CEBIMED - Papers/ Artigos Científicos
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- Oxidative stress, antioxidants and biomarkers: appreciation for analytical methods for health promotionPublication . Ferreira da Vinha, Ana; Silva, Carla Sousa e; Costa, CéuBecause of its extensive potential impact on human health, the determination of oxidative stress has been the main goal of study in several studies over the last few decades. The current work is a bibliographic review of the main methods of assessing oxidative stress in humans, taking into account the adverse effects it can do to individual quality of life and public health. To situate the theme, initially was described the concept of oxidative stress and the main diseases associated with it. Afterwards was presented the principal species of free radicals responsible for the oxidation, the antioxidant agents, enzymatic and non enzymatic , and the main bio marker of evaluation of oxidative stress. Regarding the analytical methods, it was proceeded by it's grouping according with the analyte in cause. In this regard of the reactive species of oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen (RNS), are presented the principal fluorescent and chemiluminescent probes, more concretely lucigenin, dihydroethidium DHE, and MitoSox, all characterized of the measurement of the superoxide, just like the relative to the determination of hydrogen peroxide as 2', 7'- dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA), boronate and Amplex Red. About the RNS, are shown the 4,5-diaminofluorescein (DAF2-DA) and the dihydroethidium fluorescent probes as a method of determination of the level of NO and peroxynitrite, respectively. For biomarkers, the current work, presents the analysis methods dedicated to the detection of F2-isoprostanes, lipid hydroperoxides and malondialdehyde (MDA) associated with lipid peroxidation. Chromatographic methods, hyphenated with chemiluminescence spectroscopy, fluorescence, and mass spectrometry (MS/MS), and electrochemical detection (ECD) is the most frequently used along with the enzymatic immunoassays (ELISA). With regard to antioxidants, diversity methodologies is most evident, although the methods overridden by liquid chromatography.
- Invasive plants and their possible applications - phytochemical profile and biological properties: a reviewPublication . Ferreira da Vinha, Ana; Silva, Carla Sousa e; Moutinho, Carla; Matos, CarlaInvasive species are distinguished by their simplicity in reproductive and ability to adapt to adverse environments. Biological invasion has been identified as the primary driver of global change, responsible for biotic interchange and, as a result, habitat homogenization. It is well recognized that invasive species have been one of the primary causes of native species loss in recent centuries, affecting the natural ecosystem of each geographic area. Furthermore, the number of invasive species is fast increasing in all countries and taxonomic groupings, thus it is critical to implement more effective measures than those that have been used, which may include their phytochemical evaluation and, biological activities for future applications in phytotherapy and pharmacy. This review intends to show the phytochemical potential of three known invasive species, commonly present in the Portuguese maritime coastal zones, specifically, Agave americana, Carpobrotus edulis and Arundo donax. This study can be extended to other similar situations involving invasive species from other countries with the goal to enhance the efficiency of potential future projections for these species, particularly on the phytotherapeutic and pharmaceutical levels. Technological and scientific comprehension of these species' chemical and biological qualities will serve improve the efficiency of the management strategies will be implemented, emphasizing a sustainable economy.
- A new approach on carotenoids: classification; bioavailability and further industrial applicationsPublication . Ferreira da Vinha, Ana; Silva, Carla Sousa e; Moutinho, Carla; Matos, Carla; Espírito-Santo, Liliana; SG Costa, Anabela; Oliveira, M. Beatriz P.P.Carotenoids are versatile isoprenoids that have been related to a number of health benefits. Their presence in foods, dietary intake and circulating levels have been associated with a reduced incidence of obesity, diabetes, certain types of cancer, and even lower total mortality. In this review, several considerations for their safe and sustainable use in foods mostly intended for health promotion are provided. Specifically, information about biosynthesis, sources, ingestion, and factors affecting their bioavailability is summarized. Furthermore, their health-promoting actions and their importance in public health regarding their contribution to reduce the risk of several deseases are synthesized. Also, in this review is emphasized carotenoids benefits as potential strategy for nutraceuticals, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industrial applications.This study also addressed the significant obstacles as well as the synergistic factors that interfere with the bioavailability and consequent biological functions of carotenoids. Finally, this review enhances the use of carotenoids as functional compounds in different industries.
- Flour fortification with grape must for nutritional and health benefitsPublication . Ferreira da Vinha, Ana; Silva, Carla Sousa e; Brenha, João; Sampaio, RicardoCurrently, dietary health natural supplements have increasingly used in the prevention and treatment of chronic disorders. Moreover, deficiencies of macro and micronutrients, (vitamins and minerals), and non-nutrients (polyphenolics) have mainly cause several illnesses, especially in children and women worldwide. World organizations have focused great efforts to address these shortcomings and improve the health of the populations. Grape must, or commonly known as grape must juice, becomes a valued ingredient with nutritional and chemical qualities already recognized. Four portuguese grapevine must (Touriga Nacional; Touriga Franca; Tinta Roriz and Vinha Velha) were analysed and results of phytochemical screening revealed that Touriga Nacional grape must contains a number of medicinally active secondary metabolites, with highest total phenolic and flavonoids contents (325.2 mg GAE/L and 218.3 mg CE/L, respectively). In contrast, Tinta Roriz exhibited the lowest values (144.4 mg GAE/L and 18.3 mg CE/L, respectively). Natural pigments were also investigated, with significantly different levels of anthocyanins in all four portuguese grapevine must: Touriga Nacional (23%), Touriga Franca (63%), Tinta Roriz (70%), and Vinha Velha (19%). Apart from the sensory attributes that grape must can impart in commercial flours, the presence of non-nutrient compounds (polyphenols) is an asset in the development of new functional foods, namely in flours for infant formulations, preteens, teens, adult and athletes.
- How functional foods endure throughout the shelf storage? Effects of packing materials and formulation on the quality parameters and bioactivity of smoothiesPublication . Nunes, M. Antónia; Costa, Anabela S.G.; Barreira, João C.M.; Ferreira da Vinha, Ana; Alves, Rita C.; Rocha, Ada; Oliveira, M. Beatriz P.P.Smoothies are blended beverages that could contain fruit pulp, fruit juice, vegetables, yoghurt, milk, or honey. These beverages are typical examples of the food industry reply to the increase awareness of consumers for healthier foods with simple ingredients and clean labels. As emerging products, different profiling studies are needed to ensure their claimed properties. Accordingly, different physicochemical parameters, bioactive compounds, as well as the antioxidant activity, were assessed in commercial smoothies along different shelf storage periods. ANOVA, HCA and LDA statistical tools were used to allow a suitable comprehension of the obtained results. Some significant differences were found at initial time, which might be associated to smoothies’ composition. On the other hand, the physicochemical and chromatic parameters were stable during the shelf storage, while the content in bioactive compounds and the antioxidant activity indicators were significantly affected (independently of the applied thermal treatment). Nevertheless, none of the assayed formulations or packing types showed to be more susceptible to undergone specifically relevant changes during shelf storage. Overall, the results advice in favor of an earlier consumption of these products (far from the expiring date) in order to obtain the desired health effects.
- Impact of boiling on phytochemicals and antioxidant activity of green vegetables consumed in the Mediterranean dietPublication . Ferreira da Vinha, Ana; Alves, Rita C.; Barreira, Sérgio; Costa, Anabela S.G.; Oliveira, M. Beatriz P.P.The effect of boiling (10 minutes) on eleven green vegetables frequently consumed in the Mediterranean diet was evaluated. For that, some physicochemical parameters and the contents of vitamin C, phenolics and carotenoids, as well as the antioxidant activity, were determined in raw and boiled samples. The raw vegetables analysed in this study were good sources of vitamin C, carotenoids and phenolic compounds, with contents ranging from 10.6 to 255.1 mg/100 g, 0.03 to 3.29 mg/100 g and 202.9 to 1010.7 mg/100 g, respectively. Boiling promoted losses in different extensions considering both the different bioactive compounds and the distinct vegetables analysed. Contrary to phenolics (more resistant), vitamin C was the most affected compound. Boiling also originated significant losses in the antioxidant activity of the vegetables. Considering all the parameters analysed, the vegetables most affected by boiling were broccoli and lettuce. The least affected ones were collard and tronchuda cabbage.
- Pre-meal tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) intake can have anti-obesity effects in young women?Publication . Ferreira da Vinha, Ana; Barreira, Sérgio; Costa, Anabela S.G.; Alves, Rita C.; Oliveira, M. Beatriz P.P.The effect of pre-meal tomato intake in the anthropometric indices and blood levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose, and uric acid of a young women population (n = 35, 19.6 ± 1.3 years) was evaluated. During 4 weeks, daily, participants ingested a raw ripe tomato (∼90 g) before lunch. Their anthropometric and biochemical parameters were measured repeatedly during the follow-up time. At the end of the 4 weeks, significant reductions were observed on body weight (−1.09 ± 0.12 kg on average), % fat (−1.54 ± 0.52%), fasting blood glucose (−5.29 ± 0.80 mg/dl), triglycerides (−8.31 ± 1.34 mg/dl), cholesterol (−10.17 ± 1.21 mg/dl), and uric acid (−0.16 ± 0.04 mg/dl) of the participants. The tomato pre-meal ingestion seemed to interfere positively in body weight, fat percentage, and blood levels of glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, and uric acid of the young adult women that participated in this study.
