1
|
Peigneur S, Paiva ALB, Cordeiro MN, Borges MH, Diniz MRV, de Lima ME, Tytgat J. Phoneutria nigriventer Spider Toxin PnTx2-1 (δ-Ctenitoxin-Pn1a) Is a Modulator of Sodium Channel Gating. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10090337. [PMID: 30134593 PMCID: PMC6162791 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10090337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Spider venoms are complex mixtures of biologically active components with potentially interesting applications for drug discovery or for agricultural purposes. The spider Phoneutria nigriventer is responsible for a number of envenomations with sometimes severe clinical manifestations in humans. A more efficient treatment requires a comprehensive knowledge of the venom composition and of the action mechanism of the constituting components. PnTx2-1 (also called δ-ctenitoxin-Pn1a) is a 53-amino-acid-residue peptide isolated from the venom fraction PhTx2. Although PnTx2-1 is classified as a neurotoxin, its molecular target has remained unknown. This study describes the electrophysiological characterization of PnTx2-1 as a modulator of voltage-gated sodium channels. PnTx2-1 is investigated for its activity on seven mammalian NaV-channel isoforms, one insect NaV channel and one arachnid NaV channel. Furthermore, comparison of the activity of both PnTx2-1 and PnTx2-6 on NaV1.5 channels reveals that this family of Phoneutria toxins modulates the cardiac NaV channel in a bifunctional manner, resulting in an alteration of the inactivation process and a reduction of the sodium peak current.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steve Peigneur
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Campus Gasthuisberg, P.O. Box 922, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
- Laboratório de Venenos e Toxinas Animais, Dept de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil.
| | - Ana Luiza B Paiva
- Departamento de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30510-010, Brazil.
| | - Marta N Cordeiro
- Departamento de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30510-010, Brazil.
| | - Márcia H Borges
- Departamento de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30510-010, Brazil.
| | - Marcelo R V Diniz
- Departamento de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30510-010, Brazil.
| | - Maria Elena de Lima
- Laboratório de Venenos e Toxinas Animais, Dept de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil.
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Biomedicina e Medicina, Instituto de Ensino e Pesquisa da Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte, Grupo Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil.
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Campus Gasthuisberg, P.O. Box 922, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Borges MH, Andrich F, Lemos PH, Soares TG, Menezes TN, Campos FV, Neves LX, Castro-Borges W, Figueiredo SG. Combined proteomic and functional analysis reveals rich sources of protein diversity in skin mucus and venom from the Scorpaena plumieri fish. J Proteomics 2018; 187:200-211. [PMID: 30098406 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2018.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The biological activities observed upon envenomation by Scorpaena plumieri could be linked to both the venom and the skin mucus. Through a proteomic/functional approach we analyzed protein composition and biological activities of the venom and skin mucus. We identified 885 proteins: 722 in the Venomous Apparatus extracts (Sp-VAe) and 391 in the Skin Mucus extract (Sp-SMe), with 494 found exclusively in Sp-VAe, being named S. plumieri Venom Proteins (Sp-VP), while 228 were found in both extracts. The majority of the many proteins identified were not directly related to the biological activities reported here. Nevertheless, some were classified as toxins/potentially interesting molecules: lectins, proteases and protease inhibitors were detected in both extracts, while the pore-forming toxin and hyaluronidase were associated with Sp-VP. Proteolytic and anti-microbial activities were linked to both extracts, while the main toxic activities - cardiovascular, inflammatory, hemolytic and nociceptive - were elicited only by Sp-VAe. Our study provided a clear picture on the composition of the skin mucus and the venom. We also show that the classic effects observed upon envenomation are produced by molecules from the venomous gland. Our results add to the growing catalogue of scorpaeniform fish venoms and their skin mucus proteins. SIGNIFICANCE In this study a large number of proteins - including classical and non-classical toxins - were identified in the venomous apparatus and the skin mucus extracts of the Scorpaena plumieri fish through shotgun proteomic approach. It was shown that the toxic effects observed upon envenomation are elicited by molecules originated from the venomous gland. These results add to the growing catalogue of scorpaeniform fish venoms and their skin mucus proteins - so scarcely explored when compared to the venoms and bioactive components of terrestrial animals. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD009983.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Márcia H Borges
- Laboratório de Proteômica, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Filipe Andrich
- Laboratório de Química de Proteínas, Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Pedro H Lemos
- Laboratório de Química de Proteínas, Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Thiago G Soares
- Laboratório de Proteômica, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Thiago N Menezes
- Laboratório de Química de Proteínas, Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Fabiana V Campos
- Laboratório de Química de Proteínas, Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Leandro X Neves
- Laboratório de Enzimologia e Proteômica, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - William Castro-Borges
- Laboratório de Enzimologia e Proteômica, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Suely G Figueiredo
- Laboratório de Química de Proteínas, Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Diniz MRV, Paiva ALB, Guerra-Duarte C, Nishiyama MY, Mudadu MA, de Oliveira U, Borges MH, Yates JR, Junqueira-de-Azevedo IDL. An overview of Phoneutria nigriventer spider venom using combined transcriptomic and proteomic approaches. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0200628. [PMID: 30067761 PMCID: PMC6070231 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Phoneutria nigriventer is one of the largest existing true spiders and one of the few considered medically relevant. Its venom contains several neurotoxic peptides that act on different ion channels and chemical receptors of vertebrates and invertebrates. Some of these venom toxins have been shown as promising models for pharmaceutical or biotechnological use. However, the large diversity and the predominance of low molecular weight toxins in this venom have hampered the identification and deep investigation of the less abundant toxins and the proteins with high molecular weight. Here, we combined conventional and next-generation cDNA sequencing with Multidimensional Protein Identification Technology (MudPIT), to obtain an in-depth panorama of the composition of P. nigriventer spider venom. The results from these three approaches showed that cysteine-rich peptide toxins are the most abundant components in this venom and most of them contain the Inhibitor Cysteine Knot (ICK) structural motif. Ninety-eight sequences corresponding to cysteine-rich peptide toxins were identified by the three methodologies and many of them were considered as putative novel toxins, due to the low similarity to previously described toxins. Furthermore, using next-generation sequencing we identified families of several other classes of toxins, including CAPs (Cysteine Rich Secretory Protein-CRiSP, antigen 5 and Pathogenesis-Related 1-PR-1), serine proteinases, TCTPs (translationally controlled tumor proteins), proteinase inhibitors, metalloproteinases and hyaluronidases, which have been poorly described for this venom. This study provides an overview of the molecular diversity of P. nigriventer venom, revealing several novel components and providing a better basis to understand its toxicity and pharmacological activities.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Animals
