ESS - CISA/LAQV Requimte - Posters apresentados em eventos científicos
URI permanente para esta coleção:
Navegar
Entradas recentes
- Evaluation of the concordance of pharmacogenomic information in the RCM and FI with the international recommendations of CPIC and PharmGKBPublication . Almeida, Nuno; Vasconcelos, Ana; Lacerda, Ivo; Santos, Marlene; Santos, MarlenePharmacogenomics plays an increas-ing role in optimizing antiviral therapy, allowing the choice and dosage of drugs to be tailored to the pa-tient’s genetic profile. However, the integration of this information into regulatory documents, such as the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) and the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL), remains inconsistent. To evaluate the degree of concordance between the pharmacogenomic information present-ed in the SmPC and PIL of antiviral drugs with the international recommendations of the Clinical Phar-macogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC) and the evidence levels reported in PharmGKB. An analysis was conducted on a set of 146 marketed antiviral drugs, assessing the presence of pharmacogenomic recommendations in their respec-tive SmPCs and PILs. These data were compared with CPIC guidelines and the pharmacogenomic evidence levels assigned by PharmGKB. Results: Only 14 out of the 146 drugs analysed pre-sented recommendations based on CPIC. Regarding PharmGKB evidence levels, most active substanc-es exhibited level 3. Complete agreement with CPIC guidelines was observed in only 2 SmPCs, while other 5 did not consider any genetic polymorphisms. The re-maining documents contained incomplete or partially aligned pharmacogenomic information relative to in-ternational recommendations. The results show that, with the excep-tion of abacavir, there is a discrepancy between the available pharmacogenomic evidence and its inte-gration into the SmPCs of antiviral medicines. This misalignment reinforces the need for more compre-hensive studies and effective harmonization between international guidelines and the content of SmPCs, promoting the adoption of personalized medicine.
- Bioactive contact lens incorporating umbilical cord-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome for corneal regenerationPublication . Coutinho, Ana; Sousa, Ana Catarina; Maurício, Ana ColetteCorneal injuries and degenerative corneal disorders remain a significant clinical challenge, as impaired tis-sue regeneration can lead to corneal opacity, neovas-cularization, and progressive vision loss [1,2]. Current therapeutic approaches, including topical eye drops and corneal transplantation, are limited by poor bio-availability, insufficient regenerative potential, and the risk of immune rejection [3]. Therefore, there is a pressing need for innovative, non-invasive strategies capable of restoring corneal function. In this context, conditioned medium derived from umbilical cord mes-enchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs), rich in bioactive fac-tors (secretome), has shown promising regenerative and immunomodulatory effects in corneal repair. This study aims to develop a bioactive contact lens as a non-invasive therapeutic platform for corneal regener-ation. The system is based on a hydrogel composed of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), hyaluronic acid (HA), and UC-MSC-derived conditioned medium. Prior to incorpo-ration, the secretome will be characterized to identify key biomarkers associated with immunomodulation and tissue regeneration and validated in vitro through cytocompatibility and cell migration (scratch) assays. The bioactive contact lenses will be fabricated using mold-based techniques to ensure reproducible geom-etry and structural consistency. Within the hydrogel matrix, PVA provides mechanical stability and flexi-bility, while HA enhances hydration, biocompatibility, and mimics native corneal properties, contributing to comfort and biological performance. This platform enables sustained and localized delivery of bioactive factors directly to the injured corneal surface. The re-sulting hydrogel will undergo physicochemical charac-terization using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectros-copy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Biological performance will be evaluated in vitro using corneal epithelial cells under conditions that mimic the ocular environment. Overall, this work proposes a promising cell-free regenerative strategy for corneal wound healing, with the potential to enhance epitheli-al repair, reduce fibrosis, and improve visual outcomes.
