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Paiva ALB, de Souza Santos JH, Queiroz Machado VP, Santos DM, Diniz MRV, Guerra-Duarte C. Unveiling hidden toxin diversity: Discovery of novel venom components through manual curation of highly expressed sequences annotated as "no hits" in Phoneutria nigriventer spider venom gland transcriptome. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. PART D, GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2024; 49:101155. [PMID: 37952503 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2023.101155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Spider venoms have evolved over thousands of years, optimizing feeding and defense mechanisms. Venom components show pharmacological and biotechnological potential, rising interest in their study. However, the isolation of spider toxins for experimental evaluation poses significant challenges. To address this, transcriptomic analysis combined with computational tools has emerged as an appealing approach to characterizing spider venoms. However, many sequences remain unidentified after automatic annotation. In this study, we manually curated a subset of previously unannotated sequences from the Phoneutria nigriventer transcriptome and identified new putative venom components. Our manual analysis revealed 29 % of the analyzed sequences were potential venom components, 29 % hypothetical/uncharacterized proteins, and 17 % cellular function proteins. Only 25 % of the originally unannotated dataset remained without any identification. Most reclassified components were cysteine-rich peptides, including 23 novel putative toxins. We also found glycine-rich peptides (GRP), corroborating the previous description of GRPs in Phoneutria pertyi venom glands. Furthermore, to emphasize the recurrence of the lack of annotation in spider venom glands transcripts, we provide a survey of the percentage of unidentified sequences in several published spider venom transcriptomics studies. In conclusion, our study highlights the importance of manual curation in uncovering novel venom components and underscores the need for improved annotation strategies to fully exploit the medical and biotechnological potential of spider venoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Daniel Moreira Santos
- Campus Centro-Oeste, Universidade Federal de São João Del-Rey, Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Clara Guerra-Duarte
- Diretoria de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. https://twitter.com/@claraguerrad
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2
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Challenges and Opportunities in Clinical Diagnostic Routine of Envenomation Using Blood Plasma Proteomics. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:toxins15030180. [PMID: 36977071 PMCID: PMC10056359 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15030180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Specific and sensitive tools for the diagnosis and monitoring of accidents by venomous animals are urgently needed. Several diagnostic and monitoring assays have been developed; however, they have not yet reached the clinic. This has resulted in late diagnoses, which represents one of the main causes of progression from mild to severe disease. Human blood is a protein-rich biological fluid that is routinely collected in hospital settings for diagnostic purposes, which can translate research progress from the laboratory to the clinic. Although it is a limited view, blood plasma proteins provide information about the clinical picture of envenomation. Proteome disturbances in response to envenomation by venomous animals have been identified, allowing mass spectrometry (MS)-based plasma proteomics to emerge as a tool in a range of clinical diagnostics and disease management that can be applied to cases of venomous animal envenomation. Here, we provide a review of the state of the art on routine laboratory diagnoses of envenomation by snakes, scorpions, bees, and spiders, as well as a review of the diagnostic methods and the challenges encountered. We present the state of the art on clinical proteomics as the standardization of procedures to be performed within and between research laboratories, favoring a more excellent peptide coverage of candidate proteins for biomarkers. Therefore, the selection of a sample type and method of preparation should be very specific and based on the discovery of biomarkers in specific approaches. However, the sample collection protocol (e.g., collection tube type) and the processing procedure of the sample (e.g., clotting temperature, time allowed for clotting, and anticoagulant used) are equally important to eliminate any bias.
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3
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Hazzi NA, Hormiga G. Molecular phylogeny of the tropical wandering spiders (Araneae, Ctenidae) and the evolution of eye conformation in the RTA clade. Cladistics 2023; 39:18-42. [PMID: 36200603 DOI: 10.1111/cla.12518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Tropical wandering spiders (Ctenidae) are a diverse group of cursorial predators with its greatest species richness in the tropics. Traditionally, Ctenidae are diagnosed based on the presence of eight eyes arranged in three rows (a 2-4-2 pattern). We present a molecular phylogeny of Ctenidae, including for the first time representatives of all of its subfamilies. The molecular phylogeny was inferred using five nuclear (histone H3, 28S, 18S, Actin and ITS-2) and four mitochondrial (NADH, COI, 12S and 16S) markers. The final matrix includes 259 terminals, 103 of which belong to Ctenidae and represent 28 of the current 49 described genera. We estimated divergence times by including fossils as calibration points and biogeographic events, and used the phylogenetic hypothesis obtained to reconstruct the evolution of the eye conformation in the retrolateral tibial apophysis (RTA) clade. Ctenidae and its main lineages originated during the Paleocene-Eocene and have diversified in the tropics since then. However, in some analyses Ctenidae was recovered as polyphyletic as the genus Ancylometes Bertkau, 1880 was placed as sister to Oxyopidae. Except for Acantheinae, in which the type genus Acantheis Thorell, 1891 is placed inside Cteninae, the four recognized subfamilies of Ctenidae are monophyletic in most analyses. The ancestral reconstruction of the ocular conformation in the retrolateral tibial apophysis clade suggests that the ocular pattern of Ctenidae has evolved convergently seven times and that it has originated from ocular conformations of two rows of four eyes (4-4) and the ocular pattern of lycosids (4-2-2). We also synonymize the monotypic genus Parabatinga Polotov & Brescovit, 2009 with Centroctenus Mello-Leitão, 1929. We discuss some of the putative morphological synapomorphies of the main ctenid lineages within the phylogenetic framework offered by the molecular phylogenetic results of the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas A Hazzi
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, 2029 G St. NW, Washington, DC, 20052, USA.,Fundación Ecotonos, Cra 72 No. 13ª-56, Cali, Colombia
| | - Gustavo Hormiga
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, 2029 G St. NW, Washington, DC, 20052, USA
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4
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Priapism is a rare condition that has different presentations, etiologies, pathophysiology, and treatment algorithms. It can be associated with significant patient distress and sexual dysfunction. We aim to examine the most up-to-date literature and guidelines in the management of this condition. RECENT FINDINGS Priapism is a challenging condition to manage for urologists, since the etiology is often multi-factorial and the suggested treatment algorithms are based on small studies and expert anecdotal experience, perhaps due to the rarity of the disorder. Ischemic priapism of less than 24 h can be managed non-surgically in most cases with excellent results. Ischemic priapism of more than 36 h is frequently associated with permanent erectile dysfunction. Management of prolonged priapism with penile shunting still may result in poor erectile function, so penile prosthesis can be discussed in these scenarios.
