1
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de Miranda ALS, Antunes BC, Minozzo JC, Lima SDA, Botelho AFM, Campos MTG, Chávez-Olórtegui C, Soto-Blanco B. The Health Status of Horses Used for at Least Six Complete Cycles of Loxoscelic Antivenom Production. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:589. [PMID: 37888620 PMCID: PMC10610985 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15100589] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Antivenom production against Loxosceles venom relies on horses being immunized and bled for plasma harvest. One horse can partake in several cycles of antivenom production, which will require years of constant venom and adjuvant inoculation and bleeding. The actual impact on the health of horses that participate in several antivenom-producing cycles is unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the general health status of horses that underwent at least six cycles of loxoscelic antivenom production. Seven crossbred horses that had partaken in six to eight complete antivenom-producing cycles were used and established as the immunized group (IG). Under the same handling and general management, eleven horses were established as the control group (CG). The horses were evaluated regarding their general clinical status and had their blood sampled, and an ECG recorded. The IG presented lower RBC and PCV, despite keeping values within inferior limits for the species. Renal function was not impaired, and liver-related enzymes were higher than those in the CG, probably due to liver exertion from immunoglobulin synthesis. ECG showed some abnormalities in the IG, such as atrioventricular block and a wandering atrial pacemaker, corroborated by an increase in CK-MB. The cardiovascular abnormalities were mainly found in the horses that participated in several antivenom-producing cycles. The overall results indicate that these horses had some impairment of their general health status. Once available, some alternative, less toxic antigens should replace the venom for immunization of horses used for antivenom production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Luísa Soares de Miranda
- Department of Veterinary Clinics and Surgery, Veterinary College, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte 30123-970, MG, Brazil; (A.L.S.d.M.); (M.T.G.C.)
| | - Bruno Cesar Antunes
- Department of Health of the State of Paraná, Centro de Produção e Pesquisa de Imunobiológicos (CPPI), Rua Piquiri 170, Piraquara 80230-140, PR, Brazil; (B.C.A.); (J.C.M.)
| | - João Carlos Minozzo
- Department of Health of the State of Paraná, Centro de Produção e Pesquisa de Imunobiológicos (CPPI), Rua Piquiri 170, Piraquara 80230-140, PR, Brazil; (B.C.A.); (J.C.M.)
| | - Sabrina de Almeida Lima
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (S.d.A.L.); (C.C.-O.)
| | - Ana Flávia Machado Botelho
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary College, Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Campus Samambaia, Goiânia 74690-900, GO, Brazil;
| | - Marco Túlio Gomes Campos
- Department of Veterinary Clinics and Surgery, Veterinary College, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte 30123-970, MG, Brazil; (A.L.S.d.M.); (M.T.G.C.)
| | - Carlos Chávez-Olórtegui
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (S.d.A.L.); (C.C.-O.)
| | - Benito Soto-Blanco
- Department of Veterinary Clinics and Surgery, Veterinary College, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte 30123-970, MG, Brazil; (A.L.S.d.M.); (M.T.G.C.)
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2
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Gremski LH, da Justa HC, Polli NLC, Schluga PHDC, Theodoro JL, Wille ACM, Senff-Ribeiro A, Veiga SS. Systemic Loxoscelism, Less Frequent but More Deadly: The Involvement of Phospholipases D in the Pathophysiology of Envenomation. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 15:17. [PMID: 36668837 PMCID: PMC9864854 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15010017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Bites of Loxosceles spiders can lead to a set of clinical manifestations called loxoscelism, and are considered a public health problem in many regions. The signs and symptoms of loxoscelism are divided into cutaneous and systemic forms. The former is more frequent and includes signs of envenoming at the bite site or neighboring regions. Systemic loxoscelism, although much less frequent, is associated with complications, and can even lead to death. It may include intravascular hemolysis, acute renal failure, and thrombocytopenia. Loxosceles venoms are enriched with phospholipases D (PLDs), which are a family of isoforms found at intra-species and inter-species levels. Under experimental conditions, these enzymes reproduce the main clinical signs of loxoscelism, including an exacerbated inflammatory response at the bite site and dermonecrosis, as well as thrombocytopenia, intravascular hemolysis, and acute renal failure. The role of PLDs in cutaneous loxoscelism was described over forty years ago, when studies identified and purified toxins featured as sphingomyelinase D. More recently, the production of recombinant PLDs and discoveries about their structure and mechanism has enabled a deeper characterization of these enzymes. In this review, we describe these biochemical and functional features of Loxosceles PLDs that determine their involvement in systemic loxoscelism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiza Helena Gremski
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, Brazil
| | - Hanna Câmara da Justa
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, Brazil
| | | | | | - João Lucas Theodoro
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Martins Wille
- Department of Structural, Molecular Biology and Genetics, State University of Ponta Grossa (UEPG), Ponta Grossa 84030-900, Brazil
| | - Andrea Senff-Ribeiro
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, Brazil
| | - Silvio Sanches Veiga
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, Brazil
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3
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de Miranda ALS, Lima SDA, Botelho AFM, Gomes Campos MT, Eckstein C, Minozzo JC, Chávez-Olórtegui CD, Soto-Blanco B. Protective Effectiveness of an Immunization Protocol Against the Toxic Effects of Loxosceles intermedia Venom in Rabbits. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:852917. [PMID: 35711800 PMCID: PMC9195175 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.852917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Loxosceles spp. (brown spiders) bites are responsible for the development of a syndrome consisting mainly of dermonecrotic lesions, and also systemic effects. Rabbits are one of the main experimental models used for better understanding the systemic and local effects of Loxosceles venom. The aim of this study is to evaluate the toxic and protective effects of rabbits immunized with Loxosceles spp. venom. Male New Zealand rabbits were allocated as a control group (CG; n = 5) that received adjuvant (Montanide) and phosphate-buffer saline (PBS), or as venom group (VG; n = 5) that received 21 μg of Loxosceles venom using Montanide as adjuvant. After five immunization cycles, a trial with 7 μg of Loxosceles intermedia (L. intermedia) venom was performed, and dermonecrotic lesions were measured. The rabbits were then euthanized, and their organs were collected for histopathology analysis. Rabbits that had undergone Loxosceles venom immunization protocol showed minor clinical disturbances during the experimental period. The used immunization protocol protected the rabbits against the toxic effect of the Loxosceles venom because they showed minor clinical disturbances during the experimental period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Luísa Soares de Miranda
- Department of Veterinary Clinics and Surgery, Veterinary College, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Sabrina de Almeida Lima
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Marco Túlio Gomes Campos
- Department of Veterinary Clinics and Surgery, Veterinary College, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Camila Eckstein
- Department of Veterinary Clinics and Surgery, Veterinary College, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - João Carlos Minozzo
- Department of Health of the State of Paraná, Production and Research Center of Immunobiologicals, Piraquara, Brazil
| | - Carlos Delfin Chávez-Olórtegui
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Benito Soto-Blanco
- Department of Veterinary Clinics and Surgery, Veterinary College, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Benito Soto-Blanco
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4
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Clinical Effects of the Immunization Protocol Using Loxosceles Venom in Naïve Horses. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14050338. [PMID: 35622586 PMCID: PMC9148105 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14050338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Bites of brown spiders (Loxosceles spp.) are responsible for dermonecrotic lesions and potentially systemic envenoming that can lead to death. The only effective therapy is the use of the antivenom, usually produced in horses. However, little is known about the consequences of the systematic use of the Loxosceles venom and adjuvants and of the bleedings on antivenom-producing horses. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical changes in horses in their first immunization protocol for Loxosceles antivenom production. Eleven healthy horses, never immunized, were evaluated in three different periods: T0 (before immunization); T1 (after their first venom immunization); and T2 (after their first bleeding). Horses were clinically evaluated, sampled for blood, and underwent electrocardiographic (ECG) recordings. Several suppurated subcutaneous abscesses occurred due to the use of Freund’s adjuvants and thrombophlebitis due to systematic venipunctures for the bleeding procedures. ECG showed arrhythmias in few horses in T2, such as an increase in T and R waves. In summary, the immunization protocol impacted on horses’ health, especially after bleeding for antivenom procurement.
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5
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Sims RA, Fish-Trotter HL, Clark DE, Gayle KA, Hughes SG, Brittain EL. Toxin-Mediated Myocarditis From a Brown Recluse Spider Bite. JACC Case Rep 2022; 4:49-53. [PMID: 35036944 PMCID: PMC8743809 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaccas.2021.10.003] [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: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
We describe a case of myocarditis associated with a brown recluse spider bite in a 31-year-old man. Cardiac magnetic resonance revealed late gadolinium enhancement in the lateral wall and inferior wall. There was also regional elevation of the myocardial T2 and extracellular volume indicative of myocardial edema. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A. Sims
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Hannah L. Fish-Trotter
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Daniel E. Clark
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Kathryn A. Gayle
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Sean G. Hughes
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Evan L. Brittain
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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6
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Evaluation of the effects of Loxosceles intermedia’s venom in zebrafish. Toxicol Rep 2022; 9:1410-1418. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2022.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Langner TR, Ganatra HA, Schwerdtfager J, Stoecker W, Thornton S. Viscerocutaneous Loxoscelism Manifesting with Myocarditis: A Case Report. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CASE REPORTS 2021; 22:e932378. [PMID: 34453029 PMCID: PMC8409453 DOI: 10.12659/ajcr.932378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Patient: Male, 16-year-old
Final Diagnosis: Toxic myocarditis
Symptoms: Cardiogenic shock • disseminated intravascular coagulation • heart failure
Medication: —
Clinical Procedure: Immunoglobulin therapy • plasmapharesis
Specialty: Critical Care Medicine • Toxicology
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis R Langner
- University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, KS, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Critical Care, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Hammad A Ganatra
