Elisabete Goncalves

Scopus Publications

Preserved organ function and redox homeostasis following repeated oral exposure to Quercus suber acorn shell extract in female FVB/n mice
Pedro Correia, Cristiano Mateus, João Pedro Pinto, Tiago Azevedo, Tiane Finimundy, Pedro Babo, Elisabete Nascimento-Gonçalves, Catarina Medeiros, Luís Félix, Fernanda Seixas, Lillian Barros, Paula A. Oliveira
Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology, 2026
Acorn shells (AS), a by-product of Quercus suber acorn processing, are rich in phenolic compounds with recognized bioactivities. However, their incorporation into food or nutraceutical formulations requires in vivo safety assessment under physiologically relevant exposure conditions. This study evaluated the effects of a hydroethanolic AS extract following repeated oral intake in female FVB/n mice over 25 days. The extract’s phenolic profile was characterized by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS. Nineteen animals (8-12 weeks old) were randomly assigned to four groups receiving drinking water containing 0, 100, 200 and 500μg/mL of extract. Animal welfare, food and water intake, and body weight were monitored throughout the study. At the end, animals were euthanised via anesthetic overdose, after which blood was collected for biochemical analysis, organs were weighed, and liver and kidney processed for histology and oxidative stress analysis. The extract was dominated by phenolic acids and hydrolysable tannins, primarily gallic/ellagic acid derivatives. No toxicity signs or mortality were recorded, and food and water intake remained similar across groups. Body weight and food and water intakes were unaffected, whereas an increase in liver, spleen, and left kidney relative weight was observed in the 200μg/mL dose ( p <0.05). Biochemical parameters were also preserved between groups, though the 200μg/mL group showed reduced renal lipid peroxidation ( p <0.05). Histological examination revealed no treatment-related hepatic or renal lesions. Overall, these findings indicate that repeated oral exposure to AS extract does not compromise systemic homeostasis under the tested conditions, supporting further exploration as a sustainable source of bioactive compounds as functional dietary ingredients. • Repeated oral exposure to acorn shell extract resulted in preserved organ function • Hepatic and renal architecture remained intact across all tested doses • Ellagic and gallic acid derivatives dominated the extract phenolic profile • Intermediate dose (200 μg/mL) reduced renal lipid peroxidation • Acorn shell is a phenolic-rich bioresource for development of functional products
Modulation of Grapevine Physiological Performance by Compost and Vermicompost Obtained from Vine Pruning Residues
Carolina Maia, Sandra Pereira, Renata Moura, Cátia Brito, Miguel Baltazar, Sandra Martins, Zélia Branco, Marta Roboredo, Elisabete Nascimento-Gonçalves, João R. Sousa, Ana M. Coimbra, Tiago Azevedo, Henda Lopes, Maria C. Morais, Paula A. Oliveira, Lia-Tânia Dinis
Plants, 2026
Recycling vineyard pruning residues into compost and vermicompost represents a sustainable strategy to reduce viticulture’s reliance on chemical fertilizers. Nonetheless, their effects on plant performance remain poorly understood. This study evaluated the effect of vine pruning residues compost and vermicompost on the physiological, biochemical, and growth performance of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Touriga Franca, in comparison with mineral fertilization and an unfertilized control. A pot experiment was conducted from April to September 2024 in northern Portugal under Mediterranean climate conditions, using one-year-old grapevines and subjected to four fertilization treatments. Leaf gas exchange, chlorophyll a fluorescence, photosynthetic pigments, antioxidant and osmoprotective metabolites, and shoot and root development were assessed at three sampling dates during the growing season. Organic amendments enhanced photosynthetic performance and root growth relative to the unfertilized control. Vermicompost promoted higher CO2 assimilation, stomatal conductance, and shoot and root elongation, whereas compost increased intrinsic water use efficiency, photochemical regulation, and root biomass. Biochemical analyses indicated that compost favored protein and carotenoid accumulation, while vermicompost increased proline and later protein levels, alongside reduced phenolic and flavonoid contents. Despite their similar chemical composition, compost and vermicompost induced distinct physiological responses driven by differences in biological activity and nutrient dynamics. These findings demonstrate that pruning-derived organic amendments can match mineral fertilization in supporting grapevine performance while offering additional benefits for stress regulation and sustainable vineyard management.
In Vivo Prostate Cancer Modelling: From the Pre-Clinical to the Clinical Setting
Elisabete Nascimento-Gonçalves, Tiago Azevedo, Catarina Medeiros, Ana I. Faustino-Rocha
Life, 2026
Prostate cancer (PCa) remains one of the most prevalent malignancies in men and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Over the last century, PCa modelling has evolved from basic cell-based to more complex systems. Despite this, the clinical translation of research findings is limited by the constraints of current preclinical models. In this review, rat and zebrafish models are highlighted due to their long-standing and emerging translational relevance, respectively. Rat models have played a pivotal role in understanding carcinogenesis and supporting the preclinical evaluation of drugs currently approved for clinical use, such as antiandrogens and androgen-deprivation agents. In parallel, zebrafish models are increasingly recognized as powerful complementary tools for studying tumor biology, metastasis, and drug response, offering unique advantages for high-throughput and personalized medicine approaches. We summarize historical milestones, current advances, and translational perspectives, emphasizing how combining multiple model systems can bridge the gap between molecular research and clinical application. Collectively, the development and refinement of these models represent essential steps toward more predictive and ethically responsible PCa research.
Composting Techniques for Poultry Industry–Based Organic Residues and Their Sustainable Application to Improve Soil Nitrogen Content
Catarina Medeiros, Tiago Azevedo, Elisabete Nascimento-Gonçalves, Maria Cristina Morais, João Ricardo Sousa, Paula A. Oliveira, Marta Roboredo, Ana M. Coimbra
Composting of Farm Residues by Nature Based Solutions A Potential Key Towards Sustainable Agricultural Practices, 2026
Earthworm-Mediated Bio-composting and Basic Transformation Mechanisms in Organic Matter
Elisabete Nascimento-Gonçalves, Tiago Azevedo, Catarina Medeiros, Maria Cristina Morais, Anabela R. Reis, João Ricardo Sousa, Paula A. Oliveira, Ana M. Coimbra, Marta Roboredo
Composting of Farm Residues by Nature Based Solutions A Potential Key Towards Sustainable Agricultural Practices, 2026
Vermicompost and Leachate from Sewage Sludge and Vineyard Pruning Residues: An Exploratory Assessment of Cucumber Germination and Early Seedling Growth
Elisabete Nascimento-Gonçalves, Tiago Azevedo, Henda Lopes, Catarina Medeiros, Virgílio Falco, Ana Cláudia Coelho, João R. Sousa, Ana M. Coimbra, Marta Roboredo, Paula A. Oliveira, Maria C. Morais
Environments Mdpi, 2026
The sustainable management of organic residues remains a major challenge in agriculture. Vermicomposting offers an environmentally friendly strategy to convert organic waste into nutrient-rich, biologically stable biofertilizers. This exploratory study evaluated the effects of vermicompost and its leachate, produced from sewage sludge and vineyard pruning residues, on cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) germination and 25-day early seedling growth. Treatments included a control (peat and perlite, CNT), two vermicompost doses, 20 g kg−1 and 40 g kg−1 (VC_D1 and VC_D2, respectively) and a 5% (v/v) vermicompost leachate (VC_L) applied as the sole irrigation source. Foliar nutrient contents and physicochemical properties of the substrate and leachate were determined. Germination was not significantly affected (p > 0.05), but VC_D1 promoted slightly faster and more uniform seed emergence. Growth responses were dose dependent, with VC_D1 significantly enhancing shoot biomass (approximately 15% than the CNT and VC_D2) and providing a balanced foliar nutrient profile, whereas VC_D2 significantly reduced growth, promoted excessive foliar K and P, and lower Ca, Fe, and Mn contents. VC_L enhanced foliar N accumulation but did not significantly (p > 0.05) increase biomass. Both vermicompost and its leachate were pathogen-free, with metal concentrations below regulatory limits. Overall, these findings suggest that, under the tested conditions, vermicomposting these residues can generate potentially safe amendments for cucumber seedling growth, though dose optimization is essential. This exploratory approach supports residue valorization and contributes to circular economy principles and sustainable agriculture goals.
Compost and Vermicompost from Vine Pruning and Sewage Sludge as Peat Alternatives in Cucumber Seedling Production
Maria Cristina Morais, Tiago Azevedo, Henda Lopes, Ana Maria Coimbra, João Ricardo Sousa, Marta Roboredo, Paula Alexandra Oliveira, Elisabete Nascimento-Gonçalves
Agronomy, 2025
The replacement of peat in horticultural substrates is a priority for sustainable plant production. This study evaluated compost and vermicompost, derived from vine pruning and sewage sludge, as partial peat substitutes in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) seedling production. Germination, early growth traits, growth efficiency indices, and leaf nutrient contents were assessed, and the relationships among variables were explored using correlation analysis and principal component analysis. Five substrates were tested: peat-perlite alone (control) and mixtures containing 10%, 20%, or 40% compost or vermicompost as peat replacements. Results showed that incorporating 10% vermicompost significantly improved germination, seedling vigor, and biomass accumulation, with performance comparable to, or exceeding, the control. In contrast, higher proportions of compost or vermicompost negatively affected germination and seedling quality. Nutrient analysis revealed that 10% vermicompost enhanced Ca and K accumulation, traits positively correlated with growth, whereas 20% compost and 20% vermicompost were associated with higher P and Mg contents but reduced seedling performance. Overall, these promising findings demonstrate that a low proportion of vermicompost (10%) is sufficient to successfully partially replace peat in cucumber seedling production, benefiting both performance and sustainability, whereas higher compost or vermicompost levels disrupt nutrient balance and limit this species’ growth.
Valorization of Vineyard By-Products Through Vermicomposting: A Comparative Pilot-Scale Study with Eisenia fetida and Eisenia andrei
Tiago Azevedo, Elisabete Nascimento-Gonçalves, Henda Lopes, Catarina Medeiros, Virgílio Falco, João R. Sousa, Ana M. Coimbra, Marta Roboredo, Paula A. Oliveira, Maria C. Morais
Agronomy, 2025
Vermicomposting aims to convert organic residues into valuable end products within a circular economy-based framework. Vineyards generate significant amounts of by-products, namely vine prunings (VPs), typically landfilled or incinerated, and rotten grape clusters (RGCs), which stay on the vines until removed by pruning. This pilot-scale study aimed to explore the role of two earthworm species (Eisenia fetida and Eisenia andrei) in transforming VP and RGC substrates by evaluating their physicochemical properties, phytotoxicity, and polyphenolic content before and after vermicomposting and the microbial activity at the end of the process. The substrates were vermicomposted in 2 L containers with coconut fiber (1:1 ratio) and 7.5 g of each earthworm species (clitellated and non-clitellated) per container for 100 days, with the earthworm biomass monitored every other week. Phytotoxicity was assessed using garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) seeds, and biological stability was assessed by microbial activity and polyphenolic content evaluation using the Folin–Ciocalteu method. The results showed that differences in the vermicompost properties were primarily substrate-dependent. The RGC-based vermicomposts exhibited higher electrical conductivity and P, K, S, and B levels, while the VP-based composts had higher C/N ratios. E. fetida produced vermicomposts with significantly higher K, Ca, and Mg contents and consistently lower phytotoxicity in germination assays with garden cress and lettuce, compared with E. andrei. Vermicomposting led to a decrease in polyphenolic content for both species. This study highlights the importance of earthworm species selection for vermicomposting vineyard residues. Further research should explore how these species perform with other residues to understand their suitability for producing high quality vermicomposts.
Valorization of Underused Biomass of Acacia dealbata and Acacia melanoxylon Through Vermicomposting as an Alternative Substrate for Cucumber Production
Maria C. Morais, Elisabete Nascimento-Gonçalves, Tiago Azevedo, Henda Lopes, Helena Ferreira, Ana M. Coimbra, Berta Gonçalves, João R. Sousa, Marta Roboredo, Paula A. Oliveira
Recycling, 2025
Invasive alien species are one of the main threats to global biodiversity, and pose significant management challenges in several areas outside their natural range. In southern Mediterranean Europe, the invasion of Acacia species is particularly severe and its control requires costly and often ineffective actions. The use of vermicompost derived from these species to replace peat-based substrates in horticulture offers a promising alternative to mitigate their economic and environmental impacts while enhancing the sustainability of their control. This study explored the potential of vermicompost produced from the fresh aboveground waste biomass (leaves + stems + flowers) of Acacia dealbata and Acacia melanoxylon (75:25 w/w), two of the most aggressive Acacia species in the Mediterranean, using Eisenia fetida over twelve weeks. In essence, this study aimed to evaluate the quality of the produced vermicompost and its suitability as a partial substitute for potting substrate in the production of cucumber (Cucumis sativus) seedlings for transplant. Four substrate mixtures containing 0%, 10%, 30%, and 50% of Acacia vermicompost (w/w), combined with commercial peat-based potting substrate and perlite (20%) were tested in polystyrene seedling trays. Seedling emergence, growth, and leaf biochemical parameters (photosynthetic pigments, phenolics, soluble sugars and starch, and total thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances—TBARSs) were evaluated. The results showed that the addition of Acacia vermicompost to the commercial substrate did not affect its germination but significantly enhanced seedling growth, particularly in mixtures containing 30% and 50% Acacia vermicompost. In addition, the absence of accumulation of TBARSs also reflected the superiority of these two treatments. These findings suggest that vermicompost derived from A. dealbata and A. melanoxylon biomass can be a viable peat-based substrate alternative for horticultural production, with the dual benefit of promoting sustainable agricultural practices and contributing to invasive species management.
Exploring the Chemopreventive and Antioxidant Effects of Spearmint Leaf Hydroethanolic Extract in HPV16‐transgenic Mice
TIAGO M. JESUS, TIAGO AZEVEDO, RITA SILVA-REIS, TIAGO FERREIRA, ELISABETE NASCIMENTO-GONÇALVES, CATARINA MEDEIROS, JOÃO FERREIRA, ADELINA GAMA, ISABEL GAIVÃO, MARIA JOÃO PIRES, GERMANO LANZARIN, LUÍS FÉLIX, CARLOS VENÂNCIO, RUI MEDEIROS, MARGARIDA M.S.M. BASTOS, TIANE C. FINIMUNDY, LILLIAN BARROS, RUI M. GIL DA COSTA, PAULA A. OLIVEIRA
In Vivo, 2025
<h3>Background/Aim:</h3> Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infectious agent and, in cases of persistent infection, may cause cancer. This study evaluated the toxicological and antitumor properties of <i>Mentha spicata</i> extract (MSE) in KP14HPV16 mice, which carry HPV16 oncogenes. <h3>Materials and Methods:</h3> Thirty-three female FVB/n mice (<i>Mus musculus</i>), including 17 HPV-transgenic and 16 wild-type (WT) mice, were divided into six groups. The control groups received tap water (WT-C, <i>n</i>=5, and HPV-C, <i>n</i>=6), while the treatment groups received either 0.50 mg/ml MSE (WT-50 and HPV-50, <i>n</i>=6) or 0.55 mg/ml MSE (WT-55 and HPV-55, <i>n</i>=5) in drinking water for 28 days. Afterwards, animals were sacrificed, and blood and organs were collected for histopathological and biochemical analysis. <h3>Results:</h3> The main phenolic compounds in MSE were rosmarinic acid and luteolin-<i>O</i>-glucoronide. MSE did not significantly affect weight gain in WT mice; however, WT-55 gained significantly more weight than HPV-55. MSE demonstrated antioxidant activity as indicated by the modulation of hepatic superoxide dismutase and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity, as well as renal GST activity, in MSE-treated HPV groups. MSE did not reduce histological lesion incidence or systemic inflammation in HPV16-transgenic mice. <h3>Conclusion:</h3> In general, while MSE was safe and exhibited antioxidant activity, it did not significantly impact HPV16-induced lesions, warranting further research to assess systemic effects with different concentrations and durations.
Vermicomposting as a Valorization Solution to the Winery Sector By-Products
Elisabete Nascimento-Gonçalves, Tiago Azevedo, Henda Lopes, João Ricardo Sousa, Paula Alexandra Oliveira, Marta Roboredo, Ana Maria Coimbra, Maria Cristina Morais
Agronomy, 2024
Lifelong exercise training promotes the remodelling of the immune system and prostate signalome in a rat model of prostate carcinogenesis
Elisabete Nascimento-Gonçalves, Fernanda Seixas, Carlos Palmeira, Gabriela Martins, Carolina Fonseca, José Alberto Duarte, Ana I. Faustino-Rocha, Bruno Colaço, Maria João Pires, Maria João Neuparth, Daniel Moreira-Gonçalves, Margarida Fardilha, Magda C. Henriques, Daniela Patrício, Steven Pelech, Rita Ferreira, Paula A. Oliveira
Geroscience, 2024
Successful hormonal and chemical induction of prostate cancer in a rat model: practical guidelines
Elisabete Nascimento-Gonçalves, Ana I. Faustino‐Rocha, Fernanda Seixas, Bruno Colaço, Rita Ferreira, et al.
Veterinary Research Forum, 2024
Re: Protective effects of Chromolaena odorata extract on experimental benign prostatic hyperplasia in rats
Paula A. Oliveira, Ana I. Faustino‐Rocha, Elisabete Nascimento-Gonçalves
Veterinary Research Forum, 2023
Evolution of Models of Prostate Cancer: Their Contribution to Current Therapies
ANA I. FAUSTINO-ROCHA, CATARINA JOTA-BAPTISTA, ELISABETE NASCIMENTO-GONÇALVES, PAULA A. OLIVEIRA
Anticancer Research, 2023
In vivo prostate cancer research: Key interspecies prostate anatomical features for translation medicine
Elisabete alves, Fernanda Seixas, Rita Ferreira, Paula Oliveira, Bruno o
Open Veterinary Journal, 2023
Appraising Animal Models of Prostate Cancer for Translational Research: Future Directions
ELISABETE NASCIMENTO-GONCALVES, FERNANDA SEIXAS, RUI M. GIL DA COSTA, MARIA JOAO PIRES, MARIA JOAO NEUPARTH, DANIEL MOREIRA-GONCALVES, MARGARIDA FARDILHA, ANA I. FAUSTINO-ROCHA, BRUNO COLACO, RITA FERREIRA, PAULA A. OLIVEIRA
Anticancer Research, 2023
Validation of the Rat Model of Prostate Cancer: Correlating Seminal Vesicle Lesions With Dorsolateral Prostate Lesions
ELISABETE NASCIMENTO-GONÇALVES, FERNANDA SEIXAS, BRUNO MIGUEL MAIO OLIVEIRA, JOÃO EDUARDO TEIGA-TEIXEIRA, ANA I. FAUSTINO-ROCHA, BRUNO COLAÇO, RITA FERREIRA, PAULA A. OLIVEIRA
In Vivo, 2022
Obesity Rodent Models Applied to Research with Food Products and Natural Compounds
Tânia Martins, Tiago Ferreira, Elisabete Nascimento-Gonçalves, Catarina Castro-Ribeiro, Sílvia Lemos, Eduardo Rosa, Luís Miguel Antunes, Paula Alexandra Oliveira
Obesities, 2022
Murine Models of Obesity
Tânia Martins, Catarina Castro-Ribeiro, Sílvia Lemos, Tiago Ferreira, Elisabete Nascimento-Gonçalves, Eduardo Rosa, Paula Alexandra Oliveira, Luís Miguel Antunes
Obesities, 2022
An Integrative Approach to Characterize the Early Phases of Dimethylhydrazine‐Induced Colorectal Carcinogenesis in the Rat
Rita Silva-Reis, Catarina Castro-Ribeiro, Mariana Gonçalves, Tiago Ferreira, Maria João Pires, Carlos E. Iglesias-Aguirre, Adrián Cortés-Martín, María V. Selma, Juan Carlos Espín, Elisabete Nascimento-Gonçalves, Alexandra Moreira-Pais, Maria J. Neuparth, Francisco Peixoto, Eduardo Rosa, Adelina Gama, Rita Ferreira, Paula A. Oliveira, Ana I. Faustino-Rocha
Biomedicines, 2022
Toxicological and anti-tumor effects of a linden extract (: Tilia platyphyllos Scop.) in a HPV16-transgenic mouse model
Tiago Ferreira, Elisabete Nascimento-Gonçalves, Sara Macedo, Inês Borges, Adelina Gama, Rui M. Gil da Costa, Maria J. Neuparth, Germano Lanzarin, Carlos Venâncio, Luís Félix, Isabel Gaivão, Antonieta Alvarado, Maria J. Pires, Margarida M. S. M. Bastos, Rui Medeiros, António Nogueira, Lillian Barros, Isabel C. F. R. Ferreira, Eduardo Rosa, Paula A. Oliveira
Food and Function, 2021
Animal models of colorectal cancer: From spontaneous to genetically engineered models and their applications
Elisabete Nascimento-Gonçalves, Bruno A.L. Mendes, Rita Silva-Reis, Ana I. Faustino-Rocha, Adelina Gama, Paula A. Oliveira
Veterinary Sciences, 2021
The influence of Castanea sativa Mill. flower extract on hormonally and chemically induced prostate cancer in a rat model
E. Nascimento-Gonçalves, F. Seixas, M. Silva, M. Fardilha, R. Ferreira, M. J. Neuparth, A. I. Faustino-Rocha, B. Colaço, C. Venâncio, L. Barros, I. C. F. R. Ferreira, M. M. Oliveira, F. Peixoto, E. Rosa, P. A. Oliveira
Food and Function, 2021
An overview of the latest in state-of-the-art murine models for prostate cancer
Elisabete Nascimento-Gonçalves, Fernanda Seixas, Rita Ferreira, Bruno Colaço, Belmiro Parada, Paula A. Oliveira
Expert Opinion on Drug Discovery, 2021
Therapeutic and toxicological effects of natural compounds: Data from HPV16-transgenic and ICR mice (Review)
Tiago Ferreira, Elisabete Nascimento-Gonçalves, Rui Miguel Gil Da Costa, Eduardo Rosa, Paula Alexandra Oliveira
World Academy of Sciences Journal, 2020
Dietary supplementation with chestnut (Castanea sativa) reduces abdominal adiposity in FVB/n mice: A preliminary study
Pedro Rodrigues, Tiago Ferreira, Elisabete Nascimento-Gonçalves, Fernanda Seixas, Rui Miguel Gil da Costa, Tânia Martins, Maria João Neuparth, Maria João Pires, Germano Lanzarin, Luís Félix, Carlos Venâncio, Isabel C.F.R. Ferreira, Margarida M.S.M. Bastos, Rui Medeiros, Isabel Gaivão, Eduardo Rosa, Paula A. Oliveira
Biomedicines, 2020
An Overview of Current Alternative Models for Use in the Context of Prostate Cancer Research
Elisabete Nascimento-Gonçalves, Rita Ferreira, Paula A. Oliveira, Bruno Jorge Antunes Colaço
ATLA Alternatives to Laboratory Animals, 2020
Modelling human prostate cancer: Rat models
Elisabete Nascimento-Gonçalves, Ana I. Faustino-Rocha, Fernanda Seixas, Mário Ginja, Bruno Colaço, Rita Ferreira, Margarida Fardilha, Paula A. Oliveira
Life Sciences, 2018
Implementation of human endpoints in a urinary bladder carcinogenesis study in rats
Mónica Oliveira, Elisabete Nascimento-Gonçalves, Jéssica Silva, Paula A. Oliveira, Rita Ferreira, et al.
In Vivo, 2017

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Scopus Publications