Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2000. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 117-138).

A rapid, two-step procedure is described for the isolation of both "high molecular weight" (H-) and "low molecular weight" (L-) plasma kininogens from a single sample of plasma. Affinity chromatography on carboxymethyl-papain-Sepharose is used, together with high-resolution anion exchange chromatography.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Stockholm : Karol. inst., 2004. / Härtill 4 uppsatser.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Uppsala : Sveriges lantbruksuniv. / Härtill 4 uppsatser.

CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeiÃoamento de Pessoal de NÃvel Superior / Um relevante nÃmero de espÃcies vegetais à descrito como plantas produtoras de um fluido leitoso comumente denominado de lÃtex. Nestas espÃcies, o lÃtex à sintetizado e armazenado sob pressÃo em um sistema de canais formados por cÃlulas altamente especializadas denominadas de laticÃferas, em cujos citoplasmas estÃo presentes todas as estruturas eucariontes em meio à Ãgua, borracha e inÃmeras molÃculas, muitas das quais especÃficas deste conteÃdo. Muitos estudos tÃm sugerido que molÃculas produzidas nestes fluidos participam da defesa vegetal. Neste trabalho, o lÃtex de 5 espÃcies foi coletado e processado em laboratÃrio para obtenÃÃo de suas fraÃÃes protÃicas e estas foram avaliadas quanto a atividade sobre fungos fitopatogÃnicos atravÃs de ensaios de inibiÃÃo da germinaÃÃo de esporos e crescimento de hifas. ProteÃnas do lÃtex de C. procera (PLCp), Cryptostegia grandiflora (PLCg) e Carica candamarcensis (P1 G10) apresentaram atividade antifÃngica enquanto que Plumeria rubra (PLPr) e Euphorbia tirucalli (PLEt) nÃo apresentaram atividade sobre qualquer dos fungos avaliados (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium solani, Rhizoctonia solani, Neurospora sp. e Aspergillus niger). A atividade inibitÃria das fraÃÃes protÃicas se correlacionou diretamente com a presenÃa de atividade proteolÃtica do tipo cisteÃnica presente nas amostras de PLCp, PLCg e P1G10. A atividade antifÃngica foi aumentada na presenÃa de DTT, um ativador destas proteases e foi diminuÃda ou eliminada quanto Ãs amostras foram prÃ-tratadas com iodoacetamida (IAA), um inibidor especÃfico de proteases cisteÃnicas. AlÃm disso, a atividade antifÃngica foi observada quando papaÃna, uma protease cisteÃnica purificada do lÃtex de Carica papaya foi avaliada, mas tripsina e quimotripsina, duas proteases serÃnicas nÃo apresentaram atividade. AtravÃs de cromatografia em coluna de Mono-S Sepharose acoplada ao sistema de FPLC, uma protease cisteÃnica foi isolada de PLCg. A proteÃna purificada (Cg24-I) apresentou massa molecular de 24,118 KDa. A Cg24-I apresentou atividade proteolÃtica mÃxima em pH 8,0 e foi inibida por IAA e E-64, utilizando azocaseÃna e BANA como substratos, respectivamente. Cg24-I inibiu a germinaÃÃo de F. solani e foi capaz de alterar a permeabilidade das membranas dos esporos na concentraÃÃo de 90 ng/ml. Esse conjunto de resultados sugere que proteinases cisteÃnicas de fluidos laticÃferos participam da defesa das plantas contra fungos fitopatogÃnicos e que o provÃvel mecanismo de aÃÃo destas proteÃnas seja a alteraÃÃo da permeabilidade da membrana plasmÃtica destes microrganismos. A descriÃÃo de atividade antifÃngica de proteases cisteÃnicas oriundas de fluidos laticÃferos nÃo à ainda descrita em detalhes na literatura, sendo este um trabalho com carÃter original. / Canal systems containing secretions, such as latex, are widely disseminated in the plant kingdom. These fluids are chemically complex and exhibit intense metabolism. Despite their origin, latex is the cytoplasm of specialized cells growing intrusively into organized tissues and organs, forming an interconnected network allowing latex exudation immediately after tissue damage. Insecticidal effects of latex proteins have been described, however minor studies were devoted to investigate antifungal activities in latex. In this study proteins extracted from latex of Calotropis procera (Ait.) R.Br (PLCp), Plumeria rubra L.(PLPr), Carica candamarcensis Hook F.(P1 G10), Cryptostegia grandiflora (PLCg), and Euphorbia tirucalli L. (PLEt) were tested for antifungal activity against six phytopathogens (Fusarium solani, F. oxysporium, Aspergilus niger, Rhizoctonia solani, Neurospora sp. and Colletrotricum gloerosporioides). PLCp, PLCg and P1G10 exhibited antifungal activity and PLPr and PLEt were not efetive. Inhibitory activity of the protein fractions correlated with the cysteine-type proteolytic activity found in these fractions. The endogenous proteolytic activity and inhibitory activity on fungal growth were both increased when samples were first activated with DTT, a cysteine proteinase activator. Conversely, pre-treatment of samples with iodoacetamide, an inhibitor of these proteases rendered all samples deficient of both, proteolytic and antifungal activities. Antifungal of activity