Introdução: A resistência do câncer de mama (CM) ao tratamento quimio/radioterápico convencional ainda representa um grande desafio, especialmente em carcinomas triplonegativos, os quais não expressam receptores de estrógeno, receptores de progesterona e oncogene (HER2)/neu. Sabe-se que o grau de resistência do CM está fortemente associado à quantidade de células-tronco tumorais (CTTs), as quais podem ser detectadas por imunofenotipagem (CD24-/CD44+). As CTTs são quiescentes e apresentam inibição de vias pró- apoptóticas. Vários compostos naturais apresentam atividade antitumoral, dentre os quais o fitoestrógeno da soja genisteína (GEN) destaca-se como amplo inibidor de tirosino-quinases. Contudo os efeitos biológicos da GEN quanto à presença de CTTs ainda são pouco conhecidos, especialmente quando associada a outros quimioterápicos. Objetivos: Avaliar os efeitos citotóxicos do fitoestrógeno GEN em populações de CTTs e não-CTTs, aliado ao tratamento in vitro com radiação ionizante (RAD) e doxorrubicina (DXR) na linhagem de CM triplo-negativo MDA-MB-231. Metodologia: Foram empregados esquemas de pré-tratamento (GEN + DXR e GEN + RAD) e pós-tratamento (DXR + GEN e RAD + GEN), utilizando 1 - 5 ?M de GEN por 24h, 1 ng/mL de DXR por 24h e 5 -10 Gy de RAD, sendo os experimentos realizados após 24h de irradiação. Ao final de cada tratamento, foram avaliados viabilidade celular, grau de sinergia, ciclo celular, apoptose e quantidade de células CD24-/CD44+. Além disso, foi feita a aquisição de células CTTs e não-CTTs a fim de analisar a expressão gênica de vias apoptóticas. O estudo investigou os mesmos parâmetros na linhagem de CM hormônio-positivo MCF-7. Resultados: O tratamento com GEN 1 ?M por 24h provocou apoptose significativa em MDA-MB-231 por bloqueio em fase G2/M, porém o aumento da dose também não alterou a viabilidade e a população CD24-/CD44+. Células MCF-7 mostraram-se resistentes à GEN, pela indução da fase S, mas foram sensíveis à RAD, pelo bloqueio em fase G0/G1. O aumento da dose de GEN nos tratamentos combinados com DXR produziu aumento na sinergia. O pré-tratamento GEN 5 ?M + DXR 1 ng/mL induziu expressão de genes apoptóticos em células CD24-/CD44+, mas não reduziu a viabilidade. Conclusões: Tratamentos combinados utilizando baixas doses de GEN e DXR em esquemas de pré e pós-tratamento são capazes de provocar apoptose e redução da viabilidade em células MDA-MB-231 sensíveis. Contudo, esses tratamentos parecem induzir a sinalização de mecanismos de sobrevivência em CTTs, incluindo supressão de vias apoptóticas. Nesse contexto, apenas os tratamentos que induzem bloqueio no ciclo celular, mas sem alterar a viabilidade, são capazes de afetar populações CTTs resistentes de MDA-MB-231. / Introduction: Conventional chemo/radiotherapy breast cancer resistance still represents a major challenge, especially in triple-negative carcinomas, which do not express estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors and oncogene (HER2)/neu. It is known that the degree of breast cancer resistance is strongly associated with the amount of cancer stem cells, which can be detected by immunophenotyping (CD24-/CD44+). Cancer stem cells remain in G0/G1 phase for a long time, and exhibit inhibition of pro-apoptotic pathways. Several natural compounds have been studied, among which is the phytoestrogen genistein (GEN) from soy bean. The GEN acts as an ample tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and its antitumor activity has been pointed out in several studies. However, the biological effects of GEN in tumor stem cells are still poorly understood, especially when combined with other chemotherapy. Objectives: To assess the cytotoxic effects of GEN phytoestrogen in tumor stem and non-tumor stem sub-populations, combined with radiation (RAD) and doxorubicin (DXR) in vitro treatments in triple-negative breast cancer cell line MDAMB-231. Methodology: We used pretreatment (GEN + DXR e GEN + RAD) and post-treatment (DXR + GEN e RAD + GEN) regimens using 1 - 5 ?M of GEN for 24 hours, 1 ng/ml DXR for 24 hours and 5 - 10 Gy of RAD, in which experiments were performed after 24 hours of irradiation. At the end of each treatment we assessed cell viability, coefficient of drug interaction, cell cycle, apoptosis and amount of CD24-/CD44+ cells. Moreover, cancer stem cells and non-cancer stem cells sub-populations were sorted in order to study the gene expression of apoptotic pathways. This study also investigated the hormone-positive breast cancer cell line MCF-7. Results: GEN 1 ?M for 24 hours caused significant apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 by blocking the G2/M phase, but increasing the dose did not alter viability and CD24-/CD44+ quantity. MCF-7 cells were resistant to GEN, by inducing S phase, but were also sensitive to the RAD, with G0/G1 block. Increasing the dose in GEN treatments combined with DXR produced increased synergistic effects. Pretreatment GEN 5 ?M + DXR 1 ng/ml induced superexpression of apoptotic genes in CD24- /CD44+ cells, but did not reduce cell viability. Conclusions: Combined treatments using low doses of DXR and GEN in pre and post treatment schemes are able to trigger apoptosis and reduce viability of MDA-MB-231 responsive cells. However, these treatments appear to induce survival signaling mechanisms in cancer stem cells, including suppression apoptotic pathways. In this context, only treatments that induce cell cycle block, but without causing decrease in cell viability, are able to affect resistant tumor stem cells in MDA-MB-231.

Os tumores de musculatura liso do útero se desenvolvem a partir do miométrio e podem apresentar carcterísticas clínicas malignas e benignas. Dentre eles, o leiomiossarcoma (LMS) é o tumor maligno mais comum, com altas taxas de metástase e recidiva, mesmo sendo diagnosticado em estágios iniciais. Já os leiomiomas (LM) são os tumores benignos mais frequentes em mulheres em idade reprodutiva. Ambos possuem mesma diferenciação celular, porém com comportamentos clínico e biológico bastante distintos, e até o momento não se dispõe de tratamento específico ou curativo. Nesse contexto, a busca por novos alvos moleculares pode contribuir não só para um melhor entendimento dessas neoplasias, como também para a descoberta de novas terapias. Em estudo prévio foi observada a expressão aumentada de FOXO3a nos sarcomas uterinos, em comparação aos LMs e ao miométrio adjacente (MM). Além disso, sua expressão foi crescente de acordo com o potencial de malignidade do tumor. Assim, o objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar in vitro o efeito de terapia alvo específica para FOXO3a em células de LM e LMS. Para isto, linhagens celulares de MM (ATCC PCS-460-011), LM (THESCs - CRL-4003) e LMS (SK-UT-1 - HTB-114) foram caracterizadas quanto à expressão basal de FOXO3a (gene e proteína) e submetidas a tratamento com Genisteína e Metformina ou inativação do gene por siRNA. Os efeitos dos tratamentos foram avaliados por PCR em tempo real, Western Blot, imunocitoquímica, ensaios de proliferação, migração e apoptose. Nossos resultados mostraram que todos os tratamentos realizados interferiram na capacidade de proliferação e migração das células, com maior inibição após as 48 horas nos LMS e 72h nos LM. O efeito obtido na transfecção com siRNA apresentou maior eficiência após 48 h da transfecção nos LMS e 72h nos LM. Os efeitos da inibição de FOXO3a foram maiores na proliferação e migração dos LM, porém os resultados não foram estatisticamente significativos. Dentre as substâncias testadas, a Metformina apresentou maior efeito sobre a proliferação, migração e viabilidade das linhagens celulares. A Genisteína também apresentou efeito inibitório nas células, porém o controle com veículo também apresentou o mesmo efeito citotóxico. De modo geral, os efeitos obtidos com os fármacos, foram tempo e concentração dependentes. Em conjunto, nossos resultados sugerem um relevante do FOXO3a nos tumores de musculatura lisa uterinos, além de apresentá-lo como potencial alvo para terapia específica / Smooth muscle tumors of the uterus develop from the myometrium and may present benign and malignant clinical features. Among them, leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is the most frequent malignant tumor, with high rates of metastasis and relapse, even when diagnosed in early stages. On the other hand, leiomyomas (LM) are the most frequent benign tumors in women of reproductive age. Both have the same cellular differentiation, but with very different clinical and biological behaviors, and so far no specific or curative treatment is available. In this context, the search for new molecular targets can contribute not only for a better understanding of these neoplasms, but also for the discovery of new therapies. In a previous study, increased expression of FOXO3a in uterine sarcomas was observed, compared to LMs and adjacent myometrium (MM). In addition, its expression was increasing according to the malignancy potential of the tumor. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate in vitro, the effect of specific targeted therapy for FOXO3a on LM and LMS cells. For this, MM (ATCC PCS-460-011), LM (THESCs-CRL-4003) and LMS (SK-UT-1-HTB-114) cell lines were characterized for basal expression of FOXO3a (gene and protein) and subsequently submitted to treatment with metformin and genistein, or silencing of FOXO3a by siRNA. The effects of the treatments were evaluated by real-time PCR, Western Blot, immunocytochemistry, proliferation, migration and apoptosis assays. Our results showed that all treatments interfered in the proliferation and migration capacity of the cells, with greater inhibition after 48 hours for LMS and 72 hours LM. The effect obtained in the transfection with siRNA showed higher efficiency after 48 hours of transfection in LMS and 72 hours in LM. The effects of inhibition of FOXO3a were greater in the proliferation and migration of the LM, but the results were not statistically significant. Among the substances tested, Metformin had a greater effect on proliferation, migration and viability of the cell lines. Genistein also had an inhibitory effect on the cells, but the control with the vehicle also presented the same cytotoxic effect. In general, the effects obtained with the drugs were time and concentration dependent. Together, our results suggest a relevant role of FOXO3a in uterine smooth muscle tumors, in addition to presenting it as a potential target for specific therapy

<p>S-nitrosogluthatione is an endogenous substance, present at decreased levels in the lungs of CF patients and was recently found to induce mature CFTR in airway epithelial CF cell lines. We show that S-nitrosoglutathione in physiological concentrations increases the presence of ΔF508 CFTR in the cell membrane and induces cAMP dependent chloride transport in cystic fibrosis airway epithelial cells. The properties of S-nitrosoglutathione include other potential benefits for the CF patient and make this agent an interesting candidate for pharmacological treatment of CF that needs to be further evaluated.</p><p>Genistein was found to increase the chloride efflux in both normal and ΔF508 cells without stimulation of cAMP elevating agents and without prior treatment with phenylbutyrate. Genistein, in concentrations close to those that can be detected in plasma after a high soy diet, could induce chloride efflux in cells with the ΔF508 CFTR mutation and its possible use in the treatment of CF should therefore be further investigated.</p><p>Studies on nasal epithelial cells from CF patients showed cAMP dependent chloride efflux in some of the patients with severe genotypes. This may complicate <i>in vitro</i> evaluation of clinical treatment of these patients. The presence of cAMP dependent chloride transport did not necessarily lead to a milder phenotype. Other factors than CFTR may influence the clinical development of the disease.</p><p>Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common monogenetic disease among Caucasians. A defective cAMP regulated chloride channel (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, CFTR) in epithelial cells leads to viscous mucus, bacterial infections, inflammation and tissue damage in the lungs that cause death in 95% of the cystic fibrosis patients. There is no cure for the disease although existing treatment has dramatically prolonged the life expectancy. The aim of this thesis was to study pharmacological agents for their ability to restore the cellular deficiency in CF airway epithelial cells. X-ray microanalysis, MQAE fluorescence and immunocytochemistry were used to evaluate the effects.</p>

S-nitrosogluthatione is an endogenous substance, present at decreased levels in the lungs of CF patients and was recently found to induce mature CFTR in airway epithelial CF cell lines. We show that S-nitrosoglutathione in physiological concentrations increases the presence of ΔF508 CFTR in the cell membrane and induces cAMP dependent chloride transport in cystic fibrosis airway epithelial cells. The properties of S-nitrosoglutathione include other potential benefits for the CF patient and make this agent an interesting candidate for pharmacological treatment of CF that needs to be further evaluated. Genistein was found to increase the chloride efflux in both normal and ΔF508 cells without stimulation of cAMP elevating agents and without prior treatment with phenylbutyrate. Genistein, in concentrations close to those that can be detected in plasma after a high soy diet, could induce chloride efflux in cells with the ΔF508 CFTR mutation and its possible use in the treatment of CF should therefore be further investigated. Studies on nasal epithelial cells from CF patients showed cAMP dependent chloride efflux in some of the patients with severe genotypes. This may complicate in vitro evaluation of clinical treatment of these patients. The presence of cAMP dependent chloride transport did not necessarily lead to a milder phenotype. Other factors than CFTR may influence the clinical development of the disease. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common monogenetic disease among Caucasians. A defective cAMP regulated chloride channel (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, CFTR) in epithelial cells leads to viscous mucus, bacterial infections, inflammation and tissue damage in the lungs that cause death in 95% of the cystic fibrosis patients. There is no cure for the disease although existing treatment has dramatically prolonged the life expectancy. The aim of this thesis was to study pharmacological agents for their ability to restore the cellular deficiency in CF airway epithelial cells. X-ray microanalysis, MQAE fluorescence and immunocytochemistry were used to evaluate the effects.

