Prospecting the effects of Bothrops venoms on platelet aggregation

• Grant number: 25/19594-5
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: January 01, 2026
• End date: December 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Pharmacology - Cardiorenal Pharmacology
• Principal Investigator: Renato Simões Gaspar
• Grantee: Renato Simões Gaspar
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (FCM). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• City of the host institution: Campinas
• Associated research grant: 22/05750-7 - Underlying mechanisms of cardiovascular outcomes in Diabetes: the role of glycated collagen, AP.GR

Abstract

It is estimated that over 85% of snakebites reported in Brazil are caused by snakes of the Bothrops genus. According to the Reptile Database, 30 Bothrops species have been reported in Brazil. Different regions of the country dispose of antibothropic serums composed of their respective most frequently occurring species. Even so, morbidity and mortality are high, given that these venoms have proteolytic, coagulant, and hemorrhagic effects. Most studies on Bothrops venoms analyze their effect on coagulation, while a minority of studies investigate their function directly on platelets-the main cell responsible for blood homeostasis. There is no robust screening in the literature of the effect of different Bothrops species on platelet function, which would be useful for determining and comparing the potency of endemic venoms. Therefore, we will explore the prothrombotic effect of Bothrops venoms found in Brazil using platelet aggregation. We will calculate the potency of venoms from different species in inducing platelet aggregation and evaluate the neutralizing effect of antibothropic antiserums. This translational study will train future scientists in platelet biology techniques and may be reflected in the adoption of new public policies regarding snakebite accidents. (AU)