Foi estudado o efeito da lactona sesquiterpênica licnofolido sobre o \"burst\" respiratório de leucócitos polimorfonucleares inflamatórios (PMN) estimulados por forbol (PMA), pelo peptídeo quimiotático fMLP ou zimozan opsonizado (OZ). O licnofolido inibiu de forma dose-dependente a liberação de O2•- pelos PMN, sem alteração do período \"Iag\" do complexo NADPH. oxidase. O efeito foi mais acentuado quando os PMN foram estimulados diretamente pela via de proteína quinase C. A adição de ditiotreitol ou glutationa reduzida (GSH) às suspensões celulares antes da incubação com licnofolido preveniu parcialmente o efeito inibitório. O tratamento dos PMN com a lactona determinou uma queda drástica dos níveis celulares de GSH livre, sem incremento de glutationa oxidada (GSSG). A reação direta entre GSH e licnofolido foi confirmada com a detecção de um aduto glutationil-licnofolido através de identificação por espectrometria de massa (ESI-MS/MS). A S-tiolação protéica induzida pelo PMA foi reduzida em PMN tratados com Iicnofo/ido, como detectado através de determinação de incorporação de [35S], sendo que 80% desses tióis foram identificados como GSH. Uma série de proteínas S-glutationadas foi detectada através de autoradiografias, sendo que aquelas correspondentes a 38 e 24 kDa tiveram essa modificação póstraducional suprimida pelo tratamento com dose de licnofolido capaz de suprimir o \"burst\" respiratório dos PMN. Estes resultados indicam que a depleção celular de GSH causada pelo licnofolido impede a sustentação do \"burst\" respiratório pelos PMN, em correlação direta com a diminuição de S-glutationação protéica. / An investigation was made into the action of the sesquiterpene lactone lychnopholide on the respiratory burst of inflammatory polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Lychnopholide determined concentration-related inhibition of the generation of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-, chemotatic peptide-, and opsonized zymozan-induced superoxide anion with no effect on the lag time of the assembly of the NADPH oxidase complex, such action was greater on the protein kinase C pathway that on both membrane receptor dependent stimuli via. Subsequent additions of D-glucose, Ca2+, Mg2+, dithiothreitol ar reduced glutathione (GSH) did not reverse the inhibitory action. The addition of both thiols prior to the lychnopholide treatment partially hindered the inhibition rate. The endogenous level of GSH in leukocytes was drastically depleted under the lychnopholide treatment, without corresponding increases occurring in the oxidized form (GSSG). A direct reaction between glutathione and lychnopholide was confirmed from a glutathionyl-lychnopholide adduct detected by electrospray mass spectrometry analysis and identified by tandem mass analysis in cellular extracts. Protein S-thiolation induced by PMA stimulation was decreased in lactone-treated PMN as detected by [35S] scintillation count, which indicated that about 80% of the thiols were glutathione. A subset of S-glutathionylated proteins was identified through gel electrophoresis, which revealed that the modification of the phorbol-triggered protein sulfhydryl in the protein bands corresponding to 38 and 24 kDa was precluded by the lychnopholide treatment correlated with respiratory burst inhibition. These results show that GSH depletion determined by lychnopholide treatment renders PMN to sustain respiratory burst, whose action is proportional to protein S-glutahionylation decrease.

Submitted by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2017-01-04T13:00:39Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Kaisson Ernane dos Santos - 2013.pdf: 2738475 bytes, checksum: 6c79ab9177dd126fa5cb677127debc2c (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2017-01-04T13:01:13Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Kaisson Ernane dos Santos - 2013.pdf: 2738475 bytes, checksum: 6c79ab9177dd126fa5cb677127debc2c (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-01-04T13:01:13Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Kaisson Ernane dos Santos - 2013.pdf: 2738475 bytes, checksum: 6c79ab9177dd126fa5cb677127debc2c (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-11-25 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / The Major Histocompatibility Complex is mainly composed by genes of the adaptive immune response. In humans, part of this complex is known as the Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA), whose genes are responsible for specific antigen presentation to effector immune cells. The classical class I HLA genes (HLA-A, -B and -C) are responsible for antigen presentation to T CD8+ cells and they constitute the most polymorphic genes in the human genome. This variability is maintained by selection mediated by microorganisms. In contrast to their classical counterparts, the non classical class I genes (HLA-G, -E and -F) present low variability and are associated with immune tolerance due to the interaction with NK and T cells inhibitor receptors. HLA-G is the most studied non classical gene, which is associated with immune response modulation, mainly during pregnancy. Considering that natural selection is acting on the HLA-G regulatory regions maintaining high heterozigosity in this region, we evaluated a nearby Alu insertion (AluyHG) correlating this Alu element with coding and 3’UTR HLA-G polymorphisms. The AluyHG insertion was particularly associated with the HLA-G haplotype known as G*01:01:01:01/UTR-1, considered a high-expressing HLA-G haplotype. The G*01:01:01:01/UTR-1/AluyHG haplotype would be the most recent HLA-G haplotypes, in spite of its high frequency in worldwide populations. / O Complexo Principal de Histocompatibilidade (MHC) é formado principalmente por genes que participam da resposta imunológica adaptativa. Entre esses genes encontramos o grupo denominado de Antígenos Leucocitários Humanos (HLA), que são responsáveis pela apresentação de antígenos específicos às células efetoras do sistema imunológico. Os genes HLA de classe I clássicos (HLA-A, -B e -C), responsáveis pela apresentação antigênica aos linfócitos T citotóxicos, são considerado como os mais polimórficos do genoma humano e de outros vertebrados. A variabilidade desses genes e elevada heterozigose é mantida por seleção mediada por microrganismos. Diferentemente dos genes clássicos, os genes HLA de classe I não clássicos (HLA-G, -E e -F) apresentam variabilidade reduzida e como função principal a tolerância imunológica, por meio de sua interação com receptores inibitórios presentes nas células NK e T. O HLA-G é o mais estudado entre esses genes e, devido sua importância como molécula imunomoduladora e sua importância em situações como gestação, e considerando evidências anteriores de seleção natural mantendo uma elevada heterozigose nas regiões regulatórias do HLA-G, avaliamos a presença de uma inserção Alu (AluyHG) próxima a este gene correlacionando os achados com a variabilidade contida nas suas regiões codificadora e 3’ não traduzida. A inserção AluyHG mostrou-se em desequilíbrio de ligação (LD) com os polimorfismos do gene HLA-G. Especificamente, o elemento inserido apresentou-se em LD com um haplótipo denominado G*01:01:01:01/UTR-1, considerado como um haplótipo de alta produção da molécula de HLA-G. Esse haplótipo aparentemente é o mais jovem entre humanos, apesar de sua elevada frequência nas populações estudadas até o momento.

INTRODUÇÃO: Estudos demonstram que a solução salina hipertônica melhora a hemodinâmica, a microcirculação e modula o sistema imune, atenuando a resposta inflamatória associada ao choque e trauma. Este estudo tem por objetivo avaliar e comparar os efeitos da solução salina hipertônica (NaCl, 7,5%) e do Ringer lactato seguido da ressecção de segmento do intestino necrosado no tratamento da obstrução intestinal e isquemia, através da análise da translocação bacteriana, da disfunção microcirculatória mesentérica, dos distúrbios hemodinâmicos e metabólicos e da disfunção orgânica. MÉTODOS: Ratos Wistar machos (250 300 g) anestesiados (pentobarbital sódico, 50 mg/kg, i.p.) foram submetidos à obstrução intestinal e isquemia (OI, ligadura ao nível do íleo terminal seguida de ligadura de ramos da artéria mesentérica correspondentes à irrigação de 7 10 cm do íleo). Duas horas após os animais foram randomizados em: OI sem tratamento (OI); OI tratado com Ringer lactato (RL, 4 mL/kg, i.v.); e OI tratado com solução salina hipertônica (SH 7,5%, 4 mL/kg, i.v.). Vinte e quatro horas após os procedimentos cirúrgicos iniciais, os ratos obstruídos (OI, RL e SH) foram submetidos à enterectomia. Ratos controles falso-operados (FO) foram submetidos à lapatotomia. Os seguintes parâmetros foram analisados: 1) cultura bacteriana (E. coli) em amostras de linfonodos mesentéricos, fígado, baço e sangue; 2) análise das interações leucócito-endotélio na microcirculação mesentérica por técnica de microscopia intravital; 3) expressão de moléculas de adesão endoteliais (P-selectina e ICAM-1) por imunohistoquímica; 4) quantificação das citocinas e quimiocinas CINC-1 e CINC-2 no soro por enzimaimunoensaio; 5) histologia intestinal; 6) bioquímica sérica; 7) gasometria, hematócrito, lactato, glicose e leucograma; 8) insulina e corticosterona e; 9) sobrevida. RESULTADOS: O tratamento com SH reduziu a bacteremia, a incidência de animais com amostras positivas para E. coli (57%) e a quantidade de colônias bacterianas (p<0,05) comparado ao tratamento com RL ou aos animais não tratados (OI). As interações leucócito-endotélio e a expressão das moléculas de adesão, P-selectina e ICAM-1, reduziram-se após tratamento com SH seguido de enterectomia a valores observados no grupo controle FO (p>0,05). Ambos os tratamentos, SH e RL, associados à enterectomia normalizaram as concentrações séricas de CINC-1 e CINC-2 (p>0,05). Alterações de PaCO2, pH, lactato e glicemia normalizaram-se após o tratamento dos animais com SH ou RL seguido de enterectomia. A hipoinsulinemia registrada nos ratos OI foi prevenida pelo tratamento dos animais com SH ou RL. As concentrações séricas de corticosterona normalizaram-se após tratamento dos animais com SH associado à enterectomia. A magnitude da lesão intestinal, evidenciada por dano da membrana basal, edema, congestão e presença de células inflamatórias, foi menor no grupo tratado com SH comparado ao tratamento com RL, ambos associados à enterectomia. As concentrações de uréia, creatinina e a atividade das enzimas hepáticas normalizaram-se após tratamento com SH e enterectomia. Houve um aumento significativo da sobrevida dos animais (86%, 15 dias) e no ganho de peso corpóreo (p>0,05 vs FO) no grupo tratado com SH seguido de enterectomia. CONCLUSÕES: A estabilização de ratos submetidos à OI com SH associada à enterectomia resultou em aumento significativo da sobrevida dos animais. A SH reduziu a resposta inflamatória local (interações leucócito-endotélio e expressão de moléculas de adesão na microcirculação mesentérica, e lesão intestinal) e sistêmica (concentrações séricas de CINC-1 e CINC-2, disfunção renal e hepática) / BACKGROUND: It has been shown that hypertonic saline solution improve hemodynamics, the microcirculation, and modulate the immune system, attenuating the inflammatory response associated with shock and trauma. The present study aims to investigate and compare the effects of hypertonic saline solution (NaCl, 7.5%) and lactated Ringer´s solution in the treatment of intestinal obstruction and ischemia, analysing the bacterial translocation phenomenon, mesenteric microcirculatory dysfunctions, hemodynamic/metabolic disturbances, and organ dysfunction in a rat model of intestinal obstruction and ischemia (IO) followed by resection of the necrotic small bowel segment. METHODS: Anesthetized (pentobarbital 50 mg/kg, i.p.) male Wistar rats (250-300 g) were submitted to IO (ligature at the level of the terminal ileum, followed by ligation of mesenteric vessels that supply 7 10 cm of the ileal loop). Two hours thereafter animals were randomized into: IO without treatment; IO treated with lactated Ringer´s (LR, 4 ml/kg, i.v.) solution; IO treated with hypertonic saline (HS, 7.5%, 4 mL/kg, i.v.) solution. Twenty-four hours thereafter, IO rats (IO, LR, HS) were submitted to enterectomy. Control Sham-operated rats were submitted to laparotomy only. The following parameters were analysed: 1) bacterial cultures (E. coli) from mesenteric lymph nodes, liver, spleen, and blood samples; 2) analyses of leukocyte-endothelial interactions at the mesenteric microcirculation by intravital microscopy; 3) expression of endothelial adhesion molecules (P-selectin, ICAM-1) by immunohistochemistry; 4) quantification of serum cytokines and chemokines (CINC-1, CINC-2) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; 5) intestinal histology; 6) serum biochemistry; 7) blood gases, hematocrit, lactate, glycemia, white blood cell counts; 8) serum insulin and corticosterone; 9) survival rate. RESULTS: Treatment with HS reduced the number of animals with positive samples for the presence of E. coli (57%) and the number of CFU/g tissue (p<0.05) compared to LR treated rats or IO rats without treatment. Leukocyteendothelial interactions and expression of the adhesion molecules, Pselectin and ICAM-1, were reduced after treatment with HS solution followed by enterectomy. Values attained matched those observed in Sham group (p>0.05). Both treatments, HS and LR associated with enterectomy, reduced serum levels of CINC-1 and CINC-2 to normal values (p>0.05 vs Sham). PaCO2, pH, lactate, and glucose were normalized after treatment of the animals with HS or LR followed by enterectomy. The hypoinsulinemia observed in the IO rats was prevented by treatment of the animals with HS or LR. Corticosterone concentrations were normalized after treatment of the animals with HS associated with enterectomy. The magnitude of the intestinal lesion, characterized by basal membrane injury, edema, congestion, and inflammatory cells, was smaller in the HS group compared to LR group, both treatments associated with enterectomy. Serum urea and creatinine levels, and the activity of hepatic enzymes were normalized after treatment with HS and enterectomy. A significant increase in survival rate (86%, 15 days) and in the body weight gain (p>0.05 vs Sham) were observed after treatment of the animals with HS and enterectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of the animals with HS solution followed by enterectomy significantly increased the survival rate. HS solution reduced the magnitude of the local inflammatory response (leukocyte-endothelial interactions, and adhesion molecules expression in the mesenteric microcirculation, and the intestinal lesion) and the systemic inflammatory response (CINC-1 and CINC-2 serum levels, renal and hepatic dysfunctions)

Resultados preliminares do nosso grupo de pesquisa demonstraram que a inibição da síntese de NO por período de tempo prolongado reduz o recrutamento de leucócitos para focos inflamatórios, dependente, pelo menos em parte, da inibição da interação leucócito-endotélio e da expressão de L-selectina. 0 presente trabalho visou complementar os estudos sobre os mecanismos envolvidos nesta ação antiinflamatória. Para tanto, ratos Wistar machos (180 a 220g) receberam L-NAME (20mg/Kg; v.o.; 14 dias) ou água pela mesma via e período de tempo. Foi avaliada a atividade das enzimas óxido nítrico sintases (NOS) no tecido cerebral por radioimunoensaio; o recrutamento leucocitário para cavidade peritoneal induzido pelo LPS (5mg/kg, 4 horas); as expressões de moléculas de adesão em leucócitos do sangue circulante, no músculo cremaster e nos sinusóides hepáticos por ensaios de citometria de fluxo ou imunohistoquímica; as expressões gênicas de moleculas de adesão, quantificadas por PCR e a secreção/produção de mediadores inflamatórios em leucócitos por ensaios imunoenzimáticos, reacao de Griess ou quimiluminescência. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que: 1) o tratamento com L-NAME reduziu em torno de 90% a atividade das NOS dependentes de Ca+2 em condições basais ou após estimulação in vivo com LPS; 2) as concentrações de NO no plasma e no peritônio inflamado estavam reduzidos em animais tratados com L-NAME (30% vs. controles); 3) a migração de leucócitos polimorfonucleares (PMN) para o peritônio inflamado estava reduzida em animais tratados com L-NAME (40% vs. controles); 4) as expressões de L-selectina e PECAM-1 em leucócitos circulantes; de PECAM-1 no endotélio do músculo cremaster e de VAP-1 no endotélio dos sinusóides hepáticos e músculo cremaster de animais tratados com L-NAME estavam reduzidas; 5) a redução na expressão de L-selectina foi dependente de inibição de sua síntese; 6) a concentração de IL-10 estava major no soro de animais tratados com L-NAME em relação aos controles; 7) a maior concentração de IL-10 circulante pode refletir a produção desta citocina por leucócitos na circulação, uma vez que a concentração de IL-10 também estava maior no sobrenadante de leucócitos circulantes de animais tratados com L-NAME; 8) concentrações reduzidas de IL-1&#946; e LTB4 foram detectadas nos sobrenadantes de neutrófilos obtidos de animais tratados com L-NAME; 9) macrófagos obtidos de animais tratados com L-NAME produziram maiores concentrações de IL-1&#946;, TNF-&#945; e IL-6, e menores concentrações de IL-10 na ausência de estimulação; na vigência estimulação in vitro com LPS os macrófagos de animais tratados com L-NAME produziram menores concentrações de NO. Em conjunto, os resultados obtidos neste trabalho mostram que o tratamento com L-NAME por período prolongado de tempo inibe a atividade das NOS dependentes de Ca+2 e nesta condição reduz as concentrações de NO circulante e no foco da inflamação, além de inibir a migração de leucócitos para o foco inflamatório, confirmando propriedades pro-inflamatórias do NO. Os mecanismos envolvidos na inibição da migração celular parecem compreender a modulação da expressão e/ou síntese das moléculas de adesão constitutivas expressas em leucócitos e no endotélio, além da modulação da secreção de mediadores pró ou antiinflamatórios em leucócitos circulantes e neutrófilos. Por outro lado, os efeitos do tratamento com L-NAME sobre a secreção de mediadores químicos por macrófagos induzem a secreção destes e corroboram a dualidade dos efeitos do NO no processo de recrutamento celular. / Our previous results have demonstrated that in vivo chronic inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis reduces leukocyte recruitment into inflammatory focus, dependent, at least in part, on impaired leukocyte-endothelial interactions and expression of L-selectin. This study aimed to clarify the mechanisms involved in the reduced leukocyte migration observed in L-NAME-treated rats. For this purpose, male Wistar rats (180-220g) were treated with L-NAME (20 mg/kg, oral route, 14 days, dissolved in drinking water); controls animals received water by the same route and period of time. The effectiveness of L-NAME treatment was investigated by examining the activity of nitric oxide synthases (NOS) in the brain tissue using radioimmunoassay. In addition, effects of L-NAME treatment were evaluated in LPS-induced leukocyte recruitment into peritoneal cavity (5mg/kg, 4 hours); expression of adhesion molecules was determined in circulating leukocytes, cremaster muscle and liver sinusoids by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry assay; gene expressions of adhesion molecules were quantified by PCR and leukocyte secretion of inflammatory mediators was measured by immunoenzimatics assays, Griess reaction or chemiluminescence. Our results show that: 1) L-NAME treatment reduced, around 90%, Ca+2 - dependent NOS activity in the presence or not of in vivo inflammation; 2) concentrations of NO in the plasma and into inflamed peritoneum were reduced in L-NAME-treated animals (30% vs. control animals); 3) migration of PMN leukocytes into inflammed peritoneum was impaired in L-NAME-treated rats (40% vs. control animals); 4) expressions of L-selectin and PECAM-1 in circulating leukocytes, PECAM-1 in endothelium from cremaster muscle and VAP-1 in endothelium from liver sinusoids and cremaster muscle were reduced in L-NAME-treated rats; 5) decrease in L-selectin expression was dependent on inhibition of its synthesis; 6) concentrations of IL-10 was higher in serum from L-NAME-treated rats in comparison to control rats; 7) these higher concentrations of circulating IL-10 can reflect the production of this cytokine by leukocytes from circulation, as IL-10 levels was greater in the supernatant of circulating leukocytes obtained from L-NAME-treated animals; 8) L-NAME treatment disturbed neutrophils ability to secrete IL-1&#946; e LTB4, since these concentrations were lower in the supernatants of neutrophils from L-NAME-treated animals; 9) in absence of stimulation, macrophages obtained from L-NAME-treated rats produced higher concentrations of IL-1&#946;, TNF-&#945; e IL-6, and lower concentrations of IL-10, whereas in presence of in vitro LPS these cells produced lower concentrations of NO. Taken together, our results show that L-NAME treatment administrated for a prolonged period of time inhibits Ca+2 -dependent NOS activity, and in this condition, reduces concentrations of NO in plasma and into inflammatory focus and decreases leukocyte migration to the inflammatory focus thus confirming pro-inflammatory properties of NO. The mechanisms involved in impaired cellular migration seem to involve the modulation of expression and/or synthesis of constitutive adhesion molecules in leukocytes and endothelium, and to interfere in the secretion of pro or anti inflammatory mediators. On the other hand, actions of NO in secreation of chemical mediators by macrophages induces the production of inflammatory mediators and support the duality of NO in the cellular recruitment process.

O presente estudo tem como objetivo investigar a frequência dos diversos polimorfismos dos genes KIR (Killer Immunoglobulin-like Receptors) e HLA C1 e C2 em um grupo de pacientes com câncer de mama e comparar com um grupo controle de indivíduos sadios. As células natural killer (NK) são linfócitos que diferem das células T e B e que fazem parte da imunidade natural, reconhecendo as moléculas HLA (Antígenos Leucocitários Humano) de classe I em células infectadas por vírus ou em células tumorais, através de seus receptores de membrana. Os principais receptores das células NK são conhecidos como receptores KIR, sendo codificados por genes localizados no cromossomo 19q13.4 e classificados em grupos funcionais supressores e ativadores. Neste estudo, analisamos 15 genes KIR e alelos do sistema HLA de classe I em 230 pacientes caucasóides e em 278 controles, usando a técnica de PCR com primers específicos (PCR-SSO e PCR-SSP). Nossos resultados demonstraram uma frequência maior do genótipo supressor 2DL2 (P<0,001) em pacientes com câncer de mama, quando comparados ao grupo controle. Os genes HLA-C2 e HLA-BW4 não apresentaram diferenças significantes entre os grupos. Contudo, o gene HLA-C1 foi observado em maior frequência nos pacientes com câncer de mama. Considerando que estes achados sugerem uma potencial associação entre o sistema de genes KIR, HLA classe I e o câncer de mama, estudos adicionais sobre este tema são necessários. / We investigated the frequency of various KIR (Killer Immunoglobulin-like Receptors) and HLA C1 and C2 gene polymorphisms in a group of patients with breast cancer and healthy controls. Natural Killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes that differ from T and B cells and are part of the innate immune system, recognizing class I Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) molecules on target cells (virus-infected as well as cancer cells), through specific cell surface receptors. KIR comprises the main class of NK receptors, being encoded by genes located in chromosome 19q13.4. They possess both suppressor and activating functional groups. Fifteen KIR genes and class I HLA alleles obtained from 230 Caucasians patients, as well as 278 controls were studied, using PCR techniques with specific primers (PCR-SSO and PCR-SSP). Our results showed a higher frequency of suppressor genotype 2DL2 (P<0,001) in patients with breast cancer as compared to controls. No significant difference between HLA-C2 and HLA-BW4 alleles were observed between the study groups. Notably, a higher frequency of HLA-C1 gene was noted in patients with breast cancer. Our results suggest a potential association between KIR genes, HLA class I and breast cancer, deserving further investigation.

Submitted by Cássio da Cruz Nogueira (cassionogueirakk@gmail.com) on 2017-05-15T11:33:00Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Dissertacao_UtilizacaoCelulasTrofoblasta.PDF: 3484769 bytes, checksum: 0aeb5fff725718c30f9e19f2450b603e (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Edisangela Bastos (edisangela@ufpa.br) on 2017-05-16T17:31:50Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Dissertacao_UtilizacaoCelulasTrofoblasta.PDF: 3484769 bytes, checksum: 0aeb5fff725718c30f9e19f2450b603e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-05-16T17:31:50Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Dissertacao_UtilizacaoCelulasTrofoblasta.PDF: 3484769 bytes, checksum: 0aeb5fff725718c30f9e19f2450b603e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-03-30 / A perspectiva de aumentar a produtividade do gado bovino a partir da aplicação de melhoramento genético do rebanho é cada vez mais estudada. Dentre as regiões genômicas mais estudadas e promissoras têm-se o Complexo Principal de Histocompatibilidade (MHC), já que este reúne genes importantes na resposta imunológica do animal, sendo possível selecionar marcadores nesta região para maior resistência a enfermidades e, portanto, maior produção pecuária. A diversidade do MHC bovino, conhecido como BoLA (Bovine Leukocyte Antigens), foi estudada inicialmente investigando seus genes isoladamente. A maioria dos bovinos são heterozigotos em BoLA e apenas em ocasiões especiais (animais homozigotos ou que possuam informação de pedigree) seu haplótipo pode ser caracterizado. Portanto, este trabalho objetivou desenvolver uma nova abordagem para descrever haplótipos de BoLA de vacas heterozigotas, utilizando células do trofoblasto de embriões partenogenéticos bovinos. Dois métodos para validação desta abordagem foram utilizados: um painel de 445 SNPs em BoLA foi informativo acerca do efeito que a recombinação meiótica apresenta na zigose da região; e a comparação de alelos de BoLA-DRB3 entre a fêmea bovina e sua célula trofoblástica partenogenética (CTP) demonstrou ser um método confiável e prático para a investigação de homozigose em BoLA. A partir de ambos os métodos, a metodologia desenvolvida aqui foi validada, já que CTPs homozigotas em BoLA foram derivadas de vacas heterozigotas, permitindo a descrição de haplótipos de BoLA. A análise detalhada da região de Classe IIa de BoLA-DRB3-DQA-DQB revelou a presença de 18 haplótipos distintos, sendo 16 destes nunca antes descritos. Além disso, dois alelos de DQA e um de DQB presentes nestes haplótipos são novos. O método descrito aqui foi mais eficiente do que a investigação por fêmeas homozigotas ou inferir a composição haplotípica baseada em informação de pedigree, além de evitar ambiguidades nos resultados. Novas pesquisas buscando a otimização deste método podem aumentar a sua eficiência e torná-lo mais facilmente aplicável a uma variedade de estudos genéticos, usando espécies diferentes e com finalidades distintas. / The prospect of increasing the productivity of cattle by means of genetic improvement is increasingly investigated. Among the most studied and and promising genomic regions is the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC), since it includes key genes of the immune response of the animals, being able to select makers in this region for increased disease resistance and therefore greater production. The diversity of the cattle MHC, known as BoLA (Bovine Leukocyte Antigens), has been primarily studied using variants of serological specificities or sequencing some of its genes. Most cattle are heterozygous at BoLA and only in special occasions (homozygous animals or animals for which pedigree information is available) can the haplotypes be characterized. Therefore, this study aims to develop a novel approach to describe BoLA haplotypes from heterozygous cows, using trophoblast cells from parthenogenetic bovine embryos derived from slaughterhouse ovaries. Two methods for validating this approach were used: a panel of 445 SNPs spanning BoLA region was informative on the effect of meiotic recombination on the region zigosity; and the comparison of BoLA-DRB3 alleles between the dam and its parthenogenetic embryo derived trophoblast cells (PEDTC) proved to be a reliable and practical method for investigating BoLA homozigosity. Using both methods, the approach presented here was validated, since BoLA homozygous PEDTC were derived from heterozygous cows, allowing the description of BoLA haplotypes. Detailed analysis of the BoLA Class IIa region identified 18 different BoLA-DRB3-DQA-DQB haplotypes, including 16 novel haplotypes. Furthermore, two DQA and one DQB alleles included in these haplotypes were novel. This method was more efficient than to look for homozygous cows or infer haplotype composition based on pedigree information, in addition to avoid ambiguities on the results. New researches aiming for the improvement of this method can increase its efficiency and make it more easily applicable for a variety of genetic studies, using different species and for other purposes.

Polymorphism in coding regions and regions controlling gene expression is the major determinant of adaptive differences in natural populations. Genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) possess a high level of genetic variation, which is maintained by selection over long coalescence times. MHC genes encode antigen-presenting molecules in the adaptive immune system, which protects the host from infectious diseases. However, MHC molecules may also present self-peptides and for most autoimmune diseases there is a genetic factor associated with the MHC. MHC genes have been used to learn about the interplay of selection and historical population events. In domestic dogs and their progenitor, the wolf, I explored factors associated with domestication and breed formation and their influence not only on MHC coding regions but also on the haplotypic structure of the class II region. Polymorphism and strong selection was demonstrated in the proximal promoters of MHC genes in dogs and wolves. Hence, genetic variation associated with MHC gene expression may have at least equal importance for a well functioning immune system. Associations between promoter sequences and particular coding alleles suggested allele-specific expression patterns. SNP haplotypes of the MHC class II region revealed ancestral as well as convergent haplotypes, in which combinations of alleles are kept by selection. Interestingly, weaker allelic associations were found between different genes and between coding regions and promoters in dogs compared to wolves. Potentially, this could cause insufficient defense against infections and predispose dogs to autoimmune diseases. For example, I identified a site in the promoter region that showed a consistent difference between haplotypes conferring susceptibility and protection to diabetes in dogs, which should be investigated further. Furthermore, I investigated how selection and demographic changes associated with glacial and inter-glacial periods have affected MHC variation in European hedgehogs and extended the prevailing knowledge concerning their population history.

Several studies have shown that complement and thrombotic events co-exist. Platelets have been suspected to act as the bridge between the two cascade systems. To study the platelet-induced complement activation we developed a system in which platelets were activated by thrombin receptor activating peptide (TRAP) in platelet rich plasma (PRP) or whole blood anti-coagulated using the specific thrombin inhibitor, lepirudin. TRAP-activated platelets induced a fluid-phase complement activation measured as generation of C3a and sC5b-9, triggered by released chondroitin sulphate-A (CS-A) which interacted with C1q and activated the complement system through the classical pathway. Complement components C1q, C3, C4 and C9 were also shown to bind to TRAP-activated platelets but this binding did not seem to be due to a complement activation since blocking of complement activation at the C1q or C3 levels did not affect the binding of the complement proteins. The C3 which bound to activated platelets consisted of C3(H2O), indicating that bound C3 was not proteolytically activated. Binding of C1q was partially dependent on CS-A exposure on activated platelets. The abolished complement activation on the surface of activated platelets was suggested to be dependent on the involvement of several complement inhibitors. We confirmed the binding of C1INH and factor H to activated platelets. To this list we have added another potent complement inhibitor, C4BP. The binding of factor H and C4BP was shown to be dependent on exposure of CS-A on activated platelets. The physiological relevance of these reactions was reflected in an elevated expression of CD11b on leukocytes, and increased generation of platelet-leukocyte complexes. The platelets were involved in these events by at least two different mechanisms; generation of C5a which activated leukocytes and binding of C3(H2O)/iC3(H2O), a ligand to the intergrin CD11b/CD18 on their surface. These mechanisms add further to the understanding of how platelets interact with the complement system and will help us to understand the role of the complement system in cardiovascular disease and thrombotic conditions. / Platelet Mediated Complement Activation

Signaling pathways are complex and function to transmit signals from the extracellular environment into the cell. Analysis of results obtained from a high throughput siRNA screen led to the identification of Membrane protein palmitoylated 3 (MPP3) and Leukocyte Tyrosine Kinase (LTK) as novel negative regulators of the Wnt pathway. MPP3 is a MAGUK family protein and domain mapping studies indicated that the Guk domain plays a role in the negative regulation of the pathway. LTK, a receptor tyrosine kinase, has several transcript variants one of which lacks the entire kinase domain (LTK∆KD). While LTK∆KD interacted with the Wnt receptor Frizzled7, the full length LTK did not, suggesting distinct modes of pathway regulation. Analysis of neuronal cells, NIE115 and Neuro2a, demonstrated LTK is expressed and that cells are Wnt3a responsive, thereby providing a neuronal model system appropriate for further studies on the mechanism and biological role of LTK as a negative regulator of the Wnt pathway

Signaling pathways are complex and function to transmit signals from the extracellular environment into the cell. Analysis of results obtained from a high throughput siRNA screen led to the identification of Membrane protein palmitoylated 3 (MPP3) and Leukocyte Tyrosine Kinase (LTK) as novel negative regulators of the Wnt pathway. MPP3 is a MAGUK family protein and domain mapping studies indicated that the Guk domain plays a role in the negative regulation of the pathway. LTK, a receptor tyrosine kinase, has several transcript variants one of which lacks the entire kinase domain (LTK∆KD). While LTK∆KD interacted with the Wnt receptor Frizzled7, the full length LTK did not, suggesting distinct modes of pathway regulation. Analysis of neuronal cells, NIE115 and Neuro2a, demonstrated LTK is expressed and that cells are Wnt3a responsive, thereby providing a neuronal model system appropriate for further studies on the mechanism and biological role of LTK as a negative regulator of the Wnt pathway