DOSE-DEPENDENT PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF TAURINE IN EXPERIMENTAL ENVENOMATION BY THE BLUNT-NOSED VIPER (MACROVIPERA LEBETINA OBTUSA).

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Envenomation by viper species remains a clinically relevant medical problem in the Caucasus region and is frequently associated with systemic toxicity, including vascular injury, coagulation disturbances, and inflammatory responses. Although antivenom therapy is the standard treatment, supportive agents capable of reducing systemic complications are of continuing interest. Taurine is a sulfur-containing amino sulfonic acid with well-documented cytoprotective and vasomodulatory properties. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of taurine against systemic toxicity induced by Macrovipera lebetina obtusa venom in an experimental mouse model. METHODS: Male mice were administered M. lebetina obtusa venom intraperitoneally at a dose of 2.5 LD50. Taurine (1-500 mg/kg) or selected taurine conjugates were injected immediately after envenomation. Survival rate, mean survival time, and changes in venom LD50 were determined using the Behrens and Miller-Tainter methods. RESULTS: Taurine administration at a dose of 100 mg/kg resulted in a partial improvement of survival probability (33%) under hemotoxic envenomation conditions and increasing the venom LD50 from 1.8 to 2.4 mg/kg. Taurine conjugates, including sodium taurocholate and retinylidene taurine, did not demonstrate protective effects. CONCLUSION: Taurine demonstrated a dose-dependent protective effect against systemic toxicity caused by M. lebetina obtusa venom in mice. These findings suggest that taurine may be considered as a potential supportive agent alongside standard antivenom therapy. Further experimental and clinical studies are required to clarify its mechanisms of action and clinical relevance.