La voie pulmonaire suscite un intérêt grandissant pour l’administration systémique des peptides et protéines thérapeutiques, aujourd’hui encore administrés essentiellement par voie parentérale. Un microsystème a été conçu pour permettre de faciliter et accélérer les études in vitro de criblage de différentes biomolécules actives et de sélectionner les formulations les plus adaptées à leur pénétration à travers l’épithélium pulmonaire, en vue de sélectionner les meilleurs candidats à une administration par voie pulmonaire. Organisé en deux configurations distinctes, ce microsystème permet dans un premier temps d’obtenir des barrières épithéliales pulmonaires polarisées et jointives (cellules Calu-3) en seulement 7 jours dans des micropuits de 1mm², sans avoir à renouveler le milieu nutritif ni avoir recours à un appareillage externe associé au microsystème. Grâce à la mise au point d’une technique simple de fabrication, des plateformes de culture contenant jusqu’à 12 micropuits en parallèle sont aujourd’hui fabriquées de manière standardisée. L’évaluation du passage de molécules est ensuite réalisée sous une deuxième configuration dédiée à la mesure de la perméabilité des barrières épithéliales cultivées en micropuits. La capacité de différents candidats (nanoparticules et biomolécules) à traverser l’épithélium pulmonaire a été étudiée. Le passage de nanoparticules de PLGA revêtues de chitosane ainsi que le passage de l’insuline ont été démontrés avec succès. Enfin, l’électrophorèse capillaire couplée à une détection par fluorescence induite par laser (EC-LIF), compatible avec les faibles volumes manipulés dans ce microsystème, a été exploitée pour la détection et la quantification de l’insuline après passage des barrières pulmonaires miniaturisées. A cette fin, l’insuline a soit été marquée par le FITC, soit complexée à un anticorps ou a un aptamère fluorescents. A l’heure actuelle, seule la méthode développée pour le marquage de l’insuline par le FITC est utilisable à des fins de quantification, mais le recours à un aptamère a montré des premiers résultats encourageants. / The pulmonary route is of increasing interest for the systemic administration of therapeutic proteins and peptides, still largely administered parenterally. A microdevice was designed to facilitate and accelerate the in vitro screening studies of various active biomolecules and to select the most suitable formulations for penetration through the lung epithelium, in order to select the best candidates for an administration via the lungs. Organized in two distinct configurations, this microdevice allows as a first step the culture of tight polarized bronchial epithelial barriers (Calu-3 cells) in 7 days in 1 mm² microwells, without the need for medium renewal or the use of an external apparatus. A simple manufacturing technique was developed and glass culture platforms containing 12 parallel microwells can be obtained in a standardized manner. The ability of molecules to cross the pulmonary barrier is then performed in the second configuration of the microdevice, which is dedicated to the permeability measurement of the tight epithelial Calu-3 barriers cultured in microwells. Among the different candidates studied (nanoparticules and biomolecules), the pulmonary barrier permeability regarding PLGA nanoparticules coated with chitosan and regarding insulin has been successfully demonstrated. Finally, capillary electrophoresis with laser induced-fluorescence (CE-LIF), a technique compatible with the low volumes handled in this microdevice, has been exploited for insulin detection and quantification after its transport across the miniaturized pulmonary barriers. To this end, insulin was either FITC-labeled or complexed with a fluorescent antibody or aptamer. Currently, only the derivatization method can be used for a quantification purpose, but the use of an aptamer to indirectly quantitate insulin has shown encouraging results.

Odorantes são detectados por centenas de receptores olfatórios (ORs) que pertencem à superfamília dos receptores acoplados à proteína G. Estes receptores são expressos nos neurônios sensoriais olfatórios localizados na cavidade nasal. Cada neurônio sensorial olfatório expressa um único alelo de gene OR de uma grande família de genes OR. Este padrão característico da expressão de genes OR resulta na formação de um mapa olfatório espacial no bulbo olfatório, que é necessário para a discriminação de odorantes pelo sistema olfatório. Os mecanismos envolvidos nesta regulação ainda não são bem conhecidos. O DNA genômico em neurônios olfatórios é coberto com marcas repressivas de metilação de histonas, indicando que a regulação da estrutura da cromatina deve desempenhar um papel importante na regulação da expressão de genes OR. Trabalhos anteriores demonstraram que RNAs não codificadores (ncRNAs) estão envolvidos na deposição de marcas de histonas em determinados genes. No entanto, os ncRNAs expressos no epitélio olfatório ainda não são conhecidos. Neste trabalho, identificamos e catalogamos o repertório completo de ncRNAs anotados, incluindo os miRNAs, expressos no epitélio olfatório de camundongos recémnascidos e adultos. Muitos destes, apesar de já anotados como ncRNAs, ainda não foram descritos na literatura como expressos no MOE. Identificamos ao todo 1161 miRNAs e 295 lincRNAs expressos no epitélio olfatório, e pudemos verificar como os níveis de expressão destes RNAs variam durante o desenvolvimento. A partir deste repertório, selecionamos lincRNAs que são preferencialmente expressos no epitélio olfatório quando comparados a outros tecidos de camundongo. Dez destes lincRNAs foram selecionados para validação utilizando-se RT-PCR. Cinco lincRNAs foram validados e analisados quanto à sua expressão em diferentes tecidos. Nosso trabalho estabelece uma plataforma de dados que permitirá o estudo do papel desempenhado por ncRNAs no epitélio olfatório. Além disto, os nossos resultados mostram que a abordagem utilizada permite a identificação de novos lincRNAs que apresentam expressão restrita ou preferencial no epitélio olfatório, e que, portanto, devem apresentar uma função relevante para o olfato. / Odorants are detected by hundreds of odorant receptors (ORs) which belong to the superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors. These receptors are expressed in the olfactory sensory neurons of the nose. Each olfactory sensory neuron expresses one single OR gene allele from a large family of OR genes. This characteristic pattern of OR gene expression results in the formation of a spatial olfactory map in the olfactory bulb, which is required for odorant discrimination by the olfactory system. The mechanisms involved in this regulation are unknown. OR genomic DNA in olfactory neurons is covered with repressive histone methylation marks, indicating that the chromatin structure should play an important role in the regulation of OR gene expression. Previous studies suggest that noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are involved in the deposition of histone marks in certain genes. However, the ncRNAs expressed in the olfactory epithelium are completely unknown. In this work, we used RNA-seq to identify and catalogue the complete repertoire of ncRNAs, including miRNAs, expressed in the olfactory epithelium from newborn and adult mice. In this way, we were able to identify 1161 miRNAs and 295 lincRNAs and analyze how their levels of expression varies during development. Out of these repertoire, we selected lincRNAs that are preferentially expressed in the olfactory epithelium when compared to other mouse tissues. Ten out of these lincRNAs were selected for validation by using RTPCR, and five of them could be validated and further analyzed. Our work establishes a data platform which will enable the study of the role played by ncRNAs in the olfactory epithelium. In addition, our results show that our approach can be successfully used to identify ncRNAs that are restrictedly or preferentially expressed in the olfactory epithelium, and which therefore must be relevant for olfaction.

Métodos in vitro utilizando epitélio intestinal animal são importantes ferramentas para avaliar a permeabilidade de fármacos, propriedade que é um importante parâmetro de biodiosponibilidade. Considerando que o maior objetivo na indústria farmacêutica é desenvolver novos fármacos com boa biodisponibilidade oral, o projeto teve como objetivo padronizar o modelo de permeação com membrana de intestino de rã (Rana catesbeiana) em células de Franz, comparando seus resultados com ensaios de células Caco-2. Os fármacos modelo utilizados foram os antivirais zidovudina e aciclovir. A quantidade de fármaco permeado foi determinada por método de eletroforese capilar para o método com intestino de rã touro e por HPLC-UV para os ensaios com células Caco-2. O parâmetro de permeação foi o coeficiente de permeabilidade aparente (Papp) dos fármacos para ambos modelos experimentais. Para estabelecimento do protocolo experimental dos estudos de permeabilidade intestinal de rã, foi proposto um projeto fracionado 24-1 com 4 ensaios adicionais usando o software Minitab, e as variáveis foram: secção intestinal, pH da solução de Ringer e temperatura. A análise do planejamento experimental feita pela estimativa dos parâmetros da regressão obtidos através dos resultados do modelo fatorial possibilitou a determinação dos coeficientes da equação matemática que definiu a influência das variáveis sobre o coeficiente de permeabilidade aparente dos fármacos. Os efeitos das variáveis pH e temperatura interpretados conjuntamente apresentaram interferência leve, porém as variáveis fármaco e secção intestinal interpretados juntos tiveram interferência importante, mostrando maior permeação dos fármacos através da secção inicial do intestino da rã. Os resultados de Papp foram: para o metoprolol, pelo método das células Caco-2 foi de 28 x 10-6 cm/s, valor que está de acordo com demais dados de células Caco-2 na literatura e o valor obtido com células de Franz que mais se adequada a estes resultados e demais disponíveis provenientes de outras técnicas na literatura, foi de 28,1 x 10-6 cm/s, em uma das condições do planejamento estatístico utilizando segmento final da membrana epitelial da rã. No caso do aciclovir, o resultado de Papp de 0,48 x 10-6 cm/s também obtido em uma das condições envolvendo segmento intestinal final da rã foi exatamente igual a o valor 0,48 x 10 - 6 cm/s, encontrado com células Caco-2 no presente estudo e estão de acordo com outros valores disponíveis na literatura por Trapani e colaboradores, 2004 e também com células Caco-2. Para zidovudina o valor de Papp obtido em uma das condições utilizando segmento intestinal inicial da rã, de 13 x 10-6 cm/s, foi a que mais se assemelhou ao obtido pela técnica de células Caco-2, 13,6 x 10-6 cm/s, e também está de acordo com demais dados da literatura. / There are lots of different in vitro technics in the literature using animal intestinal epithelium to estimate permeability of drugs, property that is an important parameter of bioavailabity. Considering that the main objective of Pharmaceutical Companies is the development of new drugs with good oral bioavailabity, the aim of this work was to standardize the permeability of antivirals using in vitro/ex vivo method of intestinal epithelium of Rana catesbeiana in Franz cells and compare these results to those obtained from studies using Caco-2 cells. Zidovudine and Acyclovir were selected as model drugs. The amount of drug permeated will be determined by the method of capillary electrophoresis for assays using Rana Catesbeiana and HPLC-UV for studies with Caco-2 cells. The permeation parameter determined was the apparent permeability coefficient (Papp) of drugs for both experimental models. To establish the experimental protocol to studies of intestinal permeability of frog, it was proposed a fractional 24-1 design with 4 additional tests using Minitab software and the variables were: intestinal section, pH of Ringer solution and temperature. The analysis of the experimental design made by the estimate of the regression parameters obtained from the factorial model results allowed the determination of the coefficients of the mathematical equation that defines the influence of the variables on the apparent permeability coefficient of acyclovir and zidovudine. The effects of pH and temperature interpreted jointly presented a slight interference, but the variables drug and intes tinal section interpreted together had major interference, showing greater permeation of drugs through the initial section of the intestine of the frog . The results of Papp were: for metoprolol, with the method of Caco-2 cells was 28 x 10-6 cm/s, a value which is consistent with other data of Caco-2 cells provided in the literature and the condition obtained with Franz cells that are most suitable for these and other results obtained from other techniques available in the literature, was 28.1 x 10-6 cm/s, provided with the final intestinal segment using frog epithelial membrane. In the case of acyclovir, the result of Papp of 0.48 x 10-6 cm/s obtained in one condition with final frog intestinal segment was exactly equal to the value of 0.48 x 10-6 cm/s, found with Caco-2 cells in the present study and are in agreement with other values available in the literature for Trapani and colegues, 2004 and also with Caco-2 cells. The Papp value for zidovudine obtained with the initial gut segment of frog, 13 x 10-6 cm /s was which more resembled that obtained by the technique of Caco-2 cells, 13.6 x 10-6 cm/s and is also consistent with other literature data.

Alguns estudos sugerem que as pequenas vias aéreas têm um papel importante na fisiopatologia da lesão pulmonar aguda/ síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo (LPA/SDRA). O epitélio respiratório que reveste as vias aéreas é capaz de liberar mediadores inflamatórios e está relacionado ainda com a produção de surfactante nas vias aéreas. Até o presente momento, existem poucos estudos que avaliaram se estas funções do epitélio que reveste as pequenas vias aéreas encontram-se alteradas na SDRA. No presente estudo, nós mensuramos a expressão da proteína de surfactante (PS) A e PS-B, a expressão de citocinas inflamatórias interleucina (IL)-6 e IL-8, e um índice de apoptose do epitélio que reveste as pequenas vias aéreas de pacientes com SDRA que foram submetidos a autópsia e comparamos estes resultados com os de indivíduos controle. Foram incluídos no estudo pulmões de autópsia de 31 pacientes com SDRA (PaO2/FiO2200, 45±14 anos, 16 homens) e 11 controles (52±16 anos, 7 homens). A expressão de IL-6, IL-8, PS-A e PS-B no epitélio das pequenas vias aéreas (diâmetro2.0mm) foi verificada através de reações de imunohistoquímica e análise de imagem. O índice de apoptose epitelial das vias aéreas foi avaliado através do método de TUNEL e da expressão de FAS/FASL. Avaliou-se ainda a densidade de células inflamatórias positivas para IL-6 e IL-8 na parede das pequenas vias aéreas. As vias aéreas dos pacientes com SDRA apresentaram maior expressão epitelial de IL-8 (p=0,006) e maior densidade de células inflamatórias expressando IL-6 (p=0,004) e IL-8 (p<0,001) quando comparadas com o grupo controle. Não houve diferenças na expressão epitelial de PS-A e PS-B ou no índice de apoptose epitelial entre os grupos SDRA e controle. Nossos resultados mostram que as pequenas vias aéreas participam da inflamação pulmonar de pacientes com SDRA, caracterizada