Depuis plus d’une cinquantaine d’années, de formidables avancées ont été initiées dans le domaine de l’ingénierie tissulaire cutanée menant à la reconstruction in vitro de substituts de peau. La plupart sont des substituts dermiques destinés à être utilisés comme aide à la cicatrisation des plaies aigües et chroniques en complément des traitements de greffes conventionnels ainsi que pour l’augmentation des tissus mous. Bien qu’un nombre croissant de patients aient pu bénéficier de ces matrices dermiques, leur application clinique reste encore restreinte, en raison de leur coût élevé mais également à cause de résultats cicatriciels parfois peu satisfaisants. Par conséquent, il reste un défi de taille, celui de développer des substituts dermiques stimulant activement la cicatrisation, présentant un faible coût de production, sans propriétés antigéniques et possédant des propriétés mécaniques adaptées. Dans ce cadre, les hydrogels à base de fibrine constituent des candidats prometteurs, en particulier en raison du rôle central de cette protéine dans la cicatrisation. Le principal inconvénient est qu’à concentration physiologique, ces hydrogels sont faibles mécaniquement, ce qui les rend difficilement manipulables. L’objectif de cette thèse a été la mise au point ainsi que la caractérisation de différents hydrogels destinés à être utilisés comme substituts dermiques. Ces derniers présentent l’avantage d’associer les propriétés biologiques de la fibrine avec les propriétés mécaniques d’un polymère synthétique, le polyéthylène glycol dans une architecture de réseaux interpénétrés de polymères (RIP). Les résultats obtenus ont permis : - de confirmer les propriétés physico-chimiques des RIP développés initialement par nos collaborateurs de l’université de Cergy-Pontoise, - de valider en trois étapes (in vitro, ex vivo puis in vivo) la biocompatibilité de ces nouvelles matrices, destinées à être utilisées comme supports de culture 2D et pour l’augmentation des tissus mous, - d’élaborer et de caractériser des matrices macroporeuses, optimisées pour la culture 3D de fibroblastes de dermes humains. / Over the past five decades, we assisted in extraordinary advances in the field of skin tissue engineering which led to the in vitro reconstruction of a wide range of skin substitutes. Most of them are dermal substitutes: Their clinical application ranges from treating acute and chronic wounds to soft tissue augmentation. Although increasing numbers of patients have been treated with dermal substitutes, their clinical application has been limited by their substantial cost and some poor healing outcomes. Hence, there is still a challenge to produce a dermal substitute which enhance sufficiently wound healing. To this end, the substitute should exhibit suitable properties for enabling the repair process. Other requirements such as excellent biocompatibility, minimal antigenicity, ease to handle and cost-effective production are also essential. In this context, fibrin hydrogels constitute promising candidates for skin tissue engineering since fibrin fibers form a physiological and provisional backbone during wound healing. However, the poor mechanical properties of fibrin-based hydrogels at physiological concentration are an obstacle to their use. In this study, our aim was to design and characterize mechanically reinforced fibrin-based hydrogels by combining the intrinsic properties of a fibrin network with the mechanical features of a polyethylene glycol network using an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) architecture. They are intended to be used as dermal scaffolds. The results obtained in this thesis: - Confirmed the suitable physico-chemical properties of IPN, first developed by our partner of the University of Cergy-Pontoise. - Validated their biocompatibility using a three-step approach (in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo assays). - Led to the synthesis and characterization of a new type of fibrin-based macroporous matrices, optimized for 3D dermal fibroblast culture.

Dendritic cells (DCs), a hematopoietic cell type belonging to the sub-group of cells called antigen presenting cells (APCs), inhabit a central role in innate and adaptive immunity. Although the DC family is very heterogeneous, all members share unique features. Most importantly, DCs can stimulate an immune response. This is due to the cells’ ability to capture and process antigens and to maturate in the presence of danger signals presented by pathogens. Maturation in turn results in the migration of DCs from the tissue they reside in to the draining lymph nodes, as well as in the subsequent presentation of the acquired antigens to T cells. In the skin, which is one of the most immunogeneic organs, DCs are present in sizable numbers in both the epidermis and the dermis. This study focused on two types of DCs: epidermal Langerhans cells (LCs) and dermal DCs (DDCs). While much is understood about LCs, far less is known about the role that DDCs play in skin immunity. Therefore one purpose of this study was to characterize DDCs and to compare their phenotype and functions to that of LCs. This study used two different methods to characterize human skin resident immune cells with regard to their number and distribution. First, a stable analytical immunohistochemistry-based method was developed and applied to a substantial number of healthy skin donors. This enabled a quantitative analysis of skin DC types and skin resident T cells at different anatomical locations in situ. A novel method to count dermal cell populations in situ was developed that resulted in the first published quantification of APCs, DDCs, as well as T cells in human dermis. Second, the traditional form of the emigration assay, which selectively enriches vital cells capable of ex vivo emigration from the skin, was upgraded toward a stable analytical method to separate epidermal LCs from DDCs. In this way, both skin DC types became accessible in sufficient numbers to allow for a comparison of phenotypes and functions in vitro. The resulting phenotypic observations clearly showed that both, LCs and DDCs are not fully mature after their emigration ex vivo and that both can be transformed into a phenotypically more mature state by treating them with inflammatory cytokines. What’s more, LCs are also functionally in an immature state after their emigration. They efficiently took up antigen, showed a low capacity to trans-migrate in response to chemokines, and demonstrated a low capacity to stimulate allogeneic T cells in a mixed leukocyte reaction (MLR). For the first time this study observed all these main APC functions not only for LCs but additionally for DDCs. As these observations were made in relation to LCs of the same donor, it could be concluded that DDCs are functionally more mature than LCs after emigration. DDCs showed a lower antigen uptake capacity than LCs but were superior in terms of their migratory and stimulatory capacity. However, treatment with cytokines could skew LC functions toward functional capacities observed for DDCs, i.e., it decreased LCs’ Ag uptake and increased their migratory and stimulatory capacity, whereas the cytokine treatment did not alter DDCs’ functional capacities. After improving immuno-histochemistry and the emigration assay using healthy skin samples, these newly developed techniques were implemented in clinical trials to observe the number, distribution and migratory capacity of skin DCs and T cells in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (aHSCT). Such a study is of importance because the turnover of DCs and T cells is closely associated with the occurrence of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD), the