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Cheng R, Xu L, Gong J, Yu F, Lv Y, Yuan H, Hu F. Complement activation in wasp venom-induced acute kidney injury. Ren Fail 2024; 46:2344658. [PMID: 38644359 PMCID: PMC11034453 DOI: 10.1080/0886022x.2024.2344658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have highlighted the significant role of complement activation in kidney injuries induced by rhabdomyolysis, intravascular hemolysis, sepsis, and ischemia-reperfusion. Nevertheless, the specific role and mechanism of complement activation in acute kidney injury (AKI) caused by wasp venom remain unclear. The aim of this study was to elucidate the specific complement pathway activated and investigate complement activation in AKI induced by wasp venom. In this study, a complement-depleted mouse model was used to investigate the role of complement in wasp venom-induced AKI. Mice were randomly categorized into control, cobra venom factor (CVF), AKI, and CVF + AKI groups. Compared to the AKI group, the CVF + AKI group showed improved pathological changes in kidneys and reduced blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels. The expression levels of renal complement 3 (C3), complement 5 (C5), complement 1q (C1q), factor B (FB), mannose-binding lectin (MBL), and C5b-9 in AKI group were upregulated compared with the control group. Conversely, the renal tissue expression levels of C3, C5, C1q, FB, MBL, and C5b-9 were decreased in the CVF + AKI group compared to those in the AKI group. Complement activation occurs through all three pathways in AKI induced by wasp venom. Furthermore, complement depletion by CVF attenuates wasp venom-induced nephrotoxicity, suggesting that complement activation plays a primary role in the pathogenesis of wasp venom-induced AKI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Cheng
- School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Liang Xu
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Jianhua Gong
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Fanglin Yu
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Ying Lv
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Hai Yuan
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Fengqi Hu
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
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Bartlett KE, Hall SR, Rasmussen SA, Crittenden E, Dawson CA, Albulescu LO, Laprade W, Harrison RA, Saviola AJ, Modahl CM, Jenkins TP, Wilkinson MC, Gutiérrez JM, Casewell NR. Dermonecrosis caused by a spitting cobra snakebite results from toxin potentiation and is prevented by the repurposed drug varespladib. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2315597121. [PMID: 38687786 PMCID: PMC11087757 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2315597121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Snakebite envenoming is a neglected tropical disease that causes substantial mortality and morbidity globally. The venom of African spitting cobras often causes permanent injury via tissue-destructive dermonecrosis at the bite site, which is ineffectively treated by current antivenoms. To address this therapeutic gap, we identified the etiological venom toxins in Naja nigricollis venom responsible for causing local dermonecrosis. While cytotoxic three-finger toxins were primarily responsible for causing spitting cobra cytotoxicity in cultured keratinocytes, their potentiation by phospholipases A2 toxins was essential to cause dermonecrosis in vivo. This evidence of probable toxin synergism suggests that a single toxin-family inhibiting drug could prevent local envenoming. We show that local injection with the repurposed phospholipase A2-inhibiting drug varespladib significantly prevents local tissue damage caused by several spitting cobra venoms in murine models of envenoming. Our findings therefore provide a therapeutic strategy that may effectively prevent life-changing morbidity caused by snakebite in rural Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keirah E. Bartlett
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, LiverpoolL3 5QA, United Kingdom
| | - Steven R. Hall
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, LiverpoolL3 5QA, United Kingdom
- Centre for Drugs & Diagnostics, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, LiverpoolL3 5QA, United Kingdom
| | - Sean A. Rasmussen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre and Dalhousie University, Halifax, NSB3H 1V8, Canada
| | - Edouard Crittenden
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, LiverpoolL3 5QA, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte A. Dawson
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, LiverpoolL3 5QA, United Kingdom
| | - Laura-Oana Albulescu
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, LiverpoolL3 5QA, United Kingdom
- Centre for Drugs & Diagnostics, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, LiverpoolL3 5QA, United Kingdom
| | - William Laprade
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens LyngbyDK-2800, Denmark
| | - Robert A. Harrison
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, LiverpoolL3 5QA, United Kingdom
- Centre for Drugs & Diagnostics, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, LiverpoolL3 5QA, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony J. Saviola
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO80045
| | - Cassandra M. Modahl
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, LiverpoolL3 5QA, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy P. Jenkins
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens LyngbyDK-2800, Denmark
| | - Mark C. Wilkinson
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, LiverpoolL3 5QA, United Kingdom
| | - José María Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José11501–2060, Costa Rica
| | - Nicholas R. Casewell
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, LiverpoolL3 5QA, United Kingdom
- Centre for Drugs & Diagnostics, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, LiverpoolL3 5QA, United Kingdom
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Kusar S, Saddiqe Z, Asad MHHB, Ali F, Kirmani F. Phytochemical characterization and phospholipase A 2 inhibitory effect of Vitex negundo L. root extracts. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 323:117671. [PMID: 38163555 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Snake bites are a critical health issue in many parts of the world particularly in Asian countries lacking efficient health facilities in rural areas. Cobra is the most common snake type in Asia and is responsible for a large number of mortalities particularly in rural areas. Plants are usually considered the most effective and easy-to-approach treatment for snake bites in rural areas of various countries. Vitex negundo L. is an important medicinal plant traditionally used to treat snake bite envenomation in many countries of Asia. AIM OF THE STUDY From literature survey of plants traditionally used in the treatment of snake bites in Asian countries including India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, roots of V. negundo were selected for the present study. Anti-snake venom potential of its roots was assessed through various in vitro assays targeting the phospholipase A2 enzyme. MATERIALS AND METHODS V. negundo roots were sequentially extracted in different organic solvents to get fractions and in methanol to get total extract. The extracts were evaluated for phospholipase A2 (PLA2) inhibitory potential through inhibition of venom-induced hemolysis, ADP-induced platelet aggregation, PLA2-induced fatty acid hydrolysis and anticoagulant effect of cobra venom. Antioxidant power was determined using DPPH and superoxide radical scavenging assays. GC-MS and HPLC analysis was performed for the total methanol extract. RESULTS Strong PLA2 inhibitory effect was observed for all the extracts. The ethyl acetate, acetone and methanol fractions significantly inhibited toxic effects of cobra venom under in vitro conditions. Radical scavenging potential of these fractions was also significantly high as compared to non-polar fractions in both DPPH and superoxide scavenging assays. Phytochemical analysis indicated high phenolic and flavonoid contents in these fractions. GC-MS and HPLC analysis of total methanol extract confirmed the presence of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, phenol, o-Guaiacol, palmitic acid-methyl ester, methyl stearate, quercetin and kaempferol in the plant. CONCLUSION The study concluded that the roots of V. negundo, particularly their polar extracts, have strong PLA2 inhibitory effect against cobra venom confirming their traditional use to manage snake bites. The roots of this plant can be further studied for isolation of plant-based antisera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shabana Kusar
- Department of Botany, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Zeb Saddiqe
- Department of Botany, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan; Department of Botany, Govt. Queen Mary Graduate College, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | | | - Faiza Ali
- Department of Botany, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Fatima Kirmani
- Department of Botany, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan
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Neri-Castro E, Zarzosa V, Benard-Valle M, Rodríguez-Solís AM, Hernández-Orihuela L, Ortiz-Medina JA, Alagón A. Quantifying venom production: A study on Micrurus snakes in Mexico. Toxicon 2024; 240:107658. [PMID: 38395261 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.107658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Our study quantifies venom production in nine Mexican coral snake species (Micrurus), encompassing 76 specimens and 253 extractions. Noteworthy variations were observed, with M. diastema and M. laticollaris displaying diverse yields, ranging from 0.3 mg to 59 mg. For animals for which we have length data, there is a relationship between size and venom quantity. Twenty-eight percent of the observed variability in venom production can be explained by snake size, suggesting that other factors influence the amount of obtained venom. These findings are pivotal for predicting venom effects and guiding antivenom interventions. Our data offer insights into Micrurus venom yields, laying the groundwork for future research and aiding in medical response strategies. This study advances understanding coral snake venom production, facilitating informed medical responses to coral snake bites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar Neri-Castro
- Investigador por México, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, Av. Universidad s/n. Fracc. Filadelfia, C.P. 35010, Gómez Palacio, Dgo., Mexico; Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Chamilpa, C.P. 62210, Cuernavaca, Mor., Mexico.
| | - Vanessa Zarzosa
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Chamilpa, C.P. 62210, Cuernavaca, Mor., Mexico
| | - Melisa Benard-Valle
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Audrey Michelle Rodríguez-Solís
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Chamilpa, C.P. 62210, Cuernavaca, Mor., Mexico
| | - Lorena Hernández-Orihuela
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Chamilpa, C.P. 62210, Cuernavaca, Mor., Mexico
| | - Javier A Ortiz-Medina
- Departamento de Sistemática y Ecología Acuática, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Unidad Chetumal, Avenida Centenario km 5.5, 77014, Chetumal Quintana Roo, Mexico; Unidad de Manejo para la conservación de la vida silvestre Tsáab Kaan, Baca, Yucatán, Mexico; HERP.MX A.C., Villa de Álvarez, Colima, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Alagón
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Chamilpa, C.P. 62210, Cuernavaca, Mor., Mexico
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Talukdar A, Doley R. Identification of poorly immunodepleted phospholipase A 2 (PLA 2) proteins of Bungarus fasciatus venom from Assam, India and evaluation of Indian polyvalent antivenom using third-generation antivenomics. Toxicon 2024; 239:107617. [PMID: 38219916 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.107617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Bungarus fasciatus also referred to as the Banded krait is a snake which possesses venom and belongs to the Elapidae family. It is widely distributed across the Indian subcontinent and South East Asian countries and is responsible for numerous snakebites in the population. B. fasciatus possesses a neurotoxic venom and envenomation by the snake results in significant morbidity and occasional morbidity in the victim if not treated appropriately. In this study, the efficacy of Indian polyvalent antivenom (Premium Serums polyvalent antivenom) was evaluated against the venom of B. fasciatus from Guwahati, Assam (India) employing the Third-generation antivenomics technique followed by identification of venom proteins from three poorly immunodepleted peaks (P5, P6 and P7) using LC-MS/MS analysis. Seven proteins were identified from the three peaks and all these venom proteins belonged to the phospholipase A2 (PLA2) superfamily. The identified PLA2 proteins were corroborated by the in vitro enzymatic activities (PLA2 and Anticoagulant activity) exhibited by the three peaks and previous reports of pathological manifestation in the envenomated victims. Neutralization of enzymatic activities by Premium Serums polyvalent antivenom was also assessed in vitro for crude venom, P5, P6 and P7 which revealed moderate to poor inhibition. Inclusion of venom proteins/peptides, which are non-immunodepleted or poorly immunodepleted, into the immunization mixture of venom used for antivenom production may help in enhancing the efficacy of the polyvalent antivenom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Talukdar
- Molecular Toxinology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Assam, 784028, India
| | - Robin Doley
- Molecular Toxinology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Assam, 784028, India.
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Jalali A, Mohajer S, Jowkar Z, Kazemi SM. The need to expand cover of polyvalent snake antivenom in Iran. Toxicon 2024; 238:107585. [PMID: 38145880 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Amir Jalali
- Department of Applied Cellular Sciences and Tissue Engineering, Langroud School of Allied Medical Sciences, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Sedigheh Mohajer
- General ICU, Poursina Medical and Educational Center, Rasht, Guilan, Iran
| | - Zahra Jowkar
- Department of English Language and Literature, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Seyed Mahdi Kazemi
- Zagros Herpetological Institute, 37156-88415, P. O. No 12, Somayyeh 14 Avenue, Qom, Iran.
