Cytotoxicity and inflammation induced by Philodryas patagoniensis venom

• Published in: Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Toxicology & pharmacology 2022-07, Vol.257, p.109356-109356, Article 109356
• Main Authors: Costa, Márcio Tavares, da Silva Goulart, Aline, Salgueiro, Andréia Caroline Fernandes, da Rosa, Hemerson Silva, Perazzo, Giselle Xavier, Folmer, Vanderlei
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Colubridae; Pain; Poisoning; Snake bites; Toxicology
• ISSN: 1532-0456; 1878-1659
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2022.109356

The Green racer Philodryas patagoniensis is a snake species from South America and accidents with this genus are often neglected. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the toxicological, cytotoxic, and inflammatory potential of P. patagoniensis venom (PpV). The experimental model Artemia salina was used to determine toxicity through the median lethal dose (LD50). Cell viability and genotoxicity were evaluated in human mononuclear cells using the Trypan blue test and the Comet assay, respectively. To assess inflammation, mice had the ventral surface of the right hind paw injected with saline, formalin, and three different concentrations of venom (1, 1.5, and 2 μg. 50 μL−1). LD50 in A. salina was 461 μg. mL−1. PpV caused a significant increase in cell death and genotoxicity in human mononuclear cells at two concentrations (575 and 1150 μg. mL−1). PpV shown also to be a strong agent causing nociception in mice. Paw edema totaled four days at 1.5 μg. 50 μL−1. The hyperalgesia caused by the venom had a long duration in mice, lasting eight days at all concentrations evaluated. Thus, we evaluated for the first time the toxicological potential of PpV in A. salina model and in leukocytes. We concluded that systemic oxidative stress, which we infer to be in the genesis of cytotoxicity and genotoxicity observed in vitro, and the inflammatory process are part of the pathways that trigger the venom damage cascades. Relevant data for both scientific research and clinical medicine. Nonetheless, studies are needed to elucidate these mechanisms. [Display omitted] •P. patagoniensis venom presents medium toxicity degree in Artemia salina model.•P. patagoniensis venom triggers genotoxicity and cell death in leukocytes.•P. patagoniensis venom may cause a nociceptive response stronger than formalin.•Nociception, edema, and hyperalgesia induced by this venom lasts for days.