Antifibrinolytic role of a bee venom serine protease inhibitor that acts as a plasmin inhibitor

PLoS One. 2012;7(2):e32269. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0032269. Epub 2012 Feb 16.

Abstract

Bee venom is a rich source of pharmacologically active substances. In this study, we identified a bumblebee (Bombus ignitus) venom Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitor (Bi-KTI) that acts as a plasmin inhibitor. Bi-KTI showed no detectable inhibitory effect on factor Xa, thrombin, or tissue plasminogen activator. In contrast, Bi-KTI strongly inhibited plasmin, indicating that it acts as an antifibrinolytic agent; however, this inhibitory ability was two-fold weaker than that of aprotinin. The fibrin(ogen)olytic activities of B. ignitus venom serine protease (Bi-VSP) and plasmin in the presence of Bi-KTI indicate that Bi-KTI targets plasmin more specifically than Bi-VSP. These findings demonstrate a novel mechanism by which bumblebee venom affects the hemostatic system through the antifibrinolytic activity of Bi-KTI and through Bi-VSP-mediated fibrin(ogen)olytic activities, raising interest in Bi-KTI and Bi-VSP as potential clinical agents.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antifibrinolytic Agents / isolation & purification*
  • Bee Venoms / chemistry*
  • Bees / chemistry*
  • Fibrinolysin / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Fibrinolytic Agents
  • Hemostasis
  • Humans
  • Serine Proteinase Inhibitors / isolation & purification
  • Serine Proteinase Inhibitors / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Antifibrinolytic Agents
  • Bee Venoms
  • Fibrinolytic Agents
  • Serine Proteinase Inhibitors
  • Fibrinolysin