La fibrose pulmonaire idiopathique (FPI) et le syndrome de détresse respiratoire aiguë (SDRA) de l’adulte constituent des affections sévères du poumon distal, avec un pronostic sombre pour les patients. A ce jour, aucun traitement n’est réellement efficace. De manière intéressante, une hypoxie alvéolaire est retrouvée dans ces pathologies.La thérapie cellulaire utilisant des cellules souches mésenchymateuses humaines (CSMh) pourrait représenter un intérêt thérapeutique chez l’Homme. Cependant, leurs mécanismes d’action sont multiples et encore mal définis. Aussi, nous avons testé in vitro l’hypothèse selon laquelle les CSMh pourraient exercer un effet cytoprotecteur paracrine sur les cellules épithéliales alvéolaires (CEA) soumises à l’hypoxie.Dans une première étude, nous avons montré qu’une exposition prolongée à l’hypoxie telle que celle rencontrée au cours de la FPI induisait des modifications phénotypiques des CEA primaires de rat, évocatrices d’une transition épithélio-mésenchymateuse (TEM). On observe une perte progressive d’expression des marqueurs épithéliaux (TTF1, AQP5, ZO-1 et E-Cadhérine), couplée à l’apparition tardive de marqueurs mésenchymateux (α-SMA et Vimentine). Ces modifications phénotypiques s’accompagnent de l’expression dès les premières heures d’hypoxie de facteurs de transcription impliqués dans la TEM (SNAI1, TWIST1 et ZEB1) ou induits par l’hypoxie (HIF-1α et HIF-2α), et de protéines induisant la TEM (TGF-β1 et CTGF). La co-culture des CEA avec des CSMh en fond de puits prévient les modifications phénotypiques induites par l’hypoxie ainsi que l’expression des facteurs pro-TEM TWIST1, ZEB1, TGF-β1 et CTGF. Cet effet bénéfique des CSM est en partie expliqué par la sécrétion d’un facteur de croissance épithélial, le KGF.Dans une deuxième étude, nous avons confirmé que les CEA entraient en apoptose en condition hypoxique, via l’induction de deux voies de signalisations hypoxiques pro-apoptotiques. D’une part, les facteurs de transcription induits par l’hypoxie HIF sont stabilisés, et une cible pro-apoptotique, Bnip3, est induite. D’autre part, l’hypoxie induit une accumulation d’espèces réactives à l’oxygène délétère pour la cellule, perturbant l’équilibre redox de la cellule, endommageant l’ADN, et conduisant à l’apoptose. Cette accumulation pourrait résulter notamment d’une diminution de l’activité des enzymes anti-oxydantes SOD, en hypoxie. Le manque d’oxygène entraine également l’expression de CHOP, facteur de transcription pro-apoptotique impliqué dans le stress du réticulum endoplasmique, qui va13inhiber l’expression de la protéine anti-apoptotique Bcl-2. Nous avons montré que la culture des CEA en présence de milieu conditionné de CSMh (mc-CSMh) permet de prévenir partiellement l’apoptose des CEA en hypoxie, en modulant la voie de signalisation HIF, et en prévenant l’accumulation et les effets délétères des ROS. L’effet protecteur des CSM impliquerait le KGF comme observé lors de la première étude, mais également le HGF.Ces deux études indiquent que les CSMh sont susceptibles d’exercer des effets cytoprotecteurs paracrines vis-à-vis des CEA soumises à l’hypoxie aiguë ou prolongée, en limitant d’une part les modifications phénotypiques évocatrices de TEM, et d’autre part l’apoptose des CEA via la modulation des voies de signalisations hypoxiques. La sécrétion par les CSMh de KGF et de HGF, facteurs de croissance épithéliaux connus pour leurs effets bénéfiques sur les CEA, explique en partie les effets protecteurs paracrines des CSMh. Nos résultats suggèrent que les effets cytoprotecteurs des CSMh vis-à-vis des CEA pourraient contribuer aux effets bénéfiques des CSMh observés in vivo dans différents modèles animaux de fibrose induite, ou lors d’agressions alvéolaires aiguës. / Acute or chronic alveolar injuries provoke massive apoptosis