CNC

Overview

Our mission is to contribute to improve healthspan. We are focused in identifying mechanisms that can counteract the chronic low-grade inflammation that drives age-related diseases, namely musculoskeletal and neurodegenerative diseases. We use different cells and stimuli to model those diseases in vitro, so that we can study the underlying mechanisms and identify drugs that can counteract deleterious processes and/or enhance endogenous regulatory mechanisms that oppose those deleterious processes. We are especially interested in studying potential medicinal applications of natural compounds and semi-synthetic derivatives in neurodegenerative and musculoskeletal diseases. Among many cellular processes, our main expertise is in the signaling pathways that drive inflammation in response to infectious, metabolic (hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, etc.) and other stresses and its consequences (oxidative stress and mitochondrial disfunction, cell death, cell senescence, autophagic disfunction, matrix remodeling, etc.). Another aim is to contribute to improve cartilage repair/regeneration, especially in young individuals who suffer knee trauma. For that, we are analyzing the synovial fluid to find biomarkers that can predict the risk of developing osteoarthritis and we are attempting to improve cartilage tissue engineering by combining novel scaffolds with mechanical and biochemical stimulation of the chondrocytes (the cartilage cells) to mimic physiological conditions and thus improve chondrocyte behavior and extracellular matrix production.

Publications

Information about journal articles, updated at 01-12-2024, from platform CIÊNCIAVITAE.

Synthesis of Carvone Derivatives and In Silico and In Vitro Screening of Anti-Inflammatory Activity in Murine Macrophages

Gabriela Moço; Cátia Sousa; Ana Capitão; Stephen S MacKinnon; Alcino Leitão; A. F. Mendes, 2023. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2023. https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/24/3/2263 . 10.3390/ijms24032263 . International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Anti-Inflammatory Properties of (R)-(-)-Carvone: Potential Roles of JNK1, Nrf2 and NF-¿B

Cátia Sousa; Bruno Miguel Neves; Alcino Jorge Leitão; Alexandrina Ferreira Mendes, 2023. Pharmaceutics. 2023. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15010249 . 10.3390/pharmaceutics15010249 . Pharmaceutics

Bio-electrospraying assessment toward in situ chondrocyte-laden electrospun scaffold fabrication

Semitela, Ângela; Ramalho, Gonçalo; Capitão, Ana; Sousa, Cátia; Mendes, Alexandrina F; AAP Marques, Paula; Completo, António, 2022. Journal of Tissue Engineering. 13. 2022. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/20417314211069342 . 10.1177/20417314211069342 . Journal of Tissue Engineering

Monoterpenes as Sirtuin-1 Activators: Therapeutic Potential in Aging and Related Diseases

Cátia Sousa; Alexandrina Ferreira Mendes, 2022. Biomolecules. 2022. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom12070921 . 10.3390/biom12070921 . Biomolecules

Multi-layered electrospinning and electrospraying approach: Effect of polymeric supplements on chondrocyte suspension

Semitela, Ângela; Leal Pereira, Andreia; Sousa, Cátia; Mendes, Alexandrina F.; Marques, Paula A.A.P.; Completo, António, 2021. Journal of Biomaterials Applications. 2021. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/08853282211064403 . 10.1177/08853282211064403 . Journal of Biomaterials Applications

Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy (4th edition)1

Klionsky, Daniel J.; Abdel-Aziz, Amal Kamal; Abdelfatah, Sara; Abdellatif, Mahmoud; Abdoli, Asghar; Abel, Steffen; Abeliovich, Hagai; et al, 2021. Autophagy. 1 - 382. 1. 17. 2021. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15548627.2020.1797280 . 10.1080/15548627.2020.1797280 . Autophagy

Common risk factors and therapeutic targets in obstructive sleep apnea and osteoarthritis: An unexpectable link?

Laetitia S. Gaspar; Cátia Sousa; Ana Rita Álvaro; Cláudia Cavadas; Alexandrina Ferreira Mendes, 2021. Pharmacological Research. 105369 - 105369. 2021. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105369 . 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105369 . Pharmacological Research

Elucidation of the Mechanism Underlying the Anti-Inflammatory Properties of (S)-(+)-Carvone Identifies a Novel Class of Sirtuin-1 Activators in a Murine Macrophage Cell Line

Cátia Sousa; Bruno Miguel Neves; Alcino Jorge Leitão; Alexandrina Ferreira Mendes, 2021. Biomedicines. 777 - 777. 7. 9. 2021. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines9070777 . 10.3390/biomedicines9070777 . Biomedicines

Expression and function of the nonclassical estrogen receptor, GPR30, in human cartilage and chondrocytes

Madalena Ribeiro; Cátia Sousa; Ana T. Rufino; Fernando Judas; Alexandrina F. Mendes, 2020. Journal of Cellular Physiology. 2020. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcp.29691 . 10.1002/jcp.29691 . Journal of Cellular Physiology

Standardised comparison of limonene-derived monoterpenes identifies structural determinants of anti-inflammatory activity

Mendes, Alexandrina Ferreira , 2020. Scientific Reports. 10. 2020. https://rdcu.be/b3Rts . published Scientific Reports

The importance of determining circadian parameters in pharmacological studies

Mendes, Alexandrina, 2019. British Journal of Pharmacology. 2019. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.14712 . 10.1111/bph.14712 . British Journal of Pharmacology

Dichotomous Sirtuins: Implications for Drug Discovery in Neurodegenerative and Cardiometabolic Diseases

Mendes, Alexandrina Ferreira , 2019. Trends in Pharmacological Sciences. 2019. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tips.2019.09.003 . 10.1016/j.tips.2019.09.003 . Trends in Pharmacological Sciences

Editorial: The Physiology of Inflammation—The Final Common Pathway to Disease

Mendes, Alexandrina, 2018. Frontiers in Physiology. 2018. 10.3389/fphys.2018.01741 . Frontiers in Physiology

The “Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology” Journal Club Series: Highlights on Recent Papers in Exercise-Induced Immune Response

Mendes, Alexandrina, 2018. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology. 2018. http://www.mdpi.com/2411-5142/3/3/42 . 10.3390/jfmk3030042 . Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology

Hyperglycemia and Hyperinsulinemia-Like Conditions Independently Induce Inflammatory Responses in Human Chondrocytes

Rufino, Ana; Ribeiro, Madalena; Pinto Ferreira, João; Judas, Fernando; Mendes, Alexandrina, 2017. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology. 2. 2. 2017. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/jfmk2020015 . 10.3390/jfmk2020015 . Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology

Assessment of cell line competence for studies of pharmacological GPR30 modulation

Sousa, Cátia; Ribeiro, Madalena; Rufino, Ana Teresa; Leitão, Alcino Jorge; Mendes, Alexandrina Ferreira, 2016. Journal of Receptors and Signal Transduction. 181 - 188. 2. 37. 2016. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10799893.2016.1203943 . 10.1080/10799893.2016.1203943 . Journal of Receptors and Signal Transduction

Diabetes-accelerated experimental osteoarthritis is prevented by autophagy activation

Ribeiro, M.; López de Figueroa, P.; Nogueira-Recalde, U.; Centeno, A.; Mendes, A.F.; Blanco, F.J.; Caramés, B., 2016. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage. 2116 - 2125. 12. 24. 2016. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.joca.2016.06.019 . 10.1016/j.joca.2016.06.019 . Osteoarthritis and Cartilage

Insulin decreases autophagy and leads to cartilage degradation

Ribeiro, M.; López de Figueroa, P.; Blanco, F.J.; Mendes, A.F.; Caramés, B., 2016. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage. 731 - 739. 4. 24. 2016. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.joca.2015.10.017 . 10.1016/j.joca.2015.10.017 . Osteoarthritis and Cartilage

The “Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology” Journal Club Series: Highlights on Recent Papers in Articular Cartilage Tissue Engineering and Mechanical Stimulation

Mendes, Alexandrina, 2016. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology. 2016. http://www.mdpi.com/2411-5142/1/2/162 . 10.3390/jfmk1020162 . Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology

Diabetes-induced osteoarthritis: role of hyperglycemia in joint destruction

Alexandrina F Mendes; Susana C Rosa; Ana T Rufino; Madalena Ribeiro; Fernando Judas, 2015. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. S1. 16. 2015. https://doi.org/10.1186%2F1471-2474-16-s1-s1 . 10.1186/1471-2474-16-s1-s1 . BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Differential effects of the essential oils of Lavandula luisieri and Eryngium duriaei subsp. juresianum in cell models of two chronic inflammatory diseases

Rufino, Ana T.; Ferreira, Isabel; Judas, Fernando; Salgueiro, Lígia; Lopes, M. Celeste; Cavaleiro, Carlos; Mendes, Alexandrina F., 2015. Pharmaceutical Biology. 1220 - 1230. 8. 53. 2015. http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/13880209.2014.970701 . 10.3109/13880209.2014.970701 . Pharmaceutical Biology

Tissue Engineered Cartilage in Unconfined Compression: Biomechanical Analysis

Cátia Bandeiras; António Completo; António Ramos; Ana Teresa Rufino; Madalena Ribeiro; João Pinto Ferreira; Alexandrina Ferreira Mendes, 2015. Materials Today: Proceedings. 355 - 364. 1. 2. 2015. https://doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.matpr.2015.04.032 . 10.1016/j.matpr.2015.04.032 . Materials Today: Proceedings

Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory, anti-catabolic and pro-anabolic effects of E-caryophyllene, myrcene and limonene in a cell model of osteoarthritis

Mendes, Alexandrina; Rufino, A.T.; Ribeiro, M.; Sousa, C.; Judas, F.; Salgueiro, L.; Cavaleiro, C.; Mendes, A.F., 2015. European Journal of Pharmacology. 141 - 150. 750. 2015. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0014299915000412 . http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ejphar.2015.01.018 . European Journal of Pharmacology

Anti-inflammatory and Chondroprotective Activity of (+)-a-Pinene: Structural and Enantiomeric Selectivity

Mendes, Alexandrina, 2014. Journal of Natural Products. 2014. 10.1021/np400828x . Journal of Natural Products

Resveratrol Modulates Cytokine-Induced JAK/STAT Activation More Efficiently than 5-Aminosalicylic Acid: An In Vitro Approach

Mendes, Alexandrina, 2014. PlosOne. 2014. 10.1371/journal.pone.0109048 . PlosOne

Expression and function of K(ATP) channels in normal and osteoarthritic human chondrocytes: Possible role in glucose sensing

Rufino, A.T.; Rosa, S.C.; Judas, F.; Mobasheri, A.; Lopes, M.C.; Mendes, A.F., 2013. Journal of Cellular Biochemistry. 1879 - 1889. 8. 114. 2013. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84879133940&partnerID=MN8TOARS . 10.1002/jcb.24532 . Journal of Cellular Biochemistry

Physiology and pathophysiology of musculoskeletal aging: current research trends and future priorities

Mobasheri, Ali; Mendes, Alexandrina F.; Mobasheri, A.; Mendes, A.F., 2013. Frontiers in Physiology. 4. 2013. http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2013.00073 . 10.3389/fphys.2013.00073 . Frontiers in Physiology

Potassium channels in articular chondrocytes

Mobasheri, A.; Lewis, R.; Ferreira-Mendes, A.; Rufino, A.; Dart, C.; Barrett-Jolley, R., 2012. Channels. 416 - 425. 6. 6. 2012. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84871438042&partnerID=MN8TOARS . 10.4161/chan.22340 . Channels

Role of glucose as a modulator of anabolic and catabolic gene expression in normal and osteoarthritic human chondrocytes

Rosa, Susana C.; Rufino, Ana T.; Judas, Fernando M.; Tenreiro, Carlos; Lopes, M. Celeste; Mendes, Alexandrina Ferreira, 2011. Journal of Cellular Biochemistry. 2813 - 2824. 10. 112. 2011. 10.1002/jcb.23196 . published Journal of Cellular Biochemistry

Expression and function of the insulin receptor in normal and osteoarthritic human chondrocytes: modulation of anabolic gene expression, glucose transport and GLUT-1 content by insulin

Rosa, Susana C.; Rufino, Ana T.; Judas, Fernando M.; Tenreiro, Carlos; Lopes, M. Celeste; Mendes, Alexandrina Ferreira, 2011. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage. 719 - 727. 6. 19. 2011. 10.1016/j.joca.2011.02.004 . published Osteoarthritis and Cartilage

Cortical strut allografting in reconstructive orthopaedic surgery

Judas, F.; Saavedra, M.J.; Mendes, A.F.; Dias, R., 2011. Acta Reumatologica Portuguesa. 24 - 28. 1. 36. 2011. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-79955647442&partnerID=MN8TOARS . Acta Reumatologica Portuguesa

Screening of Five Essential Oils for Identification of Potential Inhibitors of IL-1-induced Nf-¿B Activation and NO Production in Human Chondrocytes: Characterization of the Inhibitory Activity of a -Pinene

Neves, Ângela; Rosa, Susana C.; Gonçalves, Juliana; Rufino, Ana T.; Judas, Fernando M.; Salgueiro, Lígia; Lopes, M. Celeste; Cavaleiro, Carlos; Mendes, Alexandrina Ferreira, 2010. Planta Medica. 303 - 308. 03. 76. 2010. 10.1055/s-0029-1186085 . published Planta Medica

Impaired glucose transporter-1 degradation and increased glucose transport and oxidative stress in response to high glucose in chondrocytes from osteoarthritic versus normal human cartilage

Rosa, Susana C.; Gonçalves, Juliana; Judas, Fernando M.; Ali Mobasheri; Lopes, M. Celeste; Mendes, Alexandrina Ferreira, 2009. Arthritis Research & Therapy. 1 - 11. R80. 11. 2009. http://arthritis-research.com/content/11/3/R80 . 10.1186/ar2713 . published Arthritis Research & Therapy

Assessment of strategies to increase chondrocyte viability in cryopreserved human osteochondral allografts: evaluation of the glycosylated hydroquinone, arbutin

Rosa, Susana C.; Gonçalves, Juliana; Judas, Fernando M.; Lopes, M. Celeste; Mendes, Alexandrina Ferreira, 2009. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage. 1657 - 1661. 12. 17. 2009. 10.1016/j.joca.2009.08.016 . published Osteoarthritis and Cartilage

Regulation of catecholamine release and tyrosine hydroxylase in human adrenal chromaffin cells by interleukin-1ß: role of neuropeptide Y and nitric oxide

Rosmaninho-Salgado, Joana; Araújo, Inês M.; ¿?lvaro, Ana Rita; Mendes, Alexandrina Ferreira; Ferreira, Lígia; Grouzmann, Eric; Mota, Alfredo; Duarte, Emília. P.; Cavadas, Cláudia, 2009. Journal of Neurochemistry. 911 - 922. 3. 109. 2009. 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2009.06023.x . published Journal of Neurochemistry

Nitric oxide synthase isoforms and NF-¿B activity in normal and osteoarthritic human chondrocytes: Regulation by inducible nitric oxide

Rosa, Susana C.; Judas, Fernando M.; Lopes, M. Celeste; Mendes, Alexandrina Ferreira, 2008. Nitric Oxide. 276 - 283. 3. 19. 2008. 10.1016/j.niox.2008.07.005 . published Nitric Oxide

Facilitative glucose transporters in articular chondrocytes. Expression, distribution and functional regulation of GLUT isoforms by hypoxia, hypoxia mimetics, growth factors and pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Mobasheri, A.; Bondy, C.A.; Moley, K.; Mendes, A.F.; Rosa, S.C.; Richardson, S.M.; Hoyland, J.A.; Barrett-Jolley, R.; Shakibaei, M., 2008. Advances in anatomy, embryology, and cell biology. 200. 2008. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-58149170369&partnerID=MN8TOARS . Advances in anatomy, embryology, and cell biology

Chondrocyte Viability in Fresh and Frozen Large Human Osteochondral Allografts: Effect of Cryoprotective Agents

Judas, Fernando M.; Rosa, Susana C.; TEIXEIRA, L; Lopes, M. Celeste; Mendes, Alexandrina Ferreira, 2007. Transplantation Proceedings. 2531 - 2534. 8. 39. 2007. 10.1016/j.transproceed.2007.07.028 . published Transplantation Proceedings

Dexamethasone prevents interleukin-1ß-induced nuclear factor-¿B activation by upregulating I¿B-a synthesis, in lymphoblastic cells

Castro-caldas, M.; Mendes, Alexandrina Ferreira; Carvalho, A. Pato; Duarte, C. B.; Lopes, M. Celeste, 2003. Mediators of Inflammation. 37 - 46. 1. 12. 2003. 10.1080/0962935031000096953 . published Mediators of Inflammation

Hydrogen peroxide mediates interleukin-1ß-induced AP-1 activation in articular chondrocytes: Implications for the regulation of iNOS expression

Mendes, Alexandrina Ferreira; Caramona, M. Margarida; Carvalho, A. Pato; Lopes, M. Celeste, 2003. Cell Biology and Toxicology. 203 - 214. 4. 19. 2003. 10.1023/B:CBTO.0000003730.21261.fa . published Cell Biology and Toxicology

Dexamethasone-induced and estradiol-induced CREB activation and annexin 1 expression in CCRF-CEM lymphoblastic cells: evidence for the involvement of cAMP and p38 MAPK

Castro-caldas, M.; Mendes, Alexandrina Ferreira; Duarte, C. B.; Lopes, M. Celeste, 2003. Mediators of Inflammation. 329 - 337. 6. 12. 2003. 10.1080/09629350310001633351 . published Mediators of Inflammation

Differential roles of hydrogen peroxide and superoxide in mediating IL-1-induced NF-kB activation and iNOS expression in bovine articular chondrocytes

Mendes, Alexandrina Ferreira; Caramona, M. Margarida; Carvalho, A. Pato; Lopes, M. Celeste, 2003. Journal of Cellular Biochemistry. 783 - 793. 4. 88. 2003. 10.1002/jcb.10428 . published Journal of Cellular Biochemistry

Role of nitric oxide in the activation of NF-¿B, AP-1 and NOS II expression in articular chondrocytes

Mendes, A.F.; Carvalho, A.P.; Caramona, M.M.; Lopes, M.C.; Mendes, Alexandrina Ferreira; Carvalho, A. Pato; Caramona, M. Margarida; Lopes, M. Celeste, 2002. Inflammation Research. 369 - 375. 7. 51. 2002. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-0036019462&partnerID=MN8TOARS . 10.1007/PL00000317 . published Inflammation Research

Role of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases and Tyrosine Kinases on IL-1-Induced NF-¿B Activation and iNOS Expression in Bovine Articular Chondrocytes

Mendes, Alexandrina Ferreira; Caramona, M. Margarida; Carvalho, A. Pato; Lopes, M. Celeste, 2002. Nitric Oxide. 35 - 44. 1. 6. 2002. 10.1006/niox.2001.0378 . published Nitric Oxide

Diacerhein and Rhein Prevent Interleukin-1beta-Induced Nuclear Factor-kappaB Activation by Inhibiting the Degradation of Inhibitor kappaB-alpha

Mendes, Alexandrina Ferreira; Caramona, M. Margarida; Carvalho, A. Pato; Lopes, M. Celeste, 2002. Pharmacology and Toxicology. 22 - 28. 1. 91. 2002. 10.1034/j.1600-0773.2002.910104.x . published Pharmacology and Toxicology

Diphenyleneiodonium inhibits NF-¿B activation and iNOS expression induced by IL-1ß: involvement of reactive oxygen species

Mendes, Alexandrina Ferreira; Carvalho, A. Pato; Caramona, M. Margarida; Lopes, M. Celeste, 2001. Mediators of Inflammation. 209 - 215. 4. 10. 2001. 10.1080/09629350120080401 . published Mediators of Inflammation

Changes in the subcellular distribution of the rat uterus oestrogen receptor as induced by oestradiol, tamoxifen and ZD 182, 780

Ferreira Mendes, A.; Caramona, M.M.; Celeste Lopes, M., 1996. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. 302 - 305. 3. 48. 1996. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-0029891372&partnerID=MN8TOARS . Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology

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Neuroscience and Disease

Chronic inflammation in aging and disease

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Alexandrina Mendes

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Alexandrina Mendes

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2018

2019