A identidade na segmentação do corpo de diversos organismos, durante o desenvolvimento, é devida, em grande parte, à ação das proteínas homeóticas. Em especial, dois grupos de proteínas, Trithorax (trxG) e Polycomb (PcG) têm um papel fundamental na manutenção, respectivamente, da ativação e da repressão da transcrição gênica, associando-se à cromatina. A importância das PcG nos estimulou a buscar a caracterização das proteínas humanas ortólogas ao \"Enhancer of Polycomb\" (Epc) de Drosophila, até então não descritas no genoma humano. Para tanto, buscamos: - obter a sequência completa e mapear o cDNA do novo gene humano homólogo ao \"Enhancer of Polycomb\" de Drosophila; - analisar sua expressão em tecidos fetais, adultos e tumorais e fazer estudos buscando sua caracterização funcional. Encontramos, mapeamos e obtivemos a seqüência completa de dois genes humanos, ortólogos de Epc1 (10p11-22) e de Epc2 (2q21-23) de camundongo, publicando estes dados em 2001 (Camargo et al., 2001). Ambos os genes são bastante conservados entre várias espécies, sendo que o cDNA de hEPC2 humano, por exemplo, é 94% idêntico ao Epc2 de camundongo e possui 96% de identidade ao nível de proteína, sugerindo que a função do gene deve ter sido mantida durante a evolução. No entanto, as seqüências protéicas de hEPC1 e hEPC2 humanos possuem apenas 68% de identidade entre si. Portanto, é provável que após a duplicação dos parálogos, estes tenham divergido funcionalmente. A expressão de ambos os genes foi avaliada utilizando \"dot-blots\" contendo 76 mRNAs de amostras de tecidos fetais, adultos e tumorais, mostrando-se fraca e ubíqua. Análises in silico sugeriram a existência de 4 isoformas de splicing para hEPC2, as quais foram validadas por RT-PCR ou \"Northern blots\". Uma das isoformas (de 2.7 Kpb) se mostrou mais abundante em todas as linhagens tumorais estudadas através de análises de \"Northern blot\", principalmente nas linhagens de linfoma de Burkitt\'s Raji e na linhagem de leucemia pró-mielocítica HL-60. Esta isoforma é gerada através de um sítio alternativo de poli-adenilação, que reduz sua porção 3\'UTR, retirando 4 dos 5 \"elementos ricos em adenilatos e uridilatos\" (AREs), envolvidos com a degradação de mRNAs lábeis que codificam proteínas regulatórias. Estes resultados se encontram em um manuscrito recentemente submetido à publicação (anexo à tese). Interação entre hEPC2 e SMADs e sua modulação por TGF-β. Durante a montagem da seqüência completa de hEPC2, verificamos que duas ESTs patenteadas mostravam alta identidade com o gene. Estas seqüências foram descritas como sendo parte de uma nova proteína de interação com as proteínas da família SMAD, envolvidas com transdução de sinais desencadeados por TGF-β. Esta citocina por sua vez, regula a proliferação, diferenciação e morte celular. Partimos para a avaliação da possível interação entre hEPC2 e as SMADs, em colaboração com o grupo do Dr. Aristidis Moustakas, do Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research de Uppsala, Suécia. Os resultados de co-imunoprecipitação sugeriram que as SMADs 2, 3, 4, 7 e 8 interagem com hEPC2, sendo que a interação entre as SMAD2, SMAD3, SMAD4 e hEPC2 nas células tratadas com TGF-β1, mostraram uma redução na co-imunoprecipitação. Este resultado sugere que TGF-β1 modula negativamente a interação entre essas proteínas. Da mesma maneira, foi observada uma redução na interação de hEPC2 com SMAD8 após o tratamento com BMP-7. Esse resultado é ainda mais destacado para as SMADs 2 e 3. Estes dados foram observados para ambas as construções de hEPC2, o que sugere fortemente a veracidade da interação entre estas proteínas. A localização celular de hEPC2, e também sua co-localização com SMAD2 foram investigadas através de imunofluorescência indireta e confirmaram a predição do programa PSORTII, de que hEPC2 se localiza no núcleo. No entanto, não foi possível observar a co-localização entre hEPC2 e SMAD2. É possível que hEPC2 não se ligue diretamente ao DNA, necessitando se associar como parceiro de um fator de transcrição. Esta foi uma das hipóteses para a atuação de hEPC2, como um co-fator que se associe com uma das SMADs e se ligue a um elemento específico de ligação a SMAD (SBE). Para investigar essa hipótese um ensaio de gene repórter foi feito utilizando uma construção de um repórter contendo 12 repetições da seqüência CAGA (seqüência específica de ligação das SMADs 2,3 e 4) fusionado com o gene da luciferase. No entanto, este ensaio não demonstrou que a transcrição de SMAD2 é dependente de hEPC2 e o experimento deverá ser repetido. Para confirmar a interação entre hEPC2 e as SMADs, será feito um experimento de \"pull-down\". Para tal o cDNA de hEPC2 foi clonado no vetor pET-32A de expressão indutível em bactérias. A proteína recombinante já foi produzida, tendo sido induzida e posteriormente purificada em condições desnaturantes. Apesar de dezenas de genes PcG terem sido caracterizados em Drosophila, poucos destes genes foram estudados em mamíferos. Portanto, a descrição do gene hEPC2 e seus transcritos alternativos, contribui para o conhecimento de PcG humanos, indicando a associação de maior expressão de uma de suas isoformas em linhagens celulares tumorais. Em relação à interação de hEPC2 com as SMADs, é interessante observar que nenhuma outra proteína foi descrita por possuir a particularidade de interagir com as SMADs de