Boosting immunity against viral infections with bioactive food constituents: validating differentiated leading trends through scholarly publications clustering maps

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Combined action of dietary-based approaches and therapeutic agents on cholesterol metabolism and main related diseases

Publication . Baptista, Eugénia; Pereira, Cláudia S.G.P.; García, Pablo A.; Ferreira, Isabel C.F.R.; Barreira, João C.M.

Dyslipidaemia is among the major causes of severe diseases and, despite being wellestablished, the hypocholesterolaemic therapies still face significant concerns about potential side effects (such as myopathy, myalgia, liver injury digestive problems, or mental fuzziness in some people taking statins), interaction with other drugs or specific foods. Accordingly, this review describes the latest developments in the most effective therapies to control and regulate dyslipidaemia. Scope and approach: Herein, the metabolic dynamics of cholesterol and their integration with the current therapies: statins, bile acid sequestrants, fibrates, niacin, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors, reconstituted high-density lipoprotein (rHDL), or anti-inflammatory and immunemodulating therapies), were compared focusing their effectiveness, patients’ adhesion and typical side-effects. Likewise, the interaction of these therapies with recommended dietary habits, focusing functional foods and nutraceuticals uptake were also considered. Key findings and conclusions: Since none of the current therapeutic alternatives represent an ideal solution (mainly due to side-effects or patients’ tolerance), the potential adjuvant action of selected diets (and other healthy habits) was proposed as a way to improve the cholesterol-lowering effectiveness, while reducing the adverse effects caused by dose-increase or continuous uptake of alternating therapeutic agents. In general, the relevance of well-adapted diets must be acknowledged and their potential effects must be exhorted among patients, who need to be aware of the associated multifactorial advantages.

2025Journal article

Restricted access

Metabolite Profiling of Macroalgae: Biosynthesis and Beneficial Biological Properties of Active Compounds

Publication . Carpena, María; Pereira, Cláudia S.G.P.; Silva, Aurora; Barciela, Paula; Jorge, Ana Olívia Serra; Perez-Vazquez, Ana; Pereira, Antia Gonzalez; Barreira, João C.M.; Oliveira, Maria Beatriz Prior Pinto; Prieto Lage, Miguel A.

Macroalgae are known as abundant sources of phytochemicals, which offer a plethora of beneficial biological properties. Besides being the most notable classes of compounds found in macroalgae, phlorotannins, bromophenols, and terpenoids comprise some of the most relevant for their biological properties. Phlorotannins, mainly prevalent in brown algae and structurally characterized as complex polyphenolic compounds derived from phloroglucinol units, possess robust antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and cytotoxic activities, modulated by factors such as the degree of polymerization and environmental conditions. Bromophenols, halogenated compounds found in algae and other marine organisms, exhibit significant antioxidant and antiviral properties. Their diverse structures and bromination patterns contribute to their potential as therapeutic and chemical defense agents. Pigments (chemically described as primary terpenoids) play a critical role in light absorption and energy transfer in macroalgae and are divided into three main groups: (i) carotenoids, which are primarily found in brown algae and provide photoprotective and antioxidant benefits; (ii) chlorophylls, known for facilitating the conversion of light into biological energy; and (iii) phycobilins, which are mostly found in red algae and play important roles in light absorption and energy transfer, besides providing remarkable health benefits. Finally, secondary terpenoids, which are particularly abundant in red algae (e.g., the Rhodomelaceae family) are central to cellular interactions and exhibit significant antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties. This study represents a detailed analysis of the biosynthesis, structural diversity, and biological activities of these macroalgae metabolites, emphasizing their potential biological properties.

2024Journal article

Open access