Sporadic breast cancers are mainly attributable to long-term exposure to environmental factors, via a multi-year, multi-step, and multi-path process of tumorigenesis involving cumulative genetic and epigenetic alterations in the chronic carcinogenesis of breast cells from a non-cancerous stage to precancerous and cancerous stages. Epidemiologic and experimental studies have suggested that various dietary compounds like green tea and grape seed may be used as preventive agents for breast cancer control. In this research, I have developed a cellular model that mimics breast cell carcinogenesis chronically induced by cumulative exposures to low doses of environmental carcinogens. I used the chronic carcinogenesis model as a target system to investigate the activity of dietary compounds at non-cytotoxic levels in intervention of cellular carcinogenesis induced by cumulative exposures to pico-molar 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) and benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P). I used various cancer-associated properties like, reduced dependence on growth factors, anchorage-independent growth, increased cell mobility, and acinar-conformational disruption as measurable endpoints of carcinogenesis. The first part (Part-I) of this dissertation focuses on the understanding the breast cancer progression, importance of environmental carcinogens, role of diet in cancer prevention and importance of epithelial to mesenchymal transition and stem-like cells in chronic carcinogenesis. The next three parts (Part II-IV) focus on understanding the role and mechanisms of dietary compounds in prevention of carcinogenesis and stem-like cell properties. Results in part II revealed the green tea extract at bio-achievable concentration can suppress carcinogen-induced cancerous properties. In Part-III, I compared the four major catechins in green tea extract in suppressing chronic carcinogenesis and the results revealed that epicatechin gallate to be most effective. I also identified that short-term exposure to NNK and B[a]P resulted in elevation of reactive oxygen species, ERK pathway activation and induction of cell proliferation and DNA damage, which can be blocked by green tea catechins. Results in Part-IV describe the roles of properties and markers associated with stem-like cells and the epithelial to mesenchymal transition induced by chronic carcinogenesis and their suppression by green tea catechins and grape seed proanthocyanidin extract. The last section (Part-V) summarizes the findings with their importance and discusses future directions.

Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit war die biologische Charakterisierung neuartiger nanostrukturierter und für die Knochenregeneration geeigneter Calciumphosphatzemente (CPC). Hierzu wurde ein aus α-Tricalciumphosphat, Calciumhydrogenphosphat, gefälltem Hydroxylapatit und Calciumcarbonat bestehender CPC verwendet, der mit den Biomolekülen Cocarboxylase, Glucuronsäure, Weinsäure, Glucose-1-phosphat, Arginin, Lysin und Asparaginsäure-Natriumsalz modifiziert wurde. Ermittelt wurde dabei der Einfluss der Modifikationen auf die Proteinadsorption und die Biokompatibilität. In Vorversuchen wurden die Zementmodifikationen hinsichtlich ihrer Bindungskapazität für humane Serumproteine und für das knochenspezifische Protein Osteocalcin (OC) sowie hinsichtlich ihrer Eignung für die Adhäsion, Proliferation und osteogene Differenzierung von humanen fötalen Osteoblasten (hFOB 1.19) und humanen mesenchymalen Stammzellen (hMSC) untersucht. Dabei erwiesen sich die Modifikationen mit Cocarboxylase, Arginin und Asparaginsäure-Natriumsalz als besonders günstig. Mit diesen „Favoriten“ erfolgte eine detailliertere Analyse der Adsorption humaner und boviner