Snake poisoning can be fatal or, conversely, can save lives as suggested by a recent international study.
It has been found that snake venom is useful in science. A recent study suggests that the toxin of Green Mamba, an indigenous varietal of East Africa, can relieve the symptoms of kidney disease known as polycystic kidney disease (PKD).
The polycystic kidney disease, or PDK, is a genetic kidney disorder in which the fluid filled in the kidneys causes cysts or cysts.
PDK is the fourth most common kidney disease in the United States. Currently, 600,000 Americans are living with this disease. Half of them will eventually experience end-stage renal disease and eventually have to undergo dialysis or kidney transplants. There is currently no cure for PKD.
The French, German and Belgian researchers noted that snake venom could cure PDK. Snake venom has a destructive nature and causes neuronal disorders associated with cell receptors.
The researchers, who isolated a peptide found in the mosquito-innate mamabaquaretin-1 known to block cell receptors, administered it to several rats with PKD.
After 99 days, all treated rats showed improved renal function without side effects. The total kidney area covered with cysts was reduced by 47% and the number of cysts decreased by about one third.
Although the initial results appear promising, more research is needed to confirm that peptides are safe for use in humans.
