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- Mitigating the negative impacts of marine invasive species – Sargassum muticum - a key seaweed for skincare products developmentPublication . Susano, Patrícia; Silva, Joana; Alves, Celso; Martins, Alice; Pinteus, Susete; Gaspar, Helena; Goettert, Márcia Inês; Pedrosa, RuiSargassum muticum is a highly invasive species, threatening marine biodiversity worldwide. One strategy to reduce marine invaders’ impacts is to promote their use as valuable biomass for new products development. On the other hand, there is a rising conscience of natural compounds importance as health promoters. The present work was designed to sustainably use the marine invasive seaweed S. muticum collected off the Portuguese shore for novel skincare products. The antioxidant, anti-enzymatic (collagenase, elastase, hyaluronidase, tyrosinase), antimicrobial (Staphylococcus epidermidis, Cutibacterium acnes, Malassezia furfur), photoprotective, and antiinflammatory properties of five fractions (F1–F5) obtained by a sequential extraction of S. muticum were evaluated. The diethyl ether fraction (F2) demonstrated the most promising results, with the highest antioxidant and photoprotective capacity, reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production promoted by UVA and UVB radiation in 3T3 cells. On the other hand, the ethyl acetate fraction (F3) exhibited the highest anti-enzymatic capacity, inhibiting the activities of collagenase, hyaluronidase and tyrosinase (IC50 of 97.5, 23.7 and 72.3 μg/mL, respectively). Moreover, fractions from S. muticum showed anti-inflammatory potential by reducing tumor necrosis factor – α and interleukin-6 release. A chemical screening by 1H NMR of S. muticum fractions evidenced signals that can be attributed to the presence of different chemical classes, including lipids, pigments, amino acids, polyphenols, and sugars, being related to the observed multitarget properties. This work highlights a strategic valorisation of S. muticum as a source of treasured ingredients for skincare applications.
- Unravelling the anti-Inflammatory and antioxidant potential of the marine sponge Cliona celata from the Portuguese coastlinePublication . Gaspar, Helena; Silva, Joana; Alves, Celso; Martins, Alice; Teodoro, Fernando; Susano, Patrícia; Pinteus, Susete; Pedrosa, Rui; Alves, JoanaInflammation is a double-edged sword, as it can have both protective effects and harmful consequences, which, combined with oxidative stress (OS), can lead to the development of deathly chronic inflammatory conditions. Over the years, research has evidenced the potential of marine sponges as a source of effective anti-inflammatory therapeutic agents. Within this framework, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and the anti-inflammatory potential of the marine sponge Cliona celata. For this purpose, their organic extracts (C1–C5) and fractions were evaluated concerning their radical scavenging activity through 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), and anti-inflammatory activity through a (lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced inflammation on RAW 264.7 cells) model. Compounds present in the two most active fractions (F5 and F13) of C4 were tentatively identified by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Even though samples displayed low antioxidant activity, they presented a high anti-inflammatory capacity in the studied cellular inflammatory model when compared to the anti-inflammatory standard, dexamethasone. GC-MS analysis led to the identification of n-hexadecanoic acid, cis-9-hexadecenal, and 13-octadecenal in fraction F5, while two major compounds, octadecanoic acid and cholesterol, were identified in fraction F13. The developed studies demonstrated the high anti-inflammatory activity of the marine sponge C. celata extracts and fractions, highlighting its potential for further therapeutic applications.
- Marine endophytic fungi associated with Halopteris scoparia (Linnaeus) Sauvageau as producers of bioactive secondary metabolites with potential dermocosmetic applicationPublication . Calado, Maria da Luz; Silva, Joana; Alves, Celso; Susano, Patrícia; Santos, Débora; Alves, Joana; Martins, Alice; Gaspar, Helena; Pedrosa, Rui; Campos, Maria JorgeMarine fungi and, particularly, endophytic species have been recognised as one of the most prolific sources of structurally new and diverse bioactive secondary metabolites with multiple biotechnological applications. Despite the increasing number of bioprospecting studies, very few have already evaluated the cosmeceutical potential of marine fungal compounds. Thus, this study focused on a frequent seaweed in the Portuguese coast, Halopteris scoparia, to identify the endophytic marine fungi associated with this host, and assess their ability to biosynthesise secondary metabolites with antioxidative, enzymatic inhibitory (hyaluronidase, collagenase, elastase and tyrosinase), anti-inflammatory, photoprotective, and antimicrobial (Cutibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Malassezia furfur) activities. The results revealed eight fungal taxa included in the Ascomycota, and in the most representative taxonomic classes in marine ecosystems (Eurotiomycetes, Sordariomycetes and Dothideomycetes). These fungi were reported for the first time in Portugal and in association with H. scoparia, as far as it is known. The screening analyses showed that most of these endophytic fungi were producers of compounds with relevant biological activities, though those biosynthesised by Penicillium sect. Exilicaulis and Aspergillus chevalieri proved to be the most promising ones for being further exploited by dermocosmetic industry. The chemical analysis of the crude extract from an isolate of A. chevalieri revealed the presence of two bioactive compounds, echinulin and neoechinulin A, which might explain the high antioxidant and UV photoprotective capacities exhibited by the extract. These noteworthy results emphasised the importance of screening the secondary metabolites produced by these marine endophytic fungal strains for other potential bioactivities, and the relevance of investing more efforts in understanding the ecology of halo/osmotolerant fungi.
- Saccorhiza polyschides: A source of natural active ingredients for greener skincare formulationsPublication . Susano, Patrícia; Silva, Joana; Alves, Celso; Martins, Alice; Pinteus, Susete; Gaspar, Helena; Goettert, Márcia Inês; Pedrosa, RuiThe growing knowledge about the harmful effects caused by some synthetic ingredients present in skincare products has led to an extensive search for natural bioactives. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the dermatological potential of five fractions (F1–F5), obtained by a sequential extraction procedure, from the brown seaweed Saccorhiza polyschides. The antioxidant (DPPH, FRAP, ORAC and TPC), anti-enzymatic (collagenase, elastase, hyaluronidase and tyrosinase), antimicrobial (Staphylococcus epidermidis, Cutibacterium acnes and Malassezia furfur), anti-inflammatory (nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6 and interleukin-10) and photoprotective (reactive oxygen species) properties of all fractions were evaluated. The ethyl acetate fraction (F3) displayed the highest antioxidant and photoprotective capacity, reducing ROS levels in UVA/B-exposed 3T3 fibroblasts, and the highest anti-enzymatic capacity against tyrosinase (IC50 value: 89.1 µg/mL). The solid water-insoluble fraction (F5) revealed the greatest antimicrobial activity against C. acnes growth (IC50 value: 12.4 µg/mL). Furthermore, all fractions demonstrated anti-inflammatory potential, reducing TNF-α and IL-6 levels in RAW 264.7 macrophages induced with lipopolysaccharides. Chemical analysis of the S. polyschides fractions by NMR revealed the presence of different classes of compounds, including lipids, polyphenols and sugars. The results highlight the potential of S. polyschides to be incorporated into new nature-based skincare products.
- Exploring marine resources against neurological disorders: the neuroprotective and anti‑inflammatory potential of the brown seaweed Bifurcaria bifurcataPublication . Silva, Joana; Alves, Celso; Susano, Patrícia; Martins, Alice; Pinteus, Susete; Gaspar, Helena; Alfonso, Amparo; Pedrosa, RuiOxidative stress is strongly involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, like Parkinson´s disease (PD). Particularly, an excess of reactive oxygen species (ROS) released by the cells promotes an oxidative stress condition, which is a main cause of tissue injury leading to nervous system dysfunction. In this work, the antioxidant, neuroprotective and antiinflammatory activities of different fractions from the brown seaweed Bifurcaria bifurcata are presented and related with their chemical profile. The antioxidant capacity was evaluated by the Folin-Ciocalteu method, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays. Neuroprotective capacity was evaluated to prevent neurological cell death mediated by the neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) on SH-SY5Y cells, and their anti-inflammatory effects on RAW 264.7 macrophages. The ethyl acetate fractions (100 μg mL−1) exhibited significant antioxidant and neuroprotective activities in the in vitro models assayed. Furthermore, two of the most polar fractions obtained with methanol and water also evidenced a significant neuroprotective potential. Bifurcaria bifurcata fractions treatment decreased ROS production, mitochondrial dysfunction, and Caspase-3 activity. Regarding the anti-inflammatory potential, five fractions (100 μg mL−1) inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production and reduced the interleukin – 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) levels. Mannitol, identified as the major component of the most bioactive fraction, protected SH-SY5Y cells against the 6-OHDA neurotoxicity mediating ROS generation mitigation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and DNA damage, together with the Caspase-3 activity inhibition. Results suggest that B. bifurcata is a relevant source of neuroprotective agents, with particular interest for preventive therapeutics.
