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Lin CC, Wang CC, Ou Yang CH, Liu CC, Yu JS, Fann WC, Chen YC, Shih CP. The changes and the potential clinical applications of cytokines in Taiwan's major venomous snakebites patients. Toxicon 2024; 247:107843. [PMID: 38964621 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.107843] [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: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Taiwan habu (Protobothrops mucrosquamatus), green bamboo viper (Viridovipera stejnegeri), and Taiwan cobra (Naja atra) are the most venomous snakebites in Taiwan. Patients commonly present with limb swelling but misdiagnosis rates are high, and currently available diagnostic tools are limited. This study explores the immune responses in snakebite patients to aid in differential diagnosis. METHODS This prospective observational study investigated the changes in cytokines in snakebite patients and their potential for diagnosis. RESULTS Elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α were observed in all snakebite patients compared to the healthy control group. While no significant disparities were observed in humoral immune response cytokines, there were significant differences in IFN-γ levels, with significantly higher IL-10 levels in patients bitten by cobras. Patients with TNF-α levels exceeding 3.02 pg/mL were more likely to have been bitten by a cobra. CONCLUSION This study sheds light on the immune responses triggered by various venomous snakebites, emphasizing the potential of cytokine patterns for snakebite-type differentiation. Larger studies are needed to validate these findings for clinical use, ultimately improving snakebite diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Chuan Lin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Cheng Wang
- Department of Traumatology and Emergency Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hsiang Ou Yang
- Department of Traumatology and Emergency Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Chun Liu
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
| | - Jau-Song Yu
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan; Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan; Research Center for Food and Cosmetic Safety, Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chih Fann
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Chia Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Pang Shih
- Department of Healthcare Management, Yuanpei University of Medical Technology, HsinChu, Taiwan.
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Wang WC, Chang J, Lee CH, Chiang YW, Leu SJ, Mao YC, Chiang JR, Yang CK, Wu CJ, Yang YY. Phage display-derived alpaca nanobodies as potential therapeutics for Naja atra snake envenomation. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024:e0012124. [PMID: 38980046 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00121-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Naja atra, the Chinese cobra, is a major cause of snake envenomation in Asia, causing hundreds of thousands of clinical incidents annually. The current treatment, horse serum-derived antivenom, has unpredictable side effects and presents manufacturing challenges. This study focused on developing new-generation snake venom antidotes by using microbial phage display technology to derive nanobodies from an alpaca immunized with attenuated N. atra venom. Following confirmation of the immune response in the alpaca, we amplified VHH genes from isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells and constructed a phage display VHH library of 1.0 × 107 transformants. After four rounds of biopanning, the enriched phages exhibited increased binding activity to N. atra venom. Four nanobody clones with high binding affinities were selected: aNAH1, aNAH6, aNAH7, and aNAH9. Specificity testing against venom from various snake species, including two Southeast Asian cobra species, revealed nanobodies specific to the genus Naja. An in vivo mouse venom neutralization assay demonstrated that all nanobodies prolonged mouse survival and aNAH6 protected 66.6% of the mice from the lethal dosage. These findings highlight the potential of phage display-derived nanobodies as valuable antidotes for N. atra venom, laying the groundwork for future applications in snakebite treatment.IMPORTANCEChinese cobra venom bites present a formidable medical challenge, and current serum treatments face unresolved issues. Our research applied microbial phage display technology to obtain a new, effective, and cost-efficient treatment approach. Despite interest among scientists in utilizing this technology to screen alpaca antibodies against toxins, the available literature is limited. This study makes a significant contribution by introducing neutralizing antibodies that are specifically tailored to Chinese cobra venom. We provide a comprehensive and unbiased account of the antibody construction process, accompanied by thorough testing of various nanobodies and an assessment of cross-reactivity with diverse snake venoms. These nanobodies represent a promising avenue for targeted antivenom development that bridges microbiology and biotechnology to address critical health needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Chu Wang
- Ph.D. Program in Medical Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jungshan Chang
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- International Master/Ph.D. Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- International Ph.D. Program for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Hsin Lee
- Ph.D. Program in Medical Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Core Laboratory of Antibody Generation and Research, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Wei Chiang
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Biology and Anatomy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Foundation for Poison Control, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sy-Jye Leu
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yan-Chiao Mao
- Ph.D. Program in Medical Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Centre, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Division of Clinical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Ron Chiang
- Bioproduction Plants, National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Kai Yang
- Interdisciplinary Research on Ecology and Sustainability, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Jung Wu
- Ph.D. Program in Medical Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Yuan Yang
- Ph.D. Program in Medical Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Core Laboratory of Antibody Generation and Research, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Liu CC, Hsiao YC, Lai WJ, Chiou CC, Chu LJ, Lin YT, Liu JC, Yu JS. Development and optimization of a DNA aptamer to delay β-bungarotoxin-induced lethality in a rodent model. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 270:132240. [PMID: 38744360 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132240] [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: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Current treatment of snakebite relies on immunoglobulin-rich antivenoms. However, production of these antivenoms is complicated and costly. Aptamers - single-stranded DNAs or RNAs with specific folding structures that bind to specific target molecules - represent excellent alternatives or complements to antibody-based therapeutics. However, no studies have systematically assessed the feasibility of using aptamers to mitigate venom-induced toxicity in vivo. β-bungarotoxin is the predominant protein responsible for the toxicity of the venom of Bungarus multicinctus, a prominent venomous snake inhabiting Taiwan. In this study, we reported the screening and optimization of a DNA aptamer against β-bungarotoxin and tested its utility in a mouse model. After 14 rounds of directed evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment, an aptamer, called BB3, displaying remarkable binding affinity and specificity for β-bungarotoxin was obtained. Following structural prediction and point-modification experiments, BB3 underwent truncation and was modified with 2'-O-methylation and a 3'-inverted dT. This optimized aptamer showed sustained, high-affinity binding for β-bungarotoxin and exhibited remarkable nuclease resistance in plasma. Importantly, administration of this optimized aptamer extended the survival time of mice treated with a lethal dose of β-bungarotoxin. Collectively, our data provide a compelling illustration of the potential of aptamers as promising candidates for development of recombinant antivenom therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Chun Liu
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Chin Hsiao
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan; Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Jing Lai
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Chiuan-Chian Chiou
- Master & PhD Program in Biotechnology Industry, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Lichieh Julie Chu
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan; Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Tsun Lin
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Jo-Chuan Liu
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Jau-Song Yu
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan; Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan; Research Center for Food and Cosmetic Safety, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan.
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Zhong XJ, Wang CE, Li YN, Zhang QY, Sun QY. Atrase A, a P-III class metalloproteinase purified from cobra venom, exhibits potent anticoagulant activity by inhibiting coagulation pathway and activating the fibrinolytic system. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30969. [PMID: 38813202 PMCID: PMC11133756 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Snake venoms, comprising a complex array of protein-rich components, an important part of which are snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs). These SVMPs, which are predominantly isolated from viperid venoms, are integral to the pathology of snakebites. However, SVMPs derived from elapid venoms have not been extensively explored, and only a handful of SVMPs have been characterized to date. Atrase A, a nonhemorrhagic P-III class metalloproteinase from Naja atra venom, exhibits weak proteolytic activity against fibrinogen in vitro but has pronounced anticoagulant effects in vivo. This contrast spurred investigations into its anticoagulant mechanisms. Research findings indicate that atrase A notably extends the activated partial thromboplastin time, diminishes fibrinogen levels, and impedes platelet aggregation. The anticoagulant action of atrase A primarily involves inhibiting coagulation factor VIII and activating the endogenous fibrinolytic system, which in turn lowers fibrinogen levels. Additionally, its effect on platelet aggregation further contributes to its anticoagulant profile. This study unveils a novel anticoagulant mechanism of atrase A, significantly enriching the understanding of the roles of cobra venom metalloproteinases in snake venom. Furthermore, these findings underscore the potential of atrase A as a novel anticoagulant drug, offering insights into the functional evolutions of cobra venom metalloproteinases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Jie Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550014, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, China
- Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang, 550014, China
| | - Cai-E Wang
- Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang, 550014, China
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Ya-Nan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550014, China
- Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang, 550014, China
| | - Qi-Yun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550014, China
- Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang, 550014, China
| | - Qian-Yun Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550014, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, China
- Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang, 550014, China
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5
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Shen Y, Hu S, Bao S, Tu M. Clinical characteristics of snakebite patients attending a tertiary hospital in Hangzhou, southeast China. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2024; 118:287-292. [PMID: 38073610 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trad087] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Venomous snakebite is a neglected yet an important public health problem in China, and few studies have focused on them so far. The aim of this study is to investigate clinical characteristics of snakebites patients in a tertiary hospital in Hangzhou, southeast China. METHODS A total of 416 snakebite cases were included in this retrospective study. The data were collected from the medical records including demographics, clinical manifestations, management and outcomes. RESULTS Of the 416 patients with venomous snakebites, 248 were male, and the average age was 54.6 years. The majority of cases occurred in rural in May to September. Out of all the venomous bites, Gloydius brevicaudus accounted for the highest percentage (55.3%). Hands were the most vulnerable site to snakebites (47.4%). Patients had clinical manifestations of pain (100%), swelling (100%), wound necrosis (25.7%), hemorrhagic blister (18.3%), and blister (8.7%). Three hundred and ninety-two patients received antivenom administration, and most were treated within six hours after bites. Twenty-six patients received surgical treatments, and 90 patients developed venom-induced consumption coagulopathy. No deaths have occurred in this study. CONCLUSION Hangzhou is one of the regions with high affecting of snakebites in China. The results of this study will increase the understanding of the clinical characteristics of venomous snakebites in Hangzhou area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Shen
- Department of Dermatology, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Sipin Hu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuhua Bao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengyun Tu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
