Made available in DSpace on 2014-07-29T15:13:47Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 TESE Julia de Miranda Moraes.pdf: 2895250 bytes, checksum: e061f736f6922f781b2c671bf4f90f32 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-08-17 / The aim of this work was to evaluate the regeneration of equine ulnar nerves submitted to neurotomy, silicone tubing and cell therapy with bone marrow mononuclear cells fraction (MCF) or adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSC). Fifteen adult horses were divided into three groups with five animals each: control group (CG) with the use of saline solution, group with FCM deposition and group with ADSC deposition. The same surgical procedure was performed in all groups, using both nerves of each animal (right and left), establishing two moments of biopsy: on the 13th week on the right limb (CG1, MCF1 and ADSC1) and on the 26th week on the left limb (CG2, MCF2 and ADSC2). The MCF and ADSC were obtained respectively, from bone marrow and adipose tissue from each animal, both used as an authologous implant. After 13 and 26 weeks, biopsies were performed in all groups and immediately it was made some fragments slide imprints for viewing the nanocrystal fluorescent label. The fragments were fixed in 10% buffered formalin for histological analysis, with HE, luxol fast blue, Masson's trichrome, immunohistochemistry against the antibodies neurofilament (NF), S-100, FGF-2 and GDNF. Microscopically it was observed the presence of axonal growth, connective tissue, inflammatory infiltrate, Schwann cells, neural growth factors, myelin sheath and wallerian degeneration. For histologic analysis, it was established qualitative scores and for immunohistochemistry it was performed quantitative analysis with Image J program. It was observed wallerian degeneration reduction, better fascicular reorganization, new collagen increased, myelin sheath early formation, and NF antibody stronger staining in the experimental groups compared to CG. The ADSC group presented the best results than the other groups, showing ADSCs efficiency compared to MCF and CG for peripheral nerve regeneration. However, it was proved a longer time necessity to occur complete regeneration of peripheral nerve after injury. / Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar a regeneração do nervo ulnar de equinos, submetidos à neurotomia, tubulização com tubo de silicone e terapia celular com fração de células mononucleares da medula óssea (FCM) ou células-tronco mesenquimais do tecido adiposo (ADSC). Foram utilizados 15 equinos adultos alocados em três grupos, com cinco animais em cada: grupo controle (GC) com utilização de soro fisiológico; grupo com deposição de FCM; e grupo com deposição de ADSC. Foi realizado o mesmo procedimento cirúrgico em todos os grupos, utilizando-se os dois nervos de cada animal (direito e esquerdo), e estabelecido dois momentos de biopsia: na 13ª semana com biopsia no membro direiro (GC1, FCM1 e ADSC1) e na 26ª semana com biopsia no membro esquerdo (GC2, FCM2 e ADSC2). A FCM e a ADSC foram obtidas respectivamente, da medula óssea e tecido adiposo de cada aninal, ambos utilizados como implantes autólogos. Após 13 e 26 semanas, realizaram-se as biopsias de todos os grupos e imediatamente, faziam-se imprints dos fragmentos para visualização do marcador fluorescente nanocristal. Os fragmentos foram fixados em formol tamponado a 10%, para análise histológica, com as coloraçãoes de HE, luxol fast blue, tricrômio de Masson e imuno-histoquímica com os anticorpos neurofilamento (NF), S-100, FGF-2 e GDNF. Microscopicamente avaliou-se a presença de proliferação axonal, tecido conjuntivo, infiltrado inflamatório, células de Schwann, fatores de crescimento neurais, bainha de mielina, e degeneração walleriana. Para a análise histológica estabeleceram-se escores qualitativos e para a imuno-histoquímica realizou-se análise quantitativa com o programa Image J. Foi observada diminuição da degeneração walleriana, melhor reorganização fascicular, aumento do colágeno novo, início de formação de bainha de mielina, além de maior marcação do anticorpo NF nos grupos experimentais em relação ao GC. O grupo ADSC apresentou melhores resultados em relação aos demais, enfatizando a eficiência das ADSCs em relação à FCM e ao GC para a regeneração nervosa periférica. Porém, há a necessidade de um tempo maior para ocorrer completa regeneração do tecido nervoso periférico após lesão.

INTRODUÇÃO: As células-tronco hematopoiéticas (CTH) do sangue do cordão umbilical (SCU) têm sido utilizadas com sucesso para o tratamento de doenças malignas e não malignas. No entanto, algumas unidades de SCU podem apresentar baixa quantidade de células nucleadas totais (CNT). Algumas abordagens têm sido sugeridas para evitar problemas em relação à baixa concentração de CTH no transplante, como a administração de duas unidades de SCU para o paciente e a expansão ex vivo de CTH. OBJETIVO: Avaliar as taxas de proliferação celular na expansão ex vivo do SCU em sistema de cocultura com células-tronco mesenquimais (CTM) obtidos a partir de diferentes fontes com alta e baixa confluência e adicionando-se ou não coquetel de citocinas no meio de cultura. MÉTODOS: Este estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética de Pesquisa (CAPPesq) do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da USP. A coleta do SCU (n =10) foi realizada após o nascimento do bebê e expulsão da placenta. O processamento foi realizado utilizando o método de redução de volume, o qual consiste em depleção de eritrócitos. As amostras de CTM provenientes do endotélio vascular do cordão umbilical foram obtidas de doadores diferentes (n=3) e o tecido adiposo (n=3) do inventário do LIM-31. A expansão das CNT e das células com expressão de marcadores CD133+/CD34+ foram observados depois de sete dias de cultura. Além disso, o ensaio para análise de unidades de formadoras de colônias (UFC) foi realizado em todas as amostras antes e depois da expansão do SCU. Para a expansão em sistema de cocultura foi separado dois grupos para ambas as fontes de CTM (Grupo I - cocultura com adição de coquetel de citocinas vs. Grupo II - cocultura sem citocinas). RESULTADOS: Após sete dias, no grupo I com cocultura confluente, a taxa de proliferação de CNT foi duas vezes maior ao comparar com cocultura subconfluente (35 vs. 16 vezes). No mesmo grupo também foi possível evidenciar elevada taxa de proliferação de células CD133+/CD34+. O índice de proliferação das UFC no grupo I aumentou até oito vezes. A cocultura subconfluente tanto do endotélio vascular do cordão umbilical como do tecido adiposo apresentou menor rendimento em comparação as CTM confluentes. A expansão das células na presença de citocinas apresentou maior proliferação celular ao comparar às coculturas sem adição de citocinas. CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo mostrou que para alto rendimento de células do SCU, o sistema de cocultura requer adição de coquetel de citocinas e CTM confluente independentemente da fonte utilizada / INTRODUCTION: Umbilical cord blood (UCB) hematopoietic stem cells have been successfully used for the treatment of both malignant and non-malignant diseases. Nevertheless, some UCB units could have low total nucleated cells (TNC) dose. Several approaches have been suggested to avoid inadequacy problems of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) number for transplantation, such as administration of two UCB units to the patient and HSC ex vivo expansion. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate UCB ex vivo expansion proliferative rates in a high and low mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) confluence feeder layer obtained from different MSC sources and by adding or not cytokines cocktail into the medium. METHODS: This study was approved by the Research Ethic Committee (CAPPESQ) of Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da USP. The collection of UCB (n=10) was made after delivery of the infant and the expulsion of placenta. Processing was performed using volume reduction method which consists in red blood depletion. MSC samples from umbilical cord endothelium were obtained from three different donors and adipose tissue (n=3) obtained from LIM31\'s pattern inventory. The total nucleated cell (TNC), expression of hematopoietic surface markers such as CD133+/CD34+ were observed after seven days of culture. Beyond that, colony forming unit assay (CFU) was performed before and after UCB expansion. The expansion by coculture method was observed in two groups (Group I - coculture with cytokines cocktail added vs. Group II- coculture without cytokines cocktail) for both MSCs sources. RESULTS: After seven days, analysis of confluent coculture showed that TNC proliferation rate ware almost 2 times higher than in subconfluent coculture (35 vs. 16-fold) in Group I and also revealed higher proliferative rate in CD133+/CD34+ cells considering. CFU showed similar increase after seven days of culture in comparison of day 0 (up to 8-fold). Subconfluent coculture for both umbilical cord endothelium and adipose tissue showed lower yield compared with those with high MSC confluence. The expansion in the presence of cytokines showed higher cell proliferation compared to the cocultures without addition of cytokines. CONCLUSION: This study showed that coculture system may require the addition of cytokines cocktail in the media and confluent MSC regardless of source for high yield of UCB cells

