A deterioração oxidativa de alimentos é o fator determinante na qualidade sensorial e nutricional do produto, podendo ocorrer em alimentos complexos tanto na fase contínua como na fase dispersa. Em geral, a formação de radicais e espécies reativas de oxigênio e nitrogênio é o evento primário que ocorre priori ao progresso da oxidação de componentes e estruturas sensíveis e está comumente associado a eventos na fase aquosa. A oxidação de lipídeos é frequentemente investigada em alimentos e em meio biológico separadamente dos eventos no meio aquoso e a proteção antioxidante somente avaliada na fase dispersa. Entretanto, a oxidação de proteínas e eventos na fase contínua vêm despertando considerável interesse e aparentemente antioxidantes eficientes na fase dispersa não protegem de forma eficaz as proteínas e os componentes na fase contínua. Um futuro progresso na proteção antioxidante de alimentos e sistemas biológicos origina de uma abordagem holística dos processos redox envolvidos em ambas as fases dispersa e contínua, bem como o uso combinado de espécies antioxidantes e antiredutoras para um superior efeito antiradical global. Neste sentido, foram preparados três novos compostos antiradicais de dupla função (antioxidante e antiredutor) com adequado balanço hidrofílico-lipofílico e aprimorada propriedade antiradical global. Os antiradicais diferulato de astaxantina, retinoato de quercetina e retinoato de epicatequina se mostraram melhores antioxidantes e antiredutores do que seus precursores isoladamente ou em misturas, apresentando superior eficiência na desativação do oxigênio singlete excitado, captação do radical 1-hidroxietila, menor efeito pró-oxidante em sistemas de oxidação catalisados por íons de ferro, e eficiência na redução do reativo estado triplete da safranina (E1/2 = 1,48 V vs. NHE). / The oxidative deterioration of foods is the determining factor in the sensory and nutritional quality of the product, which may occur in complex food both at the continuous and the dispersed phases. In general, the formation of radicals and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species is the primary event that occurs prior to the progress of oxidation of components and sensitive structures and is commonly associated with events in the aqueous phase. The oxidation of lipids is often investigated in food and biological media separately from the events in the aqueous phase and the measurement of the antioxidant protection is only evaluated in the dispersed phase. However, the oxidation of proteins and the events in the continuous phase have attracted considerable interest and apparently, efficient antioxidants in dispersed phase do not effectively protect proteins and components in the continuous phase. A further progress in the antioxidant protection of food and biological systems arise from a holistic approach of the redox processes involved in both the dispersed and continuous phases as well as the combined use of antioxidant and antireductant species for a superior overall antiradical effect. In this sense three new antiradical compounds with dual function (antioxidant and antireductant) were prepared with proper hydrophilic-lipophilic balance and global antiradical properties. The antiradicals astaxanthin diferulate, epicatechin retinoate, and quercetin retinoate are shown to be better antioxidant and antireductant than their precursors, isolated or in mixture, exhibiting enhanced singlet excited oxygen deactivation, 1-hydroxyethyl radical scavenging, lower pro-oxidative effect in the oxidative system catalysed by iron ions and an efficient reduction of the reactive triplet state of safranine (E1 / 2 = 1.48 V vs. NHE).

