Atividade thrombin-like e fibrinogenolítica dos venenos de Bothrops jararaca e Crotalus durissus terrificus

Abstract

Snakebite envenoming is a recurrent and serious tropical disease that has been categorized as neglected by the World Health Organization (WHO). Due to the high number of species and clinical cases, the venomic studies of venomous snakes increase every year. In Brazil, two of the main genera of interest to health are Bothrops and Crotalus, which together comprise the largest percentage of accidents with venomous animals in the national territory. Among the most common complications caused by envenoming are hemostasis disorders, which affect the coagulation cascade and its physiological processes, and can cause from bleeding to severe coagulopathies. The main families of proteins responsible for these effects are the SVMP (snake venom metalloproteases) and SVSP (snake venom serine proteases), which include thrombin-like enzymes and/or activators of the coagulation cascade such as factor V, X, and prothrombin. Excessive and unbridled consumption of these factors can cause defibrination and blood incoagulability, which accentuates the possibility of hemostatic problems. Individual biochemical profiles and fibrinogenolytic activity were evaluated by SDS-PAGE, showing differences in venom composition and distribution of these enzymes. The samples from B. jararaca and C. durissus terrificus also showed large differences when evaluated for thrombin-like activity, in wich the snakes from B. jajaraca species showed a higher activity compared to C. durissus terrificus.