Research groups
Groups:
Laboratories and Associated Professors:
The research projects of the program in these two research lines are being developed in the following laboratories:
1 - Laboratory of Cardiac Electromechanics and Vascular Reactivity
Prof. Ivanita Stefanon
Prof. Dalton V Vassallo
Prof. Leonardo dos Santos
Prof. Alessandra S. Padilha
It was one of the first laboratories established (1980s), and today, it is coordinated by 4 professors from PPGCF, in addition to 3 associated professors (from other laboratories) who supervise undergraduate and graduate students. The laboratory is equipped with updated and specialized equipment for "in vivo" and "in vitro" analysis of cardiac and vascular function, as well as molecular biology techniques (enzymatic activity, protein expression, immunohistochemistry, and chemofluorescence). The studies involve investigating the pathophysiology of diseases such as myocardial infarction and hypertension, as well as the cardiovascular impacts of sex hormone deprivation, exposure to heavy metals (e.g., lead, cadmium, mercury), and iron overload, as well as possible therapies (e.g., flaxseed oil, ellagic acid, zinc, egg white hydrolysate). Experimental models and clinical research are used to explore physiological responses and develop strategies for disease prevention and treatment.
CNPq Groups:
dgp.cnpq.br/dgp/espelhogrupo/3477997575198548
dgp.cnpq.br/dgp/espelhogrupo/3805149689313099
dgp.cnpq.br/dgp/espelhogrupo/2557896631556286
2 - Laboratory of Neurohumoral Regulation of Circulation
Prof. Glaucia Rodrigues de Abreu
The laboratory investigates the influence of various factors on the regulation of the cardiovascular and renal systems, ranging from the beneficial effects of physical exercise and phytotherapies to the modulation of inflammatory and oxidative processes by acupuncture. Additionally, it explores the role of sex hormones and their analog therapies in the function of these systems, aiming to understand pathophysiological mechanisms and develop innovative therapeutic strategies.
CNPq Group:
dgp.cnpq.br/dgp/espelhogrupo/8062831447164811
3 - Cardiovascular Investigation Clinic/ELSA
Prof. José Geraldo Mill
The Cardiovascular Investigation Clinic and the ELSA Project (Longitudinal Study of Adult Health) play a role in research and health care within the PPGCF, combining basic, clinical, and epidemiological research activities conducted by faculty, graduate students, and undergraduates in health fields. Around 1,500 individuals are enrolled and seen each year, with consultations and complementary exams such as ECG, MAPA, heart rate variability analysis, echocardiography, and vascular and abdominal ultrasound. The clinical data collected from these consultations are valuable for the scientific production of PPGCF, as evidenced by the MONICA-WHO/Vitória PROJECT, which generated over 30 publications in international journals, and leadership in the ELSA-Brasil Project consortium, a long-term cohort study with 15,000 Brazilian adults, aiming to identify biological and social determinants of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. This group is committed to improving the understanding of health-disease processes in the Brazilian population through comprehensive research that includes clinical and epidemiological studies as well as cardiovascular physiology investigations.
4 - Laboratory of Experimental Physiology and Biochemistry
Prof. André Soares Leopoldo
Prof. Ana Paula Lima Leopoldo (PPGEF/UFES)
Prof. Danilo Sales Bocalini (PPGEF/UFES)
Prof. Evandro Manoel Neto Neves
The laboratory focuses on studying the effects of physical exercise and nutrition and their relationships in the pathophysiology, prevention, and treatment of chronic diseases, particularly obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Using experimental models, it investigates biochemical and functional adaptations, including intracellular calcium trafficking in myocytes, and evaluates the potential of natural antioxidant products for cardiovascular health.
CNPq Group:
dgp.cnpq.br/dgp/espelhogrupo/8729329854439199
5 - Laboratory of Neurorehabilitation and Neuromodulation
Prof. Fernando Zanela da Silva Areas
Prof. Lucas Rodrigues Nascimento
Profa. Fernanda Moura Vargas Dias (DEIS/UFES)
Profa. Carolina Fiorin Anhoque Comarella (DF/UFES)
The laboratory encompasses the activities of the Study and Research Group in Neuromodulation and Neurorehabilitation (GEPENN), focusing on the application of advanced neuromodulation and neurorehabilitation techniques for patients with neurological disorders. It utilizes non-invasive brain stimulation technologies to modulate neural plasticity and promote functional recovery. The research spans neurophysiological evaluation to the implementation of innovative therapeutic interventions aimed at improving the quality of life and functional independence of individuals with neurological diseases.
CNPq Group:
dgp.cnpq.br/dgp/espelhogrupo/3535915692103897
6 - Caminhar Laboratory - Neurorehabilitation
Prof. Lucas Rodrigues Nascimento
Prof. Fernando Zanela da Silva Areas
The Caminhar Laboratory is dedicated to research and rehabilitation aimed at the community reintegration of people with neuro-musculoskeletal disorders resulting from nervous system injuries, such as Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Parkinson's Disease. Our investigations combine biomechanical, neurophysiological, and functional approaches to understand and optimize human movement in daily activities. Together - society, researchers, and clinicians - we can WALK more easily.
CNPq Group:
dgp.cnpq.br/dgp/espelhogrupo/4427377995577369
7 - Laboratory of Neurobiology of Mood and Anxiety Disorders (LANTHA)
Prof. Luiz Carlos Schenberg
Profa. Rita Gomes Wanderley Pires
The laboratory investigates the neurobiological mechanisms of panic disorder using advanced techniques like optogenetics to elucidate the role of specific neurons in the periaqueductal gray matter. Additionally, it explores the impact of factors such as maternal separation and social isolation on the development of anxiety and panic-related behaviors, aiming to contribute to the development of more effective treatments.
8 - Laboratory of Molecular Physiology and Artificial Intelligence
Prof. Valerio Garrone Barauna
The Laboratory aims to apply Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for multivariate and multi-omic analysis of physiological and pathological processes. Among the data matrices most used by the group are clinical, epidemiological, biochemical, and vibrational spectroscopy data in the infrared (mid and near). The goal is to develop new prediction solutions that can be applied in physiology/medicine.
CNPq Group:
dgp.cnpq.br/dgp/espelhogrupo/4403600738516661
Working groups:
9 - Cardiovascular Physiology and Molecular Biology Laboratory
Prof. Nazaré Souza Bissoli
Prof. Sonia Alves Gouvea
The research group involves experimental studies in animal models and clinical studies. The laboratory conducts research with different treatments in experimental animals, evaluating cardiovascular, renal, and hormonal function. The research involves vascular, metabolic, hormonal, and molecular assessments to identify the pathways involved. In the clinical part, cardiovascular and sleep alterations in patients with heart failure, menopause, and cancer are investigated.
10 - Endocrinology and Cellular Toxicology Laboratory
Prof. Jones Bernardes Graceli
The laboratory investigates the effects of emerging contaminants on mammal physiology, focusing on morphophysiological changes and gene expression modulation in various organ systems. The research covers metabolic and reproductive dysfunctions caused by contaminant mixtures in Espírito Santo and the effects of prenatal co-exposure to tributyltin and diets rich in refined carbohydrates on the health of mothers and offspring.
11 - Cardiovascular Studies and Adipose Tissue Laboratory
Prof. Andressa Bolsoni Lopes
Prof. Karolini Zuqui Nunes
They conducts research exploring the intricate relationship between adipose tissue and the cardiovascular system, investigating the physiological and pathological mechanisms connecting these two systems. The studies focus on the effects of exposure to toxic metals in obese and non-obese animals, and the impact of long-chain fatty acids on the metabolic and endocrine function of human adipocytes. Through a translational approach, the group aims to expand scientific knowledge and apply these findings for human health benefits, promoting integration between teaching, research, and outreach.
CNPq Group:
dgp.cnpq.br/dgp/espelhogrupo/1806079079291339
12 - Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Laboratory (LABFINT)
Prof. Silvana S. Meyrelles
Prof. Evandro Manoel Neto Neves
The laboratory investigates the impact of therapies such as photobiomodulation, phytotherapies, and probiotics on systemic diseases like hypertension and diabetes, exploring cellular and molecular mechanisms. In an integrated and translational manner, the research spans from the evaluation of genotoxicity in stem cells to the modulation of cardiovascular and renal function, aiming to develop new therapeutic strategies.
13 - Endocrinology and Vascular Reactivity Laboratory (LABERV)
Prof. Roger Lyrio dos Santos
The main research line of the laboratory is focused on characterizing the actions of sex hormones on the cardiovascular system, specifically analyzing changes in the coronary vascular bed and isolated arteries, including resistance mesenteric arteries, coronary arteries, and the aorta. We use Wistar and SHR rats of both sexes as experimental models. Additionally, parameters related directly or indirectly to cardiac function are also evaluated in our laboratory. In this context, both acute and chronic actions of the three main sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone) in animals of both sexes are analyzed.
14 - Muscle Contraction Biophysics Laboratory
Prof. Maicon Landin Vieira
Prof. Ivanita Stefanon
Prof. Aurélia A. Fernandes
The Muscle Contraction Biophysics Laboratory, equipped with cutting-edge technology to analyze contractile parameters in striated muscles, is dedicated to basic research activities and the study of pathogenesis in diseases involving myopathies. Using detailed analyses of myocardial contractility and direct measurement of contractile protein affinity to calcium, the laboratory currently hosts projects conducted by graduate and undergraduate students and maintains national and international collaborations.
15 - Translational Medicine and Women’s Physiology Laboratory
Prof. Mara Rejane Barroso Barcelos
The laboratory, part of the research line in Cardiovascular Physiology and Pathophysiology, with potential interfaces in Neurosciences, focuses on translational research, prioritizing the application of results in clinical practice, especially concerning women's health. The research covers the role of sex hormones in the cardiovascular system, as well as investigating new diagnostic tools for endometriosis and the modulation of inflammatory and oxidative processes through acupuncture, in collaboration with other research groups and laboratories within PPGCF.
16 - Neurotoxicology and Psychopharmacology Laboratory (LANEP)
Prof. Lívia Carla de Melo Rodrigues
The laboratory is part of the Neurosciences research line and is dedicated to investigating the effects of therapies with phytocannabinoids and other neuroprotective substances in conditions such as substance abuse and traumatic brain injury, aiming to understand their behavioral and molecular mechanisms. In a translational approach, we also investigate physiological parameters using metacognition tools in different mental health conditions.
