Cytochrome P450 3A isozymes (CYP3A) metabolize approximately 50% of therapeutic drugs. It has recently been discovered that human CYP3A mRNA levels can be induced by hypertonicity; a physiological state not previously linked to its regulation. The osmosensitive transcription factor, Nuclear Factor of Activated T-Cells 5 (NFAT5), regulates multiple genes that restore osmolyte homeostasis and promote cell protection during osmotic stress. In silico examinations and in vitro experiments using reporters, knockdown and binding assays in the human intestinal cell line C2bbe1 have revealed an active tonicity-responsive enhancer (TonE) within CYP3A7 intron (+5417/+5427 from CYP3A7 transcriptional start site) that is responsible for NFAT5 binding and NFAT5-dependent regulation of CYP3A isoforms. In addition, hypertonicity-mediated CYP3A induction is also observed in both hepatic and intestinal cell lines. Effects of tonicity changes on in vivo CYP3A expression and function were examined in a humanized CYP3A transgenic mouse with similar tissue expression in humans. More specifically, intervention with prolonged dehydration involving alternating between 24-hour cycles of water-deprivation and water ad lib for 1 week (cyclic water-deprivation; four 24-hour water-deprivation and three 24-hour water ad lib periods), increased expression of NFAT5 target genes Slc6a12 in the liver and kidney (2.5 ± 0.6-fold over water ad lib, n = 14, p = 0.04; and 3.1 ± 0.6-fold, n = 10, p = 0.02, respectively), Akr1b3 in the liver, and Slc5a3 in the kidney. Immunofluorescent microscopy revealed an increase of nuclear-distributed mouse NFAT5 in cyclic water-deprived animals, consistent with NFAT5 activation. Most importantly, CYP3A4 mRNA levels were noted to be elevated in the liver and kidney (11.8 ± 4.8-fold over water ad lib, n = 14, p = 0.04 and 2.2 ± 0.4-fold, n = 9, p = 0.02, respectively), with concurrent CYP3A protein and activity increase. Localized hypertonic environment in the gut was simulated by providing animals with a week-long high-salt diet. The effects of high-salt diet in the gut were similar to those of cyclic water-deprivation in the liver and kidney; where NFAT5 showed nuclear distribution and NFAT5 target gene expression (Slc6a12; 20.5 ± 6.7-fold over a week-long low-salt diet, n = 8, p = 0.02 and Slc6a6; 3.2 ± 0.7-fold, n = 10, p < 0.01, in the duodenum). Furthermore, an increase of CYP3A4 mRNA was observed (2.6 ± 0.5-fold over a week-long low-salt diet, n = 14, p = 0.03), with a corresponding rise in protein expression and activity levels. In summary, increased expression of in vitro and in vivo human CYP3A was achieved using a hypertonic stimulus; concurrent NFAT5 activation and NFAT5 target gene expression were observed. These results suggested a possible binding of activated NFAT5 to CYP3A TonE situated within the intronic region of CYP3A7. It could be further concluded that NFAT5 may be responsible for the hypertonic induction of human CYP3A.

7,8-Linoleate diol synthase (7,8-LDS) of the take-all pathogen of wheat, Gaeumannomyces graminis, converts linoleic acid to 8R-hydroperoxyoctadecadienoic acid (8-HPODE) by 8-dioxygenase activity (8-DOX), and further isomerizes the hydroperoxide to 7S,8S-dihydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (7,8-DiHODE) by hydroperoxide isomerase activity. Sequence alignment showed homology to prostaglandin H synthase (PGHS), and both enzymes share structural and catalytic properties. The 8-DOX of 7,8-LDS was successfully expressed in Pichia pastoris and in insect cells (Sf21). Site-directed mutagenesis confirmed His379 as the proximal heme ligand and Tyr376 as a residue, which forms a tyrosyl radical and initiates catalysis. Furthermore, mutagenesis suggested His203 could be the proposed distal histidine, and Tyr329 of catalytic relevance for substrate positioning at the active site. Aspergilli are ubiquitous environmental fungi. Some species, in particular Aspergillus fumigatus, are responsible for invasive aspergillosis, which is a life-threatening disease for immunocompromised patients. A. fumigatus and A. nidulans metabolized linoleic acid to 8R-HPODE, 10R-hydroperoxyoctadecadienoic acid (10R-HPODE), 5S,8R-dihydroxyoctadecadienoic acid, and 8R,11S-dihydroxyoctadecadienoic acid. When the genomes of certain Aspergilli strains were published, several species showed at least three homologous genes (ppoA, ppoB, ppoC- psi producing oxygenases) to 7,8-LDS and PGHS. Gene deletion identified PpoA as an enzyme with 8-DOX and 5,8-hydroperoxide isomerase activities, designated 5,8-LDS in homology to 7,8-LDS. In the same way, PpoC was identified as a 10-dioxygenase (10-DOX), which converts linoleic acid to 10R-HPODE. 10-DOX differs from LDS, since it dioxygenates linoleic acid at C-10, after hydrogen abstraction at C-8 and double bond migration. 10-DOX was cloned and expressed in insect cells. Leu384 and Val388 were found to be critical for dioxygenation at C-10. Mutation to the homologous residues of 5,8- and 7,8-LDS (Leu384Val, Val388Leu) increased oxygen insertion at C-8. LDS and 10-DOX are fusion proteins with a dioxygenase and a hydroperoxide isomerase (cytochrome P450) domain with a cysteine heme ligand. The P450 domain of 10-DOX lacked the crucial cysteine heme ligand and was without hydroperoxide isomerase activity. LDSs and 10-DOX are newly characterized heme containing fungal dioxygenases, with homology to PGHS of vertebrates. Their metabolites regulate reproduction, development, and act as signal molecules with the host after pathogen attack.

Submitted by Adriana Ávila de Almeida null (celdrica2003@yahoo.com.br) on 2018-03-23T16:45:45Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Tese Final - Adriana Ávila de Almeida.pdf: 2506211 bytes, checksum: e38a3f026d55d541be0fd2ec9142a2a2 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Silvana Alvarez null (silvana@ict.unesp.br) on 2018-04-03T21:06:34Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 almeida_aa_dr.sjc.pdf: 2506211 bytes, checksum: e38a3f026d55d541be0fd2ec9142a2a2 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-04-03T21:06:34Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 almeida_aa_dr.sjc.pdf: 2506211 bytes, checksum: e38a3f026d55d541be0fd2ec9142a2a2 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-02-05 / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / Os carcinógenos do tabaco estão relacionados a diversos tipos de câncer incluindo o carcinoma de células escamosas (CCE) bucal. Aliado ao álcool, o tabaco contribui para o desfecho desfavorável destes casos. A susceptibilidade individual ao câncer pode estar relacionada a expressão das enzimas que metabolizam tais carcinógenos. O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar a expressão dos genes CYP1A1, CYP1B1, CYP2A6 e CYP2E1 no CCE bucal por meio de qPCR. Foram coletadas amostras de 32 indivíduos com CCE e de 15 controles submetidos a cirurgias bucais por lesões benignas. Foram constituídos quatro grupos: Grupo CCE fumante (n=26), Grupo CCE não fumante (n=6), Grupo controle fumante (n=9) e Grupo controle não fumante (n=6). O Teste de Fagerström para Dependência a Cigarros (TFDC) foi usado para avaliar a dependência nicotínica (DN) e AUDIT para avaliação do consumo de etílicos. Houve diminuição da expressão do gene CYP1B1 nos casos de CCE comparados aos controles. Foram encontradas diferenças estaticamente significativas de expressão gênica de CYP1B1 entre os Grupos CCE fumante e controle fumante (p=0,0018), Grupo CCE não fumante e controle não fumante (p=0,0079) e CCE fumante com CCE não fumante (p=0,0385) e entre os quatro grupos (p<0,0001). Houve diminuição da expressão do CYP2A6 no Grupo CCE fumante em relação ao Grupo controle, mas apenas um paciente do Grupo controle expressou este gene. Houve aumento da expressão de CYP2E1 entre os Grupos CCE fumante e controle fumante (p=0,0424). Concluindo, foi encontrada grande variabilidade interindividual no estudo da expressão dos genes estudados. Houve maior expressão de CYP1A1 e CYP2E1 em amostras de indivíduos fumantes com CCE. Os genes CYP1B1 e CYP2A6 estavam menos expressos no Grupo CCE fumante em relação ao Grupo controle. Para os genes CYP1B1 e CYP2E1 foram encontrados valores significativos na correlação entre a expressão gênica e parâmetros demográficos e de perfil tabágico no Grupo controle fumante, e do AUDIT no Grupo CCE não fumante. O gene CYP2E1, além de estar relacionado ao metabolismo do álcool, também deve ser considerado importante marcador do metabolismo dos carcinógenos derivados do tabaco. / Tobacco carcinogens are related to various types of cancer, including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Allied to alcohol, tobacco contributes to the unfavorable outcome of the cases. Individual cancer susceptibility may be related to an expression of the enzymes that metabolize such carcinogens. The aim of this work is to evaluate the expression of the genes CYP1A1, CYP1B1, CYP2A6 and CYP2E1 on OSCC by qPCR. Samples were collected from 32 individuals with OSCC and 15 controls submitted to oral surgeries due to benign lesions. There were four groups: Smoker SCC group (n = 26), nonsmoker SCC group (n = 6), Smoker control group (n = 9) and nonsmoker control group (n = 6). The Fagerström Test for Cigarette Dependence (TFCD) was used to evaluate nicotinic dependence (ND) and AUDIT for the evaluation of alcohol consumption. There was a decrease in CYP1B1 gene expression in cases of SCC compared to controls. (P = 0.0018); smoker CCE and non-smoker control (p = 0.0079); smoker SCC with nonsmoker SCC (p = 0.0385) and between the four groups (p <0.0001). There was a decreased expression in CYP2A6 in the smoker SCC Group compared to the control group, but only one control group patient expressed this gene. There was an increased expression of CYP2E1 between the smoking and nonsmoking SCC groups (p = 0.0424). In conclusion, large interindividual variability was found in the study of the expression of the genes studied. There was greater expression of CYP1A1 and CYP2E1 in samples from smokers with SCC. The CYP1B1 and CYP2A6 genes were less expressed in the smoker SCC Group. Significant values were found for the CYP1B1 and CYP2E1 genes in the correlation between a gene expression and a parameter and a non-smoker control group, non-smoker control group and AUDIT. The CYP2E1 gene, besides being related to alcohol metabolism, should also be considered an important marker of the metabolism of the carcinogens derived from tobacco. / 2016/08633-0

>Magister Scientiae - MSc / Tuberculosis still remains one of the world’s killer diseases. Pyrazinamide (PZA) is one of the most commonly prescribed anti-tuberculosis (anti-TB) drugs due to its ability to significantly shorten the TB treatment period. However, excess PZA in the body caused hepatotoxicity and liver damage. This, together with the resistance of the bacteria to treatment drugs, poor medication and inappropriate dosing, contribute significantly to the high incidents of TB deaths and diseases (such as liver damage). This, therefore, calls for new methods for ensuring reliable dosing of the drug, which will differ from person to person due to inter-individual differences in drug metabolism. A novel biosensor system for monitoring the metabolism of PZA was prepared with a nanocomposite of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), polyaniline (PANI) and cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) electrochemically deposited on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The nanocomposite biosensor system exhibited enhanced electro-activity that is attributed to the catalytic effect of the incorporated MWCNTs. The biosensor had a sensitivity of 7.80 μA/ μg mL-1 PZA and a dynamic linear range (DLR) of 4.92 – 160 ng/mL PZA. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a hormone-disrupting chemical used in production of epoxy resins and polycarbonates, which produce various products used on a daily basis. However, BPA can leach out of plastic during normal use and cause health effects such as cancer or disrupt the endocrine system. Moreover, BPA has also been proven to degrade from the containers in landfills and accumulate in groundwater and streams, thereby, polluting the environment while destroying aquatic organisms. Therefore, this also calls for new selective and sensitive methods for the monitoring of BPA. A novel biosensor system for monitoring the oxidation of BPA was prepared from a nanocomposite of polyaniline, polymethyl methacrylate and titanium dioxide nanoparticles, also electrochemically deposited on the GCE. Biosensor fabrication was conducted by immobilization of the enzyme manganese peroxidase (MnP) iii onto the nanocomposite film. The nanobiosensor also revealed enhanced electro activity, attributed to the incorporation of TiO2 nanoparticles. The biosensor system had a sensitivity of 0.3 μA/nM and a detection limit of 0.12 nM. This detection limit falls within the range of the allowed daily intake of BPA as recommended by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA, USA) and other regulatory bodies.

O Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico (LES) é uma doença inflamatória crônica autoimune que apresenta uma ampla variedade de manifestações clínicas e anormalidades imunológicas, afetando principalmente mulheres. É caracterizado pela perturbação da homeostase imunológica, que envolve a indução e produção de autoanticorpos, bem como pela formação e deposição de complexos imunes, que conduzem a uma intensa resposta inflamatória e dano tecidual. Há evidências de que fatores imunológicos, ambientais, hormonais e genéticos estão implicados na patogênese da doença. Genes e proteínas envolvidas na metabolização/detoxificação de xenobióticos são frequentemente utilizados como marcadores de susceptibilidade para o desenvolvimento de doenças, cuja etiologia está relacionada à exposição a fatores de risco ambientais. Enzimas do Citocromo P450 (CYP) são as principais responsáveis pela fase I de detoxificação, na qual ativam o xenobiótico, tornando-o mais eletrofílico e, desta forma, mais reativo. As Glutationa S-transferases (GST) são enzimas detoxificantes de fase II e normalmente conjugam a glutationa reduzida com uma variedade de compostos eletrofílicos, como espécies reativas de oxigênio, facilitando a excreção de produtos tóxicos. Polimorfismos nos genes CYP e GST são capazes de alterar a expressão e a atividade catalítica das enzimas, sendo responsáveis por diferenças interindividuais quanto à capacidade de biotransformação de xenobióticos. O objetivo do nosso trabalho foi avaliar a influência de três polimorfismos GST (GSTM1 nulo, GSTT1 nulo, e GSTP1*Val) e dois polimorfismos CYP (CYP1A1*2C e CYP2E1*5B) na predisposição ao LES em uma amostra de 370 pacientes com LES e 329 doadores de sangue saudáveis provenientes da região sul do Brasil. Os polimorfismos CYP foram genotipados por PCR-RFLP, enquanto que os polimorfismos GST foram genotipados por PCR multiplex (GSTM1 nulo, GSTT1 nulo) e PCR-RFLP para GSTP1. As freqüências alélicas e genotípicas foram comparadas entre pacientes e controles usando o teste de Qui-Quadrado ou o teste Exato de Fisher. As análises foram realizadas subdividindo os indivíduos de acordo com sua origem étnica. Entre os indivíduos Euro-descendentes, observou-se uma menor freqüência de genótipos heterozigotos GSTP1*Val em pacientes com LES em comparação aos controles (p=0,0047; OR 0,63 CI 95% 0,43 – 0,93 em relação a GSTP1*Ile/Ile e OR 0,49 CI 95% 0,26 – 0,92 em relação a GSTP1*Val/Val). No grupo Afro-descendente, houve tendência a uma maior freqüência do alelo GSTP1*Val em pacientes quando comparados aos controles (p=0,061). O alelo CYP2E1*5B foi significativamente mais freqüente nos pacientes do que em controles (p=0,038; OR 2,69 CI 95% 1,00 – 8,42). Não foi observada qualquer implicação clínica dos polimorfismos CYP e GST nos pacientes com LES. Nossos dados sugerem um papel protetor do genótipo heterozigoto GSTP1*105Ile/Val em Euro-descendentes e uma possível influência do alelo CYP2E1*5B na susceptibilidade ao LES entre Afro-descendentes. / Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune chronic inflammatory disease that presents a variety of clinical manifestations and immunological abnormalities, particularly affecting women. It is characterized by disruption of immunologic homeostasis, which results in the induction and production of autoantibodies, as well as the formation and deposition of immune complexes, leading to an intense inflammatory response and tissue damage. There is evidence that immunological, environmental, hormonal and genetic factors are involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. Genes and proteins involved in metabolism/detoxification of xenobiotics are often used as markers of susceptibility to the development of diseases whose etiology is related to exposure to environmental risk factors. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes are primarily responsible for phase I detoxification, in which activate the xenobiotic, making it more electrophilic and thus more reactive. The Glutathione S-transferases (GST) are phase II detoxifying enzymes and usually conjugate reduced glutathione with a variety of electrophilic compounds, such as reactive oxygen species, facilitating the excretion of toxic products. Polymorphisms in the CYP and GST genes can alter the expression and catalytic activity of enzymes, being responsible for interindividual differences regarding the capacity of xenobiotics biotransformation. The aim of our study was to evaluate the influence of three GST polymorphisms (GSTM1 null, GSTT1 null and GSTP1*Val) and two CYP polymorphisms (CYP1A1*2C and CYP2E1*5B) in SLE predisposition in a sample of 370 SLE patients and 329 healthy blood donors, both from southern Brazil. The CYP polymorphisms were genotyped by PCR-RFLP, while the GST polymorphisms were genotyped by multiplex PCR and PCR-RFLP for GSTP1. Allelic and genotypic frequencies were compared between patients and controls using the Chi-square test or Fisher´s exact test. Analyses were performed subdividing the individuals according to their ethnic origin. Among European-derived individuals, it was observed a lower frequency of GSTP1*Val heterozygous genotypes in SLE patients compared to controls (p = 0.0047; OR 0.63 CI 95% 0.43 - 0.93 in relation to GSTP1*Ile/Ile) and (OR 0.49 95% CI 0.26 - 0.92 in relation to GSTP1*Val/Val). In African-derived group, there was a trend to a higher frequency of GSTP1*Val allele in patients when compared to controls (p=0.061). The CYP2E1*5B allele was significantly more frequent in patients than controls (p=0.038, OR 2.69 95% CI 1.00 - 8.42). We did not observe any clinical implication of the CYP and GST polymorphisms in patients with SLE. Our data suggest a protective role of the GSTP1*105Ile/Val heterozygous genotype in European-derived and a possible influence of the CYP2E1*5B allele in SLE susceptibility among African-derived.

