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International audience; Objectives: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients are at an increased risk of developing comorbid conditions. A close monitoring of the disease targeting a status of low disease activity is associated with a better outcome. The aim of this trial was to evaluate the impact of a nurse-led programme on comorbidities and the impact of patient self-assessment of disease activity on the management of RA.Methods: We enrolled 970 patients (mean age 58 years, 79% women) in a prospective, randomised, controlled, open-label, 6-month trial. In the comorbidity group (n=482), the nurse checked comorbidities and sent the programme results to the attending physicians. In the self-assessment group (n=488), the nurse taught the patient how to calculate his/her Disease Activity Score which had to be reported on a booklet to be shared with the treating rheumatologist. The number of measures taken for comorbidities and the percentage of patients recording a change (initiation, switch or increased dose) in disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in the 6 months follow-up period of the study defined the outcomes of the trial.Results: The number of measures taken per patient was statistically higher in the comorbidity group: 4.54±2.08 versus 2.65±1.57 (p

In Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), multi-channel coils are extensively used to improve Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) in order to increase spatial and/or temporal image resolution. Recent decoupling techniques based on common conductor that do not require additional preamplifier for the decoupling between elements was achieved for the conception of two-channel surface transceiver coils (1-2). In this paper, based on this common conductor decoupling technique (3), a topology of a four-channel coil was described. Based on this concept, a four-channel surface receiver coil was designed to achieve simultaneous acquisition of both rat knee joints at 7T.

High-field Magnetic Resonance systems allowing high-resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging (HR-MRI) is a powerful research tool to visualize and examine hyaline cartilage of small joints non-invasively. Different studies have shown that qualitative assessment of degenerative joint disease, derived from MR images, was reliable (1). The capability to show pathologic changes throughout the time course of the disease from three-dimensional (3D) datasets has also been demonstrated. However, in vivo quantitative imaging for an accurate determination of cartilage thickness and volume is challenging due to small size of rodent joints and dedicated coils are mandatory (2-3). Surgical articular cartilage repair therapies for cartilage defects such as osteochondral autograft transfer, autologous chondrocyte implantation or matrix associated autologous cell transplantation require non-invasive technique to evaluate longitudinally the biointegration of the graft. The aim of this study was to follow using 7T MRI the biointegration of biomaterials colonized by mesenchymal stem cells or not after implantation in a calibrated full thickness focal lesion in the rat knee.

International audience; In Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), multi-channel coil arrays are increasingly being used to improve Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) in order to increase spatial and/or temporal image resolution. Recent decoupling technique allows conception of two-channel surface transceiver coil arrays; this technique based on common conductor does not require additional preamplifier for the decoupling between elements. In this case the coil array loops are directly connected to the independent transmit/receive switches and preamplifiers of the MR system. Using this common conductor decoupling technique, a topology of a four-channel coil array was developed and described in this paper. A four-channel surface receiver coil array was designed to perform the simultaneous acquisition of both rat knee joints at 7T. Without the use of additional preamplifiers, a good decoupling between channels was obtained and very high spatial resolution 3D images with a voxel size of 49 × 49 × 98 µm 3 were achieved in 1h22min scan time. Acquisitions allowed the quantification of cartilage morphological parameters such as thickness and volume

National audience; High-field magnetic resonance systems allowing high-resolution magnetic resosnance imaging -HR-MRI) is a powerful research tool to visualize and examine hyaline cartilage of small joints non-invasively. Different studies have shown that qualitative assessment of degenerative joint disease, derived from MR images, was reliable. The capability to show pathologic changes throughout the time course of the disease from three-dimensional (3D) datasets has also been demonstrated. However, in vivo quantitative imaging for an accurate determination of cartilage thickness and volume is challenging due to small size of rodent joints and dedicated coils are mandatory. Surgical articular cartilage repair therapies for cartilage defects such as osteochondral autograft transfer, autologous chondrocyte implantation or matrix associated autologous cell transplantation require non invasive technique to evaluate longitudinally the biointegration of the graft. The aim of this study was to follow using 7T MRI the biointegration of biomaterials colonized by mesenchymal stem cells or not after implantation in a calibrated full thickness focal lesion in the rat knee.

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Objective.To evaluate the intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility of B-mode and power Doppler (PD) sonography in patients with active long-standing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) comparatively with clinical data.Methods.In each of 7 patients being considered for a change in their RA treatment regimen, 7 healthcare professionals examined the 28 joints used in the Disease Activity Score 28-joint count (DAS28). Then 7 sonographers examined each of the 7 patients twice, using previously published B-mode and PD grading systems. The clinical reference standard was presence of synovitis according to at least 4/7 examiners. The sonographic reference standard was at least grade 1 (ALG1) or 2 (ALG2) synovitis according to at least 4/7 sonographers. Interobserver reproducibility of sonography was assessed versus the sonographer having the best intraobserver reproducibility. Agreement was measured by Cohen’s kappa statistic.Results.Intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility of B-mode and PD used separately was fair to good. Agreement between clinicians and sonographers at all sites using B-mode, PD, and both was 0.46, 0.37, and 0.36, respectively, for grade 1 synovitis; and 0.58, 0.19, and 0.19 for grade 2 synovitis. The number of joints with synovitis was smaller by physical examination (36.7%) than by B-mode with ALG1 (58.6%; p < 0.001). The number of joints with synovitis was higher by physical examination than by PD with both ALG1 (17.8%; p < 0.0001) and ALG2 (6.6%; p < 0.0001).Conclusion.PD findings explain most of the difference between clinical and sonographic joint assessments for synovitis in patients with long-standing RA.

Objectives.To evaluate the reproducibility of clinical synovitis assessments in rheumatoid arthritis and the effect of variability on the Disease Activity Score-28 (DAS28).Methods.Seven healthcare professionals from different cities examined the same patients with active non-early rheumatoid arthritis (RA; duration > 4 yrs), for whom a treatment change was being considered. There was no training session and the examination was to be performed as quickly as possible. The healthcare professionals assessed the 28 joints of the DAS28 in 7 patients (196 joints), then reexamined the same 28 joints in 4 of these 7 patients (112 joints), who had been rendered unrecognizable. Then 7 sonographers examined each of the 7 patients twice, using B-mode and power Doppler ultrasound (PD). The reference standards were presence of synovitis according to at least 50% of clinical examiners and 50% of sonographers. Agreement was assessed by Cohen’s kappa statistic.Results.Intraobserver reliability ranged from 0.31 (least experienced research technician) to 0.77 (most experienced physician). Interobserver reliability ranged from 0.18 to 0.62. The largest difference between the lowest and the highest swollen joint counts in the same patient was 15, and the greatest variation in the DAS28 score was 0.92. Agreement between clinical and sonographic reference standards was 0.46, 0.37, and 0.36 for B-mode, PD, and both, respectively.Conclusion.Clinical inter- and intraobserver reliability is highly dependent on the examiner. Consequences on the DAS28 score can be substantial. Agreement with sonography is poor when both B-mode and PD are used but seems better, although low, when B-mode is used alone.

International audience; Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) inhibit the cyclooxygenase (COX) isoforms which accounts for their clinical effects. The differential inhibition of COX-1 and COX-2 is not sufficient to explain the absence of a correlation between in vitro and in vivo effects, especially for 2-aryl-propionates, thus indicating the participation of metabolites. Conjugates to glucuronic acid and to coenzyme-A are mainly produced, and have been shown to be chemically reactive. Therefore, we studied the interaction of the ketoprofen metabolites with the COX enzymes. After incubation with bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells (BPAEC), COX-1 was inhibited stereoselectively by S-ketoprofen acylglucuronide, and more significantly by CoA-thioester. After washing-out the medium, COX-1 activity was essentially recovered, indicating a reversible inhibition. In LPS-stimulated J774.2 cells, COX activity (mainly inducible COX-2) was inhibited reversibly and stereospecifically by S-ketoprofen glucuronide, whereas it disappeared totally and was not recovered after incubation with CoA-thioester. Correspondingly, inhibition of purified COX-2 with this compound was observed to be rapid and irreversible. Using an anti-ketoprofen antibody, COX inummoprecipitated from cells exhibited adduct formation for COX-2 but not for COX-1. This was observed after incubation with CoA-thioester, and, surprisingly, also with glucuronide. Molecular docking gave support to explain this discrepancy: the glucuronide was found to establish a strong interaction with Y115 located in the membrane binding domain, whereas the thioester was preferentially bound to the active site of the enzyme. Overall, our results suggest a contribution of CoA-thioester metabolites of carboxylic NSAIDs to their pharmacological action by irreversibly and selectively inhibiting COX-2.

