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Rabea EY, Mahmoud ED, Mohamed NK, Ansary ER, Alrouby MR, Shehata RR, Mokhtar YY, Arullampalam P, Hegazy AM, Al-Sabi A, Abd El-Aziz TM. Potential of Venom-Derived Compounds for the Development of New Antimicrobial Agents. Toxins (Basel) 2025; 17:238. [PMID: 40423321 DOI: 10.3390/toxins17050238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2025] [Revised: 05/02/2025] [Accepted: 05/09/2025] [Indexed: 05/28/2025] Open
Abstract
The emergence of antimicrobial resistance is a significant challenge in global healthcare, necessitating innovative techniques to address multidrug-resistant pathogens. Multidrug-resistant pathogens like Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa pose significant public health threats, as they are increasingly resistant to common antibiotics, leading to more severe and difficult-to-treat infections. These pathogens are part of the ESKAPE group, which includes Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterobacter species. Animal venoms, derived from a wide range of species such as snakes, scorpions, spiders, bees, wasps, and ants, represent a rich source of bioactive peptides. Venoms have been a valuable source for drug discovery, providing unique compounds with therapeutic potential. Venom-derived drugs are known for their increased bioactivity, specificity, and stability compared to synthetic alternatives. These compounds are being investigated for various conditions, including treatments for diabetes, pain relief, cancer, and infections, showcasing their remarkable antimicrobial efficacy. In this review, we provide a comprehensive investigation into the potential of venom-derived compounds for developing new antimicrobial agents, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antiparasitic therapeutics. Key venom components, including melittin from bee venom, phospholipase A2 from snake venom, and chlorotoxin from scorpion venom, exhibit potent antimicrobial effects through mechanisms such as membrane disruption, enzymatic inhibition, and immune modulation. We also explore the challenges related to the development and clinical use of venom-derived antimicrobials, including toxicity, stability, and delivery mechanisms. These compounds hold immense promise as transformative tools against resistant pathogens, offering a unique avenue for groundbreaking advancements in antimicrobial research and therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esraa Yasser Rabea
- Biochemistry Division, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Minia University, El-Minia 61519, Egypt
| | - Esraa Dakrory Mahmoud
- Biochemistry Division, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Minia University, El-Minia 61519, Egypt
| | - Nada Khaled Mohamed
- Biochemistry Division, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Minia University, El-Minia 61519, Egypt
| | - Erada Rabea Ansary
- Biochemistry Division, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Minia University, El-Minia 61519, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud Roushdy Alrouby
- Biochemistry Division, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Minia University, El-Minia 61519, Egypt
| | - Rabab Reda Shehata
- Biochemistry Division, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Minia University, El-Minia 61519, Egypt
| | - Youssef Yasser Mokhtar
- Biochemistry Division, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Minia University, El-Minia 61519, Egypt
| | - Prakash Arullampalam
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Ahmed M Hegazy
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Minia University, El-Minia 61519, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Al-Sabi
- College of Integrative Studies, Abdullah Al Salem University, Khaldiya 72303, Kuwait
| | - Tarek Mohamed Abd El-Aziz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Minia University, El-Minia 61519, Egypt
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2
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Muttiah B, Hanafiah A. Snake Venom Compounds: A New Frontier in the Battle Against Antibiotic-Resistant Infections. Toxins (Basel) 2025; 17:221. [PMID: 40423304 DOI: 10.3390/toxins17050221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2025] [Revised: 04/20/2025] [Accepted: 04/30/2025] [Indexed: 05/28/2025] Open
Abstract
The occurrence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a serious global health issue, and it emphasizes the need for novel antimicrobial agents. This review explores the potential of snake venom as another alternative strategy against antimicrobial resistance. Snake venoms are complex combinations of bioactive peptides and proteins, including metalloproteases (MPs), serine proteases (SPs), phospholipase A2 (PLA2) enzymes, three-finger toxins (3FTXs), cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISPs), L-amino acid oxidases (LAAOs), and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). The antibacterial products possess wide-spectrum antibacterial activity against resistant microbes via diverse mechanisms such as cell membrane disruption, enzymatic hydrolysis of microbial structures, generation of oxidative stress, inhibition of biofilms, and immunomodulation. Strong antimicrobial activity is reported by most studies, but these are mostly restricted to in vitro testing with low translational use. Although preliminary insights into molecular targets and physiological effects exist, further studies are needed to clarify long-term safety and therapeutic potential. Special attention is given to snake venom-derived extracellular vesicles (SVEVs), which enhance the therapeutic potential of venom toxins by protecting them from degradation, improving bioavailability, and facilitating targeted delivery. Furthermore, innovative delivery strategies such as PEGylation, liposomes, hydrogels, microneedle patches, biopolymer films, and nanoparticles are discussed for their role in reducing systemic toxicity and enhancing antimicrobial efficacy. The rational modification of venom-derived peptides further expands their therapeutic utility by improving pharmacokinetics and minimizing off-target effects. Together, these approaches highlight the translational potential of snake venom-based therapies as next-generation antimicrobials in the fight against resistant infections. By outlining these challenges and directions, this review positions snake venom as an overlooked but fertile resource in the battle against antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barathan Muttiah
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Alfizah Hanafiah
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
- GUT Research Group, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
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3
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Gajic I, Kekic D, Jankovic M, Tomic N, Skoric M, Petrovic M, Mitic Culafic D, Opavski N, Ristivojevic P, Krstic Ristivojevic M, Lukovic B. Nature's Arsenal: Uncovering Antibacterial Agents Against Antimicrobial Resistance. Antibiotics (Basel) 2025; 14:253. [PMID: 40149065 PMCID: PMC11939603 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics14030253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2025] [Revised: 02/16/2025] [Accepted: 02/19/2025] [Indexed: 03/29/2025] Open
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant public health threat, leading to increased mortality. The World Health Organization has established a priority list highlighting critical multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens that demand urgent research on antimicrobial treatments. Considering this and the fact that new antibiotics are only sporadically approved, natural antibacterial agents have seen a resurgence in interest as potential alternatives to conventional antibiotics and chemotherapeutics. Natural antibacterials, derived from microorganisms, higher fungi, plants, animals, natural minerals, and food sources, offer diverse mechanisms of action against MDR pathogens. Here, we present a comprehensive summary of antibacterial agents from natural sources, including a brief history of their application and highlighting key strategies for using microorganisms (microbiopredators, such as bacteriophages), plant extracts and essential oils, minerals (e.g., silver and copper), as well as compounds of animal origin, such as milk or even venoms. The review also addresses the role of prebiotics, probiotics, and antimicrobial peptides, as well as novel formulations such as nanoparticles. The mechanisms of action of these compounds, such as terpenoids, alkaloids, and phenolic compounds, are explored alongside the challenges for their application, e.g., extraction, formulation, and pharmacokinetics. Conclusions: Future research should focus on developing eco-friendly, sustainable antimicrobial agents and validating their safety and efficacy through clinical trials. Clear regulatory frameworks are essential for integrating these agents into clinical practice. Despite challenges, natural sources offer transformative potential for combating AMR and promoting sustainable health solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ina Gajic
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (D.K.); (M.J.); (M.S.); (N.O.)
| | - Dusan Kekic
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (D.K.); (M.J.); (M.S.); (N.O.)
| | - Marko Jankovic
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (D.K.); (M.J.); (M.S.); (N.O.)
| | - Nina Tomic
- Group for Biomedical Engineering and Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Technical Sciences of SASA, Kneza Mihaila 35/IV, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Mila Skoric
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (D.K.); (M.J.); (M.S.); (N.O.)
| | - Milos Petrovic
- University Clinical Hospital Center “Dr. Dragisa Misovic-Dedinje”, Heroja Milana Tepića, 1, 11040 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | | | - Natasa Opavski
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (D.K.); (M.J.); (M.S.); (N.O.)
