Molecular and cellular mechanisms associated with physical and mental health military policy: potential preventive and/or therapeutic interventions

• Grant number: 22/05414-7
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• Start date: March 01, 2025
• End date: February 28, 2030
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Physiology - Physiology of Organs and Systems
• Principal Investigator: Sandro Massao Hirabara
• Grantee: Sandro Massao Hirabara
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde. Universidade Cruzeiro do Sul (UNICSUL). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Pesquisadores principais: Mario Hiroyuki Hirata ; Renata Gorjao ; Rui Curi ; Tania Cristina Pithon Curi
• Associated researchers: Adriana Cristina Levada-Pires ; BIANCA CRISTINA CICCONE GIACON ARRUDA ; Diego Ribeiro de Souza ; Elaine Hatanaka Dermargos ; Fernando Alves Santa Rosa ; Francisco Garcia Soriano ; Jarlei Fiamoncini ; João Paulo Borin ; Laureane Nunes Masi ; Maria Fernanda Cury Boaventura ; Renan de Almeida Sargiani ; Sandra Lúcia Ferreira ; Sonia de Quateli Doi

Abstract

Metabolic disorders, stress, and psychological disturbances (stress, depression, anxiety, and suicidal behavior) in workers involved in public security negatively impact the quality of life, increase public health expenditures, and affect the efficiency and quality of services performed to society. The incidence of death from cardiovascular and liver diseases in the Military Police of the State of São Paulo (PMESP) is 2.5 and 4 times higher, respectively, compared to the civil population of São Paulo city. Retirement due to psychiatric disorders in the corporation is relatively high; in 2018, there were more than 16,000 absences in Brazil, and the suicide rate is about three times higher than the general population. Stressing factors to military police officers are well known; however, no studies aim to identify the molecular and cellular biomarkers related to these professionals' physical and mental health to implement direct strategies for the prevention and/or therapy of associated disorders. Thus, the objectives of this proposal are: a) To identify the molecular and cellular potential biomarkers associated with the physical and mental health in the PMESP; b) To develop tools and/or strategies for early detection of risk factors and, thus, prevent the development of associated diseases; c) To analyze the impact of implementing a prolonged intervention (6 months), based on physical activity, nutrition and psychology programs, on prevention and/or therapy of physical and mental disorders; d) To create specific tools/applications for direct use during the PMESP working routine; and e) To propose new guidelines for public policies to promote the well-being, quality of life, and health of the PMESP. (AU)