Use of a commercial agarose gel for analysis of urinary glycosaminoglycans in mucopolysaccharidoses

Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are a group of inherited metabolic disorders caused by deficiency of enzymes that degrade glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Urinary excretion of GAGs is a common feature of MPS, and is considered their major biomarker. We aimed to adapt the GAG electrophoresis method to a commercial agarose gel which would be able to separate urinary GAGs in a simpler way with good sensitivity and reproducibility. Urine samples from patients previously diagnosed with MPS I, IV, and VI were used as electrophoretic standards. Samples from patients on enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) were also assessed. Commercial agarose gel electrophoresis was effective, showing proper definition and separation of GAG bands. Detection sensitivity exceeded 0.1 µg and band reproducibility were consistent. GAG bands quantified in urine samples from patients on ERT correlated very strongly (correlation coefficient = 0.98) with total GAG concentrations. This application of gel electrophoresis demonstrates the possibility of monitoring patients with MPS treated with ERT by analyzing separately the GAGs excreted in urine. We suggest this process should be applied to MPS screening as well as to follow-up of patients on treatment

Dieta cetogênica reduz o conteúdo de gangliosídios em hipotálamos de ratos jovens

16

Detecção de glicosilceramida em plasma de pacientes com doença de Gaucher

13

A hipermetioninemia reduz os níveis de fosfolipídios, colesterol e gangliosídios em córtex cerebral de ratos

46

ATLANTIC EPIPHYTES: a data set of vascular and non-vascular epiphyte plants and lichens from the Atlantic Forest

Epiphytes are hyper-diverse and one of the frequently undervalued life forms in plant surveys and biodiversity inventories. Epiphytes of the Atlantic Forest, one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world, have high endemism and radiated recently in the Pliocene. We aimed to (1) compile an extensive Atlantic Forest data set on vascular, non-vascular plants (including hemiepiphytes), and lichen epiphyte species occurrence and abundance; (2) describe the epiphyte distribution in the Atlantic Forest, in order to indicate future sampling efforts. Our work presents the first epiphyte data set with information on abundance and occurrence of epiphyte phorophyte species. All data compiled here come from three main sources provided by the authors: published sources (comprising peer-reviewed articles, books, and theses), unpublished data, and herbarium data. We compiled a data set composed of 2,095 species, from 89,270 holo/hemiepiphyte records, in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, recorded from 1824 to early 2018. Most of the records were from qualitative data (occurrence only, 88%), well distributed throughout the Atlantic Forest. For quantitative records, the most common sampling method was individual trees (71%), followed by plot sampling (19%), and transect sampling (10%). Angiosperms (81%) were the most frequently registered group, and Bromeliaceae and Orchidaceae were the families with the greatest number of records (27,272 and 21,945, respectively). Ferns and Lycophytes presented fewer records than Angiosperms, and Polypodiaceae were the most recorded family, and more concentrated in the Southern and Southeastern regions. Data on non-vascular plants and lichens were scarce, with a few disjunct records concentrated in the Northeastern region of the Atlantic Forest. For all non-vascular plant records, Lejeuneaceae, a family of liverworts, was the most recorded family. We hope that our effort to organize scattered epiphyte data help advance the knowledge of epiphyte ecology, as well as our understanding of macroecological and biogeographical patterns in the Atlantic Forest. No copyright restrictions are associated with the data set. Please cite this Ecology Data Paper if the data are used in publication and teaching events. © 2019 The Authors. Ecology © 2019 The Ecological Society of Americ

Análises bioquímicas em amostras de urina e sangue colhidas em papel filtro : uma alternativa para triagem de mucopolissacaridoses I e VI

As Mucopolissacaridoses (MPSs) são Erros Inatos do Metabolismo e pertencem ao grupo de Doenças Lisossômicas de Depósito. São causadas pela deficiência na atividade de enzimas responsáveis pela degradação dos glicosaminoglicanos (GAGs). As MPSs são graves e com um amplo espectro de anormalidades esqueléticas, comprometimento do sistema nervoso, disfunções orgânicas e acúmulo de lipídios complexos nos tecidos. Atualmente, a triagem para estas doenças é realizada pela quantificação de GAGs em amostra de urina e pela medida da atividade enzimática total em sangue colhido em papel filtro (SPF). O diagnóstico confirmatório é baseado na atividade específica das enzimas em leucócitos e plasma. O uso da urina impregnada em papel filtro (UPF) para triagem de MPSs juntamente com amostras de SPF fazem parte do objetivo geral deste trabalho, aprimorando as técnicas de análise das MPS I e VI. Primeiramente, adaptamos a técnica de eletroforese de GAGs urinários para um gel de agarose comercial, melhorando a separação do perfil eletroforético, quantificando as bandas de GAGs e reduzindo o tempo total da técnica. Demonstramos a forte correlação dos resultados de dosagens de GAGs urinários entre amostras de urina e de UPF. As amostras de UPF foram estáveis nas temperaturas de -20, 4 e 25 °C até um mês e à 37 °C até 3 semanas. Além disso, estas amostras ainda obtiveram bom desempenho ao serem submetidas à técnica de eletroforese, demostrando bandas visíveis no perfil eletroforético. Usando SPF, estabelecemos os parâmetros bioquímicos de pH ótimo, constante de Michaelis-Menten e velocidade máxima, das enzimas α-L-iduronidase (IDUA) e arilsulfatase B (ASB), nestas amostras. Determinamos nossos valores de referência para triagem de MPS I e VI em SPF, através de técnica fluorimétrica. A atividade da IDUA em SPF foi estável até 21 dias e a da ASB até 45 dias à 4ºC. As amostras de UPF são, portanto, uma alternativa segura e prática para realização das análises bioquímicas de GAGs urinários, através da dosagem total e separação de GAGs por eletroforese, assim como, as amostras de SPF para medida da atividade enzimática. Através de nossos resultados, concluímos que as amostras biológicas de urina e sangue colhidas em papel filtro apresentam grande potencial para uso em triagens de MPS I e VI e acompanhamento de pacientes em tratamento. O uso do papel filtro tem diversas vantagens, tais como: fácil transporte e armazenamento, menor volume de reação e segurança de manipulação das amostras, e, através da metodologia proposta neste trabalho, resultados bioquímicos seguros.Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are Inborn Errors of Metabolism and belong to the group of Lysosomal Storage Diseases. They are caused by deficiency in the activity of enzymes responsible for the degradation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). The MPS are serious and with a broad spectrum of skeletal abnormalities, involvement of the nervous system, organ dysfunction and accumulation of lipids in complex tissues. Currently, screening for these diseases is performed by quantification of GAGs in the urine sample and the measurement of total enzyme activity in blood collected on filter paper (DBS). Confirmatory diagnosis is based on the specific enzyme activity in leukocytes and plasma. The use of urine impregnated on filter paper (UFP) and DBS samples for screening of MPS are part of the overall goal of this work, improving the techniques for detection of MPS I and VI. First, we adapted the technique of electrophoresis of urinary GAGs for commercial agarose gel, improving the separation of the electrophoretic profile, quantifying bands GAGs and reducing the total time of the technique. We demonstrated the strong correlation of measurements of urinary GAGs between urine and UFP. UFP samples were stable at temperatures of -20, 4 and 25 °C until 1 month and at 37 °C until 3 weeks. Moreover, these samples still had good performance when undergoing electrophoresis, showing visible bands in the electrophoretic profile. Using DBS samples, we established biochemical parameters of pH optimum, Michaelis-Menten constant and Vmax of the α-L-iduronidase enzyme (IDUA) and arylsulfatase B (ASB). We determine our reference values for screening of MPS I and VI in DBS, using fluorimetric technique. IDUA activity in DBS was stable up to 21 days and the ASB within 45 days at 4 °C. UFP samples are therefore a safe and practical alternative for achieving the biochemical analysis of urinary GAGs by total dosage and separation by electrophoresis of GAG as well as samples of DBS for the measurement of enzyme activity. Through our results, we conclude that the biological samples of urine and blood collected on filter paper have great potential for use in screening for MPS I and VI and monitoring of patients undergoing treatment. The use of filter paper has several advantages, such as easy transportation and storage, lower reaction volume and safety of sample manipulation, and, using the methodology proposed in this work, secure biochemical results

Ação neuroprotetora dos polifenóis resveratrol e daidzeína e a expressão do gangliosídio GM1 em um modelo de cultura organotípica de hipocampo de rato submetido à privação de oxigênio-glicose

Os gangliosídios são glicoesfingolipídios caracterizados pela presença de ácido siálico em sua estrutura química e por suas altas concentrações nas membranas das células do sistema nervoso, além de desempenharem importantes funções celulares, como diferenciação, comunicação, maturação, plasticidade neuronal, entre outras. A isquemia cerebral está entre as principais causas de mortalidade e morbidade em todo o mundo, o que torna essa patologia alvo de muitos estudos para o entendimento dos mecanismos desencadeados que levam à morte neuronal, e ao mesmo tempo, com o objetivo de descobrir novos tratamentos farmacológicos. Neste estudo investigamos a ação neuroprotetora dos polifenóis resveratrol e daidzeína associando-a ao efeito destas substâncias sobre o perfil cromatográfico dos gangliosídios. Para isso, foi utilizado um modelo in vitro de privação de oxigênio-glicose (POG) em culturas organotípicas de hipocampo de rato. Nossos resultados demonstraram que o tratamento com ambos polifenóis diminuiu significativamente a morte celular induzida pela POG. Através da análise do perfil cromatográfico dos gangliosídios, podemos observar uma diminuição de expressão para o gangliosídio GM1 no grupo POG, o que não aconteceu nos grupos POG tratados com os polifenóis. Além disso, os resultados de imuno-histoquímica analisados por microscopia confocal, permitiram visualizar uma maior fluorescência de GM1 localizada na região dos neurônios hipocampais, marcados pela proteína NeuN. Portanto, esses resultados sugerem que a ação neuroprotetora dos polifenóis possa ocorrer através da expressão do gangliosídio GM1 em neurônios hipocampais, prevenindo desta forma, a morte celular.The gangliosides are glycosphingolipids characterized by the presence of sialic acid in their chemical structure and by their high concentrations in the nervous system cell membranes. Besides this, they have important cellular functions such as differentiation, communication, maturation, neuronal plasticity among others. Cerebral ischemia is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, making this disease the subject of many studies to understand the mechanisms that trigger the neuronal death. At the same time, the discovery of drugs that target these mechamisms could lead to new pharmacological treatments. We investigated the neuroprotective action of the polyphenols resveratrol and daidzein associating it to their effect on the chromatographic profile of gangliosides. For this, we used an in vitro model of oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) in organotypic cultures of rat hippocampus. Our results demonstrated that treatment with both polyphenols significantly decreased cell death induced by OGD. Through analysis of the chromatographic gangliosides profile, a decrease of GM1 ganglioside expression in OGD group was observed, which did not happen in the OGD groups treated with polyphenols. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry analysis by confocal microscopy, showed a greater GM1 fluorescence located in the region of hippocampal neurons, marked by NeuN protein. These results suggest that the polyphenols neuroprotective action may occur at the level of GM1 ganglioside expression in hippocampal neurons and may prevent cellular death

Ação neuroprotetora dos polifenóis resveratrol e daidzeína e a expressão do gangliosídio GM1 em um modelo de cultura organotípica de hipocampo de rato submetido à privação de oxigênio-glicose

