http://repositorio.ufc.br/handle/riufc/394 2026-08-15T08:48:24Z http://repositorio.ufc.br/handle/riufc/87465 Título: Análise computacional da interação entre metilmercúrio e as isoformas da apolipoproteína E Autor(es): Monteiro, Vitória Karoline Félix Abstract: Methylmercury (MeHg) is one of the most toxic environmental pollutants, accumulating in the central nervous system (CNS) and cardiovascular system, where it promotes oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation. Epidemiological evidence suggests that genetic variability, particularly the different isoforms of Apolipoprotein E (ApoE), influences individual susceptibility to mercury toxicity. The ApoE4 isoform has been associated with greater clinical vulnerability, although the structural mechanisms of this association remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate, using computational methods, potential interactions between CH₃Hg and ApoE isoforms. To this end, geometry optimizations and semiempirical calculations were performed with MOPAC software, in addition to Independent Gradient Model (aIGM) analysis for initial characterization of the interactions. Additionally, the Reduced Density Gradient (RDG) method, implemented in the Multiwfn software, was used to comparatively evaluate the non-covalent interaction (NCI) profiles of ApoE isoforms in the absence and presence of CH₃Hg. The results showed that the ApoE2 and ApoE3 isoforms exhibited greater stability when interacting with MeHg, while ApoE4 was less stable. RDG analyses reinforced these findings, demonstrating that the presence of cysteine residues favors attractive interactions with CH₃Hg, while their absence in ApoE4 results in lower affinity. Thus, the findings of this study reinforce clinical and epidemiological hypotheses that carriers of the ε4 allele are more susceptible to MeHg toxicity because they lack stable protective interactions with the metal. The study provides a basis for understanding how structural variations in ApoE modulate individual susceptibility, highlighting the protein as a relevant genetic biomarker in populations chronically exposed to mercury. Tipo: Dissertação 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z http://repositorio.ufc.br/handle/riufc/87455 Título: Angiopoietinas e sua associação com carga parasitária e formas clínicas em pacientes com esquistossomose residentes em uma área de alta endemicidade no Nordeste brasileiro Autor(es): Coimbre, Rachael Lima Sobreira Abstract: Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma, whose severe manifestations are associated with inflammatory and vascular responses. Several biomarkers have been investigated in inflammatory and vascular conditions, including angiopoietins, a family of angiogenic growth factors. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between parasite burden and angiopoietin levels(ANG1 and ANG2) in individuals infected with Schistosoma mansoni, as well as to assess the association of these biomarkers with disease severity and related clinical manifestations. The study was conducted in two endemic areas in the state of Sergipe, Brazil, between August 2022 and April 2023, involving 126 volunteers from Quilombo Patioba (Japaratuba) and Colônia Miranda (São Cristóvão). The methodology included the collection of blood samples to analyze ANG1 and ANG2 levels, along with clinical and laboratory tests to assess liver function and parasite burden. Schistosomiasis was diagnosed using the Kato-Katz method, and participants were stratified according to the intensity of infection. Endothelial function was evaluated by measuring endothelial biomarkers and traditional biochemical markers. The results revealed a positivity rate for schistosomiasis of 33.62% in Quilombo Patioba and 25.67% in Colônia Miranda, both higher than state and national averages. Moderate/high infection rates were more frequent in Quilombo Patioba (18.61%) compared to Colônia Miranda (14.3%). Analysis of ANG2 levels and the ANG2/ANG1 ratio showed a significant correlation with parasite burden and the hepatosplenic form of the disease. ANG2 levels and the ANG2/ANG1 ratio were higher in groups with moderate and high parasite burden, as well as in the hepatosplenic form of schistosomiasis. Individuals with more severe forms of the disease showed a higher prevalence of palpable liver and ultrasonographic alterations, corroborating previous studies linking parasite burden to progressive liver damage. No significant changes were observed in systemic blood pressure or oxygen saturation, suggesting that, in the studied population, the primary disease-related alterations were associated with hepatic and portal. These findings indicate that ANG2 and the ANG2/ANG1 ratio could serve as useful biomarkers for assessing disease severity and detecting early vascular inflammation. Further investigations are necessary to elucidate the exact mechanisms involved and to explore the application of these biomarkers in therapeutic interventions. Tipo: Dissertação 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z http://repositorio.ufc.br/handle/riufc/87151 Título: A jornada do paciente com lipodistrofia generalizada congênita: aspectos clínicos e história natural da doença Autor(es): Linard, Lana Lívia Peixoto Abstract: Congenital generalized lipodystrophy (CGL) is a rare disease characterized by the near- complete absence of adipose tissue from birth, associated with early and severe metabolic abnormalities. The healthcare trajectory of these patients is often marked by diagnostic delay and limited access to specialized services. This study aimed to analyze the diagnostic journey of patients with CGL followed at a referral center, identifying healthcare barriers and factors related to access to and continuity of care. This cross-sectional study included patients diagnosed with CGL who were followed at a referral center in Ceará, Brazil. Sociodemographic, clinical, and healthcare trajectory-related variables were analyzed. The diagnostic journey was defined as the interval between the onset of the first clinical manifestations and the initiation of specialized follow-up. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests, adopting a significance level of 5%. A total of 27 patients were included, with a predominance of the CGL1 subtype (66.7%) and female sex (63%). The mean age at the first recognition of clinical changes was approximately 2 years, whereas the mean age at diagnosis was 8 years, demonstrating a substantial diagnostic delay. Follow-up at the referral center began at a mean age of 13 years, indicating an additional interval after diagnosis before specialized care was initiated. A significant association was observed between greater geographic distance and increased reliance on institutional transportation (p = 0.001). The diagnostic journey of patients with CGL is characterized by diagnostic delay and fragmented care, influenced by geographic and organizational factors. These findings highlight the need for strategies aimed at strengthening the healthcare network, particularly Primary Health Care, expanding family cascade screening, and organizing integrated care pathways to reduce the time to diagnosis and improve continuity of care. Tipo: Dissertação 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z http://repositorio.ufc.br/handle/riufc/86911 Título: Fatores de risco para tuberculose multirresistente Autor(es): Barroso, Elizabeth Clara Tipo: Dissertação 2001-01-01T00:00:00Z