Cardiovascular disease is most deadly medical condition in the United States. Medial vascular calcification is a disease that often precedes other more serious cardiovascular diseases that have high mortality. In order to research new therapies for the treatment of medial vascular calcification, an in vitro cell culture model must be developed that mimics the process in vivo. This disease is shown to be an active, cell-mediated process where the vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in the arteries are differentiating into osteoblast-like cells and depositing hydroxyapatite mineral in the artery walls. By administering inorganic phosphate to cell culture medium, an osteogenic shift can initiated in VSMCs in vitro resulting in calcium deposition and an increase in bone related proteins. We propose to develop and characterize a model for vascular calcification and investigate the effects of magnesium supplementation on in vitro calcification and cellular phosphate uptake.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are the most widely used source for bone tissue engineering due to their capability of multipotent differentiation. The use of nanotechnology in biomedical applications and therapy has increased in recent years provides an elegant alternative in comparison to current tissue engineering methods. Magnetic nanowires have a high potential in the medical field, as they are biocompatible, are simple to fabricate, possess low cytotoxic effects and can be operated wirelessly via magnetic fields. A nanowire substrate (NW) can provide a surface with tunable elastic properties. Therefore, magnetic nanowires have many promising applications such as in cell therapy, cell separation, cancer treatment, and as a scaffold for cell culture. This thesis explores the effects of alternating magnetic field (AMF) as a biophysical stimulator of osteogenic differentiation of MSCs by culturing the stem cells on a magnetic iron (Fe) NW. To this end, Fe nanowires were fabricated through electrodeposition and interactions between the NW and cells were analysed by electron microscopy. An AMF was applied to the NW in order to induce a vibration. MSCs were exposed to different magnetic field intensities, 250 mT and 50 mT, for different application times, 12 hours on followed by 12 hours off for two days and 24 hours on followed by 12 hours off. Differentiation was determined through the assessment of osteogenic markers at the mRNA level by RT-PCR and at the protein level by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. Different effects were observed on MSCs grown on Fe NWs following exposure to different magnetic field intensities and duration applications. MSC differentiation towards the osteogenic lineage increased with increased field intensities. The most enhanced osteogenic differentiation of MSCs was observed at 250 mT AMF for 12 hours, as evidenced by elevated osteogenic markers at mRNA level compared to that of an AMF free control. Based on these results, we proposed that culturing MSCs on magnetic nanomaterials has the potential to control and promote osteogenesis under magnetic field and without the addition of external differentiation factors. These findings provide a new tool for stem cell research as an effective technology for bone tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

An increase in degenerative bone disease in an ageing population, combined with a rise in the number of patients suffering from bone defects caused by physical trauma, makes the repair of bone an issue of growing clinical relevance. Current treatments such as autografts and allografts have major drawbacks, including donor site morbidity, limited availability, disease transmission and immune rejection. To overcome these issues synthetic bone grafts have been developed to mimic the mineral phase of bone. Given the significant roles of silicon in bone growth and development there has been great interest in introducing silicon into synthetic bone grafts to enhance their bioactivity. Calcium phosphate based silicate containing grafts have demonstrated enhanced bioactivity, improved physical properties, enhanced protein adsorption and greater bone formation, when compared to non-silicated calcium phosphates such as hydroxyapatite. However, is not clear whether the increased bone formation associated with these materials is the result of greater osteoblast activity or a rise in numbers of osteoblasts resulting from activation and differentiation of stem/ progenitor cells. To answer this question, multipotent stem cells were cultured on silicate substituted calcium phosphate (Si-CaP) and hydroxyapatite (HA). Si-CaP promoted greater cell adhesion and enhanced proliferation when compared to HA. Cells differentiated along the osteogenic lineage on both substrates as evidenced by up regulation of osteoblast specific genes and proteins. However, cells on Si-CaP showed earlier and greater gene expression of all osteoblast genes examined, and greater protein production as detected by immunohistochemistry. Integrin gene expression analysis revealed up regulation of α an d β subunits on both substrates during differentiation. Integrins α5 and β1 expression were greater on Si-CaP than on HA, suggesting preferential binding of fibronectin. The implication of these findings for tissue engineering is clear, suggesting these substrates may be utilized to control stem cell fate in vivo and in vitro without the need for osteogenic supplementation. Furthermore, the increased rate of differentiation seen on Si-CaP may enable the development of novel substrates for osteogenic differentiation of MSC, which may have significant impact in regenerative medicine.

Osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) would be possible to induce by creating of a cell bioactive scaffold that mimic the properties of bone extracellular matrix (ECM). This induction will be not only due to the addition of osteogenic supplements, but also due to the addition of differentiation peptides. These peptides activate signaling pathways leading to cell differentiation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of selected peptides on adhesion, metabolic activity, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of porcine MSCs. Four peptides with amino acid sequences of DGEA, IAGVGGEKSGGF, GQGFSYPYKAVFSTQ and KIPKASSVPTELSAISTLYL were selected. These peptides were derived from receptor binding sequences of collagen I, collagen III, BMP-7 and BMP-2 respectively. Scaffolds were prepared from a biocompatible and biodegradable poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) polymer, suitable for cell cultivation. Cells were cultured on scaffolds for three weeks. Various concentration of differentiation peptides were added to the culture medium. As observed in the experiment of cells cultured in basal medium supplemented with differentiation peptides no effect on adhesion, proliferation or metabolic activity of porcine MSCs was observed. In groups treated with peptides derived from BMP-2...

Os leucotrienos (LTs) são mediadores inflamatórios derivados da via 5- lipoxigenase (5-LO), com contribuição relevante na reabsorção óssea. Neste estudo investigamos o papel dos LTs na diferenciação osteogênica e o seu impacto na osteoclatogênese. Assim, foi avaliado o perfil ósseo dos camundongos 129/Sv (WT) e 5-LO Knockout (5-LO KO) por meio de microtomografia computadorizada, evidenciando maior densidade óssea vertebral e trabéculas mais espessas em machos 5-LO KO. Após isso, osteoblastos primários (OBL) foram isolados e cultivados para determinar a atividade de fosfatase alcalina (ALP) e o potencial de mineralização. Resultados mostraram que OBL KO possui maior atividade de ALP e mineralização, em todos os períodos quando comparados com WT. Em adição, o tratamento com os LTs B4 e D4 inibiu a deposição de cálcio. Os inibidores da síntese de LTs e os antagonistas do BLT1/2 foram efetivos em recuperar a formação dos nódulos mineralizados. A cinética do Alox5 apresentou um aumento da expressão nos períodos de maior diferenciação celular em OBL WT. Além disso, a expressão de OCN, MMPs 2 e 9 e RANKL foram aumentadas em células 5-LO KO em quase todos os períodos avaliados. Em geral, o estímulo com LTs, seus inibidores e antagonistas diminuiu a expressão de Sp7, Col1a1, Opg e MMP-9 e aumentou RANKL em células KO. A sinalização por meio de segundos mensageiros também foi avaliada. Células 5-LO KO apresentam menor concentração de cálcio intracelular (Ca2+i) em relação ao WT. No período de 14 dias, o estímulo com LTD4 inibiu a liberação Ca2+i independente da linhagem, em relação ao controle. Os níveis de cAMP foram menores em OBL 5- LO KO, em todos os grupos tratados ou controle. LTD4 diminuiu a concentração de cAMP, mas não LTB4, em OBL 5-LO KO. O estudo também quantificou a produção de LTB4 e outros eicosanoides em osteoblastos mostrando a sua capacidade de síntese. A análise proteômica revelou 89 proteínas com expressão diminuída em OBL 5-LO KO, de um total de 154, sendo a maioria relacionada ao citoesqueleto e ao metabolismo energético. Também foram identificadas 59 proteínas exclusivas em OBL 5-LO KO e 06 unicamente expressas em células WT, revelando as diferenças intrínsecas de cada animal. O perfil osteoclastogênico de camundongos WT vs. 5-LO KO mostrou diferenças significativas na análise fenotípica, TRAP e na expressão gênica de células derivadas da linhagem monocítica-macrofágica. Após o estímulo com M-CSF e RANKL, as células WT apresentaram osteoclastos gigantes multinucleados, porém, células 5-LO KO apresentaram uma população de células com formas e tamanhos variáveis, e menor grau de maturação. Em adição, os LTsexógenos não modularam a atividade da TRAP. O meio condicionado proveniente dos OBL WT e KO, retardaram o processo de formação dos osteoclastos. A análise da expressão gênica em osteoclastos mostrou diminuição da expressão de Alox5, Il- 1b, Il-6 e TNFa em células 5-LO KO. BLT1/2, CysLt1 e os marcadores da diferenciação Acp5, Ctsk e Nfact1 não apresentaram diferenças entre os animais. Em adição, o LTB4 diminuiu a expressão do Alox5 e a Il-1b foi aumentada em osteoclastos WT. Assim, os resultados demonstram que os LTs são capazes de modular o metabolismo ósseo, e a ausência do gene da 5-LO está relacionada ao maior perfil osteogênico. / Leukotrienes (LTs) are inflammatory mediators derived from the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) pathway, with a relevant contribution in bone resorption. In this study we investigated the role of LTs in osteogenic differentiation and its impact on osteoclastogenesis.Thus, the bone profile of the 129/Sv (WT) and 5-LO Knockout mice (5-LO KO) was evaluated by computerized microtomography, showing higher vertebral bone density and thicker trabeculae in 5-LO KO males. After