A doença inflamatória intestinal (DII) e a esclerose sistêmica (ES) são doenças inflamatórias crônicas de difícil diagnóstico e tratamento. A etiologia da DII e da ES ainda não é completamente compreendida, mas sabe-se que fatores genéticos, imunológicos e ambientais estão envolvidos na sua patogênese. A DII possui dois principais subtipos clínicos: a doença de Crohn (DC) e a retocolite ulcerativa (RCU), caracterizados pela inflamação do intestino delgado e/ou cólon. Evidências sugerem que o aumento do estresse oxidativo desempenha um papel importante na fisiopatologia da DII. A ES é uma doença inflamatória autoimune rara, caracterizada pela fibrose progressiva da pele e de órgãos internos. A hipótese de que o aumento do dano oxidativo pode iniciar o dano vascular e desencadear os eventos patológicos observados na ES vem sendo investigada. Genes e enzimas envolvidos na metabolização (Fase I) e detoxificação (Fase II) de xenobióticos são utilizados como marcadores de susceptibilidade para o desenvolvimento de doenças que possuem fatores ambientais como fatores de risco. Em uma reação de Fase I, as enzimas do Citocromo P450 (CYP) inserem um átomo de oxigênio em um substrato deixando-o eletrofílico e reativo, criando um sítio para posterior conjugação pelas enzimas de Fase II. As enzimas Glutationa S-tranferases (GST) de Fase II catalisam a conjugação da glutationa com uma grande variedade de compostos eletrofílicos, detoxificando substâncias endógenas e exógenas. A atividade catalítica aumentada das enzimas CYP, bem como a falha na detoxificação de metabólitos pelas GST pode contribuir para o aumento do estresse oxidativo. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o papel de polimorfismos nos genes que codificam enzimas de metabolização (CYP1A*2C e CYP2E1*5B) e detoxificação (GSTT1 nulo, GSTM1 nulo e GSTP1 Ile105Val) na susceptibilidade a estas doenças. O grupo de pacientes com DII era constituído por 235 indivíduos e o grupo controle por 241 indivíduos, todos eurodescendentes. Na ES, 122 pacientes (99 eurodescendentes e 23 afrodescendentes) e 329 controles (241 eurodescendentes e 87 afrodescendentes) foram analisados. Os polimorfismos CYP foram genotipados por PCR-RFLP, enquanto que os polimorfismos em GSTT1 e GSTM1 foram genotipados por PCR multiplex e PCR-RFLP para GSTP1. As frequências alélicas e genotípicas foram comparadas entre pacientes e controles usando o teste de Qui-Quadrado. A respeito dos resultados das análises em DII, as frequências alélicas e genotípicas dos polimorfismos CYP1A1*2C, CYP2E1*5B e GSTP1 Ile105Val, bem como as frequências genotípicas do polimorfismo de presença/ausência de GSTM1, foram similares nos três grupos de pacientes (DII, DC e RCU) quando comparados ao grupo controle (P>0,05). Observouse uma frequência significativamente aumentada do genótipo nulo de GSTT1 no grupo de pacientes com DII quando comparado ao grupo controle [0,28 vs 0,18; χ² com Yates P=0,02; OR=1,71 (IC 95% 1,09 –2,71)]. Quando separamos o grupo de pacientes em DC ou RCU, esta frequência permaneceu significativamente aumentada somente no grupo de pacientes com RCU comparado ao grupo controle [0,29 vs 0,18; χ² com Yates P=0,035; OR=1,84 (IC 95% 1,03 –3,24)]. Com relação aos resultados das análises na ES, uma frequência significativamente aumentada do genótipo *1A/*1A (P=0,03; 0,74 vs. 0,61) e do alelo *1A (P=0,013; 0,86 vs 0,78; OR=0,57, IC 95% 0,36–0,90) do polimorfismo CYP1A1*2C foi observada entre os indivíduos controles eurodescendentes. Em contrapartida, a frequência do alelo *2C estava significativamente aumentada entre os pacientes de mesma etnia (P=0,013; 0,22 vs 0,14; OR=1,75, IC 95% 1,11–2,74). Com relação às frequências alélicas e genotípicas dos polimorfismos CYP2E1*5B e GSTP1 Ile105Val, e as frequências genotípicas do polimorfismo de presença/ausência de GSTM1, nenhuma diferença significativa foi observada quando os grupos de pacientes de ambas as etnias foram comparados aos grupos controle (P>0,05). Uma frequência significativamente aumentada do genótipo nulo de GSTT1 [0,29 vs 0,18; χ² com Yates P=0,035; OR=1,85 (IC 95% 1,03–3,29)], bem como uma alta frequência da dupla deleção de GSTT1/GSTM1 [0,19 vs 0,08; χ² com Yates P=0,007; OR=2,62 (IC 95% 1,25 –5,46)], foi observada no grupo de pacientes comparado aos controles (eurodescendentes). Estas associações não se repetiram entre indivíduos afrodescendentes. Concluindo, nossos resultados sugerem que o genótipo nulo de GSTT1 está associado à susceptibilidade a DII e pode influenciar na definição do curso da doença para a RCU. Além disso, o genótipo nulo de GSTT1 sozinho ou em combinação com o genótipo nulo de GSTM1 é um fator genético de susceptibilidade para a ES, enquanto que o genótipo *1A/*1A ou a presença do alelo *1A do polimorfismo CYP1A1*2C pode exercer um papel protetor contra o desenvolvimento da ES em indivíduos eurodescendentes. / Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and systemic sclerosis (SSc) are chronic inflammatory diseases of difficult diagnosis and treatment. The etiology of IBD and SSc is not completely understood but it is known that genetic, immunologic and environmental factors are involved in its pathogenesis. Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are the two major subtypes of IBD, characterized by inflammation of the small intestine and/or colon. Evidences suggest that the increase of oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathophysiology of IBD. SSc is a rare autoimmune inflammatory disease of the connective tissue characterized by progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. The hypothesis that the increase of oxidative stress can initiate vascular damage and triggers the pathological events in SSc has been investigated. Genes and enzymes involved in metabolism (Phase I) and detoxification (Phase II) of xenobiotics are used as markers of susceptibility to the development of diseases that have environmental factors as risk factors. In a Phase I reactions, the Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes insert an oxygen atom in a substrate that making it more electrophilic and reactive, and creating a site for subsequent conjugation by Phase II enzymes. Phase II Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) enzymes catalyze the conjugation of glutathione with a variety of electrophilic compounds, detoxifying endogenous and exogenous substances. A higher catalytic activity of CYP enzymes, as well as the failure in detoxifying of metabolites by GST enzymes may to contribute for the increase of oxidative stress. The aim of this study was investigated the role of polymorphisms in genes coding Phase I enzymes (CYP1A*2C and CYP2E1*5B) and Phase II (GSTT1 null, GSTM1 null and GSTP1 Ile105Val) in susceptibility to these diseases. IBD group was constituted by 235 patients and the control group by 241 individuals, all European-derived. In SSc group, 122 patients (99 European-derived and 23 African-derived) and 329 controls (241 European-derived and 87 African-derived) were analyzed. The CYP polymorphisms were genotyped by PCR-RFLP, whereas polymorphisms in GSTM1 and GSTT1 were genotyped by multiplex PCR and PCRRFLP for GSTP1. Allelic and genotypic frequencies were compared between patients and controls using the Chi-square test. Concerning IBD, allelic and genotypic frequencies of CYP1A1*2C, CYP2E1*5B and GSTP1 Ile105Val polymorphisms, as well as genotypic frequencies of GSTM1 presence/absence polymorphism were similar in all groups patients (IBD, CD, and UC) and controls (P>0.05). We observed a significantly increased frequency of GSTT1 null genotype in IBD group as compared to controls [0.28 vs. 0.18, χ ² with Yates P=0.02, OR=1.71 (95% CI 1.09 – 2.71)]. When patients were classified in CD or UC group, this frequency remained significantly increased only among UC patients [0.29 vs. 0.18, χ ² with Yates P=0,035, OR=1.84 (95% CI 1.03 – 3.24)] as compared to controls. Regarding results in SSc, a frequency significantly increased of *1A/*1A genotype (P=0.03; 0.74 vs. 0.61) and *1A allele (P=0.013; 0.86 vs 0.78; OR=0.57, 95% CI 0.36–0.90) from CYP1A1*2C polymorphism was observed among European-derived controls. On the other hand, the frequency of *2C allele was significantly increased among patients of same ethnic group (P=0.013; 0.22 vs 0.14; OR=1.75, 95% CI 1.11–2.74). The allelic and genotypic frequencies of CYP2E1*5B and GSTP1 Ile105Val polymorphisms, as well as genotypic frequencies of GSTM1 presence/absence polymorphism were similar between SSc patients and controls of both ethnic groups (P>0.05). We observed a significantly increased frequency of GSTT1 null genotype [0.29 vs. 0.18, χ ² with Yates P=0.035, OR=1.85 (95% CI 1.03–3.29)], as well as an increased frequency of GSTT1/GSTM1 double-null in SSc patients as compared to controls [0.19 vs. 0.08; χ ² with Yates P=0.007, OR=2.62 (95% CI 1.25 – 5.46)]. These associations were exclusive to European-derived individuals. In conclusion, our results suggest that the GSTT1 null genotype is associated with susceptibility to IBD and may influence in defining the course of the disease for RCU. Furthermore, the GSTT1 null genotype alone or combined with GSTM1 null genotype is a susceptibility genetic factor to SSc, while the *1A/*1A genotype or the presence of *1A allele from CYP1A1*2C polymorphism may plays a protector role in SSc development in Brazilian Europeanderived individuals.

O Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico (LES) é uma doença inflamatória crônica autoimune que apresenta uma ampla variedade de manifestações clínicas e anormalidades imunológicas, afetando principalmente mulheres. É caracterizado pela perturbação da homeostase imunológica, que envolve a indução e produção de autoanticorpos, bem como pela formação e deposição de complexos imunes, que conduzem a uma intensa resposta inflamatória e dano tecidual. Há evidências de que fatores imunológicos, ambientais, hormonais e genéticos estão implicados na patogênese da doença. Genes e proteínas envolvidas na metabolização/detoxificação de xenobióticos são frequentemente utilizados como marcadores de susceptibilidade para o desenvolvimento de doenças, cuja etiologia está relacionada à exposição a fatores de risco ambientais. Enzimas do Citocromo P450 (CYP) são as principais responsáveis pela fase I de detoxificação, na qual ativam o xenobiótico, tornando-o mais eletrofílico e, desta forma, mais reativo. As Glutationa S-transferases (GST) são enzimas detoxificantes de fase II e normalmente conjugam a glutationa reduzida com uma variedade de compostos eletrofílicos, como espécies reativas de oxigênio, facilitando a excreção de produtos tóxicos. Polimorfismos nos genes CYP e GST são capazes de alterar a expressão e a atividade catalítica das enzimas, sendo responsáveis por diferenças interindividuais quanto à capacidade de biotransformação de xenobióticos. O objetivo do nosso trabalho foi avaliar a influência de três polimorfismos GST (GSTM1 nulo, GSTT1 nulo, e GSTP1*Val) e dois polimorfismos CYP (CYP1A1*2C e CYP2E1*5B) na predisposição ao LES em uma amostra de 370 pacientes com LES e 329 doadores de sangue saudáveis provenientes da região sul do Brasil. Os polimorfismos CYP foram genotipados por PCR-RFLP, enquanto que os polimorfismos GST foram genotipados por PCR multiplex (GSTM1 nulo, GSTT1 nulo) e PCR-RFLP para GSTP1. As freqüências alélicas e genotípicas foram comparadas entre pacientes e controles usando o teste de Qui-Quadrado ou o teste Exato de Fisher. As análises foram realizadas subdividindo os indivíduos de acordo com sua origem étnica. Entre os indivíduos Euro-descendentes, observou-se uma menor freqüência de genótipos heterozigotos GSTP1*Val em pacientes com LES em comparação aos controles (p=0,0047; OR 0,63 CI 95% 0,43 – 0,93 em relação a GSTP1*Ile/Ile e OR 0,49 CI 95% 0,26 – 0,92 em relação a GSTP1*Val/Val). No grupo Afro-descendente, houve tendência a uma maior freqüência do alelo GSTP1*Val em pacientes quando comparados aos controles (p=0,061). O alelo CYP2E1*5B foi significativamente mais freqüente nos pacientes do que em controles (p=0,038; OR 2,69 CI 95% 1,00 – 8,42). Não foi observada qualquer implicação clínica dos polimorfismos CYP e GST nos pacientes com LES. Nossos dados sugerem um papel protetor do genótipo heterozigoto GSTP1*105Ile/Val em Euro-descendentes e uma possível influência do alelo CYP2E1*5B na susceptibilidade ao LES entre Afro-descendentes. / Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune chronic inflammatory disease that presents a variety of clinical manifestations and immunological abnormalities, particularly affecting women. It is characterized by disruption of immunologic homeostasis, which results in the induction and production of autoantibodies, as well as the formation and deposition of immune complexes, leading to an intense inflammatory response and tissue damage. There is evidence that immunological, environmental, hormonal and genetic factors are involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. Genes and proteins involved in metabolism/detoxification of xenobiotics are often used as markers of susceptibility to the development of diseases whose etiology is related to exposure to environmental risk factors. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes are primarily responsible for phase I detoxification, in which activate the xenobiotic, making it more electrophilic and thus more reactive. The Glutathione S-transferases (GST) are phase II detoxifying enzymes and usually conjugate reduced glutathione with a variety of electrophilic compounds, such as reactive oxygen species, facilitating the excretion of toxic products. Polymorphisms in the CYP and GST genes can alter the expression and catalytic activity of enzymes, being responsible for interindividual differences regarding the capacity of xenobiotics biotransformation. The aim of our study was to evaluate the influence of three GST polymorphisms (GSTM1 null, GSTT1 null and GSTP1*Val) and two CYP polymorphisms (CYP1A1*2C and CYP2E1*5B) in SLE predisposition in a sample of 370 SLE patients and 329 healthy blood donors, both from southern Brazil. The CYP polymorphisms were genotyped by PCR-RFLP, while the GST polymorphisms were genotyped by multiplex PCR and PCR-RFLP for GSTP1. Allelic and genotypic frequencies were compared between patients and controls using the Chi-square test or Fisher´s exact test. Analyses were performed subdividing the individuals according to their ethnic origin. Among European-derived individuals, it was observed a lower frequency of GSTP1*Val heterozygous genotypes in SLE patients compared to controls (p = 0.0047; OR 0.63 CI 95% 0.43 - 0.93 in relation to GSTP1*Ile/Ile) and (OR 0.49 95% CI 0.26 - 0.92 in relation to GSTP1*Val/Val). In African-derived group, there was a trend to a higher frequency of GSTP1*Val allele in patients when compared to controls (p=0.061). The CYP2E1*5B allele was significantly more frequent in patients than controls (p=0.038, OR 2.69 95% CI 1.00 - 8.42). We did not observe any clinical implication of the CYP and GST polymorphisms in patients with SLE. Our data suggest a protective role of the GSTP1*105Ile/Val heterozygous genotype in European-derived and a possible influence of the CYP2E1*5B allele in SLE susceptibility among African-derived.

Neste trabalho foram investigados sistemas modelos do citocromo P450 para o estudo do metabolismo da monensina A empregando três estratégias de abordagem: a) utilização de metaloporfirinas e complexos salen como catalisadores para a oxidação da monensina A por diferentes oxidantes e meios reacionais; b) utilização de fungos de diferentes cepas para estudos de biotransformação deste antibiótico e c) emprego de microssomas de fígado de ratos e humanos para o estudo do metabolismo in vitro da monensina A. Os produtos obtidos nestes três sistemas foram comparados com os metabólitos formados em estudos in vivo relatados na literatura. Os resultados obtidos com os sistemas envolvendo os catalisadores mostraram que a formação dos produtos é dependente da escolha do meio reacional e do oxidante empregado. Os estudos de biotransformação da monensina A empregando microssomas de fígado e os fungos Aspergillus awamori, Beauveria bassianna, Cunninghamella echinulata, Cunninghamella elegans, Fusarium oxysporum, M61, Mucor rouxii e Penicillium brevicompactum mostraram que estes sistemas são viáveis nos processos de biotransformação deste fármaco nas condições empregadas. Os produtos obtidos nas reações e/ou meios de cultura com os diferentes sistemas foram identificados por espectrometria de massas sequencial e também por comparação com padrões obtidos anteriormente. Foram obtidos três principais metabólitos: (i) 3-O-desmetil-monensina A, (ii) 12-hidroxi-monensina A e (iii) 12-hidroxi-3-O-desmetil-monensina A, os quais coincidem com os principais metabólitos obtidos em estudos in vivo. Assim, os resultados mostraram que os modelos estudados podem ser usados para predizer o metabolismo da monensina A. Os metabólitos 3-O-desmetil-monensina A e 12-hidroxi-monensina A puderam ser produzidos e isolados dos sistemas catalíticos envolvendo a metaloporfirina e o catalisador de Jacobsen. Os ensaios biológicos de atividade tóxica em mitocôndrias, bem como a atividade antimicrobiana da monensina A e de seus metabólitos 3-O-desmetil-monensina A e 12-hidroxi-monensina A mostraram que estes metabólitos possuem menor ou nenhuma atividade nos parâmetros biológicos testados quando comparados à monensina A. Assim, pode-se inferir que o metabolismo da monensina A corresponde a uma via de detoxicação clássica, através da qual as moléculas produzidas são mais polares, dificultando o transporte de complexos catiônicos através das membranas, diminuindo suas propriedades biológicas e facilitando a sua eliminação. / This study used model systems to investigate monensin A metabolism. More specifically, this work employed three strategies: (i) use of biomimetic systems, involving metalloporphyrins and salen complexes, to catalyze monensin A oxidation by different oxidants in distinct reaction media; (ii) application of different fungal strains to conduct biotransformation studies of this antibiotic; and (iii) use of rat and human liver microsomes as a cytochrome P450 model to monitor the in vitro metabolism of monensin A and compare the products with the metabolites generated in in vivo studies reported in the literature. Studies involving chemical catalysts showed that product formation depended on the choice of reaction medium and oxidant. Monensin A biotransformation studies employing fungi revealed that Aspergillus awamori, Beauveria bassianna, Cunninghamella echinulata, Cunninghamella elegans, Fusarium oxysporum, Marine M61, Mucor rouxii, and Penicillium brevicompactum successfully biotransformed the drug under the employed conditions. Liver microsomes also effectively transformed the target compound. Spectrometric analysis of the evaluated models attested to the formation of three main metabolites: (i) 3-O-demethyl monensin A, (ii) 12-hydroxy monensin A, and (iii) 12-hydroxy-3-O-demethyl-monensin A as the main monensin A derivatives. The products were identified by tandem mass spectrometry as well as by comparison with standards obtained in other studies. Taken together, the results demonstrated that the models studied herein could help to predict monensin A metabolismthey produced the main metabolites obtained in in vivo studies. Toxicity tests performed on mitochondria and antimicrobial assays revealed that the metabolites 3-O-demethyl-monensin A and 12-hydroxy-monensin A isolated from the reactions that employed chemical catalysts were less active or inactive as compared with monensin A. Therefore, it was possible to infer that monensin A metabolism is a classical detoxification pathway that generates polar molecules. The transport of such cationic molecules through the membrane is more difficult, decreasing their biological properties and facilitating their elimination.

Reações de O-desmetilação oxidativa estão entre as várias oxidações realizadas pelas enzimas do citocromo P-450. Entretanto, poucos estudos de O-desmetilação catalisadas por enzimas do citocromo P-450 ou modelos químicos baseados em metaloporfirinas sintéticas têm resultado em dúvidas acerca do mecanismo da O-desmetilação destes compostos orgânicos. Neste trabalho, foi estudada a O-desmetilação oxidativa, com PhIO, do benzil metil éter e alguns de seus derivados para substituídos (com os grupos doadores de elétrons -OCH3 e -CH3 e os grupos retiradores -NO2 e -Cl) catalisada pelas Mn(III)P [Mn(TPP)]Cl, [Mn{T(4-N-MePy)P}](PF6)5, [Mn(TMP)]Cl, [Mn(TDCSPP)]Cl e [Mn(TFPP)]Cl para verificar o efeito destes diferentes catalisadores na conversão e seletividade de produtos da O-desmetilação oxidativa e avaliar o efeito dos diversos substituintes citados no mecanismo de O-desalquilação. Inicialmente, realizou-se o estudo das oxidações catalíticas do metil benzil éter. Todas as reações catalisadas pelas MnP se mostram seletivas, sendo que o benzaldeído foi o produto comum a todas as oxidações. A melhor condição encontrada foi 1:50:1224 (catalisador/oxidante/substrato). Em relação às reações com os substratos contendo os substituintes na posição -para, as reações de oxidações catalíticas do p-metóxibenzil metil éter por PhIO não se mostraram tão seletivas quanto as do metil benzil éter, mostrando claramente que o grupo metóxi alterou a reatividade do aril éter original. Mesmo assim, o