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de Souza FS, de Veras BO, Lucena LDM, Casoti R, Martins RD, Ximenes RM. Antivenom potential of the latex of Jatropha mutabilis baill. (Euphorbiaceae) against Tityus stigmurus venom: Evaluating its ability to neutralize toxins and local effects in mice. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 335:118642. [PMID: 39098623 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Species of the Jatropha genus (Euphorbiaceae) are used indiscriminately in traditional medicine to treat accidents involving venomous animals. Jatropha mutabilis Baill., popularly known as "pinhão-de-seda," is found in the semi-arid region of Northeastern Brazil. It is widely used as a vermifuge, depurative, laxative, and antivenom. AIM OF THE STUDY Obtaining the phytochemical profile of the latex of Jatropha mutabilis (JmLa) and evaluate its acute oral toxicity and inhibitory effects against the venom of the scorpion Tityus stigmurus (TstiV). MATERIALS AND METHODS The latex of J. mutabilis (JmLa) was obtained through in situ incisions in the stem and characterized using HPLC-ESI-QToF-MS. Acute oral toxicity was investigated in mice. The protein profile of T. stigmurus venom was obtained by electrophoresis. The ability of latex to interact with venom components (TstiV) was assessed using SDS-PAGE, UV-Vis scanning spectrum, and the neutralization of fibrinogenolytic and hyaluronidase activities. Additionally, the latex was evaluated in vivo for its ability to inhibit local edematogenic and nociceptive effects induced by the venom. RESULTS The phytochemical profile of the latex revealed the presence of 75 compounds, including cyclic peptides, glycosides, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, coumarins, and terpenoids, among others. No signs of acute toxicity were observed at a dose of 2000 mg/kg (p.o.). The latex interacted with the protein profile of TstiV, inhibiting the venom's fibrinogenolytic and hyaluronidase activities by 100%. Additionally, the latex was able to mitigate local envenomation effects, reducing nociception by up to 56.5% and edema by up to 50% compared to the negative control group. CONCLUSIONS The latex of Jatropha mutabilis exhibits a diverse phytochemical composition, containing numerous classes of metabolites. It does not present acute toxic effects in mice and has the ability to inhibit the enzymatic effects of Tityus stigmurus venom in vitro. Additionally, it reduces nociception and edema in vivo. These findings corroborate popular reports regarding the antivenom activity of this plant and indicate that the latex has potential for treating scorpionism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Santana de Souza
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology and Phytochemistry, Department of Antibiotics, Center for Biosciences, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, PE, 50740-525, Brazil
| | - Bruno Oliveira de Veras
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology and Phytochemistry, Department of Antibiotics, Center for Biosciences, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, PE, 50740-525, Brazil; Department of Biochemistry, Center for Biosciences, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, PE, 50670-420, Brazil
| | - Lorena de Mendonça Lucena
- Laboratory of Natural Products and Metabolomics Analysis, Department of Antibiotics, Center for Biosciences, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, PE, 50740-525, Brazil
| | - Rosana Casoti
- Laboratory of Natural Products and Metabolomics Analysis, Department of Antibiotics, Center for Biosciences, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, PE, 50740-525, Brazil
| | - René Duarte Martins
- Nucleus of Public Health, Academic Center of Vitória, Federal University of Pernambuco, Vitória de Santo Antão, PE, 55608-680, Brazil
| | - Rafael Matos Ximenes
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology and Phytochemistry, Department of Antibiotics, Center for Biosciences, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, PE, 50740-525, Brazil.
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Wiezel GA, Oliveira IS, Reis MB, Ferreira IG, Cordeiro KR, Bordon KCF, Arantes EC. The complex repertoire of Tityus spp. venoms: Advances on their composition and pharmacological potential of their toxins. Biochimie 2024; 220:144-166. [PMID: 38176606 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.12.012] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Animal venoms are a rich and complex source of components, including peptides (such as neurotoxins, anionic peptides and hypotensins), lipids, proteins (such as proteases, hyaluronidases and phospholipases) and inorganic compounds, which affect all biological systems of the envenoming victim. Their action may result in a wide range of clinical manifestations, including tachy/bradycardia, hyper/hypotension, disorders in blood coagulation, pain, edema, inflammation, fever, muscle paralysis, coma and even death. Scorpions are one of the most studied venomous animals in the world and interesting bioactive molecules have been isolated and identified from their venoms over the years. Tityus spp. are among the scorpions with high number of accidents reported in the Americas, especially in Brazil. Their venoms have demonstrated interesting results in the search for novel agents with antimicrobial, anti-viral, anti-parasitic, hypotensive, immunomodulation, anti-insect, antitumor and/or antinociceptive activities. Furthermore, other recent activities still under investigation include drug delivery action, design of anti-epileptic drugs, investigation of sodium channel function, treatment of erectile disfunction and priapism, improvement of scorpion antivenom and chelating molecules activity. In this scenario, this paper focuses on reviewing advances on Tityus venom components mainly through the modern omics technologies as well as addressing potential therapeutic agents from their venoms and highlighting this abundant source of pharmacologically active molecules with biotechnological application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisele A Wiezel
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Isadora S Oliveira
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søtolfts Plads, Building 239 Room 006, Kongens Lyngby, 2800, Denmark.
| | - Mouzarllem B Reis
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Isabela G Ferreira
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Kalynka R Cordeiro
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Karla C F Bordon
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Eliane C Arantes
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
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Kalapothakis Y, Miranda K, Aragão M, Larangote D, Braga-Pereira G, Noetzold M, Molina D, Langer R, Conceição IM, Guerra-Duarte C, Chávez-Olórtegui C, Kalapothakis E, Borges A. Divergence in toxin antigenicity and venom enzymes in Tityus melici, a medically important scorpion, despite transcriptomic and phylogenetic affinities with problematic Brazilian species. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 263:130311. [PMID: 38403220 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
The Brazilian scorpion Tityus melici, native to Minas Gerais and Bahia, is morphologically related to Tityus serrulatus, the most medically significant species in Brazil. Despite inhabiting scorpion-envenomation endemic regions, T. melici venom remains unexplored. This work evaluates T. melici venom composition and function using transcriptomics, enzymatic activities, and in vivo and in vitro immunological analyses. Next-Generation Sequencing unveiled 86 components putatively involved in venom toxicity: 39 toxins, 28 metalloproteases, seven disulfide isomerases, six hyaluronidases, three phospholipases and three amidating enzymes. T. serrulatus showed the highest number of toxin matches with 80-100 % sequence similarity. T. melici is of medical importance as it has a venom LD50 of 0.85 mg/kg in mice. We demonstrated venom phospholipase A2 activity, and elevated hyaluronidase and metalloprotease activities compared to T. serrulatus, paralleling our transcriptomic findings. Comparison of transcriptional levels for T. serrulatus and T. melici venom metalloenzymes suggests species-specific expression patterns in Tityus. Despite close phylogenetic association with T. serrulatus inferred from COI sequences and toxin similarities, partial neutralization of T. melici venom toxicity was achieved when using the anti-T. serrulatus antivenom, implying antigenic divergence among their toxins. We suggest that the Brazilian therapeutic scorpion antivenom could be improved to effectively neutralize T. melici venom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Kalapothakis
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, CEP: 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Kelton Miranda
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, CEP: 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Matheus Aragão
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, CEP: 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Débora Larangote
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, CEP: 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Gracielle Braga-Pereira
- Departamento de Zoologia, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, CEP 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Marina Noetzold
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, CEP: 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Denis Molina
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, CEP: 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rafael Langer
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, CEP: 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Izabela Mamede Conceição
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, CEP: 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Clara Guerra-Duarte
- Serviço de Toxinologia Molecular, Diretoria de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Carlos Chávez-Olórtegui
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, CEP: 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Evanguedes Kalapothakis
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, CEP: 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Adolfo Borges
- Instituto de Medicina Experimental, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela; Centro para el Desarrollo de la Investigación Científica, CEDIC, Asunción 1255, Paraguay.
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Mendoza-Tobar LL, Clement H, Arenas I, Sepulveda-Arias JC, Vargas JAG, Corzo G. An overview of some enzymes from buthid scorpion venoms from Colombia: Centruroides margaritatus, Tityus pachyurus, and Tityus n. sp. aff. metuendus. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2024; 30:e20230063. [PMID: 38505508 PMCID: PMC10950367 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2023-0063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background In Colombia, several species of Buthidae scorpions belonging to the genera Centruroides and Tityus coexist, and their stings are considered life-threatening to humans because of their venom neurotoxins. Despite previous studies focusing on neurotoxins from these scorpion genera, little is known about the enzymes present in their venoms and their relationship with whole venom toxicity. Methods Here, using proteomic and biochemical protocols the enzymatic activities of the venoms of three Colombian scorpion species, C. margaritatus, T. pachyurus, and T. n. sp. aff. metuendus, were compared to establish the presence and absence of enzymes such as phospholipases, hyaluronidases, and proteases that could be related to venom toxicity. Results: C. margaritatus was positive for hyaluronidases, T. n. sp. aff. metuendus for proteases, and T. pachyurus exhibited activity for all three mentioned enzymes. Conclusion This information provides valuable insights into the specific enzyme diversity of each species' venom and their potential role in venom toxicity, which could contribute to the development of better treatments and prevention strategies for scorpion envenomation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leydy Lorena Mendoza-Tobar
- Grupo de Investigaciones Herpetológicas y Toxinológicas, Facultad de
Ciencias Naturales, Exactas y de la Educación, Universidad del Cauca, Popayán,
Colombia
| | - Herlinda Clement
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de
Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca Morelos,
México
| | - Iván Arenas
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de
Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca Morelos,
México
| | - Juan Carlos Sepulveda-Arias
- Grupo de Infección e Inmunidad, Facultad Ciencias de la Salud,
Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, Pereira, Colombia
| | - Jimmy Alexander Guerrero Vargas
- Grupo de Investigaciones Herpetológicas y Toxinológicas, Facultad de
Ciencias Naturales, Exactas y de la Educación, Universidad del Cauca, Popayán,
Colombia
| | - Gerardo Corzo
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de
Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca Morelos,
México
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Almeida JS, Gomez Ravetti C, de Melo Andrade MV, de Andrade Filho A, Silva E Castro R, Pires Costa Pimenta P, Frizera Vassallo P, Nobre V. Use of point-of-care ultrasound to assess the severity of scorpion stings in hospitalized patients. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2024; 62:145-151. [PMID: 38563526 DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2024.2328346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Scorpionism is a public health problem, especially in tropical regions. In Brazil, the prevalence of envenomation by scorpions is high, and the average national lethality is around 0.16 percent. The Tityus serrulatus scorpion is the primary species of medical importance. However, objective tools to predict and define the severity of these envenomations are lacking. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was an observational study conducted among patients aged 0-19 years with scorpionism. Patients were admitted to a reference hospital between December 2020 and May 2022. Point-of-care ultrasound was performed within 24 hours of the scorpion sting. RESULTS Forty-nine patients were included, with a median age of 3.6 (interquartile range 2.3-5.3) years and a predominance of females (51 percent). Fifteen patients (30.6 percent) presented major life-threatening signs, 32 (65.3 percent) minor systemic manifestations, and two (4.1 percent) only local manifestations. Left ventricular dysfunction was identified in 13 patients (26.5 percent). Ten patients (20.4 percent) presented pattern B (visualization of three or more B lines in the evaluated quadrant) in at least one lung window. The sensitivity and specificity of cardiac and pulmonary ultrasound to identify the most severely ill patients were 86 percent and 94 percent, respectively. DISCUSSION The changes found on point-of-care ultrasound were associated with life-threatening signs. All patients with class III envenomation were referred to the intensive care unit, showing the importance of early identification of this subgroup. The main limitations were the small sample size and the fact that admission to intensive care was not based on systematic criteria. CONCLUSIONS Point-of-care ultrasound is able to identify early signs of pulmonary congestion and heart failure in scorpionism. It can be useful for the objective selection of patients who are at a higher risk of complications and death and who require intensive support; it may also be valuable for periodic reassessments. Point-of-care ultrasound is a valuable tool for identifying and monitoring severe cases of scorpionism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Sartorelo Almeida
- Departamento de Toxicologia do Hospital João XXIII, Centro de Informação e Assistência Toxicológica de Minas Gerais (CIAToxMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Núcleo Interdisciplinar de Investigação em Medicina Intensiva (NIIMI), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Cecilia Gomez Ravetti
- Núcleo Interdisciplinar de Investigação em Medicina Intensiva (NIIMI), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Marcus Vinícius de Melo Andrade
- Núcleo Interdisciplinar de Investigação em Medicina Intensiva (NIIMI), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Adebal de Andrade Filho
- Departamento de Toxicologia do Hospital João XXIII, Centro de Informação e Assistência Toxicológica de Minas Gerais (CIAToxMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Rafael Silva E Castro
- Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Pedro Pires Costa Pimenta
- Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Paula Frizera Vassallo
- Núcleo Interdisciplinar de Investigação em Medicina Intensiva (NIIMI), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Vandack Nobre
- Núcleo Interdisciplinar de Investigação em Medicina Intensiva (NIIMI), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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de Oliveira IS, Alano-da-Silva NM, Ferreira IG, Cerni FA, Sachett JDAG, Monteiro WM, Pucca MB, Arantes EC. Understanding the complexity of Tityus serrulatus venom: A focus on high molecular weight components. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2024; 30:e20230046. [PMID: 38317796 PMCID: PMC10843179 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2023-0046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Tityus serrulatus scorpion is responsible for a significant number of envenomings in Brazil, ranging from mild to severe, and in some cases, leading to fatalities. While supportive care is the primary treatment modality, moderate and severe cases require antivenom administration despite potential limitations and adverse effects. The remarkable proliferation of T. serrulatus scorpions, attributed to their biology and asexual reproduction, contributes to a high incidence of envenomation. T. serrulatus scorpion venom predominantly consists of short proteins acting as neurotoxins (α and β), that primarily target ion channels. Nevertheless, high molecular weight compounds, including metalloproteases, serine proteases, phospholipases, and hyaluronidases, are also present in the venom. These compounds play a crucial role in envenomation, influencing the severity of symptoms and the spread of venom. This review endeavors to comprehensively understand the T. serrulatus scorpion venom by elucidating the primary high molecular weight compounds and exploring their potential contributions to envenomation. Understanding these compounds' mechanisms of action can aid in developing more effective treatments and prevention strategies, ultimately mitigating the impact of scorpion envenomation on public health in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isadora Sousa de Oliveira
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Nicoly Malachize Alano-da-Silva
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Isabela Gobbo Ferreira
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Felipe Augusto Cerni
- Health and Sciences Postgraduate Program, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista, RR, Brazil
| | - Jacqueline de Almeida Gonçalves Sachett
- School of Health Sciences, Amazonas State University, Manaus, AM, Brazil
- Department of Teaching and Research, Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado Tropical Medicine Foundation, Manaus, AM, Brazil
| | - Wuelton Marcelo Monteiro
- School of Health Sciences, Amazonas State University, Manaus, AM, Brazil
- Department of Teaching and Research, Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado Tropical Medicine Foundation, Manaus, AM, Brazil
| | - Manuela Berto Pucca
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Eliane Candiani Arantes
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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Beraldo-Neto E, Vigerelli H, Coelho GR, da Silva DL, Nencioni ALA, Pimenta DC. Unraveling and profiling Tityus bahiensis venom: Biochemical analyses of the major toxins. J Proteomics 2023; 274:104824. [PMID: 36646272 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2023.104824] [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: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Among the scorpions found in Brazil, Tityus bahiensis is one of the species that causes most of the reported human accidents. In spite of this important constatation, the venom composition description is not available in the literature. Thus, this venom remains not properly studied, segregating this particular species into an abandoned, forgotten condition. In the present study, chromatographic separation (RP-HPLC-C18) and proteomic analyses were employed to unravel the diversity, complexity, and proportional distribution of the main peptides and proteins found in the scorpion venom. Moreover, sequence analyses and the presence of new isoforms and toxins are discussed based on a database comparison with other Tityus toxins. Our results show the presence of a wide diversity of potassium and sodium channel toxins and enzymes, such as metallopeptidases and hyaluronidases, as previously described for other species. However, the current work also describes for the first time, at the protein level, phospholipase, angiotensin-converting enzyme, cysteine-rich proteins, serine peptidase inhibitors peptides, and antimicrobial peptides. Finally, thorough data analyses allowed the description of the venom toxins distribution regarding their diversity and relative quantity. SIGNIFICANCE: The work presents the first Tityus bahiensis proteome. We have focused on describing the neurotoxin variability in terms of their isoforms/amino acid substitutions. Understanding the natural variations in the toxins' sequences is essential, once the affinity of these peptides to their respective receptors/ionic channels will vary depending on the specific peptide sequences. Moreover, the current study describes some proteins present in the venom, including enzymes being described for the first time in scorpion venoms, such as PLA2 and ACE. Moreover, we describe the individual relative quantity distribution for the different protein classes identified, as well as their variability in the T.bahiensis venom. Finally, this study also reports the development of a simple straightforward chromatographic method for scorpion venom fractionation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emidio Beraldo-Neto
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Toxinologia do Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil; Laboratório de Bioquímica, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Hugo Vigerelli
- Laboratório de Genética, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Daiane Laise da Silva
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Toxinologia do Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil; Laboratório de Bioquímica, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
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Heterologous expression of four recombinant toxins from Panamanian scorpions of the genus Tityus and Centruroides for production of antivenom. Toxicon X 2022; 13:100090. [PMID: 35024608 PMCID: PMC8728522 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2021.100090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The development of more effective antivenoms remains a necessity for countries where scorpionism is a public health problem. Also, the regionalization of antivenoms may be important for some countries with special scorpionism characteristics. Objective Production of antibodies capable of neutralizing the lethal effect of the venom of three scorpion species from Panama. Methods The primary structures of two neurotoxins from T. pachyurus, one from T. cerroazul and another from C. bicolor were elucidated using N-terminal amino acid degradation and Sanger gene cloned sequencing. The obtained mRNA transcripts were cloned and expressed using E. coli vectors. Different bacterial expression conditions were tested and the best culture conditions for each expressed protein is reported. The expressed scorpion toxins were purified by chromatographic methods and used as immunogens in rabbits. Results The antibodies produced under the reported immunization scheme show better neutralization (ED50) than other reported commercial antivenoms used to neutralize similar species scorpion venoms under similar LD50 conditions. Conclusion The information reported here shows the proof of concept for selecting recombinant immunogens with the ability to produce antibodies for neutralizing the lethal effects of the most important medical species of scorpions in Panama. The structure of four new neurotoxins from three panamanian scorpions were elucidated. The four neurotoxins were recombinantly expressed and were immunogenic to rabbits. Rabitt sera raised against them were able to recognize scorpion neurotoxins from panamanian scorpions.
