Interactions with exposed subendothelial extracellular proteins and cellular integrins (endothelial cells, platelets and lymphocytes) can cause alterations in the hemostatic system associated with atherothrombotic processes. Many molecules found in snake venoms induce pathophysiological changes in humans, cause edema, hemorrhage, and necrosis. Disintegrins are low molecular weight, non-enzymatic proteins found in snake venom that mediate changes by binding to integrins of platelets or other cells and prevent binding of the natural ligands such as fibrinogen, fibronectin or vitronectin. Disintegrins are of great biomedical importance due to their binding affinities resulting in the inhibition of platelet aggregation, adhesion of cancer cells, and induction of signal transduction pathways. RT-PCR was used to obtain a 216 bp disintegrin cDNA from a C. s. scutulatus snake venom gland. The cloned recombinant disintegrin called r-mojastin 1 codes for 71 amino acids, including 12 cysteines, and an RGD binding motif. r-Mojastin 1 inhibited platelet adhesion to fibronectin with an IC50 of 58.3 nM and ADP-induced platelet aggregation in whole blood with an IC50 of 46 nM. r-Mojastin 1 was also tested for its ability to inhibit platelet ATP release using PRP resulting with an IC50 of 95.6 nM. MALDI-TOF mass spectrum analysis showed that r-mojastin has a mass of 7.9509 kDa.

No abstract

No abstract

SummaryWe describe six new cases of a hemorrhagic diathesis induced by contact with Lonomia achelous caterpillars. Onset of clinical bleeding varied between a few hours and 10 days post-exposure. Laboratory coagulation tests showed prolonged PT, PTT and ThT; normal platelets and a marked decrease of fibrinogen, factor V, plasminogen and factor XIII (including its subunits A and S). Factors VII, II and alfa 2 anti-plasmin were variably affected. In addition, activation of the fibrinolytic system and the generation of a procoagulant effect could also be demonstrated. Two cases developed severe hemorrhagic diathesis and one of them died of a cerebral hemorrhage. Different aspects of this rare syndrome are discussed in relation to its complex physiopathology and the variability observed in all clinical and laboratory manifestations. Therapeutic recommendations and some possible hazards following replacement transfusions are also considered.

Persons who have been in contact with Lonomia achelous or Lonomia obliqua caterpillars present external and internal bleeding and opening of recently healed wounds. Hematological tests show normal platelet count, prolonged prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time and thrombin time, totally corrected by normal plasma. Decreased fibrinogen (Fg), factor (F) V, FXIII, plasminogen and α₂-antiplasmin with increased FVIII: C, von Willebrand factor, Fg degradation products and D dimers. Tissue plasminogen activator, plasminogen activator inhibitor and protein C varied. In L. achelous biological fluids, compounds with anticoagulant or procoagulant properties have been identified. In L. obliqua bristle extracts, mainly procoagulant activities have been identified. Subcutaneous injections of L. achelous crude extracts and a semipurified fraction reduce Fg, plasminogen and FXIII in rabbits. Intravenous injections of a very purified fraction of L. achelous in rabbits produce lysis of preformed thrombi, a decrease of Fg, plasminogen, α₂-antiplasmin, FXIII and inhibition of postthrombolytic thrombus growth. Subcutaneous injections of L. obliqua bristle extracts prolong prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time and reduce FXIII. Intravenous injections of crude bristle extract and a purified fraction of L. obliqua induce disseminated intravascular coagulation.