Oestrogenic chemicals have become increasingly associated with health effects in wildlife populations and humans. Transgenic animal models have been developed to understand the mechanisms by which these oestrogenic chemicals alter hormonal signalling pathways and how these alterations can lead to chronic health effects. The use of highly informative transgenic animal models will also result in better use and potential reduction of intact animals used in animal testing in line with the principles of the 3Rs. In this thesis work, two novel oestrogen responsive transgenic zebrafish models have been generated to investigate the effects of oestrogenic chemicals, identify their tissue targets and better understand the temporal dynamics of these responses. Both models express the pigment-free ‘Casper’ (a mutant line lacking skin pigment) phenotype, which facilitate identification of responding target tissues in the whole fish in all fish life stages (embryos to adults). The oestrogen response element green fluorescent (ERE-GFP)-Casper model was generated by crossing an established ERE-GFP line with the skin pigment free Casper line. The model generated is highly sensitive to oestrogenic chemicals, detecting responses to environmentally relevant concentrations of EE2, bisphenol A (BPA), genistein and nonylphenol. Use of the ERE-GFP- Casper model shows chemical type and concentration dependence for green fluorescent protein (GFP) induction and both spatial and temporal responses for different environmental oestrogens tested. A semi-automated (ArrayScan) imaging and image analysis system was also developed to quantify whole body fluorescence responses for a range of different oestrogenic chemicals in the new transgenic zebrafish model. The zebrafish model developed provides a sensitive and highly integrative system for identifying oestrogenic chemicals, their target tissues and effect concentrations for exposures in real time and across different life stages. It thus has application for chemical screening to better direct health effects analysis of environmental oestrogens and for investigating the functional roles of oestrogens in vertebrates. The second model generated was an ERE-Kaede-Casper line developed via crossing of the ERE-GFP-Casper line and a UAS-Kaede line and screening subsequent generations for a desired genotype and homozygous expression of the transgenes. Kaede is a photoconvertible fluorescent protein that initially fluoresces green in colour and can be permanently converted to red fluorescence upon short exposure to UV light. The model has a silenced skin pigmentation and high sensitivity to oestrogenic chemicals comparable with the previously developed ERE-GFP-Casper model. Use of this model has identified windows of tissue-specific sensitivity to ethinyloestradiol (EE2) for exposure during early-life (0-48hpf) and illustrated that exposure to oestrogen (EE2) during early life (0-48hpf) can enhance responsiveness (sensitivity) to different environmental oestrogens (EE2, genistein and bisphenol A) for subsequent exposures during development. These findings illustrate the importance of oestrogen exposure history in effects assessments and they have wider implications for the possible adverse effects associated with oestrogen exposure.

Submitted by ELISSANDRO SOARES EMÍDIO null (elissandro_se@yahoo.com.br) on 2016-05-12T21:01:18Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Tese Elissandro Soares Emidio_IQ UNESP.pdf: 4935815 bytes, checksum: 2ed4a096c784661153f0589f1feaccf4 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Felipe Augusto Arakaki (arakaki@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2016-05-16T13:18:46Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 emidio_es_dr_araiq_par.pdf: 512252 bytes, checksum: abe4aee98ccd84a2227db13788c6221b (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-05-16T13:18:46Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 emidio_es_dr_araiq_par.pdf: 512252 bytes, checksum: abe4aee98ccd84a2227db13788c6221b (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-04-11 / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) / Micotoxinas estrogênicas (EM) são estrógenos produzidos como metabólitos secundários de fungos. Entre as EM estão a zearalenona (ZEN) e seus metabólitos produzidos principalmente pelo fungo do gênero Fusarium que cresce em várias culturas agrícolas. A influência da exposição às EM na saúde de mamíferos /humanos, por meio dos alimentos, tem sido extensivamente estudada. Em contraste, estudos que focam nas EM em águas superficiais e seus possíveis impactos no ambiente aquático são negligenciados. O presente trabalho apresenta os desenvolvimentos mais recentes no que concerne às micotoxinas estrogênicas, em relação às metodologias analíticas utilizadas na sua determinação e avaliação do comportamento em águas superficiais. As atividades desenvolvidas foram divididas em duas etapas: (1) Estudo analítico - desenvolvimento de um método analítico verde para a determinação das micotoxinas estrogênicas empregando a microextração líquido-líquido dispersiva (DLLME) utilizando bromosolventes e líquido iônico (IL) por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (HPLC) com detecção por fluorescência (FLD) ou espectrometria de massas (MS); (2) Estudo ambiental - avaliação da presença dos analitos na microbacia hidrográfica do Córrego Rico com avaliação espaço-temporal e a persistência da micotoxina zearalenona em ambientes aquáticos sob irradiação solar simulada. Vários parâmetros importantes que influenciam a eficiência de extração para DLLME foram otimizados. Em condições ótimas, a recuperação de extração para ZEN e seus metabólitos para DLLME e IL-DLLME variaram de 81 a 118 % e 76 a 81 %, respectivamente; Os desvios padrão relativos (RSD) para a precisão intra-dia e inter-dia foram menores do que 13%, em DLLME, e inferior a 5,7 % (intra-dia) para IL-DLLME. Os limites de detecção do método (LOD) e quantificação (LOQ) foram de 4-20 ng L-1 e de 8-40 ng L-1 para DLLME e 0,2 ng L-1 e 0,5 ng L-1 para IL-DLLME, respectivamente. A determinação das micotoxinas estrogênicas nas amostras de água da microbacia hidrográfica do Córrego Rico alcançaram níveis de até 59,3 ng L-1 com concentração equivalente em estradiol calculada (cEEQ) entre <0,06 e 1,42 ng L-1. Essas concentrações estão relacionadas a efeitos adversos no crescimento e reprodução de algumas espécies de peixes. No estudo de fototransformação a ZEN foi degradada rapidamente em águas naturais, com meia-vida (t1/2) de 28,3 min (água estuarina) e 135,9 min (água de rio). Os resultados indicaram que, após 1 h do tempo de irradiação, o percentual de degradação da ZEN foi de 69,4% (água do rio) e 90,8% (água estuarina). Do ponto de vista ambiental, a rápida degradação observada não deve ser interpretada “a priori”, como indicativo de baixo risco ambiental do aporte de ZEN, devendo ser investigados o comportamento ambiental e toxicológico dos seus produtos de degradação, além do que há que se considerar a constante introdução, nas águas superficiais, de microcontaminantes associados ao esgoto sanitário, como a ZEN. / Estrogenic mycotoxins (EM) are estrogens produced as secondary metabolites of fungi. The well known EM are zearalenone (ZEN) and its metabolites primarily produced by the mold Fusarium growing on a variety of crops. The influence of exposure to EM on human/mammalian health via food has been extensively studied. In contrast, studies focus on EM in surface waters and their possible impacts in aquatic environment are negligible. The current work presents the most recent developments concerning estrogenic mycotoxins, in regard to the analytic methodologies utilized in their determination and the behavior assessment in surface waters. The study was developed in two steps: (1) analytical study - Green analytical method development for determination of estrogenic mycotoxin employing microextraction liquid-liquid dispersive (DLLME) using bromosolvent and ionic liquid (IL) followed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection (FLD) or mass spectrometry (MS); (2) Environmental study - evaluation of the presence of analytes in Rico stream watershed with spatial-temporal distribution and the persistence of zearalenone mycotoxin in aquatic environments by simulated sunlight. Several important parameters influencing the extraction efficiency of DLLME were optimized. Under optimal conditions, extraction recovery for ZEN and its metabolites by DLLME and IL-DLLME were within the range of 81-118 % e 76-81 % respectively; the relative standard deviations (RSDs) for intra-day and inter-day precision were lower than 13% by DLLME, and lower than 5.7 % (intra-day) by ILDLLME. The method limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were from 4– 20 ng L−1 and 8–40 ng L−1, for DLLME and from 0.2 ng L−1 and 0.5 ng L−1 for ILDLLME, respectively. Determination of estrogenic mycotoxins in water samples from Rico Stream watershed reached levels of up to 59.3 ng L-1 and their corresponding calculated estrogenic equivalents (cEEQ) values were <0.06 and 1.42 ng L-1. These concentrations are related to adverse effects on growth and reproduction of some fish species. In phototransformation study ZEN degraded quickly in natural waters, with half-lives (t1/2) of 28.3 min (estuarine water) and 135.9 min (river water). The results indicated that after 1 h irradiation time, the degradation percentage of ZEN were 69.4% (river water) and 90.8% (estuarine water). From an environmental point of view, the rapid degradation observed, under laboratory conditions, should not be interpreted "a priori" as indicative of low environmental risk for ZEN, should be investigated environmental behavior and toxicology of degradation products, beyond it is necessary to considering the constant introduction into surface water of microcontaminants associated with sewage, such as this mycotoxin. / CNPq: 140990/2012-7

Le cancer du sein est le cancer le plus fréquent chez la femme. Sa croissance et sa progression sont dépendantes de signaux hormonaux, tels que les œstrogènes, et de l’interaction des cellules cancéreuses avec le microenvironnement matriciel. La perte d’expression du récepteur aux estrogènes ERα est un marqueur de mauvais pronostic et de non réponse à l’hormonothérapie. Dans ces tumeurs agressives, l’expression du SDC-1, un protéoglycane transmembranaire impliqué dans l’angiogenèse, la prolifération et l’invasion, est augmentée suggérant un antagonisme entre la signalisation œstrogénique et le SDC-1 dans ces tumeurs. En utilisant les cellules de carcinome mammaire ER(+) MCF7, nous avons montré que les œstrogènes via le récepteur ERα sont capables d’inhiber l’expression du SDC 1 par un mécanisme nécessitant une néosynthèse protéique et la phosphorylation d’ERα par la kinase IKK. Parallèlement, nos résultats montrent que la dérégulation de l’expression du SDC-1 affecte la réponse proliférative des œstrogènes dans les cellules MCF7 en modifiant la localisation subcellulaire d’ERα. Nos résultats montrent à la fois l’inhibition tonique et E2-induite de l’expression du SDC-1 par ERα dans les cellules MCF7 et la potentialité du SDC-1 à réduire la réponse œstrogénique de ces cellules. Ainsi, ces résultats sont autant d’arguments qui renforcent l'hypothèse d'un antagonisme entre la signalisation médiée par ERα et le SDC-1 lequel influencerait l'orientation phénotypique des cellules de carcinome mammaire. / Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Its growth and progression depend on hormone signals, such as estrogens, and on interactions with the matrix microenvironment. The loss of the estrogen receptor ERα expression is a poor prognosis marker and predicts a resistance to antihormonal therapies. In these aggressive tumors, SDC-1 expression, a transmembrane proteoglycan involved in angiogenesis, proliferation and invasiveness is increased suggesting an antagonism between estrogenic signaling and SDC-1 in breast tumors. Using ER (+) MCF7 mammary carcinoma cells, we have shown that estrogens via the ERα are able to inhibit the expression of SDC-1 by a mechanism requiring protein synthesis and phosphorylation of ERα by the IKK kinase. Additionally, our results show that dysregulation of SDC-1 expression affects the proliferative response to estrogens in MCF7 cells by altering the subcellular localization of ERα. Our results show both a tonic and E2-induced inhibition of SDC-1 expression by ERα in MCF7 cells and the potentiality of SDC-1 to reduce the estrogenic response of these cells. Thus, these results support the hypothesis that an antagonism between ERα signaling and SDC-1 which could influence the phenotypic orientation of mammary carcinoma cells.

Thesis (MSc.(Biochemistry)) -- University of Limpopo, 2021 / Drug discovery from medicinal plants continues to play an important role in the development of anticancer agents, this is because medicinal plants are reservoirs of bioactive compounds that exert a plethora of pharmacological effects on human beings. This study aimed to analyse the phytochemical constituents of the Momordica cardiospermoides crude acetone and methanol leaf extracts as well as investigate their potential anti-metastatic effects on the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line. Momordica cardiospermoides leaves were extracted with absolute methanol or acetone to produce crude methanol and acetone extracts, respectively. The extracts were then screened and analysed for phytochemicals using thin layer chromatography, qualitative and quantitative phytochemical tests, and their antioxidant activity was determined using the quantitative 2,2-diphenyl-1picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity assay. The fingerprint profiles of the M. cardiospermoides leaf extracts revealed that compounds of the acetone extracts were optimally separated in the nonpolar mobile phase (TAE), whereas those of the methanol extract separated best in the polar mobile phase (EMW), thereby suggesting that the crude acetone and methanol extracts had more non-polar and polar compounds present, respectively. Furthermore, the qualitative phytochemical analysis indicated the presence of various phytochemicals such as flavonoids, steroids, coumarins, and tannins in both plant extracts, however, saponins were found present in the methanol extract and not in the acetone extract. Moreover, quantification of major phytochemicals revealed that the acetone extract had the highest total phenolic content (23.0683 mg GAE/g), total tannin content (22.0442 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoid (32.6933 mg QE/g) content as compared to the methanol extract (14.2349 mg GAE/g, 11.3164 mg GAE/g and 7.692 mg QE/g respectively). The DPPH free radical scavenging activity assay revealed that the extracts exhibited an increase in percentage inhibition/ DPPH scavenging effect, with an increase in extract concentration. The results also revealed that the acetone extract possessed a higher radical scavenging activity as compared to the methanol extract. These results are in correlation with the quantitative analysis of the extracts, as all the major phytochemicals found in higher amounts in the acetone extract have antioxidant properties. The extracts were then assessed in vitro for their cytotoxic effects on MDA MB-231 breast cancer cells and HEK 293 cells using the cell count and viability assay and the results obtained revealed a concentration-dependent decrease in the viability of MDA-MB-231 cells at 24 hours of treatment with either the acetone or methanol extract. Comparatively, treatment of HEK 293 cells with the acetone extract resulted in a significant decrease in the percentage of viable cells, whereas treatment with the methanol extract had no significant effect on the viability of HEK 293 cells, as the percentage of viable cells was maintained at 85–98% at 24 hours of treatment. These results also revealed that the methanol extract is more selective to cancer cells in comparison to the acetone extract, suggesting that the methanol extract is a better antineoplastic candidate. The mode of cell death induced by the methanol or acetone extracts was assessed using the acridine orange and ethidium bromide dual staining assay and the annexin V and dead cell kit. The results from the acridine orange/ethidium bromide dual staining assay showed that both extracts induced nuclei and cellular morphological changes in a concentration-depended manner, at 24 hours of treatment. Moreover, the annexin V and dead assay kit results revealed that the acetone extract induced necrotic cell death, while the methanol extract induced apoptotic cell death. Since the acetone extract was shown to be non-selective towards normal cells and induced necrotic cell death, it was discontinued for further assays. The effect of the methanol extract on MDA-MB-231 cell migration and attachment was determined using the wound healing assay and the adhesion assay. The results revealed that treatment with 150 or 300 µg/ml significantly suppressed MDA-MB-231 cell migration, associated with serpin E1 downregulation and TIMP-1 upregulation, at 24 hours of treatment. Moreover, treatment with the methanol extract also significant inhibited MDA-MB-231 cell adhesion in a concentration-dependent manner, as evident by the decrease in the number of crystal violet stained cells. The effect of the methanol extract on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 was assessed using western blotting, and the results revealed that the extract significantly downregulated the expression of both MMP-2 and -9, suggesting that the methanol extract has inhibitory effects on MDA-MB-231 cell invasion. The human angiogenesis antibody array kit was then used to determine the effect of the extract on the expression of angiogenesis-related proteins. Treatment with 150 or 300 µg/ml of the extract significantly upregulated the expression levels of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP) -1 and thrombospondin-1 in a concentration-dependent manner. The results also revealed a significant downregulation in the expression of serpin E1, in a concentration-dependent manner, in comparison to the untreated control. However, the expression of uPA, VEGF, and IGFBP-1, 2 and -3 was upregulated following treatment with 150 and 300 µg/ml of the extract. In conclusion, the current study demonstrated the potential of M. cardiospermoides crude methanol extract as an effective anti-metastatic agent or a source of compounds with anti-metastatic properties / South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Research Capacity Development Initiative and National Research Foundation (NRF)

