Over the past couple of years there has been rapid progress in the development and design of safe and effective delivery systems for the administration of protein and peptide drugs. The effective delivery of these type of drugs are not always as simple as one may think, due to various inherent characteristics of these compounds. Due to the hydrophilic nature and molecular size of peptide and protein drugs, such as recombinant human growth hormone, they are poorly absorbed across mucosal epithelia, both transcellularly and paracellularly. This problem can be overcome by the inclusion of absorption enhancers in peptide and protein drug formulations but this is not necessarily the best method to follow. This investigation focussed specifically on the evaluation of the ability of the PheroidTM carrier system to transport recombinant human growth hormone across mucosal epithelia especially when administered via the nasal cavity. The PheroidTM delivery system is a patented system consisting of a unique submicron emulsion type formulation. The PheroidTM delivery system, based on PheroidTM technology, will for ease of reading be called Pheroid(s) only throughout the rest of this dissertation. The Pheroid carrier system is a unique microcolloidal drug delivery system. A Pheroid is a stable structure within a novel therapeutic system which can be manipulated in terms of morphology, structure, size and function. Pheroids consist mainly of plant and essential fatty acids and can entrap, transport and deliver pharmacologically active compounds and other useful substances to the desired site of action. The specific objectives of this study can be summarised as follows: a literature study on Pheroid technology; a literature study on chitosan and N-trimethyl chitosan chloride; a literature study on recombinant human growth hormone (somatropin); a literature study on nasal drug administration; formulation of a suitable Pheroid carrier; entrapment of somatropin in the Pheroid carrier, and in vivo evaluation of nasal absorption of somatropin in Sprague-Dawley rats. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Pharmaceutics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

Low load resistance training (LLRT) with blood flow restriction (BFR) is a novel form of exercise that has been demonstrated to increase muscle mass and strength. Combined with the fact that as individuals age they lose both of these parameters, LLRT with BFR has been put forward as a method to help reverse/prevent the associated sarcopenia of ageing. This research investigated the effect the effect of LLRT with BFR on muscle strength firstly in younger people and then an older population group following 4 weeks of training. Muscle function measurements of young and old people included dynamic strength, identified as one repetition maximum (1 RM), isometric strength and isokinetic torque at a range of velocities (0.52 2.09 rad.s-1). Vascular adaptations were also measured using venous occlusion plethysmography to assess rest blood flow (Rbf) and post occlusive reactive hyperemia (PObf). The mechanisms behind any adaptations were measured following acute responses of plasma hormones and growth factors (cortisol, growth hormone (GH), insulin like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)) as well as local skeletal muscle gene expression (IGF-1Ea and MGF mRNA) to LLRT with BFR. LLRT with BFR increased (P < 0.05) all measurements of muscle strength by 13 30% in both young and older people. PObf was also increased (P < 0.05) following 4 weeks of LLRT with BFR in both population groups. Acute responses to LLRT with BFR identified an increase (P < 0.05) in GH and VEGF in older people. These are similar response to those seen in the young. Finally local gene expression of MGF mRNA was elevated (P < 0.05) 24 hours post LLRT with BFR in both young and older people. Any changes in muscle and blood flow adaptations may be as a result of increased hormones and growth factors at a circulation and local level. Key words: Blood flow restriction, blood flow, muscle strength, growth hormone, IGF-1

M.Sc. / This study aims to assess the potential impacts of intense feedlot activity on the aquatic freshwater environment, with reference to three feedlots, ranging in production size and all situated in the upper Vaal catchment area. Field assessments were done over a high flow and low flow period, while controlled exposures were also done to quantify a potential stress reaction to growth hormone exposure (using Clarias gariepinus as test organism). It was ascertained that water quality variables contributing towards differences between upstream and downstream environmental conditions are NH4 concentrations pH and conductivity. Lead concentrations were also periodically higher downstream from feedlot activity, in comparison with upstream. Taking the sediment assimilation potential of growth hormones into consideration, it was determined that Feedlot C showed the highest assimilation potential, while Feedlot A reflected the lowest. Alterations on family level invertebrate community structures indicated a categorical decline in abundances and species richness at sites situated downstream from feedlots. However, some clear seasonal influences were also observed. Further community and diversity analyses reflected alterations in invertebrate community structures that were not reflected in SASS 5 scores. With regards to the biomarkers applied in this study, it was noted that there was a significant (p<0.05) difference in the cellular energy allocation (CEA) between control and hormone exposed groups. The total amount of energy available (Ea) increased significantly for test organisms exposed to Diethylstilbestrol (DES), while there was a significant increase in energy consumption (Ec) of test organisms exposed to Trenbolone acetate (TBA). In addition to CEA, metabolic profiling of blood plasma was also performed, which indicated a definite ordination in metabolic constituents after fifteen days of exposure. This was established by subjecting the data to principle component analysis (PCA), which accounted for 83 % variance observed. The impacts and biotic responses identified in this study were contextualised with known literature on the effects of feedlot activity and growth hormone exposure on the aquatic environment. Finally, conclusions were drawn and recommendations made with regard to improving feedlot operational activities. The results obtained in this study contribute towards an integrated framework for the environmental management of feedlot activities.

