O receptor scavenger classe B tipo I (SR-BI) media a captação seletiva do colesterol da lipoproteina de alta densidade (HDL) e participa no effluxo do colesterol livre para aceptores lipoprotéicos. A HDL tem um importante rol aterogênico associado com sua participação no transporte reverso do colesterol. Polimorfismos no gene que codifica para o SR-BI (SCARB1) foram relacionados com alterações do perfil lipídico sérico e outros fatores de risco associados com doença cardiovascular. As estatinas são inibidores da síntese do colesterol utilizados no tratamento da dislipidemia. Vários polimorfismos em genes envolvidos no metabolismo intermediario de lipideos foram relacionados com diferenças na resposta a hipolipemiantes. Com a finalidade de avaliar o efeito de polimorfismos do SCARB1 sobre o perfil lipídico sérico, expressão gênica e a resposta a estatinas, foram selecionados 185 indivíduos normolipidêmicos (NL) e 147 pacientes hipercolesterolêmicos (HC). Os pacientes HC foram tratados com atorvastatina (10 mg/dia/4 semanas). DNA e RNA foram extraídos de amostras de sangue periférico. Os polimorfismos de nucleotídeo único (SNP) G4A, In5C>T e Ex8C>T foram detectados por PCR-RFLP. A expressão de RNAm do SCARB1 em células mononucleares de sangue periférico (CMSP) foi analisada por PCR em tempo real usando o gene da Ubiquitina c (UBC) como referência endógena. Nos indivíduos HC, as freqüências dos alelos raros G4A (12%), In5C>T (7%) e Ex8C>T (40%), no grupo HC, foram similares às encontradas no grupo NL (4A: 15%, In5T: 7%, e Ex8T: 35%, p>0,05). O alelo SCARB1 4A (genótipos GA + AA) foi associado com valores diminuídos de apoAI no grupo NL. O alelo In5T foi associado com maior concentração LDL-C sérico (p=0,029), em NL, e com apoB e razão apoB/apoAI elevadas (p>0,05) no grupo HC. O SNP SCARB1 Ex8C>T não foi relacionado com o perfil lipídico sérico basal, embora os portadores do genótipo Ex8CC foram associados com resposta reduzida ao tratamento com atorvastatina mostrando menor variação de colesterol total, LDL-C, apoB e razão apoB/apoAI. O SNP Ex8C>T foi associado com maior probabilidade (OR=3,1; 95% IC: 1,00-9,5; p=0,044) de ter uma resposta à atorvastatina diminuída. Os SNPs SCARB1 In5C>T e Ex8C>T estão em desequilíbrio de ligação. O haplótipo G1C5C8/G1T5C8 foi associado com concentrações basais elevadas de triglicérides e VLDL-C em NL e diminuídas de HDL-C e apoAI em HC. Os haplótipos G1C5C8/A1C5C8 e C5C8/C5C8 tiveram variação diminuída da apoB quando comparados com os outros haplótipos, G1C5C8/A1C5C8 e o diplótipo C5C8/C5C8 também apresentou uma variação reduzida da razão apoB/apoAI. Os SNPs G4A e In5C>T estão associados com diminuição da expressão gênica do SCARB1 em NL. O tratamento com atorvastatina não modifica a expressão de RNAm do SCARB1 em CMSP nos HC. Esses resultados são sugestivos de que os polimorfismos no SCARB1 estão associados com valores basais do perfil lipídico sérico e de expressão de RNAm do SCARB1, assim como de resposta à atorvastatina. / The scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) mediates the selective uptake of the high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and it participates in the free cholesterol efflux to lipoprotein acceptors. HDL has an important antiatherogenic role associated with important activity in the cholesterol reverse transport. Polymorphisms in the SR-BI gene (SCARB1) have been related to variations on plasma lipoprotein profile and other risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Statins are potent inhibitors of cholesterol synthesis prescribed for treatment of the dislipidemia. Several polymorphisms in genes involved in intermediary metabolism of lipids have been related to differences in response to lowering-cholesterol drugs. In order to evaluate the effect of SCARB1 polymorphisms on serum lipids, gene expression and lipid-lowering response to atorvastatin, 185 normolipidemic (NL) and 147 hypercholesterolemic (HC) individuals were selected. HC individuals were treated with atorvastatin (10 mg/day/4 weeks). DNA and RNA were extracted from peripheric blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). SCARB1 mRNA expression was analyzed by real time PCR using ubiquitin c gene (UBC) as endogenous reference. The frequencies of the rare alleles in HC group (G4A: 12%; In5C>T: 7%, and ExC>T: 39%) were similar to those found in NL individuals (4A: 15%, In5T: 7%, and Ex8T: 35%, p>0.05). The SCARB1 4A allele (GA+AA genotypes) was associated with lower apoAI concentration in NL. The In5T allele was associated with higher serum LDL-C (p=0,029) in NL individuals, and with higher apoB and apoB/apoAI ratio (p>0,05) in HC group. SCARB1 Ex8C>T SNP was not related to serum lipids profile, however Ex8CC genotype carriers had lower variation of total cholesterol, LDL-C, apoB and apoB/apoAI ratio in response to atorvastatin. SCARB1 Ex8C>T was associated with higher chance to have a lower atorvastatin response (OR=3.1, 95% CI: 1.00-9.5; p=0.044). SCARB1 In5C>T and ExC>T were in linkage disequilibrium. G1C5C8/G1T5C8 SCARB1 haplotype was associated with higher level of triglycerides and VLDL-C in NL and lower HDL-C and apoAI levels in HC individuals. G1C5C8/A1C5C8 haplotype and C5C8/C5C8 diplotype had lower variations on apoB than the other haplotypes, and G1C5C8/A1C5C8 had also lower variation on apoB/apoAI ratio. G4A and In5C>T SNPs are associated with lower SCARB1 mRNA expression in PBMC of NL individuals. Atorvastatin therapy did not modify the expression level of the SCARB1 transcript in HC. Our results suggest that SCARB1 polymorphisms are associated with basal serum lipids profile, mRNA SCARB1 expression and atorvastatin response.

O receptor scavenger classe B tipo I (SR-BI) media a captação seletiva do colesterol da lipoproteina de alta densidade (HDL) e participa no effluxo do colesterol livre para aceptores lipoprotéicos. A HDL tem um importante rol aterogênico associado com sua participação no transporte reverso do colesterol. Polimorfismos no gene que codifica para o SR-BI (SCARB1) foram relacionados com alterações do perfil lipídico sérico e outros fatores de risco associados com doença cardiovascular. As estatinas são inibidores da síntese do colesterol utilizados no tratamento da dislipidemia. Vários polimorfismos em genes envolvidos no metabolismo intermediario de lipideos foram relacionados com diferenças na resposta a hipolipemiantes. Com a finalidade de avaliar o efeito de polimorfismos do SCARB1 sobre o perfil lipídico sérico, expressão gênica e a resposta a estatinas, foram selecionados 185 indivíduos normolipidêmicos (NL) e 147 pacientes hipercolesterolêmicos (HC). Os pacientes HC foram tratados com atorvastatina (10 mg/dia/4 semanas). DNA e RNA foram extraídos de amostras de sangue periférico. Os polimorfismos de nucleotídeo único (SNP) G4A, In5C>T e Ex8C>T foram detectados por PCR-RFLP. A expressão de RNAm do SCARB1 em células mononucleares de sangue periférico (CMSP) foi analisada por PCR em tempo real usando o gene da Ubiquitina c (UBC) como referência endógena. Nos indivíduos HC, as freqüências dos alelos raros G4A (12%), In5C>T (7%) e Ex8C>T (40%), no grupo HC, foram similares às encontradas no grupo NL (4A: 15%, In5T: 7%, e Ex8T: 35%, p>0,05). O alelo SCARB1 4A (genótipos GA + AA) foi associado com valores diminuídos de apoAI no grupo NL. O alelo In5T foi associado com maior concentração LDL-C sérico (p=0,029), em NL, e com apoB e razão apoB/apoAI elevadas (p>0,05) no grupo HC. O SNP SCARB1 Ex8C>T não foi relacionado com o perfil lipídico sérico basal, embora os portadores do genótipo Ex8CC foram associados com resposta reduzida ao tratamento com atorvastatina mostrando menor variação de colesterol total, LDL-C, apoB e razão apoB/apoAI. O SNP Ex8C>T foi associado com maior probabilidade (OR=3,1; 95% IC: 1,00-9,5; p=0,044) de ter uma resposta à atorvastatina diminuída. Os SNPs SCARB1 In5C>T e Ex8C>T estão em desequilíbrio de ligação. O haplótipo G1C5C8/G1T5C8 foi associado com concentrações basais elevadas de triglicérides e VLDL-C em NL e diminuídas de HDL-C e apoAI em HC. Os haplótipos G1C5C8/A1C5C8 e C5C8/C5C8 tiveram variação diminuída da apoB quando comparados com os outros haplótipos, G1C5C8/A1C5C8 e o diplótipo C5C8/C5C8 também apresentou uma variação reduzida da razão apoB/apoAI. Os SNPs G4A e In5C>T estão associados com diminuição da expressão gênica do SCARB1 em NL. O tratamento com atorvastatina não modifica a expressão de RNAm do SCARB1 em CMSP nos HC. Esses resultados são sugestivos de que os polimorfismos no SCARB1 estão associados com valores basais do perfil lipídico sérico e de expressão de RNAm do SCARB1, assim como de resposta à atorvastatina. / The scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) mediates the selective uptake of the high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and it participates in the free cholesterol efflux to lipoprotein acceptors. HDL has an important antiatherogenic role associated with important activity in the cholesterol reverse transport. Polymorphisms in the SR-BI gene (SCARB1) have been related to variations on plasma lipoprotein profile and other risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Statins are potent inhibitors of cholesterol synthesis prescribed for treatment of the dislipidemia. Several polymorphisms in genes involved in intermediary metabolism of lipids have been related to differences in response to lowering-cholesterol drugs. In order to evaluate the effect of SCARB1 polymorphisms on serum lipids, gene expression and lipid-lowering response to atorvastatin, 185 normolipidemic (NL) and 147 hypercholesterolemic (HC) individuals were selected. HC individuals were treated with atorvastatin (10 mg/day/4 weeks). DNA and RNA were extracted from peripheric blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). SCARB1 mRNA expression was analyzed by real time PCR using ubiquitin c gene (UBC) as endogenous reference. The frequencies of the rare alleles in HC group (G4A: 12%; In5C>T: 7%, and ExC>T: 39%) were similar to those found in NL individuals (4A: 15%, In5T: 7%, and Ex8T: 35%, p>0.05). The SCARB1 4A allele (GA+AA genotypes) was associated with lower apoAI concentration in NL. The In5T allele was associated with higher serum LDL-C (p=0,029) in NL individuals, and with higher apoB and apoB/apoAI ratio (p>0,05) in HC group. SCARB1 Ex8C>T SNP was not related to serum lipids profile, however Ex8CC genotype carriers had lower variation of total cholesterol, LDL-C, apoB and apoB/apoAI ratio in response to atorvastatin. SCARB1 Ex8C>T was associated with higher chance to have a lower atorvastatin response (OR=3.1, 95% CI: 1.00-9.5; p=0.044). SCARB1 In5C>T and ExC>T were in linkage disequilibrium. G1C5C8/G1T5C8 SCARB1 haplotype was associated with higher level of triglycerides and VLDL-C in NL and lower HDL-C and apoAI levels in HC individuals. G1C5C8/A1C5C8 haplotype and C5C8/C5C8 diplotype had lower variations on apoB than the other haplotypes, and G1C5C8/A1C5C8 had also lower variation on apoB/apoAI ratio. G4A and In5C>T SNPs are associated with lower SCARB1 mRNA expression in PBMC of NL individuals. Atorvastatin therapy did not modify the expression level of the SCARB1 transcript in HC. Our results suggest that SCARB1 polymorphisms are associated with basal serum lipids profile, mRNA SCARB1 expression and atorvastatin response.

Atherosclerosis is a progressive inflammatory disease that is characterized by the accumulation of lipids, infiltrated cells and fibrous elements in large arteries. This thesis focuses on the molecular mechanisms behind foam cell formation and inflammation, two central processes in the development of atherosclerosis. More specific, we studied the effects of proinflammatory cytokines on CXCL16 expression and its role as scavenger receptor on macrophages and smooth muscle cells in atherogenesis. CXCL16 is defined as a chemokine and a scavenger receptor, regulating adhesion and chemoattraction of CXCR6 expressing cells and uptake of oxLDL. We show that the expression of CXCL16 and its receptor CXCR6 are more pronounced in human atherosclerotic lesions compared with non-atherosclerotic vessels. Increased expression of CXCL16 was also seen in atherosclerotic aortas of apoE-/- mice compared with aortas of non-atherosclerotic, age-matched C57BL/6 mice. In vitro, IFN gamma induced CXCL16 expression in primary human monocytes and smooth muscle cells which resulted in an increased uptake of oxLDL. Treatment of mice with IFN gamma also induced CXCL16 expression in atherosclerotic lesions. Thus, we have demonstrated a role for IFN gamma in foam cell formation through upregulation of CXCL16. The expression of CXCR6 was defined to the same regions as for CXCL16 in the lesion, indicating the presence of cells able to respond to CXCL16. Consequently, CXCL16 could serve as a molecular link between lipid metabolism and immune activity in atherosclerotic lesion. CD137 belongs to the TNF family and mediates several important processes in inflammation. CD137 is involved in the activation of T cells, NK cells, B cells and monocytes and regulate cytokine production, proliferation and apoptosis in these cells. A limited number of studies have demonstrated CD137 expression on smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells. Our results show that CD137 mRNA is higher expressed in human atherosclerotic lesions compared with unaffected vessels. We found that endothelial cells express CD137 in atherosclerotic lesions and that cultured endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells express CD137 and CD137 ligand in vitro. CD137 was regulated differentially by proinflammatory cytokines (i.e. IFN gamma, TNF alpha, IL-1 beta) and bacterial lipopolysaccharide depending on cell type. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of CD137 signalling, demonstrating that binding of the CD137 ligand to its receptor increases proliferation and migration of smooth muscle cells. In summary, this thesis has focused on the expression, regulation and role of CXCL16 and CD137, two genes that have not been described earlier in the concept of atherosclerosis. The findings demonstrate some of the molecular mechanisms involved in vascular inflammation and may increase our knowledge about the development of atherosclerosis.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Umeå : Umeå universitet, 2010.

Η νευρολογικές διαταραχές και κυρίως η παραπληγία, αποτελούν τις πιο καταστροφικές επιπλοκές των επεμβάσεων στη θωρακο-κοιλιακή αορτή. Η διαδικασία ισχαιμίας/επαναιμάτωσης κατά τις επεμβάσεις αυτές λόγω του αποκλεισμού της αορτής, προκαλεί την ανάπτυξη τοξικών ελεύθερων ριζών οξυγόνου φαινόμενο που ορίζει το οξειδωτικό stress. Ο σκοπός της παρούσας μελέτης είναι ο καθορισμός και η ανίχνευση των ελευθέρων ριζών, αλλά και η επίδραση της Αμιφοστίνης, ενός αντιοξειδωτικού παράγοντα της κατηγορίας των θειολών. Μέθοδος: Η μέθοδος αφορά δεκαοκτώ αρσενικούς κονίκλους που υποβάλλονται σε ισχαιμία του νωτιαίου μυελού με αποκλεισμό της αορτής με τη χρήση ενδο-αορτικού ασκού. Ο ασκός προωθείται μέσω της μηριαίας αρτηρίας σε επίπεδο αμέσως κάτωθεν της αριστεράς υποκλειδίου αρτηρίας. Τα ζώα αποτελούσαν τρείς ομάδες. Η Ομάδα Ι αποτέλεσε την ομάδα ελέγχου. Στην Ομάδα ΙΙ η αορτή αποκλείσθηκε για 30΄και ακολούθησε επαναιμάτωση για 75΄. Στην Ομάδα ΙΙΙ χορηγήθηκε Αμιφοστίνη μέσω του καθετήρα αποκλεισμού κατά το δεύτερο ήμισυ της περιόδου αποκλεισμού (των 30΄). Στο τέλος της επαναιμάτωσης δείγματα νωτιαίου μυελού υποβλήθηκαν σε ανάλογη επεξεργασία για την ανίχνευση ελευθέρων ριζών οξυγόνου με τη χρήση υδροεθιδίνης και παραγώγων λιπιδικής υπεροξείδωσης με ιδιαίτερα ευαίσθητη μέθοδο φθορισμού. Αποτελέσματα: Τα αποτελέσματα των μετρήσεων έδειξαν αύξηση του υπεροξειδίου του οξυγόνου στην Ομάδα ΙΙ κατά 27.43% σχετικά με την Ομάδα Ι για να ακολουθήσει μείωση στην Ομάδα ΙΙΙ κατά 42.55% σε σχέση με την Ομάδα ΙΙ και κατά 15.25% από την Ομάδα ΙΙΙ. Η μέτρηση ενώσεων λιπιδικής υπεροξείδωσης που αντιδρούν με θειοβαρβιτουρικό οξύ (TBARSassay) έδειξε αύξηση κατά 55.3% στην Ομάδα ΙΙ σε σχέση με την Ομάδα Ι και μείωση κατά 30.3% στην Ομάδα ΙΙΙ σε σχέση με την Ομάδα ΙΙ. Η στατιστική ανάλυση και των δύο μεθόδων ανέδειξε σημαντική διαφορά με ( p<0.05). Συμπεράσματα: Ο αποκλεισμός της κατιούσας αορτής σε επίπεδο αμέσως κάτωθεν της αριστεράς υποκλειδίου αρτηρίας, προκαλεί αναμφισβήτητα ισχαιμία του νωτιαίου μυελού. Η ανάπτυξη οξειδωτικού stressως αποτέλεσμα της διαδικασίας ισχαιμία/επαναιμάτωση ανιχνεύεται μέσω των ριζών υπεροξειδίου και παραγώγων λιπιδικής υπεροξείδωσης. Η έγχυση Αμιφοστίνης προτείνεται ως αντιοξειδωτικός παράγων που μπορεί να ανιχνεύσει και να δεσμεύσει τις ελεύθερες ρίζες οξυγόνου κατά το οξειδωτικό stress που προκαλεί η ισχαιμία /επαναιμάτωση του νωτιαίου μυελού. / Paraplegia is the most devastating complication of thoraco-abdominal aortic procedures. An ischemia-reperfusion procedure is known to elevate free radicals causing oxidative stress. The aim of this study is to determine and to detect the free radical products and to examine the influence of Amifostine, a triphosphate agent, on oxidative stress of spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion in rabbits. Methods: Eighteen male, New Zealand white rabbits were anesthetized and spinal cord ischemia was induced by inflation of a coronary artery balloon catheter, advanced to descending thoracic aorta through the femoral artery. The animals were randomly divided into 3 groups. Group I functioned as control. In group II the aorta was occluded for 30 minutes and then re-perfused for 75 min. In group III, 500mg Amifostine was infused into the distal aorta during the second half-time of ischemia period. At the end of reperfusion all animals were sacrificed and spinal cord specimens were examined for superoxide radicals by an ultra sensitive fluorescent assay. Results: Superoxide radical levels ranged, in group I between 1.52 and 1.76 (1.64±0.10), in group II between 1.96 and 2.50 (2.10±0.21), and in group III (amifostine) between 1.21 and 1.60 (1.40±0.13) (p=0.00), showing a decrease of 43% in the Group of Amifostine. A lipid peroxidation marker measurement ranged, in group I between 0.28 and 0.31 (0.30±0.01), in group II between 0.427 and 0.497 (0.466±0.024), and in group III (amifostine) between 0.343 and 0.357 (0.36±0.005) (p<0.00), showing a decrease of 38% after Amifostine administration. Conclusions: Occlusion of aorta below left subclavian artery causes spinal cause ischemia without the interference of collateral perfusion. Modified use of hydrο-ethidine is a useful assay for the detection of superoxide radicals. By direct and indirect methods of measuring the oxidative stress of spinal cord after ischemia/reperfusion, it is suggested that intra-aortic Amifostine infusion significantly attenuated the spinal cord oxidative injury.

