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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Tityus serrulatus Scorpion Venom: In Vitro Tests and Their Correlation with In Vivo Lethal Dose Assay

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Author(s):
Cajado-Carvalho, Daniela [1] ; Galvao, Juliana [2] ; Kuniyoshi, Alexandre K. [1] ; Carneiro, Patricia dos Santos [2] ; Paes Leme, Adriana Franco [3] ; Pauletti, Bianca Alves [3] ; Marengo, Eliana Blini [2] ; Portaro, Fernanda V. [1]
Total Authors: 8
Affiliation:
[1] Butantan Inst, Immunochem Lab, BR-05503900 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Butantan Inst, Analyt Dev Lab, BR-05503900 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[3] Brazilian Biosci Natl Lab, Mass Spectrometry Lab, BR-13083970 Lnbio - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: TOXINS; v. 9, n. 12 DEC 2017.
Web of Science Citations: 3
Abstract

Scorpion stings are the main cause of human envenomation in Brazil and, for the treatment of victims, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the use of antivenoms. The first step to achieve effective antivenom is to use a good quality venom pool and to evaluate it, with LD50 determination as the most accepted procedure. It is, however, time-consuming and requires advanced technical training. Further, there are significant ethical concerns regarding the number of animals required for testing. Hence, we investigated the correspondence between LD50 results, in vitro assays, and a strong correlation with proteolytic activity levels was observed, showing, remarkably, that proteases are potential toxicity markers for Tityus serrulatus venom. The comparison of reversed-phase chromatographic profiles also has a potential application in venoms' quality control, as there were fewer neurotoxins detected in the venom with high LD50 value. These results were confirmed by mass spectrometry analysis. Therefore, these methods could precede the LD50 assay to evaluate the venom excellence by discriminatingand discardingpoor-quality batches, and, consequently, with a positive impact on the number of animals used. Notably, proposed assays are fast and inexpensive, being technically and economically feasible in Tityus serrulatus venom quality control to produce effective antivenoms. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 15/15364-3 - Toxic potential analysis of proteases and peptides present in scorpion Tityus serrulatus venom and the blockage capacity of commercial antivenoms: Enhancing the knowledge of venom and its mechanism of action.
Grantee:Fernanda Calheta Vieira Portaro
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
FAPESP's process: 13/15344-7 - Efficacy of the bothropic antivenom from Butantan Institute: obtention, characterization and neutralization of serinepeptidases from the venom of Bothrops jararaca
Grantee:Alexandre Kazuo Kuniyoshi
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
FAPESP's process: 13/15343-0 - Purification and characterization of peptidases present in the venom of the scorpion Tityus serrulatus
Grantee:Daniela Cajado de Oliveira Souza Carvalho
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
FAPESP's process: 09/54067-3 - Acquisition of a mass spectrometer coupled to a liquid chromatography system for increasing the capacity to meet the needs of users and for making new technologies available in the Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry
Grantee:Adriana Franco Paes Leme
Support Opportunities: Multi-user Equipment Program