of cysteine proteinases of latex origin was also confirmed when papain, obtained from latex of Caryca papaya was tested while purified trypsin and chemotrysin, two serine-type proteases were not antifungal. A cysteine proteinase was thus, purified form PLCg by ion exchange chromatography on a Mono-S Sepharose matrix monitored by a FPLC system. The protein, named Cg24-I exhibited molecular mass of 26.118 KDa determined by MALDI spectrometry; maximum of proteolysis at pH 8.0 and inhibited by iodoacetamide and E-64 when assayed with azocazein or BANA as substrates. Cg24-I inhibited germination of F. solani and altered membrane permeability of spores at a minimum concentration of 90 ng/ml. Results present here suggest that cysteine proteinases of laticifer fluids are proteins with antifungal activity capable of damaging spore structure and inhibiting hyphae growth. Reports of antifungal activity of latex proteases are still scarce in literature and this work appears as an important contribution to this field. Furthermore, this work gives important evidence for the multiple defensive role of latex in plants.

Gingipaine sind Cysteinproteinasen des wohl in Ätiologie und Pathogenese der chronischen Erwachsenenparodontitis bedeutsamsten bakteriellen Erregers und zugleich die wichtigsten Virulenzfaktoren der Spezies Porphyromonas gingivalis. Die für diese extrazellulären Produkte kodierenden Gene sind rgpA, rgpB und kgp. Deren Produkte sind entsprechend HRgpA, RgpB und Kgp. HRgpA und RgpB verursachen eine Steigerung der Gefäßpermeabilität durch die Aktivierung des Kallikrein/Kinin-Systems und aktivieren die Blutgerinnung, welche potentiell mit der Synthese der Sulkusflüssigkeit und dem Fortschreiten der Entzündung bis hin zum Verlust des alveolären Knochens assoziiert sind. Offenbar wird dieses durch die Aktivierung von Matrixmetalloproteinasen begünstigt. Kgp ist von den dreien die potenteste fibrinogen-und fibrinabbauende Proteinase und bei der Blutungsneigung der erkrankten Stellen involviert. HRgpA aktiviert besonders Blutgerinnungsfaktoren. Gingipaine stören das Komplementsystem und manipulieren den Zytokinhaushalt der Entzündungskaskaden. Die Gingipaine unterstützen die Kolonisierung von P. gingivalis durch die Bindung zu anderen Bakterien des subgingivalen Biofilms und der Bindung zu epithelialen Zellen. Sie vermögen an Laminin, Fibrinogen, Fibronektin, Hämoglobin und an manchen Typen von Kollagen zu binden. Alle können den Rezeptor CD14 auf Makrophagen abbauen und so die Leukozytenaktivierung hemmen. Sie regulieren die Infektionsintensität, den Bakterienhaushalt, die Aminosäurenaufnahme aus Wirtsproteinen und die Fimbrienreifung. Die Genetik, die Chemie und die virulenzverursachenden Eigenschaften der Gingipaine stehen seit Mitte der 90iger Jahre des letzten Jahrhunderts im Blickpunkt des wissenschaftlichen Interesses. Aufgrund ihrer Schlüsselrolle bei der Pathogenese der Parodontitis und der mikrobiellen Infektion sind die Gingipaine Ziele für die mögliche Entwicklung von Hemmstoffen respektive für Immunisierungsstrategien gegen die chronische Parodontitis. / Gingipains are cysteine proteases of the probably most important bacterial pathogen of the adult periodontitis in the field of etiology as well as pathology. At the time, they are the most important virulence factors of the species Porphyromonas gingivalis. The encoding genes of this extracellular products are rgpA, rgpB and kgp. Their products are corresponding HRgpA, RgpB and Kgp. HRgpA and RgpB induce vascular permeability enhancement through activation of the kallikrein/kinin system and activate the blood coagulation, processes potentially associated with gingival crevicular fluid synthesis and progression of inflammation which ultimately can lead to alveolar bone loss. Obviously, this will be favoured by matrix metalloproteinases. Kgp is the most potent fibrinogen/fibrin degrading enzyme of the three gingipains involved in the bleeding tendency at the diseased sites. HRgpA especially activates coagulation factors. Gingipains disturb the complement system and manipulate the cytokine network of the inflammation cascades. Gingipains support colonizing of P. gingivalis due to their connection to other bacteria of the subgingival biofilm and to epithelial cells. They are able to bind to laminin, fibrinogen, fibronectin, hemoglobin and some types of collagen. All of them are able to degrade macrophage CD14 receptor, thus preventing activation of the leukocytes. They regulate the intensity of infection and the bacterial housekeeping, including amino acid uptake from host proteins and fimbriae maturation. Genetics, chemistry and the virulence inducing properties of gingipains are the focus of scientific attention since the middle of the nineties of the last century. Due to their key role in pathogenesis of periodontitis and microbial infection the gingipains are targets for the possible development of inhibitory substances, respectively for immunization strategies against chronic periodontitis.

