Serum lipoprotein profile is associated with protective effects of oral contraceptive use on multiple sclerosis severity: a cross-sectional study

Background: The mechanisms underlying the influence of sex hormones in multiple sclerosis (MS) are uncertain. Sex steroids interact with cholesterol metabolism and the serum lipid profile has been associated with the severity of the disease. We hypothesized that the putative associations between lipoprotein metabolism and MS could be modulated by sex steroids exposure. The aim of this study was to investigate whether oral contraceptives (OC) use changes the lipoprotein profile associated with disability in patients with multiple sclerosis. Methods: Clinical data was collected from 133 relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) women with a mean of 6.5 years of disease duration and prior to the start of disease-modifying therapies. Patients who were using OC after disease onset (DO) (OC+, n = 57) were compared to those who never used OC or discontinued its intake before DO (OC-, n = 76). In both cohorts of subjects, the associations between the apolipoprotein E (ApoE) polymorphism, and plasma lipid levels, and the annualized relapse rate (RR), the Expanded Disability Status Score (EDSS), and the Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score (MSSS) were evaluated using a hierarchic multiple regression analysis after adjustment for confounders. Results: Low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were associated with higher EDSS (p = 0.010) and MSSS (p = 0.024) in the whole studied cohort. In E3/E3 phenotype carriers (73.7%), EDSS and MSSS were lower in OC+ in comparison with OC- subgroup of patients (p < 0.01). LDL and total cholesterol were associated with EDSS (p = 0.005 and p = 0.043, respectively), and LDL and the triglyceride/high density lipoprotein ratio with MSSS (p = 0.011 and p = 0.048, respectively) in OC+ patients. In OC- subgroup of patients, ApoE levels were associated with EDSS (p = 0.012) and MSSS (p = 0.031). No significant interactions between the lipid variables or OC use and RR were observed. Conclusions: Serum lipid profile is associated with protective effects of OC use on disability of RRMS patients. Lipoprotein metabolism may be involved in the modulatory effects of sex steroids on the severity of the disease.Merck Bayer Health Care Teva PPAR/2006 LIPESBETA/2005 LILERICOP/2004 FCT-Foundation of Science and Technology, I.P. (Portugal) UID/BIM/04583/2019info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Implications of Parkinson disease in oral health

Abstract of the poster presented at the 2nd International Congress of CiiEM - Translational Research and Innovation in Human and Health Science. 11-13 June, 2017, Campus Egas Moniz, Monte de Caparica, Portugalinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Fingolimod treatment modulates PPARγ and CD36 gene expression in women with multiple sclerosis

Fingolimod is an oral immunomodulatory drug used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) that may change lipid metabolism. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) are transcription factors that regulate lipoprotein metabolism and immune functions and have been implicated in the pathophysiology of MS. CD36 is a scavenger receptor whose transcription is PPAR regulated. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether fingolimod treatment modifies PPAR and CD36 gene expression as part of its action mechanisms. Serum lipoprotein profiles and PPAR and CD36 gene expression levels in peripheral leukocytes were analysed in 17 female MS patients before and at 6 and 12 months after fingolimod treatment initiation. Clinical data during the follow-up period of treatment were obtained. We found that fingolimod treatment increased HDL-Cholesterol and Apolipoprotein E levels and leukocyte PPAR gamma and CD36 gene expression. No correlations were found between lipid levels and variations in PPAR gamma and CD36 gene expression. PPAR gamma and CD36 variations were significantly correlated during therapy and in patients free of relapse and stable disease. Our results suggest that PPAR gamma and CD36-mediated processes may contribute to the mechanisms of action of fingolimod in MS. Further studies are required to explore the relation of the PPAR gamma/CD36 pathway to the clinical efficacy of the drug and its involvement in the pathogenesis of the disease.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Postural behavior and Parkinson’s Disease severity

Paper presented at the TISHW - 1st International Conference on Technology and Innovation is Sports, Health and Wellbeing. UTAD, Vila Real, 1-3 December 2016"Abstract— Progression of Parkinson disease (PD) increases severe motor symptoms such as bradykinesia, tremor, gait disturbance and postural instability, interfering with patients’ daily life autonomy. Clinical evaluation is based on specific Scales like Hoehn & Yahr (H&Y) or UPDRS scales. The main goal of the study was to identify motor changes in the kinematic parameters related to different stages of Parkinson’s disease progression according to H&Y scale. A secondary goal was to determine more objectively the stage of the disease reducing the discomfort of scales subjectivity. Our sample integrated 103 patients (45 female and 58 male, 70.5±8.4 years) diagnosed with PD by neurologists specialized in movement disorders. Postural Behavior was evaluated using Computerized Dynamic Posturography equipment (Balance Master System). Postural behavior was based on posturographic analysis of the center of pressure (CoP) time series (corresponding to the vertical projection of the center of gravity) to determine kinematic parameter(s) considered suitable to identify postural behavior modification. The posturographic tests applied were: 1) modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance (mCTSIB); 2) Limits of Stability (LOS); 3) Rhythmic Weight Shift (RWS). The results, concerning four stages of the H&Y scale (I-IV), showed significant differences between groups/stages. Static balance parameters like velocity, total distance, amplitude and frequency of CoP sway, increase with disease severity. In early to medium stages (I-II) of the disease, CoP presents a projection backwards, while in stage IV, this projection showed a trend to change forwards. Concerning dynamic balance, LOS presents a reduction mainly in the forward direction in all stages. The directional control in anterior-posterior RWS decreases with disease progression."N/

Main reasons for rejection of deep brain stimulation surgery in candidates with Parkinson Disease

Abstract of the poster presented at the 2nd International Congress of CiiEM - Translational Research and Innovation in Human and Health Science. 11-13 June, 2017, Campus Egas Moniz, Monte de Caparica, Portugalinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Natalizumab Treatment Modulates Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors Expression in Women with Multiple Sclerosis

Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors (PPAR) are transcription factors suggested to be involved in inflammatory lesions of autoimmune encephalomyelitis and multiple sclerosis (MS). Our objective was to assess whether Natalizumab (NTZ) therapy is associated with alterations of PPAR expression in MS patients. We analyzed gene expression of PPAR in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) as well as blood inflammatory markers in women with MS previously medicated with first-line immunomodulators (baseline) and after NTZ therapy. No differences in PPARα, PPARβ/δ, PPARγ, and CD36 mRNA expression were found in PBMC between patients under baseline and healthy controls. At three months, NTZ increased PPARβ/δ mRNA (p=0.009) in comparison to baseline, while mRNA expression of PPARγ and CD36 (a well-known PPAR target gene) was lower in comparison to healthy controls (p=0.026 and p=0.028, resp.). Although these trends of alterations remain after six months of therapy, the results were not statistically significant. Osteopontin levels were elevated in patients (p=0.002) and did not change during the follow-up period of NTZ treatment. These results suggest that PPAR-mediated processes may contribute to the mechanisms of action of NTZ therapy

Controlo postural na Doença de Parkinson: alterações características em função dos diferentes estádios de evolução da doença

Comunicação apresentada na Reunião da Sociedade Portuguesa das Doenças do Movimento (SPDMov). Vimeiro, Portugal, 28-30 Março de 2014

Metabolic Dysfunction and Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors (PPAR) in Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS) probably caused, in most cases, by the interaction of genetic and environmental factors. This review first summarizes some clinical, epidemiological and pathological characteristics of MS. Then, the involvement of biochemical pathways is discussed in the development and repair of the CNS lesions and the immune dysfunction in the disease. Finally, the potential roles of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) in MS are discussed. It is suggested that metabolic mechanisms modulated by PPAR provide a window to integrate the systemic and neurological events underlying the pathogenesis of the disease. In conclusion, the reviewed data highlight molecular avenues of understanding MS that may open new targets for improved therapies and preventive strategies for the disease