L’athérosclérose est à l’origine d’importantes obstructions vasculaires. La sévérité de l’ischémie tissulaire provoquée par l’athérosclérose dépend en partie de la capacité de l’organisme à former de nouveaux vaisseaux (néovascularisation). Les mécanismes de néovascularisation sont modulés par la balance oxydo-réductive. Une exacerbation du stress oxydant est retrouvée dans tous les facteurs de risque cardiovasculaire, et en particulier lors du vieillissement. Au niveau vasculaire, la CuZnSOD est la principale enzyme antioxydante. Cependant, son rôle spécifique dans le vieillissement vasculaire et dans le développement de nouveaux vaisseaux en réponse à l’ischémie n’est pas connu. Nos hypothèses de recherche sont: 1) qu’une absence de CuZnSOD diminue la néovascularisation réparatrice en réponse à l’ischémie 2) que cette diminution de la néovascularisation est dûe au vieillissement de la vasculature affectant à la fois les cellules endothéliales matures et les cellules progénitrices endothéliales. Nous avons démontré qu’une déficience en CuZnSOD diminue significativement la néovascularisation en réponse à l’ischémie. Cette diminution de néovascularisation est associée à une augmentation du stress oxydant et une réduction de la biodisponibilité du NO. La déficience en CuZnSOD réduit significativement le nombre de EPCs (moelle, rate). De plus, ces EPCs présentent une augmentation significative des niveaux de stress oxydant, une diminution de la production de NO et une capacité réduite à migrer et à s’intégrer à un réseau tubulaire. Fait important, il iv est possible d’améliorer la néovascularisation des souris déficientes en CuZnSOD par une supplémentation en EPCs provenant de souris contrôles. Nous avons également démontré que la récupération du flot sanguin suivant l’ischémie est significativement réduite par l’âge. À la fois chez les jeunes et les vieilles souris, la déficience en CuZnSOD mène à une réduction additionnelle de la néovascularisation. Fait intéressant, le potentiel néovasculaire des jeunes souris déficiente en CuZnSOD est similaire à celui des vieilles souris contrôles. Les niveaux de stress oxydant sont également augmentés de façon similaire dans ces deux groupes de souris. L’âge et la déficience en CuZnSOD sont tous deux associés à une réduction du nombre d’EPCs isolées de la moelle et de la rate. L’effet de l’âge seul sur la fonction des EPCs est modeste. Par contre, la déficience en CuZnSOD en condition de vieillissement est associée à d’importants effets délétères sur l’activité fonctionnelle des EPCs. En résumé, nos résultats suggèrent que la protection contre le stress oxydant par la CuZnSOD est essentielle pour préserver la fonction des EPCs et la néovascularisation réparatrice en réponse à l’ischémie. Le défaut de néovascularisation observé en absence de CuZnSOD est associé à un vieillissement vasculaire accéléré. Nos résultats suggèrent que dans le contexte du vieillissement, la CuZnSOD a un rôle encore plus important pour limiter les niveaux de stress oxydant, préserver la fonction des EPCs et maintenir l’intégrité des tissus ischémiques. / When atherosclerotic vascular obstructions are so extensive that direct revascularization techniques cannot be undertaken successfully, the severity of residual tissue ischemia will depend in large part on the ability of the organism to spontaneously develop new blood vessels (neovascularization). The mechanisms involved in neovascularization depend on the oxidative stress balance. Increased oxidative stress is a common feature of all cardiovascular risk factors and particularly aging. In the vascular wall, CuZnSOD is the predominant antioxidant enzyme. Nevertheless, its specific role in vascular aging and new blood vessels formation is currently unknown. Accordingly, we hypotheze that 1) CuZnSOD deficiency reduces neovascularization in response to ischemia 2) this reduction is partly due to vascular aging affecting mature endothelial cells and endothelial progenitor cells. We have demonstrated that CuZnSOD deficiency significantly reduces neovascularization in response to ischemia. This reduction is associated with increased oxidative stress and reduced NO bioavailability. CuZnSOD deficiency significantly decreases EPCs number (bone marrow, spleen). Moreover, these EPCs present significant increased oxidative stress levels, reduced NO production and decreased migration and incorporation into tubular-like structures capacities. Importantly, neovascularization in CuZnSOD deficient-mice can be rescued by an EPCs supplementation from control mice. vii We have also demonstrated that the blood flow recovery following ischemia was significantly reduced with aging. Both in old and young mice, CuZnSOD deficiency led to a further reduction of neovascularization. Interestingly, the resulting neovascularization potential in young CuZnSOD-deficient mouse was similar to that of an older wild type mouse. Oxidative stress levels were also increased to similar levels in these two groups. Both aging and CuZnSOD deficiency were associated with reduced number of bone marrow and peripheral EPCs. The effect of moderate aging alone on specific functional activities of EPCs was modest. However, CuZnSOD deficiency was associated with severe age-dependent defect in EPC fucntional activities. In summary, our resultats suggest that CuZnSOD protection against oxidative stress is essential for EPC functional activities and neovascularization in response to ischemia. The defective neovascularization observed in CuZnSODdeficient mice is associated with accelerated vascular aging. Our results suggest that in aging context, CuZnSOD has a critical role limiting increased oxidative stress and protecting both EPC functional activities and ischemic tissues integrity.

Submitted by (lucia.rodrigues@ufrpe.br) on 2016-05-23T15:18:18Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Edbhergue Ventura Lola Costa.pdf: 4740202 bytes, checksum: c3c8b1e8dee6d8646a6e90386d5abd55 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-05-23T15:18:18Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Edbhergue Ventura Lola Costa.pdf: 4740202 bytes, checksum: c3c8b1e8dee6d8646a6e90386d5abd55 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-06-30 / The formation of vascular network is governed mainly by two processes, vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. In vasculogenesis, the angioblastic which are the precursors of endothelial cells arising in germ layer (mesoderm) of the yolk sac (outside the embryo body). These angioblastic organize themselves to form blood islands, differing in blood vessels where the primordial endothelial tubes exhibit relatively uniform sizes. Subsequently, endothelial cells and smooth muscular cells will grow in response to factors and specific signals, so the blood vessels of smaller diameters are generated from the preexisting vessels, allowing the structuring of a complex vascular network and more stable, with vases of different diameters. This process is called angiogenesis. The chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of quail and chicken is a good experimental animal model for studying the formation of blood vessels, as a structure extra-embryonic that is enough vascularized. Recent studies have shown that electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from 50/60 Hertz, typically generated by power lines, are able to produce adverse effects in humans and animals, that includes changes in the system of vessels and blood capillaries. This work was analyzed, based on fractal theory, the process of formation of the blood vascular network of chorioallantoic membrane of Japanese quail embryos (Coturnix japonica) exposed to electromagnetic field (EMF) of extremely low frequency (60 Hz) at different time on the blood vascular system. The results of this study show, based on calculations of these fractal dimensions, depending on what time of exposure to EMF may be an inhibitory effect or there is no change on the process of vasculogenesis and angiogenesis of extra-embryonic vascular network of Japanese quail embryos. / A formação da rede vascular é regida, principalmente, por dois processos, a vasculogênese e angiogênese. Na vasculogênese, os angioblastos que são os precursores das células endoteliais, surgem na camada germinativa (mesoderma) do saco vitelínico (fora do corpo do embrião). Estes angioblastos organizam-se para formar ilhotas sanguíneas, diferenciando-se nos vasos sanguíneos primordiais onde os tubos endoteliais exibem tamanhos relativamente uniformes. Posteriormente, as células endoteliais e as células musculares lisas irão crescer em resposta a fatores e sinais específicos, assim os vasos sangüíneos de diâmetros menores são gerados a partir dos vasos preexistentes, permitindo a estruturação de uma rede vascular complexa e mais estável, com vasos de diferentes diâmetros. Esse processo é denominado de angiogênese. A membrana corioalantóide (MCA) de codorna como de galinha é um bom modelo experimental animal para o estudo da formação dos vasos, por ser uma estrutura extra-embrionária bastante vascularizada. Estudos recentes têm mostrado que os campos eletromagnéticos (CEMs) de 50/60 Hertz, normalmente geradas pelas redes elétricas, são capazes de produzir diversos efeitos adversos em humanos e animais, isto inclui alterações no sistema de vasos e capilares sanguíneos. Neste trabalho foi analisado, com base na teoria dos fractais, o processo de formação da rede vascular sanguínea da membrana corioalantóide dos embriões de codorna japonesa (Coturnix japonica) exposta ao campo eletromagnético (CEM) de freqüência extremamente baixa (60 Hz) em diferentes tempos sobre a rede vascular. Os resultados deste estudo mostram, com base nos cálculos dessas dimensões fractais, que dependendo do tempo de exposição ao CEM pode ocorrer um efeito inibitório ou não haver nenhuma alteração sobre o processo de vasculogênese e angiogênese da rede vascular extra-embrionária de embriões de codorna japonesa.

