Browsing by Author "Alves, Sara"
Now showing 1 - 6 of 6
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- Adherence to the mediterranean diet and the risk of metabolic syndrome: a preliminary studyPublication . Alves, Sara; Mendes, Eugénia; Monteiro, António M.; Fernandes, Adília; Fernandes, Hélder; Vaz, Josiana A.; Pereira, Ana Maria Geraldes RodriguesThe aging population is facing an increase in chronic diseases, particularly Metabolic Syndrome (MetS), which raises the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes1,2. Effective prevention strategies are essential. The Mediterranean diet, rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats, has been shown to improve metabolic health and reduce these risks, especially among older adults3,4
- Exploring cardiovascular risk and plasma ghrelin levels in older adults: a preliminary studyPublication . Alves, Sara; Capristano, Jeovana; Sá, Leandro Moreira de; Mendes, Eugénia; Fernandes, Hélder; Vaz, Josiana A.Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of illness and mortality worldwide, with ageing as a key risk factor. As people age, heightened inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction increase their cardiovascular disease risk. Ghrelin, known as "the hunger hormone," is essential for energy regulation and metabolism. It offers cardiovascular benefits by promoting vasodilation and enhancing endothelial function. With anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties, ghrelin aids vascular health, making it particularly significant for ageing populations where these processes are often disrupted. Imbalanced ghrelin levels may increase the risk of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular complications. Understanding these variations in plasma ghrelin levels can offer insights into individual susceptibility to cardiovascular disease and highlight the hormone's role in metabolic and cardiovascular health. This preliminary study aimed to evaluate cardiovascular risk and plasma ghrelin levels in a community of 16 older adults aged 60 or above
- Impact of occupational exposure to wildfire events on systemic inflammatory biomarkers in Portuguese wildland firefightersPublication . Esteves, Filipa; Madureira, Joana; Barros, Bela; Alves, Sara; Pires, Joana; Martins, Sandra; Oliveira, Marta; Vaz, Josiana A.; Slezakova, Klara; Pereira, Maria do Carmo; Fernandes, Adília; Morais, Simone; Guimarães, João Tiago; Bonassi, Stefano; Teixeira, João Paulo; Costa, SolangeWhile occupational exposure as a firefighter is considered a dangerous occupation, research on the underlying mechanisms remains limited, particularly in wildland firefighters. Inflammation, a key effect of wildfire expo- sure, plays a significant role in the development of various diseases. The current study aims to investigate the impact of wildland firefighting exposure on the levels of pro-inflammatory systemic biomarkers. A pre-post study design investigated 59 wildland firefighters comparing data collected after participation in a wildfire event (Phase II) with data obtained before wildfire season (Phase I). Data on demographics, lifestyle, health and occupational-related factors were assessed. Exposure factors, such as fire combat (e.g., exposure duration), were also registered. Inflammatory biomarkers (i.e. interleukin-6 [IL-6], interleukin-8 [IL-8], tumor necrosis factor α [TNF-α] and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hs-CRP]) and hydroxylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons metabolites (1-OHNaph+1-OHAce, 2-OHFlu, 1-OHPhen, 1-OHPyr) were analysed in blood and urine samples, respectively. Serum IL-8 and IL-6 levels were significantly increased after wildland fire combat. IL-8 levels were 2.62 times higher (95 % CI: 1.96–3.50; p < 0.01), whereas IL-6 levels were 1.25 times higher (95 % CI: 1.00–1.57; p = 0.04). Furthermore, IL-8 levels were significantly correlated with urinary 2-hydroxyfluorene levels and fire combat duration (>12 h). In addition, the mean hs-CRP level, in both phases, was above 3.0 mg/L, indicating a potential risk for cardiovascular events. Given the long-term health implications of fire- fighting occupational exposure, biomonitoring and early detection of occupational risks are essential for pro- tecting firefighters’ health. Protective measures must be urgently implemented to enhance occupational health and strengthen preventive strategies in this sector.
- Occupational exposure to wildland firefighting and its effects on systemic DNA damagePublication . Esteves, Filipa; Madureira, Joana; Costa, Carla Sofia; Pires, Joana; Barros, Bela; Alves, Sara; Vaz, Josiana A.; Oliveira, Marta; Slezakova, Klara; Fernandes, Adília; Pereira, Maria do Carmo; Morais, Simone; Valdiglesias, Vanessa; Bonassi, Stefano; Teixeira, João Paulo; Costa, SolangePortugal is among the European Union countries more devastated by forest fires. Wildland fire- fighters are at the forefront of this battle, facing exposure to a wide range of harmful pollutants. Epidemiological studies have highlighted a potential link between occupational firefighting exposure and several diseases, including cancer. To date, very few studies have explored the biological mechanisms associated with such exposure. The present longitudinal study aims to assess changes in early effect biomarkers following wildland firefighters’ occupational exposure to a real wildfire event. Paired blood samples from 59 healthy Portuguese wildland firefighters were collected at two different time points: before wildfire season and after a fire event during wildfire season. Sociodemographic variables (e. g., age, sex) and work-related factors (e.g., years of service) were assessed via a self-reported questionnaire. Levels of early effect biomarkers, such as primary DNA damage and oxidative DNA damage (oxidised purines) were assessed via comet assay. DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) were evaluated by phosphorylated H2AX (γH2AX). Moreover, hydroxylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolites (OHPAHs) and metal(loid)s were quantified in urine samples. The influence of urinary OHPAHs, urinary metal(loid)s, and other exposure- related factors (e.g., firefighting duration) on changes (Δ) in early effect biomarkers (post-vs. baseline levels) was investigated. Firefighting activities led to a significant increase in both primary DNA damage and oxidative DNA damage by 22 % (95 % CI: 1.11–1.35; p < 0.05) and 23 % (95 % CI: 1.04–1.45; p < 0.05), respectively. Results from linear regression revealed that per each unit increase of urinary 2-hydroxyfluorene (2-OHFlu) (μmol/mol creatinine), the risk of ⧍ oxidative DNA damage increased by 20 % [FR: 1.20 (1.09–1.32); p < 0.01]. Addi- tionally, each unit increase in urinary cesium (Cs) (μg/L) resulted in a significant 4 % increase in Δ primary DNA damage [FR: 1.04 (1.01–1.06); p < 0.05] and a 3 % increase in Δ oxidative DNA damage [FR: 1.03 (1.01–1.05); p < 0.05]. Post-exposure levels of γH2AX were significantly correlated with urinary 2-OHFlu levels assessed after firefighting (r = 0.30; p < 0.05). Furthermore, exposure duration and reported breathing difficulties during firefighting were significantly associated with increased levels of primary DNA damage. Results obtained provide insights into the potential human health effects of wildland firefighting occupational exposure at the genetic and molecular levels, offering new and important mechanistic data. These findings are crucial for implementing health and safety measures, recommendations, and best practices to mitigate occupational risks and protect the health of wildland firefighters.
- O papel da qualidade do sono na promoção da longevidadePublication . Alves, Sara; Fernandes, Hélder; Fernandes, Adília; Vaz, Josiana A.; Magalhães, Carlos Pires; Rodrigues, Carina; Monteiro, António M.O sono desempenha um papel vital tanto no bem-estar físico quanto mental, sendo indispensável para a manutenção da saúde geral. A longevidade, definida como a capacidade de viver uma vida mais longa e saudável, depende significativamente da qualidade do sono, uma vez uma vez que esta, se mantida de forma consistente e em quantidade e qualidade suficiente, parece ser uma das chaves promotoras do aumento da esperança de vida. Objetivos: A presente revisão sistemática tem por objetivo compreender a influência da qualidade de sono na manutenção do envelhecimento saudável e na promoção da longevidade. Material e métodos: Revisão sistemática seguindo a metodologia PRISMA. A pesquisa foi realizada durante o periodo de janeiro a fevereiro de 2024, através do recurso às bases de dados PubMed, Web of Science e MedLine (via Ovid), em língua inglesa, espanhola e portuguesa Os termos depesquisa foram: “healthy aging”. “longevity”, “sleep” and “determinants”. Aplicaram-se como critérios de inclusão: estudos primários produzidos nos últimos 20 anos (2004 – 2024), disponíveis em texto integral e acesso livre, resultando da pesquisa 278 artigos. Após eliminação de duplicados, 255 artigos sofreram análise do título e resumo. Concluída a aplicação dos critérios de seleção, 22 artigos foram selecionados para leitura completa, sendo que 6 atenderam aos critérios estabelecidos e foram integrados ao estudo.
- Sleep quality and hormonal levels of ghrelin and leptin in the elderly: a cross-sectional studyPublication . Alves, Sara; Capristano, Jeovana; Sá, Leandro Moreira de; Mendes, Eugénia; Fernandes, Hélder; Vaz, Josiana A.The increase in life expectancy prompts a critical examination of the quality of aging in contemporary societies. Ageing causes alterations in the circadian sleep-wake cycle, which are closely linked to cellular senescence. Research indicates that insufficient sleep can accelerate inflammation and oxidative stress, highlighting the importance of good sleep hygiene for overall health and reducing the effects of ageing. Sleep quality is closely connected to hormonal balance, particularly ghrelin, leptin, melatonin, and serotonin. These hormones play significant roles in regulating appetite, metabolism, sleep patterns, and emotional well-being. This study aimed to evaluate sleep quality in a group of elderly individuals (N=25) and its relationship with serum levels of ghrelin and leptin. Sleep quality was assessed using the Portuguese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Blood collection for laboratory tests was performed according to WHO guidelines