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Walker AA, Robinson SD, Merritt DJ, Cardoso FC, Goudarzi MH, Mercedes RS, Eagles DA, Cooper P, Zdenek CN, Fry BG, Hall DW, Vetter I, King GF. Horizontal gene transfer underlies the painful stings of asp caterpillars (Lepidoptera: Megalopygidae). Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2305871120. [PMID: 37428925 PMCID: PMC10629529 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2305871120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Larvae of the genus Megalopyge (Lepidoptera: Zygaenoidea: Megalopygidae), known as asp or puss caterpillars, produce defensive venoms that cause severe pain. Here, we present the anatomy, chemistry, and mode of action of the venom systems of caterpillars of two megalopygid species, the Southern flannel moth Megalopyge opercularis and the black-waved flannel moth Megalopyge crispata. We show that megalopygid venom is produced in secretory cells that lie beneath the cuticle and are connected to the venom spines by canals. Megalopygid venoms consist of large aerolysin-like pore-forming toxins, which we have named megalysins, and a small number of peptides. The venom system differs markedly from those of previously studied venomous zygaenoids of the family Limacodidae, suggestive of an independent origin. Megalopygid venom potently activates mammalian sensory neurons via membrane permeabilization and induces sustained spontaneous pain behavior and paw swelling in mice. These bioactivities are ablated by treatment with heat, organic solvents, or proteases, indicating that they are mediated by larger proteins such as the megalysins. We show that the megalysins were recruited as venom toxins in the Megalopygidae following horizontal transfer of genes from bacteria to the ancestors of ditrysian Lepidoptera. Megalopygids have recruited aerolysin-like proteins as venom toxins convergently with centipedes, cnidarians, and fish. This study highlights the role of horizontal gene transfer in venom evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew A. Walker
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD4072, Australia
- Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Protein and Peptide Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD4072, Australia
| | - Samuel D. Robinson
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD4072, Australia
| | - David J. Merritt
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD4072, Australia
| | - Fernanda C. Cardoso
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD4072, Australia
- Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Protein and Peptide Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD4072, Australia
| | - Mohaddeseh Hedayati Goudarzi
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD4072, Australia
- Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Protein and Peptide Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD4072, Australia
| | - Raine S. Mercedes
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD4072, Australia
- Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Protein and Peptide Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD4072, Australia
| | - David A. Eagles
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD4072, Australia
- Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Protein and Peptide Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD4072, Australia
| | - Paul Cooper
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT2601, Australia
| | - Christina N. Zdenek
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD4072, Australia
| | - Bryan G. Fry
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD4072, Australia
| | - Donald W. Hall
- Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32608
| | - Irina Vetter
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD4072, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD4102, Australia
| | - Glenn F. King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD4072, Australia
- Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Protein and Peptide Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD4072, Australia
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Toro-Vargas DM, González C, Rougerie R, Amarillo-Suárez AR. Characterization of morphological and biological aspects of venomous caterpillars of the genus Lonomia Walker (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) in Colombia. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285010. [PMID: 37256837 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The genus Lonomia Walker, 1855 (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) is of particular interest to the medical community, since the scoli of these caterpillars harbor a venom that induces hemorrhaging in humans. In Colombia, deadly encounters with Lonomia achelous (Cramer, 1777), have been reported since 2000. There is little information on the main biological and ecological aspects of this genus to help better understand and develop prevention strategies. This study aimed to describe morphological and biological aspects (especially of immature stages) of four recently reported species of Lonomia in Colombia that pose a risk to humans. We collected caterpillars and adults from five localities and reared them under laboratory conditions. Specimens were identified using DNA barcoding and dissection of adult male genitalia. We provided the first description, to our knowledge, of part of the life cycles of Lonomia casanarensis Brechlin, 2017 and Lonomia orientoandensis Brechlin & Meister, 2011 and the complete life cycles of Lonomia columbiana Lemaire, 1972 and Lonomia orientocordillera Brechlin, Käch & Meister, 2013. We also present the first records of the parasitoids of L. orientocordillera, and L. casanarensis and new host plants. This information will guide not only their morphological recognition and the identification of their parasitoids and hosts, but also will guide rearing methods of these and other Lonomia species in new studies to prevent incidents with humans and create specific antivenoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana M Toro-Vargas
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Tropical (CIMPAT), Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Camila González
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Tropical (CIMPAT), Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Rodolphe Rougerie
- Institut de Systématique, Évolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, EPHE, Sorbonne Université, Université des Antilles, Paris, France
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3
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González C, Ballesteros-Mejia L, Díaz-Díaz J, Toro-Vargas DM, Amarillo-Suarez AR, Gey D, León C, Tovar E, Arias M, Rivera N, Buitrago LS, Pinto-Moraes RH, Sano Martins IS, Decaëns T, González MA, Kitching IJ, Rougerie R. Deadly and venomous Lonomia caterpillars are more than the two usual suspects. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011063. [PMID: 36821543 PMCID: PMC9949635 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Caterpillars of the Neotropical genus Lonomia (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) are responsible for some fatal envenomation of humans in South America inducing hemostatic disturbances in patients upon skin contact with the caterpillars' spines. Currently, only two species have been reported to cause hemorrhagic syndromes in humans: Lonomia achelous and Lonomia obliqua. However, species identifications have remained largely unchallenged despite improved knowledge of venom diversity and growing evidence that the taxonomy used over past decades misrepresents and underestimates species diversity. Here, we revisit the taxonomic diversity and distribution of Lonomia species using the most extensive dataset assembled to date, combining DNA barcodes, morphological comparisons, and geographical information. Considering new evidence for seven undescribed species as well as three newly proposed nomenclatural changes, our integrative approach leads to the recognition of 60 species, of which seven are known or strongly suspected to cause severe envenomation in humans. From a newly compiled synthesis of epidemiological data, we also examine the consequences of our results for understanding Lonomia envenomation risks and call for further investigations of other species' venom activities. This is required and necessary to improve alertness in areas at risk, and to define adequate treatment strategies for envenomed patients, including performing species identification and assessing the efficacy of anti-Lonomia serums against a broader diversity of species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila González
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Tropical (CIMPAT), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
- * E-mail: ;
| | - Liliana Ballesteros-Mejia
- Institut de Systématique, Évolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle, CNRS, EPHE, Sorbonne Université, Université des Antilles, Paris, France
- CESAB, Centre de synthèse et d’Analyse sur la Biodiversité, Montpellier, France
| | - Juana Díaz-Díaz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Tropical (CIMPAT), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Diana M. Toro-Vargas
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Tropical (CIMPAT), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Delphine Gey
- Institut de Systématique, Évolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle, CNRS, EPHE, Sorbonne Université, Université des Antilles, Paris, France
| | - Cielo León
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Tropical (CIMPAT), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Eduardo Tovar
- Instituto de Investigación de Recursos Biológicos Alexander von Humboldt, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Mónica Arias
- CIRAD, UMR PHIM, Montpellier, France
- PHIM, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, INRAE, Institut Agro, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Nazario Rivera
- Secretaría de Salud de Casanare. Area de Salud Pública, Yopal, Colombia
| | | | | | | | - Thibaud Decaëns
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Mailyn A. González
- Instituto de Investigación de Recursos Biológicos Alexander von Humboldt, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Rodolphe Rougerie
- Institut de Systématique, Évolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle, CNRS, EPHE, Sorbonne Université, Université des Antilles, Paris, France
- * E-mail: ;
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Lonomia obliqua Envenoming and Innovative Research. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13120832. [PMID: 34941670 PMCID: PMC8706654 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13120832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
As a tribute to Butantan Institute in its 120th anniversary, this review describes some of the scientific research efforts carried out in the study of Lonomia envenoming in Brazil, a country where accidents with caterpillars reach over 42,000 individuals per year (especially in South and Southeast Brazil). Thus, the promising data regarding the studies with Lonomia’s toxins contributed to the creation of new research centers specialized in toxinology based at Butantan Institute, as well as to the production of the antilonomic serum (ALS), actions which are in line with the Butantan Institute mission “to research, develop, manufacture, and provide products and services for the health of the population”. In addition, the study of the components of the Lonomia obliqua bristle extract led to the discovery of new molecules with peculiar properties, opening a field of knowledge that could lead to the development and innovation of new drugs aimed at cell regeneration and inflammatory diseases.
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5
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The evolutionary dynamics of venom toxins made by insects and other animals. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 48:1353-1365. [PMID: 32756910 DOI: 10.1042/bst20190820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Animal venoms are recognised as unique biological systems in which to study molecular evolution. Venom use has evolved numerous times among the insects, and insects today use venom to capture prey, defend themselves from predators, or to subdue and modulate host responses during parasitism. However, little is known about most insect venom toxins or the mode and tempo by which they evolve. Here, I review the evolutionary dynamics of insect venom toxins, and argue that insects offer many opportunities to examine novel aspects of toxin evolution. The key questions addressed are: How do venomous animals evolve from non-venomous animals, and how does this path effect the composition and pharmacology of the venom? What genetic processes (gene duplication, co-option, neofunctionalisation) are most important in toxin evolution? What kinds of selection pressures are acting on toxin-encoding genes and their cognate targets in envenomated animals? The emerging evidence highlights that venom composition and pharmacology adapts quickly in response to changing selection pressures resulting from new ecological interactions, and that such evolution occurs through a stunning variety of genetic mechanisms. Insects offer many opportunities to investigate the evolutionary dynamics of venom toxins due to their evolutionary history rich in venom-related adaptations, and their quick generation time and suitability for culture in the laboratory.
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Production, composition, and mode of action of the painful defensive venom produced by a limacodid caterpillar, Doratifera vulnerans. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2023815118. [PMID: 33893140 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2023815118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Venoms have evolved independently several times in Lepidoptera. Limacodidae is a family with worldwide distribution, many of which are venomous in the larval stage, but the composition and mode of action of their venom is unknown. Here, we use imaging technologies, transcriptomics, proteomics, and functional assays to provide a holistic picture of the venom system of a limacodid caterpillar, Doratifera vulnerans Contrary to dogma that defensive venoms are simple in composition, D. vulnerans produces a complex venom containing 151 proteinaceous toxins spanning 59 families, most of which are peptides <10 kDa. Three of the most abundant families of venom peptides (vulnericins) are 1) analogs of the adipokinetic hormone/corazonin-related neuropeptide, some of which are picomolar agonists of the endogenous insect receptor; 2) linear cationic peptides derived from cecropin, an insect innate immune peptide that kills bacteria and parasites by disrupting cell membranes; and 3) disulfide-rich knottins similar to those that dominate spider venoms. Using venom fractionation and a suite of synthetic venom peptides, we demonstrate that the cecropin-like peptides are responsible for the dominant pain effect observed in mammalian in vitro and in vivo nociception assays and therefore are likely to cause pain after natural envenomations by D. vulnerans Our data reveal convergent molecular evolution between limacodids, hymenopterans, and arachnids and demonstrate that lepidopteran venoms are an untapped source of novel bioactive peptides.
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Sánchez MN, Sciani JM, Quintana MA, Martínez MM, Tavares FL, Gritti MA, Fan HW, Teibler GP, Peichoto ME. Understanding toxicological implications of accidents with caterpillars Megalopyge lanata and Podalia orsilochus (Lepidoptera: Megalopygidae). Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2019; 216:110-119. [PMID: 30448590 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2018.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Revised: 11/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Megalopygids Megalopyge lanata and Podalia orsilochus are common causative agents of accidents in agricultural workers. These accidents are provoked by dermal contact at their larval stage and are characterized by cutaneous reactions, such as burning pain, edema and erythema, typically mild and self-limited. There is very little information about their venoms and their toxicological implications on human health. Thus, we employed proteomic techniques and biological assays to characterize venoms (bristle extracts) from caterpillars of both species collected from Misiones, Argentina. The electrophoretic profiles of both venoms were substantially different, and they presented