Viper envenomation results in
inflammation at the bitten site as well as target organs. Neutrophils and other polymorphonuclear leukocytes execute
inflammation resolving mechanism and will undergo apoptosis after completing the task. However, the target specific toxins induce neutrophil apoptosis at the bitten site and in circulation prior to their function, thus reducing their number. Circulating activated neutrophils are major source of inflammatory
cytokines and leakage of
reactive oxygen species (ROS)/other toxic intermediates resulting in aggravation of inflammatory response at the bitten/target site. Therefore, neutralization of
venom induced neutrophil apoptosis reduces
inflammation besides increasing the functional neutrophil population. Therefore, the present study investigates the
venom induced perturbances in isolated human neutrophils and its neutralization by
crocin (Crocus sativus) a potent
antioxidant carotenoid. Human neutrophils on treatment with
venom resulted in altered ROS generation, intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, cyt-c translocation,
caspase activation,
phosphatidylserine externalization and DNA damage. On the other hand significant protection against oxidative stress and apoptosis were evidenced in
crocin pre-treated groups. In conclusion the
viper venom induces neutrophil apoptosis and results in aggravation of
inflammation and tissue damage. The present study demands the necessity of an auxiliary
therapy in addition to
antivenin therapy to treat secondary/overlooked complications of envenomation.