International audience; Nitric oxide (NO) is thought to mediate most effects of interleukin-1 (IL-1) on cartilage. In vitro evidence includes the decreased synthesis of extracellular matrix components, the abnormal cell renewal, the decreased production of IL-1 receptor antagonist, the induction of apoptosis and the enhanced sensitivity of chondrocytes to oxidative stress. Studies in NOS2(-/-) mice or administration of NO synthase inhibitors in animal models of joint disorders have confirmed its potent pathophysiological role in cartilage. Using L-NMMA (1 mM), as a NO synthase inhibitor, and CuDips (10 microM), as a SOD mimetic, we provide evidence that the inhibitory potency of IL-1beta on proteoglycan synthesis and its stimulating effect on COX-2 activity depend both on NO and O2-* production. Peroxynitrite formation is further demonstrated by the occurrence of 3-nitrotyrosines in chondrocytes stimulated in vitro with 2.5 ng/ml IL-1 and in femoral condyles of rats injected locally with 1 microg IL-1. Preliminary data suggest that such contribution of reactive oxygen species is not shared in common by IL-17, another NO-producing cytokine. We conclude that superoxide is a key modulator of NO-mediated effects in chondrocyte stimulated with IL-1 and that a combined therapy with NO synthase inhibitors and antioxidants may be promising for a full cartilage protection.

International audience; Cross-talk between inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS II) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) was investigated in rat chondrocytes. In monolayers, interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) induced COX-2 and NOS II expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner, to produce high prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) and nitrite (NO(2)(-)) levels in an apparently coordinated fashion. COX-2 mRNA was induced earlier (30 min. versus 4 hr) and less markedly (4-fold versus 12-fold at 24 hr) than NOS II, and was poorly affected by the translational inhibitor cycloheximide (CHX). IL-1beta did not stabilize COX-2 mRNA in contrast to CHX. Indomethacin and NS-398 lacked any effect on NO(2)(-) levels whereas L-NMMA and SMT reduced PGE(2) levels at concentration inhibiting NO(2)(-) production from 50 to 90%, even when added at a time allowing a complete expression of both enzymes (8 hr). Basal COX activity was unaffected by NO donors. The SOD mimetic, CuDips inhibited COX-2 activity by more than 75% whereas catalase did not. Inhibition of COX-2 by CuDips was not sensitive to catalase, consistent with a superoxide-mediated effect. In tridimensional culture, IL-1beta inhibited radiolabelled sodium sulphate incorporation while stimulating COX-2 and NOS II activities. Cartilage injury was corrected by L-NMMA or CuDips but not by NSAIDs, consistent with a peroxynitrite-mediated effect. These results show that in chondrocytes: (i) COX2 and NOS II genes are induced sequentially and distinctly by IL-1beta; (ii) COX-1 and COX-2 activity are affected differently by NO-derived species; (iii) peroxynitrite accounts likely for stimulation of COX-2 activity and inhibition of proteoglycan synthesis induced by IL-1beta.

International audience; The discovery of at least 2 cyclo-oxygenase (COX) isoenzymes, referred to as COX-1 and COX-2, has updated our knowledge of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This has lead investigators to reconsider what can be awaited from this class of drugs. The 2 COX isoenzymes share structural and enzymatic similarities, but are specifically regulated at the molecular level and may be distinguished apart in their functions, although some physiological overlap between them does occur. The major goal in developing selective COX inhibitors is to improve NSAID tolerability. Classic NSAIDs preferentially inhibit COX-1 in vitro, but it appears hazardous to judge their gastrointestinal (GI) safety profile from these data. New compounds with a high selectivity for COX-2, especially those that are non-acidic, may be better tolerated in the GI tract. While these compounds also might have a potential use in various diseases such as colorectal cancer and neurodegenerative diseases of the Alzheimer type, the possible appearance of adverse effects, perhaps renally-related, must be taken into consideration. Finally, well-designed large clinical trials are required to adequately estimate both the promising therapeutic advantages that may be offered by highly selective NSAIDs, and the potential drawbacks that may be inherent with prolonged COX-2 inhibition.

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The use of inorganic calcium/phosphate supplemented with biopolymers has drawn lots of attention in bone regenerative medicine. While inflammation is required for bone healing, its exacerbation alters tissue regeneration/implants integration. Inspired by bone composition, a friendly automated spray-assisted system was used to build bioactive and osteoinductive calcium phosphate/chitosan/hyaluronic acid substrate (CaP-CHI-HA). Exposing monocytes to CaP-CHI-HA resulted in a secretion of pro-healing VEGF and TGF-&beta, growth factors, TNF-&alpha, MCP-1, IL-6 and IL-8 pro-inflammatory mediators but also IL-10 anti-inflammatory cytokine along with an inflammatory index below 1.5 (versus 2.5 and 7.5 following CaP and LPS stimulation, respectively). Although CD44 hyaluronic acid receptor seems not to be involved in the inflammatory regulation, results suggest a potential role of chemical composition and calcium release from build-up substrates, in affecting the intracellular expression of a calcium-sensing receptor. Herein, our findings indicate a great potential of CaP-CHI-HA in providing required inflammation-healing balance, favorable for bone healing/regeneration.

International audience; Sheet nacre (so-called mother-of-pearl) is a hybrid biocomposite with a multiscale structure including nanograins of calcium carbonate (97 wt%-40 nm in size) and two organic matrices: (i) the "intracrystalline" (mainly composed by silk-fibroin-like proteins), and (ii) the "interlaminar" one (mainly composed of β-chitin and proteins). Micro/nanotribological behaviour was investigated on sheet nacre displaying various configurations (so-called face-on and edge-on), by varying the orientation of the matrices vs. the sliding direction. Different levels of frictional dissipated energy were observed as a function of both: (i) the type of matrix which is involved in the dissipation mechanism (intracrystalline or interlaminar), and (ii) the orientation of the matrices themselves vs. the sliding direction. These various dissipative ways can involve either, multiscale wear processes entailing the both matrices, or irreversible deformation only, without any wear process. They have been identified and explained by considering the double composite structure of sheet nacre.

International audience; More than 145 European hematopoietic SCT programs have received JACIE (Joint Accreditation Committee for ISCT Europe and EBMT) accreditation since 2000, demonstrating compliance with FACT (Foundation for the Accreditation of Cell Therapy)-JACIE international standards. The association of JACIE with improved patient outcome was recently documented. However, conditions in which quality management systems were introduced and the actual benefits remain to be fully evaluated. Our study focuses on one aspect of quality management: introduction and use of indicators. Through a questionnaire sent to JACIE-accredited centers and responses from 32 programs (or 40%), we identified 293 indicators, including 224 (76%) that were introduced during the preparatory phase of JACIE accreditation. Indicators were associated with the following processes: measurement, analysis and improvement (54/293 or 18%); donor collection (49/293 or 16%); processing and storage of cell therapy products (37/293 or 12.5%); and administration of hematopoietic progenitor cells (67/293 or 23%). Mapping revealed an uneven distribution of indicators across the different subprocesses that contribute to this highly specialized medical procedure. Moreover, we found that only 101/293 indicators (34%) complied with the rules for implementation of a quality indicator, as defined by the FDX 50-171 standard. This suggests that risks to donors/recipients are unevenly monitored, leaving critical medical steps with low levels of monitoring.

International audience; This work addresses the preparation of chitosan thin films functionalized in volume by nanoliposomes based on plant and marine lecithins, and then characterizes their properties by various physicochemical techniques. Firstly, the main fatty acid compositions of lecithins was analyzed by gas chromatography, secondly the stability of nanoliposomes and nanoliposomes/chitosan blends was determined by zetasizer, tensiometer, Transmission Electron Microscopy and rheometer. Finally, different properties of chitosan and the nanoliposomes/chitosan blend thin films were characterized by water contact angle, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Dynamic-Mechanical Thermal Analysis, Wide-Angle X-ray Scattering and Scanning Probe Microscopy in HarmoniX™ mode. From these experiments, the influences of nanoliposomes on thin films wettability, morphology, viscosity, mechanical properties and structural alteration were determined. The addition of nanoliposomes to chitosan and resulting nanoliposomes/chitosan blend thin films provides greater possibility of producing new materials for potential tissue engineering application.

International audience; Vascular tissue engineering aims to develop implantable blood-vessels, exhibiting biological and biomechanical characteristics close to those of the native vessels. The ultimate goal of our group is to engineer suitable blood vessel substitutes which could be stored for a long time in vascular bank conditions.First attempts tried to develop coating procedures allowing endothelial cells (EC) differentiation, adhesion and retention on current vascular substitutes but the weak in vivo patency of these grafts was related. Since 2003, our group have been evaluated a new surface modification of internal surface of blood vessels based on polyelectrolyte films coating. The layer-by-layer self-assembly and the resulting polyelectrolyte multiplayer films (PEM) is a simple and versatile way to engineer surfaces with highly specific properties. Previous studies indicated that the poly(sodium-4 styrene sulfonate)/poly (allylamine hydrochloride) PSS/PAH multilayered films when ended by PAH, induce strong adhesion and retention of mature EC which spread and keep their phenotype as well on glass, on expanded polytetrafluoroethylene ePTFE and on cryopreserved arteries. The mechanical properties (compliance), leading to early intimal hyperplasia and graft failure, were lost after artery cryopreservation. We have demonstrated that the compliance and elasticity restoration of PEM treated cryopreserved arteries close to native arteries.In other respect, the use of the circulating progenitor which could be differentiated into matures vascular cell offers new opportunities in vascular engineering. Currents protocols, expend at least 1 month to observe both smooth muscle (SMCs) and endothelium (ECs)-like morphology and about two months for confluent monolayer cells. The progenitor cells cultivated on PEM treated glass showed mature and functional vascular cells (SMCs and ECs) development after only 14 days of culture. The morphological appearance, mature and healthy phenotype markers expression and repartition of differentiated cells are close to mature cells.Challenge now is to build up in less a month, an autologous cellularized vascular graft using patient peripheral stem cells.

International audience; Adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are currently being investigated as an alternative to chondrocytes for repairing cartilage defects. As several collagen types participate in the formation of cartilage-specific extracellular matrix, we have investigated their gene expression levels during MSC chondrogenic induction. Bone marrow MSCs were cultured in pellet in the presence of BMP-2 and TGF-β3 for 24 days. After addition of FGF-2, at the fourth passage during MSC expansion, there was an enhancing effect on specific cartilage gene expression when compared to that without FGF-2 at day 12 in pellet culture. A switch in expression from the pre-chondrogenic type IIA form to the cartilage-specific type IIB form of the collagen type II gene was observed at day 24. A short-term addition of FGF-2 followed by a treatment with BMP-2/TGF-β3 appears sufficient to accelerate chondrogenesis with a particular effect on the main cartilage collagens.

Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 stimulates extracellular PP(i) (ePP(i)) generation and promotes chondrocalcinosis, which also occurs secondary to hyperparathyroidism-induced hypercalcemia. We previously demonstrated that ANK was up-regulated by TGF-β1 activation of ERK1/2 and Ca(2+)-dependent protein kinase C (PKCα). Thus, we investigated mechanisms by which calcium could affect ePP(i) metabolism, especially its main regulating proteins ANK and PC-1 (plasma cell membrane glycoprotein-1). We stimulated articular chondrocytes with TGF-β1 under extracellular (eCa(2+)) or cytosolic Ca(2+) (cCa(2+)) modulations. We studied ANK, PC-1 expression (quantitative RT-PCR, Western blotting), ePP(i) levels (radiometric assay), and cCa(2+) input (fluorescent probe). Voltage-operated Ca(2+)-channels (VOC) and signaling pathways involved were investigated with selective inhibitors. Finally, Ank promoter activity was evaluated (gene reporter). TGF-β1 elevated cCa(2+) and ePP(i) levels (by up-regulating Ank and PC-1 mRNA/proteins) in an eCa(2+) dose-dependent manner. TGF-β1 effects were suppressed by cCa(2+) chelation or L- and T-VOC blockade while being mostly reproduced by ionomycin. In the same experimental conditions, the activation of Ras, the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and PKCα, and the stimulation of Ank promoter activity were affected similarly. Activation of SP1 (specific protein 1) and ELK-1 (Ets-like protein-1) transcription factors supported the regulatory role of Ca(2+). SP1 or ELK-1 overexpression or blockade experiments demonstrated a major contribution of ELK-1, which acted synergistically with SP1 to activate Ank promoter in response to TGF-β1. TGF-β1 promotes input of eCa(2+) through opening of L- and T-VOCs, to potentiate ERK1/2 and PKCα signaling cascades, resulting in an enhanced activation of Ank promoter and ePP(i) production in chondrocyte.

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) play a central role in many pathophysiological events, and exogenous xyloside substrates of β1,4-galactosyltransferase 7 (β4GalT7), a major enzyme of GAG biosynthesis, have interesting biomedical applications. To predict functional peptide regions important for substrate binding and activity of human β4GalT7, we conducted a phylogenetic analysis of the β1,4-galactosyltransferase family and generated a molecular model using the x-ray structure of Drosophila β4GalT7-UDP as template. Two evolutionary conserved motifs, 163DVD165 and 221FWGWGREDDE230, are central in the organization of the enzyme active site. This model was challenged by systematic engineering of point mutations, combined with in vitro and ex vivo functional assays. Investigation of the kinetic properties of purified recombinant wild-type β4GalT7 and selected mutants identified Trp224 as a key residue governing both donor and acceptor substrate binding. Our results also suggested the involvement of the canonical carboxylate residue Asp228 acting as general base in the reaction catalyzed by human β4GalT7. Importantly, ex vivo functional tests demonstrated that regulation of GAG synthesis is highly responsive to modification of these key active site amino acids. Interestingly, engineering mutants at position 224 allowed us to modify the affinity and to modulate the specificity of human β4GalT7 toward UDP-sugars and xyloside acceptors. Furthermore, the W224H mutant was able to sustain decorin GAG chain substitution but not GAG synthesis from exogenously added xyloside. Altogether, this study provides novel insight into human β4GalT7 active site functional domains, allowing manipulation of this enzyme critical for the regulation of GAG synthesis. A better understanding of the mechanism underlying GAG assembly paves the way toward GAG-based therapeutics.

International audience; Osteoarthritis is a degenerative pathology leading to degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Similar effects can be visualized when applying mechanical or biochemical constraints on cartilaginous tissue. Here, we characterized modification of the ECM appearing under mechanical compression and/or biochemical action (hypoxia environment, nitric oxide and collagenase action). In recent decades, multiphoton microscopy has proved its interest for observing living, thick and opaque biological tissues. Thus, the main components of the cartilaginous ECM can be observed without fluorescent labeling. In particular, the collagen network emits strong second harmonic generation (SHG) signal which could be collected at half of the excitation wavelength. Combining autofluorescence and SHG signal detection enables to obtain complementary structural information. Here, we proved that multiphoton microscopy represents an appropriate tool for ex vitro cartilage imaging. First, we showed that SHG signal specifically comes from collagen (collagenase digestion). Further, we verified that the use of an appropriate band-pass filter enables to reject the autofluorescence from the ECM. Once this specificity was shown, we followed modification of the cartilage ECM submitted to mechanical or biochemical constraints (compression, enzymatic digestion). By performing textural analysis of SHG images (Haralick's method), we showed the restructuration of the collagen network according to constraints.

International audience; OBJECTIVE:To investigate the potency of selective agonists of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors' (PPAR) isotypes (alpha, beta/delta or gamma) to modulate the stimulating effect of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) on proteoglycans' (PGs) synthesis in chondrocytes.METHOD:Rat chondrocytes embedded in alginate beads and cultured under low serum conditions were exposed to TGF-beta1 (10 ng/ml), alone or in combination with the following agonists: Wy14643 for PPARalpha, GW501516 for PPARbeta/delta, rosiglitazone (ROSI) for PPARgamma, in the presence or absence of PPAR antagonists (GW6471 for PPARalpha, GW9662 for PPARgamma). PGs' synthesis was evaluated by radiolabelled sulphate incorporation and glycosaminoglycans' (GAGs) content by Alcian blue staining of beads and colorimetric 1.9 dimethyl-methylene blue assay after beads' solubilization. Phosphorylation of Extracellular Signal-related Kinase1/2 (ERK1/2), Smad2/3 and p38-MAPK was assessed by Western Blot and production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) by Enzyme immuno-assay (EIA). Levels of mRNA for PPAR target genes [acyl-CoA oxidase (ACO) for PPARalpha; mitochondrial carnitin palmitoyl transferase-1 (CPT-1) for PPARbeta/delta and adiponectin for PPARgamma], aggrecan, TGF-beta1 and genes controlling GAGs' side chains' synthesis were quantified by real time polymerase chain reaction and normalized over RP29 housekeeping gene.RESULTS:ACO was selectively up-regulated by 100 microM of Wy14643, CPT-1 by 100 nM of GW501516 and adiponectin by 10 microM of ROSI without cell toxicity. TGF-beta1 increased PGs' synthesis by four-fold, GAGs' content and deposition by 3.5-fold and six-fold, respectively, while inducing aggrecan expression around 10-fold without modifying mRNA levels of GAGs' controlling enzymes. PPAR agonists inhibited the stimulating effect of TGF-beta1 by 24-44% on PGs' synthesis and over 75% on aggrecan, GAGs' content and deposition with the following rank order of potency: ROSI>GW501516> or =Wy14643. TGF-beta1-induced phosphorylation of Smad2/3 and ERK1/2 was reduced by ROSI over GW501516 but not by Wy14643 whereas stimulated PGE2 production was inhibited by Wy14643 over GW501516 but not by ROSI. The effect of PPAR agonists on PPAR target genes and TGF-beta1-induced aggrecan expression was reversed selectively by PPAR antagonists.CONCLUSION:In chondrocytes' beads, PPAR agonists reduced the stimulating effect of TGF-beta1 on PGs by inhibiting TGF-beta1-induced aggrecan expression in an isotype-selective manner. Thus, PPAR agonists could be deleterious in situation of cartilage repair although being protective in situation of cartilage degradation.

