Question

Eastern diamondback rattlesnake venom contains high levles of Phospholipase A2, this catalyzes the breakdown of the second of the three (C-2 position) lipid groups of glycerophospholipids. Though the high levels of phospholipase A2 in venom can be deadly, this enzyme is necessary for a variety of normal metabolic processes. What problem(s) does excess of this enzyme cause, by hydrolyzing these bonds? And what are the normal metabolic processes that phospholipase A2 is used for?

Answer 1

Effect of excessive Phospholipase A2

The hydrolysis of ester bonds at C-1 and C-2 is catalysed by Phospholipase A2, this enzyme is found in the venom of bees, wasps and many snakes. The cell membrane are disrupted by the high concentration of metabolic products formed by the excessive concentration of Phospholipase A2, the snake venom in the blood causes lysis of RBC membrane and inflammation which is life threatening.

Role of phospholipase A2 in normal metabolic processes

Phospholipase A2 is an enzyme that acts on phospholipids and release fatty acid from 2nd carbon of glycerol. Generally Arachidonic acid and lysophospholipids are formed. They have a various functions in the body.

Phospholipase A2 are of 15 groups out of which 4 are very important:

• Secreted Phospholipase A2 (cPLA2)
• Cellular Phospholipase A2 (cSPA2)
• Lipoprotein Associated Phospholipase A2 (liPLA2)
• Calcium Independent Phospholipase A2 (iPLA2).

These are seen to work in a variety of functions like proinflammatory activity, antimicrobial actions, bone formation, insulin secretion, apoptosis, axon regeneration, sperm development, and also act as markers in coronary heart disease.

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