1
|
Anti-Neurotoxins from Micrurus mipartitus in the Development of Coral Snake Antivenoms. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14040265. [PMID: 35448874 PMCID: PMC9027008 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14040265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In Colombia, the genus Micrurus includes 30 species, of which M. mipartitus and M. dumerilii are the most widely distributed. Micrurus causes less than 3% of the approximately 5000 cases of snakebite per year. The elapid envenomation caused by the snakes from the Micrurus genus, are characterized by the severity of their clinical manifestations, due to the venom neurotoxic components such as three-finger toxins (3FTx) and phospholipases (PLA2). The treatment for snakebites is the administration of specific antivenoms, however, some of them have limitations in their neutralizing ability. A strategy proposed to improve antivenoms is to produce antibodies against the main components of the venom. The aim of this work was to produce an antivenom, using an immunization protocol including the main 3FTx and PLA2 responsible for M. mipartitus lethality. The antibody titers were determined by ELISA in rabbits’ serum. The immunized animals elicited a response against toxins and whole venom. The Immunoglobulin G (IgGs) obtained were able to neutralize the lethal effect of their homologous toxins. A combination of antivenom from M. mipartitus with antitoxins improved their neutralizing ability. In the same way, a mixture of anti 3FTx and PLA2 protected the mice from a 1.5 median lethal dose (LD50) of M. mipartitus venom. The results showed that this might be a way to improve antibody titers specificity against the relevant toxins in M. mipartitus venom and indicated that there is a possibility to develop and use recombinant 3FTx and PLA2 toxins as immunogens to produce antivenoms. Additionally, this represents an alternative to reduce the amount of venom used in anti-coral antivenom production.
Collapse
|
2
|
Abdelkafi-Koubaa Z, ELBini-Dhouib I, Souid S, Jebali J, Doghri R, Srairi-Abid N, Essafi-Benkhadir K, Micheau O, Marrakchi N. Pharmacological Investigation of CC-LAAO, an L-Amino Acid Oxidase from Cerastes cerastes Snake Venom. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13120904. [PMID: 34941741 PMCID: PMC8704781 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13120904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Snake venom proteins, which are responsible for deadly snakebite envenomation, induce severe injuries including neurotoxicity, myotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, hemorrhage, and the disruption of blood homeostasis. Yet, many snake-venom proteins have been developed as potential drugs for treating human diseases due to their pharmacological effects. In this study, we evaluated the use of, an L-amino acid oxidase isolated from Cerastes cerastes snake venom CC-LAAO, as a potential anti-glioblastoma drug, by investigating its in vivo and in vitro pharmacological effects. Our results showed that acute exposure to CC-LAAO at 1 and 2.5 µg/mL does not induce significant toxicity on vital organs, as indicated by the murine blood parameters including aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities, and creatinine levels. The histopathological examination demonstrated that only at high concentrations did CC-LAAO induce inflammation and necrosis in several organs of the test subjects. Interestingly, when tested on human glioblastoma U87 cells, CC-LAAO induced a dose-dependent apoptotic effect through the H2O2 generated during the enzymatic reaction. Taken altogether, our data indicated that low concentration of CC-LAAO may be safe and may have potential in the development of anti-glioblastoma agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zaineb Abdelkafi-Koubaa
- Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LR20IPT01), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (I.E.-D.); (J.J.); (N.S.-A.); (N.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Ines ELBini-Dhouib
- Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LR20IPT01), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (I.E.-D.); (J.J.); (N.S.-A.); (N.M.)
| | - Soumaya Souid
- Laboratoire d’Epidémiologie Moléculaire et de Pathologie Expérimentale (LR16IPT04), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (S.S.); (K.E.-B.)
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, 1800 Bienville Drive, Monroe, LA 71201, USA
| | - Jed Jebali
- Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LR20IPT01), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (I.E.-D.); (J.J.); (N.S.-A.); (N.M.)
| | - Raoudha Doghri
- Département d’Anatomie Pathologique, Institut Salah Azaiez, Bab Saadoun, Tunis 1006, Tunisia;
| | - Najet Srairi-Abid
- Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LR20IPT01), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (I.E.-D.); (J.J.); (N.S.-A.); (N.M.)
| | - Khadija Essafi-Benkhadir
- Laboratoire d’Epidémiologie Moléculaire et de Pathologie Expérimentale (LR16IPT04), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (S.S.); (K.E.-B.)
| | - Olivier Micheau
- Lipides Nutrition Cancer, INSERM-UMR 1231, Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, UFR Science de Santé, 7 Bd Jeanne d’Arc, 21000 Dijon, France;
| | - Naziha Marrakchi
- Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LR20IPT01), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (I.E.-D.); (J.J.); (N.S.-A.); (N.M.)
