Diagnostic uses of snake venom

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Hematology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Snake venom toxins are vital reagents in hemostasis and coagulation research.
• Specific toxins have established roles in diagnostic assays for various coagulation factors and inhibitors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the diverse applications of snake venom toxins in coagulation diagnostics.
• To highlight the utility of these toxins in assays where conventional methods face limitations.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing snake venom thrombin-like enzymes (SVTLE) for fibrinogen and dysfibrinogenemia assays.
• Employing Russell's viper venom (RVV) and other snake venom activators for assays of clotting factors, lupus anticoagulants, and resistance to Protein C and activated Protein C.
• Using Botrocetin for von Willebrand factor studies and C-type lectins/disintegrins for platelet glycoprotein receptor research.

Main Results:

• SVTLEs are effective for fibrinogen assays and can measure antithrombin III in heparinized samples.
• RVV and other venoms are instrumental in assays for clotting factors V, VII, X, lupus anticoagulants, and Protein C resistance.
• Snake venom components show significant potential for routine coagulation laboratory applications, particularly in platelet function studies.

Conclusions:

• Snake venom toxins represent indispensable tools for a wide array of coagulation assays and hemostasis research.
• Their unique properties, such as resistance to heparin inhibition, expand diagnostic capabilities.
• Ongoing research into snake venom components promises further advancements in routine coagulation laboratory diagnostics.