Rozprawy doktorskie na temat „5'-nucleotidase”

Dans le rein, la 5'-nucleotidase est principalement localisee au niveau de la bordure en brosse apicale des cellules tubulaires proximales. Elle est ancree dans le feuillet membranaire externe par un glycosyl-phosphatidyl-inositol. Elle est l'enzyme cle d'une cascade faisant intervenir diverses ectoenzymes conduisant a la formation d'adenosine par l'hydrolyse des nucleotides adenyliques (atp, adp, et ampc). La degradation de l'ampc extracellulaire luminal suivie de la capture d'adenosine sont indispensables a l'effet inhibiteur de l'ampc extracellulaire sur la reabsorption proximale de phosphate. L'ampc luminal ajoute au fluide tubulaire sous l'influence de la pth (ampc nephrogenique) participe a son effet phosphaturique et n'est pas seulement un marqueur de l'activite de cette hormone. La 5'-nucleotidase, en hydrolysant l'amp ou en produisant de l'adenosine, est a la base de ces regulations physiologiques. Cette etude presente differents aspects de la modulation de l'activite de l'ecto-5'-nucleotidase tubulaire renale, et les consequences de cette modulation de l'activite du cotransport sodium-phosphate: (1) dans les cellules ok, la pth stimule l'activite 5'-nt en impliquant une synthese proteique et l'activation de la pkc. Cette modulation se traduit de maniere fonctionnelle en termes de modulation de transport de phosphate. La 5'-nt participe ainsi a l'effet phosphaturique de la pth. (2) le monoxyde d'azote produit au cours d'une ischemie renale transitoire inhibe l'activite 5'-nt en se liant a ses groupements sh par un mecanisme de s-nitrosylation. Cette inhibition attenue l'effet inhibiteur de l'ampc extracellulaire sur le cotransport sodium-phosphate. L'expression, par infection stable, de l'ecto-5'-nt humaine dans les cellules mxx depourvues d'activite ecto5'-nt endogene permet d'etablir une lignee de cellules renales. L'enzyme est distribuee majoritairement au niveau de la membrane apicale des cellules. Son activite n'affecte ni l'activite du transport de phosphate ni son adaptation a la depletion phosphatee

Os nucleotídeos extracelulares modulam uma variedade de ações biológicas via ativação de receptores purinérgicos. Esses efeitos são controlados pela ação de ectonucleotidases, tais como as E-NTPDases e a ecto-5´-NT/CD73, as quais hidrolisam o ATP até adenosina no meio extracelular. Nas células imunes, o ATP pode atuar como uma molécula sinalizadora de perigo enquanto a adenosina, um produto da degradação do ATP, serve como um mecanismo que controla/limita a inflamação. Já, no sistema vascular, o ADP é um agonista fisiológico envolvido na hemostasia normal e na trombose. Considerando que os macrófagos são elementos chave para processos inflamatórios e quando estímulados exibibem um fenótipo pró-inflamatório/defesa (clássico/M1) ou antiinflamatório/reparatório (alterantivo/M2). O objetivo foi investigar a atividade e expressão das ectonuclotidases em diferentes fenótipos de macrófago e avaliar o efeito da homocisteína sobre essas enzimas em macrófagos e plaquetas.. As análises da diferenciação de macrófagos em fenótipo próinflamatório/ M1 e antiinflamatório/M2 revelaram presença igual de receptores purinérgicos. Entretanto, mudança no perfil das ectonucleotidases como E-NTPDase1, E-NTPDase3 e ecto-5’- nucleotidase foram encontradas, sugerindo que os macrófagos devem alterar a casacata purinérgica durante a ativação fenotípica. No fenótipo pró-inflamatório/M1 houve uma diminuição na hidrólise de ATP, sugerindo um acúmulo do mesmo, enquanto no fenótipo antiinflamatório/M2 as enzimas conduzem para uma progressiva diminuição nas concentrações de nucleotídeos (ATP) e aumento na disponibilidade de adenosina. Já os macrófagos expostos a homocisteína apresentaram uma polarização para o fenótipo pro-inflamatório (M1) e nossos achados sugerem o envolvimento da ENTPDase3 e da ecto-5’-nucleotidase em macrófagos nas complicações inflamatórias associadas a homocisteína. Nas plaquetas, as quais são elementos fundamentais no processo de trombogênese, a homocisteína causou uma diminuição na hifrólise de ADP. Essa elevação no nível de ADP ao redor das plaquetas devido a inativação das ectonucleotidases, causada pela homocisteína, deve estar contribuindo para o aumento do risco trombótico descrito em pacientes com hiperhomocisteinemia. Além disso, os animais que receberam homocisteína tiveram um aumento na agregação plaquetária induzida por ADP. Em conclusão, os resultados do presente estudo reforçam o envolvimento do sistema purinérgico em processos inflamatórios/trombóticos e apontam parar o desenvolvimeto de tratamentos para doenças inflamatórias/trobóticas.
Extracellular nucleotides modulate a variety of biological actions via purinergic receptor activation. These effects are modulated by ectonucleotidases, such as ENTPDases and ecto-5´- NT/CD73, which hydrolyze ATP to adenosine in the extracellular milieu. In the cells of the immune system, the ATP can act as danger signaling whereas adenosine, the ATP breakdown product, serves as a negative feedback mechanism to limit inflammation. Already, in the vasculare system, the ADP is a physiological agonist involved in normal hemostasis and thrombosis. Since, macrophages are key to inflammatory process, that depending on the microenvironmental stimulation exhibit proinflammatory/ defense (classical/M1) and antiinflammatory/reparatory (alternative/M2) phenotype. The objective of this study was investigate the activity and expression of the ectonuclotidases in differential macrophage phenotype and evaluate the homocysteine (Hcy) effects on theses enzymes in macrophages and platelets. . The analysis of differential macrophages in phenotype proinflamatory/ M1 and antiinflamatory/M2 showed the same expression to P1 and P2 purinoreceptors. However, change profile of the ectonucleotidases as E-NTPDase1, E-NTPDase3 and ecto-5’- nucleotidase enzymes in macrophages during phenotypic differentiation were found, suggesting that macrophages must alter the purinergic cascade during macrophages differentiation phenotypic. In the pro-inflamatory/M1 phenotype the ATP hydrolysis decreased, suggesting ATP accumulation. On the other hand, the antiinflamatory/M2 phenotype the enzymes lead to a progressive decrease in nucleotides (ATP) concentrations and an increase the adenosine availability. Already, the macrophages exposed to Hcy present a polarized pro-inflammatory profile (M1) and our findings suggest the involvement of the E-NTPDase3 and ecto-5’-nucleotidase in the inflammatory complications associates to homocysteine. In the Platelets, which are fundamental elements to the thrombogenesis process, the homocysteine decreased ADP hydrolysis. This elevation of ADP around of the platelets due inactivating of ectonucleotidase, probably by the indirect action of Hcy, may be contributing to increase thrombotic risk described in individuals with hyperhomocysteinemia. In addition, the animals that received Hcy treatment potentiate platelet aggregation induced by ADP. In conclusion, in the present study the results reinforce purinergic signaling involvement in inflammatory/thrombosis process and point to development of treatments to inflammatory/thrombotic diseases.

Os gliomas são os tumores primários mais comuns e devastadores que atingem o sistema nervoso central. O prognóstico para pacientes com estes tumores é ruim, e apesar de intensos esforços para o desenvolvimento de novas terapias, agentes efetivos ainda não estão disponíveis. A ecto-5‟-nucleotidase/CD73 (ecto-5‟-NT/CD73) regula os níveis extracelulares de AMP e adenosina, a qual tem sido amplamente descrita como fator indutor de proliferação celular. A ecto-5‟-NT/CD73 per se tem sido relatada como proteína envolvida no controle dos processos de crescimento, maturação, diferenciação, invasão e migração celular, além do processo de formação de metástases. No presente estudo nós avaliamos a atividade enzimática e as funções da ecto-5‟-NT/CD73 durante o processo proliferativo em linhagens de glioma C6 e U138-MG. Os resultados obtidos demonstram que ocorre um aumento da atividade da ecto-5‟-NT/CD73 com o aumento da confluência celular, quer seja esta obtida por semeadura de crescentes densidades celulares ou por crescentes dias de cultivo, em ambas as linhagens estudadas. As análises por RT-PCR e citometria de fluxo revelaram um aumento dos níveis de mRNA e proteína da ecto-5‟-NT/CD73, respectivamente quando comparadas culturas confluentes com culturas subconfluentes em linhagem de glioma humano U138-MG. Nesta mesma linhagem, o tratamento com 1 M de APCP, inibidor competitivo da ecto-5‟-NT/CD73 causou uma significativa redução de 20% na proliferação celular, enquanto a adenosina aumentou este processo em 25%. Por outro lado, 1 mM e 3 mM de AMP reduziram a proliferação em 29% e 42% respectivamente. Além disso, o silenciamento estável da ecto-5‟-NT/CD73 pela técnica do RNAi reduziu o processo de migração celular na linhagem de glioma humano U138-MG. Em conjunto, Estes resultados sugerem a participação da ecto-5‟-NT/CD73 na proliferação celular, sendo este processo desencadeado pela geração de adenosina (fator proliferativo), pela remoção dos níveis citotóxicos de AMP e pela participação per se da ecto-5‟-NT/CD73 como proteína de adesão.
Malignant gliomas are the most common and devastating primary tumors in the central nervous system. Despite treatment, patients with these tumors have a poor prognosis. Ecto-5‟-nucleotidase/CD73 (ecto-5‟-NT/CD73) may regulate the extracellular AMP and adenosine levels, which have been described as proliferation factor. The participation of ecto-5‟-NT/CD73 per se has been proposed as a proliferative factor, being involved in the control of cell growth, maturation, differentiation, invasion, migration and metastases processes. In the present study, we evaluate the ecto-5‟-NT/CD73 activity and functions in rat C6 and human U138-MG glioma cell lines proliferation process. Crescent confluences and culture times leads to an increase on ecto-5‟-NT/CD73 activity in both C6 and U138-MG glioma cells. RT-PCR analysis and flow cytometry showed a significant increase on ecto-5‟-NT/CD73 mRNA and protein levels respectively, when compared confluent cultures with subconfluent one in human U138-MG glioma cells. Treatment with 1 M APCP, a competitive ecto-5‟-NT inhibitor, caused a significant reduction in glioma cell proliferation of 20% for U138-MG glioma cell line. In addition, 100 M adenosine increases cell proliferation in 25% and AMP 1m M and 3 mM decrease U138-MG glioma cells proliferation in 29% and 42% respectively. The stable silencement of ecto-5‟-NT/CD73 by RNAi technique reduces cell migration in human U138-MG glioma cell line. Taken together these results suggest the participation of ecto-5‟-NT/CD73 in cell proliferation, being this process dependent of enzymatic activity generating adenosine, a proliferative factor and removing toxic levels of AMP, as well as a function as adhesive molecule.

La 5-nucleotidase cytosolique de foie de buf a ete purifiee a l'homogeneite par une double chromatographie d'affinite sur concanavaline a sepharose, puis 5-amp sepharose. L'enzyme purifie est un heterodimere de 130000 daltons avec deux sous-unites de 57000 et 65000 daltons, contrairement a l'isoenzyme membranaire qui presente une structure homodimerique (140000 daltons). L'enzyme hydrolyse specifiquement les 5-mononucleotides et le 5-cmp serait son meilleur substrat. Son activite maximale intervient a ph 7,5 et 9,5, et necessite l'apport de cations divalents exogenes. Par contre, la 5-nucleotidase membranaire ne possede qu'un seul ph optimum a 7,5. L'etude des interactions des diverses lectines avec le glycanne de la 5-nucleotidase cytosolique prouve sa nature glycoproteique, et suggere une structure glycannique differente de l'enzyme membranaire. Cependant, les anticorps produits contre la 5-nucleotidase membranaire reconnaissent et inhibent l'enzyme cytosolique. Cette reactivite croisee demontre l'existence d'epitopes communs proches du site catalytique. Par ailleurs, nous avons realise une etude de l'effet de la phospholipase c specifique du phosphatidylinositol (pi-plc) sur l'attachement de la 5-nucleotidase a la membrane plasmique. Nous avons ainsi montre que seule une faible proportion de la molecule est convertie en une forme soluble par ce traitement. De plus, nous avons note une grande variation de sensibilite a l'action de la pi-plc entre la 5-nucleotidase et la phosphatase alcaline, dependante de la nature du tissu et de l'espece etudiee. Les differences de pourcentage de solubilisation des deux enzymes par la pi-plc pourraient etre dues a des raisons d'ordre sterique liees a la topographie des proteines dans la membrane plasmique ou a un polymorphisme d'ancrage de ces proteines dans la membrane

Ecto-5'-nucleotidase (E5'N) is an endothelial surface enzyme that controls conversion of extracellular nucleotides into immunosuppressive adenosine. Species differences and especially lO-fold higher activity of E5'N in human endothelial cells (EC) than in pig EC could be important barrier for xenotransplantation.The major aim ofmy thesis is evaluation whether expression of human E5'N on pig EC is able to attenuate cell death mediated by components ofhuman blood responsible for delayed xenograft rejection (DXR). A pig cell line was transfected with human E5'N and efficiency assessed with flow cytometry and nucleotide breakdown assays using cell monolayers and lysates. Transfected cells were >95% positive for human E5'N/There was a massive increase in E5'N activity in transfected pig EC lysates and intact cells using extracellu~ar AMP as the substrate. Adenosine production from the breakdown of ATP was also significantly higher in transfected cells, proving E5'N to be the rate-limiting enzyme in adenosine production by pig EC. Incubation of transfected cells with AMP showed a time-dependent induction of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 mediated via AI receptors, and subsequent protection of these cells from hydrogen peroxide-mediated apoptosis through AI receptors. Human natural killer (NK) cells were significantly less cytotoxic towards transfected than non-transfected pig EC. This effect was abrogated by an inhibitor of E5'N and mimicked by prior incubation of NK cells with adenosine. Supernatants from transfected cells also significantly inhibited platelet aggregation and expression of E5'N attenuated platelet adhesion to EC compared to nontransfected cells. However, transfection with E5'N did not protect cells from antibody and complement-mediated cytotoxicity. Functional expression of human E5'N in pig EC provided significant protection from apoptosis, NK cell-mediated lysis and platelet adhesion and aggregation, the main mechanisms of xenograft r~jection once hyperacute rejection has been overcome. E5'N is thus a potential candidate for. engineering of transgenic animals for xenotransplantation.

Escherichia coli 5'-nucleotidase is a periplasmically localised enzyme capable of hydrolysing a broad range of substrates, including all 5'-ribo- and 5'-deoxyribonucleotides, uridine diphosphate sugars, and a number of synthetic substrates such as bis (r-nitrophenyl) phosphate. The enzyme has been shown to contain at least one zinc ion following purification, and to have two metal binding sites in the catalytic cleft. 5'-Nucleotidase activity is significantly stimulated by the addition of particular divalent metal ions, most notably cobalt which results in a 30-50 fold increase in activity. Significant sequence homology between the E. coli 5'-nucleotidase and members of the Ser/Thr protein phosphatase family in the catalytic site has lead to 5'-nucleotidase being included in this protein family. This thesis describes the development of a rapid purification methodology for milligram quantities of 5'-nucleotidase, and the investigation of a number of physical and biochemical properties of the enzyme with the aim of comparing these properties to those of certain catalytic site mutants. The molecular weight of the mature protein was estimated as 58219 daltons, with a specific activity for 5'-AMP, in the presence of 4 mM Co2+ and 13 mM Ca2+ at pH 6.0, of 730 mmol/min/mg. The presence of up to two zinc ions associated with the purified enzyme was observed using ICP-ES analysis, suggesting both metal ion binding sites are occupied by zinc in vivo, and some degree of displacement of zinc by cobalt could be observed. Mass spectrometry data, gathered at 60 and 70 mS orifice potential, suggested the presence of a small proportion of material with a mass 118 to 130 daltons greater than the main 5'-nucleotidase mass estimation. This study suggests that this mass difference, only evident at the lower orificepotential, is due to the presence of two zinc ions closely associated with 5'-nucleotidase. To account for the observed high level of activation of 5'-nucleotidase activity by particular divalent metal ions, this thesis describes a proposed model in which these divalent ions may displace the zinc ion at one of the metal ion binding sites. This displacement only occurs at one of the two metal ion binding sites, with the other metal binding site retaining the zinc ion already present. Studies with purified enzyme, each with a single amino acid substitution, lend support to this hypothesis and suggest the identity of the metal ion binding site at which displacement occurs. Seven key catalytic site residues (Asp-41, His-43, Asp-84, His-117, Glu-118, His-217 and His-252) were selected on the basis of sequence conservation within the Ser/Thr protein phosphatases and 5'-nucleotidases. X-ray crystallographic data published by others during this study implicated five of the selected residues (Asp-41, His-43, Asp-84, His-217 and His-252) directly in metal ion binding, including two residues from each metal ion binding site and one directly involved in both sites (Asp-84). The remaining two residues (His-117 and Glu-118) are highly conserved but were not thought to play direct roles in metal ion binding. The seven selected residues were modified by site-directed mutagenesis, and the effect of the amino acid substitutions upon the kinetic properties of 5'-nucleotidase activity was determined. Residues hypothesised to be involved in metal ion displacement, and subsequent activation of 5'-nucleotidase activity, were identified by reductions in metal ion affinity and increased levels of activation by cobalt compared to the wild type 5'-nucleotidase. This study suggests that the metal binding site, M2, that includes residues Asp-84, His-217 and His-252, is involved in metal ion displacement, while the other metal binding site, M1, is not. This, in turn, suggests the metal binding sites are functionally non-equivalent and kinetically distinct. No residues were identified in this study as playing significant roles in substrate binding, as there was no significant reduction observed in affinity for 5'-AMP observed in any of the catalytic site mutants.

A 5' AMP-degrading activity appears during the course of development in Dictyostelium discoideum between the prestalk and prespore zones. This enzyme is referred as 5'-Nucleotidase (5NT). Given the critical role of cyclic AMP in cell differentiation in this organism, 5NT is thought to be involved in cell positioning during development. Southern blot analysis showed a single form of the gene. The expression of the 5nt gene is known to be developmentally regulated. The message appears first at about 5 hr of the Dictyostelium development and remains constant throughout the rest of the development. Primer extension indicated two potential transcriptional start sites (118 bp and 148 bp upstream of the ATG initiation codon) for the 5nt expression. The 5nt promoter region was cloned and analyzed to investigate the expression of 5nt. Analysis of the cloned 5nt promoter fused to lacZ enabled the localization of the 5nt expression in pstAB cells during development. To identify cis-acting regulatory sequences, a series of 5' and internal promoter deletions were generated and fused to a luciferase reporter gene. The reporter activity driven by the 1,212 bp promoter started at the early aggregation stage, in agreement with temporal expression of the 5nt gene. Also, the expression was induced by exogenous cAMP. The reporter activity was high and relatively equivalent for all deletion constructs that contained 547 bp or more of the promoter region. No luciferase activity was detected using 365 bp or less of the promoter. A gradual decrease in activity was observed when three deletion constructs between -547 and -365 bp were tested suggesting the presence of at least two cis-regulatory elements within this region. Internal deletion analysis indicated another potential regulatory region located between -307 and -226 bp. To identify protein factor(s) that bind specifically to these regulatory sequences, gel shift assays were performed. Two bands, 0.33 Rf and 0.13 Rf, were detected in both cytoplasmic and nuclear extracts using radiolabeled DNA fragments located between -227 and -198 bp and -252 and -203 bp of the promoter region, respectively. Competition experiments confirmed the specificity of binding. The protein factors in these DNA binding activities were purified using various chromatography techniques. Mass spectrometry analysis of the purified 70 kDa protein corresponding to the 0.33 Rf band activity and a subsequent search in the Dictyostelium genomic database revealed that the purified protein was a putative formyltetrahydrofolate synthase.
Ph. D.

Escherichia coli 5'-nucleotidase is a periplasmically localised enzyme capable of hydrolysing a broad range of substrates, including all 5'-ribo- and 5'-deoxyribonucleotides, uridine diphosphate sugars, and a number of synthetic substrates such as bis (r-nitrophenyl) phosphate. The enzyme has been shown to contain at least one zinc ion following purification, and to have two metal binding sites in the catalytic cleft. 5'-Nucleotidase activity is significantly stimulated by the addition of particular divalent metal ions, most notably cobalt which results in a 30-50 fold increase in activity. Significant sequence homology between the E. coli 5'-nucleotidase and members of the Ser/Thr protein phosphatase family in the catalytic site has lead to 5'-nucleotidase being included in this protein family. This thesis describes the development of a rapid purification methodology for milligram quantities of 5'-nucleotidase, and the investigation of a number of physical and biochemical properties of the enzyme with the aim of comparing these properties to those of certain catalytic site mutants. The molecular weight of the mature protein was estimated as 58219 daltons, with a specific activity for 5'-AMP, in the presence of 4 mM Co2+ and 13 mM Ca2+ at pH 6.0, of 730 mmol/min/mg. The presence of up to two zinc ions associated with the purified enzyme was observed using ICP-ES analysis, suggesting both metal ion binding sites are occupied by zinc in vivo, and some degree of displacement of zinc by cobalt could be observed. Mass spectrometry data, gathered at 60 and 70 mS orifice potential, suggested the presence of a small proportion of material with a mass 118 to 130 daltons greater than the main 5'-nucleotidase mass estimation. This study suggests that this mass difference, only evident at the lower orificepotential, is due to the presence of two zinc ions closely associated with 5'-nucleotidase. To account for the observed high level of activation of 5'-nucleotidase activity by particular divalent metal ions, this thesis describes a proposed model in which these divalent ions may displace the zinc ion at one of the metal ion binding sites. This displacement only occurs at one of the two metal ion binding sites, with the other metal binding site retaining the zinc ion already present. Studies with purified enzyme, each with a single amino acid substitution, lend support to this hypothesis and suggest the identity of the metal ion binding site at which displacement occurs. Seven key catalytic site residues (Asp-41, His-43, Asp-84, His-117, Glu-118, His-217 and His-252) were selected on the basis of sequence conservation within the Ser/Thr protein phosphatases and 5'-nucleotidases. X-ray crystallographic data published by others during this study implicated five of the selected residues (Asp-41, His-43, Asp-84, His-217 and His-252) directly in metal ion binding, including two residues from each metal ion binding site and one directly involved in both sites (Asp-84). The remaining two residues (His-117 and Glu-118) are highly conserved but were not thought to play direct roles in metal ion binding. The seven selected residues were modified by site-directed mutagenesis, and the effect of the amino acid substitutions upon the kinetic properties of 5'-nucleotidase activity was determined. Residues hypothesised to be involved in metal ion displacement, and subsequent activation of 5'-nucleotidase activity, were identified by reductions in metal ion affinity and increased levels of activation by cobalt compared to the wild type 5'-nucleotidase. This study suggests that the metal binding site, M2, that includes residues Asp-84, His-217 and His-252, is involved in metal ion displacement, while the other metal binding site, M1, is not. This, in turn, suggests the metal binding sites are functionally non-equivalent and kinetically distinct. No residues were identified in this study as playing significant roles in substrate binding, as there was no significant reduction observed in affinity for 5'-AMP observed in any of the catalytic site mutants.
Thesis (PhD Doctorate)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Sciences
Science, Environment, Engineering and Technology
Full Text

The Role of 5^â Nucleotidase in the Regulation of Morphogenesis in Dictyostelium Chanpen Chanchao (ABSTRACT) 5^â Nucleotidase (5NU) in Dictyostelium discoideum is an enzyme that shows high substrate specificity to 5^â AMP. The enzyme has received considerable attention in the past because of the critical role played by cyclic AMP in cell differentiation in this organism. Degradation of cAMP by cAMP phosphodiesterase (PDE) produces 5^â AMP, the substrate of 5NU. Dictyostelium switches its genetic program from growth to cellular differentiation when nutrients become limited. During the time course of development, the activity of 5NU is high and becomes restricted to a narrow band of cells that form the interface between the prestalk/prespore zones. Understanding how this gene is regulated will provide knowledge underlying the process of cell differentiation. In order to understand the functional significance of the 5NU, I first purified of the 5NU protein using an artificial substrate p-nitrophenol phosphate (pNPP). An activity stain on non-denaturing gels with Nitro Blue Tetrazolium (NBT) and 5-Bromo-4-Chloro-3-Indolyl Phosphate (BCIP) as the substrate was also used. A polypeptide of approximately 90 kDa was associated with 5NU enzyme activity after gel filtration chromatography and denaturing gel electrophoreses. Protein sequence of this peptide was obtained from Mass Spectrometry and Edmund Degradation. Various databanks were searched for similar sequences, but no matches with high identity were obtained. However, a search of the sequences of an ongoing cDNA project at the University of Tsukuba in Japan revealed a clone that corresponded to the peptide sequence of 5NU. In addition, a clone was found that corresponded to the classical ^{"alkaline phosphatase"} found in several organisms. Analysis of the expression of the 5NU and AP during Dictyostelium development by Northern blotting determined that the 5NU is developmentally regulated while the AP is expressed at all stages of the life cycle. Southern blot analysis showed a single form of the gene for both 5NU and AP. Targeted gene disruption and knockout mutagenesis using the 5NU sequences flanking a blasticidin-resistant cassette was attempted. Analysis of the transformants showed the 5NU gene was not disrupted, and that the blasticidin-resistant cassette was randomly inserted into the genome
Ph. D.

Estudos anteriores realizados no Laboratório de Erros Inatos do Metabolismo demonstraram que fenilalanina (Phe) 2,0 mM ou fenilpiruvato (PP) 5,0 mM, um metabólito desaminado da Phe, reduzem a atividade da ATP-difosfoidrolase em sinaptossomas de córtex cerebral de ratos. Já estudos do efeito da Phe e do fenilactato sobre a atividade da Na+K+-ATPase, enzima envolvida na manutenção do potencial de membrana e na integridade celular no cérebro, demonstraram seus efeitos inibitórios, bem como a reversão destes efeitos pela alanina (Ala), competitivamente. Por outro lado, quando testada isoladamente, a alanina não altera a atividade da enzima. Resultados semelhantes foram observados em relação à fosforilação de proteínas de citoesqueleto neuronal na presença de Phe e/ou Ala. O presente estudo teve como principal objetivo caracterizar a inibição causada por Phe ou PP sobre a atividade da ATP-difosfoidrolase. Considerando que a ATP- difosfoidrolase participa com a 5’-nucleotidase na síntese de adenosina a partir do ATP e do ADP, decidimos investigar também os efeitos “in vitro” da Phe ou do PP sobre a atividade da 5’-nucleotidase na mesma fração. Além disso, considerando que a alanina reverte o efeito inibitório da Phe sobre algumas enzimas, decidimos investigar o efeito daquele aminoácido sobre as atividades da ATP-difosfoidrolase e da 5’-nucleotidase, bem como a possibilidade da alanina reverter efeitos inibitórios provocados pela Phe ou pelo PP sobre a atividade da ATP-difosfoidrolase. Os sinaptossomas foram preparados a partir de córtex cerebral de ratos com idade entre 25 e 35 dias para determinação das atividades da ATP-difosfoidrolase e da 5’-nucleotidase. A Phe ou o PP inibiram a atividade da ATP- difosfoidrolase em aproximadamente 20%, no entanto, a atividade da 5’-nucleotidase não foi afetada pelos dois metabólitos. Os resultados dos estudos cinéticos realizados com ATP-difosfoidrolase sugerem que ADP, Phe e PP agem sobre o mesmo sítio da enzima. A alanina não altera as atividades da ATP-difosfoidrolase e da 5’-nucleotidase e, quando testada em associação com Phe 1,5 mM ou com PP 5,0 mM, não reverteu os efeitos inibitórios provocados pelos mesmos. Considerando a importância da atividade da ATP- difosfoidrolase para a degradação do neurotransmissor ATP em sistema nervoso central, se os efeitos observados “in vitro” também ocorrerem “in vivo”, a inibição da enzima pode ser um dos mecanismos que levam ao dano cerebral característico da fenilcetonúria.

Orientadores: Anete Pereira de Souza, Ricardo Aparício
Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Biologia
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Resumo: Xylella fastidiosa é uma bactéria responsável por inúmeras doenças de plantas em culturas economicamente importantes ao redor do mundo, incluindo a clorose variegada dos citros. Após a infecção de seu hospedeiro, as células de X. fastidiosa é apta a formarem uma estrutura de biofilme que bloqueia os vasos xilemáticos, levando a uma condição de estresse hídrico na planta hospedeira e desencadeando o desenvolvimento da doença. Tendo como estímulo a relevância econômica da citricultura para o Brasil e, visando reduzir os prejuízos provocados pelos problemas fitossanitários que acometem esta cultura, foi realizado um consórcio de pesquisa com o intuito de se conhecer completamente o genoma da linhagem 9a5c de X. fastidiosa. Inúmeras proteínas associadas com patogenicidade, adaptação e sobrevivência bacteriana foram identificadas, incluindo XfDsbC (proteína disulfeto isomerase), Xf5'-Nt (5'-nucelotidase), XfTolB (proteína de translocação B) e XfPal (lipoproteína associada ao peptidoglicano) que foram caracterizadas neste estudo. Empregando ferramentas de caracterização de proteínas, aspectos funcionais e estruturais destas quatro proteínas alvos foram avaliados. Dentre os resultados destaca-se a imunodetecção de XfDsbC, Xf5'-Nt, XfTolB e XfPal durante as diferentes fases de formação e desenvolvimento do biofilme de X. fastidiosa, que é tido como o principal mecanismo de patogenicidade deste fitopatógeno, confirmando a predição inicial de tais proteínas como associadas à patogenicidade bacteriana. Adicionalmente, resultados funcionais e estruturais revelaram detalhes finos do papel biológico desempenhado por cada uma das proteínas estudadas. Juntos, os resultados apresentados neste trabalho contribuem para o melhor entendimento de patogenicidade bacteriana, especialmente com respeito ao fitopatógeno X. fastidiosa
Abstract: Xylella fastidiosa is a plant pathogen bacterium responsible for numerous economically important crops diseases around the world, including the citrus variegated chlorosis. Following the host infection, the X. fastidiosa cells are able to form a biofilm structure which block the xylem vessels, leading to a hydric stress condition in the host plant and triggers the disease development. Given the economic relevance of citriculture for Brazil and in order to reduce the damage caused by phytosanitary problems that affect the citrus production, a research consortium was established with the aim to elucidate the complete genome sequence of the X. fastidiosa 9a5c strain. Numerous proteins associated with bacterial pathogenicity, adaptation and survival have been identified, including XfDsbC (protein disulfide isomerase), Xf5'-Nt (5'-nucleotidase), XfTolB (protein translocation B) and XfPal (peptidoglycan-associated lipoprotein) which were characterized in this study. Using tools for protein characterization, structural and functional aspects of these four protein targets were evaluated. Among the results, we highlight the immunodetection of XfDsbC, Xf5'-Nt, XfTolB and XfPal during the different stages of X. fastidiosa biofilm formation and development which is considered the primary mechanism of pathogenicity of this pathogen. These findings, confirming the initial prediction that relates such proteins as associated with bacterial pathogenicity. Additionally, structural and functional results revealed accurate details of the biological role played by each protein studied. Taken together, the findings presented in this study contribute to a better understanding of bacterial pathogenesis, especially with regard to the plant pathogen X. fastidiosa
Doutorado
Genetica de Microorganismos
Doutor em Genetica e Biologia Molecular

Gene regulation is a critical aspect of normal development, energy conservation, metabolic control, and responses to environmental cues, diseases and pathogens in eukaryotic organisms. In order to appropriately respond to environmental changes and advance through the life cycle, an organism must manage the expression levels of a large number of genes by utilizing available gene regulation mechanisms. The developmental control of 5â -nucleotidase (5nt) expression in the model system Dictyostelium discoideum has provided a focal point for studies of gene regulation at the level of transcription. In order to identify temporally-regulated control elements within the promoter of the 5nt gene, 5â and internal promoter deletions were designed and fused to the luciferase and lacZ reporter genes, and reporter enzyme activity was measured in cells from the slug stage of development. The results from these experiments enabled the identification of a 250 bp region of the promoter, which was used as a template for subsequent site-directed mutagenesis experiments. These experiments involved altering 6-12 bp regions of the promoter by substitution. Twelve mutagenized promoters were fused to the luciferase and lacZ reporter genes, and activity was measured at the slug stage of development to more precisely locate cis-acting temporally-regulated control elements. In addition, cAMP induction experiments were performed on amoebae transformed with the mutagenized promoters to identify control elements within the promoter influenced by the presence of cAMP. The regions between -530 and -560 bp and -440 and -460 bp from the ATG translation start site. In order to evaluate the functions of the cis-acting promoter control elements, electromobility gel shift assays were performed to identify specific DNA-protein interactions on the 5nt promoter. These assays enabled the detection of a 0.13 Rf and 0.33 Rf binding activity to specific sites of the promoter. After characterization of these binding activities, both proteins were purified by a series of column chromatography techniques and characterized after mass spectrometry. The proteins purified were identified as formyltetrahydrofolate synthase and hydroxymethylpterin pyrophosphokinase. These enzymes function in the biosynthetic pathway of tetrahydrofolate and the production of folate coenzymes. The specific interactions of these enzymes with the 5nt promoter suggest these proteins may also function in regulating 5nt expression.
Ph. D.

