The phagocytic cells circulating in the bloodstream play a key role in both the defense of the body and the pathology of inflammatory diseases. Thus, targeting their functions has potential to modulate an immune response, especially during the inflammatory phase. This master's thesis was focused on the influence of electric pulses on the most abundant phagocyte population in human peripheral blood, namely neutrophils. The theoretical part describes the role of neutrophils in the development of the immune response and the effects of the electric field on various cells. Consequent part of the thesis was the optimization of the electrical stimulation of neutrophils using a unique platform with a network of gold electrodes. In stimulated cells by electrical pulses, activation of selected signaling pathways, degranulation, ROS production, citrullination of histone H3 and expression of surface markers were monitored. Overall, electrical stimulation was observed to induce neutrophil activation but only electrical pulses of size 1 V were found to be statistically significant in the case of ROS production and 10 mV and 100 mV electrical pulses in the case of metalloproteinase MMP8 degranulation. The absence of significant effects in the most observed parameters was probably due to unwanted activation of neutrophils in control samples.

No description available.

京都大学 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(医学) / 甲第24497号 / 医博第4939号 / 新制||医||1064(附属図書館) / 京都大学大学院医学研究科医学専攻 / (主査)教授 中島 貴子, 教授 永井 純正, 教授 寺田 智祐 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Medical Science / Kyoto University / DFAM

Patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) are reliant on the peritoneum to provide a semi-permeable barrier to allow for dialysis (solute clearance), salt and water removal (ultrafiltration). PD patients are at risk of developing peritoneal fibrosis and angiogenesis which can lead to a decline in peritoneal membrane function. Specifically, PD patients develop increased solute transport and decreased osmotic conductance leading to ultrafiltration failure. Peritoneal angiogenesis is the leading factor that results in augmented peritoneal membrane solute transport which is associated with worse outcomes – increased risk of mortality and PD technique failure. Transforming growth factor beta (TGFB) is one of the primary cytokines involved in inducing epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and fibrosis. We hypothesize that PD leads to injury of the epithelial lining of the peritoneum – the mesothelial cells. These cells undergo a transition process and transitioned mesothelium are a source for angiogenic and fibrogenic growth factors. Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP) 9 is an angiogeneic factor and has been observed to correlate with increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). MMP9 has the ability to cleave and activate membrane bound factors such as E-cadherin and b-catenin respectively. There is substantial evidence that the canonical WNT/b-catenin pathway is active during fibrosis, and angiogenesis in different biological contexts. Thus, we investigated the role of MMP9 and WNT signaling in peritoneal angiogenesis. Limited evidence exists describing the role of noncanonical WNT signaling but some reports suggest that non-canonical WNT signaling inhibits WNT/b-catenin signaling. Non-canonical WNT5A has differential effects based on receptor context and has been shown to block WNT/b-catenin signaling in the presence of Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Like Orphan Receptor 2 (Ror2). The overall hypothesis of this PhD thesis is that MMP9 and WNT signaling play a key role in inducing peritoneal angiogenesis and are associated with changes in peritoneal membrane function. We expect WNT5A and Ror2 to protect against peritoneal membrane injury. From the overnight effluent of stable PD patients, we cultured mesothelial cells and assayed these for expression of MMP and WNT related genes. MMP9 and WNT1 gene expression were observed to be strongly correlated with peritoneal membrane solute transport in patients on PD. WNT2 mRNA was also positively correlated with peritoneal solute transport. We overexpressed MMP9 in the mouse peritoneum to demonstrate its role in angiogenesis and confirmed these findings using MMP9 -/- mice. In addition to this, we have shown a novel mechanism by which MMP9 induces angiogenesis by E-cadherin cleavage and b-catenin mediated signaling. The observed cross-talk between MMP9 and b-catenin prompted investigation of the activation of canonical WNT/b-catenin signaling in development of peritoneal membrane injury. In an experimental model of TGFB induced pertioneal injury, we confirmed the activation of WNT/b-catenin signaling. In addition to this we, we blocked the WNT pathway and observed that WNT/b-catenin signaling is required to induce peritoneal angiogenesis. WNT5A mRNA was downregulated during TGFB induced injury suggesting