Sandra Maria Barbalho

• PhD
• Professor (Assistant) at Universidade de Marília - Medicina

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-bound structures released by cells carrying diverse biomolecules involved in intercellular communication. Small EVs are abundant in body fluids, playing a key role in cell signaling. Their natural occurrence and therapeutic potential, especially in the context of muscular disorders, make them a significant...

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) involves the destruction of pancreatic β-cells, requiring ongoing insulin therapy. A promising alternative for management is pancreatic islet transplantation, or the bioartificial pancreas. Here, we examine the primary implantation sites for the bioartificial pancreas, highlighting their anatomical, physical, and imm...

The mammary gland is a modified sweat gland responsible for milk production. It is affected by diseases that reduce animals’ quality of life, consequently leading to economic losses in livestock. With advancements in tissue bioengineering and regenerative medicine, studying the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the bovine mammary gland can improve our...

Background/Objectives: Gastrointestinal disorders include a broad spectrum of clinical conditions due to various symptoms. Abdominal pain claims attention as it can be associated with multiple diseases, and some of them can lead to chronic abdominal pain, such as chronic gastritis and irritable bowel syndrome. Moreover, dyspepsia is also a prevalen...

Background/Objectives: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a major global health concern that is intimately linked to neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and complicated metabolic abnormalities. Traditional antidepressants frequently fall short, highlighting the urgent need for new, safer, and more acceptable therapeutic...

Introdução/Objetivos: A dengue é uma arbovirose causada por um vírus. É uma doença infecciosa endêmica e ocorre em climas mais quentes. Não é incomum que a doença seja assintomática. No entanto, a forma grave também pode ser desencadeada e necessitar de cuidados intensivos. Nesse sentido, os pacientes apresentam uma grande variedade de sintomas, qu...

This state-of-the-art narrative review fires up a bold mission to tackle major depressive disorder (MDD) by diving deep into its biological roots—neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. The authors passionately spotlight phytochemicals like curcumin, flavonoids, and polyphenols as powerful, natural antidepressants with m...

Background: Lipid-lowering therapies are an option for stabilizing lipid levels. Icosapent ethyl (IPE) is a highly purified formulation of eicosapentaenoic acid, which can reduce lipid action, improve plaque stabilization, reduce platelet aggregation, lower TG, and prevent cardiovascular events. IPE is frequently used with statins to manage elevate...

This narrative review explores the role of phytochemicals—like curcumin, flavonoids, and polyphenols—in treating major depressive disorder (MDD). It highlights how these natural compounds target key pathological processes such as neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Drawing from preclinical and clinical evidence, the...

Background/Objectives: Major depressive disorder (MDD), a debilitating psychiatric condition, is intricately linked to neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, disrupted tryptophan–kynurenine pathways, and an urgent need for novel, plant-based therapeutics such as curcumin and other natural antidepressants. Emerging evidence...

Cerca de 450 milhões de pessoas no mundo sofrem algum tipo de transtorno mental em especial, os de ansiedade. Os transtornos de ansiedade afetam significativamente a qualidade de vida e a autoestima dos pacientes, interferindo em suas atividades diárias e relações sociais. O tratamento medicamentoso desses transtornos pode ser realizado com o uso d...

Cinobufagin (CB) is a bufadienolide extracted from the parotid gland of frogs. This compound is a Na ⁺ /K ⁺ -ATPase inhibitor and has shown promise in oncological research since its anti-cancer properties have been the subject of essential studies, including induction of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and preventing cancer cell proliferation and mig...

Objetivo: Identificar, na admissão hospitalar, idosos sob risco de sarcopenia ou sarcopênicos e sua relação com o índice de massa corporal (IMC), circunferência da panturrilha (CP), espessura do músculo adutor do polegar (EMAP), tempo de hospitalização e reinternações. Material e Métodos: O estudo incluiu idosos de ambos os sexos, hospitalizados no...

Cardiovascular diseases are the primary cause of mortality worldwide. In this scenario, atherosclerotic cardiovascular outcomes dominate since their incidence increases as populations grow and age. Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects arteries. Although its pathophysiology is heterogeneous, some genes are indissociably ass...

Conditions such as obesity and cardiovascular diseases represent significant global public health challenges, driven by their increasing prevalence and profound effects on morbidity and mortality. Dyslipidemia, defined by abnormal lipid concentrations, performs a pivotal role in the onset of cardiovascular diseases, especially atherosclerosis. Diet...