that, primary osteoblasts (OBL) were isolated and cultured to determine alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP) and mineralization potential. Results showed that OBL KO has higher ALP activity and mineralization, in all periods when compared with WT. In addition, the treatment with LTB4 and LTD4 inhibited calcium deposition. Inhibitors of LT synthesis and BLT1/2 antagonists were effective to recover the mineralized nodules formation. The kinetics of Alox5 showed an increase in expression during cellular differentiation period in WT OBL. In addition, expression of OCN, MMPs 2 and 9 and RANKL were increased in 5- LO KO cells in almost all evaluated periods. In general, the stimulation with LTs, their inhibitors and antagonists decreased the expression of Sp7, Col1a1, Opg and MMP- 9. But it increased the RANKL expression in KO cells. The second messengers signaling was also evaluated. 5-LO KO cells showed lower concentration levels of intracellular calcium (Ca2+ i) when compared to WT cells. In the 14-day period, the LTD4 treatment inhibited the Ca2+i independent of the murine lineage, relative to the control. cAMP levels were lower in OBL 5-LO KO, in all treated or control groups. LTD4 decreased the concentration of cAMP, but not LTB4, in KO cells. The study also quantified the production of LTB4 and other eicosanoids in osteoblasts showing their ability to synthesize those metabolites. The proteomic analysis revealed 89 downregulated proteins in OBL KO, out of a total of 154, most of them related to cytoskeleton and energy metabolism. Also 59 identified proteins were unique in OBL 5-LO KO and 06 exclusively expressed in WT cells, revealing the intrinsic differences of each strain. The osteoclastogenic profile of WT vs. 5-LO KO showed significant differences in phenotypic analysis, TRAP and in the gene expression of cells derived from the monocyte-macrophage-lineage. After M-CSF and RANKL stimulation, WT cells showed multinucleated giant osteoclasts. However, 5-LO KO cells presented a population of cells with variable shapes and sizes, and a lower maturation stage. In addition, exogenous LTs did not modulate TRAP activity. The conditioned medium from OBL WT and 5-LO KO delayed the formation process of osteoclasts. Gene expression analysis in osteoclasts showed decreased expression of Alox 5, Il-1b, Il-6 and TNF in 5-LO KO cells. BLT1/2, CysLt1 and the osteoclast differentiation markers Acp5, Ctsk and Nfact1 showed no differences between the strains. In addition, LTB4 decreased the expression of Alox5, and IL-1b was increased in WT osteoclasts. Thus, the results demonstrate that the LTs are able to modulate the bone metabolism, and the absence of the 5-LO gene is related to the greater osteogenic profile.

The use of stem cells is a promising therapeutic approach for tissue engineering by their ability to boost tissue regeneration, and to model in vitro human genetics disorders since it provides continuous supplies of cells with differentiation potential. Our study has been focused in the identification of molecules or mechanisms that could contribute to a better osteogenesis in mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). To achieve our goals we have explored the osteopontential differences of stem cells from different sources. In this regard, we have observed that MSCs from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) presented higher in vitro osteogenic differentiation potential (OD) as compared to MSCs derived from human adipose tissue (hASCs). Through microarray analysis and cell sorting, we have shown that IGF2 and CD105 expression levels contribute to these osteopontential cell differences, that is, higher IGF2 expression levels and lower CD105 expression levels were associated with the increased osteogenic potential of SHED as compared to hASCs. The molecular mechanisms associated with the diferent expression levels of IGF2 and CD105 in these cells were also investigated. Despite the advantages of adult MSCs they can exhibit drawbacks such as restricted self-renewal and limited cell amounts. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSC) technology has emerged as an alternative cell source, as they provide more homogeneous cellular populations with prolonged self-renewal and higher plasticity. We verified that the OD of MSC-like iPSC differs from MSCs and it depends on the iPSCs originating cellular source. Comparative in vitro osteogenesis analysis showed higher osteogenic potential in MSC-like cells derived from iPS-SHED when compared with MSC-like cells from iPS-FIB and SHED. iPSCs can be also used as a tool to model genetic disorders. We have thus proposed to verify if it could be possible to in vitro model Treacher-Collins syndrome, a condition with deficient craniofacial bone development. We have compared the effects of pathogenic mutations in TCOF1 gene in cell proliferation, differentiation potential between MSCs, dermal fibroblasts, neural-crest like and MSC-like cells differentiated from iPSCs.TCS cells showed changes in cell properties anddysregulated expression of chondrogenesis markers during osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation. In summary, the comparative analysis of stem cells of different sources allow us to identify markers that may facilitate osteogenesis and that it is possible to establish an in vitro model to Treacher-Collins syndrome / O uso de células-tronco trata-se de uma abordagem terapêutica promissora para a engenharia de tecidos, devido à sua capacidade na regeneração de tecidos, e para modelamento in vitro de distúrbios genéticos humanos, uma vez que fornece um abastecimento contínuo de células com potencial de diferenciação. Nosso estudo se propos a identificar moléculas e mecanismos que contribuem na otimização da osteogênese de células-tronco mesenquimais (MSCs). Para atingir nossos objetivos exploramos as diferenças no potencial osteogênico (PO) de MSCs de diferentes fontes. Observamos que MSCs de polpa de dente decíduo humano (SHED) apresentaram maior PO em comparação com as MSC derivadas de tecido adiposo humano (hASCs). Através de análise de microarray de expressão e cell sorting, demonstramos que os níveis de expressão de IGF2 e CD105 contribuem para as diferenças do PO, onde a maior expressão de IGF2 e menor expressão de CD105 estão associadas a maior PO em SHED quando comparado as hASCs. Também investigamos os mecanismos moleculares associados aos diferentes níveis de expressão de IGF2 E CD105 em ambas as fontes celulares. Apesar das vantagens, as MSCs podem apresentar pontos negativos como restrita auto-renovação e menor quantidade de células. Células-tronco pluripotentes induzidas (iPSC) surgem como uma fonte celular alternativa, proporcionando populações celulares homogêneas com auto-renovação prolongada e maior plasticidade. O PO de MSC-like iPSC difere de MSCs, e este potencial é dependente da fonte celular em que as iPSCs são obtidas. Análise comparativa de PO in vitro demonstrou maior osteogênse em células MSC-like derivadas de iPS-SHED quando comparada as células MSC-like de iPSCs-fibroblastos e SHED. iPSCs também podem ser utilizadas como ferramenta para investigar doenças genéticas humanas. Propomos a modelagem in vitro da síndrome de Treacher-Collins (TSC), doença que acomete as estruturas craniofaciais durante o desenvolvimento ósseo. Comparamos os efeitos de mutações patogênicas no gene TCOF1 na proliferação celular, potencial de diferenciação entre MSCs, fibroblastos dérmicos, neural-crest like e células MSC-like diferenciadas de iPSCs. Células de pacientes TCS exibiram alterações em propriedades celulares e na expressão de marcadores osteogênicos e condrogênicos. Em resumo, a análise comparativa de células-tronco de diferentes fontes permitiu a identificação de marcadores e mecanismos que podem facilitar a osteogênese e tambem demonstramos que é possível modelar in vitro a síndrome de Treacher-Collins

The use of stem cells is a promising therapeutic approach for tissue engineering by their ability to boost tissue regeneration, and to model in vitro human genetics disorders since it provides continuous supplies of cells with differentiation potential. Our study has been focused in the identification of molecules or mechanisms that could contribute to a better osteogenesis in mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). To achieve our goals we have explored the osteopontential differences of stem cells from different sources. In this regard, we have observed that MSCs from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) presented higher in vitro osteogenic differentiation potential (OD) as compared to MSCs derived from human adipose tissue (hASCs). Through microarray analysis and cell sorting, we have shown that IGF2 and CD105 expression levels contribute to these osteopontential cell differences, that is, higher IGF2 expression levels and lower CD105 expression levels were associated with the increased osteogenic potential of SHED as compared to hASCs. The molecular mechanisms associated with the diferent expression levels of IGF2 and CD105 in these cells were also investigated. Despite the advantages of adult MSCs they can exhibit drawbacks such as restricted self-renewal and limited cell amounts. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSC) technology has emerged as an alternative cell source, as they provide more homogeneous cellular populations with prolonged self-renewal and higher plasticity. We verified that the OD of MSC-like iPSC differs from MSCs and it depends on the iPSCs originating cellular source. Comparative in vitro osteogenesis analysis showed higher osteogenic potential in MSC-like cells derived from iPS-SHED when compared with MSC-like cells from iPS-FIB and SHED. iPSCs can be also used as a tool to model genetic disorders. We have thus proposed to verify if it could be possible to in vitro model Treacher-Collins syndrome, a condition with deficient craniofacial bone development. We have compared the effects of pathogenic mutations in TCOF1 gene in cell proliferation, differentiation potential between MSCs, dermal fibroblasts, neural-crest like and MSC-like cells differentiated from iPSCs.TCS cells showed changes in cell properties