Serumproteine sowie der knochen-spezifischen Proteine Osteocalcin, BMP-2 und VEGF. Dabei führte sowohl der Zusatz von Cocarboxylase, als auch der von Arginin und Asparaginsäure-Natriumsalz zu einer erhöhten Adsorption von Serumproteinen. Die Bindungsaffinität des Basiszements gegenüber Osteocalcin, BMP-2 und VEGF konnte durch Funktionalisierung mit Arginin gesteigert werden. Während die Modifizierung mit Cocarboxylase nur die VEGF-Adsorption förderte, bewirkte der Zusatz von Asparaginsäure-Natriumsalz eine Erhöhung der Osteocalcin- und BMP-2-Adsorption. Bedingt durch die größere spezifische Oberfläche der noch nicht abgebundenen Zemente, war die Menge adsorbierter Proteine auf frisch hergestellten Zementproben im Vergleich zu abgebundenen und ausgehärteten Zementen signifikant höher. Die Eignung der ausgewählten Zementvarianten als Knochenersatzmaterialien wurde mithilfe humaner mesenchymaler Stammzellen zweier verschiedener Spender getestet. Bei Verwendung abgebundener und ausgehärteter Zemente waren die hMSC in der Lage, auf allen Modifikationen zu adhärieren, zu proliferieren und in die osteogene Richtung zu differenzieren. Eine vorherige Inkubation der Zementproben mit humanem Serum förderte dabei vor allem die Zelladhäsion. Weiterhin konnte gezeigt werden, dass hMSC im Gegensatz zu anderen Studien auch auf frisch hergestellten Zementproben adhärieren, proliferieren und differenzieren können. Die Modifizierung des Basiszements mit Cocarboxylase führte hierbei zu einer gegenüber den anderen Modifikationen signifikant erhöhten Zelladhäsion und -vitalität. Neben den verschieden modifizierten Pulver/Flüssigkeitszementen wurden im Rahmen dieser Arbeit neuartige ready-to-use Zementpasten untersucht. Diese zeigten allerdings im Vergleich zu den herkömmlichen Zementen eine geringere Proteinbindungsaffinität. HMSC, die auf den Pastenzementen kultiviert wurden, war es wiederum möglich zu adhärieren, zu proliferieren und den osteoblastenspezifischen Marker Alkalische Phosphatase zu exprimieren. Hinsichtlich ihrer Biokompatibilität sind sie damit vergleichbar zu den herkömmlichen Pulver/Flüssigkeitszementen.

Le syndrome d’Andersen est une maladie rare et associée à la perte de fonction du canal potassique Kir2.1. Afin d’étudier sa physiopathologie, nous avons généré et caractérisé des cellules souches pluripotentes induites (iPS) contrôle et Andersen. Nous avons ensuite différencié ces cellules iPS en cellules souches mésenchymateuse (MSC). Les cellules MSC de patients présentent une capacité de différenciation en ostéoblastes et en chondrocytes diminuée par rapport aux cellules contrôle. En effet, la production de matrice extracellulaire et l'expression des master gènes des différenciations osseuses et cartilagineuses, est réduite chez les patients. Ces travaux de thèse montrent que le canal Kir2.1 est essentiel au développement osseux. Les défauts de différentiation observés pourraient expliquer les dysmorphies associées avec le syndrome d’Andersen. / Andersen's syndrome is a rare disorder associated with a Kir2.1 potassium channel loss of fuction. To study the pathophysiology, we have generated and characterized induced Pluripotent Stem cells (iPS) from control and patient cells. We have then differentiated those iPS cells into mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). Patient's MSc have a lower osteoblastic and chondrogenic differnciation ability compared to control cells. Indeed, extracellular matrix production and master gene expression of osteoblastic and chondrogenic differenciation are reduced in patient’s cells. Alltogether, these results shown that Kir2.1 channel is required for bone developement. The differenciation defects saw in patient cells could explain the Andersen's syndrome associated dysmorphies.

