CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeiÃoamento de NÃvel Superior / O epitÃlio intestinal à formado e mantido por uma populaÃÃo de cÃlulas-tronco capaz de gerar diferentes linhagens celulares, mantendo a pluripotÃncia e a capacidade de auto-renovaÃÃo. A glutamina à um aminoÃcido essencial condicional importante para a manutenÃÃo do epitÃlio do intestino. No entanto, poucos estudos tÃm explorado o papel da glutamina na regulaÃÃo fina do turnover celular da cripta intestinal. Com o propÃsito de avaliar o papel da glutamina n o turnover de cÃlulas da cripta, foi utilizado um modelo in vitro de enteroide, onde as cÃlulas-tronco sÃo capazes de gerar um epitÃlio contendo as principais linhagens de cÃlulas secretoras intestinais (cÃlula de Paneth, cÃlula caliciforme e cÃlula enteroendÃcrina), alÃm dos enterÃcitos absortivos, com a formaÃÃo de uma estrutura tipo vilosidade-cripta. Este modelo foi usado para testar o efeito de 24 horas de privaÃÃo de glutamina (meio padrÃo com glutamina a 2 mM vs meio livre de glutamina) no turnover epitelial atravÃs da contagem de cÃlulas marcadas por Edu/nÃmero total por secÃÃo e ainda na apoptose celular, atravÃs da contagem de cÃlulas marcadas para caspase 3-clivada/nÃmero total por secÃÃo. A fim de avaliar a funÃÃo secretora das criptas, as razÃes das cÃlulas de Paneth e caliciformes por cripta (cÃlula alvo/nÃmero total de cÃlulas secretoras por cripta) foram medidas. O nÃmero de cÃlulas de Paneth e caliciformes foi obtido com o auxÃlio da microscopia confocal e imunomarcaÃÃo para lisozima e mucina-2. AlÃm disso, os transcritos dos produtos das cÃlulas de Paneth e caliciformes (lisozima e mucina, respectivamente) foram analisados utilizando o mÃtodo de PCR quantitativo em tempo real. Com intuito de avaliar o potencial papel imunomodulador da glutamina, transcritos de elementos da imunidade inata, receptor de tipo Toll e sua proteÃna acessÃria MD-2, e citocinas, a saber: TNF-α, IL-1β e CXCL-1, foram medidos. A privaÃÃo de glutamina reduziu o nÃmero de cÃlulas Edu positivas, em comparaÃÃo com o enteroide sob meio padrÃo (p=0,006). NÃo houve diferenÃa significativa em relaÃÃo Ãs razÃes das cÃlulas de Paneth e cÃlulas caliciformes entre os grupos apÃs privaÃÃo de glutamina. A privaÃÃo da glutamina diminuiu significativamente os transcritos de lisozima, em comparaÃÃo com o enteroide sob meio padrÃo (p = 0,007), mas nÃo para mucina-2, transcriÃÃo relacionada com a funÃÃo das cÃlulas caliciformes. Uma transcriÃÃo reduzida para TNF- α e MD-2 (p=0,005 e p=0,016, respectivamente) foi observada apÃs a privaÃÃo de glutamina. Ao todo, nossos achados reforÃam o papel positivo da glutamina sobre o turnover do epitÃlio intestinal e, alÃm disso, sugerem um importante efeito regulador da glutamina sobre as cÃlulas de Paneth e resposta imune inata. O modelo enteroide fornece uma ferramenta importante para dissecar os mecanismos de proteÃÃo pela glutamina e guiar estudos futuros. / The intestinal epithelium is formed and sustained by a population of stem cells capable of generating different cell lines while maintaining pluripotent and self-renewal capacity. Glutamine is a conditional essential amino acid important for the maintenance of the intestinal epithelium. However, few studies to date have explored the role of glutamine in the fine regulation of the intestinal crypt cell turnover. In order to evaluate the role of glutamine in the crypt cell turnover, an in vitro enteroid model was used, where stem cells are capable of generating an epithelium containing the main intestinal secretory cell lines (Paneth, goblet, and enteroendocrine cells) and absorptive enterocytes as well, while forming a villus-crypt like structure. This model was used to test the effect of 24h of glutamine deprivation (standard media with 2mM glutamine vs glutamine-free media) on epithelial turnover by counting EdU- labeled cells/total number per section and cell apoptosis by counting cleavage-caspase 3- labeled cells/total number per section. In order to assess crypt secretory function, Paneth and goblet crypt cell ratios (target secretory cell/total cell number per crypt) were measured. The number of Paneth and goblet cells was measured with the aid of confocal microscopy and lysozyme and mucin-2 immunostainning. In addition, Paneth and globet cell product transcripts (lysozyme and mucin, respectively) were measured using quantitative Real-time PCR. In order to assess the potential immunomodulatory role of glutamine, innate immune element transcripts, Toll like receptor and their accessory protein MD-2, and cytokines, as follows: TNF-α, IL-1β and CXCL-1, were measured. Glutamine deprivation reduced the number of EdU positive cell ratio as compared with the enteroid under the standard media (p=0.006). No significant differences regarding Paneth and goblet cell ratios were seen between groups following glutamine deprivation. Glutamine deprivation significantly decreased lysozyme transcripts as compared with the enteroid under the standard media (p=0.007), but not for mucin-2 transcripts, related to goblet cell function. Decreased TNF-α and MD-2 transcription (p=0.005 and p=0.016, respectively) were found following glutamine deprivation. Altogether, our findings reinforce the glutamine positive role on the intestinal epithelial turnover and furthermore suggest an important glutamine regulatory effect over Paneth cells and the innate immune system. The enteroid model provides an important tool the dissect the mechanisms of glutamine protection and shed light for future studies.

