ICM and TE, but was especially enriched in the TE-cells of the late blastocyst. In order to investigate the function of this enzyme in preimplantation development and hatching, two very-specific inhibitors of COX-2 catalytic action, NS-398 and CAY-10404, were tested in identical concentrations of 25, 50 and 75 μM on in vitro cultured hamster blastocysts. In order to assess the impact of COX-2 inhibition on an embryo-stage and time-dependant manner, inhibitors were tested on freshly recovered 8-cell embryos or early blastocysts, continuously for 72 h or 48 h, respectively. COX-2-selective inhibitors inhibited hamster blastocyst hatching in a dose-dependant manner with maximum inhibition observed in the 75 μM dose. Surprisingly, there was a profound dose-dependent failure of deflation of late-blastocysts upon inhibitor treatment and embryos which hatched, did so in an inflated state and retained intact zonae in cultures. Moreover, embryos subjected to NS-398 treatment phenocopied those subjected to CAY-10404 treatment. Results demonstrate that the effect of inhibitors, and hence the need for COX-2 mediated signaling events is more pronounced in 8¬cell embryos than with early-blastocysts, indicating that COX-2 dependant molecular and cellular processes required for blastocyst morphogenesis and ZP-lysis may have been initiated prior to compaction and cavitation. The reversal of effects of COX-2 inhibition on hatching with exogenous addition of PGE2 and Iloprost (a stable PGI2 analogue) to inhibitor cultures, show that COX-2-derived eicosanoids could, in effect bring about hamster hatching, which is in agreement with previous reports (Davis et al., 1999) and augment peri-implantation development including hatching (Huang et al., 2003). Additionally, it has been successfully demonstrated that PGE2 was superior to PGI2 in augmenting blastocyst hatching in inhibitor-cultures. In this study, the modulation of critical cts-L, -B, -P proteases in COX-2 mediated hamster zona hatching has been verified by quantifying cts in transcripts in control and inhibitor-subjected embryonic samples which was further substantiated by the decreased intra-embryonal protein levels of cts-L and -P. These results demonstrate that COX-2 mediated signaling components directly and effectively modulate hamster preimplantation development, especially zona-hatching phenomenon by transcriptional-regulation of the critical zonalytic proteases. Another potential hatching-associated molecule i.e., NF-κB which is known to exert a great deal of influence on overall reproductive and developmental biology, was investigated in this study. Its specific effects on mammalian preimplantation development, especially hatching, remain totally uninvestigated. This formed the rationale to investigate the reach and impact of NF-κB signaling network in the modulation of peri-hatching events. Transcripts and immunoreactive NF-κB protein of crucial pathway-components like IKK, IκB-β and RelA were detected from 8-cell embryo to the zona-free blastocyst. In order to ascertain the impact of NF-κB signaling on peri-hatching events, two very-specific inhibitors of the NF-κB pathway, BAY-11-7082 and JSH-23 were employed which acted at two strategic signaling points. In order to assess the impact of NF-κB inhibition on an embryo-stage and time-dependant manner, inhibitors were tested on freshly recovered 8-cell embryos or early blastocysts, continuously for 72 h or 48 h, respectively. NF-κB-selective inhibitors inhibited blastocyst hatching in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, a profound dose-dependent failure of deflation of late-blastocysts upon inhibitor treatment was observed and embryos which hatched did so in an inflated state and also retained intact zonae in cultures. Moreover, embryos subjected to BAY-11-7082 treatment phenocopied those subjected to JSH-23 treatment, indicating specificity of inhibitor action. Time-course experiments demonstrated that the need for efficient NF-κB mediated signaling is distinctively more for 8-cell embryos than early-blastocysts, indicating that NF-κB dependant molecular and cellular processes required for blastocyst morphogenesis and ZP-lysis may have been initiated prior to compaction and cavitation. Moreover, modulation of zonalysins cts-L, -B and -P by NF-κB-signaling, during the event of zona lysis, both by real-time quantitation of its transcripts and intracellular protein levels has been demonstrated. These results demonstrate that NF¬κB mediated signaling components directly and effectively modulate hamster preimplantation development, especially zona-hatching phenomenon by transcriptional-regulation of the critical zonalytic proteases. The profound inhibition of hatching and effects on blastocyst morphogenesis observed by inhibition of COX-2 and NF-κB signaling systems demonstrate a fundamental need of the growing embryo for these critical signaling moieties. Moreover, the underlying similarity of consequences obtained upon inhibition of both signaling networks i.e., NF-κB and COX-2, perhaps indicate a linear mode of signaling between these principles. It remains to be tested, though, if it really is the case. A striking observation