Eletroforese de proteínas plasmáticas em tartarugas ameaçadas de extinção: uma revisão de literatura

Abstract

Two electrophoresis methods are widely used: conventional electrophoresis and capillary electrophoresis. In the conventional technique, proteins migrate through pores in gel supports, forming distinct zones in the electrophoretogram. In capillary electrophoresis, proteins are separated based on their size and other physicochemical properties through flow in a capillary tube. In veterinary medicine, both techniques have been applied in different contexts, contributing to the diagnosis and prognosis of diseases. The objective of this literature review is to compile and analyze existing studies that used plasma protein electrophoresis techniques in turtles classified as endangered species. The search for the review was conducted in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, considering studies up to 2025. Capillary electrophoresis, due to its greater precision, allows for better resolution and identification of a greater number of protein fractions compared to the conventional technique. In wild animals, the application of these methods is recent and aims to define reference intervals, especially in endangered species. There are few studies on the use of these techniques in turtles, but they have the potential to aid in disease diagnosis, the determination of reference parameters for plasma proteins, and the generation of relevant prognostic information. Despite advances, the standardization of protein fractions and the expansion of studies in wild populations represent challenges to be overcome, highlighting the importance of future research to improve clinical knowledge of these species.