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Chuang PC, Chen JW, Chan YY, Tse TC, Chiang YW, Tsai TS. In vitro immunoreactivity and in vivo neutralization of Trimeresurus gracilis venom with antivenoms targeting four pit viper species. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012070. [PMID: 38527073 PMCID: PMC10994551 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Snakebite envenomation is a significant global health issue that requires specific antivenom treatments. In Taiwan, available antivenoms target a variety of snakes, but none specifically target Trimeresurus gracilis, an endemic and protected species found in the high mountain areas of Taiwan. This study evaluated the effectiveness of existing antivenoms against T. gracilis venom, focusing on a bivalent antivenom developed for Trimeresurus stejnegeri and Protobothrops mucrosquamatus (TsPmAV), as well as monovalent antivenoms for Deinagkistrodon acutus (DaAV) and Gloydius brevicaudus (GbAV). Our research involved in vivo toxicity testing in mice and in vitro immunobinding experiments using (chaotropic) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, comparing venoms from four pit viper species (T. gracilis, T. stejnegeri, P. mucrosquamatus, and D. acutus) with three types of antivenoms. These findings indicate that TsPmAV partially neutralized T. gracilis venom, marginally surpassing the efficacy of DaAV. In vitro tests revealed that GbAV displayed higher binding capacities toward T. gracilis venom than TsPmAV or DaAV. Comparisons of electrophoretic profiles also reveal that T. gracilis venom has fewer snake venom C-type lectin like proteins than D. acutus, and has more P-I snake venom metalloproteases or fewer phospholipase A2 than G. brevicaudus, T. stejnegeri, or P. mucrosquamatus. This study highlights the need for antivenoms that specifically target T. gracilis, as current treatments using TsPmAV show limited effectiveness in neutralizing local effects in patients. These findings provide crucial insights into clinical treatment protocols and contribute to the understanding of the evolutionary adaptation of snake venom, aiding in the development of more effective antivenoms for human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Chun Chuang
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Wei Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan
| | - Yuen-Ying Chan
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan
| | - Tsz-Chun Tse
- Institute of Wildlife Conservation, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Wei Chiang
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Biology and Anatomy, National Defense Medical Centre, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tein-Shun Tsai
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan
- Institute of Wildlife Conservation, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan
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Tsai TS, Tsai IH, Qiu JL, Chan YY, Chiang YW. Comparative analysis of Deinagkistrodon acutus venom from Taiwan and China utilizing chromatographic, electrophoretic, and bioinformatic approaches, along with ELISA employing a monospecific antivenom. Toxicon 2024; 241:107663. [PMID: 38423218 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.107663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Deinagkistrodon acutus is a medically important pitviper inhabiting mainly South China and Taiwan. The hemorrhagic effects of its envenoming are compatible to its venom, which is abundant in metalloproteases (svMPs) and C-type lectin-like proteins. In this study, we investigated geographic variations in the venom of D. acutus collected from Taiwan and four Mainland Chinese provinces: Fujian, Jiangxi, Anhui, and Hunan. The variations were assessed through high-performance liquid chromatography, non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis, gel electrophoresis, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with a monospecific antivenom (DaMAV) generated against the Taiwanese D. acutus venom, and discussed based on venom-protein sequences in databases and literature related to D. acutus venom. Additionally, the cross-reactivity of DaMAV against Crotalus horridus and Calloselasma rhodostoma venoms was investigated. We noted differential abundances of D. acutus venom metalloproteases, C-type lectin-like proteins, and phospholipase A2, along with point mutations and selective expression of serine protease isoforms. The ELISA results revealed that the venom from Taiwan was more reactive toward Taiwanese DaMAV than the four Mainland Chinese venoms, consistent with chromatographic profile differences, whereas C. horridus venom presented moderate cross-reactivity with DaMAV. The observed immunoreactivities of these venom with DaMAV can be attributed to the high prevalence of their PIII-svMPs, which are the dominant antigens, and the conservation of PIII-svMP epitopes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tein-Shun Tsai
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, No. 1, Shuefu Road, Pingtung, 912301, Taiwan.
| | - Inn-Ho Tsai
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, No. 128, Academia Road Sec. 2, Taipei, 115, Taiwan; Institute of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei, 106319, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Lin Qiu
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, No. 1, Shuefu Road, Pingtung, 912301, Taiwan
| | - Yuen-Ying Chan
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, No. 1, Shuefu Road, Pingtung, 912301, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Wei Chiang
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No. 322, Sec. 2, Shipai Rd., Taipei, 112062, Taiwan; Department of Biology and Anatomy, National Defense Medical Centre, No. 161, Sec. 6, Minquan E. Rd., Taipei, 11490, Taiwan
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He D, Hu S, Huang Z, Mo C, Cheng X, Song P, Li Y, Song T, Guan Z, Zhou Y, Zhang X, Liao M. Metabolomics analyses of serum metabolites perturbations associated with Naja atra bite. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011507. [PMID: 37639406 PMCID: PMC10461852 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Naja atra bite is one of the most common severe snakebites in emergency departments. Unfortunately, the pathophysiological changes caused by Naja atra bite are unclear due to the lack of good animal models. In this study, an animal model of Naja atra bite in Guangxi Bama miniature pigs was established by intramuscular injection at 2 mg/kg of Naja atra venom, and serum metabolites were systematically analyzed using untargeted metabolomic and targeted metabolomic approaches. Untargeted metabolomic analysis revealed that 5045 chromatographic peaks were obtained in ESI+ and 3871 chromatographic peaks were obtained in ESI-. Screening in ESI+ modes and ESI- modes identified 22 and 36 differential metabolites compared to controls. The presence of 8 core metabolites of glutamine, arginine, proline, leucine, phenylalanine, inosine, thymidine and hippuric acid in the process of Naja atra bite was verified by targeted metabolomics significant difference (P<0.05). At the same time, during the verification process of the serum clinical samples with Naja atra bite, we found that the contents of three metabolites of proline, phenylalanine and inosine in the serum of the patients were significantly different from those of the normal human serum (P<0.05). By conducting functional analysis of core and metabolic pathway analysis, we revealed a potential correlation between changes in key metabolites after the Naja atra bite and the resulting pathophysiological alterations, and our research aims to establish a theoretical foundation for the prompt diagnosis and treatment of Naja atra bite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongling He
- Life Science Institute Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Shaocong Hu
- Life Science Institute Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Zhi Huang
- Life Science Institute Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Caifeng Mo
- Life Science Institute Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Xiaoyang Cheng
- Life Science Institute Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Pengshu Song
- Life Science Institute Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Yalan Li
- Life Science Institute Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Tianlin Song
- Life Science Institute Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Zhezhe Guan
- Life Science Institute Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Life Science Institute Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Xuerong Zhang
- Life Science Institute Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Ming Liao
- Life Science Institute Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, PR China
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Zhao HY, He N, Sun Y, Wang YC, Zhang HB, Chen HH, Zhang YQ, Gao JF. Phylogeny-Related Variations in Venomics: A Test in a Subset of Habu Snakes ( Protobothrops). Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:toxins15050350. [PMID: 37235384 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15050350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
We conducted a comparative analysis to unveil the divergence among venoms from a subset of Old World habu snakes (Protobothrops) in terms of venomic profiles and toxicological and enzymatic activities. A total of 14 protein families were identified in the venoms from these habu snakes, and 11 of them were shared among these venoms. The venoms of five adult habu snakes were overwhelmingly dominated by SVMP (32.56 ± 13.94%), PLA2 (22.93 ± 9.26%), and SVSP (16.27 ± 4.79%), with a total abundance of over 65%, while the subadult P. mangshanensis had an extremely low abundance of PLA2 (1.23%) but a high abundance of CTL (51.47%), followed by SVMP (22.06%) and SVSP (10.90%). Apparent interspecific variations in lethality and enzymatic activities were also explored in habu snake venoms, but no variations in myotoxicity were found. Except for SVSP, the resemblance of the relatives within Protobothrops in other venom traits was estimated to deviate from Brownian motion evolution based on phylogenetic signals. A comparative analysis further validated that the degree of covariation between phylogeny and venom variation is evolutionarily labile and varies among clades of closely related snakes. Our findings indicate a high level of interspecific variation in the venom proteomes of habu snakes, both in the presence or absence and the relative abundance of venom protein families, and that these venoms might have evolved under a combination of adaptive and neutral mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Yan Zhao
- Herpetological Research Center, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Na He
- Herpetological Research Center, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Herpetological Research Center, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Yong-Chen Wang
- Herpetological Research Center, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Hao-Bing Zhang
- Herpetological Research Center, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Hui-Hui Chen
- Herpetological Research Center, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Ya-Qi Zhang
- Herpetological Research Center, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Jian-Fang Gao
- Herpetological Research Center, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
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10
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Liu CC, Chou YS, Wu CJ, Hsieh CH, Hsiao YC, Chu LJ, Ouyang CH, Lin CC, Liaw GW, Chen CK. Detection of cytotoxins by sandwich-ELISA for discrimination of cobra envenomation and indication of necrotic severity. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 242:124969. [PMID: 37210050 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Snake envenoming is both a healthcare and socioeconomic problem for developing countries and underserved communities. In Taiwan, clinical management of Naja atra envenomation is a major challenge, since cobra venom-induced symptoms are usually confused with hemorrhagic snakebites and current antivenom treatments do not effectively prevent venom-induced necrosis for which early surgical debridement should be administered. Identification and validation of biomarkers of cobra envenomation is critical for progress in setting a realistic goal for snakebite management in Taiwan. Previously, cytotoxin (CTX) was determined as one of potential biomarker candidates; however, its ability to discriminate cobra envenoming remains to be verified, especially in clinical practice. In this study, we selected a monoclonal single-chain variable fragment (scFv) and a polyclonal antibody to develop a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for CTX detection, which successfully recognized CTX from N. atra venom over that from other snake species. Using this specific assay, the CTX concentration in envenoming mice was shown to remain consistent in about 150 ng/mL during the 2-hour post-injection period. The measured concentration was highly correlated with the size of local necrosis in mouse dorsal skin, which the correlation coefficient is about 0.988. Furthermore, our ELISA method displayed 100 % of specificity and sensitivity in discriminating cobra envenoming among snakebite victims through CTX detection and the level of CTX in victim plasma was ranged from 5.8 to 253.9 ng/mL. Additionally, patients developed tissue necrosis at plasma CTX concentrations higher than 150 ng/mL. Thus, CTX not only serves as a verified biomarker for discrimination of cobra envenoming but also a potential indicator of severity of local necrosis. In this context, detection of CTX may facilitate reliable identification of envenoming species and improve snakebite management in Taiwan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Chun Liu
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Shao Chou
- Department of Emergency Medicine, En Chu Kong Hospital, New Taipei City 23741, Taiwan
| | - Cho-Ju Wu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Hsien Hsieh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, En Chu Kong Hospital, New Taipei City 23741, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11042, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Chin Hsiao
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan; Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Lichieh Julie Chu
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan; Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hsiang Ouyang
- Department of Trauma and Emergency Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Chuan Lin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
| | - Geng-Wang Liaw
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yeezen General Hospital, Taoyuan 32645, Taiwan.
| | - Chun-Kuei Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan.