- The therapeutic potential of naturally occurring peptides in counteracting SH-SY5Y cells injuryPublication . Perlikowska, Renata; Silva, Joana; Alves, Celso; Susano, Patrícia; Pedrosa, RuiPeptides have revealed a large range of biological activities with high selectivity and efficiency for the development of new drugs, including neuroprotective agents. Therefore, this work investigates the neuroprotective properties of naturally occurring peptides, endomorphin-1 (EM-1), endomorphin-2 (EM-2), rubiscolin-5 (R-5), and rubiscolin-6 (R-6). We aimed at answering the question of whether wellknown opioid peptides can counteract cell injury in a common in vitromodel of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Antioxidant activity of these four peptides was evaluated by the 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) scavenging activity, oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays, while neuroprotective effects were assessed in a neurotoxic model induced by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) in a human neuroblastoma cell line (SH-SY5Y). The mechanisms associated with neuroprotection were investigated by the determination of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and Caspase-3 activity. Among the tested peptides, endomorphins significantly prevented neuronal death induced by 6-OHDA treatment, decreasing MMP (EM-1) or Caspase-3 activity (EM-2). Meanwhile, R-6 showed antioxidant potential by FRAP assay and exhibited the highest capacity to recover the neurotoxicity induced by 6-OHDA via attenuation of ROS levels and mitochondrial dysfunction. Generally, we hypothesize that peptides’ ability to suppress the toxic effect induced by 6-OHDA may be mediated by different cellular mechanisms. The protective effect caused by endomorphins results in an antiapoptotic effect (mitochondrial protection and decrease in Caspase-3 activity), while R-6 potency to increase a cell’s viability seems to be mediated by reducing oxidative stress. Our results may provide new insight into neurodegeneration and support the short peptides as a potent drug candidate to treat PD. However, further studies should be conducted on the detailed mechanisms of how tested peptides could suppress neuronal injuries.
- Disclosing the potential of eleganolone for Parkinson’s disease therapeutics: neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory activitiesPublication . Silva, Joana; Alves, Celso; Pinteus, Susete; Susano, Patrícia; Simões, Marco; Guedes, Miguel; Martins, Alice; Rehfeldt, Stephanie; Gaspar, Helena; Goettert, Márcia Inês; Alfonso, Amparo; Pedrosa, RuiThe treatment of Parkinson´s disease (PD) has benefited from significant advances resulting from the increasing research efforts focused on new therapeutics. However, the current treatments for PD are mostly symptomatic, alleviating disease symptoms without reversing or retarding disease progression. Thus, it is critical to find new molecules that can result in more effective treatments. Within this framework, this study aims to evaluate the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of three compounds (eleganolone, eleganonal and fucosterol) isolated from the brown seaweed Bifurcaria bifurcata. In vitro neuroprotective effects were evaluated on a PD cellular model induced by the neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) on SH-SY5Y human cells, while lipopolysaccharide (LPS) -stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages were used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential. Additionally, the underlying mechanisms of action were also investigated. Compounds were isolated by preparative chromatographic methods and their structural elucidation attained by NMR spectroscopy. Among the tested compounds, eleganolone (0.1–1 μM; 24 h) reverted the neurotoxicity induced by 6-OHDA in about 20%. The neuroprotective effects were mediated by mitochondrial protection, reduction of oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis, and inhibition of NF-kB pathway. The results suggest that eleganolone may provide advantages in the treatment of neurodegenerative conditions and, therefore, should be considered for future preclinical studies.
