Das florestas tropicais sul-americanas para o seu dia a dia: uso clínico de toxinas animais e seus derivados

Abstract

Animal venoms and toxins have been used for millennia in the treatment of different clinical conditions. Venoms are complex mixtures, containing proteins, peptides, salts, nucleotides, biogenic amines, enzymes, inorganic ion, and neurological growth factors, among others, acting on diverse therapeutic targets such as receptors, ionic channels, membrane transporters and enzymes. Apart from their empirical use, various drugs originated from animal venoms have been clinically used for the treatment of many diseases (such as cancer, chronic pain and neuromuscular, autoimmune, cardiovascular and hematological diseases). Here, it will be discussed the use of animal toxins as a source for new therapeutic molecules, as well as the limitations and challenges that exist in the journey from the discovery to the pharmacy shelf. In addition, the compounds derived from animals from South American forests that have been successful in this process, and which are currently available for clinical use, for the treatment of hypertension, pain, and coagulation disorders will be presented.