Gingipaine sind Cysteinproteinasen des wohl in Ätiologie und Pathogenese der chronischen Erwachsenenparodontitis bedeutsamsten bakteriellen Erregers und zugleich die wichtigsten Virulenzfaktoren der Spezies Porphyromonas gingivalis. Die für diese extrazellulären Produkte kodierenden Gene sind rgpA, rgpB und kgp. Deren Produkte sind entsprechend HRgpA, RgpB und Kgp. HRgpA und RgpB verursachen eine Steigerung der Gefäßpermeabilität durch die Aktivierung des Kallikrein/Kinin-Systems und aktivieren die Blutgerinnung, welche potentiell mit der Synthese der Sulkusflüssigkeit und dem Fortschreiten der Entzündung bis hin zum Verlust des alveolären Knochens assoziiert sind. Offenbar wird dieses durch die Aktivierung von Matrixmetalloproteinasen begünstigt. Kgp ist von den dreien die potenteste fibrinogen-und fibrinabbauende Proteinase und bei der Blutungsneigung der erkrankten Stellen involviert. HRgpA aktiviert besonders Blutgerinnungsfaktoren. Gingipaine stören das Komplementsystem und manipulieren den Zytokinhaushalt der Entzündungskaskaden. Die Gingipaine unterstützen die Kolonisierung von P. gingivalis durch die Bindung zu anderen Bakterien des subgingivalen Biofilms und der Bindung zu epithelialen Zellen. Sie vermögen an Laminin, Fibrinogen, Fibronektin, Hämoglobin und an manchen Typen von Kollagen zu binden. Alle können den Rezeptor CD14 auf Makrophagen abbauen und so die Leukozytenaktivierung hemmen. Sie regulieren die Infektionsintensität, den Bakterienhaushalt, die Aminosäurenaufnahme aus Wirtsproteinen und die Fimbrienreifung. Die Genetik, die Chemie und die virulenzverursachenden Eigenschaften der Gingipaine stehen seit Mitte der 90iger Jahre des letzten Jahrhunderts im Blickpunkt des wissenschaftlichen Interesses. Aufgrund ihrer Schlüsselrolle bei der Pathogenese der Parodontitis und der mikrobiellen Infektion sind die Gingipaine Ziele für die mögliche Entwicklung von Hemmstoffen respektive für Immunisierungsstrategien gegen die chronische Parodontitis.:Erklärungen I Genehmigungsvermerk II Inhaltsverzeichnis III 1. Einleitung und Fragestellung 4 1.1 Parodontitis 4 1.1.1 Epidemiologie 4 1.1.2 Klassifikation 4 1.1.3 Ätiologie und Pathogenese 5 1.1.4 Mikrobiologie 7 1.1.5 Biofilm 8 1.2 Porphyromonas gingivalis 10 1.3 Verwandtschaftsverhältnisse von P. gingivalis 12 1.4 Mit P. gingivalis assoziierte Proteinasen 15 1.5 Fragestellung 16 2. Material und Methoden 17 3. Ergebnisse und Diskussion 18 3.1 Einführung – Gingipaine als Enzyme von P. gingivalis 18 3.1.1 Definition der Gingipaine 18 3.1.2 RgpA- und RgpB-Gen-Gingipaine 19 3.1.3 Kgp-Gen-Gingipain 20 3.2 Bedeutung der Gingipaine für die Pathogenität von P. gingivalis 21 3.2.1 Gingipaine und fimbrienvermittelte Adhäsion, intrazelluläre Invasion und parazellulärer Pfad von P. gingivalis 21 3.2.2 Effekte auf die Integrität des Bindegewebes 24 3.2.3 Aktivierung des Kallikrein-Kinin-Systems 25 3.2.4 Aktivierende Einflüsse auf das Gerinnungssystem 27 3.2.5 Hemmende Einflüsse auf das Fibrinogen-Fibrin-System 28 3.2.6 Beeinträchtigung der Immunabwehr des Wirts 28 3.3 Gingipaine im biochemischen Regulationsmechanismus von P. gingivalis 35 3.3.1 Die Rolle des proteolytischen Systems von P. gingivalis beim Nährstofferwerb 35 3.3.2 Gingipainreifung und die Steuerung des intrazellulären Haushalts von P. gingivalis 39 3.3.3 Regulation der Proteinaseexpression von P. gingivalis 40 3.3.4 Gingipaine als bakterielle Hämagglutinine, Adhäsine und hämoglobinbindende Proteine 42 3.3.5 Proteinasegenmutationen bei P. gingivalis und ihre enzymatische Aktivität 42 3.4 Gingipaine und systemische Effekte 44 3.5 Synergismen mit anderen Spezies und quorum sensing 45 3.6 Hemmstoffe der Gingipaine 46 3.7 Immunisierung gegen Gingipaine 48 4. Zusammenfassung / Summary 52 5. Literaturverzeichnis 53 Anhang 87 Abbildungsverzeichnis 87 Tabellenverzeichnis 87 Danksagung 88 Lebenslauf 89 / Gingipains are cysteine proteases of the probably most important bacterial pathogen