Climate Shapes Russell’s Viper Venom: New Study Paves Way for Region-Specific Snakebite Treatments.

A groundbreaking study reveals how India's diverse climates influence the venom composition of Russell’s vipers, leading to region-specific symptoms and highlighting the need for tailored antivenom therapies.​

Climate's Role in Russell’s Viper Venom Variability:

India, with its vast array of ecosystems—from arid deserts to humid forests—is home to numerous venomous snakes. Among them, the Russell’s viper (Daboia russelii) stands out as a primary cause of snakebite fatalities, accounting for a significant portion of the estimated 58,000 annual deaths in the country.​

Recent research conducted by Kartik Sunagar and his team at the Indian Institute of Science has unveiled a compelling link between regional climates and the biochemical makeup of Russell’s viper venom. By analyzing venom samples from 115 vipers across various Indian biogeographic zones, the study found that environmental factors, particularly temperature and rainfall, significantly influence venom composition.​

Key Findings:

Protein-Degrading Enzymes: Vipers from drier regions exhibited higher activity of protein-degrading enzymes, leading to more severe tissue damage in bite victims.​

PMC:

Phospholipase Activity: Snakes from humid, coastal areas showed increased phospholipase activity, affecting cell membranes and potentially leading to different clinical symptoms.​

Amino Acid Oxidase: This enzyme's activity remained relatively consistent across regions, suggesting some venom components are less influenced by climate.​

These variations underscore the complexity of snake venom and its adaptation to local environments.​

Implications for Antivenom Development:

Currently, India employs polyvalent antivenoms designed to counteract venom from multiple snake species. However, the efficacy of these treatments can be compromised due to regional venom differences. The study's predictive "venom maps" offer a potential solution by identifying prevalent toxins in specific areas, enabling healthcare providers to administer more effective, targeted therapies.​

PMC:

For instance, in the arid regions of northwest India, treatments focusing on neutralizing protein-degrading enzymes may prove more effective. Conversely, in the humid northeastern plains and coastal regions, therapies targeting phospholipases could yield better outcomes.​

Expert Insights:

Christiane Berger-Schaffitzel, a biochemist at the University of Bristol not involved in the study, emphasized the significance of understanding local venom variations. "It's absolutely important to understand the local variation of venom because it has a very immediate consequence for the antivenom efficacy that is administered," she noted.​

Future Directions:

While the study provides valuable insights, Sunagar acknowledges its limitations, including the exclusion of biotic factors like diet and predator presence, and a relatively limited sample size. He advocates for ongoing research to refine the predictive models, stating, "In the future, as we keep collecting items for our studies, if we keep updating this model, it will probably become more accurate."​

This research marks a significant step toward personalized snakebite treatments in India, emphasizing the need for region-specific antivenoms and highlighting the intricate relationship between climate and venom evolution.

Source:https://www.the-scientist.com/optimizing-stem-cell-media-for-cultivated-meat-production-72312

This is non-financial/medical advice and made using AI so could be wrong.