Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Estrutural e Funcional
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Master Thesis Investigação multidisciplinar da saúde em um espécime de Globicephala macrorhynchus oriundo de encalhe em massa no nordeste brasileiro(Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, 2025-12-22) Bezerra, Saul Mota; Gavilan, Simone Almeida; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6790-1696; http://lattes.cnpq.br/6556168670883302; http://lattes.cnpq.br/0194681293714997; Farias, Daniel Solon Dias de; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5923-8625; http://lattes.cnpq.br/7813685791586480; Matushima, Eliane ReikoThe stranding of cetaceans is a critical event for marine conservation and an important indicator of the health of coastal ecosystems, often associated with environmental, pathological, and anthropogenic factors. This study aimed to analyze the anatomopathological, biochemical, hematological, and toxicological alterations in a female short-finned pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus) that died during a mass stranding of 21 individuals on Pititinga Beach, Rio Grande do Norte. The analyses were conducted in collaboration with different specialized laboratories. The necropsy examination enabled macro- and microscopic descriptions, revealing skin lesions, mucosal congestion, and the presence of parasites in the tympanic bullae. Histopathological evaluation identified renal tubular degeneration, multifocal areas of hepatic necrosis and acute pulmonary inflammation. The blood count showed leukopenia, while the biochemical tests indicated elevated creatinine, urea, ALT, and phosphorus levels. Toxicological analysis revealed high levels of mercury and cadmium, suggesting exposure to environmental contaminants. These heavy metals are known for their immunosuppressive and neurotoxic effects. The tympanic bullae contained nematodes belonging to the species Stenurus globicephalae. The findings suggest that the animal presented a severe and multifactorial systemic condition, marked by intense parasitism, chronic inflammation, and signs of immunosuppression. This study provides an unprecedented contribution to the understanding of general macro- and microscopic morphological aspects of this specimen, which, combined with the results of clinical and toxicological analyses, supports the monitoring of the health of odontocete cetaceans along the coast of Rio Grande do Norte. It also reinforces the need to incorporate toxicological, parasitological, histopathological, and hematological approaches in stranding investigations, especially in gregarious, top-trophic-level species such as G. macrorhynchus.Master Thesis Ação do extrato da Opuntia cochenillifera na morfofisiologia reprodutiva de camundongos obesos via dieta hiperlipídica(Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, 2026-02-26) Peixoto, Paula Renata de Castro; Martins, Fabiane Ferreira; Camillo, Christina da Silva; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1586-5256; http://lattes.cnpq.br/0021644707162925; http://lattes.cnpq.br/6569473943631639; http://lattes.cnpq.br/6203858644127068; Morais, Danielle Barbosa; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3277-1857; http://lattes.cnpq.br/1768180848750009; Medeiros, Karina Carla de Paula; http://lattes.cnpq.br/3379499427344725; Santos, Pedro Paulo de Andrade; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5793-3886; http://lattes.cnpq.br/2878739335493429Obesity represents one of the greatest challenges to contemporary public health, characterized by metabolic and inflammatory disorders that compromise various body systems, including the reproductive system. The chronic inflammatory state and hormonal imbalance resulting from the excessive accumulation of adipose tissue directly affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, resulting in impaired spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis. Considering the limitations of current pharmacological therapies, natural compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties have been extensively investigated, notably the extract of Opuntia cochenillifera (EOC), a cactus rich in polyphenols and traditionally used in the brazilian semi-arid region. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effects of the hydroethanolic extract of O. cochenillifera on the metabolic parameters and reproductive morphophysiology of diet-induced obese C57BL/6J mice. Forty animals were distributed into four experimental groups (n=10): Control (C), Control + EOC (COC), High-fat (HF), and High-fat + EOC (HFOC). Obesity was induced for 12 weeks, and treatment with EOC (200 mg/kg body mass) was carried out for an additional 8 weeks. Body mass, food and energy intake, fat distribution, glycemic and lipid profiles were evaluated; histological, morphometric, stereological, ultrastructural and molecular parameters of the testicles and histological parameters of the prostate. The results obtained demonstrated that treatment with O. cochenillifera extract promoted significant effects on the metabolism and reproductive morphophysiology of obese mice. Compared to the HF group, the HFOC group showed a 24% reduction in body mass (p<0.0001) and a 321% and 242% reduction in epididymal and subcutaneous fat accumulation, respectively (p<0.0001). In parallel, there was a 35% reduction (p<0.0001) in fasting blood glucose, a considerable improvement in glucose tolerance, and a decrease in plasma levels of total cholesterol (-46%, p<0.0001) and triacylglycerol (-40%, p<0.01). In terms of reproduction, there was a 34% increase (p<0.0001) in testicular mass, a 25% increase (p<0.001) in seminiferous tubule volume density, a 39% increase (p<0.0001) in Leydig cell volume density, a 21% increase (p<0.0001) in seminiferous tubule diameter, and a 23% increase (p<0.05) in germinal epithelium height, demonstrating the recovery of spermatogenesis and gonadal function. Histological analysis demonstrated that the highfat diet compromised testicular cytoarchitecture, affecting the integrity of seminiferous tubules and the germinal epithelium, whereas EOC mitigated these damages, preserving tissue organization. Ultrastructural analyses corroborated these findings, indicating preservation of subcellular integrity in treated animals. Gene expression analysis revealed that the high-fat diet induced dysregulation of metabolic, antioxidant, inflammatory, and apoptotic pathways, alterations that were significantly attenuated by EOC treatment. Histological analyses of the prostate demonstrated that the high-fat diet compromised tissue organization, whereas treatment with the extract preserved glandular structural integrity. Taken together, the findings indicate that EOC reversed obesity and its deleterious effects by restoring metabolic, inflammatory, and oxidative balance, thereby mitigating reproductive morphophysiological alterations in obese mice.Master Thesis Efeitos do extrato da Opuntia cochenillifera no remodelamento do tecido adiposo marrom em modelo de obesidade induzida por dieta hiperlipídica(Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, 2026-02-24) Silva, Graziele Domingos; Martins, Fabiane Ferreira; Camillo, Christina da Silva; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1586-5256; http://lattes.cnpq.br/0021644707162925; http://lattes.cnpq.br/6569473943631639; http://lattes.cnpq.br/6333436427665640; Vieira, Jeymesson Raphael Cardoso; http://lattes.cnpq.br/6727125662817949; Santos, Pedro Paulo de Andrade; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5793-3886; http://lattes.cnpq.br/2878739335493429; Moura, Sérgio Adriane Bezerra de; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8204-3244; http://lattes.cnpq.br/1323062374722389Obesity represents a global public health challenge closely associated with severe metabolic disorders and impairment of brown adipose tissue (BAT), a key organ for thermogenesis. The "whitening" process of BAT, characterized by impaired thermogenesis and lipid accumulation in adipocytes, exacerbates obesity outcomes. In this context, Opuntia cochenillifera extract (EOC), recognized for its antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, and anti-inflammatory properties, emerges as a potential therapeutic agent against obesity and BAT dysfunction. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of EOC on morphofunctional remodeling of the BAT and on metabolic parameters in dietinduced obese C57BL/6J mice. Forty animals were divided into four experimental groups (n=10): Control (C), Control + EOC (COC), High-fat (HF), and HF + EOC (HFOC). Obesity was induced for 12 weeks, and treatment with EOC (200 mg/kg body mass) was carried out for an additional 8 weeks. The following parameters were analyzed: body mass, food and energy intake, glycemic homeostasis, lipid profile, temperature (thermography); followed by histological, stereological, and molecular analyses of mitochondrial (Pgc1-α, Opa-1), thermogenic (Ucp-1, β3-Ar), and inflammatory (Tnf-α, Il1-beta, and Nrlp3) markers in the BAT. The results demonstrated that EOC exerted an anti-obesogenic and anorexigenic effect, reducing body mass by 24% (p<0.0001) and visceral fat in the HFOC group compared to the HF group, in addition to decreasing food and energy intake (-26% and -28%, p<0.0001, respectively). Metabolically, EOC improved glucose tolerance and reduced elevated cholesterol (-46%, p<0.0001) and triacylglycerol (-40%, p<0.0001) levels induced by the HF diet. In BAT, the treatment reversed whitening, restoring multilocular morphology, increasing nuclei density (Qa, +241%, p<0.0001), and restoring temperature. Transmission electron microscopy revealed preservation of lipid droplet multilocularity and increased mitochondrial density in the BAT of obese mice treated with EOC. At the molecular level, EOC restored mitochondrial function and thermogenesis, increasing gene expression of Opa-1 (+220%, p<0.001), Pgc1-α (+634%, p<0.0001), β3- Ar (+613%, p<0.0001), and Ucp-1 (+1043%, p<0.001), in addition to reducing the expression of inflammatory genes (Tnf-α, -190%; Il1-beta -306%, and Nrlp3, -133%; p<0.0001). Therefore, Opuntia cochenillifera extract emerges as a promising agent for addressing obesity and its metabolic complications by promoting positive BAT remodeling and exhibiting significant thermogenic and anti-inflammatory potential.Master Thesis Obesidade, metabolismo energético e neuroinflamação: efeitos anorexígenos e anti-inflamatórios do extrato da Opuntia cochenillifera(Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, 2026-02-27) Barros, Érica Kamila Trindade; Martins, Fabiane Ferreira; Camillo, Christina da Silva; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1586-5256; http://lattes.cnpq.br/0021644707162925; http://lattes.cnpq.br/6569473943631639; http://lattes.cnpq.br/9751013127513162; Galindo, Lígia Cristina Monteiro; http://lattes.cnpq.br/6651639921348474; Duque Neto, Sebastião Pacheco; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5569-7568; http://lattes.cnpq.br/0444664303541280; Rachetti, Vanessa de Paula Soares; http://lattes.cnpq.br/1524215726056886Obesity is a current public health problem that reduces life expectancy; its pathogenesis is associated with dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, inflammatory diseases, and neuroinflammation. The clinical manifestations of obesity affect white adipose tissue (WAT) and the hypothalamus, a key center in the regulation of energy metabolism. The increased production of inflammatory mediators by WAT, such as leptin, interleukins (ILs), and TNF-α, contributes to systemic and hypothalamic inflammation, impairing the activity of POMC/CART and AgRP/NPY neurons, which are responsible for anorexigenic and orexigenic signaling, respectively. Additionally, leptin resistance has been associated with hippocampal inflammation and correlated with the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Opuntia cochenillifera is rich in phenolic compounds and has been traditionally used in the treatment of metabolic comorbidities, suggesting a potential therapeutic action for obesity management. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of the O. cochenillifera extract (OCE) on energy metabolism and neuroinflammation in diet-induced obese mice. Forty C57BL/6J mice were distributed into four experimental groups (n = 10/group): Control (C), Control + OCE (COC), high-fat diet (HF), and high-fat diet + OCE (HFOC). Obesity was induced for 12 weeks, followed by treatment with OCE (200 mg/kg body mass) for an additional 8 weeks. Body mass, food and energy intake, adiposity, glycemic and lipid profiles, histological and stereological parameters of epididymal WAT and hippocampus, as well as gene expression in epididymal WAT and hypothalamus were evaluated. Compared with the HF group, the HFOC group showed a reduction in body mass (24%, p < 0.0001) and in epididymal and inguinal fat accumulation (321% and 242%, respectively; p < 0.0001). OCE treatment reduced fasting glycemia by 35% (p < 0.0001), improved glucose tolerance, and decreased plasma levels of total cholesterol (−46%, p < 0.0001) and triacylglycerol (−40%, p < 0.01). Histological analyses revealed inflammatory infiltrate and white adipocyte hypertrophy in epididymal WAT of the HF group, alterations that were reversed by OCE treatment. The mean cross-sectional area of adipocytes was significantly reduced in the HFOC group compared with the HF group (−67%, p < 0.0001). In epididymal WAT, OCE reduced the expression of the genes Leptin (−146%, p < 0.0001), Mcp1 (−138%, p < 0.0001), Il1β (−139%, p < 0.0001), and Nlrp3 (−156%, p < 0.0001). In the CA1 region of the hippocampus, the HF group presented dysmorphic and hyperchromatic neurons with pyknotic nuclei, indicative of apoptosis; these structural alterations were reversed by OCE treatment. Stereological analyses confirmed a reduction in the volume density of viable neurons in the HF group (−40%, p < 0.001), with recovery in the HFOC group (+34%, p < 0.001). In the hypothalamus, OCE increased the expression of Obr (+37%, p < 0.0001), Pomc (+42%, p < 0.0001), and Mc4r (+31%, p < 0.001), and reduced the expression of Leptin (−70%, p < 0.0001), Mcp1 (−189%, p < 0.001), Il1β (−105%, p < 0.0001), and Nlrp3 (−112%, p < 0.001). Taken together, the results indicate that OCE exerted anti-obesogenic, anti-adipogenic, anti-inflammatory, anorexigenic, and neuroprotective effects in a diet-induced obesity model, reinforcing its potential as a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of obesity and its metabolic complications.Master Thesis Potencial terapêutico do extrato da Opuntia cochenillifera (L.) no eixo tireoide-fígado em modelo de obesidade induzida por dieta (DIO)(Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, 2026-02-25) Gois, Daniela Dantas de; Camillo, Christina da Silva; Martins, Fabiane