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Solano-Godoy JA, González-Gómez JC, Torres-Bonilla KA, Floriano RS, Miguel ATSF, Murillo-Arango W. Comparison of biological activities of Tityus pachyurus venom from two Colombian regions. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2021; 27:e20210005. [PMID: 34925479 PMCID: PMC8651215 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2021-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In the present study, we have tested whether specimens of the medically relevant scorpion Tityus pachyurus, collected from two climatically and ecologically different regions, differ in the biological activities of the venom. Methods Scorpions were collected in Tolima and Huila, Colombia. Chemical profiles of the crude venom were obtained from 80 scorpions for each region, using SDS-PAGE and RP-HPLC. Assays for phospholipase A2, direct and indirect hemolytic, proteolytic, neuromuscular, antibacterial, and insecticidal activities were carried out. Results The electrophoretic profiles of venom from the two regions showed similar bands of 6-14 kDa, 36-45 kDa, 65 kDa and 97 kDa. However, bands between 36 kDa and 65 kDa were observed with more intensity in venoms from Tolima, and a 95 kDa band occurred only in venoms from Huila. The chromatographic profile of the venoms showed differences in the intensity of some peaks, which could be associated with changes in the abundance of some components between both populations. Phospholipase A2 and hemolytic activities were not observable, whereas both venoms showed proteolytic activity towards casein. Insecticidal activity of the venoms from both regions showed significant variation in potency, the bactericidal activity was variable and low for both venoms. Moreover, no differences were observed in the neuromuscular activity assay. Conclusion Our results reveal some variation in the activity of the venom between both populations, which could be explained by the ecological adaptations like differences in feeding, altitude and/or diverse predator exposure. However more in-depth studies are necessary to determine the drivers behind the differences in venom composition and activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Alexandra Solano-Godoy
- Natural Products Research Group (GIPRONUT), School of Sciences, University of Tolima, Altos de Santa Helena, Ibagué, Tolima, Colombia
| | - Julio César González-Gómez
- Research Group BEA - Biology and Ecology of Arthropods, Corporación Huiltur, Neiva, Huila, Colombia.,School of Sciences, University of Tolima, Altos de Santa Helena, Ibagué, Tolima, Colombia.,Research Group on Bio-ecology of Vertebrates (BIVET), Fundación Merenberg, La Plata, Huila, Colombia
| | - Kristian A Torres-Bonilla
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Rafael Stuani Floriano
- Laboratory of Toxinology and Cardiovascular Research (LATEC), Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Western São Paulo (Unoeste), Presidente Prudente, SP, Brazil
| | - Ananda T Santa Fé Miguel
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Walter Murillo-Arango
- Natural Products Research Group (GIPRONUT), School of Sciences, University of Tolima, Altos de Santa Helena, Ibagué, Tolima, Colombia
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Magalhães ACM, de Santana CJC, Melani RD, Domont GB, Castro MS, Fontes W, Roepstorff P, Júnior ORP. Exploring the biological activities and proteome of Brazilian scorpion Rhopalurus agamemnon venom. J Proteomics 2021; 237:104119. [PMID: 33540062 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2021.104119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Scorpion venoms are formed by toxins harmful to various organisms, including humans. Several techniques have been developed to understand the role of proteins in animal venoms, including proteomics approach. Rhopalurus agamemnon (Koch, 1839) is the largest scorpion in the Buthidae family in the Brazilian Cerrado, measuring up to 110 mm in total length. The accident with R. agamemnon is painful and causes some systemic reactions, but the specie's venom remains uninvestigated. We explore the venom protein composition using a proteomic and a biological-directed approach identifying 230 protein compounds including enzymes like Hyaluronidase, metalloproteinase, L-amino acid oxidase and amylase, the last two are first reported for scorpion venoms. Some of those new reports are important to demonstrate how distant we are from a total comprehension of the diversity about venoms in general, due to their diversity in composition and function. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: In this study, we explored the composition of venom proteins from the scorpion Rhopalurus agamemnon. We identified 230 proteins from the venom including new enzyme reports. These data highlight the unique diversity of the venom proteins from the scorpion R. agamemnon, provide insights into new mechanisms of envenomation and enlarge the protein database of scorpion venoms. The discovery of new proteins provides a new scenario for the development of new drugs and suggests molecular targets to venom components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina Martins Magalhães
- Toxinology Laboratory, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia-DF 70910-900, Brazil.
| | - Carlos José Correia de Santana
- Toxinology Laboratory, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia-DF 70910-900, Brazil; Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Cell Biology/IB, University of Brasilia, Brasilia-DF 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Rafael D Melani
- Proteomic Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gilberto B Domont
- Proteomic Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mariana S Castro
- Toxinology Laboratory, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia-DF 70910-900, Brazil; Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Cell Biology/IB, University of Brasilia, Brasilia-DF 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Wagner Fontes
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Cell Biology/IB, University of Brasilia, Brasilia-DF 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Peter Roepstorff
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M 5230, Denmark
| | - Osmindo Rodrigues Pires Júnior
- Toxinology Laboratory, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia-DF 70910-900, Brazil
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11
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Sarhan M, El-Bitar AMH, Hotta H. Potent virucidal activity of honeybee "Apis mellifera" venom against Hepatitis C Virus. Toxicon 2020; 188:55-64. [PMID: 33068557 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a global viral widespread without an available vaccine to prevent infection. HCV infection can cause serious liver diseases such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Current treatment of HCV infection depends on the FDA approved direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) which have side effects and expensive. Thus, development of a novel, more efficient, along with affordable pricing anti-HCV agents is still required. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the antiviral effects of bee venom (BV) from the honeybee Apis mellifera on the HCV replication life cycle. The crude venom and its components were examined for their anti-HCV activities using Huh7it-1 cultured cells and the JFH1 strain of HCV genotype 2a. Results revealed that BV inhibited HCV infection with 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.05 ng/ml, while the 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) being 20,000 ng/ml. The venom directly blocked HCV/cell entry by acting on virus particles in a dose dependent manner, whereas no interference on the host cells. Furthermore, venom showed no inhibitory effect on HCV replication and release. Interestingly, none of the main BV components including the mast cell degranulating peptide (MCD), mpamin, or the small peptides melittin (MLT) showed anti-HCV activity up to 5 μg/ml. In conclusion, these results suggest that BV has a direct virucidal activity against HCV and may exert its antiviral effect through a non-common peptide(s) or toxin complex within the crude venom. Therefore, the crude BV can be considered as a promising candidate for characterization and development of new and natural anti-HCV therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moustafa Sarhan
- Molecular biology lab., Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, Egypt; Department of Microbiology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-Cho, Chuo-Ku, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan.
| | - Alaa M H El-Bitar
- Molecular biology lab., Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, Egypt; Department of Microbiology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-Cho, Chuo-Ku, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan.
| | - Hak Hotta
- Department of Microbiology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-Cho, Chuo-Ku, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan; Department of International Health, Kobe University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 7-10-2 Tomogaoka, Suma-Ku, Kobe, 654-0142, Japan; Faculty of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Konan Women's University, 6-2-23 Morikita-machi, Higashinada-Ku, Kobe, 658-0001, Japan.
