Hemolytic, anticancer and antigiardial activity of Palythoa caribaeorum venom

Background Cnidarian venoms and extracts have shown a broad variety of biological activities including cytotoxic, antibacterial and antitumoral effects. Most of these studied extracts were obtained from sea anemones or jellyfish. The present study aimed to determine the toxic activity and assess the antitumor and antiparasitic potential of Palythoa caribaeorum venom by evaluating its in vitro toxicity on several models including human tumor cell lines and against the parasite Giardia intestinalis. Methods The presence of cytolysins and vasoconstrictor activity of P. caribaeorum venom were determined by hemolysis, PLA2 and isolated rat aortic ring assays, respectively. The cytotoxic effect was tested on HCT-15 (human colorectal adenocarcinoma), MCF-7 (human mammary adenocarcinoma), K562 (human chronic myelogenous leukemia), U251 (human glyoblastoma), PC-3 (human prostatic adenocarcinoma) and SKLU-1 (human lung adenocarcinoma). An in vivo toxicity assay was performed with crickets and the antiparasitic assay was performed against G. intestinalis at 24 h of incubation. Results P. caribaeorum venom produced hemolytic and PLA2 activity and showed specific cytotoxicity against U251 and SKLU-1 cell lines, with approximately 50% growing inhibition. The venom was toxic to insects and showed activity against G. intestinalis in a dose-dependent manner by possibly altering its membrane osmotic equilibrium. Conclusion These results suggest that P. caribaeorum venom contains compounds with potential therapeutic value against microorganisms and cancer.

Dermatologia comparativa: lesão de ataque por caravela portuguesa (Physalia physalis) / Comparative dermatology: skin lesion produced by attack of jellyfishes (Physalia physalis)

Demonstra-se lesão dermatológica, em caprichoso formato de coração, característica de ataque por caravela-portuguesa, em banhista do sexo feminino, 21 anos.

It is reported the case of a 21-year-old female bather with a skin lesion, heart-shaped ,characteristic of attack by jellyfish.

Levantamento de registros dos acidentes com cnidários em algumas praias do litoral de Pernambuco (Brasil) / Survey of cnidarian accident records in some beaches of the coast of Pernambuco (Brazil)

Os cnidários estão entre os organismos mais peçonhentos que se conhecem. Caracterizam-se por possuir células urticantes denominadas cnidócitos, e diversas espécies, como as chamadas caravelas e águas-vivas, podem ocasionar danos ao homem. Apesar da pouca atenção dada a este tipo de acidente no litoral brasileiro, os estudos existentes mostram que sua ocorrência é significativa. O presente estudo teve como principais objetivos levantar os acidentes causados por cnidários nos banhistas de algumas praias do litoral de Pernambuco e investigar o conhecimento referente a este tema por parte de profissionais de áreas relevantes. Assim, visitou-se arquivos de hospitais, postos praieiros e grupamento salva-vidas para o levantamento de registros, e foram entrevistados 17 profissionais. Foram levantados registros de 35 acidentes para um período de dois anos na Praia de Boa Viagem (Recife), além de registros informais de uma média de quatro a cinco casos por semana na Praia de Piedade e dois a três casos por semana na Praia de Pontas de Pedras. Em relação ao conhecimento dos profissionais entrevistados, a maioria das respostas está, de forma geral, de acordo com a literatura existente, apesar de ainda haver certo nível de informações inadequadas ou insuficientes em relação ao tema estudado.

Cnidarians are among the most venomous organisms known to man. They are characterized by stinging cells called cnidocytes, and several species, such as the Portuguese-man-of-war and the jellyfish, can cause harm to human beings. Despite not attracting () much attention on the Brazilian coast, the studies that have been carried out to date show that the occurrence of this kind of accident is significant. The aim of this study was to survey cnidarian related accidents with beach goers on some beaches of the state of Pernambuco, as well as to investigate the knowledge of relevant professions on this theme. () Archives of hospitals and life guard posts were visited for the survey, and 17 professionals were interviewed. During the visits, records were obtained for a total of 35 accidents at Boa Viagem Beach (Recife) over a two-year period, as well as informal records of an average of four to five cases a week at Piedade Beach and an average of two to three cases a week for Pontas de Pedras Beach. As to the knowledge of the professionals interviewed, most answers agree, in general, with the literature available, despite a certain level of inadequate or insufficient information on the theme.

Acute renal failure in a child with jellyfish contact dermatitis.

A 7-year-old boy suffered from jellyfish contact dermatitis and acute renal failure following a jellyfish sting. Three days before being admitted, he accidentally contacted a jellyfish on the left forearm, left thigh and trunk while wading at Pattaya beach, Eastern Thailand. Investigation revealed hemoglobinuria. Histologic findings of a renal biopsy indicated that acute tubular necrosis had caused acute renal failure in the present patient. Supportive treatments improved the dermatitis and renal function of this patient.

Intravenous ascorbic acid as a treatment for severe jellyfish stings

We report a case of jellyfish envenomation in a 39 year old male. He was stung extensively on both lower limbs by an unidentified jellyfish. This occurred in shallow waters of a beach in the vicinity of Labuan Island, Malaysia. The patient received ambulatory treatment with parenteral and oral ascorbate with remarkable recovery

Intoxicaçäo grave provocada pela caravela portuguesa (Physalia physalis): relato de um caso / Severe poisoning by the Portuguese man-of-war (Physalia physalis): a case report

Relata-se quadro de grave intoxicaçäo sofrida por um médico, após contato direto com uma medusa Physalia physalis, quando nadava no mar distante do litoral. Entre os sintomas destacam-se: paralisia de instalaçäo rápida, ascendente, que regrediu horas mais tarde e anestesias de topografia ramuscular, situadas nas áreas da superfície corporal atingidas pela medusa, precedidas por dor intensa. É discutida a fisiopatologia desses sintomas, à luz dos conhecimentos a respeito da biologia desta medusa e da farmacologia acerca do seu veneno. Näo temos conhecimento de relato deste tipo na espécie humana