Methods Three hundred thirty-nine patients (230 men, 109 women) treated with lipoprotein apheresis in Saxony, Germany, in 2018 are described in terms of age, lipid pattern, risk factors, cardiovascular events, medication, and number of new admissions since 2014, and the data are compared with figures from 2010 to 2013. Results Patients were treated by 45.5 physicians in 16 lipoprotein apheresis centers. With about 10 patients per 100 000 inhabitants, the number of patients treated with lipoprotein apheresis in Saxony is twice as high as in Germany as a whole. The median treatment time was 3 years. Almost all patients had hypertension; type 2 diabetes mellitus was seen significantly more often in patients with low Lipoprotein(a). Cardiovascular events occurred in almost all patients before initiation of lipoprotein apheresis, under apheresis therapy the cardiovascular events rate was very low in this high-risk group. For some cardiovascular regions even no events could be observed. Conclusions The importance of lipoprotein apheresis in Saxony had been increasing from 2010 to 2018.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Human Nutrition / Denis M. Medeiros / Laman Mamedova / The internalization of aggregated low-­density lipoprotein (agLDL) may involve the actin cytoskeleton in ways that differ from the endocytosis of soluble LDL. Based on previous findings the P2Y[subscript]2 receptor (P2Y[subscript]2R) mediates these effects through interaction with filamin‐A (FLN‐A), an actin binding protein. Our findings also showed that uridine 5’‐ triphosphate (UTP), a preferential agonist of the P2Y[subscript]2R, stimulates the uptake of agLDL, and increases expression of low‐density lipoprotein receptor related protein 1 (LRP 1) in cultured mouse vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs). The strategy of this research was to define novel mechanisms of LDL uptake through the modulation of the actin cytoskeleton in order to identify molecular targets involved in foam cell formation in vascular SMCs. For this project, we isolated aortic SMCs from wild type (WT) and P2Y[subscript]2R‐/‐ mice to investigate whether UTP and the P2Y[subscript]2R modulate expression of LRP 1 and low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR). We also investigated the effects of UTP on uptake of DiI‐labeled agLDL in WT and P2Y[subscript]2R‐/‐ vascular SMCs. For LRP1 expression, cells were stimulated in the presence or absence of 10 [mu]M UTP. To determine LDLR mRNA expression, and for agLDL uptake, cells were transiently transfected for 24 h with cDNA encoding hemagglutinin-­tagged (HA-­tagged) WT P2Y[subscript]2R or a mutant P2Y[subscript]2R that does not bind FLN‐A, and afterwards treated with 10 [mu]M UTP. Total RNA was isolated, reversed transcribed to cDNA, and mRNA relative abundance determined by RT-­PCR using the delta-­delta Ct method with GAPDH as control gene. Results show SMCs expressing the mutant P2Y[subscript]2R that lacks the FLN‐A binding domain exhibit 3‐fold lower LDLR expression than SMCs expressing the WT P2Y[subscript]2R. There was also decrease in LRP1 mRNA expression in response to UTP in P2Y[subscript]2R‐/‐ SMCs compared to WT. Actinomycin‐D (20 [mu]g/ml) significantly reduced UTP-­induced LRP1 mRNA expression in P2Y[subscript]2R‐/‐ SMCs (P < 0.05). Compared to cells transfected with mutant P2Y[subscript]2R, cells transfected with WT P2Y[subscript]2R showed greater agLDL uptake in both WT VSMC and P2Y[subscript]2R-­/-­ cells. Together these results show that both LRP 1 and LDLR expressions are dependent on an intact P2Y[subscript]2R, and P2Y[subscript]2R/ FLN‐ A interaction is necessary for agLDL uptake.

