Evaluation of the Effects of Natural Products and Semisynthetic Derivatives in the Attenuation and Understanding of the Mechanisms of Action in In Vitro Models of Endometriosis

• Grant number: 23/11448-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: February 01, 2024
• Status: Discontinued
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Metabolism and Bioenergetics
• Principal Investigator: Giselle Cerchiaro
• Grantee: Kaio de Souza Gomes
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas (CCNH). Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC). Ministério da Educação (Brasil). Santo André , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 24/17835-2 - Use of Biomage Analysis in the Evaluation of Therapeutic Potential of Flavonoids and Chalcones in In Vitro Models of Endometriosis, BE.EP.PD

Abstract

Endometriosis is a disease that affects the endometrial tissue diagnosed in 15% of females of reproductive age and is originated with inflammatory disorders associated with oxidative stress. Current treatments are based on laparoscopy, which even effective has high recurrence rates, and in hormonal therapies, which possess several side effects, such as alopecia and inhibition of oestrogen production, besides adjuvant treatments to attenuation of symptoms. Brazilian flora is one of the most biodiverse in the world and it makes an endless source of molecular prototypes that can exhibit biological potential, especially regarding antioxidant potential, among the natural products classes with this potential, it is possible to highlight the flavonoids and chalcones. In this way, this project aims to evaluate the effects of natural products in attenuation of endometriosis effects and the comprehension of the mechanisms of action. To do this, flavonoids and chalcones with high purity levels obtained from natural or semi-synthetic sources will be tested in two endometrial cell lines - Ishikawa and 12Z, using bi and tridimensional cell cultures with oxidative stress induced by peroxide and the rates of essential biomolecules to good function of cellular machinery will be evaluated before and after treatments. Deep studies about metabolic alterations will be developed with the most promising compounds, besides the determination of ADME properties - absorption, distribution, metabolization and excretion - in silico and proposal of structures and synthesis of derivatives with increased activity determined by computational studies.