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- 2024 Annual meeting of the international network on ectopic calcification (INTEC)—abstract proceedingsPublication . Cancela, M. Leonor; Alouane, Ahmed; Bertelli, Pietro M.; Camacho, Antonio; Derudder, Robbe; Forlino, Antonella; Harris, Matthew P.; Jacinto, Marta; Lengyel, Imre; Link, Wolfgang; Murshed, Monzur; Pasch, Andreas; Kaliya-Perumal, Arun-Kumar; Quaglino, Daniela; Qin, Zihan; Sabbagh, Yves; Seminari, Elena; Villar, Marcos M.; Winkler, Christoph; Vanakker, Olivier M.The 3rd Annual Meeting of the International Network on Ectopic Calcification (INTEC) was held in Faro, Portugal on 12–13 September 2024. This hybrid meeting brought together researchers and clinicians focused on the molecular, (patho)physiological, and clinical aspects of ectopic calcification in hereditary and acquired conditions, as well as in aging. The findings presented in this year’s meeting emphasised the complexity of the field, offering new insights into both mechanistic pathways and translational hurdles. The abstracts of this year’s meeting are collected in this conference paper, with permission from the corresponding authors.
- Advanced nanotherapeutic strategies transforming diabetic wound healingPublication . Ramos, Filipa; Kumar, Girish; Virmani, Tarun; Sharma, Abhishek; Duarte, Sofia O. D.; Fonte, PedroDue to their high recurrence rates and slow healing, diabetic wounds are becoming a greater public health concern [Citation1]. Each year, 1.6 million cases of diabetic wounds occur in the United States alone, affecting approximately 18.6 million people worldwide [Citation2]. Because of poor cellular regeneration, increased inflammation, and reduced angiogenesis, traditional treatments like debridement, antibiotics, and dressings usually do not work [Citation3]. To overcome the limitations of traditional treatments, there is now a significant demand for advanced therapeutic modalities that promise accurate, efficient, and rapid healing processes [Citation4]. These include microneedles (MNs), exosomes, tetrahedral framework nucleic acids (tFNAs), three-dimensional scaffolds, gene therapy, oxygen-releasing biomaterials, phototherapies, and nanozymes.
- Anthropogenic particles ingestion by fish larvae in important nursery areas of Iberia (South Europe)Publication . Zeri, Giulia; Baptista, Vânia; Teodosio, Maria; Cruz, JoanaMicroplastics (MPs) are now widespread in the marine environment, and their levels are expected to rise as larger plastic debris continues to break down and new plastic waste enters the ocean. Microplastics ingestion has been documented in fish larvae, which are already particularly vulnerable to predation, environmental stressors, and starvation. This study examines for the first time MPs ingestion by wild fish larvae in Southern Iberia, focusing on two key nursery ecosystems of Portugal: the Ria Formosa coastal lagoon and the Guadiana River estuary. Fish larvae collected monthly from surface water, between April 2023 and March 2024, exhibited encounter rates (ER - Total number of ingested particles/ Total number of organisms analysed *100) of 12.99% in Ria Formosa and 11.54% in the Guadiana estuary. No significant differences were observed in ER among taxa and locations. The ingested particles ranged in size from 20 μm to 2 mm and were predominantly made of rayon, transparent and in the form of fibres. No correlation was found between the size of the larvae and that of the ingested particles. Although larval size had a positive effect on MP ingestion, this effect was not significant. There were no differences in polymer type ingestion among taxa. Our results underline the role of nursery areas as exposure spots and the underestimated pressure of the textile industry on marine ecosystems. Further research is needed to assess the potential consequences of this exposure for larval survival, recruitment success, and the health of adult fish populations.
- Assessing the bioactive potential of Lysimachia atropurpurea extracts using HPLC-MS/MS, in vitro and in silico analysisPublication . Ak, Gunes; Nilofar, Nilofar; Saka, Enver; Uba, Abdullahi Ibrahim; Rodrigues, Maria João; Fernandes, Eliana; Custódio, Luísa; Yildiztugay, Evren; Yapıcı, Ismail; Gulcin, Ilhami; Mahmoud, Orchid A.; Eldahshan, Omayma A.; Singab, Abdel Nasser B.; Wu, Yimao; Li, Meng-Yao; Zengin, GokhanThe genus Lysimachia is of great interest to the scientific community, especially in terms of its potential anticancer effects. In this study, the aerial parts and roots of Lysimachia atropurpurea L. were collected and extracted by maceration using solvents of ethyl acetate (EA), ethanol (EtOH), ethanol/water, and water. The biological activities of the extracts, including antioxidant, enzyme inhibition, and anticancer effects, were evaluated using various assays. High-performance liquid chromatographytandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) analysis revealed a total of 32 compounds in the extracts of L. atropurpurea. The roots showed significantly the highest antioxidant activity compared to the aerial part. In case of cholinesterase inhibition, the aerial parts of the EtOH extract showed the highest acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition activity, measuring 3.05 mg galatamine equivalent (GALAE)/g. The EtOH and EtOH/water extracts exhibited the strongest cytotoxicity, reducing the viability of human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) and human hepatocarcinoma (HepG2) cancer cells to as low as 4.86–6.33 %. The results of network pharmacology and molecular docking suggest that the extract of L. atropurpurea exerts inhibitory effects on hepatocellular carcinoma through the modulation of SRC, PI3K, and HSP90, while it demonstrates potential inhibitory activity against neuroblastoma by targeting SRC, PI3K, HSP90, ESR1, AKT, and other related targets. In conclusion, the L. atropurpurea extracts showed potential antioxidant, enzyme inhibition, and selective anticancer effects, which support their potential for further research as therapeutic agents in drug development.
- Biological therapies for metastatic colorectal cancer: literature reviewPublication . Almeida, Maria Patricia; Condinho, MónicaColorectal cancer is among the most prevalent and lethal malignancies worldwide. Its initially asymptomatic nature contributes to a high incidence of metastatic cases. Although predominantly diagnosed in older adults, the incidence among younger populations is rising at an alarming rate. Historically, treatment has relied on antineoplastic agents such as 5-fluorouracil, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin. While these agents remain in use, their effectiveness is limited, particularly in metastatic disease, with modest improvements in overall survival and progressionfree survival. Moreover, their low target specificity results in significant systemic toxicity. This underscores the urgent need formore selective and less toxic therapeutic strategies, such as monoclonal antibodies. Monoclonal antibodies targeting Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), and immune checkpoints have become integral to the management of metastatic colorectal cancer. Notable examples include bevacizumab (anti-VEGF), cetuximab and panitumumab (anti-EGFR), and the immune checkpoint inhibitors pembrolizumab, nivolumab, and ipilimumab. Their clinical success especially when guided by molecular tumour profiling highlights their contribution to improved patient outcomes. In addition, other targeted therapies distinct from monoclonal antibodies are currently under investigation.
- Biopotential of sea cucumbers (echinodermata) and tunicates (chordata) from the western coast of portugal for the prevention and treatment of chronic illnessesPublication . Carletti, Alessio; Cardoso, Carlos; Juliao, Diana; Arteaga, Jorge L.; Chainho, Paula; Dionísio, Maria Ana; Sales, Sabrina; Gaudêncio, Maria J.; Ferreira, Inês; Afonso, Cláudia; Lourenço, Helena; Cancela, M. Leonor; Bandarra, Narcisa M.; Gavaia, PauloIn the present work, we aimed to explore the potential of two groups of marine invertebrates—sea cucumbers (Echinodermata) and ascidians (Chordata)—as sources of antiinflammatory, anti-oxidant, and osteogenic compounds with potential to be used as pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals for the treatment and prevention of chronic diseases. 24 extracts (ethanol, water, and ethyl acetate) from 4 species of sea cucumbers and 4 species of tunicates were produced and screened in vitro for their anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities and in vivo for osteogenic activity through an assay using zebrafish larvae. Our results showed that ethanolic extracts presented anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, which revealed to be stronger in the ascidians. The osteogenic activity, which provides evidence of the bioactive potential of these organisms in preventing chronic disorders causing low bone density, was found to be strong in one species of ascidians and 3 of holothurians. This study demonstrates the high potential of extracts from these marine organisms for using as nutraceuticals in the prevention of chronic bone disorders.
- Bioprospecting of natural products from medicinal plantsPublication . Rodrigues, Maria JoãoThe exploration of natural products derived from medicinal plants that provide an abundance of bioactive compounds has long been a cornerstone of scientific discovery, revolutionizing fields such as medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology [1]. Notable examples include artemisinin, a life-saving antimalarial derived from Artemisia annua [2], and taxol, a chemotherapeutic agent sourced from the Pacific yew tree [3], both of which highlight the immense potential of medicinal plants to address global health challenges. Over the past decade, rapid advancements in analytical techniques, omics technologies, and bioinformatics have significantly improved our ability to uncover and characterize these natural products. Despite these strides, critical challenges persist in the field, including the sustainable utilization of plant resources, the discovery of novel compounds with unique modes of action, and the translation of these findings into practical, real-world applications.
- Bioprospecting of natural products from medicinal plantsPublication . Rodrigues, Maria JoãoThe exploration of natural products derived from medicinal plants that provide an abundance of bioactive compounds has long been a cornerstone of scientific discovery, revolutionizing fields such as medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology [1]. Notable examples include artemisinin, a life-saving antimalarial derived from Artemisia annua [2], and taxol, a chemotherapeutic agent sourced from the Pacific yew tree [3], both of which highlight the immense potential of medicinal plants to address global health challenges. Over the past decade, rapid advancements in analytical techniques, omics technologies, and bioinformatics have significantly improved our ability to uncover and characterize these natural products. Despite these strides, critical challenges persist in the field, including the sustainable utilization of plant resources, the discovery of novel compounds with unique modes of action, and the translation of these findings into practical, real-world applications. This Special Issue, Bioprospecting of Natural Products from Medicinal Plants, highlights the vast potential of medicinal plants as reservoirs of bioactive compounds. Comprising twelve articles—an inspiring blend of original research and review papers—this collection exemplifies the collaborative spirit of researchers across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The global significance of medicinal plant research is further emphasized by the diverse contributions, which reflect the unique biodiversity and ecological challenges faced by different regions. Such international collaboration is vital, as each country brings its distinctive resources and expertise to uncovering and harnessing new bioactive compounds.
- Comparative responses and effects of exposure to metallic and nanoparticle zinc in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialisPublication . Roma, Joana; Missionário, Madalena; Madeira, Carolina; Matos, Ana Rita; Vinagre, Catarina; Costa, Pedro M.; Duarte, BernardoZinc (Zn) nanoparticles (NPs) are widely used in various industrial and commercial applications. Their intensive use in sunscreens, for instance, renders priority to understanding their effects on marine life, to which may be added the intensive use of Zn-based paints and anodes to protect submerged structures. We studied the effects of Zn nanoparticles and ions in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis exposed to 1, 10 and 100 μg/L of both zinc forms for up to 28 days. Effects were determined by analysing a battery of biomarkers, from oxidative stress (total antioxidant capacity and catalase activity) to acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. The results revealed that mussels responded only marginally differently to ionic and Zn nanoparticles, but also that their response was concentration- and time-dependent, suggesting distinct metabolic modes of action. These variations occurred almost exclusively at the highest concentration tested and were more pronounced as the exposure period increased. An integrated biomarker index (IBR) approach was used encompassing also previous findings (lipid peroxidation and metal accumulation in tissue), which further confirmed that these filter-feeding organisms are considerable targets for zinc exposure in the two forms tested and should be included in studies evaluating the overall toxicological impact of various forms of Zn in the marine environment.
- A demographic model to forecast Dinophysis acuminata harmful algal bloomsPublication . Vieira, Vasco Manuel Nobre de Carvalho da Silva; Leal Rosa, Teresa; Sobrinho-Gonçalves, Luís; Mateus, Marcos Duarte; Mota, BernardoHarmful algal blooms (HABs) in marine environments have significant adverse effects on public health, aquaculture and recreational activities. Surges of certain phytoplanktonic toxin-producing microalgae (mostly dinoflagellates or diatoms species) can induce Amnesic, Diarrhetic or Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP, DSP and PSP). Among HAB species, the genus Dinophysis leads to DSP in human consumers; this being the most recurrent problem in the Iberian Peninsula with the biggest economic impact on clam production and harvesting. While complete elimination of HABs is not feasible, timely implementation of appropriate measures can prevent their negative consequences. This is critical for aquaculture. Research on D. acuminata (dominant Dinophysis species in the North Atlantic) has been focused on ecophysiology and population dynamics, although with few modelling attempts. Weekly monitoring along the Portuguese coast since 2006 has revealed that D. acuminata thrives under spring/summer photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) coupled with water temperatures below 20°C, which typically coincide with the local upwelling regime. In order to advance this knowledge numerically, we developed a demographic model linking D. acuminata growth rate to PAR and sea surface temperature (SST). The 13-year (1-Jan-2006 to 31-Dec-2018) time-series of observations was closely fit by model forecasts. However, the model demonstrated limitations in issuing timely warnings of harmful proliferation of D. acuminata, failing to do so in 50% of cases, and issuing incorrect warnings in 5% of the cases. Furthermore, improving the odds of emitting timely warnings always worsened the odds of emitting false warnings, and vice-versa. To simultaneously improve both aspects, the modelling results clearly indicated the need of implementing both census/ projection intervals smaller than 7 days and a laboratory detection limit below 20 cell/L. The time resolution of the census and of the model proved to be the most limiting factor that must be addressed in order to improve numerical forecasting of HABs.