Protective role of Portuguese natural mineral waters on skin aging: in vitro evaluation of anti-senescence and anti-oxidant properties.

Natural mineral waters (NMWs) emerge from the earth as springs and their beneficial therapeutic effect has been empirically recognized in different countries. Portugal has diverse NMW resources that are sought for the relief of different afflictions including dermatological complications. However, there is a lack of scientific validation supporting this empiric knowledge. In this study, we aimed to screen the in vitro bioactivity of Portuguese NMWs with different chemical profiles, namely sulfurous/bicarbonate/sodic (SBS), bicarbonate/magnesium, sulfated/calcic, sulfurous/chlorinated/sodic, sulfurous/bicarbonate/fluoridated/sodic, and chlorinated/sodic, focusing on aging-related skin alterations. Mouse skin fibroblasts and macrophages were exposed to culture medium prepared in different NMWs. Cellular viability was evaluated by MTT assay and etoposide-induced senescence was analyzed through the beta-galactosidase staining kit. Wound healing was investigated by the scratch assay, and phototoxicity/photoprotection after UVA irradiation was evaluated using a neutral red solution. ROS production was quantified using the 2'7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate dye, and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was analyzed by a commercial kit after lipopolysaccharide exposure. NMWs within the SBS profile demonstrated anti-senescence activity in skin fibroblasts, along with a variable effect on cellular viability. Among the tested NMWs, two decreased cellular senescence and preserved cell viability and were therefore selected for subsequent studies, together with a SBS NMW with therapeutic indications for dermatologic diseases. Overall, the selected NMW promoted wound healing in skin fibroblasts and activated SOD in macrophages, thus suggesting an anti-oxidant effect. None of the NMWs prevented phototoxicity after UV irradiation. Our results shed a light on the anti-aging potential of Portuguese NMW, supporting their putative application in cosmetic or medical products.

Genetic polymorphims of estrogen receptor alpha -397 PvuII (T>C) and -351 XbaI (A>G) in a portuguese population: prevalence and relation with breast cancer susceptibility.

Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), that mediates the biologic effects of estrogen in estrogen-sensitive tissues like breast, is genetically polymorphic. To evaluate the association between -397 PvuII (T>C) and -351 XbaI (A>G) restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) in intron 1 of ERα gene and susceptibility of breast cancer, we undertook a case-control study in BRCA1 185delAG and 5382insC/BRCA2 6174delT negative Portuguese women. The study population consisted of 107 patients with histological diagnosis of breast cancer and 121 women with no history of breast cancer. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples and genotyping analyses were performed by PCR-RFLP. XbaI polymorphism was associated with a significant reduced risk of breast cancer for carriers of the x allele in homozygozity (OR 0.178; 95% CI 0.070-0.456; P<0.001) or heterozigozity (OR 0.223; 95% CI 0.089-0.561; P=0.001). The PvuII polymorphism was associated with a non-significantly reduced risk. The combined analysis of PvuII and XbaI polymorphisms revealed none synergistic effect of the two genotypes, except for simultaneous carriers of pp and xx genotypes, that have a reduced risk of breast cancer (OR 0.226; 95% CI 0.049-1.035; P=0.044). The combination of PvuII and XbaI genotypes into haplotypes showed that carriers of two copies of the px (ppxx) haplotype had a reduced risk of breast cancer (OR 0.405; 95% CI 0.194-0.843; P=0.014), compared with PX (PPXX+PPXx+PpXX+PpXx) haplotypes. PvuII and XbaI polymorphisms were in linkage disequilibrium both in cases (D=0.044, r2=0.049, X2=5.216, P=0.022) and controls (D=0.090, r2=0.139, X2=16.819, P<0.001), but not in the entire sample population analyzed as a whole (D=0.087, r2=0.0076, X2=1.733, P=0.188). In conclusion, in this case-control study we found that ERα gene XbaI polymorphism may modify individual susceptibility for breast cancer in this population.

Anti-inflammatory potential of Portuguese thermal waters.

