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Polli NLC, Ferreira MEDF, Schluga PHC, Antunes BC, Justa HCD, Theodoro JL, Zazula MF, Naliwaiko K, Minozzo JC, Senff-Ribeiro A, Wille ACM, Veiga SS, Gremski LH. Novel insights into the application of recombinant mutated phospholipases D as antigens for developing new strategies against Loxoscelism. Acta Trop 2024; 258:107354. [PMID: 39106916 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107354] [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: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
Loxoscelism is the pathological condition triggered by a brown spider bite. The venom of these spiders is rich in phospholipases D (PLDs), which can induce virtually all local and systemic manifestations. Recombinant mutated PLDs from clinically relevant Loxosceles species in South America have been investigated as potential antigens to develop novel therapeutic strategies for loxoscelism. However, certain gaps need to be addressed before a clinical approach can be implemented. In this study, we examined the potential of these recombinant mutated PLDs as antigens by testing some variations in the immunization scheme. Furthermore, we evaluated the efficacy of the produced antibodies in neutralizing the nephrotoxicity and sphingomyelinase activity of brown spider venoms. Our findings indicate that the number of immunizations has a greater impact on the effectiveness of neutralization compared to the amount of antigen. Specifically, two or three doses were equally effective in reducing dermonecrosis and edema. Additionally, three immunizations proved to be more effective in neutralizing mice lethality than one or two. Moreover, immunizations mitigated the signs of kidney injury, a crucial aspect given that acute renal failure is a serious systemic complication. In vitro inhibition of the sphingomyelinase activity of Loxosceles venoms, a key factor in vivo toxicity, was nearly complete after incubation with antibodies raised against these antigens. These findings underscore the importance of implementing an effective immunization scheme with multiple immunizations, without the need for high antigen doses, and enhances the spectrum of neutralization exhibited by antibodies generated with these antigens. In summary, these results highlight the strong potential of these antigens for the development of new therapeutic strategies against cutaneous and systemic manifestations of loxoscelism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Bruno Cesar Antunes
- Production and Research Center of Immunobiological Products (CPPI), State Department of Health, Piraquara, 83302-200, PR, Brazil
| | - Hanna Câmara da Justa
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, 81530-900, PR, Brazil
| | - João Lucas Theodoro
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, 81530-900, PR, Brazil
| | - Matheus Felipe Zazula
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, 81530-900, PR, Brazil
| | - Katya Naliwaiko
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, 81530-900, PR, Brazil
| | - João Carlos Minozzo
- Production and Research Center of Immunobiological Products (CPPI), State Department of Health, Piraquara, 83302-200, PR, Brazil
| | - Andrea Senff-Ribeiro
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, 81530-900, PR, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Martins Wille
- Department of Structural, Molecular Biology and Genetics, State University of Ponta Grossa (UEPG), Ponta Grossa, 84030-900, PR, Brazil
| | - Silvio Sanches Veiga
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, 81530-900, PR, Brazil
| | - Luiza Helena Gremski
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, 81530-900, PR, Brazil.
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Rodrigues GM, de Almeida ME, Marcelino SAC, Fernandes PBU, da Cruz JOP, Araújo FL, Ferreira RDS, Botelho AFM, Bedoya FJ, Cahuana GM, Hitos AB, Soria B, Costal-Oliveira F, Duarte CG, Tejedo JR, Chávez-Olórtegui C, Melo MM. Protective effects of mesenchymal stromal cell-derived secretome on dermonecrosis induced in rabbits by Loxosceles intermedia spider venom. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2024; 30:e20240004. [PMID: 39069986 PMCID: PMC11276892 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2024-0004] [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: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Loxoscelism refers to a set of clinical manifestations caused by the bite of spiders from the Loxosceles genus. The classic clinical symptoms are characterized by an intense inflammatory reaction at the bite site followed by local necrosis and can be classified as cutaneous loxoscelism. This cutaneous form presents difficult healing, and the proposed treatments are not specific or effective. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of mesenchymal stromal cells-derived secretome on dermonecrosis induced by Loxosceles intermedia spider venom in rabbits. Methods Sixteen rabbits were distributed into four groups (n = 4). Except for group 1 (G1), which received only PBS, the other three groups (G2, G3, and G4) were initially challenged with 10 μg of L. intermedia venom, diluted in 100 μL of NaCl 0.9%, by intradermic injection in the interscapular region. Thirty minutes after the challenge all groups were treated with secretome, except for group 2. Group 1 (G1-control group) received intradermal injection (ID) of 60 μg of secretome in 0.15 M PBS; Group 2 (G2) received 0.9% NaCl via ID; Group 3 (G3) received 60 μg of secretome, via ID and Group 4 (G4), received 60 μg of secretome by intravenous route. Rabbits were evaluated daily and after 15 days were euthanized, necropsied and skin samples around the necrotic lesions were collected for histological analysis. Results Rabbits of G1 did not present edema, erythema, hemorrhagic halo, or necrosis. In animals from G2, G3, and G4, edema appeared after 6h. However, minor edema was observed in the animals of G2 and G3. Hemorrhagic halo was observed in animals, six hours and three days after, on G2, G3, and G4. Macroscopically, in G4, only one animal out of four had a lesion that evolved into a dermonecrotic wound. No changes were observed in the skin of the animals of G1, by microscopic evaluation. All animals challenged with L. intermedia venom showed similar alterations, such as necrosis and heterophilic infiltration. However, animals from G4 showed fibroblast activation, early development of connective tissue, neovascularization, and tissue re-epithelialization, indicating a more prominent healing process. Conclusion These results suggest that secretome from mesenchymal stromal cells cultured in a xeno-free and human component-free culture media can be promising to treat dermonecrosis caused after Loxosceles spiders bite envenoming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Marques Rodrigues
- Department of Veterinary Clinic and Surgery, Veterinary College,
Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Mara Elvira de Almeida
- Department of Veterinary Clinic and Surgery, Veterinary College,
Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Sóstenes Apolo Correia Marcelino
- Department of Veterinary Clinic and Surgery, Veterinary College,
Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Paula Bretas Ullmann Fernandes
- Department of Veterinary Clinic and Surgery, Veterinary College,
Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Jessica Oliveira Pereira da Cruz
- Department of Veterinary Clinic and Surgery, Veterinary College,
Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Françoise Louanne Araújo
- Department of Veterinary Clinic and Surgery, Veterinary College,
Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Raquel da Silva Ferreira
- Department of Veterinary Clinic and Surgery, Veterinary College,
Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Ana Flávia Machado Botelho
- Department of Veterinary Clinic and Surgery, Veterinary College,
Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Francisco Javier Bedoya
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemical Engineering,
Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
- Biomedical Research Network for Diabetes and Related Metabolic
Diseases (CIBERDEM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gladys Margot Cahuana
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemical Engineering,
Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
- Biomedical Research Network for Diabetes and Related Metabolic
Diseases (CIBERDEM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Belén Hitos
- Institute of Bioengineering and Institute of Biomedical Research
ISABIAL, University Miguel Hernández de Elche, Alicante, Spain
| | - Bernat Soria
- Biomedical Research Network for Diabetes and Related Metabolic
Diseases (CIBERDEM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Bioengineering and Institute of Biomedical Research
ISABIAL, University Miguel Hernández de Elche, Alicante, Spain
| | - Fernanda Costal-Oliveira
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological
Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG,
Brazil
| | | | - Juan R. Tejedo
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemical Engineering,
Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
- Biomedical Research Network for Diabetes and Related Metabolic
Diseases (CIBERDEM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Tropical Diseases, Universidad Nacional Toribio
Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas, Chachapoyas, Peru
| | - Carlos Chávez-Olórtegui
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological
Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG,
Brazil
| | - Marília Martins Melo
- Department of Veterinary Clinic and Surgery, Veterinary College,
Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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Moreno-Cordova EN, Alvarez-Armenta A, Garcia-Orozco KD, Arvizu-Flores AA, Islas-Osuna MA, Robles-Zepeda RE, Lopez-Zavala AA, Laino A, Sotelo-Mundo RR. Binding of green tea epigallocatechin gallate to the arginine kinase active site from the brown recluse spider ( Loxosceles laeta): A potential synergist to chemical pesticides. Heliyon 2024; 10:e34036. [PMID: 39071691 PMCID: PMC11282998 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e34036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Loxosceles spp. spiders can cause serious public health issues. Chemical control is commonly used, leading to health and environmental problems. Identifying molecular targets and using them with natural compounds can help develop safer and eco-friendlier biopesticides. We studied the kinetics and predicted structural characteristics of arginine kinase (EC 2.7.3.3) from Loxosceles laeta (LlAK), a key enzyme in the energy metabolism of these organisms. Additionally, we explored (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a green tea flavonoid, as a potential lead compound for the LlAK active site through fluorescence and in silico analysis, such as molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and MM/PBSA analyses. The results indicate that LlAK is a highly efficient enzyme (K m Arg 0.14 mM, K m ATP 0.98 mM, k cat 93 s-1, k cat/K m Arg 630 s-1 mM-1, k cat/K m ATP 94 s-1 mM-1), which correlates with its structure similarity to others AKs (such as Litopenaeus vannamei, Polybetes pythagoricus, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus) and might be related to its important function in the spider's energetic metabolism. Furthermore, the MD and MM/PBSA analysis suggests that EGCG interacted with LlAK, specifically at ATP/ADP binding site (RMSD <1 nm) and its interaction is energetically favored for its binding stability (-40 to -15 kcal/mol). Moreover, these results are supported by fluorescence quenching analysis (K d 58.3 μM and K a 1.71 × 104 M-1). In this context, LlAK is a promising target for the chemical control of L. laeta, and EGCG could be used in combination with conventional pesticides to manage the population of Loxosceles species in urban areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena N. Moreno-Cordova
- Laboratorio de Estructura Biomolecular, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, A. C., Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
| | - Andres Alvarez-Armenta
- Departamento de Microbiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62210, Mexico
| | - Karina D. Garcia-Orozco
- Laboratorio de Estructura Biomolecular, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, A. C., Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
| | - Aldo A. Arvizu-Flores
- Departamento de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad de Sonora, Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
| | - Maria A. Islas-Osuna
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de Plantas, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, A. C., Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
| | - Ramon E. Robles-Zepeda
- Departamento de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad de Sonora, Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
| | - Alonso A. Lopez-Zavala
- Departamento de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad de Sonora, Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
| | - Aldana Laino
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata “Prof. Dr. Rodolfo R. Brenner” (INIBIOLP), Centro Científico Tecnológico – La Plata CONICET- Univerdad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Rogerio R. Sotelo-Mundo
- Laboratorio de Estructura Biomolecular, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, A. C., Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
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Lachmayr H, Merrill AH. A Brief Overview of the Toxic Sphingomyelinase Ds of Brown Recluse Spider Venom and Other Organisms and Simple Methods To Detect Production of Its Signature Cyclic Ceramide Phosphate. Mol Pharmacol 2024; 105:144-154. [PMID: 37739813 PMCID: PMC10877732 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.123.000709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