Uma das principais complicações inerentes ao transplante de células-tronco hematopoiéticas é a doença do enxerto contra hospedeiro (DECH), que se trata da resposta imunológica contra os tecidos do receptor pelas células T do doador contidas no transplante. Este quadro é responsável por 15-30% das mortes que ocorrem após o transplante de células-tronco hematopoiéticas alogênicas. Apesar dos recentes avanços para reduzir a incidência de DECH através de alternância de regimes profiláticos reduzindo a intensidade do condicionamento, são poucos os tratamentos efetivos. Recentemente, o potencial imunomodulador das células-tronco mesenquimais tornou-se o foco de vários estudos. Alguns autores descreveram a atuação destas células na redução da resposta imunológica através da inibição da proliferação de células T, representando um novo potencial terapêutico para DECH. Mediante esse conhecimento, investigamos o papel das células-tronco mesenquimais na proliferação, apoptose e na produção de citocinas por linfócitos T. Nossos resultados mostraram que a presença de células-tronco mesenquimais nas culturas regulam negativamente a proliferação de linfócitos T estimulados de forma independente de contato e a apoptose de forma parcialmente dependente de contato. Observamos também que linfócitos T virgens em diferenciação para Th17 na presença de células-tronco mesenquimais apresentam redução na capacidade de produzir duas importantes citocinas efetoras implicadas na DECH, o interferon gama (IFN-y) e a interleucina 17A (IL-17A). Investigamos se a prostaglandina E2 (PGE2), por depletar triptofano, estava envolvida com a diminuição de proliferação de linfócitos T quando em cultivo com células-tronco mesenquimais. Utilizamos nas culturas a indometacina (IDT), um anti-inflamatório bloqueador de cicloxigenase (COX 1 e 2) e portanto da via da PGE2. Entretanto, observamos que o bloqueio da via da PGE2 inibia ainda mais a proliferação de linfócitos T e isto ocorria de acordo com a dose de IDT. Com o resultado deste experimento concluímos que, se a proliferação de linfócitos é inibida pela depleção de triptofano do meio, ela não ocorre via PGE2. Entretanto ainda não conseguimos esclarecer se esta via é ativada por outras moléculas, ou se é esta a via realmente responsável pela inibição da proliferação de linfócitos. No que concerne a via de inibição de apoptose, mostramos que a cadeia alpha do receptor de IL-7 (CD127) está aumentada na superfície de linfócitos T quando em presença de células-tronco mesenquimais. Verificamos que o bloqueio de IL-7 nas culturas aumenta a apoptose em linfócitos, bem como sua adição causa diminuição de apoptose. Identificamos a produção intracelular de IL-7 nas células-tronco mesenquimais, relacionando estas células e IL-7 com a inibição de apoptose em linfócitos T nestas condições. Este trabalho gerou dados que permitiram a compreensão de alguns possíveis mecanismos pelos quais as MSCs podem atuar sobre linfócitos T ativados e/ou alorreativos; mecanismos estes que podem ser utilizados como base para futuras investigações na elucidação e prevenção da DECH / A major complication after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is the graft versus host disease (GVHD), which is an immunological response of transplanted donor T cells against the recipient tissues; this outline is responsible for 15-30% of deaths that can occur after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cells transplant. Despite recent advances in reducing GVHD incidence by alternating prophylactic regimens, thus reducing the intensity of conditioning, there are few effective treatments. Recently, the immune modulatory potential of mesenchymal stem cells has become the focus of several studies. Some authors described the role of these cells in reducing immune response by inhibiting T cell proliferation, representing a potential new therapy for GVHD. Through this knowledge, we investigated the mesenchymal stem cells role into T lymphocytes proliferation, apoptosis and cytokine production. Our results showed that the presence of mesenchymal stem cells into the cultures downregulates the proliferation of stimulated lymphocytes independent of contact and apoptosis of stimulated lymphocytes in partially contact-dependent manner. We also observed during naive T lymphocytes differentiation into Th17 cells, that the mesenchymal stem cell presence reduces the lymphocyte ability in producing the GVHD major effectors cytokines, interferon gamma (IFN-y) and interleukin-17A (IL-17A). We investigated whether prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) was involved in the reduction of T lymphocytes proliferation, when cultured with mesenchymal stem cells, by tryptophan depletion. Indomethacin (IDT), an anti-inflammatory drug blocker of cyclooxygenase (COX 1 and 2) and therefore PGE2 pathway, was used. However, we observed that, according to IDT dose, blocking this pathway further inhibited lymphocyte proliferation. With this result we conclude that if lymphocyte proliferation is inhibited by tryptophan depletion, it does not occur via PGE2. However, we still cannot say whether this pathway is activated by other molecules, or if this pathway is actually responsible for T lymphocytes proliferation inhibition. Regarding the apoptosis inhibition in T lymphocytes, we show that the IL-7 receptor alpha chain (CD127) is increased on the surface of T lymphocytes when in the presence of mesenchymal stem cells. We found that IL-7 blockage in the cultures increases apoptosis in T lymphocytes, as well as their addition causes apoptosis decrease. We also identified the intracellular production of IL-7 on mesenchymal stem cells, linking these cells and IL-7 directly with apoptosis inhibition in T lymphocytes under these conditions This work has generated data that allowed the understanding of some possible mechanisms by which MSCs can act on activated and/or alloreactive T lymphocytes; mechanisms that can be used as a basis for future research in the elucidation and prevention of GVHD

Peripheral nerve injuries occur with high incidence and often result in profound and permanent impact on the life of patients and on healthcare expenditure. Schwann cells (SC) play a promoting role in peripheral nerve regeneration providing physical and neurotrophic support that aids axon re-growth. However, these beneficial properties are not exploitable in nerve tissue engineering due to the difficulties in SC harvesting and expansion in culture. Adult stem cells derived from bone marrow (BM-MSC) and from adipose tissue (ASC) can be differentiated in SC-like cells and be used as SC substitutes in bioengineered nerve conduits for the improvement of peripheral nerve regeneration. Pharmacological intervention approaches for the treatment of nerve injury are still not clinically available. Nevertheless, γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors have been recently suggested as a putative target for such purpose. GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter of the adult brain and interacts with two different receptor types. However, both GABA-A and GABA-B receptor types are functionally expressed also in SC, where they are involved in the regulation of SC physiology and in the development of the peripheral nervous system (PNS).The aim of this thesis was to characterise the GABAergic system of BM-MSC and ASC differentiated into a SC-like phenotype and to evaluate changes in the expression levels following differentiation. Moreover, the effect of specific GABA receptor ligands on cell proliferation and neurotrophic potential of differentiated stem cells were assessed. Using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry we demonstrated that adult stem cells express several subunits of both GABA-A and GABA-B receptor systems such as GABA-B1a, GABA-B1b and GABA-B2, as well as GABA-A α2 and GABA-A β3. Expression levels and cellular localisation were comparable with adult and neonatal SC cultures used as positive controls, and protein expression levels for some of the subunits changed following glial differentiation. Interestingly, stimulation of GABA receptors with specific agonists influenced stem cell proliferation in two opposite ways. Baclofen, a GABA-B receptor agonist decreased proliferation of SC and differentiated ASC (dASC), but not of SC-like BM-MSC (dBM-MSC). By contrast, muscimol, a GABA-A receptor agonist, increased proliferation in SC and in both dASC and dBM-MSC. This suggests that GABAergic signalling could be a potential player in the mechanisms regulating stem cell differentiation and proliferation as reported in SC. Finally, baclofen treatments on SC and dASC modulated the expression levels and the release of the neurotrophins BDNF and NGF, which are key actors in the processes involved with peripheral nerve regeneration. Although further studies will be needed to clarify the role of GABA receptors in the PNS, the presence of functional GABA receptors on SC-like adult stem cells could represent an exploitable pharmacological target to modulate stem cell physiology and improve their neurotrophic potential for peripheral nerve regeneration.

