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J. Venom. Anim. Toxins incl. Trop. Dis.
V.20, 2014.
Review article - ISSN 1678-9199.
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J. Venom. Anim. Toxins incl. Trop. Dis. V.20, 2014. Review article - ISSN 1678-9199. |
Snake venom L-amino acid oxidases: an overview on their antitumor effects
1Department of Clinical, Toxicological and Bromatological Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
2Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida do Café, s/n, B. Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, SP CEP 14040-903, Brasil
ABSTRACT
The L-amino acid oxidases (LAAOs) constitute a major component of snake venoms and have been widely studied due to their widespread presence and various effects, such as apoptosis induction, cytotoxicity, induction and/or inhibition of platelet aggregation, hemorrhage, hemolysis, edema, as well as antimicrobial, antiparasitic and anti-HIV activities. The isolated and characterized snake venom LAAOs have become important research targets due to their potential biotechnological applications in pursuit for new drugs of interest in the scientific and medical fields. The current study discusses the antitumor effects of snake venom LAAOs described in the literature to date, highlighting the mechanisms of apoptosis induction proposed for this class of proteins.
Key words: Snake venoms; L-amino acid oxidases; Antitumor effects; Apoptosis
Received: February 13, 2014; Revised: May 26, 2014; Accepted: June 2, 2014