a more protective role. Furthermore, several studies have demonstrated its ability to antagonize the WNT/b-catenin signaling pathway. We demonstrated that WNT5A protected against angiogenesis by blocking the canonical WNT pathway. WNT5A is thought to antagonize the WNT/b-catenin signaling pathway by signaling through receptor Ror2. In cell culture, we overexpressed TGFB and blocked Ror2. This resulted in elevated levels of VEGF and fibronectin suggesting that Ror2 is involved in mediating protection. Therefore, Ror2 possesses the ability to regulate VEGF and may be a potential candidate by which WNT5A mediates its protective effects. In conclusion, our findings identified MMP9 and WNT1 as potential biomarkers of increased peritoneal solute transport in patients that are on PD. We have also found a novel mechanism by which MMP9 interacts with b-catenin to induce peritoneal angiogenesis and have provided a first look at WNT/b-catenin signaling in peritoneal angiogenesis. Lastly, we have shown WNT5A to protect against peritoneal angiogenesis. Taken together, our findings are not only significant to the realm of PD research but hold wide applicability to research in the biomedical sciences. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / The negative heath consequences of smoking are widely recognized, but there are still about 20% of the people in United States using tobacco products. Cigarette smoke condensate (CSC), the particulate matter of cigarette smoke, is comprised of thousands of chemicals (e.g., nicotine). Secondary only to bacterial plaque, cigarette smoking is a major risk factor for periodontal disease. Human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) are the main cellular component of periodontal connective tissues. During the development of periodontal disease, collagen degradation occurs. Collagen is the major extracellular matrix component of the gingiva. The major extracellular matrix degrading enzymes produced by the HGFs are the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). The MMPs are mainly modulated by the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). In this dissertation, three studies aimed at understanding the effects of tobacco on human gingival fibroblasts and their mechanisms have been conducted: the effects of CSC on HGF-mediated collagen degradation; comparison of the effects of CSC on HGFs with that of nicotine; and the combined effects of CSC and bacteria on HGFs. The cell proliferation of HGFs decreased and cytotoxicity increased in HGFs treated with increasing concentrations of CSC. CSC increased the collagen degrading ability of the HGFs by altering the production and localization of MMPs and TIMPs. Nicotine is one of the major components and the most pharmacologically active agent in tobacco. The percentage of nicotine in the CSC was 2.4%. CSC (100 µg/ml) increased the collagen degrading ability of the HGFs by affecting membrane associated MMP-2, MMP-14, and TIMP-2, but the level of nicotine in the CSC may only play a limited role in this process. Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) is an opportunistic pathogen involved in periodontal disease. The combined effects of CSC and P. gingivalis supernatant increased HGF-mediated collagen degradation by destroying the balance between the MMPs and TIMPs at the protein and mRNA levels. This project demonstrated that tobacco (with or without P. gingivalis) increased HGF mediated collagen degradation, as seen in the periodontal disease, through altering the MMPs and TIMPs.

<p>The aim of this study was to increase the understanding of the mechanisms regulating cell proliferation and recombinant protein production in serum-free cultures of Trichoplusia ni (T. ni) insect cells.</p><p>Conditioned medium (CM) was shown to contain both stimulatory and inhibitory factors (CM factors) influencing cell growth. Metalloproteinase (MP) activity was the major factor responsible for the growth stimulating effect of CM as shown by using the specific MP inhibitor DL-thiorphan. MPs may exist in several different molecular mass forms due to autoproteolysis. Although the main band of the MP was determined to be around 48 kDa, precursor forms above 48 kDa as well as autocatalytic degradation products below the main band could be observed. It is not clear whether all forms of the MP or just the main band is involved in the growth regulation. Further, a proteinase inhibitor could be identified in the inhibitory fraction. Thus, we speculate that the proteinase inhibitor may be part of an autocrine system regulating cell proliferation.</p><p>Analysis of the cell cycle phase distribution revealed a high proportion of cells in the G1 (80-90 %) and a low proportion of cells in the S and G2/M phases (10-20 %) during the whole culture, indicating that S and G2/M are short relative to G1. After inoculation, a drastic decrease in the S phase population together with a simultaneous increase of cells in G1 and G2/M could be observed as a lagphase on the growth curve and this may be interpreted as a temporary replication stop. When the cells were released from the initial arrest, the S phase population gradually increased again. This was initiated earlier in CM-supplemented cultures, and agrees with the earlier increase in cell concentration. Thus, these data suggests a correlation between CM factors and the cell cycle dynamics.</p><p>In cultures supplied with CM, a clear positive effect on specific productivity was observed, with a 30 % increase in per cell productivity. The specific productivity was also maintained at a high level much longer time than in fresh-medium cultures. The positive effect observed after 20 h coincided with the time a stimulatory effect on cell growth first was seen. Thus, the productivity may be determined by the proliferation potential of the culture. A consequence of this would be that the secreted MP indirectly affects productivity.</p><p>Finally, the yeast extract from Express Five SFM contains factors up to 35 kDa which are essential for T. ni cell growth. The optimal concentration was determined to be 2.5-fold that in normal medium, while higher concentrations were inhibitory. However although vital, they were not solely responsible for the growth-enhancing effect, as some other, more general, component present in yeast extract was needed for proliferation as well.</p>

A diminuição da biodisponibilidade do óxido nítrico (NO) e o aumento na atividade das metaloproteinases da matriz extracelular (MMPs) são alguns dos principais mecanismos fisiopatogênicos envolvidos nas doenças cardiovasculares (DCV). Foi demonstrado que o NO pode reduzir a expressão e atividade de MMPs em células musculares lisas vasculares, células mesangiais, entre outras. Em outro estudo, foi mostrado que drogas inibidoras da NO sintase (NOS) podem aumentar a expressão de MMPs. Apesar de o NO apresentar-se diminuído e as MMPs aumentadas durante as DCV, não há evidência clara de que os níveis de NO possam modular diretamente a atividade de MMPs no aparelho cardiovascular. Também não se sabe se este possível efeito seria mediado pelo NFB, nem se este possível efeito é dependente da ativação da guanilato ciclase [que promove a formação de GMP cíclico (GMPc)]. Desta maneira, este estudo teve como objetivos: A) investigar os efeitos de drogas ativadoras da via NO-GMP sobre os aumentos da atividade e expressão de MMP-9 em células endoteliais que acontecem sob efeito de phorbol 12-miristato 13-acetato (PMA, droga indutora da expressão de MMP-9); e B) determinar se a inibição de NOS em células endoteliais é acompanhada por aumento da atividade e expressão de MMPs, e C) determinar se estes efeitos são dependentes da ativação de NFB ou da formação de GMPc. Células endoteliais de veia umbilical humana (HUVECs) foram cultivadas em DMEM e tratadas por 24 horas com 10 nmol/L de PMA ou diferentes concentrações de drogas ativadoras da via NO-GMP ou de inibidor da NOS. Meio de cultura condicionado ou lisado celular foram coletados e submentidos aos ensaios de zimografia, ELISA, immunoblotting ou análise da concentração de nitrito. Os tratamentos com detanonoato, SNAP, atorvastatina e nitrito de sódio diminuíram os aumentos da atividade gelatinolítica e expressão de MMP-9 estimulados por PMA sem afetar as concentrações do inibidor tecidual da metaloproteinase da matriz-1 (TIMP-1). Esses efeitos não foram modificados pelos tratamentos com ODQ (inibidor da guanilato ciclase solúvel) ou 8- bromo-cGMP (um análogo de GMPc) ou hemoglobina (um sequestrador de NO). Enquanto o PMA aumentou a concentração de fosfo-NFB p65, os tratamentos com SNAP, atorvastatina ou nitrito não apresentaram influência sobre esse efeito. O tratamento com L-NAME, um inibidor da NOS, não apresentou efeito sobre a atividade gelatinolítica de MMP-9. Em conclusão, foram demonstrados que os efeitos inibitórios de drogas ativadoras da via NO-GMPc sobre a produção estimulada de MMP-9 em células endoteliais são independentes de mecanismos mediados por GMPc e NFB, e a inibição da NOS não altera a atividade de MMP-9. / Impaired nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability and imbalanced matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) activity have important roles in the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in cardiovascular disease (CVD). It was shown that NO can reduce MMPs expression and activity in vascular smooth muscle cells, mesangial cells, and others. In another study, a NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor has increased MMPs expression. Although NO was decreased and MMPs was increased during CVD, there is clear evidence that NO levels can directly modulate MMPs activity in the cardiovascular system. Also, it is not known whether this effect would be mediated by NFB, nor whether this effect is dependent on guanylate cyclase activity (which promotes the formation of cyclic GMP). Thus, this project aims to study whether A) the effect of NO donors might decrease MMP-9 activity and expression in endothelial cells stimulated by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) (a well-known inducer of MMP-9), and B) the effect of NOS inhibitors might increase MMPs activity and expression in endothelial cells, and C) to determine whether those effects are mediated by the NFB activation or cGMP levels. Endothelial cells from human umbilical vein (HUVECs) were grown in modified DMEM and were treated for 24 hours with 10 nmol/L PMA or different concentrations of NO-GMPc pathway stimulating drugs or NOS inhibitor. Conditioned medium or cell lysate were collected after treatments and analyzed by zymography, ELISA, immunoblotting or to determine nitrite concentration. Detanonoate, SNAP, atorvastatin or sodium nitrite treatments attenuated PMA-induced increases in MMP- 9 gelatinolytic activity and expression, but they had no effect on tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) concentrations. These effects were not modified by ODQ (a soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor), or 8-bromo-cGMP (cGMP analogue), or hemoglobin (a NO scavenger). While PMA increased phospho-NFB p65 concentration, SNAP, atorvastatin or nitrite had no influence on this effect. The treatment with L-Name, a NOS inhibitor, had no effect on MMP-9 activity. In conclusion, this study shows that the inhibitory effects of NO-GMPc pathway stimulating drugs on MMP-9 production by endothelial cells are independent of cGMP- and NFB-mediated mechanisms, and NOS inhibitor had no effect on MMP-9 levels

INTRODUÇÃO: O aneurisma da aorta abdominal (AAA) tem grande importância clínica em função de sua incidência e das complicações que pode acarretar, entretanto sua etiopatogenia não está completamente esclarecida. A associação entre tabagismo e desenvolvimento de AAA tem sido repetidamente confirmada. Apesar de o AAA ter sido inicialmente atribuído à aterosclerose, observou-se associação negativa entre diabetes (um dos principais fatores de risco para aterosclerose) e doença vascular aneurismática. O estudo biomecânico e histológico da parede aórtica pode contribuir para a elucidação da etiopatogenia dos aneurismas. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar as propriedades biomecânicas e histológicas da aorta abdominal de ratos em três situações: exposição à fumaça do cigarro, induzidos ao desenvolvimento do diabetes mellitus e com a associação desses dois fatores. MÉTODOS: Setenta e cinco ratos Wistar foram distribuídos em quatro grupos: controle (GC), tabagista (GT), diabético (GD), diabético e tabagista (GDT). Os ratos dos GT e GDT foram expostos à fumaça de cigarro por 30 minutos ao dia, 5 dias por semana. O diabetes foi induzido por injeção endovenosa de estreptozotocina. Após 16 semanas, os animais foram sacrificados para a coleta da aorta abdominal. Testes de tração uniaxiais destrutivos foram realizados para a obtenção das seguintes propriedades biomecânicas: força, tensão, estresse, deformação e energia de deformação. A análise histológica desses fragmentos consistiu na avaliação das fibras colágenas e elásticas e verificação da deposição de elementos da matriz extracelular na túnica média e avaliação da sua composição. Através da zimografia foi quantificada a atividade da metaloproteinase-2 nos espécimes aórticos obtidos. RESULTADOS: Foram analisados os testes biomecânicos válidos de 52 espécimes, sendo que 11 pertenciam ao GC, 10 ao GD, 16 ao GT e 15 ao GTD. A análise biomecânica dos fragmentos não revelou diferença entre os grupos controle, GD, GT e GDT. A deposição de colágeno também não apresentou diferença estatística significativa entre os grupos estudados. A contagem total de lâminas elásticas foi maior nos ratos diabéticos (GD e GDT) quando comparados aos do GT. Foi observada resposta inflamatória mais intensa, com significância estatística, em todos os grupos estudados quando comparados ao GC. A atividade da MMP-2 apresentou diminuição no GD em relação ao GDT, com significância estatística. CONCLUSÕES: As propriedades biomecânicas da parede da aorta de ratos relacionadas à resistência e elasticidade não apresenta diferença entre o GC e os GD, GT e GDT. As alterações histológicas relacionadas à contagem total e fragmentação das lâminas elásticas, deposição de matriz pericelular e perda/substituição celular na túnica média são significativas na parede da aorta do GD, GT e GDT em relação ao GC. A atividade da MMP-2 na aorta do GD é menor que na aorta do GDT / INTRODUCTION: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is of great clinical importance due to its incidence and complications, but its etiopathogenesis is not fully understood. The association between smoking and AAA development has been repeatedly confirmed. Although AAA was initially attributed to atherosclerosis, there was a negative association between diabetes (a major risk factor for atherosclerosis) and aneurysmal vascular disease. The biomechanical and histological study of the aortic wall may contribute to the elucidation of the etiopathogeny of the aneurysms. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the biomechanical and histological properties of the abdominal aorta of rats in three situations: exposed to cigarette smoke, induced to the development of diabetes mellitus, and the association of these two factors. METHODS: Seventy-Five Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control (CG), smoker (GT), diabetic (GD), diabetic and smoker (GDT. The GT and GDT rats were exposed to cigarette smoke for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Diabetes was induced by intravenous injection of streptozotocin. After sixteen weeks, the animals were sacrificed for collection of the abdominal aorta. Uniaxial destructive tensile tests were performed to obtain the following biomechanical properties: maximal force, failure stress, failure tension, failure strain and failure strain energy. The histological analysis of these fragments consisted in the evaluation of the collagen and elastin and verification of the deposition of elements of the extracellular matrix in the tunica media and evaluation of its composition. The activity of metalloproteinase-2 in the aortic specimens obtained was quantified by zymography. RESULTS: A total of 52 strips were studied (11 from GC, 10 from GD, 16 from GT and 15 from GDT. The biomechanical analysis of the fragments was not different between the control group and the GD, GT and GDT groups. Collagen deposition also did not present a statistically significant difference between the studied groups. The total of elastic fibers was higher in diabetic rats (GD and GDT) when compared to GT. A higher inflammatory response was observed, with statistical significance, in all groups studied when compared to CG. The activity of MMP-2 showed a decrease in GD in relation to GDT, with statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: The biomechanical properties of the aortic wall of rats related to resistance and elasticity do not present a difference between GC and GD, GT and GDT. Histological changes related to total count and fragmentation of the elastic lamina, pericellular matrix deposition, and cell loss / substitution in the tunica media are significant in the aorta wall of GD, GT and GDT in relation to GC. The activity of MMP-2 in the GD aorta is smaller than in the GDT aorta

O tratamento radioterápico para pacientes com neoplasias de cabeça e pescoço pode trazer consequências secundárias graves como alterações da estrutura dental, com conseguinte prejuízo da função oral, a qual influencia negativamente a qualidade de vida. Recentemente trabalhos de pesquisa tem demonstrado que a radiação induz a expressão e ativação das metaloproteinases da matriz (MMPs), consideradas as principais enzimas responsáveis pela remodelação da matriz orgânica, incluindo os componentes e estruturas da junção amelodentinária (JAD). Questiona-se então se as alterações dentais observadas em pacientes pós-radioterapia poderiam ser causadas também pela ativação das MMPs que se encontram na JAD. O presente estudo apresentou três avaliações: a ativação e expressão das MMPs, a implementação de inibidores de proteases como método de inibição das MMPs e a ativação das MMPs devido a um desafio ácido. Para as medições foram utilizados 178 fragmentos dentais de molares, divididos aleatoriamente em 2 grupos (decíduos e permanentes) / 4 subgrupos experimentais (irradiados e não-irradiados). Os fragmentos foram expostos à radiacao com Co-60, com fracao de dose de 2 Gy, 5 dias consecutivos, ate atingirem a dose total de 60 Gy, com um total de 30 ciclos, durante 6 semanas. Com o objetivo de determinar a expressão e atividade das MMPs, foram realizados os ensaios de imunofluorescência e zimografia in situ, nos fragmentos dentais de 0,6mm, analisando os tecidos duros do esmalte, dentina e JAD. Para avaliar se produtos odontológicos inativam as MMPs, os dentes foram imersos em 0,5ml de digluconato de clorexidina a 0,12%, fluoreto de sódio a 0,05%, polifenol epigalocatequina 3-galato 400&mu;M e água destilada (grupo controle), por 1 hora. Assim também com objetivo de avaliar se em um ambiente ácido, as MMPs apresentariam maior atividade, os dentes foram colocados em contato com 20&mu;l de solucao desmineralizadora com pH de 4,8, por um minuto, e posteriormente lavados com 20&mu;l de água deionizada, por um minuto. De maneira geral pudemos observar que a irradiação ativa as MMPs na JAD e estes efeitos foram mais evidentes nos dentes permanentes que nos decíduos. Com relação à expressão das diferentes MMPs, foi observada uma maior expressão das MMPs-9 e -20 para dentes decíduos, e para dentes permanentes as MMPs-2, -9 e -20 apresentaram expressão semelhante. Tendo em vista que a irradiação foi capaz de ativar as MMPs expressas na JAD de dentes permanentes, e em busca de soluções capazes de inibi-las, observamos que o Digluconato de Clorexidina, o Fluoreto de Sódio e o Polifenol Epigalocatequina 3-galato inibiram a atividade das MMPs na JAD em dentes permanentes. Por último ao investigar o efeito de um desafio ácido, na atividade das MMPs, observamos que a desmineralização não aumentou a atividade das MMPs em dentes não irradiados, porém aumentou a atividade das MMPs em dentes irradiados. Comparando dentes irradiados submetidos ou não à desmineralização, observou-se que a desmineralização incrementou a atividade das MMPs, já induzida pela irradiação. / Radiotherapy for patients with head and neck cancer can have serious secondary consequences such as changes in tooth structure, with consequent loss of oral function which negatively influences an individual\'s quality of life. Recently research work has shown that radiation induces the expression and activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) which are considered the major enzymes responsible for the remodeling of the organic matrix, including the components and structures of the dentinoenamel junction (DEJ). It is questionable if the dental changes observed in post-radiotherapy patients could also be caused by the activation of MMPs that are in the DEJ. The present study has three assessments: the activation and expression of MMPs, the implementation of protease inhibitors such as method of inactivating MMPs and the activation of MMPs due to an acid challenge. The measurements that were used were 178 molar dental fragments randomly divided into 2 groups (deciduous and permanent) / 4 experimental subgroups (irradiated and non-irradiated). The samples were exposed to radiation using Co-60 at a cumulative dose of 2 Gy fraction, 5 consecutive days, until they reached a total dose of 60 Gy, with a total of 30 cycles for 6 weeks. In order to determine the expression and activity of MMPs immunofluorescence assays were performed and in situ zymography, the dental fragments of 0.6mm, analyzing the DEJ in three areas of the tooth (cervical, cuspal and groove of pit). To assess whether MMPs inactivate dental products, the teeth were immersed in 0.5 ml of chlorhexidine digluconate at 0.12%, sodium fluoride 0.05%, polyphenol epigallocatechin-3 gallate 400&mu;M and distilled water (control group) for 1 hour. To evaluate effects in an acidic environment, MMPs have higher activity, the teeth were put in contact with 20&mu;l of demineralizing solution with pH 4.8, for a minute, and then washed with 20&mu;l of deionized water, one minute. In general we observed that the radiation active MMPs in DEJ and these effects were more evident in the permanent teeth than in the primary teeth. Regarding the expression of different MMPs, showed the greatest expression of MMP-9 and -20 for deciduous teeth, and permanent teeth MMPs-2, -9 and -20 showed similar expression. Given that the irradiation was able to activate MMPs expressed in the DEJ permanent teeth, and looking for solutions that inactive them, we observed that the digluconate Chlorhexidine, the Sodium Fluoride and Polyphenol Epigallocatechin-3-gallate inhibited activity of MMPs in the DEJ in permanent teeth. Finally, to investigate the effect of an acid challenge, in the activity of MMPs, we observed that the demineralization did not increase the activity of MMPs in non-irradiated teeth but increased the activity of MMPs in irradiated teeth. Comparing irradiated whether subjected to demineralization teeth or not, it was found that demineralization increased activity of MMPs, induced by the radiation.

Metaloproteinases (MMP) são enzimas proteolíticas, fundamentais à carcinogênese. Evoluções de 37 pacientes operados por carcinomas medulares da tireóide foram comparadas com dados clinicopatológicos e expressões imuno-histoquímicas de MMP-2, MT1-MMP e TIMP-2 em seus espécimes neoplásicos. Condições clínicas finais foram correlacionadas com os aspectos clinicopatológicos: exame físico cervical positivo, sintomas sistêmicos, diâmetro tumoral, extensão neoplásica para a cápsula tireóidea, extensão tumoral para tecidos adjacentes, invasão vascular, metástases cervicais, estádio TNM, evidências de doenças cervical e/ou a distância. Expressões de MMP-2 e MT1-MMP foram correlacionadas à evolução clínica e maior proporção de TIMP-2, em relação à MMP-2, correlacionou-se a benefícios prognósticos / Metalloproteinases (MMP) are proteolytic enzymes, fundamental to carcinogenesis. Outcome of 37 patients operated on due to medullary thyroid carcinomas were compared to clinicopathologic data and immunohistochemistry expression of MMP-2, MT1-MMP and TIMP-2 in their neoplastic specimens. Final clinical conditions were related to the clinicopathologic aspects: clinical features, systemic symptoms, tumor size, tumor extension to thyroid capsule, tumor extension to adjacent tissues, vascular invasion, cervical metastases, TNM stage and evidences of disease in the neck and/or distant metastases. Expression of MMP-2 and MT1-MMP were related to outcome and greater proportion of TIMP-2, over MMP-2, was related to prognostic benefits