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5
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Marchi FC, Mendes-Silva E, Rodrigues-Ribeiro L, Bolais-Ramos LG, Verano-Braga T. Toxinology in the proteomics era: a review on arachnid venom proteomics. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2022; 28:20210034. [PMID: 35291269 PMCID: PMC8893269 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2021-0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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6
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Diochot S. Pain-related toxins in scorpion and spider venoms: a face to face with ion channels. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2021; 27:e20210026. [PMID: 34925480 PMCID: PMC8667759 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2021-0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain is a common symptom induced during envenomation by spiders and scorpions.
Toxins isolated from their venom have become essential tools for studying the
functioning and physiopathological role of ion channels, as they modulate their
activity. In particular, toxins that induce pain relief effects can serve as a
molecular basis for the development of future analgesics in humans. This review
provides a summary of the different scorpion and spider toxins that directly
interact with pain-related ion channels, with inhibitory or stimulatory effects.
Some of these toxins were shown to affect pain modalities in different animal
models providing information on the role played by these channels in the pain
process. The close interaction of certain gating-modifier toxins with membrane
phospholipids close to ion channels is examined along with molecular approaches
to improve selectivity, affinity or bioavailability in vivo for
therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Diochot
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IPMC), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR 7275 et Université Côte d'Azur (UCA), 06560 Valbonne, France. Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Université Côte d'Azur Valbonne France
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7
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Barbosa AN, Ferreira RS, de Carvalho FCT, Schuelter-Trevisol F, Mendes MB, Mendonça BC, Batista JN, Trevisol DJ, Boyer L, Chippaux JP, Medolago NB, Cassaro CV, Carneiro MTR, de Oliveira APP, Pimenta DC, da Cunha LER, Dos Santos LD, Barraviera B. Single-Arm, Multicenter Phase I/II Clinical Trial for the Treatment of Envenomings by Massive Africanized Honey Bee Stings Using the Unique Apilic Antivenom. Front Immunol 2021; 12:653151. [PMID: 33841437 PMCID: PMC8025786 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.653151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We evaluated the safety, optimal dose, and preliminary effectiveness of a new-approach Africanized honeybee (Apis mellifera) Antivenom (AAV) in a phase I/II, multicenter, non-randomized, single-arm clinical trial involving 20 participants with multiple stings. Participants received 2 to 10 vials of AAV depending on the number of stings they suffered, or a predefined adjuvant, symptomatic, and complementary treatment. The primary safety endpoint was the occurrence of early adverse reactions within the first 24 h of treatment. Preliminary efficacy based on clinical evolution, including laboratory findings, was assessed at baseline and at various time points over the four following weeks. ELISA assays and mass spectrometry were used to estimate venom pharmacokinetics before, during, and after treatment. Twenty adult participants, i.e., 13 (65%) men and 7 (35%) women, with a median age of 44 years and a mean body surface area of 1.92 m2 (median = 1.93 m2) were recruited. The number of stings ranged from 7 to > 2,000, with a median of 52.5. Symptoms of envenoming were classified as mild, moderate, or severe in 80% (16), 15% (3), and 5% (1) of patients, respectively; patients with mild, moderate, or severe envenoming received 2, 6, and 10 vials of AAV as per the protocol. None of the patients had late reactions (serum sickness) within 30 d of treatment. There was no discontinuation of the protocol due to adverse events, and there were no serious adverse events. One patient had a moderate adverse event, transient itchy skin, and erythroderma. All participants completed the intravenous antivenom infusion within 2 h, and there was no loss to follow-up after discharge. ELISA assays showed venom (melittin and PLA2) concentrations varying between 0.25 and 1.479 ng/mL prior to treatment. Venom levels decreased in all patients during the hospitalization period. Surprisingly, in nine cases (45%), despite clinical recovery and the absence of symptoms, venom levels increased again during outpatient care 10 d after discharge. Mass spectrometry showed melittin in eight participants, 30 d after treatment. Considering the promising safety results for this investigational product in the treatment of massive Africanized honeybee attack, and its efficacy, reflected in the clinical improvements and corresponding immediate decrease in blood venom levels, the AAV has shown to be safe for human use. Clinical Trial Registration: UTN: U1111-1160-7011, identifier [RBR-3fthf8].
