60 % of school children have some form of untreated tooth decay or have suffered trauma to the front teeth which results in pulp damage. If left untreated, these teeth are susceptible to premature fracture/loss under daily stresses. In cases of adolescent tooth loss, teenagers cannot get dental implants until after the growth spurts; their only option is using removable dentures which lowers their quality of life. Conventional endodontic treatment (root canal treatment) is used in cases of pulp necrosis, but cannot be performed in immature permanent teeth due to major differences in tooth anatomy. Currently the American Dental Academy has approved a procedure called Regenerative Endodontic Treatment (RET) for such cases, but the outcomes are still unpredictable and the method is largely unreliable. One issue that we are trying to address in this work is the regeneration of the pulp-dentin complex (PDC), specifically the interface. Endeavors in regenerating either pulp or dentin have been successful individually, but the interface region is the anatomical and physiologic hallmark of the PDC and has not been addressed. We have proposed a biomimetic scaffold to facilitate early stage stratification of these different tissues and allow recapitulation of their interface. Tissue engineering principles and biomaterial processing techniques were used simultaneously to encourage dental pulp stem cells into mineralize selectively only on one side. This effectively allows the scaffold to serve as the interface region between the hard dentin and the soft vascular pulp. / Bioengineering

Yes / Nanodiamonds (NDs) have been used in various fields of medicine such as drug delivery, tissue regeneration and gene therapy. Although there has been research carried out investigated the potential of these remarkable materials in dentistry, to date no review has been published to summarize the studies conducted. Due to their target cell specificity, small size and fluorescence they have also been found to be usefulness in dentistry. Main applications of NDs in dentistry and medicine include guided tissue regeneration, reinforcement of polymers and drug delivery to treat infections and cancers. Recent research also suggests that NDs can also be used as bioactive or antibacterial dental implant coatings. However, to date, the research conducted on their biocompatibility is limited and inconclusive. Hence, substantially more in vitro and in vivo studies are required to envisage the future of NDs in dentistry. It is hoped that in the next decade these promising materials will find a variety of uses in routine dentistry.

Yes / Infection is the major reason for guided tissue regeneration/guided bone regeneration (GTR/GBR) membrane failure in clinical application. In this work, we developed GTR/GBR membranes with localized drug delivery function to prevent infection by electrospinning of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and gelatin blended with metronidazole (MNA). Acetic acid (HAc) was introduced to improve the miscibility of PCL and gelatin to fabricate homogeneous hybrid nanofiber membranes. The effects of the addition of HAc and the MNA content (0, 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 wt.% of polymer) on the properties of the membranes were investigated. The membranes showed good mechanical properties, appropriate biodegradation rate and barrier function. The controlled and sustained release of MNA from the membranes significantly prevented the colonization of anaerobic bacteria. Cells could adhere to and proliferate on the membranes without cytotoxicity until the MNA content reached 30%. Subcutaneous implantation in rabbits for 8 months demonstrated that MNA-loaded membranes evoked a less severe inflammatory response depending on the dose of MNA than bare membranes. The biodegradation time of the membranes was appropriate for tissue regeneration. These results indicated the potential for using MNA-loaded PCL/gelatin electrospun membranes as anti-infective GTR/GBR membranes to optimize clinical application of GTR/GBR strategies.