diferentes categorias. Talvez este seja um dado importante, que indique o papel singular de hEPC2 na sinalização de TGF-β1. / The identity of body segmentation in several organisms during development is, to a large extent, due to the action of the homeotic proteins. In particular, two groups of proteins, the Trithorax (trxG) and Polycomb (PcG), have a major role in maintenance of respectively, transcription activation and repression, when associated to the chromatin. The importance of PcGs has motivated us to pursue the isolation and characterization of two new human proteins that are orthologs of the \"Enhancer of Polycomb\" (Epc) of Drosophila. To achieve this goal we undertook the task of the cloning and mapping of complete cDNA sequence of the novel genes hEPC1 and hEPC2, analyzing its expression in fetal, adult and tumoral tissues and functionally characterizing the hEPC2 protein. In 2001, we published the mapping and cloning of the complete cDNA sequences of both genes, as being orthologs of the mouse Epc1 (10p11-22) and Epc2 (2q21-23), together with the strategy used to obtain the full-length cDNAs (Camargo et al., 2001). Both genes are shown to be highly conserved among several species. Thus, the human hEPC2 cDNA is 94% identical to the mouse Epc2 and displays 96% identity at the protein level, suggesting maintenance of its function during the evolution. However, the protein sequences of the human hEPC1 and hEPC2 display only 68% identity. Therefore, it is likely that they have undergone a functional divergence after their duplication. The expression of both genes was evaluated using \"dot-blots\" containing 76 mRNAs samples from fetal, adult and tumoral tissues and is shown to be weak and ubiquitous. \"In silico\" analysis suggested the existence of 4 hEPC2 splicing isoforms that were validated by RT-PCR and/or Northern-blots. One of the isoforms (of 2.7 Kbp) is shown to be more abundant in all of the tumoral cell lines evaluated using Northern-blot analysis, mainly in the Burkit\'s Raji lymphoma and in the promyelocytic leukemia HL-60. This isoform results from the use of an alternative polyadenylation site that reduces the 3\'UTR, abolishing 4 of 5 \"adenylates and urilates rich elements\" (AREs), involved in the degradation of labile mRNAs that codify to regulatory proteins. These results have been recently submitted to publication (manuscript attached to this thesis). Interaction between the hEPC2/SMADs and its modulation by TGF-β. During the assembly of the hEPC2 full-length cDNA sequence, we found two patented ESTs that tagged a portion of the gene. These sequences were described as partial sequences of a \"new SMAD interacting protein\", involved in signal transduction of TGF-β, a cytokine that regulates cell proliferation, differentiation and death. To evaluate this putative interaction between hEPC2 and the SMADs proteins, we begun a collaboration with the TGF-β signalling group of the Dr. Aristidis Moustakas, from the Uppsala Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Sweden. The results of co-imunoprecipitation assays suggested that SMADs 2, 3, 4, 7 e 8 interact with hEPC2. Moreover, the interaction among SMAD2, SMAD3, SMAD4 and hEPC2 in cells treated with TGF-β1 showed decreased co-imunoprecipitation. This result suggests that TGF-β1 negatively modulates the interaction of these proteins. Likewise, we observed a reduction in hEPC2 interaction with SMAD8 upon BMP-7 treatment. This effect was even more dramatic for SMADs 2 and 3. These data were observed for both hEPC2 plasmid constructs, which strongly suggest the veracity of these proteins interaction. The cell localization of the hEPC2 protein, as well as its co-localization with the SMAD2, were investigated through indirect immunofluorescence assay, confirming the predicted localization of hEPC2 in the cell nucleus using the PSORTII program. However, we were not able to confirm the co-localization of hEPC2 and SMAD2. It is possible that hEPC2 does not bind directly to the DNA, requiring an association with a partner such as a transcription factor. This raises the hypothesis of hEPC2 having a role as a co-factor associated to one of the SMADs and binding to a \"SMAD binding element\" (SBE). To investigate this hypothesis, gene reporter assays were undertaken using a reporter construct containing 12 CAGA sequence repetitions (specific binding sequence of the SMADs 2, 3 and 4) fused to the luciferase gene. However, this assay could not demonstrate that the transcription of the SMAD is dependent on hEPC2. This experiment must be repeated. To confirm the interaction of hEPC2 and SMADs, a pull-down assay will be performed. To this end, the coding region of hEPC2 was cloned into the pET-32A bacterial inducible expression vector. The recombinant protein was already produced, having been induced and purified under denaturing conditions. Despite the dozens of PcG genes that were described in Drosophila, only a few of these genes have been characterized in mammals. Therefore, the description of the hEPC2 and its alternative transcripts is a contribution to better knowledge of the human PcGs. Regarding the hEPC2 and SMADs interaction, it\'s it is noteworthy that this is the first protein described to interact with SMADs of distinct categories. This may be an important indication of a unique role for hEPC2 in the TGF-β1 signaling pathway.

Wachstumsfaktoren sind wichtige Steuerelemente des Knochenzellmetabolismus. Im Verlauf der Frakturheilung kommt es zur Ausschüttung von zahlreichen Wachstumsfaktoren, Zytokinen und Botenstoffen im und um den Bereich des Frakturspalts, die systemisch oder lokal, endokrin, parakrin oder autokrin wirksam werden können. Für verschiedene Wachstumsfaktoren konnten in zahlreichen Studien osteoinduktive und die Frakturheilung positiv beeinflussende Wirkungen nachgewiesen werden. In vitro und in vivo Studien belegen, dass einige dieser Faktoren wie Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) und Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) einen stimulierenden Effekt auf osteo- und chondrogene Zellen aufweisen und somit die Knochenheilung stimulieren. Der genaue Wirkmechanismus dieses positiven Effektes der Wachstumsfaktoren und ihre Interaktion im Verlauf der Frakturheilung ist nicht bekannt. Die lokale Applikation der Faktoren für einen therapeutischen Einsatz bei der Frakturheilung stellte bisher jedoch ein Problem dar. Mit der entwickelten biodegradierbaren Poly(D,L-Laktid)-Beschichtung von Implantaten können eingearbeitete Wachstumsfaktoren kontrolliert und lokal direkt an der Fraktur freigesetzt werden. Das beschichtete Implantat dient dabei der Stabilisation der Fraktur und gleichzeitig als Wirkstoffträger. Die Beschichtung weist eine hohe mechanische Stabilität auf. Die eingearbeiteten Wachstumsfaktoren behalten ihre biologische Aktivität in der Beschichtung und werden kontrolliert lokal freigesetzt. Um den Effekt lokal applizierter Wachstumsfaktoren auf die Frakturheilung zu untersuchen, wurde ein standardisiertes geschlossenes Frakturmodell entwickelt, das der klinischen Situation möglichst nahe ist und reproduzierbar durchgeführt werden kann. Untersucht wurde der Effekt der Wachstumsfaktoren IGF-I, TGF-beta1 und BMP-2 und des Trägermaterials PDLLA sowie lokale und systemische unerwünschte Wirkungen. Die Ergebnisse zeigten einen signifikant grösseren stimulierenden Effekt von IGF-I auf die Frakturheilung im Vergleich zur TGF-beta1 Applikation. Die kombinierte Gabe beider Faktoren ergab einen signifikant grösseren Effekt auf die torsionale Stabilität und die Kallusreifung im Vergleich zur Einzelapplikation. Beide Faktoren scheinen einen synergistischen Effekt auf die Frakturheilung zu haben. Die lokale Applikation von BMP-2 beschleunigte ebenso, wie die lokale Freisetzung von IGF-I und TGF-beta1 die Frakturheilung signifikant. Deutliche Unterschiede zwischen IGF-I / TGF-beta1 und BMP-2 konnten nicht festgestellt werden.Allerdings zeigte sich bei der Verwendung von BMP-2 auch ausserhalb der Frakturzone eine grössere Mineralisation der Kortikalis, die bei IGF-I / TGF-beta1 nicht zu beobachten ist. Auch im Grosstiermodell bestätigte sich die Wirksamkeit dieser bioaktiven Oberflächen-beschichtung auf die Osteotomieheilung. Die PDLLA-Beschichtung alleine, ohne eingearbeitete Wachstumsfaktoren, zeigte bereits einen positiven Effekt auf die Frakturheilung. Die Untersuchungen belegen, dass die lokale Freisetzung von Wachstumsfaktoren aus einer biodegradierbaren PDLLA-Beschichtung von Implantaten die Frakturheilung signifikant beschleunigt, wobei keine unerwünschten lokalen oder systemischen Wirkungen beobachtet werden konnten. Bei dem Vergleich lokaler (durch Wachstumsfaktoren) mit systemischer Stimulationsmöglichkeit (durch Wachstumshormon) der Frakturheilung lässt sich zusammenfassend feststellen, dass die kombinierte Anwendung beider Stimulationsmöglichkeiten zu keiner weiteren Steigerung der Heilungsvorgänge führte. Weitere Untersuchungen wurden hinsichtlich der genauen Rolle und Interaktion der Wachstumsfaktoren durchgeführt. Vor allem die Frühphase scheint hierbei eine entscheidende Rolle bei der Frakturheilung einzunehmen. Es zeigte sich hierbei eine deutliche Stimulation der Osteoblastendifferenzierung mit einer Erhöhung der Kollagen-1 Produktion in vitro sowie eine Steigerung der Proliferationsrate und Angiogenese mit einem schnelleren Ablauf der Phasen der Frakturheilung in vivo durch lokal appliziertes IGF-I und TGF-beta1. Weitere Anwendungen der entwickelten Beschichtungstechnologie stellen die lokale Applikation von Wachstumsfaktoren von beschichteten PDLLA-Cages bei der intervertebralen Spondylodese sowie die lokale Applikation von Antibiotika aus einer PDLLA-Beschichtung von Implantaten zur Prophylaxe der Implantat-assoziierten Osteomyelitis dar.Basierend auf diesen Ergebnissen steht der Einsatz PDLLA-Gentamicin beschichteter intramedullärer Tibianägel kurz vor der klinischen Anwendung.Eine Zulassung durch die entsprechenden Behörden ist erfolgt.Die klinische Anwendung Wachstumsfaktoren-beschichteter Implantate ist bereits in der Vorbereitung. / Growth factors are important regulators of bone metabolism. During fracture healing many growth factors or cytokines were locally released at the facture site. In several studies, different growth factors demonstrated osteoinductive and fracture stimulating properties. In vitro and in vivo studies showed a stimulating effect of Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) and Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) on osteo- and chondrogenetic cells. The exact effectiveness and the interaction of these growth factors during fracture healing is not known so far. Further, the local application of these factors for therapeutically use in fracture treatment is still a problem. The developed biodegradable poly(D,L-lactide)-coating of implants allows the local and controlled release of incorporated growth factors directly at the fracture site. The coated implant serves on the one hand for fracture stabilization and on the other hand as a drug delivery system. The coating has a high mechanical stability. The incorporated growths factors remain biologically active in the coating and were released in a sustained and controlled manner. To investigate