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Saladini LY, Magalhães-Junior MJ, da Silva CCF, Oliveira PGC, Kodama RT, Gomes L, Nishiyama-Jr MY, Spencer PJ, da Silva WD, Portaro FCV. Evaluation of the Inhibitory Potential of Synthetic Peptides Homologous to CDR3 Regions of a Monoclonal Antibody against Bothropic Venom Serine Proteases. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5181. [PMID: 38791221 PMCID: PMC11121450 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Snakebite accidents, neglected tropical diseases per the WHO, pose a significant public health threat due to their severity and frequency. Envenomation by Bothrops genus snakes leads to severe manifestations due to proteolytic enzymes. While the antibothropic serum produced by the Butantan Institute saves lives, its efficacy is limited as it fails to neutralize certain serine proteases. Hence, developing new-generation antivenoms, like monoclonal antibodies, is crucial. This study aimed to explore the inhibitory potential of synthetic peptides homologous to the CDR3 regions of a monoclonal antibody targeting a snake venom thrombin-like enzyme (SVTLE) from B. atrox venom. Five synthetic peptides were studied, all stable against hydrolysis by venoms and serine proteases. Impressively, four peptides demonstrated uncompetitive SVTLE inhibition, with Ki values ranging from 10-6 to 10-7 M. These findings underscore the potential of short peptides homologous to CDR3 regions in blocking snake venom toxins, suggesting their promise as the basis for new-generation antivenoms. Thus, this study offers potential advancements in combatting snakebites, addressing a critical public health challenge in tropical and subtropical regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Yuri Saladini
- Laboratory of Structure and Function of Biomolecules, Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil (C.C.F.d.S.); (P.G.C.O.); (R.T.K.); (L.G.)
| | | | | | - Priscila Gonçalves Coutinho Oliveira
- Laboratory of Structure and Function of Biomolecules, Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil (C.C.F.d.S.); (P.G.C.O.); (R.T.K.); (L.G.)
| | - Roberto Tadashi Kodama
- Laboratory of Structure and Function of Biomolecules, Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil (C.C.F.d.S.); (P.G.C.O.); (R.T.K.); (L.G.)
| | - Lais Gomes
- Laboratory of Structure and Function of Biomolecules, Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil (C.C.F.d.S.); (P.G.C.O.); (R.T.K.); (L.G.)
| | - Milton Yutaka Nishiyama-Jr
- Laboratory of Applied Toxinology, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling (CeTICS), Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil;
| | - Patrick Jack Spencer
- Biotechnology Center, Nuclear and Energy Research Institute (IPEN/CNEN/SP), São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil;
| | | | - Fernanda Calheta Vieira Portaro
- Laboratory of Structure and Function of Biomolecules, Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil (C.C.F.d.S.); (P.G.C.O.); (R.T.K.); (L.G.)
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2
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Galizio NC, Moraes-Santos LS, Yabunaka AC, Demico PJ, Torres-Bonilla KA, Varón JCG, Silva NJD, Tanaka-Azevedo AM, Rocha MMTD, Hyslop S, Floriano RS, Morais-Zani KD. Biochemical and toxicological profiles of venoms from an adult female South American bushmaster (Lachesis muta rhombeata) and her offspring. Toxicon 2024; 241:107680. [PMID: 38452976 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.107680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
In this work, we compared the biochemical and toxicological profiles of venoms from an adult female specimen of Lachesis muta rhombeata (South American bushmaster) and her seven offspring born in captivity, based on SDS-PAGE, RP-HPLC, enzymatic, coagulant, and hemorrhagic assays. Although adult and juvenile venoms showed comparable SDS-PAGE profiles, juveniles lacked some chromatographic peaks compared with adult venom. Adult venom had higher proteolytic (caseinolytic) activity than juvenile venoms (p < 0.05), but there were no significant inter-venom variations in the esterase, PLA2, phosphodiesterase and L-amino acid oxidase (LAAO) activities, although the latter activity was highly variable among the venoms. Juveniles displayed higher coagulant activity on human plasma, with a minimum coagulant dose ∼42% lower than the adult venom (p < 0.05), but there were no age-related differences in thrombin-like activity. Adult venom was more fibrinogenolytic (based on the rate of fibrinogen chain degradation) and hemorrhagic than juvenile venoms (p < 0.05). The effective dose of Bothrops/Lachesis antivenom (produced by the Instituto Butantan) needed to neutralize the coagulant activity was ∼57% greater for juvenile venoms (p < 0.05), whereas antivenom did not attenuate the thrombin-like activity of juvenile and adult venoms. Antivenom significantly reduced the hemorrhagic activity of adult venom (400 μg/kg, i. d.), but not that of juvenile venoms. Overall, these data indicate a compositional and functional ontogenetic shift in L. m. rhombeata venom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathália C Galizio
- Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Interunits Graduate Program in Biotechnology, University of São Paulo, Butantan Institute and Technological Research Institute of the State of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Laboratory of Herpetology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Laura S Moraes-Santos
- Laboratory of Toxinology and Cardiovascular Research, University of Western São Paulo (UNOESTE), Presidente Prudente, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana C Yabunaka
- Laboratory of Toxinology and Cardiovascular Research, University of Western São Paulo (UNOESTE), Presidente Prudente, SP, Brazil
| | - Poliana J Demico
- Laboratory of Toxinology and Cardiovascular Research, University of Western São Paulo (UNOESTE), Presidente Prudente, SP, Brazil
| | - Kristian A Torres-Bonilla