| | - Petar Ristivojevic
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 12-16, 11158 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Maja Krstic Ristivojevic
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 12-16, 11158 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Bojana Lukovic
- College of Health Sciences, Academy of Applied Studies Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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4
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Samat R, Sen S, Jash M, Ghosh S, Garg S, Sarkar J, Ghosh S. Venom: A Promising Avenue for Antimicrobial Therapeutics. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:3098-3125. [PMID: 39137302 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
Venom in medicine is well documented in the chronicles of ancient Greece and the Roman Empire and persisted into the Renaissance and even into the modern era. Venoms were not always associated with detrimental consequences. Since ancient times, the curative capacity of venom has been recognized, portraying venom as a metaphor for pharmacy and medicine. Venom proteins and peptides' antimicrobial potential has not undergone systematic exploration despite the huge literature on natural antimicrobials. In light of the escalating challenge of antimicrobial resistance and the diminishing effectiveness of antibiotics, there is a pressing need for innovative antimicrobials capable of effectively addressing illnesses caused by multidrug-resistant microorganisms. This review adds to our understanding of the effectiveness of different venom components against a host of pathogenic microorganisms. The aim is to illuminate the various antimicrobials present in venom and venom peptides, thereby emphasizing the unexplored medicinal potential for antimicrobial properties. We have presented a concise summary of the molecular examination of the venom peptides' functioning processes, as well as the current clinical and preclinical progress of venom antimicrobial peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramkamal Samat
- Smart Healthcare Department, Interdisciplinary Research Platform, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
| | - Samya Sen
- Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
- iHUB Drishti Foundation, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
| | - Moumita Jash
- Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
| | - Satyajit Ghosh
- Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
| | - Shubham Garg
- Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
| | - Jayita Sarkar
- Centre for Research and Development of Scientific Instruments (CRDSI), Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
| | - Surajit Ghosh
- Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
- Smart Healthcare Department, Interdisciplinary Research Platform, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
- iHUB Drishti Foundation, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
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Ebani VV. Staphylococci, Reptiles, Amphibians, and Humans: What Are Their Relations? Pathogens 2024; 13:607. [PMID: 39057833 PMCID: PMC11279482 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13070607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Reptiles and amphibians are largely present in many environments, including domestic areas when they are kept as pet animals. They often harbor zoonotic pathogens, which can pose a serious risk of infection for humans, mainly immunocompromised individuals, the elderly, children, and pregnant women. Several studies have been carried out to verify the role of cold-blooded animals in the epidemiology of some bacteria, mainly Salmonella, whereas scarce attention has been focused on these animals as a source of staphylococci. These bacteria are often antimicrobial-resistant and they act as opportunistic pathogens, which can cause relevant infections in humans and animals, both domestic and wild. Asymptomatic reptiles and amphibians often harbor staphylococcal strains, such as Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp.; however, these bacteria have been associated with clinical conditions that usually appear in animals under stress conditions. In all cases, greater attention should also be focused on staphylococci in cold-blooded animals due to their implications in human and veterinary medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Virginia Ebani
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
- Centre for Climate Change Impact, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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6
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Alencar-Silva T, Díaz-Martín RD, Sousa Dos Santos M, Saraiva RVP, Leite ML, de Oliveira Rodrigues MT, Pogue R, Andrade R, Falconi Costa F, Brito N, Dias SC, Carvalho JL. Screening of the Skin-Regenerative Potential of Antimicrobial Peptides: Clavanin A, Clavanin-MO, and Mastoparan-MO. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6851. [PMID: 38999961 PMCID: PMC11241485 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25136851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Skin wound healing is coordinated by a delicate balance between proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses, which can be affected by opportunistic pathogens and metabolic or vascular diseases. Several antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) possess immunomodulatory properties, suggesting their potential to support skin wound healing. Here, we evaluated the proregenerative activity of three recently described AMPs (Clavanin A, Clavanin-MO, and Mastoparan-MO). Human primary dermal fibroblasts (hFibs) were used to determine peptide toxicity and their capacity to induce cell proliferation and migration. Furthermore, mRNA analysis was used to investigate the modulation of genes associated with skin regeneration. Subsequently, the regenerative potential of the peptides was further confirmed using an ex vivo organotypic model of human skin (hOSEC)-based lesion. Our results indicate that the three molecules evaluated in this study have regenerative potential at nontoxic doses (i.e., 200 μM for Clavanin-A and Clavanin-MO, and 6.25 μM for Mastoparan-MO). At these concentrations, all peptides promoted the proliferation and migration of hFibs during in vitro assays. Such processes were accompanied by gene expression signatures related to skin regenerative processes, including significantly higher KI67, HAS2 and CXCR4 mRNA levels induced by Clavanin A and Mastoparan-MO. Such findings translated into significantly accelerated wound healing promoted by both Clavanin A and Mastoparan-MO in hOSEC-based lesions. Overall, the data demonstrate the proregenerative properties of these peptides using human experimental skin models, with Mastoparan-MO and Clavanin A showing much greater potential for inducing wound healing compared to Clavanin-MO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuany Alencar-Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília 71966-900, Brazil
| | - Rubén D Díaz-Martín
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília 71966-900, Brazil
| | - Mickelly Sousa Dos Santos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília 71966-900, Brazil
| | - Rivaldo Varejão Pasqual Saraiva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília 71966-900, Brazil
| | - Michel Lopes Leite
- Departamento de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
| | | | - Robert Pogue
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília 71966-900, Brazil
| | - Rosângela Andrade
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília 71966-900, Brazil
| | - Fabrício Falconi Costa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília 71966-900, Brazil
| | - Nicolau Brito
- Faculdade de Agronomia e Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília 71966-700, Brazil
| | - Simoni Campos Dias
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília 71966-900, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília 71966-700, Brazil
| | - Juliana Lott Carvalho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília 71966-900, Brazil
- Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Biociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
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Alsolaiss J, Leeming G, Da Silva R, Alomran N, Casewell NR, Habib AG, Harrison RA, Modahl CM. Investigating Snake-Venom-Induced Dermonecrosis and Inflammation Using an Ex Vivo Human Skin Model. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:276. [PMID: 38922170 PMCID: PMC11209077 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16060276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Snakebite envenoming is a neglected tropical disease that causes >100,000 deaths and >400,000 cases of morbidity annually. Despite the use of mouse models, severe local envenoming, defined by morbidity-causing local tissue necrosis, remains poorly understood, and human-tissue responses are ill-defined. Here, for the first time, an ex vivo, non-perfused human skin model was used to investigate temporal histopathological and immunological changes following subcutaneous injections of venoms from medically important African vipers (Echis ocellatus and Bitis arietans) and cobras (Naja nigricollis and N. haje). Histological analysis of venom-injected ex vivo human skin biopsies revealed morphological changes in the epidermis (ballooning degeneration, erosion, and ulceration) comparable to clinical signs of local envenoming. Immunostaining of these biopsies confirmed cell apoptosis consistent with the onset of necrosis. RNA sequencing, multiplex bead arrays, and ELISAs demonstrated that venom-injected human skin biopsies exhibited higher rates of transcription and expression of chemokines (CXCL5, MIP1-ALPHA, RANTES, MCP-1, and MIG), cytokines (IL-1β, IL-1RA, G-CSF/CSF-3, and GM-CSF), and growth factors (VEGF-A, FGF, and HGF) in comparison to non-injected biopsies. To investigate the efficacy of antivenom, SAIMR Echis monovalent or SAIMR polyvalent antivenom was injected one hour following E. ocellatus or N. nigricollis venom treatment, respectively, and although antivenom did not prevent venom-induced dermal tissue damage, it did reduce all pro-inflammatory chemokines, cytokines, and growth factors to normal levels after 48 h. This ex vivo skin model could be useful for studies evaluating the progression of local envenoming and the efficacy of snakebite treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaffer Alsolaiss
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK; (R.D.S.); (N.A.); (N.R.C.); (R.A.H.); (C.M.M.)
- Abqaiq General Hospital, Rural Health Network, Eastern Health Cluster, Ministry of Health, Abqaiq 33241, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gail Leeming
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology, School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZX, UK;
| | - Rachael Da Silva
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK; (R.D.S.); (N.A.); (N.R.C.); (R.A.H.); (C.M.M.)
| | - Nessrin Alomran
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK; (R.D.S.); (N.A.); (N.R.C.); (R.A.H.); (C.M.M.)
- Qatif Medical Fitness Center, Clinical Laboratory Department, Qatif Health Network, Eastern Health Cluster, Ministry of Health, Qatif 31911, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nicholas R. Casewell
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK; (R.D.S.); (N.A.); (N.R.C.); (R.A.H.); (C.M.M.)
| | - Abdulrazaq G. Habib
- African Snakebite Research Group (ASRG) Project, Bayero University, Kano 700251, Nigeria;
| | - Robert A. Harrison
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK; (R.D.S.); (N.A.); (N.R.C.); (R.A.H.); (C.M.M.)
| | - Cassandra M. Modahl
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK; (R.D.S.); (N.A.); (N.R.C.); (R.A.H.); (C.M.M.)
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Lin WH, Tsai TS, Chuang PC. The Presence of Four Pathogenic Oral Bacterial Species in Six Wild Snake Species from Southern Taiwan: Associated Factors. Microorganisms 2024; 12:263. [PMID: 38399667 PMCID: PMC10891919 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12020263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The oral cavity of snakes serves as a habitat for various microorganisms, some of which may include potential zoonotic pathogens posing risks to hosts and causing wound infections in snakebite victims. Clinical studies on snakebite cases in Taiwan have identified specific pathogens, such as Enterococcus faecalis (Gram-positive), Morganella morganii, Aeromonas hydrophila, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Gram-negative). However, the prevalence of these bacteria in the oral cavity of wild snakes remains largely unknown. This study investigated the occurrence of these bacteria in six wild snake species (Naja atra, Bungarus multicinctus, Trimeresurus stejnegeri, Protobothrops mucrosquamatus, Boiga kraepelini, and Elaphe taeniura friesi) from southern Taiwan, along with factors influencing their presence. Oropharyngeal swab samples were collected from a substantial number of wild-caught snakes (n = 1104), followed by DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction, and gel electrophoresis. The band positions of samples were compared with positive and negative controls to determine the presence of target bacteria in each sample. The overall occurrence rates were 67.4% for E. faecalis, 31.5% for M. morganii, 8.2% for A. hydrophila, and 7.7% for P. aeruginosa. Among snake species, B. kraepelini exhibited dominance in E. faecalis (93.4%), A. hydrophila (17.1%), and P. aeruginosa (14.5%), while male N. atra showed dominance in M. morganii (51.3%). The occurrence of E. faecalis was lowest in winter. The results of multiple logistic regression analyses suggest that factors such as species, sex, temperature, season, and coexisting pathogens may have a significant impact on the occurrence of target bacteria. These findings have implications for wildlife medicine and snakebite management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Hao Lin
- Institute of Wildlife Conservation, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 912301, Taiwan;
| | - Tein-Shun Tsai
- Institute of Wildlife Conservation, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 912301, Taiwan;
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 912301, Taiwan
| | - Po-Chun Chuang
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804201, Taiwan;
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 833401, Taiwan
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Phan P, Deshwal A, McMahon TA, Slikas M, Andrews E, Becker B, Kumar TKS. A Review of Rattlesnake Venoms. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 16:2. [PMID: 38276526 PMCID: PMC10818703 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Venom components are invaluable in biomedical research owing to their specificity and potency. Many of these components exist in two genera of rattlesnakes, Crotalus and Sistrurus, with high toxicity and proteolytic activity variation. This review focuses on venom components within rattlesnakes, and offers a comparison and itemized list of factors dictating venom composition, as well as presenting their known characteristics, activities, and significant applications in biosciences. There are 64 families and subfamilies of proteins present in Crotalus and Sistrurus venom. Snake venom serine proteases (SVSP), snake venom metalloproteases (SVMP), and phospholipases A2 (PLA2) are the standard components in Crotalus and Sistrurus venom. Through this review, we highlight gaps in the knowledge of rattlesnake venom; there needs to be more information on the venom composition of three Crotalus species and one Sistrurus subspecies. We discuss the activity and importance of both major and minor components in biomedical research and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phuc Phan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA;
| | - Anant Deshwal
- Department of Biology, Bradley University, Peoria, IL 61625, USA; (T.A.M.); (M.S.); (E.A.)
| | - Tyler Anthony McMahon
- Department of Biology, Bradley University, Peoria, IL 61625, USA; (T.A.M.); (M.S.); (E.A.)
| | - Matthew Slikas
- Department of Biology, Bradley University, Peoria, IL 61625, USA; (T.A.M.); (M.S.); (E.A.)
| | - Elodie Andrews
- Department of Biology, Bradley University, Peoria, IL 61625, USA; (T.A.M.); (M.S.); (E.A.)
| | - Brian Becker
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA;
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Diniz-Sousa R, Silva CCA, Pereira SS, da Silva SL, Fernandes PA, Teixeira LMC, Zuliani JP, Soares AM. Therapeutic applications of snake venoms: An invaluable potential of new drug candidates. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 238:124357. [PMID: 37028634 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
Animal venoms and their chemical compounds have aroused both empirical and scientific attention for ages. However, there has been a significant increase in scientific investigations in recent decades, allowing the production of various formulations that are helping in the development of many important tools for biotechnological, diagnostic, or therapeutic use, both in human and animal health, as well as in plants. Venoms are composed of biomolecules and inorganic compounds that may have physiological and pharmacological activities that are not related to their principal actions (prey immobilization, digestion, and defense). Snake venom toxins, mainly enzymatic and non-enzymatic proteins, and peptides have been identified as potential prototypes for new drugs and/or models for the development of pharmacologically active structural domains for the treatment of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases, pain, and infectious-parasitic diseases. This minireview aims to provide an overview of the biotechnological potential of animal venoms, with a focus on snakes, and to introduce the reader to the fascinating world of Applied Toxinology, where animal biodiversity can be used to develop therapeutic and diagnostic applications for humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela Diniz-Sousa
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia de Proteínas e Compostos Bioativos Aplicados à Saúde (LABIOPROT), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Unidade Rondônia, Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil; Centro Universitário São Lucas (UniSL), Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil
| | - Cleópatra C A Silva
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia de Proteínas e Compostos Bioativos Aplicados à Saúde (LABIOPROT), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Unidade Rondônia, Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Epidemiologia da Amazônia Ocidental (INCT-EpiAmO), Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil
| | - Soraya S Pereira
- Laboratório de Engenharia de Anticorpos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Unidade Rondônia, Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil
| | - Saulo L da Silva
- LAQV/Requimte, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, Porto, Portugal; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, Porto, Portugal; Faculty of Chemical Sciences, University of Cuenca, Cuenca, Azuay, Ecuador
| | - Pedro A Fernandes
- LAQV/Requimte, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, Porto, Portugal; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, Porto, Portugal
| | - Luís M C Teixeira
- LAQV/Requimte, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, Porto, Portugal; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, Porto, Portugal
| | - Juliana P Zuliani
- Laboratório de Imunologia Celular Aplicada à Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Unidade Rondônia, Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil
| | - Andreimar M Soares
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia de Proteínas e Compostos Bioativos Aplicados à Saúde (LABIOPROT), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Unidade Rondônia, Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil; Centro Universitário São Lucas (UniSL), Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Epidemiologia da Amazônia Ocidental (INCT-EpiAmO), Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil; Faculdade Católica de Rondônia (FCR), Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil.
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11
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Samy RP, Mackessy SP, Jeyasankar A, Ponraj MR, Franco OL, Cooper MA, Kandasamy M, Mohanta TK, Bhagavathsingh J, Vaiyapuri S. Purification of PaTx-II from the Venom of the Australian King Brown Snake and Characterization of Its Antimicrobial and Wound Healing Activities. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:4359. [PMID: 36901790 PMCID: PMC10002107 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Infections caused by multi-drug-resistant (MDR) bacteria are a global threat to human health. As venoms are the source of biochemically diverse bioactive proteins and peptides, we investigated the antimicrobial activity and murine skin infection model-based wound healing efficacy of a 13 kDa protein. The active component PaTx-II was isolated from the venom of Pseudechis australis (Australian King Brown or Mulga Snake). PaTx-II inhibited the growth of Gram-positive bacteria in vitro, with moderate potency (MICs of 25 µM) observed against S. aureus, E. aerogenes, and P. vulgaris. The antibiotic activity of PaTx-II was associated with the disruption of membrane integrity, pore formation, and lysis of bacterial cells, as evidenced by scanning and transmission microscopy. However, these effects were not observed with mammalian cells, and PaTx-II exhibited minimal cytotoxicity (CC50 > 1000 µM) toward skin/lung cells. Antimicrobial efficacy was then determined using a murine model of S. aureus skin infection. Topical application of PaTx-II (0.5 mg/kg) cleared S. aureus with concomitant increased vascularization and re-epithelialization, promoting wound healing. As small proteins and peptides can possess immunomodulatory effects to enhance microbial clearance, cytokines and collagen from the wound tissue samples were analyzed by immunoblots and immunoassays. The amounts of type I collagen in PaTx-II-treated sites were elevated compared to the vehicle controls, suggesting a potential role for collagen in facilitating the maturation of the dermal matrix during wound healing. Levels of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and interleukin-10 (IL-10), factors known to promote neovascularization, were substantially reduced by PaTx-II treatment. Further studies that characterize the contributions towards efficacy imparted by in vitro antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activity with PaTx-II are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramar Perumal Samy
- Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, NUHS, MD10, 4 Medical Drive, Singapore 117594, Singapore
| | - Stephen P. Mackessy
- School of Biological Sciences, Campus Box 92, College of Natural and Health Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, 501 20th St., Greeley, CO 80639, USA
| | - Alagarmalai Jeyasankar
- Department of Zoology, Government Arts College (Autonomous), Coimbatore 641018, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Mano Ranjana Ponraj
- Medicinal Organic Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Applied Chemistry, Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore 641114, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Octavio Luiz Franco
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, UCB, Brasilia 71966-700, DF, Brazil
- Sinova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande 79117-900, MS, Brazil
| | - Matthew A. Cooper
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | | | - Tapan Kumar Mohanta
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Nizwa 611, Oman
| | - Jebasingh Bhagavathsingh
- Medicinal Organic Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Applied Chemistry, Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore 641114, Tamil Nadu, India
- HPLC Mass Facility, Department of Applied Chemistry, Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore 641114, Tamil Nadu, India
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12
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Past, Present, and Future of Naturally Occurring Antimicrobials Related to Snake Venoms. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13040744. [PMID: 36830531 PMCID: PMC9952678 DOI: 10.3390/ani13040744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
This review focuses on proteins and peptides with antimicrobial activity because these biopolymers can be useful in the fight against infectious diseases and to overcome the critical problem of microbial resistance to antibiotics. In fact, snakes show the highest diversification among reptiles, surviving in various environments; their innate immunity is similar to mammals and the response of their plasma to bacteria and fungi has been explored mainly in ecological studies. Snake venoms are a rich source of components that have a variety of biological functions. Among them are proteins like lectins, metalloproteinases, serine proteinases, L-amino acid oxidases, phospholipases type A2, cysteine-rich secretory proteins, as well as many oligopeptides, such as waprins, cardiotoxins, cathelicidins, and β-defensins. In vitro, these biomolecules were shown to be active against bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses that are pathogenic to humans. Not only cathelicidins, but all other proteins and oligopeptides from snake venom have been proteolyzed to provide short antimicrobial peptides, or for use as templates for developing a variety of short unnatural sequences based on their structures. In addition to organizing and discussing an expressive amount of information, this review also describes new β-defensin sequences of Sistrurus miliarius that can lead to novel peptide-based antimicrobial agents, using a multidisciplinary approach that includes sequence phylogeny.
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Liu CW, Hsieh CY, Chen JY. Investigations on the Wound Healing Potential of Tilapia Piscidin (TP)2-5 and TP2-6. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:205. [PMID: 35323503 PMCID: PMC8955782 DOI: 10.3390/md20030205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Wound healing is a highly orchestrated process involving many cell types, such as keratinocytes, fibroblasts and endothelial cells. This study aimed to evaluate the potential application of synthetic peptides derived from tilapia piscidin (TP)2, TP2-5 and TP2-6 in skin wound healing. The treatment of HaCaT keratinocytes with TP2-5 and TP2-6 did not cause cytotoxicity, but did enhance cell proliferation and migration, which could be attributed to the activation of epidermal growth factor receptor signaling. In CCD-966SK fibroblasts, although TP2-5 (31.25 μg/mL) and TP2-6 (125 μg/mL) showed cytotoxic effects, we observed the significant promotion of cell proliferation and migration at low concentrations. In addition, collagen I, collagen III, and keratinocyte growth factor were upregulated by the peptides. We further found that TP2-5 and TP2-6 showed pro-angiogenic properties, including the enhancement of human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) migration and the promotion of neovascularization. In a murine model, wounds treated topically with TP2-5 and TP2-6 were reduced by day 2 post-injury and healed significantly faster than untreated wounds. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that both TP2-5 and TP2-6 have multifaceted effects when used as topical agents for accelerating wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jyh-Yih Chen
- Marine Research Station, Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, 23-10 Dahuen Road, Jiaushi, Ilan 262, Taiwan; (C.-W.L.); (C.-Y.H.)
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Antimicrobial Activity of Snake β-Defensins and Derived Peptides. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 14:toxins14010001. [PMID: 35050978 PMCID: PMC8777785 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
β-defensins are antimicrobial peptides presenting in vertebrate animals. They participate in innate immunity, but little is known about them in reptiles, including snakes. Although several β-defensin genes were described in Brazilian snakes, their function is still unknown. The peptide sequence from these genes was deduced, and synthetic peptides (with approximately 40 amino acids and derived peptides) were tested against pathogenic bacteria and fungi using microbroth dilution assays. The linear peptides, derived from β-defensins, were designed applying the bioisosterism strategy. The linear β-defensins were more active against Escherichia coli, Micrococcus luteus, Citrobacter freundii, and Staphylococcus aureus. The derived peptides (7–14 mer) showed antibacterial activity against those bacteria and on Klebsiella pneumoniae. Nonetheless, they did not present activity against Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, Trychophyton rubrum, and Aspergillus fumigatus showing that the cysteine substitution to serine is deleterious to antifungal properties. Tryptophan residue showed to be necessary to improve antibacterial activity. Even though the studied snake β-defensins do not have high antimicrobial activity, they proved to be attractive as template molecules for the development of antibiotics.
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Gera S, Kankuri E, Kogermann K. Antimicrobial peptides - Unleashing their therapeutic potential using nanotechnology. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 232:107990. [PMID: 34592202 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are potent, mostly cationic, and amphiphilic broad-spectrum host defense antimicrobials that are produced by all organisms ranging from prokaryotes to humans. In addition to their antimicrobial actions, they modulate inflammatory and immune responses and promote wound healing. Although they have clear benefits over traditional antibiotic drugs, their wide therapeutic utilization is compromised by concerns of toxicity, stability, and production costs. Recent advances in nanotechnology have attracted increasing interest to unleash the AMPs' immense potential as broad-spectrum antibiotics and anti-biofilm agents, against which the bacteria have less chances to develop resistance. Topical application of AMPs promotes migration of keratinocytes and fibroblasts, and contributes significantly to an accelerated wound healing process. Delivery of AMPs by employing nanotechnological approaches avoids the major disadvantages of AMPs, such as instability and toxicity, and provides a controlled delivery profile together with prolonged activity. In this review, we provide an overview of the key properties of AMPs and discuss the latest developments in topical AMP therapy using nanocarriers. We use chronic hard-to-heal wounds-complicated by infections, inflammation, and stagnated healing-as an example of an unmet medical need for which the AMPs' wide range of therapeutic actions could provide the most potential benefit. The use of innovative materials and sophisticated nanotechnological approaches offering various possibilities are discussed in more depth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Gera
- Institute of Pharmacy, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Esko Kankuri
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Karin Kogermann
- Institute of Pharmacy, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, 50411 Tartu, Estonia.
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16
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Deshwal A, Phan P, Datta J, Kannan R, Thallapuranam SK. A Meta-Analysis of the Protein Components in Rattlesnake Venom. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13060372. [PMID: 34071038 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13060372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The specificity and potency of venom components give them a unique advantage in developing various pharmaceutical drugs. Though venom is a cocktail of proteins, rarely are the synergy and association between various venom components studied. Understanding the relationship between various components of venom is critical in medical research. Using meta-analysis, we observed underlying patterns and associations in the appearance of the toxin families. For Crotalus, Dis has the most associations with the following toxins: PDE; BPP; CRL; CRiSP; LAAO; SVMP P-I and LAAO; SVMP P-III and LAAO. In Sistrurus venom, CTL and NGF have the most associations. These associations can predict the presence of proteins in novel venom and understand synergies between venom components for enhanced bioactivity. Using this approach, the need to revisit the classification of proteins as major components or minor components is highlighted. The revised classification of venom components is based on ubiquity, bioactivity, the number of associations, and synergies. The revised classification can be expected to trigger increased research on venom components, such as NGF, which have high biomedical significance. Using hierarchical clustering, we observed that the genera's venom compositions were similar, based on functional characteristics rather than phylogenetic relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anant Deshwal
- Division of Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Phuc Phan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Jyotishka Datta
- Department of Statistics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Ragupathy Kannan
- Department of Biology, University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, Fort Smith, AR 72913, USA
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Badari JC, Díaz-Roa A, Teixeira Rocha MM, Mendonça RZ, da Silva Junior PI. Patagonin-CRISP: Antimicrobial Activity and Source of Antimicrobial Molecules in Duvernoy's Gland Secretion ( Philodryas patagoniensis Snake). Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:586705. [PMID: 33603660 PMCID: PMC7884886 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.586705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Snake venom contains a variety of toxins with a range of biological activity, among these toxins cysteine-rich secreted proteins (CRISPs) can be found. The proteins of this family have masses of 20-30 kDa and display homologous amino acid sequences containing 16 cysteine residues, forming eight disulfide bonds. Some of these proteins have been explored, characterized, and described in terms of their activity; however, little is known about their range of activities. A search for new antimicrobial molecules is ongoing, as the number of microbial strains resistant to available antibiotics is increasing. We identified antimicrobial activity in the secretion of Duvernoy's gland of the rear-fanged Philodryas patagoniensis. Fractions of this venom were subjected to reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography and analyzed to determine their antimicrobial activity with a liquid broth inhibition assay. One of the fractions presented activity against a Gram-negative bacterium and a filamentous fungus. This fraction was analyzed with LC-MS/MS, and a protein of 24,848.8 Da was identified. Database searches allowed us to identify it as a CRISP due to the presence of some unique fragments in the molecule. We called it patagonin-CRISP, as the same protein in the venom of P. patagoniensis had previously been characterized as having a different biological activity. Patagonin-CRISP presented activity at very low concentrations and showed no cytotoxic activity. This is the first time that antimicrobial activity has been identified for P. patagoniensis venom or for a CRISP family protein.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Díaz-Roa
- Laboratory for Applied Toxinology (LETA) - Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling - CeTICS/CEPID Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil.,Escuela de Ciencias Agrícolas, Pecuarias y del Medio Ambiente (ECAPMA), Universidad Nacional Abierta y a Distancia (UNAD), Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | | | - Pedro Ismael da Silva Junior
- Laboratory for Applied Toxinology (LETA) - Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling - CeTICS/CEPID Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
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Casao TDRL, Pinheiro CG, Sarandy MM, Zanatta AC, Vilegas W, Novaes RD, Gonçalves RV, Viana Leite JP. Croton urucurana Baillon stem bark ointment accelerates the closure of cutaneous wounds in knockout IL-10 mice. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2020; 261:113042. [PMID: 32531412 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Croton urucurana Baill. (Euphorbiaceae) is a plant used in Brazilian popular medicine for the treatment of wound healing, inflammatory diseases, gastritis, infections, and hemorrhoids. AIM The present study aimed to evaluate the in vivo wound healing activity of an ointment based on ethanolic extract of C. urucurana stem bark, at concentrations of 5% and 10%, and to relate it with compounds that could be associated with this activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS Analyses by FIA-ESI-IT-MSn were carried out to investigate the chemical composition of C. urucurana. Knockout IL-10 (n = 60) mice and wild type C57 (n = 12) mice were separated into 6 groups to evaluate the wound healing activity. Knockout IL-10 mice: SAL (0.9% saline); BAS (ointment base); SS (1% silver sulfadiazine); CR1 (ointment with extract of C. urucurana 5%); CR2 (ointment with extract of C. urucurana 10%); and wild mice C57: SALC57 (Saline 0.9%). A circular wound with 10 mm in diameter was generated on the dorsal of the animals. Tissue specimen of the wounds were removed on days 7 and 14 of the treatment for histopathological, oxidative status and analyses of pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokines in scar tissue. RESULTS In the phytochemical profile, twelve proanthocyanidins were identified (in the form of monomers, dimers, trimers, and tetramers), based on (epi)catechin and (epi)gallocatechin. Furthermore, two quercetin derivatives and two alkaloids were detected. The groups treated with CR1 and CR2 ointments presented higher rate of wound closure, increased total number of cells, mast cells, blood vessels and higher deposition of type III and I collagen. In addition, they showed increased amount of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL- 2 and IFN-γ), and anti-inflmatory cytokines (IL-4), on the 7th day of treatment. CONCLUSION The results presented support the popular use of preparations based on the bark of C. urucurana as a healing compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thalia Del Rosario Loyo Casao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Viçosa Federal University, 35570-900, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Camila Graça Pinheiro
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Viçosa Federal University, 35570-900, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Mariáurea Matias Sarandy
- Department of Animal Biology, Viçosa Federal University, 35570-900, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Ana Caroline Zanatta
- Institute of Chemistry, São Paulo State University, Araraquara, 14800-900, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Wagner Vilegas
- Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University, 05508-900, São Vicente, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Rômulo Dias Novaes
- Department of Structural Biology, Federal University of Alfenas, 37130-001, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | | | - João Paulo Viana Leite
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Viçosa Federal University, 35570-900, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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Álvarez-Martínez FJ, Barrajón-Catalán E, Micol V. Tackling Antibiotic Resistance with Compounds of Natural Origin: A Comprehensive Review. Biomedicines 2020; 8:E405. [PMID: 33050619 PMCID: PMC7601869 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8100405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug-resistant bacteria pose a serious threat to human health worldwide. Current antibiotics are losing efficacy and new antimicrobial agents are urgently needed. Living organisms are an invaluable source of antimicrobial compounds. The antimicrobial activity of the most representative natural products of animal, bacterial, fungal and plant origin are reviewed in this paper. Their activity against drug-resistant bacteria, their mechanisms of action, the possible development of resistance against them, their role in current medicine and their future perspectives are discussed. Electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus and ScienceDirect were used to search scientific contributions until September 2020, using relevant keywords. Natural compounds of heterogeneous origins have been shown to possess antimicrobial capabilities, including against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The most commonly found mechanisms of antimicrobial action are related to protein biosynthesis and alteration of cell walls and membranes. Various natural compounds, especially phytochemicals, have shown synergistic capacity with antibiotics. There is little literature on the development of specific resistance mechanisms against natural antimicrobial compounds. New technologies such as -omics, network pharmacology and informatics have the potential to identify and characterize new natural antimicrobial compounds in the future. This knowledge may be useful for the development of future therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Javier Álvarez-Martínez
- Institute of Research, Development and Innovation in Health Biotechnology of Elche (IDiBE), Universitas Miguel Hernández (UMH), 03202 Elche, Spain
| | - Enrique Barrajón-Catalán
- Institute of Research, Development and Innovation in Health Biotechnology of Elche (IDiBE), Universitas Miguel Hernández (UMH), 03202 Elche, Spain
| | - Vicente Micol
- Institute of Research, Development and Innovation in Health Biotechnology of Elche (IDiBE), Universitas Miguel Hernández (UMH), 03202 Elche, Spain
- CIBER, Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrición, CIBERobn, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CB12/03/30038), 28220 Madrid, Spain
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Lamiyan AK, Dalal R, Kumar NR. Venom peptides in association with standard drugs: a novel strategy for combating antibiotic resistance - an overview. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2020; 26:e20200001. [PMID: 32843888 PMCID: PMC7416788 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2020-0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Development of antibiotic resistance that leads to resurgence of bacterial infections poses a threat to disease-free existence for humankind and is a challenge for the welfare of the society at large. Despite research efforts directed towards treatment of pathogens, antibiotics within new improved classes have not emerged for years, a fact largely attributable to the pharmacological necessities compelling drug development. Recent reversion to the use of natural products alone or in combination with standard drugs has opened up new vistas for alternative therapeutics. The success of this strategy is evident in the sudden interest in plant extracts as additives/synergists for treatment of maladies caused by drug-resistant bacterial strains. Animal venoms have long fascinated scientists as sources of pharmacologically active components that can be exploited for the treatment of specific ailments and should be promoted further to clinical trials. In the present review, we outline the scope and possible methods for the applications of animal venoms in combination with commercial antibiotics to offer a better treatment approach against antibiotic-resistant infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ramkesh Dalal
- Department of Zoology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
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21
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Acidic Phospholipase A2-Peptide Derivative Modulates Oxidative Status and Microstructural Reorganization of Scar Tissue after Cutaneous Injury. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 2020:8273986. [PMID: 32733589 PMCID: PMC7369679 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8273986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
From in vitro and in vivo models, the proliferative and healing potential of an acidic phospholipase A2 (LAPLA2) from Lachesis muta venom was investigated. The LAPLA2 proliferative activity was evaluated on fibroblasts and keratinocytes cultured, and the antioxidant and regenerative potential of LAPLA2 was analyzed in a murine model. The animal study consisted of four groups: C (negative control): 0.9% NaCl; SS (positive control): 1% silver sulfadiazine; L1 group: 0.5% LAPLA2; and L2 group: 0.25% LAPLA2. Wounds were topically treated daily for 12 days, and scar tissue samples were collected every 4 days. In vitro, LAPLA2 stimulated marked time-dependent cell proliferation. In vivo, it increased the antioxidant activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) and carbonyl protein (CP) levels in scar tissue treated with LAPLA2 at 0.5%. This peptide was effective in stimulating cellular proliferation, neoangiogenesis, type I and III collagen deposition, and maturation in a time-dependent-way, reducing the time required for wound closure. Our results indicated that LAPLA2 presented a remarkable potential in improving the oxidative status and microstructural reorganization of the scar tissue by stimulation of cellularity, angiogenesis, colagenogenesis, and wound contraction, suggesting that the peptide could be a potential candidate for a new healing drug.
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Hitchhiking with Nature: Snake Venom Peptides to Fight Cancer and Superbugs. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12040255. [PMID: 32326531 PMCID: PMC7232197 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12040255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract For decades, natural products in general and snake venoms (SV) in particular have been a rich source of bioactive compounds for drug discovery, and they remain a promising substrate for therapeutic development. Currently, a handful of SV-based drugs for diagnosis and treatment of various cardiovascular disorders and blood abnormalities are on the market. Likewise, far more SV compounds and their mimetics are under investigation today for diverse therapeutic applications, including antibiotic-resistant bacteria and cancer. In this review, we analyze the state of the art regarding SV-derived compounds with therapeutic potential, focusing on the development of antimicrobial and anticancer drugs. Specifically, information about SV peptides experimentally validated or predicted to act as antimicrobial and anticancer peptides (AMPs and ACPs, respectively) has been collected and analyzed. Their principal activities both in vitro and in vivo, structures, mechanisms of action, and attempts at sequence optimization are discussed in order to highlight their potential as drug leads. Key Contribution This review describes the state of the art in snake venom-derived peptides and their therapeutic applications. This work reinforces the potential of snake venom components as therapeutic agents, particularly in the quest for new antimicrobial and anticancer drugs.
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Ashrafi M, Xu Y, Muhamadali H, White I, Wilkinson M, Hollywood K, Baguneid M, Goodacre R, Bayat A. A microbiome and metabolomic signature of phases of cutaneous healing identified by profiling sequential acute wounds of human skin: An exploratory study. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0229545. [PMID: 32106276 PMCID: PMC7046225 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Profiling skin microbiome and metabolome has been utilised to gain further insight into wound healing processes. The aims of this multi-part temporal study in 11 volunteers were to analytically profile the dynamic wound tissue and headspace metabolome and sequence microbial communities in acute wound healing at days 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28, and to investigate their relationship to wound healing, using non-invasive quantitative devices. Metabolites were obtained using tissue extraction, sorbent and polydimethylsiloxane patches and analysed using GCMS. PCA of wound tissue metabolome clearly separated time points with 10 metabolites of 346 being involved in separation. Analysis of variance-simultaneous component analysis identified a statistical difference between the wound headspace metabolome, sites (P = 0.0024) and time points (P<0.0001), with 10 out of the 129 metabolites measured involved with this separation between sites and time points. A reciprocal relationship between Staphylococcus spp. and Propionibacterium spp. was observed at day 21 (P<0.05) with a statistical correlation between collagen and Propionibacterium (r = 0.417; P = 0.038) and Staphylococcus (r = -0.434; P = 0.03). Procrustes analysis showed a statistically significant similarity between wound headspace and tissue metabolome with non-invasive wound devices. This exploratory study demonstrates the temporal and dynamic nature of acute wound metabolome and microbiome presenting a novel class of biomarkers that correspond to wound healing, with further confirmatory studies now necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Ashrafi
- Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Research, Division of Musculoskeletal & Dermatological Sciences, NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Bioengineering Group, School of Materials, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Yun Xu
- School of Chemistry, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Howbeer Muhamadali
- School of Chemistry, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Iain White
- School of Chemistry, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Laboratory for Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Nova Gorica, Nova Gorica, Slovenia
| | - Maxim Wilkinson
- School of Chemistry, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Katherine Hollywood
- Manchester Centre for Synthetic Biology of Fine and Speciality Chemicals (SYNBIOCHEM), Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Mohamed Baguneid
- Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Royston Goodacre
- School of Chemistry, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Ardeshir Bayat
- Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Research, Division of Musculoskeletal & Dermatological Sciences, NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Bioengineering Group, School of Materials, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Zaragoza-Bastida A, Flores-Aguilar SC, Aguilar-Castro LM, Morales-Ubaldo AL, Valladares-Carranza B, Rangel-López L, Olmedo-Juárez A, Rosenfeld-Miranda CE, Rivero-Pérez N. Antibacterial and Hemolytic Activity of Crotalus Triseriatus and Crotalus Ravus Venom. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E281. [PMID: 32054095 PMCID: PMC7071099 DOI: 10.3390/ani10020281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rattlesnakes have venoms with a complex toxin mixture comprised of polypeptides and proteins. Previous studies have shown that some of these polypeptides are of high value for the development of new medical treatments. The aim of the present study is to evaluate, in vitro, the antibacterial and hemolytic activity of Crotalus triseriatus and Crotalus ravus venoms. A direct field search was conducted to obtain Crotalus triseriatus and Crotalus ravus venom samples. These were evaluated to determine their antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa through the techniques of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC). Hemolytic activity was also determined. Antibacterial activity was determined for treatments (Crotalus triseriatus 2) CT2 and (Crotalus ravus 3) CR3, obtaining a Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of 50 µg/mL and a Minimum Bactericidal Concentration of 100 µg/mL against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. CT1 (Crotalus triseriatus 1), CT2, and CR3 presented hemolytic activity; on the other hand, Crotalus ravus 4 (CR4) did not show hemolytic activity. The results of the present study indicate for the first time that Crotalus triseriatus and Crotalus ravus venoms contain some bioactive compounds with bactericidal activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa which could be used as alternative treatment in diseases caused by this pathogenic bacterium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Zaragoza-Bastida
- Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Área Académica de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Instituto de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Rancho Universitario Av. Universidad km 1, EX-Hda de Aquetzalpa, Tulancingo, Hidalgo 43600, Mexico; (A.Z.-B.); (A.L.M.-U.); (L.R.-L.)
| | - Saudy Consepcion Flores-Aguilar
- Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Área Académica de Biología, Instituto de Ciencias Básicas e Ingeniería. Carretera Pachuca-Tulancingo S/N Int. 22 Colonia Carboneras, Mineral de la Reforma, Hidalgo 42180, Mexico; (S.C.F.-A.); (L.M.A.-C.)
| | - Liliana Mireya Aguilar-Castro
- Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Área Académica de Biología, Instituto de Ciencias Básicas e Ingeniería. Carretera Pachuca-Tulancingo S/N Int. 22 Colonia Carboneras, Mineral de la Reforma, Hidalgo 42180, Mexico; (S.C.F.-A.); (L.M.A.-C.)
| | - Ana Lizet Morales-Ubaldo
- Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Área Académica de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Instituto de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Rancho Universitario Av. Universidad km 1, EX-Hda de Aquetzalpa, Tulancingo, Hidalgo 43600, Mexico; (A.Z.-B.); (A.L.M.-U.); (L.R.-L.)
| | - Benjamín Valladares-Carranza
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, El Cerrillo Piedras Blancas, Toluca 50295, Mexico;
| | - Lenin Rangel-López
- Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Área Académica de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Instituto de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Rancho Universitario Av. Universidad km 1, EX-Hda de Aquetzalpa, Tulancingo, Hidalgo 43600, Mexico; (A.Z.-B.); (A.L.M.-U.); (L.R.-L.)
| | - Agustín Olmedo-Juárez
- Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Salud Animal e Inocuidad (CENID SAI-INIFAP), Carretera Federal Cuernavaca-Cuautla No. 8534 / Col. Progreso, Jiutepec 62550, Morelos, Mexico;
| | - Carla E. Rosenfeld-Miranda
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Isla Teja s/n, Casilla 567, Valdivia, Chile;
| | - Nallely Rivero-Pérez
- Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Área Académica de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Instituto de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Rancho Universitario Av. Universidad km 1, EX-Hda de Aquetzalpa, Tulancingo, Hidalgo 43600, Mexico; (A.Z.-B.); (A.L.M.-U.); (L.R.-L.)
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Topical antimicrobial peptide formulations for wound healing: Current developments and future prospects. Acta Biomater 2020; 103:52-67. [PMID: 31874224 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2019.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 225] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are the natural antibiotics recognized for their potent antibacterial and wound healing properties. Bare AMPs have limited activity following topical application attributable to their susceptibility to environment (hydrolysis, oxidation, photolysis), and wound (alkaline pH, proteolysis) related factors as well as minimal residence time. Therefore, the formulation of AMPs is essential to enhance stability, prolong delivery, and optimize effectiveness at the wound site. Different topical formulations of AMPs have been developed so far including nanoparticles, hydrogels, creams, ointments, and wafers to aid in controlling bacterial infection and enhance wound healing process in vivo. Herein, an overview is provided of the AMPs and current understanding of their formulations for topical wound healing applications along with suitable examples. Furthermore, future prospects for the development of effective combination AMP formulations are discussed. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Chronic wound infection and subsequent development of antibiotic resistance are serious clinical problems affecting millions of people worldwide. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) possess great potential in effectively killing the bacteria with minimal risk of resistance development. However, AMPs susceptibility to degradation following topical application limits their antimicrobial and wound healing effects. Therefore, development of an optimized topical formulation with high peptide stability and sustained AMP delivery is necessary to maximize the antimicrobial and wound healing effects. The present review provides an overview of the state-of-art in the field of topical AMP formulations for wound healing. Current developments in the field of topical AMP formulations are reviewed and future prospects for the development of effective combination AMP formulations are discussed.
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Antimicrobial Activity of Protein Fraction from Naja ashei Venom Against Staphylococcus epidermidis. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25020293. [PMID: 31936872 PMCID: PMC7024148 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25020293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 01/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the key problems of modern infectious disease medicine is the growing number of drug-resistant and multi-drug-resistant bacterial strains. For this reason, many studies are devoted to the search for highly active antimicrobial substances that could be used in therapy against bacterial infections. As it turns out, snake venoms are a rich source of proteins that exert a strong antibacterial effect, and therefore they have become an interesting research material. We analyzed Naja ashei venom for such antibacterial properties, and we found that a specific composition of proteins can act to eliminate individual bacterial cells, as well as the entire biofilm of Staphylococcus epidermidis. In general, we used ion exchange chromatography (IEX) to obtain 10 protein fractions with different levels of complexity, which were then tested against certified and clinical strains of S. epidermidis. One of the fractions (F2) showed exceptional antimicrobial effects both alone and in combination with antibiotics. The protein composition of the obtained fractions was determined using mass spectrometry techniques, indicating a high proportion of phospholipases A2, three-finger toxins, and L-amino acids oxidases in F2 fraction, which are most likely responsible for the unique properties of this fraction. Moreover, we were able to identify a new group of low abundant proteins containing the Ig-like domain that have not been previously described in snake venoms.
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Abstract
Abstract
An increasing problem in the field of health protection is the emergence of drug-resistant and multi-drug-resistant bacterial strains. They cause a number of infections, including hospital infections, which currently available antibiotics are unable to fight. Therefore, many studies are devoted to the search for new therapeutic agents with bactericidal and bacteriostatic properties. One of the latest concepts is to search for this type of substances among toxins produced by venomous animals. In this approach, however, special attention is paid to snake venom because it contains molecules with antibacterial properties. Thorough investigations have shown that the phospholipases A2 (PLA2) and l-amino acids oxidases (LAAO), as well as fragments of these enzymes, are mainly responsible for the bactericidal properties of snake venoms. Some preliminary research studies also suggest that fragments of three-finger toxins (3FTx) are bactericidal. It has also been proven that some snakes produce antibacterial peptides (AMP) homologous to human defensins and cathelicidins. The presence of these proteins and peptides means that snake venoms continue to be an interesting material for researchers and can be perceived as a promising source of antibacterial agents.
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Thakur R, Chattopadhyay P, Mukherjee AK. The wound healing potential of a pro-angiogenic peptide purified from Indian Russell's viper (Daboia russelii) venom. Toxicon 2019; 165:78-82. [PMID: 31054289 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The cutaneous wound healing property of a pro-angiogenic venom peptide (RVVAP) in a cream-based formulation was evaluated using the excision wound healing model on Wistar strain rats. The wound healing potency and modest antibacterial activity of RVVAP was enhanced significantly (p < 0.05) when combined with Aloe vera extract. RVVAP was also found to be non-toxic at the tested dose of 1.0 mg/kg. Nevertheless, the release of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α in RVVAP-treated mice was suppressed, compared to the untreated controls. This is the first report assessing the wound healing potential of a low-molecular mass, non-enzymatic, pro-angiogenic peptide purified from snake venom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupamoni Thakur
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, School of Sciences, Tezpur University, Tezpur-784 028, Assam, India; Department of Life Sciences, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh- 786 004, Assam, India
| | - Pronobesh Chattopadhyay
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology, Defense Research Laboratory, Tezpur- 784 001, Assam, India
| | - Ashis K Mukherjee
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, School of Sciences, Tezpur University, Tezpur-784 028, Assam, India.
