Sirt3, une des sept sirtuines chez les mammifères, est une déacétylase mitochondriale NAD+-dépendante qui joue un rôle dans le contrôle des facteurs clés de plusieurs voies métaboliques. Sirt3 déacétyle et active un grand nombre d'enzymes mitochondriales impliquées dans l'activité de la chaîne respiratoire, la production d'ATP, le cycle de Krebs, ainsi que le cycle de l'urée. Parallèlement à son rôle dans le métabolisme énergétique, l'activité mitochondriale intervient également dans l'induction de l'apoptose ainsi que dans la régulation de la prolifération et la différenciation cellulaires. En particulier les travaux du laboratoire ont montré qu'il existe une véritable régulation de la différenciation myogénique par l'activité mitochondriale. Comme Sirt3 régule l'activité mitochondriale, nous nous sommes intéressés à étudier l'implication de cette sirtuine dans la différenciation des myoblastes. Dans une première partie, nous avons évalué l'expression endogène de Sirt3 au cours de la différenciation des myoblastes murins C2C12, puis étudié l'effet de son inhibition sur le processus de différenciation et sur l'activité mitochondriale. Nous avons montré que l'expression de Sirt3 endogène augmente après induction de la différenciation des C2C12. Une inhibition stable de l'expression de Sirt3 par interférence (Short hairpin Sirt3, shSirt3) entraîne : 1) un blocage de la différenciation terminale des C2C12 reflété par une chute significative de l'index de fusion ainsi que de l'expression des marqueurs myogéniques MyoD, Myogénine et troponine T ; 2) une diminution de l'activité mitochondriale reflétée par une altération de l'expression de PGC-1alpha, VDAC et citrate synthase, et une diminution des activités enzymatiques des complexes de la chaîne respiratoire et de la respiration maximale des myoblastes ; 3) une augmentation de la production de DROs. Ces résultats suggèrent un rôle important de Sirt3 dans la différenciation des myoblastes, en relation avec son influence sur l'activité mitochondriale.Dans une seconde partie, nous avons évalué l'importance de Sirt3 in vivo sur le développement et le métabolisme du tissu musculaire en étudiant le phénotype de souris surexprimant l'isoforme courte (MCK-SIRT3M3) ou l'isoforme longue (MCK-SIRT3M1) de Sirt3 spécifiquement dans le muscle squelettique. Nos premiers résultats obtenus à l'âge de 3 mois montrent que la capacité oxydative des souris MCK-SIRT3M1 est plus faible et celle des souris MCK-SIRT3M3 plus élevée par rapport aux souris sauvages. Les souris MCK-SIRT3M3 présentent une atrophie musculaire dès l'âge de trois mois alors que la capacité musculaire et l'activité mitochondriale dans les muscles de ces souris ne sont pas modifiées. Avec l'âge, le phénotype des souris surexprimant l'isoforme M3 dans le muscle est plus marqué : l'atrophie s'accentue, le nombre de mitochondries augmente, et l'expression de la myosine de type 1 augmente alors que l'expression des myosines de type II diminue. Ces données indiquent que l'isoforme courte de Sirt 3 aurait une influence dans le développement et le métabolisme du muscle squelettique de souris. / Sirt3, one of the seven mammalian sirtuins, is a mitochondrial nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)-dependent deacetylase, and has been shown to control multiple key metabolic pathways. Sirt3 deacetylates and activates a large number of mitochondrial enzymes implicated in the activity of respiratory chain and ATP production, TCA and Urea cycles. We have previously shown that mitochondrial activity is importantly involved in the regulation of myoblast differentiation. Since Sirt3 modulates mitochondrial activity, we have investigated its influence on myoblast differentiation. First, we have evaluated endogen Sirt3 expression during C2C12 myoblast differentiation and then we examined the effect of its inhibition on the differentiation processes and on mitochondrial activity. We have shown that Sirt3 protein expression increased after the induction of myoblast differentiation. A stable inhibition of Sirt3 expression, using short hairpin Sirt3 (shSirt3) in C2C12 myoblasts resulted in: 1) abrogation of terminal differentiation reflected by a sharp decrease of the fusion index and a significant decrease of Myogenin, MyoD and Troponin T protein expression; 2) a decrease in mitochondrial activity reflected by alterations in PGC1-alpha, VDAC and citrate synthase expression, and a decrease in respiratory chain complexes activity and myoblast maximal respiration, 3) an increase in ROS production. These data suggest that Sirt3 plays an important role in the regulation of myoblast differentiation through its influence on mitochondrial activity.In a second part, to investigate the role of Sirt3, in vivo, in myogenesis and in mitochondrial activity, we have studied the effect of Sirt3 isoforms (short and long, MCK-SIRT3M3 and MCK-SIRT3M1 respectively) overexpression exclusively in skeletal muscle tissue of transgenic mice. We show that basal metabolism is lower MCK-SIRT3M1 mice and higher in MCK-SIRT3M3 compared to WT mice at 3 months of age. In 3 month-old MCK-SIRT3M3 mice, skeletal muscle is atrophied while muscle capacity and mitochondrial activity are not altered. Skeletal muscle phenotype evolves with age, in MCK-SIRT3M3 mice : increase in muscle atrophy, mitochondrial content. These data suggest that Sirt3 short isoform plays an important role in skeletal muscle development and metabolism in mice.

