Crotalus durissus venom: biological effects and relevant applications. A Review

Abstract

Snakes have an important biological role in the ecological chain, as well as in scientific researches performed with the venoms produced by them, since the enzyme-protein fractions these substances possess have been studied as pharmacological tools for the discovery of new therapies. Snakes of the genus Crotalus have gained significant relevance in the scientific field, since the venom produced by these reptiles has been the target of researchers in a few decades, due to the composition and the effects that these substances can produce. In Brazil, a single species represents the genus, which is Crotalus durissus. This review demonstrates that even with the advancement in scientific research on the composition, role and application of the venom produced by the subspecies of Crotalus durissus snake, it is necessary to further study their fractions and their action potential, which also demonstrates the how rich are these active components in different fields of biomedicine.

Potential Biotechnological Applications of Venoms from the Viperidae Family in Central America for Thrombosis

“…The anti-inflammatory activity of crotoxin was evaluated by several techniques in vivo and in vitro [ 114 , 115 ]. Briefly, this toxin decreased paw edema, and carrageenan-induced polymorphonuclear migration promoted decreased cell adhesion on the surface of the cremaster endothelium microcirculation; significantly decreased the levels of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-α), IL-1β (interleukin-1β) and IL-6 (interleukin-6) in the injured tissue; and increased IL-10 anti-inflammatory mediators (interleukin-10), TGF-β (transforming growth factor β), LXA4, and PGE2 (prostaglandins 2) at the injured site [ 114 , 115 , 165 ].…”

“…Strong anti-coagulant proteins that display inhibition of Factors Xa and X at lower concentrations by an extrinsic tenase complex and activation of prothrombin to thrombin. [114,115] Weak anti-coagulant proteins that exhibit inhibition of Factors Xa and X. [90,114,115] Serine proteases Cleaves fibrinogen plasminogen, Factor Va/VIIIa, and protein C in plasma [111,116] L-amino-acid oxidases Isolation of proteins with anti-coagulant activity on factors of the coagulation cascade [117][118][119][120] Snake C-type lectin-like proteins (snaclecs)…”

Caracterização estrutural e funcional de um fator de crescimento endotelial vascular, VEGF, da peçonha da serpente Crotalus durissus collilineatus

“…A peçonha de C. durissus collilineatus, objeto de estudo dessa dissertação, é composta majoritariamente por proteínas (90 -95%), enzimas como por exemplo L-aminoácido oxidase, 5'-nucleotidase, proteases, fosfodiesterase, embora também apresente carboidratos, cátions metálicos, aminas biogênicas, nucleosídeos e uma pequena fração de lipídios e aminoácidos livres (ARAÚJO et al, 2016). Dentre os componentes proteicos, a crotoxina corresponde a maior fração da peçonha, sendo responsável por cerca de 65 % do total da peçonha, além de ser classificada como o principal componente tóxico.…”

Avaliação bioquímica, funcional e modificação química por PEGuilação do fator de crescimento endotelial vascular da peçonha da serpente Crotalus durissus terrificus

“…A peçonha de C. durissus, objeto de estudo desse trabalho, é composta majoritariamente por proteínas (90 -95%), enzimas como, por exemplo, L-aminoácido oxidase, 5'-nucleotidase, proteases, fosfodiesterase, embora também apresente carboidratos, cátions metálicos, aminas biogênicas, nucleosídeos e uma pequena fração de lipídios e aminoácidos livres (ARAÚJO et al, 2016).…”