A special category of phospholipase D (PLD) in the venom of the brown recluse spider (Loxosceles reclusa) and several other sicariid spiders accounts for the dermonecrosis and many of the other clinical symptoms of envenomation. Related proteins are produced by other organisms, including fungi and bacteria. These PLDs are often referred to as sphingomyelinase Ds (SMase Ds) because they cleave sphingomyelin (SM) to choline and "ceramide phosphate." The lipid product has actually been found to be a novel sphingolipid: ceramide 1,3-cyclic phosphate (Cer1,3P). Since there are no effective treatments for the injury induced by the bites of these spiders, SMase D/PLDs are attractive targets for therapeutic intervention, and some of their features will be described in this minireview. In addition, two simple methods are described for detecting the characteristic SMase D activity using a fluorescent SM analog, (N-[12-[(7-nitro-2-1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-yl)amino]dodecanoyl]-SM (C12-NBD-SM), that is cleaved to C12-NBD-Cer1,3P, which is easily separated from other potential metabolites by thin-layer chromatography and visualized under UV light. Besides confirming that C12-NBD-Cer1,3P is the only product detected upon incubation of C12-NBD-SM with brown recluse spider venom, the method was also able to detect for the first time very low levels of activity in venom from another spider, Kukulcania hibernalis The simplicity of the methods makes it relatively easy to determine this signature activity of SMase D/PLD. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The sphingomyelinase D/phospholipase D that are present in the venom of the brown recluse spider and other sources cause considerable human injury, but detection of the novel sphingolipid product, ceramide 1,3-cyclic phosphate, is not easy by previously published methods. This minireview describes simple methods for detection of this activity that will be useful for studies of its occurrence in spider venoms and other biological samples, perhaps including lesions from suspected spider bites and infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Lachmayr
- School of Biological Sciences and the Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Alfred H Merrill
- School of Biological Sciences and the Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia
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5
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Azuara-Antonio O, Ortiz MI, Jimenez-Oliver KD, Hernandez-Cruz LE, Rivero-Veras G, Hernandez-Ramirez L. Clinical Evolution After Administering Antivenom in Patients With Loxoscelism. J Med Cases 2023; 14:378-386. [PMID: 38029054 PMCID: PMC10681763 DOI: 10.14740/jmc4163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Spiders are the most numerous arthropods of the arachnid class. More than 45 thousand species of spiders have been identified, and only a few are dangerous to humans. Among them, the "violin spider" or "brown spider" of the genus Loxosceles (family Sicariidae) has a worldwide distribution, and its bite can cause loxoscelism. Initial treatment of a Loxosceles spider bite includes application of local cold, rest, elevation of the extremity if possible, and systemic pharmacotherapy with antihistamines, corticosteroids, antibiotics, polymorphonuclear inhibitors, and analgesics or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. During cutaneous or systemic loxoscelism, administration of Loxosceles antivenom (immunoglobulin (Ig)G F(ab')2 fragments) may be indicated to prevent progression to severe systemic phases. In this manuscript, we present three cases of patients with loxoscelism treated with the fabotherapeutic Reclusmyn®, developed and manufactured in Mexico. Two patients had a satisfactory outcome without severe skin or systemic damage. Only one patient with loxoscelism, despite early initiation of antivenom, had extensive skin lesions that healed satisfactorily, leaving only a non-disabling scar. Due to the global presence of this clinical problem, further studies are needed to establish local and general guidelines for the treatment and prevention of loxoscelism. This will allow health professionals to provide more efficient and higher quality medical care and feel supported in their decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Azuara-Antonio
- Hospital General de Pachuca, Pachuca, Hidalgo, C.P. 42070, Mexico
- Area Academica de Medicina, Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Pachuca de Soto, Hidalgo, C.P. 42090, Mexico
| | - Mario I. Ortiz
- Area Academica de Medicina, Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Pachuca de Soto, Hidalgo, C.P. 42090, Mexico
| | - Karla D. Jimenez-Oliver
- Area Academica de Medicina, Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Pachuca de Soto, Hidalgo, C.P. 42090, Mexico
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Alvarez-Rubio FJ, Robles-Tenorio A, Tarango-Martínez VM. Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure Triggered by Cutaneous Loxoscelism. Cureus 2023; 15:e46540. [PMID: 37927720 PMCID: PMC10625461 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.46540] [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] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute-on-chronic liver failure is a syndrome associated with a high short-term mortality rate. Severe systemic inflammation and single- and multiple-organ failure are a hallmark of this syndrome, with pro-inflammatory precipitating events occurring in the liver or extrahepatic regions. We report a case of a 69-year-old man with a previous diagnosis of alcohol-induced liver cirrhosis who presented with a poorly defined, erythematous-purplish, and edematous plaque with multiple hemorrhagic blisters over the left leg, one day after receiving a spider bite. During the following hours, the skin lesion progressed, and the patient developed hepatic encephalopathy, respiratory failure, and arterial hypotension, requiring the administration of vasopressors; blood analysis revealed hypercreatininemia, an elevated international normalized ratio (INR) value, and hyperbilirubinemia. The patient was diagnosed with acute-on-chronic liver failure caused by cutaneous loxoscelism. There was no hemolytic anemia, rhabdomyolysis, or disseminated intravascular coagulation in the patient, thus excluding the possibility of visceral loxoscelism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arturo Robles-Tenorio
- Dermatology, Instituto Dermatológico de Jalisco Dr. José Barba Rubio, Guadalajara, MEX
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7
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Alves-Mondini C, Beltramino M, Jiacomini IG, Karim-Silva S, Dos Santos Antunes N, de Moura J, Aubrey N, Billiald P, Machado-de-Ávila RA, Alvarenga LM, Becker-Finco A. Identification of a common epitope in knottins and phospholipases D present in Loxosceles sp venom by a monoclonal antibody. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 246:125588. [PMID: 37399872 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125588] [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: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
In the Americas and specially in Brazil, the Loxosceles intermedia, Loxosceles gaucho and Loxosceles laeta are the three most medically relevant brown spider species, and whose bites can lead to the condition known as loxoscelism. Here, we report the development of a tool capable of identifying a common epitope amongst Loxosceles sp. venom's toxins. A murine monoclonal antibody (LmAb12) and its recombinant fragments (scFv12P and diabody12P) have been produced and characterized. This antibody and its recombinant constructs were able to recognize proteins of Loxosceles spider venoms with specificity. The scFv12P variant was also able to detect low concentrations of Loxosceles venom in a competitive ELISA assay, displaying potential as a venom identification tool. The primary antigenic target of LmAb12 is a knottin, a venom neurotoxin, that has a shared identity of 100 % between the L. intermedia and L. gaucho species and high similarity to L. laeta. Furthermore, we observed LmAb12 was able to partially inhibit in vitro hemolysis, a cellular event typically induced by the Loxosceles sp. venoms. Such behavior might be due to LmAb12 cross-reactivity between the antigenic target of LmAb12 and the venom's dermonecrotic toxins, the PLDs, or even the existence of synergism between these two toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Alves-Mondini
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Departamento de Patologia Básica, Laboratório de Imunoquímica, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Martina Beltramino
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Departamento de Patologia Básica, Laboratório de Imunoquímica, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Isabella Gizzi Jiacomini
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Departamento de Patologia Básica, Laboratório de Imunoquímica, Curitiba, PR, Brazil; Université de Tours - INRA, UMR 1282, Faculté de Pharmacie, 31 Avenue Monge, 37200 Tours Cedex, France
| | - Sabrina Karim-Silva
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Departamento de Patologia Básica, Laboratório de Imunoquímica, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Nicolle Dos Santos Antunes
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Departamento de Patologia Básica, Laboratório de Imunoquímica, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Juliana de Moura
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Departamento de Patologia Básica, Laboratório de Imunoquímica, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Nicolas Aubrey
- Université de Tours - INRA, UMR 1282, Faculté de Pharmacie, 31 Avenue Monge, 37200 Tours Cedex, France
| | - Philippe Billiald
- LVTS, INSERM UMR S1148, Paris & Université Paris-Saclay, School of Pharmacy, 91400 Orsay, France
| | - Ricardo Andrez Machado-de-Ávila
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Universitário, 88806-000 Criciúma, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Larissa M Alvarenga
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Departamento de Patologia Básica, Laboratório de Imunoquímica, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
| | - Alessandra Becker-Finco
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Departamento de Patologia Básica, Laboratório de Imunoquímica, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
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8
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da Justa HC, Hernández González JE, Vuitika L, Mariutti RB, Magnago PAM, de Moraes FR, Senff-Ribeiro A, Gremski LH, Arni RK, Veiga SS. Comparative Biochemical, Structural, and Functional Analysis of Recombinant Phospholipases D from Three Loxosceles Spider Venoms. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12006. [PMID: 37569382 PMCID: PMC10419089 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Spiders of Loxosceles genus are widely distributed and their venoms contain phospholipases D (PLDs), which degrade phospholipids and trigger inflammatory responses, dermonecrosis, hematological changes, and renal injuries. Biochemical, functional, and structural properties of three recombinant PLDs from L. intermedia, L. laeta, and L. gaucho, the principal species clinically relevant in South America, were analyzed. Sera against L. gaucho and L. laeta PLDs strongly cross-reacted with other PLDs, but sera against L. intermedia PLD mostly reacted with homologous molecules, suggesting underlying structural and functional differences. PLDs presented a similar secondary structure profile but distinct melting temperatures. Different methods demonstrated that all PLDs cleave sphingomyelin and lysophosphatidylcholine, but L. gaucho and L. laeta PLDs excelled. L. gaucho PLD showed greater "in vitro" hemolytic activity. L. gaucho and L. laeta PLDs were more lethal in assays with mice and crickets. Molecular dynamics simulations correlated their biochemical activities with differences in sequences and conformations of specific surface loops, which play roles in protein stability and in modulating interactions with the membrane. Despite the high similarity, PLDs from L. gaucho and L. laeta venoms are more active than L. intermedia PLD, requiring special attention from physicians when these two species prevail in endemic regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Câmara da Justa
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, Brazil; (H.C.d.J.); (L.V.); (P.A.M.M.); (A.S.-R.); (L.H.G.)
| | - Jorge Enrique Hernández González
- Department of Physics, Multi-User Center for Biomolecular Innovation, State University of São Paulo (UNESP), São Paulo 05315-970, Brazil; (J.E.H.G.); (R.B.M.); (F.R.d.M.); (R.K.A.)
| | - Larissa Vuitika
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, Brazil; (H.C.d.J.); (L.V.); (P.A.M.M.); (A.S.-R.); (L.H.G.)
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences IV, University of São Paulo (ICB-IV/USP), São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Barros Mariutti
- Department of Physics, Multi-User Center for Biomolecular Innovation, State University of São Paulo (UNESP), São Paulo 05315-970, Brazil; (J.E.H.G.); (R.B.M.); (F.R.d.M.); (R.K.A.)
| | - Pedro Augusto Martinho Magnago
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, Brazil; (H.C.d.J.); (L.V.); (P.A.M.M.); (A.S.-R.); (L.H.G.)
| | - Fábio Rogério de Moraes
- Department of Physics, Multi-User Center for Biomolecular Innovation, State University of São Paulo (UNESP), São Paulo 05315-970, Brazil; (J.E.H.G.); (R.B.M.); (F.R.d.M.); (R.K.A.)
| | - Andrea Senff-Ribeiro
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, Brazil; (H.C.d.J.); (L.V.); (P.A.M.M.); (A.S.-R.); (L.H.G.)
| | - Luiza Helena Gremski
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, Brazil; (H.C.d.J.); (L.V.); (P.A.M.M.); (A.S.-R.); (L.H.G.)
| | - Raghuvir Krishnaswamy Arni
- Department of Physics, Multi-User Center for Biomolecular Innovation, State University of São Paulo (UNESP), São Paulo 05315-970, Brazil; (J.E.H.G.); (R.B.M.); (F.R.d.M.); (R.K.A.)
| | - Silvio Sanches Veiga
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, Brazil; (H.C.d.J.); (L.V.); (P.A.M.M.); (A.S.-R.); (L.H.G.)
