Development of the Goose Tongue Filiform Papillae: Could it be Tooth-Like Sense Organs? / Desarrollo de las Papilas Filiformes de la Lengua de Ganso: ¿Podrían ser Órganos Sensoriales Parecidos a los Dientes?

SUMMARY: The geese's tongue filiform papillae are particularly long, and exhibit the same morphology of a tooth, evoking the lingual teeth of several fishes. In adult animals, they contain numerous mechanical Herbst's corpuscles but no taste buds. In the embryo, they appear since stage 38 and acquire their definitive shape between stages 38 and 42. They express several proteins associated with mammalian tooth development (BMP4, β-catenin, SHH, PITX2, PAX9), also known to be linked to parrot's pseudoteeth and goose's denticulations development. Neurofilaments are early present in the papillae primordia, and appear particularly numerous in adult papillae. Our results suggest that these papillae constitute a mechanical organ with a « tooth shape » derived from ancestral odontodes, whose development is controlled by numerous genes involved in classical odontogenesis.

Las papilas filiformes de la lengua de los gansos son particularmente largas y exhiben la morfología de un diente, evocando los dientes linguales presentes en varios peces. En los animales adultos, contienen numerosos corpúsculos de Herbst mecánicos, aunque una ausencia de papilas gustativas. En el embrión, aparecen a partir del estadio 38 y adquieren su forma definitiva entre los estadios 38 y 42. Expresan varias proteínas asociadas al desarrollo dentario de los mamíferos (BMP4, β-catenina, SHH, PITX2, PAX9), también conocidas por estar asociadas al desarrollo de pseudodientes en el loro y denticulaciones en el ganso. Los neurofilamentos están presentes tempranamente en los primordios de las papilas y aparecen particularmente numerosos en las papilas adultas. Nuestros resultados sugieren que estas papilas constituyen un órgano mecánico con «forma de diente» derivado de odontoides ancestrales, cuyo desarrollo está controlado por numerosos genes implicados en la odontogénesis clásica.

O papel de proteínas das vias WNT/ß-Catenina, TGF-ß/BMP4 e SHH na odontogênese e odontomas / The role of proteins from the WNT/ß-Catenin, TGF-ß/BMP4 and SHH pathways in odontogenesis and odontomas

O desenvolvimento do dente depende de uma série de interações sinalizadoras recíprocas entre o epitélio oral (EO) e o ectomesênquima derivado da crista neural, a via WNT com o TGF-ß e BMP4 tem sido implicada na tumorigênese. A via de sinalização tipo Wingless (Wnt) / ß-catenina é essencial para a ativação precoce da odontogênese e no desenvolvimento de tumores odontogênicos. O TGF-ß e as BMPs tem sido associadas aos processos de dentinogênese reacionária e reparadora. A sinalização de Shh pode regular a proliferação celular no ectomesênquima dentário, controlando assim a morfogênese dentária. O objetivo da pesquisa foi investigar a atuação de algumas proteínas das vias na odontogênese e na formação de odontomas e tumores odontogênicos mistos benignos, para isto, foi desenvolvido um estudo seccional restrospectivo e imuno-histoquímico contendo 23 odontomas compostos, 21 odontomas complexos, 17 germes dentários, 05 fibro-odontomas ameloblásticos e 01 fibroma ameloblástico. Os resultados encontrados demonstraram maiores imunoexpressões da via WNT/ß-catenina no epitélio dos germes dentários (p<0,001) e no fibroma ameloblástico, enquanto que, esteve no ectomesênquima dos odontomas (p<0,001) e fibro-odontomas ameloblásticos. A via WNT/ßcatenina correlacionou-se moderadamente e significativamente com a CK14 no epitélio (p = 0,007) dos odontomas. A BMP4 foi imunoexpressa, especialmente, no ectomesênquima dos odontomas complexos (mediana = 33,7; p<0,001). A via Shh foi mais imunoexpressa no epitélio dos germes dentários (p<0,001) e no ectomesênquima dos odontomas complexos (p=0,029). De forma similar, o TGFß apresentou maior imunoexpressão no epitélio dos germes dentários (p<0,001) e no ectomesênquima dos odontomas complexos (p = 0,002). O dente em desenvolvimento exibiu maiores concentrações para estas proteínas no epitélio odontogênico nas fases de botão e capuz e a expressão diferencial ocorreu, principalmente, no ectomesênquima dos tumores, o que indica que esse componente é de fato mais proliferativo (AU).

