Browsing by Author "Neves, Delminda"
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- Anti-inflammatory and metabolic effects of lentil phenolic compoundsPublication . Geraldo, Rafaela; Gouveia, Alexandra; Neves, Delminda; Freitas, Victor; Pinto, Elisabete; Vasconcelos, Marta W.
- Characterization of TGF-β expression and signaling profile in the adipose tissue of rats fed with high-fat and energy-restricted dietsPublication . Sousa-Pinto, Bernardo; Gonçalves, Laura; Rodrigues, Adriana R.; Tomada, Inês; Almeida, Henrique; Neves, Delminda; Gouveia, Alexandra M.Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of obesity, influencing the release of inflammation mediators and promoting remodeling and collagen deposition in the adipose tissue (AT). In this context, this work aims to elucidate whether TGF-β and Smad-dependent or Smad-independent signaling pathways contribute to regional differentiation of AT in high-fat diet (HFD) and energy-restricted (ER) rat models. For this, TGF-β, TGF-β receptors I and II, PAI-1 and GLUT4 mRNA levels were quantified by real-time PCR, and western blotting assays allowed the semiquantification of TGF-β and proteins from Smad3, ERK1/2 and Akt signaling pathways in subcutaneous and visceral (epididymal, retroperitoneal and mesenteric) fat depots from control, HFD and ER-treated rats. HFD was associated to increased levels of TGF-β and PAI-1 mRNA in epididymal and retroperitoneal visceral fat depots, while ER diet induced a reduction of TGF-β mRNA levels in mesenteric, but surprisingly an increase in retroperitoneal fat. Regarding the different signaling pathways, contrarily to what was found for Smad3, activation of ERK1/2 and Akt in response to HFD was detected in all the visceral but not in subcutaneous fat depots. ER-treated rats presented a more heterogeneous signaling response, as well as decreased TGF-β receptors expression, in the different visceral fat depots. In conclusion, subcutaneous and visceral AT respond differently to distinct diet patterns regarding TGF-β expression and activated signaling pathways. Furthermore, the present study points that visceral AT should not be understood as a homogeneous entity since that response also varied in the different fat depots.
- Effects of dietary polyphenols on vasculogenic erectile dysfunction: a systematic review of pre-clinical studiesPublication . Geraldo, Rafaela; Castro, Catarina; Pinto, Elisabete; Vasconcelos, Marta W.; Neves, DelmindaErectile dysfunction (ED) is a medical condition characterized by the inability to achieve or maintain a satisfactory erection, primarily treated with oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. Treatment effectiveness is diminished in severe vasculogenic ED, particularly in patients with diabetes mellitus, highlighting the need for exploring alternative/complementary interventions. Among them, dietary phenolic compounds are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This systematic review focuses on catechin (EGCG), quercetin, resveratrol, and curcumin and their influence on the pathophysiology of ED. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines (PROSPERO registration number CRD42023402016) searches across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science until October 2024 were conducted using relevant keywords. Inclusion criteria required original articles in English, while in silico studies, review articles, editorials, and original studies lacking essential polyphenol administration information were excluded. After an initial search that located 409, 445, and 285 publications in each database respectively, rigorous screening resulted in 26 publications comprising animal, ex vivo, and in vitro studies. Their quality was assessed using GRADE and SYRCLE ROB tools, revealing an overall “medium-high” or “high quality.” These polyphenols consistently demonstrated improvements in erectile function, encompassing behavioral, functional, molecular, and hormonal aspects. However, limitations were identified, such as the predominant reliance on animal models and in vitro trials, which may not precisely reflect human physiological responses. Further clinical investigations are needed to ascertain data translational potential, standardize dosages, and establish safe and effective prescription recommendations. Prioritizing clinical trials is essential for validating the widespread applicability and efficacy of polyphenols in managing ED.
- Exploring the health benefits of lentil phenolics: antioxidant and immunomodulatory effectsPublication . Geraldo, Rafaela A. F.; Machado, Manuela; Silva, Sara; Costa, Eduardo M.; Pinto, Elisabete; Pintado, Manuela; Neves, Delminda; Vasconcelos, Marta W.Introduction: Lentils are rich in essential nutrients such as protein, fibre, and flavonoids, with a low glycemic index that helps avoid glycemia peaks. Epidemiological data suggest potential benefits against cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Objectives: Identify the lentil variety with the highest phenolic and flavonoid content, antioxidant capacity, and anti-diabetic effects while evaluating its cytotoxicity and immunomodulatory activity. Conclusions: Kermit variety exhibited the highest phenolic and flavonoid content, antioxidant and anti-diabetic activities, and the largest quantities of phenolic compounds, making it the best candidate for in vitro analyses. Cooking affected phenolic composition, often reducing (Epi)Catechin and Procyanidin compounds, though Kaempferol derivatives remained prominent across all varieties. No deleterious effect regarding metabolic inhibition was observed in Caco-2 cells when exposed to Kermit phenolic extracts. Regarding the immunomodulatory results: The production of IL-6 and IL-8 significantly decreased with Kermit phenolic extracts. In cells stimulated with IL-1β, the Kermit phenolic extracts showed relevant anti-inflammatory effects, as demonstrated by reductions in the selected cytokines' secretion.
- Nutritional value and environmental footprint of muffins made with green-lentil flourPublication . Geraldo, Rafaela; Santos, Carla S.; Styles, David; Sousa, Sérgio; Pinto, Elisabete; Neves, Delminda; Vasconcelos, Marta W.The growing interest in environmentally friendly and protein-rich food choices has prompted the food industry to explore alternative protein sources. Lentils have garnered attention due to their versatile culinary applications and the range of health benefits associated with their nutritional composition. Furthermore, lentils offer an environmentally sustainable solution as they require fewer resources than animal protein sources. In this study, a new muffin recipe was developed, using high-polyphenol green lentil flour as a partial substitute for oatmeal flour. The main goal was to compare the lentil-based muffin's nutritional attributes with a muffin made exclusively from oatmeal flour, and to evaluate their environmental impact, using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Research on incorporating lentil flour into muffins, particularly considering its environmental impact is limited, highlighting the importance of this study. Regarding the results, compared with the oatmeal muffin, the lentil-based muffin exhibited improved nutritional properties, including a reduction in fat, an increase in protein, and fibre, and the presence of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. The LCA revealed that the lentil-based muffin had a lower environmental impact across various categories than the oatmeal muffin. Overall, incorporating lentil flour into muffin recipes not only results in a gluten-free product but also enhances its overall nutritional profile and offers a sustainable alternative for environmentally conscious consumers. The study contributes to the expanding field of sustainable and nutritious food alternatives, providing valuable insights for both consumers and the food industry.