Percorrer por autor "Sequeira, Susie"
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- Avaliação da atividade antioxidante e citotóxica in vitro de um extrato aquoso de Moringa oleifera e Curcuma longaPublication . Santos, Diana; Pereira, Maria João; Sequeira, Susie; Pinho, CláudiaOs extratos isolados de Moringa oleifera (moringa) e Curcuma longa (curcuma) apresentam inúmeras atividades em comum, nomeadamente, a atividade antioxidante, anti-inflamatória, antineoplásica e antibacteriana, pelo que alguns autores referem benefícios da combinação de ambas as plantas. Porém, a escassez de informação quanto à associação das duas plantas, principalmente em produtos já comercializados, realça a pertinência do presente trabalho. Avaliar, in vitro, a atividade antioxidante e citotóxica do extrato aquoso de um produto comercial contendo Moringa oleiferae Curcuma longa. Preparou-se a infusão de moringa e curcuma como descrito pelo fabricante (1 saqueta em 250 mL de água destilada fervente), e ao fim de 5 minutos a solução foi filtrada, para posterior liofilização. Estimou-se a atividade antioxidante através da determinação do teor total de flavonoides (TTF) e recorrendo ao ensaio do ácido 2,2’-azino-bis(3-etilbenzotiazolina-6-sulfónico) (ABTS) e do peróxidode hidrogénio (H2O2). Para a citotoxicidade, estimou-se a % de viabilidade celular em células A549, pelo ensaio do brometo de 3-(4,5-dimetil-2-tiazolil)-2,5-difenil-2H-tetrazólio (MTT), após 48h de incubação com o extrato em estudo. Para a determinação do TTF obteve-se um valor de 165,5 ± 8,7 mg de equivalentes em quercetina/g de extrato. Nos ensaios de ABTS e H2O2os valores de IC50foram de 138,3 ± 0,4 μg/mL e 15,8 ± 0,0 μg/mL, respetivamente. A percentagem de viabilidade celular variou entre 89,81-120,60%, para as concentrações de extrato testadas (5-1000 μg/mL), não demonstrando assim efeito citotóxico nas células analisadas. Neste estudo, realça-se a potencial atividade antioxidante do extrato aquoso de moringa e curcuma, que poderá estar relacionada com os compostos fenólicos presentes, nomeadamente os flavonóides. Porém, mais estudos deverão ser feitos no sentido de validar o benefício desta associação de plantas, como produto antioxidante.
- A comprehensive analysis of viability assays for Giardia lamblia and Trichomonas vaginalis trophozoites: a systematic reviewPublication . Sequeira, Susie; Sousa, Mariana; Cruz, AgostinhoGiardia lamblia and Trichomonas vaginalis are flagellated protozoan parasites that often cause asymptomatic infections but may lead to gastrointestinal or genitourinary symptoms. Improved treatment options are needed due to emerging resistance. However, selecting an appropriate method for assessing the in vitro susceptibility of G. lamblia and T. vaginalis in the presence of potential therapeutic compounds remains challenging due to the variability in these methods. This study aimed to provide an overview of commonly employed methods for determining trophozoite viability in the presence of potential therapeutic compounds and to propose a standardized viability assay for susceptibility testing for G. lamblia and T. vaginalis. A systematic literature review was conducted according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) 2020 statement, using databases including MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science, with the following search equation: “in vitro” AND “method” AND (“susceptibility” OR “viability” OR “sensitivity”) AND (“giardia” OR “trichomonas”). The search identified 32 experimental studies with diverse viability assays. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, adherence inhibition assay, and [3H]-thymidine incorporation assay were prominent for G. lamblia. The trypan blue assay, motility assessment, and resazurin assay were frequently used for T. vaginalis. These findings underscore the diversity in viability assessment methods, highlighting the importance of standardizing viability assays to ensure accurate and reproducible results in drug susceptibility studies. The fluorometric resazurin assay has emerged as a suitable choice for standardization in both parasites, offering cost-effectiveness, reliability, and ease of use.
- A comprehensive analysis of viability assessment methods for Giardia lamblia and Trichomonas vaginalis: a systematic reviewPublication . Sequeira, Susie; Sousa, Mariana; Cruz, AgostinhoGiardia lamblia (G. lamblia) and Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) are flagellated protozoan parasites responsible for giardiasis and trichomoniasis, respectively. These infections, often asymptomatic, can manifest with gastrointestinal and genitourinary symptoms. Metronidazole serves asthe primary pharmacological treatment for both diseases, but it has limitations, including adverse effects and the emergence of drug-resistant strains. In vitro models are essential for the development of novel treatment options[4]. However, the diversity of viability assessment methods has led to inconsistent results and challenges in comparing studies. This study provides a comprehensive overview of commonly employed methods for assessing the viability of trophozoites of these parasites in the presence of compounds with therapeutic potential. In September 2023, a literature search was conducted on PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science using predefined search terms, including “in vitro", "method", "susceptibility", "viability", "sensitivity", "giardia" and "trichomonas". Research articles published in English or Portuguese were included, specifically focusing on in vitro methodologies for evaluating the viability of trophozoites in G. lambliaand T. vaginalis. Studies addressing cyst viability or lacking explicit method descriptions were excluded, as were reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. No temporal restrictions were imposed, and the Preferred Reporting Items for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement was followed. The search identified 29 experimental studies with multiple viability assays. Only five methods were common to both parasites: a colorimetric approach (dye exclusion test with trypan blue), two fluorometric methods (resazurin and SYBR green I), and two morphophysiological methods (cell count and cell motility). The fluorometric resazurin method emerges as the most suitable choice for assessing trophozoite viability in both parasites, offering cost-effectiveness, flexibility, reliability, and ease of use. This method shows promise for standardized assessments of potential therapeutic compounds for G. lamblia and T. vaginalis infections.
- Exploring methodologies from Isolation to excystation for Giardia lamblia: A systematic reviewPublication . Sequeira, Susie; Sousa, Mariana; Cruz, Agostinho; Cruz, AgostinhoGiardia lamblia is a flagellated protozoan and the etiological agent of giardiasis, a leading cause of epidemic and sporadic diarrhoea globally. The clinical and public health relevance of giardiasis underscores the need for robust methodologies to investigate and manage this pathogen. This study reviews the main methodologies described in the literature for studying the life cycle of G. lamblia, focusing on isolation, purification, axenization, excystation, and encystation. A systematic literature review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020) statement. Searches were performed in MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science Core Collection databases. A total of 43 studies were included, revealing 58 methods for isolation and purification, 7 for excystation, 2 for axenization, and 5 for encystation. Isolation and purification methods exhibited significant variability, often involving two phases: an initial separation (e.g., filtration and centrifugation) followed by purification using a density gradient for faecal samples or immunomagnetic separation for water samples. Method effectiveness differed depending on the sample source and type, limiting comparability across studies. In contrast, methods used for other life cycle stages were more consistent. These findings underscore the need for standardised methodologies to enhance the reproducibility and reliability of research outcomes in this field.
- Exploring the diverse properties of Mentha piperita L.: a systematic reviewPublication . Ferreira, Inês; Sousa, Mariana; Sequeira, Susie; Cruz, AgostinhoMentha piperitaL., widely recognized as peppermint, is globally renowned and popular due to its versatile applications in medicine, industry, and cuisine[1]. This perennial plant has a worldwide distribution, with origins in Europe and Middle East. As member of the Lamiaceae family it’s a natural hybrid of Mentha aquaticL. and Mentha spicataL.[1]. Traditionally, it has been used for alleviating gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms[2]. Currently, it is utilized in medicine tomanage respiratory diseases, in cosmetics for incorporation into toothpaste, and in food preservation or preparation purposes[3]. This review systematizes the known properties of Mentha piperitaL. based on the current literature, presenting its state-of-the-art. Based on PRISMA 2020 guidelines, the search involved three databases: Web of Science, PubMed, and Science Direct, using the search terms "Mentha piperita" and "properties"combined with Boolean operators “AND”. Inclusion criteria considered original research articles in Portuguese or English, without year restrictions. This search yielded 497 resultsof which 20 original articles were fully analysed. Peppermint can be characterised by its smooth stems, dark green leaves with pointed tips, coarsely toothed margins, bare fibrous roots and the presence of purple flowers. This botanical specimen can be recognised by its unique organoleptic characteristics, which include an aromatic odour and a pungent, fiery taste, culminating in a refreshing sensation. The literature suggests a wide range of properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-aging, antibiofilm, cytotoxic, larvicidal, fungicidal, fungistatic, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory and anti-Alzheimer, among others. This review underscores the remarkable versatility and diverse array of properties exhibited by Mentha piperitaL., shedding light on its potential applications across various domains. Peppermint's distinctive characteristics and wide-ranging utility position it as a species of significant relevance, with applications extending beyond health to various other study subjects.
- Innovative pedagogical tools for parasitology based on interactive learningPublication . Sequeira, Susie; Sousa, Mariana; Fernandes, Sara; Barreiros, Luísa; Cunha, Agostinho; Cruz, Agostinho; Fernandes, Sara; Barreiros, LuisaParasitic infections in children, in particular ectoparasitoses, remain a public health challenge within the school context in Portugal. As part of the curricular unit “Agentes e Vectores de Doença I” included in the first year of the Bachelor of Pharmacy, pedagogical tools have been developed to raise awareness on this issue among the various stakeholders involved in primary education. The developed activities, in addition to enable the consolidation of technical and scientific knowledge, promote the development of transversal competences, namely soft skills, essential for the training of future health professionals. The created instruments have been successfully applied in teacher training activities and in awareness-raising sessions for children. The adoption of interactive learning approaches has contributed to higher student engagement and better learning outcomes, while simultaneously promoting a culture of education and health promotion supported by innovative and collaborative pedagogical practices.
- O papel da farmacogenómica na terapia com opioides: otimização do controlo da dor e redução do risco de dependência e overdosePublication . Santos, Diana; Santos, Marlene; Pereira, Maria João; Sequeira, SusieOs fármacos opioides são recorrentemente utilizados no tratamento da dor moderada a severa, em virtude da sua reconhecida eficácia neste tipo de dor. Contudo, a utilização destes fármacos não é isenta de riscos, nomeadamente o desenvolvimento de tolerância, dependência, assim como de overdose. A farmacogenómica visa a identificação de variantes genéticas associadas a um gene, que influenciam a farmacocinética e a farmacodinâmica de medicamentos específicos, e, consequentemente, a resposta à terapêutica. Neste contexto, e em virtude de variabilidade de resposta à terapêutica com opioides, a utilização da farmacogenómica para orientação da terapêutica com opioides representa uma mais-valia, e possibilitará um tratamento personalizado, com maximização dos benefícios terapêuticos e minimização dos efeitos adversos. O objetivo deste trabalho centrou-se rever as evidências científicas da utilização da farmacogenómica no tratamento da dor com recurso a fármacos opioides. Este trabalho consistiu numa revisão narrativa da literatura conduzida na base de dados PubMed, incluindo estudos que abordem a influência de genes chave, alvo de polimorfismos genéticos, que codifiquem para proteínas envolvidas na terapêutica com opioides. Adicionalmente recorreu-se à base de dados de farmacogenómica PharmaGKB® para obtenção das orientações terapêuticas para os fármacos opioides emitidas para o Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC). Pela análise das evidências científicas, denota-se que a maior parte dos estudos se debruça sobre a influência dos genes CYP2D6, COMT, OPRM1 na terapêutica com opioides. Dentro destes, o CYP2D6 é o gene cujas variações mais impactam a resposta a fármacos, opioides, segundo a CPIC. A farmacogenómica é uma área em ampla expansão, na qual ainda existem lacunas do conhecimento ao nível de genes, variantes e respetivos testes farmacogenómicos. A implementação da farmacogenómica e dos testes farmacogenéticos na prática clínica, representam um desafio, atendendo à sua complexidade, aos custos inerentes e a falta do conhecimento dos profissionais de saúde e da comunidade em geral nesta área, mas que poderá no caso dos fármacos opiodes apresentam um importante contributo na minimização das reações adversas a estes fármacos.