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Trypanosoma cruzi is the causal agent of American Trypanosomiasis or Chagas Disease in humans. The current drugs for its treatment benznidazole and nifurtimox have inconveniences of toxicity and efficacy; therefore, the search for new therapies continues. Validation through genetic strategies of new drug targets against the parasite metabolism have identified numerous essential genes. Target validation can be further narrowed by applying Metabolic Control Analysis (MCA) to determine the flux control coefficients of the pathway enzymes. That coefficient is a quantitative value that represents the degree in which an enzyme/transporter determines the flux of a metabolic pathway; those with the highest coefficients can be promising drug targets. Previous studies have demonstrated that cysteine (Cys) is a key precursor for the synthesis of trypanothione, the main antioxidant metabolite in the parasite. In this research, MCA was applied in an ex vivo system to the enzymes of the reverse transsulfuration pathway (RTP) for Cys synthesis composed by cystathionine beta synthase (CBS) and cystathionine gamma lyase (CGL). The results indicated that CGL has 90% of the control of the pathway flux. Inhibition of CGL with propargylglycine (PAG) decreased the levels of Cys and trypanothione and depleted those of glutathione in epimastigotes (proliferative stage in the insect vector); these metabolite changes were prevented by supplementing with Cys, suggesting a compensatory role of the Cys transport (CysT). Indeed, Cys supplementation (but not PAG treatment) increased the activity of the CysT in epimastigotes whereas in trypomastigotes (infective stage in mammals) CysT was increased when they were incubated with PAG. Our results suggested that CGL could be a potential drug target given its high control on the RTP flux and its effects on the parasite antioxidant defense. However, the redundant Cys supply pathways in the parasite may require inhibition of the CysT as well. Our findings also suggest differential responses of the Cys supply pathways in different parasite stages.

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Angiotensin-II (AgII) is thought to be crucial for tumor growth and progression. Moreover, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) performs a controversial action in cancer pathology. Zofenopril (ZF) is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor with H2S donating properties. Hence, this study aims at investigating the tumor suppressor activity of ZF and elucidating the involved trajectories in Ehrlich's solid tumor (EST)-bearing mice. EST was induced by the intradermal injection of Ehrlich's ascites carcinoma cells into femoral region. All parameters were assessed after 28 days post-inoculation or one-week thereafter. ZF treatment resulted in significant reduction of tumor weights with marked decrease in IL-6 and VEGF levels in serum, and tumor Ag II and CEA contents. Additionally, the administration of ZF downregulated the tumor gene expression of cyclin-D, ACE-1, and Bcl2 and upregulated the proapoptotic gene, BAX. Moreover, ZF increased CBS gene expression, which is a major contributor to cellular H2S production. In addition, ZF was able to reduce the protein expression of PI3K, pAKT, pGSK-3ß, and NFκB. Our study has provided novel insights into the possible mechanisms by which ZF may produce its tumor defeating properties. These intersecting trajectories involve the interference between PI3K/Akt and CBS signaling pathways

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BACKGROUND: Hyperhomocysteinemia, a thrombotic risk factor, may have several causes. Among the genetic causes of hyperhomocysteinemia, there are polymorphisms in the enzymes methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (C677T) and cystathionine ß-synthase (C699T, C1080T, and 844ins68). Although the frequency of hyperhomocysteinemia in our country is high, there is no evidence about the frequencies of these polymorphisms. METHODS: We analyzed 80 healthy individuals from several regions in our country. We evaluated the fasting and post-oral methionine load plasma Hcy and the genotypes in order to obtain the allele frequencies of the polymorphisms C677T of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase and C699T, C1080T, and 844ins68 of the cystathionine ß-synthase. RESULTS: No individual had deficiency of folic acid, vitamins B12, or B6, but 80% had post-oral methionine load hyperhomocysteinemia. We found a significant increase in the Hcy plasma concentration associated with age and gender. Only the polymorphism C1080T was significantly associated with hyperhomocysteinemia. CONCLUSION: There is an association between fasting and post-oral methionine load plasma Hcy concentrations with the allelic frequencies of the polymorphisms C669T, 844ins68, and C1080T of the cystathionine ß-synthase and C667T of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase in healthy Mexican individuals. As compared with individuals with normal fasting or post-oral methionine load Hcy plasma levels, only C1080T was significantly associated with hyperhomocysteinemia.

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Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) display autonomic imbalance and abnormal body temperature (Tb) adjustments. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) modulates hypoxia-induced hypothermia, but its role in SHR thermoregulation is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that SHR display peculiar thermoregulatory response to hypoxia and that endogenous H2S overproduced in the caudal nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) of SHR modulates this response. SHR and Wistar rats were microinjected into the fourth ventricle with aminooxyacetate (AOA, H2S-synthezing enzyme inhibitor) or sodium sulfide (Na2S, H2S donor) and exposed to normoxia (21% inspired O2) or hypoxia (10% inspired O2, 30 min). Tb was continuously measured, and H2S production rate was assessed in caudal NTS homogenates. In both groups, AOA, Na2S, or saline (i.e., control; 1 µL) did not affect euthermia. Hypoxia caused similar decreases in Tb in both groups. AOA presented a longer latency to potentiate hypoxic hypothermia in SHR. Caudal NTS H2S production rate was higher in SHR. We suggest that increased bioavailability of H2S in the caudal NTS of SHR enables the adequate modulation of excitability of peripheral chemoreceptor-activated NTS neurons that ultimately induce suppression of brown adipose tissue thermogenesis, thus accounting for the normal hypoxic hypothermia.

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ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a serious public health problem, due to its high mortality rate and worldwide rising incidence. OSCC susceptibility is mediated by interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Studies suggest that genetic variants encoding enzymes involved in folate metabolism may modulate OSCC risk by altering DNA synthesis/repair and methylation process. OBJECTIVE: The goals of this study were to evaluate the association of three genotypic polymorphism (MTHFR C677T, MTHFR A1298C and CBS 844ins68) and oral cancer risk in southeastern Brazilians and evaluate the interactions between polymorphisms and clinical histopathological parameters. METHODS: This case-control study included 101 cases and 102 controls in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. MTHFR genotyping was done by PCR-RFLP (polymerase chain reaction - restriction fragment length polymorphism) and CBS genotyping by PCR (polymerase chain reaction) analysis. RESULTS: MTHFR C677T polymorphism was associated with lymph node involvement. Genotype CT + TT acted as a protective factor. MTHFR A1298C AC + CC genotype was associated with tumor differentiation, and possibly with a better prognosis. In risk analysis, no correlation was observed between genotypes and OSCC. CONCLUSION: We concluded that MTHFR C677T, MTHFR A1298C and CBS 844ins68 polymorphisms were not associated with OSCC risk in southeastern Brazilians; however, we suggest a prognosis effect associated with MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms in OSCC.

Resumo Introdução: O carcinoma espinocelular oral (CECO) trata-se de um importante problema de saúde pública, devido à elevada taxa de mortalidade e incidência crescente em todo o mundo. A susceptibilidade ao CECO é mediada por interações entre fatores genéticos e ambientais. Estudos sugerem que as variantes genéticas que codificam as enzimas envolvidas no metabolismo do folato podem modular o risco de CECO, alterando a síntese/reparação do DNA e o processo de metilação. Objetivo: Os objetivos deste estudo foram avaliar a associação de três polimorfismos genotípicos (MTHFR C677T, MTHFR A1298C e CBS 844ins68) e o risco de câncer oral em brasileiros da região Sudeste, e avaliar as interações entre polimorfismos e parâmetros clínico-histopatológicos. Método: Este estudo de caso-controle incluiu 101 casos e 102 controles no estado do Espírito Santo, Brasil. A genotipagem do polimorfismo MTHFR foi realizada por PCR-RFLP (Reação de Polimerase em Cadeia - Polimorfismo no Comprimento de Fragmento de Restrição) e a do CBS por análise da PCR (Reação de Polimerase em Cadeia). Resultados: O polimorfismo MTHFR C677T foi associado ao envolvimento de gânglios linfáticos. O genótipo CT + TT atuou como um fator protetor. O genótipo MTHFR A1298C AC + CC foi associado à diferenciação do tumor e, possivelmente, a um prognóstico melhor. Na análise de risco, a correlação entre os genótipos e o CECO não foi observada. Conclusão: Concluímos que os polimorfismos MTHFR C677T, MTHFR A1298C e CBS 844ins68 não estão associados ao risco de CECO nos brasileiros da região Sudeste; no entanto, sugerimos um efeito prognóstico associado aos polimorfismos MTHFR C677T e A1298C em CECO.

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INTRODUCTION: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a serious public health problem, due to its high mortality rate and worldwide rising incidence. OSCC susceptibility is mediated by interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Studies suggest that genetic variants encoding enzymes involved in folate metabolism may modulate OSCC risk by altering DNA synthesis/repair and methylation process. OBJECTIVE: The goals of this study were to evaluate the association of three genotypic polymorphism (MTHFR C677T, MTHFR A1298C and CBS 844ins68) and oral cancer risk in southeastern Brazilians and evaluate the interactions between polymorphisms and clinical histopathological parameters. METHODS: This case-control study included 101 cases and 102 controls in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. MTHFR genotyping was done by PCR-RFLP (polymerase chain reaction - restriction fragment length polymorphism) and CBS genotyping by PCR (polymerase chain reaction) analysis. RESULTS: MTHFR C677T polymorphism was associated with lymph node involvement. Genotype CT+TT acted as a protective factor. MTHFR A1298C AC+CC genotype was associated with tumor differentiation, and possibly with a better prognosis. In risk analysis, no correlation was observed between genotypes and OSCC. CONCLUSION: We concluded that MTHFR C677T, MTHFR A1298C and CBS 844ins68 polymorphisms were not associated with OSCC risk in southeastern Brazilians; however, we suggest a prognosis effect associated with MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms in OSCC.

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Hypoxia evokes a regulated decrease in deep body temperature (Tb). Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a signaling molecule that belongs to the gasotransmitter family, has been demonstrated to participate in several brain-mediated responses. Rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) is a brainstem region involved in thermoregulation. Recently, it has been shown that exogenous H2S modulates RVLM activity. In the present study, we investigated whether endogenously produced H2S in the RVLM plays a role in the control of hypoxia-induced hypothermia. Tb was measured before and after bilateral microinjection of aminooxyacetate (AOA, 0.2, 1 and 2 pmol/100 nl, a cystathionine ß-synthase, CBS, inhibitor) or vehicle into the RVLM followed by a 60-min normoxia (21% inspired O2) or hypoxia (7% inspired O2) exposure. Microinjection of AOA or vehicle did not change Tb during normoxia. Exposure to hypoxia evoked a typical decrease in Tb. Microinjection of AOA (2 pmol) into the RVLM followed by hypoxia significantly attenuated the decrease in Tb. Thus, endogenous H2S in the RVLM seems to play no role in the maintenance of basal Tb, whereas during hypoxia this gas plays a cryogenic role. Moreover, RVLM homogenates of rats exposed to hypoxia exhibited a decreased rate of H2S production. Our data are consistent with the notion that during hypoxia H2S synthesis is diminished in the RVLM facilitating hypothermia.

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AIM: Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is endogenously produced and plays an important role as a modulator of neuronal functions; however, its modulatory role in the central CO2 chemoreception is unknown. The aim of the present study was to assess the role of endogenously produced H2S in the ventilatory response to hypercapnia in adult conscious rats. METHODS: Cystathionine ß-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) inhibitors (aminooxyacetate: AOA and propargylglycine: PAG respectively) and a H2S donor (sodium sulphide: Na2S) were microinjected into the fourth ventricle (4V). Ventilation (V̇(E)), oxygen consumption (V̇O2) and body temperature were recorded before (room air) and during a 30-min CO2 exposure (hypercapnia, 7% CO2). Endogenous H2S levels were measured in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS). RESULTS: Microinjection of Na2S (H2S donor), AOA (CBS inhibitor) or PAG (CSE inhibitor) did not affect baseline of the measured variables compared to control group (vehicle). In all experimental groups, hypercapnia elicited an increase in V̇(E). However, AOA microinjection, but not PAG, attenuated the ventilatory response to hypercapnia (P < 0.05), whereas Na2S elicited a slight, not significant, enhancement. Moreover, endogenous H2S levels were found higher in the NTS after hypercapnia (P < 0.05) compared to room air (normoxia) condition. CONCLUSION: There are a few reports on the role of gaseous transmitters in the control of breathing. Importantly, the present data suggest that endogenous H2S via the CBS-H2S pathway mediates the ventilatory response to hypercapnia playing an excitatory role.

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Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is now recognized as a new gaseous transmitter involved in several brain-mediated responses. The rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM)/Bötzinger complex is a region in the brainstem that is involved in cardiovascular and respiratory functions. Recently, it has been shown that exogenous H2S in the RVLM modulates autonomic function and thus blood pressure. In the present study, we investigated whether H2S, endogenously produced in the RVLM/Bötzinger complex, plays a role in the control of hypoxia-induced hyperventilation. Ventilation (VE) was measured before and after bilateral microinjection of Na2S (H2S donor, 0.04, 1 and 2 pmol/100 nl) or aminooxyacetate (AOA, 0.2, 1 and 2 pmol/100 nl, a cystathionine ß-synthase, CBS, inhibitor) into the RVLM/Bötzinger complex followed by a 60-min period of hypoxia (7% inspired O2) or normoxia exposure. Control rats received microinjection of vehicle. Microinjection of vehicle, AOA or Na2S did not change VE in normoxic conditions. Exposure to hypoxia evoked a typical increase in VE. Microinjection of Na2S (2 pmol) followed by hypoxia exposure attenuated the hyperventilation. Conversely, microinjection of AOA (2 pmol) into the RVLM/Bötzinger complex caused an increase in the hypoxia-induced hyperventilation. Thus, endogenous H2S in the RVLM/Bötzinger complex seems to play no role in the maintenance of basal pulmonary ventilation during normoxia whereas during hypoxia H2S has a downmodulatory function. Homogenates of RVLM/Bötzinger complex of animals previously exposed to hypoxia for 60 min exhibited a decreased rate of H2S production. Our data are consistent with the notion that the gaseous messenger H2S synthesis is downregulated in the RVLM/Bötzinger complex during hypoxia favoring hyperventilation.

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AIM: We hypothesized that hydrogen sulphide (H2 S), acting specifically in the anteroventral preoptic region (AVPO - an important integrating site of thermal and cardiorespiratory responses to hypoxia in which H2 S synthesis has been shown to be increased under hypoxic conditions), modulates the hypoxic ventilatory response. METHODS: To test this hypothesis, we measured pulmonary ventilation (V˙E) and deep body temperature of rats before and after intracerebroventricular (icv) or intra-AVPO microinjection of aminooxyacetate (AOA; CBS inhibitor) or Na2 S (H2 S donor) followed by 60 min of hypoxia exposure (7% O2 ). Furthermore, we assessed the AVPO levels of H2 S of rats exposed to hypoxia. Control rats were kept under normoxia. RESULTS: Microinjection of vehicle, AOA or Na2 S did not change V˙E under normoxic conditions. Hypoxia caused an increase in ventilation, which was potentiated by microinjection of AOA because of a further augmented tidal volume. Conversely, treatment with Na2 S significantly attenuated this response. The in vivo H2 S data indicated that during hypoxia the lower the deep body temperature the smaller the degree of hyperventilation. Under hypoxia, H2 S production was found to be increased in the AVPO, indicating that its production is responsive to hypoxia. The CBS inhibitor attenuated the hypoxia-induced increase in the H2 S synthesis, suggesting an endogenous synthesis of the gas. CONCLUSION: These data provide solid evidence that AVPO H2 S production is stimulated by hypoxia, and this gaseous messenger exerts an inhibitory modulation of the hypoxic ventilatory response. It is probable that the H2 S modulation of hypoxia-induced hyperventilation is at least in part in proportion to metabolism.

