ICB - Trabalhos de Conclusão de Curso

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Levantamento de borboletas frugívoras (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) na Serra da Mesa, Goiás
(Universidade Federal de Goiás, 2025-06-27) Castro, Sofia Gomes da Cruz e; Oliveira, Sarah Siqueira de; Marco Júnior, Paulo De; Marco Júnior, Paulo De; Lion, Marília Bruzzi; Fachin, Diego Aguilar
Understanding the distribution of biological diversity is essential for any conservation strategy. In the context of Neotropical ecosystems, biodiversity records for the Cerrado are limited, and vast areas of the state of Goiás remain unassessed in terms of their fauna and flora. To help fill this gap, a survey of fruit-feeding butterflies of the family Nymphalidae was conducted in the Vale da Serra da Mesa region, rural zone of Niquelândia (GO). Passive sampling was carried out in July, August, October, and November 2024 using modified Van Someren-Rydon traps, which were deployed in the field for two days and checked every 24 hours. Captured specimens were euthanized, properly prepared, photographed, and incorporated into the entomological collection of the Federal University of Goiás (UFG). A total of 52 Nymphalidae butterflies were collected, distributed across 14 genera, with higher abundance recorded during the dry months. In addition to a species list organized by tribe and subfamily, this study provides dorsal and ventral photographs of all collected individuals, aiming to support future research and conservation initiatives focused on the biodiversity of the Cerrado.
Especialização alimentar limita a amplitude do nicho térmico em abelhas neotropicais
(Universidade Federal de Goiás, 2025-06-26) Corrêa, Mariana Taveira; Souza, Renata Santos; Carvalheiro, Luísa Mafalda Gigante Rodrigues; Carvalheiro, Luísa Mafalda Gigante Rodrigues; Lion , Marília Bruzzi; Assis , Igor Madureira de
The interactions between plants and pollinators regulate a fundamental ecosystem function, in which bees and plants mutually benefit. Bee species can exhibit varying degrees of dietary specialization: oligolectic (with pollen diets restricted to one family or genus) and polylectic (a broader pollen diet with multiple plant families). This plant-pollinator relationship depends on the synchrony between the bees' life cycle and the flowering perioda synchrony threatened by thermal variations, which may particularly affect oligolectic species due to their specialized strategy. Species with lower thermal tolerance may be more susceptible. However, little is known about specialist species in a climatic context, and few studies integrate thermal niche data for Neotropical species. To investigate whether the thermal niche breadth of Brazilian bees is related to their larval dietary specialization, we selected 20 species (9 specialists and 11 generalists) of native bees from the Neotropical region (Brazil), belonging to the tribes Augochlorini, Eucerini, Megachilini, and Meliponini, ranging from crop pollinators to specialists in native flora, with minimum and maximum temperature data from an occurrence database. The results indicate that oligolectic species exhibited a narrower thermal niche breadth than polylectic species. These findings highlight the greater vulnerability of oligolectic species to climate change. Such discoveries underscore the importance of future investigations to deepen the understanding of these differentiated ecological responses in the context of constant global warming, emphasizing the need for research to ensure their persistence in the face of accelerated climate change.
Microcefalia com craniossinostose: um relato de caso
(Universidade Federal de Goiás, 2025-06-26) Pereira, Júlia Lopes; Araújo, Rafael Ferraz; Guimarães, Nilza Nascimento; Guimarães, Nilza Nascimento; Araújo, Rafael Ferraz; Figueiredo, Augusto César Ribeiro; Oliveira, Kleber Mirallia de
This study describes an unusual autopsy finding at the Legal Medical Institute (LMI) in Goiânia, about an eight-month-old infant with premature and complete closure of the cranial sutures. The absence of additional deformities or associated genetic syndromes highlights the uniqueness of the case. Early closure of the sutures restricted brain growth, resulting in severe microcephaly and possibly indirectly contributed to death, caused by pulmonary sepsis after bronchoaspiration. The literature review highlighted the scarcity of similar reports, underscoring the importance of anatomical documentation of rare cases to advance the understanding of cranial malformations and their clinical impacts.