- Faculté de Médecine de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1068, Tunisia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Boghozian A, Nazem H, Fazilati M, Hejazi SH, Sheikh Sajjadieh M. Toxicity and protein composition of venoms of Hottentotta saulcyi, Hottentotta schach and Androctonus crassicauda, three scorpion species collected in Iran. Vet Med Sci 2021; 7:2418-2426. [PMID: 34358414 PMCID: PMC8604134 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.593] [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] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Scorpion stings comprise a serious problem throughout the globe, especially in regions where they are more frequent. Despite a recent upsurge of interest in scorpion venoms by various research groups, there remain many challenges. OBJECTIVE Therefore, in this study, we aimed to study the toxicity and protein composition of venoms of Hottentotta saulcyi, Hottentotta schach and Androctonus crassicauda, three scorpion species collected in Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS Scorpion species were collected from Esfahan farm scorpion company and maintained in the laboratory in containers that mimic their natural habitat. Venom was extracted from A. crassicauda, H. schach and H. saulcyi by electrical stimulation of 8 and 10 V. The toxicity of each venom was established by using four groups of male Swiss albino mice aged 2 months (weighting 18-20 g) for testing each dose of venom. One group was used as a control. Venom was injected into mice by subcutaneous route. Then, animals were monitored for 24 h and LD50 was estimated by the graphic method of Miller and Tainter. Thus, high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method was used to determine amino acids in the venom, and protein concentrations were determined by the Biuret method. RESULTS LD50 of scorpion venoms by subcutaneous route was found to be 1.70 mg/kg b.w (A. crassicauda), 1.47 mg/kg b.w (H. saulcyi) and 0.85 mg/kg b.w (H. schach). A. crassicauda, H. saulcyi and H. schach contain 26, 30, and 31 amino acids, respectively. A. crassicauda contains low concentrations of alpha-aminoadipic acid, beta-aminoisobutyric acid, beta-alanine and citrulline. H. saulcyi contains a concentration of hydroxylysine, whereas H. schach has no such concentration. A. crassicauda also had the highest levels of tyrosine and threonine. Only A. crassicauda venom contains a low proportion of proteins (14.80%) compared with those of H. schach (16.26%) and H. saulcyi (16.20%). Albumin content in the venoms was 11.7% (H. saulcyi), 5.4% (H. schach) and 4.4% (A. crassicauda). CONCLUSION Scorpions venoms have a variable toxicity and an interesting composition in amino acids and proteins. Work on the development of anti-venom is fundamental.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ani Boghozian
- Department of Biochemistry, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Habibollah Nazem
- Department of Biochemistry, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Seyed Hossein Hejazi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bakır F, Ozkan O, Alcigir ME, Yagmur EA. The lethality, histological, haematological and biochemical alterations in mice envenomated with Aegaeobuthus nigrocinctus venom. Toxicon 2021; 200:118-126. [PMID: 34302854 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
There is currently no data regarding the toxicity or the in vivo effects of the venom the Aegaeobuthus nigrocinctus species, since it has not been studied thus far according to the best of our knowledge. In the present study, and for the first time, the median lethal dose, the in vivo toxic effects, the histological changes in some of the vital organs were all determined as well as an assessment was made of the histological, biochemical and haematological changes which were caused by the venom injected in mice. The median lethal dose (LD50) of the scorpion venom for mice was found to be 0.38 mg/kg in terms of body weight. The results of the study show that the A. nigrocintus is a potentially lethal scorpion. The evidence related to the venom indicated that it could cause tissue injury in some vital organs. In conclusion, this scorpion venom could cause significant medical complications, and may lead to death, regarding at-risk patients. Therefore, health professionals should be aware of the various scorpion species in their regions and should follow current medical approaches concerning scorpion envenomation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fatih Bakır
- Lokman Hekim University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biochemistry, 06100, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ozcan Ozkan
- Çankırı Karatekin University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, 18100, Çankırı, Turkey.
| | - Mehmet Eray Alcigir
- Kırıkkale University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ersen Aydın Yagmur
- Manisa Celal Bayar University Alasehir Vocational High School, 45600, Alasehir, Manisa, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Verity EE, Stewart K, Vandenberg K, Ong C, Rockman S. Potency Testing of Venoms and Antivenoms in Embryonated Eggs: An Ethical Alternative to Animal Testing. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13040233. [PMID: 33805138 PMCID: PMC8064111 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13040233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Venoms are complex mixtures of biologically active molecules that impact multiple physiological systems. Manufacture of antivenoms (AVs) therefore requires potency testing using in vivo models to ensure AV efficacy. As part of ongoing research to replace small animals as the standard model for AV potency testing, we developed an alternate in vivo method using the embryonated egg model (EEM). In this model, the survival of chicken embryos envenomated in ovo is determined prior to 50% gestation, when they are recognized as animals by animal welfare legislation. Embryos were found to be susceptible to a range of snake, spider, and marine venoms. This included funnel-web spider venom for which the only other vertebrate, non-primate animal model is newborn mice. Neutralization of venom with standard AV allowed correlation of AV potency results from the EEM to results from animal assays. Our findings indicate that the EEM provides an alternative, insensate in vivo model for the assessment of AV potency. The EEM may enable reduction or replacement of the use of small animals, as longer-term research that enables the elimination of animal use in potency testing continues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erin E. Verity
- Technical Development, Seqirus Ltd., Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (E.E.V.); (K.S.); (K.V.); (C.O.)
| | - Kathy Stewart
- Technical Development, Seqirus Ltd., Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (E.E.V.); (K.S.); (K.V.); (C.O.)
| | - Kirsten Vandenberg
- Technical Development, Seqirus Ltd., Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (E.E.V.); (K.S.); (K.V.); (C.O.)
| | - Chi Ong
- Technical Development, Seqirus Ltd., Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (E.E.V.); (K.S.); (K.V.); (C.O.)
| | - Steven Rockman
- Technical Development, Seqirus Ltd., Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (E.E.V.); (K.S.); (K.V.); (C.O.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-3-9389-2712
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Castillo-Beltrán MC, Hurtado-Gómez JP, Corredor-Espinel V, Ruiz-Gómez FJ. A polyvalent coral snake antivenom with broad neutralization capacity. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007250. [PMID: 30856180 PMCID: PMC6428337 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Coral snakes of the genus Micrurus have a high diversity and wide distribution in the Americas. Despite envenomings by these animals being uncommon, accidents are often severe and may result in death. Producing an antivenom to treat these envenomings has been challenging since coral snakes are difficult to catch, produce small amounts of venom, and the antivenoms produced have shown limited cross neutralization. Here we present data of cross neutralization among monovalent antivenoms raised against M. dumerilii, M. isozonus, M. mipartitus and M. surinamensis and the development of a new polyvalent coral snake antivenom, resulting from the mix of monovalent antivenoms. Our results, show that this coral snake antivenom has high neutralizing potency and wide taxonomic coverage, constituting a possible alternative for a long sought Pan-American coral snake antivenom.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María Carlina Castillo-Beltrán
- Grupo de Investigación en Animales Ponzoñosos y sus Venenos, Grupo de Producción y Desarrollo Tecnológico, Dirección de Producción, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan Pablo Hurtado-Gómez
- Grupo de Investigación en Animales Ponzoñosos y sus Venenos, Grupo de Producción y Desarrollo Tecnológico, Dirección de Producción, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Vladimir Corredor-Espinel
- Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Francisco Javier Ruiz-Gómez
- Grupo de Investigación en Animales Ponzoñosos y sus Venenos, Grupo de Producción y Desarrollo Tecnológico, Dirección de Producción, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Makran B, Fahmi L, Boussada L, Oukkache N, Chgoury F, Benomar H, Ghalim N, Lkhider M. Comparative toxicological characterization of venoms of Cerastes cerastes and Macrovipera mauritanica from Morocco and neutralization by monospecific antivenoms. TOXIN REV 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/15569543.2018.1540012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bouchra Makran
- Venoms and Toxins Laboratory, Pasteur Institute of Morocco 1, Casablanca, Morocco
- Biotechnology, Biochemistry and Nutrition Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, Chouaib Doukkali University, El Jadida, Morocco
| | - Laila Fahmi
- Venoms and Toxins Laboratory, Pasteur Institute of Morocco 1, Casablanca, Morocco
- Biotechnology, Biochemistry and Nutrition Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, Chouaib Doukkali University, El Jadida, Morocco
| | - Lotfi Boussada
- Animal Unity of The Pasteur Institute of Morocco, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Naoual Oukkache
- Venoms and Toxins Laboratory, Pasteur Institute of Morocco 1, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Fatima Chgoury
- Venoms and Toxins Laboratory, Pasteur Institute of Morocco 1, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Hakima Benomar
- Anathomopathology Laboratory, Institut Pasteur of Morocco 1, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Noreddine Ghalim
- Venoms and Toxins Laboratory, Pasteur Institute of Morocco 1, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Mustapha Lkhider
- LNPISN, Faculty of Science and Technology, Mohammedia-Hassan II University, Mohammedia, Morocco
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mars A, Bouhaouala-Zahar B, Raouafi N. Ultrasensitive sensing of Androctonus australis hector scorpion venom toxins in biological fluids using an electrochemical graphene quantum dots/nanobody-based platform. Talanta 2018; 190:182-187. [PMID: 30172496 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2018.07.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Rapid and sensitive detection of low levels of scorpion venom toxins in biological fluids is of tremendous importance for decision-taking in cases of envenomation by scorpions stings. In Tunisia, at least 1200 severe envenomation cases by Androctonus australis hector (Aah) scorpion stings were reported annually. In this work, we report on a novel electrochemical immuno-sandwich to detect the Aah50 toxic fraction within the Aah scorpion venom using the bispecific nanobody format specially designed to highly recognize and neutralize the two most toxic molecules in the AahG50 venom fraction (i.e. AahI and AahII toxins), graphene quantum dots (GQDs) constructed on the surface carbon screen-printed electrodes. Hydroquinone/H2O2/peroxidase system was used to amplify the current in order to achieve the detection of low levels of AahG50. Electrochemical studies revealed a high sensitivity toward the AahG50 with a sensitivity of 18.2 nA mL pg-1 and a picomolar limit of detection as low as 0.55 pg mL-1. The platform exhibits very good metrological performances such as repeatability, reproducibility, selectivity and long storage stability. Matrix effect was found to be insignificant as demonstrated by assays performed in human blood serum and urine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdelmoneim Mars
- University of Tunis El Manar, Faculty of sciences of Tunis, Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry and Electrochemistry (LR99ES15), Sensors and Biosensors Group, Campus Universitaire de Tunis El Manar, Tunis El Manar, 2092 Tunis, Tunisia.
| | - Balkiss Bouhaouala-Zahar
- University of Tunis El Manar, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Laboratoire Des Venins Et toxines, Tunisia
| | - Noureddine Raouafi
- University of Tunis El Manar, Faculty of sciences of Tunis, Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry and Electrochemistry (LR99ES15), Sensors and Biosensors Group, Campus Universitaire de Tunis El Manar, Tunis El Manar, 2092 Tunis, Tunisia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Target-Specificity in Scorpions; Comparing Lethality of Scorpion Venoms across Arthropods and Vertebrates. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:toxins9100312. [PMID: 28976932 PMCID: PMC5666359 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9100312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Revised: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Scorpions use their venom in defensive situations as well as for subduing prey. Since some species of scorpion use their venom more in defensive situations than others, this may have led to selection for differences in effectiveness in defensive situations. Here, we compared the LD50 of the venom of 10 species of scorpions on five different species of target organisms; two insects and three vertebrates. We found little correlation between the target species in the efficacy of the different scorpion venoms. Only the two insects showed a positive correlation, indicating that they responded similarly to the panel of scorpion venoms. We discuss the lack of positive correlation between the vertebrate target species in the light of their evolution and development. When comparing the responses of the target systems to individual scorpion venoms pairwise, we found that closely related scorpion species tend to elicit a similar response pattern across the target species. This was further reflected in a significant phylogenetic signal across the scorpion phylogeny for the LD50 in mice and in zebrafish. We also provide the first mouse LD50 value for Grosphus grandidieri.
Collapse
|
10
|
Gutiérrez JM, Solano G, Pla D, Herrera M, Segura Á, Vargas M, Villalta M, Sánchez A, Sanz L, Lomonte B, León G, Calvete JJ. Preclinical Evaluation of the Efficacy of Antivenoms for Snakebite Envenoming: State-of-the-Art and Challenges Ahead. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:toxins9050163. [PMID: 28505100 PMCID: PMC5450711 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9050163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Revised: 04/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal-derived antivenoms constitute the mainstay in the therapy of snakebite envenoming. The efficacy of antivenoms to neutralize toxicity of medically-relevant snake venoms has to be demonstrated through meticulous preclinical testing before their introduction into the clinical setting. The gold standard in the preclinical assessment and quality control of antivenoms is the neutralization of venom-induced lethality. In addition, depending on the pathophysiological profile of snake venoms, the neutralization of other toxic activities has to be evaluated, such as hemorrhagic, myotoxic, edema-forming, dermonecrotic, in vitro coagulant, and defibrinogenating effects. There is a need to develop laboratory assays to evaluate neutralization of other relevant venom activities. The concept of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) in Toxinology is of utmost importance, and some advances have been performed in their implementation. A significant leap forward in the study of the immunological reactivity of antivenoms against venoms has been the development of “antivenomics”, which brings the analytical power of mass spectrometry to the evaluation of antivenoms. International partnerships are required to assess the preclinical efficacy of antivenoms against snake venoms in different regions of the world in order to have a detailed knowledge on the neutralizing profile of these immunotherapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José María Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica.
| | - Gabriela Solano
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica.
| | - Davinia Pla
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, CSIC, Valencia 46010, Spain.
| | - María Herrera
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica.
- Sección de Química Analítica, Escuela de Química, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica.
| | - Álvaro Segura
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica.
| | - Mariángela Vargas
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica.
| | - Mauren Villalta
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica.
| | - Andrés Sánchez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica.
| | - Libia Sanz
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, CSIC, Valencia 46010, Spain.
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica.
| | - Guillermo León
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica.
| | - Juan J Calvete
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, CSIC, Valencia 46010, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Characteristics and Lethality of a Novel Recombinant Dermonecrotic Venom Phospholipase D from Hemiscorpius lepturus. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:toxins9030102. [PMID: 28335389 PMCID: PMC5371857 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9030102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hemoscorpius lepturus is the most medically important scorpion in Iran. The clinical signs of H. lepturus envenomation are remarkably similar to those reported for brown spiders, including dermonecrosis, hematuria, renal failure and even death. The lethality and toxicity of brown spiders’ venom have been attributed to its phospholipase D activity. This study aims to identify a phospholipase D with possible lethality and dermonecrotic activity in H. lepturus venom. In this study, a cDNA library of the venom glands was generated by Illumina RNA sequencing. Phospholipase D (PLD) from H. lepturus was characterized according to its significant similarity with PLDs from brown spiders. The main chain designated as Hl-RecPLD1 (the first recombinant isoform of H. lepturus PLD) was cloned, expressed and purified. Sphingomyelinase, dermonecrotic and lethal activities were examined. Hl-PLD1 showed remarkable sequence similarity and structural homology with PLDs of brown spiders. The conformation of Hl-PLD1 was predicted as a “TIM beta/alpha-barrel”. The lethal dose 50 (LD50) and dermonecrotic activities of Hl-RecPLD1 were determined as 3.1 µg/mouse and 0.7 cm2 at 1 µg respectively. It is the first report indicating that a similar molecular evolutionary mechanism has occurred in both American brown spiders and this Iranian scorpion. In conclusion, Hl-RecPLD1 is a highly active phospholipase D, which would be considered as the lethal dermonecrotic toxin in H. lepturus venom.
Collapse
|
12
|
van der Valk T, van der Meijden A. Toxicity of scorpion venom in chick embryo and mealworm assay depending on the use of the soluble fraction versus the whole venom. Toxicon 2014; 88:38-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2014.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2014] [Revised: 06/05/2014] [Accepted: 06/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
|
13
|
Oukkache N, El Jaoudi R, Ghalim N, Chgoury F, Bouhaouala B, Mdaghri NE, Sabatier JM. Evaluation of the lethal potency of scorpion and snake venoms and comparison between intraperitoneal and intravenous injection routes. Toxins (Basel) 2014; 6:1873-81. [PMID: 24926799 PMCID: PMC4073134 DOI: 10.3390/toxins6061873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2014] [Revised: 05/26/2014] [Accepted: 05/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpion stings and snake bites are major health hazards that lead to suffering of victims and high mortality. Thousands of injuries associated with such stings and bites of venomous animals occur every year worldwide. In North Africa, more than 100,000 scorpion stings and snake bites are reported annually. An appropriate determination of the 50% lethal doses (LD₅₀) of scorpion and snake venoms appears to be an important step to assess (and compare) venom toxic activity. Such LD₅₀ values are also commonly used to evaluate the neutralizing capacity of specific anti-venom batches. In the present work, we determined experimentally the LD₅₀ values of reference scorpion and snake venoms in Swiss mice, and evaluated the influence of two main venom injection routes (i.e., intraperitoneal (IP) versus intravenous (IV)). The analysis of experimental LD₅₀ values obtained with three collected scorpion venoms indicates that Androctonus mauretanicus (Am) is intrinsically more toxic than Androctonus australis hector (Aah) species, whereas the latter is more toxic than Buthus occitanus (Bo). Similar analysis of three representative snake venoms of the Viperidae family shows that Cerastes cerastes (Cc) is more toxic than either Bitis arietans (Ba) or Macrovipera lebetina (Ml) species. Interestingly, the venom of Elapidae cobra snake Naja haje (Nh) is far more toxic than viper venoms Cc, Ml and Ba, in agreement with the known severity of cobra-related envenomation. Also, our data showed that viper venoms are about three-times less toxic when injected IP as compared to IV, distinct from cobra venom Nh which exhibited a similar toxicity when injected IP or IV. Overall, this study clearly highlights the usefulness of procedure standardization, especially regarding the administration route, for evaluating the relative toxicity of individual animal venoms. It also evidenced a marked difference in lethal activity between venoms of cobra and vipers, which, apart from the nature of toxins, might be attributed to the rich composition of high molecular weight enzymes in the case of viper venoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naoual Oukkache
- Laboratory of Venoms and Toxins, Pasteur Institute of Morocco, 1 Place Louis Pasteur, Casablanca 20360, Morocco.
| | - Rachid El Jaoudi
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Mohamed V-Souissi, Rabat 6203, Morocco.
| | - Noreddine Ghalim
- Laboratory of Venoms and Toxins, Pasteur Institute of Morocco, 1 Place Louis Pasteur, Casablanca 20360, Morocco.
| | - Fatima Chgoury
- Laboratory of Venoms and Toxins, Pasteur Institute of Morocco, 1 Place Louis Pasteur, Casablanca 20360, Morocco.
| | - Balkiss Bouhaouala
- Laboratory of Venoms and Therapeutic Molecules, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, 13 Place Pasteur, BP74, Tunis 1002, Tunisia.
| | - Naima El Mdaghri
- Laboratory of Venoms and Toxins, Pasteur Institute of Morocco, 1 Place Louis Pasteur, Casablanca 20360, Morocco.
| | - Jean-Marc Sabatier
- Laboratory INSERM UMR 1097, University of Aix-Marseille, 163, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, Avenue de Luminy, Bâtiment TPR2, Case 939, Marseille 13288, France.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Assessing the preclinical efficacy of antivenoms: From the lethality neutralization assay to antivenomics. Toxicon 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2012.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
15
|
Heidarpour M, Ennaifer E, Ahari H, Srairi-Abid N, Borchani L, Khalili G, Amini H, Anvar AA, Boubaker S, El-Ayeb M, Shahbazzadeh D. Histopathological changes induced by Hemiscorpius lepturus scorpion venom in mice. Toxicon 2012; 59:373-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2011.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2011] [Revised: 12/15/2011] [Accepted: 12/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
16
|
Petricevich VL. Scorpion venom and the inflammatory response. Mediators Inflamm 2010; 2010:903295. [PMID: 20300540 PMCID: PMC2838227 DOI: 10.1155/2010/903295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2009] [Accepted: 01/04/2010] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Scorpion venoms consist of a complex of several toxins that exhibit a wide range of biological properties and actions, as well as chemical compositions, toxicity, and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics. These venoms are associated with high morbility and mortality, especially among children. Victims of envenoming by a scorpion suffer a variety of pathologies, involving mainly both sympathetic and parasympathetic stimulation as well as central manifestations such as irritability, hyperthermia, vomiting, profuse salivation, tremor, and convulsion. The clinical signs and symptoms observed in humans and experimental animals are related with an excessive systemic host inflammatory response to stings and stings, respectively. Although the pathophysiology of envenomation is complex and not yet fully understood, venom and immune responses are known to trigger the release of inflammatory mediators that are largely mediated by cytokines. In models of severe systemic inflammation produced by injection of high doses of venom or venoms products, the increase in production of proinflammatory cytokines significantly contributes to immunological imbalance, multiple organ dysfunction and death. The cytokines initiate a cascade of events that lead to illness behaviors such as fever, anorexia, and also physiological events in the host such as activation of vasodilatation, hypotension, and increased of vessel permeability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vera L Petricevich
- Laboratorio de Inflamación y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Avenida Universidad 1001, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62209, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ozkan O, Carhan A. The neutralizing capacity of Androctonus crassicauda antivenom against Mesobuthus eupeus scorpion venom. Toxicon 2008; 52:375-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2008.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2007] [Revised: 04/04/2008] [Accepted: 06/11/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
18
|
[Effects of Buthus occitanus tunetanus envenomation on an experimental murine model of gestation]. C R Biol 2007; 330:890-6. [PMID: 18068647 DOI: 10.1016/j.crvi.2007.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2007] [Revised: 09/03/2007] [Accepted: 09/05/2007] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Scorpion envenoming is less studied in pregnant victims. In this work, the effect of Buthus occitanus tunetanus on parturition in late pregnancy was studied in an animal model. Four groups of six primigravid female rats, each one at the 22nd day of pregnancy, were used. The first two groups had received an intra-peritoneal injection of 500 microg/kg of Buthus occitanus tunetanus crude venom or a physiological saline solution and left until foetal delivery. Then, the time elapsed until the first pup delivery and that separating the first and latest ones were measured. The other two groups served for the uterine electrophysiological activity exploration. Rats were anaesthetized, artificially ventilated and had received an intraperitoneal injection of 500 microg/kg of Buthus occitanus tunetanus crude venom or a physiological saline solution. Our results showed a significant increase of the latency to foetal delivery, labour time, and uterine contractile activity in envenomed rats compared to controls. Such signs are usually seen in dynamic dystocia. It was concluded that Buthus occitanus tunetanus envenoming might induce a dynamic dystocia, when it occurred in late pregnancy.
