Browsing by Author "Vilela, Cristiana"
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- From peripheral to central (Neuro)degeneration: Is heart-kidney a new axial paradigm for Parkinson’s disease?Publication . Teixeira, Catarina; Caridade-Silva, Rita; Martins-Macedo, Joana; Araújo, Bruna; Gomes, Eduardo; Vilela, Cristiana; Soares-Guedes, Carla; Pires, Inês Falcão; Alencastre, Inês; G. Teixeira, Fábio; Gomes, EduardoParkinson’s Disease (PD) is primarily characterized by the accumulation of alpha-synuclein (αSyn) and the loss of dopaminergic neurons (DAn). The most evident repercussions of the disease include sympathetic and parasympathetic dysfunction, decreased dopamine (DA) levels, and impaired voluntary movements. Given the multifactorial nature of PD, it is now recognized that several systemic diseases may predispose individuals to the onset and progression of PD as well as influence its therapeutic outcomes. Recent studies have highlighted that patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) face an increased risk of developing PD, independent of the shared risk factors. Indeed, substantial evidence supports the connections between the brain, heart, and kidneys. Elements such as the dopaminergic system, blood pressure regulation, inflammation, autophagy, oxidative stress, and calcium (Ca2+) signaling are recognized as crucial for the functioning of each organ individually. However, these factors may also significantly impact the overall health of the triad. Understanding the interconnection between the brain, heart, and kidneys would be groundbreaking in enhancing our knowledge about their interactions, enabling prompt interventions in the early stages of the disease. With this perspective, this review analyzes the current understanding of the brain-heart-kidney axis as a potential new paradigm for diagnosing and managing PD.
- From the gut to the brain: Is microbiota a new paradigm in Parkinson’s disease treatment?Publication . Vilela, Cristiana; Araújo, Bruna; Guedes, Carla; Silva, Rita Caridade; Macedo, Joana Martins; Teixeira, Catarina; Gomes, Eduardo; Prudêncio, Cristina; Vieira, Mónica; Teixeira, Fábio G.Parkinson’s disease (PD) is recognized as the second most prevalent primary chronic neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system. Clinically, PD is characterized as a movement disorder, exhibiting an incidence and mortality rate that is increasing faster than any other neurological condition. In recent years, there has been a growing interest concerning the role of the gut microbiota in the etiology and pathophysiology of PD. The establishment of a brain–gut microbiota axis is now real, with evidence denoting a bidirectional communication between the brain and the gut microbiota through metabolic, immune, neuronal, and endocrine mechanisms and pathways. Among these, the vagus nerve represents the most direct form of communication between the brain and the gut. Given the potential interactions between bacteria and drugs, it has been observed that the therapies for PD can have an impact on the composition of the microbiota. Therefore, in the scope of the present review, we will discuss the current understanding of gut microbiota on PD and whether this may be a new paradigm for treating this devastating disease.