This thesis concerns a melanoma-derived growth regulatory factor that inhibited proliferation of several malignant human cell lines, and, in particular, a line designated UCT-BR-1, which was derived from a human breast cancer metastasis. The work is presented in four chapters. Chapter 1 provides a review of the relevant literature at the time of writing; Chapters 2 and 3 describe the experimental work that was done; and in Chapter 4 I discuss the implications of my results for current and future work in growth factors. Experimental results are presented as Charts (which may be Figures or Tables) and the methods and experimental protocols that I used are described in the Chart legends and not in the main text of the thesis. The Appendix contains details of the tissue culture techniques and descriptions of the cell lines that were used. Sources of the various laboratory materials as well as the methods that were employed for the more routine procedures are also described in the appendix.

A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters in Science. December 2015 / Cervical cancer remains a global health related issue among females of Sub-Saharan Africa, with over half a million new cases reported each year. Different therapeutic regimens have been suggested in various regions of Africa, however, over a quarter of a million women die of cervical cancer, annually. This makes it the most lethal cancer amongst black women in this area, and makes it important to search for new effective therapeutic drugs through screening of medicinal plant extracts used by many in Sub-Saharan Africa as potential anti-cervical cancer agents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-proliferative effects of Cannabis sativa extracts and its isolate, cannabidiol on cervical cancer cell lines HeLa, SiHa, and ME-180. To achieve our aim, phytochemical screening, MTT assay, cell growth analysis, flow cytometry, morphology analysis, Western blot, caspase 3/7 assay, and ATP measurement assay were conducted were conducted. Results obtained indicate that both plant extracts induced cell death at an IC50 of 50 – 100μg/ml and the Inhibition of cell growth was cell line dependent. Flow cytometry confirmed that, with or without cell cycle arrest, the type of induced cell death was apoptosis. Cannabis sativa extracts led to the up-regulation of apoptosis proteins (p53, Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-9) and the down regulation of anti-apoptosis proteins (Bcl-2 and RBBP6), signalling the execution of apoptosis. Apoptosis induction was further confirmed by morphological changes, an increase in Caspase 3/7 and a decrease in the ATP levels. In conclusion, this data implies Cannabis sativa crude extracts has the potential to inhibit growth and induce apoptosis in cervical cancer cell lines, which may be due to the presence of cannabidiol. Key words: Apoptosis, cervical cancer cells, cannabidiol, and Cannabis sativa extracts

丹参是一种著名的传统中药，富含丹酚酸和丹参酮。其中，丹参酮的潜在抗肿瘤作用近年来引起众多关注。本研究评价了主要的丹参酮及其衍生物对结肠癌细胞的细胞毒性。结果显示DHTS具有最强的抗结肠癌活性和显著的肿瘤特异性细胞毒性，其细胞毒性主要由于凋亡诱导而不是引起坏死。初步的构效关系分析提示丹参酮母环结构中的A环和B环增加的离域性有助于提高其对结肠癌细胞的细胞毒性，而非二维结构及较小的D环也是进行结构改造的可能方向。 / 基于以上发现，本研究进一步探讨了DHTS的体内外抗肿瘤活性及内在机制。本研究发现DHTS的促凋亡活性并不依赖于p53的表达，而依赖于caspase活性及线粒体介导的细胞质中氧自由基 ROS及钙离子的聚集。DHTS可引起浓度及时间依赖caspase-9/-3/-7的活化而并未显著引起caspase-8的活化，这一现象发生于同样以浓度及时间依赖方式进行的线粒体中cytochrome c及AIF转位之后。在DHTS诱导的结肠癌细胞凋亡中，cytochrome c及caspase介导的凋亡通路及AIF介导的凋亡通路均被激活并显示出两条通路之间的交叉调控。 / 此外，线粒体在DHTS的促凋亡活性中的作用在本研究中被深入探讨。本研究发现线粒体可能是DHTS的一个直接靶点, 而氧化磷酸化复合体III则更可能是其作用位点。DHTS可以引起迅速而明显的线粒体功能障碍，随之引起细胞质中大量的氧自由基及钙离子聚集，诱导凋亡的产生。 / 与体外结果一致，本研究证实了DHTS对免疫缺陷小鼠中的结肠癌移植廇也具有明显的抗肿瘤作用。与溶媒对照组比较，DHTS治疗组中移植廇的增长显著被减缓，在治疗终点时的廇体积与重量也显著被降低。TUNEL检测确认DHTS诱导移植廇中癌细胞的显著凋亡。免疫荧光检测也发现DHTS诱导caspase-3及caspase-7在移植廇中癌细胞的明显活化。 / 综上所述，本研究提供了丹参酮抗结肠癌活性的一些初步构效关系的信息，为提高丹参酮抗结肠癌活性的结构改造提供一定的参考。更重要的是，本研究证明了DHTS的体内外抗结肠癌活性并探讨了其作用机制及可能靶点，为DHTS作为新的应用于抗结肠癌药物或辅助治疗用药提供了临床前研究证据。 / Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, also known as Danshen, rich in phenolic acid and tanshinones, has been widely used to treat various kinds of diseases including heart diseases and hepatitis in China with minimal side effects. Among the tanshinones, tanshinone I, tanshinone IIA, cryptotanshinone and dihydrotanshinone I are the major bioactive constituents in this herb. In this study, the anti-colon cancer potential of five tanshinones and six derivatives of tanshinone IIA were evaluated in several colon cancer cell lines. It was found that apoptosis but not necrosis contributed significantly to the cytotoxicity of the tanshinones. Dihydrotanshinone I (DHTS) was confirmed to be the most potent and selective anti-cancer compound among the tanshinones tested in this study. Preliminary SAR (structure activity relationship) of tanshinones reveals that the increase of delocalizability of A and B rings in the chemical structure of the tanshinones enhances their cytotoxicity on cancer cells, while compounds with a non-planar and small sized D ring region are better choices for anti-cancer effect. / The underlying mechanisms of the anti-colon cancer activity of DHTS were further studied. It was found that apoptosis induced by DHTS was p53 independent but caspase dependent, which was closely related to intracellular accumulation of ROS (reactive oxidant stress) and calcium mediated by mitochondria. A concentration- and time-dependent activation of caspase-9,-3,-7 but not caspase-8 by DHTS in HCT116 cells was detected after the translocation of cytochrome c and AIF (apoptosis inducing factor) from mitochondria. In this process, the crosstalk between the caspase-dependent and caspase-independent pathways was firstly shown in the apoptotic mechanism of DHTS. To this end, the release of cytochrome c happened first and the translocation of apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) was prevented by a pan caspase inhibitor. In the meantime, the release of cytochrome c and activation of caspase-9 and PARP (poly-ADP-ribose polymerase) cleavage were decreased after AIF knockdown. Especially, mitochondrion was suggested to be the direct target of DHTS and OXPHOS complex III but not OXPHOS complex I was probably the acting site of DHTS. / In accordance with the results obtained in vitro, the potential anti-colon cancer activity of DHTS was also observed in nude mice with xenograft tumors and the compound did not produce any observable systemic toxicity. DHTS efficiently delayed tumor growth by decreasing the tumor size and weight through the induction of apoptosis in cancer cells but not by inhibition of cell proliferation. In the same tissues, a distinct activation of caspase-3 and caspase-7 in tumor cells was also detected by immunofluorescence assay. / Collectively, the present study provides preliminary information about the SAR of the anti-colon cancer activity for tanshinones. It also confirms that DHTS is a promising compound for anti-cancer action both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, this study gives us a better understanding regarding the mechanisms of how DHTS induces apoptosis in cancer cells. All these findings could provide solid pre-clinical evidence to propel the development and application of DHTS and perhaps its derivatives as novel therapeutic or adjuvant agents for the treatment of colon cancer. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Wang, Lin. / Thesis (Ph.D.) Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2013. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 122-132). / Abstracts also in Chinese. / Wang, Lin.

In order to gain insights into the underlying mechanisms, several methods including, flow cytometric, western blot and quantitative real-time PCR analyses were employed. AITC-induced cell growth inhibition in SW620 cells was mainly caused by G2/M arrest, which was accompanied by regulatory proteins modifications. Results of western blot and quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed clear downregulation of pivotal phosphatases Cdc25B and Cdc25C at both transcriptional and post-translational levels in AITC-treated cells. Subsequently, accumulation of inhibitory phosphorylation of Cdc2 on Thr14 and Tyr15 were resulted. Furthermore, an AITC induced apoptosis after prolonged exposure was observed. It was a caspase-mediated apoptosis as evidenced by the activation of initiator caspases (-8 and -9), effector caspases (-3 and -7) and cleavage of Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Besides in vitro studies, the antitumor activity of AITC was further illustrated by a nude mice xenografts experiment. Treatment with 10 micromol AITC could effectively suppress the growth of SW620 xenografts in vivo. Taken together, our results suggest that AITC is an attractive candidate for future research in chemotherapy and chemoprevention. / Many epidemiological studies indicate that a high intake of cruciferous vegetables, such as cabbage, broccoli and Brussels sprouts, may reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. Glucosinolates in cruciferous vegetables and their digested products are suggested to play an important role in such chemoprevention. When plant tissue is physically damaged, glucosidic bonds are cleaved by endogenous myrosinase to produce various products. Among these products, isothiocyanates (ITCs) draw most of the attention because of their potent antitumor activities. But the molecular mechanism leading to such effects has not yet been defined. / The objective of this study was to investigate the chemotherapeutic potential of allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) towards human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells. Another commonly founded ITC, phenylethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) was employed as a reference sample. The growth inhibitory effects of ITCs on different colorectal adenocarcinoma cells were investigated using in vitro cell models. Both AITC and PEITC were found to inhibit the growth and proliferation of Caco-2, COLO 201 and SW620 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Based on sensitivity, the most vulnerable SW620 cells were chosen for further studies. In the following BrdU assay, IC50 values for 24-h AITC and PEITC treatments were determined to be 30.2 and 9.21 microM, respectively. At the same time, the effects of ITCs on human normal skin fibroblast Hs68 cells were also investigated. It was found that the survival of Hs68 cells was not affected by the treatments of AITC. However, the survival of Hs68 cells was greatly affected by PEITC-treatments in a dose- and time-dependent manner. / Lau, Wing Sze. / Adviser: Wong Yum Shing. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 73-02, Section: B, page: . / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2010. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 115-128). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. [Ann Arbor, MI] : ProQuest Information and Learning, [201-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstract also in Chinese.

Absorption study showed that gossypetin was methoxylated and conjugated to form glucuronide during the first-pass metabolism after oral administration. Glucuronide conjugate was the major circulating form in the plasma. As determined by HPLC analysis, the total gossypetin concentration in the plasma was higher than the unchanged gossypetin indicating that most of gossypetin underwent first-pass metabolism. Moreover, urinary excretion was not a main elimination route. / Uses of foods and dietary supplements present a safe chemopreventive strategy. The application of phytochemicals for cancer prevention currently receives a great deal of attention. Flavonoids are known to be antiproliferative and may play an important role in the prevention of carcinogenesis. In addition to epidemiologic studies, basic science research to elucidate mechanisms and evaluate chemopreventive potential of phytochemicals is also necessary. In this study, gossypetin was found to have stronger antiproliferative activity when compared with quercetin, a well studied flavonoid, in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells and human breast carcinoma (MCF-7) cells. The results demonstrated that gossypetin induced growth inhibition in MCF-7 cell line by arresting cell cycle at G0/G1 phase. The inhibition of cell cycle progression was associated with the decrement of cyclin D1 expression, cdk6 kinase activity and phosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein (pRb). Although the cdk inhibitor p21 could not be detected, its upstream protein, p53 tumor suppressor protein, was activated by gossypetin in the MCF-7 cell line. Also, the proliferation of MCF-7 cells was suppressed through down-regulating the Erk1/2 pathway. / Ngai Lei-ka. / "August 2005." / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 67-11, Section: B, page: 6156. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 222-250). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. [Ann Arbor, MI] : ProQuest Information and Learning, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / School code: 1307.

Introdução: A infecção genital pelo papilomavírus humano (HPV) é um fator necessário para o desenvolvimento do câncer cervical. Vacinas para prevenir a infecção pelos tipos de alto risco HPV 16 e 18 foram desenvolvidas e idealmente devem ser administradas antes da exposição ao HPV através do contato sexual. As variações na prevalência do HPV e na de seus tipos específicos em diferentes populações podem influenciar as recomendações da vacina contra o HPV em diferentes locais. A vacinação após o primeiro parto poderia ser uma estratégia em potencial para atingir mulheres jovens e saudáveis, dependendo da proporção de mulheres desse grupo ainda não infectadas pelos tipos de alto risco, HPV 16 e 18. Objetivos: O objetivo principal deste estudo foi determinar a prevalência genital do DNA de tipos específicos do HPV e avaliar a associação dessa infecção com fatores de risco selecionados em mulheres após o primeiro parto, usuárias de uma maternidade pública. Métodos: Esse estudo transversal foi realizado no Hospital Maternidade Leonor Mendes de Barros (HMLMB), uma das maiores maternidades públicas da cidade de São Paulo. Durante junho de 2006 até fevereiro de 2007, 301 primíparas de 15-24 anos, cujos partos ocorreram no referido Hospital, foram incluídas no estudo entre 43 e 60 dias após o parto. Na detecção de DNA do HPV extraído das células cervicais esfoliadas foi utilizado protocolo padrão da Reação em Cadeia por Polimerase (PCR), utilizando primers PGMY09/11. Para estimar a associação da infecção por HPV com fatores de risco selecionados, foi calculada a Razão de Prevalência (RP) e o intervalo de 95% de confiança [IC]; o ajuste foi realizado utilizando-se o Modelo Linear Generalizado (MLG) com distribuição binomial e função de ligação logarítmica. Resultados: O DNA do HPV foi detectado em 58,5% (IC 95% 52,7%-64,0%) das jovens mulheres. Os tipos de HPV mais comumente encontrados foram: HPV 16, HPV 51, HPV 52, HPV 58 e HPV 71. A prevalência dos tipos de HPV incluídos nas vacinas profiláticas foi: HPV 16 - 12,0%, HPV 18 - 2,3% e HPV 6+11 - 4,3%. Os tipos de alto risco de HPV foram encontrados em 133 (44,2%) mulheres, enquanto 43 delas (14,3%) apresentaram somente tipos de HPV de baixo risco. Cento e duas mulheres (33,9%) foram positivas para apenas um tipo de HPV; entretanto, 43 (14,3%) apresentaram dois tipos, e 31 (10,3%) apresentaram três ou mais tipos virais. A análise multivariada revelou que somente a idade (p=0,020) e o hábito de fumar (p <0,001) foram fatores de risco independentemente associados com a infecção por HPV. Conclusões: Essas adolescentes e jovens primíparas apresentaram elevada prevalência de infecção genital por tipos de alto risco do HPV, mostrando que constituem um grupo de risco para o desenvolvimento de câncer cervical. Contudo, apenas 17,3% apresentaram pelo menos um dos quatro tipos virais presentes na vacina quadrivalente (HPV 6, 11, 16 ou 18), 13,3% apresentaram infecção pelos tipos HPV 16 ou 18, e somente 1,0% apresentou concomitantemente infecção por esses dois tipos virais de alto risco presentes nas vacinas. Portanto, esse estudo indica que a grande maioria dessas jovens primíparas poderia ainda se beneficiar da imunização (catch-up) contra o HPV e constitui um grupo que deve ser alvo de programas efetivos de prevenção primária e secundária para o câncer cervical / Introdution: Genital infection by human papillomavirus (HPV) is a necessary factor in the development of cervical cancer. Vaccines to prevent infection by high risk HPV genotypes 16 and 18 were developed and ideally should be administered before exposure to HPV through sexual contact. Variations in HPV prevalence in different populations and of specific HPV types could affect vaccine recommendations in different settings. Vaccination after first delivery could be a potential strategy for reaching healthy young women depending on the baseline prevalence of high risk genotypes 16 and 18 in this target group. Objectives: The main objective of this study was to determine genital type specific HPV DNA prevalence and selected risk factors associated with HPV infection after the delivery of the first child among young women in a public maternity. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out at Hospital Maternidade Leonor Mendes de Barros (HMLMB), one of the largest public maternity hospitals in Sao Paulo. During June 2006 to February 2007, 301 primiparous women aged 15-24 years, who gave birth at that hospital, were included in the study between 43 and 60 days after delivery. Detection of HPV DNA in cervical specimens was performed using a standardized polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocol with PGMY09/11 primers. To estimate the association of HPV infection with selected risk factors, prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence interval [CI] were estimated using a Generalized Linear Model (GLM) with binomial distribution and log link function. Results: Any HPV DNA was detected in 58.5% (95% CI 52.7%-64.0%) of the enrolled young women. Most common types of HPV found were: HPV16, HPV51, HPV52, HPV58 and HPV71. The overall prevalence of HPV types targeted by the HPV prophylactic vaccines was: HPV16 - 12.0%, HPV18 -2.3% and HPV 6+11- 4.3%. High-risk HPV types were found in 133 (44.2%) women, whereas 43 women (14.3%) had only low-risk HPV types. One hundred and two women (33.9%) were positive for one HPV type only; however, 43 (14.3%) had two types, and 31 (10.3%) had three or more types detected. The multivariate analysis revealed that only age (p for trend =0.020) and smoking habits (p <0.001) were risk factors independently associated with HPV infection. Conclusions: These adolescents and young primiparous women had high cervical HPV prevalence, suggesting that this is a high risk group for cervical cancer development. Nevertheless, 17.3% were positive to any of the four HPV types included in HPV vaccines (HPV6, 11, 16 or 18), with 13.3% positive for HPV 16 or 18, and only 1.0% of them had both vaccine related oncogenic HPV types. Thus, this study supports that the most part of young primiparous women could benefit from catch-up HPV vaccination, and represents a target group for effective primary and secondary cervical cancer prevention programs

Prostate cancer remains one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in men and is a leading cause of cancer death. While great success has been achieved at curing early stage prostate cancer, limited success has been obtained when treating late-stage hormone independent prostate cancer. This is due to the increased propensity for skeletal and non-skeletal metastases. Thus development of novel effective therapeutic modalities against late stage prostate cancer is of critical importance. / Towards these objectives, I have focused my attention on the role of prostate secretory protein (PSP-94) which is expressed in normal individuals and in patients with early stage prostate cancer. Using our well established in vivo models of prostate cancer, I have evaluated the ability of PSP-94 and its amino acids 31-45 required (PCK3145) to decrease tumor growth and skeletal metastases in vivo and evaluated the potential mechanism(s) associated with PCK3145 anti-cancer actions. / Prostatic cancer can also develop as a result of epigenetic activation of tumor promoting genes. To evaluate the role of methylation in prostate cancer, late stage prostate cancer cells were treated with the universal methylating agent S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and an anti-sense oligonucleotide directed against MBD2 (AS). Scrambled oligonucleotide was included as a control (S). Both SAM and MBD2-AS resulted in inhibition in uPA, MMP-2 and VEGF production leading to decreased tumor cell invasive capacity. However, SAM and MBD2-AS were not able to either further repress partially methylated genes (GSTP1) or reactivate already methylated genes (AR). Furthermore, SAM and MBD2-AS treatment resulted in significant reduction in tumor growth in vivo . Immunohistochemical and RT-PCR analyses carried out on SAM and MBD2-AS tumors revealed decreased protein and mRNA expression of uPA and MMP-2 which was partially due to increased methylation of the respective promoters even after 10 weeks post in vitro treatment as analyzed by bisulfate sequencing. In addition decreased levels of angiogenesis and tumor survival markers were observed. / Collectively, these studies are aimed at the development of novel reliable approached to diagnose and treat advanced, hormone refractory prostate cancer to reduce tumor associated morbidity and mortality.

Qin, Jing. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 162-218). / Abstract also in Chinese. / Acknowledgment --- p.i / Abstract --- p.ii / 摘要 --- p.iv / Table of Content --- p.vi / List of Figures --- p.x / List of Tables --- p.xv / Abbreviations --- p.xvii / Chapter Chapter 1 --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Ganoderma spp --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.1 --- Introduction of Ganoderma spp --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.2 --- Bioactivities of Ganoderma spp --- p.3 / Chapter 1.1.3 --- Endocrine system and breast cancer --- p.11 / Chapter 1.1.3.1 --- Estrogen --- p.11 / Chapter 1.1.3.2 --- Estrogen receptors --- p.12 / Chapter 1.1.3.3 --- Estrogen responsive genes --- p.15 / Chapter 1.1.3.3.1 --- pS2 --- p.15 / Chapter 1.1.3.3.2 --- Progesterone receptor --- p.18 / Chapter 1.1.3.4 --- Androgen --- p.21 / Chapter 1.1.3.5 --- Androgen receptor --- p.23 / Chapter 1.1.3.6 --- Androgen responsive gene --- p.24 / Chapter 1.1.3.6.1 --- Transmembrane prostate androgen-induced RNA --- p.24 / Chapter 1.1.3.6.2 --- Uridine diphosphate glucose dehydrogenase --- p.26 / Chapter 1.1.3.7 --- Breast cancer --- p.26 / Chapter 1.2 --- "Endocrine Disruption of p,p '-DDE" --- p.28 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Introduction of p´ةp '-DDE --- p.28 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- "p,p '-DDE in environments" --- p.29 / Chapter 1.2.3 --- "p,p '-DDE in human body" --- p.32 / Chapter 1.2.4 --- "p,p '-DDE and reproductive system" --- p.33 / Chapter 1.2.5 --- Endocrine disruptor --- p.35 / Chapter 1.2.6 --- "Action mechanism of p,p '-DDE on endocrine system" --- p.37 / Chapter 1.2.7 --- Apoptosis --- p.39 / Chapter 1.3 --- Food therapy against endocrine disruption --- p.41 / Chapter 1.3.1 --- Food therapy and functional food --- p.41 / Chapter 1.3.2 --- Ganoderma as a Functional food --- p.47 / Chapter 1.3.3 --- Cancer prevention by dietary agents --- p.47 / Chapter 1.3.4 --- Hormone therapy --- p.48 / Chapter 1.3.5 --- Hormone-related properties of Ganoderma spp --- p.50 / Chapter 1.4 --- The aim of the study --- p.51 / Chapter Chapter 2 --- Materials and Methods --- p.52 / Chapter 2.1 --- Ganoderma samples --- p.52 / Chapter 2.2 --- Artificial cultivation of Ganoderma spp --- p.54 / Chapter 2.3 --- Molecular identification of Ganoderma spp --- p.55 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Extraction of genomic DNA --- p.55 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Gene-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) --- p.56 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Gel electrophoresis --- p.56 / Chapter 2.3.4 --- Purification of PCR amplified product for sequencing --- p.57 / Chapter 2.3.5 --- Cycle-sequencing --- p.57 / Chapter 2.3.6 --- Sequencing --- p.58 / Chapter 2.3.7 --- Sequence analysis --- p.58 / Chapter 2.4 --- Chemical analyses of Ganoderma spp --- p.59 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Polysaccharide preparations --- p.59 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- Terpene profile --- p.60 / Chapter 2.4.3 --- Fatty acid profile --- p.60 / Chapter 2.5 --- Anti-oxidation activities --- p.61 / Chapter 2.5.1 --- Superoxide radical scavenging assay --- p.61 / Chapter 2.5.2 --- DPPH radical scavenging assay --- p.62 / Chapter 2.6 --- Anti-proliferation effect on human breast cancer cells --- p.62 / Chapter 2.7 --- Hormone-like effects --- p.63 / Chapter 2.7.1 --- E-screen test --- p.63 / Chapter 2.7.2 --- In vitro estrogen receptors (ERs) competitor binding assays --- p.64 / Chapter 2.7.3 --- "Recombinant yeast cell based ER-, AR- and PGR-responsible promoter assays" --- p.65 / Chapter 2.7.3.1 --- Recombinant yeasts --- p.65 / Chapter 2.7.3.2 --- Growth medium for recombinant yeasts --- p.66 / Chapter 2.7.3.3 --- "ER, AR and PGR assays" --- p.67 / Chapter 2.7.3.4 --- β-Galactosidase assay --- p.67 / Chapter 2.7.4 --- Real time PCR --- p.68 / Chapter 2.8 --- Flow cytometry --- p.71 / Chapter 2.9 --- Comet assay --- p.71 / Chapter 2.10 --- DNA microarray --- p.73 / Chapter 2.10.1 --- Total RNA isolation --- p.73 / Chapter 2.10.2 --- cDNA synthesis --- p.73 / Chapter 2.10.3 --- Preparation of labelled cDNA --- p.74 / Chapter 2.10.4 --- cDNA purification --- p.74 / Chapter 2.10.5 --- Oligo GEArray hybridization --- p.75 / Chapter 2.10.6 --- Chemiluminescent detection --- p.76 / Chapter 2.10.7 --- Data analysis --- p.77 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- Results --- p.78 / Chapter 3.1 --- Analysis of Ganderma spp --- p.78 / Chapter 3.1.1 --- Mycelia and fruiting bodies --- p.78 / Chapter 3.1.2 --- Identification of Ganoderma spp --- p.79 / Chapter 3.1.3 --- Chemical properties of samples --- p.80 / Chapter 3.1.4 --- Anti-oxidation activities --- p.90 / Chapter 3.1.5 --- Anti-proliferation effect on human breast cancer cells --- p.90 / Chapter 3.1.6 --- Hormone-like bioactivities --- p.93 / Chapter 3.1.6.1 --- E-screen test --- p.93 / Chapter 3.1.6.2 --- In vitro estrogen receptors (ERs) competitor binding assays --- p.94 / Chapter 3.1.6.3 --- "Recombinant yeast cell-based ER-, AR- and PGR-responsible promoter assays" --- p.95 / Chapter 3.1.6.4 --- ER- and AR-pathway gene expression by real time PCR --- p.97 / Chapter 3.2 --- "Action mechanism of p,p' -DDE" --- p.99 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- E-screen --- p.99 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- In vitro estrogen receptors (ERs) competitor binding assays --- p.101 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Recombinant yeast cell based ER- and AR-responsible promoter assays --- p.103 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- ER- and AR-pathway gene expression by real time PCR --- p.106 / Chapter 3.3 --- Ganoderma tsugae mycelia extract against p.p' -DDE --- p.109 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- E-screen test --- p.109 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- ER- and AR-pathway gene expression by real time PCR --- p.110 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- Analysis of cell cycle --- p.112 / Chapter 3.3.4 --- Analysis of DNA damage --- p.114 / Chapter 3.3.5 --- Analysis of sub-G1 peak --- p.117 / Chapter 3.3.6 --- DNA damage and apoptosis relative gene expression by real time PCR --- p.120 / Chapter 3.3.7 --- DNA microarray --- p.121 / Chapter Chapter 4 --- Discussion --- p.131 / Chapter 4.1 --- Analysis of Ganoderma spp --- p.131 / Chapter 4.2 --- Effects of p.p´ة-DDE --- p.144 / Chapter 4.3 --- Protective effects of G. tsugae against p.p' -DDE --- p.151 / Chapter 4.4 --- Further investigation --- p.159 / Chapter 4.5 --- Conclusion --- p.160 / References --- p.162

Made available in DSpace on 2015-07-22T20:50:38Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2010-06-30 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Introdução: No Brasil, o Instituto Nacional do Câncer (INCA) estima que haverá 14.120 novos casos de câncer bucal em 2010, sendo 10.330 em homens e 3.790 em mulheres. A maioria dos cânceres de boca infelizmente só é diagnosticada em fase tardia. O autoexame bucal, por representar uma estratégia simples e eficaz na identificação precoce das lesões cancerizáveis e do câncer bucal, deveria ser feito periodicamente, sobretudo por indivíduos do grupo de risco. Objetivo: Desenvolver e avaliar um website educacional no intuito de promover a prevenção e a identificação precoce das lesões cancerizáveis e do câncer bucal. Método: Foram desenvolvidos um website com conteúdo educacional sobre o câncer bucal, um questionário de conhecimento e um vídeo do autoexame bucal. A avaliação do website baseou-se em uma amostra n=100 dividida em dois grupos. O grupo G1 foi avaliado pré e pós navegação no website, e o grupo G2 não teve acesso ao conteúdo do website. Ambos os grupos executaram o autoexame bucal e registraram seus achados clínicos, que foram comparados com os achados clínicos dos dentistas. Resultados: O website desenvolvido foi intitulado “Website Educacional da Prevenção do Câncer Bucal”. A análise estatística mostrou que os grupos G1 e G2 eram homogêneos quanto ao conhecimento prévio sobre o câncer bucal. Entretanto, o G1 mostrou diferença significante (p<0,01) sobre o conhecimento pós navegação no website. Já a análise de concordância entre os grupos versus dentistas apresentou alta concordância para o G1 e fraca concordância para o G2. Conclusões: O website desenvolvido mostrou-se uma eficiente ferramenta educacional quanto ao ganho de conhecimento sobre o câncer bucal e propiciou eficaz reprodutibilidade do autoexame bucal. / Introduction: In Brazil, the National Cancer Institute (INCA) estimates there will be 14,120 new cases of oral cancer in 2010, with 10,330 men and 3,790 women. Unfortunately, most mouth cancers are only diagnosed in late stage. The oral self-examination represents a simple and effective strategy for early identification of precancerous lesions and oral cancer, and should be done periodically, especially for individuals in risk groups. Objective: To develop and evaluate an educational website aimed at promoting prevention and early detection of cancerous lesions and oral cancer. Method: A website with educational content on oral cancer, a survey of knowledge and a video of oral self-examination have been developed. The website evaluation was based on a sample n = 100, divided into two groups. Group 1(G1) was evaluated before and after browsing the website, and the group 2(G2) did not have access to the website content. Both groups performed the oral self-examination and recorded their clinical findings, which were compared with dentists clinical findings. Results: The developed website was named "Educational Website for Oral Cancer Prevention." Statistical analysis showed that G1 and G2 were homogeneous with respect to prior knowledge about oral cancer. However, G1 showed a significant difference (p <0.01) on knowledge after browsing the website. However, analyzing the agreement between the groups versus dentists, it was found high concordance for G1 and poor agreement for G2. Conclusions: The website proved to be an effective educational tool for gain of knowledge about oral cancer and provided effective reliability of oral self-examination. / TEDE / BV UNIFESP: Teses e dissertações

Introdução: A infecção genital pelo papilomavírus humano (HPV) é um fator necessário para o desenvolvimento do câncer cervical. Vacinas para prevenir a infecção pelos tipos de alto risco HPV 16 e 18 foram desenvolvidas e idealmente devem ser administradas antes da exposição ao HPV através do contato sexual. As variações na prevalência do HPV e na de seus tipos específicos em diferentes populações podem influenciar as recomendações da vacina contra o HPV em diferentes locais. A vacinação após o primeiro parto poderia ser uma estratégia em potencial para atingir mulheres jovens e saudáveis, dependendo da proporção de mulheres desse grupo ainda não infectadas pelos tipos de alto risco, HPV 16 e 18. Objetivos: O objetivo principal deste estudo foi determinar a prevalência genital do DNA de tipos específicos do HPV e avaliar a associação dessa infecção com fatores de risco selecionados em mulheres após o primeiro parto, usuárias de uma maternidade pública. Métodos: Esse estudo transversal foi realizado no Hospital Maternidade Leonor Mendes de Barros (HMLMB), uma das maiores maternidades públicas da cidade de São Paulo. Durante junho de 2006 até fevereiro de 2007, 301 primíparas de 15-24 anos, cujos partos ocorreram no referido Hospital, foram incluídas no estudo entre 43 e 60 dias após o parto. Na detecção de DNA do HPV extraído das células cervicais esfoliadas foi utilizado protocolo padrão da Reação em Cadeia por Polimerase (PCR), utilizando primers PGMY09/11. Para estimar a associação da infecção por HPV com fatores de risco selecionados, foi calculada a Razão de Prevalência (RP) e o intervalo de 95% de confiança [IC]; o ajuste foi realizado utilizando-se o Modelo Linear Generalizado (MLG) com distribuição binomial e função de ligação logarítmica. Resultados: O DNA do HPV foi detectado em 58,5% (IC 95% 52,7%-64,0%) das jovens mulheres. Os tipos de HPV mais comumente encontrados foram: HPV 16, HPV 51, HPV 52, HPV 58 e HPV 71. A prevalência dos tipos de HPV incluídos nas vacinas profiláticas foi: HPV 16 - 12,0%, HPV 18 - 2,3% e HPV 6+11 - 4,3%. Os tipos de alto risco de HPV foram encontrados em 133 (44,2%) mulheres, enquanto 43 delas (14,3%) apresentaram somente tipos de HPV de baixo risco. Cento e duas mulheres (33,9%) foram positivas para apenas um tipo de HPV; entretanto, 43 (14,3%) apresentaram dois tipos, e 31 (10,3%) apresentaram três ou mais tipos virais. A análise multivariada revelou que somente a idade (p=0,020) e o hábito de fumar (p <0,001) foram fatores de risco independentemente associados com a infecção por HPV. Conclusões: Essas adolescentes e jovens primíparas apresentaram elevada prevalência de infecção genital por tipos de alto risco do HPV, mostrando que constituem um grupo de risco para o desenvolvimento de câncer cervical. Contudo, apenas 17,3% apresentaram pelo menos um dos quatro tipos virais presentes na vacina quadrivalente (HPV 6, 11, 16 ou 18), 13,3% apresentaram infecção pelos tipos HPV 16 ou 18, e somente 1,0% apresentou concomitantemente infecção por esses dois tipos virais de alto risco presentes nas vacinas. Portanto, esse estudo indica que a grande maioria dessas jovens primíparas poderia ainda se beneficiar da imunização (catch-up) contra o HPV e constitui um grupo que deve ser alvo de programas efetivos de prevenção primária e secundária para o câncer cervical / Introdution: Genital infection by human papillomavirus (HPV) is a necessary factor in the development of cervical cancer. Vaccines to prevent infection by high risk HPV genotypes 16 and 18 were developed and ideally should be administered before exposure to HPV through sexual contact. Variations in HPV prevalence in different populations and of specific HPV types could affect vaccine recommendations in different settings. Vaccination after first delivery could be a potential strategy for reaching healthy young women depending on the baseline prevalence of high risk genotypes 16 and 18 in this target group. Objectives: The main objective of this study was to determine genital type specific HPV DNA prevalence and selected risk factors associated with HPV infection after the delivery of the first child among young women in a public maternity. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out at Hospital Maternidade Leonor Mendes de Barros (HMLMB), one of the largest public maternity hospitals in Sao Paulo. During June 2006 to February 2007, 301 primiparous women aged 15-24 years, who gave birth at that hospital, were included in the study between 43 and 60 days after delivery. Detection of HPV DNA in cervical specimens was performed using a standardized polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocol with PGMY09/11 primers. To estimate the association of HPV infection with selected risk factors, prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence interval [CI] were estimated using a Generalized Linear Model (GLM) with binomial distribution and log link function. Results: Any HPV DNA was detected in 58.5% (95% CI 52.7%-64.0%) of the enrolled young women. Most common types of HPV found were: HPV16, HPV51, HPV52, HPV58 and HPV71. The overall prevalence of HPV types targeted by the HPV prophylactic vaccines was: HPV16 - 12.0%, HPV18 -2.3% and HPV 6+11- 4.3%. High-risk HPV types were found in 133 (44.2%) women, whereas 43 women (14.3%) had only low-risk HPV types. One hundred and two women (33.9%) were positive for one HPV type only; however, 43 (14.3%) had two types, and 31 (10.3%) had three or more types detected. The multivariate analysis revealed that only age (p for trend =0.020) and smoking habits (p <0.001) were risk factors independently associated with HPV infection. Conclusions: These adolescents and young primiparous women had high cervical HPV prevalence, suggesting that this is a high risk group for cervical cancer development. Nevertheless, 17.3% were positive to any of the four HPV types included in HPV vaccines (HPV6, 11, 16 or 18), with 13.3% positive for HPV 16 or 18, and only 1.0% of them had both vaccine related oncogenic HPV types. Thus, this study supports that the most part of young primiparous women could benefit from catch-up HPV vaccination, and represents a target group for effective primary and secondary cervical cancer prevention programs