Correlation between the phospholipids domains of the target cell membrane and the extent of Naja kaouthia PLA2-induced membrane damage: Evidence of distinct catalytic and cytotoxic sites in PLA2 molecules

Composition, pharmacology, and pathophysiology of the venom of monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia)- a medically crucial venomous snake of southeast Asia: An updated review

The Monocled Cobra (Naja kaouthia), a category one medically significant snake from the Elapidae family, inflicts severe envenomation in South and Southeast Asian countries. N. kaouthia is distributed throughout the eastern and northeastern parts of India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and southwestern China. Envenomation by N. kaouthia is a medical emergency, and the primary clinical symptoms are neurotoxicity and localized tissue destruction. Unfortunately, data on the actual magnitude of N. kaouthia envenomation is scarce due to poor record keeping, lack of diagnostic kits, and region-wise well-coordinated epidemiological surveys. The present review highlights the diversity in the composition of N. Kaouthia venom (NKV) across various geographical regions, as revealed through biochemical and proteomic analyses. The qualitative and quantitative differences in the toxin isoforms result in differences in lethality and pathophysiological manifestation that may limit the effectiveness of antivenom therapy. Studies on commercial polyvalent antivenom (PAV) effectiveness against distinct NKV samples have revealed varying toxicity and enzymatic activity neutralization. Additionally, the identification of snake venom's poorly immunogenic toxins by mass spectrometry, quantification of venom-specific antibodies, and implications for antivenom therapy against snakebites are highlighted. Future directions involve clinical studies on NK envenomation where the snake is frequently encountered and the correlation of this data with NKV composition in that region. For more efficient and superior hospital management of NK envenomation, research should enhance the current immunization procedure to boost the development of antibodies against less immunogenic venom components of this snake.

Snake Venom: A Promising Source of Neurotoxins Targeting Voltage-Gated Potassium Channels

The venom derived from various sources of snakes represents a vast collection of predominantly protein-based toxins that exhibit a wide range of biological actions, including but not limited to inflammation, pain, cytotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, and neurotoxicity. The venom of a particular snake species is composed of several toxins, while the venoms of around 600 venomous snake species collectively encompass a substantial reservoir of pharmacologically intriguing compounds. Despite extensive research efforts, a significant portion of snake venoms remains uncharacterized. Recent findings have demonstrated the potential application of neurotoxins derived from snake venom in selectively targeting voltage-gated potassium channels (Kv). These neurotoxins include BPTI-Kunitz polypeptides, PLA2 neurotoxins, CRISPs, SVSPs, and various others. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature on the significance of Kv channels in various tissues, highlighting their crucial role as proteins susceptible to modulation by diverse snake venoms. These toxins have demonstrated potential as valuable pharmacological resources and research tools for investigating the structural and functional characteristics of Kv channels.

Local Cytotoxic Effects in Cobra Envenoming: A Pilot Study

The cobra (genus Naja (N.)) is one of the most common venomous snakes. Due to its frequency and deadly complications of muscle paralysis, local necrosis, and chronic musculoskeletal disability, it should not be ignored. The pathology of devastating tissue destruction, even though specific antivenoms exist, is not fully clear. Here, we attempted to dig in envenomed tissues to study the clinical toxicology of cobra venom. Four cases of N. atra snake envenomation, in which the subjects developed advanced tissue injury, were involved in this study. We used enzyme-ligand sandwich immunoassay (ELISA) to assay the whole venom, cytotoxin A3 and short-chain neurotoxin (sNTX) in blood, bullae, wound discharge, and debrided tissue. We found that persistently high concentrations of venom and toxins, especially cytotoxin A3, were detected in bullae, wound discharge fluid and necrotic tissue of these patients even after large doses of specific antivenom treatment, and wide excision and advanced debridement could largely remove these toxins, lessen the size of necrosis, and promote wound healing. We also found that the point-of-care apparatus, ICT-Cobra kit, might be used to promptly monitor the wound condition and as one of the indicators of surgical intervention in cases of cobra envenomation in Taiwan.

Advances in the Therapeutic Application of Small-Molecule Inhibitors and Repurposed Drugs against Snakebite

The World Health Organization has declared snakebite as a neglected tropical disease. Antivenom administration is the sole therapy against venomous snakebite; however, several limitations of this therapy reinforce the dire need for an alternative and/or additional treatment against envenomation. Inhibitors against snake venoms have been explored from natural resources and are synthesized in the laboratory; however, repurposing of small-molecule therapeutics (SMTs) against the principal toxins of snake venoms to inhibit their lethality and/or obnoxious effect of envenomation has been garnering greater attention owing to their established pharmacokinetic properties, low-risk attributes, cost-effectiveness, ease of administration, and storage stability. Nevertheless, SMTs are yet to be approved and commercialized for snakebite treatment. Therefore, we have systematically reviewed and critically analyzed the scenario of small synthetic inhibitors and repurposed drugs against snake envenomation from 2005 to date and proposed novel approaches and commercialization strategies for the development of efficacious therapies against snake envenomation.

