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Biological and Medical Aspects Related to South American Rattlesnake Crotalus durissus (Linnaeus, 1758): A View from Colombia. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14120875. [PMID: 36548772 PMCID: PMC9784998 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14120875] [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: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In Colombia, South America, there is a subspecies of the South American rattlesnake Crotalus durissus, C. d. cumanensis, a snake of the Viperidae family, whose presence has been reduced due to the destruction of its habitat. It is an enigmatic snake from the group of pit vipers, venomous, with large articulated front fangs, special designs on its body, and a characteristic rattle on its tail. Unlike in Brazil, the occurrence of human envenomation by C. durisus in Colombia is very rare and contributes to less than 1% of envenomation caused by snakes. Its venom is a complex cocktail of proteins with different biological effects, which evolved with the purpose of paralyzing the prey, killing it, and starting its digestive process, as well as having defense functions. When its venom is injected into humans as the result of a bite, the victim presents with both local tissue damage and with systemic involvement, including a diverse degree of neurotoxic, myotoxic, nephrotoxic, and coagulopathic effects, among others. Its biological effects are being studied for use in human health, including the possible development of analgesic, muscle relaxant, anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, anti-infection, and antineoplastic drugs. Several groups of researchers in Brazil are very active in their contributions in this regard. In this work, a review is made of the most relevant biological and medical aspects related to the South American rattlesnake and of what may be of importance for a better understanding of the snake C. d. cumanensis, present in Colombia and Venezuela.
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Immunorecognition and Neutralization of Crotalus durissus cumanensis Venom by a Commercial Antivenom Produced in Colombia. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14040235. [PMID: 35448844 PMCID: PMC9025410 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14040235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In Colombia, on average 2.9% of the nearly 5600 snakebite events that occur annually involve the rattlesnake Crotalus durissus cumanensis. The envenomation by this snake is mainly characterized by neurotoxicity and the main toxin is crotoxin (~64.7% of the total venom). The Instituto Nacional de Salud (INS) produces a polyvalent antivenom aimed at the treatment of bothropic, crotalid, and lachesic envenomations; nonetheless, its immune reactivity profile and neutralizing capacity over biological activities of the C. d. cumanensis venom has been poorly evaluated. In this sense, the study aims: (1) to describe an in-depth exploration of its immunoreactivity through second-generation antivenomics and HPLC fraction-specific ELISA immunoprofiles; and (2) to evaluate the neutralization pattern of the rattlesnake venom in vitro and in vivo biological activities. The results obtained showed a variable recognition of crotoxin subunits, in addition to a molecular mass-dependent immunoreactivity pattern in which the disintegrins were not recognized, and snake venom metalloproteinases and L-amino acid oxidases were the most recognized. Additionally, a high neutralization of proteolytic and coagulant activities was observed, but not over the PLA2 activity. Further, the median effective dose against C. d. cumanensis venom lethality was 962 μL of antivenom per mg of venom. In conclusion, (1) the antivenom recognition over the crotoxin and the disintegrins of the C. d. cumanensis should be improved, thus aiming upcoming efforts for the exploration of new techniques and approaches in antivenom production in Colombia, and (2) the neutralization activity of the antivenom seems to follow the molecular mass-dependent recognition pattern, although other explanations should be explored.
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Proteomic analysis reveals rattlesnake venom modulation of proteins associated with cardiac tissue damage in mouse hearts. J Proteomics 2022; 258:104530. [PMID: 35182786 PMCID: PMC9308947 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2022.104530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Snake envenomation is a common but neglected disease that affects millions of people around the world annually. Among venomous snake species in Brazil, the tropical rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus terrificus) accounts for the highest number of fatal envenomations and is responsible for the second highest number of bites. Snake venoms are complex secretions which, upon injection, trigger diverse physiological effects that can cause significant injury or death. The components of C. d. terrificus venom exhibit neurotoxic, myotoxic, hemotoxic, nephrotoxic, and cardiotoxic properties which present clinically as alteration of central nervous system function, motor paralysis, seizures, eyelid ptosis, ophthalmoplesia, blurred vision, coagulation disorders, rhabdomyolysis, myoglobinuria, and cardiorespiratory arrest. In this study, we focused on proteomic characterization of the cardiotoxic effects of C. d. terrificus venom in mouse models. We injected venom at half the lethal dose (LD50) into the gastrocnemius muscle. Mouse hearts were removed at set time points after venom injection (1 h, 6 h, 12 h, or 24 h) and subjected to trypsin digestion prior to high-resolution mass spectrometry. We analyzed the proteomic profiles of >1300 proteins and observed that several proteins showed noteworthy changes in their quantitative profiles, likely reflecting the toxic activity of venom components. Among the affected proteins were several associated with cellular deregulation and tissue damage. Changes in heart protein abundance offer insights into how they may work synergistically upon envenomation. SIGNIFICANCE: Venom of the tropical rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus terririficus) is known to be neurotoxic, myotoxic, nephrotoxic and cardiotoxic. Although there are several studies describing the biochemical effects of this venom, no work has yet described its proteomic effects in the cardiac tissue of mice. In this work, we describe the changes in several mouse cardiac proteins upon venom treatment. Our data shed new light on the clinical outcome of the envenomation by C. d. terrificus, as well as candidate proteins that could be investigated in efforts to improve current treatment approaches or in the development of novel therapeutic interventions in order to reduce mortality and morbidity resulting from envenomation.
