mohammed alaa el-deen a. omran

 Snake venoms have been the subject of intense studies to understand the mechanisms involved in toxicity. Limited information is available regarding the Egyptian Spitting Cobra’s oxidative stress and hematological profile (Naja nubiae).

 The present study aimed to evaluate the oxidative stress produced by the venom of N. nubiae and determine its hematotoxic effects in rats.

 The adult male Albino rats (N=30) were subcutaneously (SC) injected with a physiological saline solution in the control group. The SC injection of snake venom in groups 2 and 3 was 1/4 and 1/2 of the LD50 (0.32 mg/kg and 0.65 mg/kg body weight, respectively). Blood samples were collected at 30, 120, and 360 minutes post-injection for biochemical and hematological assays in both control and treated groups. Levels of oxidative stress biomarkers, including lipid peroxidation (LPO), protein carbonyl content (PCC), and nitric oxide (NO) were estimated. Antioxidants agents comprising glutathione (GSH) level, activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were also evaluated.

 The results showed that the effects of snake venom on blood cells are dose-dependent. Furthermore, significant alterations (P≤0.05) were observed in the hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, packed cell volume (PCV), and the number of red blood cells (RBCs) in response to a low dose of venom at the 30-minute time. In contrast to the control group, the venom induced a substantial elevation in LPO, NO, and PCC levels, indicating a disturbance in redox equilibrium. Additionally, significant reductions were detected in the GSH levels as well as SOD and CAT activities in all treated groups.

 Overall, the cytotoxicity’s potential to induce oxidative stress may reduce its antioxidant systems, leading to redox disturbance and hematological alteration.

Among venomous elapid snakes, cobras have the highest public awareness, as their venom represents a combination of proteins, peptides, and enzymes that have a range of biochemical and pharmacological roles and are also the main constitutes of biological activity and lethal toxicity.

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of the venom of Egyptian Spitting Cobra, Naja nubiae, on the vascular permeability based on the extravasation of the azo dye Evans blue (EB) into the tissues of the liver and kidneys of animals envenomed with low (¼ LD50; 0.32 mg/kg) and high (½ LD50; 0.65 mg/ kg) doses at three sampling times (30, 120, 360 min) post-injection of the venom.

Fifty-four adult male Albino rats (8 weeks old and 180±2 0 g body weight) were divided into three main groups (n=6). In the control group, rats were subcutaneously (SC) injected with saline solution. Envenomed groups were SC injected, one group with 0.32 mg/kg and the other group with 0.65 mg/kg body weight of crude venom, respectively. Rats were I.V injected with EB dye 20 minutes before SC injection with saline solution as control animals and with Naja nubiae venom as treatment groups.

The results illustrated a high significant rate of EB extravasation to hepatic and renal tissues by the colorimetric determination of EB dye concentration.

The venom of Naja nubiae can cause increased hepatic and renal vascular permeability which may explain the inflammatory effect induced by this venom.