the effect of locally released growth factors IGF-I, TGF-beta1 and BMP-2 and the carrier PDLLA on fracture healing, standardised closed fracture models were developed with a close relationship to clinical situation. Further, possible local and systemic side effects were analysed. The results demonstrated a significantly higher stimulating effect of IGF-I on fracture healing compared to TGF-beta1. The combined application of both growth factors showed a synergistic effect on the mechanical stability and callus remodeling compared to single treatment. The local release of BMP-2 also enhanced fracture healing significantly - comparable to combination of IGF-I and TGF-beta1. However, a higher rate of mineralisation was measurable outside the fracture region using BMP-2 in a rat fracture model. Using a large animal model on pigs with a 1 mm osteotomy gap, the effectiveness of locally released growths factors could be confirmed. Further, the PDLLA-coating without any incorporated growth factors demonstrated a significantly effect on healing processes in both models. These investigations showed, that the local release of growth factors from PDLLA coated implants significantly stimulate fracture healing without any local or systemic side effects. Comparing systemic with local stimulation techniques, we found an improvement of fracture healing by systemic administration of growth hormone and local application of IGF-I and TGF-beta1. However, the combined use of both simulation techniques did not lead to a further increase of healing processes. Investigations on the effectiveness and the interaction of growth factors during fracture healing demonstrated an dramatic effect in the early phases of healing processes. The growth factors stimulate the differentiation of osteoblasts with a higher production of collagen I in vitro and increase osteogenesis and vascularisation of the fracture callus in vivo. Further applications of the coating technology are the use of PDLLA and growth factor coated cages for the stimulation of intervertebral fusion and the use of PDLLA and Gentamicin coated implants in order to prevent implant associated infections. The clinical use of antibiotic and growth factor coated implants are in preparation.

Hintergrund. Die gegensätzlichen Wirkungen des L-Arginin-NO-Stoffwechsels bei Nierenerkrankungen wurden nachgewiesen. Die vorliegende Studie untersucht die Haupt-Endstrecke dieses Stoffwechselweges, die NO-cGMP-Signaltransduktion, sowie die Wirkung des spezifischen sGC-Stimulators Bay 41-2272 auf Schädigungs-, Matrixexpansions- und Progressionsphase der Anti-Thy1-induzierten Nierenerkrankungen im Rattenmodell. Methoden. Die anti-Thy1-Antikörperinjektion in zwei Nieren- oder uninephrektomierten Ratten induzierte eine Sequenz der Schädigungs-, Matrixexpansions- und Progressionsphase. Die Effekte der Behandlung mit Bay 41-2272 (10 mg/kg Körpergewicht/Tag) wurden durch die Messungen von systolischem Blutdruck, Proteinurie, Nierenfunktion, glomerulärer und interstitieller Matrixakkumulation, TGF-beta1-, Fibronectin- und PAI-1-Expression, Makrophageninfiltration, alpha1sGC, beta1sGC, sowie basaler und NO-stimulierter renaler cGMP-Produktion ermittelt. Im chronischen Anti-Thy1 Modell wurden die Effekte von Bay 41-2272 mit dem reinen Vasodilator Hydralazin (15 mg/kg Körpergewicht/Tag) verglichen. Ergebnisse. Im Vergleich zu den Kontrollen sind die sGC mRNA Expression und Aktivität signifikant im Matrixexpansionsprotokoll erhört, während sie im Schädigungsprotokoll komplett vermindert sind; im Progressionsprotokoll ist die sGC-cGMP-Kaskade im Tubulointerstitium hochreguliert, während die Aktivität im Glomeruli erniedrigt ist. Im Gegensatz zur Hydralazin-therapie erhörte die Bay 41-2272-Behandlung die glomeruläre und die tubulointerstitielle NO-cGMP-Signaltransduktion. Dies führte zu deutlich verringerten Makrophageninfiltration, Matrixakkumulation sowie einer verbesserten Nierenfunktion. Schlussfolgerung. Die Expression und Aktivität der sGC sind auf Transkriptionsebene im Verlauf der Nierenfibrose hochreguliert und korrelieren eng mit den pathologischen Veränderungen in den einzelnen Krankheitsphasen. Pharmakologische sGC-Stimulation reduzierte die TGF-beta-Überexpression sowie die Matrixakkumulation und verlangsamte den fortschreitenden Verlauf zur tubulointerstitiellen Fibrose und eingeschränkten Nierenfunktion über teilweise blutdruckunabhängige Mechanismen, obwohl die Mesangialzelllyse infolge der verminderten sGC-Expression unbeeinflusst blieb. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die NO-cGMP-Signaltransduktion ein wichtiger antifibrotischer Mechanismus bei Nierenfibrose ist. / Background Controversial effects of L-arginine-NO pathway have been shown on renal disease. The present study analyzes the main downstream of L-arginine-NO pathway, the NO-cGMP signaling in and the effect of the specific sGC stimulator Bay 41-2272 on the injury, matrix expansion and progression phases in the rat model of anti-thy1-induced renal disease. Methods The injection of anti-thy1 antibody into rats with two kidneys or nephrectomized rats caused a sequence of the injury, matrix expansion and progression phases. The effects of Bay 41-2272 (10 mg/kg body weight/d) treatment on systolic blood pressure, proteinuria, kidney function, glomerular and tubulointerstitial matrix protein accumulation, expression of TGF- beta1, fibronectin and PAI-1, macrophage infiltration, alpha1sGC and beta1sGC mRNA expression and basal and NO-stimulated renal cGMP production were determined. In the chronic anti-thy1 model, the effect of Bay 41-2272 was compared side-by-side to the sole vasodilator hydralazine (15 mg/kg body weight/d). Results Compared to controls, sGC mRNA expression and activity were markedly increased in the matrix expansion protocol, while they were almost completely disrupted in the injury protocol; in the progression protocol, sGC-cGMP cascade was up-regulated in the tubulointerstitium, while its activity was decreased in glomeruli. In contrast to hydralazine therapy, Bay 41-2272 treatment enhanced both glomerular and tubulointerstitial NO-cGMP signaling significantly, resulting in markedly reduced macrophage infiltration, matrix expression and accumulation as well as improved kidney function. Conclusion The expression and activity of sGC are highly regulated at the transcriptional level during the course of renal fibrosis, and correlate closely with the pathological changes from the injury over the matrix expansion toward the final progression phase. Further pharmacologic sGC stimulation reduced TGF-beta overexpression and extracellular matrix accumulation and limited the progressive course of this model towards tubulointerstitial fibrosis and impaired renal function at least in part in a blood pressure-independent manner, although it demonstrated no effects on mesangial cell lysis due to lack of the receptor sGC. The results suggest that NO-cGMP signaling represents an important anti-fibrotic pathway in renal fibrosis.

Introdução: Os lasers fracionados não ablativos são efetivamente utilizados no rejuvenescimento da pele. As novas tecnologias a laser permitem uma remodelação dérmica seletiva, sem ablação da epiderme. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia do laser Erbium Glass (Sellas Evo) fracionado não ablativo 1550nm no rejuvenescimento facial através do estudo da quantificação histomorfométrica de fibras colágenas e elásticas, a expressão da molécula de adesão intercelular 1 (ICAM-1) por imuno-histoquímica , a análise das fases do ciclo celular, o potencial elétrico da membrana mitocondrial, a expressão de interleucina-1 (IL-1), o marcador celular endotelial CD34, o receptor do fator transformador de crescimento beta (TGF-beta), atividade da caspase-3 por citometria de fluxo e as alterações ultraestruturais na pele por microscopia eletrônica de varredura, 4 meses após o tratamento com laser. Materiais e Métodos: Quinze indivíduos (média de 56,4 anos, fototipo II-IV), com fotoenvelhecimento cutâneo na face fizeram 3 tratamentos com laser Erbium Glass fracionado não ablativo 1550nm usando uma fluência de 70 mJ e uma densidade de 100 cm2. Foram avaliados biópsias na região pré-auricular em 15 pacientes no início e 4 semanas após o tratamento final. Os níveis de expressão dos receptores e a atividade do potencial elétrico mitocondrial foram analisados na suspensão de células da derme obtida a partir da digestão por colagenase. A avaliação clínica e fotográfica foi analisada quatro semanas após o final do tratamento. Resultados: Após 4 meses do início do tratamento foi observada melhora clínica moderada, com uma média de satisfação de 8,8, as fibras de colágeno aumentaram em 6,68%, as fibras elásticas mostraram uma diminuição de 12,85%, o ICAM-1 aumentou 4,47% significativamente na área dos vasos. Houve aumento significativo dos níveis de expressão do receptor de IL-1 e TGF-beta após o tratamento com laser Erbium Glass. As respostas proliferativas e a ausência de apoptose dependente da caspase-3 foram observadas nas suspensões de células após o tratamento. Conclusão: Rejuvenescimento facial com laser Erbium Glass fracionado não ablativo 1550nm demonstrou melhora visível no fotoenvelhecimento, assim como, aumento significativo da expressão de IL-1 e receptores de TGF-beta, que estão envolvidos na remodelação e indução da proliferação de componentes da matriz extracelular da pele. O grau de satisfação foi alto especialmente em relação à textura, rugas e discromias / Background: Non-ablative fractional lasers have been effectively used in skin rejuvenation. The new laser technologies allow selective dermal remodeling without ablation of the epidermal surface. Objectives: to evaluate the efficacy of the 1550nm Erbium Glass Laser (Sellas Evo) for facial rejuvenation through study of the histomorphometric quantification of colagen and elastic fibers; the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) by immnohistochemistry; and analysis of the cell cycle phases, the electrical potential of the mitochondrial membrane and the expression of interleukin 1 (IL-1), the endothelial cell marker CD34 and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) receptors, caspase-3 activity by flow cytometry and the ultrastructural changes in the skin by scanning electron microscopy 4 months after the laser treatment. Materials and methods: fifteen subjects (mean age 56,4 skin typoes II-IV) with photodamage on the face and wrinkles had 3 treatments with the 1550 nm Erbium Glass Laser using a fluence of 70 mJ and a density of 100 cm2. Pre-auricular biopsies from 15 subjects were evaluated at baseline and 4 weeks after the final treatment. Receptor expression levels and the presence of potentially functional mitochondria were analyzed in a cell suspension obtained from collagenase digestion of the skin. Data from the photo assessments and the subjects\' self-assessed improvements were analyzed 4 weeks after the final treatment.Results: Four months after the last treatmenbt application, clinical improvement was observed, with an average satgisfation score of 8.8, corresponding to moderate improvement. After 4 months of treatment, collagen fibers had increased up to 6.68%, while the average proportion of collagen fibers in the dermis, the elastic fibers, showed a 12.85% decrease of ICAM-1 and a mean increase in vessel area of 4.47%.Significantly enhanced IL-1 and TGF-beta receptor expression levels were identified after Erbium Glass Laser treatment. Proliferative responses and non-apoptosis-dependent caspase-3 activity were both observed in the cell suspensions after dermal treatment. Conclusion: Non-ablative rejuvenation with the 1550 mn Erbium Glass Laser was of the IL-1 and TGF-beta receptors, that are involved in remodeling and induced proliferation components in the extracellular matrix of skin fibers. The subjects were highly satisfied, especially regarding texture, rhytids and dyschromia

Les phénomènes cicatriciels et de carcinogenèse partagent des points communs et peuvent être définis comme des processus complexes et adaptatif régulés par les interactions entre l'hôte et le microenvironnement tissulaire. Après la chirurgie, la radiothérapie est la seconde modalité la plus efficace dans le traitement du cancer et une approche thérapeutique multimodale impliquant chirurgie, radiothérapie et chimiothérapie est aujourd’hui classiquement utilisée. Des résultats récents suggèrent que, en plus des effets létaux sur les cellules tumorales, la radiothérapie modifie le microenvironnement tissulaire. Ces modifications affectent le phénotype cellulaire, le métabolisme des tissus, et les événements de signalisation entre les cellules.Les interactions complexes entre les cellules stromales et les cellules cancéreuses suscitent beaucoup d’intérêt et dans la première partie de ma thèse, j’ai exploré les interactions entre stroma et cellules de carcinome en réponse à la radiothérapie par modulation génétique du stroma après irradiation. J’ai constaté que les fibroblastes, indépendamment de leur statut RhoB, ne modulaient pas la radiosensibilité intrinsèque des TC- 1, mais produisaient des facteurs diffusibles capables de modifier le devenir des cellules tumorales. Ensuite, j’ai constaté que fibroblastes sauvages et RhoB déficients stimulaient la migration des TC-1 par des mécanismes distincts, impliquant respectivement TGF- β1 et MMP. J’ai également constaté que la co-irradiation, des fibroblastes et des TC- 1, abrogait le phénotype pro-migratoire des TC-1 par répression de la sécrétion du TGF- β et des MMP. Alors que le protocole de co-irradiation utilisé mime la situation clinique, mes résultats sont en désaccord avec les publications récentes et suggèrent que le stroma irradié ne renforce pas la migration des cellules tumorales mais au contraire pourrait être manipulé pour promouvoir une réponse immunitaire anti-tumorale.Deuxièmement, mes expériences in vivo, semblent confirmer les données obtenues in vitro et montrent que l’irradiation préalable du lit tumoral ne stimule ni croissance de la tumeur et ni sa dissemination. Nos résultats semblent montrer que l’irradiation du stroma ne favorise pas la migration des cellules de carcinome et ceci indépendamment de leur génotype. La Troisième Partie De Mon Projet, a été consacrée à l’étude des cellules tumorale circulantes (CTC) après la radiothérapie. En accord avec les résultats rapportés après la chirurgie, le nombre de CTC augmente dans la circulation sanguine après radiothérapie probablement à cause des lésions vasculaires radio-induites ou/et par induction d’EMT dans les cellules tumorales. Néanmoins ces CTC semblent être piégées dans la cavité cardiaque. La signification de la présence de ces CTC pour le développement métastatique n’est pas élucidée mais on peut suspecter un effet promoteur de métastase. Ainsi le microenvironnement pourrait avoir des effets antagonistes promoteurs ou inhibiteurs de malignité. / Wound healing and carcinogenesis are defined as complex, adaptive processes which are controlled by intricate communications between the host and the tissue microenvironment. A number of phenotypic similarities are shared by wounds and cancers in cellular signaling and gene expression. Radiotherapy is the second most effective modality of cancer treatment after surgery and can be used, either alone or in combination with chemotherapy. Recent findings suggest that radiotherapy apart from tumor cell death also rapidly and persistently modifies the tissue microenvironment. These modifications affect cell phenotype, tissue metabolism, bidirectional exchanges and signaling events between cells. The complex interactions between stromal cells and cancer cells are of immense interest and in The First Part of My Thesis, I tried to explore the crosstalk between stromal and carcinoma cells in response to radiotherapy by genetic modulation of the stroma and irradiation. We found that fibroblasts, irrespective of their RhoB status, do not modulate intrinsic radiosensitivity of TC-1 but produce diffusible factors able to modify tumor cell fate. Then we found that Wt and RhoB deficient fibroblasts stimulated TC-1 migration through distinct mechanisms respectively, TGF-β1 and MMP-mediated. We also found that co-irradiation of fibroblasts and TC-1 abrogated the pro-migratory phenotype by repression of TGF-β and MMP secretion. This result is highly relevant to the clinical situation and suggests that conversely to, the current view; irradiated stroma would not enhance carcinoma migration and could be manipulated to promote anti-tumor immune response. Secondly, our in vivo experiments, tends to confirm the in vitro data showing that irradiated tumor bed does not stimulate tumor growth and escape. Our results also challenges the view that irradiated stroma would promote migration of carcinoma cells as we show that independently from their genotype co-irradiation of fibroblasts and carcinoma cells repressed carcinoma cell migration and confirmations studies are currently performed in vivo. The Third Part of My Project, was dedicated to investigate the effect on CTC release after radiotherapy. Consistently with the results reported after surgery , the number of CTC increases in the blood stream after radiotherapy probably due to radiation-induced vascular injury induced or/and by EMT induction in tumor cells but these cells seemed to be entrapped into the cardiac cavity. The significance of these CTC to metastatic development is still under investigation but there is evidence for a metastasis-promoting effect of RT from animal studies.Thus the microenvironment can exert antagonist stimulatory or inhibitory effects on malignant cells.

Bordetella pertussis e Bordetella parapertussis são os principais agentes causadores da coqueluche no homem. O óxido nítrico é fundamental para o controle de diversos processos fisiopatológicos. Neste trabalho analisamos sinais moleculares envolvidos na produção de NO em macrófagos derivados de medula óssea murina (BMDMO) infectadas por Bpertussis e Bparapertussis. Nossos resultados mostraram que BMDMO de C57BL/6 estimulados com Bpertussis não sintetizaram níveis significativos de nitrito, ao contrário da infecção com Bparapertussis. BMDMO de C57BL/6 infectados por Bpertussis e Bparapertussis produziram níveis elevados de arginase e de TGFb e esta produção foi dependente de TLR4, porém a produção de NO pelos BMDMO de C3H/HeJ infectados com Bparapertussis foi independente deste receptor. A adição exógena de PT em BMDMO infectados com Bparapertussis reduziu a quantidade de NO sintetizada. Concluímos que TGFb e arginase contribuem para o controle da produção de NO durante a infecção in vitro de BMDMO com Bpertussis e este mecanismo depende de LPS envolvendo TLR4 e PT. / Bordetella pertussis and Bordetella parapertussis are the main etiologic causes of human whooping cough. Nitric oxide (NO) is crucial for several physiopathologic events. Herein we analyzed the molecular signals required for NO production by murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) infected with Bpertussis or Bparapertussis. Our data show that BMDM obtained from C57Bl/6 mice was not able to produce measurable levels of nitrite when stimulated with Bpertussis while infection of these cells with Bparapertussis induced high levels of nitrite. Arginase and TLR4-dependent TGF-b were produced in response to infection with either Bpertussis or Bparapertussis. NO production by BMDM obtained from C3H/HeJ mice occurred after Bparapertussis infection in the absence of TLR4. Addition of pertussis toxin to the C57Bl/6 BMDM cultures infected with Bparapertussis decreased NO levels. In conclusion, TGF-b and arginase play a role controlling NO production by BMDM during in vitro infection by Bpertussis. This effect depends on the presence of LPS-TLR4 and PT signaling pathways.

<p>Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a member of a large superfamily of cytokines which participate in many different types of cellular processes, such as growth inhibition, cell migration, differentiation, cell adhesion, wound healing and immunosuppression. Alterations of TGF-β superfamily signalling results in several different disorders, including bone disease, vascular disease and cancer. The TGF-β signalling pathways involve several different proteins, such as the Smad proteins, which upon receptor activation are translocated to the nucleus, where they affect transcriptional responses. </p><p>The actin cytoskeleton is an organised network of filaments with a highly dynamic structure, which is under a continuous reconstruction to control the morphology, survival, growth and motility of eukaryotic cells. The members of the family of small GTP-binding proteins have been shown to be important regulators of the actin cytoskeleton.</p><p>TGF-β was found to induce short term as well as long term actin reorganisation in prostate cancer cells. The short term response included membrane ruffling, and required signalling by the small GTPases Cdc42 and Rho as well as, the involvement of the mitogen-activated protein kinases p38 (p38 MAPK). The long term response included formation of stress fibers and required a cooperation between Smad and Rho GTPase signalling pathways involving the Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1). </p><p>The TGF-β-induced activation of Cdc42 was, furthermore, shown to require the inhibitory Smad7 and p38 MAP kinase, via a PI3K-dependent pathway. Mixed lineage kinase 3 (MLK3), a mediator downstream of Cdc42, was necessary for the Cdc42-dependent actin filament reorganisation.</p><p>Apoptosis is an important and carefully regulated process in human development and disease, which allows the multicellular organisms to remove cells that are in excess or potentially dangerous. TGF-β family members can induce apoptosis in many different cell types, in the presence or absence of other growth factors. Smad7 had previously been shown to be necessary for TGF-β-induced apoptosis of epithelial cells. We could show that Smad7 is required for TGF-β-induced activation of the TGF-β activated kinase 1 (TAK1)-mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 3 (MKK3)-p38 MAPK pathway, which subsequently leads to apoptosis in prostate cancer cells.</p><p>Members of the lymphoid enhancer factor-1/T-cell factor (LEF1/TCF) family of transcription factors have, together with β-catenin, been shown to be nuclear effectors in the Wnt-signalling pathway. We investigated a possible cross-talk between the TGF-β and Wnt signalling pathways. We found that TGF-β, in a Smad7-dependent manner induced a nuclear accumulation of β-catenin and enhanced the transcriptional activity of β-catenin and the induction of the downstream target gene <i>c-myc</i>. Since β-catenin and c-Myc has been shown to promote apoptosis, our results suggests the possibility that β-catenin contributes to TGF-β-induced apoptosis</p>