Uso de habitat pela avifauna do lago da agronomia, Campus Samambaia, Universidade Federal - UFG, Goiânia- GO
(Universidade Federal de Goiás, 2025-06-23) Bossi, Vinicius Marques; Bianchi, Carlos Abs da Cruz; Bianchi, Carlos Abs da Cruz; Oliveira, Arthur Angelo Bispo de; Marco Júnior, Paulo De
The Cerrado, one of the most biodiverse biomes in the world, harbors rich fauna, with an emphasis on aquatic birds that play important ecological roles. The increasing threat to biodiversity due to habitat fragmentation highlights the need for studies that investigate these ecosystems, such as the Lago da Agronomia at the Federal University of Goiás (UFG). This study aims to identify the bird species present at Lago da Agronomia and understand their interactions with the local ecosystem. The research was conducted at Lago da Agronomia, with data collected during the morning and afternoon periods using point count and visual observation sampling methods. Data were collected from three strategic points along the lake. Species identification was assisted by binoculars and field guides, and the abundance of each species was quantified using R software functions. Nine bird species were observed, with Egretta thula being the most abundant. The distribution of species varied between shifts and locations, with the lakeshore being the environment with the highest abundance of individuals. The study suggests that environmental factors, such as riparian vegetation, may influence the distribution and abundance of species. Differences in abundances between species suggest specific ecological preferences. The importance of Lago da Agronomia as a crucial habitat for aquatic birds is highlighted, emphasizing the need for conservation strategies. The study provides a report on species occurrence and habitat occupancy by the birds, stressing the need to protect these wetlands to ensure the maintenance of biodiversity and essential ecosystem services.
Composição da dieta do Lobo-Guará (Chrysocyon brachyurus): uma revisão integrativa
(Universidade Federal de Goiás, 2025-07-28) Cordeiro, Talline Sousa; Bianchi, Carlos Abs da Cruz; Bianchi, Carlos Abs da Cruz; Ribeiro, Ana Carolina Da Cunha; Stevaux, Maria Nazaré
The maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) is the largest canid in South America and displays an omnivorous diet characterized by notable feeding plasticity. This study presents an integrative literature review aiming to assess the species’ dietary composition, with focus on seasonal, regional, and ecological variations. A total of 19 scientific studies published between 1994 and 2025 were analyzed, most of which employed fecal analysis methods. The results revealed a diet composed mainly of native fruits, especially Solanum lycocarpum, and small vertebrates such as rodents, along with occasional invertebrates and anthropogenic items. Seasonal dietary shifts were evident, with a broader food niche in the rainy season and more specialized feeding during the dry season. Regional variations were also influenced by habitat type and levels of human disturbance. The maned wolf’s dietary flexibility highlights its ecological role as a seed disperser and population regulator of small vertebrates, reinforcing its importance for conservation strategies, particularly within the Cerrado biome.
