Twenty-eight years ago, the Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical Diseases was launched with ambitious goals: to be an e-journal even before internet was accessible to the general public and to establish itself as an international publication born in Brazil. Since then, many obstacles and challenges have been and continue to be overcome. … Read More →
Tools of death with a touch of romance: all the amazing things scorpions use their weapons for
In the world of animal weaponry, scorpions stand out by having two separate weapons, used in many different ways. The authors consolidate 150 years of research in the perspectives of feeding, defense and sexually related contests. An exciting guided tour into scorpion weapon biology and a reference for researchers. … Read More →
β-scoliidine, present in Japanese solitary wasp venom, protects neuronal cells from oxidative stress
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 →
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 →
One hundred years maintaining snakes for antivenom serum production at Butantan Institute
Maintenance of snakes at Butantan Institute has started in the last century, intending to produce an antivenom serum to reduce deaths caused by snakebites. Based on records from the Laboratory of Herpetology of the institute, the maintenance of snakes for venom production is described. The study shows how changes carried out in captive husbandry affected the welfare of animals and the quantity of venom produced. … Read More →
The venoms of sibling snakes may not be so similar
The study revealed that snake venom activities and composition vary individually even among siblings. Moreover, sex-related variation was observed among offspring. Despite not composing the venom mixture for serum production, the antivenom recognized most of the proteins present in all the venoms analyzed. … Read More →
The effects of the presence or absence of crotamine in rattlesnake venom
This study revealed that there is a pattern in the distribution of a small protein, named crotamine, in rattlesnake venoms. Moreover, the presence or absence of this protein can alter the venom composition and, consequently, the envenoming effects, which could affect the antivenom efficacy … Read More →
Antifungal action of liriodenine in systemic mycoses
The discovery and development of new compounds with antifungal action are essential to fight the emergence of resistant microorganisms. Liriodenine, a molecule extracted from plants, has shown to act against several strains of fungi that cause systemic mycoses. … 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 →
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 →
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