Publications by authors named "Barbara Bruna Ribeiro Oliveira-Mendes"
Loxoscelism is a recognized public health problem in Brazil, but the venom from Loxosceles similis, which is widespread in Brazil due to its adaptability to the urban environment, remains poorly characterized. Loxtox is a family of phospholipase D enzymes (PLDs), which are the major components of Loxosceles venom and are responsible for the clinical effects of loxoscelism. Loxtox toxins correspond to 15% of L.
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- Hyaluronidases (HYALs) are enzymes in the venoms of various animals, potentially playing a role in how venom spreads, particularly in Tityus scorpions.
- The study evaluated HYAL activity in Brazilian Tityus spp. venoms and tested the effectiveness of anti-Tityus serrulatus (TsHYAL) antibodies and horse scorpion antivenoms in neutralizing this activity.
- Findings showed that while anti-TsHYAL antibodies and some antivenoms effectively inhibited HYAL activity across several venoms, the FUNED antivenom was less effective, highlighting the need for enhanced antivenom development.
Immunization with a nontoxic naturally occurring Clostridium perfringens alpha toxin induces neutralizing antibodies in rabbits.
Anaerobe
February 2018
Clostridium perfringens alpha toxin, encoded by plc gene, has been implicated in gas gangrene, a life threatening infection. Vaccination is considered one of the best solutions against Clostridium infections. Although studies have identified many low quality clostridial vaccines, the use of recombinant proteins has been considered a promising alternative.
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- Loxoscelism, the envenoming from Loxosceles spider bites, is a significant health issue in Brazil, particularly concerning the L. similis species, but the mechanisms behind its effects are not well understood.
- The researchers performed RNA sequencing on the venom glands of L. similis to identify key components, focusing on phospholipase D proteins, which are crucial for understanding the venom's composition.
- This study identified 23 phospholipase D sequences classified as Loxtox proteins and discovered three non-canonical variants, providing vital insights that could have applications in medicine and biotechnology.
Article Synopsis
- * Captopril, derived from venom, was the first successful drug designed through rational methods, leading to the discovery of other useful peptides like bradykinin-potentiating peptides (BPPs) and natriuretic peptides (NPs) for heart-related conditions.
- * The review highlights key venom components that affect the cardiovascular system and provides a summary of the venomous animals and their mechanisms for delivering toxins.
Molecular, immunological, and biological characterization of Tityus serrulatus venom hyaluronidase: new insights into its role in envenomation.
PLoS Negl Trop Dis
February 2014
Background: Scorpionism is a public health problem in Brazil, and Tityus serrulatus (Ts) is primarily responsible for severe accidents. The main toxic components of Ts venom are low-molecular-weight neurotoxins; however, the venom also contains poorly characterized high-molecular-weight enzymes. Hyaluronidase is one such enzyme that has been poorly characterized.
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