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Julian C G Varón
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Nelson J da Silva
- Graduate Program in Environmental Sciences and Health, School of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Goiás (PUC-GO), Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Anita M Tanaka-Azevedo
- Interunits Graduate Program in Biotechnology, University of São Paulo, Butantan Institute and Technological Research Institute of the State of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Laboratory of Herpetology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marisa M Teixeira da Rocha
- Interunits Graduate Program in Biotechnology, University of São Paulo, Butantan Institute and Technological Research Institute of the State of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Stephen Hyslop
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Rafael S Floriano
- Laboratory of Toxinology and Cardiovascular Research, University of Western São Paulo (UNOESTE), Presidente Prudente, SP, Brazil
| | - Karen de Morais-Zani
- Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Interunits Graduate Program in Biotechnology, University of São Paulo, Butantan Institute and Technological Research Institute of the State of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Laboratory of Herpetology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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3
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Rodrigues PSDM, Cirqueira Martins H, Falcão MS, Trevisan M, Portaro FCV, da Silva LG, Sano-Martins IS, Gonçalves LRDC, Seibert CS. Effects of Mauritia flexuosa L. f. buriti oil on symptoms induced by Bothrops moojeni snake envenomation. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 313:116612. [PMID: 37156448 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE In Brazil, there are species of snakes that become involved in accidents and cause serious health problems to the inhabitants, highlighting the genus Bothrops for being responsible for approximately 90% of accidents reported annually. In the northern region of the country, this genus is responsible for the largest number of accidents, especially among rural dwellers. These populations invest in alternative treatments for with the purpose of improving the symptoms caused by snakebites. The species Mauritia flexuosa L. f., known as buriti, is traditionally used for the treatment of envenomation by snakes. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to evaluate the antiophidic potential of the oil of Mauritia flexuosa L. f. for Bothrops moojeni H. venom, confronting cultural and scientific knowledge. MATERIALS AND METHODS The physicochemical properties were determined, and the components present in the oil, extracted from fruit pulp, were analyzed by Gas Chromatography Coupled with Mass Spectrometry. The in vitro inhibitory capacity of the oil for phospholipase, metalloprotease and serine protease activities was investigated. In the in vivo studies, male Swiss mice were used to evaluate the effect of oil on lethality and toxicity, and hemorrhagic, myotoxic and edematogenic activities were assessed. RESULTS GC‒MS analysis identification of 90.95% of the constituents of the oil, with the main components being 9-eicosenoic acid, (Z)- (34.54%), n-hexadecanoic acid (25.55%) and (E)-9-octadecenoic acid ethyl ester (12.43%). For the substrates, the outcomes indicate that the oil inhibited the activity of the main classes of toxins present in Bothrops moojeni H. venom (VBm) at the highest dose tested (0.5 μL), with inhibition of 84% for the hydrolysis of the selective substrate for serine protease and inhibition of 60% for the hydrolysis of substrates for PLA2 and metalloproteases. The antiophidic activity in vivo was evaluated with two concentrations of the oil: 1.5 mg, the dosage the population, diluted in mineral oil to a volume of 1 tablespoon and 15 mg, administered by gavage 30 min before poisoning and at time zero (concomitant to poisoning), and both concentrations administered by gavage in combination with topical use at time zero. The bleeding time in the group treated with oil at a concentration of 15 mg administered at time zero was significantly lower than that in the control group (p < 0.05). However, a greater inhibition of bleeding time was observed when local application was combined with the gavage treatment at both concentrations tested at time zero (p < 0.05). In the myotoxicity test, oil was efficient in reducing the myotoxic effects induced by the venom at the two concentrations tested, with gavage administration at time zero and gavage plus topical administration at time zero (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The data obtained show that the oil is safe to use at the concentrations studied and contains fatty acids that may collaborate for cellular-level repair of the injuries caused by Bm poisoning. The in vitro and in vivo experiments showed that oil inhibits the main proteolytic enzymes present in the venom and that it has important activities to control the local effects caused by bothropic venom.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hemilly Cirqueira Martins
- Postgraduate Program in Environmental Sciences, PPGCiamb, Federal University of Tocantins, Palmas, TO, Brazil.
| | - Milena Santos Falcão
- Postgraduate Program in Environmental Sciences, PPGCiamb, Federal University of Tocantins, Palmas, TO, Brazil.
| | - Márcio Trevisan
- Postgraduate Program in Environmental Sciences, PPGCiamb, Federal University of Tocantins, Palmas, TO, Brazil.
| | | | - Lais Gomes da Silva
- Laboratory of Immunochemistry, Butantan Institute, Av. Vital Brazil, 1500, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Ida Sigueko Sano-Martins
- Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Butantan Institute, Av. Vital Brazil, 1500, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | | | - Carla Simone Seibert
- Postgraduate Program in Environmental Sciences, PPGCiamb, Federal University of Tocantins, Palmas, TO, Brazil.
