Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection is characterized by febrile illness, severe joint pain, myalgia, and cardiovascular complications. Given that CHIKV stimulates reactive oxygen species (ROS) and pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, events that disrupt vascular homeostasis, we hypothesized that CHIKV induces arterial dysfunction by directly impacting redox-related mechanisms in vascular cells. Wild-type (WT) and iNOS knockout (iNOS^−/−) mice were administered either CHIKV (1.0 × 10⁶ PFU/µL) or Mock vehicle via the intracaudal route. In vivo, CHIKV infection induced vascular dysfunction (assessed by a wire myograph), decreased systolic blood pressure (tail-cuff plethysmography), increased IL-6 and IFN-γ, but not TNF-α levels (determined by ELISA), and increased protein content by Western blot. Marked contractile hyporesponsiveness to phenylephrine was observed 48 h post-infection, which was restored by endothelium removal. L-NAME, 1400W, Tiron, and iNOS gene deletion prevented phenylephrine hyporesponsiveness. CHIKV infection increased vascular nitrite concentration (Griess reaction) and superoxide anion (O₂^•−) generation (lucigenin chemiluminescence), and decreased hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂, by Amplex Red) levels 48 h post-infection, alongside increased TBARS levels. In vitro, CHIKV infected endothelial cells (EA.hy926) and upregulated ICAM-1 and iNOS protein expression (determined by Western blot). These data support the conclusion that CHIKV-induced alterations in vascular ROS/NF-kB/iNOS/NO signaling potentially contribute to cardiovascular events associated with Chikungunya infection.

The aim of this study is to analyze the spatial and temporal distribution of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) mortality associated with hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) in Brazil between 2013 and 2022, considering environmental determinants and regional inequalities. This ecological study used data from the Brazilian Mortality Information System (SIM/DATASUS). Age-standardized mortality rates were assessed using multivariate regression and Generalized Additive Models (GAM), integrating environmental indicators such as annual mean temperature and wildfire occurrence. A significant increase in HCC mortality rates was observed, especially in the South and Southeast regions. However, proportional increases were more pronounced in the North and Northeast, indicating disease expansion. Spatial analysis identified mortality clusters in areas with higher wildfire frequency and rising temperatures. The findings highlight the impact of environmental and structural determinants on HCC mortality. Exposure to fine particulate pollution and climate-related temperature rise may exacerbate the progression of chronic liver disease, especially in socioeconomically vulnerable contexts. HCC mortality associated with HBV/HCV in Brazil reflects marked regional disparities and environmental influences, underscoring the need for integrated public health policies aimed at epidemiological surveillance, environmental control, and equitable healthcare access.

Dengue remains one of the main arboviral diseases circulating in Brazil, posing a public health challenge due to persistent social inequalities, failures in epidemiological surveillance, and the spread of the vector in urbanized areas. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological profile of dengue in the country between 2014 and 2024, identifying sociodemographic patterns, geographic distribution, clinical outcomes, and informational limitations in official notification systems. This is a retrospective descriptive study based on secondary data extracted from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN), involving 5,346,568 probable cases. Variables were organized in spreadsheets and processed using statistical and geospatial analyses, with the production of graphs and thematic maps. Results showed a high concentration of cases in São Paulo (53.1%) and Minas Gerais (15.5%), predominance in women, individuals of brown or white race/color, and those with low educational levels. A significant volume of missing data was observed, especially regarding viral serotypes and hospitalizations. Although most cases progressed to clinical cure, more than 1,900 deaths directly attributed to dengue were reported. The study concludes that dengue remains a neglected disease, requiring improved surveillance, investment in health education, and public policies that address the social determinants of infection.