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Nagy AL, Ardelean S, Chapuis RJJ, Bouillon J, Pivariu D, De Felice B, Bertazzo M, Fossati P, Spicer LJ, Dreanca AI, Caloni F. Zootoxins and Domestic Animals: A European View. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:48. [PMID: 38251264 PMCID: PMC10818608 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16010048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Zootoxins are produced by venomous and poisonous species and are an important cause of poisoning in companion animals and livestock in Europe. Little information about the incidence of zootoxin poisoning is available in Europe, with only a few case reports and review papers being published. This review presents the most important zootoxins produced by European venomous and poisonous animal species responsible for poisoning episodes in companion animals and livestock. The main zootoxin-producing animal species, components of the toxins/venoms and their clinical effects are presented. The most common zootoxicoses involve terrestrial zootoxins excreted by the common toad, the fire salamander, the pine processionary caterpillar, and vipers. The lack of a centralized reporting/poison control system in Europe makes the evaluation of the epidemiology of zootoxin-induced poisonings extremely difficult. Even if there are many anecdotal reports in the veterinary community about the exposure of domestic animals to terrestrial and marine zootoxins, the number of published papers regarding these toxicoses is low. Climate change and its consequences regarding species distribution and human-mediated transportation are responsible for the emerging nature of some intoxications in which zootoxins are involved. Although new venomous or poisonous animal species have emerged in regions where they were previously unreported, zootoxins produced by native species remain the main concern in Europe. The diversity of poisonous and venomous animal species and the emerging nature of certain poisonings warrant the continuous update to such knowledge by veterinary professionals and animal owners. This review offers an overview about zootoxin-related poisonings in domestic animals in Europe and also provides important information from a health perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andras-Laszlo Nagy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre P.O. Box 334, Saint Kitts and Nevis; (A.-L.N.); (R.J.J.C.)
| | - Sabrina Ardelean
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre P.O. Box 334, Saint Kitts and Nevis; (S.A.); (J.B.)
| | - Ronan J. J. Chapuis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre P.O. Box 334, Saint Kitts and Nevis; (A.-L.N.); (R.J.J.C.)
| | - Juliette Bouillon
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre P.O. Box 334, Saint Kitts and Nevis; (S.A.); (J.B.)
| | - Dalma Pivariu
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Manastur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (D.P.); (A.I.D.)
| | - Beatrice De Felice
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy (ESP), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133 Milan, Italy; (B.D.F.); (M.B.); (P.F.)
| | - Mirko Bertazzo
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy (ESP), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133 Milan, Italy; (B.D.F.); (M.B.); (P.F.)
| | - Paola Fossati
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy (ESP), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133 Milan, Italy; (B.D.F.); (M.B.); (P.F.)
| | - Leon J. Spicer
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA;
| | - Alexandra Iulia Dreanca
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Manastur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (D.P.); (A.I.D.)
| | - Francesca Caloni
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy (ESP), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133 Milan, Italy; (B.D.F.); (M.B.); (P.F.)
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Thumtecho S, Suteparuk S, Sitprija V. Pulmonary involvement from animal toxins: the cellular mechanisms. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2023; 29:e20230026. [PMID: 37727535 PMCID: PMC10506740 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2023-0026] [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: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Venomous animals and their venom have always been of human interest because, despite species differences, coevolution has made them capable of targeting key physiological components of our bodies. Respiratory failure from lung injury is one of the serious consequences of envenomation, and the underlying mechanisms are rarely discussed. This review aims to demonstrate how toxins affect the pulmonary system through various biological pathways. Herein, we propose the common underlying cellular mechanisms of toxin-induced lung injury: interference with normal cell function and integrity, disruption of normal vascular function, and provocation of excessive inflammation. Viperid snakebites are the leading cause of envenomation-induced lung injury, followed by other terrestrial venomous animals such as scorpions, spiders, and centipedes. Marine species, particularly jellyfish, can also inflict such injury. Common pulmonary manifestations include pulmonary edema, pulmonary hemorrhage, and exudative infiltration. Severe envenomation can result in acute respiratory distress syndrome. Pulmonary involvement suggests severe envenomation, thus recognizing these mechanisms and manifestations can aid physicians in providing appropriate treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suthimon Thumtecho
- Division of Toxicology, Department of Medicine, Chulalongkorn
University, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, the Thai Red Cross Society,
Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Suchai Suteparuk
- Division of Toxicology, Department of Medicine, Chulalongkorn
University, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, the Thai Red Cross Society,
Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Visith Sitprija
- Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute and King Chulalongkorn Memorial
Hospital, the Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand
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Frynta D, Elmi HSA, Rexová K, Janovcová M, Rudolfová V, Štolhoferová I, Král D, Sommer D, Berti DA, Frýdlová P. Animals evoking fear in the Cradle of Humankind: snakes, scorpions, and large carnivores. THE SCIENCE OF NATURE - NATURWISSENSCHAFTEN 2023; 110:33. [PMID: 37405495 PMCID: PMC10322782 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-023-01859-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
Theories explain the presence of fears and specific phobias elicited by animals in contemporary WEIRD (Western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic) populations by their evolutionary past in Africa. Nevertheless, empirical data about fears of animals in the Cradle of Humankind are still fragmentary. To fill this gap, we examined which local animals are perceived as the most frightening by Somali people, who inhabit a markedly similar environment and the region where humans have evolved. We asked 236 raters to rank 42 stimuli according to their elicited fear. The stimuli were standardized pictures of species representing the local fauna. The results showed that the most frightening animals were snakes, scorpions, the centipede, and large carnivores (cheetahs and hyenas). These were followed up by lizards and spiders. Unlike in Europe, spiders represent less salient stimuli than scorpions for Somali respondents in this study. This conforms to the hypothesis suggesting that fear of spiders was extended or redirected from other chelicerates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Frynta
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Hassan Sh Abdirahman Elmi
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague 2, Czech Republic
- Amoud University, Borama, Somaliland
| | - Kateřina Rexová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Markéta Janovcová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Rudolfová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Iveta Štolhoferová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - David Král
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - David Sommer
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Alex Berti
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Frýdlová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague 2, Czech Republic.
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Hu YX, Liu Z, Zhang Z, Deng Z, Huang Z, Feng T, Zhou QH, Mei S, Yi C, Zhou Q, Zeng PH, Pei G, Tian S, Tian XF. Antihepatoma peptide, scolopentide, derived from the centipede scolopendra subspinipes mutilans. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:1875-1898. [PMID: 37032730 PMCID: PMC10080696 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i12.1875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Centipedes have been used to treat tumors for hundreds of years in China. However, current studies focus on antimicrobial and anticoagulation agents rather than tumors. The molecular identities of antihepatoma bioactive components in centipedes have not yet been extensively investigated. It is a challenge to isolate and characterize the effective components of centipedes due to limited peptide purification technologies for animal-derived medicines.
AIM To purify, characterize, and synthesize the bioactive components with the strongest antihepatoma activity from centipedes and determine the antihepatoma mechanism.
METHODS An antihepatoma peptide (scolopentide) was isolated and identified from the centipede scolopendra subspinipes mutilans using a combination of enzymatic hydrolysis, a Sephadex G-25 column, and two steps of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Additionally, the CCK8 assay was used to select the extracted fraction with the strongest antihepatoma activity. The molecular weight of the extracted scolopentide was characterized by quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (QTOF MS), and the sequence was matched by using the Mascot search engine. Based on the sequence and molecular weight, scolopentide was synthesized using solid-phase peptide synthesis methods. The synthetic scolopentide was confirmed by MS and HPLC. The antineoplastic effect of extracted scolopentide was confirmed by CCK8 assay and morphological changes again in vitro. The antihepatoma effect of synthetic scolopentide was assessed by the CCK8 assay and Hoechst staining in vitro and tumor volume and tumor weight in vivo. In the tumor xenograft experiments, qualified model mice (male 5-week-old BALB/c nude mice) were randomly divided into 2 groups (n = 6): The scolopentide group (0.15 mL/d, via intraperitoneal injection of synthetic scolopentide, 500 mg/kg/d) and the vehicle group (0.15 mL/d, via intraperitoneal injection of normal saline). The mice were euthanized by cervical dislocation after 14 d of continuous treatment. Mechanistically, flow cytometry was conducted to evaluate the apoptosis rate of HepG2 cells after treatment with extracted scolopentide in vitro. A Hoechst staining assay was also used to observe apoptosis in HepG2 cells after treatment with synthetic scolopentide in vitro. CCK8 assays and morphological changes were used to compare the cytotoxicity of synthetic scolopentide to liver cancer cells and normal liver cells in vitro. Molecular docking was performed to clarify whether scolopentide tightly bound to death receptor 4 (DR4) and DR5. qRT-PCR was used to measure the mRNA expression of DR4, DR5, fas-associated death domain protein (FADD), Caspase-8, Caspase-3, cytochrome c (Cyto-C), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), x-chromosome linked inhibitor-of-apoptosis protein and Cellular fas-associated death domain-like interleukin-1β converting enzyme inhibitory protein in hepatocarcinoma subcutaneous xenograft tumors from mice. Western blot assays were used to measure the protein expression of DR4, DR5, FADD, Caspase-8, Caspase-3, and Cyto-C in the tumor tissues. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) of tumor tissues were tested.
