Browsing by Author "Fernandes, A."
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- Mushroom-derived polysaccharides as bioactive agents for skin regeneration: evaluation of antimicrobial, wound-healing, and immunomodulatory effectsPublication . Fernandes, A.; Lopes, A.; Magalhães, R.; Oliveira, C.; Pintado, M.; Tavaria, F.Mushroom polysaccharides have emerged as promising bioactive agents for enhancing skin regeneration. This study evaluates three polysaccharide-rich fractions (SB, SC, RD) obtained by hot water and alkaline extractions from Coriolus versicolor, Pleurotus ostreatus, and Hericium erinaceus. Their potential to promote skin repair was investigated by analyzing effects on cell proliferation and migration, immune modulation, and microbial growth inhibition. These fractions were previously characterized by several chemical and structural characterization methods that revealed significant presence of bioactive molecules (e.g., glucans, proteins, phenolics). Cell viability was accessed by PrestoBlue and MTT assays in HaCat and L929 cell lines, revealing the non-toxicity of the compounds at tested concentrations. Furthermore, proliferation assays (BrdU incorporation) and migration assays (scratch assay) in HaCaT cells were conducted at optimized concentrations (0.6 and 0.3 mg/mL). Notably, C. versicolor fractions promoted wound closure of the injured monolayer by 95% after 48 h (at 0.6 mg/mL) compared to 66% in the non-treated control. The fractions exhibited broadspectrum antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity in Gram-positive bacteria (S. epidermidis, MRSA), Gram-negative bacteria (P. aeruginosa, E. coli) and yeast (C. albicans, C. tropicalis). Microbial growth inhibition varied across the three species and extraction method, ranging from 30% to 70% at a concentration of 20 mg/mL. Additionally, immunomodulatory effects are being assessed by measuring key pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-?, IL-17A, IL-1?, IL-6) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) to elucidate how these polysaccharides regulate inflammation during healing and skin repair. These findings highlight the potential of polysaccharides as multifunctional agents in dermatological applications, supporting their role in developing innovative, natural-based therapies for skin regeneration.
- REATIVA: programa promotor de um envelhecimento ativoPublication . Loureiro, H.; Mendes, A.; Fernandes, A.; Camarneiro, A.; Fonseca, António M.; Veríssimo, M.T.; Carvalho, M.; Silva, M.; Rodrigues, R.; Pedreiro, A.; Angelo, M.
- A systematic review of natural products for skin applications: targeting inflammation, wound healing, and photo-agingPublication . Fernandes, A.; Rodrigues, P. M.; Pintado, M.; Tavaria, F. K.Background: Every day the skin is constantly exposed to several harmful factors that induce oxidative stress. When the cells are incapable to maintain the balance between antioxidant defenses and reactive oxygen species, the skin no longer can keep its integrity and homeostasis. Chronic inflammation, premature skin aging, tissue damage, and immunosuppression are possible consequences induced by sustained exposure to environmental and endogenous reactive oxygen species. Skin immune and non-immune cells together with the microbiome are essential to efficiently trigger skin immune responses to stress. For this reason, an ever-increasing demand for novel molecules capable of modulating immune functions in the skin has risen the level of their development, particularly in the field of natural product-derived molecules. Purpose: In this review, we explore different classes of molecules that showed evidence in modulate skin immune responses, as well as their target receptors and signaling pathways. Moreover, we describe the role of polyphenols, polysaccharides, fatty acids, peptides, and probiotics as possible treatments for skin conditions, including wound healing, infection, inflammation, allergies, and premature skin aging. Methods: Literature was searched, analyzed, and collected using databases, including PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. The search terms used included “Skin”, “wound healing”, “natural products”, “skin microbiome”, “immunomodulation”, “anti-inflammatory”, “antioxidant”, “infection”, “UV radiation”, “polyphenols”, “polysaccharides”, “fatty acids”, “plant oils”, “peptides”, “antimicrobial peptides”, “probiotics”, “atopic dermatitis”, “psoriasis”, “auto-immunity”, “dry skin”, “aging”, etc., and several combinations of these keywords. Results: Natural products offer different solutions as possible treatments for several skin conditions. Significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were reported, followed by the ability to modulate immune functions in the skin. Several membrane-bound immune receptors in the skin recognize diverse types of natural-derived molecules, promoting different immune responses that can improve skin conditions. Conclusion: Despite the increasing progress in drug discovery, several limiting factors need future clarification. Understanding the safety, biological activities, and precise mechanisms of action is a priority as well as the characterization of the active compounds responsible for that. This review provides directions for future studies in the development of new molecules with important pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical value.