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Lipofuscin is an autofluorescent pigment progressively accumulated during cellular aging, in several tissues, such as heart, muscle and retina, especially in the postmitotic period. That phenomenon may result from oxidative stress, when biomolecules and organelles (mainly mitochondria) are damaged, generating non-degradable products inside lysosomes. Lipofuscin can be photosensitized, promoting photoxidative processes in cellular components. Many studies on lipofuscin were made using the human retinal pigment epithelial cells, but very little is known about lipofuscin from human skin. In this work we investigated the photoinduced formation (UVA and visible light) of lipofuscin and the consequence of its photosensitization by visible light. We also established an efficient protocol for the induction of lipofuscinogenesis, through specific damage in mitochondria and lysosomes. Cells that accumulated lipofuscin, after exposure to UVA and blue light, became sensitive to visible light (400-750 nm). We characterized the absorption and fluorescence emission of lipofuscin, as well as its fluorescence lifetime through the time resolved fluorescence microscopy (FLIM). We observed that lipofuscin in keratinocytes has absorption maximum in the blue region of light spectrum (420-450 nm), and maximum emission in the red. When photosensitized at 466 nm, lipofuscinloaded HaCaT cells had reduced cell viability, which was related with singlet oxygen generation, accumulated 8-oxo-dG premutagenic lesions and breaks in the DNA strand. Besides, we investigated the efficiency of different wavelengthsin visible light spectrum (408, 466, 522 and 650 nm) to promote lipofuscin formation due to damages in both mitochondria and lysosomes. Blue (408 and 466 nm) and green light (522 nm), but not red light (650 nm), promoted damage in mitochondria (membrane and DNA integrity) and lysosomes (membrane integrity and autophagic activity), effectively inducing lipofuscinogenesis. Thus, in addition to UVA, visible spectrum itself increases the sensitivity of keratinocytes to the visible light, through the generation of lipofuscin. Finally, we tested the carcinogenic potential of high-energy blue light (408 nm), by chronically irradiating HaCaT cells. For the first time in the literature, the formation of pyrimidine cyclobutane (CPD) dimers in the nuclear DNA of HaCaT cells was observed immediately or after several cycles of irradiation at 408 nm. We identified four major changes involved with the process of malignant transformation: genomic instability, decrease in the expression of tumor suppressor protein p16INK4a, increase in the proliferation rate and resistance to UVA-induced apoptosis / A lipofuscina é um pigmento autofluorescente acumulado progressivamente durante o envelhecimento celular em diversos tecidos, como o músculo cardíaco e retina, principalmente no período pós-mitótico. Esse fenômeno pode ocorrer em decorrência do estresse oxidativo, quando biomoléculas e organelas (principalmente mitocôndrias) sofrem danos, gerando produtos não degradáveis no interior dos lisossomos. A lipofuscina pode ser fotossensibilizada promovendo processos fotoxidativos nos componentes celulares. Muitos estudos de lipofuscina foram feitos em células do epitélio pigmentar da retina de olho humano, mas conhece-se muito pouco sobre a lipofuscina de pele humana. Neste trabalho nós investigamos a formação fotoinduzida (UVA e luz visível) de lipofuscina e as consequências da sua fotossensibilização pela luz visível. Nós também estabelecemos protocolos eficazes na indução de lipofuscinogênese, por meio de dano específico em mitocôndrias e lisossomos. Células que acumularam lipofuscina, após exposição à UVA ou luz azul, tornaram-se sensíveis à luz visível (400-750 nm). Caracterizamos as propriedades de absorção e de emissão da lipofuscina e seu tempo de vida de fluorescência, utilizando a microscopia de fluorescência resolvida no tempo (FLIM). Observamos que lipofuscina em queratinócitos tem máximo de absorção na região do azul (420-450 nm), com emissão máxima de fluorescência no vermelho. As células HaCaT carregadas com lipofuscina efotossensibilizadas no visível, tiveram redução da viabilidade celular, que foi relacionada com a geração de oxigênio singlete, bem como acumularam lesões pré-mutagênicas 8-oxo-dG e quebras na fita de DNA. Também, investigamos a eficiência de diferentes comprimentos de onda da luz visível (408, 466, 522 e 650 nm) em promover a formação de lipofuscina em consequência de lesões em mitocôndrias e lisossomos. Tanto a luz azul (408 e 466 nm) quanto a luz verde (522 nm), mas não vermelha (650 nm) promoveram dano em mitocôndrias (integridade de membrana e DNA) e lisossomos (integridade de membrana e atividade autofágica), induzindo eficientemente lipofuscinogênese. Logo, além de UVA, o próprio espectro do visível aumenta a sensibilidade de queratinócitos à luz visível, através da geração de lipofuscina. Por fim, testamos o potencial carcinogênico da luz azul de alta energia (408 nm), irradiando células HaCaT cronicamente. Identificamos quatro mudanças principais envolvidas com o processo de transformação maligna: instabilidade genômica, redução da expressão de proteína supressora de tumor p16INK4a, aumento da taxa de proliferação, e resistência à apoptose. Além disso, a formação de dímeros de pirimidina ciclobutano (CPD) no DNA nuclear de células HaCaT logo após ou depois de vários ciclos de irradiação com 408 nm foi observada pela primeira vez na literatura.

Lipofuscin is an autofluorescent pigment progressively accumulated during cellular aging, in several tissues, such as heart, muscle and retina, especially in the postmitotic period. That phenomenon may result from oxidative stress, when biomolecules and organelles (mainly mitochondria) are damaged, generating non-degradable products inside lysosomes. Lipofuscin can be photosensitized, promoting photoxidative processes in cellular components. Many studies on lipofuscin were made using the human retinal pigment epithelial cells, but very little is known about lipofuscin from human skin. In this work we investigated the photoinduced formation (UVA and visible light) of lipofuscin and the consequence of its photosensitization by visible light. We also established an efficient protocol for the induction of lipofuscinogenesis, through specific damage in mitochondria and lysosomes. Cells that accumulated lipofuscin, after exposure to UVA and blue light, became sensitive to visible light (400-750 nm). We characterized the absorption and fluorescence emission of lipofuscin, as well as its fluorescence lifetime through the time resolved fluorescence microscopy (FLIM). We observed that lipofuscin in keratinocytes has absorption maximum in the blue region of light spectrum (420-450 nm), and maximum emission in the red. When photosensitized at 466 nm, lipofuscinloaded HaCaT cells had reduced cell viability, which was related with singlet oxygen generation, accumulated 8-oxo-dG premutagenic lesions and breaks in the DNA strand. Besides, we investigated the efficiency of different wavelengthsin visible light spectrum (408, 466, 522 and 650 nm) to promote lipofuscin formation due to damages in both mitochondria and lysosomes. Blue (408 and 466 nm) and green light (522 nm), but not red light (650 nm), promoted damage in mitochondria (membrane and DNA integrity) and lysosomes (membrane integrity and autophagic activity), effectively inducing lipofuscinogenesis. Thus, in addition to UVA, visible spectrum itself increases the sensitivity of keratinocytes to the visible light, through the generation of lipofuscin. Finally, we tested the carcinogenic potential of high-energy blue light (408 nm), by chronically irradiating HaCaT cells. For the first time in the literature, the formation of pyrimidine cyclobutane (CPD) dimers in the nuclear DNA of HaCaT cells was observed immediately or after several cycles of irradiation at 408 nm. We identified four major changes involved with the process of malignant transformation: genomic instability, decrease in the expression of tumor suppressor protein p16INK4a, increase in the proliferation rate and resistance to UVA-induced apoptosis / A lipofuscina é um pigmento autofluorescente acumulado progressivamente durante o envelhecimento celular em diversos tecidos, como o músculo cardíaco e retina, principalmente no período pós-mitótico. Esse fenômeno pode ocorrer em decorrência do estresse oxidativo, quando biomoléculas e organelas (principalmente mitocôndrias) sofrem danos, gerando produtos não degradáveis no interior dos lisossomos. A lipofuscina pode ser fotossensibilizada promovendo processos fotoxidativos nos componentes celulares. Muitos estudos de lipofuscina foram feitos em células do epitélio pigmentar da retina de olho humano, mas conhece-se muito pouco sobre a lipofuscina de pele humana. Neste trabalho nós investigamos a formação fotoinduzida (UVA e luz visível) de lipofuscina e as consequências da sua fotossensibilização pela luz visível. Nós também estabelecemos protocolos eficazes na indução de lipofuscinogênese, por meio de dano específico em mitocôndrias e lisossomos. Células que acumularam lipofuscina, após exposição à UVA ou luz azul, tornaram-se sensíveis à luz visível (400-750 nm). Caracterizamos as propriedades de absorção e de emissão da lipofuscina e seu tempo de vida de fluorescência, utilizando a microscopia de fluorescência resolvida no tempo (FLIM). Observamos que lipofuscina em queratinócitos tem máximo de absorção na região do azul (420-450 nm), com emissão máxima de fluorescência no vermelho. As células HaCaT carregadas com lipofuscina efotossensibilizadas no visível, tiveram redução da viabilidade celular, que foi relacionada com a geração de oxigênio singlete, bem como acumularam lesões pré-mutagênicas 8-oxo-dG e quebras na fita de DNA. Também, investigamos a eficiência de diferentes comprimentos de onda da luz visível (408, 466, 522 e 650 nm) em promover a formação de lipofuscina em consequência de lesões em mitocôndrias e lisossomos. Tanto a luz azul (408 e 466 nm) quanto a luz verde (522 nm), mas não vermelha (650 nm) promoveram dano em mitocôndrias (integridade de membrana e DNA) e lisossomos (integridade de membrana e atividade autofágica), induzindo eficientemente lipofuscinogênese. Logo, além de UVA, o próprio espectro do visível aumenta a sensibilidade de queratinócitos à luz visível, através da geração de lipofuscina. Por fim, testamos o potencial carcinogênico da luz azul de alta energia (408 nm), irradiando células HaCaT cronicamente. Identificamos quatro mudanças principais envolvidas com o processo de transformação maligna: instabilidade genômica, redução da expressão de proteína supressora de tumor p16INK4a, aumento da taxa de proliferação, e resistência à apoptose. Além disso, a formação de dímeros de pirimidina ciclobutano (CPD) no DNA nuclear de células HaCaT logo após ou depois de vários ciclos de irradiação com 408 nm foi observada pela primeira vez na literatura.

No / Prostaglandins are potent mediators of the inflam-matory response and are also involved in cancer development. In this study, we show that human melanocytes and FM55 melanoma cells express cyclooxygenase-1 and -2 (COX-1 and-2) and thus have the capability to produce prostaglandins. TheFM55 cells produced predominantly PGE2and PGF2a, whereas the HaCaT keratinocyte cell line produced mainly PGE2. The anti-inflammatory peptide, a-melanocyte stimulating hormone(a-MSH), reduced prostaglandin production in FM55 and HaCaT cells and reversed the effect of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-a in the former. These results indicate that melanocytes produce prostaglandins and that a-MSH, by inhibiting this response, may play an important role in regulating inflammatory responses in the skin.

O processo de coloração de cabelos é um dos métodos de tintura mais antigos. No século XIX, iniciou-se a produção de corantes sintéticos, a partir do desenvolvimento da pfenilenodiamina (PPD). Os corantes de cabelo são classificados de acordo com seu mecanismo de ação. Os corantes permanentes são classificados por mecanismos oxidativos, enquanto os corantes diretos colorem a fibra capilar por mecanismos não oxidativos. A investigação sobre os possíveis danos á saúde humana, que podem ser resultantes da exposição de corantes de cabelos, têm sido um tema de enorme desafio para a comunidade cientifica. Particularmente, devido à enorme discrepância dos estudos epidemiológicos e estudos que empregam metodologias in vitro. Neste trabalho, foram investigadas a capacidade citotóxica de um composto representante de cada classe de tinturas de cabelo, um corante temporário (Basic Yellow 57 (BY57), um semi-temporário (Basic Red 51(BR51) e um ingrediente permanente p-fenilinodiamina (PPD) em linhagens de células de pele humana. As linhagens normais da pele humana estudadas foram os queratinócitos imortalizados humanos (HaCaT) e fibroblastos primários, utilizou-se também melanoma SK-Mel-103. Posteriormente, após caracterização do corante mais tóxico, foi investigado o tipo de morte celular, as possíveis alterações destes compostos no ciclo celular, a capacidade de geração de espécies reativas de oxigênio (EROs) e aplicação em cultura tridimensional de pele artificial. Posteriormente, foi avaliada a capacidade de cada corante em induzir estresse oxidativo em queratinócitos humanos (HaCaT), que são a primeira via de exposição de corantes de cabelos. Em seguida, o corante elegido mais tóxico foi aplicado em pele humana provenientes de cirurgia. Finalmente, o potencial de mutagenicidade dos corantes BY57 e BR51 foram avaliados. / The process involving hair dyes is one of the oldest methods of coloring. The use of synthetic hair dyes started in the nineteenth century, after the development of p-phenylenodiamine (PPD). The hair dyes are classified according to their mechanism of action. The permanent hair dyes are classified by oxidative mechanisms, while direct dyes color the hair fiber by non-oxidative mechanisms. Research regarding the potential damage of hair dyes to human health has been an enormous challenge for the scientific community. Particularly due to the large discrepancy of epidemiological studies involving in vitro methodologies. In this study, we evaluated the cytotoxic potential of a compound representative from each of the class of hair dyes, a temporary dye (Basic Yellow 57 (BY57), a semi temporary (Basic Red 51 (BR51) and a permanent hair dyes p-phenylenodiamine (PPD) in human skin cells. The studied skin cell lines where, immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaT) primary fibroblasts, we also used melanoma SK-Mel-103. Subsequently, after characterization of the most toxic dye, we investigated specific mechanisms of cell death, changes in cell cycle and the ability to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) followed by the evaluation of three-dimensional artificial skin. In addition, we assessed the ability of each dye in inducing oxidative stress in immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaT) this is the primary route of exposure of hair dyes. Then, the most toxic compound was tested in human skin explants. Finally the mutagenic potential of the dyes BY57 and BR51 were evaluated.

O processo de coloração de cabelos é um dos métodos de tintura mais antigos. No século XIX, iniciou-se a produção de corantes sintéticos, a partir do desenvolvimento da pfenilenodiamina (PPD). Os corantes de cabelo são classificados de acordo com seu mecanismo de ação. Os corantes permanentes são classificados por mecanismos oxidativos, enquanto os corantes diretos colorem a fibra capilar por mecanismos não oxidativos. A investigação sobre os possíveis danos á saúde humana, que podem ser resultantes da exposição de corantes de cabelos, têm sido um tema de enorme desafio para a comunidade cientifica. Particularmente, devido à enorme discrepância dos estudos epidemiológicos e estudos que empregam metodologias in vitro. Neste trabalho, foram investigadas a capacidade citotóxica de um composto representante de cada classe de tinturas de cabelo, um corante temporário (Basic Yellow 57 (BY57), um semi-temporário (Basic Red 51(BR51) e um ingrediente permanente p-fenilinodiamina (PPD) em linhagens de células de pele humana. As linhagens normais da pele humana estudadas foram os queratinócitos imortalizados humanos (HaCaT) e fibroblastos primários, utilizou-se também melanoma SK-Mel-103. Posteriormente, após caracterização do corante mais tóxico, foi investigado o tipo de morte celular, as possíveis alterações destes compostos no ciclo celular, a capacidade de geração de espécies reativas de oxigênio (EROs) e aplicação em cultura tridimensional de pele artificial. Posteriormente, foi avaliada a capacidade de cada corante em induzir estresse oxidativo em queratinócitos humanos (HaCaT), que são a primeira via