COSTA, Tie Bezerra. Efeito da privação da glutamina sobre as células secretoras do epitélio intestinal em um modelo in vitro de enteroide. 2014. 73 f. Dissertação (Mestrado em Ciências Médicas) - Universidade Federal do Ceará. Faculdade de Medicina, Fortaleza, 2014. / Submitted by denise santos (denise.santos@ufc.br) on 2015-02-13T11:59:15Z No. of bitstreams: 1 2014_dis_tbcosta.pdf: 1905458 bytes, checksum: 3bfbf27d06a97ecac348168074140446 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by denise santos(denise.santos@ufc.br) on 2015-02-13T12:00:14Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 2014_dis_tbcosta.pdf: 1905458 bytes, checksum: 3bfbf27d06a97ecac348168074140446 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-02-13T12:00:14Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2014_dis_tbcosta.pdf: 1905458 bytes, checksum: 3bfbf27d06a97ecac348168074140446 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012 / The intestinal epithelium is formed and sustained by a population of stem cells capable of generating different cell lines while maintaining pluripotent and self-renewal capacity. Glutamine is a conditional essential amino acid important for the maintenance of the intestinal epithelium. However, few studies to date have explored the role of glutamine in the fine regulation of the intestinal crypt cell turnover. In order to evaluate the role of glutamine in the crypt cell turnover, an in vitro enteroid model was used, where stem cells are capable of generating an epithelium containing the main intestinal secretory cell lines (Paneth, goblet, and enteroendocrine cells) and absorptive enterocytes as well, while forming a villus-crypt like structure. This model was used to test the effect of 24h of glutamine deprivation (standard media with 2mM glutamine vs glutamine-free media) on epithelial turnover by counting EdU- labeled cells/total number per section and cell apoptosis by counting cleavage-caspase 3- labeled cells/total number per section. In order to assess crypt secretory function, Paneth and goblet crypt cell ratios (target secretory cell/total cell number per crypt) were measured. The number of Paneth and goblet cells was measured with the aid of confocal microscopy and lysozyme and mucin-2 immunostainning. In addition, Paneth and globet cell product transcripts (lysozyme and mucin, respectively) were measured using quantitative Real-time PCR. In order to assess the potential immunomodulatory role of glutamine, innate immune element transcripts, Toll like receptor and their accessory protein MD-2, and cytokines, as follows: TNF-α, IL-1β and CXCL-1, were measured. Glutamine deprivation reduced the number of EdU positive cell ratio as compared with the enteroid under the standard media (p=0.006). No significant differences regarding Paneth and goblet cell ratios were seen between groups following glutamine deprivation. Glutamine deprivation significantly decreased lysozyme transcripts as compared with the enteroid under the standard media (p=0.007), but not for mucin-2 transcripts, related to goblet cell function. Decreased TNF-α and MD-2 transcription (p=0.005 and p=0.016, respectively) were found following glutamine deprivation. Altogether, our findings reinforce the glutamine positive role on the intestinal epithelial turnover and furthermore suggest an important glutamine regulatory effect over Paneth cells and the innate immune system. The enteroid model provides an important tool the dissect the mechanisms of glutamine protection and shed light for future studies. / O epitélio intestinal é formado e mantido por uma população de células-tronco capaz de gerar diferentes linhagens celulares, mantendo a pluripotência e a capacidade de auto-renovação. A glutamina é um aminoácido essencial condicional importante para a manutenção do epitélio do intestino. No entanto, poucos estudos têm explorado o papel da glutamina na regulação fina do turnover celular da cripta intestinal. Com o propósito de avaliar o papel da glutamina n o turnover de células da cripta, foi utilizado um modelo in vitro de enteroide, onde as células-tronco são capazes de gerar um epitélio contendo as principais linhagens de células secretoras intestinais (célula de Paneth, célula caliciforme e célula enteroendócrina), além dos enterócitos absortivos, com a formação de uma estrutura tipo vilosidade-cripta. Este modelo foi usado para testar o efeito de 24 horas de privação de glutamina (meio padrão com glutamina a 2 mM vs meio livre de glutamina) no turnover epitelial através da contagem de células marcadas por Edu/número total por secção e ainda na apoptose celular, através da contagem de células marcadas para caspase 3-clivada/número total por secção. A fim de avaliar a função secretora das criptas, as razões das células de Paneth e caliciformes por cripta (célula alvo/número total de células secretoras por cripta) foram medidas. O número de células de Paneth e caliciformes foi obtido com o auxílio da microscopia confocal e imunomarcação para lisozima e mucina-2. Além disso, os transcritos dos produtos das células de Paneth e caliciformes (lisozima e mucina, respectivamente) foram analisados utilizando o método de PCR quantitativo em tempo real. Com intuito de avaliar o potencial papel imunomodulador da glutamina, transcritos de elementos da imunidade inata, receptor de tipo Toll e sua proteína acessória MD-2, e citocinas, a saber: TNF-α, IL-1β e CXCL-1, foram medidos. A privação de glutamina reduziu o número de células Edu positivas, em comparação com o enteroide sob meio padrão (p=0,006). Não houve diferença significativa em relação às razões das células de Paneth e células caliciformes entre os grupos após privação de glutamina. A privação da glutamina diminuiu significativamente os transcritos de lisozima, em comparação com o enteroide sob meio padrão (p = 0,007), mas não para mucina-2, transcrição relacionada com a função das células caliciformes. Uma transcrição reduzida para TNF- α e MD-2 (p=0,005 e p=0,016, respectivamente) foi observada após a privação de glutamina. Ao todo, nossos achados reforçam o papel positivo da glutamina sobre o turnover do epitélio intestinal e, além disso, sugerem um importante efeito regulador da glutamina sobre as células de Paneth e resposta imune inata. O modelo enteroide fornece uma ferramenta importante para dissecar os mecanismos de proteção pela glutamina e guiar estudos futuros.

CARVALHO, L. L. Inibição do mTOR agrava a mucosite intestinal induzida por irinotecano. 2016. 118 f. Dissertação (Mestrado em Farmacologia) - Faculdade de Farmácia, Odontologia e Enfermagem, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, 2016. / Submitted by Erika Fernandes (erikaleitefernandes@gmail.com) on 2017-02-06T15:50:42Z No. of bitstreams: 1 2016_dis_llcarvalho.pdf: 2848340 bytes, checksum: aaf346e9f648dc008eef1d64977af996 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Erika Fernandes (erikaleitefernandes@gmail.com) on 2017-02-06T15:50:51Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 2016_dis_llcarvalho.pdf: 2848340 bytes, checksum: aaf346e9f648dc008eef1d64977af996 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-02-06T15:50:51Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2016_dis_llcarvalho.pdf: 2848340 bytes, checksum: aaf346e9f648dc008eef1d64977af996 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-10-21 / INTRODUCTION. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent neoplasms worldwide, being one of the leading causes of death from cancer. In Brazil, it is the third most frequent cancer in men and second in women. In the last decades new drugs incorporated into the clinical protocols for the treatment of mCRM have provided a significant increase in the survival of patients with this type of malignancy. Among these drugs, irinotecan occupies a prominent place and is commonly used as the first line in the treatment of metastatic RCC. However, since all chemotherapy treatments have a burden, a quarter of patients receiving irinotecan have a severe intestinal mucositis as a more noticeable side effect. Deregulation of cell signaling pathways is certainly one of the main reasons for the development of cancer. The mammalian rapamycin target protein (mTOR) is responsible for cell growth and the PI3K / Akt / mTOR axis is often dysregulated in several types of cancer. Thus, this work focused on investigating the role of mTOR during experimental intestinal mucositis induced by irinotecan. METHODS. C57BL / 6 male mice (n = 6 / group) were given intraperitoneally with saline or irinotecan (75 mg / kg or 45 mg / kg) for four consecutive days and treated with rapamycin or everolimus (mTOR inhibitors, 1.5 mg / Kg and 3 mg / kg, respectively) followed by irinotecan administration. Periodically the body weight variation and scores were evaluated for the degree of diarrhea. After euthanasia of the animals, ileus samples were collected for determination of myeloperoxidase activity (MPO), histopathology and