From mechanisms to biomarkers of envenoming by Brazilian snakes: a multicentric study for the development of strategies in diagnosis and monitoring

• Grant number: 22/16060-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: November 01, 2023
• Status: Discontinued
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Rui Seabra Ferreira Junior
• Grantee: Joeliton dos Santos Cavalcante
• Host Institution: Centro de Estudos de Venenos e Animais Peçonhentos (CEVAP). Centro Virtual de Toxinologia. Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Botucatu. Botucatu , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 21/11936-3 - Center for Translational Science and Biopharmaceutical Development, AP.CCD
• Associated scholarship(s): 24/14131-4 - Development of a protocol for isolation and identification of snake toxins in plasma samples from patients victims of snakebite in Brazil, BE.EP.DR

Abstract

The impact of local manifestations and tissue loss/amputations of snake envenomated patients on public health systems is continually increasing. In part, this problem is due to the lack of effective treatment for tissue degradation, as well as gaps regarding the mechanisms of action involved in such an effect. In Brazil, most human envenomations are caused by snakes of the Viperidae family, whose venom simultaneously induces local and systemic effects in the victims. One of the biggest obstacles faced in the clinic is the lack of clear and specific diagnosis, as well as tools to predict the development of multiple clinical complications. This stems from poor understanding of the biological mechanisms associated with envenomations and a positive response to antivenom treatment. Thus, we will seek to identify candidate pipelines for proteomic biomarkers associated with envenomation by snakes (Bothrops atrox, B. erythromelas, B. jararaca, C. durissus cascavella and C. durissus terrificus) in Brazil. For this, we will use clinical plasma samples and employ a multidisciplinary approach employing antibody production, immunoassays, mass spectrometry and bioinformatics. The study has a multicentric character, with collaboration with several laboratories in Brazil and abroad. Our results will lead to four major benefits in the field: (i) obtaining specific biomarker candidates for snake envenomation and clinical complications; (ii) identification of key biochemical pathways associated with envenomation complications; (iii) and better understanding of the molecular basis of envenomations, which is the key to the development of new tools for diagnosis, monitoring and treatment. This project navigates through translational medicine, for the establishment of diagnostic and monitoring strategies for poisoning by venomous animals, through concepts of precision diagnostic medicine, helping to bring the bench closer to the hospital bed. (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)

CAVALCANTE, JOELITON S.; RICIOPO, PEDRO MARQUES; PEREIRA, ANA FLAVIA MARQUES; JERONIMO, BRUNA CRISTINA; ANGSTMAM, DAVI GOMES; POSSAS, FELIPE CARVALHAES; DE ANDRADE FILHO, ADEBAL; CERNI, FELIPE A.; PUCCA, MANUELA B.; FERREIRA JUNIOR, RUI SEABRA. Clinical complications in envenoming by Apis honeybee stings: insights into mechanisms, diagnosis, and pharmacological interventions. FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY, v. 15, p. 18-pg., 2024-09-18. (23/01554-1, 23/09921-3, 21/11936-3, 22/16060-1)