de exposição de corantes de cabelos. Em seguida, o corante elegido mais tóxico foi aplicado em pele humana provenientes de cirurgia. Finalmente, o potencial de mutagenicidade dos corantes BY57 e BR51 foram avaliados. / The process involving hair dyes is one of the oldest methods of coloring. The use of synthetic hair dyes started in the nineteenth century, after the development of p-phenylenodiamine (PPD). The hair dyes are classified according to their mechanism of action. The permanent hair dyes are classified by oxidative mechanisms, while direct dyes color the hair fiber by non-oxidative mechanisms. Research regarding the potential damage of hair dyes to human health has been an enormous challenge for the scientific community. Particularly due to the large discrepancy of epidemiological studies involving in vitro methodologies. In this study, we evaluated the cytotoxic potential of a compound representative from each of the class of hair dyes, a temporary dye (Basic Yellow 57 (BY57), a semi temporary (Basic Red 51 (BR51) and a permanent hair dyes p-phenylenodiamine (PPD) in human skin cells. The studied skin cell lines where, immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaT) primary fibroblasts, we also used melanoma SK-Mel-103. Subsequently, after characterization of the most toxic dye, we investigated specific mechanisms of cell death, changes in cell cycle and the ability to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) followed by the evaluation of three-dimensional artificial skin. In addition, we assessed the ability of each dye in inducing oxidative stress in immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaT) this is the primary route of exposure of hair dyes. Then, the most toxic compound was tested in human skin explants. Finally the mutagenic potential of the dyes BY57 and BR51 were evaluated.

Certains virus respiratoires comme rhinovirus semblent favoriser la colonisation par staphylococcus aureus. Cependant, les détails des mécanismes impliqués dans cette synergie n’ont pas été suffisamment élucidés. Le but de cette thèse a été de développer et valider un modèle in vitro mimant la colonisation du vestibule nasal par s. aureus en utilisant les kératinocytes humains hacat. Ce modèle a permis d’étudier (i) les pouvoirs d’adhésion et d’internalisation d’une collection de souche clinique de s. aureus, (ii) l’efficacité intracellulaire des molécules antimicrobiennes utilisées dans le cadre de la décolonisation nasale de s. aureus, (iii) l’effet de la clarithromycine sur l’infection par rhinovirus et (iv) l’impact de l’infection par rhinovirus ou de l’inflammation non spécifique sur la colonisation par s. aureus. ce travail a principalement permis d’identifier un nouveau mécanisme alternatif de l’internalisation de s. aureus à travers la liaison entre la protéine bactérienne eap (extracellular adherence protein) et le récepteur cellulaire icam-1 (intracellular adhesion molecule 1). Cette voie alternative est favorisée en cas d’infection par rhinovirus ou d’inflammation, ce qui pourrait expliquer les observations cliniques de l’augmentation de la charge de s. aureus ou du risque d’infection par cette bactérie lors des infections virales respiratoires ou d’inflammation post-traumatique. Les résultats de cette thèse illustrent la complexité des interactions entre les cellules épithéliales de la muqueuse, s. aureus et les pathogènes viraux et ouvrent les perspectives sur d’autres études nécessaires afin de proposer des stratégies préventives ou thérapeutiques adaptées. / Some respiratory viruses such as rhinoviruses seem to promote staphylococcus aureus colonization. However, the details of the bacterial and cellular mechanisms involved in this synergy have not been sufficiently elucidated. The aim of this thesis was to develop and validate an in vitro model mimicking s. aureus colonization of the nasal vestibule by using hacat human keratinocytes. This model allowed to study (i) the adhesion and internalization capacities of various clinical s. aureus strains, (ii) the intracellular efficiency of the antimicrobial molecules used for s. aureus nasal decolonization, (iii) the effect of clarithromycin on rhinovirus infection, and (iv) the impact of rhinovirus infection and non-specific inflammation on s. aureus colonization. This work has mainly identified a new alternative mechanism for the internalization of s. aureus through the binding between the bacterial protein eap (extracellular adherence protein) and the cell receptor icam-1 (intracellular adhesion molecule 1). This alternative pathway is favored in case of rhinovirus infection or inflammation; which could explain the clinical observations of the increase of the load of s. aureus or the risk of infection by this bacterium during respiratory viral infections or post-traumatic inflammations. The results of this thesis illustrate the complexity of the interactions between the mucosal epithelial cells, s. aureus and viral pathogens and suggest that other studies are needed to propose appropriate preventive or therapeutic strategies.

Der humane Stammzellfaktor (SCF) ist ein zentraler Wachstumsfaktor für Mastzellen in der Dermis und für Melanozyten in den Basalzellschichten der Epidermis. Er wird u. a. von Keratinozyten produziert. In dieser Arbeit wurde die mögliche Regulation der Expression von SCF aus Keratinozyten durch All-Trans-Retinsäure (RA) und Dexamethason in vitro an Hand der HaCaT-Zelllinie untersucht. Die HaCaT-Zellen wurden mit den beiden o. g. Substanzen (10 hoch -5 M bis 10 hoch -9 M) über 24 Stunden und 11 Tage inkubiert. Die Auswertung der HaCaT-Zellzahl, des Gesamt-Proteins SCF, dessen Splicevarianten (mSCF, sSCF) und der Rezeptoren von RA (RAR-alpha, -beta, -gamma) und von Dexamethason (GR-alpha, -beta) erfolgte mittels ELISA und RT-PCR. Dabei ergaben sich folgende Resultate: RA bewirkt einen Anstieg von SCF, Dexamethason bewirkt bei Kurzinkubation eine deutliche Zunahme von SCF, bei Dauerinkubation einen starken Abfall. Die RA-Rezeptoren RA-alpha und -gamma waren nach Inkubation mit RA verstärkt nachzuweisen; die Glukokortikoid-Rezeptoren GR-alpha und -beta zeigten nach Inkubation mit Dexamethason ebenfalls eine vermehrte Expression. Die Expression des Mastzellwachstumsfaktors SCF könnte deshalb unter physiologischen, pathologischen und therapeutischen Bedingungen durch Retinoide und Glukokortikoide reguliert sein. / The human stem cell factor (SCF) is a crucial growth factor for mast cells in the dermis and for the melanocytes in the basal layers of the epidermis. SCF is produced, among others, by keratinocytes. This study examines the possible regulation of the expression of SCF from keratinocytes by all-trans retinoic acid (RA) and dexamethasone in vitro by the keratinocyte cell line HaCaT. The HaCaT-cells were incubated for 24 hours or 11 days, respectively, with one of the above mentioned substances (10 to the power of -5 M to 10 to the power of -9 M). The analysis of the number of HaCaT-cells, of the total SCF protein, its splice variants (mSCF, sSCF), the receptors of RA (RAR-alpha, -beta, -gamma), and of the dexamethasone (GR-alpha, -beta) was done by ELISA and RT-PCR. The following results were found: RA induces an increase of SCF, dexamethasone at a short incubation period a considerable increase of SCF, and at long-term incubation a strong decrease. The RA-receptors RA-alpha und -gamma expression is increased after incubation with RA, and the glucocorticoid-receptors GR-alpha and -beta after the incubation with dexamethasone. Therefore, it is probable that the increase of the mast cell growth factor SCF under physiological, pathological and therapeutic conditions could be regulated by retinoic acid and glucocorticoids.

On étudie les effets des nanoparticules (d'argent et de silice) manufacturées sur les métabolismes oxydatifs et inflammatoire. La première partie étudie la toxicité in vivo de l'ingestion de nanoparticules d'argent, pendant 11 semaines, sur un modèle animal - rat Sprague Dawley. Nous y avons mis en évidence l'action toxique des nanoparticules d'argent notamment une hausse de la production d'anion superoxyde par les NADPH oxydases hépatiques et cardiaques, des dyslipidémies, une cytolyse hépatique, une augmentation de cytokines pro-inflammatoires et une tendance à la baisse de l'activité d'enzymes antioxydantes. Ceci nous a conduit à aborder l'étude in vitro, sur des modèles cellulaires intestinaux (Caco-2) et cutanés (HaCaT). Au cours de cette étude, des nanoparticules de silice, fonctionnalisées ou non avec des antioxydants, ont été incubées pendant 24 H en présence des cellules. Nous montrons que la modification de la surface des nanoparticules réduit considérablement leur toxicité en limitant la production d'espèces radicalaires et la mortalité cellulaire. D’autre part, le couplage avec un antioxydant permet d’augmenter la stimulation de voie de signalisation du facteur Nrf2. Cette voie est impliquée dans la protection de l’organisme contre les troubles liés aux espèces radicalaires. En somme, ce travail met en avant les potentialités de la vectorisation d’antioxydants avec des nanoparticules à des fins thérapeutiques. / The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of nanoparticles (silver and silica) manufactured on oxidative and inflammatory metabolism. In the first part of this work, we explored the in vivo toxicity from ingestion of silver nanoparticles, for 11 weeks, in an animal model - Sprague Dawley rat. This enabled us to demonstrate the toxic properties of silver nanoparticles including superoxide anion production by hepatic and cardiac NADPH oxidases, dyslipidemia, hepatic cytolysis, an increase in proinflammatory cytokines and a downward trend the activity of antioxidant enzymes. This led us to address the in vitro study on intestinal cell models (Caco-2) and cutaneous (HaCaT). During this study, silica nanoparticles, functionalized or not with anti-oxidants, were incubated for 24 hours in the presence of the cells. We show that the modification of the surface of the nanoparticles significantly reduces their toxicity limiting the production of free radical species and cell death. Furthermore, the coupling with an anti-oxidant increases the stimulation of Nrf2 factor that involves the protection of the body against disorders associated with radical species. In summary, this work highlights the potential of vectorization of antioxidants with nanoparticles for therapeutic purposes.

Melanoma is an aggressive disease with few effective treatment options. Non-toxic, anti-tumor therapies and prophylactic approaches are currently being investigated to identify treatment options that will control and remove late-stage melanoma. The overall goal of this project was to establish an effective delivery method for a plasmid encoding human interleukin (phIL-15) into mouse melanoma cells (B16.F10) using the gene transfer technique electroporation (EP)1. The EP delivery phIL-15 was optimized using an in vitro 3D tumor model. The purpose was to translate these IL-15 delivery conditions into an in vivo mouse melanoma model to study IL-15 signal transduction and stimulate immune cells to destroy tumor antigens as well as promote an anti-tumor immune memory response. The in vitro 3D tumor model and the mouse model demonstrated similar expression patterns when delivering phIL-15 with different EP conditions. Intra-tumoral delivery using 500V/cm 20ms enhanced gene delivery and increased IL-15 protein expression compared to 1300V/cm 100μs. There was also a visible increase in transfection efficacy between tumor cells compared to skin cells when delivering pmIL-12 and phIL-15 plasmid constructs in vivo. The plasmid+EP groups 1300V/cm and 500V/cm stimulated increased expression of cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, INFγ, MIP-1β and TNFα. These EP groups also promoted tumor regression by up-regulating CD8+ T cells and CD4+ T cells which targeted melanoma. Regression and survival studies demonstrated that 73.3% of mice cleared B16.F10 cells when treated with phIL-xi15+1300V/cm and pVax+500V/cm. In addition, 53% of the mice responded to the phIL-15+500V/cm treatment group. Furthermore, 75% of the mice from group phIL-15+500V/cm survived secondary inoculation and tumor challenge. In conclusion, plasmid with encoding gene insert phIL-15 delivered by EP has the potential to act as an anti-tumor therapy because it promotes melanoma regression and enhances mouse survival through innate and adaptive cell-mediated immune responses.