Os gangliosídios são glicoesfingolipídios caracterizados pela presença de ácido siálico em sua estrutura química e por suas altas concentrações nas membranas das células do sistema nervoso, além de desempenharem importantes funções celulares, como diferenciação, comunicação, maturação, plasticidade neuronal, entre outras. A isquemia cerebral está entre as principais causas de mortalidade e morbidade em todo o mundo, o que torna essa patologia alvo de muitos estudos para o entendimento dos mecanismos desencadeados que levam à morte neuronal, e ao mesmo tempo, com o objetivo de descobrir novos tratamentos farmacológicos. Neste estudo investigamos a ação neuroprotetora dos polifenóis resveratrol e daidzeína associando-a ao efeito destas substâncias sobre o perfil cromatográfico dos gangliosídios. Para isso, foi utilizado um modelo in vitro de privação de oxigênio-glicose (POG) em culturas organotípicas de hipocampo de rato. Nossos resultados demonstraram que o tratamento com ambos polifenóis diminuiu significativamente a morte celular induzida pela POG. Através da análise do perfil cromatográfico dos gangliosídios, podemos observar uma diminuição de expressão para o gangliosídio GM1 no grupo POG, o que não aconteceu nos grupos POG tratados com os polifenóis. Além disso, os resultados de imuno-histoquímica analisados por microscopia confocal, permitiram visualizar uma maior fluorescência de GM1 localizada na região dos neurônios hipocampais, marcados pela proteína NeuN. Portanto, esses resultados sugerem que a ação neuroprotetora dos polifenóis possa ocorrer através da expressão do gangliosídio GM1 em neurônios hipocampais, prevenindo desta forma, a morte celular.The gangliosides are glycosphingolipids characterized by the presence of sialic acid in their chemical structure and by their high concentrations in the nervous system cell membranes. Besides this, they have important cellular functions such as differentiation, communication, maturation, neuronal plasticity among others. Cerebral ischemia is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, making this disease the subject of many studies to understand the mechanisms that trigger the neuronal death. At the same time, the discovery of drugs that target these mechamisms could lead to new pharmacological treatments. We investigated the neuroprotective action of the polyphenols resveratrol and daidzein associating it to their effect on the chromatographic profile of gangliosides. For this, we used an in vitro model of oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) in organotypic cultures of rat hippocampus. Our results demonstrated that treatment with both polyphenols significantly decreased cell death induced by OGD. Through analysis of the chromatographic gangliosides profile, a decrease of GM1 ganglioside expression in OGD group was observed, which did not happen in the OGD groups treated with polyphenols. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry analysis by confocal microscopy, showed a greater GM1 fluorescence located in the region of hippocampal neurons, marked by NeuN protein. These results suggest that the polyphenols neuroprotective action may occur at the level of GM1 ganglioside expression in hippocampal neurons and may prevent cellular death

Análises bioquímicas em amostras de urina e sangue colhidas em papel filtro : uma alternativa para triagem de mucopolissacaridoses I e VI

