La documentation scientifique fait état de la présence, chez l’adulte, de cellules souches et progénitrices neurales (CSPN) endogènes dans les zones sous-ventriculaire et sous-granulaire du cerveau ainsi que dans le gyrus denté de l’hippocampe. De plus, un postulat selon lequel il serait également possible de retrouver ce type de cellules dans la moelle épinière et le néocortex des mammifères adultes a été énoncé. L’encéphalopathie de Wernicke, un trouble neurologique grave toutefois réversible qui entraîne un dysfonctionnement, voire une défaillance du cerveau, est causée principalement par une carence importante en thiamine (CT). Des observations récentes laissent envisager que les facteurs en cause dans la prolifération et la différenciation des CSPN pourraient également jouer un rôle important lors d’un épisode de CT. L’hypothèse, selon laquelle l’identification de nouveaux métabolites entrant dans le mécanisme ou la séquence de réactions se soldant en une CT pourraient en faciliter la compréhension, a été émise au moyen d'une démarche en cours permettant d’établir le profil des modifications métaboliques qui surviennent en de telles situations. Cette approche a été utilisée pour constater les changements métaboliques survenus au niveau du foyer cérébral dans un modèle de rats déficients en thiamine (rats DT), particulièrement au niveau du thalamus et du colliculus inférieur (CI). La greffe de CSPN a quant à elle été envisagée afin d’apporter de nouvelles informations sur la participation des CSPN lors d’un épisode de CT et de déterminer les bénéfices thérapeutiques potentiels offerts par cette intervention. Les sujets de l’étude étaient répartis en quatre groupes expérimentaux : un premier groupe constitué de rats dont la CT était induite par la pyrithiamine (rats DTiP), un deuxième groupe constitué de rats-contrôles nourris ensemble (« pair-fed control rats » ou rats PFC) ainsi que deux groupes de rats ayant subi une greffe de CSPN, soit un groupe de rats DTiP greffés et un dernier groupe constitué de rats-contrôles (rats PFC) greffés. Les échantillons de foyers cérébraux (thalamus et CI) des quatre groupes de rats ont été prélevés et soumis à des analyses métabolomiques non ciblées ainsi qu’à une analyse visuelle par microscopie à balayage électronique (SEM). Une variété de métabolites-clés a été observée chez les groupes de rats déficients en thiamine (rats DTiP) en plus de plusieurs métabolites dont la documentation ne faisait pas mention. On a notamment constaté la présence d’acides biliaires, d’acide cynurénique et d’acide 1,9— diméthylurique dans le thalamus, alors que la présence de taurine et de carnosine a été observée dans le colliculus inférieur. L’étude a de plus démontré une possible implication des CSPN endogènes dans les foyers cérébraux du thalamus et du colliculus inférieur en identifiant les métabolites-clés ciblant les CSPN. Enfin, les analyses par SEM ont montré une amélioration notable des tissus à la suite de la greffe de CSPN. Ces constatations suggèrent que l’utilisation de CSPN pourrait s’avérer une avenue thérapeutique intéressante pour soulager la dégénérescence symptomatique liée à une grave carence en thiamine chez l’humain. / Endogenous neural-stem progenitor cells (NSPC) have been documented to be found in the subventricular and subgranular zones, the dentate gyrus, and suggestions of the possibility of these cells being found in the spinal cord and neocortex in adult mammalian brain have been postulated. Thiamine deficiency (TD) is the major cause of Wernicke's Encephalopathy, a reversible neurological disorder that results in cerebral dysfunction and impairment. Recent evidence suggests factors involved in neural NSPC proliferation and differentiation are involved during TD. By means of a current approach for profiling metabolic changes occurring in focal areas of the TD rat brain, specifically the thalamus and the inferior colliculus (IC), it was hypothesized that new metabolites that might offer a better understanding into the sequel and/or mechanism of TD could be identified. It was also considered that the use of NSPC transplantation could offer new information into the involvement of NSPC and potential therapeutic benefit in TD. Non-targeted metabolomics analysis, fluorescences microscopy, and scanning election microscopy (SEM) analysis visualization was performed on samples of the focal areas (thalamus and IC) of pyrithiamine induced TD rats (PTD), pair-fed controls (PFC) rats, and NSPC transplanted TD and PFC rats. Various key metabolites were identified in rats with TD, including previous undocumented metabolites such as bile acids, kynurenic acid, and 1,9-dimethyluric acid in the thalamus and taurine and carnosine in the IC. The study also demonstrated a possible involvement of endogenous NSPC in focal areas of the thalamus and IC identifying key metabolites targeting NSPC and showed tissue amelioration (observed through SEM) following NSPC transplantation. The findings suggested that NSPC could offer a therapeutic alternative to alleviate some of symptomatic degeneration of TD.

Thiazole biosynthetic protein (THI1) is involved in the synthesis of the thiazole ring, a thiamine (vitamin B1) component. Thiamine is an essential co-factor in several carbohydrate and amino acid metabolic pathways. Prokaryotes and a few eukaryotes, such as fungi and plants, are able to synthesize thiamine de novo. These organisms contain the genes that encode the corresponding enzymes (such as THI1) that perform this metabolic function. THI1 actually functions as a reagent rather than as a conventional catalytic enzyme, as the THI1 polypeptide itself serves as the sulfide donor for thiazole formation. This gene also plays a role in organelle DNA damage tolerance. Arabidopsis thaliana has only one copy of the thi1 gene (At-thi1). Transcripts derived from At-thi1 are targeted simultaneously to chloroplasts and mitochondria by differential usage of two in-frame initiation codons. The tz-201 A. thaliana thi1 mutant has been shown to accumulate more sucrose in its tissues than wild-type plants. This suggests that a better understanding of thi1 genes and the role they play in cellular sucrose accumulation may be relevant for improving commercially important crops such as sugarcane. Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) is a C4 photosynthesis monocot. Unlike A. thaliana, sugarcane has at least two thi1 copies (sc-thi1.1 and sc-thi1.2), as do the other C4 grasses. This thesis concerns the molecular and functional analyses of sugarcane thi1 (sc-thi1) gene homologues. The identified alleles related to sc-thi1.2 have some differences in sequence and seems to be diverging into two subgroups (sc-thi1.2a and sc-thi1.2b), based on phylogenetic analyses. Expression analysis showed that each sc-thi1 copy is expressed differentially in individual tissues and in developing stages levels. Subcellular analysis showed that sc-thi1.1 and sc-thi1.2b have the same cellular distribution pattern, distinct from the observed for sc-thi1.2a. Sc-thi1.1 and sc-thi1.2b were also able to partially complement thiamine auxotrophy in a yeast mutant deficient in thiamine biosynthesis. A similar complementation assay is not possible in the A. thaliana tz-201 mutant owing to low transformation efficiencies. Thus, Physcomitrella patens was chosen to generate thi1 mutant lines for future functional complementation studies. P. patens is a moss used as a plant model, with a small size, short life cycle and a haploid dominant phase. Despite its simplicity, it has six thi1 homologues copies. Homologous Recombination was used to generate P. patens thi1 mutants. In each case, a target thi1 gene was disrupted by replacing its coding region with an antibiotic resistance gene cassette. Single mutants were obtained for all six thi1 gene copies. All the knockout lines were able to survive and grow with only minor effects on morphology and physiology. Deletion of one of the thi1 gene copies (PpThi1.20F) drastically affected protoplast survival and regeneration, suggesting a role for this gene in early (polar) cell division and differentiation. The experimental design, which permits recycling of the selectable marker cassettes, provides a research platform for the construction of double, triple, quadruple or quintuple mutants in the future. The individual mutants line generated in this work, as well as the possible multiple mutants, will be useful for thi1 functional complementation experiments and for discerning the specific functions of individual thi1 gene family members. / THI1 (proteína da biossíntese de tiazol) está envolvida na síntese do anel de tiazol, um componente de tiamina (vitamina B1). A tiamina é um cofator essencial em várias vias metabólicas de carboidratos e aminoácidos. Somente procariontes e alguns eucariontes, como fungos e plantas, são capazes de sintetizar a tiamina de novo. A proteína THI1 atua mais como um reagente do que como uma enzima catalítica convencional, pois usa a si mesmo como doador de sulfeto para a formação do anel de tiazol. Este gene também está envolvido na tolerância ao dano no DNA das organelas. A. thaliana apresenta apenas uma cópia do gene thi1. Seu transcrito primário é direcionado simultaneamente aos cloroplastos e mitocôndrias através do uso diferencial de dois códons de iniciação, presentes no mesmo quadro aberto de leitura. Além disso, o mutante tz-201 de A. thaliana acumula mais sacarose em seus tecidos do que a planta selvagem. Isso sugere que um melhor entendimento do gene thi1 e seu papel no acúmulo de sacarose podem ser importantes para o melhoramento comercial de cultivares, como cana-de-açúcar. Cana-de-açúcar (Saccharum spp.) é uma monocotiledônea de metabolismo fotossintético C4. Diferentemente do observado em A. thaliana, a cana-de-açúcar possui pelo menos duas cópias (sc-thi1.1 e sc-thi1.2) homólogas a thi1, como observado também para outras gramíneas C4. Nesta tese são discutidas análises moleculares e funcionais dos homólogos do gene thi1 (sc-thi1) de cana-de-açúcar. Os alelos identificados como relativos a sc-thi1.2 apresentam algumas diferenças em suas sequências e, baseado em análises filogenéticas, parecem estar divergindo em dois subgrupos (sc-thi1.2a e sc-thi1.2b). As análises de expressão mostraram que cada cópia de sc-thi1 é diferencialmente expressa em diferentes tecidos e estágios de desenvolvimento. A análise de localização subcelular mostrou sc-thi1.1 e sc-thi1.2b apresentam o mesmo padrão de distribuição, distinto do observado para sc-thi1.2a. Sc-thi1.1 e sc-thi1.2b também foram capazes de complementar parcialmente a auxotrofia para tiamina em leveduras mutantes, deficientes na via de biossíntese de tiamina. Um teste similar de complementação funcional mutante tz-201 de A. thaliana não é possível no devido à baixa eficiência de transformação. Assim, Physcomitrella patens foi escolhida para gerar linhagens mutantes de thi1 para futuros estudos de complementação funcional. P. patens é um musgo usado como planta modelo, apresenta tamanho pequeno, um ciclo de vida curto e uma fase dominante haploide. Apesar de sua simplicidade, possui seis cópias homólogas a thi1. A técnica de Recombinação Homóloga foi escolhida para gerar os mutantes thi1 de P. patens. Em cada mutante, uma das cópias de thi1 foi interrompida, substituindo sua região codificante por um cassete de gene de resistência. Mutantes individuais foram obtidos para as seis cópias do gene thi1. As linhagens knockouts foram capazes de sobreviver e crescer apenas com alguns pequenos efeitos em sua morfologia e fisiologia. A deleção de uma das cópias de thi1 (PpThi1.20F) afetou drasticamente a sobrevivência e regeneração dos protoplastos, sugerindo um papel deste cópia gênica no inicio da divisão e diferenciação celular. O desenho experimento utilizado para a geração destes mutantes permite a reciclagem dos cassetes de seleção, fornecendo uma plataforma para a construção de duplos, triplos, quádruplos, quíntuplos e sêxtuplos mutantes no futuro. Os mutantes individuais para cada cópia de thi1 gerados nesse trabalho, bem como os possíveis mutantes múltiplos, serão úteis para experimentos de complementação funcional e o discernimento de funções específicas de diferentes membros da família gênica thi1.

