As imagens de angiografia por ressonância magnética (angio-RM) ou por tomografia computadorizada (angio-TC) permitem uma análise minuciosa das redes vasculares. A segmentação de redes vasculares a partir de tais imagens é uma das tarefas iniciais no diagnóstico de doenças vasculares como estenoses ou aneurismas. Porém, a grande diversidade de arquiteturas dos vasos dificulta a validação dos algoritmos de segmentação. Assim, a construção de redes vasculares sintéticas realistas permitem validar novas metodologias de segmentação de vasos. Este trabalho descreve uma metodologia de geração de redes vasculares sintéticas em três dimensões utilizando sistemas de Lindenmayer (L-systems) estocásticos. Para atingir esse objetivo, foram implementados um analisador léxico, um analisador sintático e um gerador de L-systems para a criação de vasos sintéticos baseado em gramáticas. A parametrização destas gramáticas possibilita a simulação de características naturais de vasos reais como o ângulo de bifurcação, comprimento, diâmetro médio e possibilita a simulação de anomalias vasculares. As expressões resultantes são utilizadas para criar imagens angiográficas sintéticas que simulam a distribuição de intensidades dos vasos em imagens angio-RM e angio-TC reais. As redes vasculares sintéticas podem também ser delimitadas por superfícies 3D arbitrárias de forma similar à geometria de órgãos. A flexibilidade de parametrização e natureza estocástica desta metodologia faz com que ela se torne uma ferramenta ideal para a validação de algoritmos de segmentação de vasos em imagens angiográficas. / Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) or computed tomography angiography (CTA) images allow for a thorough analysis of the blood vessels. Vessel segmentation from MRA or CTA is thus the primary task in the diagnosis of vascular diseases such as stenosis and aneurysms. The wide architectural variability of the blood vessels, however, hinders the validation of vascular segmentation methods. The construction of synthetic realistic vascular architecture trees will aid in the validation of new vessel segmentation methodologies. This thesis describes a three-dimensional synthetic blood vessel generation methodology that employs stochastic Lindenmayer systems (L-systems). For this purpose, we implemented a parser and a generator of L-systems to create grammars that represent blood vessel architectures. The parameterization of the grammar allows one to simulate natural features of real vessels such as bifurcation angle, average length and diameter, and also accounts for vascular anomalies. The resulting expressions are used to create synthetic angiographic images that mimic real vessel intensity distributions in MRA and CTA. Blood vessel growth can also be delimited by arbitrary 3D surfaces that may represent organ geometries. The flexibility in the parameterization and stochastic nature of this methodology makes it an ideal tool for the validation of blood vessel segmentation algorithms from angiographic images.

Receptores ativados por protease (PARs) pertencem à família de GPCRs. Desses, PAR-1, PAR-3 e PAR-4 são ativados por trombina, e PAR-2 por tripsina. Como as proteases, peptídeos sintéticos (PARs-AP) também ativam esses receptores. Estudamos o papel dos PARs na reatividade vascular de Wistar e SHR. In vitro, PAR-1 AP, promoveu maior vasoconstrição em aorta com endotélio (E+) de SHR vs Wistar. PAR-2 AP promoveu vasodilatação similar em aorta E+ de SHR e Wistar, enquanto PAR-4 AP e peptídeos reversos não causaram efeito. In vivo/in situ PAR-1 e PAR-2 AP mostraram intensa vasomotilidade em arteríolas mesentéricas. A expressão gênica de PAR-1 está aumentada em aorta e arteríolas de SHR, mas a expressão protéica está aumentada apenas em arteríolas. Demonstramos ainda que a vasoconstrição induzida por PAR-1 AP, é dependente de Ca++ e da liberação de Ang II, ET-1 e O2- pelo endotélio. Assim, sugerimos que PAR-1 pode ser um alvo terapêutico para novos antihipertensivos com efeito antitrombótico, já que este receptor também tem sido envolvido em eventos romboembólicos. / Protease activated receptors are a new GPCRs family. The PAR-1, PAR-3 and PAR-4 are activated by thrombin and PAR-2 by tripsin. Like proteases, synthetic peptides (PARs-AP) can also activate those receptors. We studied the role of PARs in vascular reactivity of Wistar and SHR. In vitro, PAR-1 promoted higher vasoconstriction to PAR-1 AP in SHR aorta with endothelium (E+) than the Wistar ones. PAR-2 AP produced similar vasodilation in Wistar and SHR aorta E+, while neither PAR-4 nor reverse peptides presented any effect. In vivo/in situ PAR-1 and PAR-2 showed an intensive vasomotion in mesenteric vessels. PAR-1 gene expression was increased in SHR aorta and arterioles, while the protein expression was increased only in the arterioles. We have also shown that the vasoconstriction induced by PAR-1 AP, is Ca++-dependent and Ang II, ET-1 and O2- release from endothelium. Thus, we suggest that PAR-1 might represent a therapeutic target to new antihypertensive drugs with antithrombotic effect, since this receptor has been involved in thromboembolics events.

Introdução: Até o presente momento, há escassez de estudos que avaliem os níveis séricos de citocinas angiogênicas em pacientes com dermatomiosite (DM), uma miosite autoimune sistêmica que tem como fisiopatogênese a vasculopatia. Portanto, os objetivos do presente estudo foram: (a) analisar sistematica e simultaneamente os níveis séricos de angiogenin (ANG), angiopoietin (ANGPT) -1, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF) -1 e -2 e platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) -AA e -BB em pacientes com DM; (b) correlacionar o nível sérico destas citocinas com as características clínico-laboratoriais, alterações metabólicas e atividade da DM. Pacientes e métodos: Estudo transversal, único centro, no qual foram incluídos, no período de 2012 a 2014, 48 pacientes consecutivos com DM definida (Bohan e Peter, 1975), entre 18 e 45 anos de idade, e em seguimento regular na nossa Instituição. Foram excluídos pacientes com condições clínicas relacionadas à DM (como sequelas de doença e tratamento prolongado) ou secundárias a outras causas que poderiam influenciar na interpretação dos resultados das citocinas avaliadas, seja por apresentarem variações hormonais ou por estarem relacionados ao mecanismo de inflamação e/ou angiogênese. Os pacientes foram pareados por sexo, idade e etnia com 48 indivíduos saudáveis (grupo controle). A análise das citocinas séricas foi realizada por imunoensaio multiplex. Os parâmetros da atividade da DM foram baseados nos escores estabelecidos por International Myositis Assessment & Clinical Studies Group (IMACS). Resultados: A distribuição de sexo e a etnia foram comparáveis entre os grupos DM e controle assim como a média de idade (33,3±7,6 vs. 35,8±8,2 anos, respectivamente), e a mediana de duração de doença foi de 1 ano. No grupo DM, os níveis séricos de FGF-1 e FGF-2 (P < 0,001, P < 0,001, respectivamente) estavam elevados, enquanto os níveis de VEGF e PDGF-AA (P=0,009 e P=0,022, respectivamente) estavam reduzidos. Os níveis de ANG, ANGPT-1 e PDGFBB foram semelhantes em ambos os grupos. Houve uma tendência para correlação positiva entre as citocinas (com exceção de VEGF e PDGF-BB) e os parâmetros de atividade da DM, enquanto FGF-2 apresentou correlação negativa. Além disso, o FGF-1 correlacionou-se fortemente com manifestações cutâneas da dermatomiosite. Conclusões: Os dados atuais reforçam a importância das citocinas angiogênicas nos mecanismos de vasculopatia da DM, especialmente em condições de atividade cutânea e adequado tratamento medicamentoso. Estudos adicionais serão necessários para validar os dados obtidos no presente trabalho / Introduction: Until now, there are few studies evaluating serum levels of angiogenic cytokines in patients with dermatomyositis (DM), a systemic autoimmune myositis that has vasculopathy as its physiopathogenesis. Therefore, the aims of the present study were: (a) to analyze systematically and simultaneously serum levels of angiogenin (ANG), angiopoietin (ANGPT) -1, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF) -1 and -2, and platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) -AA and -BB in patients with DM; (b) to correlate the serum level of these cytokines with the clinical and laboratory features, metabolic alterations and DM activity. Patients and methods: This is an one-center cross sectional study, in which 48 consecutive patients with defined DM (Bohan and Peter, 1975) aged 18 to 45 years and regularly followed up at our Institution were included from 2012 to 2014. Patients with clinical conditions related to DM (as sequelae of disease and prolonged treatment) or secondary to other causes that could influence the results interpretation of the evaluated cytokines were excluded, either because of hormonal variations or relationship with inflammation mechanism and/or angiogenesis. Patients were gender-, age- and ethnicity-matched with 48 healthy individuals (control group). The serum levels of cytokines analyses were performed by multiplex immunoassay. The parameters of DM activity were based on the scores established by the International Myositis Assessment & Clinical Studies Group (IMACS). Results: The gender and ethnicity were comparable between DM and control groups as soon as the mean age (33.3±7.6 vs. 35.8±8.2 years, respectively), and the median disease duration was 1 year. The serum levels of FGF-1 and FGF-2 (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively) were higher in DM group, whereas the levels of VEGF and PDGF-AA (P=0.009 and P=0.022, respectively) were lower in DM group. The levels of ANG, ANGPT-1 and PDGF-BB were similar in both groups. There was a tendency for cytokines (with the exceptions of VEGF and PDGF-BB) to correlate positively with DM activity parameters, whereas FGF-2 correlated inversely. Moreover, FGF-1 strongly correlated with the cutaneous manifestations of DM. Conclusion: The current data reinforce the importance of angiogenic cytokines in DM vasculopathy mechanisms, especially in conditions of cutaneous activity and adequate drug treatment. Additional studies will be needed to validate the data obtained in this work

本研究採用結紮眼血管的方法誘發短暫性視網膜缺血，針對同缺血時間同存活時間化成年金黄地鼠中視網膜節細胞的存活和小型膠質細胞的激活。首先，我們的據顯示，和假缺血手術組相對應的存活時間比較，暫時性視網膜缺血10分鐘或30分鐘沒有導致視網膜節細胞的存活明顯下。暫時性視網膜缺血60分鐘再灌注後7天，視網膜節細胞的存活下至58%，14後為51%，28後為44%。暫時性視網膜缺血120分鐘之後再灌注7天，視網膜節細胞的存活急劇下，僅保22%，至14天，僅剩17%, 之後節細胞的死亡速減緩，至28天時，仍由18%存活。視網膜缺血10分鐘、30分鐘、60分鐘和120分鐘均引起大小型膠質細胞激活，激活在第七天達到頂峰，之後在14天和28天顯著並逐步下。相關性分析發現損傷後7天，視網膜節細胞的死亡和視網膜節細胞層中的小型膠質細胞存在緊密的相關性。 / 其次，我們首次證實缺血性預處僅有於提高視網膜節細胞對抗視網膜缺血/再灌注損傷，還對視神經斷後的視網膜節細胞同樣具有保護作用。結果顯示無是5分鐘還是10分鐘的缺血性預處，無是軸突橫斷術前1天還是前3天實施預處，都對視網膜節細胞有明顯的保護作用。在缺血性預處對抗神經橫斷損傷的實驗組, 的表達只表現在陽性細胞上的明顯優勢，但占全部存活細胞的百分比存在差；而缺血性預處對抗視網膜缺血再灌注損傷的實驗組，的陽性節細胞的無論還是存活百分比都存在差。在預處組和假處組的比較中， 的表達也只是陽性細胞上較多，占全部存活細胞的百分比存在差。在缺血性預處加視網膜缺血分鐘的實驗組中，我們測視網膜矢片中各層的厚。結果顯示，缺血性預處組中，視網膜的整體厚和節細胞層的厚都與正常組相當，而假處組中，這層的厚明顯減少。 / 進一步地，我們研究遠端缺血性後處對視網膜節細胞對抗視神經軸突橫斷術的保護作用。我們選用鉗夾右股動脈作為遠端缺血性後處的方法，鉗夾股動脈分鐘，之後放開，再鉗夾再放開，共個循環。結果顯示，軸突橫斷術后分鐘實施缺血性后處組，視網膜節細胞的存活較假處組明顯增加，包括術後天和天；軸突橫斷術后小時實施缺血性後處組，視網膜節細胞的存活只在術後天較假處組明顯較多，但在天的實驗組，者的差消失；軸突橫斷術小時實施缺血性後處組，視網膜節細胞的存活比假處組多。在缺血性後處的實驗中，視神經橫斷術后分鐘實施遠端缺血性後處的實驗組與假處組比較，的表達僅表現在陽性細胞上的明顯增加，而且占全部存活細胞的百分比也明顯增加。的表達與預處實驗組的結果相似，只存在上的優勢。 / 我们的實驗證明，缺血性預處在對抗視神經橫斷和視網膜缺血的損傷中，可以為節細胞提供有效的保護作用，遠端缺血性後處可以對抗視神經橫斷損傷提高節細胞的存活。陽性節細胞在三個同條件的實驗中，表現出同的結果，这可能暗示遠端缺血性後處對抗視神經橫斷術的損傷，節細胞的再生能較優，與遠端缺血性後處對抗視神經橫斷術的神經保護作用有一定關。的表達在三個實驗組中，處組與假處組比較，均只表現出陽性細胞上的優勢，占存活細胞的百分比就存在差，可能意味著與缺血性預處和後處的保護作用關係不大。 / Ligature of the ophthalmic vessels (LOV) was used as an animal model to study transient retinal ischemia/reperfusion in adult hamsters. Firstly, we quantified the loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and activation of microglia after10 min, 30 min, 60 min or 120 min retinal ischemia at 7, 14 and 28 days post-ischemia. The results showed that after 10-min or 30-min retinal ischemia, the number of RGCs had no significant decrease compared to sham LOV group at 7 days. In the retinal ischemia 60 min group, there were 58% of the RGCs population remained alive at 7 days, 51% at 14 days and 44% at 28 days post-ischemia, respectively. In the retinal ischemia 120 min group, the number of RGCs was reduced to 22% at 7 days and 17% at 14 days, but cell death slowed down from 14 to 28 days. Meanwhile, the number of microglia was increased sharply at 7 days and decreased gradually from 7 to 28 days. At the same time, it was found that the loss of RGCs and activation of microglia in the ganglion cell layer at 7 days post-insult existed strong positive correlation. / Secondly, the effects of ischemic preconditioning (IPC) were proved to promote RGCs survival after axotomy or retinal ischemia 120 min. It was presented firstly that a 5 or 10 min brief IPC which performed 1 or 3 days prior to axotomy enhanced the RGCs survival at 7 days and 14 days post-axotomy. The number of HSP27-positive RGCs was significantly higher in the IPC plus axotomy subgroup compared with the sham-operated subgroup, while the percentage of HSP27-positive RGCs did not show significant difference between subgroups. For the IPC plus retinal ischemia 60 min group, both the number and the percentage of HSP27-positive RGCs had no significant difference between IPC and sham-operated subgroups. The number of HSP70-positive RGCs exhibited significant difference but not the percentage in IPC plus axotomy or retinal ischemia 60 min experimental groups. The thicknesses of the whole retina and GCL were similar to the normal value in the IPC plus ischemia 60 min subgroup, while in the sham-operated subgroup, these two values decreased significantly. / Consequently, the effect of remote ischemic postconditioning (RIPostC) was also explored to promote RGCs survival after axotomy. Four cycles of 10 min occlusion and 10 min release of the right femoral artery were initiated on animals at 10 min, 6 h or 24 h after axotomy. In the10 min group, the effect of RIPostC on promoting RGCs survival was significant at both 7 and 14 days post-injury. In the 6 h group, the survival of RGCs was more in the RIPostC treatment subgroup at 7 days, while there was no significant difference at 14 days post-axotomy. In the 24 h group, RGC survival was not significantly different at 7 days post-axotomy. Both the number and the percentage of HSP27-positive RGCs were significantly higher in the RIPostC treatment subgroup. The results of the induction of HSP70 only showed a priority in absolute number of the HSP70-positive RGCs in the RIPostC treatment subgroup. / In summary, the effect of IPC has been proved that it could protect RGCs against axotomy and retinal ischemia/reperfusion injury, in addition, the application of RIPostC also protected RGCs from axotomy. The proportion of HSP27-positive RGCs increased significantly in the process of RIPostC against axotomy, which may clue that the ability of axonal regeneration is stronger which induced by the RIPostC intervention. The upregulation of HSP27 might play a role in the neuroprotection of the RIPostC against axotomy. The expression of HSP70 maybe plays a little role in the neuroprotection of the IPC and RIPostC. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Liu, Xia. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2012. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 182-196). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstract also in Chinese. / Abstract --- p.i / Abstract in Chinese --- p.iv / Acknowledgements --- p.vii / Table of Abbreviations --- p.viii / Table of Contents --- p.ix / Chapter Chapter 1 --- General Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter Chapter 2 --- Changes of retinal ganglion cells and microglia after different types of injuries / Introduction --- p.38 / Materials and Methods --- p.43 / Results --- p.49 / Discussion --- p.57 / Figures and tables --- p.71 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- Ischemic preconditioning protect retinal ganglion cells against axotomy and retinal ischemia/reperfusion injury and expression of heat shock protein 27 and 70 / Introduction --- p.93 / Materials and Methods --- p.98 / Results --- p.103 / Discussion --- p.109 / Figures and tables --- p.116 / Chapter Chapter 4 --- Remote ischemic postconditioning protect retinal ganglion cells against axotomy and expression of heat shock protein 27 and 70 / Introduction --- p.143 / Materials and Methods --- p.147 / Results --- p.150 / Discussion --- p.154 / Figures and tables --- p.161 / Chapter Chapter 5 --- General Discussion --- p.175 / References --- p.182

Chan Yau Chi. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 157-177). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Contents / Declaration --- p.i / Acknowledgement --- p.ii / Abbreviations --- p.iii-iv / Abstract in English --- p.v-viii / Abstract in Chinese --- p.ix-xi / Contents --- p.xii-xvi / Chapter CHAPTER I - --- Introduction / Chapter 1.1. --- Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.1. --- Raloxifene --- p.6 / Chapter 1.2. --- Mechanisms of Action of SERMs in Vascular System --- p.7 / Chapter 1.2.1. --- Estrogen --- p.7 / Chapter 1.2.2. --- Estrogen Receptors (ERs) --- p.8 / Chapter 1.2.3. --- General Mechanisms of Action of SERMs --- p.13 / Chapter 1.2.4. --- Actions of Raloxifene --- p.14 / Chapter 1.3. --- Effects of SERMs in Cardiovascular System --- p.14 / Chapter 1.3.1. --- Effects of SERMs on Endothelial Function --- p.15 / Chapter 1.3.2. --- Effects of SERMs on Vascular Smooth Muscle --- p.17 / Chapter 1.4. --- Effects of Raloxifene on Vascular Circulations --- p.18 / Chapter 1.4.1. --- Effects of Raloxifene on Systemic Circulation --- p.18 / Chapter 1.4.1.1. --- Preclinical Data --- p.18 / Chapter 1.4.1.1.1. --- Effects on Serum Lipids --- p.18 / Chapter 1.4.1.1.2. --- Effects on Inflammation Markers and Blood Coagulation --- p.19 / Chapter 1.4.1.1.3. --- Antioxidative Effects --- p.19 / Chapter 1.4.1.1.4. --- Effects on Nitric Oxide and Endothelial Function --- p.19 / Chapter 1.4.1.1.5. --- Effects on Vascular Smooth Muscle --- p.20 / Chapter 1.4.1.1.6. --- "Vascular Injury, Atherosclerosis and Ischaemia-Reperfusion Injury" --- p.20 / Chapter 1.4.1.2. --- Clinical Studies - Effects in Post-Menopausal Women --- p.21 / Chapter 1.4.1.2.1. --- "Effects on Serum Lipids, Lipoproteins and Triglycerides" --- p.21 / Chapter 1.4.1.2.2. --- Effects on Inflammation Markers and Homocysteine --- p.22 / Chapter 1.4.1.2.3. --- Effects on Coagulation Markers --- p.23 / Chapter 1.4.1.2.4. --- Effects on Endothelial Function --- p.23 / Chapter 1.4.1.2.5. --- Cardiovascular Events --- p.23 / Chapter 1.5. --- Myogenic Response and Vascular System --- p.24 / Chapter 1.5.1. --- Initiation and Development of Myogenic Response --- p.25 / Chapter 1.5.2. --- Regulation of Myogenic Response --- p.26 / Chapter 1.5.2.1. --- 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) --- p.26 / Chapter 1.5.2.2. --- "Protein Kinase C, Rho/Rho-Kinase, and Tyrosine Kinase" --- p.27 / Chapter 1.5.3. --- Myogenic Response and Endothelium --- p.31 / Chapter 1.5.4. --- Estrogen and Myogenic Tone --- p.31 / Chapter 1.6. --- Objectives of the Present Study --- p.32 / Chapter CHAPTER II - --- Methods and Materials / Chapter 2.1. --- Tissue and Cell Preparation --- p.34 / Chapter 2.1.1. --- Vessel Preparation --- p.34 / Chapter 2.1.2. --- Removal of a Functional Endothelium --- p.36 / Chapter 2.2. --- Myograph and Pressure Myograph Setups --- p.36 / Chapter 2.2.1. --- Myograph 一 Isometric Tension Measurement --- p.36 / Chapter 2.2.2. --- Pressure Myograph - Isobaric Diameter Measurement --- p.37 / Chapter 2.3. --- Intracellular [Ca2+] Measurement in Vascular Smooth Muscle --- p.42 / Chapter 2.4. --- Chronic Raloxifene Therapyin Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHRs) and Wistar-Kyoto Rats (WKYs) --- p.42 / Chapter 2.4.1. --- Surgical Procedure - Raloxifene Tubing Insertion --- p.42 / Chapter 2.4.2. --- "Body Weight, Mean Arterial Blood Pressure and Uterine Weight" --- p.42 / Chapter 2.4.3. --- Measurement of Raloxifene Tubing Consumption --- p.43 / Chapter 2.4.4. --- Effect of Chronic Raloxifene Treatment on Artery Reactivity --- p.43 / Chapter 2.5. --- Ovariectomy and Chronic Raloxifene Therapyin Syrian Golden Hamsters --- p.45 / Chapter 2.5.1. --- Surgical Procedure - Ovariectomy (OVX) --- p.45 / Chapter 2.5.2. --- Surgical