- Sensing the mind: label-free miRNA-based sensor as a diagnostic tool for neurodevelopmental disordersPublication . Pereira, Eduarda; Santos, Renata; Prior, Catarina; Santos, Marlene; Teixeira, Ana Luísa; Barroso, M. Fátima; Santos, Marlene; Almeida Rufo Pereira, EduardaMental health disorders, including Attention-Defi-cit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and autism spec-trum disorder (ASD), are global public health concerns that lack accurate and fast diagnostic tools. Recent evidence highlights miR-151a-3p as a promising circu-lating biomarker, as its levels in plasma and saliva are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. How-ever, current detection methods like RT-qPCR are ex-pensive and time-consuming, which creates a demand for innovative point-of-care solutions. Highly sensitive electrochemical biosensor for the direct detection of miR-151a-3p emerge as promising alternatives, in gold screen-printed electrodes functionalized with a specific DNA-151a-3p capture probe. The biosensor’s assembly and the hybridization events were moni-tored using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochem-ical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Preliminary results indicate that the biosensor exhibits high selectivity and sensitivity, distinguishing the target miR-151a-3p from non-complementary sequences within biologi-cally relevant concentration ranges. This label-free ap-proach offers a significant advantage over traditional assays by providing a cost-effective, fast, and portable diagnostic tool.
- Green zero-valent iron in soil remediation and impact on Raphanus sativus L. germination, seedling growth and antioxidant system responsePublication . Fernandes, Filipe; Santos, Miguel; Carvalho, Susana; Cruz, Agostinho; Delerue-Matos, Cristina; Grosso, Clara; MichalaK, Izabela; Cruz, AgostinhoNano zero-valent iron (nZVI) is the most widely used nanoparticle for remediation in Europe and the USA. Despite this, its impacts on plant growth and soil mi-crobiome are not fully understood [1]. To ensure the sustainable and safe use of this technology, the im-pacts and mechanisms must be fully elucidated. Here, the phytotoxicity of nZVI synthesized from agrifood wastes (spent coffee grounds and Cistus ladanifer L.post-distillation wastes) on radish ((Raphanus sativusL.) cv. Pharaoh obtained from WerbAna Sp. z o.o. (Warsaw, Poland)) germination and seedling growth was assessed in Petri dishes at concentrations rang-ing from 5 to 400 mg/L. Next, nZVI (500 mg/kg) were applied for the remediation of soils contaminated with venlafaxine and glyphosate (2 mg/kg). Afterwards, radish germination and seedling growth on the con-taminated and remediated soils was assessed, along with biometric plant growth parameters, chlorophyll content, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxi-dant system response. The nZVI did not show signifi-cant impacts on germination and plant growth, but the levels of ROS (superoxide radical and hydrogen per-oxide) and the activity of some antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase) was slightly higher, indicating oxidative stress caused by nZVI exposure. Concerning contaminants, glyphosate caused a decrease in chlorophyll content, compared to the control plants. This study helps in understand-ing the potential impact of nZVI on plant growth after remediation strategies are employed.
- Pharmacogenomics and substance use disorders in Portugal: bridging the gap between scientific evidence and drug labellingPublication . Torres, Ana; Ribeiro, Ana; António, Jéssica; Santos, Marlene; Santos, MarleneSubstance use represent a major global public health burden requiring pharmacological interventions grounded in robust scientific evidence (1). Pharmacogenomics offers a critical framework for personalised medicine by tailoring therapies to indi-vidual genetic profiles an approach particularly rele-vant in addiction treatment (2). To evaluate the degree of alignment between current pharmacogenomic evidence and regulatory documents, namely Summaries of Product Characteristics (SPCs) and Patient Information Leaflets (PILs), for drugs classified under the WHO N07B group and bupropion (N06AX). A structured review was conducted for drugs spanning ATC subgroups: N07BA (varenicline, cytisinicline, nicotine); N07BB (disulfiram, naltrexone, nalmefene); N07BC (methadone, buprenorphine, buprenorphine/naloxone); and bupropion (N06AX) (3). SPCs and PILs were retrieved from Infomed (4). Pharmacogenomic evidence was systematically sourced from CPIC guidelines and PharmGKB annotations (5). For each drug, the presence, accuracy, and completeness of pharmacogenomic information in regulatory documents were assessed against these reference databases, with particular focus on clinically actionable genedrug interactions involving variants such as CYP2D6, ADH1B, ALDH2, and CHRNA5. Genetic variants including CYP2D6, ADH1B, ALDH2, and CHRNA5 are established modulators of drug metabolism and dependence susceptibility across this therapeutic class. Nevertheless, SPCs and PILs for the ma-jority of reviewed drugs contain absent or outdated pharmacogenomic information, with poor alignment to current CPIC and PharmGKB recommendations. Better incorporation of validated genetic data into SPCs and PILs would strengthen clinical decision making, and support treatment personalisation, in the management of substance use disorders.