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9
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Mohta A, Mohta A, Mohta A. Kounis Syndrome: A Rare Case of Allergic Angina Secondary to Loxoscelism. Indian Dermatol Online J 2023; 14:527-529. [PMID: 37521219 PMCID: PMC10373806 DOI: 10.4103/idoj.idoj_507_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Kounis syndrome or allergic angina is characterized by a sudden transient or permanent myocardial dysfunction caused by inflammatory mediators such as histamine, leukotrienes, platelet-activating factor, neutral proteases, and a number of cytokines and chemokines. Herein, we discuss a case of Kounis syndrome, which was brought on by loxoscelism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alpana Mohta
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, Sardar Patel Medical College, Bikaner, Rajasthan, India
| | - Alok Mohta
- Department of General Medicine, Infectious Disease Institute, S.N. Medical College, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Apoorv Mohta
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Sardar Patel Medical College, Bikaner, Rajasthan, India
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10
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Cain S, Plapp FV, Dasgupta A, Ye Z. Severe complications in a 25-year-old male after brown recluse spider bite treated by therapeutic plasma exchange: A case report and review of other case studies. J Clin Apher 2023. [PMID: 36876877 DOI: 10.1002/jca.22045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
Although in the majority of patients (90%), the bite wound of brown recluse spider resolves spontaneously, some patients may experience a severe reaction requiring hospitalization. A 25-year-old male developed severe hemolytic anemia, jaundice, and other complications following a brown recluse spider bite on his posterior right thigh. He was treated with methylprednisolone, antibiotics, and red blood cells (RBCs) transfusion without response. Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) was added to the treatment regimen, and his hemoglobin (Hb) was eventually stabilized, leading to significant clinical improvement. The beneficial effect of TPE in the current case was compared to three other reported cases. We recommend close monitoring of Hb levels in patients with systemic loxoscelism during the first week after brown recluse spider bite and early implementation of TPE in the management of severe acute hemolysis when patients do not respond to usual treatment modalities and RBC transfusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Cain
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Frederick V Plapp
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Amitava Dasgupta
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Zhan Ye
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
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11
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DiPaola B, Davis J, Baum RA, Akpunonu P, Micciche A. Brown recluse spider envenomation with systemic loxoscelism and delayed hemolysis: A case report. Toxicon 2023; 222:106975. [PMID: 36410457 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2022.106975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The brown recluse spider (Loxosceles reclusa) is endemic to the South, West and Central Midwestern United States, and envenomation from this spider can cause cutaneous and/or systemic symptoms. We present a case of systemic loxocelism in an adolescent male resulting in three emergency department visits and two hospitalizations for a rare case of delayed hemolysis 6 days after envenomation. A 19-year-old male presented to the emergency department twice within two days after envenomation with worsening pain, subjective fever, chills, nausea and vomiting. He required a two-day hospitalization for rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury. The patient was discharged with improving symptoms and laboratory results on day four before returning again on day seven with worsening symptoms. He was diagnosed with hemolytic anemia on day seven and was subsequently hospitalized for six days. This case of systemic loxoscelism manifested hemolysis six days after envenomation, following an improvement in symptoms and laboratory studies. This case highlights the need for continuous monitoring and/or follow-up in cases of systemic loxocelism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blake DiPaola
- College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Jason Davis
- Department of Pharmacy Services, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Regan A Baum
- Department of Pharmacy Services, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Peter Akpunonu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Andrew Micciche
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
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12
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Production and Functional Evaluation of Anti- Loxosceles Sera Raised by Immunizations of Rabbits with Mutated Recombinant Phospholipases-D. Biomedicines 2022; 11:biomedicines11010079. [PMID: 36672587 PMCID: PMC9856178 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11010079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Loxoscelism is the clinical condition triggered after the bite of spiders of the genus Loxosceles. The main species involved in accidents in South America are L. intermedia, L. laeta, and L. gaucho. The only specific treatment is the anti-Loxosceles serum produced with crude venoms. As phospholipases D (PLDs) trigger most of the effects observed in accidents, we developed and evaluated second-generation sera using mutated PLDs as antigens. Three isoforms of PLDs with site-directed mutations without biological activities were used for rabbit immunizations: D32A-E34A (L. gaucho), W230A (L. intermedia), and H12A-H47A (L. laeta). Sera were produced using crude venoms of three species of Loxosceles enriched with mutated recombinant PLDs (MIX) or using only mutated PLDs (REC). Immunizations stimulated the immune system from the second immunization with higher antibody production in the REC group. In vivo neutralization assays demonstrated that both sera reduced edema and dermonecrosis caused by Loxosceles intermedia crude venom. Follow-up of animals during the immunization protocols and in the neutralization assays demonstrated that the mutated proteins and the sera are safe. Results demonstrate the potential of using mutated recombinant PLDs in total or partial replacement of Loxosceles venoms in animal immunizations to produce anti-Loxosceles sera for treatments of Loxoscelism.
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13
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Gremski LH, da Justa HC, Polli NLC, Schluga PHDC, Theodoro JL, Wille ACM, Senff-Ribeiro A, Veiga SS. Systemic Loxoscelism, Less Frequent but More Deadly: The Involvement of Phospholipases D in the Pathophysiology of Envenomation. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 15:17. [PMID: 36668837 PMCID: PMC9864854 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15010017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Bites of Loxosceles spiders can lead to a set of clinical manifestations called loxoscelism, and are considered a public health problem in many regions. The signs and symptoms of loxoscelism are divided into cutaneous and systemic forms. The former is more frequent and includes signs of envenoming at the bite site or neighboring regions. Systemic loxoscelism, although much less frequent, is associated with complications, and can even lead to death. It may include intravascular hemolysis, acute renal failure, and thrombocytopenia. Loxosceles venoms are enriched with phospholipases D (PLDs), which are a family of isoforms found at intra-species and inter-species levels. Under experimental conditions, these enzymes reproduce the main clinical signs of loxoscelism, including an exacerbated inflammatory response at the bite site and dermonecrosis, as well as thrombocytopenia, intravascular hemolysis, and acute renal failure. The role of PLDs in cutaneous loxoscelism was described over forty years ago, when studies identified and purified toxins featured as sphingomyelinase D. More recently, the production of recombinant PLDs and discoveries about their structure and mechanism has enabled a deeper characterization of these enzymes. In this review, we describe these biochemical and functional features of Loxosceles PLDs that determine their involvement in systemic loxoscelism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiza Helena Gremski
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, Brazil
| | - Hanna Câmara da Justa
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, Brazil
| | | | | | - João Lucas Theodoro
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Martins Wille
- Department of Structural, Molecular Biology and Genetics, State University of Ponta Grossa (UEPG), Ponta Grossa 84030-900, Brazil
| | - Andrea Senff-Ribeiro
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, Brazil
| | - Silvio Sanches Veiga
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, Brazil
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14
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Megaly AMA, Miyashita M, Abdel-Wahab M, Nakagawa Y, Miyagawa H. Molecular Diversity of Linear Peptides Revealed by Transcriptomic Analysis of the Venom Gland of the Spider Lycosa poonaensis. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14120854. [PMID: 36548751 PMCID: PMC9788040 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14120854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Spider venom is a complex mixture of bioactive components. Previously, we identified two linear peptides in Lycosa poonaensis venom using mass spectrometric analysis and predicted the presence of more linear peptides therein. In this study, a transcriptomic analysis of the L. poonaensis venom gland was conducted to identify other undetermined linear peptides in the venom. The results identified 87 contigs encoding peptides and proteins in the venom that were similar to those in other spider venoms. The number of contigs identified as neurotoxins was the highest, and 15 contigs encoding 17 linear peptide sequences were identified. Seven peptides that were representative of each family were chemically synthesized, and their biological activities were evaluated. All peptides showed significant antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, although their selectivity for bacterial species differed. All peptides also exhibited paralytic activity against crickets, but none showed hemolytic activity. The secondary structure analysis based on the circular dichroism spectroscopy showed that all these peptides adopt an amphiphilic α-helical structure. Their activities appear to depend on the net charge, the arrangement of basic and acidic residues, and the hydrophobicity of the peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alhussin Mohamed Abdelhakeem Megaly
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Assuit 71524, Egypt
| | - Masahiro Miyashita
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
- Correspondence:
| | - Mohammed Abdel-Wahab
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Assuit 71524, Egypt
| | - Yoshiaki Nakagawa
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Hisashi Miyagawa
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
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15
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Nishiduka ES, Abreu TF, Abukawa FM, Oliveira UC, Tardivo CEO, Nascimento SM, Meissner GO, Chaim OM, Juliano MA, Kitano ES, Zelanis A, Serrano SMT, da Silva PI, Junqueira-de-Azevedo IL, Nishiyama-Jr MY, Tashima AK. Multiomics Profiling of Toxins in the Venom of the Amazonian Spider Acanthoscurria juruenicola. J Proteome Res 2022; 21:2783-2797. [PMID: 36260604 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.2c00593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Acanthoscurria juruenicola is an Amazonian spider described for the first time almost a century ago. However, little is known about their venom composition. Here, we present a multiomics characterization of A. juruenicola venom by a combination of transcriptomics, proteomics, and peptidomics approaches. Transcriptomics of female venom glands resulted in 93,979 unique assembled mRNA transcript encoding proteins. A total of 92 proteins were identified in the venom by mass spectrometry, including 14 mature cysteine-rich peptides (CRPs). Quantitative analysis showed that CRPs, cysteine-rich secretory proteins, metalloproteases, carbonic anhydrases, and hyaluronidase comprise >90% of the venom proteome. Relative quantification of venom toxins was performed by DIA and DDA, revealing converging profiles of female and male specimens by both methods. Biochemical assays confirmed the presence of active hyaluronidases, phospholipases, and proteases in the venom. Moreover, the venom promoted in vivo paralytic activities in crickets, consistent with the high concentration of CRPs. Overall, we report a comprehensive analysis of the arsenal of toxins of A. juruenicola and highlight their potential biotechnological and pharmacological applications. Mass spectrometry data were deposited to the ProteomeXchange Consortium via the PRIDE repository with the dataset identifier PXD013149 and via the MassIVE repository with the dataset identifier MSV000087777.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika S Nishiduka
- Department of Biochemistry, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-901, Brazil
| | - Thiago F Abreu
- Department of Biochemistry, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-901, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Midori Abukawa
- Laboratory of Applied Toxinology, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signalig, CeTICS, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Ursula C Oliveira
- Laboratory of Applied Toxinology, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signalig, CeTICS, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Caio E O Tardivo
- Department of Biochemistry, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-901, Brazil
| | - Soraia M Nascimento
- Laboratory of Applied Toxinology, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signalig, CeTICS, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Gabriel O Meissner
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81531-980, Puerto Rico, Brazil
| | - Olga M Chaim
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81531-980, Puerto Rico, Brazil.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Maria A Juliano
- Department of Biophysics, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04021-001, Brazil
| | - Eduardo S Kitano
- Laboratory of Applied Toxinology, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signalig, CeTICS, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
| | - André Zelanis
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Science and Technology, Federal University of São Paulo, (ICT-UNIFESP), São José dos Campos 12231-280, Brazil
| | - Solange M T Serrano
- Laboratory of Applied Toxinology, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signalig, CeTICS, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Pedro I da Silva
- Laboratory of Applied Toxinology, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signalig, CeTICS, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Inácio L Junqueira-de-Azevedo
- Laboratory of Applied Toxinology, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signalig, CeTICS, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Milton Y Nishiyama-Jr
- Laboratory of Applied Toxinology, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signalig, CeTICS, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Alexandre K Tashima
- Department of Biochemistry, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-901, Brazil
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16
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Talib U, Abdelfattah AH, Talib M, Dawoud HA, Ayub N, Ayub S, Talib A. Brown Recluse Spider Bite Resulting in Coombs Negative Hemolytic Anemia in a Young Male Requiring Blood Transfusion. Cureus 2022; 14:e26574. [PMID: 35936160 PMCID: PMC9351826 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.26574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Spider bites, including the bites of recluse spiders (Loxosceles, also known as brown spiders), usually lead to local symptoms; however, severe systemic symptoms have also been reported in the literature. Management of spider bites is based on symptoms. In severe cases involving the development of angioedema, hemolytic anemia, skin necrosis with superimposed bacterial infection or disseminated intravascular coagulation, antibiotics, steroids, blood transfusions, and plasma exchange may also play a role. We present a case of a brown recluse spider bite resulting in symptomatic hemolytic anemia and jaundice requiring blood transfusion.
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17
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Zattera C, Luly S, Cipriano A, Rizzelli GML, Cecconi N, Santini M. An unexpected turn of events: A rare case of Acquired Haemophilia A after a violin spider bite. EMERGENCY CARE JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.4081/ecj.2022.10457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We report an interesting clinical case of Acquired Haemophilia A (AHA) after a probable Loxosceles rufescens spider bite in a 73- year-old woman, admitted to an Emergency Department (ED) of Central Italy during April 2019. AHA is a rare disease, whose acute clinical manifestations are not widely known by most ED physicians; its prompt recognition and treatment are crucial to avoid fatal bleeding. In particular, the development of AHA after a violin spider bite (another rare and poorly characterized clinical condition) has never been described. Therefore, our case report could provide useful insight into the understanding and treatment of such unusual and possibly life-threatening conditions.