anddysregulated expression of chondrogenesis markers during osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation. In summary, the comparative analysis of stem cells of different sources allow us to identify markers that may facilitate osteogenesis and that it is possible to establish an in vitro model to Treacher-Collins syndrome / O uso de células-tronco trata-se de uma abordagem terapêutica promissora para a engenharia de tecidos, devido à sua capacidade na regeneração de tecidos, e para modelamento in vitro de distúrbios genéticos humanos, uma vez que fornece um abastecimento contínuo de células com potencial de diferenciação. Nosso estudo se propos a identificar moléculas e mecanismos que contribuem na otimização da osteogênese de células-tronco mesenquimais (MSCs). Para atingir nossos objetivos exploramos as diferenças no potencial osteogênico (PO) de MSCs de diferentes fontes. Observamos que MSCs de polpa de dente decíduo humano (SHED) apresentaram maior PO em comparação com as MSC derivadas de tecido adiposo humano (hASCs). Através de análise de microarray de expressão e cell sorting, demonstramos que os níveis de expressão de IGF2 e CD105 contribuem para as diferenças do PO, onde a maior expressão de IGF2 e menor expressão de CD105 estão associadas a maior PO em SHED quando comparado as hASCs. Também investigamos os mecanismos moleculares associados aos diferentes níveis de expressão de IGF2 E CD105 em ambas as fontes celulares. Apesar das vantagens, as MSCs podem apresentar pontos negativos como restrita auto-renovação e menor quantidade de células. Células-tronco pluripotentes induzidas (iPSC) surgem como uma fonte celular alternativa, proporcionando populações celulares homogêneas com auto-renovação prolongada e maior plasticidade. O PO de MSC-like iPSC difere de MSCs, e este potencial é dependente da fonte celular em que as iPSCs são obtidas. Análise comparativa de PO in vitro demonstrou maior osteogênse em células MSC-like derivadas de iPS-SHED quando comparada as células MSC-like de iPSCs-fibroblastos e SHED. iPSCs também podem ser utilizadas como ferramenta para investigar doenças genéticas humanas. Propomos a modelagem in vitro da síndrome de Treacher-Collins (TSC), doença que acomete as estruturas craniofaciais durante o desenvolvimento ósseo. Comparamos os efeitos de mutações patogênicas no gene TCOF1 na proliferação celular, potencial de diferenciação entre MSCs, fibroblastos dérmicos, neural-crest like e células MSC-like diferenciadas de iPSCs. Células de pacientes TCS exibiram alterações em propriedades celulares e na expressão de marcadores osteogênicos e condrogênicos. Em resumo, a análise comparativa de células-tronco de diferentes fontes permitiu a identificação de marcadores e mecanismos que podem facilitar a osteogênese e tambem demonstramos que é possível modelar in vitro a síndrome de Treacher-Collins

Tissue engineering (TE) approaches have emerged as an alternative to traditional tissue and organ replacements. The aim of this work was to contribute to the understanding of the effects of cell-material and endothelial cell (EC) paracrine signaling on cell responses using poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogels as a material platform. Three TE applications were explored. First, the effect of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) identity was evaluated for vocal fold restoration. Second, the influence of GAG identity was explored and a novel approach for stable endothelialization was developed for vascular graft applications. Finally, EC paracrine signaling in the presence of cyclic stretch, and hydrophobicity and inorganic content were studied for osteogenic applications. In terms of vocal fold restoration, it was found that vocal fold fibroblast (VFF) phenotype and extracellular matrix (ECM) production were impacted by GAG identity. VFF phenotype was preserved in long-term cultured hydrogels containing high molecular weight hyaluronan (HAHMW). Furthermore, collagen I deposition, fibronectin production and smooth muscle alpha-actin (SM-alpha-actin) expression in PEG-HA, PEG-chondroitin sulfate C and PEG- heparan sulfate (HS) gels suggest that CSC and HS may be undesirable for vocal fold implants. Regarding vascular graft applications, the impact of GAG identity on smooth muscle cell (SMC) foam cell formation was explored. Results support the increasing body of literature that suggests a critical role for dermatan sulfate (DS)-bearing proteoglycans in early atherosclerosis. In addition, an approach for fabricating bi-layered tissue engineering vascular grafts (TEVGs) with stable endothelialization was validated using PEGDA as an intercellular "cementing" agent between adjacent endothelial cells (ECs). Finally, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation toward osteogenic like cells was evaluated. ECM and cell phenotypic data showed that elevated scaffold inorganic content and hydrophobicity were indeed correlated with increased osteogenic differentiation. Moreover, the present results suggest that EC paracrine signaling enhances MSC osteogenesis in the presence of cyclic stretch.