Piptadenia stipulacea belongs to the Fabaceae family,and is widely distributed in the caatinga. This species is commonly known in the Brazilian Northeast as jurema-branca , carcará and rasga-beiço , and is used in folk medicine in inflammation.In this study, we attempted to identify the possible antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of the aqueous phase, the ethyl acetate phase and one flavonoid obtained from aerial parts of Piptadenia stipulacea. Aerial parts of Piptadenia stipulaceawere used and after fractionation, the flavonoid Galetin 3,6-dimethyl ether(FGAL) was obtained of the chloroformic phase of this plant. Experiments were conducted on Swiss mice using the acetic acid-induced writhing test, the hot plate test, the formalin test and zymosan A-induced peritonitis test. To characterize the mechanism(s) responsible for these antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory actions of FGAL, COX inhibitor screening assay kit and test of DPPH was used. The aqueous and ethyl acetate phases (100 mg/kg, p.o.); and the flavonoid FGAL (100 &#956;mol/kg, p.o. or i.p.), reduced the nociception produced by acetic acid, by 49,9 ± 11,2, 54,6 ± 5,3, 39,0 ± 6,8 and64,8% ± 8,1, respectively. As FGAL have greater antinociceptive activity when administered intraperitoneally compared to oral route, we chose this route you follow up the study with FGAL. The ethyl acetate phase (100 mg/kg, p.o.) reduced nociception in the hot plate, indicating that this fraction exhibited central activity. The ethyl acetate phase (100 mg/kg, p.o.) reduced the formalin effects in both phases by 40,2± 10,3 and59,9% ± 6,5, respectively. Treatment with the aqueous phase (100 mg/kg, p.o.) and FGAL (100_mol/kg, i.p.) only protected the second phase by 78,5± 5,5 and 64,0% ± 8,0, respectively. In addition, it was observed in the zymosan A-induced peritonitis test that the aqueous phase, the ethyl acetate phase and FGAL exhibited anti-inflammatory activity, reducing significantly the number of recruit cells by 35,8 ± 4,9, 37,7 ± 6,2 and 31,3% ± 13,3, respectively. Moreover, FGAL at 0,2&#956;M was able to inhibit COX-1 (79,5% ± 0,6) and COX-2 (56,0% ± 3,8), with an inhibition profile similar to indomethacin in the same concentration (93.0 ±2.6and79.0±1.5%, respectively), showinginhibitionofCOX-1 in greaterproportionthanCOX-2. Furthermore, indomethacin was more effective, both COX-1 andCOX-2 when compared to FGAL. In the test of DPPH, FGAL showed high radical scavenging activity. These results infer that the aqueous phase, the ethyl acetate phase and FGAL obtained from aerial parts of Piptadeniastipulacea are able to modulate the peripheral nociception and acute inflammatory response. TheflavonoidFGALinhibitCOX-1 andCOX-2, probably for its ability to scavenge free radicals, this being one of its mechanism of action in nociception and inflammation. Moreover, the results corroborate the popular use of Piptadenia stipulacea by their anti-inflammatory property. / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Piptadenia stipulacea,pertence à família Fabaceae, é amplamente distribuída na caatinga. Esta espécie é conhecida no Nordeste brasileiro como jurema-branca, carcará e rasga-beiço, sendo utilizada na medicina popular para tratar inflamação. Neste trabalho, buscou-se investigar a atividade antinociceptiva e anti-inflamatória da fase aquosa, fase acetato de etila e de um flavonoide isolado das partes aéreas de Piptadenia stipulacea. As partes aéreas de Piptadenia stipulacea foram usadas para o fracionamento e, posteriormente o flavonóide galetina 3,6-dimetil éter(FGAL)foi obtido da fase clorofórmica da planta. Experimentos foram realizados em camundongos Swiss usando o modelo de contorções abdominais induzidas por ácido acético, ensaio da placa quente, teste de formalina e peritonite induzida por zymosan A. Para caracterizar o mecanismo de ação de FGAL responsável por sua ação antinociceptiva, o ensaio de inibição de cicloxigenase (COX) in vitro e a análise da atividade sequestrante radicalar através do método fotocolorimétrico de consumo de 2,2-difenil-1-picrihidrazila(DPPH) foram utilizados. As fases aquosa e acetato de etila(100 mg/kg, v.o.); e o flavonoide FGAL (100 &#956;mol/kg, v.o. ou i.p.) reduziram a nocicepção produzida por ácido acético, na proporção de 49,9 ± 11,2, 54,6 ± 5,3, 39,0 ± 6,8 e 64,8% ± 8,1, respectivamente.Por FGAL apresentar maior atividade antinociceptiva ao ser administrado pela via intraperitoneal quando comparado com a via oral, escolheu-se essa via para dar sequência ao estudo com FGAL. Posteriormente, verificou-se também a inibição da nocicepção no ensaio de placa quente através do tratamento com a fase acetato de etila (v.o., 100 mg/kg), indicando que esta fase apresenta atividade central. A fase acetato de etila (v.o., 100 mg/kg) reduziu a nocicepção gerada pela aplicação de formalina em ambas as fases do teste, apresentando porcentagem de inibição de 40,2 ± 10,3e 59,9% ± 6,5, respectivamente. O tratamento com a fase aquosa (100 mg/kg, v.o.) e FGAL (100 &#956;mol/kg, i.p.) apenas se mostraram ativos na segunda fase do teste de formalina na proporção de 72,6± 5,5 e 66,0% ± 8,0, respectivamente. Além disso, as fases aquosa (100 mg/kg, v.o.), acetato deetila (100 mg/kg, v.o.) e FGAL (100 &#956;mol/kg, i.p.) tambémapresentaram efeito anti-inflamatório significante quando comparadas ao grupo controle, apresentando porcentagem de inibição de recrutamento celular na peritonite induzida por zymosan A de 35,8 ± 4,9, 37,7 ± 6,2 e 31,3% ± 13,3, respectivamente.FGAL, na concentração de 0,2 &#956;M inibiu COX-1 (79,5% ± 0,6) e COX-2 (56,0% ± 3,8), com um perfil de inibição similar ao observado para indometacina na mesma concentração (93,0 ± 2,6 e 79,0% ± 1,5, respectivamente), apresentando inibição de COX-1 em maior proporção do que COX-2. Além disso, indometacina inibiu de forma mais eficaz, tanto COX-1 como COX-2 quando comparado a FGAL. No teste de2,2-difenil-1-picriidrazila(DPPH), FGAL, na concentração de 0,3 mM, mostrou alta atividade sequestrante radicalar. Estes resultados inferem que a fase aquosa, a fase acetato e FGAL obtidos das partes aéreas de Piptadenia stipulacea são capazes de modular a antinocicepção e a resposta inflamatória aguda.O flavonoide FGAL inibe COX-1 e COX-2, provavelmente por sua capacidade de sequestrar radicais livres, sendo este um dos seus mecanismos de ação na nocicepção e inflamação. Além disso, os resultados encontrados corroboram com o uso popular de Piptadenia stipulacea por suas propriedade anti-inflamatória.

Submitted by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2016-08-18T12:29:37Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Vanderli Luciano da Silva - 2016.pdf: 2379182 bytes, checksum: 7f2d6cde360630b08c84abb051eeaf57 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2016-08-18T12:31:09Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Vanderli Luciano da Silva - 2016.pdf: 2379182 bytes, checksum: 7f2d6cde360630b08c84abb051eeaf57 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-18T12:31:09Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Vanderli Luciano da Silva - 2016.pdf: 2379182 bytes, checksum: 7f2d6cde360630b08c84abb051eeaf57 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-02-19 / This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition and fermentation characteristics of silage millet farming ADR500 under the inclusion of different levels of corn disintegrated with straw and cob (CEC): 0%, 5%, 10% and 15%, after 78 days of vegetative growth and observe his capacity as moisture scavenger in silage. The experimental design was completely randomized with 4 treatments and 4 replications, totaling 16 experimental units. Data were submitted to analysis of variance, means were compared by 5% Tukey test and regression analysis for the inclusion levels. dry matter content (DM) determined in silage differ (P <0.05) as a function of the MDPS inclusion levels, ranging from 26.53% to 38.69% control treatment and for treatment with higher level inclusion. For values of organic matter found a significant difference only from the IV treatment with 15% inclusion of CEC (P <0.05) compared to other treatments. Regarding crude protein (CP) observed a linear increase (P <0.05) due to the increase of CEC levels, ranging between 9.46% and 14.92%. NDF and the FDA determined in silages ranged from 58.50% to 66.25% and 31.25% for FDA to 38.50 for the FDA so there significant differences between treatments. For certain ether extract in silages millet forage with inclusion of MDPS ranged from 3.13 to 3.95%. The content of mineral matter (MM) showed a significant difference (P <0.05) according to the MDPS inclusion levels, ranging from 5.26 to 7.55%. The inclusion of MDPS reduced (P <0.05) losses gases and effluents in all the treatments, ranging from 6.10 to 3.48 for gas losses and 9.05 to 17.28 for losses effluent and contributed significantly in the dry matter recovery process (MS). The buffer power values (PT), pH and ammonia-N were influenced (P <0.05) by the inclusion of different levels of ground ear corn silage. The levels of acetic, propionic, butyric and lactic, so influenced by the addition of ground ear corn silage. The soluble carbohydrate values have an increasing depending on the MDPS inclusion levels, proving to be efficient in their use to improve the fermentation profile of silages. / Objetivou-se avaliar a composição químico-bromatológica e as características fermentativas da silagem de milheto forrageiro, cultivar ADR500 sob a inclusão de diferentes níveis de milho desintegrado com palha e sabugo (MDPS): 0%, 5%, 10% e 15%, aos 78 dias de crescimento vegetativo e observar sua capacidade como sequestrante de umidade na silagem. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado com 4 tratamentos e 4 repetições, totalizando 16 unidades experimentais. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância, as médias comparadas pelo teste de Tukey a 5% e análise de regressão para os níveis de inclusão. Os teores de matéria seca (MS) determinados na silagem diferiram (P<0,05) em função dos níveis de inclusão do MDPS, com variação de 26,53% para o tratamento controle e 38,69% para o tratamento com maior nível de inclusão. Para os valores de matéria orgânica encontrados houve diferença significativa apenas do tratamento IV com 15% de inclusão de MDPS (P<0,05) comparando aos demais tratamentos. Em relação à proteína bruta (PB) observou-se aumento linear (P<0,05) em função da elevação dos níveis de MDPS, variando entre 9,46% e 14,92%. Os teores de FDN e FDA determinados nas silagens variaram entre 58,50% até 66,25% para FDA e 31,25% até 38,50 para o FDA havendo assim diferenças significativas entre os tratamentos. Para o extrato etéreo determinado nas silagens de milheto forrageiro com inclusão de MDPS variaram entre 3,13 a 3,95%. O conteúdo de matéria mineral (MM) apresentou diferença significativa (P<0,05) em função dos níveis de inclusão de MDPS, com variação de 5,26 a 7,55%. A inclusão de MDPS reduziu (P<0,05) as perdas por gases e efluentes em todos os tratamentos avaliados, variando de 6,10 a 3,48 para as perdas por gases e 9,05 a 17,28 para as perdas por efluentes, e contribuiu significativamente no processo de recuperação da matéria seca (MS). Os valores de poder tampão (PT), pH e N-amoniacal foram influenciados (P<0,05) pela inclusão dos diferentes níveis de MDPS à silagem. Os teores dos ácidos acético, propiônico, butírico e lático, forma influenciados pela adição de MDPS na silagem. Os valores de carboidratos solúveis tiveram um aumento crescente em função dos níveis de inclusão do MDPS, demonstrando ser eficiente em seu uso para melhorar o perfil fermentativo da silagem.

Die Interaktion von S100-Proteinen mit dem Rezeptor für advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) wird als hoch relevant bei der Entstehung, Manifestation und Progression verschiedener entzündlicher Erkrankungen sowie bei der Tumorigenese gewertet. Das tiefergehende Verständnis der Interaktion von S100-Proteinen mit RAGE in vivo stellt eine wissenschaftliche Herausforderung dar und ist ein Ansatz für therapeutische Interventionen. Darüber hinaus stellen Untersuchungen zum Metabolismus von extrazellulär zirkulierenden S100-Proteinen in vivo einen vielversprechenden Forschungsansatz zur Analyse von S100-Protein-assoziierten Erkrankungen dar. Die einzigartigen Eigenschaften der Positronen-Emissions-Tomographie (PET) als nicht-invasives bildgebendes Verfahren erlauben die Darstellung und quantitative Erfassung biochemischer Prozesse mit der Möglichkeit zelluläre und molekulare Reaktionswege aufzuzeigen sowie in vivo-Mechanismen von Krankheiten im Kontext eines physiologischen Umfeldes darzulegen. Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit war es, Fluor-18-markierte S100-Proteine (18F-S100) herzustellen, diese biochemisch, radiochemisch und radiopharmakologisch zu charakterisieren und deren Metabolismus und Interaktion mit RAGE in vivo mittels Kleintier-PET am Tiermodell zu untersuchen. Es wurden die mit RAGE interagierenden S100-Proteine S100A1, S100A12 und S100B in biologisch funktioneller Form hergestellt. Dazu wurden die entsprechenden S100-Gene in den prokaryotischen Expressionsvektor pGEX-6P-1 kloniert. Mit diesen Konstrukten wurden E. coli-Zellen transformiert, aus denen nachfolgend die S100-Proteine isoliert und gereinigt werden konnten. Es konnte eine Reinigung unter nativen, milden Bedingungen etabliert werden, die es ermöglichte, S100A1, S100A12 und S100B in biologisch aktiver Form und in hohen Reinheitsgraden (&amp;gt; 95%) für die nachfolgenden Experimente bereitzustellen. Diese S100-Proteine wurden über den 18F-tragenden Aktivester N-Succinimidyl-4-[18F]fluorbenzoesäure ([18F]SFB) radioaktiv markiert und charakterisiert. Dabei konnte sichergestellt werden, dass die 18F-S100-Proteine in vitro und in vivo stabil sind. Weiterhin konnte nachgewiesen werden, dass die radioaktive Markierung keine Beeinträchtigung auf die biologische Funktionalität der S100-Proteine hat. Dies wurde anhand von sRAGE-Bindungsuntersuchungen sowie Zell-Interaktionsuntersuchungen an konfluenten Endothelzellen (HAEC) und an zu Makrophagen differenzierten THP-1-Zellen (THP-1-Makrophagen) verifiziert. Für die Untersuchung der RAGE-Bindung war die Produktion des löslichen sRAGE bzw. die Generation von flRAGE-berexprimierenden Zellen erforderlich. Beide Konstrukte wurden in geeigneten Zellsystemen exprimiert und das sRAGE-Protein wurde in biologisch aktiver Form synthetisiert und gereinigt (Reinheitsgrad &amp;gt; 97%). Die 18F-S100-Bindung an THP-1-Makrophagen und HAEC wurde in Gegenwart von glykierten LDL (glykLDL) sowie sRAGE signifikant inhibiert, was auf eine RAGE-Interaktion hinweist. Weiterhin konnten durch den Einsatz von Scavenger-Rezeptor-Liganden, wie z. B. Maleinanhydrid-modifiziertes BSA (malBSA) bzw. von Lektinen inhibierende Effekte erzielt werden. Dies ist ein Indiz für die 18F-S100-Interaktion mit Scavenger-Rezeptoren und Glykokonjugaten an der Zelloberfläche. Durch die Untersuchungen mittels konfokaler Laserscanning-Mikroskopie an THP-1-Makrophagen wurde eine Zellaufnahme des Fluoreszein-markierten S100A12 festgestellt. Weiterhin konnten Kolokalisationen mit Lektinen detektiert werden. Das metabolische Schicksal extrazellulär zirkulierender 18F-S100-Proteine in vivo wurde mit Hilfe dynamischer PET-Untersuchungen bzw. anhand von Bioverteilungs-Untersuchungen in männlichen Wistar-Ratten analysiert. Die Hauptakkumulation der Radioaktivität wurde in der Leber und in den Nieren detektiert. In diesen Organen findet der Metabolismus bzw. die glomeruläre Filtration der 18F-S100-Proteine statt. In den Untersuchungen zur Genexpression mittels Echtzeit-PCR sowie im immunchemischen Proteinnachweis am Western Blot wurde eine hohe Expression und Proteinbiosynthese des RAGE in der Lunge ermittelt. Die Lunge eignet sich daher als „Referenz“-Organ für eine funktionelle in vivo-Charakterisierung von RAGE mit 18FS100-Proteinen. Bei den durchgeführten PET-Untersuchungen konnte eine temporäre 18F-S100-Interaktion mit dem Lungengewebe festgestellt werden. Die Retention des 18FS100A12 in der Lunge wurde in Gegenwart von sRAGE inhibiert. Dies ist ein Hinweis dafür, dass 18F-S100-Proteine auch in vivo an RAGE binden können. Die Radioaktivitäts-Akkumulation in den Organen Leber und Milz, die eine Vielzahl von sessilen Makrophagen aufweisen, wurde durch die Applikation von malBSA inhibiert. Dies ist ein Indiz dafür, dass 18F-S100-Proteine in vivo mit Scavenger-Rezeptoren interagieren können. Die vorliegende Arbeit liefert deutliche Hinweise darauf, dass RAGE nicht der alleinige Rezeptor für 18F-S100-Proteine ist. Der Einsatz von 18F-S100-Proteinen als experimentelles Werkzeug in dynamischen PET-Untersuchungen birgt das Potential einer Charakterisierung von S100-Protein-assoziierten, pathophysiologischen Prozessen. / Members of the S100 family of EF-hand calcium binding proteins play important regulatory roles not only within cells but also exert effects in a cytokine-like manner on definite target cells once released into extracellular space or circulating blood. Accordingly, increased levels of S100 proteins in the circulating blood have been associated with a number of disease states, e.g., diabetes, cancer, and various inflammatory disorders. As the best known target protein of extracellular S100 proteins, the receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) is of significant importance. However, the role of extracellular S100 proteins during etiology, progression, and manifestation of inflammatory disorders still is poorly understood. One reason for this is the shortage of sensitive methods for direct assessment of the metabolic fate of circulating S100 proteins and, on the other hand, measurement of functional expression of extracellular targets of S100 proteins, e.g., RAGE in vivo. In this line, small animal PET provides a valuable tool for noninvasive imaging of physiological processes and interactions like plasma or vascular retention, tissue-specific receptor binding, accumulation or elimination in vivo. To address this question, human S100 proteins were cloned in the bacterial expression vector pGEX-6P-1, expressed in E. coli BL21, and purified by affinity chromatography and anion exchange chromatography. Purified S100A1, S100B and S100A12 proteins were then radiolabeled with the positron emitter fluorine-18 (18F) by N-succinimidyl-4-[18F]fluorobenzoate ([18F]SFB). Radiolabeling of S100 proteins resulted in radiochemical yields of 3-10% (corrected for decay) and effective specific radioactivities of 1 GBq/µmol, respectively. For investigations about RAGE binding soluble RAGE (sRAGE) was expressed and purified using pSecTag2B. A radioligand binding assay confirmed specific binding of 18F-S100A12, 18F-S100A1, and 18F-S100B to immobilized sRAGE, also showing an order of affinity with S100A12 &amp;gt; S100A1 &amp;gt; S100B. These results indicate that radioactive labelling of S100 proteins did not affect their overall affinity to RAGE. Cellular association studies in human THP-1 macrophages and human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC) showed specific binding of all 18F-S100 proteins to the non-internalizing RAGE as confirmed by inhibitory effects exerted either by other RAGE ligands, e.g., glycated LDL, or by soluble RAGE. Of interest, 18F-S100 proteins were also shown to interact with other putative binding sites, e.g. scavenger receptors as well as proteoglycans. In this line, uptake of 18F-S100 proteins in THP-1 and HAEC could be inhibited by various scavenger receptor ligands, in particular by maleylated BSA as well as by lectines (e.g. ConA and SBA). Confocal laser scanning microscopy analysis showed a major part of the fluoresceinated S100A12 bound to the surface of THP-1 macrophages. Beyond this, uptake of S100A12 could be determined indicating an interaction of S100A12 with both non-internalizing, e.g., RAGE, and internalizing receptors, e.g. scavenger receptors. By evaluation of the relative contribution of 18F-S100A12 association to RAGE-overexpressed CHO cells (using pIres2-AcGFP1), 18F-S100A12 showed a significantly higher association to CHO-RAGE cells compared with CHO-mock cells. Based on these findings and due to their crucial role in inflammatory disorders the metabolic fate of S100 proteins was further investigated in dynamic small animal Positron emission tomography (PET) studies as well as in biodistribution studies in Wistar rats in vivo. For interpretation of in vivo investigations in rats, expression of RAGE was analyzed by quantitative real time RT-PCR as well as western blotting in various organs. Lung tissue expressed the highest level of RAGE protein compared to the other tissues. PET studies in rats revealed a comparatively long mean residence time of circulating 18F-S100 proteins. A major contributor to this phenomenon seems to be a sustained temporary interaction with tissues overexpressing RAGE, e.g., the lung. On the other hand, renal clearance of 18F-S100 via glomerular filtration is a major elimination pathway. However, scavenger receptor-mediated pathways in the liver, the spleen and, to a minor extent, in the kidneys, also seem to contribute to the overall clearance. The presence of sRAGE revealed a decreased retention of 18F-S100A12 in the lung, indicating in vivo binding to RAGE. In vivo blocking studies using maleylated BSA demonstrated a strong inhibition of putative binding sites in rat tissues enriched in cells expressing scavenger receptors like liver and spleen. In conclusion, 18F-labeling of S100 proteins and the use of small animal PET provide a valuable tool to discriminate the kinetics and the metabolic fate of S100 proteins in vivo. Furthermore, the results strongly suggest an involvement of other putative receptors beside RAGE in distribution, tissue association and elimination of circulating proinflammatory S100 proteins. Moreover, the approach provides novel probes for imaging of functional expression of RAGE and scavenger receptors in peripheral inflammatory compartments.

Die Interaktion von S100-Proteinen mit dem Rezeptor für advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) wird als hoch relevant bei der Entstehung, Manifestation und Progression verschiedener entzündlicher Erkrankungen sowie bei der Tumorigenese gewertet. Das tiefergehende Verständnis der Interaktion von S100-Proteinen mit RAGE in vivo stellt eine wissenschaftliche Herausforderung dar und ist ein Ansatz für therapeutische Interventionen. Darüber hinaus stellen Untersuchungen zum Metabolismus von extrazellulär zirkulierenden S100-Proteinen in vivo einen vielversprechenden Forschungsansatz zur Analyse von S100-Protein-assoziierten Erkrankungen dar. Die einzigartigen Eigenschaften der Positronen-Emissions-Tomographie (PET) als nicht-invasives bildgebendes Verfahren erlauben die Darstellung und quantitative Erfassung biochemischer Prozesse mit der Möglichkeit zelluläre und molekulare Reaktionswege aufzuzeigen sowie in vivo-Mechanismen von Krankheiten im Kontext eines physiologischen Umfeldes darzulegen. Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit war es, Fluor-18-markierte S100-Proteine (18F-S100) herzustellen, diese biochemisch, radiochemisch und radiopharmakologisch zu charakterisieren und deren Metabolismus und Interaktion mit RAGE in vivo mittels Kleintier-PET am Tiermodell zu untersuchen. Es wurden die mit RAGE interagierenden S100-Proteine S100A1, S100A12 und S100B in biologisch funktioneller Form hergestellt. Dazu wurden die entsprechenden S100-Gene in den prokaryotischen Expressionsvektor pGEX-6P-1 kloniert. Mit diesen Konstrukten wurden E. coli-Zellen transformiert, aus denen nachfolgend die S100-Proteine isoliert und gereinigt werden konnten. Es konnte eine Reinigung unter nativen, milden Bedingungen etabliert werden, die es ermöglichte, S100A1, S100A12 und S100B in biologisch aktiver Form und in hohen Reinheitsgraden (&amp;gt; 95%) für die nachfolgenden Experimente bereitzustellen. Diese S100-Proteine wurden über den 18F-tragenden Aktivester N-Succinimidyl-4-[18F]fluorbenzoesäure ([18F]SFB) radioaktiv markiert und charakterisiert. Dabei konnte sichergestellt werden, dass die 18F-S100-Proteine in vitro und in vivo stabil sind. Weiterhin konnte nachgewiesen werden, dass die radioaktive Markierung keine Beeinträchtigung auf die biologische Funktionalität der S100-Proteine hat. Dies wurde anhand von sRAGE-Bindungsuntersuchungen sowie Zell-Interaktionsuntersuchungen an konfluenten Endothelzellen (HAEC) und an zu Makrophagen differenzierten THP-1-Zellen (THP-1-Makrophagen) verifiziert. Für die Untersuchung der RAGE-Bindung war die Produktion des löslichen sRAGE bzw. die Generation von flRAGE-berexprimierenden Zellen erforderlich. Beide Konstrukte wurden in geeigneten Zellsystemen exprimiert und das sRAGE-Protein wurde in biologisch aktiver Form synthetisiert und gereinigt (Reinheitsgrad &amp;gt; 97%). Die 18F-S100-Bindung an THP-1-Makrophagen und HAEC wurde in Gegenwart von glykierten LDL (glykLDL) sowie sRAGE signifikant inhibiert, was auf eine RAGE-Interaktion hinweist. Weiterhin konnten durch den Einsatz von Scavenger-Rezeptor-Liganden, wie z. B. Maleinanhydrid-modifiziertes BSA (malBSA) bzw. von Lektinen inhibierende Effekte erzielt werden. Dies ist ein Indiz für die 18F-S100-Interaktion mit Scavenger-Rezeptoren und Glykokonjugaten an der Zelloberfläche. Durch die Untersuchungen mittels konfokaler Laserscanning-Mikroskopie an THP-1-Makrophagen wurde eine Zellaufnahme des Fluoreszein-markierten S100A12 festgestellt. Weiterhin konnten Kolokalisationen mit Lektinen detektiert werden. Das metabolische Schicksal extrazellulär zirkulierender 18F-S100-Proteine in vivo wurde mit Hilfe dynamischer PET-Untersuchungen bzw. anhand von Bioverteilungs-Untersuchungen in männlichen Wistar-Ratten analysiert. Die Hauptakkumulation der Radioaktivität wurde in der Leber und in den Nieren detektiert. In diesen Organen findet der Metabolismus bzw. die glomeruläre Filtration der 18F-S100-Proteine statt. In den Untersuchungen zur Genexpression mittels Echtzeit-PCR sowie im immunchemischen Proteinnachweis am Western Blot wurde eine hohe Expression und Proteinbiosynthese des RAGE in der Lunge ermittelt. Die Lunge eignet sich daher als „Referenz“-Organ für eine funktionelle in vivo-Charakterisierung von RAGE mit 18FS100-Proteinen. Bei den durchgeführten PET-Untersuchungen konnte eine temporäre 18F-S100-Interaktion mit dem Lungengewebe festgestellt werden. Die Retention des 18FS100A12 in der Lunge wurde in Gegenwart von sRAGE inhibiert. Dies ist ein Hinweis dafür, dass 18F-S100-Proteine auch in vivo an RAGE binden können. Die Radioaktivitäts-Akkumulation in den Organen Leber und Milz, die eine Vielzahl von sessilen Makrophagen aufweisen, wurde durch die Applikation von malBSA inhibiert. Dies ist ein Indiz dafür, dass 18F-S100-Proteine in vivo mit Scavenger-Rezeptoren interagieren können. Die vorliegende Arbeit liefert deutliche Hinweise darauf, dass RAGE nicht der alleinige Rezeptor für 18F-S100-Proteine ist. Der Einsatz von 18F-S100-Proteinen als experimentelles Werkzeug in dynamischen PET-Untersuchungen birgt das Potential einer Charakterisierung von S100-Protein-assoziierten, pathophysiologischen Prozessen. / Members of the S100 family of EF-hand calcium binding proteins play important regulatory roles not only within cells but also exert effects in a cytokine-like manner on definite target cells once released into extracellular space or circulating blood. Accordingly, increased levels of S100 proteins in the circulating blood have been associated with a number of disease states, e.g., diabetes, cancer, and various inflammatory disorders. As the best known target protein of extracellular S100 proteins, the receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) is of significant importance. However, the role of extracellular S100 proteins during etiology, progression, and manifestation of inflammatory disorders still is poorly understood. One reason for this is the shortage of sensitive methods for direct assessment of the metabolic fate of circulating S100 proteins and, on the other hand, measurement of functional expression of extracellular targets of S100 proteins, e.g., RAGE in vivo. In this line, small animal PET provides a valuable tool for noninvasive imaging of physiological processes and interactions like plasma or vascular retention, tissue-specific receptor binding, accumulation or elimination in vivo. To address this question, human S100 proteins were cloned in the bacterial expression vector pGEX-6P-1, expressed in E. coli BL21, and purified by affinity chromatography and anion exchange chromatography. Purified S100A1, S100B and S100A12 proteins were then radiolabeled with the positron emitter fluorine-18 (18F) by N-succinimidyl-4-[18F]fluorobenzoate ([18F]SFB). Radiolabeling of S100 proteins resulted in radiochemical yields of 3-10% (corrected for decay) and effective specific radioactivities of 1 GBq/µmol, respectively. For investigations about RAGE binding soluble RAGE (sRAGE) was expressed and purified using pSecTag2B. A radioligand binding assay confirmed specific binding of 18F-S100A12, 18F-S100A1, and 18F-S100B to immobilized sRAGE, also showing an order of affinity with S100A12 &amp;gt; S100A1 &amp;gt; S100B. These results indicate that radioactive labelling of S100 proteins did not affect their overall affinity to RAGE. Cellular association studies in human THP-1 macrophages and human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC) showed specific binding of all 18F-S100 proteins to the non-internalizing RAGE as confirmed by inhibitory effects exerted either by other RAGE ligands, e.g., glycated LDL, or by soluble RAGE. Of interest, 18F-S100 proteins were also shown to interact with other putative binding sites, e.g. scavenger receptors as well as proteoglycans. In this line, uptake of 18F-S100 proteins in THP-1 and HAEC could be inhibited by various scavenger receptor ligands, in particular by maleylated BSA as well as by lectines (e.g. ConA and SBA). Confocal laser scanning microscopy analysis showed a major part of the fluoresceinated S100A12 bound to the surface of THP-1 macrophages. Beyond this, uptake of S100A12 could be determined indicating an interaction of S100A12 with both non-internalizing, e.g., RAGE, and internalizing receptors, e.g. scavenger receptors. By evaluation of the relative contribution of 18F-S100A12 association to RAGE-overexpressed CHO cells (using pIres2-AcGFP1), 18F-S100A12 showed a significantly higher association to CHO-RAGE cells compared with CHO-mock cells. Based on these findings and due to their crucial role in inflammatory disorders the metabolic fate of S100 proteins was further investigated in dynamic small animal Positron emission tomography (PET) studies as well as in biodistribution studies in Wistar rats in vivo. For interpretation of in vivo investigations in rats, expression of RAGE was analyzed by quantitative real time RT-PCR as well as western blotting in various organs. Lung tissue expressed the highest level of RAGE protein compared to the other tissues. PET studies in rats revealed a comparatively long mean residence time of circulating 18F-S100 proteins. A major contributor to this phenomenon seems to be a sustained temporary interaction with tissues overexpressing RAGE, e.g., the lung. On the other hand, renal clearance of 18F-S100 via glomerular filtration is a major elimination pathway. However, scavenger receptor-mediated pathways in the liver, the spleen and, to a minor extent, in the kidneys, also seem to contribute to the overall clearance. The presence of sRAGE revealed a decreased retention of 18F-S100A12 in the lung, indicating in vivo binding to RAGE. In vivo blocking studies using maleylated BSA demonstrated a strong inhibition of putative binding sites in rat tissues enriched in cells expressing scavenger receptors like liver and spleen. In conclusion, 18F-labeling of S100 proteins and the use of small animal PET provide a valuable tool to discriminate the kinetics and the metabolic fate of S100 proteins in vivo. Furthermore, the results strongly suggest an involvement of other putative receptors beside RAGE in distribution, tissue association and elimination of circulating proinflammatory S100 proteins. Moreover, the approach provides novel probes for imaging of functional expression of RAGE and scavenger receptors in peripheral inflammatory compartments.