Introdução: Polimorfismo é variação genética de ocorrência habitual na população em geral, encontrado em frequência superior a 1%. Há vários polimorfismos conhecidos no gene do receptor estrogênico alfa, alguns dos quais podem modificar a função do receptor e a ação dos estrogênios. Associação de polimorfismos no gene do receptor estrogênico alfa e risco de doenças, incluindo o câncer de mama, tem sido objeto de grande interesse, porém existem poucos estudos publicados sobre a prevalência destes na população brasileira. Objetivos: Verificar em mulheres com mamas densas após a menopausa; 1) A distribuição dos fatores de risco para câncer de mama; 2) A frequência dos polimorfismos do gene do receptor estrogênico alfa Pvull, Xbal e (GT)n; 3) A associação entre os resultados moleculares e os fatores de risco para o câncer de mama. Casuística e métodos: Estudo observacional realizado na divisão de Clínica Ginecológica do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, em 308 mulheres com idade entre 45 e 65 anos, mamas densas, que estavam há pelo menos um ano sem menstruar, que não faziam uso de terapia hormonal há 1 ano ou mais e sem antecedente pessoal de câncer de mama e ovário. Caracterizaram-se na história clínica e no exame físico, idade da menarca e da menopausa, paridade, idade ao nascimento do primeiro filho, antecedentes familiares de câncer de mama, hábito de fumar, ingestão de bebida alcoólica e o Índice de Massa Corpórea. Foi coletada amostra de sangue periférico para extração do DNA genômico e determinação dos polimorfismos presentes no intron 1 (Pvull e Xbal) e na região promotora do éxon 1 (GT)n e dosagens de glicemia, colesterol total e frações, insulina, IGF1, TSH, T3, T4, FSH, LH e estradiol. Resultados: Os fatores considerados de risco para o câncer de mama, menarca antes dos 12 anos (35,38%), nuliparidade ou idade ao ter o 1º filho após os 28 anos (41,66%), história familiar de câncer de mama (19,16%) e sobrepeso/obesidade (62,01%) foram mais prevalentes nessa população. A cor branca foi a mais frequente, coincidindo com os resultados de outros estudos, e a menopausa tardia não se mostrou um fator de influência nessa população. As frequências alélica e genotípica para os SNPs no RE?-397-Pvull e Xbal foram: P=43,99%; p=56,01%; pp=32,14%, Pp=47,73% e PP=20,13%; X=41,56%, x=58,44%; xx=33,44%, Xx=50,00% e XX=16,56%, respectivamente. Para o polimorfismo de repetição STRs (GT)n, os genótipos mais frequentes foram 14, 15 e 16, com predomínio da repetição 16. As distribuições alélica e genotípica dos polimorfismos (Pvull, Xbal e GTn), não sofreram influências significativas dos fatores de risco pesquisados. Conclusão: Os fatores de risco para o câncer de mama foram mais prevalentes nessa população de mulheres com mamas densas, embora, não tenham mostrado associações significativas com os polimorfismos estudados. Estudos caso controle adicionais são necessários para melhor compreender a associação destes polimorfismos e o câncer de mama. / Introduction: Polymorphism is genetic variation of usual occurrence in the general population, found with frequency higher than 1%. There are several known polymorphisms in the estrogen receptor alpha (ER?), some of which can modify the receptor function and the action of the estrogen. Association of polymorphisms in the estrogen receptor alpha gene and risk of diseases, including breast cancer, has been a subject of great interest, but there are few published studies on the prevalence of these in the Brazilian population. Objective: Checking on women with high breast density after menopause; 1) the distribution of risk factors for breast cancer; 2) the frequency of polymorphism of the estrogen receptor alpha gene Pvull, Xbal and (GT)n; 3) the association between the molecular results and the risk factors for breast cancer. Methods: Observational study carried out in the Gynecology Department of the Hospital das Clínicas of Medical School of São Paulo University, in 308 women aged between 45 and 65 years-old, high breast density, who were at least one year without menstruating and did not use hormone therapy for 1 year or more and no personal history of breast and ovarian cancer. It was characterized on clinical history and physical examination: age of menarche and menopause, parity, age at birth of first child, family history of breast cancer, smoking, alcohol intake and body mass index. Peripheral blood sample was collected for DNA extraction and determination of genomic polymorphisms present in the intron 1 (Pvull and Xbal), in the promoter region of exon 1 (GT)n, dosages of blood glucose, total cholesterol and fractions, insulin, IGF1, TSH, T3, T4, FSH, LH, and estradiol. Results: The factors considered of risk for breast cancer, menarche before age 12 (35.38%), nulliparity or first child after the 28 years-old (41.66%), family history of breast cancer (19.16%) and Overweight/obesity (62.01%) were more prevalent in this population. The Caucasian were the most frequent, coinciding with the results of other studies, and late menopause was not a factor of influence in this population. The allele and genotypic frequencies for SNPs in ER?-397-Pvull and Xbal were: P = 43.99%; p = 56.01%; pp = 32.14%, Pp = 47.73% and PP = 20.13%; X = 41.56%, x = 58.44%; xx = 33.44%, Xx = 50.00% and XX = 16.56%, respectively. For the STRs repeat polymorphism (GT)n, the most common genotypes were 14, 15 and 16, with a predominance of repeat 16. The allele and genotypic distributions of polymorphisms (Pvull, Xbal and GTn), did not suffer significant influences of the risk factors surveyed. Conclusion: The risk factors for breast cancer were more prevalent in this population of women with high breasts density, although have not shown significant associations with polymorphisms studied. Additional studies case-control are needed to better understand the Association of these polymorphisms and breast cancer.