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11
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Immunoprofiling of Equine Plasma against Deinagkistrodon acutus in Taiwan: Key to Understanding Differential Neutralization Potency in Immunized Horses. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8010051. [PMID: 36668958 PMCID: PMC9866385 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8010051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Snakebite envenoming is a public health issue linked to high mortality and morbidity rates worldwide. Although antivenom has been the mainstay treatment for envenomed victims receiving medical care, the diverse therapeutic efficacy of the produced antivenom is a major limitation. Deinagkistrodon acutus is a venomous snake that poses significant concern of risks to human life in Taiwan, and successful production of antivenom against D. acutus envenoming remains a considerable challenge. Among groups of horses subjected to immunization schedules, few or none subsequently meet the quality required for further scale-up harvesting. The determinants underlying the variable immune responses of horses to D. acutus venom are currently unknown. In this study, we assessed the immunoprofiles of high-potency and low-potency horse plasma against D. acutus venom and explored the conspicuous differences between these two groups. Based on the results of liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), acutolysin A was identified as the major component of venom proteins that immunoreacted differentially with the two plasma samples. Our findings indicate underlying differences in antivenoms with variable neutralization efficacies, and may provide valuable insights for improvement of antivenom production in the future.
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12
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A current perspective on snake venom composition and constituent protein families. Arch Toxicol 2023; 97:133-153. [PMID: 36437303 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-022-03420-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Snake venoms are heterogeneous mixtures of proteins and peptides used for prey subjugation. With modern proteomics there has been a rapid expansion in our knowledge of snake venom composition, resulting in the venom proteomes of 30% of vipers and 17% of elapids being characterised. From the reasonably complete proteomic coverage of front-fanged snake venom composition (179 species-68 species of elapids and 111 species of vipers), the venoms of vipers and elapids contained 42 different protein families, although 18 were only reported in < 5% of snake species. Based on the mean abundance and occurrence of the 42 protein families, they can be classified into 4 dominant, 6 secondary, 14 minor, and 18 rare protein families. The dominant, secondary and minor categories account for 96% on average of a snake's venom composition. The four dominant protein families are: phospholipase A2 (PLA2), snake venom metalloprotease (SVMP), three-finger toxins (3FTx), and snake venom serine protease (SVSP). The six secondary protein families are: L-amino acid oxidase (LAAO), cysteine-rich secretory protein (CRiSP), C-type lectins (CTL), disintegrins (DIS), kunitz peptides (KUN), and natriuretic peptides (NP). Venom variation occurs at all taxonomic levels, including within populations. The reasons for venom variation are complex, as variation is not always associated with geographical variation in diet. The four dominant protein families appear to be the most important toxin families in human envenomation, being responsible for coagulopathy, neurotoxicity, myotoxicity and cytotoxicity. Proteomic techniques can be used to investigate the toxicological profile of a snake venom and hence identify key protein families for antivenom immunorecognition.
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13
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Lin CC, Shih CP, Wang CC, Ouyang CH, Liu CC, Yu JS, Lo CH. The Clinical Usefulness of Taiwan Bivalent Freeze-Dried Hemorrhagic Antivenom in Protobothrops mucrosquamatus- and Viridovipera stejnegeri-Envenomed Patients. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14110794. [PMID: 36422968 PMCID: PMC9699225 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14110794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Snakebites from Protobothrops mucrosquamatus (Taiwan habus) and Viridovipera stejnegeri (green bamboo vipers) account for the most venomous snakebites in Taiwan. The bivalent freeze-dried hemorrhagic (FH) antivenom is employed to treat these two snakebite patients without a strict clinical trial. We evaluated the clinical usefulness of Taiwan bivalent freeze-dried hemorrhagic (FH) antivenom in Taiwan habu- and green bamboo viper-envenomed patients. We checked ELISA- based serum venom antigen levels before and after FH antivenom to evaluate FH's ability to neutralize patients' serum snake venom and its usefulness in reducing limb swelling after snakebites. Patients who had higher serum venom antigen levels had more severe limb swelling. Of the 33 enrolled patients, most of their snake venom antigen levels were undetected after the appliance of antivenom. Most enrolled patients (25/33) had their limb swelling subside within 12 h after antivenom treatment. The failure to reduce limb swelling was probably due to an inadequate antivenom dose applied in more severely envenomated patients. Our data indicate the feasibility of the FH antivenom in effectively eliminating venom and resolving the affected limb swelling caused by Taiwan habu and green bamboo viper bites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Chuan Lin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Correspondence:
| | - Chia-Pang Shih
- Department of Nursing, Yuanpei University of Medical Technology, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Cheng Wang
- Department of Traumatology and Emergency Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hsiang Ouyang
- Department of Traumatology and Emergency Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Chun Liu
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Jau-Song Yu
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hong Lo
- Department of General Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
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14
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Platelet Desialylation Is a Novel Mechanism and Therapeutic Target in Daboia siamensis and Agkistrodon halys Envenomation-Induced Thrombocytopenia. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27227779. [PMID: 36431880 PMCID: PMC9695323 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27227779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Venom-induced thrombocytopenia (VIT) is one of the most important hemotoxic effects of a snakebite, which is often associated with venom-induced consumptive coagulopathy (VICC). Refractory thrombocytopenia without significant coagulation abnormalities has also been reported after envenomation by some viperid snakes; however, the mechanisms are not well understood and therapeutic strategies are lacking. Here, we found that patients injured by Daboia siamensis or Agkistrodon halys snakes, who were resistant to standard antivenom treatment, had developed coagulopathy-independent thrombocytopenia. Venoms from these viperid snakes, rather than from the elapid snake (Bungarus multicinctus), induced platelet surface expression of neuraminidase-1 (NEU-1), and significantly increased the desialylation of the glycoproteins on human platelets. The desialylated platelets caused by viperid snake venoms were further internalized by macrophages, which resulted in reduced platelet numbers in peripheral blood. Importantly, neuraminidase inhibitor significantly decreased viper venom-induced platelet desialylation, therefore inhibiting platelet phagocytosis by macrophages, and alleviating venom-induced thrombocytopenia. Collectively, these findings support an important role for desialylated platelet clearance in the progression of viper envenomation-induced, coagulopathy-independent thrombocytopenia. Our study demonstrates that the neuraminidase inhibitor may be a potential therapy or adjuvant therapy to treat snakebite-induced thrombocytopenia.
