La maladie de Crohn (MC) et la colite ulcéreuse (CU) sont des maladies inflammatoires de l’intestin (MII) caractérisées par une inflammation chronique du tube digestif. Ces maladies à traits complexes sont le résultat d’un dérèglement du système immunitaire. Les études d’association pangénomique ont identifié au total 99 loci de susceptibilité aux MII. La région 1q32 du chromosome 1 a été identifiée comme locus de susceptibilité à la MC, la CU et la sclérose en plaque. La région autour du marqueur génétique (rs11584383) contient quatre gènes : Chromosome 1 open reading frame 106 (C1orf106), Kinesin family member 21B (KIF21B), Calcium channel, voltage-dependant, L type, alpha 1S subunit (CACNA1S) et Chromosome 1 open reading frame 81 (C1orf81). L’objectif de l’étude est de mettre ces quatres gènes dans un contexte biologique et de déterminer leur rôle potentiel dans les MII. Par réaction de polymérisation en chaîne quantitatif (qPCR), nous avons déterminé le profil d’expression de ces gènes dans des tissus murins et des lignées cellulaires humaines. KIF21B et C1orf106 sont exprimés dans les tissus gastrointestinal et immunitaire. Par la suite, nous avons testé l’implication de KIF21B et C1orf106 dans les voies biologiques connues pour leur rôle dans les MII comme l’activité NF-kB et le stress du réticulum endoplasmique (RE). Nos résultats montrent que la surexpression de KIF21B dans les cellules HEK293T diminue l’activité de NF-kB et la surexpression de C1orf106 augmente le stress du RE et l’activité de la voie Wnt. Globalement, ces résultats suggèrent que KIF21B et C1orf106, dans la région 1q32, sont des gènes candidats prometteurs puisqu’ils interviennent dans des voies biologiques connues des maladies inflammatoire de l’intestin. / Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) characterized by chronic inflammation along the gastrointestinal tract. These complex diseases appear to be the result of an immune system dysregulation. Genome-wide association studies have identified 99 loci that contribute to IBD susceptibility. Region 1q32 of chromosome 1 has been identified as a CD, UC and multiple sclerosis susceptibility locus and the region around this marker (rs11584383) contains four genes: Chromosome 1 open reading frame 106 (C1orf106), Kinesin family member 21B (KIF21B), Calcium channel, voltage-dependant, L type, alpha 1S subunit (CACNA1S) and Chromosome 1 open reading frame 81 (C1orf81). The goal of the present study is to place these genes in a biological context and to determine their possible involvement in IBD. By using quantitative PCR (qPCR), we determined the expression profile of these genes in murine tissues and human cell lines and we observed that KIF21B and C1orf106 were expressed in immune as well as gastrointestinal tissues. Next, we tested the involvement of KIF21B and C1orf106 in biological pathways previously implicated in IBD, more specifically NF-kB activity and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. We found that overexpression of KIF21B in HEK293T cells decreased the activity of NF-kB whereas C1orf106 overexpression increased ER stress and Wnt activity. Taken together, these results suggest that KIF21B and C1orf106 are good candidate causal genes in the 1q32 region.

A diminuição da biodisponibilidade do óxido nítrico (NO) e o aumento na atividade das metaloproteinases da matriz extracelular (MMPs) são alguns dos principais mecanismos fisiopatogênicos envolvidos nas doenças cardiovasculares (DCV). Foi demonstrado que o NO pode reduzir a expressão e atividade de MMPs em células musculares lisas vasculares, células mesangiais, entre outras. Em outro estudo, foi mostrado que drogas inibidoras da NO sintase (NOS) podem aumentar a expressão de MMPs. Apesar de o NO apresentar-se diminuído e as MMPs aumentadas durante as DCV, não há evidência clara de que os níveis de NO possam modular diretamente a atividade de MMPs no aparelho cardiovascular. Também não se sabe se este possível efeito seria mediado pelo NFB, nem se este possível efeito é dependente da ativação da guanilato ciclase [que promove a formação de GMP cíclico (GMPc)]. Desta maneira, este estudo teve como objetivos: A) investigar os efeitos de drogas ativadoras da via NO-GMP sobre os aumentos da atividade e expressão de MMP-9 em células endoteliais que acontecem sob efeito de phorbol 12-miristato 13-acetato (PMA, droga indutora da expressão de MMP-9); e B) determinar se a inibição de NOS em células endoteliais é acompanhada por aumento da atividade e expressão de MMPs, e C) determinar se estes efeitos são dependentes da ativação de NFB ou da formação de GMPc. Células endoteliais de veia umbilical humana (HUVECs) foram cultivadas