of the adult periodontitis in the field of etiology as well as pathology. At the time, they are the most important virulence factors of the species Porphyromonas gingivalis. The encoding genes of this extracellular products are rgpA, rgpB and kgp. Their products are corresponding HRgpA, RgpB and Kgp. HRgpA and RgpB induce vascular permeability enhancement through activation of the kallikrein/kinin system and activate the blood coagulation, processes potentially associated with gingival crevicular fluid synthesis and progression of inflammation which ultimately can lead to alveolar bone loss. Obviously, this will be favoured by matrix metalloproteinases. Kgp is the most potent fibrinogen/fibrin degrading enzyme of the three gingipains involved in the bleeding tendency at the diseased sites. HRgpA especially activates coagulation factors. Gingipains disturb the complement system and manipulate the cytokine network of the inflammation cascades. Gingipains support colonizing of P. gingivalis due to their connection to other bacteria of the subgingival biofilm and to epithelial cells. They are able to bind to laminin, fibrinogen, fibronectin, hemoglobin and some types of collagen. All of them are able to degrade macrophage CD14 receptor, thus preventing activation of the leukocytes. They regulate the intensity of infection and the bacterial housekeeping, including amino acid uptake from host proteins and fimbriae maturation. Genetics, chemistry and the virulence inducing properties of gingipains are the focus of scientific attention since the middle of the nineties of the last century. Due to their key role in pathogenesis of periodontitis and microbial infection the gingipains are targets for the possible development of inhibitory substances, respectively for immunization strategies against chronic periodontitis.:Erklärungen I Genehmigungsvermerk II Inhaltsverzeichnis III 1. Einleitung und Fragestellung 4 1.1 Parodontitis 4 1.1.1 Epidemiologie 4 1.1.2 Klassifikation 4 1.1.3 Ätiologie und Pathogenese 5 1.1.4 Mikrobiologie 7 1.1.5 Biofilm 8 1.2 Porphyromonas gingivalis 10 1.3 Verwandtschaftsverhältnisse von P. gingivalis 12 1.4 Mit P. gingivalis assoziierte Proteinasen 15 1.5 Fragestellung 16 2. Material und Methoden 17 3. Ergebnisse und Diskussion 18 3.1 Einführung – Gingipaine als Enzyme von P. gingivalis 18 3.1.1 Definition der Gingipaine 18 3.1.2 RgpA- und RgpB-Gen-Gingipaine 19 3.1.3 Kgp-Gen-Gingipain 20 3.2 Bedeutung der Gingipaine für die Pathogenität von P. gingivalis 21 3.2.1 Gingipaine und fimbrienvermittelte Adhäsion, intrazelluläre Invasion und parazellulärer Pfad von P. gingivalis 21 3.2.2 Effekte auf die Integrität des Bindegewebes 24 3.2.3 Aktivierung des Kallikrein-Kinin-Systems 25 3.2.4 Aktivierende Einflüsse auf das Gerinnungssystem 27 3.2.5 Hemmende Einflüsse auf das Fibrinogen-Fibrin-System 28 3.2.6 Beeinträchtigung der Immunabwehr des Wirts 28 3.3 Gingipaine im biochemischen Regulationsmechanismus von P. gingivalis 35 3.3.1 Die Rolle des proteolytischen Systems von P. gingivalis beim Nährstofferwerb 35 3.3.2 Gingipainreifung und die Steuerung des intrazellulären Haushalts von P. gingivalis 39 3.3.3 Regulation der Proteinaseexpression von P. gingivalis 40 3.3.4 Gingipaine als bakterielle Hämagglutinine, Adhäsine und hämoglobinbindende Proteine 42 3.3.5 Proteinasegenmutationen bei P. gingivalis und ihre enzymatische Aktivität 42 3.4 Gingipaine und systemische Effekte 44 3.5 Synergismen mit anderen Spezies und quorum sensing 45 3.6 Hemmstoffe der Gingipaine 46 3.7 Immunisierung gegen Gingipaine 48 4. Zusammenfassung / Summary 52 5. Literaturverzeichnis 53 Anhang 87 Abbildungsverzeichnis 87 Tabellenverzeichnis 87 Danksagung 88 Lebenslauf 89

