Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 58 in total

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  1. Fulltext Cytotoxicity of snake venom enzymatic toxins: phospholipase A2 and l-amino acid oxidase
    Hiu JJ, Yap MKK
    Biochem Soc Trans, 2020 04 29;48(2):719-731.
    PMID: 32267491 DOI: 10.1042/BST20200110
    The phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and l-amino acid oxidase (LAAO) are two major enzymes found in the venoms from most snake species. These enzymes have been structurally and functionally characterised for their pharmacological activities. Both PLA2 and LAAO from different venoms demonstrate considerable cytotoxic effects on cancer cells via induction of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest and suppression of proliferation. These enzymes produce more pronounced cytotoxic effects in cancer cells than normal cells, thus they can be potential sources as chemotherapeutic agents. It is proposed that PLA2 and LAAO contribute to an elevated oxidative stress due to their catalytic actions, for instance, the ability of PLA2 to produce reactive oxygen species during lipolysis and formation of H2O2 from LAAO catalytic activity which consequently lead to cell death. Nonetheless, the cell-death signalling pathways associated with exposure to these enzymatic toxins are not fully elucidated yet. Here in this review, we will discuss the cytotoxic effects of PLA2 and LAAO in relationship to their catalytic mechanisms and the underlying mechanisms of cytotoxic actions.
    Matched MeSH terms: Snakes
  2. The anticoagulant activity of Malayan cobra (Naja naja sputatrix) venom and venom phospholipase A2 enzymes
    Tan NH, Arunmozhiarasi A
    Biochem. Int., 1989 Oct;19(4):803-10.
    PMID: 2619749
    Malayan cobra (Naja naja sputatrix) venom was found to exhibit an in vitro anticoagulant activity that was much stronger than most common cobra (genus Naja) venoms. The most potent anticoagulants of the venom are two lethal phospholipase A2 enzymes with pI's of 6.15 and 6.20, respectively. The anticoagulant activity of the venom is due to the synergistic effect of the venom phospholipase A2 enzymes and polypeptide anticoagulants. Bromophenacylation of the two phospholipase A2 enzymes reduced their enzymatic activity with a concomitant drop in both the lethal and anticoagulant activities.
    Matched MeSH terms: Snakes
  3. Isolation and characterization of an acidic lethal phospholipase Az from Malayan cobra (Naja naja sputatrix) venom
    Tan NH, Arunmozhiarasi A
    Biochem. Int., 1989 Apr;18(4):785-92.
    PMID: 2764979
    An acidic, lethal phospholipase Az was purified to electrophoretic homogeneity from the venom of the Malayan cobra (Naja naja sputatrix). The enzyme has an isoelectric point of 5.58, a molecular weight of 12000, and a medium lethal dose (LD50) of 0.86 micrograms/g in mice by intravenous injection. The enzyme also exhibited weak anticoagulant and edema-forming activities. The amino acid composition of the enzyme is similar to those of other cobra venom phospholipases Az.
    Matched MeSH terms: Snakes
  4. The comparison of the antitomboc action of the thrombin-like fraction of Malayan pit viper venom and heparin
    Chan KE
    Cardiovasc Res, 1969 Apr;3(2):171-8.
    PMID: 5821043
    Matched MeSH terms: Snakes*
  5. A comparative study on the electrophoretic patterns of snake venoms
    Tan NH, Ponnudurai G
    Comp. Biochem. Physiol., B, 1992 May;102(1):103-9.
    PMID: 1526113
    1. Examination of the polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic (PAGE) and SDS-PAGE patterns of snake venoms shows that these patterns are useful for species differentiation (and hence identification) for snakes of certain genera but have only limited application for snakes from some other genera, due either to the marked individual variations in the venoms or the lack of marked interspecific differences within the same genus. 2. There is no substantial intersubspecific difference in the electrophoretic patterns of the venoms. 3. In general there are no common characteristics in the electrophoretic patterns of the venom at the generic level because of the wide variations in the electrophoretic patterns of venoms of snakes within the same genus. 4. At the familial level, the venoms of Elapidae exhibited SDS-PAGE patterns distinct from those of Crotalidae.
