Made available in DSpace on 2014-08-20T13:32:47Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 dissertacao_liziane_pereira_da_silva.pdf: 573482 bytes, checksum: c057ff271e09c08ae99425d3f04b49da (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-02-28 / Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) gene polymorphisms are related to low activity of the enzyme increasing homocysteine (Hcy) plasma levels. Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is a risk factor for several pathological processes including atherosclerosis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms and behavioral factors on Hcy levels in 3831 biological samples from 1982 Pelotas Birth Cohort individuals. The Hcy levels were measured in serum samples using chemiluminescence immunoassay. The genotyping was performed by allelic discrimination technique using pre-designed TaqMan® assays in the ABI7500 Fast Real-Time PCR System. The mean levels of Hcy were higher (p<0.001) in homozygous TT variant of MTHFR C677T than in CT and CC genotypes independently of sex, alcohol consumption, smoking and physical activity during leisure time. However it was demonstrated a higher MTHFR 677TT effect in smokers compared to non-smokers, as well as, in alcohol consumers than in non-consumers and in active individuals than in less active ones (p for interaction <0.001, respectively). For the MTHFR A1298C, the Hcy levels were higher in AA genotype than AC and CC genotypes, independently of behavioral factors. Men genotyped as MTHFR 1298AA showed 14% increasing on Hcy levels compared to 4% increase observed in women (p for interaction <0.001). No interactions were demonstrated between this polymorphism and the other behavioral factors analyzed. In conclusion, in young adult from 1982 cohort it was observed an interaction effect between the MTHFR C677T polymorphism and lifestyle on Hcy levels, contributing to an increased risk for cardiovascular chronic diseases in the future. / Os polimorfismos do gene Metilenotetrahidrofolato Redutase (MTHFR) estão relacionados com a baixa atividade da enzima e aumento dos níveis plasmáticos de homocisteína (Hcy). A hiper-homocisteinemia (HHcy) é um fator de risco para vários processos patológicos incluindo a aterosclerose. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o efeito do MTHFR C677T e A1298C e fatores comportamentais sobre os níveis de homocisteína em 3.831 amostras biológicas coletadas de indivíduos pertencentes à coorte de nascidos em Pelotas no ano de 1982. Os níveis de homocisteína foram medidos no soro por imunoensaio quimioluminescente. A genotipagem foi realizada pela técnica de discriminação alélica através do uso de sondas pré-desenhadas TaqMan® no equipamento ABI7500 Fast Real-Time PCR System. Os níveis médios de Hcy foram maiores (p <0,001) em indivíduos apresentando a variante MTHFR 677T em homozigose do que em indivíduos com genótipos CT e CC, independentemente de sexo, consumo de álcool, tabagismo e atividade física no lazer. No entanto, foi demonstrado um efeito maior em MTHFR 677TT fumantes em comparação aos não-fumantes, bem como, em consumidores de álcool do que em não-consumidores, e em indivíduos ativos do que em outros menos ativos (p de interação <0,001, respectivamente). Para MTHFR A1298C, os níveis de homocisteína foram maiores no genótipo AA do que nos genótipos AC e CC independente de fatores comportamentais. Homens genotipados como MTHFR 1298AA apresentaram aumento de 14% sobre os níveis de homocisteína em relação ao aumento de 4% observado em mulheres (p de interação <0,001). Não houve interação demonstrada entre este polimorfismo e os outros fatores comportamentais analisados. Em conclusão, em adultos jovens da coorte de 1982 foi observado um efeito de interação entre o polimorfismo MTHFR C677T com estilo de vida na determinação dos níveis de Hcy, contribuindo para um aumento do risco de doenças crônicas cardiovasculares no futuro.

Charles University, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové Department of pharmacology and toxicology Candidate: Bc. Petra Vicherková Supervisor: prof. PharmDr. Petr Pávek, Ph.D. Title of master thesis: Pharmacogenetics in rheumatology - role of miRNA Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory autoimmune disease that causes progressive joint damage and can result in to life-long depreciation of life. The influence on the onset and course of the disease is not only genetic, but due to the heterogeneous character of the disease, it is also strongly influenced by lifestyle. This disease, based on the malfunction of our immune system in RA, is still incurable. The treatment of RA uses conventional synthetic drugs as well as biological treatment. To diagnose the effect of anti-rheumatic therapy, monitoring and evaluating the response to treatment is necessary. Important indicators of RA activity, functional status, quality of life, and structural progression of the disease are important. In clinical practice, we use DAS 28 composite system according to recommendation of ČRS. Recent discoveries in the area of diagnostics raise the question of whether some miRNAs could be appropriate biomarkers of RA progression. In my diploma thesis, I summarize available knowledge in this field, obtained from...

A doença inflamatória intestinal (DII) e a esclerose sistêmica (ES) são doenças inflamatórias crônicas de difícil diagnóstico e tratamento. A etiologia da DII e da ES ainda não é completamente compreendida, mas sabe-se que fatores genéticos, imunológicos e ambientais estão envolvidos na sua patogênese. A DII possui dois principais subtipos clínicos: a doença de Crohn (DC) e a retocolite ulcerativa (RCU), caracterizados pela inflamação do intestino delgado e/ou cólon. Evidências sugerem que o aumento do estresse oxidativo desempenha um papel importante na fisiopatologia da DII. A ES é uma doença inflamatória autoimune rara, caracterizada pela fibrose progressiva da pele e de órgãos internos. A hipótese de que o aumento do dano oxidativo pode iniciar o dano vascular e desencadear os eventos patológicos observados na ES vem sendo investigada. Genes e enzimas envolvidos na metabolização (Fase I) e detoxificação (Fase II) de xenobióticos são utilizados como marcadores de susceptibilidade para o desenvolvimento de doenças que possuem fatores ambientais como fatores de risco. Em uma reação de Fase I, as enzimas do Citocromo P450 (CYP) inserem um átomo de oxigênio em um substrato deixando-o eletrofílico e reativo, criando um sítio para posterior conjugação pelas enzimas de Fase II. As enzimas Glutationa S-tranferases (GST) de Fase II catalisam a conjugação da glutationa com uma grande variedade de compostos eletrofílicos, detoxificando substâncias endógenas e exógenas. A atividade catalítica aumentada das enzimas CYP, bem como a falha na detoxificação de metabólitos pelas GST pode contribuir para o aumento do estresse oxidativo. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o papel de polimorfismos nos genes que codificam enzimas de metabolização (CYP1A*2C e CYP2E1*5B) e detoxificação (GSTT1 nulo, GSTM1 nulo e GSTP1 Ile105Val) na susceptibilidade a estas doenças. O grupo de pacientes com DII era constituído por 235 indivíduos e o grupo controle por 241 indivíduos, todos eurodescendentes. Na ES, 122 pacientes (99 eurodescendentes e 23 afrodescendentes) e 329 controles (241 eurodescendentes e 87 afrodescendentes) foram analisados. Os polimorfismos CYP foram genotipados por PCR-RFLP, enquanto que os polimorfismos em GSTT1 e GSTM1 foram genotipados por PCR multiplex e PCR-RFLP para GSTP1. As frequências alélicas e genotípicas foram comparadas entre pacientes e controles usando o teste de Qui-Quadrado. A respeito dos resultados das análises em DII, as frequências alélicas e genotípicas dos polimorfismos CYP1A1*2C, CYP2E1*5B e GSTP1 Ile105Val, bem como as frequências genotípicas do polimorfismo de presença/ausência de GSTM1, foram similares nos três grupos de pacientes (DII, DC e RCU) quando comparados ao grupo controle (P>0,05). Observouse uma frequência significativamente aumentada do genótipo nulo de GSTT1 no grupo de pacientes com DII quando comparado ao grupo controle [0,28 vs 0,18; χ² com Yates P=0,02; OR=1,71 (IC 95% 1,09 –2,71)]. Quando separamos o grupo de pacientes em DC ou RCU, esta frequência permaneceu significativamente aumentada somente no grupo de pacientes com RCU comparado ao grupo controle [0,29 vs 0,18; χ² com Yates P=0,035; OR=1,84 (IC 95% 1,03 –3,24)]. Com relação aos resultados das análises na ES, uma frequência significativamente aumentada do genótipo *1A/*1A (P=0,03; 0,74 vs. 0,61) e do alelo *1A (P=0,013; 0,86 vs 0,78; OR=0,57, IC 95% 0,36–0,90) do polimorfismo CYP1A1*2C foi observada entre os indivíduos controles eurodescendentes. Em contrapartida, a frequência do alelo *2C estava significativamente aumentada entre os pacientes de mesma etnia (P=0,013; 0,22 vs 0,14; OR=1,75, IC 95% 1,11–2,74). Com relação às frequências alélicas e genotípicas dos polimorfismos CYP2E1*5B e GSTP1 Ile105Val, e as frequências genotípicas do polimorfismo de presença/ausência de GSTM1, nenhuma diferença significativa foi observada quando os grupos de pacientes de ambas as etnias foram comparados aos grupos controle (P>0,05). Uma frequência significativamente aumentada do genótipo nulo de GSTT1 [0,29 vs 0,18; χ² com Yates P=0,035; OR=1,85 (IC 95% 1,03–3,29)], bem como uma alta frequência da dupla deleção de GSTT1/GSTM1 [0,19 vs 0,08; χ² com Yates P=0,007; OR=2,62 (IC 95% 1,25 –5,46)], foi observada no grupo de pacientes comparado aos controles (eurodescendentes). Estas associações não se repetiram entre indivíduos afrodescendentes. Concluindo, nossos resultados sugerem que o genótipo nulo de GSTT1 está associado à susceptibilidade a DII e pode influenciar na definição do curso da doença para a RCU. Além disso, o genótipo nulo de GSTT1 sozinho ou em combinação com o genótipo nulo de GSTM1 é um fator genético de susceptibilidade para a ES, enquanto que o genótipo *1A/*1A ou a presença do alelo *1A do polimorfismo CYP1A1*2C pode exercer um papel protetor contra o desenvolvimento da ES em indivíduos eurodescendentes. / Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and systemic sclerosis (SSc) are chronic inflammatory diseases of difficult diagnosis and treatment. The etiology of IBD and SSc is not completely understood but it is known that genetic, immunologic and environmental factors are involved in its pathogenesis. Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are the two major subtypes of IBD, characterized by inflammation of the small intestine and/or colon. Evidences suggest that the increase of oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathophysiology of IBD. SSc is a rare autoimmune inflammatory disease of the connective tissue characterized by progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. The hypothesis that the increase of oxidative stress can initiate vascular damage and triggers the pathological events in SSc has been investigated. Genes and enzymes involved in metabolism (Phase I) and detoxification (Phase II) of xenobiotics are used as markers of susceptibility to the development of diseases that have environmental factors as risk factors. In a Phase I reactions, the Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes insert an oxygen atom in a substrate that making it more electrophilic and reactive, and creating a site for subsequent conjugation by Phase II enzymes. Phase II Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) enzymes catalyze the conjugation of glutathione with a variety of electrophilic compounds, detoxifying endogenous and exogenous substances. A higher catalytic activity of CYP enzymes, as well as the failure in detoxifying of metabolites by GST enzymes may to contribute for the increase of oxidative stress. The aim of this study was investigated the role of polymorphisms in genes coding Phase I enzymes (CYP1A*2C and CYP2E1*5B) and Phase II (GSTT1 null, GSTM1 null and GSTP1 Ile105Val) in susceptibility to these diseases. IBD group was constituted by 235 patients and the control group by 241 individuals, all European-derived. In SSc group, 122 patients (99 European-derived and 23 African-derived) and 329 controls (241 European-derived and 87 African-derived) were analyzed. The CYP polymorphisms were genotyped by PCR-RFLP, whereas polymorphisms in GSTM1 and GSTT1 were genotyped by multiplex PCR and PCRRFLP for GSTP1. Allelic and genotypic frequencies were compared between patients and controls using