Influence of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on the neuromuscular effects of Lachesis muta muta snake venom

• Grant number: 21/12577-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date until: June 01, 2022
• End date until: May 31, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Pharmacology - Autonomic Pharmacology
• Principal Investigator: Yoko Oshima Franco
• Grantee: Amanda Matias
• Host Institution: Pró-Reitoria de Pós-Graduação, Pesquisa, Extensão e Inovação. Universidade de Sorocaba (UNISO). Sorocaba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The use of gold in medicine mainly in cancer diagnosis and therapies has led to other biological applications, in the form of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), to act as a drug delivery agent, in contrast in computed tomography, produce bioimages and aid in gene therapy, thanks to its size and properties. Metallic nanoparticles have been investigated against the toxic effects of snake venoms. In the case of gold nanoparticles, it is believed that there is the interaction of biomacromolecules present in the poison with the core of this metal by different mechanisms, resulting in biological protection. Objectives. To evaluate the influence of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on the neuromuscular effects of Lachesis muta snake venom, in mice isolated preparations using the conventional myographic technique. Methods. This is an experimental ex vivo study in animals with institutional Animal Ethics Commission approval (CEUA 203/2021), for n=6, in each experimental protocol. The toxic effects induced by L. muta muta, neuromuscular blockade, and myotoxicity will be tested with AuNPs in two pharmacological models of pre-incubation and post venom, followed by light microscopy for the best outcome obtained. The neutralization assays will be statistically compared with Tyrode, poison, and AuNPs controls alone and considered significant for values with p<0.05 (Anova One-way). Expected results. Intellectual production of an article published in a selective editorial policy journal.(AU)