Hemolytic and cytotoxic activity from cultures of Aureococcus anophagefferens-a causative species of brown tides in the north-western Bohai Sea, China

Brown tides were first observed in 2009 in the north-western Bohai Sea (Qinhuangdao sea area), China, and blooms have occurred at different scales in late spring every year since then. Although the detrimental effects on marine organisms of the causative phytoplankton species Aureococcus anophagefferens have been extensively studied, the mechanism remains poorly understood. We used erythrocytes and adrenal gland chromaffin tumor cells (PC12) to explore the hemolytic activity and cytotoxicity, respectively, of chloroform and methanol extracts of cultured A. anophagefferens isolated from the north-western Bohai Sea area. The methanol extracts showed no hemolytic or cytotoxic activity. Chloroform extracts had a potent hemolytic effect on rabbit erythrocytes; thin layer chromatography (TLC) indicated that the hemolysin was a kind of glycolipid compound. Erythrocyte lysis assay showed that erythrocytes of sea bream were sensitive to the hemolysin, whereas those of human and chicken erythrocytes were insensitive. The hemolytic effects were elevated as temperatures rose from 4 °C to 37 °C. Hemolytic blocking experiments showed that sphingomyelin and d-xylose can inhibit hemolysis significantly, while osmotic protectants with different hydrated molecular diameters had no inhibition, and the hemolysins had no obvious phospholipase activity. The chloroform extracts of A. anophagefferens had significant inhibitory effects on the viability of PC12 cells, and can induce efflux of lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) of PC12 cells and lead to their necrosis.

The wound healing potential of a pro-angiogenic peptide purified from Indian Russell's viper (Daboia russelii) venom

The cutaneous wound healing property of a pro-angiogenic venom peptide (RVVAP) in a cream-based formulation was evaluated using the excision wound healing model on Wistar strain rats. The wound healing potency and modest antibacterial activity of RVVAP was enhanced significantly (p < 0.05) when combined with Aloe vera extract. RVVAP was also found to be non-toxic at the tested dose of 1.0 mg/kg. Nevertheless, the release of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α in RVVAP-treated mice was suppressed, compared to the untreated controls. This is the first report assessing the wound healing potential of a low-molecular mass, non-enzymatic, pro-angiogenic peptide purified from snake venom.

Binding of a Naja naja venom acidic phospholipase A2 cognate complex to membrane-bound vimentin of rat L6 cells: Implications in cobra venom-induced cytotoxicity

An acidic phospholipase A₂ enzyme (NnPLA₂-I) interacts with three finger toxins (cytotoxin and neurotoxin) from Naja naja venom to form cognate complexes to enhance its cytotoxicity towards rat L6 myogenic cells. The cytotoxicity was further enhanced in presence of trace quantity of venom nerve growth factor. The purified rat myoblast cell membrane protein showing interaction with NnPLA₂-I was identified as vimentin by LC-MS/MS analysis. The ELISA, immunoblot and spectrofluorometric analyses showed greater binding of NnPLA₂-I cognate complex to vimentin as compared to the binding of individual NnPLA₂-I. The immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy studies evidenced the internalization of NnPLA₂-I to partially differentiated myoblasts post binding with vimentin in a time-dependent manner. Pre-incubation of polyvalent antivenom with NnPLA₂-I cognate complex demonstrated better neutralization of cytotoxicity towards L6 cells as compared to exogenous addition of polyvalent antivenom 60-240 min post treatment of L6 cells with cognate complex suggesting clinical advantage of early antivenom treatment to prevent cobra venom-induced cytotoxicity. The in silico analysis showed that 19-22 residues, inclusive of Asp48 residue, of NnPLA₂-I preferentially binds with the rod domain (99-189 and 261-335 regions) of vimentin with a predicted free binding energy (ΔG) and dissociation constant (K_D) values of -12.86 kcal/mol and 3.67 × 10^-10 M, respectively; however, NnPLA₂-I cognate complex showed greater binding with the same regions of vimentin indicating the pathophysiological significance of cognate complex in cobra venom-induced cytotoxicity.

Human Monoclonal scFvs that Neutralize Fribrinogenolytic Activity of Kaouthiagin, a Zinc-Metalloproteinase in Cobra (Naja kaouthia) Venom

Snake venom-metalloproteinases (SVMPs) are the primary factors that disturb hemostasis and cause hemorrhage in the venomous snake bitten subjects. Kaouthiagin is a unique SVMP that binds and cleaves von Willebrand factor (vWF) at a specific peptide bond leading to inhibition of platelet aggregation, which enhances the hemorrhage. Kaouthiagin is a low abundant venom component of Thai cobra (Naja kaouthia); thus, most horse-derived antivenins used for cobra bite treatment do not contain adequate anti-kaouthiagin. This study aimed to produce human single-chain antibody variable fragments (HuscFvs) that bind to and interfere with kaouthiagin activity for further clinical use. Kaouthiagin was purified from N. kaouthia-holovenom by a single-step gel-filtration chromatography. The purified venom component was used in phage-biopanning to select the kaouthiagin-bound HuscFv-displayed-phage clones from a HuscFv-phage display library. The selected phages were used to infect Escherichia coli bacteria. Soluble HuscFvs expressed by three phage-transformed-E. coli clones interfered with cobra kaouthiagin binding to human vWF. Computerized simulation indicated that HuscFv of two phage-transformed E. coli clones formed contact interface with kaouthiagin residues at or near catalytic site and effectively inhibited fibrinogenolytic activity of the kaouthiagin. The HuscFvs have therapeutic potential as an adjunct of antivenins in treatment of bleeding caused by venomous snakebites.

Proteomic analysis to unravel the complex venom proteome of eastern India Naja naja: Correlation of venom composition with its biochemical and pharmacological properties

The complex venom proteome of the eastern India (EI) spectacled cobra (Naja naja) was analyzed using tandem mass spectrometry of cation-exchange venom fractions. About 75% of EI N. naja venom proteins were <18kDa and cationic at physiological pH of blood. SDS-PAGE (non-reduced) analysis indicated that in the native state venom proteins either interacted with each-other or self-aggregated resulting in the formation of higher molecular mass complexes. Proteomic analysis revealed that 43 enzymatic and non-enzymatic proteins in EI N. naja venom with a percent composition of about 28.4% and 71.6% respectively were distributed over 15 venom protein families. The three finger toxins (63.8%) and phospholipase A₂s (11.4%) were the most abundant families of non-enzymatic and enzymatic proteins, respectively. nanoLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis demonstrated the occurrence of acetylcholinesterase, phosphodiesterase, cholinesterase and snake venom serine proteases in N. naja venom previously not detected by proteomic analysis. ATPase, ADPase, hyaluronidase, TAME, and BAEE-esterase activities were detected by biochemical analysis; however, due to a limitation in the protein database depository they were not identified in EI N. naja venom by proteomic analysis. The proteome composition of EI N. naja venom was well correlated with its in vitro and in vivo pharmacological properties in experimental animals and envenomed human.

BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Proteomic analysis reveals the complex and diverse protein profile of EI N. naja venom which collectively contributes to the severe pathophysiological manifestation upon cobra envenomation. The study has also aided in comprehending the compositional variation in venom proteins of N. naja within the Indian sub-continent. In addition, this study has also identified several enzymes in EI N. naja venom which were previously uncharacterized by proteomic analysis of Naja venom.

Geographical venom variations of the Southeast Asian monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia): venom-induced neuromuscular depression and antivenom neutralization

The Southeast Asian monocled cobras (Naja kaouthia) exhibit geographical variations in their venom proteomes, especially on the composition of neurotoxins. This study compared the neuromuscular depressant activity of the venoms of N. kaouthia from Malaysia (NK-M), Thailand (NK-T) and Vietnam (NK-V), and the neutralization of neurotoxicity by a monospecific antivenom. On chick biventer cervicis nerve-muscle preparation, all venoms abolished the indirect twitches, with NK-T venom being the most potent (shortest t90, time to 90% twitch inhibition), followed by NK-V and NK-M. Acetylcholine and carbachol failed to reverse the blockade, indicating irreversible/pseudo-irreversible post-synaptic neuromuscular blockade. KCl restored the twitches variably (NK-M preparation being the least responsive), consistent with different degree of muscle damage. The findings support that NK-T venom has the most abundant curarimimetic alpha-neurotoxins, while NK-M venom contains more tissue-damaging cytotoxins. Pre-incubation of tissue with N. kaouthia monovalent antivenom (NKMAV) prevented venom-induced twitch depression, with the NK-T preparation needing the largest antivenom dose. NKMAV added after the onset of neuromuscular depression could only halt the inhibitory progression but failed to restore full contraction. The findings highlight the urgency of early antivenom administration to sequester as much circulating neurotoxins as possible, thereby hastening toxin elimination from the circulation. In envenomed mice, NKMAV administered upon the first neurological sign neutralized the neurotoxic effect, with the slowest full recovery noticed in the NK-T group. This is consistent with the high abundance of neurotoxins in the NK-T venom, implying that a larger amount or repeated dosing of NKMAV may be required in NK-T envenomation.