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Pucca MB, Bernarde PS, Rocha AM, Viana PF, Farias RES, Cerni FA, Oliveira IS, Ferreira IG, Sandri EA, Sachett J, Wen FH, Sampaio V, Laustsen AH, Sartim MA, Monteiro WM. Crotalus Durissus Ruruima: Current Knowledge on Natural History, Medical Importance, and Clinical Toxinology. Front Immunol 2021; 12:659515. [PMID: 34168642 PMCID: PMC8219050 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.659515] [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: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Crotalus durissus ruruima is a rattlesnake subspecies mainly found in Roraima, the northernmost state of Brazil. Envenomings caused by this subspecies lead to severe clinical manifestations (e.g. respiratory muscle paralysis, rhabdomyolysis, and acute renal failure) that can lead to the victim’s death. In this review, we comprehensively describe C. d. ruruima biology and the challenges this subspecies poses for human health, including morphology, distribution, epidemiology, venom cocktail, clinical envenoming, and the current and future specific treatment of envenomings by this snake. Moreover, this review presents maps of the distribution of the snake subspecies and evidence that this species is responsible for some of the most severe envenomings in the country and causes the highest lethality rates. Finally, we also discuss the efficacy of the Brazilian horse-derived antivenoms to treat C. d. ruruima envenomings in Roraima state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela B Pucca
- Medical School, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista, Brazil
| | - Paulo Sérgio Bernarde
- Laboratório de Herpetologia, Centro Multidisciplinar, Universidade Federal do Acre, Cruzeiro do Sul, Brazil
| | | | - Patrik F Viana
- National Institute of Amazonian Research, Biodiversity Coordination, Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Raimundo Erasmo Souza Farias
- National Institute of Amazonian Research, Biodiversity Coordination, Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Felipe A Cerni
- Medical School, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista, Brazil.,Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Isadora S Oliveira
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Isabela G Ferreira
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Eliseu A Sandri
- Insikiram Institute of Indigenous Higher Studies, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista, Brazil
| | - Jacqueline Sachett
- Department of Medicine and Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Amazonas State University, Manaus, Brazil.,Department of Teaching and Research, Alfredo da Matta Foundation, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Fan Hui Wen
- Antivenom Production Section, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vanderson Sampaio
- Department of Teaching and Research, Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado Tropical Medicine Foundation, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Andreas H Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Marco A Sartim
- Department of Teaching and Research, Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado Tropical Medicine Foundation, Manaus, Brazil.,Institute of Biological Sciences, Amazonas Federal University, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Wuelton M Monteiro
- Department of Medicine and Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Amazonas State University, Manaus, Brazil.,Department of Teaching and Research, Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado Tropical Medicine Foundation, Manaus, Brazil
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Envenoming by the rattlesnake Crotalus durissus ruruima in the state of roraima, Brazil. Toxicon X 2020; 8:100061. [PMID: 33145491 PMCID: PMC7591384 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2020.100061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical-epidemiological factors associated with victims of rattlesnake envenoming in the state of Roraima, Brazil. In this location, rattlesnake accidents are caused by the subspecies Crotalus durissus ruruima. This is a prospective observational study carried out at the General Hospital of Roraima from april 2017 until july 2018. A total of 37 alleged rattlesnake victims had their medical records evaluated. However only one of them proved to be by C. d. ruruima. All individuals were residents from the savannas (lavrados) of Roraima. The town of Bonfim on the border between Brazil and Guyana had the highest occurrence of rattlesnake bites. The most affected group were males aged 13-20 years and farmers. The highest number of incidents occurred during daytime and lower limbs (feet) were the most major affected part of the body. Tourniquets were used as first aid after snake envenoming in 32.4% of victims. Out of 37 patients, 16.2% were classified as severe cases of snakebite envenoming and in 5.4% dry bites seem to have occurred. Among the symptomatic patients, 100% presented local manifestations and 70.3% presented systemic manifestations. The clinical setting showed local effects such as pain and edema while the systemic effects were blurred vision, myalgias, myasthenic facies, palpebral ptosis, muscle weakness and headache. Laboratory results of aspartate aminotransferase (62.2%), creatine phosphokinase (51.3%), lactic dehydrogenase (37.8%), urea level (32.4%) and serum creatinine (29.7%) were increased significantly in relation to the reference standards. In 16.2% of the cases, the victims presented acute kidney injury. Patients were treated with anticrotalic serum in 70.3% of the cases and antibotropic + anticrotalic serum in 24.3%. The victims of C. d. ruruima in Roraima showed a local symptomatology similar to Bothrops envenoming, while systemic symptoms and laboratory analysis proved kidney and muscular injuries, similar to envenoming by Crotalus d. terrificus in Brazil.