major cause of morbidity and mortality after aHSCT. Due to the study design used, this study concisely demonstrate that at the onset of aGvHD, different DC types accumulate along with effector T cells in skin lesions of aGvHD but not in uninvolved skin of the same patient. These results suggest that in addition to donor T cells LCs and DDCs play a role during the early phase of cutaneous aGvHD directly within the site of inflammation. The view of many authors that DC depletion in the transplant recipient, especially in target organs, is a promising approach for aGvHD prophylaxis and therapy is further underscored by these results. One targeting strategy to inhibit GvHD by eliminating recipient DCs may be the use of DC specific monoclonal antibodies. Alemtuzumab (anti-CD52) is a monoclonal antibody and has proven effective in preventing aGvHD after aHSCT. It may, despite depleting donor T cells, also work by targeting recipient DCs. To determine whether the last mechanism of action is significant, a second clinical study investigated the effects of intravenous alemtuzumab on DCs by comparing the number of these cells in skin and blood of patients before and after a 4-week course of alemtuzumab treatment. The result was that although skin DCs weakly express the target antigen CD52 the number of these cells was not consistently reduced by alemtuzumab. In contrast, circulating blood DCs have a stronger CD52 expression and were significantly reduced by the treatment. In conclusion, this work provides new insights into the phenotypical and functional characteristics of human skin DCs, as well as into the fate of these cell types during aHSCT. The investigation of the APC system during aGvHD as carried out here will help to understand the process of aGvHD in more detail. All these efforts may hopefully support the development of new approaches for therapy and prevention of this major limitation of aHSCT and may help to improve this only curative therapy for several life-threatening diseases.

Dendritic cells (DCs), a hematopoietic cell type belonging to the sub-group of cells called antigen presenting cells (APCs), inhabit a central role in innate and adaptive immunity. Although the DC family is very heterogeneous, all members share unique features. Most importantly, DCs can stimulate an immune response. This is due to the cells’ ability to capture and process antigens and to maturate in the presence of danger signals presented by pathogens. Maturation in turn results in the migration of DCs from the tissue they reside in to the draining lymph nodes, as well as in the subsequent presentation of the acquired antigens to T cells. In the skin, which is one of the most immunogeneic organs, DCs are present in sizable numbers in both the epidermis and the dermis. This study focused on two types of DCs: epidermal Langerhans cells (LCs) and dermal DCs (DDCs). While much is understood about LCs, far less is known about the role that DDCs play in skin immunity. Therefore one purpose of this study was to characterize DDCs and to compare their phenotype and functions to that of LCs. This study used two different methods to characterize human skin resident immune cells with regard to their number and distribution. First, a stable analytical immunohistochemistry-based method was developed and applied to a substantial number of healthy skin donors. This enabled a quantitative analysis of skin DC types and skin resident T cells at different anatomical locations in situ. A novel method to count dermal cell populations in situ was developed that resulted in the first published quantification of APCs, DDCs, as well as T cells in human dermis. Second, the traditional form of the emigration assay, which selectively enriches vital cells capable of ex vivo emigration from the skin, was upgraded toward a stable analytical method to separate epidermal LCs from DDCs. In this way, both skin DC types became accessible in sufficient numbers to allow for a comparison of phenotypes and functions in vitro. The resulting phenotypic observations clearly showed that both, LCs and DDCs are not fully mature after their emigration ex vivo and that both can be transformed into a phenotypically more mature state by treating them with inflammatory cytokines. What’s more, LCs are also functionally in an immature state after their emigration. They efficiently took up antigen, showed a low capacity to trans-migrate in response to chemokines, and demonstrated a low capacity to stimulate allogeneic T cells in a mixed leukocyte reaction (MLR). For the first time this study observed all these main APC functions not only for LCs but additionally for DDCs. As these observations were made in relation to LCs of the same donor, it could be concluded that DDCs are functionally more mature than LCs after emigration. DDCs showed a lower antigen uptake capacity than LCs but were superior in terms of their migratory and stimulatory capacity. However, treatment with cytokines could skew LC functions toward functional capacities observed for DDCs, i.e., it decreased LCs’ Ag uptake and increased their migratory and stimulatory capacity, whereas the cytokine treatment did not alter DDCs’ functional capacities. After improving immuno-histochemistry and the emigration assay using healthy skin samples, these newly developed techniques were implemented in clinical trials to observe the number, distribution and migratory capacity of skin DCs and T cells in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (aHSCT). Such a study is of importance because the turnover of DCs and T cells is closely associated with the occurrence of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD), the major cause of morbidity and mortality after aHSCT. Due to the study design used, this study concisely demonstrate that at the onset of aGvHD, different DC types accumulate along with effector T cells in skin lesions of aGvHD but not in uninvolved skin of the same patient. These results suggest that in addition to donor T cells LCs and DDCs play a role during the early phase of cutaneous aGvHD directly within the site of inflammation. The view of many authors that DC depletion in the transplant recipient, especially in target organs, is a promising approach for aGvHD prophylaxis and therapy is further underscored by these results. One targeting strategy to inhibit GvHD by eliminating recipient DCs may be the use of DC specific monoclonal antibodies. Alemtuzumab (anti-CD52) is a monoclonal antibody and has proven effective in preventing aGvHD after aHSCT. It may, despite depleting donor T cells, also work by targeting recipient DCs. To determine whether the last mechanism of action is significant, a second clinical study investigated the effects of intravenous alemtuzumab on DCs by comparing the number of these cells in skin and blood of patients before and after a 4-week course of alemtuzumab treatment. The result was that although skin DCs weakly express the target antigen CD52 the number of these cells was not consistently reduced by alemtuzumab. In contrast, circulating blood DCs have a stronger CD52 expression and were significantly reduced by the treatment. In conclusion, this work provides new insights into the phenotypical and functional characteristics of human skin DCs, as well as into the fate of these cell types during aHSCT. The investigation of the APC system during aGvHD as carried out here will help to understand the process of aGvHD in more detail. All these efforts may hopefully support the development of new approaches for therapy and prevention of this major limitation of aHSCT and may help to improve this only curative therapy for several life-threatening diseases.

