Determinación de la inhibición de la actividad enzimática del veneno de dos especies de serpientes (Bothrops asper, Bothrocophias microphthalmus) POR Piptocoma discolor

Abstract

The research pretended to determine the inhibitory capacity of Piwi extract (Piptocoma discolor) on the enzymatic activity of the poison of Bothrops asper and Bothrocophias microphthalmus snakes. To simulate human body conditions, 10 mg concentrations of the lyophilized toxins dissolved in monobasic potassium phosphate and dibasic potassium phosphate buffer were used. Hyaluronidase activity was measured using the substrate hyaluronic acid resolving turbidity with cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide. To determine phospholipase, clotting time was measured with an egg yolk lipoprotein emulsion with Tris-HCl and calcium chloride. Caseinolytic activity was measured using casein, and absorbance was measured after precipitation with trichloroacetic acid. Coagulant activity was measured using fibrinogen, and it was incubated before clotting time was measured. In addition, proteins present in the toxins were quantified using the Lowry and Folin-Ciocalteu methods. The results showed that the dried extract of Piptocoma discolor peel had a higher inhibitory capacity on the enzymatic activity comparing the poison of both snakes. This is compared to the antiphidic serum. In particular, greater inhibition of hyaluronidase and caseinolytic was observed in the toxins of both species. The extract also had an inhibitory effect on the coagulant activity, which allowed slowing down the coagulation time. However, a discrepancy was found in the inhibition of phospholipase A2 as this enzyme was more inhibited in the presence of the antiphidic serum. In conclusion, Piptocoma discolor peel extract had a similar effect to antiophidic serum on caseinolytic, hyaluronidase, and coagulant activity. Further research on Piptocoma discolor tree is recommended to evaluate its inhibitory capacity on the enzymes present in the toxins of different families of the snakes’ poison in the country.