ERK signaling promotes resistance to TRK kinase inhibition in NTRK fusion-driven glioma mouse models.

Pediatric-type high-grade gliomas frequently harbor gene fusions involving receptor tyrosine kinase genes, including neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor (NTRK) fusions. Clinically, these tumors show high initial response rates to tyrosine kinase inhibition but ultimately recur due to the accumulation of additional resistance-conferring mutations. Here, we developed a series of genetically engineered mouse models of treatment-naïve and -experienced NTRK1/2/3 fusion-driven gliomas. Both the TRK kinase domain and the N-terminal fusion partners influenced tumor histology and aggressiveness. Treatment with TRK kinase inhibitors significantly extended survival of NTRK fusion-driven glioma mice in a fusion- and inhibitor-dependent manner, but tumors ultimately recurred due to the presence of treatment-resistant persister cells. Finally, we show that ERK activation promotes resistance to TRK kinase inhibition and identify MEK inhibition as a potential combination therapy. These models will be invaluable tools for preclinical testing of novel inhibitors and to study the cellular responses of NTRK fusion-driven gliomas to therapy.

Evaluation of a DNA demethylating agent in combination with all-trans retinoic acid for IDH1-mutant gliomas.

BACKGROUND: Isocitrate Dehydrogenase 1/2 (IDH1/2) mutations are diagnostic for Astrocytoma or Oligodendroglioma, IDH-mutant. In these IDH-mutant gliomas, retinoic acid-related gene expression is commonly silenced by DNA hypermethylation. DNA demethylating agents can epigenetically reprogram IDH-mutant cells and reduce proliferation, likely by re-expression of silenced tumor suppressor pathways. We hypothesized that DNA demethylation might restore the retinoic acid pathway and slow tumor growth. This was the rationale for a preclinical evaluation combining the DNA demethylating agent, 5-Azacytidine (5-Aza), and retinoic acid pathway activation with all-trans retinoic acid (atRA) in IDH-mutant glioma. METHODS: In this study, we evaluated the effect of 5-Aza and atRA combination on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and gene expression in human glioma cells. In addition, the efficacy of this combination was tested in patient-derived xenograft (PDX) bearing the IDH1R132H mutation, utilizing subcutaneous and orthotopic models. RESULTS: 5-Aza reduced the DNA methylation profile and increased the gene expression of retinoic acid-related genes. Combination of 5-Aza and atRA reduced cell growth, increased differentiation marker expression, and apoptosis in IDH1R132H glioma cells. Mechanistically, 5-Aza sensitized IDHIR132H glioma cells to atRA via upregulation of the retinoic acid pathway. Importantly, the drug combination reduced significantly the growth rate of subcutaneous tumors, but in an orthotopic mouse model, the combination did not improve survival and 5-Aza alone provided the best survival benefit. CONCLUSION: Use of DNA demethylating agent in combination with retinoids shows promise, but further optimization and preclinical studies are required for treatment of intracranial IDH-mutant gliomas.

The glutamine antagonist prodrug JHU-083 slows malignant glioma growth and disrupts mTOR signaling.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic reprogramming is a common feature in cancer, and it is critical to facilitate cancer cell growth. Isocitrate Dehydrogenase 1/2 (IDH1 and IDH2) mutations (IDHmut) are the most common genetic alteration in glioma grade II and III and secondary glioblastoma and these mutations increase reliance on glutamine metabolism, suggesting a potential vulnerability. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the brain penetrant glutamine antagonist prodrug JHU-083 reduces glioma cell growth. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed cell growth, cell cycle, and protein expression in glutamine deprived or Glutaminase (GLS) gene silenced glioma cells. We tested the effect of JHU-083 on cell proliferation, metabolism, and mTOR signaling in cancer cell lines. An orthotopic IDH1R132H glioma model was used to test the efficacy of JHU-083 in vivo. RESULTS: Glutamine deprivation and GLS gene silencing reduced glioma cell proliferation in vitro in glioma cells. JHU-083 reduced glioma cell growth in vitro, modulated cell metabolism, and disrupted mTOR signaling and downregulated Cyclin D1 protein expression, through a mechanism independent of TSC2 modulation and glutaminolysis. IDH1R132H isogenic cells preferentially reduced cell growth and mTOR signaling downregulation. In addition, guanine supplementation partially rescued IDHmut glioma cell growth, mTOR signaling, and Cyclin D1 protein expression in vitro. Finally, JHU-083 extended survival in an intracranial IDH1 mut glioma model and reduced intracranial pS6 protein expression. CONCLUSION: Targeting glutamine metabolism with JHU-083 showed efficacy in preclinical models of IDHmut glioma and measurably decreased mTOR signaling.