em DMEM e tratadas por 24 horas com 10 nmol/L de PMA ou diferentes concentrações de drogas ativadoras da via NO-GMP ou de inibidor da NOS. Meio de cultura condicionado ou lisado celular foram coletados e submentidos aos ensaios de zimografia, ELISA, immunoblotting ou análise da concentração de nitrito. Os tratamentos com detanonoato, SNAP, atorvastatina e nitrito de sódio diminuíram os aumentos da atividade gelatinolítica e expressão de MMP-9 estimulados por PMA sem afetar as concentrações do inibidor tecidual da metaloproteinase da matriz-1 (TIMP-1). Esses efeitos não foram modificados pelos tratamentos com ODQ (inibidor da guanilato ciclase solúvel) ou 8- bromo-cGMP (um análogo de GMPc) ou hemoglobina (um sequestrador de NO). Enquanto o PMA aumentou a concentração de fosfo-NFB p65, os tratamentos com SNAP, atorvastatina ou nitrito não apresentaram influência sobre esse efeito. O tratamento com L-NAME, um inibidor da NOS, não apresentou efeito sobre a atividade gelatinolítica de MMP-9. Em conclusão, foram demonstrados que os efeitos inibitórios de drogas ativadoras da via NO-GMPc sobre a produção estimulada de MMP-9 em células endoteliais são independentes de mecanismos mediados por GMPc e NFB, e a inibição da NOS não altera a atividade de MMP-9. / Impaired nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability and imbalanced matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) activity have important roles in the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in cardiovascular disease (CVD). It was shown that NO can reduce MMPs expression and activity in vascular smooth muscle cells, mesangial cells, and others. In another study, a NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor has increased MMPs expression. Although NO was decreased and MMPs was increased during CVD, there is clear evidence that NO levels can directly modulate MMPs activity in the cardiovascular system. Also, it is not known whether this effect would be mediated by NFB, nor whether this effect is dependent on guanylate cyclase activity (which promotes the formation of cyclic GMP). Thus, this project aims to study whether A) the effect of NO donors might decrease MMP-9 activity and expression in endothelial cells stimulated by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) (a well-known inducer of MMP-9), and B) the effect of NOS inhibitors might increase MMPs activity and expression in endothelial cells, and C) to determine whether those effects are mediated by the NFB activation or cGMP levels. Endothelial cells from human umbilical vein (HUVECs) were grown in modified DMEM and were treated for 24 hours with 10 nmol/L PMA or different concentrations of NO-GMPc pathway stimulating drugs or NOS inhibitor. Conditioned medium or cell lysate were collected after treatments and analyzed by zymography, ELISA, immunoblotting or to determine nitrite concentration. Detanonoate, SNAP, atorvastatin or sodium nitrite treatments attenuated PMA-induced increases in MMP- 9 gelatinolytic activity and expression, but they had no effect on tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) concentrations. These effects were not modified by ODQ (a soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor), or 8-bromo-cGMP (cGMP analogue), or hemoglobin (a NO scavenger). While PMA increased phospho-NFB p65 concentration, SNAP, atorvastatin or nitrite had no influence on this effect. The treatment with L-Name, a NOS inhibitor, had no effect on MMP-9 activity. In conclusion, this study shows that the inhibitory effects of NO-GMPc pathway stimulating drugs on MMP-9 production by endothelial cells are independent of cGMP- and NFB-mediated mechanisms, and NOS inhibitor had no effect on MMP-9 levels

Introdução - A inflamação está envolvida na patogênese da síndrome metabólica e de diversas doenças crônicas não transmissíveis (DCNT). Em macrófagos, a modulação da expressão gênica de mediadores inflamatórios está, em grande parte, sob o controle do fator de transcrição nuclear kappa B (NF-B), cuja atividade é modulada por diversos compostos bioativos presentes em alimentos. A erva-mate (Ilex paraguariensis) contém compostos bioativos, como o ácido cafeico, o kaempferol, a quercetina e o ácido 3,5-dicafeoilquínico, que apresentam a capacidade de reduzir a ativação do NF-B in vitro em macrófagos. Objetivo - Investigar os efeitos da ração hiperlipídica (HL) e da ingestão do extrato aquoso de erva-mate sobre a composição corporal e sobre a resposta inflamatória de macrófagos peritoniais de ratos Wistar. Métodos - Ratos Wistar, machos, foram submetidos à ração controle (n= 36) ou ração HL (n= 36) por 12 semanas. Após esse período, 12 animais de cada