Biochemistry and toxicology of proteins and peptides purified from the venom of .

The isolation and characterization of individual snake venom components is important for a deeper understanding of the pathophysiology of envenomation and for improving the therapeutic procedures of patients. It also opens possibilities for the discovery of novel toxins that might be useful as tools for understanding cellular and molecular processes. The variable venom composition, toxicological and immunological properties of the common vipers () have been reviewed. The combination of venom gland transcriptomics, bottom-up and top-down proteomics enabled comparison of common viper venom proteomes from multiple individuals. venom contains proteins and peptides belonging to 10-15 toxin families: snake venom metalloproteinase, phospholipases A (PLA), snake venom serine proteinase, aspartic protease, L-amino acid oxidase (LAAO), hyaluronidase, 5'-nucleotidase, glutaminyl-peptide cyclotransferase, disintegrin, C-type lectin (snaclec), nerve growth factor, Kunitz type serine protease inhibitor, snake venom vascular endothelial growth factor, cysteine-rich secretory protein, bradykinin potentiating peptide, natriuretic peptides. PLA and LAAO from venom produce more pronounced cytotoxic effects in cancer cells than normal cells, via induction of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest and suppression of proliferation. Proteomic data of venoms from different parts of Russia and Slovakian Republic have been compared with analogous data for venom. Proteomic studies demonstrated quantitative differences in the composition of venom from different geographical regions. Differences in the venom composition of were mainly driven by the age, sex, habitat and diet of the snakes. The venom variability of results in a loss of antivenom efficacy against snakebites. The effectiveness of antibodies is discussed. This review presents an overview with a special focus on different toxins that have been isolated and characterized from the venoms of Their main biochemical properties and toxic actions are described.