A resistência aos antibióticos adquirida por micro-organismos patogênicos é um problema de saúde mundial e, por isso, o desenvolvimento de novos agentes antimicrobianos vem sendo amplamente estimulado. Sabendo que muitos peptídeos bioativos correspondem a fragmentos peptídicos de proteínas e/ou seus análogos, este trabalho teve o objetivo de desenvolver novos peptídeos antimicrobianos (AMPs) a partir das sequências aminoacídicas e das estruturas 3D de proteínas possivelmente envolvidas na atividade antimicrobiana de venenos de serpentes pouco estudados. As etapas iniciais seguidas foram: a) escolher uma fosfolipase A2 (PLA2) de veneno de serpente peruana do gênero Bothrops da família Viperidae com sequência de aminoácidos conhecida e modelar por homologia a sua estrutura 3D; b) verificar atividade antimicrobiana em venenos de serpentes peruanas dos gêneros Bothrops e Bothriopsis da família Viperidae, selecionar um veneno ativo, fracioná-lo para isolar proteínas provavelmente envolvidas nessa atividade, tripsinizar as proteínas isoladas, sequenciar os fragmentos trípticos para identificá-las, localizar esses fragmentos em sequências aminoacídicas de proteínas com estruturas 3D disponíveis correlatas às proteínas isoladas/identificadas em classe, função e fonte natural. Em seguida, foram escolhidos fragmentos peptídicos da PLA2 (item a) e das proteínas isoladas do veneno ativo (item b) e/ou desenhados análogos que apresentassem características exibidas por AMPs conhecidos. Os peptídeos desenhados foram sintetizados, purificados, caracterizados e testados em suas atividades antimicrobianas. Os modelos estruturais 3D da PLA2 de Bothrops pictus e quatro peptídeos (PLA2-1 a -4) amidados derivados dela foram obtidos, sendo o PLA2-1 ativo frente a Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, Candida krusei e Candida parapsilosis (MICs de 6,25-200 µmol.mL-1). Dos três venenos de serpentes peruanas testados, Bothrops taeniatta, Bothrops barnetti e Bothriopsis oligolepis, os dois últimos inibiram o crescimento de S. aureus (MICs 0,78-50 µmol.mL-1), mas apenas B. oligolepis demonstrou espectro de ação amplo. O seu fracionamento sequencial, acompanhado de ensaios de inibição do crescimento de S. aureus, gerou frações ativas relativamente homogêneas que, tripsinizadas e os fragmentos trípticos sequenciados, continham metalo-peptidases do tipo III, serino-peptidase ou lectinas do tipo C. A verificação de atividade enzimática e de coagulação sanguínea nessas frações confirmaram as naturezas das proteínas isoladas. Dos três peptídeos amidados (Bo-Ser1, Bo-Met1 e Bo-Lec1) desenhados a partir de suas estruturas, um deles foi ativo frente às leveduras C. albicans, C. krusei e C. parapsilosis (Bo-Met1; MIC de 6,25 - 200 µmol.mL-1). Pela primeira vez, foi demonstrado que: a) os venenos das serpentes peruanas B. barnetti e B. oligolepis apresentam ação antimicrobiana, sendo o último de espectro amplo; b) que as proteínas acima citadas, que incluem uma serino-peptidase, estão envolvidas com essa propriedade do veneno de B. oligolepis; c) que as sequências aminoacídicas e modelo 3D de uma PLA2 ácida e de proteínas presentes nos venenos das serpentes peruanas B. pictus e Bothriopsis oligolepis podem funcionar como fontes naturais para o desenvolvimento de novos AMPs de ação potente em micro-organismos de interesse clínico e científico. / Resistance to antibiotics obtained by pathogenic microorganisms is a global health problem, so the search for new antimicrobial agents has been encouraged. Knowing that many protein fragments and analogues are bioactive peptides, the aim of this work was to develop new antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) based on the amino acid sequences and 3D structures of proteins apparently involved in the antimicrobial activity of snake venoms very little or not studied so far. The first steps taken were: a) selection of a phospholipase A2 (PLA2) present in the venom from a Peruvian Bothrops sp. belonging to the family Viperidae, whose amino acid sequence was known, to model by homology its 3D structure; b) detection of antimicrobial activity in venoms from other Peruvian Viperidae Bothrops and Bothriopsis snakes, selection of an active venom, fractionation of it for isolation of proteins possibly involved in the antimicrobial activity, trypsinization of the isolated proteins, sequencing of the tryptic fragments for protein identification, location of such fragments in the amino acid sequences and 3D structures of proteins directly related in class, function and natural source to the isolated proteins. Then, peptide fragments from the chosen PLA2 (item a) and from the isolated proteins (item b) that presented structural features found in the known AMPs were selected and/or their analogues were designed. Finally, synthesis, purification and characterization of the peptides with AMP potential, (viii) verification on whether or not they display antimicrobial activity. The 3D-structure models of Bothrops pictus PLA2 and four amidated peptides (PLA2-1 to -4) derived from it were obtained, being PLA2-1 active against Gram negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as well as the yeasts Candida albicans, Candida krusei and Candida parapsilosis (MICs de 6.25-200 µmol.mL-1). Among the three Peruvian snake venoms tested Bothrops taeniatta, Bothrops barnetti and Bothriopsis oligolepis, the last two inhibited the growth of S. aureus (MICs 0.78-50 µmol.mL-1) and B. oligolepis presented a wide spectrum of bacterial action. Sequential fractionation followed by S. aureus growth inhibition assays of the main fractions led to active relatively homogeneous ones. Their trypsinization and sequencing of the tryptic fragments indicated that they contained metalloproteinases type III, serine-proteinase or lectins type CTL. Enzymatic activity and blood coagulation assays confirmed the nature of the isolated proteins. From the three amidated peptides (Bo-Ser1, Bo-Met1 e Bo-Lec1) derived from them, Bo-Met1 showed to be active against C. albicans, C. krusei e C. parapsilosis (MIC 6,25 - 200 µmol.mL-1). In summary, for the first time, it was demonstrated that: a) the venoms of the Peruvian snakes B. barnetti and B. oligolepis display antimicrobial activity, being the last of wide spectrum of action, b) the proteins isolated from B. oligolepis snake venom, including a serine-peptidase, are involved in the antimicrobial activity of the B. oligolepis snake venom, c) the amino acid sequences and 3D structures of acidic PLA2 and of other proteins found in the venoms of the Peruvian B. pictus e Bothriopsis oligolepis snakes can be used as safe and natural sources for the development of new AMPs potent against microorganisms of clinical and scientific interest.

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No. of bitstreams: 1 brunaluanamarcial.pdf: 8389291 bytes, checksum: 93256796394730c4d8f7a200fe2be582 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-07-26 / CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / As Metaloproteinases de Matriz (MMPs) desempenham um papel crucial nos processos fisiológicos e condições patológicas tais como progressão tumoral e metástases. Nos últimos anos, tem sido proposto uma série de inibidores de MMPs (IMMPs), incluindo as Tetraciclinas Quimicamente Modificadas (CMTs), as quais têm apresentado resultados promissores em ensaios com modelos pré-clínicos de câncer. No entanto, até o presente não havia nenhum estudo da estrutura-atividade desses compostos. Neste sentido, na presente tese foram combinadas as metodologias teóricas da Teoria do Funcional da Densidade (DFT), Docking molecular e simulação de Dinâmica Molecular (DM) para elucidar o mecanismo de interação das CMTs com o sítio ativo das MMPs. Primeiramente a estrutura e estabilidade dos modelos moleculares miméticos do sítio ativo da MMP-2 representados por: [Zn(LHn)(H2O)2]2+x (n = 0, 1, 2 e x = -2, -1, 0) e [Zn(L)(His)3], onde L representa CMT1, -3, -4, -7 e -8, foram calculados usando DFT. O efeito do solvente e do pH foram também avaliados. Os resultados sugerem que a coordenação com o zinco ocorra no sítio VI(O11O12), o qual é igualmente favorável para a CMT-3 (log β = 15,9) e CMT-8 (log β = 21,3). Esta análise inicial evidenciou que a atividade das CMTs como inibidoras de MMP estaria diretamente relacionada à sua estrutura. Na segunda fase do trabalho foi investigada a interação das CMTs diretamente com o sítio ativo da MMP-2 (1QIB) combinando os métodos de docking molecular, simulações de DM e cálculos de energia livre. Um novo conjunto de parâmetros para os átomos de Zn(II) estrutural e catalítico da enzima foi calculado, validado e depositado