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar se o complexo Európio- Clorotetraciclina (EuCTc) ou o corante Tioflavina T (ThT) podem atuar como biossensores precisos e eficientes de colesterol numa fração específica, através de procedimentos simples. Para isso estudaram-se as propriedades ópticas do complexo EuCTc e ThT na presença da Lipoproteína de Baixa Densidade (LDL) em seu estado nativo e em seu estado oxidado. O primeiro estudo realizado verificou a melhor razão molar entre o Európio e a Clorotetraciclina, em seguida verificou-se a influência da diálise da LDL na emissão do complexo EuCTc, para obtenção de um protocolo para quantificação da concentração da LDL. Foram traçadas as curvas de calibração da emissão do complexo EuCTc com várias concentrações da LDL nativa, LDL oxidada com íons de Cobre e LDL oxidada com íons de Ferro. Em seguida obteve-se o tempo de vida do íon Európio no complexo EuCTc na presença de diferentes concentrações de LDL nativa e LDL oxidada por íons de Cobre. Na segunda parte do trabalho estudou-se a emissão do corante Tioflavina T na presença da LDL nativa e LDL oxidada. Na terceira etapa as propriedades ópticas dos biossensores EuCTc e ThT foram investigadas na presença do plasma sanguíneo e foram comparadas às emissões do complexo EuCTc e o corante ThT com a LDL ultracentrifugada, para verificar a possibilidade de quantificar a LDL diretamente no plasma sanguíneo. Na última etapa do trabalho desenvolveu-se uma nova metodologia para oxidar a partícula de LDL a partir da irradiação com laser de pulsos ultracurtos, a fim de produzir uma oxidação branda da partícula de LDL e controlada. / The present study aims at assessing the complex Europium-Clorotetracycline (EuCTc) or the dye Thioflavin T (ThT) can act as biosensors accurate and efficient in a specific fraction of cholesterol through simple procedures.For this purpose, it was studied the optical properties of Europium- Chlortetracycline (EuCTc) complex and the thioflavin T (ThT) dye in the presence of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in native state and in oxidized state in vitro. First study realized it was verified the influence of dialysis in the emission of complex EuCTc in the presence of LDL, thereby producing a protocol for use of the complex to obtain the concentration of LDL. It was obtained the calibration curves of the complex with various concentrations of native LDL, the oxidized LDL with copper ions and oxidized LDL with iron ions. It was also obtained from the calibration curve of the emission of the complex in the presence of calcium interferent ion with the concentration found in blood plasma with the oxidized LDL with copper ions. It was obtained the lifetime of the europium ion in the complex in the presence of different concentrations of Native LDL and oxidized LDL by copper ions. In the second part of the work it was studied the emission of the dye thioflavin T in the presence of native LDL and oxidized LDL. In the third part the optical properties of biosensors EuCTc and ThT were investigated in the presence of blood plasma and compared to the emission of the complex EuCTc and the dye ThT with LDL ultracentrifugated to verify the possibility of quantifying directly LDL in blood plasma.In the final part of this work it has developed a new methodology for the LDL particles oxidation from the irradiation of ultrashort laser pulses in order to produce mild and controlled oxidation of the LDL particle.

Introdução: As dislipidemias representam um dos principais fatores de risco para as doenças cardiovasculares e, particularmente, para a aterosclerose. Portanto, todos os fatores nutricionais capazes de reduzir a sua incidência ou melhorar seu quadro clínico, representam ferramentas importantes para sua prevenção ou tratamento. Além das dislipidemias, as modificações oxidativas da lipoproteína de baixa densidade (LDL) têm relação direta com o processo aterosclerótico. Objetivos: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a possível influência dos Parâmetros Nutricional (alimentar e antropométrico) e Bioquímicos sobre a geração de LDL- em indivíduos com diferentes níveis de risco cardiovascular Métodos: Para a consecução destes objetivos foram avaliados indivíduos com hipercolesterolemia associada à LDL com (n = 10) ou sem (n = 33) aterosclerose, quando comparados aos indivíduos normocolesterolêmicos (n = 30). A partir desta amostra avaliou-se o hábito alimentar (questionário quantitativo de freqüência alimentar), a antropometria (peso, altura, circunferência da cintura, % de gordura corporal e % de massa magra), o perfil lipídico (colesterol e triacilgliceróis), o conteúdo de LDL- (plasma, LDL total e sub-frações de LDL) e os auto-anticorpos anti-LDL- no