Centro de Biotecnologia e Química Fina (CBQF)
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Browsing Centro de Biotecnologia e Química Fina (CBQF) by Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) "03:Saúde de Qualidade"
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- Advancing diabetes treatment: from human beta cell technology to bioartificial pancreas developmentPublication . Sá, Joana; Sá, Simone; Leménager, Hélène; Costa, Raquel; Onteniente, Brigitte; Soares, Raquel; Ribeiro, Viviana P.; Oliveira, Ana L.In 2021, approximately 537 million people worldwide, primarily in low- and middle-income countries, were affected by diabetes, leading to approximately 6.7 million deaths annually or severe secondary complications including life-threatening hyperglycemia. For nearly 50 years, current therapeutic approaches include full pancreas transplantation and isolated pancreatic islets, more recently, cell therapy such as in vitro generated islets and stem cell derived. The transplantation of pancreatic islet cells can be less invasive than full organ transplantation, however, does not achieve the same rate of functional success due to the low survival of the engrafted cells. Tissue-engineered bioartificial pancreas has been designed to address such issues, improving cell engraftment, survival, and immune rejection problems, with the added advantage that the tissue produced in vitro has an unlimited source of material.
- Assessing the antimicrobial activity of essential oils against skin microorganisms using flow cytometryPublication . Lopes, Ana I.; Oliveira, Cláudia S.; Pintado, Manuela E.; Tavaria, Freni K.The skin microbiome, composed of bacteria like Staphylococcus spp. and Cutibacterium acnes and fungi such as Candida spp. and Malasseziaspp., plays a key role in skin health (Byrd et al., 2018). Dysbiosis, or microbial imbalance, is linked to conditions like acne and dermatitis (Egert etal., 2017). While conventional treatments, such as anti-inflammatory drugs and antimicrobials, can help, they may disrupt the microbiome andpromote resistance (Sfriso et al., 2020).Natural alternatives like essential oils (EOs) are gaining attention due to their terpene-rich composition, which targets multiple microbial structuresand reduces resistance risk (Zuzarte et al., 2011). Flow cytometry offers a precise method to assess antimicrobial effects by distinguishing livefrom dead cells through fluorescent staining (Shapiro, 2003).
- A case study on the microbiological consequences of short supply chains in high-income countries—the consequences of good handling practices (GHPs) in vegetable outlets in PortugalPublication . Macieira, Ariana; Brandão, Teresa R. S.; Teixeira, PaulaVegetables are commodities frequently sold in local markets and have been associated with foodborne outbreaks in short and local supply outlets worldwide. These outbreaks could potentially be mitigated through the implementation of good handling practices (GHPs) at points of sale. Numerous studies have assessed microbiological contamination in small-scale vegetable outlets in developing countries. In contrast, research on these risks in developed countries is comparatively scarce. However, with the increasing demand for vegetables, along with the increasing popularity of local markets, there is potential for an increase in foodborne outbreaks in developed countries. This study aimed to perform a microbiological assessment in local and short supply chain outlets of farmers in Portugal, as a case study, and to observe behaviors regarding GHPs in these outlets. The study was performed before and after the implementation of improved GHPs. This research employed quantitative analysis to measure the microbial load on vegetables, bench surfaces, and vendors’ hands. Additionally, a qualitative analysis was conducted to understand farmers’ behavior regarding GHPs using observational methods. Microbial hazards were detected in vegetables, on surfaces, and on hands both before and after the implementation of these practices, although the implementation of GHPs reduced the number of contaminations potentially associated with the practices used at the outlets. The results of this study highlight the importance of implementing GHPs in local and short supply chain markets for vegetables and fruits in developed countries, not only to protect consumers’ health, but also the farmers’ businesses.
- 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.
- Evaluation of leaf extracts of Moringa oleifera Lam. On testosterone enanthate-induced polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in micePublication . Khalid, Shakeela; Arshad, Muhammad; Siddque, Farzana; Arshad, Muhammad Sajid; Sajid, Marina; Khalid, Waseem; Aziz, Zaira; Khalid, Muhammad Zubair; Alharbi, Sulaiman Ali; Ansari, Mohammad Javed; Zinedine, Abdellah; Bartkiene, Elena; Rocha, João MiguelPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multifactorial endocrinological and metabolic disorder that affects women of reproductive age. It is often associated with hyperandrogenism, obesity, anovulation, infertility and insulin resistance. In this study, the imminent efficacy of MoLP (Moringa oleifera leaf powder) and MoLE (M. oleifera leaf extract) in treating PCOS in female albino mice was explored. Female albino mice were injected with testosterone enanthate [1.0 mg/100 g body weight (b.w.)] for 35-days to induce PCOS. For the treatment, mice were administered with M. oleifera leaf powder (250 and 500 mg/kg b.w.), M. oleifera leaf extract (250 and 500 mg/kg b.w.), and metformin (250 mg/kg b.w.) for 14 days. Following the intervention, body weight, blood glucose, c-peptide, testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels and stages of the estrus cycle were measured at 0, 7 and 14 days. The ovaries were examined stereologically to determine the number and diameter of follicles. Results indicated that MoLP, MoLE (500 mg/kg b.w.) and metformin (250 mg/kg b.w.) significantly decreased body weight, blood glucose, c-peptide, testosterone and LH levels while increasing FSH levels and ovary weight over time compared to PCOS-induced mice. Additionally, regulation of the estrus cycle and folliculogenesis in PCOS-induced mice was observed. Overall, the present study revealed that M. oleifera may have the potential as a therapeutic intervention for PCOS.
- Extraction of bioactive compounds from plants as promising agentes against SARS-CoV-2Publication . Pedrosa, Mariana C.; Rodrigues, Cláudia; Heleno, Sandrina; Carocho, Márcio; Abreu, Rui M. V.; Ribeiro, Tânia; Machado, Manuela; Pinto, Miguel Marques; Simas, Pedro; Pintado, Manuela; Barros, LillianBackground: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a pathogenic virus with high transmissibility and infectivity, which began to spread across the globe in late 2019, which soon became the COVID-19 pandemic, causing social and economic impacts. In response to this situation, the scientific community started the development of effective substances against this virus. Bioactive molecules present in plants, mainly phenolic compounds, are promising alternatives to combat pathological disorders. Therefore, the objective of this work was to use the aqueous extract of a mountain plant as an antiviral substance to neutralize COVID-19. Materials/Methods: The mountain plant extract was obtained by dynamic maceration in water for 1 hour (twice). After obtaining the extracts, they were evaluated for their phenolic profile by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to a diode array detector and a mass spectrometer detector (HPLC-DAD-MS). Cytotoxicity was determined by the sulphorhodamine B assay in Vero cells, as well as the evaluation of the antiviral activity. Results: Regarding the phenolic profile, the main compounds found were trigalloyl-HHDPglucoside; pentagalloyl glucose, quercetin 3-0-glucuronide and quercetin O-hexoside. The GI50 (concentration able to inhibit 50% of cell proliferation) and the MNCC (maximum concentration without toxicity) were between 100 and 180.3 µg/rnL and between 85 and 120 µg/rnL, respectively. The MNCC value was obtained considering the concentration that allowed 90% of cell proliferation of Vero cells. In relation to the viral activity screening, the results achieved for the viral titre were between 5000 and 9000 PFU/mL, while for the antiviral activity ranged between 0.5 and 3.0 Mv, being the percentage of reduction in a range of 85-95 %. Conclusion: The mountain plant extracts showed in its composition bioactive compounds and consistent results of antiviral activity. Moreover, it presents itself as a potential substance for protection applications against the COVID-19 virus. However, further studies in specific products are required for validation and implementation.
- Fighting cutibacterium acnes: natural antimicrobial power of essential oilsPublication . Lopes, Ana I.; Oliveira, Cláudia S.; Pintado, Manuela E.; Tavaria, Freni K.
- A full insight into the valorization of wheat by-productsPublication . Ferreira, Daniela Marisa; Coscueta, Ezequiel; Brassesco, María Emília; Pintado, ManuelaWheat is one of the most consumed cereals globally, significantly contributing to human nutrition [1]. However, wheat processing generates underutilized by-products, primarily wheat germ and bran, despite their high nutritional value [2], [3]. Wheat bran (WB) is a primary source of dietary fiber, proteins, and phenolic compounds and contributes to approximately 25% of the total weight of the wheat grain [4]. Therefore, studies have been conducted to valorize this by-product. Enzymatic hydrolysis combined with ultrasound-assisted extraction enhances the release of ferulic acid, phenolic compounds, and bioactive peptides, improving their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties [5]. Solid-state fermentation has further increased the bioavailability of phenolics and the solubility of dietary fiber[6]. Furthermore, this valorized WB can be used in cosmetic or food products [5], [7]. Wheat germ (WG), rich in protein (34%), fat (10%), tocopherols, and essential minerals, possesses antioxidant properties [8]. This by-product can be separated in two main products, the wheat germ oil (WGO) and the wheat germ proteins (WGP). Moreover, the WGO has been effectively valorized through supercritical CO₂ extraction to obtain nanoemulsions for cosmetic and food products [9]. In addition, WGO can be extracted using cold pressing, to produce wound-healing agents [10]. Additionally, enzymatic hydrolysis of wheat germ proteins has yielded antioxidant and antimicrobial peptides [11]. These proteins and peptides can be applied in functional foods and biodegradable packaging materials [12], [13]. WG proteins and peptides can also be obtained using microwave extraction for further use in wound-healing agents [14]. Despite these advances, challenges remain in scaling up extraction/valorization processes, improving economic feasibility, and achieving full valorization of wheat by-products. Future research should focus on optimizing green extraction techniques, broadening industrial applications, and promoting a circular economy in wheat processing. By integrating sustainable strategies, wheat by-products can transition from low-value waste to high-value bioactive ingredients, fostering both economic and environmental sustainability.
- Global, regional, and national prevalence of adult overweight and obesity, 1990-2021, with forecasts to 2050: a forecasting study for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021Publication . GBD 2021 Adult BMI; Ng, Marie; Gakidou, Emmanuela; Lo, Justin; Abate, Yohannes Habtegiorgis; Abbafati, Cristiana; Abbas, Nasir; Abbasian, Mohammadreza; ElHafeez, Samar Abd; Abdel-Rahman, Wael M.; Abd-Elsalam, Sherief; Abdollahi, Arash; Abdoun, Meriem; Abdulah, Deldar Morad; Abdulkader, Rizwan Suliankatchi; Abdullahi, Auwal; Abedi, Armita; Abeywickrama, Hansani Madushika; Abie, Alemwork; Aboagye, Richard Gyan; Abohashem, Shady; Abtahi, Dariush; Abualruz, Hasan; Abubakar, Bilyaminu; Farha, Rana Kamal Abu; Abukhadijah, Hana J.; Abu-Rmeileh, Niveen M. E.; Aburuz, Salahdein; Abu-Zaid, Ahmed; Adams, Lisa C.; Adane, Mesafint Molla; Addo, Isaac Yeboah; Adedokun, Kamoru Ademola; Adegoke, Nurudeen A.; Adepoju, Abiola Victor Victor; Adesola, Ridwan Olamilekan; Adeyeoluwa, Temitayo Esther; Adiga, Usha; Adnani, Qorinah Estiningtyas Sakilah; Afaghi, Siamak; Afzal, Saira; Afzal, Muhammad Sohail; Agampodi, Thilini Chanchala; Aghamiri, Shahin; Sobrinho, Cesar Agostinis; Agyemang-Duah, Williams; Ahlstrom, Austin J.; Ahmad, Danish; Ahmad, Sajjad; Fernandes, João C.; Ferreira, NunoBackground Overweight and obesity is a global epidemic. Forecasting future trajectories of the epidemic is crucial for providing an evidence base for policy change. In this study, we examine the historical trends of the global, regional, and national prevalence of adult overweight and obesity from 1990 to 2021 and forecast the future trajectories to 2050. Methods Leveraging established methodology from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study, we estimated the prevalence of overweight and obesity among individuals aged 25 years and older by age and sex for 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2050. Retrospective and current prevalence trends were derived based on both self-reported and measured anthropometric data extracted from 1350 unique sources, which include survey microdata and reports, as well as published literature. Specific adjustment was applied to correct for self-report bias. Spatiotemporal Gaussian process regression models were used to synthesise data, leveraging both spatial and temporal correlation in epidemiological trends, to optimise the comparability of results across time and geographies. To generate forecast estimates, we used forecasts of the Socio-demographic Index and temporal correlation patterns presented as annualised rate of change to inform future trajectories. We considered a reference scenario assuming the continuation of historical trends. Findings Rates of overweight and obesity increased at the global and regional levels, and in all nations, between 1990 and 2021. In 2021, an estimated 1·00 billion (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 0·989–1·01) adult males and 1·11 billion (1·10–1·12) adult females had overweight and obesity. China had the largest population of adults with overweight and obesity (402 million [397–407] individuals), followed by India (180 million [167–194]) and the USA (172 million [169–174]). The highest age-standardised prevalence of overweight and obesity was observed in countries in Oceania and north Africa and the Middle East, with many of these countries reporting prevalence of more than 80% in adults. Compared with 1990, the global prevalence of obesity had increased by 155·1% (149·8–160·3) in males and 104·9% (95% UI 100·9–108·8) in females. The most rapid rise in obesity prevalence was observed in the north Africa and the Middle East super-region, where age-standardised prevalence rates in males more than tripled and in females more than doubled. Assuming the continuation of historical trends, by 2050, we forecast that the total number of adults living with overweight and obesity will reach 3·80 billion (95% UI 3·39–4·04), over half of the likely global adult population at that time. While China, India, and the USA will continue to constitute a large proportion of the global population with overweight and obesity, the number in the sub-Saharan Africa super-region is forecasted to increase by 254·8% (234·4–269·5). In Nigeria specifically, the number of adults with overweight and obesity is forecasted to rise to 141 million (121–162) by 2050, making it the country with the fourth-largest population with overweight and obesity. Interpretation No country to date has successfully curbed the rising rates of adult overweight and obesity. Without immediate and effective intervention, overweight and obesity will continue to increase globally. Particularly in Asia and Africa, driven by growing populations, the number of individuals with overweight and obesity is forecast to rise substantially. These regions will face a considerable increase in obesity-related disease burden. Merely acknowledging obesity as a global health issue would be negligent on the part of global health and public health practitioners; more aggressive and targeted measures are required to address this crisis, as obesity is one of the foremost avertible risks to health now and in the future and poses an unparalleled threat of premature disease and death at local, national, and global levels.
- Microvascular, biochemical, and clinical impact of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in recalcitrant diabetic foot ulcersPublication . Martins-Mendes, Daniela; Costa, Raquel; Rodrigues, Ilda; Camacho, Óscar; Coelho, Pedro Barata; Paixão-Dias, Vítor; Luís, Carla; Pereira, Ana Cláudia; Fernandes, Rúben; Lima, Jorge; Soares, RaquelBackground: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a serious complication of diabetes and are often difficult to treat. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been proposed as an adjunctive treatment to promote healing, but its long-term clinical and biological effects remain insufficiently characterized. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of HBOT on systemic biomarkers, local microvasculature, and clinical outcomes in patients with DFUs. Methods: In this non-randomized prospective study, 20 patients with ischemic DFUs were followed over a 36-month period. Fourteen received HBOT in addition to standard care, while six received standard care alone. Clinical outcomes—including DFU resolution, recurrence, lower extremity amputation (LEA), and mortality—were assessed alongside systemic inflammatory and angiogenic biomarkers and wound characteristics at baseline and at 3, 6, 12, and 36 months. CD31 immunostaining was performed on available tissue samples. Results: The two groups were comparable at baseline (mean age 62 ± 12 years; diabetes duration 18 ± 9 years). At 3 months, the HBOT group showed significant reductions in erythrocyte sedimentation rate and DFU size (p < 0.05), with downward trends observed in C-reactive protein (CRP), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and placental growth factor (PlGF), and an increase in stromal-derived factor-1 alpha (SDF1-?). No significant changes were observed in the control group. CD31+ microvessel density appeared to increase in HBOT-treated DFU tissue after one month, although the sample size was limited. Patients receiving HBOT had lower rates of LEA and mortality, improved wound healing, and sustained outcomes over three years. DFU recurrence rates were similar between groups. Conclusions: HBOT was associated with improved wound healing and favorable biomarker profiles in patients with treatment-resistant ischemic DFUs. While these findings are encouraging, the small sample size and non-randomized design limit their generalizability, highlighting the need for larger, controlled studies.