Submitted by Ana Maria Fiscina Sampaio (fiscina@bahia.fiocruz.br) on 2012-08-29T20:29:44Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Sheilla Andrade deOliveira. Estudo do potencial terapêutico de células mononucleares de medula óssea em lesões hepáticas crônicas em camundongos - UFBA-FIOCRUZ-CPqGM - Tese Doutorado.pdf: 16762445 bytes, checksum: f804f2624774de877295c8841f4ff9c1 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2012-08-29T20:29:44Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Sheilla Andrade deOliveira. Estudo do potencial terapêutico de células mononucleares de medula óssea em lesões hepáticas crônicas em camundongos - UFBA-FIOCRUZ-CPqGM - Tese Doutorado.pdf: 16762445 bytes, checksum: f804f2624774de877295c8841f4ff9c1 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007 / Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Centro de Pesquisas Gonçalo Moniz. Salvador, Bahia, Brasil / O potencial terapêutico das células-tronco em doenças hepáticas vem sendo investigado. Estudos em modelos animais têm servido de base para a realização de ensaios clínicos utilizando células de medula óssea. Embora os resultados iniciais venham sendo bastante promissores, os mecanismos envolvidos na melhora hepática ainda não estão claros e novas avaliações em modelos experimentais se fazem necessárias. O objetivo da presente investigação foi avaliar a eficácia terapêutica de células mononucleares de medula óssea em doenças hepáticas crônicas. Inicialmente estabeleceu-se cirrose hepática no camundongo C57Bl/6, pela administração de uma solução de 20% de tetracloreto de carbono (CCI4) diluído em azeite de oliva combinado com 5% de etanol (EtOR) na água. Neste estudo observamos que, após seis meses de administração dos agentes hepatotóxicos, ocorre o desenvolvimento de lesões crônicas características de cirrose hepática. O segundo modelo utilizado foi o da infecção crônica pelo Schistosoma mansoni. Uma vez estabelecidas as lesões hepáticas crônicas nos animais, os estímulos "lesivos foram retirados e células mononucleares de medula óssea (3xl07) obtidas de tíbia e fêmures de camundongos transgênicos para proteína fluorescente verde (GFP) foram infundidas. A avaliação da capacidade migratória das células infundidas, bem como das alterações ocorridas após a terapia celular foi avaliada por meio de métodos histológicos, de imunofluorescência, morfológicos e imunológicos no tecido hepático. Após a terapia celular, observamos, nos dois modelos de fibrose hepática analisados, que as células GFP+ infundidas foram capazes de migrar e permanecer nas áreas de lesão do fígado. Inicialmente estas células apresentam formas arredondadas sem adentrar o tecido fibroso. Posteriormente, estas células tendem a invadir o tecido fibroso e assumem formas fusiformes. Uma redução do tecido fibroso foi verificada no 2° mês pós-terapia, em todos os grupos que receberam a terapia celular tanto nas áreas de fibrose septal e portal, quanto nas áreas dos granulomas. Os níveis de TGF-B no tecido hepático estavam diminuídos, após a terapia celular. O número de células ovais, conhecidas como células-tronco do fígado, estava aumentado no parênquima hepático após terapia celular. Os animais esquistossomóticos tratados com células de medula óssea recuperaram parcialmente a produção de albumina, quando comparado aos animais infectados. As observações sobre a terapia celular nos dois modelos de lesão crônica dos fígados avaliados nos permitem concluir que o transplante de células mononucleares de medula óssea diminui as alterações teciduais decorrentes de agressões crônicas ao fígado e reforçam a utilização deste tratamento para pacientes portadores de lesões hepáticas crônicas. / The therapeutic potential of stem cells on chronic liver diseases has been widely investigated. Based on results obtained mainly in studies using experimental models of acute liver injury, phase I clinical trials have already been carried out in patients with chronic liver diseases using therapy with bone marrow cells. Although the initial results were promising, the mechanisms involved on improvement of hepatic function are not clear and new evaluations with experimental models akin to human chronic liver diseases are needed. The object of the present investigation was the evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy of bone marrow mononuclear cells in chronic hepatic disease models. InitialIy, a mouse model of hepatic cirrhosis was induced in C57BI/6 mice by administration of 20% carbon tetrachloride solution (CCI4) diluted in olive oil combined with 5% ethanol (EtOH) in water was established. In this study we observed the development of chronic lesions characteristic of cirrhosis afier at least 6 months of administration of the hepatotoxic agents. The second model used was hepatic fibrosis caused by chronic infection by Schistosoma mansoni. Once the chronic lesions were established, the lesion stimulus was suspended and bone marrow mononuclear cells (3x I 07) obtained from tibiae and femurs of green fluorescence protein (GFP) transgenic mice were administered. The migratory capacity of the administered celIs, as well as the alterations occurring afier the celI therapy, was evaluated by histological, immunofluorescence, morphological and immunological methods in the liver tissue. After cell therapy in both hepatic fibrosis models it was observed that administered GFP+ cells were able to migrate and remain on hepatic lesion areas. Initially those celIs presented an oval shape outside thc fibrous tissue. At latter timepoints, those cells invadcd the fibrous tissue and acquired a fusifonll shape. A reduction of fibrosis was verified after the second month oftherapy in alI groups that received the celI therapy in the granuloma areas, as welI as in areas of septal and frontal fibrosis. The levels of TGF-~ were lower after the cell therapy, with statistical significance only in schistossomotic animaIs. The number of oval cells, known as liver stem cells, was increased in hepatic parenchyma afier cell therapy. The schistossomotic animaIs treated with bone marrow celIs recovered partialIy the production of albumin when compared to infected controls. Based on our observations about cell therapy in both models of chronic liver diseases evaluated we conc1ude that bone marrow mononuclear cell transplantation decreases tissue alterations caused by chronic aggressions to the liver and reinforce the use of this therapy in patients with chronic liver lesions.

