Pedro F Oliveira

University of Aveiro | UA · Department of Chemistry

Mitochondrial uncoupling proteins (UCPs) are central in the regulation of mitochondrial activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. High oxidative stress is a major cause of male infertility; however, UCPs expression and function in human spermatozoa are still unknown. Herein, we aimed to assess the expression and function of the differe...

Infertility is becoming a chronic and emerging problem in the world. There is a resistant stigma that this health condition is mostly due to the female, although the literature supports that the responsibility for the onset of infertility is equally shared between both sexes in more or less equal proportions. Nevertheless, male sex hormones, partic...

The decline of fertility in modern society is a serious worldwide concern, and the reasons behind it are complex and difficult to unveil. The fact that a big percentage of infertility cases remain diagnosed as idiopathic, turn the strategies to treat such conditions very limited. Nevertheless, one must agree that keeping the oxidative balance of th...

Male fertility relies on the ability of spermatozoa to fertilize the egg in the female reproductive tract (FRT). Spermatozoa acquire activated motility during epididymal maturation; however, to be capable of fertilization, they must achieve hyperactivated motility in the FRT. Extensive research found that three protein phosphatases (PPs) are crucia...

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is an anion channel that is crucial for fluid homeodynamics throughout the male reproductive tract. Previous evidence shed light on a potential molecular partnership between this channel and aquaporins (AQPs). Herein, we explore the role of CFTR on AQPs-mediated glycerol permeability in...

The use of doxorubicin (DOX) in clinical practice continues to be challenged by its severe toxicity. DOX cytotoxic activity is not only directed against malignant tumours, given that the treatment will damage healthy tissues as well leading to irreversible injuries. This study aimed to address the in vivo effects of DOX and its co-administration wi...

Aim: Calorie restriction (CR) diets and glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogs are known to alter energy homeostasis with the potential to affect the expression of obesity-related genes (ORGs). We hypothesized that CR and GLP-1 administration can alter ORGs expression in spermatozoa and testes, as well as the sperm parameters implicated in male fe...

Aging is associated with testicular morphological and functional alterations, but the underlying molecular mechanisms and the impact of physical exercise are poorly understood. In this study, we examined the effects of age and lifelong moderate-intensity exercise on rat testis. Mature adults (35 weeks) and middle-aged (61 weeks) Wistar Unilever mal...

Stress, as a physiological response, is a major factor that affects several processes, including reproductive functions. The main hormonal players of stress are cortisol (humans) and corticosterone (rodents). Sertoli cells (SCs), as key contributors for the testicular homeostasis maintenance, are extensively challenged by different hormones, with g...

The incidence of male infertility has been increasing over the years and is now becoming a serious health problem. This trend has been followed by an increase in metabolic diseases, which are known to induce clear alterations in testicular metabolism, although the underlying mechanismremain unclear. Testicular metabolism displays several unique fea...

Mitochondria are fundamental for human spermatozoa motility and fertilizing ability. Mitochondria participate not only in ATP production, but also in reac-tive oxygen species production, redox equilibrium, and calcium regulation, all of which are central for human spermatozoa motility, capacitation, acrosome reaction, and ultimately, oocyte fertili...

Diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM) has been associated with alterations in the male reproductive tract, especially in the epididymis. Although it is known that T2DM alters epididymal physiology, disturbing mitochondrial function and favoring oxidative stress, the mechanisms remain unknown. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor...

Background The human Amniotic Membrane (hAM) has been studied as a potential therapeutic option in cancer, namely in hepatocellular carcinoma. Previously, our research group evaluated the effect of human Amniotic Membrane Protein Extracts (hAMPE) in cancer therapy, demonstrating that hAMPE inhibit the metabolic activity of human hepatocellular carc...

Carbamates are widely used and known around the world as pesticides in spite of also having medical applications. This class of chemicals is classified as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, blocking acetylcholine hydrolyzation in a reversible manner. Their lack of species selectivity and their reported high toxicity can induce, upon exposure, adverse...

Research Question Does sirtuin-1 have a role on the human spermatozoa capacitation process? Design Human spermatozoa were incubated for 6 hours in a capacitating medium in presence or absence of the specific SIRT1 activator, YK 3-237. Several sperm parameters were determined by flow cytometry: viability, acrosome reaction and mitochondria membrane...

Study question Do human spermatozoa express insulin and the enzymes responsible for the cleavage of proinsulin? Is the secretion of insulin by spermatozoa responsive to glucose stimuli? Summary answer Human spermatozoa express insulin and PC1/3 and PC2, enzymes responsible for the cleavage of proinsulin. Spermatozoa produce and release insulin in...

Oxidative stress has been associated with decreased sperm quality and male infertility [...]

Non-communicable diseases have become the leading cause of death, morbidity, and loss of healthy years worldwide, according to the World Health Organization [...]

Ageing is the time-dependent gradual decline of the functional characteristics in an organism. It has been shown that it results in the loss of reproductive health and fertility. The age-dependent decline of fertility is a potential issue as the parenthood age is increasing in Western countries, mostly due to socioeconomic factors. In comparison to...

The incidence of metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and obesity has been increasing dramatically. Both diseases are closely linked and new approaches for type 2 DM treatment aim to enable weight loss. A combined therapy of dapagliflozin and exenatide has been used against type 2 DM, influencing allbody glucose dynamics. Sperma...

Aims: Brief episodes of sublethal hypoxia reprogram brain response to face possible subsequent lethal stimuli by triggering adaptive and pro-survival events - a phenomenon denominated hypoxic preconditioning (HP). To date, the potential therapeutic implications of HP to forestall sporadic Alzheimer's disease (sAD) pathology remain unexplored. Usin...

Estrogens, specifically 17β-estradiol (E2), play an important role in male health, including male fertility. The G protein-coupled receptor for estrogen 30 (GPR30) is essential for mediating the rapid non-genomic effects of E2 on a variety of testicular cells, including spermatozoa, although its molecular effects remain largely unknown. In this wor...

The permanent exposure to environmental contaminants promoting weight gain (i.e., obesogens) has raised serious health concerns. Evidence suggests that obesogens are one of the leading causes of the marked decline in male fertility and are key players in shaping future health outcomes, not only for those who are directly exposed to them, but also f...

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is one of the most prevalent comorbidities of diabetes mellitus and the leading cause of the end-stage renal disease (ESRD). DKD results from chronic exposure to hyperglycemia, leading to progressive alterations in kidney structure and function. The early development of DKD is clinically silent and when albumin-uria is...

In healthy kidneys, interstitial fibroblasts are responsible for the maintenance of renal architecture. Progressive interstitial fibrosis is thought to be a common pathway for chronic kidney diseases (CKD). Diabetes is one of the boosters of CKD. There is no effective treatment to improve kidney function in CKD patients. The kidney is a highly dema...

Cryopreservation is globally used as a method for long-term preservation, although freezethawing procedures may strongly impair the gamete function. The correct cryopreservation procedure is characterized by the balance between freezing rate and cryoprotective agents (CPAs), which minimizes cellular dehydration and intracellular ice formation. For...

Background/aims: Oxidative Stress (OS) is reported as one of the main causes of male infertility. Infertile couples often resort to assisted reproductive technology (ART) to achieve parenthood. However, preparation for ART protocols increases the exposer of gametes to OS. Thus, it is crucial to find suitable preservation media that can counteract...

Exposure to a high-fat diet (HFD) from early-life is associated with a testicular metabolic signature linked to abnormal sperm parameters up to two generations after exposure in mice. Hereby, we describe a testicular lipid signature associated with “inherited metabolic memory” of exposure to HFD, persisting up to two generations in mice. Diet-chall...

Background: The human Amniotic Membrane (hAM) has been studied as a potential therapeutic option in cancer, namely in hepatocellular carcinoma. Previously, our research group evaluated the effect of human Amniotic Membrane Protein Extracts (hAMPE) in cancer therapy, demonstrating that hAMPE inhibit the metabolic activity of human hepatocellular car...

The renewal of the natural resources is one of the most concerning aspects of modern farming. In animal production, there are many barriers breeders and researchers have to overcome to develop new practices to improve reproductive potential and hasten sexual maturation of the commercially viable species, while maintaining meat quality and sustainab...

Significance: Infertility is a major global health problem, with nearly half of the cases being associated with male factors. Although reactive oxygen species (ROS) are crucial for sperm cells capacitation, an imbalance between ROS production and antioxidants can lead to oxidative stress that can impair sperm function. Indeed, high semen ROS level...

In recent decades, an increasing incidence of male infertility has been reported. Interestingly, and considering that pesticides have been used for a long time, the high incidence of this pathological state is concomitant with the increasing use of these chemicals, suggesting they are contributors for the development of human infertility. Data from...

In recent decades, an increasing incidence of male infertility has been reported. Interestingly, and considering that pesticides have been used for a long time, the high incidence of this pathological state is concomitant with the increasing use of these chemicals, suggesting they are contributors for the development of human infertility. Data from...

Uncoupling proteins (UCPs) are transmembrane proteins members of the mitochondrial anion transporter family present in the mitochondrial inner membrane. Currently, six homologs have been identified (UCP1-6) in mammals, with ubiquitous tissue distribution and multiple physiological functions. UCPs are regulators of key events for cellular bioenerget...

Nowadays, infertility is classified as a disease of the reproductive system. Although it does not compromise the life of the individual, it can have detrimental effects on the physiological and psychological health of the couple. Male fertility evaluation is mainly focused on the analysis of sperm parameters. However, the ejaculated fluid is also c...

The prevalence of obesity and diabetes, two of the most prevalent metabolic disorders (METD) in the world, has been rising exponentially over the last two decades. In addition to other comorbidities, METD have a detrimental impact on reproductive features, leading to a boost of the use of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) to overcome fertili...

Male reproductive tissues are strongly susceptible to several environmental and lifestyle stressors. In general, male reproductive health is highly sensitive to oxidative stress, which results in re-versible and/or irreversible changes in testosterone-producing cells, spermatogenesis, and sperm quality. Chromium compounds are widely used in the +3...

Background Lung branching morphogenesis is characterized by epithelial-mesenchymal interactions that ultimately define the airway conducting system. Throughout this process, energy and structural macromolecules are necessary to sustain the high proliferative rates. The extensive knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying pulmonary development...

Prediabetes (PrDM) is a prodromal stage of diabetes mellitus (DM) with an increasing prevalence worldwide. During DM progression, individuals gradually develop complications in various organs. However, lungs are suggested to be affected later than other organs, such as the eyes, heart or brain. In this work, we studied the effects of PrDM on male W...

(1) Background: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory process of the pancreas with variable involvement of the pancreatic and peripancreatic tissues and remote organ systems. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the inflammatory biomarkers, oxidative stress (OS), and plasma metabolome of patients with different degrees of biliary AP sev...

Transthyretin (TTR), a 55 kDa evolutionarily conserved protein, presents altered levels in several conditions, including malnutrition, inflammation, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s Disease. It has been shown that TTR is involved in several functions, such as insulin release from pancreatic β-cells, recovery of blood glucose and glucagon levels of the isl...

Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) metabolic profiling harbors the potential to disentangle molecular changes underlying obesity-related dysglycemia. In this study, the VAT exometabolome of subjects with obesity and different glycemic statuses are analyzed. The subjects (n = 19) are divided into groups according to body mass index and glycemic status: s...

The consumption of energy-dense diets has contributed to an increase in the prevalence of obesity and its comorbidities worldwide. The adoption of unhealthy feeding habits often occurs at early age, prompting the early onset of metabolic disease with unknown consequences for reproductive function later in life. Recently, evidence has emerged regard...

It is widely accepted that oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathophysiology of male infertility and that antioxidants could have a significant role in the treatment of male infertility. The main objectives of this study are: 1) to systematically review the current evidence for the utility of antioxidants in the treatment of male infe...

Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of channel proteins that facilitate the transport of water and small solutes across biological membranes. They are widely distributed throughout the organism, having a number of key functions, some of them unexpected, both in health and disease. Among the various diseases in which AQPs are involved, infertility has be...

Objective To study the human spermatozoa obesity-related gene (ORG) mRNA abundance and its association with sperm quality parameters, embryo development, and pregnancy rates after assisted-reproduction treatment (ART). Design Cross-sectional study of spermatozoa ORG mRNA expression, sperm, and embryo development parameters of infertile couples att...

Introduction: With the worldwide decline on male fertile potential, the importance of the insight of the spermatogenic process has been increasing. In recent years, proteomic methodologies have been applied to seminal fluid of infertile men to search for infertility potential biomarkers. However, to understand the spermatogenic event and to search...

In 2020, the COVID‐19 pandemic led to the suspension of the annual Summer Internship at the American Center for Reproductive Medicine (ACRM). To transit it into an online format, an inaugural 6‐week 2020 ACRM Online Mentorship Program was developed focusing on five core pillars of andrology research: scientific writing, scientific methodology, plag...

The importance of environmental variables in utero has been acknowledged for several decades. Clinical evidence regarding the negative impact of maternal alcohol and drug consumption, tobacco and prescription drug use, unhealthy diet and sedentarism, obesity and diabetes, and pollutant and chemical exposures, have originated guidelines for pregnant...

The lack of effective disease-modifying therapeutics to tackle Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is unsettling considering the actual prevalence of this devastating neurodegenerative disorder worldwide. Intermittent hypoxic conditioning (IHC) is a powerful non-pharmacological procedure known to enhance brain resilience. In this context, the aim of the prese...

The strong hormonal dysregulation associated with obesity is responsible for the disruption of several reproductive events. Sertoli cells (SCs) function is dependent on energetic homeostasis and thus, directly associated with energy homeostasis regulating hormones. To further understand the influence of those hormones with SCs function and obesity,...

The most prevalent diseases worldwide are non-communicable such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Noteworthy, the prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes is expected to steadily increase in the next decades, mostly fueled by bad feeding habits, stress, and sedentarism. The reproductive function of individuals is severely affected by abnormal metabo...

The adoption of high-fat diets (HFDs) is a major contributor to the increasing prevalence of obesity worldwide. Herein, we study the impact of an HFD from early age in testicular physiology and sperm parameters in two generations of mice, with a focus on testicular oxidative status. Mice of the diet-challenged generation (F0; n = 36) were randomly...

Nowadays, farm animal industries use assisted reproductive technologies (ART) as a tool to manage herds’ reproductive outcomes, for a fast dissemination of genetic improvement as well as to bypass subfertility issues. ART comprise at least one of the following procedures: collection and handling of oocytes, sperm, and embryos in in vitro conditions...