Introdução: As proteinases tem um papel importante no desenvolvimento, na destruição tecidual e na produção de muco causada pela DPOC. O inibidor de proteinase de origem vegetal Enterolobium contortisiliquum Tripsin Inhibitor (EcTI) inibe tanto as proteinases da classe serina quanto da classe cisteína. Objetivos: Avaliar os efeitos do tratamento com EcTI nas alterações pulmonares induzidas pela elastase em camundongos. Métodos: Camundongos C57Bl6 receberam elastase via intratraqueal (50 uL/animal, grupo ELA) ou salina (grupo SAL). Os camundongos foram tratados com EcTI (2mg/kg) nos dias 1, 15 e 21 após a instilação de elastase (grupo ELA-EcTI) ou salina (grupo SAL-EcTI). No dia 28 do protocolo, os animais foram anestesiados, a mecânica pulmonar foi medida e o óxido nítrico exalado coletado. Posteriormente, foi realizado o lavado broncoalveolar e os pulmões foram removidos para a preparação de lâminas de histoquímica e imunohistoquímica. Por meio de morfometria analisamos o número de células positivas para neutrófilos, TNF-alfa, MMP-9, MMP-12, TIMP-1, iNOS, eNOS assim como a fração de volume de 8-iso-PGF2alfa, fibras colágenas e elásticas, nos septos alveolares e nas vias aéreas. Também foram avaliados o número de células positivas para macrófagos nos septos alveolares e MUC5ac nas vias aéreas. Resultados: O inibidor de proteinase EcTI reduziu as alterações de mecânica pulmonar (Ers, Htis e Raw), destruição do septo alveolar (Lm) e o número de células no lavado broncoalveolar (células totais, macrófagos, neutrófilos, linfócitos e eosinógilos) induzidos pela elastase. Em relação a resposta inflamatória, o EcTI reduziu o número de neutrófilos e de células TNFalfa positivas no septo alveolar e nas vias aéreas além de reduzir o número de macrófagos no septo alveolar. Considerando o remodelamento de matriz extracelular, o inibidor de proteinase atenuou a fração de volume de fibras colágenas e o número de células MMP-9 e MMP-12 positivas nos septos alveolares e nas vias aéreas. Além disso, nas vias aéreas ocorreu uma atenuação da fração de volume de fibras elásticas, e nos septos alveolares uma atenuação da quantidade de células que expressam TIMP-1. Em relação a resposta de estresse oxidativo, o EcTI reduziu a fração de volume de isoprostano e o número de células iNOS e eNOS positivas tanto nos septos alveolares quanto nas vias aéreas. O EcTI também reduziu o número de células MUC5ac positivas nas vias aéreas. Conclusões: O tratamento como inibidor EcTI modulou a mecânica pulmonar e reduziu as alterações inflamatórias, de remodelamento e de estresse oxidativo induzidas pela elastase intratraqueal. Embora sejam necessários mais estudos para elucidar os mecanismos envolvidos neste processo, o inibidor de proteinase EcTI pode ser considerado como um potencial instrumento terapêutico para o tratamento da DPOC / Background: Proteinases play a key role on emphysema development, tissue destruction and mucus production. Enterolobium contortisiliquum Tripsin Inhibitor (EcTI) is a proteinase inhibitor from plant that neutralizes serine and cysteine proteinases. Aims: To evaluated the effects of the EcTI treatment in pulmonary alterations induced by elastase in mice. Methods: C57Bl6 mice received elastase intratracheally (50 uL/animal, ELA group) or saline (SAL group). Afterwards, mice were treated with EcTI (2 mg/kg) at days 1, 15 and 21 after elastase instillation (ELA-EcTI group). Control group received saline and EcTI using the same protocol (SAL-EcTI group). At day 28, mice were anesthetized, respiratory mechanics were collected, and exhaled nitric oxide were analyzed. Afterwards, broncoalveolar lavage fluid was obtained and lungs were removed to perform histochemistry and immunohistochemistry stains. By morphometry, the number of neutrophils, TNF-alfa, MMP-9, MMP-12, TIMP-1, iNOS, eNOS positive cells as well as the volume proportion of 8-iso-PGF2alfa, collagen and elastic fibers content in alveolar septum and airways walls were performed. In airways walls, we also analyzed the number of MUC-5 positive cells and the number of macrophages. Results: The proteinase inhibitor EcTI was able to reduce the pulmonary mechanical