News & Events
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30-12-2015
Histology and Histopathology article accepted!!
An article entitled " New insights on hormones and factors that modulate Sertoli cell metabolism" has been accepted for publication in Histology and Histopathology. This review presents an up-to-date overview on the impact of hormones and factors that modulate SC metabolism, with special focus on glycolytic metabolism, highlighting their relevance in determining male reproductive potential.
17-12-2015
Molecular Reproduction and Development article accepted!!
An article entitled "Testicular lactate content is compromised in men with Klinefelter Syndrome" by Alves et at. has been accepted for publication in Molecular Reproduction and Development. The aberrant protein levels of glucose metabolism-related membrane transporters and enzymes detected in testicular biopsies of KS men may be associated with the infertility phenotypes presented by those men.
03-12-2015
Pedro F. Oliveira presented an invited lecture at I Congress in Health Sciences Research that was held at FCS-UBI, Covilhã, Portugal, from the 26th to the 28th of November 2015.
02-12-2015
Marco G. Alves presented an invited lecture at 19th Portuguese Congress of Obesity from The Portuguese Society for the Study of Obesity (SPEO) under the scope of the recently funded grant "Obesitility – Gut hormones and testicular metabolism: mechanisms associated with obesity-related male infertility" (FCT - PTDC/BIM-MET/4712/2014).
01-12-2015
Fertility and Sterility Article Accepted!!
An article entitled "Mammalian target of rapamycin controls glucose consumption and redox balance in human Sertoli cells“ by Jesus et al. has been accepted for publication in Fertility and Sterility. This article evaluates the effects of the exposure of human Sertoli cells (hSCs) to rapamycin. Our results suggest that the inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway, particularly mTOR complex 1 signaling, alters the glycolytic and oxidative profiles of hSCs. Congratulations!!
26-11-2015
Pedro F. Oliveira and Raquel L. Bernardino attended the 5th Workshop on Structure and Function of Ion Channels and Transporters that was held at Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon.
19-11-2015
Ana D. Martins - Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology PhD Fellowship
Ana D. Martins has been awarded a PhD fellowship funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT). The PhD project will be developed under the supervision of Marco G. Alves and co-supervision of Prof. Mário Sousa (ICBAS-UP) and Prof. Rui A. Carvalho (FMUC-UC) at ICBAS-UP. Congratulations!!
15-11-2015
Maria João Meneses - ProRegeM PhD Fellowship
Maria João Meneses has been awarded a PhD fellowship funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology under the PhD Programme "Mechanisms of Disease and Regenerative Medicine - ProRegeM". Congratulations!!
09-10-2015
Marco G. Alves was invited to present a lecture entitled "OBESITILITY: Obesity and male fertility - current challenges in drug research towards therapy" in the Lunch Seminars from CICS-UBI. It will be held on October 15th, 2015, at Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã. You can see more information here!
28-09-2015
Pedro F. Oliveira nominated as Affiliated Professor at ICBAS-UP
Professor Pedro F. Oliveira was nominated Affiliated Professor at ICBAS, one of the most prestigious medical schools in Portugal. The school is part of University of Porto, the best ranked Portuguese University at the latest Worldwide university rankings. Congratulations!
25-09-2015
Best Oral Communication in Biology of Reproduction at UMIB Summit 2015
The oral communication entitled "Mammalian target of rapamycin is a novel modulator of Sertoli cells glycolytic and oxidative profiles" presented by Tito T. Jesus was awarded the best oral communication in Biology of Reproduction at the UMIB Summit 2015. Congratulations!
25-09-2015
Our delegation at UMIB Summit 2015
Oliveira PF, Silva BM, Alves MG, Cavaco JE, Silva LR, Rato L, Dias TR, Martins AD, Jesus TT, Bernardino RL, Almeida SP, Nunes AR, Meneses MJ, Oliveira E and Alves A attended the UMIB Summit 2015 that was held at ICBAS-FFUP, Porto, Portugal, from the 24th to the 25th of September 2015.
21-09-2015
Pedro F. Oliveira was invited to present a lecture entitled "Expression and function of acid-base transporters in Sertoli cells: a role in spermatogenesis" in the 5th Workshop on Structure and Function of Ion Channels and Transporters. It will be held on November 13, 2015, at Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon. You can see more information here!
18-09-2015
The Portuguese Society for the Study of Obesity (SPEO), within the 19th Portuguese Congress of Obesity, has invited Marco G. Alves to present the lecture entitled “Leptin modulates human Sertoli cells acetate production and glycolytic profile: a novel mechanism of obesity-induced male infertility?". It will be held on November 22, 2015, at Altis Grand Hotel, Lisbon. You can see more information here!
12-09-2015
Pedro F. Oliveira has been appointed Academic Editor of the journal Medicine (impact factor 5.7). The journal is one of the most renowned in the field of general medicine and publishes original articles from a wide range of medical disciplines, including endocrinology, urology and metabolic disorders.
03-09-2015
Advances in Medicine and Biology chapter accepted!
A chapter entitled “Regulation of Testicular Glucose Metabolism in (Pre)Diabetes and its Implications to Male Reproductive Health" by Meneses et al. has been accepted for publication in the book series Advances in Medicine and Biology, Volume 89. This chapter provides an overview of the impact of (pre)diabetes on testicular glucose metabolism and, consequently, male fertility.
24-08-2015
Current Medicinal Chemistry article accepted!
An article entitled “Novel drug therapies for fertility preservation in men undergoing chemotherapy: clinical relevance of protector agents" by Rabaça et al. has been accepted for publication in Current Medicinal Chemistry. This review provides an overview of the impact of anticancer chemotherapeutic drugs on male fertility, discussing the protector and preserving potential of various chemical agents.
21-08-2015
Susana Almeida - Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology PhD Fellowship
Susana Almeida has been awarded a PhD fellowship funded by Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT). The PhD project will be developed under the supervision of Pedro F. Oliveira and co-supervision of Prof. Mário Sousa (ICBAS-UP) and Prof. Alberto Barros (FMUP) at ICBAS-UP. Congratulations!!
21-08-2015
Tânia R. Dias - Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology PhD Fellowship
Tânia Dias has been awarded a PhD fellowship funded by Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT). The PhD project will be developed under the supervision of Pedro F. Oliveira and co-supervision of Prof. Branca M. Silva (CICS-UBI) and Prof. Susana Casal (FFUP) at CICS-UBI and ICBAS-UP. Congratulations!!
08-08-2015
Current Pharmaceutical Design article accepted!
An article entitled “Male fertility and obesity: are ghrelin, leptin and glucagon-like peptide-1 pharmacologically relevant?" by Alves et al. has been accepted for publication in Current Pharmaceutical Design. This article presents an up-to-date review on the role of obesity-related hormones in male fertility.
05-08-2015
OBESITILITY - new funded grant!
A grant entitled "Obesitility – Gut hormones and testicular metabolism: mechanisms associated with obesity-related male infertility" (PTDC/BIM-MET/4712/2014) with Marco G. Alves as Principal Investigator has been selected for funding by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (182.617€). This new grant aims to unveil the mechanisms by which obesity and its co-morbidities may alter the nutritional and physical support of spermatogenesis.
04-08-2015
FCT grant funded!
The grant entitled “Aquaporins as molecular partners of CFTR in the Blood-Testis Barrier: a crossroad between human male infertility and cystic fibrosis?” submitted to the last Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia' call has been proposed for funding (167.857€). This grant(PTDC/BBB-BQB/1368/2014), with Pedro F. Oliveira as Principal Investigator, aims to deepen a previously funded project by the PI, which enlightened the hormonal control of Sertoli cell metabolism and ion transporters expression/functionality.
04-08-2015
Most accessed papers between July 2014 and June 2015
The manuscript: "The Warburg Effect Revisited—Lesson from the Sertoli Cell" by Oliveira PF et al. published in Medicinal Research Reviews was one of the most accessed papers of the journal between July 2014 and June 2015. The manuscript discusses the Warburg effect and how the somatic Sertoli cells can provide new and exciting information concerning those biochemical reactions and cell proliferation.
09-07-2015
Our delegation at FEBS 2015!
Martins A.D. and Bernardino R.L. attended the 40th FEBS congress - The Biochemical Basis of Life that was held at Berlin, Germany, from the 4th to the 9th of July 2015.
02-07-2015
Maria João Meneses - Master Degree
Maria João Meneses has been awarded a Master degree in Biomedical Sciences after defending her thesis, entitled "Effect of Antidiabetic Drugs in Human Sertoli Cells: Implications for Male Fertility", in a public presentation that took place at FCS - UBI. She obtained a classification of 20 values (out of 20). Congratulations!!
01-07-2015
The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology article accepted!
An article entitled “Testosterone deficiency induced by progressive stages of diabetes mellitus impairs glucose metabolism and favors glycogenesis in mature rat Sertoli cells" by Rato et al. has been accepted for publication in The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology. This article evaluates how testosterone deficiency promoted by pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes induces crucial alterations on Sertoli cell glycolytic profile and glycogen metabolism, evidencing mechanisms by which hormonal deregulation promoted by diabetes mellitus may affect spermatogenesis.
23-06-2015
Reproductive Biomedicine Online article accepted!
An article entitled “White tea consumption restores sperm quality in prediabetic rats preventing testicular oxidative damage" by Oliveira et al. has been accepted for publication in Reproductive Biomedicine Online. This article evaluates the effects of white tea in testicular oxidative stress and sperm quality on a streptozotocin-induced prediabetic rat model. Our results suggest that white tea consumption appears as a natural, economical and effective strategy to counteract the deleterious effects of prediabetes on male reproductive health.
22-06-2015
Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology article accepted!
An article entitled “Dehydroepiandrosterone and 7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone in male reproductive health: implications of differential regulation of human Sertoli cells metabolic profile" by Dias et al. has been accepted for publication in Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. This article evaluates the effect of DHEA and 7-oxo-DHEA on human Sertoli cells metabolism and oxidative profile, which are essential for spermatogenesis. Our results represent a further step in the establishment of safe doses of DHEA and 7-oxo-DHEA, supporting its possible use in hormonal and non-hormonal therapies against male reproductive dysfunctions.
21-06-2015
Our delegation at ESHRE 2015!
Alves M.G., Martins A.D., Oliveira P.F. and Rato L. attended the ESHRE annual meeting that was held at Lisbon, Portugal, from the 14th to the 17th of June 2015.
13-06-2015
Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry article accepted
A manuscript by Raquel Bernardino and colleagues, entitled:"Estrogenic regulation of bicarbonate transporters from SLC4 family in rat Sertoli cells", was accepted for publication in Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry. This article evaluates the effect of E2 on the expression and function of the most relevant SLC4 bicarbonate transporters in rat sertoli cells, providing new insights on infertility cases associated with sex steroid hormone deregulation.
11-06-2015
International Journal of Stem Cell Research and Transplantation Editorial Accepted
An Editorial entitled: "The Use of Spermatogonial Stem Cells In cancer-Induced Infertility" requested to Prof. Rosália Sá and Doctor Marco G. Alves by the International Journal of Stem Cell Research and Transplantation was recently published. This editorial discusses the use of spermatogonial stem cells in the treatment of infertility that may occur after cancer treatment.
09-06-2015
BBA - Molecular Basis of Disease article accepted
A manuscript entitled:"Leptin modulates human Sertoli cells acetate production and glycolytic profile: a novel mechanism of obesity-induced male infertility?" was accepted for publication in BBA-Molecular Basis of Disease. We report that leptin modulates the nutritional support of spermatogenesis, illustrating a novel mechanism that may be linked to obesity-induced male infertility.
05-06-2015
ISMAR Travel Grant Award
Dr. Ana Martins, PhD student in our group was awarded with a travel grant from the ISMAR - International Society of Magnetic Resonance to participate in the ISMAR 2015 Conference which will be held in Shanghai, China, on August 16-21, 2015. Congratulations!!
05-06-2015
Cell and Tissue Research article accepted!
A manuscript entitled: "Metabolic fingerprints in testicular biopsies from type 1 diabetic patients" was accepted for publication in the Cell and Tissue Research Journal. In this paper we report that Diabetes alters glycolysis-related transporters and enzymes, compromising lactate content in the testes. This report unravels some metabolic fingerprints associated with diabetes-induced testicular metabolic dysfunction which may determine the male subfertility/infertility phenotype.
22-05-2015
Our research is in focus at the ASPIC - Portuguese Association for Cancer Research
The "Portuguese Association for Cancer Research" has publicized the recent work that resulted from the collaboration of our team with Prof. Branca Silva. The news can be read at ASPIC's homepage. Congratulations!
19-05-2015
Top Cited Articles 2014 - Andrology Journal
The paper entitled: "High-Energy Diets May Induce a Pre-Diabetic State Altering Testicular Glycolytic Metabolic Profile and Male Reproductive Parameters" from our laboratory was one of the top cited articles (2014) in the Andrology Journal, the most prestigious journal in the field of Andrology. Congratulations!
28-04-2015
Luís Rato - Doctoral Degree
Luís Rato has been awarded a PhD degree in Biomedicine after defending his thesis entitled "High energy diets and Diabetes Mellitus: a Threat for Male Fertility", in a public presentation that took place at UBI. The jury composed by Professors José Martinez de Oliveira, António Rocha, Mariana Monteiro, Rita Ferreira and Pedro F. Oliveira awarded him a classification of 19 values (out of 20). Congratulations!!
23-04-2015
Our research is in focus at the Iberoamerican Agency for the Diffusion of Science and Technology
The "Iberoamerican Agency for the Diffusion of Science and Technology" has publicized the recent work that resulted from the collaboration of our team with Prof. Branca Silva. The news can be read at dicyt's homepage. Congratulations!
23-04-2015
Journal of Diabetes Research article accepted!
A manuscript entitled: "Metabolic reprogramming in rat testicles induced by type 2 diabetes mellitus promotes glycogen accumulation." was accepted for publication in the Journal of Diabetes Research. Our data results indicate that T2DM is able to reprogram testicular metabolism by enhancing alternative metabolic pathways, particularly glycogen synthesis and such alterations are associated with impaired sperm parameters.
21-04-2015Experimental Cell Research article accepted!
A manuscript entitled: "The progression from a lower to a higher invasive stage of bladder cancer is associated with severe alterations in glucose and pyruvate metabolism" was accepted for publication in the Experimental Cell Research Journal. Our data illustrate that bladder cancer progression is associated with alterations in cells glycolytic profile, namely the switch from glucose to pyruvate consumption in the more aggressive stage. This may be useful to develop new therapies and to identify biomarkers for cancer progression.
20-04-2015International Journal of Diabetology and Vascular Disease Research editorial! The editorial article entitled “The Antidiabetic Drug Metformin and Male Reproductive Function: An Overview” solicited to Dr. Pedro F. Oliveira by the International Journal of Diabetology and Vascular Disease Research is now online. This editorial highlights recent advances on the effects of the antidiabetic drug Metformin on male reproductive function.
18-04-2014 Pedro F. Oliveira was appointed as reviewer for Le Studium Research Fellowships Pedro F. Oliveira was recently invited to serve as evaluator for the Le Studium Research Fellowships of the Loire Valley Institute for Advanced Studies, which is a consortium of research institutions and universities of "région Centre" of France supporting some areas of basic scientific research.
09-04-2015Our research was in focus on RadioThe research conducted by Prof. Branca Silva in collaboration with our group was recently presented at the radio "Cova da Beira". It resumes some of the findings published in several TOP journals in the field of Biochemistry, Functional Foods and Toxicology.
07-04-2015Our research is in focus at UBI
The University of Beira Interior (UBI) has publicized the recent works that resulted from the collaboration of our team with Prof. Branca Silva. The news can be read at UBI's homepage. Congratulations.
31-03-2015Our group in SIC television news!! Today the News in SIC, a major Portuguese television network, presented some of the work done by our group. It included interviews with Prof. Branca Silva and Doctor Marco G. Alves. The news were focused on the studies conducted by Prof. Branca Silva. It discusses the effects of white tea consumption in diabetes, particularly to brain and heart. The effects in male reproduction are in a final stage of analysis to be published soon. Here is the news. Congratulations.
30-03-2015FEBS fellowships
The PhD students Dr. Ana Martins and Dr. Raquel Bernardino were awarded with a fellowship to present their work at the 40th FEBS congress that will be held between 4-9 July at Berlin, Germany. Congratulations!!
27-03-2015Interview for a major National Television Network (SIC) Today was a busy and important day. Our group was interviewed for a major National Television Network (SIC) due to the studies conducted by Prof. Branca Silva, Associate Professor at UBI. Prof. Pedro F. Oliveira and Doctor Marco G. Alves were interviewed, and the students participated in the filming. The studies discussed were focused on the health effects of white tea, including male reproduction. It will be networked next monday (30 March 2015) at 13 pm (Greenwich time). Part of the interview will be published when available. Congratulations.
22-03-2015Most Downloaded articles of Toxicology Journal The manuscript: "Dose-dependent effects of caffeine in human Sertoli cells metabolism and oxidative profile: Relevance for male fertility" by Dias TR et al published in Toxicology Journal was one of the most downloaded papers of the journal in the last 90 days. The paper reports the effects of caffeine in human Sertoli cells metabolism and oxidative profile and discusses its relevance for male fertility.
21-03-2015III AEICBAS Biomedical Congress - Posters presentation
The master students of our group have presented their results in the form of Poster at the III AEICBAS Biomedical Congress. The event was a success and the students presented well their results. Congratulations!!
12-03-2015
Junior University 2015 at University of Porto
Inscriptions are open for Junior University 2015 at University of Porto. Three proposals will be co-organized by members of our laboratory. Further information on the Junior University website: Proposal 1; Proposal 2; Proposal 3. Congratulations!!
09-03-2015International PhD student arrival
Gustavo Monteiro Escott from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul has recently arrived for a short-term stay. Dr. Escott is working on his PhD thesis under the supervision of Prof. Eloísa Silveira Loss. Good luck and welcome!
08-03-2015Most read papers in Tissue Barriers Our manuscript entitled: "Diabetes, insulin-mediated glucose metabolism and Sertoli/blood-testis barrier function" was one of the most read papers of the Journal Tissue Barriers. Congratulations!!
02-03-2015Accepted Oral Communications and Posters 4 oral communications and 3 Posters from master and PhD students were accepted in the IV National Meeting of Postgraduation in Biological Sciences, 30 March - 2 April 2015, University of Aveiro, Portugal. Congratulations to all!
01-03-2015
Best Oral Communication at the Portuguese Congress of Endocrinology 2015
The work by Angela Moreira from Prof. Mariana Monteiro's group (UMIB-ICBAS) and co-authored by Marco G. Alves and Pedro F. Oliveira won the prize of Best Oral Communication at the Portuguese Congress of Endocrinology 2015 – 66th Annual Reunion of the Portuguese Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism in Funchal, Madeira. Congratulations!!
17-02-2015Most accessed papers in January 2015The manuscript: "The Warburg Effect Revisited—Lesson from the Sertoli Cell" by Oliveira PF et al. published in Medicinal Research Reviews was one of the most accessed papers of the journal in January 2015. The manuscript discusses the Warburg effect and how the somatic Sertoli cells can provide new and exciting information concerning those biochemical reactions and cell proliferation.
04-02-2015Current Molecular Pharmacology article accepted!
An article entitled “Natural Products as Modulators of Spermatogenesis: The Search for a Male Contraceptive" by Dias TR et al. has been accepted for publication in Current Molecular Pharmacology. The article discusses the molecular mechanisms by which natural products can control fertility and future perspectives on their potential to to develop an effective, reversible and safe male contraceptive.
04-02-2015Current Molecular Pharmacology article accepted! An article entitled: "Metabolic Cooperation in Testis as a Pharmacological Target: From Disease to Contraception" by Alves et al. has been accepted for publication in Current Molecular Pharmacology. This article discusses the metabolic cooperation in testis as a potential pharmacological target to counteract subfertility/infertility promoted by several diseases, particularly metabolic diseases. It is also discussed how it can contribute to the development of a male contraceptive.
26-01-2015 Pedro F. Oliveira will be speaking at ICBAS-UP!The Unit of Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), within the UMIB Scientific Seminars, has invited Pedro F. Oliveira to present the lecture entitled “The Warburg Effect Revisited - Lesson from the Sertoli cells". It will be held on January 28, 2015, at ICBAS - UP. You can see more information here!
26-01-2015 Raquel Bernardino - Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology PhD FellowshipRaquel Bernardino has been awarded a PhD fellowship funded by Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT). The PhD project will be developed under the supervision of Pedro F. Oliveira and co-supervision of Prof. Mário Sousa and Prof. Rosália Sá at ICBAS-UP and FCS-UBI. Congratulations!!
26-01-2015 Tito Jesus - Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology PhD FellowshipTito Jesus has been awarded a PhD fellowship funded by Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT). The PhD project will be developed under the supervision of Marco G. Alves and co-supervision of Pedro F. Oliveira and Prof. Mário Sousa at ICBAS-UP and FCS-UBI. Congratulations!!
19-01-2015 Journal of Functional Foods article accepted!An article entitled “White tea consumption improves cardiac glycolytic and oxidative profile of prediabetic rats" by Alves et al. has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Functional Foods. This article evaluates the effect of white tea consumption by prediabetic rats on cardiac glycolytic and oxidative profile. Our results illustrate that consumption of white tea ameliorated overall metabolic status and prevented most of heart-related deleterious effects observed on prediabetic rats.