morphometric analysis and cytokine levels measurement [KC (human IL-8 analogue chemokine), IL-1β, TGF-β And IFN-γ]. Gene expression of the mRNA of the PI3K / Akt / mTOR pathway proteins was performed by qRT-PCR. Blood was also collected from the animals to evaluate the total white blood cell count. The ANOVA / Bonferroni or Kruskal-Wallis / Dunn tests were used for statistical analysis. P <0.05 was accepted as significant. The present work was approved by the ethics committee of UFC (protocol number 100/14). RESULTS. Animals injected with irinotecan 75 mg / kg showed an increase in the gene expression of PI3K, Akt and mTOR mRNA evidencing the participation of the pathway in iatrogeny. Irinotecan 75 mg / kg significantly reduced body weight, total leukocyte count, villus / crypt ratio and promoted a characteristic intestinal lesion when compared to the saline control group. In addition, inhibition of mTOR with rapamycin or everolimus generally aggravated most of these parameters, such as weight loss, diarrhea, histopathology, neutrophil infiltration, and inflammatory mediators such as TGF-β and IFN-γ. CONCLUSION. Inhibition of mTOR aggravates irinotecan-induced intestinal mucositis probably by increasing the pro-inflammatory response via TGF-β and IFN-γ with important involvement of Paneth's Cells. Financial support: CNPq. / INTRODUÇÃO. O câncer colorretal (CCR) é uma das neoplasias mais prevalentes em todo o mundo, sendo uma das principais causas de óbito por câncer. No Brasil, apresenta-se como o terceiro câncer mais frequente nos homens e segundo nas mulheres. Nas últimas décadas novas drogas incorporadas à protocolos clínicos para o tratamento do CCRm tem proporcionado um aumento significativo na sobrevida de pacientes com esse tipo de malignidade. Dentre estas drogas o irinotecano ocupa lugar de destaque e é comumente utilizado como primeira linha no tratamento do CCR metastático. Entretanto, como todo tratamento quimioterápico há um ônus, um quarto dos pacientes em tratamento com irinotecano apresentam uma grave mucosite intestinal como efeito colateral mais notório. A desregulação de vias de sinalização celular certamente é uma das principais razões para o desenvolvimento do câncer. A proteína alvo da rapamicina em mamíferos (mTOR) é responsável pelo crescimento celular e o eixo compreendido por PI3K/Akt/mTOR está frequentemente desregulada em vários tipos de câncer. Dessa forma, esse trabalho focou em investigar o papel do mTOR durante a mucosite intestinal experimental induzida pelo irinotecano. MÉTODOS. Camundongos machos C57BL/6 (n=6/grupo) foram administrados intraperitonialmente com salina ou irinotecano (75 mg/kg ou 45 mg/kg) durante quatro dias consecutivos e tratados com rapamicina ou everolimo (inibidores de mTOR, 1,5 mg/kg e 3 mg/kg, respectivamente) seguidos da administração de irinotecano. Periodicamente foram avaliados a variação de peso corpóreo e escores para avaliação do grau de diarreia. Após a eutanásia dos animais, amostras de íleo foram coletadas para determinação da atividade de mieloperoxidase (MPO), histopatologia e análise morfométrica e dosagem dos níveis de citocinas [KC (quimiocina análoga da IL-8 humana), IL-1β, TGF-β e IFN-γ]. A expressão gênica do RNAm das proteínas da via PI3K/Akt/mTOR foi realizada por qRT-PCR. Também foi colhido sangue dos animais para avaliação da contagem total de leucócitos. Os testes de ANOVA/Bonferroni ou Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn foram usados para as análises estatísticas. P<0,05 foi aceito como significativo. O presente trabalho foi aprovado pelo comitê de ética da UFC (número de protocolo Nº100/14). RESULTADOS. Os animais injetados com irinotecano 75 mg/kg apresentaram um aumento na expressão gênica do RNAm de PI3K, Akt e mTOR evidenciando a participação da via na iatrogenia. O irinotecano 75 mg/kg reduziu significativamente o peso corpóreo, contagem total de leucócitos, razão vilo/cripta e promoveu uma lesão intestinal que lhe é característico quando comparado ao grupo controle salina. Além disso, de forma geral, a inibição do mTOR com rapamicina ou everolimo agravou a maioria desses parâmetros, tais como perda de peso, diarreia, histopatologia, infiltração de neutrófilos e mediadores inflamatórios como TGF-β e IFN-γ. CONCLUSÃO. A inibição do mTOR agrava a mucosite intestinal induzida por irinotecano provavelmente pelo aumento da resposta pro-inflamatória via TGF-β e IFN-γ com participação importante das Células de Paneth. Apoio financeiro: CNPq.