Muitos oxidantes químicos reativos acarretam na ruptura de estruturas moleculares complexas de vários tipos de compostos orgânicos decompondo-as em estruturas mais simples e propiciando condições melhores para uma efetiva ação de micro-organismos na degradação biológica. A presença de hormônios, entre eles o 17&beta;-estradiol, em estações de tratamento de esgoto e em águas subterrâneas e superficiais mostra a necessidade de uma avaliação dos processos de tratamento convencionais. O objetivo deste trabalho foi a análise e remoção de hormônios através de técnicas de cloração e ozonização de amostras reais de águas de saída de filtro de estações de tratamento de água (ETAs), operadas pelo Serviço Autônomo de Água e Esgoto (SAAE) de São Carlos (ETA Centro), que capta águas dos ribeirão Feijão e córrego Espraiado e pela Sociedade de Abastecimento de Água e Saneamento S/A (SANASA) de Campinas (ETAs 3 e 4), que capta águas do rio Atibaia. Foram realizados ensaios contaminando-se as amostras com 17&beta;-estradiol, que é o hormônio natural mais presente no meio ambiente, em concentração de 6.000 ng L-1, submetendo-se tratamento com dosagens em torno de 0,5 e 2,0 mg L-1 desses oxidantes, em tempos de contato de, respectivamente, 10 e 30 min. As amostras submetidas à contaminação e tratamento e as de controle (sem contaminação e tratamento) foram analisadas através da remoção do 17&beta;-estradiol com a verificação da atividade estrogênica das amostras por ensaios de Sistema de Expressão de Estrogênio Induzida por Levedura Bioluminescente (BLYES), que apresentou-se como uma ferramenta simples. Os resultados apresentados neste trabalho demonstram que a oxidação por ozônio se mostrou mais eficiente do que aquela por cloro para a remoção da atividade estrogênica causada, única e exclusivamente, pelo 17&beta;-estradiol para uma dosagem inicial desse hormônio relativamente alta (6.000 ng L-1). Todavia, em todos os ensaios a concentração final da atividade estrogênica permaneceu acima do limite de quantificação desses hormônio, indicando que a remoção não foi completa, mesmo em condições favoráveis, isto é, matriz limpa, com padrões de potabilidade para os parâmetros físico-químicos. / Many reactive chemical oxidants cause the disruption of the complex molecular structures of various types of organic compounds decomposing them into simpler structures and providing better conditions for effective action of micro-organisms in the biological degradation. The presence of hormones, including 17&beta;-estradiol in sewage treatment plants and groundwater and surface water shows the need for an evaluation of conventional treatment processes. The aim of this study was the analysis and removal of hormones through techniques of chlorination and ozonation of real samples of output filter water in water treatment plants (WTP), operated by the Serviço Autônomo de Água e Esgoto (SAAE) of São Carlos (Center WTP), which captures waters from Espraiado stream and Feijão stream and the Sociedade de Abastecimento de Água e Saneamento S/A (SANASA) de Campinas (WTPs 3 and 4), which captures water from the Atibaia river. Assays were performed contaminating the samples with 17&beta;-estradiol, which is the natural hormone more present in the environment, in a concentration of 6.000 ng L-1 submitting themselves to treatment with dosages of around 0.5 to 2.0 mg L-1 of these oxidants in times of contact, respectively, 10 and 30 min. The samples subjected to contamination and treatment and control samples (without contamination and treatment) were analyzed by removing 17&beta;-estradiol with estrogenic activity verification of the samples by Bioluminescent Assays or Estrogen-Inducible Yeast Expression System (BLYES), which was presented as a simple tool. The results presented here demonstrate that the oxidation by ozone was more effective than with chlorine to remove estrogenic activity caused solely by 17&beta;-estradiol for an initial dosage of the hormone relatively high (6000 ngL -1) However, in all experiments the final concentration of estrogenic activity remained above the limit of quantification of these hormones, indicating that removal was not complete, even under favorable conditions, clean matrix with quality for drinking water physico-chemical parameters.