Demethylation and epigenetic modification with 5-azacytidine reduces IDH1 mutant glioma growth in combination with temozolomide.

BACKGROUND: Isocitrate deyhydrogenase (IDH) mutant glioma comprises the majority of grades II-III gliomas and nearly all secondary glioblastomas. These progressive gliomas arise from mutations in IDH1 or IDH2 that pathologically produce D-2-hydroxyglutarate (2HG), which interferes with cell reactions using alpha ketoglutarate, leading to a hypermethylated genome and epigenetic dysregulation of gene expression initiating tumorigenesis. METHODS: Human IDH1 wild type (wt) and IDH1 R132H cell lines and patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) were used to evaluate the FDA-approved DNA demethylating agent 5-azacytidine (5-aza). Cell growth, protein and gene expression, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and nucleosome position assays were performed in 5-aza treated cells. To evaluate antitumor activity in vivo, 5-aza was administered alone and in combination with temozolomide (TMZ) in a PDX glioma model harboring IDH1 R132H mutation. RESULTS: 5-Aza treatment has been found to reduce cell growth and increase expression of glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP). Chromatin immunoprecipitation and nucleosome position assay showed that the mechanism of increased GFAP expression induction is associated with histone modification and nucleosome repositioning of the GFAP promoter, respectively. In vivo, 5-aza treatment extended survival in IDH1 R132H mutant but not in an IDH1 wt glioma model. Additionally, 5-aza enhances the therapeutic effect of the DNA damaging agent TMZ in both subcutaneous and orthotopic PDX models of IDH1 R132H mutant glioma. CONCLUSION: 5-Aza provided a survival benefit as a single agent but worked best in combination with TMZ in 2 different IDH1 R132H mutant glioma models.

Liver lipid metabolism disruption in cancer cachexia is aggravated by cla supplementation -induced inflammation.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The liver is the main organ regulating metabolism. In spite of that, few studies examine liver metabolism in cachexia, a wasting syndrome associated with increased morbidity and mortality in cancer. Cachexia induces major metabolic disruption, inflammation and fat and lean mass loss. We have previously shown impairment of hepatic lipid metabolism in cancer cachexia that contributes to the aggravation of the symptoms. The present study addresses the effects of Conjugated Linoleic Acid supplementation upon liver lipid metabolism in cachectic rats. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to control groups (C) receiving 0.9 NaCl (Placebo CP); or to groups supplemented with sunflower oil (CSF), supplemented with CLA (CCLA), or still, to tumour bearing animals (T) receiving NaCl (TP), sunflower oil (TSF), or CLA (TCLA). Supplementation (0.5 ml) by gavage was carried out for 14 days. Body weight, dietary intake, glucose, cholesterol and triacylglycerol plasma content, liver glycogen and triacylglycerol content and mRNA expression of liver carnitine palmitoyltransferase I and II (CPT I and II), as well as microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP), liver fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-alpha), and apolipoprotein B (apoB), were assessed. RESULTS: Liver CPT II activity was reduced in all groups, when compared with CP. Hepatic mRNA expression of MTP, apoB and FABP was reduced in TCLA, when compared with all groups. TCLA also presented increased hepatic and plasma triacylglycerol content, when compared with all T groups. Adipose tissue-derived inflammatory factors were assessed. No differences among the groups were observed in regard to Retro Peritoneal Adipose Tissue cytokine (IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α) protein content and expression, with the exception of IL-10 in tumour-bearing animals. In the Epididymal Adipose Tissue, the inflammatory cytokines were augmented in TCLA, compared with all other groups. CONCLUSION: CLA supplementation fails to promote the re-establishment of hepatic lipid metabolism in tumour-bearing animals, and therefore is not recommended in cancer-related cachexia.

