Leticia Cherpe de Souza

Ms. Leticia Cherpe de Souza

Health, Human Performance and Recreation, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
orcid
PhD Candidate in Exercise and Nutrition Sciences at Baylor U...

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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JHJeffery Heileson
Jeffery Heileson
SMSteven Brian Machek
Steven Brian Machek
DHDillon R. Harris
Dillon R. Harris
STSara Tomek
Sara Tomek
Leticia Cherpe de SouzaLeticia Cherpe de Souza
Leticia Cherpe de Souza
LFLesLee K. Funderburk
LesLee K. Funderburk
Resistance exercise training (RET) is a common and well-established method to induce hypertrophy and improvement in strength. Interestingly, fish oil supplementation (FOS) may augment RET-induced a...

16 June 2025 in Nutrients
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Journal Article
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Leticia Cherpe de SouzaLeticia Cherpe de Souza
Leticia Cherpe de Souza
JMJose M Moris
Jose M Moris
PGPaul M. Gordon
Paul M. Gordon
JHJeffery Heileson
Jeffery Heileson
LFLesLee Funderburk
LesLee Funderburk
Exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) initiates an inflammatory response that is essential for tissue repair. However, when prolonged or excessive, this response can impair recovery and muscular performance. Specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), derived from the metabolism of omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), facilitate the resolution of inflammation without causing immunosuppression. Evidence from preclinical studies indicates that SPM administration accelerates muscle repair and functional recovery by enhancing the clearance of apoptotic cells, suppressing pro-inflammatory signaling and modulating macrophage polarization. However, translation to human applications remains limited as commercially available SPM-enriched marine oils do not contain active SPMs but rather their monohydroxylated precursors, including 14-Hydroxy-Docosahexaenoic Acid (14-HDHA), 17-Hydroxy-Docosahexaenoic Acid (17-HDHA), and 18-Hydroxy-Eicosapentaenoic Acid (18-HEPE) in addition to low doses of the n-3 PUFAs eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Furthermore, the variable increases in circulating SPM concentrations as a result of dietary intake of EPA and DHA, whether from fish or fish oil supplements, and the wide diversity of SPM molecules (many of which remain under investigation), highlight the complexity of their structural and functional networks. While advances in lipidomics have identified SPMs and their pathway intermediates in human biological samples, further research is needed to determine optimal dosing strategies, delivery mechanisms, and the real impact of SPM-enriched marine oil on athletic performance and recovery. This narrative review examines the biological rationale and current evidence surrounding SPM-enriched marine oil supplementation and its potential to enhance muscle recovery following EIMD. By synthesizing findings from preclinical and human studies, the potential of SPM-enriched supplementation as a novel tool for optimizing performance recovery in athletic populations is reviewed to inform future research directions.

1 February 2024 in Current Organocatalysis
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KBKaio Vinicius Lira da Silva Bastos
Kaio Vinicius Lira da Silva Bastos
ASAdriana Bezerra Souza
Adriana Bezerra Souza
RGRodolfo Rodrigues Gomes
Rodolfo Rodrigues Gomes
Leticia Cherpe de SouzaLeticia Cherpe de Souza
Leticia Cherpe de Souza
IAIsabella Pacifico Aquino
Isabella Pacifico Aquino
Felipe de Moura SouzaFelipe de Moura Souza
Felipe de Moura Souza
Introduction: Pharmaceutical research currently focuses on methods that allow for more sustainable and natural approaches. In this way, the use of discarded by-products, such as avocado seed, becomes a profitable and sustainable practice. Methods: This study evaluated the extraction of phytochemicals from avocado seed (Soxhlet extraction) and compared the antioxidant capacity of avocado seed (DPPH method). The extraction found compounds of different hydrophobicity and a vast amount of compounds that may present the potential for future clinical trials. Results: Avocado extract presented an antioxidant effect (AA%) more effective than Quercetin (3.5%), Ascorbic Acid (2.8%,) and lightly lower than Rutin (-1.9%). Conclusion: Therefore, the avocado seed can be an excellent alternative for research of antioxidants and therapeutic phytochemicals.

12 June 2023 in Journal of the American Nutrition Association
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Journal Article
Closed access
Leticia Cherpe de SouzaLeticia Cherpe de Souza
Leticia Cherpe de Souza
JMJose M Moris
Jose M Moris
KLKatherine Margaret Lee
Katherine Margaret Lee
KFKristin H. Fant
Kristin H. Fant
AGAndrew Gallucci
Andrew Gallucci
LFLesLee Funderburk
LesLee Funderburk
ObjectiveAcrobatics & Tumbling (A&T) is an emerging sport in the National Collegiate Athletic Association that lacks research regarding the dietary intake and health of A&T student-athletes (A&Tsa). This study assessed the dietary intake adequacy, estimated energy availability (EA), self-reported menstrual health, and body composition of A&Tsa.MethodsTwenty-four female A&Tsa participated during week 8 of the preseason (11 top: Age= 20.1 +/- 0.9 years; BMI= 22.1 +/- 1.7 kg/m(2); 13 base: Age= 19.5 +/- 1.3 years; BMI= 26.2 +/- 2.7 kg/m(2)). Total energy intake (TEI) and macronutrient intakes were assessed via a paper-based 3-day dietary recall. Resting Metabolic Rate [RMR = 500 + 22 * fat-free mass (FFM)] and energy availability [EA = (TEI - exercise energy expenditure)/FFM)] were estimated; and LEAF-Q assessed menstrual health. Body composition was measured using Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry. Macronutrient intakes and EA were compared to sports nutrition recommendations (carbohydrate: 6-10 g/kg; protein: 1.2-2.0 g/kg) and the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (carbohydrate: 45-65%; protein: 10-35%; fat: 20-35%).ResultsTEI was 1753 +/- 467 kcal (top) and 1980 +/- 473.8 kcal (base). A total of 20.8% of A&Tsa failed to meet RMR with TEI, with a higher prevalence in the top (-266 +/- 219.2 kcal, n = 3) vs. base (-414.3 +/- 534.4 kcal, n = 2) A&Tsa. Top and base A&Tsa had both low EA (28.8 +/- 13.4 kcals center dot FFM-1; 23.8 +/- 9.5 kcals center dot FFM-1) and inadequate carbohydrate intake averages (4.2 +/- 1.3 g/kg; 3.5 +/- 1.1 g/kg, p < 0.001), respectively. A total of 17% of A&Tsa reported secondary amenorrhea, with a higher prevalence in the top (27.3%, n = 3) vs. the base (7.7%, n = 1).ConclusionTEI and carbohydrate intake of the majority of A&Tsa were below recommendations. Sports dietitians should encourage and educate A&Tsa about following an adequate diet that meets energy and sports-specific macronutrient needs.

20 February 2024 in Journal of the American Nutrition Association
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Journal Article
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Leticia Cherpe de SouzaLeticia Cherpe de Souza
Leticia Cherpe de Souza
KLKatherine Margaret Lee
Katherine Margaret Lee
TCTomas J. Chapman-Lopez
Tomas J. Chapman-Lopez
JHJeffery Heileson
Jeffery Heileson
RTRicardo E. Torres
Ricardo E. Torres
LFLesLee Funderburk
LesLee Funderburk
Objective: Acrobatics and Tumbling (A&T), an emerging National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) sport, involves athletes with rigorous training backgrounds, usually extending from youth through early adulthood. This study examines the sleep health, diet quality, and lipid profile of A&T athletes clustered by their performance position. Methods: Forty-two A&T athletes, clustered as tops (n = 19; age = 19.6 +/- 1.0 years; body mass index [BMI] = 22.3 +/- 1.7 kg/m2) and bases (n = 23; age = 19.6 +/- 1.3 years; BMI = 25.7 +/- 2.5 kg/m2), completed preseason sleep and diet quality (Rapid Eating Assessment for Participants-Shortened [REAP-S]) surveys. Fasting blood samples were collected for lipid analysis. Body composition was assessed via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results: Most athletes (71.4%; base n = 14, top n = 16) reported insufficient sleep (<= 7 hours) and "good" sleep quality (90.4%, n = 38; base n = 18, top n = 20). Average REAP-S score was 29.24 +/- 3.74. Approximately 31% (n = 13) displayed at least one undesirable lipid concentration according to medical guidelines for normal levels (total cholesterol [TC] < 200 mg/dL, triglycerides [TG] < 150 mg/dL, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C] > 40 mg/dL, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C] < 130 mg/dL). Approximately 20% exhibited elevated TC (top n = 4, base n = 4), 12.5% had elevated TG (base n = 5), 2.5% showed low HDL-C (base n = 1), and 10% presented elevated LDL-C (top n = 2, base n = 2). Conclusions: Most athletes experienced suboptimal sleep (<= 7 hours/night) and 31% displayed at least one undesirable lipid concentration (elevated TC, TG, or LDL-C or reduced HDL-C). Tailoring interventions with sports dietitians is recommended, focused on increasing monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat intake while reducing saturated fat consumption. These interventions could mitigate cardiovascular risks, improve recovery, and possibly enhance athletic performance.

3 January 2025 in Journal of Exercise and Nutrition
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JHJeffery Heileson
Jeffery Heileson
TSTina Sergi
Tina Sergi
Leticia Cherpe de SouzaLeticia Cherpe de Souza
Leticia Cherpe de Souza
Introduction: The omega-3 index (O3i), the amount of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) as a percentage of total fatty acids within erythrocytes, has emerged as a potentially important biomarker for sport. The purpose of this review is to quantify the O3i in athletes across various sporting contexts. Methods: Two databases (PubMed, Google Scholar) were searched for cross-sectional studies reporting the O3i in athletes. Simple pooled mean analyses were used to quantify the O3i in all studies and by subgroup (i.e., sex and sport). Results: Based on 18 studies (25 observations) comprised of 1,452 athletes, the combined O3i was 4.43 ± 0.59% and ranged between 2.98% and 5.19%. According to studies that reported the O3i proportion within their sample, less than 1% of all athletes had an O3i > 8%, whereas 32% of athletes had an O3i < 4%. The O3i mean difference between all subgroups (sex and sport activity) was within ± 1%. Conclusions: Athlete programs should make a concerted effort to: 1) routinely test the O3i, 2) provide education from nutrition professionals on the potential benefits and sources of n-3 fatty acids and, 3) provide meal options comprised of rich sources of EPA and DHA at least three times per week and consider providing supplementation as needed, if allowed by governing organizations.