Orientador: Teresa Cristina Cardoso da Silva / Banca: Roberto Gameiro de Carvalho / Banca: Andréa Fontes Garcia / Resumo: As células mesenquimais derivadas da geleia de Wharton isoladas da matriz do cordão umbilical canino tem sido sugeridas como uma fonte promissora de MSCs para serem usadas nas aplicações clínicas em ciência veterinária, como uma ferramenta potencialmente efetiva na regeneração óssea. MicroRNA (miARN) é um regulador pós-transcricional da expressão gênica em várias condições fisiológicas, incluindo a osteogênese. Neste estudo, as MSCs caninos (cMSCs) isoladas da geléia de Wharton foram induzidos a osteogênese e a transcrição de miR-106b foi avaliada em 0, 7, 14 e 21 dias após a indução. Em outro experimento, as cMSC foram transfectadas com um imitador de miR106b e um inibidor e induzidos a osteogênese. Morfologicamente, cMSCs transfectadas com um inibidor de miR-106b produziram células semelhantes a osteócitos quando comparadas às mesmas células transfectadas com o mímico de miR-106b. cMSCs apresentaram transcrição de miR-106b após 7 dias de osteoindução em um nível baixo em comparação com o controle positivo, enquanto as células transfectadas com o mímico de miR-106b mostraram que o miR-106b deveria ser regulado positivamente. Após a inibição da expressão de miR-106b em cMSCs osteoinduzidas, a atividade da fosfatase alcalina (ALP) foi aumentada. A transcrição do mRNA de osteocalcina, osteopontina e RUNX2 foi regulada positivamente aos 21 dias após a osteoindução, após a inibição de miR106b. Esses achados, pela primeira vez, mostraram que a expressão de miR106b regula negativam... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Wharton's jelly derived-MSCs isolated from canine umbilical cord matrix have been suggested as a promising source of MSCs to be used for clinical applications in veterinary science, as a potentially effective tool in bone regeneration. MicroRNA (miRNA) is a post-transcriptional regulator of gene expression in several physiological conditions, including osteogenesis In this study, canine MSCs (cMSCs) isolated from Wharton's jelly were induced to osteogenesis and miR-106b transcription was measured at 0, 7, 14 and 21 days following induction. In another experiment, cMSCs were transfected with a miR106b mimic and an inhibitor and induced to osteogenesis. Morphologically, cMSCs transfected with an inhibitor of miR-106b appeared as osteocyte-like cells when compared to the same cells transfected with the mimic of miR-106b. cMSCs showed miR-106b transcription after 7 days of osteoinduction was at a low level compared to the positive control, whereas transfected cells with the miR-106b mimic showed miR-106b to be upregulated. After inhibition of miR-106b expression in osteoinduced cMSCs, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was increased. Osteocalcin, osteopontin and RUNX2 mRNA transcription were upregulated at 21 days after osteoinduction following miR-106b inhibition. These findings have, for the first time, shown that the expression of miR-106b negatively regulates osteogenesis in canine MSCs derived from Wharton's jelly and seems to interfere with cell differentiation. / Mestre