- Biomarkers, Tumor/chemistry
- Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics
- Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism
- DNA, Complementary/chemistry
- DNA, Complementary/genetics
- DNA, Complementary/metabolism
- High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing
- Membrane Glycoproteins/chemistry
- Membrane Glycoproteins/genetics
- Membrane Glycoproteins/metabolism
- Peptides/metabolism
- Proteomics
- Sequence Alignment
- Sequence Analysis, DNA
- Spider Venoms/metabolism
- Spiders/genetics
- Spiders/metabolism
- Toxins, Biological/genetics
- Toxins, Biological/metabolism
- Transcriptome
- Tumor Protein, Translationally-Controlled 1
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo R. V. Diniz
- Laboratório de Toxinologia Molecular, Diretoria de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ana L. B. Paiva
- Laboratório de Toxinologia Molecular, Diretoria de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Clara Guerra-Duarte
- Laboratório de Toxinologia Molecular, Diretoria de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Milton Y. Nishiyama
- Laboratório Especial de Toxinologia Aplicada, CeTICS, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Ursula de Oliveira
- Laboratório Especial de Toxinologia Aplicada, CeTICS, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Márcia H. Borges
- Laboratório de Toxinologia Molecular, Diretoria de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - John R. Yates
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Palhares MR, Silva JF, Rezende MJS, Santos DC, Silva-Junior CA, Borges MH, Ferreira J, Gomez MV, Castro-Junior CJ. Synergistic antinociceptive effect of a calcium channel blocker and a TRPV1 blocker in an acute pain model in mice. Life Sci 2017. [PMID: 28629730 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2017.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Extensive evidence supports a role for voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCC) and TRPV1 receptors in pain transmission and modulation. We investigated the profile of analgesic interaction between Phα1β toxin (a VGCC blocker) and SB366791 (selective TRPV1 antagonist) in a model of acute pain induced by capsaicin. Changes in body temperature induced by combination regimens were also evaluated. MAIN METHODS Isobolographic approach with a fixed dose-ratio of combined drugs was used to determine whether antinociceptive interaction of Phα1β and SB366791 are subadditive, additive or synergic. Body temperature was obtained by thermal infrared imaging. KEY FINDINGS Phα1β and SB366791 interact in a synergistic manner to cause antinociception. We found an interaction index (α) of 0.07 for Phα1β and SB366791 when these drugs were injected together intraplantarly, which indicates that in vivo interaction between these drugs is greater than additive interaction. Synergism also occurred when intraplantar SB366791 was administered simultaneously with intrathecal Phα1β (interaction index α=0.06) suggesting a 15 fold rise in potency on the analgesic effect of these drugs when they are added together. It was observed no significant alterations in body temperature of animals treated with this combination regimen. SIGNIFICANCE Our data reveal that Phα1β toxin potentiates in 15 fold the antinociceptive action of the TRPV1 blocker SB366791. Therefore, lower doses of these drugs are required to achieve antinociceptive effects when these agents are given in combination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuella R Palhares
- Department of Neurotransmitters, Institute for Education and Research, Hospital Santa Casa, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 30150-240, Brazil
| | - Juliana F Silva
- Department of Neurotransmitters, Institute for Education and Research, Hospital Santa Casa, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 30150-240, Brazil
| | - Marcio Junior S Rezende
- Department of Neurotransmitters, Institute for Education and Research, Hospital Santa Casa, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 30150-240, Brazil
| | - Duana C Santos
- Department of Neurotransmitters, Institute for Education and Research, Hospital Santa Casa, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 30150-240, Brazil
| | - Cláudio A Silva-Junior
- Department of Neurotransmitters, Institute for Education and Research, Hospital Santa Casa, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 30150-240, Brazil
| | - Márcia H Borges
- Department of Biochemistry, Ezequiel Dias Foundation, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 30510-010, Brazil
| | - Juliano Ferreira
- Department of Pharmacology, Biological Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina 80040-900, Brazil
| | - Marcus V Gomez
- Department of Neurotransmitters, Institute for Education and Research, Hospital Santa Casa, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 30150-240, Brazil
| | - Célio J Castro-Junior
- Department of Neurotransmitters, Institute for Education and Research, Hospital Santa Casa, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 30150-240, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gomes MSR, Naves de Souza DL, Guimarães DO, Lopes DS, Mamede CCN, Gimenes SNC, Achê DC, Rodrigues RS, Yoneyama KAG, Borges MH, de Oliveira F, Rodrigues VM. Biochemical and functional characterization of Bothropoidin: the first haemorrhagic metalloproteinase from Bothrops pauloensis snake venom. J Biochem 2014; 157:137-49. [PMID: 25261583 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvu058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We present the biochemical and functional characterization of Bothropoidin, the first haemorrhagic metalloproteinase isolated from Bothrops pauloensis snake venom. This protein was purified after three chromatographic steps on cation exchange CM-Sepharose fast flow, size-exclusion column Sephacryl S-300 and anion exchange Capto Q. Bothropoidin was homogeneous by SDS-PAGE under reducing and non-reducing conditions, and comprised a single chain of 49,558 Da according to MALDI TOF analysis. The protein presented an isoelectric point of 3.76, and the sequence of six fragments obtained by MS (MALDI TOF\TOF) showed a significant score when compared with other PIII Snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs). Bothropoidin showed proteolytic activity on azocasein, Aα-chain of fibrinogen, fibrin, collagen and fibronectin. The enzyme was stable at pH 6-9 and at lower temperatures when assayed on azocasein. Moreover, its activity was inhibited by EDTA, 1.10-phenanthroline and β-mercaptoethanol. Bothropoidin induced haemorrhage [minimum haemorrhagic dose (MHD) = 0.75 µg], inhibited platelet aggregation induced by collagen and ADP, and interfered with viability and cell adhesion when incubated with endothelial cells in a dose and time-dependent manner. Our results showed that Bothropoidin is a haemorrhagic metalloproteinase that can play an important role in the toxicity of B. pauloensis envenomation and might be used as a tool for studying the effects of SVMPs on haemostatic disorders and tumour metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mário Sérgio R Gomes
- Instituto de Genética e Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, UFU, Uberlândia-MG, Brazil, Departamento de Química e Exatas, Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia (UESB), BA, Brazil, INCT, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Nano-Biofarmacêutica, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia-MG, Brazil, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, FUNED, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil Instituto de Genética e Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, UFU, Uberlândia-MG, Brazil, Departamento de Química e Exatas, Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia (UESB), BA, Brazil, INCT, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Nano-Biofarmacêutica, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia-MG, Brazil, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, FUNED, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil
| | - Dayane L Naves de Souza
- Instituto de Genética e Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, UFU, Uberlândia-MG, Brazil, Departamento de Química e Exatas, Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia (UESB), BA, Brazil, INCT, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Nano-Biofarmacêutica, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia-MG, Brazil, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, FUNED, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil Instituto de Genética e Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, UFU, Uberlândia-MG, Brazil, Departamento de Química e Exatas, Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia (UESB), BA, Brazil, INCT, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Nano-Biofarmacêutica, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia-MG, Brazil, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, FUNED, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil
| | - Denise O Guimarães
- Instituto de Genética e Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, UFU, Uberlândia-MG, Brazil, Departamento de Química e Exatas, Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia (UESB), BA, Brazil, INCT, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Nano-Biofarmacêutica, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia-MG, Brazil, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, FUNED, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil
| | - Daiana S Lopes
- Instituto de Genética e Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, UFU, Uberlândia-MG, Brazil, Departamento de Química e Exatas, Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia (UESB), BA, Brazil, INCT, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Nano-Biofarmacêutica, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia-MG, Brazil, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, FUNED, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil
| | - Carla C N Mamede
- Instituto de Genética e Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, UFU, Uberlândia-MG, Brazil, Departamento de Química e Exatas, Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia (UESB), BA, Brazil, INCT, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Nano-Biofarmacêutica, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia-MG, Brazil, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, FUNED, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil Instituto de Genética e Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, UFU, Uberlândia-MG, Brazil, Departamento de Química e Exatas, Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia (UESB), BA, Brazil, INCT, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Nano-Biofarmacêutica, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia-MG, Brazil, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, FUNED, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil Instituto de Genética e Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, UFU, Uberlândia-MG, Brazil, Departamento de Química e Exatas, Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia (UESB), BA, Brazil, INCT, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Nano-Biofarmacêutica, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia-MG, Brazil, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, FUNED, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil
| | - Sarah Natalie C Gimenes
- Instituto de Genética e Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, UFU, Uberlândia-MG, Brazil, Departamento de Química e Exatas, Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia (UESB), BA, Brazil, INCT, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Nano-Biofarmacêutica, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia-MG, Brazil, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, FUNED, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil
| | - David C Achê
- Instituto de Genética e Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, UFU, Uberlândia-MG, Brazil, Departamento de Química e Exatas, Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia (UESB), BA, Brazil, INCT, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Nano-Biofarmacêutica, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia-MG, Brazil, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, FUNED, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil
| | - Renata S Rodrigues
- Instituto de Genética e Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, UFU, Uberlândia-MG, Brazil, Departamento de Química e Exatas, Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia (UESB), BA, Brazil, INCT, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Nano-Biofarmacêutica, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia-MG, Brazil, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, FUNED, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil
| | - Kelly A G Yoneyama
- Instituto de Genética e Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, UFU, Uberlândia-MG, Brazil, Departamento de Química e Exatas, Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia (UESB), BA, Brazil, INCT, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Nano-Biofarmacêutica, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia-MG, Brazil, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, FUNED, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil
| | - Márcia H Borges