Muito se tem investido em pesquisa na compreensão dos processos e fenômenos envolvidos nas respostas imunes às infecções e, principalmente, no desenvolvimento de recursos e tecnologias a fim favorecer os avanços no tratamento da sepse. Este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos anti-inflamatórios das células-tronco mesenquimais (MSCs) quando administradas por duas diferentes vias: intraperitoneal (IP) e intravenosa (IV), determinando qual a melhor via de traramento, em modelo experimental murino de sepse. Foram utilizados 31 camundongos da linhagem C57Bl/6 para padronização do modelo de Ligadura e Perfuração do Ceco (CLP). Após os experimentos de estabelecimento do modelo, outros 60 animais foram distribuídos em nove grupos: grupo CONTROLE, grupo sepse sem tratamento (SEPSE), grupo SHAM, grupo sepse com administração de PBS via IV (SEPSE PBS IV), grupo sham com administração de PBS via IV (SHAM PBS IV), grupo sham com administração de MSCs via IV (SHAM MSC IV), grupo sham com administração de MSCs via IP (SHAM MSC IP), grupo sepse com administração de MSCs via IP (SEPSE MSC IP) e grupo sepse com administração de MSCs via IV (SEPSE MSC IV). Transcorridas 6 horas da indução da sepse pelo modelo CLP, padronizado com oclusão total do ceco seguida de uma única punctura com agulha 18G, os animais receberam o tratamento de acordo com o grupo que compunham. Após 24 horas do procedimento cirúrgico, procedeu-se a eutanásia dos animais para coleta dos órgãos, sangue e fluidos peritoneais. As amostras foram analisadas quanto aos parâmetros histológicos, hematológicos e inflamatórios, respectivamente. Com base nos resultados obtidos, foi possível concluir que: 1) O modelo CLP padronizado com oclusão total do ceco e uma punctura com agulha 18G induziu sepse aguda nos animais; 2) A administração das MSCs via IP foi atenuadamente mais eficaz na redução da concentração de leucócitos hematológicos e no quadro de trombocitopenia instalado nos animais com sepse induzida; 3) A injeção IP das MSCs diminuiu, com maior eficiência, a infiltração de células inflamatórias na região abdominal dos animais doentes. 4) As citocinas IL-6, TNF-α e IL- 10 obtiveram queda de suas concentrações séricas com a terapia nos animais dos grupos submetidos à indução da sepse. 5) O tratamento com MSCs melhorou o grau de peritonite, necrose e ulcerações observadas na histologia do ceco dos animais, com melhores resultados encontrados no grupo SEPSE MSC IP. / Much has been invested on research regarding comprehension of the processes and phenomena that are involved in immune responses to infections and mainly on resources and technologies development in order to support advances in the treatment of sepsis. This study has been performed in order to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) when administered by two different routes: intraperitoneal (IP) and intravenous (IV), to determine which is the best treatment route, in an experimental murine model of sepsis. Thirty-one C57Bl/6 strain mice have been used to standardize the Cecal Ligation and Perforation (CLP) model. After the establishment of CLP, 60 animals were allocated into nine groups: CONTROL group, sepsis group without treatment (SEPSE), SHAM group, sepsis group with intravenously administration of PBS (SEPSE PBS IV), sham group with intravenously administration of PBS (SHAM PBS IV), sham group with intravenously administration of MSCs (SHAM MSC IV), sham group with intraperitoneal administration of MSCs (SHAM MSC IP), sepsis group with intraperitoneal administration of MSCs (SEPSE MSC IP), and sepsis group with intravenously administration of MSCs (SEPSE MSC IV). 6 hours after the induction of sepsis by CLP model, standardized with total occlusion followed by a single cecal puncture with a 18G needle, the animals received the treatment according to the group they belonged to. 24 hours after the surgical procedure the animals were sacrificed in order to get the organs, blood and peritoneal fluid. The samples were analyzed for histological, haematological and inflammatory parameters, respectively. Basing on the results it was concluded that:1) The CLP model standardized with total occlusion followed by a single cecal puncture with a 18G needle induced acute sepsis in the animals; 2) The intraperitoneal administration of MSCs was slightly better in reducing the hematological concentration of leukocytes and the installed picture of thrombocytopenia in sepsis groups; 3) the intraperitoneal injection of MSCs decreased, with greater efficiency, the inflammatory cells infiltration in the abdominal cavity of sepsis groups. 4) The IL-6, TNF-α and IL-10 cytokines had their serum concentrations decline with therapy, in the groups subjected to induction of sepsis. 5) Treatment with MSCs improved the severity of peritonitis, necrosis and ulceration observed in cecum histology, with better results in the SEPSIS MSC IP group.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-03-26T13:46:57Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 texto completo.pdf: 3876616 bytes, checksum: c9c4e52759aa0a34b8a0630e1d0ae55e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-03-14 / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / Effective treatment for spinal cord injury remains subject of several studies. Cell therapy is considered an option promising for lesions of the central nervous system, particularly stem cells after experimental animal models showed the transplantation of bone marrow-derived cells results in amelioration of the functional deficit in various neurological diseases. This work evaluated the effect of an intravenous injection of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in different intervals after compressive spinal cord injury compared to treatment with methylprednisolone (MP) and no treatment. MSCs from rat bone marrow were cultivated and expanded in vitro until transplantation. Spinal cord injury was performed with 2-Fr Fogarty catheter after T9-T10 laminectomy. Animals were randomly divided into five experimental groups with 10 animals each and subjected to different treatments: group (CG), which received only PBS; MP group (GM), who received 30 mg/kg SSMP three hours after injury, group 3 hours (GCT), which received administration of MSCs three hours after induction of injury, group 3 days (G3D), received the MSC after three days of injury; and group 7 days (G7D), received MSC seven days after spinal cord injury. Animals were evaluated weekly using the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) open field locomotor test. 35 days after the lesion was performed histological evaluation. All groups treated with MSC showed better results in the motor recovery. The BBB test revealed no difference between GC and GM. In morphometric analysis, the groups treated with MSC showed minor injury area and a higher percentage of healthy tissue than other groups. No differences were observed between groups in the GM and GC analysis histology. It was found that cell therapy with MSCs contributes positively in clinical recovery and preservation of nervous tissue after compressive spinal cord injury. / O tratamento efetivo para pacientes com lesão medular é motivo de diversas pesquisas. Após a obtenção de resultados satisfatórios em vários modelos experimentais, a terapia celular é considerada uma opção promissora para lesões do sistema nervoso central, sobretudo com a utilização de células-tronco. O presente trabalho avaliou o uso de células-tronco mesenquimais (CTM) indiferenciadas em diferentes intervalos de aplicação endovenosa após lesão medular compressiva e realizou estudo comparativo com succinato sódico de metilprednisolona (SSMP) e nenhum tratamento. As CTM foram obtidas da medula óssea de ratos Wistar, cultivadas, caracterizadas e transplantadas na sexta passagem para animais com lesão medular. A lesão medular foi realizada com a introdução do cateter de Fogarty n.º 2 Fr. no espaço epidural T8 e insuflação do cuff com 50μL de salina por cinco minutos, após laminectomia das vértebras T9 e T10. Os animais foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em cinco grupos experimentais com 10 animais em cada e, submetidos a tratamentos distintos: grupo controle (GC), que recebeu aplicação de PBS; grupo metilprednisolona (GM), que recebeu 30mg/Kg de SSMP três horas após a lesão; grupo 3 horas (GCT), que recebeu administração das CTM três horas após a indução da lesão; grupo 3 dias (G3D), que recebeu as CTM após três dias da lesão; grupo 7 dias (G7D), que recebeu as CTM após sete dias da lesão medular. Foi realizada avaliação motora com a escala de Basso-Beattie-Bresnehan (BBB), semanalmente, até o 35º dia após a lesão. Em seguida, foi realizada avaliação histológica da área de lesão e percentual de área preservada nos fragmentos craniais e caudais à área de lesão macroscópica e no fragmento contendo a lesão macroscópica. Os três grupos tratados com as CTM apresentaram melhores índices de recuperação da função motora na escala de BBB, estatisticamente diferentes dos grupos GC e GM. Não foi observada diferença estatística entre os grupos GC e GM quanto à recuperação motora, através dos índices da escala de BBB. Na avaliação histológica, os grupos tratados com as CTM exibiram menor área de lesão e maior percentual de tecido nervoso preservado que os outros grupos. Não foi observada diferenças entre os grupos GM e GC na análise histológica. Constatou-se que a terapia celular com CTM derivadas da medula óssea de ratos Wistar contribui positivamente na melhora clínica e na preservação do tecido nervoso após lesão medular compressiva.

