Ergonomic risk assessment of surgeon's position during radical prostatectomy: Laparoscopic versus robotic approach.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Radical prostatectomy (RP) is a definitive surgical therapy for localized prostate cancer. Evidence suggests that the poor ergonomics of surgeons during RP may lead to work-related musculoskeletal disorders and loss of productivity. Since each surgery modality has its physical demands, we compared the ergonomic risk between laparoscopic (LRP) and robotic-assisted (RARP) radical prostatectomy. METHODS: The study assessed the posture of 10 urological surgeons during LRP and RARP surgeries with the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) scale. RESULTS: We found that the RARP approach resulted in lower REBA scores over the LRP procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic surgery improves body posture for the urological surgeon like in other medical specialties. However, the surgeons display harmful postures in both surgeries.

Can SARS-CoV-2 screening in oral biopsies aid epidemiological surveillance?

BACKGROUND: Three years after the first confirmed COVID-19 case in Brazil, the outcomes of Federal government omissions in managing the crisis and anti-science stance heading into the pandemic have become even more evident. With over 36 million confirmed cases and nearly 700 000 deaths up to January 2023, the country is one of the hardest-hit places in the world. The lack of mass-testing programs was a critical broken pillar responsible for the quick and uncontrolled SARS-CoV-2 spread throughout the Brazilian population. Faced with this situation, we aimed to perform the routine SARS-CoV-2 screening through RT-qPCR of oral biopsies samples to aid in the asymptomatic epidemiological surveillance during the principal outbreak periods. METHODS: We analyzed 649 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded oral tissue samples from five important oral and maxillofacial pathology laboratories from the north, northeast, and southeast geographic regions of Brazil. We also sequenced the whole viral genome of positive cases to investigate SARS-CoV-2 variants. RESULTS: The virus was detected in 9/649 analyzed samples, of which three harbored the Variant of Concern Alpha (B.1.1.7). CONCLUSION: Although our approach did not value aiding asymptomatic epidemiological surveillance, we could successfully identify a using FFPE tissue samples. Therefore, we suggest using FFPE tissue samples from patients who have confirmed diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection for phylogenetic reconstruction and contraindicate the routine laboratory screening of these samples as a tool for asymptomatic epidemiological surveillance.

Anxiety and depression disorders in oncological patients under palliative care at a hospital service: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the risk and protective factors associated with anxiety and depression symptoms in cancer patients at an advanced stage of cancer. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with advanced cancer who were receiving palliative care. Cancer patients aged 18 years or older, with preserved cognitive function who completed the questionnaires were eligible. The questionnaires of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and health related of quality of life questionnaire; the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC-C30) were applied. Outcome variables were the depression and anxiety symptoms of cancer patients under palliative care, according to the answers to the 14 items that make up the HADS Scale. The analysis used the R software, version 4.2.0. RESULTS: Seventy cancer patients with advanced cancer were included. The colon was the most common neoplastic diagnostic (20%), followed by breast (12.9%) and lung (10%). The prevalence of depression was 44.3%, 25.7% anxiety and 52.9% had both symptoms. Patients with a high level of functionality had a lower chance of anxiety (OR = 0.80;p = 0.025), depression (OR = 0.82; p = 0.007), and anxiety and depression (OR = 0.82p = 0.008). We observed a lower chance of depression and depression/anxiety who showed a high level of Overall Performance. Three symptoms increased the chance of depression/anxiety: nausea/vomiting (p = 0.019), fatigue (0.031), loss of appetite (0.048). CONCLUSION: This study found high prevalence of anxiety and depression.Better quality of life and functionality were negatively associated with these outcomes. Examining the patient's functions will assist the clinician in alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression, giving cancer patients in palliative care more dignity. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.

Current Drug Development Overview: Targeting Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels for the Treatment of Pain.

Voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) are targeted to treat pain conditions. Since the discovery of their relation to pain processing control, they are investigated to find new strategies for better pain control. This review provides an overview of naturally based and synthetic VGCC blockers, highlighting new evidence on the development of drugs focusing on the VGCC subtypes as well as mixed targets with pre-clinical and clinical analgesic effects.

Evaluation of lipolysis and toxicological parameters of low-level laser therapy at different wavelengths and doses in the abdominal subcutaneous tissue.

Investigate the effects of low-level lasers therapy (LLLT) aiming abdominal lipolysis. Female Wistar rats received applications of LLLT directly in the abdominal skin twice a week (5 weeks). Except the control group (n = 5), animals received treatments with red wavelength 660 nm being (I) R3.3 group (n = 5): 3.3 J/cm2, and (II) R5 group (n = 5): 5 J/cm2, or infrared wavelength 808 nm being (III) IR3.3 group (n = 5): 3.3 J/cm2, and (IV) IR5 group (n = 5): 5 J/cm2. Abdominal subcutaneous and liver tissues were evaluated histologically. Levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and catalase (CAT) activity were analyzed in liver tissue. In the peripheral blood aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides, and total cholesterol were investigated. Micronucleus assay was performed in the bone marrow. Except for the IR3.3 group, all treated groups reduced the body weight (p < 0.001). The R5 group reduced the abdominal subcutaneous tissue weight and thickness (p < 0.05), even though all treated groups reduced the number of adipocytes and its size (p < 0.001). No histological changes in the liver. There were no alterations in the triglycerides and LDL levels. The IR5 group increased the total cholesterol levels and decreased the HDL, ALT (both p < 0.05), and AST levels (p < 0.001). The group IR3.3 showed higher levels of ALP (p < 0.01). The R3.3 group increased the TBARS and CAT activity (p < 0.05). No mutagenic effects were found. The red laser treatment at 5 J/cm2 led to lipolysis and did not alter the liver's parameters.

The effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on psychological state and wound healing: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), in which patients receive high concentrations of oxygen in a pressurized chamber, has been used in clinical practice to improve wound healing. More recent applications of HBOT have resulted in successful management of a wide range of conditions; however, the psychosomatic factors associated with these conditions remain understudied and require clarification. PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of HBOT in a female patient without diabetes who presented with an atypical wound of 9 years' duration with no sign of healing as well as with psychosomatic factors. CASE REPORT: The patient underwent 20 once-daily sessions of HBOT for 120 minutes per session every Monday through Friday for 4 weeks at 2.4 ATA (atmosphere absolute pressure) and received daily dressing changes with a nonadherent dressing containing silver, alginate, and carboxymethylcellulose. The 36-Item Short Form Health Survey and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale quality-of-life questionnaires were administered before treatment and after 1 year of treatment. HBOT resulted in complete lasting wound remission as well as subjective improvement in quality of life and in levels of anxiety and depression. CONCLUSION: HBOT has known therapeutic effects on wound healing, and it may also have a substantial effect on psychosomatic mechanisms.

An evaluation of the antinociceptive effects of Phα1ß, a neurotoxin from the spider Phoneutria nigriventer, and ω-conotoxin MVIIA, a cone snail Conus magus toxin, in rat model of inflammatory and neuropathic pain.

Voltage-sensitive calcium channels (VSCCs) underlie cell excitability and are involved in the mechanisms that generate and maintain neuropathic and inflammatory pain. We evaluated in rats the effects of two VSCC blockers, ω-conotoxin MVIIA and Phα1ß, in models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain induced with complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) and chronic constrictive injury (CCI), respectively. We also evaluated the effects of the toxins on capsaicin-induced Ca(2+) influx in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons obtained from rats exposed to both models of pain. A single intrathecal injection of Phα1ß reversibly inhibits CFA and CCI-induced mechanical hyperalgesia longer than a single injection of ω-conotoxin MVIIA. Phα1ß and MVIIA also inhibited capsaicin-induced Ca(2+) influx in DRG neurons. The inhibitory effect of Phα1ß on capsaicin-induced calcium transients in DRG neurons was greater in the CFA model of pain, while the inhibitory effect of ω-conotoxin MVIIA was greater in the CCI model. The management of chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain is still a major challenge for clinicians. Phα1ß, a reversible inhibitor of VSCCs with a preference for N-type Ca(2+) channels, has potential as a novel therapeutic agent for inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Clinical studies are necessary to establish the role of Phα1ß in the treatment of chronic pain.

Physiotherapeutic treatment associated with the pain neuroscience education for patients with chronic non-specific low back pain-single-blind randomized pilot clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE) shows improvement in pain and functional capacity in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Therefore, the study aimed to verify if the physiotherapeutic treatment associated with PNE decreases the functional disability of patients with nonspecific CLBP. METHODS: Forty patients were clinically evaluated and answered the following questionnaires: Brief pain inventory, Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI), Roland-Morris disability questionnaire, pain catastrophizing scale, Tampa scale of kinesiophobia, hospital anxiety, and depression scale, SF6D quality of life questionnaire and performed quantitative sensory tests (QSTs). Afterward, they were randomly divided into the intervention group (IG, n=20) and the control group (CG, n=20). Both performed kinesiotherapy exercises twice a week for 6 weeks. The IG received 3 individual PNE sessions and answered the pain neurophysiology questionnaire. RESULTS: IG showed significant improvement for all variables analyzed (p<0.001). The association decreased the kinesiophobia (estimated difference between CG-IG means: 7.6-95% CI: 2.3-12.9) (p=0.006). In the lumbar paravertebral region (CG and IG), there was a statistical difference in the intensity of CLBP in the QSTs (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The association showed better results compared to only therapeutic exercises to reduce kinesiophobia and change the perception of pain intensity in the lumbar region.

Use of digital retinography to detect vascular changes in pre-diabetic patients: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common complication of DM and may go unnoticed until irreversible damage occurs. Its screening can contribute to the early detection. Although, there are no studies which investigate the ability of digital retinography to detect vascular changes in pre-diabetic patients. OBJECTIVE: Identify the prevalence and severity of RD in patients with pre-diabetes. METHODS: Cross-sectionalstudy carried out in a sample of patients with pre-diabetes and weight excess characterized from January 2020 to April 2023. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were collected, in addition to lifestyle habits. Retinographic evaluation was also performed using a Digital Retinography. For the analysis of all variables, the adopted significance level was 5%. The software used for the analysis was SPSS version 25.0. RESULTS: Of 108 patients selected 7.1% have alteration in the exam indicating DR. Among the participants with diabetic retinopathy, four had the moderate form (50%), three the moderate form (37%) and only one participant had the severe form (13%). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the importance of preventive measures and adequate control of these conditions in pre-diabetic patients, in order to prevent or delay the progression of diabetic retinopathy and, consequently, reduce the risk of blindness and other ocular complications.

Targeting N-type calcium channels in young-onset of some neurological diseases.

Calcium (Ca 2+) is an important second messenger in charge of many critical processes in the central nervous system (CNS), including membrane excitability, neurotransmission, learning, memory, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. In this way, the voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) act as a key supply for Ca2+ entry into the cytoplasm and organelles. Importantly, the dysregulation of these channels has been reported in many neurological diseases of young-onset, with associated genetic factors, such as migraine, multiple sclerosis, and Huntington's disease. Notably, the literature has pointed to the role of N-type Ca2+ channels (NTCCs) in controlling a variety of processes, including pain, inflammation, and excitotoxicity. Moreover, several Ca2+ channel blockers that are used for therapeutic purposes have been shown to act on the N-type channels. Therefore, this review provides an overview of the NTCCs in neurological disorders focusing mainly on Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis, and migraine. It will discuss possible strategies to generate novel therapeutic strategies.

Evaluation of the efficacy and toxicity of oral and topical pumpkin oil on the hair growth of mice.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a topical and oral administration of pumpkin seed oil (PSO) on the hair growth of BALB/c male mice. The animals had their dorsal area shaved (2 ×2 cm) and they were divided into 6 experimental groups. They received orally saline (OS), finasteride (F), or PSO (OP) for 14 days; or topically saline (TS), minoxidil (M), or PSO (TP) for 7 days. The euthanasia of all of the mice occurred on the 22nd day, and the histological slides from the skin area were analyzed. Lipoperoxidation in the liver was assessed through the TBARS method and was also evaluated by the antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT). The comet assay and the micronucleus tests were performed for genotoxic/mutagenic safety analyses. A significant increase in the number of hair follicles in the TP group was seen (8.8 ± 0.8) but it was disorganized, with loose dermal collagen. Finasteride presented a significant increase in the levels of the TBARS, SOD, and CAT in the liver, and M increased the DNA damage in the blood and the liver tissues. PSO did not induce any significant changes. In addition, PSO did not induce genotoxic or mutagenic effects. In conclusion, the oral PSO for 14 days acted in the proliferation of the hair follicles, without toxicity signals in the liver. DATA AVAILABILITY: The authors confirm that all of the relevant data is included in the article and/or in the supplementary information file.

Benefits of electroacupuncture and a swimming association when compared with isolated protocols in an osteoarthritis model.

Background and aim: Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by pain and inflammation. Electroacupuncture (EA) and swimming (SW) are non-pharmacological interventions recommended for treating OA. The study evaluated the benefits of electroacupuncture (EA) and swimming (SW) association when compared with isolated protocols in an OA rodent model. Experimental. Procedures: An ankle monoarthritis model was induced in rats by applying Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA). After seven days of induced OA, the groups were submitted to EA (ST36 and the GB 30 Acupoint), SW, or the EA + SW protocol. The nociceptive behavior was measured by the Von Frey test, the Cold Stimulation test, and the Paw Flick Immersion test. Inflammatory activity was evaluated by measuring TNF levels, myeloperoxidase, NAGase, immunological parameters and the histology from the subcutaneous tissue. Results: Compared to CFA group, EA decreased the nociceptive scores in the cold stimulation test (p < 0.05), and it also increased the latency time in thermal cold (p < 0.01) and heat hyperalgesia (p < 0.001). Also, EA reduced NAGase (p < 0.01). SW reduced the edema (p < 0.05) and did not increase the inflammatory infiltrates or congestion, neither in the histological measurements nor by analyzing the levels of TNF. The association of EA + SW decreased the neutrophils and the monocytes, MPO (p < 0.05), and the glutamate levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF, p < 0.001). Conclusion: There were statistical differences between combination therapy and monotherapy as seen by the inflammatory parameters, which could be associate to the delay of the chronification osteoarthritis retardation. However, EA + SW did not show benefits when compared to isolated protocols in nociceptive behavior.

Curcumin for attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder: a systematic review and preliminary behavioral investigation.

Curcumin has protective actions in neuropsychiatric disorders, acting as a neuroprotective agent. As a first approach, the study aimed at a systematic review of the potential effects of curcumin on cognitive performance for attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This research was carried out in the databases of PubMed, Embase, SciELO, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), the Web of Science, and the Grey literature. Upon discovering the scarcity of relevant studies, and knowing that curcumin might have an ADHD hyperactive and anxious behavior, the study proposed to evaluate the effects of curcumin in an ADHD phenotype of spontaneously hypertensive Wistar rats (SHR). No studies were found that related to curcumin and ADHD. Fifteen SHRs were then divided into separate groups that received water (1 mg/kg/day), curcumin (50 mg/kg/day), or methylphenidate (1 mg/kg/day) for 42 days. Behavioral tests to assess activity (Open Field Test), anxiety and impulsivity (Elevated Plus-Maze, and Social Interaction), and memory (Y-Maze, and the Object Recognition Test) were all performed. The animals that were treated with curcumin showed less anxious and hyperactive behavior, as seen in the Open Field Test and the Social Interaction Test. Anxious behavior was measured by the EPM and was not modulated by any treatment. The results of the Y-Maze Test demonstrated that curcumin improved spatial memory. In the Object Recognition Test, neither the short nor the long-term memory was improved. The treatments that were used in this study beneficially modulated the anxious and hyperactive behavior of the SHR.

The genetic influence of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor Val66Met polymorphism in chronic low back pain.

BACKGROUND: The Val66Met polymorphism of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene is a potential biomarker of vulnerability to pain. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the association of this polymorphism with clinical and biopsychosocial factors in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). METHODS: A total of 107 individuals with CLBP answered questionnaires that were validated and adapted for the Brazilian population, including the Brief Inventory of Pain, the Central Sensitization Inventory, the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire, the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, the Survey of Pain Attitude-Brief, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. All of the subjects were genotyped for the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism. RESULTS: The sample showed moderate scores of disability, central sensitization, and kinesiophobia, in addition to mild anxiety, hopelessness, and ruminant thoughts. No significant association was observed between the Val66Met polymorphism and the variables analyzed. Besides, there was no relationship between the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism with CSI, catastrophization, or disabilities that were generated by CLBP. CONCLUSION: The results showed that the Val66Met polymorphism of the BDNF gene was not associated with clinical and biopsychosocial characteristics of CLBP in the sample studied.

The effects of Brazilian chitosan-based biomaterials on wound healing in rats.

The use of natural supplies is a resource to mimic an original extracellular matrix that allows for migration, proliferation, and cellular organization. Chitosan from Brazilian Atlantic Ocean had low protein, minerals percentage and excellent antibacterial activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate and to compare the effectiveness of different types of acids as solvents with Brazilian chitosan-membrane in the healing process of skin lesions. Experimental full-thickness 2 × 2 cm wounds were created on the dorsum skin of Wistar rats. The applied different treatments were saline, collagenase®, microcrystalline chitosan salt membrane (MCSM), microcrystalline chitosan acetic acid membrane (MCAAM), and microcrystalline chitosan hydrochloric acid membrane (MCHAM). The wound repairs were measured morphologically and histologically on days 0, 3, 7, 10, and 14. The exudate formation and the final wound contractions were similar in all of the groups. There were mild exudations in the groups with chitosan-membranes, despite the formation of crust under the membrane. This configured a serum hematic aspect, but there was no impact on the healing process. The MCHAM group had more favorable aspects that histologically showed the healing phases. A significant migration of neutrophils and macrophages seen by myeloperoxidade and Beta-N-Acetylglucosaminidase activities was evident in the chitosan groups, MCHAM and MCSM, respectively. Furthermore, the MCHAM group created its histological arrangement in a dense and more consistent manner.

Behavioral, Oxidative, and Biochemical Effects of Omega-3 on an Ovariectomized Rat Model of Menopause.

OBJECTIVES: Menopause induces changes in neuronal transmission, leading to anxiety and depression. Changes in the brain's glutamate levels cause psychological behavior in postmenopausal women. Omega-3 has been studied to improve some of these behaviors. METHODS: Twenty-four female Wistar rats were divided into four groups: sham-operated treated with water (SO-W), sham-operated treated with omega-3 (SO-O), ovariectomized (OVX) treated with water (OVX-W), and bilateral OVX treated with omega-3 (OVX-O). These treatments were performed for 20 days via gavage, before and after surgery, totaling 40 days. RESULTS: In the forced swimming, elevated plus-maze, and open field tests to assess behaviors, such as depression and anxiety, omega-3 improved these behaviors in both treated groups. The levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in the brain were not different between the groups; however, there was a significant decrease in the catalase activity in the SO-O group compared with the SO-W group (P < 0.05). The glutamate level in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was elevated in the SO-O group (P < 0.001) but not in the OVX-W or OVX-O groups. CONCLUSIONS: These results bring novel data when related to the glutamatergic system in the SO-O group. This has suggested that the action mechanism of omega-3 was not dependent on glutamate levels in the CSF of the OVX group, but it played a regulatory role in the sham-operated animals. To confirm this, more studies are needed to explore this field when relating to the estrogen and glutamate receptor changes in specific brain regions.

Phoneutria nigriventer Tx3-3 peptide toxin reduces fibromyalgia symptoms in mice.

Fibromyalgia is characterized by the amplification of central nervous system pain with concomitant fatigue, sleep, mood disorders, depression, and anxiety. It needs extensive pharmacological therapy. In the present study, Swiss mice were treated with reserpine (0.25 mg/kg, s.c.) over three consecutive days, in order to reproduce the pathogenic process of fibromyalgia. On day 4, the administrations of the Tx3-3 toxin produced significant antinociception in the mechanical allodynia (87.16% ±12.7%) and thermal hyperalgesia (49.46% ± 10.6%) tests when compared with the PBS group. The effects produced by the classical analgesics (duloxetine 30 mg/kg, pramipexole 1 mg/kg, and pregabalin 30 mg/kg, p.o., respectively) in both of the tests also demonstrated antinociception. The administrations were able to increase the levels of the biogenic amines (5-HTP and DE) in the brain. The treatments with pramipexole and pregabalin, but not duloxetine, decreased the immobility time in the FM-induced animals that were submitted to the forced swimming test; however, the Tx3-3 toxin (87.45% ± 4.3%) showed better results. Taken together, the data has provided novel evidence of the ability of the Tx3-3 toxin to reduce painful and depressive symptoms, indicating that it may have significant potential in the treatment of FM.

Analgesic effects of Phα1ß toxin: a review of mechanisms of action involving pain pathways.

Phα1ß is a neurotoxin purified from spider venom that acts as a high-voltage-activated (HVA) calcium channel blocker. This spider peptide has shown a high selectivity for N-type HVA calcium channels (NVACC) and an analgesic effect in several animal models of pain. Its activity was associated with a reduction in calcium transients, glutamate release, and reactive oxygen species production from the spinal cord tissue and dorsal ganglia root (DRG) in rats and mice. It has been reported that intrathecal (i.t.) administration of Phα1ß to treat chronic pain reverted opioid tolerance with a safer profile than ω-conotoxin MVIIA, a highly selective NVACC blocker. Following a recent development of recombinant Phα1ß (CTK 01512-2), a new molecular target, TRPA1, the structural arrangement of disulphide bridges, and an effect on glial plasticity have been identified. CTK 01512-2 reproduced the antinociceptive effects of the native toxin not only after the intrathecal but also after the intravenous administration. Herein, we review the Phα1ß antinociceptive activity in the most relevant pain models and its mechanisms of action, highlighting the impact of CTK 01512-2 synthesis and its potential for multimodal analgesia.

Neuroprotective effects of the CTK 01512-2 toxin against neurotoxicity induced by 3-nitropropionic acid in rats.

The mitochondrial inhibitor 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP) induces excitotoxicity. The authors hypothesized that CTK 01512-2, a recombinant peptide calcium channel N-type blocker, and the TRPA1 antagonist, could show neuroprotective effects. The male Wistar rats received 3-NP [25 mg/kg (i.p.) for 7 days], and a treatment of CTK 01512-2 was delivered intrathecally (i.t.), thrice a week. The neuroprotective effects were evaluated by [18F]FDG MicroPET analysis. The CTK 01512-2 toxin was able to reestablish similar glucose uptakes on the control animals. To detect the neurobehavioral effects from 3-NP, three protocols (6.25, 12.5, 18.75 mg/kg of 3-NP (i.p.), for 3, 4, and 6 days, respectively) were evaluated by performance tests (open field test, walk footprint, elevated plus-maze, Y-maze, and the object recognition test). Important disabilities in the gait of the rats were seen, as well as memory deficits, and anxious behavior in the animals that were treated with all 3-NP protocols. The dose of 18.75 mg/kg (for 3 days) showed the most pronounced behavioral effects and lethality, while the rats treated with 12.5 mg/kg (for 4 days) showed behavioral effects similar to the 6.25 mg/kg dose (for 6 days). The third protocol was then repeated and the rats were treated with the CTK 01512-2 toxin to be evaluated behaviorally again. The recombinant peptide prevented all of the gait-evaluated parameters that were induced by 3-NP at a 6.25 mg/kg dose, which displayed an improvement in the exploratory activities. Overall, these results have reinforced the positive effects of CTK 01512-2 against the behavioral changes that were induced by the mitochondrial inhibitor 3-NP.