Role of enzymatic activity in the antiplatelet effects of a phospholipase A2 from Ophiophagus hannah snake venom

Daboialipase, a phospholipase A2 from Vipera russelli russelli venom posesses anti-platelet, anti-thrombin and anti-cancer properties

Snake venoms are known to contain toxins capable of interfering with normal physiological processes of victims. Specificity of toxins from snake venoms give scope to identify new molecules with therapeutic action and/or help to understand different cellular mechanisms. Russell's viper venom (RVV) is a mixture of many bioactive molecules with enzymatic and non-enzymatic proteins. The present article describes Daboialipase (DLP), an enzymatic phospholipase A2 with molecular mass of 14.3 kDa isolated from RVV. DLP was obtained after cation exchange chromatography followed by size-exclusion high performance liquid chromatography (SE-HPLC). The isolated DLP presented strong inhibition of adenosine di-phosphate (ADP) and collagen induced platelet aggregation. It also showed anti-thrombin properties by significantly extending thrombin time in human blood samples. Trypan blue and resazurin cell viability assays confirmed time-dependent cytotoxic and cytostatic activities of DLP on MCF7 breast cancer cells, in vitro. DLP caused morphological changes and nuclear damage in MCF7 cells. However, DLP did not cause cytotoxic effects on non-cancer HaCaT cells. Peptide sequences of DLP obtained by O-HRLCMS analysis showed similarity with a previously reported PLA2 (Uniprot ID: PA2B_DABRR/PDB ID: 1VIP_A). An active Asp at 49th position, calcium ion binding site and anticoagulant activity sites were identified in 1 VIP_A. These findings are expected to contribute to designing new anti-platelet, anticoagulant and anti-cancer molecules.

Multiple mechanisms underlying neuroprotection by secretory phospholipase A2 preconditioning in a surgically induced brain injury rat model

BACKGROUND

Intra-operative bleeding, post-operative brain edema and neuroinflammation are major complications in patients with surgical brain injury (SBI). Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) is the upstream enzyme which initiates the PLA2, 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) inflammatory pathway. We hypothesized PLA2preconditioning (PPC) prior to SBI can activate endogenous anti-inflammatory responses to protect against SBI. This study evaluated if PPC can ameliorate neurosurgical complications and elucidated PPC-mediated possible protective mechanisms in a rat SBI model.

METHODS

Total 105 adult male Sprague Dawley rats were used for this study. SBI was induced by partial resection of the right frontal lobe. PLA2 or 0.9% NaCl was injected via rats' tail vein for 3 consecutive days prior to SBI. For mechanism study, a selective PLA2 inhibitor, Manoalide and 5-LOX inhibitor, Zileuton were injected intravenously with PPC to elucidate the role of PLA2 and 5-LOX in PPC-mediated anti-inflammatory effects. Brain water content (BWC) and lung water content, neurological tests, ELISA, western blot, immunohistochemistry, white blood cells (WBC) count, and spectrophotometric assay for intra-operative hemorrhage volume were evaluated.

RESULTS

First, PPC reduced brain water content, intra-operative bleeding, and improved neurological function after SBI. Second, PPC decreased 5-LOX expression and brain leukocyte infiltration, while increasing glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression in the peri-resection brain tissue after SBI. Third, PPC induced peripheral inflammation represented by mild pulmonary inflammation and increased peripheral blood WBC count and LTB4 level. Lastly, PPC increased blood glucose concentration and glucocorticoid levels after SBI. In addition, PPC mediated above-mentioned changes were partially reversed by administration of PLA2 inhibitor, Manoalide and 5-LOX inhibitor, Zileuton.

CONCLUSIONS

PPC conferred neuroprotection against SBI via multi-target involvement induced anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

The role of platelets in hemostasis and the effects of snake venom toxins on platelet function

The human body has a set of physiological processes, known as hemostasis, which keeps the blood fluid and free of clots in normal vessels; in the case of vascular injury, this process induces the local formation of a hemostatic plug, preventing hemorrhage. The hemostatic system in humans presents complex physiological interactions that involve platelets, plasma proteins, endothelial and subendothelial structures. Disequilibrium in the regulatory mechanisms that control the growth and the size of the thrombus is one of the factors that favors the development of diseases related to vascular disorders such as myocardial infarction and stroke, which are among the leading causes of death in the western world. Interfering with platelet function is a strategy for the treatment of thrombotic diseases. Antiplatelet drugs are used mainly in cases related to arterial thrombosis and interfere in the formation of the platelet plug by different mechanisms. Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is the oldest and most widely used antithrombotic drug. Although highly effective in most cases, aspirin has limitations compared to other drugs used in the treatment of homeostatic disorders. For this reason, research related to molecules that interfere with platelet aggregation are of great relevance. In this regard, snake venoms are known to contain a number of molecules that interfere with hemostasis, including platelet function. The mechanisms by which snake venom components inhibit or activate platelet aggregation are varied and can be used as tools for the diagnosis and the treatment of several hemostatic disorders. The aim of this review is to present the role of platelets in hemostasis and the mechanisms by which snake venom toxins interfere with platelet function.