Neurodegenerative diseases comprise a group of chronic, usually age-related, disorders characterized by progressive neuronal loss, deformation of neuronal structure, or loss of neuronal function, leading to a substantially reduced quality of life. They remain a significant focus of scientific and clinical interest due to their increasing medical an...

Diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia are significant health concerns that elevate the risk of cardiovascular disease and other metabolic disorders, necessitating effective management strategies. Recent research has highlighted the potential role of dietary fats, particularly seed oils, in influencing health outcomes in these conditions. This systemat...

The edible and nonedible parts of the mango (Mangifera indica L.) contain vitamins, phytocompounds, fiber, and fatty acids. This review highlights the uses of mango by-products in the food industry and their effects on human health. The literature offers many new possibilities for the usage of mango secondary products in the food industry, such as...

Melatonin is indispensable for the homeostasis of plants and animals. In humans, it can help prevent or be an adjuvant treatment for several diseases mainly related to the immune system, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Moreover, a melatonin-rich diet is linked to several health benefits, such as regulation of circadian rhythm, regulation of the...

Neuroinflammation is a key factor in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, driven by the dysregulation of molecular pathways and activation of the brain’s immune system, resulting in the release of pro-inflammatory and oxidative molecules. This chronic inflammation is exacerbated by peripheral leukocyte infiltration into the central nervou...

Neuroinflammation is a key factor in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, driven by dysregulation of molecular pathways and activation of the brain's immune system, resulting in the release of pro-inflammatory and oxidative molecules. This chronic inflammation is exacerbated by peripheral leukocyte infiltration into the central nervous sy...

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains a leading cause of cognitive decline and mortality worldwide, characterized by neurodegeneration, synaptic deficiencies, and neuroinflammation. Despite advancements in early detection, diagnosis, and treatment, AD presents substantial challenges due to its complex pathology, heterogeneity, and the limited efficacy o...

Melatonin was primarily identified for its indispensable roles in animals. Recently, it has been described as a potent regulator of several physiological pathways in plants. In humans, it has shown effects in the prevention or as an adjuvant treatment for several diseases mainly related to the immune system, inflammation, and oxidative stress. More...

Background/Objectives: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains a leading cause of cognitive decline and mortality worldwide, characterized by neurodegeneration, synaptic deficiencies, and neuroinflammation. Despite advancements in early detection, diagnosis, and treatment, AD presents substantial challenges due to its complex pathology, heterogeneity, and...

Discover how medicinal plants like Curcuma longa and Cannabis sativa target neuroinflammation, a key driver of neurodegenerative diseases. This critical review explores the molecular mechanisms, effective dosages, and anti-inflammatory pathways of plant-derived compounds, highlighting their potential for therapeutic breakthroughs. It also identifie...

The preprint conducts a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the neuroprotective potential of AdipoRon, an adiponectin receptor agonist, in Alzheimer's disease (AD). It compiles preclinical evidence from both in vitro and in vivo studies to demonstrate AdipoRon's ability to reduce amyloid-beta deposition, reduce neuroinflammation, improve...

Background: The visceral adiposity index (VAI) is a composite marker designed to quantify visceral adiposity and its metabolic implications. It integrates anthropometric (such as waist circumference and BMI) and metabolic parameters (including triglyceride levels and HDL cholesterol), providing a more comprehensive assessment of visceral fat distri...

Cinobufagin (CB), a bufadienolide, has shown promising potential as an anticancer agent, particularly in combating lung cancer. This systematic review synthesizes preclinical evidence on CB’s effects against lung cancer, focusing on its mechanisms of action, efficacy, and potential clinical implications. We analyzed data from various preclinical st...

Irisin-based interventions have gained attention for their potential to modulate the adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway in various diseases. Physiologically, irisin is a myokine released during physical exercise that exerts anti-inflammatory effects and is a metabolic and cardiometabolic enhancer. On the other han...

Background/Objectives: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) is the reduction or non-production of insulin. As T1DM increases cardiovascular risk, in addition to glycemic control, the monitoring of other risk factors, such as lipid profile, has gained attention. Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with the pathophysiology of T1DM, metabolic syndrome...

A Revista Alimentus: Ciências e Tecnologias é um veículo de divulgação científica digital da Faculdade de Tecnologia "Estudante Rafael Almeida Camarinha" (Fatec Marília) que tem por objetivo publicar estudos da comunidade, nacional e internacional, de professores, pesquisadores, estudantes de graduação e pós-graduação e profissionais da área de ali...

Most children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have gastrointestinal manifestations. The use of probiotics and prebiotics has gained significant scientific community visibility as possible beneficial interventions in the therapeutic arsenal of ASD. Thus, the objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review to assess the effec...

Background/Objectives: Degenerative musculoskeletal diseases represent a global health problem due to the progressive deterioration of affected individuals. As a bioactive compound, catechins have shown osteoprotective properties by stimulating osteoblastic cells and inhibiting bone resorption. Thus, this review aimed to address the mechanism of ac...

Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) is a clinical–pathological scenario that occurs due to the accumulation of triglycerides in hepatocytes which is considered a significant cause of liver conditions and contributes to an increased risk of death worldwide. Even though the possible causes of MAFLD can involve the interaction of genetics...

The therapeutic potential of bee venom-derived peptides, particularly apamin and melittin, in cancer treatment has garnered significant attention as a promising avenue for advancing oncology. This systematic review examines preclinical studies highlighting the emerging role of these peptides in enhancing cancer therapies. Melittin and apamin, when...

Granulosa cells, crucial components of ovarian follicles, play a fundamental role in follicle development, hormone production, and overall reproductive health. These cells are integral to steroidogenesis, including the synthesis and secretion of key hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. Dysregulation of granulosa cells can lead to reproductiv...

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent gynecological-endocrinological disorder characterized by hyperandrogenism, menstrual irregularities, and metabolic disturbances. Recent research has highlighted the role of oxidative stress and chronic inflammation in exacerbating PCOS symptoms and impeding reproductive outcomes. Astaxanthin, a potent...

The triad of vascular impairment, muscle atrophy, and cognitive decline represents critical age-related conditions that significantly impact health. Vascular impairment disrupts blood flow, precipitating the muscle mass reduction seen in sarcopenia and the decline in neuronal function characteristic of neurodegeneration. Our limited understanding o...

Oral cancer is a disease with high mortality and rising incidence worldwide. Although fragmentary literature on the anti‐oral cancer effects of plant products has been published, a comprehensive analysis is lacking. In this work, a critical and comprehensive evaluation of oral cancer preventative or therapeutic effects of dietary plants was conduct...

Introduction Adiponectin replacement therapy shows promising outcomes in various diseases, especially for bone-related disorders. Challenges in using the complete protein have led to alternative approaches, with AdipoRon and AdipoAI emerging as extensively researched drug candidates. Their influence on models of bone-related disorders has progresse...

Aging-related disorders pose significant challenges due to their complex interplay of physiological and metabolic factors, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Curcumin, a natural compound with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has emerged as a promising candidate for mitigating these age-relat...

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a widespread chronic disease characterized by persistent hyperglycemia, leading to severe complications such as diabetic cardiomyopathy and nephropathy, significantly affecting patient health and quality of life. The complex mechanisms underlying these complications include chronic inflammation, oxidative stress,...

O presente estudo buscou analisar o modo como os profissionais de uma Unidade de Cuidados Prolongados (UCP) desenvolveram e aplicam seus instrumentos de trabalho dos cuidados prestados e o conhecimento dos usuários sobre a UCP e seu atendimento, bem como o motivo de sua internação nesta unidade. Os profissionais responderam um questionário que busc...

The triad of vascular impairment, muscle atrophy, and cognitive decline represents critical age-related conditions that significantly impact health. Vascular impairment disrupts blood flow, precipitating muscle mass reduction seen in sarcopenia and the decline of neuronal functions characteristic of neurodegeneration. Our limited understanding of t...

Vascular impairment, muscle atrophy, and cognitive decline profoundly affect aging health, intertwining through disrupted blood flow, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and nutrient delivery issues. Vascular dysfunction can trigger sarcopenia and neurodegeneration, emphasizing the need for deeper understanding to enhance diagnosis and treatmen...

Apple (Malus domestica) is the third most produced fruit worldwide. It is a well-known source of bioactive compounds mainly represented by hydroxycinnamic acids, flavan-3-ols, dihydrochalcones, dehydroascorbic acid, carotenoids, chlorogenic acid, epicatechin, and phloridzin. Due to the lack of a recent evaluation of the clinical trials associated w...

Aging-related disorders pose significant challenges due to their complex interplay of physiological and metabolic factors, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Curcumin, a natural compound with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has emerged as a promising candidate for mitigating these age-relat...