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INTRODUCTION: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inflammatory condition with an increase in the adhesion of sickled erythrocytes, and it is a potential cause of vaso-occlusive episodes, an event related to clinical manifestations, morbidity and mortality. The cystathionine beta-synthase enzyme gene (CBS) and the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase enzyme gene (MTHFR) are risk factors for thromboembolic disorders. This study evaluated the frequency of the 844ins68 CBS and C677T MTHFR gene polymorphisms and their possibility to be risk factors for vaso-occlusive crises. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In total 91 blood samples from SCD patients were studied by PCR-RFLP and PCR-allele-specific, for the SCD genotype confirmation and polymorphism identification. RESULTS: The presence of clinical manifestations related to vaso-occlusive crises were more frequent among patients with the Hb SS genotype (p = 0.007). The CBS enzyme gene was three times more frequent (p = 0.011) among patients with vaso-occlusive complications. The MTHFR gene mutation frequency showed no increased risk for vaso-occlusive crises in SCD patients (p = 0.193). The interaction between the two polymorphisms was evaluated in 12.08% of the SCD patients and doubled the vaso-occlusive disease risk (relative risk: 2.16). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the presence of 844ins68 CBS and C677T MTHFR gene polymorphism was a risk factor for vaso-occlusive episodes in the SCD patients evaluated.

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Introducción. Se produce trombosis cuando en el sistema hemostático se desequilibran los mecanismos procoagulantes, anticoagulantes y fibrinolíticos, y se forman coágulos dentro de los vasos sanguíneos. Los factores de riesgo para el desarrollo de esta enfermedad pueden ser adquiridos o genéticos, polimorfismos o mutaciones en genes que conducen a hiperhomocisteinemia o que están comprometidos en las vías de coagulación. Objetivos. Analizar, en una población colombiana con diagnóstico de trombosis venosa el perfil lipídico, los niveles de glucosa y homocisteína, y calcular las frecuencias alélicas y genotípicas de los polimorfismos c.677C>T del gen de la metilen-tetra-hidrofolato reductasa (MTHFR) y c. 699C>T, c.1080 C>T, c.844ins68 del gen de la cistationina betasintasa (CBS).Materiales y métodos. Se estudiaron 33 pacientes con sus respectivos controles. Las pruebas bioquímicas se realizaron por métodos colorimétricos y de inmunoensayo. Se utilizó la técnica de fragmentos de longitud polimórfica para la identificación de los polimorfismos mencionados. El estudio de asociación se hizo mediante la prueba de de ji al cuadrado. Resultados. Se confirmó el papel de algunos factores de riesgo ya establecidos para el desarrollo de enfermedad trombótica venosa y se encontró un efecto protector del polimorfismo CBS c.699C>T para el riesgo de hipercolesterolemia con diferencia estadísticamente significativa en el grupo de los casos al compararlo con los controles. Por otra parte, se encontró una tendencia estadística que podría indicar un efecto protector del polimorfismo 844ins68 para el desarrollo de enfermedad trombótica venosa. Conclusiones. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en los niveles de homocisteína entre el grupo de casos y de controles. Sin embargo, la variabilidad en las concentraciones plasmáticas fue mayor en los casos.

Introduction. Thrombosis develops when the hemostatic system is incorrectly activated due to the unbalance between procoagulant, anticoagulant and fibrinolytic mechanisms allowing the formation of a clot within a blood vessel. The risk factors of this pathology can be acquired or can be genetic. Objectives. To analyze in a Colombian population with diagnosis of venous thrombosis, lipid profile, glucose and homocystein levels, to calculate the alleles and genotypic frequencies of polymorphisms c.699 C>T, c.1080 C>T, c.844ins68 of the cystathionine ß synthase and the c.677 C>T of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) genes. Materials and methods. Thirty three patients and their controls were studied. The biochemical test was carried out by colorimetric methods and immunoassay. In this survey we used the restriction fragments longitude polymorphism (RLFP) technique to identify the polymorphisms mentioned. The association study was performed through the chi square test. Results. We confirmed that gene alterations increase risk for pathology; we found statistically significant differences in the group with hypercholesterolemia in presence of the polymorphism c.699 C>T in the CBS gene, showing a protective effect in the individuals carrying this genetic variation. Likewise, we found a statistical trend for an eventual protective effect of the CBS c.844ins68 polymorphism to venous thrombotic disease. Conclusions. There were not any statistically significant differences in homocystein levels between cases and controls; nevertheless, the variability in the plasma concentrations was greater in the group of cases.

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