In light of Medical Hydrology, thermal waters (TW) are all-natural mineral waters that emerge inside a thermal resort and have therapeutic applications. Their beneficial effect has been empirically recognized for centuries, being indicated for symptom alleviation and/or treatment of several diseases, almost all associated with inflammation. Indeed, an anti-inflammatory effect has been attributed to many different Portuguese TW but there is no scientific validation supporting this empiric knowledge. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory properties of 14 TW pertaining to thermal centers located in the Central Region of Portugal, and grouped according to their ionic profile. Mouse macrophage cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a Toll-like receptor 4 agonist, were exposed to culture medium prepared in TW. Metabolism, nitric oxide (NO) production, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression levels and the scavenging capacity of TW, were investigated in vitro. 11 out of 14 TW reduced NO production and/or iNOS expression, and/or scavenging activity, in macrophages exposed to LPS. The sulphated/calcic TW did not show any effect on at least one of the inflammatory parameters evaluated. Two sulphurous/bicarbonate/sodic TW and the sulphurous/chlorinated/sodic TW promoted an increase in NO production and/or iNOS expression. Our results validate, for the first time, the anti-inflammatory properties of Portuguese TW, supporting their therapeutic use in the treatment of inflammation-related diseases and promoting their putative application in cosmetic products and medical devices.

Genetic polymorphisms in CYP3A5 and MDR1 genes and their correlations with plasma levels of tacrolimus and cyclosporine in renal transplant recipients.

Immunosuppressive drugs, such as tacrolimus (FK506) and cyclosporine (CsA), play an essential role in graft survival, preventing rejection. Large interindividual differences in drug-metabolizing enzymes as well as in drug transporters make the task of reaching the optimal concentrations difficult. The bioavailability of CsA and FK506 seems to be associated with the cytocrhome P450 IIIA (CYP3A) gene. It has also been described that the Multi Drug Resistance 1 (MDR1) gene that encodes for polyglycoprotein-P (P-gp) may influence the metabolizing action of FK506 and CsA. Therefore, we sought, to correlate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CYP3A and MDR1 genes with the concentrations of FK506 and CsA. For this purpose we analyzed 2 groups of renal transplant recipients by sequencing: one receiving a CsA immunosuppressive regime, and other, an FK506-immunosuppression. This study showed that subjects in the FK506 group who had encoded the 1236C>T substitution in the MDR1 gene displayed 44.4% higher drug concentrations compared with ("wild-type") individuals. Individuals carrying the 2677G>T,A mutation showed FK506 concentrations that were 44.7% higher than the wild-type individuals. Concerning the CsA group, individuals carrying the 22915A>C substitution displayed CsA concentrations 52.1% higher than wild-type individuals.

Genetic and environmental factors regulating blood pressure in childhood: prospective study from 0 to 3 years.

OBJECTIVES: Blood pressure (BP) regulation depends on the interaction between multiple environmental and genetic factors. Of these, BP sensitivity to dietary sodium intake has been one that has been investigated in adults but not in children. The aim of the present study was to investigate, prospectively, the BP profile in relation to different genetic and hormonal factors, in the first 3 years of life. POPULATION AND METHODS: Thirty-nine children born at term following normal pregnancies, with uncomplicated neonatal periods, were randomly selected to take part in the study. BP, weight and length were evaluated every 3 months from birth to 3 years. At the age of 12 months, haptoglobin phenotypes and plasma active renin concentration were determined as well as random urine evaluation of aldosterone, cAMP, dopamine and digoxin-like immunoreactive substances (DLIS). Family history of cardio-vascular diseases was also recorded. RESULTS: Systolic BP (SBP) demonstrated a gradual increase until the age of 6 months with little variation up to 36 months. Tracking of SBP values was also observed from the first year as infants with high values (above the 75 percentile) maintained this tendency up to, at least, the age of 36 months. The comparison between SBP and diastolic BP (DBP) according haptoglobin phenotypes demonstrated that SBP was systematically higher in allele 1, with apparently an increasing tendency with age, although the differences did not have statistical significance. The comparative study between haptoglobin phenotypes, with correction for the covariates fractional excretion of sodium and potassium, showed that allele 1 carriers had significantly lower plasma renin and urine aldosterone and cAMP concentrations than allele 2, but dopamine excretion was found to be higher in allele 1 than in allele 2. There were no differences among variables relating to family history of cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSIONS: There was an early tracking process of BP values from the first 6 months of life which persists through, at least, to the age of 36 months. Differences in sodium handling between haptoglobin 1 and 2 phenotypes were already present in early childhood, although no significant repercussion in BP values could be demonstrated in the 3-year duration of this study.

Preliminary study of the relationship between plasma and erythrocyte magnesium variations and some circulating pro-oxidant and antioxidant indices in a standardized physical effort.

The aim of this preliminary study was to determine the relationship between exercise, magnesium (Mg) status, oxidative stress, and antioxidant defence systems. Some corresponding indices have been evaluated: plasma Mg, ascorbate, uric acid, adrenaline, creatine kinase (CK), thiobarbiturate reactive substances, adrenochrome; and in erythrocytes (RBC): reduced and oxidized glutathione (GSH and GSSG) and Mg. Venous blood samples were withdrawn before and 3 min after completion of a 40 min run. Only two significant changes were observed after effort: plasma Mg decreased (P < 0.009) and plasma adrenaline increased (P < 0.005). There was a non-significant tendency for indices of oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity to increase. The significant correlations between plasma Mg and CK (r = -0.88) and between RBC Mg and plasma ascorbate (r = -0.76) disappeared after the effort. Further research is necessary, with a larger number of subjects and variables, to obtain a better understanding of these interactions.

[Acute effects of tobacco and vascular risk modulated by genetic factors]. / Acções agudas do tabaco e risco vascular modulado por factores genéticos.

Most studies regarding the acute effects of cigarette smoking refer to the higher sympathetic and adrenomedullary activity as a result of sympathetic ganglia and adrenal medulla nicotinic receptor activation. Although it is reasonable to suppose that the renin-angiotensin system might be activated, this possible effect of nicotine has not been studied. We have studied the effects of cigarette smoking on blood pressure, cardiac output, pulse pressure, renin-angiotensin system, kinins-NO, oxidative stress and insulin. Also, we have investigated if the variability of the biochemical parameters was dependent on genetic polymorphisms of the angiotensin converting enzyme and the acute phase protein haptoglobin. 39 normotensive individuals, 18 males and 21 females, of mean age 35.4 +/- 8.9 years were included in this study. Oxidative stress was dependent on the ACE I/D and Hp1/2 polymorphisms, with the ACE DD genotype and the Hp2-2 phenotype not showing variation in the anti-oxidant defense systems, and the ACE II-ID genotypes and Hp1-1 + 2-2 phenotypes showing a higher anti-oxidant response, hence a lower cardiovascular risk being predictable in the latter individuals.

Sodium Tripolyphosphate: an excipient with intrinsic in vitro anti-Candida activity.

Sodium Tripolyphosphate (STPP) is a food additive that is being used in the development of micro and nanoparticles as it induces ionic interactions with chitosan molecules. Although the ability of STPP to inhibit the growth of several food contaminants has been reported, studies on its activity against clinical isolates are scarce. Candida spp. are common causative agents of mucocutaneous infections including the vulvovaginal tegument and new therapeutic approaches are needed in order to treat resistant and recurrent cases. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro both antifungal (anti-Candida spp.) activity, and cytotoxicity, on human dermal fibroblasts, of STPP solutions. STPP showed an inhibitory species-dependent activity against several Candida spp. strains being particularly active on C. glabrata, followed by C. guilliermondii. In vitro, STPP showed a concentration dependent cytotoxicity. Therefore STPP use, in low concentrations, seems to be interesting in the development of drug delivery systems for the treatment of vulvovaginal candidosis.

Acetylation phenotypes in patients with bladder carcinoma.

The present study was done to evaluate the possible association of bladder carcinoma with the slow acetylator phenotype in a portuguese population. 49 patients with bladder carcinoma were compared to a normal control group of 84 individuals. No statistically significant association was detected. But when subdividing the group of slow acetylators it is found that in the subgroup with 12-36% acetylation there is a higher percentage of patients, which is statistically significant. These results are in agreement with two other studies, using populations of similar ethnic origin.

Plasma catecholamines and postural hypotension in familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy of the Portuguese type.

Plasma adrenaline and noradrenaline levels were measured while supine and following head-up tilt to 45 degrees, in both normal controls and in patients with familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy of the Portuguese type. In nine patients systolic blood pressure fell by less than 15 mmHg, while in seven patients it fell by more than 15 mmHg. Plasma noradrenaline rose during tilt in the majority of patients, as in the controls. There was no correlation between levels of catecholamines and fall in blood pressure on head-up tilt. The data excludes widespread sympatho-neural failure as a cause for postural hypotension in familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy of the Portuguese type. The results are compatible with either segmental/patchy sympathetic denervation or dysfunction of the receptor/effector mechanisms in target organs such as the heart and blood vessels.