Proteomic and biochemical analyses of short-tailed pit viper (Gloydius brevicaudus) venom: Age-related variation and composition-activity correlation

摘要

We conducted an in-depth analysis of the proteomic and biochemical profiles of the venom of neonate and adult short-tailed pit vipers (Gloydius breuicaudus). Identified proteins were assigned to a few main toxin families. Disintegrin, phospholipase A_2 (PLA_2), serine proteinase, cysteine-rich secretory protein, C-type lectin-like protein, L-amino acid oxidase and snake venom metalloproteinase (SVMP) were detected in both venoms, while 5'-nucleotidase was detected only in the adult venom. SVMP was the predominant protein family in both venoms (neonate: 65.7%; adult: 64.4%), followed by PLA_2 (neonate: 13.4%; adult: 25.0%). Antivenomic analysis revealed that commercial G. breuicaudus antivenom almost neutralized the chromatographic peaks with medium and high molecular masses in both venoms, but did not completely recognize peaks with low molecular mass. Toxicological and enzymatic activities show remarkable age-related variation in G. breuicaudus venom, probably resulting from variation in venom composition. Our data demonstrate age-related variation across venomics, antivenomics and biochemical profiles of G. breuicaudus venom, and have implications for the management of G. breuicaudus bites, including improving antivenom preparation by combining both venoms.