Simple Summary Glycolipid metabolic disorders (GLMDs) result from imbalances in glycolipid levels, leading to various health issues, including obesity, diabetes, liver problems, nerve and muscle complications, and cardiovascular and kidney diseases. This study explores the connection between GLMDs, oxidative stress, and chronic inflammation, which...

Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) is a tropical fruit with various health benefits. The objective of this study is to present a thorough analysis of the cancer preventive and anticancer therapeutic properties of litchi constituents and phytocompounds. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis criteria were followed in thi...

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a stealthy and progressive neurological disorder that is a leading cause of dementia in the global elderly population, imposing a significant burden on both the elderly and society. Currently, the condition is treated with medications that alleviate symptoms. Nonetheless, these drugs may not consistently produce the desi...

Smallanthus sonchifolius, popularly known as yacon, is a member of the Asteraceae family. Due to its medicinal and edible value, yacon is consumed by different populations. Yacon is unique due to its high fructo-oligosaccharide and inulin content, as well as flavonoids, sesquiterpene lactones, and phenolic acids. Roots can be used to produce flour,...

Every year approximately 19 million people die from cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which is over 32% of all deaths globally, and the scenario in 2030 is projected to be about 24 million people. Lifestyle, genetic factors, obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, insulin resistance, diabetes, Visceral insulin resistance and adiposity syndrome (VIRAS), i...

This cross-sectional, analytical, and observational study aimed to investigate the relationship between Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) and anthropometric, biochemical, and insulin resistance (IR) parameters in Brazilians at risk of CVD. Biochemical parameters and anthropometric measurements were evaluated. The Pearson test was used to assess the co...

There is a growing trend among consumers to seek out natural foods and products with natural ingredients. This shift in consumer preferences had a direct impact on both food and pharmaceutical industries, leading to a focus of scientific research and commercial efforts to meet these new demands. The aim of this work is to review recent available sc...

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a stealthy and progressive neurological disorder that is a leading cause of dementia in the global elderly population, imposing a significant burden on both the elderly and society. Currently, the condition is treated with medications that alleviate symptoms. Nonetheless, these drugs may not consistently produce the desi...

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) includes several metabolic dysfunctions caused by dysregulation in the brain–gut–liver axis and, consequently, increases cardiovascular risks and fatty liver dysfunction. In MAFLD, type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, and metabolic syndrome are frequently present; these conditions are related to liver...

The aging of the global population has increased the prevalence of neurodegenerative conditions. Bacopa monnieri (BM), an herb with active compounds, such as bacosides A and B, betulinic acid, loliolide, asiatic acid, and quercetin, demonstrates the potential for brain health. Limited research has been conducted on the therapeutic applications of B...

The treatment of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) has always been a challenge for health professionals in relation to glycemic control. Increased body fat has been related to a worsening of the lipid profile and increased prevalence of dyslipidemia in this population, leading to negative repercussions on the control of cardiovascular risk. We aimed...

Melatonin (MT) from plant species has attracted attention in the past decade. It is still the only conserved molecule that is broad spectrum as a regulator of biological functions since it has been identified in the unicellular alga, higher plants, and animals. In plants, MT is produced from tryptophan converted to tryptamine in the chloroplast. Su...

There is a growing trend among consumers to seek out natural foods and products with natural ingredients. This shift in consumer preferences had a direct impact on both food and pharmaceutical industries, leading to a focus of scientific research and commercial efforts to meet these new demands. The aim of this work is to review recent available sc...

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a condition resulting from changes in cartilage or the effect of insulin, resulting in chronic hyperglycemia. In diabetic patients, the presence of COVID-19 increases the rates of serious complications and there is a greater risk of mortality. To analyze the phenotypic characteristics of hospitalizations and mortality rate...

The aging of the global population has increased the prevalence of neurodegenerative conditions. Bacopa monnieri (BM), an herb with active compounds, such as bacosides A and B, betulinic acid, loliolide, asiatic acid, and quercetin, demonstrates the potential for brain health. Limited research has been conducted on the therapeutic applications of B...

Analisou-se a frequência do uso de álcool entre estudantes de Medicina correlacionando às questões biossociodemográficas e seus efeitos aos transtornos metabólicos e psicológicos. Trata-se de estudo analítico de coorte transversal em universidade privada. Utilizou-se o Teste AUDIT como ferramenta para avaliar os diversos níveis de uso do álcool e o...

Epicatechin is a polyphenol compound that promotes skeletal muscle differentiation and counteracts the pathways that participate in the degradation of proteins. Several studies present contradictory results of treatment protocols and therapeutic effects. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review was to investigate the current literature sh...

The increasing life expectancy has led to a higher incidence of age-related neurodegenerative conditions. Within this framework, neuroinflammation emerges as a significant contributing factor. It involves the activation of microglia and astrocytes, leading to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines and the infiltration of periphera...

The Apiaceae botanical family and the Pleurospermum genus have been recognized as valuable reservoirs of natural antioxidants, finding extensive applications in medicinal, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmeceutical, and culinary realms. This is attributed to their rich array of bioactive phytochemicals and their diverse range of biological activi...

Mango and its by-products have traditional medicinal uses. They contain diverse bioactive compounds offering numerous health benefits, including cardioprotective and metabolic properties. This study aimed to explore the impact of mango fruit and its by-products on human health, emphasizing its metabolic syndrome components. PUBMED, EMBASE, COCHRANE...

Rho-associated kinases (ROCKs) are crucial during the adipocyte differentiation process. KD025 (Belumosudil) is a newly developed inhibitor that selectively targets ROCK2. It has exhibited consistent efficacy in impeding adipogenesis across a spectrum of in vitro models of adipogenic differentiation. Given the novelty of this treatment, a comprehen...

Background Cardiovascular disease (CVDs) is the leading cause of death worldwide. The main risk factors are hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and increased serum lipids. The peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), also known as the groundnut, goober, pindar, or monkey nut, belongs to the Fabaceae family and is the fourth most cultivated oilseed in the world....

The potential benefits of adiponectin replacement therapy extend to numerous human diseases, with current research showing particular interest in its effectiveness against specific cancer forms, especially hormone-related. However, limitations in the pharmacological use of the intact protein have led to a focus on alternative options. AdipoRon is a...

Dietary compounds, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and spices, have been shown to exhibit anticancer properties due to their high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and secondary metabolites, known as phytochemicals. Although emerging studies suggest that avocado (Persea americana Mill) displays antineoplastic properties in addition t...

Uttarakhand has a rich biodiversity of medicinal plants. Aromatic and medicinal plants have played key role in the lives of tribal people living in the Himalayas by supplying products for food and medicine. This review presents a summary of the chemical compositions and different biological activities of Pyracantha crenulata (Roxb. ex D. Don) M. Ro...

Adiponectin replacement therapy holds the potential to benefit numerous human diseases, and ongoing research applies particular interest in how adiponectin acts against Metabolic-associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH). However, the pharmacological limitations of the intact protein have prompted a focus on alt...

Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is used to assess glycemic control in Type 1 diabetes (DM1) patients. Apolipoproteins play an essential role in DM1 pathophysiology and may be associated with complications and HbA1c. This cross-sectional observational study of 81 children and adolescents of both sexes diagnosed with DM1 investigated the relationship bet...

COVID-19 has generated a scenario for global health with multiple systemic impairments. This retrospective study evaluated the clinical, radiological, and pulmonary functional evolution in 302 post-COVID-19 patients. Regarding post-COVID-19 pulmonary symptoms, dry cough, dyspnea, and chest pain were the most frequent. Of the associated comorbiditie...

Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is used to assess glycemic control in Type 1 diabetes (DM1) patients. Apolipoproteins play an essential role in DM1 pathophysiology and may be associated with complications, as well as HbA1c. This cross-sectional observational study consisting of 81 children and adolescents of both sexes diagnosed with DM1 investigated t...

COVID-19 generated a scenario for global health with multiple systemic impairments. This retrospective study evaluated the clinical, radiological, and pulmonary functional evolution in 302 post-COVID-19 patients. Regarding post-COVID-19 pulmonary symptoms, dry cough, dyspnea, and chest pain were the most frequent. Of the associated comorbidities, a...

Synthetic antivirals and corticosteroids have been used to treat both influenza and the SARS-CoV-2 disease named COVID-19. However, these medications are not always effective, produce several adverse effects, and are associated with high costs. Medicinal plants and their constituents act on several different targets and signaling pathways involved...

Epicatechin has been described as a polyphenol compound that promotes skeletal muscle restructuring, by expressing muscle regulation factors, activation of satellite cells and modulation of the main pathways associated with catabolism. However, the literature shows contrasting results of therapeutic effects and treatment protocols. Thus, the aim of...

Therapeutic properties of fermented feces for the treatment of common diseases, such as diarrhea, have been exploited for a long time. Recent studies have revealed that the benefit comes from the intestinal microbiota, which acts as a new metabolic and inflammatory modulating organ, showing favorable potential when well-regulated and unfavorable in...