title: Biochemistry of envenomation.
abstract: Venoms and toxins are of significant interest due to their ability to cause a wide range of pathophysiological conditions that can potentially result in death. Despite their wide distribution among plants and animals, the biochemical pathways associated with these pathogenic agents remain largely unexplored. Impoverished and underdeveloped regions appear especially susceptible to increased incidence and severity due to poor socioeconomic conditions and lack of appropriate medical treatment infrastructure. To facilitate better management and treatment of envenomation victims, it is essential that the biochemical mechanisms of their action be elucidated. This review aims to characterize downstream envenomation mechanisms by addressing the major neuro-, cardio-, and hemotoxins as well as ion-channel toxins. Because of their use in folk and traditional medicine, the biochemistry behind venom therapy and possible implications on conventional medicine will also be addressed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
authors.forename: Prameet
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kaur
authors.forename: Vibha
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Ghariwala
authors.forename: Kun Song
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Yeo
authors.forename: Hui Zhing
authors.initials: HZ
authors.lastname: Tan
authors.forename: Jian Chye Sam
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Tan
authors.forename: Arunmozhiarasi
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Armugam
authors.forename: Peter N
authors.initials: PN
authors.lastname: Strong
authors.forename: Kandiah
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Jeyaseelan
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001733:Bites and Stings / Q000378:metabolism*; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D054715:Cardiotoxins / Q000633:toxicity; D053878:Hemolytic Agents / Q000633:toxicity; D006487:Hemostasis / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007473:Ion Channels / Q000187:drug effects; D009469:Neuromuscular Junction / Q000187:drug effects; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D009498:Neurotoxins / Q000633:toxicity; D014688:Venoms / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000627:therapeutic use* / Q000633:toxicity
chemical_list: D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D054715:Cardiotoxins; D053878:Hemolytic Agents; D007473:Ion Channels; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D009498:Neurotoxins; D014688:Venoms