the Chi-square test. Concerning IBD, allelic and genotypic frequencies of CYP1A1*2C, CYP2E1*5B and GSTP1 Ile105Val polymorphisms, as well as genotypic frequencies of GSTM1 presence/absence polymorphism were similar in all groups patients (IBD, CD, and UC) and controls (P>0.05). We observed a significantly increased frequency of GSTT1 null genotype in IBD group as compared to controls [0.28 vs. 0.18, χ ² with Yates P=0.02, OR=1.71 (95% CI 1.09 – 2.71)]. When patients were classified in CD or UC group, this frequency remained significantly increased only among UC patients [0.29 vs. 0.18, χ ² with Yates P=0,035, OR=1.84 (95% CI 1.03 – 3.24)] as compared to controls. Regarding results in SSc, a frequency significantly increased of *1A/*1A genotype (P=0.03; 0.74 vs. 0.61) and *1A allele (P=0.013; 0.86 vs 0.78; OR=0.57, 95% CI 0.36–0.90) from CYP1A1*2C polymorphism was observed among European-derived controls. On the other hand, the frequency of *2C allele was significantly increased among patients of same ethnic group (P=0.013; 0.22 vs 0.14; OR=1.75, 95% CI 1.11–2.74). The allelic and genotypic frequencies of CYP2E1*5B and GSTP1 Ile105Val polymorphisms, as well as genotypic frequencies of GSTM1 presence/absence polymorphism were similar between SSc patients and controls of both ethnic groups (P>0.05). We observed a significantly increased frequency of GSTT1 null genotype [0.29 vs. 0.18, χ ² with Yates P=0.035, OR=1.85 (95% CI 1.03–3.29)], as well as an increased frequency of GSTT1/GSTM1 double-null in SSc patients as compared to controls [0.19 vs. 0.08; χ ² with Yates P=0.007, OR=2.62 (95% CI 1.25 – 5.46)]. These associations were exclusive to European-derived individuals. In conclusion, our results suggest that the GSTT1 null genotype is associated with susceptibility to IBD and may influence in defining the course of the disease for RCU. Furthermore, the GSTT1 null genotype alone or combined with GSTM1 null genotype is a susceptibility genetic factor to SSc, while the *1A/*1A genotype or the presence of *1A allele from CYP1A1*2C polymorphism may plays a protector role in SSc development in Brazilian Europeanderived individuals.

Nós investigamos o papel da variação genética do gene RALDH2 e as doenças cardíacas congênitas (DCCs). Seis SNPs foram utilizados em um estudo de TDT. Testes de associação foram desenvolvidos e tanto os marcadores testados quanto os haplótipos analisados não mostraram associação com a doença. Análise do polimorfismo A151G indica que a variante produz mudanças substanciais na estrutura do RNAm. Esta variante está localizada em um exonic splicing enhancer (ESE). Estudos funcionais de splicing não mostraram impacto significante desta variante sobre a alteração do splicing do gene. Este estudo foi aplicado à outra mutação (G151T) encontrada no exon 4 durante o sequenciamento do gene RALDH2 e mostrou aumento no sinal de splicing. Nós encontramos mais quatro mutações: rs34645259 (5\'UTR), T157G (exon 4), rs4646626 (exon 9) e rs35251510 (exon 11). Em resumo, não foi encontrada associação entre DCCs e variações genéticas no gene RALDH2. As mutações encontradas deverão ser analisadas funcionalmente de forma a definir seu papel na perturbação da via do AR em humanos. / The aim of the study was to investigate the role of genetic variation in the RALDH2 locus and congenital heart disease. Six different SNPs were analyzed in 101 patient-parents trios in a TDT study. None of the markers displayed any association with CHD. No single haplotype was associated with an increased risk of CHD. Analysis of the A151G polymorphism indicated that the variant produced substantial changes in mRNA structure. This variant is also localized in a putative exonic splicing enhancer (ESE). Functional splicing studies failed to reveal a significant impact of this variant and gene splicing. This methodology was applied to another mutation (G151T) found in exon 4 during the sequencing of RALDH2 gene and an increase in splicing signal was observed. We found four mutations more: rs34645259, T157G (exon 4), rs4646626 and rs35251510. In summary, no association between CHD and genetic variation at the RALDH2 locus in humans was found. Potential functional genetic variants should be further studied in order to define their real role in RA pathway disturbances.

Orientador: Anderson Saranz Zago / Resumo: Concomitantemente ao crescente número de idosos tem se observado o aumento de problemas de saúde, entre os quais, a hipertensão arterial (HA) se destaca como doença de maior prevalência na população idosa. Considerando que a variação genética tem alta influência sobre o desenvolvimento da HA, pesquisas vem sendo desenvolvidas com o objetivo de identificar os genes que participam de sua etiologia. Partindo desse pressuposto, alguns polimorfismos são estudados, dentre eles, os polimorfismos do gene da Sintase do Óxido Nítrico Endotelial (eNOS). Embora a maioria dos estudos demonstre os benefícios decorrentes da prática regular de exercícios físicos para contrapor os efeitos deletérios dos polimorfismos do gene da eNOS, bem como a produção de Óxido Nítrico (NO) e controle da pressão arterial (PA), ainda é pouco esclarecido o efeito agudo do exercício físico sobre tais variáveis. Desse modo, o objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o efeito agudo do exercício físico na concentração de NO e nos valores de PA em idosos com diferentes níveis de condicionamento físico (CF) e, também, verificar se os polimorfismos do gene da eNOS exercem influência sobre essas respostas. Após passarem pelos critérios de elegibilidade, 145 idosos de ambos os sexos, com idade entre 60 a 80 anos foram submetidos a avaliações hemodinâmicas, antropométricas, bioquímicas, genéticas e físicas. O protocolo de intervenção foi composto por uma caminhada de 40 min (40-60% VO2máx previamente determinado) realizada em... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Concomitantly with the increasing number of elderly people, it has been observed an increase of health problems, such as hypertension (HA) which stands out as the most prevalent disease in older population. Genetic variation has been associated with a high influence on development of HA, and scientific research has been developed with the objective to identify the genes that participate in its etiology. Based on this background, some polymorphisms are studied, such as the polymorphisms of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase gene (eNOS). Although most studies point to the benefits of regular physical exercise to counteract the deleterious effects of the polymorphisms of eNOS gene, as well as nitric oxide (NO) production and blood pressure control (BP), the effect of acute exercise is still poorly understood. Thus, the purpose of this study was analyze the acute effect of physical exercise on NO concentration and BP values in elderly with different level of training status (TS) and also verify the influence of polymorphisms of eNOS gene on these variables. After passing the ellegibility criteria, 145 elderly men and women, aged 60 to 80 years old, underwent hemodynamic, anthropometric, biochemical, genetic and physical evaluations. The intervention protocol consisted of a 40 min walk (40-60% previously determined VO2max) performed on a treadmill, with blood collections at the pre and post-test moments, with the objective of measuring nitrite plasma (NO2-), oxidative stress biomar... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

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Long-term outcome of extremely preterm neonates depends on many endogenous and exogenous factors. Long-term follow-up of extremely preterm neonates during childhood and analyses of IGF1 gene polymorphisms may help to better understand the problems connected with delayed postnatal growth and the progression of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus type 2 in adulthood. The aim was the long-term follow-up of anthropometric parameters in children born at 22−25th and 26−27th week of gestation and to study the association between postnatal growth of extremely preterm children, children small for gestational age (SGA) and children born at term with appropriate birth weight/length (AGA) and IGF1 gene polymorphisms: (CA)10-24 repetitive polymorphism in promoter, microsatellite marker D12S318 and 185 bp in 3'UTR, (CT)n polymorphism (CA)n polymorphism 216 bp in the intron 2. Methods. 242 infants born at 22-27+6 weeks were enrolled. Anthropometric parameters were measured at the ages of 2 and 5 years in 72 children born at 22-25+6 week (group I) and 85 children born at 26-27+6 week (group II). Polymorphisms of IGF1 were analysed in 51 extremely preterm, 208 AGA and 59 SGA children using fragment analyses. The data of postnatal growth data in AGA children were obtained at 18 months, in SGA and extremely...

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a debilitating disorder with a prevalence of approximately 1 % worldwide. SCZ is known to have a high degree of genetic and clinical heterogeneity and is a major health problem worldwide. The integrin-β 3 subunit gene (ITGB3) gene at 17q21.32 has been implicated in psychiatric disorders. We therefore hypothesized that ITGB3 gene polymorphisms might also play a role in SCZ and age at onset (AAO) of SCZ. We investigated the genetic associations of 23 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the ITGB3 gene with AAO in SCZ in two Caucasian samples (2,166 cases and 2,525 controls) using linear regression analysis and meta-analysis. We observed four ITGB3-SNPs associated with AAO in SCZ in a non-Genetic Association Information Network (GAIN) sample (p < 10-3). Three of these four SNPs were replicated in the GAIN sample. The SNP rs16941771 was most significantly associated with AAO (p = 7.47 × 10-5). Meta-analysis showed that 6 of 23 SNPs were associated with AAO. The haplotype analysis also supports the association of ITGB3 with AAO. Three disease-associated SNPs were located at species-conserved regions, indicating functional importance. This is the first report which shows that ITGB3 variants are associated with AAO in SCZ, providing direct evidence of the use of AAO as an intermediate phenotype to dissect the complex genetics of SCZ.

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a debilitating disorder with a prevalence of approximately 1 % worldwide. SCZ is known to have a high degree of genetic and clinical heterogeneity and is a major health problem worldwide. The integrin-β 3 subunit gene (ITGB3) gene at 17q21.32 has been implicated in psychiatric disorders. We therefore hypothesized that ITGB3 gene polymorphisms might also play a role in SCZ and age at onset (AAO) of SCZ. We investigated the genetic associations of 23 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the ITGB3 gene with AAO in SCZ in two Caucasian samples (2,166 cases and 2,525 controls) using linear regression analysis and meta-analysis. We observed four ITGB3-SNPs associated with AAO in SCZ in a non-Genetic Association Information Network (GAIN) sample (p < 10-3). Three of these four SNPs were replicated in the GAIN sample. The SNP rs16941771 was most significantly associated with AAO (p = 7.47 × 10-5). Meta-analysis showed that 6 of 23 SNPs were associated with AAO. The haplotype analysis also supports the association of ITGB3 with AAO. Three disease-associated SNPs were located at species-conserved regions, indicating functional importance. This is the first report which shows that ITGB3 variants are associated with AAO in SCZ, providing direct evidence of the use of AAO as an intermediate phenotype to dissect the complex genetics of SCZ.

Coevolution between Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the causative agent of tuberculosis, and the human host has been documented for thousands of years. Interestingly, while T cell immunity is crucial for host protection and survival, T cell antigens are the most conserved region of the Mtb genome. Hypothetically, Mtb adapts under immune pressure to exploit T cell responses for its benefit from inflammation and tissue destruction for ultimately transmission. EsxH, a gene encoding immunodominant TB10.4 protein, however, contains polymorphic regions corresponding to T cell epitopes. Here, I present two complementary analyses to examine how Mtb modulates TB10.4 for immune evasion. First, I use a naturally occurring esxH polymorphic clinical Mtb isolate, 667, to investigate how A10T amino acid exchange in TB10.4 affect T cell immunity. To verify and identify the cause of the immunological differences, I construct isogenic strains expressing EsxHA10T or EsxHWT. In combination with our recent finding that TB10.44-11-specific CD8 T cells do not recognize Mtb-infected macrophages, we hypothesize that TB10.4 is a decoy antigen as it distracts host immunity from inducing other potentially protective responses. I examine whether an elimination of TB10.44-11-specific CD8 T cell response leads to a better host protective immunity. The studies of in vivo infection and in vitro recognition in this dissertation aim to provide a better understanding of the counteraction between immune evasion and protective immunity.