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Araya X, Okumu M, Durán G, Gómez A, Gutiérrez JM, León G. Assessment of the Artemia salina toxicity assay as a substitute of the mouse lethality assay in the determination of venom-induced toxicity and preclinical efficacy of antivenom. Toxicon X 2024; 22:100195. [PMID: 38606385 PMCID: PMC11004356 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2024.100195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Mice are routinely used in snake venom research but are costly and subject to pain and suffering. The crustacean Artemia salina could be an alternative to mice, but data to support its adoption in snake venom research is limited. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the suitability of A. salina as a surrogate of mice in assessing the toxicity of venoms and the preclinical efficacy of antivenoms. The toxicity of venoms from 22 snakes of medical importance in sub-Saharan Africa was evaluated in mice (intraperitoneally; i.p. and intravenously; i.v.) and in A. salina. Subsequently, the capacity of a commercial antivenom to neutralize the toxicity of these venoms in mice and A. salina was investigated. There was a positive correlation between the i.v. median lethal doses (LD50s) and the i.p. LD50s in mice (r = 0.804; p < 0.0001), a moderate correlation between the i.v. LD50s in mice and the median lethal concentrations (LC50s) in A. salina (r = 0.606; p = 0.003), and a moderate correlation between the i.p. LD50s in mice and the LC50s in A. salina (r = 0.426; p = 0.048). Moreover, there was a strong correlation between the i.p. median effective doses (ED50s) and the i.v. ED50s in mice (r = 0.941, p < 0.0001), between the i.p. ED50s in mice and the ED50s in A. salina (r = 0.818, p < 0.0001), and between the i.v. ED50s in mice and the ED50s in A. salina (r = 0.972, p < 0.0001). These findings present A. salina as a promising candidate for reducing reliance on mice in snake venom research. Future investigations should build upon these findings, addressing potential limitations and expanding the scope of A. salina in venom research and antivenom development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Araya
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Mitchel Okumu
- Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Gina Durán
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Aarón Gómez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - José María Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Guillermo León
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
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Okumu M, Mbaria J, Gikunju J, Mbuthia P, Madadi V, Ochola F. Exploring nature's antidote: unveiling the inhibitory potential of selected medicinal plants from Kisumu, Kenya against venom from some snakes of medical significance in sub-Saharan Africa. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1369768. [PMID: 38681195 PMCID: PMC11045943 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1369768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The present study investigated the efficacy of Conyza bonariensis, Commiphora africana, Senna obtusifolia, Warburgia ugandensis, Vernonia glabra, and Zanthoxylum usambarense against Bitis arietans venom (BAV), Naja ashei venom (NAV), and Naja subfulva venom (NSV). Methods: 40 extracts and fractions were prepared using n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and methanol. In vitro efficacy against snake venom phospholipase A2 (svPLA2) was determined in 96-well microtiter and agarose-egg yolk coagulation assays. in vivo efficacy against venom-induced cytotoxicity was determined using Artemia salina. Two commercial antivenoms were used for comparison. Results: The 96-well microtiter assay revealed poor svPLA2 inhibition of BAV by antivenom (range: 20.76% ± 13.29% to 51.29% ± 3.26%) but strong inhibition (>90%) by dichloromethane and hexane fractions of C. africana, hexane and ethyl acetate extracts and fraction of W. ugandensis, dichloromethane fraction of V. glabra, and the methanol extract of S. obtusifolia. The methanol extract and fraction of C. africana, and the hexane extract of Z. usambarense strongly inhibited (>90%) svPLA2 activity in NAV. The hexane and ethyl acetate fractions of V. glabra and the dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and methanol extracts of C. africana strongly inhibited (>90%) svPLA2 in NSV. The agarose egg yolk coagulation assay showed significant inhibition of BAV by the dichloromethane fraction of C. africana (EC50 = 3.51 ± 2.58 μg/mL), significant inhibition of NAV by the methanol fraction of C. africana (EC50 = 7.35 ± 1.800 μg/mL), and significant inhibition of NSV by the hexane extract of V. glabra (EC50 = 7.94 ± 1.50 μg/mL). All antivenoms