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Krishnankutty SP, Muraleedharan M, Perumal RC, Michael S, Benny J, Balan B, Kumar P, Manazhi J, Kumar BD, Santhosh S, Thomas G, Gupta R, Zachariah A. Next-generation sequencing analysis reveals high bacterial diversity in wild venomous and non-venomous snakes from India. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2018; 24:41. [PMID: 30598660 PMCID: PMC6303853 DOI: 10.1186/s40409-018-0181-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The oral cavities of snakes are replete with various types of bacterial flora. Culture-dependent studies suggest that some of the bacterial species are responsible for secondary bacterial infection associated with snakebite. A complete profile of the ophidian oral bacterial community has been unreported until now. Therefore, in the present study, we determined the complete bacterial compositions in the oral cavity of some snakes from India. Methods Total DNA was isolated from oral swabs collected from three wild snake species (Indian Cobra, King Cobra and Indian Python). Next, the DNA was subjected to PCR amplification of microbial 16S rRNA gene using V3-region-specific primers. The amplicons were used for preparation of DNA libraries that were sequenced on an Illumina MiSeq platform. Results The cluster-based taxonomy analysis revealed that Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria were the most predominant phyla present in the oral cavities of snakes. This result indicates that snakes show more similarities to birds than mammals as to their oral bacterial communities. Furthermore, our study reports all the unique and common bacterial species (total: 147) found among the oral microbes of snakes studied, while the majority of commonly abundant species were pathogens or opportunistic pathogens to humans. A wide difference in ophidian oral bacterial flora suggests variation by individual, species and geographical region. Conclusion The present study would provide a foundation for further research on snakes to recognize the potential drugs/antibiotics for the different infectious diseases. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s40409-018-0181-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Saju Michael
- AgriGenome Labs Pvt. Ltd., SmartCity Kochi, Kakkanad, Kerala 682042 India
| | - Jubina Benny
- AgriGenome Labs Pvt. Ltd., SmartCity Kochi, Kakkanad, Kerala 682042 India
| | - Bipin Balan
- AgriGenome Labs Pvt. Ltd., SmartCity Kochi, Kakkanad, Kerala 682042 India
| | - Pramod Kumar
- AgriGenome Labs Pvt. Ltd., SmartCity Kochi, Kakkanad, Kerala 682042 India
| | - Jishnu Manazhi
- Department of Forests and Wildlife, Sulthan Batheri, Wayanad District, Kerala 673592 India
| | | | - Sam Santhosh
- AgriGenome Labs Pvt. Ltd., SmartCity Kochi, Kakkanad, Kerala 682042 India
| | - George Thomas
- SciGenom Research Foundation, Cheruthuruthy, Kerala 679531 India
| | - Ravi Gupta
- 4Medgenome Labs Pvt. Ltd., Narayana Health City, Bommasandra, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560099 India
| | - Arun Zachariah
- Department of Forests and Wildlife, Sulthan Batheri, Wayanad District, Kerala 673592 India
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Excision wound healing activity of a common biosurfactant produced by Pseudomonas sp. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wndm.2018.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Pfalzgraff A, Brandenburg K, Weindl G. Antimicrobial Peptides and Their Therapeutic Potential for Bacterial Skin Infections and Wounds. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:281. [PMID: 29643807 PMCID: PMC5882822 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 289] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Alarming data about increasing resistance to conventional antibiotics are reported, while at the same time the development of new antibiotics is stagnating. Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are mainly caused by the so called ESKAPE pathogens (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species) which belong to the most recalcitrant bacteria and are resistant to almost all common antibiotics. S. aureus and P. aeruginosa are the most frequent pathogens isolated from chronic wounds and increasing resistance to topical antibiotics has become a major issue. Therefore, new treatment options are urgently needed. In recent years, research focused on the development of synthetic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with lower toxicity and improved activity compared to their endogenous counterparts. AMPs appear to be promising therapeutic options for the treatment of SSTIs and wounds as they show a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity, low resistance rates and display pivotal immunomodulatory as well as wound healing promoting activities such as induction of cell migration and proliferation and angiogenesis. In this review, we evaluate the potential of AMPs for the treatment of bacterial SSTIs and wounds and provide an overview of the mechanisms of actions of AMPs that contribute to combat skin infections and to improve wound healing. Bacteria growing in biofilms are more resistant to conventional antibiotics than their planktonic counterparts due to limited biofilm penetration and distinct metabolic and physiological functions, and often result in chronification of infections and wounds. Thus, we further discuss the feasibility of AMPs as anti-biofilm agents. Finally, we highlight perspectives for future therapies and which issues remain to bring AMPs successfully to the market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Pfalzgraff
- Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Günther Weindl
- Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Matkar PN, Ariyagunarajah R, Leong-Poi H, Singh KK. Friends Turned Foes: Angiogenic Growth Factors beyond Angiogenesis. Biomolecules 2017; 7:biom7040074. [PMID: 28974056 PMCID: PMC5745456 DOI: 10.3390/biom7040074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Revised: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones is a biological process that ensures an adequate blood flow is maintained to provide the cells with a sufficient supply of nutrients and oxygen within the body. Numerous soluble growth factors and inhibitors, cytokines, proteases as well as extracellular matrix proteins and adhesion molecules stringently regulate the multi-factorial process of angiogenesis. The properties and interactions of key angiogenic molecules such as vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs), fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and angiopoietins have been investigated in great detail with respect to their molecular impact on angiogenesis. Since the discovery of angiogenic growth factors, much research has been focused on their biological actions and their potential use as therapeutic targets for angiogenic or anti-angiogenic strategies in a context-dependent manner depending on the pathologies. It is generally accepted that these factors play an indispensable role in angiogenesis. However, it is becoming increasingly evident that this is not their only role and it is likely that the angiogenic factors have important functions in a wider range of biological and pathological processes. The additional roles played by these molecules in numerous pathologies and biological processes beyond angiogenesis are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratiek N Matkar
- Division of Cardiology, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada.
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
| | | | - Howard Leong-Poi
- Division of Cardiology, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada.
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
| | - Krishna K Singh
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada.
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
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Perumal Samy R, Stiles BG, Franco OL, Sethi G, Lim LH. Animal venoms as antimicrobial agents. Biochem Pharmacol 2017; 134:127-138. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2017.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Mot YY, Othman I, Sharifah SH. Synergistic antibacterial effect of co-administering adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells and Ophiophagus hannah L-amino acid oxidase in a mouse model of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus-infected wounds. Stem Cell Res Ther 2017; 8:5. [PMID: 28114965 PMCID: PMC5259957 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-016-0457-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Revised: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and Ophiophagus hannahl-amino acid oxidase (Oh-LAAO) have been reported to exhibit antimicrobial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Published data have indicated that synergistic antibacterial effects could be achieved by co-administration of two or more antimicrobial agents. However, this hypothesis has not been proven in a cell- and protein-based combination. In this study, we investigate if co-administration of adipose-derived MSCs and Oh-LAAO into a mouse model of MRSA-infected wounds would be able to result in a synergistic antibacterial effect. Methods MSCs and Oh-LAAO were isolated and characterized by standard methodologies. The effects of the experimental therapies were evaluated in C57/BL6 mice. The animal study groups consisted of full-thickness uninfected and MRSA-infected wound models which received Oh-LAAO, MSCs, or both. Oh-LAAO was administered directly on the wound while MSCs were delivered via intradermal injections. The animals were housed individually with wound measurements taken on days 0, 3, and 7. Histological analyses and bacterial enumeration were performed on wound biopsies to determine the efficacy of each treatment. Results Immunophenotyping and differentiation assays conducted on isolated MSCs indicated expression of standard cell surface markers and plasticity which corresponds to published data. Characterization of Oh-LAAO by proteomics, enzymatic, and antibacterial assays confirmed the identity, purity, and functionality of the enzyme prior to use in our subsequent studies. Individual treatments with MSCs and Oh-LAAO in the infected model resulted in reduction of MRSA load by one order of magnitude to the approximate range of 6 log10 colony-forming units (CFU) compared to untreated controls (7.3 log10 CFU). Similar wound healing and improvements in histological parameters were observed between the two groups. Co-administration of MSCs and Oh-LAAO reduced bacterial burden by approximately two orders of magnitude to 5.1 log10 CFU. Wound closure measurements and histology analysis of biopsies obtained from the combinational therapy group indicated significant enhancement in the wound healing process compared to all other groups. Conclusions We demonstrated that co-administration of MSCs and Oh-LAAO into a mouse model of MRSA-infected wounds exhibited a synergistic antibacterial effect which significantly reduced the bacterial count and accelerated the wound healing process. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13287-016-0457-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yee Yik Mot
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences and Tropical Medicine and Biology, Infectious Diseases and Health, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Subang Jaya, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Iekhsan Othman
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences and Tropical Medicine and Biology, Infectious Diseases and Health, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Subang Jaya, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Syed Hassan Sharifah
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences and Tropical Medicine and Biology, Infectious Diseases and Health, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Subang Jaya, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Sana S, Mazumder A, Datta S, Biswas D. Towards the development of an effective in vivo wound healing agent from Bacillus sp. derived biosurfactant using Catla catla fish fat. RSC Adv 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ra26904d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the excisional wound healing activity of a biosurfactant isolated fromBacillus stratosphericussp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santanu Sana
- Dept. of Chemical Technology
- University of Calcutta
- Kolkata – 700 009
- India
| | - Asit Mazumder
- Dept. of Chemical Technology
- University of Calcutta
- Kolkata – 700 009
- India
| | - Sriparna Datta
- Dept. of Chemical Technology
- University of Calcutta
- Kolkata – 700 009
- India
| | - Dipa Biswas
- Dept. of Chemical Technology
- University of Calcutta
- Kolkata – 700 009
- India
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Wen L, Zeng P, Zhang L, Huang W, Wang H, Chen G. Symbiosis theory-directed green synthesis of silver nanoparticles and their application in infected wound healing. Int J Nanomedicine 2016; 11:2757-67. [PMID: 27358563 PMCID: PMC4912321 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s106662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized for the first time using an antibacterial endophytic fungus of Chinese medicinal herb Orchidantha chinensis, which has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. The AgNPs were analyzed by various characterization techniques to reveal their morphology, chemical composition, and stability. Also, the relationship between Chinese medicinal herbs, endophytic fungi, and the property of AgNPs was investigated for the first time. Interestingly, an experiment performed in this study revealed the proteins produced by the endophytic fungus to be capped on the nanoparticles, which led to an increase in the stability of spherical and polydispersed AgNPs with low aggregation for over 6 months. More importantly, further study demonstrated that the AgNPs possessed superior antibacterial activity and effectively promoted wound healing. Altogether, the biosynthesis of active AgNPs using the endophytic fungus from Chinese medicinal herb based on the symbiosis theory is simple, eco-friendly, and promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wen
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Pei Zeng
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Liping Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenli Huang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
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A brief update on potential molecular mechanisms underlying antimicrobial and wound-healing potency of snake venom molecules. Biochem Pharmacol 2016; 115:1-9. [PMID: 26975619 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2016.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Infectious diseases remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. A wide range of diverse, novel classes of natural antibiotics have been isolated from different snake species in the recent past. Snake venoms contain diverse groups of proteins with potent antibacterial activity against a wide range of human pathogens. Some snake venom molecules are pharmacologically attractive, as they possess promising broad-spectrum antibacterial activities. Furthermore, snake venom proteins (SVPs)/peptides also bind to integrins with high affinity, thereby inhibiting cell adhesion and accelerating wound healing in animal models. Thus, SVPs are a potential alternative to chemical antibiotics. The mode of action for many antibacterial peptides involves pore formation and disruption of the plasma membrane. This activity often includes modulation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation during skin wound healing. The NF-κB pathway negatively regulates the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1/Smad pathway by inducing the expression of Smad7 and eventually reducing in vivo collagen production at the wound sites. In this context, SVPs that regulate the NF-κB signaling pathway may serve as potential targets for drug development.
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Mangoni ML, McDermott AM, Zasloff M. Antimicrobial peptides and wound healing: biological and therapeutic considerations. Exp Dermatol 2016; 25:167-73. [PMID: 26738772 PMCID: PMC4789108 DOI: 10.1111/exd.12929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 271] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Repair of tissue wounds is a fundamental process to re-establish tissue integrity and regular function. Importantly, infection is a major factor that hinders wound healing. Multicellular organisms have evolved an arsenal of host-defense molecules, including antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), aimed at controlling microbial proliferation and at modulating the host's immune response to a variety of biological or physical insults. In this brief review, we provide the evidence for a role of AMPs as endogenous mediators of wound healing and their promising therapeutic potential for the treatment of non-life-threatening skin and other epithelial injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luisa Mangoni
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences “A. Rossi Fanelli”, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, IT
| | - Alison M. McDermott
- The Ocular Surface Institute, College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael Zasloff
- MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, Georgetown University Hospital, Washington DC, USA
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Evaluating the microbicidal, antiparasitic and antitumor effects of CR-LAAO from Calloselasma rhodostoma venom. Int J Biol Macromol 2015; 80:489-97. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2015.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2015] [Revised: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 07/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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Perini JA, Angeli-Gamba T, Alessandra-Perini J, Ferreira LC, Nasciutti LE, Machado DE. Topical application of Acheflan on rat skin injury accelerates wound healing: a histopathological, immunohistochemical and biochemical study. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2015; 15:203. [PMID: 26122670 PMCID: PMC4486146 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-015-0745-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2014] [Accepted: 06/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background Dermal wound healing involves a cascade of complex events including angiogenesis and extracellular matrix remodeling. Several groups have focused in the study of the skin wound healing activity of natural products. The phytomedicine Acheflan®, and its main active constituent is the oil from Cordia verbenacea which has known anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antimicrobial activities. To our knowledge, no investigation has evaluated the effect of Acheflan® in an experimental model of skin wound healing. The present study has explored the wound healing property of Acheflan® and has compared it with topical effectiveness of collagenase and fibrinolysin by using Wistar rat cutaneous excision wound model. Methods Animals were divided into four groups: untreated animals are negative control (NC), wounds were treated topically every day with Collagenase ointment (TC), with Fibrinolysin ointment (TF) and with cream Acheflan (TAc). Skin samples were collected on zero, 8th and 15th days after wounding. The healing was assessed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE), picrosirius red, hydoxyproline content and immunohistochemical analysis of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloprotease-9 (MMP-9). Statistical analysis was done by ANOVA and Student t-test (p < 0.05). Results The histological analysis HE of wound in the TAc group was more efficient because it was possible to observe the complete remodeling of the epidermis indicating the regression of lesions compared with the NC. The evaluation of picrosirius staining has demonstrated a significant increase of collagen distribution in the TC and TAc treatments compared with NC and TF groups. These results are corroborated with hydroxyproline content. Skin TC and TAc treated rats have showed an increase of VEGF and MMP-9 compared with NC and TF groups. All parameters were significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion The phytomedicine Acheflan® (oil of Cordia verbenacea) and TC possess higher therapeutic properties for wound healing compared with TF. These ointments seem to accelerate wound healing, probably due to their involvement with the increase of angiogenesis and dermal remodeling.
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Otvos L, Ostorhazi E. Therapeutic utility of antibacterial peptides in wound healing. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2015; 13:871-81. [PMID: 25835521 DOI: 10.1586/14787210.2015.1033402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Cationic antimicrobial peptides were first thought to fight infection in animal models by disintegrating bacterial peptides and later by inhibiting bacteria-specific intracellular processes. However, ever increasing evidences indicate that cationic peptides accumulate around and modulate the immune system both systemically and in cutaneous and mucosal surfaces where injuries and infections occur. Native and designer antibacterial peptides as well as cationic peptides, never considered as antibiotics, promote wound healing at every step of cutaneous tissue regeneration. This article provides an introductory list of examples of how cationic peptides are involved in immunostimulation and epithelial tissue repair, eliminating wound infections and promoting wound healing in potential therapeutic utility in sight. Although a few antimicrobial peptides reached the Phase II clinical trial stage, toxicity concerns limit the potential administration routes. Resistance induction to both microbiology actions and the integrity of the innate immune system has to be carefully monitored.
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Novel phospholipase A2 inhibitors from python serum are potent peptide antibiotics. Biochimie 2015; 111:30-44. [PMID: 25583073 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2015.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2014] [Accepted: 01/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) play a vital role in defense against resistant bacteria. In this study, eight different AMPs synthesized from Python reticulatus serum protein were tested for bactericidal activity against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Burkholderia pseudomallei (KHW and TES strains), and Proteus vulgaris) using a disc-diffusion method (20 μg/disc). Among the tested peptides, phospholipase A2 inhibitory peptide (PIP)-18[59-76], β-Asp65-PIP[59-67], D-Ala66-PNT.II, and D60,65E-PIP[59-67] displayed the most potent bactericidal activity against all tested pathogens in a dose-dependent manner (100-6.8 μg/ml), with a remarkable activity noted against S. aureus at 6.8 μg/ml dose within 6 h of incubation. Determination of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) by a micro-broth dilution method at 100-3.125 μg/ml revealed that PIP-18[59-76], β-Asp65-PIP[59-67] and D-Ala66-PNT.II peptides exerted a potent inhibitory effect against S. aureus and B. pseudomallei (KHW) (MICs 3.125 μg/ml), while a much less inhibitory potency (MICs 12.5 μg/ml) was noted for β-Asp65-PIP[59-67] and D-Ala66-PNT.II peptides against B. pseudomallei (TES). Higher doses of peptides had no effect on the other two strains (i.e., Klebsiella pneumoniae and Streptococcus pneumoniae). Overall, PIP-18[59-76] possessed higher antimicrobial activity than that of chloramphenicol (CHL), ceftazidime (CF) and streptomycin (ST) (30 μg/disc). When the two most active peptides, PIP-18[59-76] and β-Asp65-PIP[59-67], were applied topically at a 150 mg/kg dose for testing wound healing activity in a mouse model of S. aureus infection, the former accelerates faster wound healing than the latter peptide at 14 days post-treatment. The western blot data suggest that the topical application of peptides (PIP-18[59-67] and β-Asp65-PIP[59-67]) modulates NF-kB mediated wound repair in mice with relatively little haemolytic (100-1.56 μg/ml) and cytotoxic (1000-3.125 μg/ml) effects evident on human cells in vitro.
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