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Louçano B, Maletti S, Timóteo H, Figueiredo JP, Osório N, Barroca MJ, da Silva AM, Pereira T, Caseiro A. Assessing Sarcocornia as a Salt Substitute: Effects on Lipid Profile and Gelatinase Activity. Nutrients 2024; 16:929. [PMID: 38612961 PMCID: PMC11013238 DOI: 10.3390/nu16070929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Sodium, although essential for life, is a key factor in changes in vascular function and cardiovascular disease when consumed in excess. Sarcocornia spp., a halophyte plant with many nutritional benefits, presents itself as a promising substitute for the consumption of purified salt. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 2 and 9 are widely studied due to their action in physiological processes and as biomarkers at the diagnostic level due to their increased expression in inflammatory processes. This study aimed to evaluate whether replacing salt with Sarcocornia perennis (S. perennis) powder in healthy young people leads to an improvement in biochemical profiles and the attenuation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity. In the present study, 30 participants were randomized into a control group that consumed salt and an intervention group that replaced salt with powdered S. perennis. The evaluation of the biochemical parameters was carried out by the spectrophotometry method, and the evaluation of MMP activity was carried out by zymography. A significant decrease was observed in the intervention group in total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), and creatinine (p-value ≤ 0.05), along with lower but not significantly different mean values of triglycerides. Regarding MMP activity after the intervention, a lower mean value was observed for MMP-9 activity, with there being higher mean values for MMP-2 activity, both with p-values ≥ 0.05. The results confirmed that the consumption of S. perennis is a beneficial choice for health regarding the lipid profile. The evaluation of MMP activity indicated the potential of S. perennis in the regulation of MMP-9 activity in healthy individuals, along with the need for the further study of these proteases in individuals with pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Louçano
- Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Coimbra Health School, Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Rua 5 de Outubro, S. Martinho do Bispo, 3046-854 Coimbra, Portugal; (B.L.); (H.T.); (N.O.); (A.C.)
| | - Sara Maletti
- Surgical, Medical and Dental Department of Morphological Sciences Related to Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Policlinico, via del Pozzo, 7141124 Modena, Italy;
| | - Helena Timóteo
- Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Coimbra Health School, Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Rua 5 de Outubro, S. Martinho do Bispo, 3046-854 Coimbra, Portugal; (B.L.); (H.T.); (N.O.); (A.C.)
| | - João Paulo Figueiredo
- Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Coimbra Health School, Medical Sciences, Socials and Humans, Rua 5 de Outubro, 3046-854 Coimbra, Portugal;
| | - Nádia Osório
- Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Coimbra Health School, Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Rua 5 de Outubro, S. Martinho do Bispo, 3046-854 Coimbra, Portugal; (B.L.); (H.T.); (N.O.); (A.C.)
- LABINSAÚDE-Research Laboratory for Applied Health Sciences, Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Coimbra Health School, Rua 5 de Outubro, S. Martinho do Bispo, 3046-854 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Molecular Physical-Chemistry R&D Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal;
| | - Maria João Barroca
- Molecular Physical-Chemistry R&D Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Agriculture School of Coimbra, Bencanta, 3040-360 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Aida Moreira da Silva
- Molecular Physical-Chemistry R&D Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Agriculture School of Coimbra, Bencanta, 3040-360 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Telmo Pereira
- LABINSAÚDE-Research Laboratory for Applied Health Sciences, Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Coimbra Health School, Rua 5 de Outubro, S. Martinho do Bispo, 3046-854 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Coimbra Health School, Clinical Physiology, Rua 5 de Outubro, S. Martinho do Bispo, 3046-854 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Sport Science and Physical Education, University of Coimbra, CIDAF—Research Unit for Sport and Physical Activity, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Armando Caseiro
- Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Coimbra Health School, Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Rua 5 de Outubro, S. Martinho do Bispo, 3046-854 Coimbra, Portugal; (B.L.); (H.T.); (N.O.); (A.C.)
- LABINSAÚDE-Research Laboratory for Applied Health Sciences, Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Coimbra Health School, Rua 5 de Outubro, S. Martinho do Bispo, 3046-854 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Molecular Physical-Chemistry R&D Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Faculty of Sport Science and Physical Education, University of Coimbra, CIDAF—Research Unit for Sport and Physical Activity, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
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Martín-Riobóo E, Turégano-Yedro M, Banegas JR. Evidence on the use of alternative substances and therapies in hypertension. HIPERTENSION Y RIESGO VASCULAR 2024; 41:40-57. [PMID: 38123388 DOI: 10.1016/j.hipert.2023.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Review of some of the best-known biological and non-biological complementary/alternative therapies/medicines (CAM) and their relationship with blood pressure (BP) and hypertension (HT). SEARCH STRATEGY Narrative review assessing a recent series of systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and clinical trials published in recent years, focusing on the effects of CAM on BP and HT. SELECTION OF STUDIES We searched EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar, obtaining a total of 4336 articles, finally limiting the search to 181 after applying filters. SYNTHESIS OF RESULTS Some studies on biological therapies show some usefulness in BP reduction with an adequate benefit-risk balance, although there is a scarcity of high-quality trials that support these results. Some mind-body therapies have shown hypothetical benefit; in contrast, others lack robust evidence. CONCLUSIONS Although some therapies present a reasonable risk-benefit ratio, they should in no case replace pharmacological treatment when indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Martín-Riobóo
- Especialista en Medicina Familiar y Comunitaria, UGC Poniente, Distrito Sanitario Córdoba-Guadalquivir, Córdoba, IMIBIC, Hospital Reina Sofía Córdoba, Spain.
| | - M Turégano-Yedro
- Especialista en Medicina Familiar y Comunitaria, Centro de Salud Casar de Cáceres, Cáceres, Spain
| | - J R Banegas
- Especialista en Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Departamento de Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid/IdiPaz y CIBERESP, Madrid, Spain
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