An analysis of venom ontogeny and prey-specific toxicity in the Monocled Cobra (Naja kaouthia)

Venoms of snakes of the family Elapidae (cobras, kraits, mambas, and relatives) are predominantly composed of numerous phospholipases A2 (PLA2s) and three-finger toxins (3FTxs), some of which are lethal while others are not significantly toxic. Currently, the only identified prey-specific toxins are several nonconventional 3FTxs, and given the large diversity of 3FTxs within Monocled Cobra (Naja kaouthia) venom, it was hypothesized that several 3FTxs, previously found to be non-toxic or weakly toxic 3FTxs in murine models, could potentially be toxic towards non-murine prey. Additionally, it was hypothesized that ontogenetic dietary shifts will be correlated with observable changes in specific 3FTx isoform abundance. Adult and juvenile N. kaouthia venom composition was investigated using ion-exchange FPLC, 1D and 2D SDS-PAGE, mass spectrometry, and various enzymatic and LD50 assays. Alpha-cobratoxin (α-elapitoxin) was the only significantly toxic (LD50 < 1 μg/g) 3FTx found in N. kaouthia venom and was equally toxic toward both lizard and mouse models. The abundance and diversity of 3FTxs and most enzyme activities did not vary between adult and juvenile cobra venoms; however, total venom PLA2 activity and specific PLA2 isoforms did vary, with juveniles lacking several of the least acidic PLA2s, and these differences could have both biological (related to predation) and clinical (antivenom efficacy) implications. Nevertheless, the ubiquitous presence of α-cobratoxin in both adult and juvenile cobra venoms, with high toxicity toward both reptiles and mammals, represents a venom compositional strategy wherein a single potent toxin effectively immobilizes a variety of prey types encountered across life history stages.

Neutralization of the Principal Toxins from the Venoms of Thai Naja kaouthia and Malaysian Hydrophis schistosus: Insights into Toxin-Specific Neutralization by Two Different Antivenoms

Antivenom neutralization against cobra venoms is generally low in potency, presumably due to poor toxin-specific immunoreactivity. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of two elapid antivenoms to neutralize the principal toxins purified from the venoms of the Thai monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia, Nk-T) and the Malaysian beaked sea snake (Hydrophis schistosus, Hs-M). In mice, N. kaouthia Monovalent Antivenom (NKMAV) neutralization against Nk-T long neurotoxin (LNTX) and cytotoxin was moderate (potency of 2.89–6.44 mg toxin/g antivenom protein) but poor against the short neurotoxin (SNTX) (1.33 mg/g). Its cross-neutralization against Hs-M LNTX of Hs-M is compatible (0.18 mg/g) but much weaker against Hs-M SNTX (0.22 mg/g). Using CSL (Seqirus Limited) Sea Snake Antivenom (SSAV), we observed consistently weak neutralization of antivenom against SNTX of both species, suggesting that this is the limiting factor on the potency of antivenom neutralization against venoms containing SNTX. Nevertheless, SSAV outperformed NKMAV in neutralizing SNTXs of both species (0.61–2.49 mg/g). The superior efficacy of SSAV against SNTX is probably partly attributable to the high abundance of SNTX in sea snake venom used as immunogen in SSAV production. The findings indicate that improving the potency of cobra antivenom may be possible with a proper immunogen formulation that seeks to overcome the limitation on SNTX immunoreactivity.

Quantifying Demyelination in NK venom treated nerve using its electric circuit model

Reduction of myelin in peripheral nerve causes critical demyelinating diseases such as chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, Guillain-Barre syndrome, etc. Clinical monitoring of these diseases requires rapid and non-invasive quantification of demyelination. Here we have developed formulation of nerve conduction velocity (NCV) in terms of demyelination considering electric circuit model of a nerve having bundle of axons for its quantification from NCV measurements. This approach has been validated and demonstrated with toad nerve model treated with crude Naja kaouthia (NK) venom and also shows the effect of Phospholipase A2 and three finger neurotoxin from NK-venom on peripheral nerve. This opens future scope for non-invasive clinical measurement of demyelination.

Anticancer properties of phospholipase A2 from Daboia siamensis venom on human skin melanoma cells

Background

Phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂) is a major component of the Daboia siamensis venom, which is able to hydrolyse the membrane of various cells. For this reason, the activity of PLA₂ was investigated regarding its pharmaceutical properties. This study was conducted to explore the pharmacological properties of a PLA₂ from Daboia siamensis (dssPLA₂) venom on human skin melanoma cell line (SK-MEL-28).

Methods

dssPLA₂ was isolated by ion exchange and gel filtration columns. Various concentrations of dssPLA₂ were investigated for cytotoxic activity and inhibition of migration on SK-MEL-28 cells. Cell death analysis, mRNA expression levels of Notch I-III and BRAF V600E genes were also determined.

Results

dssPLA₂ exhibited cytotoxicity on SK-MEL-28 for 24 and 72 h as compared with untreated cells. However, it had no toxic effects on CCD-1064sk cells under the same conditions. dssPLA₂ (0.25 and 0.5 μg/mL) induced 17.16 and 30.60 % of apoptosis, while activated 6.53 and 7.05 % of necrotic cells. dssPLA₂ at 0.25, 0.5, 1 and 2 μg/mL could inhibit migration on SK-MEL-28 cells for 24 h by 31.06, 41.66, 50 and 68.75 %, respectively. The action of dssPLA₂ significantly reduced the levels of Notch I and BRAF V600E genes expression on SK-MEL-28 cells compared with untreated cells at 72 h.

Conclusions

This study indicates that dssPLA₂ had potential effects of apoptosis, necrosis, cytotoxicity and inhibition of migration on SK-MEL-28 cells. dssPLA₂ could possibly be a selective agent that targets cancer cells without affecting normal cells.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40409-016-0061-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Venomics, lethality and neutralization of Naja kaouthia (monocled cobra) venoms from three different geographical regions of Southeast Asia

Previous studies showed that venoms of the monocled cobra, Naja kaouthia from Thailand and Malaysia are substantially different in their median lethal doses. The intraspecific venom variations of N. kaouthia, however, have not been fully elucidated. Here we investigated the venom proteomes of N. kaouthia from Malaysia (NK-M), Thailand (NK-T) and Vietnam (NK-V) through reverse-phase HPLC, SDS-PAGE and tandem mass spectrometry. The venom proteins comprise 13 toxin families, with three-finger toxins being the most abundant (63-77%) and the most varied (11-18 isoforms) among the three populations. NK-T has the highest content of neurotoxins (50%, predominantly long neurotoxins), followed by NK-V (29%, predominantly weak neurotoxins and some short neurotoxins), while NK-M has the least (18%, some weak neurotoxins but less short and long neurotoxins). On the other hand, cytotoxins constitute the main bulk of toxins in NK-M and NK-V venoms (up to 45% each), but less in NK-T venom (27%). The three venoms show different lethal potencies that generally reflect the proteomic findings. Despite the proteomic variations, the use of Thai monovalent and Neuro polyvalent antivenoms for N. kaouthia envenomation in the three regions is appropriate as the different venoms were neutralized by the antivenoms albeit at different degrees of effectiveness.

BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Biogeographical variations were observed in the venom proteome of monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia) from Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. The Thai N. kaouthia venom is particularly rich in long neurotoxins, while the Malaysian and Vietnamese specimens were predominated with cytotoxins. The differentially expressed toxin profile accounts for the discrepancy in the lethal dose of the venom from different populations. Commercially available Thai antivenoms (monovalent and polyvalent) were able to neutralize the three venoms at different effective doses, hence supporting their uses in the three regions. While dose adjustment according to geographical region seems possible, changes to standard recommended dosage should only be made if further study validates that the monocled cobras within a population do not exhibit remarkable inter-individual venom variation.

Systemic toxic effects induced by the aqueous extract of the fire coral Millepora complanata and partial purification of thermostable neurotoxins with lethal effects in mice

Millepora complanata is a cnidarian widely distributed in the coral reefs of the Mexican Caribbean. This species is popularly known as "fire coral", since contact with it causes severe pain, skin eruptions and blisters. Intravenous administration of of M. complanata aqueous extract induces violent convulsions and death in mice within 1 min (LD50=4.62µgprotein/g of body weight). Doses less than the LD50 produced histopathological damage in kidneys and lungs. Such histopathological damage was completely eliminated after incubation of the extract in heat denaturing conditions. Unexpectedly, the denatured extract conserved its lethal effect. These findings demonstrated that the extract contained hemolytic and phospholipase activities that might be responsible for the histopathological damage, and additionally it contained other unidentified thermostable toxins with lethal effects in mice. Chromatographic analysis of the extract led to the isolation of a 61 kDa vasoconstrictor protein. Furthermore, several non-peptidic vasoconstrictor fractions were separated. Particularly interesting was the fraction MC1-IIA obtained as a result of three-step chromatography processes (ion exchange, gel filtration and reverse phase). Like the original crude extract, this fraction induced vasoconstriction and delayed hemolysis and lethal effects in mice. A subsequent chromatographic analysis of MC1-IIA showed that this fraction contained at least four non-peptidic compounds. MS and NMR spectroscopic data analyses indicated that these metabolites were poly-oxygenated alkylbenzenes. The present study constitutes the first report of the presence of non-peptidic lethal toxins in an organism of the class Hydrozoa, and evidences the great structural diversity of the toxins produced by the Millepora species.

Anticoagulant mechanism and platelet deaggregation property of a non-cytotoxic, acidic phospholipase A2 purified from Indian cobra (Naja naja) venom: inhibition of anticoagulant activity by low molecular weight heparin

In the present study, anticoagulant and platelet modulating activities of an acidic phospholipase A2 (NnPLA2-I) purified from Indian cobra Naja naja venom was investigated. The NnPLA2-I displayed a mass of 15.2 kDa and 14,186.0 Da when analyzed by SDS-PAGE and MALDI-TOF-MS, respectively. Peptide mass fingerprinting analysis of the NnPLA2-I showed its significant similarity with phospholipase A2 enzymes purified from cobra venom. BLAST analysis of one tryptic peptide sequence of NnPLA2-I demonstrated putative conserved domains of the PLA2-like superfamily. The Km and Vmax values of NnPLA2-I toward hydrolysis of its most preferred substrate-phosphotidylcholine (PC)-were determined to be 0.72 mM and 29.3 μmol min(-1) mg(-1), respectively. The anticoagulant activity of NnPLA2-I was found to be higher than the anticoagulant activity of heparin/AT-III or warfarin. The histidine modifying reagent, monovalent and polyvalent antivenom differentially inhibited the catalytic and anticoagulant activities of NnPLA2-I. Low molecular weight heparin did not inhibit the catalytic and platelet deaggregation activity of NnPLA2-I, albeit its anticoagulant activity was significantly reduced. The NnPLA2-I showed a non-enzymatic, mixed inhibition of thrombin with a Ki value of 9.3 nM. Heparin significantly decreased, with an IC50 value of 15.23 mIU, the thrombin inhibitory activity of NnPLA2-I. The NnPLA2-I uniquely increased the amidolytic activity of FXa without influencing its prothrombin activating property. NnPLA2-I showed dose-dependent deaggregation of platelet rich plasma (PRP) and inhibited the collagen and thrombin-induced aggregation of PRP. However, deaggregation of washed platelets by NnPLA2-I demonstrated in presence of PC or platelet poor plasma. Alkylation of histidine residue of NnPLA2-I resulted in 95% and 21% reduction of its platelet deaggregation and platelet binding properties, respectively. NnPLA2-I did not show cytotoxicity against human glioblastoma U87MG cells, bactericidal or hemolytic activity. The future therapeutic application of NnPLA2-I for treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disorders is therefore suggested.

Two acidic, anticoagulant PLA2 isoenzymes purified from the venom of monocled cobra Naja kaouthia exhibit different potency to inhibit thrombin and factor Xa via phospholipids independent, non-enzymatic mechanism

Background

The monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia) is responsible for snakebite fatality in Indian subcontinent and in south-western China. Phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂; EC 3.1.1.4) is one of the toxic components of snake venom. The present study explores the mechanism and rationale(s) for the differences in anticoagulant potency of two acidic PLA₂ isoenzymes, Nk-PLA₂α (13463.91 Da) and Nk-PLA₂β (13282.38 Da) purified from the venom of N. kaouthia.

Principal Findings

By LC-MS/MS analysis, these PLA₂s showed highest similarity (23.5% sequence coverage) with PLA₂ III isolated from monocled cobra venom. The catalytic activity of Nk-PLA₂β exceeds that of Nk-PLA₂α. Heparin differentially regulated the catalytic and anticoagulant activities of these Nk-PLA₂ isoenzymes. The anticoagulant potency of Nk-PLA₂α was comparable to commercial anticoagulants warfarin, and heparin/antithrombin-III albeit Nk-PLA₂β demonstrated highest anticoagulant activity. The anticoagulant action of these PLA₂s was partially contributed by a small but specific hydrolysis of plasma phospholipids. The strong anticoagulant effect of Nk-PLA₂α and Nk-PLA₂β was achieved via preferential, non-enzymatic inhibition of FXa (Ki = 43 nM) and thrombin (Ki = 8.3 nM), respectively. Kinetics study suggests that the Nk-PLA₂ isoenzymes inhibit their “pharmacological target(s)” by uncompetitive mechanism without the requirement of phospholipids/Ca²⁺. The anticoagulant potency of Nk-PLA₂β which is higher than that of Nk-PLA₂α is corroborated by its superior catalytic activity, its higher capacity for binding to phosphatidylcholine, and its greater strength of thrombin inhibition. These PLA₂ isoenzymes thus have evolved to affect haemostasis by different mechanisms. The Nk-PLA₂β partially inhibited the thrombin-induced aggregation of mammalian platelets suggesting its therapeutic application in the prevention of unwanted clot formation.

Conclusion/Significance

In order to develop peptide-based superior anticoagulant therapeutics, future application of Nk-PLA₂α and Nk-PLA₂β for the treatment and/or prevention of cardiovascular disorders are proposed.

A major phospholipase A2 from Daboia russelii russelii venom shows potent anticoagulant action via thrombin inhibition and binding with plasma phospholipids

This is the first report on antithrombin effects of a phospholipase A2 (RVAPLA2) purified from venom of Daboia russelii russelii. The N-terminal sequence as well as in-gel tryptic digested peptides of RVAPLA2 showed significant homology with PLA2s from Russell's viper venom. RVAPLA2 demonstrated highest specific activity in hydrolyzing phosphatidylcholine (1.8 × 10(6) U/mg) with Km and Vmax values of 0.61 mM and 132.3 μmol/min, respectively. RVAPLA2 exerted dose-dependent catalytic and strong anticoagulant activities; however, studies indicated dissociation of its catalytic and anticoagulant sites. The anticoagulant action of RVAPLA2 was partially contributed by catalytic hydrolysis of plasma phospholipids. RVAPLA2 showed strong anticoagulant effect via thrombin inhibition with a Ki value of 380 nM as well as by binding to pro-coagulant phospholipids of plasma. In ex-vivo conditions, RVAPLA2 (1.0 μM) was non-hemolytic and non-cytotoxic to mammalian cells. It did not inhibit the collagen-induced aggregation of platelets. RVAPLA2 at a dose of 5 mg/kg was not lethal to mice after 48 h of injection. It demonstrated in vivo anticoagulant activity possibly due to targeting thrombin and binding with plasma phospholipids.

Characterization of a Kunitz-type protease inhibitor peptide (Rusvikunin) purified from Daboia russelii russelii venom

The snake venom may be considered as a potent source of untapped therapeutic proteins and peptides. The peptide mass fingerprinting and N-terminal sequence alignment of a 6.9kDa peptide named Rusvikunin from Daboia russelii russelii venom show the presence of putative conserved domains of the KU superfamily. Further, BLAST analysis of two of the de novo peptide sequences of Rusvikunin demonstrates significant sequence homology with serine proteases reported in the NCBI database. Rusvikunin possesses conserved cysteine residues and Arg15 at the P1 position. It inhibits amidolytic activity of trypsin (IC50=50nmol/l), plasmin (IC50=1.1μmol/l), and fibrinogen clotting as well as plasma clotting activity of thrombin (IC50=1.3μmol/l); however, it does not inhibit the amidolytic activity of chymotrypsin, thrombin, factor Xa, and tissue plasminogen activator. Rusvikunin is a glycoprotein, demonstrates dose-dependent BAEE-esterase activity. It does not show lethality in mice or in vitro cytotoxicity against mammalian cells but shows in vivo anticoagulant activity 6h after i.p. injection in the mouse model. The commercial polyvalent and monovalent antivenom failed to inhibit the functional properties of Rusvikunin. The possible biomedical applications of Rusvikunin in the treatment and/or prevention of cardiovascular disorders such as thrombosis and trypsin-induced inflammation are suggested.

Mechanism of in vivo anticoagulant and haemolytic activity by a neutral phospholipase A(2) purified from Daboia russelii russelii venom: correlation with clinical manifestations in Russell's Viper envenomed patients

A 13.0 kDa neutral phospholipase A2 (NEUPHOLIPASE) purified from venom of Daboia russelii russelii from eastern India was identified by peptide mass fingerprinting analysis. It exerted dose-dependent PLA2, anticoagulant and indirect haemolytic activities. NEUPHOLIPASE showed preferential binding followed by hydrolysis of phosphatidylserine > phosphatidylcholine >> phosphatidylethanolamine. Circular dichroism analysis of NEUPHOLIPASE showed a high content of alpha helix (54.6%) followed by beta-turn (29.7%) in its secondary structure. Gas-chromatographic analysis of plasma from PLA2-treated mice suggested preferential hydrolysis of pro-coagulant phospholipid PS was the primary mechanism to account for in vivo anticoagulant effect of NEUPHOLIPASE. The NEUPHOLIPASE-treated mice blood showed a significant decrease (p < 0.01) in WBC as well as RBC counts with a corresponding decline in Hb content due to indirect damage to erythrocyte membranes by plasma phospholipids hydrolysis products rather than the direct haemolytic activity of PLA2 under study. NEUPHOLIPASE was non-lethal to BALB/c mice, however; it was detrimental to liver of treated-mice. Pathological symptoms observed in NEUPHOLIPASE-treated mice were correlated with the actual clinical manifestations in Russell's Viper envenomed patients from eastern India indicating some contribution of NEUPHOLIPASE in Russell's Viper venom induced toxicity and pathogenesis.

Alleviation of lung inflammatory responses by adeno-associated virus 2/9 vector carrying CC10 in OVA-sensitized mice

Asthma is a chronic airway inflammatory disease characterized by eosinophilic infiltration and airway hyperresponsiveness. The over-activated Th2 and lung epithelium cells express many different cytokines, and chemokines mainly contribute to the severity of lung inflammation. Clara cell 10 kD protein (CC10) is highly expressed in airway epithelium cells and exhibits anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) 2/9 vector, composed of AAV2 rep and AAV9 cap genes, can efficiently and specifically target lung epithelium cells. Thus, AAV2/9 vector might carry therapeutic potential gene sequences for the treatment of asthma. This study tested whether AAV2/9 vector carrying CC10 could reduce inflammatory and asthmatic responses in OVA-induced asthmatic mouse model. The results showed that AAV2/9-CC10 vector virus significantly reduced airway hyperresponsiveness, CCL11, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, and eosinophilia in the lungs of sensitized mice. CC10 level in OVA-sensitized mice was rescued with the administration of AAV2/9-CC10 vector virus. Lung tissue remodeling, including collagen deposition and goblet cell hyperplasia, was also alleviated. However, serum levels of OVA-specific IgG1 and IgE as well as Th2 cytokine levels in OVA-stimulated splenocyte culture supernatants were at the comparable levels to the sensitized control group. The results demonstrate that AAV2/9-CC10 vector virus relieved local inflammatory and asthmatic responses in lung. Therefore, we propose that AAV2/9-CC10 vector virus guaranteed sufficient CC10 expression and had an anti-inflammatory effect in asthmatic mice. It might be applied as a novel therapeutic approach for asthma.