- University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, KS, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Critical Care, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | | | | | - Stephen Thornton
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,University of Kansas Health System Poison Control Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
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8
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Gremski LH, Matsubara FH, Polli NLC, Antunes BC, Schluga PHDC, da Justa HC, Minozzo JC, Wille ACM, Senff-Ribeiro A, Veiga SS. Prospective Use of Brown Spider Venom Toxins as Therapeutic and Biotechnological Inputs. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:706704. [PMID: 34222343 PMCID: PMC8247472 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.706704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Brown spider (genus Loxosceles) venoms are mainly composed of protein toxins used for predation and defense. Bites of these spiders most commonly produce a local dermonecrotic lesion with gravitational spread, edema and hemorrhage, which together are defined as cutaneous loxoscelism. Systemic loxoscelism, such as hematological abnormalities and renal injury, are less frequent but more lethal. Some Loxosceles venom toxins have already been isolated and extensively studied, such as phospholipases D (PLDs), which have been recombinantly expressed and were proven to reproduce toxic activities associated to the whole venom. PLDs have a notable potential to be engineered and converted in non-toxic antigens to produce a new generation of antivenoms or vaccines. PLDs also can serve as tools to discover inhibitors to be used as therapeutic agents. Other Loxosceles toxins have been identified and functionally characterized, such as hyaluronidases, allergen factor, serpin, TCTP and knottins (ICK peptides). All these toxins were produced as recombinant molecules and are biologically active molecules that can be used as tools for the potential development of chemical candidates to tackle many medical and biological threats, acting, for instance, as antitumoral, insecticides, analgesic, antigens for allergy tests and biochemical reagents for cell studies. In addition, these recombinant toxins may be useful to develop a rational therapy for loxoscelism. This review summarizes the main candidates for the development of drugs and biotechnological inputs that have been described in Brown spider venoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Bruno Cesar Antunes
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil.,Production and Research Center of Immunobiological Products, State Department of Health, Piraquara, Brazil
| | | | | | - João Carlos Minozzo
- Production and Research Center of Immunobiological Products, State Department of Health, Piraquara, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Martins Wille
- Department of Structural, Molecular Biology and Genetics, State University of Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa, Brazil
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Ben Yekhlef R, Felicori L, Santos LH, F. B. Oliveira C, Fadhloun R, Torabi E, Shahbazzadeh D, Pooshang Bagheri K, Salgado Ferreira R, Borchani L. Antigenic and Substrate Preference Differences between Scorpion and Spider Dermonecrotic Toxins, a Comparative Investigation. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:E631. [PMID: 33019554 PMCID: PMC7601583 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12100631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hemiscorpius lepturus scorpion and brown spider Loxosceles intermedia represent a public health problem in Asia and America, respectively. Although distinct, these organisms contain similar toxins responsible for the principal clinical signs of envenomation. To better understand the properties of these toxins, we designed a study to compare recombinant Heminecrolysin (rHNC) and rLiD1, the major phospholipase D toxins of scorpion and spider venom, respectively. Using a competitive ELISA and a hemolytic inhibition test, we come to spot a cross reaction between scorpion and spider venoms along with an epitopic similarity between rHNC and rLiD1 associated with neutralizing antibodies. Results show that the ability of the rHNC to hydrolyze lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) is equivalent to that of rLiD1 to hydrolyze sphingomyelin and vice-versa. rHNC exclusively catalyze transphosphatidylation of LPC producing cyclic phosphatidic acid (cPA). The in-silico analysis of hydrogen bonds between LPC and toxins provides a possible explanation for the higher transphosphatidylase activity of rHNC. Interestingly, for the first time, we reveal that lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) can be a substrate for both enzymes using cellular and enzymatic assays. The finding of the usage of LPA as a substrate as well as the formation of cPA as an end product could shed more light on the molecular basis of Hemiscorpius lepturus envenomation as well as on loxoscelism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramla Ben Yekhlef
- Laboratoire des Venins et Biomolécules Thérapeutiques LR16IPT08, Université de Tunis El Manar, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (R.B.Y.); (R.F.)
| | - Liza Felicori
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universida de Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270-901, Brazil; (L.F.); (L.H.S.); (C.F.B.O.); (R.S.F.)
| | - Lucianna Helene Santos
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universida de Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270-901, Brazil; (L.F.); (L.H.S.); (C.F.B.O.); (R.S.F.)
| | - Camila F. B. Oliveira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universida de Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270-901, Brazil; (L.F.); (L.H.S.); (C.F.B.O.); (R.S.F.)
| | - Raoudha Fadhloun
- Laboratoire des Venins et Biomolécules Thérapeutiques LR16IPT08, Université de Tunis El Manar, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (R.B.Y.); (R.F.)
| | - Elham Torabi
- Venom and Biotherapeutic Molecules Lab., Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 13169-43551, Iran; (E.T.); (D.S.); (K.P.B.)
