Proteome analysis of toxic fractions of Moroccan cobra <italic>Naja haje</italic> venom using mass spectrometry.

Snake venoms constitute a complex blend of proteins and peptides, with their toxicity and pharmacological effects varying depending on their geographic origin. <italic>Naja haje</italic>, a venomous snake of significant medical importance in regions like Morocco and North Africa, can inflict severe pain, swelling, and neurotoxic symptoms upon biting. Without prompt medical intervention, these symptoms can rapidly worsen, potentially leading to fatal outcomes. Understanding the venom’s components is crucial for developing effective antivenom therapies. Specific antibodies that target the venom’s toxic elements are essential for neutralising its activity. Therefore, we conducted a proteomic analysis of these elements within <italic>Naja haje</italic> venom using gel filtration, HPLC, and mass spectrometry. Our findings identified eight fractions, among which fractions 5 and 6 exhibited notable toxicity, with fraction 5 resulting in mortality. Furthermore, we observed a prevalence of 3FTx, a diverse component in Naja venom, alongside short-chain neurotoxins such as short neurotoxin, cytotoxin, and muscarinic toxin-like proteins. Recognising these harmful elements is crucial for developing precise antivenom treatments. This investigation represents the first proteomic analysis of toxic fractions from <italic>Naja haje</italic> venom in Morocco, providing valuable insights into venom composition and aiding in the development of targeted therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]