Analysis of Naja kaouthia snake venom composition and in-vitro enzymatic activities of 29 specimens in captivity: Highlighting the importance of individual variation in venom pool production

Author(s)

Kopel, Beatriz ; Serino-Silva, Caroline ; Jantsch, Rebeca Barcelos ; Sorila, Igor Castellar ; Sant'Anna, Savio S. ; Grego, Kathleen Fernandes ; Tanaka-Azevedo, Anita Mitico

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Toxicon; v. 252, p. 9-pg., 2024-12-01.

Abstract

Naja kaouthia is a medically important snake, widely distributed throughout Southeast Asia, with a diverse venom composition. N. kaouthia venom is subject to significant intraspecific variation, caused by several factors, such as the wide geographic distribution of the species, sexual and ontogenetic factors. However, individual variation is a factor that has only been studied with small sample size groups and/or with pooled samples. With this in mind, this study evaluates the composition and in-vitro enzymatic activities of 29 individual venom samples from specimens born in captivity, with a similar genetic background caused by inbreeding, using SDSPAGE under reducing conditions, RP-HPLC profiles and enzymatic activities of PLA2, LAAO and proteolytic activity over azocasein. Even in this scenario, we were able to observe significant variations in abundance and activity of PLA2. Individual variations in LAAO activity, as well as a sexual dimorphism in which males present a significantly higher LAAO activity than females were observed. Phosphodiasterase and CRiSP abundance were also found and considered to have multiple effects in the clinical manifestations of envenomation by presenting synergistic effects with other proteins from N. kaouthia venom. The RP-HPLC profiles were better at detecting compositional differences than SDS-PAGE profiles and better correlated with enzymatic activities, being a better technique to screen variation profiles and reinforcing the importance of individual venom analysis prior to pooling. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 21/11707-4 - Evaluation of alternative in vitro methods to the use of animals for in vivo tests in the study of snake venoms: principle of the 3R's
• Grantee: Anita Mitico Tanaka-Azevedo
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 24/02642-4 - Venom ontogenetic profile and bioprospecting potential of the three-finger toxins of the Naja kaouthia snake
• Grantee: Anita Mitico Tanaka-Azevedo
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 22/13137-3 - Analysis of the geographic variation (insular and continental region) of the venom of the genus Bothrops of greatest medical importance in the Brazilian North region: a public health and environmental education issue
• Grantee: Kathleen Fernandes Grego
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 22/13820-5 - Study of the composition and biochemical activities of the venom of senile snakes from genus Crotalus, and isolation and purification of PLA2 from theses venoms
• Grantee: Igor Castellar Sorrila
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• FAPESP's process: 21/05405-5 - Analysis of composition and neutralization of Naja kaouthia venom: a study for the enhancement of antielapid serum
• Grantee: Beatriz Kopel
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation