Green tea and hyaluronic acid gel enhance fibroblast activation and improves the gingival healing post-third molar extraction.

This study evaluates the effects of a green tea (Camellia sinensis) and hyaluronic acid gel on fibroblast activity and alveolar bone repair following third molar extractions. By examining the gene expression related to cell survival, proliferation, and angiogenesis, the study bridges in vitro findings with clinical outcomes in a split-mouth randomized trial. Human fibroblasts were exposed to the treatment gel, analysing gene expression through RT-qPCR. Twenty participants undergoing bilateral third molar extractions received the test gel on one side and a placebo on the other. Assessments included patient-reported outcomes, professional evaluations, and radiographic analyses at multiple postoperative intervals. The test gel significantly enhanced AKT, CDKs, and VEGF gene expressions, indicating a positive effect on angiogenesis and cell proliferation. Clinically, it resulted in reduced exudate, swelling, and secondary interventions, with radiographs showing improved alveolar bone density after 90 days. The green tea and hyaluronic acid gel significantly improves soft tissue and bone healing post-extraction, offering a promising adjunctive therapy for enhancing postoperative recovery. This gel represents a novel adjuvant treatment option for facilitating improved healing outcomes after third molar extractions, highlighting its potential utility in clinical dental practice.

Recombinant sugarcane cystatin CaneCPI-5 promotes osteogenic differentiation.

Cysteine proteases orchestrate bone remodeling, and are inhibited by cystatins. In reinforcing our hypothesis that exogenous and naturally obtained inhibitors of cysteine proteases (cystatins) act on bone remodeling, we decided to challenge osteoblasts with sugarcane-derived cystatin (CaneCPI-5) for up to 7 days. To this end, we investigated molecular issues related to the decisive, preliminary stages of osteoblast biology, such as adhesion, migration, proliferation, and differentiation. Our data showed that CaneCPI-5 negatively modulates both cofilin phosphorylation at Ser03, and the increase in cytoskeleton remodeling during the adhesion mechanism, possibly as a prerequisite to controlling cell proliferation and migration. This is mainly because CaneCPI-5 also caused the overexpression of the CDK2 gene, and greater migration of osteoblasts. Extracellular matrix remodeling was also evaluated in this study by investigating matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activities. Our data showed that CaneCPI-5 overstimulates both MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities, and suggested that this cellular event could be related to osteoblast differentiation. Additionally, differentiation mechanisms were better evaluated by investigating Osterix and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) genes, and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling members. Altogether, our data showed that CaneCPI-5 can trigger biological mechanisms related to osteoblast differentiation, and broaden the perspectives for better exploring biotechnological approaches for bone disorders.

Propolis from southeastern Brazil produced by Apis mellifera affects innate immunity by modulating cell marker expression, cytokine production and intracellular pathways in human monocytes.

OBJECTIVES: Propolis is a bee-made product used for centuries due to its diverse biological properties, including its immunomodulatory action. This work aimed at investigating whether propolis may affect monocyte functions challenged with retinoic acid (RA), B subunit of Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin (EtxB), human melanoma-associated antigen-1 (MAGE-1) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). METHODS: Monocytes from healthy donors were treated with the stimuli separately or in the presence of propolis. Cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay, cell marker expression was assessed by flow cytometry, cytokine production by ELISA, gene expression by RT-qPCR. KEY FINDINGS: Propolis alone maintained TLR-2, TLR-4, HLA-DR, CD40 and CD80 expression in the monocytes; however, its combination with either MAGE-1 or LPS decreased CD40 expression triggered by the stimuli. Propolis maintained RA action on cell marker expression. Propolis inhibited TNF-α (with either EtxB or MAGE-1) and IL-6 (with either RA or MAGE-1), and increased IL-10 (with MAGE-1) production. Propolis downmodulated LC3 expression induced by LPS. It also induced a lower NF-kB expression than control cells and its combination with RA induced a higher expression than the stimulus alone. CONCLUSIONS: Propolis potentially affected innate immunity by downmodulating the monocytes pro-inflammatory activity.

Cystatin-like protein of sweet orange (CsinCPI-2) modulates pre-osteoblast differentiation via ß-Catenin involvement.