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Naime Barbosa
- Department of Infectology, Dermatology, Imaging Diagnosis and Radiotherapy, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Rui Seabra Ferreira
- Department of Infectology, Dermatology, Imaging Diagnosis and Radiotherapy, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil.,Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), São Paulo State University (UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Clinical Research, Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP) and Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Francilene Capel Tavares de Carvalho
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil.,Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), São Paulo State University (UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Fabiana Schuelter-Trevisol
- Clinical Research Center, Nossa Senhora da Conceição Hospital, Tubarão, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina at Tubarão, Tubarão, Brazil
| | - Mônica Bannwart Mendes
- Department of Infectology, Dermatology, Imaging Diagnosis and Radiotherapy, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Bruna Cavecci Mendonça
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil.,Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), São Paulo State University (UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - José Nixon Batista
- Clinical Research Center, Nossa Senhora da Conceição Hospital, Tubarão, Brazil
| | - Daisson José Trevisol
- Clinical Research Center, Nossa Senhora da Conceição Hospital, Tubarão, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina at Tubarão, Tubarão, Brazil
| | - Leslie Boyer
- VIPER Institute, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Jean-Philippe Chippaux
- MERIT, IRD, Université Paris 5, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.,CRT, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Natália Bronzatto Medolago
- Clinical Research Unit (UPECLIN), Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Claudia Vilalva Cassaro
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil.,Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), São Paulo State University (UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Márcia Tonin Rigotto Carneiro
- Clinical Research Unit (UPECLIN), Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Ana Paola Piloto de Oliveira
- Clinical Research Unit (UPECLIN), Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Daniel Carvalho Pimenta
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil.,Biochemistry and Biophysics Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Lucilene Delazari Dos Santos
- Department of Infectology, Dermatology, Imaging Diagnosis and Radiotherapy, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil.,Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), São Paulo State University (UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Clinical Research, Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP) and Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Benedito Barraviera
- Department of Infectology, Dermatology, Imaging Diagnosis and Radiotherapy, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil.,Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), São Paulo State University (UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Clinical Research, Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP) and Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil
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8
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Hazzi NA, Hormiga G. Morphological and molecular evidence support the taxonomic separation of the medically important Neotropical spiders Phoneutria depilata (Strand, 1909) and P. boliviensis (F.O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1897) (Araneae, Ctenidae). Zookeys 2021; 1022:13-50. [PMID: 33762866 PMCID: PMC7960689 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1022.60571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The species of the genus Phoneutria (Ctenidae), also called banana spiders, are considered amongst the most venomous spiders in the world. In this study we revalidate P. depilata (Strand, 1909), which had been synonymized with P. boliviensisis (F.O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1897), using morphological and nucleotide sequence data (COI and ITS-2) together with species delimitation methods. We synonymized Ctenus peregrinoides, Strand, 1910 and Phoneutria colombiana Schmidt, 1956 with P. depilata. Furthermore, we designated Ctenus signativenter Strand, 1910 as a nomen dubium because the exact identity of this species cannot be ascertained with immature specimens, but we note that the type locality suggests that the C. signativenter syntypes belong to P. depilata. We also provide species distribution models for both species of Phoneutria and test hypotheses of niche conservatism under an allopatric speciation model. Our phylogenetic analyses support the monophyly of the genus Phoneutria and recover P. boliviensis and P. depilata as sister species, although with low nodal support. In addition, the tree-based species delimitation methods also supported the separate identities of these two species. Phoneutria boliviensis and P. depilata present allopatric distributions separated by the Andean mountain system. Species distribution models indicate lowland tropical rain forest ecosystems as the most suitable habitat for these two Phoneutria species. In addition, we demonstrate the value of citizen science platforms like iNaturalist in improving species distribution knowledge based on occurrence records. Phoneutria depilata and P. boliviensis present niche conservatism following the expected neutral model of allopatric speciation. The compiled occurrence records and distribution maps for these two species, together with the morphological diagnosis of both species, will help to identify risk areas of accidental bites and assist health professionals to determine the identity of the species involved in bites, especially for P. depilata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas A. Hazzi
- The George Washington University, Department of Biological Sciences, Washington, D.C. 20052, USAThe George Washington UniversityWashington, D.CUnited States of America
- Fundación Ecotonos, Cra 72 No. 13ª-56, Cali, ColombiaFundación EcotonosCaliColombia
| | - Gustavo Hormiga
- The George Washington University, Department of Biological Sciences, Washington, D.C. 20052, USAThe George Washington UniversityWashington, D.CUnited States of America
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9
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VEGF/VEGFR-2 system exerts neuroprotection against Phoneutria nigriventer spider envenomation through PI3K-AKT-dependent pathway. Toxicon 2020; 185:76-90. [PMID: 32649934 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
This study was undertaken to elucidate why VEGF/VEGFR-2 is elevated in the hippocampus of rats injected with Phoneutria nigriventer spider venom (PNV). PNV delays Na+ channels inactivation; blocks Ca2+ and K+ channels, increases glutamate release, causes blood-brain breakdown (BBBb), brain edema and severe excitotoxicity. Analytical FT-IR spectroscopy showed profound alteration in molecular biochemical state, with evidences for VEGFR-2 (KDR/Flk-1) signaling mediation. By blocking VEGF/VEGFR-2 binding via pre-treatment with itraconazole we demonstrated that animals' condition was deteriorated soon at 1-2 h post-PNV exposure concurrently with decreased expression of VEGF, BBB-associated proteins, ZO-1, β-catenin, laminin, P-gp (P-glycoprotein), Neu-N (neuron's viability marker) and MAPKphosphorylated-p38, while phosphorylated-ERK and Src pathways were increased. At 5 h and coinciding with incipient signs of animals' recuperation, the proteins associated with protection (HIF-1α, VEGF, VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, Neu-N, occludin, β-catenin, laminin, P-gp efflux protein, phosphorylated-p38) increased thus indicating p38 pathway activation together with paracellular route strengthening. However, the BBB transcellular trafficking and caspase-3 increased (pro-apoptotic pathway activation). At 24 h, the transcellular route reestablished physiological state but the pro-survival pathway PI3K/(p-Akt) dropped in animals underwent VEGF/VEGFR-2 binding inhibition, whereas it was significantly activated at matched interval in PNV group without prior itraconazole; these results demonstrate impaired VEGF' survival effects at 24 h. The inhibition of VEGF/VEGFR-2 binding identified 5 h as turning point at which multi-level dynamic interplay was elicited to reverse hippocampal damage. Collectively, the data confirmed VEGFR-2 signaling via serine-threonine kinase Akt as neuroprotective pathway against PNV-induced damage. Further studies are needed to elucidate mechanisms underlying PNV effects.
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10
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Dias-Lopes C, Paiva AL, Guerra-Duarte C, Molina F, Felicori L. Venomous Arachnid Diagnostic Assays, Lessons from Past Attempts. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10090365. [PMID: 30201918 PMCID: PMC6162545 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10090365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Diagnostic tests for arachnid accidents remain unavailable for patients and clinicians. Together with snakes, these accidents are still a global medical concern, and are recognized as neglected tropical issues. Due to arachnid toxins’ fast mechanism of action, quick detection and quantification of venom is required to accelerate treatment decisions, rationalize therapy, and reduce costs and patient risks. This review aims to understand the current limitations for arachnid venom identification and quantification in biological samples. We benchmarked the already existing initiatives regarding test requirements (sample or biomarkers of choice), performances (time, detection limit, sensitivity and specificity) and their validation (on animal models or on samples from envenomed humans). Our analysis outlines unmet needs for improving diagnosis and consequently treatment of arachnid accidents. Hence, based on lessons from past attempts, we propose a road map for raising best practice guidelines, leading to recommendations for future progress in the development of arachnid diagnostic assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Dias-Lopes
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, UFMG, Belo Horizonte 31270901, Brazil.
- Colégio Técnico (COLTEC), UFMG, Belo Horizonte 31270901, Brazil.
| | - Ana Luiza Paiva
- Fundação Ezequiel Dias (FUNED), Belo Horizonte 30510010, Brazil.
| | | | - Franck Molina
- Sys2Diag UMR 9005 CNRS Alcediag, 34000 Montpellier, France.
| | - Liza Felicori
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, UFMG, Belo Horizonte 31270901, Brazil.
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11
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Peigneur S, de Lima ME, Tytgat J. Phoneutria nigriventer venom: A pharmacological treasure. Toxicon 2018; 151:96-110. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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12
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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] [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.
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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.
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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] [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.
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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
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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
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Barbosa AN, Boyer L, Chippaux JP, Medolago NB, Caramori CA, Paixão AG, Poli JPV, Mendes MB, dos Santos LD, Ferreira RS, Barraviera B. A clinical trial protocol to treat massive Africanized honeybee ( Apis mellifera) attack with a new apilic antivenom. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2017; 23:14. [PMID: 28331487 PMCID: PMC5356296 DOI: 10.1186/s40409-017-0106-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Envenomation caused by multiple stings from Africanized honeybees Apis mellifera constitutes a public health problem in the Americas. In 2015, the Brazilian Ministry of Health reported 13,597 accidents (incidence of seven cases per 100,000 inhabitants) with 39 deaths (lethality of 0.25%). The toxins present in the venom, which include melittin and phospholipase A2, cause lesions in diverse organs and systems that may be fatal. As there has been no specific treatment to date, management has been symptomatic and supportive only. METHODS In order to evaluate the safety and neutralizing capacity of a new apilic antivenom, as well as to confirm its lowest effective dose, a clinical protocol was developed to be applied in a multicenter, non-randomized and open phase I/II clinical trial. Twenty participants with more than five stings, aged more than 18 years, of both sexes, who have not previously received the heterologous serum against bee stings, will be included for 24 months. The proposed dose was based on the antivenom neutralizing capacity and the number of stings. Treatment will be administered only in a hospital environment and the participants will be evaluated for a period up to 30 days after discharge for clinical and laboratory follow-up. RESULTS This protocol, approved by the Brazilian regulatory agencies for ethics (National Commission for Ethics on Research - CONEP) and sanitation (National Health Surveillance Agency - ANVISA), is a guideline constituted by specific, adjuvant, symptomatic and complementary treatments, in addition to basic orientations for conducting a clinical trial involving heterologous sera. CONCLUSIONS This is the first clinical trial protocol designed specifically to evaluate the preliminary efficacy and safety of a new antivenom against stings from the Africanized honeybee Apis mellifera. The results will support future studies to confirm a new treatment for massive bee attack that has a large impact on public health in the Americas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Naime Barbosa
- Department of Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP – Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, SP Brazil
| | - Leslie Boyer
- VIPER Institute, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ USA
| | - Jean-Philippe Chippaux
- CERPAGE, Faculté des Sciences de la Santé, Université d’Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
- UMR216, Mère et enfant face aux infections tropicales and PRES Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Natalia Bronzatto Medolago
- Clinical Research Unit (UPECLIN), Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP – Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, SP Brazil
| | - Carlos Antonio Caramori
- Department of Internal Medicine, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, SP Brazil
| | - Ariane Gomes Paixão
- Department of Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP – Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, SP Brazil
| | - João Paulo Vasconcelos Poli
- Department of Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP – Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, SP Brazil
| | - Mônica Bannwart Mendes
- Department of Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP – Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, SP Brazil
| | - Lucilene Delazari dos Santos
- Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals, São Paulo State University (UNESP – Univ Estadual Paulista), Av. José Barbosa de Barros, 1780, Fazenda Experimental Lageado, Botucatu, SP CEP 18.610-307 Brazil
| | - Rui Seabra Ferreira
- Department of Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP – Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, SP Brazil
- Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals, São Paulo State University (UNESP – Univ Estadual Paulista), Av. José Barbosa de Barros, 1780, Fazenda Experimental Lageado, Botucatu, SP CEP 18.610-307 Brazil
| | - Benedito Barraviera
- Department of Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP – Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, SP Brazil
- Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals, São Paulo State University (UNESP – Univ Estadual Paulista), Av. José Barbosa de Barros, 1780, Fazenda Experimental Lageado, Botucatu, SP CEP 18.610-307 Brazil
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de Roodt AR, Lago NR, Lanari LC, Laskowicz RD, Costa de Oliveira V, Neder de Román E, de Titto EH, Damin CF. Lethality and histopathological alterations caused by Phoneutria nigriventer spider venom from Argentina: Neutralization of lethality by experimental and therapeutic antivenoms. Toxicon 2016; 125:24-31. [PMID: 27840140 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2016.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Revised: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Although the spiders of the genus Phoneutria cause envenomation and their presence has been described in several provinces of the north of Argentina, they are not as common as other spiders of sanitary importance. In the present work, we studied the toxicity of samples of venom of Phoneutria spiders from the provinces of Misiones (where severe envenomation and deaths by Phoneutria have been recorded) and Jujuy (where no deaths have been recorded and severe envenomations are not frequent). To this end, we assessed the lethal potency in mice and guinea pigs and the histopathological alterations caused by both venoms, as well as the neutralization by the commonly used therapeutic antivenom produced by the Butantan Institute in Brazil and by an experimental antivenom developed with venom of P. nigriventer from Misiones. There were no differences in the lethality of the venoms of spiders from both regions. Post mortem examination showed that the heart and lungs were the most affected organs, while important pulmonary edema was seen macroscopically. Histological analysis showed edema, atelectasis, emphysema and cardiac lesion in both experimental models. The antivenoms assayed showed good neutralization of the venoms in the two experimental models. Despite the different geographic origins, the venoms showed similar toxicity and both the experimental antivenom and therapeutic antivenmos were able to neutralize the venoms of Argentinean P. nigriventer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adolfo Rafael de Roodt
- Primera Cátedra de Toxicología, Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina; Área Investigación y Desarrollo - Venenos, Instituto Nacional de Producción de Biológicos, ANLIS "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán", Ministry of Health, Argentina; Laboratorio de Toxinopatología, Centro de Patología Experimental y Aplicada, Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Néstor Rubén Lago
- Laboratorio de Toxinopatología, Centro de Patología Experimental y Aplicada, Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Laura Cecilia Lanari
- Área Investigación y Desarrollo - Venenos, Instituto Nacional de Producción de Biológicos, ANLIS "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán", Ministry of Health, Argentina
| | - Rodrigo Daniel Laskowicz
- Área Investigación y Desarrollo - Venenos, Instituto Nacional de Producción de Biológicos, ANLIS "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán", Ministry of Health, Argentina
| | - Vanessa Costa de Oliveira
- Primera Cátedra de Toxicología, Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratorio de Toxinopatología, Centro de Patología Experimental y Aplicada, Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Estela Neder de Román
- Instituto de Biología de Altura, National University of Jujuy, San Salvador de Jujuy, Argentina
| | | | - Carlos Fabián Damin
- Primera Cátedra de Toxicología, Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Rapôso C, Björklund U, Kalapothakis E, Biber B, Alice da Cruz-Höfling M, Hansson E. Neuropharmacological effects of Phoneutria nigriventer venom on astrocytes. Neurochem Int 2016; 96:13-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2016.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Revised: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 04/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Sampaio VS, Gomes AA, Silva IM, Sachett J, Ferreira LCL, Oliveira S, Sabidò M, Chalkidis H, Barbosa Guerra MGV, Salinas JL, Wen FH, Lacerda MVG, Monteiro WM. Low Health System Performance, Indigenous Status and Antivenom Underdosage Correlate with Spider Envenoming Severity in the Remote Brazilian Amazon. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0156386. [PMID: 27227455 PMCID: PMC4881914 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0156386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2016] [Accepted: 05/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A better knowledge of the burden and risk factors associated with severity due to spider bites would lead to improved management with a reduction of sequelae usually seen for this neglected health problem, and would ensure proper use of antivenoms in remote localities in the Brazilian Amazon. The aim of this study was to analyze the profile of spider bites reported in the state of Amazonas in the Western Brazilian Amazon, and to investigate potential risk factors associated with severity of envenomation. Methodology/Principal Findings We used a case-control study in order to identify factors associated with spider bite severity in the Western Brazilian Amazon from 2007 to 2014. Patients evolving to any severity criteria were considered cases and those with non-severe bites were included in the control group. All variables were retrieved from the official Brazilian reporting systems. Socioeconomical and environmental components were also included in a multivariable analysis in order to identify ecological determinants of incidence and severity. A total of 1,181 spider bites were recorded, resulting in an incidence of 4 cases per 100,000 person/year. Most of the spider bites occurred in males (65.8%). Bites mostly occurred in rural areas (59.5%). The most affected age group was between 16 and 45 years old (50.9%). A proportion of 39.7% of the bites were related to work activities. Antivenom was prescribed to 39% of the patients. Envenomings recorded from urban areas [Odds ratio (OR) = 0.40 (95%CI = 0.30–0.71; p<0.001)] and living in a municipality with a mean health system performance index (MHSPI >median [OR = 0.64 (95%CI = 0.39–0.75; p<0.001)] were independently associated with decreased risk of severity. Work related accidents [OR = 2.09 (95%CI = 1.49–2.94; p<0.001)], Indigenous status [OR = 2.15 (95%CI = 1.19–3.86; p = 0.011)] and living in a municipality located >300 km away from the state capital Manaus [OR = 1.90 (95%CI = 1.28–2.40; p<0.001)] were independently associated with a risk of severity. Living in a municipality located >300 km away from the state capital Manaus [OR = 1.53 (95%CI = 1.15–2.02; p = 0.003)] and living in a municipality with a MHSPI <median [OR = 1.91 (95%CI = 1.28–2.47; p = 0.002)] increased the odds of antivenom underdosage. Conclusions Spider bites is prevalent across the study region with a higher incidence in the rainy season in rural areas. Spider bites can be painful and lead to local manifestations but rarely result in life-threatening envenoming. Major local complications were dermonecrosis and secondary infection in cases diagnosed as Loxosceles bites. Based on the correlations shown here, envenomings occurring in remote rural areas, Indigenous status and living in a municipality located >300 km away from the state capital Manaus could be contributing factors to higher severity of spider envenomings in this area, as well as to antivenom underdosage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanderson Souza Sampaio
- Diretoria de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil
- Escola Superior de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
- Núcleo de Sistemas de Informação, Fundação de Vigilância em Saúde do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
| | - André Alexandre Gomes
- Diretoria de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil
- Escola Superior de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Iran Mendonça Silva
- Diretoria de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil
- Escola Superior de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Jacqueline Sachett
- Diretoria de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil
- Escola Superior de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Luiz Carlos Lima Ferreira
- Diretoria de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil
- Escola Superior de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Sâmella Oliveira
- Diretoria de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil
- Escola Superior de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Meritxell Sabidò
- Diretoria de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil
- Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat de Girona, Catalunya, Spain
| | - Hipócrates Chalkidis
- Curso de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdades Integradas do Tapajós, Santarém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Maria Graças Vale Barbosa Guerra
- Diretoria de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil
- Escola Superior de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Jorge Luis Salinas
- Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Fan Hui Wen
- Instituto Butantan, Secretaria de Estado da Saúde de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcus Vinícius Guimarães Lacerda
- Diretoria de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil
- Instituto de Pesquisas Leônidas & Maria Deane, FIOCRUZ, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Wuelton Marcelo Monteiro
- Diretoria de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil
- Escola Superior de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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How informative are case studies of spider bites in the medical literature? Toxicon 2016; 114:40-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2016.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2016] [Revised: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Soares ES, Mendonça MCP, da Cruz-Höfling MA. Caveolae as a target for Phoneutria nigriventer spider venom. Neurotoxicology 2016; 54:111-118. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2016.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Revised: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Soares ES, Mendonça MCP, Rocha T, Kalapothakis E, da Cruz-Höfling MA. Are Synchronized Changes in Connexin-43 and Caveolin-3 a Bystander Effect in a Phoneutria nigriventer Venom Model of Blood-Brain Barrier Breakdown? J Mol Neurosci 2016; 59:452-63. [PMID: 27067308 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-016-0749-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Upregulation of caveolin-3 (Cav-3) or connexin-43 (Cx43) in astrocytes has been associated with important brain pathologies. We used Phoneutria nigriventer spider venom (PNV), which induces blood-brain barrier breakdown in rats, in order to investigate Cav-3 and Cx43 expression in the cerebellum over critical periods of rat envenomation. By immunofluorescence, western blotting (WB), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), we assessed changes at 1, 2, 5, 24, and 72 h post-venom. WB showed immediate increases in Cav-3 and Cx43 at 1 h (interval of greatest manifestations of envenomation) that persisted at 5 h (when there were signs of recovery) and peaked at 24 h when no signs of envenomation were detectable. At 2 and 72 h, Cav-3 was downregulated and Cx43 had returned to baseline. PNV markedly intensified Cx43 in molecular, Purkinje and granular layers and Cav-3 in astrocytes whose colocalization to increased GFAP suggests interaction between reactive astrogliosis and Cav-3 upregulation. TEM showed swollen perivascular astrocytic end-feet and synaptic contact alterations that had generally resolved by 72 h. It is uncertain whether such PNV-induced synchronized changes are an interactive effect between Cav-3 and Cx43, or a bystander effect. Evidences indicate that Cav-3 downregulation coupled to Cx43 return to baseline at 72 h when no signs of envenomation were visible, suggesting homeostasis reestablishment. This experimental model is relevant to studying mechanisms involved in neurological disorders associated with Cav-3 overexpression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edilene Siqueira Soares
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Monique Culturato Padilha Mendonça
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil.,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Thalita Rocha
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil.,Multidisciplinary Research Laboratory, São Francisco University (USF), Bragança Paulista, SP, Brazil
| | - Evanguedes Kalapothakis
- Department of General Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Maria Alice da Cruz-Höfling
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil. .,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil.
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Miller M, O'Leary MA, Isbister GK. Towards rationalisation of antivenom use in funnel-web spider envenoming: enzyme immunoassays for venom concentrations. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2015; 54:245-51. [PMID: 26678882 DOI: 10.3109/15563650.2015.1122794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Funnel-web spider (Atrax and Hadronyche spp.) envenoming is rare but causes severe neuromuscular, autonomic, and cardiac effects. A rabbit-derived IgG antivenom is available, but venom detection in patients has not been reported. OBJECTIVE To use serial venom and antivenom concentrations to better define envenoming and antivenom effectiveness. MATERIALS AND METHODS Serum was collected from nine patients with suspected funnel-web spider bites and clinical effects were recorded. Venom-specific enzyme immunoassays were developed to measure funnel-web spider venom and antivenom concentrations. Goat anti-rabbit whole serum was coupled to UltraLink resin and added to samples to remove bound venom and measure free venom. Antivenom efficacy was defined as antivenom binding all free venom and antivenom effectiveness as resolution of clinical features. RESULTS Venom was detectable in samples from six of nine patients. In three patients without venom detected, there were only moderate effects, which did not completely respond to antivenom in all cases and no spider was identified. In five of six cases, a male Atrax spp. (Sydney funnel-web) spider was identified. Three patients had moderate envenoming which responded to antivenom. Three patients had severe envenoming and developed catecholamine-induced myocarditis and acute pulmonary oedema. Although cholinergic and non-specific clinical features appeared to respond to antivenom, myocarditis and pulmonary oedema lasted 2-4 days. Median venom concentration pre-antivenom in five patients with samples was 5.6 ng/ml (3-35 ng/ml), and immediately post-antivenom decreased to a median of 0 ng/ml (0-1.8 ng/ml). Post-antivenom venom concentrations decreased when bound venom was removed; median, 0 ng/ml (0-0.9 ng/ml), indicating that most venom detected post-antivenom was bound. There was recurrence of venom and clinical features in one patient when a pressure bandage was removed. CONCLUSIONS Detection of venom in suspected funnel-web spider bites identified definite cases with characteristic envenoming and a spider was identified. Measurement of venom concentrations pre- and post-antivenom demonstrated that venom was bound by antivenom, but in severe cases cardiac toxicity was not reversed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Miller
- a Emergency Department , John Hunter Hospital , Newcastle , NSW , Australia
| | - Margaret A O'Leary
- b Clinical Toxicology Research Group , University of Newcastle , Newcastle , NSW , Australia
| | - Geoffrey K Isbister
- b Clinical Toxicology Research Group , University of Newcastle , Newcastle , NSW , Australia ;,c Department of Clinical Toxicology and Pharmacology , Calvary Mater Hospital , Newcastle , NSW , Australia
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Soares ES, Mendonça MCP, da Cruz-Höfling MA. eNOS uncoupling in the cerebellum after BBB disruption by exposure to Phoneutria nigriventer spider venom. Toxicon 2015. [PMID: 26206339 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2015.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Numerous studies have shown that the venom of Phoneutria nigriventer (PNV) armed-spider causes excitotoxic signals and blood-brain barrier breakdown (BBBb) in rats. Nitric oxide (NO) is a signaling molecule which has a role in endothelium homeostasis and vascular health. The present study investigated the relevance of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) uncoupling to clinical neurotoxic evolution induced by PNV. eNOS immunoblotting of cerebellum lysates processed through low-temperature SDS-PAGE revealed significant increased monomerization of the enzyme at critical periods of severe envenoming (1-2 h), whereas eNOS dimerization reversal paralleled to amelioration of animals condition (5-72 h). Moreover, eNOS uncoupling was accompanied by increased expression in calcium-sensing calmodulin protein and calcium-binding calbindin-D28 protein in cerebellar neurons. It is known that greater eNOS monomers than dimers implies the inability of eNOS to produce NO leading to superoxide production and endothelial/vascular barrier dysfunction. We suggest that transient eNOS deactivation and disturbances in calcium handling reduce NO production and enhance production of free radicals thus contributing to endothelial dysfunction in the cerebellum of envenomed rats. In addition, eNOS uncoupling compromises the enzyme capacity to respond to shear stress contributing to perivascular edema and it is one of the mechanisms involved in the BBBb promoted by PNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edilene Siqueira Soares
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Zip Code 13 083-970, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Monique Culturato Padilha Mendonça
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Zip Code 13 083-970, Campinas, SP, Brazil; Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Zip Code 13 083-970, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria Alice da Cruz-Höfling
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Zip Code 13 083-970, Campinas, SP, Brazil; Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Zip Code 13 083-970, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
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Evidences of endocytosis via caveolae following blood–brain barrier breakdown by Phoneutria nigriventer spider venom. Toxicol Lett 2014; 229:415-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2014.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Revised: 07/12/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Vascular endothelial growth factor increases during blood-brain barrier-enhanced permeability caused by Phoneutria nigriventer spider venom. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:721968. [PMID: 25247186 PMCID: PMC4163422 DOI: 10.1155/2014/721968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2014] [Revised: 07/26/2014] [Accepted: 08/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Phoneutria nigriventer spider accidental envenomation provokes neurotoxic manifestations, which when critical, results in epileptic-like episodes. In rats, P. nigriventer venom (PNV) causes blood-brain barrier breakdown (BBBb). The PNV-induced excitotoxicity results from disturbances on Na+, K+ and Ca2+ channels and glutamate handling. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), beyond its angiogenic effect, also, interferes on synaptic physiology by affecting the same ion channels and protects neurons from excitotoxicity. However, it is unknown whether VEGF expression is altered following PNV envenomation. We found that adult and neonates rats injected with PNV showed immediate neurotoxic manifestations which paralleled with endothelial occludin, β-catenin, and laminin downregulation indicative of BBBb. In neonate rats, VEGF, VEGF mRNA, and Flt-1 receptors, glutamate decarboxylase, and calbindin-D28k increased in Purkinje neurons, while, in adult rats, the BBBb paralleled with VEGF mRNA, Flk-1, and calbindin-D28k increases and Flt-1 decreases. Statistically, the variable age had a role in such differences, which might be due to age-related unequal maturation of blood-brain barrier (BBB) and thus differential cross-signaling among components of the glial neurovascular unit. The concurrent increases in the VEGF/Flt-1/Flk-1 system in the cerebellar neuron cells and the BBBb following PNV exposure might imply a cytokine modulation of neuronal excitability consequent to homeostatic perturbations induced by ion channels-acting PNV neuropeptides. Whether such modulation represents neuroprotection needs further investigation.
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Del Brutto OH. Neurological effects of venomous bites and stings: snakes, spiders, and scorpions. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2013; 114:349-68. [PMID: 23829924 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-53490-3.00028-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Snake and spider bites, as well as scorpion sting envenoming, are neglected diseases affecting millions of people all over the world. Neurological complications vary according to the offending animal, and are often directly related to toxic effects of the venom, affecting the central nervous system, the neuromuscular transmission, the cardiovascular system, or the coagulation cascade. Snake bite envenoming may result in stroke or muscle paralysis. Metalloproteinases and other substances (common in vipers and colubrids) have anticoagulant or procoagulant activity, and may induce ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes. The venom of elapids is rich in neurotoxins affecting the neuromuscular transmission at either presynaptic or postsynaptic levels. The clinical picture of scorpion sting envenoming is dominated by muscle weakness associated with arterial hypertension, cardiac arrythmias, myocarditis, or pulmonary edema. These manifestations occur as the result of release of catecholamines into the bloodstream or due to direct cardiac toxicity of the venom. Cerebrovascular complications have been reported after the sting of the Indian red scorpion. Intracranial hemorrhages occur in the setting of acute increases in arterial blood pressure related to sympathetic overstimulation, and cerebral infarctions are related to either cerebral hypoperfusion, consumption coagulopathy, vasculitis, or cardiogenic brain embolism. Three main syndromes result from spider bite envenoming: latrodectism, loxoscelism, and funnel-web spider envenoming. Latrodectism is related to neurotoxins present in the venom of widow spiders. Most cases present with headache, lethargy, irritability, myalgia, tremor, fasciculation, or ataxia. Loxoscelism is caused by envenoming by spiders of the family Sicariidae. It may present with a stroke due to a severe coagulopathy. The venom of funnel-web spiders also has neurotoxins that stimulate neurotransmitter release, resulting in sensory disturbances and muscle paralysis. Proper management of the envenomed patient, including prompt transport to the hospital, correction of the hemostatic disorder, ventilatory support, and administration of antivenom, significantly reduce the risk of neurological complications which, in turn, reduce the mortality and improve the functional outcome of survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar H Del Brutto
- School of Medicine, Universidad Espiritu Santo, Guayaquil, Ecuador; Department of Neurological Sciences, Hospital Clinica Kennedy, Guayaquil, Ecuador.
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Rapôso C, Odorissi PAM, Oliveira ALR, Aoyama H, Ferreira CV, Verinaud L, Fontana K, Ruela-de-Sousa RR, da Cruz-Höfling MA. Effect of Phoneutria nigriventer Venom on the Expression of Junctional Protein and P-gp Efflux Pump Function in the Blood–Brain Barrier. Neurochem Res 2012; 37:1967-81. [DOI: 10.1007/s11064-012-0817-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2011] [Revised: 05/21/2012] [Accepted: 05/26/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Abstract
Spiders are a source of intrigue and fear, and several myths exist about their medical effects. Many people believe that bites from various spider species cause necrotic ulceration, despite evidence that most suspected cases of necrotic arachnidism are caused by something other than a spider bite. Latrodectism and loxoscelism are the most important clinical syndromes resulting from spider bite. Latrodectism results from bites by widow spiders (Latrodectus spp) and causes local, regional, or generalised pain associated with non-specific symptoms and autonomic effects. Loxoscelism is caused by Loxosceles spp, and the cutaneous form manifests as pain and erythema that can develop into a necrotic ulcer. Systemic loxoscelism is characterised by intravascular haemolysis and renal failure on occasion. Other important spiders include the Australian funnel-web spider (Atrax spp and Hadronyche spp) and the armed spider (Phoneutria spp) from Brazil. Antivenoms are an important treatment for spider envenomation but have been less successful than have those for snake envenomation, with concerns about their effectiveness for both latrodectism and loxoscelism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey K Isbister
- Discipline of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; Department of Clinical Toxicology and Pharmacology, Calvary Mater Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.
| | - Hui Wen Fan
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Cultural, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
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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] [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.
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Affiliation(s)
- K P Nunes
- Department of Biochemistry, Biological Science Institute, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
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Nunes KP, Cordeiro MN, Richardson M, Borges MN, Diniz SOF, Cardoso VN, Tostes R, De Lima ME, Webb RC, Leite R. Nitric oxide-induced vasorelaxation in response to PnTx2-6 toxin from Phoneutria nigriventer spider in rat cavernosal tissue. J Sex Med 2010; 7:3879-88. [PMID: 20722794 DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2010.01978.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Priapism is one of several symptoms observed in accidental bites by the spider Phoneutria nigriventer. The venom of this spider is comprised of many toxins, and the majority has been shown to affect excitable ion channels, mainly sodium (Na(+) ) channels. It has been demonstrated that PnTx2-6, a peptide extracted from the venom of P. nigriventer, causes erection in anesthetized rats and mice. AIM We investigated the mechanism by which PnTx2-6 evokes relaxation in rat corpus cavernosum. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES PnTx2-6 toxin potentiates nitric oxide (NO)-dependent cavernosal relaxation. METHODS Rat cavernosal strips were incubated with bretylium (3 × 10(-5) M) and contracted with phenylephrine (PE; 10(-5) M). Relaxation responses were evoked by electrical field stimulation (EFS) or sodium nitroprusside (SNP) before and after 4 minutes of incubation with PnTx2-6 (10(-8) M). The effect of PnTx2-6 on relaxation induced by EFS was also tested in the presence of atropine (10(-6) M), a muscarinic receptor antagonist, N-type Ca(2+) channel blockers (ω-conotoxin GVIA, 10(-6) M) and sildenafil (3 × 10(-8) M). Technetium99m radiolabeled PnTx2-6 subcutaneous injection was administrated in the penis. RESULTS Whereas relaxation induced by SNP was not affected by PnTx2-6, EFS-induced relaxation was significantly potentiated by this toxin as well as PnTx2-6 plus SNP. This potentiating effect was further increased by sildenafil, not altered by atropine, however was completely blocked by the N-type Ca(2+) channels. High concentrated levels of radiolabeled PnTx2-6 was specifically found in the cavernosum tissue, suggesting PnTx2-6 is an important toxin responsible for P. nigriventer spider accident-induced priapism. CONCLUSION We show that PnTx2-6 slows Na(+) channels inactivation in nitrergic neurons, allowing Ca(2+) influx to facilitate NO/cGMP signalling, which promotes increased NO production. In addition, this relaxation effect is independent of phosphodiesterase enzyme type 5 inhibition. Our data displays PnTx2-6 as possible pharmacological tool to study alternative treatments for erectile dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenia P Nunes
- Biological Science Institute, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
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Villanova FE, Andrade E, Leal E, Andrade PM, Borra RC, Troncone LRP, Magalhães L, Leite KRM, Paranhos M, Claro J, Srougi M. Erection induced by Tx2-6 toxin of Phoneutria nigriventer spider: expression profile of genes in the nitric oxide pathway of penile tissue of mice. Toxicon 2009; 54:793-801. [PMID: 19524607 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2009.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2009] [Revised: 06/01/2009] [Accepted: 06/03/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The peptides Tx2-5 and Tx2-6, isolated from the whole venom of "armed-spider"Phoneutria nigriventer venom, are directly linked with the induction of persistent and painful erection in the penis of mammals. The erection induced by Tx2-6 has been associated with the activation of nitric oxide synthases. There is a scarcity of studies focusing on the outcome of Tx2-6 at the molecular level, by this reason we evaluated the gene profile activity of this toxin at the nitric oxide (NO) pathway. After microarray analyses on cavernous tissue of mice inoculated with Tx2-6 we found that only 10.4% (10/96) of these genes were differentially expressed, showing a limited effect of the toxin on the NO pathway. We found the genes sparc, ednrb, junb, cdkn1a, bcl2, ccl5, abcc1 over-expressed and the genes sod1, s100a10 and fth1 under-expressed after inoculation of Tx2-6. The differential expressions of sparc and ednrb genes were further confirmed using real-time PCR. Interestingly, ednrb activates the L-arginine/NO/cGMP pathway that is involved in the relaxation of the cavernous body. Therefore the priapism induced by Tx2-6 is a consequence of a highly specific interference of this neurotoxin with the NO pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiola E Villanova
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation-LIM55, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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