Procedure - Raloxifene Tubing Insertion --- p.45 / Chapter 2.5.3. --- High-Cholesterol Food Preparation --- p.45 / Chapter 2.5.4. --- "Body Weight, Food Consumption and Uterine Weight" --- p.46 / Chapter 2.5.5. --- Measurement of Raloxifene Tubing Consumption --- p.46 / Chapter 2.5.6. --- Serum Lipid and Lipoprotein Determinations --- p.46 / Chapter 2.5.7. --- Effect of Chronic Raloxifene on Artery Reactivity --- p.46 / Chapter 2.6. --- Solutions and Drugs --- p.49 / Chapter 2.6.1. --- "Drugs, Chemicals and Enzymes" --- p.49 / Chapter 2.6.2. --- Solutions --- p.51 / Chapter 2.6.3. --- Diet Composition for Syrian Golden Hamsters --- p.51 / Chapter 2.7. --- Statistical Analysis --- p.52 / Chapter CHAPTER III - --- "Raloxifene Relaxes Rat Pulmonary Arteries and Veins: Roles of Gender, Endothelium, and Antagonism of Ca Influx" / Chapter 3.1. --- Abstract --- p.53 / Chapter 3.2. --- Introduction --- p.54 / Chapter 3.3. --- Methods and Materials --- p.55 / Chapter 3.3.1. --- Blood Vessel Preparation --- p.55 / Chapter 3.3.2. --- Protocols --- p.55 / Chapter 3.3.3. --- Measurement of Vascular Smooth Muscle [Ca2+]i --- p.56 / Chapter 3.3.4. --- Drugs --- p.57 / Chapter 3.3.5. --- Data Analysis --- p.53 / Chapter 3.4. --- Results --- p.58 / Chapter 3.4.1. --- Effects of Raloxifene on Pulmonary Arteries --- p.53 / Chapter 3.4.2. --- Effect of Raloxifene on CaCl2-induced Constrictionin Pulmonary Arteries --- p.59 / Chapter 3.4.3. --- Effects of Raloxifene on Pulmonary Veins --- p.59 / Chapter 3.4.4. --- Effect of Raloxifene on CaCl2-stimulated Increases in [Ca2+]i in Pulmonary Arteries --- p.60 / Chapter 3.5. --- Discussion --- p.67 / Chapter 3.6. --- Conclusion --- p.69 / Chapter CHAPTER IV - --- Raloxifene Modulates Pulmonary Vascular Reactivity in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats / Chapter 4.1. --- Abstract --- p.70 / Chapter 4.2. --- Introduction --- p.71 / Chapter 4.3. --- Methods and Materials --- p.72 / Chapter 4.3.1. --- Raloxifene Treatment --- p.72 / Chapter 4.3.2. --- Blood Vessel Preparation --- p.72 / Chapter 4.3.3. --- Protocols --- p.73 / Chapter 4.3.4. --- Chemicals and Drugs --- p.73 / Chapter 4.3.5. --- Data Analysis --- p.74 / Chapter 4.4. --- Results --- p.74 / Chapter 4.4.1. --- Blood Pressure --- p.74 / Chapter 4.4.2. --- Vasocontraction in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats --- p.75 / Chapter 4.4.3. --- Vasorelaxation in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats --- p.75 / Chapter 4.4.4. --- Vasocontraction in Wistar-Kyoto rats --- p.76 / Chapter 4.4.5. --- Vasorelaxation in Wistar-Kyoto rats --- p.77 / Chapter 4.4.6. --- Comparison of contraction between WKY and SHR rats --- p.78 / Chapter 4.4.7. --- Comparison of relaxation between WKY and SHR rats --- p.78 / Chapter 4.5. --- Discussion --- p.93 / Chapter 4.6. --- Conclusion --- p.96 / Chapter CHAPTER V - --- Effects of Therapeutic Concentrations of Raloxifene in Pressurized Rat Small Mesenteric Artery / Chapter 5.1. --- Abstract --- p.98 / Chapter 5.2. --- Introduction --- p.99 / Chapter 5.3. --- Methods and Materials --- p.101 / Chapter 5.3.1. --- Blood Vessel Preparation --- p.101 / Chapter 5.3.2. --- Experimental Protocols --- p.102 / Chapter 5.3.2.1. --- Myogenic Tone Development --- p.102 / Chapter 5.3.2.2. --- Effects of Raloxifene and 17β-EstradioI on Myogenic Constriction --- p.102 / Chapter 5.3.2.3. --- Effects of Pharmacological Inhibitors on Raloxifene- or 17β-Estradiol-induced Myogenic Constriction --- p.103 / Chapter 5.3.3. --- Drugs and Solutions --- p.103 / Chapter 5.3.4. --- Expression of Results and Statistical Analysis --- p.104 / Chapter 5.4. --- Results --- p.104 / Chapter 5.4.1. --- Effects of Raloxifene and 17β-Estradiol on Rat Resistance Mesenteric Arteries1 --- p.104 / Chapter 5.4.2. --- Effects of Inhibitors of NOS --- p.105 / Chapter 5.4.3. --- Effect of CTX plus Apamin --- p.106 / Chapter 5.4.4. --- "Effect of ICI 182,780" --- p.106 / Chapter 5.4.5. --- "Effects of Wortmannin, LY 294002 and Cycloheximide" --- p.106 / Chapter 5.5. --- Discussion --- p.122 / Chapter 5.6. --- Conclusion --- p.125 / Chapter CHAPTER VI - --- Effects of Chronic Raloxifene Treatment on Vascular Reactivity in Pressurized Septal Coronary Arteries from Hamsters Fed with High-Cholesterol Diet / Chapter 6.1. --- Abstract --- p.127 / Chapter 6.2. --- Introduction --- p.128 / Chapter 6.3. --- Methods and Materials --- p.129 / Chapter 6.3.1. --- Preparatory Work --- p.129 / Chapter 6.3.1.1. --- Animals and Diets --- p.129 / Chapter 6.3.1.2. --- Preparation of High-Cholesterol (HC) Food --- p.129 / Chapter 6.3.1.3. --- Surgical Procedure - Ovariectomy (OVX) --- p.129 / Chapter 6.3.1.4. --- Surgical Procedure - Raloxifene Tubing Insertion --- p.130 / Chapter 6.3.1.5. --- Blood Vessel Preparation --- p.130 / Chapter 6.3.1.6. --- "Body Weight, Food Consumption and Uterine Weight" --- p.131 / Chapter 6.3.1.7. --- Measurement of Raloxifene Tubing Consumption --- p.131 / Chapter 6.3.1.8. --- Serum Lipid and Lipoprotein Determinations --- p.132 / Chapter 6.3.2. --- Experimental Protocols --- p.132 / Chapter 