AÇÃO DA PROGRANULINA E HNF4-ALFA NA PROLIFERAÇÃO E DIFERENCIAÇÃO CELULAR NO DESENVOLVIMENTO EMBRIONÁRIO EM RATTUS NORVEGICUS

The transplant is the only effective therapy for the treatment of liver diseases in advanced stage, such as cirrhosis. Bridge transplant with stem cells from hepatic bud could be an alternative of treatment, once these cells have greater potential of proliferation and differentiation in adult hepatocytes. Thus, the challenge is to identify methods that promote their differentiation in adult specific and functional strains. The present work aimed to evaluate the action of the growth factor progranulin (PGRN) and HNF4-alpha during the liver development of rats F344, as well as, compare the peaks of positivity to those of the PCNA. Five embryos from each embryonic period (E12.5; E13.5; E14.5; E15.5, and E16.5) were collected, fixed in Metacarn and included in paraplast. Posteriorly, it was carried out immunohistochemistry with anti-PGRN, anti- HNF4-alpha and anti-PCNA, following the standard protocols procedure. The anti-PGRN was positive in all stages observed, however, in E12.5 and 15.5 demonstrated a lower positivity. The anti-HNF4-alpha showed high positivity during stages E12.5-E14.5, presenting its peak of positivity in synchrony with that of the PGRN (E13.5). The anti-PCNA had its peak of positivity in E12.5 and less positive in E13.5. It can be concluded that PGRN is present in hepatogenesis in different embryonic stages of F344 rats, and that it seems to be involved in the differentiation of hepatoblast into hepatocytes after activation by HNF4-alpha, however, PGRN does not seem to assume a function of cell proliferation during hepatogenesis, because its peak of positivity is out of synchrony with that of the PCNA.O transplante é a única terapia efetiva para o tratamento de doenças hepáticas em estágio avançado, como a cirrose. A terapia utilizando células-tronco do broto hepático poderia ser uma alternativa de tratamento, uma vez que essas células têm maior potencial de proliferação e diferenciação em hepatócitos adultos. Dessa forma, o desafio é identificar métodos que promovam sua diferenciação em linhagens adultas específicas e funcionais. O presente trabalho visou avaliar a ação do fator de crescimento progranulina (PGRN) e HNF4-alfa durante o desenvolvimento hepático em ratos F344, assim como, comparar os seus picos de positividade com o do PCNA. Cinco embriões de cada período embrionário (E12,5; E13,5; E14,5; E15,5 e E16,5) foram coletados, fixados em Metacarn e incluídos em paraplast. Posteriormente, foi realizado o procedimento de imuno-histoquímica, utilizando o anti-PGRN, anti-HNF4-alfa e anti-PCNA, seguindo o protocolo padrão para o procedimento. O anti-PGRN foi positivo em todas as fases observadas, entretanto, em E12,5 e 15,5 demonstrou menor positividade. O anti-HNF4-alfa apresentou maior positividade durante os períodos de E12,5-E14,5, apresentando o seu pico em sincronia com a PGRN (E13,5). O anti-PCNA teve seu pico de positividade em E12,5 e menor positividade em E13,5. Conclui-se que a PGRN está presente na hepatogênese em diferentes estágios embrionários de ratos F344, e que a mesma parece estar envolvida no processo de diferenciação de hepatoblastos em hepatócitos após sua ativação pelo HNF4-alfa, no entanto, a PGRN não parece assumir uma função de proliferação celular durante a hepatogênese, pois não apresenta seu pico de positividade em sincronia com o PCNA

Antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects of DODAC/synthetic phosphoethanolamine on hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Abstract Background Current studies have demonstrated that DODAC/PHO-S (Dioctadecyldimethylammonium Chloride/Synthetic phosphoethanolamine) liposomes induces cytotoxicity in Hepa1c1c7 and B16F10 murine tumor cells, with a higher proportion than PHO-S. Therefore, our aim was to evaluate the potential of DODAC/PHO-S to elucidate the mechanism of cell death whereby the liposomes induces cytotoxicity in hepatocellular carcinoma Hepa1c1c7, compared to the PHO-S alone. Methods Liposomes (DODAC/PHO-S) were prepared by ultrasonication. The cell cycle phases, protein expression and types of cell’s death on Hepa1c1c7 were analyzed by flow cytometry. The internalisation of liposomes, mitochondrial electrical potential and lysosomal stability were also evaluated by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Results After treatment with liposomes (DODAC/PHO-S), we observed a significant increase in the population of Hepa1c1c7 cells experiencing cell cycle arrest in the S and G2/M phases, and this treatment was significantly more effective to promote cell death by apoptosis. There also was a decrease in the mitochondrial electrical potential; changes in the lysosomes; nuclear fragmentation and catastrophic changes in Hepa1c1c7 cells. The liposomes additionally promoted increases in the expression of DR4 receptor, caspases 3 and 8, cytochrome c, p53, p21, p27 and Bax. There was also a decrease in the expression of Bcl-2, cyclin D1, CD90 and CD44 proteins. Conclusion The overall results showed that DODAC/PHO-S liposomes were more effective than PHO-S alone, in promoting cytotoxicity Hepa1c1c7 tumor cells, activating the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of programmed cell death

Caracterização biométrica externa, avaliação corpórea e caracterização histológica do trato gastrintestinal de gaviões-carijó (Rupornis magnirostris) apreendidos pelo CETAS/IBAMA na Paraíba

http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/2175-7925.2014v27n1p101 Este estudo teve por objetivo analisar as medidas biométricas externas e do sistema digestório e, também, as condições corpóreas e de plumagem de gaviões-carijó apreendidos pelo CETAS/IBAMA na Paraíba, e descrever a histologia das vísceras do trato gastrintestinal (TGI), tendo como foco fornecer subsídios para novos estudos na área de nutrição animal e classificação taxonômica, bem como para sistemas de manejo e de conservação. Os espécimes foram analisados, tiveram as medidas mensuradas e coletadas amostras biológicas para procedimentos histológicos. Constatou-se que existe relação entre a condição corpórea e a perda de plumagem, demonstrando que a morfologia do TGI é semelhante à da maioria das aves já descritas, incluindo outras espécies de Accipitridae. Os resultados proporcionam subsídios para estudos posteriores envolvendo manejo nutricional, conservacionista, clínico e cirúrgico para a espécie

Modulation of pro-apoptotic effects and mitochondrial potential on B16F10 cells by DODAC/PHO-S liposomes

Abstract Objective We aimed to evaluate the potential of DODAC/PHO-S liposomes on the modulation of the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins, loss of lysosomal integrity and the mitochondrial electrical potential, compared with phosphoethanolamine. Results The results of this study demonstrate that DODAC/PHO-S liposomes have exhibited broad cytotoxic potential in B16F10 murine melanoma cells, with significantly greater proportions than treatment with PHO-S. The treatment with the DODAC/PHO-S 2.0 mM liposomal formulation was more efficient in decreasing mitochondrial electrical potential at the same concentrations and treatment time than PHO-S The liposomal formulation DODAC/PHO-S (2.0 mM) was more efficient to promote morphological changes in the cells, without presenting intact lysosomes, at the same time of treatment and concentration as PHO-S Our results demonstrated that the liposomal formulation increased DR4 receptor expression and activated caspases 8 and 3, resulting in the release of cytochrome c in B16F10 tumour cells, when compared to treatment with PHO-S The data obtained prove that the use of DODAC as carrier can maximize the cytotoxic effects of PHO-S This was demonstrated by the translocation of cytochrome c to the cytoplasm and activation of caspase-3 and 8, decreasing the mitochondrial electrical potential and generating morphological changes, in B16F10 cells

Aspectos clinico-patológicos em papagaios-verdadeiros (Amazona aestiva, L., 1758) oriundos de apreensões do tráfico no estado da Paraíba, Brasil

ABSTRACT. Siqueira R.A.S., de Lucena R.B., Cavalcanti T.A., Luna A.C. de L., Firmino M. de O. & Guerra R.R. [Clinical-pathological aspects of Blue-fronted Parrots parrots (Amazona aestiva, Linne 1758) coming traffickin arrests from the State of Paraíba, Brazil.] Aspectos clinico-patológicos em papagaios-verdadeiros (Amazona aestiva, L., 1758) oriundos de apreensões do tráfico no estado da Paraíba, Brasil. Revista Brasileira de Medicina Veterinária, 38(4):439-444, 2016. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Av. Silas Munguba, 1700, Fortaleza, CE 60740-000, Brasil. E-mail: [email protected] O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever as características clínicas e patológicas em Papagaios-verdadeiro (Amazona aestiva) oriundos do tráficos e aprendidos pelo pelo Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres (CETAS) no estado da Paraíba, Brasil com a finalidade de se estabelecer a real condição sanitária em que se encontravam. aves. O estudo foi desenvolvido no CETAS, no municipio de Cabedelo no estado da Paraíba. Foram utilizadas quinze aves oriundas de apreensões aferindo-se seu o peso, nove foram anestesiadas, tiveram sangue total coletado, aferida a condição corpórea e realizada biópsia hepática. Nas outras seis aves (que vieram a óbito) realizou-se exame necroscópico. Os resultados indicaram que as aves obtiveram uma má condição corpórea, os achados histopatológicos e sorológicos demonstram pessimas condições de saúde, e indicaram a necessidade de desenvolver um trabalho de recuperação da saúde para que se possa haver reintrodução e soltura para essas aves na natureza

Brazilian Flora 2020: Leveraging the power of a collaborative scientific network

International audienceThe shortage of reliable primary taxonomic data limits the description of biological taxa and the understanding of biodiversity patterns and processes, complicating biogeographical, ecological, and evolutionary studies. This deficit creates a significant taxonomic impediment to biodiversity research and conservation planning. The taxonomic impediment and the biodiversity crisis are widely recognized, highlighting the urgent need for reliable taxonomic data. Over the past decade, numerous countries worldwide have devoted considerable effort to Target 1 of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC), which called for the preparation of a working list of all known plant species by 2010 and an online world Flora by 2020. Brazil is a megadiverse country, home to more of the world's known plant species than any other country. Despite that, Flora Brasiliensis, concluded in 1906, was the last comprehensive treatment of the Brazilian flora. The lack of accurate estimates of the number of species of algae, fungi, and plants occurring in Brazil contributes to the prevailing taxonomic impediment and delays progress towards the GSPC targets. Over the past 12 years, a legion of taxonomists motivated to meet Target 1 of the GSPC, worked together to gather and integrate knowledge on the algal, plant, and fungal diversity of Brazil. Overall, a team of about 980 taxonomists joined efforts in a highly collaborative project that used cybertaxonomy to prepare an updated Flora of Brazil, showing the power of scientific collaboration to reach ambitious goals. This paper presents an overview of the Brazilian Flora 2020 and provides taxonomic and spatial updates on the algae, fungi, and plants found in one of the world's most biodiverse countries. We further identify collection gaps and summarize future goals that extend beyond 2020. Our results show that Brazil is home to 46,975 native species of algae, fungi, and plants, of which 19,669 are endemic to the country. The data compiled to date suggests that the Atlantic Rainforest might be the most diverse Brazilian domain for all plant groups except gymnosperms, which are most diverse in the Amazon. However, scientific knowledge of Brazilian diversity is still unequally distributed, with the Atlantic Rainforest and the Cerrado being the most intensively sampled and studied biomes in the country. In times of “scientific reductionism”, with botanical and mycological sciences suffering pervasive depreciation in recent decades, the first online Flora of Brazil 2020 significantly enhanced the quality and quantity of taxonomic data available for algae, fungi, and plants from Brazil. This project also made all the information freely available online, providing a firm foundation for future research and for the management, conservation, and sustainable use of the Brazilian funga and flora