Neurotoxin from Naja naja may treat movement disorders.
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: A neurotoxin isolated and purified from the venom of naja naja (indian cobra) envisaged as a potent therapeutic tool to treat movement disorders
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Kulageri S. M., Gadag J. R., Santhosh Kumar N.
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: A neurotoxin isolated and purified from the venom of naja naja (indian cobra) envisaged as a potent therapeutic tool to treat movement disorders
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The venom of the Indian cobra, Naja naja, is known to contain neurotoxins and various enzymes that act primarily on the neuromuscular junction, leading to paralysis and respiratory failure in victims of snake bites. This research focuses on the isolation and purification of a specific neurotoxin from the venom of Naja naja, aiming to investigate its potential use as a therapeutic tool for treating movement disorders. Through advanced techniques like fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC), the study successfully isolates a neurotoxin with a molecular weight of 7 kDa, confirming its toxicity and effects on neuromuscular transmission.
Purification and Characterization of the Neurotoxin
The researchers utilized FPLC to effectively fractionate the venom of Naja naja, revealing several components. Among them, a major fraction was identified with pronounced neurotoxic activity. The purification process involved both initial fractionation and subsequent refractionation, ultimately isolating a neurotoxin designated as fraction-1. This neurotoxin exhibited a molecular weight of 7 kDa, as confirmed by SDS-PAGE analysis. The lethality of this purified fraction was quantified with an LD50 of 0.25 mg/kg body weight in mice, highlighting its potent neurotoxic effect.
Neuromuscular Blocking Activity
The neuromuscular blocking activity of the isolated neurotoxin was studied using an isolated frog rectus abdominis muscle preparation. The results demonstrated that the neurotoxin inhibited contractile responses to acetylcholine, which is crucial for muscle contractions. Notably, as the concentration of the neurotoxin increased, a corresponding decrease in muscular response was observed, indicating an irreversible neuromuscular blockade at higher doses of the neurotoxin. This differs from d-tubocurarine, a known neuromuscular blocker, suggesting unique properties of the Naja naja neurotoxin that may have therapeutic implications.
Comparison with Botulinum Neurotoxin
The study compares the mechanisms of the purified Naja naja neurotoxin with that of the presynaptic botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT). While BoNT is a high molecular weight toxin that interferes with acetylcholine release at the presynaptic level, the Naja naja neurotoxin acts at the postsynaptic membrane, blocking acetylcholine from binding to its receptors. This distinction is significant, as it suggests a potential alternative for patients who experience adverse reactions to botulinum toxin. The findings encourage further exploration of the Naja naja neurotoxin for clinical applications in managing various painful movement disorders.
Conclusion
The research on the Naja naja neurotoxin presents promising avenues for therapeutic intervention in movement disorders. The toxin's unique mode of action, combined with its potent neuromuscular blocking properties, positions it as a potential counterpart to existing therapies such as botulinum neurotoxin. Future studies can enhance the understanding of its mechanisms, leading to the development of new treatments that leverage the distinct properties of this snake venom-derived neurotoxin. As the field of pharmacological research continues to expand, components like the Naja naja neurotoxin could offer new insights and more effective therapeutic strategies.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the main focus of the study on Naja naja venom?
The study primarily focuses on isolating and purifying a neurotoxin from Naja naja venom, assessing its neuromuscular blocking activity, and evaluating its potential as a therapeutic tool for movement disorders.
How was the neurotoxin from Naja naja venom purified?
The neurotoxin was purified using fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) on a Mono-Q HR-5/5 column, achieving homogeneity and a confirmed molecular weight of 7 kDa.
What was the LD50 value determined for the isolated neurotoxin?
The LD50 value of the purified neurotoxin was determined to be 0.25 mg/kg body weight in mice, indicating its potency as a neurotoxic agent.
What effect does the neurotoxin have on muscle contraction?
The neurotoxin inhibits acetylcholine contractile responses in muscle, leading to an irreversible neuromuscular blockade, demonstrating its postsynaptic blocking activity.
How does the Naja naja neurotoxin compare to botulinum neurotoxin?
Naja naja neurotoxin is a low molecular weight postsynaptic neurotoxin, whereas botulinum toxin is a high molecular weight presynaptic neurotoxin with different mechanisms and effects on motor neurons.
What potential therapeutic applications could the Naja naja neurotoxin have?
The Naja naja neurotoxin may serve as an alternative therapeutic tool for treating painful neuromuscular movement disorders, potentially addressing the limitations associated with botulinum neurotoxin.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for 鈥淣eurotoxin from Naja naja may treat movement disorders.鈥�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Indian:
The term 'Indian' relates to the geographical origin of the Naja naja, commonly known as the Indian cobra. Its venom has significant implications for neurotoxicology, representing a potential gateway to alternative therapies for movement disorders, particularly in the diverse ecological and cultural landscape of India.
2) Activity:
In this context, 'activity' pertains to the neuromuscular blocking effect exhibited by the isolated neurotoxin. It describes how the neurotoxin interacts with biological systems, particularly in the inhibition of acetylcholine responses, which is crucial for understanding its therapeutic potentials in treating movement disorders.
3) Snake poison (Snake venom):
'Snake venom' refers to the complex mixture of proteins and enzymes produced by snakes, including neurotoxins that affect the nervous system. In the study, the neurotoxin from Naja naja venom exemplifies a potential therapeutic agent for managing painful neuromuscular disorders, underscoring the biomedical significance of snake venoms.
4) India:
'India' denotes the country where the Indian cobra is found and the study was conducted. Understanding the epidemiology of cobra bites and the utility of its venom in pharmacology showcases the intersection of local biodiversity and global therapeutic strategies, particularly in treating neuromuscular conditions.
5) Study (Studying):
'Study' indicates the systematic investigation aimed at isolating and characterizing the neurotoxin from Naja naja venom. The findings elucidate the toxin's actions on neuromuscular transmission, highlighting the significance of research in exploring novel medical therapies derived from natural sources like snake venoms.
6) Transmission:
'Transmission' refers to the process of nerve impulses being conveyed at the neuromuscular junction. The study observed that the neurotoxin blocks this transmission, suggesting its potential application in reversing unwanted neuromuscular activity, thus representing a promising avenue for therapeutic intervention in movement disorders.
7) Purification:
'Purification' encompasses the methods employed to isolate the neurotoxin from mixed venom components, ensuring its homogeneity for further examination. Techniques like fast protein liquid chromatography are critical in yielding a substance that can be studied for its specific pharmacological effects effectively.
8) Karnataka (Kar峁嚹佱弓aka):
'Karnataka' is the Indian state where the Shridevi Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Hospital is located. It serves as the affiliation for the researchers involved in the study, emphasizing the local academic and medical communities' role in conducting significant bio-pharmaceutical research.
9) Table:
'Table' signifies the organized presentation of data describing experimental results, such as contractile responses of muscle tissue to varying concentrations of the neurotoxin. Such tabular formats allow for easy comparison and analysis of outcomes, essential for drawing valid conclusions in scientific research.
10) Shridevi (艢r墨dev墨, Shri-devi):
'Shridevi' refers to the Shridevi Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Hospital, a prominent academic institution in Karnataka. This affiliation underscores the importance of institutional support in conducting critical medical research and facilitating knowledge generation in pharmacological sciences.
11) Science (Scientific):
'Science' denotes the systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe. The research conducted is rooted in scientific principles, aiming to advance our understanding of neurotoxins and their potential medical applications.
12) Death:
'Death' in the context of this study highlights the lethality associated with Naja naja venom, as indicated by the LD50 value observed in mice. This underscores the potency of the neurotoxin and reinforces the importance of understanding such substances for therapeutic advancements.
13) Salt (Salty):
'Salt' refers to sodium chloride used in the context of creating the saline gradient during the purification process of the neurotoxin. It illustrates the biochemical techniques employed in the study, which rely on precise chemical interactions to isolate the desired neurotoxin effectively.
14) Drug:
'Drug' pertains to the potential use of the isolated neurotoxin as a medicinal substance in treating movement disorders. Understanding the pharmacodynamic properties of such neurotoxins can pave the way for innovative therapeutic strategies in neurology.
15) Pharmacological:
'Pharmacological' relates to the biology of drugs and the study of their effects on biological systems. The findings suggest that the neurotoxin from Naja naja has significant pharmacological applications, particularly as an alternative to existing treatment options for movement disorders.
16) Discussion:
'Discussion' refers to the section of the research where findings are interpreted and contextualized within existing knowledge. Engaging with the implications of the results, it offers perspectives on how this neurotoxin could potentially alter treatment approaches for various neuromuscular conditions.
17) Snake-bite:
'Snake-bite' points to the serious medical emergencies posed by venomous snakes, especially in regions like India. Understanding the implications of cobra bites can lead to better management practices and therapeutic interventions, potentially reducing mortality associated with such incidents.
18) Substance:
'Substance' refers to the neurotoxin isolated from the cobra venom. Its properties and effects on neuromuscular transmission make it a critical focus of study in the context of developing new treatment modalities for disorders characterized by muscle spasms or paralysis.
19) Toxicity:
'Toxicity' denotes the degree to which a substance can damage an organism. In this study, the neurotoxin's toxicity was quantitatively assessed, revealing its potential as both a hazard and an avenue for developing therapeutically useful interventions in managing neuromuscular disorders.
20) Family:
'Family' refers to the taxonomic classification grouping the Indian cobra within the Elapidae family of snakes, known for their venomous neurotoxins. Understanding the evolutionary traits of snake families contributes to the broader knowledge of venom functions and medicinal applications.
21) Purity:
'Purity' signifies the extent to which the isolated neurotoxin is free from contaminants or other biological materials. High purity is essential for reliable research outcomes, as it ensures that the effects observed in experiments can be directly attributed to the neurotoxin itself.
22) Kumar (Kum膩r):
'Kumar' refers to one of the authors involved in the research, indicating the collaboration among several scientists leading this study. Such collaborative efforts are vital in multifaceted research, drawing on diverse expertise to enhance the outcomes and credibility of scientific investigations.
23) Prey:
'Prey' pertains to the organisms that the Indian cobra hunts for food. Understanding predatory behaviors and their biochemical implications can inform researchers about the evolutionary adaptations of venom properties, including their potential for therapeutic applications in human medicine.
24) Line:
'Line' in scientific studies typically refers to a pathway or method of inquiry and analysis. It could also refer to the lineage of research questioning or the theoretical framework guiding the methodology, ensuring the research aligns with scientific rigor.
25) Hand:
'Hand' implies the manual labor or experimental techniques employed in conducting the research. It emphasizes the human aspect of scientific inquiry, where researchers use skills and knowledge to manipulate biological specimens and analyze results critically.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: 鈥�Neurotoxin from Naja naja may treat movement disorders.鈥�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Snake poison, Adverse effect, Mechanism of action, Electrophoresis, LD 50, Movement Disorder, Pharmacological agent, Neuromuscular junction, SDS-PAGE, Neurotoxin, Low molecular weight, Respiratory muscles, Acetylcholine receptor, Neuromuscular transmission.