Introdução: Polimorfismo é variação genética de ocorrência habitual na população em geral, encontrado em frequência superior a 1%. Há vários polimorfismos conhecidos no gene do receptor estrogênico alfa, alguns dos quais podem modificar a função do receptor e a ação dos estrogênios. Associação de polimorfismos no gene do receptor estrogênico alfa e risco de doenças, incluindo o câncer de mama, tem sido objeto de grande interesse, porém existem poucos estudos publicados sobre a prevalência destes na população brasileira. Objetivos: Verificar em mulheres com mamas densas após a menopausa; 1) A distribuição dos fatores de risco para câncer de mama; 2) A frequência dos polimorfismos do gene do receptor estrogênico alfa Pvull, Xbal e (GT)n; 3) A associação entre os resultados moleculares e os fatores de risco para o câncer de mama. Casuística e métodos: Estudo observacional realizado na divisão de Clínica Ginecológica do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, em 308 mulheres com idade entre 45 e 65 anos, mamas densas, que estavam há pelo menos um ano sem menstruar, que não faziam uso de terapia hormonal há 1 ano ou mais e sem antecedente pessoal de câncer de mama e ovário. Caracterizaram-se na história clínica e no exame físico, idade da menarca e da menopausa, paridade, idade ao nascimento do primeiro filho, antecedentes familiares de câncer de mama, hábito de fumar, ingestão de bebida alcoólica e o Índice de Massa Corpórea. Foi coletada amostra de sangue periférico para extração do DNA genômico e determinação dos polimorfismos presentes no intron 1 (Pvull e Xbal) e na região promotora do éxon 1 (GT)n e dosagens de glicemia, colesterol total e frações, insulina, IGF1, TSH, T3, T4, FSH, LH e estradiol. Resultados: Os fatores considerados de risco para o câncer de mama, menarca antes dos 12 anos (35,38%), nuliparidade ou idade ao ter o 1º filho após os 28 anos (41,66%), história familiar de câncer de mama (19,16%) e sobrepeso/obesidade (62,01%) foram mais prevalentes nessa população. A cor branca foi a mais frequente, coincidindo com os resultados de outros estudos, e a menopausa tardia não se mostrou um fator de influência nessa população. As frequências alélica e genotípica para os SNPs no RE?-397-Pvull e Xbal foram: P=43,99%; p=56,01%; pp=32,14%, Pp=47,73% e PP=20,13%; X=41,56%, x=58,44%; xx=33,44%, Xx=50,00% e XX=16,56%, respectivamente. Para o polimorfismo de repetição STRs (GT)n, os genótipos mais frequentes foram 14, 15 e 16, com predomínio da repetição 16. As distribuições alélica e genotípica dos polimorfismos (Pvull, Xbal e GTn), não sofreram influências significativas dos fatores de risco pesquisados. Conclusão: Os fatores de risco para o câncer de mama foram mais prevalentes nessa população de mulheres com mamas densas, embora, não tenham mostrado associações significativas com os polimorfismos estudados. Estudos caso controle adicionais são necessários para melhor compreender a associação destes polimorfismos e o câncer de mama. / Introduction: Polymorphism is genetic variation of usual occurrence in the general population, found with frequency higher than 1%. There are several known polymorphisms in the estrogen receptor alpha (ER?), some of which can modify the receptor function and the action of the estrogen. Association of polymorphisms in the estrogen receptor alpha gene and risk of diseases, including breast cancer, has been a subject of great interest, but there are few published studies on the prevalence of these in the Brazilian population. Objective: Checking on women with high breast density after menopause; 1) the distribution of risk factors for breast cancer; 2) the frequency of polymorphism of the estrogen receptor alpha gene Pvull, Xbal and (GT)n; 3) the association between the molecular results and the risk factors for breast cancer. Methods: Observational study carried out in the Gynecology Department of the Hospital das Clínicas of Medical School of São Paulo University, in 308 women aged between 45 and 65 years-old, high breast density, who were at least one year without menstruating and did not use hormone therapy for 1 year or more and no personal history of breast and ovarian cancer. It was characterized on clinical history and physical examination: age of menarche and menopause, parity, age at birth of first child, family history of breast cancer, smoking, alcohol intake and body mass index. Peripheral blood sample was collected for DNA extraction and determination of genomic polymorphisms present in the intron 1 (Pvull and Xbal), in the promoter region of exon 1 (GT)n, dosages of blood glucose, total cholesterol and fractions, insulin, IGF1, TSH, T3, T4, FSH, LH, and estradiol. Results: The factors considered of risk for breast cancer, menarche before age 12 (35.38%), nulliparity or first child after the 28 years-old (41.66%), family history of breast cancer (19.16%) and Overweight/obesity (62.01%) were more prevalent in this population. The Caucasian were the most frequent, coinciding with the results of other studies, and late menopause was not a factor of influence in this population. The allele and genotypic frequencies for SNPs in ER?-397-Pvull and Xbal were: P = 43.99%; p = 56.01%; pp = 32.14%, Pp = 47.73% and PP = 20.13%; X = 41.56%, x = 58.44%; xx = 33.44%, Xx = 50.00% and XX = 16.56%, respectively. For the STRs repeat polymorphism (GT)n, the most common genotypes were 14, 15 and 16, with a predominance of repeat 16. The allele and genotypic distributions of polymorphisms (Pvull, Xbal and GTn), did not suffer significant influences of the risk factors surveyed. Conclusion: The risk factors for breast cancer were more prevalent in this population of women with high breasts density, although have not shown significant associations with polymorphisms studied. Additional studies case-control are needed to better understand the Association of these polymorphisms and breast cancer.

Muitos oxidantes químicos reativos acarretam na ruptura de estruturas moleculares complexas de vários tipos de compostos orgânicos decompondo-as em estruturas mais simples e propiciando condições melhores para uma efetiva ação de micro-organismos na degradação biológica. A presença de hormônios, entre eles o 17&beta;-estradiol, em estações de tratamento de esgoto e em águas subterrâneas e superficiais mostra a necessidade de uma avaliação dos processos de tratamento convencionais. O objetivo deste trabalho foi a análise e remoção de hormônios através de técnicas de cloração e ozonização de amostras reais de águas de saída de filtro de estações de tratamento de água (ETAs), operadas pelo Serviço Autônomo de Água e Esgoto (SAAE) de São Carlos (ETA Centro), que capta águas dos ribeirão Feijão e córrego Espraiado e pela Sociedade de Abastecimento de Água e Saneamento S/A (SANASA) de Campinas (ETAs 3 e 4), que capta águas do rio Atibaia. Foram realizados ensaios contaminando-se as amostras com 17&beta;-estradiol, que é o hormônio natural mais presente no meio ambiente, em concentração de 6.000 ng L-1, submetendo-se tratamento com dosagens em torno de 0,5 e 2,0 mg L-1 desses oxidantes, em tempos de contato de, respectivamente, 10 e 30 min. As amostras submetidas à contaminação e tratamento e as de controle (sem contaminação e tratamento) foram analisadas através da remoção do 17&beta;-estradiol com a verificação da atividade estrogênica das amostras por ensaios de Sistema de Expressão de Estrogênio Induzida por Levedura Bioluminescente (BLYES), que apresentou-se como uma ferramenta simples. Os resultados apresentados neste trabalho demonstram que a oxidação por ozônio se mostrou mais eficiente do que aquela por cloro para a remoção da atividade estrogênica causada, única e exclusivamente, pelo 17&beta;-estradiol para uma dosagem inicial desse hormônio relativamente alta (6.000 ng L-1). Todavia, em todos os ensaios a concentração final da atividade estrogênica permaneceu acima do limite de quantificação desses hormônio, indicando que a remoção não foi completa, mesmo em condições favoráveis, isto é, matriz limpa, com padrões de potabilidade para os parâmetros físico-químicos. / Many reactive chemical oxidants cause the disruption of the complex molecular structures of various types of organic compounds decomposing them into simpler structures and providing better conditions for effective action of micro-organisms in the biological degradation. The presence of hormones, including 17&beta;-estradiol in sewage treatment plants and groundwater and surface water shows the need for an evaluation of conventional treatment processes. The aim of this study was the analysis and removal of hormones through techniques of chlorination and ozonation of real samples of output filter water in water treatment plants (WTP), operated by the Serviço Autônomo de Água e Esgoto (SAAE) of São Carlos (Center WTP), which captures waters from Espraiado stream and Feijão stream and the Sociedade de Abastecimento de Água e Saneamento S/A (SANASA) de Campinas (WTPs 3 and 4), which captures water from the Atibaia river. Assays were performed contaminating the samples with 17&beta;-estradiol, which is the natural hormone more present in the environment, in a concentration of 6.000 ng L-1 submitting themselves to treatment with dosages of around 0.5 to 2.0 mg L-1 of these oxidants in times of contact, respectively, 10 and 30 min. The samples subjected to contamination and treatment and control samples (without contamination and treatment) were analyzed by removing 17&beta;-estradiol with estrogenic activity verification of the samples by Bioluminescent Assays or Estrogen-Inducible Yeast Expression System (BLYES), which was presented as a simple tool. The results presented here demonstrate that the oxidation by ozone was more effective than with chlorine to remove estrogenic activity caused solely by 17&beta;-estradiol for an initial dosage of the hormone relatively high (6000 ngL -1) However, in all experiments the final concentration of estrogenic activity remained above the limit of quantification of these hormones, indicating that removal was not complete, even under favorable conditions, clean matrix with quality for drinking water physico-chemical parameters.