of alveolar epithelial cells (AEC) that compromises an efficient repair of the alveolar epithelium and leads to lung diseases such as ARDS or IPF. These disorders are commonly associated with local alveolar hypoxia aggravating their progression through the stimulation of AEC apoptosis. Administration of allogenic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been shown to limit lung inflammation and fibrosis in murine models of alveolar injury, through a still poorly understood paracrine mechanism. In a first study, we showed that long term exposure of AEC in hypoxia leads to phenotypic alterations which looks like epithelio-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Co-culture with MSCs prevent hypoxia-induced EMT.In a second work, we studied whether MSC could protect AEC from hypoxia-induced apoptosis and the mechanisms involved. hMSC-conditioned media (hMSC-CM) significantly reduced hypoxia-induced apoptosis of AEC. Such a anti-apoptotic effect was also obtained with ROS scavenger N-acetylcystein or HIF1a inhibitor YC-1. hMSC-CM decreased the protein expression of HIF1α and HIF2α and of their pro-apoptotic target Bnip3 in hypoxic AEC. hMSC-CM also reduced ROS accumulation in hypoxic AEC by enhancing the activity of anti-oxidant enzymes and prevented the induction of CHOP, a pro-apoptotic factor induced by ROS signaling. The paracrine effect of hMSC was partly dependent on KGF and HGF secretion. hMSC prevent via a paracrine effect hypoxia-induced apoptosis of AEC by modulating hypoxic and ROS signaling.These two studies show that MSCs exert cytoprotective effects in vitro against hypoxia-induced apoptosis and EMT in AEC

The structure, function and accessibility of epidermal skin provide aunique opportunity to study the DNA damage response (DDR) of a normaltissue. The in vivo response can be examined in detail, at a molecularlevel, and further associated to the structural changes, observed at atissue level. We collected an extensive skin biopsy material frompatients undergoing fractionated radiotherapy for 5 to 7 weeks. Several end-points inthe DDR pathways were examined before, during and after the treatment. Quantification of DNA double strand break (DSB) signalling focirevealed a hypersensitivity to doses below 0.3Gy. Furthermore, aconsiderable amount of foci persisted between fractions. The low dosehypersensitivity was observed throughout the treatment and was alsoobserved for several key parameters further downstream in the DDR-pathway, such as p21-associated checkpoint activation, apoptosisinduction and reduction in basal keratinocyte density (BKD).Furthermore, for dose fractions above 1.0 Gy, a distinct acceleration inDDR was observed half way into treatment. This was manifested as anaccelerated loss of basal keratinocytes, mirrored by a simultaneousincrease in DSBs and p21 expression. Quantifications of mitotic events revealed a pronounced suppression ofmitosis throughout the treatment which was clearly low dosehypersensitive. Thus, no evidence of accelerated repopulation could beobserved for fraction doses ranging from 0.05 to 2Gy. Our results suggest that the keratinocyte response primarily isdetermined by checkpoints, which leads to pre-mitotic cell elimination by permanent growth arrest and apoptosis. A comparison between the epidermal and dermal sub-compartments revealsa consistent up-regulation of the DDR response during treatment. Adifference was however observed in the recovery phase after treatment,where miR-34a and p21 remain up-regulated in dermis more persistentlythan in epidermis. Our observations suggest that the recovery phaseafter treatment can provide important clues to understand clinicalobservations such as the early and late effects observed in normaltissues during fractionated radiotherapy.

No description available.