RESULTS In the process of purification, characterization and synthesis of scolopentide, the optimal enzymatic hydrolysis conditions (extract ratio: 5.86%, IC50: 0.310 mg/mL) were as follows: Trypsin at 0.1 g (300 U/g, centipede-trypsin ratio of 20:1), enzymolysis temperature of 46 °C, and enzymolysis time of 4 h, which was superior to freeze-thawing with liquid nitrogen (IC50: 3.07 mg/mL). A peptide with the strongest antihepatoma activity (scolopentide) was further purified through a Sephadex G-25 column (obtained A2) and two steps of HPLC (obtained B5 and C3). The molecular weight of the extracted scolopentide was 1018.997 Da, and the peptide sequence was RAQNHYCK, as characterized by QTOF MS and Mascot. Scolopentide was synthesized in vitro with a qualified molecular weight (1018.8 Da) and purity (98.014%), which was characterized by MS and HPLC. Extracted scolopentide still had an antineoplastic effect in vitro, which inhibited the proliferation of Eca-109 (IC50: 76.27 μg/mL), HepG2 (IC50: 22.06 μg/mL), and A549 (IC50: 35.13 μg/mL) cells, especially HepG2 cells. Synthetic scolopentide inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells (treated 6, 12, and 24 h) in a concentration-dependent manner in vitro, and the inhibitory effects were the strongest at 12 h (IC50: 208.11 μg/mL). Synthetic scolopentide also inhibited the tumor volume (Vehicle vs Scolopentide, P = 0.0003) and weight (Vehicle vs Scolopentide, P = 0.0022) in the tumor xenograft experiment. Mechanistically, flow cytometry suggested that the apoptosis ratios of HepG2 cells after treatment with extracted scolopentide were 5.01% (0 μg/mL), 12.13% (10 μg/mL), 16.52% (20 μg/mL), and 23.20% (40 μg/mL). Hoechst staining revealed apoptosis in HepG2 cells after treatment with synthetic scolopentide in vitro. The CCK8 assay and morphological changes indicated that synthetic scolopentide was cytotoxic and was significantly stronger in HepG2 cells than in L02 cells. Molecular docking suggested that scolopentide tightly bound to DR4 and DR5, and the binding free energies were-10.4 kcal/mol and-7.1 kcal/mol, respectively. In subcutaneous xenograft tumors from mice, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting suggested that scolopentide activated DR4 and DR5 and induced apoptosis in SMMC-7721 Liver cancer cells by promoting the expression of FADD, caspase-8 and caspase-3 through a mitochondria-independent pathway.
CONCLUSION Scolopentide, an antihepatoma peptide purified from centipedes, may inspire new antihepatoma agents. Scolopentide activates DR4 and DR5 and induces apoptosis in liver cancer cells through a mitochondria-independent pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Xing Hu
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Research in Formulas and Zheng of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Zhuo Liu
- Department of Scientific Research, Hunan Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
- Department of Scientific Research, Hunan Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Zhe Deng
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
- Hunan Province University Key Laboratory of Oncology of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Zhen Huang
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Ting Feng
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Qing-Hong Zhou
- Department of Pediatric, Shenzhen Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen 518000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Si Mei
- Department of Physiology, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Chun Yi
- Department of Pathology, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Qing Zhou
- Department of Andrology, First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410007, Hunan Province, China
| | - Pu-Hua Zeng
- Department of Oncology, Hunan Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Gang Pei
- College of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Sha Tian
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
- Dr Neher’s Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China
| | - Xue-Fei Tian
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Research in Formulas and Zheng of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
