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Dobson J, Chowdhury A, Tai-A-Pin J, van der Ploeg H, Gillett A, Fry BG. The Clot Thickens: Differential Coagulotoxic and Cardiotoxic Activities of Anguimorpha Lizard Venoms. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:283. [PMID: 38922177 PMCID: PMC11209219 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16060283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite their evolutionary novelty, lizard venoms are much less studied in comparison to the intense research on snake venoms. While the venoms of helodermatid lizards have long been assumed to be for defensive purposes, there is increasing evidence of toxic activities more useful for predation than defence (such as paralytic neurotoxicity). This study aimed to ascertain the effects of Heloderma, Lanthanotus, and Varanus lizard venoms on the coagulation and cardiovascular systems. Anticoagulant toxicity was demonstrated for the Varanus species studied, with the venoms prolonging clotting times in human and bird plasma due to the destructive cleavage of fibrinogen. In contrast, thromboelastographic analyses on human and bird plasmas in this study demonstrated a procoagulant bioactivity for Heloderma venoms. A previous study on Heloderma venom using factor-depleted plasmas as a proxy model suggested a procoagulant factor was present that activated either Factor XI or Factor XII, but could not ascertain the precise target. Our activation studies using purified zymogens confirmed FXII activation. Comparisons of neonate and adult H. exasperatum, revealed the neonates to be more potent in the ability to activate FXII, being more similar to the venom of the smaller species H. suspectum than the adult H. exasperatum. This suggests potent FXII activation a basal trait in the genus, present in the small bodied last common ancestor. This also indicates an ontogenetic difference in prey preferences in the larger Heloderma species paralleing the change in venom biochemistry. In addition, as birds lack Factor XII, the ability to clot avian plasma suggested an additional procoagulant site of action, which was revealed to be the activation of Factor VII, with H. horridum being the most potent. This study also examined the effects upon the cardiovascular system, including the liberation of kinins from kininogen, which contributes to hypotension induction. This form of toxicity was previously described for Heloderma venoms, and was revealed in this study was to also be a pathophysiological effect of Lanthanotus and Varanus venoms. This suggests that this toxic activity was present in the venom of the last common ancestor of the anguimorph lizards, which is consistent with kallikrein enzymes being a shared toxin trait. This study therefore uncovered novel actions of anguimorph lizard venoms, not only contributing to the evolutionary biology body of knowledge but also revealing novel activities to mine for drug design lead compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Dobson
- Adaptive Biotoxicology Lab, School of the Environment, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (J.D.); (A.C.)
| | - Abhinandan Chowdhury
- Adaptive Biotoxicology Lab, School of the Environment, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (J.D.); (A.C.)
| | | | - Harold van der Ploeg
- Working Group Adder Research Netherlands, RAVON, 6525 ED Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
| | - Amber Gillett
- FaunaVet Wildlife Consultancy, Glass House Mountains, QLD 4518, Australia;
| | - Bryan G. Fry
- Adaptive Biotoxicology Lab, School of the Environment, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (J.D.); (A.C.)
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Hu M, Scheffel J, Elieh-Ali-Komi D, Maurer M, Hawro T, Metz M. An update on mechanisms of pruritus and their potential treatment in primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:4177-4197. [PMID: 37555911 PMCID: PMC10725374 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01141-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Primary cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL), which include mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS), are a group of lymphoproliferative disorders characterized by clonal accumulation of neoplastic T-lymphocytes in the skin. Severe pruritus, one of the most common and distressing symptoms in primary CTCL, can significantly impair emotional well-being, physical functioning, and interpersonal relationships, thus greatly reducing quality of life. Unfortunately, effectively managing pruritus remains challenging in CTCL patients as the underlying mechanisms are, as of yet, not fully understood. Previous studies investigating the mechanisms of itch in CTCL have identified several mediators and their corresponding antagonists used for treatment. However, a comprehensive overview of the mediators and receptors contributing to pruritus in primary CTCL is lacking in the current literature. Here, we summarize and review the mediators and receptors that may contribute to pruritus in primary CTCL to explore the mechanisms of CTCL pruritus and identify effective therapeutic targets using the PubMed and Web of Science databases. Studies were included if they described itch mediators and receptors in MF and SS. Overall, the available data suggest that proteases (mainly tryptase), and neuropeptides (particularly Substance P) may be of greatest interest. At the receptor level, cytokine receptors, MRGPRs, and TRP channels are most likely important. Future drug development efforts should concentrate on targeting these mediators and receptors for the treatment of CTCL pruritus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Hu
- Institute of Allergology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 27, 12203, Berlin, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Allergology and Immunology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jörg Scheffel
- Institute of Allergology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 27, 12203, Berlin, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Allergology and Immunology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniel Elieh-Ali-Komi
- Institute of Allergology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 27, 12203, Berlin, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Allergology and Immunology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marcus Maurer
- Institute of Allergology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 27, 12203, Berlin, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Allergology and Immunology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tomasz Hawro
- Department of Dermatology, Allergology and Venereology, Institute and Comprehensive Center for Inflammation Medicine, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany.
| | - Martin Metz
- Institute of Allergology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 27, 12203, Berlin, Germany.
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Allergology and Immunology, Berlin, Germany.
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Modulation of Diverse Procoagulant Venom Activities by Combinations of Platinoid Compounds. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094612. [PMID: 33924780 PMCID: PMC8124986 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Procoagulant snake venoms have been inhibited by the ruthenium containing compounds CORM-2 and RuCl3 separately, presumably by interacting with critical histidine or other sulfur-containing amino acids on key venom enzymes. However, combinations of these and other platinoid containing compounds could potentially increase, decrease or not affect the procoagulant enzyme function of venom. Thus, the purpose of this investigation was to determine if formulations of platinoid compounds could inhibit venom procoagulant activity and if the formulated compounds interacted to enhance inhibition. Using a human plasma coagulation kinetic model to assess venom activity, six diverse venoms were exposed to various combinations and concentrations of CORM-2, CORM-3, RuCl3 and carboplatin (a platinum containing compound), with changes in venom activity determined with thrombelastography. The combinations of CORM-2 or CORM-3 with RuCl3 were found to enhance inhibition significantly, but not in all venoms nor to the same extent. In sharp contrast, carboplatin-antagonized CORM-2 mediated the inhibition of venom activity. These preliminary results support the concept that platinoid compounds may inhibit venom enzymatic activity at the same or different molecular sites and may antagonize inhibition at the same or different sites. Further investigation is warranted to determine if platinoid formulations may serve as potential antivenoms.
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The anticoagulant effect of Apis mellifera phospholipase A 2 is inhibited by CORM-2 via a carbon monoxide-independent mechanism. J Thromb Thrombolysis 2020; 49:100-107. [PMID: 31679116 DOI: 10.1007/s11239-019-01980-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Bee venom phospholipase A2 (PLA2) has potential for significant morbidity. Ruthenium (Ru)-based carbon monoxide releasing molecules (CORM) inhibit snake venoms that are anticoagulant and contain PLA2. In addition to modulating heme-bearing proteins with carbon monoxide, these CORM generate reactive Ru species that form adducts with histamine residues resulting in changes in protein function. This study sought to identify anticoagulant properties of bee venom PLA2 via catalysis of plasma phospholipids required for thrombin generation. Another goal was to determine if Ru-based CORM inhibit bee venom PLA2 via carbon monoxide release or via potential binding of reactive Ru species to a key histidine residue in the catalytic site of the enzyme. Anticoagulant activity of bee venom PLA2 was assessed via thrombelastography with normal plasma. Bee venom PLA2 was then exposed to different CORM and a metheme forming agent and anticoagulant activity was reassessed. Using Ru, boron and manganese-based CORM and a metheme forming agent, it was demonstrated that it was unlikely that carbon monoxide interaction with a heme group attached to PLA2 was responsible for inhibition of anticoagulant activity by Ru-based CORM. Exposure of PLA2 to a Ru-based CORM in the presence of histidine-rich human albumin resulted in loss of inhibition of PLA2. Ru-based CORM likely inhibit bee venom PLA2 anticoagulant activity via formation of reactive Ru species that bind to histidine residues of the enzyme.
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Nielsen VG. Ruthenium, Not Carbon Monoxide, Inhibits the Procoagulant Activity of Atheris, Echis, and Pseudonaja Venoms. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21082970. [PMID: 32340168 PMCID: PMC7216138 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The demonstration that carbon monoxide releasing molecules (CORMs) affect experimental systems by the release of carbon monoxide, and not via the interaction of the inactivated CORM, has been an accepted paradigm for decades. However, it has recently been documented that a radical intermediate formed during carbon monoxide release from ruthenium (Ru)-based CORM (CORM-2) interacts with histidine and can inactivate bee phospholipase A2 activity. Using a thrombelastographic based paradigm to assess procoagulant activity in human plasma, this study tested the hypothesis that a Ru-based radical and not carbon monoxide was responsible for CORM-2 mediated inhibition of Atheris,Echis, and Pseudonaja species snake venoms. Assessment of the inhibitory effects of ruthenium chloride (RuCl3) on snake venom activity was also determined. CORM-2 mediated inhibition of the three venoms was found to be independent of carbon monoxide release, as the presence of histidine-rich albumin abrogated CORM-2 inhibition. Exposure to RuCl3 had little effect on Atheris venom activity, but Echis and Pseudonaja venom had procoagulant activity significantly reduced. In conclusion, a Ru-based radical and ion inhibited procoagulant snake venoms, not carbon monoxide. These data continue to add to our mechanistic understanding of how Ru-based molecules can modulate hemotoxic venoms, and these results can serve as a rationale to focus on perhaps other, complementary compounds containing Ru as antivenom agents in vitro and, ultimately, in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vance G Nielsen
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA
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Dobson JS, Zdenek CN, Hay C, Violette A, Fourmy R, Cochran C, Fry BG. Varanid Lizard Venoms Disrupt the Clotting Ability of Human Fibrinogen through Destructive Cleavage. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:E255. [PMID: 31067768 PMCID: PMC6563220 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11050255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The functional activities of Anguimorpha lizard venoms have received less attention compared to serpent lineages. Bite victims of varanid lizards often report persistent bleeding exceeding that expected for the mechanical damage of the bite. Research to date has identified the blockage of platelet aggregation as one bleeding-inducing activity, and destructive cleavage of fibrinogen as another. However, the ability of the venoms to prevent clot formation has not been directly investigated. Using a thromboelastograph (TEG5000), clot strength was measured after incubating human fibrinogen with Heloderma and Varanus lizard venoms. Clot strengths were found to be highly variable, with the most potent effects produced by incubation with Varanus venoms from the Odatria and Euprepriosaurus clades. The most fibrinogenolytically active venoms belonged to arboreal species and therefore prey escape potential is likely a strong evolutionary selection pressure. The results are also consistent with reports of profusive bleeding from bites from other notably fibrinogenolytic species, such as V. giganteus. Our results provide evidence in favour of the predatory role of venom in varanid lizards, thus shedding light on the evolution of venom in reptiles and revealing potential new sources of bioactive molecules useful as lead compounds in drug design and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- James S Dobson
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Christina N Zdenek
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Chris Hay
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Aude Violette
- Alphabiotoxine Laboratory sprl, Barberie 15, 7911 Montroeul-au-bois, Belgium.
| | - Rudy Fourmy
- Alphabiotoxine Laboratory sprl, Barberie 15, 7911 Montroeul-au-bois, Belgium.
| | - Chip Cochran
- Department of Earth and Biological Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA.
| | - Bryan G Fry
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
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