In vitro Thrombotic Assays for Assessing and Comparing Pro- coagulant Effects in Bothrops Venoms

• Grant number: 24/08990-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2024
• End date: August 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy - Toxicological Analysis
• Principal Investigator: Manuela Berto Pucca
• Grantee: Geovanna Maria Malachias Pires
• Supervisor: Professor Sakthivel Vaiyapuri
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCFAR). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araraquara. Araraquara , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of Reading, England
• Associated to the scholarship: 23/15381-1 - Evaluation of the cytotoxic activity of botropic venoms in lymphoma and leukemia: exploring potential antitumor agents, BP.IC

Abstract

Snakebites pose a significant global public health challenge, particularly in tropical regions, given their frequent occurrence and severe consequences. In Brazil, the majority of incidents are attributed to snakes of the genus Bothrops, resulting in thousands of cases annually, accompanied by hundreds of fatalities and numerous permanent sequelae. The venom of these snakes is notorious for its hemorrhagic, coagulant, and proteolytic effects, primarily mediated by metalloproteases, serine proteases, and phospholipases. These toxins provoke a spectrum of clinical manifestations, including local hemorrhages, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and tissue necrosis, potentially leading to severe disorders such as consumption coagulopathy, thrombosis, liver hematoma, and hypovolemic shock. Understanding the mechanisms underlying Bothropic venom-induced coagulopathies is crucial for the development of effective treatments and interventions.This internship holds paramount importance in delving into the coagulant effects of Bothrops venoms through enzymatic assays, ROTEM analysis, and clotting assays. These methodologies serve as indispensable tools for evaluating the pro-coagulant effects and comparing toxicological venom profiles among seven different Bothrops species. By unraveling the intricacies of venom-induced coagulopathies, this research aims to contribute significantly to the advancement of snakebite management strategies and the development of targeted antivenoms.