made in this study was the detection of immunoreactive signals for critical signaling moieties like ER-α, COX-2 and RelA onto TEPs of the deflated hamster blastocyst, in addition to earlier TEP-localisation of cathepsins. A B C (Figure) ENDOMETRIUM ENDOMETRIUM ENDOMETRIUM Fig 5.1. Schematic representation of the role of molecular and cellular factors in the regulation of concordant phenomena of mammalian blastocyst hatching and endometrial implantation. (A) Depicts a zona-intact well-formed blastocyst. Preimplantation embryo development and blastocyst formation involves close cooperation between several molecular principles (discussed in sections 1.3.1 to 1.3.3), (B) as the embryo prepares to hatch, prior to implantation, it initiates egression from the non-adhesive ZP coat by cathepsin (cts) protease-mediated lysis of zona (pink circles); there is concomitant appearance of cellular principles such as TEPs (undulating projections shown in green). Of interest is the intimate association of hatching-promoting molecules such as COX-2, NF-κB, ER-α, Cts etc. with the TEPs. (C) depicts a zona-free, TEP-rich blastocyst initiating implantation into the maternal endometrium. It is possible, that the embryonic TEPs with the associated hatching-regulatory molecules are also critical for implantation phenomena during the embryo-maternal recognition and implantation during the establishment of early pregnancy. Preliminary results indicate that TEPs could be the site of membrane lipid-rafts, focal points of membrane-based signaling. The definitive role of TEPs in peri-hatching events is yet to be confirmed, but it is presumed that these actin-based undulating structures, harboring several key molecules involved in peri-implantation events in the embryo as well as the maternal uterus could be instrumental in successfully bringing about the concomitant processes of hatching and implantation. Interestingly, during rodent implantation (hamster, guinea-pig, mouse and rat), the blastocyst orients in such a way that the ICM is oriented away from the endometrium and, at least in the hamster, the TEP-carrying abembryonic (mural) pole remains closest to the luminal epithelium (LE) (Gonzales et al., 1996b; Seshagiri et al., 2009; Fig. 5.1C). In contrast, in humans and other primates, the embryonic pole is closest to LE before implantation (Kirby, 1971; Lee and DeMayo, 2004). Although direct evidence is lacking, but these observations gives rise to a possibility that both hatching and implantation could be intimately related to the polar appearance of TEPs in the embryo. Several key signaling molecules like ER-α, LIF, HB-EGF and TGF-β have been already demonstrated to play crucial roles in mammalian hatching. In this thesis, we have exemplified the need for COX-2 mediated prostanoid signaling and the pleotropic NF-κB signaling system in bringing about mammalian blastocyst hatching. How exactly do these molecular entities communicate among themselves and with cellular principles like TEPs thereby effectively enabling peri-implantation development, remain to be understood. Taken together, these results demonstrate, for the first time, the involvement of embryo-derived signaling molecules, like COX-2 and NF-κB in an embryo stage-and time-dependant manner in mammalian peri-implantation events, especially blastocyst hatching. The association of TEPs with key molecules common to embryonic and maternal preparation for hatching and implantation, respectively, indicates towards a molecular and cellular continuity between the concomitant events. These fundamental findings on hamster blastocyst biology have profound clinical implications in the management of human infertility. (For figures pl see the abstract file).

We have studied aspirin as a potential chemopreventive for colorectal cancer, completing Phase I studies on aspirin pharmacology and potential biomarker assays (prostaglandins, PGE2 and PGF(2α) and cyclooxygenase modulation) in normal human subjects. These studies have determined the optimal dose of aspirin for future Phase IIa and IIb chemopreventive trials in high-risk cohorts of patients for colon cancer. Aspirin's effects on rectal prostaglandins are prolonged, detectable even after aspirin and its metabolite are removed from the plasma. Aspirin-mediated inhibition of prostaglandin production in the human rectal epithelium may be related to direct suppression of cyclooxygenase transcription and not to enzyme inactivation by acetylation. A systematic method to monitor adherence (self- report, telephone contact, pill count, and microelectronic monitoring) has been established for future trials. Strategies to improve recruitment of high-risk cohorts have been developed. Phase IIa non-randomized studies with aspirin at 81 mg in high-risk cohorts (resected Duke's A colon cancer, Duke's C colon cancer treated with adjuvant therapy and disease-free at 5 years, history of colon adenomas > 1 cm, two or more first-degree relatives with colon cancer, and familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer syndromes) are currently being conducted for surrogate end- point biomarker (prostaglandins, cyclooxygenase, cellular mucins, and proliferation) modulation.

