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Given the widespread use of glyphosate (GLY), this agrochemical is becoming a source of contamination in agricultural soils, affecting non-target plants. Therefore, sustainable strategies to increase crop tolerance to GLY are needed. From this perspective and recalling silicon (Si)’s role in alleviating different abiotic stresses, the main goal of this study was to assess if the foliar application of Si, either as bulk or nano forms, is capable of enhancing Solanum lycopersicum L. tolerance to GLY (10 mg kg−1). After 28 day(s), GLY-treated plants exhibited growth-related disorders in both shoots and roots, accompanied by an overproduction of superoxide anion (O2•−) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in shoots. Although plants solely exposed to GLY have activated non-enzymatic antioxidant mechanisms (proline, ascorbate and glutathione), a generalized inhibition of the antioxidant enzymes was found, suggesting the occurrence of great redox disturbances. In response to Si or nano-SiO2 co-application, most of GLY phytotoxic effects on growth were prevented, accompanied with a better ROS removal, especially by an upregulation of the main antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). Overall, results pointed towards the potential of both sources of Si to reduce GLY-induced oxidative stress, without major differences between their efficacy.
Cristiano Soares; Pedro Nadais; Bruno Sousa; Edgar Pinto; Isabel M. P. L. V. O. Ferreira; Ruth Pereira; Fernanda Fidalgo. Silicon Improves the Redox Homeostasis to Alleviate Glyphosate Toxicity in Tomato Plants—Are Nanomaterials Relevant? Antioxidants 2021, 10, 1320 .
AMA StyleCristiano Soares, Pedro Nadais, Bruno Sousa, Edgar Pinto, Isabel M. P. L. V. O. Ferreira, Ruth Pereira, Fernanda Fidalgo. Silicon Improves the Redox Homeostasis to Alleviate Glyphosate Toxicity in Tomato Plants—Are Nanomaterials Relevant? Antioxidants. 2021; 10 (8):1320.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCristiano Soares; Pedro Nadais; Bruno Sousa; Edgar Pinto; Isabel M. P. L. V. O. Ferreira; Ruth Pereira; Fernanda Fidalgo. 2021. "Silicon Improves the Redox Homeostasis to Alleviate Glyphosate Toxicity in Tomato Plants—Are Nanomaterials Relevant?" Antioxidants 10, no. 8: 1320.
The integration of foodomics data to explain the impact of diet on health requires a precise knowledge of nutrients composition of complex meals. This work assesses the adequacy of two food composition databases (FCDBs) for calculation of nutritional composition of whole meals, compared to the golden standard “lab chemical analyses” and search for predictive models to overcome some limitations of FCDBs. Six meals were designed by integrating healthy foods in a meal based on the “Western diet” pattern. The nutritional composition of each meal was i) chemically determined; ii) retrieved from the Portuguese food composition table (TCAP) and from iii) United States Department of Agriculture database (USDA). Compared to chemical analyses, both FCDBs significantly (p < 0.05) overestimate the amount of Na and vitamin B6; TCAP also overestimate the amount of Ca (p < 0.05), while USDA overestimate energy, fat, available carbohydrates, P, and Fe. Linear regression analyses were used to adjust nutrient values based on TCAP and USDA. Predictive models from both FCDBs were successfully obtained for reliable estimation of protein, PUFA, available carbohydrates, total carbohydrates, sugars, Zn, β-carotene, vitamin E, riboflavin, and niacin in meals with a given uncertainty, which is provided by the respective correction factors. Those predictive models are limited to the range of theoretical values of meals studied.
Marta Silva; Mafalda Ribeiro; Olga Viegas; Zita E. Martins; Miguel Faria; Susana Casal; Edgar Pinto; Agostinho Almeida; Olívia Pinho; Isabel M.P.L.V.O. Ferreira. Exploring two food composition databases to estimate nutritional components of whole meals. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis 2021, 102, 104070 .
AMA StyleMarta Silva, Mafalda Ribeiro, Olga Viegas, Zita E. Martins, Miguel Faria, Susana Casal, Edgar Pinto, Agostinho Almeida, Olívia Pinho, Isabel M.P.L.V.O. Ferreira. Exploring two food composition databases to estimate nutritional components of whole meals. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis. 2021; 102 ():104070.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMarta Silva; Mafalda Ribeiro; Olga Viegas; Zita E. Martins; Miguel Faria; Susana Casal; Edgar Pinto; Agostinho Almeida; Olívia Pinho; Isabel M.P.L.V.O. Ferreira. 2021. "Exploring two food composition databases to estimate nutritional components of whole meals." Journal of Food Composition and Analysis 102, no. : 104070.
Considering the importance of seaweeds for the development of sustainable and innovative food products, this study aimed to characterize the impact of hydrothermal processing on iodine, sodium, potassium, selenium, and arsenic concentrations of four seaweed species (S. latissima, L. digitata, U. pinnatifida, and C. crispus) and on the associated health risks-benefits for consumers. These elements revealed a common pattern for leachable fractions of iodine, total arsenic, and selenium: L. digitata ≥ S. latissima > C. crispus > U. pinnatifida after rehydration and boiling during different periods. The behavior for sodium was: S. latissima > L. digitata > C. crispus > U. pinnatifida, and for potassium: U. pinnatifida > L. digitata > S. latissima > C. crispus. Generally, the species that attained more significant losses were S. latissima and L. digitata. A health-relevant sodium/potassium ratio below 0.7 was found for all species except for U. pinnatifida. In some species, the risk-benefit analysis revealed that high iodine and arsenic levels might promote risks for consumption, even after 20 min boiling, but 5 g of processed U. pinnatifida could contribute to adequate iodine, sodium, potassium, and selenium intakes for all population groups. Standardized processing treatments of seaweeds can open new opportunities for the sector.