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18
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de Miranda ALS, Lima SDA, Botelho AFM, Gomes Campos MT, Eckstein C, Minozzo JC, Chávez-Olórtegui CD, Soto-Blanco B. Protective Effectiveness of an Immunization Protocol Against the Toxic Effects of Loxosceles intermedia Venom in Rabbits. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:852917. [PMID: 35711800 PMCID: PMC9195175 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.852917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Loxosceles spp. (brown spiders) bites are responsible for the development of a syndrome consisting mainly of dermonecrotic lesions, and also systemic effects. Rabbits are one of the main experimental models used for better understanding the systemic and local effects of Loxosceles venom. The aim of this study is to evaluate the toxic and protective effects of rabbits immunized with Loxosceles spp. venom. Male New Zealand rabbits were allocated as a control group (CG; n = 5) that received adjuvant (Montanide) and phosphate-buffer saline (PBS), or as venom group (VG; n = 5) that received 21 μg of Loxosceles venom using Montanide as adjuvant. After five immunization cycles, a trial with 7 μg of Loxosceles intermedia (L. intermedia) venom was performed, and dermonecrotic lesions were measured. The rabbits were then euthanized, and their organs were collected for histopathology analysis. Rabbits that had undergone Loxosceles venom immunization protocol showed minor clinical disturbances during the experimental period. The used immunization protocol protected the rabbits against the toxic effect of the Loxosceles venom because they showed minor clinical disturbances during the experimental period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Luísa Soares de Miranda
- Department of Veterinary Clinics and Surgery, Veterinary College, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Sabrina de Almeida Lima
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Marco Túlio Gomes Campos
- Department of Veterinary Clinics and Surgery, Veterinary College, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Camila Eckstein
- Department of Veterinary Clinics and Surgery, Veterinary College, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - João Carlos Minozzo
- Department of Health of the State of Paraná, Production and Research Center of Immunobiologicals, Piraquara, Brazil
| | - Carlos Delfin Chávez-Olórtegui
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Benito Soto-Blanco
- Department of Veterinary Clinics and Surgery, Veterinary College, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Benito Soto-Blanco
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19
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Vásquez-Escobar J, Romero-Gutiérrez T, Morales JA, Clement HC, Corzo GA, Benjumea DM, Corrales-García LL. Transcriptomic Analysis of the Venom Gland and Enzymatic Characterization of the Venom of Phoneutria depilata (Ctenidae) from Colombia. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14050295. [PMID: 35622542 PMCID: PMC9144723 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14050295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcriptome of the venom glands of the Phoneutria depilata spider was analyzed using RNA-seq with an Illumina protocol, which yielded 86,424 assembled transcripts. A total of 682 transcripts were identified as potentially coding for venom components. Most of the transcripts found were neurotoxins (156) that commonly act on sodium and calcium channels. Nevertheless, transcripts coding for some enzymes (239), growth factors (48), clotting factors (6), and a diuretic hormone (1) were found, which have not been described in this spider genus. Furthermore, an enzymatic characterization of the venom of P. depilata was performed, and the proteomic analysis showed a correlation between active protein bands and protein sequences found in the transcriptome. The transcriptomic analysis of P. depilata venom glands show a deeper description of its protein components, allowing the identification of novel molecules that could lead to the treatment of human diseases, or could be models for developing bioinsecticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julieta Vásquez-Escobar
- Grupo de Toxinología y Alternativas Farmacéuticas y Alimentarias, Facultad de Ciencias Farmacéuticas y Alimentarias, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin 1226, Colombia;
- Correspondence: (J.V.-E.); (L.L.C.-G.)
| | - Teresa Romero-Gutiérrez
- Traslational Bioengineering Department, Exact Sciences and Engineering University Center, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44430, Mexico; (T.R.-G.); (J.A.M.)
| | - José Alejandro Morales
- Traslational Bioengineering Department, Exact Sciences and Engineering University Center, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44430, Mexico; (T.R.-G.); (J.A.M.)
| | - Herlinda C. Clement
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico; (H.C.C.); (G.A.C.)
| | - Gerardo A. Corzo
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico; (H.C.C.); (G.A.C.)
| | - Dora M. Benjumea
- Grupo de Toxinología y Alternativas Farmacéuticas y Alimentarias, Facultad de Ciencias Farmacéuticas y Alimentarias, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin 1226, Colombia;
| | - Ligia Luz Corrales-García
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico; (H.C.C.); (G.A.C.)
- Departamento de Alimentos, Facultad de Ciencias Farmacéuticas y Alimentarias, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin 1226, Colombia
- Correspondence: (J.V.-E.); (L.L.C.-G.)
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20
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Oranges T, Veraldi S, Granieri G, Fidanzi C, Janowska A, Dini V, Romanelli M. Parasites causing cutaneous wounds: Theory and practice from a dermatological point of view. Acta Trop 2022; 228:106332. [PMID: 35092728 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
A wide range of parasites can infest open wounds, or cause wounds due to the effects of the infestation. Parasitic infestations can involve the skin and subcutaneous tissues, with various clinical manifestations. In case of cutaneous wounds related to infestations, protozoa, helminths and arthropods are the main groups of parasites involved and emerging new aspects have been recently reported. Treating the wound correctly is fundamental in these patients in order to reduce the development of pathological scars and prevent complications. In particular, a gentle debridement for devitalized/infested tissue removal, the appropriate use of topical antiseptics and dressings such as hydrogel, hydrocolloids and antimicrobial dressings can be useful to control superinfections, moisture balance, inflammation and to promote edge proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Oranges
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, Pisa 56126, Italy; Department of Pediatrics, Dermatology Unit, Meyer Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Stefano Veraldi
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giammarco Granieri
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - Cristian Fidanzi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - Agata Janowska
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - Valentina Dini
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - Marco Romanelli
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, Pisa 56126, Italy.
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21
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Jacobs JW, Bastarache L, Thompson MA. Laboratory Predictors of Hemolytic Anemia in Patients With Systemic Loxoscelism. Am J Clin Pathol 2022; 157:566-572. [PMID: 34643670 DOI: 10.1093/ajcp/aqab169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To develop a sensitive and specific protocol for detecting preclinical hemolysis in patients with brown recluse spider (BRS) bites by comparing a large cohort of individuals with brown recluse spider (BRS) bites with and without hemolytic anemia. METHODS A cross-sectional, retrospective analysis of clinical features and laboratory values, including urinalysis (UA) and peripheral blood results, and timing of positive laboratory values prior to a significant drop in hematocrit was performed to evaluate effective predictors of clinically significant hemolysis. RESULTS In total, 275 patients with BRS bites were identified (64 with hemolytic anemia). Sensitivity and specificity of UA positive for blood (with and without microscopic hematuria) for detecting hemolysis were 72% and 75%, respectively. The combination of elevated serum total bilirubin (TB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) had greater sensitivity (94%) and specificity (91%) for detecting patients developing hemolysis. When TB and LDH were evaluated prior to a significant decrease in hematocrit, they were positive in 82% of cases, while UA was positive for blood prior to a hematocrit decrease in 38% of cases. CONCLUSIONS Serum TB and LDH levels are more effective at detecting preclinical hemolysis than UA and should be serially analyzed to triage patients with BRS bites before life-threatening hemolysis occurs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy W Jacobs
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Lisa Bastarache
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Mary Ann Thompson
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Nashville, TN, USA
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22
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Ferreira MD, Veiga SS, Dos Santos FA. Brown spider (Loxosceles sp.) bite and COVID-19: A case report. Toxicon 2022; 212:1-7. [PMID: 35346694 PMCID: PMC8957330 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2022.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
We present the case of a 32-year-old male patient hospitalized during the COVID-19 pandemic because of a Brown spider bite on his lower lip. The Brown spider accident occurred in southern Brazil; at hospital admission, the patient presented on his lip: edema, pustules, necrotic regions, and ulcerations. The patient complained of lower back pain, fever and dyspnea. Laboratory tests showed monocytosis, leukocytosis, neutrophilia, increased D-dimer levels, C-reactive protein, glutamate-pyruvate transaminase, delta bilirubin, creatine phosphokinase, procalcitonin, and fibrinogen. The patient was hospitalized and a multi-professional team carried out the treatment. The medical team diagnosed loxoscelism with moderate changes. The dentist treated the oral cavity. The patient began to develop nausea, vomiting, and desaturation episodes during hospitalization. A computed tomography of the chest was performed, which showed signs of viral infection. The RT-PCR test for COVID-19 was positive. The systemic conditions worsened (renal dysfunction, systemic inflammatory response, pulmonary complications). This condition may have resulted from the association of the two diseases (loxoscelism and COVID-19), leading to the patient's death. This case illustrates the difficulties and risks in treating patients with venomous animal accidents during the pandemic, and the importance of a multi-professional team in treating such cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marceli Dias Ferreira
- Department of Dentistry, School of Dentistry, State University of Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa, PR, Brazil
| | | | - Fábio André Dos Santos
- Department of Dentistry, School of Dentistry, State University of Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa, PR, Brazil.
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23
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Evaluation of the effects of Loxosceles intermedia’s venom in zebrafish. Toxicol Rep 2022; 9:1410-1418. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2022.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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A protective vaccine against the toxic activities following Brown spider accidents based on recombinant mutated phospholipases D as antigens. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 192:757-770. [PMID: 34634338 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Accidents involving Brown spiders are reported throughout the world. In the venom, the major toxins involved in the deleterious effects are phospholipases D (PLDs). In this work, recombinant mutated phospholipases D from three endemic species medically relevant in South America (Loxosceles intermedia, L. laeta and L. gaucho) were tested as antigens in a vaccination protocol. In such isoforms, key amino acid residues involved in catalysis, magnesium-ion coordination, and binding to substrates were replaced by Alanine (H12A-H47A, E32A-D34A and W230A). These mutations eliminated the phospholipase activity and reduced the generation of skin necrosis and edema to residual levels. Molecular modeling of mutated isoforms indicated that the three-dimensional structures, topologies, and surface charges did not undergo significant changes. Mutated isoforms were recognized by sera against the crude venoms. Vaccination protocols in rabbits using mutated isoforms generated a serum that recognized the native PLDs of crude venoms and neutralized dermonecrosis and edema induced by L. intermedia venom. Vaccination of mice prevented the lethal effects of L. intermedia crude venom. Furthermore, vaccination of rabbits prevented the cutaneous lesion triggered by the three venoms. These results indicate a great potential for mutated recombinant PLDs to be employed as antigens in developing protective vaccines for Loxoscelism.