Flora vascular da área de relevante interesse ecológico de Santa Helena, PR
(Universidade Federal de Goiás, 2025-06-27) Moura, Sara Dias; Santos, Leonardo Biral dos; Santos, Leonardo Biral dos; Teles, Aristônio Magalhães; Pires, Ana Carolina Mezzonato
The National System of Conservation Units (SNUC) establishes that every Conservation Unit (UC) must have a management plan, a technical document that delineates it and sets the rules for use and management. However, several UCs lack this plan or present it inadequately, for example, with incomplete floristic lists. Floristic surveys in UCs are essential to provide primary and quality data about local real biodiversity. The objective of this study was to conduct a broad floristic survey of the Santa Helena Relevant Ecological Interest Area (ARIE-SH), a UC created by Itaipu Binacional in the 1980s in western Paraná. The survey also aimed to provide data for the new Management Plan, currently being updated, and to incorporate the species list into the "Catálogo de Plantas das Unidades de Conservação do Brasil" project. The ARIE-SH covers approximately 1.480 hectares and is located in the homonymy city, along the banks of the Paraná River on the border with Paraguay. The UC is situated in the Atlantic Forest domain and is covered by Seasonal Semideciduous Forest in various successional stages. Collections took place over 33 visits between November 2016 and September 2024 and are deposited in the SHPR herbarium with duplicates in the UFG herbarium. The samples were identified using specialized literature, comparisons with online herbaria exsiccates, and consultation with specialists. The species were evaluated regarding their habit, origin, and conservation status. Additionally, the results were compared to the species list of the current Management Plan, from 2010. 214 species were found, between collections and secondary data, distributed across 69 families, with emphasis on Fabaceae (25) and Asteraceae (13). Most of the species are herbaceous (31.78%), followed by arboreal habit (29.91%) and climbing (20.56%). We recorded 201 native species, with 15 considered endemic to Brazil, and 13 exotic, of which ten are naturalized and three cultivated. Thirteen species are classified as threatened at the national and state levels. Compared to the current Management Plan, there are only 40 families and 31 species in common. Our survey inventoried 183 previously unrecorded species, representing almost a 100% increase over the current list. The survey contributed to the knowledge of the regional flora, and the results fill existing gaps in the floristic knowledge of the ARIE-SH. This study emphasizes the importance of updating floristic lists in management plans and the deposit of botanical material in herbaria.
Poleiros artificiais como facilitadores da restauração ecológica: uma revisão integrativa baseada em chuva de sementes, avifauna e uso do solo
(Universidade Federal de Goiás, 2025-07-28) Moraes, Murilo de Freitas Lima; Bianchi, Carlos Abs da Cruz; Bianchi, Carlos Abs da Cruz; Kopp, Kátia Alcione; Assis, Igor Madureira de
Brazil is considered a megadiverse country but faces serious threats due to fragmentation and the loss of native areas, making effective techniques for ecosystem recovery essential. Among these techniques, artificial perches stand out as simple and low-cost structures that act as catalysts for ecological restoration by attracting seed-dispersing birds and increasing seed deposition in degraded areas, thus accelerating the succession of local plant communities. This study compiles and analyzes 19 Brazilian works investigating the effectiveness of artificial perches across different biomes, especially in the Atlantic Forest, highlighting their potential to enhance floristic diversity and promote connectivity between forest fragments. However, it was not possible to confirm a direct relationship between land use type and the success of the technique, due to the lack of methodological standardization and insufficient detailed data in many studies. The effectiveness of perches depends on factors such as model, structure, height, location, proximity to forest remnants, and landscape characteristics. For their installation, a prior environmental assessment is recommended, including the classification of the regeneration potential of the area, appropriate selection of perch models, and strategic placement between 60 and 150 meters from native fragments, especially in areas requiring additional interventions. Despite existing challenges, artificial perches represent a promising strategy for ecological restoration, particularly due to their simplicity, low cost, and ability to facilitate natural regeneration processes in fragmented landscapes.
Experimentos ecológicos com macrófitas no Brasil: uma revisão sistemática
(Universidade Federal de Goiás, 2025-06-25) Assis, Isabela Cristina Gonçalves de; Granzotti, Rafaela Vendrametto; Granzotti, Rafaela Vendrametto; Carvalho, Priscilla de; Oliveira, Anny Kelly Nascimento de
Aquatic macrophytes are of utmost importance to aquatic communities and to humans and are essential bioindicators of water quality. Experiments involving these aquatic plants help us to understand different ecological aspects of this community and the functioning of the aquatic ecosystem. Systematic reviews are essential to systematize the knowledge produced on these issues, so that we can identify which effects of macrophytes are most studied and also identify knowledge gaps that can be further explored through experiments with macrophytes. Thus, we conducted a systematic review of experiments with macrophytes conducted in Brazil, analyzing the species and design used in these experiments and the ecological themes studied. To this end, we conducted a bibliographic search on the Web of Science and Scielo Brazil platforms, selected articles related to the topic and collected relevant information from them. In total, we analyzed 13 articles in full, which experimentally manipulated 14 distinct species of macrophytes, most of them submerged. Our results showed that most studies have occurred since the year 2009 and have analyzed the effect of aquatic macrophytes on the planktonic community (zooplankton and phytoplankton) and fish. In addition, the most studied theme was predator-prey interaction. Finally, most experiments were conducted on a mesocosm scale. We conclude, therefore, that there are research gaps in experimental studies with macrophytes in the areas of biological invasion, ecosystem functions, and studies involving aquatic insects. Investment in science and research is essential to address these knowledge gaps.
