Behavioral effects of Bj-PRO-7a, a proline-rich oligopeptide from Bothrops jararaca venom

Seminal studies stated that bean proteins are efficient neuronal tracers with affinity for brain tissue. A low molecular weight peptide fraction (<3kDa) from Phaseolus vulgaris (PV3) was previously reported to be antioxidant, non-cytotoxic, and capable of reducing reactive oxygen species and increasing nitric oxide in cells. We evaluated the effects of PV3 (5, 50, 100, 500, and 5000 µg/kg) on behavior and the molecular routes potentially involved. Acute and chronic PV3 treatments were performed before testing Wistar rats: i) in the elevated plus-maze (EPM) to assess the anxiolytic-like effect; ii) in the open field (OF) to evaluate locomotion and exploration; and iii) for depression-like behavior in forced swimming (FS). Catecholaminergic involvement was tested using the tyrosine hydroxylases (TH) enzyme inhibitor, α-methyl-DL-tyrosine (AMPT). Brain areas of chronically treated groups were dissected to assess: i) lipid peroxidation (LPO); ii) carbonylated proteins (CP); iii) superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzymatic activities. Neuronal nitric oxide synthases (nNOS) and argininosuccinate synthase (ASS) protein expression was evaluated by western blotting. Acute treatment with PV3 increased the frequency and time spent in the EPM open arms, suggesting anxiolysis. PV3 increased crossing episodes in the OF. These PV3 effects on anxiety and locomotion were absent in the chronically treated group. Acute and chronic PV3 treatments reduced the immobility time in the FS test, suggesting an antidepressant effect. TH inhibition by AMPT reverted acute PV3 effects. PV3 decreased LPO and CP levels and SOD and CAT activities, whereas nNOS and ASS were reduced in few brain areas. In conclusion, PV3 displayed central antioxidant actions that are concomitant to catecholaminergic-dependent anxiolytic and antidepressant effects.

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“…Methods to test behavior were performed as previously described ( 7 ). All experiments were performed in a quiet and dimly illuminated room.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Behavioral effects of a low molecular weight peptide fraction from Phaseolus vulgaris in rats

Graziani

Ribeiro

Turones

et al. 2022

Braz J Med Biol Res

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“…This same peptide has been linked by Brazilian researchers to the normalization of endothelial dysfunction related to preeclampsia, which is a disease characterized by hypertension during pregnancy, that is, the peptide is useful as an antihypertensive in cases of preeclampsia and can be effective for new treatments against the disease [90]. Still about B. jararaca peptides rich in proline, the properties of Bj-PRO 7a were also investigated by Brazilian researchers [91]. The peptides called Bj-PROs are recognized for being inhibitors of the angiotensin-converting enzyme and having pharmacological action, which resulted in the antihypertensive drug, Captopril [92].…”

Section: Species Investigatedmentioning

confidence: 99%

Studies about Snake Peptides: a Review about Brazilian Contribution

Assis

Bittar

Amorim

et al. 2022

Braz. arch. biol. technol.

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The peptides present in snake venoms are studied because of their properties, constitutions, mechanisms of action and pharmacological potential. Recognizing this potential, the present study reports the contributions of Brazilian researchers about snake peptides, between 1975 and July 2020. Thus, this study serves as a basis for monitoring this theme in Brazil, referring to the trends and patterns of scientific production. The results indicated a significant increase in Brazilian scientific production over the years, highlighting institutions located in São Paulo state as, the Butantan Institute and University of São Paulo. The main journal where Brazilian authors publish their research is the Toxicon Journal. Collaborative networks were identified between Brazilian institutions and among other countries with Brazil. The most investigated species are found in brazilian territory, mainly those belonging to the genus Bothrops and the species Crotalus durissus. The increase in studies about this theme in Brazil is evident, however, a gap is highlighted for states outside the southeastern region and for other venomous species.

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