Muito se tem investido em pesquisa na compreensão dos processos e fenômenos envolvidos nas respostas imunes às infecções e, principalmente, no desenvolvimento de recursos e tecnologias a fim favorecer os avanços no tratamento da sepse. Este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos anti-inflamatórios das células-tronco mesenquimais (MSCs) quando administradas por duas diferentes vias: intraperitoneal (IP) e intravenosa (IV), determinando qual a melhor via de traramento, em modelo experimental murino de sepse. Foram utilizados 31 camundongos da linhagem C57Bl/6 para padronização do modelo de Ligadura e Perfuração do Ceco (CLP). Após os experimentos de estabelecimento do modelo, outros 60 animais foram distribuídos em nove grupos: grupo CONTROLE, grupo sepse sem tratamento (SEPSE), grupo SHAM, grupo sepse com administração de PBS via IV (SEPSE PBS IV), grupo sham com administração de PBS via IV (SHAM PBS IV), grupo sham com administração de MSCs via IV (SHAM MSC IV), grupo sham com administração de MSCs via IP (SHAM MSC IP), grupo sepse com administração de MSCs via IP (SEPSE MSC IP) e grupo sepse com administração de MSCs via IV (SEPSE MSC IV). Transcorridas 6 horas da indução da sepse pelo modelo CLP, padronizado com oclusão total do ceco seguida de uma única punctura com agulha 18G, os animais receberam o tratamento de acordo com o grupo que compunham. Após 24 horas do procedimento cirúrgico, procedeu-se a eutanásia dos animais para coleta dos órgãos, sangue e fluidos peritoneais. As amostras foram analisadas quanto aos parâmetros histológicos, hematológicos e inflamatórios, respectivamente. Com base nos resultados obtidos, foi possível concluir que: 1) O modelo CLP padronizado com oclusão total do ceco e uma punctura com agulha 18G induziu sepse aguda nos animais; 2) A administração das MSCs via IP foi atenuadamente mais eficaz na redução da concentração de leucócitos hematológicos e no quadro de trombocitopenia instalado nos animais com sepse induzida; 3) A injeção IP das MSCs diminuiu, com maior eficiência, a infiltração de células inflamatórias na região abdominal dos animais doentes. 4) As citocinas IL-6, TNF-α e IL- 10 obtiveram queda de suas concentrações séricas com a terapia nos animais dos grupos submetidos à indução da sepse. 5) O tratamento com MSCs melhorou o grau de peritonite, necrose e ulcerações observadas na histologia do ceco dos animais, com melhores resultados encontrados no grupo SEPSE MSC IP. / Much has been invested on research regarding comprehension of the processes and phenomena that are involved in immune responses to infections and mainly on resources and technologies development in order to support advances in the treatment of sepsis. This study has been performed in order to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) when administered by two different routes: intraperitoneal (IP) and intravenous (IV), to determine which is the best treatment route, in an experimental murine model of sepsis. Thirty-one C57Bl/6 strain mice have been used to standardize the Cecal Ligation and Perforation (CLP) model. After the establishment of CLP, 60 animals were allocated into nine groups: CONTROL group, sepsis group without treatment (SEPSE), SHAM group, sepsis group with intravenously administration of PBS (SEPSE PBS IV), sham group with intravenously administration of PBS (SHAM PBS IV), sham group with intravenously administration of MSCs (SHAM MSC IV), sham group with intraperitoneal administration of MSCs (SHAM MSC IP), sepsis group with intraperitoneal administration of MSCs (SEPSE MSC IP), and sepsis group with intravenously administration of MSCs (SEPSE MSC IV). 6 hours after the induction of sepsis by CLP model, standardized with total occlusion followed by a single cecal puncture with a 18G needle, the animals received the treatment according to the group they belonged to. 24 hours after the surgical procedure the animals were sacrificed in order to get the organs, blood and peritoneal fluid. The samples were analyzed for histological, haematological and inflammatory parameters, respectively. Basing on the results it was concluded that:1) The CLP model standardized with total occlusion followed by a single cecal puncture with a 18G needle induced acute sepsis in the animals; 2) The intraperitoneal administration of MSCs was slightly better in reducing the hematological concentration of leukocytes and the installed picture of thrombocytopenia in sepsis groups; 3) the intraperitoneal injection of MSCs decreased, with greater efficiency, the inflammatory cells infiltration in the abdominal cavity of sepsis groups. 4) The IL-6, TNF-α and IL-10 cytokines had their serum concentrations decline with therapy, in the groups subjected to induction of sepsis. 5) Treatment with MSCs improved the severity of peritonitis, necrosis and ulceration observed in cecum histology, with better results in the SEPSIS MSC IP group.

