胡蜂毒提取物对胶原诱导性类风湿性关节炎大鼠的作用研究

目的建立胶原诱导性类风湿关节炎(collagen-induced arthritis,CIA)大鼠模型来探讨胡蜂毒提取物对大鼠类风湿性关节炎(rheumatoid arthritis,RA)的治疗作用。方法将SD大鼠随机分为正常组、模型组、阳性对照组(注射用蜂毒冻干粉,1.25 mg·kg^-1)和胡蜂毒提取物低、中、高剂量(0.125、0.25、0.5 mg·kg^-1)组,除正常组外,其余各组采用多点注射鸡Ⅱ型胶原加完全弗氏佐剂的方法来诱导大鼠RA模型,每7 d一次,共14 d。造模结束后,各给药组于足趾皮下注射对应剂量的药物,连续给药14 d。分别于造模前、造模第14天和给药第14天测量大鼠踝关节直径和周长,并进行AI评分;观察大鼠脏器指数和踝关节组织HE染色的变化;采用酶联免疫吸附测定(ELISA)检测大鼠血清中相关炎症因子白细胞介素(IL)-1β、IL-6、肿瘤坏死因子(TNF)-α、IL-8、前列腺素(PG)E-2、环氧化酶(COX)-2和类风湿因子免疫球蛋白(Ig)G、Ig A、Ig M的含量变化;利用流式细胞术检测大鼠脾脏T细胞亚群的变化。结果与模型组比较,胡蜂毒提取物对CIΑ大鼠的关节肿胀(直径及周长)抑制效果显著(P<0.01),能明显降低其AI评分(P<0.01或P<0.05),能不同程度恢复大鼠的脏器指数(P<0.01或P<0.05),改善踝关节组织病理学结构病变,降低大鼠血清中各炎症因子和类风湿因子的表达(P<0.01或P<0.05),调节和改善T细胞亚群比例的紊乱(P<0.01或P<0.05)。结论胡蜂毒提取物对CIA大鼠具有较好的治疗作用,这与其对炎症细胞因子网络的调控和对免疫的调节有关系。     

The Venom of Philippine Tarantula (Theraphosidae) Contains Peptides with Pro-Oxidative and Nitrosative-Dependent Cytotoxic Activities against Breast Cancer Cells (MCF-7) In Vitro

Background: Breast cancer is a multifactorial disease that affects women worldwide. Its progression is likely to be executed by oxidative stress wherein elevated levels of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species drive several breast cancer pathologies. Spider venom contains various pharmacological peptides which exhibit selective activity to abnormal expression of ion channels on cancer cell surface which can confer potent anti-cancer activities against this disease. Methods: Venom was extracted from a Philippine tarantula by electrostimulation and fractionated by reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Venom fractions were collected and used for in vitro analyses such as cellular toxicity, morphological assessment, and oxidative stress levels. Results: The fractionation of crude spider venom generated several peaks which were predominantly detected spectrophotometrically and colorimetrically as peptides. Treatment of MCF-7 cell line of selected spider venom peptides induced production of several endogenous radicals such as hydroxyl radicals (•OH), nitric oxide radicals (•NO), superoxide anion radicals (•O2−) and lipid peroxides via malondialdehyde (MDA) reaction, which is comparable with the scavenging effects afforded by 400 µg/mL vitamin E and L-cysteine (p<0.05). Concomitantly, the free radicals produced decrease the mitochondrial membrane potential and metabolic activity as detected by rhodamine 123 and tetrazolium dye respectively (p>0.05). This is manifested by cytotoxicity in MCF-7 cells as seen by increase in membrane blebbing, cellular detachment, caspase activity and nuclear fragmentation. Conclusion: These data suggest that the Philippine tarantula venom contains peptide constituents exhibiting pro-oxidative and nitrosative-dependent cytotoxic activities against MCF-7 cells and can indicate mechanistic insights to further explore its potential application as prooxidants in cancer therapy.     

Evaluating the inhibitory potential of Withania somnifera on platelet aggregation and inflammation enzymes: An in vitro and in silico study

Context Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal is traditionally used for treating various ailments, but lacks scientific evaluation.

Objective This study evaluates Withania somnifera (WS) for its effect on platelet activity and inflammatory enzymes.

Materials and methods Aqueous and ethanolic (1:1) leaf extracts were subjected to in vitro indirect haemolytic activity using Naja naja venom, human platelet aggregation was quantified for lipid peroxidation using arachidonic acid (AA) as agonist and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) levels were determined using standard spectrometric assays. Further, molecular docking was performed by the ligand fit method using molegro software package (Molegro ApS, Aarhus, Denmark).

Results The study found that aqueous and ethanol extracts have very negligible effect (15%) with an IC₅₀ value of 13.8?mg/mL on PLA₂ from Naja naja venom. Further, extracts of WS also had very little effect (18%) with an IC₅₀ value of 16.6?mg/mL on malondialdehyde (MDA) formation. However, a 65% inhibition of 5-LOX with an IC₅₀ value of 0.92?mg/mL was observed in 1:1 ethanol extracts. The same was evident from SAR model with the active ingredient withaferin A binding predominantly on Phe 77, Tyr 98, Arg 99, Asp 164, Leu 168, Ser 382, Arg 395, Tyr 396 and Tyr 614 with an atomic contact energy value of??128.96 compared to standard phenidone (?103.61). Thus, the current study validates the application of WS for inflammatory diseases.

Conclusion This study reveals the inhibitory potential of W. somnifera on inflammatory enzymes and platelet aggregation. Thus, WS can serve as a newer, safer and affordable medicine for inflammatory diseases.     

蝮蛇毒血小板抑制因子减轻LPS诱导的内皮细胞损伤

目的:探讨蝮蛇毒血小板抑制因子(AHV-PI)对体外脂多糖(LPS)诱导的人脐静脉血管内皮细胞(HUVECs)损伤的影响及其作用机制。方法:体外培养HUVECs,运用LPS(1 mg/L)诱导HUVECs炎症损伤模型,实验分为空白对照组、LPS组、AHV-PI组和AHV-PI+LPS组。MTT比色法检测HUVECs的活力,倒置显微镜观察HUVECs的形态变化,筛选出AHV-PI最适浓度为5 mg/L。流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡;免疫组化法观察胞内组织型纤溶酶原激活物(T-PA)以及纤溶酶原激活物抑制剂-1(PAI-1)表达情况;ELISA法检测HUVECs上清液中细胞间黏附分子-1(ICAM-1)和组织因子(TF)含量;免疫荧光染色检测胞核内NF-κB亚基p65激活转位情况。结果:LPS组细胞明显梭形化,长宽比增大,呈成纤维细胞状,胞浆出现颗粒样物质。AHV-PI浓度低于5 mg/L时对HUVECs的活性和形态没有明显影响,但可减轻LPS引起的HUVECs的活力抑制和形态改变。与对照组比较,LPS组上清液中TF和ICAM-1含量升高,胞内T-PA和PAI-1表达减少;与LPS组相比,AHV-PI+LPS组上清液中TF和ICAM-1的含量显著降低,细胞内T-PA和PAI-1表达增多,细胞核内NF-κB p65表达减少。结论:AHV-PI能减轻HUVECs损伤,其保护机制与抑制细胞因子分泌及NF-κB活化有关。     

EAACI guidelines on allergen immunotherapy: Hymenoptera venom allergy

Hymenoptera venom allergy is a potentially life‐threatening allergic reaction following a honeybee, vespid, or ant sting. Systemic‐allergic sting reactions have been reported in up to 7.5% of adults and up to 3.4% of children. They can be mild and restricted to the skin or moderate to severe with a risk of life‐threatening anaphylaxis. Patients should carry an emergency kit containing an adrenaline autoinjector, H₁‐antihistamines, and corticosteroids depending on the severity of their previous sting reaction(s). The only treatment to prevent further systemic sting reactions is venom immunotherapy. This guideline has been prepared by the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology's (EAACI) Taskforce on Venom Immunotherapy as part of the EAACI Guidelines on Allergen Immunotherapy initiative. The guideline aims to provide evidence‐based recommendations for the use of venom immunotherapy, has been informed by a formal systematic review and meta‐analysis and produced using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) approach. The process included representation from a range of stakeholders. Venom immunotherapy is indicated in venom‐allergic children and adults to prevent further moderate‐to‐severe systemic sting reactions. Venom immunotherapy is also recommended in adults with only generalized skin reactions as it results in significant improvements in quality of life compared to carrying an adrenaline autoinjector. This guideline aims to give practical advice on performing venom immunotherapy. Key sections cover general considerations before initiating venom immunotherapy, evidence‐based clinical recommendations, risk factors for adverse events and for relapse of systemic sting reaction, and a summary of gaps in the evidence.     

Transient Coagulopathy Due to Wasp Sting: A Case Report

Background

Insect venom anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening disorder. Transient coagulopathy in insect venom anaphylaxis is a rare phenomenon.

蛇毒毒素的抗肿瘤作用及其在医药领域的应用

目的 探讨蛇毒毒素的抗肿瘤作用及其在医药领域的应用。方法 综述蛇毒毒素的抗肿瘤组分、抗肿瘤作用及其机制的研究进展。结果 蛇毒毒素对多种肿瘤均有抑制作用,具有直接杀伤肿瘤细胞、诱导肿瘤细胞凋亡、抑制血管再生等作用。结论 对蛇毒毒素抗肿瘤组分及其作用机制进行深入研究,是当前抗肿瘤药物研究的重要方向。     

AaeAP1 and AaeAP2: Novel Antimicrobial Peptides from the Venom of the Scorpion,Androctonus aeneas: Structural Characterisation,Molecular Cloning of Biosynthetic Precursor-Encoding cDNAs and Engineering of Analogues with Enhanced Antimicrobial and Anticancer Activities

The main functions of the abundant polypeptide toxins present in scorpion venoms are the debilitation of arthropod prey or defence against predators. These effects are achieved mainly through the blocking of an array of ion channel types within the membranes of excitable cells. However, while these ion channel-blocking toxins are tightly-folded by multiple disulphide bridges between cysteine residues, there are additional groups of peptides in the venoms that are devoid of cysteine residues. These non-disulphide bridged peptides are the subject of much research interest, and among these are peptides that exhibit antimicrobial activity. Here, we describe two novel non-disulphide-bridged antimicrobial peptides that are present in the venom of the North African scorpion, Androctonus aeneas. The cDNAs encoding the biosynthetic precursors of both peptides were cloned from a venom-derived cDNA library using 3''- and 5''-RACE strategies. Both translated precursors contained open-reading frames of 74 amino acid residues, each encoding one copy of a putative novel nonadecapeptide, whose primary structures were FLFSLIPSVIAGLVSAIRN and FLFSLIPSAIAGLVSAIRN, respectively. Both peptides were C-terminally amidated. Synthetic versions of each natural peptide displayed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities, but were devoid of antiproliferative activity against human cancer cell lines. However, synthetic analogues of each peptide, engineered for enhanced cationicity and amphipathicity, exhibited increases in antimicrobial potency and acquired antiproliferative activity against a range of human cancer cell lines. These data clearly illustrate the potential that natural peptide templates provide towards the design of synthetic analogues for therapeutic exploitation.