A nefropatia diabética (ND) é uma das principais causas de doença renal terminal. Além da lesão glomerular, o compartimento tubulointersticial é afetado no desenvolvimento da ND, não somente pela proteinúria como pelos efeitos pró-inflamatórios, profibróticos, pró-oxidantes e angiogênicos da hiperglicemia e dos produtos finais de glicação avançada (AGEs). Sabese que as concentrações de marcadores do estresse oxidativo estão aumentadas em pacientes com diabetes mellitus (DM). O sistema tiorredoxina (TXN) é um dos principais sistemas antioxidantes endógenos. A TXN é capaz de interagir com um grande número de fatores de transcrição e proteínas, tal como a Thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP) que tem sido reconhecida na patogênese do DM e de suas complicações. Além da TXNIP, a deficiência de tiamina, ou vitamina B1, já foi relatada em modelos experimentais de DM, concomitantemente a um aumento de seu clearance renal. Os transportadores de tiamina 1 (THTR1) e 2 (THTR2) (codificados pelos genes SLC19A2 e SLC19A3, respectivamente) são os responsáveis pela reabsorção de tiamina no túbulo proximal após sua filtração pelo glomérulo. Estudos já demonstraram que a excreção aumentada de tiamina pode ser um fator de risco para o declínio precoce da função renal em pacientes DM. Uma outra proteína de interesse é a beta 2 microglobulina (B2M), expressa em situações que cursam com inflamação, um fenômeno bem caracterizado na tubulopatia diabética. O estudo da ativação intrarenal de vias potencialmente associadas à evolução da ND em humanos é dificultada pela necessidade de biópsia renal. Recentemente o sedimento urinário tem sido utilizado na avaliação das doenças renais, tanto na tentativa de identificar biomarcadores que possam predizer o declínio da função renal, como para o melhor entendimento da patogênese dessa complicação. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a participação dos genesalvo TXNIP, TXN, SLC19A2, SLC19A3 e B2M na patogênese da ND em portadores de DM1. Estudamos o RNA mensageiro (mRNA) do sedimento urinário de pacientes DM1 (n=55), portadores de glomeruloesclerose segmentar e focal (GESF, um modelo de nefropatia não diabética, n=12) e de indivíduos controles (n=11) para avaliação da expressão dos genes-alvo, e sua associação com as manifestações da ND. Também foi extraído mRNA de células linfomononucleares de pacientes DM1 (n=162) e indivíduos controles (n=26) para comparação com os resultados obtidos no sedimento urinário e foram dosadas as concentrações plasmáticas de tiamina em um subgrupos de pacientes DM1 e de indivíduos controles. Além disso, uma linhagem de células renais humanas foi tratada com altas concentrações de glicose e albumina glicada ou não glicada in vitro para avaliar se os AGEs estão implicados na alteração de expressão dos genes-alvos. Como resultado observamos (1) um aumento na expressão de TXNIP e TXN no sedimento urinário de pacientes DM1 com doença renal e associação da expressão de TXNIP com a magnitude do declínio da taxa de filtração glomerular; (2) um aumento na expressão de TXNIP e TXN nas células linfomononucleares dos pacientes DM1; (3) um aumento na expressão de SLC19A2 no sedimento urinário de pacientes DM1 com doença renal; (4) uma diminuição nas concentrações plasmáticas de tiamina nos pacientes DM1 em comparação aos controles; (5) um aumento na expressão de B2M no sedimento urinário de pacientes DM1 com doença renal e (6) um aumento na expressão de TXNIP e B2M nas células renais humanas tratadas concomitantemente com altas concentrações de glicose e albumina glicada. Os resultados do presente estudo sugerem fortemente a participação do sistema TXN e da B2M na etiopatogênese da ND / Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major cause of end stage renal disease. Glomerular and tubulointerstitial compartments are affected not only by proteinuria but also by the pro-inflammatory, profibrotic, pro-oxidants and pro-angiogenic effects exerted by hyperglycemia and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in the development of DN. It is well known that concentrations of oxidative stress markers are increased in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). The thioredoxin system (TXN) is one of the majors endogenous antioxidant systems; TXN molecule is able to interact with a large number of transcription factors and proteins such as Thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP), which has been recognized in the pathogenesis of DM and its complications. Deficiency of thiamine, or B1 vitamin, has been reported in experimental models of DM concomitantly with an increase in its renal clearance. Thiamine transporter 1 (THTR1), encoded by the SLC19A2 gene and Thiamine transporter 2 (THTR2), encoded by the SLC19A3 gene are responsible for thiamine reabsorption in the proximal tubule after glomerular filtration. Studies have shown that increased urinary excretion of thiamine may be a risk predictor for an early decline in kidney function in diabetic patients. Another protein of interest is beta-2-microglobulin (B2M), expressed in situations of inflammation, a well-characterized phenomenon in diabetic tubulopathy. The study of activation or inactivation of intrarenal pathways potentially associated with progression of DN in humans is complicated by the need for renal biopsy. Recently urinary sediment has been used in the evaluation of kidney diseases in an attempt to identify biomarkers that can predict kidney function decline and as a tool for a better understanding of the pathogenesis of this complication. The objective of this work was to study the participation of the target genes TXNIP, TXN, SLC19A2, SLC19A3 and B2M in the pathogenesis of DN in type 1 DM (T1D) patients. We studied the urinary sediment messenger RNA (mRNA) from patients with T1D (n=55); with focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS, a non diabetic nephropathy model, n=12) and from control subjects (n=11) to assess the expression of the target genes and their association with the severity of DN. We also studied the mRNA expression of peripheral lymphomononuclear (PLMN) cells from T1D patients (n=162) and control subjects (n=26) in order to compare with the results obtained in the urinary sediment. Plasmatic concentrations of thiamine were also measured in a subgroup of T1D patients and control subjects. In addition, a lineage of human kidney cells was exposed to high glucose concentrations and to glycated and non-glycated albumin to evaluate if AGEs are implicated in the modulation of expression of the target genes. As a result we found that (1) TXNIP and TXN are upregulated in the urinary sediment of T1D patients with kidney disease and TXNIP is associated with the magnitude of glomerular filtration rate decline; (2) TXNIP and TXN are upregulated in PLMN cells from T1D patients; (3) SLC19A2 is upregulated in the urinary sediment of T1D patients with kidney disease; (4) T1D patients present decreased plasmatic thiamine concentrations compared to control subjects; (5) B2M is upregulated in the urinary sediment of T1D patients with kidney disease and (6) TXNIP and B2M are upregulated in human kidney cells exposed concomitantly to high glucose concentrations and glycated albumin. The results of the present study strongly suggest the participation of the TXN system and of B2M in the pathogenesis of DN. Descriptors: diabetes mellitus, diabetic nephropathies, urine, glycosylation end products, advanced, thiamine, thioredoxins, beta 2-microglobulin Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major cause of end stage renal disease. Glomerular and tubulointerstitial compartments are affected not only by proteinuria but also by the pro-inflammatory, profibrotic, pro-oxidants and pro-angiogenic effects exerted by hyperglycemia and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in the development of DN. It is well known that concentrations of oxidative stress markers are increased in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). The thioredoxin system (TXN) is one of the majors endogenous antioxidant systems; TXN molecule is able to interact with a large number of transcription factors and proteins such as Thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP), which has been recognized in the pathogenesis of DM and its complications. Deficiency of thiamine, or