Bioactive Components in Fish Venoms

Abstract

Animal venoms are widely recognized excellent resources for the discovery of novel drug leads and physiological tools. Most are comprised of a large number of components, of which the enzymes, small peptides, and proteins are studied for their important bioactivities. However, in spite of there being over 2000 venomous fish species, piscine venoms have been relatively underrepresented in the literature thus far. Most studies have explored whole or partially fractioned venom, revealing broad pharmacology, which includes cardiovascular, neuromuscular, cytotoxic, inflammatory, and nociceptive activities. Several large proteinaceous toxins, such as stonustoxin, verrucotoxin, and Sp-CTx, have been isolated from scorpaenoid fish. These form pores in cell membranes, resulting in cell death and creating a cascade of reactions that result in many, but not all, of the physiological symptoms observed from envenomation. Additionally, Natterins, a novel family of toxins possessing kininogenase activity have been found in toadfish venom. A variety of smaller protein toxins, as well as a small number of peptides, enzymes, and non-proteinaceous molecules have also been isolated from a range of fish venoms, but most remain poorly characterized. Many other bioactive fish venom components remain to be discovered and investigated. These represent an untapped treasure of potentially useful molecules.

Melt With This Kiss: Paralyzing and Liquefying Venom of The Assassin Bug Pristhesancus plagipennis (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

“…However, our understanding of the factors shaping venom evolution, and our ability to repurpose venom toxins for biotechnological use, is limited by the current focus of research on a small number of prominent groups of venomous animals: the scorpions, spiders, snakes, and cone snails. Studies on neglected taxa (12)(13)(14)(15)(16) are essential to gain a more general understanding of how venom systems evolve and how venom evolution is influenced by factors such as geographical, trophic, and morphological constraints.…”

A review on the Scorpaena plumieri fish venom and its bioactive compounds

“…SpV was found to perform lethal, hemolytic, cardiovascular, inflammatory, integrin-binding-inhibitory and proteolytic activities [20, 22–24, 27, 29]. This spectrum of activities — observed in experimental animals — resembles those of other fish venoms previously described [1, 2]. …”

“…Among all the effects caused by fish venoms, cardiovascular activity has been the main subject of research in the field [1, 2]. Clinical reports have shown that the symptoms of S. plumieri envenomation include respiratory distress and tachycardia [11].…”

“…Envenomation occurs through mechanical pressure on the spines, which tears the integumentary sheath to allow the release of the venom along with the mucus present in the skin [17, 18]. This quite primitive venomous apparatus, common among poisonous fishes, has evolved mostly for defensive purposes, which is consistent with its involuntary delivery mechanism [1, 2]. …”

Anaphylaxis induced by Thalassophryne nattereri venom in mice is an IgE/IgG1-mediated, IL-4-dependent phenomenon

“…Fish of toxicological importance are grouped into the venomous category, which present glands specialized in the secretion of venom and a specialized apparatus (spines with canals or canaliculated) for its inoculation 2 . Although accidents caused by these organisms have a low incidence due to their habitat and do not cause mortality in humans, they can cause serious accidents with varying degrees of morbidity for which there is no specific medicine 3 .…”