Obesity is associated with elevated levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), contributing to systemic insulin resistance. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a vital metabolic and inflammatory regulator, however circulating FGF21 concentrations are elevated in obese individuals. Acute aerobic exercise increases systemic FGF21 in normal-weight individuals, however the effect of acute aerobic exercise on plasma FGF21 response and the relationships with inflammation (IL-6 and TNF-α), insulin resistance, and energy expenditure in obese individuals is unknown. Following 30 minutes of treadmill running at 75% VO2max, plasma FGF21 response, as indicated by area-under-the-curve “with respect to increase” (AUCi) analyses, was attenuated in 12 obese compared to 12 normalweight subjects. Additionally, FGF21 AUCi positively correlated with glucose AUCi, total relative energy expenditure, and relative VO2max, suggesting that cardiorespiratory fitness levels may predict FGF21 response, contributing to the enhanced regulation of glucose and energy metabolism. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2014. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

The purpose of this study was to examine the acute and temporal response of CK- MM and FGF-21 to 3-day/wk. different repetition-range, volume-equated resistance training programs over 8-weeks in previously trained males. Sixteen trained, college- aged males were counterbalanced into high (DUP-HR) or low (DUP-LR) repetition groups. Subjects performed the squat and bench press 3x/wk. for 8 weeks. Blood samples were collected at various intervals throughout the study. Trained individuals did not elicit significant acute or chronic changes in CK-MM or FGF-21 following training and the lack of change was present in both groups. Additionally, neither biomarker correlated with changes in 1RM strength. There was a very strong correlation between acute mean (r=0.95) and acute percentage change (r=0.97) increase from pre training to post training in week #1. Additionally, a moderate correlation in percentage change was observed (r=0.59) of both biomarkers from pre training to 48 hours post training in week #2. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2015 / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo investigar a influência de materiais utilizados na prática odontológica (Single Bond, HEMA, Vitrebond, Ketac Molar e Dycal) na resposta inflamatória de fibroblastos cultivados de polpa dental humana de dentes permanentes em relação à expressão e produção de mediadores da inflamação. As culturas primárias de fibroblastos foram estabelecidas a partir do tecido pulpar de terceiros molares hígidos. Após a quarta passagem, os fibroblastos foram estimulados pelos materiais e pelos materiais seguidos por LPS de E. coli pelos tempos de 6 e 24 horas. Os testes utilizados foram: MTT, Trypan Blue, Análise de Griess, PCR quantitativo e ELISA. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente aplicando-se o teste ANOVA a 1 critério e pós-teste de Tukey e ANOVA a 2 critérios e teste de correção de Bonferroni (p<0,05). Os materiais SB10 (Single Bond 1:100) e DY (Dycal) afetaram a viabilidade celular com diminuição do metabolismo. Os materiais SB1 (Single Bond 1:1.000), SB10 (Single Bond 1:100) e VB (Vitrebond) seguidos de LPS de E. coli diminuíram o metabolismo celular de maneira estatisticamente significativa. Os níveis de óxido nítrico produzidos foram diminuídos quando os fibroblastos foram estimulados pelo KM (Ketac Molar). A expressão gênica para pró-colágeno tipo I foi diminuída quando os fibroblastos foram estimulados pelos materiais SB10 (Single Bond 1:100), SB (Single Bond polimerizado) e DY (Dycal). Para o SDF-1_/CXCL12 houve um aumento da expressão para o grupo estimulado apenas por LPS de E. coli, SB10 (Single Bond 1:100) e DY (Dycal). Para o IL-6 notou-se uma diminuição significativa para o grupo estimulado por H1000 (HEMA 1000 nM) e um aumento para o grupo SB10 (Single Bond 1:100). A expressão gênica de IL- 8/CXCL8 diminuiu para os fibroblastos estimulados pelas três concentrações de HEMA e de Single Bond, VB (Vitrebond) e DY (Dycal) no período de 6 horas e houve um aumento para os materiais SB10 (Single Bond 1:100) e VB (Vitrebond) no período de 24 horas. Houve diminuição na secreção de SDF-1_/CXCL12 para as três concentrações de HEMA e DY (Dycal) e uma tendência de diminuição para os demais materiais testados. A produção de IL-6 foi aumentada para os materiais VB (Vitrebond) e KM (Ketac Molar). A produção de IL- 8/CXCL8 foi aumentada para SB1 (Single Bond 1:1.000), VB (Vitrebond) e KM (Ketac Molar) e diminuída para SB10 (Single Bond 1:100) e DY (Dycal). O Single Bond e o HEMA, em várias concentrações, diminuíram a expressão e produção de moléculas envolvidas no processo inflamatório e, por causa de seu efeito citotóxico, devem ser vistos com cautela quando em íntimo contato com o órgão pulpar. O hidróxido de cálcio causou intensa morte celular e não estimulou a produção dos mediadores da inflamação avaliados neste trabalho, mas esse evento parece ser fundamental para o processo de reparo do tecido pulpar e formação de barreira mineralizada. Os cimentos de ionômeros de vidro utilizados aumentaram a produção de quimiocinas relacionadas ao processo inflamatório, portanto, esses materiais, embora não tenham causado morte de grande número celular, devem ser utilizados com restrições. / The aim of the present study is to investigate the influence of dental materials (Single Bond, HEMA, Vitrebond, Ketac Molar e Dycal) in the inflammatory response of human dental pulp fibroblasts from permanent teeth in relation to inflammatory mediators expression. and production. Primary cultures were established from third molars pulp tissue. After the fourth passage, the fibroblasts were stimulated only by materials and also by the materials followed by LPS from E. coli for 6 and 24 hours. Data were statistically analyzed using Oneway ANOVA and Tukey post-test and Two-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni post-test (p<0.05). SB10 (Single Bond 1: 100) and DY (Dycal) affected cell viability and consequently decreased cell metabolism. SB1 (Single Bond 1:1,000), SB10 (Single Bond 1:100) and VB (Vitrebond) followed by LPS E. coli decreased cell metabolism. Nitric oxide levels were reduced when fibroblasts were stimulated by KM (Ketac Molar). Pro-collagen type I expression was reduced when fibroblasts were stimulated by SB10 (Single Bond 1:100), SB (polymerized Single Bond) and DY (Dycal). SDF-1_/CXCL12 expression was increased for the group stimulated only by LPS from E. coli, SB10 (Single Bond 1:100) and DY (Dycal). IL-6 expression had a significant decrease in the group stimulated by H1000 (HEMA 1000 nM) and an increase for SB10 (Single Bond 1:100) group. The expression of IL-8/CXCL8 decreased when fibroblasts were stimulated by the three concentrations of HEMA and of Single Bond, VB (Vitrebond) and DY (Dycal) at 6 hours and increased for SB10 (Single Bond 1:100) and VB (Vitrebond) at 24 hours. There was decrease in SDF-1_/CXCL12 production for the three concentrations of HEMA and DY (Dycal) and a declining trend for the other materials tested. The production of IL-6 was increased by VB (Vitrebond) and KM (Ketac Molar). The production of IL-8/CXCL8 increased by SB1 (Single Bond 1:1,000), VB (Vitrebond) and KM (Ketac Molar) and decreased by SB10 (Single Bond 1:100) and DY (Dycal). Single Bond and HEMA, in different concentrations, decreased the production and the expression of molecules involved in the inflammatory process and, because of its cytotoxic, should be viewed with caution when in intimate contact with the pulp tissue. Calcium hydroxide caused intense cell death and did not stimulate the production of inflammatory mediators evaluated, but this event seems to be essential to the pulp tissue repair process and mineralized barrier formation. The glass ionomer cements used increased the production of chemokines related to the inflammatory process, therefore, these materials, although they have not caused death of many cells, must be used with restrictions.

