Publication

Abstract : Snakebite remains a significant health burden in tropical and subtropical regions, including India, which is home to several venomous snake species. The red-tailed bamboo pit viper (Trimeresurus erythrurus), which is distributed in northeast India, is a medically important yet poorly studied species. This study presents the first comprehensive proteomic and functional characterization of T. erythrurus venom (TEV). Label-free quantitative proteomics identified 159 proteins spanning 14 venom protein families. Serine proteases (SVSPs; ∼25 %) were the dominant enzymatic proteins, while snaclecs (∼20 %) represented the main non-enzymatic class. TEV was notably enriched in thrombin-like serine proteases, consistent with strong procoagulant and thrombin-like activities observed in vitro and marked defibrinogenation in vivo. Additionally, abundant K49 basic phospholipase A2 isoforms, known for potent myotoxicity, correlated with severe skeletal muscle damage in mice. Toxicity assessments revealed a median lethal dose (LD₅₀) of 0.54 mg/kg in Swiss albino mice, confirming high lethality. Histopathological analyses of major organs showed extensive pathology, including hepatic vacuolation, cardiac muscle degeneration, pulmonary epithelial hyperplasia, and renal tubular necrosis. Biochemical markers of muscle damage, such as serum creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase, were significantly elevated. Overall, these findings establish TEV as a highly potent hemotoxic venom, with isoform-level diversity in proteolytic enzymes contributing to its severe pathophysiological effects. This work highlights the clinical importance of T. erythrurus envenomation and emphasizes the urgent need for improved medical care and effective antivenom strategies in regions where this species is endemic.