Unidades e Núcleos Especializados de I&D
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- Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Artemisia and Salvia Genera in Cancer, Diabetes, and Cardiovascular Diseases: A Short Review of Clinical EvidencePublication . Tavares, Wilson; Seca, Ana; Barreto, Maria Carmo; Fukuda, TatsuyaABSTRACT: Metabolic syndrome, a cluster of metabolic disorders comprising dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, elevated blood pressure, and abdominal obesity, is a silent epidemic that may lead to outcomes such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. Due to the increase in the prevalence of these pathologies, the search for better treatments and more efficient drugs is imperative. Species of Artemisia and Salvia genera are excellent examples of noteworthy sources of bioactive products with health applications, their therapeutic properties being well known both in popular medicine and in the scientific community. There are reports of plant extracts or compounds from species belonging to either of these genera, which were able to combat cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular pathologies. For instance, dihydroartemisinin (analog of artemisin extracted from Artemisia annua L.) can reduce tumor markers p53 and Ki-67 expression levels, leading to a reduction in tumor proliferation. Salvia officinalis L. has antihyperglycemic and lipid profile-improving effects since it decreases total cholesterol, glycosylated hemoglobin, fasting glucose, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride levels while increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Clinical trials using mixtures (dried powdered plants or extracts) of known medicinal plants are recurrent in published works, in contrast with the scarce clinical trial studies with isolated compounds. Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge. was by far the most targeted plant in the clinical trials analyzed here. Regarding clinical trials concerning Artemisia, there are more studies aiming to see its effect on diabetes, but the studies about cancer are more advanced. This review aims to give a critical summary of the most interesting and promising results from clinical trials. The abundance of studies with limited statistically significant clinical evidence hinders progress in clinical therapy. This situation demands far greater rigor from the scientific community, researchers, regulatory agencies, editors, and reviewers in conducting and publishing clinical studies.
- Genotoxicity and Cytotoxicity Assessment of Volatile Organic Compounds in Pathology Professionals Through the Buccal Micronuclei AssayPublication . Baptista, Fátima; Garcia, Patrícia; dos Santos Rodrigues, Armindo; Ladeira, Carina; Tranfo, GiovannaABSTRACT: In pathology laboratories, several volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are used, such as formaldehyde, ethanol, and xylene. These substances are recognized as genotoxic and cytotoxic, which is why their handling poses risks to human health. The buccal micronucleus (MN) cytome assay is a non-invasive, useful, and simple method to detect these effects in exposed individuals. The aim of the study was to evaluate the risk of genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of VOCs in pathology professionals of S. Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal. The study comprised two groups: exposed workers (n = 21) from the three laboratories of S. Miguel, and a reference group (n = 50), randomly chosen from other hospital services without known exposure to VOCs. The exfoliated buccal cells were auto-sampled by all the participants using a cytobrush. The samples were processed in ThinPrep®, stained with modified Feulgen with Fast Green, and visualized for MN and other nuclear anomalies (ONAs), such as karyorrhexis, pyknotic, and karyolytic cells. Results showed that VOCs have a predictive significance for MN frequency, leading to the conclusion that their exposure is an increased risk factor for the health of these professionals, approximately four times greater than in the control group.
- Living Under the Volcano: Effects on the Nervous System and Human HealthPublication . Navarro-Sempere, Alicia; Cobo, Raúl; Camarinho, Ricardo; Garcia, Patrícia; dos Santos Rodrigues, Armindo; Garcia, Magdalena; Segovia, Yolanda; Kim, Ki-HyunABSTRACT: Volcanoes, during their explosive and post-explosive phases, as well as through continuous degassing processes, release a range of pollutants hazardous to human health, including toxic gases, fine particulate matter, and heavy metals. These emissions impact over 14% of the global population living in proximity to volcanoes, with effects that can persist for days, decades, or even centuries. Living conditions in these regions often involve chronic exposure to contaminants in the air, water, and soil, significantly increasing the risk of developing neurological disorders. Prolonged exposure to elements such as lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd), among others, results in the accumulation of metals in the brain, which increases oxidative stress and causes neuronal damage and severe neurotoxicity in animals. An examination of metal accumulation in brain cells, particularly astroglia, provides valuable insights into the developmental neurotoxicity of these metals. Moreover, microglia may activate itself to protect from cytotoxicity. In this review, we consider the implications of living near an active volcano for neurotoxicity and the common neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, we encourage governments to implement public health strategies and mitigation measures to protect vulnerable communities residing near active volcanoes.
- Volcanic environments and thyroid disruption – A review focused on As, Hg, and CoPublication . Coelho, Nádia; Bernardo, Filipe; dos Santos Rodrigues, Armindo; Garcia, Patrícia; Wei, OuyangABSTRACT: The purpose of this review is to explore the link between volcanic environments and thyroid disruption, with focus on the role played by As, Hg, and Co. Volcanoes are the most well-known source of natural pollution, enriching the environment in hazardous elements. It is estimated that about 10 % of world population lives near active volcanoes (Brown et al., 2015). There is evidence supporting a link between living in volcanic environments and thyroid cancer, but it is likely that other types of thyroid disruption are also exacerbated in the populations inhabiting volcanic areas. Arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg) are elements with toxic properties that are present in volcanic environments. Cobalt (Co), which is also present in these environments, is part of the essential cobalamin vitamin (B12). However, exposure to non-cobalamin Co can pose health risks. The effects of these three elements on the thyroid are understudied. A review of 125 publications retrieved from the Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus databases, covering year 1955 to present, was performed. The known molecular mechanisms underlying thyroid disruption by these elements are discussed. It was found that thyroid cancer incidence, but also that of hypothyroidism are heightened in populations living in volcanic environments, particularly in Iceland, Hawaii, and Italy. Knowledge gaps regarding (i) thyroid disruption in areas with non-eruptive active volcanism, (ii) the toxic effects of As, Hg, and Co on the thyroid, and (iii) the incidence of hypothyroidism and other thyroid pathologies in volcanic environments are highlighted. The need to monitor the population of volcanic areas in terms of health is accentuated.