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15
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Abdullah NAH, Sainik NQAV, Esa E, Muhamad Hendri NA, Ahmad Rusmili MR, Hodgson WC, Shaikh MF, Othman I. Neuroprotective effect of phospholipase A 2 from Malaysian Naja sumatrana venom against H 2O 2-induced cell damage and apoptosis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:935418. [PMID: 36313292 PMCID: PMC9614335 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.935418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress is one of the factors involved in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases. It has been reported that a secretory phospholipase A2 known as A2-EPTX-NSm1a has lower cytotoxicity in neuronal cells compared to its crude Naja sumatrana venom. In this study, A2-EPTX-NSm1a was tested for its neuroprotective activity on human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y) differentiated into cholinergic neurons against oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). H2O2 treatment alone increased the caspase-3 and caspase-8 activities, whereas pre-treatment with A2-EPTX-NSm1a reduced the activity of these apoptosis-associated proteins. Moreover, A2-EPTX-NSm1a protects the morphology and ultrastructure of differentiated SH-SY5Y cells in the presence of H2O2. Oxidative stress increased the number of small mitochondria. Further evaluation showed the size of mitochondria with a length below 0.25 µm in oxidative stress conditions is higher than the control group, suggesting mitochondria fragmentation. Pre-treatment with A2-EPTX-NSm1a attenuated the number of mitochondria in cells with H2O2 Furthermore, A2-EPTX-NSm1a altered the expression of several neuroprotein biomarkers of GDNF, IL-8, MCP-1, TIMP-1, and TNF-R1 in cells under oxidative stress induced by H2O2. These findings indicate that anti-apoptosis with mitochondria-related protection, anti-inflammatory effect, and promote expression of important markers for cell survival may underlie the neuroprotective effect of A2-EPTX-NSm1a in cholinergic rich human cells under oxidative stress, a vital role in the neuronal disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Atiqah Haizum Abdullah
- Neuropharmacology Research Laboratory, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
- Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nur Qisya Afifah Veronica Sainik
- Haematology Unit, Cancer Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam, Malaysia
| | - Ezalia Esa
- Haematology Unit, Cancer Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam, Malaysia
| | - Nur Afrina Muhamad Hendri
- Department of Electron Microscopy, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam, Malaysia
| | | | - Wayne C. Hodgson
- Department of Pharmacology, Monash Venom Group, Biomedical Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Mohd Farooq Shaikh
- Neuropharmacology Research Laboratory, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Iekhsan Othman
- Neuropharmacology Research Laboratory, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
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16
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Hu S, Lou Z, Shen Y, Tu M. Bacteriological Studies of Venomous Snakebite Wounds in Hangzhou, Southeast China. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2022; 107:925-929. [PMID: 36067984 PMCID: PMC9651534 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.21-1314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Snakebite is a common occurrence in Hangzhou, and identifying bacteria in wounds is very important for snakebite treatment. To define the pattern of wound bacterial flora of venomous snakebites and their susceptibility to common antibiotics, we reviewed the medical charts of patients admitted with snakebite at Hangzhou TCM Hospital from January 2019 to December 2020. A total of 311 patients were enrolled in this study. Among them, bacteria culture was positive in 40 patients, and 80 organisms were isolated. The most frequent pathogens were Morganella morganii and Staphylococcus aureus. According to the results of susceptibility testing, a majority of the isolates were resistant to some common first-line antibiotics, such as ampicillin, ampicillin/sulbactam, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, cefoxitin, and cephazolin. Quinolones, however, have shown a better antibacterial effect. In conclusion, snakebite wounds involve a wide range of bacteria. Fluoroquinolones, such as levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin, could be an alternative for empirical treatment in patients with snakebite when the effect of other antibiotics is poor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sipin Hu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhengqing Lou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuchen Shen
- Department of Dermatology, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mengyun Tu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
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17
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Chen C, Wen M, Jin Y. 1DE-MS Profiling for Proteoform-Correlated Proteomic Analysis, by Combining SDS-PAGE, Whole-Gel Slicing, Quantitative LC-MS/MS, and Reconstruction of Gel Distributions of Several Thousands of Proteins. J Proteome Res 2022; 21:2311-2330. [PMID: 36018058 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.2c00180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
SDS-PAGE has often been used in proteomic analysis, but generally for sample prefractionation although the technique separates proteins by molecular masses (Mws) and the information would contribute to proteoform-level analysis. Here, we report a method that combines SDS-PAGE, whole-gel slicing, and quantitative LC-MS/MS for establishing gel distributions of several thousand proteins in a proteome. A previously obtained data set on rat cerebral cortex with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury1 was analyzed, and the gel distributions of 5906 proteins were reconstructed. These distributions, referred to as 1DE-MS profiles, revealed that about 30% of the proteins had more than one proteoform detected in the gels. The profiles were categorized into six types by distribution (narrow, dispersed, or broad) and relative deviations between the abundance-peak apparent Mws and calculated Mws. Only 56% of the proteins showed narrow distributions and matched Mws, while the others had rather complex profiles. Bioinformatic analysis on example profiles showed the resolved proteoforms involved alternative splicing, proteolytic processing, glycosylation and ubiquitination, fragmentation, and probably transmembrane structures. Profile-based differential analysis revealed that many of the disease-caused changes were proteoform dependent. This work provided a proteome-scale view of protein distributions in SDS-PAGE gels, and the method would be useful to obtain proteoform-correlated information for in-depth proteomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changming Chen
- Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Meiling Wen
- Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Ya Jin
- Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
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18
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Tan KY, Shamsuddin NN, Tan CH. Sharp-nosed Pit Viper (Deinagkistrodon acutus) from Taiwan and China: A comparative study on venom toxicity and neutralization by two specific antivenoms across the Strait. Acta Trop 2022; 232:106495. [PMID: 35504314 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
In East Asia, the Sharp-nosed Pit Viper (Deinagkistrodon acutus) is a medically important venomous snake in Taiwan and China, two geographical areas long separated by the Taiwan Strait. Yet, snake venom variation is little known between specimens found across the Strait. This study thus investigated the intra-species variation of D. acutus venoms from Taiwan (Da-Taiwan) and China (Da-China) in their profiles of gel electrophoresis, toxicity, immunoreactivity and neutralization effect by antivenom. Da-China venom exhibited higher procoagulant, hemorrhagic and lethal activities than Da-Taiwan venom, presumably attributed to the higher abundance of moderate-to-high molecular weight toxins (procoagulants and hemorrhagins) in the venom. The mono-specific antivenoms produced in Taiwan (DaMAV-Taiwan) and China (DaMAV-China) were immunoreactive toward both venoms, and were able to neutralize the venom toxicity to different extents. DaMAV-Taiwan was more efficacious in neutralizing the venom procoagulant and lethal effects, while DaMAV-China was more potent against hemorrhagic effect. The discrepancy in efficacy between the two antivenoms could be due to varying proportions of neutralizing antibodies in the respective products, influenced by techniques of antibody raising and purification. Further study is warranted to elucidate variation in the proteome and antigenicity of D. acutus venom between snakes from Taiwan and China.
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19
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Xiao G, Liu J, Peng L, Yang Y, Sun Z. Compositional and toxicological investigation of pooled venom from farm-raised Naja atra. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2022; 28:e20210040. [PMID: 35382111 PMCID: PMC8956250 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2021-0040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Naja atra is a venomous snake species medically relevant in
China. In the current study, we evaluated the composition and toxicological
profile of venom collected from farm-raised N. atra. Methods: Venom was collected from third-generation captive bred N.
atra on a snake farm in Hunan Province, China. The venom was
analyzed using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and
nano-liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization tandem mass
spectrometry. In addition, hemolytic activity, median lethal dose, serum
biochemical and histopathological parameters were accessed. Results: N. atra venom proteome was dominated by phospholipase
A2 (46.5%) and three-finger toxins (41.4 %), and a set of
common low relative abundance proteins, including cysteine-rich secretory
proteins (4.7%), NGF-beta (2.4%), snake venom metalloproteinase (1.5%),
glutathione peroxidase (0.6%), vespryn (0.3%), and 5ʹ-nucleotidases (0.2%)
were also found. Furthermore, the venom exhibited direct hemolytic activity,
neurotoxicity, myotoxicity, and high lethal potency in mice, with a
subcutaneous median lethal dose of 1.02 mg/kg. Histopathological analysis
and serum biochemical tests revealed that venom caused acute hepatic,
pulmonary and renal injury in mice. Conclusion: This study revealed the composition and toxicity of venom collected from
farm-raised N. atra, thereby providing a reference for the
analysis of venom samples collected from captive-born venomous snakes in the
future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Xiao
- Hunan Agricultural University, China; Hunan Agricultural University, China
| | - Junqi Liu
- Hunan Agricultural University, China; Hunan Institute of Animal and Veterinary Science, China
| | - Lingfeng Peng
- Hunan Agricultural University, China; Hunan Agricultural University, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Hunan Agricultural University, China
| | - Zhiliang Sun
- Hunan Agricultural University, China; Hunan Agricultural University, China
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20
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Wei Y, Liu T, Zheng B, Song Y, Wang S, Zheng M, Xu Y, Chi Y, Zhao M, Duan JA, Han S, Liu R. A strategy for the enrichment and characterization of disulfide bond-contained proteins from Chinese cobra (Naja atra) venom. J Sep Sci 2021; 45:812-823. [PMID: 34898000 DOI: 10.1002/jssc.202100620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
A new strategy combined gold-coated magnetic nanocomposites assisted enrichment with mass spectrometry was developed for the characterization of disulfide bond-contained proteins from Chinese cobra (Naja atra) venom. In this work, core-shell nanocomposites were synthesized by the seed-mediated growth method and used for the enrichment of snake venom proteins containing disulfide bonds. A total of 3545 tryptic digested peptides derived from 96 venom proteins in Naja atra venom were identified. The venom proteins comprised 14 toxin families including three-finger toxins, phospholipase A2 , snake venom metalloproteinase, cobra venom factor, and so forth. Extra 16 venom proteins were detected exclusively in the nanocomposites set, among which 11 venom proteins were from the three-finger toxins family. In the present study, the proposed simple and efficient protocol replaced the tedious and laborious technologies commonly used for pre-separating crude snake venom, suggesting widely implementation in low-abundance or trace disulfide bond-contained proteins or peptides characterization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanqing Wei
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China.,Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Research and Development in Marine Bio-resource Pharmaceutics, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China
| | - Ting Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China
| | - Binru Zheng
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China
| | - Yilin Song
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China
| | - Shengsong Wang
- Anhui Qimen Institute of Snakebite, Huangshan, 245000, P. R. China
| | - Mojuan Zheng
- Anhui Qimen Institute of Snakebite, Huangshan, 245000, P. R. China
| | - Yanling Xu
- Anhui Qimen Institute of Snakebite, Huangshan, 245000, P. R. China
| | - Yumei Chi
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China
| | - Ming Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China.,Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China
| | - Jin-Ao Duan
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China.,Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China
| | - Shuying Han
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China
| | - Rui Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China.,Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Research and Development in Marine Bio-resource Pharmaceutics, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China
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21
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Shen C, Liu M, Mackeigan DT, Chen ZY, Chen P, Karakas D, Li J, Norris PAA, Li J, Deng Y, Long C, Lai R, Ni H. Viper venoms drive the macrophages and hepatocytes to sequester and clear platelets: novel mechanism and therapeutic strategy for venom-induced thrombocytopenia. Arch Toxicol 2021; 95:3589-3599. [PMID: 34519865 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-021-03154-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Venomous snakebites cause clinical manifestations that range from local to systemic and are considered a significant global health challenge. Persistent or refractory thrombocytopenia has been frequently reported in snakebite patients, especially in cases caused by viperidae snakes. Viper envenomation-induced thrombocytopenia may persist in the absence of significant consumption coagulopathy even after the antivenom treatment, yet the mechanism remains largely unknown. Our study aims to investigate the mechanism and discover novel therapeutic targets for coagulopathy-independent thrombocytopenia caused by viper envenomation. Here we found that patients bitten by Protobothrops mucrosquamatus and Trimeresurus stejnegeri, rather than Naja. atra may develop antivenom-resistant and coagulopathy-independent thrombocytopenia. Crude venoms and the derived C-type lectin-like proteins from these vipers significantly increased platelet surface expression of neuraminidase and platelet desialylation, therefore led to platelet ingestion by both macrophages and hepatocytes in vitro, and drastically decreased peripheral platelet counts in vivo. Our study is the first to demonstrate that desialylation-mediated platelet clearance is a novel mechanism of viper envenomation-induced refractory thrombocytopenia and C-type lectin-like proteins derived from the viper venoms contribute to snake venom-induced thrombocytopenia. The results of this study suggest the inhibition of platelet desialylation as a novel therapeutic strategy against viper venom-induced refractory thrombocytopenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanbin Shen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A1, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, LKSKI-Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, and Toronto Platelet Immunobiology Group, Toronto, ON, M5B 1W8, Canada
| | - Ming Liu
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Daniel Thomas Mackeigan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, LKSKI-Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, and Toronto Platelet Immunobiology Group, Toronto, ON, M5B 1W8, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Zi Yan Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A1, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, LKSKI-Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, and Toronto Platelet Immunobiology Group, Toronto, ON, M5B 1W8, Canada
- Canadian Blood Services Centre for Innovation, Toronto, ON, M5G 2M1, Canada
| | - Pingguo Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, LKSKI-Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, and Toronto Platelet Immunobiology Group, Toronto, ON, M5B 1W8, Canada
- Canadian Blood Services Centre for Innovation, Toronto, ON, M5G 2M1, Canada
| | - Danielle Karakas
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A1, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, LKSKI-Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, and Toronto Platelet Immunobiology Group, Toronto, ON, M5B 1W8, Canada
| | - June Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A1, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, LKSKI-Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, and Toronto Platelet Immunobiology Group, Toronto, ON, M5B 1W8, Canada
- Canadian Blood Services Centre for Innovation, Toronto, ON, M5G 2M1, Canada
| | - Peter A A Norris
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A1, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, LKSKI-Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, and Toronto Platelet Immunobiology Group, Toronto, ON, M5B 1W8, Canada
- Canadian Blood Services Centre for Innovation, Toronto, ON, M5G 2M1, Canada
| | - Jiayao Li
- Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Wuzhou City, Wuzhou, 543002, Guangxi, China
| | - Yanling Deng
- Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Wuzhou City, Wuzhou, 543002, Guangxi, China
| | - Chengbo Long
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province/Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, 650223, Yunnan, China
- KIZ/CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223, Yunnan, China
| | - Ren Lai
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province/Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, 650223, Yunnan, China.
- KIZ/CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223, Yunnan, China.
| | - Heyu Ni
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A1, Canada.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, LKSKI-Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, and Toronto Platelet Immunobiology Group, Toronto, ON, M5B 1W8, Canada.
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A1, Canada.
- Canadian Blood Services Centre for Innovation, Toronto, ON, M5G 2M1, Canada.
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A1, Canada.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Department of Medicine and Department of Physiology, University of TorontoCanadian Blood Services Centre for Innovation, St. Michael's Hospital, Room 421, LKSKI - Keenan Research Centre, 209 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON, M5B 1W8, Canada.
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22
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Nie X, He Q, Zhou B, Huang D, Chen J, Chen Q, Yang S, Yu X. Exploring the five-paced viper ( Deinagkistrodon acutus) venom proteome by integrating a combinatorial peptide ligand library approach with shotgun LC-MS/MS. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2021; 27:e20200196. [PMID: 34745239 PMCID: PMC8547348 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2020-0196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Snake venoms are complex mixtures of toxic proteins or peptides encoded by various gene families that function synergistically to incapacitate prey. In the present study, in order to unravel the proteomic repertoire of Deinagkistrodon acutus venom, some trace abundance components were analyzed. METHODS Shotgun proteomic approach combined with shotgun nano-LC-ESI-MS/MS were employed to characterize the medically important D. acutus venom, after collected samples were enriched with the combinatorial peptide ligand library (CPLL). RESULTS This avenue helped us find some trace components, undetected before, in D. acutus venom. The results indicated that D. acutus venom comprised 84 distinct proteins from 10 toxin families and 12 other proteins. These results are more than twice the number of venom components obtained from previous studies, which were only 29 distinct proteins obtained through RP-HPLC for the venom of the same species. The present results indicated that in D. acutus venom, the most abundant components (66.9%) included metalloproteinases, serine proteinases, and C-type lectin proteins; the medium abundant components (13%) comprised phospholipases A2 (PLA2) and 5'-nucleotidases and nucleases; whereas least abundant components (6%) were aminopeptidases, L-amino acid oxidases (LAAO), neurotoxins and disintegrins; and the trace components. The last were undetected before the use of conventional shotgun proteomics combined with shotgun nano-LC-ESI-MS/MS, such as cysteine-rich secretory proteins Da-CRPa, phospholipases B-like 1, phospholipases B (PLB), nerve growth factors (NGF), glutaminyl-peptide cyclortransferases (QC), and vascular non-inflammatory molecules 2 (VNN2). CONCLUSION These findings demonstrated that the CPLL enrichment method worked well in finding the trace toxin proteins in D. acutus venom, in contrast with the previous venomic characterization of D. acutus by conventional LC-MS/MS. In conclusion, this approach combined with the CPLL enrichment was effective for allowing us to explore the hidden D. acutus venomic profile and extended the list of potential venom toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuekui Nie
- Animal Toxin Group, Engineering Research Center of Active Substance and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiyi He
- Animal Toxin Group, Engineering Research Center of Active Substance and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bin Zhou
- Library, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dachun Huang
- Animal Toxin Group, Engineering Research Center of Active Substance and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Junbo Chen
- Animal Toxin Group, Engineering Research Center of Active Substance and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qianzi Chen
- Animal Toxin Group, Engineering Research Center of Active Substance and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shuqing Yang
- Emergency Department, Chongqing Emergency Medical Center, Chongqing University Central Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaodong Yu
- Animal Toxin Group, Engineering Research Center of Active Substance and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
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23
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Oh AMF, Tan KY, Tan NH, Tan CH. Proteomics and neutralization of Bungarus multicinctus (Many-banded Krait) venom: Intra-specific comparisons between specimens from China and Taiwan. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2021; 247:109063. [PMID: 33910092 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2021.109063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The Many-banded Krait (Bungarus multicinctus) is a medically important venomous snake in East Asia. This study investigated the venom proteomes of B. multicinctus from Guangdong, southern China (BM-China) and insular Taiwan (BM-Taiwan), and the neutralization activities of two antivenom products (produced separately in China and Taiwan) against the lethal effect of the venoms. The venom proteomes of both specimens contained similar toxin families, notwithstanding small variations in the subtypes and abundances of minor components. More than 90% of the total venom proteins belong to three-finger toxins (3FTx, including alpha-neurotoxins) and phospholipases A2 (PLA2, including beta-bungarotoxins), supporting their key involvement in the pathophysiology of krait envenomation which manifests as pre- and post-synaptic neurotoxicity. The venoms exhibited potent neurotoxic and lethal effects with extremely low i.v. LD50 of 0.027 μg/g (Bm-China) and 0.087 μg/g (Bm-Taiwan), respectively, in mice. Bungarus multicinctus monovalent antivenom (BMMAV) produced in China and Neuro bivalent antivenom (NBAV) produced in Taiwan were immunoreactive toward both venoms and their toxin fractions. The antivenoms neutralized the venom lethality variably, with BMMAV being more efficacious than NBAV by approximately two-fold. Findings suggest that the monovalent antivenom has a higher potency presumably due to its species-specificity toward the krait venom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angeline Mei Feng Oh
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Kae Yi Tan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nget Hong Tan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Choo Hock Tan
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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24
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Damm M, Hempel BF, Süssmuth RD. Old World Vipers-A Review about Snake Venom Proteomics of Viperinae and Their Variations. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13060427. [PMID: 34204565 PMCID: PMC8235416 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13060427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fine-tuned by millions of years of evolution, snake venoms have frightened but also fascinated humanity and nowadays they constitute potential resources for drug development, therapeutics and antivenoms. The continuous progress of mass spectrometry techniques and latest advances in proteomics workflows enabled toxinologists to decipher venoms by modern omics technologies, so-called ‘venomics’. A tremendous upsurge reporting on snake venom proteomes could be observed. Within this review we focus on the highly venomous and widely distributed subfamily of Viperinae (Serpentes: Viperidae). A detailed public literature database search was performed (2003–2020) and we extensively reviewed all compositional venom studies of the so-called Old-World Vipers. In total, 54 studies resulted in 89 venom proteomes. The Viperinae venoms are dominated by four major, four secondary, six minor and several rare toxin families and peptides, respectively. The multitude of different venomics approaches complicates the comparison of venom composition datasets and therefore we differentiated between non-quantitative and three groups of quantitative workflows. The resulting direct comparisons within these groups show remarkable differences on the intra- and interspecies level across genera with a focus on regional differences. In summary, the present compilation is the first comprehensive up-to-date database on Viperinae venom proteomes and differentiating between analytical methods and workflows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maik Damm
- Department of Chemistry, Technische Universität Berlin, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Benjamin-Florian Hempel
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, (BCRT), 10117 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Roderich D. Süssmuth
- Department of Chemistry, Technische Universität Berlin, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, Germany;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(0)30-314-24205
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25
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Yeh H, Gao SY, Lin CC. Wound Infections from Taiwan Cobra ( Naja atra) Bites: Determining Bacteriology, Antibiotic Susceptibility, and the Use of Antibiotics-A Cobra BITE Study. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13030183. [PMID: 33801318 PMCID: PMC7999477 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13030183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Wound necrosis and secondary infection are common complications after Naja atra bites. Clinical tools to evaluate the infection risk after Taiwan cobra bites are lacking. In this Cobra BITE study, we investigated the prevalence of wound infection, bacteriology, and corresponding antibiotic usage in patients presenting with Taiwan cobra snakebites. Patients with wound infection lacking tissue necrosis were included in developing Cobra BITE score utilizing univariate and multiple logistic regression, as patients with wound necrosis require antibiotics for infection treatment. 8,295,497 emergency department visits occurred in the span of this study, with 195 of those patients being diagnosed as having cobra bites. Of these patients, 23 had wound necrosis, and 30 had wound infection, resulting in a wound infection rate of 27.2% (53/195). Enterococcus faecalis and Morganella morganii were the main bacteria identified in the culture report regardless of whether patients’ wounds had necrosis. As per our Cobra BITE score, the three factors predicting secondary wound infection after cobra bites are hospital admission, a white blood cell count (in 103/µL) × by neu-trophil-lymphocyte ratio value of ≥114.23, and the use of antivenin medication. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the Cobra BITE score system was 0.88; ideal sensitivity and specificity were 0.89 and 0.76. This scoring system enables the assessment of wound infections after N. atra bites, and it could be modified and improved in the future for other Naja spp. bites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Yeh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Lin-Kou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan; (H.Y.); (S.-Y.G.)
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Shi-Ying Gao
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Lin-Kou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan; (H.Y.); (S.-Y.G.)
| | - Chih-Chuan Lin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Lin-Kou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan; (H.Y.); (S.-Y.G.)
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
- Correspondence:
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26
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In Vitro Neurotoxicity of Chinese Krait ( Bungarus multicinctus) Venom and Neutralization by Antivenoms. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13010049. [PMID: 33440641 PMCID: PMC7827797 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13010049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Bungarus multicinctus, the Chinese krait, is a highly venomous elapid snake which causes considerable morbidity and mortality in southern China. B. multicinctus venom contains pre-synaptic PLA2 neurotoxins (i.e., β-bungarotoxins) and post-synaptic neurotoxins (i.e., α-bungarotoxins). We examined the in vitro neurotoxicity of B. multicinctus venom, and the efficacy of specific monovalent Chinese B. multicinctus antivenom, and Australian polyvalent elapid snake antivenom, against venom-induced neurotoxicity. B. multicinctus venom (1-10 μg/mL) abolished indirect twitches in the chick biventer cervicis nerve-muscle preparation as well as attenuating contractile responses to exogenous ACh and CCh, but not KCl. This indicates a post-synaptic neurotoxic action but myotoxicity was not evident. Given that post-synaptic α-neurotoxins have a more rapid onset than pre-synaptic neurotoxins, the activity of the latter in the whole venom will be masked. The prior addition of Chinese B. multicinctus antivenom (12 U/mL) or Australian polyvalent snake antivenom (15 U/mL), markedly attenuated the neurotoxic actions of B. multicinctus venom (3 μg/mL) and prevented the inhibition of contractile responses to ACh and CCh. The addition of B. multicinctus antivenom (60 U/mL), or Australian polyvalent snake antivenom (50 U/mL), at the t90 time point after the addition of B. multicinctus venom (3 μg/mL), did not restore the twitch height over 180 min. The earlier addition of B. multicinctus antivenom (60 U/mL), at the t20 or t50 time points, also failed to prevent the neurotoxic effects of the venom but did delay the time to abolish twitches based on a comparison of t90 values. Repeated washing of the preparation with physiological salt solution, commencing at the t20 time point, failed to reverse the neurotoxic effects of venom or delay the time to abolish twitches. This study showed that B. multicinctus venom displays marked in vitro neurotoxicity in a skeletal muscle preparation which is not reversed by antivenom. This does not appear to be related to antivenom efficacy, but due to the irreversible/pseudo-irreversible nature of the neurotoxins.
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27
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Liu CC, Wu CJ, Hsiao YC, Yang YH, Liu KL, Huang GJ, Hsieh CH, Chen CK, Liaw GW. Snake venom proteome of Protobothrops mucrosquamatus in Taiwan: Delaying venom-induced lethality in a rodent model by inhibition of phospholipase A 2 activity with varespladib. J Proteomics 2020; 234:104084. [PMID: 33359941 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2020.104084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Protobothrops mucrosquamatus, also known as the brown spotted pit viper or Taiwanese habu, is a medically significant venomous snake in Taiwan, especially in the northern area. To more fully understand the proteome profile of P. mucrosquamatus, we characterized its venom composition using a bottom-up proteomic approach. Whole venom components were fractionated by RP-HPLC and then analyzed by SDS-PAGE. Each protein band in gels was excised and subjected to protein identification by LC-MS/MS. A subsequent proteomic analysis revealed the presence of 61 distinct proteins belonging to 19 families in P. mucrosquamatus venom. Snake venom metalloproteinase (SVMP; 29.4%), C-type lectin (CLEC; 21.1%), snake venom serine protease (SVSP; 17.6%) and phospholipase A2 (PLA2; 15.9%) were the most abundant protein families, whereas several low-abundance proteins, categorized into eight protein families, were demonstrated in P. mucrosquamatus venom for the first time. Because PLA2 is known to make a major contribution to venom lethality, we evaluated whether the known PLA2 inhibitor, varespladib, was capable of preventing the toxic effects of P. mucrosquamatus venom. This small-molecule drug demonstrated the ability to inhibit PLA2 activity in vitro (IC50 = 101.3 nM). It also blunted lethality in vivo, prolonging survival following venom injection in a mouse model, but it showed limited potency against venom-induced local hemorrhage in this model. Our findings provide essential biological and pathophysiological insights into the composition of P. mucrosquamatus venom and suggest PLA2 inhibition as an adjunctive or alternative therapeutic strategy in the clinical management of P. mucrosquamatus envenoming in emergency medicine. SIGNIFICANCE: P. mucrosquamatus envenomation is a significant medical concern in Taiwan, especially in the northern region. Although antivenom is commonly used for rescuing P. mucrosquamatus envenoming, severe clinical events still occur, with more than 20% of cases requiring surgical intervention. Small-molecule therapy offers several advantages as a potential adjunctive, or even alternative, to antivenom treatment, such as heat stability, low antigenicity and ease of administration, among others. A deeper understanding of the venom proteome of P. mucrosquamatus would aid in the discovery of small-molecule drugs that could be repurposed to target specific venom proteins. Here, we applied a bottom-up proteomic approach to characterize the protein profile of P. mucrosquamatus venom. Varespladib, a small-molecule drug used to treat inflammatory disease, was repurposed to inhibit the toxicity of P. mucrosquamatus venom, and was shown to reduce the lethal effects of P. mucrosquamatus envenomation in a rodent model. Varespladib might be used as a first-aid therapeutic against P. mucrosquamatus envenoming in the pre-referral period and/or as an adjunctive agent administered together with anti-P. mucrosquamatus antivenom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Chun Liu
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Cho-Ju Wu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Chin Hsiao
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Han Yang
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Kuei-Lin Liu
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Laboratory Science in Medicine, School of Medical Technology and Engineering, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Guo-Jen Huang
- Department and Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Hsien Hsieh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, En Chu Kong Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Kuei Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Geng-Wang Liaw
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yeezen General Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
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28
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Huang F, Zhao S, Tong F, Liang Y, Le Grange JM, Kuang W, Zhou Y. Unexpected death in a young man associated with a unilateral swollen leg: Pathological and toxicological findings in a fatal snakebite from Deinagkistrodon acutus (Chinese moccasin). J Forensic Sci 2020; 66:786-792. [PMID: 33227152 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Deinagkistrodon acutus (D. acutus), also known as the Chinese moccasin, is a viper species found throughout the southeastern parts of China, northern Vietnam and Laos. D. acutus envenomation can result in coagulopathy and lead to death if not treated correctly. A 20-year-old man was discovered with a severely swollen left thigh with overlying dark purple, discolored skin. He was immediately transported to hospital. Laboratory examinations revealed dysfunctional coagulation and fluid-electrolyte imbalances. He died 2 h later despite resuscitation efforts. Surveillance footage revealed that he had walked through a grass field while returning home that night. Autopsy and pathological examination findings revealed a large area of muscle necrosis of the left thigh, renal tubular necrosis, and hepatocyte necrosis. Potential fang marks were found on the decedent's jeans. Due to our suspicions, we performed specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and detected D. acutus venom in the kidneys, left thigh muscle, liver, lung, spleen, and heart tissues of the decedent. In conclusion, the clinical manifestations, autopsy, histopathological examination, ELISA, and investigation results confirmed D. acutus envenomation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Huang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuquan Zhao
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fang Tong
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yue Liang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jehane Michael Le Grange
- The First Clinical College, Wuhan Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenhua Kuang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yiwu Zhou
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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29
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Liang Q, Huynh TM, Konstantakopoulos N, Isbister GK, Hodgson WC. An Examination of the Neutralization of In Vitro Toxicity of Chinese Cobra ( Naja atra) Venom by Different Antivenoms. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8100377. [PMID: 32992934 PMCID: PMC7599741 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8100377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The Chinese Cobra (Naja atra) is an elapid snake of major medical importance in southern China. We describe the in vitro neurotoxic, myotoxic, and cytotoxic effects of N. atra venom, as well as examining the efficacy of three Chinese monovalent antivenoms (N. atra antivenom, Gloydius brevicaudus antivenom and Deinagkistrodon acutus antivenom) and an Australian polyvalent snake antivenom. In the chick biventer cervicis nerve-muscle preparation, N. atra venom (1–10 µg/mL) abolished indirect twitches in a concentration-dependent manner, as well as abolishing contractile responses to exogenous acetylcholine chloride (ACh) and carbamylcholine chloride (CCh), indicative of post-synaptic neurotoxicity. Contractile responses to potassium chloride (KCl) were also significantly inhibited by venom indicating myotoxicity. The prior addition of Chinese N. atra antivenom (0.75 U/mL) or Australian polyvalent snake antivenom (3 U/mL), markedly attenuated the neurotoxic actions of venom (3 µg/mL) and prevented the inhibition of contractile responses to ACh, CCh, and KCl. The addition of Chinese antivenom (0.75 U/mL) or Australian polyvalent antivenom (3 U/mL) at the t90 time point after the addition of venom (3 µg/mL), partially reversed the inhibition of twitches and significantly reversed the venom-induced inhibition of responses to ACh and CCh, but had no significant effect on the response to KCl. Venom (30 µg/mL) also abolished direct twitches in the chick biventer cervicis nerve-muscle preparation and caused a significant increase in baseline tension, further indicative of myotoxicity. N. atra antivenom (4 U/mL) prevented the myotoxic effects of venom (30 µg/mL). However, G. brevicaudus antivenom (24 U/mL), D. acutus antivenom (8 U/mL) and Australian polyvalent snake antivenom (33 U/mL) were unable to prevent venom (30 µg/mL) induced myotoxicity. In the L6 rat skeletal muscle myoblast cell line, N. atra venom caused concentration-dependent inhibition of cell viability, with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 2.8 ± 0.48 μg/mL. N. atra antivenom significantly attenuated the cytotoxic effect of the venom, whereas Australian polyvalent snake antivenom was less effective but still attenuated the cytotoxic effects at lower venom concentrations. Neither G. brevicaudus antivenom or D. acutus antivenom were able to prevent the cytotoxicity. This study indicates that Chinese N. atra monovalent antivenom is efficacious against the neurotoxic, myotoxic and cytotoxic effects of N. atra venom but the clinical effectiveness of the antivenom is likely to be diminished, even if given early after envenoming. The use of Chinese viper antivenoms (i.e., G. brevicaudus and D. acutus antivenoms) in cases of envenoming by the Chinese cobra is not supported by the results of the current study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Liang
- Monash Venom Group, Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Australia; (Q.L.); (T.M.H.); (N.K.); (G.K.I.)
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 151 Yanjiang Rd, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Tam Minh Huynh
- Monash Venom Group, Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Australia; (Q.L.); (T.M.H.); (N.K.); (G.K.I.)
| | - Nicki Konstantakopoulos
- Monash Venom Group, Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Australia; (Q.L.); (T.M.H.); (N.K.); (G.K.I.)
| | - Geoffrey K. Isbister
- Monash Venom Group, Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Australia; (Q.L.); (T.M.H.); (N.K.); (G.K.I.)
- Clinical Toxicology Research Group, University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, Australia
| | - Wayne C. Hodgson
- Monash Venom Group, Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Australia; (Q.L.); (T.M.H.); (N.K.); (G.K.I.)
- Correspondence:
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Lin CC, Chen YC, Goh ZNL, Seak CK, Seak JCY, Shi-Ying G, Seak CJ. Wound Infections of Snakebites from the Venomous Protobothrops mucrosquamatus and Viridovipera stejnegeri in Taiwan: Bacteriology, Antibiotic Susceptibility, and Predicting the Need for Antibiotics-A BITE Study. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12090575. [PMID: 32906845 PMCID: PMC7551380 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12090575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Snakebites from Taiwan habus (Protobothrops mucrosquamatus) and green bamboo vipers (Viridovipera stejnegeri) account for two-thirds of all venomous snakebites in Taiwan. While there has been ongoing optimization of antivenin therapy, the proper management of superimposed bacterial wound infections is not well studied. In this Bacteriology of Infections in Taiwanese snake Envenomation (BITE) study, we investigated the prevalence of wound infection, bacteriology, and corresponding antibiotic usage in patients presenting with snakebites from these two snakes. We further developed a BITE score to evaluate the probability of wound infections and guide antibiotic usage in this patient population. All snakebite victims who presented to the emergency departments of seven training and research hospitals and received at least one vial of freeze-dried hemorrhagic antivenin between January 2001 and January 2017 were identified. Patient biodata, laboratory investigation results, and treatment modalities were retrieved. We developed our BITE score via univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to evaluate the predictive performance of the BITE score. Out of 8,295,497 emergency department visits, 726 patients presented with snakebites from a Taiwan habu or a green bamboo viper. The wound infection rate was 22.45%, with seven positive wound cultures, including six polymicrobial infections. Morganella morganii, Enterococcus spp., Bacteroides fragilis, and Aeromonas hydrophila were most frequently cultured. There were no positive blood cultures. A total of 33.0% (n = 106) of snakebite patients who received prophylactic antibiotics nevertheless developed wound infections, while 44.8% (n = 73) of wound infection patients were satisfactorily treated with one of the following antibiotics: amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, oxacillin, cefazolin, and ampicillin/sulbactam. With the addition of gentamicin, the success of antibiotic therapy increased by up to 66.54%. The prognostic factors for the secondary bacterial infection of snakebites were white blood cell counts, the neutrophil lymphocyte ratio, and the need for hospital admission. The area under the ROC curve for the BITE score was 0.839. At the optimal cut-off point of 5, the BITE score had a 79.58% accuracy, 82.31% sensitivity, and 79.71% specificity when predicting infection in snakebite patients. Our BITE score may help with antibiotic stewardship by guiding appropriate antibiotic use in patients presenting with snakebites. It may also be employed in further studies into antibiotic prophylaxis in snakebite patients for the prevention of superimposed bacterial wound infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Chuan Lin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Lin-Kou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan; (C.-C.L.); (G.S.-Y.); (S.I.)
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Chia Chen
- Department of Emergency medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan;
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Zhong Ning Leonard Goh
- Sarawak General Hospital, Kuching, Sarawak 93586, Malaysia; (Z.N.L.G.); (C.-K.S.); (J.C.-Y.S.)
| | - Chen-Ken Seak
- Sarawak General Hospital, Kuching, Sarawak 93586, Malaysia; (Z.N.L.G.); (C.-K.S.); (J.C.-Y.S.)
| | - Joanna Chen-Yeen Seak
- Sarawak General Hospital, Kuching, Sarawak 93586, Malaysia; (Z.N.L.G.); (C.-K.S.); (J.C.-Y.S.)
| | - Gao Shi-Ying
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Lin-Kou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan; (C.-C.L.); (G.S.-Y.); (S.I.)
| | - Chen-June Seak
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Lin-Kou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan; (C.-C.L.); (G.S.-Y.); (S.I.)
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, New Taipei Municipal Tucheng Hospital, New Taipei City 23652, Taiwan
- Correspondence:
| | - SPOT Investigators
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Lin-Kou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan; (C.-C.L.); (G.S.-Y.); (S.I.)
- Sarawak General Hospital, Kuching, Sarawak 93586, Malaysia; (Z.N.L.G.); (C.-K.S.); (J.C.-Y.S.)
- Department of Emergency Medicine, New Taipei Municipal Tucheng Hospital, New Taipei City 23652, Taiwan
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Ratanabanangkoon K, Tan KY, Pruksaphon K, Klinpayom C, Gutiérrez JM, Quraishi NH, Tan CH. A pan-specific antiserum produced by a novel immunization strategy shows a high spectrum of neutralization against neurotoxic snake venoms. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11261. [PMID: 32647261 PMCID: PMC7347863 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-66657-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Snakebite envenomation is a neglected tropical disease of high mortality and morbidity largely due to insufficient supply of effective and affordable antivenoms. Snake antivenoms are mostly effective against the venoms used in their production. It is thus crucial that effective and affordable antivenom(s) with wide para-specificity, capable of neutralizing the venoms of a large number of snakes, be produced. Here we studied the pan-specific antiserum prepared previously by a novel immunization strategy involving the exposure of horses to a ‘diverse toxin repertoire’ consisting of 12 neurotoxic Asian snake toxin fractions/ venoms from six species. This antiserum was previously shown to exhibit wide para-specificity by neutralizing 11 homologous and 16 heterologous venoms from Asia and Africa. We now show that the antiserum can neutralize 9 out of 10 additional neurotoxic venoms. Altogether, 36 snake venoms belonging to 10 genera from 4 continents were neutralized by the antiserum. Toxin profiles previously generated using proteomic techniques of these 36 venoms identified α-neurotoxins, β-neurotoxins, and cytotoxins as predominant toxins presumably neutralized by the antiserum. The bases for the wide para-specificity of the antiserum are discussed. These findings indicate that it is feasible to generate antivenoms of wide para-specificity against elapid neurotoxic venoms from different regions in the world and raises the possibility of a universal neurotoxic antivenom. This should reduce the mortality resulting from neurotoxic snakebite envenomation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavi Ratanabanangkoon
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama 6 Road, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand. .,Laboratory of Immunology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok, 10210, Thailand.
| | - Kae Yi Tan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia
| | - Kritsada Pruksaphon
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Chaiya Klinpayom
- Veterinary Hospital, The Veterinary and Remount Department, The Royal Thai Army, Nakorn Pathom, 73000, Thailand
| | - José María Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Naeem H Quraishi
- Anti Snake Venom/Anti Rabies Serology Laboratory, People's University of Medical and Health Sciences for Women, Nawabshah, Pakistan
| | - Choo Hock Tan
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia.