O tingimento de tecidos começou há milhares de anos e a disponibilidade comercial de corantes é enorme e crescente. A indústria têxtil brasileira desempenha um papel de inquestionável importância, destacando-se entre as principais atividades econômicas do país. O processo de tingimento é um dos fatores fundamentais no sucesso comercial dos produtos têxteis, uma vez que o consumidor exige cores resistentes à exposição ao calor, à luz, à transpiração e às lavagens. Segundo a literatura, condições de transpiração intensa contribuem para uma alta taxa de migração e subseqüente penetração de corantes têxteis para a pele humana. Além disso, 2 a 50% desses compostos permanecem no banho de tingimento e são descartados nos efluentes industriais, contaminando o ambiente e colocando em risco a saúde humana, uma vez que os métodos convencionais de tratamento de efluentes são ineficientes na remoção da coloração e da mutagenicidade de alguns corantes. Dentro deste contexto, este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos toxicogenéticos do corante Direct Black (DB38) original e após extração por lixiviação com suor sintético, utilizando o teste do cometa com fibroblastos e queratinócitos de pele humana, o teste Anexina V com fibroblastos e o ensaio de mutagenicidade com Salmonella typhimurium. Adicionalmente, foi investigada a ecotoxicidade dos corantes têxteis Direct Black 38 e Reactive Blue 15 (RB15) originais por meio de ensaios com sementes, dapnhias, minhocas e zebrafish realizados na UTOX, em Barcelona. O corante DB38 original e lixiviado não induziram genotoxicidade em fibroblastos e queratinócitos de pele humana. O corante DB38 original foi mutagênico para as linhagens TA98 e TA100 de S. typhimurium na presença de S9. Entretanto, o corante lixiviado não induziu mutagenicidade para essas linhagens testadas, considerando que a maior taxa de migração do corante para a solução de suor foi de ~1% nas seguintes condições: tingimento sem ensaboamento, pH 8,0 e 8 horas de incubação à 42°C. O corante original é citotóxico para fibroblastos após 48 horas de exposição. No entanto, essa citotoxicidade não foi mais observada após a lixiviação no suor. Os corantes DB38 e RB15 originais não foram tóxicos para as sementes de pepino, alface e tomate, e nem para as minhocas Eisenia foetida. Ambos os corantes foram fracamente tóxicos para Daphnia magna, porém o RB15 apresenta maior potencial tóxico em relação ao DB38. Os corantes DB38 e RB15 induziram malformações em larvas de zebrafish Danio rerio, caracterizadas por falha na inflação da bexiga natatória e alteração na cauda. Portanto, nossos resultados mostram a importância de se fazer não só a análise individual de corantes têxteis, mas também dos tecidos que os contêm. Além da necessidade de se desenvolver técnicas de tingimento mais seguras em relação à solidez da cor sob condições úmidas e as perdas de corante para o ambiente durante a etapa de fixação, indicando maior atenção ao estudo de efeitos sub-letais na avaliação do impacto desses compostos no ecossistema aquático. / The fabrics dyeing began thousands of years ago and the commercial availability of dyes is increasingly. The Brazilian textile industry plays a role of high importance, highlighting among the main economic activities in the country. The dyeing process is one of the key factors in the commercial success of textile products, since consumers are demanding colors more resistant to heat, light exposure, perspiration and washing. According to the literature, conditions of intense perspiration contribute to the migration and subsequent penetration of textile dyes to human skin. Furthermore, 2 to 50% of the initial dye load is present in the dye bath effluent and these compounds are discharged in industrial effluents, contaminating the environment and endangering human health, since the wastewater treatment systems are ineffective in removing the color and mutagenicity of some dyes. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the toxicogenetic effects of the Direct Black 38 (DB38) dye original and extracted by leaching with artificial sweat using Comet assay with fibroblasts and keratinocytes from human skin, Anexin V assay with fibroblasts and Salmonella mutagenicity test. Additionally, we investigated the ecotoxicity of textile dye Direct Black 38 and Reactive Blue 15 (RB15) using assays with seeds, dapnhias, worms and zebrafish performed in UTOX in Barcelona. The original and leached DB38 dye did not induce genotoxicity in fibroblasts and keratinocytes from human skin. The original DB38 was mutagenic for TA98 and TA100 of S. typhimurium with S9. However, the solution with the leached dye did not induce mutagenicity for these tested strains, since the highest migration rate of the dye to the solution of artificial sweat was ~ 1% in the following conditions: type of dyeing without rinsing, pH 8.0 and 8-hour incubation at 42°C. The original dye was cytotoxic for fibroblasts after 48 hours of exposure. However, this cytotoxicity was no longer observed after leaching in sweat. The original DB38 and RB15 dyes showed no toxicity for cucumber, lettuce and tomato seeds and for earthworms Eisenia foetida. Both dyes were weakly toxic for Daphnia magna, but the RB15 has a higher toxic potential compared to DB38. The dyes DB38 and RB15 induced malformations in larvae of zebrafish Danio rerio by failure of the swim bladder inflation and changes in the tail. Therefore, our results show the importance of making the individual analysis of textile dyes, but also of fabrics containing them. Furthermore, it is necessary to develop safer techniques of dyeing in relation to the color fastness under humid conditions and the loss of dyes into the environment during the fixation step, indicating more attention to the study of sub-lethal effects in the evaluation of the impact of these compounds in the aquatic ecosystem.