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Costa CRC, Belchor MN, Roggero A, Moraes LL, Samelo R, Annunciato I, Bonturi CR, Oliva MLV, Sousa SF, de Oliveira MA, Toyama MH. The First Anti-Snakebite and Hepatoprotective Characterization of a Trypsin Kunitz-like Inhibitor (EcTI) from the Plant Enterolobium contortisiliquum; A Case of Two Soul Mates Meeting. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16040632. [PMID: 37111388 PMCID: PMC10145096 DOI: 10.3390/ph16040632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Snake venom serine protease (SVSP) interferes with the regulation and control of important biological reactions in homeostasis and can be classified as an activator of the fibrinolytic system and platelet aggregation. Our group has recently isolated a new serine protease from Crotalus durissus terrificus total venom (Cdtsp-2). This protein exhibits edematogenic capacity and myotoxic activity. A Kunitz-like EcTI inhibitor protein with a molecular mass of 20 kDa was isolated from Enterolobium contortisiliquum and showed high trypsin inhibition. Thus, the objective of this work is to verify the possible inhibition of the pharmacological activities of Cdtsp-2 by the Kutinz-type inhibitor EcTI. To isolate Cdtsp-2 from total C. d. terrificus venom, we used three-step chromatographic HPLC. Using the mice paw edema model, we observed an edematogenic effect, myotoxicity and hepatotoxicity caused by Cdtsp-2. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that the alterations in hemostasis caused by Cdtsp-2 are crucial for the development of marked hepatotoxicity and that EcTI significantly inhibits the enzymatic and pharmacological activities of Cdtsp-2. Kunitz-like inhibitor may be a viable alternative for the development of ancillary treatments against the biological activities of venoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline R C Costa
- Center of Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC (UFABC), Santo André 09210-580, SP, Brazil
- Biosciences Institute of Paulista Coast Campus (IB/CLP), University of São Paulo State (UNESP), São Vicente 11330-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Mariana N Belchor
- Center of Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC (UFABC), Santo André 09210-580, SP, Brazil
- Biosciences Institute of Paulista Coast Campus (IB/CLP), University of São Paulo State (UNESP), São Vicente 11330-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Airam Roggero
- Biosciences Institute of Paulista Coast Campus (IB/CLP), University of São Paulo State (UNESP), São Vicente 11330-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Laila L Moraes
- Biosciences Institute of Paulista Coast Campus (IB/CLP), University of São Paulo State (UNESP), São Vicente 11330-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Samelo
- Biosciences Institute of Paulista Coast Campus (IB/CLP), University of São Paulo State (UNESP), São Vicente 11330-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Isabelly Annunciato
- Biosciences Institute of Paulista Coast Campus (IB/CLP), University of São Paulo State (UNESP), São Vicente 11330-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Camila R Bonturi
- National Institute of Pharmacology (INFAR), Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04044-020, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria L V Oliva
- National Institute of Pharmacology (INFAR), Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04044-020, SP, Brazil
| | - Sergio F Sousa
- Unit of Applied Biomolecular Sciences (UCIBIO), REQUIMTE-BioSIM-Medicine Faculty, Porto University, 4050-345 Porto, Portugal
| | - Marcos A de Oliveira
- Center of Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC (UFABC), Santo André 09210-580, SP, Brazil
- Biosciences Institute of Paulista Coast Campus (IB/CLP), University of São Paulo State (UNESP), São Vicente 11330-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcos H Toyama
- Center of Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC (UFABC), Santo André 09210-580, SP, Brazil
- Biosciences Institute of Paulista Coast Campus (IB/CLP), University of São Paulo State (UNESP), São Vicente 11330-900, SP, Brazil
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5
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Godoi KSD, Guidolin FR, Portaro FCV, Spencer PJ, da Silva WD. Anti-Metalloproteases: Production and Characterization of Polyclonal IgG Anti-F2 Fraction Antibodies Purified from the Venom of the Snake Bitis arietans. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:toxins15040264. [PMID: 37104202 PMCID: PMC10145261 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15040264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Bitis arietans is a medically important snake found in Sub-Saharan Africa. The envenomation is characterized by local and systemic effects, and the lack of antivenoms aggravates the treatment. This study aimed to identify venom toxins and develop antitoxins. The F2 fraction obtained from Bitis arietans venom (BaV) demonstrated the presence of several proteins in its composition, including metalloproteases. Titration assays carried out together with the immunization of mice demonstrated the development of anti-F2 fraction antibodies by the animals. The determination of the affinity of antibodies against different Bitis venoms was evaluated, revealing that only BaV had peptides recognized by anti-F2 fraction antibodies. In vivo analyses demonstrated the hemorrhagic capacity of the venom and the effectiveness of the antibodies in inhibiting up to 80% of the hemorrhage and 0% of the lethality caused by BaV. Together, the data indicate: (1) the prevalence of proteins that influence hemostasis and envenomation; (2) the effectiveness of antibodies in inhibiting specific activities of BaV; and (3) isolation and characterization of toxins can become crucial steps in the development of new alternative treatments. Thus, the results obtained help in understanding the envenoming mechanism and may be useful for the study of new complementary therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Patrick Jack Spencer
- Biotechnology Center, Nuclear and Energy Research Institute, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
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6
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Analyzing the influence of age and sex in Bothrops pauloensis snake venom. Toxicon 2022; 214:78-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2022.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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7
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Tan CH, Palasuberniam P, Tan KY. Snake Venom Proteomics, Immunoreactivity and Toxicity Neutralization Studies for the Asiatic Mountain Pit Vipers, Ovophis convictus, Ovophis tonkinensis, and Hime Habu, Ovophis okinavensis. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13080514. [PMID: 34437385 PMCID: PMC8402492 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13080514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Snakebite envenomation is a serious neglected tropical disease, and its management is often complicated by the diversity of snake venoms. In Asia, pit vipers of the Ovophis species complex are medically important venomous snakes whose venom properties have not been investigated in depth. This study characterized the venom proteomes of Ovophis convictus (West Malaysia), Ovophis tonkinensis (northern Vietnam, southern China), and Ovophis okinavensis (Okinawa, Japan) by applying liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, which detected a high abundance of snake venom serine proteases (SVSP, constituting 40–60% of total venom proteins), followed by phospholipases A2, snake venom metalloproteinases of mainly P-III class, L-amino acid oxidases, and toxins from other protein families which were less abundant. The venoms exhibited different procoagulant activities in human plasma, with potency decreasing from O. tonkinensis > O. okinavensis > O. convictus. The procoagulant nature of venom confirms that consumptive coagulopathy underlies the pathophysiology of Ovophis pit viper envenomation. The hetero-specific antivenoms Gloydius brevicaudus monovalent antivenom (GbMAV) and Trimeresurus albolabris monovalent antivenom (TaMAV) were immunoreactive toward the venoms, and cross-neutralized their procoagulant activities, albeit at variably limited efficacy. In the absence of species-specific antivenom, these hetero-specific antivenoms may be useful in treating coagulotoxic envenomation caused by the different snakes in their respective regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Choo Hock Tan
- Venom Research, Toxicology Research Lab, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
- Correspondence: (C.H.T.); (K.Y.T.)
