Cardiovascular disease and cancer are the two most common causes of death worldwide. Angiogenesis plays a critical role tumourigenesis and atherogenesis. As a member of the basic region-leucine zipper protein family, c-Jun, has been linked with cell proliferation, migration and cell survival. However, the relationship between c-Jun and angiogenesis has not been firmly established. In this thesis, strategies targeting c-Jun mRNA such as DNAzyme and siRNA have been designed and evaluated for their ability to inhibit the c-Jun mRNA and c-Jun protein expression in vitro and in vivo. These agents block c-Jun expression and inhibit DNA binding activity of c-Jun. Luciferase assay showed that c-Jun siRNA suppressed c-Jun/AP-1-dependent reporter activity. The processes of cell proliferation, migration, invasion and tube formation were all down-regulated after treatment with c-Jun targeting agents. In vivo, c-Jun DNAzymes and siRNA inhibit angiogenesis in multiple models of angiogenesis in multiple models of angiogenesis, including tumour angiogenesis and growth, matrix angiogenesis, corneal angiogenesis and retinal neovascularization. This is mediated, at least in part, by c-Jun siRNA or DNAzyme inhibition of MMP-2 expression. These findings demonstrate the critical role played by c-Jun in the involvement of neovascularization and suggest that DNAzymes or siRNAs are efficient gene-silencing agents. The ability to identify and control key genes in angiogenesis provides opportunities for developing therapeutic molecular tools to treat cancer or other angiogenesis related diseases.

Cardiovascular disease and cancer are the two most common causes of death worldwide. Angiogenesis plays a critical role tumourigenesis and atherogenesis. As a member of the basic region-leucine zipper protein family, c-Jun, has been linked with cell proliferation, migration and cell survival. However, the relationship between c-Jun and angiogenesis has not been firmly established. In this thesis, strategies targeting c-Jun mRNA such as DNAzyme and siRNA have been designed and evaluated for their ability to inhibit the c-Jun mRNA and c-Jun protein expression in vitro and in vivo. These agents block c-Jun expression and inhibit DNA binding activity of c-Jun. Luciferase assay showed that c-Jun siRNA suppressed c-Jun/AP-1-dependent reporter activity. The processes of cell proliferation, migration, invasion and tube formation were all down-regulated after treatment with c-Jun targeting agents. In vivo, c-Jun DNAzymes and siRNA inhibit angiogenesis in multiple models of angiogenesis in multiple models of angiogenesis, including tumour angiogenesis and growth, matrix angiogenesis, corneal angiogenesis and retinal neovascularization. This is mediated, at least in part, by c-Jun siRNA or DNAzyme inhibition of MMP-2 expression. These findings demonstrate the critical role played by c-Jun in the involvement of neovascularization and suggest that DNAzymes or siRNAs are efficient gene-silencing agents. The ability to identify and control key genes in angiogenesis provides opportunities for developing therapeutic molecular tools to treat cancer or other angiogenesis related diseases.

Cardiovascular disease and cancer are the two most common causes of death worldwide. Angiogenesis plays a critical role tumourigenesis and atherogenesis. As a member of the basic region-leucine zipper protein family, c-Jun, has been linked with cell proliferation, migration and cell survival. However, the relationship between c-Jun and angiogenesis has not been firmly established. In this thesis, strategies targeting c-Jun mRNA such as DNAzyme and siRNA have been designed and evaluated for their ability to inhibit the c-Jun mRNA and c-Jun protein expression in vitro and in vivo. These agents block c-Jun expression and inhibit DNA binding activity of c-Jun. Luciferase assay showed that c-Jun siRNA suppressed c-Jun/AP-1-dependent reporter activity. The processes of cell proliferation, migration, invasion and tube formation were all down-regulated after treatment with c-Jun targeting agents. In vivo, c-Jun DNAzymes and siRNA inhibit angiogenesis in multiple models of angiogenesis in multiple models of angiogenesis, including tumour angiogenesis and growth, matrix angiogenesis, corneal angiogenesis and retinal neovascularization. This is mediated, at least in part, by c-Jun siRNA or DNAzyme inhibition of MMP-2 expression. These findings demonstrate the critical role played by c-Jun in the involvement of neovascularization and suggest that DNAzymes or siRNAs are efficient gene-silencing agents. The ability to identify and control key genes in angiogenesis provides opportunities for developing therapeutic molecular tools to treat cancer or other angiogenesis related diseases.

Cardiovascular disease and cancer are the two most common causes of death worldwide. Angiogenesis plays a critical role tumourigenesis and atherogenesis. As a member of the basic region-leucine zipper protein family, c-Jun, has been linked with cell proliferation, migration and cell survival. However, the relationship between c-Jun and angiogenesis has not been firmly established. In this thesis, strategies targeting c-Jun mRNA such as DNAzyme and siRNA have been designed and evaluated for their ability to inhibit the c-Jun mRNA and c-Jun protein expression in vitro and in vivo. These agents block c-Jun expression and inhibit DNA binding activity of c-Jun. Luciferase assay showed that c-Jun siRNA suppressed c-Jun/AP-1-dependent reporter activity. The processes of cell proliferation, migration, invasion and tube formation were all down-regulated after treatment with c-Jun targeting agents. In vivo, c-Jun DNAzymes and siRNA inhibit angiogenesis in multiple models of angiogenesis in multiple models of angiogenesis, including tumour angiogenesis and growth, matrix angiogenesis, corneal angiogenesis and retinal neovascularization. This is mediated, at least in part, by c-Jun siRNA or DNAzyme inhibition of MMP-2 expression. These findings demonstrate the critical role played by c-Jun in the involvement of neovascularization and suggest that DNAzymes or siRNAs are efficient gene-silencing agents. The ability to identify and control key genes in angiogenesis provides opportunities for developing therapeutic molecular tools to treat cancer or other angiogenesis related diseases.

Cardiovascular disease and cancer are the two most common causes of death worldwide. Angiogenesis plays a critical role tumourigenesis and atherogenesis. As a member of the basic region-leucine zipper protein family, c-Jun, has been linked with cell proliferation, migration and cell survival. However, the relationship between c-Jun and angiogenesis has not been firmly established. In this thesis, strategies targeting c-Jun mRNA such as DNAzyme and siRNA have been designed and evaluated for their ability to inhibit the c-Jun mRNA and c-Jun protein expression in vitro and in vivo. These agents block c-Jun expression and inhibit DNA binding activity of c-Jun. Luciferase assay showed that c-Jun siRNA suppressed c-Jun/AP-1-dependent reporter activity. The processes of cell proliferation, migration, invasion and tube formation were all down-regulated after treatment with c-Jun targeting agents. In vivo, c-Jun DNAzymes and siRNA inhibit angiogenesis in multiple models of angiogenesis in multiple models of angiogenesis, including tumour angiogenesis and growth, matrix angiogenesis, corneal angiogenesis and retinal neovascularization. This is mediated, at least in part, by c-Jun siRNA or DNAzyme inhibition of MMP-2 expression. These findings demonstrate the critical role played by c-Jun in the involvement of neovascularization and suggest that DNAzymes or siRNAs are efficient gene-silencing agents. The ability to identify and control key genes in angiogenesis provides opportunities for developing therapeutic molecular tools to treat cancer or other angiogenesis related diseases.

In the field of gerontology, there is a question regarding whether certain diseases can accelerate the progression of other diseases. Given that there is no existing cure for dementia, there is an undeniable upsurge in demand for research concerning identifying preventive measures that influence the onset or development of cognitive decline. Cerebral atherosclerosis is characterized by the thickening of artery walls within the brain. Many studies have shifted their focus on examining the role nutrients and food play in preventing cognitive decline, dementia, cerebral atherosclerosis, and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This thesis provides a comprehensive overview of existing observational and clinical trial evidence published up to date for the association of dietary intervention between cognitive health, dementia, AD, and cerebral atherosclerosis.

Nível elevado de homocisteína (Hcy) no plasma é considerado fator de risco de doença cardiovascular. Consumo reduzido de vitaminas B6, B12 e ácido fólico tem sido relacionado com hiperhomocisteinemia. O objetivo desse estudo foi verificar o consumo de vitaminas B6, B12 e ácido fólico nas populações urbana e rural, bem como a correlação dos níveis plasmáticos dessas vitaminas com os níveis plasmáticos de Hcy. Também determinamos os níveis séricos de lipídeos e avaliamos o risco cardiovascular das populações frente a hiperlipemia. O consumo de B6 e ácido fólico é maior na população urbana, com p=0,00 e p=0,04 respectivamente, sendo o consumo de B12 maior na população rural, com p=0,47. As correlações são significativamente negativa entre Hcy e as vitaminas B12 e ácido fólico . A população rural apresenta Hcy com valor médio de 16,5±9,2µmol/L, classificada como hiperhomocisteinemia moderada, e a população urbana 12,8±5,5 µmol/L, o qual está dentro da faixa de referência. O valor médio de LDL sérica é maior na população urbana (3,4±0,8mmoI/L) do que na população rural (2,8±0,9mmoI/L), com valor de p=0,00. Como fator de risco cardiovascular, consideramos Hcy plasmática >14µmol/L e LDL sérica >3,38mmol/L. Neste caso, 41,4% da população rural e 7,4% população urbana apresentam Hcy maior que 14µmol/L. O inverso ocorre em relação a LDL, onde 43,2% da população urbana e 11% na população rural apresentam níveis acima de 3,38mmol/L. Concluímos que o risco cardiovascular decorrente de hiperhomocisteinemia é maior na população rural que na urbana e este risco poderia reduzir mediante o consumo de vitaminas. / Elevated levels of plasma homocysteine (Hey) are considered a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Low intake of vitamins 86, 812 and folic acid have been related to hyperhomocysteinemia. The purpose of the present study is to determine the consumption of the vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid in two Brazilian urban and rural populations, along with the plasmatic levels of these vitamins and plasmatic homocysteine. In addition, the serum levels of lipids have been determined to evaluate the cardiovascular risk in the two populations regarding their hyperlipidemie comdition. The consumption of B6 and folic acid is higher in the urban population (p=0.00 and p=0.04 respective/y), while the consumption of B12 is not significantly different (p=0.47). There is a negative correlation between B12 and folic acid with Hcy. The rural population shows mean Hcy value of 16.5±9.2µmol/L and is classified as having moderate hyperhomocysteinemia, while for the urban population, the mean value is 12.8±5.5µmol/L and is well within the normal range. The mean value of the serum LDL is higher in the urban population (3.4±0.8mmol/L) compared to the rural population (2.8±0.9mmol/lL) with a significance of p=0.00. Plasma Hcy values >14µmol/L and serum LDL >3.38mmol/L were considered as the risk factors for cardiovascular disease. With in the reference values, 41.4% of the rural population and 7.4% of the urban population showa Hcy as a risk factor. For LDL, the inverse is true, i.e 43.2% of urban and 11% of the rural population are at risk. We conclude that the cardiovascular risk arising from hyperhomocysteinemia is higher in the rural population and that this can be reduced by increased consumption of vitamins.

Nível elevado de homocisteína (Hcy) no plasma é considerado fator de risco de doença cardiovascular. Consumo reduzido de vitaminas B6, B12 e ácido fólico tem sido relacionado com hiperhomocisteinemia. O objetivo desse estudo foi verificar o consumo de vitaminas B6, B12 e ácido fólico nas populações urbana e rural, bem como a correlação dos níveis plasmáticos dessas vitaminas com os níveis plasmáticos de Hcy. Também determinamos os níveis séricos de lipídeos e avaliamos o risco cardiovascular das populações frente a hiperlipemia. O consumo de B6 e ácido fólico é maior na população urbana, com p=0,00 e p=0,04 respectivamente, sendo o consumo de B12 maior na população rural, com p=0,47. As correlações são significativamente negativa entre Hcy e as vitaminas B12 e ácido fólico . A população rural apresenta Hcy com valor médio de 16,5±9,2µmol/L, classificada como hiperhomocisteinemia moderada, e a população urbana 12,8±5,5 µmol/L, o qual está dentro da faixa de referência. O valor médio de LDL sérica é maior na população urbana (3,4±0,8mmoI/L) do que na população rural (2,8±0,9mmoI/L), com valor de p=0,00. Como fator de risco cardiovascular, consideramos Hcy plasmática >14µmol/L e LDL sérica >3,38mmol/L. Neste caso, 41,4% da população rural e 7,4% população urbana apresentam Hcy maior que 14µmol/L. O inverso ocorre em relação a LDL, onde 43,2% da população urbana e 11% na população rural apresentam níveis acima de 3,38mmol/L. Concluímos que o risco cardiovascular decorrente de hiperhomocisteinemia é maior na população rural que na urbana e este risco poderia reduzir mediante o consumo de vitaminas. / Elevated levels of plasma homocysteine (Hey) are considered a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Low intake of vitamins 86, 812 and folic acid have been related to hyperhomocysteinemia. The purpose of the present study is to determine the consumption of the vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid in two Brazilian urban and rural populations, along with the plasmatic levels of these vitamins and plasmatic homocysteine. In addition, the serum levels of lipids have been determined to evaluate the cardiovascular risk in the two populations regarding their hyperlipidemie comdition. The consumption of B6 and folic acid is higher in the urban population (p=0.00 and p=0.04 respective/y), while the consumption of B12 is not significantly different (p=0.47). There is a negative correlation between B12 and folic acid with Hcy. The rural population shows mean Hcy value of 16.5±9.2µmol/L and is classified as having moderate hyperhomocysteinemia, while for the urban population, the mean value is 12.8±5.5µmol/L and is well within the normal range. The mean value of the serum LDL is higher in the urban population (3.4±0.8mmol/L) compared to the rural population (2.8±0.9mmol/lL) with a significance of p=0.00. Plasma Hcy values >14µmol/L and serum LDL >3.38mmol/L were considered as the risk factors for cardiovascular disease. With in the reference values, 41.4% of the rural population and 7.4% of the urban population showa Hcy as a risk factor. For LDL, the inverse is true, i.e 43.2% of urban and 11% of the rural population are at risk. We conclude that the cardiovascular risk arising from hyperhomocysteinemia is higher in the rural population and that this can be reduced by increased consumption of vitamins.

Introdução: As doenças cardiovasculares constituem a principal causa demorbimortalidade nacional. Nesse sentido realizou-se estudo com o objetivo de caracterizar o perfil para riscos cardiovasculares em motoristas profissionais de transporte de cargas que trafegam pela Br-116. Casuística e Método: Estudo transversal, descritivo e exploratório com 258 motoristas profissionais de transporte de cargas com obtenção de informações socioeconômicas; avaliações antropométricas: índice de massa corporal (IMC), circunferência abdominal e medida da pressão arterial; realização de exames laboratoriais: triglicérides, colesterol total e frações, proteína C reativa e creatinina. Analisou-se o risco para doenças cardiovasculares pelo Escore de Risco de Framingham, consumo de bebidas alcoólicas pelo Alcohol Use Disorders Identification-AUDIT, distúrbios psiquiátricos comuns pelo Self Report Questionnaire-SRQ-20, Síndrome Metabólica e angina pectoris pelo Teste de Rose. Os dados foram processados no sistema SPSS v.7.5. O nível de significância adotado foi p<0,05, utilizou-se análise univariada e multivariada. Resultados: A caracterização os motoristas estudados mostrou idade 37,5±10,1 anos, 91% de etnia branca, renda mensal 1.431,3±644,4 reais, 19% tabagistas, 55% referiram ingestão de bebidas alcoólicas, 74% não realizavam atividade físicas, 14% relataram uso de medicamentos inibidores do sono, tempo profissão de 14±10 anos e percorriam 782,9±229,6 km/dia, dirigiam 10 horas por dia e repousavam 06 horas diárias. Verificou-se pelos dados antropométricos que 46% tinham sobrepeso, 36% obesidade e 58% circunferência abdominal alterada (_94 cm). Os exames laboratoriais mostraram 33% com nível de colesterol total _ 200mg/dL, 10% LDL-c _ 160 mg/dL; HDL-c < 40 mg/dL 23%, triglicérides acima de 150 mg/dL 38%, glicemia _ 110mg/dL 7% e proteína C reativa > 0,5 mg/dL 19%, creatinina >1,5 mg/dL 1%. A prevalência da hipertensão arterial foi de 37% e da Síndrome metabólica 24%. O Questionnaire Rose foi positivo em 8,0% dos motoristas, Escore de Risco de Framingham médio/alto em 9%, presença de distúrbios psiquiátricos comuns em 33% e AUDIT 16% no escore que sugere intervenção e aconselhamento. A análise de regressão logística indicou associação independente para as seguintes variáveis (OD Odds ratio, IC intervalo de confiança a 95%): 1-Síndrome Metabólica: IMC (OR=1,40 IC 1,192-1,661); hábito de verificar o colesterol total (OR= 0,102 IC 0,017-0,589); e escore de risco de Framingham médio/alto (OR= 26,389 IC 2,520-276,374). 2-Hipertensão arterial: IMC (OR=1,183 IC 1,065-1,314); glicemia (OR=1,039 IC 1,004-1,076); e hábito de ingerir medicamento para inibir o sono (OR= 0,322 IC 0,129-0,801). 3- Colesterol Total (_ 200 mg/dL): LDL-c (OR=1,157 IC 1,100-1,216);triglicérides (OR=1,012 IC 1,004-1,021) 4- Glicemia (_ 110 mg/dL): IMC (OR=1,153 IC 1,024-1,298); maior tempo de profissão (OR=1,154 IC 1,057-1,259) 5-Proteína C reativa (>0,5 mg/dL): escore de risco de Framingham médio/alto (OR=4,692 IC 1,912-11,515). Conclusão: Verificou-se presença expressiva de fatores de risco cardiovasculares, nesse sentido os profissionais de saúde devem implementar estratégias para estimular mudanças de estilos de vida nos motoristas de transporte de cargas, visando a prevenção primária e secundária / Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of morbidity and mortality in Brazil. Therefore, a study aiming at characterizing the cardiovascular risk profile observed in professional truck drivers who work on Highway Br-116 was carried out. Population and Method: An exploring, descriptive and transversal study with 258 professional truck drivers, social economical information, both body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference evaluations, blood pressure measurement, as well as laboratory test performance: triglycerides, total and fraction cholesterol, and C reactive protein. The risk for cardiovascular diseases was assessed by Framingham scores; alcohol intake by Alcohol Use Disorders Identification-AUDIT; common psychiatric disorders by Self Report Questionnaire-SRQ-20; and angine pectoris by Rose´s test Data were processed in the SPSS system v.7.5, considering that the significance level adopted was 0,05, and univaried and multivaried analyses were used. Results: The characterization of the drivers studied revealed age of 37.5±10.1 years, 91% of them were white, monthly income 1.431,3 ± 644,4 reais (Brazilian currency), 19% were smokers, 55% referred alcohol intake, 74% did not make physical exercises, 14% referred using sleeping inhibitor drugs, professional time 14±10 years and used to drive 782,9±229,6 Km/day. It was observed that 46% of them were overweight and 36% were obese and 58% had altered waist circumference (_ 94 cm) by the anthropometric data. The lab tests showed 33% with total cholesterol level _200 mg/dL, 10% LDLc _160 mg/dL, HDL-c <40 mg/dL 23%, triglycerides over 150 mg/dL 38%, glycemy _110mg/dL 7%, and C reactive protein >0.5 mg/dL 19%. The prevalence of hypertension was 37% and of Metabolic Syndrome, 24%. Rose’s test was positive for 8% of the drivers, Medium/High Framingham scores for 9%, presence of common psychiatric disturbs in 33% and 16% with AUDIT score suggesting intervention and advisory. The logistical regression analysis indicated independent association for the following variables: (OR Odds ratio, CI confidence interval at 95%): 1- Metabolic Syndrome: BMI (OR=1,40 CI 1,192-1,661); the habit of checking the total cholesterol (0,102 IC 0,017-0,589); Medium/high Framingham score (OR=26,389 IC 2,520-276,374); 2-Hypertension: BMI (OR=1,183 IC 1,065-1,314); glycemy (OR=1,039 IC 1,004-1,076); the habit of taking sleeping pills (OR=0,322 IC 0,129-0,801). 3- Total Cholesterol (_ 200 mg/dL): LDL-c (OR=1,157 IC 1,100-1,216); triglycerides (OR=1,012 IC 1,004-1,021). 4- Glycemy (_ 110 mg/dL): BMI (OR=1,153 IC 1,024-1,298); professional time (OR=1,154 IC 1,057-1,259). 5- C reactive protein (>0,5 mg/dL): Medium/high Framingham score (OR=4,692 IC 1,912-11,515). Conclusion: It was observed an expressive presence of cardiovascular risk factors. Therefore health professionals should implement strategies to stimulate changes in truck drivers’ lifestyle, aiming at primary and secondary prevention

Introdução: As doenças cardiovasculares constituem a principal causa demorbimortalidade nacional. Nesse sentido realizou-se estudo com o objetivo de caracterizar o perfil para riscos cardiovasculares em motoristas profissionais de transporte de cargas que trafegam pela Br-116. Casuística e Método: Estudo transversal, descritivo e exploratório com 258 motoristas profissionais de transporte de cargas com obtenção de informações socioeconômicas; avaliações antropométricas: índice de massa corporal (IMC), circunferência abdominal e medida da pressão arterial; realização de exames laboratoriais: triglicérides, colesterol total e frações, proteína C reativa e creatinina. Analisou-se o risco para doenças cardiovasculares pelo Escore de Risco de Framingham, consumo de bebidas alcoólicas pelo Alcohol Use Disorders Identification-AUDIT, distúrbios psiquiátricos comuns pelo Self Report Questionnaire-SRQ-20, Síndrome Metabólica e angina pectoris pelo Teste de Rose. Os dados foram processados no sistema SPSS v.7.5. O nível de significância adotado foi p<0,05, utilizou-se análise univariada e multivariada. Resultados: A caracterização os motoristas estudados mostrou idade 37,5±10,1 anos, 91% de etnia branca, renda mensal 1.431,3±644,4 reais, 19% tabagistas, 55% referiram ingestão de bebidas alcoólicas, 74% não realizavam atividade físicas, 14% relataram uso de medicamentos inibidores do sono, tempo profissão de 14±10 anos e percorriam 782,9±229,6 km/dia, dirigiam 10 horas por dia e repousavam 06 horas diárias. Verificou-se pelos dados antropométricos que 46% tinham sobrepeso, 36% obesidade e 58% circunferência abdominal alterada (_94 cm). Os exames laboratoriais mostraram 33% com nível de colesterol total _ 200mg/dL, 10% LDL-c _ 160 mg/dL; HDL-c < 40 mg/dL 23%, triglicérides acima de 150 mg/dL 38%, glicemia _ 110mg/dL 7% e proteína C reativa > 0,5 mg/dL 19%, creatinina >1,5 mg/dL 1%. A prevalência da hipertensão arterial foi de 37% e da Síndrome metabólica 24%. O Questionnaire Rose foi positivo em 8,0% dos motoristas, Escore de Risco de Framingham médio/alto em 9%, presença de distúrbios psiquiátricos comuns em 33% e AUDIT 16% no escore que sugere intervenção e aconselhamento. A análise de regressão logística indicou associação independente para as seguintes variáveis (OD Odds ratio, IC intervalo de confiança a 95%): 1-Síndrome Metabólica: IMC (OR=1,40 IC 1,192-1,661); hábito de verificar o colesterol total (OR= 0,102 IC 0,017-0,589); e escore de risco de Framingham médio/alto (OR= 26,389 IC 2,520-276,374). 2-Hipertensão arterial: IMC (OR=1,183 IC 1,065-1,314); glicemia (OR=1,039 IC 1,004-1,076); e hábito de ingerir medicamento para inibir o sono (OR= 0,322 IC 0,129-0,801). 3- Colesterol Total (_ 200 mg/dL): LDL-c (OR=1,157 IC 1,100-1,216);triglicérides (OR=1,012 IC 1,004-1,021) 4- Glicemia (_ 110 mg/dL): IMC (OR=1,153 IC 1,024-1,298); maior tempo de profissão (OR=1,154 IC 1,057-1,259) 5-Proteína C reativa (>0,5 mg/dL): escore de risco de Framingham médio/alto (OR=4,692 IC 1,912-11,515). Conclusão: Verificou-se presença expressiva de fatores de risco cardiovasculares, nesse sentido os profissionais de saúde devem implementar estratégias para estimular mudanças de estilos de vida nos motoristas de transporte de cargas, visando a prevenção primária e secundária / Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of morbidity and mortality in Brazil. Therefore, a study aiming at characterizing the cardiovascular risk profile observed in professional truck drivers who work on Highway Br-116 was carried out. Population and Method: An exploring, descriptive and transversal study with 258 professional truck drivers, social economical information, both body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference evaluations, blood pressure measurement, as well as laboratory test performance: triglycerides, total and fraction cholesterol, and C reactive protein. The risk for cardiovascular diseases was assessed by Framingham scores; alcohol intake by Alcohol Use Disorders Identification-AUDIT; common psychiatric disorders by Self Report Questionnaire-SRQ-20; and angine pectoris by Rose´s test Data were processed in the SPSS system v.7.5, considering that the significance level adopted was 0,05, and univaried and multivaried analyses were used. Results: The characterization of the drivers studied revealed age of 37.5±10.1 years, 91% of them were white, monthly income 1.431,3 ± 644,4 reais (Brazilian currency), 19% were smokers, 55% referred alcohol intake, 74% did not make physical exercises, 14% referred using sleeping inhibitor drugs, professional time 14±10 years and used to drive 782,9±229,6 Km/day. It was observed that 46% of them were overweight and 36% were obese and 58% had altered waist circumference (_ 94 cm) by the anthropometric data. The lab tests showed 33% with total cholesterol level _200 mg/dL, 10% LDLc _160 mg/dL, HDL-c <40 mg/dL 23%, triglycerides over 150 mg/dL 38%, glycemy _110mg/dL 7%, and C reactive protein >0.5 mg/dL 19%. The prevalence of hypertension was 37% and of Metabolic Syndrome, 24%. Rose’s test was positive for 8% of the drivers, Medium/High Framingham scores for 9%, presence of common psychiatric disturbs in 33% and 16% with AUDIT score suggesting intervention and advisory. The logistical regression analysis indicated independent association for the following variables: (OR Odds ratio, CI confidence interval at 95%): 1- Metabolic Syndrome: BMI (OR=1,40 CI 1,192-1,661); the habit of checking the total cholesterol (0,102 IC 0,017-0,589); Medium/high Framingham score (OR=26,389 IC 2,520-276,374); 2-Hypertension: BMI (OR=1,183 IC 1,065-1,314); glycemy (OR=1,039 IC 1,004-1,076); the habit of taking sleeping pills (OR=0,322 IC 0,129-0,801). 3- Total Cholesterol (_ 200 mg/dL): LDL-c (OR=1,157 IC 1,100-1,216); triglycerides (OR=1,012 IC 1,004-1,021). 4- Glycemy (_ 110 mg/dL): BMI (OR=1,153 IC 1,024-1,298); professional time (OR=1,154 IC 1,057-1,259). 5- C reactive protein (>0,5 mg/dL): Medium/high Framingham score (OR=4,692 IC 1,912-11,515). Conclusion: It was observed an expressive presence of cardiovascular risk factors. Therefore health professionals should implement strategies to stimulate changes in truck drivers’ lifestyle, aiming at primary and secondary prevention