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25
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Saavedra-Langer R, Costa TGF, Lima SA, Costal-Oliveira F, Martins CA, Machado-de-Ávila RA, Minozzo JC, Soccol VT, Guerra-Duarte C, Kalapothakis E, Chávez-Olórtegui C. A prokaryote system optimization for rMEPLox expression: A promising non-toxic antigen for Loxosceles antivenom production. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 187:66-75. [PMID: 34246677 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.07.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Loxoscelism is the most dangerous araneism form in Brazil and antivenom therapy is the recommended treatment. Antivenom is produced by horse immunization with Loxosceles spider venom, which is toxic for the producer animal. Moreover, due to the high amount of venom required for horse hyperimmunization, new strategies for antigens obtention have been proposed. In this sense, our research group has previously produced a non-toxic recombinant multiepitopic protein derived from Loxosceles toxins (rMEPLox). rMEPLox was a successful immunogen, being able to induce the production of neutralizing antibodies, which could be used in the Loxoscelism treatment. However, rMEPLox obtention procedure requires optimization, as its production needs to be scaled up to suit antivenom manufacture. Therefore, an effective protocol development for rMEPlox production would be advantageous. To achieve this objective, we evaluated the influence of different cultivation conditions for rMEPLox optimum expression. The optimum conditions to obtain large amounts of rMEPlox were defined as the use of C43(DE3)pLysS as a host strain, 2xTY medium, 0.6 mM IPTG, biomass pre induction of OD600nm = 0.4 and incubation at 30 °C for 16 h. Following the optimized protocol, 39.84 mg/L of soluble rMEPLox was obtained and tested as immunogen. The results show that the obtained rMEPLox preserved the previously described immunogenicity, and it was able to generate antibodies that recognize different epitopes of the main Loxosceles venom toxins, which makes it a promising candidate for the antivenom production for loxoscelism treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Saavedra-Langer
- Departamentos de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Tamara G F Costa
- Departamentos de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Sabrina A Lima
- Departamentos de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Costal-Oliveira
- Departamentos de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Christina A Martins
- Departamentos de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - João C Minozzo
- Centro de Pesquisa e Produção de Imunobiologicos of Paraná State (CPPI), Brazil
| | | | - Clara Guerra-Duarte
- Diretoria de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, 30510-010 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Evanguedes Kalapothakis
- Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Carlos Chávez-Olórtegui
- Departamentos de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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Alvarenga LM, Cardenas GAC, Jiacomini IG, Ramírez MI. A new insight into the cellular mechanisms of envenomation: Elucidating the role of extracellular vesicles in Loxoscelism. Toxicol Lett 2021; 350:202-212. [PMID: 34314803 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2021.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Envenomation by the Loxosceles genus spiders is a recurring health issue worldwide and specially in the Americas. The physiopathology of the envenomation is tightly associated to the venom's rich toxin composition, able to produce a local dermonecrotic lesion that can evolve systemically and if worsened, might result in multiple organ failure and lethality. The cellular and molecular mechanisms involved with the physiopathology of Loxoscelism are not completely understood, however, the venom's Phospholipases D (PLDs) are known to trigger membrane injury in various cell types. Here, we report for the first time the Loxosceles venom's ability to stimulate the production of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in various human cell lineages. Components of the Loxosceles venom were also detectable in the cargo of these vesicles, suggesting that they may be implicated in the process of extracellular venom release. EVs from venom treated cells exhibited phospholipase D activity and were able to induce in vitro hemolysis in human red blood cells and alter the HEK cell membranes' permeability. Nonetheless, the PLD activity was inhibited when an anti-venom PLDs monoclonal antibody was co-administered with the whole venom. In summary, our findings shed new light on the mechanisms underlying cellular events in the context of loxoscelism and suggest a crucial role of EVs in the process of envenomation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Magalhães Alvarenga
- Laboratório de Imunoquímica, Departamento de Patologia Básica, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
| | | | - Isabella Gizzi Jiacomini
- Laboratório de Imunoquímica, Departamento de Patologia Básica, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Marcel Ivan Ramírez
- EVAHPI - Extracellular Vesicles and Host-Parasite Interactions Research Group Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Sistemática de Tripanossomatideos, Instituto Carlos Chagas-Fiocruz, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
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27
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Gremski LH, Matsubara FH, da Justa HC, Schemczssen-Graeff Z, Baldissera AB, Schluga PHDC, Leite IDO, Boia-Ferreira M, Wille ACM, Senff-Ribeiro A, Veiga SS. Brown spider venom toxins: what are the functions of astacins, serine proteases, hyaluronidases, allergens, TCTP, serpins and knottins? J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2021; 27:e20200188. [PMID: 34377142 PMCID: PMC8314928 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2020-0188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Accidents caused by the bites of brown spiders (Loxosceles) generate a clinical condition that often includes a threatening necrotic skin lesion near the bite site along with a remarkable inflammatory response. Systemic disorders such as hemolysis, thrombocytopenia, and acute renal failure may occur, but are much less frequent than the local damage. It is already known that phospholipases D, highly expressed toxins in Loxosceles venom, can induce most of these injuries. However, this spider venom has a great range of toxins that probably act synergistically to enhance toxicity. The other protein classes remain poorly explored due to the difficulty in obtaining sufficient amounts of them for a thorough investigation. They include astacins (metalloproteases), serine proteases, knottins, translationally controlled tumor proteins (TCTP), hyaluronidases, allergens and serpins. It has already been shown that some of them, according to their characteristics, may participate to some extent in the development of loxoscelism. In addition, all of these toxins present potential application in several areas. The present review article summarizes information regarding some functional aspects of the protein classes listed above, discusses the directions that could be taken to materialize a comprehensive investigation on each of these toxins as well as highlights the importance of exploring the full venom repertoire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiza Helena Gremski
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | | | - Hanna Câmara da Justa
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ana Carolina Martins Wille
- Department of Molecular Structural Biology and Genetics, State University of Ponta Grossa (UEPG), Ponta Grossa, PR, Brazil
| | - Andrea Senff-Ribeiro
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Silvio Sanches Veiga
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR, Brazil
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28
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Trim CM, Byrne LJ, Trim SA. Utilisation of compounds from venoms in drug discovery. PROGRESS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 2021; 60:1-66. [PMID: 34147202 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmch.2021.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Difficult drug targets are becoming the normal course of business in drug discovery, sometimes due to large interacting surfaces or only small differences in selectivity regions. For these, a different approach is merited: compounds lying somewhere between the small molecule and the large antibody in terms of many properties including stability, biodistribution and pharmacokinetics. Venoms have evolved over millions of years to be complex mixtures of stable molecules derived from other somatic molecules, the stability comes from the pressure to be ready for delivery at a moment's notice. Snakes, spiders, scorpions, jellyfish, wasps, fish and even mammals have evolved independent venom systems with complex mixtures in their chemical arsenal. These venom-derived molecules have been proven to be useful tools, such as for the development of antihypotensive angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and have also made successful drugs such as Byetta® (Exenatide), Integrilin® (Eptifibatide) and Echistatin. Only a small percentage of the available chemical space from venoms has been investigated so far and this is growing. In a new era of biological therapeutics, venom peptides present opportunities for larger target engagement surface with greater stability than antibodies or human peptides. There are challenges for oral absorption and target engagement, but there are venom structures that overcome these and thus provide substrate for engineering novel molecules that combine all desired properties. Venom researchers are characterising new venoms, species, and functions all the time, these provide great substrate for solving the challenges presented by today's difficult targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol M Trim
- Faculty of Science, Engineering and Social Sciences, Natural and Applied Sciences, School of Psychology and Life Sciences, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom
| | - Lee J Byrne
- Faculty of Science, Engineering and Social Sciences, Natural and Applied Sciences, School of Psychology and Life Sciences, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom
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29
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Gremski LH, Matsubara FH, Polli NLC, Antunes BC, Schluga PHDC, da Justa HC, Minozzo JC, Wille ACM, Senff-Ribeiro A, Veiga SS. Prospective Use of Brown Spider Venom Toxins as Therapeutic and Biotechnological Inputs. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:706704. [PMID: 34222343 PMCID: PMC8247472 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.706704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Brown spider (genus Loxosceles) venoms are mainly composed of protein toxins used for predation and defense. Bites of these spiders most commonly produce a local dermonecrotic lesion with gravitational spread, edema and hemorrhage, which together are defined as cutaneous loxoscelism. Systemic loxoscelism, such as hematological abnormalities and renal injury, are less frequent but more lethal. Some Loxosceles venom toxins have already been isolated and extensively studied, such as phospholipases D (PLDs), which have been recombinantly expressed and were proven to reproduce toxic activities associated to the whole venom. PLDs have a notable potential to be engineered and converted in non-toxic antigens to produce a new generation of antivenoms or vaccines. PLDs also can serve as tools to discover inhibitors to be used as therapeutic agents. Other Loxosceles toxins have been identified and functionally characterized, such as hyaluronidases, allergen factor, serpin, TCTP and knottins (ICK peptides). All these toxins were produced as recombinant molecules and are biologically active molecules that can be used as tools for the potential development of chemical candidates to tackle many medical and biological threats, acting, for instance, as antitumoral, insecticides, analgesic, antigens for allergy tests and biochemical reagents for cell studies. In addition, these recombinant toxins may be useful to develop a rational therapy for loxoscelism. This review summarizes the main candidates for the development of drugs and biotechnological inputs that have been described in Brown spider venoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Bruno Cesar Antunes
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil.,Production and Research Center of Immunobiological Products, State Department of Health, Piraquara, Brazil
| | | | | | - João Carlos Minozzo
- Production and Research Center of Immunobiological Products, State Department of Health, Piraquara, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Martins Wille
- Department of Structural, Molecular Biology and Genetics, State University of Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa, Brazil
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Schemczssen-Graeff Z, Justa HCD, Nowatzki J, Baldissera AB, Polli NLC, De-Bona E, Rossi IV, Ramirez MI, Minozzo JC, Matsubara FH, Senff-Ribeiro A, Gremski LH, Veiga SS. Description of a serpin toxin in Loxosceles (Brown spider) venoms: Cloning, expression in baculovirus-infected insect cells and functional characterization. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 183:1607-1620. [PMID: 34029585 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.05.129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Several classes of toxins are present in the venom of Brown spiders (Loxosceles genus), some of them are highly expressed and others are less expressed. In this work, we aimed to clone the sequence of a little expressed novel toxin from Loxosceles venom identified as a serine protease inhibitor (serpin), as well as to express and characterize its biochemical and biological properties. It was named LSPILT, derived from Loxoscelesserine protease inhibitor-like toxin. Multiple alignment analysis revealed high identity between LSPILT and other serpin molecules from spiders and crab. LSPILT was produced in baculovirus-infected insect cells, resulting in a 46-kDa protein fused to a His-tag. Immunological assays showed epitopes in LSPILT that resemble native venom toxins of Loxosceles spiders. The inhibitory activity of LSPILT on trypsin was found both by reverse zymography and fluorescent gelatin-degradation assay. Additionally, LSPILT inhibited the complement-dependent lysis of Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes, reduced thrombin-dependent clotting and suppressed B16-F10 melanoma cells migration. Results described herein prove the existence of conserved serpin-like toxins in Loxosceles venoms. The availability of a recombinant serpin enabled the determination of its biological and biochemical properties and indicates potential applications in future studies regarding the pathophysiology of the envenoming or for biotechnological purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hanna Câmara da Justa
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81530-900, PR, Brazil
| | - Jenifer Nowatzki
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81530-900, PR, Brazil
| | | | | | - Elidiana De-Bona
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81530-900, PR, Brazil
| | - Izadora Volpato Rossi
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Paraná, (UFPR), Curitiba 81530-900, PR, Brazil
| | - Marcel Ivan Ramirez
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Paraná, (UFPR), Curitiba 81530-900, PR, Brazil; Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
| | - João Carlos Minozzo
- Center for Production and Research of Immunobiological Products (CPPI), State Department of Health, Piraquara 83302-200, PR, Brazil
| | | | - Andrea Senff-Ribeiro
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81530-900, PR, Brazil
| | - Luiza Helena Gremski
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81530-900, PR, Brazil
| | - Silvio Sanches Veiga
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81530-900, PR, Brazil.
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Brown Spiders' Phospholipases-D with Potential Therapeutic Applications: Functional Assessment of Mutant Isoforms. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9030320. [PMID: 33801128 PMCID: PMC8004160 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9030320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Phospholipases-D (PLDs) found in Loxosceles spiders' venoms are responsible for the dermonecrosis triggered by envenomation. PLDs can also induce other local and systemic effects, such as massive inflammatory response, edema, and hemolysis. Recombinant PLDs reproduce all of the deleterious effects induced by Loxosceles whole venoms. Herein, wild type and mutant PLDs of two species involved in accidents-L. gaucho and L. laeta-were recombinantly expressed and characterized. The mutations are related to amino acid residues relevant for catalysis (H12-H47), magnesium ion coordination (E32-D34) and binding to phospholipid substrates (Y228 and Y228-Y229-W230). Circular dichroism and structural data demonstrated that the mutant isoforms did not undergo significant structural changes. Immunoassays showed that mutant PLDs exhibit conserved epitopes and kept their antigenic properties despite the mutations. Both in vitro (sphingomyelinase activity and hemolysis) and in vivo (capillary permeability, dermonecrotic activity, and histopathological analysis) assays showed that the PLDs with mutations H12-H47, E32-D34, and Y228-Y229-W230 displayed only residual activities. Results indicate that these mutant toxins are suitable for use as antigens to obtain neutralizing antisera with enhanced properties since they will be based on the most deleterious toxins in the venom and without causing severe harmful effects to the animals in which these sera are produced.
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32
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Justa HCD, Matsubara FH, de-Bona E, Schemczssen-Graeff Z, Polli NLC, de Mari TL, Boia-Ferreira M, Minozzo JC, Wille ACM, Senff-Ribeiro A, Gremski LH, Veiga SS. LALLT (Loxosceles Allergen-Like Toxin) from the venom of Loxosceles intermedia: Recombinant expression in insect cells and characterization as a molecule with allergenic properties. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 164:3984-3999. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.08.212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Arán-Sekul T, Perčić-Sarmiento I, Valencia V, Olivero N, Rojas JM, Araya JE, Taucare-Ríos A, Catalán A. Toxicological Characterization and Phospholipase D Activity of the Venom of the Spider Sicarius thomisoides. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:E702. [PMID: 33171968 PMCID: PMC7694614 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12110702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Envenomation by Loxosceles spiders (Sicariidae family) has been thoroughly documented. However, little is known about the potential toxicity of members from the Sicarius genus. Only the venom of the Brazilian Sicarius ornatus spider has been toxicologically characterized. In Chile, the Sicarius thomisoides species is widely distributed in desert and semidesert environments, and it is not considered a dangerous spider for humans. This study aimed to characterize the potential toxicity of the Chilean S. thomisoides spider. To do so, specimens of S. thomisoides were captured in the Atacama Desert, the venom was extracted, and the protein concentration was determined. Additionally, the venoms were analyzed by electrophoresis and Western blotting using anti-recombinant L. laeta PLD1 serum. Phospholipase D enzymatic activity was assessed, and the hemolytic and cytotoxic effects were evaluated and compared with those of the L. laeta venom. The S. thomisoides venom was able to hydrolyze sphingomyelin as well as induce complement-dependent hemolysis and the loss of viability of skin fibroblasts with a dermonecrotic effect of the venom in rabbits. The venom of S. thomisoides showed intraspecific variations, with a similar protein pattern as that of L. laeta venom at 32-35 kDa, recognized by serum anti-LlPLD1. In this context, we can conclude that the venom of Sicarius thomisoides is similar to Loxosceles laeta in many aspects, and the dermonecrotic toxin present in their venom could cause severe harm to humans; thus, precautions are necessary to avoid exposure to their bite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomás Arán-Sekul
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Departamento de Tecnología Médica, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta 1270300, Chile; (T.A.-S.); (I.P.-S.); (V.V.); (N.O.); (J.M.R.); (J.E.A.)
| | - Ivanka Perčić-Sarmiento
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Departamento de Tecnología Médica, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta 1270300, Chile; (T.A.-S.); (I.P.-S.); (V.V.); (N.O.); (J.M.R.); (J.E.A.)
| | - Verónica Valencia
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Departamento de Tecnología Médica, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta 1270300, Chile; (T.A.-S.); (I.P.-S.); (V.V.); (N.O.); (J.M.R.); (J.E.A.)
| | - Nelly Olivero
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Departamento de Tecnología Médica, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta 1270300, Chile; (T.A.-S.); (I.P.-S.); (V.V.); (N.O.); (J.M.R.); (J.E.A.)
| | - José M. Rojas
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Departamento de Tecnología Médica, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta 1270300, Chile; (T.A.-S.); (I.P.-S.); (V.V.); (N.O.); (J.M.R.); (J.E.A.)
| | - Jorge E. Araya
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Departamento de Tecnología Médica, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta 1270300, Chile; (T.A.-S.); (I.P.-S.); (V.V.); (N.O.); (J.M.R.); (J.E.A.)
| | - Andrés Taucare-Ríos
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Arturo Prat, Iquique 1110939, Chile;
- Centro de Investigación en Medio Ambiente (CENIMA), Universidad Arturo Prat, Iquique 1110939, Chile
| | - Alejandro Catalán
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Departamento de Tecnología Médica, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta 1270300, Chile; (T.A.-S.); (I.P.-S.); (V.V.); (N.O.); (J.M.R.); (J.E.A.)
