The focus of the described research in this thesis is on the oxidative stress response (Nrf2 pathway). The aim of the research presented in this thesis is to obtain more information concerning... Show moreThe focus of the described research in this thesis is on the oxidative stress response (Nrf2 pathway). The aim of the research presented in this thesis is to obtain more information concerning microRNAs which are involved in the Nrf2 pathway, to determine and evaluate the application of microRNAs for the construction of novel mechanistic biomarkers. Furthermore, we aimed to obtain a better understandingwith respect to the dynamics of the Nrf2 pathway to repeated xenobiotic exposure.To investigate the effect of overexpression of microRNAs on the Nrf2 pathway response in general and in combination with chemical exposure, a microRNA mimic screen was performed. In this screen overexpression of microRNAs was induced by using synthetic microRNA mimics. Since repeated exposure may drive adaptation programs and may lead to different responses between single and repeated exposures. The effect of a second exposure on the dynamics of the Nrf2 pathway activation was conducted. Final, results of a study are shown where a panel of structurally different phenolic compounds were used to demonstrate the proof-of-concept that Nrf2 pathway reporters can successfully be applied as biomarkers to characterize the specific pro-oxidant responses of chemicals. Show less
Olive oil polyphenols have important biological properties which closely depend on their bioavailability; it is, therefore, essential to understand how polyphenols are absorbed, metabolized, and... Show moreOlive oil polyphenols have important biological properties which closely depend on their bioavailability; it is, therefore, essential to understand how polyphenols are absorbed, metabolized, and eliminated from the body. An analytical method based on rapid-resolution liquid chromatography (RRLC) coupled with mass spectrometric detection with a time-of-flight analyzer (RRLC-ESI-TOF MS) has been developed for analysis of the main olive oil phenolic compounds and their metabolites in human urine. Urine samples from ten healthy volunteers were collected before and 2, 4, and 6 h after intake of 50 mL extra-virgin olive oil. The proposed method includes liquid-liquid extraction with ethyl acetate, which provides extraction recoveries of the phenolic compounds studied between 35 and 75% from spiked urine samples. Good repeatability was obtained-the relative standard deviations (RSDs) of peak areas in intra-day and inter-day studies were 4.3 and 6.5%, respectively. Statistical studies enabled us to discriminate between urine samples before and after intake, and facilitated the search for m/z values enabling this discrimination. Based on the very accurate mass information and the isotopic pattern provided by the TOF MS analyzer, together with other available information, ten of these biomarkers and more than 50 metabolites, obtained through phase I and phase II biotransformation reactions, were tentatively identified. Additionally, kinetic studies were conducted on the metabolites identified as possible biomarkers; for most of the compounds concentrations were maximum in the first two hours. Show less