plasma. O diagnóstico de aterosclerose foi feito através da pesquisa dos prontuários e da avaliação do índice tornozelo-braço (ITB). Resultados: A análise do perfil lipídico indicou que a concentração de colesterol plasmático no grupo Controle (180,5 ± 19,6 mg/dL) foi menor que a observada nos grupos Hipercolesterolêmico – Hiper (-) (243,5 ± 29,7 mg/dL) e Hipercolesterolêmico com aterosclerose – Hiper (+) (221,1 ± 19,6 mg/dL), sendo a dislipidemia observada resultante do acúmulo de colesterol na LDL. O monitoramento da LDL- no plasma e de seus auto-anticorpos não apresentou diferença significativa entre os grupos. Entretanto, quando se analisou a LDL- na LDL total verificamos que o grupo Controle apresentou conteúdo inferior (850,2 ± 337,8 DO) aos grupos Hiper (-) (1253,1 ± 340,9 DO) e Hiper (+) (1258,5 ± 207,4 DO). Em relação ao hábito alimentar, o grupo Controle apresentou menor consumo de carboidratos e vitamina C, quando comparado ao grupo Hiper (+), e este consumo inferior de ácido graxo monoinsaturado (AGM), ácido graxo poliinsaturado (AGP) e ácido linoléico que o grupo Hiper (-). Não observamos diferença significativa nos parâmetros antropométricos. Considerando que o conteúdo de LDL- no plasma e na LDL (+) densa apresentou correlação positiva, além das correlações positivas entre LDL- isolada e normalizada pelas proteínas e colesterol tanto no plasma, quanto na LDL total e nas sub-frações de LDL, estabelecemos correlações entre estas variáveis e os parâmetros clínicos, de consumo, de composição corporal e bioquímicos. Neste sentido, observamos que houve correlação da pressão arterial sistólica com LDL- no plasma (r = 0,26 e p = 0,03) e escore de risco de Framingham com LDL- na LDL (r = 0,36 e p = 0,01). Em relação ao consumo alimentar, houve correlação entre o consumo de gordura e colesterol com o conteúdo de LDL- no plasma (r = 0,27 e p = 0,02; r = 0,27 e p = 0,02, respectivamente). Verificamos também correlação entre LDL- presente na sub-fração menos densa da LDL com o consumo de AGM (r = -0,27 e p = 0,02), AGP (r = -0,23 e p = 0,05), ácido oléico (r = -0,23 e p = 0,05), ácido linoléico (r = -0,31 e p = 0,01) e vitamina A (r = -0,25 e p = 0,03). As variáveis antropométricas e de composição corporal não apresentaram correlação significativa com a geração de LDL- no plasma, na LDL total e nas sub-frações de LDL, nem com seus auto-anticorpos. Quando avaliamos o perfil lipídico e a LDL- na LDL, observamos correlação positiva com colesterol total (r = 0,52 e p &#8804; 0,001), colesterol associado à LDL, pela equação de Friedewald e analisado na lipoproteína isolada (r = 0,59 e p &#8804; 0,001; r = 0,75 e p &#8804; 0,001, respectivamente), as relações colesterol total/HDL (r= 0,45, p &#8804; 0,001) e LDL/HDL (r= 0,47, p &#8804; 0,001) e colesterol não HDL (r= 0,74, p &#8804; 0,001). Conclusões: Os resultados obtidos mostram que a LDL-, sobretudo quando analisada na LDL, é um importante e sensível parâmetro bioquímico associado ao perfil lipídico, a outros parâmetros de risco cardiovascular e ao consumo alimentar. Portanto, sugere-se que o monitoramento da LDL- faça parte dos protocolos clínicos, visto que este marcador sofre variação em função de fatores exógenos, clínicos e bioquímicos. / Introduction: The dyslipidemias is very important to coronary artery disease (CAD) development, specially in atherosclerosis. Therefore, all nutritional factors able to decrease its incidence represent important tools in the prevent or treatment. In this respect, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) has been associated to atherosclerotic process. Objectives: Our goal was to evaluate the influence of the Nutritional (intake and anthropometria) and Biochemical Parameters in generation of LDL- in subjects with different levels of cardiovascular risk. Methods: Subjects with hypercholesterolemia associated to LDL with (n = 10) or without (n = 33) atherosclerosis and normocholesterolemic (n = 30) were selected. Habitual food intake (quantitative food frequency questionnaire), anthropometric parameters (weight, heath, waist circumference, % body fat and % mass muscular) were evaluated. In plasma we evaluated lipid profile (cholesterol and triglycerides), LDL- content (plasma, LDL and LDL subfractions) and auto-antibodies anti-LDL-. Atherosclerosis was confirmed by register and ankle-brachial blood pressure index (ABI). Results: The plasma cholesterol in group Control (180.5 ± 19.6 mg/dL) was lower than compared to Hiper (-) group (243.5 ± 29.7 mg/dL) and Hiper (+) group (221.0 ± 19.6 mg/dL). This dyslipidemia was associated to high levels of LDL-cholesterol. The content of LDL- in plasma and its autoantibodies against did not have any significant difference between groups. However, when LDL- content was analyzed in total LDL we verified that Control group showed menas lower (850.2 ± 337.8 DO) than Hiper (-) (1253.1 ± 340.9 DO) and Hiper (+) (1258.5 ± 207.4 DO) groups. Carbohydrate and vitamin C intake in Control group was lower than Hiper (+) group. Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and acid linoleic intake in Hiper (+) was higher than Hiper (-) group. No significant differences in anthropometric parameters were observed when all groups were evaluated. When we analyzed the possible association between variables, we verified positive correlation between blood pressure arterial systolic with LDL- plasma (r = 0.26 and p = 0.03) and Framingham risk score with LDL- in LDL (r = 0.36 and p = 0.01). Total fat and cholesterol intake was correlated to LDL- plasma (r = 0.27 and p = 0.02; r = 0.27 and p = 0.02, respectively). In addition we observed a correlation between LDL- in dense low LDL subfraction with MUFA (r = -0.27 and p = 0.02), PUFA (r = -0.23 and p = 0.05), acid oleic (r = -0.23 and p = 0.05), acid linoleic (r = -0.31 and p = 0.01) and vitamin A (r = -0.25 and p = 0.03). The anthropometric parameters did not show any significant correlation with the LDL- content and its autoantibodies. LDL- in LDL had positive correlation with total cholesterol (r = 0.52 and p &#8804; 0.001), cholesterol associated LDL as calculated by Friedewald equation and crude analysis (r = 0.59 and p &#8804; 0.001; r = 0.75 and p &#8804; 0.001, respectively), TC/HDL ratio (r= 0.45 and p &#8804; 0.001), LDL/HDL ratio (r= 0.47 and p &#8804; 0.001) and non cholesterol HDL (r= 0.74 and p &#8804; 0.001). Conclusion: These results showed that certain component diet could modulate LDL- generation. Furthermore, this particle was correlated with the lipid profile and some of the factors that predispose for cardiovascular desiase.

Este trabalho apresenta o processo para obtenção de partículas de sílica amino-funcionalizadas contendo complexos de TR3+ utilizando os métodos de Stöber e por micro-ondas. Os espectros de absorção no infravermelho das partículas TR-BTC-Si preparadas pelo método de micro-ondas exibiram bandas de absorção atribuídas aos modos vibracionais dos complexos TR-BTC e da rede de sílica, indicando a incorporação destes complexos na matriz SiO2. Por outro lado, os complexos Eu-(&#946;-dicetonatos) preparados pelo método Stöber mostraram apenas as bandas atribuídas à estrutura da rede de sílica, devido à dupla camada de revestimento de sílica. As morfologias das partículas de sílica amino-funcionalizadas contendo complexos de TR3+ foram visualizadas usando a técnica MEV. As diferenças nas morfologias entre o complexo precursor e o material amino-funcionalizado pode ser atribuído a presença da sílica na superfície do material. Além do mais, o método da ninidrina indicou a presença de grupos amina (-NH2) na superfície destes materiais. Os espectros de emissão dos materiais funcionalizados com os complexos de Eu3+ e Tb3+ apresentaram as bandas de emissão da transição intraconfiguracional dos íons Eu3+ (5D0&#8594;7FJ, J = 0-6) e Tb3+ (5D4&#8594;7FJ, J = 6-0), exibindo cores características de emissão vermelha e verde, respectivamente. É observado um decréscimo nos valores dos parâmetros &#937;2 dos materiais Eu-(&#946;-dicetonato)-Si e Eu-BTC-Si comparados com os respectivos complexos, devido a diminuição da intensidade da transição 5D0&#8594;7F2, indicando um maior caráter centrossimétrico. Conseqüentemente, os íons Eu3+ nos materiais com sílica estão em um ambiente químico menos polarizável do que nos complexos, sugerindo uma menor contribuição do mecanismo de acoplamento dinâmico. Os altos valores dos &#937;4 para os sistemas com sílica Eu-(&#946-dicetonato)-Si e Eu-BTC-Si comparados com os valores de &#937;2 reflete a intensidade extremamente alta da transição 5D0&#8594;7F4 observada nos espectros de emissão. Este resultado corrobora com o maior caráter centrossimétrico e evidencia a incorporação dos complexos de Eu3+ na rede de sílica. Foi realizado um fluoroimunoensaio usando os compostos amino-funcionalizados, que mostraram uma luminescência e propriedades físico-químicas eficientes para atuarem como marcadores biológicos. O marcador óptico foi conjugado com o anticorpo anti-oxLDL, que se liga a um suporte específico com o antígeno oxLDL. Portanto, estes materiais são candidatos promissores para conjugação molecular em clínicas de diagnóstico. / This work presents the process to obtain amino-functionalized silica particles containing complexes of trivalent rare earth ions (RE3+) using Stöber and microwave methods. Infrared spectra of the TR-BTC-Si particles prepared by microwave method exhibited absorption bands assigned to the vibrational modes of the TR-BTC complexes and silica network, indicating that the complexes have been incorporated in the SiO2 matrix. However, due to double coating of the silica network, the IR spectra of the Eu-(&#946;-diketonates) complexes prepared by Stöber method showed only bands assigned to the silica structure. The morphologies of the amino-functionalized silica particles containing RE3+ complexes were examined using SEM technique. The difference in morphology between the complex precursor and amino-functionalized material can be attributed to the silica network on the material surface. Besides, the ninhydrin method confirmed the presence of amine groups (-NH2) in the functionalized materials. The emission spectra of the functionalized materials containing Eu3+ and Tb3+ complexes showed the emission bands originated from the intraconfigurational transitions of the Eu3+ (5D0&#8594;7FJ, J = 0-4) and Tb3+ (5D4&#8594;7FJ, J = 6-0), exhibiting red and green color emission, respectively. It is observed decreasing values of experimental intensity parameters (&#937;2) of the Eu-(&#946;-diketonate)-Si and Eu-BTC-Si materials when compared with the complex precursors, owing to the decreased intensity of the 5D0&#8594;7F2 transition, indicating a higher centrosymmetric character. As a result, the Eu3+ ions in silica materials are located in a chemical environment less polarizable than in the complexes, suggesting a smaller contribution of dynamic coupling mechanism. On the other hand, an abnormally high intensity of the 5D0&#8594;7F4 transition was observed, which is reflected by the high values of &#937;4 of the silica systems, Eu-(&#946;-diketonate)-Si and Eu-BTC-Si, compared with the &#937;2 ones. These spectroscopic data corroborate with a higher centrosymmetric character, indicating the incorporation of the Eu3+ complexes in the silica network. A fluoroimmunoassay was developed using the amino-functionalized compounds that exhibit efficient luminescence and physical and chemical properties suitable for optical label. The biolabel was then chemically conjugated to anti-oxLDL antibody, which is linked in a specific support with oxLDL antigen. The result showed that it is a promising candidate for molecular conjugation in clinical diagnosis.

Submitted by Angela Maria de Oliveira (amolivei@uepg.br) on 2018-12-19T13:31:11Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 811 bytes, checksum: e39d27027a6cc9cb039ad269a5db8e34 (MD5) Alceu de Oliveira Toledo Junior.pdf: 3822777 bytes, checksum: 8621dbda843628c32379a4d6c54e0ac2 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-19T13:31:11Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 811 bytes, checksum: e39d27027a6cc9cb039ad269a5db8e34 (MD5) Alceu de Oliveira Toledo Junior.pdf: 3822777 bytes, checksum: 8621dbda843628c32379a4d6c54e0ac2 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-12-17 / Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar comparativamente perfis de marcadores bioquímicos que melhor caracterizem e/ou associem-se às dislipidemias, na modalidade diagnóstica por ampliar a estratificação do risco cardiovascular ou no seu monitoramento para melhor condução. Para isso avaliamos o perfil lipídico composto por colesterol total, triglicérides, colesterol da lipoproteína de alta densidade e da lipoproteína de baixa densidade; esta com a fórmula de Martin, e ainda o colesterol em conteúdo que não faz parte das lipoproteínas de alta densidade, correlacionando-os com os marcadores: lipoproteína a, apoproteína B e colesterol da lipoproteína de baixa densidade; com uso do método homogêneo. Foram selecionados 1012 pacientes, segmentados por faixas etárias, sexo e condição de uso ou não de inibidores de produção hepática do colesterol. Para ampliar o poder dessa análise agrupada os exames realizados foram separados em subgrupos, considerando-se valores obtidos e metodologias utilizadas; correlacionando-se os resultados. A pesquisa foi realizada com variáveis qualitativas e quantitativas, procedendo-se ao uso de testes estatísticos não paramétricos para sua compreensão, distribuição e análise agrupada. Nossos resultados mostraram evidências que o risco cardiovascular não se associa apenas ao colesterol da lipoproteína de baixa densidade obtido pela fórmula de Martin, mas a outras variáveis, sob associação às seguintes análises comparativas: que o uso da apoproteína B amplia o diagnóstico de inclusão das dislipidemias em 43% usando valores referenciais sexo-independentes e com uma nova faixa de monitoramento em 84 mg/dL. Que o colesterol da lipoproteína de baixa densidade obtido pelo método homogêneo apresenta discordância analítica em +3,5% e tendo estratificação diagnóstica 48% superior. E que a lipoproteína a apresenta-se superior a 30 mg/dL em 26% dos pacientes, porém com prevalência e segmentação específicas nas mulheres entre 51 a 60 anos, sendo necessária sua análise numa aparente discordância, superior a 10 mg/dL, quando da comparação de resultados entre a fórmula de Martin e o método homogêneo. / This study aims to comparatively evaluate the profiles of biochemical markers that best characterize and / or associate with dyslipidemias, in the diagnostic modality by increasing the stratification of cardiovascular risk or its monitoring for better conduction. For this, we evaluated the lipid profile composed of total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein cholesterol and low density lipoprotein; and the cholesterol in non-high density lipoprotein content, correlating them with the markers: lipoprotein A, apoprotein B and low density lipoprotein cholesterol; using the homogeneous method. A total of 1012 patients were selected, segmented by age, sex and condition of use or inhibition of hepatic cholesterol production. In order to increase the power of this group analysis the exams were separated into subgroups, considering the obtained values and methodologies used; correlating the results. The research was carried out with qualitative and quantitative variables, using nonparametric statistical tests for their comprehension, distribution and grouped analysis. Our results showed evidence that cardiovascular risk is not only associated with the low density lipoprotein cholesterol obtained by Martin's formula, but other variables, in association with the following comparative analyzes: that the use of apoprotein B expands the diagnosis of inclusion of dyslipidemias in 43 % using genderindependent baseline values and with a new monitoring range of 84 mg/dL. That the low density lipoprotein cholesterol obtained by the homogeneous method presents an analytical disagreement at + 3.5% and having a 48% higher diagnostic stratification. In addition, lipoprotein a levels were higher than 30 mg/dL in 26% of the patients, but with a specific prevalence and segmentation in women between the ages of 51 and 60 years, with an apparent disagreement of more than 10 mg/dL when of the comparison of results between the Martin formula and the homogeneous method.

Este trabalho apresenta o processo para obtenção de partículas de sílica amino-funcionalizadas contendo complexos de TR3+ utilizando os métodos de Stöber e por micro-ondas. Os espectros de absorção no infravermelho das partículas TR-BTC-Si preparadas pelo método de micro-ondas exibiram bandas de absorção atribuídas aos modos vibracionais dos complexos TR-BTC e da rede de sílica, indicando a incorporação destes complexos na matriz SiO2. Por outro lado, os complexos Eu-(&#946;-dicetonatos) preparados pelo método Stöber mostraram apenas as bandas atribuídas à estrutura da rede de sílica, devido à dupla camada de revestimento de sílica. As morfologias das partículas de sílica amino-funcionalizadas contendo complexos de TR3+ foram visualizadas usando a técnica MEV. As diferenças nas morfologias entre o complexo precursor e o material amino-funcionalizado pode ser atribuído a presença da sílica na superfície do material. Além do mais, o método da ninidrina indicou a presença de grupos amina (-NH2) na superfície destes materiais. Os espectros de emissão dos materiais funcionalizados com os complexos de Eu3+ e Tb3+ apresentaram as bandas de emissão da transição intraconfiguracional dos íons Eu3+ (5D0&#8594;7FJ, J = 0-6) e Tb3+ (5D4&#8594;7FJ, J = 6-0), exibindo cores características de emissão vermelha e verde, respectivamente. É observado um decréscimo nos valores dos parâmetros &#937;2 dos materiais Eu-(&#946;-dicetonato)-Si e Eu-BTC-Si comparados com os respectivos complexos, devido a diminuição da intensidade da transição 5D0&#8594;7F2, indicando um maior caráter centrossimétrico. Conseqüentemente, os íons Eu3+ nos materiais com sílica estão em um ambiente químico menos polarizável do que nos complexos, sugerindo uma menor contribuição do mecanismo de acoplamento dinâmico. Os altos valores dos &#937;4 para os sistemas com sílica Eu-(&#946-dicetonato)-Si e Eu-BTC-Si comparados com os valores de &#937;2 reflete a intensidade extremamente alta da transição 5D0&#8594;7F4 observada nos espectros de emissão. Este resultado corrobora com o maior caráter centrossimétrico e evidencia a incorporação dos complexos de Eu3+ na rede de sílica. Foi realizado um fluoroimunoensaio usando os compostos amino-funcionalizados, que mostraram uma luminescência e propriedades físico-químicas eficientes para atuarem como marcadores biológicos. O marcador óptico foi conjugado com o anticorpo anti-oxLDL, que se liga a um suporte específico com o antígeno oxLDL. Portanto, estes materiais são candidatos promissores para conjugação molecular em clínicas de diagnóstico. / This work presents the process to obtain amino-functionalized silica particles containing complexes of trivalent rare earth ions (RE3+) using Stöber and microwave methods. Infrared spectra of the TR-BTC-Si particles prepared by microwave method exhibited absorption bands assigned to the vibrational modes of the TR-BTC complexes and silica network, indicating that the complexes have been incorporated in the SiO2 matrix. However, due to double coating of the silica network, the IR spectra of the Eu-(&#946;-diketonates) complexes prepared by Stöber method showed only bands assigned to the silica structure. The morphologies of the amino-functionalized silica particles containing RE3+ complexes were examined using SEM technique. The difference in morphology between the complex precursor and amino-functionalized material can be attributed to the silica network on the material surface. Besides, the ninhydrin method confirmed the presence of amine groups (-NH2) in the functionalized materials. The emission spectra of the functionalized materials containing Eu3+ and Tb3+ complexes showed the emission bands originated from the intraconfigurational transitions of the Eu3+ (5D0&#8594;7FJ, J = 0-4) and Tb3+ (5D4&#8594;7FJ, J = 6-0), exhibiting red and green color emission, respectively. It is observed decreasing values of experimental intensity parameters (&#937;2) of the Eu-(&#946;-diketonate)-Si and Eu-BTC-Si materials when compared with the complex precursors, owing to the decreased intensity of the 5D0&#8594;7F2 transition, indicating a higher centrosymmetric character. As a result, the Eu3+ ions in silica materials are located in a chemical environment less polarizable than in the complexes, suggesting a smaller contribution of dynamic coupling mechanism. On the other hand, an abnormally high intensity of the 5D0&#8594;7F4 transition was observed, which is reflected by the high values of &#937;4 of the silica systems, Eu-(&#946;-diketonate)-Si and Eu-BTC-Si, compared with the &#937;2 ones. These spectroscopic data corroborate with a higher centrosymmetric character, indicating the incorporation of the Eu3+ complexes in the silica network. A fluoroimmunoassay was developed using the amino-functionalized compounds that exhibit efficient luminescence and physical and chemical properties suitable for optical label. The biolabel was then chemically conjugated to anti-oxLDL antibody, which is linked in a specific support with oxLDL antigen. The result showed that it is a promising candidate for molecular conjugation in clinical diagnosis.

The effects of oxidatively modified low density lipoprotein (oxLDL) on atherogenesis may be partly mediated by alterations in nitric oxide (NO) production by macrophages. A major goal of this study was to identify the lipid components in oxLDL modulating NO production. The effect of a water soluble antioxidants (N-acetylcysteine) and lipid soluble antioxidant (alpha-tocopherol) on NO production in macrophages was also determined. A second goal was to determine if the effects of oxLDL occurred at the transcriptional level. Human LDL was oxidized using an azo-initiator 2,2$\sp\prime$-azobis (2-amidinopropane) HCI (ABAP). OxLDL markedly decreased the production of NO in LPS stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. This inhibition depended on the levels of LOOH formed in oxLDL and was not due to oxLDL cytotoxicity. In contrast, acetylated LDL (AcLDL) and native LDL showed only minor inhibition. Lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH) and lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC) are the primary products formed during LDL oxidation. 13-Hydroperoxyl octadecadienoic acid (13-HPODE) markedly inhibited NO production, whereas lysoPC showed only slight inhibition. Furthermore, the effects of 13-HPODE and lysoPC did not require their uptake in an AcLDL carrier. Pre-treatment of macrophages with alpha-tocopherol attenuated the inhibition due to oxLDL. Similarly, pre-treatment with N-acetylcysteine attenuated the inhibition caused by oxLDL or 13-HPODE. OxLDL was found to decrease iNOS protein and mRNA levels in RAW264.7 macrophages induced by LPS. The activation of NF-$\kappa$B was slightly suppressed after 45 minutes of treatment. 13-HPODE showed much stronger reduction of iNOS protein levels than lysoPC. These results suggest that oxLDL may inhibit NO production in macrophages at transcriptional level. 13-HPODE is likely to be the most important lipid component in oxLDL for the inhibitory effect. Antioxidants were found to preserve NO production in macrophages treated with either oxLDL or 13-HPODE. The physiological consequences of decreased NO production in macrophages caused by oxLDL are discussed with respect to atherosclerosis.

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a potent bioactive lipid component of oxidized low density lipoproteins (oxLDL). High concentrations of LPA have been detected in human atherosclerotic plaques. Our data has shown that LPA highly induces smooth muscle cell (SMC) migration. Cyr61, a matricellular protein, which also accumulates in human atherosclerotic plaques, has been implicated in the injury-induced neointimal formation. Smooth muscle cell migration is a key event in the development of atherosclerosis, and it contributes to the progressive growth of atherosclerotic lesions. Data generated by this study demonstrate that LPA markedly induces Cyr61 expression in mouse aortic smooth muscle cells (MASMC). We hypothesized that LPA-induced matricellular Cyr61 mediates LPA-induced MASMC migration. To date, little is known about the relationship between LPA and Cyr61 in smooth muscle cells; the signaling pathway leading to LPA-induced Cyr61 is unknown. Furthermore, whether Cyr61 contributes to LPA-induced cell migration is unrevealed. Our study demonstrates that LPA, by binding to LPA1 receptor, activates the intracellular signaling pathway leading to the activation of PKCdelta which in turn contributes to the increased expression of Cyr61 in MASMCs. Interestingly, we found that after LPA-induced Cyr61 mRNA has been translated into its protein intracellularly, the de novo synthesized proteins promptly accumulate in the Golgi apparatus and then translocalize to the extracellular matrix. Importantly, our data reveal a novel LPA/Cyr61 pathway in controlling MASMC migration. Understanding the mechanism underlying LPA induction of Cyr61 provides new insight into pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

Cryopreservation of germplasm is widely used in agriculture, biotechnology, conservation of threatened species and human reproductive medicine. There is a need however to improve the reproductive efficiency of breeding with cryopreserved semen, which may involve increasing the post-thaw quality of sperm through improvements in cryopreservation extenders. Extenders including egg yolk from chickens are successfully used worldwide for cryopreservation of bovine semen, whereas the protective agent in the egg yolk is believed to be the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) fraction. Egg yolks of different avian species vary in their cholesterol, phospholipid and polyunsaturated fatty acid content which have been shown to have important effects on sperm’s freezing capability. The purpose of this study was to determine the cryoprotective effect of clarified egg yolk and LDLs extracted from different egg yolk sources (chicken, chicken omega-3, pigeon, quail and turkey) on bovine sperm. Semen from six bulls was collected four times each by electroejaculation, split and diluted with the 10 following extenders: chicken clarified (Ccl), chicken omega-3 clarified (O3cl), pigeon clarified (Pcl), quail clarified (Qcl), turkey clarified (Tcl), chicken LDL (CLDL), chicken omega-3 LDL (O3LDL), pigeon LDL (PLDL), quail LDL (QLDL) and turkey LDL (TLDL). The extended semen was evaluated, cryopreserved and examined directly after thawing (0h) and after two hours at 37 ˚C (2h). Computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA) was used to determine total sperm motility (TM), progressive motility (PM), straight line velocity (VSL), curvilinear velocity (VCL) and average path velocity (VAP). Intact plasma membrane (IPM) and intact acrosomes (IA) were measured by flow cytometry. The percentage change (loss; Δ%) of each sperm characteristic was calculated and used to compare the effect of the extenders. From extending to 0h post-thaw, the pigeon LDL extender lead to greater losses in sperm total and progressive motility, as well as of intact acrosomes, than the other nine extenders tested (P < 0.05). During 0h to 2h post-thaw, the sperm in PLDL extender experienced greater losses in total and progressive motility (P < 0.0001), as well as in curvilinear velocity (P < 0.05), than in all the other nine extenders. Sperm in turkey clarified extender had a greater loss in the velocity parameters (VSL, VAP, VCL) than sperm in several of the other extenders such as O3cl, CLDL, O3LDL, QLDL and TLDL from 0h to 2h (P < 0.05). Concomitantly, sperm in the Tcl extender had a greater loss in the velocity parameters and of intact acrosomes compared to sperm in its counterpart, the turkey LDL extender, from 0h to 2h post-thaw (P < 0.05). The differences produced in post-thaw quality of cryopreserved bovine sperm in the pigeon LDL and turkey clarified extenders were attributed to methodological differences in these egg yolk preparations compared with the other eight extenders. Importantly, the results demonstrate that with most egg yolk preparations derived from a variety of species, there are equivalent cryoprotective effects afforded by the use of omega-3 chicken, pigeon, quail, or conventional chicken egg yolk in a clarified form in freezing extenders for bovine semen. We further proved that the freezing capabilities of bovine semen extenders containing the low-density lipoprotein fraction of omega-3 chicken, quail, turkey and conventional chicken egg yolk were similar.