Fibroblastos são células essenciais na cicatrização da derme, sintetizando e degradando matriz extracelular (MEC) e sua função é alterada pela hiperglicemia. Demonstramos previamente uma deficiência na migração de fibroblastos de ratos diabéticos, acompanhada de dilatação das cisternas do retículo endoplasmático (RE) e aumento no número de mitocôndrias. Neste estudo avaliamos se a glicose elevada (HG) induz estresse do RE, resultando na ativação da via UPR (Unfolded Protein Response). Conforme observado por microscopia eletrônica de transmissão, fibroblastos NIH-3T3 expostos por 3 dias a HG apresentaram dilatação do RE e alteração na morfologia das mitocôndrias. A expressão dos marcadores de estresse do RE: BiP, XBP1 spliced (XBP1s) e CHOP não foi alterada pela HG. Resultados semelhantes foram observados em fibroblastos de ratos diabéticos. A marcação com um indicador fluorescente do potencial de membrana mitocondrial não foi modificada pela glicose elevada. Esses resultados sugerem que a disfunção de fibroblastos frente à HG não está relacionada a estresse de RE. / Fibroblasts are essential cells during dermis wound healing, synthesizing and degrading extracellular matrix (ECM); their function is altered by hyperglycemia. We have previously demonstrated an impairment of migration of fibroblasts derived from diabetic rats, accompanied by the enlargement of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) cisternae and an increase in the number of mitochondria. This study assessed whether high glucose (HG) induces stress of ER, resulting in the activation of UPR (Unfolded Protein Response). As observed by transmission electron microscopy, NIH-3T3 fibroblasts exposed for 3 days to HG showed enlargement of the ER cisternae and changes in the morphology of mitochondria. The expression of the ER stress markers: BiP, spliced XBP1 (XBP1s) and CHOP was not altered by HG. Similar results were observed in fibroblasts derived from diabetic rats. Labeling with a fluorescent indicator of mitochondrial membrane potential was not altered by high glucose. These results suggest that dysfunction of fibroblasts exposed to HG is not related to ER stress.

Introdução: In vivo ou in vitro a exposição de fibroblastos a alta concentração de glicose promove um aumento do estresse oxidativo e consequentemente prejudica a migração celular, assim como a maturação da adesão. Além disso, a elevada concentração de glicose reduz a expressão de diferentes integrinas na superfície celular devido alterações na síntese do receptor e sua reciclagem. Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos da elevada concentração de glicose no tráfego de vesículas contendo EEA1 (endossomos primários), Rab4 (via rápida da reciclagem), Rab11 (via lenta de reciclagem) e Rab7 (endossomos de degradação) em fibroblastos NIH3T3. Métodos: células foram cultivadas em meio contendo baixa concentração de glicose (LG, 5 mM) ou em alta concentração (HG 25 mM) durante 21 dias antes de realizar os experimentos. EEA1, Rab4, Rab11 e Rab7 expressão e distribuição foram avaliados por western blotting e imunofluorescência, respectivamente. Resultados: Células expostas à alta concentração não apresentaram diferenças na expressão e distribuição das proteínas EEA1 e Rab7, enquanto a expressão de Rab11 foi reduzida em 30%. Conclusão: a alta concentração de glicose altera a via lenta da reciclagem contendo Rab11, afetando potencialmente a reciclagem de integrinas e outros receptores e a sua expressão na superfície celular. / Background: In vivo or in vitro exposure of fibroblasts to high glucose concentrations (HG) promotes oxidative stress and consequently impairs cell migration, also inhibiting adhesion maturation. Additionally, HG reduces the expression of different integrins on the cell surface, potentially due to altered receptor synthesis and recycling. Aim: to evaluate the effects of HG on the trafficking vesicles containing EEA1 (early endosomes), Rab4 (fast recycling pathway) and Rab7 (endocytic degradation pathway) on NIH3T3 fibroblasts. Methods: cells were cultured under low glucose (LG, 5 mM) or HG (25 mM) concentrations during 21 days before the assays. EEA1, Rab4 and Rab7 expression and distribution were evaluated by western blotting and immunofluorescence, respectively. Results: HG did not affect proteins EEA1 and Rab7 expression and distribution, whereas Rab11 expression was reduced by 30%. The number of vesicles containing Rab11 was also significantly reduced in HG cells. Conclusion: high glucose alters the slow recycling endocytic pathway via Rab11, potentially affecting integrins and other receptors synthesis and expression on the cell surface.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms present in the second intron of the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) gene have been linked with increased risk of breast cancer in several genome wide association studies. The potential effect of those SNPs appeared to be mediated through the differential binding of cis-regulatory elements, such as transcription factors, since all the SNPs in linkage disequilibrium were located in a regulatory DNA region. Preliminary studies have shown that a Runx2 binding site is functional only in the minor, disease associated allele of rs2981578, resulting in increased expression of FGFR2 in cancers from patients homozygous for that allele. Moreover, the increased risk conferred by the minor FGFR2 allele is associated most strongly in oestrogen receptor alpha positive (ERα) breast tumours, suggesting a potential interaction between ERα and FGFR signalling. Here, we have developed a human cell line model system to study the effect of those SNPs on cell behaviour. In an ERα positive breast cancer cell line, rs2981578 was edited using Zinc Finger Nucleases. Unexpectedly, the acquisition of the single risk allele in MCF7 cells failed to affect proliferation or cell cycle progression. Binding of Runx2 to the risk allele was not observed. However FOXA1 binding, an important ERα partner, appeared decreased at the rs2981578 locus in the risk allele cells. Additionally, differences in allele specific expression (ASE) of FGFR2 were not observed in a panel of 72 ERα positive breast cancer samples. Thus, the apparent increased risk of developing ERα positive breast cancer is not caused by rs2981578 alone. Rather, the observed increased risk of developing breast cancer might be the result of a coordinated effect of multiple SNPs forming a risk haplotype in the second intron of FGFR2.

A terapia de fotobiomodulação tem sido vastamente utilizada em cultura de fibroblastos com o objetivo de se verificar seu real efeito na cicatrização de feridas e de se estabelecer os melhores parâmetros de luz. Pacientes com síndrome de Down (SD) possuem alta prevalência da doença periodontal (DP) e importantes alterações imunológicas, as quais podem interferir no processo de cicatrização. O objetivo do presente estudo foi de avaliar os efeitos da utilização de Laser e LED em fibroblastos gengivais de pacientes com e sem SD (FSD e FGH, respectivamente), verificando a viabilidade celular e o processo In vitro de cicatrização de feridas. As células foram cultivadas em placas de 96 poços (1x103 célula/poço) e colocadas em estado de aquiescência (meio DMEM com 1% de soro fetal bovino) 24h antes da irradiação e retomando sua condição inicial de 10% de soro fetal bovino (SFB) instantes antes da aplicação de Laser (AlGaAs - 660nm e AlGaInP - 810nm) e LED (637 ±15nm) com exceção do controle negativo (C-) que continuou com 1% de SFB. Os grupos foram divididos em: C+ (sem irradiação, 10% SFB), C- (sem irradiação, 1% SFB), LIV5 (5 J/cm2 por 3s), LIV8 (8 J/cm2 por 5s), LV5 (5 J/cm2, por 3s), LV8 (8 J/cm2 por 5s), LED3 (0,03 J/cm2 por 3s) e LED5 (0,05J/cm2 por 5s). A potência utilizada foi a mesma tanto para o Laser como para o LED (40mW). A viabilidade celular foi avaliada através dos testes colorimétricos MTT e Cristal Violeta, nos períodos de 24,48,72 e 96h. O teste de cicatrização de feridas In vitro (placas de 24 poços) para avaliação da migração dos fibroblastos, foi nos períodos de 12, 24, 36 e 48h. A análise estatística foi realizada através do teste ANOVA de medidas repetidas complementado pelo teste de Tukey (p<0,05). Os grupos experimentais, em grande parte dos períodos, obtiveram melhor viabilidade celular em relação ao C+, com exceção do grupo LIV8 que apresentou crescimento celular próximo de zero, em todos os períodos. Para FSD os melhores resultados foram com LIV5, LED3 e LED5 (p<0,05), enquanto que para FGH, foi o LV5 (p>0,05). No ensaio de cicatrização de feridas os melhores resultados foram LIV5 para FGH (p<0,05) e todos os tratamentos com exceção do LIV8 para FSD (p<0,05). Os FSD apresentaram maior fechamento da ferida em relação ao FGH nos períodos de 24 e 36h (p<0,05). Como conclusão, a fotobiomodulação por Laser e LED mostrou ser efetiva para viabilidade celular, tanto para o FGH como para o FSD, com exceção do Laser infravermelho de maior densidade de energia e maior tempo de exposição (LIV8). Na migração celular, a fotobiomodulação foi efetiva no maior fechamento da ferida para os FSD. Logo, a terapia de fotobiomodulação por Laser e LED, com os parâmetros adequados, parecer ser um tratamento adjuvante promissor para pacientes com SD. / The photobiomodulation therapy has been widely used in fibroblast culture in order to verify its effects on wound healing and to establish the best parameters of light. Down\'s syndrome patients (DS) present high prevalence of periodontal disease (PD) and important immunological changes, which could interfere on the wound healing process. The aim of this study was to evaluate the Laser and LED effects on gingival fibroblasts cultures from patients with or without DS (FSD and FGH, respectively), through cell viability tests and in vitro wound healing test. Cells were grown in 96-well plates (1x103 cells / well) and then, put in a quiescence environment, (DMEM medium with 1% fetal bovine serum) for 24 hours before irradiation. After that an initial condition of 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) was set before Laser (Red -AlGaAs - 660nm and Infrared - AlGaInP - 810nm) and LED (637 ± 15nm) application, with the exception of the negative control (C-) which still remained with 1% FBS. The groups were divided in: C+ (no irradiation, 10% FBS), C (no irradiation 1% FBS), LIV5 (5J/cm2 for 3s), LIV8 (8 J / cm2 for 5s), LV5 (5J/cm2 for 3s), LV8 (8J/cm2 for 5s), LED3 (0.03J/cm2 for 3 seconds) and LED5 (0,05J / cm2 for 5s). The power output was the same for both Laser and LED (40mW). Cell viability was evaluated through MTT and Crystal Violet colorimetric tests, in periods of 24,48,72 and 96h. The in vitro wound healing assay (24 well plates), measured the fibroblasts migration, during 12, 24, 36 and 48 hours. Statistical analysis was performed using repeated measures ANOVA complemented by Tukeys test (p <0.05). The experimental groups, in most periods, presented higher cell viability compared to C+, except for the LIV8 group that exhibited cell growth near to zero, in all periods. In relation to FSD, the best results were with LIV5, LED 3 and LED 5 (p<0.05), while to FGH, the LV5 presented higher viability (p<0.05). The best results for the wound healing test were LIV5 for FGH (p<0,05) and all groups but LIV8 for FSD (p<0,05). FSD cells presented higher wound closure in relation to FGH at 24 and 36h (p<0,05). In conclusion, the Laser and LED photobiomodulation was effective for cell growth, for both FGH and FSD cells, except for the infrared laser with higher energy density and longer exposure time (LIV8). Photobiomodulation was more effective for wound closure by FSD cells. Therefore, laser and LED photobiomodulation therapy, with appropriate parameters, seems to be a promising adjunctive treatment for patients with DS.

Blood vessels are dynamic structures whose properties are continuously adapted by resident vascular cells. Existing mechanobiological models tend to ignore regulatory signalling and cell population dynamics, both key determinants of arterial growth and remodelling (G&R). In this D.Phil., a combined theoretical, experimental and computational approach is used to formulate, refine and implement a novel model of the arterial wall that includes vascular mechanics, microstructure, biochemical metabolism and signalling, and cell phenotype and population dynamics. A mathematical chemo-mechano-biological (CMB) model is formulated by coupling a biomechanical model of the arterial wall as a cylindrical nonlinear elastic membrane to a system of biologically-informed evolution laws governing fibroblast cell-mediated, transforming growth factor (TGF)-&beta;-regulated collagen metabolism. Model simulation of inflammatory aneurysm development suggests that increasing TGF-&beta; levels promotes a cell-driven profibrotic response leading to aneurysm stabilisation, illustrating the model's ability to couple chemo-biological processes to tissue-level mechanical evolution. To inform the theoretical framework experimentally, a recent mouse model of post-developmental disruption of medial smooth muscle TGF-&beta; signalling is for the first time subjected to hypertension, and characterised by biaxial mechanical testing and (immuno)histological staining. Increased adventitial TGF-&beta; levels following perturbation are associated with strong profibrotic responses (increased cellularity, collagen deposition, thicker walls) altering tissue mechanics (lower biaxial stress, higher structural stiffness). Simulation of realistic arterial geometries is enabled by coupling the 1D CMB model to a three-dimensional structural solver. Heterogeneous spatial distributions of mechanical, microstructural and chemo-biological variables determining the evolution of complex saccular aneurysm geometries can be simulated with this 3D implementation. A novel chemo-mechano-biological model of vascular cell dynamics and regulatory signalling governing arterial G&R is formulated, informed by specifically-generated experimental data, and implemented in an advanced 3D computational framework. This will allow for virtual investigation of therapies acting on chemo-biological agents of arterial G&R, with potential benefits for vascular disease patients.

No description available.

Tang Yin Nei. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves xv-xxv). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / ACKNOWLEDGEMENT --- p.i / ABBREVIATIONS --- p.ii-iii / INDEX FOR FIGURES --- p.iv-v / INDEX FOR TABLES --- p.vi / ABSTRACT (Chinese and English) --- p.vii-xi / TABLE OF CONTENTS --- p.xii-xiv / Chapter CHAPTER I 226}0ؤ --- INTRODUCTION --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Background --- p.2 / Chapter 1.2 --- Tendon / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Structure and function --- p.3 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Tendon fibroblast --- p.6 / Chapter 1.2.3 --- Components of the extracellular matrix --- p.7 / Chapter 1.2.3.1 --- Collagen --- p.8 / Chapter 1.2.3.2 --- Proteoglycan --- p.9 / Chapter 1.2.3.3 --- Non-collagenous structural glycoprotein --- p.10 / Chapter 1.3 --- Inflammation disorders of tendon / Chapter 1.3.1 --- Inflammation --- p.11 / Chapter 1.3.2 --- Treatment --- p.12 / Chapter 1.3.2.1 --- Glucocorticoid as an anti-inflammatory agent --- p.12 / Chapter 1.3.2.2 --- Dexamethasone --- p.14 / Chapter 1.3.3 --- Clinical occurrence of tendon rupture --- p.15 / Chapter 1.3.4 --- Animal research related to glucocorticoids and tendon rupture --- p.18 / Chapter 1.4 --- Platelet-derived growth factor isoform B (PDGFBB) / Chapter 1.4.1 --- Structure and function --- p.21 / Chapter 1.4.2 --- PDGFbb effects on connective tissue --- p.22 / Chapter CHAPTER II 226}0ؤ --- AIM OF THE STUDY --- p.23 / Chapter 2.1 --- Limitations of the past researches --- p.24 / Chapter 2.2 --- Hypothesis of this study --- p.25 / Chapter 2.3 --- Objectives --- p.26 / Chapter 2.4 --- Long term significance --- p.26 / Chapter CHAPTER III 226}0ؤ --- METHODOLOGY --- p.27 / Chapter 3.1 --- Chemicals and materials used / Chapter 3.1.1 --- Chemicals --- p.28 / Chapter 3.1.2 --- Materials --- p.28 / Chapter 3.2 --- Specimen collection and preparation / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Collection --- p.29 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Preparation and isolation --- p.30 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Cell culture --- p.31 / Chapter 3.3 --- Reagent preparation / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Charcoal-stripped serum --- p.32 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Phenol-red free DMEM --- p.33 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- MTT --- p.33 / Chapter 3.3.4 --- Dexamethasone --- p.34 / Chapter 3.3.5 --- PDGFbb --- p.34 / Chapter 3.3.6 --- Trypan blue --- p.35 / Chapter 3.3.7 --- TCA/Tannic acid --- p.35 / Chapter 3.3.8 --- Collagenase buffer --- p.35 / Chapter 3.4 --- Morphology / Chapter 3.4.1 --- Inverted phase contrast light microscopy --- p.36 / Chapter 3.4.2 --- Scanning electron microscopy --- p.36 / Chapter 3.5 --- Biological assays / Chapter 3.5.1 --- "MTT (3-[4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl]2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay" --- p.38 / Chapter 3.5.1.1 --- Correlation between MTT assay and trypan blue dye method --- p.38 / Chapter 3.5.1.2 --- Growth kinetics for tendon fibroblasts --- p.41 / Chapter 3.5.1.3 --- Cell viability --- p.43 / Chapter 3.5.2 --- Brdu (5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine) assay --- p.44 / Chapter 3.5.3 --- Flow cytometry --- p.45 / Chapter 3.5.4 --- Apoptosis --- p.47 / Chapter 3.5.5 --- 3H-Proline incorporation assay --- p.48 / Chapter 3.5.6 --- 35Sulfate incorporation assay --- p.51 / Chapter 3.5.7 --- Immunocytochemistry (PDGF-β receptor) --- p.54 / Chapter 3.6 --- Statistical analysis / Chapter 3.6.1 --- Dose-response curve of dexamethasone on cell viability and proliferation --- p.55 / Chapter 3.6.2 --- Comparison among various treatments of fibroblasts --- p.55 / Chapter CHAPTER I´Vؤ --- RESULTS --- p.56 / Chapter 4.1 --- In vitro effect of dexamethasone on rat tendon fibroblasts / Chapter 4.1.1 --- Viable cell number between two sexes --- p.57 / Chapter 4.2 --- In vitro effect of dexamethasone and PDGFBB on human tendon fibroblasts / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Gross morphology --- p.58 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Cell cycle --- p.60 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Apoptosis --- p.61 / Chapter 4.2.4 --- Viable cell number / Chapter 4.2.4.1 --- Effect of dexamethasone --- p.62 / Chapter 4.2.4.2 --- Effect of PDGFBB --- p.63 / Chapter 4.2.5 --- Cell proliferation / Chapter 4.2.5.1 --- Effect of dexamethasone --- p.65 / Chapter 4.2.5.2 --- Effect of PDGFbb --- p.67 / Chapter 4.2.6 --- Collagen synthesis --- p.68 / Chapter 4.2.7 --- Proteoglycan synthesis --- p.72 / Chapter 4.2.8 --- PDGF-rβ expression --- p.74 / Chapter CHAPTER V 226}0ؤ --- DISCUSSION --- p.75 / Chapter 5.1 --- Dexamethasone and PDGFBB induced change of cell morphology --- p.77 / Chapter 5.2 --- Dexamethasone retarded cell growth of human tendon fibroblast --- p.80 / Chapter 5.3 --- Dexamethasone inhibited collagen synthesis --- p.82 / Chapter 5.4 --- Dexamethasone inhibited proteoglycan synthesis --- p.86 / Chapter 5.5 --- PDGFbb could counteract the inhibitory effects of dexamethasone --- p.88 / Chapter 5.6 --- Expression of PDGF-(3 receptor is regulated by dexamethasone and PDGFBB --- p.90 / Chapter 5.7 --- Limitations of this study / Chapter 5.7.1 --- Not enough sample to differentiate different between two sexes --- p.92 / Chapter 5.7.2 --- Small sample size and few assays --- p.92 / Chapter 5.7.3 --- Limitations of the cell culture model --- p.93 / Chapter 5.7.4 --- Difficult to further in vivo study on human --- p.93 / Chapter 5.8 --- Contributions of this study / Chapter 5.8.1 --- Improve the limitation of the past research --- p.94 / Chapter 5.8.1.1 --- Human tendon specimen --- p.94 / Chapter 5.8.1.2 --- In vitro system --- p.94 / Chapter 5.8.2 --- Understand the effect of dexmaethasone on human tendon fibroblasts --- p.95 / Chapter 5.8.3 --- Counteract the deleterious effects of dexamethasone by PDGFBB --- p.95 / Chapter CHAPTER VÍؤ --- CONCLUSION & FUTURE STUDY --- p.96 / Chapter 6.1 --- Conclusion --- p.97 / Chapter 6.2 --- Future study --- p.98 / Chapter 6.2.1 --- Study the balance between matrix synthesis and degradation --- p.98 / Chapter 6.2.2 --- Determine collagen typing --- p.99 / Chapter 6.2.3 --- Further explore the effect of glucocorticoid in organ culture model --- p.100 / Chapter 6.2.4 --- Investigate molecular mechanism of dexamethasone and PDGFBB --- p.100 / REFERENCES --- p.xv-xxv / APPENDIX --- p.xxvi