| | - Praneetha Palasuberniam
- Venom Research, Toxicology Research Lab, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu 88400, Malaysia
| | - Kae Yi Tan
- Protein and Interactomics Lab, Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
- Correspondence: (C.H.T.); (K.Y.T.)
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8
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Lee LP, Tan KY, Tan CH. Snake venom proteomics and antivenomics of two Sundaic lance-headed pit vipers: Trimeresurus wiroti (Malaysia) and Trimeresurus puniceus (Indonesia). COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY D-GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2021; 40:100875. [PMID: 34311411 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2021.100875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Envenomation by two medically important Sundaic pit vipers, Trimeresurus wiroti (Malaysia) and Trimeresurus puniceus (Indonesia), causes hemotoxic syndrome with a potentially fatal outcome. Research on the compositions and antigenicity of these pit viper venoms is however lacking, limiting our understanding of the pathophysiology and treatment of envenomation. This study investigated the venom proteomes of both species through a protein decomplexation strategy, applying C18 reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography followed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and protein identification through nano-electrospray ionization liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (nano-ESI-LCMS/MS) of trypsin-digested peptides. The venom antigenicity was profiled against the Thai Green Pit Viper Antivenom (GPVAV, a hetero-specific antivenom), using indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The venom proteomes of T. wiroti and T. puniceus consisted of 10 and 12 toxin families, respectively. The major proteins were of diverse snake venom serine proteases (19-30% of total venom proteins), snake venom metalloproteinases (17-26%), disintegrins (9-16%), phospholipases A2 (8-28%) and C-type lectins (~8%). These were putative snake toxins implicated in hemorrhage and coagulopathy, consistent with clinical hemotoxicity. GPVAV showed strong immunorecognition toward high and medium molecular weight proteins (e.g., SVMP and PLA2) in both venoms, while a lower binding activity was observed toward small proteins such as disintegrins. Conserved antigenicity in the major hemotoxins supported toxicity cross-neutralization by GPVAV and indicated that the immunorecognition of low molecular weight toxins may be optimized for improved binding efficacy. Taken together, the study provides insights into the pathophysiology and antivenom treatment of envenomation caused by T. wiroti and T. puniceus in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louisa Pernee Lee
- Venom Research & Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Kae Yi Tan
- Protein and Interactomics Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Choo Hock Tan
- Venom Research & Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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9
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Silva GM, Berto DH, Lima CA, Waitman KB, Lima CFG, Prezoto BC, Vieira ML, Rocha MMT, Gonçalves LRC, Andrade SA. Synergistic effect of serine protease inhibitors and a bothropic antivenom in reducing local hemorrhage and coagulopathy caused by Bothrops jararaca venom. Toxicon 2021; 199:87-93. [PMID: 34126124 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Snakebite accidents are a public health problem that affects the whole world, causing thousands of deaths and amputations each year. In Brazil, snakebite envenomations are caused mostly by snakes from the Bothrops genus. The local symptoms are characterized by pain, swelling, ecchymosis, and hemorrhages. Systemic disturbances can lead to necrosis and amputations. The present treatment consists of intravenous administration of bothropic antivenom, which is capable of reversing most of the systemic symptoms, while presenting limitations to treat the local effects, such as hemorrhage and to neutralize the snake venom serine protease (SVSP). In this context, we aimed to evaluate the activity of selective serine protease inhibitors (pepC and pepB) in combination with the bothropic antivenom in vivo. Further, we assessed their possible synergistic effect in the treatment of coagulopathy and hemorrhage induced by Bothrops jararaca venom. For this, we evaluated the in vivo activity in mouse models of local hemorrhage and a series of in vitro hemostasis assays. Our results showed that pepC and pepB, when combinated with the antivenom, increase its protective activity in vivo and decrease the hemostatic disturbances in vitro with high selectivity, possibly by inhibiting botropic proteases. These data suggest that the addition of serine protease inhibitor to the antivenom can improve its overall potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M Silva
- Laboratory of Pain and Signaling - Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - D H Berto
- Laboratory of Pain and Signaling - Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - C A Lima
- Laboratory of Pain and Signaling - Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - K B Waitman
- Laboratory of Pain and Signaling - Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - C F G Lima
- Laboratory of Pain and Signaling - Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - B C Prezoto
- Laboratory of Pharmacology - Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - M L Vieira
- Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - M M T Rocha
- Laboratory of Herpetology - Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - L R C Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Pathophysiology - Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - S A Andrade
- Laboratory of Pain and Signaling - Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
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10
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Kuniyoshi AK, Kodama RT, Cajado-Carvalho D, Iwai LK, Kitano E, da Silva CCF, Duzzi B, Dias da Silva W, Portaro FC. Experimental antivenom against serine proteases from the Bothrops jararaca venom obtained in mice, and its comparison with the antibothropic serum from the Butantan Institute. Toxicon 2019; 169:59-67. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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11
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Megale ÂAA, Magnoli FC, Kuniyoshi AK, Iwai LK, Tambourgi DV, Portaro FCV, da Silva WD. Kn-Ba: a novel serine protease isolated from Bitis arietans snake venom with fibrinogenolytic and kinin-releasing activities. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2018; 24:38. [PMID: 30564275 PMCID: PMC6293559 DOI: 10.1186/s40409-018-0176-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Bitis arietans is a venomous snake found in sub-Saharan Africa and in parts of Morocco and Saudi Arabia. The envenomation is characterized by local and systemic reactions including pain, blistering, edema and tissue damage, besides hemostatic and cardiovascular disturbances, which can cause death or permanent disabilities in its victims. However, the action mechanisms that provoke these effects remain poorly understood, especially the activities of purified venom components. Therefore, in order to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that make the Bitis arietans venom so potent and harmful to human beings, this study reports the isolation and biochemical characterization of a snake venom serine protease (SVSP). Methods Solubilized venom was fractionated by molecular exclusion chromatography and the proteolytic activity was determined using fluorescent substrates. The peaks that showed serine protease activity were determined by blocking the proteolytic activity with site-directed inhibitors. In sequence, the fraction of interest was submitted to another cycle of molecular exclusion chromatography. The purified serine protease was identified by mass spectrometry and characterized biochemically and immunochemically. Results A serine protease of 33 kDa with fibrinogen-degrading and kinin-releasing activities was isolated, described, and designated herein as Kn-Ba. The experimental Butantan Institute antivenom produced against Bitis arietans venom inhibited the Kn-Ba activity. Conclusions The in vitro activities of Kn-Ba can be correlated with the capacity of the venom to provoke bleeding and clotting disorders as well as hypotension, which are common symptoms presented by envenomed victims. Obtaining satisfactory Kn-Ba inhibition through the experimental antivenom is important, given the WHO’s recommendation of immunotherapy in cases of human accidents with venomous snakes. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s40409-018-0176-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Leo Kei Iwai
- 2Special Laboratory of Applied Toxinology / Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling (CeTICS), Butantan Institute, São Paulo, 05503-900 Brazil
| | - Denise V Tambourgi
- 1Immunochemistry Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, 05503-900 Brazil
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Coimbra FCP, Dobson J, Zdenek CN, Op den Brouw B, Hamilton B, Debono J, Masci P, Frank N, Ge L, Kwok HF, Fry BG. Does size matter? Venom proteomic and functional comparison between night adder species (Viperidae: Causus) with short and long venom glands. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2018; 211:7-14. [PMID: 29758383 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2018.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2018] [Revised: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Night adders (Causus species within the Viperidae family) are amphibian specialists and a common source of snakebite in Africa. Some species are unique in that they have the longest venom glands of any viper, extending approximately 10% of the body length. Despite their potential medical importance and evolutionary novelty, their venom has received almost no research attention. In this study, venoms from a short-glanded species (C. lichtensteinii) and from a long-glanded species (C. rhombeatus) were compared using a series of proteomic and bioactivity testing techniques to investigate and compare the toxin composition and functioning of the venoms of these two species. Both C. rhombeatus and C. lichtensteinii were similar in overall venom composition and inhibition of blood coagulation through non-clotting proteolytic cleavage of fibrinogen. While the 1D gel profiles were very similar to each other in the toxin types present, 2D gel analyses revealed isoformic differences within each toxin classes. This variation was congruent with differential efficacy of South African Institute for Medical Research snake polyvalent antivenom, with C. lichtensteinii unaffected at the dose tested while C. rhombeatus was moderately but significantly neutralized. Despite the variation within toxin classes, the similarity in overall venom biochemistry suggests that the selection pressure for the evolution of long glands served to increase venom yield in order to subjugate proportionally large anurans as a unique form of niche partitioning, and is not linked to significant changes in venom function. These results not only contribute to the body of venom evolution knowledge but also highlight the limited clinical management outcomes for Causus envenomations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco C P Coimbra
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - James Dobson
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Christina N Zdenek
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Bianca Op den Brouw
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Brett Hamilton
- Centre for Advanced Imaging & Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Jordan Debono
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Paul Masci
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Translational Research Institute, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | | | - Lilin Ge
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Functional Substance of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Qixia District, Nanjing 215400, China
| | - Hang Fai Kwok
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Bryan G Fry
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
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Kuniyoshi AK, Kodama RT, Moraes LHF, Duzzi B, Iwai LK, Lima IF, Cajado-Carvalho D, Portaro FV. In vitro cleavage of bioactive peptides by peptidases from Bothrops jararaca venom and its neutralization by bothropic antivenom produced by Butantan Institute: Major contribution of serine peptidases. Toxicon 2017; 137:114-119. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2017.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Delafontaine M, Villas-Boas IM, Mathieu L, Josset P, Blomet J, Tambourgi DV. Enzymatic and Pro-Inflammatory Activities of Bothrops lanceolatus Venom: Relevance for Envenomation. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:toxins9080244. [PMID: 28783135 PMCID: PMC5577578 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9080244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2017] [Revised: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Bothrops lanceolatus, commonly named ‘Fer-de-Lance’, is an endemic snake of the French Caribbean Island of Martinique. Envenomations by B. lanceolatus present clinical aspects characterized by systemic thrombotic syndrome and important local inflammation, involving edema and pain but limited hemorrhage. To investigate mechanisms of venom-induced inflammation, B. lanceolatus venom was characterized, its cross-reactivity with bothropic antivenom explored, its cytotoxicity on human keratinocytes and vascular cells, and the production of cytokines and chemokines were analyzed. We used electrophoretic separation, zymography, colorimetric or fluorimetric enzymatic assays, and immunochemical assays. Therapeutic South American bothropic antivenom cross-reacted with B. lanceolatus venom and completely or partially abolished its PLA2, hyaluronidase, and proteolytic activities, as well as its cytotoxicity for keratinocytes. The substrate specificity of B. lanceolatus venom proteases was emphasized. B. lanceolatus venom cytotoxicity was compared to the B. jararaca venom. Both venoms were highly cytotoxic for keratinocytes (HaCaT), whereas B. lanceolatus venom showed particularly low toxicity for endothelial cells (EAhy926). Patterns of cytokine and chemokine production by cells exposed to the venoms were highly pro-inflammatory. Thus, the results presented here show that B. lanceolatus venom toxins share important antigenic similarities with South American Bothrops species toxins, although their proteases have acquired particular substrate specificity. Moreover, the venom displays important cytotoxic and pro-inflammatory action on human cell types such as keratinocytes and endothelial cells, which are important players in the local and systemic compartments affected by the envenomation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Laurence Mathieu
- Prevor Laboratory, Moulin de Verville, Valmondois 95760, France.
| | | | - Joël Blomet
- Prevor Laboratory, Moulin de Verville, Valmondois 95760, France.
| | - Denise V Tambourgi
- Immunochemistry Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil.
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Insights into the Mechanisms Involved in Strong Hemorrhage and Dermonecrosis Induced by Atroxlysin-Ia, a PI-Class Snake Venom Metalloproteinase. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:toxins9080239. [PMID: 28767072 PMCID: PMC5577573 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9080239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hemorrhage is the most prominent effect of snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs) in human envenomation. The capillary injury is a multifactorial effect caused by hydrolysis of the components of the basement membrane (BM). The PI and PIII classes of SVMPs are abundant in viperid venoms and hydrolyze BM components. However, hemorrhage is associated mostly with PIII-class SVMPs that contain non-catalytic domains responsible for the binding of SVMPs to BM proteins, facilitating enzyme accumulation in the tissue and enhancing its catalytic efficiency. Here we report on Atroxlysin-Ia, a PI-class SVMP that induces hemorrhagic lesions in levels comparable to those induced by Batroxrhagin (PIII-class), and a unique SVMP effect characterized by the rapid onset of dermonecrotic lesions. Atroxlysin-Ia was purified from B. atrox venom, and sequence analyses indicated that it is devoid of non-catalytic domains and unable to bind to BM proteins as collagen IV and laminin in vitro or in vivo. The presence of Atroxlysin-Ia was diffuse in mice skin, and localized mainly in the epidermis with no co-localization with BM components. Nevertheless, the skin lesions induced by Atroxlysin-Ia were comparable to those induced by Batroxrhagin, with induction of leukocyte infiltrates and hemorrhagic areas soon after toxin injection. Detachment of the epidermis was more intense in skin injected with Atroxlysin-Ia. Comparing the catalytic activity of both toxins, Batroxrhagin was more active in the hydrolysis of a peptide substrate while Atroxlysin-Ia hydrolyzed more efficiently fibrin, laminin, collagen IV and nidogen. Thus, the results suggest that Atroxlysin-Ia bypasses the binding step to BM proteins, essential for hemorrhagic lesions induced by PII- and P-III class SVMPs, causing a significantly fast onset of hemorrhage and dermonecrosis, due to its higher proteolytic capacity on BM components.
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Lopes PH, Rocha MMT, Kuniyoshi AK, Portaro FCV, Gonçalves LRC. Edema and Nociception Induced by Philodryas patagoniensis Venom in Mice: A Pharmacological Evaluation with Implications for the Accident Treatment. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2017; 361:349-354. [PMID: 28348058 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.116.239640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 03/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We have investigated the mechanisms involved in the genesis of edema and nociception induced by Philodryas patagoniensis venom (PpV) injected into the footpad of mice. PpV induced dose-related edema and nociceptive effects. Pretreatment of mice with cyclooxygenase inhibitor (indomethacin), but not with cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitor (celecoxib) markedly inhibited both effects. Pretreatments with H1 receptor antagonist (promethazine) or with dual histamine-serotonin inhibitor (cyproheptadine) failed in inhibiting both effects. In groups pretreated with captopril (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor) the edema was unaltered, but nociception was clearly increased, suggesting the participation of kinins in the pathophysiology of the nociception but not of the edema-forming effect of PpV. When PpV was treated with EDTA, the nociception was similar to the one induced by untreated venom, but edema was markedly reduced. We concluded that PpV-induced edema and nociception have cyclooxygenase eicosanoids as the main mediators and no participation of vasoactive amines. Kinins seem to participate in nociception but not in edema induced by PpV. The results also suggest that metalloproteinases are the main compounds responsible for the edema, but not for the nociception induced by this venom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Hess Lopes
- Laboratório de Imunoquímica (P.H.L., A.K.K., F.C.V.P.), Laboratório de Herpetologia/Venenos (M.M.T.R.), and Laboratório de Fisiopatologia (L.R.C.G.) Instituto Butantan, São Paulo-SP, Brazil
| | - Marisa M T Rocha
- Laboratório de Imunoquímica (P.H.L., A.K.K., F.C.V.P.), Laboratório de Herpetologia/Venenos (M.M.T.R.), and Laboratório de Fisiopatologia (L.R.C.G.) Instituto Butantan, São Paulo-SP, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Kazuo Kuniyoshi
- Laboratório de Imunoquímica (P.H.L., A.K.K., F.C.V.P.), Laboratório de Herpetologia/Venenos (M.M.T.R.), and Laboratório de Fisiopatologia (L.R.C.G.) Instituto Butantan, São Paulo-SP, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Calheta Vieira Portaro
- Laboratório de Imunoquímica (P.H.L., A.K.K., F.C.V.P.), Laboratório de Herpetologia/Venenos (M.M.T.R.), and Laboratório de Fisiopatologia (L.R.C.G.) Instituto Butantan, São Paulo-SP, Brazil
| | - Luís Roberto C Gonçalves
- Laboratório de Imunoquímica (P.H.L., A.K.K., F.C.V.P.), Laboratório de Herpetologia/Venenos (M.M.T.R.), and Laboratório de Fisiopatologia (L.R.C.G.) Instituto Butantan, São Paulo-SP, Brazil
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Moura-da-Silva AM, Almeida MT, Portes-Junior JA, Nicolau CA, Gomes-Neto F, Valente RH. Processing of Snake Venom Metalloproteinases: Generation of Toxin Diversity and Enzyme Inactivation. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:toxins8060183. [PMID: 27294958 PMCID: PMC4926149 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8060183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Revised: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs) are abundant in the venoms of vipers and rattlesnakes, playing important roles for the snake adaptation to different environments, and are related to most of the pathological effects of these venoms in human victims. The effectiveness of SVMPs is greatly due to their functional diversity, targeting important physiological proteins or receptors in different tissues and in the coagulation system. Functional diversity is often related to the genetic diversification of the snake venom. In this review, we discuss some published evidence that posit that processing and post-translational modifications are great contributors for the generation of functional diversity and for maintaining latency or inactivation of enzymes belonging to this relevant family of venom toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Moura-da-Silva
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo CEP 05503-900, Brazil.
| | - Michelle T Almeida
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo CEP 05503-900, Brazil.
| | - José A Portes-Junior
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo CEP 05503-900, Brazil.
| | - Carolina A Nicolau
- Laboratório de Toxinologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro CEP 21040-360, Brazil.
| | - Francisco Gomes-Neto
- Laboratório de Toxinologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro CEP 21040-360, Brazil.
| | - Richard H Valente
- Laboratório de Toxinologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro CEP 21040-360, Brazil.
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Characterising the enzymatic profile of crude tentacle extracts from the South Atlantic jellyfish Olindias sambaquiensis (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa). Toxicon 2016; 119:1-7. [PMID: 27169682 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2016.04.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Revised: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Jellyfish venoms are of medical and biotechnological importance, with toxins displaying antimicrobial, analgesic and anti-tumor activities. Although proteolytic enzymes have also been described, detailed characterisation of these proteins is scant in Olindias spp. High throughput mass spectrometry profiling of cnidarian venoms has become increasingly popular since the first description of the proteomic profile of putative toxins isolated from nematocysts of the hydrozoan jellyfish Olindias sambaquiensis describing the presence of orthologous enzymes as presented in venoms of advanced species as snakes. Rigorous bioinformatics analyses can aid functional annotation, but biochemical assays are prerequisite to unambiguously assign toxic function to a peptide or protein. Here we present results that experimentally confirm previously predicted proteomic analysis that crude venom extracts from tentacles of O. sambaquiensis are composed of polypeptides with metalloproteinase, serine proteinase and phospholipases A2 activities. Surprisingly, levels of serine proteinase and phospholipase A2 activities were comparable to those observed in venoms of Bothrops snakes which were used as positive controls in this study. Hence, these data offer new opportunities to explore serine proteinase and phospholipase A2 activities in the clinical sequelae following O. sambaquiensis envenomation, with future possible biopharmaceutical applications.
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African adders: partial characterization of snake venoms from three Bitis species of medical importance and their neutralization by experimental equine antivenoms. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0003419. [PMID: 25643358 PMCID: PMC4340965 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2014] [Accepted: 11/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An alarming number of fatal accidents involving snakes are annually reported in Africa and most of the victims suffer from permanent local tissue damage and chronic disabilities. Envenomation by snakes belonging to the genus Bitis, Viperidae family, are common in Sub-Saharan Africa. The accidents are severe and the victims often have a poor prognosis due to the lack of effective specific therapies. In this study we have biochemically characterized venoms from three different species of Bitis, i.e., Bitis arietans, Bitis gabonica rhinoceros and Bitis nasicornis, involved in the majority of the human accidents in Africa, and analyzed the in vitro neutralizing ability of two experimental antivenoms. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The data indicate that all venoms presented phospholipase, hyaluronidase and fibrinogenolytic activities and cleaved efficiently the FRET substrate Abz-RPPGFSPFRQ-EDDnp and angiotensin I, generating angiotensin 1-7. Gelatinolytic activity was only observed in the venoms of B. arietans and B. nasicornis. The treatment of the venoms with protease inhibitors indicated that Bitis venoms possess metallo and serinoproteases enzymes, which may be involved in the different biological activities here evaluated. Experimental antivenoms produced against B. arietans venom or Bitis g. rhinoceros plus B. nasicornis venoms cross-reacted with the venoms from the three species and blocked, in different degrees, all the enzymatic activities in which they were tested. CONCLUSION These results suggest that the venoms of the three Bitis species, involved in accidents with humans in the Sub-Saharan Africa, contain a mixture of various enzymes that may act in the generation and development of some of the clinical manifestations of the envenomations. We also demonstrated that horse antivenoms produced against B. arietans or B. g. rhinoceros plus B. nasicornis venoms can blocked some of the toxic activities of these venoms.
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Cajado Carvalho D, Kuniyoshi AK, Kodama RT, Oliveira AK, Serrano SMT, Tambourgi DV, Portaro FV. Neuropeptide Y family-degrading metallopeptidases in the Tityus serrulatus venom partially blocked by commercial antivenoms. Toxicol Sci 2014; 142:418-26. [PMID: 25239630 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfu193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Accidents caused by scorpions represent a relevant public health issue in Brazil, being more recurring than incidents with snakes and spiders. The main species responsible for this situation is the yellow scorpion, Tityus serrulatus, due especially to the great frequency with which accidents occur and the potential of its venom to induce severe clinical manifestations, even death, mainly among children. Although neurotoxins are well characterized, little information is known about other components of scorpion venoms, such as peptidases, and their effect on envenomation. Previous results from our group showed that the metallopeptidases present in this venom are capable of hydrolyzing the neuropeptide dynorphin 1-13 in vitro, releasing Leu-enkephalin, which may interact with ion channels and promote indirect neurotoxicity. Thus, this study aims to get more information about the effect of toxic peptidase activity present in the venom on biologically active peptides, and to evaluate the in vitro neutralizing potential of commercial antivenoms produced by the Butantan Institute. A set of human bioactive peptides were studied as substrates for the peptidases, and the members of the neuropeptide Y family were found to be the most susceptible ones. All new substrate hydrolyses were totally inhibited by ethylenediaminetetracetic and not blocked by phenylmethanesulfonylfluoride, indicating that metallopeptidases were responsible for the peptidase activity. Also, peptidase activities were only partially inhibited by therapeutic Brazilian scorpion antivenom (SAV) and arachnid antivenom (AAV). The dose-response inhibition by both antivenoms indicates that AAV neutralizes better than SAV at the used doses. These characterizations, unpublished until now, can contribute to the improvement of our knowledge about the venom and envenomation processes by T. serrulatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Cajado Carvalho
- *Immunochemistry Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP, Brazil and Special Laboratory of Applied Toxinology, Center of Toxins, Immune-response and Cell Signaling-CeTICS, Instituto Butantan, Brazil
| | - Alexandre K Kuniyoshi
- *Immunochemistry Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP, Brazil and Special Laboratory of Applied Toxinology, Center of Toxins, Immune-response and Cell Signaling-CeTICS, Instituto Butantan, Brazil
| | - Roberto T Kodama
- *Immunochemistry Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP, Brazil and Special Laboratory of Applied Toxinology, Center of Toxins, Immune-response and Cell Signaling-CeTICS, Instituto Butantan, Brazil
| | - Ana K Oliveira
- *Immunochemistry Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP, Brazil and Special Laboratory of Applied Toxinology, Center of Toxins, Immune-response and Cell Signaling-CeTICS, Instituto Butantan, Brazil
| | - Solange M T Serrano
- *Immunochemistry Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP, Brazil and Special Laboratory of Applied Toxinology, Center of Toxins, Immune-response and Cell Signaling-CeTICS, Instituto Butantan, Brazil
| | - Denise V Tambourgi
- *Immunochemistry Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP, Brazil and Special Laboratory of Applied Toxinology, Center of Toxins, Immune-response and Cell Signaling-CeTICS, Instituto Butantan, Brazil
| | - Fernanda V Portaro
- *Immunochemistry Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP, Brazil and Special Laboratory of Applied Toxinology, Center of Toxins, Immune-response and Cell Signaling-CeTICS, Instituto Butantan, Brazil
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Venancio EJ, Portaro FC, Kuniyoshi AK, Carvalho DC, Pidde-Queiroz G, Tambourgi DV. Enzymatic properties of venoms from Brazilian scorpions of Tityus genus and the neutralisation potential of therapeutical antivenoms. Toxicon 2013; 69:180-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2013.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2012] [Revised: 01/23/2013] [Accepted: 02/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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