Tooth development depends on a series of reciprocal signaling interactions between oral epithelium (EO) and neural crest-derived ectomesenchyme, the WNT pathway with TGF-ß and BMP4 has been implicated in tumorigenesis. The Wingless (Wnt)/ß-catenin signaling pathway is essential for the early activation of odontogenesis and the development of odontogenic tumors. TGF-ß and BMPs have been associated with reactionary and reparative dentinogenesis processes. Shh signaling can regulate cell proliferation in dental ectomesenchyme, thus controlling dental morphogenesis. The objective of the research was to investigate the role of some proteins in the pathways in odontogenesis and in the formation of odontomas and benign mixed odontogenic tumors. tooth germs, 05 ameloblastic fibro-odontomas and 01 ameloblastic fibroma. The results found showed higher immunoexpressions of the WNT/ß-catenin pathway in the epithelium of tooth germs (p<0.001) and in ameloblastic fibroma, while it was in the ectomesenchyme of odontomas (p<0.001) and ameloblastic fibroodontomas. The WNT/ß-catenin pathway correlated moderately and significantly with CK14 in the epithelium (p = 0.007) of odontomas. BMP4 was immunoexpressed, especially in the ectomesenchyme of complex odontomas (median = 33.7; p<0.001). The Shh pathway was more immunoexpressed in the epithelium of tooth germs (p<0.001) and in the ectomesenchyme of complex odontomas (p=0.029). Similarly, TGF-ß showed higher immunoexpression in the epithelium of tooth germs (p<0.001) and in the ectomesenchyme of complex odontomas (p = 0.002). The developing tooth exhibited higher concentrations of these proteins in the odontogenic epithelium in the bud and cap phases and the differential expression occurred mainly in the ectomesenchyme of the tumors, which indicates that this component is in fact more proliferative (AU).

Vismodegib for treatment of periocular basal cell carcinoma - 6-year experience from a tertiary cancer center

Abstract Background: The treatment of advanced periocular basal cell carcinomas becomes a challenge as surgery may involve highly mutilating procedures. Vismodegib is the first selective hedgehog inhibitor approved for the treatment of locally advanced tumors or metastatic disease. Objective: Analyze the results of treatment with vismodegib for advanced periocular basal cell carcinomas in a real-life setting of a reference center between 2014 and 2020. Methods: Retrospective longitudinal study. The patient's demographic profile, comorbidities, tumor characteristics, and treatment outcomes were analyzed. Results: A total of 13 patients were included. Median follow-up and treatment duration were 15.9 and 10.5 months, respectively. Objective clinical response rate was 76.9%: 30.8% had a complete response and 46.2% a partial response. The median duration of response was 13 months. Progressive disease was observed in 38.5% of cases, with a median of 19 months after the beginning of treatment. Eighty-four percent of the patients had at least one adverse event, and 61.54% needed to interrupt treatment temporarily or permanently to increase tolerability. Study limitations: Being a retrospective study in a real-life setting, the evaluation of objective clinical response was subjective to physician appreciation. Conclusion: Vismodegib is a safe and effective treatment for locally advanced basal cell carcinoma. To prevent recurrences, the drug should be used continually when tolerated. The role of neoadjuvant vismodegib before surgery is being investigated and might add an important step in searching for a definitive treatment for these cases.

Effects of vitamin e on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in testicular development exposed to valproic acid / Efectos de la vitamina e en la interacción epitelio-mesenquimático en el desarrollo testicular expuesto a ácido valproico

SUMMARY: In testicular differentiation, somatic cells must adopt a specific destiny towards sustentacular, peritubular and interstitial cells, being fundamental for the morphogenesis of seminiferous tubules, mediated by morphogens such as Desert Hedgehog (DHH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and fibroblastic growth factor 2 (FGF-2). Its alteration could be related to failures in the development mechanisms, such as those caused by valproic acid (VPA), which can be reversed with vitamin E (VE). The objective of the study was to evaluate the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in the testicular development of mice exposed to VPA and VE. 12 groups of pregnant female mice were formed that were separated by days post-coital (dpc) at 12.5 dpc, 17.5 dpc and 6 weeks postnatal, each one subdivided into 4 groups of 5 pregnant women each. Subgroups received different treatments from the beginning to the end of gestation orally: 600 mg/kg of VPA, 600 mg/kg of VPA and 200 IU of VE, 200 IU of VE and the control group 0.3 mL of 0.9% physiological solution. Immunohistochemistry was performed for the detection of DHH, IGF-1 and FGF-2. Immunolocalization of DHH was observed in all stages, with more evident significant differences in integrated optical density (IOD) and percentage of immunoreaction area at 6 weeks postnatal, being lower in the VPA group. In IGF-1, lower intensity and distribution of immunostaining was observed in the fetal and pubertal stages in the VPA groups, a similar situation with FGF-2, but only evident at 17.5 dpc, with significant differences. These results demonstrate that VPA can alter EMT between somatic cells in testicular development, with VE being an agent capable of attenuating this process.

RESUMEN: En la diferenciación testicular, es necesario que las células somáticas adopten un destino específico hacia células sustentaculares, peritubulares e intersticiales, siendo fundamental para la morfogénesis de los túbulos seminíferos, mediado por morfógenos como Desert Hedgehog (DHH), Factor de Crecimiento Fibroblástico 2 (FGF-2) y Factor de Crecimiento símil a Insulina (IGF-1). Su alteración se podría relacionar a fallas en los mecanismos de desarrollo, como los que ocasiona el ácido valproico (VPA), los cuales pueden ser revertidos con la vitamina E (VE). El objetivo de estudio fue evaluar la transición epitelio-mesenquimática (EMT) en el desarrollo testicular de ratones expuestos a VPA y VE. Se conformaron 12 grupos de ratones hembra gestantes que se separaron por días post-coital (dpc) a los 12.5 dpc, 17.5 dpc y 6 semanas post-natal, cada uno subdividido en 4 grupos de 5 gestantes cada uno. Cada subgrupo recibió diferentes tratamientos desde el inicio hasta el término de la gestación vía oral: 600 mg/kg de VPA, 600 mg/kg de VPA y 200 UI de VE, 200 UI de VE y el grupo control 0,3 mL de solución fisiológica 0,9%. Se realizó técnica inmunohistoquímica para la detección de DHH, IGF-1 y FGF-2. Se observó la inmunolocalización de DHH en todos los estadios, con diferencias significativas más evidentes en la densidad óptica integrada (IOD) y porcentaje de área de inmunoreacción a las 6 semanas post-natal, siendo menor en el grupo VPA. En IGF-1, se observó en la etapa fetal y puberal menor intensidad y distribución de la marcación en los grupos VPA, situación similar con la inmunomarcación de FGF-2, pero sólo evidenciándose a los 17.5 dpc, con diferencias significativas. Estos resultados demuestran que el VPA puede alterar la EMT entre las células somáticas en el desarrollo testicular, siendo la VE un agente capaz de atenuar este proceso.

Effect of dietary nutrition on tail fat deposition and evaluation of tail-related genes in fat-tailed sheep

BACKGROUND: The effects of dietary nutrition on tail fat deposition and the correlation between production performance and the Hh signaling pathway and OXCT1 were investigated in fat-tailed sheep. Tan sheep were fed different nutritional diets and the variances in tail length, width, thickness and tail weight as well as the mRNA expression of fat-related genes (C/EBPα, FAS, LPL, and HSL) were determined in the tail fat of sheep at three different growth stages based on their body weight. Furthermore, the correlations between tail phenotypes and the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway components (IHH, PTCH1, SMO, and GLI1) and OXCT1 were investigated. RESULTS: C/EBPα, FAS, LPL, and HSL were expressed with differences in tail fat of sheep fed different nutritional diets at three different growth stages. The results of the two-way ANOVA showed the significant effect of nutrition, stage, and interaction on gene expression, except the between C/EBPα and growth stage. C/EBPα, FAS, and LPL were considerably correlated with the tail phenotypes. Furthermore, the results of the correlation analysis demonstrated a close relationship between the tail phenotypes and Hh signaling pathway and OXCT1. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated the gene-level role of dietary nutrition in promoting tail fat deposition and related tail fat-related genes. It provides a molecular basis by which nutritional balance and tail fat formation can be investigated and additional genes can be identified. The findings of the present study may help improve the production efficiency of fat-tailed sheep and identify crucial genes associated with tail fat deposition.

Desarrollo embriofetal del iris: inmunotinción del morfógeno Shh / Embryo-fetal development of iris: immunohistochemestry of morphogen Shh

RESUMEN: Para que se desarrolle el iris, se requiere una especificación de la capa periférica de la copa óptica a un destino no neuronal y además la migración de células mesenquimales perioculares. Nuestro objetivo fue reconocer los cambios histológicos de los derivados periféricos de la copa óptica y mesénquima periocular, como también reconocer la presencia del morfógeno Sonic hedgehog (Shh) en las capas que constituyen el esbozo de iris. Se utilizaron 15 ratones hembras (Mus musculus) adultas jóvenes gestantes. Se realizó eutanasia con tiopental sódico. Los embriones y fetos de 12, 14,5 y 17 días post-coital (dpc) fueron procesados con técnica histológica e inmunohistoquímica con anticuerpo anti-Shh (scbt, H-160, conejo) con dilución 1:100 en PBS. A los 12 dpc, se observa una cópa óptica que presenta capas retinianas interna y externa, y el iris no se observa. Entre el cristalino y el ectodermo superficial se identifican 4 capas de células mesenquimales. A los 14,5 dpc, el iris contiene dos capas epiteliales (interna y externa) que se continúan con las capas neural y pigmentaria de la retina. Se observan 8 capas de células mesenquimales. A los 17 dpc, la capa epitelial interna del iris presenta un segmento más elongado con inmunotinción positiva a Shh y otra parte que constituye un epitelio de células cilíndricas simples negativas a este anticuerpo. La capa epitelial externa presenta el mismo epitelio inmunonegativo. Las capas de la retina también son positivas, como también la periferia del cristalino. No esta formado el iris ni tampoco el cuerpo ciliar. La inmunopositividad en el cristalino, en el primer segmento de la capa interna del esbozo del iris y en la capa ganglionar retinal a los 17 dpc, se relaciona con la diferenciación tardía del iris y con los ojos cerrados de las crías al nacimiento.