As Mucopolissacaridoses (MPSs) são Erros Inatos do Metabolismo e pertencem ao grupo de Doenças Lisossômicas de Depósito. São causadas pela deficiência na atividade de enzimas responsáveis pela degradação dos glicosaminoglicanos (GAGs). As MPSs são graves e com um amplo espectro de anormalidades esqueléticas, comprometimento do sistema nervoso, disfunções orgânicas e acúmulo de lipídios complexos nos tecidos. Atualmente, a triagem para estas doenças é realizada pela quantificação de GAGs em amostra de urina e pela medida da atividade enzimática total em sangue colhido em papel filtro (SPF). O diagnóstico confirmatório é baseado na atividade específica das enzimas em leucócitos e plasma. O uso da urina impregnada em papel filtro (UPF) para triagem de MPSs juntamente com amostras de SPF fazem parte do objetivo geral deste trabalho, aprimorando as técnicas de análise das MPS I e VI. Primeiramente, adaptamos a técnica de eletroforese de GAGs urinários para um gel de agarose comercial, melhorando a separação do perfil eletroforético, quantificando as bandas de GAGs e reduzindo o tempo total da técnica. Demonstramos a forte correlação dos resultados de dosagens de GAGs urinários entre amostras de urina e de UPF. As amostras de UPF foram estáveis nas temperaturas de -20, 4 e 25 °C até um mês e à 37 °C até 3 semanas. Além disso, estas amostras ainda obtiveram bom desempenho ao serem submetidas à técnica de eletroforese, demostrando bandas visíveis no perfil eletroforético. Usando SPF, estabelecemos os parâmetros bioquímicos de pH ótimo, constante de Michaelis-Menten e velocidade máxima, das enzimas α-L-iduronidase (IDUA) e arilsulfatase B (ASB), nestas amostras. Determinamos nossos valores de referência para triagem de MPS I e VI em SPF, através de técnica fluorimétrica. A atividade da IDUA em SPF foi estável até 21 dias e a da ASB até 45 dias à 4ºC. As amostras de UPF são, portanto, uma alternativa segura e prática para realização das análises bioquímicas de GAGs urinários, através da dosagem total e separação de GAGs por eletroforese, assim como, as amostras de SPF para medida da atividade enzimática. Através de nossos resultados, concluímos que as amostras biológicas de urina e sangue colhidas em papel filtro apresentam grande potencial para uso em triagens de MPS I e VI e acompanhamento de pacientes em tratamento. O uso do papel filtro tem diversas vantagens, tais como: fácil transporte e armazenamento, menor volume de reação e segurança de manipulação das amostras, e, através da metodologia proposta neste trabalho, resultados bioquímicos seguros.Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are Inborn Errors of Metabolism and belong to the group of Lysosomal Storage Diseases. They are caused by deficiency in the activity of enzymes responsible for the degradation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). The MPS are serious and with a broad spectrum of skeletal abnormalities, involvement of the nervous system, organ dysfunction and accumulation of lipids in complex tissues. Currently, screening for these diseases is performed by quantification of GAGs in the urine sample and the measurement of total enzyme activity in blood collected on filter paper (DBS). Confirmatory diagnosis is based on the specific enzyme activity in leukocytes and plasma. The use of urine impregnated on filter paper (UFP) and DBS samples for screening of MPS are part of the overall goal of this work, improving the techniques for detection of MPS I and VI. First, we adapted the technique of electrophoresis of urinary GAGs for commercial agarose gel, improving the separation of the electrophoretic profile, quantifying bands GAGs and reducing the total time of the technique. We demonstrated the strong correlation of measurements of urinary GAGs between urine and UFP. UFP samples were stable at temperatures of -20, 4 and 25 °C until 1 month and at 37 °C until 3 weeks. Moreover, these samples still had good performance when undergoing electrophoresis, showing visible bands in the electrophoretic profile. Using DBS samples, we established biochemical parameters of pH optimum, Michaelis-Menten constant and Vmax of the α-L-iduronidase enzyme (IDUA) and arylsulfatase B (ASB). We determine our reference values for screening of MPS I and VI in DBS, using fluorimetric technique. IDUA activity in DBS was stable up to 21 days and the ASB within 45 days at 4 °C. UFP samples are therefore a safe and practical alternative for achieving the biochemical analysis of urinary GAGs by total dosage and separation by electrophoresis of GAG as well as samples of DBS for the measurement of enzyme activity. Through our results, we conclude that the biological samples of urine and blood collected on filter paper have great potential for use in screening for MPS I and VI and monitoring of patients undergoing treatment. The use of filter paper has several advantages, such as easy transportation and storage, lower reaction volume and safety of sample manipulation, and, using the methodology proposed in this work, secure biochemical results

Use of a commercial agarose gel for analysis of urinary glycosaminoglycans in mucopolysaccharidoses

ABSTRACT Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are a group of inherited metabolic disorders caused by deficiency of enzymes that degrade glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Urinary excretion of GAGs is a common feature of MPS, and is considered their major biomarker. We aimed to adapt the GAG electrophoresis method to a commercial agarose gel which would be able to separate urinary GAGs in a simpler way with good sensitivity and reproducibility. Urine samples from patients previously diagnosed with MPS I, IV, and VI were used as electrophoretic standards. Samples from patients on enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) were also assessed. Commercial agarose gel electrophoresis was effective, showing proper definition and separation of GAG bands. Detection sensitivity exceeded 0.1 µg and band reproducibility were consistent. GAG bands quantified in urine samples from patients on ERT correlated very strongly (correlation coefficient = 0.98) with total GAG concentrations. This application of gel electrophoresis demonstrates the possibility of monitoring patients with MPS treated with ERT by analyzing separately the GAGs excreted in urine. We suggest this process should be applied to MPS screening as well as to follow-up of patients on treatment