- Instituto de Genética e Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, UFU, Uberlândia-MG, Brazil, Departamento de Química e Exatas, Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia (UESB), BA, Brazil, INCT, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Nano-Biofarmacêutica, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia-MG, Brazil, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, FUNED, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil
| | - Fábio de Oliveira
- Instituto de Genética e Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, UFU, Uberlândia-MG, Brazil, Departamento de Química e Exatas, Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia (UESB), BA, Brazil, INCT, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Nano-Biofarmacêutica, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia-MG, Brazil, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, FUNED, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil Instituto de Genética e Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, UFU, Uberlândia-MG, Brazil, Departamento de Química e Exatas, Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia (UESB), BA, Brazil, INCT, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Nano-Biofarmacêutica, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia-MG, Brazil, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, FUNED, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil
| | - Veridiana M Rodrigues
- Instituto de Genética e Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, UFU, Uberlândia-MG, Brazil, Departamento de Química e Exatas, Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia (UESB), BA, Brazil, INCT, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Nano-Biofarmacêutica, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia-MG, Brazil, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, FUNED, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil Instituto de Genética e Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, UFU, Uberlândia-MG, Brazil, Departamento de Química e Exatas, Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia (UESB), BA, Brazil, INCT, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Nano-Biofarmacêutica, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia-MG, Brazil, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, FUNED, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Nunes KP, Wynne BM, Cordeiro MN, Borges MH, Richardson M, Leite R, DeLima ME, Webb RC. Increased cavernosal relaxation by Phoneutria nigriventer toxin, PnTx2-6, via activation at NO/cGMP signaling. Int J Impot Res 2011; 24:69-76. [PMID: 21975567 PMCID: PMC3253321 DOI: 10.1038/ijir.2011.47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Erectile dysfunction mechanisms in diabetic patients are multifactorial and often lead to resistance to current therapy. Animal toxins have been used as pharmacological tools to study penile erection. Human accidents involving the venom of Phoneutria nigriventer spider are characterized by priapism. We hypothesize that PnTx2-6 potentiates cavernosal relaxation in diabetic mice by increasing cGMP. This effect is nNOS dependent. Cavernosal strips were contracted with phenylephrine (10−5 M) and relaxed by electrical field stimulation (EFS, 20V, 1–32 Hz) in the presence or absence of PnTx2-6 (10−8 M).Cavernosal strips from nNOS and eNOS knocaut (KO) mice, besides nNOS inhibitor (10−5M), were used to evaluate the role of this enzyme in the potentiation effect evoked by PnTx2-6. Tissue cGMP levels were determined after stimulation with PnTx2-6 in presence or absence of L-NAME (10−4M) and ω-conotoxin GVIA (10−6M), an N-type calcium channel inhibitor. Results showed PnTx2-6 enhanced cavernosal relaxation in diabetic mice (65%) and eNOS KO mice, but not in nNOS KO mice. The toxin effect in the cavernosal relaxation was abolished by nNOS inhibitor. cGMP levels are increased by PnTx2-6, however L-NAME abolished this enhancement as well as ω-conotoxin GVIA. We conclude PnTx2-6 facilitates penile relaxation in diabetic mice through a mechanism dependent on nNOS, probably via increasing NO/cGMP production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K P Nunes
- Department of Biochemistry, Biological Science Institute, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Rates B, Silva LP, Ireno IC, Leite FSF, Borges MH, Bloch C, De Lima ME, Pimenta AMC. Peptidomic dissection of the skin secretion of Phasmahyla jandaia (Bokermann and Sazima, 1978) (Anura, Hylidae, Phyllomedusinae). Toxicon 2010; 57:35-52. [PMID: 20932854 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2010.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2010] [Revised: 09/22/2010] [Accepted: 09/24/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The systematic investigation of the peptidic composition of the skin secretion of Phasmahyla jandaia, a phyllomedusine anuran endemic to the southern region of the Espinhaço range in Brazil, is herein reported. By means of de novo interpretation of tandem mass spectrometric data, Edman N-terminal sequencing and similarity searches, 57 peptides - including phylloseptins, dermaseptins stricto sensu, dermatoxins, hyposins, tryptophyllins, caerulein-related, bradykinin-related, bradykinin potentiating, tyrosine-rich, and opioid peptides - were sequenced. Moreover, five peptide families without significant similarity to other known molecules were verified. Differently from most Phyllomedusinae genera, the molecular diversity in the skin of representatives of Phasmahyla remained unprospected until now. Therefore, besides disclosing novel natural variants of number of bioactive peptides, the present study contributes to the understanding of the evolution of biochemical characters of the phyllomedusines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Breno Rates
- Laboratório de Venenos e Toxinas Animais, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
De Lima ME, Borges MH, Verano-Braga T, Torres FS, Montandon GG, Cardoso FL, Peixoto KDBA, Cardoso-Jr HC, Benelli MT. Some arachnidan peptides with potential medical application. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2010. [DOI: 10.1590/s1678-91992010000100004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
|
9
|
Conceição K, Santos JM, Bruni FM, Klitzke CF, Marques EE, Borges MH, Melo RL, Fernandez JH, Lopes-Ferreira M. Characterization of a new bioactive peptide from Potamotrygon gr. orbignyi freshwater stingray venom. Peptides 2009; 30:2191-9. [PMID: 19682520 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2009.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2009] [Revised: 07/30/2009] [Accepted: 08/04/2009] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Brazilian freshwater stingrays, Potamotrygon gr. orbigyni, are relatively common in the middle-western regions of Brazil, where they are considered an important public health threat. In order to identify some of their naturally occurring toxin peptides available in very low amounts, we combine analytical protocols such as reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), followed by a biological microcirculatory screening and mass spectrometry analysis. Using this approach, one bioactive peptide was identified and characterized, and two analogues were synthesized. The natural peptide named Porflan has the primary structure ESIVRPPPVEAKVEETPE (MW 2006.09 Da) and has no similarity with any bioactive peptide or protein found in public data banks. Bioassay protocols characterized peptides as presenting potent activity in a microcirculatory environment. The primary sequences and bioassay results, including interactions with the membrane phospholipids, suggest that these toxins are a new class of fish toxins, directly involved in the inflammatory processes of a stingray sting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katia Conceição