Processos fotodinâmicos aplicados a sistemas biológicos têm sido utilizados in vitro e in vivo como uma modalidade terapêutica seletiva e não invasiva em diversas áreas da saúde, incluindo a Medicina Regenerativa. Neste trabalho, propomos o seu estudo na reparação e regeneração tecidual, pela utilização de um fármaco fotossensibilizante associado a um sistema de veiculação e sua ação fotobiológica, monitorada pela atividade celular (sistemas 2D e 3D). Para superar limitações do modelo celular convencional em monocamada, tais como baixa interação célula-célula e célula-matriz extracelular, propomos o uso de modelos tridimensionais de pele (denominados equivalentes dérmicos). Desta forma, algumas condições existentes in vivo podem ser mimetizadas in vitro, conduzindo à observação de um comportamento mais próximo à situação real. Os equivalentes dérmicos foram preparados através do cultivo celular em uma matriz de colágeno tipo I, que foi extraído de tendões da cauda de ratos Wistar. Foram escolhidas duas linhagens celulares para a padronização dos modelos tridimensionais: fibroblastos NIH/3T3 (ATCC® CRL-1658TM) e células-tronco humanas HBMS (Human Bone Marrow-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells, ATCC® PCS-500-012TM). Os ED produzidos foram monitorados por um período de 14 dias para o estudo do perfil de cinética de contração e também observamos a formação da matriz tridimensional de colágeno através da microscopia óptica. O perfil de contração observado é mais acentuado nos primeiros dias e tende a se estabilizar no final do período analisado. Fatores como concentração celular e de colágeno interferem nesta cinética. Estudos de histologia, microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV) e microscopia confocal também foram realizados para melhor caracterizar o modelo. Em uma segunda etapa deste trabalho, estudos de fotobiomodulação foram conduzidos nestes modelos celulares, associando-se o uso de fotoprocessos com luz visível de baixa intensidade (doses 70, 140 e 300 mJ/cm2) e o fármaco fotossensibilizante ftalocianina de cloro alumínio (ClAlPc), veiculado em um sistema de liberação nanoestruturado clássico do tipo nanoemulsão. A expressão de metaloproteinases de matriz (MMPs), enzimas associadas a eventos biológicos de remodelação da matriz extracelular, foi avaliada através da técnica de zimografia. / Photodynamic Process applied to biological systems has been used in vitro and in vivo as selective and noninvasive modality in several areas including Regenerative Medicine. In this research project, we propose to study wound healing and tissue regeneration, induced by the use of a photosensitizer drug into 2D and 3D cellular models. In order to perform experiments with high level of biological complexity, we propose to use three-dimensional tissue models (called dermal equivalents). The aim is to mimic in vitro, the conditions existing in in vivo, such as cell-cell contact and cell-extracellular matrix interactions, which cannot be observed in monolayer cultures. The dermal equivalents were obtained combing fibroblasts cells NIH /3T3 (ATCC® CRL-1658TM) or Human Bone Marrow-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (ATCC® PCS-500-012TM) with collagen matrix. Collagen type I was obtained from tail tendons of Wistar rats. The three-dimensional model was monitored over 14 days and to study the kinetic contraction, the diameter of each disc was measured. Also, the collagen matrix was evaluated by bright field microscopy. The classical profile observed is more pronounced in the early days and tends to stabilize at the end of the period. This kinetic can be modified by the concentration of cells and collagen. Histological analyses, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal microscopy were also important to describe this model. Second, photobiology tests were performed, combining low-intensity laser (70, 140 e 300 mJ/cm2) and a classical Chloro Aluminum Phthalocyanine photosensitizer drug encapsulated into polymeric nanoemulsion. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) expression in the cell culture was evaluated by zymography. These are endopeptidases associated with wound healing and remodeling processes.

O Plasma Rico em Plaquetas (PRP) é um produto derivado de células sanguíneas obtido por centrifugação, o qual contém uma alta concentração de fatores de crescimento em um pequeno volume de plasma. Este procedimento é utilizado desde a década de 1950 e vem crescendo amplamente para aplicação em diversas áreas como na Ortopedia, Odontologia, Cardiologia, Oftalmologia, Dermatologia, e para uso no reparo de feridas crônicas, especialmente em pacientes diabéticos ou com complicações venosas, feridas em mucosas, tecidos conjuntivos, patologias do sistema músculo-esquelético, superfície de fratura, enxerto ósseo entre outros. Nessas situações, observa-se um comprometimento dos níveis ideais de fatores de crescimento nas fases de cicatrização, por esse motivo vê-se a importância de manter os níveis adequados dos fatores de crescimento nas diferentes fases do reparo tecidual. O preparo de PRP por não ser padronizado pode comprometer a eficácia do tratamento, pois o número de células pode variar em cada paciente e a cada isolamento, e por consequência, a quantidade dos fatores de crescimento podem ser variáveis. As coletas de sangue são invasivas para o paciente, sendo dispendiosas em tempo e mão-de-obra ao procedimento operacional, implicando no aumento do custo. O preparo antecipado do PRP com possibilidade de armazenamento para o uso nas aplicações durante o tratamento pode ser uma solução importante para acelerar a regeneração tecidual e evitar o desconforto do paciente, que muitas vezes já não tem uma boa qualidade de vida. Portanto, o presente estudo visou comparar a diferença no processo de cicatrização durante sete dias em um modelo de lesão no dorso de rato nude com a aplicação de PRP humano obtido a fresco e PRP armazenado por liofilização e estocado a temperatura ambiente durante 18 dias, preparados a partir de dois diferentes doadores, comparados à aplicação do fator de crescimento derivado de plaquetas BB humano recombinante (rhPDGF-BB), um dos fatores de crescimento mais abundante no PRP. Os resultados mostraram eficácias comparadas nos tratamentos das feridas com rhPDGF-BB (controle 11 positivo) e com os PRPs fresco ou aramazenado a temperatura ambiente, de ambos os doadores, indicando a possibilidade de coleta de sangue do paciente apenas uma única vez e estocagem do mesmo até a reconstituição do produto no dia da aplicação, possibilitando o oferecimento de um tratamento de maior qualidade e menor invasividade ao paciente. Não houve diferença estatística significativa nos tratamentos das feridas com os PRPs fresco ou armazenado obtidos dos dois doadores, indicando que os valores de plaquetas dos doadores (189.000 e 216.000/mm3) foram adequados para o processo de regeneração tecidual. Este trabalho mostra a possibilidade do estoque do PRP, preparado a partir do sangue do paciente, em diversas alíquotas liofilizadas e estéreis a temperatura ambiente, o que poderá facilitar a aplicação do produto, possibilitando seu uso até mesmo em domicílio, e, consequentemente, uma melhora na qualidade de vida deste paciente. Também aponta para um protocolo de preparo rápido e efetivo para pacientes com até 189.000 plaquetas/ mm3, com atividade biológica testada in vivo, visando a preparação de PRP. / Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a blood cell derived product obtained by centrifugation, which contains a high concentration of growth factors in a small volume of plasma. This procedure has been used since the 1950s and has been widely used in various areas such as Orthopedics, Dentistry, Cardiology, Ophthalmology, Dermatology for use in chronic wound repair, especially in diabetic patients or patients with venous complications, mucosal wounds, connective tissues, pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, fracture surface, bone graft, among others. In scarring and deficient tissues, there is an impairment of the ideal levels of growth factors in the wound healing phases. Therefore, it is important to maintain adequate levels of growth factors in all the different stages of tissue repair. The preparation of PRP is a non-standard procedure, with variable results being observed in the literature, being able to be involved with the amount of growth factors and methods of preparation. Usually, more than one PRP application is required involving a new blood collection for each application in order to accelerate tissue regeneration. The blood collections are invasive for the patient, being expensive in time and labor in the operational procedure, implying in the increase of the cost. The early preparation of PRP with possibility of storage for use in future applications during treatment could be an important solution to avoid the discomfort of patients, who often no longer have a good quality of life. Therefore, the present study aimed to compare the difference in the healing process for seven days in a nude rat dorsal lesion model, treated with human fresh PRP or stored PRP (prepared by lyophilization and stored at room temperature for 15 days, from two different donors, and compared to the application of recombinant human BB platelet-derived growth factor (rhPDGF-BB), one of the most abundant growth factors in PRP. The results showed comparative efficacies in the treatments of wounds with rhPDGF-BB (positive control) and with fresh PRPs or room temperature stored PRP of both donors, indicating the possibility of collecting blood from the patient only once and storing the same until the reconstitution of the product on the day of application, allowing the offer of a 13 treatment of higher quality and less invasiveness to the patient. There was no statistically significant difference in wound treatments with fresh or stored PRPs obtained from the two donors, indicating that donor platelet values (189,000 and 216,000/mm3) were adequate for the tissue regeneration process. This work shows the possibility of PRP stock, prepared from the patient\'s blood, in several sterile freeze-dried aliquots at room temperature, which may facilitate the application of the product, allowing its use even at home, and, consequently, an improvement in the quality of life of this patient. It also points to a fast and effective preparation protocol for patients with up to 189,000 platelets/mm3, with biological activity tested in vivo, aiming at the preparation of PRP.

Orientador: Álvaro Francisco Bosco / Banca: Maria José Hitomi Nagata / Banca: Valdir Gouveia Garcia / Banca: Mário Taba Júnior / Banca: Marcio Zaffalon Casati / Resumo: O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar histológica e histometricamente a cicatrização de defeitos de deiscência periodontal associados ao aplainamento radicular tratados com enxerto de tecido conjuntivo subepitelial (ETC) ou Membrana Bioabsorvível (MB), cada qual comparado ao tratamento com Retalho Posicionado Coronal (RPC). Foram utilizados 12 cães, divididos em dois grupos de 6. Defeitos de deiscência óssea (6x8 mm) e o aplainamento radicular foram realizados nos caninos superiores e os grupos divididos, seguindo um modelo de boca dividida de acordo com o tratamento. Os caninos esquerdos serviram como controle (RPC), onde o retalho foi somente posicionado coronalmente. Os caninos direitos receberam os tratamentos com ETC ou MB. Após 3 meses pósoperatórios os animais foram submetidos à eutanásia e os blocos processados para análise histológica e histométrica. Os parâmetros histométricos avaliados incluíram extensão de tecido epitelial (TE), extensão da nova inserção de tecido conjuntivo (NITC) e extensão da aposição de tecido conjuntivo (ATC), extensão de novo cemento (NC) e extensão de novo osso (NO). Histologicamente, o grupo MB mostrou significativamente maiores NC, NO e NITC (4.12±1.24; 2.44±0.78; 1.80±0.39, respectivamente) em comparação ao grupo RPC (1.04±0.43; 0.93±0.23; 0.71±0.45, respectivamente) (P<0.05) e significativamente menor ATC (0.29±0.33) comparado aos grupos RPC (2.79±1.74) e ETC (2.62±1.52) (P<0.05). A NITC no grupo ETC (0.71±0.36) foi significativamente menor, enquanto a ATC (2.62±1.52) e TE (1.70±0.53) foram significativamente maiores comparado ao grupo MB (1.80±0.39; 0.29±0.33; 1.00±0.35, respectivamente) (P<0.05). Dentro dos limites deste estudo, concluiuse que o grupo MB mostrou melhores resultados histológicos de nova inserção de tecido conjuntivo, formação de novo osso e novo cemento em relação aos grupos RPC e ETC. / Abstract: The aim of the present study was to evaluate histologically and histometrically the healing of periodontal dehiscence defects associated to root planing treated with subepithelial connective tissue graft (CTG) or Bioabsorbable Membrane (BM), each one compared to the treatment with Coronally Positioned Flap (CPF). Twelve dogs were used, divided into two groups of six elements. Bone dehiscence defects (6x8 mm) and root planing were accomplished in the upper canine and the groups were divided, following a model of divided mouth according to the treatment used. Left canine were used as control (CPF), where the flap was only coronally positioned. Right canine received treatments with CTG or BM. After three postoperative months, the animals were euthanized and the blocks were processed for histological and histometrical analysis. The evaluated histometric parameters included lenght of epithelial tissue (TE), new attachment (NACT) and connective tissue aposition (CTA), new cementum (NC), and new bone (NB). Histologically, group BM showed significant higher values of NC, NO and NITC (4.12±1.24; 2.44±0.78; 1.80±0.39, respectively) in comparison to the group CPF (1.04±0.43; 0.93±0.23; 0.71±0.45, respectively) (P<0.05) and significant lower values of ATC (0.29±0.33) in comparison to the groups CPF (2.79±1.74) and CTG (2.62±1.52) (P<0.05). NITC in group CTG (0.71±0.36) was significantly lower, while ATC (2.62±1.52) and TE (1.70±0.53) were significantly higher in comparison to group BM (1.80±0.39; 0.29±0.33; 1.00±0.35, respectively) (P<0.05). Within the limits of this study, it can be concluded that group BM showed better histological results of connective tissue new attachment, new bone and new cementum formation in comparison to groups CPF and CTG. / Doutor

The American Heart Association (AHA) estimates that at least one American will die from a coronary event every minute, costing over $150 billion in 2008 alone. Regenerating the myocardium of patients that survive the initial infarction has proven to be an elusive goal. A variety of factors - including the loss of contractile cells, inflammatory response following infarction, cardiac hypertrophy, and lack of suitable cues for progenitor cells - causes fibrosis in the heart and loss of cardiac function. This dissertation examines three drug delivery strategies aimed at improving conditions for cardiac regeneration: polyketal microspheres as non-inflammatory drug delivery vehicles; surface functionalization of microparticles with nitrilotriacetic acid-nickel (NTA-Ni) for non-covalent tethering of proteins; and using Hoechst-inspired ligands for targeting extracellular DNA in necrotic tissue.

Thesis--University of Oklahoma. / Bibliography: leaves 63-70.

Orientador: Yasmin Rodarte Carvalho / Banca: Rubens Guimarães Filho / Banca: Carla Roberta Tim / Banca: Luana Marotta Reis de Vasconcellos / Banca: Mônica Ghislaine Oliveira Alves / Resumo: Estudos anteriores sugerem que o ácido hialurônico (AH) e o plasma rico em plaquetas (PRP) têm potencial para melhorar o processo de cicatrização da cartilagem e diminuir a progressão da osteoartrite. No entanto, poucas pesquisas avaliam seu efeito sinérgico. Este trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar o efeito do AH associado ao PRP na regeneração do disco articular e da superfície osteocondral da articulação temporomandibular (ATM). A osteoartrite será induzida por meio da perfuração bilateral do disco articular de coelhos. Quarenta coelhos foram divididos em 4 grupos, conforme o procedimento: sem lesão(SL)/sem tratamento(ST) (n=4), lesão(L)/sem tratamento (ST) (n=12), L/AH (n=12), L/AH+PRP (n=12). Quatro coelhos do grupo SL/ST foram eutanasiados no tempo zero. Após 8 e 24 semanas da perfuração dos discos articulares, seis coelhos dos grupos L/ST, L/AH e L/AH+PRP foram eutanasiados. O disco articular foi avaliado radiograficamente para visualizar possíveis calcificações. Foi realizada análise macroscópica e histológica do disco e do côndilo mandibular. Foi utilizada a análise histoquímica por Picrosirius Red para avaliar a presença de colágeno I e III e a análise imuno-histoquímica do colágeno I e II. As porcentagens de marcação obtidas nas análises histoquímica e imuno-histoquímica foram avaliadas estatisticamente, adotando-se o nível de significância de 5%. Macroscopicamente, o disco articular nos grupos tratados apresentou, na maioria dos espécimes, preenchimento parcial ou ... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract : Previous studies have suggested that hyaluronic acid (HA) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) have the potential to improve the healing process of cartilage and decrease the progression of osteoarthritis. However, few studies have evaluated their synergistic effect. This study aims at evaluating the effect of HA associated with PRP on the regeneration of the articular disc and the osteochondral surface of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Osteoarthritis was induced by means of bilateral perforation of the articular disc of rabbits. Forty rabbits were divided into 4 groups, according to the procedure: without lesion (WL)/without treatment (WT) (n = 4), lesion (L)/without treatment (WT) (n = 12), L/HA (n = 12), L/ HA+PRP (n = 12). Four rabbits from group G1 were euthanized at time zero. After 8 and 24 weeks of joint disc perforation, six rabbits from groups L/WT, L/HA and L/HA+PRP were euthanized. The articular disc was evaluated radiographically to visualize possible calcifications. Macroscopic and histological analysis of the disc and the mandibular condyle were performed. The histochemical analysis by Picrosirius Red was used to evaluate the presence of collagen I and III, as well as the immunohistochemical analysis was used to evaluate the expression of collagen I and II. The percentages of staining obtained from the histochemical and immunohistochemical analysis were statistically evaluated, adopting the significance level of 5%. Macroscopically, the articular disc in the treated groups presented in most of the specimens partial or total filling of the defect created. The condyles presented, in most of the specimens, degeneration of the osteochondral surface. Radiographically, after 24 weeks of disc perforation, foci of radiopacity were observed in the untreated and in some of the specimens of treated groups. Histological analysis confirmed the presence ......(Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Doutor

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:33:27Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2009-08-31Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:05:23Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 martins_tm_dr_araca.pdf: 622083 bytes, checksum: b164d76ff1eb9d604ddcefbda1146d1a (MD5) / O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar histológica e histometricamente a cicatrização de defeitos de deiscência periodontal associados ao aplainamento radicular tratados com enxerto de tecido conjuntivo subepitelial (ETC) ou Membrana Bioabsorvível (MB), cada qual comparado ao tratamento com Retalho Posicionado Coronal (RPC). Foram utilizados 12 cães, divididos em dois grupos de 6. Defeitos de deiscência óssea (6x8 mm) e o aplainamento radicular foram realizados nos caninos superiores e os grupos divididos, seguindo um modelo de boca dividida de acordo com o tratamento. Os caninos esquerdos serviram como controle (RPC), onde o retalho foi somente posicionado coronalmente. Os caninos direitos receberam os tratamentos com ETC ou MB. Após 3 meses pósoperatórios os animais foram submetidos à eutanásia e os blocos processados para análise histológica e histométrica. Os parâmetros histométricos avaliados incluíram extensão de tecido epitelial (TE), extensão da nova inserção de tecido conjuntivo (NITC) e extensão da aposição de tecido conjuntivo (ATC), extensão de novo cemento (NC) e extensão de novo osso (NO). Histologicamente, o grupo MB mostrou significativamente maiores NC, NO e NITC (4.12±1.24; 2.44±0.78; 1.80±0.39, respectivamente) em comparação ao grupo RPC (1.04±0.43; 0.93±0.23; 0.71±0.45, respectivamente) (P<0.05) e significativamente menor ATC (0.29±0.33) comparado aos grupos RPC (2.79±1.74) e ETC (2.62±1.52) (P<0.05). A NITC no grupo ETC (0.71±0.36) foi significativamente menor, enquanto a ATC (2.62±1.52) e TE (1.70±0.53) foram significativamente maiores comparado ao grupo MB (1.80±0.39; 0.29±0.33; 1.00±0.35, respectivamente) (P<0.05). Dentro dos limites deste estudo, concluiuse que o grupo MB mostrou melhores resultados histológicos de nova inserção de tecido conjuntivo, formação de novo osso e novo cemento em relação aos grupos RPC e ETC. / The aim of the present study was to evaluate histologically and histometrically the healing of periodontal dehiscence defects associated to root planing treated with subepithelial connective tissue graft (CTG) or Bioabsorbable Membrane (BM), each one compared to the treatment with Coronally Positioned Flap (CPF). Twelve dogs were used, divided into two groups of six elements. Bone dehiscence defects (6x8 mm) and root planing were accomplished in the upper canine and the groups were divided, following a model of divided mouth according to the treatment used. Left canine were used as control (CPF), where the flap was only coronally positioned. Right canine received treatments with CTG or BM. After three postoperative months, the animals were euthanized and the blocks were processed for histological and histometrical analysis. The evaluated histometric parameters included lenght of epithelial tissue (TE), new attachment (NACT) and connective tissue aposition (CTA), new cementum (NC), and new bone (NB). Histologically, group BM showed significant higher values of NC, NO and NITC (4.12±1.24; 2.44±0.78; 1.80±0.39, respectively) in comparison to the group CPF (1.04±0.43; 0.93±0.23; 0.71±0.45, respectively) (P<0.05) and significant lower values of ATC (0.29±0.33) in comparison to the groups CPF (2.79±1.74) and CTG (2.62±1.52) (P<0.05). NITC in group CTG (0.71±0.36) was significantly lower, while ATC (2.62±1.52) and TE (1.70±0.53) were significantly higher in comparison to group BM (1.80±0.39; 0.29±0.33; 1.00±0.35, respectively) (P<0.05). Within the limits of this study, it can be concluded that group BM showed better histological results of connective tissue new attachment, new bone and new cementum formation in comparison to groups CPF and CTG.