Nc886 is epigenetically repressed in prostate cancer and acts as a tumor suppressor through the inhibition of cell growth.

BACKGROUND: Nc886 is a 102 bp non-coding RNA transcript initially classified as a microRNA precursor (Pre-miR-886), later as a divergent homologue of the vault RNAs (vtRNA 2-1) and more recently as a novel type of RNA (nc886). Although nc886/vtRNA2-1/Pre-miR-886 identity is still controversial, it was shown to be epigenetically controlled, presenting both tumor suppressor and oncogenic function in different cancers. Here, we study for the first time the role of nc886 in prostate cancer. METHODS: Nc886 promoter methylation status and its correlation with patient clinical parameters or DNMTs levels were evaluated in TCGA and specific GEO prostate tissue datasets. Nc886 level was measured by RT-qPCR to compare normal/neoplastic prostate cells from radical prostatectomies and cell lines, and to assess nc886 response to demethylating agents. The effect of nc886 recovery in cell proliferation (in vitro and in vivo) and invasion (in vitro) was evaluated using lentiviral transduced DU145 and LNCaP cell lines. The association between the expression of nc886 and selected genes was analyzed in the TCGA-PRAD cohort. RESULTS: Nc886 promoter methylation increases in tumor vs. normal prostate tissue, as well as in metastatic vs. normal prostate tissue. Additionally, nc886 promoter methylation correlates with prostate cancer clinical staging, including biochemical recurrence, Clinical T-value and Gleason score. Nc886 transcript is downregulated in tumor vs. normal tissue -in agreement with its promoter methylation status- and increases upon demethylating treatment. In functional studies, the overexpression of nc886 in the LNCaP and DU145 cell line leads to a decreased in vitro cell proliferation and invasion, as well as a reduced in vivo cell growth in NUDE-mice tumor xenografts. Finally, nc886 expression associates with the prostate cancer cell cycle progression gene signature in TCGA-PRAD. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest a tumor suppressor role for nc886 in the prostate, whose expression is epigenetically silenced in cancer leading to an increase in cell proliferation and invasion. Nc886 might hold clinical value in prostate cancer due to its association with clinical parameters and with a clinically validated gene signature.

White adipose tissue IFN-γ expression and signalling along the progression of rodent cancer cachexia.

Cachexia is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in cancer. The White adipose tissue (WAT) synthesizes and releases several pro-inflammatory cytokines that play a role in cancer cachexia-related systemic inflammation. IFN-γ is a pleiotropic cytokine that regulates several immune and metabolic functions. To assess whether IFN-γ signalling in different WAT pads is modified along cancer-cachexia progression, we evaluated IFN-γ receptors expression (IFNGR1 and IFNGR2) and IFN-γ protein expression in a rodent model of cachexia (7, 10, and 14days after tumour implantation). IFN-γ protein expression was heterogeneously modulated in WAT, with increases in the mesenteric pad and decreased levels in the retroperitoneal depot along cachexia progression. Ifngr1 was up-regulated 7days after tumour cell injection in mesenteric and epididymal WAT, but the retroperitoneal depot showed reduced Ifngr1 gene expression. Ifngr2 gene expression was increased 7 and 14days after tumour inoculation in mesenteric WAT. The results provide evidence that changes in IFN-γ expression and signalling may be perceived at stages preceding refractory cachexia, and therefore, might be employed as a means to assess the early stage of the syndrome.

Doxorubicin caused severe hyperglycaemia and insulin resistance, mediated by inhibition in AMPk signalling in skeletal muscle.

BACKGROUND: Cancer is considered the second leading cause of death in the world, and for the treatment of this disease, pharmacological intervention strategies are frequently based on chemotherapy. Doxorubicin (DOX) is one of the most widely used chemotherapeutic agents in clinical practice for treating a number of solid tumours. The treatment with DOX mimics some effects of cancer cachexia, such as anorexia, asthenia, decreases in fat and skeletal muscle mass and fatigue. We observed that treatment with DOX increased the systemic insulin resistance and caused a massive increase in glucose levels in serum. Skeletal muscle is a major tissue responsible for glucose uptake, and the positive role of AMPk protein (AMP-activated protein kinase) in GLUT-4 (Glucose Transporter type 4) translocation, is well established. With this, our aim was to assess the insulin sensitivity after treatment with DOX and involvement of AMPk signalling in skeletal muscle in this process. METHODS: We used Wistar rats which received a single dose of doxorubicin (DOX group) or saline (CT group) intraperitoneally at a dose of 15 mg/kg b.w. The expression of proteins involved in insulin sensitivity, glucose uptake, inflammation, and activity of electron transport chain was assessed in extensor digitorum longus muscle, as well as the histological evaluation. In vitro assays were performed in L6 myocytes to assess glucose uptake after treatment with DOX. Agonist of AMPk [5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide (AICAR)] and the antioxidant n-acetyl cysteine were used in L6 cells to evaluate its effect on glucose uptake and cell viability. RESULTS: The animals showed a significant insulin resistance, hyperglycaemia, and hyperinsulinemia. A decrease in the expression of AMKP and GLUT-4 was observed in the extensor digitorum longus muscle. Also in L6 cells, DOX leads to a decrease in glucose uptake, which is reversed with AICAR. CONCLUSIONS: DOX leads to conditions similar to cachexia, with severe glucose intolerance both in vivo and in vitro. The decrease of AMPk activity of the protein is modulated negatively with DOX, and treatment with agonist of AMPk (AICAR) has proved to be a possible therapeutic target, which is able to recover glucose sensitivity in skeletal muscle.

Notch pathway is activated by MAPK signaling and influences papillary thyroid cancer proliferation.

Mutually exclusive genetic alterations in the RET, RAS, or BRAF genes, which result in constitutively active mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, are present in about 70% of papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs). However, the effect of MAPK activation on other signaling pathways involved in oncogenic transformation, such as Notch, remains unclear. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the MAPK pathway regulates Notch signaling and that Notch signaling plays a role in PTC cell proliferation. Conditional induction of MAPK signaling oncogenes RET/PTC3 or BRAF(T1799A) in normal rat thyroid cell line mediated activation of Notch signaling, upregulating Notch1 receptor and Hes1, the downstream effector of Notch pathway. Conversely, pharmacological inhibition of MAPK reduced Notch signaling in PTC cell. Thyroid tumor samples from transgenic mice expressing BRAF(T1799A) and primary human PTC samples showed high levels of Notch1 expression. Down-regulation of Notch signaling by γ-secretase inhibitor (GSI) or NOTCH1 RNA interference reduces PTC cell proliferation. Moreover, the combination of GSI with a MAPK inhibitor enhanced the growth suppression in PTC cells. This study revealed that RET/PTC and BRAF(T1799A) activate Notch signaling and promote tumor growth in thyroid follicular cell. Taken together, these data suggest that Notch signaling may be explored as an adjuvant therapy for thyroid papillary cancer.

MicroRNAs miR-146-5p and let-7f as prognostic tools for aggressive papillary thyroid carcinoma: a case report / MicroRNAs miR-146-5p e let-7f como ferramenta de prognóstico para o carcinoma papilífero de tiroide: relato de caso

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is the most incident histotype of thyroid cancer. A certain fraction of PTC cases (5%) are irresponsive to conventional treatment, and refractory to radioiodine therapy. The current prognostic factors for aggressiveness are mainly based on tumor size, the presence of lymph node metastasis, extrathyroidal invasion and, more recently, the presence of the BRAFT1799A mutation. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been described as promising molecular markers for cancer as their deregulation is observed in a wide range of tumors. Recent studies indicate that the over-expression of miR-146b-5p is associated with aggressiveness and BRAFT1799A mutation. Furthermore, down-regulation of let-7f is observed in several types of tumors, including PTC. In this study, we evaluated the miR146b-5p and let-7f status in a young male patient with aggressive, BRAFT1799A-positive papillary thyroid carcinoma, with extensive lymph node metastases and short-time recurrence. The analysis of miR-146b-5p and let-7f expression revealed a distinct pattern from a cohort of PTC patients, suggesting caution in evaluating miRNA expression data as molecular markers of PTC diagnosis and prognosis. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2012;56(8):552-7.

O carcinoma papilífero (PTC) é o histotipo mais prevalente de câncer de tiroide. Cerca de 5% dos casos são refratários ao tratamento convencional e à radioiodoterapia. Os fatores prognósticos para agressividade mais utilizados atualmente são o tamanho do tumor, a presença de metástases linfonodais ao diagnóstico, a presença de invasão extratiroideana e, mais recentemente, a presença da mutação BRAFT1799A. A análise de perfil de expressão de microRNAs (miRNA) mostra que esses pequenos RNAs são marcadores moleculares promissores para o câncer, por apresentarem desregulação de sua expressão em uma ampla gama de tumores, includindo o PTC. Estudos recentes revelam a associação entre o aumento da expressão do miRNA e miR-146b-5p e a presença da mutação BRAFT1799A como um fator de pior prognóstico no PTC. Além disso, observa-se a diminuição da expressão de let-7f em diversos tipos de tumores, incluindo tumores tiroideanos. Neste relato de caso, realizamos a quantificação da expressão de miR-146b-5p e let-7f em um paciente jovem, de sexo masculino, apresentando PTC positivo para a mutação BRAFT1799A com extensas metástases linfonodais ao diagnóstico e recidiva precoce. A análise da expressão de miR-146b-5p e let-7f mostrou um padrão diferente do observado em um grupo de pacientes PTC, sugerindo a necessidade de cautela na interpretação da expressão de miRNAs como marcador molecular no diagnóstico e prognóstico de PTC. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2012;56(8):552-7.

MicroRNAs miR-146-5p and let-7f as prognostic tools for aggressive papillary thyroid carcinoma: a case report.

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is the most incident histotype of thyroid cancer. A certain fraction of PTC cases (5%) are irresponsive to conventional treatment, and refractory to radioiodine therapy. The current prognostic factors for aggressiveness are mainly based on tumor size, the presence of lymph node metastasis, extrathyroidal invasion and, more recently, the presence of the BRAFT1799A mutation. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been described as promising molecular markers for cancer as their deregulation is observed in a wide range of tumors. Recent studies indicate that the over-expression of miR-146b-5p is associated with aggressiveness and BRAFT1799A mutation. Furthermore, down-regulation of let-7f is observed in several types of tumors, including PTC. In this study, we evaluated the miR146b-5p and let-7f status in a young male patient with aggressive, BRAFT1799A-positive papillary thyroid carcinoma, with extensive lymph node metastases and short-time recurrence. The analysis of miR-146b-5p and let-7f expression revealed a distinct pattern from a cohort of PTC patients, suggesting caution in evaluating miRNA expression data as molecular markers of PTC diagnosis and prognosis.

Depot-specific modulation of adipokine levels in rat adipose tissue by diet-induced obesity: the effect of aerobic training and energy restriction.

The present study examined the effects of aerobic training and energy restriction on adipokines levels in mesenteric (MEAT) and retroperitoneal (RPAT) white adipose tissue from obese rats. Male Wistar rats were fed with standard laboratory diet (Control group) or high fat diet (HFD). After 15 weeks, HFD rats were randomly assigned to the following groups: rats submitted to HFD, which were sedentary (sedentary HFD, n=8) or trained (trained HFD, n=8); or submitted to energy-restriction (ER), which were sedentary (sedentary ER, n=8) or trained (trained ER, n=8). Trained rats ran on a treadmill at 55% VO(2max) for 60 min/day, 5 days/week, for 10 weeks. ER rats were submitted to a reduction of 20% daily caloric ingestion compared to the Control group. ER and aerobic training decreased body weight, MEAT and RPAT absolute weight, and fat mass. IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α levels were decreased and adiponectin did not change in RPAT in response to ER protocol. On the other hand, ER and the aerobic training protocol decreased IL-6, TNF-α and adiponectin levels in MEAT. Absolute MEAT weight showed a positive correlation with IL-6 (r=0.464), TNF-α (r=0.508); and adiponectin (r=0.342). These results suggest a tissue-specific heterogeneous response in adipokines level. The combination of the protocols (aerobic training and energy restriction) did not induce an enhanced effect.

Effects of let-7 microRNA on Cell Growth and Differentiation of Papillary Thyroid Cancer.

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common endocrine malignancy and RET/PTC rearrangements represent key genetic events frequently associated to this cancer, enhancing proliferation and dedifferentiation by activation of the RET/PTC-RAS-BRAF-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Recently, let-7 microRNA was found to reduce RAS levels in lung cancer, acting as a tumor suppressor gene. Here, we report that RET/PTC3 oncogenic activation in PCCL3 rat thyroid cells markedly reduces let-7f expression. Moreover, stable transfection of let-7 microRNA in TPC-1 cells, which harbor RET/PTC1 rearrangement, inhibits MAPK activation. As a result, let-7f was capable of reducing TPC-1 cell growth, and this might be explained, at least in part, by decreased messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of cell cycle stimulators such as MYC and CCND1 (cyclin D1) and increased P21 cell cycle inhibitor mRNA. In addition, let-7 enhanced transcriptional expression of molecular markers of thyroid differentiation such as TITF1 and TG. Thus, reduced expression of let-7f might be an essential molecular event in RET/PTC malignant transformation. Moreover, let-7f effects on thyroid growth and differentiation might attenuate neoplastic process of RET/PTC papillary thyroid oncogenesis through impairment of MAPK signaling pathway activation. This is the first functional demonstration of an association of let-7 with thyroid cancer cell growth and differentiation.

Chronic resistance training decreases MuRF-1 and Atrogin-1 gene expression but does not modify Akt, GSK-3beta and p70S6K levels in rats.

Long-term adaptation to resistance training is probably due to the cumulative molecular effects of each exercise session. Therefore, we studied in female Wistar rats the molecular effects of a chronic resistance training regimen (3 months) leading to skeletal muscle hypertrophy in the plantaris muscle. Our results demonstrated that muscle proteolytic genes MuRF-1 and Atrogin-1 were significantly decreased in the exercised group measured 24 h after the last resistance exercise session (41.64 and 61.19%, respectively; P < 0.05). Nonetheless, when measured at the same time point, 4EBP-1, GSK-3beta and eIF2Bepsilon mRNA levels and Akt, GSK-3beta and p70S6K protein levels (regulators of translation initiation) were not modified. Such data suggests that if gene transcription constitutes a control point in the protein synthesis pathway this regulation probably occurs in early adaptation periods or during extreme situations leading to skeletal muscle remodeling. However, proteolytic gene expression is modified even after a prolonged resistance training regimen leading to moderate skeletal muscle hypertrophy.

Efeito da temporada de basquetebol profissional sobre o perfil lipídico / Effect of the professional basketball season on the lipids profile

O objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar o efeito da temporada de basquetebol profissional sobre o perfil lipídico. Sete jogadores profissionais (idade: 23,6 mais ou menos 4,3 anos; massa corporal: 110,2 mais ou menos 17,5 kg; estatura: 195,4 mais ou menos 10,3 cm) foram avaliados antes e após um período de 4 meses, relativos a uma temporada nacional de basquetebol profissional (2 partidas por semana, 2 a 3 sessões de treinos técnicos e tático, 2 a 3 sessões de treino de musculação, 1 a 2 sessões de treino regenerativo e 1 dia de descanso passivo, sendo todos a média por semana) . Os jogadores foram submetidos a análise antropométrica e coleta sanguínea. A primeira visita foi feita antes do início da temporada e a segunda visita dois dias (48 horas) após o término da última partida da temporada. Foram realizadas análises do perfil lipídico (TAG - Triacilglicerol, VLDL - Very low density lipoprotein, LDL-c – Low density lipoprotein cholesterol, HDL-c –high density lipoprotein cholesterol, e colesterol total) por kits comerciais (Labtest®, Brasil). A comparação entre os resultados foi realizada pareadamente (antes e depois o início da temporada) por teste não paramétrico de Wilcoxon. Utilizou-se o nível de significância de 5% (p menor que 0,05). Após a temporada, foi demonstrada diminuição nas concentrações da LDL-c (pré: 111,40 mais ou menos 9 mg/dL vs pós: 84,60 mais ou menos 8,50 mg/dL; p menor que 0,05), bem como do colesterol total (pré: 171,20 mais ou menos 6,44 mg/dL vs pós: 148,20 mais ou menos 6,37 mg/dL; p menor que 0,05). Além disso, foi encontrado aumento na taxa HDL/colesterol total (pré: 0,22 mais ou menos 0,03 vs pós: 0,27 mais ou menos 0,06; p menor que 0,05)...

The aim of the present study was to verify the effect of the professional basketball season on the lipids profile. Seven professional players (age: 23.6 more or less 4.3 years; body mass: 110.2 more or less 17.5 kg; height: 195.4 more or less 10.3 cm) were evaluated before and after a period ranging 4 moths, during national professional basketball season (2 games per week, 2 to 3 tactical and technical exercise workout, 2 to 3 strength exercise workout, 1 to 2 recuperative workout and 1 day of passive rest, all of then as a median per week). Blood samples and anthropometric measures were taken. The first visit was made before the beginning of the season and the second visit two days (48 hours) after the ending of the last game of the season. The lipids profile (TG - Triglyceride, VLDL - very low density lipoprotein, LDL-c – Low density lipoprotein cholesterol, HDL-c – High density lipoprotein cholesterol, and total cholesterol) was analyses by commercial kits (Labtest®, Brazil). The comparison between the results (before and after) was carried through by non parametric Wilcoxon pair test. The level of significance of 5% was used (p smaller that 0.05). After basketball season, a reduction in the LDL-c plasma concentrations was demonstrated (before: 111.40 more or less 9 mg/dL after: 84.60 more or less 8.50mg/dL; p smaller that 0.05), as well as in total cholesterol (before: 171.20 more or less 6.44 mg/dL after: 148.20 more or less 6.37 mg/dL; p smaller that 0.05). Besides, increase in rate the HDL/total cholesterol was found (before: 0.22 more or less 0.03 after: 0.27 more or less 0.06; p smaller that 0.05). The results herein found indicate that the basketball season may induce changes in LDL-c, total cholesterol and in rate the HDL/total cholesterol concentrations, suggesting a modulatory effect on the lipid profile in professional basketball player after 4 moths season.

Influência do treinamento físico aeróbio no transporte mitocondrial de ácidos graxos de cadeia longa no músculo esquelético: papel do complexo carnitina palmitoil transferase / Influence of aerobic physical training in the motochondrial transport of long chain fatty acids in the skeletal muscle: role of the carnitine palmitoil transferase

O ácido graxo (AG) é uma importante fonte de energia para o músculo esquelético. Durante o exercício sua mobilização é aumentada para suprir as necessidades da musculatura ativa. Acredita-se que diversos pontos de regulação atuem no controle da oxidação dos AG, sendo o principal a atividade do complexo carnitina palmitoil transferase (CPT), entre os quais três componentes estão envolvidos: a CPT I, a CPT II e carnitina acilcarnitina translocase. A função da CPT I durante o exercício físico é controlar a entrada de AG para o interior da mitocôndria, para posterior oxidação do AG e produção de energia. Em resposta ao treinamento físico há um aumento na atividade e expressão da CPT I no músculo esquelético. Devido sua grande importância no metabolismo de lipídios, os mecanismos que controlam sua atividade e sua expressão gênica são revisados no presente estudo. Reguladores da expressão gênica de proteínas envolvidas no metabolismo de lipídios no músculo esquelético, os receptores ativados por proliferadores de peroxissomas (PPAR) alfa e beta, são discutidos com um enfoque na resposta ao treinamento físico.

Fatty acids are an important source of energy for the skeletal muscle. During exercise, their mobilization is increased to supply the muscle energetic needs. Many points of regulation act in the fatty acids metabolism, where the carnitine palmytoiltransferase (CPT) complex is the main control system. Three compounds named CPT I, CPT II and carnitine acyl carnitine translocase (CACT) are components of this system. Its function is to control the influx of fatty acids inside the mitochondria for posterior oxidation and energy production. There is a pronounced increase in both activity and gene expression of CPT I in the skeletal muscle in response to exercise. Due to its importance in lipid metabolism, the controlling mechanisms are reviewed in the present study. The modulation of gene expression by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) alpha and beta during the physical training is also discussed in this review.