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Salvador GHM, Cardoso FF, Lomonte B, Fontes MRM. Inhibitors and activators for myotoxic phospholipase A 2-like toxins from snake venoms - A structural overview. Biochimie 2024:S0300-9084(24)00175-5. [PMID: 39089640 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2024.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Snakebite envenomations result in acute and chronic physical and psychological health effects on their victims, leading to a substantial socio-economic burden in tropical and subtropical countries. Local necrosis is one of the serious effects caused by envenomation, primarily induced by snake venoms from the Viperidae family through the direct action of components collectively denominated as myotoxins, including the phopholipase A2-like (PLA2-like) toxins. Considering the limitations of antivenoms in preventing the rapid development of local tissue damage caused by envenomation, the use of small molecule therapeutics has been suggested as potential first-aid treatments or as adjuvants to antivenom therapy. In this review, we provide an overview of the structural interactions of molecules exhibiting inhibitory activity toward PLA2-like toxins. Additionally, we discuss the implications for the myotoxic mechanism of PLA2-like toxins and the molecules involved in their activation, highlighting key differences between activators and inhibitors. Finally, we integrate all these results to propose a classification of inhibitors into three different classes and five sub-classes. Taking into account the structural and affinity information, we compare the different inhibitors/ligands to gain a deeper understanding of the structural basis for the effective inhibition of PLA2-like toxins. By offering these insights, we aim to contribute to the search for new and efficient inhibitor molecules to complement and improve current therapy by conventional antivenoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme H M Salvador
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu-SP, Brazil
| | - Fábio F Cardoso
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu-SP, Brazil
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Marcos R M Fontes
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu-SP, Brazil; Instituto de Estudos Avançados do Mar (IEAMar), Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), São Vicente-SP, Brazil.
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2
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de Oliveira ALN, Lacerda MT, Ramos MJ, Fernandes PA. Viper Venom Phospholipase A2 Database: The Structural and Functional Anatomy of a Primary Toxin in Envenomation. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:71. [PMID: 38393149 PMCID: PMC10893444 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16020071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Viper venom phospholipase A2 enzymes (vvPLA2s) and phospholipase A2-like (PLA2-like) proteins are two of the principal toxins in viper venom that are responsible for the severe myotoxic and neurotoxic effects caused by snakebite envenoming, among other pathologies. As snakebite envenoming is the deadliest neglected tropical disease, a complete understanding of these proteins' properties and their mechanisms of action is urgently needed. Therefore, we created a database comprising information on the holo-form, cofactor-bound 3D structure of 217 vvPLA2 and PLA2-like proteins in their physiologic environment, as well as 79 membrane-bound viper species from 24 genera, which we have made available to the scientific community to accelerate the development of new anti-snakebite drugs. In addition, the analysis of the sequenced, 3D structure of the database proteins reveals essential aspects of the anatomy of the proteins, their toxicity mechanisms, and the conserved binding site areas that may anchor universal interspecific inhibitors. Moreover, it pinpoints hypotheses for the molecular origin of the myotoxicity of the PLA2-like proteins. Altogether, this study provides an understanding of the diversity of these toxins and how they are conserved, and it indicates how to develop broad, interspecies, efficient small-molecule inhibitors to target the toxin's many mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Pedro A. Fernandes
- Requimte-Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-000 Porto, Portugal; (A.L.N.d.O.); (M.T.L.); (M.J.R.)
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3
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Sørensen CV, Almeida JR, Bohn MF, Rivera-de-Torre E, Schoffelen S, Voldborg BG, Ljungars A, Vaiyapuri S, Laustsen AH. Discovery of a human monoclonal antibody that cross-neutralizes venom phospholipase A 2s from three different snake genera. Toxicon 2023; 234:107307. [PMID: 37783315 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Despite the considerable global impact of snakebite envenoming, available treatments remain suboptimal. Here, we report the discovery of a broadly-neutralizing human monoclonal antibody, using a phage display-based cross-panning strategy, capable of reducing the cytotoxic effects of venom phospholipase A2s from three different snake genera from different continents. This highlights the potential of utilizing monoclonal antibodies to develop more effective, safer, and globally accessible polyvalent antivenoms that can be widely used to treat snakebite envenoming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoffer V Sørensen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - José R Almeida
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6UB, United Kingdom
| | - Markus-Frederik Bohn
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Esperanza Rivera-de-Torre
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Sanne Schoffelen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Bjørn G Voldborg
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Anne Ljungars
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Sakthivel Vaiyapuri
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6UB, United Kingdom.