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Chen XT, Wang JY, Ma YN, Dong LY, Jia SX, Yin H, Fu XY, Du SS, Qi YK, Wang K. DIC/Oxyma-based accelerated synthesis and oxidative folding studies of centipede toxin RhTx. J Pept Sci 2021; 28:e3368. [PMID: 34514664 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Coupling reagents play crucial roles in the iterative construction of amide bonds for the synthesis of peptides and peptide-based derivatives. The novel DIC/Oxyma condensation system featured with the low risk of explosion displayed remarkable abilities to inhibit racemization, along with efficient coupling efficiency in both manual and automated syntheses. Nevertheless, an ideal reaction molar ratio in DIC/Oxyma condensation system and the moderate reaction temperature by manual synthesis remain to be further investigated. Herein, the synthetic efficiencies of different reaction ratios between DIC and Oxyma under moderate reaction temperature were systematically evaluated. The robustness and efficiency of DIC/Oxyma condensation system are validated by the rapid synthesis of linear centipede toxin RhTx. Different folding strategies were applied for the construction of disulfide bridges in RhTx, which was further confirmed in assays of circular dichroism and patch-clamp electrophysiology evaluation. This work establishes the DIC/Oxyma-based accelerated synthesis of peptides under moderate condensation conditions, which is especially useful for the manual synthesis of peptides. Besides, the strategy presented here provides robust technical supports for the large-scale synthesis and oxidative folding of RhTx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Tong Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao, Shandong, China.,Institute of Innovative Drugs, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Jin-Yan Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao, Shandong, China.,Institute of Innovative Drugs, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Yan-Nan Ma
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao, Shandong, China.,Institute of Innovative Drugs, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Li-Ying Dong
- Institute of Innovative Drugs, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Shi-Xi Jia
- State Key Laboratory Base for Eco-Chemical Engineering in College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Hao Yin
- Institute of Innovative Drugs, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xing-Yan Fu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao, Shandong, China.,Institute of Innovative Drugs, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Shan-Shan Du
- State Key Laboratory Base for Eco-Chemical Engineering in College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Yun-Kun Qi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao, Shandong, China.,Institute of Innovative Drugs, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - KeWei Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao, Shandong, China.,Institute of Innovative Drugs, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
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Chai L, Yin C, Kamau PM, Luo L, Yang S, Lu X, Zheng D, Wang Y. Toward an understanding of tree frog (Hyla japonica) for predator deterrence. Amino Acids 2021; 53:1405-1413. [PMID: 34245370 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-021-03037-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Gene-encoded peptides with distinct potent bioactivities enable several animals to take advantage of fierce interspecific interaction, as seen in the skin secretion of amphibians. Unlike, most amphibian species that frequently switches terrestrial-aquatic habitats and hides easily from terrestrial predators, tree frogs of small body size are considered as the vulnerable prey in the arboreal habitat. Here, we show the structural and functional diversity of peptide families based on the skin transcriptome of Hyla japonica, which has evolved to be wrapped as an efficient chemical toolkit for defensive use in arboreal habitat. Generally, the presence of antimicrobial peptide and proteinase inhibitor families reveals the functional consistency of Hyla japonica skin compared to other amphibian species. Furthermore, we found that Anntoxin-like neurotoxins with high expression levels are species-specific in tree frogs. Interestingly, derivatives in the Anntoxin-like family exhibit multiple evolutionary traits in modifying the copy number, folding type, and three-dimensional architecture, which are considered essential for targeting the ion channels of terrestrial predators. Together, our study not only reveals the peptide diversity in the skin secretion of H. japonica, but also draws insights into the predator-deterring strategy for coping with arboreal habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longhui Chai
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Chuanlin Yin
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Peter Muiruri Kamau
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, 650223, Yunnan, China
| | - Lei Luo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, 650223, Yunnan, China
| | - Shilong Yang
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Xiancui Lu
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Dong Zheng
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China.
| | - Yunfei Wang
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China.
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Niruntarai S, Rueanpingwang K, Othong R. Patients with centipede bites presenting to a university hospital in Bangkok: a 10-year retrospective study. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2021; 59:721-726. [PMID: 33475426 DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2020.1865543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Centipede envenomation occurs commonly in tropical and subtropical countries. In most cases, centipede envenomation causes benign clinical manifestations. Serious complications are reported occasionally. Clinical studies regarding centipede envenomation are limited to case reports and case series. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and clinical characteristics of centipede bites in Bangkok, Thailand. METHODS This was a retrospective medical record review study. We included patients who were clearly envenomated by a centipede presenting to the emergency department of a tertiary university hospital in Bangkok from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2015. Data were collected on demographics, details of the exposure, signs, symptoms, treatment, and complications of envenomation. RESULTS A total of 245 cases were included. The prevalence of centipede bite was 0.0367%. The majority were female (56.7%). The median age was 34.6 years (range: 1 month to 90 years). The number of envenomations was highest from October through December. Feet (38.3%) and hands (19.1%) were the parts of the body most often envenomated. Local effects were common with 99.5% of patients having localized pain and 87% having local swelling at the bite site. In terms of systemic effects, urticarial rash (5.7%) and fever (4.1%) were most frequently observed. Twelve cases (5%) had clinical pictures compatible with anaphylaxis. For pain management, all patients who had pain received analgesic drugs, while 29.7% were injected with local anesthesia. Antibiotics, antihistamines, and steroids were prescribed in 53.9%, 20.4%, and 10.2% of cases, respectively. No deaths occurred in this study. CONCLUSIONS Even though the location of our hospital is in a metropolitan city in Thailand, there were centipede bites every month, especially during the last three months of each year. Nearly all patients had local effects. In contrast, serious complications such as anaphylaxis and systemic infection only occurred occasionally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supa Niruntarai
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Dusit, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Rittirak Othong
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Dusit, Bangkok, Thailand
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Wang J, Dong L, Liu Y, Chen X, Ma Y, Yin H, Du S, Qi Y, Wang K. Efficient Synthesis and Oxidative Folding Studies of Centipede Toxin RhTx. CHINESE J ORG CHEM 2021. [DOI: 10.6023/cjoc202102045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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9
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Yang S, Wang Y, Wang L, Kamau P, Zhang H, Luo A, Lu X, Lai R. Target switch of centipede toxins for antagonistic switch. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eabb5734. [PMID: 32821839 PMCID: PMC7413724 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abb5734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Animal venoms are powerful, highly evolved chemical weapons for defense and predation. While venoms are used mainly to lethally antagonize heterospecifics (individuals of a different species), nonlethal envenomation of conspecifics (individuals of the same species) is occasionally observed. Both the venom and target specifications underlying these two forms of envenomation are still poorly understood. Here, we show a target-switching mechanism in centipede (Scolopendra subspinipes) venom. On the basis of this mechanism, a major toxin component [Ssm Spooky Toxin (SsTx)] in centipede venom inhibits the Shal channel in conspecifics but not in heterospecifics to cause short-term, recoverable, and nonlethal envenomation. This same toxin causes fatal heterospecific envenomation, for example, by switching its target to the Shaker channels in heterospecifics without inhibiting the Shaker channel of conspecific S. subspinipes individuals. These findings suggest that venom components exhibit intricate coevolution with their targets in both heterospecifics and conspecifics, which enables a single toxin to develop graded intraspecific and interspecific antagonistic interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of bioactive peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Yunfei Wang
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Lu Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650091, China
| | - Peter Kamau
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of bioactive peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Sino-African Joint Research Center, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of bioactive peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Anna Luo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of bioactive peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiancui Lu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of bioactive peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ren Lai
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of bioactive peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Sino-African Joint Research Center, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China
- KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China
- Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
- Institute for Drug Discovery and Development, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- Corresponding author.
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10
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Zhu A, Aierken A, Yao Z, Vu S, Tian Y, Zheng J, Yang S, Yang F. A centipede toxin causes rapid desensitization of nociceptor TRPV1 ion channel. Toxicon 2020; 178:41-49. [PMID: 32097697 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The nociceptive transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) ion channel is a polymodal receptor for multiple painful stimuli, hence actively pursued as a target for analgesic drugs. We identified a small peptide toxin RhTx2 from the Chinese red-headed centipede that strongly modulates TRPV1 activities. RhTx2, a 31-amino-acid peptide, is similar to a TRPV1-activating toxin RhTx we have previously discovered but with four extra amino acids at the N terminus. We observed that, like RhTx, RhTx2 activated TRPV1, but RhTx2 rapidly desensitized the channel upon prolonged exposure. Desensitization was achieved by reducing both the open probability and the single-channel conductance. RhTx2 is not only a tool to study the desensitization mechanism of TRPV1, but also a promising starting molecule for developing novel analgesics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiqin Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, Qingdao University School of Pharmacy, Qingdao, Shandong, China; Department of Biophysics and Kidney Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Aerziguli Aierken
- Department of Biophysics and Kidney Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zhihao Yao
- Department of Pharmacology, Qingdao University School of Pharmacy, Qingdao, Shandong, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of bioactive peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, 650223, Yunnan, China
| | - Simon Vu
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, UC Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Yuhua Tian
- Department of Pharmacology, Qingdao University School of Pharmacy, Qingdao, Shandong, China.
| | - Jie Zheng
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, UC Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
| | - Shilong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of bioactive peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, 650223, Yunnan, China.
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Biophysics and Kidney Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang Province, China.
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11
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Chu Y, Qiu P, Yu R. Centipede Venom Peptides Acting on Ion Channels. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12040230. [PMID: 32260499 PMCID: PMC7232367 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12040230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Centipedes are among the oldest venomous arthropods that use their venom to subdue the prey. The major components of centipede venom are a variety of low-molecular-weight peptide toxins that have evolved to target voltage-gated ion channels to interfere with the central system of prey and produce pain or paralysis for efficient hunting. Peptide toxins usually contain several intramolecular disulfide bonds, which confer chemical, thermal and biological stability. In addition, centipede peptides generally have novel structures and high potency and specificity and therefore hold great promise both as diagnostic tools and in the treatment of human disease. Here, we review the centipede peptide toxins with reported effects on ion channels, including Nav, Kv, Cav and the nonselective cation channel polymodal transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1).
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Affiliation(s)
- YanYan Chu
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China;
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
- Innovation Center for Marine Drug Screening & Evaluation, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
- Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Qingdao, Qingdao 266071, China
- Correspondence: (Y.C.); (R.Y.)
| | - PeiJu Qiu
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China;
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
- Innovation Center for Marine Drug Screening & Evaluation, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
- Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Qingdao, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - RiLei Yu
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China;
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
- Innovation Center for Marine Drug Screening & Evaluation, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
- Correspondence: (Y.C.); (R.Y.)
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12
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Thumtecho S, Schimmel J, Trakulsrichai S. Complex regional pain syndrome following a centipede bite: a case report. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2019; 58:777-779. [PMID: 31771369 DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2019.1686515] [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: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Context: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic neuropathic pain condition associated with autonomic features. To date, the development of CRPS following centipede bite has not been reported. We report a case of CRPS likely secondary to a centipede bite.Case details: A 31-year-old female was bitten by a centipede on the right 2nd toe. She was initially treated with analgesics, and two weeks later developed severe pain, allodynia, pruritus, and edema of the right foot, with hyperpigmentation over the affected toe. The X-ray, ultrasound, electromyography, nerve conduction velocity studies of the foot, blood chemistries, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate showed no abnormalities. The patient was diagnosed with CRPS type 1 by fulfilling the Budapest criteria. She was treated with gabapentin, amitriptyline, desloratadine, and fluoxetine, along with physical rehabilitation. Clinical symptoms gradually improved, and resolved at approximately 9 months with persistent hyperpigmentation.Discussion: Centipede bite may be an eliciting event for CRPS. It is unknown whether direct bite trauma or envenomation was the primary etiology in this case. Awareness of this condition is important for early diagnosis and appropriate management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suthimon Thumtecho
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Ramathibodi Poison Center, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jonathan Schimmel
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Division of Medical Toxicology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Satariya Trakulsrichai
- Ramathibodi Poison Center, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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13
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Abstract
The millions of extant arthropod species are testament to their evolutionary success that can at least partially be attributed to venom usage, which evolved independently in at least 19 arthropod lineages. While some arthropods primarily use venom for predation (e.g., spiders and centipedes) or defense (e.g., bees and caterpillars), it can also have more specialised functions (e.g. in parasitoid wasps to paralyse arthropods for their brood to feed on) or even a combination of functions (e.g. the scorpion Parabuthus transvaalicus can deliver a prevenom for predator deterrence and a venom for predation). Most arthropod venoms are complex cocktails of water, salts, small bioactive molecules, peptides, enzymes and larger proteins, with peptides usually comprising the majority of toxins. Some spider venoms have been reported to contain >1000 peptide toxins, which function as combinatorial libraries to provide an evolutionary advantage. The astounding diversity of venomous arthropods multiplied by their enormous toxin arsenals results in an almost infinite resource for novel bioactive molecules. The main challenge for exploiting this resource is the small size of most arthropods, which can be a limitation for current venom extraction techniques. Fortunately, recent decades have seen an incredible improvement in transcriptomic and proteomic techniques that have provided increasing sensitivity while reducing sample requirements. In turn, this has provided a much larger variety of arthropod venom compounds for potential applications such as therapeutics, molecular probes for basic research, bioinsecticides or anti-parasitic drugs. This special issue of Toxicon aims to cover the breadth of arthropod venom research, including toxin evolution, pharmacology, toxin discovery and characterisation, toxin structures, clinical aspects, and potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volker Herzig
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia QLD 4072, Australia.
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