Ferreira; http://lattes.cnpq.br/6569473943631639; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1586-5256; http://lattes.cnpq.br/0021644707162925; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3213-0507; http://lattes.cnpq.br/9759691201136579; Vieira, Jeymesson Raphael Cardoso; http://lattes.cnpq.br/6727125662817949; Santos, Pedro Paulo de Andrade; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5793-3886; http://lattes.cnpq.br/2878739335493429; Passos, Thaís Souza; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2054-1544; http://lattes.cnpq.br/9685790797554876Obesity is a significant public health problem in Brazil, reducing life expectancy and consuming substantial financial resources from the Unified Health System (SUS). Obese individuals present with persistent systemic inflammation, resulting in clinical manifestations such as thyroid dysfunction (hypothyroidism) and metabolic steatotic liver disease (MASLD), which are closely related. In this context, bioactive food compounds (BFCs) represent promising therapeutic strategies in the prevention and treatment of obesity and complications associated with metabolic syndrome (MS). The cactus Opuntia cochenillifera (L.) (OC - prickly pear cactus) is considered a notable source of BFCs, rich in phenolic compounds and flavonoids with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Therefore, this study evaluated the effects of OC extract (EOC) in the treatment of obesity and its outcomes on the thyroid-liver axis in an induced obesity model. Three-month-old male C57BL/6J mice were divided into four experimental groups (n=10): Control (C), Control + EOC (COC), Highfat (HF), and HF + EOC (HFOC). Obesity was induced for 12 weeks, and EOC treatment was administered for an additional 8 weeks (200 mg/kg body mass). The following parameters were evaluated: body mass, adiposity, food and energy intake, glycemic homeostasis, total cholesterol, plasma and liver triacylglycerol. In parallel, histological, stereological, ultrastructural, and molecular analyses of mitochondrial (Opa1, Pgc-1α), lipogenic (Fabp4, Srebp1c), hormonal (Thrβ), and inflammatory (Il1β, Mcp-1, Nlrp3) markers were performed on the liver. Structural analyses of the thyroid gland were performed to elucidate the effects of EOC in the treatment of hypothyroidism associated with MASLD. The results demonstrated that the treatment exerted an anti-obesogenic and anorexigenic effect with a reduction in body mass (HFOC vs HF, -24%), food intake (HFOC vs HF, -26%), and energy intake (HFOC vs HF, -28%). Regarding metabolic parameters, EOC improved glycemic indices (glycemia HFOC vs HF -35% and area under the curve HFOC vs HF -22%) and lipid indices (cholesterol HFOC vs HF -46% and triacylglycerol -40%). In the liver, EOC mitigated MASLD by restoring hepatic morphology, evidenced by the lower density of steatosis volume in treated animals (HFOC vs HF, -251%). Ultrastructural analyses demonstrated that EOC restored mitochondrial integrity and density, as well as reversed alterations in the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER). At the molecular level, there was increased expression of Opa1 and Pgc-1α (HFOC vs HF +496% and HFOC vs HF +149%), reduced Fabp4 and Srebp1c (HFOC vs HF -281% and HFOC vs HF -200%), as well as increased expression of Thrβ (HFOC vs HF, +37%) in treated animals, demonstrating an improvement in mitochondrial integrity and function; in lipid metabolism and greater sensitivity to the action of thyroid hormones. Furthermore, the treatment exerted significant anti-inflammatory effects, reducing the expression of the genes Il1β (HFOC vs HF, -200%), Mcp-1 (HFOC vs HF, -250%) and Nlrp3 (HFOC vs HF, -71%). Furthermore, in the thyroid gland, EOC mitigated hypothyroidism in HF animals, restoring its histoarchitecture. Therefore, OC extract emerges as a promising agent for the treatment of obesity and its repercussions on the onset and progression of MASLD.Master Thesis Avaliação da imunomodulação no câncer colorretal após o tratamento com um nanossistema de goma de caju carboximetilada contendo curcumina e um agonista dos Receptores Toll-Like 7 e 8 (R848)(2025-12-04) Mariano, Natalia Luiza de Lima; Araújo Júnior, Raimundo Fernandes de; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2349-2354; https://orcid.org/0009-0004-5586-2406; http://lattes.cnpq.br/7871002608462555; Assef, Alexia Nathália Brígido; Abreu, Bento João da Graça Azevedo; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8010-806X; Anomal, Renata FigueiredoColorectal cancer (CRC) is a disease that leads to a high mortality rate worldwide annually, representing a major public health problem. In this context, new treatment alternatives need to be explored and developed, especially in the area of immunotherapy. The objective of this research was to analyze the immunological profile of the tumor microenvironment via M2-type Tumor-Associated Macrophages (M2-TAMs) after CRC treatment with Carboxymethyl Cashew Gum Nanoparticles (GCCM) containing curcumin and an agonist of Toll-Like Receptors 7 and 8 (R848). For