Browsing by Author "Rodrigues, Maria Odete"
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- Blood elemental levels and antioxidant markers in humans with atherosclerotic diseasePublication . Lopes, Paula Alexandra; Napoleão, Patrícia; Pinheiro, Teresa; Santos, Maria Cristina; Rodrigues, Maria Odete; Ceia, Fátima; Vicente, Luís; Mathias, Maria da Luz; Pavão, Maria Leonor; Nève, Jean; Viegas-Crespo, Ana MariaAlthough mortality from coronary heart disease has declined recently, atherosclerosis and related vascular diseases are still the major cause of death in the western countries. Experimental studies have demosntrated that a disturbed balance between free radical formation and antioxidant defenses can play a role in the development and progression of various diseases, namely atherosclerosis. In this study trace element levels were measured in plasma and in blood cells of subjects suffering from atherosclerotic disease. Blood activities of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and plasma total thiols were also evaluated in these patients. Significantly decreased Se and Fe were found in the blood plasma of the atherosclerotic group. A tendency for disruption in antioxidant enzyme status was observed in these patients, but plasma total thiols were unchanged. These are preliminary results and a large atherosclerotic group is required in order to clarify the observations and to contribute for the knowledge on the molecular basis of atherosclerosis.
- Trace element levels and redox markers in human atherosclerosis: relationship with Apo E PolymorphismPublication . Lopes, Paula Alexandra; Napoleão, Patrícia; Pinheiro, Teresa; Santos, Maria Cristina; Rodrigues, Maria Odete; Costa, Luciana; Ceia, Fátima; Vicente, Luís; Pavão, Maria Leonor; Nève, Jean; Viegas-Crespo, Ana MariaOxidation of LDL in the vessel wall plays an important role in the development of atherosclerotic lesions mediated by several mechanisms. Measurement of antioxidant/oxidant-related parameters and trace element levels in serum in parallel with the allelic profile of apo E may be useful in assessing the risk of atherogenesis in humans. Blood activities of antioxidant enzymes, SOD and GPx, total thiols, caeruloplasmin, α-tocopherol as well as products of oxidative damage, MDA and protein carbonyls were evaluated in patients with diagnostic atherosclerosis in parallel with matched healthy subjects. The elemental levels were assessed in plasma and blood cell fractions. The allelic frequencies of apo E were similar to those referred in the literature. Significantly decreased K, Fe and Zn levels were found in plasma of the atherosclerotic group. A tendency for a disruption in antioxidant enzyme status was observed in patients, although serum caeruloplasmin and α-tocopherol contents were unchanged. Plasma protein carbonyls levels were decreased in patients. This study could contribute for a better understanding of the relationship between genetic and redox balance markers, which is of utmost importance for the prevention of atherosclerosis.