| | - Delavar Shahbazzadeh
- Venom and Biotherapeutic Molecules Lab., Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 13169-43551, Iran; (E.T.); (D.S.); (K.P.B.)
| | - Kamran Pooshang Bagheri
- Venom and Biotherapeutic Molecules Lab., Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 13169-43551, Iran; (E.T.); (D.S.); (K.P.B.)
| | - Rafaela Salgado Ferreira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universida de Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270-901, Brazil; (L.F.); (L.H.S.); (C.F.B.O.); (R.S.F.)
| | - Lamia Borchani
- Laboratoire des Venins et Biomolécules Thérapeutiques LR16IPT08, Université de Tunis El Manar, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (R.B.Y.); (R.F.)
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10
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Gremski LH, da Justa HC, da Silva TP, Polli NLC, Antunes BC, Minozzo JC, Wille ACM, Senff-Ribeiro A, Arni RK, Veiga SS. Forty Years of the Description of Brown Spider Venom Phospholipases-D. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12030164. [PMID: 32155765 PMCID: PMC7150852 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12030164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Spiders of the genus Loxosceles, popularly known as Brown spiders, are considered a serious public health issue, especially in regions of hot or temperate climates, such as parts of North and South America. Although the venoms of these arachnids are complex in molecular composition, often containing proteins with distinct biochemical characteristics, the literature has primarily described a family of toxins, the Phospholipases-D (PLDs), which are highly conserved in all Loxosceles species. PLDs trigger most of the major clinical symptoms of loxoscelism i.e., dermonecrosis, thrombocytopenia, hemolysis, and acute renal failure. The key role played by PLDs in the symptomatology of loxoscelism was first described 40 years ago, when researches purified a hemolytic toxin that cleaved sphingomyelin and generated choline, and was referred to as a Sphingomyelinase-D, which was subsequently changed to Phospholipase-D when it was demonstrated that the enzyme also cleaved other cellular phospholipids. In this review, we present the information gleaned over the last 40 years about PLDs from Loxosceles venoms especially with regard to the production and characterization of recombinant isoforms. The history of obtaining these toxins is discussed, as well as their molecular organization and mechanisms of interaction with their substrates. We will address cellular biology aspects of these toxins and how they can be used in the development of drugs to address inflammatory processes and loxoscelism. Present and future aspects of loxoscelism diagnosis will be discussed, as well as their biotechnological applications and actions expected for the future in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiza Helena Gremski
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, PR, Brazil; (L.H.G.); (H.C.d.J.); (T.P.d.S.); (N.L.C.P.); (B.C.A.); (A.S.-R.)
| | - Hanna Câmara da Justa
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, PR, Brazil; (L.H.G.); (H.C.d.J.); (T.P.d.S.); (N.L.C.P.); (B.C.A.); (A.S.-R.)
| | - Thaís Pereira da Silva
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, PR, Brazil; (L.H.G.); (H.C.d.J.); (T.P.d.S.); (N.L.C.P.); (B.C.A.); (A.S.-R.)
| | - Nayanne Louise Costacurta Polli
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, PR, Brazil; (L.H.G.); (H.C.d.J.); (T.P.d.S.); (N.L.C.P.); (B.C.A.); (A.S.-R.)
| | - Bruno César Antunes
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, PR, Brazil; (L.H.G.); (H.C.d.J.); (T.P.d.S.); (N.L.C.P.); (B.C.A.); (A.S.-R.)
- Centro de Produção e Pesquisa de Imunobiológicos (CPPI), Piraquara 83302-200, PR, Brazil;
| | - João Carlos Minozzo
- Centro de Produção e Pesquisa de Imunobiológicos (CPPI), Piraquara 83302-200, PR, Brazil;
| | - Ana Carolina Martins Wille
- Departamento de Biologia Estrutural, Molecular e Genética, Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa 84030-900, PR, Brazil;
| | - Andrea Senff-Ribeiro
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, PR, Brazil; (L.H.G.); (H.C.d.J.); (T.P.d.S.); (N.L.C.P.); (B.C.A.); (A.S.-R.)
| | - Raghuvir Krishnaswamy Arni
- Centro Multiusuário de Inovação Biomolecular, Departamento de Física, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto 15054-000, SP, Brazil;
| | - Silvio Sanches Veiga
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, PR, Brazil; (L.H.G.); (H.C.d.J.); (T.P.d.S.); (N.L.C.P.); (B.C.A.); (A.S.-R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-(41)-3361-1776
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11
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From taxonomy to molecular characterization of brown spider venom: An overview focused on Loxosceles similis. Toxicon 2020; 173:5-19. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Lima SDA, Guerra-Duarte C, Costal-Oliveira F, Mendes TM, Figueiredo LFM, Oliveira D, Machado de Avila RA, Ferrer VP, Trevisan-Silva D, Veiga SS, Minozzo JC, Kalapothakis E, Chávez-Olórtegui C. Recombinant Protein Containing B-Cell Epitopes of Different Loxosceles Spider Toxins Generates Neutralizing Antibodies in Immunized Rabbits. Front Immunol 2018; 9:653. [PMID: 29666624 PMCID: PMC5891610 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Loxoscelism is the most important form of araneism in South America. The treatment of these accidents uses heterologous antivenoms obtained from immunization of production animals with crude loxoscelic venom. Due to the scarcity of this immunogen, new alternatives for its substitution in antivenom production are of medical interest. In the present work, three linear epitopes for Loxosceles astacin-like protease 1 (LALP-1) (SLGRGCTDFGTILHE, ENNTRTIGPFDYDSIMLYGAY, and KLYKCPPVNPYPGGIRPYVNV) and two for hyaluronidase (LiHYAL) (NGGIPQLGDLKAHLEKSAVDI and ILDKSATGLRIIDWEAWR) from Loxosceles intermedia spider venom were identified by SPOT-synthesis technique. One formerly characterized linear epitope (DFSGPYLPSLPTLDA) of sphingomyelinase D (SMase D) SMase-I from Loxosceles laeta was also chosen to constitute a new recombinant multiepitopic protein. These epitopes were combined with a previously produced chimeric multiepitopic protein (rCpLi) composed by linear and conformational B-cell epitopes from SMase D from L. intermedia venom, generating a new recombinant multiepitopic protein derived from loxoscelic toxins (rMEPLox). We demonstrated that rMEPLox is non-toxic and antibodies elicited in rabbits against this antigen present reactivity in ELISA and immunoblot assays with Brazilian L. intermedia, L. laeta, L. gaucho, and L. similis spider venoms. In vivo and in vitro neutralization assays showed that anti-rMEPLox antibodies can efficiently neutralize the sphingomyelinase, hyaluronidase, and metalloproteinase activity of L. intermedia venom. This study suggests that this multiepitopic protein can be a suitable candidate for experimental vaccination approaches or for antivenom production against Loxosceles spp. venoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina de Almeida Lima
- Departamentos de Bioquímica-Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Clara Guerra-Duarte
- Departamentos de Bioquímica-Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Costal-Oliveira
- Departamentos de Bioquímica-Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Thais Melo Mendes
- Departamentos de Bioquímica-Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Luís F M Figueiredo
- Departamentos de Bioquímica-Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Daysiane Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde - PPGCS, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense - UNESC, Criciúma, Brazil
| | - Ricardo A Machado de Avila
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde - PPGCS, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense - UNESC, Criciúma, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - João C Minozzo
- Centro de Produção e Pesquisa de Imunobiológicos - CPPI, Piraquara, Brazil
| | - Evanguedes Kalapothakis
- Departamentos de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Carlos Chávez-Olórtegui
- Departamentos de Bioquímica-Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Chaves-Moreira D, Senff-Ribeiro A, Wille ACM, Gremski LH, Chaim OM, Veiga SS. Highlights in the knowledge of brown spider toxins. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2017; 23:6. [PMID: 28194160 PMCID: PMC5299669 DOI: 10.1186/s40409-017-0097-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Brown spiders are venomous arthropods that use their venom for predation and defense. In humans, bites of these animals provoke injuries including dermonecrosis with gravitational spread of lesions, hematological abnormalities and impaired renal function. The signs and symptoms observed following a brown spider bite are called loxoscelism. Brown spider venom is a complex mixture of toxins enriched in low molecular mass proteins (4-40 kDa). Characterization of the venom confirmed the presence of three highly expressed protein classes: phospholipases D, metalloproteases (astacins) and insecticidal peptides (knottins). Recently, toxins with low levels of expression have also been found in Loxosceles venom, such as serine proteases, protease inhibitors (serpins), hyaluronidases, allergen-like toxins and histamine-releasing factors. The toxin belonging to the phospholipase-D family (also known as the dermonecrotic toxin) is the most studied class of brown spider toxins. This class of toxins single-handedly can induce inflammatory response, dermonecrosis, hemolysis, thrombocytopenia and renal failure. The functional role of the hyaluronidase toxin as a spreading factor in loxoscelism has also been demonstrated. However, the biological characterization of other toxins remains unclear and the mechanism by which Loxosceles toxins exert their noxious effects is yet to be fully elucidated. The aim of this review is to provide an insight into brown spider venom toxins and toxicology, including a description of historical data already available in the literature. In this review article, the identification processes of novel Loxosceles toxins by molecular biology and proteomic approaches, their biological characterization and structural description based on x-ray crystallography and putative biotechnological uses are described along with the future perspectives in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Senff-Ribeiro
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Martins Wille
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR Brazil.,Department of Structural and Molecular Biology, State University of Ponta Grossa (UEPG), Ponta Grossa, PR Brazil
| | - Luiza Helena Gremski
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR Brazil
| | - Olga Meiri Chaim
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR Brazil
| | - Silvio Sanches Veiga
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR Brazil
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14
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Dantas AE, Carmo AO, Horta CCR, Leal HG, Oliveira-Mendes BBR, Martins APV, Chávez-Olórtegui C, Kalapothakis E. Description of Loxtox protein family and identification of a new group of Phospholipases D from Loxosceles similis venom gland. Toxicon 2016; 120:97-106. [PMID: 27496061 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2016.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Revised: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Envenoming resulting from Loxosceles spider bites (loxoscelism) is a recognized public health problem in Brazil. However, the pathophysiology of loxoscelism caused by L. similis bites, which is widespread in Brazil, remains poorly understood. In the present work, the RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq - Next Generation sequencing - NGS) of the L. similis venom gland was performed to identify and analyze the sequences of the key component phospholipase D. The sequences were aligned based on their classical domains, and a phylogenetic tree was constructed. In the bioinformatics analysis, 23 complete sequences of phospholipase D proteins were found and classified as Loxtox proteins, as they contained the characteristic domains of phospholipase D: the active site, the Mg(2+)-binding domain, and the catalytic loop. Three phospholipase D sequences with non-canonical domains were also found in this work. They were analyzed separately and named PLDs from L. similis (PLD-Ls). This study is the first to characterize phospholipase D sequences from Loxosceles spiders by RNA-Seq. These results contribute new knowledge about the composition of L. similis venom, revealing novel tools that could be used for pharmacological, immunological, and biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Estanislau Dantas
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - A O Carmo
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Carolina Campolina Rebello Horta
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Mestrado Profissional em Biotecnologia e Gestão da Inovação, Centro Universitário de Sete Lagoas, Sete Lagoas, 35701-242, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Hortênsia Gomes Leal
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | | | - Ana Paula Vimieiro Martins
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Carlos Chávez-Olórtegui
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Evanguedes Kalapothakis
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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First report of the characterization of the pathophysiological mechanisms caused by the freshwater catfish Pimelodus maculatus (order: Siluriformes). Toxicon 2015; 101:55-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2015.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2015] [Revised: 04/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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16
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17
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Recent advances in the understanding of brown spider venoms: From the biology of spiders to the molecular mechanisms of toxins. Toxicon 2014; 83:91-120. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2014.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2013] [Revised: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 02/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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18
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Dantas AE, Horta CCR, Martins TMM, do Carmo AO, Mendes BBRDO, Goes AM, Kalapothakis E, Gomes DA. Whole venom of Loxosceles similis activates caspases-3, -6, -7, and -9 in human primary skin fibroblasts. Toxicon 2014; 84:56-64. [PMID: 24726468 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2014.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2013] [Revised: 03/27/2014] [Accepted: 04/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Spiders of the Loxosceles genus represent a risk to human health due to the systemic and necrotic effects of their bites. The main symptoms of these bites vary from dermonecrosis, observed in the majority of cases, to occasional systemic hemolysis and coagulopathy. Although the systemic effects are well characterized, the mechanisms of cell death triggered by the venom of these spiders are poorly characterized. In this study, we investigated the cell death mechanisms induced by the whole venom of the spider Loxosceles similis in human skin fibroblasts. Our results show that the venom initiates an apoptotic process and a caspase cascade involving the initiator caspase-9 and the effector caspases-3, -6, and -7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Estanislau Dantas
- Departmento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Carolina Campolina Rebello Horta
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Thais M M Martins
- Departmento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Anderson Oliveira do Carmo
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Alfredo M Goes
- Departmento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Evanguedes Kalapothakis
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Dawidson A Gomes
- Departmento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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Damasceno DD, Savergnini SQ, Gomes ER, Guatimosim S, Ferreira AJ, Doretto MC, Almeida AP. Cardiac dysfunction in rats prone to audiogenic epileptic seizures. Seizure 2013; 22:259-66. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2013.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2012] [Revised: 01/04/2013] [Accepted: 01/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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20
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Damasceno DD, Lima MP, Motta DF, Ferreira AJ, Quintão-Junior JF, Drummond LR, Natali AJ, Almeida AP, Pesquero JL. Cardiovascular and electrocardiographic parameters after tonin administration in Wistar rats. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 181:30-6. [PMID: 23318501 DOI: 10.1016/j.regpep.2012.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2012] [Revised: 10/12/2012] [Accepted: 12/17/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
In order to understand the mechanisms of interaction between tonin-angiotensin and renin-angiotensin systems (RAS) we evaluated, "in vivo" and "in vitro", in Wistar rats, cardiovascular and electrocardiographic parameters after tonin administration. Arterial pressure (AP) and electrocardiogram (ECG) were recorded in awake animals before and after tonin administration. Langendorff technique was used to analyze cardiac function in isolated heart in the presence of tonin and video motion edge detection system was used to evaluate the effect of tonin upon contractile function of isolated rat ventricular cardiomyocytes. After tonin infusion rats presented significantly higher diastolic and mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) as compared with control. The ECG analysis revealed shorter RR interval, increase in the low-frequency (LF) range of the heart rate variability (HRV) power (%) and decrease in the high-frequency (HF) of HRV power (%). Isolated hearts perfused with tonin presented an increase in the arterial coronary pressure (ACP) and decline in the ventricular systolic tension (ST), maximal (dT/dt+) and minimal (dT/dt) contractility. The rates of contraction and relaxation of isolated ventricular cardiomyocytes were significantly increased due to the presence of tonin. The angiotensin II (Ang II) levels in the coronary sinus effluent increased in the presence of tonin in a dose-dependent manner and the effect of tonin upon ACP was completely blocked by candesartan. Tonin is able to generate the vasoconstrictor peptide Ang II in the isolated heart of the rat and the cardiovascular response induced by tonin was completely blocked by candesartan, an indication that the action of Ang II on Ang II type 1 (AT1) receptors is the major mechanism of the heart effects. Tonin affects cardiomyocyte contractile function which may be due to interference with Ca(2+) handling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis D Damasceno
- Department of Educational Development, Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Southeast Minas Gerais, Campus Barbacena, MG, Brazil.
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21
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Del Brutto OH. Neurological effects of venomous bites and stings: snakes, spiders, and scorpions. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2013; 114:349-68. [PMID: 23829924 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-53490-3.00028-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Snake and spider bites, as well as scorpion sting envenoming, are neglected diseases affecting millions of people all over the world. Neurological complications vary according to the offending animal, and are often directly related to toxic effects of the venom, affecting the central nervous system, the neuromuscular transmission, the cardiovascular system, or the coagulation cascade. Snake bite envenoming may result in stroke or muscle paralysis. Metalloproteinases and other substances (common in vipers and colubrids) have anticoagulant or procoagulant activity, and may induce ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes. The venom of elapids is rich in neurotoxins affecting the neuromuscular transmission at either presynaptic or postsynaptic levels. The clinical picture of scorpion sting envenoming is dominated by muscle weakness associated with arterial hypertension, cardiac arrythmias, myocarditis, or pulmonary edema. These manifestations occur as the result of release of catecholamines into the bloodstream or due to direct cardiac toxicity of the venom. Cerebrovascular complications have been reported after the sting of the Indian red scorpion. Intracranial hemorrhages occur in the setting of acute increases in arterial blood pressure related to sympathetic overstimulation, and cerebral infarctions are related to either cerebral hypoperfusion, consumption coagulopathy, vasculitis, or cardiogenic brain embolism. Three main syndromes result from spider bite envenoming: latrodectism, loxoscelism, and funnel-web spider envenoming. Latrodectism is related to neurotoxins present in the venom of widow spiders. Most cases present with headache, lethargy, irritability, myalgia, tremor, fasciculation, or ataxia. Loxoscelism is caused by envenoming by spiders of the family Sicariidae. It may present with a stroke due to a severe coagulopathy. The venom of funnel-web spiders also has neurotoxins that stimulate neurotransmitter release, resulting in sensory disturbances and muscle paralysis. Proper management of the envenomed patient, including prompt transport to the hospital, correction of the hemostatic disorder, ventilatory support, and administration of antivenom, significantly reduce the risk of neurological complications which, in turn, reduce the mortality and improve the functional outcome of survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar H Del Brutto
- School of Medicine, Universidad Espiritu Santo, Guayaquil, Ecuador; Department of Neurological Sciences, Hospital Clinica Kennedy, Guayaquil, Ecuador.
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22
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Damasceno DD, Ferreira AJ, Doretto MC, Almeida AP. Cardiovascular dysautonomia after seizures induced by maximal electroshock in Wistar rats. Seizure 2012; 21:711-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2012.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2012] [Revised: 07/24/2012] [Accepted: 07/26/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
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23
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Damasceno DD, Ferreira AJ, Doretto MC, Almeida AP. Anticonvulsant and antiarrhythmic effects of nifedipine in rats prone to audiogenic seizures. Braz J Med Biol Res 2012; 45:1060-5. [PMID: 22801414 PMCID: PMC3854160 DOI: 10.1590/s0100-879x2012007500119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2011] [Accepted: 05/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcium ion participates in the regulation of neural transmission and the presynaptic release of neurotransmitters. It is also involved in epileptic events, cardiac arrhythmias and abnormal conduction of stimuli. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of nifedipine, a calcium channel blocker, on epileptic seizures and on reperfusion arrhythmias in rats prone to audiogenic epileptic seizures (Wistar audiogenic rats, WAR) and in normal Wistar rats (N = 6/group). The seizure severity index was applied after an intraperitoneal injection of 20 or 40 mg/kg nifedipine (N20 and N40 groups, respectively). The Langendorff technique was used to analyze cardiac function, as well as the incidence and severity of the reperfusion arrhythmias after ligature and release of the left coronary artery in rats treated or not with nifedipine. We found that nifedipine treatment decreased seizure severity (0.94 ± 0.02 for WAR; 0.70 ± 0.10 for WAR + N20; 0.47 ± 0.08 for WAR + N40) and increased the latent period (13 ± 2 s for WAR; 35 ± 10 s for WAR + N20; 48 ± 7 s for WAR + N40) for the development of seizures in WAR. Furthermore, the incidence and severity of the reperfusion arrhythmias were lower in WAR and normal Wistar rats injected with nifedipine. In WAR, these effects were mediated, at least in part, by a decrease in heart rate. Thus, our results indicate that nifedipine may be considered to be a potential adjuvant drug for epilepsy treatment, especially in those cases associated with cardiac rhythm abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- D D Damasceno
- Departamento de Desenvolvimento Educacional, Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Sudeste de Minas Gerais, Barbacena, MG, Brasil.
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Chatzaki M, Horta CC, Almeida MO, Pereira NB, Mendes TM, Dias-Lopes C, Guimarães G, Moro L, Chávez-Olórtegui C, Horta MCR, Kalapothakis E. Cutaneous loxoscelism caused by Loxosceles similis venom and neutralization capacity of its specific antivenom. Toxicon 2012; 60:21-30. [PMID: 22465492 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2012.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2011] [Revised: 02/24/2012] [Accepted: 03/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Members of the spider genus Loxosceles pose a marked health risk to humans because of the seriousness of the necrotic and systemic effects of their bite, known as loxoscelism. The recent confirmation of Loxosceles similis in residences of Belo Horizonte in Minas Gerais Province, Brazil increases the local potential risk of loxoscelism at higher levels. The first characterization of the venom from this species showed that its main biological effects had a similar intensity as other species (e.g. Loxosceles intermedia, Loxosceles laeta, and Loxosceles gaucho). Therefore, we wished to further analyse the biological activity of the L. similis venom as well as the capacity of anti-L. similis-venom serum to reduce dermonecrotic effects to rabbit skin. Histological analysis of rabbit skin 2, 4 and 8h after intradermal injection of L. similis venom demonstrated a dense inflammatory infiltrate, edema, degeneration and necrosis of the skin muscle, dissociation of collagen fibers, and disruption of reticular fibers. Importantly, pre-incubation of the venom with anti-L. similis-venom serum significantly decreased all of these effects. Anti-L. similis antivenom generated antibodies that were strongly reactive to L. similis venom and capable of neutralizing the dermonecrotic effects in rabbits caused by this venom. Moreover, the antivenom significantly reduced the sphingomyelinase activity of L. similis crude venom. Venoms produced by male and female spiders were equally reactive towards anti-L. similis and anti-L. intermedia antivenoms, but female venom induced larger lesions on rabbits. In contrast, female venom acted as an immunization enhancer and protected animals from L. similis envenomation to a greater degree than male venom. In conclusion, the results shown in this study for L. similis antivenom merits a more in depth study of its properties, which may become a valuable tool against loxoscelism.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Chatzaki
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antonio Carlos 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte CEP 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Protection against the toxic effects of Loxosceles intermedia spider venom elicited by mimotope peptides. Vaccine 2011; 29:7992-8001. [PMID: 21872636 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2011.08.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2011] [Revised: 08/10/2011] [Accepted: 08/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The venom of Loxosceles intermedia (Li) spiders is responsible for cutaneous lesions and other clinical manifestations. We previously reported that the monoclonal antibody LimAb7 can neutralize the dermonecrotic activity of crude Li venom. In this study, we observed that this antibody recognizes several proteins from the venom dermonecrotic fraction (DNF), including LiD1. Identifying the epitope of such a neutralizing antibody could help designing immunogens for producing therapeutic sera or vaccination approaches. To this aim, two sets of 25- and 15-mer overlapping peptides that cover the complete amino acid sequence of LiD1 were synthesized using the SPOT technique. None of them was recognized by LimAb7, suggesting that the epitope is discontinuous. Then, the screening of four peptide phage-display libraries yielded four possible epitope mimics that, however, did not show any obvious similarity with the LiD1 sequence. These mimotopes, together with a 3D model of LiD1, were used to predict with the MIMOP bioinformatic tool the putative epitope region (residues C197, Y224, W225, T226, D228, K229, R230, T232 and Y248 of LiD1) recognized by LimAb7. This analysis and the results of alanine-scanning experiments highlighted a few residues (such as W225 and D228) that are found in the active site of different SMases D and that may be important for LiD1 enzymatic activity. Finally, the only mimotope NCNKNDHLFACW that interacts with LimAb7 by SPOT and its analog NSNKNDHLFASW were used as immunogens in rabbits. The resulting antibodies could neutralize some of the biological effects induced by crude Li venom, demonstrating a mimotope-induced protection against L. intermedia venom.
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