Processos fotodinâmicos aplicados a sistemas biológicos têm sido utilizados in vitro e in vivo como uma modalidade terapêutica seletiva e não invasiva em diversas áreas da saúde, incluindo a Medicina Regenerativa. Neste trabalho, propomos o seu estudo na reparação e regeneração tecidual, pela utilização de um fármaco fotossensibilizante associado a um sistema de veiculação e sua ação fotobiológica, monitorada pela atividade celular (sistemas 2D e 3D). Para superar limitações do modelo celular convencional em monocamada, tais como baixa interação célula-célula e célula-matriz extracelular, propomos o uso de modelos tridimensionais de pele (denominados equivalentes dérmicos). Desta forma, algumas condições existentes in vivo podem ser mimetizadas in vitro, conduzindo à observação de um comportamento mais próximo à situação real. Os equivalentes dérmicos foram preparados através do cultivo celular em uma matriz de colágeno tipo I, que foi extraído de tendões da cauda de ratos Wistar. Foram escolhidas duas linhagens celulares para a padronização dos modelos tridimensionais: fibroblastos NIH/3T3 (ATCC® CRL-1658TM) e células-tronco humanas HBMS (Human Bone Marrow-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells, ATCC® PCS-500-012TM). Os ED produzidos foram monitorados por um período de 14 dias para o estudo do perfil de cinética de contração e também observamos a formação da matriz tridimensional de colágeno através da microscopia óptica. O perfil de contração observado é mais acentuado nos primeiros dias e tende a se estabilizar no final do período analisado. Fatores como concentração celular e de colágeno interferem nesta cinética. Estudos de histologia, microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV) e microscopia confocal também foram realizados para melhor caracterizar o modelo. Em uma segunda etapa deste trabalho, estudos de fotobiomodulação foram conduzidos nestes modelos celulares, associando-se o uso de fotoprocessos com luz visível de baixa intensidade (doses 70, 140 e 300 mJ/cm2) e o fármaco fotossensibilizante ftalocianina de cloro alumínio (ClAlPc), veiculado em um sistema de liberação nanoestruturado clássico do tipo nanoemulsão. A expressão de metaloproteinases de matriz (MMPs), enzimas associadas a eventos biológicos de remodelação da matriz extracelular, foi avaliada através da técnica de zimografia. / Photodynamic Process applied to biological systems has been used in vitro and in vivo as selective and noninvasive modality in several areas including Regenerative Medicine. In this research project, we propose to study wound healing and tissue regeneration, induced by the use of a photosensitizer drug into 2D and 3D cellular models. In order to perform experiments with high level of biological complexity, we propose to use three-dimensional tissue models (called dermal equivalents). The aim is to mimic in vitro, the conditions existing in in vivo, such as cell-cell contact and cell-extracellular matrix interactions, which cannot be observed in monolayer cultures. The dermal equivalents were obtained combing fibroblasts cells NIH /3T3 (ATCC® CRL-1658TM) or Human Bone Marrow-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (ATCC® PCS-500-012TM) with collagen matrix. Collagen type I was obtained from tail tendons of Wistar rats. The three-dimensional model was monitored over 14 days and to study the kinetic contraction, the diameter of each disc was measured. Also, the collagen matrix was evaluated by bright field microscopy. The classical profile observed is more pronounced in the early days and tends to stabilize at the end of the period. This kinetic can be modified by the concentration of cells and collagen. Histological analyses, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal microscopy were also important to describe this model. Second, photobiology tests were performed, combining low-intensity laser (70, 140 e 300 mJ/cm2) and a classical Chloro Aluminum Phthalocyanine photosensitizer drug encapsulated into polymeric nanoemulsion. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) expression in the cell culture was evaluated by zymography. These are endopeptidases associated with wound healing and remodeling processes.

Introdução: O uso de matrizes dérmicas é uma opção no tratamento de vários tipos de sequelas de queimaduras. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar e comparar a contração tardia dos enxertos de pele de espessura parcial autólogos utilizados para o tratamento de sequelas de queimaduras associado com as matrizes dérmicas Integra®, Matriderm® e Pelnac®. Métodos: Este é um ensaio clínico prospectivo, randomizado e controlado, e foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da instituição. O estudo comparou a contração da área do enxerto de pele de espessura parcial autólogo associado ou não com a matriz dérmica após 1, 3, 6 e 12 meses da cirurgia para tratamento de sequelas de queimaduras em pacientes da Unidade de Queimados de um hospital universitário. Os critérios de inclusão foram pacientes acima de 18 anos de idade, com uma ou mais sequelas de queimadura causando prejuízo funcional, com seguimento pós-queimadura de no mínimo 1 ano, e com indicação de tratamento cirúrgico usando enxerto de pele de espessura parcial. Os critérios de exclusão foram a perda do seguimento clínico, perda da matriz dérmica e falha na integração de mais de 10% do enxerto de pele parcial. As sequelas dos pacientes foram submetidas a randomização permutada em bloco por sorteio (de acordo com as normas do CONSORT) para um de quatro grupos: Grupo Integra® (n=10), Grupo Pelnac® (n=10), Grupo Matriderm® (n=9), e Grupo Controle (n=10), cujo tratamento envolveu apenas o enxerto de pele sem uso de matriz dérmica. Utilizamos este tipo de randomização para garantir um número balanceado de participantes nos diferentes grupos. As cirurgias foram realizadas pelo mesmo cirurgião e consistiu na ressecção da sequela da queimadura, gerando um defeito de cobertura cutânea. As cirurgias foram em dois tempos para os grupos Integra® e Pelnac® (primeiro a ressecção da sequela e colocação da matriz dérmica, e 21 dias depois remoção da lâmina de silicone e aplicação do enxerto de pele de espessura parcial autólogo sobre a matriz), ou em tempo único para os grupos Matriderm® e Controle (ressecção da sequela, colocação da matriz e do enxerto de pele de espessura parcial, ou apenas do enxerto de pele de