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) in solar light is important for skin biology. It is involved in the development acute and chronic skin inflammation, aging and cancer, causing erythema, tanning and local or systemic immunosuppression. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) are considered anti- inflammatory and could reduce the damage caused by overexposure to UVR. Although, n-3 PUFA have been considered as photoprotective agents, their exact mechanisms of action is not completely understood. The aim of the work is to determine the effect of UVR and the n-3 PUFA eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on human skin cells (in vitro study), specifically on: cell viability, apoptosis and their metabolism through the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways. Also, to study the cellular incorporation and effect of n-3 PUFA on the fatty acid profile of skin cells. A clinical study was undertaken to assess the incorporation of n-3 PUFA supplements in human skin. A clinical study was performed in 40 healthy women (active group) supplemented with 4g/day of EPA (70%) and DHA (10%) and 40 healthy women (placebo group) supplemented with 4g/day of glyceryl tricoprylate coprate (GTCC). After 3 months, both blood samples and skin punch biopsies were collected and analysed for fatty acids by gas chromatography (GC). HaCaT keratinocytes and 46BR.1N fibroblasts were cultured and treated with 10 and 50μM of either EPA, or DHA or oleic acid (OA) for 72h and exposed to 15 and 50 mJ/cm2. Cell viability was measured by the MTT assay and cell apoptosis by a colorimetric method, at 24h post UVR. Cells and culture media were analysed by GC and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS/MS) to assess cellular fatty acids and production of eicosanoids. The clinical a study showed that in RBC saturated fatty acids (SFA) (44.27±7.43%) were the main fatty acid group followed by n-6 PUFA (29.61±5.53%). While in dermal tissue monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) (58.90±9.80%) was the main fatty acid group followed by SFA (27.06±6.78%). A significant increase in EPA, DHA and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) was observed in RBC but only EPA was significantly increased in the dermis post n-3 PUFA supplementation. . The viability of HaCaT keratinocytes and 46BR.1N fibroblasts decreased post UVR and this was further reduced post PUFA treatment. Cell apoptosis increased when cells were exposed to UVR and further increased when cells were treated with EPA and DHA. . In HaCaT keratinocytes MUFA (54.22±8.82%) was the main fatty acid group followed by FAS (37.11±.9.16%), while SFA (51.94±8.68%) was the main group followed by MUFA (27.07±4.79) in 46BR.1N. Treated both cells with EPA and DHA showed significant increased in cellular EPA, DPA and DHA. 46BR.1N fibroblasts produced higher levels of prostaglandins (PG) compared to HaCaT keratinocytes: PGE2 and PGD2 were the main PG in both HaCaT (7.96±3.18 and 1.48±1.19 pg/million cell; respectively) and 46BR.1N with (44.2±23.00 and 17.1±9.71 pg/million cell; respectively). Significant increase in PGE1 and PGE2 occurred when cells were exposed to 15mJ/cm2 UVR. Treatment with n-3 PUFA decreased the level of PGE1 and PGE2, and increase production PGE3 at the baseline and post UVR. Both cell lines produced hydroxy fatty acids and the concentration of these mediators was higher in 46BR.1N than HaCaT. The concentrations of these mediators were significant increased post UVR: treatment with n-3 PUFA decreased the level of HODE and HETE, and increase production of HEPE and HDHA at baseline and post UVR. Overall, n-3PUFA treatment led to increases in the content of EPA and DHA on RBC, dermal tissue and human skin cell lines. EPA and DHA in skin cell lines appear to offer protection by increasing cellular apoptosis, decreasing inflammatory mediators specifically PGE2 and 12-HETE, and increasing anti-inflammatory mediators such as PGE3, 15-HEPE and 17-HDHA.