Browsing by Author "Teixeira, F."
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- Beyond the brain: The hidden role of cardiorenal dysfunction in Parkinson’s diseasePublication . Teixeira, C.; Araújo, B.; Caridade-Silva, Rita; Martins-Macedo, J.; Guedes,Carla; Gomes, Eduardo; Falcão-Pires, I.; Alencastre, I.; Teixeira, F.; Guedes, Carla; Gomes, EduardoParkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, marked by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in critical areas of the brain, particularly the striatum and substantia nigra. PD's complex nature suggests its interactions with various systemic health issues, particularly those affecting organs outside the central nervous system (CNS), which may increase the risk of developing PD and affect treatment outcomes. Research indicates that individuals with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) face significantly higher risks of PD, even when controlling for shared risk factors. Notably, alpha-synuclein aggregations, a hallmark of PD, have also been found in the renal and cardiac tissues of patients with PD, CKD, and CVD, highlighting the interconnectedness of these systems. The Zucker fatty and spontaneously hypertensive (ZSF1) rats model metabolic syndrome, which includes kidney issues and heart failure. This study aimed to explore how the ZSF1 phenotype impacts the integrity of dopaminergic neurons and neuroinflammatory processes. Brain tissues from ZSF1 rats were analyzed through immunostaining with markers specific to dopaminergic and glial cells. The results showed a significant decrease in dopaminergic markers in the striatum and substantia nigra, indicating a potential link between cardiorenal dysfunction and neurodegenerative pathways. These findings suggest that systemic health conditions can directly influence PD pathology, emphasizing the complex interactions between the brain, heart, and kidneys, and presenting new opportunities for targeted PD therapies.
- Focused Neuroprotection in Parkinson's Disease: Effects of N-Acetylcysteine and MRI-guided Ultrasound NeuromodulationPublication . Silva, Rita Caridade; Araújo, B.; Vilaça-Ferreira, A. C.; Vilela, C.; Teixeira, C.; Martins-Macedo, J.; Soares-Guedes, C.; Gomes, Eduardo D.; Meriaux, S.; Larrat, B.; Wade-Martins, R.; Fernandes, H. J.; Teixeira, F.; Gomes, EduardoParkinson’s Disease (PD) is characterized by a progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons (DAn) in the brain, leading to severe symptomatology. Current treatments mainly address motor symptoms rather than preventing DAn damage or degeneration. Hence, there is an urgent need for novel strategies, particularly those that can combine neuroprotective and neuroregenerative approaches [1]. Drug repurposing is a powerful method for identifying new applications for approved drugs outside the scope of the original medical indication [2]. Under this concept, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a potent antioxidant, has shown therapeutic abilities in modulating oxidative stress and preventing dopamine-induced cell death [3], suggesting potential disease-modifying actions in PD. Notably, recent data from our team revealed that NAC could restore dopamine transporter (DAT) levels in the dorsal striatum of PD animals [4].
- The synergy of dopaminergic system and adult hippocampal neurogenesis in a pre-clinical model of Parkinson’s disease pp85Publication . Araújo, B.; Caridade-Silva, Rita; Vilaça-Ferreira, A.; Martins-Macedo, J.; Teixeira, C.; Soares-Guedes, C.; Svenningsson, P.; Pinto, L.; Teixeira, F.; Guedes, CarlaDepressive disturbances are prevalent in 40% to 50% of clinical cases of Parkinson’s Disease (PD), alongside a common reduction in adult hippocampal neurogenesis observed in both PD and its related conditions. This neurogenesis deficit may affect the clinical course of the disease. With this in mind, we set an experiment using the glial fibrillary acidic protein-thymidine kinase (GFAP-TK) transgenic rat model to assess the impact of impaired adult cytogenesis induced by the antiviral Ganciclovir on PD. The experiment involved a combination of the GFAP-TK model and a 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) model of PD, while behavioral analyses focused on anxiety, depression, and motor skills. From the results, histological examinations revealed decreased proliferative cells and reduced dopaminergic innervation. Additionally, analysis of newborn and immature neurons occurred in the hippocampus, subventricular zone, and olfactory bulbs, while dopaminergic loss was assessed in regions like the substantia nigra and striatum. Findings indicated that the model exhibited anxiety/depressive-like behaviors and motor impairments, linked to the notable loss of dopaminergic neurons, which appeared to correlate with reduced doublecortin-positive cells in the hippocampus. Moreover, results suggested subtle differences between ipsilateral and contralateral sides, highlighting the dopaminergic system's role in hippocampal adaptation. Therefore, these findings suggest a connection between reduced neurogenesis and dopaminergic neuron loss, hinting that these phenomena might be interrelated. Therefore, investigating this potential regional interconnection may augment our understanding of non-motor dimensions in PD pathophysiology related to motor functions, thereby facilitating the development of enhanced therapeutic strategies for individuals in the early stages of PD.
- Validation of app and phone versions of the Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test (CARAT)Publication . Jácome, C.; Pereira, R.; Almeida, R.; Amaral, Rita; Correia, M. A.; Mendes, S.; Vieira-Marques, P.; Ferreira, J. A.; Lopes, I.; Gomes, J.; Vidal, C.; López Freire, S.; Méndez Brea, P.; Arrobas, A.; Valério, M.; Chaves Loureiro, C.; Santos, L. M.; Couto, M.; Araujo, L.; Todo Bom, A.; Azevedo, J. P.; Cardoso, J.; Emiliano, M.; Gerardo, R.; Lozoya, C.; Pinto, P. L.; Neves, A. Castro; Pinto, N.; Palhinha, A.; Teixeira, F.; Ferreira-Magalhães, M.; Alves, C.; Coelho, D.; Santos, N.; Menezes, F.; Gomes, R.; Rodrigues, J. C. Cidrais; Oliveira, G.; Carvalho, J.; Alves, R. Rodrigues; Moreira, A. S.; Costa, A.; Abreu, C.; Silva, R.; Morête, A.; Falcão, H.; Marques, M. L.; Câmara, R.; Cálix, M. J.; Bordalo, D.; Silva, D.; Vasconcelos, M. J.; Fernandes, R. M.; Ferreira, R.; Freitas, P.; Lopes, F.; Fonseca, J. AlmeidaAssessment of asthma control at every opportunity is recommended. Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test (CARAT) is a patient reported outcome measure commonly used to assess asthma control in clinical practice.It includes ten questions answered in a 4 point Like rt scale that address upper and lower airway symptoms, sleep interference, limitation of activities , and the need to increase medication over a 4 week period. CARAT is frequently administered on paper during medical visits, but digital versions through website and mobile apps are available.