Selected Topics: Toxicology

Severe Coagulopathy after Ingestion of "Snake Wine"

Animal-derived toxins, or zootoxins, are complex mixtures of biogenic amines, lipids, nucleic acids, peptides, and proteins (including enzymes) that act locally or systemically to injure cells and tissues. Poisons consist of zootoxic metabolic by-products that accumulate in a nonspecialized tissue and are encountered by direct contact (usually oral or cutaneous). Venoms are zootoxic mixtures generated in a specialized tissue (usually a gland) and injected into another organism using a specialized apparatus (e.g., modified tooth, stinger). Zootoxin exposures in animals and humans usually occur when the poisonous animal is eaten or the venomous animal executes an attack. Animals and humans exhibit similar clinical signs and pathologic findings when exposed to zootoxins. Common consequences of zootoxin exposure are coagulotoxic, necrotoxic, pro-inflammatory, neurotoxic, and vasoactive effects. Principal mechanisms of zootoxin action include cell and tissue disruption or altered hemodynamic/hemostatic, pro-inflammatory, and signaling processes. Zootoxicoses are commonly treated by nonspecific supportive care (e.g., cardiovascular and respiratory support), analgesics, antibiotics, and (if available) species-specific antivenom. Extracted, recombinant, and synthetic zootoxins offer substantial promise as potent biopharmaceuticals for treating many human diseases.

Citation Excerpt :

The current food options, especially in the Western countries, are acidogenic, which reduce extracellular pH and perturb ionic homeostasis. The acidity-activated enzymes mediate a large panel of chronic and acute diseases.

To quell the morbidities and mortalities associated with the metabolic syndromes, nonpharmacologic approaches are preferred. Dietary interventions are critical in this regard. Among the array of dietary patterns, paleo diet has garnered much attention in the last decade. This diet rich in phytochemicals and unsaturated fatty acids is deemed wholesome for the body. Several studies have proven this claim, yet their nutritional adequacy for all age groups is contentious. The popularity of ethnic foods is rising; but their nutrition and safety position can vary. Although some of them are close to paleo food, some are unhealthy. This review explores the mechanism by which paleo diet restores homeostasis of the body and how its inherent nutritional deficiency can be amended with conventional diet, by the formulation of personalized diet. This compilation is expected to be insightful for dietary optimization.