Pten est une protéine qui possède des activités lipides phosphatases et tyrosines phosphatases. Certaines de ses fonctions semblent être indépendantes de son activité phosphatase, mais simplement dû à ses interactions protéiques. Des mutations de Pten sont associées à plusieurs syndromes présentant des hamartomes et un risque accru de cancer tel le syndrome de Cowden. La perte d'un seul allèle de Pten entraîne la formation d'hyperplasie et de dysplasie du tractus gastro-intestinal ainsi que de nombreuses tumeurs. Cependant, les rôles de Pten exclusivement au sein de l'épithélium intestinale ne sont pas connus. Nos travaux ont révélé qu'une mutation de Pten exclusivement à l'épithélium intestinal n'est pas suffisante pour induire une tumorigénèse de l'intestin et que lorsque l'on amorce la tumorigénène avec une mutation dans la voie de Wnt, Pten n'entraîne pas d'avancement de la tumorigénène mais une exacerbation du phénotype. Dans l'épithélium intestinal, Pten se révèle être essentiel à la maturation des cellules de Paneth et des cellules caliciformes. Pten entraîne également une modification des cellules des sous populations endocriniennes de l'intestin. Ces dernières semblent être suractivées par la perte de Pten . Le métabolisme du glucose en est d'ailleurs altéré, nous constatons une absorption intestinale plus rapide du glucose avec une disparition sanguine accélérée par la perte de Pten. Nos résultats ont permis de voir que la perte de Pten au niveau de l'épithélium intestinal avait un impact sur l'expression des protéines des jonctions serrées et adhérentes et que certaines modifications des protéines de jonction sont probablement responsable des fusions et fissions des villosités intestinales. Il est probable même que cette modification soit responsable des quelques hamartomes observés dans les souris mutantes pour Pten et pour le phénotype général dés hamartomes dans les syndromes associé à la perte de Pten . Une délétion épithéliale de Pten a un impact important sur les cellules subépithéliales, entraînant une modification des populations cellulaires. Il y a également augmentation des plaques de Peyer et des facteurs associés à la formation des plaques de Peyer. En conclusion Pten , au sein de l'épithélium dans les modèles murins, est important pour la maturation et la différenciation des cellules de l'ensemble de l'intestin. La délétion de Pten influence le métabolisme du glucose dans l'organisme. Il aurait également une influence sur l'accumulation de cellules lymphocytaires dans l'intestin. Finalement, la perte de Pten n'induit pas la tumorigénèse, mais exacerbe le phénotype de celle déjà initiée.

Shp-1 (Src homology 2 domain-containing phosphatase 1) est une tyrosine phosphatase retrouvée principalement chez les cellules hématopoïétiques, mais également chez les cellules épithéliales. Bien que Shp-1 soit reconnue comme étant un régulateur négatif de plusieurs voies de signalisation intracellulaire chez les cellules hématopoïétiques, son rôle dans les cellules épithéliales a été jusqu’ici très peu étudié. Afin de mieux comprendre son rôle dans les cellules épithéliales intestinales, nous avons généré un modèle murin de délétion conditionnelle de Shp-1 spécifiquement dans l’épithélium intestinal (Shp-1CEI-KO). De manière intéressante, dès l’âge de 6 semaines, les souris expérimentales présentent une intestinalomégalie associée à une légère augmentation de la prolifération cryptale. La taille des cellules épithéliales est également augmentée, suggérant de l’hypertrophie cellulaire chez les souris invalidées pour Shp-1. Parallèlement, la voie de signalisation PI3K/Akt/mTor est activée dans l’épithélium des souris mutantes. Nous avons également noté une production accrue de cellules caliciformes et de leurs précurseures, les cellules intermédiaires, en absence de Shp-1. Par contre, la maturation des cellules de Paneth semble grandement compromise vu la baisse importante d’expression du lysozyme et des RegIIIβ et RegIIIγ, de même que la faible densité de leurs granules de sécrétion. La comparaison du phénotype intestinal des souris Shp-1CEI-KO avec celui des souris PtenCEI-KO suggère que l’hyperactivation de la voie PI3K/Akt/mTor est responsable en partie des altérations phénotypiques observées chez la souris invalidée pour Shp-1. En conclusion, nos résultats montrent que la tyrosine phosphatase Shp-1 est un régulateur important de l’homéostasie de l’épithélium intestinal en contrôlant notamment la croissance cellulaire et la différenciation des cellules de la lignée sécrétrice.