- Laboratório Especial de Toxinologia Aplicada, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Bernardes CP, Santos-Filho NA, Costa TR, Gomes MSR, Torres FS, Costa J, Borges MH, Richardson M, dos Santos DM, de Castro Pimenta AM, Homsi-Brandeburgo MI, Soares AM, de Oliveira F. Isolation and structural characterization of a new fibrin(ogen)olytic metalloproteinase from Bothrops moojeni snake venom. Toxicon 2007; 51:574-84. [PMID: 18187176 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2007.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2007] [Revised: 11/06/2007] [Accepted: 11/14/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
A proteinase, named BmooMPalpha-I, from the venom of Bothrops moojeni, was purified by DEAE-Sephacel, Sephadex G-75 and heparin-agarose column chromatography. The enzyme was purified to homogeneity as judged by its migration profile in SDS-PAGE stained with coomassie blue, and showed a molecular mass of about 24.5 kDa. Its complete cDNA was obtained by RT-PCR and the 615 bp codified for a mature protein of 205 amino acid residues. The multiple alignment of its deduced amino acid sequence and those of other snake venom metalloproteinases showed a high structural similarly, mainly among class P-IB proteases. The enzyme cleaves the Aalpha-chain of fibrinogen first, followed by the Bbeta-chain, and shows no effects on the gamma-chain. On fibrin, the enzyme hydrolyzed only the beta-chain, leaving the gamma-dimer apparently untouched. It was devoid of phospholipase A(2), hemorrhagic and thrombin-like activities. Like many venom enzymes, it is stable at pH values between 4 and 10 and stable at 70 degrees C for 15 min. The inhibitory effects of EDTA on the fibrinogenolytic activity suggest that BmooMPalpha-I is a metalloproteinase and inhibition by beta-mercaptoethanol revealed the important role of the disulfide bonds in the stabilization of the native structure. Aprotinin and benzamidine, specific serine proteinase inhibitors, had no effect on BmooMPalpha-I activity. Since the BmooMPalpha-I enzyme was found to cause defibrinogenation when administered i.p. on mice, it is expected that it may be of medical interest as a therapeutic agent in the treatment and prevention of arterial thrombosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolina P Bernardes
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, 38400-902 Uberlândia-MG, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
De Lima ME, Figueiredo SG, Pimenta AMC, Santos DM, Borges MH, Cordeiro MN, Richardson M, Oliveira LC, Stankiewicz M, Pelhate M. Peptides of arachnid venoms with insecticidal activity targeting sodium channels. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2007; 146:264-279. [PMID: 17218159 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2006.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2006] [Revised: 10/19/2006] [Accepted: 10/21/2006] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Arachnids have a venom apparatus and secrete a complex chemical mixture of low molecular mass organic molecules, enzymes and polypeptide neurotoxins designed to paralyze or kill their prey. Most of these toxins are specific for membrane voltage-gated sodium channels, although some may also target calcium or potassium channels and other membrane receptors. Scorpions and spiders have provided the greatest number of the neurotoxins studied so far, for which, a good number of primary and 3D structures have been obtained. Structural features, comprising a folding that determines a similar spatial distribution of charged and hydrophobic side chains of specific amino acids, are strikingly common among the toxins from spider and scorpion venoms. Such similarities are, in turn, the key feature to target and bind these proteins to ionic channels. The search for new insecticidal compounds, as well as the study of their modes of action, constitutes a current approach to rationally design novel insecticides. This goal tends to be more relevant if the resistance to the conventional chemical products is considered. A promising alternative seems to be the biotechnological approach using toxin-expressing recombinant baculovirus. Spider and scorpion toxins having insecticidal activity are reviewed here considering their structures, toxicities and action mechanisms in sodium channels of excitable membranes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M E De Lima
- Lab. Venenos e Toxinas Animais, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31.270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil; Núcleo de Biomoléculas - Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31.270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.
| | - S G Figueiredo
- Centro de Ciências Fisiológicas, CBM - Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brasil
| | - A M C Pimenta
- Lab. Venenos e Toxinas Animais, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31.270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil; Núcleo de Biomoléculas - Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31.270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - D M Santos
- Lab. Venenos e Toxinas Animais, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31.270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil; Núcleo de Biomoléculas - Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31.270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - M H Borges
- Lab. Venenos e Toxinas Animais, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31.270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil; Centro de Pesquisa Prof. Carlos R. Diniz, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - M N Cordeiro
- Centro de Pesquisa Prof. Carlos R. Diniz, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - M Richardson
- Centro de Pesquisa Prof. Carlos R. Diniz, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - L C Oliveira
- Departamento de Farmácia Bioquímica - Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, 39100-000, Diamantina, MG, Brasil
| | - M Stankiewicz
- Laboratory of Biophysics - Institute of General and Molecular Biology, N. Copernicus University, 87-100, Torun, Poland
| | - M Pelhate
- Lab. Récepteurs et Canaux Ioniques Membranaires, Université d'Angers, 49045, Angers, France
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Rates B, Bemquerer MP, Richardson M, Borges MH, Morales RAV, De Lima ME, Pimenta AMC. Venomic analyses of Scolopendra viridicornis nigra and Scolopendra angulata (Centipede, Scolopendromorpha): Shedding light on venoms from a neglected group. Toxicon 2007; 49:810-26. [PMID: 17320133 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2006.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2006] [Revised: 12/01/2006] [Accepted: 12/11/2006] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Centipedes are venomous arthropods responsible for a significant number of non-lethal human envenomations. Despite this, information about the composition and function of their venom contents is scarce. In this study, we have used a 'structure to function' proteomic approach combining two-dimensional chromatography (2D-LC), electrospray ionization quadrupole/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ESI-Q-TOF/MS), N-terminal sequencing and similarity searching to better understand the complexities of the venoms from two Brazilian centipede species: Scolopendra viridicornis nigra and Scolopendra angulata. Comparisons between the LC profiles and the mass compositions of the venoms of the two species are provided. The observed molecular masses ranged from 3019.62 to 20996.94Da in S. viridicornis nigra (total: 62 molecular masses) and from 1304.73 to 22639.15Da in S. angulata (total: 65 molecular masses). Also, the N-termini of representatives of 10 protein/peptide families were successfully sequenced where nine of them showed no significant similarity to other protein sequences deposited in the Swiss-Prot database. A screening for insecto-toxic activities in fractions from S. viridicornis venom has also been performed. Six out of the 12 tested fractions were responsible for clear toxic effects in house flies. This work demonstrates that centipede venoms might be a neglected but important source of new bioactive compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Breno Rates
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Laboratório de Venenos e Toxinas Animais, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Borges MH, Alves DLF, Raslan DS, Piló-Veloso D, Rodrigues VM, Homsi-Brandeburgo MI, de Lima ME. Neutralizing properties of Musa paradisiaca L. (Musaceae) juice on phospholipase A2, myotoxic, hemorrhagic and lethal activities of crotalidae venoms. J Ethnopharmacol 2005; 98:21-29. [PMID: 15763360 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2004.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2004] [Revised: 11/25/2004] [Accepted: 12/07/2004] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The use of plants as medicine has been referred to since ancient peoples, perhaps as early as Neanderthal man. Plants are a source of many biologically active products and nowadays they are of great interest to the pharmaceutical industry. The study of how people of different culture use plants in particular ways has led to the discovery of important new medicines. In this work, we verify the possible activity of Musa paradisiaca L. (Musaceae) against the toxicity of snake venoms. Musa paradisiaca, an important source of food in the world, has also been reported to be popularly used as an anti-venom. Interaction of Musa paradisiaca extract (MsE) with snake venom proteins has been examined in this study. Phospholipase A2 (PLA2), myotoxic and hemorrhagic activities, including lethality in mice, induced by crotalidae venoms were significantly inhibited when different amounts of MsE were mixed with these venoms before assays. On the other hand, mice that received MsE and venoms without previous mixture or by separated routes were not protected against venom toxicity. Partial chemical characterization of MsE showed the presence of polyphenols and tannins and they are known to non-specifically inactivate proteins. We suggest that these compounds can be responsible for the in vitro inhibition of the toxic effects of snake venoms. In conclusion, according to our results, using mice as experimental model, MsE does not show protection against the toxic effects of snake venoms in vivo, but if was very effective when the experiments were done in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M H Borges
- Laboratório de Venenos e Toxinas Animais, Dep. Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, University Federal de Minas Gerais, UFMG, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627 CEP 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Brito AG, Soares AM, Homsi-Brandeburgo MI, Borges MH, Giglio JR, Penha-Silva N. Spectroscopic analysis of the stability of bothrops myotoxic phospholipases A2 to guanidine and urea denaturation. Protein Pept Lett 2003; 10:99-108. [PMID: 12625831 DOI: 10.2174/0929866033408264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Spectrophotometric profiles representing the unfolding induced by guanidine on Bothrops moojeni myotoxins-I (MjTX-I) and II (MjTX-II), Bothrops jararacussu bothropstoxin-I (BthTX-I) and Bothrops pirajai piratoxin-I (PrTX-I) were obtained and compared with those obtained with bovine ribonuclease A (RNAse) and trypsin. The molar (epsilon(1M)) and percent (epsilon(1%)) extinction coefficients were determined for the four myotoxins as well as for RNAse and trypsin as reference parameters. These coefficients were then used throughout this work. The changes in free energy (deltaGD(H)(2)(O)) corresponding to zero guanidine concentration and the guanidine concentrations (D(1/2)) able to convert 50% of the molecules from the native to the unfolded state were determined. The values of deltaGD (H)(2)(O) ranged from 4.42 (BthTX-I) to 8.02 (MjTX-I) kcal/mole, compared with 6.47 and 6.88 kcal/mole for trypsin and RNAse, respectively. The values for deltaGD(H)(2)(O) and D1/2 showed that BthTX-I is the least stable among the four myotoxins assayed, with a D1/2 close to that of RNAse, while MjTX-II is conformationally the most stable. Monitoring of the unfolding of RNAse and PrTX-I by a 0 to 6 M urea gradient PAGE revealed transitions from the native (N) to the unfolded (U) state with deltaG(N-U)of 0.22 and 0.41 kcal/mole, respectively. Sigmoidal curves showed well-defined two-stage transitions for both proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana G Brito
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, FMRP - USP, 14049-900 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Raslan DS, Jamal CM, Duarte DS, Borges MH, De Lima ME. Anti-PLA2 action test of Casearia sylvestris Sw. Boll Chim Farm 2002; 141:457-60. [PMID: 12577517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
Casearia sylvestris (Flacourtiaceae) is a plant which grows in the wild. The crude extract and pure substances from this plant induced partial inhibition of the PLA: (phospholipase A2) activity of snake venoms and some purified toxins. C. sylvestris extract efficiently neutralized the hemorrhagic and myotoxic activities caused by crude venoms and toxins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D S Raslan
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia-ICB, Laboratório de Venenos e Toxinas Animais, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Brazil
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Borges MH, Soares AM, Rodrigues VM, Oliveira F, Fransheschi AM, Rucavado A, Giglio JR, Homsi-Brandeburgo MI. Neutralization of proteases from Bothrops snake venoms by the aqueous extract from Casearia sylvestris (Flacourtiaceae). Toxicon 2001; 39:1863-9. [PMID: 11600149 DOI: 10.1016/s0041-0101(01)00169-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Aqueous extract from Casearia sylvestris leaves, a typical plant from Brazilian open pastures, was able to neutralize the hemorrhagic activity caused by Bothrops asper, Bothrops jararacussu, Bothrops moojeni, Bothrops neuwiedi and Bothrops pirajai venoms. It also neutralized two hemorrhagic metalloproteinases from Bothrops asper venom. Proteolytic activity on casein induced by bothropic venoms and by isolated proteases, including Bn2 metalloproteinase from B. neuwiedi venom, was also inhibited by the C. sylvestris extract in different levels. The alpha-fibrinogen chain was partially protected against degradation caused by B. jararacussu venom, when this venom was incubated with C. sylvestris extract. We also observed that this extract partially increased the time of plasma coagulation caused by B. jararacussu, B. moojeni and B. neuwiedi venoms. C. sylvestris extract did not induce proteolysis in any substrate assayed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M H Borges
- Departamento de Genética e Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, UFU, 38400-902 Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
The authors report a case of a 39-year-old woman with dextrocardia and situs inversus who presented with episodes of complete heart block, managed successfully with a permanent dual chamber endocardial pacemaker.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M R Brito
- Arrhythmia Unit, Hospital Socor, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Borges MH, Soares AM, Rodrigues VM, Andrião-Escarso SH, Diniz H, Hamaguchi A, Quintero A, Lizano S, Gutiérrez JM, Giglio JR, Homsi-Brandeburgo MI. Effects of aqueous extract of Casearia sylvestris (Flacourtiaceae) on actions of snake and bee venoms and on activity of phospholipases A2. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2000; 127:21-30. [PMID: 11126749 DOI: 10.1016/s0305-0491(00)00237-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The crude aqueous extract from the leaves of Casearia sylvestris, a plant found in Brazilian open pastures, was assayed for its ability to inhibit phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity and some biological activities of bee and several snake venoms, and of a number of isolated PLA2s. The extract induced partial inhibition of the PLA2 activity of venoms containing class I, II and III PLA2s. When tested against the purified toxins, it showed the highest efficacy against class II PLA2s from viperid venoms, being relatively ineffective against the class I PLA2 pseudexin. In addition, C. sylvestris extract significantly inhibited the myotoxic activity of four Bothrops crude venoms and nine purified myotoxic PLA2s, including Lys-49 and Asp-49 variants. The extract was able to inhibit the anticoagulant activity of several isolated PLA2s, with the exception of pseudexin. Moreover, it partially reduced the edema-inducing activity of B. moojeni and B. jararacussu venoms, as well as of myotoxins MjTX-II and BthTX-I. The extract also prolonged the survival time of mice injected with lethal doses of several snake venoms and neutralized the lethal effect induced by several purified PLA2 myotoxins. It is concluded that C. sylvestris constitutes a rich source of PLA2 inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M H Borges
- Departamento de Genética e Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, UFU, MG, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Oliveira F, Rodrigues VM, Borges MH, Soares AM, Hamaguchi A, Giglio JR, Homsi-Brandeburgo MI. Purification and partial characterization of a new proteolytic enzyme from the venom of Bothrops moojeni (CAISSACA). Biochem Mol Biol Int 1999; 47:1069-77. [PMID: 10410253 DOI: 10.1080/15216549900202193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
A basic serine protease which is active on casein and fibrinogen was purified from Bothrops moojeni venom using a single step chromatography on a CM-Sepharose fast flow column. The enzyme, MOO3, was not hemorrhagic and presented only a trace of blood-clotting activity. Synthetic chromogenic substrates (azoacasein and azoalbumin) where not hydrolyzed by MOO3. Using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis at pH 4.3, MOO3 showed as a single protein band. Using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide electrophoresis, MOO3 behaved as a single-chain protein with an approximate mol. weight of 27,000, both in the presence and absence of beta-mercaptoethanol. Its pI was 7.8 by electrofocusing. The enzyme did not contain neutral carbohydrates and its N-terminal amino acid was alanine. The amino acid composition showed 249 residues/mole, a high content of hydrophilic amino acids and 14 half-cystine residues, which should account for 7 disulfide bonds. The protease cleaved the A-alpha chain faster than the B-beta of bovine fibrinogen and showed no effect on the delta-chain. Specific esterolytic activity of MOO3 on alpha-N-tosyl-l-arginine methyl ester was 29.64 mumol min-1 x mg-1. MOO3 represented 1.42% (w/w) of the initial desiccated venom. Its proteolytic activity was inhibited by beta-mercaptoethanol, leupeptin, phenylmethylsulphonyl fluoride and ethylenediamine tetraacetate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Oliveira
- Departamento de Ciências, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras, FAFI, Araguari-MG, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Borges MH, Pinto AC, DiNinno FB, Camacho-Hübner C, Grossman A, Kater CE, Lengyel AM. IGF-I levels rise and GH responses to GHRH decrease during long-term prednisone treatment in man. J Endocrinol Invest 1999; 22:12-7. [PMID: 10090131 DOI: 10.1007/bf03345472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoid excess is associated with a blunted GH response to GHRH. IGF-I levels in hypercortisolism are controversial and have been reported as low, normal or high. The aim of this study was to evaluate longitudinally time-dependent changes in the GH response to GHRH, IGF-I, IGFBP-3 and albumin values in patients during corticotherapy. Six patients received GHRH before and after one week and one month of prednisone administration (20-60 mg/d, orally). IGF-I, IGFBP-3 and albumin were determined in each test, at time 0. Ten normal controls were also evaluated in one occasion. There were no differences in basal GH values, GH response to GHRH, IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels between controls and patients before starting corticotherapy. Albumin (g/l; mean+/-SE) values were lower in patients before treatment (31+/-4) than in controls (43+/-1). After one week of prednisone administration there was a significant decrease in peak GH (microg/l) levels (before: 18.8+/-7.4; 1 week: 5.0+/-1.3), which was maintained after one month (8.1+/-3.5). IGF-I (microg/l) levels increased significantly, from 145+/-23 to 205+/-52 after one week of therapy, reaching levels of 262+/-32 after one month. IGFBP-3 (mg/l) values did not increase significantly (before: 2.1+/-0.2; 1 week: 2.5+/-0.3; 1 month: 2.8+/-0.2). Albumin levels showed a significant rise both after one week (36+/-4) and one month (42+/-3) of corticotherapy. In summary, we observed a marked decrease in the GH response to GHRH after one week and one month of prednisone administration associated with an increase in circulating IGF-I and albumin values. The physiological implications of these findings are still uncertain. It is possible that glucocorticoids increase hepatic IGF-I and albumin synthesis, although other mechanisms may have a role.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M H Borges
- Division of Endocrinology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo SP, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Soares AM, Rodrigues VM, Borges MH, Andrião-Escarso SH, Cunha OA, Homsi-Brandeburgo MI, Giglio JR. Inhibition of proteases, myotoxins and phospholipases A2 from Bothrops venoms by the heteromeric protein complex of Didelphis albiventris opossum serum. Biochem Mol Biol Int 1997; 43:1091-9. [PMID: 9415818 DOI: 10.1080/15216549700204911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The antibothropic complex (ABC) from opossum (species Didelphis albiventris) serum was purified by chromatography on DEAE-Sephacel. It showed an acidic character and two polypeptide chains of ca. 45 kDa and 48 kDa, respectively. Lyophilized opossum serum or the ABC (100 micrograms), as well as ethylenediamine tetraacetate (0.25 mumoles) were able to completely neutralise the hemorrhagic effect of 50 micrograms of the desiccated venoms of Bothrops moojeni, Bothrops pirajai and Bothrops jararacussu. The myotoxic (100 micrograms venom in mice) and edematogenic (90 micrograms venom in rats) activities of Bothrops moojeni and Bothrops jararacussu venoms, as well as of the major myonecrotic protein (myotoxin-I) isolated from Bothrops moojeni venom, were also totally inhibited by the ABC (200 micrograms and 270 micrograms, respectively). The lyophilized opossum serum (30 micrograms) and the ABC (30 micrograms) reduced to 50% the phospholipase A2 activity of Bothrops moojeni venom (10 micrograms). The clotting activity of Bothrops alternatus and Bothrops moojeni (20 micrograms) on bovine plasma was also significantly inhibited by the ABC (60 micrograms).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A M Soares
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Borges MH, DiNinno FB, Lengyel AM. Different effects of growth hormone releasing peptide (GHRP-6) and GH-releasing hormone on GH release in endogenous and exogenous hypercortisolism. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 1997; 46:713-8. [PMID: 9274702 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2265.1997.1981008.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Chronic hypercortisolism is associated with decreased GH responsiveness to GHRH. GHRP-6 is a synthetic hexapeptide that releases GH in several species, including man. As GHRH and GHRP-6 apparently stimulate GH release by different mechanisms, we evaluated the GH responses to these peptides in patients with endogenous and exogenous glucocorticoid excess and also in control subjects. DESIGN Six patients with endogenous hypercortisolism, nine with exogenous glucocorticoid excess and 10 normal controls were submitted to three tests, in random order, with GHRH (100 micrograms), GHRP-6 (1 microgram/ kg) or GHRP+GHRP-6, in the same doses, i.v., on separate days. MEASUREMENTS GH was measured by immunofluorometric assay. IGF-I was determined by radioimmunoassay. Plasma glucose was measured by the glucose-oxidase technique. RESULTS Peak GH values (mean +/- SE; microgram/l) after GHRH were significantly blunted in endogenous (2.0 +/- 0.7) and exogenous (3.6 +/- 1.2) hypercortisolaemic patients compared to controls (24.9 +/- 6.1). The endogenous group had lower peak GH values after GHRP-6 alone (7.7 +/- 1.9) or together with GHRH (18.8 +/- 5.8) than those observed in controls (GHRP-6: 22.1 +/- 3.6; GHRH+GHRP-6: 77.4 +/- 15.0) and in exogenous hypercortisolism (27.4 +/- 6.2 and 78.1 +/- 19.9). There were no differences in the GH responses to GHRP-6 alone or in combination with GHRH when controls were compared to the exogenous group. No changes in plasma IGF-I and glucose levels were observed. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that hypercortisolism had a different effect on the GH-releasing mechanisms stimulated by GHRH and GHRP-6. Moreover, in endogenous hypercortisolism both GHRH and GHRP-6 pathways are affected, while in the exogenous group GHRP-6 releasing mechanisms are apparently preserved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M H Borges
- Division of Endocrinology, Escola Paulista de Medicina/Universidade Federal de São Paulo-UNIFESP/EPM, Brazil
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Wajchenberg BL, Liberman B, Giannella Neto D, Morozimato MY, Semer M, Bracco LO, Salgado LR, Knoepfelmacher M, Borges MH, Pinto AC, Kater CE, Lengyel AM. Growth hormone axis in cushing's syndrome. Horm Res 1996; 45:99-107. [PMID: 8742127 DOI: 10.1159/000184767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
All levels of the growth hormone (GH), GH binding protein (GHBP), insulin-like growth factor (IGF) and IGF binding protein (IGFBP) axis are influenced by chronic hypercortisolism. Thus, there is a blunted response to GHRH alone or together with other stimuli associated with a marked suppression of endogenous GH secretion but accompanied by normal GHBP, normal to low IGF-1 and GHBPs 1 and 3 with the correspondent 41.5 and 38.5-kD molecular forms of the latter presenting values similar to normal. These findings may suggest enhanced GH sensitivity with normal or increased IGF-1 bioavailability to the correspondent tissue receptors. In conclusion, the glucocorticoid (GC)-induced target tissue resistance can neither be attributed to the suppression of the GH axis nor to changes in circulating GHBPs 1 and 3. However, it may be related either to the described 12-to-20-kD inhibitor(s) which antagonizes postbinding IGF-1 bioactivity (gene expression) and/or by the downmodulation of activator protein-1 (Fos/Jun) activity by the GC-GC receptor complex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B L Wajchenberg
- Endocrine Service, University of São Paulo Medical School, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Borges MH, Castro RC, Kater CE, Lengyel AM. Different effects of pyridostigmine on growth hormone (GH) response to GH-releasing hormone in endogenous and exogenous hypercortisolemic patients. Braz J Med Biol Res 1993; 26:1191-200. [PMID: 7907904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
1. Somatostatin may play a role in the inhibition of growth hormone (GH) response to GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) in hypercortisolism. To examine this hypothesis we studied the effect of pyridostigmine, a cholinergic agonist that decreases hypothalamic somatostatin, on the GH response to GHRH in 8 controls, in 6 patients with endogenous hypercortisolism (3 with Cushing's disease and 3 with adrenal adenomas) and in 8 patients with exogenous hypercortisolism (lupus erythematosus chronically treated with 20-60 mg/day of prednisone). Each subject received GHRH(1-29)NH2,100 micrograms iv twice, preceded by pyridostigmine (120 mg) or placebo, orally. 2. The GH response to GHRH was significantly blunted in all hypercortisolemic patients compared to controls both after placebo (GH peak, 5.8 +/- 1.6 vs 46.2 +/- 15.9 micrograms/l, mean +/- SEM) and after pyridostigmine (15.7 +/- 5.6 vs 77.2 +/- 19.8 micrograms/l). 3. The GH response was absent in endogenous hypercortisolemic patients compared to the exogenous group, both after placebo (2.2 +/- 0.3 vs 8.5 +/- 2.4 micrograms/l) and after pyridostigmine (4.9 +/- 2.5 vs 23.8 +/- 8.7 micrograms/l). The GH release after GHRH/pyridostigmine for the exogenous group was similar to the response of controls treated with GHRH/placebo. 4. These results confirm that the GH response to GHRH is blunted in hypercortisolism, although more pronounced in the endogenous group. Pyridostigmine partially reversed this inhibition in the exogenous group. Therefore, somatostatin may play a role in the inhibition of GHRH-induced GH release in exogenous hypercortisolemic states.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M H Borges
- Departamento de Medicina, Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, Brasil
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|