A engenharia de tecido ósseo associando células-tronco mesenquimais (CTMs) a biomateriais tem sido proposta como tratamento potencial para o reparo de defeitos ósseos, constituindo uma abordagem nova na área da medicina regenerativa e de amplo interesse para as áreas de cirurgia buco-maxilo-facial e ortopedia. A seleção das CTMs mais adequadas e o método utilizado para carreá-las nos sítios de defeitos ósseos são fatores importantes para o sucesso do tratamento. Como a osteoporose reduz a capacidade de regeneração dos ossos, seria de grande importância que a engenharia do tecido ósseo pudesse ser aplicada com sucesso nessa patologia. Assim, foi avaliado o potencial das CTMs de medula óssea (CTMs-MO) e de tecido adiposo (CTMs-TA) associadas ao arcabouço de vitrocerâmica BioS-2P ou a membrana de P(VDF-TrFE)/BT no reparo de defeitos ósseos em ratas osteoporóticas. A osteoporose foi induzida por ovariectomia e comprovada pela análise microtomográfica dos fêmures. Nas ratas osteoporóticas foram criados defeitos ósseos nas calvárias que foram tratados com implantação de BioS-2P associado à CTMs-MO e CTMs-TA ou com a implantação de membrana de P(VDF-TrFE)/BT combinada com a injeção de CTMs-MO e CTMs-TA. Ao final de 4 semanas, as análises microtomográficas e histológica mostraram que não houve formação óssea nos defeitos sem qualquer tratamento, mas nos defeitos tratados com implantação de BioS-2P ou membrana de P(VDF-TrFE)/BT houve formação óssea independente da presença de CTMs. Apenas os defeitos tratados com membrana de P(VDF-TrFE)/BT e injeção de CTMs-MO apresentaram maior formação óssea, mas não ocorreu a regeneração. / Bone tissue engineering based on the combination of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and biomaterials, has been proposed as a potential treatment for the repair of bone defects, constituting a new approach in the field of regenerative medicine and of interest to the areas of oral and maxillofacial surgery and orthopedics. To select the most suitable MSCs and an efficient method to carry them to the bone defects are the key for the successful treatment. Considering that osteoporosis represents a challenge situation, it would be of the utmost importance that bone tissue engineering could be used in this pathological condition. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of MSCs harvested from bone marrow (MSCs-BM) and from adipose tissue (MSCs-AT) associated to a vitreous scaffold (BioS-2P) or to a membrane of P(VDF-TrFE)/BT in regenerate bone defects created in osteoporotic rats. Osteoporosis was induced by ovariectomy and confirmed by microtomography of the femurs. Defects created in calvaria of osteoporotic rats were implanted with either Bios-2P seeded with MSCs-BM and MSCs-AT or a membrane of P(VDF-TrFE)/BT combined with injection of MSCs-BM and MSCs-AT. After 4 weeks, microtomography and histological analyses showed that there was no bone formation in untreated defects but in those treated with BioS-2P or membrane of P(VDF-TrFE)/BT there was bone formation irrespective of the presence of MSCs. Only defects treated with membrane of P(VDF-TrFE)/BT and MSCs-BM injection resulted in greater bone formation but there was not full bone regeneration.

The amniotic membrane and the amniotic fluid are one of life's most complex and delicate tissues and fluids, respectively. What was known about this tissue and fluid prior to the 20th century was extremely limited scientifically, but was significantly defined by beliefs entrenched in mysticism, folklore, and superstitions. A comprehensive literature review of the amniotic membrane tissue and amniotic fluid reveals the many unique and complex characteristics and biological properties that been heavily investigated since the turn of the 20th century and continues to surge into the 21st century. The historical perspectives, evolution, derivation, histology, structure, and composition of the amniotic membrane; and historical perspectives, volume and regulation, and cellular and non-cellular composition of the amniotic fluid are discussed here and are coalesced for an easy and comprehensible resource. Lastly, future perspectives regarding research and application of the amniotic membrane and amniotic fluid, including stem cells are discussed.