Peptide Fraction pOh2 Exerts Antiadipogenic Activity through Inhibition of C/EBP-α and PPAR-γ Expression in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

Many studies have comprehensively examined the venom of Ophiophagus hannah snake. Its venom comprises different compounds exhibiting a wide range of pharmacological activities. In this investigation, four peptide fractions (PFs), ranging from 3 kDa to 10 kDa, isolated from the Vietnamese snake venom of O. hannah were separated by HPLC and investigated for their inhibitory activity on adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The most effective PF was then further purified, generating two peptides, pOh1 and pOh2. Upon investigation of these two peptides on 3T3-L1 adipocytes, it was revealed that, at 10 μg/mL, pOh2 was able to inhibit the lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes by up to 56%, without affecting cell viability. Furthermore, the pOh2 downregulated the gene expression of important transcription factors C/EBP-α and PPAR-γ. In addition, aP2 and GPDH adipocyte-specific markers were also significantly reduced compared to untreated differentiated cells. Taken together, pOh2 inhibited the expression of key transcription factors C/EBP-α and PPAR-γ and their target genes, aP2 and GPDH, thereby blocking the adipocyte differentiation. In conclusion, this novel class of peptide might have potential for in vivo antiobesity effects.

Functional proteomic approach to discover geographic variations of king cobra venoms from Southeast Asia and China

This study deciphers the geographic variations of king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) venom using functional proteomics. Pooled samples of king cobra venom (abbreviated as Ohv) were obtained from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and two provinces of China, namely Guangxi and Hainan. Using two animal models to test and compare the lethal effects, we found that the Chinese Ohvs were more fatal to mice, while the Southeast Asian Ohvs were more fatal to lizards (Eutropis multifasciata). Various phospholipases A2 (PLA2s), three-finger toxins (3FTxs) and Kunitz-type inhibitors were purified from these Ohvs and compared. Besides the two Chinese Ohv PLA2s with known sequences, eight novel PLA2s were identified from the five Ohv samples and their antiplatelet activities were compared. While two 3FTxs (namely oh-55 and oh-27) were common in all the Ohvs, different sets of 3FTx markers were present in the Chinese and Southeast Asian Ohvs. All the Ohvs contain the Kunitz inhibitor, OH-TCI, while only the Chinese Ohvs contain the inhibitor variant, Oh11-1. Relative to the Chinese Ohvs which contained more phospholipases, the Southeast Asian Ohvs had higher metalloproteinase, acetylcholine esterase, and alkaline phosphatase activities.

BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Remarkable variations in five king cobra geographic samples reveal fast evolution and dynamic translational regulation of the venom which probably adapted to different prey ecology as testified by the lethal tests on mice and lizards. Our results predict possible variations of the king cobra envenoming to human and the importance of using local antivenin for snakebite treatment.

Antitumoral potential of Tunisian snake venoms secreted phospholipases A2

Phospholipases type A₂ (PLA₂s) are the most abundant proteins found in Viperidae snake venom. They are quite fascinating from both a biological and structural point of view. Despite similarity in their structures and common catalytic properties, they exhibit a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities. Besides being hydrolases, secreted phospholipases A₂ (sPLA₂) are an important group of toxins, whose action at the molecular level is still a matter of debate. These proteins can display toxic effects by different mechanisms. In addition to neurotoxicity, myotoxicity, hemolytic activity, antibacterial, anticoagulant, and antiplatelet effects, some venom PLA₂s show antitumor and antiangiogenic activities by mechanisms independent of their enzymatic activity. This paper aims to discuss original finding against anti-tumor and anti-angiogenic activities of sPLA₂ isolated from Tunisian vipers: Cerastes cerastes and Macrovipera lebetina, representing new tools to target specific integrins, mainly, α5β1 and αv integrins.

Cloning, characterization and phylogenetic analyses of members of three major venom families from a single specimen of Walterinnesia aegyptia

Walterinnesia aegyptia is a monotypic elapid snake inhabiting in Africa and Mideast. Although its envenoming is known to cause rapid deaths and paralysis, structural data of its venom proteins are rather limited. Using gel filtration and reverse-phase HPLC, phospholipases A(2) (PLAs), three-fingered toxins (3FTxs), and Kunitz-type protease inhibitors (KIns) were purified from the venom of a single specimen of this species caught in northern Egypt. In addition, specific primers were designed and PCR was carried out to amplify the cDNAs encoding members of the three venom families, respectively, using total cDNA prepared from its venom glands. Complete amino acid sequences of two acidic PLAs, three short chain 3FTxs, and four KIns of this venom species were thus deduced after their cDNAs were cloned and sequenced. They are all novel sequences and match the mass data of purified proteins. For members of each toxin family, protein sequences were aligned and subjected to molecular phylogenetic analyses. The results indicated that the PLAs and a Kunitz inhibitor of W. aegyptia are most similar to those of king cobra venom, and its 3FTxs belongs to either Type I alpha-neurotoxins or weak toxins of orphan-II subtype. It is remarkable that both king cobra and W. aegyptia cause rapid deaths of the victims, and a close evolutionary relationship between them is speculated.

Characterization of a human coagulation factor Xa-binding site on Viperidae snake venom phospholipases A2 by affinity binding studies and molecular bioinformatics

Background

The snake venom group IIA secreted phospholipases A₂ (SVPLA₂), present in the Viperidae snake family exhibit a wide range of toxic and pharmacological effects. They exert their different functions by catalyzing the hydrolysis of phospholipids (PL) at the membrane/water interface and by highly specific direct binding to: (i) presynaptic membrane-bound or intracellular receptors; (ii) natural PLA₂-inhibitors from snake serum; and (iii) coagulation factors present in human blood.

Results

Using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) protein-protein interaction measurements and an in vitro biological test of inhibition of prothrombinase activity, we identify a number of Viperidae venom SVPLA₂s that inhibit blood coagulation through direct binding to human blood coagulation factor Xa (FXa) via a non-catalytic, PL-independent mechanism. We classify the SVPLA₂s in four groups, depending on the strength of their binding.

Molecular electrostatic potentials calculated at the surface of 3D homology-modeling models show a correlation with inhibition of prothrombinase activity. In addition, molecular docking simulations between SVPLA₂ and FXa guided by the experimental data identify the potential FXa binding site on the SVPLA₂s. This site is composed of the following regions: helices A and B, the Ca²⁺ loop, the helix C-β-wing loop, and the C-terminal fragment. Some of the SVPLA₂ binding site residues belong also to the interfacial binding site (IBS). The interface in FXa involves both, the light and heavy chains.

Conclusion

We have experimentally identified several strong FXa-binding SVPLA₂s that disrupt the function of the coagulation cascade by interacting with FXa by the non-catalytic PL-independent mechanism. By theoretical methods we mapped the interaction sites on both, the SVPLA₂s and FXa. Our findings may lead to the design of novel, non-competitive FXa inhibitors.

A bactericidal homodimeric phospholipases A2 from Bungarus fasciatus venom

Group IIA secretory phospholipases A(2) (sPLA(2)-II) is generally known to display potent gram-positive bactericidal activity, while group IA sPLA(2) (sPLA(2)-I) reportedly is not. In this work, a novel sPLA(2)-I named BFPA was identified from Bungarus fasciatus venom, and its antimicrobial activity was studied as well. The amino acid sequence of the venomous protein precursor was 145-amino acid in length, and contained a predicted 27-amino acid signal peptide and a 118-amino acid mature protein. Unlike the well-known sPLA(2)-Is, which have 14 half-cysteines forming 7 intramolecular disulfide bridges, BFPA possesses 15 half-cysteines. The additional cysteine might contribute to the formation of an intermolecular disulfide bridge of the homodimeric protein. In the biological activities assays, BFPA displayed the activities of anticoagulation and bactericidal against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. This study is the first report about gram-positive bactericidal activity of sPLA(2)-I.

Purification and characterization of Ophiophagus hannah cytotoxin-like proteins

Three cytotoxin-like proteins from the venom of Ophiophagus hannah were isolated by a combination of ion exchange chromatography and reverse phase HPLC. Amino acid sequence analysis revealed that these proteins all consisted of 63 amino acids and shared approximate 50% and 56% sequence identity with Naja naja atra cardiotoxins and cardiotoxin-like basic proteins (CLBPs), respectively. CD spectra revealed that their secondary structure was dominated with beta-sheet as those noted with cardiotoxins and CLBPs. O. hannah cytotoxin-like protein exhibited a cell-lytic activity on SK-N-SH cells, but its activity was more weak than that noted for N. naja atra cardiotoxin 3. Alternatively, apoptotic cell death was induced by the addition of N. naja atra CLBP. Based on the sequence information with the toxin molecules, the functional residues and regions related to the differential activity with O. hannah cytotoxin-like protein, cardiotoxin and CLBP are discussed.

Snake venoms and hemostasis

Snake venoms are complex mixtures of biologically active proteins and peptides. Many of them affect hemostasis by activating or inhibiting coagulant factors or platelets, or by disrupting endothelium. Based on sequence, these snake venom components have been classified into various families, such as serine proteases, metalloproteinases, C-type lectins, disintegrins and phospholipases. The various members of a particular family act selectively on different blood coagulation factors, blood cells or tissues. For almost every factor involved in coagulation or fibrinolysis there is a venom protein that can activate or inactivate it. Venom proteins affect platelet function by binding or degrading vWF or platelet receptors, activating protease-activated receptors or modulating ADP release and thromboxane A2 formation. Some venom enzymes cleave key basement membrane components and directly affect capillary blood vessels to cause hemorrhaging. L-Amino acid oxidases activate platelets via H2O2 production.

The role of phospholipases A2 in the stimulation of neutrophil motility by cobra venoms

Neutrophil (PMN) accumulation frequently occurs at the site of snakebite as part of the inflammatory response to envenoming. We demonstrate here that the venoms of the cobras, Naja naja and N. mossambica, and two purified venom phospholipase A(2)s (PLA(2)s) isolated from the latter venom, stimulate CD11b translocation from the PMN granule store to the plasma membrane and enhance neutrophil motility on collagen-coated surfaces. These effects were partially attenuated by the PLA(2) inhibitor, aristolochic acid, and almost completely abolished by the specific cytosolic PLA(2) inhibitor, methylarachidonylfluorophosphonate (MAFP). Annexin V and inhibitors of collagenase, cyclo-oxygenase and lipo-oxygenase, all inhibited PMN motility to a variable extent. FACS analysis and confocal microscopy showed that Annexin V interfered with binding and rapid endocytosis of the venom PLA(2). These results indicate that venom and venom PLA(2) preparations first caused a non-enzymatic stimulation of PMN leading to the activation of cytosolic PMN PLA(2) and production of arachidonate metabolites involved in stimulation of PMN degranulation and motility. The evidence suggests that venom PLA(2) then interacts with anionic phospholipids exposed on stimulated PMN, becomes endocytosed, and then contributes itself to the production of chemoattractants responsible for PMN accumulation at the site of the snakebite.

Purification and properties of three new phospholipase A2 isoenzymes from Micropechis ikaheka venom

Three new phospholipase A2 (PLA2) isoenzymes were purified from the Micropechis ikaheka venom by successive chromatographies. The homogeneity of them was accessed by capillary zone electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. Their N-terminal sequences showed high identity (94, 88 and 90, respectively) with MiPLA-1, a group IB PLA2 also from this venom. In addition, strong immuno-cross-reaction with anti-MiPLA-1 serum was observed. These results suggested that three newly purified PLA2 belonged to group IB. Beside enzymatic activity, they induced various pharmacological effects, including myotoxic, anticoagulant effects and insulin secretion stimulating effects. Our results indicated that enzymatic activity is essential for their myotoxic and anticoagulant effects. On the other hand, no direct correlation between their insulin secretion stimulating effect and enzymatic activity was observed, suggesting that they may stimulate insulin secretion through a non-enzymatic mechanism.

Purification, characterization, and amino acid sequence determination of acanthins, potent inhibitors of platelet aggregation from Acanthophis antarcticus (common death adder) venom

Venom of Acanthophis antarcticus, a common death adder, exhibits potent antiplatelet effects. By a combination of gel-filtration, cation-exchange, and reversed-phase chromatographic methods, two inhibitors of platelet aggregation, named acanthin I and II, were purified to homogeneity as assessed by capillary electrophoresis and electrospray mass spectrometry. These isoforms exhibit the most potent antiplatelet activity known thus far, with IC50 values of 7 nM for acanthin I and 4 nM for acanthin II in human whole blood when collagen was used as an agonist, whereas with ADP the IC50 values were 10 and 12 nM, respectively. Acanthin I and II are basic proteins with pIs of 10.2 +/- 0.1 and 10.4 +/- 0.1 and molecular weights of 12,844.58 +/- 0.61 and 12,895.63 +/- 0.48, respectively, as determined by electrospray mass spectrometry. They exhibit phospholipase enzyme activity, and acanthin I and II hydrolyzed 51. 57 +/- 1.30 and 46.85 +/- 2.90 micromol of phosphatidylcholine/min/mg, respectively. The complete amino acid sequences of acanthin I and II showed that they have a high homology with each other and with other elapids' phospholipase A2 neurotoxin, especially pseudexin A.