p-metoxibenzaldeído ainda foi o produto principal, sendo a conversão ao álcool p-metoxibenzílico observada em escala menor. Já com o substrato p-nitrobenzil metil éter, novamente o efeito provocado pelo substituinte na posição para no anel benzênico pôde ser percebida na distribuição final dos produtos, sendo que houve seletividade total para a formação de p-nitrobenzaldeído em detrimento ao álcool p-nitrobenzóico. Em relação aos dois últimos substratos da série proposta, metil p-metilbenzil éter e metil p-clorobenzil éter, de um modo geral, as reações realizadas com o p-clorobenzil metil éter não se mostraram tão seletivas quanto as do metil p-nitrobenzil éter, mostrando que o grupo cloro aumentou a reatividade do cloroéter em relação ao éter com o substituinte nitro- original. Mesmo assim, o p-clorobenzaldeído foi o produto principal, sendo a conversão ao álcool p-clorobenzílico observada em menor escala. Em relação às reações de oxidação do p-metilbenzil metil éter, observou-se que os resultados experimentais são semelhantes aos encontrados para o metil benzil éter. Esses resultados corroboram o principal mecanismo proposto para os sistemas modelo do citocromo P-450 que envolve abstração inicial do átomo de hidrogênio, o mecanismo por recombinação de oxigênio. / O-dealkylation oxidative reactions are among the several oxidations accomplished by the cytochrome P-450 enzymes. However, few studies on O-dealkylation catalyzed by such enzymes or chemical models based on synthetic metalloporphyrins have resulted in doubts concerning the mechanism of these reactions involving organic compounds. In this work, we studied the oxidative O-dealkylation by PhIO of benzyl methyl ether and some of its para-substituted derivatives (with the electron donor groups -OCH3 and -CH3 and the electronwithdrawing groups -NO2 and -Cl) catalyzed by the following Mn(III)P: [Mn(TPP)]Cl, [Mn{T(4-N-MePy)P}] (PF6)5, [Mn(TMP)]Cl, [Mn(TDCSPP)] Cl, and [Mn(TFPP)]Cl. Our aim was to verify the effect of these different catalysts on the conversion yields and product selectivity, as well as evaluate the effect of the several substituents on the ether on the O-dealkylation mechanism. We initially studied the catalytic oxidation of methyl benzyl ether. All the reactions catalyzed by the various MnPs were selective, and benzaldehyde was the product common to all oxidations. The best reaction condition was catalyst/oxidant/substrate molar ration = 1:50:1224. As for the reactions with the substituted substrates, the catalytic oxidation of p-methoxybenzyl methyl ether by PhIO was not as selective as the ones of methyl benzyl ether, clearly showing that the methoxy group affects the reactivity of the original aryl ether. Nevertheless, p-methoxybenzaldehyde was still the main product, being the conversion to p-methoxybenzylic alcohol observed in minor amount. With the substrate p-nitrobenzyl methyl ether, the effect of the electronwithdrawing substituent in the para- position of the aromatic ring could be observed in the final product distribution once again, and total selectivity toward the formation of p-nitrobenzaldehyde to the detriment of p-nitrobenzoic alcohol was observed. In relation to the two last substrates of the proposed series, the methyl p-methylbenzyl and methyl p-chlorobenzyl ethers, the reactions accomplished with p-chlorobenzyl methyl ether were not as selective as the ones carried out with methyl p-nitrobenzyl ether, showing that the chloro group increased the reactivity of the chloro-ether in relation to the ether with the original nitro- substituent. Even so, p-chlorobenzaldehyde was the main product, being the conversion to the p-chlorobenzylic alcohol observed in smaller amount. Concerning the oxidation reactions of p-methylbenzyl methyl ether, the experimental results were similar to those obtained in the case of methyl benzyl ether. These results corroborate the main mechanism proposed for the cytochrome P-450 model systems, which involves initial hydrogen atom abstraction, followed by oxygen rebound.

As enzimas CYP2D6, CYP2C19 e CYP2C9 são responsáveis pelo metabolismo de aproximadamente metade dos 200 medicamentos mais prescritos nos EUA. Padronizamos ensaios de genotipagem baseados na discriminação alélica com o sistema TaqMan® em 198 indivíduos. Para o gene CYP2D6, os alelos *1 e *2 foram os mais freqüentes, seguidos pelos alelos *4, *41, *35, *17, *5, *10, *6, *29 e *9. Desenvolvemos também uma nova metodologia para a determinação do número de cópias do gene CYP2D6. Para o gene CYP2C19, o alelo *1 foi o mais frequente, seguido pelos alelos *17, *2 e *3. Nosso estudo foi o primeiro a determinar a freqüência alélica do gene CYP2C19 no Brasil. Para o gene CYP2C9, o alelo *1 foi o mais frequente, seguido pelos alelos *2 e *3. Desenvolvemos uma metodologia reprodutível e acessível para a genotipagem dos polimorfismos principais dos genes CYP2D6, CYP2C19 e CYP2C9. A identificação precoce de indivíduos suscetíveis a efeitos adversos, bem como de metabolizadores rápidos pode trazer grandes benefícios aos pacientes possibilitando assim uma medicina personalizada. / The enzymes CYP2D6, CYP2C19 and CYP2C9 metabolize approximately half of the 200 most prescribed drugs in the USA. We standardized genotyping tests based on allelic discrimination, using TaqMan® genotyping system in 198 samples. For the CYP2D6 gene, allele *1 and *2 were the most frequent, followed by alleles *4, *4, *35, *17, *5, *10, *6, *29 and *9. We have also developed a new methodology for determining the copy number variations of the CYP2D6 gene. For the CYP2C19 gene, the allele *1 was the most common, followed by the alleles *17, *2 and *3. In our concern, our study was the first to determine the allele frequency of the CYP2C19 gene in Brazil. For CYP2C9 gene, the allele *1 was the most common followed by the alleles *2 and *3. We developed a methodology reproducible and accessible for genotyping the most important polymorphisms of the genes CYP2D6, CYP2C19 and CYP2C9. The previous identification of individuals at risk to develop adverse drug reactions as well as ultrarapid-metabolizers may bring benefits to the patients, leading to a personalized therapy.