Alternagin-C (ALT-C), a Disintegrin-Like Cys-Rich Protein Isolated from the Venom of the Snake Rhinocerophis alternatus, Stimulates Angiogenesis and Antioxidant Defenses in the Liver of Freshwater Fish, Hoplias malabaricus

Abstract

Alternagin-C (ALT-C) is a disintegrin-like protein isolated from Rhinocerophis alternatus snake venom, which induces endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the systemic effects of a single dose of alternagin-C (0.5 mg·kg−1, via intra-arterial) on oxidative stress biomarkers, histological alterations, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production, and the degree of vascularization in the liver of the freshwater fish traíra, Hoplias malabaricus, seven days after the initiation of therapy. ALT-C treatment increased VEGF levels and hepatic angiogenesis. ALT-C also enhanced hepatic antioxidant enzymes activities such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase, decreasing the basal oxidative damage to lipids and proteins in the fish liver. These results indicate that ALT-C improved hepatic tissue and may play a crucial role in tissue regeneration mechanisms.

Venom Toxins as Potential Targeted Therapies

“…The discussion on using novel disease-specific venom-based protein/peptide/toxin along with currently available FDA approved drugs as combinatorial treatment, such as a family of novel types of antimicrobial agents, were also encouraged to be discussed in these contexts. For examples, an overview of some selected promising snake and ant venom-based peptides/toxins potentially able to address the forthcoming challenges in this field were included [9,10]. In addition, four detailed review articles openly discuss the venom proteins/peptides in different species of snake venoms and toad toxins [11,12,13]; moreover, plant toxins from Bouganin naturally targeted, as immunotoxins [14], mammalian receptors and demonstrated high specificity and selectivity towards defined ion channels of cell membranes and receptors.…”