Ce travail a été mené afin de développer des systèmes polymériques particulaires chargés en facteur de croissance (TGF-β1) en vue d’une application à l’ingénierie tissulaire du cartilage. Tout d’abord, des nanoparticules d’acide poly(lactique-co-glycolique) (PLGA) ont été générées par un procédé basé sur la séparation de phase. De plus, des microparticules de PLGA ont été formées à l’aide d’un procédé d’émulsification/extraction du solvant en milieu CO2 pressurisé. L’un des avantages de ces procédés de formulation est l’utilisation de solvants injectables, non toxiques et non volatils. Les systèmes polymériques préparés ont été caractérisés et des particules sphériques à libération contrôlée ont été obtenues avec un rendement d’encapsulation satisfaisant tout en préservant l’activité biologique du facteur de croissance. Les particules chargées en TGF-β1 ont ensuite été incorporées dans un hydrogel injectable à base d’un dérivé cellulosique silanisé (Si-HPMC) contenant des cellules souches. Le biomatériau obtenu a été caractérisé en termes de morphologie, de propriétés rhéologiques et pour sa capacité à libérer le facteur de croissance. La libération contrôlée et localisée du TGF-β1 pourrait induire la survie, la prolifération ainsi que la différenciation chondrocytaire des cellules souches associées ce qui contribuerait à la régénération du cartilage. En conclusion, le biomatériau hybride élaboré au cours de ce travail possède un potentiel prometteur pour l’ingénierie tissulaire du cartilage. / The aim of this work is to develop polymeric particulate systems loaded with transforming growth factor (TGF-β1) for cartilage tissue engineering application. First, nanoparticles of PLGA (poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid) were generated using a phase separation method while PLGA microparticles were prepared by an emulsification/extraction process in CO2 medium. Interestingly, non-toxic, non-volatile injectable solvents were used in the formulation processes. The prepared polymeric systems were characterized; spherical particles with sustained release were obtained and satisfactory encapsulation efficiency was achieved with preservation of the growth factor bioactivity. TGF-β1-loaded particles were then incorporated within injectable silanized cellulose-based hydrogel (Si-HPMC) containing stem cells. The obtained biomaterial was characterized in terms of morphology, rheological properties and release study. The local and sustained release of TGF-β1 could induce survival, proliferation and differentiation of stem cells into chondrocytes which may promote cartilage regeneration. To conclude, the elaborated hybrid biomaterial has a promising potential for cartilage tissue engineering.

No description available.

TGFβ is involved in many pathological conditions, including autoimmune disorders, cancer, and cardiovascular and allergic diseases. We have previously found that TGFβ can suppress IgE-mediated mast cell activation in human and mouse mast cells in vitro. IL-33 is a recently discovered member of the IL-1 family capable of inducing mast cell responses and enhancing IgE-mediated activation. In this study, we investigated the effects of TGFβ on IL-33-mediated mast cell activation. Bone marrow-derived mast cells cultured in TGFβ -1, -2, or -3 showed reduced IL-33-mediated production of TNF, IL-6, IL-13 and MCP-1, in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, TGFβ also reduced expression of the T1/ST2 receptor as well as IL-33-mediated TAK1 and ERK phosphorylation. TGF-ß1 injection suppressed IL-33-mediated production of systemic inflammatory cytokines in vivo. The role of IL-33 in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases is incompletely understood. These findings, consistent with our previously reported effects of TGFβ on IgE-mediated activation, demonstrate that TGFβ can provide broad and substantial inhibitory signals to activated mast cells.

Introdução: Proteínas da Superfamília do fator transformador de crescimento β (TGF-β) estão implicadas na regulação de diversas funções biológicas. Embora alguns estudos revelaram a sua presença no endométrio ectópico de portadoras de adenomiose, a sua função na etiopatogenia da doença permanece pouco conhecida. Objetivo: o estudo visa comparar a expressão imuno-histoquímica de TGF-β1 no endométrio ectópico de portadoras de adenomiose com o endométrio tópico de pacientes sem essa condição. Método: Estudo de caso-controle utilizando imuno-histoquímica em amostras uterinas (blocos de parafina) do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. A amostra contém 28 casos de adenomiose e 21 controles. Resultados: Não encontramos associação entre tabagismo e adenomiose (P = 0,75), abortos e adenomiose (P = 0,29), gestações e adenomiose (P = 0,85), curetagens e adenomiose (P = 0,81), dor pélvica e adenomiose (P = 0,72) e presença de mioma e adenomiose (P = 0,15). Além disso encontramos relação entre sangramento uterino anormal (SUA) e adenomiose (P = 0,02) e cesarianas prévias e adenomiose (P = 0,02) . A expressão imuno-histoquímica de TGF-β1 no endométrio ectópico de portadoras de adenomiose não teve diferença significativa quando comparado com a expressão dessa proteína no endométrio tópico de pacientes sem adenomiose (P = 0,86). Conclusão: Nosso estudo foi um dos primeiros a comparar a expressão de TGF-β1 no endométrio de pacientes com e sem adenomiose. Em nossa análise não obtivemos diferença significativa entre os grupos, resultado diferente do encontrado em outros dois estudos. Mais estudos são necessários para investigar o papel da superfamília TGF no desenvolvimento e manutenção da adenomiose. / Background: Proteins of transforming growth factor β superfamily (TGF-β) are implicated in the regulation of various biological functions. Although some studies have revealed their presence in ectopic endometrium of women with adenomyosis, their role in the pathogenesis of the disease remains largely unknown. Objective: The study aims to compare the immunohistochemical expression of TGF- β1 in ectopic endometrium of women with adenomyosis with the topic endometrium of patients without this condition. Methods: Casecontrol study using immunohistochemistry in uterine samples (paraffin blocks) obteined from Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. The sample contained 28 adenomyosis cases and 21 controls. Results: We found no significant difference between smoking and adenomyosis (P = 0.75), abortions and adenomyosis (P = 0.29), pregnancies and adenomyosis (P = 0.85), curettage and adenomyosis (P = 0.81), pelvic pain and adenomyosis (P = 0.72) and presence of myoma and adenomyosis (P = 0.15). We did find a relationship between adenomyosis and abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) (P = 0.02) and previous cesarean section and adenomyosis (P = 0.02). Immunohistochemical expression of TGF-β1 in ectopic endometrium of women with adenomyosis did not have significant difference when compared with the expression of this protein in the topic endometrium of patients without adenomyosis (P = 0.86). Conclusion: Our study was one of the first to compare the TGF-β1 expression in the endometrium of patients with and without adenomyosis. In our analysis we have not had significant difference between the groups, unlike observed in two other studies. More studies are needed to investigate the role of TGF superfamily in the development and maintenance of adenomyosis.

Introdução: Proteínas da Superfamília do fator transformador de crescimento β (TGF-β) estão implicadas na regulação de diversas funções biológicas. Embora alguns estudos revelaram a sua presença no endométrio ectópico de portadoras de adenomiose, a sua função na etiopatogenia da doença permanece pouco conhecida. Objetivo: o estudo visa comparar a expressão imuno-histoquímica de TGF-β1 no endométrio ectópico de portadoras de adenomiose com o endométrio tópico de pacientes sem essa condição. Método: Estudo de caso-controle utilizando imuno-histoquímica em amostras uterinas (blocos de parafina) do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. A amostra contém 28 casos de adenomiose e 21 controles. Resultados: Não encontramos associação entre tabagismo e adenomiose (P = 0,75), abortos e adenomiose (P = 0,29), gestações e adenomiose (P = 0,85), curetagens e adenomiose (P = 0,81), dor pélvica e adenomiose (P = 0,72) e presença de mioma e adenomiose (P = 0,15). Além disso encontramos relação entre sangramento uterino anormal (SUA) e adenomiose (P = 0,02) e cesarianas prévias e adenomiose (P = 0,02) . A expressão imuno-histoquímica de TGF-β1 no endométrio ectópico de portadoras de adenomiose não teve diferença significativa quando comparado com a expressão dessa proteína no endométrio tópico de pacientes sem adenomiose (P = 0,86). Conclusão: Nosso estudo foi um dos primeiros a comparar a expressão de TGF-β1 no endométrio de pacientes com e sem adenomiose. Em nossa análise não obtivemos diferença significativa entre os grupos, resultado diferente do encontrado em outros dois estudos. Mais estudos são necessários para investigar o papel da superfamília TGF no desenvolvimento e manutenção da adenomiose. / Background: Proteins of transforming growth factor β superfamily (TGF-β) are implicated in the regulation of various biological functions. Although some studies have revealed their presence in ectopic endometrium of women with adenomyosis, their role in the pathogenesis of the disease remains largely unknown. Objective: The study aims to compare the immunohistochemical expression of TGF- β1 in ectopic endometrium of women with adenomyosis with the topic endometrium of patients without this condition. Methods: Casecontrol study using immunohistochemistry in uterine samples (paraffin blocks) obteined from Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. The sample contained 28 adenomyosis cases and 21 controls. Results: We found no significant difference between smoking and adenomyosis (P = 0.75), abortions and adenomyosis (P = 0.29), pregnancies and adenomyosis (P = 0.85), curettage and adenomyosis (P = 0.81), pelvic pain and adenomyosis (P = 0.72) and presence of myoma and adenomyosis (P = 0.15). We did find a relationship between adenomyosis and abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) (P = 0.02) and previous cesarean section and adenomyosis (P = 0.02). Immunohistochemical expression of TGF-β1 in ectopic endometrium of women with adenomyosis did not have significant difference when compared with the expression of this protein in the topic endometrium of patients without adenomyosis (P = 0.86). Conclusion: Our study was one of the first to compare the TGF-β1 expression in the endometrium of patients with and without adenomyosis. In our analysis we have not had significant difference between the groups, unlike observed in two other studies. More studies are needed to investigate the role of TGF superfamily in the development and maintenance of adenomyosis.

