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Kpordze SW, Kikuvi GM, Kimotho JH, Mobegi VA. Development, Optimization and Evaluation of a Sensitive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) Prototype for Detection of Chicken-Based IgY Polyclonal Antibodies against Toxins of D. polylepis Venom. Antibodies (Basel) 2024; 13:50. [PMID: 39051326 PMCID: PMC11270286 DOI: 10.3390/antib13030050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Life-threatening medical issues can result from snakebite, and hence this is a public health concern. In many tropical and subtropical nations such as Kenya, where a wide variety of poisonous snakes are prevalent, diagnosis of snakebite in health facilities is imperative. Different antivenoms are needed to treat the venom of different snake species. Nonetheless, it might be difficult for medical professionals to identify the exact snake species that envenomated a patient due to the similarities of several snake envenomations' clinical symptoms. Therefore, the necessity for an assay or technique for identifying venomous species is critical. The current study sought to develop a sensitive ELISA prototype for the detection of D. polylepis venom in Kenya using generated chicken-based IgY polyclonal antibodies. Serum samples containing specific chicken-based IgY antibodies previously raised against D. polylepis venom toxins were used in the assay development. ELISA parameters were optimized, and the developed assay was assessed for applicability. The limit of detection (LoD) of the ELISA for neurotoxic venoms was determined to be 0.01 µg/mL. Successful discrimination between neurotoxic and cytotoxic venoms was achieved by the ensuing inhibition ELISA assay. The developed assay showed the capability of identifying venoms in blood samples (from spiked and venom-challenged blood samples) of BALB/c mice, providing compelling evidence of the strategy's usefulness. This assay could help physicians diagnose and manage victims of snakebites through the evaluation of clinical samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Wilson Kpordze
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Pan African University Institute for Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation (PAUSTI), JKUAT-Juja Campus, Nairobi 62000-00200, Kenya
- Spanish Laboratory Complex, University for Development Studies, Nyankpala Campus, Tamale TL 1350, Ghana
| | - Gideon Mutie Kikuvi
- Department of Environmental Health and Disease Control, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, JKUAT-Juja Campus, Nairobi 62000-00200, Kenya;
| | - James Hungo Kimotho
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Off Raila Odinga Way, Nairobi 54840-00200, Kenya;
| | - Victor Atunga Mobegi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Nairobi, Chiromo Campus, Nairobi 30197-00100, Kenya;
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Araya X, Okumu M, Durán G, Gómez A, Gutiérrez JM, León G. Assessment of the Artemia salina toxicity assay as a substitute of the mouse lethality assay in the determination of venom-induced toxicity and preclinical efficacy of antivenom. Toxicon X 2024; 22:100195. [PMID: 38606385 PMCID: PMC11004356 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2024.100195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Mice are routinely used in snake venom research but are costly and subject to pain and suffering. The crustacean Artemia salina could be an alternative to mice, but data to support its adoption in snake venom research is limited. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the suitability of A. salina as a surrogate of mice in assessing the toxicity of venoms and the preclinical efficacy of antivenoms. The toxicity of venoms from 22 snakes of medical importance in sub-Saharan Africa was evaluated in mice (intraperitoneally; i.p. and intravenously; i.v.) and in A. salina. Subsequently, the capacity of a commercial antivenom to neutralize the toxicity of these venoms in mice and A. salina was investigated. There was a positive correlation between the i.v. median lethal doses (LD50s) and the i.p. LD50s in mice (r = 0.804; p < 0.0001), a moderate correlation between the i.v. LD50s in mice and the median lethal concentrations (LC50s) in A. salina (r = 0.606; p = 0.003), and a moderate correlation between the i.p. LD50s in mice and the LC50s in A. salina (r = 0.426; p = 0.048). Moreover, there was a strong correlation between the i.p. median effective doses (ED50s) and the i.v. ED50s in mice (r = 0.941, p < 0.0001), between the i.p. ED50s in mice and the ED50s in A. salina (r = 0.818, p < 0.0001), and between the i.v. ED50s in mice and the ED50s in A. salina (r = 0.972, p < 0.0001). These findings present A. salina as a promising candidate for reducing reliance on mice in snake venom research. Future investigations should build upon these findings, addressing potential limitations and expanding the scope of A. salina in venom research and antivenom development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Araya