- Food and lifestyle determinants of maternal exposure to semi-metal and heavy metal pollutantsPublication . Guimarães, Juliana; Bracchi, Isabella; Pinheiro, Cátia; Vieira, Maria Inês; Barbosa, Margarida Oliveira; Almeida, Agostinho; Azevedo, Rui; Pinto, Edgar; Pestana, Diogo; Calhau, Conceição; Prucha, Maria do Carmo; Martins, Cristina; Dias, Cláudia C.; Azevedo, Luís Filipe R.; Ramalho, Carla; Fernandes, Virgínia Cruz; Keating, Elisa; Fernandes, Virgínia; Pinto, EdgarExposure to toxics elements such as Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Lithium (Li) and Arsenic (As) pose health risks particularly for vulnerable groups like pregnant women and children. Knowledge about toxic metal exposure in these groups is scarce in Portugal. This study aims to identify food and lifestyle determinants of maternal exposure to toxic elements. Pregnant women from the IoMum cohort, undergoing firsttrimester fetal ultrasound between April 2018 and December 2021 at CHUSJoão (Porto) and Hospital CUF Descobertas (Lisbon), were invited to participate. At this stage, dietary and lifestyle information was collected through a structured questionnaire. A random urine sample was collected for Pb, Cd, Li and total (inorganic + organic) As quantification by ICP-MS and the values were adjusted for urinary creatinine concentration. A total of 305 mother: child pairs were included. RESULTS: The majority of the sample had detectable urinary levels of toxic elements (n (%): 269 (88), 157 (52), 305 (100) and 293 (96) for Pb, Cd, Li and total As, respectively). Pb urinary concentration was inversely associated with education level (p=0.008) while Cd and As levels were positively associated with education level (p=<0.001 and 0.002, respectively). Smoking was associated with higher Pb levels (p<0.001). Fish intake frequency was positively associated with Cd and As levels (p=0.005 and p<0.001, respectively) with women with fish intake higher than 4 times a week presenting median (P25;P75) in μg/g total As 33.8 (20.9 ; 67.7) concentration above the reference range typically (≥ 24.0 μg/g), seen in a group of healthy individuals. On the other hand, milk intake frequency was inversely associated Pb levels (p=0.025). Our results suggest that fish consumption may be a significant source of Cd and As exposure and that a higher milk intake may have a protective effect against Pb exposure.
- Total phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of Olive oils from Rio Grande do Sul, BrazilPublication . Siqueira, Geisa; Soares, Geraldo; Lobo, Joana C.; Pinto, Edgar; Viegas, Olga; Pinto, EdgarExtra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) is a staple in global cuisine and a key component of the Mediterranean diet, valued for its health benefits associated with oleic acid and antioxidants. Brazil relies heavily on imported olive oil, facing high prices, potential adulteration, and limited data on local oil quality. Olive oil production is expanding in southern Brazil, particularly in Rio Grande do Sul (RGS), but comprehensive characterization remains limited. This study aimed to assess the total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant capacity, and oxidative stability of EVOO from RGS (n=6) and compare them with the most commercially available EVOO in Brazil, of the Iberian-origin (n=3). Nine different EVOOs were purchased in triplicate from markets in RGS. Standard quality parameters (free acidity, peroxide value, K232, K270, and ΔK) were determined according to Regulation (EU) No 2022/2105. TPC (mg gallic acid equivalents - GAE/kg) and antioxidant activity (DPPH inhibition, %) were measured by spectrophotometry. Oxidative stability was assessed using the Rancimat method. All samples met EU quality standards. Statistically significant differences were observed for TPC, antioxidant activity, and oxidative stability, with Iberian EVOOs presenting lower values—TPC (76±15 vs. 147±24 mg GAE/kg), antioxidant activity (58.5±8.9 vs. 80.6±7.1 % [DPPH]), and oxidative stability (5.3±1.27 vs. 11.2±3.18 hours) for Iberian and RGS EVOOs, respectively. Several factors may contribute to the observed results, particularly storage time and conditions. Phenolic compounds degrade over time during storage. Given that the Iberian EVOOs were stored for a longer period (due to transport associated with the importation process), this may have led to a reduction in phenolic content and oxidative stability. These findings highlight the importance of chemical characterization and quality assessment of EVOOs available on the market. Further studies are needed to explore the impact of storage and processing conditions on EVOO composition.
- Determinants of maternal exposure to heavy metals and semi-metals: Focus on diet and lifestylePublication . Guimarães, J.; Bracchi, Isabella; Pinheiro, C.; Vieira, M.I.; Barbosa, M. Oliveira; Almeida, A.; Azevedo, R.; Pinto, Edgar; Pestana, D.; Calhau, C.; Prucha, M. do Carmo; Martins, C.; Dias, C.C.; Azevedo, L.F.R.; Ramalho, C.; Fernandes, Virginia Cruz; Keating, E.; Fernandes, Virgínia; Pinto, EdgarKnowledge on determinants and health risks of toxic metal exposure in pregnancy is scarce in Portugal. This study aims to characterize food and lifestyle determinants of maternal exposure to Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd) and Arsenic (As). We included 1111 pregnant women undergoing routine 1sttrimester fetal ultrasound scan between 2018 and 2021 at CHUSJoão (Porto) and Hospital CUF Descobertas (Lisbon), who had single pregnancy and gave informed consent. At this stage, we collected diet and lifestyle information and a random urine sample for Pb, Cd and As quantification by ICP-MS. The majority of the sample had detectable urinary levels of toxic elements (n (%) and median (P25; P75) for Pb, Cd (in ng/g), and As (in μg/ g): 980 (88) and 547.2 (289.1; 975.9), 628 (57) and 142.5 (81.5; 234.9), 1080 (97) and 27.4 (14.9; 51.3), respectively). Cd and As urinary concentrations were positively correlated (r s =0.250, p<0.001). Smoking habits were associated with higher Pb (p=0.034) and Cd (p=0.008) levels and Pb levels had a negative weak correlation with birth head circumference (r s =-0.102; p=0.009). Regarding diet, the frequencies of fish and eggs intake were positively associated with Cd and As levels (p=0.005 and p< 0.001, respectively for fish intake; p=0.030 and p<0.001, respectively, for eggs intake). Women who reported consuming fish or eggs at least four times a week presented median (P25; P75) As levels of 35.2 (21.3; 71.9) or 35.9 (16.8; 57.2) μg/g, respectively. These concentrations exceed the commonly accepted reference range (≥24.0 μg/g), observed in healthy populations. Our results evidence that, in pregnant women, smoking might be a determinant of Pb and Cd exposure and fish and eggs might be relevant determinants of Cd and As exposure. These data stress the need to study the consequences of Pb or As and Cd cumulative exposure on the health of the mother and the offspring.
- Espondilite Anquilosante: Alterações nos perfis lipídico e inflamatórioPublication . Valério, Nádia; Amorim, Maria Manuela; Ferreira, Stéphanie Lopes; Mota, Sandra Marlene; Moreira, Teresa; Moreira, Anabela; Mota, Sandra; Amorim Sousa, Maria Manuela; Lopes Ferreira, StephanieA Espondilite Anquilosante (EA) é uma doença inflamatória crónica que acomete principalmente as articulações sacroilíacas, com consequente limitação da mobilidade. Vários estudos observaram que os doentes com EA apresentam alterações séricas do perfil lipídico, nomeadamente um aumento dos níveis de lipoproteínas de baixa densidade (LDL) e uma diminuição de lipoproteínas de alta densidade (HDL), em relação à população geral. Adicionalmente, como a EA é uma doença imunológica associada a um carácter inflamatório, os doentes com EA apresentam, geralmente, um perfil inflamatório alterado. Os perfis lipídico e inflamatório aterogénicos podem traduzirse num risco aumentado de doenças cardiovasculares (DCV).
- Alteração do perfil lipídico em pacientes com esquizofreniaPublication . Oliveira, Paula; Sousa, Maria; Ferreira, Stéphanie; Moreira, Anabela; Lopes Ferreira, Stephanie; Amorim Sousa, Maria ManuelaA esquizofrenia (SCZ) é uma patologia que envolve uma série de disfunções fisiológicas, cognitivas e emocionais. A terapêutica farmacológica evoluiu nas últimas décadas, sendo prescritos atualmente a estes pacientes antipsicóticos que têm permitido a sua melhor integração na comunidade. No entanto, os antipsicóticos apresentam efeitos colaterais, como alterações no metabolismo da glicose e dos lípidos que, por sua vez, aumentam o risco de síndrome metabólica (SM) e de doenças cardiovasculares nestes pacientes.