pelo aumento na expressão de interleucinas próinflamatórias tanto em células inflamatórias da parede da via aérea quanto no epitélio. Nossos resultados sugerem ainda que a apoptose não é um mecanismo importante de morte de células epiteliais das vias aéreas de pacientes com SDRA / Recent studies suggest a role for distal airway injury in the pathophysiology of human ALI/ARDS. The epithelium lining the airways modulates airway function secreting a large number of molecules such as surfactant components and inflammatory mediators. So far, there is little information on how these secretory functions of the small airways are altered in ARDS. In the present study we assessed the airway expression of surfactant protein (SP) A and SP B, the expression of inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8, and an index of airway epithelial apoptosis of patients with ARDS submitted to autopsy and compared the results with those of control subjects. We studied autopsy lungs of 31 ARDS patients (PaO2/FiO2200, 45±14 years, 16 males) and 11 controls (52±16 years, 7 males). Using immunohistochemistry and image analysis, we quantified the expression of IL-6, IL-8 and SP-A and SP-B in the epithelium of small airways (diameter2.0mm). Airway epithelial apoptosis index was obtained with the TUNEL assay and FAS/FASL expression. We also quantified the density of inflammatory cells expressing IL-6 and IL-8 within the small airway walls. ARDS airways showed an increase in the epithelial expression of IL-8 (p=0.006) and an increased density of inflammatory cells expressing IL-6 (p=0.004) and IL-8 (p<0.001) when compared to controls. There were no differences in SP-A and SP-B epithelium expression or in epithelial apoptosis index between ARDS and controls. Our results show that the distal airways are involved in ARDS lung inflammation with higher expression of pro-inflammatory interleukins in both airway epithelial and inflammatory cells. Our results also suggest that apoptosis is not a major mechanism of airway epithelial cell death in ARDS

Chez les patients mucoviscidosiques (CF), l'épithélium des voies aériennes est souvent lésé et remodelé. Que le remodelage soit lié à l'infection et/ou l'inflammation inhérentes à la pathologie ou à un processus de régénération dérégulée reste à déterminer. Le premier objectif de cette thèse a été de déterminer le rôle de l'inflammation dans le remodelage et la régénération de l'épithélium bronchique CF. Grâce à un modèle in vitro de culture en interface air-liquide, nous avons montré qu'en absence d'infection et d'inflammation exogènes, la régénération épithéliale CF est anormale et retardée, et que l'épithélium régénéré est remodelé, en comparaison d'un épithélium régénéré non-CF. En outre, en générant une inflammation chronique dans les cultures CF et non-CF, nous avons pu attribuer un rôle pour l'inflammation endogène (mémoire inflammatoire) des cellules CF dans l'augmentation de la hauteur épithéliale et dans le développement de l'hyperplasie des cellules basales, un rôle essentiel de l'inflammation exogène dans le développement de l'hyperplasie des cellules mucipares, et l'absence d'influence de l'inflammation dans le retard de différenciation des cellules ciliées épithéliales CF. Le second objectif de cette thèse a été d’identifier une molécule susceptible d’être anti-remodelage et/ou pro-régénératrice. Les résultats obtenus montrent qu’une molécule issue des agro-ressources régionales régule l'augmentation de la hauteur épithéliale et l'hyperplasie des cellules basales et sécrétoires, favorise la différenciation des cellules ciliées, et réduit l'inflammation et de synthèse de la mucine MUC-5AC, tant dans les cultures CF quand dans les cultures non-CF soumises à une inflammation chronique. Enfin, la molécule restaure la sécrétion des ions chlorure CFTR-dépendante dans les cultures CF. Cette molécule semble donc être un candidat médicament prometteur pour le traitement de la CF. / The airway epithelium of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients is frequently injured and remodeled. Whether these alterations are related to infection and/or inflammation or to a dysregulated regeneration process remains to be elucidated. The first objective of this study was to determine the involvement of inflammation in remodeling and regeneration of the CF airway epithelium. Using an in vitro model of airway epithelial cell culture at the air-liquid interface, we demonstrated that, in absence of exogenous infection and inflammation, the CF airway epithelium regeneration was abnormal, delayed, and led to the reconstitution of a remodeled epithelium, in comparison to a non-CF regenerated airway epithelium. Moreover, by inducing a chronic inflammation in non-CF and CF cultures, we were able to attribute a role of the endogenous inflammation of CF cells (inflammatory memory) in the airway epithelium height increase as well as in the basal cell hyperplasia development, an essential involvement of exogenous inflammation in the development of goblet cell hyperplasia, and the absence of implication of inflammation in the ciliated cell differentiation delay. The second objective of this study was to identify an anti-remodeling and/or pro-regenerative molecule. The results we obtained showed that a molecule derived agro-resources regulated the increase in the airway epithelium height as well as the basal and goblet cell hyperplasia development, favored the ciliated cell differentiation, decreased the inflammation and the production of the MUC5-AC mucin, in the CF cultures an in the chronically inflamed non-CF cultures. Finally, this molecule restored chloride secretion through CFTR in CF cultures. In conclusion, the chosen molecule seems to be a promising therapeutics for cystic fibrosis.

A sinalização da resposta Imune Inata exerce um papel fundamental na eliminação de patógenos bem como no recrutamento de progenitoras para recuperação de tecidos nervosos lesionados. Nossos estudos iniciais que buscavam a compreensão desta participação da atividade inflamatória na neurorregeneração e degenerção do OE constataram que a administração tópica de lipopolissacarídeo (LPS) gera perda de seus neurônios olfatórios (OSNs), enquanto que camundongos deficientes do gene Myd88 apresentam uma taxa de reposição neuronal pós-lesão mais elevada que a de selvagens e o uso consecutivo de DEX retarda a neurorregeneração olfatória em curto prazo. Prosseguimos agora no esclarecimento destes resultados em três vertentes: A primeira busca descrever as respostas do OE de animais selvagens e trangênicos Tlr4-/-, Myd88-/-, Ticam1-/-, Il1r1-/-, Casp1-/-/Casp4-/- e Casp1-/-/Casp4-/-/Casp4tg a estímulos inflamatórios provenientes de infusões intranasais de ligantes e citocinas recombinantes envolvidas na sinalização dos TLRs. Isto através de análises histológicas por marcação nuclear e análise da espessura e alterações anatômicas do OE, e da expressão de IL1b e Nf&#954bia por hibridização in situ (ISH), ou ainda pela contagem de suas células TUNEL-positivas pós-tratamento. Neste estudo propomos ainda um modelo de lesão para estudos de neurorregenereração através da análise por imunofluorescência (IF) de OSNs em função do tempo após uma infusão intranasal (IN) de LPS. A segunda analisa por microarranjos de oligonucleotídeos (microarray) as alterações de expressão gênicas associadas à ausência do gene Myd88 no OE pós-lesão seguida de análises histológicas de sua regeneração em camundongos com deleções em genes selecionados. Por fim o terceiro estudo investiga a degeneração e a neurorregeneração do OE sob o efeito do uso tópico consecutivo de DEX. O corticoide é co-aplicado topicamente com um insulto inflamatório para avaliar o seu efeito preventivo e consecutivamente por três dias em dois modelos de lesão para avaliar sua interferência na neurorregeneração 14 dias após o tratamento. Foram realizadas IF para quantificação dos volumes neuronais, espessura do OE, proliferação celular, síntese proteica e morte celular por TUNEL. O uso tópico de LPS promove a degeneração do OE via TLR4 a partir de regiões com expressão de Il1b e Nf&#954bia e número de células TUNEL elevada. Este efeito é via MyD88-dependente sem a participação da TRIF-dependente. O gene Myd88 é tão crucial nesta degeneração do epitélio quanto na gerada por rmIL-1&#946; e rmTNF&#945;. Sua ausência não promove citoproteção contra o gás NO. Possivelmente, CASP1 e IL-1R estejam também envolvidos. O modelo de lesão imunológica para estudos de neurorregeneração é rápido e eficaz. A ausência do gene Myd88 acompanha uma redução na expressão da enzima degradadora de insulina (IDE) no OE pós-lesão. Camundongos que não a expressam apresentam uma reposição celular do epitélio mais rápida. A co-IN de DEX com LPS impede a degeneração do OE. 10&#181;l deste corticoide a 40ng/&#181;l administrada por IN não é tóxica a este epitélio, porém seu uso consecutivo em curto prazo promove aberrações anatômicas nos modelos de lesão imunológica, além de interferir na sua dinâmica de reposição neural, elevação da taxa de síntese proteica e proliferação celular, sem alterar a diferenciação, após lesão induzida por metimazol. / The innate immune response signaling plays a key role in the elimination of pathogens and in the recruitment of new cells to recover the injured nervous tissues. Our preliminary studies on the roles of the inflammatory activity in OE degeneration and neuroregeneration process showed that the topical administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) generates the loss of olfactory sensorial neurons (OSNs), Myd88 gene-deficient mice exhibit a higher neuronal replacement rate after injury than wild-type mice, and that the consecutive use of DEX provokes retarding olfactory neuroregeneration over the short term. We seek now to clarify these results in three ways: The first describes the OE response in wild-type animals Tlr4-/-, Myd88-/-, Ticam1-/-, Il1r1-/-, Casp1-/-/Casp4-/- and Casp1-/-/Casp4-/-/Casp4tg animals to inflammation through the intranasal infusion (IN) of ligands and cytokines associated with Toll-Like Receptors (TLR) signaling. This was acomplished through histological analysis of the thickness and anatomical changes in DAPI stained OE, Il1b and Nf&#954;bia expression analysis by in situ hybridization (ISH), and TUNEL-positive cells counting after treatment. In this study we propose an inflammatory lesion for neuroregeneration studies using immunofluorescence (IF) analysis of the OE in function of time after the intranasal infusion of LPS. The second part analyzes the Myd88 gene loss in the OE gene expression of after a lesion using microarray. This is followed by the histological analysis of regeneration using IF in transgenic mice with the deletion of specific genes (microarray versus literature review). Finally, the third study evaluates the OE degeneration and neuroregeneration under the influence of consecutive topical use of the DEX. The corticosteroid is co-administered with the inflammatory stimulus in order to evaluate its protective effect and consecutively for three days in two models of lesion to assess their influence on neuroregeneration 14 days after treatment. The IF analysis was performed in order to quantify the neuronal volumes, the thickness of the OE, cell proliferation, protein synthesis (by incorporation the identification of puromycin) and cell death by TUNEL. The topical use of LPS promotes the degeneration of OE by TLR4 from sites that feature an overexpression of Il1b and Nf&#954;bia and a high number of TUNEL-positive cells. This effect is MyD88-dependent. The Myd88 gene is as crucial in this degeneration of the epithelium as in those generated by rmIL-1&#946; and rmTNF&#945;. Their absence does not promote cytoprotection against the cytotoxic gas nitric oxide (NO). It is possiby that CASP1 and IL-1R are also involved. The immunologic lesion model for neuroregeneration studies is fast and effective. The absence of Myd88 gene reduces the expression of insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) in the post-lesion OE. Mice without this enzyme show a rapid cellular restoration in the epithelium. The Co-IN of DEX with LPS prevents the degeneration EO. The doses adopted by us are nontoxic; however its short-term consecutive use promotes anatomical aberrations in the immunological lesion model, and interferes with the dynamics of neural replacement by impairing both the rate of protein synthesis and proliferation of the epithelium without halting their differentiation.

A combustão do diesel (DEP) é a principal fonte de partículas ultrafinas (PUFs) relacionadas à poluição causada pelo tráfego. Indivíduos com doenças respiratórias crônicas estão propensos a exacerbações durante a exposição à poluição ambiente. Este estudo avaliou os efeitos de exposição subcrônica a uma baixa dose de partículas de combustão de diesel (DEP). 90 camundongos machos BALB/c foram divididos em 3 grupos: (a) Controle: instilação nasal de solução salina (n = 30); (b) DEP15: 15?g de DEP/10?l de solução salina (n = 30); e (c) DEP30: 30?g de DEP/10?l de solução salina (n = 30) durante cinco dias por semana, por 30 e 60 dias. Os animais foram anestesiados com pentobarbital de sódio (50mg/kg ip) e sacrificados por exanguinação. A contagem de células inflamatórias e as concentrações de interleucinas (IL) -4, -10, -13 e -17 no lavado broncoalveolar (LBA) foram avaliadas por ensaio imunoenzimático (Elisa). mRNA da MUC5ac foi avaliado por PCR em tempo real. A análise histológica do septo nasal e bronquíolos foi realizada para avaliar: (a) a espessura do epitélio brônquico e nasal, (b) o conteúdo de muco neutro e ácido na mucosa nasal. Nossos resultados mostraram que a instilação de DEP30 após 30 dias aumentou o número de células inflamatórias totais em relação ao controle (p=0,033). Ao comparar os resultados de DEP30 com o grupo Controle após 60 dias observamos os seguintes aumentos: (a) na expressão de MUC5AC nos pulmões (p = 0,016), no conteúdo de muco ácido no septo nasal (p = 0,017), nas células inflamatórias totais no LBA (p<0,001), no número de macrófagos no LBA (p=0,035) e na espessura do epitélio nasal (p=0,042). Nossos dados sugerem que dose baixa de DEP induz inflamação do trato respiratório com padrão tempo-dependente. / Diesel exhaust is the major source of ultrafine particles (UFPs) in trafficrelated pollution. Subjects with chronic respiratory diseases have great risk of exacerbations during exposure to air pollution. This study evaluated the effects of sub-chronic exposure to a low dose of diesel exhaust particles (DEPs). Ninety male BALB/c mice were divided into 3 groups: (a) Control: nasal saline instillation (n=30); (b) DEP15: nasal instillation of 15?g of DEP/10?l of saline (n=30); and (c) DEP30: nasal instillation of 30?g of DEP/10?l of saline (n=30). Nasal instillations were performed five-days a week, during 30 e 60 days. Animals were anesthetized with pentobarbital sodium (50mg/kg i.p), and sacrificed by exsanguination. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed to assess inflammatory cell count and concetrations of interleukin (IL)-4, -10, -13 and -17 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The RNAm MUC5ac gene expression was evaluated by real-time PCR. Histological analysis in nasal septum and bronchioles assessed: (a) bronchial and nasal epithelium thickness (b) acidic and neutral nasal mucous content. Our results showed that the instillation of DEP30 after 30 days increased the number of total inflammatory cells, as compared to the Control group (p = 0.033). The results of DEP30 after 60 days showed increases in: (a) the expression of MUC5AC in the lungs (p = 0.016); (b) acidic mucus production in the nasal septum (p = 0.017); (c) total inflammatory cells in the BAL fluid (p <0.001); (d) the number of macrophages in BALF (p = 0.035); and (d) nasal epithelium thickness (p = 0.042), as compared with control after 60 days. Our data suggest that a low dose of DEP induces inflammation of the respiratory tract in a time- dependent manner.

Cai, Ganhui. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2013. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 160-192). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstract also in Chinese.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-01-26T12:51:31Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 eliasnaimkassis_tese.pdf: 1206838 bytes, checksum: 890b2f6915170e129c35065467aeb0f2 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-02-11 / The ingestion of alcohol by a mother during lactation changes the composition of the milk, resulting in the origin of ethanol and acetaldehyde in the milk, and turns more severe the effects of the ethanol in infant rats. Objective: This work aimed to study the effects of ethanol at the palatine bone and palatine epithelium of young infants in 21 days of postnatal life, administered to the experimental rats during lactation. Materials and Methods: The experimental rats received ethanol at 20% in the drinking fountain ad libitum during those 21 day of nursing. Another group of animals received an amount of water similar to that group without ethanol. The infant rats were put to death with an extra dose of anesthesia in their 21 days of life. Their heads were separated from their body, put in 85mls of a 80% alcohol solution, 10 ml of formalin and 5ml of acetic acid, the palate area was cut in serial sections by frontal plans, in the same level were the molar are located, the cuts were about 6 micrometers and were treated with hematoxylin-eosin. The nuclear parameters of the palate epithelium, the cytoplasmatic volume and cellular, the relation nucleon/cytoplasm, numerical density and superficial, the thickness of the epithelium were all estimate. The average body weight of the infant rats in the ethanol group was 20,20 g and the other group average weight was 34,86gr. Histologically, the palate epithelium was thinner and it had more numbers of smaller cells with a bigger nucleon. The palate bone had more delicate and less trabeculo calcificated, and smaller osteocyte. Conclusion: In this experiment, the ethanol induced a epithelial hypotrophy condition and palate bone more delicate and less calcificated, showing a direct affect in the cells and trabeculo palate and also the poor development of the intoxicated infant rats. / A ingestão materna de etanol durante a lactação altera a composição do leite, resulta no aparecimento do etanol e acetaldeído no leite, e exacerba os efeitos do etanol nos filhotes da rata. Objetivo: Este trabalho teve o objetivo de estudar os efeitos do etanol, ao epitélio palatino e osso palatino de filhotes lactantes em 21 dias de vida pós-natal, administrados nas ratas-mães durante a lactação. Materiais e Métodos: Para tal, foram utilizadas ratas que receberam etanol a 20% no bebedouro ad libitum durante os 21 dias de lactação. Os animais controles receberam um volume similar de água sem álcool. Os filhotes foram sacrificados com sobre dosagem anestésica no 21º dia. As cabeças foram separadas, fixadas em solução fixadora de álcool 80%- 85ml, formalina- 10 ml e ácido acético- 5ml, a região palatina foi seccionada seriadamente em planos frontais, ao nível dos molares, e os cortes de 6 micrometros foram tratados com hematoxilina-eosina . Os parâmetros nucleares do epitélio palatino foram estimados, assim como os volumes citoplasmáticos e celulares, relação núcleo/citoplasma, densidades numérica e superficial, e espessura epitelial. O peso corporal médio do filhote foi de 34,86 g no grupo controle e 20,20 g no tratado. Histologicamente, o epitélio palatino mostrou-se mais adelgaçado, constituído de células abundantes e menores com núcleos maiores. O osso palatino mostrou trabéculas mais delicadas e menos calcificadas e com osteócitos de menor tamanho. Conclusões: Neste experimento, o etanol, induziu no quadro de hipotrofia epitelial e osso palatino mais delicado e pouco calcificado, indicando uma ação direta nas células e trabéculas do palato, além de retardar o desenvolvimento de filhotes intoxicados.

皮膚是人體最大的器官，具有多種功能，其中最重要的功能之一就是作為身體內部和外界環境之間的的保護屏障。完整地修復這一保護屏障是創傷癒合和組織再生領域的一個重要內容。本論文探討了人類臍帶被覆上皮細胞 (cord lining epithelial cells, CLECs)作為一種幹細胞來源，可用于表皮重建的潛能. / 本論文的第二章對CLECs的體外分離和增殖進行了詳細地描述。這一類細胞具有較長的染色體端粒，較高的增殖潛能和傳代能力。同時，它們表達上皮幹細胞和多能性幹細胞的標誌性表面抗原。它們還具有多種分化潛能，包括成脂、成骨和成軟骨。然而當皮下異種移植後，它們並不會形成畸胎瘤。 / 本論文的第三章對CLECs的免疫特性進行了評估。結果顯示CLECs不但具有低免疫原性，還具有免疫調節功能。它們表達典型性的一型主要組織相容性複合體(MHC class I)，即人白細胞ABC抗原(HLA-ABC)，但不表達典型性的二型主要組織相容性複合體(MHC class II)，即人白細胞DR抗原(HLA-DR)。它們同時還表達非典型性的MHC class I, 包括人白細胞G抗原和人白細胞E 抗原(HLA-G和HLA-E), 但不表達共激分子(CD40, CD80和CD86)。此外，體外檢測還發現它們表達適度的促炎/抗炎細胞因子和大量的生長因子. / 本論文的第四章對CLECs在表皮重建應用中的潛能進行了考察。結果顯示無論在體外器官培養還是異種移植動物模型中，CLECs都能形成分層的上皮結構，與用表皮細胞構建的分層上皮結構相類似。而且在CLECs構建的皮膚替代物中證實了有表皮分化標誌性抗原的表達。 / 結論：本論文證明了CLECs具有幹細胞樣特性但無致瘤性，具有低免疫原性和表皮分化的可塑性。研究結果支持CLECs在創傷癒合和皮膚再生領域的臨床應用可行性. / The skin is the largest organ in the body and has multiple functions. One of the most important functions is to serve as a protective barrier between the internal and external environments of the body. Restoration of the integrity of this protective barrier is an essential aspect of wound healing and tissue regeneration. In this thesis, the potential of human umbilical cord lining epithelial cells (CLECs) as a source of stem cells with appropriate differentiation capacity for epidermal reconstitution has been explored. / The isolation and propagation of CLECs from human umbilical cord lining epithelium were described in Chapter II. The cells presented a long telomere length and had high proliferative potential and passaging capability. They were also shown to display both epithelial and pluripotent stem cell markers. They were capable of multipotent differentiation, including adipogenesis, osteogenesis and chondrogenesis. However, they didn’t form teratoma after subcutaneous xenotransplantation until 12 weeks. / The immune properties of CLECs in vitro were assessed in Chapter III. The cells were shown to have low immunogenicity but high immunosuppressive function. They expressed classical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I antigens (HLA-ABC), but not MHC class II antigen (HLA-DR). They also expressed non-classical MHC class I antigens (HLA-G and HLA-E), but lacked the expression of the co-stimulatory molecules (CD40, CD80 and CD86). Moreover, they expressed moderate pro/anti-inflammatory cytokines and multiple growth factors both in cell supernatants and cell lysates. / The potential of CLECs for epidermal reconstitution was investigated in Chapter IV. In both organotypic culture and xenotransplantation model, CLECs were capable of generating a stratified epithelial structure, which is similar to that constructed by using keratinocytes. Furthermore, the expression of epidermal differentiation markers was verified in CLEC-constructed skin substitutes. / In conclusion, the stem cell-like properties of CLECs have been demonstrated in the present study. In addition to the lack of tumorigenicity, CLECs also have low immunogenicity and significant plasticity in epidermal differentiation. The findings support the potential clinical application of CLECs in wound healing and skin regeneration. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Cai, Yijun. / "October 2012." / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2013. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 114-129). / Abstract also in Chinese. / Abstrac --- p.i / Table of Contents --- p.v / Abbreviations --- p.vii / List of Figures --- p.viii / List of Tables --- p.x / Chapter Chapter I --- Introduction --- p.1 / Skin --- p.3 / Wound healing --- p.6 / Wound regeneration and repair --- p.6 / Recent history of wound treatment --- p.9 / Skin substitutes --- p.11 / Stem cells for wound treatment --- p.14 / Stem cells overview --- p.15 / Adult stem cells --- p.16 / Fetal stem cells --- p.18 / Amniotic membrane derived stem cells --- p.19 / Umbilical cord stem cells --- p.22 / Hypothesis and Specific aims --- p.24 / Chapter Chapter II --- The Isolation and Characterization of the Stem Cell-like Properties of Human Umbilical Cord Lining Epithelial Cells --- p.28 / Introduction --- p.28 / Materials and methods --- p.30 / Results --- p.47 / Discussion --- p.62 / Conclusion --- p.67 / Chapter Chapter III --- The assessment of the Immune Properties of Human Umbilical Cord Lining Epithelial Cells --- p.69 / Introduction --- p.69 / Materials and methods --- p.72 / Results --- p.75 / Discussion --- p.83 / Conclusion --- p.88 / Chapter Chapter IV --- The Investigation of the Potential of Human Umbilical Cord Lining Epithelial Cells for the Epidermal Reconstitution --- p.89 / Introduction --- p.89 / Materials and methods --- p.91 / Results --- p.94 / Discussion --- p.101 / Conclusion --- p.104 / Chapter Chapter V --- Summary and Future Plan --- p.105 / Summary --- p.105 / Future plan --- p.108 / Acknowledgements --- p.113 / References --- p.114 / Appendix --- p.130