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Three-finger proteins are the most abundant toxins in the venom of Naja ashei, a snake species from the Elapidae family. This research aimed to describe the effects of varying charges of these proteins, isolated from Naja ashei venom using SEC and IEX chromatography. The study examined how differently charged three-finger toxin fractions interact with and affect neuroblastoma (SK-N-SH) and promyeloblast (HL-60) cells, as well as model Langmuir membranes and liposomes designed to mimic cellular lipid composition. Findings revealed that protein surface charges significantly impact cell survival (MTT assay), membrane damage (lactate dehydrogenase release, malondialdehyde formation), and the structural and electrochemical properties of model membranes (Langmuir membranes and zeta potential for liposomes and cancer cell lines). Results indicated that SK-N-SH cells, characterized by a higher negative charge on their cell membranes, interacted more effectively with positively charged toxins than HL-60 cells. However, the mechanism of these electrostatic interactions is complex. The research demonstrated that electrostatic and mechanical membrane modifications induced by venom proteins can significantly affect cell metabolism. Additionally, the total charge of the membrane, influenced by polar lipid components and phospholipid saturation, plays a decisive role in toxin interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Crotalus snake envenomation poses a serious challenge due to its diverse toxicological effects, including neurological, myotoxic, and cytotoxic symptoms, often leading to death. The aim of the study was to elucidate the physiological effects of exposure to Crotalus atrox and Crotalus adamanteus venoms and to assess toxicity using chicken embryo models. Currently, there is not a lot of research demonstrating the physiological effects of venom, including its potential impact on embryos, in accordance with the 3R rules. The applied research model consisted of the chick embryotoxicity screening test (CHEST) and the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) test, which allowed for (i) a demonstration of the greater toxicity of C. adamanteus venom and (ii) an observation of the embryotoxic effect and vasoactive nature of the tested venom species. Additionally, (iii) morphological abnormalities (such as Siamese twins) emerged, and (iv) changes in the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were identified (resulting solely from its presence in the examined tissues due to the lack of this component in exogenously applied venom). These results provide crucial insights into the mechanisms of Crotalus venom toxicity and their potential biomedical applications. Crotalus snakebites induce various toxicological effects, encompassing neurological, myotoxic, and cytotoxic symptoms, with potentially fatal outcomes. Investigating venom toxicity is essential for public health, and developing new tools allows for these effects to be studied more comprehensively. The research goals include the elucidation of the physiological consequences of venom exposure and the assessment of toxicity using animal models. Chicken embryos serve as valuable models for assessing venom toxicity through the chick embryotoxicity screening test (CHEST) and the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay, particularly useful for evaluating vascular impacts. C. adamanteus venom application resulted in higher embryotoxicity and morphological abnormalities, such as Siamese twins. The CAM assay demonstrated the hemorrhagic effects of venom, varying with venom type and concentration. The irritant potential of both venom types was classified as slight or moderate depending on their concentration. Additionally, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was performed to receive information about organ toxicity. The results show that both venoms induced changes in the whole embryo, heart, and liver weights, but the C. adamanteus venom was identified as more toxic. Specific venom concentrations affected AChE activity in embryonic tissues. These findings underscore the embryotoxic and vasoactive properties of Crotalus venoms, providing valuable insights into their mechanisms of toxicity and potential applications in biomedicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of 10% dietary flaxseed fed for 3 and 6 weeks on serum hormone levels of fattening gilts, the fatty acid (FA) follicular fluid (FF) composition of small and large antral follicles, and the steroidogenesis and IGF-I secretion by isolated small antral follicles and their response to regulatory hormones (LH, FSH, IGF-I) was studied using immunoassay and gas chromatography analyses. Both supplemental periods increased levels of P4 and IGF-I in blood serum. A shorter period inhibited steroidogenesis (P4, T, E2) and IGF-I secretion by small antral follicles, which was associated with decreased levels of monounsaturated FAs (MUFA) and preferred n-6 polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) metabolism. A longer period stimulated hormone secretion at elevated levels of saturated FAs (SFA) at the expense of MUFAs and PUFAs preferring the n-3 PUFA metabolism. Out of ovarian regulators, only LH and IGF-I were able to alter the secretion of steroids and IGF-I by small follicles of fattening pigs fed a basal diet. The effect of flaxseed on the secretion of follicular hormones after both supplemental periods was altered by all regulatory hormones in a dose-dependent manner. The level of SFAs and PUFAs in FF of large follicles increased with the length of flaxseed feeding, suggesting the suppression of ovulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of combining probiotics (Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus fermentum) with flaxseed (a source of n-3 PUFAs) on the lipid metabolism and long-chain fatty acid profile of conventional piglets after weaning was studied. The levels of total lipids and high-density lipoproteins cholesterol decreased from Day 7 post-weaning, whereas levels of low-density lipoproteins cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglycerides did not change significantly in piglets with supplemented diet. The levels of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) increased seven days post-weaning; however, the levels of dihomogamma-linolenic acid and arachidonic acid (AA) were lower and linoleic acid (LA) higher in synbioticsfed piglets compared with controls. This study demonstrates the efficacy of conversion of ALA to EPA and DHA, where delta-6-desaturase was predominantly used for n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid synthesis from ALA at the expense of n-6 PUFAs from LA, which caused rapid increase in EPA/AA ratio on Day 14 after weaning. Combination of probiotic cheese and flaxseed is a good dietary supplement for piglets before weaning, helping them to adapt to change in diet more easily by regulating changes in lipid metabolism and vitality, and reducing the likelihood of chronic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of our experiment was to study how synbiotics are able to deal with the problems of post-weaning piglets. Lactobacillus plantarum - BiocenolTM LP96 (CCM 7512), Lactobacillus fermentum - BiocenolTM LF99 (CCM 7514) and flaxseed (rich in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids) were administered to 36 conventional piglets from a problematic breed with confirmed presence of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli and Coronavirus. The experimental piglets were supplied with probiotic cheeses and crushed flax-seed in the period starting 10 days before weaning and lasting up to 14 days post-weaning. Piglets in the control group were supplied only control cheese. The impact of such additives on the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH; spectroscopic and electrophoretic assay), alteration of immunity (index of metabolic activity), jejunum histology (light microscopy), and health of conventional piglets from a problematic breed (monitoring of hematology, consistency and moisture of feces and body temperature) were examined. We found significant decrease in LDH leakage in the blood serum and tissue extracts, indicating better cell membrane integrity in the individual organs of animals. Probiotics and flaxseed applied together seem to be a good source of nutrients to improve the immune status and the integrity of jejunum mucosa during infection. © 2015 Japanese Society of Animal Science [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper was to characterize and compare spitting cobras of Africa. The autofluorescence ofNaja asheiandNaja nigricollisvenoms was investigated by atomic force microscopy and fluorescence analysis. The synchronous fluorescence analysis showed higher endogenous fluorescence ofNaja asheivenom in comparison withNaja nigricollisvenom. The atomic force microscopy revealed different surfaces of compared venoms as a result of different amounts of proteins. Our results confirmed different structures ofNaja nigricollisandNaja asheivenom. The practical advantages of selected techniques are high sensitivity, minimal quantity of venom, and capability to measure the spitting cobra by autofluorescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]