Collapse
|
19
|
Ozkan O, Ciftci G, Pekmezci GZ, Kar S, Uysal H, Karaer KZ. Proteins, lethality and in vivo effects of Iurus dufoureius asiaticus scorpion venom. Toxicon 2007; 50:394-9. [PMID: 17532357 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2007.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2007] [Accepted: 04/13/2007] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Iurus dufoureius asiaticus, Birula, 1903 scorpions were collected in Mugla province located in the Aegean region, Turkey. There are few number of publications about I.d. asiaticus, and there are no data regarding minimal lethal dose and effects of the scorpion venom till now. This is the first study about toxicity and effects of I.d. asiaticus scorpion venom in mice. Previously, most of the proteins in venom of I.d. asiaticus from Aydin region in Turkey were reported to be between 14 and 205 kDa in size. In this study, we determined the electrophoretic protein pattern of the venom taken from Mugla province to be between 29 and 116 kDa by SDS-PAGE. Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) was determined instead of s.c. injection since there were no deaths in any s.c. test groups. The LD(50) of I.d. asiaticus scorpion venom was found to be 47.7 microg/20 g mouse by i.c.v. injection route. After s.c. injection venom, mice were shown any intoxication symptoms. On the other hand, after i.c.v. administration of venom, mice showed symptoms such as excitability, hyper salivation, weakness, paralysis, coma and resulting in death. The possible cause of death could be due to multi-system organ failure depending on the toxic effect of the venom. These both results showed that the venom was not lethal on s.c. injection, but it was lethal on i.c.v. injection. This may imply that the scorpion is of little danger to humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ozcan Ozkan
- Refik Saydam Hygiene Center, Ankara 06100, Turkey.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Miyashita M, Otsuki J, Hanai Y, Nakagawa Y, Miyagawa H. Characterization of peptide components in the venom of the scorpion Liocheles australasiae (Hemiscorpiidae). Toxicon 2007; 50:428-37. [PMID: 17559900 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2007.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2006] [Revised: 04/09/2007] [Accepted: 04/10/2007] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Scorpion venoms are composed of a number of neurotoxic peptides. A variety of toxins have been isolated from the venoms of scorpions of the family Buthidae, however, little interest has been paid to non-Buthidae scorpions. In this study, we examined the toxicity of the venom of Liocheles australasiae (Hemiscorpiidae) to mice and crickets, and characterized the peptide components by HPLC and mass spectrometry. Over 200 components were detected in the L. australasiae venom by LC/MS analysis, with components of molecular masses ranging from 500 to 5000 Da being particularly abundant. A number of peptides contained two to four disulfide bridges, which was estimated based on the mass difference after derivatization of Cys residues. A peptide having a monoisotopic molecular mass of 7781.6 Da and four disulfide bridges was isolated from the venom. The peptide has a primary structure similar in terms of the position of eight Cys residues to those observed in several peptides found from scorpions, ticks and insects, although biological roles of these peptides are unknown.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Miyashita
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Krifi MN, Savin S, Debray M, Bon C, El Ayeb M, Choumet V. Pharmacokinetic studies of scorpion venom before and after antivenom immunotherapy. Toxicon 2005; 45:187-98. [PMID: 15626368 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2004.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2004] [Accepted: 10/07/2004] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The improvement of the immunotherapeutic treatment of envenomations requires a better knowledge of the pharmacological actions of the scorpion venom and of the mechanism of its in vivo neutralization by antivenom. In the present work, we determined the toxicokinetic parameters of the toxic fraction of Androctonus australis garzonii venom in the absence and after antivenom immunotherapy, in experimentally envenomed rabbits. After subcutaneous injection of the scorpion venom, toxins showed a fast and complete resorption from the site of injection associated with a simultaneous distribution in a large extracellular compartment and with an important body clearance. The precocious intravenous injection of an appropriate antivenom dose was shown to induce an immediate, complete and durable neutralization of toxins, as well as their rapid redistribution from the peripheric compartment to the vascular one. On the contrary, the intramuscular injection of the same antivenom dose produced a slower and partial redistribution of toxins, leading to a delayed neutralization of the venom. The intravenous injection of smaller antivenom doses induced transient decreases of circulating toxins, indicating that a minimal antivenom dose has to be administered to allow an efficient and durable neutralization of the venom. We concluded also that this minimal effective dose of antivenom has to be injected precociously, by intravenous route, to achieve an efficient immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Naceur Krifi
- Laboratoire d'Immunobiotechnologie et de Biovalorisation, Institut Supérieur des Technologies Médicales de Tunis, 9 rue Prof. Zouhaïr Essafi, 1006 Tunis, Tunisia.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Padilla A, Govezensky T, Possani LD, Larralde C. Experimental envenoming of mice with venom from the scorpion Centruroides limpidus limpidus: differences in mortality and symptoms with and without antibody therapy relating to differences in age, sex and strain of mouse. Toxicon 2003; 41:959-65. [PMID: 12875869 DOI: 10.1016/s0041-0101(03)00036-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
C57Bl/6J and BALB/cAnN inbred strains of mice differed significantly in mortality and symptoms when intoxicated subcutaneously with one LD(50) of venom from Centruroides limpidus limpidus. Higher mortality was observed in C57Bl/6J than in BALB/cAnN. Also, C57Bl/6J mice more quickly developed muscular and respiratory collapse whilst BALB/cAnN mice were hyperactive before dying. Also, the symptoms in the survivors lasted for 24 h in C57Bl/6J and for 2 h in BALB/cAnN. The age and sex of mice were also related to mortality: younger mice were more resistant than older mice and females were more susceptible than males, especially in the younger groups. Antivenom (horse F(ab')(2)) administration 5-10 min after envenoming of mice with one LD(50) rescued 60% of BALB/cAnN and 52% of C57Bl/6J mice, respectively. Results indicate that genetic background, gender and age differences are of consequence in the pathogenesis of C. limpidus scorpion envenomation in mice, and that timely treatment with active antivenom F(ab')(2) saves a significant fraction of intoxicated mice without statistically significant distinction of strains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Padilla
- Departamento de Microbiologi;a y Parasitología, Unidad de Medicina Experimental Facultad de Medicina, UNAM, Hospital General de México, Dr Balmis 148, Colonia Doctores, 06726, México DF, Mexico
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Escoubas P, Corzo G, Whiteley BJ, Célérier ML, Nakajima T. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography study of quantitative and qualitative variation in tarantula spider venoms. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2002; 16:403-413. [PMID: 11857724 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Animal venoms are important sources of novel pharmacological tools, useful in biochemical characterization of their receptors. Venom quality control, batch-to-batch homogeneity and high reproducibility of venom fractionation and toxin purification are crucial issues for biochemical and pharmacological studies. To address these issues, a study of the variability of tarantula spider venom samples was undertaken. Venom profiles of samples collected from individuals of different age and sex, and from sibling spiders of the same species, were generated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS) and analyzed to assess venom variability and method accuracy. Sex-linked venom variation was studied on eight species. Clear qualitative differences were observed for six out of eight species, as well as quantitative differences. Age-related variation studied in Poecilotheria rufilata showed essentially age-related quantitative differences between adults of both sexes and immature juveniles. The venoms of nine siblings and three wild-collected Pterinochilus murinus were studied for individual variation, showing only very minor quantitative differences. On the same samples, the quality of MALDI-TOFMS venom fingerprinting was demonstrated to be highly reproducible. Our results show that tarantula venom peptide fingerprinting is a highly reliable identification method, that pooled batches of venom from several animals can be used for venom purification, that venom composition does not appear to be qualitatively related to ontogenesis in the spiders studied, and that qualitative sex-linked variation occurs across most species and may be important in activity studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Escoubas
- Suntory Institute for Bioorganic Research, Mishima-Gun, Shimamoto-Cho, Wakayamadai 1-1-1, Osaka 618-8503, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|