6.3.2.1. --- Development of Myogenic Tone --- p.132 / Chapter 6.3.2.2. --- Pressure-Diameter Relationships --- p.132 / Chapter 6.3.2.3. --- The Effect of Acetylcholine --- p.133 / Chapter 6.3.2.4. --- The Effect of U46619 --- p.133 / Chapter 6.3.2.5. --- The Effect of L-NAME --- p.133 / Chapter 6.3.3. --- Drugs and Solutions --- p.133 / Chapter 6.3.4. --- Expression of Results and Statistical Analysis --- p.134 / Chapter 6.4. --- Results --- p.135 / Chapter 6.4.1. --- Effects on Myogenic Response --- p.135 / Chapter 6.4.2. --- "Effects of Acetylcholine, U46619 and L-NAME" --- p.135 / Chapter 6.4.2.1. --- Comparison between OHHCD and OvxOHHCD --- p.135 / Chapter 6.4.2.2. --- Comparison between OvxOHHCD and OvxOHHCDRf --- p.135 / Chapter 6.4.2.3. --- Comparison between OHHCDRf and OvxOHHCDRf --- p.136 / Chapter 6.4.2.4. --- Comparison between OHHCD and OHHCDRf --- p.136 / Chapter 6.5. --- Discussion --- p.155 / Chapter 6.6. --- Conclusion --- p.156 / References --- p.157 / Publications --- p.176

Angiogenesis is a process of new blood vessels sprouting from the pre-existing vasculature, and mediated by multiple angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors. Disturbance of the balance often leads to development of neovascular diseases. Neovascularization affecting the eye is a common cause of visual impairment and even blindness, particularly when corneal or choroidal neovascularization (NV) is involved. While there are effective treatment modes for ocular neovascularization, they are expensive and only inhibit disease progress. Since herbal medicine has been applied for anti-angiogenesis and anti-carcinogenesis therapies, we investigate the anti-angiogenic effect of selected herbal molecules: isoliquiritigenin (ISL), a flavonoid from licorice; epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a polyphenol from green tea; and resveratrol (Rst), a polyphenol phytoalexin derived from grapes. / In conclusion, by in vitro and in vivo studies, we showed that ISL, EGCG and Rst contributed to anti-angiogenesis via different biological mechanisms. We propose that these three herbal molecules (ISL, EGCG and Rst) are candidate anti-angiogenic agents for the treatment of ocular angiogenesis diseases. Their distribution profiles and pharmacokinetic properties should be investigated. / Results showed that sub-toxic levels of ISL (10 microM), EGCG (50 microM) and Rst (10microM) effectively suppressed endothelial cell proliferation and migration in the scratch-wound assay. Treatment with ISL was found to significantly up-regulate PEDF, which is known as a potent angiostatic factor. EGCG and Rst downregulate VEGF signaling cascade by suppressing Akt and FAK activation and affecting MMP-2, MMP-9 expression. In vivo angiogenesis assays further showed the suppressive effect of ISL, EGCG and Rst on neovascularization in three different animal models. Application of ISL at 1 microM showed the suppressive effect on chick CAM assay, corneal NV and choroidal NV assays consistently, the most effective dosage was close to 10 microM. EGCG at 1 microM showed the effect to reduce chick CAM vessel formation and corneal NV, and at 10 microM (the lowest tested concentration) to suppress choroidal NV in mice. Variable effects were observed in Rst treatment. Rst at 10 microM prohibited vessel growth in chick CAM, and 1 microM suppressed corneal NV formation and 2 microM deterred choroidal NV development. / This thesis contains two major parts. The first in vitro cell-based analysis investigated the toxicity of these herbal chemicals and their effect on endothelial cell growth and migration. The expression profile of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling cascade events, including Akt and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) activation, VEGF, pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were examined by Western blotting. Then three in vivo models were established to study the effect of these herbal chemicals on angiogenesis. They were (1) developmental angiogenesis in chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM), (2) pathological angiogenesis in silver nitrate cauterization-induced corneal neovascularization in BALB/c mice and, (3) laser photocoagulation-induced choroidal neovascularization in C57BL/6 mice. Changes of vascularization were determined by qualification of vessel number changes on the edge of gelatin sponge in 24 hours (chick CAM assay), measurement of vascularized area, live imaging of vessel leakage (fundus fluorescence angiography, FFA) and immunochemistry using antibodies specific for endothelial cells (corneal & choroidal NV assays) respectively. / Liu, Huanming. / Adviser: Chi Pui Pang. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 73-02, Section: B, page: . / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2010. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 155-180). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. [Ann Arbor, MI] : ProQuest Information and Learning, [201-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstract also in Chinese.