Les données cliniques supportent le concept et offrent l’espoir que la thérapie cellulaire trouvera sa place parmi les stratégies thérapeutiques des pathologies hépatiques. Cependant deux obstacles majeurs limitent l'étendue de son application clinique: la faible disponibilité d’hépatocytes humains de qualité et en quantité importante, et une faible efficacité de greffe conduisant à une survie et une fonctionnalité seulement à court terme. L’objectif de ce travail était de développer des modèles animaux d’insuffisance hépatique après hépatectomie et d’analyser la réponse régénérative après transplantation de progéniteurs hépatiques humains isolés et caractérisés dans 2 laboratoires de recherche (INSERM U1040 Montpellier et laboratoire PEDI UCL Bruxelles), en comparaison à des hépatocytes fraichement isolés.Le premier modèle consistait à réaliser une hépatectomie de 30% chez des souris NOD SCID, associée à l’injection préalable de rétrorsine (blocage de la prolifération cellulaire endogène) et d’injecter dans le même temps directement dans le parenchyme 1 million de cellules progénitrices exprimant constitutivement le gène rapporteur Luciférase. Les résultats ont montré la bonne implantation des cellules jusqu’à 1 mois après l’injection avec une différenciation fonctionnelle des cellules mise en évidence par la sécrétion d’albumine humaine dans le sang circulant des animaux.Le deuxième modèle consistait à réaliser une hépatectomie large de 70% chez des souris immunodéprimées RAG 2-/- γ-/- pour augmenter la souffrance hépatocellulaire et à comparer deux timing d’injection (voie intrasplénique) des cellules progénitrices génétiquement marquées avec la Green Fluorescent Protein. Les résultats ont montré une meilleure tolérance clinique (moins de mortalité) et une plus grande quantité de cellules implantées lorsque l’injection était réalisée 48h après l’hépatectomie. La régénération hépatique endogène était plus importante et plus rapide chez les souris injectées avec les progéniteurs qu’avec les hépatocytes primaires, suggérant un effet paracrine bénéfique de ces cellules.Ces travaux ont mis en évidence la possibilité d’utiliser ces cellules progénitrices comme alternative aux hépatocytes avec des propriétés régénératrices certaines mais soulèvent les problèmes d’implantation de ces cellules qui reste faible dans des foies hépatectomisés remaniés. Définir le meilleur environnement pour favoriser la survie, la fonctionnalité et éventuellement l’intégration effective des cellules transplantées reste une question clé pour avancer dans cette voie.En parallèle de ces travaux de recherche, un projet de recherche clinique de biothérapie a été développé et accepté pour transplanter des hépatocytes frais humains en intrahépatique chez des patients ayant une insuffisance hépatocellulaire terminale (hépatite alcoolique aigue, cirrhose grave, après résection hépatique large). Il devrait débuter fin 2013. / Clinical data support the concept and offer the hope that cell therapy will find its place among the therapeutic strategies in liver diseases. However, two major obstacles limit the scope of its clinical application: the limited availability of human hepatocytes quality and in large quantities, and low efficiency leading to graft survival and only a short-term functionality. The objective of this work was to develop animal models of liver failure after hepatectomy and analyze the regenerative response after transplantation of human hepatic progenitors isolated and characterized in two research laboratories (INSERM U1040 Montpellier laboratory PEDI UCL Brussels) compared to freshly isolated hepatocytes.The first model was to achieve a 30% hepatectomy in mice NOD SCID associated with prior injection retrorsine (blocking of endogenous cellular proliferation) and injected at the same time directly into the parenchyma 1 million progenitor cells constitutively expressing the luciferase reporter gene. The results showed good cell implantation until 1 month after injection with a functional differentiation as evidenced by secretion of human albumin in the circulating blood cells of animals.The second model was to achieve a wide 70% hepatectomy in mice immunocompromised RAG 2 - / - γ-/ - to increase the suffering hepatocellular comparing two injection timing (channel intrasplenically) progenitor cells genetically marked with the Green Fluorescent Protein. The results showed better clinical tolerance (less mortality) and a greater amount of implanted when the injection was performed 48 hours after hepatectomy cells. Endogenous hepatic regeneration was greater and faster in mice injected with the progenitors with primary hepatocytes, suggesting a beneficial paracrine effect of these cells.These studies have highlighted the possibility of using these progenitor cells as an alternative to hepatocytes with regenerative properties but raise some problems implementing these cells remains low in hepatectomized livers reworked. Define the Define the best environment to promote the survival, function and possibly the effective integration of transplanted cells remains a key issue for progress in this direction.In parallel with this research, a clinical research project biotherapy was developed and agreed to transplant human hepatocytes in intrahepatic costs in patients with terminal liver failure (acute alcoholic hepatitis, severe cirrhosis, after extensive liver resection). It should begin in late 2013.

Muito se tem investido em pesquisa na compreensão dos processos e fenômenos envolvidos nas respostas imunes às infecções e, principalmente, no desenvolvimento de recursos e tecnologias a fim favorecer os avanços no tratamento da sepse. Este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos anti-inflamatórios das células-tronco mesenquimais (MSCs) quando administradas por duas diferentes vias: intraperitoneal (IP) e intravenosa (IV), determinando qual a melhor via de traramento, em modelo experimental murino de sepse. Foram utilizados 31 camundongos da linhagem C57Bl/6 para padronização do modelo de Ligadura e Perfuração do Ceco (CLP). Após os experimentos de estabelecimento do modelo, outros 60 animais foram distribuídos em nove grupos: grupo CONTROLE, grupo sepse sem tratamento (SEPSE), grupo SHAM, grupo sepse com administração de PBS via IV (SEPSE PBS IV), grupo sham com administração de PBS via IV (SHAM PBS IV), grupo sham com administração de MSCs via IV (SHAM MSC IV), grupo sham com administração de MSCs via IP (SHAM MSC IP), grupo sepse com administração de MSCs via IP (SEPSE MSC IP) e grupo sepse com administração de MSCs via IV (SEPSE MSC IV). Transcorridas 6 horas da indução da sepse pelo modelo CLP, padronizado com oclusão total do ceco seguida de uma única punctura com agulha 18G, os animais receberam o tratamento de acordo com o grupo que compunham. Após 24 horas do procedimento cirúrgico, procedeu-se a eutanásia dos animais para coleta dos órgãos, sangue e fluidos peritoneais. As amostras foram analisadas quanto aos parâmetros histológicos, hematológicos e inflamatórios, respectivamente. Com base nos resultados obtidos, foi possível concluir que: 1) O modelo CLP padronizado com oclusão total do ceco e uma punctura com agulha 18G induziu sepse aguda nos animais; 2) A administração das MSCs via IP foi atenuadamente mais eficaz na redução da concentração de leucócitos hematológicos e no quadro de trombocitopenia instalado nos animais com sepse induzida; 3) A injeção IP das MSCs diminuiu, com maior eficiência, a infiltração de células inflamatórias na região abdominal dos animais doentes. 4) As citocinas IL-6, TNF-α e IL- 10 obtiveram queda de suas concentrações séricas com a terapia nos animais dos grupos submetidos à indução da sepse. 5) O tratamento com MSCs melhorou o grau de peritonite, necrose e ulcerações observadas na histologia do ceco dos animais, com melhores resultados encontrados no grupo SEPSE MSC IP. / Much has been invested on research regarding comprehension of the processes and phenomena that are involved in immune responses to infections and mainly on resources and technologies development in order to support advances in the treatment of sepsis. This study has been performed in order to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) when administered by two different routes: intraperitoneal (IP) and intravenous (IV), to determine which is the best treatment route, in an experimental murine model of sepsis. Thirty-one C57Bl/6 strain mice have been used to standardize the Cecal Ligation and Perforation (CLP) model. After the establishment of CLP, 60 animals were allocated into nine groups: CONTROL group, sepsis group without treatment (SEPSE), SHAM group, sepsis group with intravenously administration of PBS (SEPSE PBS IV), sham group with intravenously administration of PBS (SHAM PBS IV), sham group with intravenously administration of MSCs (SHAM MSC IV), sham group with intraperitoneal administration of MSCs (SHAM MSC IP), sepsis group with intraperitoneal administration of MSCs (SEPSE MSC IP), and sepsis group with intravenously administration of MSCs (SEPSE MSC IV). 6 hours after the induction of sepsis by CLP model, standardized with total occlusion followed by a single cecal puncture with a 18G needle, the animals received the treatment according to the group they belonged to. 24 hours after the surgical procedure the animals were sacrificed in order to get the organs, blood and peritoneal fluid. The samples were analyzed for histological, haematological and inflammatory parameters, respectively. Basing on the results it was concluded that:1) The CLP model standardized with total occlusion followed by a single cecal puncture with a 18G needle induced acute sepsis in the animals; 2) The intraperitoneal administration of MSCs was slightly better in reducing the hematological concentration of leukocytes and the installed picture of thrombocytopenia in sepsis groups; 3) the intraperitoneal injection of MSCs decreased, with greater efficiency, the inflammatory cells infiltration in the abdominal cavity of sepsis groups. 4) The IL-6, TNF-α and IL-10 cytokines had their serum concentrations decline with therapy, in the groups subjected to induction of sepsis. 5) Treatment with MSCs improved the severity of peritonitis, necrosis and ulceration observed in cecum histology, with better results in the SEPSIS MSC IP group.