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Mitchel Okumu
- Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Gina Durán
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Aarón Gómez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - José María Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Guillermo León
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
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Okumu M, Mbaria J, Gikunju J, Mbuthia P, Madadi V, Ochola F. Exploring nature's antidote: unveiling the inhibitory potential of selected medicinal plants from Kisumu, Kenya against venom from some snakes of medical significance in sub-Saharan Africa. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1369768. [PMID: 38681195 PMCID: PMC11045943 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1369768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The present study investigated the efficacy of Conyza bonariensis, Commiphora africana, Senna obtusifolia, Warburgia ugandensis, Vernonia glabra, and Zanthoxylum usambarense against Bitis arietans venom (BAV), Naja ashei venom (NAV), and Naja subfulva venom (NSV). Methods: 40 extracts and fractions were prepared using n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and methanol. In vitro efficacy against snake venom phospholipase A2 (svPLA2) was determined in 96-well microtiter and agarose-egg yolk coagulation assays. in vivo efficacy against venom-induced cytotoxicity was determined using Artemia salina. Two commercial antivenoms were used for comparison. Results: The 96-well microtiter assay revealed poor svPLA2 inhibition of BAV by antivenom (range: 20.76% ± 13.29% to 51.29% ± 3.26%) but strong inhibition (>90%) by dichloromethane and hexane fractions of C. africana, hexane and ethyl acetate extracts and fraction of W. ugandensis, dichloromethane fraction of V. glabra, and the methanol extract of S. obtusifolia. The methanol extract and fraction of C. africana, and the hexane extract of Z. usambarense strongly inhibited (>90%) svPLA2 activity in NAV. The hexane and ethyl acetate fractions of V. glabra and the dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and methanol extracts of C. africana strongly inhibited (>90%) svPLA2 in NSV. The agarose egg yolk coagulation assay showed significant inhibition of BAV by the dichloromethane fraction of C. africana (EC50 = 3.51 ± 2.58 μg/mL), significant inhibition of NAV by the methanol fraction of C. africana (EC50 = 7.35 ± 1.800 μg/mL), and significant inhibition of NSV by the hexane extract of V. glabra (EC50 = 7.94 ± 1.50 μg/mL). All antivenoms were non-cytotoxic in A. salina but the methanol extract of C. africana and the hexane extracts of V. glabra and Z. usambarense were cytotoxic. The dichloromethane fraction of C. africana significantly neutralized BAV-induced cytotoxicity, the methanol fraction and extract of C. africana neutralized NAV-induced cytotoxicity, while the ethyl acetate extract of V. glabra significantly neutralized NSV-induced cytotoxicity. Glycosides, flavonoids, phenolics, and tannins were identified in the non-cytotoxic extracts/fractions. Conclusion: These findings validate the local use of C. africana and V. glabra in snakebite but not C. bonariensis, S. obtusifolia, W. ugandensis, and Z. usambarense. Further work is needed to isolate pure compounds from the effective plants and identify their mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchel Okumu
- Department of Public Health, Pharmacology, and Toxicology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - James Mbaria
- Department of Public Health, Pharmacology, and Toxicology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joseph Gikunju
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Paul Mbuthia
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology, and Parasitology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Vincent Madadi
- Department of Chemistry, School of Physical and Biological Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Francis Ochola
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
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Freires IA, Morelo DFC, Soares LFF, Costa IS, de Araújo LP, Breseghello I, Abdalla HB, Lazarini JG, Rosalen PL, Pigossi SC, Franchin M. Progress and promise of alternative animal and non-animal methods in biomedical research. Arch Toxicol 2023; 97:2329-2342. [PMID: 37394624 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-023-03532-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Cell culture and invertebrate animal models reflect a significant evolution in scientific research by providing reliable evidence on the physiopathology of diseases, screening for new drugs, and toxicological tests while reducing the need for mammals. In this review, we discuss the progress and promise of alternative animal and non-animal methods in biomedical research, with a special focus on drug toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irlan Almeida Freires
- Department of Biosciences, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil.
| | - David Fernando Colon Morelo
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Henrique Ballassini Abdalla
- Laboratory of Neuroimmune Interface of Pain Research, São Leopoldo Mandic Institute and Research Center, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Josy Goldoni Lazarini
- Department of Biosciences, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | - Pedro Luiz Rosalen
- Department of Biosciences, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, Brazil
| | | | - Marcelo Franchin
- School of Dentistry, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, Brazil
- Bioactivity and Applications Lab, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, School of Natural Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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Okumu MO, Mbaria JM, Gikunju JK, Mbuthia PG, Madadi VO, Ochola FO, Maloba KN, Nderitu JG. Preclinical efficacy testing of three antivenoms against Naja ashei venom-induced lethality. Toxicon X 2022; 14:100124. [PMID: 35518711 PMCID: PMC9065424 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2022.100124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the efficacy of Inoserp, Vins bioproducts, and South African Institute of Medical Research (SAIMR) polyvalent antivenoms in neutralizing Naja ashei venom-induced lethality in mice. The neutralization efficacy of the antivenoms were expressed as effective dose, median effective ratio, potency, normalized potency, volume, and the number of vials of antivenom required to neutralize 100 mg of Naja ashei venom (NAV).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchel Otieno Okumu
- Department of Public Health, Pharmacology, and Toxicology, University of Nairobi, Kenya
| | - James Mucunu Mbaria
- Department of Public Health, Pharmacology, and Toxicology, University of Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joseph Kangangi Gikunju
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya
| | - Paul Gichohi Mbuthia
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology, and Parasitology, University of Nairobi, Kenya
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Manson EZ, Kyama MC, Gikunju JK, Kimani J, Kimotho JH. Evaluation of lethality and cytotoxic effects induced by Naja ashei (large brown spitting cobra) venom and the envenomation-neutralizing efficacy of selected commercial antivenoms in Kenya. Toxicon X 2022; 14:100125. [PMID: 35574180 PMCID: PMC9096668 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2022.100125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Neutralization of lethality in mice model at the preclinical level has been established by the World Health Organization as the gold standard for the evaluation of antivenom efficacy. The assessment of the neutralization profiles of antivenoms helps to discern the efficacy or otherwise of these antivenoms at neutralizing the toxic effects induced by medically significant snake venoms. However, for many antivenoms, information on their preclinical efficacy remains limited. Therefore, to strengthen global efforts at reducing the impact of snakebite envenoming, the provision of information on the preclinical efficacy of antivenoms, especially in parts of the world where antivenom availability and accessibility is problematic, including sub-Saharan Africa is crucial. This study presents the lethal and toxic activities of N. ashei venom and the neutralizing capacity of two commonly used commercial antivenoms in Kenya; VINS™ and Inoserp™. Median lethal dose (LD50), minimum necrotizing dose (MND) and minimum edema-forming dose (MED) of N. ashei venom as well as the neutralization of these effects were evaluated in mice. The LD50 of N. ashei venom was found to be 4.67 (3.34-6.54) mg/kg while MND and MED were 11.00 μg and 0.80 μg respectively. Both VINS™ and Inoserp™ antivenoms demonstrated capacity to neutralize the lethal and toxic effects induced by Naja ashei venom albeit at varying efficacies. Our results thus confirm the toxic effects of N. ashei venom as previously observed with other Naja sp. venoms and also underscore the relevance of para-specific neutralizing capacity of antivenoms in the design of antivenoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernest Z Manson
- Institute for Basic Sciences, Technology & Innovation, Pan African University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Mutinda C Kyama
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joseph K Gikunju
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Josephine Kimani
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Health Sciences, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
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Manson EZ, Kyama MC, Kimani J, Bocian A, Hus KK, Petrilla V, Legáth J, Kimotho JH. Development and Characterization of Anti- Naja ashei Three-Finger Toxins (3FTxs)-Specific Monoclonal Antibodies and Evaluation of Their In Vitro Inhibition Activity. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:285. [PMID: 35448894 PMCID: PMC9030397 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14040285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Antivenom immunotherapy is the mainstay of treatment for snakebite envenoming. Most parts of the world affected by snakebite envenoming depend on broad-spectrum polyspecific antivenoms that are known to contain a low content of case-specific efficacious immunoglobulins. Thus, advances in toxin-specific antibodies production hold much promise in future therapeutic strategies of snakebite envenoming. We report anti-3FTxs monoclonal antibodies developed against N. ashei venom in mice. All the three test mAbs (P4G6a, P6D9a, and P6D9b) were found to be IgG antibodies, isotyped as IgG1. SDS-PAGE analysis of the test mAbs showed two major bands at approximately 55 and 29 kDa, suggestive of immunoglobulin heavy and light chain composition, respectively. The immunoaffinity-purified test mAbs demonstrated higher binding efficacy to the target antigen compared to negative control. Similarly, a cocktail of the test mAbs was found to induce a significantly higher inhibition (p-value < 0.0001) compared to two leading commercial brands of antivenoms on the Kenyan market, implying a higher specificity for the target antigen. Both the test mAbs and 3FTxs polyclonal antibodies induced comparable inhibition (p-value = 0.9029). The inhibition induced by the 3FTxs polyclonal antibodies was significantly different from the two antivenoms (p-value < 0.0001). Our results demonstrate the prospects of developing toxin-specific monoclonal-based antivenoms for snakebite immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernest Z. Manson
- Institute for Basic Sciences, Technology & Innovation, Pan African University, Nairobi 00100, Kenya
| | - Mutinda C. Kyama
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology, Nairobi 00100, Kenya;
| | - Josephine Kimani
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Health Sciences, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology, Nairobi 00100, Kenya;
| | - Aleksandra Bocian
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Chemistry, Rzeszow University of Technology, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland; (A.B.); (K.K.H.); (J.L.)
| | - Konrad K. Hus
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Chemistry, Rzeszow University of Technology, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland; (A.B.); (K.K.H.); (J.L.)
| | - Vladimír Petrilla
- Department of Biology and Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, 041-81 Košice, Slovakia;
- Zoological Department, Zoological Garden Košice, Široká 31, 040-06 Košice-Kavečany, Slovakia
| | - Jaroslav Legáth
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Chemistry, Rzeszow University of Technology, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland; (A.B.); (K.K.H.); (J.L.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, 041-81 Košice, Slovakia
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Manson EZ, Mutinda KC, Gikunju JK, Bocian A, Hus KK, Petrílla V, Legáth J, Kimotho JH. Development of an Inhibition Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) Prototype for Detecting Cytotoxic Three-Finger Toxins (3FTxs) in African Spitting Cobra Venoms. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27030888. [PMID: 35164152 PMCID: PMC8838685 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27030888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The administration of toxin-specific therapy in snake envenoming is predicated on improved diagnostic techniques capable of detecting specific venom toxins. Various serological tests have been used in detecting snakebite envenoming. Comparatively, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has been shown to offer a wider practical application. We report an inhibition ELISA for detecting three-finger toxin (3FTx) proteins in venoms of African spitting cobras. The optimized assay detected 3FTxs in N. ashei (including other Naja sp.) venoms, spiked samples, and venom-challenged mice samples. In venoms of Naja sp., the assay showed inhibition, implying the detection of 3FTxs, but showed little or no inhibition in non-Naja sp. In mice-spiked samples, one-way ANOVA results showed that the observed inhibition was not statistically significant between spiked samples and negative control (p-value = 0.164). Similarly, the observed differences in inhibition between venom-challenged and negative control samples were not statistically significant (p-value = 0.9109). At an LOD of 0.01 µg/mL, the assay was able to confirm the presence of 3FTxs in the samples. Our results show a proof of concept for the use of an inhibition ELISA model as a tool for detecting 3FTxs in the venoms of African spitting cobra snakes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernest Z. Manson
- Institute for Basic Sciences, Technology & Innovation, Pan African University, Nairobi 00100, Kenya
- Correspondence:
| | - Kyama C. Mutinda
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology, Nairobi 00100, Kenya; (K.C.M.); (J.K.G.)
| | - Joseph K. Gikunju
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology, Nairobi 00100, Kenya; (K.C.M.); (J.K.G.)
| | - Aleksandra Bocian
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Chemistry, Rzeszow University of Technology, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland; (A.B.); (K.K.H.); (J.L.)
| | - Konrad K. Hus
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Chemistry, Rzeszow University of Technology, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland; (A.B.); (K.K.H.); (J.L.)
| | - Vladimír Petrílla
- Department of Biology and Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia;
- Zoological Department, Zoological Garden Košice, Široká 31, 040 06 Košice-Kavečany, Slovakia
| | - Jaroslav Legáth
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Chemistry, Rzeszow University of Technology, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland; (A.B.); (K.K.H.); (J.L.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
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Okumu MO, Mbaria JM, Gikunju JK, Mbuthia PG, Madadi VO, Ochola FO, Jepkorir MS. Artemia salina as an animal model for the preliminary evaluation of snake venom-induced toxicity. Toxicon X 2021; 12:100082. [PMID: 34471870 PMCID: PMC8390515 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2021.100082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Lethality and cytotoxicity assays of snake venoms and their neutralization by antivenom require many mice for the experiments. Recent developments have prompted researchers to seek alternative strategies that minimize the use of mice in line with Russel and Burch's 3Rs philosophy (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement). Artemia salina is an animal model widely used for toxicity screening. However, its use in snake venom toxinology is limited by a lack of data. The present study compared the toxicity of venoms from Bitis arietans, Naja ashei, and Naja subfulva using mice and Artemia salina. In the Artemia salina test at 24 h and the dermonecrotic test in mice, the toxicity of the venoms was in the order Naja ashei ~ Naja subfulva > Bitis arietans. In the lethality test in mice, the toxicity of the venoms was in the order Naja subfulva > Naja ashei > Bitis arietans. These findings suggest that the toxicity of the venoms in Artemia salina and the dermonecrotic bioassay in mice have a similar trend but differ from the lethality test in mice. Therefore, it may be relevant to further explore the Artemia salina bioassay as a potential surrogate test of dermonecrosis in mice. Studies with more venoms may be needed to establish the correlation between the Artemia salina bioassay and the dermonecrotic assay in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchel Otieno Okumu
- Department of Public Health, Pharmacology, and Toxicology, University of Nairobi, Kenya
| | - James Mucunu Mbaria
- Department of Public Health, Pharmacology, and Toxicology, University of Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joseph Kangangi Gikunju
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya
| | - Paul Gichohi Mbuthia
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology, and Parasitology, University of Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | - Mercy Seroney Jepkorir
- Centre for Traditional Medicine and Drug Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kenya
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Phytochemical Analysis and Investigation of the Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Activities of Croton dichogamus Pax Crude Root Extracts. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:2699269. [PMID: 34349822 PMCID: PMC8328688 DOI: 10.1155/2021/2699269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Increasing antimicrobial resistance has led to an arduous search for new potent drugs from nature. In this search, plants have proved to be rich reservoirs of efficacious medicinal components that manage ailments. The current study is designed to investigate the phytochemical composition, antimicrobial activity, and the cytotoxicity of the crude root extracts of Croton dichogamus, a shrub that is commonly used in the eastern Africa for the management of infectious diseases. Methods The roots of Croton dichogamus were obtained, dried, ground, and extracted using three solvents (acetone, distilled water, and 50% ethanol). The antimicrobial activity was tested using agar well diffusion and microbroth dilution techniques against five human pathogens. The brine shrimp lethality assay was used to assess the toxic effect. Results The phytochemical screening indicated the presence of terpenoids, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, polyuronides, saponins, and anthracenes. The brine shrimp lethality assay indicated that all the extracts were highly cytotoxic with LC50 values below 100 μg/ml. Acetonic extract had an LC50 value of 4.148 μg/ml, hydroethanolic extract had 76.09 μg/ml, and aqueous extract had 42.61 μg/ml. All extracts showed the antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria (B. cereus and S. aureus) and a fungal organism, C. albicans. The extracts showed no antibacterial effect on the Gram-negative bacterial strains (P. aeruginosa and E. coli) at a concentration of 250 mg/ml. The highest antimicrobial activity was demonstrated by the acetonic extract on B. cereus which had an MIC of 10.42 mg/ml and a zone of inhibition of 17.33 ± 0.58 at a concentration of 250 mg/ml. Conclusion In this research work, we report that C. dichogamus had the antimicrobial activity confirming the folklore claim. The results made a strong case for isolation of novel anticancer lead compounds.
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Dyba B, Rudolphi-Szydło E, Barbasz A, Czyżowska A, Hus KK, Petrilla V, Petrillová M, Legáth J, Bocian A. Effects of 3FTx Protein Fraction from Naja ashei Venom on the Model and Native Membranes: Recognition and Implications for the Mechanisms of Toxicity. Molecules 2021; 26:2164. [PMID: 33918763 PMCID: PMC8070352 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26082164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Three-finger toxins are naturally occurring proteins in Elapidae snake venoms. Nowadays, they are gaining popularity because of their therapeutic potential. On the other hand, these proteins may cause undesirable reactions inside the body's cells. A full assessment of the safety of Naja ashei venom components for human cell application is still unknown. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of the exogenous application of three-finger toxins on the cells of monocytes (U-937) and promyelocytes (HL-60), with particular emphasis on the modification of their membranes under the influence of various doses of 3FTx protein fraction (0-120 ng/mL). The fraction exhibiting the highest proportion of 3FTx proteins after size exclusion chromatography (SEC) separation was used in the experiments. The structural response of cell membranes was described on the basis of single-component and multi-component Langmuir monolayers that mimicked the native membranes. The results show that the mechanism of protein-lipid interactions depends on both the presence of lipid polar parts (especially zwitterionic type of lipids) and the degree of membrane saturation (the greatest-for unsaturated lipids). The biochemical indicators reflecting the tested cells (MDA, LDH, cell survival, induction of inflammation, LD50) proved the results that were obtained for the model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Dyba
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, Pedagogical University of Cracow, Podchorążych 2, 30-084 Cracow, Poland; (B.D.); (E.R.-S.); (A.B.); (A.C.)
| | - Elżbieta Rudolphi-Szydło
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, Pedagogical University of Cracow, Podchorążych 2, 30-084 Cracow, Poland; (B.D.); (E.R.-S.); (A.B.); (A.C.)
| | - Anna Barbasz
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, Pedagogical University of Cracow, Podchorążych 2, 30-084 Cracow, Poland; (B.D.); (E.R.-S.); (A.B.); (A.C.)
| | - Agnieszka Czyżowska
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, Pedagogical University of Cracow, Podchorążych 2, 30-084 Cracow, Poland; (B.D.); (E.R.-S.); (A.B.); (A.C.)
| | - Konrad Kamil Hus
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Chemistry, Rzeszow University of Technology, Powstańców Warszawy 6, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland; (K.K.H.); (J.L.)
| | - Vladimír Petrilla
- Department of Biology and Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041-81 Košice, Slovakia;
- Zoological Department, Zoological Garden Košice, Široká 31, 040 06 Košice-Kavečany, Slovakia
| | - Monika Petrillová
- Department of General Competencies, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041-81 Kosice, Slovakia;
| | - Jaroslav Legáth
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Chemistry, Rzeszow University of Technology, Powstańców Warszawy 6, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland; (K.K.H.); (J.L.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 041-81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Aleksandra Bocian
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Chemistry, Rzeszow University of Technology, Powstańców Warszawy 6, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland; (K.K.H.); (J.L.)
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