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Effects of Sodium Silicate Complex against Hemorrhagic Activities Induced by Protobothrops mucrosquamatus Venom
Yen-Chia Chen1,2,3, Tse-Yao Wang1,2, Yu-Kai Huang4,5,6
1Emergency Department, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan.
Abstract:
Protobothrops mucrosquamatus poses a serious medical threat to humans in Southern and Southeastern Asia. Hemorrhage is one of the conspicuous toxicities related to the pathology of P. mucrosquamatus envenoming. Previous in vitro and in vivo studies showed that a silica-derived reagent, sodium silicate complex (SSC), was able to neutralize hemorrhagic and proteolytic activities induced by pit viper venoms, including Crotalus atrox, Agkistrodoncontortrix contortrix and Agkistrodon piscivorus leucostoma. In this study, we validated that SSC could neutralize enzymatic and toxic effects caused by the venom of P. mucrosquamatus. We found that SSC inhibited the hemolytic and proteolytic activities induced by P. mucrosquamatus venom in vitro. In addition, we demonstrated that SSC could block intradermal hemorrhage caused by P. mucrosquamatus venom in a mouse model. Finally, SSC could neutralize lethal effects of P. mucrosquamatus venom in the mice. Therefore, SSC is a candidate for further development as a potential onsite first-aid treatment for P. mucrosquamatus envenoming.
Insights
Sodium silicate complex (SSC) effectively neutralizes the dangerous venom of Protobothrops mucrosquamatus, inhibiting its toxic and lethal effects. This finding supports SSC as a potential first-aid treatment for snakebites.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Herpetology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Protobothrops mucrosquamatus envenoming is a significant medical concern in Asia.
- Hemorrhage and proteolytic activity are key pathological features of P. mucrosquamatus venom.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of sodium silicate complex (SSC) in neutralizing the venom of Protobothrops mucrosquamatus.
- To assess SSC's potential as a first-aid treatment for P. mucrosquamatus envenoming.
Main Methods:
- In vitro assays to assess inhibition of hemolytic and proteolytic activities.
- In vivo studies in a mouse model to evaluate inhibition of intradermal hemorrhage.
- Assessment of SSC's ability to neutralize lethal effects of the venom.
Main Results:
- SSC significantly inhibited hemolytic and proteolytic activities of P. mucrosquamatus venom in vitro.
- SSC effectively blocked intradermal hemorrhage induced by the venom in mice.
- SSC demonstrated neutralization of the lethal effects of P. mucrosquamatus venom in vivo.
Conclusions:
- Sodium silicate complex (SSC) possesses potent neutralizing capabilities against Protobothrops mucrosquamatus venom.
- SSC shows promise as a potential topical first-aid intervention for P. mucrosquamatus snakebites.