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12
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de Medeiros ASA, Torres-Rêgo M, Lacerda AF, Rocha HAO, do Egito EST, Cornélio AM, Tambourgi DV, Fernandes-Pedrosa MDF, da Silva-Júnior AA. Self-Assembled Cationic-Covered Nanoemulsion as A Novel Biocompatible Immunoadjuvant for Antiserum Production Against Tityus serrulatus Scorpion Venom. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12100927. [PMID: 33003322 PMCID: PMC7599857 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12100927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study assesses the efficacy of different nanoemulsion formulations as new and innovative adjuvants for improving the in vivo immunization against the Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom. Nanoemulsions were designed testing key-variables such as surfactants, co-solvents, and the influence of the temperature, which would be able to induce the phase transition from a liquid crystal to a stable nanoemulsion, assessed for four months. Additionally, cationic-covered nanoemulsion with hyper-branched poly(ethyleneimine) was prepared and its performance was compared to the non-cationic ones. The physicochemical properties of the selected nanoemulsions and the interactions among their involved formulation compounds were carefully monitored. The cytotoxicity studies in murine macrophages (RAW 264.7) and red blood cells were used to compare different formulations. Moreover, the performance of the nanoemulsion systems as biocompatible adjuvants was evaluated using mice immunization protocol. The FTIR shifts and the zeta potential changes (from -18.3 ± 1.0 to + 8.4 ± 1.4) corroborated with the expected supramolecular anchoring of venom proteins on the surface of the nanoemulsion droplets. Cell culture assays demonstrated the non-toxicity of the formulations at concentrations less than 1.0 mg/mL, which were able to inhibit the hemolytic effect of the scorpion venom. The cationic-covered nanoemulsion has shown superior adjuvant activity, revealing the highest IgG titer in the immunized animals compared to both the non-cationic counterpart and the traditional aluminum adjuvant. In this approach, we demonstrate the incredible potential application of nanoemulsions as adjuvants, using a nanotechnology platform for antigen delivery system on immune cells. Additionally, the functionalization with hyper-branched poly(ethyleneimine) enhances this recognition and improves its action in immunization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Sérgio Avelino de Medeiros
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte-UFRN, Natal 59010-180, Brazil; (A.S.A.d.M.); (M.T.-R.); (A.F.L.); (E.S.T.d.E.)
| | - Manoela Torres-Rêgo
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte-UFRN, Natal 59010-180, Brazil; (A.S.A.d.M.); (M.T.-R.); (A.F.L.); (E.S.T.d.E.)
- Laboratory of Immunochemistry, Butantan Institute, Av. Vital Brasil, 1500, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil;
| | - Ariane Ferreira Lacerda
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte-UFRN, Natal 59010-180, Brazil; (A.S.A.d.M.); (M.T.-R.); (A.F.L.); (E.S.T.d.E.)
| | - Hugo Alexandre Oliveira Rocha
- Graduate Program of Chemistry, Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Avenue Senador Salgado Filho, 3000, Lagoa Nova, Natal 59072-970, Brazil
| | - Eryvaldo Sócrates Tabosa do Egito
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte-UFRN, Natal 59010-180, Brazil; (A.S.A.d.M.); (M.T.-R.); (A.F.L.); (E.S.T.d.E.)
| | - Alianda Maira Cornélio
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte-UFRN, Natal 59010-180, Brazil;
| | - Denise V. Tambourgi
- Department of Morphology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte-UFRN, Natal 59010-180, Brazil;
| | - Matheus de Freitas Fernandes-Pedrosa
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte-UFRN, Natal 59010-180, Brazil; (A.S.A.d.M.); (M.T.-R.); (A.F.L.); (E.S.T.d.E.)
- Correspondence: (M.d.F.F.-P.); (A.A.d.S.-J.); Tel.: +55-84-33429820 (M.d.F.F.-P. & A.A.d.S.-J.); Fax: +55-84-33429833 (M.d.F.F.-P. & A.A.d.S.-J.)
| | - Arnóbio Antônio da Silva-Júnior
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte-UFRN, Natal 59010-180, Brazil; (A.S.A.d.M.); (M.T.-R.); (A.F.L.); (E.S.T.d.E.)
- Correspondence: (M.d.F.F.-P.); (A.A.d.S.-J.); Tel.: +55-84-33429820 (M.d.F.F.-P. & A.A.d.S.-J.); Fax: +55-84-33429833 (M.d.F.F.-P. & A.A.d.S.-J.)
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Furtado AA, Daniele-Silva A, Silva-Júnior AAD, Fernandes-Pedrosa MDF. Biology, venom composition, and scorpionism induced by brazilian scorpion Tityus stigmurus (Thorell, 1876) (Scorpiones: Buthidae): A mini-review. Toxicon 2020; 185:36-45. [PMID: 32585220 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Scorpionism is a serious public health problem in various regions of the world. In Brazil, a high number of accidents by scorpions have been reported. From 2014 to 2018, about 547,000 cases were recorded, resulting in 466 deaths. The scorpion Tityus stigmurus is the predominant species in the northeast of Brazil, being responsible for most scorpionism cases in this region. With the aid of the transcriptomic approach of the venom gland of this species, components as neurotoxins, antimicrobials, metal chelating peptides and hypotensins, have been identified and characterized in silico, showing different biologic activity in vitro. In addition, the neuronal, pancreatic, renal, and enzymatic effects have been demonstrated for the crude T. stigmurus venom. Therefore, the T. stigmurus scorpion venom constitutes a rich arsenal of bioactive molecules with high potential for therapeutic and biotechnological application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allanny Alves Furtado
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil.
| | - Alessandra Daniele-Silva
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil.
| | - Arnóbio Antônio da Silva-Júnior
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil.
| | - Matheus de Freitas Fernandes-Pedrosa
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil.
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Determination of hyaluronidase activity in Tityus spp. Scorpion venoms and its inhibition by Brazilian antivenoms. Toxicon 2019; 167:134-143. [PMID: 31207348 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Hyaluronidases (HYALs) are enzymes ubiquitously found in venoms from diverse animals and seem to be related to venom spreading. HYAL activity might be important to Tityus spp. envenoming, since anti-Tityus serrulatus HYAL (TsHYAL) rabbit antibodies neutralize T. serrulatus venom (TsV) lethality. The present work aimed to verify and compare HYAL activity of venoms from other Brazilian Tityus spp. (Tityus bahiensis, Tityus stigmurus and Tityus obscurus) and to test whether anti-TsHYAL antibodies and Brazilian horse therapeutic scorpion antivenom (produced by Fundação Ezequiel Dias (FUNED), Butantan and Vital Brazil Institutes) can recognize and inhibit HYAL activity from these venoms. In ELISA assays, anti-TsHYAL and scorpion antivenoms recognized T. serrulatus, T. bahiensis and T. stigmurus venoms, however, they demonstrated weaker reaction with T. obscurus, which was also observed in Western blotting assay. Epitope mapping by SPOT assay revealed different binding patterns for each antivenom. The assay showed a weaker binding of scorpion antivenom produced by FUNED to peptides recognized by anti-TsHYAL antibodies. Anti-TsHYAL antibodies and antivenoms produced by Butantan and Vital Brazil institutes inhibited HYAL activity of all tested venoms in vitro, whereas FUNED antivenom did not show the same property. These results call attention to the importance of hyaluronidase inhibition, that can aid the improvement of antivenom production.
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15
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Inhibition of Tityus serrulatus venom hyaluronidase affects venom biodistribution. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007048. [PMID: 31002673 PMCID: PMC6493768 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The hyaluronidase enzyme is generally known as a spreading factor in animal venoms. Although its activity has been demonstrated in several organisms, a deeper knowledge about hyaluronidase and the venom spreading process from the bite/sting site until its elimination from the victim's body is still in need. Herein, we further pursued the goal of demonstrating the effects of inhibition of T. serrulatus venom (TsV) hyaluronidase on venom biodistribution. Methods and principal findings We used technetium-99m radiolabeled Tityus serrulatus venom (99mTc-TsV) to evaluate the venom distribution kinetics in mice. To understand the hyaluronidase’s role in the venom’s biodistribution, 99mTc-TsV was immunoneutralized with specific anti-T.serrulatus hyaluronidase serum. Venom biodistribution was monitored by scintigraphic images of treated animals and by measuring radioactivity levels in tissues as heart, liver, lungs, spleen, thyroid, and kidneys. In general, results revealed that hyaluronidase inhibition delays venom components distribution, when compared to the non-neutralized 99mTc-TsV control group. Scintigraphic images showed that the majority of the immunoneutralized venom is retained at the injection site, whereas non-treated venom is quickly biodistributed throughout the animal’s body. At the first 30 min, concentration peaks are observed in the heart, liver, lungs, spleen, and thyroid, which gradually decreases over time. On the other hand, immunoneutralized 99mTc-TsV takes 240 min to reach high concentrations in the organs. A higher concentration of immunoneutralized 99mTc-TsV was observed in the kidneys in comparison with the non-treated venom. Further, in situ neutralization of 99mTc-TsV by anti-T.serrulatus hyaluronidase serum at zero, ten, and 30 min post venom injection showed that late inhibition of hyaluronidase can still affect venom biodistribution. In this assay, immunoneutralized 99mTc-TsV was accumulated in the bloodstream until 120 or 240 min after TsV injection, depending on anti-hyaluronidase administration time. Altogether, our data show that immunoneutralization of hyaluronidase prevents venom spreading from the injection site. Conclusions By comparing TsV biodistribution in the absence or presence of anti-hyaluronidase serum, the results obtained in the present work show that hyaluronidase has a key role not only in the venom spreading from the inoculation point to the bloodstream, but also in venom biodistribution from the bloodstream to target organs. Our findings demonstrate that hyaluronidase is indeed an important spreading factor of TsV and its inhibition can be used as a novel first-aid strategy in envenoming. Hyaluronidases are known as the venom components responsible for disseminating toxins from the injection site to the victim’s organism. Therefore, understanding how the venom distribution occurs and the role of hyaluronidases in this process is crucial in the field of toxinology. In this study, we inhibited Tityus serrulatus venom (TsV) hyaluronidase’s action using specific anti-Ts-hyaluronidase antibodies. Labeling TsV with a radioactive compound enabled monitoring of its biodistribution in mice. Our results show that, upon hyaluronidase inhibition, TsV remains at the injection site for longer, and only a reduced amount of the venom reaches the bloodstream. Consequently, the venom arrives later at target organs like the heart, liver, lungs, spleen, and thyroid. Considering the possible application of hyaluronidase inhibition as a therapeutic resource in envenoming first-aid treatment, we performed the administration of hyaluronidase neutralizing antibodies at different times after TsV injection. We observed that TsV remains in the bloodstream and its arrival at tissues is delayed by 120 or 240 min after TsV injection, depending on anti-hyaluronidase administration times. Our data show that hyaluronidase plays a crucial role in TsV spreading from the injection site to the bloodstream and from the bloodstream to the organs, thus suggesting that its inhibition can help to improve envenoming’s treatment.