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Azevedo E, Figueiredo RG, Pinto RV, Ramos TDCF, Sampaio GP, Bulhosa Santos RP, Guerreiro MLDS, Biondi I, Trindade SC. Evaluation of systemic inflammatory response and lung injury induced by Crotalus durissus cascavella venom. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0224584. [PMID: 32084665 PMCID: PMC7035002 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the systemic inflammatory response and mechanism of pulmonary lesions induced by Crotalus durissus cascavella venom in murine in the state of Bahia. In order to investigate T helper Th1, Th2 and Th17 lymphocyte profiles, we measured interleukin (IL) -2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) levels in the peritoneal fluid and macerated lungs of mice and histopathological alterations at the specific time windows of 1h, 3h, 6h, 12h, 24h and 48h after inoculation with Crotalus durissus cascavella venom. The data demonstrated an increase of acute-phase cytokines (IL-6 and TNF) in the first hours after inoculation, with a subsequent increase in IL-10 and IL-4, suggesting immune response modulation for the Th2 profile. The histopathological analysis showed significant morphological alterations, compatible with acute pulmonary lesions, with polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) infiltration, intra-alveolar edema, congestion, hemorrhage and atelectasis. These findings advance our understanding of the dynamics of envenomation and contribute to improve clinical management and antiophidic therapy for individuals exposed to venom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elen Azevedo
- Laboratory of Venomous Animals and Herpetology, Biology Department, State University of Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Biotechnology, State University of Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Gassmann Figueiredo
- Pulmonology Division, Department of Health, State University of Feira de Santana–UEFS, Feira de Santana, Brazil
| | - Roberto Vieira Pinto
- Pathological Anatomy Laboratory–LABSEAP, Cardiopulmonary Clinic, Novo Mundo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Marcos Lázaro da Silva Guerreiro
- Laboratory of Venomous Animals and Herpetology, Biology Department, State University of Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana, Brazil
| | - Ilka Biondi
- Laboratory of Venomous Animals and Herpetology, Biology Department, State University of Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana, Brazil
- * E-mail: (SCT); (IB)
| | - Soraya Castro Trindade
- Postgraduate Program in Biotechnology, State University of Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana, Brazil
- Department of Health, Feira de Santana State University, Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brazil
- * E-mail: (SCT); (IB)
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Carvalho LHD, Teixeira LF, Zaqueo KD, Bastos JF, Nery NM, Setúbal SS, Pontes AS, Butzke D, Cavalcante W, Gallacci M, Fernandes CFC, Stabeli RG, Soares AM, Zuliani JP. Local and systemic effects caused by Crotalus durissus terrificus, Crotalus durissus collilineatus, and Crotalus durissus cascavella snake venoms in swiss mice. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2019; 52:e20180526. [DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0526-2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kayena Delaix Zaqueo
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Brazil; Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia de Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Diana Butzke
- Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Brazil; Centro Universitário São Lucas, Brasil
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Quintana-Castillo JC, Vargas LJ, Segura C, Estrada-Gómez S, Bueno-Sánchez JC, Alarcón JC. Characterization of the Venom of C. d. cumanesis of Colombia: Proteomic Analysis and Antivenomic Study. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10020085. [PMID: 29462980 PMCID: PMC5848186 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10020085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Colombian rattlesnake Crotalus durissus cumanensis is distributed in three geographic zones of the country: the Atlantic Coast, the upper valley of the Magdalena River, and the eastern plains of the Colombian Orinoquía. Its venom induces neurological symptoms, such as eyelid ptosis, myasthenic facies, and paralysis of the respiratory muscles, which can lead to death. Identification and analysis of C. d. cumanensis showed nine groups of proteins responsible for the neurotoxic effect, of which the crotoxin complex was the most abundant (64.71%). Immunorecognition tests of C. d. cumanensis showed that the use of a commercial antivenom manufactured in Mexico resulted in immunoreactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Quintana-Castillo
- School of Medicine, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Sede Medellín, Street 50 A N° 41-20, Medellín 050010, Colombia.
| | - Leidy Johana Vargas
- School of Medicine, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Sede Medellín, Street 50 A N° 41-20, Medellín 050010, Colombia.
| | - Cesar Segura
- Malaria Group, School of Medicine, University of Antioquia UdeA, Street 70 N° 52-21, Medellín 050010, Colombia.
| | - Sebastian Estrada-Gómez
- Ophidism/Scorpionism Program, Food and Pharmaceutical Sciences Faculty, University of Antioquia UdeA, Street 70 N° 52-21, Medellín 050010, Colombia.
| | - Julio César Bueno-Sánchez
- Reproduction Group, School of Medicine, University of Antioquia UdeA, Street 70 N° 52-21, Medellín 050010, Colombia.
| | - Juan Carlos Alarcón
- Ophidism/Scorpionism Program, Food and Pharmaceutical Sciences Faculty, University of Antioquia UdeA, Street 70 N° 52-21, Medellín 050010, Colombia.