La cicatrisation parodontale est un processus complexe, composé de quatre phases hautement intégrées (hémostase, inflammation, prolifération, remodelage), qui nécessite une interaction complexe entre les différents types tissulaires (épithélium, conjonctif, os) ainsi que la synthèse de médiateurs, tels que les hormones et les facteurs de croissance. La difficulté à pouvoir obtenir une régénération des tissus parodontaux est en partie due à la réponse inflammatoire qui interfère avec le processus de cicatrisation, via la surexpression des cytokines pro-inflammatoires, ainsi qu’à la croissance rapide des cellules épithéliales le long de la surface de la racine qui porte atteinte à la vraie organisation des tissus, essentielle à la régénération parodontale. Notre objectif a été de mettre au point des membranes nanofibreuses implantables à base de polycaprolactone (PCL) fonctionnalisés par plusieurs molécules actives (Alpha-Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (α-MSH)), ibuprofène, atorvastatine) et implantables, permettant à la fois un contrôle physique et biochimique de la cicatrisation parodontale. En d’autres termes, nous avons cherché à ralentir la colonisation de la surface radiculaire par les cellules épithéliales et à moduler l’inflammation de la phase post-chirurgicale afin de promouvoir la cicatrisation parodontale. Pour cela, nous avons mis au point un modèle d’inflammation in vitro mimant le tissu superficiel du parodonte en utilisant des cellules parodontales, à savoir des kératinocytes et fibroblastes gingivaux humains, stimulées par du lipopolysaccharide de Porphyromonas gingivalis (LPS-Pg). Les résultats obtenus ont montré une bonne biocompatibilité des systèmes (α-MSH, ibuprofène) ainsi qu’une diminution de la prolifération, migration des kératinocytes, fibroblastes gingivaux humains et une diminution significative de l’expression des marqueurs pro- ou anti-inflammatoires (TNF-α, TGF-β, IL-6, IL-8), des marqueurs d’adhérence, de prolifération (Intégrine, Laminine, Fibronectine) et de remodelage (COL-IV). En conclusion, les stratégies développées (α-MSH, ibuprofène) au sein de notre laboratoire ont permis de mettre en évidence l’intérêt de délivrer une molécule anti-inflammatoire à partir d’un biomatériau et représentent un fort potentiel d’application clinique pour la parodontologie mais aussi pour la médecine de demain. / Periodontal wound healing is a process involving hemostasis, inflammatory phase, proliferation and maturation/matrix remodeling. These phases require cell-to-cell interaction of different cell types (epithelial cells, fibroblasts, osteoblasts, and cementoblasts) orchestrated by growth factors, cytokines and extracellular matrix components. After conventional periodontal therapy, wound healing corresponds more to tissue reparation than regeneration. This absence of true regeneration is considered to be mainly due to the competition between the different periodontal tissues (gingiva, cementum, alveolar bone) and the differential rate of proliferation, migration and differentiation of periodontal cells during wound healing. Therefore, the inflammatory response could interfere with the healing process depending on the secretion/activity level of matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs), cytokines, chemokines and also the imbalance with their antagonists/inhibitors, which leads to fibrosis and excessive scarring. Our aim was to develop implantable nano-fibrous membranes based on polycaprolactone (PCL) and functionalized by several active molecules (Alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH)), ibuprofen, atorvastatin) allowing both physical control and biochemical periodontal healing features. Furthermore, we developed an in vitro inflammatory model mimicking the periodontal tissue surface, using periodontal cells ; keratinocytes and human gingival fibroblasts stimulated with lipopolysaccharide of Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg-LPS). The results obtained showed good biocompatibility systems (α-MSH, ibuprofen) and a decrease in the proliferation and migration of keratinocytes, human gingival fibroblasts. Moreover, a significant decrease of pro- or anti-inflammatory markers expression (TNF-α, TGF-β, IL-6, IL-8), adhesion markers of proliferation (Integrin, laminin, fibronectin) and remodeling (COL-IV) could be achieved. In conclusion, the strategies developed in our laboratory (α-MSH, ibuprofen), have helped to highlight the interest of the release of an anti-inflammatory molecule from a biomaterial, and represented a strong potential for clinical application not only in periodontics but also in general medicine.

