A radioterapia para tratamento das neoplasias malignas em região de cabeça e pescoço é acompanhada de diversas complicações, decorrentes do comprometimento dos tecidos radiossensíveis localizados próximos ao tumor. Entre essas complicações a mucosite é a que merece maior destaque. A mucosite é uma reação tóxica inflamatória da mucosa oral causada pelo tratamento citorredutivo induzido pela radioterapia (RT) ou pela quimioterapia (QT). Ela manifesta-se com sinais de edema, eritema, úlcera e formação pseudomembrana, resultando em sintomas de ardência, que pode progredir para dor intensa e consequente prejuízo na alimentação e comunicação verbal. Infecções bacterianas, fúngicas ou virais podem acometer a mucosa bucal irradiada e exacerbar a manifestação da mucosite oral por meio da ativação de fatores de transcrição da resposta inflamatória. Existem poucos dados na literatura sobre a participação dos herpesvirus humanos na mucosite oral induzida pela radioterapia. A proposta desse trabalho foi avaliar a excreção oral dos herpesvirus humanos (HSV-1, HSV-2, EBV, CMV, VZV, HHV6, HHV7 e HHV8) e sua possível associação com o desenvolvimento e agravamento da mucosite oral, em pacientes diagnosticados com carcinoma epidermoide (CEC) de boca e orofaringe, submetidos à radioterapia associado à quimioterapia. Nesse estudo foram analisadas 158 amostras de lavado bucal, de 20 pacientes, submetidos à radioterapia para CEC em região de cabeça e pescoço, coletadas semanalmente, durante todo o tratamento. Foi realizada a extração do DNA dessas amostras e em seguida sua amplificação através da PCR utilizando dois conjuntos de primers: HSVP1/P2 para os subtipos HSV-1, HSV-2, EBV, CMV e HHV-8 e o VZVP1/P2 para os subtipos VZV, HHV-6 e HHV-7. As amostras positivas foram submetidas à digestão enzimática com enzimas de restrição BamHI e BstUI para determinação específica de cada um dos oito herpesvirus. Foi também avaliada clinicamente, a mucosite oral, em cada uma das coletas, seguindo os critérios da OMS e NCIC. As análises da amostra mostraram a excreção do EBV, HHV-6 e HHV-7, em todas as semanas de tratamento radioterápico, enquanto que a excreção do HSV1 não pode ser observada no momento da triagem. Considerando-se todos os períodos em conjunto (Triagem, semanas de radioterapia e Controle), a maior frequência foi de pacientes que excretaram EBV (55,0%), seguida daqueles que excretaram HHV-7 (20,5%). A frequência de excreção de EBV foi significativamente maior do que a dos demais vírus (Teste ?2, p<0.001 para todos os cruzamentos). A frequência de excreção de HHV-7 foi significativamente maior do que a de HSV-1 (5,9%) e HHV-6 (5,5%) (Teste ?2, p=0.001 para ambos os cruzamentos). Não houve diferenças estatísticas significantes entre as frequências de HSV-1 e HHV-6. Como conclusão, verificou-se uma correlação positiva entre a excreção oral do EBV e a presença de mucosite induzida pela associação de radioterapia e quimioterapia com graus >=2, sobretudo se considerarmos as três últimas semanas de radioterapia, período este em que a severidade da mucosite foi estatisticamente maior. Esses achados nos possibilitam inferir que o ambiente inflamatório local de mucosites com grau >=2 seja mais favorável para excreção oral do EBV. / The radiotherapy (RT) treatment for head and neck tumors is accompanied by various complications resulting from the damage of the radiosensitive tissues located close to the tumor. Among these complications, mucositis is the one that deserves a special attention. Mucositis is an inflammatory toxic reaction of the oral mucosa caused by cytoreductive treatment induced by radiotherapy (RT) or chemotherapy (QT). The clinical manifestations of mucositis are: edema, erythema, ulcers and pseudo membrane formation, resulting in symptoms of burning, which may progress to severe pain and consequent loss in deglutition and verbal communication. The development of bacterial, fungal or viral infections, may affect the oral mucosa that has been irradiated, exacerbating the manifestation of oral mucositis through the activation of transcription factors of the inflammatory response. There are few data in the literature on the participation of human herpesvirus in oral mucositis caused by radiotherapy treatment. The aim of this study is to evaluate the oral excretion of human herpesvirus (HSV-1, HSV-2, EBV, CMV, VZV, HHV6, HHV7 and HHV-8) and its possible association with the development and aggravation of oral mucositis, in patients diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma (CEC) of oral cavity and oropharynx, undergoing radiotherapy treatment associated with chemotherapy. On our study, we analyzed 158 oral rinsing samples, collected weekly, from 20 patients during the whole radiotherapy treatment for squamous cell carcinoma in head and neck. From these samples, we extracted the DNA and afterwards we amplified them with PCR using two sets of primers: HSVP1/P2 for the subtypes HSV-1, HSV-2, EBV, CMV, and HHV-8 and VZVP1/P2 for the subtypes VZV, HHV 6, and HHV-7. The positive samples were subjected to enzymatic digestion with BamHI and BstUI restriction enzymes for specific determination of each one, of the eight\'s herpesvirus. It has also been clinically evaluated in each time, the oral mucositis, following the WHO and NCIC criteria. The analysis of the sample showed the excretion of EBV, HHV-6 and HHV-7, in all the weeks of radiotherapy, whereas the excretion of HSV-1 could not be observed during screening. Considering all periods together (Screening, weeks of radiotherapy and Follow up), the highest frequency was of patients with EBV excretion (55.0%), followed by those with HHV-7 excretion (20.5%). EBV shedding frequency was significantly higher than the other viruses (?2 test, p <0.001 for all junctions). The frequency of HHV-7 excretion was significantly higher than the HSV-1 excretion (5.9%), and HHV-6 excretion (5.5%) (?2 Test, p = 0.001 for both junctions). There were no statistically significant differences between the frequencies of HSV-1 and HHV- 6. In conclusion, there was a positive correlation between oral EBV excretion and the presence of grade >=2 of mucositis caused by radiotherapy associated with chemotherapy, particularly if we consider the last three weeks of radiotherapy, a period in which the severity of mucositis was statistically higher. These findings allow us to infer that the local inflammatory environment of mucositis grade >=2, is more favorable for oral excretion of EBV.

Submitted by PPG Odontologia (odontologia-pg@pucrs.br) on 2018-12-11T12:24:17Z No. of bitstreams: 1 LETICIA_DE_FREITAS_CUBA_GUERRA_TESE.pdf: 2732307 bytes, checksum: bc2400c7b447bde4664cb97c02124ea6 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Sheila Dias (sheila.dias@pucrs.br) on 2018-12-13T10:59:32Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 LETICIA_DE_FREITAS_CUBA_GUERRA_TESE.pdf: 2732307 bytes, checksum: bc2400c7b447bde4664cb97c02124ea6 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-13T11:08:39Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 LETICIA_DE_FREITAS_CUBA_GUERRA_TESE.pdf: 2732307 bytes, checksum: bc2400c7b447bde4664cb97c02124ea6 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-10-19 / Coordena??o de Aperfei?oamento de Pessoal de N?vel Superior - CAPES / Malignant neoplasms are a public health problem worldwide. The global estimate shows that in 2012, there were 14.1 million new cases of cancer and 8.2 million deaths. The epidemiology of cancer shows the importance of advancement in research in the area, from strategies of early diagnosis to containment of the damages associated with its occurrence and therapies used. Currently, the main treatment modalities include surgery, radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy (CT). CT is widely used in the treatment of solid and hematological malignancies, where its aim is to destroy the tumor cells. However, it is not selective and also affects healthy cells of rapid renewal, such as those of the oral mucosa. As a consequence of damage to normal cells, this therapy accounts for substantial deleterious effects, such as oral mucositis (OM). This condition is characterized by the presence of painful ulcerations that can progress to such severe conditions, where the course of cancer treatment is compromised. Associated with the etiology of OM is oxidative stress (OS) generated by CT, which can induce the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), responsible for cell damage and the initiation tissue lesions. Cannabidiol (CBD) is the main non-psychotropic component of Cannabis sativa and has potent antiinflammatory, antioxidant and analgesic effects. This thesis consists of 2 scientific papers. The first is a literature review, whose objective was to evaluate the different mechanisms of action of CBD, which may be involved in the prevention and management of OM, suggesting the promising property of this drug. The second one deals with an experimental study conducted in an animal model, with the objective of evaluating the clinical, histological, hematological and oxidative stress effects of the intraperitoneal administration of CBD, at doses of 3, 10 and 30 mg/kg for 4 and 7 days, in the repair of chemo-induced OM on the tongue ventrum of 90 CF-1 mice. CBD treatment decreased the OM clinic scores at both experimental times (p<0.005) and reduced the intensity of the inflammatory response, but not statistically significant. With regard to erythrocyte, leukocyte and platelet counts and antioxidant enzyme activity, CAT and GSH, the groups treated with CBD showed better results. Thus, we concluded that CBD is able to regulate the inflammatory process of OM, and may represent a promising alternative in the management of this condition. / As neoplasias malignas representam um problema de sa?de p?blica mundial. As estimativas mostram que, em 2012, ocorreram 14,1 milh?es de casos novos de c?ncer e 8,2 milh?es de ?bitos. A epidemiologia do c?ncer denota a import?ncia do avan?o em pesquisas na ?rea, desde estrat?gias de diagn?stico precoce ? conten??o dos danos associados a sua ocorr?ncia e terap?utica empregada. Atualmente, as principais modalidades de tratamento contemplam a cirurgia, a radioterapia (RT) e a quimioterapia (QT). A QT ? amplamente empregada no tratamento de neoplasias malignas s?lidas e hematol?gicas, uma vez que age destruindo as c?lulas tumorais. No entanto, n?o ? seletiva, atingindo tamb?m c?lulas saud?veis de r?pida renova??o como as da mucosa oral. Em consequ?ncia ao dano ?s c?lulas normais, esta terapia gera efeitos delet?rios importantes como, por exemplo, a mucosite oral (MO). Esta condi??o caracteriza-se pela presen?a de ulcera??es dolorosas que podem evoluir para quadros t?o graves que comprometam o curso do tratamento oncol?gico. Associada a etiologia da MO est? o estresse oxidativo (EO) gerado pela QT, que seria capaz de induzir a produ??o de esp?cies reativas de oxig?nio (ROS) respons?veis pelo dano celular e inicia??o das les?es. O canabidiol (CBD) ? o principal componente n?o-psicotr?pico da Cannabis sativa e desempenha potentes efeitos antiinflamat?rios, antioxidantes e analg?sicos. A presente tese est? estruturada na forma de 2 artigos cient?ficos. O primeiro consiste em uma revis?o de literatura, cujo objetivo foi avaliar os diferentes mecanismos de a??o do CBD que possam estar envolvidos na preven??o e manejo da MO, sugerindo o car?ter promissor desta droga. O segundo trata de um estudo experimental desenvolvido em modelo animal, com objetivo de avaliar a resposta cl?nica, histol?gica, hematol?gica e estresse oxidativo da administra??o intraperitoneal do CBD, nas doses de 3 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg e 30 mg/kg por 4 e 7 dias, no reparo da MO quimioinduzida no ventre lingual de 90 camundongos CF-1. O tratamento com CBD foi capaz de diminuir os escores cl?nicos da MO em ambos os tempos experimentais (p < 0,005) e reduziu a intensidade da resposta inflamat?ria, por?m sem signific?ncia estat?stica. Na contagem de eritr?citos, leuc?citos, plaquetas e atividade das enzimas antioxidantes CAT e GSH, observou-se melhores resultados nos grupos tratados com CBD. Dessa forma, concluiu-se que o CBD ? capaz de regular o processo inflamat?rio da MO, podendo representar uma alternativa promissora no manejo dessa condi??o.

Oxidative stress, the imbalance of free radical generation with antioxidant defenses, leads to cellular inflammation, apoptosis and cell death. This compromised environment results in debilitating diseases, such as oral mucositis (OM), atherosclerosis, and ischemia/reperfusion injury. Antioxidant therapeutics has been a proposed strategy to ameliorate these imbalances and maintain homeostatic environments. However, the success of these approaches, specifically curcumin, has been limited due to characteristics such as hydrophobicity and high reactivity when released as bolus doses to contest to oxidative stress induced diseases. The development of a controlled release system to aid in protection of the antioxidant capacity of curcumin, as well as a tunable system to aid in proper rate of release for disease can overcome these limitations. Previously, the use of a poly(beta-amino ester) (PBAE) chemistry has been developed in Dziubla and Hilt laboratories to provide desirable properties. The dynamic mechanical analysis and efficacy in cellular protection has been studied, yet the sensitivity and responsiveness of these polymers to abnormal environments found within oxidative stress compromised environments are unknown. In this work, a series of networks were comprised of different molar ratios of modified acrylated curcumin, poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate, and a primary diamine crosslinker to create tunable hydrolytically degradable crosslinked hydrogels. I hypothesized a consumption rate difference of free curcumin and curcumin as a released product from the crosslinked network in the presence of a free radical generating system. After the consumption profiles of each were reported differently, the experimental data was translated into a kinetic rate model to identify quantitative consumption rate parameters of curcumin and active film degradation products. The effect on the released products arose the question of curcumin consumption in other oxidizing environments. These networks were then investigated in low concentrations of a hydrogen peroxide insult, and interestingly showed sensitivity to hydrolysis by recovering significantly more curcumin at an accelerated rate of release. Identifying the sensitivity of these tunable networks to environmental stimuli, they were then presented to a series of low pH environments, which significantly reduced the degradation time, finding a dependence of rate of release on the weight loading of curcumin present within the film. To translate these responsive materials to an application-based system, the curcumin conjugated PBAE polymers were investigated as an oral rinse drug delivery system for the treatment of radiation-induced OM in a hamster model. Radiation-induced OM onset and severity was reduced with a 20 wt% microparticle loaded mucoadhesive system that releases curcumin over 24 hours, providing promising results of a therapeutic effect from curcumin when incorporated in to a controlled release delivery system. Overall, curcumin conjugated PBAE polymers show selectivity of hydrolysis in abnormal environments related to oxidative stress. This information is beneficial to the proper design and loading of antioxidant therapeutics within crosslinked polymers, giving the ability to tune release to treat and deliver based on the environment’s insult. This can advance the potential use for antioxidant therapeutics in pharmaceutical applications in the future.

Objective: Evaluate a patient-reported-oral mucositis scale (PROMS) on its own and in relation to existing measures of mucositis. Methods: 50 patients with head and neck cancer receiving radiotherapy were examined before cancer treatment, twice weekly during 6-7 weeks of therapy and post-therapy. Oral mucositis (OM) signs were evaluated clinically using NCI-CTCAE v.3, OMAS criteria and Total VAS-OMAS score. OM symptoms were recorded on PROMS-VAS questionnaires. Albumin and polymorphonuclear neutrophils were measured in saline rinses. The PROMS data were subjected to Spearman rank correlations versus the other clinical and biomarker data. Results: 33 participants completed the study. Significant correlations (p<.001) were seen between PROMS scores and other clinical and biomarker indicators of OM at a group level. Significant variations were seen between individuals. Conclusion: The PROMS tool demonstrates good correlation with other clinical indicators of OM and adds novel dimensions to currently available methods of assessments used for quantification of OM.

Objective: Evaluate a patient-reported-oral mucositis scale (PROMS) on its own and in relation to existing measures of mucositis. Methods: 50 patients with head and neck cancer receiving radiotherapy were examined before cancer treatment, twice weekly during 6-7 weeks of therapy and post-therapy. Oral mucositis (OM) signs were evaluated clinically using NCI-CTCAE v.3, OMAS criteria and Total VAS-OMAS score. OM symptoms were recorded on PROMS-VAS questionnaires. Albumin and polymorphonuclear neutrophils were measured in saline rinses. The PROMS data were subjected to Spearman rank correlations versus the other clinical and biomarker data. Results: 33 participants completed the study. Significant correlations (p<.001) were seen between PROMS scores and other clinical and biomarker indicators of OM at a group level. Significant variations were seen between individuals. Conclusion: The PROMS tool demonstrates good correlation with other clinical indicators of OM and adds novel dimensions to currently available methods of assessments used for quantification of OM.

Die Strahlenreaktion der Mundschleimhaut ist die häufigste und Dosis limitierende frühe Nebenwirkung der Radio(chemo)therapie von Kopf-Hals-Tumoren. Sie führt zu einer starken Beeinträchtigung des Allgemeinzustandes sowie der Lebensqualität der Patienten. Nicht selten muss die Strahlentherapie unterbrochen werden, wodurch sich die Tumorheilungschance deutlich reduziert. Trotz zahlreicher experimenteller und klinischer Ansätze konnte bisher kein allgemein gültiges Konzept zur Prophylaxe und Therapie der radiogenen Mucositis enoralis in der Klinik etabliert werden. Die Pathogenese der oralen Mukositis ist komplex. Sie wird durch eine Vielzahl von Faktoren beeinflusst, darunter verschiedene Signalkaskaden, wie die Rho- und Ras-vermittelte Signaltransduktion. Die vorliegende tierexperimentelle Arbeit untersuchte deshalb den Ein-fluss des 3-Hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoenzymA-Reduktase-Hemmers Lovastatin, welcher unter anderem die genannten Signalkaskaden modifiziert, auf die Reaktion der Mundschleimhaut auf fraktionierte Bestrahlung. Ergänzende histologische Untersuchungen sollen weitere Anhaltspunkte auf den Wirkmechanismus von Lovastatin geben. Alle Untersuchungen erfolgten am etablierten Tiermodell der Schleimhaut der Zungenunter-seite der Maus (Inzucht-Stamm C3H/Neu). Die Bestrahlung wurde als fraktionierte, perkutane Schnauzenbestrahlung (200 kV Röntgenstrahlung) mit wöchentlich 5x3 Gy über eine (Tag 0-4) bzw. zwei Wochen (Tag 0-4 und 7-11) durchgeführt. Das Bestrahlungsfeld war dabei so definiert, dass die gesamte Schnauze bis zu einer Ebene von den Augen bis zur Kehle, und damit die gesamte Zunge, eingeschlossen wurden. Daraus resultierte zunächst nur ein subklinischer Effekt an der Mundschleimhaut. Durch die lokale Testbestrahlung (25 kV Röntgen-strahlung) eines 3x3 mm² großen Feldes auf der Zungenunterseite wurde eine klinische Reaktion indiziert. Die lokale Bestrahlung erfolgte mit jeweils 5 gestaffelten Dosisgruppen (je-weils 10 Tiere zur Generierung vollständiger Dosis-Effekt-Kurven (Logit-Analyse). Als quantaler Endpunkt diente das Auftreten einer Ulzeration, entsprechend einer konfluenten Mukositis Grad 3 nach RTOG/EORTC-Klasifikation. Die Latenzzeit zwischen lokaler Bestrahlung und Diagnosestellung und die Dauer der Ulzeration bis zur Reepithelialisierung beschreiben den zeitlichen Verlauf der Veränderungen. Der Beschreibung des Dosiseffektes dienten die ED50-Werte (Dosis, bei der bei 50 % der Tiere eine Ulzeration innerhalb des Testfeldes zu erwarten ist) und deren Standardabweichung σ bzw. deren 95 %-Vertrauensbereiche. Für histologische Untersuchungen wurden an 16 aufeinander folgenden Tagen jeweils 3 Tiere einer Versuchsgruppe getötet. Als Kontrolle dienten 3 unbehandelte Tiere. Die Zungen wurden entnommen und mit Hämatoxylin und Eosin gefärbte Schnitte angefertigt. Anschließend erfolgte die lichtmikroskopische Auswertung von mindestens 2 mm Epithellänge pro Präparat, wobei die Zahl der kernhaltigen Zellen in der Funktions- und Germinativschicht sowie die Dicken der Germinativ-, Funktions- und Keratinschicht bestimmt wurden. Lovastatin (1A Pharma, Oberhaching) wurde in einer Dosierung von 16 mg/kg, entsprechend der empfohlenen Dosis beim Menschen, appliziert. Die Gabe des in destillierten Wasser suspendierten Medikamentes, erfolgte täglich per os über eine Schlundsonde. Bei fraktionierter Bestrahlung über 1 Woche erhielten die Versuchstiere Lovastatin von Tag -3 (bezogen auf den Tag der ersten Fraktion) bis Tag +7 oder bis zur Ausheilung der Ulzerationen. Bei fraktionierter Bestrahlung über 2 Wochen wurden 4 Behandlungszeiträume von Lovastatin getestet: Tag -3 bis +4, Tag +7 bis +14, Tag 0 bis +14 oder Tag 0 bis zur Heilung der Ulzeration. Für die histologischen Untersuchungen erfolgte eine fraktionierte Bestrahlung mit 10x3 Gy über 2 Wochen. An den Tagen 0-14 bzw. 7-14 wurde Lovastatin verabreicht. Als Kontrolle dienten die Versuchsgruppen, welche eine alleinige Bestrahlung bzw. Lovastatingabe erhielten. Zur Testung der Verträglichkeit des Medikamentes erhielten zunächst 5 Versuchstiere einmal täglich 16 mg/kg Lovastatin über einen Zeitraum von 25 Tagen. Dabei konnten keine wesentlichen unerwünschten Arzneimittelwirkungen beobachtet werden. Die alleinige Einzeitbestrahlung ergab einen ED50-Wert von 11,5±1,0 Gy mit einer signifikan-ten Dosisabhängigkeit der Ulkusfrequenz (p=0,0007). Die Latenzzeit war 12,2±0,5 Tage, die Ulkusdauer 3,1±0,6 Tage. Der ED50-Wert für die alleinige fraktionierte Bestrahlung über 1 Woche war 8,6±1,4 Gy (p=0,0002). Es wurden für die Latenzzeit 9,7±0,8 Tage und für die Ulkusdauer 5,4±1,1 Tage bestimmt. In beiden Versuchsprotokollen mit Lovastatingabe und fraktionierter Bestrahlung über eine Woche konnte eine signifikante Erhöhung der ED50-Werte gegenüber der alleinigen Fraktionierung festgestellt werden. Bei Medikamentengabe von Tag -3 bis +7 war die ED50 10,1±0,1 Gy, von Tag -3 bis zur Ausheilung 11,6±0,7 Gy. Die mittleren Latenzzeiten waren gegenüber der Kontrolle nicht signifikant verändert, es konnte jedoch in beiden Versuchsarmen eine Verkürzung der mittleren Ulkusdauer um ca. 2 Tage festgestellt werden. Für die Testbestrahlung nach alleiniger fraktionierter Bestrahlung über 2 Wochen ergab sich ein ED50-Wert von 7,9±1,3 Gy (p=0,0002). Für die Latenzzeit wurden 11,8±0,8 Tage und für die Ulkusdauer 4,5±1,0 Tage ermittelt. Die Gabe von Lovastatin führte in allen Behandlungs-protokollen zu einer signifikanten Erhöhung der ED50-Werte: Tag -3 bis +4: 12,7±0,9 Gy; Tag +7 bis +14: 11,6±0,9 Gy; Tag 0 bis 14: 14,3±1,2 Gy, Tag 0 bis Ausheilung der Ulzeration: 12,9±1,3 Gy. Ebenso wie bei fraktionierter Bestrahlung über eine Woche, konnte eine Verkürzung der Ulkusdauer um ca. 2 Tage festgestellt werden. Außerdem wurde eine Verkürzung der mittleren Latenzzeit von 2,4 Tagen (Medikamentengabe von Tag -3 bis +4) bis 4,1 Tagen (Tag 0 bis zur Ausheilung) gefunden. Bei fraktionierter Bestrahlung über 2 Wochen konnte für den gesamten Behandlungszeitraum eine gegenüber der unbehandelten Kontrolle reduzierte Gesamtzellzahl (Minimalwert Tag 4: 51%) festgestellt werden. Erst am Tag 16 wurde der Ausgangswert wieder erreicht. Demgegenüber ergab die alleinige Applikation von Lovastatin von Tag 0 bis 14 im Vergleich zur unbehandelten Kontrolle signifikant höhere Gesamtzellzahlen (Maximalwert Tag 9: 144% des Ausgangswertes). Bei fraktionierter Bestrahlung und Lovastatingabe konnten gegenüber der Kontrolle reduzierte, jedoch höhere Gesamtzellzahlen als bei alleiniger Fraktionierung festgestellt werden. Die Gesamtschichtdicken aller 4 Behandlungsprotokolle ergaben ähnliche Verläufe ohne signifikante Unterschiede. Zusammenfassend kann festgestellt werden, dass die Applikation von Lovastatin während fraktionierter Bestrahlung einen mukoprotektiven Effekt aufweist. In allen Behandlungsprotokollen war eine signifikante Erhöhung der isoeffektiven Dosen festgestellt werden. Dabei scheint der mukoprotektive Effekt umso größer zu sein, je länger die Behandlung mit Lovastatin andauerte. Lovastatin führte zu einer eindeutigen Akumulation der epithelialen Zellproliferation. Die exakten Wirkmechanismen der Mukoprotektion durch Statine sind jedoch bisher nicht geklärt und bedürfen weitergehender Untersuchungen. / The radiation response of oral mucosa is a frequent and dose-limiting side effect of radio(chemo)therapy of tumours in the head-and-neck region. Oral mucositis substantially im-pacts on the general condition and the quality of life of the patients. It necessitates treatment interruptions in a number of patients, with the consequence of a marked reduction of the tumour cure probability. Despite various experimental and clinical approaches, no general strategy for the prophylaxis or management of radiation-induced oral mucositis has so far been established in clinical routine. The pathogenesis of oral mucositis is complex and is influenced by a variety of factors, including miscellaneous signalling cascades, such as rho- and ras-dependent signal transduction. The present preclinical study in experimental animals was hence initiated to characterize the effect of the 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoenzymeA-reductase inhibitor Lovastatin, which modulates the latter signalling chains, on the response of oral mucosa to fractionated irradiation. Accompanying histological studies were performed to illuminate the mechanism of action of Lovastatin. All investigations were performed in the mucosa of the lower surface of mouse tongue (C3H/Neu inbred strain) as an established animal model. Irradiation was administered as fractionated, percutaneous treatment of the entire snout of the animals (200 kV X-rays). The protocols comprised the application of 5x3 Gy/week over 1 week (days 0-4) or 2 weeks (days 0-4, 7-11). The treatment volume encompassed the snout of the animals to a plane from the eyes to the throat, thus including the entire tongue. With snout irradiation, only a subclinical mucosal effect was induced. Subsequent local test irradiation (25 kV X-rays) yielded a clinically manifest reaction within a 3x3 mm2 test area at the lower tongue surface. Local irradiation was performed in 5 graded dose groups with 10 animals each, in order to generate complete doseeffect curves (logit analyses). For this, mucosal ulceration, corresponding to confluent mucositis grade 3 according to the RTOG/EORTC classification, was analyzed as the quantal endpoint. The latent time between test irradiation and first ulcer diagnosis and the ulcer duration until reepithelialisation served as parameters of the time course of the radiation response. The dose effect was described by ED50 values (dose at which an ulceration within the test area is expected in 50 % of the animals) and their standard deviation  or their 95 % confidence intervals. For histological studies, 3 mice of each experimental group (see below) were sacrificed per day over a period of 16 days. Three untreated mice served as controls. The tongues were excised and the sections stained with haematoxylin and eosin. At least 2 mm epithelial length were examined by standard light microscopy, and the number of nucleated cells in the functional and germinal layers as well as the thickness of the individual epithelial layers was quantified. Lovastatin (1A Pharma, Oberhaching, Germany) was administered at a dose of 16 mg/kg, according to the recommended dose in patients. The drug was suspended in A. dest. and applied daily per os via gavage. With fractionated irradiation over 1 week, Lovastatin was administered from day -3 (before the first fraction) until day 7 or until clinical healing of all reactions. Fractionated irradiation over 2 weeks was combined with Lovastatin in 4 admini-stration intervals: day -3 to +4, day +7 to +11, day 0 to +14 or day 0 until clinical healing of all ulcerations. For the histological investigations, irradiation was applied with 10x3 Gy over 2 weeks. Lovastatin was administered on days 0-14 or 7-14, respectively. Groups that received either radiation alone or Lovastatin alone in similar protocols served as controls. To test for tolerability of the drug, 5 animals were treated daily with 16 mg/kg Lovastatin over 25 days. No adverse events were observed. Single dose irradiation alone resulted in an ED50 value of 11.5±1.0 Gy, with a significant dose dependence of ulcer frequency (p=0.0007). The latent time was 12.2±0.5 d, ulcer duration 3.1±0.6 d. The ED50 value for test irradiation after fractionated irradiation over 1 week was 8.6±1.4 Gy (p=0.0002). Latent time was 9.7±0.8 d, ulcer duration 5.4±1.1d. In both protocols with Lovas-tatin, a significant increase of the ED50 values was observed, with 10.1±0.1 Gy and 11.6±0.7 Gy for drug administration from day -3 to +7 and day -3 to ulcer healing, respectively. The mean latencies were not significantly different from the control. However, mean ulcer duration was shortened by ca. 2 d. For test irradiation after 2 weeks of fractionation alone, the ED50 was 7.9±1.3 Gy (p=0.0002). Mean latency was 11.8±0.8 d, mean ulcer duration 4.5±1.0 d. Lovastatin administration yielded a significant increase in ED50 values in all experimental protocols, with 12.7±0.9 Gy for day -3 to +4, 11.6±0.9 Gy for day +7 to +14, 14.3±1.2 Gy for day 0 to +14 and 12.9±1.3 Gy for day 0 until healing. Similar to one week of fractionation, a shortening of ulcer duration by ca. 2 d was found. Mean latencies were reduced by 2.4 days (drug administration day -3 to +4) to 4.1 days (day 0 to healing). Epithelial cell numbers were clearly reduced by fractionated irradiation (minimum day 4: 51 % of the control). Original values were not observed before day 16. In contrast, administration of Lovastatin alone significantly increased the total cell numbers in the epithelium (maximum day 9: 144 % of control). The combination of irradiation and Lovastatin resulted in total cell numbers that were reduced compared to the control, but markedly higher than with irradiation alone. No differences were found for epithelial thickness in comparison to irradiation alone. In conclusion, the administration of Lovastatin during fractionated irradiation showed a substantial mucoprotective effect. Isoeffective doses were significantly increased in all Lovastatin treatment arms. The longer the interval of drug administration was, the more pronounced was the effect. Lovastatin yielded a clear stimulation of epithelial cell proliferation. The detailed mechanisms of action of Lovastatin, however, remain unclear and require further investigation.

Die orale Mukositis ist eine der häufigsten und schwerwiegendsten frühen Nebenwirkungen nach einer Ganzkörperbestrahlung im Rahmen der Therapie hämatologischer Tumoren sowie nach einer Strahlenexposition im Kopf-Hals-Bereich. Es existieren zahlreiche experimentelle und klinische Ansätze zur Prophylaxe und Therapie dieser Strahlenfolge, aus denen jedoch bisher kein allgemein anwendbares Behandlungsschema ableitbar ist. Für Keratinozyten-Wachstumsfaktor (KGF) werden in präklinischen und klinischen Untersuchungen mukoprotektive Effekte nachgewiesen. Er ist als rekombinante humane Form (∆23-rHuKGF) mit der Wirkstoffbezeichnung Palifermin unter dem Markennamen Kepivance® für die Anwendung beim Menschen zur Prophylaxe der oralen Mukositis im Rahmen der Konditionierungsbehandlung bei Knochenmarktransplantationen zugelassen. Die Applikation von Palifermin erfolgt dabei intravenös in einer Dosierung von 60 g/kg an drei aufeinander folgenden Tagen vor und nach der Konditionierungstherapie. Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit ist es, zu prüfen, ob eine Reduktion der Anzahl der Palifermin-Applikationen vor und/oder nach der Konditionierungstherapie möglich ist. Zusätzlich sollen histologische Untersuchungen Hinweise zum Mechanismus der Paliferminwirkung geben. Die Untersuchungen erfolgen am etablierten Modell des Epithels der Zungenunterseite von C3H/Neu-Mäusen. Eine Einzeitbestrahlung der Zunge simuliert die Konditionierungsbehandlung. Gestaffelte Strahlendosen werden zur Auslösung einer Ulzeration verwendet, um komplette Dosis-Effekt-Kurven zu generieren. Primärer Endpunkt ist die Induktion einer ulzerativen Mukositis in Abhängigkeit von der Strahlendosis. Latenzzeit und Ulkusdauer beschreiben den zeitlichen Verlauf der Veränderungen. Die beim Menschen zugelassene Anwendung von Palifermin wird auf das Mausmodell übertragen (Standardanwendung), wobei Palifermin in einer Dosierung von 5 mg/kg an drei aufeinander folgenden Tagen vor und nach der Einzeitbestrahlung (Tag -3,-2,-1,+1,+2,+3) subkutan appliziert wird. Die Palifermin-Applikation wird vor der Bestrahlung auf zwei Gaben (Tag -3,-2,+1,+2+3, Tag -2,-1,+1,+2,+3) bzw. eine Gabe (Tag -3,+1,+2,+3, Tag -2,+1,+2,+3, Tag -1,+1,+2,+3) oder nach der Bestrahlung auf zwei (Tag – 3,-2,-1,+1,+2, Tag -3,-2,-1,+2,+3) bzw. eine Applikation (Tag -3,-2,-1,+1, Tag -3,-2,-1,+2, Tag -3,-2,-1,+3) reduziert. Die Palifermin-Dosierung beträgt bei mehr als einer Applikation 5 mg/kg s.c. täglich, bei einer einmaligen Anwendung 15 mg/kg s.c.. Histologische Untersuchungen der Mukosa erfolgen bei Standardanwendung von Palifermin sowie bei Applikation nur an drei Tagen vor oder nach der Einzeitbestrahlung. Nach alleiniger Einzeitbestrahlung treten ulzerative Läsionen mit einer ED50 von 11,0  1,3 Gy (Dosis, bei der bei 50 % der Tiere eine ulzerative Läsion im Zungenepithel erwartet wird) nach durchschnittlich 10,0  0,7 Tagen (Latenzzeit) für 3,4  1,0 Tage (Ulkusdauer) auf. Erhalten die Mäuse Palifermin im Standardprotokoll, so ist die Strahlentoleranz des Zungenepithels im Vergleich zur alleinigen Bestrahlung erhöht (ED50=21,9  2,2 Gy, DMF=2,0). Eine signifikant stärkere Wirkung wird erzielt, wenn Palifermin nach der Einzeitbestrahlung nur ein- oder zweimal appliziert (ED50=31,5  5,1 Gy und 28,9  3,8 Gy) oder wenn vor und nach der Einzeitbestrahlung der Wirkstoff nur einmal verabreicht wird (ED50=31,1  3,8 Gy). Die ulzerativen Reaktionen treten dabei später auf und sind von kürzerer Dauer, insbesondere wenn die Palifermin-Gabe unmittelbar nach der Einzeitbestrahlung erfolgt. Die Reduktion der Palifermin-Anwendung vor der Einzeitbestrahlung auf eine oder zwei Applikationen ist in ihrer Wirkung mit der Standardanwendung vergleichbar. Nach einer alleinigen Einzeitbestrahlung mit 13 Gy verringern sich Zellzahl (Minimalwert Tag 6 - 8, 73-74 %) und Dicke (Minimalwert Tag 4, 72 %) des Epithels, das Zellvolumen nimmt zu (Maximalwert Tag 8, 239 %). Palifermin erhöht nach dreitägiger Applikation vor der Bestrahlung die Zellzahl (184 %), die Epitheldicke (215 %) und vergrößert das Zellvolumen (152 %). Wird Palifermin zusätzlich an drei Tagen nach der Bestrahlung appliziert (Standardanwendung), erfolgt die Abnahme der epithelialen Zelldichte verzögert (Minimalwert Tag 7, 36 %). Die Epitheldicke nimmt bis Tag 3 weiter zu (286 %). Die vorliegenden Untersuchungen am Modell der Zungenseite der Maus zeigen, dass die mukoprotektive Wirkung von Palifermin im Vergleich zu klinisch üblichen Standardanwendung erhöht werden kann, wenn der Wirkstoff vor und nach der Bestrahlung nur einmal gegeben wird oder die Applikationen nach der Bestrahlung reduziert werden.

The aim of this thesis was to investigate oral cryotherapy (OC) as prophy-laxis against oral mucositis (OM) in patients given high-dose chemotherapy for stem cell transplantation (SCT). A new mouth rinse device was tested for possible additive effect to OC. For study I-III, 78 patients were randomised to OC or standard oral care (SOC). Papers I and II showed that OC patients had significantly less severe mucositis, pain, opioid use, lower C-reactive protein and less parenteral nutrition treatment (TPN). There was no difference in relapse rate, and 5-year survival was unexpectedly significantly better in the OC group (Paper III). In paper IV, the local effect of OC on the mucosa of the mouth was investigated by the use of an infrared thermograph. Change in surface temperature in eight areas of the mouth cavity was measured after cooling of the mouth in healthy volunteers. A substantial lowering of the temperature (-12.9 °C, mean) was seen which could explain the efficacy of OC. To exclude that acute cooling in itself is traumatic, the proinflammatory cytokine IL-6 was measured in saliva and showed no increase after cooling. Paper V reported a study in 40 allogeneic SCT patients. 20 were given SOC including OC and 20 in addition received Caphosol®, a calcium phosphate mouth rinse, during chemotherapy and until day 21. Severity of mucositis, use of opioids and TPN, effects on nutrition and CRP levels were measured. No significant difference was found between the groups in any of these variables, but a non-significant trend for an advantage for the combination could be seen. IL-6 saliva levels were measured. There was a substantial increase (more than 10-fold), in mean IL-6 levels from baseline to beginning of mucositis and a weak correlation between increased IL-6 levels and severity of OM, suggesting that IL-6 in saliva may be a useful marker of the inflammatory mucosal process. This thesis demonstrates that OC is effective as prophylaxis against chemotherapy-induced OM. As a consequence of this work, OC has been introduced as the standard of care in all SCT patients in our institution.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-05-14T12:56:08Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 842543 bytes, checksum: dcc4a89c58b1a2bed72a86aa5e76dab2 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008-12-05 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The aim of this study was to assess salivary EGF concentration in head and neck cancer patients and its correlation with oral mucositis. It was an observational, transversal, control-case study. Whole stimulated saliva was collected in this groups: G1 control (n=9), G2 diagnostic moment (n=13), G3 before therapy (n=11), G4 during therapy (n=13) and G5 after therapy (n=11). The samples were centrifuged and measured. The supernatant was obtained and stored at -80° C until assayed. Salivary EGF content was measured with a commercial ELISA kit (Quantikine, R & D Systems, Minneapolis, MN, E.U.A.). The salivary flow means to G1, G2, G3, G4, G5 were 1,27; 1,58; 1,70; 0,77 and 0,99 ml/min. respectively. Differences on salivary flow did not reach statistical significance in the groups (p=0,064) but there was a strong reduction in G4 and G5. In relation to EGF levels, it was seen 1624,08; 1816,63; 1905,47 and 1457,12 pg/ml, respectively. There was no significant difference in the salivary EGF levels of this patients (p=0,686) but the decreased levels in G4 was evident. There was a positive correlation between salivary flow and EGF levels in G4 and G5, but it was not statistically significant, G4 (p=0,446) and G5 (p=0,258). There was not association between EGF concentration and oral mucositis development (p=0,037), but it was significant between decreased salivary flow and mucositis (p< 0,001). It was shown that EGF levels were not influenced for the use of alcohol (p=0,792), tobacco (p=0,706) and the patient performance status (p=0,213). It was possible to conclude that radiation therapy induces reduction in salivary flow and EGF levels over time. That EGF levels decreased is influenced by low salivary flow, but there was no association between oral mucositis development and salivary EGF levels. / O presente estudo teve como objetivo verificar a concentração do EGF na saliva de pacientes com neoplasias malignas em região de cabeça e pescoço e sua possível relação com a mucosite oral e o fluxo salivar. Constituiu-se em um estudo transversal, observacional, do tipo caso-controle. As amostras de saliva estimulada foram obtidas nos seguintes grupos: G1-controle (n=9), G2- momento do diagnóstico (n=13), G3-antes da terapia (n=11), G4-durante a terapia (n=13) e G5-após a terapia (n=11), sendo as mesmas centrifugadas e mensuradas. O sobrenadante foi então armazenado a temperatura de -80 º C e, posteriormente, descongelado a temperatura ambiente e submetido a imunoensaio do tipo sanduíche, onde a concentração salivar de EGF foi determinada por um kit comercial de ELISA (Quantikine, R & D Systems, Minneapolis, MN, E.U.A.). Verificou-se médias de fluxo salivar para G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4 e G-5 de 1,27; 1,58; 1,70; 0,77 e 0,99 ml/min, respectivamente. Segundo o teste F (ANOVA) não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os fluxos nesses grupos (p=0,064), embora tenha havido redução significativa no G4 e G5. Em relação ao EGF, observou-se, consecutivamente, as seguintes médias: 1624,08; 1816,63; 1905,47; 1414,87 e 1457,12 pg/ml, também não sendo observada significância estatística nas diferenças entre os grupos (p=0,686), percebendo-se diminuição em seus níveis no G4. Por meio da correlação de Pearson, observou-se correlação positiva entre as medidas de fluxo salivar e as concentrações de EGF no G4 e G5, embora sem significância estatística, G4 (p=0,446) e G5 (p=0,258). Não houve associação entre as concentrações de EGF e o desenvolvimento da mucosite oral (p=0,337), mas houve entre o fluxo salivar diminuído e a mucosite (p< 0,001). Além disso, os níveis de EGF na saliva não foram influenciados pelos hábitos de etilismo (p=0,792), tabagismo (p=0,706), ou ainda, pelo estado de saúde geral do paciente (p=0,213), segundo o t-Student. Com base nos resultados obtidos, podemos concluir que a radioterapia promoveu diminuição no fluxo salivar e nos níveis de EGF, que os níveis de EGF foram influenciados pela diminuição do fluxo salivar e que não houve associação entre o desenvolvimento da mucosite oral e a concentração de EGF na saliva.

OBJETIVO: O estudo foi conduzido para determinar o quanto o Laser de Baixa Intensidade (LBI), em adição com um protocolo de higiene oral, pode reduzir a duração da mucosite oral (MO) induzida por quimioterapia e/ou radioterapia. PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: Um ensaio clínico randomizado placebo controlado foi desenvolvido utilizando o LBI ou controle (sham-treatment) em 2 centros de tratamento do câncer - a Unidade de Oncologia Pediátrica do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA) e a Unidade de Oncologia do Hospital São Vicente de Paulo de Passo Fundo (HSVP). Pacientes em tratamento quimioterápico e/ou radioterápico entre os meses de outubro de 2005 e maio de 2006 foram elegíveis tão logo desenvolvessem MO. Os pacientes receberam intervenção por 5 dias. O grupo LBI foi tratado com GaAlAs, comprimento de onda: 830nm (infravermelho), potência: 100mW, dose: 4J/cm2 e o grupo controle com o sham-treatment. O grau de MO foi avaliado clinicamente através da escala da World Health Organization - National Cancer Institute - Common Toxicity Criteria (WHO-NCI-CTC). RESULTADOS: Os resultados foram expostos de acordo com cada centro envolvido. UOP - HCPA: vinte e um pacientes desenvolveram MO no grupo pediátrico e foram submetidos à análise; 18 (86%) pacientes possuíam diagnóstico de leucemia ou linfoma e 3 (14%) de tumores sólidos. A média de idade foi de 8,2 (± 3,1) anos. Nove pacientes foram randomizados no grupo laser e doze no grupo sham-treatment. A MO foi mensurada quando os sintomas foram manifestados em cada paciente, sendo a duração e o grau de MO graduados diariamente até a completa cicatrização das lesões. No dia 7 após o diagnóstico da MO, 11% dos pacientes permaneciam com lesões no grupo laser e 75% no grupo sham-treatment (P=0,029). No grupo tratado com laser a média de duração da MO foi de 5,8 ± 2 dias e no grupo sham-treatment 8,9± 2,4 dias (P=0,004). UO-HSVP: trinta e quatro pacientes desenvolveram MO no grupo dos adultos e foram submetidos à análise; 22 (65%) dos pacientes possuíam diagnóstico de tumores sólidos e 12 (35%) de leucemia ou linfoma. A média de idade foi de 41 (± 20 anos). 18 pacientes foram randomizados no grupo laser e 16 no grupo sham-treatment. A MO foi mensurada quando os sintomas foram manifestados em cada paciente, sendo a duração e o grau de MO graduados diariamente até a completa cicatrização das lesões. No dia 7 após o diagnóstico da MO, 32% dos pacientes permaneciam com lesões no grupo laser e 94% no grupo sham-treatment (P=0,001). No grupo tratado com laser a média de duração da MO foi de 6,8 ± 2,2 dias e no grupo sham-treatment 11,5± 3,5 dias (P<0,001). CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo demonstrou evidências que a laserterapia em adição com um protocolo de higiene oral pode reduzir a duração da MO induzida por quimioterapia e radioterapia. Em decorrência destes achados, esta modalidade de tratamento pode ser difundida e aplicada no intuito de promover qualidade de vida aos pacientes durante os tratamentos quimioterápicos e radioterápicos. / BACKGROUND: The study was conducted to determine whether Low level laser therapy (LLLT) in addition to oral care can reduce the duration of chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy induced oral mucositis (OM). PROCEDURE: A placebo-controlled randomized study was carried out using LLLT or placebo (sham-treatment) in two centers of cancer treatment - Pediatric Oncology Unit (POU) of HCPA and Oncology Unit (OU) of HSVP. Patients treated with chemo and/or radiotherapy between Oct, 2005 and May, 2006 were eligible as soon as they developed OM. Patients received intervention for 5 days. The LLLT group was treated with Laser GaAlAs, wavelenght: 830nm (infrared), power: 100mW, dose: 4J/cm2 and the control group with sham-treatment. The grade of OM was clinically assessed by the WHONCI- CTC scale. RESULTS: Results were showed according with the center. POU-HCPA: Twenty-one patients developed OM in the children group and were submitted for analysis; 18 (86%) patients had a diagnosis of leukemia or lymphoma and 3(14%) had solid tumors. The mean age was 8.2 (± 3.1) years. Nine patients were randomized in the laser group and twelve patients in the placebo-control group. OM was measured when symptoms were manifest and the duration of OM and the grade of lesions found in each patient were recorded at the start of laser therapy and daily until complete healing of the lesions. On day 7 after OM diagnosis, 11% of patients presented lesions in laser group and 75% of patients in the sham-treatment group (P=0.029). In the group treated with laser the mean of OM duration was 5.8 ± 2 days and in the sham-treatment group 8.9± 2.4 days (P=0.004). OU-HSVP: Thirty-four patients developed OM and were submitted for analysis; 22 patients (65%) had diagnosis of solid tumors and 12 (35%) leukemia or lymphoma. The mean age was 41 (± 20) years. Eighteen patients were randomized in the laser group and 16 patients in the placebo-control group. Once OM was diagnosed, the patients had daily OM grading assessments before laser application, and thereafter until complete healing process of lesions. On day 7 after OM diagnoses , 32% of patients presented lesions in laser group and 94% of patients in the sham-treatment group (P=0.001). In the laser group the mean of OM duration was 6.8 ± 2.2 days and in the sham-treatment group was 11.5 ± 3.5 days (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study has shown evidence that laser therapy in addition to oral care can decrease the duration of chemotherapy induced OM. It should encourage clinicians to use this technique to improve quality of life of cancer patients during the oncology treatment.