Helena Correia; Cristina Soares; Simone Morais; Edgar Pinto; António Marques; Maria Leonor Nunes; Agostinho Almeida; Cristina Delerue-Matos. Seaweeds rehydration and boiling: Impact on iodine, sodium, potassium, selenium, and total arsenic contents and health benefits for consumption. Food and Chemical Toxicology 2021, 155, 112385 .
AMA StyleHelena Correia, Cristina Soares, Simone Morais, Edgar Pinto, António Marques, Maria Leonor Nunes, Agostinho Almeida, Cristina Delerue-Matos. Seaweeds rehydration and boiling: Impact on iodine, sodium, potassium, selenium, and total arsenic contents and health benefits for consumption. Food and Chemical Toxicology. 2021; 155 ():112385.
Chicago/Turabian StyleHelena Correia; Cristina Soares; Simone Morais; Edgar Pinto; António Marques; Maria Leonor Nunes; Agostinho Almeida; Cristina Delerue-Matos. 2021. "Seaweeds rehydration and boiling: Impact on iodine, sodium, potassium, selenium, and total arsenic contents and health benefits for consumption." Food and Chemical Toxicology 155, no. : 112385.
The mineral contents and volatile profiles of 23 sweet cherry cultivars were determined. A total of 27 minerals were determined by ICP-MS and flame atomic absorption spectrometry, including 12 essential and 15 non-essential elements. K was the most abundant in all cultivars, while Tl was the one found in the smallest amounts. A total of 66 volatiles were identified using SPME/GC–MS, including 16 aldehydes, 23 alcohols, 6 ketones, 6 esters, 8 monoterpenes, 3 norisoprenoids, 2 hydrocarbons and 2 acids. Benzaldehyde, hexanal, nonanal, benzyl alcohol, (E)-2-hexen-1-ol, 1-hexanol, (Z)-2-hexen-1-ol, 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, linalool, α-terpineol and α-ionone were the major ones. Qualitative and quantitative differences were observed among the cultivars, which influenced nutritional potential and aroma. Cherries from Fundão region contain high concentrations of phytochemicals and nutritional components. 4-84, Burlat and Celeste might be considered some of the most interesting cultivars, since they are rich in essential minerals and present high diversity in volatiles.
Ana C. Gonçalves; Gonçalo Campos; Edgar Pinto; Ana Sofia Oliveira; Agostinho Almeida; Paula Guedes de Pinho; Gilberto Alves; Luís R. Silva. Essential and non-essential elements, and volatile organic compounds for the discrimination of twenty-three sweet cherry cultivars from Fundão, Portugal. Food Chemistry 2021, 367, 130503 .
AMA StyleAna C. Gonçalves, Gonçalo Campos, Edgar Pinto, Ana Sofia Oliveira, Agostinho Almeida, Paula Guedes de Pinho, Gilberto Alves, Luís R. Silva. Essential and non-essential elements, and volatile organic compounds for the discrimination of twenty-three sweet cherry cultivars from Fundão, Portugal. Food Chemistry. 2021; 367 ():130503.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAna C. Gonçalves; Gonçalo Campos; Edgar Pinto; Ana Sofia Oliveira; Agostinho Almeida; Paula Guedes de Pinho; Gilberto Alves; Luís R. Silva. 2021. "Essential and non-essential elements, and volatile organic compounds for the discrimination of twenty-three sweet cherry cultivars from Fundão, Portugal." Food Chemistry 367, no. : 130503.
Sensory, olfactometry (using the sums of odour intensities for each class of compounds) and chemometric analyses were used to evaluate Portuguese wild hops’ sensory characteristics and the aroma that those hops impart to dry-hopped beer. CATA analysis and agglomerative hierarchical clustering was applied for the sensory characterization of 15 wild hops of Portuguese genotypes, clustering them in two groups: one more sulphurous, floral, and fruity, and another more earthy, resinous, floral, and non-citrus fruits. Two hops representative of each group were selected for the production of four dry-hopped beers using the same base beer style (Munich Helles). Beers were analysed by quantitative descriptive analyses and quantification of hop-derived key volatile compounds. Multivariate statistical treatment of the data was performed. Results indicate significant differences (p< 0.05) in fruity, resinous, earthy, floral, and sulphurous attributes of hops, but the dry-hopped beers only have a significant increase (p< 0.05) in fruity and spicy notes when compared with non-dry-hopped Munich-style Helles beer. Hop olfactometry explained the sensory perception that the 11 hops not used for brewing (employed as supplementary observations) are placed into the space of the odour-active compounds profile of the four hops selected for brewing. These 11 hop samples have more spiciness than fruitiness potential.
Júlio Machado; Florian Lehnhardt; Zita Martins; Miguel Faria; Hubert Kollmannsberger; Martina Gastl; Thomas Becker; Isabel Ferreira. Sensory and Olfactometry Chemometrics as Valuable Tools for Assessing Hops’ Aroma Impact on Dry-Hopped Beers: A Study with Wild Portuguese Genotypes. Foods 2021, 10, 1397 .
AMA StyleJúlio Machado, Florian Lehnhardt, Zita Martins, Miguel Faria, Hubert Kollmannsberger, Martina Gastl, Thomas Becker, Isabel Ferreira. Sensory and Olfactometry Chemometrics as Valuable Tools for Assessing Hops’ Aroma Impact on Dry-Hopped Beers: A Study with Wild Portuguese Genotypes. Foods. 2021; 10 (6):1397.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJúlio Machado; Florian Lehnhardt; Zita Martins; Miguel Faria; Hubert Kollmannsberger; Martina Gastl; Thomas Becker; Isabel Ferreira. 2021. "Sensory and Olfactometry Chemometrics as Valuable Tools for Assessing Hops’ Aroma Impact on Dry-Hopped Beers: A Study with Wild Portuguese Genotypes." Foods 10, no. 6: 1397.
Fetal undernutrition is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Male offspring from rats exposed to undernutrition during gestation (MUN) exhibit oxidative stress during perinatal life and develop cardiac dysfunction in ageing. Angiotensin-II is implicated in oxidative stress-mediated cardiovascular fibrosis and remodeling, and lactation is a key developmental window. We aimed to assess if alterations in RAS during lactation participate in cardiac dysfunction associated with fetal undernutrition. Control dams received food ad libitum, and MUN had 50% nutrient restriction during the second half of gestation. Both dams were fed ad libitum during lactation, and male offspring were studied at weaning. We assessed: ventricular structure and function (echocardiography); blood pressure (intra-arterially, anesthetized rats); collagen content and intramyocardial artery structure (Sirius red, Masson Trichromic); myocardial and intramyocardial artery RAS receptors (immunohistochemistry); plasma angiotensin-II (ELISA) and TGF-β1 protein expression (Western Blot). Compared to Control, MUN offspring exhibited significantly higher plasma Angiotensin-II and a larger left ventricular mass, as well as larger intramyocardial artery media/lumen, interstitial collagen and perivascular collagen. In MUN hearts, TGF-β1 tended to be higher, and the end-diastolic diameter and E/A ratio were significantly lower with no differences in ejection fraction or blood pressure. In the myocardium, no differences between groups were detected in AT1, AT2 or Mas receptors, with MrgD being significantly lower in the MUN group. In intramyocardial arteries from MUN rats, AT1 and Mas receptors were significantly elevated, while AT2 and MrgD were lower compared to Control. Conclusions. In rats exposed to fetal undernutrition, RAS disbalance and associated cardiac remodeling during lactation may set the basis for later heart dysfunction.
Pilar Rodríguez-Rodríguez; Maria Vieira-Rocha; Begoña Quintana-Villamandos; Ignacio Monedero-Cobeta; Parichat Prachaney; Angel López de Pablo; Maria González; Manuela Morato; Carmen Diniz; Silvia Arribas. Implication of RAS in Postnatal Cardiac Remodeling, Fibrosis and Dysfunction Induced by Fetal Undernutrition. Pathophysiology 2021, 28, 273 -290.
AMA StylePilar Rodríguez-Rodríguez, Maria Vieira-Rocha, Begoña Quintana-Villamandos, Ignacio Monedero-Cobeta, Parichat Prachaney, Angel López de Pablo, Maria González, Manuela Morato, Carmen Diniz, Silvia Arribas. Implication of RAS in Postnatal Cardiac Remodeling, Fibrosis and Dysfunction Induced by Fetal Undernutrition. Pathophysiology. 2021; 28 (2):273-290.
Chicago/Turabian StylePilar Rodríguez-Rodríguez; Maria Vieira-Rocha; Begoña Quintana-Villamandos; Ignacio Monedero-Cobeta; Parichat Prachaney; Angel López de Pablo; Maria González; Manuela Morato; Carmen Diniz; Silvia Arribas. 2021. "Implication of RAS in Postnatal Cardiac Remodeling, Fibrosis and Dysfunction Induced by Fetal Undernutrition." Pathophysiology 28, no. 2: 273-290.
There are many controversies regarding the relationship between lead exposure andcomplications in pregnancy. Preeclampsia (PE) is a maternal hypertensive disorder which is one of the main causes of maternal and foetal mortality. The aim of our study was to assess blood lead level (BLL) in Polish women with PE (PE group, n = 66) compared with healthy, non-pregnant women (CNP group, n = 40) and healthy pregnant women (CP group, n = 40). BLL was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and BLL in the CP group were significantly lower than in the PE group (p< 0.001). Logistic regression analyses of BLL showed a significant positive relationship with the presence of PE. Furthermore, both the SBP and DBP values were positively associated with BLL. This study indicates that preeclamptic women tend to present with significantly higher BLL compared to healthy pregnant women. There were no differences in the BLL between the CP and CNP groups.
Katarzyna Gajewska; Marzena Laskowska; Agostinho Almeida; Edgar Pinto; Katarzyna Skórzyńska-Dziduszko; Anna Błażewicz. Lead Levels in Non-Occupationally Exposed Women with Preeclampsia. Molecules 2021, 26, 3051 .
AMA StyleKatarzyna Gajewska, Marzena Laskowska, Agostinho Almeida, Edgar Pinto, Katarzyna Skórzyńska-Dziduszko, Anna Błażewicz. Lead Levels in Non-Occupationally Exposed Women with Preeclampsia. Molecules. 2021; 26 (10):3051.
Chicago/Turabian StyleKatarzyna Gajewska; Marzena Laskowska; Agostinho Almeida; Edgar Pinto; Katarzyna Skórzyńska-Dziduszko; Anna Błażewicz. 2021. "Lead Levels in Non-Occupationally Exposed Women with Preeclampsia." Molecules 26, no. 10: 3051.
Mental health and active aging are two of the main concerns in the 21st century. To search for new neuroprotective compounds, extracts of Codium tomentosum Stackhouse and Fucus vesiculosus L. were obtained through multi-step (four step) subcritical water extraction using a temperature gradient. The safety assessment of the extracts was performed by screening pharmaceutical compounds and pesticides by UHPLC-MS/MS, and iodine and arsenic levels by ICP-MS. Although the extracts were free of pharmaceutical compounds and pesticides, the presence of arsenic and high iodine contents were found in the first two extraction steps. Thus, the health-benefits were only evaluated for the fractions obtained in steps 3 and 4 from the extraction process. These fractions were tested against five brain enzymes implicated in Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and major depression etiology as well as against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, having been observed a strong enzyme inhibition and radical scavenging activities for the step 4 fractions from both seaweed species. Regarding the variation of the chemical composition during the extraction, step 1 fractions were the richest in phenolic compounds. With the increase in temperature, Maillard reaction, caramelization and thermo-oxidation occurred, and the resulting products positively affected the antioxidant capacity and the neuroprotective effects.
Cristina Soares; Paula Paíga; Marta Marques; Tânia Neto; Ana Carvalho; Alexandre Paiva; Pedro Simões; Leonor Costa; Ana Bernardo; Naiara Fernández; Edgar Pinto; Agostinho Almeida; Maria Bronze; Cristina Delerue-Matos; Clara Grosso. Multi-Step Subcritical Water Extracts of Fucus vesiculosus L. and Codium tomentosum Stackhouse: Composition, Health-Benefits and Safety. Processes 2021, 9, 893 .
AMA StyleCristina Soares, Paula Paíga, Marta Marques, Tânia Neto, Ana Carvalho, Alexandre Paiva, Pedro Simões, Leonor Costa, Ana Bernardo, Naiara Fernández, Edgar Pinto, Agostinho Almeida, Maria Bronze, Cristina Delerue-Matos, Clara Grosso. Multi-Step Subcritical Water Extracts of Fucus vesiculosus L. and Codium tomentosum Stackhouse: Composition, Health-Benefits and Safety. Processes. 2021; 9 (5):893.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCristina Soares; Paula Paíga; Marta Marques; Tânia Neto; Ana Carvalho; Alexandre Paiva; Pedro Simões; Leonor Costa; Ana Bernardo; Naiara Fernández; Edgar Pinto; Agostinho Almeida; Maria Bronze; Cristina Delerue-Matos; Clara Grosso. 2021. "Multi-Step Subcritical Water Extracts of Fucus vesiculosus L. and Codium tomentosum Stackhouse: Composition, Health-Benefits and Safety." Processes 9, no. 5: 893.
Arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), and copper (Cu) are among the major historical and contemporary metal pollutants linked to global anthropogenic activities. Enterococcus have been considered indicators of fecal pollution and antibiotic resistance for years, but its largely underexplored metallome precludes understanding their role as metal pollution bioindicators as well. Our goal was to determine the occurrence, diversity, and phenotypes associated with known acquired genes/operons conferring tolerance to As, Hg or Cu among Enterococcus and to identify their genetic context (381 field isolates from diverse epidemiological and genetic backgrounds; 3547 enterococcal genomes available in databases representing a time span during 1900–2019). Genes conferring tolerance to As (arsA), Hg (merA) or Cu (tcrB) were used as biomarkers of widespread metal tolerance operons. Different variants of metal tolerance (MeT) genes (13 arsA, 6 merA, 1 tcrB) were more commonly recovered from the food-chain (arsA, tcrB) or humans (merA), and were shared with 49 other bacterial taxa. Comparative genomics analysis revealed that MeT genes occurred in heterogeneous operons, at least since the 1900s, with an increasing accretion of antibiotic resistance genes since the 1960's, reflecting diverse antimicrobial pollution. Multiple MeT genes were co-located on the chromosome or conjugative plasmids flanked by elements with high potential for recombination, often along with antibiotic resistance genes. Phenotypic analysis of some isolates carrying MeT genes revealed up to 128× fold increase in the minimum inhibitory concentrations to metals. The main distribution of functional MeT genes among Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis from different sources, time spans, and clonal lineages, and their ability to acquire diverse genes from multiple taxa bacterial communities places these species as good candidates to be used as model organisms in future projects aiming at the identification and quantification of bioindicators of metal polluted environments by anthropogenic activities.
Andreia Rebelo; Joana Mourão; Ana R. Freitas; Bárbara Duarte; Eduarda Silveira; Antonio Sanchez-Valenzuela; Agostinho Almeida; Fernando Baquero; Teresa M. Coque; Luísa Peixe; Patrícia Antunes; Carla Novais. Diversity of metal and antibiotic resistance genes in Enterococcus spp. from the last century reflects multiple pollution and genetic exchange among phyla from overlapping ecosystems. Science of The Total Environment 2021, 787, 147548 .
AMA StyleAndreia Rebelo, Joana Mourão, Ana R. Freitas, Bárbara Duarte, Eduarda Silveira, Antonio Sanchez-Valenzuela, Agostinho Almeida, Fernando Baquero, Teresa M. Coque, Luísa Peixe, Patrícia Antunes, Carla Novais. Diversity of metal and antibiotic resistance genes in Enterococcus spp. from the last century reflects multiple pollution and genetic exchange among phyla from overlapping ecosystems. Science of The Total Environment. 2021; 787 ():147548.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAndreia Rebelo; Joana Mourão; Ana R. Freitas; Bárbara Duarte; Eduarda Silveira; Antonio Sanchez-Valenzuela; Agostinho Almeida; Fernando Baquero; Teresa M. Coque; Luísa Peixe; Patrícia Antunes; Carla Novais. 2021. "Diversity of metal and antibiotic resistance genes in Enterococcus spp. from the last century reflects multiple pollution and genetic exchange among phyla from overlapping ecosystems." Science of The Total Environment 787, no. : 147548.
G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) comprise a large protein superfamily divided into six classes, rhodopsin-like (A), secretin receptor family (B), metabotropic glutamate (C), fungal mating pheromone receptors (D), cyclic AMP receptors (E) and frizzled (F). Until recently, GPCRs signaling was thought to emanate exclusively from the plasma membrane as a response to extracellular stimuli but several studies have challenged this view demonstrating that GPCRs can be present in intracellular localizations, including in the nuclei. A renewed interest in GPCR receptors’ superfamily emerged and intensive research occurred over recent decades, particularly regarding class A GPCRs, but some class B and C have also been explored. Nuclear GPCRs proved to be functional and capable of triggering identical and/or distinct signaling pathways associated with their counterparts on the cell surface bringing new insights into the relevance of nuclear GPCRs and highlighting the nucleus as an autonomous signaling organelle (triggered by GPCRs). Nuclear GPCRs are involved in physiological (namely cell proliferation, transcription, angiogenesis and survival) and disease processes (cancer, cardiovascular diseases, etc.). In this review we summarize emerging evidence on nuclear GPCRs expression/function (with some nuclear GPCRs evidencing atypical/disruptive signaling pathways) in non-communicable disease, thus, bringing nuclear GPCRs as targets to the forefront of debate.
Salomé Gonçalves-Monteiro; Rita Ribeiro-Oliveira; Maria Vieira-Rocha; Martin Vojtek; Joana Sousa; Carmen Diniz. Insights into Nuclear G-Protein-Coupled Receptors as Therapeutic Targets in Non-Communicable Diseases. Pharmaceuticals 2021, 14, 439 .
AMA StyleSalomé Gonçalves-Monteiro, Rita Ribeiro-Oliveira, Maria Vieira-Rocha, Martin Vojtek, Joana Sousa, Carmen Diniz. Insights into Nuclear G-Protein-Coupled Receptors as Therapeutic Targets in Non-Communicable Diseases. Pharmaceuticals. 2021; 14 (5):439.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSalomé Gonçalves-Monteiro; Rita Ribeiro-Oliveira; Maria Vieira-Rocha; Martin Vojtek; Joana Sousa; Carmen Diniz. 2021. "Insights into Nuclear G-Protein-Coupled Receptors as Therapeutic Targets in Non-Communicable Diseases." Pharmaceuticals 14, no. 5: 439.
Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) are a class of anti-hypertensive drugs that act by blocking aldosterone action. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the MRAs spironolactone and eplerenone influence adrenal cortical physiology and morphology. Spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR, n = 18) and normotensive rats (WKY, n = 18) were randomly exposed to a daily dose of spironolactone (n = 6), eplerenone (n = 6), or no drug (n = 6) over 28 days. After that, aldosterone, corticosterone, and 11-deoxycorticosterone plasma concentrations were quantified. Adrenal glands were subjected to morphological analysis to assess lipid droplets content, capsular width, cell proliferation, and steroidogenic proteins expression. The adrenal cortex in untreated SHR showed higher lipid droplet content as than in WKY. In SHR, MRA treatment was associated with higher circulating aldosterone levels and Ki-67 expression in aldosterone-secreting cells. In WKY, the only difference observed after MRA spironolactone treatment was a narrower capsule. There was no difference in abundance of steroidogenic enzyme between groups. In conclusion, MRAs modify adrenal gland function and morphology in SHR. The effects observed within the adrenal glomerulosa with aldosterone-secreting cell proliferation and higher circulating aldosterone levels suggests that MRA treatment provokes activation of the renin angiotensin system. The prognostic value of hyperaldosteronism secondary to MRAs blockade requires further investigation.
Sofia Pereira; Liliana Carvalho; Madalena Costa; Armindo Melo; Isabel Ferreira; Celso Gomez-Sanchez; Mariana Monteiro; Gavin Vinson; Duarte Pignatelli. Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists Eplerenone and Spironolactone Modify Adrenal Cortex Morphology and Physiology. Biomedicines 2021, 9, 441 .
AMA StyleSofia Pereira, Liliana Carvalho, Madalena Costa, Armindo Melo, Isabel Ferreira, Celso Gomez-Sanchez, Mariana Monteiro, Gavin Vinson, Duarte Pignatelli. Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists Eplerenone and Spironolactone Modify Adrenal Cortex Morphology and Physiology. Biomedicines. 2021; 9 (4):441.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSofia Pereira; Liliana Carvalho; Madalena Costa; Armindo Melo; Isabel Ferreira; Celso Gomez-Sanchez; Mariana Monteiro; Gavin Vinson; Duarte Pignatelli. 2021. "Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists Eplerenone and Spironolactone Modify Adrenal Cortex Morphology and Physiology." Biomedicines 9, no. 4: 441.
Some trace elements (TE) are eminently toxic for humans (e.g., Al, Pb, Hg, Cd) and its presence in the central nervous system has been linked to the etiology of neurodegenerative diseases (ND). More recently, the focus has shifted to the potential role of the imbalances on essential TE levels (e.g., Fe, Cu, Zn, Se) within the brain tissue, and they have also been identified as potentially responsible for the cognitive decline associated with normal ageing and the development of some ND, although their definite role remains unclear. Accurately, well-defined reference values for TE levels in human body fluids and tissues are indispensable to identify possible disturbances in individual cases. Moreover, since the brain is a highly heterogeneous organ, with anatomically and physiologically very different areas, a detailed mapping of TE distribution across the brain tissue of normal individuals, with an in-depth analysis of TE levels in the different brain regions, is a mandatory prior work so that the results obtained from patients suffering from ND and other brain diseases can be interpreted. This review aims to compile and summarize the available data regarding TE levels in the different human brain regions of “normal” (non-diseased) individuals in order to contribute to the establishment of robust reference values. Fifty-four studies, published since 1960, were considered. The results showed a great variability between different studies. The potential sources of this variability are discussed. The need for increased harmonization of experimental strategies is highlighted in order to improve the comparability of the data obtained.
Patrícia Ramos; Edgar Pinto; Agostinho Santos; Agostinho Almeida. Reference values for trace element levels in the human brain: A systematic review of the literature. Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology 2021, 66, 126745 .
AMA StylePatrícia Ramos, Edgar Pinto, Agostinho Santos, Agostinho Almeida. Reference values for trace element levels in the human brain: A systematic review of the literature. Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology. 2021; 66 ():126745.
Chicago/Turabian StylePatrícia Ramos; Edgar Pinto; Agostinho Santos; Agostinho Almeida. 2021. "Reference values for trace element levels in the human brain: A systematic review of the literature." Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology 66, no. : 126745.
The capacity of skimmed milk to neutralise increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and to attenuate nitric oxide (NO) production, as well as to present cytoprotective effect at the intestinal level was assessed after in vitro gastro-intestinal digestion. The impact on ROS modulation was evaluated at a non-cytotoxic concentration of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in a co-culture of Caco-2 and HT-29 intestinal cells. In parallel, a cytotoxic concentration of H2O2 was used to study the effect of digested milk against induced cell apoptosis. Concerning induced NO production, it was evaluated using the model lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Results showed that digested milk prevented the increase of basal ROS level in the intestinal epithelium and attenuated NO production by LPS-stimulated macrophage cells. In the H2O2-induced cytotoxicity assay, digested milk had no protection against apoptosis, confirmed by the failure in attenuating activated caspase-3/7.
Susana C.M. Pinho; Miguel A. Faria; Armindo Melo; Edgar Pinto; Agostinho Almeida; Rui Alves; Ana R.J. Cabrita; António J.M. Fonseca; Isabel M.P.L.V.O. Ferreira. Effect of skimmed milk on intestinal tract: Prevention of increased reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide formation. International Dairy Journal 2021, 118, 105046 .
AMA StyleSusana C.M. Pinho, Miguel A. Faria, Armindo Melo, Edgar Pinto, Agostinho Almeida, Rui Alves, Ana R.J. Cabrita, António J.M. Fonseca, Isabel M.P.L.V.O. Ferreira. Effect of skimmed milk on intestinal tract: Prevention of increased reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide formation. International Dairy Journal. 2021; 118 ():105046.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSusana C.M. Pinho; Miguel A. Faria; Armindo Melo; Edgar Pinto; Agostinho Almeida; Rui Alves; Ana R.J. Cabrita; António J.M. Fonseca; Isabel M.P.L.V.O. Ferreira. 2021. "Effect of skimmed milk on intestinal tract: Prevention of increased reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide formation." International Dairy Journal 118, no. : 105046.
Palladium-based compounds are regarded as potential analogs to platinum anticancer drugs with improved properties. The present study assessed the pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of a dinuclear palladium(II)-spermine chelate (Pd2Spm), which has previously been shown to possess promising in vitro activity against several therapy-resistant cancers. Using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, the kinetic profiles of palladium/platinum in serum, serum ultrafiltrate and tissues (kidney, liver, brain, heart, lungs, ovaries, adipose tissue and mammary glands) were studied in healthy female Balb/c mice after a single intraperitoneal bolus injection of Pd2Spm (3 mg/kg bw) or cisplatin (3.5 mg/kg bw) between 0.5 and 48 h post-injection. Palladium in serum exhibited biphasic kinetics with a terminal half-life of 20.7 h, while the free palladium in serum ultrafiltrate showed a higher terminal half-life than platinum (35.5 versus 31.5 h). Palladium was distributed throughout most of the tissues except for the brain, with the highest values in the kidney, followed by the liver, lungs, ovaries, adipose tissue and mammary glands. The in vitro cellular accumulation was also evaluated in breast cancer cells, evidencing a passive diffusion as a mechanism of Pd2Spm’s cellular entry. This study reports, for the first time, the favorable pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of Pd2Spm, which may become a promising pharmacological agent for cancer treatment.
Martin Vojtek; Salomé Gonçalves-Monteiro; Edgar Pinto; Sára Kalivodová; Agostinho Almeida; Maria Marques; Ana Batista de Carvalho; Clara Martins; Helder Mota-Filipe; Isabel Ferreira; Carmen Diniz. Preclinical Pharmacokinetics and Biodistribution of Anticancer Dinuclear Palladium(II)-Spermine Complex (Pd2Spm) in Mice. Pharmaceuticals 2021, 14, 173 .
AMA StyleMartin Vojtek, Salomé Gonçalves-Monteiro, Edgar Pinto, Sára Kalivodová, Agostinho Almeida, Maria Marques, Ana Batista de Carvalho, Clara Martins, Helder Mota-Filipe, Isabel Ferreira, Carmen Diniz. Preclinical Pharmacokinetics and Biodistribution of Anticancer Dinuclear Palladium(II)-Spermine Complex (Pd2Spm) in Mice. Pharmaceuticals. 2021; 14 (2):173.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMartin Vojtek; Salomé Gonçalves-Monteiro; Edgar Pinto; Sára Kalivodová; Agostinho Almeida; Maria Marques; Ana Batista de Carvalho; Clara Martins; Helder Mota-Filipe; Isabel Ferreira; Carmen Diniz. 2021. "Preclinical Pharmacokinetics and Biodistribution of Anticancer Dinuclear Palladium(II)-Spermine Complex (Pd2Spm) in Mice." Pharmaceuticals 14, no. 2: 173.
The role of milk and dairy products in supplying iodine to pregnant women is unknown in Portugal. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between milk and dairy product consumption and the iodine status of pregnant women in the IoMum cohort of the Oporto region. Pregnant women were recruited between 10 and 13 weeks of gestation, when they provided a spot urine sample and information on lifestyle and intake of iodine-rich foods. Urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was determined by inductively coupled plasma MS. A total of 468 pregnant women (269 iodine supplement users and 199 non-supplement users) were considered eligible for analysis. Milk (but not yogurt or cheese) intake was positively associated with UIC, in the whole population (P = 0·02) and in the non-supplement users (P = 0·002), but not in the supplement users (P = 0·29). In non-supplement users, adjusted multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that milk consumption <3 times/month was associated with a five times increased risk of having UIC < 50 µg/l when compared with milk consumption ≥2 times/d (OR 5·4; 95 % CI 1·55, 18·78; P = 0·008). The highest UIC was observed in supplement users who reported consuming milk once per d (160 µg/l). Milk, but not yogurt or cheese, was positively associated with iodine status of pregnant women. Despite the observed positive association, daily milk consumption may not be sufficient to ensure adequate iodine intake in this population.
Pedro Ferreira; Cátia Pinheiro; Cláudia Matta Coelho; Juliana Guimarães; Gonçalo Pereira; Nara Xavier Moreira; Alice Cortez; Isabella Bracchi; Diogo Pestana; Inês Barreiros Mota; Carmo Prucha; Cristina Martins; Célia Alves Ribeiro; Edgar Pinto; Agostinho Almeida; Cristina Delerue-Matos; Nuno Montenegro; Cláudia Camila Dias; André Moreira-Rosário; Luís Filipe Azevedo; Anne-Lise Brantsæter; Carla Ramalho; Virgínia Cruz Fernandes; Conceição Calhau; João Costa Leite; Elisa Keating. The association of milk and dairy consumption with iodine status in pregnant women in Oporto region. British Journal of Nutrition 2021, 1 -9.
AMA StylePedro Ferreira, Cátia Pinheiro, Cláudia Matta Coelho, Juliana Guimarães, Gonçalo Pereira, Nara Xavier Moreira, Alice Cortez, Isabella Bracchi, Diogo Pestana, Inês Barreiros Mota, Carmo Prucha, Cristina Martins, Célia Alves Ribeiro, Edgar Pinto, Agostinho Almeida, Cristina Delerue-Matos, Nuno Montenegro, Cláudia Camila Dias, André Moreira-Rosário, Luís Filipe Azevedo, Anne-Lise Brantsæter, Carla Ramalho, Virgínia Cruz Fernandes, Conceição Calhau, João Costa Leite, Elisa Keating. The association of milk and dairy consumption with iodine status in pregnant women in Oporto region. British Journal of Nutrition. 2021; ():1-9.
Chicago/Turabian StylePedro Ferreira; Cátia Pinheiro; Cláudia Matta Coelho; Juliana Guimarães; Gonçalo Pereira; Nara Xavier Moreira; Alice Cortez; Isabella Bracchi; Diogo Pestana; Inês Barreiros Mota; Carmo Prucha; Cristina Martins; Célia Alves Ribeiro; Edgar Pinto; Agostinho Almeida; Cristina Delerue-Matos; Nuno Montenegro; Cláudia Camila Dias; André Moreira-Rosário; Luís Filipe Azevedo; Anne-Lise Brantsæter; Carla Ramalho; Virgínia Cruz Fernandes; Conceição Calhau; João Costa Leite; Elisa Keating. 2021. "The association of milk and dairy consumption with iodine status in pregnant women in Oporto region." British Journal of Nutrition , no. : 1-9.
The nutritional value and digestibility of leaf proteins is still a major issue. Therefore, the goal of this work was to optimize the production of a protein concentrate (PC) from Moringa Oleifera defatted leaves (MODL) by enzymatic extraction using Viscozyme L and evaluate its nutritional quality and digestibility. Protein extraction conditions were screened using a factorial design. Enzyme/Substrate ratio and pH had no significant effect, whereas, the significant variables, temperature (°C), enzyme concentration and incubation time (h) were optimized by central composite design (CCD). PC contained 55.7% of proteins with a balanced amino acid profile when compared with MODL and higher content of essential amino acids (EAAs) (488.6–402.9 mg/g of protein respectively). Improvement on protein digestibility was observed for MODL compared to PC (64.75–99.86% respectively) and higher protein digestibility corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) (62.10–91.41% respectively). PC meets FAO protein quality expectations.
Tassadit Benhammouche; Armindo Melo; Zita Martins; Miguel A. Faria; Susana C.M. Pinho; Isabel M.L.P.V.O. Ferreira; Farid Zaidi. Nutritional quality of protein concentrates from Moringa Oleifera leaves and in vitro digestibility. Food Chemistry 2020, 348, 128858 .
AMA StyleTassadit Benhammouche, Armindo Melo, Zita Martins, Miguel A. Faria, Susana C.M. Pinho, Isabel M.L.P.V.O. Ferreira, Farid Zaidi. Nutritional quality of protein concentrates from Moringa Oleifera leaves and in vitro digestibility. Food Chemistry. 2020; 348 ():128858.
Chicago/Turabian StyleTassadit Benhammouche; Armindo Melo; Zita Martins; Miguel A. Faria; Susana C.M. Pinho; Isabel M.L.P.V.O. Ferreira; Farid Zaidi. 2020. "Nutritional quality of protein concentrates from Moringa Oleifera leaves and in vitro digestibility." Food Chemistry 348, no. : 128858.
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) and hypertension are prime causes for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) that often coexist in patients, but are seldom studied in combination. Kidney adenosine levels are markedly increased in diabetes, and the expression and function of renal adenosine receptors are altered in experimental diabetes. The aim of this work is to explore the impact of endogenous and exogenous adenosine on the expression/distribution profile of its receptors along the nephron of hypertensive rats with experimentally-induced diabetes. Using spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rats rendered diabetic with streptozotocin (STZ), we show that treatment of SHR-STZ rats with an agonist of adenosine receptors increases A2A immunoreactivity in superficial glomeruli (SG), proximal tubule (PCT), and distal tubule (DCT). Differently, treatment of SHR-STZ rats with a xanthinic antagonist of adenosine receptors decreases adenosine A3 immunoreactivity in SG, PCT, DCT, and collecting duct. There is no difference in the immunoreactivity against the adenosine A1 and A2B receptors between the experimental groups. The agonist of adenosine receptors ameliorates renal fibrosis, probably via A2A receptors, while the antagonist exacerbates it, most likely due to tonic activation of A3 receptors. The reduction in adenosine A3 immunoreactivity might be due to receptor downregulation in response to prolonged activation. Altogether, these results suggest an opposite regulation exerted by endogenous and exogenous adenosine upon the expression of its A2A and A3 receptors along the nephron of hypertensive diabetic rats, which has a functional impact and should be taken into account when considering novel therapeutic targets for hypertensive-diabetic nephropathy.
Daniela Patinha; Carla Abreu; Carla Carvalho; Olga Mariana Cunha; Mariana Mota; Joana Afonso; Teresa Sousa; António Albino-Teixeira; Carmen Diniz; Manuela Morato. Adenosine A2A and A3 Receptors as Targets for the Treatment of Hypertensive-Diabetic Nephropathy. Biomedicines 2020, 8, 529 .
AMA StyleDaniela Patinha, Carla Abreu, Carla Carvalho, Olga Mariana Cunha, Mariana Mota, Joana Afonso, Teresa Sousa, António Albino-Teixeira, Carmen Diniz, Manuela Morato. Adenosine A2A and A3 Receptors as Targets for the Treatment of Hypertensive-Diabetic Nephropathy. Biomedicines. 2020; 8 (11):529.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDaniela Patinha; Carla Abreu; Carla Carvalho; Olga Mariana Cunha; Mariana Mota; Joana Afonso; Teresa Sousa; António Albino-Teixeira; Carmen Diniz; Manuela Morato. 2020. "Adenosine A2A and A3 Receptors as Targets for the Treatment of Hypertensive-Diabetic Nephropathy." Biomedicines 8, no. 11: 529.
The endothelium has a crucial role in proper hemodynamics. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is mainly a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract. However, considerable evidence points to high cardiovascular risk in patients with IBD. This review positions the basic mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction in the IBD setting (both clinical and experimental). Furthermore, we review the main effects of drugs used to treat IBD in endothelial (dys)function. Moreover, we leave challenging points for enlarging the therapeutic arsenal for IBD with new or repurposed drugs that target endothelial dysfunction besides inflammation.
Mariana Ferreira-Duarte; Joana Beatriz Sousa; Carmen Diniz; Teresa Sousa; Margarida Duarte-Araújo; Manuela Morato. Experimental and Clinical Evidence of Endothelial Dysfunction in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Current Pharmaceutical Design 2020, 26, 3733 -3747.
AMA StyleMariana Ferreira-Duarte, Joana Beatriz Sousa, Carmen Diniz, Teresa Sousa, Margarida Duarte-Araújo, Manuela Morato. Experimental and Clinical Evidence of Endothelial Dysfunction in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Current Pharmaceutical Design. 2020; 26 (30):3733-3747.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMariana Ferreira-Duarte; Joana Beatriz Sousa; Carmen Diniz; Teresa Sousa; Margarida Duarte-Araújo; Manuela Morato. 2020. "Experimental and Clinical Evidence of Endothelial Dysfunction in Inflammatory Bowel Disease." Current Pharmaceutical Design 26, no. 30: 3733-3747.
The paper describes validated micro-method suitable for quantitative analysis of palladium- and platinum-based anticancer drugs in 11 distinct animal tissues/biofluids obtained from multi-organ pharmacokinetic/biodistribution animal studies.
Martin Vojtek; Edgar Pinto; Salomé Gonçalves-Monteiro; Agostinho A Almeida; Maria Paula M Marques; Helder Mota-Filipe; Isabel M. P. L. V. O. Ferreira; Carmen Diniz. Fast and reliable ICP-MS quantification of palladium and platinum-based drugs in animal pharmacokinetic and biodistribution studies. Analytical Methods 2020, 12, 4806 -4812.
AMA StyleMartin Vojtek, Edgar Pinto, Salomé Gonçalves-Monteiro, Agostinho A Almeida, Maria Paula M Marques, Helder Mota-Filipe, Isabel M. P. L. V. O. Ferreira, Carmen Diniz. Fast and reliable ICP-MS quantification of palladium and platinum-based drugs in animal pharmacokinetic and biodistribution studies. Analytical Methods. 2020; 12 (39):4806-4812.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMartin Vojtek; Edgar Pinto; Salomé Gonçalves-Monteiro; Agostinho A Almeida; Maria Paula M Marques; Helder Mota-Filipe; Isabel M. P. L. V. O. Ferreira; Carmen Diniz. 2020. "Fast and reliable ICP-MS quantification of palladium and platinum-based drugs in animal pharmacokinetic and biodistribution studies." Analytical Methods 12, no. 39: 4806-4812.
Trace elements (TE) homeostasis is crucial in normal brain functioning. Although imbalances have the potential to exacerbate events leading neurodegenerative diseases, few studies have directly addressed the eventual relationships between TE levels in the human body and future cognitive status. The present study aimed to assess how different TE body-levels relate to cognitive decline. This exploratory research included a study-group (RES) of 20 elderly individuals living in two Portuguese geographical areas of interest (Estarreja; Mértola), as well as a 20 subjects neuropsychological control-group (CTR). Participants were neuropsychologically assessed through the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the RES group was biomonitored for TE through fingernail analysis. After 5 years, the cognitive assessments were repeated. Analyses of the RES neuropsychological data showed an average decrease of 6.5 and 5.27 points in MMSE and MoCA, respectively, but TE contents in fingernails were generally within the referenced values for non-exposed individuals. Higher levels of Nickel and Selenium significantly predicted lesser cognitive decline within 5 years. Such preliminary results evidence an association between higher contents of these TE and higher cognitive scores at follow-up, suggesting their contribution to the maintenance of cognitive abilities. Future expansion of the present study is needed in order to comprehensively assess the potential benefits of these TE.
Bianca Gerardo; Marina Cabral Pinto; Joana Nogueira; Paula Pinto; Agostinho Almeida; Edgar Pinto; Paula Marinho-Reis; Luísa Diniz; Paula Moreira; Mário Simões; Sandra Freitas. Associations between Trace Elements and Cognitive Decline: An Exploratory 5-Year Follow-Up Study of an Elderly Cohort. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 6051 .
AMA StyleBianca Gerardo, Marina Cabral Pinto, Joana Nogueira, Paula Pinto, Agostinho Almeida, Edgar Pinto, Paula Marinho-Reis, Luísa Diniz, Paula Moreira, Mário Simões, Sandra Freitas. Associations between Trace Elements and Cognitive Decline: An Exploratory 5-Year Follow-Up Study of an Elderly Cohort. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (17):6051.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBianca Gerardo; Marina Cabral Pinto; Joana Nogueira; Paula Pinto; Agostinho Almeida; Edgar Pinto; Paula Marinho-Reis; Luísa Diniz; Paula Moreira; Mário Simões; Sandra Freitas. 2020. "Associations between Trace Elements and Cognitive Decline: An Exploratory 5-Year Follow-Up Study of an Elderly Cohort." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 17: 6051.