Snake venoms are toxic to a variety of cell types. However, the intracellular damages and the cell death fate induced by venom are unclear. In the present work, the action of the South American rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus venom on CHO-K1 cell line was analyzed. The cells CHO-K1 were incubated with C. d. terrificus venom (10, 50 and 100g/ml) for 1 and 24 hours, and structural alterations of actin filaments, endoplasmic reticulum and nucleus were assessed using specific fluorescent probes and agarose gel electrophoresis for DNA fragmentation. Significant structural changes were observed in all analyzed structures. DNA fragmentation was detected suggesting that, at the concentrations used, the venom induced apoptosis.

Introduction: Cancer is one of the diseases with the highest incidence globally and that associated with the patient's emotional state, can act positively or negatively in the treatment. Cortisol is a principal primary stress hormone in the human body. The corticoids can increase cell proliferation and reactive oxygen species that contribute to DNA damage. Prolonged exposure to stress can contribute to tissues becoming insensitive to cortisol, the primary human stress hormone. Objective: This study explores cortisol's influence on tumor cell development, particularly in human cells of carcinoma of the human laryngeal (HEp-2). Methodology: HEp-2 cells were exposed to increasing cortisol (hydrocortisone) concentrations for 24 or 48 hours, and cytotoxicity (MTT assay) proliferation assay (crystal violet assay), and immunolabeled 3D culture for fibronectin and FAK were analyzed. Results: The group treated with hydrocortisone showed a significant increase in mitochondrial activity, as for the evaluation by the violet crystal, the treated group showed similar behavior to the control. The 3D culture showed dispersed cells within 24 hours with reduced FAK labeling; however, no changes were observed within 48 hours. Conclusion: Although some cases favored corticosteroid use in cancer patients, a more detailed analysis is necessary before prescribing them.

Introduction The labor rights of pregnant women are of great relevance for the doctors that follow the pregnancy, as well as for the Occupational Health doctors. For them to be able to ensure work safety for this vulnerable group, they need to have a good understanding of the work laws. The multidisciplinarity between the two medical specialties can constitute an important alliance in the identification of specific labor risks, and the orientation of the worker. Methodology This is an review of the portuguese legislation conducted in november of 2022, regarding the Portuguese Work Code, complemented by the Practical Guide of the Subsidy of Specific Risks, from the Social Security Institute. Contents Pregnant workers must be considered a susceptible group for specific risks and there must be taken measures regarding their health and security, from various points of view. This cannot result in disadvantage in the work market and it cannot affect the equality of treatment between men and women. It’s the pregnant women right that the work conditions are evaluated, and, if needed, adapted by the employer, so the safety of the mother and the fetus is guaranteed. Discussion and Conclusions It’s important for health professionals to be informed about the work rights of pregnant women. The collaboration with Occupational Health professionals is essential in the right identification of specific work risks, so that the pregnancy can proceed without exposured to such risks and, in the case of such exposure, they can be rightly adjusted. Keywords: Labor rights; Pregnancy; General and Familiar Medicine; Occupational Medicine; Occupational Health.