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Wasp Venom Biochemical Components and Their Potential in Biological Applications and Nanotechnological Interventions. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13030206. [PMID: 33809401 PMCID: PMC8000949 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13030206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Wasps, members of the order Hymenoptera, are distributed in different parts of the world, including Brazil, Thailand, Japan, Korea, and Argentina. The lifestyles of the wasps are solitary and social. Social wasps use venom as a defensive measure to protect their colonies, whereas solitary wasps use their venom to capture prey. Chemically, wasp venom possesses a wide variety of enzymes, proteins, peptides, volatile compounds, and bioactive constituents, which include phospholipase A2, antigen 5, mastoparan, and decoralin. The bioactive constituents have anticancer, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the limited quantities of wasp venom and the scarcity of advanced strategies for the synthesis of wasp venom’s bioactive compounds remain a challenge facing the effective usage of wasp venom. Solid-phase peptide synthesis is currently used to prepare wasp venom peptides and their analogs such as mastoparan, anoplin, decoralin, polybia-CP, and polydim-I. The goal of the current review is to highlight the medicinal value of the wasp venom compounds, as well as limitations and possibilities. Wasp venom could be a potential and novel natural source to develop innovative pharmaceuticals and new agents for drug discovery.
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Pro-inflammatory response induced by the venom of Parachartergus fraternus wasp. Toxicon 2020; 190:11-19. [PMID: 33290790 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.11.176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The sting of different wasp species triggers local and systemic reactions in victims that can lead to death. Parachartergus fraternus is responsible for frequent accidents in Latin America; however, few studies have been conducted on this insect and its venom. In this study, the inflammatory process induced by the venom of the P. fraternus wasp (Pfv; 100, 200, and 400 μg/kg) was characterized. Mice were used to assess paw edema, vascular permeability, mast cell degranulation, leukocyte influx, nitric oxide (NO) production, expression of inflammatory genes, and histopathological changes. Pfv triggered edema formation with a peak dose of 200 μg/kg at 10 min. There was an increase in permeability in all periods and doses evaluated, with no differences between them. The 200 μg/kg dose induced mast cell degranulation in all periods, with a peak at 15 min. This same dose induced leukocyte influx with a predominance of mononuclear cells and triggered a peak in NO production in the 12th hour. The increase in COX-2, iNOS, and IFN-γ mRNA expression occurred after 1 and 6 h, and there was an increase in IL-10 expression after 48 h. In addition, Pfv triggered edema and induced an influx of macrophages and mast cells into the injection site. Therefore, Pfv induces an inflammatory process from the first 5 min of inoculation that can persist for up to 48 h.
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Mendel HC, Kaas Q, Muttenthaler M. Neuropeptide signalling systems - An underexplored target for venom drug discovery. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 181:114129. [PMID: 32619425 PMCID: PMC7116218 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Neuropeptides are signalling molecules mainly secreted from neurons that act as neurotransmitters or peptide hormones to affect physiological processes and modulate behaviours. In humans, neuropeptides are implicated in numerous diseases and understanding their role in physiological processes and pathologies is important for therapeutic development. Teasing apart the (patho)physiology of neuropeptides remains difficult due to ligand and receptor promiscuity and the complexity of the signalling pathways. The current approach relies on a pharmacological toolbox of agonists and antagonists displaying high selectivity for independent receptor subtypes, with the caveat that only few selective ligands have been discovered or developed. Animal venoms represent an underexplored source for novel receptor subtype-selective ligands that could aid in dissecting human neuropeptide signalling systems. Multiple endogenous-like neuropeptides as well as peptides acting on neuropeptide receptors are present in venoms. In this review, we summarise current knowledge on neuropeptides and discuss venoms as a source for ligands targeting neuropeptide signalling systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen C Mendel
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Quentin Kaas
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Markus Muttenthaler
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; University of Vienna, Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Biological Chemistry, Vienna, Austria.