A doença de Chagas, causada pelo parasita Trypanosoma cruzi, acomete entre 6 a 8 milhões de pessoas em todo o mundo. Conhecida como tripanossomíase americana, por ter sido considerada endêmica apenas na América Latina, esta doença, se espalhou para outros continentes devido aos movimentos migratórios se tornando um problema de sáude mundial. Estima-se que 56.000 novos casos e cerca de 12.000 mortes por complicações relacionadas à doença de Chagas anualmente. A quimioterapia disponível para o tratamento é composta apenas por dois fármacos, nifurtimox e benznidazol, no entanto são pouco eficazes na fase crônica da doença. Estes fármacos apresentarem, ainda, efeitos adversos graves e resistência por parte de algumas cepas do parasita. Diante deste panorama, é iminente a necessidade da busca de novos fármacos contra T. cruzi. Para a busca racional de novos quimiterapicos antiparasitários é fundamental a identificação e caracterização de vias metabólicas essenciais à sobrevivência dos parasitas. Assim, a enzima sirtuína 2 - Silent Information Regulator 2 (Sir2), tem importante papel para a infecção por T. cruzi, pois está totalmente envolvida no seu ciclo celular do parasita. Esta é uma enzima NAD+ dependente da classe III histona desacetilases, e se mostra como um interessante alvo bioquímico para o desenvolvimento de antichagásicos. A disponibilidade do sequenciamento genômico da Sir2 nos permite utilizar estratégias de planejamento de fármaco baseado no receptor (SBDD - Structure Based Drug Design) na identificação de candidatos a fármacos para essa doença. Entre as técnicas modernas de SBDD utilizadas, a triagem virtual possibilita identificar e selecionar inibidores enzimáticos potentes e seletivos para o alvo escolhido. Assim, neste trabalho, foi construído por meio da técnica de modelagem comparativa o modelo da enzima Sir2 de T. cruzi. Uma simulação por dinâmica molecular de 200ns, foi realizada para averiguar a estabilidade do modelo obtido. Diante da estabilização do modelo a partir de 100ns, o mesmo foi validado utilizando análise de clusters, RMSD (Root-mean-square Deviation) e análises de frequência de ligações de hidrogênio com o Cofator (NAD+) e os aminoácidos do sítio de catálise foram observadas, estes passos de simulação e validação foram realizados no programa DESMOND. Com o modelo robusto, os campos de interações moleculares (MIFs) foram gerados no programa GRID (Molecular Discovery v2.1) com o intuito de elucidar as regiões favoráveis a interação com a enzima em relação a propriedades físico-químicas da Sir2. A partir dos MIFs favoráveis a Sir2 de T. cruzi foi possível a construção de dois modelos farmacofóricos, o qual se baseou nas interações do Cofator (NAD+) e o sítio de catálise (Nicotinamida). O mesmo foi apliacdo como filtro para Triagem Virtual no programa UNITY da plataforma SYBYL X 2.0, utilizando os bancos de dados ZINC15 e GSK. A triagem resultou na seleção de 8 compostos candidatos a inibidores. Destes foram adquiridos 6 compostos por serem considerados mais promissores devido a complementariedade molecular. Estes foram testados contra a enzima de T. cruzi Sri2. Após o ensaio foi possível avaliar a potência de 4 compostos, sendo o composto CDMS-01 (IC50 = 39,9uM) o mais promissor que será submetido à processos de otimização molecular. / Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, affects between 6 and 8 million people worldwide. Also known as American trypanosomiasis, because it is considered endemic only in Latin America, but has spread to other continents due to migratory movements. It is estimated that 56,000 new cases and about 12,000 deaths from complications related to Chagas disease annually. The chemotherapy available for treatment consists of only two drugs, nifurtimox and benznidazole, however these are poorly effective in the chronic phase. These drugs also have serious adverse effects and resistance from strains of the parasite. Faced with this scenario, the need to search for new drugs against T. cruzi is imminent. For the drug planning for new antiparasitic chemotherapics, the identification and characterization of metabolic pathways essential to the survival of parasites is fundamental. Therewith, the sirtuin 2 - Silent Information Regulator 2 (Sir2) enzyme has an important role for T. cruzi infection, since Sir2 in the parasite is totally involved in its cell cycle. This is an NAD+-dependent enzyme of class III histone deacetylases, and it shows an interesting biochemical target for the development of antichagasic. The availability of Sir2 genomic sequencing allows us to use SBDD (Structure Based Drug Design) strategies in identifying drug candidates for this disease. Among the modern techniques of SBDD used, virtual screening makes it possible to identify and select potent and selective enzyme inhibitors for the chosen target. The model of the T. cruzi Sir2 enzyme was constructed using the comparative modeling technique. A molecular dynamics simulation of 200ns was performed to ascertain the stability of the obtained model. Considering the stabilization of the model from 100ns, it was validated using cluster analysis, Root-mean-square Deviation (RMSD) and hydrogen bond frequency analyzes with Cofator (NAD+) and the amino acids of the catalysis site were observed, these simulation and validation steps were performed in the DESMOND program. With the robust model, the molecular interaction fields (MIFs) were generated in the GRID program (Molecular Discovery v2.1) in order to elucidate the regions favorable to the interaction with the enzyme in relation to the physicalchemical properties of Sir2. From the MIFs favorable to Sir2 of T. cruzi it was possible to construct two pharmacophoric models, which was based on the interactions of Cofator (NAD+) and the catalysis site (Nicotinamide). It was also applied as a Virtual screening filter in the UNITY program of the SYBYL X 2.0 platform, using the ZINC15 and GSK databases. Screening resulted in the selection of 8 inhibitor candidate compounds. Six compounds were obtained from the screening, because they were considered more promising, and were tested against T. cruzi Sri2 enzyme. After the assay it was possible to evaluate the potency of 4 compounds, the most promising compound being CDMS-01 (IC50 = 39.9 µM) that will be submitted to molecular optimization processes.

A deterioração da qualidade do ar ameaça a qualidade de vida dos habitantes nos grandes centros urbanos. O material particulado é constituído por partículas sólidas, liquidas ou ambas, suspensas no ar. Os idosos são o grupo mais susceptível aos efeitos negativos da poluição atmosférica e essa população vem crescendo exponencialmente no mundo inteiro, afetando quase todos os países do mundo, inclusive o Brasil, atualmente representado por um contingente populacional correspondente a 12% da população. Há fortes evidências científicas que a família das sirtuínas tem grande influência no processo do envelhecimento e longevidade em mamíferos. Alguns estudos apontam uma função protetora de Sirt1 contra danos oxidativos e inflamatórios. O objetivo desse estudo é avaliar o impacto das partículas de exaustão do diesel (DEP) sobre as alterações pulmonares decorrentes do processo do envelhecimento e a possível influência das sirtuínas nesse processo. Camundongos na idade de 02 meses e 15 meses foram expostos às DEPs ou ar filtrado por um período de 30 dias. Os parâmetros funcionais foram mensurados pelo FlexiVent. Após as exposições os pulmões foram coletados e o perfil inflamatório avaliado no lavado broncoalveolar e no soro sanguíneo, por meio das mensurações das citocinas inflamatórias. O estresse oxidativo foi avaliado pela técnica espectrofotometria e as expressões gênicas das sirtuínas foram mensuradas pela técnica de RT-PCR no homogenato do tecido pulmonar. De forma geral, além das diferenças fisiológicas relacionadas com a idade observadas entre os grupos, às exposições as DEPs afetaram o perfil inflamatório e as enzimas antioxidantes nos animais jovens e idosos. Além disso, o grupo idoso apresentou comprometeram no ganho de peso e aumento na deposição de colágeno no tecido pulmonar. As exposições diminuíram os níveis de expressão gênica de Sirt6, enquanto Sirt1 foi diminuída com a idade. Em conjunto, os dados obtidos enfatizam que as exposições ambientais aceleraram as alterações associadas ao envelhecimento pulmonar / The deterioration of the air quality is a threat to the habitants\' quality of life of the urban areas. The particulate matter is constituted of solid, liquid or both particles suspended in the air. The elderly is the most susceptible group to the harmful effects of the air pollution and this population is growing exponentially all over the world, affecting almost all the countries, including Brazil, representing 12.1% of the population. There are strong scientific evidences that the Sirtuins family has great influence on the aging and longevity process in mammals. Some studies points out a Sirt1 protective function against oxidative and inflammatory damage. This study aims to evaluate the impact of the diesel exhaust particulate (DEP) on the pulmonary changes resulting from the aging process and the possible influence of the sirtuins in this process. Two and fifteen months old mice were exposed to DEP for a period of 30 days. Functional assessment of these animals was measured by FlexiVent. After the exposures period, the lungs were collected and the inflammatory profile was evaluated in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and blood serum, by means of the measurements of the inflammatory cytokines. Oxidative stress was evaluated by the spectrophotometric technique and the sirtuin gene expression was measured by the RT-PCR technique in the pulmonary tissue homogenate. Our data showed that, besides the age-related physiological differences observed between groups; exposure to DEPs affected the inflammatory profile and antioxidant enzymes activity in young and old animals. In addition, the elderly group presented compromised in weight gain and increased collagen deposition in lung tissue. The exposures decreased gene expression levels of Sirt6, while Sirt1 was decreased due to age. Taken together, the data obtained emphasize that environmental exposures accelerated changes associated with pulmonary aging

A doença de Chagas, causada pelo parasita Trypanosoma cruzi, acomete entre 6 a 8 milhões de pessoas em todo o mundo. Conhecida como tripanossomíase americana, por ter sido considerada endêmica apenas na América Latina, esta doença, se espalhou para outros continentes devido aos movimentos migratórios se tornando um problema de sáude mundial. Estima-se que 56.000 novos casos e cerca de 12.000 mortes por complicações relacionadas à doença de Chagas anualmente. A quimioterapia disponível para o tratamento é composta apenas por dois fármacos, nifurtimox e benznidazol, no entanto são pouco eficazes na fase crônica da doença. Estes fármacos apresentarem, ainda, efeitos adversos graves e resistência por parte de algumas cepas do parasita. Diante deste panorama, é iminente a necessidade da busca de novos fármacos contra T. cruzi. Para a busca racional de novos quimiterapicos antiparasitários é fundamental a identificação e caracterização de vias metabólicas essenciais à sobrevivência dos parasitas. Assim, a enzima sirtuína 2 - Silent Information Regulator 2 (Sir2), tem importante papel para a infecção por T. cruzi, pois está totalmente envolvida no seu ciclo celular do parasita. Esta é uma enzima NAD+ dependente da classe III histona desacetilases, e se mostra como um interessante alvo bioquímico para o desenvolvimento de antichagásicos. A disponibilidade do sequenciamento genômico da Sir2 nos permite utilizar estratégias de planejamento de fármaco baseado no receptor (SBDD - Structure Based Drug Design) na identificação de candidatos a fármacos para essa doença. Entre as técnicas modernas de SBDD utilizadas, a triagem virtual possibilita identificar e selecionar inibidores enzimáticos potentes e seletivos para o alvo escolhido. Assim, neste trabalho, foi construído por meio da técnica de modelagem comparativa o modelo da enzima Sir2 de T. cruzi. Uma simulação por dinâmica molecular de 200ns, foi realizada para averiguar a estabilidade do modelo obtido. Diante da estabilização do modelo a partir de 100ns, o mesmo foi validado utilizando análise de clusters, RMSD (Root-mean-square Deviation) e análises de frequência de ligações de hidrogênio com o Cofator (NAD+) e os aminoácidos do sítio de catálise foram observadas, estes passos de simulação e validação foram realizados no programa DESMOND. Com o modelo robusto, os campos de interações moleculares (MIFs) foram gerados no programa GRID (Molecular Discovery v2.1) com o intuito de elucidar as regiões favoráveis a interação com a enzima em relação a propriedades físico-químicas da Sir2. A partir dos MIFs favoráveis a Sir2 de T. cruzi foi possível a construção de dois modelos farmacofóricos, o qual se baseou nas interações do Cofator (NAD+) e o sítio de catálise (Nicotinamida). O mesmo foi apliacdo como filtro para Triagem Virtual no programa UNITY da plataforma SYBYL X 2.0, utilizando os bancos de dados ZINC15 e GSK. A triagem resultou na seleção de 8 compostos candidatos a inibidores. Destes foram adquiridos 6 compostos por serem considerados mais promissores devido a complementariedade molecular. Estes foram testados contra a enzima de T. cruzi Sri2. Após o ensaio foi possível avaliar a potência de 4 compostos, sendo o composto CDMS-01 (IC50 = 39,9uM) o mais promissor que será submetido à processos de otimização molecular. / Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, affects between 6 and 8 million people worldwide. Also known as American trypanosomiasis, because it is considered endemic only in Latin America, but has spread to other continents due to migratory movements. It is estimated that 56,000 new cases and about 12,000 deaths from complications related to Chagas disease annually. The chemotherapy available for treatment consists of only two drugs, nifurtimox and benznidazole, however these are poorly effective in the chronic phase. These drugs also have serious adverse effects and resistance from strains of the parasite. Faced with this scenario, the need to search for new drugs against T. cruzi is imminent. For the drug planning for new antiparasitic chemotherapics, the identification and characterization of metabolic pathways essential to the survival of parasites is fundamental. Therewith, the sirtuin 2 - Silent Information Regulator 2 (Sir2) enzyme has an important role for T. cruzi infection, since Sir2 in the parasite is totally involved in its cell cycle. This is an NAD+-dependent enzyme of class III histone deacetylases, and it shows an interesting biochemical target for the development of antichagasic. The availability of Sir2 genomic sequencing allows us to use SBDD (Structure Based Drug Design) strategies in identifying drug candidates for this disease. Among the modern techniques of SBDD used, virtual screening makes it possible to identify and select potent and selective enzyme inhibitors for the chosen target. The model of the T. cruzi Sir2 enzyme was constructed using the comparative modeling technique. A molecular dynamics simulation of 200ns was performed to ascertain the stability of the obtained model. Considering the stabilization of the model from 100ns, it was validated using cluster analysis, Root-mean-square Deviation (RMSD) and hydrogen bond frequency analyzes with Cofator (NAD+) and the amino acids of the catalysis site were observed, these simulation and validation steps were performed in the DESMOND program. With the robust model, the molecular interaction fields (MIFs) were generated in the GRID program (Molecular Discovery v2.1) in order to elucidate the regions favorable to the interaction with the enzyme in relation to the physicalchemical properties of Sir2. From the MIFs favorable to Sir2 of T. cruzi it was possible to construct two pharmacophoric models, which was based on the interactions of Cofator (NAD+) and the catalysis site (Nicotinamide). It was also applied as a Virtual screening filter in the UNITY program of the SYBYL X 2.0 platform, using the ZINC15 and GSK databases. Screening resulted in the selection of 8 inhibitor candidate compounds. Six compounds were obtained from the screening, because they were considered more promising, and were tested against T. cruzi Sri2 enzyme. After the assay it was possible to evaluate the potency of 4 compounds, the most promising compound being CDMS-01 (IC50 = 39.9 µM) that will be submitted to molecular optimization processes.

L'infarctus du myocarde est la première cause de mortalité dans le monde. La reperfusion précoce est le traitement central de la prise en charge thérapeutique. Mais bien que salvatrice, la reperfusion s'accompagne elle-même de lésion dite de reperfusion. La mitochondrie et l'ouverture du pore de transition de perméabilité mitochondriale (mPTP) sont au centre de ces lésions de reperfusion. Le dysfonctionnement mitochondrial et la nécrose entraine par ailleurs une intense réponse inflammatoire locale et systémique. Le post-conditionnement ischémique et pharmacologique (par la cyclosporine A, CsA) constitue une voie de recherche importante afin de limiter les lésions de reperfusion. Mes travaux de thèse se sont attachés à étudier le rôle de la Sirtuine 3 dans la cardioprotection ainsi que d'étudier la réponse inflammatoire locale et systémique induite par l'ischémie/reperfusion (I/R) myocardique.Nous avons précisé le mécanisme d'action du post-conditionnement, qui semble médié par l'activation de la sirtuine 3 et la désacétylation de la cyclophiline D qui contribue à inhiber l'ouverture du mPTP. Nous avons ensuite montré que l'I/R myocardique induisait une intense réponse inflammatoire chez l'homme avec un rôle particulier d'IL-17A, IL-6, IL-8 et IL-10. Cependant, cette réponse inflammatoire n'était pas modifiée par l'utilisation de CsA. Enfin, nous avons pu montrer que le facteur induit par l'hypoxie (HIF-1a), qui est surexprimé lors de l'I/R est un important activateur la réponse inflammatoire, notamment sur l'inflammasome, et que le Nicotinamide Mononucléotide possède un rôle anti-inflammatoire en empêchant la stabilisation de HIF-1a. Tous ces éléments sont autant de cibles thérapeutiques potentielles à développer avec de nouvelles études / Myocardial infarction (MI) is the first cause of death in the world. Reperfusion is the key treatment of MI. However, reperfusion can cause reperfusion injuries. Mitochondria and mitochondrial permeablility transition pore are the target of reperfusion injuries. Mitochondrial dysfonction and necrosis lead to an intense local and systemic inflammation. Ischemic post-conditioning (PC) and pharmacologic PC (with cyclosporine A, CsA) are used to limit reperfusion injuries. During my thesis, I worked on cardioprotective effet of sirtuin 3 and I studied inflammation induced by myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). I have shown that ischemic PC involve sirtuin 3 and deacetylation of cyclophilin D. I demonstrated that myocardial I/R induce an intense inflammatory response in Human with a key role of IL-17A, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10. However, this inflammatory response is not modulated by the administration of CsA. A least, we studied the role of HIF-1a that is over expressed during I/R. We showed that HIF-1a activate inflammasome and the secretion of IL-1beta and IL-18. Furthermore, Nicotinamied Mononucleotide has anti-inflammatory effets with an action of HIF-1a. Taken together, these data contribute to develop new target for cardioprotection

A deterioração da qualidade do ar ameaça a qualidade de vida dos habitantes nos grandes centros urbanos. O material particulado é constituído por partículas sólidas, liquidas ou ambas, suspensas no ar. Os idosos são o grupo mais susceptível aos efeitos negativos da poluição atmosférica e essa população vem crescendo exponencialmente no mundo inteiro, afetando quase todos os países do mundo, inclusive o Brasil, atualmente representado por um contingente populacional correspondente a 12% da população. Há fortes evidências científicas que a família das sirtuínas tem grande influência no processo do envelhecimento e longevidade em mamíferos. Alguns estudos apontam uma função protetora de Sirt1 contra danos oxidativos e inflamatórios. O objetivo desse estudo é avaliar o impacto das partículas de exaustão do diesel (DEP) sobre as alterações pulmonares decorrentes do processo do envelhecimento e a possível influência das sirtuínas nesse processo. Camundongos na idade de 02 meses e 15 meses foram expostos às DEPs ou ar filtrado por um período de 30 dias. Os parâmetros funcionais foram mensurados pelo FlexiVent. Após as exposições os pulmões foram coletados e o perfil inflamatório avaliado no lavado broncoalveolar e no soro sanguíneo, por meio das mensurações das citocinas inflamatórias. O estresse oxidativo foi avaliado pela técnica espectrofotometria e as expressões gênicas das sirtuínas foram mensuradas pela técnica de RT-PCR no homogenato do tecido pulmonar. De forma geral, além das diferenças fisiológicas relacionadas com a idade observadas entre os grupos, às exposições as DEPs afetaram o perfil inflamatório e as enzimas antioxidantes nos animais jovens e idosos. Além disso, o grupo idoso apresentou comprometeram no ganho de peso e aumento na deposição de colágeno no tecido pulmonar. As exposições diminuíram os níveis de expressão gênica de Sirt6, enquanto Sirt1 foi diminuída com a idade. Em conjunto, os dados obtidos enfatizam que as exposições ambientais aceleraram as alterações associadas ao envelhecimento pulmonar / The deterioration of the air quality is a threat to the habitants\' quality of life of the urban areas. The particulate matter is constituted of solid, liquid or both particles suspended in the air. The elderly is the most susceptible group to the harmful effects of the air pollution and this population is growing exponentially all over the world, affecting almost all the countries, including Brazil, representing 12.1% of the population. There are strong scientific evidences that the Sirtuins family has great influence on the aging and longevity process in mammals. Some studies points out a Sirt1 protective function against oxidative and inflammatory damage. This study aims to evaluate the impact of the diesel exhaust particulate (DEP) on the pulmonary changes resulting from the aging process and the possible influence of the sirtuins in this process. Two and fifteen months old mice were exposed to DEP for a period of 30 days. Functional assessment of these animals was measured by FlexiVent. After the exposures period, the lungs were collected and the inflammatory profile was evaluated in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and blood serum, by means of the measurements of the inflammatory cytokines. Oxidative stress was evaluated by the spectrophotometric technique and the sirtuin gene expression was measured by the RT-PCR technique in the pulmonary tissue homogenate. Our data showed that, besides the age-related physiological differences observed between groups; exposure to DEPs affected the inflammatory profile and antioxidant enzymes activity in young and old animals. In addition, the elderly group presented compromised in weight gain and increased collagen deposition in lung tissue. The exposures decreased gene expression levels of Sirt6, while Sirt1 was decreased due to age. Taken together, the data obtained emphasize that environmental exposures accelerated changes associated with pulmonary aging

L’hypertension artérielle pulmonaire (HTAP) est une maladie mortelle caractérisée par un important remodelage vasculaire, principalement dû à l’hyperprolifération et à la résistance à l’apoptose des cellules du muscle lisse de l’artère pulmonaire (CML-AP). Récemment il a été montré que les CML-AP présentent un remodelage du métabolisme énergétique, avec une régulation négative de l’oxidation phosphorylante associée à une activation de la voie glycolytique, qui semble contribuer à leur phénotype particulier. La désacétylase sirtuine1 (SIRT1) est un important modulateur du métabolisme énergétique, notamment via son activation de peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1α), régulateur clé de la biogenèse mitochondriale. Dans cette étude, nous montrons pour la première fois que la prolifération des CML-AP de rat et humaines est caractérisée par une réduction de l’activité de SIRT1, et est augmentée suite à l’inhibition pharmacologique ou la sous-expression spécifique de SIRT1. De plus, suite à hypoxie chronique, des souris génétiquement déficientes en SIRT1 présentent un remodelage vasculaire plus important que celui observé chez les souris contrôles, ce qui est associé à une augmentation accentuée de l’hypertrophie et de la pression systolique du ventricule droit. Au contraire, l’activation pharmacologique de SIRT1 inhibe fortement la prolifération des CML-AP, et est associée à l’activation de la biogenèse mitochondriale. L’ensemble de ces résultats suggère que l'inactivation de SIRT1 joue un rôle causal dans l’hyperprolifération des CML-AP et cette enzyme pourrait être une nouvelle cible thérapeutique prometteuse pour le traitement de l’HTAP. / Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a lethal disease characterized by an intensive vascular remodelling, mainly due to hyper-proliferation and resistance to apoptosis of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). Recently it has been found that PASMCs, similarly to cancer cells, demonstrate a shift in energy metabolism from oxidative phosphorylation towards glycolysis thus contributing to their particular phenotype. The deacetylase sirtuin1 (SIRT1) is an important modulator of energy metabolism, particularly via its activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1α), the master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis. Here we show for the first time that rat and human PASMC proliferation is characterised by a diminution of SIRT1 activity, and is potentiated by SIRT1 pharmacological inhibition or specific downregulation. Moreover, after chronic hypoxia exposure, SIRT1 KO mice display a more intense vascular remodelling compared to their control littermates and this is associated with an exacerbated increase in right ventricle systolic pressure and hypertrophy. Conversely, pharmacological SIRT1 activation strongly inhibits PASMC proliferation, and is associated with the activation of mitochondrial biogenesis. In general, the data obtained show that SIRT1 inactivation plays a causative role in PASMC proliferation and this enzyme could be a promising therapeutic target for PAH treatment.

Il a été démontré que la sirtuine 1 (Sirt-1), une histone désacétylase de classe III, est surexprimée dans le coeur des rats spontanément hypertendus (SHR). Nous avons récemment montré que les cellules musculaires lisses vasculaires (CMLV) des SHR présentent une expression accrue de Sirt-1 par rapport aux rats Wistar Kyoto (WKY) de même âge qui contribue à l’augmentation de la régulation de la protéine Giα impliquée dans la pathogenèse de l'hypertension. La présente étude a été effectuée pour étudier le rôle de l'augmentation de l'expression de la Sirt-1 dans la pathogenèse de l'hypertension chez les SHR et pour explorer les mécanismes moléculaires impliqués dans cette réponse. Dans cette étude, un inhibiteur sélectif de la Sirt-1, EX-527 (5 mg/kg de poids corporel), a été injecté par voie intrapéritonéale chez des rats SHR adultes de 8 semaines et des rats WKY de même âge, deux fois par semaine pendant 3 semaines. La pression artérielle (PA) et la fréquence cardiaque ont été mesurées deux fois par semaine par la méthode non invasive du brassard autour de la queue. Le traitement avec l’inhibiteur spécifique de la Sirt-1, l'EX-527, a atténué les augmentations de PA (de 76 mmHg) et de fréquence cardiaque chez les rats SHR. La surexpression de Sirt-1 et des protéines Giα dans le coeur, les CMLV et l'aorte a été atténuée au niveau des contrôles par l'inhibiteur de la Sirt-1. L'inhibition de la Sirt-1 a également atténué les niveaux accrus des anions superoxydes, l’activité de la NADPH oxydase et la surexpression des sous-unités de la NADPH oxydase ; les protéines Nox2, Nox4 et P47phox dans les CMLV isolées des SHR traités par l’EX-527. De plus, les niveaux réduits du monoxyde d'azote synthase endothélial (eNOS) et du monoxyde d'azote (NO) et les niveaux accrus de la peroxynitrite (ONOO-) dans les CMLV des SHR ont également été rétablis à des niveaux contrôles par l'inhibiteur de la Sirt-1. Ces résultats suggèrent que l'inhibition de la surexpression de la Sirt-1, en diminuant les niveaux accrus des protéines Giα et du stress nitro-oxydant, atténue la PA élevée chez les rats SHR. Il est donc possible de suggérer que les inhibiteurs de la Sirt-1 puissent être utilisés comme des agents thérapeutiques dans le traitement des complications cardiovasculaires associées à l'hypertension. / Sirtuin-1 (Sirt-1), class III histone deacetylase, has been shown to be overexpressed in hearts from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). We recently showed that vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) from SHR exhibit enhanced expression of Sirt-1 as compared to age-matched Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats, which contributes to the upregulation of Giα protein implicated in the pathogenesis of hypertension. The present study was undertaken to investigate the role of upregulated Sirt-1 expression in the pathogenesis of hypertension in SHR and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in this response. For this study, a selective inhibitor of Sirt-1, EX-527 (5mg/kg of body weight), was injected intraperitoneally into 8-week-old adult SHR and age-matched WKY rats twice per week for 3 weeks. The blood pressure (BP) and heart rate was measured twice a week by the CODA™ non-invasive tail cuff method. Treatment of SHR with Sirt-1-specific inhibitor, EX-527, attenuated high BP by 76 mmHg and inhibited the augmented heart rate. The overexpression of Sirt-1 and Giα proteins in heart, VSMC and aorta was attenuated to the control levels by Sirt-1 inhibitor. Inhibition of Sirt-1 also attenuated the enhanced levels of superoxide anion, NADPH oxidase activity and the overexpression of NADPH oxidase subunits; Nox2, Nox4 and P47phox proteins in VSMC isolated from EX-527-treated SHR. Furthermore, the decreased levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and nitric oxide (NO) and increased levels of peroxynitrite (ONOO-) in VSMC from SHR were also restored to control levels by Sirt-1 inhibitor. These results suggest that the inhibition of overexpression of Sirt-1 through decreasing the enhanced levels of Giα proteins and nitro-oxidative stress attenuates the high BP in SHR. It may thus be suggested that inhibitors of Sirt-1 may have the potential to be used as therapeutic agents in the treatment of cardiovascular complications associated with hypertension.

Fundação de Amparo a Pesquisa no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul / Resveratrol (RES) is an anti-aging molecule that provides both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, it is unclear whether the basal oxidative state of the cell has any influence on the effects of this compound. In humans, a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is present in the enzyme manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD2), localized in codon 16 (rs4880), which can either be an alanine (A) or valine (V). This SNP causes an imbalance in the cellular levels of SOD2, where AA- and VV-genotypes result in higher or lower enzy-matic activity, respectively. Furthermore, the VV-genotype has been associated with high levels of inflammatory cytokines. Here, we examined the effects of a range of RES concentra-tions on the in vitro activation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) carry-ing different Ala16Val-SOD2 genotypes. Cell proliferation (at 24 and 72 h) was analyzed using an MTT assay and several oxidative biomarkers and cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IFT-γ and IL-10) were also quantified. In addition, the effects of RES on the expression of the SIRT 1 gene were evaluated by qRT-PCR. We show that after 24 h exposure to RES, A-genotype PBMCs displayed a decrease in cell proliferation, whilst VV-cells contrasted this; although after 72 h, cell proliferation was similar in homozygous cells when compared to con-trol groups. At 10 μM RES, there was a significant decrease in the production of inflammato-ry cytokines in A-allele cells; however, VV-cells generally displayed a subtle decrease in the-se, except for TNF-α, which was not affected. In all SOD2 genotypes cells exposed to RES resulted in an upregulation of SIRT 1 levels. Together, these results suggest that the effect of RES on human PBMC activation is not universal and is dependent on the Ala16Val-SOD2 SNP. / O resveratrol (RES) é uma molécula com propriedades na saúde humana incluindo ações anti-inflamatórias e antioxidantes, e no retardo do envelhecimento celular. Entretanto, não está claro se o estado oxidativo basal da célula tem alguma influência sobre os efeitos desta molécula. Em seres humanos, um polimorfismo de um único nucleotídeo (SNP) está presente na enzima superóxido dismutase dependente de manganês (SOD2), localizada no códon 16 (rs4880), que pode ser tanto uma alanina (A) ou valina (V). Este SNP provoca um desequilíbrio nos níveis celulares de SOD2, onde os genótipos AA e VV resultam em maior ou menor atividade enzimática, respectivamente. Além disso, o genótipo VV tem sido associ-ado com elevados níveis de citocinas inflamatórias. Nesse contexto, o presente estudo teve como objetivo investigar a influência do polimorfismo Ala16Val-SOD2 no efeito anti-inflamatório in vitro do RES em células monucleares do sangue periférico (CMSPs), através da análise da viabilidade, proliferação celular, parâmetros oxidativos, inflamatórios e na mo-dulação da expressão do mrNA e proteína da enzima Sirtuína 1 que está relacionado com o retardo da senescência celular. A proliferação celular (em 24 e 72 horas), foi analisada utili-zando ensaio de MTT, e alguns biomarcadores oxidativos e citocinas (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IFT-γ e IL-10) também foram quantificados. Além disso, os efeitos do RES sobre a expressão do gene da SIRT1 foram avaliados por qRT-PCR. Nós observamos que, após 24 horas de ex-posição ao RES, as CMSP-AA apresentaram uma redução na proliferação celular, enquanto as CMSP-VV apresentaram o contrário disto, embora, depois de 72 horas, a proliferação celu-lar foi semelhante em células homozigóticas quando comparado ao grupo controle. Na con-centração de 10 μM de RES, houve uma diminuição significativa na produção de citocinas inflamatórias em CMSP-AA. No entanto, as CMSP-VV geralmente apresentam uma redução sutil destas citocinas, exceto para TNF-α, que não foi afetado. Em todos os genótipos SOD2, as células expostas ao RES resultaram em uma regulação positiva dos níveis de SIRT1. Em conjunto, estes resultados sugerem que o efeito do RES na ativação de CMSPs não é universal e é dependente do polimorfismo Ala16Val-SOD2.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) represents a long-known key molecule in cellular metabolism. It was initially identified for its ability to convey electrons and protons between redox partners in multiple bioenergetic and biosynthetic reactions. In addition, NAD+ also serves as a substrate for NAD+-consuming enzymes such as sirtuins and poly ADP-ribose polymerases (PARPs). These latter enzymes catalyze dynamic post-translational modifications that control virtually every signaling pathway orchestrating cell fate. The aim of this work was to analyze the role of NAD+ in the context of programmed cell death mechanisms.<p>Our findings indicate that NAD+ is protective against DNA damage-induced cell death and FAS-induced apoptosis, while, unexpectedly, it promotes TNF-induced necroptosis, a regulated form of necrosis. Indeed raising NAD+ cellular levels sensitized culture cells to necroptosis, while NAD+ depletion protected cells from this form of cell death. Furthermore, specific silencing of NAD+-dependent sirtuins was also found to be protective against TNF-induced necroptosis. Consistently, a pharmacological pan-sirtuin inhibitor called cambinol protected cells from necroptosis. Then, as necroptosis represents a back-up mechanism that may have evolved in response to viral pathogens expressing anti-apoptotic proteins, we demonstrated in an in vitro model mimicking viral infection that pharmacological sirtuin inhibition protected cells from poly I:C-induced necroptotic cell death. In vivo, we demonstrated that cambinol partially protected kidney from necrosis after ischemia/reperfusion. We have also shown that enhancing liver NAD+ concentration via isonicotinamide increases the susceptibility of mice to systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Moreover, our preliminary data show that isonicotinamide substantially improves the ability of cyclophosphamide to trigger the rejection of the murine mastocytoma P815 tumor cell line.<p>Collectively, our observations point to a role for NAD+ in the control of necroptosis in a sirtuin-dependent manner. These observations may bear relevance to the better understanding of the pathophysiological consequences of excessive production of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF and the control of viral infections and tumor progression/immunotherapy. & / Doctorat en Sciences / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished