This thesis is focused on the study of glycosphingolipids in the rat liver in different types of cholestasis and the effect of oxidative stress on changes in the composition and localization of gangliosides. First, it was necessary to optimize the immunochemical detection of glycosphingolipids. GM1 ganglioside was selected as a representative of a large glycolipid family. We found that minimum water content in the fixing solution was a key condition for fixation of histological sections. Optimized method of GM1 detection was subsequently used in in vivo experiments. We have demonstrated that estrogen-induced cholestasis characterized by high concentrations of bile acids and increased oxidative stress caused changes in the synthesis and distribution of liver gangliosides. HMOX induction is associated with a reduction in oxidative stress level and accompanied by normalization in GSL content. In experiments with obstructive cholestasis, we found that changes in the distribution and synthesis of gangliosides were not strictly specific to a particular type of cholestasis. We assume that it represents a general mechanism of hepatoprotection. We also confirmed the important role of bilirubin, product of HMOX reaction, in protection of hepatocytes against oxidative damage caused by high concentrations of...

This thesis is focused on the study of glycosphingolipids in the rat liver in different types of cholestasis and the effect of oxidative stress on changes in the composition and localization of gangliosides. First, it was necessary to optimize the immunochemical detection of glycosphingolipids. GM1 ganglioside was selected as a representative of a large glycolipid family. We found that minimum water content in the fixing solution was a key condition for fixation of histological sections. Optimized method of GM1 detection was subsequently used in in vivo experiments. We have demonstrated that estrogen-induced cholestasis characterized by high concentrations of bile acids and increased oxidative stress caused changes in the synthesis and distribution of liver gangliosides. HMOX induction is associated with a reduction in oxidative stress level and accompanied by normalization in GSL content. In experiments with obstructive cholestasis, we found that changes in the distribution and synthesis of gangliosides were not strictly specific to a particular type of cholestasis. We assume that it represents a general mechanism of hepatoprotection. We also confirmed the important role of bilirubin, product of HMOX reaction, in protection of hepatocytes against oxidative damage caused by high concentrations of...

No description available.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos do monossialogangliosídio (GM1), da câmara de oxigenoterapia hiperbárica e de ambos no tratamento da lesão medular experimental em ratos. Trinta e dois ratos Wistar com lesão medular foram divididos em 4 grupos: um grupo recebeu o monossialogangliosídio (GM1), um segundo foi submetido à oxigenoterapia hiperbárica, um terceiro recebeu os dois tratamentos e um quarto não recebeu tratamento (controle). Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos na análise histológica, em todas as variáveis (necrose, hemorragia, hiperemia e degeneração cística, p>0,06). Também não houve nenhuma diferença na comparação entre os lados direito e esquerdo nos testes funcionais (p>0,06 para todos). Não foram encontradas diferenças nos testes motores, na comparação entre os grupos após 2, 7 21 e 28 dias de lesão medular. Mas, na avaliação após 14 dias, o Grupo 3, o qual recebeu a terapia combinada, mostrou um escore BBB significantemente maior que os outros grupos (p=0,015). Na avaliação de 28 dias, houve uma tendência dos Grupos 1 (GM1) e 3 (terapia combinada) apresentarem um escore BBB maior que o do Grupo 4 (controle), embora sem significância estatística (p=0,057). Concluiu-se que, quanto aos índices motores, a utilização do GM-1 tem efeito benéfico, embora sem diferença estatisticamente significante e que o efeito benéfico do GM-1 é antecipado através da utilização concomitante da oxigênio terapia hiperbárica. / The objectives were to evaluate the effect of GM1 ganglioside, hyperbaric oxygen, and both in combination, in the treatment of experimental spinal cord lesions in rats. Thirty-two Wistar rats with spinal cord lesions were divided into four groups: one group received GM1 ganglioside, one was submitted to hyperbaric oxygen therapy, the third received both treatments, and the fourth received no treatment (control). There were no significant differences between the groups in the histological analysis, for any of the variables (necrosis, hemorrhage, hyperemia, cystic