O estresse oxidativo, induzido por espécies reativas, está diretamente envolvido com a função das células durante o desenvolvimento do diabetes mellitus do tipo 1 (DM1), bem como no desenrolar das complicações relacionadas à hiperglicemia. O transplante autólogo de células-tronco hematopoéticas é uma estratégia de intervenção imunológica que visa preservar a função do pâncreas endócrino, se realizado durante a fase em que o paciente ainda possui importante reserva de células pancreáticas. Dessa forma, o presente estudo objetiva investigar como o estresse oxidativo se comporta nos momentos pré e pós-transplante. Dezoito pacientes transplantados entre 2004 e 2010 foram avaliados retrospectivamente, a partir de amostras de soro criopreservadas imediatamente antes, e 12 meses após o transplante. Esses pacientes também foram subdivididos em respondedores (livres de insulina exógena aos 12 meses pós-transplante) e não-respondedores (em uso de insulina exógena 12 meses pós-transplante). Dados do estresse oxidativo (malonaldeído e isoprostano) e da capacidade antioxidante (glutationa reduzida, superóxido dismutase e tocoferol) foram comparados nos pacientes diabéticos antes e 12 meses pós-transplante, e também com o grupo controle. Dentro do grupo experimental observamos que, 12 meses depois do transplante, os pacientes apresentaram melhora dos níveis de hemoglobina glicada e das doses de insulina exógena e recuperação do peso corporal. Aos 12 meses pós-transplante, o grupo de pacientes respondedores apresentaram níveis de peptídeo-C significativamente maiores do que o de não-respondedores. Quando comparados ao grupo controle, verificamos maiores níveis de glutationa reduzida e isoprostano nos pacientes diabéticos, em ambos os momentos (pré e pós-transplante). Também observamos que níveis de tocoferol (vitamina E) estão reduzidos, abaixo do valor de referência, quando comparados ao grupo controle. Em conclusão, o presente estudo identificou que pacientes com DM1 já possuem alterações no estresse oxidativo marcada pelo aumento do isoprostano e da atividade antioxidante marcada pelo aumento da glutationa reduzida (GSH) poucas semanas após o diagnóstico e que o procedimento não contribuiu para normalizar seus níveis. / Oxidative stress, induced by reactive species, is directly involved with -cell function during the development of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and with the development of hyperglycemia-induced complications. Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) is an immunological therapeutic strategy to preserve the function of the endocrine pancreas, if performed early after T1DM diagnosis, while the patient still has significant residual beta cell mass. Thus, this study aims to investigate how oxidative stress behaves before and after AHSCT and how it may be related with glycemic control. Eighteen patients transplanted between 2004 and 2010, which had serum samples cryopreserved immediately before and 12 months after transplantation, were retrospectively evaluated. These patients were also divided into responders (insulin-free at 12 months posttransplant) and non-responders (in use of insulin 12 months post-transplant). Data on oxidative stress (malondialdehyde and isoprostane levels) and antioxidant capacity (reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase and tocopherol levels), from diabetic patients, were compared before and 12 months after AHSCT, and also with a healthy control group. We observed that 12 months after transplantation, T1DM patients showed improvement in glycated hemoglobin levels and exogenous insulin doses, besides recovery of pre-diabetes body weight levels. At 12 months posttransplantation, the group of responders had significantly higher C-peptide levels than the non-responders. When compared to the health individuals (control group), we found higher levels of reduced glutathione and isoprostane in T1DM patients, both before and after transplantation. We also observed that tocopherol levels (vitamin E) were reduced below the reference value, when compared to the control group. In conclusion, we found that patients with T1DM present abnormal oxidative stress, marked by increased isoprostane, and antioxidant activity, marked by the increase of reduced glutathione (GSH) already a few weeks after diagnosis and that AHSCT did not contribute to normalize their levels.

A mucosite oral é um dos efeitos adversos mais frequente e debilitantes em pacientes submetidos ao transplante de medula óssea (TMO). O Laser de Baixa Potência (LBP) tem sido estabelecido como importante ferramenta na prevenção de mucosite, durante o condicionamento com quimioterapia de altas doses no TMO. No entanto, protocolos que suportam tais intervenções variam e os fatores de riscos para mucosite em pacientes com diferentes tipos de neoplasias e condicionamentos mesmo recebendo a prevenção com o LBP são ainda desconhecidos. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a prevalência de mucosite, sua relação com os parâmetros clínicos e fatores preditivos em pacientes submetidos ao TMO e que receberam a prevenção com LBP. Foi realizada uma análise retrospectiva de 374 pacientes consecutivos que foram submetidos ao TMO no A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, entre o período de janeiro de 2006 a janeiro de 2013. Todos os pacientes receberam profilaxia para mucosite oral com LBP, utilizando protocolo único, desde o primeiro dia do condicionamento até o D+2 (2 dias após a infusão da medula óssea). Os pacientes continuaram a receber o LBP nos casos de mucosite oral >= grau 2 até a remissão completa das lesões. Os dados clínicos como neutropenia febril, dor em boca, uso de alimentação parenteral e o uso de morfina foram coletados diariamente através dos prontuários dos pacientes desde o primeiro dia de internação até a alta hospitalar. As variáveis clínicas como idade, peso e função renal foram coletadas no dia da internação para o condicionamento. Dos 374 pacientes selecionados para este estudo, 37 (9%) pacientes foram excluídos, totalizando assim, 337 pacientes. Destes, 43 (12,76%) não apresentaram mucosite, 166 (49,25%) manifestaram mucosite grau 1, 84 (24,93%) grau 2, 32 (9,50%) grau 3 e 12 (3,56%) grau 4. Os pacientes com mucosite grau ? 2, apresentaram uma média de 1,4 dias de dor em boca comparado com 9,2 dias nos pacientes com mucosite ? 3 (p<0,0001). Em relação ao tempo de hospitalização, nos pacientes com mucosite grau ? 2, a média foi de 27,16 dias comparado com 36,07 nos com mucosite grau ?3 (p<0,0001). Através do modelo de regressão logística, observou-se que a cada aumento em uma unidade de creatinina a chance de ocorrer mucosite grau ? 3 foi 4,3 vezes maior (RC= 4,37; 95% IC: 1,68 - 11,32; p=0,0024). Além disso, os pacientes submetidos ao transplante alogênico apresentaram cerca de 5,97 vezes mais chance de apresentar mucosite grau ? 3 comparado com os pacientes submetidos ao transplante autólogo (RC= 5,97; 95% IC: 3,02 - 11,99; p<0,001). O estudo concluiu que a incidência e intensidade da mucosite oral severa foi baixa nos pacientes submetidos ao TMO, provavelmente devido à profilaxia com o LBP. Além disso, quanto maior a severidade da mucosite oral, maior o tempo de dor em boca, uso de alimentação parenteral, uso de morfina e período de internação. O transplante alogênico e o aumento no nível sérico de creatinina foram considerados fatores de risco para ocorrência de mucosite oral severa. Novos estudos são necessários para definir protocolos específicos para o LBP nestes pacientes com maior risco para o desenvolvimento de mucosite severa. / Oral mucositis is one of the most common and debilitating adverse effects in patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation (BMT). The low-power laser (LBP) has been established as an important tool in the prevention of mucositis, during conditioning with high-dose chemotherapy in BMT. However, protocols that support such intervention vary and risk factors for mucositis in patients with different types of neoplasms and conditioning protocols are still unknown. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of mucositis, its relationship with clinical parameters and predictive factors in patients undergoing BMT and receiving prevention with LBP. A retrospective analysis was performed concerning 374 patients who were submitted consecutively to BMT at the AC Camargo Cancer Center, from January 2006 to January 2013. All patients received prophylaxis for oral mucositis with LBP using only protocol from the first day of conditioning until D + 2 (2 days after the infusion of the bone marrow). Patients continued to receive the LBP in the case of oral mucositis grade >= 2 until the complete remission of the lesions. Clinical data, such as febrile neutropenia, mouth pain, parenteral nutrition usage and the use of morphine were collected daily through the medical records of patients from the first day of admission until discharge. The clinical variables such as age, weight and renal function data were collected on the day of admission for conditioning. Of the 374 patients selected for this study, 37 (9%) were excluded, totaling 337 patients. Of these, 43 (12.76%) had no mucositis, 166 (49.25%) expressed mucositis grade 1, 84 (24.93%) grade 2, 32 (9.50%) grade 3 and 12 (3.56 %) grade 4. Patients with mucositis grade <= 2, showed an average of 1.4 days of pain in the mouth compared with 9.2 days in patients with mucositis >= 3 (p <0.0001). Regarding the length of hospital stay in patients with mucositis grade <= 2, the average was 27.16 days compared to 36.07 in with mucositis grade >= 3 (p <0.0001). The logistic regression model showed that each increase of one unit of creatinine drives the chance of mucositis grade >= 3 4.3 times higher (OR = 4.37; 95% CI: 1.68 to 11.32 ; p = 0.0024). In addition, patients undergoing allogeneic transplantation showed about 5.97 times more likely to have grade >= 3 mucositis compared with patients undergoing autologous transplantation (OR = 5.97; 95% CI: 3.02 to 11.99 p <0.001). The study found that the incidence and intensity of severe oral mucositis was low in patients undergoing BMT, probably due to prophylaxis with LBP. In addition, the greater the severity of oral mucositis, the longer the pain in mouth, parenteral feeding use, morphine and time of hospitalization. Allogeneic transplantation and increase in serum creatinine level were considered risk factors for the occurrence of severe oral mucositis. Further studies are needed to define specific protocols for LBP in these patients at higher risk for developing severe mucositis.

A mucosite oral, também chamada recentemente de mucosite do trato gastrointestinal, continua sendo um importante efeito colateral que pode comprometer o resultado do transplante de células tronco hematopoéticas. Ela pode ocorrer em 100% dos pacientes submetidos ao transplante alogênico de células-tronco e a maior incidência neste pode ser atribuída à administração de metotrexate. A ocorrência de mucosite ulcerativa está relacionada ao aumento dos custos hospitalares, a redução da sobrevida em 100 dias e infecção sistêmica aumentando o risco de sepse. A última década foi muito importante para a compreensão da mucosite oral, incluindo a predisposição genética dos indivíduos e alterações nas enzimas responsáveis a metabolização de quimioterápicos. Recentemente, o polimorfismo C677T no gene metilenotetrahidrofolato redutase (MTHFR) têm ganhado enfoque na relação com a incidência da mucosite. Esta enzima metaboliza o metotrexate e a ela é atribuída maior ou menor atividade levando a modificações na metabolização do fármaco. Poucos trabalhos prospectivos e caso-controle são encontrados na literatura corrente com relação ao polimorfismo C677T e a incidência da mucosite. O objetivo deste estudo foi uma análise prospectiva caso-controle da relação do polimorfismo MTHFR C677T com a incidência da mucosite. Além disso, a influência da condição de saúde bucal (presença de placa dental e inflamação gengival) com a incidência de mucosite oral foi analisada. Foram inseridos 97 pacientes divididos em 2 grupos: 35 pacientes submetidos ao transplante alogênico e 62 pacientes submetidos ao transplante autólogo. A mediana de idade foi de 41,5 anos. O regime de condicionamento consistiu de busulfano e melfalano ou regime BEAM - becenum, etoposide, citarabina e melfalano (para a Doença de Hodgkin e Linfoma não Hodgkin). A profilaxia da doença do enxerto contra o hospedeiro foi feita com ciclosporina e metotrexate, no transplante alogênico. Não foi feito resgate com ácido folínico durante a administração de metotrexato. Os resultados mostraram que o polimorfismo C677T não foi significativo no grupo de estudo em comparação com o grupo controle na previsão de incidência e severidade da mucosite oral. No entanto, a incidência e gravidade da mucosite oral foram influenciadas pela condição de saúde bucal. Em conclusão, o polimorfismo C677T da MTHFR não foi relacionado ao oral mucosite, mas o estado de saúde oral foi um fator importante no desenvolvimento da mucosite. Estes resultados reforçam a importância de um dentista na equipe multiprofissional de assistência a estes pacientes. / Oral mucositis remains an important side-effect and life-threatening complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. It can occurs in 100% of patients underwenting allogeneic stem cell transplantation. The differences in incidence between allogeneic and autologous transplantation may be due to methotrexate administration in the first. Ulcerative mucositis is related to increase hospitalar costs, reduced 100-days survival and systemic infections leading to sepsis risk. The last decade was very important to the understanding of oral mucositis, including genetics changes in enzymes responsible to drug metabolization, as the C677T polymorphism in the methylenetethrahidrofolate reductase gene (MTHFR). A prospective evaluation of oral mucositis in relation to the C677T MTHFR polymorphism was done. Also, the influence of oral health condition (presence of dental plaque and gingival inflammation) with the incidence of oral mucositis was analyzed. A cohort of 97 patients (35 allogeneic-study group and 62 autologous-control group) with median age of 41.5 years was evaluated. Conditioning regimen comprised busulfan and melphalan or becenum based conditioning regimen (BEAM becenum, etoposide, cytarabin and melphalan. GVHD prophylaxis comprised cyclosporine A plus short course of methotrexate in allogeneic transplantation. No rescue with folinic acid was done in the methotrexate administration. Results showed that C677T polymorphism was not significant in the study group compared with control group in predicting incidence and severity of oral mucositis. However, the incidence and severity of oral mucositis was influenced by oral health condition. In conclusion, C677T MTHFR polymorphism was not related to oral mucositis, but oral health status was an important factor in developing mucositis. These findings reinforce the importance of a dentist in the multiprofessional team to assist these patients.

O Transplante de Células-Tronco Hematopoéticas (TCTH) trata-se da substituição das Células-Tronco Hematopoéticas (CTH) doentes de um indivíduo por CTH normais com o objetivo de normalizar a hematopoese do receptor. O cateter venoso central (CVC) tornou-se indispensável para viabilizar tal terapêutica pela segurança na infusão das CTH e dos quimioterápicos. Para o TCTH são utilizados cateteres do tipo Hickman ou duplo lúmen, ambos de longa permanência. O curativo adesivo utilizado no sítio de inserção do cateter é essencial para a fixação do cateter, proteção contra agentes externos e prevenção de infecção. Há forte evidência clínica no uso do filme transparente gel de clorexidina (CHX) como uma alternativa no controle de infecções relacionadas ao cateter. A adesividade deste curativo confere-lhe uma possível permanência de até sete dias aderido à pele, o que evita repetidas aplicações e remoções do curativo, diminui a frequência na manipulação do cateter, a ocorrência de infecção e irritação cutânea local. Observa-se que a adesividade do curativo nem sempre permite a permanência por sete dias, sendo necessárias trocas não planejadas, podendo causar lesões à integridade cutânea. Neste estudo, objetivou-se avaliar a adesividade e a irritação cutânea do filme transparente gel de CHX aplicado no sítio de inserção do CVC por meio de um estudo transversal, prospectivo, realizado em um hospital público de ensino, no período de novembro de 2013 a junho de 2014, com crianças e adultos de ambos os sexos com doenças autoimunes ou onco-hematológicas submetidos ao TCTH. A amostra desta pesquisa foi constituída por 25 pacientes. Onze (44%) apresentaram irritação cutânea caracterizada por perda de pele de extensão <=0,5cm, perda de pele de extensão > 0,5cm, placa eritematosa e vesículas. Destes, seis tiveram necessidade de suspensão do uso do curativo. A pele fragilizada devido ao uso de agentes quimioterápicos pode aderir fortemente ao curativo adesivo, sendo desprendida com o mesmo quando este é removido. A perda da integridade cutânea com remoção da camada protetora da pele facilita a entrada de microrganismos aumentando a susceptibilidade a infecções em pacientes imunossuprimidos. Em 55,6% das avaliações foi observado desprendimento do curativo e a região da fenda foi onde mais ocorreu desprendimento (43,4%). Esta é uma região da margem do curativo, assim denominada por possuir uma abertura no adesivo onde são posicionadas as vias do cateter. Infere-se que devido à mobilidade do paciente e manuseio das vias do cateter, com o passar dos dias, essa região da borda do curativo apresenta maior desprendimento. Em 8,4% das observações havia bolha de ar no gel de clorexidina envolvendo o sítio de inserção do cateter. A bolha de ar no gel de clorexidina significa que este não está em contato com a pele do paciente o que é preocupante quando envolve o sítio de inserção do cateter, pois a CHX não está exercendo sua função antisséptica neste local, onde há possibilidade de migração extra- lúmen de microrganismos à corrente sanguínea / Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) involves the replacement of sick hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) from an individual with normal HSC, with the aim to restore the recipient\'s hematopoiesis. Central venous catheters (CVC) have become indispensable to make this therapy feasible due to the safety of infusion of the HSC and the chemotherapeutic agents. In HSCT, long-term Hickman or long-term double lumen catheters are used. The adhesive dressing used in the site of insertion of the catheter is essential for the catheter fixation, protection against external agents and prevention of infection. There is strong clinical evidence on the use of transparent film dressing with chlorhexidine gel (CHX) as an alternative in the control of catheter-related infections. The adhesiveness of this dressing allows it to be used up to seven days once it adheres to the skin, which avoids repeated dressing applications and removals, and reduces the frequency of catheter handling, the occurrence of infection, and local skin rash. However, as observed, the dressing adhesiveness does not always allow it to be used for seven days, and unplanned replacements may be needed, which can cause lesions to the skin integrity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the adhesiveness and skin rash related to the transparent film dressing with CHX gel applied at the site of insertion of the CVC by means of a cross-sectional, prospective study developed at a public teaching hospital, between November 2013 and June 2014, with children and adults of both genders with autoimmune or onco-hematological diseases who were submitted to HSCT. The sample comprised 25 patients. Eleven (44%) presented skin rash characterized by skin loss to an extension of <=0.5 cm, skin loss to an extension of > 0.5 cm, erythematous plaque and vesicles. Of these, six had to interrupt the use of the dressing. Frail skin due to the use of chemotherapeutic agents can adhere strongly to the adhesive dressing, coming off with the dressing at its removal. The loss of skin integrity with the removal of the skin\'s protective layer facilitates the entrance of microorganisms, increasing susceptibility to infections in immunosuppressed patients. In 55.6% of the evaluations, there was dressing detachment, and it was greater in the opening region (43.4%), which is a region in the dressing border with a break in the adhesive where the catheter is placed. Given the mobility of the patient and the handling of the catheter, over the days, this region of the dressing border presents greater detachment. In 8.4% of the observations there were air bubbles in the chlorhexidine gel involving the site of insertion of the catheter. Air bubbles in the chlorhexidine gel means that it is not in contact with the patient\'s skin, which is a cause of concern when the site of insertion of a catheter is involved, since CHX is not exerting its antiseptic function in this location, which can lead to extra-lumen migration of microorganisms to the bloodstream