Na espécie equina, as enfermidades osteoarticulares causam prejuízo econômico e impacto negativo no desempenho atlético, devido aos danos causados na cartilagem articular. A regeneração da cartilagem hialina e a manutenção da integridade das estruturas que a compõe norteiam a busca do tratamento ideal. Neste contexto, este estudo foi delineado com o objetivo de investigar a presença de células-tronco mesenquimais (CTMs) no líquido sinovial (LS) e na membrana sinovial (MS) de equinos com articulações hígidas, com osteocondrite dissecante (OCD) e com osteoartrite (OA) e compará-las, visando estabelecer qual fonte celular possui melhor característica fenotípica e capacidade de diferenciação celular, mais especificamente, aquela que seja superior em relação à capacidade condrogênica. Foram utilizados equinos machos e fêmeas de diferentes idades, totalizando 97 articulações. O LS e MS foram coletados durante artroscopia e as células foram cultivadas, e avaliadas por citometria de fluxo com os anticorpos CD44, CD90, CD105, CD34; e por imunocitoquímica com os anticorpos nanog, oct4, PGP 9.5, lisozima, vimentina e citoqueratina. Adicionalmente, o potencial de diferenciação das células foi avaliado para as linhagens condrogênica, osteogênica e adipogênica. Foi realizado teste de tumorigenicidade em camundongos Balb-Cnu/nu, para comprovar aplicabilidade clínica, e posteriormente, as CTMs provenientes de LS de articulações hígidas foram aplicadas em articulações de equinos. A identidade das células foi comprovada durante o cultivo demonstrando características de adesão ao plástico e morfologia fibroblastóide. A média percentual das populações positivas para CD90 foi de 64,9% (LS-H), 48,3% (LS-OCD), 48,1% (LS-OA), 66,6% (MS-H), 40,2% (MS-OCD) e 40,3% (MS-OA). A porcentagem de células positivas para CD44 foi de 1,18% (LS-H), 3,98% (LS-OCD), 14,2% (LS-OA), 1,9% (MS-H), 2,17% (MS-OCD) 8,56% (MS-OA). Não foi observada expressão dos anticorpos CD34 e CD105. Na análise imunocitoquímica foi detectada expressão positiva para os anticorpos: lisozima, PGP 9.5, PCNA e vimentina, e negativa para nanog, oct4 e citoqueratina. A multipotência (osteogênica, condrogênica e adipogênica) das células foi confirmada através da coloração Alizarin Red para detecção de matriz de cálcio, Oil Red O para detecção de gotículas de gordura e azul de toluidina, alcian blue e hematoxilina eosina para detecção de matriz de proteoglicanos. Com relação aos resultados do teste tumorigênico, nenhum órgão dos camundongos foi afetado, assegurando a aplicabilidade das células estudadas. Ainda, as articulações de equinos tratadas, não apresentaram quaisquer sinais de reação inflamatória após aplicação de células alogênicas. Por fim, concluímos que, a fenotipagem positiva de CD44 e CD90 somada à capacidade de diferenciação nas linhagens osteogênica e condrogênica confirma a presença de CTMs nas populações celulares obtidas de LS e MS de equinos. Também foi observado que as células de LS provenientes de articulações hígidas, são as de melhor utilização clínica, uma vez que apresentaram maior expressão de CD90 e demonstraram melhor capacidade de diferenciação celular em relação às células derivadas de articulações enfermas. Além disso, possuem método mais fácil de colheita em relação à colheita de MS, visando futura terapia celular na rotina clínica / In the equine species, osteoarticular diseases cause significant economic losses and negative impact on equine athletic performance. The hyaline cartilage regeneration and the maintenance of integrity of its components guide the search for the ideal treatment. In this scenario, this study aimed to investigate the presence of mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs) in the synovial fluid (SF) and in the synovial membrane (SM) of healthy equine joints, osteoarthritic (OA) and osteochondritic joints (OCD), comparing their potential as cellular sources, according to their differentiation ability, in particular with superior chondrogenic potential and the phenotypic characteristics of the MSCs. Ninety-seven equine joints from males and females of different ages were used to harvest cells. SF and SM were obtained during arthroscopy and the cells SF and SM were cultured and assessed for CD90, CD44, CD105 and CD34 markers by flow cytometry, and nanog, oct4, PGP 9.5, lyzozyme, vimentin and cytokeratin were assessed by immunocytochemistry. Additionally, cells were evaluated in vitro for their osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation potential. The tumorigenicity test was carried in Balb-C nu/nu mice, to verify the safety of cell sources and, later, mesenchymal stem cells harvested from healthy equine joints were injected into equine joints. The identity of these cells was confirmed during cell growth, through properties of plastic adhesion and fibroblastoid morphology. The mean percentage of CD90 positive cells was 64.9% (SF-H), 48.3% (SF-OCD), 48.1% (SF-OA), 66.6% (SM-H), 40.2% (SM- OCD) and 40.3% (SM-OA). The percentage of CD44 positive cells was 1.18 % (SF-H), 3.98% (SF-OCD), 14.2% (SF-OA), 1.9% (SM-H), 2.17% (SM-OCD) and 8.56% (SM-OA). The expression of CD34 and CD105 antibodies was not observed. Through immunocytochemical analysis, expression for lysozyme, PGP9.5, PCNA e vimentin antibodies was detected and negative expression for nanog, oct4 e cytokeratin was observed. The multipotent capacity of mesenchymal stromal cells for lineage differentiation (osteogenic, chondrogenoic and adipogenic) was confirmed with different staining techniques: Alizarin Red enabled detection of the calcium matrix, Oil Red O enabled the detection of fat droplets and Toluidin Blue, Alcian Blue and haematoxylin eosin enabled detection of proteoglycan matrix. Results of tumorigenic tests in mice showed no compromise of any internal organ, assuring applicability of the studied cells. Furthermore, equine joints treated with MSC harvested from healthy joints did not show any signs of an inflammatory reaction after injection of the allogeneic cells. The presence of cells with positive CD44 and CD90 phenotypes and with the ability to differentiate into osteogenic and chondrogenic lineages confirms the presence of MSCs in equine SF and SM. Cells obtained from healthy SF were more suitable for clinical application, for they presented higher CD90 expression and demonstrated greater differentiation capabilities, when compared to that of cells retrieved from compromised joints. In addition to that, SF derived cells are easier to obtain when compared to SM cells, aiming their future application clinical