An acidic phospholipase A(2) (RVVA-PLA(2)-I) purified from Daboia russelli venom exerts its anticoagulant activity by enzymatic hydrolysis of plasma phospholipids and by non-enzymatic inhibition of factor Xa in a phospholipids/Ca(2+) independent manner

A homodimeric acidic PLA(2) (RVVA-PLA(2)-I) of 58.0 kDa molecular weight purified from Russell's viper (Daboia russelli) venom demonstrated dose-dependent catalytic, strong anticoagulant and indirect hemolytic activities and inhibited blood coagulation cascade in both enzymatic and non-enzymatic mechanisms. In in vitro condition, RVVA-PLA(2)-I showed preferential hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine with a K(m) and V(max) values of 0.65 mM and 28.9 μmol min(-1), respectively. Biochemical study and GC-analysis of plasma phospholipids hydrolysis by PLA(2) revealed that anticoagulant activity of RVVA-PLA(2)-I was partly attributed by the enzymatic hydrolysis of pro-coagulant phospholipids PC, followed by PS. The spectrofluorometric and gel-filtration analyses documented binding of RVVA-PLA(2)-I with activated factor X and PC; however, it does not bind with factor Va, prothrombin and thrombin. Therefore, this anticoagulant PLA(2) inhibits the blood coagulation cascade non-enzymatically by binding with coagulation factor Xa, even in the absence of phospholipids and Ca(2+) and thus slows down the blood coagulation by partially inhibiting the prothrombin activation. Chemical modification of essential amino acids present in the active site, neutralization with Azadirachta indica leaves extract (AIPLAI) and heat-inactivation study reinforce the association of catalytic and anticoagulant activity of RVVA-PLA(2)-I and also throw a light on its non-enzymatic mechanism of anticoagulant action.

Isolation of a snake venom phospholipase A2 (PLA2) inhibitor (AIPLAI) from leaves of Azadirachta indica (Neem): mechanism of PLA2 inhibition by AIPLAI in vitro condition

A compound (AIPLAI (Azadirachta indica PLA(2) inhibitor)) purified from the methanolic leaf extract of A. indica (Neem) inhibits the cobra and Russell's viper venoms (RVVs) phospholipase A(2) enzymes in a dose-dependent manner. Inhibition of catalytic and tested pharmacological properties of cobra venom (Naja naja and Naja kaouthia) PLA(2) enzymes by AIPLAI is significantly higher (P<0.05) compared to the inhibition of PLA(2) enzymes of crude RVV (Daboia russelli) when tested under the same condition. Kinetic study reveals that in in vitro condition, AIPLAI inhibits the purified N. kaouthia PLA(2) enzymes in a non-competitive manner. The AIPLAI is quite stable at room temperature. The present study shows that AIPLAI holds good promise for the development of novel anti-snake venom drug in future.

Characterization of a novel pro-coagulant metalloprotease (RVBCMP) possessing alpha-fibrinogenase and tissue haemorrhagic activity from venom of Daboia russelli russelli (Russell's viper): evidence of distinct coagulant and haemorrhagic sites in RVBCMP

A novel, basic pro-coagulation metalloprotease (Russell's viper basic coagulant metalloprotease, RVBCMP) with an approximate molecular weight of 15kDa was purified from the venom of Daboia russelli russelli (Russell's viper) from eastern India. RVBCMP exerted dose-dependent coagulation of platelet-poor human plasma; however, RVBCMP possessed less coagulant activity as compared with the coagulant activity of crude Russell's viper venom (RVV). RVBCMP did not show oedema induction, direct haemolysis of washed erythrocytes, hydrolysis of human plasma albumin or globulin, and thrombin-like activity, but exhibited caseinolytic, alpha-fibrinogenolytic, and liver tissue haemorrhagic activities. Inhibition of coagulant and protease activities of RVBCMP by EDTA suggested a metalloprotease nature of this protein. RVBCMP showed antigenicity as was evident from the immunoblotting experiment. None of the tested plant extracts, except Leucus lavandulaefolia, inhibited the coagulant or haemorrhagic activity of RVBCMP. Interestingly, aqueous extracts of the tested plants as well as the commercial polyvalent antivenom raised against crude RVV differentially inhibited the coagulant and tissue haemorrhagic activity of RVBCMP. The current investigation provides a fairly good indication that RVBCMP possesses a distinct, perhaps overlapping, site for coagulant and tissue haemorrhagic activity.