Submitted by Luciana Daniele Trino (lucianadtrino@gmail.com) on 2018-06-08T15:40:25Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Tese_Luciana_Daniele_Trino_POSMAT.pdf: 6699069 bytes, checksum: be06e9652268b5025a7ed7d568576862 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Lucilene Cordeiro da Silva Messias null (lubiblio@bauru.unesp.br) on 2018-06-08T17:37:31Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 trino_ld_dr_bauru.pdf: 6603946 bytes, checksum: dacabdf3e79f4b7c7de3dc9da7bdaa1f (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-06-08T17:37:31Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 trino_ld_dr_bauru.pdf: 6603946 bytes, checksum: dacabdf3e79f4b7c7de3dc9da7bdaa1f (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-04-19 / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / O titânio e suas ligas são utilizados em diversas aplicações, dentre elas em implantes ortopédicos e dentários devido à sua reconhecida biocompatibilidade. No entanto, falhas e subsequentes efeitos colaterais clínicos ainda são recorrentes em implantes. Neste contexto, melhorias podem ser alcançadas projetando biomateriais nos quais o bulk e a superfície do titânio são independentemente modificadas. Deste modo, filmes finos nanoestruturados de óxidos metálicos, tais como TiO2 e ZnO, podem melhorar as propriedades físico-químicas, a biocompatibilidade e a resistência à corrosão dos implantes de titânio. Além disso, a conjugação de biomoléculas, como peptídeos derivados da proteína da matriz dentinária 1 (DMP1), na superfície dos óxidos metálicos pode melhorar sua bioatividade, acelerando o processo de osteointegração. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste trabalho foi funcionalizar óxidos metálicos com diferentes moléculas bifuncionais e investigar as propriedades físico-químicas de grupos silano, amino, ácido carboxílico, tiol e hidroxila que atuaram como espaçadores entre os óxidos metálicos e os peptídeos da DMP1. Além disso foram realizadas análises de biocompatibilidade, mineralização, resistência à corrosão e à tribocorrosão das superfícies bio-funcionalizadas com os peptídeos da DMP1. Neste trabalho, filmes de TiO2 e ZnO nanométricos foram sintetizados pelo método sol-gel e depositados pela técnica spin coating em substratos de titânio. Posteriormente, os filmes finos de óxidos metálicos foram funcionalizados com (3-aminopropil) trimetoxissilano (APTMS), ácido 3- (4-aminofenil) propiônico (APPA), ácido 3-mercaptopropiônico (MPA) ou polietilenoglicol (PEG), que atuam como espaçadores entre os óxidos metálicos e os peptídeos da DMP1. As análises físico-químicas por XPS, microscopia confocal, AFM, ângulo de contato e energia de superfície revelaram a efetiva modificação das superfícies dos óxidos metálicos com APTMS, APPA, MPA e PEG. Após a bio-funcionalização as análises físico-químicas confirmaram a presença dos peptídeos da DMP1 na superfície dos óxidos metálicos. Além disso, testes biológicos indicaram que os peptídeos puderam modular a afinidade, proliferação e diferenciação de células mesenquimais humanas. Para a amostra contendo o dióxido de titânio, foram observados melhores resultados para o TiO2 funcionalizado com MPA e os peptídeos da DMP1. Já para o óxido de zinco, melhores resultados de biocompatibilidade foram observados para ZnO funcionalizado com APPA e os peptídeos. Além disso, a imobilização dos peptídeos da DMP1 através dos espaçadores APPA e MPA, para ambos os óxidos, levou à formação de biominerais de apatita. Os resultados eletroquímicos indicaram um aumento da resistência à corrosão nos materiais bio-funcionalizados, sendo que melhores resultados foram observados para o TiO2 quando comparado ao ZnO. Além disso a análise de tribocorrosão apresentou menor perda de massa para as amostras de TiO2 bio-funcionalizadas. Considerando os aspectos de biocompatibilidade, diferenciação osteogênica, mineralização, resistência à corrosão e à tribocorrosão a amostra de TiO2 funcionalizada com MPA e os peptídeos da DMP1 foi a que apresentou melhores resultados. Portanto, os resultados obtidos sugerem que a bio-funcionalização de óxidos metálicos é capaz de projetar implantes de melhor qualidade aplicados à medicina regenerativa. / Titanium and its alloys are used in a variety of applications, including orthopedic and dental implants because of their recognized biocompatibility. However, failures and subsequent clinical side effects are still recurrent in implants. In this context, improvements can be achieved by designing biom aterials in which the bulk and surface of the titanium are independently tailored . Thus, nanostructured metal oxides thin films , such as TiO 2 and ZnO, can improve the physicochemical properties, biocompatibility and corrosion resistance of titanium implant s. In addition, the conjugation of biomolecules, such as peptides derived from the dentin matrix 1 protein (DMP1), on the surface of the metal oxides can improve their bioactivity, accelerating the os t eointegration process. Therefore, the objective of thi s work was to functionalize metal oxides with different bifunctional molecules and to investigate the physicochemical properties of silane, amino, carboxylic acid, thiol and hydroxyl groups that act as spacers between metal oxides and DMP1 peptides. In add ition, biocompatibility, mineralization, corrosion and tribocorrosion resistance of the bio - functionalized surfaces were performed. In this work, nanosized TiO 2 and ZnO thin films were synthesized by sol - gel method and deposited by spin coating technique o n titanium substrates. Subsequently, the thin films of metal oxides were functionalized with (3 - aminopropyl) trimethoxysilane (APTMS), 3 - (4 - aminophenyl) propionic acid (APPA), 3 - mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) or polyethylene glycol (PEG), which acted as spac ers between the metal oxides and the DMP1 peptides. The physicochemical analyzes by XPS, confocal microscopy, AFM, contact angle and surface energy revealed the effective modification of the metal oxides surfaces with APTMS, APPA, MPA and PEG. After the bi o - functionalization the physicochemical analyzes confirmed the presence of the DMP1 peptides on the surface of the metal oxides. In addition, biological tests indicated that the peptides could modulate the affinity, proliferation and differentiation of hum an mesenchymal stem cells. For the sample containing the titanium dioxide, better results were observed for the TiO 2 functionalized with MPA and the DMP1 peptides. On the other hand, better biocompatibility results were observed for ZnO functionalized with APPA and peptides. In addition, the immobilization of the DMP1 peptides through the APPA and MPA spacers for both oxides led to the formation of apatite biominerals. The electrochemical results indicated an increase in corrosion resistance in the bio - func tionalized materials, and better results were observed for TiO 2 when compared to ZnO. In addition, the tribocorrosion analysis presented lower mass loss for the bio - functionalized TiO 2 samples. Considering the aspects of biocompatibility, osteogenic differ entiation, mineralization, resistance to corrosion and tribocorrosion, the TiO 2 functionalized with MPA and DMP1 peptides presented the best results. Therefore, the results suggest that the bio - functionalization of metal oxides can design better quality im plants applied to regenerative medicine / 2014/01713-3

Os leucotrienos (LTs) são mediadores inflamatórios derivados da via 5- lipoxigenase (5-LO), com contribuição relevante na reabsorção óssea. Neste estudo investigamos o papel dos LTs na diferenciação osteogênica e o seu impacto na osteoclatogênese. Assim, foi avaliado o perfil ósseo dos camundongos 129/Sv (WT) e 5-LO Knockout (5-LO KO) por meio de microtomografia computadorizada, evidenciando maior densidade óssea vertebral e trabéculas mais espessas em machos 5-LO KO. Após isso, osteoblastos primários (OBL) foram isolados e cultivados para determinar a atividade de fosfatase alcalina (ALP) e o potencial de mineralização. Resultados mostraram que OBL KO possui maior atividade de ALP e mineralização, em todos os períodos quando comparados com WT. Em adição, o tratamento com os LTs B4 e D4 inibiu a deposição de cálcio. Os inibidores da síntese de LTs e os antagonistas do BLT1/2 foram efetivos em recuperar a formação dos nódulos mineralizados. A cinética do Alox5 apresentou um aumento da expressão nos períodos de maior diferenciação celular em OBL WT. Além disso, a expressão de OCN, MMPs 2 e 9 e RANKL foram aumentadas em células 5-LO KO em quase todos os períodos avaliados. Em geral, o estímulo com LTs, seus inibidores e antagonistas diminuiu a expressão de Sp7, Col1a1, Opg e MMP-9 e aumentou RANKL em células KO. A sinalização por meio de segundos mensageiros também foi avaliada. Células 5-LO KO apresentam menor concentração de cálcio intracelular (Ca2+i) em relação ao WT. No período de 14 dias, o estímulo com LTD4 inibiu a liberação Ca2+i independente da linhagem, em relação ao controle. Os níveis de cAMP foram menores em OBL 5- LO KO, em todos os grupos tratados ou controle. LTD4 diminuiu a concentração de cAMP, mas não LTB4, em OBL 5-LO KO. O estudo também quantificou a produção de LTB4 e outros eicosanoides em osteoblastos mostrando a sua capacidade de síntese. A análise proteômica revelou 89 proteínas com expressão diminuída em OBL 5-LO KO, de um total de 154, sendo a maioria relacionada ao citoesqueleto e ao metabolismo energético. Também foram identificadas 59 proteínas exclusivas em OBL 5-LO KO e 06 unicamente expressas em células WT, revelando as diferenças intrínsecas de cada animal. O perfil osteoclastogênico de camundongos WT vs. 5-LO KO mostrou diferenças significativas na análise fenotípica, TRAP e na expressão gênica de células derivadas da linhagem monocítica-macrofágica. Após o estímulo com M-CSF e RANKL, as células WT apresentaram osteoclastos gigantes multinucleados, porém, células 5-LO KO apresentaram uma população de células com formas e tamanhos variáveis, e menor grau de maturação. Em adição, os LTsexógenos não modularam a atividade da TRAP. O meio condicionado proveniente dos OBL WT e KO, retardaram o processo de formação dos osteoclastos. A análise da expressão gênica em osteoclastos mostrou diminuição da expressão de Alox5, Il- 1b, Il-6 e TNFa em células 5-LO KO. BLT1/2, CysLt1 e os marcadores da diferenciação Acp5, Ctsk e Nfact1 não apresentaram diferenças entre os animais. Em adição, o LTB4 diminuiu a expressão do Alox5 e a Il-1b foi aumentada em osteoclastos WT. Assim, os resultados demonstram que os LTs são capazes de modular o metabolismo ósseo, e a ausência do gene da 5-LO está relacionada ao maior perfil osteogênico. / Leukotrienes (LTs) are inflammatory mediators derived from the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) pathway, with a relevant contribution in bone resorption. In this study we investigated the role of LTs in osteogenic differentiation and its impact on osteoclastogenesis.Thus, the bone profile of the 129/Sv (WT) and 5-LO Knockout mice (5-LO KO) was evaluated by computerized microtomography, showing higher vertebral bone density and thicker trabeculae in 5-LO KO males. After that, primary osteoblasts (OBL) were isolated and cultured to determine alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP) and mineralization potential. Results showed that OBL KO has higher ALP activity and mineralization, in all periods when compared with WT. In addition, the treatment with LTB4 and LTD4 inhibited calcium deposition. Inhibitors of LT synthesis and BLT1/2 antagonists were effective to recover the mineralized nodules formation. The kinetics of Alox5 showed an increase in expression during cellular differentiation period in WT OBL. In addition, expression of OCN, MMPs 2 and 9 and RANKL were increased in 5- LO KO cells in almost all evaluated periods. In general, the stimulation with LTs, their inhibitors and antagonists decreased the expression of Sp7, Col1a1, Opg and MMP- 9. But it increased the RANKL expression in KO cells. The second messengers signaling was also evaluated. 5-LO KO cells showed lower concentration levels of intracellular calcium (Ca2+ i) when compared to WT cells. In the 14-day period, the LTD4 treatment inhibited the Ca2+i independent of the murine lineage, relative to the control. cAMP levels were lower in OBL 5-LO KO, in all treated or control groups. LTD4 decreased the concentration of cAMP, but not LTB4, in KO cells. The study also quantified the production of LTB4 and other eicosanoids in osteoblasts showing their ability to synthesize those metabolites. The proteomic analysis revealed 89 downregulated proteins in OBL KO, out of a total of 154, most of them related to cytoskeleton and energy metabolism. Also 59 identified proteins were unique in OBL 5-LO KO and 06 exclusively expressed in WT cells, revealing the intrinsic differences of each strain. The osteoclastogenic profile of WT vs. 5-LO KO showed significant differences in phenotypic analysis, TRAP and in the gene expression of cells derived from the monocyte-macrophage-lineage. After M-CSF and RANKL stimulation, WT cells showed multinucleated giant osteoclasts. However, 5-LO KO cells presented a population of cells with variable shapes and sizes, and a lower maturation stage. In addition, exogenous LTs did not modulate TRAP activity. The conditioned medium from OBL WT and 5-LO KO delayed the formation process of osteoclasts. Gene expression analysis in osteoclasts showed decreased expression of Alox 5, Il-1b, Il-6 and TNF in 5-LO KO cells. BLT1/2, CysLt1 and the osteoclast differentiation markers Acp5, Ctsk and Nfact1 showed no differences between the strains. In addition, LTB4 decreased the expression of Alox5, and IL-1b was increased in WT osteoclasts. Thus, the results demonstrate that the LTs are able to modulate the bone metabolism, and the absence of the 5-LO gene is related to the greater osteogenic profile.