this, the primary allographic model of CRC in Balb/C mice was used by inoculating 1x10⁶ CT-26 cell lines into the right flank of the mice. The animals were separated into the following experimental groups: POSITIVE CONTROL, GCCM nanoparticles functionalized with R848 (GCCM+R848), GCCM nanoparticles functionalized with Curcumin and R848 (GCCM+CURC+R848), GCCM nanoparticles functionalized with Curcumin and Paclitaxel (GCCM+CURC+PTX), and finally, GCCM nanoparticles functionalized with Curcumin (GCCM+CURC). They were euthanized on the 21st day after undergoing measurements and three treatments with a five-day interval between them. At euthanasia, tumor masses, inguinal lymph nodes, and blood were collected for molecular and cellular studies related to immunosuppression using histopathology, immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR, and blood count techniques. The results showed that the nanoformulations present in GCCM+CURC+R848 and GCCM+CURC+PTX exhibited antitumor potential by generating the downregulation of immunosuppression, increasing inflammatory infiltrate through both blood lymphocytosis (both, p<0.0001) and MAT (p<0.0001 and p<0.01), respectively. In the tumor microenvironment, there was a reduction in the expression of M2-type macrophages and treg cells indicated by CD163 (both, p<0.0001) and CD25 (GCCM+CURC+PTX, p<0.001), as well as the presence of lymphocytes due to increased CD8 expression (GCCM+CURC+R848, p<0.05) when compared to animals in the POSITIVE CONTROL group. Furthermore, there was a decrease in the gene expression of Toll-Like Receptor 2 (TLR2) in all experimental groups (All, p<0.0001). Therefore, it is possible to conclude that of the nanoformulations tested, especially GCCM+CURC+R848, managed to induce the downregulation of CD8 cell immune exhaustion in the tumor microenvironment, by decreasing the infiltration of M2-TAMs and Treg cells, as well as suppressing TLR2 in lymph nodes, which is associated with antitumor responses through dendritic cells and M1 macrophages. In this context, these results demonstrate that the use of a nanosystem made of GCCM containing curcumin associated with TLR 7 and 8 agonists may not only contain tumor progression, but also provide blockage of the immune evasion mechanism in the tumor microenvironment, making it less suppressive and more antitumor, representing a possible innovative and effective therapeutic method for combating colorectal cancerMaster Thesis O ensino de morfologia como estratégia para a conservação do peixe-boi marinho (Trichechus manatus Linnaeus, 1758)(Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, 2025-08-29) Silva, Maria Rosiemilly da; Gavilan, Simone Almeida; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6790-1696; http://lattes.cnpq.br/6556168670883302; http://lattes.cnpq.br/0104353221997365; Silva, Flávio José de Lima; http://lattes.cnpq.br/1421802360229451; Nascimento, Renata Swany Soares do; http://lattes.cnpq.br/6385207984942429The West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus) is one of the most endangered aquatic mammals in Brazil, exhibiting high rates of neonate strandings in the state of Rio Grande do Norte (RN). Given the threats to the species, environmental education has proven to be an important conservation strategy. The objective of this study was to investigate environmental education initiatives that integrate concepts of animal morphology, aiming to promote sensitization and awareness toward the conservation of the West Indian manatee. The first chapter, which addresses environmental education activities, describes the actions carried out between 2023 and 2024 in the Reserva de Desenvolvimento Sustentável Estadual Ponta do Tubarão (RDSEPT) by the Projeto Cetáceos da Costa Branca - Universidade do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte (PCCB-UERN). The reach of these activities was evaluated based on the number and profile of participants. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses were employed to characterize the activities, institutions, and participants. Eight categories of environmental education activities were identified, with particular emphasis on those that integrate content related to the morphology of the West Indian manatee. The categories that stood out in terms of diversity of actions were “playful and creative activities” and “workshops,” while “visits” were the most frequently conducted activities. Various audiences participated in these activities, reaching and promoting sensitization and awareness for the conservation among a total of 4.127 individuals. The largest participation was observed among students from basic education institutions, followed by local community members. The second chapter, focused on the production of an illustrated children’s book, involved defining language and illustrations appropriate for the target audience. Subsequently, the content was selected, structured, and written with an emphasis on the morphological characteristics of the