proteins related to toxicity, such as serinepeptidases, serpins and lectins. P. orsilochus venom exhibited higher caseinolytic activity than M. lanata venom, agreeing with the fact that only P. orsilochus venom hydrolyzed human fibrin(ogen). In addition, the latter shortened the clotting time triggered by calcium. While the venom of M. lanata induced a mild inflammatory lesion in mouse skin, P. orsilochus venom caused prominent necrosis, inflammatory infiltration and hemorrhage at the site of venom injection. On the other hand, P. orsilochus venom was better recognized by Lonomia obliqua antivenom, although many of its proteins could not be cross-reacted, what may explain the difference in the clinical manifestations between accidents by Podalia and those by Lonomia. Altogether, this study provides relevant information about the pathophysiological mechanisms whereby both caterpillars can induce toxicity on human beings, and paves the way for novel discovery of naturally occurring bioactive compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matías N Sánchez
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina; Instituto Nacional de Medicina Tropical (INMeT), Neuquén y Jujuy s/n, 3370 Puerto Iguazú, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias (FCV), Universidad Nacional del Nordeste (UNNE), Sargento Cabral 2139, 3400 Corrientes, Argentina
| | - Juliana M Sciani
- Laboratório Multidisciplinar de Pesquisa, Universidade São Francisco, Av. São Francisco de Assis, 218, 12916-900 Bragança Paulista, SP, Brazil
| | - María A Quintana
- Instituto Nacional de Medicina Tropical (INMeT), Neuquén y Jujuy s/n, 3370 Puerto Iguazú, Argentina
| | - María M Martínez
- Instituto Nacional de Medicina Tropical (INMeT), Neuquén y Jujuy s/n, 3370 Puerto Iguazú, Argentina
| | - Flávio L Tavares
- Universidade Federal da Integração Latino-Americana (UNILA) - ILACVN - Av. Tarquínio Joslin dos Santos, 1000, Foz do Iguaçu - PR, CEP 85870-650, Brazil
| | - Micaela A Gritti
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias (FCV), Universidad Nacional del Nordeste (UNNE), Sargento Cabral 2139, 3400 Corrientes, Argentina
| | - Hui W Fan
- Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil, 1500, 05503-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Gladys P Teibler
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias (FCV), Universidad Nacional del Nordeste (UNNE), Sargento Cabral 2139, 3400 Corrientes, Argentina
| | - María E Peichoto
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina; Instituto Nacional de Medicina Tropical (INMeT), Neuquén y Jujuy s/n, 3370 Puerto Iguazú, Argentina.
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Walker AA, Robinson SD, Yeates DK, Jin J, Baumann K, Dobson J, Fry BG, King GF. Entomo-venomics: The evolution, biology and biochemistry of insect venoms. Toxicon 2018; 154:15-27. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Revised: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Villas-Boas IM, Bonfá G, Tambourgi DV. Venomous caterpillars: From inoculation apparatus to venom composition and envenomation. Toxicon 2018; 153:39-52. [PMID: 30145232 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2018] [Revised: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Envenomation by the larval or pupal stages of moths occurs when the victim presses their hairs. They penetrate the subcutaneous tissue, releasing toxins such as proteolytic enzymes, histamine and other pro-inflammatory substances. Cutaneous reactions, including severe pain, oedema and erythema are frequent local manifestations of caterpillar envenomation, but, in some cases, the reactions can evolve into vesicles, bullae, erosions, petechiae, superficial skin necrosis and ulcerations. Alternatively, some individual can develop allergic reactions, renal failure, osteochondritis, deformity and immobilization of the affected joints and intracerebral bleeding. Caterpillars produce venom to protect themselves from predators; contact with humans is accidental and deserves close attention. Their venoms have not been well studied, except for toxins from some few species. The present review brings together data on venomous caterpillars of moths, primarily addressing the available literature on diversity among the different families that cause accident in humans, the structures used in their defense, venom composition and clinical aspects of the envenomations. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of action of caterpillars' toxins may lead to the development of more adequate treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isadora Maria Villas-Boas
- Immunochemistry Laboratory, Butantan Institute, Av. Vital Brazil, 1500, 05503-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Giuliano Bonfá
- Immunochemistry Laboratory, Butantan Institute, Av. Vital Brazil, 1500, 05503-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Denise V Tambourgi
- Immunochemistry Laboratory, Butantan Institute, Av. Vital Brazil, 1500, 05503-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Sano-Martins IS, González C, Anjos IV, Díaz J, Gonçalves LRC. Effectiveness of Lonomia antivenom in recovery from the coagulopathy induced by Lonomia orientoandensis and Lonomia casanarensis caterpillars in rats. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006721. [PMID: 30114211 PMCID: PMC6112677 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In South America, accidental contact with Lepidoptera larvae can produce a diversity of reactions that vary from dermatological problems to severe hemorrhagic syndromes, such as those caused by contact with caterpillars of the genus Lonomia (Saturniidae). Lonomia venom can alter the hemostatic system and lead to renal failure, internal and brain bleeding, and in severe cases, death. The only specific treatment available for these envenomations is the Lonomia Antivenom (LAV) produced by the Butantan Institute, in Brazil, using an extract of Lonomia obliqua scoli as the antigen. LAV has been used to treat exposure to other Lonomia species across South America. However, no experimental studies have been performed to test the efficacy of LAV in neutralizing the venom of species other than L. obliqua found in Southern Brazil. In this study, we tested the effectiveness of LAV in reversing the hemostatic disturbances induced by injecting Lonomia casanarensis (Lca) and Lonomia orientoandensis (Lor) scolus extracts into rats and compared the effects to the case of L. obliqua (Lob) scolus extract-induced envenomation. Lca and Lor caterpillars were collected in Colombia, and some of them were reared to adults for identification. The Minimum Defibrinating Doses (MDD) of Lca and Lor were estimated. Rats were injected (i.d.) with a dose of 3 MDD per rat of each scolus extract and treated (i.v.) with 1.5 mL of LAV or 1.5 mL of saline. Twenty-four hours after the treatment, the fibrinogen levels and platelet counts had recovered to the hemostatic levels in the groups treated with LAV. The groups treated with the saline solution had fibrinogen levels and platelet counts at non-hemostatic levels. Thromboelastometric analyses confirmed these results. In conclusion, the results showed that LAV is effective at neutralizing the envenomation induced by Lca and Lor spine extracts in rats and restoring hemostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida S. Sano-Martins
- Laboratório de Fisiopatologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo–SP, Brazil
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Camila González
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Tropical (CIMPAT), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Juana Díaz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Tropical (CIMPAT), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
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Mayence C, Mathien C, Sanna A, Houcke S, Tabard P, Roux A, Valentin C, Resiere D, Lemonnier D, Nkont Cho F, Hommel D, Fan HW, Kallel H. Lonomia caterpillar envenoming in French Guiana reversed by the Brazilian antivenom: A successful case of international cooperation for a rare but deadly tropical hazard. Toxicon 2018; 151:74-78. [PMID: 29890231 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.06.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In the American continent, larval forms (caterpillars) of the Lonomia genus can cause systemic reactions in human beings. In this Paper, we report the third case of Lonomia envenoming recorded in French Guiana in 25 years, and the first in which specific antivenom was administered. Severe symptoms of the envenoming were observed in our patient including pain; coagulopathy and systemic hemorrhage. They are caused by skin contact with caterpillars. Recovery, however, was quite satisfactory thanks to the international cooperation of the health authorities in both France and Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Mayence
- Intensive Care Unit, Cayenne General Hospital, French Guiana
| | - C Mathien
- Intensive Care Unit, Cayenne General Hospital, French Guiana
| | - A Sanna
- Regional Authority of Health, French Guiana
| | - S Houcke
- Intensive Care Unit, Cayenne General Hospital, French Guiana
| | - P Tabard
- Regional Authority of Health, French Guiana
| | - A Roux
- Intensive Care Unit, Cayenne General Hospital, French Guiana
| | - C Valentin
- Emergency Department, Kourou Hospital, French Guiana
| | - D Resiere
- Intensive Care Unit, Fort de France University Hospital, Martinique
| | - D Lemonnier
- Pharmacy Department, Cayenne General Hospital, French Guiana
| | | | - D Hommel
- Intensive Care Unit, Cayenne General Hospital, French Guiana
| | - H W Fan
- Butantan Institute, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - H Kallel
- Intensive Care Unit, Cayenne General Hospital, French Guiana.
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Schroeder TBH, Houghtaling J, Wilts BD, Mayer M. It's Not a Bug, It's a Feature: Functional Materials in Insects. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2018; 30:e1705322. [PMID: 29517829 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201705322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Revised: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Over the course of their wildly successful proliferation across the earth, the insects as a taxon have evolved enviable adaptations to their diverse habitats, which include adhesives, locomotor systems, hydrophobic surfaces, and sensors and actuators that transduce mechanical, acoustic, optical, thermal, and chemical signals. Insect-inspired designs currently appear in a range of contexts, including antireflective coatings, optical displays, and computing algorithms. However, as over one million distinct and highly specialized species of insects have colonized nearly all habitable regions on the planet, they still provide a largely untapped pool of unique problem-solving strategies. With the intent of providing materials scientists and engineers with a muse for the next generation of bioinspired materials, here, a selection of some of the most spectacular adaptations that insects have evolved is assembled and organized by function. The insects presented display dazzling optical properties as a result of natural photonic crystals, precise hierarchical patterns that span length scales from nanometers to millimeters, and formidable defense mechanisms that deploy an arsenal of chemical weaponry. Successful mimicry of these adaptations may facilitate technological solutions to as wide a range of problems as they solve in the insects that originated them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas B H Schroeder
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2300 Hayward Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, 1700, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Jared Houghtaling
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, 1700, Fribourg, Switzerland
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2200 Bonisteel Boulevard, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Bodo D Wilts
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, 1700, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Michael Mayer
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, 1700, Fribourg, Switzerland
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Quintana MA, Sciani JM, Auada AVV, Martínez MM, Sánchez MN, Santoro ML, Fan HW, Peichoto ME. Stinging caterpillars from the genera Podalia, Leucanella and Lonomia in Misiones, Argentina: A preliminary comparative approach to understand their toxicity. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2017; 202:55-62. [PMID: 28778491 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2017.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2017] [Revised: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Dermal contact with Lepidoptera specimens at their larval stage (caterpillar) may cause systemic and/or local envenomation. There are multiple venomous species of them in Argentina, but their overall venom composition is poorly known. Lately, several cases of envenomation have been reported in the Misiones province, Northeastern Argentina. Thus, this work aimed to compare the protein composition, and the enzymatic properties of bristle extracts from caterpillars belonging to the families Megalopygidae (Podalia ca. fuscescens) and Saturniidae (Leucanella memusae and Lonomia obliqua) - the most common causative agents of accidents in Misiones -, and additionally to test their cross-reactivity with the L. obliqua antivenom produced in Brazil. Saturniidae venoms exhibited striking similarity in both their electrophoretic protein profile, and antigenic cross-reactivity. All venoms degraded azocasein - with the highest proteolytic activity observed in the P. ca. fuscescens bristle extract -, and hyaluronic acid, but the latter at low levels. Lonomia obliqua venom exhibited the highest level of phospholipase A2 activity. Bristle extracts from P. ca. fuscescens and L. obliqua both degraded human fibrin(ogen) and shortened the clotting time triggered by calcium, while L. memusae venom inhibited plasma coagulation. Proteins related to the coagulation disturbance were identified by mass spectrometry in all samples. Altogether, our findings show for the first time a comparative biotoxinological analysis of three genera of caterpillars with medical relevance. Moreover, this study provides relevant information about the pathophysiological mechanisms whereby these caterpillar bristle extracts can induce toxicity on human beings, and gives insight into future directions for research on them.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Agustina Quintana
- Instituto Nacional de Medicina Tropical (INMeT), Ministerio de Salud de la Nación, Neuquén y Jujuy s/n, 3370 Puerto Iguazú, Argentina
| | - Juliana Mozer Sciani
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Biofísica, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil, 1500, 05503-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Aline Vivian Vatti Auada
- Núcleo Estratégico de Venenos e Antivenenos - Divisão Bioindustrial, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil, 1500, 05503-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - María Mercedes Martínez
- Instituto Nacional de Medicina Tropical (INMeT), Ministerio de Salud de la Nación, Neuquén y Jujuy s/n, 3370 Puerto Iguazú, Argentina
| | - Matías Nicolás Sánchez
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ministerio de Ciencia Tecnología e Innovación Productiva, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Tropical (INMeT), Ministerio de Salud de la Nación, Neuquén y Jujuy s/n, 3370 Puerto Iguazú, Argentina
| | - Marcelo Larami Santoro
- Laboratório de Fisiopatologia, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brazil, 1500, 05503-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Hui Wen Fan
- Núcleo Estratégico de Venenos e Antivenenos - Divisão Bioindustrial, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil, 1500, 05503-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - María Elisa Peichoto
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ministerio de Ciencia Tecnología e Innovación Productiva, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Tropical (INMeT), Ministerio de Salud de la Nación, Neuquén y Jujuy s/n, 3370 Puerto Iguazú, Argentina.
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Taylor P, Salazar E, Barrios M, Salazar AM, Abad MJ, Urdanibia I, Shealy D, Arocha-Piñango CL, Guerrero B. Role of the inflammatory response in the hemorrhagic syndrome induced by the hemolymph of the caterpillar Lonomia achelous. Toxicon 2016; 121:77-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2016.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Revised: 08/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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