International audience

International audience

International audience; OBJECTIVE:To investigate in situ the relationship between 2 key mediators implicated in osteoarthritic (OA) cartilage: nitric oxide (NO) and interleukin-1-converting enzyme (ICE). Interleukin-18 (IL-18) was also studied and served as reference for the effects of ICE.METHODS:An OA model was created in dogs by sectioning (stab wound) the anterior cruciate ligament of the right stifle joint. Three experimental groups were studied: unoperated untreated dogs, operated untreated dogs (OA), and OA dogs treated with oral N-iminoethyl-L-lysine (L-NIL), a specific inhibitor of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) (10 mg/kg twice a day starting immediately after surgery). At 12 weeks after surgery, cartilage from the femoral condyles and tibial plateaus were processed for immunohistochemistry for ICE, IL-18, and protease inhibitor 9 (PI-9), a natural inhibitor of ICE, followed by morphometric analysis. Cartilage specimens from the femoral condyles of untreated OA dogs were dissected and incubated with specific inhibitors of different signaling pathways likely to be involved in the OA process: SB 202190 (10 microM; a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase [MAPK] inhibitor), PD 98059 (100 microM; a MAPK kinase 1/2 [MEK-1/2] inhibitor), NS-398 (10 ng/ml; a specific cyclooxygenase 2 [COX-2] inhibitor), and L-NIL (50 microM).RESULTS:Both ICE and IL-18 were present in situ in the canine cartilage, with a significant increase in the level of these 2 proteins in OA cartilage. In contrast, the level of PI-9 was lower in OA than in normal cartilage (difference not statistically significant). Compared with untreated OA cartilage, oral treatment with L-NIL significantly decreased ICE and IL-18 levels in cartilage from the femoral condyles and tibial plateaus, to values similar to those in normal dogs. L-NIL also increased the PI-9 level in normal dogs compared with OA dogs, reaching statistical significance for femoral condyle cartilage. Interestingly, in vitro experiments demonstrated significant inhibition of ICE levels by p38, MEK-1/2, and COX-2 inhibitors, but not by the iNOS inhibitor.CONCLUSION:This study demonstrated that in situ in OA cartilage, the stimulation of chondrocytes by NO is at least partly responsible for the up-regulation of ICE and IL-18 synthesis while decreasing the level of the ICE inhibitor PI-9. The ICE level is controlled by the activation of at least 2 MAPK pathways, p38 and MEK-1/2. Interestingly, it appears that ICE synthesis is not regulated by the endogenous production of NO. These data highlight the role played by iNOS in regulating the synthesis of major catabolic factors involved in OA cartilage degradation.

International audience

The incidence of cardiovascular disease remains a major public health problem. Despite the development of endovascular therapies, surgical treatment is necessary for many patients. The low availability of natural vessels, autologous or not, and the mechanical and biological limits of artificial substitutes, led to the use of a new domain: vascular engineering. In recent years, the concept has emerged and evolved. He could afford to offer new types of synthetic vascular substitutes and / or biological, in particular through the use of stem cells, offering interesting perspectives in the field of vascular engineering. The purpose of this study was to obtain a reliable and reproducible protocol to generate functional endothelial cells (ECs) from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from the umbilical cord Wharton's jelly (WJ) and bone marrow (BM). Nevertheless, their differentiation into vascular cells needs a culture surface functionalization; our group demonstrated the potential use of polyelectrolyte multilayer made of poly(allylamine hydrochloride): PAH, and poly(styrene sulfonate): PSS, in promoting cells adhesion, proliferation and differentiation. Cells were cultured on (PAH-PSS)4 films or collagen type I (used as control), in the presence of angiogenic growth factors. Cells differentiation into EC was followed through the expression of endothelial markers (PCR and western blot); cell functionality was checked through their ability to incorporate acetylated LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein), to produce NO (Nitric oxide) and to express the von Willebrand factor (vWF). After 14 days of stimulation, only WJ-MSCs were able to generate functional ECs demonstrating the potential of combining WJ-MSCs and (PAH-PSS)4 films in vascular tissue engineering field; L'incidence des maladies cardiovasculaires d'origine athéromateuse constitue un problème majeur en santé publique et malgré le développement de techniques curatives endovasculaires, la chirurgie demeure nécessaire chez de nombreux patients. La faible disponibilité des vaisseaux naturels, autologues ou non, et les limites mécaniques et biologiques des substituts artificiels pour le remplacement des vaisseaux de petit calibre, imposent le recours à une nouvelle science : l'ingénierie vasculaire. Ce concept a émergé et évolué depuis quelques années. Il pourrait permettre de proposer de nouveaux types de substituts vasculaires synthétiques et/ou biologiques, en particulier grâce à l'utilisation de cellules souches, ouvrant d'intéressantes perspectives dans le domaine de l'ingénierie vasculaire. Le but de ce travail a été d'obtenir de manière fiable et reproductible des cellules à phénotype endothélial mature à partir de cellules souches mésenchymateuses (CSMs) issus de la gelée de Wharton (GW) du cordon ombilical et de la moelle osseuse (MO). Cependant, la différenciation de ces cellules nécessite une fonctionnalisation de la surface de culture, et notre groupe a démontré l'avantage des films multicouches de polyélectrolytes, constitués de PAH (hydrochlorure de poly(allylamine)) et de PSS (poly(styrène sulfonate)), sur l'adhésion, la prolifération et la différenciation cellulaire. Les cellules ont été cultivées sur films (PAH-PSS)4 ou sur collagène de type I (témoin), en présence de facteurs de croissance angiogéniques. La différenciation en cellules endothéliales (CEs) a été suivie par l'expression des marqueurs endothéliaux (PCR et western blot), et la fonctionnalité par leur capacité à incorporer les lipoprotéines acétylées (Ac-LDLs) ainsi que la capacité à produire du monoxyde d'azote et à exprimé le facteur von Willebrand (vWF). Après 14 jours de stimulation, seules les CSM-GWs étaient différenciées en CEs fonctionnelles démontrant l'intérêt de combiner l'utilisation des CSM-GWs et des films (PAH-PSS)4 dans le domaine de l'ingénierie vasculaire

The incidence of cardiovascular disease remains a major public health problem. Despite the development of endovascular therapies, surgical treatment is necessary for many patients. The low availability of natural vessels, autologous or not, and the mechanical and biological limits of artificial substitutes, led to the use of a new domain: vascular engineering. In recent years, the concept has emerged and evolved. He could afford to offer new types of synthetic vascular substitutes and / or biological, in particular through the use of stem cells, offering interesting perspectives in the field of vascular engineering. The purpose of this study was to obtain a reliable and reproducible protocol to generate functional endothelial cells (ECs) from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from the umbilical cord Wharton's jelly (WJ) and bone marrow (BM). Nevertheless, their differentiation into vascular cells needs a culture surface functionalization; our group demonstrated the potential use of polyelectrolyte multilayer made of poly(allylamine hydrochloride): PAH, and poly(styrene sulfonate): PSS, in promoting cells adhesion, proliferation and differentiation. Cells were cultured on (PAH-PSS)4 films or collagen type I (used as control), in the presence of angiogenic growth factors. Cells differentiation into EC was followed through the expression of endothelial markers (PCR and western blot); cell functionality was checked through their ability to incorporate acetylated LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein), to produce NO (Nitric oxide) and to express the von Willebrand factor (vWF). After 14 days of stimulation, only WJ-MSCs were able to generate functional ECs demonstrating the potential of combining WJ-MSCs and (PAH-PSS)4 films in vascular tissue engineering field, L'incidence des maladies cardiovasculaires d'origine athéromateuse constitue un problème majeur en santé publique et malgré le développement de techniques curatives endovasculaires, la chirurgie demeure nécessaire chez de nombreux patients. La faible disponibilité des vaisseaux naturels, autologues ou non, et les limites mécaniques et biologiques des substituts artificiels pour le remplacement des vaisseaux de petit calibre, imposent le recours à une nouvelle science : l'ingénierie vasculaire. Ce concept a émergé et évolué depuis quelques années. Il pourrait permettre de proposer de nouveaux types de substituts vasculaires synthétiques et/ou biologiques, en particulier grâce à l'utilisation de cellules souches, ouvrant d'intéressantes perspectives dans le domaine de l'ingénierie vasculaire. Le but de ce travail a été d'obtenir de manière fiable et reproductible des cellules à phénotype endothélial mature à partir de cellules souches mésenchymateuses (CSMs) issus de la gelée de Wharton (GW) du cordon ombilical et de la moelle osseuse (MO). Cependant, la différenciation de ces cellules nécessite une fonctionnalisation de la surface de culture, et notre groupe a démontré l'avantage des films multicouches de polyélectrolytes, constitués de PAH (hydrochlorure de poly(allylamine)) et de PSS (poly(styrène sulfonate)), sur l'adhésion, la prolifération et la différenciation cellulaire. Les cellules ont été cultivées sur films (PAH-PSS)4 ou sur collagène de type I (témoin), en présence de facteurs de croissance angiogéniques. La différenciation en cellules endothéliales (CEs) a été suivie par l'expression des marqueurs endothéliaux (PCR et western blot), et la fonctionnalité par leur capacité à incorporer les lipoprotéines acétylées (Ac-LDLs) ainsi que la capacité à produire du monoxyde d'azote et à exprimé le facteur von Willebrand (vWF). Après 14 jours de stimulation, seules les CSM-GWs étaient différenciées en CEs fonctionnelles démontrant l'intérêt de combiner l'utilisation des CSM-GWs et des films (PAH-PSS)4 dans le domaine de l'ingénierie vasculaire

Osteoarthritis is characterized by progressive degeneration of articular cartilage. It is characterized by the increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines, in particular interleukin 1ß (IL- 1ß ) which inhibits the synthesis of proteoglycans (PGs ) and increases their degradation leading to erosion of cartilage. However, the molecular mechanism of this inhibition is not yet elucidated. We studied the effect of IL-1ß on gene expression of the xylosyltransferase I ( XT- I), an enzyme which plays an essential role in regulating the synthesis of PGs in the cartilage. We showed that IL-1ß regulates the expression of the XT-I gene into two phases: an early phase of induction and a late phase of inhibition. The study of the regulation of the promoter of the human XT-I gene showed that the early induction phase by IL-1ß is mediated by AP-1 while the late inhibition phase involves the Sp3 transcription factor. We also investigated the molecular mechanisms involved in the inhibition of PG anabolism and induction of chondrocyte dedifferentiation by Wnt-3a. We showed that Wnt-3a inhibits expression of the PG syndecan 4 in human cartilage and in cultured chondrocytes via the non-canonical signaling pathway involving the kinase ERK1/2. We also showed that inhibition of the expression of collagen II by Wnt-3a is mediated by syndecan 4, probably via interaction with a regulatory protein Dishevelled and that syndecan 4 is essential for non-canonical Wnt pathway signaling. Finally, we demonstrated that the deleterious effects of IL-1ß on PGs and collagen II are reduced by Wnt-3a by inhibiting the expression of ADMTS4 and MMP13; L'arthrose est caractérisée par une dégénérescence progressive du cartilage articulaire. Elle est caractérisée par l'augmentation des cytokines pro-inflammatoires en particulier l'interleukine-1ß (IL-1ß) qui inhibe la synthèse des protéoglycanes (PGs) et augmente leur dégradation conduisant à l'érosion du cartilage. Cependant, les mécanismes moléculaires de cette inhibition ne sont pas encore élucidés. Nous avons étudié l'effet de l'IL-1ß sur l'expression du gène de la xylosyltransférase I (XT-I), enzyme qui joue un rôle essentiel dans la régulation de la synthèse des PGs au niveau du cartilage. Nous avons montré que l'IL-1ß est capable de réguler l'expression de la XT-I en deux phases : une phase précoce d'induction et une phase tardive d'inhibition. L'étude de la régulation du promoteur du gène humain de la XT-I par l'IL-1ß a permis de montrer que la phase précoce d'induction est médiée par le facteur AP-1 alors que la phase d'inhibition implique le facteur de transcription Sp3. Nous avons également étudié les mécanismes moléculaires impliqués dans l'inhibition de l'anabolisme des PGs et de l'induction de la dédifférenciation chondrocytaire par Wnt3a. Nous avons montré que Wnt-3a inhibe l'expression du PG, syndécan 4 dans le cartilage et dans les chondrocytes humain en culture via la voie de signalisation non canonique, ERK1/2. Nous avons montré que l'inhibition de l'expression du collagène II par Wnt-3a est médiée par le syndécan 4 et que ce dernier est essentiel à l'activation des voies non canoniques par Wnt-3a probablement via une interaction avec la protéine régulatrice Dishevelled. Enfin, nous avons montré que les effets délétères de l'IL-1ß sur les PGs et le collagène II sont atténués par Wnt-3a en inhibant l'expression de l'ADMTS4 et de la MMP13

International audience; Aim: The aim of this work was the development of successful cell therapy techniques for cartilage engineering. This will depend on the ability to monitor non-invasively transplanted cells, especially mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that are promising candidates to regenerate damaged tissues. Methods: MSCs were labeled with superparamagnetic iron oxide particles (SPIO). We examined the effects of long-term labeling, possible toxicological consequences and the possible influence of progressive concentrations of SPIO on chondrogenic differentiation capacity. Results: No influence of various SPIO concentrations was noted on human bone marow MSC viability or proliferation. We demonstrated long-term (4 weeks) in vitro retention of SPIO by human bone marrow MSCs seeded in collagenic sponges under TGF-beta 1 chondrogenic conditions, detectable by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and histology. Chondrogenic differentiation was demonstrated by molecular and histological analysis of labeled and unlabeled cells. Chondrogenic gene expression (COL2A2, ACAN, SOX9, COL10, COMP) was significantly altered in a dose-dependent manner in labeled cells, as were GAG and type II collagen staining. As expected, SPIO induced a dramatic decrease of MRI T2 values of sponges at 7T and 3T, even at low concentrations. Conclusions: This study clearly demonstrates (1) long-term in vitro MSC traceability using SPIO and MRI and (2) a deleterious dose-dependence of SPIO on TGF-beta 1 driven chondrogenesis in collagen sponges. Low concentrations (12.5-25 mu g Fe/mL) seem the best compromise to optimize both chondrogenesis and MRI labeling.

Osteoarthritis is characterized by progressive degeneration of articular cartilage. It is characterized by the increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines, in particular interleukin 1ß (IL- 1ß ) which inhibits the synthesis of proteoglycans (PGs ) and increases their degradation leading to erosion of cartilage. However, the molecular mechanism of this inhibition is not yet elucidated. We studied the effect of IL-1ß on gene expression of the xylosyltransferase I ( XT- I), an enzyme which plays an essential role in regulating the synthesis of PGs in the cartilage. We showed that IL-1ß regulates the expression of the XT-I gene into two phases: an early phase of induction and a late phase of inhibition. The study of the regulation of the promoter of the human XT-I gene showed that the early induction phase by IL-1ß is mediated by AP-1 while the late inhibition phase involves the Sp3 transcription factor. We also investigated the molecular mechanisms involved in the inhibition of PG anabolism and induction of chondrocyte dedifferentiation by Wnt-3a. We showed that Wnt-3a inhibits expression of the PG syndecan 4 in human cartilage and in cultured chondrocytes via the non-canonical signaling pathway involving the kinase ERK1/2. We also showed that inhibition of the expression of collagen II by Wnt-3a is mediated by syndecan 4, probably via interaction with a regulatory protein Dishevelled and that syndecan 4 is essential for non-canonical Wnt pathway signaling. Finally, we demonstrated that the deleterious effects of IL-1ß on PGs and collagen II are reduced by Wnt-3a by inhibiting the expression of ADMTS4 and MMP13, L'arthrose est caractérisée par une dégénérescence progressive du cartilage articulaire. Elle est caractérisée par l'augmentation des cytokines pro-inflammatoires en particulier l'interleukine-1ß (IL-1ß) qui inhibe la synthèse des protéoglycanes (PGs) et augmente leur dégradation conduisant à l'érosion du cartilage. Cependant, les mécanismes moléculaires de cette inhibition ne sont pas encore élucidés. Nous avons étudié l'effet de l'IL-1ß sur l'expression du gène de la xylosyltransférase I (XT-I), enzyme qui joue un rôle essentiel dans la régulation de la synthèse des PGs au niveau du cartilage. Nous avons montré que l'IL-1ß est capable de réguler l'expression de la XT-I en deux phases : une phase précoce d'induction et une phase tardive d'inhibition. L'étude de la régulation du promoteur du gène humain de la XT-I par l'IL-1ß a permis de montrer que la phase précoce d'induction est médiée par le facteur AP-1 alors que la phase d'inhibition implique le facteur de transcription Sp3. Nous avons également étudié les mécanismes moléculaires impliqués dans l'inhibition de l'anabolisme des PGs et de l'induction de la dédifférenciation chondrocytaire par Wnt3a. Nous avons montré que Wnt-3a inhibe l'expression du PG, syndécan 4 dans le cartilage et dans les chondrocytes humain en culture via la voie de signalisation non canonique, ERK1/2. Nous avons montré que l'inhibition de l'expression du collagène II par Wnt-3a est médiée par le syndécan 4 et que ce dernier est essentiel à l'activation des voies non canoniques par Wnt-3a probablement via une interaction avec la protéine régulatrice Dishevelled. Enfin, nous avons montré que les effets délétères de l'IL-1ß sur les PGs et le collagène II sont atténués par Wnt-3a en inhibant l'expression de l'ADMTS4 et de la MMP13

Recently, the use L-b-L assembly of natural polyelectrolytes has been suggested as a new technique of surface modification. The aim of our work was to develop multilayered films based on CHI and HA polymers bearing chemical. WJ-MSCs were seeded on these substrates. Biocompatibility was assessed by SEM and actin visualization. WJ-MSCs differentiation into endothelial phenotype was followed by western blot. First of all, SEM showed a fibroblastic morphology of adherent cells on CHI/HA and CHI-SH/HA-Thio as for control. WB analysis showed a rise of CD31, VEGF-R2 and VE-cadherin expression on CHI-SH/HA-Thio and CHI/HA. Films CHI-SH/HA-Thio were biocompatible and promoted endothelial differentiation potential, Récemment, l'utilisation de la technique d'assemblage couche par couche de polyélectrolytes naturels a été suggérée comme une nouvelle procédure de modification de surface. Le but de notre travail était de développer des films à base de CHI et de HA fonctionnalisés et réticulés. La biocompatibilité a été évaluée par MEB et visualisation des filaments d'actine. La différenciation endothéliale des CSMs a été suivie par Western Blot. Ensuite, la fonctionnalité des cellules a été évaluée par immunofluorescence du vWF et marquage au Dil-Ac-LDL. Le MEB a montré une morphologie fibroblastique des cellules sur CHI/HA et CHI-SH/HA-Thio. L'analyse par WB des cellules différenciées a montré une augmentation de l'expression de CD31, VEGF-R2 et VE-cadhérine sur CHI-SH/HA-Thio et CHI/HA. Les films CHI-SH/HA-Thio étaient biocompatibles et promouvaient le potentiel de différenciation endothéliale

In tissue engineering, biomaterials, cells and the induction of cell differentiation are factors to be studied. The aim of this study is to know the effect of biomaterials composition and mechanical properties on the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow. At first, we studied the effect of a protein biomaterial (collagen type I) supplemented with hydroxyaptatite (HAP) particles. We found that the addition of HAP improves the mechanical properties of the biomaterial and conditione cell differentiation towards osteoarticular lineages. In a second step, we studied the effect of biomaterial composed of alginate supplemented with hyaluronic acid or HAP particles, using an experimental design to select suitable matrices for biological study based on their mechanical properties. We found that the components of this biomaterial have an effect on elasticity of the latter and the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. In conclusion, this study shows that mesenchymal stem cells are sensitive to the composition of the biomaterial and its mechanical properties, En ingénierie tissulaire, les biomatériaux, les cellules et l'induction de la différenciation, sont des facteurs à prendre en compte. L'objectif de cette étude est de connaitre l'effet de la nature des biomatériaux et leurs propriétés mécaniques sur la différenciation des cellules souches mésenchymateuses de la moelle osseuse. Dans un premier temps, nous avons étudié l'effet d'un biomatériau de nature protéique (le collagène de type I) supplémenté en microparticules d'hydroxyaptatite (HAP). Nous avons constaté que l'ajout d'HAP améliore les propriétés mécaniques de ce biomatériau et engage la différenciation des cellules vers des phénotypes ostéoarticulaires. Dans un deuxième temps, nous avons étudié l'effet d'un biomatériau à base d'alginate supplémenté par de l'acide hyaluronique ou des microparticules d'HAP, en utilisant un plan d'expériences pour choisir les matrices convenables pour l'étude biologique en fonction de leurs propriétés mécaniques. Nous avons constaté que les composants de ce biomatériau ont un effet sur l'élasticité de ce dernier et sur la différenciation des cellules souches mésenchymateuses. En conclusion, cette étude montre que les cellules souches mésenchymateuses sont sensibles à la composition du biomatériau et ses propriétés mécaniques

Accès restreint aux membres de l'Université de Lorraine jusqu'au 2015-12-13; In tissue engineering, biomaterials, cells and the induction of cell differentiation are factors to be studied. The aim of this study is to know the effect of biomaterials composition and mechanical properties on the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow. At first, we studied the effect of a protein biomaterial (collagen type I) supplemented with hydroxyaptatite (HAP) particles. We found that the addition of HAP improves the mechanical properties of the biomaterial and conditione cell differentiation towards osteoarticular lineages. In a second step, we studied the effect of biomaterial composed of alginate supplemented with hyaluronic acid or HAP particles, using an experimental design to select suitable matrices for biological study based on their mechanical properties. We found that the components of this biomaterial have an effect on elasticity of the latter and the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. In conclusion, this study shows that mesenchymal stem cells are sensitive to the composition of the biomaterial and its mechanical properties; En ingénierie tissulaire, les biomatériaux, les cellules et l'induction de la différenciation, sont des facteurs à prendre en compte. L'objectif de cette étude est de connaitre l'effet de la nature des biomatériaux et leurs propriétés mécaniques sur la différenciation des cellules souches mésenchymateuses de la moelle osseuse. Dans un premier temps, nous avons étudié l'effet d'un biomatériau de nature protéique (le collagène de type I) supplémenté en microparticules d'hydroxyaptatite (HAP). Nous avons constaté que l'ajout d'HAP améliore les propriétés mécaniques de ce biomatériau et engage la différenciation des cellules vers des phénotypes ostéoarticulaires. Dans un deuxième temps, nous avons étudié l'effet d'un biomatériau à base d'alginate supplémenté par de l'acide hyaluronique ou des microparticules d'HAP, en utilisant un plan d'expériences pour choisir les matrices convenables pour l'étude biologique en fonction de leurs propriétés mécaniques. Nous avons constaté que les composants de ce biomatériau ont un effet sur l'élasticité de ce dernier et sur la différenciation des cellules souches mésenchymateuses. En conclusion, cette étude montre que les cellules souches mésenchymateuses sont sensibles à la composition du biomatériau et ses propriétés mécaniques

International audience; À l’instar des autres maladies chroniques, l’adhésion au traitement dans l’épilepsie est essentielle pour le contrôle de la maladie. L’évaluer reste difficile tant en recherche clinique qu’en pratique quotidienne. Des données récentes ont mis en évidence une autre facette de la non-adhésion : la surconsommation d’anti-épileptiques. Certaines techniques d’éducation thérapeutique simples à mettre en œuvre ont montré une réelle efficacité et méritent d’être davantage exploitées.

Objective.To determine the prevalence of anterior chest wall (ACW) pain in patients with recent inflammatory back pain (IBP) suggestive of spondyloarthritis (SpA), and to investigate the influence of ACW pain on the overall features of these patients.Methods.The DESIR cohort is a prospective, multicenter French cohort of patients with early IBP suggestive of SpA, including 708 patients (mean age 33.8 yrs, 53.8% females, 57.3% HLA-B27-positive). ACW pain was defined by at least 1 episode of chest wall pain attributed to SpA by the rheumatologist, after ruling out other causes of chest pain. Data on the baseline demographic characteristics, functional status and quality of life, imaging features, bone mineral density, and blood tests were compared in patients with and those without ACW pain. Factors associated with ACW pain were identified by univariate and multivariate analysis (logistic regression).Results.The prevalence of ACW pain in the DESIR cohort (n = 316/708 patients) was 44.6% (95% CI 40.9–48.3). ACW pain occurred after the first symptoms of IBP in 62%. Localization was diffuse in 41% of the positive cases. A stepwise multivariate analysis found an association between ACW pain and the enthesitis score, involvement of thoracic spine, diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and radiographic abnormalities of sacroiliac joints.Conclusion.In recent IBP suggestive of SpA, presence of ACW pain is associated with enthesitis, thoracic spine involvement, radiographic sacroiliitis, diagnosis of AS, and with a more severe disease. ACW pain could be interpreted as a diagnostic feature for AS.

Stem cells are the hopes for cell therapy and tissue engineering. MSCs from fetal tissue (umbilical cord blood and WJ), which are a source of embryonic epiblast grow relatively faster comparing to other adult sources. The culture condition can affect cell behavior. In our study, we explored the effect of oxygen concentration on the expansion, immunophenotyping, and differentiation of these cells. The aim of this work is to identify the optimal method for isolation of MSCs derived from fetal tissue. Given the low rate of success in the isolation of MSCs from cord blood, we headed to WJ-MSCs. We have determined in siu, the specific markers expressed in the WJ and in the perivascular region. Studies on the morphology growth kinetics, and phenotypic expression of surface makers of MSCs isolated from WJ were made over a long period (7 passages) in different culture conditions. We have shown that WJ is composed of an abundant extracellular matrix rich in collagen and glycasominoglycans and have variable phenotype depending from their localization in the jelly. This tissue is able to provide a large amount of MSCs (6.7x105 Cs/cm of cord) that maintain a constant morphology. Finally, regardless of the passage, the oxygen concentration does not effect on the phenotype of the cells. In contrast, a low oxygen concentration during expansion appears to decrease the doubling time of MSCs, promote chondrogenesis and inhibit osteogenic differentiation. Finally, whatever the culture conditions, adipogenic differentiation of WJ-MSC seems difficult to obtain; Les cellules souches suscitent de grands espoirs pour la thérapie cellulaire et l'ingénierie tissulaire. Les CSM du tissus foetaux (sang placentaire et gelée de Wharton du cordon ombilical), à l'origine d'épiblaste embryonnaire, sont considérées comme plus primitives que les CSM provenant de sources adultes. Les conditions de culture ayant un impact sur le comportement des cellules, dans notre étude, nous avons exploré l'effet de la concentration de l'oxygène sur l'expansion, l'immunophénotypage et la différenciation de ces cellules. L'objectif de ce travail est d'identifier la méthode optimale d'isolation des CSM issues de tissus foetaux. Compte tenu du faible taux de succès dans l'isolement des CSM extraites du sang placentaire, nous nous sommes dirigés vers les CSM-GW. Nous y avons déterminé in situ, les marqueurs spécifiques exprimés dans la gelée de Wharton et à la périphérie. Des études sur la morphologie, la cinétique de croissance, et sur l'expression phénotypique des marqueurs de surface, des CSM-GW, ont été effectuées sur une longue durée (7 passages) à différentes conditions de culture. Nous avons montré que la GW est composée d'une abondante matrice extracellulaire riche en collagènes et glycosaminoglycannes et que les cellules possèdent un phénotype variable selon leur localisation dans la gelée. Ce tissu est capable de fournir une quantité importante de CSM (6,7x105 Cs/cm de cordon) qui gardent une morphologie constante. Enfin, quel que soit le passage, la concentration de l'oxygène ne semble pas avoir d'effet sur le phénotype des cellules. En revanche, une faible teneur en oxygène durant l'expansion semble diminuer le temps de doublement des cellules, favoriser la chondrogénèse et inhiber la différenciation ostéogénique. Enfin, quelles que soient les conditions de culture, la différenciation adipogénique des CSM-GW semble difficile à obtenir

A major limitation in the development of cellular therapies using human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) is cell survival post-transplantation. In this study, we challenged the current paradigm of hMSC survival, which assigned a pivotal role to oxygen, by testing the hypothesis that exogenous glucose may be key to hMSC survival. We demonstrated that hMSCs could endure sustained near-anoxia conditions only in the presence of glucose. In this in vitro cell model, the protein expressions of Hif-1α and angiogenic factors were upregulated by the presence of glucose. Ectopically implanted tissue constructs supplemented with glucose exhibited four- to fivefold higher viability and were more vascularized compared to those without glucose at day 14. These findings provided the first direct in vitro and in vivo demonstration of the proangiogenic and prosurvival functions of glucose in hMSC upon transplantation and identified glucose as an essential component of the ideal scaffold for transplanting stem cells.

Stem cells are the hopes for cell therapy and tissue engineering. MSCs from fetal tissue (umbilical cord blood and WJ), which are a source of embryonic epiblast grow relatively faster comparing to other adult sources. The culture condition can affect cell behavior. In our study, we explored the effect of oxygen concentration on the expansion, immunophenotyping, and differentiation of these cells. The aim of this work is to identify the optimal method for isolation of MSCs derived from fetal tissue. Given the low rate of success in the isolation of MSCs from cord blood, we headed to WJ-MSCs. We have determined in siu, the specific markers expressed in the WJ and in the perivascular region. Studies on the morphology growth kinetics, and phenotypic expression of surface makers of MSCs isolated from WJ were made over a long period (7 passages) in different culture conditions. We have shown that WJ is composed of an abundant extracellular matrix rich in collagen and glycasominoglycans and have variable phenotype depending from their localization in the jelly. This tissue is able to provide a large amount of MSCs (6.7x105 Cs/cm of cord) that maintain a constant morphology. Finally, regardless of the passage, the oxygen concentration does not effect on the phenotype of the cells. In contrast, a low oxygen concentration during expansion appears to decrease the doubling time of MSCs, promote chondrogenesis and inhibit osteogenic differentiation. Finally, whatever the culture conditions, adipogenic differentiation of WJ-MSC seems difficult to obtain, Les cellules souches suscitent de grands espoirs pour la thérapie cellulaire et l'ingénierie tissulaire. Les CSM du tissus foetaux (sang placentaire et gelée de Wharton du cordon ombilical), à l'origine d'épiblaste embryonnaire, sont considérées comme plus primitives que les CSM provenant de sources adultes. Les conditions de culture ayant un impact sur le comportement des cellules, dans notre étude, nous avons exploré l'effet de la concentration de l'oxygène sur l'expansion, l'immunophénotypage et la différenciation de ces cellules. L'objectif de ce travail est d'identifier la méthode optimale d'isolation des CSM issues de tissus foetaux. Compte tenu du faible taux de succès dans l'isolement des CSM extraites du sang placentaire, nous nous sommes dirigés vers les CSM-GW. Nous y avons déterminé in situ, les marqueurs spécifiques exprimés dans la gelée de Wharton et à la périphérie. Des études sur la morphologie, la cinétique de croissance, et sur l'expression phénotypique des marqueurs de surface, des CSM-GW, ont été effectuées sur une longue durée (7 passages) à différentes conditions de culture. Nous avons montré que la GW est composée d'une abondante matrice extracellulaire riche en collagènes et glycosaminoglycannes et que les cellules possèdent un phénotype variable selon leur localisation dans la gelée. Ce tissu est capable de fournir une quantité importante de CSM (6,7x105 Cs/cm de cordon) qui gardent une morphologie constante. Enfin, quel que soit le passage, la concentration de l'oxygène ne semble pas avoir d'effet sur le phénotype des cellules. En revanche, une faible teneur en oxygène durant l'expansion semble diminuer le temps de doublement des cellules, favoriser la chondrogénèse et inhiber la différenciation ostéogénique. Enfin, quelles que soient les conditions de culture, la différenciation adipogénique des CSM-GW semble difficile à obtenir

National audience; La quantification des bénéfices d'une activité physique sur une technique de propulsion en fauteuil roulant manuel et la mise en évidence des difficultés de déplacement, nécessitent le développement d'une instrumentation dédiée pouvant saisir les multiples données proprioceptives et extéroceptives. Ces travaux décrivent les premiers résultats obtenus à partir d'un prototype équipé d'une électronique embarquée adaptable à tout type de fauteuil. Ils démontrent les fortes potentialités de cette approche pour étudier l'autonomie des personnes à mobilité réduite.

International audience; The adherence to medication in drug-resistant focal epilepsy (RFE) remains largely unknown. The present work aimed to assess the frequency of recent adherence to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in patients with RFE. This prospective observational study screened all patients with RFE, admitted to the Nancy University Hospital between April 2006 and September 2008, for a 5-day hospitalization without AED tapering. The adherence to AEDs was assessed by measuring serum drug levels on day 1 (reflecting the recent "at home" adherence) and day 5 (reflecting the individual reference concentration when drug ingestion was supervised). A patient was considered nonadherent if at least one of their serum drug levels was different between days 1 and 5. The day-1 value was considered different from day 5 when it was at least 30% lower (underdosed) or 30% higher (overdosed). Nonadherent patients were classified as under-consumers in the case of one or more underdosed day-1 values, over-consumers in the case of one or more overdosed day-1 values, or undefined if they exhibited both underdosed and overdosed day-1 values. Forty-four of the 48 screened patients were included. Eighteen (40.9%) of 44 patients were nonadherent. Among them, 12 (66.7%) were over-consumers, 4 (22.2%) were under-consumers, and 2 (11.1%) were undefined nonadherents. The study indicates that recent adherence to antiepileptic medication in this group of patients with RFE is poor. Overconsumption is the most frequent form of nonadherence in this population and should be specifically assessed to prevent its possible consequences in terms of AEDs dose-dependent adverse events.

1- article; International audience; BACKGROUND: Biodegradable polymers used in tissue engineering applications, such as poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), are hydrophobic leading to a lack of favorable cell signalization and finally to a poor cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation. To overcome this problem, scaffolds undergo generally a surface modification. OBJECTIVE: Our laboratory has demonstrated that the grafting of poly(sodium styrene sulfonate) (pNaSS) onto titanium or poly(ethylene terephthalate) surfaces, leads to a more specific protein adsorption and a better control of cell proliferation. The objective of this work is to develop, through a straightforward way, bioactive elastomeric PCL scaffolds by grafting pNaSS. METHODS: Porous elastomeric PCL scaffolds were developed using a particulate-leaching process. pNaSS was grafted into the scaffold by a "grafting from" technique. In vitro tests were carried out to assess cell adhesion and protein expression. RESULTS: pNaSS was grafted homogeneously onto PCL scaffolds without degrading the biodegradable polymer or the porous structure. The in vitro studies have shown that pNaSS grafted onto PCL improves the cell response with a better expression of collagen, fibronectin and integrin α1. CONCLUSIONS: The grafting of pNaSS onto biomaterial surfaces is a versatile method that can provide a new generation of biodegradable scaffolds which could be "biointegrable".

A defect in articular cartilage yield to a biological response of the chondrocytes but it is not sufficient to stop the damage or heal the tissue. The non-chirurgical therapies available are based on anti-inflammatory, to relieve the pain. But, many molecules which might have therapeutic effects are not used because of poor bioavailability or severe side effects. Here, we described the elaboration of polymeric nanoparticles that can enhance articular bioavailability of entrapped drugs. One can reach this goal by using HA derivatives at the surface of such particles. HA is a polysaccharide naturally present in the joint, with a strong affinity for one receptor expressed by the chondrocytes: CD44. Such an active targeting will allow the accumulation of drugs near or in the cells (internalization) and therefore, lead to biological effects with lower concentration. We chemically modified the HA by esterification with hydrophobic chains to confer tensio-actives properties. Then, those derivatives were used to stabilize the formulation of polymeric particles and the characterization (size, distribution and amount of HA derivatives present) was determined. The encapsulation of fluorescent probes proved in vitro an internalization by the chondrocytes. Moreover, intra-articular (ia) injection of particles in healthy rats did not generate any inflammation. Entrapment of molecules (HA or Chondroitin Sulfate) was possible but the size was higher and the encapsulated amount could not be precisely measured. This work is promising for new therapies in articular diseases, the ia injection of polymeric particles covered by HA derivatives allow an active targeting of the entrapped drugs, Lorsque le cartilage est altéré, la réponse des chondrocytes est insuffisante pour stopper ce processus et réparer le tissu. Les thérapies non chirurgicales actuelles sont basées sur les anti-inflammatoires pour soulager la douleur. Cependant, certaines molécules thérapeutiques ne sont pas utilisées en raison d'une faible biodisponibilité ou d'effets secondaires importants. Le but est de préparer des particules polymère pour améliorer la biodisponibilité dans l'articulation de principes actifs (PA). Ceci est obtenu par le recouvrement des particules par des dérivés de l'acide hyaluronique (HA), naturellement présent dans le cartilage et qui possède une affinité pour un récepteur (CD44) à la surface des chondrocytes. Ce ciblage actif permet de concentrer les PA à proximité ou dans (internalisation) ces cellules et donc, d'obtenir un effet à des concentrations plus faibles en PA. Le HA est estérifié par des groupements hydrophobes pour obtenir des propriétés tensio-actives. Puis ces dérivés servent de stabilisant pour la formulation d'émulsions conduisant à l'obtention de particules polymère. Elles sont alors caractérisées: taille, distribution et quantité de HA modifié en surface. L'encapsulation de traceurs fluorescents démontre une internalisation in vitro et l'administration par injection intra-articulaire (ia) chez le rat n'engendre pas d'inflammation. L'encapsulation de PA (HA, chondroïtine sulfate) est possible, avec des tailles de particules plus importantes. Ceci ouvre de nouvelles approches dans le traitement des atteintes articulaires: l'injection ia de particules polymère recouvertes de HA permet un adressage des molécules qu'elles contiennent dans les cellules

Multi-scale characterization of structures and mechanical behavior of biological tissues are of huge importance in order to evaluate the quality of a biological tissue and/or to provide bio-inspired scaffold for functional tissue engineering. Indeed, the more information on main biological tissue structures we get, the more relevant we will be to design new functional prostheses for regenerative medicine or to accurately evaluate tissues. From this perspective, we have investigated the structures and their mechanical properties from nanoscopic to macroscopic scale of fresh ex-vivo white New-Zealand rabbit Achilles tendon using second harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and tensile tests to provide a “simple” model whose parameters are relevant of its micro or nano structure. Thus, collagen fiber's crimping was identified then measured from SHG images as a plane sine wave with 28.4±5.8 μm of amplitude and 141±41 μm of wavelength. Young's moduli of fibrils (3.0 GPa) and amorphous phases (223 MPa) were obtained using TH-AFM. From these investigations, a non-linear Zener model linking a statistical Weibull's distribution of taut fibers under traction to crimp fibers were developed. This model showed that for small strain (

Cucurbitacins and parabens are natural compounds belonging to cyclic triterpenoid and alkyl ester of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, respectively. They are known for their potential valuable pharmacological effects. The aim of this work was to study the biotransformation of a series of three cucurbitacins and six parabens in human liver, in vitro, essentially by glucuronidation and hydrolysis reactions, and by comparision with other natural substances structurally related, and to characterize the cytotoxicity effect of cucurbitacins on a human chondrosarcoma cell line, SW 1353. The results showed that cucurbitacins I and D showed more cytotoxicity than cytochalasin D and led to cell apoptosis after 12h of treatment at 1 ?M. Cucurbitacin E showed its cytotoxic effect at 10 µM. The in vitro study of cucurbitacins biotransformation in man showed that these substances are sulfated, glucuronidated (radiochemical methods). Moreover, cucurbitacin E was actively hydrolyzed (Km 22 µM and Vmax 571 nmol/mg protein/min) leading to cucurbitacin I in man liver. On the other hand, they are weakly hydroxylated. Oleanolic acid, ursolic acid and erythrodiol, chemically related to cucurbitacins, were glucuronidated at the same rate in human liver microsomes, however, with affinities 100 times greater. Parabens were quickly hydrolyzed in human liver microsomes by esterases and hydrolysis decreased with side chain length. Parabens, caffeic acid, tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol were actively glucuronidated by the UGTs of both families 1A and 2B. However, p-hydroxybenzoic acid is not a good substrate for UGTs; Les cucurbitacines et les parabènes sont des substances d'origine naturelle appartenant à la famille des triterpéniques cycliques et des esters de l'acide-hydroxybenzoïque, respectivement. Ils sont connus pour posséder chez l'homme plusieurs effets pharmacologiques potentiellement intéressants. Le but de ce travail est d'étudier la biotransformation d'une série de trois cucurbitacines et de cinq parabènes dans le foie humain in vitro, essentiellement par glucuronoconjugaison et hydrolyse et caractériser l'effet cytotoxique des cucurbitacines sur une lignée cellulaire du chondrosarcome humain SW 1353. Les résultats ont montré que les cucurbitacines I et D sont plus cytotoxiques que la cytochalasine D vis-à-vis SW 1353 et entraînent l'apoptose des cellules après 12h de traitement à 1 µM alors que la cucurbitacine E présente une cytotoxicité à 10 µM. L'étude in vitro de biotransformation chez l'homme montre que les cucurbitacines sont surtout sulfo- et glucuronoconjuguées (méthodes radiochimiques) par les isoformes de la famille 1A essentiellement. La cucurbitacine E est également activement hydrolysées (Km 22 µM et Vmax 571 nmol/mg /min) en cucurbitacine I dans le foie humain. Par contre, ces substances sont très faiblement hydroxylées. Les acides oléanolique, ursolique et l'érythrodiol, de structure apparentée aux cucurbitacines, sont aussi glucuronoconjuguées au même taux dans les microsomes hépatiques humains mais avec des affinités 100 fois plus élevées. Les parabènes sont rapidement hydrolysés par des estérases dans les microsomes hépatiques humains en acide 4-hydroxybenzoïque, et leur hydrolyse diminue avec la longueur de la chaîne alkyle. Les parabènes, l'acide caféique, le tyrosol et l'hydroxytyrosol, de structure apparentée aux parabènes, sont activement glucuronoconjuguées par les UGTs des familles 1A et 2B. Cependant, l?acide 4-hydroxybenzoïque n'est pas un bon substrat pour les UGTs

This study aims to investigate the in vitro degradation of a poly(L-lactic-co-glycolic acid)-poly(L-lactic-co-ɛ-caprolactone) (PLGA-PLCL) composite scaffold’s mechanical properties under static culture condition and 2 h period per day of traction-torsion cyclic culture conditions of simultaneous 10% uniaxial strain and 90° of torsion cycles at 0.33 Hz. Scaffolds were cultured in static conditions, during 28 days, with or without cell seeded or under dynamic conditions during 14 days in a bioreactor. Scaffolds’ biocompatibility and proliferation were investigated with Alamar Blue tests and cell nuclei staining. Scaffolds’ mechanical properties were tested during degradation by uniaxial traction test. The PLGA-PLCL composite scaffold showed a good cytocompatibility and a high degree of colonization in static conditions. Mechanical tests showed a competition between two process of degradation which have been associated to hydrolytic and enzymatic degradation for the reinforce yarn in poly(L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). The enzymatic degradation led to a decrease effect on mechanical properties of cell-seeded scaffolds during the 21st days, but the hydrolytic degradation was preponderant at day 28. In conclusion, the structure of this scaffold is adapted to culture in terms of biocompatibility and cell orientation (microfiber) but must be improved by delaying the degradation of it reinforce structure in PLGA.

WOS:000309170300003; International audience; The present work reports data regarding effects of an induced oxidative stress on the mainly expressed isoforms of UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) in the brain. UGT1A6 and UGT1A7 expression and enzymatic activities toward the 1-naphthol were analyzed in rat cultured astrocytes following the exposure for 48 h to redox-cycling xenobiotic compounds such as quinones and bipyridinium ions. The expression of NADPH:cytochrome P450 reductase and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) was also investigated. Oxidative stress induced significant deleterious changes in astrocyte morphology, decreased cell viability and inhibited catalytic function of UGTs as a result of protein oxidation. Alternatively, in the surviving impaired astrocytes, oxidative conditions induced a significant overactivity and overexpression of xenobiotic detoxification enzymes, as adaptive response. These effects were significantly prevented by the presence of melatonin, suggesting its direct antioxidant action on reactive oxygen species, reflected further on the glucuronidation activity and transcriptional regulation of both UGT1A6 and UGT1A7. Results show that both catalytic properties of UGTs and the expression of UGT1A6, UGT1A7, NQO1 and NADPH:cytochrome P450 reductase in rat astrocytes are greatly influenced by the pro-oxidative environment. In conclusion, an experimental increase in oxidative cellular status could have both immediate and long term consequences on detoxification enzymatic system activity and expression.

Bioengineering has become one of the most promising fields in regenerative medicine. Many of its applications have been settled through stem cell research in order to develop innovative stimuli to differentiate the cells into a specific lineage via physical stimulation such as thermal, mechanical or electrical stimuli to avoid the use of biochemical products. Many examples are found in literature], however none of them could provide conclusive answers in this research field. Piezoelectric materials are able to combine mechanical and electrical stimulation. Environments mimicking in vivo conditions are supposed to be the best to induce differentiation process, but these mechanisms are still not fully mastered and very much dependent on cell type. In this poster, we will introduce the experimental setup used to study the effects of physical (i.e. electrical and/or mechanical) stimulation on human mesenchymal stem cells. An overview of the thought process leading to our project is exposed, as well as a brief bibliographical study of electrical stimulation effects on cells. The emphasis will be focused on the piezoelectric materials used in this project. We selected a nanocomposite material, a copolymer P(VDF-TrFE) matrix charged with ZnO nanoparticles, in order to modulate the mechanical and piezoelectric properties of the matrix as well as to provide a better sticking surface favouring cell adhesion.

International audience