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PubMed1992

The primary structure of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) agglutinin. A two-domain member of the hevein family.

The primary structure of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) agglutinin has been determined by sequence analysis of peptides obtained from three overlapping proteolytic digests. The sequence of 80 residues consists of two hevein-like domains with the same spacing of half-cystine residues and several other conserved residues as observed earlier in other proteins with hevein-like domains. The hinge region between the two domains is four residues longer than those between the four domains in cereal lectins like wheat germ agglutinin.

Agglutinins↗
PubMed1986

Comparative enzymology of venoms from stinging Hymenoptera.

Venoms from 20 species of stinging Hymenoptera, including nine species of ants and nine species of social wasps, were quantitatively analyzed for the following enzymic activities: phospholipase A, hyaluronidase, lipase, esterase, protease, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and phosphodiesterase. Phospholipase and hyaluronidase were present in all the venoms, with activity levels generally higher among the wasps than the ants (P less than 0.05). Lipase was present in high activity in several social wasp venoms and one ant venom, in low levels in two other ant venoms and absent from four tested snake venoms. Two-carbon esterase activity was present in the venoms of five social wasps and one ant. Non-specific protease was present at very high activity levels in the venoms of an army ant species and was also present in the venoms of a social wasp and another ant. Acid phosphatase activity was present in eight of the nine ant venoms, but was essentially absent from all the social wasp venoms. Alkaline phosphatase activity was clearly detectable in the venoms of only two species of ants. Phosphodiesterase, an enzyme not previously detected in insect venoms, was present in the venoms of three closely related ant species. Venoms with generally high enzymic activities included those of Polistes infuscatus, Vespula (V.) squamosa and Pogonomyrmex badius; those with low activities included Dolichovespula maculata, Apoica pallens and Dasymutilla lepeletierii. The 20 venoms were ranked according to overall activity levels using the eight enzyme activities plus lethal, hemolytic and pain-inducing activities. They were also compared phylogenetically using these 11 activities.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Scorpion sting-induced pulmonary oedema: evidence of increased alveolocapillary membrane permeability.

A 16-year-old boy died with acute pulmonary oedema and shock after Tityus serrulatus scorpion sting. The patient showed evidence of cardiac dysfunction and damage, an increase in tracheobronchial aspirate/plasma protein concentration, light microscopic features of the lung compatible with the adult respiratory distress syndrome and electron microscopic findings compatible with acute lung injury and increased alveolocapillary membrane permeability.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Molecular cloning and tissue-specific transcriptional regulation of the first peroxidase family member, Udp1, in stinging nettle (Urtica dioica).

A full-length cDNA clone, designated Udp1, was isolated from Urtica dioica (stinging nettle), using a polymerase chain reaction based strategy. The putative Udp1 protein is characterized by a cleavable N-terminal signal sequence, likely responsible for the rough endoplasmic reticulum entry and a 310 amino acids mature protein, containing all the important residues, which are evolutionary conserved among different members of the plant peroxidase family. A unique structural feature of the Udp1 peroxidase is defined into the short carboxyl-terminal extension, which could be associated with the vacuolar targeting process. Udp1 peroxidase is differentially regulated at the transcriptional level and is specifically expressed in the roots. Interestingly, wounding and ultraviolet radiation stress cause an ectopic induction of the Udp1 gene expression in the aerial parts of the plant. A genomic DNA fragment encoding the Udp1 peroxidase was also cloned and fully sequenced, revealing a structural organization of three exons and two introns. The phylogenetic relationships of the Udp1 protein to the Arabidopsis thaliana peroxidase family members were also examined and, in combination with the homology modelling approach, dictated the presence of distinct structural elements, which could be specifically involved in the determination of substrate recognition and subcellular localization of the Udp1 peroxidase.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2004

Advances in allergic skin disease, anaphylaxis, and hypersensitivity reactions to foods, drugs, and insect stings.

This review highlights some of the research advances in allergic skin disease, anaphylaxis, and hypersensitivity reactions to foods, drugs, and insect venom that were reported primarily in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology from 2002 through 2003. Among the topics highlighted are new insights into the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis and potential strategies for more effective treatment of the atopic march. Patients should remain supine with raised legs during anaphylactic shock because upper body elevation could result in sudden death from loss of venous return to the heart. A major advance in food allergy was that humanized, monoclonal anti-IgE antibody showed protection against peanut-induced anaphylaxis. In addition to studies elucidating mechanisms of drug hypersensitivity, a clinical study showed patients with a history of prior penicillin allergy with negative penicillin allergy test results are unlikely to experience reactions or resensitization on subsequent oral courses of penicillin. Lastly, there are new recommendations for patients with convincing insect sting reaction histories but negative skin test responses to venom.

Anaphylaxis↗
PubMed2004

The kinin system in the envenomation caused by the Tityus serrulatus scorpion sting.

Several lines of evidence in experimental animals indicate that the kinin system may participate in the pathogenesis of envenomation by the Tityus serrulatus (Ts) scorpion sting, but there are no studies in humans with regard to this system. In this study, we evaluated the plasma levels of high-molecular (HKg) and low-molecular (LKg) weight kininogens (detected by ELISA), the activities of plasma or tissue kallikreins and kininase II (enzymatic action upon selective substrates), and the Ts plasma venom levels (ELISA). A total of 27 patients (12 males) aged 12-72 were evaluated immediately at hospital admittance. According to the severity of envenomation, patients were classified as mild (n = 15), moderate (n = 8), and severe cases (n = 4). Controls were paired for age and sex. Plasma venom levels were associated with the severity of envenomation. Severe cases presented lower levels of LKg in relation to mild and controls. Inverse correlations were seen between LKg levels and the venom concentration. The results of this study suggested that the kinin system may participate in the pathogenesis of human Ts envenomation and knowledge about this system may be useful to develop new strategies to reduce the damage caused by scorpion envenomation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Plant extracts from stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), an antirheumatic remedy, inhibit the proinflammatory transcription factor NF-kappaB.

Activation of transcription factor NF-kappaB is elevated in several chronic inflammatory diseases and is responsible for the enhanced expression of many proinflammatory gene products. Extracts from leaves of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) are used as antiinflammatory remedies in rheumatoid arthritis. Standardized preparations of these extracts (IDS23) suppress cytokine production, but their mode of action remains unclear. Here we demonstrate that treatment of different cells with IDS23 potently inhibits NF-kappaB activation. An inhibitory effect was observed in response to several stimuli, suggesting that IDS23 suppressed a common NF-kappaB pathway. Inhibition of NF-kappaB activation by IDS23 was not mediated by a direct modification of DNA binding, but rather by preventing degradation of its inhibitory subunit IkappaB-alpha. Our results suggests that part of the antiinflammatory effect of Urtica extract may be ascribed to its inhibitory effect on NF-kappaB activation.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Cone venom--from accidental stings to deliberate injection.

Cone snails have long been of note due to their colorful shells and deadly venom. Over the years, a number of people who have encountered these molluscs have been injured or killed by their sting. Biochemical analysis of the venom components has revealed a plethora of peptides and proteins that target a variety of receptors and ion channels. Pharmaceutical companies are now utilizing the selectivity and potency of Conus-derived peptides to develop novel medications for pain, epilepsy and other disorders.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Extracts from fruits of saw palmetto (Sabal serrulata) and roots of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica): viable alternatives in the medical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and associated lower urinary tracts symptoms.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and associated lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are very common disorders in aging men. Despite the great clinical importance, many aspects of their aetiology remain uncertain although it is generally accepted that advanced age and testicular androgens are important requirements for the development of these complaints. The currently available therapeutic options include watchful waiting, changes of life style, medical treatments and invasive therapies. In many European countries the use of phytopharmaceuticals for the management of BPH and related LUTS is common and these products represent up to 80 % of all drugs prescribed for this disorder. In particularly, extracts from the fruits of saw palmetto (Sabal serrulata, syn. Serenoa repens) and the roots of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) are popular. During the last years numerous papers have been published which elaborated on the pharmacological activities and the clinical assessment of these herbal remedies. These investigations have not only broadened the scientific basis for the rational use of phytotherapeutics but have also provided evidence for their therapeutic efficacy and favourable safety profile.

Androgen Antagonists↗
PubMed1995

The effect of extracts of the roots of the stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) on the interaction of SHBG with its receptor on human prostatic membranes.

Extracts from the roots of the stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) are used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. The mechanisms underlying this treatment have not been elucidated. We set out to determine whether specific extracts from U. dioica had the ability to modulate the binding of sex hormone-binding globulin to its receptor on human prostatic membranes. Four substances contained in U. dioica were examined: an aqueous extract; an alcoholic extract; U. dioica agglutinin, and stigmasta-4-en-3-one. Of these, only the aqueous extract was active. It inhibited the binding of 125I-SHBG to its receptor. The inhibition was dose related, starting at about 0.6 mg/ml and completely inhibited binding at 10 mg/ml.

Cell Membrane↗
PubMed1995

Endoscopic submucosal Teflon injection (STING): an alternative treatment of vesicoureteric reflux in children.

The authors present their results in treating vesicoureteric reflux with an endoscopic submucosal teflon injection (STING) of the refluxing ureter. One hundred refluxing units in 68 children were treated with a maximum follow-up of five years. Indications were high grade reflux (III-V), persistence or progression of reflux despite conservative therapy, breakthrough urinary infections despite antibiotic prophylaxis and finally bad antibiotic compliance. Treatment was performed on an outpatient basis and appeared to be free of complications. Reflux was cured with a success rate of 75% after a single injection and 96% after two injections. With respect to the grade of reflux, best results were obtained in low grade reflux (Grade I-II). A 60-70% success rate was obtained in high grade reflux (III-V). The main advantage over open reimplantations lies in its non invasiveness, simplicity and possibility of being repeated in case of failure.

Child↗
PubMed1999

Stinging and rosacea.

A total of 32 rosacea patients (25 with the papulopustular type of rosacea and 7 with the erythematotelangiectatic type) and 32 healthy persons were single-blind tested with a solution of 5% lactic acid and pure water applied to their cheeks. Twenty-four patients and 6 controls reacted positively as "stingers" (p<0.001) in this objective test of sensitive skin. All 7 of the patients with erythematotelangiectatic rosacea, but only 17/25 with the papulopustular type, were stingers (n.s.). The reason why some patients react with subjective symptoms, such as itching, burning, stinging, prickling or tingling, is unclear. The findings in this study are not surprising, but do support the theory that impairment due to different stimuli, most likely because of vascular sensitivity, is a central mechanism in the aetiology of rosacea. The correlation between sensitive vessels and sensitive skin has, however, not yet been determined.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

STING Contacts: a web-based application for identification and analysis of amino acid contacts within protein structure and across protein interfaces.

UNLABELLED: Amino acid contacts in terms of atomic interactions are essential factors to be considered in the analysis of the structure of a protein and its complexes. Consequently, molecular biologists do require specific tools for the identification and visualization of all such contacts. Graphical contacts (GC) and interface forming residue graphical contacts (IFRgc) presented here, calculate atomic contacts among amino acids based on a table of predefined pairs of the atom types and their distances, and then display them using number of different forms. The inventory of currently listed contact types by GC and IFRgc include hydrogen bonds (in nine different flavors), hydrophobic interactions, charge-charge interactions, aromatic stacking and disulfide bonds. Such extensive catalog of the interactions, representing the forces that govern protein folding, stability and binding, is the key feature of these two applications. GC and IFRgc are part of STING Millennium Suite. AVAILABILITY: http://sms.cbi.cnptia.embrapa.br/SMS, http://trantor.bioc.columbia.edu/SMS, http://mirrors.rcsb.org//SMS, http://www.es.embnet.org/SMS and http://www.ar.embnet.org/SMS (Options: Graphical Contacts and IFR Graphical Contacts).

Algorithms↗
PubMed2003

STING Millennium: A web-based suite of programs for comprehensive and simultaneous analysis of protein structure and sequence.

STING Millennium Suite (SMS) is a new web-based suite of programs and databases providing visualization and a complex analysis of molecular sequence and structure for the data deposited at the Protein Data Bank (PDB). SMS operates with a collection of both publicly available data (PDB, HSSP, Prosite) and its own data (contacts, interface contacts, surface accessibility). Biologists find SMS useful because it provides a variety of algorithms and validated data, wrapped-up in a user friendly web interface. Using SMS it is now possible to analyze sequence to structure relationships, the quality of the structure, nature and volume of atomic contacts of intra and inter chain type, relative conservation of amino acids at the specific sequence position based on multiple sequence alignment, indications of folding essential residue (FER) based on the relationship of the residue conservation to the intra-chain contacts and Calpha-Calpha and Cbeta-Cbeta distance geometry. Specific emphasis in SMS is given to interface forming residues (IFR)-amino acids that define the interactive portion of the protein surfaces. SMS may simultaneously display and analyze previously superimposed structures. PDB updates trigger SMS updates in a synchronized fashion. SMS is freely accessible for public data at http://www.cbi.cnptia.embrapa.br, http://mirrors.rcsb.org/SMS and http://trantor.bioc.columbia.edu/SMS.

Chymotrypsin↗
PubMed2024

The evolution of cnidarian stinging cells supports a Precambrian radiation of animal predators.

Cnidarians-the phylum including sea anemones, corals, jellyfish, and hydroids-are one of the oldest groups of predatory animals. Nearly all cnidarians are carnivores that use stinging cells called cnidocytes to ensnare and/or envenom their prey. However, there is considerable diversity in cnidocyte form and function. Tracing the evolutionary history of cnidocytes may therefore provide a proxy for early animal feeding strategies. In this study, we generated a time-calibrated molecular clock of cnidarians and performed ancestral state reconstruction on 12 cnidocyte types to test the hypothesis that the original cnidocyte was involved in prey capture. We conclude that the first cnidarians had only the simplest and least specialized cnidocyte type (the isorhiza) which was just as likely to be used for adhesion and/or defense as the capture of prey. A rapid diversification of specialized cnidocytes occurred through the Ediacaran (~654-574 million years ago), with major subgroups developing unique sets of cnidocytes to match their distinct feeding styles. These results are robust to changes in the molecular clock model, and are consistent with growing evidence for an Ediacaran diversification of animals. Our work also provides insight into the evolution of this complex cell type, suggesting that convergence of forms is rare, with the mastigophore being an interesting counterexample.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Nematocysts (stinging capsules of Cnidaria) as Donnan-potential-dominated osmotic systems.

Isolated nematocysts (capsules of stinging cells in Cnidaria) from the freshwater polyp Hydra vulgaris [Weber, J., Klug, M. & Tardent, P. (1987) Comp. Biochem. Physiol. 88B, 855-862] are under a constant internal osmotic pressure of 12.5 MPa. The capsular wall which withstands this considerable pressure has an average elasticity modulus of approximately 1 GPa, enabling the cyst to swell from its relaxed state to more than double its volume. If the large concentrations of Mg2+ and Ca2+ within isolated nematocysts are substituted by alkali ions, the capsular volume increases by 15% and the final osmotic pressure rises to 15.3 MPa whereas after substitution by Ca2+ a decrease to 90% of the volume and 6.5 MPa is observed. Evidence obtained from the osmotic behavior of nematocysts, as well as data from in vitro exchange of their cations, are consistent with a physicochemical model in which the internal osmotic pressure of nematocysts and thus their ability to discharge is governed by the cationic composition of the content and the salt concentrations in the environment.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

A liquid film-forming acrylate for peri-wound protection: a systematic review and meta-analysis (3M Cavilon no-sting barrier film).

To undertake a systematic review of all reliable evaluations of the clinical performance and cost-effectiveness of a film-forming liquid acrylate in the protection of the chronic ulcer peri-wound skin. Results from searches were scrutinised by two reviewers to identify possible randomised controlled trials and full reports of these were obtained. Details of eligible studies were extracted and summarised independently by two reviewers using a data extraction sheet. Meta-analysis was used to combine the results of trials where the interventions and outcome measures were sufficiently similar. A total of nine eligible studies were identified. The review reveals that a liquid-film forming acrylate (Cavilon no-sting barrier film, 3M, Minneapolis, MN, USA) is a safe and effective skin barrier to protect the peri-wound area of chronic ulcers. There is no difference between the protective properties of different barrier methods that are used to protect the peri-wound skin around chronic ulcers. Compared with no treatment or a placebo, this liquid film-forming acrylate has a significant impact on the integrity of the peri-wound skin. In addition, it has significant benefits in terms of pain control and patient comfort, and its use may reduce nursing time.

Acrylates↗