dentro do campo de forças AMBER. As CMTs foram otimizadas no nível B3LYP/6-31G(d) e “docadas” dentro do sítio ativo da MMP-2. As melhores soluções foram minimizadas e submetidas a 12ns de simulação de DM. A energia livre de ligação foi calculada usando as metodologias de integração termodinâmica e MMPBSA. Os principais resultados mostram que as CMTs coordenam-se ao Zn(II) através do sítio VI(O11-O12), como proposto experimentalmente. Com exceção do análogo CMT-3 que está envolvido em contatos hidrofóbicos e interações de van der Waals com aminoácidos do bolso S1’da enzima e ainda interage com o Zn(II) pelo O11. A análise da energia livre de ligação revela uma maior afinidade entre o análogo CMT-3 com o sítio ativo da MMP-2, seguido pela CMT-7 e CMT-8, sendo que a diferença de energia varia apenas de 3 kcal mol1. De acordo com os resultados, é possível inferir que a ocupação do canal S1’ seria um fator fundamental para a resposta biológica da CMT-3, enquanto que as demais CMTs, por impedimento estérico, não entram no túnel hidrofóbico da enzima. Os resultados apresentados nesta tese tratam do primeiro estudo em nível molecular da interação de CMTs com metaloproteínas, como contribuição para a compreensão das observações experimentais, sobretudo dos testes biológicos, e ainda uma referência direta para o desenho de novos análogos das CMTs com maior potencial biológico. / Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a critical role in physiological processes and pathological conditions such as tumor progression and metastasis. In recent years, a number of MMP inhibitors (MMPIs) have been proposed, including the chemically modified tetracyclines (CMTs), which have been evaluated in preclinical cancer models showing promising results. However, until present there were no studies on the structure-activity relationship for these compounds. In this sense, the present thesis focuses on the direct interaction of CMTs with the active site of the MMPs. Density Functional Theory (DFT), molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were accomplished for seven CMT derivatives. Firstly the structure and stability of mimetic molecular models of active site of MMP-2 represented by: [Zn(LHn)(H2O)2]2+x (n = 0, 1, 2 and x = -2, -1, 0) and [Zn(L)(His)3], where L=CMT-1, CMT-3, CMT-4, CMT-7 and CMT-8, were calculated at DFT level. The solvent and pH effects were also evaluated. The results suggested that the coordination at the O11-O12 site (site VI) was quite favorable to CMT-3 (log β = 15,9) and CMT-8 (log β = 21,3). This initial analysis showed that the activity of CMTs as inhibitors of MMP is directly related to its structure. In the second stage of the study, we investigated the interaction of CMTs directly with the active site of MMP-2 (1QIB). New sets of parameters were proposed for structural and catalytic zinc atoms in order to study MMPs and their complexes by means of the AMBER force field. The CMTs ligands were optimized at the B3LYP/6-31G(d) and docked onto the active site of MMP-2. The best solutions were minimized and subjected to 12ns MD simulation. The binding free energy was calculated using the methods of thermodynamic integration and MM-PBSA. The main results showed that the CMTs bind to the catalytic zinc of the MMP-2 enzyme through the O11-O12 moiety (site VI) as proposed experimentally. The exception was the CMT-3 analogue which is involved in hydrophobic contacts and van der Waals interactions with amino acids of the S1’ pocket in the MMP-2 enzyme and also interacts with the Zn (II) by O11. The binding energy calculated in solution predicts the CMT-3 complexes as the most favorable, followed by the CMT-7 and CMT-8 analogues, whose energy difference is within 3 kcal mol-1. These results suggest that the occupancy of S1’ pocket is an important molecular feature for biological response of CMT-3, while the other CMTs do not enter the hydrophobic tunnel of the enzyme due to the steric hindrance. The results presented in this thesis are the first step towards understanding the mechanism of CMTs as MMP inhibitors at a molecular level and could be a significant contribution to the understanding of experimental observations, especially the biological tests and the CMTs action mechanism as MMP inhibitors, allowing the design of new analogues with enhanced biological potency.

Orientadores: Luiz Carlos Zeferino, Silvia Helena Rabelo dos Santos / Texto em português e inglês / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-23T06:30:30Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Westin_MariaCristinadoAmaral_D.pdf: 3122088 bytes, checksum: 3d2afed3690cd3566bbb3fe26bb492a3 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013 / Resumo: Introdução: O carcinoma escamoso do colo uterino é precedido pela neoplasia intraepitelial cervical grau 3 (NIC 3). A invasão tumoral envolve a degradação da matriz extracelular e membrana basal do epitélio por enzimas proteolíticas denominadas metaloproteinases (MMPs). Os inibidores teciduais das metaloproteinases (TIMPs) também interferem no processo de invasão. Angiogênese é condição indispensável para a progressão tumoral. Objetivo: Analisar a expressão de MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-14, TIMP-1, TIMP-2 e VEGF-A na NIC 3 e carcinoma do colo uterino. Sujeito e Métodos: Estudo do tipo comparativo observacional constituído de três grupos:- Grupo 1: 55 casos com diagnóstico de NIC 3, Grupo 2: 30 casos com NIC 3 e carcinoma associados e Grupo 3: 46 casos com carcinoma. A expressão protéica foi pesquisada separadamente nas células tumorais e estromais por reação imunoistoquímica. Para estabelecer a porcentagem de células imunopositivas utilizou-se software morfométrico. Análise Estatística: Aplicou-se o Teste T-pareado ou de Mann-Whitney ou Wilcoxon Signed Rank. Resultados: Em todos os grupos, a expressão tumoral de MMP-14 foi maior que a estromal. Inversamente, a expressão de TIMP-2 foi maior nas células estromais que nas tumorais, em cada grupo diagnóstico. A expressão de MMP-9 foi maior nas células estromais que nas tumorais, com exceção do componente invasor do Grupo 2. A expressão estromal de TIMP-1 foi maior que a tumoral no carcinoma e, ao contrário, sua expressão foi maior nas células tumorais da NIC 3. A expressão de VEGF-A foi maior apenas nas células tumorais da NIC 3. Comparando a expressão dos marcadores entre os grupos, foram encontradas as maiores diferenças entre grupos extremos, ou seja, entre NIC 3 e carcinoma. A expressão de MMP-2 nas células estromais foi maior no componente NIC 3 do Grupo 2 que no NIC 3 do Grupo 1. A expressão de VEGF-A nas células estromais do carcinoma foi maior que nas células estromais da NIC 3. Conclusões: Os resultados deste estudo sugerem que a expressão de TIMP-1 aumenta nas células do estroma e diminui nas células tumorais quando a NIC 3 progride para carcinoma invasor. MMP-9 e TIMP-2 tiveram expressão similar na NIC 3 e no carcinoma, o que limita inferências sobre seu papel na progressão neoplásica. O padrão imunoistoquímico da expressão das MMPs, TIMPs e VEGF-A na NIC 3 e no carcinoma invasivo, quando estas lesões estavam associadas, foi semelhante. A expressão do VEGF-A foi maior nas células tumorais do que nas estromais da NIC 3, porém quando esta lesão progride para carcinoma invasivo sua expressão aumenta nas células do estroma e não se altera nas tumorais. A expressão de MMP-14, MMP-2, TIMP-1 e VEGF-A aumentou com a gravidade da neoplasia / Abstract: Introduction: Squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix is preceded by cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 (CIN 3). Tumor invasion involves degradation of extracellular matrix and epithelium basement membrane by proteolytic enzymes called metalloproteinases (MMPs). Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are also involved in the invasion process. Angiogenesis is a prerequisite for tumor progression. Objective: To analyze the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9 and MMP-14, TIMP-1, TIMP-2 and VEGF-A in CIN 3 and invasive carcinoma. Subject and Methods: This comparative observational study was consists of three groups: Group 1: 55 cases diagnosed with CIN 3, Group 2: 30 cases with CIN 3 associated with invasive carcinoma and Group 3: 46 cases with invasive carcinoma. Protein expression was investigated separately in tumor and stromal cells by immunohistochemistry and evaluated by the percentage of cells positive for immunostaining using morphometric software. Statistical Analysis: Was performed applying paired t-test or Mann-Whitney or Wilcoxon Signed Rank. Results: In each diagnostic group, expression markers were significantly higher: MMP-14 in tumor cells, and TIMP-2 in stromal cells; also MMP-9 expression was significantly higher in stromal cells, except in invasive component of group 2, and TIMP-1 had significantly higher expression in stromal cells of invasive carcinoma and in tumor cells of CIN 3. VEGF-A expression was significantly higher only in tumor cells CIN 3. Comparing the expression of markers between groups, two by two, we find the greatest differences between the extreme groups, i.e. between invasive carcinoma and CIN 3. The expression of MMP-2 was significantly greater in the stromal component CIN 3 in group 2 than in CIN 3 only. The expression of VEGF-A was significantly higher in the group stromal cell carcinoma when compared to stromal cells CIN 3. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that the expression of TIMP-1 increases in the stromal cells and decreases in tumor cells when CIN 3 progresses to invasive carcinoma. MMP-9 and TIMP-2 had similar expression in CIN 3 and invasive carcinoma, which limits inferences about its role in neoplastic progression. The immunohistochemical pattern of expression of MMPs, TIMPs and VEGF-A in CIN 3 and invasive carcinoma, as these lesions were associated, was similar. The expression of VEGF-A was higher in tumor cells than in stromal cells in CIN 3, but when the lesion progresses to invasive carcinoma its expression increases in the stromal cells and the tumor cells does not change. The expression of MMP-14, MMP-2, TIMP-1 and VEGF-A was increased with the severity of the neoplasia / Doutorado / Oncologia Ginecológica e Mamária / Doutora em Ciências da Saúde

A invasão de células tumorais para o tecido cerebral sadio é a marca patológica dos gliomas e contribui para o fracasso das modalidades terapêuticas atuais (cirurgia, radioterapia e quimioterapia). As células da glia transformadas apresentam os padrões clássicos do processo invasivo, incluindo adesão celular aos componentes da matriz extracelular (MEC), locomoção celular e a capacidade de remodelar o espaço extracelular. As metaloproteases de matriz (MMPs) são essenciais para o remodelamento adequado da MEC e para a invasão. O proteína supressora de tumor e metástase RECK regula pelo menos três diferentes membros da família das MMPs, especificamente: MMP-2, MMP-9 e MMP-14. Com o propósito de mimetizar o processo invasivo in vivo, as linhagens celulares de glioma humano A172 e T98G, respectivamente não invasiva e invasiva, foram plaqueadas em plástico (controle), colágeno tipo 1 ou Matrigel - membrana basal reconstituída, e incubadas por 3 e 7 dias, para estabelecer o processo invasivo. Nossos resultados mostram uma diminuição das taxas de proliferação e alterações morfológicas quando estas células foram cultivadas na presença de colágeno ou Matrigel. Microscopia eletrônica de transmissão das células T98G, cultivadas por 7 dias em colágeno, evidenciam invaginações de membrana similares ao que foi recentemente descrito como podossomos. Este novo tipo de estrutura é encontrado tipicamente em células que precisam cruzar barreiras teciduais, já que são sítios de degradação da MEC. A presença destas estruturas reforça o caráter invasivo da linhagem T98G. Ensaios de PCR em tempo real revelaram maior expressão de mRNA de RECK nas células A172, quando comparadas às células T98G, nas três condições de cultivo. Interessantemente as células A172 apresentaram maior expressão de RECK no colágeno tipo 1, enquanto a T98G demonstra uma tendência de aumento na expressão de RECK para colágeno tipo 1 e Matrigel. As MMPs são mais expressas e possuem maior atividade nas células T98G, e também são induzidas pelo substrato de colágeno. Estes resultados sugerem: 1) a expressão de RECK é diminuída pelo caráter invasivo apresentado por T98G, 2) o uso de substratos de MEC, como colágeno tipo 1 (A172 e T98G) e Matrigel (T98G), permite modular a expressão de RECK nestas linhagens de glioma. Como foi estabelecida uma correlação positiva entre a expressão de RECK e a taxa de sobrevida de pacientes para vários tipos tumorais, nossos resultados podem contribuir para o esclarecimento dos complexos mecanismos do processo invasivo no modelo de gliomas / The invasion of neoplastic cells into healthy brain tissue is a pathologic hallmark of gliomas and contributes to the failure of current therapeutic modalities (surgery, radiation and chemotherapy). Transformed glial cells display the common attributes of the invasion process, including cell adhesion to extracellular matrix (ECM) components, cell locomotion, and the ability to remodel the extracellular space. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are essential for proper ECM remodeling and invasion. The tumor and metastasis suppressor RECK protein regulates at least three members of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) family, namely: MMP-2, MMP-9 and MMP-14. In order to mimic the in vivo invasion process, A172 and T98G, respectively, non-invasive and invasive human glioma cell lines were plated onto either plastic (control), or collagen type I gel or Matrigel™-basement membrane reconstituted, and incubated for 3 and 7 days, to establish the invasion process. Our results indicate decreased growth rates and morphological alterations regarding the invasive phenotype when these cell lines are cultured onto collagen gel and Matrigel™. Electronic transmission microscopy of T98G cells, cultured for 7 days onto collagen, pointed out membrane invaginations that are similar to what was recently described as podosomes. These new structures are typically found in cells that have to cross tissue boundaries, since they are sites of ECM degradation. The presence of these structures reinforces the invasive behavior of T98G cell line. Real time PCR assays revealed higher RECK mRNA expression in A172 cells, when compared to T98G cells in all three different substrate conditions. Interestingly, A172 cells displayed the upregulation of RECK expression in collagen gel, while in T98G high RECK expression was observed both in collagen and in Matrigel™. MMPs appear more expressed and more active for T98G cells, and are also upregulated by collagen. These results suggest that: 1) RECK expression is downregulated in the invasion process displayed by T98G cells, 2) coating of the substrate with ECM elements, such as collagen in the case of A172, and Matrigel™ and Collagen for T98G cells, can modulate RECK expression in glioma cell lines. Since positive correlation between RECK expression and survival of patients has been noted in several types of tumors, our preliminary results can contribute to elucidate the complex mechanisms of the glioma invasiveness process.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-08-20T14:30:09Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Tese_luiz_eduardo_rilling_nova_cruz.pdf: 941247 bytes, checksum: b51c3277dc5892c9cf7c0ddc659e85c4 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-06-01 / The objective of the present study was the immunohistochemical evaluation of the proportion of mononuclear cells and the expression of MMP-2 and 9 on chronic periodontitis between smokers and non-smokers. From the 127 patients examined 31(16 non-smokers and 15 smokers) fulfill the inclusion criteria were included in the study. These patients underwent surgical procedures and 31 biopsies were collected and divided in two parts, one for histological preparation and the other for zymography. Each sample was histologically processed and exposed to monoclonal antibodies for B cells (anti-CD20), memory T cells (anti-CD45RO) and macrophages or monocytes (anti-CD68) detection. The samples showed a similar pattern, with connective tissue rich in inflammatory cells. The histometric analysis showed that the total amount of mononuclear inflammatory cells labeled did not differ significantly between smokers and non-smokers (p> 0.05). Evaluating each cell type separately, significant differences were not detected between groups (p> 0.05). When stratifying the samples into regions (coronal, middle and apical third) to evaluate the presence of individual cell types in each region significant differences between the groups were not detected (p> 0.05). The zymography of the samples suggested that the expression of MMP-2 and 9 showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups (p> 0.05). Thus, within the limits of this study, we can conclude that sites with chronic periodontitis in smokers and non-smokers did not differ in the amount of mononuclear inflammatory cells and in the expression of MMPs 2 and 9. / O estudo teve como objetivo a avaliação imunoistoquímica da proporção de células mononucleares e da expressão zimográfica da MMP-2 e 9 na periodontite crônica em fumantes e não-fumantes. Foram examinados 127 pacientes dos quais 31 preencheram os critérios de inclusão e foram inseridos no estudo, sendo 16 não-fumantes e 15 fumantes. Estes pacientes foram operados e 31 biópsias foram coletadas de área interproximal de dentes com bolsa periodontal >5mm e divididas longitudinalmente em duas partes, uma para análise histológica e outra para zimografia. As amostras foram processadas histologicamente e expostas aos anticorpos monoclonais para células B (anti-CD20), células T de memória (anti-CD45RO) e monócitos ou macrófagos (anti-CD68). De maneira geral, as amostras apresentaram padrão semelhante, com um tecido conjuntivo subjacente ao epitélio oral rico em células inflamatórias. A análise histométrica demonstrou que a quantidade total de células inflamatórias mononucleares marcadas não diferiu entre fumantes e não-fumantes (p>0,05). Ao avaliar cada tipo celular separadamente, também não foram detectadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os grupos (p>0,05). Ao dividir as amostras em regiões (terço coronal, médio e apical) e avaliar a presença de cada tipo celular em cada uma das regiões também não foram detectadas diferenças estatísticas significantes entre os grupos (p>0,05). A avaliação das zimografias sugere que a expressão de MMP-2 e 9 não apresentaram diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre os dois grupos (p>0,05). Assim, dentro dos limites deste estudo, pode-se concluir que os sítios com periodontite crônica de fumantes e não-fumantes não diferem em relação à quantidade e localização de células inflamatórias mononucleares e na expressão de MMPs 2 e 9.

Introduction and Objectives Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is the most common valvular disease, accounting for 50% of all valve disorders and is the third most common cardiovascular disease following coronary disease and hypertension.[1,2] Currently, there is no pharmacological agent capable of reversing or slowing down the progression of CAVD and treatment of severe cases consists of surgical repair or valve replacement[2]. Hence, there is a crucial need for earlier detection using predictive biomarkers that will allow for preventative intervention as opposed to post-symptomatic disease treatment or management. Namely, one target of particular interest is the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) (specifically MMP-1, -2, and -9) which are upregulated in CAVD prior to calcification events and have been previously shown to serve as an attractive molecular imaging target.1–3 The primary objective of this study is to assess the feasibility of detecting biomarkers of CAVD by various in vivo imaging modalities, such as PET and echocardiography. In addition, this study assesses disease progression in various mouse strains to qualify an appropriate CAVD animal model. Methods In vivo and ex vivo imaging of C57Bl/6 and ApoE-/- (n = 8 per strain cohort) mouse models are used to link unique features of matrix remodelling with CAVD progression. At baseline and longitudinal follow-up (4, 8, and 12 months), in vivo hemodynamic impairment is assessed through echocardiography, and calcification and MMP activity are measured using PET with a series of radiotracers: [18F]NaF for calcification, [18F]BR351 for the molecular targets of MMP-2 and -9, and [18F]FMBP with molecular target specificity for MMP-13. Following imaging, aortic valve (AV) tissue is harvested, sectioned, and analyzed for calcification, inflammatory markers, collagen types, and MMP activity in AV leaflets. Tracer autoradiography, immunofluorescence, and in situ zymography are used to confirm in vivo imaging results with improved resolution and quantification in valves. Histological sample preparation, experimentation, and analyses are then repeated in human AV tissue samples for relative comparison of biomarker expression in animal models. Results Echocardiography suggests positive signs of disease progression in experimental animal models. In comparison to WT, ApoE-/- mice show: increased peak velocity (p<0.0001), decreased aortic valve area (p<0.001), and irregular valve dynamics. [18F]NaF PET imaging shows expected bone uptake and low calcium-burden in young and WT animals. [18F]FMBP shows increased uptake in the valve area of diseased models at later timepoints, 1.530 compared to <0.001 %ID/g (p<0.005), in disease vs control animals respectively. Furthermore, confirmation of sought-after biomarkers has also been assessed by analysis of various histological sample preparations including the presence of leaflet calcification, upregulation of MMP-2, -9, and -13, matrix remodelling, lipids, inflammatory markers, and activated MMP expression. Conclusion Findings from this study suggest that molecular imaging techniques using target-specific radiotracers, as well as echocardiography for assessment of hemodynamic impairment, are feasible solutions in predicting disease onset in CAVD specific animal models.

O conceito de campo de cancerização, em dermatologia, sugere que a pele fotodanificada tem maior potencial para o desenvolvimento de neoplasias cutâneas. A terapia fotodinâmica (TFD) é um método não invasivo para o tratamento de queratoses actínicas (QA) múltiplas, possibilitando a abordagem de todo o campo. Vinte e seis pacientes com múltiplas QAs na face foram submetidos a três sessões de TFD com metilaminolevulinato 16% (MAL) e luz vermelha, com intervalo de um mês. Biópsias foram realizadas antes e após três meses da última sessão e o material corado para hematoxilina-eosina e Weigert. O estudo imunohistoquímico foi feito para os marcadores: TP-53, pró-colageno I, Metaloproteinase-1 e Tenascina-C. A avaliação do fotoenvelhecimento global melhorou consideravelmente (p < 0,001) e a cura clínica das QAs foi de 89,5% ao final do estudo. Duas sessões mostraram ser equivalentes a três sessões de TFD. Diminuição significante do grau e extensão da atipia celular (p < 0,001), aumento das fibras colágenas (p = 0,001) e melhora do grau de elastose (p = 0,002) foram observadas. O estudo imunohistoquímico mostrou diminuição da expressão da TP-53 (p = 0,580), aumento de pró-colágeno I (p = 0,477) e de MMP-1 (p = 0,08), embora não houvesse diferença estatisticamente significante. Aumento significativo foi observado para Tenascina-C (p = 0,024). Múltiplas sessões de TFD com MAL induziram melhora clínica e histológica do campo de cancerização. A diminuição da severidade e extensão da atipia celular associada à menor expressão de TP-53 sugerem redução do potencial carcinogênico do campo / The field cancerization concept suggests that photodamaged skin has an increased risk for the development of malignant lesions. Topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a non-invasive therapeutic method for multiple actinic keratosis (AK), allowing the possibility of treating the entire surface. Twenty-six patients with photodamaged skin and multiple AKs on the face were submitted to three consecutive sessions of PDT with mehtylaminolevulinate 16% (MAL) and red light, one month apart. Biopsies were performed before and three months after the last treatment session, and stained for hematoxilin-eosin and Weigert. Immunohistochemestry study was performed for TP-53, pro-collagen I, Metalloproteinase-1 and Tenascin-C. The global score for photodamage improved considerably in all patients (p < 0.001). The AK clearance rate was 89.5% at the end of the study. Two treatments were similar to three MAL-PDT sessions. A significant decrease in keratinocytes atypia grade and amount was observed (p < 0.001). A significant increase in collagen deposition (p = 0.001) and improvement of solar elastosis (p = 0.002) were noticed. Immunohistochemical study showed decreased TP-53 expression although not statistically significant (p = 0.580), increased pro-collagen I and MMP-1 expressions (p = 0.477 and p = 0.08) again not statistically significant and a increased expression of Tenascin-C (p = 0.024), which was statistically significant. In conclusion, multiple sessions of MAL-PDT induced clinical and histological improvement of field cancerization. The decrease in severity and extension of keratinocytes atypia associated with a decreased expression of TP-53 suggest a reduced carcinogenic potential of the altered field

No description available.