Durante as duas últimas décadas, têm ocorrido progressos substanciais a respeito do entendimento da fisiopatologia da cicatrização de feridas, e novas terapias tem sido desenvolvidas. Contudo, acelerar o processo de reparo continua sendo um desafio no campo da cirurgia plástica reconstrutiva. Tratamentos inovadores para melhorar a cicatrização e a regeneração cutânea são necessários e é nesse âmbito que as pesquisas com as células-troncos mesenquimais (MSCs) vêm ganhando espaço na última década. As MSCs foram estudadas em diversas áreas no que diz respeito ao seu efeito sobre a cicatrização de lesões e suas aplicações clínicas. Relatos apontam que tanto as MSCs originárias da medula óssea influenciam beneficamente a cicatrização de feridas, quanto originárias do tecido adiposo (ADSCs). A vantagem das ADSCs está na facilidade de serem coletadas, baixas taxas de morbidade e pelo alto rendimento de MSCs por coleta. Estudos demonstram que a eletroacupuntura (passagem de eletricidade através de agulhas de acupuntura inseridas na pele) pode exercer efeito cicatrizante em feridas cutâneas experimentalmente induzidas por meio do aumento da proliferação e da migração de células epiteliais e do tecido conjuntivo envolvidos no reparo de feridas. Dessa forma, este trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar o efeito da terapia com ADSCs no processo da cicatrização de feridas cutâneas em coelhos induzidas experimentalmente. Além disso, avaliar se a eletroacupuntura (EA) é capaz de causar efeito sobre a terapia com ADSCs no reparo de lesões cutâneas experimentais. Para tanto, foram utilizados 32 coelhos divididos em quatro grupos: GCTAD (ADSCs), GCTADE (ADSCs associado a EA), GE (EA) e GC (controle) o período de avaliação das lesões foi de 15 dias. As feridas induzidas cirurgicamente foram avaliadas por observações clinicas e análises histológicas. Os animais do GCTAD apresentaram uma velocidade cicatricial superior aos demais grupos até a quinta avaliação. Já na sétima avaliação o GE passa a ter a melhor taxa de contração cicatricial superando o GCTAD (p=0,039) e o GC (p=0,05). O GCTAD apresentou as maiores médias nas variáveis histológicas: proliferação vascular (p=0,059), proliferação fibroblástica (p=0,05) e Ki67. Nas variáveis reepitelização e colagenização as médias foram maiores que a dos outros grupos, mas semelhantes ao GE e a presença de queratina, da mesma forma, semelhante ao GCTADE. O GCTADE se destaca pela presença de folículos pilosos (p=0,026) e pelas maiores médias encontradas para as células mononucleares e polimorfonucleares, mas esses valores não configuram diferença estatística significativa. Por meio desse experimento, demostrou-se que o GCTAD melhora a cicatrização de feridas, acelerando a fase proliferativa do processo cicatricial. A associação dos tratamentos EA e ADSCs só foi considerada superior aos outros tratamentos na avaliação da presença de folículos pilosos. Talvez, o beneficio dessa associação seja mais evidente se o estudo for feito por um período superior aos 15 dias, ou seja, durante a fase de remodelamento da cicatrização, onde pode ser que se verifique um aspecto cosmético mais favorável da cicatriz. / The pathophysiology understanding of wound healing has been substantial progress during the last two decades, and new therapies have been developed. However, to accelerate the repair process remains a challenge in the field of reconstructive plastic surgery. Innovative treatments to enhance wound healing and cutaneous regeneration are necessary and in this context the research with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are getting space in the last decade. MSCs have been studied in several areas with regard to its effect on the healing of lesions and their clinical applications. Reports indicate that both MSCs from bone marrow beneficially influence wound healing, as originating from adipose tissue (ADSCs). The advantage of ADSCs is because they can be easily collected, with low rates of morbidity and the high yield of MSCs per collection. Studies show that electro acupuncture (passing electricity through the acupuncture needles inserted into the skin) can have a healing effect on experimentally induced skin wounds by increasing the proliferation and migration of epithelial cells and connective tissue involved in wound repair. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the effect of therapy with ADSCs in the process of skin wound healing in rabbits that were experimentally induced. Moreover, to evaluate whether electro acupuncture (EA) is capable to causing effect on ADSCs therapy in the repair of experimental skin lesions. Therefore, it was used 32 rabbits divided into four groups: GCTAD (ADSCs), GCTADE (ADSCs associated with EA), GE (EA) and CG (control) the evaluation period of the lesions was 15 days. The surgically induced wounds were evaluated by clinical observations and histological analysis. The GCTAD animals showed an accelerated wound healing than the other groups until the fifth assessment. In the seventh evaluation GE replaced by the best healing rate than GCTAD (p = 0.039) and CG (p = 0.05). The GCTAD had the highest averages in the histological variables: vascular proliferation (p = 0.059), fibroblast proliferation (p = 0.05) and Ki67. Reepithelialization and collagen variables the averages were higher than other groups, but similar to GE and the presence of keratin, the same way, similar to GCTADE. The GCTADE stands by the presence of hair follicles (p = 0.026) and by the major averages found for the mononuclear and polymorph nuclear cells, but these values are not statistically significant. Through this experiment, we show that the GCTAD improves wound healing by accelerating the proliferation phase of healing. The combination of EA and ADSCs treatments were not considered superior to other treatments in assessing the presence of hair follicles. Perhaps the benefit of this association is more evident if the study is done for a period exceeding 15 days, during the remodeling phase of healing, it could be ascertained a more favorable cosmetic appearance of the scar.