The Melanocyte Keratinocyte Transplantation Procedure (MKTP) is an effective surgical replacement of lost melanocytes in recalcitrant vitiligo and pigmentary skin disorders. However, it is only effective in stable vitiligo lesions because active autoimmunity destroys the newly transplanted melanocytes. Despite careful selection of candidates based on the reported clinical stability, the success of the procedure is still unpredictable. MKTP candidates with non-segmental, segmental, and mixed vitiligo, as well as hypopigmented scars and Piebaldism patients were enrolled to our studies. Our aim was first, to investigate the possible immunological mechanisms responsible for the unpredictable post- transplantation outcomes, including T cell subsets and inflammatory chemokines, by correlating these biomarkers with clinical phenotypes, duration of stability, and surgical outcomes. We used suction blister biopsy, a minimally invasive technique that we developed to sample human skin. Moreover, we quantified transplanted melanocytes in the suspension using flow cytometry. Following MKTP, we corelated these biomarkers to the repigmentation score. We found that CD8+ T cells remain in some clinically stable vitiligo lesions, correlate negatively with the post-surgical score of repigmentation, and inversely impact the durability of the responses. Interestingly, the number of transplanted melanocytes in the suspension and the duration of stability do not have prognostic roles. Based on our findings and in a second group of patients, we suppressed the activity of T cells to enhance the outcomes of MKTP. We used Ruxolitinib, JAK1/2 inhibitor, in a triple blinded randomized controlled within subject study, in comparison with Tacrolimus (a calcineurin inhibitor and the standard of care treatment in vitiligo) as well as placebo control. We found lower T cell infiltrate, lower chemokines, and better skin repigmentation in lesions treated with MKTP plus Ruxolitinib or Tacrolimus than in lesions treated with MKTP plus placebo. Lastly, we compared two different types of laser in preparation of the recipient skin for MKTP - ablative versus fractional Er:YAG laser. We found that the ablative laser is combined with minimal CD8+ T cell epidermal infiltrate and superior repigmentation score in comparison to more infiltrate and lower repigmentation score with the fractional laser. Taken together, these results from our studies provide novel insight to predict the optimal surgical candidates and will improve surgical outcomes. It advances the treatment of vitiligo by uncovering the impact of autoimmunity on the success of repigmentation and discovering new approaches to optimize the surgical treatment options in patients with vitiligo and pigmentary skin disorders.

Interleukin(IL)-22, ein Zytokin der IL-10-Interferon-Familie, beeinflusst die Funktion von Gewebezellen, wirkt jedoch nicht auf Immunzellen. In dieser Arbeit konnte ich zeigen, dass IL-22 in Keratinozyten nur eine begrenzte Anzahl von Genen in ihrer Expression reguliert, was eine Hemmung der terminalen Differenzierung und eine Steigerung der antimikrobiellen Abwehr und der zellulären Mobilität bewirkt. Diese IL-22-Effekte konnten in vivo aufgrund ihrer Induzierbarkeit durch eine IL-22-Behandlung in Mäusen bestätigt werden und fanden sich darüber hinaus in der läsionalen Haut von Patienten mit Psoriasis wieder. Eine pathogenetische Rolle von IL-22 bei Psoriasis wurde durch eine gefundene Erhöhung der IL-22-Spiegel im Blut dieser Patienten und eine Korrelation dieser mit dem Schweregrad der Erkrankung untermauert. Eine Untersuchung der Wirkung von IL-22 auf Hepatozyten zeigte, dass IL-22 in diesen Zellen die Produktion des LPS-Bindungsproteins (LBP) steigert, welches in hohen Konzentrationen bakterielle Bestandteile neutralisiert. In vivo zeigte sich, dass eine IL-22-Gabe in der Maus eine verstärkte Expression von LBP in der Leber und erhöhte sytemische LBP-Spiegel bewirkt. Diese Hepatozyten-spezifische IL-22-Wirkung spiegelte sich bei Patienten mit Morbus Crohn in erhöhten systemischen LBP-Spiegeln wieder. Bei der Psoriasis steht vor allem der regenerative Phänotyp der Keratinozyten, gekennzeichnet durch eine verminderte terminale Differenzierung und eine gesteigerte Mobilität, im Vordergrund und bildet die Ursache für die klinisch sichtbaren epidermalen Veränderungen. Demgegenüber könnte bei Morbus Crohn IL 22 durch die Induktion von hepatozytärem LBP zur Neutralisierung von durch die gestörte Darmbarriere ins Blut translozierte bakterielle LPS zur lokalen Begrenzung der Entzündung beitragen. Ausgehend von diesen Beobachtungen wäre eine IL-22-Neutralisierung bzw. IL-22-Applikation ein innovativer Therapieansatz für die Behandlung von Psoriasis und Morbus Crohn. / Interleukin(IL)-22, a cytokine belonging to the IL-10-Interferon-family, regulates the function of tissue cells, but not of immune cells. Here, I could show, that in keratinocytes IL-22 regulates the expression of a limited number of genes leading to an inhibition of the terminal differentiation and an increase of the antimicrobial defense and cellular mobility. These IL-22 effects were also confirmed in vivo as they could be induced in mice by IL-22-treatment and moreover, were also found to be present in the lesional skin of psoriasis patients. A pathogenetic role of IL-22 in psoriasis was substantiated by the finding that IL-22 level are elevated in the blood of these patients and correlated with the disease severity. By investigating the influence of IL-22 on hepatocytes, I found an increase of LPS-binding protein (LBP) production by IL-22, a protein which neutralizes bacterial components at high concentrations. In vivo, IL-22 treatment of mice led to a high hepatic LBP expression and elevated blood LBP level. This hepatocyte-specific IL-22 effect was reflected in patients with crohn´s disease in elevated systemic LBP level. In psoriasis, especially the regenerative phenotype of keratinocytes, characterized by the distorted terminal differentiation and enhanced mobility, is a key feature and the basis for the clinically visible epidermal alterations. In contrast, in crohn´s disease by inducing hepatic LBP production IL-22 likely contributes to the neutralisation of LPS translocated into the blood via the distorted intestinal barrier and thereby to a local limitation of inflammation. Based on these observations a neutralisation or application of IL-22 would be an innovative therapeutic approach for the treatment of psoriasis and crohn´s disease, respectively.

Human skin has distinct lipid metabolism and production of bioactive lipid mediators that can be modulated by nutritional supplementation with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA), of which eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids exert anti-inflammatory effects. The aims of this project were to gain better understanding of their individual mechanisms in human epidermis and dermis. HaCaT keratinocytes, 46BR.1N fibroblasts, primary human epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts were treated with EPA or DHA for 72h and then sham-irradiated or exposed to 15 mJ/cm2 ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Viability was measured by the MTT assay. The expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), microsomal prostaglandin synthase-1 (mPGES-1) and 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH) proteins was explored by western blotting. Human skin explants (n=4 donors) were cultured for 3 or 6 days and supplemented with EPA, DHA or vehicle. Culture media were collected to evaluate tissue damage and PUFA cytotoxicity (lactate dehydrogenase assay). Epidermal and dermal lipid profiles were assessed by gas chromatography and liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. Primary keratinocytes were treated with fatty acids and various lipid mediators for 48h. Their effect was determined by the scratch assay and transepithelial electrical resistance. UVR upregulated COX-2 in HaCaT and primary epidermal keratinocytes, but did not affect mPGES-1 and 15-PGDH protein expression. UVR upregulated COX-2 and mPGES-1 in 46BR.1N fibroblasts but had no effect on 15-PGDH expression. The same UVR dose did not alter the expression of COX-2, mPGES-1 and 15-PGDH in primary dermal fibroblasts. Only EPA attenuated COX-2 expression in HaCaT and primary keratinocytes and either EPA or DHA had any effect in 46BR.1N and primary fibroblasts. Skin explants showed initial post-biopsy tissue damage. EPA and DHA supplementation augmented cellular levels of the corresponding fatty acids in both epidermis and dermis to a different extent. Increased uptake of DHA in the dermis was accompanied by reduced arachidonic acid levels. EPA treatment stimulated the production of PGE3 and various HEPE in epidermis, while DHA treatment caused high levels of HDHA species in dermis. N-3 PUFA and their derivatives delayed wound healing, cell migration and epidermal barrier permeability, while n-6 PUFA lipids showed the opposite effect. Overall, these findings suggest that EPA and DHA differently affect skin cells and skin, with EPA preference in epidermis and DHA in the dermis. These results highlight the importance of differential skin responses that could be important in skin health and disease.