Apoptosis-induced compensatory proliferation (AiP) is a mechanism that maintains tissue homeostasis after stress-induced cell death. During AiP, apoptotic cells induce proliferation of the neighboring surviving cells to compensate for tissue loss. AiP is important for wound healing and tissue regeneration in several model organisms. Additionally, AiP is an important feature of tumorigenesis and tumor relapse as it contributes to tumor repopulation following radiation or chemotherapy. Using an overgrowth tumor model (“undead tissue”) in Drosophila melanogaster, we determined that the initiator caspase Dronc promotes generation of extracellular Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), which drive activation of the stress kinase JNK and downstream mitogens to promote AiP. We also observed increased numbers of Drosophila macrophages, termed hemocytes, which are attracted to undead tissue. However, the specific mechanisms by which macrophages are recruited to undead tissue are still unclear. Here, we report that the tissue microenvironment of the overgrown undead tissue directs macrophage recruitment during AiP. We demonstrate that ROS, JNK, and the matrix metalloproteinase Mmp2 are important for recruiting macrophages. Mechanistically, undead tissue-produced ROS and active JNK damage the basement membrane (BM) surrounding the undead tissue, by upregulating the expression and activity of Mmp2. The damaged BM then recruits macrophages to the undead tissue. Taken together, we propose a model in which the ROS-JNK-Mmp2 signaling axis damages the BM of undead tissue, resulting in changes in the tissue microenvironment that recruit macrophages to the area of damage to promote AiP and overgrowth.

Atherosclerosis is a macrophage-dominated nonresolving inflammatory disease of the arterial wall. Macrophage processes, including apoptosis, influence lesion development in atherosclerosis. Cannabinoids, compounds structurally related to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient in marijuana, exert their effects through cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2. Cannabinoid treatment, THC or Win55,212-2, reduces atherosclerosis in ApoE-null mice by a mechanism thought to involve CB2. However, the exact role of CB2 in atherosclerosis remains unclear. We found that CB2-null macrophages are resistant to oxysterol/oxLDL-induced apoptosis leading us to hypothesize that CB2 may modulate macrophage apoptosis in atherosclerosis. To determine the functions of CB2 in atherosclerosis, we fed low density lipoprotein receptor-null (Ldlr-/-) and Ldlr-/- mice genetically deficient in CB2, an atherogenic diet for 8 and 12 weeks. CB2 deficiency did not significantly affect aortic root lesion area after 8 or 12 weeks; however, after 12 weeks, CB2-deficient lesions displayed increased lesional macrophage and smooth muscle cell (SMC) content and a ~2-fold reduction in lesional apoptosis. CB2-deficienct lesions also displayed reduced collagen content and elevated elastin fiber fragmentation that was associated with elevated levels of the extracellular matrix degrading enzyme, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9). These results demonstrate that although CB2 signaling does not affect atherosclerotic lesion size it does modulate lesional apoptosis, cellularity and ECM composition. Ldlr-/- and CB2-deficient Ldlr-/- mice were also subjected to daily treatments with Win55,212-2, a synthetic cannabinoid, over the last 2 weeks of an 8 week atherogenic diet to identify CB2-dependent and CB2-independent effects of cannabinoid receptor stimulation on atherosclerosis. Win55,212-2 did not affect hypercholesterolemia, aortic root lesion area, lesional macrophage infiltration, or ECM composition in either genotype but did significantly reduce total plasma triglyceride levels and lesional SMC content, independent of CB2. Surprisingly, lesional apoptosis was dose-dependently repressed by Win55,212-2 in Ldlr-/- mice by a CB2-dependent mechanism. All together, these results support the suggestion that CB2 may be a target for novel therapies aimed at modulating lesional apoptosis and cellularity to increase lesion stability and reduce the vulnerability to rupture.