Les Hedgehogs (Hhs) sont des morphogènes indispensables au développement et à l'homéostasie de l'organisme, notamment dans la formation de l'intestin. La littérature y révèle l'importance d'Indian Hh dans le contrôle de la prolifération, de la différenciation des entérocytes et dans l'attraction des cellules immunitaires. Par contre, sa délétion ne récapitule pas l'inhibition de la voie Hh, soulevant ainsi l'hypothèse que Sonic Hh aurait des rôles complémentaires dans l'intestin. Nous avons donc voulu identifier les implications de Shh dans l'histologie, la prolifération et la différenciation de l'épithélium intestinal chez la souris adulte. Pour ce faire, nous avons utilisé le système de délétion conditionnelle Cre/loxP afin d'abolir l'expression de Shh au niveau de l'épithélium de l'intestin et du côlon, à l'aide du promoteur de la Villine . Des traitements au DSS sur 7 jours ont permis de simuler une colite ulcéreuse (CU) chez les animaux afin d'étudier les maladies inflammatoires intestinales (MII). Aucune anomalie histologique n'a été observée par coloration H&E, mais l'axe crypte-villosité était réduit de 16%. Une immunofluorescence dirigée contre PCNA relie ce résultat avec une réduction de 24% du nombre de cellules prolifératives dans l'iléon. Ensuite, Shh ne serait pas impliqué dans la différenciation des entérocytes et des cellules entéroendocrines, contrairement à Ihh. Par contre, les observations montrent une diminution de l'expression de Klf4 en qPCR et un défaut dans l'ultrastructure des vésicules de sécrétion des cellules caliciformes en microscopie électronique. La production des mucines acides et leur fucosylation sont aussi affectées par coloration. Il en résulte un défaut dans la sécrétion de la bicouche de mucus procurant une défense physique. Ensuite, une diminution de l'expression de Sox9 et de la taille des granules dans les cellules de Paneth est observée en absence de Shh. Une diminution de l'autophagie, associée à un réticulum endoplasmique relâché, semble être à la base de ce phénotype en immunobuvardage. Il en résulte un défaut dans la production des agents antimicrobiens, tels que le lysozyme et les a-défensines, en qPCR, suggérant un possible défaut dans la défense antimicrobienne. Bien que les altérations de la barrière intestinale laissent supposer un rôle dans l'inflammation, les souris expérimentales soumises au traitement DSS suggèrent que Shh ne module pas le développement de la CU mais pourrait avoir un rôle dans les étapes de restitution. Finalement, le niveau d'expression des effecteurs Hhs en qPCR lors des Mn et de la CU chez les souris de type sauvage révèle qu'Ihh et Glil sont fortement réduits dans ces pathologies. Les résultats obtenus démontrent que Shh et Ihh ont des rôles distincts dans l'intestin. Shh semble influencer positivement la prolifération et participe à la différenciation terminale des cellules caliciformes et de Paneth ainsi que dans le processus d'autophagie. Ensemble, les Hhs sont essentiels à l'homéostasie et sont impliqués dans la pathologie des MII.

Thesis (Master of Science) -- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, 2006. / Embargoed. Vita. Bibliography: 147-160.