- Smothies comerciais: estabilidade dos compostos antioxidantesPublication . Nunes, M. Antónia; Costa, Anabela; Barreira, João; Ferreira da Vinha, Ana; Alves, Rita C.; Rocha, Ada; Oliveira, BeatrizOs smoothies são bebidas resultantes da mistura de frutas, sumos e polpas de frutas, hortícolas, iogurte ou leite. A mais-valia associada a estes produtos é o conceito “natural” e “fresco”, sem adição de açúcares e/ou corantes, aproximando o seu conteúdo às características da fruta no seu estado natural. Neste estudo, determinou-se o teor de compostos bioativos (compostos fenólicos, flavonoides e taninos) e a capacidade antioxidante (inibição do DPPH• e poder redutor, FRAP) de smoothies disponíveis no mercado português. Para estudar as alterações ao longo do armazenamento, as amostras foram analisadas em três períodos distintos: momento da aquisição, 14 e 21 dias depois. Os resultados demonstraram, de forma inequívoca, a diminuição do teor de compostos bioativos e da capacidade antioxidante ao longo do tempo. Além do mais, este decréscimo de bioatividade ocorreu independentemente do tipo de formulação utilizada, sem que qualquer das matrizes tivesse evidenciado um efeito protetor.
- Estudo da composição de fitoquímicos bioactivos em plantas medicinais portuguesasPublication . Ferreira da Vinha, Ana; Costa, Ana; Santos, António; Herdeiro, Maria T.; Machado, MarisaO presente estudo teve como objetivo determinar os teores de fitoquímicos em três espécies vegetais nativas de Portugal - erva-cidreira (Melissa officinalis L.), camomila (Matricaria chamomilla L.) e tília (Tilia cordata Mill.) - , através da quantificação dos compostos fenólicos totais, flavonoides totais, proantocianidinas (taninos totais) e carotenoides totais. Foi também avaliada a possível correlação entre a atividade antioxidante (in vitro) e o efeito sinérgico entre os diferentes fitoquímicos presentes, através do método do radical livre DPPH. Os extratos aquosos apresentaram diferenças significativas (p<0.05) entre todos os fitoquímicos estudados. A erva-cidreira apresentou maiores concentrações em fenólicos totais (258.1 mg.100g-1) e flavonoides totais (686.4 mg.100g-1), verificando-se uma correlação positiva entre estes compostos e o seu poder antioxidante (65%). A camomila foi a planta medicinal com maiores teores em taninos (37.0 mg.100g-1), compostos reconhecidos pelo seu poder adstringente e propriedades digestivas. Todas as plantas apresentaram atividade antioxidante, superior à amostra controlo, com valores compreendidos entre 8.5% e 65% para a tília e erva-cidreira, respetivamente. Este estudo prova que as plantas medicinais portuguesas são uma fonte rica em compostos bioativos para a aplicação nas indústrias alimentares e farmacêuticas.
- Importância da amamentação materna na inclusão dos terceiros molares - estudo numa população de jovens adultos portuguesesPublication . Couraceiro, Luís; Santos, António; Ferreira da Vinha, Ana; Almeida-Dias, António; Marini-Abreu, Mário; Balboa, JoséOs terceiros molares são os últimos dentes a aparecerem na boca, muitas vezes não encontrando espaço suficiente para a sua erupção, permanecem retidos, por tecidos moles, ósseos ou ambos. Atualmente, a extração desses dentes é o procedimento cirúrgico mais comum, realizado na prática da Medicina Dentária. O objectivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a relação entre a amamentação e possível inclusão dos terceiros molares em 150 jovens adultos portugueses. Os resultados obtidos revelaram a importância da amamentação pela mama (natural), na estrutura maxilo-facial futura, bem como uma forte correlação estatística entre as variáveis em estudo. Neste estudo foi possível verificar uma associação significativa entre o período de amamentação natural e a presença dos terceiros molares na cavidade bucal (p<0,01) bem como uma uma associação entre o período de amamentação usando biberão com a presença dos terceiros molares (p<0,01). Os resultados observados manifestaram a importância do recurso ao aleitamento materno durante o máximo de tempo possível, revelando-se como uma mais-valia para o melhoramento da dentição e da cavidade maxilo-facial na idade adulta.