B1 vitamin, has been reported in experimental models of DM concomitantly with an increase in its renal clearance. Thiamine transporter 1 (THTR1), encoded by the SLC19A2 gene and Thiamine transporter 2 (THTR2), encoded by the SLC19A3 gene are responsible for thiamine reabsorption in the proximal tubule after glomerular filtration. Studies have shown that increased urinary excretion of thiamine may be a risk predictor for an early decline in kidney function in diabetic patients. Another protein of interest is beta-2-microglobulin (B2M), expressed in situations of inflammation, a well-characterized phenomenon in diabetic tubulopathy. The study of activation or inactivation of intrarenal pathways potentially associated with progression of DN in humans is complicated by the need for renal biopsy. Recently urinary sediment has been used in the evaluation of kidney diseases in an attempt to identify biomarkers that can predict kidney function decline and as a tool for a better understanding of the pathogenesis of this complication. The objective of this work was to study the participation of the target genes TXNIP, TXN, SLC19A2, SLC19A3 and B2M in the pathogenesis of DN in type 1 DM (T1D) patients. We studied the urinary sediment messenger RNA (mRNA) from patients with T1D (n=55); with focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS, a non diabetic nephropathy model, n=12) and from control subjects (n=11) to assess the expression of the target genes and their association with the severity of DN. We also studied the mRNA expression of peripheral lymphomononuclear (PLMN) cells from T1D patients (n=162) and control subjects (n=26) in order to compare with the results obtained in the urinary sediment. Plasmatic concentrations of thiamine were also measured in a subgroup of T1D patients and control subjects. In addition, a lineage of human kidney cells was exposed to high glucose concentrations and to glycated and non-glycated albumin to evaluate if AGEs are implicated in the modulation of expression of the target genes. As a result we found that (1) TXNIP and TXN are upregulated in the urinary sediment of T1D patients with kidney disease and TXNIP is associated with the magnitude of glomerular filtration rate decline; (2) TXNIP and TXN are upregulated in PLMN cells from T1D patients; (3) SLC19A2 is upregulated in the urinary sediment of T1D patients with kidney disease; (4) T1D patients present decreased plasmatic thiamine concentrations compared to control subjects; (5) B2M is upregulated in the urinary sediment of T1D patients with kidney disease and (6) TXNIP and B2M are upregulated in human kidney cells exposed concomitantly to high glucose concentrations and glycated albumin. The results of the present study strongly suggest the participation of the TXN system and of B2M in the pathogenesis of DN

<div> <p>Proper understanding of materials science is critical in understanding the functionality of ingredients in food products, as well as their behavior in these products over time. Amorphous materials are metastable, eventually rearranging to the thermodynamically stable crystalline state. Amorphous materials have properties which are beneficial in some food products: they are softer in texture and dissolve more rapidly. The amorphous state of sucrose might provide an increase in quality in applications like powdered beverages where rapid dissolution is preferred. A number of classes of compounds have been shown to delay the crystallization of amorphous sucrose; however, polyphenols, particularly their glycosylated forms, have been little explored. Glycosylated polyphenols contain two distinct structural regions: a more hydrophilic sugar unit(s) and a more hydrophobic polyphenol backbone. While the sugar unit should be able to easily associate with sucrose molecules, the polyphenolic backbone may not and might provide hindrance to crystal nucleation and growth.</p> <p> </p> <p> Thiamine is an essential nutrient that is found naturally in foods such as whole grains and pork. The processing of grains removes nearly the entirety of the natural thiamine content; thus, foods are often enriched with synthetic thiamine. Two salts of thiamine are used commercially: thiamine mononitrate and thiamine chloride hydrochloride. The two forms have specific applications driven by their specific properties, specifically their aqueous solubility and hygroscopicity. While these two salts provide adequate functionality, it is possible new salts may have properties beneficial in certain food applications. A method making use of silver nitrate was developed to produce new salt forms. An intermediate in this reaction, TCl·H₂O, was characterized including measurements of stability in aqueous solutions and solid state properties.</p> </div> <br>

Based on a field study and several mesocosm experiments, I evaluated the use of pigments as chemotaxonomical biomarkers for phytoplankton community composition in the Baltic Sea and I examined effects of inorganic nutrients on the dynamics of carotenoids and thiamine (vitamin B1) at the phytoplankton–copepod level in marine pelagic food webs. My results show that HPLC pigment analysis combined with CHEMTAX data processing was an accurate alternative to microscopic analysis of Baltic Sea phytoplankton. Experimental supply of N, P and Si affected copepod growth and biochemical status via changes in biomass and composition of their phytoplankton diet. Net population growth rates were generally higher when phytoflagellates dominated (low Si:N ratio) and lower when diatoms dominated (high Si:N ratio). Copepod body concentrations of astaxanthin decreased with fertilization. Correlations with reduced under-water irradiance were consistent with the photo-protective function of this antioxidant. Thiamine concentrations in phytoplankton also decreased with fertilization. In copepods, low Si:N ratios resulted in higher thiamine concentrations than high Si:N ratios. Thiamine concentration and degree of phosphorylation were useful as indicators of thiamine shortage both in phytoplankton and copepods. The concentrations of thiamine and astaxanthin in the copepod communities were positively correlated. As copepods constitute a major link between pelagic primary producers and higher trophic levels, fertilization effects may be responsible for astaxanthin and thiamine deficiencies in salmon suffering from the M74 syndrome, which appeared concurrently with large-scale eutrophication in the Baltic Sea. As both thiamine and astaxanthin are deficient in M74-affected salmon, there is a need for physiological and molecular investigations of possible interactions between the two compounds in living cells.

No description available.

A nefropatia diabética (ND) é uma das principais causas de doença renal terminal. Além da lesão glomerular, o compartimento tubulointersticial é afetado no desenvolvimento da ND, não somente pela proteinúria como pelos efeitos pró-inflamatórios, profibróticos, pró-oxidantes e angiogênicos da hiperglicemia e dos produtos finais de glicação avançada (AGEs). Sabese que as concentrações de marcadores do estresse oxidativo estão aumentadas em pacientes com diabetes mellitus (DM). O sistema tiorredoxina (TXN) é um dos principais sistemas antioxidantes endógenos. A TXN é capaz de interagir com um grande número de fatores de transcrição e proteínas, tal como a Thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP) que tem sido reconhecida na patogênese do DM e de suas complicações. Além da TXNIP, a deficiência de tiamina, ou vitamina B1, já foi relatada em modelos experimentais de DM, concomitantemente a um aumento de seu clearance renal. Os transportadores de tiamina 1 (THTR1) e 2 (THTR2) (codificados pelos genes SLC19A2 e SLC19A3, respectivamente) são os responsáveis pela reabsorção de tiamina no túbulo proximal após sua filtração pelo glomérulo. Estudos já demonstraram que a excreção aumentada de tiamina pode ser um fator de risco para o declínio precoce da função renal em pacientes DM. Uma outra proteína de interesse é a beta 2 microglobulina (B2M), expressa em situações que cursam com inflamação, um fenômeno bem caracterizado na tubulopatia diabética. O estudo da ativação intrarenal de vias potencialmente associadas à evolução da ND em humanos é dificultada pela necessidade de biópsia renal. Recentemente o sedimento urinário tem sido utilizado na avaliação das doenças renais, tanto na tentativa de identificar biomarcadores que possam predizer o declínio da função renal, como para o melhor entendimento da patogênese dessa complicação. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a participação dos genesalvo TXNIP, TXN, SLC19A2, SLC19A3 e B2M na patogênese da ND em portadores de DM1. Estudamos o RNA mensageiro (mRNA) do sedimento urinário de pacientes DM1 (n=55), portadores de glomeruloesclerose segmentar e focal (GESF, um modelo de nefropatia não diabética, n=12) e de indivíduos controles (n=11) para avaliação da expressão dos genes-alvo, e sua associação com as manifestações da ND. Também foi extraído mRNA de células linfomononucleares de pacientes DM1 (n=162) e indivíduos controles (n=26) para comparação com os resultados obtidos no sedimento urinário e foram dosadas as concentrações plasmáticas de tiamina em um subgrupos de pacientes DM1 e de indivíduos controles. Além disso, uma linhagem de células renais humanas foi tratada com altas concentrações de glicose e albumina glicada ou não glicada in vitro para avaliar se os AGEs estão implicados na alteração de expressão dos genes-alvos. Como resultado observamos (1) um aumento na expressão de TXNIP e TXN no sedimento urinário de pacientes DM1 com doença renal e associação da expressão de TXNIP com a magnitude do declínio da taxa de filtração glomerular; (2) um aumento na expressão de TXNIP e TXN nas células linfomononucleares dos pacientes DM1; (3) um aumento na expressão de SLC19A2 no sedimento urinário de pacientes DM1 com doença renal; (4) uma diminuição nas concentrações plasmáticas de tiamina nos pacientes DM1 em comparação aos controles; (5) um aumento na expressão de B2M no sedimento urinário de pacientes DM1 com doença renal e (6) um aumento na expressão de TXNIP e B2M nas células renais humanas tratadas concomitantemente com altas concentrações de glicose e albumina glicada. Os resultados do presente estudo sugerem fortemente a participação do sistema TXN e da B2M na etiopatogênese da ND / Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major cause of end stage renal disease. Glomerular and tubulointerstitial compartments are affected not only by proteinuria but also by the pro-inflammatory, profibrotic, pro-oxidants and pro-angiogenic effects exerted by hyperglycemia and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in the development of DN. It is well known that concentrations of oxidative stress markers are increased in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). The thioredoxin system (TXN) is one of the majors endogenous antioxidant systems; TXN molecule is able to interact with a large number of transcription factors and proteins such as Thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP), which has been recognized in the pathogenesis of DM and its complications. Deficiency of thiamine, or B1 vitamin, has been reported in experimental models of DM concomitantly with an increase in its renal clearance. Thiamine transporter 1 (THTR1), encoded by the SLC19A2 gene and Thiamine transporter 2 (THTR2), encoded by the SLC19A3 gene are responsible for thiamine reabsorption in the proximal tubule after glomerular filtration. Studies have shown that increased urinary excretion of thiamine may be a risk predictor for an early decline in kidney function in diabetic patients. Another protein of interest is beta-2-microglobulin (B2M), expressed in situations of inflammation, a well-characterized phenomenon in diabetic tubulopathy. The study of activation or inactivation of intrarenal pathways potentially associated with progression of DN in humans is complicated by the need for renal biopsy. Recently urinary sediment has been used in the evaluation of kidney diseases in an attempt to identify biomarkers that can predict kidney function decline and as a tool for a better understanding of the pathogenesis of this complication. The objective of this work was to study the participation of the target genes TXNIP, TXN, SLC19A2, SLC19A3 and B2M in the pathogenesis of DN in type 1 DM (T1D) patients. We studied the urinary sediment messenger RNA (mRNA) from patients with T1D (n=55); with focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS, a non diabetic nephropathy model, n=12) and from control subjects (n=11) to assess the expression of the target genes and their association with the severity of DN. We also studied the mRNA expression of peripheral lymphomononuclear (PLMN) cells from T1D patients (n=162) and control subjects (n=26) in order to compare with the results obtained in the urinary sediment. Plasmatic concentrations of thiamine were also measured in a subgroup of T1D patients and control subjects. In addition, a lineage of human kidney cells was exposed to high glucose concentrations and to glycated and non-glycated albumin to evaluate if AGEs are implicated in the modulation of expression of the target genes. As a result we found that (1) TXNIP and TXN are upregulated in the urinary sediment of T1D patients with kidney disease and TXNIP is associated with the magnitude of glomerular filtration rate decline; (2) TXNIP and TXN are upregulated in PLMN cells from T1D patients; (3) SLC19A2 is upregulated in the urinary sediment of T1D patients with kidney disease; (4) T1D patients present decreased plasmatic thiamine concentrations compared to control subjects; (5) B2M is upregulated in the urinary sediment of T1D patients with kidney disease and (6) TXNIP and B2M are upregulated in human kidney cells exposed concomitantly to high glucose concentrations and glycated albumin. The results of the present study strongly suggest the participation of the TXN system and of B2M in the pathogenesis of DN. Descriptors: diabetes mellitus, diabetic nephropathies, urine, glycosylation end products, advanced, thiamine, thioredoxins, beta 2-microglobulin Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major cause of end stage renal disease. Glomerular and tubulointerstitial compartments are affected not only by proteinuria but also by the pro-inflammatory, profibrotic, pro-oxidants and pro-angiogenic effects exerted by hyperglycemia and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in the development of DN. It is well known that concentrations of oxidative stress markers are increased in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). The thioredoxin system (TXN) is one of the majors endogenous antioxidant systems; TXN molecule is able to interact with a large number of transcription factors and proteins such as Thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP), which has been recognized in the pathogenesis of DM and its complications. Deficiency of thiamine, or B1 vitamin, has been reported in experimental models of DM concomitantly with an increase in its renal clearance. Thiamine transporter 1 (THTR1), encoded by the SLC19A2 gene and Thiamine transporter 2 (THTR2), encoded by the SLC19A3 gene are responsible for thiamine reabsorption in the proximal tubule after glomerular filtration. Studies have shown that increased urinary excretion of thiamine may be a risk predictor for an early decline in kidney function in diabetic patients. Another protein of interest is beta-2-microglobulin (B2M), expressed in situations of inflammation, a well-characterized phenomenon in diabetic tubulopathy. The study of activation or inactivation of intrarenal pathways potentially associated with progression of DN in humans is complicated by the need for renal biopsy. Recently urinary sediment has been used in the evaluation of kidney diseases in an attempt to identify biomarkers that can predict kidney function decline and as a tool for a better understanding of the pathogenesis of this complication. The objective of this work was to study the participation of the target genes TXNIP, TXN, SLC19A2, SLC19A3 and B2M in the pathogenesis of DN in type 1 DM (T1D) patients. We studied the urinary sediment messenger RNA (mRNA) from patients with T1D (n=55); with focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS, a non diabetic nephropathy model, n=12) and from control subjects (n=11) to assess the expression of the target genes and their association with the severity of DN. We also studied the mRNA expression of peripheral lymphomononuclear (PLMN) cells from T1D patients (n=162) and control subjects (n=26) in order to compare with the results obtained in the urinary sediment. Plasmatic concentrations of thiamine were also measured in a subgroup of T1D patients and control subjects. In addition, a lineage of human kidney cells was exposed to high glucose concentrations and to glycated and non-glycated albumin to evaluate if AGEs are implicated in the modulation of expression of the target genes. As a result we found that (1) TXNIP and TXN are upregulated in the urinary sediment of T1D patients with kidney disease and TXNIP is associated with the magnitude of glomerular filtration rate decline; (2) TXNIP and TXN are upregulated in PLMN cells from T1D patients; (3) SLC19A2 is upregulated in the urinary sediment of T1D patients with kidney disease; (4) T1D patients present decreased plasmatic thiamine concentrations compared to control subjects; (5) B2M is upregulated in the urinary sediment of T1D patients with kidney disease and (6) TXNIP and B2M are upregulated in human kidney cells exposed concomitantly to high glucose concentrations and glycated albumin. The results of the present study strongly suggest the participation of the TXN system and of B2M in the pathogenesis of DN

Thiazole biosynthetic protein (THI1) is involved in the synthesis of the thiazole ring, a thiamine (vitamin B1) component. Thiamine is an essential co-factor in several carbohydrate and amino acid metabolic pathways. Prokaryotes and a few eukaryotes, such as fungi and plants, are able to synthesize thiamine de novo. These organisms contain the genes that encode the corresponding enzymes (such as THI1) that perform this metabolic function. THI1 actually functions as a reagent rather than as a conventional catalytic enzyme, as the THI1 polypeptide itself serves as the sulfide donor for thiazole formation. This gene also plays a role in organelle DNA damage tolerance. Arabidopsis thaliana has only one copy of the thi1 gene (At-thi1). Transcripts derived from At-thi1 are targeted simultaneously to chloroplasts and mitochondria by differential usage of two in-frame initiation codons. The tz-201 A. thaliana thi1 mutant has been shown to accumulate more sucrose in its tissues than wild-type plants. This suggests that a better understanding of thi1 genes and the role they play in cellular sucrose accumulation may be relevant for improving commercially important crops such as sugarcane. Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) is a C4 photosynthesis monocot. Unlike A. thaliana, sugarcane has at least two thi1 copies (sc-thi1.1 and sc-thi1.2), as do the other C4 grasses. This thesis concerns the molecular and functional analyses of sugarcane thi1 (sc-thi1) gene homologues. The identified alleles related to sc-thi1.2 have some differences in sequence and seems to be diverging into two subgroups (sc-thi1.2a and sc-thi1.2b), based on phylogenetic analyses. Expression analysis showed that each sc-thi1 copy is expressed differentially in individual tissues and in developing stages levels. Subcellular analysis showed that sc-thi1.1 and sc-thi1.2b have the same cellular distribution pattern, distinct from the observed for sc-thi1.2a. Sc-thi1.1 and sc-thi1.2b were also able to partially complement thiamine auxotrophy in a yeast mutant deficient in thiamine biosynthesis. A similar complementation assay is not possible in the A. thaliana tz-201 mutant owing to low transformation efficiencies. Thus, Physcomitrella patens was chosen to generate thi1 mutant lines for future functional complementation studies. P. patens is a moss used as a plant model, with a small size, short life cycle and a haploid dominant phase. Despite its simplicity, it has six thi1 homologues copies. Homologous Recombination was used to generate P. patens thi1 mutants. In each case, a target thi1 gene was disrupted by replacing its coding region with an antibiotic resistance gene cassette. Single mutants were obtained for all six thi1 gene copies. All the knockout lines were able to survive and grow with only minor effects on morphology and physiology. Deletion of one of the thi1 gene copies (PpThi1.20F) drastically affected protoplast survival and regeneration, suggesting a role for this gene in early (polar) cell division and differentiation. The experimental design, which permits recycling of the selectable marker cassettes, provides a research platform for the construction of double, triple, quadruple or quintuple mutants in the future. The individual mutants line generated in this work, as well as the possible multiple mutants, will be useful for thi1 functional complementation experiments and for discerning the specific functions of individual thi1 gene family members. / THI1 (proteína da biossíntese de tiazol) está envolvida na síntese do anel de tiazol, um componente de tiamina (vitamina B1). A tiamina é um cofator essencial em várias vias metabólicas de carboidratos e aminoácidos. Somente procariontes e alguns eucariontes, como fungos e plantas, são capazes de sintetizar a tiamina de novo. A proteína THI1 atua mais como um reagente do que como uma enzima catalítica convencional, pois usa a si mesmo como doador de sulfeto para a formação do anel de tiazol. Este gene também está envolvido na tolerância ao dano no DNA das organelas. A. thaliana apresenta apenas uma cópia do gene thi1. Seu transcrito primário é direcionado simultaneamente aos cloroplastos e mitocôndrias através do uso diferencial de dois códons de iniciação, presentes no mesmo quadro aberto de leitura. Além disso, o mutante tz-201 de A. thaliana acumula mais sacarose em seus tecidos do que a planta selvagem. Isso sugere que um melhor entendimento do gene thi1 e seu papel no acúmulo de sacarose podem ser importantes para o melhoramento comercial de cultivares, como cana-de-açúcar. Cana-de-açúcar (Saccharum spp.) é uma monocotiledônea de metabolismo fotossintético C4. Diferentemente do observado em A. thaliana, a cana-de-açúcar possui pelo menos duas cópias (sc-thi1.1 e sc-thi1.2) homólogas a thi1, como observado também para outras gramíneas C4. Nesta tese são discutidas análises moleculares e funcionais dos homólogos do gene thi1 (sc-thi1) de cana-de-açúcar. Os alelos identificados como relativos a sc-thi1.2 apresentam algumas diferenças em suas sequências e, baseado em análises filogenéticas, parecem estar divergindo em dois subgrupos (sc-thi1.2a e sc-thi1.2b). As análises de expressão mostraram que cada cópia de sc-thi1 é diferencialmente expressa em diferentes tecidos e estágios de desenvolvimento. A análise de localização subcelular mostrou sc-thi1.1 e sc-thi1.2b apresentam o mesmo padrão de distribuição, distinto do observado para sc-thi1.2a. Sc-thi1.1 e sc-thi1.2b também foram capazes de complementar parcialmente a auxotrofia para tiamina em leveduras mutantes, deficientes na via de biossíntese de tiamina. Um teste similar de complementação funcional mutante tz-201 de A. thaliana não é possível no devido à baixa eficiência de transformação. Assim, Physcomitrella patens foi escolhida para gerar linhagens mutantes de thi1 para futuros estudos de complementação funcional. P. patens é um musgo usado como planta modelo, apresenta tamanho pequeno, um ciclo de vida curto e uma fase dominante haploide. Apesar de sua simplicidade, possui seis cópias homólogas a thi1. A técnica de Recombinação Homóloga foi escolhida para gerar os mutantes thi1 de P. patens. Em cada mutante, uma das cópias de thi1 foi interrompida, substituindo sua região codificante por um cassete de gene de resistência. Mutantes individuais foram obtidos para as seis cópias do gene thi1. As linhagens knockouts foram capazes de sobreviver e crescer apenas com alguns pequenos efeitos em sua morfologia e fisiologia. A deleção de uma das cópias de thi1 (PpThi1.20F) afetou drasticamente a sobrevivência e regeneração dos protoplastos, sugerindo um papel deste cópia gênica no inicio da divisão e diferenciação celular. O desenho experimento utilizado para a geração destes mutantes permite a reciclagem dos cassetes de seleção, fornecendo uma plataforma para a construção de duplos, triplos, quádruplos, quíntuplos e sêxtuplos mutantes no futuro. Os mutantes individuais para cada cópia de thi1 gerados nesse trabalho, bem como os possíveis mutantes múltiplos, serão úteis para experimentos de complementação funcional e o discernimento de funções específicas de diferentes membros da família gênica thi1.

Le syndrome de Wernicke-Korsakoff (SWK) est un désordre neuropsychiatrique causé par la déficience en thiamine (DT). Dans la DT expérimentale comme dans le SWK, on observe une mort neuronale et des hémorragies dans certaines régions précises du diencéphale et du tronc cérébral. Les lésions diencéphaliques du SWK sont particulièrement sévères et entraînent souvent des séquelles amnésiques permanentes. Le lien entre la dysfonction métabolique induite par la DT et la mort neuronale n’est pas connu. Des rapports précédents ont démontré que la perméabilité de la barrière hémato-encéphalique (BHE) était altérée et ce, précédant l’apparition du dommage neuronal, suggérant un rôle critique de la dysfonction vasculaire. Les jonctions serrées (JS) interendothéliales, la base anatomique de la BHE, constituent un réseau moléculaire incluant l’occludin et les zonula occludens (ZOs). Cette thèse démontre une perte d’expression et une altération de la morphologie de ces protéines en relation avec la dysfonction de la BHE dans le thalamus de souris déficientes en thiamine, fournissant une explication pour la présence d’hémorragies. Le stress oxydatif peut entraîner des dommages directs aux protéines des JS et interférer avec leurs mécanismes de régulation. De plus, l’oxyde nitrique (NO) peut induire la métalloprotéinase matricielle-9 (MMP-9) impliquée dans la dégradation de ces protéines. L’endothélium vasculaire cérébral (EVC) semble être une source importante de NO dans la DT, l’expression de l’oxyde nitrique synthase endothéliale (eNOS) étant sélectivement induite dans les régions vulnérables. Le NO peut réagir avec les espèces réactives oxygénées et former du peroxynitrite, entraînant un stress oxydatif/nitrosatif endothélial. Les résultats présentés démontrent que la délétion du gène de eNOS prévient le stress oxydatif/nitrosatif cérébrovasculaire, l’extravasation des immunoglobulins G (IgGs) et l’altération de l’occludin et des ZOs dans le thalamus de souris déficientes en thiamine. De plus, cette délétion prévient l’induction de l’expression de MMP-9 dans l’EVC. Des résultats similaires ont été obtenus avec l’antioxydant N-acétylcystéine (NAC). Les mécanismes précis par lesquels les espèces réactives altèrent les protéines des JS sont inconnus. Caveolin-1, une composante majeure du caveolæ de l’EVC, est impliquée dans la régulation de l’expression des protéines des JS, et celle-ci est modulée par le stress oxydatif/nitrosatif; l’altération de l’expression de caveolin-1 a été récemment associée à la rupture de la BHE. Les résultats présentés démontrent que l’expression de caveolin-1 est sélectivement altérée dans l’EVC du thalamus de souris déficientes en thiamine, coïcidant avec la rupture de la BHE, et démontrent que la normalisation de l’expression de caveolin-1 par le NAC est associée avec l’atténuation du dommage à la BHE. Pris ensemble, ces résultats démontrent un rôle central du stress oxydatif/nitrosatif cérébrovasculaire, particulièrement celui provenant de eNOS, dans l’altération des JS de la BHE via des dommages directs et via l’induction de MMP-9 et de caveolin-1. Cette rupture de la BHE contribue par conséquent à la mort neuronale dans le thalamus, puisque la prévention des altérations cérébrovasculaires par la délétion du gène de eNOS et le NAC atténue significativement la mort neuronale. L’administration précoce d’antioxydants en combinaison avec la thiamine devrait donc être une considération importante pour le traitement du SWK. / Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS) is a neuropsychiatric disorder caused by thiamine deficiency (TD). In experimental TD as in WKS, neuronal cell death and hemorrhages are observed in specific diencephalic and brainstem areas. Diencephalic lesions in WKS are especially severe and often lead to permanent amnesic symptoms. The link between TD-induced metabolic dysfunction and neuronal cell death is unknown. Previous reports have shown that blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability was impaired and that this occurred prior to the onset of neuronal damage, suggesting a critical role for vascular dysfunction. Interendothelial tight junctions (TJs), the anatomical basis of the BBB, constitute a molecular network comprising occludin and zonula occludens (ZOs). This thesis shows a loss of expression and alterations in the morphology of these proteins in relation to BBB dysfunction in the thalamus of thiamine-deficient mice, providing an explanation for the presence of hemorrhages. Oxidative stress can lead to direct oxidative damage to TJ proteins and interfere with their regulation mechanisms. Also, nitric oxide (NO) can induce matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) involved in the degradation of these proteins. Cerebral vascular endothelium (CVE) seems to be an important source of NO in TD, since endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression is selectively induced in vulnerable areas. NO can react with reactive oxygen species and form peroxynitrite, leading to endothelial oxidative/nitrosative stress. Results have show that eNOS gene deletion prevents cerebrovascular oxidative/nitrosative stress, immunoglobulins G (IgGs) extravasation and occludin and ZOs alterations in the thalamus of thiamine-deficient mice. Also, eNOS gene deletion prevents the induction of MMP-9 in CVE. Similar results have been obtained with the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Precise mechanisms by which reactive species alter TJ proteins are unknown. Caveolin-1, a major component of CVE caveolæ, is involved in the regulation of TJ protein expression, and is modulated by oxidative/nitrosative stress; alteration in caveolin-1 expression has been recently associated with BBB breakdown. The present results show that caveolin-1 expression is selectively altered in CVE of the thalamus of thiamine-deficient mice, and show that normalization of caveolin-1 expression by NAC is associated with the attenuation of BBB damage. Taken together, these results demonstrate a central role for cerebrovascular oxidative/nitrosative stress, especially coming from eNOS, in BBB TJ protein alterations via direct damage and via induction of MMP-9 and caveolin-1. As a result, BBB breakdown contributes to neuronal cell death in the thalamus, since prevention of cerebrovascular alterations by eNOS gene deletion and NAC significantly attenuates neuronal cell death. Early administration of antioxidants combined with thiamine should therefore be an important consideration for the treatment of WKS.

