Publications by authors named "Joana R da Silva"

This study focuses on the quaternary structure of the viper-secreted phospholipase A (PLA), a central toxin in viper envenomation. PLA enzymes catalyse the hydrolysis of the sn-2 ester bond of membrane phospholipids. Small-molecule inhibitors that act as snakebite antidotes, such as varespladib, are currently in clinical trials.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Fatty acid synthase (FAS) multienzymes are responsible for de novo fatty acid biosynthesis and crucial in primary metabolism. Despite extensive research, the molecular details of the FAS catalytic mechanisms are still poorly understood. For example, the β-ketoacyl synthase (KS) catalyzes the fatty acid elongating carbon-carbon-bond formation, which is the key catalytic step in biosynthesis, but factors that determine the speed and accuracy of his reaction are still unclear.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Objective: Among the oral manifestations of diabetes mellitus (DM), salivary alterations stand out when considering that they can be linked to environmental changes that prompt other oral diseases. This study aimed to compare whether salivary parameters such as salivary flow, ionic composition, pH, and buffer capacity are altered in adults with DM.

Study Design: A literature search was performed in 8 databases and the gray literature.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF