Relação do polimorfismo BDNF val66met e níveis periféricos de BDNF com a doença de Parkinson e sua sintomatologia

Neurodegenerative diseases are frequently studied due to the increasing number of cases associated with the populational ageing and to the impact on the conditions on the quality of life. Parkinson’s disease (DP) is the second most frequent neurodegenerative disease. Despite the fact that its etiology is not completely understood, it is known that DP is caused by environmental and genetic factors. Thus, the investigation of etiologic factors and mechanisms responsible for the changes that lead to DP may help early diagnostic and prevention. A possible association between DP and the common polymorphism of Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) G196A (Val66Met) has been suggested by different studies with contrasting results. For this reason, the aim of this study is to investigate if the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism is related to susceptibility to DP in a cohort of Brazilian patients. Additionaly, we verify if the presence of the polymorphism implies in alterations in the BDNF whole blood concentrations, as well as variations in symptomatology. The sample comprised Brazilian patients accompanied by the neurology service of the Onofre Lopes University Hospital (HUOL) and healthy controls (CTRL). The motor aspects of DP were evaluated by Hoehn e Yahr Scale (HY), Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and Schwab & England Scale (SE). For the evaluation of non-motor symptoms were used the following instruments: Frontal Assessment Battery (BAF), Mini-Mental State Examination (MEEM), Beck Depression Inventory (IDB) and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (IAB). Blood samples were collected for BDNF Val66Met polymorphism genotyping and BDNF whole blood measurement. As expected, DP patients performed worse in motor, cognitive and emotional battery of questionnaires. Alleles distribution between DP and CTRL was not significantly different, but the A/G genotype was significantly associated with a protector factor for DP. In contrast, the G/G genotype was significantly associated with depression and anxiety development in DP patients. However, BDNF concentrations were not different between genotypes or groups. This is the first study of genetic association of this polymorphism with DP in Brazilian subjects and the first one that associate A/G genotype with protection against DP.

Adaptabilidade de híbridos entre Gossypium barbadense E G. hirsutum N contendo o gene cry1Ac

Hybrids among transgenic plants and related species are expected to occur if they are sympatric and when there are not crossing barriers; as is the case, in Brazil, of cry1Ac transgenic cotton and Gossypium barbadense. This species has been maintained as dooryard plants, and should be preserved as a genetic resource. Hybrids were evaluated about traits related to fitness, leading to infer about its chances of survivor and selection. A barbadense genotype collected at the state of Mato Grosso was outcrossed to the variety DP 404, containing the gene cry1Ac, and to the isoline DP 404. All the F1 individuals and 122 among 170 F2 individuals expressed the toxin, and presented levels of resistance to pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella) and cotton leafworm (Alabama argillacea) equivalent to the transgenic parent and superior to the isoline, barbadense or non transgenic hybrids. The percentage of germination and number of days to germinate did not differ among genotypes. Anthesis of the first flower and opening of the first cotton boll occurred earlier for herbaceous cotton and F1 hybrids than F2 population in average; all the populations presented a number of days to flower and opening of the first boll smaller then barbadense. The highest plants were barbadenses, and herbaceus the smallest, with F1 and F2 populations presenting intermediary heights. The number of seeds per plants were superior for F1 hybrids an herbaceous cotton, F2 populations were in average intermediary; the barbadense genotype produced the smallest number of seeds per plant. Pink bollworm, mainly, and also cotton leafworm, are important barbadense pests, so the transgene positive effect could favor the selection of hybrids, and hence G. hirsutum genome, against the maintenance of pure G. barbadense genome. The selection may be influenced by the plant uses: the smaller size of hybrids when compared to the barbadense may lead them to be differentiated from these parents to which medicinal properties are attributed; on the other hand, the greater boll production may favor hybrids maintenance with the purpose of producing lamp wicks, or use as an ornamental or swab