Lorsque des vaisseaux autologues ne sont pas disponibles pour faire un pontage, des greffons synthétiques sont utilisés mais avec des taux d’échec élevés. En effet, malgré leurs bonnes propriétés mécaniques, la surface synthétique de ces greffons entraîne de la thrombose et de l’hyperplasie intimale ayant pour conséquence une mauvaise perméabilité du substitut à long terme pour de nombreuses applications. Par ingénierie tissulaire, des greffons vasculaires entièrement biologiques et humains ont déjà été produits par roulage de feuillets de matrice extracellulaire synthétisée par des fibroblastes dermiques humains in vitro. Grâce à une nouvelle méthode d’assemblage basée sur une approche textile, des greffons ont été produits trois fois plus rapidement. Pour ce faire, le feuillet a été découpé en fils afin de permettre la construction d’un substitut vasculaire par tissage. Cette thèse comporte trois articles. Le premier visait à montrer la composition riche de la matrice, décrire l’organisation de son réseau complexe de collagènes et démontrer que la dévitalisation par séchage de la matrice n’a pas affecté significativement cette organisation. Le deuxième avait pour but de décrire les propriétés mécaniques des fils en fonction du torsadage et/ou de l’âge de la matrice ainsi que l’effet sur la force de différents traitements nécessaires au processus de fabrication. Les différentes applications de l’approche textile dans la construction de structures complexes ainsi que les propriétés mécaniques des substituts tissés ont également été évaluées. Le troisième article a montré la faible réponse inflammatoire ainsi que le potentiel d’intégration et de remodelage de la matrice in vivo. Par ailleurs, la décellularisation n’a pas montré de résultats supérieurs à la dévitalisation, permettant ainsi de s’affranchir d’une étape de fabrication supplémentaire et potentiellement délétère à l’organisation biologique de cette matrice. En conclusion, cette thèse constitue la première démonstration de la fabrication de textiles humains mécaniquement très forts mais sans utilisation de matériel exogène. La dévitalisation couplée à l’approche textile ont permis de créer un modèle allogénique plus simple, plus rapide et moins coûteux mais avec un potentiel d’intégration in vivo intact. Ce modèle sera très prochainement étudié par implantation à long terme dans la circulation sanguine. / When autologous blood vessels are not available for bypass surgery, synthetic grafts are used but display high failure rates. Indeed, despite their good mechanical properties, their synthetic surface lead to thrombosis and intimal hyperplasia, which cause poor long-term patency in many applications. Using tissue engineering, completely biological and human vascular grafts have been produced by rolling sheets of extracellular matrix synthesized by dermal human fibroblasts in vitro. Using a new assembly technique based on a textile approach, grafts were produced three-time faster. To do so, sheets were cut into yarns to construct vascular substitute by weaving. This manuscript includes three articles. The first one aimed at showing the rich composition of the matrix, describing the organization of its complex network of collagens and demonstrating that the devitalization by drying the matrix did not significantly affect this organization. The second one described the mechanical properties of the yarns depending on the twisting, matrix age or different treatments useful for the manufacturing process. It also demonstrated some of the assembly techniques possible with this human yarn, as well as its possible use as a suture or to build a vascular graft. The third article showed the survival of the yarns subcutaneously implanted for 6 month in nude rats. The implants created little inflammatory response, were mildly remodeled and kept a significant mechanical strength. Decellularization did not show results improvement compared to the simple devitalization, demonstrating that the remaining cellular fragments were not a meaningful activator of the innate immune system. To conclude, this thesis is the first demonstration of the production of human textiles, without using any exogenous material and that are mechanically very strong. Both the devitalization and the textile approach have allowed to create a simpler allogeneic model, faster and cheaper but with an intact potential of integration in vivo, that will be studied very soon with a long-term implantation of the textile in the bloodstream.

Introdução: Até o presente momento, há escassez de estudos que avaliem os níveis séricos de citocinas angiogênicas em pacientes com dermatomiosite (DM), uma miosite autoimune sistêmica que tem como fisiopatogênese a vasculopatia. Portanto, os objetivos do presente estudo foram: (a) analisar sistematica e simultaneamente os níveis séricos de angiogenin (ANG), angiopoietin (ANGPT) -1, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF) -1 e -2 e platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) -AA e -BB em pacientes com DM; (b) correlacionar o nível sérico destas citocinas com as características clínico-laboratoriais, alterações metabólicas e atividade da DM. Pacientes e métodos: Estudo transversal, único centro, no qual foram incluídos, no período de 2012 a 2014, 48 pacientes consecutivos com DM definida (Bohan e Peter, 1975), entre 18 e 45 anos de idade, e em seguimento regular na nossa Instituição. Foram excluídos pacientes com condições clínicas relacionadas à DM (como sequelas de doença e tratamento prolongado) ou secundárias a outras causas que poderiam influenciar na interpretação dos resultados das citocinas avaliadas, seja por apresentarem variações hormonais ou por estarem relacionados ao mecanismo de inflamação e/ou angiogênese. Os pacientes foram pareados por sexo, idade e etnia com 48 indivíduos saudáveis (grupo controle). A análise das citocinas séricas foi realizada por imunoensaio multiplex. Os parâmetros da atividade da DM foram baseados nos escores estabelecidos por International Myositis Assessment & Clinical Studies Group (IMACS). Resultados: A distribuição de sexo e a etnia foram comparáveis entre os grupos DM e controle assim como a média de idade (33,3±7,6 vs. 35,8±8,2 anos, respectivamente), e a mediana de duração de doença foi de 1 ano. No grupo DM, os níveis séricos de FGF-1 e FGF-2 (P < 0,001, P < 0,001, respectivamente) estavam elevados, enquanto os níveis de VEGF e PDGF-AA (P=0,009 e P=0,022, respectivamente) estavam reduzidos. Os níveis de ANG, ANGPT-1 e PDGFBB foram semelhantes em ambos os grupos. Houve uma tendência para correlação positiva entre as citocinas (com exceção de VEGF e PDGF-BB) e os parâmetros de atividade da DM, enquanto FGF-2 apresentou correlação negativa. Além disso, o FGF-1 correlacionou-se fortemente com manifestações cutâneas da dermatomiosite. Conclusões: Os dados atuais reforçam a importância das citocinas angiogênicas nos mecanismos de vasculopatia da DM, especialmente em condições de atividade cutânea e adequado tratamento medicamentoso. Estudos adicionais serão necessários para validar os dados obtidos no presente trabalho / Introduction: Until now, there are few studies evaluating serum levels of angiogenic cytokines in patients with dermatomyositis (DM), a systemic autoimmune myositis that has vasculopathy as its physiopathogenesis. Therefore, the aims of the present study were: (a) to analyze systematically and simultaneously serum levels of angiogenin (ANG), angiopoietin (ANGPT) -1, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF) -1 and -2, and platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) -AA and -BB in patients with DM; (b) to correlate the serum level of these cytokines with the clinical and laboratory features, metabolic alterations and DM activity. Patients and methods: This is an one-center cross sectional study, in which 48 consecutive patients with defined DM (Bohan and Peter, 1975) aged 18 to 45 years and regularly followed up at our Institution were included from 2012 to 2014. Patients with clinical conditions related to DM (as sequelae of disease and prolonged treatment) or secondary to other causes that could influence the results interpretation of the evaluated cytokines were excluded, either because of hormonal variations or relationship with inflammation mechanism and/or angiogenesis. Patients were gender-, age- and ethnicity-matched with 48 healthy individuals (control group). The serum levels of cytokines analyses were performed by multiplex immunoassay. The parameters of DM activity were based on the scores established by the International Myositis Assessment & Clinical Studies Group (IMACS). Results: The gender and ethnicity were comparable between DM and control groups as soon as the mean age (33.3±7.6 vs. 35.8±8.2 years, respectively), and the median disease duration was 1 year. The serum levels of FGF-1 and FGF-2 (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively) were higher in DM group, whereas the levels of VEGF and PDGF-AA (P=0.009 and P=0.022, respectively) were lower in DM group. The levels of ANG, ANGPT-1 and PDGF-BB were similar in both groups. There was a tendency for cytokines (with the exceptions of VEGF and PDGF-BB) to correlate positively with DM activity parameters, whereas FGF-2 correlated inversely. Moreover, FGF-1 strongly correlated with the cutaneous manifestations of DM. Conclusion: The current data reinforce the importance of angiogenic cytokines in DM vasculopathy mechanisms, especially in conditions of cutaneous activity and adequate drug treatment. Additional studies will be needed to validate the data obtained in this work

Objetivos: Avaliar as características do canal da artéria alveolar superior posterior (AASP) em exames de tomografia de feixe conico (TCFC) em indivíduos com fissura labiopalatina (FI) e comparar com indivíduos não fissurados (NF). Material e Métodos: Foram analisados 150 exames de TCFC de FI e 150 TCFC de NF. Os critérios de exclusão foram: exames de pacientes sindrômicos, presença de lesões intraósseas, desdentados totais, outras alterações que interferem a visivilidade do canal da AASP, presença de artefatos, idade abaixo de 20 anos e exames que não incluíam toda a maxila. As características avaliadas foram à presença/ausência, localização em relação ao seio maxilar, diâmetro, distancia em relação ao rebordo alveolar e assoalho do seio maxilar e término presença/ausência de anastomose com a artéria alveolar superior anterior (AASA).Os testes estatísticos aplicados foram Kappa, Dahlberg Fischers, test t. Resultados: O grupo de FI foi constituído de 75 homens e 75 mulheres, com idade média de 29,8 anos. O grupo de NF foi composto por 75 homens 75 mulheres com idade média de 40,3 anos. O Kappa para a concordância da presença e ausência do canal da AASP foi: intra-avaliador 0,8 substancial e inter-avaliador de 0,7 subtancial. O Dahlberg intra-avaliador foi de 0, 75 excelente e inter-avaliador de 0,7 satisfatório. No ponto de ingresso o canal AASP esteve presente em 100% em FI e em 100% em NF, em todos os casos o canal da AASP era bilateral. Os diâmetros, do canal da AASP, foram significativamente diferentes entre os dois grupos, sendo maior para os FI (Test t P < 0,0001). A localização em relação ao ponto de ingresso no seio maxilar foi estatisticamente significante entre ambos os grupos, nos FI a maior frequência foi no terço médio (Fisher\' s P <0,0001) e superior do seio maxilar (Fisher\' s P < 0,0071 lado esquerdo), e os NF apresentaram maior frequência foi no terço inferior (Fisher\' s P < 0,0001). Em relação à distância da AASP ao rebordo alveolar e ao assoalho do seio maxilar, não houve resultados estatisticamente significantes. Em relação aos tipos de términos não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre os grupos. Conclusões: De acordo com material e métodos realizados, o canal da AASP apresentou maior diâmetro e localização mais superior no seio maxilar em FI quando comparado com NF. Esses resultados podem indicar um maior risco de sangramento durante cirurgias para os portadores de fissura labiopalatina. / Objectives: This study evaluates the characteristics of the posterior superior alveolar artery canal (AASP) in individuals with cleft lip and palate (FI) and compares with individuals without cleft lip and palate (NF). Material and Methods: 150 Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (TCFC) were evaluated from both FI and NF 150 TCFC according to the criteria outlined above. Exclusion criteria were: Sindromic patients, exams with alteration introsseous, edentulous maxilla, artifacts, people below 20 years of age, exams that did not include all maxilla. The characteristics evaluated include presence/absence, location in to maxillary sinus, diameter, distance in relation to the alveolar crest and maxillary sinus floor and presence/absence of anastomosis with the anterior superior alveolar artery canal (AASA). The statistical tests used were Kappa, Dahlberg, Fisher\'s and test t. Results: The group of FI was composed of 75 men and 75 women, with an average age of 29.8. The NF group was composed of 75 men and 75 women with average of age 40.3. In relation to the presence/absence of the AASP canal, result from an evaluation by the intra-rater was 0,8 substancial and inter-rater showed 0.7substantial. O Dahlberg intra-rater was 0.75 excelent and inter-rater 0.7 satisfactory. The prevalence of the AASP canal was100% in the FI group and NF. Regarding the diameters of the AASP canal there were significant differences between the two groups, and was considerably greater for the FI group (Test t p < 0.0001). With respect to location in relation to the point of entry in the maxillary sinus results showed significant statistical difference between both groups, with the NF group possessing higher frequency in the middle third (Fishers p <0.0001) and upper third of maxillary sinus (Fishers p < 0.0071 left side) and NF had higher frequency was in lower third (Fishers P <0.0001). There was no significant statistical difference in relation to the distance of the AASP to alveolar crest and to the floor maxillary sinus. The same was true in relation to the types of terms. Conclusion: According to the material and methods the AASP canal present larger diameter and more premium location in the maxillary sinus in individuals with FI compared with NF. The results indicate a higher risk of bleeding during surgery for patients with cleft lip and palate.

University of Macau / Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences