ALVES, C. A. A study concerning homeostasis and population development of collagen fibers. 2017. 88 f. Tese (Doutorado em Física) – Centro de Ciências, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, 2017. / Submitted by Pós-Graduação em Física (posgrad@fisica.ufc.br) on 2017-11-21T16:35:18Z No. of bitstreams: 1 2017_tese_caalves.pdf: 8939939 bytes, checksum: 5cbf75fd845e26cdee776ee15fc2cfbf (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Giordana Silva (giordana.nascimento@gmail.com) on 2017-11-22T18:55:25Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 2017_tese_caalves.pdf: 8939939 bytes, checksum: 5cbf75fd845e26cdee776ee15fc2cfbf (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-11-22T18:55:25Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2017_tese_caalves.pdf: 8939939 bytes, checksum: 5cbf75fd845e26cdee776ee15fc2cfbf (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017 / Collagen is a generic name for the group of the most common proteins in mammals. It confers mechanical stability, strength and toughness to the tissues, in a large number of species. In this work we investigate two properties of collagen that explain in part the choice by natural selection of this substance as an essential building material. In the first study the property under investigation is the homeostasis of a single fiber, i.e., the maintenance of its elastic properties under the action of collagen monomers that contribute to its stiffening and enzymes that digest it. The model used for this purpose is a onedimensional chain of linearly elastic springs in series coupled with layers of sites. Particles representing monomers and enzymes can diffuse along these layers and interact with the springs according to specified rules. The predicted lognormal distribution for the local stiffness is compared to experimental data from electronic microscopy images and a good concordance is found. The second part of this work deals with the distribution of sizes among multiple collagen fibers, which is found to be bimodal, hypothetically because it leads to a compromise between stiffness and toughness of the bundle of fibers. We propose a mechanism for the evolution of the fiber population which includes growth, fusion and birth of fibers and write a Population Balance Equation for that. By performing a parameter estimation over a set of Monte Carlo simulations, we determine the parameters that best fit the available data. / Collagen is a generic name for the group of the most common proteins in mammals. It confers mechanical stability, strength and toughness to the tissues, in a large number of species. In this work we investigate two properties of collagen that explain in part the choice by natural selection of this substance as an essential building material. In the first study the property under investigation is the homeostasis of a single fiber, i.e., the maintenance of its elastic properties under the action of collagen monomers that contribute to its stiffening and enzymes that digest it. The model used for this purpose is a onedimensional chain of linearly elastic springs in series coupled with layers of sites. Particles representing monomers and enzymes can diffuse along these layers and interact with the springs according to specified rules. The predicted lognormal distribution for the local stiffness is compared to experimental data from electronic microscopy images and a good concordance is found. The second part of this work deals with the distribution of sizes among multiple collagen fibers, which is found to be bimodal, hypothetically because it leads to a compromise between stiffness and toughness of the bundle of fibers. We propose a mechanism for the evolution of the fiber population which includes growth, fusion and birth of fibers and write a Population Balance Equation for that. By performing a parameter estimation over a set of Monte Carlo simulations, we determine the parameters that best fit the available data.

Hydroxyproline (Hyp), a non-proteinogenic amino acid is a component of the organic material in bone. It has been used for 14C-dating of bone and the measurement of Hyp could be used as a biomarker in bone metabolism. Hydroxyproline is a component of collagen, the main structural protein in bone. The analyses of 14C in collagen and Hyp in human bones may provide timing information about bone processes and diseases, such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. The analysis of Hyp in bones (e.g., the determination of Hyp content) primarily relies on a spectrometric technique, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and the determination of 14C content requires accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS). Moreover, to obtain these materials from bone requires the successful extraction of collagen and thr separation of Hyp from the collagen. This study aims at comparing methods for extracting collagen from bone, which do not destroy the Hyp. These methods include the use of either NaOH, KOH or HCl in one stage of the extraction process and separating sufficient Hyp for 14C analysis. This will provide information to determine whether Hyp can be used as a biomarker for bone diseases like osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. A preliminary 14C AMS analysis on collagen extracted by the NaOH method was carried out on human bones previously analyzed for forensic purposes. This demonstrated the ability of this technique to provide recent (post 1950) timing information. The collagen extractions by three different methods were first conducted on modern chicken bone, and the results showed that KOH method is the best bone collagen extraction method, yielding a largest quantity of Hyp. The KOH method was then employed to extract collagen from cow bone as a test of a more human-like (mammalian) material. As this was successful, collagen was extracted from diseased human bone fragments, obtained from the Ottawa Hospital. The data revealed that Hyp was successfully obtained from these bones. The study demonstrates that the extraction as well as the separation methods (preparative HPLC) can provide sufficient Hyp from bones for 14C AMS analysis. This will lead to future studies of Hyp in bone turnover, which may lead to its use as a novel biomarker for bone diseases such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.

FIGUEIREDO, Gabriela Ibiapina. Elaboração de Compósitos de Nanohidroxiapatita e Colágeno Proveniente de Resíduos do Beneficiamento de Tilápia do Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus). 2015. 70 f. Dissertação (Mestrado em química)- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza-CE, 2015. / Submitted by Elineudson Ribeiro (elineudsonr@gmail.com) on 2016-05-31T19:45:59Z No. of bitstreams: 1 2015_dis_gifigueiredo.pdf: 2533580 bytes, checksum: 2450a0bbe7cbc225a6cb63b1cf59b599 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by José Jairo Viana de Sousa (jairo@ufc.br) on 2016-05-31T22:36:12Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 2015_dis_gifigueiredo.pdf: 2533580 bytes, checksum: 2450a0bbe7cbc225a6cb63b1cf59b599 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-05-31T22:36:12Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2015_dis_gifigueiredo.pdf: 2533580 bytes, checksum: 2450a0bbe7cbc225a6cb63b1cf59b599 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015 / Sustainable chemistry, or Green Chemistry, aims to improve processes, with the goal of becoming less waste, toxic waste and unwanted gases to the environment. One of its principles talks about processes that use raw materials from renewable sources to obtain new products. The fish waste discarded in the environment without control can cause damage such as eutrophication of water bodies. An alternative to add value to this waste is collagen extraction. There are several alternatives to the use of collagen, especially tissue engineering, where it is being used for the development of media, either alone or in combination with other materials. Collagen composite and hydroxyapatite have been widely studied. Applications extend from orthopedics and traumatology, as also in dentistry. This paper proposes the use of Nile Tilapia skins (Oreochromis niloticus), derived from fish processing waste, to obtain collagen and subsequently obtain composites nanohidroxiapatita, with potential application as bone graft. The skins were initially characterized as the moisture, protein, lipid and ash. Collagen extraction was performed using acetic acid 0.5 mol.L-1 and its characterization by Scanning Electron Microscopy, Spectroscopy Infrared Region with Fourier Transform, Absorption Spectroscopy UV-VIS, Zeta Potential, denaturation temperature and Differential Scanning Calorimetry. In preparing the composite for forming the nano-hydroxyapatite deposited on the surface of the collagenous matrix was used phosphoric acid solution 0.05 mmol.L-1 calcium chloride and 50 mmol.L-1 sodium hydroxide 0.1 mol.L-1 as precursors, with the composite characterized by Infrared Spectroscopy in the Region with Fourier Transform, Transmission Electron Microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. We found that the collagen maintained the integrity of the triple helix preserved showing no denaturation profile. The scanning electron microscopy allowed to investigate the morphology of collagen fibers and observe the deposition of particles of nanohidroxiapatita. The composite obtained showed characteristics similar to those of natural bone, such as Ca / P <1.67 compared, featuring a deficient hydroxyapatite calcium, the presence of carbonates in its composition, low crystallinity and even hydroxyapatite crystals at the nanometer scale. / Sustainable chemistry, or Green Chemistry, aims to improve processes, with the goal of becoming less waste, toxic waste and unwanted gases to the environment. One of its principles talks about processes that use raw materials from renewable sources to obtain new products. The fish waste discarded in the environment without control can cause damage such as eutrophication of water bodies. An alternative to add value to this waste is collagen extraction. There are several alternatives to the use of collagen, especially tissue engineering, where it is being used for the development of media, either alone or in combination with other materials. Collagen composite and hydroxyapatite have been widely studied. Applications extend from orthopedics and traumatology, as also in dentistry. This paper proposes the use of Nile Tilapia skins (Oreochromis niloticus), derived from fish processing waste, to obtain collagen and subsequently obtain composites nanohidroxiapatita, with potential application as bone graft. The skins were initially characterized as the moisture, protein, lipid and ash. Collagen extraction was performed using acetic acid 0.5 mol.L-1 and its characterization by Scanning Electron Microscopy, Spectroscopy Infrared Region with Fourier Transform, Absorption Spectroscopy UV-VIS, Zeta Potential, denaturation temperature and Differential Scanning Calorimetry. In preparing the composite for forming the nano-hydroxyapatite deposited on the surface of the collagenous matrix was used phosphoric acid solution 0.05 mmol.L-1 calcium chloride and 50 mmol.L-1 sodium hydroxide 0.1 mol.L-1 as precursors, with the composite characterized by Infrared Spectroscopy in the Region with Fourier Transform, Transmission Electron Microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. We found that the collagen maintained the integrity of the triple helix preserved showing no denaturation profile. The scanning electron microscopy allowed to investigate the morphology of collagen fibers and observe the deposition of particles of nanohidroxiapatita. The composite obtained showed characteristics similar to those of natural bone, such as Ca / P <1.67 compared, featuring a deficient hydroxyapatite calcium, the presence of carbonates in its composition, low crystallinity and even hydroxyapatite crystals at the nanometer scale.

Photoaged skin caused by chronic ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is characterised clinically with hyperpigmentation, coarse skin texture and deep wrinkles; the worst outcome is skin cancer. Histological investigation of the alteration within major extracellular matrices (ECM; elastic fibres, fibrillar collagens) is essential study to understand the cellular effect on skin structure from UVR. This thesis used an acute dose of radiation to examine in humans in vivo the effect of UVR on ECM components before assessing whether a dietary intervention could protect skin from UVR damage. Green tea catechins (GTCs) have anti-oxidant properties and may be an interesting option as a systemic photoprotection agent. Hence this thesis assesses: 1) the effect of acute irradiation of skin on dermal ECM damage to see whether it mimics the changes observed in photoageing and; 2) whether dietary supplementation with GTC will provide dermal ECM protection. UV-induced change in elastic fibre network. Initially, the effect of two different UV light sources on elastic fibre protein (elastic fibres, fibrillin-rich microfibrils and fibulin-2 and -5 microfibrils) remodelling was performed. The effect of ultraviolet B vs full-spectrum solar simulated radiation (SSR) were investigated in a small sample of healthy Caucasian volunteers (n = 6 per group). At 24 hour after 3× MED irradiation, Weigert's resorcin–fuchsin stained elastic fibres showed a significant reduction regardless of irradiation protocol (UVB, P<0.01; SSR P<0.05). Specific components were identified by immunohistochemistry; a significant reduction in fibrillin-rich microfibrils (FRM) was observed in UVB-irradiated skin (P<0.05), whilst fibulin-5-positive microfibrils were only affected by SSR (P<0.05). The data revealed, therefore, differential effects on UV wavelength on ECM remodelling. SSR, the more physiologically relevant light source was used in subsequent studies Supplement effect in SSR-induced damage in elastic fibre. Fifty healthy volunteers were recruited to this randomised control trial to investigate whether GTC can protect skin from photodamage. Volunteers were randomized to GTC (1080 mg plus 100 mg vitamin C; n=25) or placebo (maltodextrin; n = 25) daily for 12-weeks with compliance assessed biochemically in urine samples. Of the n = 50 recruited, 44 volunteers completed the study. In baseline, UVR challenge resulted in a significant remodeling of the cutaneous elastic fiber system (P<0.001), particularly fibulin-2 and fibulin-5-positive microfibrils at 24-hr after 3×MED irradiation. In post-supplementation, fibulin-5 positive microfibrils were protected from UVR remodeling (% staining, mean ± SE; no UV, 18.1±0.89; UVR, 17.1±0.61; P=0.30) whilst no protection was seen in the placebo group (no UVR, 19.41±0.79; UVR, 17.69±0.61; P<0.05). Supplement effect in SSR-induced damage in collagenous matrix. In the identical experiment, collagenous matrices including synthesis of procollagen I was also examined as fibrillar collagens are the major ECM components providing strength within dermis. The fibrillar collagen and newly synthesised procollagen I were stained by Picrosirius red and immunohistochemistry respectively. At baseline, acute irradiation significantly reduced papillary dermal fibrillar collagens (P<0.001) and induced deposition of newly synthesised pro-collagen I (P=0.02). In post-supplementation, GTC enhanced the deposition of thin collagen fibres in the dermis. Whilst placebo showed no effect on the altered organisation of fibrillar collagens or deposition of pro-collagen I following the irradiation challenge, GTC protected the organisation of fibrillar collagens in the papillary dermis (P=0.97).This novel in vivo human study may be used to recapitulate elastic fibre and collagen changes associated with photoageing and may be useful for dissecting out the mechanisms underlying extracellular matrix damage in response to chronic sunlight exposure. Furthermore, in a randomized control trial, dietary GTC protected fibulin-5 microfibrils and collagen fibres in the papillary dermis from UV-mediated degradation. The mechanism by which this protection occurs requires further study.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-09T12:53:06Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 / Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-09T13:58:57Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 / Tese (Doutoramento) / IPEN/T / Instituto de Pesquisas Energeticas e Nucleares - IPEN/CNEN-SP

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Submitted by Bruna de Oliveira null (bruna_dol@hotmail.com) on 2017-08-28T18:37:05Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação FINAL.pdf: 2838275 bytes, checksum: 88512cc2a992ddfbe636d76b31127af8 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luiz Galeffi (luizgaleffi@gmail.com) on 2017-08-29T18:02:32Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 reis_bo_me_araca.pdf: 2838275 bytes, checksum: 88512cc2a992ddfbe636d76b31127af8 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-08-29T18:02:32Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 reis_bo_me_araca.pdf: 2838275 bytes, checksum: 88512cc2a992ddfbe636d76b31127af8 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-08-15 / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / Objetivo: Avaliar a influência de inibidores de proteases no potencial de degradação do colágeno das dentina sadia, esclerótica e afetada por cárie. Materiais e métodos: Trinta e nove molares humanos foram utilizados, treze para cada condição dentinária. Três fatias foram obtidas de cada dente, cada uma imersa em diferentes soluções: 1) saliva artificial; 2) clorexidina 2%; 3) EGCG 0,5%. Após incubação nas soluções por 1h, amostras foram sujeitas à degradação enzimática pela colagenase derivada da Clostridium histolyticum. Propriedades mecânicas de nanodureza (HIT) e módulo de elasticidade (Er) dos três diferentes tipos de dentina foram mensuradas antes e após a degradação, bem como a resistência à tração do colágeno. Resultados do teste de resistência à tração e nanoindentação foram submetidos à ANOVA dois e três fatores para medidas repetidas, e pós-teste de Tukey (α=0,05). Resultados: Maiores valores de resistência à tração foram encontrados para dentina sadia, nos grupos controle (40,30 ± 21,38 MPa) e EGCG 0,5% (30,05 ± 19,67 MPa). Antes da degradação, maiores valores de HIT (0,237 ± 0,062 GPa) e Er (5,58 ± 1,75 GPa) foram encontrados para o grupo EGCG 0,5%, na dentina afetada por cárie. Após a degradação, grupo clorexidina 2% apresentou maiores valores de HIT e Er para dentinas sadia (0,134 ± 0,020 GPa e 3,57 ± 0,40 GPa) e esclerótica (0,201 ± 0,048 GPa e 4,30 ± 0,56 GPa). Conclusões: O uso da clorexidina 2%, principalmente em dentina esclerótica, mostrou-se mais efetivo em promover aumento na resistência à tração e nas propriedades mecânicas, antes e após a degradação. A EGCG 0,5% apresentou melhor efeito sobre as propriedades mecânicas na dentina afetada por cárie, especialmente antes da degradação enzimática. Relevância Clínica: O efetivo conhecimento do mecanismo de ação de inibidores de proteases em diferentes tipos de dentina poderia contribuir para melhoria da resistência do substrato e para maior longevidade dos processos de união sobre este tecido. / Objetive: To evaluate the influence of proteases inhibitors on the collagen degradation from sound, sclerotic and caries-affected dentin. Materials and Methods: Thirty-nine human molars were used, thirteen for each dentin condition. Three slices were obtained from each tooth, each one immersed in different solutions: 1) artificial saliva; 2) 2% chlorhexidine; 3) 0.5% EGCG. After incubation in the solutions for 1h, samples were subjected to enzymatic degradation by collagenase derived from Clostridium histolyticum. Mechanical properties of nanohardness (HIT) and elastic modulus (Er) of the three types of dentin were measured before and after degradation, as well as the microtensile strength. Results of the microtensile strength and nanoindentation tests were submitted to ANOVA two and three factors for repeated measurements, and Tukey post-test (α = 0.05). Results: Higher values ​​of tensile strength were found for sound dentin in control (40.30 ± 21.38 MPa) and 0.5% EGCG (30.05 ± 19.67 MPa) groups. Before degradation, higher values ​​of HIT (0.237 ± 0.062 GPa) and Er (5.58 ± 1.75 GPa) were found for the 0.5% EGCG group in caries-affected dentin. After degradation, 2% chlorhexidine group had higher values ​​of HIT and Er for sound (0.134 ± 0.020 GPa and 3.57 ± 0.40 GPa) and sclerotic (0.201 ± 0.048 GPa and 4.30 ± 0.56 GPa) dentin. Conclusions: The use of 2% chlorhexidine, mainly in sclerotic dentin, was shown to be more effective in promoting increase in the microtensile strength and mechanical properties, before and after the degradation. The 0.5% EGCG showed a better effect on mechanical properties in caries-affected dentin, before the enzymatic degradation. Clinical Relevance: The effective knowledge of the mechanism of action of protease inhibitors in different types of dentin could contribute to the improvement of the resistance of the substrate and to the longer longevity of the bonding processes on this tissue. / FAPESP: 2015/10566-7

O desenvolvimento e aperfeiçoamento de biomateriais têm aumentado consideravelmente, devido às limitações clínicas do uso do enxerto ósseo autólogo em casos de reparo de graves lesões ósseas. Porém, as condições de saúde do tecido ósseo podem influenciar na capacidade osteogênica desses implantes como nos casos de osteoporose provocada por deficiência hormonal. Objetivos: O presente trabalho avaliou a capacidade osteogênica de matrizes de colágeno aniônicas derivadas do pericárdio bovino e da serosa do intestino bovino, quando implantadas em lesões cranianas de ratas ovariectomizadas. Material e Métodos: Foram utilizadas 30 ratas (Rattus norvegicus, Wistar), com aproximadamente, 12 semanas de idade e peso médio de 300 gramas. Os animais foram submetidos ao procedimento cirúrgico com a finalidade de criação de um defeito na calota craniana. As ratas foram distribuídas em grupo controle (não ovariectomizados) e grupo ovariectomizado. Cada grupo foi dividido em 3 subgrupos, sendo que um deles teve as falhas não preenchidas com biomateriais e os outros 2 subgrupos receberam as matrizes de colágeno de pericárdio bovino e da serosa de intestino bovino, respectivamente. O sacrifício dos animais ocorreu 8 semanas pós-cirúrgico da calota craniana. Em seguida, as amostras foram fotodocumentadas, radiografadas e submetidas aos procedimentos histotécnicos de rotina para a confecção das lâminas histológicas. A pesquisa foi aprovada pelo Comitê de Ética da Faculdade de Medicina de Jundiaí, protocolo nº 301/12. Resultados: As análises macroscópica, radiológica e microscópica demonstraram a biocompatibilidade das matrizes de colágeno implantadas. Histologicamente, observou-se que nas ratas não ovariectomizadas, houve discreta neoformação óssea na área cirúrgica preenchida com as matrizes sendo ainda menor nas ratas ovariectomizadas. O volume de osso formado com defeito, nos grupos não ovariectomizados, foi 7,83±1,32, 21,33±1,96, 22,83±0,98, sendo estatisticamente maiores ao comparar com os valores dos grupos ovariectomizados que foram 3,16±0,75, 16,83±0,98 e 16,16±0,75. Conclusões: As matrizes de colágeno utilizadas foram biocompatíveis com o tecido ósseo receptor, porém com baixa capacidade osteogênica, não ocorrendo sua osteointegração. Nos animais ovariectomizados, ficou ainda mais acentuado o comprometimento do reparo ósseo. / The development and improvement of biomaterials have increased considerably due to the limitations of the clinical use of autologous bone graft in cases of serious repair bone injuries. However the health of the bone can influence the osteogenic capacity of these implants as in osteoporosis caused by hormone deficiency. Objectives: This study evaluated the osteogenic capacity of anionic collagen sponges derived from the bovine pericardium and serous bovine intestine when implanted in head injuries of ovariectomized rats. Material and Methods: We used 30 female rats (Rattus norvegicus, Wistar), with approximately 12 weeks of age and weighing 300 grams. The animals underwent the surgical procedure for the purpose of creating a defect in the skull. The rats were divided into control group (non-ovariectomized) and ovariectomized group. Each group was divided into 3 subgroups, one of which had not filled the gaps with biomaterials and the other two subgroups received the collagen sponges bovine pericardium and serous bovine intestine, respectively. The animals were sacrificed 8 weeks after surgery of the skull. Then the samples were photo documented, radiographed and submitted to routine histotechnical procedures for the preparation of histological slides. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Medicine of Jundiaí, protocol number 301/12. Results: The macroscopic, microscopic and radiological demonstrated the biocompatibility of collagen sponges implanted. Histologically, it was observed that the non-ovariectomized rats, there was a slight new bone formation at the surgical site filled with mothers being even lower in ovariectomized rats. The volume of bone formed defective, non-ovariectomized groups groups was 7.83±1:32, 21:33±1.96, 22.83±0.98, being statistically higher when compared with the values of ovariectomized animals that were 3.16±0.75, 16.83±0.98 and 0.75±16:16. Conclusions: Collagen sponges were biocompatible with bone tissue receptor, but with lower osteogenic capacity, not its osseointegration occurring. In ovariectomized animals, became even more pronounced impairment of bone repair.

As terapias térmicas vêm sendo utilizadas com muita freqüência em áreas da saúde, como ortopedia, dermatologia e oftalmologia entre outras. Em média a literatura revela que na prática de tratamentos com calor os tecidos são submetidos a temperaturas que não ultrapassam os 45 ºC (igual aproximadamente 8,5 acima da média da temperatura corpórea normal). Este trabalho procurou verificar de fato a possível influência das variações térmicas sobre o colágeno, quanto à possibilidade de desnaturação do mesmo. Utilizou-se 48 ratos (Rattus Novergicus Albinus) da raça Wistar machos, divididos em oito grupos: grupo I Controle (sem alteração térmica), grupo II (35 ºC), III (40 ºC), IV (42 ºC), V (45 ºC), VI (48 ºC), VII (50 ºC), VIII (55 ºC) (cujos membros inferiores foram submersos por 10 minutos em água aquecida com temperatura variável). Em seguida os animais do grupo controle e experimental foram sacrificados, retirando por dissecação e tenotomia os tendões calcâneos que conferidos às lâminas histológicas passaram por análise microscópica de medidas de birrefringência, análise histológica por microscopia de luz e análises por calorimetria exploratória diferencial (DSC). Os resultados mostram que existe uma diferença significativa, dos grupos I a IV, em relação aos grupos V a VII, obtidos pela média de valores de retardos ópticos (RO), após as análises de medidas de birrefringência, confirmados pela análise visual histológica e pela calorimetria exploratória diferencial, sugerindo que em temperaturas elevadas ocorre uma desnaturação da proteína colágeno. / Thermal therapies are being used in orthopedic, dermatology and ophthalmology, among other medical specialties. Literature reveals in the clinical practice of thermal therapies, 45 ºC is the temperature of choice (= 8.5 below human body temperature). The purpose of this study was to quantify changes in the tendon of calcaneous after a range of thermal exposure, and correlate these results with tissue denaturation. It was used 48 Wistar rats (Rattus Novergicus Albinus), male. They grouped as: I (Control) II (35 ºC), III (40 ºC), IV (42 ºC), V (45 ºC), VI(48 ºC), VII (50 ºC), VIII (55 ºC), and had their pad submerged during 10 minutes in hot water (varying from 35 to 55 ºC. Animals were sacrificed and tendon of calcaneous were analyzed by birefringence microscopy, histology (H & E and Trichromic of Masson) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Results showed that there is a significant difference between groups I-IV and V-VIII. Groups I-IV not shows signals of denaturation by heat treatment. Heatings above 45 ºC resulted in thermal denaturation, decreasing o birefringence and changes in histological aspect.