Hematological and biochemical assessment of experimental envenomation by Lachesis muta muta (South American bushmaster) in rats treated with N-acetylcysteine and antivenom

• Grant number: 19/20737-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2020
• End date: May 31, 2021
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Pharmacology - Toxicology
• Principal Investigator: Rafael Stuani Floriano
• Grantee: Carina Vivian Pires
• Host Institution: Pró-Reitoria de Pesquisa e Pós-Graduação. Universidade do Oeste Paulista (UNOESTE). Presidente Prudente , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Envenomation by Lachesis is characterized by clinical manifestations such as local and systemic myonecrosis, renal dysfunction, hemorrhagic, coagulopathic and hypotensive activities. The treatment of envenomation by Lachesis is conditioned to serotherapy and there are few reports related to application of other therapeutics pathways. Recent studies revealed that n-acetylcysteine (NAC) can be used as a potential coadjutant agent to serotherapy in envenomation by Viperidae snakes (Bothrops and Crotalus). In this project, we aim to assess the efficiency of the application of NAC, associated or not to anti-Bothrops/Lachesis serum, in the reduction of the systemic effects induced by experimental envenomation by Lachesis m. muta (Sul American bushmaster) in rats. The animals will be divided in six experimental groups: (1) control, (2) venom, (3) NAC, (4) venom + NAC, (5) venom + antivenom and (6) venom + NAC + antivenom [administration via: venom 1.5 mg/kg (intramuscular), NAC 150 mg/kg and antivenom ratio 1:1.5 (v/w) (intraperitoneal)]. The animals will be clinically monitored (rectal temperature, ambulation by open field test and oedema formation) at T0, T30, T60, T90 and T120 min, followed by euthanasia and blood samples collection for hematological (hemogram and coagulation time) and biochemical (CK, CK-MB, creatinine and ALT) assessments, including skeletal and cardiac muscle, renal and hepatic tissue samples collection for histopathological analysis. The results of this study will contribute to understand the therapeutic action of antioxidative compounds on the effects induced by envenomation by Lachesis. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

LEAO-TORRES, ALINE G.; PIRES, V, CARINA; RIBELATO, AMANDA C.; ZERBINATTI, MARIA C.; SANTAREM, CECILIA L.; NOGUEIRA, ROSA M. B.; GIOMETTI, INES C.; GIUFFRIDA, ROGERIO; SILVA, ELISANGELA O.; GEREZ, JULIANA R.; et al. Protective action of N-acetyl-L-cysteine associated with a polyvalent antivenom on the envenomation induced by Lachesis muta muta (South American bushmaster) in rats. Toxicon, v. 198, p. 36-47, JUL 30 2021. (19/20737-4)