alterations (Ers, Htis and Raw), alveolar septum disruption (Lm) and the BAL cell count (total cells, macrophages, neutrophils, lymphocytes and eosinophils) induced by elastase. Regarding the inflammatory response, EcTI also reduced the number of neutrophils and TNFalfa positive cells in both alveolar septum and airway walls, and also reduced the number of macrophages in alveolar septum. Considering the extracellular matrix remodeling, the proteinase inhibitor attenuated the volume fraction of collagen fibers, MMP-9 and MMP-12 positive cells in both alveolar septum and airway walls. Besides, in airway there were attenuation in the volume fraction of elastic fibers, and in the alveolar septa a decrease of the amount of the cells expressing TIMP-1. Regarding the oxidative stress response, EcTI reduced the volume fraction of isoprostane and the number of iNOS and eNOS positive cells in both airways walls and alveolar septa, Finally, EcTI reduced the number of MUC5ac positive cells in airway walls. Conclusions: The treatment with EcTI modulated lung mechanics and reduced inflammatory, remodeling and oxidative stress alterations induced by elastase. Although more studies need to be performed to elucidate the mechanisms involved in this process, we may considerate EcTI as a potential therapeutic tool for COPD management

Introdução: As proteinases tem um papel importante no desenvolvimento, na destruição tecidual e na produção de muco causada pela DPOC. O inibidor de proteinase de origem vegetal Bauhinia bauhinioides Cruzipain Inhibitor (BbCI) inibe tanto as proteinases da classe serina quanto da classe cisteína. Objetivos: Deste modo consideramos relevante estudar os efeitos do tratamento com BbCI nas alterações pulmonares induzidas pela elastase em camundongos. Métodos: Camundongos C57Bl6 receberam elastase via intratraqueal (50 uL/animal, grupo ELA) ou salina (grupo SAL). Os camundongos foram tratados com BbCI (2mg/kg) nos dias 1, 15 e 21 após a instilação de elastase (grupo ELABC) ou salina (grupo SALBC). No dia 28 do protocolo, os animais foram anestesiados, a mecânica pulmonar foi medida e o óxido nítrico exalado coletado. Posteriormente, foi realizado o lavado broncoalveolar e os pulmões foram removidos para a preparação de lâminas de histoquímica e imunohistoquímica. Por meio de morfometria analisamos o número de células positivas para neutrófilos, TNF-alfa, MMP-9, MMP-12, TIMP-1, iNOS, eNOS assim como a fração de volume de 8-iso-PGF2alfa, fibras colágenas e elásticas, nos septos alveolares e nas vias aéreas. Também foram avaliados o número de células positivas para macrófagos nos septos alveolares e MUC5ac nas vias aéreas. Resultados: O inibidor de proteinase Tese de Doutorado Rafael Almeida-Reis BbCI reduziu as alterações de mecânica pulmonar (Ers, Htis e Raw), destruição do septo alveolar (Lm) e o número de células no lavado broncoalveolar (células totais, macrófagos e neutrófilos) induzidos pela elastase. Em relação a resposta inflamatória, o BbCI reduziu o número de neutrófilos e de células TNFalfa positivas no septo alveolar e nas vias aéreas além de reduzir o número de macrófagos no septo alveolar. Considerando o remodelamento de matriz extracelular, o inibidor de proteinase atenuou a fração de volume de fibras elásticas e colágenas e o número de células MMP- 9 e MMP-12 positivas nos septos alveolares e nas vias aéreas. Em relação a resposta de estresse oxidativo, o BbCI reduziu a fração de volume de isoprostano nas vias aéreas e o número de células iNOS positivas tanto nos septos alveolares quanto nas vias aéreas. O BbCI também reduziu o número de células MUC5ac positivas nas vias aéreas. Conclusões: O tratamento como inibidor BbCI modulou a mecânica pulmonar e reduziu as alterações inflamatórias, de remodelamento e de estresse oxidativo induzidas pela elastase intratraqueal. Embora sejam necessários mais estudos para elucidar os mecanismos envolvidos neste processo, o inibidor de proteinase BbCI pode ser considerado como um potencial instrumento terapêutico para o tratamento da DPOC / Background: Proteinases play a key role on emphysema development, tissue destruction and mucus production. Bauhinia bauhinioides Cruzipain Inhibitor (BbCI) is a proteinase inhibitor from plant that neutralizes serine and cysteine proteinases. The present study evaluated the effects of the BbCI treatment in pulmonary alterations induced by elastase in mice. Methods: C57Bl6 mice received elastase intratracheally (50 uL/animal, ELA group) or saline (SAL group). Afterwards, mice were treated with BbCI (2 mg/kg) at days 1, 15 and 21 after elastase instillation (ELABC group). Control group received saline and BbCI using the same protocol (SALBC group). At day 28, mice were anesthetized, respiratory mechanics were collected, and exhaled nitric oxide were analyzed. Afterwards, broncoalveolar lavage fluid was obtained and lungs were removed to perform histochemistry and immunohistochemistry stains. By morphometry, the number of neutrophils, TNFalfa, MMP-9, MMP-12, TIMP-1, iNOS, eNOS positive cells as well as the volume proportion of 8-iso-PGF2alfa, collagen and elastic fibers content in alveolar septum and airways walls were performed. In airways walls, we also analyzed the number of MUC-5 positive cells and the number of macrophages. Results: The proteinase inhibitor BbCI was able to reduce the pulmonary mechanical alterations (Ers, Htis and Raw), alveolar septum disruption (Lm) and the BAL cell count (total cells, macrophages and neutrophils) induced by elastase. Regarding the Tese de Doutorado Rafael Almeida-Reis inflammatory response, BbCI also reduced the number of neutrophils and TNFalfa positive cells in both alveolar septum and airway walls, and also reduced the number of macrophages in alveolar septum. Considering the extracellular matrix remodeling, the proteinase inhibitor attenuated the volume fraction of elastic and collagen fibers, MMP-9 and MMP-12 positive cells in both alveolar septum and airway walls. Regarding the oxidative stress response, BbCI reduced the volume fraction of isoprostane in airways and the number of iNOS positive cells in both airways walls and alveolar septum. Finally, BbCI reduced the number of MUC5ac positive cells in airway walls. Conclusions: The treatment with BbCI modulated lung mechanics and reduced inflammatory, remodeling and oxidative stress alterations induced by elastase. Although more studies need to be performed to elucidate the mechanisms involved in this process, but we may considerate BbCI as a potential therapeutic tool for COPD management

Introdução: As proteinases tem um papel importante no desenvolvimento, na destruição tecidual e na produção de muco causada pela DPOC. O inibidor de proteinase de origem vegetal Bauhinia bauhinioides Cruzipain Inhibitor (BbCI) inibe tanto as proteinases da classe serina quanto da classe cisteína. Objetivos: Deste modo consideramos relevante estudar os efeitos do tratamento com BbCI nas alterações pulmonares induzidas pela elastase em camundongos. Métodos: Camundongos C57Bl6 receberam elastase via intratraqueal (50 uL/animal, grupo ELA) ou salina (grupo SAL). Os camundongos foram tratados com BbCI (2mg/kg) nos dias 1, 15 e 21 após a instilação de elastase (grupo ELABC) ou salina (grupo SALBC). No dia 28 do protocolo, os animais foram anestesiados, a mecânica pulmonar foi medida e o óxido nítrico exalado coletado. Posteriormente, foi realizado o lavado broncoalveolar e os pulmões foram removidos para a preparação de lâminas de histoquímica e imunohistoquímica. Por meio de morfometria analisamos o número de células positivas para neutrófilos, TNF-alfa, MMP-9, MMP-12, TIMP-1, iNOS, eNOS assim como a fração de volume de 8-iso-PGF2alfa, fibras colágenas e elásticas, nos septos alveolares e nas vias aéreas. Também foram avaliados o número de células positivas para macrófagos nos septos alveolares