scholarly journals Vipers of the Middle East: A Rich Source of Bioactive Molecules

Molecules ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (10) ◽  
pp. 2721 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamad Rima ◽  
Seyedeh Alavi Naini ◽  
Marc Karam ◽  
Riyad Sadek ◽  
Jean-Marc Sabatier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Activities ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
Bioactive Molecules ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Eastern Region ◽  
Acid Oxidase ◽  
Amino Acid Oxidase ◽  
Venom Composition ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Promising Source

Snake venom serves as a tool of defense against threat and helps in prey digestion. It consists of a mixture of enzymes, such as phospholipase A2, metalloproteases, and l-amino acid oxidase, and toxins, including neurotoxins and cytotoxins. Beside their toxicity, venom components possess many pharmacological effects and have been used to design drugs and as biomarkers of diseases. Viperidae is one family of venomous snakes that is found nearly worldwide. However, three main vipers exist in the Middle Eastern region: Montivipera bornmuelleri, Macrovipera lebetina, and Vipera (Daboia) palaestinae. The venoms of these vipers have been the subject of many studies and are considered as a promising source of bioactive molecules. In this review, we present an overview of these three vipers, with a special focus on their venom composition as well as their biological activities, and we discuss further frameworks for the exploration of each venom.

scholarly journals Lipidomic Signatures Reveal Seasonal Shifts on the Relative Abundance of High-Valued Lipids from the Brown Algae Fucus vesiculosus

Marine Drugs ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 335 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisabete da Costa ◽  
Pedro Domingues ◽  
Tânia Melo ◽  
Elisabete Coelho ◽  
Rui Pereira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Relative Abundance ◽  
Molecular Species ◽  
Polar Lipid ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Phenotypic Variability ◽  
Fucus Vesiculosus ◽  
Bioactive Molecules ◽  
Betaine Lipids ◽  
Lipid Species ◽  
Promising Source

Fucus vesiculosus is an edible brown macroalga, with health benefits associated with its consumption and also a source of bioactive molecules. It is acknowledged that the biochemical composition of macroalgae changes when exposed to different environmental conditions occurring on different habitats, such as the water temperature, and light intensity. In the present study, the polar lipidome of Fucus vesiculosus was characterized for the first time using modern high-resolution HILIC–MS, and MS/MS approaches, to evaluate the phenotypic variability in two seasons of the year, e.g., winter and spring. A total of 187 molecular species were identified over eighteen classes of glycolipids, phospholipids and betaine lipids. Principal component analysis (PCA) multivariate statistical analysis and cluster analysis of polar lipid classes, polar lipid species and total fatty acids (FA) datasets, showed clustering according to the seasonal groups. While the lipid profile of Fucus vesiculosus harvested in the winter and spring yielded the same molecular species, the relative abundance of these species was significantly different. In the winter, changes were mainly due to the increased relative abundance of some molecular species of glycolipids and phospholipids, bearing octadeca(poly)enoic (18:3, 18:4) and eicosa(poly)enoic (20:4, 20:5) FA and betaine lipids species with short saturated FA (14:0) and polyunsaturated FA (PUFA). Importantly, glycolipids with n-3 PUFA and sulfolipids, have been reported to have important biological activities and therapeutic value. Overall, Fucus vesiculosus is a promising source of bioactive compounds that can be used as functional food or ingredients for human nutrition, feed, pharma, and cosmetic formulations. In this study, samples harvested in the winter season maximized yields of these bioactive components, when compared with samples harvested in the spring.

scholarly journals Recent progress in directed evolution of stereoselective monoamine oxidases

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiaqi Duan ◽  
Beibei Li ◽  
Youcai Qin ◽  
Yijie Dong ◽  
Jie Ren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid ◽  
Monoamine Oxidase ◽  
Directed Evolution ◽  
Recent Progress ◽  
Acid Oxidase ◽  
Tertiary Amines ◽  
Amino Acid Oxidase ◽  
Monoamine Oxidases ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Low Activity

Abstract Monoamine oxidases (MAOs) use molecular dioxygen as oxidant to catalyze the oxidation of amines to imines. This type of enzyme can be employed for the synthesis of primary, secondary, and tertiary amines by an appropriate deracemization protocol. Consequently, MAOs are an attractive class of enzymes in biocatalysis. However, they also have limitations in enzyme-catalyzed processes due to the often-observed narrow substrate scope, low activity, or poor/wrong stereoselectivity. Therefore, directed evolution was introduced to eliminate these obstacles, which is the subject of this review. The main focus is on recent efforts concerning the directed evolution of four MAOs: monoamine oxidase (MAO-N), cyclohexylamine oxidase (CHAO), D-amino acid oxidase (pkDAO), and 6-hydroxy-D-nicotine oxidase (6-HDNO).

scholarly journals Shedding Lights on Crude Venom from Solitary Foraging Predatory Ant Ectatomma opaciventre: Initial Toxinological Investigation

Toxins ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 37
Author(s):  
Lucas Ian Veloso Correia ◽  
Fernanda Van Petten de Vasconcelos Azevedo ◽  
Fernanda Gobbi Amorim ◽  
Sarah Natalie Cirilo Gimenes ◽  
Lorena Polloni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Activities ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Acid Oxidase ◽  
Crude Venom ◽  
Amino Acid Oxidase ◽  
Cytotoxic Effects ◽  
Primary Hemostasis ◽  
High Enzymatic Activity ◽  
Predatory Ants

Some species of primitive predatory ants, despite living in a colony, exercise their hunting collection strategy individually; their venom is painful, paralyzing, digestive, and lethal for their prey, yet the toxins responsible for these effects are poorly known. Ectatomma opaciventre is a previously unrecorded solitary hunting ant from the Brazilian Cerrado. To overcome this hindrance, the present study performed the in vitro enzymatic, biochemical, and biological activities of E. opaciventre to better understand the properties of this venom. Its venom showed several proteins with masses ranging from 1–116 kDa, highlighting the complexity of this venom. Compounds with high enzymatic activity were described, elucidating different enzyme classes present in the venom, with the presence of the first L-amino acid oxidase in Hymenoptera venoms being reported. Its crude venom contributes to a state of blood incoagulability, acting on primary hemostasis, inhibiting collagen-induced platelet aggregation, and operating on the fibrinolysis of loose red clots. Furthermore, the E. opaciventre venom preferentially induced cytotoxic effects on lung cancer cell lines and three different species of Leishmania. These data shed a comprehensive portrait of enzymatic components, biochemical and biological effects in vitro, opening perspectives for bio-pharmacological application of E. opaciventre venom molecules.

scholarly journals CONTROLANDO A PRIMAVERA ÁRABE: AS ESTRATÉGIAS TUNISIANA E JORDANIANA E SEUS RESULTADOS

2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (24) ◽  
pp. 79
Author(s):  
Alexandre Piffero Spohr
Keyword(s):  
Political System ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
Eastern Region ◽  
The Subject

The year of 2011 witnessed a strong movement for change in the Middle Eastern region. The strategies adopted by Tunisia and Jordan to control the protests and the results such strategies achieved are the subject of this paper. It will study both countries’ history and political system to analyze the reasons why they employed similar strategies and reached different outcomes.  

Essential oils and alcohol extracts of Northwest Tunisia M. communis and M. spicata: phytocompounds, antioxidant and antibacterial activities

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saida Medjeldi ◽  
Nora Benrachou ◽  
Sabrina Bouchelaghem ◽  
Sélim Jallouli ◽  
Nadia Farès ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Volatile Compounds ◽  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Radical Scavenging Activity ◽  
Radical Scavenging ◽  
Antibacterial Activities ◽  
Bioactive Molecules ◽  
Diffusion Method ◽  
Mentha Spicata ◽  
Promising Source

Background: Nowadays, the conventional chemical compounds used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sectors have proven to be less efficient from an economic and health point of view. Objective: Research has therefore focused on the isolation of bioactive molecules from plants or microorganisms to remedy this situation. Methods: The study focused on the leaf’s volatile compounds determination from Myrtus communis (McEOs) and Mentha spicata (MsEOs) as well as the evaluation of phytochemical fractions and biological activities from their methanol extracts (McME and MsME). Results: Phenolic compounds analysis revealed interesting concentrations of total phenols, flavonoids, and condensed tannins. The antibacterial activity tested on seven pathogenic bacteria has to be effectuated by the gel diffusion method. The extracts showed much better DPPH radical scavenging activity than the volatile compounds. The McEOs and MsEOs profiles analyzed by CG-MS showed a mixture of several compounds with a predominance of 1,8-Cineole (48.1%) and α-pinene (39.02%) in the case of McEOs. In de case of MsEOs, the predominant compounds were D-Carvone (78.79%), dihydrocarvone (6.16%), and 1.8 Cineole (2.33%). It emerges from this study that the M. communis and M. spicata leaves, rich in phenolic and terpenic compounds constitute a promising source of diversified biological activities and can be used in agro-food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical sectors.

scholarly journals Current Research on the Bioprospection of Linear Diterpenes from Bifurcaria bifurcata: From Extraction Methodologies to Possible Applications

Marine Drugs ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (10) ◽  
pp. 556 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adriana C.S. Pais ◽  
Jorge A. Saraiva ◽  
Sílvia M. Rocha ◽  
Armando J.D. Silvestre ◽  
Sónia A.O. Santos
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Mass Spectra ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Bioactive Molecules ◽  
Marine Resources ◽  
Bifurcaria Bifurcata ◽  
Nmr Data ◽  
Promising Source ◽  
Brown Macroalga

Marine resources are considered as a very promising source of bioactive molecules, and macroalgae in particular have gained special attention, due to their structurally diverse composition. Particular interest has been devoted to the brown macroalga Bifurcaria bifurcata, due to their abundance in bioactive linear diterpenes. In this appraisal, a thorough review concerning the methodologies used in the extraction, fractionation, and identification of diterpenes from B. bifurcata is provided and discussed in detail. An exhaustive compilation of the mass spectra and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data are also provided. The in vitro and in chemico assays already performed to assess different biological activities attributed to B. bifurcata diterpenes are also reviewed, emphasizing the use of isolated components, enriched fractions, or crude extracts. The associated major strengths and challenges for the exploitation of B. bifurcata diterpenes for high-value applications are critically discussed.

Purification, characterization and biological activities of the l-amino acid oxidase from Bungarus fasciatus snake venom

Toxicon ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 54 (3) ◽  
pp. 262-271 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ji-Fu Wei ◽  
Hai-Wei Yang ◽  
Xiao-Long Wei ◽  
Li-Ya Qiao ◽  
Wan-Yu Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid ◽  
Snake Venom ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Acid Oxidase ◽  
Amino Acid Oxidase

Purification and Characterization of Lupus Anticoagulant Like Protein from Agkistrodon Halys Brevicaudus Venom

1996 ◽  
Vol 76 (06) ◽  
pp. 0993-0997
Author(s):  
Zhao-Yan Li ◽  
Xiao-Wei Wu ◽  
Tie-Fu Yu ◽  
Eric C-Y Lian
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid ◽  
Lupus Anticoagulant ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Clotting Factor ◽  
Acid Oxidase ◽  
Crude Venom ◽  
Amino Acid Oxidase ◽  
Sds Page ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Reducing Condition

SummaryBy means of CM-Sephadex C-25, DEAE-Sephadex A-50, Sephadex G-200, and Sephadex G-75 chromatographies, a lupus anticoagulant like protein (LALP) from Agkistrodon halys brevicaudus was purified. On SDS-PAGE, the purified LALP had a molecular weight of 25,500 daltons under non-reducing condition and 15,000 daltons under reducing condition. The isoelectric point was pH 5.6. Its N terminal amino acid sequencing revealed a mixture of 2 sequences: DCP(P/S)(D/G)WSSYEGH(C/R)Q(Q/K). It was devoid of phospho-lipaseA, fibrino(geno)lytic, 5′-nucleotidase, L-amino acid oxidase, phosphomonoesterase, phosphodiesterase and thrombin-like activities, which were found in crude venom. In the presence of LALP, PT, aPTT, and dRVVT of human plasma were markedly prolonged and its effects were concentration-dependent but time-independent. The inhibitory effect of LALP on the plasma clotting time was enhanced by decreasing phospholipid concentration in TTI test. The individual clotting factor activity was not affected by LALP when higher dilutions of LALP-plasma mixture were used for assay. Russell’s viper venom time was shortened when high phospholipid confirmatory reagent was used. Therefore, the protein has lupus anticoagulant property.

Impairment of Platelet Aggregation by Echis colorata Venom Mediated by L-Amino Acid Oxidase or H2O2

1982 ◽  
Vol 48 (03) ◽  
pp. 277-282 ◽  
Author(s):  
I Nathan ◽  
A Dvilansky ◽  
T Yirmiyahu ◽  
M Aharon ◽  
A Livne
Keyword(s):  
Hydrogen Peroxide ◽  
Amino Acid ◽  
Platelet Aggregation ◽  
Snake Venom ◽  
Oxidase Activity ◽  
Enzyme Preparation ◽  
Acid Oxidase ◽  
Crude Venom ◽  
Amino Acid Oxidase ◽  
Hemostatic Disorders

SummaryEchis colorata bites cause impairment of platelet aggregation and hemostatic disorders. The mechanism by which the snake venom inhibits platelet aggregation was studied. Upon fractionation, aggregation impairment activity and L-amino acid oxidase activity were similarly separated from the crude venom, unlike other venom enzymes. Preparations of L-amino acid oxidase from E.colorata and from Crotalus adamanteus replaced effectively the crude E.colorata venom in impairment of platelet aggregation. Furthermore, different treatments known to inhibit L-amino acid oxidase reduced in parallel the oxidase activity and the impairment potency of both the venom and the enzyme preparation. H2O2 mimicked characteristically the impairment effects of L-amino acid oxidase and the venom. Catalase completely abolished the impairment effects of the enzyme and the venom. It is concluded that hydrogen peroxide formed by the venom L-amino acid oxidase plays a role in affecting platelet aggregation and thus could contribute to the extended bleeding typical to persons bitten by E.colorata.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document