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Araujo RT, Corrêa-Netto C, Brazil-Más L, Silveira CRF, Fernandes I, Zingali RB. Can anti-bothropstoxin-I antibodies discriminate between Bothrops jararaca and Bothrops jararacussu venoms? J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2017; 23:12. [PMID: 28293253 PMCID: PMC5346246 DOI: 10.1186/s40409-017-0105-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Snakes of the genus Bothrops, popularly known as pit vipers, are responsible for most cases of snakebite in Brazil. Within this genus, Bothrops jararacussu and B. jararaca deserve special attention due to the severity of their bites and for inhabiting densely populated areas. Regarding the treatment of snakebites by Bothrops jararacussu, questions have been raised about the effectiveness of the specific bothropic antivenom in neutralizing myotoxic effects; however, there are no accurate data for humans. Thus, the development of a differential diagnostic kit for this species would be of great interest because it provides, for healthcare professionals, a tool that would allow us to determine whether the accident was caused by B. jararacussu or other species of the genus. It would also make it possible to evaluate the specificity of the treatment and to provide data for epidemiological studies. Methods First, we produced a species-specific polyclonal antibody – a potential biomarker of Bothrops jararacussu venom – against bothropstoxin-I (BthTx-I), which is also found in smaller quantities in the venoms of B. jararaca from southern Brazil. Results Polyclonal antibodies against bothropstoxin-I could be separated into several species-specific immunoglobulins. Then, aiming to develop a system of safe and standardized immunoassay, we produced monoclonal antibodies. Seven hybridomas were obtained. Five of them were specific to the venom of B. jararacussu and two recognized the venom of B. jararaca from the southeastern population. The use of monoclonal antibodies also made it possible to differentiate B. jararacussu from B. jararaca venom obtained from the southern population. Analyzing the reactivity of monoclonal antibodies against other bothropic venoms, we found mAb Bt-3 to be more specific than others for B. jararacussu venom. Conclusions These results show the potential of BthTx-I for producing monoclonal antibodies that differentiate between B. jararacussu and other Bothrops species venoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Teixeira Araujo
- Laboratório de Hemostase e Venenos, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ Brasil.,Instituto Vital Brazil, Niterói, RJ Brasil
| | - Carlos Corrêa-Netto
- Laboratório de Hemostase e Venenos, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ Brasil.,Instituto Vital Brazil, Niterói, RJ Brasil
| | | | | | | | - Russolina Benedeta Zingali
- Laboratório de Hemostase e Venenos, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ Brasil
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Fusco LS, Rodríguez JP, Teibler P, Maruñak S, Acosta O, Leiva L. New immunization protocol to produce crotalic antivenom combining Crotalus durissus terrificus venom and its PLA2. Biologicals 2014; 43:62-70. [PMID: 25453603 DOI: 10.1016/j.biologicals.2014.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2014] [Revised: 09/06/2014] [Accepted: 09/18/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Antivenoms are usually obtained by animal immunization with successive inoculations of increasing sublethal amounts of venom, which may impair the animal health. The high lethality of venom requires prolonged immunization plans with small amounts of venom. Thus, we propose an alternative plan that includes a pre-immunization of the animal with phospholipase A2, the main crotoxin component, which is responsible for the whole venom lethality. For comparison, three different immunization schemes were designed: high dose protocol (HDP; 0.5-27 mg of venom), low dose protocol (LDP; 0.1-7 mg of venom) and Mix protocol (MP; preimmunization 0.1-1.2 mg of crotalic PLA2, and then 4.5-8 mg of venom). Antibody titers were determined by ELISA, in blood plasma obtained from the marginal vein of the ear. The neutralizing ability of the different sera obtained by all protocols (HDS, LDS and MS) was tested against the most important pharmacological activities of whole venom: PLA2 activity, myotoxicity, thrombin like activity and lethality. MS showed the best neutralizing efficacy and at the same time, it was obtained by an immunization protocol that takes account of animal health care, since it requires low quantities of venoms in comparison to traditional protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciano Sebastián Fusco
- Laboratorio de investigación en Proteínas (LabInPro), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales y Agrimensura, Universidad Nacional del Nordeste (UNNE), Av. Libertad 5470, Corrientes 3400, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Nordeste (UNNE), Sargento Cabral 2139, Corrientes 3400, Argentina
| | - Juan Pablo Rodríguez
- Laboratorio de investigación en Proteínas (LabInPro), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales y Agrimensura, Universidad Nacional del Nordeste (UNNE), Av. Libertad 5470, Corrientes 3400, Argentina
| | - Pamela Teibler
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Nordeste (UNNE), Sargento Cabral 2139, Corrientes 3400, Argentina
| | - Silvana Maruñak
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Nordeste (UNNE), Sargento Cabral 2139, Corrientes 3400, Argentina
| | - Ofelia Acosta
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Nordeste (UNNE), Sargento Cabral 2139, Corrientes 3400, Argentina
| | - Laura Leiva
- Laboratorio de investigación en Proteínas (LabInPro), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales y Agrimensura, Universidad Nacional del Nordeste (UNNE), Av. Libertad 5470, Corrientes 3400, Argentina.