O transplante autólogo de células-tronco hematopoéticas é indicado no tratamento de doenças autoimunes graves e refratárias ou que comprometem a qualidade de vida do paciente. Tal tratamento possui sólidas bases experimentais e clínicas e para alguns já apresenta superioridade ao tratamento convencional. No entanto, é um procedimento considerado agressivo, de alto custo financeiro, que pode acarretar eventos adversos, complicações, fatores de tensão física e psíquica para o paciente e sua família. Essa complexidade exige uma assistência de enfermagem especializada, capaz de assistir o paciente em cada uma das fases do tratamento, a fim de identificar os riscos, as intercorrências e propondo intervenções adequadas. Além disso, é fundamental que o paciente adquira conhecimentos e habilidades para se adaptar às condições impostas pela terapêutica, assim reunirá recursos de autonomia para realizar seu autocuidado. Frente ao exposto, as tecnologias podem ajudar e facilitar a aprendizagem, pois abordam o conteúdo por meio de várias formas e formatos. Nesse contexto, a enfermagem depara-se com o desafio de integrar o uso da Internet® no cuidado prestado ao paciente. A utilização dessa rede enfoca, principalmente, a disponibilização de informação de saúde ou estabelecimento de contato virtual para providenciar informação acessada de forma rápida e adequada à demanda da pessoa. Desta forma, o objetivo deste estudo foi desenvolver um ambiente virtual de aprendizagem com orientações sobre transplante autólogo de células-tronco hematopoéticas para doenças autoimunes. Trata-se de um estudo metodológico, com o objetivo de desenvolver o ambiente virtual de aprendizagem, website, com orientações sobre transplante autólogo de células-tronco hematopoéticas para doenças autoimunes. O website foi construído conforme o modelo de design instrucional, o qual percorreu as seguintes etapas: análise, design, desenvolvimento e implementação. Este foi desenvolvido em plataforma web, na linguagem de marcação Hypertext Markup Language, utilizando-se o programa WebAcappella, Responsive Website Creator 5 e disponibilizado no endereço eletrônico: http://www.transplantardai.com.br. O conteúdo do website foi estruturado nos seguintes tópicos: História, Transplante, Doenças Autoimunes, Links Interessantes, Orientações, Fala Equipe e Dúvidas Frequentes. Os ícones e menus foram criados de modo que o conteúdo atraia o usuário, sem cansar ou distraí-lo, a fim de otimizar os recursos disponíveis no ambiente e facilitar o acesso à busca dessas informações. Assim sendo, o presente estudo desenvolveu um ambiente virtual de aprendizagem que pode ser uma ferramenta utilizada para orientar, cuidar e interagir / Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is indicated for the treatment of severe or refractory autoimmune diseases, or those which compromise patients\' quality of life. This treatment has solid experimental and clinical foundations, and in some cases, it outranks conventional treatments. However, it is considered an aggressive and high-cost procedure that may lead to adverse events, complications, and factors of physical and psychic tension to patients and their families. This complexity requires specialized nursing care, capable of assisting patients in each phase of the treatment, so as to identify risks and propose appropriate interventions. In addition, patients must acquire knowledge and skills to adapt to the conditions imposed by the treatment, thus gathering autonomy resources to perform self-care. In the light of this, technologies can help and facilitate learning, as they approach content in several ways and formats. In this context, nursing faces the challenge of integrating the use of the Internet® in the care provided to patients. The use of this network focuses, mainly, on making health information available or establishing virtual contact to provide information that can be accessed fast and that is suitable to the person\'s demand. This was a methodological study, with the aim of developing a virtual learning environment and a website, with instructions on autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for autoimmune diseases. The website was built according to an instructional design model, through the following steps: analysis, design, development, and implementation. It was developed on a web platform, using the Hypertext Markup Language and the programs WebAcappella and Responsive Website Creator 5, being available at http://www.transplantardai.com.br. The website content was structured in the following topics: History, Transplantation, Autoimmune diseases, Interesting links, Instructions, Talk to the team and Frequently asked questions. The icons and menus were created so that the content would be attractive to users, without making them tired or distracting them, in order to optimize the resources available in the environment and facilitate access to the search for information. Therefore, the present study developed a virtual learning environment that can be used for guidance, caring, and interaction

A mucosite oral é um dos efeitos adversos mais frequente e debilitantes em pacientes submetidos ao transplante de medula óssea (TMO). O Laser de Baixa Potência (LBP) tem sido estabelecido como importante ferramenta na prevenção de mucosite, durante o condicionamento com quimioterapia de altas doses no TMO. No entanto, protocolos que suportam tais intervenções variam e os fatores de riscos para mucosite em pacientes com diferentes tipos de neoplasias e condicionamentos mesmo recebendo a prevenção com o LBP são ainda desconhecidos. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a prevalência de mucosite, sua relação com os parâmetros clínicos e fatores preditivos em pacientes submetidos ao TMO e que receberam a prevenção com LBP. Foi realizada uma análise retrospectiva de 374 pacientes consecutivos que foram submetidos ao TMO no A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, entre o período de janeiro de 2006 a janeiro de 2013. Todos os pacientes receberam profilaxia para mucosite oral com LBP, utilizando protocolo único, desde o primeiro dia do condicionamento até o D+2 (2 dias após a infusão da medula óssea). Os pacientes continuaram a receber o LBP nos casos de mucosite oral >= grau 2 até a remissão completa das lesões. Os dados clínicos como neutropenia febril, dor em boca, uso de alimentação parenteral e o uso de morfina foram coletados diariamente através dos prontuários dos pacientes desde o primeiro dia de internação até a alta hospitalar. As variáveis clínicas como idade, peso e função renal foram coletadas no dia da internação para o condicionamento. Dos 374 pacientes selecionados para este estudo, 37 (9%) pacientes foram excluídos, totalizando assim, 337 pacientes. Destes, 43 (12,76%) não apresentaram mucosite, 166 (49,25%) manifestaram mucosite grau 1, 84 (24,93%) grau 2, 32 (9,50%) grau 3 e 12 (3,56%) grau 4. Os pacientes com mucosite grau ? 2, apresentaram uma média de 1,4 dias de dor em boca comparado com 9,2 dias nos pacientes com mucosite ? 3 (p<0,0001). Em relação ao tempo de hospitalização, nos pacientes com mucosite grau ? 2, a média foi de 27,16 dias comparado com 36,07 nos com mucosite grau ?3 (p<0,0001). Através do modelo de regressão logística, observou-se que a cada aumento em uma unidade de creatinina a chance de ocorrer mucosite grau ? 3 foi 4,3 vezes maior (RC= 4,37; 95% IC: 1,68 - 11,32; p=0,0024). Além disso, os pacientes submetidos ao transplante alogênico apresentaram cerca de 5,97 vezes mais chance de apresentar mucosite grau ? 3 comparado com os pacientes submetidos ao transplante autólogo (RC= 5,97; 95% IC: 3,02 - 11,99; p<0,001). O estudo concluiu que a incidência e intensidade da mucosite oral severa foi baixa nos pacientes submetidos ao TMO, provavelmente devido à profilaxia com o LBP. Além disso, quanto maior a severidade da mucosite oral, maior o tempo de dor em boca, uso de alimentação parenteral, uso de morfina e período de internação. O transplante alogênico e o aumento no nível sérico de creatinina foram considerados fatores de risco para ocorrência de mucosite oral severa. Novos estudos são necessários para definir protocolos específicos para o LBP nestes pacientes com maior risco para o desenvolvimento de mucosite severa. / Oral mucositis is one of the most common and debilitating adverse effects in patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation (BMT). The low-power laser (LBP) has been established as an important tool in the prevention of mucositis, during conditioning with high-dose chemotherapy in BMT. However, protocols that support such intervention vary and risk factors for mucositis in patients with different types of neoplasms and conditioning protocols are still unknown. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of mucositis, its relationship with clinical parameters and predictive factors in patients undergoing BMT and receiving prevention with LBP. A retrospective analysis was performed concerning 374 patients who were submitted consecutively to BMT at the AC Camargo Cancer Center, from January 2006 to January 2013. All patients received prophylaxis for oral mucositis with LBP using only protocol from the first day of conditioning until D + 2 (2 days after the infusion of the bone marrow). Patients continued to receive the LBP in the case of oral mucositis grade >= 2 until the complete remission of the lesions. Clinical data, such as febrile neutropenia, mouth pain, parenteral nutrition usage and the use of morphine were collected daily through the medical records of patients from the first day of admission until discharge. The clinical variables such as age, weight and renal function data were collected on the day of admission for conditioning. Of the 374 patients selected for this study, 37 (9%) were excluded, totaling 337 patients. Of these, 43 (12.76%) had no mucositis, 166 (49.25%) expressed mucositis grade 1, 84 (24.93%) grade 2, 32 (9.50%) grade 3 and 12 (3.56 %) grade 4. Patients with mucositis grade <= 2, showed an average of 1.4 days of pain in the mouth compared with 9.2 days in patients with mucositis >= 3 (p <0.0001). Regarding the length of hospital stay in patients with mucositis grade <= 2, the average was 27.16 days compared to 36.07 in with mucositis grade >= 3 (p <0.0001). The logistic regression model showed that each increase of one unit of creatinine drives the chance of mucositis grade >= 3 4.3 times higher (OR = 4.37; 95% CI: 1.68 to 11.32 ; p = 0.0024). In addition, patients undergoing allogeneic transplantation showed about 5.97 times more likely to have grade >= 3 mucositis compared with patients undergoing autologous transplantation (OR = 5.97; 95% CI: 3.02 to 11.99 p <0.001). The study found that the incidence and intensity of severe oral mucositis was low in patients undergoing BMT, probably due to prophylaxis with LBP. In addition, the greater the severity of oral mucositis, the longer the pain in mouth, parenteral feeding use, morphine and time of hospitalization. Allogeneic transplantation and increase in serum creatinine level were considered risk factors for the occurrence of severe oral mucositis. Further studies are needed to define specific protocols for LBP in these patients at higher risk for developing severe mucositis.

In autologous stem cell therapy, cell characteristics determine the potency of stem cells for regeneration. Aging and ischemia are two factors that are often neglected in pre-clinical tests for stem cell therapy. Here, we characterized cardiac explant-derived cells (EDCs) with a focus on distinguishing the effect of age and ischemia and then we looked for the effects of the combination of the two factors. We observed that ischemia worsens the age effect on EDCs. EDCs that were derived from aged mice with a history of myocardial infarction showed the highest number of senescent cells with dysregulation of the DNA repair system resulting in activation of cell cycle checkpoints. We over-expressed the anti-senescence Mybl2 transcription factor in EDCs from ischemic aged mice. The senescent state, paracrine profile and superoxide dismutase antioxidant enzyme activity improved in these cells. In vivo, we observed a boost in the potency of the Mybl2-modified EDCs, with an increase in short-term engraftment leading to improved heart function in infarcted mice. In general, Mybl2 over-expression rejuvenates senescent EDCs.

Neuronal differentiation encompasses an elaborate developmental program which until recently was difficult to study in vitro. The advent of several cell lines able to differentiate in culture proved to be the turning point for gaining an understanding of molecular neuroscience. In particular the olfactory epithelium provides an attractive tool with which to investigate fundamental questions relating to neuronal differentiation, as it displays a unique capacity to regenerate and to retain a neurogenetic potential from its genesis and throughout adult life. The coordinated regulation of gene expression is fundamental to the control of neuronal differentiation. In order to reveal active processes at the molecular level and to dissect key components of molecular pathways, differential gene expression studies provide a foundation for the elucidation of dynamic molecular mechanisms. This thesis identified genes involved in neuronal differentiation by utilising a clonal olfactory receptor neuronal cell line (OLF442). Gene expression levels were identified using differential display and oligonucleotide array technology before and after serum deprivation. Differential display revealed two kinases whose expression levels were elevated during the differentiation of OLF442, identified as focal adhesion kinase (FAK) related non-kinase (FRNK) and mammalian ste20 like (MST)2 kinase. Furthermore, analysis of the oligonucleotide array data confirmed the expression of genes involved in altering presentation of extracellular matrix molecules, in mediating cytoskeletal rearrangements, and in ceasing the cell cycle, supporting the use of OLF442 as a model for studying differentiation. The differentiation of OLF442 results from the synchronisation of multiple transduction cascades and cellular responses as evidenced by the microarray data. A protein that can synchronise such signalling is the non-receptor protein tyrosine kinase, FAK. Thus the finding of the endogenous FAK inhibitor FRNK by differential display was intriguing as there was no difference in the expression level of FAK induced by differentiation, contrasting that of FRNK. This induced FRNK expression was derived autonomously as it was not responsive to the caspase-3 inhibitor, DEVD-CHO. This is particularly pertinent since the primary role of FRNK is to act as an inhibitor of FAK by competing with its substrates and reducing the phosphorylation of both FAK and its associated proteins. Differential display also revealed the upregulation of another kinase, which had 90% homology with rat MST2 kinase within the 3' UTR. Both mouse MST2 kinase (sequence submitted to GenBank, accession number AY058922) and the closely related family member MST1 kinase were sequenced and cloned. Moreover, evidence to support an autonomously expressed carboxyl-terminal domain of MST2 kinase is presented in Chapter 3 and provides a unique way in which MST2 may regulate its own activity. To further understand the role of MST in neuronal differentiation, a series of stable OLF442 transfections (with mutant and wild-type MST constructs) were carried out. MST was localised with cytoplasmic structures that may represent actin stress fibres, indicating a potential cytoskeletal role during neuronal differentiation. This indicated that MST1 may play a role in the morphological processes involved in neuronal differentiation. The identification of two kinases by differential display provided the motivation to understand the cellular context of OLF442 and to determine the phosphorylation status of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling cascades. Differentiation of OLF442 induced high-level phosphorylation of a putative B-Raf isoform, MEK2 and ERK1/2. Interestingly, there was a switch between preferential phosphorylation of MEK1 in undifferentiated OLF442 to preferential phosphorylation of MEK2 following differentiation. SAPK/JNK was also phosphorylated, as was the transcription factor c-Jun, which is a common substrate of both the ERK and SAPK/JNK signalling modules. The mapping of the cellular context of differentiating OLF442 has identified a promising model of a novel MAPK module. This consists of FAK signalling through Rap1 to ERK providing sustained activation, which is buffered or terminated by the expression of the endogenous FAK inhibitor FRNK. Furthermore, MST kinase could potentially play a role in regulating the cytoskeletal re-arrangements that are necessary for neuronal differentiation. MST kinase may signal transiently via the SAPK pathway to provide concomitant activation of c-Jun that is required for neuronal differentiation. An understanding of the gene expression pattern of the normal neuronal differentiation program allows a greater understanding of potential developmental aberrations. This could provide an opportunity for therapies to be conceived, while understanding the complexity of neuronal determination could also provide opportunities for stem cell transplantation.

<p>The aims of the studies described in the thesis were to investigate different treatment strategies in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients. Furthermore, activity of imatinib was investigated by <i>in vitro</i> cytotoxicity assay, and the gene expression pattern in interferon treated patients.</p><p>In a randomized prospective national study, we examined the influence of busulphan (n=89) versus hydroxyurea (n=90) treatment on time to blast crisis, and survival. There was no significant difference in survival between hydroxyurea and busulphan treated patients; median survival was 3.5 and 3.2 years, respectively. The 26 patients who underwent allogeneic stem cell transplantation had a significantly longer median survival (4.7 years) than those who were not transplanted.</p><p>We investigated the feasibility of mobilizing Philadelphia chromosome negative blood stem cells with intensive chemotherapy and lenograstim in CML patients. Twenty-three patients (62%) were successfully mobilized. Twenty-one of these patients underwent autologous stem cell transplantation later on, with a 5-year overall survival at 68%.</p><p>Fluorometric Microculture Cytotoxicity Assay was used to analyze 32 tumor cell samples from CML patients, (26 chronic phase and 6 blast crisis). Imatinib showed a higher <i>in vitro</i> activity and more positive drug interactions in cells from blast crisis than from chronic phase. Interferon, daunorubicin and arsenic trioxide had the greatest benefit from a combination with imatinib.</p><p>Microarray-based gene expression analyses were performed on diagnostic CML samples prior to interferon treatment. We identified six genes that were differentially expressed in responders and non-responders to interferon. It might prove possible to use gene expression analysis to predict future response to interferon.</p>

The aims of the studies described in the thesis were to investigate different treatment strategies in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients. Furthermore, activity of imatinib was investigated by in vitro cytotoxicity assay, and the gene expression pattern in interferon treated patients. In a randomized prospective national study, we examined the influence of busulphan (n=89) versus hydroxyurea (n=90) treatment on time to blast crisis, and survival. There was no significant difference in survival between hydroxyurea and busulphan treated patients; median survival was 3.5 and 3.2 years, respectively. The 26 patients who underwent allogeneic stem cell transplantation had a significantly longer median survival (4.7 years) than those who were not transplanted. We investigated the feasibility of mobilizing Philadelphia chromosome negative blood stem cells with intensive chemotherapy and lenograstim in CML patients. Twenty-three patients (62%) were successfully mobilized. Twenty-one of these patients underwent autologous stem cell transplantation later on, with a 5-year overall survival at 68%. Fluorometric Microculture Cytotoxicity Assay was used to analyze 32 tumor cell samples from CML patients, (26 chronic phase and 6 blast crisis). Imatinib showed a higher in vitro activity and more positive drug interactions in cells from blast crisis than from chronic phase. Interferon, daunorubicin and arsenic trioxide had the greatest benefit from a combination with imatinib. Microarray-based gene expression analyses were performed on diagnostic CML samples prior to interferon treatment. We identified six genes that were differentially expressed in responders and non-responders to interferon. It might prove possible to use gene expression analysis to predict future response to interferon.