Solitary wasp venoms represent a rich source of molecules of pharmacological interest. Thus, to unravel the content of Scolia decorata ventralis venom, proteomic techniques were used, and two new peptides were determined as its major components, α-scoliidine and β-scoliidine. Interestingly, β-scoliidin was effective in protecting neuronal cells against oxidative stress. … Read More →
β-scoliidine, present in Japanese solitary wasp venom, protects neuronal cells from oxidative stress
Spider venom neurotoxins from the Philippine tarantula: a new source for biomedical leads
When the words “venom” and “spider” are mentioned, most people shiver with fear and will go to any extent to avoid them. However, this is not the case with spider venom researchers in the Philippines as they explore the novel neuroactivities of the venom of this endemic, medium-sized theraphosid, Phlogiellus bundokalbo. … Read More →
Prolonged use of bisphosphonates or drug holiday? Answers remain uncertain
An estimated 162 osteoporosis-related fractures are prevented for each atypical femoral fracture associated with an anti-resorptive medication. However, there are still controversies about the prolonged use of bisphosphonates. Researchers conducted a literature review in search of the best strategy. … Read More →
Snake venom toxin activates immune cells and decreases the invasion potential of tumor cells
BJcuL toxin – isolated from the venom of the Brazilian snake Bothrops jararacussu – was able to stimulate cells of the immune system to act against tumor cells. Blood neutrophils, when stimulated by BJcuL, reduced the migratory potential of neuroblastoma cells in culture. … Read More →
Occupational risk: COVID-19 infection among health workers is greater in general wards than in intensive care units
The study highlights in what extent scarcity of personal protective equipment (PPE), inadequate use and non-usage of tPPE, and work overload constitute reasons for COVID-19 infection among health care teams. In addition, the investigation determined how work overload in health care system may increase the number of deaths associated with COVID-19 among health workers. … Read More →
Treatment of difficult-to-heal venous ulcers with fibrin sealant
Difficult-to-heal ulcers in lower limbs are those that occur below the knee and for several reasons do not reach healing, remaining open for months or years. Difficulties in healing encourage the development of new products. Fibrin sealant is one of these alternatives because it is a biological dressing with excellent healing properties. … Read More →
Bufotenine and new perspectives for the treatment of rabies
Currently, rabies remains almost 100% fatal due to the lack of specific treatment. Bufotenine – an alkaloid present in some frogs’ skin secretions as well as in plant seeds – has been shown to be effective in reducing either the onset of symptoms or the mortality in mice. … Read More →
How can the use of a biological glue allow motor recovery after spinal cord injury?
Upper and lower limb injuries are common outcomes of accidents. There is no significant recovery and surgical options are quite limited. A research has developed a new therapy by using the fibrina sealant produced by the Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP) conjugated with the drug dimethyl fumarate. The results are encouraging regarding mobility recovery. … Read More →
Face masks: how important are they in a pandemic?
The use of homemade fabric face mask constitutes an important non-pharmacological intervention to protect population against infection by bacteria and viruses, especially in a pandemic situation. This intervention combined with hygiene, disinfection of high-touch surfaces, and cough etiquettes are efficient measures to prevent transmission of coronavirus. … Read More →
Chondroitin Polymerizing Factor and its therapeutic function for the clinical treatment of lung cancer
Lung cancer is the most common malignancy worldwide and is characterized by rapid progression, aggressive behavior, frequent recurrence, and poor prognosis. Study investigate the function of CHPF in lung cancer, lentiviral vectors expressing CHPF shRNA were stably transduced into A549 and H1299 cells. Compared to shCtrl cells, CHPF knockdown cells had significantly reduced proliferation. … Read More →
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