Análise bioquímica do veneno da serpente Philodryas patagoniensis: caracterização preliminar de uma calicreína-símile

Abstract

The snakebite is considered a worldwide public health concern that is constantly neglected as it occurs, essentially, in regions of Africa, Asia and Latin America. As these accidents usually happen in countries that are emerging or underdeveloped, the incidence and mortality data end up not being accurate due to the lack of proper notification. In addition, the affected patient often may not receive adequate treatment due to the difficulty in identifying the snake and having access to serum therapy. Snakes can be found throughout Brazilian territory, and snakes are quite common in the country. Among the genera that can be found in the country, it is included in the genus Philodryas, which has some species of snakes, among them is Philodryas patagoniensis. The envenomation by this snake, generally, does not evolve into a serious clinical condition. However, its venom generates edematogenic and hemorrhagic activity, in addition to pain and tissue damage in the injured area, which causes cases of poisoning by this snake to be mistaken for the snake-like accident by Bothrops. In relation to the toxins present in this snake's venom, its composition, biological function and physiological activities are still unclarified. Therefore, the aim of this work is to investigate the composition of the species' venom with regard to the evaluation of a possible release of kinins from the KN-BK substrate by the venom of this snake. Kinins are released by kallikrein, which could indicate a similar kallikrein present in Philodryas patagoniensis venom that would be precisely involved in the process of releasing bradykinin, an inflammatory mediator. This kallikrein-simile contributes to the triggering of clinical manifestations such as pain and edema caused by the poisoning of this snake.