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Liberato JL, Rosa MN, Miranda MCR, Lopes JLC, Lopes NP, Gobbo-Neto L, Fontana ACK, Dos Santos WF. Neuroprotective Properties of Chlorogenic Acid and 4,5-Caffeoylquinic Acid from Brazilian arnica (Lychnophora ericoides) after Acute Retinal Ischemia. PLANTA MEDICA 2023; 89:183-193. [PMID: 36220097 DOI: 10.1055/a-1903-2387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Lychnophora is a genus of South American flowering plants in the daisy family, popularly known as "Brazilian arnica". It is used in traditional medicine as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent, whose active components are derived from chlorogenic acid (CGA) and C-flavonoids. Since the drugs currently used are ineffective to treat glaucoma, agents with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may represent new alternatives in preventing cellular lesions in retinal ischemia. In this study, we report the neuroprotective effects of CGA and 4,5-di-O-[E]-caffeoylquinic (CQA) acid, isolated from Lychnophora plants, in a rodent glaucoma model. Wistar rats were administered intravitreally with 10 µg CGA or CGA, and then subjected to acute retinal ischemia (ISC) by increasing intraocular pressure (IPO) for 45 minutes followed (or not) by 15 minutes of reperfusion (I/R). Qualitative and quantitative analyses of neurodegeneration were performed using hematoxylin-eosin or Fluoro-Jade C staining protocols. All retinas submitted to ISC or I/R exhibited matrix disorganization, pyknotic nuclei, and pronounced vacuolization of the cytoplasm in the ganglion cell layer (GCL) and inner nuclear layer (INL). Pretreatment with CGA or CQA resulted in the protection of the retinal layers against matrix disorganization and a reduction in the number of vacuolized cells and pyknotic nuclei. Also, pretreatment with CGA or CQA resulted in a significant reduction in neuronal death in the GCL, the INL, and the outer nuclear layer (ONL) after ischemic insult. Our study demonstrated that CGA and CQA exhibit neuroprotective activities in retinas subjected to ISC and I/R induced by IPO in Wistar rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Luiz Liberato
- Department of Biology, College of Philosophy, Sciences and Literature (FFCLRP), University of São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto de Neurociências e Comportamento, INeC, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Marcela Nunes Rosa
- Department of Biology, College of Philosophy, Sciences and Literature (FFCLRP), University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Matheus C Romeiro Miranda
- Department of Biology, College of Philosophy, Sciences and Literature (FFCLRP), University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - João Luís Callegari Lopes
- NPPNS, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Norberto Peporine Lopes
- NPPNS, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Gobbo-Neto
- NPPNS, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Andreia C K Fontana
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Wagner Ferreira Dos Santos
- Department of Biology, College of Philosophy, Sciences and Literature (FFCLRP), University of São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto de Neurociências e Comportamento, INeC, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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Hu Y, Meng B, Yin S, Yang M, Li Y, Liu N, Li S, Liu Y, Sun D, Wang S, Wang Y, Fu Z, Wu Y, Pang A, Sun J, Wang Y, Yang X. Scorpion venom peptide HsTx2 suppressed PTZ-induced seizures in mice via the circ_0001293/miR-8114/TGF-β2 axis. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:284. [PMID: 36457055 PMCID: PMC9713996 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02647-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to the complexity of the mechanisms involved in epileptogenesis, the available antiseizure drugs (ASDs) do not meet clinical needs; hence, both the discovery of new ASDs and the elucidation of novel molecular mechanisms are very important. METHODS BALB/c mice were utilized to establish an epilepsy model induced by pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) administration. The peptide HsTx2 was administered for treatment. Primary astrocyte culture, immunofluorescence staining, RNA sequencing, identification and quantification of mouse circRNAs, cell transfection, bioinformatics and luciferase reporter analyses, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, RNA extraction and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, Western blot and cell viability assays were used to explore the potential mechanism of HsTx2 via the circ_0001293/miR-8114/TGF-β2 axis. RESULTS The scorpion venom peptide HsTx2 showed an anti-epilepsy effect, reduced the inflammatory response, and improved the circular RNA circ_0001293 expression decrease caused by PTZ in the mouse brain. Mechanistically, in astrocytes, circ_0001293 acted as a sponge of endogenous microRNA-8114 (miR-8114), which targets transforming growth factor-beta 2 (TGF-β2). The knockdown of circ_0001293, overexpression of miR-8114, and downregulation of TGF-β2 all reversed the anti-inflammatory effects and the influence of HsTx2 on the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways in astrocytes. Moreover, both circ_0001293 knockdown and miR-8114 overexpression reversed the beneficial effects of HsTx2 on inflammation, epilepsy progression, and the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways in vivo. CONCLUSIONS HsTx2 suppressed PTZ-induced epilepsy by ameliorating inflammation in astrocytes via the circ_0001293/miR-8114/TGF-β2 axis. Our results emphasized that the use of exogenous peptide molecular probes as a novel type of ASD, as well as to explore the novel endogenous noncoding RNA-mediated mechanisms of epilepsy, might be a promising research area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Hu
- grid.285847.40000 0000 9588 0960Department of Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500 Yunnan China ,grid.452826.fDepartment of Gynecology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650118 Yunnan China
| | - Buliang Meng
- grid.285847.40000 0000 9588 0960Department of Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500 Yunnan China
| | - Saige Yin
- grid.285847.40000 0000 9588 0960Department of Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500 Yunnan China
| | - Meifeng Yang
- grid.285847.40000 0000 9588 0960Department of Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500 Yunnan China
| | - Yilin Li
- grid.285847.40000 0000 9588 0960Department of Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500 Yunnan China
| | - Naixin Liu
- grid.285847.40000 0000 9588 0960Department of Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500 Yunnan China
| | - Shanshan Li
- grid.285847.40000 0000 9588 0960Department of Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500 Yunnan China
| | - Yixiang Liu
- grid.413059.a0000 0000 9952 9510Key Laboratory of Chemistry in Ethnic Medicine Resource, State Ethnic Affairs Commission & Ministry of Education, School of Ethno-Medicine and Ethno-Pharmacy, Yunnan Minzu University, Kunming, 650504 Yunnan China
| | - Dandan Sun
- grid.285847.40000 0000 9588 0960Department of Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500 Yunnan China
| | - Siyu Wang
- grid.285847.40000 0000 9588 0960Department of Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500 Yunnan China
| | - Yinglei Wang
- grid.285847.40000 0000 9588 0960Department of Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500 Yunnan China
| | - Zhe Fu
- grid.285847.40000 0000 9588 0960Department of Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500 Yunnan China
| | - Yutong Wu
- grid.285847.40000 0000 9588 0960Department of Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500 Yunnan China
| | - Ailan Pang
- grid.414902.a0000 0004 1771 3912Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650031 Yunnan China
| | - Jun Sun
- grid.285847.40000 0000 9588 0960Department of Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500 Yunnan China
| | - Ying Wang
- grid.413059.a0000 0000 9952 9510Key Laboratory of Chemistry in Ethnic Medicine Resource, State Ethnic Affairs Commission & Ministry of Education, School of Ethno-Medicine and Ethno-Pharmacy, Yunnan Minzu University, Kunming, 650504 Yunnan China
| | - Xinwang Yang
- grid.285847.40000 0000 9588 0960Department of Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500 Yunnan China
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Chemistry and the Potential Antiviral, Anticancer, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Cardiotonic Steroids Derived from Toads. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27196586. [PMID: 36235123 PMCID: PMC9571018 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27196586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Cardiotonic steroids (CTS) were first documented by ancient Egyptians more than 3000 years ago. Cardiotonic steroids are a group of steroid hormones that circulate in the blood of amphibians and toads and can also be extracted from natural products such as plants, herbs, and marines. It is well known that cardiotonic steroids reveal effects against congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation; therefore, the term "cardiotonic" has been coined. Cardiotonic steroids are divided into two distinct groups: cardenolides (plant-derived) and bufadienolides (mainly of animal origin). Cardenolides have an unsaturated five-membered lactone ring attached to the steroid nucleus at position 17; bufadienolides have a doubly unsaturated six-membered lactone ring. Cancer is a leading cause of mortality in humans all over the world. In 2040, the global cancer load is expected to be 28.4 million cases, which would be a 47% increase from 2020. Moreover, viruses and inflammations also have a very nebative impact on human health and lead to mortality. In the current review, we focus on the chemistry, antiviral and anti-cancer activities of cardiotonic steroids from the naturally derived (toads) venom to combat these chronic devastating health problems. The databases of different research engines (Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, and Sci-Finder) were screened using different combinations of the following terms: “cardiotonic steroids”, “anti-inflammatory”, “antiviral”, “anticancer”, “toad venom”, “bufadienolides”, and “poison chemical composition”. Various cardiotonic steroids were isolated from diverse toad species and exhibited superior anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antiviral activities in in vivo and in vitro models such as marinobufagenin, gammabufotalin, resibufogenin, and bufalin. These steroids are especially difficult to identify. However, several compounds and their bioactivities were identified by using different molecular and biotechnological techniques. Biotechnology is a new tool to fully or partially generate upscaled quantities of natural products, which are otherwise only available at trace amounts in organisms.
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Melittin administration ameliorates motor function, prevents apoptotic cell death and protects Purkinje neurons in the rat model of cerebellar ataxia induced by 3-Acetylpyridine. Toxicon 2021; 205:57-66. [PMID: 34793821 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Cerebellar ataxia (CA) is a condition in which cerebellar dysfunction leads to movement disorders such as dysmetria, asynergy and dysdiadochokinesia. This study investigates the therapeutic effects of Melittin (MEL) on 3-acetylpyridine-induced (3-AP) cerebellar ataxia (CA) rat model. Initially, CA rat models were generated by 3-AP administration followed by the intraperitoneal injection of MEL. Then, motor performance and electromyography (EMG) activity were assessed. Afterwards, the pro-inflammatory cytokines were analyzed in the cerebellar tissue. Moreover, the anti-apoptotic role of MEL in CA and its relationship with the protection of Purkinje cells were explored. The findings showed that the administration of MEL in a 3-AP model of ataxia improved motor coordination (P < 0.001) and neuro-muscular activity (p < 0.05), prevented the cerebellar volume loss (P < 0.01), reduced the level of inflammatory cytokines (p < 0.05) and thwarted the degeneration of Purkinje cells against 3-AP toxicity (P < 0.001). Overall, the findings imply that the MEL attenuates the 3-AP-induced inflammatory response. As such, it could be used as a treatment option for CA due to its anti-inflammatory effects.
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Tamura M, Tatsushiro C, Morita EH, Ohki S. Overexpression and purification of a toxic peptide LaIT2 from Japanese scorpion, Liocheles australasiae. Protein Expr Purif 2021; 182:105835. [PMID: 33548456 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2021.105835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
In Japan, there are two species of scorpions, Madara scorpion (Isometrus maculatus) and Yaeyama scorpion (Liocheles australasiae), and both of them are living in Yaeyama island. It has been shown that Liocheles australasiae has venom including β-toxin acting on K+-channels (β-KTx) (Juichi et al., 2018) [1]. Interestingly, LaIT2, one of the toxins found in the venom of Liocheles australasiae, displays the virulence for insects but almost not for mammals. Until now, molecular mechanism of the functional specificity of LaIT2 is unknown. To clear this issue, we tried to establish the overexpression system of LaIT2 in Rosetta-gami B (DE3) pLysS, which have trxB/gor mutations to induce the disulfide bond formation. In this study, we have succeeded to overexpress the recombinant LaIT2 (rLaIT2) as a thioredoxin (Trx)-tagged protein, and established the purification protocol with Ni2+-NTA column chromatography, enterokinase digestion, and HPLC. We succeeded to obtain approximately 0.5 mg of rLaIT2 from the E. coli cells cultured in 1 L of M9 culture medium. Intramolecular disulfide bonding pattern of rLaIT2 was identified by endopeptidase fragmentation and mass spectrometry. rLaIT2 showed insecticidal activity and antimicrobial activity, and these are almost identical to those of natural LaIT2. 1H-15N HSQC spectrum of 15N-labeled rLaIT2 indicated that the rLaIT2 has a stable conformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maiki Tamura
- Graduate School of Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST), 1-1 Asahidai, Nomi, Ishikawa, 923-1292, Japan
| | - Chiharu Tatsushiro
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Josai University, 1-1Keyakidai, Sakado-shi, Saitama, 350-0295, Japan
| | - Eugene Hayato Morita
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Josai University, 1-1Keyakidai, Sakado-shi, Saitama, 350-0295, Japan
| | - Shinya Ohki
- Graduate School of Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST), 1-1 Asahidai, Nomi, Ishikawa, 923-1292, Japan.
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Tb1, a Neurotoxin from Tityus bahiensis Scorpion Venom, Induces Epileptic Seizures by Increasing Glutamate Release. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12020065. [PMID: 31973132 PMCID: PMC7076872 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12020065] [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: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Here, we report the neurotoxic effects aroused by the intracerebral injection (in rats) of Tb1, which is a neurotoxin isolated from Tityus bahiensis scorpion venom. Biochemical analyses have demonstrated that this toxin is similar to the gamma toxin from T. serrulatus, which is a β-scorpion toxin that acts on sodium channels, causing the activation process to occur at more hyperpolarized membrane voltages. Male Wistar rats were stereotaxically implanted with intrahippocampal electrodes and cannulas for electroencephalographic recording and the evaluation of amino acid neurotransmitters levels. Treated animals displayed behavioral and electroencephalographic alterations similar to epileptiform activities, such as myoclonus, wet dog shakes, convulsion, strong discharges, neuronal loss, and increased intracerebral levels of glutamate. Scorpion toxins are important pharmacological tools that are widely employed in ion channel dysregulation studies. The current work contributes to the understanding of channelopathies, particularly epilepsy, which may originate, among other events, from dysfunctional sodium channels, which are the main target of the Tb1 toxin.
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7
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Affiliation(s)
- Olena Filchakova
- Department of Biology, School of Science and Technology, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan
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Cnidarian peptide neurotoxins: a new source of various ion channel modulators or blockers against central nervous systems disease. Drug Discov Today 2018; 24:189-197. [PMID: 30165198 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2018.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2018] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Cnidaria provide the largest source of bioactive peptides for new drug development. The venoms contain enzymes, potent pore-forming toxins and neurotoxins. The neurotoxins can immobilize predators rapidly when discharged via modifying sodium-channel-gating or blocking the potassium channel during the repolarization stage. Most cnidarian neurotoxins remain conserved under the strong influence of negative selection. Neuroactive peptides targeting the central nervous system through affinity with ion channels could provide insight leading to drug treatment of neurological diseases, which arise from ion channel dysfunctions. Although marine resources offer thousands of possible peptides, only one peptide derived from Cnidaria: ShK-186, also named dalazatide, has reached the pharmaceutical market. This review focuses on neuroprotective agents derived from cnidarian neurotoxic peptides.
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Wilson D, Boyle GM, McIntyre L, Nolan MJ, Parsons PG, Smith JJ, Tribolet L, Loukas A, Liddell MJ, Rash LD, Daly NL. The Aromatic Head Group of Spider Toxin Polyamines Influences Toxicity to Cancer Cells. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:toxins9110346. [PMID: 29077051 PMCID: PMC5705961 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9110346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [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: 09/05/2017] [Revised: 10/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Spider venoms constitute incredibly diverse libraries of compounds, many of which are involved in prey capture and defence. Polyamines are often prevalent in the venom and target ionotropic glutamate receptors. Here we show that a novel spider polyamine, PA366, containing a hydroxyphenyl-based structure is present in the venom of several species of tarantula, and has selective toxicity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells. By contrast, a polyamine from an Australian funnel-web spider venom, which contains an identical polyamine tail to PA366 but an indole-based head-group, is only cytotoxic at high concentrations. Our results suggest that the ring structure plays a role in the cytotoxicity and that modification to the polyamine head group might lead to more potent and selective compounds with potential as novel cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Wilson
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, AITHM, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia.
| | - Glen M Boyle
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia.
| | - Lachlan McIntyre
- Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainable Sciences, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia.
| | - Matthew J Nolan
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, AITHM, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia.
| | - Peter G Parsons
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia.
| | - Jennifer J Smith
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Leon Tribolet
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, AITHM, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia.
| | - Alex Loukas
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, AITHM, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia.
| | - Michael J Liddell
- Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainable Sciences, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia.
| | - Lachlan D Rash
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Norelle L Daly
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, AITHM, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia.
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Pizzo AB, Beleboni RO, Gomes Carolino RO, de Oliveira L, Miranda A, Coutinho-Netto J, Fontana ACK, Dos Santos WF. Isolation and chemical characterization of agelaiatoxin8 (AvTx8) from Agelaia vicina wasp venom and its biological effects on GABA neurotransmission. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2017. [PMID: 28621878 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.21941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Arthropod venoms are sources of molecules that may be useful tools to investigate molecular mechanisms of putative new medicines and laboratory drugs. Here we show the effects of the compound agelaiatoxin-8 (AVTx8), isolated from Agelaia vicina venom, on γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission in rat brain synaptosomes. Analysis reveals that AvTx8 is composed by 14 amino acid residues with a molecular weight (MW) of 1567 Da. AvTx8 increased GABA release and inhibited GABA uptake in synaptosomes from rat cerebral cortex. AvTx8 inhibited GABA uptake and increased GABA release in the presence of Ca+ , Na+ , and K+ channel blockers, suggesting that it acts directly on GABA transporters. In addition, AvTx8 significantly decreases GABA binding in synaptic membranes from rat brain cortex, suggesting that it also modulates the activity of GABA receptors. Moreover, AvTx8 decreased GAT-1- and GAT-3-mediated GABA uptake in transfected COS-7 cells. Accordingly, we suggest that AvTx8 modulates GABA neurotransmission and might provide a novel entry point for identifying a new class of GABA-modulating neuroprotective drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea B Pizzo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Venoms, College of Philosophy, Sciences and Literature (FFCLRP), University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Renê O Beleboni
- Biotecnology Department, Universidade de Ribeirão Preto (UNAERP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Ruither O Gomes Carolino
