https://tedebc.ufma.br/jspui/handle/tede/1 2026-04-09T10:25:25Z https://tedebc.ufma.br/jspui/handle/tede/6661 Título: Avaliação da atividade citotóxica, gastroprotetora e anti-inflamatória da emulsão do óleo da semente de Euterpe oleracea Mart. em modelos in vitro e in vivo Autor: MENDES, Renato Juvino de Aragão Primeiro orientador: NASCIMENTO, Maria do Desterro Soares Brandão Abstract: Gastrointestinal diseases are a significant concern for global health, negatively impacting quality of life and requiring new effective treatments. Euterpe oleracea Mart. (açaí) is an Amazonian palm whose fixed seed oil, a little-explored byproduct of the species, contains bioactive fatty acids with pharmacological potential in various diseases. Although E. oleracea is widely studied, there are still gaps in knowledge about its potential in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. This work aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic, gastroprotective, and anti-inflammatory activity of the E. oleracea seed oil emulsion (EOR) in in vitro and in vivo experimental models. Material and methods: E. oleracea fruits were collected in the municipality of São Luís, MA. After depulping, the seeds were ground in a knife mill to obtain flour, which was then subjected to oil extraction using the Soxhlet method. The fatty acid profile was identified by Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The emulsion (EOR) was prepared with the extracted oil, surfactant compound Tween 80 (8%), and distilled water. Cytotoxicity was evaluated in murine macrophages (RAW 264.7) using the MTT colorimetric assay with concentrations of 62.5, 125, 250, 500, and 1000 µg/mL. In in vivo assays, the gastroprotective potential was determined using the acidified ethanol gastric ulcer (GU) induction model, and the anti-inflammatory potential was determined using the TNBS-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) model, both in Mus musculus Swiss mice. The EOR emulsion was administered orally at doses of 100, 300, 600, and 1000 mg/kg, and the positive control consisted of the drugs Omeprazole 40 mg/kg and Dexamethasone 4 mg. The analyses performed demonstrated that the açaí seed oil emulsion (EOR), whose lipid profile is dominated by oleic (23.55%), myristic (23.51%), linoleic (21.22%), and palmitic (17.69%) acids, exerts a gastroprotective and anti-inflammatory action in murine models of acute gastric lesion (ethanol/HCl) and colitis (TNBS). In gastric ulcer, EOR 300–600 mg/kg markedly reduced the lesion (ILU 57.6% lower), preserved mucosal architecture, and increased mucus production, with performance comparable to or superior to the positive control. In colitis, a consistent gradient of histological protection was observed, with EOR 300 and 600 mg/kg reaching grade 0 colitis, equivalent to dexamethasone, and accompanied by an increase in GSH and a decrease in MPO levels, indicating less oxidative stress and neutrophilic infiltrate. In parallel, EOR proved to be non-cytotoxic to RAW 264.7 macrophages in the range of 62.5–250 μg/mL (24–48h), supporting a cellular safety profile compatible with biotherapeutic use. Notably, at an intermediate dose (300 mg/kg), a regulatory signal with increased plasma IL-10 was observed, suggesting an additional anti-inflammatory mechanism. The set of findings supports the hypothesis that EOR acts on multiple defense axes in the mucosa—muco-bicarbonate barrier, attenuation of oxidative stress, and containment of neutrophilia—resulting in gastric cytoprotection and resolution of colonic inflammation. In addition to the biomedical impact, the study adds value to an agro-industrial residue, aligning sustainability and innovation. In summary, EOR combines tissue efficacy, mechanistic coherence, and a safety signal, establishing itself as a promising platform for the development of phytotherapeutic/nutraceutical products aimed at gastrointestinal disorders. Future studies should refine dosage and formulation, characterize cytokine kinetics/compartmentalization, and validate mechanisms to advance preclinical translation. Instituição: Universidade Federal do Maranhão Tipo do documento: Tese; Disponibilização parcial do conteúdo a pedido do autor em decorrência de processo de publicação de patente. 2025-11-21T00:00:00Z https://tedebc.ufma.br/jspui/handle/tede/6649 Título: Desenvolvimento de um genossensor e validação de testes moleculares para identificação e diferenciação de espécies patogênicas de Candida spp. Autor: FOOK, Karina Donato Primeiro orientador: NASCIMENTO, Maria do Desterro Soares Brandão Abstract: The diagnosis of invasive fungal infections caused by species of the Candida genus remains a significant challenge in clinical practice, especially in hospital settings. It is estimated that there are approximately 6.5 million invasive infections, with 3.8 million people dying from invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) each year. Candidemias represent one of the most common causesof fungal infections in humans, with Candida albicans being the most prevalent species, responsible for 40% of the global rate of systemic infections. Although modern methods such MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, VITEK na Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) have increased diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity, a important gap remains regarding the efficiency, cost and availability of faster, more accessible, and real- time approaches applicable in clinical practice. Early detection is essential for the implementation of effective antifungal therapies, contributing to a reduction in morbidity and length of hospital stay. The objective of this work is to developa genossensor and validate molecular tests to identify and differentiation of Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, and Candida parapsilosis, with high sensitivity and specificity, rapid results, and low cost. This work proposed na electrochemical biosensor using a glassy carbono modified with iron oxide nanoparticles, carbono nanotubes, and DNA probes (ECV/NTCPM/Fe2O3/DNA) for detection and differentiaton of the Candida species studied here. The FeNP- CNT-DNA electrode showed significant current results in the presence of C. albicans, confirming the viability of the biosensor for electrochemical deteccion of the patogen and pathogen and the continued development of the genosensor. Furthermore, it was that the conventional PCR technique stood out in comparasion to the MALDI-TOF and VITEK methods due to its intermediate cost and excellent sensitivity and specifity for detecting Candida spp., especially because it was the only technique that managed to identify the largest number of co-infections in the samples examined, an essential fator for more assertive terapeutic mangement in the search for a cure for patients. Instituição: Universidade Federal do Maranhão Tipo do documento: Tese 2025-09-30T00:00:00Z https://tedebc.ufma.br/jspui/handle/tede/6590 Título: Elaboração de filmes poliméricos com adição de óleo de copaíba (Copaifera langsdorffii Desf.) para aplicações em bioprodutos Autor: RAPOSO, Ana Karoliny da Silva Primeiro orientador: BARROS FILHO, Allan Kardec Duailibi Abstract: The development of biodegradable plastics has gained prominence in scientific research as a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based products, which, because they are non- degradable, generate serious environmental impacts when disposed of improperly. Among the raw materials used in the production of these biopolymers, alginate, pectin and starch extracted from the mesocarp of the babassu coconut stand out, as they have desirable properties such as high solubility, low mechanical resistance, biodegradability and absence of toxicity. The incorporation of oils emerges as a promising strategy to confer bioactivity to films, with special interest in accelerating the healing process of skin lesions. In this context, this work aimed to develop a bioactive and biodegradable film based on copaiba oil (Copaifera langsdorffii Desf.) and sodium alginate with biological potential. The production of biopolymers was carried out through the casting method, using different formulations containing glycerol as plasticizer and calcium chloride dihydrate as a crosslinking agent. A mixture design (Mixture Designs and Triangular Surfaces) was used, considering the following response variables: moisture, water solubility, thickness, and water vapor permeability (PVA). The 14 formulations tested showed the following ranges of variation: moisture between 7.87% and 48.87%, solubility between 15.38% and 93.13%, thickness from 0.060 to 0.165 mm and PVA from 1.784 to 8.018 g·mm/m2·dia·kPa. Based on the results obtained, five formulations (tests 5, 8, 9, 10 and 11) were selected for their superior performance in initial analyses. These formulations were subjected to complementary characterizations, including optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), evaluation of antioxidant potential, and antibacterial activity tests. The films showed behavior compatible with what was expected: the SEM analysis revealed the presence of crystals, while the XRD showed well-defined crystalline peaks at the characteristic peaks 31.88°, 45.49°, 56.52° and 66.26°. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of bioactive compounds typical of Copaifera langsdorffii Desf., such as sesquiterpenes and caryophyllenes. In the antibacterial activity assay, the results were considered satisfactory. Despite the absence of inhibition against the strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus cereus, Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. It showed excellent results, especially in formulations 5, 8 and 11, which stood out in free radical inhibition (DPPH) tests. In addition, these formulations showed good results against the Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis strains. In view of the results obtained, it is clear that films based on biopolymers enriched with Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. They have promising potential for application in biodegradable dressings with bioactive action. The addition of other active compounds may further increase the therapeutic efficacy of these materials, whose data demonstrate alignment and competitiveness with the results available in the literature. Instituição: Universidade Federal do Maranhão Tipo do documento: Tese 2025-09-11T00:00:00Z https://tedebc.ufma.br/jspui/handle/tede/6503 Título: Cuminaldeído como alternativa terapêutica para cistite intersticial induzida por ciclofosfamida: avaliação das propriedades analgésica e anti- inflamatória Autor: PRAZERES, Tereza Cristina Monteiro de Melo Primeiro orientador: CARTÁRENES, Maria do Socorro de Sousa Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Interstitial cystitis (IC), also known as painful bladder syndrome, is characterized by chronic pelvic pain and debilitating urinary symptoms, with limited response to conventional therapies. Cuminaldehyde, an organic compound found in cumin and cinnamon, has been studied for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties due to its ability to modulate the inflammatory response and reduce sensitization of nociceptive pathways. Preclinical studies suggest that cuminaldehyde can inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and exert antioxidant effects, contributing to the protection of urothelial cells. In this context, molecular docking stands out as a key tool for investigating compounds with therapeutic potential, as it allows the prediction of interactions with molecular targets related to pain and inflammation, thereby optimizing the selection of candidates for experimental models. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of cuminaldehyde in a rat model of cyclophosphamide-induced IC. METHODS: Molecular docking of cuminaldehyde was performed with target proteins associated with inflammatory pathways to assess affinity and molecular interactions. Experimentally, rats were divided into eight groups (n=5 each). SHAM group: healthy animals without cystitis induction and without treatment; Cystitis group: cystitis induced with cyclophosphamide and treated with 0.9% saline; Cuminaldehyde 2.5 mg/kg (7 days): cystitis induction and treatment with cuminaldehyde 2.5 mg/kg/day for 7 days; Cuminaldehyde 2.5 mg/kg (14 days): cystitis induction and treatment with cuminaldehyde 2.5 mg/kg/day for 14 days; Cuminaldehyde 5 mg/kg (7 days): cystitis induction and treatment with cuminaldehyde 5 mg/kg/day for 7 days; Cuminaldehyde 5 mg/kg (14 days): cystitis induction and treatment with cuminaldehyde 5 mg/kg/day for 14 days; Meloxicam 2.5 mg/kg group: cystitis induction and treatment with meloxicam 2.5 mg/kg/day. Pain was assessed using the Von Frey and Grimace scales; cytokines IL-1β and IL-10 were quantified by ELISA, along with histological evaluation and absolute mast cell counts. RESULTS: Cuminaldehyde showed good binding affinity to the evaluated proteins, particularly 3RZE (-6.9 kcal/mol) and 3ODU (-6.8 kcal/mol). The observed interactions reinforce its potential as a modulator of pain- and inflammation-related targets, highlighting it as a promising therapeutic candidate. In pain threshold assessment using the Von Frey test, a high response frequency was observed in induced groups at early stages. A statistically significant difference (p = 0.0006) was found between the group treated with 5 mg/kg cuminaldehyde for 7 days and the untreated group, indicating improved nociceptive threshold with treatment. No statistically significant differences were found in other behavioral data between groups throughout treatment. IL-1β levels were elevated in untreated induced animals, whereas treatment with cuminaldehyde significantly reduced these levels (p<0.05), suggesting inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines. An increase in IL-10 was also observed in treated animals, suggesting possible activation of endogenous anti-inflammatory mechanisms, promoting balance and modulating the immune response. A significant reduction in mast cell numbers was observed in animals treated with 5 mg/kg cuminaldehyde for 7 days compared to the untreated group (p = 0.014), with evident improvement in histological findings. CONCLUSION: Cuminaldehyde demonstrated analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and uroprotective effects in the interstitial cystitis model, with increased nociceptive threshold, reduced mast cells, and cytokine modulation (↓IL-1β; ↑IL-10). Molecular docking reinforces its therapeutic potential, positioning it as a promising alternative for managing pain and inflammation in this condition. Instituição: Universidade Federal do Maranhão Tipo do documento: Tese 2025-07-14T00:00:00Z