1
|
Senthilkumaran S, Sampath S, Almeida JR, Williams J, Williams HF, Patel K, Thirumalaikolundusubramanian P, Vaiyapuri S. Pulmonary Thromboembolism following Russell's Viper Bites. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:222. [PMID: 38787074 PMCID: PMC11125611 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16050222] [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: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Snakebite envenoming and its resulting complications are serious threats to the health of vulnerable people living in rural areas of developing countries. The knowledge of the heterogeneity of symptoms associated with snakebite envenoming and their management strategies is vital to treat such life-threatening complications to save lives. Russell's viper envenomation induces a diverse range of clinical manifestations from commonly recognised haemotoxic and local effects to several rare conditions that are often not reported. The lack of awareness about these unusual manifestations can affect prompt diagnosis, appropriate therapeutic approaches, and positive outcomes for patients. Here, we report pulmonary thromboembolism that developed in three patients following Russell's viper envenomation and demonstrate their common clinical features and diagnostic and therapeutic approaches used. All patients showed clinical signs of local (oedema) and systemic (blood coagulation disturbances) envenomation, which were treated using polyvalent antivenom. They exhibited elevated heart rates, breathlessness, and reduced oxygen saturation, which are non-specific but core parameters in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. The recognition of pulmonary embolism was also achieved by an electrocardiogram, which showed sinus tachycardia and computed tomography and echocardiogram scans further confirmed this condition. Anti-coagulant treatment using low-molecular-weight heparin offered clinical benefits in these patients. In summary, this report reinforces the broad spectrum of previously unreported consequences of Russell's viper envenomation. The constant updating of healthcare professionals and the dissemination of major lessons learned in the clinical management of snakebite envenoming through scientific documentation and educational programs are necessary to mitigate the adverse impacts of venomous snakebites in vulnerable communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - José R. Almeida
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6UB, UK; (J.R.A.); (J.W.)
| | - Jarred Williams
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6UB, UK; (J.R.A.); (J.W.)
| | | | - Ketan Patel
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6UB, UK;
| | | | - Sakthivel Vaiyapuri
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6UB, UK; (J.R.A.); (J.W.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Machado Marinho AC, Chapeaurouge A, Dutra BM, Quintela BCSF, Pereira SS, Fernandes CFC. The role of venom proteomics and single-domain antibodies for antivenoms: Progress in snake envenoming treatment. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:103967. [PMID: 38555033 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.103967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Single-domain antibodies (sdAbs) hold promise for developing new biopharmaceuticals to treat neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), including snakebites, which are severe and occur frequently. In addition, limitations of conventional snakebite treatments, especially in terms of local action, and the global antivenom crisis incentivize the use of this biotechnological tool to design next-generation snakebite antivenoms. Conventional antivenoms for snakebite treatment are usually composed of immunoglobulin G or F(ab')2 fragments derived from the plasma of immunized animals. sdAbs, the smallest antigen-binding fragments, are derived from the variable domains of camelid heavy-chain antibodies. sdAbs may have some advantages over conventional antivenoms for local toxicity, such as better penetration into tissues due to their small size, and high solubility and affinity for venom antigens due to their unique antigen-binding loops and ability to access cryptic epitopes. We present an overview of current antivenom therapy in the context of sdAb development for toxin neutralization. Furthermore, strategies are presented for identifying snake venom's major toxins as well as for developing antisnake toxin sdAbs by employing proteomic tools for toxin neutralization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Carolina Machado Marinho
- Laboratório Multiusuário de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Ceará, FIOCRUZ CE, Eusébio-CE, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Ceará, UFC, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Alexander Chapeaurouge
- Laboratório Multiusuário de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Ceará, FIOCRUZ CE, Eusébio-CE, Brazil
| | - Brunheld Maia Dutra
- Laboratório Multiusuário de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Ceará, FIOCRUZ CE, Eusébio-CE, Brazil
| | - Barbara Cibelle S F Quintela
- Laboratório Multiusuário de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Ceará, FIOCRUZ CE, Eusébio-CE, Brazil
| | - Soraya S Pereira
- Laboratório de Engenharia de Anticorpos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Rondônia, FIOCRUZ RO, Porto Velho-RO, Brazil
| | - Carla Freire C Fernandes
- Laboratório Multiusuário de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Ceará, FIOCRUZ CE, Eusébio-CE, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Ceará, UFC, Fortaleza, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Vilca-Quispe A, Alvarez-Risco A, Gomes Heleno MA, Ponce-Fuentes EA, Vera-Gonzales C, Zegarra-Aragon HFE, Aquino-Puma JL, Talavera-Núñez ME, Del-Aguila-Arcentales S, Yáñez JA, Ponce-Soto LA. Biochemical and hemostatic description of a thrombin-like enzyme TLBro from Bothrops roedingeri snake venom. Front Chem 2023; 11:1217329. [PMID: 38099189 PMCID: PMC10720248 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2023.1217329] [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: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: The current study's objective is to characterize a new throm-bin-like enzyme called TLBro that was obtained from Bothrops roedingeris snake from a biochemical and hemostatic perspective. Methodology: One chromatographic step was used to purify it, producing the serine protease TLBro. Molecular mass was estimated by SDS-PAGE to be between reduced and unreduced by 35 kDa. Tryptic peptide sequencing using Swiss Prot provided the complete amino acid sequence. Expasy.org by conducting a search that is limited to Crotalinae snake serine proteases and displaying a high degree of amino acid sequence. Results: Ser (182) is inhibited by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF), and TLBro demonstrated the presence of Asp (88) residues. It also deduced the positions of His (43) and Ser (182) in the set of three coordinated amino acids in serine proteases. It was discovered that this substrate had high specificity for BANA, Michaelis-Menten behavior with KM 0 point85 mM and Vmax 1 point89 nmoles -NA/L/min, and high stability between temperatures (15 to 70°C) and pHs (2 point0 to 10 point0). According to doses and incubation times, TLBro degraded fibrin preferentially on the B-chain; additionally, its activities were significantly diminished after preincubation with divalent ions (Zn2 and Cd2). When incubated with PMSF, a particular serine protease inhibitor, enzymatic activities and platelet aggregation were inhibited. Conclusion: The findings revealed distinct structural and functional differences between the serine proteases, adding to the information and assisting in the improvement of the structure-function relationship.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Augusto Vilca-Quispe
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biology (IB), State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Aldo Alvarez-Risco
- Facultad de Administración y Negocios, Universidad Tecnológica del Perú, Lima, Perú
| | - Mauricio Aurelio Gomes Heleno
- Centro de Estudos de Venenos e Animais Peçonhentos (CEVAP), Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Corina Vera-Gonzales
- Departamento Académico de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Formales, Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa, Arequipa, Perú
| | | | - Juan Luis Aquino-Puma
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa, Arequipa, Perú
| | - María Elena Talavera-Núñez
- Departamento Académico de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Formales, Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa, Arequipa, Perú
| | | | - Jaime A. Yáñez
- Facultad de Educación, Carrera de Educación y Gestión del Aprendizaje, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Lima, Perú
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Nafiseh NN, Hossein V, Nasser MD, Mojtaba N, Minoo A, Mohammad Ali B, Giti P. Analysis and Identification of Putative Novel Peptides Purified from Iranian Endemic Echis Carinatus Sochureki Snake Venom by MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry. ARCHIVES OF RAZI INSTITUTE 2023; 78:1503-1527. [PMID: 38590689 PMCID: PMC10998951 DOI: 10.22092/ari.2023.78.5.1503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
The Iranian Echis Carinatus (IEC) venom is an exclusive natural source of bio-substances for a wide range of purposes in the blood coagulation cascade. The present study for the first time was aimed to assess novel pro-coagulant, anti-coagulant and anti-platelet proteins, named EC1.5 (a), EC5.1 (b) and EC4 (a) from Iranian Echis Carinatus (IEC) venom. These peptides were purified by multi-step chromatography methods. Hematological properties were measured using activated clotting tests, platelet aggregation studies, and hemorrhage assessment. Subsequently, these proteins were identified through both their intact molecular mass and peptide mass fingerprint (PMF) using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Multiple sequence alignments were performed by ClustalW, Bioedit software. Molegro Data Modeller (MDM) 3.0 software was used to predict the putative tertiary structure of proteins.EC1.5 (a), a single-band protein with a molecular mass of 66 and 55 kDa, was observed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis as a reduced and non-reduced state, respectively. Based on the Mascot results, we considered that EC1.5 (a) is a metalloproteinase of group ΙΙ which exhibited potent pro-coagulant activity. It is predicted that the EC1.5 (a) with hemorrhagic activity, potentially is a metalloproteinase/disintegrin region that constitutes the disintegrin-like domains. Our findings demonstrate that the disintegrin domain of EC1.5 (a) lacks platelet aggregation inhibitory activity. On the contrary, this factor shows the property of a platelet aggregation inducer. Also, the EC5.1 (b) was observed as a single-band protein with a molecular mass of 7.5 kDa. EC5.1 (b) showed both anti-coagulant and anti-platelet properties. Additionally, the structure of the EC5.1 (b) fraction is expected to be similar to that of phospholipase A2, while EC4 (a) structure is potentially very similar to that of Echistatin with 5 kDa molecular mass. We introduce the predicted structure of P-II snake venom metalloproteinase/ disintegrin domains, phospholipase A2 and Echistatin-like fractions. Further research is therefore needed to determine the complete structure of these novel fractions and elucidate their mechanism of action and future therapeutic applications of cardiovascular and homeostasis disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nasri Nasrabadi Nafiseh
- Student Research Committee, Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran
| | - Vatanpour Hossein
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran
| | | | - Najafi Mojtaba
- Department of Venomous Animals and Anti-venom, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran
| | - Ahmadinejad Minoo
- Department of Molecular Genetic and Animal Breeding, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Golestan, Iran
| | - Bayatzadeh Mohammad Ali
- Blood Transfusion Research Center, Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pouyanmehr Giti
- Ph.D. student of toxicology, Tehran Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Khan NA, Amorim FG, Dunbar JP, Leonard D, Redureau D, Quinton L, Dugon MM, Boyd A. Inhibition of bacterial biofilms by the snake venom proteome. BIOTECHNOLOGY REPORTS (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 39:e00810. [PMID: 37559690 PMCID: PMC10407894 DOI: 10.1016/j.btre.2023.e00810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Snake venoms possess a range of pharmacological and toxicological activities. Here we evaluated the antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity against methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA and MRSA) of venoms from the Samar spitting cobra Naja samarensis and the Puff adder Bitis arietans. Both venoms prevented biofilm production by pathogenic S. aureus in a growth-independent manner, with the B. arietans venom being most potent. Fractionation showed the active molecule to be heat-labile and >10 kDa in size. Proteomic profiles of N. samarensis venom revealed neurotoxins and cytotoxins, as well as an abundance of serine proteases and three-finger toxins, while serine proteases, metalloproteinases and C-lectin types were abundant in B. arietans venom. These enzymes may have evolved to prevent bacteria colonising the snake venom gland. From a biomedical biotechnology perspective, they have valuable potential for anti-virulence therapy to fight antibiotic resistant microbes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neyaz A. Khan
- Pathogenic Mechanisms Research Group, School of Natural Sciences, University of Galway, Ireland
| | | | - John P. Dunbar
- Venom Systems & Proteomics Lab, School of Natural Sciences, Ryan Institute, University of Galway, Ireland
| | - Dayle Leonard
- Pathogenic Mechanisms Research Group, School of Natural Sciences, University of Galway, Ireland
- Venom Systems & Proteomics Lab, School of Natural Sciences, Ryan Institute, University of Galway, Ireland
| | - Damien Redureau
- Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, MolSys RU, University of Liège, Belgium
| | - Loïc Quinton
- Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, MolSys RU, University of Liège, Belgium
| | - Michel M. Dugon
- Venom Systems & Proteomics Lab, School of Natural Sciences, Ryan Institute, University of Galway, Ireland
| | - Aoife Boyd
- Pathogenic Mechanisms Research Group, School of Natural Sciences, University of Galway, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Tiwari N, Aggarwal G, Jain GK, Mittal G. Multi-drug loaded microneedles for emergency treatment of snakebite envenomation. Med Hypotheses 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2022.110908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
|
7
|
Abstract
The deleterious consequences of snake envenomation are due to the extreme protein complexity of snake venoms. Therefore, the identification of their components is crucial for understanding the clinical manifestations of envenomation pathophysiology and for the development of effective antivenoms. In addition, snake venoms are considered as libraries of bioactive molecules that can be used to develop innovative drugs. Numerous separation and analytical techniques are combined to study snake venom composition including chromatographic techniques such as size exclusion and RP-HPLC and electrophoretic techniques. Herein, we present in detail these existing techniques and their applications in snake venom research. In the first part, we discuss the different possible technical combinations that could be used to isolate and purify SV proteins using what is known as bioassay-guided fractionation. In the second part, we describe four different proteomic strategies that could be applied for venomics studies to evaluate whole venom composition, including the mostly used technique: RP-HPLC. Eventually, we show that to date, there is no standard technique used for the separation of all snake venoms. Thus, different combinations might be developed, taking into consideration the main objective of the study, the available resources, and the properties of the target molecules to be isolated.
Collapse
|
8
|
Yong MY, Tan KY, Tan CH. Potential para-specific and geographical utility of Thai Green Pit Viper (Trimeresurus albolabris) Monovalent Antivenom: Neutralization of procoagulant and hemorrhagic activities of diverse Trimeresurus pit viper venoms. Toxicon 2021; 203:85-92. [PMID: 34600909 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The Trimeresurus complex consists of diverse medically important venomous pit vipers that cause snakebite envenomation. Antivenoms, however, are in limited supply, and are specific to only two out of the many species across Asia. This study thus investigated the immunoreactivities of regional pit viper antivenoms toward selected Trimeresurus pit viper venoms, and examined the neutralization of their hemotoxic activities. Trimeresurus albolabris Monovalent Antivenom (TaMAV, Thailand) exhibited a higher immunoreactivity than Hemato Bivalent Antivenom (HBAV, raised against Trimeresurus stejnegeri and Protobothrops mucrosquamatus, Taiwan) and Gloydius brevicaudus Monovalent Antivenom (GbMAV, China), attributed to its monovalent nature and conserved antigens in the Trimeresurus pit viper venoms. The venoms showed moderate-to-strong in vitro procoagulant and in vivo hemorrhagic effects consistent with hemotoxic envenomation, except for the Sri Lankan Trimeresurus trigonocephalus venom which lacked hemorrhagic activity. TaMAV was able to differentially neutralize both in vitro and in vivo hemotoxic effects of the venoms, with the lowest efficacy shown against the procoagulant effect of T. trigonocephalus venom. The findings suggest that TaMAV is a potentially useful treatment for envenomation caused by hetero-specific Trimeresurus pit vipers, in particular those in Southeast Asia and East Asia. Clinical study is warranted to establish its spectrum of para-specific effectiveness, and dosages need be tailored to the different species in respective regions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mun Yee Yong
- Venom Research and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Kae Yi Tan
- Protein and Interactomics Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Choo Hock Tan
- Venom Research and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Damm M, Hempel BF, Süssmuth RD. Old World Vipers-A Review about Snake Venom Proteomics of Viperinae and Their Variations. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13060427. [PMID: 34204565 PMCID: PMC8235416 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13060427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fine-tuned by millions of years of evolution, snake venoms have frightened but also fascinated humanity and nowadays they constitute potential resources for drug development, therapeutics and antivenoms. The continuous progress of mass spectrometry techniques and latest advances in proteomics workflows enabled toxinologists to decipher venoms by modern omics technologies, so-called ‘venomics’. A tremendous upsurge reporting on snake venom proteomes could be observed. Within this review we focus on the highly venomous and widely distributed subfamily of Viperinae (Serpentes: Viperidae). A detailed public literature database search was performed (2003–2020) and we extensively reviewed all compositional venom studies of the so-called Old-World Vipers. In total, 54 studies resulted in 89 venom proteomes. The Viperinae venoms are dominated by four major, four secondary, six minor and several rare toxin families and peptides, respectively. The multitude of different venomics approaches complicates the comparison of venom composition datasets and therefore we differentiated between non-quantitative and three groups of quantitative workflows. The resulting direct comparisons within these groups show remarkable differences on the intra- and interspecies level across genera with a focus on regional differences. In summary, the present compilation is the first comprehensive up-to-date database on Viperinae venom proteomes and differentiating between analytical methods and workflows.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maik Damm
- Department of Chemistry, Technische Universität Berlin, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Benjamin-Florian Hempel
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, (BCRT), 10117 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Roderich D. Süssmuth
- Department of Chemistry, Technische Universität Berlin, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, Germany;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(0)30-314-24205
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chowdhury A, Zdenek CN, Lewin MR, Carter R, Jagar T, Ostanek E, Harjen H, Aldridge M, Soria R, Haw G, Fry BG. Venom-Induced Blood Disturbances by Palearctic Viperid Snakes, and Their Relative Neutralization by Antivenoms and Enzyme-Inhibitors. Front Immunol 2021; 12:688802. [PMID: 34177943 PMCID: PMC8222980 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.688802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Palearctic vipers are medically significant snakes in the genera Daboia, Macrovipera, Montivipera, and Vipera which occur throughout Europe, Central Asia, Near and Middle East. While the ancestral condition is that of a small-bodied, lowland species, extensive diversification has occurred in body size, and niche specialization. Using 27 venom samples and a panel of in vitro coagulation assays, we evaluated the relative coagulotoxic potency of Palearctic viper venoms and compared their neutralization by three antivenoms (Insoserp Europe, VIPERFAV and ViperaTAb) and two metalloprotease inhibitors (prinomastat and DMPS). We show that variation in morphology parallels variation in the Factor X activating procoagulant toxicity, with the three convergent evolutions of larger body sizes (Daboia genus, Macrovipera genus, and Vipera ammodytes uniquely within the Vipera genus) were each accompanied by a significant increase in procoagulant potency. In contrast, the two convergent evolutions of high altitude specialization (the Montivipera genus and Vipera latastei uniquely within the Vipera genus) were each accompanied by a shift away from procoagulant action, with the Montivipera species being particularly potently anticoagulant. Inoserp Europe and VIPERFAV antivenoms were both effective against a broad range of Vipera species, with Inoserp able to neutralize additional species relative to VIPERFAV, reflective of its more complex antivenom immunization mixture. In contrast, ViperaTAb was extremely potent in neutralizing V. berus but, reflective of this being a monovalent antivenom, it was not effective against other Vipera species. The enzyme inhibitor prinomastat efficiently neutralized the metalloprotease-driven Factor X activation of the procoagulant venoms. In contrast, DMPS (2,3-dimercapto-1-propanesulfonic acid), which as been suggested as another potential treatment option in the absence of antivenom, DMPS failed against all venoms tested. Overall, our results highlight the evolutionary variations within Palearctic vipers and help to inform clinical management of viper envenomation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abhinandan Chowdhury
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Science, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry & Microbiology, North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Christina N. Zdenek
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Science, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Matthew R. Lewin
- California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Ophirex, Inc., Corte Madera, CA, United States
| | | | | | | | - Hannah Harjen
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | | | | | - Grace Haw
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Science, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Bryan G. Fry
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Science, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Youngman NJ, Chowdhury A, Zdenek CN, Coster K, Sundman E, Braun R, Fry BG. Utilising venom activity to infer dietary composition of the Kenyan horned viper (Bitis worthingtoni). Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2021; 240:108921. [PMID: 33122136 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2020.108921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Bitis are well known for being some of the most commonly encountered and medically important snake species in all of Africa. While the majority of species possess potently anticoagulant venom, only B. worthingtoni is known to possess procoagulant venom. Although known to be the basal species within the genus, B. worthingtoni is an almost completely unstudied species with even basic dietary information lacking. This study investigated various aspects of the unique procoagulant effects of B. worthingtoni venom. Coagulation assays determined the primary procoagulant effect to be driven by Factor X activating snake venom metalloprotease toxins. In addition to acting upon the mammalian blood clotting cascade, B. worthingtoni venom was also shown to clot amphibian plasma. As previous studies have shown differences in clotting factors between amphibian and mammalian plasmas, individual enzymes in snake venoms acting on plasma clotting factors can be taxon-selective. As venoms evolve under purifying selection pressures, this suggests that the procoagulant snake venom metalloprotease toxins present in B. worthingtoni have likely been retained from a recent common ancestor shared with the related amphibian-feeding Proatheris superciliaris, and that both amphibians and mammals represent a substantial proportion of B. worthingtoni current diet. Thus, taxon-specific actions of venoms may have utility in inferring dietary composition for rare or difficult to study species. An important caveat is that to validate this hypothesis field studies investigating the dietary ecology of B. worthingtoni must be conducted, as well as further investigations of its venom composition to reconstruct the molecular evolutionary history of the toxins present.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Youngman
- Toxin Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Abhinandan Chowdhury
- Toxin Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Christina N Zdenek
- Toxin Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | | | - Eric Sundman
- Universeum, Södra Vägen 50, 412 54 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ralph Braun
- Serpentarium Calden, Birkenweg 11, 34379 Calden, Germany
| | - Bryan G Fry
- Toxin Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Gopcevic K, Karadzic I, Izrael-Zivkovic L, Medic A, Isakovic A, Popović M, Kekic D, Stanojkovic T, Hozic A, Cindric M. Study of the venom proteome of Vipera ammodytes ammodytes (Linnaeus, 1758): A qualitative overview, biochemical and biological profiling. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY D-GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2020; 37:100776. [PMID: 33197857 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2020.100776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Vipera ammodytes (Va), is the European venomous snake of the greatest medical importance. We analyzed whole venom proteome of the subspecies V. ammodytes ammodytes (Vaa) from Serbia for the first time using the shotgun proteomics approach and identified 99 proteins belonging to four enzymatic families: serine protease (SVSPs), L-amino acid oxidase (LAAOs), metalloproteinases (SVMPs), group II phospholipase (PLA2s), and five nonenzymatic families: cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISPs), C-type lectins (snaclecs), growth factors -nerve (NGFs) and vascular endothelium (VEGFs), and Kunitz-type protease inhibitors (SPIs). Considerable enzymatic activity of LAAO, SVSPs, and SVMPs and a high acidic PLA2 activity was measured implying potential of Vaa to produce haemotoxic, myotoxic, neuro and cardiotoxic effects. Moreover, significant antimicrobial activity of Vaa venom against Gram-negative (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) was found. The crude venom shows considerable potential cytotoxic activity on the C6 and HL60 and a moderate level of potency on B16 cell lines. HeLa cells showed the same sensitivity, while DU 145 and PC-3 are less sensitive than as normal cell line. Our data demonstrated a high complexity of Vaa and considerable enzymatic, antibacterial and cytotoxic activity, implying a great medical potential of Vaa venom as a promising source for new antibacterial and cytostatic agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Gopcevic
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Ivanka Karadzic
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Lidija Izrael-Zivkovic
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ana Medic
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksandra Isakovic
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marjan Popović
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dusan Kekic
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Amela Hozic
- Ruđer Bošković Institute, Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mario Cindric
- Ruđer Bošković Institute, Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry, Zagreb, Croatia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Drofenik S, Leonardi A, Žužek MC, Frangež R, Križaj I. The first Kunitz-type proteins from a viperid venom that potentiate neuromuscular transmission. Toxicon 2020; 187:262-270. [PMID: 33010297 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Kunitz-type proteins that interfere with neuronal transmission have been thus far exclusively detected in venoms of elapid snakes. Here, we report for the first time that such proteins are also present in the venom of a viperid snake. From the venom of the nose-horned viper (Vipera ammodytes ammodytes; Vaa), we isolated Kunitz-type chymotrypsin inhibitors (VaaChi) and demonstrated that these molecules also significantly increase the amplitudes of an indirectly evoked simple muscle contraction of the mouse hemidiaphragm, the end-plate potential and the miniature end-plate potential. By facilitating neuromuscular transmission, these proteins resemble structurally homologous dendrotoxins from mamba (Dendroaspis spp.) venoms, which are blockers of voltage-dependent K+ channels at the presynaptic site of the neuromuscular junction. What is the mechanism behind facilitation of neuromuscular transmission by VaaChi has not been established yet, however, blocking of K+ channels does not seem to be the most probable option.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabina Drofenik
- Institute of Preclinical Sciences, Veterinary Faculty, Gerbičeva 60, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Adrijana Leonardi
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Monika C Žužek
- Institute of Preclinical Sciences, Veterinary Faculty, Gerbičeva 60, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Robert Frangež
- Institute of Preclinical Sciences, Veterinary Faculty, Gerbičeva 60, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Igor Križaj
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| |
Collapse
|