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11
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Ye Y, Li M, Chen X. Antinociceptive activity and pathway of the pallanalgesin isolated from venom of Agkistrodon halys (Pallas). PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2013; 51:987-996. [PMID: 23734607 DOI: 10.3109/13880209.2013.773521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Venom of Agkstrodon halys (Pallas) is a traditional Chinese medicine for the control of severe pain, but its analgesic mechanism is not clear. OBJECTIVE To isolate the analgesic fraction from the venom, evaluate the profile of its action on pain using preclinical nociceptive tests and determine the involvement of neurotransmitters in its action. MATERIALS AND METHODS Venom was separated with SPXL resin, and further purified by Superdex 75 and Superdex 30 resin. Its biochemical characteristics were analyzed including molecular weight (MW), isoelectric point (pI) and amino acid sequence. Animal pain models were applied including the hot plate test, acetic acid-induced writhing test, formalin test, Randall-Selitto pressure test, antagonistic test, spinalized rats test and intracerebral injection test. The endogenous neuropeptides leucine-enkephalin, β-endorphin and P substance were determined by HPLC in the tissues of brain and spinal cord. RESULTS An analgesic protein named pallanalgesin (MW 16.6 kDa, pI 8.8) was obtained from the venom of A. halys. It had significant antinociceptive activity in different animal pain models of thermal, chemical and mechanical stimulation. It effects both central and peripheral nerve systems, and it is related to opiate receptors and monoamines rather than acetylcholine receptors. Pallanalgesin could modulate the levels of neuropeptides in the brain and spinal cord, which contributes to the recovery of nerve injury and pain control. CONCLUSION As a novel analgesic, pallanalgesin has been found to explain the function of the venom of A. halys on severe pain control in traditional uses, and can be used as a new analgesic in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Ye
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, PR China.
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12
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Quintana JC, Chacón AM, Vargas L, Segura C, Gutiérrez JM, Alarcón JC. Antiplasmodial effect of the venom of Crotalus durissus cumanensis, crotoxin complex and Crotoxin B. Acta Trop 2012; 124:126-32. [PMID: 22884508 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2012.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2012] [Revised: 07/08/2012] [Accepted: 07/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The antiplasmodial activity of phospholipases A(2) (PLA(2)) isolated from different animals has been studied. We explored the in vitro anti Plasmodium falciparum effect of a fraction containing crotoxin, Crotoxin B and whole venom of the rattlesnake Crotalus durissus cumanensis. Fraction II (crotoxin complex) was obtained by size exclusion chromatography, whereas Crotoxin B was purified by RP-HPLC. The whole venom is active against the parasite at concentrations of 0.17±0.03 μg/ml, fraction II at 0.76±0.17 μg/ml and Crotoxin B at 0.6±0.04 μg/ml. Differences were observed in the cytotoxic activity against peripheral mononuclear cells, with Crotoxin B exhibiting the highest cytotoxicity. The concentration of Crotoxin B required to exert cytotoxic activity was higher than that required to exert antiplasmodial activity. Lethality in mice confirmed the higher toxicity and neurotoxicity of whole venom and fraction II, whereas Crotoxin B was not lethal at the doses tested. These results suggest the potential of Crotoxin B as a lead compound for antimalarial activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Quintana
- Programa de Ofidismo/Escorpionismo, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.
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Mizuno M, Ito Y, Morgan BP. Exploiting the nephrotoxic effects of venom from the sea anemone, Phyllodiscus semoni, to create a hemolytic uremic syndrome model in the rat. Mar Drugs 2012; 10:1582-1604. [PMID: 22851928 PMCID: PMC3407933 DOI: 10.3390/md10071582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2012] [Revised: 06/29/2012] [Accepted: 07/12/2012] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In the natural world, there are many creatures with venoms that have interesting and varied activities. Although the sea anemone, a member of the phylum Coelenterata, has venom that it uses to capture and immobilise small fishes and shrimp and for protection from predators, most sea anemones are harmless to man. However, a few species are highly toxic; some have venoms containing neurotoxins, recently suggested as potential immune-modulators for therapeutic application in immune diseases. Phyllodiscus semoni is a highly toxic sea anemone; the venom has multiple effects, including lethality, hemolysis and renal injuries. We previously reported that venom extracted from Phyllodiscus semoni induced acute glomerular endothelial injuries in rats resembling hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), accompanied with complement dysregulation in glomeruli and suggested that the model might be useful for analyses of pathology and development of therapeutic approaches in HUS. In this mini-review, we describe in detail the venom-induced acute renal injuries in rat and summarize how the venom of Phyllodiscus semoni could have potential as a tool for analyses of complement activation and therapeutic interventions in HUS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masashi Mizuno
- Renal Replacement Therapy, Division of Nephrology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan;
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; or ; Tel.: +81-52-744-2205; Fax: +81-52-744-2184
| | - Yasuhiko Ito
- Renal Replacement Therapy, Division of Nephrology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan;
| | - B. Paul Morgan
- Complement Biology Group, Institute of Infection and Immunology, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK;
