Browsing by Author "Alves, Helena"
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- Angiogenesis in Schistosoma haematobium-associated urinary bladder cancerPublication . Dematei, Anderson; Fernandes, Rúben; Soares, Raquel; Alves, Helena; Richter, Joachim; Botelho, Monica C.Schistosoma haematobium, a parasitic flatworm that infects more than 100 million people, mostly in the developing world, is the causative agent of urogenital schistosomiasis, and is associated with a high incidence of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the bladder. During infection, eggs are deposited in the bladder causing an intense inflammatory reaction. Angiogenesis is defined as the formation of new blood vessels from preexisting ones and is recognized as a key event in cell proliferation and carcinogenesis and spread of malignant lesions. A growing amount of evidence points to angiogenesis playing a key role in schistosomiasis-associated bladder cancer. Thus, identifying biomarkers of this process plays an important role in the study of cancer. Here, we review recent findings on the role of angiogenesis in bladder cancer and the growth factors that induce and assist in their development, particularly SCC of the bladder associated to urogenital schistosomiasis.
- Estrogen Metabolism-Associated CYP2D6 and IL6-174G/C Polymorphisms in Schistosoma haematobium InfectionPublication . Cardoso, Rita; Lacerda, Pedro; Costa, Paulo; Machado, Ana; Carvalho, André; Bordalo, Adriano; Fernandes, Rúben; Soares, Raquel; Richter, Joachim; Alves, Helena; Botelho, MonicaSchistosoma haematobium is a human blood fluke causing a chronic infection called urogenital schistosomiasis. Squamous cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder (SCC) constitutes chronic sequelae of this infection, and S. haematobium infection is accounted as a risk factor for this type of cancer. This infection is considered a neglected tropical disease and is endemic in numerous countries in Africa and the Middle East. Schistosome eggs produce catechol-estrogens. These estrogenic molecules are metabolized to active quinones that induce modifications in DNA. The cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes are a superfamily of mono-oxygenases involved in estrogen biosynthesis and metabolism, the generation of DNA damaging procarcinogens, and the response to anti-estrogen therapies. IL6 Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pleiotropic cytokine expressed in various tissues. This cytokine is largely expressed in the female urogenital tract as well as reproductive organs. Very high or very low levels of IL-6 are associated with estrogen metabolism imbalance. In the present study, we investigated the polymorphic variants in the CYP2D6 gene and the C-174G promoter polymorphism of the IL-6 gene on S. haematobium-infected children patients from Guine Bissau. CYP2D6 inactivated alleles (28.5%) and IL6G-174C (13.3%) variants were frequent in S. haematobium-infected patients when compared to previously studied healthy populations (4.5% and 0.05%, respectively). Here we discuss our recent findings on these polymorphisms and whether they can be predictive markers of schistosome infection and/or represent potential biomarkers for urogenital schistosomiasis associated bladder cancer and infertility.
- Orientação para o mercado, vantagens competitivas e desempenho organizacional: contributos na constrição e proposta de um modelo conceptualPublication . Gonçalves, Paulo; Rodrigues, Ana Paula; Alves, HelenaO mercado empresarial e as Pequenas e Médias Empresas (PME) estão actualmente em mudança e manifesta competitividade, o que reforça a necessidade de inovação e diferenciação das suas actividades, capacidades e recursos. Para enfrentar os (novos) desafios, as organizações carecem de ser empreendedoras e definir processos e modelos de gestão de orientação de mercado. Esta orientação, cada vez mais, assume um papel importante na “função de gestão” e estratégia das organizações. O objectivo deste trabalho é propor um modelo conceptual, no qual se analisa a relação entre a orientação de mercado, a orientação empreendedora e a capacidade de inovação, aferindo a influência e o impacto destas variáveis no desempenho e resultados de gestão das organizações. Para realizar este estudo, iremos utilizar uma metodologia quantitativa apoiada numa inquirição de corte transversal, a partir do envio de questionários estruturados aos responsáveis das PME nacionais. Utilizaremos a metodologia de modelização de equações estruturais para testar o modelo proposto e as hipóteses subjacentes. O presente estudo procura contribuir para a identificação de processos de competitividade empresarial passíveis de influenciar as decisões de gestão dos gestores e o desenvolvimento das PME.
- The Cancer Hygiene Hypothesis: From Theory to Therapeutic HelminthsPublication . Fernandes, Rúben; Alves, Helena; Botelho, Monica C.Background: The “Hygiene Hypothesis” was postulated by David Strachan in 1989 to explain for the rapid 20th century increase in allergic diseases such as asthma. In this hypothesis, children from developed countries living in ultra-hygienic environments and avoiding exposure to viruses, bacteria, and parasites, especially helminthes, have an increased risk of atopic disorders. Materials & Methods: Research and online content related to cancer hygiene hypothesis is highlighted and to illustrate key themes. Guidelines for meaningful participation in DOC activities for people with diabetes, families, health care providers, and industry are provided. Results: The lack of worms leads to failure of stimulation of mucosal Th2 responses. These infections exert their effect through critically altering T-helper (Th)1/Th2 regulation, and it is postulated that, thus, they protect against atopy and asthma, through the induction of Th1 regulatory response. It is now also recognized that this “hygiene hypothesis” concept applies to a wider range of chronic inflammatory diseases than atopy and asthma, such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis and cancer. Conclusion: Here we discuss the major implications of these findings for the association between microorganisms and cancer, and also between some immune pathologies, like autoimmune diseases, and cancer.