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"Molecular Brain" seminar
The seminar will take place on 08 September at 15:00 in the Minor hall. Professor Naira Ayvazyan, Director of the Orbeli Institute of Physiology of NAS RA (Yerevan, Armenia), will talk about the research conducted at this center. In particular, she will touch on the mechanisms of poisoning with snake venom. Everyone is cordially invited.
September 8, 2023 (This event is over)
Speaker: Naira Ayvazyan, Director of the Orbeli Institute of Physiology of NAS RA (Yerevan, Armenia)
Author's abstract:
The impact of predominant toxins in viper venom to induce hemorrhage
Synergism in snake venoms is a fascinating and complex phenomenon that highlights the sophisticated strategies employed by venomous animals to maximize their toxic capabilities. Certain enzymes in snake venom can activate or potentiate the effects of other toxins present in the venom, leading to an increased toxic response. Thus, the predominant toxins in viper venom that contribute to inducing hemorrhage are typically snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs), but now it is clear that some other abundant components such as serine proteinases and phospholipases A2 can also contribute to the disruption of blood vessels and promote hemorrhage. To analyze such an impact on hemorrhage development, Macrovipera lebetina obtusa snake venom was used in this study with blocked phospholipase A2 (svPLA2), serine proteinases, and Zn-metalloproteinases (SVMP). The assessment of the assay of hemorrhagic activity and its neutralization rate by respective skin tests through classical measurements of the diameters of the hemorrhagic lesions and a novel approach of the hyperspectral analysis of the hemorrhage zone enabled the determination of the role of different components of venom in hemorrhage development. These changes are developing in a synergistic manner and could be minimized by inhibitors of the venom components responsible for the damage of cell membranes and triggering the release of pro-inflammatory mediators, which can further contribute to vascular damage. The study suggests that prompt medical attention and appropriate treatment, which could block the hemorrhagic damage before the antivenom administration, are crucial in managing viper envenomation and preventing or minimizing the development of hemorrhagic complications.
Chair: Alexey Semyanov; E-mail: semyanov@ibch.ru
Vice-chair: Alexander Vassilevski, E-mail: avas@ibch.ru
september 4, 2023