En période néonatale, la muqueuse intestinale est immature et particulièrement perméable, notamment aux facteurs environnementaux comme les toxiques, les infections mais aussi les événements stressants. De la bonne maturation de la barrière intestinale va dépendre la mise en place de l'homéostasie intestinale et donc la tolérance vis-à-vis des antigènes luminaux. La survenu d’évènements stressants durant la petite enfance est associée au déclenchement et/ou l’entretien de pathologies gastro-intestinales fonctionnelles comme le Syndrome de l’Intestin Irritable (SII) mais aussi organiques comme les Maladies Inflammatoires Chroniques de l’Intestin (MICI). De plus, ces pathologies malgré leurs différences dans la sévérité et les signes cliniques, partagent un certain nombre de caractéristiques physiopathologiques communes, comme la rupture de l’intégrité de la barrière intestinale associée à une rupture de tolérance vis-à-vis des antigènes luminaux et plus particulièrement contre le microbiote intestinal. L’objectif de ce travail a été d’évaluer les effets d’un Stress de Séparation Maternelle (SSM) sur l’homéostasie intestinale et la réponse immunitaire vis-à-vis du microbiote commensal chez la souris jeune adulte. Nos résultats ont mis en évidence un dimorphisme sexuel dans ce modèle. Chez les souris mâles jeunes adultes, le SSM diminue les fonctions de la barrière intestinale associé à une altération de la réponse humorale et cellulaire au niveau systémique vis-à-vis du microbiote commensal, ainsi qu’à un défaut des cellules présentatrices d’antigènes, conduisant à une inflammation de bas grade malgré un profil proinflammatoire des lymphocytes T. Chez les souris femelles jeunes adultes, le SSM altère la fonctionnalité des cellules de Paneth associée à surpopulation bactérienne intestinale, responsable de la sensibilité viscérale en réponse à une distension colorectale et une réponse humorale systémique dirigée contre le microbiote commensal. Nous avons mis en évidence une empreinte du SSM chez le jeune adulte, capable d'induire des modifications profondes de l’homéostasie intestinale ainsi que de la réponse immunitaire systémique contre le microbiote intestinal. Le SSM altère l'homéostasie intestinale et reproduit des caractéristiques communes aux pathologies digestives à savoir une rupture de barrière associée à une réponse immunitaire contre le microbiote sans symptômes majeurs. Ce travail a permis d'identifier la survenue d'événements stressants pendant la petite enfance comme un facteur environnemental important capable d'altérer l'homéostasie intestinale chez des individus sains et qui pourrait contribuer au déclenchement de pathologies intestinales chez des individus génétiquement prédisposés. / Perinatal period is characterized by an immature intestinal barrier particularly permeable to luminal antigens and as such highly vulnerable to environmental factors like toxins, infections or stressful events. The appropriate maturation of intestinal barrier leads to intestinal homeostasis and tolerance toward luminal contents. Early life stressful events are associated with the development and/or maintenance of functional gastrointestinal disorders like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or organic one like Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD). These pathologies are highly different in term of etiology and clinical severity however they share common features like alteration in intestinal barrier associated with an abnormal immune response toward luminal contents especially commensal microbiota. Our aim was to evaluate the consequences of maternal separation (MS) on intestinal homeostasis, host-microbiota relationship and the humoral and cellular response at adulthood. Due to sexual dimorphism in this model, the results are presented separately for male and female. In young adult male mice, MS decreases intestinal barrier functions associated with an alteration of systemic humoral and cellular response toward commensal microbiota. Moreover, a defect of antigen presenting cells in spleen leads to systemic low grade inflammation despite a pro-inflammatory profile of T cell. In young adult female mice, MS alters the functionality of Paneth cells associated with an intestinal bacterial overgrowth, leading to visceral sensitivity and systemic humoral response toward commensal microbiota. We highlighted that MS has long lasting adverse effects on intestinal homeostasis and systemic immune response toward commensal microbiota in young adult. MS impairs intestinal homeostasis in healthy individuals and might contribute to trigger intestinal pathologies in susceptible persons.

