Anticancer and antimicrobial activities of scorpion venoms and their peptides

Scorpion venom is a natural biological resource that contains several components, which are not only responsible for death but also have a potential therapeutic activity. Scorpion venom has been used as traditional and folk therapy in various pathophysiological conditions. Now, many scorpion venom components have been purified and identified. Based on the available structural and functional information of these components, the scientists can produce new venom-derived medications with potential therapeutic activity against many important diseases. This review focused on the importance of scorpion venoms and their peptides against cancer and microbes.     

蛇毒抗肿瘤成分的研究进展

目的探讨蛇毒抗肿瘤成分的作用及其在医药领域的应用,为蛇毒成分在抗肿瘤领域的研发提供参考。方法查阅并总结资料文献,对国内外蛇毒抗肿瘤成分的研究进行综述。结果蛇毒具有多种抗肿瘤成分,对多种肿瘤均有抑制作用,可抑制肿瘤相关的基因表达、抑制肿瘤细胞增殖、诱导肿瘤细胞凋亡和抑制肿瘤血管再生与转移等。结论对蛇毒抗肿瘤成分进行深入研究,开发其在抗肿瘤药物研究领域的价值。     

Effects of snake venoms on hemostasis

Proteins found in venoms, especially of the Viperidae snake family, exert, often with a narrow specificity, activating, inactivating, or other converting effects on different components of the hemostatic and fibrinolytic systems, respectively. Some purified snake venom proteins have become valuable tools in basic research and in diagnostic procedures in hemostaseology. "Procoagulant" as well as "anticoagulant" venom components have been identified in in vitro test systems. "Procoagulant" snake venom components may cause in vivo, upon massive application as in the case of snake-bite of small prey animals, intravascular coagulation leading to circulatory arrest and rapid death. Smaller doses of procoagulant venom components applied to large organisms as in the case of snake-bite accidents in humans, may cause a consumption coagulopathy with localized or generalized bleeding. Highly purified, specific fibrinogen coagulant venom proteinases are used in human medicine to produce therapeutic defibrinogenation. These practically nontoxic venom enzymes may act synergistically with other components aggravating their toxic effects.     

Effects of Snake Venoms on Hemostasis

Abstract

Proteins found in venoms, especially of theViperidae snake family, exert, often with a narrow specificity, activating, inactivating, or other converting effects on different components of the hemostatic and fibrinolytic systems, respectively. Some purified snake venom proteins have become valuable tools in basic research and in diagnostic procedures in hemostaseology. “Procoagulant” as well as “anticoagulant” venom components have been identified inin vitro test systems. “Procoagulant” snake venom components may causein vivo, upon massive application as in the case of snake-bite of small prey animals, intravascular coagulation leading to circulatory arrest and rapid death. Smaller doses of procoagulant venom components applied to large organisms as in the case of snake-bite accidents in humans, may cause a consumption coagulopathy with localized or generalized bleeding. Highly purified, specific fibrinogen coagulant venom proteinases are used in human medicine to produce therapeutic defibrinogenation. These practically nontoxic venom enzymes may act synergistically with other components aggravating their toxic effects.     

蛇毒蛋白基因的大肠杆菌表达研究进展

蛇毒是多种生物活性蛋白和多肽的混合物，由于蛇毒在基础医学和临床上的特殊作用以及天然蛇毒蛋白获取方法的局限性，采用生物工程方法规模化生产高纯度的蛇毒蛋白已成为当前及今后的研究方向。该文就蛇毒蛋白基因在大肠杆菌中表达的研究近况进行介绍。     

The effects of specific antibody fragments on the 'irreversible' neurotoxicity induced by Brown snake (Pseudonaja) venom

Brown snake (Pseudonaja) venom has been reported to produce 'irreversible' post synaptic neurotoxicity (Harris & Maltin, 1981; Barnett et al., 1980). A murine phrenic nerve/diaphragm preparation was used to study the neurotoxic effects of this venom and pre- and post-synaptic components were distinguished by varying the temperature and frequency of nerve stimulation. There were no myotoxic effects and the neurotoxicity proved irreversible by washing alone. The effects of a new Fab based ovine antivenom have been investigated and proved able to produce a complete, rapid (< 1 h) reversal of the neurotoxicity induced by Brown snake venom. A reversal was also possible when the antivenom addition was delayed for a further 60 min. We believe that this is the first time such a reversal has been shown.     

The Direct Actinc α-Fibrin(Ogen)Olytic Enzymes from Snake Venoms

Abstract

A variety of α-fibrin(ogen)olytic enzymes have been found in snake venoms. More than 15 α-fibrin(ogen)ases have been isolated and characterized. Most work has been done with the venom of snakes belonging to a few species from the Agkistrodon, Crotalus, Trimeresurus, Bothrops, and Vipera. Only one α-fibrin(ogen)olytic enzyme is characterized from Elapidae snake venoms. The enzymatic properties of these proteinases are described in relation to action on fibrinogen, fibrin, and casein. The fibrinolytic enzymes act directly on fibrin and do not activate plasminogen. The proteolytic activity of these metalloproteinases is inhibited by EDTA. Most thoroughly investigated snake venom fibrinolytic enzymes are fibrolase from Agkistrodon contortrix contortrix venom, atroxase from Crotalus atrox venom and cerastase from Cerastes cerastes venom. Antibodies to fibrolase were prepared and their cross-reactions with other fibrinolytic components from several snake venoms have been detected. These antibodies were successfully used for purification of fibrolase from crude southern copperhead venom. Fibrolase and atroxase have no hemorrhagic activity, and they effectively solubilize artificial thrombi. Research in this area has a chance to provide new therapeutic agents for dissolving thrombi.     

Snake venom components affecting blood coagulation and the vascular system: structural similarities and marked diversity

In studies of blood coagulation and the vascular system, snake venom toxins have been indispensable in elucidating the complex physiological mechanisms that govern coagulation and the vascular system in mammals, given their potency and highly specific biological effects. The various components of snake venom toxins can be classified according to their mechanism of action, for example, serine proteases, metalloproteinases, Kunitz-type protease inhibitors, phospholipases A(2), (L)-amino acid oxidases, C-type lectin(-like) proteins, disintegrins, vascular endothelial growth factors, three-finger toxins, and cysteine-rich secretory proteins. Although the molecular structures of most toxins are not unique to snake venom toxins, venom proteins often exhibit marked diversity in their biological effects, despite their structural similarities. In this review, we identify several snake venom toxins capable of affecting blood coagulation and the vascular system, as well as various toxins from other organisms, including leeches and ticks.     

Elucidation of trends within venom components from the snake families Elapidae and Viperidae using gel filtration chromatography.

Research into snake venom components has intensified over the last number of decades, particularly that work directed towards the discovery of novel agents with potential applications in clinical therapy. In the present study we report, for the first time, defined patterns observed in the G-50 chromatographic elution profiles from 30 snake venoms taken from Elapidae and Viperidae families, as well as previously unreported patterns within subfamilies of these snake species. Development of this chromatographic technique thus offers a rapid method for the general classification of snakes within these families as well as providing insights into hitherto uncharacterised trends within the venoms of snake subfamilies that have opened new avenues for further investigation.     

Mitochondrial DNA sequences from dried snake venom: a DNA barcoding approach to the identification of venom samples.

Outdated nomenclature and incorrect taxonomic characterisation of snake venoms in the current toxinological literature have serious implications for the replicability of results from snake venom toxin research. The situation has not improved, despite attempts to supply toxinologists with regular updates on snake systematics. Here, we demonstrate the successful extraction of DNA, and subsequent sequencing of the mitochondrial 12S gene, from dried snake venoms. This approach offers a new and potentially straightforward method for accurate species identification. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences isolated from snake venom can be used to clarify or validate snake species identification through comparison against existing sequences in the GenBank database, and through phylogenetic analyses with other sequences. Pooled venoms can also be screened a priori for the presence of multiple species, and the species names on the labels of commercial venoms verified. Moreover, if the species from which the venom sample has been taken is known, and the specimen is available as a voucher, the mtDNA sequence of the haplotype isolated from that species venom sample could serve as a sequence standard (or 'DNA barcode') for that species. Our new method of DNA barcoding venoms ensures the identification of venoms even after future taxonomic changes.     

Toxin synergism in snake venoms

Synergism between venom toxins exists for a range of snake species. Synergism can be derived from both intermolecular interactions and supramolecular interactions between venom components, and can be the result of toxins targeting the same protein, biochemical pathway or physiological process. Few simple systematic tools and methods for determining the presence of synergism exist, but include co-administration of venom components and assessment of Accumulated Toxicity Scores. A better understanding of how to investigate synergism in snake venoms may help unravel strategies for developing novel therapies against snakebite envenoming by elucidating mechanisms for toxicity and interactions between venom components.     

Non-parallel expression of a triflavin-like disintegrin venom protein in the main glands of Trimeresurus mucrosquamatus

Snake venom proteins are synthesized and accumulated in the venom gland. Based on studies that have focused on the morphological and biochemical changes that occur in the venom gland after the release of venom, it was believed that each cell synthesized all the venom components. However, the kinetics of snake venom protein expression remains largely unknown. In this report, we propose a non-parallel synthesis mechanism for the production of triflavin-like disintegrin venom protein in the main glands of Trimeresurus mucrosquamatus.     

浙江眼镜蛇(Naja naja atra)蛇毒镇痛多肽的分离纯化及其性质的研究

研究浙江眼镜蛇(Naja naja natra)蛇毒的镇痛活性组分，为寻找镇痛效果好，而无成瘾性的新型镇痛药奠定基础。采用CM-Sephadex离子交换色谱和Sephadex G-50凝胶过滤色谱对浙江产眼镜蛇蛇毒中的镇痛活性组分进行分离纯化。采用PAGE IEF及HPLC上等实验方法对产物纯度进行鉴定。采用SDS-PAGE法和HPLC法测定产物的分子质量，用IEF法测定产物的等电点，用小鼠热板法与醋酸扭体法考察产物的镇痛活性。结果表明眼镜蛇毒经3次柱色谱后，产物AAP经鉴定为单一组分。AAP经SDS-PAGE法和HPLC法测定的分子质量分别是7．28Mr和7．25Mr，等电点是9．58。AAP的痛阈提高百分率和扭体抑制率分别为91．3％，77．2％。眼镜蛇毒经3次柱色谱后得到具有镇痛活性的单一组分。     

类凝血酶效价测定方法的研究

对蛇毒中提取的类凝血酶进行了分析，并建立了类凝血酶效价测定法，此法灵敏度高，重视性好，操作简便，适用于蛇毒有效成分的分析及厂方质量的跟踪检测。     

Snake venoms and the hemostatic system

Snake venoms are complex mixtures containing many different biologically active proteins and peptides. A number of these proteins interact with components of the human hemostatic system. This review is focused on those venom constituents which affect the blood coagulation pathway, endothelial cells, and platelets. Only highly purified and well characterized snake venom proteins will be discussed in this review. Hemostatically active components are distributed widely in the venom of many different snake species, particularly from pit viper, viper and elapid venoms. The venom components can be grouped into a number of different categories depending on their hemostatic action. The following groups are discussed in this review: (i) enzymes that clot fibrinogen; (ii) enzymes that degrade fibrin(ogen); (iii) plasminogen activators; (iv) prothrombin activators; (v) factor V activators; (vi) factor X activators; (vii) anticoagulant activities including inhibitors of prothrombinase complex formation, inhibitors of thrombin, phospholipases, and protein C activators; (viii) enzymes with hemorrhagic activity; (ix) enzymes that degrade plasma serine proteinase inhibitors; (x) platelet aggregation inducers including direct acting enzymes, direct acting non-enzymatic components, and agents that require a cofactor; (xi) platelet aggregation inhibitors including: -fibrinogenases, 5′-nucleotidases, phospholipases, and disintegrins. Although many snake venoms contain a number of hemostatically active components, it is safe to say that no single venom contains all the hemostatically active components described here. Several venom enzymes have been used clinically as anticoagulants and other venom components are being used in pre-clinical research to examine their possible therapeutic potential. The disintegrins are an interesting group of peptides that contain a cell adhesion recognition motif, Arg–Gly–Asp (RGD), in the carboxy-terminal half of their amino acid sequence. These agents act as fibrinogen receptor (integrin GPIIb/IIIa) antagonists. Since this integrin is believed to serve as the final common pathway leading to the formation of platelet–platelet bridges and platelet aggregation, blockage of this integrin leads to inhibition of platelet aggregation regardless of the stimulating agent. Clinical trials suggest that platelet GPIIb/IIIa blockade is an effective therapy for the thrombotic events and restenosis frequently accompanying cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. Therefore, because of their clinical potential, a large number of disintegrins have been isolated and characterized.     

Diagnosis of Snakebite and the Importance of Immunological Tests in Venom Research

In many cases of envenoming following snake bite, the snake responsible for the accident remains unidentified; this frequently results in difficulty deciding which antivenom to administer to the systemically-envenomed victim, especially when only monospecific antivenoms are available. Normally the specific diagnosis of snake bite can be conveniently made using clinical and laboratory methods. Where clinical diagnosis depends upon the recognition of specific signs of envenoming in the patient, laboratory diagnosis is based on the changes which occur in envenomed victims including the detection of abnormalities in blood parameters, presence/absence of myoglobinuria, changes in certain enzyme levels, presence/absence of neurotoxic signs and the detection in the blood of specific venom antigens using immunologically-based techniques, such as enzyme immunoassay. It is the latter which is the main subject of this review, together with the application of techniques currently used to objectively assess the effectiveness of new and existing antivenoms, to assess first aid measures, to investigate the possible use of such methods in epidemiological studies, and to detect individual venom components. With this in mind, we have discussed in some detail how such techniques were developed and how they have helped in the treatment of envenoming particularly and in venom research in general.     

BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHARMACOLOGY OF COLUBRID SNAKE VENOMS

The polyphyletic family Colubridae contains approximately two-thirds of the described species of advanced snakes, and nearly half of these (～700 species) produce a venom in a specialized cephalic gland, the Duvernoy's gland. Biochemical and pharmacological information is lacking for venoms of most species, and modest detailed information on venom composition is available for only a few species which represent a potential health threat to humans. However, colubrid venoms represent a vast source of novel compounds, and some toxins, such as the 20–26 kD CRISP-related venom proteins (helveprins), have only recently been identified in both colubrid and elapid/viperid venoms. Difficulties associated with extraction have been addressed, and it is now possible to obtain venom sufficient for many analyses from even small species. There appears to be a greater number of venom components shared among the colubrids and the front-fanged snakes than has been previously noted, and it is probable that as analytical methods improve, more similarities will emerge. It is clear that colubrid venoms are homologous with front-fanged snake venoms, but overall composition as well as biological role(s) of colubrid venoms may be quite different. Metallo- and serine proteases have been identified in several colubrid venoms, and phospholipase A₂ is a more frequent component than has been previously recognized. Venom phosphodiesterase, acetylcholinesterase and prothrombin activator activities occur in some venoms, and postsynaptic neurotoxins and myotoxins have been partially characterized for venoms from several species. Some venoms show high toxicity toward inbred mice, and others are toxic to birds and/or frogs only. Because many colubrids feed on non-mammalian prey, lethal toxicity toward mice is likely only relevant as a measure of potential risk posed to humans. Development of a non-mammalian vertebrate animal model would greatly facilitate systematic comparisons of the pharmacology of colubrid venoms and their components, and such a model would be more appropriate for evaluation of colubrid venom toxicity. Proteomics has the potential to increase our understanding of these venoms rapidly, but classical approaches to toxinology can also contribute tremendously to this understudied field. As more colubrid venoms are analyzed, new compounds unique to colubrid venoms will be identified, and this work in turn will lead to a better understanding of the evolution and biological significance of snake venoms and venom components.     

An isoelectric focusing study of seasonal variation in rattlesnake venom proteins

Adult specimens of seven southern Pacific rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis helleri), four northern black-tailed rattlesnakes (Crotalus molossus molossus), and six western diamondback rattlesnakes (Crotalus atrox) were housed under controlled light and temperature and milked of venom monthly for 20 months. Ambient conditions were modelled to simulate seasonal change. Weighed amounts of lyophilized venom from each snake were compared chronologically for variation in isoelectric focusing patterns, using natural and immobilized gradients. No variation in patterns was evident over this time period for any individual snake. However, intraspecific differences were obvious in the venom samples. The pattern seems indicative of a species, however, concentration of various protein constituents seems individual and genetically "fingerprinted'. Unlike other physiological functions that demonstrate cyclicity in response to temperature and photoperiod, concentration ratios of venom components appear to be constant regardless of external cues. These findings may further emphasize the medical importance of treating snakebite victims symptomatically as individuals. A variation exists in the components of venoms of any given species, as well as in the physiological sensitivities of humans to a venom.     

Biochemistry and toxicology of toxins purified from the venom of the snake Bothrops asper

The isolation and study of individual snake venom components paves the way for a deeper understanding of the pathophysiology of envenomings – thus potentially contributing to improved therapeutic modalities in the clinical setting – and also opens possibilities for the discovery of novel toxins that might be useful as tools for dissecting cellular and molecular processes of biomedical importance. This review provides a summary of the different toxins that have been isolated and characterized from the venom of Bothrops asper, the snake species causing the majority of human envenomings in Central America. This venom contains proteins belonging to at least eight families: metalloproteinase, serine proteinase, C-type lectin-like, l-amino acid oxidase, disintegrin, DC-fragment, cystein-rich secretory protein, and phospholipase A₂. Some 25 venom proteins within these families have been isolated and characterized. Their main biochemical properties and toxic actions are described, including, in some cases, their possible relationships to the pathologic effects induced by B. asper venom.