Psychiatry and Mental health, Complementary and alternative medicine, Behavioral Neuroscience, Cognitive Neuroscience
25
Scopus Publications
Scopus Publications
Blood-Based Epigenetic Signatures in Brazilian Males With Alcohol Use Disorder Laís da Silva Pereira‐Rufino, Raissa Mazzer de Sino Romano, Regiane Chiavelli Lamim, Rafael Conte, Denise Ribeiro Gobbo, et al. Addiction Biology, 2026 Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic and progressive disease that affects individuals worldwide. AUD individuals exhibit epigenetic alterations across tissues, mainly in the brain. Despite advances in the field, there is a gap in epigenome‐wide association studies (EWAS) conducted in a Brazilian cohort that is genetically and culturally diverse. This study aimed to describe an exploratory EWAS conducted in Brazilian males with AUD and to identify DNA methylation signatures associated with brain‐related biological pathways. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 54 patients with AUD in the early stages of withdrawal (AUD group) and 70 control individuals (CON group) (Brazil, São Paulo). Genome‐wide DNA methylation was assessed using the Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip v2.0. We identified four differentially methylated loci in genes involved in intracellular signalling and cellular stress responses. Focusing on the nervous system, enrichment analyses revealed pathways related to neuronal/axon development and synaptic organization hypomethylated in the AUD group ( p . adjust < 0.05). Differentially methylated regions (DMRs) showed hypomethylation in regulatory and exonic regions of ABAT, DLX5, PHGDH, TRPM2 and GABBR1 genes, which are within the enriched pathways. In conclusion, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first EWAS in a Brazilian cohort with AUD to identify alterations in DNA methylation, highlighting genes and pathways involved in neurogenesis, synaptic and GABAergic signalling. These epigenetic modifications suggest an impact of chronic alcohol consumption on critical biological processes of the CNS, potentially contributing to the cognitive and behavioural impairments observed in AUD. The results reinforce the importance of epigenetic studies in mixed‐race populations.
Electroencephalographic neurofeedback as a tool for reducing harm and risk associated with alcohol use disorder: A critical review Karla Helene Marques Lima, July Silveira Gomes, Adriana Marcassa Tucci Drug and Alcohol Review, 2022 ISSUES Alcohol use disorder (AUD) causes the highest harms around the world. Many people use alcohol to reduce stress and anxiety, considered as risk factors for AUD. Chronic alcohol use leads to changes in the reward system and the high level of stress may exacerbate neuroendocrine responses. Electroencephalographic (EEG) neurofeedback shows reduction of stress, anxiety and alcohol abuse and it could be an important tool for reducing harm and risk associated with AUD. The aim of this paper is to review the studies that investigated the effects of EEG neurofeedback in subjects with AUD and it proposes to discuss this intervention as a tool for reducing harm and risk in AUD. APPROACH Medline, PsycINFO and LILACS databases were searched and appropriated terms were used. Inclusion criterion was adopted. The year of publication was not limited because of the scarce number of studies. Eighty-two papers returned and eight were included. A critical review was conducted. KEY FINDINGS Most of the papers analysed used the alpha/theta protocol to reduce the 'hyperexcitation' of the nervous system. This protocol provides relaxation, decreases anxiety or stress, prevents alcohol relapse, maintains abstinence and increases the feeling of well-being. IMPLICATIONS EEG neurofeedback has important effects on AUD and anxiety or stress. Studies reinforce the use of EEG neurofeedback as an alternative tool for reducing harm and risk in AUD. CONCLUSION EEG neurofeedback is an intervention to treat AUD, specifically, to reduce harm and risk. However, more randomised studies are necessary to consolidate the effectiveness of the technique.
Access to drug dependence treatment by crack addicts living on the street Cintia Cristina Silva Rossi, Adriana Marcassa Tucci Psicologia E Sociedade, 2020 Resumo A população em situação de rua, usuária de crack, é negligenciada no Brasil. O objetivo deste estudo foi aproximar-se dessa para compreender o acesso/uso dos serviços de saúde para tratamento da dependência de drogas. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa com a realização de 26 entrevistas individuais e um grupo focal com cinco usuários de crack em situação de rua no município da Baixada Santista/SP. A análise dos dados revelou que o tratamento oferecido pelas comunidades terapêuticas é o mais conhecido, porém é pouco efetivo para essa população. Com relação aos tratamentos praticados na rede pública de saúde, houve críticas, pouca informação e acesso limitado, além da ausência de conhecimento sobre estratégias de redução de danos. Os usuários referiram sentimentos de estigma, discriminação e preconceitos, vivenciados inclusive na relação com os profissionais de saúde, sendo esses importantes fatores que dificultam o acesso desta população à rede de cuidados.
Perceptions of crack users on their family relationships in childhood and adolescence Naiara Alves de Barros, Adriana Marcassa Tucci Psicologia Teoria E Pesquisa, 2018 Resumo O objetivo principal deste estudo foi compreender a percepção dos usuários de crack sobre suas famílias de origem durante a infância e a adolescência. Realizou-se uma pesquisa qualitativa, da qual participaram 29 usuários de crack de ambos os sexos. Os dados oriundos das entrevistas semiestruturadas foram analisados de acordo com o conteúdo temático e organizados em categorias. Os resultados revelaram que os usuários de crack percebem os vínculos familiares como frágeis. Além disso, mencionaram a vivência de situações de violência e consumo de drogas entre os membros da família. Os dados indicam a necessidade de cuidado dos familiares, os quais, muitas vezes, também enfrentam problemas com o uso de substâncias, e o desenvolvimento de ações educativas preventivas na infância e na adolescência.
Women crack users, pregnancy and motherhood: Potential periods for health care Fernanda de Souza Ramiro, Ricardo da Costa Padovani, Thiago Marques Fidalgo, Adriana Marcassa Tucci Psicologia Teoria E Pesquisa, 2018 This study aimed to understand how women report their behaviors concerning drug use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This is a qualitative study, conducted in the metropolitan area of Santos. Twelve women who have used crack were interviewed through a semistructured interview. The interviews were analyzed from the perspective of content analysis. Our data indicate that pregnancy is a critical time to sensitize these women and try to lessen the damage and the risks associated with the use of crack among them.
Profile of crack users in Santos City Luciana Oliveira V. Rodrigues, Carlos Roberto C. Silva, Nara Rejane C. Oliveira, Adriana M. Tuccci Temas Em Psicologia, 2017
Violence between intimate partners and alcohol use: Prevalence and associated factors Revista Panamericana De Salud Publica Pan American Journal of Public Health, 2009
Alcohol use and falls among the elderly in Metropolitan São Paulo, Brazil. Maria Cristina Pereira Lima, Maria Odete Simão, Janaina Barbosa de Oliveira, Mariana Braga Cavariani, Adriana Marcassa Tucci, et al. Cadernos De Saude Publica Ministerio Da Saude Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz Escola Nacional De Saude Publica, 2009