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Immunology,Ribeirao Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Luciana de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Venoms, College of Philosophy, Sciences and Literature (FFCLRP), University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Antonio Miranda
- Department of Biophysics, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Joaquim Coutinho-Netto
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Immunology,Ribeirao Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Andréia C K Fontana
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Wagner Ferreira Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Venoms, College of Philosophy, Sciences and Literature (FFCLRP), University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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Rangel M, Castro FFDS, Mota-Lima LD, Clissa PB, Martins DB, Cabrera MPDS, Mortari MR. Polydim-I antimicrobial activity against MDR bacteria and its model membrane interaction. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0178785. [PMID: 28570651 PMCID: PMC5453574 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0178785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapid spread of multi-drug resistant pathogens represents a serious threat to public health, considering factors such as high mortality rates, treatment restrictions and high prevalence of multi-drug resistant bacteria in the hospital environment. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) may exhibit powerful antimicrobial activity against different and diverse microorganisms, also presenting the advantage of absence or low toxicity towards animal cells. In this study, the evaluation of the antimicrobial activity against multi-drug resistant bacteria of a recently described AMP from wasp, Polydim-I, was performed. Polydim-I presented activity against standard strains (non-carriers of multi-resistant genes) that are susceptible to commercial antimicrobials, and also against multi-drug resistant strains at concentrations bellow 1μg/ml (0.41 μM). This is a rather low concentration among those reported for AMPs. At this concentration we found out that Polydim-I inhibits almost 100% of the tested pathogens growth, while with the ATCC strains the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC100) is 400 times higher. Also, in relation to in vitro activity of conventional drugs against multi-drug resistant bacteria strains, Polydim-I is almost 10 times more efficient and with broader spectrum. Cationic AMPs are known as multi-target compounds and specially for targeting the phospholipid matrix of bacterial membranes. Exploring the interactions of Polydim-I with lipid bilayers, we have confirmed that this interaction is involved in the mechanism of action. Circular dichroism experiments showed that Polydim-I undergoes a conformational transition from random coil to a mostly helical conformation in the presence of membrane mimetic environments. Zeta potential measurements confirmed the binding and partial charge neutralization of anionic asolectin vesicles, and also suggested a possible aggregation of peptide molecules. FTIR experiments confirmed that some peptide aggregation occurs, which is minimized in the presence of strongly anionic micelles of sodium dodecyl sulfate. Also, Polydim-I induced channel-like structures formation to asolectin lipid bilayers, as demonstrated in the electrophysiology experiments. We suggest that cationic Polydim-I targets the membrane lipids due to electrostatic attraction, partially accumulates, neutralizing the opposite charges and induces pore formation. Similar mechanism of action has already been suggested for other peptides from wasp venoms, especially mastoparans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa Rangel
- Immunopathology Laboratory, Butantan Institute, Sao Paulo-SP, Brazil
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília-DF, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| | - Fabíola Fernandes dos Santos Castro
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília-DF, Brazil
| | | | | | - Danubia Batista Martins
- Departamento de Física, Universidade Estadual Paulista, UNESP, São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcia Perez dos Santos Cabrera
- Departamento de Física, Universidade Estadual Paulista, UNESP, São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil
- Departamento de Química e Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Estadual Paulista, UNESP, São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcia Renata Mortari
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília-DF, Brazil
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Nôga DAMF, Brandão LEM, Cagni FC, Silva D, de Azevedo DLO, Araújo A, Dos Santos WF, Miranda A, da Silva RH, Ribeiro AM. Anticonvulsant Effects of Fractions Isolated from Dinoponera quadriceps (Kempt) Ant Venom (Formicidae: Ponerinae). Toxins (Basel) 2016; 9:toxins9010005. [PMID: 28025529 PMCID: PMC5308238 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Revised: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural products, sources of new pharmacological substances, have large chemical diversity and architectural complexity. In this context, some toxins obtained from invertebrate venoms have anticonvulsant effects. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects about 65 million people worldwide, and approximately 30% of cases are resistant to pharmacological treatment. Previous studies from our group show that the denatured venom of the ant Dinoponera quadriceps (Kempt) protects mice against bicuculline (BIC)-induced seizures and death. The aim of this study was to investigate the anticonvulsant activity of compounds isolated from D. quadriceps venom against seizures induced by BIC in mice. Crude venom was fractionated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) resulting in six fractions referred to as DqTx1-DqTx6. A liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS) analysis revealed a major 431 Da compound in fractions DqTx1 and DqTx2. Fractions DqTx3 and DqTx4 showed a compound of 2451 Da and DqTx5 revealed a 2436 Da compound. Furthermore, the DqTx6 fraction exhibited a major component with a molecular weight of 13,196 Da. Each fraction (1 mg/mL) was microinjected into the lateral ventricle of mice, and the animals were observed in an open field. We did not observe behavioral alterations when the fractions were given alone. Conversely, when the fractions were microinjected 20 min prior to the administration of BIC (21.6 nM), DqTx1, DqTx4, and DqTx6 fractions increased the latency for onset of tonic-clonic seizures. Moreover, all fractions, except DqTx5, increased latency to death. The more relevant result was obtained with the DqTx6 fraction, which protected 62.5% of the animals against tonic-clonic seizures. Furthermore, this fraction protected 100% of the animals from seizure episodes followed by death. Taken together, these findings indicate that compounds from ant venom might be a potential source of new anticonvulsants molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fernanda Carvalho Cagni
- Physiology Department, University Federal of Rio Grande of Norte, Natal, RN 59078-970, Brazil.
| | - Delano Silva
- Physiology Department, University Federal of Rio Grande of Norte, Natal, RN 59078-970, Brazil.
| | | | - Arrilton Araújo
- Physiology Department, University Federal of Rio Grande of Norte, Natal, RN 59078-970, Brazil.
| | | | - Antonio Miranda
- Biophysics Department, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 04023-062, Brazil.
| | - Regina Helena da Silva
- Pharmacology Department, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 04023-062, Brazil.
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Sempruch C, Goławska S, Osiński P, Leszczyński B, Czerniewicz P, Sytykiewicz H, Matok H. Influence of selected plant amines on probing behaviour of bird cherry-oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi L.). BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2016; 106:368-377. [PMID: 26898153 DOI: 10.1017/s0007485316000055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The study aimed to quantify the influence of common plant polyamines and tyramine on probing behaviour in the bird cherry-oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi L.). Electrical penetration graphs (DC) were used to monitor the probing and feeding behaviour of R. padi exposed to the amines agmatine, cadaverine, putrescine, spermidine, spermine and tyramine. The study results showed that the analyzed amines tended to shorten the stylet activity of aphids in the gels (as indicated by the g-C pattern), prolong the duration of non-probing behaviour (g-np pattern) and decrease salivation into the gels (g-E1pattern) and ingestion from the gels (g-G pattern). The 10 mM concentration of the studied amines, especially cadaverine, reduced or completely inhibited aphid ingestion. The obtained results demonstrate that plant amines participate in plant defence responses to R. padi through disturbance of its probing behaviour and the intensity of such effects is concentration dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Sempruch
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology,University of Podlasie,ul. Prusa 12,08-110 Siedlce,Poland
| | - S Goławska
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology,University of Podlasie,ul. Prusa 12,08-110 Siedlce,Poland
| | - P Osiński
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology,University of Podlasie,ul. Prusa 12,08-110 Siedlce,Poland
| | - B Leszczyński
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology,University of Podlasie,ul. Prusa 12,08-110 Siedlce,Poland
| | - P Czerniewicz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology,University of Podlasie,ul. Prusa 12,08-110 Siedlce,Poland
| | - H Sytykiewicz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology,University of Podlasie,ul. Prusa 12,08-110 Siedlce,Poland
| | - H Matok
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology,University of Podlasie,ul. Prusa 12,08-110 Siedlce,Poland
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Pharmacological Alternatives for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Disorders: Wasp and Bee Venoms and Their Components as New Neuroactive Tools. Toxins (Basel) 2015; 7:3179-209. [PMID: 26295258 PMCID: PMC4549745 DOI: 10.3390/toxins7083179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Revised: 08/01/2015] [Accepted: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are relentlessly progressive, severely impacting affected patients, families and society as a whole. Increased life expectancy has made these diseases more common worldwide. Unfortunately, available drugs have insufficient therapeutic effects on many subtypes of these intractable diseases, and adverse effects hamper continued treatment. Wasp and bee venoms and their components are potential means of managing or reducing these effects and provide new alternatives for the control of neurodegenerative diseases. These venoms and their components are well-known and irrefutable sources of neuroprotectors or neuromodulators. In this respect, the present study reviews our current understanding of the mechanisms of action and future prospects regarding the use of new drugs derived from wasp and bee venom in the treatment of major neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, Epilepsy, Multiple Sclerosis and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
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15
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Monge-Fuentes V, Gomes FMM, Campos GAA, Silva JDC, Biolchi AM, Dos Anjos LC, Gonçalves JC, Lopes KS, Mortari MR. Neuroactive compounds obtained from arthropod venoms as new therapeutic platforms for the treatment of neurological disorders. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2015; 21:31. [PMID: 26257776 PMCID: PMC4529710 DOI: 10.1186/s40409-015-0031-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The impact of neurological disorders in society is growing with alarming estimations for an incidence increase in the next decades. These disorders are generally chronic and can affect individuals early during productive life, imposing real limitations on the performance of their social roles. Patients can have their independence, autonomy, freedom, self-image, and self-confidence affected. In spite of their availability, drugs for the treatment of these disorders are commonly associated with side effects, which can vary in frequency and severity. Currently, no effective cure is known. Nowadays, the biopharmaceutical research community widely recognizes arthropod venoms as a rich source of bioactive compounds, providing a plethora of possibilities for the discovery of new neuroactive compounds, opening up novel and attractive opportunities in this field. Several identified molecules with a neuropharmacological profile can act in the central nervous system on different neuronal targets, rendering them useful tools for the study of neurological disorders. In this context, this review aims to describe the current main compounds extracted from arthropod venoms for the treatment of five major existing neurological disorders: stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and pathological anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Monge-Fuentes
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, DF CEP 70.910-900, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Flávia Maria Medeiros Gomes
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, DF CEP 70.910-900, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Avohay Alves Campos
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, DF CEP 70.910-900, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Juliana de Castro Silva
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, DF CEP 70.910-900, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Andréia Mayer Biolchi
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, DF CEP 70.910-900, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Lilian Carneiro Dos Anjos
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, DF CEP 70.910-900, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Jacqueline Coimbra Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, DF CEP 70.910-900, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Kamila Soares Lopes
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, DF CEP 70.910-900, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Márcia Renata Mortari
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, DF CEP 70.910-900, Brasília, Brazil
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Nôga DAMF, Cagni FC, Santos JR, Silva D, Azevedo DLO, Araújo A, Silva RH, Ribeiro AM. Pro- and Anticonvulsant Effects of the Ant Dinoponera quadriceps (Kempf) Venom in Mice. NEOTROPICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2015; 44:410-417. [PMID: 26045053 DOI: 10.1007/s13744-015-0292-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2014] [Accepted: 03/18/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy affects at least 50 million people worldwide, and the available treatment is associated with various side effects. Approximately 20-30% of the patients develop seizures that persist despite careful monitored treatment with antiepileptic drugs. Thus, there is a clear need for the development of new antiepileptic drugs, and the venoms can be an excellent source of probes. In this context, while there are studies on venoms from snakes, scorpions, and spiders, little is known regarding venom from ants. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential pro- and anticonvulsant effects of the venom from the ant Dinoponera quadriceps (Kempf) in Swiss mice. After the injection of the crude venom (DqTx-5, 50, and 500 mg/mL) in the lateral ventricle of mice, we observed a reduction of exploration and grooming behaviors, as well as an increase in immobility duration. In addition, the crude venom induced procursive behavior and tonic-clonic seizures at the highest concentration. Conversely, the preadministration of the denatured venom (AbDq) at the concentration of 2 mg/mL protected the animals against tonic-clonic seizures (66.7%) and death (100%) induced by administration of bicuculline. Taken together, the findings demonstrate that D. quadriceps venom might be potential source of new pro- and anticonvulsants molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A M F Nôga
- Depto de Fisiologia, Univ Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brasil
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17
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An iGlu Receptor Antagonist and Its Simultaneous Use with an Anticancer Drug for Cancer Therapy. Chemistry 2015; 21:6123-31. [DOI: 10.1002/chem.201406527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Natural products from marine organisms with neuroprotective activity in the experimental models of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and ischemic brain stroke: their molecular targets and action mechanisms. Arch Pharm Res 2014; 38:139-70. [PMID: 25348867 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-014-0503-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 10/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Continuous increases in the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and brain stroke demand the urgent development of therapeutics. Marine organisms are well-known producers of natural products with diverse structures and pharmacological activities. Therefore, researchers have endeavored to identify marine natural products with neuroprotective effects. In this regard, this review summarizes therapeutic targets for AD, PD, and ischemic brain stroke and marine natural products with pharmacological activities on the targets according to taxonomies of marine organisms. Furthermore, several marine natural products on the clinical trials for the treatment of neurological disorders are discussed.
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Vipericidins: a novel family of cathelicidin-related peptides from the venom gland of South American pit vipers. Amino Acids 2014; 46:2561-71. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-014-1801-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2014] [Accepted: 06/27/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Grosso C, Valentão P, Ferreres F, Andrade PB. Bioactive marine drugs and marine biomaterials for brain diseases. Mar Drugs 2014; 12:2539-89. [PMID: 24798925 PMCID: PMC4052305 DOI: 10.3390/md12052539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2014] [Revised: 04/10/2014] [Accepted: 04/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine invertebrates produce a plethora of bioactive compounds, which serve as inspiration for marine biotechnology, particularly in drug discovery programs and biomaterials development. This review aims to summarize the potential of drugs derived from marine invertebrates in the field of neuroscience. Therefore, some examples of neuroprotective drugs and neurotoxins will be discussed. Their role in neuroscience research and development of new therapies targeting the central nervous system will be addressed, with particular focus on neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. In addition, the neuronal growth promoted by marine drugs, as well as the recent advances in neural tissue engineering, will be highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Grosso
- REQUIMTE/Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, no. 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Patrícia Valentão
- REQUIMTE/Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, no. 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Federico Ferreres
- Research Group on Quality, Safety and Bioactivity of Plant Foods, Department of Food Science and Technology, CEBAS (CSIC), P.O. Box 164, Campus University Espinardo, Murcia 30100, Spain.
| | - Paula B Andrade
- REQUIMTE/Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, no. 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
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21
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do Couto LL, dos Anjos LC, Araujo MDAF, Mourão CA, Schwartz CA, Ferreira LB, Mortari MR. Anticonvulsant and anxiolytic activity of the peptide fraction isolated from the venom of the social wasp Polybia paulista. Pharmacogn Mag 2012; 8:292-9. [PMID: 24082633 PMCID: PMC3785167 DOI: 10.4103/0973-1296.103657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2011] [Revised: 11/21/2011] [Accepted: 11/22/2012] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arthropod venoms have attracted interest because they represent a source of neuroactive compounds that can be useful tools in neuroscience and pharmacological investigations. OBJECTIVE The purpose of the present work was to evaluate the anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, and behavioral effects of the peptide fraction separated from venom of the social wasp. MATERIALS AND METHODS The low- molecular-weight compounds of the venom were separated by ultrafiltration and the bioassays were performed to test anticonvulsant and anxiolytic effects, as well as alterations in the spontaneous behavior of the animals. RESULTS Intracerebroventricular injections of the compounds induced dose-dependent anticonvulsant effects and a potent anxiolytic activity. Regarding behavioral effects, no significant differences were observed in relation to the saline control group. CONCLUSION The low-molecular-weight compounds of the venom of Polybia paulista include neuroactive peptides that can be used as pharmacological resources for anticonvulsant and anxiolytic drug research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucianna Lopes do Couto
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Lilian Carneiro dos Anjos
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | | | - Cecília Alves Mourão
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Carlos Aberto Schwartz
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | | | - Márcia Renata Mortari
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
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Schwartz EF, Mourão CBF, Moreira KG, Camargos TS, Mortari MR. Arthropod venoms: A vast arsenal of insecticidal neuropeptides. Biopolymers 2012. [DOI: 10.1002/bip.22100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Olsen CA, Kristensen AS, Strømgaard K. Niedermolekulare Verbindungen aus Spinnen als chemische Sensoren. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2011. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201101599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Olsen CA, Kristensen AS, Strømgaard K. Small molecules from spiders used as chemical probes. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2011; 50:11296-311. [PMID: 22034051 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201101599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2011] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Spiders are important species in ecological systems and as major predators of insects they are endowed with a plethora of low-molecular-weight natural products having intriguing biological activities. The isolation and biological characterization of these entities are well established, however, only very recently have these compounds been used as templates for the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of synthetic analogues. In contrast, the investigation of compounds responsible for chemical communication between spiders is far less developed, but recently new light has been shed onto the area of pheromones and allomones from spiders. Herein, we recapitulate these recent results, put them into perspective with previous findings, and provide an outlook for future studies of these chemotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian A Olsen
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
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25
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Neurobiological activity of Parawixin 10, a novel anticonvulsant compound isolated from Parawixia bistriata spider venom (Araneidae: Araneae). Epilepsy Behav 2011; 22:158-64. [PMID: 21763206 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2011.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2011] [Revised: 05/03/2011] [Accepted: 05/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The neurobiological activity of Parawixin 10, isolated from Parawixia bistriata spider venom, was investigated. Cannulas were implanted in the lateral ventricles of Wistar rats (200-250 g, n=6-8 per group) to perform anticonvulsant and behavioral assays, and synaptosomes from cerebral cortices of male Wistar rats were used for neurochemical studies. The results indicate that pretreatment with Parawixin 10 prevents the onset of seizures induced with kainic acid, N-methyl-D-aspartate, and pentylenetetrazole in a dose-response manner. Lower doses of Parawixin 10 significantly increased the latency to onset of kainic acid-, pentylenetetrazole-, and N-methyl-D-aspartate-induced seizures. There were maximum increases of 79% in L-[(3)H]glutamine uptake and 40% in [(3)H]glycine uptake; [(3)H]GABA uptake did not change. The findings demonstrate that this novel compound from P. bistriata venom exerts a pharmacological effect on the glutamatergic and glycinergic systems.
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Zhu F, Qin C, Tao L, Liu X, Shi Z, Ma X, Jia J, Tan Y, Cui C, Lin J, Tan C, Jiang Y, Chen Y. Clustered patterns of species origins of nature-derived drugs and clues for future bioprospecting. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2011; 108:12943-8. [PMID: 21768386 PMCID: PMC3150889 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1107336108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Many drugs are nature derived. Low drug productivity has renewed interest in natural products as drug-discovery sources. Nature-derived drugs are composed of dozens of molecular scaffolds generated by specific secondary-metabolite gene clusters in selected species. It can be hypothesized that drug-like structures probably are distributed in selective groups of species. We compared the species origins of 939 approved and 369 clinical-trial drugs with those of 119 preclinical drugs and 19,721 bioactive natural products. In contrast to the scattered distribution of bioactive natural products, these drugs are clustered into 144 of the 6,763 known species families in nature, with 80% of the approved drugs and 67% of the clinical-trial drugs concentrated in 17 and 30 drug-prolific families, respectively. Four lines of evidence from historical drug data, 13,548 marine natural products, 767 medicinal plants, and 19,721 bioactive natural products suggest that drugs are derived mostly from preexisting drug-productive families. Drug-productive clusters expand slowly by conventional technologies. The lack of drugs outside drug-productive families is not necessarily the result of under-exploration or late exploration by conventional technologies. New technologies that explore cryptic gene clusters, pathways, interspecies crosstalk, and high-throughput fermentation enable the discovery of novel natural products. The potential impact of these technologies on drug productivity and on the distribution patterns of drug-productive families is yet to be revealed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Guangdong Province Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, People's Republic of China
- Bioinformatics and Drug Design Group, Department of Pharmacy, and
- Center for Computational Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543
| | - Chu Qin
- Bioinformatics and Drug Design Group, Department of Pharmacy, and
- Center for Computational Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, Singapore 117456; and
| | - Lin Tao
- Bioinformatics and Drug Design Group, Department of Pharmacy, and
- Center for Computational Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, Singapore 117456; and
| | - Xin Liu
- Bioinformatics and Drug Design Group, Department of Pharmacy, and
- Center for Computational Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543
| | - Zhe Shi
- Bioinformatics and Drug Design Group, Department of Pharmacy, and
- Center for Computational Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543
| | - Xiaohua Ma
- Bioinformatics and Drug Design Group, Department of Pharmacy, and
- Center for Computational Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543
| | - Jia Jia
- Bioinformatics and Drug Design Group, Department of Pharmacy, and
- Center for Computational Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543
| | - Ying Tan
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Guangdong Province Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng Cui
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Guangdong Province Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinshun Lin
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Guangdong Province Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunyan Tan
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Guangdong Province Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuyang Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Guangdong Province Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, People's Republic of China
- School of Medicine and Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
| | - Yuzong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Guangdong Province Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, People's Republic of China
- Bioinformatics and Drug Design Group, Department of Pharmacy, and
- Center for Computational Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543
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Faggion SA, Cunha AOS, Fachim HA, Gavin AS, dos Santos WF, Pereira AMS, Beleboni RO. Anticonvulsant profile of the alkaloids (+)-erythravine and (+)-11-α-hydroxy-erythravine isolated from the flowers of Erythrina mulungu Mart ex Benth (Leguminosae-Papilionaceae). Epilepsy Behav 2011; 20:441-6. [PMID: 21277832 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2010.12.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2010] [Revised: 11/17/2010] [Accepted: 12/22/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Neural mechanisms underlying the onset and maintenance of epileptic seizures involve alterations in inhibitory and/or excitatory neurotransmitter pathways. Thus, the prospecting of novel molecules from natural products that target both inhibition and excitation systems has deserved interest in the rational design of new anticonvulsants. We isolated the alkaloids (+)-erythravine and (+)-11-α-hydroxy-erythravine from the flowers of Erythrina mulungu and evaluated the action of these compounds against chemically induced seizures in rats. Our results showed that the administration of different doses of (+)-erythravine inhibited seizures evoked by bicuculline, pentylenetetrazole, and kainic acid at maximum of 80, 100, and 100%, respectively, whereas different doses of (+)-11-α-hydroxy-erythravine inhibited seizures at a maximum of 100% when induced by bicuculline, NMDA, and kainic acid, and, to a lesser extent, PTZ (60%). The analysis of mean latency to seizure onset of nonprotected animals, for specific doses of alkaloids, showed that (+)-erythravine increased latencies to seizures induced by bicuculline. Although (+)-erythravine exhibited very weak anticonvulsant action against seizures induced by NMDA, this alkaloid increased the latency in this assay. The increase in latency to onset of seizures promoted by (+)-11-α-hydroxy-erythravine reached a maximum of threefold in the bicuculline test. All animals were protected against death when treated with different doses of (+)-11-α-hydroxy-erythravine in the tests using the four chemical convulsants. Identical results were obtained when using (+)-erythravine in the tests of bicuculline, NMDA, and PTZ, and, to a lesser extent, kainic acid. Therefore, these data validate the anticonvulsant properties of the tested alkaloids, which is of relevance in consideration of the ethnopharmacological/biotechnological potential of E. mulungu.
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Zhu S, Gao B, Deng M, Yuan Y, Luo L, Peigneur S, Xiao Y, Liang S, Tytgat J. Drosotoxin, a selective inhibitor of tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium channels. Biochem Pharmacol 2010; 80:1296-302. [PMID: 20637738 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2010.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2010] [Revised: 07/06/2010] [Accepted: 07/06/2010] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The design of animal toxins with high target selectivity has long been a goal in protein engineering. Based on evolutionary relationship between the Drosophila antifungal defensin (drosomycin) and scorpion depressant Na(+) channel toxins, we exploited a strategy to create a novel chimeric molecule (named drosotoxin) with high selectivity for channel subtypes, which was achieved by using drosomycin to substitute the structural core of BmKITc, a depressant toxin acting on both insect and mammalian Na(+) channels. Recombinant drosotoxin selectively inhibited tetrodotoxin-resistant (TTX-R) Na(+) channels in rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) of 2.6+/-0.5muM. This chimeric peptide showed no activity on K(+), Ca(2+) and TTX-sensitive (TTX-S) Na(+) channels in rat DRG neurons and Drosophila para/tipE channels at micromolar concentrations. Drosotoxin represents the first chimeric toxin and example of a non-toxic core scaffold with high selectivity on mammalian TTX-R Na(+) channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunyi Zhu
- Group of Animal Innate Immunity, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects & Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China.
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Vassilevski AA, Kozlov SA, Grishin EV. Molecular diversity of spider venom. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2010; 74:1505-34. [PMID: 20210706 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297909130069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Spider venom, a factor that has played a decisive role in the evolution of one of the most successful groups of living organisms, is reviewed. Unique molecular diversity of venom components including substances of variable structure (from simple low molecular weight compounds to large multidomain proteins) with different functions is considered. Special attention is given to the structure, properties, and biosynthesis of toxins of polypeptide nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Vassilevski
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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Cunha AOS, Mortari MR, Liberato JL, dos Santos WF. Neuroprotective effects of diazepam, carbamazepine, phenytoin and ketamine after pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2009; 104:470-7. [PMID: 19371260 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-7843.2009.00403.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Cell damage and spatial localization deficits are often reported as long-term consequences of pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus. In this study, we investigated the neuroprotective effects of repeated drug administration after long-lasting status epilepticus. Groups of six to eight Wistar rats received microinjections of pilocarpine (2.4 mg/microl, 1 microl) in the right dorsal hippocampus to induce a status epilepticus, which was attenuated by thiopental injection (35 mg/kg, i.p.) 3 hrs after onset. Treatments consisted of i.p. administration of diazepam, ketamine, carbamazepine, or phenytoin at 4, 28, 52, and 76 hr after the onset of status epilepticus. Two days after the treatments, rats were tested in the Morris water maze and 1 week after the cognitive tests, their brains were submitted to histology to perform haematoxylin and eosin staining and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunofluorescence detection. Post-status epilepticus rats exhibited extensive gliosis and cell loss in the hippocampal CA1, CA3 (70% cell loss for both areas) and dentate gyrus (60%). Administration of all drugs reduced cell loss in the hippocampus, with best effects observed in brains slices of diazepam-treated animals, which showed less than 30% of loss in the three areas and decreased GFAP immunolabelling. Treatments improved spatial navigation during training trials and probe trial, with exception of ketamine. Interestingly, in the probe trial, only diazepam-treated animals showed preference for the goal quadrant. Our data point to significant neuroprotective effects of repeated administration of diazepam against status epilepticus-induced cell damage and cognitive disturbances.
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Andreev YA, Kozlov SA, Koshelev SG, Ivanova EA, Monastyrnaya MM, Kozlovskaya EP, Grishin EV. Analgesic compound from sea anemone Heteractis crispa is the first polypeptide inhibitor of vanilloid receptor 1 (TRPV1). J Biol Chem 2008; 283:23914-21. [PMID: 18579526 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m800776200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Venomous animals from distinct phyla such as spiders, scorpions, snakes, cone snails, or sea anemones produce small toxic proteins interacting with a variety of cell targets. Their bites often cause pain. One of the ways of pain generation is the activation of TRPV1 channels. Screening of 30 different venoms from spiders and sea anemones for modulation of TRPV1 activity revealed inhibitors in tropical sea anemone Heteractis crispa venom. Several separation steps resulted in isolation of an inhibiting compound. This is a 56-residue-long polypeptide named APHC1 that has a Bos taurus trypsin inhibitor (BPTI)/Kunitz-type fold, mostly represented by serine protease inhibitors and ion channel blockers. APHC1 acted as a partial antagonist of capsaicin-induced currents (32 +/- 9% inhibition) with half-maximal effective concentration (EC(50)) 54 +/- 4 nm. In vivo, a 0.1 mg/kg dose of APHC1 significantly prolonged tail-flick latency and reduced capsaicin-induced acute pain. Therefore, our results can make an important contribution to the research into molecular mechanisms of TRPV1 modulation and help to solve the problem of overactivity of this receptor during a number of pathological processes in the organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaroslav A Andreev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, Moscow.
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Romeo C, Di Francesco L, Oliverio M, Palazzo P, Massilia GR, Ascenzi P, Polticelli F, Schininà ME. Conus ventricosus venom peptides profiling by HPLC-MS: a new insight in the intraspecific variation. J Sep Sci 2008; 31:488-98. [PMID: 18266261 DOI: 10.1002/jssc.200700448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Conus is a genus of predatory marine gastropods that poison the prey with a complex mixture of compounds active on muscle and nerve cells. An individual cone snail's venom contains a mixture of pharmacological agents, mostly short, structurally constrained peptides. This study is focused on the composition of the venom employed by Conus ventricosus Gmelin, 1791, a worm-hunting cone snail living in the Mediterranean Sea. For this purpose, LC coupled to MS techniques has been successfully used to establish qualitative and quantitative differences in conopeptides from minute amounts of venom ducts. We were able to prove variability in the venom conopeptide complement, possibly related to different trophic habits of the species in the Mediterranean Sea. Moreover, the information-rich MS techniques enabled us to identify two novel C. ventricosus peptides, here named Conotoxin-Vn and -Conotoxin-Vn. On the basis of the structural data collected so far, we suggest that Conotoxin-Vn is a conopeptide belonging to the -family that recognizes calcium channels through a specific pharmacophore. Similarly, molecular modeling data suggest that -Conotoxin-Vn should represent a competitive antagonist of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Romeo
- Consorzio Interuniversitario Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi, Rome, Italy
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Clynen E, Baggerman G, Husson SJ, Landuyt B, Schoofs L. Peptidomics in drug research. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2008; 3:425-40. [DOI: 10.1517/17460441.3.4.425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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Emam S, Khosravi A, Alemohamma A. Evaluation of Hematological and Urine Parameters in Hemiscorpius lepturus (Gadim) Victims Referred to Razi Hospital, Ahwaz, Iran. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 2008. [DOI: 10.3923/jms.2008.306.309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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Borsook D, Moulton EA, Schmidt KF, Becerra LR. Neuroimaging revolutionizes therapeutic approaches to chronic pain. Mol Pain 2007; 3:25. [PMID: 17848191 PMCID: PMC2048498 DOI: 10.1186/1744-8069-3-25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2007] [Accepted: 09/11/2007] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
An understanding of how the brain changes in chronic pain or responds to pharmacological or other therapeutic interventions has been significantly changed as a result of developments in neuroimaging of the CNS. These developments have occurred in 3 domains : (1) Anatomical Imaging which has demonstrated changes in brain volume in chronic pain; (2) Functional Imaging (fMRI) that has demonstrated an altered state in the brain in chronic pain conditions including back pain, neuropathic pain, and complex regional pain syndromes. In addition the response of the brain to drugs has provided new insights into how these may modify normal and abnormal circuits (phMRI or pharmacological MRI); (3) Chemical Imaging (Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy or MRS) has helped our understanding of measures of chemical changes in chronic pain. Taken together these three domains have already changed the way in which we think of pain – it should now be considered an altered brain state in which there may be altered functional connections or systems and a state that has components of degenerative aspects of the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Borsook
- PAIN Group, Brain Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA 02478, USA
- Imaging Consortium for Drug Development, McLean Hospital, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA 02478, USA
- Program in Neuroscience Department of Psychiatry and Athinoula Martinos Center for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts Hospital, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Eric A Moulton
- PAIN Group, Brain Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA 02478, USA
| | - Karl F Schmidt
- PAIN Group, Brain Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA 02478, USA
- Imaging Consortium for Drug Development, McLean Hospital, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA 02478, USA
| | - Lino R Becerra
- PAIN Group, Brain Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA 02478, USA
- Imaging Consortium for Drug Development, McLean Hospital, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA 02478, USA
- Program in Neuroscience Department of Psychiatry and Athinoula Martinos Center for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts Hospital, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
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