| | - Andreas H Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
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4
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Deikumah JP, Biney RP, Awoonor-Williams JK, Gyakobo MK. Compendium of medically important snakes, venom activity and clinical presentations in Ghana. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011050. [PMID: 37506181 PMCID: PMC10411737 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Snake bite envenoming (SBE) is one neglected tropical disease that has not received the needed attention. The sequelae of burdensome disability and mortality impact the socioeconomic life of communities adversely with little documentation of SBE in health facility records in Ghana. This study details SBE and snake distribution, habits/habitats, type of venom expressed and clinical manifestations. METHODOLOGY We conducted a structured thematic desk review of peer reviewed papers, books and reports from repositories including PubMed, World Health Organization (WHO) and Women's & Children's Hospital (WCH) Clinical Toxinology Resources using bibliographic software EndNote and search engine Google Scholar with the following key words; snakes, medical importance, snake bites, venom and venom type, envenomation, symptoms and signs, vaccines, venom expenditure, strike behaviour and venom-metering + Ghana, West Africa, Africa, World. We also reviewed data from the District Health Information Management System (DHIMS) of the Ghana Health Service (GHS). Outcome variables were organized as follows: common name (s), species, habitat/habit, species-specific toxin, clinical manifestation, antivenom availability, WHO category. FINDINGS Snake bites and SBE were grouped by the activity of the expressed venom into neurotoxic, cardiotoxic, haemorrhagic, cytotoxic, myotoxic, nephrotoxic and procoagulants. Neurotoxic snake bites were largely due to elapids. Expressed venoms with cardiotoxic, haemorrhagic, nephrotoxic and procoagulant activities principally belonged to the family Viperidae. Snakes with venoms showing myotoxic activity were largely alien to Ghana and the West African sub-region. Venoms showing cytotoxic activity are expressed by a wide range of snakes though more prevalent among the Viperidae family. Snakes with neurotoxic and haemorrhagic venom activities are prevalent across all the agro-ecological zones in Ghana. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE Understanding the characteristics of snakes and their venoms is useful in the management of SBE. The distribution of snakes by their expressed venoms across the agro-ecological zones is also instructive to species identification and diagnosis of SBE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justus Precious Deikumah
- Department of Conservation Biology and Entomology, School of Biological Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Robert Peter Biney
- Department of Pharmacotherapeutics and Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | | | - Mawuli Kotope Gyakobo
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
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5
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Salvador GHM, Pinto ÊKR, Ortolani PL, Fortes-Dias CL, Cavalcante WLG, Soares AM, Lomonte B, Lewin MR, Fontes MRM. Structural basis of the myotoxic inhibition of the Bothrops pirajai PrTX-I by the synthetic varespladib. Biochimie 2023; 207:1-10. [PMID: 36403756 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2022.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Varespladib (LY315920) is a potent inhibitor of human group IIA phospholipase A2 (PLA2) originally developed to control inflammatory cascades of diseases associated with high or dysregulated levels of endogenous PLA2. Recently, varespladib was also found to inhibit snake venom PLA2 and PLA2-like toxins. Herein, ex vivo neuromuscular blocking activity assays were used to test the inhibitory activity of varespladib. The binding affinity between varespladib and a PLA2-like toxin was quantified and compared with other potential inhibitors for this class of proteins. Crystallographic and bioinformatic studies showed that varespladib binds to PrTX-I and BthTX-I into their hydrophobic channels, similarly to other previously characterized PLA2-like myotoxins. However, a new finding is that an additional varespladib binds to the MDiS region, a particular site that is related to muscle cell disruption by these toxins. The present results further advance the characterization of the molecular interactions of varespladib with PLA2-like myotoxins and provide additional evidence for this compound as a promising inhibitor candidate for different PLA2 and PLA2-like toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme H M Salvador
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Êmylle K R Pinto
- Departmento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Biologicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Brazil
| | - Paula L Ortolani
- Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Ezequiel Dias (FUNED), Brazil
| | | | - Walter L G Cavalcante
- Departmento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Biologicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Brazil
| | - Andreimar M Soares
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia de Proteínas e Compostos Bioativos Aplicados à Saúde, LABIOPROT, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, unidade Rondônia e Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Epidemiologia da Amazônia Ocidental, INCT EPIAMO, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Matthew R Lewin
- Ophirex, Inc. Corte Madera, CA, 94925, USA; Center for Exploration and Travel Health, California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA, 94118, USA
| | - Marcos R M Fontes
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brazil.
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Structural and functional studies of a snake venom phospholipase A 2-like protein complexed to an inhibitor from Tabernaemontana catharinensis. Biochimie 2023; 206:105-115. [PMID: 36273763 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2022.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Snake envenomation is an ongoing global health problem and tropical neglected disease that afflicts millions of people each year. The only specific treatment, antivenom, has several limitations that affects its proper distribution to the victims and its efficacy against local effects, such as myonecrosis. The main responsible for this consequence are the phospholipases A2 (PLA2) and PLA2-like proteins, such as BthTX-I from Bothrops jararacussu. Folk medicine resorts to plants such as Tabernaemontana catharinensis to palliate these and other snakebite effects. Here, we evaluated the effect of its root bark extract and one of its isolated compounds, 12-methoxy-4-methyl-voachalotine (MMV), against the in vitro paralysis and muscle damage induced by BthTX-I. Secondary and quaternary structures of BthTX-I were not modified by the interaction with MMV. Instead, this compound interacted in an unprecedented way with the region inside the toxin hydrophobic channel and promoted a structural change in Val31, loop 58-71 and Membrane Disruption Site. Thus, we hypothesize that MMV inhibits PLA2-like proteins by preventing entrance of fatty acid into the hydrophobic channel. These data may explain the traditional use of T. catharinensis extract and confirm MMV as a promising candidate to complement antivenom or a structural guide to develop more effective inhibitors.
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7
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Lomonte B. Lys49 myotoxins, secreted phospholipase A 2-like proteins of viperid venoms: A comprehensive review. Toxicon 2023; 224:107024. [PMID: 36632869 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Muscle necrosis is a potential clinical complication of snakebite envenomings, which in severe cases can lead to functional or physical sequelae such as disability or amputation. Snake venom proteins with the ability to directly damage skeletal muscle fibers are collectively referred to as myotoxins, and include three main types: cytolysins of the "three-finger toxin" protein family expressed in many elapid venoms, the so-called "small" myotoxins found in a number of rattlesnake venoms, and the widespread secreted phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) molecules. Among the latter, protein variants that conserve the sPLA2 structure, but lack such enzymatic activity, have been increasingly found in the venoms of many viperid species. Intriguingly, these sPLA2-like proteins are able to induce muscle necrosis by a mechanism independent of phospholipid hydrolysis. They are commonly referred to as "Lys49 myotoxins" since they most often present, among other substitutions, the replacement of the otherwise invariant residue Asp49 of sPLA2s by Lys. This work comprehensively reviews the historical developments and current knowledge towards deciphering the mechanism of action of Lys49 sPLA2-like myotoxins, and points out main gaps to be filled for a better understanding of these multifaceted snake venom proteins, to hopefully lead to improved treatments for snakebites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, 11501, Costa Rica.
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8
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Silva DPD, Ferreira SDS, Torres-Rêgo M, Furtado AA, Yamashita FDO, Diniz EADS, Vieira DS, Ururahy MAG, Silva-Júnior AAD, Luna KPDO, Fernandes-Pedrosa MDF. Antiophidic potential of chlorogenic acid and rosmarinic acid against Bothrops leucurus snake venom. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 148:112766. [PMID: 35247716 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Bothrops leucurus is responsible for most cases of snakebite in Northeast Brazil; however, this species is not included in the pool of venoms used in antivenom production in Brazil. The serotherapy has logistical and effectiveness limitations, which stimulates the search for therapeutic alternatives. Chlorogenic acid and rosmarinic acid present several biological activities, but their antiophidic potential has been poorly explored. Thus, the aim of this approach was to evaluate the potential inhibitory effects of these compounds on B. leucurus venom. Initially, the enzymatic inhibition of toxins was evaluated in vitro. Then, anti-hemorrhagic, anti-myotoxic, and anti-edematogenic assays were performed in vivo, as well analysis of several biochemical markers and hemostatic parameters. In addition, the interaction of inhibitors with SVMP and PLA2 was investigated by docking analysis. Results revealed that compounds inhibited in vitro the enzymatic activities and venom-induced edema, with a decrease in both myeloperoxidase and interleukin quantification. The inhibitors also attenuated the hemorrhagic and myotoxic actions and mitigated changes in serum biochemical and hemostatic markers, as well as decreased lipid peroxidation in liver and kidney tissues. Docking analysis revealed attractive interactions of both inhibitors with the zinc-binding site of SVMP and, in the case of PLA2, chlorogenic acid showed a similar inhibition mechanism to that described for rosmarinic acid. The results evidenced the antiophidic potential of both compounds, which showed higher efficiency than antivenom serum. Thus, both inhibitors are promising candidates for future adjuvants to be used to complement antivenom serotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Pontes da Silva
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Avenue General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal 59012-570, Brazil.
| | - Sarah de Sousa Ferreira
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Avenue General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal 59012-570, Brazil.
| | - Manoela Torres-Rêgo
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Avenue General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal 59012-570, Brazil; Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Avenue Senador Salgado Filho, 3000, Lagoa Nova, Natal 59072-970, Brazil.
| | - Allanny Alves Furtado
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Avenue General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal 59012-570, Brazil.
| | - Fabiana de Oliveira Yamashita
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Avenue General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal 59012-570, Brazil.
| | - Eduardo Augusto da Silva Diniz
- Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Avenue Senador Salgado Filho, 3000, Lagoa Nova, Natal 59072-970, Brazil.
| | - Davi Serradella Vieira
- Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Avenue Senador Salgado Filho, 3000, Lagoa Nova, Natal 59072-970, Brazil.
| | - Marcela Abbott Galvão Ururahy
- Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Clinical Analysis and Toxicological, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal 59012-570, Brazil.
| | - Arnóbio Antônio da Silva-Júnior
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Avenue General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal 59012-570, Brazil.
| | - Karla Patrícia de Oliveira Luna
- Center of Biological and Health Sciences, State University of Paraíba, Avenue Baraúnas, S/N, Bodocongó, Campina Grande 58429-500, Brazil.
| | - Matheus de Freitas Fernandes-Pedrosa
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Avenue General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal 59012-570, Brazil.
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9
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Dias ÊR, de Oliveira LA, Sales Lauria PS, Bordon KDCF, Rodrigues Domênico AM, da Silva Guerreiro ML, Wiezel GA, Cardoso IA, Rossini BC, Marino CL, Pimenta DC, Arantes EC, Casais-e-Silva LL, Branco A, dos Santos LD, Biondi I. Bothrops leucurus snake venom protein profile, isolation and biological characterization of its major toxin PLA2s-likeds. Toxicon 2022; 213:27-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2022.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Solving the microheterogeneity of Bothrops asper myotoxin-II by high-resolution mass spectrometry: Insights into C-terminal region variability in Lys49-phospholipase A2 homologs. Toxicon 2022; 210:123-131. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2022.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Ferreira SDS, Silva DPD, Torres-Rêgo M, Silva-Júnior AAD, Fernandes-Pedrosa MDF. The potential of phenolic acids in therapy against snakebites: A review. Toxicon 2021; 208:1-12. [PMID: 34979199 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Ophidism is a serious health problem worldwide and is included in the World Health Organization's (WHO's) list of Neglected Tropical Diseases. Although snakebite envenoming requires emergency treatment, currently the only treatment recommended by WHO is serotherapy, which has some disadvantages such as low access to the rural population, low effectiveness in neutralizing local effects, and high cost. In this context, new alternatives for the treatment of snakebites are required. The use of plant-derived compounds to inhibit the effects caused by snake venoms has been the object of a number of studies in recent years. This review aims to provide an up-to-date overview of the use of phenolic acids with therapeutic application against envenomation by snakes of different species. In this sense, structural analysis in silico and biological activities in vivo and in vitro were reported. The acids were subdivided into derivatives of benzoic and cinnamic acids, with derivatives of cinnamic acids being the most studied. Studies have revealed that these compounds are capable of inhibiting local and systemic effects induced by envenomation, and structural analyses indicate that the acids interact with important sites responsible for the action of toxins. Thus, it was reported that phenolic acids showed antiophidic potential, providing insights for future research to develop complementary drugs for the treatment of snakebites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah de Sousa Ferreira
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Avenue General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil.
| | - Diana Pontes da Silva
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Avenue General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil.
| | - Manoela Torres-Rêgo
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Avenue General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil; Graduate Program of Chemistry, Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Avenue Senador Salgado Filho, 3000, Lagoa Nova, Natal, 59072-970, Brazil.
| | - Arnóbio Antônio da Silva-Júnior
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Avenue General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil.
| | - Matheus de Freitas Fernandes-Pedrosa
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Avenue General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil.
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12
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Barbosa ED, Lima Neto JX, Bezerra KS, Oliveira JIN, Machado LD, Fulco UL. Quantum Biochemical Investigation of Lys49-PLA 2 from Bothrops moojeni. J Phys Chem B 2021; 125:12972-12980. [PMID: 34793159 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.1c07298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Envenomation via snakebites occurs largely in areas where it is harder to access the hospital. Its mortality rate and sequelae acquired by the survivors symbolize a big challenge for antivenom therapy. In particular, the homologous phospholipase A2 (Lys49-PLA2) proteins can induce myonecrosis and are not effectively neutralized by current treatments. Thus, by taking advantage of crystallographic structures of Bothrops moojeni Lys49-PLA2 complexed with VRD (varespladib) and AIN (aspirin), a quantum biochemistry study based on the molecular fractionation with conjugate cap scheme within the density functional theory formalism is performed to unveil these complexes' detailed interaction energies. The calculations revealed that important interactions between ligands and the Lys49-PLA2 pocket could occur up to a pocket radius of r = 6.5 (5.0 Å) for VRD (AIN), with the total interaction energy of the VRD ligand being higher than that of the AIN ligand, which is well-correlated with the experimental binding affinity. Furthermore, we have identified the role played by the amino acids LYS0069, LYS0049, LEU0005, ILE0009, CYS0029, GLY0030, HIS0048, PRO0018, ALA0019, CYS0045, TYR0052, TYR0022, PRO0125*, and PHE0126* (LYS0069, LYS0049, GLY0032, LEU0002, and LEU0005) in the VRD↔Lys49-PLA2 (AIN↔Lys49-PLA2) complex. Our simulations are a valuable tool to support the big challenge for neutralizing the damages in victims of snakebites.
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Affiliation(s)
- E D Barbosa
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59072-970, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - J X Lima Neto
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59072-970, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - K S Bezerra
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59072-970, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - J I N Oliveira
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59072-970, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - L D Machado
- Departamento de Física Teórica e Experimental, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59072-970, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - U L Fulco
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59072-970, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
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13
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BthTX-II from Bothrops jararacussu venom has variants with different oligomeric assemblies: An example of snake venom phospholipases A 2 versatility. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 191:255-266. [PMID: 34547312 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.09.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Phospholipases A2 (PLA2s) are found in almost every venomous snake family. In snakebites, some PLA2s can quickly cause local myonecrosis, which may lead to permanent sequelae if antivenom is administered belatedly. They hydrolyse phospholipids in membranes through a catalytic calcium ions-dependent mechanism. BthTX-II is a basic PLA2 and the second major component in the venom of Bothrops jararacussu. Herein, using the software SEQUENCE SLIDER, which integrates crystallographic, mass spectrometry and genetic data, we characterized the primary, tertiary and quaternary structure of two BthTX-II variants (called a and b), which diverge in 7 residues. Crystallographic structure BthTX-IIa is in a Tense-state with its distorted calcium binding loop buried in the dimer interface, contrarily, the novel BthTX-IIb structure is a monomer in a Relax-state with a fatty acid in the hydrophobic channel. Structural data in solution reveals that both variants are monomeric in neutral physiological conditions and mostly dimeric in an acidic environment, being catalytic active in both situations. Therefore, we propose two myotoxic mechanisms for BthTX-II, a catalytic one associated with the monomeric assembly, whereas the other has a calcium independent activity related to its C-terminal region, adopting a dimeric conformation similar to PLA2-like proteins.
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14
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Puzari U, Fernandes PA, Mukherjee AK. Advances in the Therapeutic Application of Small-Molecule Inhibitors and Repurposed Drugs against Snakebite. J Med Chem 2021; 64:13938-13979. [PMID: 34565143 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The World Health Organization has declared snakebite as a neglected tropical disease. Antivenom administration is the sole therapy against venomous snakebite; however, several limitations of this therapy reinforce the dire need for an alternative and/or additional treatment against envenomation. Inhibitors against snake venoms have been explored from natural resources and are synthesized in the laboratory; however, repurposing of small-molecule therapeutics (SMTs) against the principal toxins of snake venoms to inhibit their lethality and/or obnoxious effect of envenomation has been garnering greater attention owing to their established pharmacokinetic properties, low-risk attributes, cost-effectiveness, ease of administration, and storage stability. Nevertheless, SMTs are yet to be approved and commercialized for snakebite treatment. Therefore, we have systematically reviewed and critically analyzed the scenario of small synthetic inhibitors and repurposed drugs against snake envenomation from 2005 to date and proposed novel approaches and commercialization strategies for the development of efficacious therapies against snake envenomation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Upasana Puzari
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, School of Sciences, Tezpur University, Tezpur-784028, Assam, India
| | - Pedro Alexandrino Fernandes
- LAQV@REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua Do Campo Alegre S/N, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ashis K Mukherjee
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, School of Sciences, Tezpur University, Tezpur-784028, Assam, India.,Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Vigyan Path Garchuk, Paschim Boragaon, Guwahati-781035, Assam, India
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15
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Costa TR, Francisco AF, Cardoso FF, Moreira-Dill LS, Fernandes CAH, Gomes AAS, Guimarães CLS, Marcussi S, Pereira PS, Oliveira HC, Fontes MRM, Silva SL, Zuliani JP, Soares AM. Gallic acid anti-myotoxic activity and mechanism of action, a snake venom phospholipase A 2 toxin inhibitor, isolated from the medicinal plant Anacardium humile. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 185:494-512. [PMID: 34197854 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.06.163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Snakebite envenoming is the cause of an ongoing health crisis in several regions of the world, particularly in tropical and neotropical countries. This scenario creates an urgent necessity for new practical solutions to address the limitations of current therapies. The current study investigated the isolation, phytochemical characterization, and myotoxicity inhibition mechanism of gallic acid (GA), a myotoxin inhibitor obtained from Anacardium humile. The identification and isolation of GA was achieved by employing analytical chromatographic separation, which exhibited a compound with retention time and nuclear magnetic resonance spectra compatible with GA's commercial standard and data from the literature. GA alone was able to inhibit the myotoxic activity induced by the crude venom of Bothrops jararacussu and its two main myotoxins, BthTX-I and BthTX-II. Circular dichroism (CD), fluorescence spectroscopy (FS), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and interaction studies by molecular docking suggested that GA forms a complex with BthTX-I and II. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) kinetics assays showed that GA has a high affinity for BthTX-I with a KD of 9.146 × 10-7 M. Taken together, the two-state reaction mode of GA binding to BthTX-I, and CD, FS and DLS assays, suggest that GA is able to induce oligomerization and secondary structure changes for BthTX-I and -II. GA and other tannins have been shown to be effective inhibitors of snake venoms' toxic effects, and herein we demonstrated GA's ability to bind to and inhibit a snake venom PLA2, thus proposing a new mechanism of PLA2 inhibition, and presenting more evidence of GA's potential as an antivenom compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tássia R Costa
- Instituto de Genética e Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, UFU, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Aleff F Francisco
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Botucatu, SP, Brazil; Laboratório de Biotecnologia de Proteínas e Compostos Bioativos, LABIOPROT, Centro de Estudos de Biomoléculas Aplicadas à Saúde, CEBio, Laboratório de Imunologia Celular Aplicada à Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Unidade Rondônia, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Fábio F Cardoso
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Leandro S Moreira-Dill
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia de Proteínas e Compostos Bioativos, LABIOPROT, Centro de Estudos de Biomoléculas Aplicadas à Saúde, CEBio, Laboratório de Imunologia Celular Aplicada à Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Unidade Rondônia, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Carlos A H Fernandes
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Antoniel A S Gomes
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - César L S Guimarães
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia de Proteínas e Compostos Bioativos, LABIOPROT, Centro de Estudos de Biomoléculas Aplicadas à Saúde, CEBio, Laboratório de Imunologia Celular Aplicada à Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Unidade Rondônia, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil; Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis, IBAMA, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Silvana Marcussi
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Lavras, UFLA, Lavras, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Hamine C Oliveira
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcos R M Fontes
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Saulo L Silva
- Faculty of Chemical Sciences, University of Cuenca, Cuenca, Azuay, Ecuador; LAQV/Requimte, Faculty of Sciences University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Juliana P Zuliani
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia de Proteínas e Compostos Bioativos, LABIOPROT, Centro de Estudos de Biomoléculas Aplicadas à Saúde, CEBio, Laboratório de Imunologia Celular Aplicada à Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Unidade Rondônia, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Andreimar M Soares
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia de Proteínas e Compostos Bioativos, LABIOPROT, Centro de Estudos de Biomoléculas Aplicadas à Saúde, CEBio, Laboratório de Imunologia Celular Aplicada à Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Unidade Rondônia, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil; Centro Universitário São Lucas, UniSL, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Epidemiologia da Amazônia Ocidental (INCT-EpiAmO), Brazil.
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16
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Salvador GHM, Borges RJ, Lomonte B, Lewin MR, Fontes MRM. The synthetic varespladib molecule is a multi-functional inhibitor for PLA 2 and PLA 2-like ophidic toxins. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2021; 1865:129913. [PMID: 33865953 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2021.129913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The treatment for snakebites is early administration of antivenom, which can be highly effective in inhibiting the systemic effects of snake venoms, but is less effective in the treatment of extra-circulatory and local effects. To complement standard-of-care treatments such as antibody-based antivenoms, natural and synthetic small molecules have been proposed for the inhibition of key venom components such as phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and PLA2-like toxins. Varespladib (compound LY315920) is a synthetic molecule developed and clinically tested aiming to block inflammatory cascades of several diseases associated with high PLA2s. Recent studies have demonstrated this molecule is able to potently inhibit snake venom catalytic PLA2 and PLA2-like toxins. METHODS In vivo and in vitro techniques were used to evaluate the inhibitory effect of varespladib against MjTX-I. X-ray crystallography was used to reveal details of the interaction between these molecules. A new methodology that combines crystallography, mass spectroscopy and phylogenetic data was used to review its primary sequence. RESULTS Varespladib was able to inhibit the myotoxic and cytotoxic effects of MjTX-I. Structural analysis revealed a particular inhibitory mechanism of MjTX-I when compared to other PLA2-like myotoxin, presenting an oligomeric-independent function. CONCLUSION Results suggest the effectiveness of varespladib for the inhibition of MjTX-I, in similarity with other PLA2 and PLA2-like toxins. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Varespladib appears to be a promissory molecule in the treatment of local effects led by PLA2 and PLA2-like toxins (oligomeric dependent and independent), indicating that this is a multifunctional or broadly specific inhibitor for different toxins within this superfamily.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme H M Salvador
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Rafael J Borges
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Matthew R Lewin
- Center for Exploration and Travel Health, California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA
| | - Marcos R M Fontes
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil.
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In-solution structural studies involving a phospholipase A 2-like myotoxin and a natural inhibitor: Plasticity of oligomeric assembly affects mechanisms of inhibition. Biochimie 2020; 181:145-153. [PMID: 33333169 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2020.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Snakebite envenomation has been categorized by World Health Organization as a category A neglected tropical disease, since it causes chronic psychological disorders, physical disablement and death. Ophidian accidents may cause local myonecrosis that cause drastic sequelae, which are not efficiently neutralized via serum therapy. Phospholipase A2-like (PLA2-like) myotoxins have a major role in the local effects caused by several snake venoms. We previously demonstrated that chicoric acid (CA) is an efficient inhibitor of the BthTX-I myotoxin and solved the X-ray structure of complex. Herein, we assess the oligomeric behavior of the BthTX-I/CA complex in solution under different physical-chemical conditions and using toxin obtained by two different biochemical methodologies to fully elucidate structural bases of inhibition of myotoxins by CA. We demonstrated the ability of PLA2-like proteins to form different oligomeric assemblies in the presence of certain inhibitors, which can also be modulated by buffer polarity change. In the presence of ethanol, BthTX-I/CA remains predominantly in a monomeric conformation, which prevents it from being in its active form (dimeric conformation). In contrast, in the absence of ethanol, the tetramer assembly was observed, which hid key regions of the protein responsible for docking and disruption of the muscle membrane. Therefore, the "plasticity" of these proteins with regard to their abilities to form oligomeric assemblies is a key issue for the future development of therapeutic agents to complement of serum therapy.
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18
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The allosteric activation mechanism of a phospholipase A 2-like toxin from Bothrops jararacussu venom: a dynamic description. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16252. [PMID: 33004851 PMCID: PMC7529814 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73134-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The activation process of phospholipase A2-like (PLA2-like) toxins is a key step in their molecular mechanism, which involves oligomeric changes leading to the exposure of specific sites. Few studies have focused on the characterization of allosteric activators and the features that distinguish them from inhibitors. Herein, a comprehensive study with the BthTX-I toxin from Bothrops jararacussu venom bound or unbound to α-tocopherol (αT) was carried out. The oligomerization state of BthTX-I bound or unbound to αT in solution was studied and indicated that the toxin is predominantly monomeric but tends to oligomerize when complexed with αT. In silico molecular simulations showed the toxin presents higher conformational changes in the absence of αT,
which suggests that it is important to stabilize the structure of the toxin. The transition between the two states (active/inactive) was also studied, showing that only the unbound BthTX-I system could migrate to the inactive state. In contrast, the presence of αT induces the toxin to leave the inactive state, guiding it towards the active state, with more regions exposed to the solvent, particularly its active site. Finally, the structural determinants necessary for a molecule to be an inhibitor or activator were analyzed in light of the obtained results.
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19
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Lamiyan AK, Dalal R, Kumar NR. Venom peptides in association with standard drugs: a novel strategy for combating antibiotic resistance - an overview. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2020; 26:e20200001. [PMID: 32843888 PMCID: PMC7416788 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2020-0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Development of antibiotic resistance that leads to resurgence of bacterial infections poses a threat to disease-free existence for humankind and is a challenge for the welfare of the society at large. Despite research efforts directed towards treatment of pathogens, antibiotics within new improved classes have not emerged for years, a fact largely attributable to the pharmacological necessities compelling drug development. Recent reversion to the use of natural products alone or in combination with standard drugs has opened up new vistas for alternative therapeutics. The success of this strategy is evident in the sudden interest in plant extracts as additives/synergists for treatment of maladies caused by drug-resistant bacterial strains. Animal venoms have long fascinated scientists as sources of pharmacologically active components that can be exploited for the treatment of specific ailments and should be promoted further to clinical trials. In the present review, we outline the scope and possible methods for the applications of animal venoms in combination with commercial antibiotics to offer a better treatment approach against antibiotic-resistant infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ramkesh Dalal
- Department of Zoology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
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20
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Henao Castañeda I, Pereañez JA, Preciado LM, Jios J. Sulfur Compounds as Inhibitors of Enzymatic Activity of a Snake Venom Phospholipase A 2: Benzyl 4-nitrobenzenecarbodithioate as a Case of Study. Molecules 2020; 25:E1373. [PMID: 32197309 PMCID: PMC7144397 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25061373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Snakebite is a neglected disease with a high impact in tropical and subtropical countries. Therapy based on antivenom has limited efficacy in local tissue damage caused by venoms. Phospholipases A2 (PLA2) are enzymes that abundantly occur in snake venoms and induce several systemic and local effects. Furthermore, sulfur compounds such as thioesters have an inhibitory capacity against a snake venom PLA2. Hence, the objective of this work was to obtain a carbodithioate from a thioester with known activity against PLA2 and test its ability to inhibit the same enzyme. Benzyl 4-nitrobenzenecarbodithioate (I) was synthesized, purified, and characterized using as precursor 4-nitrothiobenzoic acid S-benzyl ester (II). Compound I showed inhibition of the enzymatic activity a PLA2 isolated from the venom of the Colombian rattlesnake Crotalus durissus cumanensis with an IC50 of 55.58 μM. This result is comparable with the reported inhibition obtained for II. Computational calculations were performed to support the study, and molecular docking results suggested that compounds I and II interact with the active site residues of the enzyme, impeding the normal catalysis cycle and attachment of the substrate to the active site of the PLA2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Henao Castañeda
- Grupo de Investigación en Productos Naturales Marinos, Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias Farmacéuticas y Alimentarias, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Calle 70 No. 52–21, 050010 Medellín, Colombia
| | - Jaime Andrés Pereañez
- Programa de Ofidismo/Escorpionismo, Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias Farmacéuticas y Alimentarias, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Calle 70 No. 52–21, 050010 Medellín, Colombia.; (J.A.P.); (L.M.P.)
| | - Lina María Preciado
- Programa de Ofidismo/Escorpionismo, Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias Farmacéuticas y Alimentarias, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Calle 70 No. 52–21, 050010 Medellín, Colombia.; (J.A.P.); (L.M.P.)
| | - Jorge Jios
- Laboratorio UPL (Unidad PLAPIMU-LASEISIC), Campus Tecnológico Gonnet (CIC-BA), Cno. Centenario e/505 y 508, 1897 Gonnet, Argentina;
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 47 esq. 115, 1900 La Plata, Argentina
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21
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Cardoso FF, Gomes AAS, Dreyer TR, Cavalcante WLG, Dal Pai M, Gallacci M, Fontes MRM. Neutralization of a bothropic PLA 2-like protein by caftaric acid, a novel potent inhibitor of ophidian myotoxicity. Biochimie 2020; 170:163-172. [PMID: 31978419 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2020.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Envenoming by snakebite is an important global health issue that has received little attention, leading the World Health Organization to naming it as neglected tropical disease. Several snakebites present serious local symptoms manifested on victims that may not be efficiently neutralized by serum therapy. Phospholipase A2-like (PLA2-like) toxins are present in Viperidae venoms and are responsible for local myotoxic activity. Herein, we investigated the association between BthTX-I toxin and caftaric acid (CFT), a molecule present in plants. CFT neutralized neuromuscular blocking and muscle-damaging activities promoted by BthTX-I. Calorimetric and light-scattering assays demonstrated that CFT inhibitor interacted with dimeric BthTX-I. Bioinformatics simulations indicated that CFT inhibitor binds to the toxin's hydrophobic channel (HCh). According to the current myotoxic mechanism, three different regions of PLA2-like toxins have specific tasks: protein allosteric activation (HCh), membrane dockage (MDoS), and membrane rupture (MDiS). We propose CFT inhibitor interferes with the allosteric activation, which is related to the conformation change leading to the exposure/alignment of MDoS/MDiS region. This is the first report of a PLA2-like toxin fully inhibited by a compound that interacts only with its HCh region. Thus, CFT is a novel candidate to complement serum therapy and improve the treatment of snakebite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fábio F Cardoso
- Departamento de Física e Biofísica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Antoniel A S Gomes
- Departamento de Física e Biofísica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Thiago R Dreyer
- Departamento de Física e Biofísica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Walter L G Cavalcante
- Departamento de Física e Biofísica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil; Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Maeli Dal Pai
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Márcia Gallacci
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcos R M Fontes
- Departamento de Física e Biofísica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil.
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22
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Bickler PE. Amplification of Snake Venom Toxicity by Endogenous Signaling Pathways. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:E68. [PMID: 31979014 PMCID: PMC7076764 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12020068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 01/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The active components of snake venoms encompass a complex and variable mixture of proteins that produce a diverse, but largely stereotypical, range of pharmacologic effects and toxicities. Venom protein diversity and host susceptibilities determine the relative contributions of five main pathologies: neuromuscular dysfunction, inflammation, coagulopathy, cell/organ injury, and disruption of homeostatic mechanisms of normal physiology. In this review, we describe how snakebite is not only a condition mediated directly by venom, but by the amplification of signals dysregulating inflammation, coagulation, neurotransmission, and cell survival. Although venom proteins are diverse, the majority of important pathologic events following envenoming follow from a small group of enzyme-like activities and the actions of small toxic peptides. This review focuses on two of the most important enzymatic activities: snake venom phospholipases (svPLA2) and snake venom metalloproteases (svMP). These two enzyme classes are adept at enabling venom to recruit homologous endogenous signaling systems with sufficient magnitude and duration to produce and amplify cell injury beyond what would be expected from the direct impact of a whole venom dose. This magnification produces many of the most acutely important consequences of envenoming as well as chronic sequelae. Snake venom PLA2s and MPs enzymes recruit prey analogs of similar activity. The transduction mechanisms that recruit endogenous responses include arachidonic acid, intracellular calcium, cytokines, bioactive peptides, and possibly dimerization of venom and prey protein homologs. Despite years of investigation, the precise mechanism of svPLA2-induced neuromuscular paralysis remains incomplete. Based on recent studies, paralysis results from a self-amplifying cycle of endogenous PLA2 activation, arachidonic acid, increases in intracellular Ca2+ and nicotinic receptor deactivation. When prolonged, synaptic suppression supports the degeneration of the synapse. Interaction between endothelium-damaging MPs, sPLA2s and hyaluronidases enhance venom spread, accentuating venom-induced neurotoxicity, inflammation, coagulopathy and tissue injury. Improving snakebite treatment requires new tools to understand direct and indirect effects of envenoming. Homologous PLA2 and MP activities in both venoms and prey/snakebite victim provide molecular targets for non-antibody, small molecule agents for dissecting mechanisms of venom toxicity. Importantly, these tools enable the separation of venom-specific and prey-specific pathological responses to venom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip E. Bickler
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0542, USA;
- California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA
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23
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Structural basis for phospholipase A 2-like toxin inhibition by the synthetic compound Varespladib (LY315920). Sci Rep 2019; 9:17203. [PMID: 31748642 PMCID: PMC6868273 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53755-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization recently listed snakebite envenoming as a Neglected Tropical Disease, proposing strategies to significantly reduce the global burden of this complex pathology by 2030. In this context, effective adjuvant treatments to complement conventional antivenom therapy based on inhibitory molecules for specific venom toxins have gained renewed interest. Varespladib (LY315920) is a synthetic molecule clinically tested to block inflammatory cascades of several diseases associated with elevated levels of secreted phospholipase A2 (sPLA2). Most recently, Varespladib was tested against several whole snake venoms and isolated PLA2 toxins, demonstrating potent inhibitory activity. Herein, we describe the first structural and functional study of the complex between Varespladib and a PLA2-like snake venom toxin (MjTX-II). In vitro and in vivo experiments showed this compound’s capacity to inhibit the cytotoxic and myotoxic effects of MjTX-II from the medically important South American snake, Bothrops moojeni. Crystallographic and bioinformatics analyses revealed interactions of Varespladib with two specific regions of the toxin, suggesting inhibition occurs by physical blockage of its allosteric activation, preventing the alignment of its functional sites and, consequently, impairing its ability to disrupt membranes. Furthermore, based on the analysis of several crystallographic structures, a distinction between toxin activators and inhibitors is proposed.
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Bustillo S, Fernández J, Chaves-Araya S, Angulo Y, Leiva LC, Lomonte B. Isolation of two basic phospholipases A2 from Bothrops diporus snake venom: Comparative characterization and synergism between Asp49 and Lys49 variants. Toxicon 2019; 168:113-121. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Salvador GHM, Cardoso FF, Gomes AA, Cavalcante WLG, Gallacci M, Fontes MRM. Search for efficient inhibitors of myotoxic activity induced by ophidian phospholipase A 2-like proteins using functional, structural and bioinformatics approaches. Sci Rep 2019; 9:510. [PMID: 30679550 PMCID: PMC6346006 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-36839-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Ophidian accidents are considered an important neglected tropical disease by the World Health Organization. Particularly in Latin America, Bothrops snakes are responsible for the majority of the snakebite envenomings that are not efficiently treated by conventional serum therapy. Thus, the search for simple and efficient inhibitors to complement this therapy is a promising research area, and a combination of functional and structural assays have been used to test candidate ligands against specific ophidian venom compounds. Herein, we tested a commercial drug (acetylsalicylic acid, ASA) and a plant compound with antiophidian properties (rosmarinic acid, RA) using myographic, crystallographic and bioinformatics experiments with a phospholipase A2-like toxin, MjTX-II. MjTX-II/RA and MjTX-II/ASA crystal structures were solved at high resolution and revealed the presence of ligands bound to different regions of the toxin. However, in vitro myographic assays showed that only RA is able to prevent the myotoxic effects of MjTX-II. In agreement with functional results, molecular dynamics simulations showed that the RA molecule remains tightly bound to the toxin throughout the calculations, whereas ASA molecules tend to dissociate. This approach aids the design of effective inhibitors of PLA2-like toxins and, eventually, may complement serum therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme H M Salvador
- Depto. de Física e Biofísica, Instituto de Biociências, UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Fábio Florença Cardoso
- Depto. de Física e Biofísica, Instituto de Biociências, UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Antoniel A Gomes
- Depto. de Física e Biofísica, Instituto de Biociências, UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Walter L G Cavalcante
- Depto. de Física e Biofísica, Instituto de Biociências, UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
- Depto. de Farmacologia, UFMG - Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Márcia Gallacci
- Depto. de Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcos R M Fontes
- Depto. de Física e Biofísica, Instituto de Biociências, UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brazil.
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Naja annulifera Snake: New insights into the venom components and pathogenesis of envenomation. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007017. [PMID: 30657756 PMCID: PMC6338361 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Naja annulifera is a medically important venomous snake occurring in some of the countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Accidental bites result in severe coagulation disturbances, systemic inflammation and heart damage, as reported in dogs, and death, by respiratory arrest, in humans. Despite the medical importance of N. annulifera, little is known about its venom composition and the pathogenesis of envenomation. In this paper, the toxic, inflammatory and immunogenic properties of N. annulifera venom were analyzed. Methodology/Principal findings Venom proteomic analysis identified 79 different proteins, including Three Finger Toxins, Cysteine Rich Secretory Proteins, Metalloproteinases, Phospholipases A2 (PLA2), Hyaluronidase, L-amino-acid oxidase, Cobra Venom Factor and Serine Proteinase. The presence of PLA2, hyaluronidase, fibrinogenolytic and anticoagulant activities was detected using functional assays. The venom was cytotoxic to human keratinocytes. In an experimental murine model of envenomation, it was found that the venom induced local changes, such as swelling, which was controlled by anti-inflammatory drugs. Moreover, the venom caused death, which was preceded by systemic inflammation and pulmonary hemorrhage. The venom was shown to be immunogenic, inducing a strong humoral immune response, with the production of antibodies able to recognize venom components with high molecular weight and to neutralize its lethal activity. Conclusions/Significance The results obtained in this study demonstrate that N. annulifera venom contains toxins able to induce local and systemic inflammation, which can contribute to lung damage and death. Moreover, the venom is immunogenic, an important feature that must be considered during the production of a therapeutic anti-N. annulifera antivenom. N. annulifera is a dangerous snake that belongs to the Elapidae family. It is found in some of the countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and has caused accidents in humans and dogs. In this study, we characterized some of the biochemical, toxic and immunogenic properties of N. annulifera venom. We showed that the venom is composed of several proteins, some of which display enzymatic activities, such as phospholipase A2, hyaluronidase, metalloproteinases and serine proteinases. The venom promoted disturbances in the human coagulation system and was cytotoxic to human epidermal cells. Using a mouse model, we showed that the venom promotes local reactions that were reduced with anti-inflammatory drugs. The venom caused systemic inflammation, lung hemorrhage and death. Further, the venom stimulated production of high antibody titers when injected into mice and the antiserum produced was able to inhibit venom-induced death. This study demonstrated that N. annulifera venom contains toxins that trigger inflammatory process, which may contribute to the envenomation pathology. Moreover, the venom is immunogenic, an important aspect for the production of an efficient N. annulifera antivenom.
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Cardoso FF, Borges RJ, Dreyer TR, Salvador GH, Cavalcante WL, Pai MD, Gallacci M, Fontes MR. Structural basis of phospholipase A2-like myotoxin inhibition by chicoric acid, a novel potent inhibitor of ophidian toxins. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2018; 1862:2728-2737. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2018.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Bulfone TC, Samuel SP, Bickler PE, Lewin MR. Developing Small Molecule Therapeutics for the Initial and Adjunctive Treatment of Snakebite. J Trop Med 2018; 2018:4320175. [PMID: 30154870 PMCID: PMC6091453 DOI: 10.1155/2018/4320175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently added snakebite envenoming to the priority list of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD). It is thought that ~75% of mortality following snakebite occurs outside the hospital setting, making the temporal gap between a bite and antivenom administration a major therapeutic challenge. Small molecule therapeutics (SMTs) have been proposed as potential prereferral treatments for snakebite to help address this gap. Herein, we discuss the characteristics, potential uses, and development of SMTs as potential treatments for snakebite envenomation. We focus on SMTs that are secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) inhibitors with brief exploration of other potential drug targets on venom molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso C. Bulfone
- California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, 94118 CA, USA
- Ophirex, Inc., Corte Madera, 94925 CA, USA
- University of California, San Francisco, 94118 CA, USA
| | - Stephen P. Samuel
- California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, 94118 CA, USA
- General Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King's Lynn, PE30 4ET, Norfolk, UK
| | | | - Matthew R. Lewin
- California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, 94118 CA, USA
- Ophirex, Inc., Corte Madera, 94925 CA, USA
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Structural and functional characterization of suramin-bound MjTX-I from Bothrops moojeni suggests a particular myotoxic mechanism. Sci Rep 2018; 8:10317. [PMID: 29985425 PMCID: PMC6037679 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-28584-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Local myonecrosis is the main event resulting from snakebite envenomation by the Bothrops genus and, frequently, it is not efficiently neutralized by antivenom administration. Proteases, phospholipases A2 (PLA2) and PLA2-like toxins are found in venom related to muscle damage. Functional sites responsible for PLA2-like toxins activity have been proposed recently; they consist of a membrane docking-site and a membrane rupture-site. Herein, a combination of functional, biophysical and crystallographic techniques was used to characterize the interaction between suramin and MjTX-I (a PLA2-like toxin from Bothrops moojeni venom). Functional in vitro neuromuscular assays were performed to study the biological effects of the protein-ligand interaction, demonstrating that suramin neutralizes the myotoxic effect of MjTX-I. Calorimetric assays showed two different binding events: (i) inhibitor-protein interactions and (ii) toxin oligomerization processes. These hypotheses were also corroborated with dynamic light and small angle X-ray scattering assays. The crystal structure of the MjTX-I/suramin showed a totally different interaction mode compared to other PLA2-like/suramin complexes. Thus, we suggested a novel myotoxic mechanism for MjTX-I that may be inhibited by suramin. These results can further contribute to the search for inhibitors that will efficiently counteract local myonecrosis in order to be used as an adjuvant of conventional serum therapy.
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A myotoxic Lys49 phospholipase A2-homologue is the major component of the venom of Bothrops cotiara from Misiones, Argentina. Toxicon 2018; 148:143-148. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Revised: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Salvador GH, dos Santos JI, Borges RJ, Fontes MR. Structural evidence for a fatty acid-independent myotoxic mechanism for a phospholipase A2-like toxin. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2018; 1866:473-481. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2017.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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