Galatrox is a C-type lectin in Bothrops atrox snake venom that selectively binds LacNAc-terminated glycans and can induce acute inflammation.

Previous studies indicate that snake venom contains glycan-binding proteins (GBPs), although the binding specificity and biological activities of many of these GBPs is unclear. Here we report our studies on the glycan binding specificity and activities of galatrox, a Bothrops atrox snake venom-derived GBP. Glycan microarray analysis indicates that galatrox binds most strongly to glycans expressing N-acetyllactosamine (LacNAc), with a significant preference for Galß1-4GlcNAcß over Galß1-3GlcNAcß compounds. Galatrox also bound immobilized laminin, a LacNAc-dense extracellular matrix component, suggesting that this GBP can bind LacNAc-bearing glycoproteins. As several endogenous mammalian GBPs utilize a similar binding LacNAc binding preference to regulate neutrophil and monocyte activity, we hypothesized that galatrox may mediate B. atrox toxicity through regulation of leukocyte activity. Indeed, galatrox bound neutrophils and promoted leukocyte chemotaxis in a carbohydrate-dependent manner. Similarly, galatrox administration into the mouse peritoneal cavity induced significant neutrophil migration and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1α and IL-6. Exposure of bone marrow-derived macrophages to galatrox induced generation of pro-inflammatory mediators IL-6, TNF-α, and keratinocyte-derived chemokine. This signaling by galatrox was mediated via its carbohydrate recognition domain by activation of the TLR4-mediated MyD88-dependent signaling pathway. These results indicate that galatrox has pro-inflammatory activity through its interaction with LacNAc-bearing glycans on neutrophils, macrophages and extracellular matrix proteins and induce the release of pro-inflammatory mediators.

Biological characterization of a myotoxin phosphoplipase A2 homologue purified from the venom of the snake Bothrops moojeni

A myotoxin phospholipase A2 homologue, BmooMtx, was isolated from the venom of Bothrops moojeni by a combination of ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-Sephacel column and gel filtration on Sephadex G-75. SDS-PAGE showed the enzyme to be a monomer with a molecular weight of 16,500. BmooMtx induced release of creatine kinase and morphological analyses indicated that it provoked an intense myonecrosis, with visible leukocyte infiltrate and damaged muscle cells 24 hours after injection. Anti-BmooMTx antibodies partially neutralized the myotoxic activity of BmooMtx and crude B. moojeni venom, as judged by determination of plasma creatine kinase levels and histological evaluation of skeletal muscle in mice. Anti-BmooMTx antibodies were effective in reducing the plasma creatine kinase levels of crude B. alternatus and B. leucurus venoms, evidencing immunological cross-reactivity between BmooMTx and other bothropic venoms. Intraplantar (i.pl.) injection of BmooMtx (1 to 15 μg/animal) caused a dose- and time-dependent hyperalgesia and edematogenic responses. Dexamethasone (0.4 mg/kg), meloxicam (2 mg/kg) and promethazine (5 mg/kg) markedly reduced the hyperalgesia. Our data suggest that these drugs may likely serve as complementary therapies in cases of accidents with Bothrops moojeni, provided that such pharmacological treatments are administered immediately after the incident.(AU)

Accidents caused by Bothrops and Bothropoides in the State of Paraiba: epidemiological and clinical aspects.

INTRODUCTION: Bothrops and Bothropoides snakes cause 70% of the ophidic accidents in Brazil. The species that cause ophidic accidents in State of Paraíba are Bothropoides erythromelas, Bothrops leucurus and Bothropoides neuwiedi. METHODS: This is a prospective and transverse study, following a quantitative approach of accidents involving Bothrops and Bothropoides admitted to the Toxicological Assistance and Information Centers of Campina Grande and João Pessoa (Ceatox-CG and Ceatox-JP), aimed at identifying the epidemiological and clinical profile of such accidents. All of the patients admitted had medical diagnoses and were monitored at Ceatox-CG or Ceatox-JP. RESULTS: The genera Bothrops and Bothropoides caused 91.7% of the ophidic accidents reported. Snake bites were frequent in men (75.1%), rural workers (65.1%), literate individuals (69%) between 11 and 20 years-old (21.7%), and toes the most common area attacked (52.7%). Most (86.6%) patients were admitted within 6 hours after the accident/bite, with a predominance of mild cases (64.6%). The annual occurrence in Paraíba was 5.5 accidents/100,000 inhabitants and lethality was 0.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Positive changes in the profiles of these accidents were verified, such as the non-application of inadequate solutions, including the use of tourniquet, coffee grounds, garlic, suction and/or cutting the bitten area. Moreover, the Itinerant Laboratory project, linked to Paraíba State University in partnership with Ceatox-CG, has contributed positively, providing several cities of the state with information regarding the prevention of accidents involving venomous animals. The local press has also contributed, reporting the educational work developed by the centers.

Accidents caused by Bothrops and Bothropoides in the State of Paraiba: epidemiological and clinical aspects / Acidentes causados por serpentes dos gêneros Bothrops e Bothropoides no Estado da Paraíba: aspectos clínicos e epidemiológicos

INTRODUCTION: Bothrops and Bothropoides snakes cause 70 percent of the ophidic accidents in Brazil. The species that cause ophidic accidents in State of Paraíba are Bothropoides erythromelas, Bothrops leucurus and Bothropoides neuwiedi. METHODS: This is a prospective and transverse study, following a quantitative approach of accidents involving Bothrops and Bothropoides admitted to the Toxicological Assistance and Information Centers of Campina Grande and João Pessoa (Ceatox-CG and Ceatox-JP), aimed at identifying the epidemiological and clinical profile of such accidents. All of the patients admitted had medical diagnoses and were monitored at Ceatox-CG or Ceatox-JP. RESULTS: The genera Bothrops and Bothropoides caused 91.7 percent of the ophidic accidents reported. Snake bites were frequent in men (75.1 percent), rural workers (65.1 percent), literate individuals (69 percent) between 11 and 20 years-old (21.7 percent), and toes the most common area attacked (52.7 percent). Most (86.6 percent) patients were admitted within 6 hours after the accident/bite, with a predominance of mild cases (64.6 percent). The annual occurrence in Paraíba was 5.5 accidents/100,000 inhabitants and lethality was 0.2 percent. CONCLUSIONS: Positive changes in the profiles of these accidents were verified, such as the non-application of inadequate solutions, including the use of tourniquet, coffee grounds, garlic, suction and/or cutting the bitten area. Moreover, the Itinerant Laboratory project, linked to Paraíba State University in partnership with Ceatox-CG, has contributed positively, providing several cities of the state with information regarding the prevention of accidents involving venomous animals. The local press has also contributed, reporting the educational work developed by the centers.

INTRODUÇÃO: As serpentes Bothrops e Bothropoides são responsáveis por 70 por cento dos acidentes ofídicos ocorridos no Brasil. As espécies causadoras de acidentes na Paraíba são Bothropoides erythromelas, Bothrops leucurus e Bothropoides neuwiedi. MÉTODOS: Tratou-se de um estudo prospectivo e transversal, com abordagem quantitativa dos acidentes botrópicos e botropóidicos atendidos e registrados pelos Centros de Assistência e Informação Toxicológica de Campina Grande e João Pessoa (Ceatox-CG e Ceatox-JP), com o objetivo de conhecer o perfil epidemiológico e clínico deste agravo. Todos os pacientes atendidos tiveram diagnóstico médico e acompanhamento pelos Ceatox CG e JP. RESULTADOS: Os gêneros Bothrops e Bothropoides foram responsáveis por 91,7 por cento dos acidentes ofídicos notificados. Atingindo frequentemente o sexo masculino (75,1 por cento), trabalhadores rurais (65,1 por cento), alfabetizados (69 por cento) e na faixa etária entre 11 a 20 anos (21,7 por cento), os dedos dos pés foram as regiões anatômicas mais acometidas (52,7 por cento). A maioria (86,6 por cento) dos pacientes foi atendida em até 6 horas após o acidente/picada com predominância de casos leves (64,6 por cento). A incidência anual no estado foi 5,5 acidentes/100.000 habitantes e a letalidade 0,2 por cento. CONCLUSÕES: Verificaram-se mudanças positivas no perfil desses acidentes, como a não utilização de medidas consideradas inadequadas (uso de torniquetes, borra de café, alho, incisão com sucção e outras). Além disso, o projeto Laboratório Itinerante, ligado a Universidade Estadual da Paraíba em parceria com o Ceatox-CG, tem contribuído positivamente, levando a várias cidades do estado informações sobre prevenção e tratamento dos acidentes causados por animais peçonhentos. A imprensa local também tem contribuído, divulgando esse trabalho educativo.

Anti-hemorrhagic activity of four Brazilian vegetable species against Bothrops jararaca venom.

Around 20,000 snakebites are reported annually in Brazil and 90% of them are inflicted by species of the genus Bothrops. Intravenous administration of antibothropic antivenom neutralizes the systemic actions, but it is of little effect on the reversal of local symptoms and often induces adverse reactions, a context that drives the search for complementary treatments for snakebite accidents. Vegetable extracts with a range of antiophidian activities constitute an excellent alternative. In this study, we investigated the anti-hemorrhagic effects of Mouriri pusa Gardn. (Melastomataceae), Byrsonima crassa Niedenzu (Malpighiaceae), Davilla elliptica St. Hill. (Dilleniaceae) and Strychnos pseudoquina St. Hil. (Loganiaceae) against Bothrops jararaca venom. The methanolic extracts from M. pusa (leaves), B. crassa (leaves) and D. elliptica (leaves) showed total neutralization capacity against local hemorrhages. The amenthoflavone and quercetin fractions from B. crassa and the flavonoids fractions (quercetin and myricetin) from M. pusa and D. elliptica also showed total neutralization capacity. We conclude that flavonoids derived from myricetin, quercetin and amenthoflavone play an important role in the anti-hemorrhagic potential of these Brazilian vegetables species against B. jararaca venom.

Efecto proteolítico de venenos de serpientes del género bothrops (yarará) de la Argentina y su neutralización por un antiveneno bivalente / Proteolityc effect of bothrops snake venom (yarará) from Argentina and neutralization by bivalent antivenom

Se estudió la actividad proteolítica de los venenos del género Bothrops de diferentes especies que habitan el litoral argentino y su neutralización por un suero hiperinmune bivalente producido en la Argentina. Se midió la actividad proteolíticas sobre caseína y se determinó la dosis proteolítica mínima (DPM), y la dosis efectiva 50 (DE) del suero bivalente frente a cada veneno. Las actividades proteolíticas de los venenos B, alternatus, B. neuwiedii, B. jararaca, B. jararacussu y B. moojeni fueron inferiores a las que presentan otras especies de Bothrops que habitan la región de America Central. Los resultados de la DE mostraron que el suero fue efectivo para neutralizar tal actividad en todos ellos, a pesar de que el suero utilizado en estas experiencias era específico para B. alternatus y B. neuwiedii. (AU)

Efecto proteolítico de venenos de serpientes del género bothrops (yarará) de la Argentina y su neutralización por un antiveneno bivalente / Proteolityc effect of bothrops snake venom (yarará) from Argentina and neutralization by bivalent antivenom

Se estudió la actividad proteolítica de los venenos del género Bothrops de diferentes especies que habitan el litoral argentino y su neutralización por un suero hiperinmune bivalente producido en la Argentina. Se midió la actividad proteolíticas sobre caseína y se determinó la dosis proteolítica mínima (DPM), y la dosis efectiva 50 (DE) del suero bivalente frente a cada veneno. Las actividades proteolíticas de los venenos B, alternatus, B. neuwiedii, B. jararaca, B. jararacussu y B. moojeni fueron inferiores a las que presentan otras especies de Bothrops que habitan la región de America Central. Los resultados de la DE mostraron que el suero fue efectivo para neutralizar tal actividad en todos ellos, a pesar de que el suero utilizado en estas experiencias era específico para B. alternatus y B. neuwiedii.

Lesines locales y sistemicas inducidas por veneno de Bothrops alternatus (víbora de la cruz) de Argentina / Local and sistemic lesions induced by Bothrops alternatus venom (víbora de la cruz) of Argentine

Se inocularon ratas de 220+= 20 g de peso, en grupos de 5 animales, con 800 ug de veneno de Bothrops alternatus de Argentina desecado y homogeneizado, diluído en 0,1 ml de solución salina, pore via intramuscular. Para la obtención de sangre y su posterior sacrificio, se anestesiaron a las 3, 9 y 24 horas, tomándose muestras del músculo inoculado, hígado y riñón. Se realizaron determinaciones enzimáticas y los tejidos se procesaron para histopatología. A las 3 horas, se observaron necrosis de fibras musculares confirmadas por métodos histoquímicos, hemorragia e infiltrado inflamatorio, los que se intensificaron a las 9 y 24 horas. Paralelamente se observó un incremento plasmático de lñas actividades enzimáticas de creatin fosfoquinasa (CPK), aspartato aminotransferasa (AST) y la alanina aminotransferasa (ALT); siendo máximo el aumento de CPK entre las 3 y 9 horas. La respuesta inflamatoria estudiada en ratón, mostró una reacción rápida cuya recuperación fue lenta. La necrosis de fibras musculares fue acompañada por peroxidación de lípidos y precipitación de calcio en las células. Las lesiones de te4jido hepático no fueron relevantes y en riñón se detectaron alteraciones en zona yuxtamedular y en el intersticio cortical

Lesines locales y sistemicas inducidas por veneno de Bothrops alternatus (víbora de la cruz) de Argentina / Local and sistemic lesions induced by Bothrops alternatus venom (víbora de la cruz) of Argentine

Se inocularon ratas de 220+= 20 g de peso, en grupos de 5 animales, con 800 ug de veneno de Bothrops alternatus de Argentina desecado y homogeneizado, diluído en 0,1 ml de solución salina, pore via intramuscular. Para la obtención de sangre y su posterior sacrificio, se anestesiaron a las 3, 9 y 24 horas, tomándose muestras del músculo inoculado, hígado y riñón. Se realizaron determinaciones enzimáticas y los tejidos se procesaron para histopatología. A las 3 horas, se observaron necrosis de fibras musculares confirmadas por métodos histoquímicos, hemorragia e infiltrado inflamatorio, los que se intensificaron a las 9 y 24 horas. Paralelamente se observó un incremento plasmático de lñas actividades enzimáticas de creatin fosfoquinasa (CPK), aspartato aminotransferasa (AST) y la alanina aminotransferasa (ALT); siendo máximo el aumento de CPK entre las 3 y 9 horas. La respuesta inflamatoria estudiada en ratón, mostró una reacción rápida cuya recuperación fue lenta. La necrosis de fibras musculares fue acompañada por peroxidación de lípidos y precipitación de calcio en las células. Las lesiones de te4jido hepático no fueron relevantes y en riñón se detectaron alteraciones en zona yuxtamedular y en el intersticio cortical(AU)