Browsing by Author "Paulo, O."
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- Selenium status and cardiovascular risk factors in populations from different portuguese regionsPublication . Viegas-Crespo, Ana Maria; Pavão, Maria Leonor; Santos, Víctor; Cruz, M. L.; Paulo, O.; Leal, J.; Sarmento, N.; Monteiro, M. L.; Amorim, M. F.Selenium as a cofactor of glutathione peroxidase, which prevents lipid peroxidation in mammals, takes part in the direct protection of endothelial cells against reactive oxiygen species that have been implicated in atherogenesis; moreover, it is involved in the biosynthesis of arachidonic acid derivatives in platelets and in the regulation of lipoprotein cholesterol metabolism in human beings and in animal models. These aspects are relevant enough to conclude that low selenium status may be related to atherosclerosis and, consequently, to the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases. Clinical studies showed a decrease in plasma selenium of patient’s wilh congestive cardiomyopathy and/or myocardial infarction. A significant inverse correlation between plasma selenium and severity of coronary atherosclerosis was also reported in man. However, prospective epldemiological studies on the relationship between selenium and cardiovascular disease are rather controversial. The aim of this work was to compare the selenium status by determining serum levels of this element in inhabitants of two urban and one rural Portuguese regions.The relationship between serum selenium levels and generally accepted cardiovascular risk factors was also an objetive. In this context, serurn selenium and serum lipid parameters (total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides) were evaluated. Age and sex as well as alcohol and tobacco consumption were also considered.
- Trace element status (Se, Cu, Zn) and serum lipid profile in portuguese subjects of San Miguel Island from Azores' ArchipelagoPublication . Viegas-Crespo, Ana Maria; Pavão, Maria Leonor; Paulo, O.; Santos, Víctor; Santos, Maria CristinaData on selenium, copper and zinc in serum of Portuguese inhabitants of the city of Ponta Delgada - Azores Archipelago are reported for the first time. The subjects are of both sexes, aged 20 to 60 years, and non-abusers of alcohol, tobacco or drugs. Serum concentrations of these elements are in the same range than those found for populations of Lisbon and of some other European countries. Differences between sexes are observed, with serum selenium and zinc levels being higher in males than in females, and the copper levels being higher in females as compared to males. These results can be explained by the hormonal status and/or oral contraceptive steroids intake, particularly for copper. Concerning lipid profile, the majority of individuals have serum lipid parameters within the normal range. In addition, no difference in trace element levels between normo and hyperlipidemic individuals is observed and no conclusive results about the relationship of all evaluated parameters to alcohol, tobacco and drug consumption are observed, in agreement with data obtained in the population of Lisbon.