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Amorim FG, Longhim HT, Cologna CT, Degueldre M, Pauw ED, Quinton L, Arantes EC. Proteome of fraction from Tityus serrulatus venom reveals new enzymes and toxins. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2019; 25:e148218. [PMID: 31131005 PMCID: PMC6483408 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-1482-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Tityus serrulatus venom (Ts venom) is a complex mixture of several compounds with biotechnological and therapeutical potentials, which highlights the importance of the identification and characterization of these components. Although a considerable number of studies have been dedicated to the characterization of this complex cocktail, there is still a limitation of knowledge concerning its venom composition. Most of Ts venom studies aim to isolate and characterize their neurotoxins, which are small, basic proteins and are eluted with high buffer concentrations on cation exchange chromatography. The first and largest fraction from carboxymethyl cellulose-52 (CMC-52) chromatography of Ts venom, named fraction I (Fr I), is a mixture of proteins of high and low molecular masses, which do not interact with the cation exchange resin, being therefore a probable source of components still unknown of this venom. Thus, the present study aimed to perform the proteome study of Fraction I from Ts venom, by high resolution mass spectrometry, and its biochemical characterization, by the determination of several enzymatic activities. Methods Fraction I was obtained by a cation exchange chromatography using 50 mg of crude venom. This fraction was subjected to a biochemical characterization, including determination of L-amino acid oxidase, phospholipase, hyaluronidase, proteases activities and inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity. Fraction I was submitted to reduction, alkylation and digestion processes, and the tryptic digested peptides obtained were analyzed in a Q-Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometer. Data analysis was performed by PEAKS 8.5 software against NCBI database. Results Fraction I exhibits proteolytic activity and it was able to inhibit ACE activity. Its proteome analysis identified 8 different classes of venom components, among them: neurotoxins (48%), metalloproteinases (21%), hypotensive peptides (11%), cysteine-rich venom protein (9%), antimicrobial peptides (AMP), phospholipases and other enzymes (chymotrypsin and lysozymes) (3%) and phosphodiesterases (2%). Conclusions The combination of a proteomic and biochemical characterization strategies leads us to identify new components in the T. serrulatus scorpion venom. The proteome of venom´s fraction can provide valuable direction in the obtainment of components in their native forms in order to perform a preliminary characterization and, consequently, to promote advances in biological discoveries in toxinology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Gobbi Amorim
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. do Café s/n, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14040-903, Brazil.,University of Vila Velha, Vila Velha, ES, Brazil
| | - Heloisa Tavoni Longhim
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. do Café s/n, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Camila Takeno Cologna
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. do Café s/n, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14040-903, Brazil.,Laboratory of mass spectrometry, MolSys Research Unit, Liège Université, Liège, Belgium
| | - Michel Degueldre
- Laboratory of mass spectrometry, MolSys Research Unit, Liège Université, Liège, Belgium
| | - Edwin De Pauw
- Laboratory of mass spectrometry, MolSys Research Unit, Liège Université, Liège, Belgium
| | - Loïc Quinton
- Laboratory of mass spectrometry, MolSys Research Unit, Liège Université, Liège, Belgium
| | - Eliane Candiani Arantes
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. do Café s/n, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14040-903, Brazil
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Purification and Biochemical Characterization of TsMS 3 and TsMS 4: Neuropeptide-Degrading Metallopeptidases in the Tityus serrulatus Venom. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11040194. [PMID: 30935107 PMCID: PMC6520902 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11040194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Although omics studies have indicated presence of proteases on the Tityus serrulatus venom (TsV), little is known about the function of these molecules. The TsV contains metalloproteases that cleave a series of human neuropeptides, including the dynorphin A (1-13) and the members of neuropeptide Y family. Aiming to isolate the proteases responsible for this activity, the metalloserrulase 3 and 4 (TsMS 3 and TsMS 4) were purified after two chromatographic steps and identified by mass spectrometry analysis. The biochemical parameters (pH, temperature and cation effects) were determined for both proteases, and the catalytic parameters (Km, kcat, cleavage sites) of TsMS 4 over fluorescent substrate were obtained. The metalloserrulases have a high preference for cleaving neuropeptides but presented different primary specificities. For example, the Leu-enkephalin released from dynorphin A (1-13) hydrolysis was exclusively performed by TsMS 3. Neutralization assays using Butantan Institute antivenoms show that both metalloserrulases were well blocked. Although TsMS 3 and TsMS 4 were previously described through cDNA library studies using the venom gland, this is the first time that both these toxins were purified. Thus, this study represents a step further in understanding the mechanism of scorpion venom metalloproteases, which may act as possible neuropeptidases in the envenomation process.
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Bitencourt MAO, Torres-Rêgo M, de Souza Lima MCJ, Furtado AA, de Azevedo EP, do Egito EST, da Silva-Júnior AA, Zucolotto SM, Fernandes-Pedrosa MDF. Protective effect of aqueous extract, fractions and phenolic compounds of Hancornia speciosa fruits on the inflammatory damage in the lungs of mice induced by Tityus serrulatus envenomation. Toxicon 2019; 164:1-9. [PMID: 30902683 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Scorpion envenomation has been considered a public health issue around the world. Tityus serrulatus represents a specie of major medical importance in Brazil due to mortality rates of approximately 1% among children and elderly populations. The aim of this work was to evaluate the in vivo anti-inflammatory potential of aqueous extract from Hancornia speciosa fruits, its fractions and its phenolic compounds against T. serrulatus envenomation. After receiving the T. serrulatus venom (TsV, 0.8 mg/kg) intraperitoneally, the animals were treated intravenously with the aqueous extract (20, 30 and 40 mg/kg), the arachnid antivenom (50 μL/animal), the dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions (20 mg/kg) as well as rutin and chlorogenic acid (2, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg). The treatment with the aqueous extract, fractions and phenolic compounds decreased the migration of leukocytes to the peritoneal cavity and reduced the levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-12. Moreover, the pulmonary histopathologic analysis showed a reduction in both interstitial and alveolar edema, as well as in the leukocytes infiltration and vascular ectasia in the mice's lungs, which evidences a protective effect attributed to H. speciosa. This is the first study that demonstrates the inhibitory potential of the aqueous extract from H. speciosa fruits against inflammation induced by TsV. These findings suggest that the bioactive compounds from the aqueous extract, especially chlorogenic acid and rutin, are responsible for the reported anti-inflammatory activity of H. speciosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Angélica Oliveira Bitencourt
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil; Graduate Program of Biotechnology, Potiguar University (UnP), Avenida Senador Salgado Filho, 1610, Lagoa Nova, Natal, 59056-000, Brazil.
| | - Manoela Torres-Rêgo
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil.
| | - Maíra Conceição Jerônimo de Souza Lima
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil; Department of Veterinary Medicine, Potiguar University (UnP), Avenida Senador Salgado Filho, 1610, Lagoa Nova, Natal, 59056-000, Brazil.
| | - Allanny Alves Furtado
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil.
| | - Eduardo Pereira de Azevedo
- Graduate Program of Biotechnology, Potiguar University (UnP), Avenida Senador Salgado Filho, 1610, Lagoa Nova, Natal, 59056-000, Brazil.
| | - Eryvaldo Sócrates Tabosa do Egito
- Laboratory of Dispersed Systems (LaSiD), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, 59012-570, Natal, Brazil.
| | - Arnóbio Antônio da Silva-Júnior
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil.
| | - Silvana Maria Zucolotto
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy (PNBio), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil.
| | - Matheus de Freitas Fernandes-Pedrosa
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil.
