Isolation and characterization of Brothrops jararaca snake venom proteins that induce thrombocytopenia

• Grant number: 16/50411-5
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: February 01, 2018
• End date: January 31, 2020
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Pharmacology - Toxicology
• Agreement: CONICET
• Mobility Program: SPRINT - Projetos de pesquisa - Mobilidade
• Principal Investigator: Marcelo Larami Santoro
• Grantee: Marcelo Larami Santoro
• Principal researcher abroad: Maria Elisa Peichoto
• Institution abroad: Instituto Nacional de Medicina Tropical (INMeT), Argentina
• Host Institution: Instituto Butantan. Secretaria da Saúde (São Paulo - Estado). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 13/25177-0 - Involvement of Von Willebrand factor in hemostatic disturbances induced by Bothrops jararaca snake venom: experimental study, AP.R

Abstract

The venom of the pit viper Bothrops jararaca (a species that inhabits from southern Bahia state in Brazil to Misiones province in Argentina) interferes in various biological systems in a complex and dynamic manner, leading to the rapid death of their natural preys. Among these biological systems, the hemostatic system is a pivotal target for snake venoms, and particularly B. jararaca venom has a number of pro and anti-hemostatic activities that evoke systemic and local bleedings in envenomed patients. Although the venom induces thrombocytopenia in patients, it is not known which toxins are ascribed for this action. In previous studies, we demonstrated that crude B. jararaca venom incubated with inhibitors of metaloproteinases, serine proteinases and/or botrocetin is still capable of inducing thrombocytopenia in rats. Thus, this project aims to isolate, identify and characterize toxins that are responsible for inducing thrombocytopenia in envenomation by using chromatographic methods, and in vitro and in vivo tests. Thus, we seek to obtain relevant information on the pathophysiology of envenomation by Bothrops snakes, especially on those topics related to systemic complications. This will benefit the treatment of patients bitten by Bothrops snakes, and consequently reduce complications and sequels. (AU)