Cardiac alterations induced by Heloderma horridum horridum venom in rats: An experimental study with ECG analysis using a linear regression algorithm

• Published in: Toxicon (Oxford) 2024-10, Vol.249, p.108062, Article 108062
• Main Authors: Vazquez-Gonzalez, Karla Isabel, Ochoa-Brust, Alberto, Rodriguez-Hernandez, Alejandrina, Ventura-Cisneros, Hugo, Lino-Lopez, Gisela Jareth, Barbosa-Valdovinos, Rafael, Rodriguez-Vazquez, Armando, Vazquez-Vuelvas, Oscar F., Felix, Ramon A., Jiménez-Vargas, Juana M., Melnikov, Valery, Valdez-Velazquez, Laura Leticia
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Algorithm ECG; Electrocardiographic alterations; Heloderma horridum horridum; Segmentation; Venom
• ISSN: 0041-0101; 1879-3150; 1879-3150
• DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.108062

Envenomation by reptile venom, particularly from lizards, poses significant health risks and can lead to physiological and cardiovascular changes. The venom of Heloderma horridum horridum, endemic to Colima, Mexico, was tested on Wistar rats. Electrocardiographic (ECG) data were collected pre-treatment and at 5-min intervals for 1 h post-envenomation. A specially designed computational linear regression algorithm (LRA) was used for the segmentation analysis of the ECG data to improve the detection of fiducial points (P, Q, R, S, and T) in ECG waves. Additionally, heart tissue was analyzed for macroscopic and microscopic changes. The results revealed significant electrocardiographic alterations, including pacemaker migration, junctional extrasystoles, and intraventricular conduction aberrations. By applying a linear regression algorithm, the study compensated for noise and anomalies in the isoelectric line in an ECG signal, improving the detection of P and T waves and the QRS complex with an efficiency of 97.5%. Cardiac enzyme evaluation indicated no statistically significant differences between the control and experimental groups. Macroscopic and microscopic examination revealed no apparent signs of damage or inflammatory responses in heart tissues. This study enhances our understanding of the cardiovascular impact of Heloderma venom, suggesting a greater influence on changes in conduction and arrhythmias than on direct cardiac damage to the myocardium. [Display omitted] •The venom of Heloderma horridum horridum alters electrocardiographic patterns in rats post-envenomation.•Algorithmic analysis enhances the detection of fiducial points in ECG waves, achieving an efficiency rate of 97.5%.•The Heloderma horridum horridum venom does not have a significant effect on heart tissue.