West Indian manatee. The resulting material is an informative book that employs realistic language and illustrations about the species. It is therefore concluded that the integration of animal morphology concepts into environmental education initiatives represents an effective strategy to promote sensitization and awareness aimed at the conservation of the West Indian manatee.Master Thesis Teorias da encefalização: uma revisão de escopo(Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, 2025-08-29) Sena, Carlos Augusto Batista de; Silva, Alianda Maira Cornélio da; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5762-2538; http://lattes.cnpq.br/9404997187273622; http://lattes.cnpq.br/0262787952553607; Camillo, Christina da Silva; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1586-5256; http://lattes.cnpq.br/0021644707162925; Costa, Miriam Stela Maris de Oliveira; http://lattes.cnpq.br/8424747565185682; Amaral, Vanessa Cristiane de Santana; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5964-4888; http://lattes.cnpq.br/7396351016583869Encephalization favored the survival of the hominid species because it was characterized by a slow and gradual process that occurred with human evolution, enabling the development of higher brain functions, including memory and cognition. Several theories have emerged over time, based on fossil and archaeological evidence, which demonstrate the influence of environmental, climatic, and behavioral factors on brain growth. The hypotheses that attempt to explain human encephalization have genetic origins, associated with anatomical and physiological variations, metabolic and climatic changes. Therefore, the research objectives were: To analyze the morphophysiological and evolutionary aspects of the human brain; to relate encephalization theories to genetic factors; to examine evolutionary aspects associated with social and environmental interactions and physical activity; to explore metabolic and climatic changes; and to explore human diet. Methodology: This study was based on a scoping review of the literature, whose main objective was to synthesize available research by searching the Scopus and PubMed databases, integrated into the online tool Rayyan. Papers with at least one keyword in the title and/or abstract were selected, and then read to identify proximity to the intended objectives and goals. A total of 102 publications were retrieved, which were fully verified. Each study was evaluated and assigned a methodological quality rating according to the JBI (Joanna Brigss Institute) guidelines, which found, overall, high confidence in the results obtained in these studies. The most recurrent theories are associated with human behavior, with the cultural brain and social brain theories standing out. The articles analyzed show that there is no consensus on the origins of brain and skull expansion, although there are many well-designed works that address consistent theories, however, they lack further research to be demonstrably proven.Master Thesis Ação do extrato hidroalcoólico de Spondias tuberosa Arruda na nefropatia diabética induzida por estreptozotocina em ratos(Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, 2025-09-05) Sena, Vitória Natália Ferreira de; Medeiros, Karina Carla de Paula; Ladd, Fernando Vagner Lobo; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6670-8656; http://lattes.cnpq.br/0907170560632356; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7784-0740; http://lattes.cnpq.br/3379499427344725; https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8895-1846; http://lattes.cnpq.br/0625151106063093; Martins, Fabiane Ferreira; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3831-6604; http://lattes.cnpq.br/6569473943631639; Vieira, Giciane Carvalho; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4577-8943; http://lattes.cnpq.br/6625645865394113; Santos, Pedro Paulo de Andrade; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5793-3886; http://lattes.cnpq.br/2878739335493429Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the second leading complication of diabetes mellitus and one of the most concerning for global public health. Currently, pharmacological therapy for DM and nephropathy has significant limitations due to the high number of side effects and ineffectiveness. Therefore, alternative and complementary treatments based on medicinal plants hold potential promise for DM. The species Spondias tuberosa Arruda, popularly known as umbuzeiro, has been widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of DM, but has been little explored scientifically. Therefore, the objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of the fruit peel of Spondias tuberosa Arruda (ExSt) on DN based on biochemical, morphological, and stereological analyses in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Forty-four male Wistar rats (CEUA: 319.056/2022) were divided into groups CG: normoglycemic animals; DM: hyperglycemic animals; EX: normoglycemic animals treated with ExSt; DMEX: hyperglycemic animals treated with ExSt; and DMIN: hyperglycemic animals treated with insulin. ExSt (500 mg/kg, p.o.) was administered daily for 30 days after the onset of DM, as well as insulin (10 U). Blood and renal tissue samples were collected for analysis. The observed results demonstrate the toxicity of DM to the kidney, since the diabetic group had decreased weight and increased glucose and urea levels. Histopathological findings, markers of general structural damage, and glomerular NO and CASP-3 concentrations were similar. Treatment with ExSt failed to significantly reverse clinical and biochemical parameters, but demonstrated improvement in established DN, as histopathological findings, cortical volume, glomerular volume, mean glomerular volume, GBM thickening, fibrosis, and markers of oxidative stress and tissue damage were minimized. Although further research is needed to more fully validate the action of ExSt in experimental DN, it is noteworthy that it has a potential antioxidant and renal protective effect against DM. Furthermore, this work contributed to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of DM and encouraged the search for new treatment approaches using natural compounds available in Brazil's rich and diverse flora.Master Thesis Efeitos da suplementação com creatina mono-hidratada na morfologia testicular em modelo experimental de diabetes induzido quimicamente por estreptozotocina(Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, 2025-08-15) Freitas, Ludmila Thainá Chaves; Abreu, Bento João da Graça Azevedo; Morais, Danielle Barbosa; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3277-1857; http://lattes.cnpq.br/1768180848750009; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8010-806X; http://lattes.cnpq.br/1725848357337658; https://orcid.org/0009-0004-4631-4029; http://lattes.cnpq.br/2200169484666927; Dias, Fernanda Carolina Ribeiro; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6530-4684; http://lattes.cnpq.br/8879020622615893; Silva, Flávio Santos da; http://lattes.cnpq.br/6673785180440540; Farias, Naisandra Bezerra da Silva; http://lattes.cnpq.br/6590909272236189Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic condition characterized by persistent hyperglycemia.When considering its effect on testicular function, it has been indicated impaired spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis. Creatine is an amino acid that is synthesized within the human body, with the testes being its second largest reservoir. Despite the increasing prevalence of its use, particularly among males, there is a paucity of research regarding its effects on male sexual health, particularly in association with DM. Therefore, the effects of creatine monohydrate on the testicular morphology of diabetic rats were investigated, which were chemically induced with a single dose of streptozotocin (40 mg/kg). Twenty adult Wistar rats were used in the study, which was divided into the following groups: C - control animals with normal glucose levels (n = 5), CT – animals with normal glucose levels that received creatine supplementation (n = 5), D - diabetic animals (n = 5), and DT - animals with diabetes treated with creatine (n = 5). A comprehensive array of analytical procedures was undertaken, encompassing biometric, biochemical, histomorphometric, histopathological, and immunohistochemical assessments in the testes. Hyperglycemia was observed in the animals of groups D and DT when compared to groups C and CT. Group D showed a higher percentage of seminiferous tubules and seminiferous epithelium, while the DT group revealed a decrease in the percentage of seminiferous tubules and in the height of the seminiferous epithelium when compared to group D. In the intertubular space, there was an increase in the proportion of Leydig cells, as well as in the proportion of connective tissue, in group D when compared to group C. Conversely, there was an increase in the proportion of lymphatic spaces in group DT when compared to group D. The nuclear diameter of Leydig cells was larger in group DT when compared to the others. Group D exhibited the most significant levels of histopathological alterations in the testis, in comparison to groups C and CT. In addition, the DT group demonstrated higherst levels of cellular damage in comparison to the C and CT groups. In the DT group, a decrease in SOD1 staining was observed in comparison to the D group. A higher level of NFkB-p65 staining was observed in the DT group in comparison with the other groups. The present study suggests that creatine monohydrate has a role in preserving testicular morphology in DM, and its antioxidant effect appears to be dependent on the physiological state. This work is pioneering in its investigation of the effects of creatine monohydrate supplementation, as evidenced by the morphological, biochemical, and immunohistochemical evaluation of the testes of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.