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Choowongkomon K, Chaisakul J, Seetaha S, Vasaruchapong T, Hodgson WC, Rasri N, Chaeksin K, Boonchaleaw S, Sookprasert N. Development of a Biosensor to Detect Venom of Malayan Krait ( Bungarus candidus). Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:56. [PMID: 38276532 PMCID: PMC10820552 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16010056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Malayan krait (Bungarus candidus) envenoming is a cause of significant morbidity and mortality in many Southeast Asian countries. If intubation and specific antivenom administration are delayed, the most significant life-threatening outcome may be the inhibition of neuromuscular transmission and subsequent respiratory failure. It is recommended that krait-envenomed victims without indications of neurotoxicity, e.g., skeletal muscle weakness or ptosis, immediately receive 10 vials of antivenom. However, the administration of excess antivenom may lead to hypersensitivity or serum sickness. Therefore, monitoring venom concentrations in patients could be used as an indicator for snake antivenom treatment. In this study, we aimed to develop a screen-printed gold electrode (SPGE) biosensor to detect B. candidus venom in experimentally envenomed rats. The gold electrodes were coated with monovalent Malayan krait IgG antivenom and used as venom detection biosensors. Electrochemical impedance spectrometry (EIS) and square wave voltammetry (SWV) measurements were performed to detect the electrical characterization between B. candidus venom and monovalent IgG antivenom in the biosensor. The EIS measurements showed increases in charge transfer resistance (Rct) following IgG immobilization and incubation with B. candidus venom solution (0.1-0.4 mg/mL); thus, the antibody was immobilized on the electrode surface and venom was successfully detected. The lowest current signal was detected by SWV measurement in rat plasma collected 30 min following B. candidus experimental envenoming, indicating the highest level of venom concentration in blood circulation (4.3 ± 0.7 µg/mL). The present study demonstrates the ability of the SPGE biosensor to detect B. candidus venom in plasma from experimentally envenomed rats. The technology obtained in this work may be developed as a detection tool for use along with the standard treatment of Malayan krait envenoming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiattawee Choowongkomon
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngam Wong Wan Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; (K.C.); (S.S.); (N.R.)
- Genetic Engineering Interdisciplinary Program, Graduate School, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; (K.C.); (S.B.)
| | - Janeyuth Chaisakul
- Department of Pharmacology, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Ratchawithi Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Supaphorn Seetaha
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngam Wong Wan Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; (K.C.); (S.S.); (N.R.)
| | - Taksa Vasaruchapong
- Snake Farm, Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
| | - Wayne C. Hodgson
- Monash Venom Group, Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia;
| | - Natchaya Rasri
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngam Wong Wan Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; (K.C.); (S.S.); (N.R.)
| | - Katechawin Chaeksin
- Genetic Engineering Interdisciplinary Program, Graduate School, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; (K.C.); (S.B.)
| | - Sattawat Boonchaleaw
- Genetic Engineering Interdisciplinary Program, Graduate School, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; (K.C.); (S.B.)
| | - Nattapon Sookprasert
- Department of Preclinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Rangsit Campus, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand
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Kumar A, Madni ZK, Chaturvedi S, Salunke DM. Recombinant human scFv antibody fragments against phospholipase A2 from Naja naja and Echis carinatus snake venoms: In vivo neutralization and mechanistic insights. Mol Immunol 2024; 165:55-67. [PMID: 38154407 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2023.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Snake envenomation results in a range of clinical sequelae, and widely used animal-based conventional antivenoms exhibit several limitations including the adverse immunological effects in human snake bite victims. Therefore, human monoclonal anti-snake venom antibodies or fragments can be an alternate therapy for overcoming the existing limitations. We developed venom-neutralizing humanized scFv antibodies and analyzed biochemical mechanisms associated with the inhibition of toxicity. Tomlinson I and J human scFv antibody libraries were screened against Naja naja and Echis carinatus venoms, and seven unique scFv antibodies were obtained. Further, specific toxins of snake venom interacting with each of these scFvs were identified, and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) was found to be prominently captured by the phage-anchored scFv antibodies. Our study indicated PLA2 to be one of the abundant toxins in Naja naja and Echis carinatus venom samples. The scFvs binding to PLA2 were used to perform in vivo survival assay using the mouse model and in vitro toxin inhibition assays. scFv N194, which binds to acidic PLA2, protected 50% of mice treated with Naja naja venom. Significant prolongation of survival time and 16% survival were observed in Echis carinatus venom-challenged mice treated with scFv E113 and scFv E10, respectively. However, a combination comprised of an equal amount of two scFvs, E113 and E10, both interacting with basic PLA2, exhibited synergistically enhanced survival of 33% in Echis carinatus venom-challenged mice. No such synergistically enhanced survival was observed in the case of combinatorial treatment with anti-Naja naja scFvs, N194, and N248. These scFvs demonstrated partial inhibition of venom-induced myotoxicity, and E113 also inhibited hemolysis by 50%, which corroborates the enhanced survival during combinatorial treatment in Echis carinatus venom-challenged mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Kumar
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Zaid Kamal Madni
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Shivam Chaturvedi
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Dinakar M Salunke
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India.
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Zhang Z, Yang J, Fang J, Zhang J, Zeng L, Li J. Case Report: Snake Venom Ophthalmia Caused by Cobra Exposure: A Report of 26 Cases. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2023; 109:1393-1396. [PMID: 37931316 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
We report 26 cases of eye injuries resulting from cobra venom sprayed by Naja atra. This accounts for 14.5% of patients (26/173) treated for cobra injuries who presented to the emergency department of a snakebite treatment center in Guangzhou, South China. Pain, blurred vision, lacrimation, photophobia, and foreign body sensation were the most common symptoms, found in 24 patients. Ophthalmic examination revealed eyelid swelling and conjunctival congestion. Eye slit lamp examination showed obvious punctate corneal epithelial defects in four patients. Five patients received an intravenous infusion of antivenom. All patients' eyes were rinsed completely with normal saline after their arrival at the hospital. Prophylactic topical antibiotics were given to all patients. All eyes were cured without long-term sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehan Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jieyi Yang
- Department of Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Fang
- Department of Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiasheng Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liangbo Zeng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianjing Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Gao S, Yao X, Chen J, Huang G, Fan X, Xue L, Li Z, Wu T, Zheng Y, Huang J, Jin X, Wang Y, Wang Z, Yu Y, Liu L, Pan X, Song C, Yan N. Structural basis for human Ca v1.2 inhibition by multiple drugs and the neurotoxin calciseptine. Cell 2023; 186:5363-5374.e16. [PMID: 37972591 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Cav1.2 channels play crucial roles in various neuronal and physiological processes. Here, we present cryo-EM structures of human Cav1.2, both in its apo form and in complex with several drugs, as well as the peptide neurotoxin calciseptine. Most structures, apo or bound to calciseptine, amlodipine, or a combination of amiodarone and sofosbuvir, exhibit a consistent inactivated conformation with a sealed gate, three up voltage-sensing domains (VSDs), and a down VSDII. Calciseptine sits on the shoulder of the pore domain, away from the permeation path. In contrast, when pinaverium bromide, an antispasmodic drug, is inserted into a cavity reminiscent of the IFM-binding site in Nav channels, a series of structural changes occur, including upward movement of VSDII coupled with dilation of the selectivity filter and its surrounding segments in repeat III. Meanwhile, S4-5III merges with S5III to become a single helix, resulting in a widened but still non-conductive intracellular gate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Gao
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA.
| | - Xia Yao
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Jiaofeng Chen
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structures, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Gaoxingyu Huang
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China
| | - Xiao Fan
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Lingfeng Xue
- Center for Quantitative Biology, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Zhangqiang Li
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structures, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Tong Wu
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structures, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yupeng Zheng
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jian Huang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Xueqin Jin
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structures, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Zhifei Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Yong Yu
- Department of Biological Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Lei Liu
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xiaojing Pan
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structures, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research and Translation, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, China
| | - Chen Song
- Center for Quantitative Biology, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
| | - Nieng Yan
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA; Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structures, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research and Translation, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, China.
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11
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Op den Brouw B, Fernandez-Rojo MA, Charlton T, Fry BG, Ikonomopoulou MP. Malaysian and Chinese King Cobra Venom Cytotoxicity in Melanoma and Neonatal Foreskin Fibroblasts Is Mediated by Age and Geography. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:549. [PMID: 37755975 PMCID: PMC10534572 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15090549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Snake venoms constitute a complex, rapidly evolving trait, whose composition varies between and within populations depending on geographical location, age and preys (diets). These factors have determined the adaptive evolution for predatory success and link venom heterogeneity with prey specificity. Moreover, understanding the evolutionary drivers of animal venoms has streamlined the biodiscovery of venom-derived compounds as drug candidates in biomedicine and biotechnology. The king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah; Cantor, 1836) is distributed in diverse habitats, forming independent populations, which confer differing scale markings, including between hatchlings and adults. Furthermore, king cobra venoms possess unique cytotoxic properties that are used as a defensive trait, but their toxins may also have utility as promising anticancer-agent candidates. However, the impact of geographical distribution and age on these potential venom applications has been typically neglected. In this study, we hypothesised that ontogenetic venom variation accompanies the morphological distinction between hatchlings and adults. We used non-transformed neonatal foreskin (NFF) fibroblasts to examine and compare the variability of venom cytotoxicity between adult captive breeding pairs from Malaysian and Chinese lineages, along with that of their progeny upon hatching. In parallel, we assessed the anticancer potential of these venoms in human-melanoma-patient-derived cells (MM96L). We found that in a geographical distribution and gender-independent manner, venoms from hatchlings were significantly less cytotoxic than those from adults (NFF; ~Log EC50: 0.5-0.6 vs. 0.2-0.35 mg/mL). This is consistent with neonates occupying a semifossorial habitat, while adults inhabit more above-ground habitats and are therefore more conspicuous to potential predators. We also observed that Malaysian venoms exhibited a slightly higher cytotoxicity than those from the Chinese cobra cohorts (NFF; Log EC50: 0.1-0.3 vs. 0.3-0.4 mg/mL), which is consistent with Malaysian king cobras being more strongly aposematically marked. These variations are therefore suggestive of differential anti-predator strategies associated with the occupation of distinct niches. However, all cobra venoms were similarly cytotoxic in both melanoma cells and fibroblasts, limiting their potential medical applications in their native forms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Op den Brouw
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia;
| | - Manuel A. Fernandez-Rojo
- Hepatic Regenerative Medicine Group, Madrid Institute for Advanced Studies in Food, E28049 Madrid, Spain;
- Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Tom Charlton
- Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, All Saints Building, Manchester M15 6BH, UK;
| | - Bryan G. Fry
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia;
| | - Maria P. Ikonomopoulou
- Translational Venomics Group, Madrid Institute for Advanced Studies in Food, E28049 Madrid, Spain
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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12
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Huang B, Ruan L, Wang L, Xue H, Sun M, Duan M, Peng L. Mimicking Ding's Roll Method on Notexin-Induced Muscle Injury in Rats. J Vis Exp 2023. [PMID: 37677004 DOI: 10.3791/65820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Ding's roll method is one of the most commonly used manipulations in traditional Chinese massage (Tuina) clinics and one of the most influential contemporary Tuina manipulations in China. It is based on the traditional rolling method commonly used in the one finger Zen genre and named Ding's roll method. Due to its anti-inflammatory and blood circulation-promoting effects, Ding's rolling method has sound therapeutic effects on myopathy. Because of the large area of force applied to human skin, Ding's roll method is challenging to perform on experimental animals with small skin areas, such as rats and rabbits. Additionally, the strength of Tuina applied to the human body differs from that applied to experimental animals, so it may happen that the strength is too high or too low to achieve the therapeutic effect of Tuina during the experiment. This experiment aims to create a simple massager suitable for rats based on Ding's rolling manipulation parameters (strength, frequency, Tuina duration). The device can standardize manipulation in animal experiments and reduce the variation in Tuina force applied to different animals due to subjective factors. A rat model of notexin-induced skeletal muscle injury was established, and plasma injury markers creatine kinase (CK) and fatty acid binding protein 3 (FABP3) were used to assess the therapeutic effect of Tuina on skeletal muscle injury. The results showed that this Tuina massager could reduce the levels of CK and FABP3 expression and slow down the degree of skeletal muscle injury. Therefore, the Tuina massager described here, mimicking Ding's roll method, contributes to standardizing Tuina manipulation in experimental research and is of great help for subsequent research on the molecular mechanism of Tuina for myopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Huang
- College of Acupuncture and Tuina and Rehabilitation, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Lei Ruan
- College of Acupuncture and Tuina and Rehabilitation, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Lanlan Wang
- College of Acupuncture and Tuina and Rehabilitation, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Huitian Xue
- College of Acupuncture and Tuina and Rehabilitation, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Menglong Sun
- College of Acupuncture and Tuina and Rehabilitation, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Miaomiao Duan
- College of Acupuncture and Tuina and Rehabilitation, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Liang Peng
- College of Acupuncture and Tuina and Rehabilitation, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine;
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13
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Ratanabanangkoon K. Polyvalent Snake Antivenoms: Production Strategy and Their Therapeutic Benefits. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:517. [PMID: 37755943 PMCID: PMC10536913 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15090517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Snake envenomation remains an important yet neglected medical problem in many countries, with around five million people affected, and over a hundred thousand deaths annually. Plasma-derived antivenoms are the main therapeutic agent available. Monovalent antivenoms are produced via the immunization of large animals, e.g., horses, with one venom, after which the horse serum can neutralize the homologous venom, with minimal or no cross neutralization against other venoms. It is necessary, therefore, for the culprit snake to be identified, so that the appropriate specific antivenom can be selected. Polyvalent antivenoms (pAVs) are produced via immunization with a number of snake venoms, and the serum can neutralize all the venoms used in its production. Thus, pAVs can be used to treat several venoms from a country/region, and the identification of the culprit snake is not necessary. There are various parameters and processes involved in the production of pAVs, depending on the requirements and resources available. Most commercial pAVs use a mixture of both elapid and viperid venoms as immunogens, while some pAVs use either elapid or viperid venoms. Some pAVs are produced through the mixing of more than one monovalent or polyvalent antivenom. These various types of pAVs have their own characteristics, and have benefits and drawbacks. The major benefits of pAVs are the wide coverage of many medically important venoms, including many heterologous venoms. They also remove the need to identify the culprit snake, and they can be produced at a lower cost than several monovalent antivenoms. Interesting polyvalent antivenoms, termed 'syndromic pAVs' (s-pAVs), have recently gained attention. They are produced for use according to the syndromes manifested in snakebite patients. The venoms that produce these syndromes are used as immunogens in the production of 'syndromic antivenoms'. For example, 'neurotoxic polyvalent antivenom' and 'hematotoxic polyvalent antivenom' are produced using the neurotoxic elapid and hematotoxic viperid venoms as immunogens, respectively. They were first marketed by the Thai Red Cross in 2012, and have since gained attention as a possible therapeutic modality to help solve the problem of snakebite envenomation globally. The merits of these s-pAVs, including their efficacy and wide paraspecificities, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavi Ratanabanangkoon
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
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Jones L, Waite C, Neri-Castro E, Fry BG. Comparative Analysis of Alpha-1 Orthosteric-Site Binding by a Clade of Central American Pit Vipers (Genera Atropoides, Cerrophidion, Metlapilcoatlus, and Porthidium). Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:487. [PMID: 37624244 PMCID: PMC10467085 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15080487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The distribution and relative potency of post-synaptic neurotoxic activity within Crotalinae venoms has been the subject of less investigation in comparison with Elapidae snake venoms. No previous studies have investigated post-synaptic neurotoxic activity within the Atropoides, Metlapilcoatlus, Cerrophidion, and Porthidium clade. Given the specificity of neurotoxins to relevant prey types, we aimed to uncover any activity present within this clade of snakes that may have been overlooked due to lower potency upon humans and thus not appearing as a clinical feature. Using biolayer interferometry, we assessed the relative binding of crude venoms to amphibian, lizard, bird, rodent and human α-1 nAChR orthosteric sites. We report potent alpha-1 orthosteric site binding in venoms from Atropoides picadoi, Metlapilcoatlus occiduus, M. olmec, M. mexicanus, M. nummifer. Lower levels of binding, but still notable, were evident for Cerrophidion godmani, C. tzotzilorum and C. wilsoni venoms. No activity was observed for Porthidium venoms, which is consistent with significant alpha-1 orthosteric site neurotoxicity being a trait that was amplified in the last common ancestor of Atropoides/Cerrophidion/Metlapilcoatlus subsequent to the split by Porthidium. We also observed potent taxon-selective activity, with strong selection for non-mammalian targets (amphibian, lizard, and bird). As these are poorly studied snakes, much of what is known about them is from clinical reports. The lack of affinity towards mammalian targets may explain the knowledge gap in neurotoxic activity within these species, since symptoms would not appear in bite reports. This study reports novel venom activity, which was previously unreported, indicating toxins that bind to post-synaptic receptors may be more widespread in pit vipers than previously considered. While these effects appear to not be clinically significant due to lineage-specific effects, they are of significant evolutionary novelty and of biodiscovery interest. This work sets the stage for future research directions, such as the use of in vitro and in vivo models to determine whether the alpha-1 orthosteric site binding observed within this study confers neurotoxic venom activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee Jones
- Venom Evolution Laboratory, School of the Environment, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia;
| | - Callum Waite
- Venom Evolution Laboratory, School of the Environment, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia;
| | - Edgar Neri-Castro
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, Av. Universidad s/n. Fracc. Filadelfia, Gómez Palacio 35010, Dgo., Mexico;
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Chamilpa, Cuernavaca 62210, Mor., Mexico
| | - Bryan G. Fry
- Venom Evolution Laboratory, School of the Environment, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia;
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He D, Hu S, Huang Z, Mo C, Cheng X, Song P, Li Y, Song T, Guan Z, Zhou Y, Zhang X, Liao M. Metabolomics analyses of serum metabolites perturbations associated with Naja atra bite. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011507. [PMID: 37639406 PMCID: PMC10461852 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Naja atra bite is one of the most common severe snakebites in emergency departments. Unfortunately, the pathophysiological changes caused by Naja atra bite are unclear due to the lack of good animal models. In this study, an animal model of Naja atra bite in Guangxi Bama miniature pigs was established by intramuscular injection at 2 mg/kg of Naja atra venom, and serum metabolites were systematically analyzed using untargeted metabolomic and targeted metabolomic approaches. Untargeted metabolomic analysis revealed that 5045 chromatographic peaks were obtained in ESI+ and 3871 chromatographic peaks were obtained in ESI-. Screening in ESI+ modes and ESI- modes identified 22 and 36 differential metabolites compared to controls. The presence of 8 core metabolites of glutamine, arginine, proline, leucine, phenylalanine, inosine, thymidine and hippuric acid in the process of Naja atra bite was verified by targeted metabolomics significant difference (P<0.05). At the same time, during the verification process of the serum clinical samples with Naja atra bite, we found that the contents of three metabolites of proline, phenylalanine and inosine in the serum of the patients were significantly different from those of the normal human serum (P<0.05). By conducting functional analysis of core and metabolic pathway analysis, we revealed a potential correlation between changes in key metabolites after the Naja atra bite and the resulting pathophysiological alterations, and our research aims to establish a theoretical foundation for the prompt diagnosis and treatment of Naja atra bite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongling He
- Life Science Institute Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Shaocong Hu
- Life Science Institute Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Zhi Huang
- Life Science Institute Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Caifeng Mo
- Life Science Institute Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Xiaoyang Cheng
- Life Science Institute Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Pengshu Song
- Life Science Institute Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Yalan Li
- Life Science Institute Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Tianlin Song
- Life Science Institute Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Zhezhe Guan
- Life Science Institute Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Life Science Institute Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Xuerong Zhang
- Life Science Institute Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Ming Liao
- Life Science Institute Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, PR China
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16
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Bittenbinder MA, Capinha L, Da Costa Pereira D, Slagboom J, van de Velde B, Casewell NR, Jennings P, Kool J, Vonk FJ. Development of a high-throughput in vitro screening method for the assessment of cell-damaging activities of snake venoms. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011564. [PMID: 37590328 PMCID: PMC10465002 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Snakebite envenoming is a globally important public health issue that has devastating consequences on human health and well-being, with annual mortality rates between 81,000 and 138,000. Snake venoms may cause different pathological effects by altering normal physiological processes such as nervous transfer and blood coagulation. In addition, snake venoms can cause severe (local) tissue damage that may result in life-long morbidities, with current estimates pointing towards an additional 450,000 individuals that suffer from permanent disabilities such as amputations, contractions and blindness. Despite such high morbidity rates, research to date has been mainly focusing on neurotoxic and haemotoxic effects of snake venoms and considerably less on venom-induced tissue damage. The molecular mechanisms underlaying this pathology include membrane disruption and extracellular matrix degradation. This research describes methods used to study the (molecular) mechanisms underlaying venom-induced cell- and tissue damage. A selection of cellular bioassays and fluorescent microscopy were used to study cell-damaging activities of snake venoms in multi-well plates, using both crude and fractionated venoms. A panel of 10 representative medically relevant snake species was used, which cover a large part of the geographical regions most heavily affected by snakebite. The study comprises both morphological data as well as quantitative data on cell metabolism and viability, which were measured over time. Based on this data, a distinction could be made in the ways by which viper and elapid venoms exert their effects on cells. We further made an effort to characterise the bioactive compounds causing these effects, using a combination of liquid chromatography methods followed by bioassaying and protein identification using proteomics. The outcomes of this study might prove valuable for better understanding venom-induced cell- and tissue-damaging pathologies and could be used in the process of developing and improving snakebite treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matyas A. Bittenbinder
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- AIMMS, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Liliana Capinha
- Division of Molecular and Computational Toxicology, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel Da Costa Pereira
- Division of Molecular and Computational Toxicology, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Julien Slagboom
- AIMMS, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bas van de Velde
- AIMMS, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nicholas R. Casewell
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Jennings
- Division of Molecular and Computational Toxicology, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Kool
- AIMMS, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Freek J. Vonk
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- AIMMS, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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17
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Kashkooli S, Khamehchian S, Dabaghian M, Namvarpour M, Tebianian M. Effects of Adjuvant and Immunization Route on Antibody Responses against Naja Naja oxiana Venom. Arch Razi Inst 2023; 78:1177-1184. [PMID: 38226391 PMCID: PMC10787925 DOI: 10.32592/ari.2023.78.4.1177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Naja naja oxiana (NNO) is one of the important venomous species in Iran. The current snakebite treatment is antivenom therapy that deals with hyper immunization of horses with crude or fractionated snake venom plus traditional adjuvants, like Freund's adjuvant. For improvement of antivenom production, it has been suggested to use different adjuvant systems or immunization procedures. In this study, humoral immune responses against immunogenic fractions of NNO venom (NNO3 and NNO4) and crude venom have been compared by usage of different adjuvant and immunization routes. Additionally, a new indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was set up for the detection of specific antivenom antibodies. This study was conducted on six different groups of female Dutch rabbits that were hyperimmunized using crude and fractionated NNO venom, along with Freund's and MF59 adjuvants through subcutaneous or intramuscular route. The immunization was performed four times with 10-day intervals and the levels of specific antibodiees were detected by indirect ELISA. The statistical analysis reveals a negligible variation in the antivenom titers among the venom-inoculated groups, regardless of the adjuvant type or the immunization route. Finally, it was concluded that the fractions are efficient for antivenom production, and it is possible to use MF59 adjuvant via subcutaneous routes as an alternative to Freund's adjuvants considering its fair immunopotentiation capacity and safety in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sh Kashkooli
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Sciences and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - S Khamehchian
- Department of Venomous Animals and Antivenom Production, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
| | - M Dabaghian
- Department of Immunology, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
| | - M Namvarpour
- Department of Immunology, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Yazd, Iran
| | - M Tebianian
- Department of Venomous Animals and Antivenom Production, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
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18
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Gómez A, Sánchez A, Durán G, Villalta M, Segura Á, Vargas M, Solano D, Herrera M, Sánchez M, Gutiérrez JM, León G. Intrageneric cross-reactivity of monospecific rabbit antisera against venoms of the medically most important Naja spp. African snakes. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011545. [PMID: 37582064 PMCID: PMC10426987 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Envenomations by African snakes represent a high burden in the sub-Sahara region. The design and fabrication of polyspecific antivenoms with a broader effectiveness, specially tailored for its use in sub-Saharan Africa, require a better understanding of the immunological features of different Naja spp. venoms of highest medical impact in Africa; and to select the most appropriate antigen combinations to generate antivenoms of wider neutralizing scope. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Rabbit-derived monospecific antisera were raised against the venoms of five spitting cobras and six non-spitting cobras. The effects of immunization in the animal model were assessed, as well as the development of antibody titers, as proved by immunochemical assays and neutralization of lethal, phospholipase A2 and dermonecrotic activities. By the end of the immunization schedule, the immunized rabbits showed normal values of all hematological parameters, and no muscle tissue damage was evidenced, although alterations in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) suggested a degree of hepatic damage caused mainly by spitting cobra venoms. Immunologic analyses revealed a considerable extent of cross-reactivity of monospecific antisera against heterologous venoms within the spitting and no-spitting cobras, yet some antisera showed more extensive cross-reactivity than others. The antisera with the widest coverage were those of anti-Naja ashei and anti-N. nigricollis for the spitting cobras, and anti-N. haje and anti-N. senegalensis for the non-spitting cobras. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The methods and study design followed provide a rationale for the selection of the best combination of venoms for generating antivenoms of high cross-reactivity against cobra venoms in sub-Saharan Africa. Results suggest that venoms from N. ashei, N. nigricollis within the spitting cobras, and N. haje and N. senegalensis within the non-spitting cobras, generate antisera with a broader cross-reactivity. These experimental results should be translated to larger animal models used in antivenom elaboration to assess whether these predictions are reproduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarón Gómez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Andrés Sánchez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Gina Durán
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Mauren Villalta
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Álvaro Segura
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Mariángela Vargas
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Daniela Solano
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - María Herrera
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Melvin Sánchez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - José María Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Guillermo León
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
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Yeh H, Gao SY, Lin CC. Wound Infection of Snakebite from Venomous Protobothrops mucrosquamatus, Viridovipera stejnegeri and Naja atra in Taiwan: Validation of BITE and Cobra BITE Scoring Systems and their Bacteriological Differences in Wound Cultures. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:78. [PMID: 36668897 PMCID: PMC9861491 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15010078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients bitten by Protobothrops mucrosquamatus, Viridovipera stejnegeri, and Naja atra develop different degrees of wound infection. This study validated BITE and Cobra BITE scoring systems that we established previously. Bacteriological studies of patients with wound infection were conducted. The operating characteristic curves and area under the curve (AUC) and wound infection rates were compared between the derivation set (our previous study patient population) and the validation set (new patient cohorts enrolled between June 2017 and May 2021). No significant differences in the AUC for both the BITE (0.84 vs. 0.78, p = 0.27) and Cobra BITE (0.88 vs. 0.75, p = 0.21) scoring systems were observed between the derivation and validation sets. Morganella morganii and Enterococcus faecalis were the two most commonly detected bacteria in the microbiological study. More bacterial species were cultured from N. atra-infected wounds. Antibiotics such as amoxicillin with clavulanic acid, oxacillin, and ampicillin may not be suitable for treating patients with P. mucrosquamatus, V. stejnegeri, and N. atra bites in Taiwan. Carbapenem, third-generation cephalosporins, and fluoroquinolone may be superior alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Yeh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Lin-Kou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Shi-Ying Gao
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Chuan Lin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Lin-Kou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
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20
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Jones L, Youngman NJ, Neri-Castro E, Guadarrama-Martínez A, Lewin MR, Carter R, Frank N, Fry BG. Differential Antivenom and Small-Molecule Inhibition of Novel Coagulotoxic Variations in Atropoides, Cerrophidion, Metlapilcoatlus, and Porthidium American Viperid Snake Venoms. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14080511. [PMID: 35893753 PMCID: PMC9332056 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14080511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Within Neotropical pit-vipers, the Mexican/Central-American clade consisting of Atropoides, Cerrophidion, Metlapilcoatlus, and Porthidium is a wide-ranging, morphologically and ecologically diverse group of snakes. Despite their prevalence, little is known of the functional aspects of their venoms. This study aimed to fill the knowledge gap regarding coagulotoxic effects and to examine the potential of different therapeutic approaches. As a general trait, the venoms were shown to be anticoagulant but were underpinned by diverse biochemical actions. Pseudo-procoagulant activity (i.e., thrombin-like), characterized by the direct cleavage of fibrinogen to form weak fibrin clots, was evident for Atropoides picadoi, Cerrophidiontzotzilorum, Metlapilcoatlus mexicanus, M. nummifer, M. occiduus, M. olmec, and Porthidium porrasi. In contrast, other venoms cleaved fibrinogen in a destructive (non-clotting) manner, with C. godmani and C. wilsoni being the most potent. In addition to actions on fibrinogen, clotting enzymes were also inhibited. FXa was only weakly inhibited by most species, but Cerrophidion godmani and C. wilsoni were extremely strong in their inhibitory action. Other clotting enzymes were more widely inhibited by diverse species spanning the full taxonomical range, but in each case, there were species that had these traits notably amplified relatively to the others. C. godmani and C. wilsoni were the most potent amongst those that inhibited the formation of the prothrombinase complex and were also amongst the most potent inhibitors of Factor XIa. While most species displayed only low levels of thrombin inhibition, Porthidium dunni potently inhibited this clotting factor. The regional polyvalent antivenom produced by Instituto Picado Clodomiro was tested and was shown to be effective against the diverse anticoagulant pathophysiological effects. In contrast to the anticoagulant activities of the other species, Porthidium volcanicum was uniquely procoagulant through the activation of Factor VII and Factor XII. This viperid species is the first snake outside of the Oxyuranus/Pseudonaja elapid snake clade to be shown to activate FVII and the first snake venom of any kind to activate FXII. Interestingly, while small-molecule metalloprotease inhibitors prinomastat and marimastat demonstrated the ability to prevent the procoagulant toxicity of P. volcanicum, neither ICP antivenom nor inhibitor DMPS showed this effect. The extreme variation among the snakes here studied underscores how venom is a dynamic trait and how this can shape clinical outcomes and influence evolving treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee Jones
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia;
- Correspondence: (L.J.); (B.G.F.)
| | - Nicholas J. Youngman
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia;
| | - Edgar Neri-Castro
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico; (E.N.-C.); (A.G.-M.)
| | - Alid Guadarrama-Martínez
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico; (E.N.-C.); (A.G.-M.)
| | | | - Rebecca Carter
- Ophirex Inc., Corte Madera, CA 94925, USA; (M.R.L.); (R.C.)
| | | | - Bryan G. Fry
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia;
- Correspondence: (L.J.); (B.G.F.)
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21
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Lai CS, Liu PY, Lee CH, Ho CH, Chen WL, Lai KL, Su HY, Lin WL, Chung KC, Yang YY, You CW, Chen KT, Mao YC. The development of surgical risk score and evaluation of necrotizing soft tissue infection in 161 Naja atra envenomed patients. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010066. [PMID: 35143522 PMCID: PMC8830662 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Naja atra bites cause wound necrosis, secondary infection, and necrotizing soft tissue infection (NSTI) requiring repetitive surgeries. Little information is known about the predictors for surgery after these bites. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively evaluated 161 patients envenomed by N. atra, 80 of whom underwent surgery because of wound necrosis and infection. We compared the patients' variables between surgical and non-surgical groups. To construct a surgical risk score, we converted the regression coefficients of the significant factors in the multivariate logistic regression into integers. We also examined the deep tissue cultures and pathological findings of the debrided tissue. RESULTS A lower limb as the bite site, a ≥3 swelling grade, bullae or blister formation, gastrointestinal (GI) effects, and fever were significantly associated with surgery in the multivariate logistic regression analysis. The surgical risk scores for these variables were 1, 1, 2, 1, and 2, respectively. At a ≥3-point cutoff value, the model has 71.8% sensitivity and 88.5% specificity for predicting surgery, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.88. The histopathological examinations of the debrided tissues supported the diagnosis of snakebite-induced NSTI. Twelve bacterial species were isolated during the initial surgery and eleven during subsequent surgeries. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS From the clinical perspective, swelling, bullae or blister formation, GI effects, and fever appeared quickly after the bite and before surgery. The predictive value of these factors for surgery was acceptable, with a ≥3-point risk score. The common laboratory parameters did not always predict the outcomes of N. atra bites without proper wound examination. Our study supported the diagnosis of NSTI and demonstrated the changes in bacteriology during the surgeries, which can have therapeutic implications for N. atra bites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Sheng Lai
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Po-Yu Liu
- Division of Infection, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University
| | - Chi-Hsin Lee
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- PhD Program in Medical Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Core Laboratory of Antibody Generation and Research, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Hsuan Ho
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Ling Chen
- School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Psychiatry Department, Chiayi Branch, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
- Division of Clinical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Lung Lai
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Yuan Su
- Department of Emergency Medicine, E-Da Hospital and I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- The School of Chinese Medicine for Post Baccalaureate, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Loung Lin
- Taichung Wildlife Conservation Group, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Chen Chung
- Division of Traumatology, Department of Emergency Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Yuan Yang
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- PhD Program in Medical Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Core Laboratory of Antibody Generation and Research, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | | | - Yan-Chiao Mao
- School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Clinical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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Averin AS, Nenov MN, Starkov VG, Tsetlin VI, Utkin YN. Effects of Cardiotoxins from Naja oxiana Cobra Venom on Rat Heart Muscle and Aorta: A Comparative Study of Toxin-Induced Contraction Mechanisms. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:88. [PMID: 35202116 PMCID: PMC8878657 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14020088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiotoxins (CaTxs) are a group of snake toxins that affect the cardiovascular system (CVS). Two types (S and P) of CaTxs are known, but the exact differences in the effects of these types on CVS have not been thoroughly studied. We investigated cellular mechanisms of action on CVS for Naja oxiana cobra CaTxs CTX-1 (S-type) and CTX-2 (P-type) focusing on the papillary muscle (PM) contractility and contraction of aortic rings (AR) supplemented by pharmacological analysis. It was found that CTX-1 and CTX-2 exerted dose-dependent effects manifested in PM contracture and AR contraction. CTX-2 impaired functions of PM and AR more strongly than CTX-1. Effects of CaTxs on PM were significantly reduced by nifedipine, an L-type Ca2+ channel blocker, and by KB-R7943, an inhibitor of reverse-mode Na+/Ca2+ exchange. Furthermore, 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate, an inhibitor of store-operated calcium entry, partially restored PM contractility damaged by CaTxs. The CaTx influence on AR contracture was significantly reduced by nifedipine and KB-R7943. The involvement of reverse-mode Na+/Ca2+ exchange in the effect of CaTxs on the rat aorta was shown for the first time. The results obtained indicate that CaTx effects on CVS are mainly associated with disturbance of transporting systems responsible for the Ca2+ influx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey S. Averin
- Institute of Cell Biophysics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Federal Research Center “Pushchino Scientific Center of Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences”, 142290 Pushchino, Russia;
| | - Miroslav N. Nenov
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia;
| | - Vladislav G. Starkov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (V.G.S.); (V.I.T.)
| | - Victor I. Tsetlin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (V.G.S.); (V.I.T.)
| | - Yuri N. Utkin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (V.G.S.); (V.I.T.)
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23
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Le HQ, Nguyen NTT, Vo TNA, Van Nguyen T, Do KTN, Ho TTC, Nguyen SN, Phan XT, Nguyen DLM, Kieu DN, Ngo HD, Warrell DA. Envenoming by king cobras (Ophiophagus hannah) in Vietnam with cardiac complications and necrotizing fasciitis. Toxicon 2021; 200:127-133. [PMID: 34302855 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) bite is well-known for its potentially fatal neurotoxicity. However, fatalities still occur, despite specific antivenom and respiratory support. Cardiovascular disturbances, which have attracted little attention in published reports of O. hannah envenoming, could contribute to fatality. We present two cases of confirmed O. hannah envenoming in Southern Vietnam in which there were cardiac abnormalities including arrhythmias and electrocardiographic changes, as well as elevated markers of myocardial damage. Cardiac pacing was required. One patient developed critical multi-organ dysfunctions partly explained by extensive necrotizing fasciitis/myositis originating from an Aeromonas sobria wound infection. This resulted in rhabdomyolysis, disseminated intravascular coagulation and acute kidney injury. Specific antivenom reversed neurotoxic effects of envenoming. Additional therapeutic interventions included antibiotics, surgical debridement, continuous renal replacement therapy and therapeutic plasma exchange. Both patients eventually made full recoveries. Apart from the critical problem of rapidly evolving and severe neurotoxicity, our case reports also emphasises the risk of cardiotoxic envenoming, and the complications of an overwhelming secondary bacterial wound infection. We suggest a practical approach to diagnosis and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung Quoc Le
- Department of Tropical Diseases, Cho Ray Hospital, 201B Nguyen Chi Thanh, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Ngan Thi Thuy Nguyen
- Department of Tropical Diseases, Cho Ray Hospital, 201B Nguyen Chi Thanh, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam; Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, 764 Vo Van Kiet, Quan 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam.
| | - Tho Ngoc Anh Vo
- Department of Tropical Diseases, Cho Ray Hospital, 201B Nguyen Chi Thanh, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Thuan Van Nguyen
- Department of Tropical Diseases, Cho Ray Hospital, 201B Nguyen Chi Thanh, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Khanh Thi Ngoc Do
- Department of Tropical Diseases, Cho Ray Hospital, 201B Nguyen Chi Thanh, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Thanh Thi Chi Ho
- Department of Tropical Diseases, Cho Ray Hospital, 201B Nguyen Chi Thanh, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Sang Ngoc Nguyen
- Department of Tropical Diseases, Cho Ray Hospital, 201B Nguyen Chi Thanh, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Xuan Thi Phan
- Central Intensive Care Unit, Cho Ray Hospital, 201B Nguyen Chi Thanh, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Duy Ly Minh Nguyen
- Central Intensive Care Unit, Cho Ray Hospital, 201B Nguyen Chi Thanh, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Dung Ngoc Kieu
- Department of Arrhythmia, Cho Ray Hospital, 201B Nguyen Chi Thanh, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Hiep Duc Ngo
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Cho Ray Hospital, 201B Nguyen Chi Thanh, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - David A Warrell
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, UK
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24
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Weinstein SA, Warrell DA, Daoues K, Vidal N. The first reported snakebite by an African snake-eater, Polemon spp. (Atractaspididae, Aparallactinae); Local envenoming by Reinhardt's snake-eater, Polemon acanthias (Reinhardt, 1860). Toxicon 2021; 200:92-95. [PMID: 34280410 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The first reported snakebite by an African snake-eater, Polemon spp. (Atractaspididae, Aparallactinae); Local envenoming by Reinhardt's snake-eater, Polemon acanthias (Reinhardt, 1860). Toxicon XX, xxx. A 51-yr-old male herpetologist was bitten on the left index finger by a captive male Polemon acanthias while manually removing fragments of incompletely shed skin from the specimen. The snake sustained its bite for approximately 2 mins, advancing its jaws several times. The victim rapidly developed moderate pain, erythema, progressive edema that ultimately extended to the left wrist; a blister later developed in the wound site, as well as joint stiffness in the bitten and adjacent two fingers that limited flexion and extension. These effects regressed during the week following the bite, but recurred thereafter and were similar to the effects that developed immediately post-envenoming. There were no systemic signs or symptoms. The victim sought medical advice and was treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics, antihistamines and wound care; no laboratory investigations were conducted. He improved during the subsequent month with complete resolution in 5 and one-half weeks. This is the first documented bite by a Polemon spp. and the victim's clinical course suggests the development of local effects from venom components. The phylogenetic relationship of Polemon spp. with the burrowing asps (Atractaspis spp.) and the similarity of some of the features of this local envenoming by P. acanthias with mild/moderate envenoming by some Atractaspis spp., suggests that none of these snakes should be handled; they should be considered capable of inflicting potentially serious envenoming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott A Weinstein
- Department of Toxinology, Women's and Children's Hospital, North Adelaide, South Australia, 5006, Australia.
| | - David A Warrell
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Karim Daoues
- La Ferme Tropicale, 54 rue Jenner, 75013, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Vidal
- Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, UMR 7205, MNHN, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, EPHE, Université des Antilles, Institut de Systématique, Evolution et Biodiversité, CP 30, 57, Rue Cuvier, F-75005, Paris, France
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25
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Greene SC, Osborn L, Bower R, Harding SA, Takenaka K. Monocled Cobra (Naja kaouthia) Envenomations Requiring Mechanical Ventilation. J Emerg Med 2020; 60:197-201. [PMID: 33223268 DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2020.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bites from nonnative snakes are uncommon, accounting for 1.1% of envenomations reported to poison centers between 2015 and 2018. Here we discuss two monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia) envenomations resulting in respiratory failure. CASE REPORTS A 30-year-old man and a 40-year-old man were bitten by their captive monocled cobras. At the first hospital, the first patient was mildly hypotensive, transiently bradycardic, and confused. He was intubated for respiratory distress. He was hypertensive to 211/119 mm Hg upon arrival to the second hospital. In the Emergency Department, cobra antivenom was administered. He was admitted to the medical intensive care unit (MICU) and had an additional bradycardic episode that corrected with atropine. He was extubated after 35 h. He was observed for an additional 9 h prior to going home, where he recovered without incident. The second patient developed abdominal pain, blurry vision, and dyspnea within 90 min of the bite. He was intubated at the first hospital. At the second hospital he received cobra antivenom and was admitted to the MICU. He was extubated after 9 h and discharged the following day with no further symptoms. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Envenomations after N. kaouthia bites are characterized by local tissue injury and various neurotoxic effects. Nonspecific signs and symptoms are common. Hematologic toxicity and cardiovascular manifestations are uncommon. Antivenom is the specific treatment for snake envenomation, but only certain antivenoms are indicated for N. kaouthia. Cholinesterase inhibitors may reduce toxicity from postsynaptic alpha toxins by increasing acetylcholine concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spencer C Greene
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, Ohio; University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Cizik School of Nursing, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Rachel Bower
- McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, Texas
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26
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McCullough D, Atofanei C, Knight E, Trim SA, Trim CM. Kinome scale profiling of venom effects on cancer cells reveals potential new venom activities. Toxicon 2020; 185:129-146. [PMID: 32682827 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The search for novel and relevant cancer therapeutics is continuous and ongoing. Cancer adaptations, resulting in therapeutic treatment failures, fuel this continuous necessity for new drugs to novel targets. Recently, researchers have started to investigate the effect of venoms and venom components on different types of cancer, investigating their mechanisms of action. Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) comprise a family of highly conserved and functionally important druggable targets for cancer therapy. This research exploits the novelty of complex venom mixtures to affect phosphorylation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and related RTK family members, dually identifying new activities and unexplored avenues for future cancer and venom research. Six whole venoms from diverse species taxa, were evaluated for their ability to illicit changes in the phosphorylated expression of a panel of 49 commonly expressed RTKs. The triple negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-468 was treated with optimised venom doses, pre-determined by SDS PAGE and Western blot analysis. The phosphorylated expression levels of 49 RTKs in response to the venoms were assessed with the use of Human Phospho-RTK Arrays and analysed using ImageLab 5.2.1 analysis software (BioRad). Inhibition of EGFR phosphorylation occurred with treatment of venom from Acanthoscurria geniculata (Theraphosidae), Heterometrus swammerdami (Scorpionidae), Crotalus durissus vegrandis (Crotalidae) and Naja naja (Elapidae). Western green mamba Dendroaspis viridis venom increased EGFR phosphorylation. Eph, HGFR and HER were the most affected receptor families by venoms. Whilst the importance of these changes in terms of effect on MDA-MB-468 cells' long-term viability and functionality are still unclear, the findings present exciting opportunities for further investigation as potential drug targets in cancer and as tools to understand better how these pathways interact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle McCullough
- School of Human and Life Sciences, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, CT1 1QU, UK
| | - Cristina Atofanei
- School of Human and Life Sciences, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, CT1 1QU, UK
| | - Emily Knight
- School of Human and Life Sciences, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, CT1 1QU, UK; Life Sciences Industry Liaison laboratory, Canterbury Christ Church University, Discovery Park, Sandwich, Kent, CT13 9FF, UK
| | - Steven A Trim
- Venomtech Ltd., Discovery Park, Sandwich, Kent, CT13 9FF, UK
| | - Carol M Trim
- School of Human and Life Sciences, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, CT1 1QU, UK.
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27
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Lin JH, Lo CM, Chuang SH, Chiang CH, Wang SD, Lin TY, Liao JW, Hung DZ. Collocation of avian and mammal antibodies to develop a rapid and sensitive diagnostic tool for Russell's Vipers Snakebite. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008701. [PMID: 32956365 PMCID: PMC7529284 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Russell's vipers (RVs) envenoming is an important public health issue in South-East Asia. Disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, systemic bleeding, hemolysis, and acute renal injury are obvious problems that develop in most cases, and neuromuscular junction blocks are an additional problem caused by western RV snakebite. The complex presentations usually are an obstacle to early diagnosis and antivenom administration. Here, we tried to produce highly specific antibodies in goose yolks for use in a paper-based microfluidic diagnostic kit, immunochromatographic test of viper (ICT-Viper), to distinguish RVs from other vipers and even cobra snakebite in Asia. We used indirect ELISA to monitor specific goose IgY production and western blotting to illustrate the interaction of avian or mammal antibody with venom proteins. The ICT-Viper was tested not only in prepared samples but also in stored patient serum to demonstrate its preliminary efficacy. The results revealed that specific anti-Daboia russelii IgY could be raised in goose eggs effectively without inducing adverse effects. When it was collocated with horse anti-Daboia siamensis antibody, which broadly reacted with most of the venom proteins of both types of Russell's viper, the false cross-reactivity was reduced, and the test showed good performance. The limit of detection was reduced to 10 ng/ml in vitro, and the test showed good detection ability in clinical snake envenoming case samples. The ICT-Viper performed well and could be combined with a cobra venom detection kit (ICT-Cobra) to create a multiple detection strip (ICT-VC), which broadens its applications while maintaining its detection ability for snake envenomation identification. Nonetheless, the use of the ICT-Viper in the South-East Asia region is pending additional laboratory and field investigations and regional collaboration. We believe that the development of this practical diagnostic tool marks the beginning of positive efforts to face the global snakebite issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Hua Lin
- Graduate Institute of Veterinary Pathobiology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Division of Toxicology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Che-Min Lo
- Division of Toxicology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ssu-Han Chuang
- Changhua Animal Propagation Station, Livestock Research Institute, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Hung Chiang
- Changhua Animal Propagation Station, Livestock Research Institute, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Der Wang
- Changhua Animal Propagation Station, Livestock Research Institute, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Yi Lin
- Changhua Animal Propagation Station, Livestock Research Institute, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Jiunn-Wang Liao
- Graduate Institute of Veterinary Pathobiology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Dong-Zong Hung
- Division of Toxicology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
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Nayak AG, Ahammad J, Kumar N, Shenoy S, Roche M. Can the methanolic extract of Andrographis paniculata be used as a supplement to anti-snake venom to normalize hemostatic parameters: A thromboelastographic study. J Ethnopharmacol 2020; 252:112480. [PMID: 31857127 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.112480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE OF ANDROGRAPHIS PANICULATA The whole plant (including leaves and roots) is used in traditional Ayurveda and Siddha medicine to treat various clinical conditions such as fever, respiratory tract infections, colic pain, liver disorders, diabetes, hypertension, and inflammation. It is also used as an antidote for snake-bite, poisonous bites of insects and recommended as a dietary supplement to boost immunity. AIM OF THE STUDY In-vitro thromboelastographic evaluation of the efficacy of methanolic extract of Andrographis paniculata (MAP) and polyvalent anti-snake venom (ASV) in neutralizing the Naja naja (N.N) venom-induced changes in hemostatic parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thromboelastographic evaluation of hemostatic parameters was initiated by adding 3μg N.N venom to citrated whole blood from healthy volunteers. The effect of different concentrations of ASV and MAP in neutralizing the toxicity of N.N venom were studied in two groups. In group 1 experiments, citrated whole blood (340μl) was mixed with N.N venom (3μg), immediately followed by successive addition of ASV (5μl, 8μl and 15μl) or MAP (15μg, 30μg, 60μg and 120 μg) or combination of ASV and MAP (3μl ASV+30μg MAP and 3μl ASV+60μg MAP). In group 2 experiments, N.N venom was incubated with whole blood for 90 minutes at 37°C, followed by successive addition of ASV (5μl, 10μl, and 15μl) or MAP (30μg and 60μg) or combination of ASV and MAP (5μl ASV+30μg MAP and 5μl ASV+60μg MAP). RESULT In Group 1 experiments, N.N venom caused significant (p<0.05) increase in R-time, K-time, LY30% and a decrease in angle and MA. Optimum effect on hemostatic parameters was observed at a concentration of 8μl ASV, where all the deleterious effects of the venom were completely reversed. Similarly, the addition of MAP to the assay system could reproduce results as ASV, in reversing the deleterious effects of the venom. This occurred in a concentration-dependent manner, from 15μg-60μg, with the optimum results at 60μg. When ASV concentration was reduced to 3μl and supplemented with MAP (30μg or 60μg), the positive supplementary effect of MAP was demonstrated. In Group 2 experiments, N.N venom caused significant (p<0.05) changes in all TEG parameters, with most deleterious changes observed in MA and LY30% compared to Group 1 experiments. ASV when added in increasing concentrations (5-15μl), had beneficial effects only on K-time, angle, and MA. When added together with ASV, MAP (30μg or 60μg) could significantly (p<0.05) supplement the effect of ASV (5μl) in improving R-time, K-time, and angle. CONCLUSION This in-vitro study demonstrates the effectiveness of MAP as a supplement to ASV in combating the deleterious effects of N.N venom on hemostasis. However, further in-vivo experiments in animal models are required to substantiate these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshatha Ganesh Nayak
- Department of Biochemistry, Melaka Manipal Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
| | - Javed Ahammad
- Department of Pathology, Melaka Manipal Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
| | - Nitesh Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
| | - Smita Shenoy
- Department of Pharmacology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
| | - Maya Roche
- Department of Biochemistry, Melaka Manipal Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
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Van Der Meer E, Conway L, Little M, Hanson J. A case of acute hypogonadism following taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus) envenomation. Toxicon 2020; 180:28-30. [PMID: 32289354 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A previously well man developed acute, marked tender bilateral gynaecomastia two months after confirmed taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus) envenomation. He had had laboratory evidence of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) including microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia, thrombocytopenia and acute kidney injury. Scrotal ultrasound revealed bilateral testicular atrophy, his serum testosterone was repeatedly low, while his luteinising and follicle stimulating hormone were elevated. It is hypothesised that TMA-related testicular ischaemia was responsible for his primary gonadal failure and dramatic clinical presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebonney Van Der Meer
- Cooktown Multipurpose Health Service, 48 Hope St, Cooktown, Queensland, 4895, Australia.
| | - Luke Conway
- Cairns Hospital, 165 Esplanade, Cairns, Queensland, 4870, Australia.
| | - Mark Little
- Cairns Hospital, 165 Esplanade, Cairns, Queensland, 4870, Australia; NSW Poisons Information Centre, Hawkesbury Rd &, Hainsworth St, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia.
| | - Josh Hanson
- Cairns Hospital, 165 Esplanade, Cairns, Queensland, 4870, Australia; The Kirby Institute, Wallace Wurth Building, University of New South Wales, High St, Kensington, NSW, 2052, Australia.
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Abstract
Cardiotoxicity in snake envenomation has not been adequately explored in the literature. This retrospective, observational study analysed clinical profiles and cardiovascular effects (CVE), with associated outcomes, in snake envenomation. Thirty-four patients were recruited between April 2014 and October 2017. Cardiovascular involvement was seen in 24 (70.6%) patients. Electrocardiographic changes included prolonged QTc (62.5%), T-wave inversion (37.5%) and tall T-waves (12.5%). Hospital stay was 7.2 (SD = 5.3) days and 4.4 (SD = 2.4) days in CVE and non-CVE groups respectively ( P value = 0.04). Mechanical ventilation was required only in nine of the CVE group (37.5%; P value = 0.03). Shock was observed in seven patients (20.6%). Two of the patients in the CVE group (5.9%) died ( P value = 1.0); the majority had good outcomes with early administration of anti-venom serum and appropriate supportive measures. Thus, inpatient stay and mechanical ventilation were significantly increased in snake envenomation with CVEs, especially where an underlying co-morbidity existed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya John Binu
- Department of General Medicine, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ajay Kumar Mishra
- Department of General Medicine, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Karthik Gunasekaran
- Department of General Medicine, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ramya Iyadurai
- Department of General Medicine, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
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Zhang Y, Li CM. The detoxifying effects of structural elements of persimmon tannin on Chinese cobra phospholipase A 2 correlated with their structural disturbing effects well. J Food Drug Anal 2017; 25:731-740. [PMID: 28911659 PMCID: PMC9328822 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfda.2016.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Revised: 07/31/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The effects of persimmon tannin (PT) characteristic structural elements on Naja atra phospholipase A2 (PLA2)-induced lethality, myotoxicity, and hemolysis in mice models were determined. In addition, methods including surface plasmon resonance, dynamic light scattering, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were explored to uncover the possible detoxifying mechanisms of PT on snake venom PLA2. Our results revealed that PT characteristic elements (EGCG, ECG, A-type EGCG dimer, and A-type ECG dimer) could neutralize the lethality, myotoxicity, and hemolysis of PLA2. Moreover, the detoxifying effects of the four structural elements correlated with their structural disturbing effects well. Our results proved that A-type EGCG dimer and A-type ECG dimer may be structural requirements for the detoxifying effects of PT. We propose that the high affinity of A-type EGCG dimer and A-type ECG dimer for PLA2 and the considerable spatial structural disturbance of PLA2 induced by the dimers may be responsible for their antilethality, antimyotoxicity, and antihemolysis on Chinese cobra PLA2in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Chun-Mei Li
- College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment Correlative Food Science (Huazhong Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China
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Abstract
Background: Red blood cells may be destroyed by autotransfusion processing during intraoperative salvage. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the blood component recovery rate of techniques built on either continuous centrifugation and washing, or haemofiltration (HF). Methods: Two different methods used in blood salvage - red cell salvage with continuous processing with centrifugation and saline washing (Continuous Auto Transfusion System, CATS) and whole blood recirculation through a 30000-Da filter, i.e., HF - were compared in a randomized laboratory study using donor whole blood activated by cobra venom factor. The recovery of red blood cells, haemoglobin, free haemoglobin, leucocytes, platelets, albumin, total protein and potassium was measured. Results: The recovery of red cells was 86% with CATS and 76% with HF. HF had a significantly higher recovery of leucocytes (CATS 20%, HF 63%), platelets (CATS 4%, HF 37%), albumin (CATS 0.2%, HF 70%), total protein (CATS 1.3%, HF 71%) and potassium (CATS 2%, HF 17%). Less than 1% haemolysis was obtained in processed blood from both groups. Conclusion: Both methods caused little destruction of the red blood cells during processing. There was a larger reinfusion of leucocytes, platelets, albumin, total protein and extracellular potassium when HF was used compared with the ‘CATS’ method.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Nitescu
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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Liu H, Qian XY, An JX, Liu CC, Jiang YD, Cope DK, Williams JP. Analgesic Effects and Neuropathology Changes of Electroacupuncture on Curing a Rat Model of Brachial Plexus Neuralgia Induced by Cobra Venom. Pain Physician 2016; 19:E435-E447. [PMID: 27008299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electroacupuncture (EA) is widely applied to treat neuropathic pain. Brachial plexus neuralgia (BPN) is a common form of chronic persistent pain. Few studies have evaluated the analgesic effects and mechanism of EA using the novel animal model of BPN. OBJECTIVE To observe the curative effects of repeated EA on curing BPN induced by administration of cobra venom to the lower trunk of the right brachial plexus. STUDY DESIGN Controlled animal study. SETTING Department of Anesthesiology, Pain Medicine & Critical Care Medicine, Aviation General Hospital of China Medical University. METHODS Sixty-six adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were equally and randomly divided into the following groups: normal control (NC), brachial plexus neuralgia (BPN), BPN with sham EA stimulation, BPN with EA stimulation starting on postoperative day 1 (EA1), and BPN with EA stimulation starting on postoperative day 12 (EA12). The BPN model was established by administration of cobra venom to the lower trunk of the right brachial plexus. On postoperative day 1 or day 12, EA (constant aquare wave, 2 Hz and 100 Hz alternating frequencies, intensities ranging from 1 - 1.5 - 2 mA) was applied to the right "Shousanli" (LI10) and "Quchi" (LI11) acupoints for 30 minutes, once every other day for 12 times in both groups. Mechanical withdrawal thresholds (MWT) were tested with von Frey filaments. Video recordings were conducted to analyze the spontaneous exploratory behaviors. Moreover, the organizational and structural alterations of the right brachial plexus and cervical cord (C8-T1) were examined via light and electron microscopy. RESULTS Following the production of the BPN model, the MWT of both ipsilateral and contralateral paws demonstrated a profound decrease (P < 0.05). But after EA interventions, the MWT showed a significant increase (P < 0.05). In comparison to the EA12 group, the analgesic effects of the EA1 group were more significant, and similar results were observed in exploratory behaviors. However, grooming behaviors did not demonstrate significant differences. Meanwhile, on day 12 after surgery it was observed under light microscopy that the inflammatory response in the right brachial plexus and cervical cord (C8-T1) were significantly attenuated after EA stimulation. Furthermore, the demyelination of the brachial plexus and cervical cord (C8-T1) were also reversed. LIMITATIONS Limitations include the fact that there was demyelination of the cervical cord (C8-T1) in the control group because of inappropriate manipulation. CONCLUSION Repeated EA contributes significant analgesic effects in the treatment of BPN.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Yi-De Jiang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain Medicine & Critical Care Medicine, Aviation General Hospital of China Medical University & Beijing Institute of Translational Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe muscle wasting disorder caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene. To examine the influence of muscle structure on the pathogenesis of DMD we generated mdx4cv:desmin double knockout (dko) mice. The dko male mice died of apparent cardiorespiratory failure at a median age of 76 days compared to 609 days for the desmin−/− mice. An ∼2.5 fold increase in utrophin expression in the dko skeletal muscles prevented necrosis in ∼91% of 1a, 2a and 2d/x fiber-types. In contrast, utrophin expression was reduced in the extrasynaptic sarcolemma of the dko fast 2b fibers leading to increased membrane fragility and dystrophic pathology. Despite lacking extrasynaptic utrophin, the dko fast 2b fibers were less dystrophic than the mdx4cv fast 2b fibers suggesting utrophin-independent mechanisms were also contributing to the reduced dystrophic pathology. We found no overt change in the regenerative capacity of muscle stem cells when comparing the wild-type, desmin−/−, mdx4cv and dko gastrocnemius muscles injured with notexin. Utrophin could form costameric striations with α-sarcomeric actin in the dko to maintain the integrity of the membrane, but the lack of restoration of the NODS (nNOS, α-dystrobrevin 1 and 2, α1-syntrophin) complex and desmin coincided with profound changes to the sarcomere alignment in the diaphragm, deposition of collagen between the myofibers, and impaired diaphragm function. We conclude that the dko mice may provide new insights into the structural mechanisms that influence endogenous utrophin expression that are pertinent for developing a therapy for DMD. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe muscle wasting disorder caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene. Utrophin is structurally similar to dystrophin and improving its expression can prevent skeletal muscle necrosis in the mdx mouse model of DMD. Consequently, improving utrophin expression is a primary therapeutic target for treating DMD. While the downstream mechanisms that influence utrophin expression and stability are well described, the upstream mechanisms are less clear. Here, we found that perturbing the highly ordered structure of striated muscle by genetically deleting desmin from mdx mice increased utrophin expression to levels that prevented skeletal muscle necrosis. Thus, the mdx:desmin double knockout mice may prove valuable in determining the upstream mechanisms that influence utrophin expression to develop a therapy for DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glen B. Banks
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Ariana C. Combs
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Guy L. Odom
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Robert J. Bloch
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey S. Chamberlain
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
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Osipov AV, Terpinskaya TI, Kryukova EV, Ulaschik VS, Paulovets LV, Petrova EA, Blagun EV, Starkov VG, Utkin YN. Nerve growth factor from cobra venom inhibits the growth of Ehrlich tumor in mice. Toxins (Basel) 2014; 6:784-95. [PMID: 24577582 PMCID: PMC3968361 DOI: 10.3390/toxins6030784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2013] [Revised: 02/14/2014] [Accepted: 02/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of nerve growth factor (NGF) from cobra venom (cvNGF) on growth of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells inoculated subcutaneously in mice have been studied. The carcinoma growth slows down, but does not stop, during a course of cvNGF injections and restores after the course has been discontinued. The maximal anti-tumor effect has been observed at a dose of 8 nmoles cvNGF/kg body weight. cvNGF does not impact on lifespan of mice with grafted EAC cells. K252a, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, attenuates the anti-tumor effect of cvNGF indicating the involvement of TrkA receptors in the process. cvNGF has induced also increase in body weight of the experimental animals. In overall, cvNGF shows the anti-tumor and weight-increasing effects which are opposite to those described for mammalian NGF (mNGF). However in experiments on breast cancer cell line MCF-7 cvNGF showed the same proliferative effects as mNGF and had no cytotoxic action on tumor cells in vitro. These data suggest that cvNGF slows down EAC growth via an indirect mechanism in which TrkA receptors are involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey V Osipov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, Moscow 117997, Russia.
| | - Tatiana I Terpinskaya
- Institute of Physiology, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, ul. Akademicheskaya, 28, Minsk 220072, Belarus.
| | - Elena V Kryukova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, Moscow 117997, Russia.
| | - Vladimir S Ulaschik
- Institute of Physiology, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, ul. Akademicheskaya, 28, Minsk 220072, Belarus.
| | - Lubov V Paulovets
- Institute of Physiology, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, ul. Akademicheskaya, 28, Minsk 220072, Belarus.
| | - Elena A Petrova
- Institute of Physiology, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, ul. Akademicheskaya, 28, Minsk 220072, Belarus.
| | - Ekaterina V Blagun
- Institute of Physiology, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, ul. Akademicheskaya, 28, Minsk 220072, Belarus.
| | - Vladislav G Starkov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, Moscow 117997, Russia.
| | - Yuri N Utkin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, Moscow 117997, Russia.
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Allen GE, Brown SGA, Buckley NA, O’Leary MA, Page CB, Currie BJ, White J, Isbister GK. Clinical effects and antivenom dosing in brown snake (Pseudonaja spp.) envenoming--Australian snakebite project (ASP-14). PLoS One 2012; 7:e53188. [PMID: 23300888 PMCID: PMC3532501 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0053188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2012] [Accepted: 11/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Snakebite is a global health issue and treatment with antivenom continues to be problematic. Brown snakes (genus Pseudonaja) are the most medically important group of Australian snakes and there is controversy over the dose of brown snake antivenom. We aimed to investigate the clinical and laboratory features of definite brown snake (Pseudonaja spp.) envenoming, and determine the dose of antivenom required. Methods and Finding This was a prospective observational study of definite brown snake envenoming from the Australian Snakebite Project (ASP) based on snake identification or specific enzyme immunoassay for Pseudonaja venom. From January 2004 to January 2012 there were 149 definite brown snake bites [median age 42y (2–81y); 100 males]. Systemic envenoming occurred in 136 (88%) cases. All envenomed patients developed venom induced consumption coagulopathy (VICC), with complete VICC in 109 (80%) and partial VICC in 27 (20%). Systemic symptoms occurred in 61 (45%) and mild neurotoxicity in 2 (1%). Myotoxicity did not occur. Severe envenoming occurred in 51 patients (38%) and was characterised by collapse or hypotension (37), thrombotic microangiopathy (15), major haemorrhage (5), cardiac arrest (7) and death (6). The median peak venom concentration in 118 envenomed patients was 1.6 ng/mL (Range: 0.15–210 ng/mL). The median initial antivenom dose was 2 vials (Range: 1–40) in 128 patients receiving antivenom. There was no difference in INR recovery or clinical outcome between patients receiving one or more than one vial of antivenom. Free venom was not detected in 112/115 patients post-antivenom with only low concentrations (0.4 to 0.9 ng/ml) in three patients. Conclusions Envenoming by brown snakes causes VICC and over a third of patients had serious complications including major haemorrhage, collapse and microangiopathy. The results of this study support accumulating evidence that giving more than one vial of antivenom is unnecessary in brown snake envenoming.
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Affiliation(s)
- George E. Allen
- Emergency Department, Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Simon G. A. Brown
- Centre for Clinical Research in Emergency Medicine, Western Australian Institute for Medical Research, Royal Perth Hospital and the University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Nicholas A. Buckley
- Medical Professorial Unit, Prince of Wales Hospital Medical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- NSW Poisons Information Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital Network, Sydney, Australia
| | - Margaret A. O’Leary
- Discipline of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
- Department of Clinical Toxicology and Pharmacology, Calvary Mater Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Colin B. Page
- NSW Poisons Information Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital Network, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Clinical Toxicology and Pharmacology, Calvary Mater Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
- Emergency Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Bart J. Currie
- Menzies School of Health Research and Northern Territory Clinical School, Darwin, Australia
| | - Julian White
- Department of Toxinology, Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Geoffrey K. Isbister
- NSW Poisons Information Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital Network, Sydney, Australia
- Discipline of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
- Department of Clinical Toxicology and Pharmacology, Calvary Mater Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
- * E-mail:
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Závada J, Valenta J, Kopecký O, Stach Z, Leden P. Black mamba dendroaspis polylepis bite: a case report. Prague Med Rep 2011; 112:298-304. [PMID: 22142525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Although very rare in a European context, a bite from the black mamba Dendroaspis polylepis is an event that poses an immediate threat to life. Given the content of neurotoxins in the snake's venom, the mortality of envenomation reaches 100% in almost every case if ventilation is not provided in a timely manner and adequate therapy initiated. The report describes a case of a snake breeder being envenomed. This 31-year-old man was bitten by a black mamba on his finger, and who subsequently developed clinical symptoms of envenoming typical for the species. Thanks to mechanical ventilation being employed promptly, with myorelaxation during generalized muscle fasciculations, and particularly owing to the eventual antivenin therapy, the patient's condition settled without consequences. In addition to describing the given case in detail, the paper discusses the composition and mechanisms of action of black mamba venom, while providing guidelines for adequate therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Závada
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and General University Hospital in Prague, Czech Republic
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Adhisivam B. Antisnake venom in a neonate with snake bite. Indian Pediatr 2010; 47:813-814. [PMID: 21048280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
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Shanthi S. ASV in a neonate. Indian Pediatr 2010; 47:814; author reply 814. [PMID: 21048282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
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Goyal JP, Shah VB. Suppression of brainstem reflexes in snakebite. Indian Pediatr 2009; 46:360-361. [PMID: 19383997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
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Chirila FV, Rowland KC, Thompson JM, Spirou GA. Development of gerbil medial superior olive: integration of temporally delayed excitation and inhibition at physiological temperature. J Physiol 2007; 584:167-90. [PMID: 17690144 PMCID: PMC2277048 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2007.137976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2007] [Accepted: 08/09/2007] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The sensitivity of medial superior olive (MSO) neurons to tens of microsecond differences in interaural temporal delay (ITD) derives in part from their membrane electrical characteristics, kinetics and timing of excitatory and inhibitory inputs, and dendrite structure. However, maturation of these physiological and structural characteristics are little studied, especially in relationship to the onset of auditory experience. We showed, using brain slices at physiological temperature, that MSO neurons exhibited sensitivity to simulated temporally delayed (TD) EPSCs (simEPSC), injected through the recording electrode, by the initial phase of hearing onset at P10, and TD sensitivity was reduced by block of low threshold potassium channels. The spike generation mechanism matured between P10 and P16 to support TD sensitivity to adult-like excitatory stimuli (1-4 ms duration) by P14. IPSP duration was shorter at physiological temperature than reported for lower temperatures, was longer than EPSP duration at young ages, but approached the duration of EPSPs by P16, when hearing thresholds neared maturity. Dendrite branching became less complex over a more restricted time frame between P10 and P12. Because many physiological and structural properties approximated mature values between P14 and P16, we studied temporal integration of simEPSCs and IPSPs at P15. Only a narrow range of relative onset times (< 1 ms) yielded responses showing sensitivity to TD. We propose that shaping of excitatory circuitry to mediate TD sensitivity can begin before airborne sound is detectable, and that inhibitory inputs having suboptimal neural delays may then be pruned by cellular mechanisms activated by sensitivity to ITD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florin V Chirila
- Sensory Neuroscience Research Center, West Virginia University School of Medicine, One Medical Center Drive, PO Box 9303, Morgantown, WV 26506-9303, USA
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Gomes A, Saha A, Chatterjee I, Chakravarty AK. Viper and cobra venom neutralization by beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol isolated from the root extract of Pluchea indica Less. (Asteraceae). Phytomedicine 2007; 14:637-43. [PMID: 17293096 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2006.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2006] [Accepted: 11/22/2006] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
We reported previously that the methanolic root extract of the Indian medicinal plant Pluchea indica Less. (Asteraceae) could neutralize viper venom-induced action [Alam, M.I., Auddy, B., Gomes, A., 1996. Viper venom neutralization by Indian medicinal plant (Hemidesmus indicus and P. indica) root extracts. Phytother. Res. 10, 58-61]. The present study reports the neutralization of viper and cobra venom by beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol isolated from the root extract of P. indica Less. (Asteraceae). The active fraction (containing the major compound beta-sitosterol and the minor compound stigmasterol) was isolated and purified by silica gel column chromatography and the structure was determined using spectroscopic analysis (EIMS, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR). Anti-snake venom activity was studied in experimental animals. The active fraction was found to significantly neutralize viper venom-induced lethal, hemorrhagic, defibrinogenation, edema and PLA(2) activity. Cobra venom-induced lethality, cardiotoxicity, neurotoxicity, respiratory changes and PLA(2) activity were also antagonized by the active component. It potentiated commercial snake venom antiserum action against venom-induced lethality in male albino mice. The active fraction could antagonize venom-induced changes in lipid peroxidation and superoxide dismutase activity. This study suggests that beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol may play an important role, along with antiserum, in neutralizing snake venom-induced actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Gomes
- Laboratory of Toxinology and Experimental Pharmacodynamics, Department of Physiology, University of Calcutta, 92, A.P.C. Road, Kolkata 700 009, India.
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Stupka N, Schertzer JD, Bassel-Duby R, Olson EN, Lynch GS. Calcineurin-A alpha activation enhances the structure and function of regenerating muscles after myotoxic injury. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2007; 293:R686-94. [PMID: 17475677 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00612.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Calcineurin signaling is essential for successful muscle regeneration. Although calcineurin inhibition compromises muscle repair, it is not known whether calcineurin activation can enhance muscle repair after injury. Tibialis anterior (TA) muscles from adult wild-type (WT) and transgenic mice overexpressing the constitutively active calcineurin-A alpha transgene under the control of the mitochondrial creatine kinase promoter (MCK-CnA alpha*) were injected with the myotoxic snake venom Notexin to destroy all muscle fibers. The TA muscle of the contralateral limb served as the uninjured control. Muscle structure was assessed at 5 and 9 days postinjury, and muscle function was tested in situ at 9 days postinjury. Calcineurin stimulation enhanced muscle regeneration and altered levels of myoregulatory factors (MRFs). Recovery of myofiber size and force-producing capacity was hastened in injured muscles of MCK-CnA alpha* mice compared with control. Myogenin levels were greater 5 days postinjury and myocyte enhancer factor 2a (MEF2a) expression was greater 9 days postinjury in muscles of MCK-CnA alpha* mice compared with WT mice. Higher MEF2a expression in regenerating muscles of MCK-CnA alpha* mice 9 days postinjury may be related to an increase of slow fiber genes. Calcineurin activation in uninjured and injured TA muscles slowed muscle contractile properties, reduced fatigability, and enhanced force recovery after 4 min of intermittent maximal stimulation. Therefore, calcineurin activation can confer structural and functional benefits to regenerating skeletal muscles, which may be mediated in part by differential expression of MRFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Stupka
- Basic and Clinical Myology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Yaya G, Danaï A. [Treatment of ocular lesions due to Elapidae venom spitting in Central African Republic: epidemiological and clinical aspects]. Bull Soc Pathol Exot 2007; 100:111-4. [PMID: 17727033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
This survey concerns 16 patients admitted to Bangui teaching national hospital center, coming from Ngakobo health center 450 km from the South East of Bangui, between September 2001 and May 2002. All of them have undergone a basic ophthalmological examination 16 patients have been hospitalised in the service of ophthalmology among them, 11 didn't go to the consultation. All the 16 patients were males, 18 to 46 years old. Five of them had bilateral corneal lesions and eleven patients presented unilateral lesions. Two patients had a corneal perforation at admission. The initial visual acuity of the concerned eye was estimated between LP(-) and 3/10th. The visual acuity valued after exit was LP(-) to 6/10. Four patients out of sixteen (two eyes with bilateral lesions and two with unilateral lesion) (six eyes) received as initial treatment, water rinse on the spot of the accident, then a local treatment by antibiotics administrated in the dispensary of the Ngakobo Province. Eight patients (two bilateral and six unilateral lesions) received a traditional treatment while five of them received it before their transfer to Bangui and 3 patients just before their arrival in Bangui. Four patients (five eyes) had no treatment at all. The nature of this traditional treatment, often of mineral and vegetal origin has not been specified. The main after-effects are corneal opacities, varying according to size, localization and gravity. At the beginning, 9 cases out 16 are generally diffused and superficial keratitis. After some days of treatment, 8 cases developed into corneal opacity freeing thus the visual axis. 3 cases of keratitis developed into a purulent melting then to a corneal perforation. Elapidae's spits on the eye are frequent in sugar cane cultivation areas. They can provoke some severe erosive corneal lesions, in absence of adequate and early management. The administration of traditional treatment most often complicates the clinical issue. Nursing staff, medical personnel and family should pay attention to the ocular toxicity of these septic matters and to the first cares provided to the patient before his early transfer to hospital.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Yaya
- Service d'Ophtalmologie, Centre National Hospitalier Universitaire de Bangui, République Centrafricaine.
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Vignaud A, Hourdé C, Butler-Browne G, Ferry A. Differential recovery of neuromuscular function after nerve/muscle injury induced by crude venom from Notechis scutatus, cardiotoxin from Naja atra and bupivacaine treatments in mice. Neurosci Res 2007; 58:317-23. [PMID: 17485127 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2007.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2006] [Revised: 03/21/2007] [Accepted: 04/04/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Different neuromyotoxic agents are frequently used in rodent models of skeletal nerve/muscle injury and repair. However, their differential effects are not well known. Right Tibialis anterior muscles of mice were injured by one of three different neuromyotoxic agents: crude venom from Notechis scutatus, cardiotoxin from Naja atra or bupivacaine (local anesthetic). Mice were studied 5, 14 and 56 days after injury by analysing the recovery of in situ muscle isometric function in response to nerve stimulation, muscle weights and muscle histology. Our results show that at day 5 venom treatment had a more debilitating effect on muscle weights and maximal tetanic force than cardiotoxin and bupivacaine treatments (p<0.05). Moreover, the degree of recovery of muscle parameters 14 days after neuromyotoxic treatment varies as follow: venom<bupivacaine<cardiotoxin. By day 56, we found that injured muscles still exhibit deficits in maximal tetanic force (cardiotoxin and bupivacaine treatments) and fatigue resistance (venom and cardiotoxin treatments) as compared to control muscles (p<0.05). In conclusion, these results indicate that neuromyotoxic agents induce differential destructive effects and recovery in mice and confirm the fact that full nerve/muscle repair is slow and in some cases may never be attained.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Vignaud
- INSERM, U787, Paris, F-75013 France; Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris6, UMR S787, Paris, F-75013 France
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Abstract
Snakebites continue to be a major medical concern in India. However, there is very little hard evidence of a numerical nature to enable us to understand which species are responsible for mortality and morbidity. For many decades, the concept of the "Big 4" Snakes of Medical Importance has reflected the view that 4 species are responsible for Indian snakebite mortality--the Indian cobra (Naja naja), the common krait (Bungarus caeruleus), the Russell's viper (Daboia russelii) and the saw-scaled viper (Echis carinatus). However, a recent discovery that another species, the hump-nosed pit viper (Hypnale hypnale), is capable of causing lethal envenomation, and that this problem was being concealed by systematic misidentification of this species as the saw-scaled viper, has necessitated a review of the concept of the "Big 4." The concept of the "Big 4" snakes is reviewed to demonstrate its failure to include all currently known snakes of medical significance in India, and its negative effects related to clinical management of snakebite. The emergence of the hump-nosed pit viper (Hypnale hypnale) as a snake of medical significance has rendered the "Big 4" obsolete in terms of completeness. The concept of the "Big 4" is restricting sound epidemiological work and the development of effective snake antivenoms. It should be replaced by the model introduced in the 1980s by the World Health Organization, which has not received adequate circulation and implementation.
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Hirose M, Murai T, Kawashima H. Elevation of rat plasma P-selectin in acute lung injury. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2006; 1772:382-9. [PMID: 17223017 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2006.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2006] [Revised: 11/27/2006] [Accepted: 11/27/2006] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Acute lung injury in the rat caused by intravenous (i.v.) infusion of cobra venom factor (CVF) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is mediated by P-selectin-dependent neutrophil infiltration into the lung. In these lung injury models, P-selectin expression is induced on lung vascular endothelial cells after the CVF or LPS infusion, suggesting soluble P-selectin derived from inflamed sites might also be elevated. Here we established a sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure soluble P-selectin in plasma, a potential marker of lung injury. Nine anti-rat P-selectin monoclonal antibodies that we established previously were first classified into 5 groups based on real-time biospecific interaction analyses, and used to develop a sandwich ELISA for accurately measuring the amount of soluble P-selectin in plasma. We then used this ELISA to measure the plasma P-selectin levels in Long Evans, Wistar, and Sprague-Dawley rats after the i.v. infusion of CVF or LPS. The elevation in P-selectin levels was significantly different among the strains, but it consistently correlated with the extent of lung inflammation, measured by myeloperoxidase levels in the lung tissues. Thus, our results indicate that the soluble P-selectin in plasma could serve as a sensitive biomarker reflecting lung inflammation, which is of clinical importance for detecting and preventing severe lung injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayumi Hirose
- Laboratory of Supramolecular Crystallography, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
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Lu D, Chung KF, Xia M, Lu X, Scully M, Kakkar V. Integrin binding characteristics of the disintegrin-like domain of ADAM-15. Thromb Haemost 2006; 96:642-51. [PMID: 17080222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Although discovered as potent inhibitors of a (IIb) ss (3) -mediated platelet aggregation, snake venom disintegrins are now known to bind to other integrins according to different degrees of potency and specificity. More recently, homologues of the disintegrinlike loop have been found as a discrete domain in the ADAM family, yet the potency and specificity of each of these domains in terms of integrin binding is relatively unknown. In this present study, we have selected the disintegrin-like domain (dd) of ADAM-15 (designated as ddADAM-15), the only RGD containing domain in the ADAM family, for a structure/function study. Experimentally, the ddADAM-15 and a number of mutants in which the RGD-containing loop was substituted by cognate regions from ADAM-2, -12 and -19 were tested in terms of integrin-binding activity. For comparison with ADAM-15, an additional mutant (dd (den) ADAM-15) was designed based upon the RGD-containing loop of snake venom dendroaspin, a disintegrin-like integrin antagonist. The results showed that ddADAM-15 is an inhibitor of platelet aggregation, though with less potency than dd (den) ADAM-15. None of the other mutants exhibited significant inhibition of platelet aggregation. ddADAM-15 was found to have higher binding ability for a (2) ss (1) and a (9) ss (1) than the ADAM-2 derived mutant which appeared to be more selective for a (V) ss (3) and a (4) ss (1) than either ddADAM-15 or its ADAM-19 based mutant. The integrin-binding properties of ddADAM-15 were completely abolished by point mutation within the RGD motif (R (64) GD ? A (64) GD). These results suggest a more subtle contribution of this loop sequence to defining the functionality of the ADAMs compared to dendroaspin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Lu
- Thrombosis Research Institute, Manresa Road, London, SW3 6LR, UK
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Affiliation(s)
- A Polson
- Section of Virus Diseases and Protozoology, Onderstepoort, Union of South Africa
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