Phytocystatins are endogenous cysteine-protease inhibitors present in plants. They are involved in initial germination rates and in plant defense mechanisms against phytopathogens. Recently, a new phytocystatin derived from sweet orange, CsinCPI-2, has been shown to inhibit the enzymatic activity of human cathepsins, presenting anti-inflammatory potential and pro-osteogenic effect in human dental pulp cells. The osteogenic potential of the CsinCPI-2 protein represents a new insight into plants cysteine proteases inhibitors and this effect needs to be better addressed. The aim of this study was to investigate the performance of pre-osteoblasts in response to CsinCPI-2, mainly focusing on cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation mechanisms. Together our data show that in the first hours of treatment, protein in CsinCPI-2 promotes an increase in the expression of adhesion markers, which decrease after 24 h, leading to the activation of Kinase-dependent cyclines (CDKs) modulating the transition from G1 to S phases cell cycle. In addition, we saw that the increase in ERK may be associated with activation of the differentiation profile, also observed with an increase in the B-Catenin pathway and an increase in the expression of Runx2 in the group that received the treatment with CsinCPI-2.

PI3K/AKT signaling drives titanium-induced angiogenic stimulus.

Although osseointegration and clinical success of titanium (Ti)-implanted materials depend on neovascularization in the reactional peri-implant tissue, very little has been achieved considering the Ti-molecules release on the behavior of endothelial cells. To address this issue, we challenged endothelial cells (HUVECs) with Ti-enriched medium obtained from two types of commercial titanium surfaces [presenting or not dual-acid etching (DAE)] up to 72 h to allow molecular machinery analysis. Our data show that the Ti-enriched medium provokes significant stimulus of angiogenesis-related machinery in endothelial cells by upexpressing VEGFR1, VEGFR2, VEGF, eNOS, and iNOS genes, while the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway was also significantly enhanced. As PI3K/AKT signaling was related to angiogenesis in response to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), we addressed the importance of PI3K/Akt upon Ti-enriched medium responses by concomitantly treating the cells with wortmannin, a well-known PI3K inhibitor. Wortmannin suppressed the angiogenic factors, because VEGF, VEGFR1, and eNOS genes were downregulated in those cells, highlighting the importance of PI3K/AKT signaling on driving angiogenic phenotype and angiogenesis performance within the peri-implant tissue reaction. In conjunction, these data reinforce that titanium-implantable devices modify the metabolism of surrounding cells, such as endothelial cells, probably coupling osteogenesis and angiogenesis processes in peri-implant tissue and then contributing to successfully osseointegration of biomedical titanium-based devices.

Infraphysiological 17ß-estradiol (E2) concentration compromises osteoblast differentiation through Src stimulation of cell proliferation and ECM remodeling stimulus.

It has been shown that 17ß-estradiol (E2) helps to prevent bone loss. This study was undertaken to verify whether E2 action in human osteoblasts involves changes in the transcriptional profile of the TNF-α, IFN-γ, NF-κB, TRAIL, TGF-ß, MMP2, MMP9, RECK, TIMP1, TIMP2, CDK2, CDK4, SRC, RUNX2, and SHH genes. Infraphysiological doses of E2 elevated mRNAs in all genes except for INF-γ, TRAIL, and TGF-ß. Importantly, a significant increase in the CDKs -2 and -4 genes was found, which strongly suggests cell cycle progression, with a potential dependency of Src involvement, as well as a suppression of the osteoblast differentiation machinery, with ECM remodeling being involved. These data suggest that E2 plays an important role in bone formation and remodeling, and Src seems to play a pivotal role in driving cell proliferation and ECM remodeling. Taken together, these findings contribute to an understanding of the effects of infraphysiological E2 on modulating bone homeostasis, favoring bone resorption, and leading to osteoporosis.

Fibroblast-secreted trophic factors contribute with ECM remodeling stimulus and upmodulate osteocyte gene markers in osteoblasts.