Le cancer représente l'un des problèmes majeurs en santé publique. Jusqu'à présent, en parallèle de l'intervention chirurgical, plusieurs traitements ont été mis au point et largement utilisés en thérapie clinique telles que les chimiothérapies. Cependant, leur efficacité est parfois limitée et couplée à des effets secondaires très néfastes, laissant les patients dans une impasse thérapeutique. Par conséquent, de nouvelles approches thérapeutiques doivent être développées sur de nouvelles cibles avérées en oncologie afin d'apporter des soins personnalisés aux patients. La première partie de mon travail de thèse a été dédiée à la compréhension des mécanismes moléculaires de la nucléotidase cytosolique de type II (cN-II), une enzyme du métabolisme des purines dont l'implication dans des phénomènes de résistance à des traitements anticancéreux a pu être démontrée. Aussi, une étude sur la cinétique enzymatique à l'état pré-stationnaire et stationnaire a été entreprise sur la forme sauvage et une forme mutée de l'enzyme lui conférant une activité accrue fortement impliquée dans les cas de résistance. Par cette approche, il a été possible de décortiquer le mécanisme cinétique, de définir l'étape cinétiquement limitant afin d'identifier les intermédiaires prépondérants de la réaction pouvant être ciblés pour le développement de nouveaux inhibiteurs. Cette étude cinétique est présentée dans ce premier volet de la thèse. En second lieu, mon travail s'est focalisée sur un second membre de cette famille d'enzyme qui est l'ecto-5'-nucléotidase (CD73). Cette enzyme exprimée sous forme dimérique à la surface extracellulaire régule la concentration en adénosine extracellulaire (par hydrolyse de l'adénosine monophosphate), ce dernier étant un puissant immunosuppresseur de la réponse immune anticancéreuse. L'objectif de mon travail de thèse a été de développer de nouveaux inhibiteurs de type allostérique en utilisant une approche basée sur la structure tridimensionnelle et la dynamique moléculaire. Une des étapes clés a été tout d'abord de mettre au point un système expression hétérologue afin d'obtenir l'enzyme recombinante en quantité suffisante pour les études enzymatiques ultérieures. Différents systèmes d'expression ont été testés et seul le système en cellules d'insecte infectées par le baculovirus a permis d'obtenir l'enzyme active en grande quantité. En parallèle, une étude in silico a permis de reproduire la dynamique fonctionnelle de l'enzyme requise pour sa fonction. A partir de ses données, un criblage virtuel d'une chimiothèque de 324 000 molécules a été réalisé sur le site de dimérisation et a permis d'identifier 33 composés chefs de files. Parmi, ces composés, dix molécules se sont avérés être de puissants inhibiteurs de CD73 (Ki < 1 µM) avec un mécanisme d'inhibition de type allostérique ou non-compétitif. La cytotoxicité des composés a été évaluée sur des lignées cellulaires transformées ou tumorales montrant un effet uniquement à des concentrations très élevées (supérieures à 100 µM). L'étude des relations structure-fonction devrait permettre à présent de proposer de voies d'optimisation afin d'améliorer l'efficacité des composés les plus actifs afin d'aboutir à de nouveaux candidats médicaments
Cancer burden still remains a major worldwide health problem. To date, several types of conventional anticancer treatments are widely used in clinical. However, the alternative effects of these treatments often leave patients impaired. Therefore, it is required to understand the unique medical needs of individual patients and to conduct effective, high–quality research focusing on the not yet identified oncotargets.The first part of my thesis is dedicated to decipher molecular basis of cN-II reaction. This study characterizes the steady state and transient state kinetics of cN-II wild type and hyperactive mutant which involved in cancer treatment resistance. Furthermore, the characterization of the rate-limiting step and reaction intermediates gave insights into the binding mechanisms and the development of small molecules inhibitors of cN-II.In the second part of this work, we aimed to investigate allosteric inhibitors of CD73 using structure-based drug design approach. In this study the suitable protein expression system was established for the production of sufficient quantities of fully active CD73. This work followed by in silico studies, including molecular dynamics, virtual screening, and hits identification and in vitro hits validations and kinetics characterizations. The cytotoxicity of the most powerful inhibitors exhibited on different cell types was determined. SAR studies gave insights into the binding mode of best compounds and function

O câncer de bexiga é a segunda neoplasia urogenital mais comum, atinge mais os homens e está relacionado principalmente com o fumo. Os tratamentos atualmente utilizados não são suficientemente efetivos, permitindo os diversos casos de recorrência, progressão do tumor e/ou morte do paciente. Assim, as pesquisas realizadas continuam buscando tratamentos mais efetivos. Diversos estudos revelam o envolvimento do sistema purinérgico na tumorigênese da bexiga, no âmbito das ectonucleotidases, há evidências de alterações em duas delas na progressão do câncer de bexiga: a NTPDase3 e a ecto-5’-NT/CD73. O urotélio normal dos camundongos expressa a NTPDase3 que é expressa em linhagem de câncer de bexiga de grau 1 (RT4), mas não em linhagem de grau 3 (T24). Já a ecto-5’-NT/CD73, não é expressa no urotélio normal de camundongos e tem baixa atividade em linhagem de câncer de bexiga de grau 1 (RT4) em comparação a linhagem de grau 3 (T24), evidenciando a possível participação destas proteínas na progressão do câncer de bexiga. Dessa forma, o objetivo desta tese foi investigar o envolvimento da NTPDase3 e da ecto-5'-NT/CD73 na progressão e malignidade do câncer de bexiga. A fim de caracterizar a expressão dessas enzimas durante a progressão do estabelecimento do câncer de bexiga, camundongos Balb-c receberam N-butil-N-(hidroxibutil)-nitrosamina (BBN) 0,05% em sua água de beber por 4, 8, 12, 18 e 24 semanas. Nas primeiras 8 semanas as bexigas dos animais apresentaram características de inflamação, em 12 semanas iniciaram as transformações neoplásicas que em 24 semanas caracterizaram câncer. NTPDase3 teve sua expressão diminuída nesse processo, enquanto a ecto-5’-NT/CD73 passou a ser expressa e sua expressão foi significativamente maior no utrotélio cancerígeno. A fim de verificar se a atividade das enzimas acompanhava as alterações de expressão, o câncer de bexiga foi induzido pela BBN em ratos Wistar por 24 semanas. As hidrólises de ATP e ADP são maiores nas bexigas dos animais controle do que no urotélio tumoral dos animais concordando com a expressão da NTPDase3. Por fim, no intuito de verificar o envolvimento dessas duas enzimas na malignidade do câncer de bexiga, a NTPDase3 foi superexpressa na linhagem T24, por transfecção com pcDNA3, e a ecto-5’-NT/CD73 foi silenciada utilizando o sistema CRISPR/Cas. Os clones de cada tranfecção foram caracterizados mostrando o sucesso de ambas transformações genéticas. As transfecções não alteraram significativamente as respostas purinérgicas testadas e os experimentos de implante tumoral in vivo mostram que a ecto-5’-NT/CD73 está provavelmente envolvida na malignidade dessa neoplasia.
The bladder cancer is the second most prevalent tumor of genitourinary tract. It is more common among men and it is mainly associated with smoking. The current treatments are not efficient enough to avoid the cases of tumor recurrence, progression and pacient death. So, the researches follow the pursuit of more effective treatments. Many studies have shown the involvement of purinergic system in the bladder tumorigenesis, in relation to the ectonucleotidases, there is evidence of the engagement of two of them, the NTPDase3 and the ecto05’-Nucleotidase/CD73. The health urothelium expresses NTPDase3, which is also expressed in a bladder cancer cell line of grade 1 (RT4) but it is not expressed in bladder cancer cell line of grade 3 (T24). While ecto-5’-NT/CD73 does not is expressed in the health urothelium of mice and presents a low activity in a bladder cancer cell line of grade 1 front of a high activity in a bladder cancer cell line of grade 3, highlighting the possible role of these proteins in the bladder cancer progression. In this way, the aim of this thesis was to investigate the involvement of NTPDase3 and ecto-5'-NT/CD73 in bladder cancer progression and malignancy. To investigate the enzymes expression during the progress of bladder cancer establishment, Balb-c mice received 0,05% of N-butyl-N-(hydroxybutyl)-nitrosamine (BBN) in its drinking water during 4, 8, 12, 18 and 24 weeks. Until the first 8 weeks just inflammation was observed in mice bladder, at 12 week beginning the neoplastic alterations that culminated in cancer after 24 weeks of induction. The NTPDase3 expression was decreased in this process while ecto-5’-NT/CD73 showed up and was significantly enhanced in cancerous urothelium. To verify if the enzyme activities were in agreement with their expression changes, bladder cancer was induced in Wistar rats with BBN for 24 weeks. The ATP and ADP hydrolysis was higher in the urothelium of control animals than in the cancerous urothelium, in accordance with NTPDase3 expression. Finally, in order to verify the involvement of these two enzymes in bladder cancer malignancy, NTPDase3 was overexpressed in T24 bladder cancer cell line, through transfection with pcDNA3, and ecto-5’-NT/CD73 was silenced with CRISPR/Cas system. The clones of each transfection were featured showing the success of both cell genetic transformations. The transfections did not significantly change the tested purinergic answers and the experiments of in vivo tumor implant shows that ecto-5’-NT/CD73 is probably involved in bladder cancer malignancy.

Background. Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM) is the most commonly diagnosed inflammatory muscle disease associated with aging. It’s characterised by degeneration of skeletal muscles that inevitably leads to the loss of mobility. The mechanisms that drive IBM pathogenicity remain poorly understood. However, studies reveal that on average 50% of IBM sera contains circulating autoantibodies targeting cytosolic 5’-nucleotidase 1A (cN1A) – a metabolic enzyme that is highly expressed in skeletal muscles. Accumulating evidence suggests that anti-cN1A antibodies may play a role in IBM pathogenesis making them an attractive target for aptamer development. Problem. IBM remains refractive to current immunosuppressive treatments. Preventing anti-cN1A antibodies binding to their target protein may reduce the severity of IBM symptoms and halt the disease progression. Aim. Within this project, we aim to select DNA aptamers that conjugate with anti-cN1A binding sites and prevent their interaction with cN1A protein. Results. Sera of forty-eight IBM patients were screened with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) against purified cN1A protein. Eighteen patients (38%) were found seropositive. 6.5 mg of polyclonal anti-cN1A were purified out of 90 ml of a selected IBM patient’s blood. Their biological activity against cN1A was confirmed by ELISA. Purified anti-cN1A were used as a target for aptamer selection. Initial library of single-stranded DNA fragments (aptamers) was synthesised with a 40-nucleotide randomised region flanked by constant primer-binding sites. Neutralising aptamers were selected through the process of systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX). Two complete cycles of selection against anti-cN1A were performed. Selected aptamers were assayed for their neutralising capacity by ELISA. Anti-cN1A were pre-incubated with the aptamers at various concentrations. Following a one-hour incubation, the ELISA-obtained absorbance remained unchanged or increased in a dose-dependent manner. While upon an extended overnight incubation, a 25% decrease in absorbance values corresponding to a 35% decrease in anti-cN1A binding was observed. Conclusions. The methodology developed during this project resulted in the generation of aptamers that conjugate with anti-cN1A binding sites. Following two SELEX cycles, the selected aptamers demonstrate 35% neutralisation capacity upon prolonged incubation with the immunoglobulins. Our results strongly suggest that the aptamers target monomeric IgG and IgA while having low or no affinity for IgM anti-cN1A.

Hemostasis is a complex process that involves equilibrium between the coagulation and fibrinolytic systems. Furthermore, the spatial and temporal expression of NTPDases in the vasculature appears to control platelet activation, thrombus size and stability, by regulating phosphohydrolytic activity and consequent P2 receptor signaling. Here we show the activity of ectonucleotidases on the platelet surface of normal pregnant women and pregnant women with complications. The activities of the enzymes, NTPDase and 5 - nucleotidase, were analyzed in the platelets of four patient groups composed of women divided into the following way: nonpregnant (NP), pregnant without complications (P), pregnant with hypertension (HP) (preeclampsia) and pregnant with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDP). Increased NTPDase and 5 -nucleotidase activities were observed in the groups of P, HP and GDP when compared to control (p<0.01). Ectonucleotidase activity in platelets from group P, HP and GDP were enhanced, showing that pregnancy with and without complications enhanced ATP, ADP and AMP hydrolysis. This fact is very important to corroborate with the thromboregulatory role of this enzyme in physiological and pathological conditions.
Hemostasia é um processo complexo que envolve o equilíbrio entre a coagulação e o sistema fibrinolítico. Além disso, a expressão espacial e temporal da NTPDase na vasculatura parece controlar a ativação plaquetária, tamanho do trombo e estabilidade, por regular a atividade fosfohidrolítica e a conseqüente sinalização através de receptores P2. Este trabalho teve por objetivo estudar a atividade das ectonucleotidases na superfície plaquetária de mulheres grávidas normais e mulheres grávidas com complicações (alto risco). A atividade das enzimas NTPDase e 5 -nucleotidase foi analisada em plaquetas de quatro grupos de pacientes compostos de mulheres distribuidas da seguinte maneira: não grávidas (NP), grávidas sem complicações (P), grávidas com hipertensão (HP) (preeclampsia) e grávidas com diabete mellitus gestacional (GDP). A atividade da NTPDase e 5 -nucleotidase encontrou-se aumentada nos grupos P, HP e GDP quando comparados com o grupo controle (NP) com um valor de p<0.01. A atividade das ectonucleotidases em plaquetas dos grupos P, HP e GDP encontraram-se aumentadas, mostrando que a gravidez sem e com complicações aumenta a hidrólise de ATP, ADP e AMP. Este fato é muito importante, pois reforça o papel tromboregulatório destas enzimas em condições fisiológicas e patológicas.

Os tumores cerebrais primários mais comuns são os gliomas. Os gliomas representam 31% de todos os tumores cerebrais diagnosticados nos Estados Unidos sendo 81% destes tumores malignos. O glioblastoma (GBM) é o tumor mais comum entre os gliomas, sua taxa de incidência varia de 0,59 a 3,69 a cada 100.000 pessoas, dependendo da idade e do país. A ecto-5’-nucleotidase regula os níveis extracelulares de AMP e adenosina, a qual tem sido amplamente descrita como fator indutor de proliferação celular. Estudos demonstraram que a atividade da enzima ecto-5’-nucleotidase foi aumentada em linhagens de células de glioma, quando comparada aos astrócitos. Também, o tratamento com 1 μM de APCP, um inibidor competitivo da ecto-5'-nucleotidase, causou uma redução significativa de 30% na proliferação das células de glioma. Através de estudos de modelagem molecular foi possível planejar três compostos com perfil farmacológico adaptado para o tratamento do glioblastoma. As moléculas LaSOM 281, LaSOM 282 e LaSOM 287, apresentaram um baixo risco toxicológico, capacidade de atravessar a barreira hematoencefálica e afinidade ao alvo pela predição realizada. Os compostos planejados foram sintetizados com bom rendimento e grau de pureza. No entanto os testes de atividade enzimática realizados para a enzima ecto-5’-nucleotidase das células de glioma, mostraram que os três compostos sintetizados não apresentaram ação inibitória, possivelmente por sua pouca solubilidade em meio aquoso.
The most common primary brain tumors are gliomas. Gliomas represent 31% of all brain tumors diagnosed in the United States and 81% of these tumors are malignant. Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common tumor among gliomas, with an incidence rate ranging from 0.59 to 3.69 per 100,000 people, depending on the age and country. The ecto-5'-nucleotidase regulates the extracellular levels of AMP and adenosine, which has been widely described as a cell proliferation inducing factor. Studies have shown that the activity of the enzyme ecto-5'-nucleotidase was increased in glioma cell lines when compared to astrocytes. Also, treatment with 1 μM APCP, a competitive inhibitor of ecto-5'-nucleotidase, caused a significant 30% reduction in glioma cell proliferation. Through molecular modeling studies it was possible to plan three compounds with pharmacological profile adapted for the treatment of glioblastoma. The molecules LaSOM 281, LaSOM 282 and LaSOM 287 showed a low toxicological risk, ability to cross the blood brain barrier and affinity to the target by the prediction. The planned compounds were synthesized in good yield and purity. However, the enzymatic activity tests performed for the ecto-5'-nucleotidase enzyme of glioma cells showed that the three compounds did not present an inhibitory action, possibly due to their low solubility in aqueous medium.

Diversas neoplasias podem atingir o sistema nervoso central e dentre elas, os tumores cerebrais são os mais prevalentes. Dentre todos os tumores cerebrais, dois merecem especial atenção: gliomas e meduloblastomas, por serem os mais recorrentes em adultos e crianças, respectivamente. O alfa-bisabolol é um pequeno álcool sesquiterpeno oleoso, que apresenta diversas atividades biológicas dentre elas, citotoxicidade. Apesar dos diversos estudos com essa molécula, pouco se sabe das atividades biológicas de seu análogo natural, o óxido de bisabolol A. Além disso, o sistema purinérgico tem sido relacionado com progressão e desenvolvimento tumoral. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos de dois promissores novos agentes quimioterápicos (alfa-bisabolol e óxido de bisabolol A) e correlacionar esses efeitos com possíveis modulações do sistema purinérgico, que é considerado um novo alvo terapêutico em linhagens de glioma e meduloblastoma. Nós observamos que a atividade da ecto-5’-nucleotidase, importante enzima do sistema purinérgico, é aumentada tanto em linhagens de glioma quanto de meduloblastoma quando estas são tratadas com alfa-bisabolol. Vimos também que esse aumento na atividade deu-se por um efeito direto do tratamento sob a enzima, com uma redução da expressão do mRNA da ecto-5’-nucleotidase em linhagem de glioma e sem alteração no imunoconteúdo dessa enzima em linhagens de meduloblastoma. Em linhagens de glioma, adicionalmente, a atividade citotóxica do alfa-bisabolol foi correlacionada com estímulo ao receptor de adenosina A3. Ainda, as linhagens estudadas foram sensíveis aos tratamentos com alfa-bisabolol e óxido de bisabolol A. Em conclusão, os dados obtidos nesse trabalho demonstram que tanto o alfabisabolol quanto o óxido de bisabolol A são interesseantes novas possibilidades terapêuticas para os tumores cerebrais e que a atividade citotóxica do primeiro composto envolve modulação do sistema purinérgico. Mais estudos são necessários para entender a efetividade desses tratamentos in vivo e se o tratamento com o óxido de bisabolol A também modula o sistema purinérgico.
Among all the cancers that can affect the central nervous system, the brais tumors are the most prevalent. Two of this tumors deserve special attention: glioma and medulloblastoma once they are the most prevalent in adults and children respectively. Alpha-bisabolol is a small oily sesquiterphene alcohol that presents diverse biological activities, among them, citotoxicity. In despite of the diverse studies using this molecule, little is known about the biological activities of its natural analogue bisabolol oxide A. Besides, the purinergic system has been related to tumor development and progression. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of two new promising chemotherapic agents (alpha-bisabolol and bisabolol oxide A) and correlate this effects with possible modulations of the purinergic system which is considered an interesting therapeutical target to glioma and medulloblastomas. We observed that the activity of ecto-5’-nucleotidase, an important enzyme of the purinergic system, is increased in both glioma and medulloblastoma cell lines when the cells are treated with alpha-bisabolol. It was also observed that this increase on activity was due to and direct effect of this treatment in the enzyme. Also, the treatment lead to a reduction on mRNA level of ecto-5’- nucleotidase on glioma cell line and no alterations on the imunocontent of the enzyme was observed on medulloblastoma cell lines. Additionally, the citotoxic activity of alpha-bisabolol on glioma cell line was correlated with modulation on A3 adenosine receptor. Moreover, the cell lines used in this work were sensible to the treatments with alpha-bisabolol and bisabolol oxide A. In a conclusion, the data obtained in this work demonstrate that alpha-bisabolol and bisabolol oxide A are both interesting new therapeutical possibilities to brain tumors and the citotoxic activity of the first compound is related with modulations on the purinergic system. More studies are needed to better understand the effectiveness of these treatments in vivo and if the compound bisabolol oxide A also promotes a modulation on the purinergic system.

Devido a dificuldades técnicas de modelagem experimental e de aferição de dor, até os anos 70, acreditava-se que recém-nascidos e lactentes jovens não teriam maturidade neurológica para conduzir, de forma adequada, os estímulos dolorosos; portanto, não sentiam dor. Recentes estudos, focados na área de neurobiologia do desenvolvimento, têm demonstrado como as informações sensoriais são processadas no início da vida e que dor intensa ou persistente no prematuro ou neonato pode provocar alterações de comportamento e percepção da dor que podem persistir no decorrer da vida. Considerando a relevância do tema, este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar possíveis alterações comportamentais e bioquímicas, a partir de uma intervenção farmacológica com anestésicos gerais, acompanhados ou não de procedimento cirúrgico realizado no 14°dia de vida do animal. Foram utilizadas 40 ninhadas padronizadas com 8 ratos Wistar machos. O modelo cirúrgico utilizado foi descrito por Levine, modificado por Rice et al. (1981), porém sem a oclusão da carótida. Para as avaliações comportamentais foram utilizados os testes de campo aberto, labirinto em cruz elevado, tail-flick e formalina. O parâmetro bioquímico avaliado foi atividade das enzimas E-NTPDases e ecto-5’nucleotidase. Este trabalho foi dividido em dois desenhos experimentais. No primeiro, os animais foram divididos em 3 grupos: controle (O2), anestesia (isoflurano), anestesia/cirurgia (isoflurano/cirurgia); no segundo, os animais foram divididos em 3 grupos: controle (salina), anestesia (cetamina S+/fentanil), anestesia/cirurgia (cetamina S+/fentanil/cirurgia). Os animais que receberam isoflurano apresentaram aumento na atividade locomotora em P14 e P30 e maior analgesia no tail-flick em P14 e P60, associados a uma diminuição da hidrólise de ATP, ADP e AMP em P14. É importante salientar que o procedimento cirúrgico reverteu a diminuição na hidrólise do ATP e do ADP. Os animais que receberam cetamina S+/fentanil (CF) apresentaram diminuição do nível de ansiedade (P30 e P60) e maior analgesia no tail-flick (P30), associadas a aumento da hidrólise de ATP e AMP, o procedimento cirúrgico reverteu o efeito observado no ATP. Esses resultados indicam que manipulações farmacológicas com anestésicos gerais, como as utilizadas nesta dissertação, em um período de maturação do sistema nervoso central, promovem alterações que podem ser percebidas ao longo da vida do animal. Os anestésicos são capazes de interagir com uma variedade de sistemas neuronais, incluindo sistemas GABAérgico, glicinérgico, colinérgico e glutamatérgico, e alterações em número e/ou afinidade de receptores destes sistemas podem estar contribuindo com os resultados obtidos nesta dissertação. No entanto, as técnicas utilizadas neste estudo não nos permitem determinar os mecanismos de neurotransmissão suscetíveis à exposição a anestésicos gerais, associado ou não ao procedimento cirúrgico, em animais com 14 dias, e envolvidos nas alterações observadas nas respostas comportamentais e bioquímicas em curto, médio e longo prazos. Novos estudos são necessários para melhor elucidar os resultados obtidos.
Due to technical difficulties of modeling and experimental measurement of pain, until the 70th decade, it was thought that newborns and young infants would not have neurological maturity to drive properly painful stimuli, so they felt no pain. Recent studies focused on the area of developmental neurobiology have shown how sensory information is processed at the beginning of life and severe or persistent pain in premature or newborn may cause changes in behavior and perception of pain that can persist throughout life. Considering the relevance of the theme of this work, it was evaluated possible behavioral and biochemical changes from a pharmacological intervention with general anesthetics, associated or not with surgical procedure performed on the 14th day of life of the animal. Fourty litters were used with standard 8 male Wistar rats. The surgical model used was described by Levine, modified by Rice et al. (1981), but without carotid occlusion. For behavioral assessments the open-field, elevated plus-maze, tail-flick and formalin were performed. The biochemical parameters evaluated was the enzymatic activity of E-NTPDases and ecto-5'nucleotidase. This work was divided into two experimental designs: the first, the animals were divided into 3 groups: control (O2), anesthesia (isoflurane), anesthesia / surgery (isoflurane / surgery); in the second, the animals were divided into 3 groups: control (saline), anesthesia (ketamine S+/fentanyl), anesthesia / surgery (ketamine S+/fentanyl / surgery). The animals that received isoflurane showed an increase in locomotor activity in P14 and P30 and greater analgesia in tail-flick in P14 and P60, associated with decreased hydrolysis of ATP, ADP and AMP in P14. It is important to note that the surgery reversed the decrease in the hydrolysis of ATP and ADP. The animals that received ketamine S+/fentanyl had decreased levels of anxiety (P30 and P60) and greater analgesia in tail-flick (P30) associated with increased ATP hydrolysis and AMP, the surgery reversed the effect observed in the ATP. These results indicate that pharmacological manipulation with general anesthetics, such as those used in this work, in a period of maturation of the central nervous system, can promote changes which could be seen throughout the animal's life. Anesthetics are able to interact with a variety of neuronal systems, including systems GABAergic, glycinergic, glutamatergic and cholinergic, and changes in the level of receptors of these systems in numbers and / or affinity may be contributing to the results obtained in this dissertation. However, the techniques used in this study did not allow us to determine the mechanisms of neurotransmission susceptible to exposure to general anesthetics in association or not surgery in animals with 14 days and involved in the observed changes in behavioral and biochemical alterations in short, medium and long term. Further studies are needed to further elucidate the results.

Glioblastoma multiforme é a forma mais comum e agressiva de tumor cerebral que apresenta um severo crescimento e um comportamento altamente invasivo. Linhagens de células de glioma em cultura apresentam alta atividade da enzima ecto-5’-nucleotidase que metaboliza AMP em adenosina. Em adição, ela também interage com componentes da matriz extracelular como molécula adesiva. Neste trabalho, nós avaliamos o efeito de diferentes componentes da matriz extracelular sobre a atividade da ecto-5’-nucleotidase, proliferação, adesão e migração celular na linhagem de células de glioma humano U138-MG. Os resultados obtidos mostraram uma inibição da atividade enzimática da ecto-5’- nucleotidase quando tratada com laminina sozinha e com fibronectina ou laminina em co-tratamento com dextran sulfato. O dextran sulfato mostrou reduzir a proliferação em 37%. O mesmo efeito foi observado para os co-tratamentos entre dextran/laminina (29%) e dextran/colágeno (28%). A presença de adenosina diminuiu a adesão celular em torno de 40% e o APCP aumentou a adesão em 75%. Laminina inibiu a adesão celular, já a condroitina sulfato aumentou em 70%. As células U138 apresentaram uma redução da adesão e migração celular quando tratadas apenas com dextran e também no co-tratamento deste com adenosina e APCP. Diante dos resultados podemos sugerir a modulação da atividade da ecto5’-nucleotidase e assim uma modulação da produção de adenosina por moléculas da matriz extracelular, afetando assim eventos celulares envolvidos no comportamento invasivo destas células tumorais.
Glioblastoma multiforme is the most aggressive form of brain tumor that shows a severe growth and highly invasiveness behavior. Glioma cell lines in culture present a high activity of the ecto-5’-nucleotidase (ecto-5’-NT/CD73) which metabolizes AMP to adenosine. In addition, ecto-5’-NT/CD73 also has contact with extracellular matrix components like adhesive molecule. In the present paper, we evaluate the effect of distinct extracellular matrix components on the ecto-5’- NT/CD73 activity, proliferation, adhesion and migration in U138-MG human glioma cell line. The results showed an inhibition of enzymatic activity of ecto-5’NT/CD73 in the presence of laminin, fibronectin plus dextran sulfate and laminin plus dextran sulfate. In the proliferation assay it was observed that dextran sulfate reduced the proliferation in 37% and in association with collagen type I or laminin, the proliferation was reduced too (28% and 29%, respectively). The presence of adenosina decreased of adhesion at about 40% and when treated with APCP increased in 75%. Laminin inhibited the cell adhesion and chondroitin sulfate increased in 70%. U138 cells presented reduction of adhesion and cell migration in the presence of dextran sulfate alone and in the presence of adenosine and APCP. Taken together these results suggest the modulation of ecto-5’-NT/CD73 activity and production of adenosin by extracellular matrix molecules, affecting cell events involved in the invasiveness behavior this tumor cells.

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Nucleotide- and nucleoside-degrading enzymes are present in the surface of platelets, blood cells involved in clotting disturbances of Trypanosoma evansi-infected animals. Thus, this study was aimed at evaluating the activity of the enzymes NTPDase, 5 - nucleotidase and adenosine deaminase in platelets of rats experimentally infected by T. evansi. Animals were divided into four groups, according to the degree of parasitemia. Samples were collected at days 3 (group A: at the beginning of parasitemia), 5 (group B: high parasitemia) and 15 (group C: chronic infection). Group D (control group) was composed of non-infected animals. Blood samples with citrate as the anticoagulant were collected and used for platelet separation and enzymatic assays. NTPDase, 5 - nucleotidase and adenosine deaminase (ADA) activities were decreased (p<0.05) in platelets from rats of groups A and B, when compared to the control group. In group C, only NTPDase and 5 -nucleoside activities were decreased (p<0.001), observed by ADP and AMP hydrolysis. The correlation between platelet count and nucleotide and nucleoside hydrolysis was positive and statistically significant (p<0.05) in groups A and B. Platelet aggregation of all infected groups was decreased in comparison to the control group (p<0.05). Based upon the results, it is concluded that the alterations observed in the activity of the enzymes NTPDase, 5 -nucleotidase and adenosine deaminase in platelets of T. evansi-infected animals might be related to thrombocytopenia.
Nucleotide- and nucleoside-degrading enzymes are present in the surface of platelets, blood cells involved in clotting disturbances of Trypanosoma evansi-infected animals. Thus, this study was aimed at evaluating the activity of the enzymes NTPDase, 5 - nucleotidase and adenosine deaminase in platelets of rats experimentally infected by T. evansi. Animals were divided into four groups, according to the degree of parasitemia. Samples were collected at days 3 (group A: at the beginning of parasitemia), 5 (group B: high parasitemia) and 15 (group C: chronic infection). Group D (control group) was composed of non-infected animals. Blood samples with citrate as the anticoagulant were collected and used for platelet separation and enzymatic assays. NTPDase, 5 - nucleotidase and adenosine deaminase (ADA) activities were decreased (p<0.05) in platelets from rats of groups A and B, when compared to the control group. In group C, only NTPDase and 5 -nucleoside activities were decreased (p<0.001), observed by ADP and AMP hydrolysis. The correlation between platelet count and nucleotide and nucleoside hydrolysis was positive and statistically significant (p<0.05) in groups A and B. Platelet aggregation of all infected groups was decreased in comparison to the control group (p<0.05). Based upon the results, it is concluded that the alterations observed in the activity of the enzymes NTPDase, 5 -nucleotidase and adenosine deaminase in platelets of T. evansi-infected animals might be related to thrombocytopenia.

Gliomas são os mais comuns e devastadores tumores primários do sistema nervoso central. Os nucleotídeos da adenina são moléculas sinalizadoras no meio extracelular, envolvidas em importantes condições fisiológicas e patológicas. O ATP, neurotransmissor excitatório, e a adenosina, neuromoduladora, entre outros efeitos, podem induzir proliferação celular em linhagens de gliomas. Os eventos induzidos pelos nucleotídeos extracelulares são controlados pela ação das E-NTPDases, que hidrolisam o ATP até adenosina extracelularmente. Recentes estudos epidemiológicos têm sugerido que os flavonóides derivados da dieta, em particular a quercetina, apresentam um papel benéfico em prevenir ou inibir a tumorigênese. Assim, primeiramente nós avaliamos o efeito antiproliferativo da quercetina em linhagem de glioma humano U138MG. O estudo demonstrou que este flavonóide induziu em cultura de gliomas: (1) diminuição da proliferação e da viabilidade celular; (2) morte celular via necrose e apoptose; (3) parada no ciclo celular na fase G2 e (4) diminuição do índice mitótico. Além disso, nós demonstramos que a quercetina, enquanto promoveu regressão tumoral, protegeu culturas organotípicas hipocampais do dano isquêmico. Em conjunto, esses dados sugerem que a quercetina exibe efeitos antiproliferativos direcionados para as células tumorais e reduzida citotoxicidade para células normais, características altamente desejáveis na quimioterapia. Dados do nosso laboratório demonstram que o metabolismo extracelular das purinas encontra-se alterado em linhagens de gliomas com relação a culturas de astrócitos, sugerindo que mudanças no sistema purinérgico podem ser uma característica dos gliomas que potencialmente podem contribuir para o seu fenótipo de malignidade. Assim, o passo seguinte desse trabalho foi investigar o perfil de secreção dos derivados da adenina, o metabolismo extracelular do AMP e a ação da quercetina sobre o sistema purinérgico. As culturas de glioma apresentaram secreção de ATP, o qual foi detectado em maiores níveis com relação as outras moléculas avaliadas, ADP, AMP, adenosina e inosina. O AMP extracelular foi eficientemente metabolizado pelos gliomas, demonstrando uma ecto-5’-NT/CD73 muito ativa. Adicionalmente, quercetina interagiu com o sistema purinérgico, inibindo não-competitivamente a atividade da ecto-5’-NT/CD73 e modulando negativamente a sua expressão. Nós sugerimos que a inibição da atividade da ecto-5’-NT/CD73 pode resultar em um decréscimo na disponibilidade de adenosina extracelular, uma promotora tumoral. Tal efeito pode estar correlacionado com a inibição da proliferação promovida pela quercetina nessa linhagem de glioma. Nossos dados sugerem que a quercetina pode ter uma função importante na inibição da proliferação dos gliomas, atuando em diferentes vias de sinalização, incluindo o sistema purinérgico. Assim, esse estudo abre novas perspectivas para as potenciais aplicações dos flavonóides na prevenção e tratamento de tumores cerebrais.

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Alzheimer's disease (AD) is considered the main cause of dementia in elderly people worldwide. This disease affects the central nervous system (CNS), especially the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, areas that are responsible for the processes of learning and memory, for this the search for new therapies to treat this condition is constant. Studies indicate that Vitamin D3 (VD3) may be involved in the functions of neurotransmission, neuroprotection and neuroimmunomodulation in different brain processes, in addition to being involved in the homeostasis of calcium (Ca2+). Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of VD3 on memory and in the activity of enzymes AChE, NTPDase and 5'-Nucleotidase in the hippocampus of rats submitted to a model of sporadic dementia of the Alzheimer type (DETA) in rats. For this, a total of 40 male Wistar rats were used, weighing between 350-400g were divided into 8 groups: control, Vitamin D3 12.5 μg/kg, Vitamin D3 42 μg/kg, Vitamin D3 125 μg/kg streptozotocin (STZ), streptozotocin + Vitamin D3 12.5 μg/kg streptozotocin + Vitamin D3 42 μg/kg streptozotocin + Vitamin D3 125 μg/kg. The animals were anesthetized with ketamine and xylazine (0.5 mg/kg) and received a bilateral injection of streptozotocin (3mg/kg) intracerebroventicular (icv). After surgery the animals was submitted a recovery period for 72 hours. Then the animals were treated with VD3 orally for 21 days. Behavioral tests of open field and object recognition were realized from 21st to 24th day after surgery. After the 24th day the animals were anesthetized with isoflurane and euthanized. In relation to VD3 levels in serum, a significant increase (P<0.05) was observed in the groups that received the highest doses. A memory deficits in STZ group has been found, however, the treatment with VD3 shown to be effective in the preventing of loss of memory (P<0.05). Regarding the AChE activity was found increased in the hippocampus in STZ group, and this increase was attenuated by administration of VD3 (P<0.05). Animals of group with Dementia also showed a reduction in ATP hydrolysis and VD3 was able to prevent this effect (P<0.05). Furthermore, VD3 was able to reverse the increase in the hydrolysis to ADP and the decrease in AMP hydrolysis by STZ-icv. Thus, this study showed that administration of VD3 is capable of maintaining cholinergic neurotransmission, the homeostasis of the purinergic system as well as improve memory in animals with SDAT.
A Doença de Alzheimer (DA) é considerada a principal causa de demência em idosos no mundo. Essa doença afeta o Sistema Nervoso Central (SNC), principalmente o córtex cerebral e o hipocampo, que são áreas responsáveis pelos processos de aprendizagem e memória, por isso a busca por novas terapias para o tratamento dessa patologia é constante. Estudos indicam que a Vitamina D3 (VD3) pode estar envolvida nas funções de neurotransmissão, neuroproteção, neuroimunomodulação e diversos processos cerebrais, além de estar envolvida na homeostase do cálcio (Ca2+). Sendo assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os efeitos da VD3 sobre a memória e na atividade das enzimas AChE, NTPDase e 5 Nucleotidase em hipocampo de ratos submetidos a um modelo de Demência Esporádica do Tipo Alzheimer (DETA) em ratos. Para isso, foram utilizados um total de 40 ratos machos Wistar, pesando entre 350- 400g, divididos em 8 grupos: controle, Vitamina D3 12,5 μg/kg, Vitamina D3 42 μg/kg, Vitamina D3 125 μg/kg, estreptozotocina (STZ), estreptozotocina + Vitamina D3 12,5 μg/kg, estreptozotocina + Vitamina D3 42 μg/kg, estreptozotocina + Vitamina D3 125 μg/kg. Os animais foram anestesiados com Ketamina e Xilazina (0.5 mg/kg) e receberam uma injeção bilateral de estreptozotocina (3mg/kg) intracerebroventicular (icv). Após o procedimento cirúrgico os animais passaram por um período de recuperação de 72 horas. Em seguida os animais foram tratados com VD3, via oral, durante 21 dias. Os testes comportamentais de campo aberto e reconhecimento de objetos foram realizados do 21º ao 24º dia após a cirurgia. Logo após o 24º dia os animais foram anestesiados com isoflurano e eutanasiados. Em relação os níveis de VD3 em soro, foi observado um aumento significativo (P<0.05) nos grupos que receberam as maiores doses. Um déficit de memória foi encontrado no grupo STZ, no entanto, o tratamento com VD3 mostrou-se eficiente em prevenir esta perda de memória (P<0,05). Quanto à atividade da AChE, foi encontrado um aumento em hipocampo no grupo STZ, sendo que esse aumento foi atenuado pela administração de VD3 (P<0,05). Os animais do grupo com Demência também apresentaram uma redução na hidrólise de ATP e a VD3 foi capaz de prevenir este efeito (P<0,05). Além disso, a VD3 foi capaz de reverter o aumento na hidrólise de ADP e a diminuição da hidrólise de AMP causada pela injeção icv-STZ. Desta forma, este estudo mostrou que a administração de VD3 é capaz de manter a neurotransmissão colinérgica, a homeostase do sistema purinérgico, bem como melhorar a memória em animais com DETA.

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico
Ethanol is one of the most used substance in different societies. This study was performed in order to clarify the acute and chronic effects of ethanol on biochemical and behavioral parameters in male Wistar rats. The acute treatment consisted of oral administration by gavage of 0.8, 2.0, 4.0, 6.0 and 8.0 g ethanol/kg. All rats were sacrificed one hour and thirty minutes post treatment. The results showed that acute treatment induced a biphasic or hormetic effect in platelet NTPDase and 5'-nucleotidase activities. The activity of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase was inhibited in cerebral cortex, cerebellum, hypothalamus, hippocampus and striatum in 6.0g/kg and 8.0g/kg treated-groups. Moreover the acute treatment increased lipid peroxidation in the blood serum, liver, kidney and brain structures. The open-field and elevated plus-maze behavior was few altered by acute treatment. The chronic treatment consisted of oral administration of 20% ethanol solution during 31 weeks as only source of fluid. Rats were sacrificed 48 hours after the end of the treatment. The results showed reduction of the weight of treated group and initial hepatic injury in histological evaluation. There was a reduction in platelet NTPDase activity with ATP or ADP as substrate, while the 5'-nucleotidase activity was increased. The activity of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase was increased in cerebellum, hypothalamus, hippocampus and striatum. Lipid peroxidation was increased in the blood serum, liver and kidney. Besides we observed that interruption of the treatment for 48 hours elicited an anxiogenic effect in open-field and elevated plus-maze.
O etanol é uma das substâncias mais utilizadas nas diferentes sociedades. Esse estudo foi realizado com a finalidade de se esclarecerem os efeitos agudos e crônicos do etanol sobre parâmetros bioquímicos e comportamentais em ratos machos Wistar. O tratamento agudo consistiu na administração oral por gavagem de 0.8, 2.0, 4.0, 6.0 e 8.0 gramas de etanol/kg de peso corporal. Todos os ratos foram sacrificados uma hora e meia pós-tratamento. Os resultados demonstraram que o tratamento agudo com etanol induziu um efeito bifásico ou hormético sobre a atividade das enzimas NTPDase e 5'-nucleotidase de plaquetas. A atividade da enzima acetilcolinesterase foi inibida em córtex cerebral, cerebelo, hipotálamo, hipocampo e estriado nos grupos tratados com 6.0 g/kg e 8.0 g/kg. Além disso, o tratamento agudo aumentou a peroxidação lipídica em soro, fígado, rim e estruturas cerebrais. O comportamento em campo-aberto e no labirinto em cruz elevado foi pouco alterado pelo tratamento agudo. O tratamento crônico consistiu na administração de uma solução alcoólica 20% durante 31 semanas de tratamento, como única fonte de líquido. Os ratos foram sacrificados após 48 horas de interrupção do tratamento. Os resultados demonstraram redução do peso do grupo tratado e ocorrência de injúria hepática inicial na avaliação histológica. Houve uma diminuição da atividade da NTPDase, com os substratos ATP e ADP, enquanto que a atividade da 5'-nucleotidase foi aumentada. A atividade da enzima acetilcolinesterase aumentou em cerebelo, hipotálamo, hipocampo e estriado. A peroxidação lipídica aumentou em soro, fígado e rim. Além disso, observou-se que a interrupção por 48 horas induziu uma resposta ansiogênica evidenciada no campo-aberto e no labirinto em cruz elevado.

During inflammation, leukocytes are recruited from blood vessels into the site of injury or infection. A key event in this process is transendothelial migration (TEM), a multi-step process involving various adhesion molecules on both leukocytes and endothelial cells. Oxidative stress has been linked to inflammation in the development of various diseases. To investigate the effect of oxidative stress on TEM, leukocytes were treated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). A defect in TEM was observed across human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), but not across a porous membrane, suggesting that H2O2 affects the interaction between leukocytes and endothelial cells. H2O2-treated leukocytes exhibited higher motility and adhesion on HUVECs, whereas their adhesion on substrates such as VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 was unaltered. The number of leukocytes exhibiting protrusions on HUVECs was decreased after H2O2 treatment, which is likely due to the increase in nitric oxide (NO) that was detected. Incubation of THP-1 cells with a NO donor led to a decrease in TEM and reduction of protrusions. The effects of H2O2 on several signalling molecules implicated in cell migration were investigated and changes in the activity of the RhoGTPases RhoA, Rac1 and Cdc42 were observed. CD73 is a 5'-ectonucleotidase expressed on endothelial cells and has been postulated to be involved in TEM. The inhibition of endothelial CD73 activity after leukocyte binding was reduced when H2O2-treated leukocytes were bound. Immunofluorescence staining showed local accumulation of CD73 around transmigrating leukocytes. RNAi knock-down of endothelial CD73 led to an inflammatory phenotype with elongated cells, increased surface levels of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, E- and P-selectin and increased permeability. Together these findings suggest that ROS have multiple effects on leukocytes leading to a defect in TEM, one of which is reduced CD73 inhibition after endothelial binding.

As anormalidades hemostáticas são comumente encontradas em pacientes com doença renal. Ambos, sangramento e estados pró-trombóticos, podem ser observados em pacientes com doença renal crônica (DRC). O principal papel das plaquetas é assegurar a hemostasia primária, a manutenção da integridade do vaso e cessar o sangramento após uma injúria. As plaquetas também estão envolvidas na trombose arterial aguda, na inflamação, na aterosclerose, e na angiogênese. Quando as plaquetas são ativadas elas se aderem à matrix endotelial onde ocorre a ativação e a liberação de agonistas secundários tais como o ATP, ADP, tromboxano A2, serotonina e outras substâncias biologicamente ativas. O ADP possui um papel crucial na ativação plaquetária, atuando em receptores P2. Está liberação pode ser responsável pela ativação, recrutamento e indução da agregação adicional de plaquetas no microambiente de lesão no vaso. Assim, o metabolismo do ADP no sangue é um importante mecanismo de regulação da função plaquetária. A NTPDase (ecto-CD39) hidrolisa o ATP e ADP extracelulares formando monofosfato de adenosina (AMP), que é subseqüentemente convertido para adenosina pela ação da enzima 5’- nucleotidase (CD73). O objetivo deste estudo foi explorar a relação entre a disfunção plaquetária na uremia com as anormalidades hemostáticas e a severidade na doença renal em pacientes com insuficiência renal crônica sob tratamento conservador ND (pacientes que não realizam hemodiálise) e HD (pacientes que realizam hemodiálise) comparando com indivíduos normais de mesma faixa etária. Os resultados demonstraram um aumento na atividade da NTPDase em plaquetas de pacientes HD (52,88%) com o substrato ATP. A hidrólise do ADP apresentou-se diminuída (33,68% e 39,75%) em HD e ND pacientes, respectivamente. Além disso, a atividade da 5’-nucleotidase mostrou-se elevada em HD (160%) e ND (81,49%) quando comparado com o grupo controle. Correlações significativas foram encontradas entre a hidrólise do ATP, ADP e AMP e os níveis plasmáticos de creatinina e uréia. Foram realizadas comparações entre o tempo de hemodiálise a que os pacientes estavam submetido e a alterações na hidrólise dos nucleotídeos ATP, ADP e AMP. Encontrou-se aumento na atividade da NTPDase com substrato ATP, diminuição com o substrato ADP e aumento da atividade da 5´-nucleotídase entre 49 e 72 meses em paciente HD. Os resultados sugeriram que as alterações na hidrólise dos nucleotídeos em plaquetas podem contribuir para anormalidades hemostáticas em pacientes com DRC, podendo realçar o risco de complicações tromboembólicas e aterosclerose acelerada em pacientes com DRC. Podemos inferir que tanto a uremia como a hemodiálise têm influência nas desordens hemostáticas apresentadas nesses pacientes, e descritas nesse trabalho. Os conhecimentos sobre estresse oxidativo e seu papel como importante cofator contribuindo para disfunção endotelial, inflamação, aterosclerose e glomeruloesclerose têm substancialmente aumentado nos últimos anos. A doença cardiovascular (DCV) é a maior causa de morte em pacientes com insuficiência renal, sendo que cerca de 50% de todas as mortes em pacientes com terapia substitutiva e que receberam transplante renal estão relacionadas a DCV. A mortalidade por DCV em pacientes com insuficiência renal é aproximadamente 9% por ano, o que chega a ser 30 vezes maior do que da população em geral. O estresse oxidativo é definido como um desequilíbrio entre a formação de espécies reativas de oxigênio (ROS) e os mecanismos de defesa antioxidante. Nos últimos anos, foi estudado o efeito biológico das ROS, e, em estudos clínicos e experimentais recentes, foram notados sinais de estresse oxidativo em pacientes renais. No entanto, a influência da uremia e do procedimento de hemodiálise não foi elucidada. Nesse estudo, avaliou-se a influência da uremia e da hemodiálise sobre o estresse oxidativo e a atividade da enzima delta aminolevulinato deidratase (δ- ALA-D) em pacientes com DRC em HD e ND comparando com o grupo controle. Observou-se um aumento na peroxidação lipídica em soro de pacientes HD e ND. O nível de TBARS em hemácias foi elevado somente em pacientes HD. A atividade da catalase mostrou-se aumentada (83,56% e 61,23%) em pacientes HD e ND, respectivamente. Neste estudo, demonstrou-se a inibição da atividade da δ- ALA-D em pacientes HD e ND quando comparado ao grupo controle. Observouse, uma correlação positiva entre δ-ALA-D e δ-ALA-D/DTT com a quantidade de hemoglobina (r= 0.55, r= 0.42), respectivamente, e também observou-se uma correlação entre δ-ALA-D e δ-ALA-D/DTT e o nível de TBARS em eritrócitos (r= - 0.54, r= -0.51), respectivamente. Além disso, uma correlação negativa foi encontrada entre δ-ALA-D ou δ-ALA-D/DTT e a atividade da enzima CAT (r= - 0.63, r= -0.5), respectivamente. Nesse trabalho, demonstrou-se que a uréia pode ser o principal fator na geração de estresse oxidativo em pacientes com DRC. Além disso, a inibição da atividade d-ALA-D foi positivamente correlacionada com níveis de hemoglobina, demonstrando o papel fundamental da enzima d-ALA-D na biossíntese do heme e no desenvolvimento de anemia em pacientes com CRF. Estudos descreveram que o acúmulo de d-ALA pode levar ao aumento do estresse oxidativo, e a diminuição da eficiência nos mecanismos de defesa celular contra as espécies reativas de oxigênio pode levar a peroxidação lipídica e também a inibição da atividade da d- ALA-D, com concomitante alteração na síntese do heme, formando assim um ciclo de destruição. Esse estudo demonstrou várias alterações em pacientes com insuficiência renal crônica, sendo que muitas delas ajudam a explicar a tendência a desenvolver doença cardiovascular precoce nesses pacientes.
Hemostatic abnormalities are commonly found in patients with renal failure. Both a bleeding diathesis and the uremic prothrombotic state may be caused by renal disease. The main role of blood platelets is to ensure primary hemostasis, which is the maintenance of vessel integrity and cessation of bleeding upon injury. While playing a major part in acute arterial thrombosis, platelets are also involved in inflammation, atherosclerosis, and angiogenesis. When platelets are undergo activation first adhere to the subendothelial matrix where they become activated and release secondary agonists such as ATP, ADP, thromboxane A2, serotonin and several other biologically active substances. ADP and ATP play a crucial role in platelet activation, acting through P2 receptors. This release may be responsible for the activation, recruitment, and induction of aggregation of additional platelets in the microenvironment. Thus, the metabolism of ADP in the blood is important for the regulation of platelet functions. NTPDase (ecto-CD39) is that hydrolyzes extracellular adenosine tri- and diphosphate (ATP, ADP) to adenosine monophosphate (AMP), which is subsequently converted into adenosine by 5’- nucleotidase (CD73). The objectives of this study were to explore the relations between platelet dysfunction in uremia with hemostatic abnormalities and the severity of kidney disease in patients with CRF under conservative treatment (nondialysed - ND) and hemodialysis (HD) treatment companing to heathy subjects with the same age. The activities of the enzymes NTPDase and 5´-nucleotidase were analyzed in platelets from patients with chronic renal failure (CRF), both undergoing hemodialysis treatment (HD) and not undergoing hemodialysis (ND), as well as from a control group. The results showed an increase in platelet NTPDase activity in CRF patients on HD treatment (52.88%) with ATP as substrate. ADP hydrolysis was decreased (33.68% and 39.75%) in HD and ND patients, respectively. In addition, 5’-nucleotidase activity was elevated in the HD (160%) and ND (81.49%) groups when compared to the control group. Significant correlation was found among ATP, ADP and AMP hydrolysis and plasma creatinine and urea levels. Patients were compared statistically according the time of hemodialysis treatment. We found enhanced NTPDase with ATP substrate and decrease with ADP substrate, and increase in 5’-nucleotidase activity between 49 and 72 months on HD patients. Our results suggest the existence of alterations in nucleotide hydrolysis in platelets, which might contribute to abnormal homeostasis in renal failure patients, thus and the enhanced risk of thromboembolic complication and accelerated atherosclerosis in patients with renal failure. Our knowledge about stimuli and sources of oxidative stress, and about its role as an important cofactor contributing to endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, atherosclerosis and glomerulosclerosis has substantially increase over the last years. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the major cause of death in patients with renal insufficiency, accounting for 50% of all deaths in renal replacement therapy patients and in recipients of renal transplants. Mortality from CVD in patients with renal insufficiency is approximately 9% per year, which is about 30 times the risk in the general population. Oxidative stress defines an imbalance between formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidative defense mechanisms. In view of the profound biological effects of ROS, in recent years numerous clinical and experimental studies focused on detection of signs of oxidative stress in renal patients. However, the influence of uremia and the hemodialysis procedure, respectively, has not been elucidated. Oxidative stress has been implicated in long-term complications including anemia, amyloidosis, accelerated atherosclerosis, and malnutrition. In this study, we studied the influence of uremia and hemodialysis on oxidative stress and δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-ALA-D) activity in patients with CRF on HD treatment, in patients ND and in a control group. An increased lipid peroxidation was observed in the serum of HD and ND patients, as measured by TBARS serum levels. However, erythrocytic TBARS was only elevated in HD patients. The activity of catalase was increased (83.56%, 61.23%) in HD and ND groups, respectively. This study also showed an inhibition Blood δ--ALA-D activity of HD and ND patients was significantly lower when compared with the control group. A positive correlation was also observed between δ-ALA-D or δ-ALA-D/DTT with hemoglobin (r=0.55, r=0.42), respectively, and a negative correlated were observed between δ-ALA-D or δ-ALA-D/DTT with TBARS level in erythrocytes (r= - 0.54, r=-0.51), respectively. Furthermore, a negative correlation was found between δ-ALA-D or δ-ALA-D/DTT and CAT activity (r= -0.63, r= -0.5), respectively. In this study, it was shown that uremia itself could be the principal factor in generating oxidative stress in CRF patients. Furthermore, the inhibition of d-ALA-D activity was positively correlated with hemoglobin levels, showing the fundamental role of this enzyme in heme biosynthesis and the development of anemia in patients with CRF. Studies reported that the accumulation of d-ALA may lead to increased oxidative stress. In addition an existence of a decreased efficiency in the mechanisms of cellular defense against reactive oxygen species can lead to lipid peroxidation and inhibition of the activity of d-ALA-D with concomitant change in the synthesis of heme, thus forming a cycle of destruction. This study showed several changes in patients with chronic renal failure, which may to explain the tendency to develop cardiovascular disease in these patients early.

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico
Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most toxic metals in relation to environmental contamination and human poisoning. This metal has a long biological half-life (10-30 years) and prolonged exposure to Cd has been associated with toxic effects on many organs as kidneys, liver, lungs, bone, including the brain, probably due to generation of stress oxidative. In this context, it is known that the polyphenol curcumin, natural compound derived from Curcuma longa, exerce several therapeutic functions, highlighting the great antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective potential. Thus, this work aims to evaluate the behavioral and memory parameters, the activity of acetylcholinesterase and ectonzimas, as well as lipid peroxidation in rats intoxicated by Cd and to determine the possible protective effect of curcumin. For this, we used 120 male Wistar rats, that received CdCl2.H2O as cadmium (Cd; 1 mg/kg) and/or curcumin (Curc, 30, 60 or 90 mg/kg) five times a week during 3 months. The animals were randomly divided into 8 groups (n = 15): (1) Saline/oil (2) Saline/Curc 30 (3) Saline/Curc 60, (4) Saline/Curc 90 (5) Cd/oil (6) Cd/Curc 30 (7) Cd/Curc 60 and (8) Cd/Curc 90. The results showed an increase in the levels of lipid peroxidation and in the AChE activity in different cerebral structures. The Cd was also increase the AChE and NTPDase (ATP and ADP as substrate) and decrease the 5 -nucleotidase activity from cerebral cortex synaptosomes. These Cd effects on central nervous system may be associated with memory deficits, evidenced by decreasing in step-down latency in the inhibitory avoidance test. Moreover, Cd also increased peripheral AChE activity of AChE (whole blood and lymphocytes) which can be associated with a pro-inflammatory state in these animals. However, Curc was effective in reducing the harmful effects of Cd decreasing lipid peroxidation and preventing increased AChE and NTPDase activities, thereby improving neurotransmission and cognitives processes, suggesting that this natural compound may be considered, after further study, an important ally in therapies against poisoning by this metal.
O cádmio (Cd) é um dos metais mais tóxicos tanto em nível de intoxicação humana quanto de contaminação ambiental. Pelo fato desse metal possuir uma longa meia-vida biológica (10-30 anos), a exposição prolongada a ele tem sido associada a efeitos danosos em muitos órgãos como rins, fígado, pulmões, ossos, e inclusive o cérebro, provavelmente devido à geração de estresse oxidativo. Neste contexto, sabe-se que o polifenol curcumina, composto natural obtido a partir de Curcuma longa, exerce diversas funções terapêuticas, destacando-se o grande potencial antioxidante, anti-inflamatório e neuroprotetor. Sendo assim, este trabalho visou avaliar os parâmetros comportamentais e de memória, a atividade das ectoenzimas e acetilcolinesterase, bem com a peroxidação lipídica em ratos intoxicados por Cd e o possível efeito protetor da curcumina. Para tanto, foram utilizados 120 ratos Wistar machos, que receberam cádmio na forma CdCl2.H2O (Cd; 1 mg/kg) e/ou curcumina (Curc; 30, 60 ou 90 mg/kg) cinco vezes por semana durante 3 meses. Os animais foram divididos ao acaso em 8 grupos (n=15): (1) Salina/óleo, (2) Salina/Curc 30, (3) Salina/Curc 60, (4) Salina/Curc 90, (5) Cd/óleo, (6) Cd/Curc 30, (7) Cd/Curc 60 e (8) Cd/Curc 90. Os resultados demonstraram um aumento nos níveis de peroxidação lipídica e na atividade da enzima AChE em diferentes estruturas encefálicas. A intoxicação por Cd também aumentou a atividade das enzimas AChE e NTPDase (substratos ATP e ADP) e diminuiu a atividade da enzima 5 -nucleotidade em sinaptossomas de córtex cerebral. Esses efeitos do Cd no sistema nervoso central podem estar associados ao déficit de memória, evidenciado através da diminuição do tempo de latência no teste de esquiva inibitória. Além disso, o Cd também aumentou a atividade da enzima AChE periférica (sangue total e linfócitos) o que pode estar relacionado com um estado pró-inflamatório nesses animais. No entanto, a Curc foi eficaz em reduzir os efeitos danosos do Cd, diminuindo a peroxidação lipídica nas estruturas cerebrais, prevenindo o aumento da atividade da AChE e da NTPDase, melhorando, assim, a neurotransmissão e os processos cognitivos, sugerindo que este composto natural possa ser considerado após estudos adicionais um importante aliado em terapias contra a intoxicação por esse metal.

Dissertação (mestrado)—Universidade de Brasília, Faculdade de Medicina, 2011.
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A pesquisa em doença de Chagas acumula bons resultados no que se refere à transmissão do Trypanosoma cruzi. Contudo, fatores devem ser considerados: a ocupação humana de áreas naturalmente habitadas por esses insetos e a presença constante do T. cruzi em populações animais aumentam o risco de novas transmissões ao homem. Esse cenário é similar ao encontrado na região sul da Baixa Califórnia, México, onde a invasão do ambiente do triatomíneo da espécie Dipetalogaster maxima pelo homem mostrou a versatilidade alimentar do vetor, que além do sangue de lagartos, passou a se alimentar do sangue humano. O fluxo sanguíneo deve ser constante para o sucesso do repasto e para contrapor a hemostasia do hospedeiro os triatomíneos hematófagos apresentam uma fonte complexa de proteínas em sua saliva, como vasodilatadores, anti-agregadores plaquetários e anti-coagulantes. O trabalho aqui realizado demonstrou que a saliva do triatomíneo D. maxima contém proteínas anti-hemostáticas já descritas na saliva de outros triatomíneos como Rhodnius prolixus, Triatoma infestans e Triatoma pallidipennis. A análise proteômica revelou as três maiores famílias de proteínas salivares encontradas em outros triatomíneos: lipocalina, antígeno-5 e apirase. A atividade apirásica salivar detectada em D. maxima apresenta características similares àquelas encontradas na saliva de T. infestans. Além disso, a análise molecular revelou que as apirases de ambos triatomíneos pertencem à família 5’nucleotidase e são enzimas oligoméricas. A pesquisa dos compostos salivares de hematófagos estimula o desenvolvimento de novos fármacos usados em desordens de origem circulatória.
The research on Chagas disease accumulates good results with regard to the control of Trypanosoma cruzi transmission. However, some factors should be considered: the human occupation of areas naturally inhabited by these insects and the constant presence of T. cruzi in animal population increasing the risk of new transmissions to humans. This scenario is similar to that found in southern Baja California, Mexico, where the invasion of the triatomine species Dipetalogaster maxima environment by man showed the versatility of the feeding vector, that besides the blood of lizards, started to feed on human blood. Blood flow must be constant for the success of the meal and to counteract host hemostasis, hematophagous triatomines emply a complex source of proteins and other molecules, present in their saliva, as vasodilators, anti-platelet aggregators and anti-coagulants. The work conducted here demonstrated that the salive of triatomine D. maxima comprises anti-hemostatic proteins that had been already described in the saliva of other triatomines such as Rhodnius prolixus, Triatoma infestans, and Triatoma pallidipennis. Proteome analysis showed the three major salivary families of proteins found in other triatomines: lipocalin, antigen-5 and apyrase. The detected salivary apyrase activity of D. maxima displays features of that found in the saliva of T. infestans. Furthermore, molecular analysis revealed that apyrases of both insects belong to the 5’ nucleotidase family and are oligomeric enzymes. The research on salivary compounds of hematophagous insects stimulates the development of new drugs to be used in disorders of circulatory origin.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder of multiple etiology characterized by chronic hyperglycemia resulting from deficiency of production and / or insulin action. This state of hyperglycemia may cause a variety of cardiovascular, renal, neurological and eye complications. Adenosine deaminase (ADA), ecto-5 'nucleotidase (5'NT) and Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) are important enzymes responsible for regulating the levels of adenosine (ado) and acetylcholine (ACh) respectively, and changes in their activities have been demonstrated in various diseases, including Diabetes. Syzygium cumini is a plant mostly used for the treatment of DM and presents hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and antioxidants properties. The aim of this study was to verify the effect of aqueous leaf extract of Syzygium cumini (ASc) in 100 and 200μg/mL concentrations, in vitro, on enzymes 5'NT in platelets, ADA in erythrocytes and platelets and AChE in erythrocytes, as well as on parameters of oxidative stress in samples of Type 2 diabetic patients. The results showed an increase in the activity of ADA and 5'NT in platelets from diabetic (n=30) compared to the control group (n=17), as well as in the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS). ASc at concentrations of 100 and 200 μg / mL was able to reverse these effects. Correlations between 5 NT activity and triglycerides levels, as well as between ADA activity and glucose levels were also found in this work. An increase in the activity of enzymes ADA and AChE in erythrocytes of patients with type 2 diabetes (n=30) compared to the control group (n=20), as well as changes in parameters of oxidative stress, such as increased levels of TBARS and decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and levels of non-protein sulfhydryl groups (NP-SH) in these cells also were observed. Likewise, ASc reduced the ADA and AChE activities and lipid peroxidation, and reversed the effect of the evaluated oxidative parameters. Still, there were found significant positive correlations between levels of Vitamin C and protein sulfhydryl groups (P-SH), plasma glucose and levels of P-SH and NP-SH, levels of P-SH and ADA activity, besides a negative correlation between TBARS and NP-SH levels. Therefore, it is possible to suggest that the ASc was able to promote a compensatory response in the platelet function and may act in the maintenance of adenosine levels and vasodilatation and thereby, contributes to the maintenance of the vascular integrity which is important in the hyperglycemic state. It is also possible that ASc might modulate the levels of ACh, interfering with oxidative stress and / or inflammatory processes from the diabetic state. So far, these results confirm the already known antioxidants properties of Syzygium cumini, which makes this compound present significant effects on the cellular metabolism, as well as the reduction and prevention of cardiovascular disease risk in diabetics.
O Diabetes mellitus (DM) é uma disfunção metabólica de múltipla etiologia caracterizado por hiperglicemia crônica resultante da deficiência da produção e/ou ação da insulina. Esse estado de hiperglicemia pode provocar uma série de complicações cardiovasculares, renais, neurológicas e oculares. A adenosina deaminase (ADA), ecto-5 nucleotidase (5 NT) e acetilcolinesterase (AChE) são importantes enzimas responsáveis por regular os níveis de adenosina (ado) e acetilcolina (ACh), respectivamente, e alterações nas suas atividades têm sido demonstradas em várias doenças, incluindo o DM. O Syzygium cumini é uma das plantas mais utilizadas no tratamento do DM, apresenta propriedades hipoglicêmicas, antiinflamatórias, antipiréticas e antioxidantes. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar o efeito do extrato aquoso das folhas de Syzygium cumini (ASc), nas concentrações de 100 e 200 μg/mL, in vitro, sobre as enzimas 5 NT em plaquetas, ADA em eritrócitos e plaquetas e AChE em eritrócitos, bem como sobre parâmetros de estresse oxidativo em amostras de pacientes diabéticos Tipo 2. Os resultados demonstraram um aumento na atividade das enzimas ADA e 5 NT em plaquetas de diabéticos (n=30) em relação ao grupo controle (n=17), assim como nos níveis de espécies reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico (TBARS). ASc, nas concentrações de 100 e 200 μg/mL foi capaz de reverter estes efeitos. Correlações entre a atividade da 5 NT e os níveis de triglicerídeos, bem como entre a atividade da ADA e os níveis de glicose também foram encontradas nesse trabalho. Um aumento na atividade das enzimas ADA e AChE em eritrócitos de pacientes com Diabetes tipo 2 (n=30) em relação ao grupo controle (n=20), além de alterações nos parâmetros de estresse oxidativo, como aumento nos níveis de TBARS e redução na atividade da enzima Superóxido Dismutase (SOD) e nos níveis de grupamentos sulfidrílicos não protéicos (NP-SH) nessas células também foram observados. Igualmente, ASc reduziu a atividade das enzimas ADA e AChE e a lipoperoxidação, e reverteu o efeito dos parâmetros oxidantes avaliados. Ainda foram encontradas correlações positivas significativas entre os níveis de Vitamina C e grupamentos sulfidrílicos protéicos (P-SH), glicose plasmática e níveis de P-SH e NP-SH, níveis de P-SH e atividade da ADA, além de correlação negativa entre os níveis de TBARS e NP-SH. Portanto, é possível sugerir que o ASc foi capaz de promover uma resposta compensatória na função plaquetária, podendo atuar na manutenção dos níveis de adenosina e na vasodilatação e, assim, contribuindo para a manutenção da integridade vascular importante no estado hiperglicêmico, tendo em vista o papel cardioprotetor exercido pela mesma. Também é possível que ASc possa modular os níveis de ACh, interferindo no estresse oxidativo e/ou nos processos inflamatórios provenientes do estado diabético. Ao mesmo tempo esses resultados corroboram com as já conhecidas propriedades antioxidantes de Syzygium cumini, o que faz com que esse composto apresente efeitos significativos no metabolismo celular, bem como na redução e prevenção do risco de doença cardiovascular em diabéticos.

La 5'-nucleotidase ecto-membranaire (5'-n) dephosphoryle le 5'-amp. Par differentes approches methodologiques in vivo et in vitro, il nous a ete possible de mettre en evidence d'une part, une heterogeneite de la 5'-n entre le muscle strie, cardiaque et lisse de gesier de poulet (notamment en ce qui concerne son activite enzymatique au cours du developpement) ainsi que la presence de formes ancrees par un phosphatidyl inositol glycanne qui pourrait coexister avec des formes transmembranaires interagissant avec le cytosquelette ; hypothese renforcee par la presence de 5'-n dans les jonctions tendon-muscle et dans le plasmalemme superpose aux bandes i des sarcomeres des fibres musculaires (structures enrichies en integrines et proteines interagissant avec le cytosquelette). D'autre part, une co-distribution in vivo et une interaction in vitro entre la 5'-n et la laminine (glycoproteine de la matrice extracellulaire). Cette interaction est impliquee au cours de l'etalement des myoblastes en culture independamment du site catalytique de la 5'-n. L'activite ecto-5'-nucleotidase n'intervient ni dans l'attachement des myoblastes, ni de facon significative dans la migration, la proliferation et la fusion des myoblastes en myotubes. La laminine augmente la quantite de 5'-n a la surface des myoblastes et stimule par son bras long (fragment proteolytique e8) l'activite ampase de la 5'-n par contre, le fragment proteolytique e'1 de la laminine inhibe l'activite ampase. Cette observation suggere que le taux d'adenosine extracellulaire, regule par la 5'-n, pourrait etre module selon la nature de la matrice extracellulaire.

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico
Diabetes mellitus is a major public health problem throughout the world. Besides the most common complications in the peripheral nervous system, diabetes may also cause a series of cognitive, structural and functional alterations in the central nervous system (CNS). Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), NTPDase and 5 -nucleotidase are important enzymes involved in neurotransmission and alterations in their activities have been observed in various diseases including diabetes. Resveratrol is a polyphenol abundant in grapes and red wine that possesses many biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective. In this context, the objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of resveratrol on the activity of the enzymes AChE, NTPDase and 5 -nucleotidase in the brain from streptozotocin (STZ) -induced diabetic rats. Furthermore, the effects of diabetes and resveratrol on memory were investigated through the inhibitory avoidance test. The following groups were studied: Control/saline; Control/RV 10 mg/kg; Control/RV 20 mg/kg; Diabetic/saline; Diabetic/RV 10 mg/kg; Diabetic/RV 20 mg/kg. The animals were treated during 30 days after which time they were sacrificed and samples were collected for enzymatic assays. The results demonstrated that AChE activity in the supernatant of cortex, striatum, hippocampus, cerebellum, hypothalamus and cerebral cortex synaptosomes were increased in the diabetic/saline group compared to the control/saline group. Treatment with resveratrol prevented the increase of AChE activity in the diabetic/RV 10 and diabetic/RV 20 groups. When resveratrol was administered per se, a decrease in AChE activities was observed in the cortex, striatum and hippocampus in the control/RV 10mg/kg and control/RV 20 groups. In the inhibitory avoidance test, a decrease in step down latency was observed in the diabetic/saline group and the treatment with resveratrol prevented this increase in the diabetic /RV 10 and diabetic/RV 20 groups. In relation to NTPDase and 5 - nucleotidase, an increase in the activities was observed in the diabetic/saline group. Treatment with resveratrol produced a more pronounced increase in the activities of these enzymes in the diabetic /RV 10 and diabetic/RV 20 groups. When administered per se, resveratrol also triggered an increase in NTPDase and 5 -nucleotidase. The results obtained in the present study demonstrate that AChE, NTPDase and 5 - nucleotidase activities are altered in diabetic rats and treatment with resveratrol was able to modulate the activity of these enzymes, indicating that this compound may be promising in the treatment of disorders in the cholinergic and purinergic neurotransmission in the diabetic state.
O diabetes mellitus é um dos maiores problemas de saúde pública no mundo. Além das principais complicações no sistema nervoso periférico o diabetes pode também causar uma série de alterações cognitivas, funcionais e estruturais no sistema nervoso central (SNC). A acetilcolinesterase (AChE), NTPDase e 5 -nucleotidase são importantes enzimas envolvidas na neurotransmissão e alterações na sua atividade tem sido encontradas em várias doenças incluindo o diabetes. O resveratrol é um polifenol abundante em uvas e no vinho tinto, e possui muitas atividades biológicas como antioxidante, antiinflamatória e neuroprotetora. Neste contexto, o objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar o efeito do resveratrol na atividade das enzimas AChE, NTPDase e 5 -nucleotidase em encéfalo de ratos diabéticos induzidos com estreptozotocina. Além disso, foi investigado o efeito do diabetes e do resveratrol na memória através do teste de esquiva inibitória. Os seguintes grupos foram estudados (n=8-13): Controle/salina; Controle/RV 10mg/kg; Controle/RV 20 mg/kg; Diabético/salina; Diabético/RV 10 mg/kg; Diabético/RV 20 mg/kg. O tratamento foi realizado por 30 dias e após este período os animais foram sacrificados e as amostras coletadas para os ensaios enzimáticos. Os resultados demonstraram que a atividade da AChE em sobrenadante de córtex, estriado, hipocampo, cerebelo, hipotálamo e em sinaptossomas de córtex cerebral está aumentada no grupo diabético/salina comparado para o grupo controle/salina. O tratamento com resveratrol foi capaz de prevenir o aumento da atividade da AChE nos grupos diabético/RV 10 e diabético/RV 20. Quando o resveratrol foi administrado per se um decréscimo na atividade da AChE no córtex estriado e hipocampo nos grupos controle/RV 10; controle/RV 20 foi observado comparado com o grupo controle /salina. Na tarefa de esquiva inibitória um decréscimo no tempo de latência foi observado no grupo diabético/salina e o tratamento com resveratrol preveniu este decréscimo nos grupos diabético/RV 10 e diabético/RV 20. Em relação a NTPDase e 5 -nucleotidase um aumento na atividade foi observado no grupo diabético/salina comparado para o grupo controle/salina. O tratamento com resveratrol potencializou o aumento na atividade destas enzimas nos grupos diabético/RV 10 e diabético/RV 20. Quando administrado per se, o resveratrol também provocou um aumento na atividade da NTPDase e da 5 -nucleotidase. Os resultados obtidos no presente estudo demonstram que a atividade da AChE, NTPDase e 5 -nucleotidase está alterada em ratos diabéticos e o tratamento com resveratrol foi capaz de modular a atividade destas enzimas indicando que este composto pode ser promissor no tratamento de desordens na neurotransmissão colinérgica e purinérgica causadas no estado diabético.

Le projet de thèse sera consacré à la découverte et à l'optimisation de nouveaux inhibiteurs ciblant des enzymes impliquées dans la résistance aux traitements anticancéreux, les 5'-nucléotidases, et plus particulièrement l’ecto-nucléotidase CD73. Parmi les huit membres de cette famille chez l'homme, la CD73 représente une cible thérapeutique pertinente en chimiothérapie anticancéreuse.1 L’activité de la CD73 a été corrélée au blocage de la réponse immunitaire en raison de la production d’adénosine par cette enzyme, et protège ainsi les cellules cancéreuses de l'immunosurveillance. Par ailleurs, il a été montré que la croissance tumorale, l'invasion des cellules cancéreuses et les métastases sont induites par une surexpression de CD73 dans nombreux types de cancer (sein, vessie, prostate, colorectal et gastrique).2 Sur la base de résultats préliminaires obtenus dans l’équipe, la première partie du projet sera dédiée à l'optimisation structurale de composés analogues de substrat validés comme inhibiteurs de CD73 et la deuxième dédiée au développement de nouveaux inhibiteurs allostériques.3 La modélisation moléculaire et le criblage virtuel seront utilisés pour déchiffrer le mécanisme fonctionnel de l’enzyme et découvrir de nouveaux inhibiteurs. La détermination du mécanisme d'inhibition par cinétique enzymatique, et l'évaluation biologique sur des lignées cellulaires cancéreuses et éventuellement des modèles animaux seront réalisées en collaborations avec deux partenaires d’ores-et-déjà impliqués dans le projet (Dr L. Chaloin, CPBS, CNRS-FRE3689, Montpellier; Dr L.P. Jordheim, Pr. C. Dumontet, CRCL, Inserm U1052/CNRS UMR5286, Lyon)
The PhD project is dedicated to the discovery and optimization of new inhibitors targeting enzymes involved in resistance to cancer treatments; 5'-nucleotidases, and especially the ecto-nucleotidase CD73. Among the eight family members in humans, the CD73 represents a pertinent therapeutic target for cancer chemotherapy.1 The activity of CD73 has been correlated with blocking of the immune response due to the production of denosine by this enzyme that causes a suppression of the immune response and thus protects cancer cells from immune monitoring. Furthermore, it was shown that the tumor growth, cancer cell invasion and metastasis are mediated by an overexpression of CD73 in many types of cancer (breast, bladder, prostate, colorectal and gastric).2 Based on preliminary results obtained in the team, the first part of the project will be devoted to the structural optimization of substrate analogues validated as inhibitors of CD73 and the second to the development of new allosteric inhibitors.3 Molecular modeling and virtual screening will be used to decipher the functional mechanism of the targeted enzyme and discover new inhibitors. Determination of the mechanism of inhibition with enzyme kinetics, and biological evaluation in cancer cell lines and eventually in animal models will be carried out in partnership with different teams already involved in the project (Dr L. Chaloin, CPBS, CNRS-FRE3689, Montpellier; Dr L.P. Jordheim, Pr. C. Dumontet, CRCL, Inserm U1052/CNRS UMR5286, Lyon)

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Coordena??o de Aperfei?oamento de Pessoal de N?vel Superior - CAPES
Funda??o de Amparo ? Pesquisa do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul - FAPERGS
The LPS mechanism of action is still not completely elucidated on vertebrates like fish, and indeed differs from higher vertebrates. In zebrafish, LPS is capable of increasing the recruitment of immune cells and the expression of genes related to the immune response. The purinergic system has a great relation to the regulation of the immune system and inflammatory responses. The nucleotide ATP is able to induce cytokine secretion, recruitment and differentiation of immune cells. ATP can be dephosphorylated sequentially generating adenosine. In the context of inflammation adenosine serves as an innate immunomodulatory molecule. The control of adenosine extracellular levels is performed by nucleoside transporters and ecto-5'-nucleotidase. The ecto-5'-nucelotidase is an ectonucleotidase with pacemaker role in the production of adenosine and is one of the focuses of this study. Considering the analysis of the input images approach to the study of inflammation context, it is known that in rodents the uptake of 18F-FDG, an analogue of glucose, is increased under inflammation, which generates a differential image. The micro Positron Emission Tomography/ Computed Tomography (?PET /CT) is used for research in small animals and take images using a radiopharmaceutical. The use of ?PET/CT contributes with information at the molecular, structural and functional level and allows too monitor the effect of drugs in physiological / pathological situations in the range of a small animal as the zebrafish. The technology ?PET/CT is relatively new and so far there are no published scientific studies applying radiopharmaceuticals in zebrafish. In this context, the aim of the project was to study the involvement of the enzyme ecto-5'-nucleotidase in the development of inflammation induced by LPS using the cytological, biochemical, molecular and image (?PET) in different tissues of adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). To induce inflammation in zebrafish, the animals were injected with a solution of LPS (10 ug/g body weight, i.p) after being subjected to anesthesia (tricaine 0.1 g/L). The animals were kept for 2 hours or 24 hours in this treatment. For confirmation of inflammation were analyzed the gene expression of specific markers (tnf-? and cox-2) in encephalon, heart, kidney and intestine and differential counts of cells of the immune system. The activity and expression of ecto-5'-nucleotidase enzyme was analyzed in the encephalon, heart, kidney and intestine of control and treated animals. To keep the animals in ?PET/CT was performed anesthetic concentration curve (tricaine - 0.1, 0.12, 0.15 g/L) and standardized an apparatus to keep the fish in the presence of water, but yet still. A curve of time after injection of 18F-FDG was performed to obtain images in ?PET/CT (0, 10, 20 and 30 min) for standardizing the radiation quantitation in a gamma counter (15, 30, 60 90 and 120 min). Exposure to the LPS was able to increase the tnf-? expression in nearly all tissues studied (heart, kidney and intestine) and cox-2 in the kidney. The number of active peripheral blood white cells was also increased, confirming the induction of the inflammatory response. Hydrolysis of AMP in animals injected with LPS was increased in the heart in 24 hpi [72% compared to control] with no change in gene expression of ecto-5'-nucleotidase. The gene expression of ecto-5'-nucleotidase was adjusted temporarily in the kidney and intestine without altering the enzyme activity. After patterning images with ?PET/ CT and quantitation radiation by gamma counter for each organ examined, 30 minutes was defined as the best time for the biodistribution of 18F-FDG. After acquiring inflamed animal ?PET images it was not identified changes in the uptake of 18F-FDG compared to the control. Tissue quantification radiation registered a decrease in bone samples in animals treated with LPS, while other tissues have not changed. These data indicate that zebrafish responds to LPS by altering gene expression of specific markers, especially in kidney, and activation of white blood cells. The inflammation appears to be accompanied by a fine adjustment tissue-specific expression and activity of ecto-5'-nucleotidase in response to the inflammatory process. Although inflammation has been confirmed, the registration images by ?PET and radiation determination in different tissues have not been able to register differences in metabolic activity in animals treated with LPS. However, standardization of these techniques provides an advance in the use of radiopharmaceuticals in small animals, such as zebrafish.
O mecanismo de a??o do LPS ainda n?o ? completamente elucidado em vertebrados como os peixes, e se diferencia dos vertebrados superiores. Em zebrafish, o LPS ? capaz de aumentar o recrutamento de c?lulas imunes e a express?o de genes relacionados com a resposta imune. O sistema purin?rgico tem uma grande rela??o com a regula??o do sistema imune e as respostas inflamat?rias. O ATP ? um nucleot?deo importante na secre??o de citocinas e no recrutamento e diferencia??o de c?lulas imunes, podendo ser sequencialmente desfosforilado gerando adenosina. No contexto da inflama??o, a adenosina atua como uma mol?cula imunomodulat?ria inata. Participam do controle dos n?veis extracelulares da adenosina, os transportadores de nucleos?deos e a ecto-5?-nucleotidase. A ecto-5?-nucleotidase ? uma enzima com papel de marcapasso na produ??o de adenosina e constitui um dos focos do presente estudo. Considerando a contribui??o da abordagem de an?lise de imagens no contexto do estudo da inflama??o, ? sabido que a capta??o do radiof?rmaco 18F-FDG, um an?logo da glicoseest? aumentada em roedores submetidos ? inflama??o, o que gera uma imagem diferenciada. O micro Tom?grafo por Emiss?o de P?sitron/Tomografia Computadorizada (?PET/CT) ? utilizado para pesquisas em animais de pequeno porte e obt?m imagens utilizando um radiof?rmaco. O uso da ?PET/CT contribui com informa??es a n?vel molecular, funcional e estrutural em tempo real e permite acompanhar o efeito de f?rmacos em situa??es fisiol?gicas/patol?gicas na escala de um animal diminuto como o zebrafish. A tecnologia do ?PET/CT ? relativamente nova e at? o momento n?o existem estudos cient?ficos publicados aplicando radiof?rmacos em zebrafish. Neste contexto, o objetivo do projeto foi estudar o envolvimento da enzima ecto-5?-nucleotidase no desenvolvimento de inflama??o induzida por LPS utilizando-se de par?metros citol?gicos, bioqu?micos, moleculares e de imagem por ?PET em diferentes tecidos de zebrafish adulto (Danio rerio). Para induzir inflama??o no zebrafish, os animais foram injetados com uma solu??o de LPS (10 ?g/g de peso corporal; i.p) ap?s terem sido submetidos ? anestesia (trica?na 0.1 g/L). Os animais permaneceram por 2 h ou 24 h neste tratamento. Para confirma??o da inflama??o foram analisadas a express?o g?nica de marcadores espec?ficos (tnf-? e cox-2) em enc?falo, cora??o, rim e intestino e contagem diferencial de c?lulas do sistema imune. A atividade e express?o da enzima ecto-5?-nucleotidase foi analisada no enc?falo, cora??o, rim e intestino dos animais controle e tratados. Para manter os animais no ?PET/CT foi realizada uma curva de concentra??o de anest?sico MS-222 (0.1, 0. 12, 0.15 g/L) e determinado um aparato para manter o peixe na presen?a de ?gua mas, ainda im?vel. Uma curva de tempo ap?s a inje??o de 18F-FDG foi realizada para a obten??o de imagens em ?PET/CT (0, 10, 20 e 30 min) e para a padroniza??o da quantifica??o de radia??o em um Gamma counter (15, 30, 60, 90 e 120 min). A exposi??o ao LPS foi capaz de aumentar a express?o de tnf-? em quase todos os tecidos estudados (cora??o, rim e intestino) e de cox-2 no rim. O n?mero de c?lulas brancas ativas do sangue perif?rico tamb?m foi aumentado, confirmando a indu??o da resposta inflamat?ria. A hidr?lise de AMP em animais injetados com LPS foi aumentada no cora??o em 24 hpi [72% em rela??o ao controle] com nenhuma altera??o na express?o g?nica da ecto-5?-nucleotidase. A express?o g?nica do ecto-5?-nucleotidase foi ajustada temporalmente no rim e intestino sem altera??o da atividade enzim?tica. Ap?s a padroniza??o de imagens com ?PET/CT e da quantifica??o de radia??o por Gamma counter para cada ?rg?o analisado, definiu-se 30 min como o melhor tempo para a biodistribui??o do 18F-FDG. Ap?s a aquisi??o de imagens em ?PET de animais inflamados n?o se identificou altera??es na capta??o do 18F-FDG comparado com o controle. A quantifica??o tecidual de radia??o registrou uma queda nas amostras de ossos nos animais tratados com LPS, embora os demais tecidos n?o tenham sido alterados. Estes dados indicam que o zebrafish responde ao LPS alterando express?o g?nica de marcadores espec?ficos, especialmente no rim e ativando c?lulas brancas do sangue. A inflama??o induzida parece estar acompanhada por um t?nue ajuste tecido-espec?fico da atividade e express?o da ecto-5?-nucleotidase em resposta ao processo inflamat?rio. Ainda que a inflama??o tenha sido confirmada, o registro de imagens por ?PET e a determina??o de radia??o nos diferentes tecidos n?o foram capazes de registrar diferen?as na atividade metab?lica em animais tratados com LPS. Entretanto, a padroniza??o destas t?cnicas oferece um avan?o no uso de radiof?rmacos em animais de pequeno porte, como o zebrafish.

Trichomonas vaginalis é um protozoário flagelado parasita do trato urogenital humano, agente etiológico da tricomonose - a DST não viral mais frequente no mundo. No processo inflamatório promovido pela infecção, a infiltração leucocitária é principal mudança citológica observada. Considerando o impacto da doença na saúde pública e a importância em investigar novos alvos terapêuticos para o tratamento da tricomonose, o estudo de aspectos bioquímicos do parasito torna-se fundamental. Nucleotídeos extracelulares, especialmente ATP, são liberados pelas células em situações de estresse, anóxia ou lesão, sequencialmente, as ectonucleotidases são capazes de hidrolizá-los, levando à produção de adenosina. De forma importante, T. vaginalis não realiza síntese de novo de purinas e as enzimas participam das vias de salvação. Avaliando-se o perfil das ectonucleotidases de T. vaginalis em uma condição de limitação de soro bovino, o qual representa a fonte de adenosina aos trofozoítos, observou-se um aumento significativo da hidrólise de ATP, ADP e AMP, assim como da expressão gênica da NTPDase e do metabolismo dos nucleotídeos extracelulares. Além disso, essa situação promoveu atraso do ciclo celular dos parasitos nos estágios G0/G1, sugerindo um aumento do pool intracelular de nucleotídeos da adenina. Na tentativa de melhor compreender os mecanismos envolvidos no recrutamento de leucócitos para o sítio da infecção, investigou-se a produção de óxido nítrico (NO) por neutrófilos estimulados com T. vaginalis. Os trofozoítos promoveram aumento dos níveis de NO, o qual, provavelmente, é sintetizado pela forma induzível da enzima óxido nítrico sintase. Os nucleotídeos da adenina não foram capazes de modular a produção de NO, diferentemente da adenosina, que provocou significativa redução da secreção do mediador, provavelmente através da ativação de receptores A2A. Os resultados obtidos nesta dissertação demonstram a importância das ectonucleotidases de T. vaginalis na geração de adenosina, e contribuem para o entendimento de mecanismos envolvidos com a imunidade na tricomonose.
Trichomonas vaginalis is a flagellated protozoan parasite of human urogenital tract that causes trichomonosis - the most common non-viral STD in the world. In the inflammatory process promoted by infection, the leukocytic infiltration is the main cytological change observed. Considering the disease impact on public health and the search for new therapeutic targets to trichomonosis treatment, it is important to investigate the biochemical aspects of the parasite. Extracellular nucleotides, especially ATP, are released by cells under stress, anoxia or injury and they can be degraded to adenosine by ectonucleotidases. Importantly, T. vaginalis lacks the ability to synthesize purines de novo, and the enzymes act on the salvage pathways generating the nucleosides. Evaluating the profile of T. vaginalis ectonucleotidases in a serum limitation condition, a significant increase in ATP, ADP and AMP hydrolysis was observed. NTPDase gene expression and the metabolism of extracellular nucleotides were also increased. Moreover, the serum limitation promoted cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phases, suggesting an increase in intracellular pool of adenine nucleotides. To better understand the mechanisms involved in leukocyte recruitment to infection site, the nitric oxide (NO) production by neutrophils stimulated with T. vaginalis was investigated. The trophozoites caused increase in NO synthesis, which is probably performed by nitric oxide synthase. The adenine nucleotides were not able to modulate the NO production. In contrast, the adenosine promoted a significant reduction in the compound levels, likely through of A2A receptors activation. The results obtained in this study evidence the importance of T. vaginalis ectonucleotidases on adenosine generation and contribute to the host-parasite interactions as well as the immunity in trichomonosis.

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico
Cadmium (Cd) is considered one of the most toxic heavy metals for its ability to affect different tissues, including the brain and the immune system. The molecular mechanisms of toxicity of Cd are not well established, however, it is known that one of the consequences of Cd exposure is the generation of oxidative stress. Conversely, the quercetin, one flavonoid present in various foods performs various therapeutic functions in the body, such as antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective action. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of quercetin on the behavioral tests, the activity of the enzymes acetylcholinesterase (AChE), Na+, K+-ATPase and the δ-dehydratase aminolevulinic acid (δ-ALA-D), as well as parameters of oxidative stress in the central nervous system of adult male wistar rats exposed to CdCl2. The activities of enzymes AChE, NTPDase and adenosine deaminase (ADA) of peripheral lymphocytes, butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) in the serum and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in plasma were also measured in the peripheral system of these animals. The rats were exposed to CdCl2 (2.5 mg / kg) and quercetin (5, 25 or 50 mg / kg) by gavage (1 ml/kg) for 45 days. Hence, the animals were divided into eight groups (n = 10-14): saline/control, saline/Querc 5 mg/kg, saline/Querc 25 mg/kg, saline/Querc 50 mg/kg, Cd/ethanol, Cd/Querc 5 mg/kg, Cd/Querc 25 mg/kg and Cd/Querc 50 mg/kg. The groups treated with Cd and quercetin, received the antioxidant quercetin solution after 30 minutes of the administration of Cd solution. At the end of 45 days of the treatment the animals were submitted to training and behavioral tests. After, they were anesthetized by halothane inhalation, and blood collection was performed to set serum, plasma and peripheral lymphocytes apart. Then the animals were euthanized, with part of the brain being removed for analysis of the enzyme δ-ALA-D activity, while the other part of brain was dissected into, cerebral cortex, striatum, cerebellum, hippocampus and hypothalamus, for future enzymatic assays. The results showed that Cd is able to cross the blood brain barrier, therefore, although the amount of Cd accumulated in the different brain structures studied was low, it was significantly higher than in control. Simultaneous treatment of quercetin in Cd exposed animals was ineffective to decrease these levels of Cd. The Cd exposure caused impairment on learning and memory, besides causing an increase in the anxiogenic behavior type. Nevertheless, the treatment with quercetin prevented the undesirable effects caused by exposure to the metal in the anxiety and memory. In relation to enzymatic activities in the brain, it was observed that Cd exposure reduced AChE activity in cerebral cortex and hippocampus, while as activation of the enzyme was observed in hypothalamus. Furthermore, a decrease in the Na+, K+-ATPase enzyme activity in cerebral cortex, hippocampus and hypothalamus was observed, as well as a decrease in the δ-ALA-D activity in total brain of Cd exposed animals. Interestingly, the quercetin co-administration in the Cd exposed animals prevented the changes in the activity of the enzymes AChE and Na+, K+-ATPase in different brain structures, though has not restored the δ-ALA-D enzyme activity. It was also observed an increase in ROS production, in lipid peroxidation, in protein oxidation, the levels of double stranded DNA and changes in the antioxidant system, such as, reduction in the glutathione reductase (GR) activity, levels of total thiols (T-SH) and reduced glutathione (GSH), and an increase in the glutathione S-transferase (GST) enzyme activity in cerebral cortex, hypothalamus and hippocampus of Cd exposed animals. Co-administration of quercetin in Cd exposed rats was able to prevent totally or partially the changes caused by metal exposure in oxidative stress parameters. It is suggested that quercetin is able to reduce the oxidative damage caused by exposure to these metal and subsequently restore the AChE and Na+, K+-ATPase activities, modulating cholinergic neurotransmission and improving cognitive processes. In relation to the peripheral system, there was an increase in the NTPDase, ADA, AChE, BuChE and MPO activities in Cd exposed rats. Based on these results it is possible to infer that the increase in NTPDase activity is a compensatory effect due to the increase in ATP levels in circulation. It is suggested that decreased levels of ACh are available in the circulation due to increase in the peripheral cholinesterase activity. When rats were treated with the quercetin, flavonoid was able to modulate the activities of these enzymes probably due to the anti-inflammatory property of the compound. Accordingly, it is suggested that quercetin prevents or eases the toxicity caused by exposure to metal due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Therefore, it is believed that the flavonoid may be a promising drug in alternative therapies against toxicity induced by the metal in the central nervous system and peripheral system.
O cádmio (Cd) é considerado um dos metais pesados de maior toxicidade devido a sua capacidade de afetar diferentes tecidos, incluindo o encéfalo, bem como o sistema imunológico. Os mecanismos moleculares de toxicidade do Cd ainda não estão bem estabelecidos, contudo, sabe-se que uma das consequências da exposição ao Cd é a geração de estresse oxidativo. Por outro lado, a quercetina, um flavonoide presente em vários alimentos, exerce diversas funções terapêuticas no organismo, como atividade antioxidante, anti-inflamatória e ação neuroprotetora. Sendo assim, o objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar os efeitos da quercetina sobre os testes comportamentais, a atividade das enzimas acetilcolinesterase (AChE), a Na+,K+-ATPase e a δ-desidratase aminolevulinato (δ-ALA-D), bem como os parâmetros de estresse oxidativo no sistema nervoso central de ratos machos wistar adultos expostos ao CdCl2. Também foi avaliada, no sistema periférico destes animais, a atividade das enzimas AChE, NTPDases e adenosina desaminase (ADA) de linfócitos periféricos, butirilcolinesterase (BuChE) do soro e a mieloperoxidase (MPO) do plasma. Os ratos foram expostos ao CdCl2 (2,5 mg/kg) e quercetina (5, 25 ou 50 mg/kg) por gavagem (1ml/kg) durante 45 dias. Para isso, os animais foram distribuídos em oito grupos (n=10-14): salina/controle, salina/Querc 5mg/kg, salina/Querc 25 mg/kg, salina/Querc 50 mg/kg, Cd/etanol, Cd/ Querc 5mg/kg, Cd/Querc 25mg/kg e Cd/Querc 50 mg/kg. Os grupos tratados com Cd e quercetina receberam a solução antioxidante após 30 minutos da administração da solução de Cd. No final do período de 45 dias de tratamento os animais foram submetidos aos treinos e aos testes comportamentais. Posteriormente, foram anestesiados, através da inalação de halotano, e foi realizada a coleta de sangue e separação de soro, plasma e linfócitos periféricos. Em seguida os animais foram submetidos à eutanásia, com parte do encéfalo sendo retirada para a análise da atividade da enzima δ-ALA-D, enquanto que outra parte foi dissecada em córtex cerebral, estriado, cerebelo, hipocampo e hipotálamo, para posteriores ensaios enzimáticos. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que o Cd é capaz de atravessar a barreira hematoencefálica, pois, embora a quantidade de Cd acumulada nas diferentes estruturas encefálicas estudadas tenha sido baixa, ainda assim, foi significativamente maior que o controle. O tratamento concomitante da quercetina nos animais expostos ao Cd foi ineficiente em diminuir estes níveis de Cd. A exposição ao Cd causou prejuízos na aprendizagem e memória, além de causar um aumento no comportamento do tipo ansiogênico. Por outro lado, o tratamento com a quercetina preveniu os efeitos indesejáveis causados pela exposição ao metal na ansiedade e memória. Em relação às atividades enzimáticas no encéfalo, verificou-se que a exposição ao Cd reduziu a atividade da enzima AChE no córtex cerebral e no hipocampo, enquanto que uma ativação da enzima foi observada no hipotálamo. Além disso, observou-se uma diminuição na atividade da enzima Na+, K+-ATPase no córtex cerebral, hipocampo e hipotálamo, bem como uma diminuição na atividade da δ-ALA-D no encéfalo total de animais expostos ao Cd. Interessantemente, a co-administração com a quercetina em animais expostos ao Cd impediu as alterações na atividade das enzimas AChE e Na+, K+-ATPase em diferentes estruturas encefálicas, embora não tenha restaurado a a atividade da enzima δ-ALA-D. Verificou-se, também, um aumento na produção de ROS, na lipoperoxidação, na oxidação de proteínas, nos níveis de DNA dupla fita e alterações no sistema antioxidante, como a diminuição na atividade da enzima glutationa redutase (GR), nos níveis de tióis totais (T-SH) e glutationa reduzida (GSH), e um aumento na atividade da enzima glutationa S-transferase (GST) no córtex cerebral, hipocampo e hipotálamo dos animais expostos ao Cd. A co-administração da quercetina nos ratos expostos ao Cd foi capaz de impedir totalmente ou parcialmente as alterações causadas pela exposição ao metal nos parâmetros do estresse oxidativo. Sugere-se que a quercetina é capaz de diminuir o dano oxidativo causado pela exposição ao metal e, subsequentemente, restaurar a atividade da AChE e Na+, K+-ATPase, modulando, assim, a neurotransmissão colinérgica e melhorando os processos cognitivos. Em relação ao sistema periférico, verificou-se um aumento na atividade das enzimas NTPDase, ADA, AChE, BuChE e MPO nos ratos expostos ao Cd. A partir desse resultado pode-se inferir que o aumento na atividade da NTPDase seja um efeito compensatório devido ao aumento dos níveis de ATP na circulação. Sugere-se que níveis diminuídos de ACh estão disponíveis na circulação devido ao aumento na atividade das colinesterases periféricas. Quando os ratos foram tratados com quercetina o flavonoide foi capaz de modular a atividade dessas enzimas provavelmente devido à propriedade anti-inflamatória do composto. Deste modo, propõe-se que a quercetina previne ou ameniza a toxicidade causada pela exposição ao metal devido a sua atividade antioxidante e anti-inflamatória. Logo, acredita-se que este flavonoide possa ser um fármaco promissor em terapias alternativas contra a toxicidade induzida pelo metal no sistema nervoso central e periférico.

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease autoimmune of unknown etiology. Patients with RA have a lower survival than the general population, the most common cause of mortality in these patients is cardiovascular disease. The systemic inflammation that occurs in RA produces a spectrum of proatherogenic changes including endothelial dysfunction, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, prothrombotic effects and pro-oxidative stress. Endothelial dysfunction is the key event in early atherogenesis. The platelets are known to have an important role in the maintenance of endothelial integrity and homeostasis, and also are key players in atherothrombosis. Extracellular adenine nucleotides ATP, ADP and AMP and the nucleoside adenosine, modulate a variety of tissue effects, exerting several effects on the platelets. This work determined the activity of enzymes involved in the degradation of nucleotides and nucleosides (NTPDase, 5 -nucleotidase E-NPP and ADA) in platelets from patients with RA and controls patients. It was selected thirty-five RA patients from the Hospital of the Federal University of Santa Maria and the diagnostic was based on the criteria of American College of Rheumatology. The results showed an increase in the activity of NTPDase (approximately 100%), 5 -nucleotidase (170%), E-NPP (approximately 100%) and ADA (approximately 45%) in the platelets of patients with RA when compared to control group. The increased activity of these enzymes could be related to a compensatory response of the organism due to the disease. The platelet aggregation was also determined in these patients and no changes were found when compared to the control group. The increase in ADA activity was lower when compared to the increase observed in the other enzymes activities (NTPDase, 5 -nucleotidase and ENPP). Possibly not all generated adenosine is converted by the ADA, which could explain the normality of platelet aggregation in patients with RA. No interference of the drugs (methotrexate, leflunomide,hydroxychloroquine and prednisone) utilized in RA treatment was observed on the enzymatic activities tested in vitro. In this way, it is possible to conclude that the NTPDase, 5 -nucleotidase, E-NPP and ADA activities are altered in platelets of patients with RA, which could be considered a compensatory response against the disease.
A artrite reumatóide (AR) é uma doença inflamatória crônica autoimune, de etiologia desconhecida. Os pacientes portadores de AR têm uma sobrevida menor do que a da população em geral, sendo que a causa mais comum de mortalidade é a doença cardiovascular. A inflamação sistêmica que ocorre na AR produz um espectro de mudanças proaterogênicas que incluem a disfunção endotelial, a resistência à insulina, a dislipidemia, os efeitos protrombóticos e o estresse oxidativo. A disfunção endotelial é um evento chave no início da aterogênese. As plaquetas são conhecidas por ter um importante papel na manutenção da integridade endotelial e da hemostasia, possuindo um papel chave na aterotrombose. Os nucleotídeos extracelulares de adenina ATP, ADP e AMP e o nucleosídeo adenosina, modulam uma variedade de efeitos teciduais, além de exercererm diversos efeitos nas plaquetas. Neste trabalho foi determinada a atividade das enzimas envolvidas na degradação de nucleotídeos e nucleosídeos (NTPDase, 5 -nucleotidase, E-NPP e ADA) em plaquetas de pacientes com AR. Foram selecionados 35 pacientes do Hospital Universitário de Santa Maria com diagnóstico de AR, o qual foi baseado nos critérios de classificação do Colégio Americano de Reumatologia. Os resultados demonstraram um aumento na atividade das enzimas NTPDase (aproximadamente 100%), 5 -nucleotidase (170%), E-NPP (aproximadamente 100%) e ADA (aproximadamente 45%) em plaquetas de pacientes com AR quando comparado ao controle. O aumento da atividade dessas enzimas pode estar relacionado com uma resposta compensatória do organismo frente à doença. Também foi determinado o perfil da agregação plaquetária nesses pacientes, o qual encontrou-se inalterado quando comparado ao controle. O aumento da atividade da enzima ADA foi menor quando comparado ao aumento das atividades das outras enzimas (NTPDase, 5 -nucleotidase e E-NPP). Possivelmente, nem toda a adenosina gerada é convertida pela ADA, o que poderia explicar a normalidade da agregação plaquetária nos pacientes estudados. Não foi observada nenhuma interferência dos fármacos (hidroxicloroquina, leflunomida, metotrexato e prednisona) utilizados no tratamento de AR sobre a atividade das enzimas testadas in vitro. Concluiu-se que a atividade das enzimas NTPDase, 5 -nucleotidase, E-NPP e ADA encontram-se alteradas em plaquetas de pacientes com AR, o que poderia ser considerado uma resposta compensatória do organismo frente à doença.