Introduction: Thrombosis is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Thrombolytic agents are used to reduce this burden. Studies pointed out that certain proteins in the venom of several snake species may have potential thrombolytic properties. Trimeresurus flavomaculatus, known as the Philippine pit viper, is found along damp localities in the Philippines. Venoms of closely related species have been shown to exhibit thrombolytic effects in vitro and in vivo. However, no extensive studies yet have been conducted about the thrombolytic effect of T. flavomaculatus venom. Thus, this two-phased study aimed to determine the thrombolytic effect of T. flavomaculatus venom on human blood and ferric chloride-induced cardiac thrombosis in mice.
Methodology: Phase 1 was done using clot lysis method to measure thrombolytic activity in vitro. Venom dilutions of 3:4, 1:2, 2:3, and 1:0, positive control (streptokinase), and negative control (normal saline solution) were inoculated to different samples of human blood. Phase 2 measured the thrombolytic activity in vivo. Ferric chloride-saturated filter paper was applied over the cardiac wall for the induction of thrombus formation. Venom dilutions of 1:64, 1:16, 1:4, and 1:1, positive control (streptokinase), and negative control (normal saline solution) were then injected through the dorsal tail vein of mice. After 1 hour, the cardiac tissues were excised for histologic examination.
Results: Phase 1 results showed that the venom had significant thrombolytic activity in vitro. Dilutions of 1:0 and 3:4 had no significant differences with streptokinase in vitro. Phase 2 results showed significant lysis in vivo at 1:1, 1:4, and 1:64 venom dilutions.
Conclusion: The results indicated that T. flavomaculatus has a potential thrombolytic activity both in vitro and in vivo.
Keywords: clotting; fibrinolysis; pit viper; snake venom; thrombolysis; thrombosis; trimeresurus flavomaculatus.
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