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Dias-Lopes C, Paiva AL, Guerra-Duarte C, Molina F, Felicori L. Venomous Arachnid Diagnostic Assays, Lessons from Past Attempts. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10090365. [PMID: 30201918 PMCID: PMC6162545 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10090365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Diagnostic tests for arachnid accidents remain unavailable for patients and clinicians. Together with snakes, these accidents are still a global medical concern, and are recognized as neglected tropical issues. Due to arachnid toxins’ fast mechanism of action, quick detection and quantification of venom is required to accelerate treatment decisions, rationalize therapy, and reduce costs and patient risks. This review aims to understand the current limitations for arachnid venom identification and quantification in biological samples. We benchmarked the already existing initiatives regarding test requirements (sample or biomarkers of choice), performances (time, detection limit, sensitivity and specificity) and their validation (on animal models or on samples from envenomed humans). Our analysis outlines unmet needs for improving diagnosis and consequently treatment of arachnid accidents. Hence, based on lessons from past attempts, we propose a road map for raising best practice guidelines, leading to recommendations for future progress in the development of arachnid diagnostic assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Dias-Lopes
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, UFMG, Belo Horizonte 31270901, Brazil.
- Colégio Técnico (COLTEC), UFMG, Belo Horizonte 31270901, Brazil.
| | - Ana Luiza Paiva
- Fundação Ezequiel Dias (FUNED), Belo Horizonte 30510010, Brazil.
| | | | - Franck Molina
- Sys2Diag UMR 9005 CNRS Alcediag, 34000 Montpellier, France.
| | - Liza Felicori
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, UFMG, Belo Horizonte 31270901, Brazil.
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Amorim FG, Boldrini-França J, de Castro Figueiredo Bordon K, Cardoso IA, De Pauw E, Quinton L, Kashima S, Arantes EC. Heterologous expression of rTsHyal-1: the first recombinant hyaluronidase of scorpion venom produced in Pichia pastoris system. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2018; 102:3145-3158. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-018-8821-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Revised: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/20/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Miyamoto JG, Andrade FB, Ferraz CR, Cândido DM, Knysak I, Venancio ÉJ, Verri WA, Landgraf MA, Landgraf RG, Kwasniewski FH. A comparative study of pathophysiological alterations in scorpionism induced by Tityus serrulatus and Tityus bahiensis venoms. Toxicon 2018; 141:25-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2017.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Revised: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Tityus serrulatus Scorpion Venom: In Vitro Tests and Their Correlation with In Vivo Lethal Dose Assay. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:toxins9120380. [PMID: 29168766 PMCID: PMC5744100 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9120380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2017] [Revised: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpion stings are the main cause of human envenomation in Brazil and, for the treatment of victims, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the use of antivenoms. The first step to achieve effective antivenom is to use a good quality venom pool and to evaluate it, with LD50 determination as the most accepted procedure. It is, however, time-consuming and requires advanced technical training. Further, there are significant ethical concerns regarding the number of animals required for testing. Hence, we investigated the correspondence between LD50 results, in vitro assays, and a strong correlation with proteolytic activity levels was observed, showing, remarkably, that proteases are potential toxicity markers for Tityus serrulatus venom. The comparison of reversed-phase chromatographic profiles also has a potential application in venoms’ quality control, as there were fewer neurotoxins detected in the venom with high LD50 value. These results were confirmed by mass spectrometry analysis. Therefore, these methods could precede the LD50 assay to evaluate the venom excellence by discriminating—and discarding—poor-quality batches, and, consequently, with a positive impact on the number of animals used. Notably, proposed assays are fast and inexpensive, being technically and economically feasible in Tityus serrulatus venom quality control to produce effective antivenoms.
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Souza Lima MCJD, Oliveira Bitencourt MA, Furtado AA, Torres-Rêgo M, Siqueira EMDS, Oliveira RM, Oliveira Rocha HA, Ferreira Rocha KB, Silva-Júnior AAD, Zucolotto SM, Fernandes-Pedrosa MDF. Aspidosperma pyrifolium Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties: An Experimental Study in Mice with Peritonitis Induced by Tityus serrulatus Venom or Carrageenan. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:E2248. [PMID: 29137120 PMCID: PMC5713218 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18112248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Revised: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Scorpions of the genus Tityus are responsible for the majority of envenomation in Brazil, the Tityus serrulatus species being the most common and dangerous in South America. In this approach, we have investigated the ability of the aqueous extract from the leaves of Aspidosperma pyrifolium in reducing carrageenan-induced inflammation and the inflammation induced by T. serrulatus envenomation in mice. We also evaluated the cytotoxic effects of this extract, using the 3-(4,5-dimethythiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium (MTT) assay and the results revealed that the extract is safe. Analysis by High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with Diode Array Detector (HPLC-DAD) and Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Mass Spectrometry with Diode Array Detection (LC-DAD-MS) showed one major chemical component, the flavonoid rutin and phenolics compounds. For in vivo studies in carrageenan-induced peritonitis model, mice received extracts, dexamethasone, rutin or saline, before administration of carrageenan. For venom-induced inflammation model, animals received T. serrulatus venom and were, simultaneously, treated with extracts, antivenom, rutin or saline. The extract and rutin showed a reduction in the cell migration into the peritoneal cavity, and in the same way the envenomated animals also showed reduction of edema, inflammatory cell infiltration and vasodilation in lungs. This is an original study revealing the potential action of A. pyrifolium against inflammation caused by Tityus serrulatus venom and carrageenan, revealing that this extract and its bioactive molecules, specifically rutin, may present potential anti-inflammatory application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maíra Conceição Jerônimo de Souza Lima
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis 59012-570, Natal, Brazil.
| | - Mariana Angélica Oliveira Bitencourt
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis 59012-570, Natal, Brazil.
| | - Allanny Alves Furtado
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis 59012-570, Natal, Brazil.
| | - Manoela Torres-Rêgo
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis 59012-570, Natal, Brazil.
| | - Emerson Michell da Silva Siqueira
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy (PNBio), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis 59012-570, Natal, Brazil.
| | - Ruth Medeiros Oliveira
- Laboratory of Biotechnology of Natural Biopolymers, Department of Biochemistry, Bioscience Center, Campus Universitário, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Avenida Senador Salgado Filho, 3000, Lagoa Nova 59072-970, Natal, Brazil.
| | - Hugo Alexandre Oliveira Rocha
- Laboratory of Biotechnology of Natural Biopolymers, Department of Biochemistry, Bioscience Center, Campus Universitário, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Avenida Senador Salgado Filho, 3000, Lagoa Nova 59072-970, Natal, Brazil.
| | - Keyla Borges Ferreira Rocha
- Laboratory of Pathology, Departament of Pathology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis 59012-570, Natal, Brazil.
| | - Arnóbio Antônio da Silva-Júnior
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis 59012-570, Natal, Brazil.
| | - Silvana Maria Zucolotto
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy (PNBio), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis 59012-570, Natal, Brazil.
| | - Matheus de Freitas Fernandes-Pedrosa
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis 59012-570, Natal, Brazil.
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Zornetta I, Scorzeto M, Mendes Dos Reis PV, De Lima ME, Montecucco C, Megighian A, Rossetto O. Electrophysiological Characterization of the Antarease Metalloprotease from Tityus serrulatus Venom. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:E81. [PMID: 28264432 PMCID: PMC5371836 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9030081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Revised: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpions are among the oldest venomous living organisms and the family Buthidae is the largest and most medically relevant one. Scorpion venoms include many toxic peptides, but recently, a metalloprotease from Tityus serrulatus called antarease was reported to be capable of cleaving VAMP2, a protein involved in the neuroparalytic syndromes of tetanus and botulism. We have produced antarease and an inactive metalloprotease mutant in a recombinant form and analyzed their enzymatic activity on recombinant VAMP2 in vitro and on mammalian and insect neuromuscular junction. The purified recombinant antarease paralyzed the neuromuscular junctions of mice and of Drosophila melanogaster whilst the mutant was inactive. We were unable to demonstrate any cleavage of VAMP2 under conditions which leads to VAMP proteolysis by botulinum neurotoxin type B. Antarease caused a reduced release probability, mainly due to defects upstream of the synaptic vesicles fusion process. Paired pulse experiments indicate that antarease might proteolytically inactivate a voltage-gated calcium channel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Zornetta
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche and Istituto CNR di Neuroscienze, Università di Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35121 Padova, Italy.
| | - Michele Scorzeto
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche and Istituto CNR di Neuroscienze, Università di Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35121 Padova, Italy.
| | - Pablo Victor Mendes Dos Reis
- Laboratório de Venenos e Toxinas Animais, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil.
| | - Maria E De Lima
- Laboratório de Venenos e Toxinas Animais, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil.
| | - Cesare Montecucco
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche and Istituto CNR di Neuroscienze, Università di Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35121 Padova, Italy.
| | - Aram Megighian
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche and Istituto CNR di Neuroscienze, Università di Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35121 Padova, Italy.
| | - Ornella Rossetto
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche and Istituto CNR di Neuroscienze, Università di Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35121 Padova, Italy.
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Insights into the Hypertensive Effects of Tityus serrulatus Scorpion Venom: Purification of an Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme-Like Peptidase. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:toxins8120348. [PMID: 27886129 PMCID: PMC5198543 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8120348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Revised: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The number of cases of envenomation by scorpions has grown significantly in Brazil since 2007, with the most severe cases being caused by the Tityus serrulatus scorpion. Although envenomed patients mostly suffer neurotoxic manifestations, other symptoms, such as hypertension, cannot be exclusively attributed to neurotoxins. Omics analyses have detected plentiful amounts of metalloproteases in T. serrulatus venom. However, the roles played by these enzymes in envenomation are still unclear. Endeavoring to investigate the functions of scorpion venom proteases, we describe here for the first time an Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme-like peptidase (ACE-like) purified from T. serrulatus venom. The crude venom cleaved natural and fluorescent substrates and these activities were inhibited by captopril. Regarding the serum neutralization, the scorpion antivenom was more effective at blocking the ACE-like activity than arachnid antivenom, although neither completely inhibited the venom cleavage action, even at higher doses. ACE-like was purified from the venom after three chromatographic steps and its identity was confirmed by mass spectrometric and transcriptomic analyses. Bioinformatics analysis showed homology between the ACE-like transcript sequences from Tityus spp. and human testis ACE. These findings advance our understanding of T. serrulatus venom components and may improve treatment of envenomation victims, as ACE-like may contribute to envenomation symptoms, especially the resulting hypertension.
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Duzzi B, Cajado-Carvalho D, Kuniyoshi AK, Kodama RT, Gozzo FC, Fioramonte M, Tambourgi DV, Portaro FV, Rioli V. [des-Arg(1)]-Proctolin: A novel NEP-like enzyme inhibitor identified in Tityus serrulatus venom. Peptides 2016; 80:18-24. [PMID: 26056922 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2015.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2015] [Revised: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The scorpion Tityus serrulatus venom comprises a complex mixture of molecules that paralyzes and kills preys, especially insects. However, venom components also interact with molecules in humans, causing clinic envenomation. This cross-interaction may result from homologous molecular targets in mammalians and insects, such as (NEP)-like enzymes. In face of these similarities, we searched for peptides in Tityus serrulatus venom using human NEP as a screening tool. We found a NEP-inhibiting peptide with the primary sequence YLPT, which is very similar to that of the insect neuropeptide proctolin (RYLPT). Thus, we named the new peptide [des-Arg(1)]-proctolin. Comparative NEP activity assays using natural substrates demonstrated that [des-Arg(1)]-proctolin has high specificity for NEP and better inhibitory activity than proctolin. To test the initial hypothesis that molecular homologies allow Tityus serrulatus venom to act on both mammal and insect targets, we investigated the presence of a NEP-like in cockroaches, the main scorpion prey, that could be likewise inhibited by [des-Arg(1)]-proctolin. Indeed, we detected a possible NEP-like in a homogenate of cockroach heads whose activity was blocked by thiorphan and also by [des-Arg(1)]-proctolin. Western blot analysis using a human NEP monoclonal antibody suggested a NEP-like enzyme in the homogenate of cockroach heads. Our study describes for the first time a proctolin-like peptide, named [des-Arg(1)]-proctolin, isolated from Tityus serrulatus venom. The tetrapeptide inhibits human NEP activity and a NEP-like activity in a cockroach head homogenate, thus it may play a role in human envenomation as well as in the paralysis and death of scorpion preys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Duzzi
- Immunochemistry Laboratory, Butantan Institute, Av. Prof. Vital Brazil, 1500, CEP 05503-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniela Cajado-Carvalho
- Immunochemistry Laboratory, Butantan Institute, Av. Prof. Vital Brazil, 1500, CEP 05503-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Kazuo Kuniyoshi
- Immunochemistry Laboratory, Butantan Institute, Av. Prof. Vital Brazil, 1500, CEP 05503-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Roberto Tadashi Kodama
- Immunochemistry Laboratory, Butantan Institute, Av. Prof. Vital Brazil, 1500, CEP 05503-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Denise Vilarinho Tambourgi
- Immunochemistry Laboratory, Butantan Institute, Av. Prof. Vital Brazil, 1500, CEP 05503-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Vieira Portaro
- Immunochemistry Laboratory, Butantan Institute, Av. Prof. Vital Brazil, 1500, CEP 05503-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Vanessa Rioli
- Special Laboratory of Applied Toxinology/Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling (CeTICS), Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Abstract
Tityus serrulatus (Ts) is the main scorpion species of medical importance in Brazil. Ts venom is composed of several compounds such as mucus, inorganic salts, lipids, amines, nucleotides, enzymes, kallikrein inhibitor, natriuretic peptide, proteins with high molecular mass, peptides, free amino acids and neurotoxins. Neurotoxins are considered the most responsible for the envenoming syndrome due to their pharmacological action on ion channels such as voltage-gated sodium (Nav) and potassium (Kv) channels. The major goal of this review is to present important advances in Ts envenoming research, correlating both the crude Ts venom and isolated toxins with alterations observed in all human systems. The most remarkable event lies in the Ts induced massive releasing of neurotransmitters influencing, directly or indirectly, the entire body. Ts venom proved to extremely affect nervous and muscular systems, to modulate the immune system, to induce cardiac disorders, to cause pulmonary edema, to decrease urinary flow and to alter endocrine, exocrine, reproductive, integumentary, skeletal and digestive functions. Therefore, Ts venom possesses toxins affecting all anatomic systems, making it a lethal cocktail. However, its low lethality may be due to the low venom mass injected, to the different venom compositions, the body characteristics and health conditions of the victim and the local of Ts sting. Furthermore, we also described the different treatments employed during envenoming cases. In particular, throughout the review, an effort will be made to provide information from an extensive documented studies concerning Ts venom in vitro, in animals and in humans (a total of 151 references).
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Bordon KCF, Wiezel GA, Amorim FG, Arantes EC. Arthropod venom Hyaluronidases: biochemical properties and potential applications in medicine and biotechnology. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2015; 21:43. [PMID: 26500679 PMCID: PMC4619011 DOI: 10.1186/s40409-015-0042-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyaluronidases are enzymes that mainly degrade hyaluronan, the major glycosaminoglycan of the interstitial matrix. They are involved in several pathological and physiological activities including fertilization, wound healing, embryogenesis, angiogenesis, diffusion of toxins and drugs, metastasis, pneumonia, sepsis, bacteremia, meningitis, inflammation and allergy, among others. Hyaluronidases are widely distributed in nature and the enzymes from mammalian spermatozoa, lysosomes and animal venoms belong to the subclass EC 3.2.1.35. To date, only five three-dimensional structures for arthropod venom hyaluronidases (Apis mellifera and Vespula vulgaris) were determined. Additionally, there are four molecular models for hyaluronidases from Mesobuthus martensii, Polybia paulista and Tityus serrulatus venoms. These enzymes are employed as adjuvants to increase the absorption and dispersion of other drugs and have been used in various off-label clinical conditions to reduce tissue edema. Moreover, a PEGylated form of a recombinant human hyaluronidase is currently under clinical trials for the treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer. This review focuses on the arthropod venom hyaluronidases and provides an overview of their biochemical properties, role in the envenoming, structure/activity relationship, and potential medical and biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla C F Bordon
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Avenida do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14.040-903 Brazil
| | - Gisele A. Wiezel
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Avenida do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14.040-903 Brazil
| | - Fernanda G. Amorim
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Avenida do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14.040-903 Brazil
| | - Eliane C. Arantes
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Avenida do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14.040-903 Brazil
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Cordeiro FA, Amorim FG, Anjolette FAP, Arantes EC. Arachnids of medical importance in Brazil: main active compounds present in scorpion and spider venoms and tick saliva. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2015; 21:24. [PMID: 26273285 PMCID: PMC4535291 DOI: 10.1186/s40409-015-0028-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2014] [Accepted: 07/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Arachnida is the largest class among the arthropods, constituting over 60,000 described species (spiders, mites, ticks, scorpions, palpigrades, pseudoscorpions, solpugids and harvestmen). Many accidents are caused by arachnids, especially spiders and scorpions, while some diseases can be transmitted by mites and ticks. These animals are widely dispersed in urban centers due to the large availability of shelter and food, increasing the incidence of accidents. Several protein and non-protein compounds present in the venom and saliva of these animals are responsible for symptoms observed in envenoming, exhibiting neurotoxic, dermonecrotic and hemorrhagic activities. The phylogenomic analysis from the complementary DNA of single-copy nuclear protein-coding genes shows that these animals share some common protein families known as neurotoxins, defensins, hyaluronidase, antimicrobial peptides, phospholipases and proteinases. This indicates that the venoms from these animals may present components with functional and structural similarities. Therefore, we described in this review the main components present in spider and scorpion venom as well as in tick saliva, since they have similar components. These three arachnids are responsible for many accidents of medical relevance in Brazil. Additionally, this study shows potential biotechnological applications of some components with important biological activities, which may motivate the conducting of further research studies on their action mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francielle A Cordeiro
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Avenida do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14.040-903 Brazil
| | - Fernanda G Amorim
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Avenida do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14.040-903 Brazil
| | - Fernando A P Anjolette
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Avenida do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14.040-903 Brazil
| | - Eliane C Arantes
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Avenida do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14.040-903 Brazil
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30
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Virocidal activity of Egyptian scorpion venoms against hepatitis C virus. Virol J 2015; 12:47. [PMID: 25889296 PMCID: PMC4374190 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-015-0276-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2014] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major global health problem, causing chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Development of well-tolerated regimens with high cure rates and fewer side effects is still much needed. Recently, natural antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are attracting more attention as biological compounds and can be a good template to develop therapeutic agents, including antiviral agents against a variety of viruses. Various AMPs have been characterized from the venom of different venomous animals including scorpions. METHODS The possible antiviral activities of crude venoms obtained from five Egyptian scorpion species (Leiurus quinquestriatus, Androctonus amoreuxi, A. australis, A. bicolor and Scorpio maurus palmatus) were evaluated by a cell culture method using Huh7.5 cells and the J6/JFH1-P47 strain of HCV. Time-of-addition experiments and inactivation of enzymatic activities of the venoms were carried out to determine the characteristics of the anti-HCV activities. RESULTS S. maurus palmatus and A. australis venoms showed anti-HCV activities, with 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC₅₀) being 6.3 ± 1.6 and 88.3 ± 5.8 μg/ml, respectively. S. maurus palmatus venom (30 μg/ml) impaired HCV infectivity in culture medium, but not inside the cells, through virocidal effect. The anti-HCV activity of this venom was not inhibited by a metalloprotease inhibitor or heating at 60°C. The antiviral activity was directed preferentially against HCV. CONCLUSIONS S. maurus palmatus venom is considered as a good natural source for characterization and development of novel anti-HCV agents targeting the entry step. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing antiviral activities of Egyptian scorpion venoms against HCV, and may open a new approach towards discovering antiviral compounds derived from scorpion venoms.
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Carmo AO, Chatzaki M, Horta CCR, Magalhães BF, Oliveira-Mendes BBR, Chávez-Olórtegui C, Kalapothakis E. Evolution of alternative methodologies of scorpion antivenoms production. Toxicon 2015; 97:64-74. [PMID: 25701676 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2015.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2014] [Revised: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 02/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Scorpionism represents a serious public health problem resulting in the death of children and debilitated individuals. Scorpion sting treatment employs various strategies including the use of specific medicines such as antiserum, especially for patients with severe symptoms. In 1909 Charles Todd described the production of an antiserum against the venom of the scorpion Buthus quinquestriatus. Based on Todd's work, researchers worldwide began producing antiserum using the same approach i.e., immunization of horses with crude venom as antigen. Despite achieving satisfactory results using this approach, researchers in this field have developed alternative approaches for the production of scorpion antivenom serum. In this review, we describe the work published by experts in toxinology to the development of scorpion venom antiserum. Methods and results describing the use of specific antigens, detoxified venom or toxins, purified toxins and or venom fractions, native toxoids, recombinant toxins, synthetic peptides, monoclonal and recombinant antibodies, and alternative animal models are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- A O Carmo
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil.
| | - M Chatzaki
- Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, University Campus, 69100 Komotini, Greece.
| | - C C R Horta
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil.
| | - B F Magalhães
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil.
| | - B B R Oliveira-Mendes
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil.
| | - C Chávez-Olórtegui
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil.
| | - E Kalapothakis
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil.
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Abstract
This paper is the thirty-sixth consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system. It summarizes papers published during 2013 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides, opioid receptors, opioid agonists and opioid antagonists. The particular topics that continue to be covered include the molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors related to behavior, and the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia; stress and social status; tolerance and dependence; learning and memory; eating and drinking; alcohol and drugs of abuse; sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology; mental illness and mood; seizures and neurologic disorders; electrical-related activity and neurophysiology; general activity and locomotion; gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions; cardiovascular responses; respiration and thermoregulation; and immunological responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, Flushing, NY 11367, United States.
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33
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Carmo A, Oliveira-Mendes B, Horta C, Magalhães B, Dantas A, Chaves L, Chávez-Olórtegui C, Kalapothakis E. Molecular and functional characterization of metalloserrulases, new metalloproteases from the Tityus serrulatus venom gland. Toxicon 2014; 90:45-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2014.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2014] [Revised: 07/10/2014] [Accepted: 07/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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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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Ortiz E, Rendón-Anaya M, Rego SC, Schwartz EF, Possani LD. Antarease-like Zn-metalloproteases are ubiquitous in the venom of different scorpion genera. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2014; 1840:1738-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2013.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2013] [Revised: 11/28/2013] [Accepted: 12/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Horta CCR, Magalhães BDF, Oliveira-Mendes BBR, do Carmo AO, Duarte CG, Felicori LF, Machado-de-Ávila RA, Chávez-Olórtegui C, Kalapothakis E. Molecular, immunological, and biological characterization of Tityus serrulatus venom hyaluronidase: new insights into its role in envenomation. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e2693. [PMID: 24551256 PMCID: PMC3923731 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2013] [Accepted: 12/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Scorpionism is a public health problem in Brazil, and Tityus serrulatus (Ts) is primarily responsible for severe accidents. The main toxic components of Ts venom are low-molecular-weight neurotoxins; however, the venom also contains poorly characterized high-molecular-weight enzymes. Hyaluronidase is one such enzyme that has been poorly characterized. Methods and principal findings We examined clones from a cDNA library of the Ts venom gland and described two novel isoforms of hyaluronidase, TsHyal-1 and TsHyal-2. The isoforms are 83% identical, and alignment of their predicted amino acid sequences with other hyaluronidases showed conserved residues between evolutionarily distant organisms. We performed gel filtration followed by reversed-phase chromatography to purify native hyaluronidase from Ts venom. Purified native Ts hyaluronidase was used to produce anti-hyaluronidase serum in rabbits. As little as 0.94 µl of anti-hyaluronidase serum neutralized 1 LD50 (13.2 µg) of Ts venom hyaluronidase activity in vitro. In vivo neutralization assays showed that 121.6 µl of anti-hyaluronidase serum inhibited mouse death 100%, whereas 60.8 µl and 15.2 µl of serum delayed mouse death. Inhibition of death was also achieved by using the hyaluronidase pharmacological inhibitor aristolochic acid. Addition of native Ts hyaluronidase (0.418 µg) to pre-neutralized Ts venom (13.2 µg venom+0.94 µl anti-hyaluronidase serum) reversed mouse survival. We used the SPOT method to map TsHyal-1 and TsHyal-2 epitopes. More peptides were recognized by anti-hyaluronidase serum in TsHyal-1 than in TsHyal-2. Epitopes common to both isoforms included active site residues. Conclusions Hyaluronidase inhibition and immunoneutralization reduced the toxic effects of Ts venom. Our results have implications in scorpionism therapy and challenge the notion that only neurotoxins are important to the envenoming process. In Brazil, accidents with scorpion stings have been a serious public health problem, and Tityus serrulatus (Ts) is primarily responsible for severe accidents. Therefore, efforts have been made to understand the characteristics of the molecules present in scorpion venoms. These venoms are complex mixtures, in which neurotoxins are the main toxic components. Ts venom also contains enzymes, such as hyaluronidase, that have not been well characterized. In this study, we described for the first time two sequences of Ts hyaluronidase isoforms: TsHyal-1 and TsHyal-2. We purified native hyaluronidase from Ts venom and produced anti-hyaluronidase serum in rabbits. This serum neutralized hyaluronidase activity present in Ts venom. In vivo neutralization assays showed that anti-hyaluronidase serum inhibited and delayed mouse death after injection of a lethal dose (50% lethal dose, LD50) of Ts venom. This work confirms the influence of hyaluronidase in Ts venom lethality and paves the way for the development of new strategies for scorpionism therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Campolina Rebello Horta
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Bárbara de Freitas Magalhães
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Anderson Oliveira do Carmo
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Clara Guerra Duarte
- Departamento de Bioquímica-Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Liza Figueiredo Felicori
- Departamento de Bioquímica-Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Andrez Machado-de-Ávila
- Departamento de Bioquímica-Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Carlos Chávez-Olórtegui
- Departamento de Bioquímica-Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Evanguedes Kalapothakis
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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