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a member of a large superfamily of cytokines which participate in many different types of cellular processes, such as growth inhibition, cell migration, differentiation, cell adhesion, wound healing and immunosuppression. Alterations of TGF-β superfamily signalling results in several different disorders, including bone disease, vascular disease and cancer. The TGF-β signalling pathways involve several different proteins, such as the Smad proteins, which upon receptor activation are translocated to the nucleus, where they affect transcriptional responses. The actin cytoskeleton is an organised network of filaments with a highly dynamic structure, which is under a continuous reconstruction to control the morphology, survival, growth and motility of eukaryotic cells. The members of the family of small GTP-binding proteins have been shown to be important regulators of the actin cytoskeleton. TGF-β was found to induce short term as well as long term actin reorganisation in prostate cancer cells. The short term response included membrane ruffling, and required signalling by the small GTPases Cdc42 and Rho as well as, the involvement of the mitogen-activated protein kinases p38 (p38 MAPK). The long term response included formation of stress fibers and required a cooperation between Smad and Rho GTPase signalling pathways involving the Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1). The TGF-β-induced activation of Cdc42 was, furthermore, shown to require the inhibitory Smad7 and p38 MAP kinase, via a PI3K-dependent pathway. Mixed lineage kinase 3 (MLK3), a mediator downstream of Cdc42, was necessary for the Cdc42-dependent actin filament reorganisation. Apoptosis is an important and carefully regulated process in human development and disease, which allows the multicellular organisms to remove cells that are in excess or potentially dangerous. TGF-β family members can induce apoptosis in many different cell types, in the presence or absence of other growth factors. Smad7 had previously been shown to be necessary for TGF-β-induced apoptosis of epithelial cells. We could show that Smad7 is required for TGF-β-induced activation of the TGF-β activated kinase 1 (TAK1)-mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 3 (MKK3)-p38 MAPK pathway, which subsequently leads to apoptosis in prostate cancer cells. Members of the lymphoid enhancer factor-1/T-cell factor (LEF1/TCF) family of transcription factors have, together with β-catenin, been shown to be nuclear effectors in the Wnt-signalling pathway. We investigated a possible cross-talk between the TGF-β and Wnt signalling pathways. We found that TGF-β, in a Smad7-dependent manner induced a nuclear accumulation of β-catenin and enhanced the transcriptional activity of β-catenin and the induction of the downstream target gene c-myc. Since β-catenin and c-Myc has been shown to promote apoptosis, our results suggests the possibility that β-catenin contributes to TGF-β-induced apoptosis

Einen Aspekt dieser Arbeit stellt die Analyse der Stimulation von Ratten-Calvaria-Osteoblasten (RCA) mit den beiden Wachstumsfaktoren TGF-b1 und BMP-4 während der Proliferations- sowie Differenzierungs- und Mineralisierungsphase dar. Hierfür soll die Phosphorylierung und Aktivierung von Erk1 und Erk2, sowie von Smad1 und Smad2 mit Hilfe eines Kinase-Aktivitätsassays sowie der Westernblot-Analyse untersucht werden. Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit soll weiterhin untersucht werden, welche Bedeutung die Wachstumsfaktoren TGF-b1 und BMP-4 auf die Aktivität der alkalischen Phosphatase (ALP), einem wichtigen Differenzierungsmarker in Osteoblasten, ausüben. Enzymatische Aktivitätsbestimmungen und zytochemische Färbung aktiver ALP sollen darüber Aufschluss geben. Weiterhin soll der Gehalt an ALP-mRNA durch PCR bestimmt werden. Ein weiteres wichtiges Ziel dieser Arbeit ist die Analyse der Bedeutung von Erk1, Erk2, Smad1 und Smad2 auf die Aktivität der ALP. Dafür sollen Inhibitoren eingesetzt werden. Die enzymatische Aktivitätsbestimmung soll darüber aufklären. Außerdem soll mit Hilfe von kurzen, doppelsträngigen RNA-Molekülen (siRNA) ein knock down der Kinasen herbeigeführt werden und dessen Auswirkung auf die Aktivität der ALP enzymatisch bestimmt werden. Dafür muss zunächst die Wirksamkeit der siRNA auf RNA-Ebene mittels PCR und auf Proteinebene mittels Westernblot-Analysen überprüft werden. Zusätzlich soll die Bedeutung der Wachstumsfaktoren und der Kinasen Erk1 und Erk2 auf die Mineralisierung der RCA analysiert werden. Dafür wird die Menge des zellassoziierten Kalziums und Phosphats experimentell bestimmt, wodurch der Mineralisationsgrad der Zellen wiedergegeben werden kann.

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