Diethyl Azelate for the Treatment of Brown Recluse Spider Bite, a Neglected Orphan Indication

Abstract

Background/Aim: Brown recluse spider bite releases hemolytic and cytotoxic phospholipase D to the wound that may cause necrosis or even death. We examined diethyl azelate (DEA), a plasma membrane fluidizer with a broad range of immunomodulatory activities, as a potential treatment for the brown recluse spider bite. Materials and Methods: Topical DEA was used in emergency to treat brown recluse spider bites in a human subject. We subsequently evaluated the effects of DEA on hemolysis induced by the brown recluse spider venom, recluse recombinant phospholipase D (rPLD), and venoms from honey bee and moccasin snake, and on phospholipase A2 activity in the bee and snake venoms and in human urine. Results: Topical DEA resolved the consequences of human brown recluse spider envenomation in two weeks. In vitro, DEA inhibited hemolysis caused by the brown recluse spider venom and rPLD and suppressed phospholipase A2 activity in a dosedependent manner. Conclusion: DEA is a promising novel therapy for the brown recluse spider bite and perhaps even unrelated envenomations involving PLDs.

Mitigation of Insulin Resistance by Natural Products from a New Class of Molecules, Membrane-Active Immunomodulators

“…MAIMs can also directly interact with plasma membrane proteins [12,13]. In some cases, MAIMs display a nonlinear or inversed U-shaped dose response effect, which suggests their role in the maintenance of an optimal plasma membrane fluidity [13,14]. A natural product can be defined as a small molecule produced by a biological source [15].…”