SUMMARY: In order for the iris to develop, a specification of the peripheral layer of the optic cup to a non-neuronal target is required, as well as the migration of periocular mesenchymal cells. Our aim was to recognize the histological changes of peripheral derivatives of the optic cup and periocular mesenchyme, as well as recognize the presence of the morphogen Sonic hedgehog (Shh) in the layers constituting the outline of the iris. 15 female mice (Mus musculus) pregnant young adults were used. Euthanasia was performed with sodium thiopental. Embryos and fetuses of 12, 14.5 and 17 days post-coital (dpc) were processed with histological and immunohistochemical technique with anti-Shh antibody (scbt, H 160, rabbit) with dilution 1:100 in PBS. At 12 dpc, an optic cup showing internal and external retinal layers is observed, and the iris is not observed. Between the lens and the superficial ectoderm, 4 layers of mesenchymal cells are identified. At 14.5 dpc, the iris contains two epithelial layers (internal and external) that are continued with the neural and pigmentary layers of the retina. 8 layers of mesenchymal cells are observed. At 17 dpc, the inner epithelial layer of the iris presents a more elongated segment with positive immunostaining to Shh and another part that constitutes an epithelium of simple cylindrical cells negative to this antibody. The outer epithelial layer presents the same immunonegative epithelium. The layers of the retina are also positive, as well as the periphery of the lens. The iris is not formed nor is the ciliary body.The immunopositivity in the lens, in the first segment of the inner layer of the iris outline and in the retinal ganglion layer at 17 dpc, is related to the late differentiation of the iris and the closed eyes of the offspring at birth.

Factores de crecimiento incluidos en terminologia embryologica: análisis crítico / Growth factors included in terminologia embryologica: critical analysis

Cada término incluido en Terminologia Embryologica (TE), publicada en 2013 y con una segunda edicición en 2017 sujeta a aprobación por la Federación Internacional de Programas de Terminología Anatómica (FIPAT), se debe estructurar en base a sus principios: los nombres deben tener un valor informativo, se suprimen los epónimos, homónimos y nombres concordantes. Sin embargo, esto no ocurre en algunos términos. Es por ello que se analizaron los términos incluidos en el ítem "Factores de Crecimiento" (Factores crescentiae, E.4.0.1.0.0.0.1) en la forma en que se presentan, se contrastó su concordancia con lo publicado en revisiones de la base de datos PubMed y se describió la forma de nomenclatura de ellos en base a lo utilizado por el Comité de Nomenclatura de Genes de la Organización del Genoma Humano (HGNC). Se evidenció que en los términos Familia Hedgehog (Familia erinacea, E.4.0.1.0.0.0.6) y Superfamilia del Factor de Crecimiento Epidermal (EGF) (Superfamilia factoris epidermalis [EGF] crescentiae, E.4.0.1.0.0.0.10) no concuerdan con la clasificación propuesta por TE en base al receptor que se ve involucrado en la actividad del factor de crecimiento, ya que en el caso de la familia Hedgehog no sólo participa el receptor patched, sino también el smoothened. En el EGF hay actividad del receptor tirosina kinasa y no del serina/treonina kinasa, como se presenta en el documento oficial. También, aparecen los ligandos fibronectina/laminina y delta/serrate como factores de crecimiento, pese a no ser catalogados como tal. Por otra parte, la forma en la que se construyen este tipo de términos muchas veces no es como la plantea la FIPAT, sino que obedece a la línea de trabajo que del HGNC. TE debiese modificar el criterio empleado en el ítem factores de crecimiento.

Each term included in Terminologia Embryologica (TE), published in 2013 and with a second edition in 2017 subject to approval by the Federative International Programme For Anatomical Terminology (FIPAT), must be structured based on its principles: Names must have an informative value, eponyms, homonyms and concordant names are deleted. However, this does not happen in some terms. That is why the terms included in the section "Growth Factors" (Factores crescentiae, E.4.0.1.0.0.0.1) were analyzed in the way they are presented, their concordance with what was published in reviews of PubMed database, and their naming form was described based on what was used by the Genes Nomenclature Committee of the Human Genome Organisation (HGNC). It was evidenced that in the terms Family Hedgehog (Familia erinacea, E.4.0.1.0.0.0.6) and Superfamily of the Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) (Superfamilia factoris epidermalis [EGF] crescentiae, E.4.0.1.0.0.0.10) these do not agree with the classification proposed by TE based on the receiver that is involved in the activity of the growth factor, since in the case of Hedgehog family not only does the patched receptor participate, but the smoothened one does as well. In EGF there is tyrosine kinase receptor activity and not serine/threonine kinase, as presented in the official document. Also, the ligands fibronectin/laminin and delta/serrate appear as growth factors, despite not being catalogued as such. Furthermore, oftentimes the way in which such terms are constructed is contrary to the FIPAT presentation, but follows the HGNC line of work that holds the HGNC.

Inmunolocalización de Sonic hedgehog en el desarrollo embrio-fetal de ratones ( Mus musculus ) / Immunolocalization of Sonic hedgehog in embryo-fetal mouse ( Mus musculus ) development

Sonic hedgehog (Shh) es un morfógeno esencial para el desarrollo de diversas estructuras, tales como notocorda, placa del piso del tubo neural, miembros, entre otros. Se buscó determinar la inmunolocalización de Shh en embriones y fetos de ratón. Para ello, se eutanasiaron 10 ratones gestantes (Mus musculus) BALB/c, un grupo de 5 animales a los 12,5 días post-coito (dpc), y otro grupo a los 17,5 dpc. Los embriones y fetos obtenidos fueron fijados en formalina al 10 % tamponada en PBS e incluidos en paraplast. Se realizaron cortes transversales seriados. Se utilizó anticuerpo policlonal Shh (Santa Cruz Biotechnology, H-160, conejo), dilución 1:100. Se identificó y describió la inmunolocalización de las muestras marcadas positivamente. La expresión de Shh en los embriones de 12,5 dpc fue inmunopositiva en notocorda, placa del piso del tubo neural, precartílago de radio y ulna, y prácticamente todos los epitelios: bronquial, intestinal, vejiga y uretra. En la etapa fetal, a los 17,5 dpc la inmunopositividad desaparece en el cartílago a excepción de zonas de osificación, disminuye en la epidermis pero aparece en folículos pilosos. La mucosa intestinal se ha diferenciado en segmentos, mostrando una inmunotinción mayor a nivel de las vellosidades intestinales. Shh actúa en distintos estadios del periodo gestacional, siendo clave en la diferenciación de distintas estructuras. En etapas embrionaria, es vital en la formación del sistema nervioso, organogénesis y formación de miembros, por lo que su expresión se encuentra en estas zonas. Sin embargo, en la etapa fetal la expresión cambia a estructuras de mayor especialización como folículo piloso y vellosidades intestinales.

Sonic hedgehog (Shh) is an essential morphogen for the development of various structures, such as notochord, neural tube floor plate, limbs, among others. We sought to determine the immunolocalization of Shh in embryos and mouse fetuses. To do this, 10 pregnant mice (Mus musculus) BALB /c were euthanized, a group of 5 animals at 12.5 days postcoitus (dpc), and another group at 17.5 dpc. Embryos and fetuses obtained were fixed in 10 % formalin buffered in PBS and embedded in paraplast. Serial cross sections were made. Polyclonal antibody Shh (Santa Cruz Biotechnology, H-160, rabbit), dilution 1:100 was used. The immunolocalization of the positively labeled samples was identified and described. Shh expression in 12.5 dpc embryos was immunopositive in notochord, neural tube floor plate, radius precartilage and ulna, and practically all epithelia: bronchial, intestinal, bladder and urethra. In the fetal stage, at 17.5 dpc the immunopositivity disappears in the cartilage except for areas of ossification, decreases in the epidermis but appears in hair follicles. The intestinal mucosa has differentiated into segments, showing greater immunostaining at the level of the intestinal villi. Shh acts in different stages of the gestational period, being key in the differentiation of different structures. In embryonic stages, it is vital in the formation of the nervous system, organogenesis and formation of limbs, so its expression is found in these areas. However, in the fetal stage the expression changes to more specialized structures such as hair follicles and intestinal villi.

Molecular basis of basal cell carcinoma

Abstract: Basal cell carcinoma is the most common cancer, presenting low mortality but high morbidity, and it has as risk factor exposure to sunlight, especially UVB spectrum. The most important constitutional risk factors for basal cell carcinoma development are clear phototypes (I and II, Fitzpatrick classification), family history of basal cell carcinoma (30-60%), freckles in childhood, eyes and light hair. The environmental risk factor better established is exposure to ultraviolet radiation. However, different solar exposure scenarios probably are independent risk factors for certain clinical and histological types, topographies and prognosis of this tumor, and focus of controversy among researchers. Studies confirm that changes in cellular genes Hedgehog signaling pathway are associated with the development of basal cell carcinoma. The cellular Hedgehog signaling pathway is activated in organogenesis, but is altered in various types of tumors.

Wound healing - A literature review

Abstract: Regeneration and tissue repair processes consist of a sequence of molecular and cellular events which occur after the onset of a tissue lesion in order to restore the damaged tissue. The exsudative, proliferative, and extracellular matrix remodeling phases are sequential events that occur through the integration of dynamic processes involving soluble mediators, blood cells, and parenchymal cells. Exsudative phenomena that take place after injury contribute to the development of tissue edema. The proliferative stage seeks to reduce the area of tissue injury by contracting myofibroblasts and fibroplasia. At this stage, angiogenesis and reepithelialization processes can still be observed. Endothelial cells are able to differentiate into mesenchymal components, and this difference appears to be finely orchestrated by a set of signaling proteins that have been studied in the literature. This pathway is known as Hedgehog. The purpose of this review is to describe the various cellular and molecular aspects involved in the skin healing process.

Rol de la vitamina E en el tubo neural de embriones y fetos de ratón (Mus musculus) tratados con ácido valproico: estudio inmunohistoquímico de sonic hedgehog / Role of vitamin E in neural tube of mouse (Mus musculus) embryos and fetuses treated with valproic acid: immunohistochemical study of sonic hedgehog