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Identification and characterization of a phospholipase A2 from the venom of the Saw-scaled viper: Novel bactericidal and membrane damaging activities. Biochimie 2010; 92:1854-66. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2010.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2010] [Accepted: 07/21/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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15
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da Silva JG, da Silva Soley B, Gris V, do Rocio Andrade Pires A, Caderia SMSC, Eler GJ, Hermoso APM, Bracht A, Dalsenter PR, Acco A. Effects of the Crotalus durissus terrificus snake venom on hepatic metabolism and oxidative stress. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2010; 25:195-203. [PMID: 21671311 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.20376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2010] [Revised: 06/12/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Snake venoms present different action mechanisms because of their complex composition, represented mainly by toxins and enzymes. This work aimed to investigate the effects of the Crotalus durissus terrificus(Cdt) venom in the liver. Wistar rats were inoculated intraperitoneally with saline (control) or Cdt venom. After 3, 4, or 6 h, the following parameters were analyzed: (a) hepatic function, (b) oxidative stress parameters, and (c) the metabolism of alanine in the isolated perfused liver. Plasma activities of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase and hepatic glutathione S-transferase and catalase presented significant elevation in rats inoculated with 300 μg ⋅ kg(-1) Cdt venom. Liver lipoperoxidation was enormously increased by venom doses of 100, 200, and 300 μg ⋅kg(-1) , whereas glutathione S-transferase was not changed. Perfused livers from rats inoculated with 1500 μg ⋅kg(-1) venom showed increased production of lactate, pyruvate, and ammonia when alanine was the metabolic substrate. These results demonstrate that the Cdt venom can produce several changes in hepatocytes. The causes of the changes are possibly related to the disequilibrium in the redox homeostasis but also to specific needs of the poisoned organism, for example, an increased supply of lactate and pyruvate in response to an increased activity of the Cori cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Golart da Silva
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Paraná, Biological Science Sector, Jardim das Américas, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
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Snake venomics and antivenomics of Crotalus durissus subspecies from Brazil: Assessment of geographic variation and its implication on snakebite management. J Proteomics 2010; 73:1758-76. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2010.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2010] [Accepted: 06/03/2010] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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17
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Sampaio SC, Hyslop S, Fontes MR, Prado-Franceschi J, Zambelli VO, Magro AJ, Brigatte P, Gutierrez VP, Cury Y. Crotoxin: Novel activities for a classic β-neurotoxin. Toxicon 2010; 55:1045-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2010.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2009] [Revised: 12/17/2009] [Accepted: 01/09/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Mizuno M, Nozaki M, Morine N, Suzuki N, Nishikawa K, Morgan BP, Matsuo S. A protein toxin from the sea anemone Phyllodiscus semoni targets the kidney and causes a severe renal injury with predominant glomerular endothelial damage. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2007; 171:402-14. [PMID: 17600120 PMCID: PMC1934535 DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2007.060984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/16/2007] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Envenomation by the sea anemone Phyllodiscus semoni causes fulminant dermatitis and, rarely, acute renal failure in humans. Here, we investigated whether the venom extracted from the nematocysts (PsTX-T) was nephrotoxic when administered intravenously in rats and whether PsTX-T induced activation of the complement system. Although small dose of PsTX-T induced acute tubular necrosis in rats resembling pathology seen in patients, kidneys displayed glomerular injury with glomerular endothelial damage, thrombus formation, mesangiolysis, and partial rupture of glomerular basement membrane, accompanied by severe tubular necrosis at 24 hours after administration of 0.03 mg of PsTX-T per animal, similar to the glomerular findings typical of severe hemolytic uremic syndrome. The early stage injury was accompanied by specific PsTX-T binding, massive complement C3b, and membrane attack complex deposition in glomeruli in the regions of injury and decreased glomerular expression of complement regulators. A pathogenic role for complement was confirmed by demonstrating that systemic complement inhibition reduced renal injury. The isolated nephrotoxic component, a 115-kd protein toxin (PsTX-115), was shown to cause identical renal pathology. The demonstration that PsTX-T and PsTX-115 were highly nephrotoxic acting via induction of complement activation suggests that inhibition of complement might be used to prevent acute renal damage following envenomation by P. semoni.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Animals
- Blotting, Western
- CD55 Antigens/analysis
- CD59 Antigens/analysis
- Cnidarian Venoms/chemistry
- Cnidarian Venoms/metabolism
- Cnidarian Venoms/toxicity
- Complement Activation/drug effects
- Complement C3b/metabolism
- Complement Membrane Attack Complex/metabolism
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel
- Endothelium/drug effects
- Endothelium/pathology
- Endothelium/ultrastructure
- Female
- Immunohistochemistry
- Kidney/drug effects
- Kidney/metabolism
- Kidney/pathology
- Kidney Glomerulus/drug effects
- Kidney Glomerulus/metabolism
- Kidney Glomerulus/pathology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Microscopy, Electron
- Protein Binding
- Rats
- Rats, Wistar
- Sea Anemones/chemistry
- Sequence Analysis, Protein
- Toxins, Biological/chemistry
- Toxins, Biological/metabolism
- Toxins, Biological/toxicity
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Affiliation(s)
- Masashi Mizuno
- Department of Nephrology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan.
