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- From food systems to gut microbiota: Dietary substrates, microbial exposure and one healthPublication . Barreto, Inês R.; Eugénio, Ana; Cristóvão, Mário; Rodrigues, Francisco; Espírito Santo, Christophe; Brandão, InêsFood systems are usually discussed in terms of nutrition, food safety, productivity, sustainability or emissions. Less attention is given to the microbial dimension of the farm-to-fork pathway and to the way food systems shape the dietary substrates, food matrices and microbial exposures that reach the gut. Soils, plants, foods, processing environments, animals and the human gut all host microbial communities that influence nutrient cycling, plant performance, food characteristics, metabolism, immune regulation and ecological resilience. This review examines how food systems may modulate gut microbiota and microbiome resilience within a One Health framework. Evidence from soil, crop and food microbiome studies suggests that local conditions and farming practices can leave detectable microbial signatures on plants and edible tissues. However, the soil–food–gut continuum should not be understood as a simple transfer route. Microorganisms and microbial products are repeatedly filtered by plant traits, farming systems, animal-production interfaces, harvesting, processing, storage, preparation and host physiology. The review also considers how this continuity may be weakened or redirected. Agricultural intensification, pollutants, postharvest processing, antimicrobial use, ultra-processed foods, additive mixtures, low-fibre diets, early-life microbial disruption and reduced contact with environmental biodiversity may alter microbial communities at different points of the food system. Antimicrobial resistance is also discussed as a functional microbial trait that can circulate across human, animal, food and environmental interfaces. One Health approaches to food systems should therefore combine microbial risk control with microbial stewardship: protecting useful microbial diversity and function while preserving food safety. The aim is not to maximise microbial exposure, but to understand which microbial functions matter and how food systems can support gut microbiota resilience across environments, foods and hosts.
- Enhancing the nutritional value of a sugar-free Greek-style yoghurt by incorporating strawberry-tree (Arbutus unedo L.) fruit and peach (Prunus persica)Publication . Carriço, Raquel; Marcos, Joana; Baptista, Cátia; Vasconcelos, Vanessa; Beato, Helena; Riscado, Ana; Silveira, Ana; Pitacas, F.I.; Paulo, Luísa; Rodrigues, A.M.; Palma, Maria Lídia; Nicolai, Marisa; Menezes, Regina; Pereira, Paula; Espírito Santo, Christophe; Cristóvão, Mário; Brandão, InêsAs consumers become more health-conscious, they are increasingly seeking out foods that offer potential health benefits, such as yoghurts. To encourage more sustainable and healthy consumption habits, it is important to develop food products using local food ingredients. This study focused on fermented dairy products, namely by developing various formulations of Greek yoghurt using strawberry-tree fruit (Arbutus unedo L.) (STF) and peach (Prunus persica) puree, with no added sugar. Both peach and STF were sourced locally. A sensory analysis was performed to determine the preferred formulation, selecting either z1 (20% STF and 80% peach) or z2 (30% STF and 70% peach). After comparing the two, z1 emerged as the preferred formulation. For this formulation, physicochemical and microbiological analyses were conducted. A Greek yoghurt that incorporates peach and STF was developed while satisfying the requirements for “low-fat”, “low-saturated fat”, and “no added sugars” nutrition claims. These are all important features that align with the guidelines provided by the World Health Organization in promoting a healthy diet that encourages reduced fat and saturated fat intake, limited consumption of added sugars, and increased fibre content. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time describing a Greek yoghurt containing STF purée.
- Cistus ladanifer seeds: from ancient snack to novel and sustainable food ingredientPublication . Frazão, David F.; Paulo, Luísa; Peres, Maria de Fátima; Resende, Mafalda; Espírito Santo, Christophe; Barroca, Celina; Rodrigues, A.M.; Delgado, F.M.G.Cistus ladanifer is a persistent, abundant and widespread underexplored resource in the Iberian Peninsula. The seeds have been used as food for centuries, although their nutritional value and potential as food ingredients have not been exploited until now. In this study seeds from natural shrubland were collected three times during summer for two consecutive years. Analytical evaluation of the macronutrient content, fatty acids, and mineral composition was performed. Regarding the macronutrients, seeds showed a carbohydrate content of 46.1 ± 1.6%, a fibre content of 20.9 ± 1.4%, a protein content of 16.2 ± 0.4%, a lipid content of 13.0 ± 1.1%, and an ash content of 3.87 ± 0.16%. The fatty acids were found to be mostly unsaturated (74.05 ± 0.59%). Potassium was the most abundant mineral (975 ± 53 mg/100 g) followed by phosphorous, magnesium and calcium. In conclusion, several nutrient-related label claims may be used for C. ladanifer seeds as food ingredient. Compared to common cereals, nuts and seeds, C. ladanifer seeds are close to flax and chia seeds in relation to nutritional composition, and to pine nuts in relation to mineral composition.
- Effect of controlled atmospheres and environmental conditions on the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of sweet cherry cultivar SatinPublication . Andrade, L.P.; Veloso, Abel; Espírito Santo, Christophe; Gaspar, Pedro Dinis; Silva, Pedro Dinho da; Resende, Mafalda; Beato, Helena; Batista, Cátia; Pintado, Cristina Miguel; Paulo, Luísa; Simões, M.P.Sweet cherry is a highly appreciated seasonal fruit with a high content of bioactive compounds; however, this highly perishable fruit has a relatively short shelf-life period. Here, we evaluated the evolution of the physicochemical and sensory qualities of sweet cherries (Prunus avium (L.) cv. Satin) under different storage conditions, namely at a Farmers’ Organization (FO) and in a Research Centre (RC) under normal and four different conditions of controlled atmosphere for 49 days. Additional parameters were monitored, such as rotten fruit incidence and stem appearance. Temperature was the factor that most influenced the fruit quality changes over the study time. In fact, fruits stored at higher mean temperatures showed higher weight loss, higher variation in CIE-Lab colour parameters, higher firmness loss, and browner and more dehydrated stems and were less appealing to the consumer. Controlled atmosphere conditions showed a smaller decrease in CIE-Lab colour parameters and lower weight loss. The incidence of rotting was very low and was always equal or lower than 2% for all conditions. Thus, RC chamber conditions were able to sustain fruit quality parameters over 28 days under normal atmosphere conditions and 49 days under controlled atmosphere conditions.
- Major and minor minerals of ‘Sweetheart’ cherry stone from Cova da BeiraPublication . Antunes, Paulo; Pintado, Cristina Miguel; Paulo, LuísaNowadays customers demand objective and trustworthy information about the geographical origin of agricultural products. The mineral composition of agricultural products and its relation with their terroir has been shown to be a useful tool in differentiating commodities produced in a limited region and subjected to certain quality requirements. Cereja da Cova da Beira is the legal term used to denominate cherries produced in the Cova da Beira region (PGI - protected geographical indication) at central eastern part of Portugal, since 1996. In order to establish a methodology to certify its origin, the mineral profile of 'Sweetheart' cherry stone from Cereja da Cova da Beira , was studied. Quantification of major (Ca, Mg, K, P and Na) and minor elements (Cu, Fe Mn and Zn) of stones was carried out by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). The results showed that, among major elements, Ca was the predominant mineral (1424.62 mg kg-1, dry weight), followed by K and Mg, presenting similar concentrations (1092.17 and 987.55 mg kg-1, respectively), P (271.10 mg kg-1), and Na (24.71 mg kg-1). Regarding micro elements, Mn showed the highest mean value (19.71 mg kg-1), followed by Fe (17.59 mg kg-1), and Cu and Zn with similar levels (7.61 and 6.73 mg kg-1, respectively). On the basis of chemometric pattern recognition procedures, the mineral content of agricultural products and its relation with their area of production can be a useful tool in differentiating commodities produced in a limited region and subjected to certain quality requirements.
- Mineral composition of ‘Sweetheart’ cherry using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopyPublication . Paulo, Luísa; Antunes, Paulo; Pintado, Cristina MiguelThere are some investigations regarding the physical and chemical properties of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) fruits, mostly their antioxidant capacity, phenol, ascorbic acid, as well as anthocyanin contents. Only little is known about the mineral content of sweet cherries. In this work we studied the 'Sweetheart' cultivar from Cova da Beira (Portugal), as this fruit is a rich source of nutritional components. Therefore, the mineral content of 'Sweetheart' cherry was studied. Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) was used for the determination of minor and major elements. Prior to ICP-AES measurement, the samples were mineralized with a mixture of HNO3 and H2O2. Based on obtained results the content of minor elements was (Cu) 0.107, (Fe) 0.325, (Mn) 0.204 and (Zn) 0.090 mg 100 g-1. The concentrations of major elements were (Na) 0.629, (Ca) 16.0, (Mg) 24.0, (P) 23.6 and (K) 523 mg 100 g-1. For Mg and K, 'Sweetheart' cherry presented higher concentrations than literature: (Mg) 11.0 and (K) 222 mg 100 g-1. And similar concentrations were assessed for Cu, Fe, Zn, P and Ca: (Cu) 0.060, (Fe) 0.36, (Zn) 0.070, (P) 21.0 and (Ca) 13 mg 100 g-1. The results suggested that 'Sweetheart' cherries are rich in various essential elements, with main emphasis for K and Mg, and might be considered as an important dietary mineral enrichment for individuals deficient in mineral elements.
- α-Linolenic acid-rich diet influences microbiota composition and villus morphology of the mouse small intestinePublication . Todorov, Hristo; Kollar, Bettina; Bayer, Franziska; Brandão, Inês; Mann, Amrit; Mohr, Julia; Pontarollo, Giulia; Formes, Henning; Stauber, Roland; Kittner, Jens M.; Endres, Kristina; Watzer, Bernhard; Nockher, Wolfgang Andreas; Sommer, Felix; Gerber, Susanne; Reinhardt, Christophα-Linolenic acid (ALA) is well-known for its anti-inflammatory activity. In contrast, the influence of an ALA-rich diet on intestinal microbiota composition and its impact on small intestine morphology are not fully understood. In the current study, we kept adult C57BL/6J mice for 4 weeks on an ALA-rich or control diet. Characterization of the microbial composition of the small intestine revealed that the ALA diet was associated with an enrichment in Prevotella and Parabacteroides. In contrast, taxa belonging to the Firmicutes phylum, including Lactobacillus, Clostridium cluster XIVa, Lachnospiraceae and Streptococcus, had significantly lower abundance compared to control diet. Metagenome prediction indicated an enrichment in functional pathways such as bacterial secretion system in the ALA group, whereas the two-component system and ALA metabolism pathways were downregulated. We also observed increased levels of ALA and its metabolites eicosapentanoic and docosahexanoic acid, but reduced levels of arachidonic acid in the intestinal tissue of ALA-fed mice. Furthermore, intestinal morphology in the ALA group was characterized by elongated villus structures with increased counts of epithelial cells and reduced epithelial proliferation rate. Interestingly, the ALA diet reduced relative goblet and Paneth cell counts. Of note, high-fat Western-type diet feeding resulted in a comparable adaptation of the small intestine. Collectively, our study demonstrates the impact of ALA on the gut microbiome and reveals the nutritional regulation of gut morphology.
- Metabolically healthy obesity - heterogeneity in definitions and unconventional factorsPublication . Brandão, Inês; Martins, Maria João; Monteiro, RosárioThe concept of heterogeneity among obese individuals in their risk for developing metabolic dysfunction and associated complications has been recognized for decades. At the origin of the heterogeneity idea is the acknowledgement that individuals with central obesity are more prone to developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease than those with peripheral obesity. There have been attempts to categorize subjects according to their metabolic health and degree of obesity giving rise to different obese and non-obese phenotypes that include metabolically unhealthy normal-weight (MUHNW), metabolically healthy obese (MHO), and metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO). Individuals belonging to the MHO phenotype are obese according to their body mass index although exhibiting fewer or none metabolic anomalies such as type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and/or unfavorable inflammatory and fribinolytic profiles. However, some authors claim that MHO is only transient in nature. Additionally, the phenotype categorization is controversial as it lacks standardized definitions possibly blurring the distinction between obesity phenotypes and confounding the associations with health outcomes. To add to the discussion, the factors underlying the origin or protection from metabolic deterioration and cardiometabolic risk for these subclasses are being intensely investigated and several hypotheses have been put forward. In the present review, we compare the different definitions of obesity phenotypes and present several possible factors underlying them (adipose tissue distribution and cellularity, contaminant accumulation on the adipose tissue, dysbiosis and metabolic endotoxemia imposing on to the endocannabinoid tone and inflammasome, and nutrient intake and dietary patterns) having inflammatory activation at the center.
- Antioxidant and dual dose-dependent antigenotoxic and genotoxic properties of an ethanol extract of propolisPublication . Cruz, Maria Teresa; Antunes, Paulo; Paulo, Luísa; Ferreira, A.M.; Cunha, A.; Aguiar, C. Almeida; Oliveira, RuiPropolis is a resinous product made by honeybees from plant-derived materials, with high content ofpolyphenols associated to several beneficial bioactivities with potential use as a natural food additive forpreservation and as a functional food ingredient. A Portuguese propolis ethanol extract (C.EE) protectedSaccharomyces cerevisiaecells from loss of viability upon exposure to H2O2, both in co- and in pre-incubation experiments. Results obtained with the comet assay suggest that lower concentrations areantigenotoxic while at higher concentrations a genotoxic effect prevails, which correlates with thecytotoxicity of high concentrations of C.EE. Flow cytometry analysis with dichlorofluorescein indicatesthat C.EE induced intracellular antioxidant activityin vivo. Overall the results suggest that C.EE isantigenotoxic but is also toxic at higher concentrations. This dual effect could be explained by thepresence of compounds known to interfere with DNA synthesis and/or cell proliferation, such as caffeicacid phenethyl ester (CAPE) and chrysin, together with antioxidants, like kaempferol, pinobanksin andpinocembrin.
- Protease‐activated receptor signaling in intestinal permeability regulationPublication . Pontarollo, Giulia; Mann, Amrit; Brandão, Inês; Malinarich, Frano; Schöpf, Marie; Reinhardt, ChristophProtease-activated receptors (PARs) are a unique class of G-protein-coupled transmembrane receptors, which revolutionized the perception of proteases from degradative enzymes to context-specific signaling factors. Although PARs are traditionally known to affect several vascular responses, recent investigations have started to pinpoint the functional role of PAR signaling in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This organ is exposed to the highest number of proteases, either from the gut lumen or from the mucosa. Luminal proteases include the host's digestive enzymes and the proteases released by the commensal microbiota, while mucosal proteases entail extravascular clotting factors and the enzymes released from resident and infiltrating immune cells. Active proteases and, in case of a disrupted gut barrier, even entire microorganisms are capable to translocate the intestinal epithelium, particularly under inflammatory conditions. Especially PAR-1 and PAR-2, expressed throughout the GI tract, impact gut permeability regulation, a major factor affecting intestinal physiology and metabolic inflammation. In addition, PARs are critically involved in the onset of inflammatory bowel diseases, irritable bowel syndrome, and tumor progression. Due to the number of proteases involved and the multiple cell types affected, selective regulation of intestinal PARs represents an interesting therapeutic strategy. The analysis of tissue/cell-specific knockout animal models will be of crucial importance to unravel the intrinsic complexity of this signaling network. Here, we provide an overview on the implication of PARs in intestinal permeability regulation under physiologic and disease conditions.