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Esteves FG, Dos Santos-Pinto JRA, Ferro M, Sialana FJ, Smidak R, Rares LC, Nussbaumer T, Rattei T, Bilban M, Bacci Júnior M, Lubec G, Palma MS. Revealing the Venomous Secrets of the Spider's Web. J Proteome Res 2020; 19:3044-3059. [PMID: 32538095 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.0c00086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Orb-weaving spiders use a highly strong, sticky and elastic web to catch their prey. These web properties alone would be enough for the entrapment of prey; however, these spiders may be hiding venomous secrets in the web, which current research is revealing. Here, we provide strong proteotranscriptomic evidence for the presence of toxin/neurotoxin-like proteins, defensins, and proteolytic enzymes on the web silk from Nephila clavipes spider. The results from quantitative-based transcriptomic and proteomic approaches showed that silk-producing glands produce an extensive repertoire of toxin/neurotoxin-like proteins, similar to those already reported in spider venoms. Meanwhile, the insect toxicity results demonstrated that these toxic components can be lethal and/or paralytic chemical weapons used for prey capture on the web, and the presence of fatty acids in the web may be a responsible mechanism opening the way to the web toxins for accessing the interior of prey's body, as shown here. Comparative phylogenomic-level evolutionary analyses revealed orthologous genes among two spider groups, Araneomorphae and Mygalomorphae, and the findings showed protein sequences similar to toxins found in the taxa Scorpiones and Hymenoptera in addition to Araneae. Overall, these data represent a valuable resource to further investigate other spider web toxin systems and also suggest that N. clavipes web is not a passive mechanical trap for prey capture, but it exerts an active role in prey paralysis/killing using a series of neurotoxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franciele Grego Esteves
- Center of the Study of Social Insects, Department of General and Applied Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Rio Claro, University of São Paulo State (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP 13506-900, Brazil
| | - José Roberto Aparecido Dos Santos-Pinto
- Center of the Study of Social Insects, Department of General and Applied Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Rio Claro, University of São Paulo State (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP 13506-900, Brazil
| | - Milene Ferro
- Center of the Study of Social Insects, Department of General and Applied Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Rio Claro, University of São Paulo State (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP 13506-900, Brazil
| | - Fernando J Sialana
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Roman Smidak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Lucaciu Calin Rares
- Division of Computational System Biology, Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Nussbaumer
- Division of Computational System Biology, Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Rattei
- Division of Computational System Biology, Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Bilban
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Core Facility Genomics, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Mauricio Bacci Júnior
- Center of the Study of Social Insects, Department of General and Applied Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Rio Claro, University of São Paulo State (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP 13506-900, Brazil
| | - Gert Lubec
- Paracelsus Medical University, A 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Mario Sergio Palma
- Center of the Study of Social Insects, Department of General and Applied Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Rio Claro, University of São Paulo State (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP 13506-900, Brazil
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Costa TGF, Costal-Oliveira F, de Assis TCS, Lima SA, Martins CA, Finco AB, Veiga SS, Soccol VT, Machado-de-Ávila RA, Figueiredo LFM, Minozzo JC, Kalapothakis E, Guerra-Duarte C, Alvarenga LM, Chávez-Olórtegui C. Engineered antigen containing epitopes from Loxosceles spp. spider toxins induces a monoclonal antibody (Lox-mAb3) against astacin-like metalloproteases. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 162:490-500. [PMID: 32574737 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.06.176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Loxoscelism pose a health issue in the South America. The treatment for these accidents is based on the administration of antivenom produced in animals immunized with Loxosceles venom. In this work, a previously produced non-toxic multiepitopic chimeric protein (rMEPlox), composed of epitopes derived from the main toxins families (sphyngomielinase-D, metalloproteases, and hyaluronidases) of Loxosceles spider venoms, was used as antigen to produce monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). A selected anti-rMEPlox mAb (Lox-mAb3) reacted with metalloprotease from L. intermedia venom and showed cross-reactivity with metalloproteses from Brazilian and Peruvian Loxosceles laeta and Loxosceles gaucho venoms in immunoassays. The sequence recognized by Lox-mAb3 (184ENNTRTIGPFDYDSIMLYGAY205) corresponds to the C-terminal region of Astacin-like metalloprotease 1 and the amino acid sequence IGPFDYDSI, conserved among the homologs metalloproteases sequences, is important for antibody recognition. Lox-mAb3 neutralizes the fibrinogenolytic activity caused by metalloprotease from L. intermedia spider venom in vitro, which may lead to a decrease in hemorrhagic disturbances caused by Loxosceles envenomation. Our results show, for the first time, the use of a non-toxic multiepitopic protein for the production of a neutralizing monoclonal antibody against a metalloprotease of medically important Loxosceles venoms. These results contribute for the production improvement of therapeutic antivenom against loxoscelism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara G F Costa
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia and Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Costal-Oliveira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia and Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Thamyres C S de Assis
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia and Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Sabrina A Lima
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia and Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Christina A Martins
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia and Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Sílvio S Veiga
- Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - João C Minozzo
- Centro de Pesquisa e Produção de Imunobiológicos (CPPI), Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Evanguedes Kalapothakis
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia and Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Clara Guerra-Duarte
- Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, 30510-010 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Carlos Chávez-Olórtegui
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia and Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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Charitos IA, Pennisi L, Lepore A, Santacroce L. Local Dermonecrosis with Generalized Urticaria Probably Due to Loxosceles rufescens Bite. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2020.4128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The spiders of the Loxosceles genus, commonly denoted as “brown spiders” or “Mediterranean recluse” or “brown recluse,” belong to the spider family Sicariidae, suborder Labidognatha, order Araneida, class Arachnida, and phylum Arthropoda. This spider is widespread in Africa and South/Central America, but it is also distributed in North America, in the West Indies, in the Mediterranean Europe, and in China.
CASE REPORT: Here, we report the case of a severe dermonecrotic loxoscelism identified in Southern Italy, probably due to the bite of Loxosceles rufescens. The patient was a women admitted at hospital ER because of a little skin erythema that evolved toward a severe necrosis and ulceration within 20 days. After clinical and laboratory data excluded other local and systemic diseases, she was treated with a systemic and local therapy using corticosteroids and antibiotics with the diagnosis of loxoscelism. The healing from the local skin lesion occurred within 2 months, but the local pain, weakness, and discomfort lasted for a long time.
CONCLUSION: It is the fisrt time that a possible case of systemic loxoscelism with skin generalized urticaria is reported in Italy.
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Loxoscelism: Advances and Challenges in the Design of Antibody Fragments with Therapeutic Potential. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12040256. [PMID: 32316084 PMCID: PMC7232456 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12040256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Envenoming due to Loxosceles spider bites still remains a neglected disease of particular medical concern in the Americas. To date, there is no consensus for the treatment of envenomed patients, yet horse polyclonal antivenoms are usually infused to patients with identified severe medical conditions. It is widely known that venom proteins in the 30–35 kDa range with sphingomyelinase D (SMasesD) activity, reproduce most of the toxic effects observed in loxoscelism. Hence, we believe that monoclonal antibody fragments targeting such toxins might pose an alternative safe and effective treatment. In the present study, starting from the monoclonal antibody LimAb7, previously shown to target SMasesD from the venom of L. intermedia and neutralize its dermonecrotic activity, we designed humanized antibody V-domains, then produced and purified as recombinant single-chain antibody fragments (scFvs). These molecules were characterized in terms of humanness, structural stability, antigen-binding activity, and venom-neutralizing potential. Throughout this process, we identified some blocking points that can impact the Abs antigen-binding activity and neutralizing capacity. In silico analysis of the antigen/antibody amino acid interactions also contributed to a better understanding of the antibody’s neutralization mechanism and led to reformatting the humanized antibody fragment which, ultimately, recovered the functional characteristics for efficient in vitro venom neutralization.
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Loden JK, Seger DL, Spiller HA, Wang L, Byrne DW. Cutaneous-hemolytic loxoscelism following brown recluse spider envenomation: new understandings. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2020; 58:1297-1305. [PMID: 32186919 DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2020.1739701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Background: Brown recluse spider (BRS) (Loxosceles reclusa) envenomation can cause local dermonecrotic lesions, constitutional symptoms, and potentially fatal hemolysis (i.e., cutaneous-hemolytic loxoscelism). As the incidence of hemolysis is low and the spider habitat is limited, little is known regarding the clinical course of cutaneous-hemolytic loxoscelism.Methods: We performed a retrospective observational study of patients following BRS envenomation over an eight-year period. Demographics, clinical course, laboratories, and interventions were assessed. Wilcoxon rank-sum tests and Pearson chi-square tests were used in the univariate analyses. Logistic regression assessed the independent contribution of symptoms in a multivariate analysis.Results: Of the 97 patients, 40.2% (n = 39) developed hemolysis; the majority (66.7%) were 18 years old or younger. Univariate analysis revealed that constitutional symptoms were associated with hemolysis, but multivariate analysis showed only myalgia (aOR: 7.1; 95% CI: 2.2-22.7; p < .001) and malaise (aOR: 12.76; 95% CI: 1.4-119.9; p = .026) were independently associated with hemolysis. The median time to hemolysis onset was 1.0 days (IQR: 1.0-2.5) and all occurred within a week of envenomation. Hemolysis durations were longer in patients DAT positive for IGG antibodies (7.5 vs. 4.0 days; p = .042). Most (76.9%) of hemolyzing patients received blood. In patients with cutaneous-hemolytic loxoscelism, hematuria occurred in 32.4%, rhabdomyolysis occurred in 60.9%, and elevated transaminases with normal hepatic synthetic function occurred in 29.4% but all of these patients developed rhabdomyolysis. Hemolysis was both intravascular and extravascular. Complications (hyperkalemia, INR ≥2.0, metabolic acidosis requiring bicarbonate, hypotension requiring vasopressors, and hypoxia requiring intubation) occurred only in patients with profound hemolytic anemia (hemoglobin <4 g/dL); one patient died.Conclusions: Constitutional symptoms occur in both cutaneous and cutaneous-hemolytic loxoscelism, although they occur more frequently in patients who develop hemolysis. Children may be at a higher risk of hemolysis after envenomation. Renal involvement (as evidenced by hematuria) and rhabdomyolysis may occur more frequently than has been previously reported. Hemolysis was both intravascular and extravascular.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Donna L Seger
- Tennessee Poison Center, Nashville, TN, USA.,Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Henry A Spiller
- Central Ohio Poison Center, Columbus, OH, USA.,Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Daniel W Byrne
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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Gremski LH, da Justa HC, da Silva TP, Polli NLC, Antunes BC, Minozzo JC, Wille ACM, Senff-Ribeiro A, Arni RK, Veiga SS. Forty Years of the Description of Brown Spider Venom Phospholipases-D. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12030164. [PMID: 32155765 PMCID: PMC7150852 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12030164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Spiders of the genus Loxosceles, popularly known as Brown spiders, are considered a serious public health issue, especially in regions of hot or temperate climates, such as parts of North and South America. Although the venoms of these arachnids are complex in molecular composition, often containing proteins with distinct biochemical characteristics, the literature has primarily described a family of toxins, the Phospholipases-D (PLDs), which are highly conserved in all Loxosceles species. PLDs trigger most of the major clinical symptoms of loxoscelism i.e., dermonecrosis, thrombocytopenia, hemolysis, and acute renal failure. The key role played by PLDs in the symptomatology of loxoscelism was first described 40 years ago, when researches purified a hemolytic toxin that cleaved sphingomyelin and generated choline, and was referred to as a Sphingomyelinase-D, which was subsequently changed to Phospholipase-D when it was demonstrated that the enzyme also cleaved other cellular phospholipids. In this review, we present the information gleaned over the last 40 years about PLDs from Loxosceles venoms especially with regard to the production and characterization of recombinant isoforms. The history of obtaining these toxins is discussed, as well as their molecular organization and mechanisms of interaction with their substrates. We will address cellular biology aspects of these toxins and how they can be used in the development of drugs to address inflammatory processes and loxoscelism. Present and future aspects of loxoscelism diagnosis will be discussed, as well as their biotechnological applications and actions expected for the future in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiza Helena Gremski
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, PR, Brazil; (L.H.G.); (H.C.d.J.); (T.P.d.S.); (N.L.C.P.); (B.C.A.); (A.S.-R.)
| | - Hanna Câmara da Justa
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, PR, Brazil; (L.H.G.); (H.C.d.J.); (T.P.d.S.); (N.L.C.P.); (B.C.A.); (A.S.-R.)
| | - Thaís Pereira da Silva
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, PR, Brazil; (L.H.G.); (H.C.d.J.); (T.P.d.S.); (N.L.C.P.); (B.C.A.); (A.S.-R.)
| | - Nayanne Louise Costacurta Polli
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, PR, Brazil; (L.H.G.); (H.C.d.J.); (T.P.d.S.); (N.L.C.P.); (B.C.A.); (A.S.-R.)
| | - Bruno César Antunes
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, PR, Brazil; (L.H.G.); (H.C.d.J.); (T.P.d.S.); (N.L.C.P.); (B.C.A.); (A.S.-R.)
- Centro de Produção e Pesquisa de Imunobiológicos (CPPI), Piraquara 83302-200, PR, Brazil;
| | - João Carlos Minozzo
- Centro de Produção e Pesquisa de Imunobiológicos (CPPI), Piraquara 83302-200, PR, Brazil;
| | - Ana Carolina Martins Wille
- Departamento de Biologia Estrutural, Molecular e Genética, Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa 84030-900, PR, Brazil;
| | - Andrea Senff-Ribeiro
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, PR, Brazil; (L.H.G.); (H.C.d.J.); (T.P.d.S.); (N.L.C.P.); (B.C.A.); (A.S.-R.)
| | - Raghuvir Krishnaswamy Arni
- Centro Multiusuário de Inovação Biomolecular, Departamento de Física, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto 15054-000, SP, Brazil;
| | - Silvio Sanches Veiga
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, PR, Brazil; (L.H.G.); (H.C.d.J.); (T.P.d.S.); (N.L.C.P.); (B.C.A.); (A.S.-R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-(41)-3361-1776
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Abstract
Snake and spider venom is a complex mixture that contains proteins, peptides, and small organic and inorganic compounds. In contrast to spider venom, snake venom proteins are well known both functionally and structurally. This work describes methods for purification and crystallization of snake and spider venom toxins and their three-dimensional structure determination by X-ray crystallography.
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From taxonomy to molecular characterization of brown spider venom: An overview focused on Loxosceles similis. Toxicon 2020; 173:5-19. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Costa-Leonardo AM, da Silva IB, Poiani SB, Dos Santos-Pinto JRA, Esteves FG, da Silva LHB, Palma MS. Proteomic-components provide insights into the defensive secretion in termite workers of the soldierless genus Ruptitermes. J Proteomics 2019; 213:103622. [PMID: 31863930 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2019.103622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Termite soldiers constitute the defensive frontline of the colonies, despite workers also perform such tasks, especially within the Neotropical Apicotermitinae, in which all species are soldierless. Workers of the genus Ruptitermes display an extreme form of defense, characterized by body rupture and release of a sticky secretion. Previous observations suggested that such behavior may be advantageous against enemies, but the chemical composition of this secretion has been neglected. Here we firstly provide the proteomic profile of the defensive secretion of Ruptitermes reconditus and Ruptitermes pitan workers. Additionally, the mechanisms of action of this behavior was evaluated through different bioassays. A total of 446 proteins were identified in R. reconditus and 391 proteins in R. pitan, which were classified into: toxins, defensins and proteolytic enzymes; sticky components/ alarm communication; proteins related to detoxification processes; proteins involved in folding/conformation and post-translational modifications; housekeeping proteins; and uncharacterized/hypothetical proteins. According to the bioassays, the self-sacrifice is triggered by a physical stimulus, and the defensive secretion may cause immobility and death of the opponents. Assuming that termites are abundant in the tropics and therefore exposed to predators, suicidal behaviors seem to be advantageous, since the loss of an individual benefit the whole colony. SIGNIFICANCE: Although recent studies have reported the biochemical composition of different weapons in soldiered species of termites, such efforts had not been applied to sordierless taxa up until now. Thus, this is the first report of the defensive mechanisms in soldierless termite species based on proteomic analysis. The diversity of compounds, which included toxin-like and mucin-like proteins, reflect the mechanisms of action of the defensive secretion released by termite workers, which may cause immobility and death of the opponents. Our findings may contribute to the knowledge regarding the development of defensive strategies in termites, especially in groups which lost the soldier caste during the evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Maria Costa-Leonardo
- Laboratório de Cupins, Departamento de Biologia, Instituto de Biociências, Univ Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Campus Rio Claro, Avenida 24A, 1515, Bela Vista, Rio Claro, SP 13506-900, Brazil; Center for the Study of Social Insects, Department of Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Rio Claro, Univ Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Iago Bueno da Silva
- Laboratório de Cupins, Departamento de Biologia, Instituto de Biociências, Univ Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Campus Rio Claro, Avenida 24A, 1515, Bela Vista, Rio Claro, SP 13506-900, Brazil
| | - Silvana Beani Poiani
- Center for the Study of Social Insects, Department of Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Rio Claro, Univ Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José Roberto Aparecido Dos Santos-Pinto
- Center for the Study of Social Insects, Department of Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Rio Claro, Univ Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Franciele Grego Esteves
- Center for the Study of Social Insects, Department of Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Rio Claro, Univ Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luiza Helena Bueno da Silva
- Laboratório de Cupins, Departamento de Biologia, Instituto de Biociências, Univ Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Campus Rio Claro, Avenida 24A, 1515, Bela Vista, Rio Claro, SP 13506-900, Brazil
| | - Mario Sergio Palma
- Center for the Study of Social Insects, Department of Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Rio Claro, Univ Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
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Boia-Ferreira M, Moreno KG, Basílio ABC, da Silva LP, Vuitika L, Soley B, Wille ACM, Donatti L, Barbaro KC, Chaim OM, Gremski LH, Veiga SS, Senff-Ribeiro A. TCTP from Loxosceles Intermedia (Brown Spider) Venom Contributes to the Allergic and Inflammatory Response of Cutaneous Loxoscelism. Cells 2019; 8:E1489. [PMID: 31766608 PMCID: PMC6953063 DOI: 10.3390/cells8121489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
LiTCTP is a toxin from the Translationally Controlled Tumor Protein (TCTP) family identified in Loxosceles brown spider venoms. These proteins are known as histamine-releasing factors (HRF). TCTPs participate in allergic and anaphylactic reactions, which suggest their potential role as therapeutic targets. The histaminergic effect of TCTP is related to its pro-inflammatory functions. An initial characterization of LiTCTP in animal models showed that this toxin can increase the microvascular permeability of skin vessels and induce paw edema in a dose-dependent manner. We evaluated the role of LiTCTP in vitro and in vivo in the inflammatory and allergic aspects that undergo the biological responses observed in Loxoscelism, the clinical condition after an accident with Loxosceles spiders. Our results showed LiTCTP recombinant toxin (LiRecTCTP) as an essential synergistic factor for the dermonecrotic toxin actions (LiRecDT1, known as the main toxin in the pathophysiology of Loxoscelism), revealing its contribution to the exacerbated inflammatory response clinically observed in envenomated patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Boia-Ferreira
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81531-980, PR, Brazil; (M.B.-F.); (K.G.M.); (A.B.C.B.); (L.P.d.S.); (L.V.); (L.D.); or (L.H.G.); (S.S.V.)
| | - Kamila G. Moreno
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81531-980, PR, Brazil; (M.B.-F.); (K.G.M.); (A.B.C.B.); (L.P.d.S.); (L.V.); (L.D.); or (L.H.G.); (S.S.V.)
| | - Alana B. C. Basílio
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81531-980, PR, Brazil; (M.B.-F.); (K.G.M.); (A.B.C.B.); (L.P.d.S.); (L.V.); (L.D.); or (L.H.G.); (S.S.V.)
| | - Lucas P. da Silva
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81531-980, PR, Brazil; (M.B.-F.); (K.G.M.); (A.B.C.B.); (L.P.d.S.); (L.V.); (L.D.); or (L.H.G.); (S.S.V.)
| | - Larissa Vuitika
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81531-980, PR, Brazil; (M.B.-F.); (K.G.M.); (A.B.C.B.); (L.P.d.S.); (L.V.); (L.D.); or (L.H.G.); (S.S.V.)
| | - Bruna Soley
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81531-980, PR, Brazil;
| | - Ana Carolina M. Wille
- Department of Structural and Molecular Biology, State University of Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa 84030-900, PR, Brazil;
| | - Lucélia Donatti
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81531-980, PR, Brazil; (M.B.-F.); (K.G.M.); (A.B.C.B.); (L.P.d.S.); (L.V.); (L.D.); or (L.H.G.); (S.S.V.)
| | - Katia C. Barbaro
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-900, SP, Brazil;
| | - Olga M. Chaim
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81531-980, PR, Brazil; (M.B.-F.); (K.G.M.); (A.B.C.B.); (L.P.d.S.); (L.V.); (L.D.); or (L.H.G.); (S.S.V.)
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Luiza Helena Gremski
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81531-980, PR, Brazil; (M.B.-F.); (K.G.M.); (A.B.C.B.); (L.P.d.S.); (L.V.); (L.D.); or (L.H.G.); (S.S.V.)
| | - Silvio S. Veiga
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81531-980, PR, Brazil; (M.B.-F.); (K.G.M.); (A.B.C.B.); (L.P.d.S.); (L.V.); (L.D.); or (L.H.G.); (S.S.V.)
| | - Andrea Senff-Ribeiro
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81531-980, PR, Brazil; (M.B.-F.); (K.G.M.); (A.B.C.B.); (L.P.d.S.); (L.V.); (L.D.); or (L.H.G.); (S.S.V.)
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Gao AL, Cole JG, Woolsey ZT, Stoecker WV. Structured zinc oxide dressing for secondary intention wounds. J Wound Care 2019; 26:S30-S36. [PMID: 28976831 DOI: 10.12968/jowc.2017.26.sup10.s30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Inexpensive methods for more rapid healing of secondary intention wounds are sought. This pilot study measured the wound healing rate for a new zinc oxide structured dressing technique. METHOD In this study, we included the three patients with the largest wounds with onset during a one month period. A 3-ply gauze was cut and placed in the centre of each wound, leaving a 3-5mm rim of the wound exposed to the zinc gauze. The central gauze was soaked with 0.9% saline solution and the entire wound area was covered with 3 layers of Unna zinc oxide dressing. The central gauze size was modified to fit as the wound healed and the size changed. The wound was photographed at each visit and wound areas were obtained using best-fit ellipses. RESULTS The average wound closure rate is reported in the three wounds as 21.73mm2 per day. The scalp wound healed at a rate of 21.45mm2 per day.; the spider bite wound healed at a rate of 28.92mm2 per day; and the thigh wound healed at a rate of 14.81mm2 per day. CONCLUSION Healing rates for the zinc gauze method exceed those previously reported for full-thickness wounds healing by secondary intention. Additional study of the new technique with more patients is needed before conclusions relevant to clinical practice can be made.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L Gao
- UCLA Department of Life Sciences, UCLA, LA, California, US
| | - J G Cole
- S&A Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, US
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Siqueira RAGB, Calabria PAL, Caporrino MC, Tavora BCLF, Barbaro KC, Faquim-Mauro EL, Della-Casa MS, Magalhães GS. When spider and snake get along: Fusion of a snake disintegrin with a spider phospholipase D to explore their synergistic effects on a tumor cell. Toxicon 2019; 168:40-48. [PMID: 31251993 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.06.225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Venoms of spiders and snakes contain toxins extremely active and, thus, provide a natural source for the development of new biotechnological tools. Among the diversity of toxins present in the venom of spiders from genus Loxosceles, the phospholipases D (PLDs) show high hydrolytic activity upon lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) and sphingomyelin (SM), generating bioactive phospholipids such as cyclic phosphatidic acid (cPA). Since this mediator has been shown to play a major role in complex signaling pathways, including inhibition of tumor cells, the PLDs may hold the key to learn how toxins could be used for therapeutic purposes. However, the strong platelet aggregation of PLDs and their lack of selectivity impose a major limitation. On the other hand, disintegrins present in the venoms of Viperidae snakes are a potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation and possess high affinity and specificity to molecules called integrins that are highly expressed in some tumor cells, such as murine melanoma B16F10. Therefore, disintegrins might be suitable molecules to carry the PLDs to the malignant cells, so both toxins may work synergistically to eliminate these cells. Thus, in this work, a recombinant PLD from Loxosceles gaucho spider was recombinantly fused to a disintegrin from Echis carinatus snake to form a hybrid toxin called Rechistatin. This recombinant toxin was successfully expressed in bacteria, showed binding activity in B16F10 murine melanoma cells and exerted a synergistic cytotoxicity effect on these cells. Therefore, the approach presented in this work may represent a new strategy to explore new potential applications for spider PLDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel A G B Siqueira
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Butantan Institute, Av. Vital Brazil 1500, 05503-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Paula A L Calabria
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Butantan Institute, Av. Vital Brazil 1500, 05503-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Maria C Caporrino
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Butantan Institute, Av. Vital Brazil 1500, 05503-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Bianca C L F Tavora
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Butantan Institute, Av. Vital Brazil 1500, 05503-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Katia C Barbaro
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Butantan Institute, Av. Vital Brazil 1500, 05503-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Eliana L Faquim-Mauro
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Butantan Institute, Av. Vital Brazil 1500, 05503-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Maisa S Della-Casa
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Butantan Institute, Av. Vital Brazil 1500, 05503-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Geraldo S Magalhães
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Butantan Institute, Av. Vital Brazil 1500, 05503-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Brown Spider ( Loxosceles) Venom Toxins as Potential Biotools for the Development of Novel Therapeutics. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11060355. [PMID: 31248109 PMCID: PMC6628458 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11060355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Brown spider envenomation results in dermonecrosis with gravitational spreading characterized by a marked inflammatory reaction and with lower prevalence of systemic manifestations such as renal failure and hematological disturbances. Several toxins make up the venom of these species, and they are mainly peptides and proteins ranging from 5–40 kDa. The venoms have three major families of toxins: phospholipases-D, astacin-like metalloproteases, and the inhibitor cystine knot (ICK) peptides. Serine proteases, serpins, hyaluronidases, venom allergens, and a translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) are also present. Toxins hold essential biological properties that enable interactions with a range of distinct molecular targets. Therefore, the application of toxins as research tools and clinical products motivates repurposing their uses of interest. This review aims to discuss possibilities for brown spider venom toxins as putative models for designing molecules likely for therapeutics based on the status quo of brown spider venoms. Herein, we explore new possibilities for the venom components in the context of their biochemical and biological features, likewise their cellular targets, three-dimensional structures, and mechanisms of action.
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Ribeiro MF, de Oliveira FL, Souza AM, Machado TDB, Cardoso PF, Patti A, Nascimento AS, de Souza CMV, Elias SC. Effects of copaiba oil on dermonecrosis induced by Loxosceles intermedia venom. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2019; 25:e149318. [PMID: 31131009 PMCID: PMC6521710 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-1493-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Accidents caused by spiders of the genus Loxosceles
constitute an important public health problem in Brazil. The venom of
Loxosceles sp induces dermonecrosis at the bite site
and systemic disease in severe cases. Traditional medicine based on
plant-derived products has been proven to reduce the local effects of
envenomation. The present study verified the healing effects of copaiba oil
on lesions induced by the venom of L. intermedia. Methods: Cutaneous lesions were induced on the backs of rabbits by intradermal
injection of L. intermedia venom. Copaiba oil was applied
topically 6 hours after injection; the treatment was repeated for 30 days,
after which animal skins were removed and processed for histopathological
analysis. Blood samples were also collected before and 24 hours after venom
inoculation to measure the hematological parameters. Results: Compared to the control group, the platelet count was reduced significantly
in all groups inoculated with venom, accompanied by a decreased number of
heterophils in the blood. The minimum necrotic dose (MND) was defined as 2.4
μg/kg. Topical treatment with copaiba oil demonstrated a differentiated
healing profile: large skin lesions were observed 10 days after venom
inoculation, whereas formation of a thick crust, without scarring was
observed 30 days after venom inoculation. Histopathological analysis showed
no significant difference after treatment. Nevertheless, the copaiba oil
treatment induced a collagen distribution similar to control skin, in marked
contrast to the group that received only the spider venom injection. Conclusions: We conclude that copaiba oil may interfere in the healing process and thus
propose it as a possible topical treatment for cutaneous lesions induced by
L. intermedia venom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Fernandes Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Pharmacology; Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Administration; School of Pharmacy; Fluminense Federal University; Niterói - RJ, Brazil
| | - Felipe Leite de Oliveira
- Laboratory for Cellular Proliferation and Differentiation; Institute of Biomedical Sciences; Federal University of Rio de Janeiro; Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Aline Moreira Souza
- Laboratory for Veterinary Clinical Pathology; Department of Pathology and Veterinary Clinics; School of Veterinary Medicine; Fluminense Federal University; Niterói - RJ, Brazil
| | - Thelma de Barros Machado
- Laboratory of Physiochemical Quality Control; Department of Pharmaceutical Technology; School of Pharmacy; Fluminense Federal University; Niterói - RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Andrea Patti
- Biotherium; Scientific Directorship; Vital Brazil Institute; Niterói - RJ, Brazil
| | - Angélica Silveira Nascimento
- Laboratory of Pharmacology; Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Administration; School of Pharmacy; Fluminense Federal University; Niterói - RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Sabrina Calil Elias
- Laboratory of Pharmacology; Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Administration; School of Pharmacy; Fluminense Federal University; Niterói - RJ, Brazil
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Loxoscelism: Cutaneous and Hematologic Manifestations. Adv Hematol 2019; 2019:4091278. [PMID: 31015839 PMCID: PMC6446102 DOI: 10.1155/2019/4091278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Brown recluse spider (BRS) envenomation can lead to significant morbidity through severe local reaction and systemic illness including acute hemolytic anemia, rhabdomyolysis, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC), and even death. We aim to describe the clinical features and the roles of antibiotics and steroids in the treatment of loxoscelism. Methods We retrospectively identified nine patients (pts) at our institution who were admitted with moderate to severe loxoscelism. A chart review was performed to highlight important clinical features and effect of interventions. Results Nine pts (age 18 to 53) presented with fever (6), rash (9), pain/swelling (4), and jaundice (2). Of these, 6 pts had antecedent spider bites documented. Five pts were discharged from Emergency Room (ER) with oral antibiotics for “cellulitis” and were readmitted with severe systemic symptoms, with almost half (45%) of the pts being admitted to the intensive care unit. The most common admission diagnosis was sepsis secondary to cellulitis (6). Four pts developed worsening dermonecrosis, and 3 received prompt incision and drainage (I&D) with debridement. Hemolytic anemia developed around day 5 after spider bite (average); the lowest mean hemoglobin level was 5.8g/dL, with average drop of 3.1 g/dL. Direct antiglobulin test (DAT) (for both complement and surface immunoglobulin) was positive in 4 out of 9 patients. Four pts received glucocorticoid therapy for their hemolytic anemia. The use of steroid and intravenous immunoglobulin (IV Ig) did not seem to show a difference in the time of recovery although those who received steroids required less blood transfusion (2.1 units less). All pts had a complete recovery within two weeks. Conclusion Treatment of systemic loxoscelism involves aggressive supportive care including appropriate wound management, blood transfusions, intravenous fluid replacement, and appropriate antibiotic coverage. It is unclear at this time if glucocorticoids or IVIg has any beneficial impact on the treatment of severe loxoscelism.
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Design and Production of a Recombinant Hybrid Toxin to Raise Protective Antibodies Against Loxosceles Spider Venom. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11020108. [PMID: 30759862 PMCID: PMC6409891 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11020108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Revised: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Human accidents with spiders of the genus Loxosceles are an important health problem affecting thousands of people worldwide. Patients evolve to severe local injuries and, in many cases, to systemic disturbances as acute renal failure, in which cases antivenoms are considered to be the most effective treatment. However, for antivenom production, the extraction of the venom used in the immunization process is laborious and the yield is very low. Thus, many groups have been exploring the use of recombinant Loxosceles toxins, particularly phospholipases D (PLDs), to produce the antivenom. Nonetheless, some important venom activities are not neutralized by anti-PLD antibodies. Astacin-like metalloproteases (ALMPs) are the second most expressed toxin acting on the extracellular matrix, indicating the importance of its inclusion in the antigen’s formulation to provide a better antivenom. Here we show the construction of a hybrid recombinant immunogen, called LgRec1ALP1, composed of hydrophilic regions of the PLD and the ALMP toxins from Loxosceles gaucho. Although the LgRec1ALP1 was expressed as inclusion bodies, it resulted in good yields and it was effective to produce neutralizing antibodies in mice. The antiserum neutralized fibrinogenolytic, platelet aggregation and dermonecrotic activities elicited by L. gaucho, L. laeta, and L. intermedia venoms, indicating that the hybrid recombinant antigen may be a valuable source for the production of protective antibodies against Loxosceles ssp. venoms. In addition, the hybrid recombinant toxin approach may enrich and expand the alternative antigens for antisera production for other venoms.
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Plenge-Tellechea LF, Hernández-Ramos ÁD, Muñoz JM, Barraza-Garza G, Rico-Escobar E, Meléndez-Martínez D. Acanthocytosis and brain damage in area postrema and choroid plexus: Description of novel signs of Loxosceles apachea envenomation in rats. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0211689. [PMID: 30730934 PMCID: PMC6366775 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Loxocelism is a neglected medical problem that depends on its severity, can cause a cutaneous or viscero-cutaneous syndrome. This syndrome is characterized by hemostatic effects and necrosis, and the severity of the loxoscelism depends on the amount of venom injected, the zone of inoculation, and the species. In the Chihuahuan desert, the most abundant species is L. apachea. Its venom and biological effects are understudied, including neurological effects. Thus, our aim is to explore the effect of this regional species of medical interest in the United States-Mexico border community, using rat blood and central nervous system (CNS), particularly, two brain structures involved in brain homeostasis, Area postrema (AP) and Choroid plexus (PC). L. apachea specimens were collected and venom was obtained. Different venom concentrations (0, 0.178 and 0.87 μg/g) were inoculated into Sprague-Dawley rats (intraperitoneal injection). Subsequently, blood was extracted and stained with Wright staining; coronal sections of AP were obtained and stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and laminin γ immunolabelling, the same was done with CP sections. Blood, AP and CP were observed under the microscope and abnormalities in erythrocytes and fluctuation in leukocyte types were described and quantified in blood. Capillaries were also quantified in AP and damage was described in CP. L. apachea venom produced a segmented neutrophil increment (neutrophilia), lymphocyte diminishment (leukopenia) and erythrocytes presented membrane abnormalities (acanthocytosis). Extravasated erythrocytes were observed in HE stained sections from both, AP and CP, which suggest that near to this section a hemorrhage is present; through immunohistofluorescence, a diminishment of laminin γ was observed in AP endothelial cells and in CP ependymal cells when these structures were exposed to L. apachea venom. In conclusion, L. apachea venom produced leukopenia, netrophilia and acanthocytosis in rat peripheral blood, and also generated hemorrhages on AP and CP through degradation of laminin γ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Fernando Plenge-Tellechea
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Departamento de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, México
- * E-mail:
| | - Ángel Daniel Hernández-Ramos
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Departamento de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, México
| | - Juan Manuel Muñoz
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Departamento de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, México
| | - Guillermo Barraza-Garza
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Departamento de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, México
| | - Edna Rico-Escobar
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Departamento de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, México
| | - David Meléndez-Martínez
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Departamento de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, México
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