    Matched MeSH terms: Snakes/classification
  6. A comparative study of the biological properties of some sea snake venoms
    Tan NH, Ponnudurai G
    Comp. Biochem. Physiol., B, 1991;99(2):351-4.
    PMID: 1764914
    1. The protease, phosphodiesterase, alkaline phosphomonoesterase, L-amino acid oxidase, acetylcholinesterase, phospholipase A, 5'-nucleotidase, hyaluronidase, arginine ester hydrolase, procoagulant, anticoagulant and hemorrhagic activities of ten samples of venoms from seven taxa of sea snakes were examined. 2. The results show that venoms of sea snakes of both subfamilies of Hydrophiinae and Laticaudinae are characterized by a very low level of enzymatic activities, except phospholipase A activity and, for some species, hyaluronidase activity. 3. Because of the low levels of enzymatic activities and the total lack of procoagulant and hemorrhagic activities, venom biological properties are not useful for the differentiation of species of sea snakes. Nevertheless, the unusually low levels of enzymatic activities of sea snake venoms may be used to distinguish sea snake venoms from other elapid or viperid venoms.
    Matched MeSH terms: Snake Venoms/metabolism*; Snake Venoms/toxicity; Snakes*
  7. A comparative study of the biological properties of some venoms of snakes of the genus Bothrops (American lance-headed viper)
    Tan NH, Ponnudurai G
    Comp. Biochem. Physiol., B, 1991;100(2):361-5.
    PMID: 1799979
    1. The hemorrhagic, procoagulant, anticoagulant, phosphodiesterase, alkaline phosphomonoesterase, 5'-nucleotidase, hyaluronidase, arginine ester hydrolase, phospholipase A, L-amino acid oxidase and protease activities of 26 samples of venoms from 13 species of Bothrops were determined, and the Sephadex G-75 gel filtration patterns for some of the venoms also examined. 2. The results show that while there are considerable individual variations in the biological activities of many of the Bothrops venoms tested, there are some common characteristics at the genus and species levels. 3. The differences in the biological properties of the Bothrops venoms tested can be used for the differentiation of most Bothrops species examined.
    Matched MeSH terms: Snakes/classification; Snakes/metabolism*
  8. A comparative study of cobra (Naja) venom enzymes
    Tan NH, Tan CS
    Comp. Biochem. Physiol., B, 1988;90(4):745-50.
    PMID: 2854766
    1. The L-amino acid oxidase, hyaluronidase, alkaline phosphomonoesterase, protease, phosphodiesterase, acetylcholinesterase, phospholipase A and 5'-nucleotidase activities of 47 samples of venoms from all the six species of cobra (Naja), including five subspecies of Naja naja, were examined. 2. The results demonstrated interspecific differences in the venom contents of phospholipase A, acetylcholinesterase, hyaluronidase and phosphodiesterase. These differences in venom enzyme contents can be used for the differentiation of species of the genus Naja. 3. Thus, our results revealed a correlation between the enzyme composition of venom and the taxonomic status of the snake at the species level for the genus Naja.
    Matched MeSH terms: Snakes
  9. A comparative study of the biological properties of venoms from snakes of the genus Vipera (true adders)
    Tan NH, Ponnudurai G
    Comp. Biochem. Physiol., B, 1990;96(4):683-8.
    PMID: 2171867
    1. The hemorrhagic, procoagulant, anticoagulant, phosphodiesterase, hyaluronidase, alkaline phosphomonoesterase, 5'-nucleotidase, arginine ester hydrolase, phospholipase A, L-amino acid oxidase and protease activities of 26 samples of venoms of 13 taxa of Vipera were determined and the Sephadex G-75 gel filtration patterns for some of the venoms were also examined. 2. The results indicate the presence of certain common characteristics among the venoms, particularly if V. russelli is excluded from the comparison. The results also support the recently proposed reassignment of V. russelli to a separate genus. 3. The data show that information on venom biological properties can be used for differentiation of venoms of many species of Vipera. Particularly useful for this purpose are the protease, phosphodiesterase, phospholipase A and the procoagulant activities and the Sephadex G-75 gel filtration patterns of the venoms.
    Matched MeSH terms: Snakes/metabolism
  10. A comparative study of the biological properties of Australian elapid venoms
    Tan NH, Ponnudurai G
    Comp Biochem Physiol C Comp Pharmacol Toxicol, 1990;97(1):99-106.
    PMID: 1981349
    1. The hemorrhagic, procoagulant, anticoagulant, protease, phosphodiesterase, alkaline phosphomonoesterase, L-amino acid oxidase, acetylcholinesterase, arginine ester hydrolase, phospholipase A, 5'-nucleotidase and hyaluronidase activities of 39 samples of venoms from 13 species (15 taxa) of Australian elapids were determined and the Sephadex G-75 gel filtration patterns for some of the venoms were also examined. 2. The results indicate that Australian elapid venoms can be divided into two groups: procoagulant Australian venoms (including N. scutatus, N. ater, O. scutellatus, O. microlepidotus, P. porphyriacus, T. carinatus, H. stephensii and P. textilis) and non-procoagulant Australian venoms (including A. superbus, P. colletti, P. australis, P. guttatus and A. antarcticus). 3. The non-procoagulant Australian venoms exhibited biological properties similar to other elapid venoms, while the procoagulant Australian venoms exhibited some properties characteristic of viperid venoms. 4. The data show that information on venom biological properties can be used for differentiation of many species of Australian elapids. 5. Particularly useful for this purpose are the hyaluronidase, alkaline phosphomonoesterase, acetylcholinesterase, and the procoagulant activities and the Sephadex G-75 gel filtration patterns of the venoms.
    Matched MeSH terms: Snakes
  11. Identification of Antibacterial Molecule(s) from Animals Living in Polluted Environments
    Winnie FYM, Siddiqui R, Sagathevan K, Khan NA
    Curr Pharm Biotechnol, 2020;21(5):425-437.
    PMID: 31577204 DOI: 10.2174/1389201020666191002153435
    BACKGROUND: Snakes feed on germ-infested rodents, while water monitor lizards thrive on rotten matter in unhygienic conditions. We hypothesize that such creatures survive the assault of superbugs and are able to fend off disease by producing antimicrobial substances. In this study, we investigated the potential antibacterial activity of sera/lysates of animals living in polluted environments.

    METHODS: Snake (Reticulatus malayanus), rats (Rattus rattus), water monitor lizard (Varanus salvator), frog (Lithobates catesbeianus), fish (Oreochromis mossambicus), chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus), and pigeon (Columba livia) were dissected and their organ lysates/sera were collected. Crude extracts were tested for bactericidal effects against neuropathogenic E. coli K1, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Streptococcus pyogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. To determine whether lysates/sera protect human cells against bacterialmediated damage, cytotoxicity assays were performed by measuring lactate dehydrogenase release as an indicator of cell death. Lysates/sera were partially characterized using heat-treatment and pronasetreatment and peptide sequences were determined using the Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS).

    RESULTS: Snake and water monitor lizard sera exhibited potent broad-spectrum bactericidal effects against all bacteria tested. Heat inactivation and pronase-treatment inhibited bactericidal effects indicating that activity is heat-labile and pronase-sensitive suggesting that active molecules are proteinaceous in nature. LCMS analyses revealed the molecular identities of peptides.

    CONCLUSION: The results revealed that python that feeds on germ-infested rodents and water monitor lizards that feed on rotten organic waste possess antibacterial activity in a heat-sensitive manner and several peptides were identified. We hope that the discovery of antibacterial activity in the sera of animals living in polluted environments will stimulate research in finding antibacterial agents from unusual sources as this has the potential for the development of novel strategies in the control of infectious diseases.

    Matched MeSH terms: Snakes/blood
  12. Fulltext A Comprehensive Review on Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Activities of Clinacanthus nutans (Burm.f.) Lindau
    Khoo LW, Audrey Kow S, Lee MT, Tan CP, Shaari K, Tham CL, et al.
    Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2018;2018:9276260.
    PMID: 30105077 DOI: 10.1155/2018/9276260
    Clinacanthus nutans (Burm.f.) Lindau (Acanthaceae), commonly known as Sabah snake grass, is a vegetable and a well-known herb that is considered an alternative medicine for insect bites, skin rashes, herpes infection, inflammation, and cancer and for health benefits. Current review aims to provide a well-tabulated repository of the phytochemical screening, identification and quantification, and the pharmacological information of C. nutans according to the experimental design and the plant preparation methods which make it outstanding compared to existing reviews. This review has documented valuable data obtained from all accessible library databases and electronic searches. For the first time we analyzed the presence of flavonoids, triterpenoids, steroids, phytosterols, and glycosides in C. nutans based on the results from phytochemical screening which are then further confirmed by conventional phytochemical isolation methods and advanced spectroscopic techniques. Phytochemical quantification further illustrated that C. nutans is a good source of phenolics and flavonoids. Pharmacological studies on C. nutans revealed that its polar extract could be a promising anti-inflammation, antiviral, anticancer, immune and neuromodulating, and plasmid DNA protective agent; that its semipolar extract could be a promising antiviral, anticancer, and wound healing agent; and that its nonpolar extract could be an excellent anticancer agent.
    Matched MeSH terms: Snakes
  13. Fulltext Effect of different drying methods on phytochemicals and antioxidant properties of unfermented and fermented teas from Sabah Snake Grass (Clinacanthus nutans Lind.) leaves
    Lusia Barek, M., Hasmadi, M., Zaleha, A.Z., Mohd Fadzelly, A.B.
    International Food Research Journal, 2015;22(2):661-670.
    MyJurnal
    Clinacanthus nutans (Burm. F.) Lindau or locally known in Sabah, Malaysia as ‘Sabah Snake Grass’ has been ethnobotanically used to treat various diseases in Asian countries. This study was conducted to determine the total phenolics content (TPC), flavonoids content (TFC) and antioxidant activity of herbal teas developed from C. nutans leaves with different drying techniques (microwave-oven dried and freeze dried) and infusion time (1, 2, 5, 10, 15 and 20 min). Ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline- 6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-pycryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assays were used to investigate the antioxidant capacity. The highest TPC of herbal tea was observed in 20 min infusion of unfermented microwave-oven dried leaves (177.80 ± 19.10 mg TAE/L), while the highest TFC was observed in 10 min infusion of fermented microwave-oven dried leaves (22.13 ± 1.53 mg CE/L). Short infusion times from 5 min to 15 min were able to extract high amount of phenolics compounds. Unfermented tea contained higher TPC content (P < 0.05) as compared to fermented tea, while, TFC showed no significant difference between both types. Freeze dried infusion shows no significant difference (P > 0.05) as compared to microwave-oven dried for TPC, TFC and antioxidant capacity. Moderate and low correlation was observed between TPC and FRAP values (r = 0.507) and between TFC and ABTS values (r = 0.256). Preparation of C. nutans herbal tea as potential natural antioxidant source can be used as a basic reference for future research on the dietary intake of these herbal teas.
    Matched MeSH terms: Snakes
  14. Fulltext The use of venom and venom-derived products in medicine and cosmetics: the ethical issues from Islamic perspective
    Muhamad Rusdi Ahmad Rusmil, Iekhsan Othman, Che Anuar Che Mohamad
    International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2018;17(101):1-6.
    MyJurnal
    Venom is a mixture of biologically active toxins that affect normal physiological functions. With the advance in technology, the complexity and functions of venom and its toxins are slowly being revealed. It has become important source for therapeutic, diagnostic and cosmetic agents. However, there is concern among the Muslim community pertaining to halal and safety issues on the venom and venom-derived product usage. There are few studies that discuss the Islamic views in the usage of venom and venom-based product in medicine and cosmetic applications. There is a need for Muslim scientists and scholars to seriously identify the potential ethical and safety issues in the usage of venom and venom-derived products in view of the widespread application in medicine and cosmetic, which subsequently forming the basis for relevant and reliable shariah ruling. This is an attempt to review the relevant articles based on the following keywords: venom and Islamic ruling, venom-based product, venom and medicine, venom and cosmetic, antivenom, venom toxin, snake poison and venom diagnostics. It will also attempt to clarify and elaborate the implication of the “halal” status for venom-based product. Finaly the current available shariah rulings on the usage of venom and venom-based product both in medical and cosmetic area and the related principle of fiqh involved will be analyzed. The findings from this review, particularly the current available ruling will allow various parties to be well informed on the current ruling and related issues on the usage of this products.
    Matched MeSH terms: Snakes
  15. Fulltext A five-year retrospective review of snakebite patients admitted to a tertiary university hospital in Malaysia
    Chew KS, Khor HW, Ahmad R, Rahman NH
    Int J Emerg Med, 2011;4:41.
    PMID: 21752254 DOI: 10.1186/1865-1380-4-41
    Although the majority of the snakebite cases in Malaysia are due to non-venomous snakes, venomous bites cause significant morbidity and mortality if treatment measures, especially ant-venom therapy, are delayed.
    Matched MeSH terms: Snakes
  16. The protective effect of Mucuna pruriens seeds against snake venom poisoning
    Tan NH, Fung SY, Sim SM, Marinello E, Guerranti R, Aguiyi JC
    J Ethnopharmacol, 2009 Jun 22;123(2):356-8.
    PMID: 19429384 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2009.03.025
    The seed, leaf and root of Mucuna pruriens have been used in traditional medicine for treatments of various diseases. In Nigeria, the seed is used as oral prophylactics for snakebite.
    Matched MeSH terms: Snakes
  17. Six platyhelminths from Malaysian reptiles including Paradistomoidella cerberi n.g., n.sp. (Digenea: Dicrocoeliidae)
    Brooks DR, Palmieri JR
    J Helminthol, 1981 Mar;55(1):39-43.
    PMID: 7229330
    Paradistomoidella cerberi n.g., n.sp. and Paracanthostomum cerberi from Cerberus rhynchops, Xenopharynx pyriformis and Allopharynx mehrai from Ptyas korros, Neopronocephalus orientalis from Geoemyda spinosa, and Duthiersia expansa from Varanus salvator are all reported from the area of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Paradistomoidella cerberi most closely resembles members of Paradistomoides but is characterized by relatively short caeca, a cirrus sac containing a bipartite rather than sinous internal seminal vesicle, and unevenly-sized suckers. Kuala Lumpur is a new locality for Paracanthostomum cerberi, X. pyriformis, A. mehrai, and D. expansa. Ptyas korros is a new host for X. pyriformis and G. spinosa is a new host for N. orientalis.
    Matched MeSH terms: Snakes/parasitology*
  18. Fulltext Fatal melioidosis in a captive elephant trunk snake (Acrochordus javanicus) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Sadiq, M.A., Zakaria, Z., Saharee, A.A., Abba, Y., Hassan, L.
    Jurnal Veterinar Malaysia, 2016;28(1):20-26.
    MyJurnal
    An adult female Elephant Trunk Snake (Acrochordus javanicus) was reported to have been weak and inappetent for five days. The following morning the snake found dead, while in the process of shedding its skin. On post mortem examination, there were multiple circumscribed caseous nodules of various sizes distributed all over the liver, along the respiratory tract and on the lungs. Bacteriological analysis of the lungs and liver swab samples yielded Burkholderia pseudomallei, which was confirmed by PCR amplification of specific 16S rRNA. The condition was diagnosed as melioidosis and the organism was genotypically characterized as sequence type 51, a genotype that has been previously characterized in humans in Malaysia. Antibiotic susceptibility by both Disc diffusion or Kirby Bauer and E-test minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) showed that the organism exhibited susceptibility to meropenem, imipenem, ceftazidime, cotrimoxazole and co-amoxyclav; the antibiotics recommended in the treatment of melioidosis.
    Matched MeSH terms: Snakes
  19. A short synopsis of some of the commoner Malayan snakes, with special reference to the venomous snakes. Part I.
    Smart AGH
    Malayan Medical Journal, 1932;7:118-124.
    Matched MeSH terms: Snakes
  20. A short synopsis of some of the commoner Malayan snakes, with special reference to the venomous snakes. Part II
    Smart AGH
    Malayan Medical Journal, 1933;8:49-59.
    Matched MeSH terms: Snakes
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