The intestinal mucosa is made up of complex secreted mucus layer consist of mainly mucin 2 (MUC2) and antimicrobial components that defend the underlining cellular barrier from intrusion by luminal microbiota and toxins. In inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), the mucosal integrity is compromised. This can result from a combination of altered host genetics, gut immune responses and environment factors. However, it is the presence of intestinal bacteria that is central to the pathogenesis of IBD. As part of the dynamic gut microbial flora, mucolytic bacteria produce a wide range of glycosidases that are able to remove the outer oligosaccharide chains of MUC2, which allow other luminal bacteria to further degrade the mucin. We hypothesised that increased mucolytic bacteria will cause excessive degradation of the mucus layer, which in turn, allow more luminal bacteria to be in close proximity to the underlining epithelial cells resulting in inflammation. Consistent with our group’s previous semi-quantitative bacterial 16S rRNA gene clone library analysis, we found increased Ruminococcus gnavus in non-inflamed ulcerative colitis (UC) mucosa. R. gnavus was previously isolated by others based on its mucolytic property. In this study, we quantify total mucosa-associated bacteria and mucolytic bacteria, namely, R. gnavus, R. torques, Akkermansia muciniphila and bifidobacteria. We were able to show quantitatively that total mucosa-associated bacteria were increased in IBD. There was also a population shift in the mucosa-associated mucolytic bacteria, which were increased overall. There was significantly more R. gnavus in non-inflamed IBD biopsies. For the first time, we were also able to demonstrate that R. gnavus can degrade human MUC2 in vitro. To examine whether the numerical association of R. gnavus in IBD does have functional influence on intestinal inflammation and Paneth cell antimicrobial peptide gene expression, we fed mice with R. gnavus. Interestingly, R. gnavus feeding did not result in histological or molecular evidence of gut inflammation; however, it was able to specifically induce Paneth cell cryptdins and lysozyme P genes expression in 3 week old, antibiotic pre-treated C57BL/6 mice. This demonstrated that R. gnavus is not a pathogenic bacterium, which will directly cause colitis. However, the increased Paneth cell response suggested the need for host innate defence when R. gnavus is increased. Other than bacterial degradation, altered host genetics will also influence the mucus barrier. There is evidence to suggest that the MUC2 gene is highly unstable and is susceptible to gene copy number variation (CNV). Therefore, we hypothesised that MUC2 CNV is present, which may result in altered oligomerisation of the MUC2 glycoprotein causing endoplasmic reticulum stress of the goblet cells that appears to be characteristic of UC. Currently, our data partly support the presence of MUC2 CNV. However, further investigation is required to verify the MUC2 CNV identity. Only then can a high throughput methodology be designed to screen a large population for any association with IBD.

This study described morphological aspects of the digestive tract of the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), five specimens were used, belonging to the collection of the Laboratório de Ensino e Pesquisa em Animais Silvestres in UFU, were processed by usual methods of macroscopic anatomical, histological and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. The esophagus is a narrow tube that goes straight in the thoracic cavity. The stomach has the shape of the letter J, have the cardiac, fundic, corpus and pyloric regions. The small intestine is long, has a duodenum, jejunum and ileum. The large intestine is short, consisting of ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, rectum and anus. The lining epithelial of the esophagus is stratified squamous, non-glandular; and scanning electron microscopic examination of the esophagus is smooth and pleated. Stomach is simple prismatic relatively low, with shallow crypts; and rough surface. In the small intestine is simple prismatic, the duodenum has goblet cells, a huge amount of Paneth cells, the jejunum has an increase of Paneth cells, the ileum has a few Paneth cells and an increase of goblet cells; and villous surface; the large intestine is simple prismatic, an increase goblet cells; and smooth surface with openings of intestinal crypts. / Este estudo descreveu aspectos morfológicos do tubo digestório de Myrmecophaga tridactyla, foram utilizados cinco espécimes, pertencentes ao acervo do Laboratório de Ensino e Pesquisa em Animais Silvestres da UFU e foram processados conforme métodos rotineiros de análise anatômica macroscópica, histologia e microscopia eletrônica de varredura. O esôfago é um tubo estreito que percorre a cavidade torácica sem angulações. O estômago possui o formato da letra J, com regiões cárdica, fúndica, do corpo e pilórica. O intestino delgado é longo, possui um duodeno, jejuno e íleo. O intestino grosso é curto, formado por colón ascendente, cólon transverso, cólon descendente, reto e ânus. O epitélio de revestimento do esôfago é estratificado pavimentoso, aglandular; e a análise microscópica eletrônica de varredura do esôfago é superfície lisa com pregas. No estômago é simples prismático mucíparo, relativamente baixo, com criptas rasas; e superfície rugosa. No intestino delgado é simples prismático; no duodeno tem células caliciformes e uma enorme quantidade de células de Paneth, no jejuno aumento das células de Paneth, no íleo poucas células de Paneth e aumento das células caliciformes; e superfície com vilos; no intestino grosso é simples prismático, aumento da quantidade das células caliciformes; e superfície lisa com aberturas das criptas intestinais. / Mestre em Ciências Veterinárias