As osteogenesis is a multifactorial mechanism, we wonder whether osteoblast-induced extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling might be modulated by trophic factors released by fibroblasts in a paracrine signaling manner. To address this issue, fibroblasts were cultured for 72 h under conventional conditions when their conditioned medium was harvested and used to challenge pre-osteoblasts (MC3T3-E1 cells) for 14 days. Preliminarily, we validated the potential effect of fibroblasts in contributing to osteocyte phenotype, which specifically requires significant expression of Dentin Matrix Protein 1 (DMP1; about 10-fold changes) and Sclerostin (SOST; about 7-fold changes), both biomarkers of osteocyte. Fibroblasts also seem contributing to ECM remodeling in osteoblasts, because we detected a high level of both mRNA and enzyme activities of matrix metalloproteinase -9 (MMP-9) as well as a high level of reversion inducing cysteine rich protein with kazal motifs (RECK) transcripts (about 13-fold changes), a membrane-anchored MMP inhibitor, which seems to be a constitutive pathway in osteoblasts. Considering inflammatory panorama and using RTqPCR technology, both IL-13 (about 13-fold changes) and IL-33 (about 5-fold changes) genes were up-expressed in response to the fibroblast-secreted trophic factors, as were the receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL; about 8-fold changes) and osteoprotegerin (OPG; about 3-fold changes). Although preliminary, these data suggest a stimulus to finely control osteoclastogenesis, and this mechanism reinforces the role of fibroblasts in bone remodeling and homeostasis. Moreover, these results suggest an important crosstalk between fibroblast and osteoblast, when fibroblast-secreted trophic factors upmodulate osteocyte gene markers and contribute to ECM remodeling stimulus in osteoblast.

Updating the role of matrix metalloproteinases in mineralized tissue and related diseases.

Bone development and healing processes involve a complex cascade of biological events requiring well-orchestrated synergism with bone cells, growth factors, and other trophic signaling molecules and cellular structures. Beyond health processes, MMPs play several key roles in the installation of heart and blood vessel related diseases and cancer, ranging from accelerating metastatic cells to ectopic vascular mineralization by smooth muscle cells in complementary manner. The tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) have an important role in controlling proteolysis. Paired with the post-transcriptional efficiency of specific miRNAs, they modulate MMP performance. If druggable, these molecules are suggested to be a platform for development of "smart" medications and further clinical trials. Thus, considering the pleiotropic effect of MMPs on mammals, the purpose of this review is to update the role of those multifaceted proteases in mineralized tissues in health, such as bone, and pathophysiological disorders, such as ectopic vascular calcification and cancer.

In vivo and in vitro anti-inflammatory and pro-osteogenic effects of citrus cystatin CsinCPI-2.

Cystatins are natural inhibitors of cysteine peptidases. Recently, cystatins derived from plants, named phytocystatins, have been extensively studied. Among them, CsinCPI-2 proteins from Citrus sinensis were identified and recombinantly produced by our group. Thus, this study described the recombinant expression, purification, and inhibitory activity of this new phytocystatin against human cathepsins K and B and assessed the anti-inflammatory effect of CsinCPI-2 in vitro in mouse and in vivo in rats. In addition, the pro-osteogenic effect of CsinCPI-2 was investigated in vitro. The inflammatory response of mouse macrophage cells stimulated with P. gingivalis was modulated by CsinCPI-2. The in vitro results showed an inhibitory effect (p < 0.05) on cathepsin K, cathepsin B, IL-1ß, and TNF-α gene expression. In addition, CsinCPI-2 significantly inhibited in vivo the activity of TNF-α (p < 0.05) in the blood of rats, previously stimulated by E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS). CsinCPI-2 had a pro-osteogenic effect in human dental pulp cells, demonstrated by the increase in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, deposition of mineralized nodules, and the gene expression of the osteogenic markers as bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2), runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx-2), ALP, osteocalcin, and bone sialoprotein (BSP). These preliminary studies suggested that CsinCPI-2 has a potential anti-inflammatory, and at the same time, a pro-osteogenic effect. This may lead to new therapies for the control of diseases where inflammation plays a key role, such as periodontal disease and apical periodontitis.

A new chemotherapeutic approach using doxorubicin simultaneously with geopropolis favoring monocyte functions.

AIMS: Chemotherapy has been widely used to treat cancer although it may affect non-target cells involved in the immune response. This work aimed at elucidating whether the chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin in combination with geopropolis produced by Melipona fasciculata Smith could affect nontumor immune cells, evaluating their immunomodulatory effects on human monocytes. MAIN METHODS: Cell viability, expression of cell markers (HLA-DR, TLR-2, TLR-4, C80 and CD40), cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6 and IL-10), intracellular pathways (NF-κB and autophagy), the microbicidal activity of monocytes and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production were analyzed. KEY FINDINGS: Data showed that doxorubicin + geopropolis diminished IL-6 secretion, stimulated TNF-α and IL-10 production, TLR-4 and CD80 expression, NF-κB and autophagy pathway, as well as the bactericidal activity. SIGNIFICANCE: Our findings revealed a new chemotherapeutic approach using doxorubicin simultaneously with geopropolis without affecting human monocytes viability and exerting immunomodulatory effects, favoring cell functions. While doxorubicin altered some immunological parameters, the addition of geopropolis compensated some changes.

