Prenatal Toxicity of NNSS2 Isolatedfrom Naja naja Shedded Skin in Pregnant Rats

Snake shed skin is a rich source of bioactive compounds possessing important therapeutic properties and is used extensively in folk and traditional medicine. From the Naja naja shedded skin an 882.6 Dalton peptide NNSS2 was isolated which caused cessation of the estrous cycle in female virgin mice. Although the role of NNSS2 in female virgin mice is well established but there is void regarding its role in pregnant animal, hence this study was undertaken to mechanistically understand the role of NNSS2 on pregnant rats. In the present study NNSS2 altered urinary hydroxyproline, glucosamine at pre term and term during the gestational period. At term NNSS2 increased expression of serum estradiol, progesterone IL-1β, TNF-α, and MMP-1 level where as it decreased serum IL-10 and Cathepsin - K level. In the post partum period NNSS2 decreased the expression of VEGF and MMP-2. Exposure of NNSS2 retarded the development process in the pups by altering the biomorphometric parameters. Following NNSS2 exposure in the pregnant rats it was observed that it decreased liver and kidney organ weight in the pups. It increased liver (ALP, ASAT, ALAT) and kidney (ALP, urea, creatinine) enzymes markers. This study for the first time reports the toxicity of NNSS2 in pregnant rats and in the pups.