Electrospun nanofibers have been researched extensively in the culturing of stem cells to understand their behavior since electrospun fibers mimic the native extracellular matrix (ECM) in many types of mammalian tissues. Here, electrospun nanofibers with defined structure (orientation/alignment) and pore size could significantly modulate human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) behavior. Controlling the fiber membrane pore size was predominantly influenced by the duration of electrospinning, while the alignment of the fiber membrane was determined by parallel electrode collector design. Electric field simulation data provided information on the electrostatic interactions in this electrospinning apparatus.hMSCs on small-sized pores (~3-10 µm²) tended to promote the cytoplasmic retention of Yes-associated protein (YAP), while larger pores (~30-45 µm²) promoted the nuclear activation of YAP. hMSCs also displayed architecture-mediated behavior, as the cells aligned along with the fiber membranes orientation. Additionally, fiber membranes affected nuclear size and shape, indicating changes in cytoskeletal tension, which coincided with YAP activity. The mechanistic understanding of hMSC behavior on defined nanofiber structures seeks to advance their translation into more clinical settings and increase biomanufacturing efficiencies.

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Stem cell research offers hope to many people suffering from incurable diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, heart disease and spinal back injuries. However this poses a moral dilemma because embryos are destroyed during embryonic stem cell research. To determine whether embryonic stem cell research is morally justifiable, two views in respect of a human being were considered: i. a human has a dualistic nature in which his body and soul are two separate entities or ii. his body and soul forms a unity which can not be separated. If a human has a dualistic nature, it means that the embryo is not a human, it does not have a soul because the soul is added later to form a human. The implication of this is that it will be morally justifiable to kill an embryo during embryonic stem cell research. However if body and soul forms a unity which can not be separated, the embryo is a human which is already developing into a full grown human with several stages of development. It will thus not be morally justifiable to kill an embryo as this will violate the sixth commandment, i.e. “Thou shalt not kill.” To determine whether a human’s body and soul is an inseparable unity or whether they are two separate entities, the Pauline letters' view on the human being was investigated. The research method employed was to do a comparative literary study to highlight the different aspects of stem cell research and then exegesis was done in respect of body (σoμα / sōma); soul (ψυχὴ / psychē) and spirit (πνεῦμα / pneuma) in the Pauline letters according to the grammatical-historical method. An electronic Bible Concordance was used to determine the texts in which the above concepts appear. A semantic word analysis was also done to analyse these concepts. Then authoritative commentaries were used to check the findings. The analysis indicated that Paul refers to a human as unity in which body and soul can not be separated. The implication of this finding is that embryonic stem cell research should be dismissed because it will result in the destruction of embryos. Humans will thus be killed in violation of the sixth commandment. On the other hand adult stem cell research should be encouraged because it has the potential to cure diseases which has up to now been incurable. / Thesis (MTh (Ethics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

Stem cell research offers hope to many people suffering from incurable diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, heart disease and spinal back injuries. However this poses a moral dilemma because embryos are destroyed during embryonic stem cell research. To determine whether embryonic stem cell research is morally justifiable, two views in respect of a human being were considered: i. a human has a dualistic nature in which his body and soul are two separate entities or ii. his body and soul forms a unity which can not be separated. If a human has a dualistic nature, it means that the embryo is not a human, it does not have a soul because the soul is added later to form a human. The implication of this is that it will be morally justifiable to kill an embryo during embryonic stem cell research. However if body and soul forms a unity which can not be separated, the embryo is a human which is already developing into a full grown human with several stages of development. It will thus not be morally justifiable to kill an embryo as this will violate the sixth commandment, i.e. “Thou shalt not kill.” To determine whether a human’s body and soul is an inseparable unity or whether they are two separate entities, the Pauline letters' view on the human being was investigated. The research method employed was to do a comparative literary study to highlight the different aspects of stem cell research and then exegesis was done in respect of body (σoμα / sōma); soul (ψυχὴ / psychē) and spirit (πνεῦμα / pneuma) in the Pauline letters according to the grammatical-historical method. An electronic Bible Concordance was used to determine the texts in which the above concepts appear. A semantic word analysis was also done to analyse these concepts. Then authoritative commentaries were used to check the findings. The analysis indicated that Paul refers to a human as unity in which body and soul can not be separated. The implication of this finding is that embryonic stem cell research should be dismissed because it will result in the destruction of embryos. Humans will thus be killed in violation of the sixth commandment. On the other hand adult stem cell research should be encouraged because it has the potential to cure diseases which has up to now been incurable. / Thesis (MTh (Ethics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

L’ingénierie du tissu osseux vise à concevoir un substitut tissulaire associant des cellules ostéoprogénitrices à une matrice tridimensionnelle capable de promouvoir la reconstruction osseuse, ouvrant la voie au développement de thérapeutiques substitutives à la pratique de la greffe dont les limitations sont bien connues.Le but de ce travail a été de développer un nouveau produit d’ingénierie tissulaire (PIT) destiné à la régénération osseuse constitué i) d’une matrice tridimensionnelle poreuse constituée de polysaccharides naturels biodégradables, ii) de cellules souches adultes issues du tissu adipeux humain (ADSCs) et d’identifier les conditions de culture optimales permettant le développement d’un produit fonctionnel pour une utilisation clinique. Nos résultats montrent que l’architecture et la composition de la matrice macroporeuse polysaccharidique permet de guider la différenciation ostéoblastique des ADSCs, en l’absence de facteurs ostéogéniques, et notamment en conditions de culture dynamique, grâce à l’organisation cellulaire en agrégats promouvant les interactions cellulaires. Les ADSCs peuvent être marquées à l’aide de nanoparticules superparamagnétiques et suivies in vivo de façon non invasive par imagerie par résonnance magnétique (IRM) au sein des matrices après leur implantation en site sous-cutané chez la souris. Les images IRM montrent que le matériau permet de délivrer une partie des cellules au niveau du site d’implantation participant probablement à un processus de réparation tissulaire. Enfin, en vue d’applications cliniques, un milieu de culture sans sérum répondant aux conditions GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) pour la différenciation ostéoblastique a été développé par un industriel et validé au cours de ce travail de thèse.En conclusion de ces travaux, l’association d’une matrice macroporeuse composée de polysaccharides avec des ADSCs dans des conditions de culture spécifiques, en conditions dynamiques, semble pertinente et prometteuse pour des applications cliniques en ingénierie du tissu osseux. / Bone tissue engineering may associate osteoprogenitor cells to a tridimensional scaffold that can promote tissue reconstruction in order to replace bone grafting strategies whose limitations are well known. This study aims to develop a new tissue-engineered construct for bone regeneration constituted by i) a tridimensional polysaccharide-based scaffold, ii) adult stem cells extracted from human adipose tissue and identify the best culture conditions needed to develop a functional construct for clinical use. Our results show that this macroporous scaffold offers, without any osteoinductive factors, a suitable architecture and composition for driving osteoblastic differentiation of ADSCs especially when placing the tissue-engineered construct in dynamic conditions, thanks to cell aggregate conformation promoting cell-to-cell interactions. Thanks to ADSCs labeling, the tissue-engineered construct can be tracked in vivo in a non invasive way by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), after their subcutaneous implantation. Results evidenced that this scaffold behaves as a cell carrier for of holding in its own cell fraction and delivering another fraction to the site of implantation for inducing a better tissue regeneration process. Finally, a serum free medium meeting standards GMPs (Good Manufacturing Practices) has been developed for inducing ADSCs osteoblastic differentiation as a first step towards clinical application.In conclusion, this polysaccharide-based scaffold associated with ADSCs, cultured under low fluid flow in a new bioreactor device, could be a relevant and promising tissue engineered construct for bone tissue engineering applications.