espessura parcial). A obtenção dos enxertos de pele foi realizada por meio de dermátomo elétrico com regulagem de 0,2mm de espessura em todos os grupos. No intraoperatório, o contorno do defeito tridimensional (que corresponde ao contorno da matriz ou do enxerto de pele) foi marcado com azul de metileno e transferido para um anteparo maleável estéril de superfície plana, sempre em posição de extensão máxima para membros e pescoço. A obtenção das medidas no pós-operatório foi realizada da mesma forma com 1, 3, 6 e 12 meses. Essas medidas foram posteriormente transferidas para uma folha de papel com escala de centímetros, e submetidas a fotografias com máquina fotográfica com plano focal paralelo ao da folha de papel e com distância fixa de 40 cm. O cálculo das dimensões foi realizado por meio do software de planimetria digital \"Image J\" e comparados entre os grupos. Dessa forma, foi possível calcular a porcentagem de contração do enxerto de pele de espessura parcial em relação ao defeito original. A análise estatística foi realizada pelo software SAS® 9.2 utilizando o modelo de regressão linear com efeitos mistos (efeitos aleatórios e fixos), e o nível designificância adotado foi 5%. Resultados: Foram operadas 39 sequelas de queimaduras em 30 pacientes, sendo 19 do sexo masculino e 21 do sexo feminino. Após 12 meses, os resultados mostraram que o Grupo Controle apresentou menores taxas de contração do enxerto comparado aos grupos das matrizes dérmicas Integra® (p<0,01), Matriderm® (p=0,01), e Pelnac® (p<0,01); o Grupo Pelnac® mostrou uma contração do enxerto de pele estatisticamente maior comparado ao Grupo Matriderm® (p<0,01) e ao Grupo Integra® (p=0,02); a contração do enxerto de pele do Grupo Integra® não apresentou diferença significativa comparado ao Grupo Matriderm® (p=0,16). A contração variou bastante entre as diversas áreas do corpo, e a região cervical apresentou uma elevada taxa de contração em todos os grupos, sendo estatisticamente maior comparado com as outras regiões do corpo (p<0,01). Conclusão: No tratamento de sequelas de queimaduras, a contração tardia dos enxertos de pele de espessura parcial foi maior quando associados com matrizes dérmicas, em comparação ao enxerto de pele sem uso de matriz. A contração dos enxertos teve grande variabilidade de acordo com o local da sequela, sendo que a região cervical apresentou os maiores índices de contração. / Purpose: The use of dermal matrices is an option in the treatment of burn sequelae. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the contraction of autologous split-thickness skin grafts used for the treatment of burn sequelae associated with dermal matrices. Methods: This is a prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial, comparing the contraction of the autologous split-thickness skin graft associated or not with dermal matrix after 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively for the treatment of burn sequelae. Patients were selected from the Burns Unit of an university hospital, and our Institutional Review Board approved this study. Inclusion criteria were patients with one or more burn sequelae causing functional impairment, with post-burn follow-up of at least one year, and with an indication of surgical treatment using split-thickness skin graft. Exclusion criteria were the loss of follow-up, loss of the dermal matrix, and failure to integrate more than 10% of the split-thickness skin graft. Patients\' sequelae were randomly assigned to a randomized block design (according to the CONSORT standards) for one of four groups: Integra® Group (n = 10), Pelnac® Group (n = 10), Matriderm® Group (n = 9), and Control Group (n = 10), whose treatment involved only the skin graft without dermal matrix. Surgeries were performed by the same surgeon and consisted of resection of the burn sequelae, leading to a tegument defect. Surgeries were performed in two stages for the Integra® and Pelnac® groups (first resection of the sequela and placement of the dermal matrix, and 21 days later removal of the silicon sheet and application of the skin graft on the matrix), or in single stage for the Matriderm® and Control groups (resection of the sequelae, placement of the matrix and skin graft, or only the skin graft). The skin grafts were obtained using an electric dermatome with the regulation of 0.2 mm thickness in all groups. During the surgery, the contour of the three-dimensional defect (corresponding to the contour of the matrix or the skin graft) was marked with methylene blue and transferred to a sterile, flat surface, always in the position of maximum extension for limbs and neck. This procedure was also performed after 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Then, it was transferred to a sheet of paper with a centimeters scale and submitted to pictures using a camera with a fixed distance of 40 cm. The measures of the dimensions were carried out using the digital planimetry software \"Image J\" and compared among the four groups. Thus, we calculate the percentage of contraction of the split-thickness skin graft comparing it to the original defect. Statistical analysis was carried out using the linear regression model with mixed effects (random and fixed effects), and the significance level adopted was 5%. Results: Thirty-nine burn sequels were performed in 30 patients, 19 male and 21 female. Twelve months postoperatively, the results showed that the Control Group presented lower rates of skin graft contraction compared to the Integra® (p < 0.01), Matriderm® (p = 0.01) and Pelnac® (p < 0.01); the Pelnac Group showed a statistically larger contraction of the skin graft compared to the Matriderm® Group (p < 0.01) and the Integra® Group (p = 0.02); the contraction of the skin grafts from the Integra® Group did not present a significant difference compared to the Matriderm® Group (p = 0.16). The contraction varied widely among the treated areas, and the cervical region showed a high rate of contraction in allgroups, being statistically higher compared to the other body regions (p < 0.01). Conclusion: In the treatment of burn sequelae, the late contraction of split-thickness skin grafts was greater when associated with dermal matrices, in comparison to the skin graft without dermal matrix. The contraction of the skin grafts had great variability according to the location of the sequelae, and the cervical region had the highest rates of contraction.

Fibroblastos gengivais desempenham um importante papel na regeneração de tecidos moles de proteção do periodonto. Alloderm® (MDA) é um substituto alógeno muito utilizado e estudado em periodontia. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar, in vitro, se a MDA é uma matriz tridimensional adequada, através de sua resposta à cultura de fibroblastos gengivais e células neoplásicas; e, ainda, se os subprodutos da MDA influenciam o comportamento celular. Material e Métodos: Fibroblastos gengivais de cão (FGC) e fibroblastos gengivais humanos (FGH) foram obtidos pela técnica do explante a partir de tecido conjuntivo gengival de, respectivamente, três indivíduos e três cães saudáveis. As células FGC, FGH e B16F10 de melanoma murino foram cultivadas sobre a MDA por até 14 dias. Os seguintes parâmetros foram avaliados: presença, morfologia e distribuição de FGC, FGH e B16F10 por fluorescência direta; viabilidade de FGC e FGH por MTT; e o efeito do meio de cultura condicionado (MC) em MDA por 24 h na viabilidade celular de FGC por MTT. Os dados quantitativos foram submetidos aos testes estatísticos Mann-Whitney e Kruskal-Wallis, seguido pelo método de Dunn para comparações múltiplas (nível de significância: 5%). Resultados: A epifluorescência revelou que, em 12 h, FGH e FGC estavam aderidos à superfície da MDA em baixa densidade celular, exibindo morfologia poligonal com núcleos esféricos, enquanto que, aos 7 e 14 dias, essas células apresentavam com formato alongado, núcleos ovalados e citoesqueleto de actina com fibras de estresse. Aos 7 e 14 dias, FGC apresentavam-se distribuídos de forma desigual sobre a MDA, formando uma camada celular descontínua, sem aumento no número de células entre os períodos; FGH formaram uma monocamada celular na superfície da MDA, estando presentes em maior número após 14 dias de cultivo (p<0,05); e B16F10 exibiram um aumento no número de células de 12 h para 7 dias (p<0,05), apresentando-se dispostas em aglomerados celulares, principalmente na superfície da MDA, com a formação de camada contínua aos 14 dias. Notou-se maior número de células nas amostras cultivadas com B16F10, seguido por FGH e FGC aos 7 dias (p<0,05). Aos 14 dias, FGH e B16F10 estavam presentes em maior número, com diferença estatística significante em relação aos FGC (p<0,05). Foi observada maior porcentagem de células na superfície (p<0,05) do que no interior da MDA e essa proporção manteve-se estável durante os períodos avaliados para todos os tipos celulares. O ensaio de MTT indicou maior viabilidade celular nas amostras cultivadas com FGH comparado a FGC (p=0,024), aos 7 e 14 dias. Notou-se um decréscimo na viabilidade celular em culturas cultivadas em MC, com diferença estatística entre os grupos em 48 e 72 horas (p<0,05). Conclusão: Podemos concluir que fibroblastos gengivais e mesmo células altamente proliferativas, como B16F10, povoam apenas superficialmente a MDA e que FGC são afetados negativamente pelos subprodutos da MDA, reduzindo sua viabilidade. / Gingival fibroblasts play a central role in oral soft tissue regeneration. Alloderm® (Alloderm® - ADM) is the most used and studied allogeneic substitute. The aim of this investigation was to verify if ADM is a suitable threedimensional matrix, through its in vitro response to gingival fibroblasts and cancerous cells lineage and, also, if ADM end products affect cellular behavior. Methods: Canine gingival fibroblasts (CGF) and human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) cultures were established by the explant technique of gingival connective tissues of three dogs and three healthy patients, respectively. CGF, HGF and B16F10 cells of murine melanoma were seeded on ADM and grown for up to 14 days. The following parameters were assessed: presence, morphology and distribution of CGF, HGF e B16F10 by direct fluorescence; CGF and HGF viability by MTT; and the effect of culture medium conditioned (CM) in the MDA for 24 h on CGF viability by MTT. Quantitative data were submitted to Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests, followed by Dunn\'s method. Results: Epifluorescence revealed that CGF and HGF were adherent and exhibited a polygonal morphology at 12 h while at 7 and 14 days they were spread, exhibiting an elongated shape and the actin cytoskeleton assembled into stress fibers. CGF were unevenly distributed on ADM surface, showing no increase in cell number over the experimental periods; HGF formed a monolayer on the ADM surface, in a higher number at 14 days (p<0,05); B16F10 exhibited na increase in cell number in 7 days (p<0,05), and were mainly arranged in cell aggregates on the ADM, forming a continuous layer at 14 days. A higher percentage of cells on the ADM surface (p <0.05) compared to inside the matrix was observed for all cell types in all periods. MTT values indicated higher cell viability in samples cultured with HGF compared to CGF (p=0.024). A significantly lower cell viability for CGF grown in CM compared to cells grown in non conditioned medium at 48 and 72 h (p <0.05) was noticed. Conclusion: Gingival fibroblasts and even highly proliferative cells as B16F10 can be only superficially located on ADM and CGF are negatively affected by ADM end products, reducing its viability.

Pacientes com altos padrões de higiene bucal frequentemente procuram tratamento retração gengival (RG) bucal devido ao desgaste cervical, sensibilidade radicular e comprometimento estético. A lesão cervical (LCNC) é comumente gerada por técnicas inadequadas de escovação, compartilhando a mesma etiologia da RG. Muitas abordagens cirúrgicas diferentes foram descritas para o tratamento das RG. A associação de um enxerto ao retalho coronário avançado demonstrou o melhor resultado a longo prazo para o recobrimento radicular (RR). Mas substitutos para o enxerto autógeno devem ser estudados. Portanto, o objetivo deste ensaio clínico foi investigar a eficácia do enxerto de matriz dérmica acelular (EMDA) no RR de RG associada a uma lesão cervical restaurada anteriormente (GT) ou não (GC). Dezessete indivíduos com RG bilateral foram incluídos no estudo. Todos os pacientes foram tratados com a técnica do retalho estendido associada à EMDA. Todos os parâmetros clínicos foram avaliados no início e após 6 meses de pós-operatório. As médias de RR (GC: 70% ± 19 e TG: 72% ± 16; valor de p = 0,6604) não diferiram significativamente entre os grupos. Aos 6 meses, houve uma redução média na RG de 2,2mm (± 0,5), 2,4mm (± 0,5), no NCI de 1,9mm (± 1,3) e 2,1mm (± 1,2), para o GC e GT, respectivamente. . Além disso, a altura do MQ e a EMQ apresentaram um aumento para o período de acompanhamento. O ADMG é um substituto de sucesso para ETC para RR de LCNC. Mais estudos devem ser realizados para elucidar precisamente como a EMDA contribui nesses casos / Patients with high standards of oral hygiene frequently search for buccal gingival recession (GR) treatment due to cervical wear, root sensitivity and compromising aesthetics. The cervical lesion (NCCL) is commonly produced by improper toothbrushing techniques, sharing the same etiology of GR. Many different surgical approaches have been described. The association of a graft to the coronally advanced flap had demonstrated the best long-term outcome for root coverage. But, substitutes for the autogenous graft must be studied. Therefore, the aim of this clinical trial was to investigate the effectiveness of the acellular dermal matrix graft (ADMG) in root coverage associated with a previous restored cervical lesion or not. Seventeen individuals with bilateral GR were included in the study. At one side, the GR must present a previously restored cervical lesion, as the test group (TG). The contralateral arch, must present GR with an intact root surface (CG). All patients were treated with the extended flap technique associated with the ADMG. All clinical parameters were assessed at baseline and 6-months postoperative. Root coverage means (CG: 70% ±19 and TG: 72% ±16; p value = 0.6604) were not significant different between groups. At 6-months, there was a mean reduction in GR of 2.2mm (±0.5), 2.4mm (±0.5), in CAL of 1.9mm (±1.3) and 2.1mm (±1.2), for CG and TG, respectively. In addition, the KT height and KTT presented an increase for the follow up period. The ADMG is a successful substitute to CTG for root coverage of NCCL defects. More studies should be performed in order to elucidate precisely how the ADMG works in these cases

O surgimento das matrizes de regeneração dérmica nas duas últimas décadas permitiu um grande avanço no tratamento tanto das queimaduras agudas como das sequelas. No entanto, ainda há carência de informações sobre a relação entre os resultados clínicos e o que ocorre no tecido com cada tipo de matriz. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar prospectivamente os aspectos clínicos quanto à qualidade de pele, escala de Vancouver e POSAS, função e retração da área tratada e os aspectos histológicos na microscopia de luz e eletrônica, com o uso de duas matrizes de regeneração dérmica, ambas de colágeno bovino, uma de duas camadas, recoberta com lâmina de silicone e outra sem. Vinte e quatro pacientes, sorteados 12 em cada grupo, tiveram suas retrações cicatriciais secundárias à queimaduras tratadas em duas cirurgias, a primeira de liberação da retração e colocação da matriz e a segunda, colocação do auto enxerto de pele; em ambas as cirurgias foi utilizado o curativo de pressão negativa. As avaliações da escala de Vancouver e medidas da retração da área foram realizadas no pré-operatório, 1, 3, 6 e 12 meses e a escala de POSAS e avaliação funcional no pré-operatório e aos 12 meses. As biópsias foram colhidas no pré-operatório, no dia da colocação do enxerto de pele, 12 dias, 2, 6 e 12 meses após o enxerto. A avaliação clínica mostrou retração de todas as áreas tratadas, melhora da qualidade da pele e funcional em todos os pacientes. A matriz com silicone, mostrou superioridade dos resultados quanto a qualidade da pele, função e menor retração da área tratada. A análise histológica mostrou o crescimento de tecido conjuntivo denso idêntico ao tecido cicatricial original, sem diferenças entre as matrizes e que não se assemelha à derme normal. Também não foi observada diferença no diâmetro das fibrilas de colágeno do tecido neoformado, a pele normal e a cicatriz / The advent of dermal regenerate templates has fostered major advances in the treatment of acute burns and their sequelae, in the last two decades. Both data on morphological aspects of the newly-formed tissue, and clinical trials comparing different templates, are still lacking. The goal of this study was to prospectively analyze the outcome of patients treated with two of the existing templates, followed by thin skin autograft. They are both made of bovine collagen, one includes a superficial silicone layer. Surgery was performed on patients with impaired mobility resulting from burn sequelae (n = 12 per template). Negative pressure therapy was applied post-surgically; patients were monitored for 12 months. Data on scar skin quality (Vancouver and POSAS evaluation scales), rate of joint mobility recovery, and graft contraction were recorded; as well as morphological analyses at light microscopical and ultrastructural levels. Improvement in mobility and skin quality were demonstrated along with graft contraction, in all patients. The silicone-coupled template showed the best performance in all aspects. There was sub epidermal growth of dense connective tissue, indistinguishable from the original scars in both templates. The formation of tissue resembling normal dermis was not detected in any of the cases. Likewise, the ultrastructural analysis showed the same architecture of the connective tissue among the template scars and the original scar. No difference was detected when the collagen fibril diameters of the normal skin and of the scars (original and of the two templates) were compared

Introdução: O uso de matrizes dérmicas é uma opção no tratamento de vários tipos de sequelas de queimaduras. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar e comparar a contração tardia dos enxertos de pele de espessura parcial autólogos utilizados para o tratamento de sequelas de queimaduras associado com as matrizes dérmicas Integra®, Matriderm® e Pelnac®. Métodos: Este é um ensaio clínico prospectivo, randomizado e controlado, e foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da instituição. O estudo comparou a contração da área do enxerto de pele de espessura parcial autólogo associado ou não com a matriz dérmica após 1, 3, 6 e 12 meses da cirurgia para tratamento de sequelas de queimaduras em pacientes da Unidade de Queimados de um hospital universitário. Os critérios de inclusão foram pacientes acima de 18 anos de idade, com uma ou mais sequelas de queimadura causando prejuízo funcional, com seguimento pós-queimadura de no mínimo 1 ano, e com indicação de tratamento cirúrgico usando enxerto de pele de espessura parcial. Os critérios de exclusão foram a perda do seguimento clínico, perda da matriz dérmica e falha na integração de mais de 10% do enxerto de pele parcial. As sequelas dos pacientes foram submetidas a randomização permutada em bloco por sorteio (de acordo com as normas do CONSORT) para um de quatro grupos: Grupo Integra® (n=10), Grupo Pelnac® (n=10), Grupo Matriderm® (n=9), e Grupo Controle (n=10), cujo tratamento envolveu apenas o enxerto de pele sem uso de matriz dérmica. Utilizamos este tipo de randomização para garantir um número balanceado de participantes nos diferentes grupos. As cirurgias foram realizadas pelo mesmo cirurgião e consistiu na ressecção da sequela da queimadura, gerando um defeito de cobertura cutânea. As cirurgias foram em dois tempos para os grupos Integra® e Pelnac® (primeiro a ressecção da sequela e colocação da matriz dérmica, e 21 dias depois remoção da lâmina de silicone e aplicação do enxerto de pele de espessura parcial autólogo sobre a matriz), ou em tempo único para os grupos Matriderm® e Controle (ressecção da sequela, colocação da matriz e do enxerto de pele de espessura parcial, ou apenas do enxerto de pele de espessura parcial). A obtenção dos enxertos de pele foi realizada por meio de dermátomo elétrico com regulagem de 0,2mm de espessura em todos os grupos. No intraoperatório, o contorno do defeito tridimensional (que corresponde ao contorno da matriz ou do enxerto de pele) foi marcado com azul de metileno e transferido para um anteparo maleável estéril de superfície plana, sempre em posição de extensão máxima para membros e pescoço. A obtenção das medidas no pós-operatório foi realizada da mesma forma com 1, 3, 6 e 12 meses. Essas medidas foram posteriormente transferidas para uma folha de papel com escala de centímetros, e submetidas a fotografias com máquina fotográfica com plano focal paralelo ao da folha de papel e com distância fixa de 40 cm. O cálculo das dimensões foi realizado por meio do software de planimetria digital \"Image J\" e comparados entre os grupos. Dessa forma, foi possível calcular a porcentagem de contração do enxerto de pele de espessura parcial em relação ao defeito original. A análise estatística foi realizada pelo software SAS® 9.2 utilizando o modelo de regressão linear com efeitos mistos (efeitos aleatórios e fixos), e o nível designificância adotado foi 5%. Resultados: Foram operadas 39 sequelas de queimaduras em 30 pacientes, sendo 19 do sexo masculino e 21 do sexo feminino. Após 12 meses, os resultados mostraram que o Grupo Controle apresentou menores taxas de contração do enxerto comparado aos grupos das matrizes dérmicas Integra® (p<0,01), Matriderm® (p=0,01), e Pelnac® (p<0,01); o Grupo Pelnac® mostrou uma contração do enxerto de pele estatisticamente maior comparado ao Grupo Matriderm® (p<0,01) e ao Grupo Integra® (p=0,02); a contração do enxerto de pele do Grupo Integra® não apresentou diferença significativa comparado ao Grupo Matriderm® (p=0,16). A contração variou bastante entre as diversas áreas do corpo, e a região cervical apresentou uma elevada taxa de contração em todos os grupos, sendo estatisticamente maior comparado com as outras regiões do corpo (p<0,01). Conclusão: No tratamento de sequelas de queimaduras, a contração tardia dos enxertos de pele de espessura parcial foi maior quando associados com matrizes dérmicas, em comparação ao enxerto de pele sem uso de matriz. A contração dos enxertos teve grande variabilidade de acordo com o local da sequela, sendo que a região cervical apresentou os maiores índices de contração. / Purpose: The use of dermal matrices is an option in the treatment of burn sequelae. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the contraction of autologous split-thickness skin grafts used for the treatment of burn sequelae associated with dermal matrices. Methods: This is a prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial, comparing the contraction of the autologous split-thickness skin graft associated or not with dermal matrix after 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively for the treatment of burn sequelae. Patients were selected from the Burns Unit of an university hospital, and our Institutional Review Board approved this study. Inclusion criteria were patients with one or more burn sequelae causing functional impairment, with post-burn follow-up of at least one year, and with an indication of surgical treatment using split-thickness skin graft. Exclusion criteria were the loss of follow-up, loss of the dermal matrix, and failure to integrate more than 10% of the split-thickness skin graft. Patients\' sequelae were randomly assigned to a randomized block design (according to the CONSORT standards) for one of four groups: Integra® Group (n = 10), Pelnac® Group (n = 10), Matriderm® Group (n = 9), and Control Group (n = 10), whose treatment involved only the skin graft without dermal matrix. Surgeries were performed by the same surgeon and consisted of resection of the burn sequelae, leading to a tegument defect. Surgeries were performed in two stages for the Integra® and Pelnac® groups (first resection of the sequela and placement of the dermal matrix, and 21 days later removal of the silicon sheet and application of the skin graft on the matrix), or in single stage for the Matriderm® and Control groups (resection of the sequelae, placement of the matrix and skin graft, or only the skin graft). The skin grafts were obtained using an electric dermatome with the regulation of 0.2 mm thickness in all groups. During the surgery, the contour of the three-dimensional defect (corresponding to the contour of the matrix or the skin graft) was marked with methylene blue and transferred to a sterile, flat surface, always in the position of maximum extension for limbs and neck. This procedure was also performed after 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Then, it was transferred to a sheet of paper with a centimeters scale and submitted to pictures using a camera with a fixed distance of 40 cm. The measures of the dimensions were carried out using the digital planimetry software \"Image J\" and compared among the four groups. Thus, we calculate the percentage of contraction of the split-thickness skin graft comparing it to the original defect. Statistical analysis was carried out using the linear regression model with mixed effects (random and fixed effects), and the significance level adopted was 5%. Results: Thirty-nine burn sequels were performed in 30 patients, 19 male and 21 female. Twelve months postoperatively, the results showed that the Control Group presented lower rates of skin graft contraction compared to the Integra® (p < 0.01), Matriderm® (p = 0.01) and Pelnac® (p < 0.01); the Pelnac Group showed a statistically larger contraction of the skin graft compared to the Matriderm® Group (p < 0.01) and the Integra® Group (p = 0.02); the contraction of the skin grafts from the Integra® Group did not present a significant difference compared to the Matriderm® Group (p = 0.16). The contraction varied widely among the treated areas, and the cervical region showed a high rate of contraction in allgroups, being statistically higher compared to the other body regions (p < 0.01). Conclusion: In the treatment of burn sequelae, the late contraction of split-thickness skin grafts was greater when associated with dermal matrices, in comparison to the skin graft without dermal matrix. The contraction of the skin grafts had great variability according to the location of the sequelae, and the cervical region had the highest rates of contraction.

Fibroblastos gengivais desempenham um importante papel na regeneração de tecidos moles de proteção do periodonto. Alloderm® (MDA) é um substituto alógeno muito utilizado e estudado em periodontia. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar, in vitro, se a MDA é uma matriz tridimensional adequada, através de sua resposta à cultura de fibroblastos gengivais e células neoplásicas; e, ainda, se os subprodutos da MDA influenciam o comportamento celular. Material e Métodos: Fibroblastos gengivais de cão (FGC) e fibroblastos gengivais humanos (FGH) foram obtidos pela técnica do explante a partir de tecido conjuntivo gengival de, respectivamente, três indivíduos e três cães saudáveis. As células FGC, FGH e B16F10 de melanoma murino foram cultivadas sobre a MDA por até 14 dias. Os seguintes parâmetros foram avaliados: presença, morfologia e distribuição de FGC, FGH e B16F10 por fluorescência direta; viabilidade de FGC e FGH por MTT; e o efeito do meio de cultura condicionado (MC) em MDA por 24 h na viabilidade celular de FGC por MTT. Os dados quantitativos foram submetidos aos testes estatísticos Mann-Whitney e Kruskal-Wallis, seguido pelo método de Dunn para comparações múltiplas (nível de significância: 5%). Resultados: A epifluorescência revelou que, em 12 h, FGH e FGC estavam aderidos à superfície da MDA em baixa densidade celular, exibindo morfologia poligonal com núcleos esféricos, enquanto que, aos 7 e 14 dias, essas células apresentavam com formato alongado, núcleos ovalados e citoesqueleto de actina com fibras de estresse. Aos 7 e 14 dias, FGC apresentavam-se distribuídos de forma desigual sobre a MDA, formando uma camada celular descontínua, sem aumento no número de células entre os períodos; FGH formaram uma monocamada celular na superfície da MDA, estando presentes em maior número após 14 dias de cultivo (p<0,05); e B16F10 exibiram um aumento no número de células de 12 h para 7 dias (p<0,05), apresentando-se dispostas em aglomerados celulares, principalmente na superfície da MDA, com a formação de camada contínua aos 14 dias. Notou-se maior número de células nas amostras cultivadas com B16F10, seguido por FGH e FGC aos 7 dias (p<0,05). Aos 14 dias, FGH e B16F10 estavam presentes em maior número, com diferença estatística significante em relação aos FGC (p<0,05). Foi observada maior porcentagem de células na superfície (p<0,05) do que no interior da MDA e essa proporção manteve-se estável durante os períodos avaliados para todos os tipos celulares. O ensaio de MTT indicou maior viabilidade celular nas amostras cultivadas com FGH comparado a FGC (p=0,024), aos 7 e 14 dias. Notou-se um decréscimo na viabilidade celular em culturas cultivadas em MC, com diferença estatística entre os grupos em 48 e 72 horas (p<0,05). Conclusão: Podemos concluir que fibroblastos gengivais e mesmo células altamente proliferativas, como B16F10, povoam apenas superficialmente a MDA e que FGC são afetados negativamente pelos subprodutos da MDA, reduzindo sua viabilidade. / Gingival fibroblasts play a central role in oral soft tissue regeneration. Alloderm® (Alloderm® - ADM) is the most used and studied allogeneic substitute. The aim of this investigation was to verify if ADM is a suitable threedimensional matrix, through its in vitro response to gingival fibroblasts and cancerous cells lineage and, also, if ADM end products affect cellular behavior. Methods: Canine gingival fibroblasts (CGF) and human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) cultures were established by the explant technique of gingival connective tissues of three dogs and three healthy patients, respectively. CGF, HGF and B16F10 cells of murine melanoma were seeded on ADM and grown for up to 14 days. The following parameters were assessed: presence, morphology and distribution of CGF, HGF e B16F10 by direct fluorescence; CGF and HGF viability by MTT; and the effect of culture medium conditioned (CM) in the MDA for 24 h on CGF viability by MTT. Quantitative data were submitted to Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests, followed by Dunn\'s method. Results: Epifluorescence revealed that CGF and HGF were adherent and exhibited a polygonal morphology at 12 h while at 7 and 14 days they were spread, exhibiting an elongated shape and the actin cytoskeleton assembled into stress fibers. CGF were unevenly distributed on ADM surface, showing no increase in cell number over the experimental periods; HGF formed a monolayer on the ADM surface, in a higher number at 14 days (p<0,05); B16F10 exhibited na increase in cell number in 7 days (p<0,05), and were mainly arranged in cell aggregates on the ADM, forming a continuous layer at 14 days. A higher percentage of cells on the ADM surface (p <0.05) compared to inside the matrix was observed for all cell types in all periods. MTT values indicated higher cell viability in samples cultured with HGF compared to CGF (p=0.024). A significantly lower cell viability for CGF grown in CM compared to cells grown in non conditioned medium at 48 and 72 h (p <0.05) was noticed. Conclusion: Gingival fibroblasts and even highly proliferative cells as B16F10 can be only superficially located on ADM and CGF are negatively affected by ADM end products, reducing its viability.