Este trabalho propôe o desenvolvimento de micropartículas para veiculação deste fármaco na pele, aumentando a estabilidade da molécula e proporcionando uma liberação sustentada, o que resulta na otimização da terapia, visto que ocorre a redução dos efeitos colaterais. As micropartículas foram produzidas por três métodos diferentes, os dois primeiros utilizando a quitosana como polímero e o último utilizando uma associação de alginato com quitosana. As micropartículas de quitosana resultaram em interação do fármaco veiculado com o polímero e desta forma a sua utilização como sistema de liberação para veiculação do fármaco estudado foi descartada. As micropartículas de alginato/quitosana encapsularam efetivamente o fármaco, resultando em partículas irregulares com diâmetro médio de 148m. Elas apresentaram liberação sustentada do ácido retinóico por um período compatível com sua utilização tópica e por isso, parecem ser adequados para garantir estabilidade ao fármaco. Além disso, elas diminuíram a retenção do fármaco no estrato córneo quando comparado ao fármaco livre, mantendo seus níveis nas outras camadas mais profundas da pele. Esse direcionamento sítio-específico poderia diminuir a sua irritação dérmica, possibilitando, dessa forma, juntamente com o aumento de sua estabilidade, a obtenção de efeitos terapêuticos com a utilização de doses menores. Também não foram observadas interações entre o fármaco e o polímero demonstrando que a matriz de alginato foi capaz de proteger o fármaco do contato e da interação com a quitosana. Além disso, o método utilizado mostrou ser simples e rápido, realizado em condições amenas, sem o inconveniente da utilização de agentes cross-linking químicos tóxicos, como o glutaraldeído. / This study proposes the development of microparticles for drug delivery into the skin, thus increasing molecule stability and providing sustained release that results in therapy optimization as a result of reduction in side-effects. The microparticles were produced by three different methods. The two first methods used chitosan as a polymer, and the third utilized a chitosanalginate association. The chitosan microparticles resulted in the interaction of the delivered drug with the polymer; hence, its use as a release system for delivery of the studied drug was disregarded. The alginate/chitosan microparticles effectively encapsulated the drug, resulting in irregular particles with a mean diameter of 148m. They exhibited sustained release of retinoic acid for a period of time that was compatible with topical application and, therefore, seem to be suitable to ensure drug stability. Additionally, the microparticles decreased drug retention in the stratum corneum as compared to the free drug, thus keeping its levels in other deeper layers of the skin. Such site-specific direction could reduce dermal irritation, consequently enabling, conjointly with stability increase, the achievement of therapeutic effects with the use of smaller doses. Drug-polymer interactions were also not observed, showing that the alginate matrix was capable of protecting the drug from the contact and interaction with chitosan. Besides, the applied method proved to be simple and fast. It can be performed in mild conditions without the inconvenience of using toxic cross-linking chemical agents, such as glutaraldehyde.

Nos últimos anos, nós propusemos um modelo de duas etapas para a padronização antero-posterior do coração. Ácido retinóico (AR) produzido pela enzima RALDH2 induz o destino sino atrial nos precursores cardíacos posteriores. Subsequentemente, estes precursores adquirem a capacidade de expressar RALDH2, formando uma onda caudo-rostral desta enzima. A nossa hipótese é que esta onda surgiu nos para padronizar as células precursoras da bomba circulatória ancestral em regiões de influxo e efluxo, resultando na origem das câmaras cardíacas. Para testar se a onda cauro-rostral é ancestral nos vertebrados, nós mapeamos a expressão de RALDH2 em relação ao campo cardíaco em anfíbios, vertebrados basais e no cordado invertebrado anfioxo. Nossos dados sugerem que o modelo de duas etapas está presente em anfíbios e peixes. Clonagem do gene RALDH em lampréias indica presença de AR no campo cardíaco. Em anfioxo, a caracterização do padrão de expressão do ortólogo da RALDH2 revela ausência da onda caudo-rostral. Nossos resultados sugerem que a onda caudo-rostral de RALDH2 foi cooptada nos vertebrados para padronizar o campo cardíaco no eixo AP, o que corrobora a hipotése de que este mecanismo foi importante na origem evolutiva das câmaras cardíacas. / In the last years, we have proposed a 2-step model for the establishment of cardiac chamber identities. Retinoic acid (RA) produced by its synthetic enzyme RALDH2, induces an atrial fate in posterior cardiac precursors of amniote embryos. Subsequently, a RALDH2 caudorostral wave engulfs posterior precursors. Our hypothesis is that this wave evolved in vertebrates to pattern an ancestral circulatory pump into AP fields, which were later fashioned into cardiac chambers. To test whether the wave is an ancestral or derived feature of amniotes, we mapped expression of RALDH2 in relation to the cardiac field in amphibians, basal vertebrates and the amphioxus. Our data suggests RA signaling patterns amphibian and piscine hearts. Cloning of RALDH in lampreys shows that RA synthesis takes place in the heart field. In the amphioxus, cloning of RALDH reveals a vertebrate-like expression pattern, although the RALDH2 wave is absent. Our results support the hypothesis that the caudorostral wave of RALDH2 was coopted to pattern the vertebrate cardiac field. This supports the hypothesis that the caudorostral wave of RALDH2 was an important player in the evolutionary origin of the cardiac chambers.

Este trabalho propôe o desenvolvimento de micropartículas para veiculação deste fármaco na pele, aumentando a estabilidade da molécula e proporcionando uma liberação sustentada, o que resulta na otimização da terapia, visto que ocorre a redução dos efeitos colaterais. As micropartículas foram produzidas por três métodos diferentes, os dois primeiros utilizando a quitosana como polímero e o último utilizando uma associação de alginato com quitosana. As micropartículas de quitosana resultaram em interação do fármaco veiculado com o polímero e desta forma a sua utilização como sistema de liberação para veiculação do fármaco estudado foi descartada. As micropartículas de alginato/quitosana encapsularam efetivamente o fármaco, resultando em partículas irregulares com diâmetro médio de 148m. Elas apresentaram liberação sustentada do ácido retinóico por um período compatível com sua utilização tópica e por isso, parecem ser adequados para garantir estabilidade ao fármaco. Além disso, elas diminuíram a retenção do fármaco no estrato córneo quando comparado ao fármaco livre, mantendo seus níveis nas outras camadas mais profundas da pele. Esse direcionamento sítio-específico poderia diminuir a sua irritação dérmica, possibilitando, dessa forma, juntamente com o aumento de sua estabilidade, a obtenção de efeitos terapêuticos com a utilização de doses menores. Também não foram observadas interações entre o fármaco e o polímero demonstrando que a matriz de alginato foi capaz de proteger o fármaco do contato e da interação com a quitosana. Além disso, o método utilizado mostrou ser simples e rápido, realizado em condições amenas, sem o inconveniente da utilização de agentes cross-linking químicos tóxicos, como o glutaraldeído. / This study proposes the development of microparticles for drug delivery into the skin, thus increasing molecule stability and providing sustained release that results in therapy optimization as a result of reduction in side-effects. The microparticles were produced by three different methods. The two first methods used chitosan as a polymer, and the third utilized a chitosanalginate association. The chitosan microparticles resulted in the interaction of the delivered drug with the polymer; hence, its use as a release system for delivery of the studied drug was disregarded. The alginate/chitosan microparticles effectively encapsulated the drug, resulting in irregular particles with a mean diameter of 148m. They exhibited sustained release of retinoic acid for a period of time that was compatible with topical application and, therefore, seem to be suitable to ensure drug stability. Additionally, the microparticles decreased drug retention in the stratum corneum as compared to the free drug, thus keeping its levels in other deeper layers of the skin. Such site-specific direction could reduce dermal irritation, consequently enabling, conjointly with stability increase, the achievement of therapeutic effects with the use of smaller doses. Drug-polymer interactions were also not observed, showing that the alginate matrix was capable of protecting the drug from the contact and interaction with chitosan. Besides, the applied method proved to be simple and fast. It can be performed in mild conditions without the inconvenience of using toxic cross-linking chemical agents, such as glutaraldehyde.

O mastocitoma é o tumor cutâneo mais comum dos cães, representando 7% a 21% dos tumores da pele e tecidos moles, 11% a 27% dos tumores malignos cutâneos nessa espécie. Eles possuem uma grande variedade de aparência e comportamento, o qual o torna um desafio seu tratamento. Os retinóides são uma promessa na luta contra o câncer. Entretanto, há poucos estudos sobre os efeitos dos retinóides em neoplasias caninas. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo caracterizar a cultura primária de mastocitomas caninos assim como investigar a quimiosensibilidade deste tumor ao ácido retinóico todo-trans (ATRA). A cultura primária de mastocitomas caninos foi realizada em co-cultivo com fibroblastos, que demonstrou uma interação favorável entre mastócitos e fibroblastos, com uma sobrevida média de 30 dias. A quimiosensibilidade dos mastocitomas caninos ao ATRA não mostrou diferenças entre os graus de mastocitomas, ou seja, tanto um mastocitoma grau II ou III respondem igualmente ao ATRA nas doses estudadas. Foi constatado também que o mastocitoma é mais sensível na concentração 10-4M de ATRA (p < 0,002). Existe também um efeito já nas primeiras 24h, mas esse não se altera em 48h, entretanto se intensifica após 72h. Podemos inferir, então, que a maior quimiosensibilidade de mastocitomas caninos ao ATRA se dá após 72h de exposição na dose de 10-4M. Podemos concluir que o ATRA apresenta efeitos sobre as células de mastocitomas caninos e pode ser usado como potencial adjuvante no tratamento desta neoplasia. / Mast cell tumor (MCT) is one of the most frequent neoplasms that affect the skin and soft tissue of the dog, representing about 7% a 21% of all skin tumors and 11% a 27% of malignant skin tumors in this specie. They present a great variety of appearance and behavior, which becomes a challenge to the treatment. The retinoids are well recognized as promising antitumor agents. However, there have only been a few reports about the effect of retinoids in canine cancers. The aim of this study was to characterize the primary mast cell tumor culture and to investigate the chemosensitivity of this tumor to all trans retinoic acid (ATRA). The primary cell culture of MCT was performed as co-cultive with fibroblasts, showing a positive interaction between mast cells and fibroblasts, with a lifetime of 30 days. The chemosensitivity of MCT to ATRA showed no difference between grade II or III, thus either a MCT grade II or grade III has the same response with ATRA at the doses studied. It has been shown that the MCT is more sensible at the dose 10-4M (p < 0,002). There is also an effect on first 24h untill 48h, changing after 72h. According to these results, it is possible to state that the great chemosensitivity of MCT to ATRA is after 72h of exposition at 10-4M. We can conclude that ATRA may be a potential adjunctive chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of canine mast cell tumor.

O mastocitoma é o tumor cutâneo mais comum dos cães, representando 7% a 21% dos tumores da pele e tecidos moles, 11% a 27% dos tumores malignos cutâneos nessa espécie. Eles possuem uma grande variedade de aparência e comportamento, o qual o torna um desafio seu tratamento. Os retinóides são uma promessa na luta contra o câncer. Entretanto, há poucos estudos sobre os efeitos dos retinóides em neoplasias caninas. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo caracterizar a cultura primária de mastocitomas caninos assim como investigar a quimiosensibilidade deste tumor ao ácido retinóico todo-trans (ATRA). A cultura primária de mastocitomas caninos foi realizada em co-cultivo com fibroblastos, que demonstrou uma interação favorável entre mastócitos e fibroblastos, com uma sobrevida média de 30 dias. A quimiosensibilidade dos mastocitomas caninos ao ATRA não mostrou diferenças entre os graus de mastocitomas, ou seja, tanto um mastocitoma grau II ou III respondem igualmente ao ATRA nas doses estudadas. Foi constatado também que o mastocitoma é mais sensível na concentração 10-4M de ATRA (p < 0,002). Existe também um efeito já nas primeiras 24h, mas esse não se altera em 48h, entretanto se intensifica após 72h. Podemos inferir, então, que a maior quimiosensibilidade de mastocitomas caninos ao ATRA se dá após 72h de exposição na dose de 10-4M. Podemos concluir que o ATRA apresenta efeitos sobre as células de mastocitomas caninos e pode ser usado como potencial adjuvante no tratamento desta neoplasia. / Mast cell tumor (MCT) is one of the most frequent neoplasms that affect the skin and soft tissue of the dog, representing about 7% a 21% of all skin tumors and 11% a 27% of malignant skin tumors in this specie. They present a great variety of appearance and behavior, which becomes a challenge to the treatment. The retinoids are well recognized as promising antitumor agents. However, there have only been a few reports about the effect of retinoids in canine cancers. The aim of this study was to characterize the primary mast cell tumor culture and to investigate the chemosensitivity of this tumor to all trans retinoic acid (ATRA). The primary cell culture of MCT was performed as co-cultive with fibroblasts, showing a positive interaction between mast cells and fibroblasts, with a lifetime of 30 days. The chemosensitivity of MCT to ATRA showed no difference between grade II or III, thus either a MCT grade II or grade III has the same response with ATRA at the doses studied. It has been shown that the MCT is more sensible at the dose 10-4M (p < 0,002). There is also an effect on first 24h untill 48h, changing after 72h. According to these results, it is possible to state that the great chemosensitivity of MCT to ATRA is after 72h of exposition at 10-4M. We can conclude that ATRA may be a potential adjunctive chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of canine mast cell tumor.

Os retinóides têm sido amplamente utilizados na clínica dermatológica e nos produtos cosméticos com finalidades preventivas e reparadoras dos efeitos indesejáveis do envelhecimento cutâneo. Considerando que a concentração de retinóides, como por exemplo, o ácido retinóico ou o palmitato de retinila, pode influenciar na eficácia e segurança de uso dos mesmos em formulações tópicas, é de fundamental importância o desenvolvimento e avaliação dos efeitos benéficos e/ou colaterais de formulações dermocosméticas contendo diferentes concentrações de ácido retinóico (0,025%, 0,05% e 0,1%) e palmitato de retinila (0,25%, 0,5% e 1,0%), visando a obtenção de uma concentração que proporcione a máxima eficácia possível e risco mínimo à pele. Assim, o presente trabalho tem por objetivos avaliar a influência de diferentes concentrações de retinóides (ácido retinóico ou palmitato de retinila) em formulações dermocosméticas com finalidades antienvelhecimento, na pele de camundongos sem pêlo, por estudos histopatológicos, morfométricos, estereológicos e por Bioengenharia Cutânea. Para tal foram preparadas três formulações de géis creme à base de hidroxietilcelulose (HEC) e microemulsão de silicone e octanoato de octila (formulações de nos 1 e 3) e à base de complexo lipídico contendo álcool batílico e lecitina de soja, HEC e octanoato de octila (formulação de nº 2) as quais foram submetidas a testes preliminares de estabilidade. A formulação de nº 1 (F1) foi considerada a mais estável e, portanto, selecionada como veículo para a avaliação dos efeitos do ácido retinóico e do palmitato de retinila na pele de camundongos sem pêlo. Para a realização do ensaio biológico, amostras das formulações, acrescidas ou não (veículo) de 0,025; 0,05 ou 0,1% ácido retinóico ou 0,25; 0,5 ou 1,0% de palmitato de retinila foram aplicadas no dorso de camundongos sem pêlo. Após cinco dias da aplicação diária destas formulações, foram obtidas medidas de índice de eritema pelo equipamento Mexameter® MX16 e medidas do conteúdo aquoso do estrato córneo pelo equipamento Corneometer® CM825. Em seguida, os camundongos foram mortos e posteriormente foram colhidos fragmentos de pele das áreas que receberam aplicação das formulações, bem como da área que não foi aplicada nenhuma formulação (controle) e, a seguir, obtidos cortes histológicos para a realização dos estudos histopatológicos, morfométricos e estereológicos. De acordo com as metodologias empregadas, foi possível observar que, na avaliação do conteúdo aquoso do estrato córneo, somente as formulações que continham ácido retinóico em diferentes concentrações, provocaram mudanças significativas, reduzindo este conteúdo, ou seja, ocasionou um ressecamento na superfície da pele. Apenas as formulações contendo 0,025 e 0,1% de ácido retinóico e 1,0% de palmitato de retinila provocaram um aumento no índice de eritema. Além disso, tanto o ácido retinóico quanto o palmitato de retinila, atuaram na epiderme, porém de modo e intensidade diferentes, sendo que, o ácido retinóico teve um efeito mais pronunciado em relação às variáveis estudadas. As três diferentes concentrações de ácido retinóico e de palmitato de retinila ocasionaram aumento significante da espessura das camadas epiteliais, sem alteração da camada córnea. O ácido retinóico e o palmitato de retinila atuaram ainda aumentando os volumes nuclear, citoplasmático e celular, um dos fatores que ocasionou aumento da espessura do epitélio. Finalizando, ao analisar todas as variáveis histopatológicas, morfométricas e estereológicas, bem como o índice de eritema e o conteúdo aquoso do estrato córneo estudados, podemos sugerir que as formulações que continham as concentrações intermediárias, tanto do ácido retinóico (0,05%) quanto do palmitato de retinila (0,5 %), foram as que apresentaram melhores resultados, principalmente no que se refere a uma relação risco / benefício adequada e aceitável. / Retinoids has been widely used in dermatological clinic and in cosmetics products with preventive purposes as well as for the repairmen of the cutaneous aging undesirable effects. Considering that the concentration of retinoids, i.e., the retinoic acid or the retinyl palmitate, can influence their efficacy and safety in topical formulations, the development and evaluation of the beneficial and/or collateral effect of dermocosmetic formulations containing different concentrations of retinoic acid (0.025%, 0.05% e 0.1%) and retinyl palmitate (0.25%, 0.5% e 1.0%) is very important, aiming at the attainment of a concentration that provides to the maximum possible efficacy and minimum risk to the skin. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different concentrations of retinoids (retinoic acid or retinyl palmitate) in dermocosmetics formulations with antiaging purposes, in hairless mice, using histopathological, morphometric and stereologic studies and Skin Bioengineering Techniques. For this purpose, three gel cream formulations were developed, containing hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) and silicone microemulsion and octyl octanoate (formulations nº 1 and 3) and a complex lipidic based formulation containing batyl alcohol and lecithin, HEC and octyl octanoate (formulation nº 2), which were submitted to preliminary stability tests. The formulation nº1 (F1) was considered the most stable, therefore, it was selected as the vehicle for the evaluation of the effects of the retinoic acid and the retinyl palmitate in hairless mice skin. For the accomplishment of the biological assay, samples of the formulations, supplemented or not (vehicle) of 0.025, 0.05 or 0.1% retinoic acid or 0.25, 0.5 or 1.0% retinyl palmitate were applied in the dorsal skin of hairless mice. After five days of daily application of these formulations, the erythema index was measured by reflectance spectrophotometry using a Mexameter® MX16 as well as the water content of the stratum corneum using Corneometer® CM825. After that, the hairless mice were sacrificed and later skin fragments were obtained for each area that received application of the formulations, as well as of the area that was not applied any formulation (control) and, after that histologic sections were obtained and submitted to histopathological, morphometric and stereologic studies. In accordance with the used methodologies, it was possible to observe that in the evaluation of the water content of the stratum corneum, only the formulations that contained retinoic acid in different concentrations provided significant changes, enhancing skin surface dryness. Only the formulations containing 0.025 and 0.1% of retinoic acid and 1.0% of retinyl palmitate provided an increase in erythema index. Moreover, both retinoic acid and retinyl palmitate acted in the epidermis, however in different intensity and way, since retinoic acid had more pronounced effects in relation to the studied variables. The three different concentrations of retinoic acid and retinyl palmitate caused a significant increase of the epithelial layers thickness, without alteration of the horny layer. Retinoic acid and retinyl palmitate also increased the nucleus, cytoplasmic and cell volumes, which was one of the factors that influenced the increase of the epithelium thickness. Finishing, when analyzing all the histopathological, morphometric and stereologic variables, as well as the erythema index and the water content of the stratum corneum studied, we can suggest that the formulations that contained the intermediate concentrations (such as 0.05% of retinoic acid and 0.5% of retinyl palmitate) presented the best results, mainly when an adequate and acceptable risk/ benefit relationship is considered.

<p>The Mad/Max/Myc transcription factor network takes part in the control of vital cellular functions such as growth, proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Dimerization with the protein Max is necessary for the Myc-family of oncoproteins and their antagonists, the Mad-family proteins, to regulate target genes and carry out their intended functions. Myc functions as a positive regulator of proliferation, antagonized by the growth inhibitory Mad-proteins that potentially functions as tumor supprerssors. Deregulated Myc expression is found in a variety of tumors and signals negatively regulating Myc expression and/or activity could therefore be of potential use in treating tumors with deregulated Myc.</p><p>Our aim was to therefore to investigate possible negative effects on Myc expression and activity by growth inhibitory cytokines and by the Myc antagonists, the Mad-family proteins.Two different cellular model systems of neuronal and hematopoietic origin have been utilized for these studies.</p><p>Our results show that Mad1 is upregulated during induced neuronal differentiation of SH-SY5Y cells. Further, the growth inhibitory cytokine interferon-g (IFN-g) was shown to cooperate with retinoic acid (RA) and the phorbol ester TPA in inducing growth arrest and differentiation in N-<i>myc</i> amplified neuroblastoma cell lines. In contrast to treatment with either agent alone, the combined treatment of TPA+IFN-g and RA+IFN-g led to upregulation of Mad1 and to downregulation of N-Myc, respectively, thus correlating with the enhanced growth inhibition and differentiation observed after combination treatment. Ectopic expression of an inducible Mad1 in monoblastic U-937 cells led to growth inhibition but did not lead to differentiation or enhancement of differentiation induced by RA, vitamin D3 or TPA. In v-Myc transformed U-937 cells Mad1 expression reestablished the TPA-induced G1 cell cycle arrest, but did not restore differentiation, blocked by v-Myc. The growth inhibitory cytokine TGF-b was found to induce Mad1 expression and Mad1:Max complex formation in v-Myc transformed U-937 cells correlating with reduced Myc activity and G1 arrest. </p><p>In conclusion, our results show that the Myc-antagonist Mad1 is upregulated by growth inhibitory cytokines and/or differentiation signals in neuronal and hematopoietic cells and that enforced Mad1 expression in hematopoietic cells results in growth inhibition and increased sensitivity to anti-proliferative cytokines. Mad1 and cytokine-induced signals therefore seem to cooperate in counteracting Myc activity.</p>

The Mad/Max/Myc transcription factor network takes part in the control of vital cellular functions such as growth, proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Dimerization with the protein Max is necessary for the Myc-family of oncoproteins and their antagonists, the Mad-family proteins, to regulate target genes and carry out their intended functions. Myc functions as a positive regulator of proliferation, antagonized by the growth inhibitory Mad-proteins that potentially functions as tumor supprerssors. Deregulated Myc expression is found in a variety of tumors and signals negatively regulating Myc expression and/or activity could therefore be of potential use in treating tumors with deregulated Myc. Our aim was to therefore to investigate possible negative effects on Myc expression and activity by growth inhibitory cytokines and by the Myc antagonists, the Mad-family proteins.Two different cellular model systems of neuronal and hematopoietic origin have been utilized for these studies. Our results show that Mad1 is upregulated during induced neuronal differentiation of SH-SY5Y cells. Further, the growth inhibitory cytokine interferon-g (IFN-g) was shown to cooperate with retinoic acid (RA) and the phorbol ester TPA in inducing growth arrest and differentiation in N-myc amplified neuroblastoma cell lines. In contrast to treatment with either agent alone, the combined treatment of TPA+IFN-g and RA+IFN-g led to upregulation of Mad1 and to downregulation of N-Myc, respectively, thus correlating with the enhanced growth inhibition and differentiation observed after combination treatment. Ectopic expression of an inducible Mad1 in monoblastic U-937 cells led to growth inhibition but did not lead to differentiation or enhancement of differentiation induced by RA, vitamin D3 or TPA. In v-Myc transformed U-937 cells Mad1 expression reestablished the TPA-induced G1 cell cycle arrest, but did not restore differentiation, blocked by v-Myc. The growth inhibitory cytokine TGF-b was found to induce Mad1 expression and Mad1:Max complex formation in v-Myc transformed U-937 cells correlating with reduced Myc activity and G1 arrest. In conclusion, our results show that the Myc-antagonist Mad1 is upregulated by growth inhibitory cytokines and/or differentiation signals in neuronal and hematopoietic cells and that enforced Mad1 expression in hematopoietic cells results in growth inhibition and increased sensitivity to anti-proliferative cytokines. Mad1 and cytokine-induced signals therefore seem to cooperate in counteracting Myc activity.

Tissue factor (TF) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that initiates the blood coagulation cascade and is also involved in cell migration, tumour metastasis and angiogenesis. Pathologic expression of tissue factor by monocytes contributes to several thrombotic complications like acute coronary artery disease and disseminated intravascular coagulation. The aim of this thesis was to investigate the clinically important pathologic expression of TF in myelo-monocytic leukaemia cells and reveal the cellular signals leading to the suppression of TF expression. The studies in this thesis indicate that TF is a marker of immature myelo-monocytic cells. Markedly higher levels of TF were expressed in immature myelo-monocytic cell lines compared to mature monocyte-like cells. Induction of terminal differentiation in immature cells resulted in down-regulation of TF expression, irrespective of the specific phenotypes induced by retinoic acid (RA) or vitamin D3 in monoblastic U-937 cells. TF suppression was also found independent of differentiation pathways, i.e. monocytic or granulocytic. The nuclear receptor activation requirements for transcriptional suppression of TF by retinoic acid (RA) were shown to differ between acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) NB4 and U-937 cells. In NB4 cells the binding of the agonist to the RA receptor (RAR)α alone is needed for down-regulation of TF, whereas ligand binding to both RARαand retinoic X receptor was necessary for efficient suppression of TF expression in U-937 cells. To analyse the transcriptional regulation of TF, stable NB4 and U-937 clones expressing the luciferase gene under the control of various 5' flanking regions of the TF gene were selected. Different promoter regions were found to control the basal TF transcriptional activity. Analysis of protein binding to the 140 bp promoter region, responsible for basal TF activity in NB4 cells, revealed binding of RFX-1. RA suppressed the promoter activity in NB4, but not in U-937 cells. The ectopic expression of the APL fusion proteins PML/RARα or PLZF/RARα in U-937 reporter clones were shown to confer sensitivity to RA-induced suppression of TF promoter activity. These results provide a more detailed picture of TF regulation in leukaemic and haematopoietic cells and may have a bearing on new clinical treatment strategies in APL and other leukaemias.