Les perturbateurs endocriniens (PE) posent des risques pour la santé Humaine et pour la faune. L’utilisation de tests biologiques basés sur des mécanismes d’action spécifiques permet de caractériser le potentiel PE des substances chimiques dans le cadre de l'évaluation toxicologique, mais les capacités de biotransformation de ces modèles sont rarement prises en compte. Or, le métabolisme conditionne le devenir des xénobiotiques (détoxication vs. bioactivation) et donc in fine l'activité biologique mesurée. Dans ce travail, le devenir de deux contaminants œstrogéniques émergents (benzophénone-2, bisphénol S) a été comparé dans de nouveaux modèles in vitro et in vivo de poisson zèbre (cellules ZELH-zfERs, larve transgénique cyp19a1b-GFP) et des lignées humaines. Nos résultats démontrent que les modèles de poissons zèbres sont métaboliquement compétents et soulignent leur pertinence dans une approche intégrée in vivo/in vitro pour le criblage de l'activité PE des substances chimiques. / Endocrine disruptors (ED) are potentially harmful for Human beings and for wildlife species. Species-specific mechanism-based screening tests nowadays allow characterizing the ED potency of chemicals in the context of their toxicological assessment. However, the biotransformation capabilities of the biological models used are seldom taken into consideration, despite they ultimately condition the fate of the tested xenobiotics (detoxification vs. bioactivation), and, consequently, the biological response. In this work, we examined the fate of two emerging ED (benzophenone-2, bisphenol S) using novel in vitro and in vivo zebrafish models (ZELH-zfERs cells and cyp19a1b-GFP transgenic larvae) as well as human cell lines. Our results demonstrate that the zebrafish models are metabolically competent, and underline their relevance, accuracy and usefulness in an integrated in vivo/in vitro screening approach designed to assess ED's biological activity

L’industrialisation et l’utilisation dans la vie courante d’un nombre croissant de produits chimiques et médicamenteux sont responsables de la dissémination dans l’environnement de substances variées nommées« polluants émergents ». Les traitements des eaux usées existants ne sont pas conçus pour éliminer cette catégorie de pollution et les polluants émergents sont alors rejetés dans le milieu récepteur. Une possible solution pour limiter le rejet de ces composés par les effluents de station d’épuration serait l’utilisation de procédés de traitement additionnels tels que les procédés d’oxydation avancés. C’est dans ce contexte qu’a démarré le projet Européen Clean Water en 2009 associant 7 entités dont le GEPEA-Ecole des Mines de Nantes. Le concept du projet est de développer des procédés photocatalytiques mettant en œuvre des nanomatériaux actifs sous la lumière solaire. Ces procédés visent à éliminer les polluants émergents tels que les perturbateurs endocriniens ou les produits pharmaceutiques. Dans ce programme, le laboratoire GEPEA est concerné par l’évaluation de l’efficacité des matériaux vis-à-vis de l’élimination des polluants émergents sous irradiations UV et visibles. Pour cela, une méthodologie expérimentale a été établie de façon à exprimer les performances des catalyseurs testés en termes de constantes cinétiques de dégradation, de taux de conversion et de minéralisation des molécules étudiées mais aussi en fonction de la formation de produits intermédiaires. Ces performances sont également évaluées en termes de biodégradabilité, d’effet de toxicité et de perturbation endocrinienne des produits intermédiaires. Dans un premier temps, la méthodologie expérimentale établie a été testée sur la dégradation de la tétracycline en utilisant un catalyseur de référence puis, elle a été appliquée sur la dégradation respective du bisphénol A et de la 17β-oestradiol en utilisant un catalyseur de référence et les catalyseurs élaborés dans le cadre du projet Clean Water. Les résultats sur la dégradation de la tétracycline ont montré que i) les intermédiaires réactionnels sont moins toxiques que la tétracycline, ii) la structure des intermédiaires réactionnelles est semblable à celle de la tétracycline ce qui explique la faible biodégradabilité de ces intermédiaires. Concernant la dégradation du bisphénol A et de la 17β-oestradiol, les résultats ont montré que i) les catalyseurs sont efficaces sous irradiation solaire simulée. Cependant, l’efficacité photocatalytique du catalyseur dépend du composé à dégrader, ii) la nature des intermédiaires réactionnels identifiés du bisphénol A dépend du catalyseur utilisé, iii) l’effet œstrogénique de la solution d’oestradiol persiste au cours du traitement photocatalytique. / Industrialisation, the use of numerous chemical products in domestic activities and the use of medicine drugs have led to the release in the environment of various substances named "emerging pollutants”. The existing wastewater treatments are not designed to eliminate this kind of pollution and then these pollutants are released into the natural aquatic media. To limit the release of these compounds by waste water treatment plant effluent, a solution could be the use of additional treatment processes such as advanced oxidation processes. In this context, the European project Clean Water has started in 2009. Clean Water involves 7 entities including the GEPEA laboratory-Ecole des Mines de Nantes. The aim of the Clean Water project is to develop sustainable and cost effective water treatment and detoxification processes using TiO2 nanomaterials with UV-visible light response under solar light. These processes act to remove emerging contaminants such as endocrine disruptors and pharmaceuticals. In this program, theGEPEA laboratory is concerned with the evaluation of the efficiency of novel photocatalysts under UV and visible irradiations for the elimination of emerging pollutants. For this purpose, an experimental methodology was established to express the efficiency of the tested catalysts in terms of degradation kinetic constants, pollutants conversion and mineralisation and also in terms of the intermediate products formed. The efficiency of photocatalysts is also evaluated in terms of intermediates biodegradability, toxicity and endocrine disruption effects. First, the experimental methodology was tested on the degradation of tetracycline with a reference catalyst. Then, it was applied to the degradation of bisphenol A and estradiol respectively with the reference catalyst and the catalysts developed within the Clean Water Project. The results obtained on the tetracycline degradation have showed that: i) tetracycline intermediate products are less toxic than tetracycline ii) the intermediates structure is similar to that of tetracycline, this can explain the low biodegradability observed for these intermediates. For the degradation of bisphenol A and estradiol, the results showed that: i) the photocatalysts are efficient under simulated solar irradiation. However, the catalyst photocatalytic efficiency depends on the compound to be degraded ii) the nature of the bisphenol A reaction intermediates identified depends on the catalyst used iii)the estrogenic effect of the estradiol treated solution persists during the photocatalytic treatment.