Aspectos ecológicos das aves de rapina: um levantamento atual sobre dieta, reprodução e comportamento
(Universidade Federal de Goiás, 2025-06-23) Pereira, Gabriel Simões Coelho; Bianchi, Carlos Abs da Cruz; Bianchi, Carlos Abs da Cruz; Jesus, Shayana de; Regolin, André Luís
Birds of prey represent one of the most emblematic and, at the same time, least studied groups on the planet. Many of their species lack basic information regarding their ecology and natural history, which hampers the development of effective conservation strategies. This study aimed to assess the current state of scientific knowledge on birds of prey, with a focus on species occurring in the Cerrado biome. The methodology involved a review of scientific literature, gathering data on diet, behavior, and reproduction. The results reveal a significant lack of ecological information, particularly concerning endemic species or those with restricted distributions in the Cerrado. This scenario highlights the urgent need to expand research efforts focused on the ecology of birds of prey, in order to support more effective conservation actions.
Efetividade do licenciamento ambiental em Goiás
(Universidade Federal de Goiás, 2025-06-27) Santos, Lucas Calacia Martins dos; Silva, José Antônio Tietzmann e; Silva, José Antônio Tietzmann e; Pinto Neto, Geraldo Miranda; Silva, Leonardo Felippe Pereira Gonçalves
This study evaluated the effectiveness of the environmental licensing system in the State of Goiás in the period following State Law No. 20.694/2019, confronting the legal-institutional framework with the dynamics of native vegetation suppression in the Cerrado biome. The research, characterized as qualitative-quantitative and descriptive-analytical, was based on a legal-documentary analysis of Goiás environmental legislation, a survey of administrative data from the State Secretariat for Environment and Sustainable Development (SEMAD-GO), and the collection of deforestation data via remote sensing (MapBiomas and PRODES/INPE) for the period 2019-2024. The study revealed a profound dissonance between formal environmental governance and practical results in the territory. A central paradox was identified: a relatively low number of licenses for vegetation suppression were issued by SEMAD-GO, while remote sensing indicators pointed to a high and increasing rate of deforestation in the same period, driven by the expansion of agribusiness. It was concluded that the new normative arrangement in Goiás, although efficient in its purpose of streamlining and accelerating procedures, proves ineffective in its ultimate goal of environmental protection, failing to curb the loss of native vegetation. The pursuit of efficiency appears to have compromised effectiveness, increasing the risk that environmental licenses become a mere formal ritual devoid of practical impact in containing degradation vectors. The study's limitations, such as difficulty in accessing georeferenced licensing data and the exclusion of other degradation factors (e.g., fire), suggest future research that deepens spatial correlation and integrates multiple variables for a more comprehensive understanding of environmental effectiveness.
Como a interação planta-solo pode ameaçar a interação planta-abelha sob as mudanças climáticas ?
(Universidade Federal de Goiás, 2025-06-18) Sena, Yasmin Xavier de; Marco Júnior, Paulo De; Marco Júnior, Paulo De; Franceschinelli, Edivani Villaron; Lima, Edgar Luiz de
The objective of this study is to analyze how climate change may disrupt the existing ecological interactions between the plant species Vochysia rufa and its pollinators. Additionally, the study aims to assess the effectiveness of Protected Areas (Conservation Units) in safeguarding these species in the face of land-use changes. The methodology is based on the analysis of species distribution data, which were collected from Google Scholar and Web of Science, and matched with current climate data from WorldClim and future climate data comparing scenarios of high and low environmental governance. For the plant model, soil data from SoilGrids were also included. All variable modeling was performed in RStudio using the ENMTML package. The overlapping area between the distributions of the plant and its pollinators was assessed in relation to their presence within Protected Areas, allowing the evaluation of whether the current protected area system is capable of ensuring the future conservation of these species. It is expected that there will be a mismatch between the distributions of Vochysia and its pollinators, as climate change progresses, pollinators may shift to more suitable areas, while the plants may not, especially considering the limitations imposed by soil. Moreover, it is expected that under scenarios of higher governance, there will be less distributional loss. In addition, Protected Areas are expected to protect both species, as they both currently have a wide geographical distribution.
Dinâmica dos casos prováveis de dengue em Goiânia entre 2010 e 2024
(Universidade Federal de Goiás, 2025-02-20) Andrade, Rodrigo Mateus de; Leles, Renan Nunes; Leles, Renan Nunes; Correa, Luisa Queiroz; Falchi, Vanessa Leonel
Dengue is an arboviral disease caused by a virus of the Flavivirus genus and transmitted in Brazil by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Since 2010, the simultaneous circulation of the four viral serotypes (DENV1, 2, 3, and 4) in Brazil has characterized a scenario of hyperendemicity, resulting in frequent outbreaks and a reduction in inter-epidemic periods. Given this scenario, this study aimed to extract, organize, and analyze epidemiological data on dengue in the municipality of Goiânia between 2010 and 2024. The research utilized records from the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System (DATASUS), extracted using the TABNET tool from the SINAN, as well as data from the 2022 Census of the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) and the National Institute of Meteorology (INMET) for contextualization. The analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics in Microsoft Excel®, allowing the evaluation of case trends and possible correlations with climatic and demographic factors. The results indicate that dengue remains endemic, with recurrent outbreaks driven by environmental and population conditions. The simultaneous circulation of serotypes worsens the situation, overloading the healthcare system, especially during critical periods of the disease, such as in 2015 and 2024. The highest incidence was observed among young adults, while the elderly exhibited the highest lethality. Declines were observed in 2020 and 2021, possibly related to the pandemic, reflecting underreporting. The study highlights the need to strengthen epidemiological surveillance, vector control, and hospital infrastructure to mitigate the impacts of dengue.
Estudo comparativo das estruturas dos transportadores da família SLC6
(Universidade Federal de Goiás, 2025-06-25) Nascimento, Lucas Rodrigues Couto; Pinto, Mauro Cunha Xavier; Pinto, Mauro Cunha Xavier; Carvalho, Gustavo Almeida de; Cavalcante, Daniel Pereira
The SLC6 family comprises sodium- and chloride-dependent solute transporters that play a key role in maintaining cellular homeostasis by mediating the transmembrane transport of neurotransmitters, amino acids, and other small solutes. These transporters are involved in several physiological processes and are clinically relevant therapeutic targets for the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, and epilepsy. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the functional and structural characteristics of the SLC6 family, with emphasis on the conserved LeuT-fold architecture and structural variations that influence substrate selectivity, transport dynamics, and drug recognition. Structural resolution techniques such as X-ray crystallography and cryo electron microscopy enabled the elucidation of three-dimensional structures at atomic resolution, revealing binding sites and regulatory domains. While crystallography provides high-resolution images, it is limited by the requirement for crystallization, particularly for membrane proteins. Cryo-electron microscopy overcomes this limitation by capturing multiple conformational states without crystallization, although resolution may be lower in flexible regions. For proteins without experimentally resolved structures, homology modeling was employed based on bacterial and eukaryotic templates such as LeuT, MhsT, and dDAT. The adopted methodology involved systematic data collection from structural databases, followed by comparative analysis of modeled and resolved transporters. Functional and pharmacological implications of the described structural elements were also discussed, contributing to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms that govern the operation of these transporters and reinforcing their potential as therapeutic targets.
O papel dos transportadores de noradrenalina (SLC6A2) no sistema nervoso central
(Universidade Federal de Goiás, 2025-01-31) Tavares, Maria Luísa Nascente; Ribeiro, Raul Izidoro; Pinto, Mauro Cunha Xavier; Pinto, Mauro Cunha Xavier; Carvalho, Gustavo Almeida de; Cavalcante, Daniel Pereira
The noradrenaline transporters (NETs), part of the SLC6 protein family, play a fundamental role in noradrenergic neurotransmission by reuptaking noradrenaline (NA) released into the synaptic cleft, regulating its concentration and signal duration. These transporters are distributed in strategic regions of the central nervous system (CNS), such as the locus coeruleus, prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala, being necessary for processes like attention, memory, mood regulation, and stress response. Additionally, NETs influence cognitive and emotional processes by modulating noradrenaline and dopamine neurotransmission, interacting with dopamine D1 and D2 receptors, especially in the prefrontal cortex. This interaction has significant implications for executive function and emotional balance. This study reviews the literature on the neuroanatomical distribution, intracellular trafficking mechanisms, and functional regulation of NETs, highlighting their modulation through phosphorylation and clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Dysfunctions in these transporters are associated with various pathologies, including neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and schizophrenia. The methodological review includes articles published between 1939 and 2024, emphasizing neuroanatomical, physiological, and pharmacological research. Among the therapeutic strategies discussed, selective serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SSNRIs) have shown efficacy in neurotransmission modulation, reducing psychiatric symptoms. This study reinforces the therapeutic potential of NETs and the need for further investigations to develop more effective interventions for neurological diseases and psychiatric disorders.
Entre galhos e estratégias: um estudo ecológico de Sapajus libidinosus na Universidade Federal de Goiás
(Universidade Federal de Goiás, 2025-06-24) Silva, Whallacks Bento da; Nomura, Fausto; Nomura, Fausto; Carvalho, Wanessa Fernandes; Reis, Daniella Lisboa dos
This study analyzed the behavior of Sapajus libidinosus in an anthropized environment at the Samambaia Campus of UFG, aiming to understand how ecological factors and human presence influence its social organization and feeding strategies. Observations were conducted using scan sampling, with records of age, sex, behaviors, and individuals' locations during morning and afternoon periods. Data were analyzed using R software, applying the daily median of unique individuals to estimate group size, avoiding overestimation due to repeated sightings. The proportions of adults, juveniles, and infants were also estimated. Results indicated that human presence affects feeding behavior and space use among the primates, demonstrating their ability to adapt to urbanized environments. Flexibility in social and feeding strategies was observed, highlighting the species’ high resilience, but also revealing risks associated with constant anthropic interference. It is concluded that the behavior of S. libidinosus is strongly shaped by ecological and social factors, and understanding these interactions is essential for guiding conservation efforts that balance biodiversity protection with the responsible management of shared environments between humans and primates.
Impactos da interação humana na alimentação de macacos-prego (Sapajus spp.): uma revisão bibliográfica
(Universidade Federal de Goiás, 2025-06-26) Ventura, Rebeca Campos; Nomura, Fausto; Nomura, Fausto; Reis, Daniella Lisboa dos; Belém, Raony César Silva; Bastos, Rogério Pereira
The increasing presence of capuchin monkeys (Sapajus spp.) in urban and tourist environments has led to frequent interactions with humans, resulting in significant changes to their natural feeding behavior. Addressing this issue, the present study aims to analyze the impacts of human-primate interactions on the dietary habits of capuchin monkeys, with an emphasis on the replacement of natural foods with anthropogenic items. A qualitative literature review was conducted based on scientific articles published between 2000 and 2024, retrieved via Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria focused on studies reporting dietary changes in Sapajus spp due to human contact in urban, rural, or tourist settings. The analysis revealed a recurring pattern of dietary shifts linked to both direct and indirect food provisioning, including the consumption of snacks, sweets, and human waste. Observed effects include nutritional deficiencies, obesity, metabolic disorders, and behavioral changes such as loss of foraging skills and increased food dependency. Variations in impact were found to correlate with levels of urbanization, interaction frequency, and environmental structure, with the most severe effects occurring in densely populated or tourist-heavy areas. These findings highlight the urgent need for management strategies aimed at reducing food provisioning and preserving the species' natural behaviors. It is concluded that frequent human interactions alter the diet of capuchin monkeys and compromise their health, ecological role, and well-being, underscoring the importance of public policies and educational actions that promote balanced coexistence between humans and wildlife.
O impacto dos hormônios andrógenos no cérebro
(Universidade Federal de Goiás, 2025-06-27) Quintanilha, Amanda Rodrigues; Chiareli, Raphaela Almeida; Pinto, Mauro Cunha Xavier; Lima, Onésia Cristina Oliveira; Carvalho, Gustavo Almeida De; Pinto, Mauro Cunha Xavier
Androgenic hormones (HAs) are steroids that play a fundamental role in sexual dimorphism, the development of sexual characteristics and spermatogenesis. They include dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), its sulphate (DHEAS), androstenedione (AD), testosterone (TTT), dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and are produced in the adrenal gland, testes and ovaries through the action of various enzymes. The mechanism of action of these hormones occurs predominantly through the activation of the androgen receptor (AR). Evidence suggests that AHs also influence the maintenance of homeostasis in the central nervous system (CNS), although the mechanisms underlying these effects are not yet fully elucidated in the literature. Accordingly, the present study aims to investigate the impact of AHs on brain function. Studies indicate that AHs can act through the activation of ARs, which are widely distributed throughout the CNS in various species. Their effects include modulation of brain development, promoting sexual differentiation of the brain during fetal and postnatal stages, as well as regulation of neural circuits associated with social communication and inhibitory profiles of GABA. The role of AHs in neuroplasticity has also been demonstrated, particularly through alterations in dendritic spine morphology mediated by rapid, non-genomic signaling pathways such as ERK1/2-CREB, PKC, and LIMK. Another relevant aspect is the neuroprotective effect attributed to androgens, including anti-apoptotic, antiinflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Additionally, AHs have been implicated in the modulation of pathological processes associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), promoting the reduction of β-amyloid plaque accumulation and Tau hyperphosphorylation following hormonal exposure. These steroids also influence behavior and cognition by exerting negative feedback on the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, thereby reducing stress and anxiety responses. Positive effects on learning and memory have likewise been reported. Thus, reduced levels of these hormones, whether due to aging or androgen deprivation therapies, may impair cognitive functions. In contrast, supraphysiological exposure to exogenous androgens has been associated with increased anxiety, stress, and aggressive behavior. Finally, given the neuroprotective and cognitive benefits of AHs, selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) and analogs such as BNN27 have been investigated for their therapeutic potential in the CNS. These findingsunderscore the relevance of further research on the central effects of androgens and their clinical applications in neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric contexts
Papel dos fatores de transcrição NirA e AreA na assimilação de nitrogênio em Paracoccidioides lutzii
(Universidade Federal de Goiás, 2025-02-21) Nascimento, Gabriel Henrique Pinto do; Pereira, Elisa Dias; Borges, Clayton Luiz; Borges, Clayton Luiz; Leite, Vanessa Rafaela Milhomem Cruz; Otto, Ester Dias Ruas
The Paracoccidioides complex consists of thermodimorphic fungi, the etiological agents of Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), a systemic and endemic mycosis in Latin America. The acquisition of nutrients is one of the factors contributing to its virulence in the host, with nitrogen being one of the key nutrients essential for the survival of the fungus and the production of molecules such as proteins and nucleic acids. In this regard, the pathogen employs various mechanisms for nitrogen acquisition, as the host restricts nutrients through nutritional immunity. One of these mechanisms is Nitrogen Catabolic Repression (NCR), which ensures secondary nitrogen sources are available when preferred sources are not. NCR is mediated by the GATA transcription factor AreA, which is crucial for the successful acquisition of non-preferred nitrogen sources. For the assimilation of nitrate and nitrite, the NirA transcription factor is required, which physically interacts with AreA in Aspergillus nidulans, and is an important regulator of nitrogen assimilation. In the Paracoccidioides complex, this mechanism has not yet been fully elucidated. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the influence of NirA and AreA on the NCR mechanism in P. lutzii. To achieve this, a silenced strain for the AreA gene (AS-AreA) of P. lutzii was developed using antisense RNA technology mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens (ATMT). Growth curve analysis by optical density (OD) of the wild-type (WT) and silenced mutant (AS-AreA) strains of P. lutzii in selective medium supplemented with Sodium Nitrate (10mM) as a non-preferred nitrogen source, and Ammonium Sulfate (10mM) as a preferred source, showed that the AreA transcription factor may be related to nitrate assimilation in the Paracoccidioides genus. Additionally, through propidium iodide staining of WT and AS-AreA cells, it was observed that the cells maintained good viability even after 48 hours in medium without a preferred nitrogen source, indicating the presence of alternative mechanisms for nitrogen uptake and maintenance of cellular activities. The analysis of NirA expression by qPCR under the studied conditions revealed overexpression in the AS-AreA strain in nitrate. However, even with overexpression, growth analysis reinforces the importance of AreA for cell growth. Therefore, the preliminary results suggest the importance of the AreA-NirA interaction for nitrate assimilation in the NCR mechanism, but further analyses are needed to corroborate these findings.
O papel do TREM-2 em diferentes tipos de câncer: mecanismos de ação e potencial terapêutico
(Universidade Federal de Goiás, 2025-06-26) Martins, Ana Beatriz Vasconcelos; Campos, Helioswilton Sales de; Campos, Helioswilton Sales de; Lima, Ildercílio Mota De Souza; Pereira, Jonathas Xavier
The triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM-2) has been extensively studied for its role in modulating the tumor microenvironment and the progression of different types of cancer. This receptor plays essential functions in regulating inflammation, phagocytosis, and immune response, acting either in promoting or inhibiting tumor growth depending on the context. In this study, a literature review was conducted to investigate the mechanisms of action of TREM-2 in the tumor microenvironment and its therapeutic implications. The results indicate that TREM-2 overexpression is associated with an immunosuppressive phenotype in certain types of cancer, facilitating immune evasion and tumor growth. However, its activation in other contexts can enhance antitumor immune responses, making it a potential therapeutic target. Recent studies have explored the artificial modulation of TREM-2 as a therapeutic strategy, either by inhibiting it in immunosuppressive tumors or by activating it to enhance immunotherapy. Therefore, understanding the functional dynamics of TREM-2 is essential for developing new targeted therapeutic approaches against cancer.
Avaliação do conhecimento sobre IST em população em situação de vulnerabilidade socioeconômica
(Universidade Federal de Goiás, 2025-02-21) Medeiros, Hemilly Vivian Rodrigues; Cardoso, Juliana Lamaro; Cardoso, Juliana Lamaro; Carneiro, Megmar Aparecida dos Santos; Silva, Carla Afonso da
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) constitute a major global public health problem, caused by more than 30 etiological agents such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. Among STIs, eight have a higher global incidence, with four being curable: trichomoniasis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, and four incurable: hepatitis B, AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), HPV (Human Papillomavirus), and herpes. The main objective of this study was to analyze the knowledge of individuals in socio-economic vulnerability, assisted at the two public health centers in Goiania-GO. To evaluate the participants knowledge, a structured questionnaire was used, containing questions about sociodemographic characteristics, health conditions, and risk behaviors related to STIs. The instrument used to assess knowledge about the infections was based on the "The Sexually Transmitted Disease Knowledge Questionnaire," translated into Portuguese, adapted by Teixeira and colleagues (2015) and expanded for the objectives of this research. The study included 340 participants in vulnerable situations and revealed that most participants were adults over 50 years old, had an income lower than a minimum wage, and 7.4% (20/340) were illiterate. It was observed that the majority of the interviewees, 78.7% (259/340), did not use a condom in their last sexual intercourse. Regarding knowledge, the average accuracy in relation to viral STI information was 59.7%, and for bacterial STIs, it was 29.1%. It was noted that educational level had an impact on knowledge, as the lower the level of education, the lower the accuracy rates. Therefore, it is essential to promote efforts to increase access to knowledge about these infections in more vulnerable populations, as well as implement public policies focused on health education for these groups.

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