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / Acute and Chronic renal diseases have a high morbidity and mortality. There is a good deal of interest in MSC-based approaches for the treatment of Kidney injury, thanks to positive preclinical results and the strong clinical need for novel therapies to treat Acute Kidney Injury. Several routes of administration have been tested and have shown a better response when applied arterially. The main goal of this study was to describe and to compare the use of Fogarty thru-lumen embolectomy catheter with angiographic catheter by using conventional radiology as a guide. We used seven healthy dogs to measure the diameter of the aorta caudal to the renal arteries and right and left femoral and renal arteries. It was assessed the number of attempts for the placement of the introducer, number of radiographic studies to carry out nefrography with both cathethers. In five out of seven animals it was possible to place of the introducer tube 6F. Regarding the number of radiographic films used, the technique with the angiographic catheter needed more than the Fogarty when accessed both arteries, but there is no significant difference when compared to the Fogarty with access to only one renal artery. There was hematoma formation in three animals. The access of the renal artery for drug delivery and cell therapy is possible using both Fogarty thru-lumen embolectomy catheter and angiographic catheter by conventional radiology as a guide, however, we considered the Fogarty catheter easier to be applied, since only one procedure can be performed to access both renal arteries, thus making it less expensive and faster to run. If access to only one renal artery is require, the angiographic catheter would be recommended, since cell therapy would be administered more selectively in the target kidney. / A insuficiência renal aguda e crônica são doenças com altos índices de morbidade e mortalidade. O interesse na utilização de células tronco mesenquimais após um insulto renal tem sido crescente, devido ao indício de efeitos positivos em estudos pré-clínicos e a necessidade de novas terapias para tratar lesão renal aguda. Diversas vias de administração já foram testadas, sendo observado que a aplicação na artéria renal é a via de escolha pela sua melhora mais significativa na função renal. Diante disso o objetivo desse estudo foi descrever e comparar a utilização do cateter Fogarty de embolectomia duplo lúmen com o cateter angiográfico utilizando radiologia convencional. Utilizaram-se sete cães hígidos nos quais foram avaliados os diâmetros da aorta caudal às artérias renais e das artérias femorais e renais direita e esquerda. Quantificou-se o número de tentativas para colocação do introdutor e de estudos radiográficos para a realização de nefrografia com ambos cateteres. Em cinco dos sete animais foi possível a realização do acesso vascular pela artéria renal. Quanto ao número de estudos radiográficos, a técnica com o cateter angiográfico precisou de maior número do que o Fogarty quando se acessou ambas artérias, no entanto não houve diferença significativa quando comparou-se o Fogarty com o acesso de apenas uma artéria renal. Houve a formação de hematoma em três animais. O acesso da artéria renal para administração de fármacos e terapia celular é possível utilizando-se tanto o cateter Fogarty duplo lúmen quanto o Angiográfico por meio de radiologia convencional como guia, no entanto, considerou-se o cateter Fogarty o cateter de escolha, visto que em apenas um procedimento consegue-se realizar o acesso de ambas artérias renais, tornando-se dessa forma menos dispendioso e mais rápido de ser executado. Caso seja necessário o acesso de apenas uma artéria renal, sugere-se a utilização do cateter angiográfico, uma vez que a terapia celular seria administrada mais seletivamente no rim alvo.

Le polyomavirus BK est un virus très prévalent qui demeure normalement en phase de latence dans l’uroépithélium sans entrainer de complications. Chez les greffés rénaux, il peut cependant se réactiver et mener à une néphropathie pouvant nuire à la survie du greffon. L’immunité du receveur est la pierre angulaire de la prévention et du traitement de cette néphropathie, puisque le seul traitement démontré efficace est une diminution de l’immunosuppression. Cependant, une augmentation non spécifique de l’immunité augmente également le risque de rejet. Notre objectif était donc d’adapter et de valider un protocole transférable en clinique d’immunothérapie adoptive antivirale nous permettant de produire des lignées de lymphocytes T BKvirus spécifiques à partir du sang de patients greffés virémiques, afin de prévenir et traiter ces néphropathies. Nous avons tout d’abord comparé les lignées cellulaires produites à partir de donneurs sains à celles de patients immunosupprimés soumis à une immunosuppression chronique. Par la suite, nous avons adapté le protocole en ajoutant une stimulation à l’aide de cellules dendritiques afin de maximiser l’expansion cellulaire, le statut de différentiation et la spécificité. Bien que les lignées étaient polyclonales, elles n’ont pas démontré de potentiel alloréactif in vivo et in vitro, et ce, malgré une persistance et une prolifération in vivo. Nous avons donc élaboré un protocole qui est prêt à être transféré en étude clinique de phase I/II et qui pourrait nous permettre de prévenir et traiter la néphropathie associée au polyomavirus BK, sans augmenter le risque de rejet. / More than 75% of the population has been exposed to BK polyomavirus and carries latent virus in the uroepithelium without any complications. However, it can reactivates in kidney transplant recipients (KTR) and lead to a nephropathy affecting graft survival. Recipient anti-viral immunity is the cornerstone of BK-virus associated nephropathy prevention and treatment and thus, reduction of immunosuppression is the only well-accepted treatment. Adoptive immunotherapy is a promising solution to this problem, allowing a specific T cell mediated response against this virus without the alloreactive risk. It was demonstrated efficacious for other viral infections in immunocompromised hosts but it has not been used in this specific context. Our objective was to adapt and validate a clinical-compliant protocol to obtain BK-specific T cell lines from viremic KTR and to compare their expansion, differentiation and specificity to ones obtained from healthy donors. Although comparable specificity and differentiation status, cell expansions form KTR were not systematically sufficient for a therapeutic dose. The addition of a stimulation with dendritic cells improved cell expansion in addition to favors a central memory phenotype and refined BKspecificity. Despite polyclonality, T cell lines didn’t demonstrated alloreactivity in a chromium release assay and in vivo. Furthermore, T cell lines could persist and proliferates in vivo. This protocol is ready for a phase I/II clinical trial. This opens the possibility to solve the current conundrum and treat PVAN without increasing rejection risk.

幹細胞療法是近年的研究熱點之一，然而幹細胞在組織修復中的實際應用受到移植後幹細胞存活率低的制約，約80% 的幹細胞在移植至組織後不能存活。 人類臍帶血管周皮 (HUCPV) 幹細胞為多功能間充質幹細胞移植提供豐富的細胞來源。 在合適的誘導環境下，它們具有向多種間充質細胞系分化的能力。 與從骨髓或臍帶血中提取的間充質幹細胞比較，人類臍帶血管周皮幹細胞的體外增殖更為容易。 在本研究中，我們從人類臍帶血管周圍組織中分離人類臍帶血管周皮幹細胞，並採用流式細胞技術分選細胞表面標記物CD34、CD45呈陰性同時CD44 、CD90、 CD105、 CD146呈陽性的HUCPV細胞。HUCPV細胞在體外培養以及三維支架的環境下具有分化為骨和軟骨的能力。 / 在本研究中，我們主要研究腦和生殖器官表達基因（BRE）在HUCPV細胞中的功能。 BRE蛋白與其他已知蛋白的同源性均不高，目前尚未鑑定出任何功能性的結構域。 至今為止，BRE基因的已知功能大多數是通過對腫瘤模型的研究發現的。 據報導，BRE能夠提高DNA損傷的腫瘤細胞的存活率，但BRE在幹細胞中的作用仍不清楚。 我們發現，當HUCPV細胞分化後，其BRE的表達水平降低。 此外，利用BRE-siRNA降低HUCPV細胞中BRE基因的表達，能夠促進HUCPV細胞向骨和軟骨分化的進程。 因此，我們假設BRE對維持HUCPV細胞的幹細胞功能具有重要的作用。 由於經過BRE基因沉默處理的HUCPV細胞與對照組相比並無顯著的表型差別，我們採用微陣列（microarray）以及比較蛋白組學的方法研究兩者間的區別，從而找出BRE基因的功能以及可能涉及BRE的信號通路。 / 通過微陣列技術，我們深入地分析了BRE基因表達沉默後HUCPV細胞的轉錄組。 在經過BRE基因沉默處理的HUCPV細胞中，我們發現與維持幹細胞多向分化潛能有關的OCT4、 FGF5和FOXO1A等基因的表達顯著下調。 另外，BRE基因的沉默能夠影響表觀遺傳調控基因以及TGF-β 信號通路組成部件的表達，而TGF -β 信號通路是維持幹細胞自我更新的重要通路。 這些結果提示，BRE作為一個重要的調控因子，在維持HUCPV細胞的多向分化潛能的同時能夠防止細胞分化。 / 在比較蛋白組學的研究中，我們發現BRE基因的沉默能夠降低細胞骨架結合蛋白的表達，例如actin, annexin II 及 tropomyosin。 此外，我們利用免疫共沉澱的方法證明了BRE蛋白與actin及 annexin II蛋白直接結合。 細胞骨架的改變可能為HUCPV細胞的分化提供了一個有利的環境，因而BRE基因的沉默能夠促進HUCPV細胞向骨和軟骨分化。 支持這一推論的其中一個依據是Lim et al., 2000; Solursh, 1989; Zhang et al., 2006，文獻報導肌動蛋白多聚化抑製劑能夠促進軟骨形成的過程。 綜上所述，本研究為進一步研究BRE基因在HUCPV細胞中的功能以及與BRE直接作用的蛋白打下了基礎。 / Stem cells therapy has gained considerable attention in recent years. However, the practical use of stem cells for tissue repair has been hindered due to their low survival rate after grafting into tissues, for approximately 80% of the stem cells died after implantation. Human umbilical cord perivascular (HUCPV) stem cells offer a new and rich resource of multipotent mesenchymal stem cells. These cells possess the ability to differentiate into various mesenchymal cell lineages when induced. HUCPV cells can be more easily amplified in culture than mesenchymal stem cells extracted from bone marrow or umbilical cord blood. In this study, HUCPV cells were isolated from the perivascular regions of human umbilical cords. The HUCPV cells were sorted using flow cytometer for CD34⁻, CD44⁺, CD45⁻, CD90⁺, CD105⁺ and CD146⁺ surface markers. These HUCPV cells were found to be capable of differentiating into osteogenic lineage in monolayer culture and chondrogenic lineage in pellet culture. These cells were also found to be capable of differentiating into osteogenic and chondrogenic lineage in silk fibroin which acted as three-dimensional scaffolds for the cells to grow on. / The function of the Brain and Reproductive Organ-Expressed (BRE) gene in the context of HUCPV cells was investigated. The BRE protein shares no homology with any other known gene products and contains no known functional domain. To date, most of what we know about the function of this gene has been conducted in the tumor model. It has been reported that BRE can enhance the cellular survival of cancer cells following DNA damage. The role of BRE in stem cells has never been examined. We have established that BRE expression was down-regulated when HUCPV cells started to differentiate. In addition, silencing BRE expression, using BRE-siRNA, in HUCPV cells could accelerate osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation. Hence, we hypothesized that BRE played an important role in maintaining the stemness of HUCPV cells. Because there was a lack of phenotypic difference between the BRE-silenced HUCPV cells and cells transfected with the control-siRNA, we decided to profile these cells using microarray and proteomic analyses. The aim was to elucidate the function of the BRE gene and establish whether BRE was involved in any signaling pathways. / In the microarray analysis, we examined the transcriptome of HUCPV cells in response to BRE-silencing in depth. Amongst the genes that we identified were significantly down-regulated by BRE-silencing and involved in the maintenance of pluripotency in ES cells were OCT4, FGF5 and FOXO1A. BRE-silencing also altered the expression of epigenetic genes and also components of the TGF-β signaling pathway. This pathway is crucially involved in maintaining stem cell self-renewal. Therefore, we propose that BRE acts like a modulator that promotes stemness and at the same time inhibits the differentiation of HUCPV cells. / In the comparative proteomic study, BRE-silencing resulted in decreased expression patterns of cytoskeletal binding proteins such as actin, annexin II and tropomyosin. In addition, co-immunoprecipitation experiments revealed that the BRE protein can bind directly with actin and annexin II. It is possible that altering the cytoskeleton may provide a favorable environment for HUCPV cells to differentiate. This may explain why we were able to accelerate osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation following BRE-silencing. In support of the view, it has been reported that chondrogenesis could be enhanced after cells have been treated with actin polymerization inhibitors (Lim et al., 2000; Solursh, 1989; Zhang et al., 2006). In sum, our studies provide an insight into the function of the BRE gene in HUCPV cells and the proteins that BRE can directly act on. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Chen, Elve. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2012. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 135-159). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstract also in Chinese. / Thesis/Assessment Committee --- p.i / Abstract --- p.ii / 摘要 --- p.v / Acknowledgements --- p.viii / List of Figures --- p.ix / List of Tables --- p.xiii / Table of Abbreviations --- p.xiv / Contents --- p.xviii / Chapter 1 --- p.1 / Literature Review --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Stem cells --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) --- p.2 / Chapter 1.3 --- Epiblast-derived stem (EpiS) cells --- p.2 / Chapter 1.4 --- Somatic stem cells (SSCs) --- p.3 / Chapter 1.5 --- Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells --- p.5 / Chapter 1.6 --- Human umbilical cord perivascular (HUCPV) cells --- p.7 / Chapter 1.7 --- CD146 --- p.8 / Chapter 1.8 --- Stem cell senescence --- p.9 / Chapter 1.9 --- Brain and reproductive organ-expressed (BRE) protein --- p.12 / Chapter 1.10 --- Stem cell self-renewal --- p.14 / Chapter 1.11 --- Apoptosis --- p.16 / Chapter 1.12 --- Stem cell niche --- p.21 / Chapter 1.13 --- Stem cell homing --- p.22 / Chapter 1.14 --- Objective --- p.22 / Chapter 2 --- p.24 / Accelerated osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation of HUCPV cells by modulating the expression of BRE --- p.24 / Chapter 2.1 --- Introduction --- p.24 / Chapter 2.2 --- Rationale --- p.27 / Chapter 2.3 --- Materials and Methods --- p.27 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Extraction of HUCPV cells from umbilical cord --- p.27 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Cell culture condition --- p.28 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Flow cytometry analysis and cell sorting --- p.28 / Chapter 2.3.4 --- In vitro osteogenic differentiation --- p.29 / Chapter 2.3.5 --- In vitro chondrogenic differentiation --- p.29 / Chapter 2.3.6 --- Alcian blue staining --- p.29 / Chapter 2.3.7 --- Alizarin red S staining --- p.30 / Chapter 2.3.8 --- Immunofluorescence analysis --- p.30 / Chapter 2.3.9 --- Quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) --- p.31 / Chapter 2.3.10 --- Transfection with siRNA --- p.35 / Chapter 2.3.11 --- Microarray --- p.35 / Chapter 2.3.12 --- Cell lysis and immunoprecipitation --- p.36 / Chapter 2.3.13 --- SDS-PAGE and Western blot --- p.36 / Chapter 2.3.14 --- Isoelectric focusing and 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis --- p.37 / Chapter 2.3.15 --- Migration (wound healing) assay --- p.38 / Chapter 2.4 --- Results --- p.38 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- HUCPV cells were capable to differentiate into osteoblasts and chondrocytes --- p.38 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- BRE expression is down-regulated when HUCPV cells begins to differentiate --- p.40 / Chapter 2.4.3 --- Silencing of BRE expression accelerates induction of osteogenesis and chondrogenesis --- p.40 / Chapter 2.4.4 --- Microarray analysis of BRE-silenced HUCPV cells --- p.42 / Chapter 2.4.4.1 --- Stemness factors --- p.43 / Chapter 2.4.4.2 --- Epigenetic regulation --- p.43 / Chapter 2.4.4.3 --- Signaling pathways crucial for stemness maintenance --- p.44 / Chapter 2.4.4.4 --- TGF-β signaling --- p.44 / Chapter 2.4.4.5 --- FGF signaling --- p.44 / Chapter 2.4.4.6 --- NOTCH signaling --- p.45 / Chapter 2.4.4.7 --- WNT signaling --- p.46 / Chapter 2.4.4.8 --- Homeobox transcription factors (HOX) --- p.46 / Chapter 2.4.4.9 --- Cell cycle regulation --- p.47 / Chapter 2.4.4.10 --- Chemokines and cytokines regulation --- p.48 / Chapter 2.4.4.11 --- Apoptosis --- p.49 / Chapter 2.4.5 --- BRE-silencing alters the cellular proteome of HUCPV cells --- p.50 / Chapter 2.4.5.1 --- BRE-silencing alters the cytoskeletal binding proteins of HUCPV cells --- p.51 / Chapter 2.4.5.2 --- BRE-silencing alters the expressions of stemness-related proteins in HUCPV cells --- p.52 / Chapter 2.4.5.3 --- BRE-silencing alters the expressions of apoptosis-related proteins in HUCPV cells --- p.53 / Chapter 2.5 --- Discussion --- p.86 / Chapter 2.5.1 --- Microarray study discussion --- p.87 / Chapter 2.5.2 --- Proteomic study discussion --- p.89 / Chapter 3 --- p.93 / Replicative senescence alters the transcriptome and proteome of HUCPV cells --- p.93 / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.93 / Chapter 3.2 --- Materials and methods --- p.93 / Chapter 3.3 --- Results --- p.93 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Microarray analysis of aged HUCPV cells --- p.94 / Chapter 3.3.1.1 --- Stemness factors --- p.95 / Chapter 3.3.1.2 --- Epigenetic regulation --- p.96 / Chapter 3.3.1.3 --- Senescence associated markers --- p.96 / Chapter 3.3.1.4 --- Chemokines and cytokines regulation --- p.97 / Chapter 3.3.1.5 --- Matrix metalloproteinases regulation --- p.97 / Chapter 3.3.1.6 --- WNT signaling --- p.98 / Chapter 3.3.1.7 --- Toll-like receptor signaling pathway --- p.98 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Proteomic profiling of aged HUCPV cells --- p.98 / Chapter 3.4 --- Discussion --- p.117 / Chapter 3.4.1 --- Aging alters the transcriptome of HUCPV cells --- p.117 / Chapter 3.4.2 --- Aging alters the proteome of HUCPV cells --- p.118 / Chapter 4 --- p.121 / Osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation capacities of HUCPV cells in silk fibroin scaffold --- p.121 / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.121 / Chapter 4.2 --- Materials and methods --- p.121 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Extraction of silk fibroin --- p.121 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Fabrication of porous silk fibroin scaffold --- p.122 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Scanning electron microscopy --- p.123 / Chapter 4.2.4 --- Cell culture --- p.123 / Chapter 4.3 --- Results --- p.124 / Chapter 4.4 --- Discussion --- p.132 / Chapter 5 --- p.133 / Conclusions --- p.133 / References --- p.135