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Ruiz de Torrent RM, Bongiovanni B, Leiva LC, Evangelista de Duffard AM, Rodríguez JP, Acosta de Pérez OC, Duffard R. Neurotoxicological effects of a thrombin-like enzyme isolated from Crotalus durissus terrificus venom (preliminary study). Toxicon 2007; 50:144-52. [PMID: 17467764 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2007.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2006] [Revised: 02/26/2007] [Accepted: 03/06/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A thrombin-like enzyme, purified from the venom of Crotalus durissus terrificus by gel filtration and affinity chromatography, showed a single protein band in Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrilamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) with a molecular weight of about 33kDa. Clear cellular morphological changes, deep ganglioside level modifications in some brain areas and behavioral alterations in pup rats injected with this protein were detected. Ganglioside composition, one of the chemical markers of brain maturation, was altered specially in the hypothalamus, hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. The most reliable behavioral effects were a delayed, maturation of the righting reflex, posture and motor response after treatment. These effects were consistent with the histological changes revealed in the cerebellum and prefrontal cortex of treated neonate rats, areas related to motor activities.
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Amora DN, Sousa TM, Martins AMC, Barbosa PSF, Magalhães MR, Toyama MH, Fonteles MC, de Menezes DB, Monteiro HSA. Effects of Crotalus durissus collilineatus venom in the isolated rat kidney. Toxicon 2006; 47:260-4. [PMID: 16427672 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2005.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2005] [Revised: 10/13/2005] [Accepted: 10/15/2005] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Ophidian accidents caused by the subspecies Crotalus durissus are responsible for high morbity and mortality rates. Acute renal failure is a common complication observed in these accidents. The aim of the present study was to investigate the renal effects promoted by the venom of C. d. collilineatus and its fractions, crotoxin and phospholipase A2. C. d. collilineatus (Cdc; 30 microg mL(-1)), crotoxin (CTX; 10 microg mL(-1)) and phospholipase A2 (PLA2; 10 microg mL(-1)) were tested in isolated rat kidney. The first 30 min of each experiment were used as an internal control and Cdc or its fractions, CTX and PLA2 were added to the system after this period. All experiments lasted 120 min. The venom of Cdc decreased perfusion pressure (PP; control120 = 110.3 +/- 3.69 mmHg; Cdc120 = 96.7+/-8.1 mmHg), renal vascular resistance (RVR; control120 = 6.42+/-0.78 mmHg mL g(-1) min(-1); Cdc120 = 4.8+/-0.56 mmHg/mL g(-1) min(-1)), urinary flow (UF; control120 = 0.19+/-0.03 mL g(-1) min(-1); Cdc120 = 0.12 +/- 0.01 mL g(-1) min(-1)), and glomerular filtration rate (GFR; control120 = 0.79 +/- 0.07 mL g(-1) min(-1); Cdc120 = 0.53 +/- 0.09 mL g(-1) min(-1)), but had no effect on the percent of sodium tubular transport (%TNa+), percent of chloride tubular transport (%TK+) and percent of potassium tubular transport (%TCl-). CTX and PLA2 reduced the GFR, while UF, PP and RVR remained stable during the full 120 min of perfusion. Crotoxin administration also diminished the %TK+ (control120 = 69.94 +/- 6.49; CTX120 = 33.28 +/- 4.78) and %TCl- (control120 = 79.53 +/- 2.67; CTX120 = 64.62 +/- 6.93). PLA2 reduced the %TK+, but exerted no effect on the %TNa+ or on that of TCl-. In conclusion, the C. d. collilineatus venom altered the renal functional parameters evaluated. We suggest that crotoxin and phospholipase A2 were involved in this process, since the renal effects observed would be due to the synergistic action of the components of the venom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela N Amora
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine and Clinical Research Unit, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil.
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Pinho FMO, Zanetta DMT, Burdmann EA. Acute renal failure after Crotalus durissus snakebite: a prospective survey on 100 patients. Kidney Int 2005; 67:659-67. [PMID: 15673314 DOI: 10.1111/j.1523-1755.2005.67122.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute renal failure (ARF) is the main cause of death after the South American crotalid snakebite. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, risk factors, and characteristics of Crotalus durissus venom-induced ARF. METHODS One hundred cases of Crotalus durissus bite were studied from hospitalization to discharge or death. Creatinine clearance (GFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) in the first 72 hours after snakebite was defined as ARF. Data are expressed as median (range of variation) or%, and were analyzed by univariate analysis and logistic regression. RESULTS Twenty-nine patients developed ARF. Of those, 24% required dialysis and 10% died. ARF patients had smaller body surface [1.55 (0.6-2.3) vs. 1.7 (0.6-2.1) m(2), P= 0.0097], received antivenom (AV) later [12 (2-48) vs. 2 (1-14) hours, P < 0.0001], received more AV [190 (90-536) vs. 158 (75-500) mg/m(2), P < 0.0001], presented lower diuresis at admission [62 (0-182) mL/hr vs. 100 (25-325) mL/hr, P= 0.0004], and showed a striking creatine kinase (CK) increase [50,250 (69-424,120) vs. 1108 (88-133,170) U/L, P < 0.0001]. Age <12 years (OR 5.6, P= 0.026), time for AV >2 hours (OR 11.1, P= 0.032), CK at admission >2000 U/L (OR 12.7, P= 0.0009) were identified as independent risk factors for ARF, whereas diuresis at admission >90 mL/hr (OR 0.20, P= 0.014) was an independent protector factor. CONCLUSION C. durissus venom-induced ARF had high prevalence (29%). Delay for AV treatment, CK at admission >2000 U/L, and age <12 years were independent risk factors for ARF development. Diuresis at admission >90 mL/hr was a protective factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fábia M O Pinho
- Division of Nephrology, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, and Hospital de Doenças Tropicais (Tropical Diseases Hospital) of Goiânia, Brazil
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Beghini DG, Hernandez-Oliveira S, Rodrigues-Simioni L, Novello JC, Hyslop S, Marangoni S. Anti-sera raised in rabbits against crotoxin and phospholipase A2 from Crotalus durissus cascavella venom neutralize the neurotoxicity of the venom and crotoxin. Toxicon 2004; 44:141-8. [PMID: 15246761 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2004.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2004] [Revised: 04/15/2004] [Accepted: 05/10/2004] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Crotoxin, the principal neurotoxin in venom of the South American rattlesnakes Crotalus durissus terrificus and Crotalus durissus cascavella, contains a basic phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and an acidic protein, crotapotin. In this work, we examined the ability of rabbit anti-sera against crotoxin and its PLA2 subunit to neutralize the neurotoxicity of venom and crotoxin from C. d. cascavella in mouse phrenic nerve-diaphragm and chick biventer cervicis preparations. Immunoblotting showed that the anti-sera recognized C. d. cascavella crotoxin and PLA2. This was confirmed by ELISA, with both anti-sera having end-point dilutions of 3 x 10(-6). Anti-crotoxin serum neutralized the neuromuscular blockade in phrenic nerve-diaphragm muscle preparations at venom or crotoxin:anti-serum ratios of 1:2 and 1:3, respectively. Anti-PLA2 serum also neutralized this neuromuscular activity at a venom or crotoxin:anti-serum ratio of 1:1. In biventer cervicis preparations, the corresponding ratio for anti-crotoxin serum was 1:3 for venom and crotoxin, and 1:1 and 1:2 for anti-PLA2 serum. The neutralizing capacity of the sera in mouse preparations was comparable to that of commercial anti-serum raised against C. d. terrificus venom. These results show that anti-sera against crotoxin and PLA2 from C. d. cascavella venom neutralized the neuromuscular blockade induced by venom and crotoxin in both nerve-muscle preparations, with the anti-serum against crotoxin being slightly less potent than that against crotoxin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela G Beghini
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), CP 6109, CEP 13083-970 Campinas, SP, Brazil
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de Oliveira DG, Toyama MH, Martins AMC, Havt A, Nobre ACL, Marangoni S, Câmara PR, Antunes E, de Nucci G, Beliam LOS, Fonteles MC, Monteiro HSA. Structural and biological characterization of a crotapotin isoform isolated from Crotalus durissus cascavella venom. Toxicon 2003; 42:53-62. [PMID: 12893061 DOI: 10.1016/s0041-0101(03)00100-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Envenoming by Crotalus durissus subspecies leads to coagulation disorders, myotoxicity, neurotoxicity and acute renal failure. The most serious systemic alteration and primary cause of death after snakebite is acute renal failure. In this work, we isolated crotapotin, an acid component (Crtp) of crotoxin from Crotalus durissus cascavella venom and we investigated its bactericidal and pro-inflammatory activities as well as its renal effects in rat isolated perfused kidneys. Crtp was bactericidal to the Gram-negative species Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. passiflorae, but was less effective against the Gram-positive Claribacteri ssp, probably because of differences in the cell wall composition. Crtp showed a high amino acid sequence homology with other Crtps described in the literature (around of 90%) and its A and B chains had high conserved regions corresponding to the calcium-binding loop, catalytic site and helix 3 of PLA2. The Crtp showed moderate pro-inflammatory activity and increased significantly the inflammation evoked by PLA2 when co-injected or co-incubated with PLA2. The renal parameters evaluated included the perfusion pressure (PP), renal vascular resistance (RVR), urinary flow (UF), glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and percent of sodium tubular transport (%TNa+). Crotapotin (5 microg/ml) significantly increased the PP and RVR, whereas the GFR, UF and %TNa+ were unaffected. These results suggest that crotoxin is the main venom component responsible for nephrotoxicity and crotapotin contributes little to this phenomenom. The biological and bactericidal actions of Crtp also suggest that this protein may have functions other than simply acting as a chaperone for PLA2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela G de Oliveira
- Department of Biochemistry, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
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