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / In the US, more than 1 million burn injuries are reported annually. About 45,000 injuries due to fires and burns result in hospitalization and ten percent of these result in death every year. Advances in burn treatment have led to a reduction in mortality rate over the last decades. Since more patients are surviving the initial resuscitation phase even with very large areas of skin being burned away, wound care has become increasingly important to ensure continued patient survival and improvement. While currently a common treatment for third degree burn wounds, skin grafts have several drawbacks. The availability of donor sites for autografts may be limited, especially in incidences of extensive skin loss. The rejection associated with the use of allografts and xenografts may render them inadequate or undesirable. Even if a suitable graft is found, poor retention due to infection, hematoma, and low vascularity at the recipient site are other drawbacks associated with the use of skin grafts as a primary treatment for severe burn wounds. As such, research has been done into alternative treatments, which include but are not limited to artificial skin, cell therapy, and growth factor application. We propose the delivery of adipose derived stem cells (ASC) in combination with endothelial progenitor cells (EC) via Integra Dermal Regenerative Template (DRT) to promote faster graft vascularization and thus faster healing of wounds. Integra DRT is an acellular skin substitute that consists of a dermal layer composed of bovine collagen and chondroitin-6-sulfate glycosaminoglycan, and an "epidermal" layer, which consists of silicone polymer. This silicone layer is removed after the collagen matrix is adequately vascularized (usually takes 2-3 weeks), and then a thin layer autograft is applied to the top of the neo-dermis. ASC are derived from the stromal-vascular fraction (SVF) of adipose tissue and are a readily available, pluripotent, mesenchymal cell known to promote angiogenesis. They are being explored as a treatment for a myriad of diseases and conditions, including wound healing. In combination with ECs, they form stable microvessel networks in vitro and in vivo. In our work, we found that ASC+EC form stable microvessel networks when cultured on Integra DRT. Also, ASC and ASC+EC conditioned media promoted both survival and migration of human epidermal keratinocytes compared to control medium. In a full thickness wound healing model, using healthy NSG mice, the ASC+EC case showed a significantly higher rate of wound closure compared to control. Based on best linear unbiased estimates (BLUE), the difference between the healing rates of ASC alone treatment and the Control treatment group is -0.45 +/- 0.22 mm²/day (p=0.041), which is not less than 0.025 and thus not statistically significant (Bonferroni Adjusted). However, the BLUE for the difference between the ASC+EC group and the Control group healing rates is -0.55 +/- 0.28 mm²/day (p = 0.017<0.025, Bonferroni Adjusted), which is statistically significant. Histology revealed a significantly higher number of vessels compared to control in both ASC alone and ASC+EC case. CD31 staining revealed the presence of human vessels in ASC+EC treatment scaffolds. We conclude that the combination of ASC and EC can be used to accelerate healing of full-thickness wounds when delivered to site of the wound via Integra. This result is especially compelling due to the fact that the mice used were all healthy. Thus our treatment shows an improvement in healing rate even compared to normal wound healing.

At low doses, relevant to nuclear incidents and accidental releases of radioactivity, the detriment of radiation extends beyond direct effects. This thesis investigates genomic instability, a subclass of non-targeted effects where damage and lethality is transmitted vertically and expressed in the progeny of cells many generations after initial radiation exposure. Through a series of experiments using clonogenic assay of human and fish cell culture, studies described in this thesis describe lethal mutations, hyper radiosensitivity and increased radioresistance – processes involving repair mechanisms that dictate survival in cells exposed to low doses. Further study investigates the difference in the relative biological effect of alpha particle radiation compared to what is expected at high doses. Results demonstrate increased radioresistance in a human cell line while also revealing increased lethality in a fish cell line confirming the need for consideration of dose-dependence as well as variance in behaviors of different cell lines and species. It is hoped the conclusions of this thesis will inspire the creation of protocols with greater attention to the indirect consequences of exposure to radiation at doses relevant to nuclear incidents and accidents. / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc)