The focus of this thesis is (oxy)lipid analysis. An introductory overview is given of lipids, lipidomics, and lipid mediators in inflammation; and in subsequent chapters the focus is on... Show moreThe focus of this thesis is (oxy)lipid analysis. An introductory overview is given of lipids, lipidomics, and lipid mediators in inflammation; and in subsequent chapters the focus is on development of lipidomic methods for the analysis of oxidized lipids. This touches on different extraction methods of the (target) analytes, sample handling/preparation and storage, separation techniques, and finally the MS detection/resolution/ specificity etc. These methods are then utilized, mainly on human plasma and synovial fluid (SF) samples. Special focus is on the targeted analysis of hydroxylated fatty acids (hFAs), specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) and their intermediates, and other oxylipids present in inflammation and its resolution in rheumatic diseases. For example, the bioactivity of oxylipids and LMs is highly stereospecific, and some difficulties have arisen in the chromatographic separation and resolution of these stereoisomers using classical reversed phase liquid chromatography tandem MS (RPLC-MS/MS), perhaps sometimes resulting in wrong conclusions being drawn, one isomer being confused with another. The work in this thesis was therefore focused on further development and application of analysis platforms for oxidized lipids; their identification, separation and levels in different matrices. All of which, work that can be further used in inflammatory or rheumatoid research. Show less
Rodrigues, A.M.; Gouveia, N.; Costa, L.P. da; Eusebio, M.; Ramiro, S.; Machado, P.; ... ; EpiReumaPt Study Grp 2015
Musculoskeletal diseases affect many people in European communities, with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) being the most common conditions. In general, the impact of... Show moreMusculoskeletal diseases affect many people in European communities, with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) being the most common conditions. In general, the impact of musculoskeletal diseases on individuals__ lives including physical functioning is substantial, despite the growing number of effective drugs for specific rheumatic conditions. This thesis describes interventions aiming to reduce disability, with the example of interventions targeted on hand function disability as well as their evaluation, and the implementation of evidence-based interventions in daily practice, with the example of physical activity and exercise interventions for patients with RA. Show less