grupo foram eutanasiados, enquanto o restante foi distribuído em grupos que receberam ou não, por gavagem, o extrato aquoso de erva-mate durante o período de quatro semanas. Os resultados relativos ao efeito da ração HL foram comparados pelo test t de Student não pareado ou seu equivalente não-paramétrico (Mann-Whitney). Para a análise do efeito da erva-mate, utilizou-se a análise de variância (ANOVA, post-hoc de Tukey) ou seu equivalente não-paramétrico (teste de Kruskal-Wallis, post-hoc de Dunn). Adotou-se como nível de significância p < 0,05. Resultados - Após 12 semanas, o consumo de ração HL resultou em aumento significativo do ganho de peso, de gordura corporal e do índice HOMA (Homeostasis Model Assessment) (p < 0,05). Não foi observada alteração dos biomarcadores sistêmicos de inflamação, como o fator de necrose tumoral (TNF)-, a interleucina (IL)-6 e o inibidor do ativador de plasminogênio (PAI)-1. Em relação aos ensaios envolvendo macrófagos peritoniais, observou-se capacidade reduzida de síntese de IL-1, IL-6, óxido nítrico (NO) e IL-10 nas células dos animais com ração HL, quando estimuladas com LPS (p < 0,05). Tal fenômeno foi acompanhado por diminuição da fosforilação da quinase do inibidor do B (IKK)-, da degradação do inibidor do B (IB)- e da ativação do NF-B (p < 0,05). A ingestão do extrato aquoso de erva-mate atenuou o ganho de peso e de gordura corporal e reduziu as concentrações plasmáticas de insulina, TNF- e IL-6 (p < 0,05). Não foi observado efeito do extrato aquoso de erva-mate sobre os parâmetros relativos à resposta inflamatória de macrófagos peritoniais. Conclusões - O consumo crônico da ração HL resultou em redução da capacidade de síntese de mediadores inflamatórios por macrófagos peritoniais estimulados com LPS, o que foi acompanhado por redução da ativação da via de sinalização do NF-B. Embora a ingestão de erva-mate não tenha influenciado a resposta inflamatória dos macrófagos, houve redução do percentual de gordura corporal e de marcadores de risco cardiometabólico, sugerindo potencial benefício da ingestão do extrato aquoso de erva-mate na redução do risco de DCNT / Introduction Inflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome and non communicable chronic diseases (NCCD). In macrophages, the nuclear transcription factor kappa B (NF-B) controls the gene expression of many inflammatory mediators and its activity can be regulated by several food bioactive compounds. Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) contains bioactive compounds such as cafeic acid, kaempferol, quercetin and 3,5-dicafeoilquinic acid, which can reduce NF-B activity in macrophages in vitro. Objective To investigate the effects of high fat diet (HFD) and yerba mate consumption on body composition and on the inflammatory response of peritonial macrophages of Wistar rats. Methods - Male Wistar rats were fed control diet or HFD (n = 36) for 12 weeks. After this period, 12 animals from each group were euthanized, while the remaining was distributed in groups that received, or not, by gavage, yerba mate aqueous extract for four weeks. Data related to the effect of HFD were analysed by unpaired t test or the equivalent nonparametric test (MannWhitney). Concerning the analysis of Yerba mate effect, the analysis of variance (ANOVA, Tukey post-hoc) or the equivalent nonparametric test (Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn post-hoc) was used. The level of significance adopted was p < 0.05. Results After 12 weeks, the consumption of HFD increased weight gain, body fat and HOMA (Homeostasis Model Assessment) index (p < 0.05). There were no differences in systemic inflammatory biomarkers, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-, interleukin (IL)-6, and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1. Concerning the essays involving peritoneal macrophages, the capacity of synthesis of IL-1, IL-6, nitric oxide (NO) and IL-10 was reduced in the cells of HFD-fed animals, when stimulated with lipopolyssacharides (LPS). Furthermore, a decrease in B inhibitor kinase (IKK)- phosphorylation, in B inhibitor (IB)- degradation and in NF-B activation was observed (p < 0,05). The ingestion of yerba mate aqueous extract lowered weight gain and body fat and reduced plasma insulin, TNF- and IL-6 (p < 0,05). No effect of yerba mate was observed in parameters related to peritoneal macrophages inflammatory response. Conclusions The chronic consumption of HFD led to a diminished capacity of synthesizing inflammatory mediators by LPS-stimulated peritoneal macrophages, which was associated to a decrease in NF-B signaling pathway activation. Although yerba mate did not influence peritoneal macrophages inflammatory response, it caused a reduction in body fat and in cardiometabolic risk biomarkers, suggesting a potential benefit of yerba mate for NCCD risk reduction

Introdução - A inflamação está envolvida na patogênese da síndrome metabólica e de diversas doenças crônicas não transmissíveis (DCNT). Em macrófagos, a modulação da expressão gênica de mediadores inflamatórios está, em grande parte, sob o controle do fator de transcrição nuclear kappa B (NF-B), cuja atividade é modulada por diversos compostos bioativos presentes em alimentos. A erva-mate (Ilex paraguariensis) contém compostos bioativos, como o ácido cafeico, o kaempferol, a quercetina e o ácido 3,5-dicafeoilquínico, que apresentam a capacidade de reduzir a ativação do NF-B in vitro em macrófagos. Objetivo - Investigar os efeitos da ração hiperlipídica (HL) e da ingestão do extrato aquoso de erva-mate sobre a composição corporal e sobre a resposta inflamatória de macrófagos peritoniais de ratos Wistar. Métodos - Ratos Wistar, machos, foram submetidos à ração controle (n= 36) ou ração HL (n= 36) por 12 semanas. Após esse período, 12 animais de cada grupo foram eutanasiados, enquanto o restante foi distribuído em grupos que receberam ou não, por gavagem, o extrato aquoso de erva-mate durante o período de quatro semanas. Os resultados relativos ao efeito da ração HL foram comparados pelo test t de Student não pareado ou seu equivalente não-paramétrico (Mann-Whitney). Para a análise do efeito da erva-mate, utilizou-se a análise de variância (ANOVA, post-hoc de Tukey) ou seu equivalente não-paramétrico (teste de Kruskal-Wallis, post-hoc de Dunn). Adotou-se como nível de significância p < 0,05. Resultados - Após 12 semanas, o consumo de ração HL resultou em aumento significativo do ganho de peso, de gordura corporal e do índice HOMA (Homeostasis Model Assessment) (p < 0,05). Não foi observada alteração dos biomarcadores sistêmicos de inflamação, como o fator de necrose tumoral (TNF)-, a interleucina (IL)-6 e o inibidor do ativador de plasminogênio (PAI)-1. Em relação aos ensaios envolvendo macrófagos peritoniais, observou-se capacidade reduzida de síntese de IL-1, IL-6, óxido nítrico (NO) e IL-10 nas células dos animais com ração HL, quando estimuladas com LPS (p < 0,05). Tal fenômeno foi acompanhado por diminuição da fosforilação da quinase do inibidor do B (IKK)-, da degradação do inibidor do B (IB)- e da ativação do NF-B (p < 0,05). A ingestão do extrato aquoso de erva-mate atenuou o ganho de peso e de gordura corporal e reduziu as concentrações plasmáticas de insulina, TNF- e IL-6 (p < 0,05). Não foi observado efeito do extrato aquoso de erva-mate sobre os parâmetros relativos à resposta inflamatória de macrófagos peritoniais. Conclusões - O consumo crônico da ração HL resultou em redução da capacidade de síntese de mediadores inflamatórios por macrófagos peritoniais estimulados com LPS, o que foi acompanhado por redução da ativação da via de sinalização do NF-B. Embora a ingestão de erva-mate não tenha influenciado a resposta inflamatória dos macrófagos, houve redução do percentual de gordura corporal e de marcadores de risco cardiometabólico, sugerindo potencial benefício da ingestão do extrato aquoso de erva-mate na redução do risco de DCNT / Introduction Inflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome and non communicable chronic diseases (NCCD). In macrophages, the nuclear transcription factor kappa B (NF-B) controls the gene expression of many inflammatory mediators and its activity can be regulated by several food bioactive compounds. Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) contains bioactive compounds such as cafeic acid, kaempferol, quercetin and 3,5-dicafeoilquinic acid, which can reduce NF-B activity in macrophages in vitro. Objective To investigate the effects of high fat diet (HFD) and yerba mate consumption on body composition and on the inflammatory response of peritonial macrophages of Wistar rats. Methods - Male Wistar rats were fed control diet or HFD (n = 36) for 12 weeks. After this period, 12 animals from each group were euthanized, while the remaining was distributed in groups that received, or not, by gavage, yerba mate aqueous extract for four weeks. Data related to the effect of HFD were analysed by unpaired t test or the equivalent nonparametric test (MannWhitney). Concerning the analysis of Yerba mate effect, the analysis of variance (ANOVA, Tukey post-hoc) or the equivalent nonparametric test (Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn post-hoc) was used. The level of significance adopted was p < 0.05. Results After 12 weeks, the consumption of HFD increased weight gain, body fat and HOMA (Homeostasis Model Assessment) index (p < 0.05). There were no differences in systemic inflammatory biomarkers, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-, interleukin (IL)-6, and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1. Concerning the essays involving peritoneal macrophages, the capacity of synthesis of IL-1, IL-6, nitric oxide (NO) and IL-10 was reduced in the cells of HFD-fed animals, when stimulated with lipopolyssacharides (LPS). Furthermore, a decrease in B inhibitor kinase (IKK)- phosphorylation, in B inhibitor (IB)- degradation and in NF-B activation was observed (p < 0,05). The ingestion of yerba mate aqueous extract lowered weight gain and body fat and reduced plasma insulin, TNF- and IL-6 (p < 0,05). No effect of yerba mate was observed in parameters related to peritoneal macrophages inflammatory response. Conclusions The chronic consumption of HFD led to a diminished capacity of synthesizing inflammatory mediators by LPS-stimulated peritoneal macrophages, which was associated to a decrease in NF-B signaling pathway activation. Although yerba mate did not influence peritoneal macrophages inflammatory response, it caused a reduction in body fat and in cardiometabolic risk biomarkers, suggesting a potential benefit of yerba mate for NCCD risk reduction

Os receptores do tipo Toll (TLRs) são as primeiras proteínas do sistema imune a identificarem distúrbios, reconhecem patógenos como bactérias, fungos e vírus. Como o processo inflamatório possui um importante papel em diversas doenças, os TLRs foram considerados potenciais alvos em estratégias terapêuticas, incluindo o tratamento de câncer. No entanto, o papel dos TLRs permanece ambíguo. Esse estudo teve como objetivos analisar os níveis de expressão dos TLRs presentes em membrana plasmática, TLRs (TLR1, TLR2, TLR4, TLR5, TLR6) em astrocitomas de diferentes graus de malignidade (grau II-IV), tumor mais prevalente do Sistema Nervoso Central (SNC). Nós demonstramos que a expressão dos TLRs foi mais alta em amostras de astrocitomas comparadas com tecido cerebral não-neoplásico, por qRT-PCR. A expressão gênica e proteica foi observada em células de linhagem de glioblastoma (GBM) U87MG e A172, mostrando sua presença em células tumorais. Foi observada expressão associada entre os heterodímeros TLR1- TLR2. Em GBMs, o subtipo mesenquimal mostrou maior nível de expressão dos TLRs comparados aos subtipos clássico e proneural. Com o objetivo de identificar o papel dos TLRs nas células tumorais, foi selecionado dentre os TLRs o que apresentou maior nível de expressão, o TLR4, e realizamos ensaios funcionais estimulando a U87MG com LPS, um agonista natural para TLR4. A taxa de proliferação da célula tratada com LPS foi similar a não tratada. No entanto, foi observado a ativação do NF-kB após 12hrs do estímulo com LPS. Quando a sinalização do receptor foi inibida por um composto químico (VGX-1027), o nível de proliferação da U87MG decaiu. Adicionalmente, análise in silico revelou uma forte associação dos TLRs hiperexpressos com aumento da expressão de genes relacionados à sinalização do ciclo celular, inflamassoma e ripoptossoma. O que sugere serem os TLRs alvos para complementação do tratamento do câncer / Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are the first to identify disturbances in the immune system, recognizing pathogens such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Since the inflammation process plays an important role in several diseases, TLRs have been considered potential therapeutic targets, including treatment for cancer. However, TLRs\' role in cancer remains ambiguous. This study aims to analyze the expression levels of plasmatic cell membrane TLRs (TLR1, TLR2, TLR4, TLR5, and TLR6) in different grades (II-IV) of human astrocytoma, the most prevalent tumor of CNS. We demonstrated that TLR expressions were higher in astrocytoma samples compared to non-neoplastic brain tissue, by qRT-PCR. The genes and proteins expressions were observed in U87MG and A172 GBM cell lines, proving their presence in the tumor cells. Associated expressions between the known heterodimers TLR1-TLR2 were found in diffusely infiltrative astrocytoma. In GBM, the mesenchymal subtype showed higher levels of TLR expressions in relation to classical and proneural subtypes. Aiming to indentify the role of TLRs in tumor cells, we chose the highest TLR expressed in GBM cells, the TLR4, and performed functional assays stimulating U87MG-GBM cell line with LPS, a natural agonist for TLR4. The proliferation rate was similar in treated and non-treated cell with LPS. However, NF-kB activation was detected after 12hrs of LPS stimulation. When TLR4 signaling pathway was inhibited by a chemical compound (VGX-1027) a decrease in the proliferation rate was observed. Additionally, in silico analysis revealed a strong association of TLRs upregulation with increased expression level of genes related to cell cycle, inflammasome and ripoptosome pathways, further highlighting TLRs as interesting targets for cancer complementary treatment

A diminuição da biodisponibilidade do óxido nítrico (NO) e o aumento na atividade das metaloproteinases da matriz extracelular (MMPs) são alguns dos principais mecanismos fisiopatogênicos envolvidos nas doenças cardiovasculares (DCV). Foi demonstrado que o NO pode reduzir a expressão e atividade de MMPs em células musculares lisas vasculares, células mesangiais, entre outras. Em outro estudo, foi mostrado que drogas inibidoras da NO sintase (NOS) podem aumentar a expressão de MMPs. Apesar de o NO apresentar-se diminuído e as MMPs aumentadas durante as DCV, não há evidência clara de que os níveis de NO possam modular diretamente a atividade de MMPs no aparelho cardiovascular. Também não se sabe se este possível efeito seria mediado pelo NFB, nem se este possível efeito é dependente da ativação da guanilato ciclase [que promove a formação de GMP cíclico (GMPc)]. Desta maneira, este estudo teve como objetivos: A) investigar os efeitos de drogas ativadoras da via NO-GMP sobre os aumentos da atividade e expressão de MMP-9 em células endoteliais que acontecem sob efeito de phorbol 12-miristato 13-acetato (PMA, droga indutora da expressão de MMP-9); e B) determinar se a inibição de NOS em células endoteliais é acompanhada por aumento da atividade e expressão de MMPs, e C) determinar se estes efeitos são dependentes da ativação de NFB ou da formação de GMPc. Células endoteliais de veia umbilical humana (HUVECs) foram cultivadas em DMEM e tratadas por 24 horas com 10 nmol/L de PMA ou diferentes concentrações de drogas ativadoras da via NO-GMP ou de inibidor da NOS. Meio de cultura condicionado ou lisado celular foram coletados e submentidos aos ensaios de zimografia, ELISA, immunoblotting ou análise da concentração de nitrito. Os tratamentos com detanonoato, SNAP, atorvastatina e nitrito de sódio diminuíram os aumentos da atividade gelatinolítica e expressão de MMP-9 estimulados por PMA sem afetar as concentrações do inibidor tecidual da metaloproteinase da matriz-1 (TIMP-1). Esses efeitos não foram modificados pelos tratamentos com ODQ (inibidor da guanilato ciclase solúvel) ou 8- bromo-cGMP (um análogo de GMPc) ou hemoglobina (um sequestrador de NO). Enquanto o PMA aumentou a concentração de fosfo-NFB p65, os tratamentos com SNAP, atorvastatina ou nitrito não apresentaram influência sobre esse efeito. O tratamento com L-NAME, um inibidor da NOS, não apresentou efeito sobre a atividade gelatinolítica de MMP-9. Em conclusão, foram demonstrados que os efeitos inibitórios de drogas ativadoras da via NO-GMPc sobre a produção estimulada de MMP-9 em células endoteliais são independentes de mecanismos mediados por GMPc e NFB, e a inibição da NOS não altera a atividade de MMP-9. / Impaired nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability and imbalanced matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) activity have important roles in the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in cardiovascular disease (CVD). It was shown that NO can reduce MMPs expression and activity in vascular smooth muscle cells, mesangial cells, and others. In another study, a NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor has increased MMPs expression. Although NO was decreased and MMPs was increased during CVD, there is clear evidence that NO levels can directly modulate MMPs activity in the cardiovascular system. Also, it is not known whether this effect would be mediated by NFB, nor whether this effect is dependent on guanylate cyclase activity (which promotes the formation of cyclic GMP). Thus, this project aims to study whether A) the effect of NO donors might decrease MMP-9 activity and expression in endothelial cells stimulated by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) (a well-known inducer of MMP-9), and B) the effect of NOS inhibitors might increase MMPs activity and expression in endothelial cells, and C) to determine whether those effects are mediated by the NFB activation or cGMP levels. Endothelial cells from human umbilical vein (HUVECs) were grown in modified DMEM and were treated for 24 hours with 10 nmol/L PMA or different concentrations of NO-GMPc pathway stimulating drugs or NOS inhibitor. Conditioned medium or cell lysate were collected after treatments and analyzed by zymography, ELISA, immunoblotting or to determine nitrite concentration. Detanonoate, SNAP, atorvastatin or sodium nitrite treatments attenuated PMA-induced increases in MMP- 9 gelatinolytic activity and expression, but they had no effect on tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) concentrations. These effects were not modified by ODQ (a soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor), or 8-bromo-cGMP (cGMP analogue), or hemoglobin (a NO scavenger). While PMA increased phospho-NFB p65 concentration, SNAP, atorvastatin or nitrite had no influence on this effect. The treatment with L-Name, a NOS inhibitor, had no effect on MMP-9 activity. In conclusion, this study shows that the inhibitory effects of NO-GMPc pathway stimulating drugs on MMP-9 production by endothelial cells are independent of cGMP- and NFB-mediated mechanisms, and NOS inhibitor had no effect on MMP-9 levels

<p>Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) catalyses prostaglandin synthesis from arachidonic acid during inflammation. COX-2 is expressed in the normal brain and is induced in neurological disorders. There is evidence that COX-2 is involved in secondary events leading to cell death in the brain. The first objective was to study the expression of COX-2 in the brain after kainate (KA)-induced limbic seizures and brain trauma caused by controlled cortical contusion (CCC) and fluid percussion injury (FPI). COX-2 mRNA and protein were strongly induced by limbic seizures in the hippocampus, amygdala and piriform cortex. CCC and FPI resulted in an upregulation of COX-2 mainly in the dentate gyrus and cortex, with differences in expression levels in these regions between the models. The second objective was to evaluate the effects of selective COX-2 inhibitors on delayed cell death. Limbic seizures induced cell death in parts of the hippocampus, amygdala and functionally connected regions. Treatment with the selective COX-2 inhibitor rofecoxib 8 h after KA injection significantly reduced hippocampal cell death. Pre-treatment with the COX-2 inhibitor nimesulide augmented acute seizures with increased mortality and thus the effect of nimesulide on delayed cell death could not be evaluated. Effects of rofecoxib on trauma-induced cell death were studied in the FPI model. FPI induced delayed cell death mainly in the ipsilateral cortex and bilaterally in the dentate gyrus. Rofecoxib treatment, starting directly after injury was caused, had no protective effect against cell death. </p><p>The results suggest that COX-2 inhibition may be both detrimental and beneficial and largely dependent on the time schedule of treatment. COX-2 inhibitors might thus be of value as a neuroprotective treatment approach, provided that the role of COX-2 and the time course of effects of its metabolites in the brain are elucidated.</p>

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) catalyses prostaglandin synthesis from arachidonic acid during inflammation. COX-2 is expressed in the normal brain and is induced in neurological disorders. There is evidence that COX-2 is involved in secondary events leading to cell death in the brain. The first objective was to study the expression of COX-2 in the brain after kainate (KA)-induced limbic seizures and brain trauma caused by controlled cortical contusion (CCC) and fluid percussion injury (FPI). COX-2 mRNA and protein were strongly induced by limbic seizures in the hippocampus, amygdala and piriform cortex. CCC and FPI resulted in an upregulation of COX-2 mainly in the dentate gyrus and cortex, with differences in expression levels in these regions between the models. The second objective was to evaluate the effects of selective COX-2 inhibitors on delayed cell death. Limbic seizures induced cell death in parts of the hippocampus, amygdala and functionally connected regions. Treatment with the selective COX-2 inhibitor rofecoxib 8 h after KA injection significantly reduced hippocampal cell death. Pre-treatment with the COX-2 inhibitor nimesulide augmented acute seizures with increased mortality and thus the effect of nimesulide on delayed cell death could not be evaluated. Effects of rofecoxib on trauma-induced cell death were studied in the FPI model. FPI induced delayed cell death mainly in the ipsilateral cortex and bilaterally in the dentate gyrus. Rofecoxib treatment, starting directly after injury was caused, had no protective effect against cell death. The results suggest that COX-2 inhibition may be both detrimental and beneficial and largely dependent on the time schedule of treatment. COX-2 inhibitors might thus be of value as a neuroprotective treatment approach, provided that the role of COX-2 and the time course of effects of its metabolites in the brain are elucidated.