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Liang Q, Huynh TM, Isbister GK, Hodgson WC. Isolation and pharmacological characterization of α-Elapitoxin-Na1a, a novel short-chain postsynaptic neurotoxin from the venom of the Chinese Cobra (Naja atra). Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 181:114059. [PMID: 32473162 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The Chinese Cobra (Naja atra) is an elapid snake of major medical importance in southern China. Although previous studies have shown that postsynaptic neurotoxins account for 11-23% of N. atra venom, envenomed patients do not display marked signs of neurotoxicity. We have previously shown that the lack of clinical neurotoxicity following snake envenoming by some species with 'neurotoxic' venoms may be related to the high prevalence of short-chain postsynaptic neurotoxins in these venoms. In this study, we describe the isolation and characterization of α-Elapitoxin-Na1a (α-EPTX-Na1a; 6949 Da), a short-chain postsynaptic neurotoxin, which accounts for approximately 9% of N. atra crude venom. α-EPTX-Na1a (30-300 nM) produced concentration-dependent inhibition of indirect-twitches, with a t90 value of 17 ± 2 min at 300 nM, and abolished contractile responses to exogenous acetylcholine and carbachol, in the chick biventer cervicis nerve-muscle preparation. The prior addition of either Chinese N. atra monovalent antivenom (0.3 U/ml) or Australian polyvalent snake antivenom (2.4 U/ml), prevented the in vitro neurotoxic effects of α-EPTX-Na1a (30 nM). Addition of each of these antivenoms at the t90 time point partially reversed the in vitro neurotoxicity caused by α-EPTX-Na1a (30 nM). The inhibition of indirect twitches by α-EPTX-Na1a (30 nM) was not reversed by repeatedly washing the tissue. α-EPTX-Na1a displayed pseudo-irreversible antagonism of concentration-response curves to carbachol with a pA2 value of 8.21. De novo protein sequencing of α-EPTX-Na1a revealed a typical short-chain postsynaptic neurotoxin profile of 62 amino acids which shared >98% amino acid sequence similarity with short-chain postsynaptic neurotoxins from other Naja species. When compared to short-chain neurotoxins isolated from cobras in China, α-EPTX-Na1a contained novel residues K47Q (i.e. lysine to glutamine), N48T (i.e. asparagine to threonine) and G49A (i.e. glycine to alanine). In conclusion, α-EPTX-Na1a is a potent, pseudo-irreversible, short-chain neurotoxin. The high prevalence of α-EPTX-Na1a in Chinese N. atra venom is likely to explain the mild neurotoxicity experienced by envenomed patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Liang
- Monash Venom Group, Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; Department of Emergency Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 151 Yanjiang Rd, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Tam M Huynh
- Monash Venom Group, Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Geoffrey K Isbister
- Monash Venom Group, Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; Clinical Toxicology Research Group, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Wayne C Hodgson
- Monash Venom Group, Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.
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Quantitative proteomic analysis and functional characterization of Acanthamoeba castellanii exosome-like vesicles. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:467. [PMID: 31597577 PMCID: PMC6784334 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3725-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pathogenic protozoans use extracellular vesicles (EVs) for intercellular communication and host manipulation. Acanthamoeba castellanii is a free-living protozoan that may cause severe keratitis and fatal granulomatous encephalitis. Although several secreted molecules have been shown to play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of Acanthamoeba, the functions and components of parasite-derived EVs are far from understood. Methods Purified EVs from A. castellanii were confirmed by electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis. The functional roles of parasite-derived EVs in the cytotoxicity to and immune response of host cells were examined. The protein composition in EVs from A. castellanii was identified and quantified by LC-MS/MS analysis. Results EVs from A. castellanii fused with rat glioma C6 cells. The parasite-derived EVs induced an immune response from human THP-1 cells and a cytotoxic effect in C6 cells. Quantitative proteomic analysis identified a total of 130 proteins in EVs. Among the identified proteins, hydrolases (50.2%) and oxidoreductases (31.7%) were the largest protein families in EVs. Furthermore, aminopeptidase activities were confirmed in EVs from A. castellanii. Conclusions The proteomic profiling and functional characterization of EVs from A. castellanii provide an in-depth understanding of the molecules packaged into EVs and their potential mechanisms mediating the pathogenesis of this parasite.
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Zhang S, Li J, Qin Q, Liu W, Bian C, Yi Y, Wang M, Zhong L, You X, Tang S, Liu Y, Huang Y, Gu R, Xu J, Bian W, Shi Q, Chen X. Whole-Genome Sequencing of Chinese Yellow Catfish Provides a Valuable Genetic Resource for High-Throughput Identification of Toxin Genes. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:E488. [PMID: 30477130 PMCID: PMC6316204 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10120488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Naturally derived toxins from animals are good raw materials for drug development. As a representative venomous teleost, Chinese yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) can provide valuable resources for studies on toxin genes. Its venom glands are located in the pectoral and dorsal fins. Although with such interesting biologic traits and great value in economy, Chinese yellow catfish is still lacking a sequenced genome. Here, we report a high-quality genome assembly of Chinese yellow catfish using a combination of next-generation Illumina and third-generation PacBio sequencing platforms. The final assembly reached 714 Mb, with a contig N50 of 970 kb and a scaffold N50 of 3.65 Mb, respectively. We also annotated 21,562 protein-coding genes, in which 97.59% were assigned at least one functional annotation. Based on the genome sequence, we analyzed toxin genes in Chinese yellow catfish. Finally, we identified 207 toxin genes and classified them into three major groups. Interestingly, we also expanded a previously reported sex-related region (to ≈6 Mb) in the achieved genome assembly, and localized two important toxin genes within this region. In summary, we assembled a high-quality genome of Chinese yellow catfish and performed high-throughput identification of toxin genes from a genomic view. Therefore, the limited number of toxin sequences in public databases will be remarkably improved once we integrate multi-omics data from more and more sequenced species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyong Zhang
- Freshwater Fisheries Research Institute of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing 210017, China.
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518083, China.
| | - Jia Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, Shenzhen 518083, China.
| | - Qin Qin
- Freshwater Fisheries Research Institute of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing 210017, China.
| | - Wei Liu
- Nanjing Institute of Fisheries Science, Nanjing 210029, China.
| | - Chao Bian
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, Shenzhen 518083, China.
| | - Yunhai Yi
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518083, China.
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, Shenzhen 518083, China.
| | - Minghua Wang
- Freshwater Fisheries Research Institute of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing 210017, China.
| | - Liqiang Zhong
- Freshwater Fisheries Research Institute of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing 210017, China.
| | - Xinxin You
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, Shenzhen 518083, China.
| | - Shengkai Tang
- Freshwater Fisheries Research Institute of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing 210017, China.
| | - Yanshan Liu
- Freshwater Fisheries Research Institute of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing 210017, China.
| | - Yu Huang
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518083, China.
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, Shenzhen 518083, China.
| | - Ruobo Gu
- BGI Zhenjiang Institute of Hydrobiology, Zhenjiang 212000, China.
| | - Junmin Xu
- BGI Zhenjiang Institute of Hydrobiology, Zhenjiang 212000, China.
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu 069-8501, Japan.
| | - Wenji Bian
- Freshwater Fisheries Research Institute of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing 210017, China.
| | - Qiong Shi
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518083, China.
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, Shenzhen 518083, China.
- BGI Zhenjiang Institute of Hydrobiology, Zhenjiang 212000, China.
| | - Xiaohui Chen
- Freshwater Fisheries Research Institute of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing 210017, China.
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Purification and Characterization of a Novel Antiplatelet Peptide from Deinagkistrodon acutus Venom. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10080332. [PMID: 30115892 PMCID: PMC6115707 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10080332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal venoms are considered as one of the most important sources for drug development. Deinagkistrodon acutus is famous for its toxicity to the human hematological system and envenomed patients develop a coagulation disorder with the symptoms of hemorrhage and microthrombi formation. The purpose of this study was to separate antiplatelet peptides from D. acutus venom using a combination of an ultrafiltration technique and reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), which was guided by monitoring antiplatelet aggregation bioactivity. A novel octa-peptide named DAA-8 was found. This peptide inhibited protease-activated receptor1 (PAR-1) agonist (SFLLRN-NH2) induced platelet aggregation and it also inhibited platelet aggregation induced by thrombin, ADP, and collagen. Furthermore, DAA-8 showed significant antithrombotic activity and resulted in a slightly increased bleeding risk in vivo. This is the first report of a peptide derived from snake venom, which inhibited PAR-1 agonist-induced platelet aggregation. This peptide may provide a template to design a new PAR-1 inhibitor.
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Damm M, Hempel BF, Nalbantsoy A, Süssmuth RD. Comprehensive Snake Venomics of the Okinawa Habu Pit Viper, Protobothrops flavoviridis, by Complementary Mass Spectrometry-Guided Approaches. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23081893. [PMID: 30060607 PMCID: PMC6222445 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23081893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Asian world is home to a multitude of venomous and dangerous snakes, which are used to induce various medical effects in the preparation of traditional snake tinctures and alcoholics, like the Japanese snake wine, named Habushu. The aim of this work was to perform the first quantitative proteomic analysis of the Protobothrops flavoviridis pit viper venom. Accordingly, the venom was analyzed by complimentary bottom-up and top-down mass spectrometry techniques. The mass spectrometry-based snake venomics approach revealed that more than half of the venom is composed of different phospholipases A2 (PLA₂). The combination of this approach and an intact mass profiling led to the identification of the three main Habu PLA₂s. Furthermore, nearly one-third of the total venom consists of snake venom metalloproteinases and disintegrins, and several minor represented toxin families were detected: C-type lectin-like proteins (CTL), cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISP), snake venom serine proteases (svSP), l-amino acid oxidases (LAAO), phosphodiesterase (PDE) and 5'-nucleotidase. Finally, the venom of P. flavoviridis contains certain bradykinin-potentiating peptides and related peptides, like the svMP inhibitors, pEKW, pEQW, pEEW and pENW. In preliminary MTT cytotoxicity assays, the highest cancerous-cytotoxicity of crude venom was measured against human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells and shows disintegrin-like effects in some fractions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maik Damm
- Institut für Chemie, Technische Universität Berlin, 10623 Berlin, Germany.
| | | | - Ayse Nalbantsoy
- Department of Bioengineering, Ege University, 35100 Izmir, Turkey.
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