A regeneração óssea alveolar tem sido um dos principais alvos de estudo na odontologia, tanto humana como veterinária, principalmente na implantodontia e nas cirurgias periodontais e buco-maxilo-faciais. Em função disto, este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar a regeneração óssea alveolar, utilizando como enxerto osso liofilizado e células-tronco mesenquimais (MSCs), oriundas da polpa dentária de um doador macho para enxerto alogênico. Foram utilizados 57 coelhas, Nova Zelândia, sendo um coelho doador das MSCs, distribuídos em sete grupos: controle (G1), osso liofilizado (G2), Matrigel (G3), Matrigel e MSC (G4), osso liofilizado e Matrigel (G5), Osso liofilizado, Matrigel e MSC (G6) e somente MSC (G7). Após a exodontia do incisivo inferior esquerdo, o alvéolo recebia o implante de acordo com cada grupo e avaliados em sete dias. As amostras foram coletadas para análise microscópica, desmineralizadas e não desmineralizadas, PCR, além de terem sido submetidas à análise radiográfica, a qual também era realizada no pré e no pós-operatório imediato. Macroscopicamente, foi observado espessamento do ramo mandibular dos animais dos grupos que receberam Matrigel e aceleração do crescimento dos dentes incisivos remanescentes nos animais que receberam terapia celular. Na análise microscópica, constatou-se que, todos os grupos que receberam como enxerto o osso liofilizado, o tempo de regeneração foi menor, embora o grupo controle tenha apresentado melhor organização na regeneração óssea, sendo que o tratamento com Matrigel resultou ainda em uma reação inflamatória exacerbada, dado este confirmado também nas amostras não desmineralizadas. As radiografias periapicais também apontaram que os grupos que foram tratados com osso liofilizado apresentavam maior área de radiopacidade, sugerindo aceleração do processo de regeneração. Porém, o teste de PCR não detectou a presença do cromossomo Y do doador nas fêmeas receptoras das MSCs. Os resultados sugerem que o uso da terapia celular diminui o tempo de regeneração óssea alveolar e, quando aliada ao osso liofilizado, acelera este processo. Entretanto, decorridos sete dias da aplicação do Matrigel, houve aumento da espessura do ramo mandibular no alvéolo onde foi aplicado, necessitando maior tempo de avaliação para melhor elucidar seu uso clínico. / The alveolar bone regeneration has been a major focus of study in dentistry, both human and veterinary medicine, especially in implant and periodontal surgery and in the bucco-maxillo facial. Because of this, this study was to evaluate alveolar bone regeneration, using lyophilized bone and implant as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from the dental pulp of a male donor for allogeneic graft. We used 57 female New Zealand rabbits, one rabbit MSCs from donor, divided into seven groups: control (G1), lyophilized bone (G2), Matrigel (G3), Matrigel and MSC (G4), lyophilized bone and Matrigel(G5), lyophilized bone, MSC and Matrigel (G6) and MSC only (G7). After extraction of the left lower incisor, the socket receiving the implant according to each group and evaluated in seven days. The samples were collected for microscopic analysis, demineralized and non-demineralized, PCR, and they have been subjected to X-ray analysis, which was also held in pre-and postoperatively. Grossly, there was thickening of the mandibular branch of animals that received and accelerate growth of the incisor teeth remaining in the Matrigel animals that received cell therapy. Under microscopic analysis, we found that all groups that received the bone graft as lyophilized, regeneration time was lower, although the control group had a better organization in bone regeneration, and treatment with still resulted in a Matrigel exaggerated inflammatory response, since this is also confirmed in samples not demineralized. The periapical radiographs also showed that the groups were treated with lyophilized bone had a greater area of radiopacity, suggesting acceleration of the regeneration process. However, the PCR test failed to detect the presence of Y chromosome in female recipients of the donor of MSCs. The results suggest that the use of cell therapy reduces the duration and alveolar bone regeneration when combined with lyophilized bone, accelerates this process. However, Matrigel, there was increased thickness after seven days of applying of the mandibular alveolus in which it was applied, requiring longer evaluation to elucidate its clinical use.

Glicocorticoides e outras drogas imunossupressoras são comumente utilizados para o tratamento de condições inflamatórias, como as Doenças Inflamatórias Intestinais (DIIs). Apesar dos avanços na terapia medicamentosa, a remissão da doença ainda é difícil de ser mantida. Devido às suas propriedades imunomodulatórias, as Células-Tronco Mesenquimais (MSCs – Mesenchymal Stem Cells) têm emergido como reguladoras da resposta imune, e sua viabilidade e propriedades migratórias são essenciais para o sucesso da terapia celular. Entretanto, pouco se conhece sobre os efeitos das drogas convencionalmente utilizadas no tratamento das DIIs no comportamento das MSCs. Portanto, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a viabilidade, a morfometria nuclear, a polaridade celular, a distribuição da actina-F e da FAK (Focal Adhesion Kinase), e o comportamento migratório das MSCs na presença das drogas Azatioprina (AZA) e Dexametasona (DEXA). As células foram isoladas de membranas coriônicas humanas e caracterizadas pela diferenciação em adipócitos e osteócitos, bem como pela expressão de um painel de marcadores de superfície. As MSCs foram previamente tratadas com AZA ou DEXA por 24h ou 7d nas concentrações de 1μM ou 10μM, respectivamente. Ambas as drogas não afetaram a viabilidade celular analisada por MTT (3-(4,5-dimethyltiazol-2-yl)-2,5- diphenyltetrazolium bromide) e morfometria nuclear. Entretanto, a análise do índice de polaridade resultou em uma morfologia mais alongada após o tratamento com AZA, enquanto células mais arredondadas foram observadas na presença de DEXA. Os filamentos de actina foram marcados por Rodamina-Faloidina e sua análise mostrou que a AZA preservou parcialmente a formação de lamelipódios e aumentou a presença de fibras de estresse ventrais, enquanto que a DEXA inibiu a formação de lamelipódios, evidenciou uma maior presença de fibras de estresse ventrais e diminuiu a estabilidade das protrusões de membrana, observadas em vídeo. Através da análise de microscopia de série temporal, foi observado que as células sob o efeito da AZA por 7d migraram por maiores distâncias e tiveram um aumento em sua velocidade de migração (24,35%; P < 0,05; n = 4), ao passo que a DEXA diminuiu a velocidade migratória em 24h e 7d (-28,69% e -25,37%, respectivamente; P < 0.05; n = 4) e diminuiu a distância alcançada pelas células. Em conclusão, nossos dados sugerem que as drogas AZA e DEXA podem afetar diferentemente a morfologia e o comportamento migratório das MSCs, possivelmente afetando o resultado da terapia celular. O protocolo de migração celular utilizado neste estudo foi estabelecido por nosso grupo de pesquisa, sendo que um artigo científico contendo todas as etapas do protocolo foi escrito para que outros laboratórios possam utilizá-lo de maneira simples e eficaz. / Glucocorticoids and other immunosuppressive drugs are commonly used to treat inflammatory disorders, such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and, despite few improvements, the remission of IBD is still difficult to maintain. Due to its immunomodulatory properties, Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) have emerged as regulators of immune response, and its viability and activation of migratory properties are essential for a successful cell therapy. However, little is known about the effects of immunosuppressant drugs used on IBD treatment on MSCs behavior. In this way, the aim of this study was to evaluate MSCs viability, nuclear morphometry, cell polarity, F-actin and FAK (Focal Adhesion Kinase) distribution and cell migration properties in the presence of the immunosuppressive drugs Azathioprine (AZA) or Dexamethasone (DEX). MSCs were isolated from human chorionic membranes and characterized through adipogenic and osteogenic differentiations, as well as a panel of surface markers. Cells were previously treated with AZA or DEX for 24 hrs or 7 days at 1μM and 