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Pharmacological Characterization of Mouse Hind Paw Edema Induced by Parachartergus fraternus Venom. Inflammation 2019; 42:2011-2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10753-019-01062-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Paula SM, Couto GK, Fontes MT, Costa SK, Negrão CE, Mill JG, Rossoni LV. Exercise training restores the myogenic response in skeletal muscle resistance arteries and corrects peripheral edema in rats with heart failure. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2019; 317:H87-H96. [DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00042.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Impairment of the myogenic response can affect capillary hydrostatic pressure and contribute to peripheral edema and exercise intolerance, which are markers of heart failure (HF). The aim of this study was to assess the effects of exercise training (ET) on myogenic response in skeletal muscle resistance arteries and peripheral edema in HF rats, focusing on the potential signaling pathways involved in these adjustments. Male Wistar rats were submitted to either coronary artery occlusion or a sham-operated surgery. After 4 wk, an exercise test was performed, and the rats were divided into the following groups: untrained normal control (UNC) and untrained HF (UHF) and exercise- trained (on treadmill, 50–60% of maximal capacity) NC (TNC) and exercise-trained HF (THF). Caudal tibial artery (CTA) myogenic response was impaired in UHF compared with UNC, and ET restored this response in THF to NC levels and increased it in TNC. Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitor abolished CTA myogenic response in the untrained and blunted it in exercise-trained groups. CTA-stored calcium (Ca2+) mobilization was higher in exercise-trained rats compared with untrained rats. The paw volume was higher in UHF rats, and ET decreased this response compared with UNC. Myogenic constriction was positively correlated with maximal running distance and negatively correlated with paw volume. The results demonstrate, for the first time, that HF impairs the myogenic response in skeletal muscle arteries, which contributes to peripheral edema in this syndrome. ET restores the myogenic response in skeletal muscle arteries improving Ca2+ sensitization and handling. Additionally, this paradigm also improves peripheral edema and exercise intolerance. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The novel and main finding of the present study is that moderate intensity exercise training restores the impaired myogenic response of skeletal muscle resistance arteries, exercise intolerance and peripheral edema in rats with heart failure. These results also show for the first time to our knowledge that exercise training improving calcium sensitization through the ROCK pathway and enhancing intracellular calcium handling could contribute to restoration of flow autoregulation to skeletal muscle in heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suliana M. Paula
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gisele K. Couto
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Milene T. Fontes
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Soraia K. Costa
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carlos E. Negrão
- Heart Institute, Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José G. Mill
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Luciana V. Rossoni
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Casais-e-Silva LL, Teixeira C. Neurogenic mediators contribute to local edema induced by Micrurus lemniscatus venom. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005874. [PMID: 29161255 PMCID: PMC5716551 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2017] [Revised: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims Micrurus is one of the four snake genera of medical importance in Brazil. Coral snakes have a broad geographic distribution from the southern United States to Argentina. Micrurine envenomation is characterized by neurotoxic symptoms leading to dyspnea and death. Moreover, various local manifestations, including edema formation, have been described in patients bitten by different species of Micrurus. Thus, we investigated the ability of Micrurus lemniscatus venom (MLV) to induce local edema. We also explored mechanisms underlying this effect, focusing on participation of neuropeptides and mast cells. Methodology/Principal findings Intraplantar injection of MLV (1–10 μg/paw) in rats caused dose- and time-dependent edema with a peak between 15 min and 1 h after injection. MLV also induced degranulation of peritoneal mast cells (MCs). MC depletion by compound 48/80 markedly reduced MLV-induced edema. Pre-treatment (30 min) of rats with either promethazine a histamine H1 receptor antagonist or methysergide, a nonselective 5-HT receptor antagonist, reduced MLV-induced edema. However, neither thioperamide, a histamine H3/H4 receptor antagonist, nor co-injection of MLV with HOE-140, a BK2 receptor antagonist, altered the response. Depletion of neuropeptides by capsaicin or treatment of animals with NK1- and NK2-receptor antagonists (SR 140333 and SR 48968, respectively) markedly reduced MLV-induced edema. Conclusions/Significance In conclusion, MLV induces paw edema in rats by mechanisms involving activation of mast cells and substance P-releasing sensory C-fibers. Tachykinins NKA and NKB, histamine, and serotonin are major mediators of the MLV-induced edematogenic response. Targeting mast cell- and sensory C-fiber-derived mediators should be considered as potential therapeutic approaches to interrupt development of local edema induced by Micrurus venoms. Micrurus venoms have neurotoxic activity that is responsible for the serious sequelae in human envenomation. However, various local manifestations of envenoming have been described in patients bitten by different Micrurus species and edematogenic activity has been experimentally demonstrated. Despite the low frequency of edema in Micrurus envenomation, this effect can worsen the clinical manifestations. However, there are few studies on local inflammatory effects induced by Micrurus snake venom. We investigated the edematogenic effect of Micrurus lemniscatus venom (MLV) and participation of neuropeptides and mast cells in inflammation. Results demonstrate that MLV induces prominent edema with rapid onset. Using specific pharmacological interferences, we found that MLV-induced edema is dependent on activation of mast cells and substance P-releasing sensory C-fibers. NKA and NKB tachykinins, histamine via H1 receptor and serotonin are major mediators of the MLV-induced edematogenic response. These findings suggest that mast cell- and C-fiber-derived mediators are promising therapeutic targets to efficiently counteract the local edema induced by Micrururs venoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Lyra Casais-e-Silva
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunoendocrinology and Toxinology, Department of Bioregulation, Institute of Health Sciences (ICS), Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Catarina Teixeira
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Butantan Institute, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Inflammatory Action of Secretory Phospholipases A2 from Snake Venoms. TOXINS AND DRUG DISCOVERY 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-6452-1_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Rodrigues L, Ekundi-Valentim E, Florenzano J, Cerqueira ARA, Soares AG, Schmidt TP, Santos KT, Teixeira SA, Ribela MTCP, Rodrigues SF, de Carvalho MH, De Nucci G, Wood M, Whiteman M, Muscará MN, Costa SKP. Protective effects of exogenous and endogenous hydrogen sulfide in mast cell-mediated pruritus and cutaneous acute inflammation in mice. Pharmacol Res 2016; 115:255-266. [PMID: 27840098 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2016.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Revised: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The recently described 'gasomediator' hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been involved in pain mechanisms, but its effect on pruritus, a sensory modality that similarly to pain acts as a protective mechanism, is poorly known and controversial. The effects of the slow-releasing (GYY4137) and spontaneous H2S donors (Na2S and Lawesson's reagent, LR) were evaluated in histamine and compound 48/80 (C48/80)-dependent dorsal skin pruritus and inflammation in male BALB/c mice. Animals were intradermally (i.d.) injected with C48/80 (3μg/site) or histamine (1μmol/site) alone or co-injected with Na2S, LR or GYY4137 (within the 0.3-100nmol range). The involvement of endogenous H2S and KATP channel-dependent mechanism were also evaluated. Pruritus was assessed by the number of scratching bouts, whilst skin inflammation was evaluated by the extravascular accumulation of intravenously injected 125I-albumin (plasma extravasation) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity (neutrophil recruitment). Histamine or C48/80 significantly evoked itching behavior paralleled by plasma extravasation and increased MPO activity. Na2S and LR significantly ameliorated histamine or C48/80-induced pruritus and inflammation, although these effects were less pronounced or absent with GYY4137. Inhibition of endogenous H2S synthesis increased both Tyrode and C48/80-induced responses in the skin, whereas the blockade of KATP channels by glibenclamide did not. H2S-releasing donors significantly attenuate C48/80-induced mast cell degranulation either in vivo or in vitro. We provide first evidences that H2S donors confer protective effect against histamine-mediated acute pruritus and cutaneous inflammation. These effects can be mediated, at least in part, by stabilizing mast cells, known to contain multiple mediators and to be primary initiators of allergic processes, thus making of H2S donors a potential alternative/complementary therapy for treating inflammatory allergic skin diseases and related pruritus.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Rodrigues
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - E Ekundi-Valentim
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - J Florenzano
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - A R A Cerqueira
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - A G Soares
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - T P Schmidt
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - K T Santos
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - S A Teixeira
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - M T C P Ribela
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Nuclear and Energetic Research (IPEN), Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - S F Rodrigues
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - M H de Carvalho
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - G De Nucci
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - M Wood
- University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | - M Whiteman
- University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | - M N Muscará
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - S K P Costa
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
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Coavoy-Sánchez SA, Rodrigues L, Teixeira SA, Soares AG, Torregrossa R, Wood ME, Whiteman M, Costa SKP, Muscará MN. Hydrogen sulfide donors alleviate itch secondary to the activation of type-2 protease activated receptors (PAR-2) in mice. Pharmacol Res 2016; 113:686-694. [PMID: 27720932 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2016.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Revised: 09/21/2016] [Accepted: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been highlighted as an endogenous signaling molecule and we have previously found that it can inhibit histamine-mediated itching. Pruritus is the most common symptom of cutaneous diseases and anti-histamines are the usual treatment; however, anti-histamine-resistant pruritus is common in some clinical settings. In this way, the involvement of mediators other than histamine in the context of pruritus requires new therapeutic targets. Considering that the activation of proteinase-activated receptor 2 (PAR-2) is involved in pruritus both in rodents and humans, in this study we investigated the effect of H2S donors on the acute scratching behavior mediated by PAR-2 activation in mice, as well as some of the possible pharmacological mechanisms involved. The intradermal injection of the PAR-2 peptide agonist SLIGRL-NH2 (8-80nmol) caused a dose-dependent scratching that was unaffected by intraperitoneal pre-treatment with the histamine H1 antagonist pyrilamine (30mg/kg). Co-injection of SLIGRL-NH2 (40nmol) with either the slow-release H2S donor GYY4137 (1 and 3nmol) or the spontaneous donor NaHS (1 and 0.3nmol) significantly reduced pruritus. Co-treatment with the KATP channel blocker glibenclamide (200nmol) or the nitric oxide (NO) donor sodium nitroprusside (10nmol) abolished the antipruritic effects of NaHS; however, the specific soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor ODQ (30μg) had no significant effects. The transient receptor potential ankyrin type 1 (TRPA1) antagonist HC-030031 (20μg) significantly reduced SLIGRL-NH2-induced pruritus; however pruritus induced by the TRPA1 agonist AITC (1000nmol) was unaffected by NaHS. Based on these data, we conclude that pruritus secondary to PAR-2 activation can be reduced by H2S, which acts through KATP channel opening and involves NO in a cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-independent manner. Furthermore, TRPA1 receptors mediate the pruritus induced by activation of PAR-2, but H2S does not interfere with this pathway. These results provide additional support for the development of new therapeutical alternatives, mainly intended for treatment of pruritus in patients unresponsive to anti-histamines.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Coavoy-Sánchez
- Dept. of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, 05508-900, SP, Brazil
| | - L Rodrigues
- Dept. of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, 05508-900, SP, Brazil
| | - S A Teixeira
- Dept. of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, 05508-900, SP, Brazil
| | - A G Soares
- Dept. of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, 05508-900, SP, Brazil
| | - R Torregrossa
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Science, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK; University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | - M E Wood
- University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | - M Whiteman
- University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | - S K P Costa
- Dept. of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, 05508-900, SP, Brazil
| | - M N Muscará
- Dept. of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, 05508-900, SP, Brazil.
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Sousa PL, Quinet YP, Cavalcante Brizeno LA, Sampaio TL, Torres AFC, Martins AMC, Assreuy AMS. The acute inflammatory response induced in mice by the venom of the giant ant Dinoponera quadriceps involves macrophage and interleukin-1β. Toxicon 2016; 117:22-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2016.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2015] [Revised: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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Silva JDCE, Oliveira FN, Moreira KG, Mayer AB, Freire DO, Cherobim MD, Gomes de Oliveira Junior N, Schwartz CA, Schwartz EF, Mortari MR. Pathophysiological effects caused by the venom of the social wasp Synoeca surinama. Toxicon 2016; 113:41-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2016.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2015] [Revised: 01/30/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Fernandes ES, Cerqueira ARA, Soares AG, Costa SKP. Capsaicin and Its Role in Chronic Diseases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 929:91-125. [PMID: 27771922 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-41342-6_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A significant number of experimental and clinical studies published in peer-reviewed journals have demonstrated promising pharmacological properties of capsaicin in relieving signs and symptoms of non-communicable diseases (chronic diseases). This chapter provides an overview made from basic and clinical research studies of the potential therapeutic effects of capsaicin, loaded in different application forms, such as solution and cream, on chronic diseases (e.g. arthritis, chronic pain, functional gastrointestinal disorders and cancer). In addition to the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of capsaicin largely recognized via, mainly, interaction with the TRPV1, the effects of capsaicin on different cell signalling pathways will be further discussed here. The analgesic, anti-inflammatory or apoptotic effects of capsaicin show promising results in arthritis, neuropathic pain, gastrointestinal disorders or cancer, since evidence demonstrates that the oral or local application of capsaicin reduce inflammation and pain in rheumatoid arthritis, promotes gastric protection against ulcer and induces apoptosis of the tumour cells. Sadly, these results have been paralleled by conflicting studies, which indicate that high concentrations of capsaicin are likely to evoke deleterious effects, thus suggesting that capsaicin activates different pathways at different concentrations in both human and rodent tissues. Thus, to establish effective capsaicin doses for chronic conditions, which can be benefited from capsaicin therapeutic effects, is a real challenge that must be pursued.
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Affiliation(s)
- E S Fernandes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação, Universidade Ceuma, São Luís-MA, Brazil.,Vascular Biology Section, Cardiovascular Division, King's College London, London, UK
| | - A R A Cerqueira
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), University of São Paulo (USP), Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524 - Room 326, Butantan, São Paulo, 05508-900, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - A G Soares
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), University of São Paulo (USP), Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524 - Room 326, Butantan, São Paulo, 05508-900, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Soraia K P Costa
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), University of São Paulo (USP), Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524 - Room 326, Butantan, São Paulo, 05508-900, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
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Chaïr-Yousfi I, Laraba-Djebari F, Hammoudi-Triki D. Androctonus australis hector venom contributes to the interaction between neuropeptides and mast cells in pulmonary hyperresponsiveness. Int Immunopharmacol 2015; 25:19-29. [PMID: 25601496 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2015.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2014] [Revised: 01/06/2015] [Accepted: 01/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Lung injury and respiratory distress syndrome are frequent symptoms observed in the most severe cases of scorpion envenomation. The uncontrolled transmigration of leukocyte cells into the lung interstitium and alveolar space and pulmonary edema may be the cause of death. Mast cells can release various inflammatory mediators known to be involved in the development of lung edema following scorpion venom injection. The present study was designed to determine the evidence of neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptor and the involvement of mast cell activation to induce pulmonary edema and to increase vascular permeability after Androctonus australis hector (Aah) venom administration. To this end, mast cells were depleted using compound 48/80 (C48/80). Furthermore, the involvement of tachykinin NK1 receptors expressed on mast cell membranes was elucidated by their blocking with an antagonist. On the other hand, the ability of Aah venom to increase vascular permeability and to induce edema was also assessed by measuring the amount of Evans blue dye (EBD) extravasation in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and in the lungs of mice. Pulmonary edema, as assessed by the levels of EBD extravasation, was completely inhibited in compound 48/80-treated animals. Depletion by stimuli non-immunological C48/80 component markedly reduced induced inflammatory response following the venom administration. The mast cells seem to play an important role in the development of lung injury and the increase of vascular permeability in mice following the subcutaneous administration of Aah scorpion venom through the NK1 receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imène Chaïr-Yousfi
- University of Sciences and Technology Houari Boumediene, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Fatima Laraba-Djebari
- University of Sciences and Technology Houari Boumediene, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Algiers, Algeria.
| | - Djelila Hammoudi-Triki
- University of Sciences and Technology Houari Boumediene, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Algiers, Algeria
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15
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Nonato FR, Santana DG, de Melo FM, dos Santos GGL, Brustolim D, Camargo EA, de Sousa DP, Soares MBP, Villarreal CF. Anti-inflammatory properties of rose oxide. Int Immunopharmacol 2012; 14:779-84. [PMID: 23122727 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2012.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2012] [Revised: 09/28/2012] [Accepted: 10/18/2012] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Rose-oxide is a fragrance found in roses and rose oil. There are no reports about the pharmacological activity of this molecule. The present study was undertaken to evaluate whether rose-oxide (RO) has anti-inflammatory properties and to investigate possible mechanisms involved with its effects. The anti-inflammatory activity of RO was first suggested by the formalin test in mice, an inflammatory pain model, because intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of RO (50 and 100mg/kg) inhibited only the late phase of this test. To further investigate the anti-inflammatory properties of RO, the complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)- and carrageenan-induced paw inflammation models were used. Pre-treatment with RO (50 and 100mg/kg) significantly reduced paw edema at 4, 6 and 24h after the CFA injection. In addition, RO (100mg/kg) reduced the IL-1β, but not TNF-α, local production induced by CFA. Administration of RO (25-100mg/kg) decreased the paw edema induced by carrageenan in rats, which was more evident at 3 and 4h after induction. In addition, neutrophil migration to the hind paw was measured by MPO assay after the carrageenan injection. The MPO activity was significantly inhibited by RO at 25-100mg/kg, 4h after stimulus. In another experimental set, administration of RO (25-100mg/kg) significantly reduced the leukocyte migration in the carrageenan-induced peritonitis model in mice. The results described here are the first report of pharmacological properties of RO and strongly suggest that RO possesses anti-inflammatory activity related to its ability to inhibit the IL-1β production and the leukocyte migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Regina Nonato
- Centro de Pesquisas Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rua Waldemar Falcão 121, CEP 40296-710 Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
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Mortari MR, do Couto LL, dos Anjos LC, Mourão CBF, Camargos TS, Vargas JAG, Oliveira FN, Gati CDC, Schwartz CA, Schwartz EF. Pharmacological characterization of Synoeca cyanea venom: An aggressive social wasp widely distributed in the Neotropical region. Toxicon 2012; 59:163-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2011.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2011] [Revised: 11/01/2011] [Accepted: 11/02/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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Saidemberg DM, Baptista-Saidemberg NB, Palma MS. Chemometric analysis of Hymenoptera toxins and defensins: A model for predicting the biological activity of novel peptides from venoms and hemolymph. Peptides 2011; 32:1924-33. [PMID: 21855589 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2011.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2011] [Revised: 07/29/2011] [Accepted: 08/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
When searching for prospective novel peptides, it is difficult to determine the biological activity of a peptide based only on its sequence. The "trial and error" approach is generally laborious, expensive and time consuming due to the large number of different experimental setups required to cover a reasonable number of biological assays. To simulate a virtual model for Hymenoptera insects, 166 peptides were selected from the venoms and hemolymphs of wasps, bees and ants and applied to a mathematical model of multivariate analysis, with nine different chemometric components: GRAVY, aliphaticity index, number of disulfide bonds, total residues, net charge, pI value, Boman index, percentage of alpha helix, and flexibility prediction. Principal component analysis (PCA) with non-linear iterative projections by alternating least-squares (NIPALS) algorithm was performed, without including any information about the biological activity of the peptides. This analysis permitted the grouping of peptides in a way that strongly correlated to the biological function of the peptides. Six different groupings were observed, which seemed to correspond to the following groups: chemotactic peptides, mastoparans, tachykinins, kinins, antibiotic peptides, and a group of long peptides with one or two disulfide bonds and with biological activities that are not yet clearly defined. The partial overlap between the mastoparans group and the chemotactic peptides, tachykinins, kinins and antibiotic peptides in the PCA score plot may be used to explain the frequent reports in the literature about the multifunctionality of some of these peptides. The mathematical model used in the present investigation can be used to predict the biological activities of novel peptides in this system, and it may also be easily applied to other biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M Saidemberg
- Center of Study of Social Insects (CEIS)/Dept. Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Rio Claro, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP 13506-900, Brazil
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