Bradyrhizobium japonicum ist ein Bodenbakterium, welches in der Lage ist mit der bedeutenden Agrarpflanze Sojabohne zu interagieren und deren Wachstum zu fördern. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurde das Genistein-Stimulon und verschiedenen Stressantworten von B. japonicum mittels Mikroarrayanalyse bestimmt. 101 Gene werden nach Genisteinzugabe induziert. NodW ist der Hauptaktivator der Genistein-induzierbaren Gene, welche zum Großteil kein nod-Box-Motiv in der Promotorregion aufweisen. Einzig acht Gene, wovon sieben für Transportersysteme kodieren, zeigen in der NodW-Mutante 613 nach Genisteinzugabe weiterhin ein erhöhtes Expressionsniveau. In weiterführenden Arbeiten konnte für zumindest ein Transportersystem (Bll4319/Bll4320/Bll4321) neben der Genistein-Abhängigkeit auch eine Regulation durch den Genistein-abhängigen TetR-Regulator FrrA nachgewiesen werden [Günther 2007; Bhandari 2008]. Dies zeigt, dass NodW in weiterführende Regulationskaskaden eingebunden sein muss, wobei diese in der vorliegenden Arbeit nicht näher charakterisiert wurden. Die Mikroarraydaten geben lediglich Hinweise auf mögliche Regulationskaskaden. Anhand der Mikroarraydaten liegt die Vermutung nahe, dass die Transkriptionsaktivierung des lateralen Flagellenclusters ebenfalls einer indirekten NodW-abhängigen Regulation unterliegt. Durch Pflanzentests war bekannt, dass es B. japonicum 901 möglich ist, den NodW-Defekt bei der Nodulation der Wirtspflanzen zu überwinden [Grob et al. 1993]. Dies beruht auf die Überexpression des 2-Komponentenregulators NwsB. So können Symbiose-relevante Gene wie die nod-Box-assoziierten Gene ähnlich dem Wildtyp nach Genistein-Zugabe induziert werden. NwsB ist aber nicht in der Lage, das Flagellarcluster der lateralen Flagellen (bis auf blr6846) nach Genistein-Zugabe zu induzieren. Dies bedeutet, dass trotz der hohen Ähnlichkeit zwischen den 2-Komponentenregulatoren NodW und NwsB, die Bindestellen in der Promotorregion der Genistein-induzierbaren Genen nicht identisch sind. Die NodD1-Mutante 1267 ist in der Lage, weiterhin Knöllchen mit allen Wirtspflanzen von B. japonicum zu bilden [Göttfert et al. 1992], was wahrscheinlich auf ein funktionelles NodW als Hauptaktivator der nodYABC-Operons zurückzuführen ist. Anhand der Mikroarraydaten ist festzustellen, dass kein weiteres nod-Box-assoziiertes Operon in der NodD1-Mutante 1267 verstärkt exprimiert vorliegt. Dies könnte bedeuten, dass NodW die Transkription von nodD1 und des nodYABC-Operons startet und später durch NodD1 in der Aktivierung der nod-Box-assoziierten Gene unterstützt wird. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurde die transkriptionelle Stressantwort von B. japonicum hinsichtlich pH 4, pH 8, 80 mM NaCl, Hitzeschock und Temperaturstress analysiert. Dabei konnten sowohl Aussagen über Gene, welche in die allgemeine als auch in die spezifische Stressantwort eingebunden sind, getroffen werden. Die transkriptionelle Antwort auf pH 8 war mit 1636 differenziell exprimierten Genen die umfangreichste Stressantwort der vorliegenden Arbeit. Hierbei konnte gezeigt werden, dass B. japonicum bei pH-Stress besonders Gene der pHi-Homöostase aktiviert. Dies umfasst sowohl Transportergene als auch enzymatische Gene. Interessant waren die differenziell exprimierten Gene, welche bei pH 8 verstärkt und bei pH 4 verringert exprimiert vorlagen. Diese Gene besitzen im Promotorbereich eine RegR-Box und sind in der transkriptionellen Aktivierung von RegR abhängig [Lindemann et al. 2007]. Aufgrund der Homologie des RegSR-Systems von B. japonicum mit dem pH-abhängigen ActSR-System von S. meliloti besteht die Möglichkeit, dass RegSR ebenfalls in die pH-abhängige Regulation dieser Gene eingebunden ist. Neben solch spezifischen Stressantworten konnte auch eine allgemeine Stressantwort ermittelt werden. So weisen fünf Gene ein gleiches Expressionsmuster in den untersuchten Stressanalysen dieser Arbeit auf. blr5264 kodiert hierbei für einen 2-Komponenten-Hybridsensor und -Regulator und könnte als Regulator in die allgemeine Stressantwort von B. japonicum eingebunden sein. Aus diesem Grund wurde Blr5264 in GscR (general stress control regulator) umbenannt. Mittels Mutagenese von gscR wurde B. japonicum D826 erzeugt, dessen Transkriptom bezüglich Salzstress und Hitzeschock verifiziert wurde. Es wurden 87 Gene identifiziert, welche bei Stresseinfluss von GscR abhängig sind. Hierunter sind sieben verringert exprimierte Gene, welche bei Stress im Wildtyp verstärkt exprimiert vorliegen. Diese scheinen demzufolge bei Stress durch GscR transkriptionell aktiviert zu werden. Das interessanteste Gen war hierbei blr7881, welches für einen ArsR-Typ-Regulator kodiert und einen weiteren Schritt in der allgemeinen Stressantwort von B. japonicum sein könnte.

Objetivos: Investigar o dano a lipídios, proteínas e ao DNA, níveis de glicosaminoglicanos (GAGs) e as concentrações de interleucina 1-β (IL1-β) em sangue de pacientes com Mucopolissacaridose (MPS) tipo II no diagnóstico e durante a terapia de reposição enzimática (TRE) e correlacioná-los com parâmetros de estresse oxidativo, bem como analisar o efeito in vitro da genisteína sob o dano ao DNA em leucócitos de pacientes com MPS tipo IVA. Métodos: Amostras de sangue e urina de doze pacientes com MPS II no diagnóstico e sob tratamento com TRE, além de controles saudáveis foram utilizados para avaliar: índice de lipoperoxidação e oxidação de proteínas (medida a partir do conteúdo de grupamentos carbonila e SH) em plasma, GAGs urinários, níveis de IL1-β plasmáticos, bem como índice de dano ao DNA em leucócitos através do ensaio cometa, também utilizada para avaliar o dano ao DNA em leucócitos de pacientes com MPS IVA, previamente incubados em diferentes concentrações de genisteína ou em tampão fosfato salino e dimetilsulfóxido. Resultados e Discussão: Foi observada a presença de dano oxidativo a biomoléculas em sangue de pacientes com MPS II, com altos níveis de lipoperoxidação, conteúdo de grupamentos carbonila, dano ao DNA e redução de grupos sulfidrila. Houve redução no dano ao DNA e na lipoperoxidação após TRE, além de aumento de grupamentos sulfidrila, embora a terapia não tenha sido capaz de reverter o dano a carbonila. Nossos resultados sugerem que o aumento dos GAGs induz o dano aos lipídios e ao DNA. A adição in vitro de genisteína (10, 30 e 50 μM) em amostras de sangue de pacientes MPS IVA acarretou em um aumento estatisticamente significativo no índice de dano ao DNA. Conclusões: Estresse oxidativo e inflamação estão envolvidos na fisiopatologia da MPS II. Além disso, a TRE mostrou ter papel protetor contra o dano ao DNA e a lipídios. A genisteína nas doses 10, 30 e 50 μM aumentou in vitro o índice de dano ao DNA em leucócitos de pacientes MPS IVA, demonstrando citotoxicidade. / Objectives: Investigate lipid, protein and DNA damage, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) levels and the inflammatory marker interleukin 1-β (IL1-β) concentration of mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) II patients at the moment of diagnosis and during enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), correlate these findings with oxidative stress parameters, as well as investigate the in vitro effect of genistein on DNA injury in leukocytes from MPS IVA patients. Material and Methods: Blood and urine samples from twelve MPS II patients at diagnosis and under ERT and healthy controls were evaluated regarding the parameters: lipid peroxidation index and protein oxidation (carbonyl and SH group contents) in plasma, urinary GAGs, as well as IL-1β in plasma and DNA damage index in leukocytes. Besides, blood samples from MPS IVA patients were incubated with different concentrations of genistein or phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), and the DNA damage index in leukocytes was evaluated by the comet assay. Results and Discussion: MPS II patients presented oxidative damage to biomolecules with high levels of lipid peroxidation, carbonyl content and DNA damage, as well as a reduction on SH groups. There was a decrease in DNA damage and lipid oxidative injury after ERT, and an increase in SH levels, although this therapy was not able to reverse carbonyl content. The high levels of urinary GAGs in MPS II patients were reduced after ERT and positively correlated with DNA and lipid oxidative injury, suggesting that GAGs accumulation induce lipid peroxidation and DNA damage. MPS IVA patients blood treated in vitro with genistein (10, 30 e 50 μM) had higher DNA damage index when compared to samples treated with PBS buffer and DMSO. Conclusions: Oxidative stress and inflammation process are involved in MPS II pathophysiology, and ERT protects against DNA and lipid injury, probably by reducing GAGs accumulation. Genistein increased in vitro DNA damage in leukocytes from MPS IVA patients, demonstrating cytotoxicity.

Objetivos: Investigar o dano a lipídios, proteínas e ao DNA, níveis de glicosaminoglicanos (GAGs) e as concentrações de interleucina 1-β (IL1-β) em sangue de pacientes com Mucopolissacaridose (MPS) tipo II no diagnóstico e durante a terapia de reposição enzimática (TRE) e correlacioná-los com parâmetros de estresse oxidativo, bem como analisar o efeito in vitro da genisteína sob o dano ao DNA em leucócitos de pacientes com MPS tipo IVA. Métodos: Amostras de sangue e urina de doze pacientes com MPS II no diagnóstico e sob tratamento com TRE, além de controles saudáveis foram utilizados para avaliar: índice de lipoperoxidação e oxidação de proteínas (medida a partir do conteúdo de grupamentos carbonila e SH) em plasma, GAGs urinários, níveis de IL1-β plasmáticos, bem como índice de dano ao DNA em leucócitos através do ensaio cometa, também utilizada para avaliar o dano ao DNA em leucócitos de pacientes com MPS IVA, previamente incubados em diferentes concentrações de genisteína ou em tampão fosfato salino e dimetilsulfóxido. Resultados e Discussão: Foi observada a presença de dano oxidativo a biomoléculas em sangue de pacientes com MPS II, com altos níveis de lipoperoxidação, conteúdo de grupamentos carbonila, dano ao DNA e redução de grupos sulfidrila. Houve redução no dano ao DNA e na lipoperoxidação após TRE, além de aumento de grupamentos sulfidrila, embora a terapia não tenha sido capaz de reverter o dano a carbonila. Nossos resultados sugerem que o aumento dos GAGs induz o dano aos lipídios e ao DNA. A adição in vitro de genisteína (10, 30 e 50 μM) em amostras de sangue de pacientes MPS IVA acarretou em um aumento estatisticamente significativo no índice de dano ao DNA. Conclusões: Estresse oxidativo e inflamação estão envolvidos na fisiopatologia da MPS II. Além disso, a TRE mostrou ter papel protetor contra o dano ao DNA e a lipídios. A genisteína nas doses 10, 30 e 50 μM aumentou in vitro o índice de dano ao DNA em leucócitos de pacientes MPS IVA, demonstrando citotoxicidade. / Objectives: Investigate lipid, protein and DNA damage, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) levels and the inflammatory marker interleukin 1-β (IL1-β) concentration of mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) II patients at the moment of diagnosis and during enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), correlate these findings with oxidative stress parameters, as well as investigate the in vitro effect of genistein on DNA injury in leukocytes from MPS IVA patients. Material and Methods: Blood and urine samples from twelve MPS II patients at diagnosis and under ERT and healthy controls were evaluated regarding the parameters: lipid peroxidation index and protein oxidation (carbonyl and SH group contents) in plasma, urinary GAGs, as well as IL-1β in plasma and DNA damage index in leukocytes. Besides, blood samples from MPS IVA patients were incubated with different concentrations of genistein or phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), and the DNA damage index in leukocytes was evaluated by the comet assay. Results and Discussion: MPS II patients presented oxidative damage to biomolecules with high levels of lipid peroxidation, carbonyl content and DNA damage, as well as a reduction on SH groups. There was a decrease in DNA damage and lipid oxidative injury after ERT, and an increase in SH levels, although this therapy was not able to reverse carbonyl content. The high levels of urinary GAGs in MPS II patients were reduced after ERT and positively correlated with DNA and lipid oxidative injury, suggesting that GAGs accumulation induce lipid peroxidation and DNA damage. MPS IVA patients blood treated in vitro with genistein (10, 30 e 50 μM) had higher DNA damage index when compared to samples treated with PBS buffer and DMSO. Conclusions: Oxidative stress and inflammation process are involved in MPS II pathophysiology, and ERT protects against DNA and lipid injury, probably by reducing GAGs accumulation. Genistein increased in vitro DNA damage in leukocytes from MPS IVA patients, demonstrating cytotoxicity.

Objetivos: Investigar o dano a lipídios, proteínas e ao DNA, níveis de glicosaminoglicanos (GAGs) e as concentrações de interleucina 1-β (IL1-β) em sangue de pacientes com Mucopolissacaridose (MPS) tipo II no diagnóstico e durante a terapia de reposição enzimática (TRE) e correlacioná-los com parâmetros de estresse oxidativo, bem como analisar o efeito in vitro da genisteína sob o dano ao DNA em leucócitos de pacientes com MPS tipo IVA. Métodos: Amostras de sangue e urina de doze pacientes com MPS II no diagnóstico e sob tratamento com TRE, além de controles saudáveis foram utilizados para avaliar: índice de lipoperoxidação e oxidação de proteínas (medida a partir do conteúdo de grupamentos carbonila e SH) em plasma, GAGs urinários, níveis de IL1-β plasmáticos, bem como índice de dano ao DNA em leucócitos através do ensaio cometa, também utilizada para avaliar o dano ao DNA em leucócitos de pacientes com MPS IVA, previamente incubados em diferentes concentrações de genisteína ou em tampão fosfato salino e dimetilsulfóxido. Resultados e Discussão: Foi observada a presença de dano oxidativo a biomoléculas em sangue de pacientes com MPS II, com altos níveis de lipoperoxidação, conteúdo de grupamentos carbonila, dano ao DNA e redução de grupos sulfidrila. Houve redução no dano ao DNA e na lipoperoxidação após TRE, além de aumento de grupamentos sulfidrila, embora a terapia não tenha sido capaz de reverter o dano a carbonila. Nossos resultados sugerem que o aumento dos GAGs induz o dano aos lipídios e ao DNA. A adição in vitro de genisteína (10, 30 e 50 μM) em amostras de sangue de pacientes MPS IVA acarretou em um aumento estatisticamente significativo no índice de dano ao DNA. Conclusões: Estresse oxidativo e inflamação estão envolvidos na fisiopatologia da MPS II. Além disso, a TRE mostrou ter papel protetor contra o dano ao DNA e a lipídios. A genisteína nas doses 10, 30 e 50 μM aumentou in vitro o índice de dano ao DNA em leucócitos de pacientes MPS IVA, demonstrando citotoxicidade. / Objectives: Investigate lipid, protein and DNA damage, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) levels and the inflammatory marker interleukin 1-β (IL1-β) concentration of mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) II patients at the moment of diagnosis and during enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), correlate these findings with oxidative stress parameters, as well as investigate the in vitro effect of genistein on DNA injury in leukocytes from MPS IVA patients. Material and Methods: Blood and urine samples from twelve MPS II patients at diagnosis and under ERT and healthy controls were evaluated regarding the parameters: lipid peroxidation index and protein oxidation (carbonyl and SH group contents) in plasma, urinary GAGs, as well as IL-1β in plasma and DNA damage index in leukocytes. Besides, blood samples from MPS IVA patients were incubated with different concentrations of genistein or phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), and the DNA damage index in leukocytes was evaluated by the comet assay. Results and Discussion: MPS II patients presented oxidative damage to biomolecules with high levels of lipid peroxidation, carbonyl content and DNA damage, as well as a reduction on SH groups. There was a decrease in DNA damage and lipid oxidative injury after ERT, and an increase in SH levels, although this therapy was not able to reverse carbonyl content. The high levels of urinary GAGs in MPS II patients were reduced after ERT and positively correlated with DNA and lipid oxidative injury, suggesting that GAGs accumulation induce lipid peroxidation and DNA damage. MPS IVA patients blood treated in vitro with genistein (10, 30 e 50 μM) had higher DNA damage index when compared to samples treated with PBS buffer and DMSO. Conclusions: Oxidative stress and inflammation process are involved in MPS II pathophysiology, and ERT protects against DNA and lipid injury, probably by reducing GAGs accumulation. Genistein increased in vitro DNA damage in leukocytes from MPS IVA patients, demonstrating cytotoxicity.

Submitted by Renata Lopes (renatasil82@gmail.com) on 2016-10-26T14:08:12Z No. of bitstreams: 1 marcioluizdepaula.pdf: 356960 bytes, checksum: 5867e0339760e8cd97d12ed8a70ed57e (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Adriana Oliveira (adriana.oliveira@ufjf.edu.br) on 2016-12-15T12:53:21Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 marcioluizdepaula.pdf: 356960 bytes, checksum: 5867e0339760e8cd97d12ed8a70ed57e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-12-15T12:53:21Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 marcioluizdepaula.pdf: 356960 bytes, checksum: 5867e0339760e8cd97d12ed8a70ed57e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007-11-13 / CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / CNPq - Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / FAPEMIG - Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais / A Esclerose Múltipla é uma doença autoimune que acomete o Sistema Nervoso Central. O modelo animal mais amplamente utilizado para o estudo desta patologia é o da encefalomielite autoimune experimental (EAE), comumente induzida em camundongos. Em estudos anteriores, observou-se que o estrógeno representa um papel central na resposta imune e nas doenças imunomediadas. Os fitoestrógenos representam uma família de compostos vegetais com propriedades estrogênicas, pois apresentam muitas similaridades estruturais com os estrógenos endógenos, inclusive ligando-se aos seus receptores. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo testar o fitoestrógeno genisteína em camundongos da linhagem C57Bl/6 com EAE. Para isto, foi inicialmente padronizado o modelo de EAE e, posteriormente, o efeito imunomodulador da isoflavona genisteína foi analisado não somente através da avaliação clínica dos camundongos como também pela produção de citocinas Th1 e Th2, além da interação dos leucócitos com o endotélio cerebral. / Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common non-traumatic, disabling neurological human inflammatory demyelinating disease of the CNS. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) models MS and is characterized as a CD4+ Th1 cell-mediated autoimmune disease. Recent data show that estrogen plays a pivotal role in the immune response as well as in immune-mediated diseases. Isoflavones are found in a variety of plants, especially in soy, and make up the most common form of phytoestrogens which demonstrate estrogenic properties due to their structural similarities with estrogens. Genistein is the major bioactive isoflavone. In the present report, we investigated the use of genistein for the treatment of the murine model of MS in C57Bl/6 mice. The genistein’s modulatory effects were evaluated after induction of EAE with MOG35-55, assessing not only clinical symptoms but also pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and the leukocyte rolling and adherence in the CNS by performing intravital microscopy.

Introdução: A resistência do câncer de mama (CM) ao tratamento quimio/radioterápico convencional ainda representa um grande desafio, especialmente em carcinomas triplonegativos, os quais não expressam receptores de estrógeno, receptores de progesterona e oncogene (HER2)/neu. Sabe-se que o grau de resistência do CM está fortemente associado à quantidade de células-tronco tumorais (CTTs), as quais podem ser detectadas por imunofenotipagem (CD24-/CD44+). As CTTs são quiescentes e apresentam inibição de vias pró- apoptóticas. Vários compostos naturais apresentam atividade antitumoral, dentre os quais o fitoestrógeno da soja genisteína (GEN) destaca-se como amplo inibidor de tirosino-quinases. Contudo os efeitos biológicos da GEN quanto à presença de CTTs ainda são pouco conhecidos, especialmente quando associada a outros quimioterápicos. Objetivos: Avaliar os efeitos citotóxicos do fitoestrógeno GEN em populações de CTTs e não-CTTs, aliado ao tratamento in vitro com radiação ionizante (RAD) e doxorrubicina (DXR) na linhagem de CM triplo-negativo MDA-MB-231. Metodologia: Foram empregados esquemas de pré-tratamento (GEN + DXR e GEN + RAD) e pós-tratamento (DXR + GEN e RAD + GEN), utilizando 1 - 5 ?M de GEN por 24h, 1 ng/mL de DXR por 24h e 5 -10 Gy de RAD, sendo os experimentos realizados após 24h de irradiação. Ao final de cada tratamento, foram avaliados viabilidade celular, grau de sinergia, ciclo celular, apoptose e quantidade de células CD24-/CD44+. Além disso, foi feita a aquisição de células CTTs e não-CTTs a fim de analisar a expressão gênica de vias apoptóticas. O estudo investigou os mesmos parâmetros na linhagem de CM hormônio-positivo MCF-7. Resultados: O tratamento com GEN 1 ?M por 24h provocou apoptose significativa em MDA-MB-231 por bloqueio em fase G2/M, porém o aumento da dose também não alterou a viabilidade e a população CD24-/CD44+. Células MCF-7 mostraram-se resistentes à GEN, pela indução da fase S, mas foram sensíveis à RAD, pelo bloqueio em fase G0/G1. O aumento da dose de GEN nos tratamentos combinados com DXR produziu aumento na sinergia. O pré-tratamento GEN 5 ?M + DXR 1 ng/mL induziu expressão de genes apoptóticos em células CD24-/CD44+, mas não reduziu a viabilidade. Conclusões: Tratamentos combinados utilizando baixas doses de GEN e DXR em esquemas de pré e pós-tratamento são capazes de provocar apoptose e redução da viabilidade em células MDA-MB-231 sensíveis. Contudo, esses tratamentos parecem induzir a sinalização de mecanismos de sobrevivência em CTTs, incluindo supressão de vias apoptóticas. Nesse contexto, apenas os tratamentos que induzem bloqueio no ciclo celular, mas sem alterar a viabilidade, são capazes de afetar populações CTTs resistentes de MDA-MB-231. / Introduction: Conventional chemo/radiotherapy breast cancer resistance still represents a major challenge, especially in triple-negative carcinomas, which do not express estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors and oncogene (HER2)/neu. It is known that the degree of breast cancer resistance is strongly associated with the amount of cancer stem cells, which can be detected by immunophenotyping (CD24-/CD44+). Cancer stem cells remain in G0/G1 phase for a long time, and exhibit inhibition of pro-apoptotic pathways. Several natural compounds have been studied, among which is the phytoestrogen genistein (GEN) from soy bean. The GEN acts as an ample tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and its antitumor activity has been pointed out in several studies. However, the biological effects of GEN in tumor stem cells are still poorly understood, especially when combined with other chemotherapy. Objectives: To assess the cytotoxic effects of GEN phytoestrogen in tumor stem and non-tumor stem sub-populations, combined with radiation (RAD) and doxorubicin (DXR) in vitro treatments in triple-negative breast cancer cell line MDAMB-231. Methodology: We used pretreatment (GEN + DXR e GEN + RAD) and post-treatment (DXR + GEN e RAD + GEN) regimens using 1 - 5 ?M of GEN for 24 hours, 1 ng/ml DXR for 24 hours and 5 - 10 Gy of RAD, in which experiments were performed after 24 hours of irradiation. At the end of each treatment we assessed cell viability, coefficient of drug interaction, cell cycle, apoptosis and amount of CD24-/CD44+ cells. Moreover, cancer stem cells and non-cancer stem cells sub-populations were sorted in order to study the gene expression of apoptotic pathways. This study also investigated the hormone-positive breast cancer cell line MCF-7. Results: GEN 1 ?M for 24 hours caused significant apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 by blocking the G2/M phase, but increasing the dose did not alter viability and CD24-/CD44+ quantity. MCF-7 cells were resistant to GEN, by inducing S phase, but were also sensitive to the RAD, with G0/G1 block. Increasing the dose in GEN treatments combined with DXR produced increased synergistic effects. Pretreatment GEN 5 ?M + DXR 1 ng/ml induced superexpression of apoptotic genes in CD24- /CD44+ cells, but did not reduce cell viability. Conclusions: Combined treatments using low doses of DXR and GEN in pre and post treatment schemes are able to trigger apoptosis and reduce viability of MDA-MB-231 responsive cells. However, these treatments appear to induce survival signaling mechanisms in cancer stem cells, including suppression apoptotic pathways. In this context, only treatments that induce cell cycle block, but without causing decrease in cell viability, are able to affect resistant tumor stem cells in MDA-MB-231.