e MUC5ac nas vias aéreas. Resultados: O inibidor de proteinase Tese de Doutorado Rafael Almeida-Reis BbCI reduziu as alterações de mecânica pulmonar (Ers, Htis e Raw), destruição do septo alveolar (Lm) e o número de células no lavado broncoalveolar (células totais, macrófagos e neutrófilos) induzidos pela elastase. Em relação a resposta inflamatória, o BbCI reduziu o número de neutrófilos e de células TNFalfa positivas no septo alveolar e nas vias aéreas além de reduzir o número de macrófagos no septo alveolar. Considerando o remodelamento de matriz extracelular, o inibidor de proteinase atenuou a fração de volume de fibras elásticas e colágenas e o número de células MMP- 9 e MMP-12 positivas nos septos alveolares e nas vias aéreas. Em relação a resposta de estresse oxidativo, o BbCI reduziu a fração de volume de isoprostano nas vias aéreas e o número de células iNOS positivas tanto nos septos alveolares quanto nas vias aéreas. O BbCI também reduziu o número de células MUC5ac positivas nas vias aéreas. Conclusões: O tratamento como inibidor BbCI modulou a mecânica pulmonar e reduziu as alterações inflamatórias, de remodelamento e de estresse oxidativo induzidas pela elastase intratraqueal. Embora sejam necessários mais estudos para elucidar os mecanismos envolvidos neste processo, o inibidor de proteinase BbCI pode ser considerado como um potencial instrumento terapêutico para o tratamento da DPOC / Background: Proteinases play a key role on emphysema development, tissue destruction and mucus production. Bauhinia bauhinioides Cruzipain Inhibitor (BbCI) is a proteinase inhibitor from plant that neutralizes serine and cysteine proteinases. The present study evaluated the effects of the BbCI treatment in pulmonary alterations induced by elastase in mice. Methods: C57Bl6 mice received elastase intratracheally (50 uL/animal, ELA group) or saline (SAL group). Afterwards, mice were treated with BbCI (2 mg/kg) at days 1, 15 and 21 after elastase instillation (ELABC group). Control group received saline and BbCI using the same protocol (SALBC group). At day 28, mice were anesthetized, respiratory mechanics were collected, and exhaled nitric oxide were analyzed. Afterwards, broncoalveolar lavage fluid was obtained and lungs were removed to perform histochemistry and immunohistochemistry stains. By morphometry, the number of neutrophils, TNFalfa, MMP-9, MMP-12, TIMP-1, iNOS, eNOS positive cells as well as the volume proportion of 8-iso-PGF2alfa, collagen and elastic fibers content in alveolar septum and airways walls were performed. In airways walls, we also analyzed the number of MUC-5 positive cells and the number of macrophages. Results: The proteinase inhibitor BbCI was able to reduce the pulmonary mechanical alterations (Ers, Htis and Raw), alveolar septum disruption (Lm) and the BAL cell count (total cells, macrophages and neutrophils) induced by elastase. Regarding the Tese de Doutorado Rafael Almeida-Reis inflammatory response, BbCI also reduced the number of neutrophils and TNFalfa positive cells in both alveolar septum and airway walls, and also reduced the number of macrophages in alveolar septum. Considering the extracellular matrix remodeling, the proteinase inhibitor attenuated the volume fraction of elastic and collagen fibers, MMP-9 and MMP-12 positive cells in both alveolar septum and airway walls. Regarding the oxidative stress response, BbCI reduced the volume fraction of isoprostane in airways and the number of iNOS positive cells in both airways walls and alveolar septum. Finally, BbCI reduced the number of MUC5ac positive cells in airway walls. Conclusions: The treatment with BbCI modulated lung mechanics and reduced inflammatory, remodeling and oxidative stress alterations induced by elastase. Although more studies need to be performed to elucidate the mechanisms involved in this process, but we may considerate BbCI as a potential therapeutic tool for COPD management