Sonic hedgehog (SHH) es un morfógeno esencial para el desarrollo del tubo neural, miembros y somitos. Variaciones en su expresión pueden ocasionar alteraciones en el sistema nervioso. Esto lo producen teratógenos, como el ácido valproico (VPA), el cual aumenta las especies reactivas de oxígeno, pudiendo contrarrestarse con la administración de vitamina E (VE). Se buscó determinar la expresión de SHH en tubo neural y médula espinal en embriones y fetos de ratones expuestos a VPA, VPA + VE y VE. Se conformaron 8 grupos de ratones hembra (Mus musculus). A los 8 días post-coito (p.c.) se les administró a los grupos 1 y 5 suero fisiológico 0,3 ml; grupos 2 y 6 VPA 600 mg/kg; grupos 3 y 7 VPA 600 mg/kg + VE 200 UI/kg; grupos 4 y 8 VE 200 UI/kg, todos los tratamientos vía oral. A los 12 días p.c., se sacrificaron los grupos 1, 2, 3 y 4, y a los 17 días los restantes. Fueron fijados en solución Bouin e incluidos en paraplast. Se realizaron cortes transversales a nivel torácico. Se utilizó anticuerpo policlonal anti-SHH (Santa Cruz, H-160, conejo), dilución 1:100. Se describió la morfología de las muestras marcadas positivamente, se midió la densidad óptica integrada y porcentaje de área inmunoreactiva. La expresión de SHH fue inmunopositiva en notocorda y placa del piso del tubo neural solo en embriones de 12 días p.c. Los grupos tratados con VPA+VE y VE presentaron mayor intensidad inmunohistoquímica y porcentaje de área inmunoreactiva en comparación al grupo tratado con VPA (p 0,0001) en la placa del piso, siendo similar al grupo control. En la notocorda, la intensidad de inmunoreacción fue similar a lo demostrado en la placa del piso, con diferencias significativas (p 0,0001), pero el porcentaje de área no arrojó diferencias. Los grupos de 17 días de gestación resultaron negativos a la expresión de SHH. La vitamina E regula la expresión de SHH en tubo neural, atenuando así los efectos del VPA.

Sonic hedgehog (SHH) is an essential morphogen for the development of neural tube, members and somites. Variations in expression can cause abnormalities in the nervous system. This will produce teratogens, such as valproic acid (VPA), which increases the reactive oxygen species and can be counteracted with the administration of vitamin E (VE). We sought to determine the expression of SHH in the neural tube and spinal cord in mice embryos and fetuses exposed to VPA, VPA + VE and VE. For the study we used 8 groups of female mice (Mus musculus). At day 8 post-coitus (p.c.) the groups were administered as follows: groups 1 and 5,0.3ml saline; groups 2 and 6, VPA 600 mg/kg; groups 3 and 7, VPA 600 mg / kg + VE 200 IU/kg; groups 4 and 8, VE 200 IU/kg, all treatments were given orally. On the 12th day p.c., groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 were euthanized and the remaining groups at day 17. They were fixed in Bouin solution and included in paraplast; thoracic cross sections were performed, anti-SHH polyclonal antibody (Santa Cruz, H-160, rabbit) dilution 1:100 was used. We described morphology of the positively labeled samples and measured integrated optic density and percentage of immunoreactivearea.SHH expression was immunopositive in notochord and floor plate of the neural tube in embryos only 12 day p.c. In the groups treated with VPA + VE and VE immunohistochemistry showed greater intensity and percentage of immunoreactive area compared to those in the group treated with VPA (p0.0001) in the floor plate, being similar to the control group. In the notochord, immunoreaction intensity was similar to that shown in the floor plate, with significant differences (p 0.0001), but the percentage of area showed no differences. The groups at day 17 of gestation were negative for the expression of SHH. VE regulates expression of SHH in neural tube, thus attenuating the effects of VPA.

Immunolocalization of morphogen sonic Hedgehog in salmon fry (Salmo salar) / Inmunolocalización del morfógeno sonic Hedhehog en alevines de salmón (Salmo salar)

With the purpose of carrying out a diagnosis of the different pathologies that affect the salmon fry stage (Salmo salar) and analyze the regeneration phases of the organizational centers and subjacent tissue in case of an amputation, we realized a study that allowed identifying the temporary and spatial location of the Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) morphogen in hatched fry stage. Fifteen salmon fry (Salmo salar) were used. They were anesthetized with 5 % benzocaine (BZ-20®, Veterquímica), fixed in 10 % buffered formalin, and embedded in paraffin, Shh polyclonal antibody (Santa Cruz H-160, rabbit) was used diluted at 1/100. They were subsequently rinsed in PBS-1 % Triton and incubated with anti-rabbit conjugated polymer antibody and HRP for 10-15 min. The development was done with DAB (Vector) for 1-5 min. The negative control was incubated without primary antibody. As an internal positive control the notochord was considered. Serial sagittal sections were analyzed consigning tissues and organs marked positively and were described morphologically. The objective of recognizing the spatial and temporal location of Shh was achieved. The notochord, spinal cord neurons and ganglia, the basal layer of the skin and also the lepidotriquias escleroblastos were positively identified for Shh. Finally positivity was also observed in the intestine and renal tubules. The heterogeneity observed in the location of the Shh morphogen suggests its potential use as a marker of regulatory centers in Salmo salar, and a potential advantage in the diagnosis of malformations of salmon fry stage, in addition to a better understanding of tissue regeneration.

Con el fin de llevar a cabo un diagnóstico de las diferentes patologías que afectan a la etapa de alevín de salmón (Salmo salar) y analizar las fases de regeneración de los centros de organización y el tejido subyacente en caso de una amputación, se realizó un estudio que permitió identificar la ubicación temporal y espacial del morfógeno Sonic hedgehog (Shh) en la etapa de alevines eclosionados. Se utilizaron quince alevines de salmón (Salmo salar). Fueron anestesiados con benzocaína al 5% (BZ-20®, Veterquímica), se fijaron en formalina tamponada al 10%, e incluidos en paraplast. Se utilizó Shh anticuerpo policlonal (Santa Cruz H-160, conejo) dilución 1/100. Se enjuagaron posteriormente en PBS-1% Triton y se incubaron con anticuerpo conjugado con polímero anti-conejo y HRP durante 10-15 minutos. Se utilizó como sustrato DAB (Vector) durante 1-5 minutos. El control negativo se incubó sin anticuerpo primario. Como un control positivo interno se consideró la notocorda. Se analizaron secciones sagitales en serie consignando los tejidos y órganos marcados positivamente y se describieron morfológicamente. Se logró el objetivo de reconocer la localización espacial y temporal de Shh. La notocorda, las neuronas de la médula espinal y los ganglios, la capa basal de la piel y también los escleroblastos de las lepidotriquias fueron identificados positivamente para Shh. También se observó positivo el intestino y los túbulos renales. La heterogeneidad observada en la ubicación del morfógeno Shh sugiere su uso potencial como un marcador de los centros de regulación en Salmo salar, y una ventaja potencial en el diagnóstico de las malformaciones de la etapa de alevines de salmón, además de una mejor comprensión de la regeneración de tejidos.

Via Hedgehog em carcinoma escamocelular de boca: associação com macrófagos CD163+, angiogênese, ploriferação e diferenciação celular / Hedgehog pathway in mouth squamous cell carcinoma: association with CD163 + macrophages, angiogenesis, and cell differentiation ploriferação

INTRODUÇÃO/OBJETIVO: O Carcinoma Escamocelular de Boca (CEB) corresponde a mais de 95% dos casos de câncer diagnosticados na cavidade bucal e consiste numa neoplasia invasiva e agressiva. Sabendo-se que a via Hedgehog (HH) está envolvida na patogênese de diversos tumores, o presente trabalho propôs-se a avaliar a expressão de componentes desta via em CEB, associando a expressão destas moléculas com aspectos clínicos, angiogênese, graus de diferenciação tumoral, potencial proliferativo e macrófagos CD163+. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Vinte e oito casos de CEB, 9 casos de margens tumorais (MAT) e 4 casos de mucosa bucal não neoplásica (MNN) foram submetidos à reação imuno-histoquímica para as proteínas MCM3, SHH, IHH, GLI1, CD163 e CD105 utilizando o sistema polimérico AdvanceTM. A co-localização das proteínas IHH/CD163 e GLI1/CD105 foi avaliada através de dupla marcação imuno-histoquímica. As análises das proteínas MCM3, SHH, IHH e GLI1 foram realizadas em 5 áreas coincidentes de cada caso, de acordo com os parâmetros semi-quantitativos descritos por Gurgel et al. (2008). A densidade de macrófagos (DM) e microdensidade vascular (MDV) foram mensuradas considerando-se a população destas células e vasos neoformados em 5 áreas e os resultados expressos em cel/mm² e vasos/mm². A análise estatística foi realizada utilizando GraphPad Prism versão 6.03. RESULTADOS: Todos os casos de CEB foram positivos para a proteína MCM3, em citoplasma e núcleo de células do parênquima tumoral, sendo o escore 4+ predominante (n=19; 67,85%)...

INTRODUCTION/OBJETIVE: The Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) accounts for over 95% of all cancers diagnosed in the oral cavity and it consists on an invasive and aggressive type of tumor. The Hedgehog pathway (HH) has been involved in the pathogenesis of different tumors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the components of the HH pathway in OSCC, correlating the results with clinical aspects, angiogenesis, tumor differentiation, proliferative potential and macrophages CD163+. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-eight cases of OSCC, 9 cases of tumor margins (TM) and 4 cases of non-neoplastic oral mucosa (NNM) were submitted to immunohistochemical reaction for MCM3, SHH, IHH, GLI1, CD163 and CD105 proteins using the AdvanceTM polymer system. Co-localization for IHH/GLI1 and CD163/CD105 proteins was evaluated using double staining method. The analysis of MCM3, SHH, IHH and GLI1 proteins were conducted in 5-matching areas and data described using the semi-quantitative parameters described by Gurgel et al. (2008). The density of macrophages (MD) and microvessel density (MVD) were measured considering the population of these cells and newly formed vessels in 5-matching areas and the results expressed in cells/mm² and vessels/mm², respectively. Statistical analysis were performed using GraphPad Prism v. 6.03. RESULTS: All cases of OSCC were positive for MCM3 protein on the cytoplasm and nucleus of tumor cells, and 4+ was the main score (n= 19; 67.85%)...

Bases ambientales y genéticas de las fisuras orofaciales: revisión / Narrative review: environmental and genetic basis of orofacial clefts

El desarrollo embriológico de las estructuras orofaciales es un proceso complejo guiado por programas genéticos. Alteraciones en esos procesos dan lugar a anomalías estructurales. Un ejemplo de ellas son las fisuras de labio y el paladar. Las principales vías involucradas en las fisuras tienen como participantes a las familias del factor de crecimiento fibroblástico (FGF), Hedgehog (HH), Wingless (WNT) y la familia del factor de crecimiento transformante beta (TGFß), que incluye las proteínas morfogenéticas del hueso (BMPs) y activinas. En esta revisión narrativa se presentan algunos de los procesos celulares, moleculares y factores ambientales implicados en el desarrollo del complejo orofacial, finalizando con posibilidades terapéuticas para la evidencia acumulada.

Complex genetic process guides the embryonic head development. Alterations in these processes result instructural abnormalities. An example of these are the cleft lip and palate. The major pathways involved in the fissures are families: the Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) family, the Hedgehog (HH) family, the Wingless (WNT) family and the Transforming Growth Factor beta (TGF-ß) family, which includes the Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs) and Activins. In this review, we discuss some of the celular/molecular processes and environmental factors involved in the development of the orofacial complex, ending with therapeutic possibilities and potential clinical relevance to the accumulated evidence.

Desarrollo del Aparato Digestivo / Digestive System Development

El aparato digestivo deriva del endodermo y el mesodermo, que forman su epitelio y la musculatura lisa respectivamente. Al igual que en el resto de los sistemas, existe un interacción epitelio-mesenquimática mediada por moléculas como Hedgehog, BMP y FoxF1 que determinan el crecimiento intestinal en sus ejes principales. Los genes Hox, junto con el resto de las moléculas, participan en la regionalización del sistema digestivo. En sus inicios lo denominaremos intestino primitivo, formado por un tubo endodérmico que deriva del saco vitelino; dividiéndose en intestino anterior, medio y posterior. En esta revisión veremos cómo estos 3 segmentos darán origen a las diferentes estructuras del sistema digestivo en los vertebrados.

The digestive system is derived from the endoderm and mesoderm, which form its epithelium and smooth muscle, respectively. As in the other systems, there is an epithelial-mesenchymal interactions mediated by molecules such as Hedgehog, BMP and FoxF1, determining intestinal growth in the main axes. The Hox genes, together the rest of the molecules, involved in the regionalization of the digestive system. In the beginning we call it primitive gut, consisting of a tube derived of endodermal yolk sac, divided into foregut, midgut and hindgut. In this review we will see how these 3 segments give rise to different structures of the digestive system in vertebrates.

Desarrollo de la Piel y sus Anexos en Vertebrados / Skin and Appendages Development in Vertebrates

La Piel y sus estructuras asociadas permiten a los seres vivos subsistir en los diferentes ambientes ecológicos. El desarrollo de la piel y sus anexos en diferentes especies repite patrones comunes. De suma importancia es la interacción epitelio-mesénquima como regulador inicial de este desarrollo. El evento crucial en la formación de anexos, es la aparición de una placoda ectodérmica, a la cual se le asocia una condensación de células dérmicas, expresándose proteínas como Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) y la proteína morfogenética del hueso (BMP) para luego dar forma al anexo de cada especie. En esta revisión describiremos las etapas sucesivas que transcurren en la formación de la dermis, epidermis y anexos, con énfasis en las proteínas que dirigen el proceso.

Skin and associated structures allow animals to survive in different ecological environments. The development of skin and appendages in different species has common patterns repeated. Of utmost importance is the epithelial-mesenchymal interaction as the initial controller development. The crucial event in the formation of appendages is the appearance of an ectodermal placode, which is associated with a condensation of dermal cells, expressing BMP and Sonic Hedgehog proteins and then give the way to each species appendages. In this review we describe the successive stages that take place in the formation of the dermis, epidermis and appendages, with emphasis on proteins that direct the process.

Sonic Hedgehog in cancer stem cells: a novel link with autophagy

The Sonic Hegdehog/GLI (SHH/GLI) pathway has been extensively studied for its role in developmental and cancer biology. During early embryonic development the SHH pathway is involved mainly in pattern formation, while in latter stages its function in stem cell and progenitor proliferation becomes increasingly relevant. During postnatal development and in adult tissues, SHH/GLI promotes cell homeostasis by actively regulating gene transcription, recapitulating the function observed during normal tissue growth. In this review, we will briefly discuss the fundamental importance of SHH/GLI in tumor growth and cancer evolution and we will then provide insights into a possible novel mechanism of SHH action in cancer through autophagy modulation in cancer stem cells. Autophagy is a homeostatic mechanism that when disrupted can promote and accelerate tumor progression in both cancer cells and the stroma that harbors tumorigenesis. Understanding possible new targets for SHH signaling and its contribution to cancer through modulation of autophagy might provide better strategies in order to design combined treatments and perform clinical trials.

SHh activity and localization is regulated by perlecan

Proliferation and cell fate determination in the developing embryo are extrinsically regulated by multiple interactions among diverse secreted factors, such as Sonic Hedgehog (SHh), which act in a concentration-dependent manner. The fact that SHh is secreted as a lipid-modified protein suggests the existence of a mechanism to regulate its movement across embryonic fields. We have previously shown that heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) are required for SHh binding and signalling. However, it was not determined which specific HSPG was responsible for these functions. Here we evaluated the contribution of perlecan on SHh localization and activity. To understand the mechanism of action of perlecan at the cellular level, we studied the role of perlecan-SHh interaction in SHh activity using both cell culture and biochemical assays. Our findings show that perlecan is a crucial anchor and modulator of SHh activity acting as an extracellular positive regulator of SHh.