Rupture of atherosclerotic plaque is one of the primary causes of death due to cardiovascular disease. The factors directing plaque progression to instability are poorly understood. It is well-known that arteries respond to changes in mechanical stress by remodeling, and that remodeling is mediated by the inflammatory response. Studies have shown that both mechanical stress and markers of inflammation are increased in the fibrous cap and shoulder regions of plaque, where rupture most often occurs. In this study we hypothesized that there are spatial relationships between the local mechanical environment and expression of markers of inflammation in atherosclerosis, and that these relationships are plaque-progression dependent. To test these hypotheses, we analyzed cross-sections at intervals along the length of human coronary atherosclerotic arteries. For each cross-section, a heterogeneous finite element model was developed to determine the spatial distribution of stress. In addition, novel techniques for quantifying inflammatory markers at high spatial resolution were used to determine the distributions of inflammatory markers. The distributions of stress and five markers of inflammation activated NF-kB, macrophages, MMP-1, nitrotyrosine, and microvessels - were then compared to determine whether spatial relationships exists. We demonstrated that the probability of activated NF-kB expression increases monotonically with increasing stress in all stages of plaque progression. This indicates that the relationship between mechanical stress and NF-kB activation is a player throughout the disease process. We found that the relationship between mechanical stress and macrophages is highly dependent on the state of plaque progression. In intermediate stages of progression macrophages increase with moderate stress but drop off again at very high stresses, while in the advanced stage macrophages continue to increase monotonically with stress. We found that MMP1 increases with stress in stages of progression where active remodeling is occurring, but decreases with stress in mature stable plaque. We found no relationship between mechanical stress and nitrotyrosine expression or microvessels. Taken together, these results support the role of mechanical stress in instigating and maintaining the inflammatory response, and help explain how mechanical input is able to direct the complex biological changes involved in remodeling.

La maladie de Crohn (MC) et la colite ulcéreuse (CU) sont des maladies inflammatoires de l’intestin (MII) caractérisées par une inflammation chronique du tube digestif. Ces maladies à traits complexes sont le résultat d’un dérèglement du système immunitaire. Les études d’association pangénomique ont identifié au total 99 loci de susceptibilité aux MII. La région 1q32 du chromosome 1 a été identifiée comme locus de susceptibilité à la MC, la CU et la sclérose en plaque. La région autour du marqueur génétique (rs11584383) contient quatre gènes : Chromosome 1 open reading frame 106 (C1orf106), Kinesin family member 21B (KIF21B), Calcium channel, voltage-dependant, L type, alpha 1S subunit (CACNA1S) et Chromosome 1 open reading frame 81 (C1orf81). L’objectif de l’étude est de mettre ces quatres gènes dans un contexte biologique et de déterminer leur rôle potentiel dans les MII. Par réaction de polymérisation en chaîne quantitatif (qPCR), nous avons déterminé le profil d’expression de ces gènes dans des tissus murins et des lignées cellulaires humaines. KIF21B et C1orf106 sont exprimés dans les tissus gastrointestinal et immunitaire. Par la suite, nous avons testé l’implication de KIF21B et C1orf106 dans les voies biologiques connues pour leur rôle dans les MII comme l’activité NF-kB et le stress du réticulum endoplasmique (RE). Nos résultats montrent que la surexpression de KIF21B dans les cellules HEK293T diminue l’activité de NF-kB et la surexpression de C1orf106 augmente le stress du RE et l’activité de la voie Wnt. Globalement, ces résultats suggèrent que KIF21B et C1orf106, dans la région 1q32, sont des gènes candidats prometteurs puisqu’ils interviennent dans des voies biologiques connues des maladies inflammatoire de l’intestin. / Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) characterized by chronic inflammation along the gastrointestinal tract. These complex diseases appear to be the result of an immune system dysregulation. Genome-wide association studies have identified 99 loci that contribute to IBD susceptibility. Region 1q32 of chromosome 1 has been identified as a CD, UC and multiple sclerosis susceptibility locus and the region around this marker (rs11584383) contains four genes: Chromosome 1 open reading frame 106 (C1orf106), Kinesin family member 21B (KIF21B), Calcium channel, voltage-dependant, L type, alpha 1S subunit (CACNA1S) and Chromosome 1 open reading frame 81 (C1orf81). The goal of the present study is to place these genes in a biological context and to determine their possible involvement in IBD. By using quantitative PCR (qPCR), we determined the expression profile of these genes in murine tissues and human cell lines and we observed that KIF21B and C1orf106 were expressed in immune as well as gastrointestinal tissues. Next, we tested the involvement of KIF21B and C1orf106 in biological pathways previously implicated in IBD, more specifically NF-kB activity and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. We found that overexpression of KIF21B in HEK293T cells decreased the activity of NF-kB whereas C1orf106 overexpression increased ER stress and Wnt activity. Taken together, these results suggest that KIF21B and C1orf106 are good candidate causal genes in the 1q32 region.