- Unravelling the dermatological potential of the brown seaweed Carpomitra costataPublication . Susano, Patrícia; Silva, Joana; Alves, Celso; Martins, Alice; Gaspar, Helena; Pinteus, Susete; Mouga, Teresa; Goettert, Márcia Ines; Petrovski, Zeljko; Branco, Luís B.; Pedrosa, RuiThe ever-increasing interest in keeping a young appearance and healthy skin has leveraged the skincare industry. This, coupled together with the increased concern regarding the safety of synthetic products, has boosted the demand for new and safer natural ingredients. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to evaluate the dermatological potential of the brown seaweed Carpomitra costata. The antioxidant, anti-enzymatic, antimicrobial, photoprotective and anti-inflammatory properties of five C. costata fractions (F1–F5) were evaluated. The ethyl acetate fraction (F3) demonstrated the most promising results, with the best ability to scavenge 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals (EC50 of 140.1 g/mL) and the capacity to reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) production promoted by UVA and UVB radiation in 3T3 cells, revealing its antioxidant and photoprotective potential. This fraction also exhibited the highest anti-enzymatic capacity, inhibiting the activities of collagenase, elastase and tyrosinase (IC50 of 7.2, 4.8 and 85.9 g/mL, respectively). Moreover, F3 showed anti-inflammatory potential, reducing TNF- and IL-6 release induced by LPS treatment in RAW 264.7 cells. These bioactivities may be related to the presence of phenolic compounds, such as phlorotannins, as demonstrated by NMR analysis. The results highlight the potential of C. costata as a source of bioactive ingredients for further dermatological applications.
- Potencial dermocosmético da macroalga Carpomitra costataPublication . Susano, Patrícia Frederico; Pedrosa, Rui Filipe Pinto; Alves, Celso Miguel da Maia; Martins, Alice Isabel MendesO crescente interesse da população por uma aparência jovem e uma pele saudável, sobretudo em sociedades desenvolvidas, tem conduzido a um elevado crescimento da indústria cosmética. Um dos focos desta indústria é a busca de novos ingredientes naturais com uma ampla gama de bioatividades, com propriedades antienvelhecimento, antioxidantes, anti-inflamatórias, antimicrobianas, fotoprotetoras, entre outras, a fim de produzir novos produtos para responder à crescente procura por formulações de origem natural, face ao conhecimento sobre os perigos de alguns ingredientes sintéticos. Neste sentido, as macroalgas são apontadas como fortes candidatas, dada a sua capacidade para biossintetizar compostos com caraterísticas estruturais únicas e de elevado potencial biológico. Deste modo, o objetivo desta dissertação de mestrado consistiu em avaliar o potencial dermocosmético da macroalga castanha Carpomitra costata, recolhida na costa de Peniche, Portugal. A amostra liofilizada de C. costata foi extraída com etanol: água (70:30) sendo o extrato total seco submetido a uma partição líquido-líquido, de onde resultaram cinco frações distintas (F1 – F5). O perfil químico destas frações foi analisado por espetroscopia ultravioleta-visível (UV-Vis) e ressonância magnética nuclear (RMN), recorrendo-se a diversos ensaios in vitro para avaliar o seu potencial dermatológico, nomeadamente, a sua capacidade: i) antioxidante (quantificação total de compostos fenólicos (QTP), redução do radical 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazilo (DPPH), capacidade de redução do Fe (III) (FRAP) e capacidade de absorção dos radicais livres de oxigénio (ORAC)); ii) antienzimática (colagenase, hialuronidase, elastase e tirosinase), iii) antimicrobiana (Staphylococcus epidermidis, Cutibacterium acnes, Malassezia furfur), iv) fotoprotetora (produção de espécies reativas de oxigénio (ROS)); e v) anti-inflamatória (produção de óxido nítrico (NO), fator de necrose tumoral (TNF-α), interleucina-6 (IL-6) e interleucina-10 (IL-10)). A fração de acetato de etilo (F3) demonstrou um elevado potencial antioxidante, com a maior capacidade de redução do radical DPPH (EC50 de 140,1 μg/mL) e os valores mais elevados de FRAP (474,6 ± 50,1 μM FeSO4/g) e ORAC (2082,4 ± 179,3 μM TE/g), bem como o maior teor de compostos fenólicos (321,3 ± 20,7 mg PE/g extrato). Em relação à atividade antienzimática, esta fração demonstrou igualmente o maior potencial, inibindo as atividades das enzimas colagenase (IC50 de 7,2 μg/mL), elastase (IC50 de 4,8 μg/mL) e tirosinase (IC50 de 85,9 μg/mL). Por sua vez, as frações F1 (IC50 de 47,2 μg/mL), F2 (IC50 de 46,2 μg/mL) e F5 (IC50 de 48,1 μg/mL) revelaram o maior potencial de inibição da enzima hialuronidase. Quanto à atividade antimicrobiana, a fração F3, apesar de não ser a mais eficaz, reduziu significativamente o crescimento de S. epidermidis e M. furfur, 24,1 ± 3,1% e 21,0 ± 4,4%, respetivamente. Contudo, a fração com maior atividade antimicrobiana foi a fração F5, inibindo o crescimento de S. epidermidis (IC50 de 72,0 μg/mL) e C. acnes (IC50 de 46,3 μg/mL). As frações F1 (IC50 de 141,4 μg/mL) e F2 (IC50 de 45,9 μg/mL) também demonstraram eficácia na inibição de C. acnes. De modo a avaliar a capacidade fotoprotetora das frações de C. costata, foi selecionada a concentração que não induziu citotoxicidade (10 μg/mL) nos fibroblastos 3T3. A esta concentração, todas as frações reduziram significativamente a produção de ROS induzida pela exposição à radiação UV, no entanto, o efeito mais marcado foi evidenciado pelas frações F2 e F3, as quais reduziram a produção de ROS em 33,1% e 32,9%, respetivamente. Relativamente às propriedades anti-inflamatórias, foi realizado previamente um ensaio de citotoxicidade em macrófagos. À concentração de 20 μg/mL, nenhuma das frações de C. costata reduziu a viabilidade celular, sendo esta a concentração utilizada na avaliação da atividade anti-inflamatória. Nenhuma das frações demonstrou estimular a produção de óxido nítrico (NO). Contudo, quando as células RAW 264.7 foram expostas a uma condição de inflamação induzida através do tratamento com lipopolissacarídeos (LPS), verificou-se um aumento dos níveis de NO, TNF-α e IL-6. Nenhuma das frações demonstrou capacidade para reduzir os níveis de NO, no entanto, algumas frações reduziram significativamente os níveis de outros mediadores inflamatórios estudados, nomeadamente TNF-α e IL-6. No que respeita ao TNF-α, todas as frações mostraram eficácia na redução dos níveis desta citocina, contudo, as frações F2 e F5 revelaram o maior potencial, reduzindo os seus níveis para 145,5 ± 29,8% e 136,8 ± 21,7%, respetivamente, em relação ao tratamento com LPS (564,2 ± 54,9%). Quanto à IL-6, todas as frações reduziram significativamente os seus níveis, sendo a fração F2 a que apresentou o efeito mais marcado, reduzindo os seus níveis de 327,5 ± 34,4% para 106,7 ± 2,0%. Por último, nenhuma das frações demonstrou capacidade em estimular a produção da citocina anti-inflamatória IL-10. A análise do espetro de RMN da fração com maior potencial bioativo (F3) evidenciou sinais caraterísticos de polifenóis (florotaninos), os quais poderão estar associados às bioatividades observadas. Em suma, os resultados obtidos destacam a macroalga C. costata como uma fonte de ingredientes bioativos para potenciais aplicações dermatológicas, através da sua incorporação em diferentes formulações tópicas com propriedades antioxidantes, fotoprotetoras, antienvelhecimento, antimicrobianas e anti-inflamatórias.
- Loliolide, a new therapeutic option for neurological diseases? In vitro neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory activities of a monoterpenoid lactone isolated from codium tomentosumPublication . Silva, Joana; Alves, Celso; Martins, Alice; Susano, Patrícia; Simões, Marco; Guedes, Miguel; Rehfeldt, Stephanie; Pinteus, Susete; Gaspar, Helena; Rodrigues, Américo; Goettert, Márcia Inês; Alfonso, Amparo; Pedrosa, RuiParkinsons Disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide, and is characterized by a progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. Without an effective treatment, it is crucial to find new therapeutic options to fight the neurodegenerative process, which may arise from marine resources. Accordingly, the goal of the present work was to evaluate the ability of the monoterpenoid lactone Loliolide, isolated from the green seaweed Codium tomentosum, to prevent neurological cell death mediated by the neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) on SH-SY5Y cells and their anti-inflammatory effects in RAW264.7 macrophages. Loliolide was obtained from the diethyl ether extract, purified through column chromatography and identified by NMR spectroscopy. The neuroprotective effects were evaluated by the MTT method. Cells’ exposure to 6-OHDA in the presence of Loliolide led to an increase of cells’ viability in 40%, and this effect was mediated by mitochondrial protection, reduction of oxidative stress condition and apoptosis, and inhibition of the NF-KB pathway. Additionally, Loliolide also suppressed nitric oxide production and inhibited the production of TNF- and IL-6 pro-inflammatory cytokines. The results suggest that Loliolide can inspire the development of new neuroprotective therapeutic agents and thus, more detailed studies should be considered to validate its pharmacological potential.