Snake venom L-amino acid oxidases: an overview on their antitumor effects.

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.

• Authors: Tássia R Costa, Sandra M Burin, Danilo L Menaldo, Fabíola A de Castro, Suely V Sampaio
• Journal: The journal of venomous animals and toxins including tropical diseases (J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis) Vol. 20 Pg. 23 ( 2014) ISSN: 1678-9199 [Print] Brazil
• PMID: 24940304 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)