Não existe relato da condição periodontal em indivíduos com Deficiência Isolada do Hormônio do Crescimento (IGHD). O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar possíveis associações entre IGHD e a perda clínica de inserção periodontal (PCI) em uma população com IGHD congênita, presente no Nordeste do Brasil. Material e Métodos: Todos os indivíduos previamente identificados com IGHD e com idade 12 anos foram elegíveis para participar do estudo (n=46). A amostra final ficou composta por 33 casos (IGHD) e 33 controles (não - IGHD) após a exclusão dos edêntulos (n=5) e dos que haviam recebido previamente tratamento com reposição do Hormônio do Crescimento (n=8). Eles foram pareados por idade, gênero, condição sócio-econômica, hábito de fumo e diabetes. Todos foram submetidos a exame periodontal completo em 6 sítios por dente, e entrevistados por meio de um questionário estruturado. Resultados: Indivíduos com IGHD apresentaram quantidade semelhante de biofilme (p=0,32), menos cálculo supragengival (p=0,01), e mais sangramento à sondagem (p<0,01) em comparação com os controles. Após uma série de análises de regressão logística múltipla condicional, ajustada para cálculo supragengival, indivíduos com IGHD mostraram maior chance de apresentar Perda Clínica de Inserção Periodontal 7mm (OR= 18,1; IC 95% = 2,4 - 137,2). Conclusão: Indivíduos com IGHD severa e congênita possuem maior chance de apresentar Perda Clínica de Inserção Periodontal. / There are no reports of periodontal status in subjects with Isolated Growth Hormone Deficiency (IGHD). The aim of this study was to investigate possible associations between IGHD and periodontal clinical attachment loss (CAL) in a population affected by congenital IGHD, residing in Northeastern Brazil. Material and Methods: All previously identified IGHD subjects age 12 years were eligible for this study (n=46). The final study sample comprised 33 cases (IGHD) and 33 controls (non - IGHD) after excluding edentulous (n = 5) and subjects previously treated with GH replacement (n = 8). They were matched by age, gender, socioeconomic status, smoking and diabetes status. Subjects were submitted to a full-mouth clinical examination of six sites per tooth and were interviewed using a structured, written questionnaire. Results: IGHD subjects had same amount visible plaque (p=0.32), less supragingival calculus (p = 0.01), and more bleeding on probing (p < 0.01) than controls. After performance of conditional multiple regression analyses adjusted by supragingival calculus, IGHD subjects had a higher likelihood of having CAL 7 mm (OR = 18.1; 95% Cl = 2.4 - 137.2). Conclusion: Severe congenital IGHD subjects have a greater chance of having Periodontal Clinical Attachment Loss.

Investigamos a distribuição de ghrelina e de seu receptor (GHS-R) na mucosa gástrica de ratos durante a terceira semana de vida pós-natal e avaliamos o efeito do desmame precoce sobre estas moléculas. Estudamos também a participação da ghrelina no controle da proliferação celular do epitélio gástrico, e para tanto utilizamos a administração de um antagonista. Detectamos o aumento do número de células imunomarcadas para ghrelina nos animais desmamados precocemente e observamos que nem a expressão de GHS-R nem a concentração proteica deste receptor foram alteradas pela mudança da dieta. O uso do antagonista [D-Lys-3]-GHRP-6 resultou na diminuição do índice de síntese de DNA no epitélio gástrico. Concluímos que a ghrelina e o GHS-R estão distribuídos no estômago durante a terceira semana de vida pós-natal e que o desmame precoce aumenta os níveis de ghrelina no epitélio gástrico, sem comprometer seu receptor. Por fim, sugerimos que esta modulação pode estar envolvida no controle da proliferação celular que é fundamental para o desenvolvimento do estômago. / In the present study, we investigated the distribution of ghrelin and growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R) in the rat gastric mucosa during the third postnatal week, and evaluated the effects of early weaning on these molecules. In addition, we studied whether ghrelin is part of cell proliferation control in gastric epithelium, and to that we used an antagonist. We detected an increase of ghrelin immunolabelled cells in animals submitted to early weaning and observed that GHS-R expression and protein levels of this receptor were not altered by dietary change. The antagonist [D-Lys-3]-GHRP-6 reduced DNA synthesis index. We concluded that ghrelin and GHS-R are distributed in the gastric mucosa during the third postnatal week and that early weaning increases hormone levels in the gastric epithelium, without changing its receptor. We can suggest that such modulation might be involved in the control of cell proliferation, which is essential for stomach development.

Lactato é o produto da redução do piruvato, reação fundamental para controle intracelular do pH e o estado redox da célula em que é produzido. Na corrente sanguínea, ele se difunde aos tecidos que expressam MCTs e é consumido como um importante substrato energético. No mestrado, observamos que o lactato promove elevação da síntese/secreção do GH. E nesse sentido, pretendemos identificar os potenciais hormônios hipotalâmicos que estariam implicados nessa regulação, bem como na sua possível mecanismo de ação direta sobre as células hipofisárias. Nossos resultados mostram que o lactato aumenta a atividade de neurônios em diferentes regiões hipotalâmicas, regulando a expressão gênica e proteica de Ghrh e Somatostatina (SST). Ainda, observamos que o mesmo promove regulações pós transcricionais sobre o mRNA de Gh, aumentando a sua cauda poli(A), o que pode refletir no aumento da estabilidade do transcrito. Nos experimentos com camundongos Lit/ Lit, observamos a importância de um tônus estimulatório do GHRH para a estimulação da expressão de GH. Em experimentos com camundongos KO MCT1+/- identificamos que o lactato é uma parte fundamental para o exercício ativar o eixo somatotrófico. Ainda, caracterizamos que as células GH3 apresentam a expressão do mRNA do receptor de lactato (Gpcr 81) e de 3 diferentes isoformas de transportadores de lactato (Mct1, 3, 4). Além disso, na mesma cultura celular observamos a elevação do conteúdo intra e extracelular de GH, bem como no aumento da concentração intracelular de Ca++ que explicaria a maior secreção do GH e que quando inibimos os MCTs, seu efeito sobre o aumento do mRNA de Gh não é mais reproduzido. Assim, nosso trabalho mostra diferentes abordagens experimentais que convergem para ações diretas do lactato via transportadores membrânicos sobre o aumento da atividade de somatotrofos, bem como o aumento da atividade do eixo somatotrófico em diferentes níveis do eixo. / Lactate is the product of pyruvate reduction, a fundamental reaction for intracellular pH control and the redox state of the cell in which it is produced. In the bloodstream, it diffuses into tissues expressing MCTs and is consumed as an important energy substrate. In the master\'s degree, we observed that lactate promotes elevation of GH synthesis / secretion. In this sense, we intend to identify the potential hypothalamic hormones that would be involved in this regulation, as well as in its possible mechanism of direct action on the pituitary cells. Our results show that lactate increases the activity of neurons in different hypothalamic regions, regulating the gene and protein expression of Ghrh and Somatostatin (SST). Furthermore, we observed that it promotes post-transcriptional regulation of the Gh mRNA, increasing its poly(A) tail length, which may reflect the increase in transcript stability. In experiments with Lit/ Lit mice, we observed the importance of stimulating GHRH tone for the stimulation of GH expression. In experiments with MCT1+/- KO mice we identified that lactate is a key part of exercise to activate the somatotrophic axis. Furthermore, we characterized that GH3 cells show lactate receptor mRNA expression (Gpcr 81) and 3 different isoforms of lactate transporters (Mct 1, 3, 4). In addition, in the same cell culture we observed the elevation of the intra and extracellular content of GH, as well as the increase of intracellular concentration of Ca++ that would explain the higher secretion of GH and that when we inhibited the MCTs, its effect on the increase of the Gh mRNA is no longer reproduced. Thus, our work shows direct lactate actions, via membrane transporters, on the increment of somatotrophic axis activity by different experimental approaches.

Sex biased expression characterizes ~1,000 genes in mammalian liver, and impart sex differences in metabolism and disease susceptibility. The sex-dependent temporal patterns of pituitary growth hormone (GH) secretion, pulsatile in males and more continuous in females, are known to sex-differentially activate transcriptional regulators (TFs), leading to widespread sex-differences in the mouse liver transcriptome. This thesis elucidates sex-biased gene expression patterns in the following studies. Gene structures, expression patterns and species conservation are characterized for ~15,000 liver-expressed intergenic long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), many of which are novel. Analysis of intergenic lncRNA promoters revealed unexpected high conservation and significant enrichment of TF binding compared to protein-coding promoters. A subset of intergenic lncRNAs showed strong sex-specific and GH-dependent gene expression, and whose transcription was tightly correlated with the surrounding chromatin environment and TF binding patterns. The pervasive role of genetic factors to regulate sex-biased genes was revealed by analyzing livers with matched genotype and gene expression data from Diversity Outbred (DO) mice, an outbred population with high natural allelic variance derived from eight inbred strains. Significant associations between genetic variants and gene expression (eQTLs) were identified, including many eQTLs with a strong sex-biased association. Remarkably, a large fraction of these sex-biased eQTLs were linked to either gain or loss of sex-specific gene expression in the DO founder strain predicted to be regulated by the eQTL. Thus, genetic factors are a major contributor to the variability of sex-biased genes, which has important consequences related to the individual variability of liver phenotypes with known sex-differences. Natural genetic perturbations in DO mice were leveraged to identify candidate lncRNAs that may regulate hypophysectomy (hypox) responsiveness. Co-regulated protein-coding gene clusters were discovered based on gene expression correlations across DO mouse livers, many of which are enriched for distinct hypox response classes. LncRNAs whose expression showed unexpected significant negative correlation with protein-coding gene clusters enriched for genes of the opposite-sex bias and inverse hypox class were hypothesized to play negative regulatory role. In sum, these studies expand the characterization of the sex-biased hepatic transcriptome and reveal contributions of genetic factors to the regulation of sex bias in mammalian liver. / 2020-11-27T00:00:00Z

Abstrakt Bakgrund: Medelålders och äldre män är en stor patientgrupp inom fysioterapi. Åldrande minskar kroppsliga nivåer av testosteron och tillväxthormon hos denna patientgrupp. Detta kan bidra till försämring av rörelseapparatens kapacitet. Det var därför relevant att kartlägga eventuella behandlingseffekter av testosteron och tillväxthormon på rörelseapparatens kapacitet.   Syfte: Kartlägga och sammanställa aktuell forskning gällande evidensen av hormonbehandling med enbart testosteron, eller en kombination av testosteron och tillväxthormon, på rörelseapparatens kapacitet hos medelålders och äldre män.   Metod: Litteratursökning genomfördes i databasen PubMed. Åtta artiklar inkluderades. Dessa kvalitetgranskades enligt PEDro scale, varefter evidensstyrkan bedömdes enligt SBU:s GRADE.   Resultat: Måttligt starkt vetenskapligt underlag för att behandling med testosteron har en förbättrande effekt på styrka och power. Begränsat vetenskapligt underlag för att behandling med testosteron har en förbättrande effekt på trappgång. Testosteron har ej någon förbättrande effekt på gångförmåga, men det vetenskapliga underlaget bedöms som otillräckligt. Otillräckligt vetenskapligt underlag för att testosteron och tillväxthormon har en förbättrande effekt på VO2-max.   Konklusion: Effekterna av hormonbehandling med testosteron och tillväxthormon varierar mellan enskilda delar av rörelseapparatens kapacitet hos medelålders och äldre män. Detta indikerar att fler studier med större deltagarantal är angeläget för att säkerställa effekterna av interventionen.   Nyckelord: Growth hormone, testosterone, hormone replacement therapy, physical function, elderly

Não existe relato da condição periodontal em indivíduos com Deficiência Isolada do Hormônio do Crescimento (IGHD). O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar possíveis associações entre IGHD e a perda clínica de inserção periodontal (PCI) em uma população com IGHD congênita, presente no Nordeste do Brasil. Material e Métodos: Todos os indivíduos previamente identificados com IGHD e com idade 12 anos foram elegíveis para participar do estudo (n=46). A amostra final ficou composta por 33 casos (IGHD) e 33 controles (não - IGHD) após a exclusão dos edêntulos (n=5) e dos que haviam recebido previamente tratamento com reposição do Hormônio do Crescimento (n=8). Eles foram pareados por idade, gênero, condição sócio-econômica, hábito de fumo e diabetes. Todos foram submetidos a exame periodontal completo em 6 sítios por dente, e entrevistados por meio de um questionário estruturado. Resultados: Indivíduos com IGHD apresentaram quantidade semelhante de biofilme (p=0,32), menos cálculo supragengival (p=0,01), e mais sangramento à sondagem (p<0,01) em comparação com os controles. Após uma série de análises de regressão logística múltipla condicional, ajustada para cálculo supragengival, indivíduos com IGHD mostraram maior chance de apresentar Perda Clínica de Inserção Periodontal 7mm (OR= 18,1; IC 95% = 2,4 - 137,2). Conclusão: Indivíduos com IGHD severa e congênita possuem maior chance de apresentar Perda Clínica de Inserção Periodontal. / There are no reports of periodontal status in subjects with Isolated Growth Hormone Deficiency (IGHD). The aim of this study was to investigate possible associations between IGHD and periodontal clinical attachment loss (CAL) in a population affected by congenital IGHD, residing in Northeastern Brazil. Material and Methods: All previously identified IGHD subjects age 12 years were eligible for this study (n=46). The final study sample comprised 33 cases (IGHD) and 33 controls (non - IGHD) after excluding edentulous (n = 5) and subjects previously treated with GH replacement (n = 8). They were matched by age, gender, socioeconomic status, smoking and diabetes status. Subjects were submitted to a full-mouth clinical examination of six sites per tooth and were interviewed using a structured, written questionnaire. Results: IGHD subjects had same amount visible plaque (p=0.32), less supragingival calculus (p = 0.01), and more bleeding on probing (p < 0.01) than controls. After performance of conditional multiple regression analyses adjusted by supragingival calculus, IGHD subjects had a higher likelihood of having CAL 7 mm (OR = 18.1; 95% Cl = 2.4 - 137.2). Conclusion: Severe congenital IGHD subjects have a greater chance of having Periodontal Clinical Attachment Loss.

Indivíduos com Deficiência Isolada do Hormônio do Crescimento (IGHD), homozigotos para a mutação c.57+1G>A no gene do receptor do hormônio liberador do hormônio de crescimento (GHRH), apresentam maior chance de apresentarem perda de inserção periodontal devido a possível efeito direto da IGHD sobre os tecidos periodontais e/ou a repercussões locais ou sistêmicas da IGHD sobre a resposta imune. Este estudo teve como objetivos avaliar as repercussões locais e sistêmicas da IGHD sobre a resposta imune e comparar os níveis dos patógenos periodontais. Material e Métodos: Foi composto por uma amostra de 19 indivíduos com IGHD e 19 indivíduos no grupo controle, pareados por idade, gênero, condição sócio-econômica, tabagismo e diabetes. Todos foram submetidos a exame periodontal completo, em 6 sítios por dente, e entrevistados por meio de um questionário estruturado. Foi realizada coleta de biofilme subgengival (em sítios rasos e profundos, pareados pela PCS) para verificar os níveis dos microorganismos. Além disso, foram realizadas coletas do fluido gengival (dos mesmos sítios) e do sangue, de ambos os grupos, com a finalidade de analisar o perfil das citocinas inflamatórias. Resultados: Indivíduos com IGHD apresentaram maior quantidade de MMP-8 e CRP (p=0,026 e 0,002) no fluido gengival coletado dos sítios profundos, maior quantidade de IL-17 (p=0,02) no soro e mesmos níveis dos patógenos periodontais, em comparação com os controles (p>0,05). Conclusões: Mesmo com um perfil microbiológico semelhante, indivíduos com a IGHD apresentam alterações imunológicas moderadas (aumento de Interleucina 17 no soro e de metaloproteinase-8 e Proteína C-Reativa no fluido gengival coletado de sítios profundos), comparados aos controles. / Isolated Growth Hormone Deficiency (IGHD) subjects, homozygous to a mutation c.57+1G>A in the growth hormone releasing hormone receptor (GHRHR) gene, have a greater chance of having periodontal attachment loss (PAL) due to a possible direct effect of IGHD on the periodontal tissues and/or locals and systemic effects of IGHD on immune response. This aims of this study was evaluate local and systemic effects of IGHD on immune response and compare periodontal pathogens levels. Material and Methods: The sample was composed of 19 IGHD individuals and 19 controls, matched by age, gender, socio-economic condition, smoking and diabetes. Participants were submitted to a clinical full-mouth periodontal examination of six sites per tooth and were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Subgingival biofilm was collected (in shallow and deep sites matched by probing clinical depth) to check the periodontal pathogens levels. Futhermore, gingival crevicular fluid (same sites) and blood samples were also collected from both groups to analyze inflammatory cytokines profile. Results: IGHD subjects had significantly higher amounts of MMP-8 and CRP (p= 0.026 e 0.002) in the gingival crevicular fluid collected from deep sites, higher amounts of IL-17 (p=0.02) in serum, and same levels of periodontal pathogens, compairing to the control group (p>0.05). Conclusions: Despite the same microorganism profile, IGHD subjects had moderate immunological alterations (increased serum Interleukin 17 and metalloproteinase 8 and C - reactive protein in deep sites gingival fluid), comparing to controls.