Introdução: Proteínas da Superfamília do fator transformador de crescimento β (TGF-β) estão implicadas na regulação de diversas funções biológicas. Embora alguns estudos revelaram a sua presença no endométrio ectópico de portadoras de adenomiose, a sua função na etiopatogenia da doença permanece pouco conhecida. Objetivo: o estudo visa comparar a expressão imuno-histoquímica de TGF-β1 no endométrio ectópico de portadoras de adenomiose com o endométrio tópico de pacientes sem essa condição. Método: Estudo de caso-controle utilizando imuno-histoquímica em amostras uterinas (blocos de parafina) do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. A amostra contém 28 casos de adenomiose e 21 controles. Resultados: Não encontramos associação entre tabagismo e adenomiose (P = 0,75), abortos e adenomiose (P = 0,29), gestações e adenomiose (P = 0,85), curetagens e adenomiose (P = 0,81), dor pélvica e adenomiose (P = 0,72) e presença de mioma e adenomiose (P = 0,15). Além disso encontramos relação entre sangramento uterino anormal (SUA) e adenomiose (P = 0,02) e cesarianas prévias e adenomiose (P = 0,02) . A expressão imuno-histoquímica de TGF-β1 no endométrio ectópico de portadoras de adenomiose não teve diferença significativa quando comparado com a expressão dessa proteína no endométrio tópico de pacientes sem adenomiose (P = 0,86). Conclusão: Nosso estudo foi um dos primeiros a comparar a expressão de TGF-β1 no endométrio de pacientes com e sem adenomiose. Em nossa análise não obtivemos diferença significativa entre os grupos, resultado diferente do encontrado em outros dois estudos. Mais estudos são necessários para investigar o papel da superfamília TGF no desenvolvimento e manutenção da adenomiose. / Background: Proteins of transforming growth factor β superfamily (TGF-β) are implicated in the regulation of various biological functions. Although some studies have revealed their presence in ectopic endometrium of women with adenomyosis, their role in the pathogenesis of the disease remains largely unknown. Objective: The study aims to compare the immunohistochemical expression of TGF- β1 in ectopic endometrium of women with adenomyosis with the topic endometrium of patients without this condition. Methods: Casecontrol study using immunohistochemistry in uterine samples (paraffin blocks) obteined from Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. The sample contained 28 adenomyosis cases and 21 controls. Results: We found no significant difference between smoking and adenomyosis (P = 0.75), abortions and adenomyosis (P = 0.29), pregnancies and adenomyosis (P = 0.85), curettage and adenomyosis (P = 0.81), pelvic pain and adenomyosis (P = 0.72) and presence of myoma and adenomyosis (P = 0.15). We did find a relationship between adenomyosis and abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) (P = 0.02) and previous cesarean section and adenomyosis (P = 0.02). Immunohistochemical expression of TGF-β1 in ectopic endometrium of women with adenomyosis did not have significant difference when compared with the expression of this protein in the topic endometrium of patients without adenomyosis (P = 0.86). Conclusion: Our study was one of the first to compare the TGF-β1 expression in the endometrium of patients with and without adenomyosis. In our analysis we have not had significant difference between the groups, unlike observed in two other studies. More studies are needed to investigate the role of TGF superfamily in the development and maintenance of adenomyosis.

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No. of bitstreams: 1 erickestevesdeoliveira.pdf: 1235775 bytes, checksum: d5513847048574c1ada373c0b486b859 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-02-24 / CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / CNPq - Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / FAPEMIG - Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais / Ocimum. gratissimum L. e Mentha x villosa Huds. são duas plantas aromáticas que são amplamente utilizadas no Brasil e em outros países tanto para fins terapêuticos, como na culinária. Diversas atividades farmacológicas já foram descritas para essas duas plantas e para os componentes majoritários de seus óleos essenciais, Eugenol e Óxido de Piperitenona, respectivamente. Porém ainda há a carência de estudos sobre a atividade antiproliferativa desses óleos essenciais sobre linhagens tumorais e as implicações desses compostos sobre a produção de TGF-1, uma citocina que, em tumores já estabelecidos, apresenta efeito pró-tumoral. Esse estudo visa avaliar os efeitos dos tratamentos com os óleos essenciais de O. gratissimum e M. x villosa, sobre uma linhagem de adenocarcinoma humano de pulmão produtora de TGF-1. Métodos: A viabilidade celular foi avaliada através do ensaio de MTT em linhagens de células (A549 e J774 A.1) e em macrófagos intraperitoneais tratados com 5 a 200g/mL, por 48h. O efeito dos óleos essenciais sobre o ciclo celular foi avaliado através de marcação com iodeto de propídio e quantificação das fases de ciclo celular por citometria de fluxo. A quantificação de células em SubG1 foi utilizada como parâmetro para avaliação de apoptose, que foi confirmada através da marcação de TUNEL. A produção de TGF-1 foi avaliada por ELISA. Resultados: Os dois óleos essenciais reduziram a viabilidade da linhagem celular A549 (IC50: OG:160g/mL / MV:117g/mL), os tratamentos também induziram parada do ciclo celular em S com 24h de tratamento (controle: 12,31±0,89 / OEOG: 15,70±1,15 / OEMV: 23,35±0,75) efeito já registrado para eugenol. Também houve aumento do percentual de células em SubG1 (controle: 15,05±0,71 / OEOG: 91,94±1,71 / OEMV:24,62±1,06), indicando aumento da fragmentação de DNA, um dos sinais de apoptose, que foi confirmado pelo aumento da mediana de fluorescência na marcação de TUNEL (controle:59.1±3.4 / OEOG:68.6±3.7 / OEMV:75.3±15.7). Houve redução da produção de TGF-1 nas concentrações não letais dos óleos essenciais (10 e 50g/mL). Conclusões: Esses dados demonstram o potencial indutor de apoptose e de parada de ciclo celular, desses óleos essenciais para o tratamento de tumores, sobretudo aqueles caracterizados pela produção de TGF-1, citocina importante para a sobrevivência e proliferação de células tumorais. Contudo, essa citocina desempenha papéis importantes na homeostase do organismo, e por isso são necessários estudos que avaliem o efeito sistêmico desses óleos essenciais. / Ocimum. gratissimum L. and Mentha x villosa Huds are aromatic plants largely used, in Brazil and other countries, for therapeutic and culinary purposes. Several pharmacological properties have been described for their essential oil and their major compounds: Eugenol and piperitenone oxide respectively. However, the antiproliferative effect and the blockage of the TGF-1 production are poorly understood. This cytokine contributes for the development of late-phase tumors. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the essential oils of Ocimum gratissimum and Mentha x villosa over a TGF-1 producer human lung adenocarcinoma cell line. Methodology: Viability was assessed through MTT assay, on cell lineages (A549 and J774 A.1) and intraperitoneal macrophages treated for 48h with essential oil concentrations ranging from 5 to 200g/mL. Cell cycle and SubG1 DNA amount was evaluated through propidium iodide staining followed by flow citometry analysis. TUNEL assay was used to quantify the DNA fragmentation. ELISA was performed to measure the TGF-1 production. Results: Both essential oils reduced A549 cell viability (IC50: EOOG:160g/mL / EOMV:117g/mL), there was also cell cycle arrest at S phase, after 24hours of treatment (control: 12,31±0,89 / EOOG: 15,70±1,15 / EOMV: 23,35±0,75). SubG1 DNA amount was also elevated after treatment (control: 15,05±0,71 / EOOG: 91,94±1,71 / EOMV:24,62±1,06), an indicative of DNA fragmentation, one of the apoptosis sign. This effect was confirmed by the elevated TUNEL labeling. The non-lethal concentrations of the essential oils (10 and 50g/mL) led to the reduction of TGF-1 production. Conclusion: These data indicates the apoptotic and cell cycle arrest effects of the essential oils, mainly over TGF-1 producing tumors. As this cytokine has a key role over the survival and proliferation of these cancer cells. The possible systemic effects of these treatments are yet to be evaluated, as the TGF-1 blockage may affect the maintenance of homeostasis.

Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) is a proinflammatory cytokine that induces apoptosis in a number of cell systems, including osteoblasts. Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) is an abundant growth factor that is known to stimulate bone formation. This study was designed to examine the role of TGF-β1 on TNF-α-induced apoptosis in murine osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. Total RNA was extracted from MC3T3-E1 cells treated with 20 ng/ml of TNF-α, 10 ng/ml of TGF-β1, or combination, for 6 h. TNF-α exerted a variety of effects on the apoptotic gene expression in osteoblasts. Ribonuclease protection assays (RPA) revealed that TNF-α upregulated the mRNA levels of caspase-1, -7, -11, -12, and FAS. Western blot analysis showed enhanced processing of caspase-1, -7, -11, and -12, with the appearance of their activated enzymes 24 h after TNF-α treatment. In addition, caspase-3-like activity was significantly activated following TNF-α treatment. Levels of cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase and FAS protein were also elevated by TNF-α. Finally, Hoechst staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl-transferase nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay, and oligonucleosome ELISA all indicated that TNF-α induced apoptosis. In contrast, the addition of TGF-β1 attenuated all of the aforementioned effects of TNF-α. Our results demonstrate that TGF-β1 can decrease TNF-α-induced apoptosis in murine osteoblasts at least in part by attenuating TNF-α-induced caspase gene expression.

Depending on the duration and severity, psychological tension and physical stress can enhance or suppress the immune system in both humans and animals. Although it has been established that chronic stress exerts a significant suppressive effect on immune function, the mechanisms by which affects immune responses remain elusive. By employing an in vivo murine system, we revealed that TGF-β1/Smad2/3/Foxp3 axis was remarkably activated following chronic stress. Furthermore, TLR9 and p38 MAPK played a critical role in the activation of TGF-β1/Smad2/3/Foxp3 signaling cascade. Moreover, inhibition of TGF-β1/Smad2/3/Foxp3 or p38 significantly attenuated chronic stress-induced lymphocyte apoptosis and apoptosis-related proteins, as well as the differentiation of T regulatory cells in spleen. Interestingly, disequilibrium of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines balance caused by chronic stress was also rescued by blocking TGF-β1/Smad2/3/Foxp3 axis. These findings yield insight into a novel mechanism by which chronic stress modulates immune functions and identifies new targets for the development of novel anti-immune suppressant medications.

This thesis will be organized into three chapters discussing the mechanism underlying the onset and progression of osteoarthritis (OA) in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Understanding the mechanism of OA development in the TMJ helps in understanding how OA progresses and how to treat this disease. The goal of this investigation is to examine the process of cartilage degeneration and OA biomarker expression in the TMJ to understand their role in TMJ OA onset and development.Chapter one covers mechanisms that are altered in TMJ OA during disease progression. Using animal models with different stressors such as mechanical disturbances, direct injury, and changes in the extracellular matrix composition revealed the role of the different mechanisms that are up-regulated and down regulated during cartilage destruction. Chapter two will cover a paper I wrote that introduces a novel non-invasive technique applied to mice, which induces an early onset of OA in the TMJ. I developed this technique with the aim to provide a new mouse model where the onset and progression of OA more closely mimic the natural TMJ OA progression in humans. The histopathological analysis of the cartilage demonstrates that onset of OA starts at 2 weeks after treatment induction and is aggravated by week eight. This data demonstrated the effectiveness of our technique in inducing OA in the TMJ. Chapter three will cover a second paper I wrote on the association of RAGE with the progression of OA in the TMJ of mice by using mice with and without RAGE expression. RAGE has been show to contribute to the progression of OA by releasing several pro-inflammatory and catalytic cytokines. Additionally, RAGE has been shown to modulate the expression of specific OA biomarkers, including HtrA-1, Mmp-13, and Tgf-β1 in knee cartilage. The objective of this study was to study the effect of knocking out RAGE on the expression of Mmp-1 3, HtrA-1, and Tgf-β1 in the TMJ. After histophatological and quantitative analysis of biomarkers expression, the results demonstrated for the first time that absence of RAGE expression in the TMJ provides a protective effect against development of TMJ OA in mice.