were non-cytotoxic in A. salina but the methanol extract of C. africana and the hexane extracts of V. glabra and Z. usambarense were cytotoxic. The dichloromethane fraction of C. africana significantly neutralized BAV-induced cytotoxicity, the methanol fraction and extract of C. africana neutralized NAV-induced cytotoxicity, while the ethyl acetate extract of V. glabra significantly neutralized NSV-induced cytotoxicity. Glycosides, flavonoids, phenolics, and tannins were identified in the non-cytotoxic extracts/fractions. Conclusion: These findings validate the local use of C. africana and V. glabra in snakebite but not C. bonariensis, S. obtusifolia, W. ugandensis, and Z. usambarense. Further work is needed to isolate pure compounds from the effective plants and identify their mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchel Okumu
- Department of Public Health, Pharmacology, and Toxicology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - James Mbaria
- Department of Public Health, Pharmacology, and Toxicology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joseph Gikunju
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Paul Mbuthia
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology, and Parasitology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Vincent Madadi
- Department of Chemistry, School of Physical and Biological Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Francis Ochola
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
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Spinelli R, Rietmann Á, Sanchis I, Goicoechea H, Siano Á. Toxicity Evaluation of Anti-cholinesterasic Amphibian Extracts by MTT and an Optimized Artemia salina Test. Chem Biodivers 2024; 21:e202301367. [PMID: 38151826 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202301367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
The amphibian skin is an important source of bioactive compounds. Recently, our workgroup reported the bioactivity of new extracts from the Hylidae, Microhylidae and Leptodactylidae families against several pathways involved in Alzheimer's disease. However, since cytotoxicity can be a limiting factor for their applicability, we evaluated the toxicity of nine amphibian skin extracts with reported anticholinesterase activity, using the traditional MTT assay and an optimized Artemia salina test. The proposed improvement, guided by experimental design, aims to reduce the amount of biological sample needed. Overall, we proved that the active extracts were non-toxic at effective concentration against cholinesterases (AChE/BChE), positioning the amphibian skin as a promising and preliminary safe source of bioactive compounds in the anti-Alzheimer's treatment. Interestingly, we demonstrated that both toxicity assays can discriminate between toxic and non-toxic samples. We propose the A. salina bioassay as a reliable and cost-effective alternative for early toxicity screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roque Spinelli
- Laboratorio de Péptidos Bioactivos (LPB), Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Santa Fe
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - Álvaro Rietmann
- Laboratorio de Péptidos Bioactivos (LPB), Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Santa Fe
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - Iván Sanchis
- Laboratorio de Péptidos Bioactivos (LPB), Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Santa Fe
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - Héctor Goicoechea
- Laboratorio de Desarrollo Analítico y Quimiometría (LADAQ), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Santa Fe, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - Álvaro Siano
- Laboratorio de Péptidos Bioactivos (LPB), Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Santa Fe
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
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Santos LCD, Azevedo LS, Siqueira EPD, Castro AHF, Lima LARDS. Chemical characterization, antioxidant activity, and cytotoxicity of fatty acids methyl esters from Handroanthus impetiginosus (Mart. ex DC.) Mattos (Bignoniaceae) seeds. Nat Prod Res 2024; 38:619-623. [PMID: 38285922 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2023.2179624] [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: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Handroanthus impetiginosus, popularly known as "ipê-roxo", is used in folk medicine to treat skin inflammations, infections, stomach diseases, and cancer. Fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) obtained from the esterification reaction of fatty acids (FA) found in the hexane extract (HE) of seeds of H. impetiginosus were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of the HE and FAMEs were evaluated. Methyl palmitate, methyl linoleate, methyl oleate, and methyl stearate were the major FAMEs obtained from the HE. The samples, especially the HE, exhibited a significant antioxidant potential analyzed by ferric reducing ability power (FRAP) assay. In the A. salina larvae bioassay, the HE showed no cytotoxic effects, but the FAMEs exhibited a high toxicity. This study reported, for the first time, the antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of the HE and FAMEs obtained from H. impetiginosus seeds.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lucas Santos Azevedo
- Campus Centro-Oeste Dona Lindu, Universidade Federal de São João Del-Rei, Divinópolis, Brazil
| | - Ezequias Pessoa de Siqueira
- Laboratório de Química de Produtos Naturais, Centro de Pesquisa René Rachou - Fiocruz/MG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Brindhadevi K, Hoang Le Q, Salmen SH, Karuppusamy I, Pugazhendhi A. In vitro biofilm inhibition efficacy of Aerva lanata flower extract against Gram negative and Gram-positive biofilm forming bacteria and toxicity analysis using Artemia salina. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 238:117118. [PMID: 37704075 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
A biofilm consists of Gram positive and Gram-negative bacteria enclosed in a matrix. Industrial biofouling is caused by biofilms, which can exhibit antimicrobial resistance during infections. Many biofilm studies find that nearly all biofilm communities consist of Gram positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It is therefore necessary to better understand the conserved themes in biofilm formation to develop therapeutics based on biofilm formation. Plant extracts can effectively combat pathogenic bacterial biofilms. This study evaluated the antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of Aerva lanata flower extract against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Methanol extract of dried A. lanata flower was tested against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa to determine the antibacterial activity (10, 25, 50, 75, 100 μg/mL) resulted in a maximum of 0.5-1 log reduction and 2 log reduction in comparison to the control or untreated bacterial cells respectively. A. lanata showed maximum biofilm inhibition up to 1.5-fold and 1-fold against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. Light microscopic analysis of biofilm treated with A. lanata extract showed efficient distortion of the biofilm matrix. Further, the in vivo analysis of A. lanata in the Artemia salina brine shrimp model showed >50% survival and thus proving the efficacy of A. lanata extract in rescuing the brine shrimps against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathirvel Brindhadevi
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Viet Nam; Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Viet Nam.
| | - Quynh Hoang Le
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Viet Nam; Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Viet Nam
| | - Saleh H Salmen
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, PO Box -2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Indira Karuppusamy
- Research Center for Strategic Materials, Corrosion Resistant Steel Group, National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Arivalagan Pugazhendhi
- School of Engineering, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon; Centre for Herbal Pharmacology and Environmental Sustainability, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Kelambakkam, 603103, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Rashidzadeh H, Ramazani A, Tabatabaei Rezaei SJ, Danafar H, Rahmani S, Veisi H, Rajaeinejad M, Jamalpoor Z, Hami Z. Targeted co-delivery of methotrexate and chloroquine via a pH/enzyme-responsive biocompatible polymeric nanohydrogel for colorectal cancer treatment. JOURNAL OF BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE. POLYMER EDITION 2023; 34:1824-1842. [PMID: 36869798 DOI: 10.1080/09205063.2023.2187986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Application of conventional chemotherapy regardless of its unique effectiveness have been gradually being edged aside due to limited targeting capability, lack of selectivity and chemotherapy-associated side effects. To this end, colon-targeted nanoparticles via combination therapy have shown great therapeutic potential against cancer. Herein, pH/enzyme-responsive biocompatible polymeric nanohydrogels based on poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) containing methotrexate (MTX) and chloroquine (CQ) were fabricated. PMAA-MTX-CQ exhibited high drug loading capacity of which MTX was 4.99% and was CQ 25.01% and displayed pH/enzyme-triggered drug release behavior. Higher CQ release rate (76%) under simulated acidic microenvironment of tumor tissue whereas 39% of CQ was released under normal physiological conditions. Intestinally, MTX release was facilitated in the presence of proteinase K enzyme. TEM image demonstrated spherical morphology with particle size of less than 50 nm. In vitro and in vivo toxicity assessments indicated that developed nanoplatforms possessed great biocompatibility. These nanohydrogels did not cause any adverse effects against Artemia Salina and HFF2 cells (around 100% cell viability) which highlight the safety of prepared nanohydrogels. There was no death in mice received different concentrations of nanohydrogel through oral administration and less than 5% hemolysis was found in red blood cells incubated with PMAA nanohydrogels. In vitro anti-cancer results showed that combination therapy based on PMAA-MTX-CQ can effectively suppress the growth of SW480 colon cancer cells (29% cell viability) compared to monotherapy. Altogether, these findings suggest that pH/enzyme-responsive PMAA-MTX-CQ could effectively inhibit cancer cell growth and progression via site-specific delivery of its cargo in a safe and controlled manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Rashidzadeh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biomaterials, School of Pharmacy, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Ali Ramazani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biomaterials, School of Pharmacy, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Seyed Jamal Tabatabaei Rezaei
- Laboratory of Novel Drug Delivery Systems, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Hossein Danafar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biomaterials, School of Pharmacy, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Shayan Rahmani
- Laboratory of Novel Drug Delivery Systems, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Hassan Veisi
- Laboratory of Novel Drug Delivery Systems, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Mohsen Rajaeinejad
- AJA Cancer Epidemiology Research and Treatment Center (AJA-CERTC), AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Jamalpoor
- Trauma Research Center, Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Hami
- Toxicology Research Center, Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Zamora I, Alfonso Morales G, Castro JI, Ruiz Rojas LM, Valencia-Llano CH, Mina Hernandez JH, Valencia Zapata ME, Grande-Tovar CD. Chitosan (CS)/Hydroxyapatite (HA)/Tricalcium Phosphate (β-TCP)-Based Composites as a Potential Material for Pulp Tissue Regeneration. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:3213. [PMID: 37571109 PMCID: PMC10421191 DOI: 10.3390/polym15153213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
This research focused on developing new materials for endodontic treatments to restore tissues affected by infectious or inflammatory processes. Three materials were studied, namely tricalcium phosphate β-hydroxyapatite (β-TCP), commercial and natural hydroxyapatite (HA), and chitosan (CS), in different proportions. The chemical characterization using infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the composition of the composite. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrated that the design and origin of the HA, whether natural or commercial, did not affect the morphology of the composites. In vitro studies using Artemia salina (A. salina) indicated that all three experimental materials were biocompatible after 24 h, with no significant differences in mortality rate observed among the groups. The subdermal implantation of the materials in block form exhibited biocompatibility and biodegradability after 30 and 60 days, with the larger particles undergoing fragmentation and connective tissue formation consisting of collagen type III fibers, blood vessels, and inflammatory cells. The implanted material continued to undergo resorption during this process. The results obtained in this research contribute to developing endodontic technologies for tissue recovery and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Zamora
- Grupo Biomateriales Dentales, Escuela de Odontología, Universidad del Valle, Calle 4B # 36-00, Cali 76001, Colombia; (I.Z.); (G.A.M.); (C.H.V.-L.)
| | - Gilbert Alfonso Morales
- Grupo Biomateriales Dentales, Escuela de Odontología, Universidad del Valle, Calle 4B # 36-00, Cali 76001, Colombia; (I.Z.); (G.A.M.); (C.H.V.-L.)
| | - Jorge Iván Castro
- Laboratorio SIMERQO, Departamento de Química, Universidad del Valle, Calle 13 No. 100-00, Cali 76001, Colombia;
| | - Lina Marcela Ruiz Rojas
- Grupo de Materiales Compuestos, Escuela de Ingeniería de Materiales, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad del Valle, Calle 13 No. 100-00, Cali 760032, Colombia; (L.M.R.R.); (J.H.M.H.); (M.E.V.Z.)
| | - Carlos Humberto Valencia-Llano
- Grupo Biomateriales Dentales, Escuela de Odontología, Universidad del Valle, Calle 4B # 36-00, Cali 76001, Colombia; (I.Z.); (G.A.M.); (C.H.V.-L.)
| | - Jose Herminsul Mina Hernandez
- Grupo de Materiales Compuestos, Escuela de Ingeniería de Materiales, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad del Valle, Calle 13 No. 100-00, Cali 760032, Colombia; (L.M.R.R.); (J.H.M.H.); (M.E.V.Z.)
| | - Mayra Eliana Valencia Zapata
- Grupo de Materiales Compuestos, Escuela de Ingeniería de Materiales, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad del Valle, Calle 13 No. 100-00, Cali 760032, Colombia; (L.M.R.R.); (J.H.M.H.); (M.E.V.Z.)
| | - Carlos David Grande-Tovar
- Grupo de Investigación de Fotoquímica y Fotobiología, Universidad del Atlántico, Carrera 30 Número 8-49, Puerto Colombia 081008, Colombia
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Takayasu BS, Rodrigues SS, Madureira Trufen CE, Machado-Santelli GM, Onuki J. Effects on cell cycle progression and cytoskeleton organization of five Bothrops spp. venoms in cell culture-based assays. Heliyon 2023; 9:e18317. [PMID: 37539139 PMCID: PMC10393766 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18317] [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: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Snake envenomation is a neglected tropical disease. In Brazil, the Bothrops genus is responsible for about 86% of snakebite accidents. Despite extensive evidence of the cytotoxicity of snake venoms, the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved are not fully understood, especially regarding the effects on cell cycle progression and cytoskeleton organization. Traditionally, the effectiveness and quality control tests of venoms and antivenoms are assessed by in vivo assays. Despite this, there is a rising effort to develop surrogate in vitro models according to the 3R principle (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement). In this study, we treated rat liver cells (BRL-3A) with venoms from five Bothrops species (B. jararaca, B. jararacussu, B. moojeni, B. alternatus, and B. neuwiedi) and analyzed cell viability and IC50 by MTT assay, cell cycle phases distribution by flow cytometry, and morphology and cytoskeleton alterations by immunofluorescence. In addition, we evaluated the correlation between IC50 and the enzymatic and biological activities of each venom. Our results indicated that Bothrops spp. venoms decreased the cell viability of rat liver BRL-3A cells. The rank order of potency was B. jararacussu > B. moojeni > B. alternatus > B. jararaca > B. neuwiedi. The mechanisms of cytotoxicity were related to microtubules and actin network disruption, but not to cell cycle arrest. No clear correlation was found between the IC50 and retrieved literature data of in vitro enzymatic and in vivo biological activities. This work contributed to understanding cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the Bothrops spp. venom cytotoxicity, which can help to improve envenomation treatment, as well as disclose potential therapeutic properties of snake venoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Sayuri Takayasu
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Glaucia Maria Machado-Santelli
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Janice Onuki
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratory of Herpetology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
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Popovici V, Matei E, Cozaru GC, Bucur L, Gîrd CE, Schröder V, Ozon EA, Karampelas O, Musuc AM, Atkinson I, Rusu A, Petrescu S, Mitran RA, Anastasescu M, Caraiane A, Lupuliasa D, Aschie M, Badea V. Evaluation of Usnea barbata (L.) Weber ex F.H. Wigg Extract in Canola Oil Loaded in Bioadhesive Oral Films for Potential Applications in Oral Cavity Infections and Malignancy. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11081601. [PMID: 36009320 PMCID: PMC9404812 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11081601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Usnea lichens are known for their beneficial pharmacological effects with potential applications in oral medicine. This study aims to investigate the extract of Usnea barbata (L.) Weber ex F.H. Wigg from the Călimani Mountains in canola oil as an oral pharmaceutical formulation. In the present work, bioadhesive oral films (F-UBO) with U. barbata extract in canola oil (UBO) were formulated, characterized, and evaluated, evidencing their pharmacological potential. The UBO-loaded films were analyzed using standard methods regarding physicochemical and pharmacotechnical characteristics to verify their suitability for topical administration on the oral mucosa. F-UBO suitability confirmation allowed for the investigation of antimicrobial and anticancer potential. The antimicrobial properties against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27353, Candida albicans ATCC 10231, and Candida parapsilosis ATCC 22019 were evaluated by a resazurin-based 96-well plate microdilution method. The brine shrimp lethality assay (BSL assay) was the animal model cytotoxicity prescreen, followed by flow cytometry analyses on normal blood cells and oral epithelial squamous cell carcinoma CLS-354 cell line, determining cellular apoptosis, caspase-3/7 activity, nuclear condensation and lysosomal activity, oxidative stress, cell cycle, and cell proliferation. The results indicate that a UBO-loaded bioadhesive film’s weight is 63 ± 1.79 mg. It contains 315 µg UBO, has a pH = 6.97 ± 0.01, a disintegration time of 124 ± 3.67 s, and a bioadhesion time of 86 ± 4.12 min, being suitable for topical administration on the oral mucosa. F-UBO showed moderate dose-dependent inhibitory effects on the growth of both bacterial and fungal strains. Moreover, in CLS-354 tumor cells, F-UBO increased oxidative stress, diminished DNA synthesis, and induced cell cycle arrest in G0/G1. All these properties led to considering UBO-loaded bioadhesive oral films as a suitable phytotherapeutic formulation with potential application in oral infections and neoplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violeta Popovici
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Ovidius University of Constanta, 7 Ilarie Voronca Street, 900684 Constanta, Romania
| | - Elena Matei
- Center for Research and Development of the Morphological and Genetic Studies of Malignant Pathology, Ovidius University of Constanta, CEDMOG, 145 Tomis Blvd., 900591 Constanta, Romania
- Correspondence: (E.M.); (V.S.); (E.A.O.); (O.K.); (A.M.M.)
| | - Georgeta Camelia Cozaru
- Center for Research and Development of the Morphological and Genetic Studies of Malignant Pathology, Ovidius University of Constanta, CEDMOG, 145 Tomis Blvd., 900591 Constanta, Romania
- Clinical Service of Pathology, Sf. Apostol Andrei Emergency County Hospital, 145 Tomis Blvd., 900591 Constanta, Romania
| | - Laura Bucur
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ovidius University of Constanta, 6 Capitan Al. Serbanescu Street, 900001 Constanta, Romania
| | - Cerasela Elena Gîrd
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry, and Phytotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Street, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Verginica Schröder
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ovidius University of Constanta, 6 Capitan Al. Serbanescu Street, 900001 Constanta, Romania
- Correspondence: (E.M.); (V.S.); (E.A.O.); (O.K.); (A.M.M.)
| | - Emma Adriana Ozon
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Street, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: (E.M.); (V.S.); (E.A.O.); (O.K.); (A.M.M.)
| | - Oana Karampelas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Street, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: (E.M.); (V.S.); (E.A.O.); (O.K.); (A.M.M.)
| | - Adina Magdalena Musuc
- “Ilie Murgulescu” Institute of Physical Chemistry, Romanian Academy, 202 Spl. Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: (E.M.); (V.S.); (E.A.O.); (O.K.); (A.M.M.)
| | - Irina Atkinson
- “Ilie Murgulescu” Institute of Physical Chemistry, Romanian Academy, 202 Spl. Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adriana Rusu
- “Ilie Murgulescu” Institute of Physical Chemistry, Romanian Academy, 202 Spl. Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Simona Petrescu
- “Ilie Murgulescu” Institute of Physical Chemistry, Romanian Academy, 202 Spl. Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Raul-Augustin Mitran
- “Ilie Murgulescu” Institute of Physical Chemistry, Romanian Academy, 202 Spl. Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihai Anastasescu
- “Ilie Murgulescu” Institute of Physical Chemistry, Romanian Academy, 202 Spl. Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Aureliana Caraiane
- Department of Oral Rehabilitation, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Ovidius University of Constanta, 7 Ilarie Voronca Street, 900684 Constanta, Romania
| | - Dumitru Lupuliasa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Street, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mariana Aschie
- Center for Research and Development of the Morphological and Genetic Studies of Malignant Pathology, Ovidius University of Constanta, CEDMOG, 145 Tomis Blvd., 900591 Constanta, Romania
- Clinical Service of Pathology, Sf. Apostol Andrei Emergency County Hospital, 145 Tomis Blvd., 900591 Constanta, Romania
| | - Victoria Badea
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Ovidius University of Constanta, 7 Ilarie Voronca Street, 900684 Constanta, Romania
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Okumu MO, Mbaria JM, Gikunju JK, Mbuthia PG, Madadi VO, Ochola FO, Maloba KN, Nderitu JG. Preclinical efficacy testing of three antivenoms against Naja ashei venom-induced lethality. Toxicon X 2022; 14:100124. [PMID: 35518711 PMCID: PMC9065424 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2022.100124] [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: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the efficacy of Inoserp, Vins bioproducts, and South African Institute of Medical Research (SAIMR) polyvalent antivenoms in neutralizing Naja ashei venom-induced lethality in mice. The neutralization efficacy of the antivenoms were expressed as effective dose, median effective ratio, potency, normalized potency, volume, and the number of vials of antivenom required to neutralize 100 mg of Naja ashei venom (NAV).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchel Otieno Okumu
- Department of Public Health, Pharmacology, and Toxicology, University of Nairobi, Kenya
| | - James Mucunu Mbaria
- Department of Public Health, Pharmacology, and Toxicology, University of Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joseph Kangangi Gikunju
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya
| | - Paul Gichohi Mbuthia
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology, and Parasitology, University of Nairobi, Kenya
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11
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Manson EZ, Kyama MC, Gikunju JK, Kimani J, Kimotho JH. Evaluation of lethality and cytotoxic effects induced by Naja ashei (large brown spitting cobra) venom and the envenomation-neutralizing efficacy of selected commercial antivenoms in Kenya. Toxicon X 2022; 14:100125. [PMID: 35574180 PMCID: PMC9096668 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2022.100125] [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: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Neutralization of lethality in mice model at the preclinical level has been established by the World Health Organization as the gold standard for the evaluation of antivenom efficacy. The assessment of the neutralization profiles of antivenoms helps to discern the efficacy or otherwise of these antivenoms at neutralizing the toxic effects induced by medically significant snake venoms. However, for many antivenoms, information on their preclinical efficacy remains limited. Therefore, to strengthen global efforts at reducing the impact of snakebite envenoming, the provision of information on the preclinical efficacy of antivenoms, especially in parts of the world where antivenom availability and accessibility is problematic, including sub-Saharan Africa is crucial. This study presents the lethal and toxic activities of N. ashei venom and the neutralizing capacity of two commonly used commercial antivenoms in Kenya; VINS™ and Inoserp™. Median lethal dose (LD50), minimum necrotizing dose (MND) and minimum edema-forming dose (MED) of N. ashei venom as well as the neutralization of these effects were evaluated in mice. The LD50 of N. ashei venom was found to be 4.67 (3.34-6.54) mg/kg while MND and MED were 11.00 μg and 0.80 μg respectively. Both VINS™ and Inoserp™ antivenoms demonstrated capacity to neutralize the lethal and toxic effects induced by Naja ashei venom albeit at varying efficacies. Our results thus confirm the toxic effects of N. ashei venom as previously observed with other Naja sp. venoms and also underscore the relevance of para-specific neutralizing capacity of antivenoms in the design of antivenoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernest Z. Manson
- Institute for Basic Sciences, Technology & Innovation, Pan African University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Mutinda C. Kyama
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joseph K. Gikunju
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Josephine Kimani
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Health Sciences, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
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