Local tissue factors, ischemia and infection (which are often the cause of re-ulceration) are the main pathogenetic factors for diabetic foot disease (DFD). Neuropathic bone metabolism disorder leads to Charcot osteoarthropathy (CHOA). The aim of this dissertation was to assess experimentally the effectiveness of new skin substitutes, evaluate local vasculogenesis in different types of cell therapy of DFD, the role of infection in recurrence of DFD and scintigraphic parameters of activity of CHOA. Our studies concerning local pathological processes in DFD experimentally proved that gelatine nanofibers accelerate wound healing and can be suitable scaffolds for cell transfer and skin regeneration and also that acellular porcine dermis is more effective in healing of chronic wounds then xenotransplants. Our studies concerning therapeutic vasculogenesis confirmed that efficacy of stem cells (SC) harvested from bone marrow is similar in efficacy to SC separated from peripheral blood after stimulation. We found no evidence for systemic vasculogenesis by means of a significant increase of pro-angiogenic cytokines, which confirms the paracrine effect of injected SC. We proved a significant correlation between angiogeneisis inhibitor (endostatin) and the number of injected SC, which could be an indicator of...

Submitted by (lucia.rodrigues@ufrpe.br) on 2016-06-01T16:45:23Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Fernanda Katharine de Souza Lins Borba.pdf: 4059966 bytes, checksum: cce20c494a8d5b3926e4508d0ff50750 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-01T16:45:23Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Fernanda Katharine de Souza Lins Borba.pdf: 4059966 bytes, checksum: cce20c494a8d5b3926e4508d0ff50750 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-02-29 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / Chondroitin Sulfate (CS) and Glucosamine Sulfate (GS) are functional constituents of vertebrate tissues. GS is an amino sugar and CS is part of the glucosaminoglycans group (GAGs). Studies have suggested CS and GS to have anti-inflammatory properties, however it has also been shown that these compounds promote scarring and proliferation of fibroblasts, which express molecules important for blood vessel growth (angiogenesis). This study was aimed at evaluating the effects of CS and GS on in vitro models regarding cell viability (cytotoxicity - MTT), proliferation (BrdU incorporation) and differentiation (tubulogenesis in Matrigel support) on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC line). In vivo angiogenesis was also evaluated in (1) extraembryonic membranes of Gallus domesticus (number of chorioallantoic vessels - CAM assay and vitelinic YSM assay; and fractal geometry analysis); (2) and subcutaneous tissue of adult mice (Mus muscullus) by hemoglobin quantification (Spectroscopy) in Gelfoam implants. In the HUVEC assay, both CS and GS (1-3000 g/mL) displayed partial cytotoxic effect (~50% viability), but only in the highest tested concentrations (3000 and 1000 g/mL). It was observed that CS (3 g/mL), but not GS, promoted proliferation and tubulogenesis of HUVEC in 40% (P < 0.05) and 64% (P < 0.05), respectively, relative to control (RPMI-1640 medium). These effects did not significantly differ from the respective 28% and 53% promoted by the well known angiogenic growth factor FGF-2 (50 ng/mL). In the in vivo vasculoangiogenesis YSM assay on 2 to 4-day old embryos, GS (0.001-0.1mg/disk) and, to a lesser extent, CS (0.030-0.1mg/disk) increased the amount of vessels relative to control (P < 0.05). The effects of administration of CS and GS (0.1mg/disk) did not differ from what was observed in groups treated with 50 ng/mL FGF2. In the CAM angiogenesis assay on 6 to 8-days old embryos, again both CS and GS increased the amount of vessels relative to control, but only in concentrations as high as 2.0 mg/disk. This effect was no different from what was observed in groups treated with 50 ng/mL FGF2. The pro-angiogenic effects of CS (2 mg/disk) in embryonary angiogenesis were confirmed in the advanced angiogenesis of mice: only the group treated with CS (2 mg/implant) displayed a significant increase in the amount of blood vessels, expressed as hemoglobin content (0.52 ± 0.08g/dL), relative to control (vehicle; PBS; 0.20 ± 0.07 g/dL). This pro-angiogenic effect was no different than that of FGF2 (0.53 ± 0.1g/dL). The in vitro and in vivo results indicate the pro-angiogenic properties of CS and GS. However, CS (GAG) was the more effective compound in the tests performed. As a constituent of proteoglycans, it is suggested that CS exerts its effects by interacting with FGF and other angiogenic factors in the extracellular matrix, stabilizing the receptor, and thus positively modulating the pro-angiogenic signal in endothelial cells. While the cellular mechanisms underlying CS and GS activity demand more specific research, there is an evident potential therapeutic use for both compounds in clinical situations, such as those related to vascular discrepancy. / Sulfato de glucosamina (SG) e Sulfato de condroitina (SC) são constituintes funcionais dos tecidos de vertebrados. O SG é um aminoaçúcar e o SC integra o grupo das glicosaminoglicanas (GAG). Estudos apontam propriedades antiinflamatórias do SC e SG, e demonstram ainda que essas substâncias promovem a cicatrização e a proliferação de fibroblastos, os quais expressam moléculas que atuam na formação de vasos sanguíneos (angiogênese). Os objetivos deste estudo foram avaliar a ação do SC e SG em modelos in vitro sobre a viabilidade (citotoxicidade pelo MTT), proliferação (incorporação por BrdU) e diferenciação (tubulogênese em suporte matrigel) na linhagem de células endoteliais de veia umbilical humana (HUVEC). Também se investigou a angiogênese in vivo: (1) em membranas anexas de embriões de Gallus domesticus (número de vasos corioalantóides - ensaio da CAM, e vitelínicos – ensaio da YSM; e análise por geometria fractal); (2) e no tecido subcutâneo de camundongos adultos por meio de quantificação da hemoglobina em implantes de Gelfoam. No ensaio com HUVEC, SC e SG (1-3000 g/mL) exerceram efeito citotóxico parcial (~50% de viabilidade), e somente nas respectivas maiores concentrações (3000 e 1000 g/mL). Verificou-se que o SC (3 g/mL), mas não o SG, estimulou a proliferação e a tubulogênese de HUVEC em 40% (p < 0,05) e em 64% (p < 0,05) respectivamente, em relação ao controle (meio RPMI-1640). Estes efeitos não diferiram estatisticamente dos 28% e 53%, respectivamente, promovidos pelo bem conhecido fator de crescimento angiogênico FGF-2 (50 ng/mL). No ensaio de vasculo-angiogênese na YSM de embriões de 2-4 dias de idade o SG (0,001-0,1mg/disco) principalmente, e o SC (0,030-0,1mg/disco) aumentaram o número de vasos em relação ao grupo controle (p < 0,05). Os efeitos da administração de SC e SG (0,1 mg/disco) não diferiram do observado no grupo tratado com 50 ng/mL de FGF-2. No ensaio de angiogênese na CAM de embriões de 6-8 dias de idade, ambos, SC e SG também elevaram o número de vasos em relação ao controle na concentração elevada de 2,0 mg/disco. Este efeito também não diferiu do observado no grupo exposto a 50 ng/mL de FGF- 2. O efeito pró-angiogênico do SC (2 mg/disco) na angiogênese embrionária foi confirmado na angiogênese avançada de camundongos adultos. Apenas o grupo que recebeu SC (2 mg/implante) mostrou um aumento significativo de vasos sanguíneos, expresso como conteúdo de hemoglobina (0,52 ± 0,08g/dL), comparado ao controle (veículo; PBS; 0,20 ± 0,07 g/dL). Este efeito pró-angiogênico não diferiu do obtido com FGF2 (0,53 ± 0.1g/dL). Os resultados in vitro e in vivo demonstram as propriedades pró-angiogênicas do SC e SG, contudo o SC (GAG) foi o mais efetivo nos ensaios. Como um constituinte de proteoglicanas, o SC sugere exercer seus efeitos pela interação com o FGF e outros fatores angiogênicos na matriz extracelular, estabilizando-os nos receptores e modulando assim, positivamente, o sinal pró-angiogênico nas células endoteliais. Embora mecanismos celulares subjacentes à atividade de SC e SG demandem mais estudos, evidencia-se um potencial papel terapêutico das duas substâncias em situações clínicas relacionadas à defasagem vascular.

Diabetic foot disease (DFD) is a serious complication of diabetes and, along with critical limb ischemia, significantly exacerbates the prognosis of patients. Peripheral arterial disease in patients with diabetes has an atypical clinical course, its diagnosis is challenging and is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality of patients with DFD. The aim of this dissertation focused on the diagnosis and treatment of DFD was to identify a suitable method for evaluating the effect of autologous cell therapy (ACT), to assess options for early diagnosis of Charcot osteoarthropathy (COA) and, possibly, to establish the association between the incidence of cardiovascular disease and DFD. In our studies concerning therapeutic vasculogenesis, we observed a significant increase in the antiangiogenic factor endostatin after ACT in contrast to its unchanged levels after standard percutaneous transluminal angioplasty; the transient increase in endostatin seems to be a marker of therapeutic vasculogenesis after ACT. A benefit of using calf muscle perfusion scintigraphy in the assessment of microcirculation and ACT effect was not clearly demonstrated. By contrast, a promising method for the evaluation of microcirculation and the effect of revascularization after ACT was MR spectroscopy of calf...

Endothelzell-basierte Therapien vermitteln regenerative Effekte hinsichtlich der Revaskularisierung von ischämischen Geweben. Doch ist die Verfügbarkeit von autologen Endothelzellen aufgrund einer krankheitsbedingt reduzierten Frequenz im peripheren Blut oder einer verminderten Integrität der endogenen Endothelzell-Populationen eingeschränkt. Hingegen ist es möglich, allogene endotheliale Vorläuferzellen aus der Nabelschnur in zelltherapeutisch relevanten Mengen zu isolieren. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurden zunächst die Eigenschaften allogener humaner Nabelschnur (NS)-abgeleiteter sog. Endothelial Colony-Forming Cells (ECFCs) mit denen von venösen NS-abgeleiteten Endothelzellen verglichen. Aufgrund der nachgewiesenen Immunogenität von allogenen ECFCs wurde eine weiterführende Strategie zur Reduktion dieser immunogenen Eigenschaften durch die Koapplikation mit Mesenchymalen Vorläuferzellen (MSCs) verfolgt. Humane ECFCs wurden mit MSCs desselben Spenders kombiniert und in funktionellen in vitro- und in vivo-Assays untersucht. Dadurch konnte nachgewiesen werden, dass IFNγ-stimulierte ECFC/MSC-Kokulturen eine reduzierte Expression von HLA-Molekülen zeigen. Entsprechend induzierten spezifische CD8+ T-Zellen eine reduzierte Lyse der kokultivierten ECFCs und MSCs. Die Kokultur von ECFCs und MSCs mit allogenen Immunzellen führte zu einer nahezu vollständigen Inhibition der T-Zell-Proliferation. Um die reduzierte Immunogenität von ECFC und MSC in vivo zu verifizieren, wurden die Zellen in immundefiziente Mäuse injiziert, welche nachfolgend mit humanen PBMCs rekonstituiert wurden. So konnte nachgewiesen werden, dass die Koapplikation von ECFCs und MSCs nicht nur die Entstehung von stabilen Gefäßnetzwerken begünstigt, sondern zudem in den Transplantaten zu einer verringerten Immunzell-Infiltration führte. Die Koapplikation von ECFCs mit MSCs könnte daher eine klinische Nutzung dieser allogenen Quelle für die therapeutische Unterstützung der Vaskularisierung ermöglichen. / Endothelial cell-based therapies promote tissue regeneration and vascularization after ischemic damage. The availability of autologous endothelial progenitor cells is restricted in diseased patients, however therapeutically relevant numbers of allogeneic Endothelial Progenitor Cells can be isolated from an umbilical cord (UC). In the present study, the immunogenic properties of these Endothelial Colony Forming Cells (ECFCs) were first compared to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Both cytokine-treated endothelial cells induced CD4+ and CD8+ T cell proliferation after coculture with allogeneic immune cells. So far, the potential interactions between ECFCs and Mesenchymal Stem/Progenitor Cells (MSCs) concerning their immunological features is poorly understood, but we hypothesize that MSCs might improve the immune compatibility and vessel building characteristics of ECFCs. Therefore, human UC-derived ECFC and MSC cocultures from the same donor were analyzed using various functional in vitro and in vivo assays. Stimulation of these cocultures with IFNγ caused strongly reduced expression levels of HLA-molecules compared to ECFC monocultures. The decreased molecular density on the cocultured ECFCs resulted in reduced cytotoxic CD8+ T cell-mediated lysis. Further, during IFNγ stimulation, the combination of ECFCs with MSCs prevented initiation of allogeneic T cell proliferation. To verify this concept in vivo, ECFCs and MSCs were co-transplanted in a humanized allograft mouse model in immunodeficient mice in order to effectively induce stable microvessels. These experiments demonstrate that when MSCs are co-applied with ECFCs, they not only support the formation of stable blood vessels, but also lead to fewer HLA-DR+ human vascular structures and fewer infiltrating human leukocytes. The data presented indicate that crosstalk between UC-derived ECFCs and MSCs might lower the risk of allogeneic ECFC rejection.