The emergence of antibiotic resistance drives an essential race against time to reveal new molecular structures capable of addressing this alarming global health problem. Snake venoms are natural catalogs of multifunctional toxins and privileged frameworks, which serve as potential templates for the inspiration of novel treatment strategies for combating antibiotic resistant bacteria. Phospholipases A2 (PLA2s) are one of the main classes of antibacterial biomolecules, with recognized therapeutic value, found in these valuable secretions. Recently, a number of biomimetic oligopeptides based on small fragments of primary structure from PLA2 toxins has emerged as a meaningful opportunity to overcome multidrug‐resistant clinical isolates. Thus, this review will highlight the biochemical and structural properties of antibacterial PLA2s and peptides thereof, as well as their possible molecular mechanisms of action and key roles in development of effective therapeutic strategies. Chemical strategies possibly useful to convert antibacterial peptides from PLA2s to efficient drugs will be equally addressed.

The following story tells the details of the ketone body metabolism, focusing on the needs of the brain in prolonged fasting conditions. This literary composition highlights the use of ketone bodies as an important metabolic adaptation that avoids excessive protein degradation and allows for greater survival. The liver produces ketone bodies that are released into the bloodstream and exported to the brain, which then absorbs and transforms them into acetyl-CoA. These molecules with central role in metabolism generate energy through the Krebs cycle, electron transport chain, and oxidative phosphorylation. This tale is a valuable tool for biochemistry teachers and students because it can help with a deeper understanding of the physiological roles of ketone bodies and their metabolism.

Background Snakebite envenoming remains a relevant public health problem in tropical and subtropical countries. In Ecuador, this is particularly true in an area of great diversity like the Amazon region. Nevertheless, there is scarce information about epidemiological and clinical characteristics of these accidents in this area. Methods This was a descriptive and retrospective study of snakebite cases treated at a tertiary hospital in the Napo Province, Ecuadorian Amazon, from 2015 to 2019. We collected sociodemographic and snakebite-related information, clinical aspects and the use of antivenom and antibiotics from medical records. Results Information from 133 snakebite accidents was reviewed in this time period. Reports of snakebite envenoming decreased over the years. In total, 67% of those bitten were from nearby indigenous communities, which were the most affected groups. When a species was identified, Bothrops atrox was responsible for the highest number of cases registered. Local clinical manifestations were more frequent than systemic signs, in keeping with the typical effects produced by bothropic venoms. Additionally, data showed that more antivenom vials were given than those suggested by the protocol of the Ecuadorian Ministry of Health, in proportion to the grade of severity. Finally, we identified a low incidence of adverse reactions with antivenom administration, as well as a frequent use of antibiotics. Conclusions The profile of snakebite accidents in the Napo Province is very similar to that described for other localities in the Amazon region of Ecuador and neighboring countries, with its challenges and limitations. Such aspects underlie the importance of establishing a robust and science-based public health program to respond to this frequent, but neglected, tropical disease.

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In Ecuadorian Amazon, Bothrops atrox is the main snake associated with ophidic accidents. The only approved treatment for snakebite envenomation are antivenoms and their efficiency depends on the reference venom used in their production. It is important to mention that B. atrox is a species with wide geographic distribution, which can generate differences in the composition and phenotype of the venom between its different populations. This variability can be responsible for changes in the toxicological effects of snakebite among populations of the same species. With this in mind, the present study analyzed two venom samples from individuals from two Amazonian areas. Based on the results, differences in the abundance of the main families of toxins and their activities between both venoms were identified.

La presente revisión detalla los mecanismos de virulencia de tres virus tropicales emergentes: Zika, dengue y chikungunya, y los asocia o enlaza o vincula con el desarrollo de la respuesta inmune del hospedador ante cada uno de estos, para posteriormente mostrar los avances tecnológicos y las dificultades a las que se enfrentan los estudios de vacunas contra dichos virus. Además, se mencionan los principales países involucrados activamente en las diferentes fases de investigación de vacunas, refiriéndose adicionalmente, a las dificultades que tienen los países más afectados por estas infecciones para participar en el desarrollo de vacunas que puedan implementarse y mejorar la calidad de vida de la población.

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