10μM, respectively. Both drugs had no effects on cell viability analyzed through MTT (3-(4,5- dimethyltiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) and nuclear morphometry. However, polarity index analysis showed that AZA treatment induced a more elongated cell shape while a greater presence of rounded cells was observed under DEX exposure. F-actin was stained by Rhodamine-Phalloidin and showed that AZA could partially preserve lamellipodia formation and increase the presence of ventral actin stress fibers, while DEX inhibited lamellipodia formation and increased the presence of ventral actin stress fibers while decreasing protrusion stability, observed in video. Through time-lapse microscopy, it was observed that after 7 days of treatment, AZA improved cell the spatial trajectory (ST) and increased migration speed (24.35%, P < 0.05, n = 4) while DEX impaired ST and migration speed after 24 hrs and 7 days treatment (- 28.69% and -25.37%, respectively; P < 0.05, n = 4). In conclusion our data suggests these immunosuppressive drugs can differently affect MSCs morphology and migration capacity, possibly impacting the success of cell therapy. The migration protocol used in this study was successfully established by our group, leading to the writing of a protocol paper to facilitate the usage of this technique by other laboratories in a simple and efficient manner.

With encouraging advancements in cell therapies, there is a requirement for an effective short-term cell preservation method, enabling time for quality assurance testing and transport to their clinical destination. This project aims to pause cells at ambient temperatures, whilst maintaining viability and function post-preservation. Ambient cell preservation bypasses ice crystal exposure and toxic solute concentrations experienced with cryogenic storage. Storage in ambient conditions also avoids use of toxic cryoprotectants and aims to greatly reduce costs and reliability on specialist machinery. Early work used HOS TE85 cells (derived from an osteosarcoma) as a model. When atmospheric factors were controlled, HOS TE85 cells demonstrated effective recovery in terms of morphology, membrane integrity (viability >90%) and fold growth expansion when paused at ambient temperature for up to 144 hours. Without atmospheric control, addition of the buffering agent HEPES (25mM) to cell medium was required to keep viability above 70%, as well as to maintain yield and continual passage following 144 hours pausing. The pausing potential of therapeutically relevant human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) from three individual donors (M2, M3 and M4) was tested by keeping cells in suspension for up to 72 hours. Using standard medium with the addition of 25mM HEPES, average membrane integrity was maintained above 70%. Following pausing for between 24 72 hours, hMSC attachment efficiency, immunophenotype and tri-lineage differentiation capacity (osteogenesis, adipogenesis and chondrogenesis) remained similar to non-paused cells. Apart from a short lag phase on the first passage, hMSC fold growth expansion level was consistent with the control for all three donors over 3 x 6 day passages. The colony forming unit (CFU) efficiency of paused cells was significantly reduced when compared with non-paused M2 and M4 lines, whilst M3 retained a similar CFU efficiency to its non-paused counterpart. On return to normal culture conditions, hMSCs had comparable metabolic activity rates with non-paused cells for up to 9 hours. Stable pH is vital during pausing and additional antioxidants or apoptotic inhibiters may be required to keep average viability well-above the 70% threshold, set by the US Food and Drug Administration. Collectively, results have been encouraging and show potential for the movement towards using ambient temperature preservation as an option for the short-term storage and transport of cells for therapy.