Le syndrome de Wernicke-Korsakoff (SWK) est un désordre neuropsychiatrique causé par la déficience en thiamine (DT). Dans la DT expérimentale comme dans le SWK, on observe une mort neuronale et des hémorragies dans certaines régions précises du diencéphale et du tronc cérébral. Les lésions diencéphaliques du SWK sont particulièrement sévères et entraînent souvent des séquelles amnésiques permanentes. Le lien entre la dysfonction métabolique induite par la DT et la mort neuronale n’est pas connu. Des rapports précédents ont démontré que la perméabilité de la barrière hémato-encéphalique (BHE) était altérée et ce, précédant l’apparition du dommage neuronal, suggérant un rôle critique de la dysfonction vasculaire. Les jonctions serrées (JS) interendothéliales, la base anatomique de la BHE, constituent un réseau moléculaire incluant l’occludin et les zonula occludens (ZOs). Cette thèse démontre une perte d’expression et une altération de la morphologie de ces protéines en relation avec la dysfonction de la BHE dans le thalamus de souris déficientes en thiamine, fournissant une explication pour la présence d’hémorragies. Le stress oxydatif peut entraîner des dommages directs aux protéines des JS et interférer avec leurs mécanismes de régulation. De plus, l’oxyde nitrique (NO) peut induire la métalloprotéinase matricielle-9 (MMP-9) impliquée dans la dégradation de ces protéines. L’endothélium vasculaire cérébral (EVC) semble être une source importante de NO dans la DT, l’expression de l’oxyde nitrique synthase endothéliale (eNOS) étant sélectivement induite dans les régions vulnérables. Le NO peut réagir avec les espèces réactives oxygénées et former du peroxynitrite, entraînant un stress oxydatif/nitrosatif endothélial. Les résultats présentés démontrent que la délétion du gène de eNOS prévient le stress oxydatif/nitrosatif cérébrovasculaire, l’extravasation des immunoglobulins G (IgGs) et l’altération de l’occludin et des ZOs dans le thalamus de souris déficientes en thiamine. De plus, cette délétion prévient l’induction de l’expression de MMP-9 dans l’EVC. Des résultats similaires ont été obtenus avec l’antioxydant N-acétylcystéine (NAC). Les mécanismes précis par lesquels les espèces réactives altèrent les protéines des JS sont inconnus. Caveolin-1, une composante majeure du caveolæ de l’EVC, est impliquée dans la régulation de l’expression des protéines des JS, et celle-ci est modulée par le stress oxydatif/nitrosatif; l’altération de l’expression de caveolin-1 a été récemment associée à la rupture de la BHE. Les résultats présentés démontrent que l’expression de caveolin-1 est sélectivement altérée dans l’EVC du thalamus de souris déficientes en thiamine, coïcidant avec la rupture de la BHE, et démontrent que la normalisation de l’expression de caveolin-1 par le NAC est associée avec l’atténuation du dommage à la BHE. Pris ensemble, ces résultats démontrent un rôle central du stress oxydatif/nitrosatif cérébrovasculaire, particulièrement celui provenant de eNOS, dans l’altération des JS de la BHE via des dommages directs et via l’induction de MMP-9 et de caveolin-1. Cette rupture de la BHE contribue par conséquent à la mort neuronale dans le thalamus, puisque la prévention des altérations cérébrovasculaires par la délétion du gène de eNOS et le NAC atténue significativement la mort neuronale. L’administration précoce d’antioxydants en combinaison avec la thiamine devrait donc être une considération importante pour le traitement du SWK. / Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS) is a neuropsychiatric disorder caused by thiamine deficiency (TD). In experimental TD as in WKS, neuronal cell death and hemorrhages are observed in specific diencephalic and brainstem areas. Diencephalic lesions in WKS are especially severe and often lead to permanent amnesic symptoms. The link between TD-induced metabolic dysfunction and neuronal cell death is unknown. Previous reports have shown that blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability was impaired and that this occurred prior to the onset of neuronal damage, suggesting a critical role for vascular dysfunction. Interendothelial tight junctions (TJs), the anatomical basis of the BBB, constitute a molecular network comprising occludin and zonula occludens (ZOs). This thesis shows a loss of expression and alterations in the morphology of these proteins in relation to BBB dysfunction in the thalamus of thiamine-deficient mice, providing an explanation for the presence of hemorrhages. Oxidative stress can lead to direct oxidative damage to TJ proteins and interfere with their regulation mechanisms. Also, nitric oxide (NO) can induce matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) involved in the degradation of these proteins. Cerebral vascular endothelium (CVE) seems to be an important source of NO in TD, since endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression is selectively induced in vulnerable areas. NO can react with reactive oxygen species and form peroxynitrite, leading to endothelial oxidative/nitrosative stress. Results have show that eNOS gene deletion prevents cerebrovascular oxidative/nitrosative stress, immunoglobulins G (IgGs) extravasation and occludin and ZOs alterations in the thalamus of thiamine-deficient mice. Also, eNOS gene deletion prevents the induction of MMP-9 in CVE. Similar results have been obtained with the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Precise mechanisms by which reactive species alter TJ proteins are unknown. Caveolin-1, a major component of CVE caveolæ, is involved in the regulation of TJ protein expression, and is modulated by oxidative/nitrosative stress; alteration in caveolin-1 expression has been recently associated with BBB breakdown. The present results show that caveolin-1 expression is selectively altered in CVE of the thalamus of thiamine-deficient mice, and show that normalization of caveolin-1 expression by NAC is associated with the attenuation of BBB damage. Taken together, these results demonstrate a central role for cerebrovascular oxidative/nitrosative stress, especially coming from eNOS, in BBB TJ protein alterations via direct damage and via induction of MMP-9 and caveolin-1. As a result, BBB breakdown contributes to neuronal cell death in the thalamus, since prevention of cerebrovascular alterations by eNOS gene deletion and NAC significantly attenuates neuronal cell death. Early administration of antioxidants combined with thiamine should therefore be an important consideration for the treatment of WKS.