Updating the role of matrix metalloproteinases in mineralized tissue and related diseases

Abstract Bone development and healing processes involve a complex cascade of biological events requiring well-orchestrated synergism with bone cells, growth factors, and other trophic signaling molecules and cellular structures. Beyond health processes, MMPs play several key roles in the installation of heart and blood vessel related diseases and cancer, ranging from accelerating metastatic cells to ectopic vascular mineralization by smooth muscle cells in complementary manner. The tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) have an important role in controlling proteolysis. Paired with the post-transcriptional efficiency of specific miRNAs, they modulate MMP performance. If druggable, these molecules are suggested to be a platform for development of "smart" medications and further clinical trials. Thus, considering the pleiotropic effect of MMPs on mammals, the purpose of this review is to update the role of those multifaceted proteases in mineralized tissues in health, such as bone, and pathophysiological disorders, such as ectopic vascular calcification and cancer.

Improvement of lipase obtaining system by orange waste-based solid-state fermentation: production, characterization and application.

Lipases are an economic important group of biocatalysts that can be produced by some fungal under solid-state fermentation. Orange wastes are source of lipases and potential substrates for lipases production. This work assessed 19 fugal strains cultivated in Citrus sinensis cv. Hamlin orange wastes (peel, frit and core) for production of lipases in order to generate compounds with antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties. Fifteen of those fungi grew and produced lipases, mainly the Aspergillus brasiliensis [National Institute of Quality Control (INCQS) 40036]/frit system, which showed 99.58 U/g total lipase. The substrate with the highest production of lipase was frit with 26.67 and 78.91 U/g of total lipases produced on average by the 15 microorganisms. Aspergillus niger 01/frit (33.53 U/g) and Aspergillus niger (INCQS 40015)/frit (34.76 U/g) systems showed the highest specificity values in all the herein tested synthetic substrates with 4, 12 and 16 carbons. Analysis of the fatty acid profile of hydrolysis products obtained in the most prominent systems applied to corn and sunflower oils showed: palmitic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, and stearic acid. These acids showed antioxidant capacity of up to 58% DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-pierylhydrazyl) radical reduction and antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas aureginosa, Salmonella Enteritidis and Staphylococcus aureus, as well as cytotoxicity to SCC9 cells (squamous cancer cells).

Genetic Variants in Folate and Cobalamin Metabolism-Related Genes in Nonsyndromic Cleft Lip and/or Palate

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of the polymorphisms in TCN2 (rs1801198) gene and in MTRR (rs1801394) gene with nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or palate (NSCL/P) in a Brazilian population. Genomic DNA was extracted from buccal cells. The polymorphisms in TCN2 (rs1801198) and MTRR (rs1801394) genes were genotyped by carrying out real-time PCR and Taqman assay. Chi-square test was used to determine the association between genotype and allele frequencies with NSCL/P and NSCL/P subgroups (cleft lip only, cleft lip and palate, and cleft palate only). Eight hundred and sixty seven unrelated individuals (401 cases with NSCL/P and 466 individuals without cleft) were evaluated. Genotype distributions of TCN2 and MTRR polymorphisms were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The TCN2 polymorphic genotype GG was identified in 16.7% of the NSCL/P group and in 14.1% of the non-cleft group (p>0.05). Similarly, the frequency of MTRR genotype (GG) was similar in NSCL/P group (15.5%) and control group (17.8%) (p>0.05). Multivariate analysis showed an association between MTRR and the subgroup that the mother smoked during pregnancy (p=0.039). Our findings did not demonstrate an association between TCN2 polymorphisms and NSCL/P, however suggests an association between MTRR and NSCL/P etiology.

Resumo O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a associação entre os polimorfismos no gene TCN2 (rs1801198) e no gene MTRR (rs1801394) com fissura de lábio e/ou palato não sindrômica (NSFL/P) em uma população brasileira. DNA genômico foi extraído de células bucais. Os polimorfismos nos genes TCN2 (rs1801198) e MTRR (rs1801394) foram genotipados através do PCR em tempo real pelo método Taqman. O teste do qui-quadrado foi utilizado para determinar a associação entre a frequência alélica e genotípica e NSFL/P e nos subtipos (fissura de lábio, fissura de lábio com palato e fissura de palato). Oitocentos e sessenta e sete indivíduos não aparentados (401 casos com NSFL/P e 466 indivíduos sem fissura) foram avaliados. A distribuição dos genótipos dos polimorfismos de TCN2 e MTRR estavam em equilíbrio de Hardy-Weinberg. O genótipo polimórfico GG do gene TCN2 foi identificado em 16,7% do grupo com NSFL/P e em 14,1% do grupo sem fissura (p>0,05). Da mesma forma, a freqüência do genótipo GG do gene MTRR foi bastante semelhante entre o grupo com NSFL/P (15,5%) e o grupo controle (17,8%). A análise multivariada mostrou associação entre o gene MTRR e o subgrupo que apresentou tabagismo materno durante a gestação (p=0,039). Nossos resultados mostraram que não há associação entre os polimorfismos nos genes TCN2 e NSFL/P, entretanto sugerem uma associação entre MTRR e a etiologia de NSFL/P.

Bone Morphogenetic Proteins: Promising Molecules for Bone Healing, Bioengineering, and Regenerative Medicine.

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), glycoproteins secreted by some cells, are members of the TGF-ß superfamily that have been implicated in a wide variety of roles. Currently, about 20 different BMPs have been identified and grouped into subfamilies, according to similarities with respect to their amino acid sequences. It has been shown that BMPs are secreted growth factors involved in mesenchymal stem cell differentiation, also being reported to control the differentiation of cancer stem cells. BMPs initiate signaling from the cell surface by binding to two different receptors (R: Type I and II). The heterodimeric formation of type I R and II R may occur before or after BMP binding, inducing signal transduction pathways through SMADs. BMPs may also signal through SMAD-independent pathways via mitogen-activated protein kinases (ERK, p38MAPKs, JNK). BMPs may act in an autocrine or paracrine manner, being regulated by specific antagonists, namely: noggin and chordin. Genetic engineering allows the production of large amounts of BMPs for clinical use, and clinical trials have shown the benefits of FDA-approved recombinant human BMPs 2 and 7. Several materials from synthetic to natural sources have been tested as BMP carriers, ranging from hydroxyapatite, and organic polymers to collagen. Bioactive membranes doped with BMPs are promising options, acting to accelerate and enhance osteointegration. The development of smart materials, mainly based on biopolymers and bone-like calcium phosphates, appears to provide an attractive alternative for delivering BMPs in an adequately controlled fashion. BMPs have revealed a promising future for the fields of Bioengineering and Regenerative Medicine. In this chapter, we review and discuss the data on BMP structure, mechanisms of action, and possible clinical applications.

Biological monitoring of a promissory xenogenic pin for biomedical applications: a preliminary intraosseous study in rats.

OBJECTIVES: Over the last years, it is known that in some cases metal devices for biomedical applications present some disadvantages suggesting absorbable materials (natural or synthetic) as an alternative of choice. Here, our goal was to evaluate the biological response of a xenogenic pin, derived from bovine cortical bone, intraosseously implanted in the femur of rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After 10, 14, 30 and 60 days from implantation, the animals (n=5/period) were killed and the femurs carefully collected and dissected out under histological demands. For identifying the osteoclastogenesis level at 60 days, we performed the immunohistochemisty approach using antibody against RANKL. RESULTS: Interestingly, our results showed that the incidence of neutrophils and leukocytes was observed only at the beginning (10 days). Clear evidences of pin degradation by host cells started at 14 days and it was more intensive at 60 days, when we detected the majority of the presence of giant multinucleated cells, which were very similar to osteoclast cells contacting the implanted pin. To check osteoclastogenesis at 60 days, we evaluated RANKL expression and it was positive for those resident multinucleated cells while a new bone deposition was verified surrounding the pins in all evaluated periods. CONCLUSIONS: Altogether, our results showed that pins from fully processed bovine bone are biocompatible and absorbable, allowing bone neoformation and it is a promissory device for biomedical applications.

Mecanismos de transdução de sinais como um fator preditivo para o desenvolvimento de biomateriais inteligentes / Signal transduction as a predictive factor for smart biomaterials development

Os biomateriais desempenham um importante papel no sucesso da regeneração de tecidos e órgãos. Atualmente, pesquisadores buscam métodos alternativos que possam predizer a biocompatibilidade de um material, bem como seu potencial em promover a adesão celular. Transdução de sinal envolve o estudo dos mecanismos intracelulares que regulam as respostas celulares a estímulos externos, tais como hormônios, citocinas e também adesão de células a superfícies de biomateriais. Vários eventos têm sido apontados como responsáveis pela adaptação celular e adesão a superfícies diferentes. Por exemplo, rearranjos do citoesqueleto durante a adesão celular requerem o recrutamento de proteínas tirosina quinases em estruturas de adesão focal que promovem a ativação transiente de FAK e Src. Além disso, a fosforilação de resíduos de tirosina (Y) tem sido aceita como um regulador crítico de uma série de eventos bioquímicos, incluindo proliferação celular, migração, diferenciação, sinalização, sobrevivência e metabolismo energético. O entendimento da sinalização envolvida nos mecanismos de adesão, proliferação e diferenciação de osteoblastos em superfícies utilizadas na confecção de implantes é fundamental para o projeto bem-sucedido de novos materiais inteligentes, que pode reduzir o tempo de reparo, permitindo a reabilitação mais rápida do paciente

Biomaterials play an important role in the successful regeneration of tissues and organs. Currently, researchers over the world are seeking alternative methods able to predict the biocompatibility of a material, as well as its potential to guide cell fate, from adhesion to differentiation. In this sense, signal transduction involves the study of the intracellular mechanisms that regulate the cellular response to external stimuli, such as those involved with cell adhesion on biomaterial surfaces and overall bringing a global intracellular mechanism over the cell adaptation. In this context, we have shown that during osteoblast adhesion there is a rigorous cytoskeletal rearrangement, requiring a efficient recruitment of protein tyrosine kinases in focal adhesion structures promoting the transient activation of both FAK and Src. Furthermore, phosphorylation at tyrosine residues (Y) has been accepted as a critical regulator of a series of biochemical events including cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, survival signaling and energy metabolism. The understanding of signaling mechanisms involved in adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts on different surfaces must be critical to the successful design of new “smart” materials, impacting on patient rehabilitation

Biological monitoring of a xenomaterial for grafting: an evaluation in critical-size calvarial defects.

Our purpose was to evaluate the osteoconduction potential of mixed bovine bone (MBB) xenografts as an alternative for bone grafting of critical-size defects in the calvaria of rats. After surgery, in the time intervals of 1, 3, 6, and 9 months, rats were killed and their skulls collected, radiographed and histologically prepared for analysis. The data obtained from histological analysis reported that the particles of MBB did not promote an intense immunological response, evidencing its biocompatibility in rats. Our results clearly showed the interesting evidence that MBB was not completely reabsorbed at 9 months while a small amount of newly formed bone was deposited by osteoprogenitor cells bordering the defect. However, this discrete bone-forming stimulation was unable to regenerate the bone defect. Overall, our results suggest that the properties of MBB are not suitable for stimulating intense bone regeneration in critical bone defects in rats.

Matriz colagênica de tendão bovino como potencial biomaterial para bioengenharia de tecidos / Collagenic matrix from bovine tendon as a potential biomaterial for tissue bioengineering

A Engenharia de Tecidos é um campo interdisciplinar que busca preservar, restaurar ou criar um tecido funcional, apoiando- se em três elementos fundamentais: células, fatores tróficos e carreadores. Um desses elementos, que ainda permanece sob intensa investigação, é o carreador. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o comportamento tecidual ao implante de membrana colagênica derivada de tendão bovino em subcutâneo de camundongos. Nos animais do grupo controle foi feita apenas a incisão, divulsão e sutura. Depois de 3, 7, 15, 30 e 60 dias, os camundongos foram eutanasiados por dose excessiva de anestésico, sendo os tecidos reacionais coletados para análise histológica. Foram observados os seguintes parâmetros: biodegradação em relação ao tempo, vascularização, integração tecidual e reação de corpo estranho. O tecido adjacente ao material implantado apresentou infiltrado inflamatório nos períodos iniciais, com angiogênese e proliferação fibroblástica. No grupo experimental constatamos uma moderada reabsorção da membrana nos períodos de 15 e 30 dias e absorção completa aos 60 dias. A absorção foi mediada por células tipo macrófagos, sem a necessidade de células gigantes. Concomitantemente, houve a regeneração tecidual. No grupo controle observamos resultados compatíveis com o procedimento operatório, mostrando formação de coágulo e rede de fibrina nos primeiros períodos, proliferação angioblástica e fibroblástica nos períodos seguintes e regeneração tecidual nos 2 últimos períodos analisados. Diante dos resultados obtidos, podemos concluir que a membrana de tendão bovino é biocompatível e reabsorvível, posicionando- se como um promissor material a ser explorado pela medicina regenerativa.

Tissue Engineering is an interdisciplinary field that seeks to preserve, restore or create a functional tissue, relying on three key elements: cells, growth factors and carriers. Thus, our objective was to evaluate the reactional tissue induced by collagenic matrices derived from bovine tendon in the subcutaneous tissue of mice. Thereafter, the animals were killed at 3, 7, 15, 30 and 60 days post-surgery of implantation and tissues collected for histological analysis for analyzing: biodegradation, angiogenesis, tissue integration and foreign body reaction. The reactional tissue showed a moderate inflammatory infiltrate, with angiogenesis and fibroblast- like cells proliferation, while a moderate resorption of the membrane was found at 15 and 30 days and it being complete at 60 days. Our results suggest that the absorption was mediated by mononuclear cells such as macrophages, without giant cells involvement. Based on these results, we conclude that the membrane of bovine tendon is biocompatible and absorbable, it being a promising material to be exploited for regenerative medicine.

Development of secondary palate requires strict regulation of ECM remodeling: sequential distribution of RECK, MMP-2, MMP-3, and MMP-9.

We have evaluated RECK (reversion-inducing-cysteine-rich protein with Kazal motifs), MMP-2 (matrix metalloproteinase-2), MMP-3, and MMP-9 involvement during palate development in mice by using various techniques. Immunohistochemical features revealed the distribution of RECK, MMP-2, and MMP-3 in the mesenchymal tissue and in the midline epithelial seam at embryonic day 13 (E13), MMPs-2, -3, and -9 being particularly expressed at E14 and E14.5. In contrast, RECK was weakly immunostained at these times. Involvement of MMPs was validated by measuring not only their protein expression, but also their activity (zymograms). In situ hybridization signal (ISH) for RECK transcript was distributed in mesenchymal and epithelial regions within palatal shelves at all periods evaluated. Importantly, the results from ISH analysis were in accord with those obtained by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The expression of RECK was found to be temporally regulated, which suggested possible roles in palatal ontogeny. Taken together, our results clearly show that remodeling of the extracellular matrix is finely modulated during secondary palate development and occurs in a sequential manner.

Rat forming incisor requires a rigorous ECM remodeling modulated by MMP/RECK balance.

Reversion-inducing-cysteine-rich protein with Kazal motifs (RECK) is a single membrane-anchored MMP-regulator and regulates matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) 2, 9 and 14. In turn, MMPs are endopeptidases that play a pivotal role in remodeling ECM. In this work, we decided to evaluate expression pattern of RECK in growing rat incisor during, specifically focusing out amelogenesis process. Based on different kinds of ameloblasts, our results showed that RECK expression was conducted by secretory and post-secretory ameloblasts. At the secretory phase, RECK was localized in the infra-nuclear region of the ameloblast, outer epithelium, near blood vessels, and in the stellate reticulum. From the transition to the maturation phases, RECK was strongly expressed by non-epithelial immuno-competent cells (macrophages and/or dendritic-like cells) in the papillary layer. From the transition to the maturation stage, RECK expression was increased. RECK mRNA was amplified by RT-PCR from whole enamel organ. Here, we verified the presence of RECK mRNA during all stages of amelogenesis. These events were governed by ameloblasts and by non-epithelial cells residents in the enamel organ. Concluding, we found differential expression of MMPs-2, -9 and RECK in the different phases of amelogenesis, suggesting that the tissue remodeling is rigorously controlled during dental mineralization.