degeneration, p > 0.06). Neither were there any significant differences in the comparison of left and right sides in the functional tests (p > 0.06 for all). No significant differences were found in the locomotor ratings, in the comparison of groups at 2 days, 7 days, 21 days and 28 days after the surgical procedure. However, in the evaluation on day 14, Group 3, which received the combined therapy, showed a significantly higher BBB score than the other groups (p = 0.015). In the evaluation on day 28, there was a trend to Group 1 (GM1) and 3 (combined therapy) showed a higher BBB score than the group 4 (control), but with no significance (p=0,057). In conclusion, the is a benefit in the use of GM1 ganglioside, but with no significance and the therapeutic effect of GM1 in locomotor evaluation of rats submitted to spinal cord lesion is anticipated by hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos do monossialogangliosídio (GM1), da câmara de oxigenoterapia hiperbárica e de ambos no tratamento da lesão medular experimental em ratos. Trinta e dois ratos Wistar com lesão medular foram divididos em 4 grupos: um grupo recebeu o monossialogangliosídio (GM1), um segundo foi submetido à oxigenoterapia hiperbárica, um terceiro recebeu os dois tratamentos e um quarto não recebeu tratamento (controle). Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos na análise histológica, em todas as variáveis (necrose, hemorragia, hiperemia e degeneração cística, p>0,06). Também não houve nenhuma diferença na comparação entre os lados direito e esquerdo nos testes funcionais (p>0,06 para todos). Não foram encontradas diferenças nos testes motores, na comparação entre os grupos após 2, 7 21 e 28 dias de lesão medular. Mas, na avaliação após 14 dias, o Grupo 3, o qual recebeu a terapia combinada, mostrou um escore BBB significantemente maior que os outros grupos (p=0,015). Na avaliação de 28 dias, houve uma tendência dos Grupos 1 (GM1) e 3 (terapia combinada) apresentarem um escore BBB maior que o do Grupo 4 (controle), embora sem significância estatística (p=0,057). Concluiu-se que, quanto aos índices motores, a utilização do GM-1 tem efeito benéfico, embora sem diferença estatisticamente significante e que o efeito benéfico do GM-1 é antecipado através da utilização concomitante da oxigênio terapia hiperbárica. / The objectives were to evaluate the effect of GM1 ganglioside, hyperbaric oxygen, and both in combination, in the treatment of experimental spinal cord lesions in rats. Thirty-two Wistar rats with spinal cord lesions were divided into four groups: one group received GM1 ganglioside, one was submitted to hyperbaric oxygen therapy, the third received both treatments, and the fourth received no treatment (control). There were no significant differences between the groups in the histological analysis, for any of the variables (necrosis, hemorrhage, hyperemia, cystic degeneration, p > 0.06). Neither were there any significant differences in the comparison of left and right sides in the functional tests (p > 0.06 for all). No significant differences were found in the locomotor ratings, in the comparison of groups at 2 days, 7 days, 21 days and 28 days after the surgical procedure. However, in the evaluation on day 14, Group 3, which received the combined therapy, showed a significantly higher BBB score than the other groups (p = 0.015). In the evaluation on day 28, there was a trend to Group 1 (GM1) and 3 (combined therapy) showed a higher BBB score than the group 4 (control), but with no significance (p=0,057). In conclusion, the is a benefit in the use of GM1 ganglioside, but with no significance and the therapeutic effect of GM1 in locomotor evaluation of rats submitted to spinal cord lesion is anticipated by hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Este projeto teve como objetivo geral continuar a avaliar a adequação de anfifílicos que se agregam em solução aquosa formando bicamadas, para recobrir superfícies de sílica. Em paralelo, foi objetivada a reconstituição do reconhecimento receptor-ligante, tendo como modelo o monosialogangliosídio GM1 e a enterotoxina do vibrião da cólera. Os resultados obtidos poderão se mostrar de grande valor em aplicações práticas que envolvem a construção de sistemas de detecção e quantificação de substâncias ou moléculas específicas. A adsorção e estabilidade de bicamadas contendo fosfatidilcolina (PC) ou misturas de brometo de dioctadecildimetilamônio (DODAB) e dipalmitoilfosfatidilcolna (DPPC) sobre a superfície de nanopartículas de sílica foi estudada através de isotermas de adsorção por dosagem do fosfato inorgânico, análises de sedimentação por imagens fotográficas e medidas dos diâmetros médios (Dz) e potenciais-zeta (ζ) de partículas por espectroscopia de correlação de fótons. Foram avaliadas as afinidades entre as bicamadas e a superfície das nanopartículas e a estabilidade do sistema em função da força iônica, do pH e da concentração adicionada de lipídio. A afinidade das bicamadas pela superfície da sílica apresentou uma correlação com as forças de van der Waals e as pontes de hidrogênio que se formam entre os grupos químicos do anfifílico e aqueles de superfície da sílica. A formação de uma única bicamada lipídica de PC sobre a sílica foi detectada, o que levou à estabilidade coloidal do sistema particulado. As bicamadas mistas de DPPC/DODAB por sua vez apresentaram uma afinidade decrescente pela sílica com a elevação da porcentagem de DODAB na bicamada. Os dados de isoterma e de ζ das partículas sugerem uma separação física entre o DPPC e o DODAB. O conjunto otimizado partícula de sílica/bicamada de PC (partícula biomimética) foi assim utilizado para promover a incorporação do GM1 micelar nas bicamadas, medida por fluorescência com a utilização da sonda GM1 pireno, seguida do reconhecimento e ligação da toxina da cólera (CT) ao complexo formado. A transferência do GM1 das micelas para as partículas se mostrou dependente da disponibilidade de bicamadas adsorvidas nestas e da ausência de bicamadas não-adsorvidas, livres em dispersão. Para avaliar a ligação da toxina da cólera às partículas biomiméticas foram calculadas isotermas de adsorção a partir da dosagem de proteína não ligada que resta no sobrenadante. A ligação específica da CT na presença de bicamadas de PC e GM1 foi de 67% em massa do total da proteína adicionada, revelando uma ligação positiva entre receptor e ligante. A estequiometria revela que a proporção molar PC: GM1: CT é de 300: 5: 1 respectivamente. A proporção de 1 CT: 5 GM1 está de acordo com a literatura onde experimentos de difração de raios-X mostram a estrutura tridimensional do pentâmero CTB5 ligado a cinco unidades de pentasacarídeo do GM1. / The general objective of this project was to continue evaluating the suitability of amphiphiles that aggregate in aqueous solution forming bilayers, to cover surfaces of silica. A secondary objective pursued was to promote the reconstitution of the receptor-ligand function, having as a model the monosialoganglioside GM1 and the enterotoxin of the choleric vibrio. The results may prove to be valuable in pure research or practical applications for sensing and detection of biomolecules. The adsorption and stability of phosphatidylcholine (PC) bilayers or mixtures of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide (DODAB) over surfaces of silica nanoparticles were evaluated through adsorption isotherms by inorganic phosphate dosage, sedimentation analysis by means of photographic images and measurements of hydrodynamic diameter (Dz) and zeta-potentials (ζ) of particles by photon correlation spectroscopy. The affinity between the bilayers and the nanoparticles surfaces and the general system stability were evaluated as a function of ionic strength, pH and added lipid concentration. The affinity showed a correlation with the van der Waals and the hydrogen bridges forces that form between the chemical groups of the amphiphile and the silica surface. The formation of a single lipid PC bilayer over the silica was detected, leading to the colloidal stability of the particulate system. Mixed bilayers of DPPC/DODAB on the other hand showed a decreasing affinity for silica with an increasing DODAB percentage in the bilayer. Data from isotherms and ζ of particles suggests a physical separation of the DPPC and DODAB. The optimized array of silica particle/PC bilayer (biomimetic particles) was thus used to promote the incorporation of micellar GM1 into the bilayers, measured by fluorescence with a GM1 pirene probe, followed by the cholera toxin (CT) binding to the resulting array. GM1 transfer from micelles to particles showed dependence on the adsorbed bilayers availability and on the absence of non-adsorbed bilayers, free in the bulk solution. To evaluate CT binding to biomimetic particles adsorption isotherms were calculated from the dosage of unbound protein remaining in the supernatant. Specific binding of CT in the presence of PC and GM1 bilayer was 67% mass of total protein added, indicating a positive binding between receptor and ligand. Stoichiometry revealed that the molar proportion PC: GM1: CT is 300: 5: 1 respectively. The proportion of 1 CT: 5 GM1 is in good agreement with data in the literature where X-ray diffraction tests show the 3-dimensional structure of the CTB5 pentamer bound to five units of the pentasaccharide GM1.

Este projeto teve como objetivo geral continuar a avaliar a adequação de anfifílicos que se agregam em solução aquosa formando bicamadas, para recobrir superfícies de sílica. Em paralelo, foi objetivada a reconstituição do reconhecimento receptor-ligante, tendo como modelo o monosialogangliosídio GM1 e a enterotoxina do vibrião da cólera. Os resultados obtidos poderão se mostrar de grande valor em aplicações práticas que envolvem a construção de sistemas de detecção e quantificação de substâncias ou moléculas específicas. A adsorção e estabilidade de bicamadas contendo fosfatidilcolina (PC) ou misturas de brometo de dioctadecildimetilamônio (DODAB) e dipalmitoilfosfatidilcolna (DPPC) sobre a superfície de nanopartículas de sílica foi estudada através de isotermas de adsorção por dosagem do fosfato inorgânico, análises de sedimentação por imagens fotográficas e medidas dos diâmetros médios (Dz) e potenciais-zeta (ζ) de partículas por espectroscopia de correlação de fótons. Foram avaliadas as afinidades entre as bicamadas e a superfície das nanopartículas e a estabilidade do sistema em função da força iônica, do pH e da concentração adicionada de lipídio. A afinidade das bicamadas pela superfície da sílica apresentou uma correlação com as forças de van der Waals e as pontes de hidrogênio que se formam entre os grupos químicos do anfifílico e aqueles de superfície da sílica. A formação de uma única bicamada lipídica de PC sobre a sílica foi detectada, o que levou à estabilidade coloidal do sistema particulado. As bicamadas mistas de DPPC/DODAB por sua vez apresentaram uma afinidade decrescente pela sílica com a elevação da porcentagem de DODAB na bicamada. Os dados de isoterma e de ζ das partículas sugerem uma separação física entre o DPPC e o DODAB. O conjunto otimizado partícula de sílica/bicamada de PC (partícula biomimética) foi assim utilizado para promover a incorporação do GM1 micelar nas bicamadas, medida por fluorescência com a utilização da sonda GM1 pireno, seguida do reconhecimento e ligação da toxina da cólera (CT) ao complexo formado. A transferência do GM1 das micelas para as partículas se mostrou dependente da disponibilidade de bicamadas adsorvidas nestas e da ausência de bicamadas não-adsorvidas, livres em dispersão. Para avaliar a ligação da toxina da cólera às partículas biomiméticas foram calculadas isotermas de adsorção a partir da dosagem de proteína não ligada que resta no sobrenadante. A ligação específica da CT na presença de bicamadas de PC e GM1 foi de 67% em massa do total da proteína adicionada, revelando uma ligação positiva entre receptor e ligante. A estequiometria revela que a proporção molar PC: GM1: CT é de 300: 5: 1 respectivamente. A proporção de 1 CT: 5 GM1 está de acordo com a literatura onde experimentos de difração de raios-X mostram a estrutura tridimensional do pentâmero CTB5 ligado a cinco unidades de pentasacarídeo do GM1. / The general objective of this project was to continue evaluating the suitability of amphiphiles that aggregate in aqueous solution forming bilayers, to cover surfaces of silica. A secondary objective pursued was to promote the reconstitution of the receptor-ligand function, having as a model the monosialoganglioside GM1 and the enterotoxin of the choleric vibrio. The results may prove to be valuable in pure research or practical applications for sensing and detection of biomolecules. The adsorption and stability of phosphatidylcholine (PC) bilayers or mixtures of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide (DODAB) over surfaces of silica nanoparticles were evaluated through adsorption isotherms by inorganic phosphate dosage, sedimentation analysis by means of photographic images and measurements of hydrodynamic diameter (Dz) and zeta-potentials (ζ) of particles by photon correlation spectroscopy. The affinity between the bilayers and the nanoparticles surfaces and the general system stability were evaluated as a function of ionic strength, pH and added lipid concentration. The affinity showed a correlation with the van der Waals and the hydrogen bridges forces that form between the chemical groups of the amphiphile and the silica surface. The formation of a single lipid PC bilayer over the silica was detected, leading to the colloidal stability of the particulate system. Mixed bilayers of DPPC/DODAB on the other hand showed a decreasing affinity for silica with an increasing DODAB percentage in the bilayer. Data from isotherms and ζ of particles suggests a physical separation of the DPPC and DODAB. The optimized array of silica particle/PC bilayer (biomimetic particles) was thus used to promote the incorporation of micellar GM1 into the bilayers, measured by fluorescence with a GM1 pirene probe, followed by the cholera toxin (CT) binding to the resulting array. GM1 transfer from micelles to particles showed dependence on the adsorbed bilayers availability and on the absence of non-adsorbed bilayers, free in the bulk solution. To evaluate CT binding to biomimetic particles adsorption isotherms were calculated from the dosage of unbound protein remaining in the supernatant. Specific binding of CT in the presence of PC and GM1 bilayer was 67% mass of total protein added, indicating a positive binding between receptor and ligand. Stoichiometry revealed that the molar proportion PC: GM1: CT is 300: 5: 1 respectively. The proportion of 1 CT: 5 GM1 is in good agreement with data in the literature where X-ray diffraction tests show the 3-dimensional structure of the CTB5 pentamer bound to five units of the pentasaccharide GM1.

No description available.

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a chronic progressive neurological condition, clinically characterized by memory deficits, cognitive and physical impairment, and personality changes. Traditionally, AD was considered a type of protein folding disorder. Here, the concept of AD as an autoimmune disease of the innate immune system was developed. After exploring evolutionary connections between the AD peptide β-amyloid (Aβ) and known antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), and elucidating the structural similarities between Aβ and AMPs, a mechanism of action for Aβ’s antimicrobial activity is proposed that is based on the compromise of bacterial membranes. Following these theoretical considerations, experimental evidence is presented for the production of Aβ by cells in response to infection, and for Aβ’s antibacterial and antiviral activity. Rooted in similarities of the cell membranes of neuronal and bacterial cells in terms of lipid composition and transmembrane potential, it is hypothesised that Aβ’s neurotoxicity is caused by its misguided attack on neurons as an AMP. In reversing the concept of Aβ as an AMP, the similarity of AMPs to Aβ is demonstrated in experiments revealing the neurotoxicity of two AMPs, LL 37, and cecropin A. To determine a mechanism for the progressive nature of AD, it was shown that, although apoptosis may be involved in AD, it is actually necrosis that is responsible for the propagation of neuronal cell death so characteristic of AD. With the Vicious Cycle of AD, a scheme was devised, integrating the results obtained here with data and research from other groups, which explains the chronic and progressive nature of AD as a result of Aβ’s physiological role as an AMP and innate immune system effector. Borne from Aβ’s activity as an AMP and its central role in the Vicious Cycle of AD, a question was investigated: do antibiotics, such as penicillin, that cause release of bacterial endotoxins due to their mechanism of action, trigger the Vicious Cycle of AD and thus lead to the development of AD? Preliminary evidence supporting this notion was presented.

Accidents Vasculaire Cérébraux (parfois appelés AVC ou attaques cérébrales) sont les 3èmes causes principales de mortalité et les causes de handicap dans les pays industrialisés. Ils représentent un problème de santé publique en raison de leurs fréquences, de leurs mortalités et des handicaps physiques et cognitifs qu'ils entraînent. Malgré d’importants progrès réalisés dans le domaine de la physiopathogénie de l’ischémie cérébrale, on ne dispose pas encore, aujourd’hui, de thérapeutiques efficaces pour traiter un accident vasculaire cérébral lors de sa phase aiguë. Les gangliosides GM1 sont des composants majeurs du feuillet externe de la membrane cellulaire au niveau du système nerveux central. Ces gangliosides ont des effets antineurotoxiques, neuroprotecteurs et les propriétés neurorestoratrices sur les divers neurotransmetteurs du SNC mais pour le moment ils n’ont pas des valeurs thérapeutiques en raison de leurs manques de biodisponibilités et de leurs manques de perméabilité de la barrière hématoencéphalique (BHE). Nous avons synthétisé les structures simplifiées de ces gangliosides GM1, L’idée qui a prévalu pour la conception, des nouvelles structures a été : d’introduire des chaînes grasses saturées ou insaturées sur un motif sérine, tyrosine ou cystéine, de remplacer la fonction carboxylique par des groupements reconnus comme bioisostères classiques ou non classiques de cette fonction ; comme par exemple les fonctions phosphonique, tétrazolique, 2,4-oxadiazolidine-3,5-dione. Nous avons élaboré un nouveau modèle de composé neuroprotecteur dans lequel une chaîne grasse est couplée à une entité acide ascorbique pour améliorer le passage de la BHE. Pour étudier l’activité neuroprotectrice des composés synthétisés nous avons utilisé deux modèles biologiques in vitro : un modèle cellulaire (cellules HT22) et un modèle tissulaire (tranches de cerveaux). / Stroke is the third leading cause of mortality and the primary cause of disability in adults. Therefore, it is critical to identify new, efficacious pharmacological treatments. One pharmacological approach for treatment of stroke is called neuroprotective therapy. It has been reported that the amphiphilic, monosialotetrahexosylganglioside (GM1) (II3 NeuAc-GgOsc4Cer) has antineurotoxic, neuroprotective, and neurorestorative effects on various central neurotransmitter systems. Since GM1 is not of therapeutic value because of its lack of bioavailability and its low blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeation. Thus, molecules that mimic GM1 represent a novel approach to neuroprotection. We have synthesized the smalls GM1-like analogues whose simplified structure includes various lipophilic saturated, unsaturated, or cyclic polyunsaturated moieties have been introduced, while in the second series, thecarboxylic acid function was replaced by different hydrophilic groups including bioisosters of the carboxylate, such as a phosphonic acid, a tetrazole, the 1,2,4-oxadiazolidine-3,5-dione or an ascorbic acid moiety. Introduction of ascorbic acid was supported by several reports that showed that ascorbic acid conjugates can improve BBB permeation properties. We report their neuroprotective effects in two distinct models of nerve cell death using hippocampus-derived HT22 cells and an additional neuroprotective assays using cortical slices injured by glutamate confirmed these results.