Stroke Brain Damage Can Be Prevented by Spider Venom

Researchers argue that deadly spider venom could help protect the brain from stroke damage. Apparently, this dangerous venom contains a beneficial protein. The discovery which was announced on March 21 only indicated towards the effect of the deadly funnel web spider’s venom which lives in Australia. By using the venom, people can prevent the terrible brain damages which may occur after a stroke.

Every year, about six million people worldwide die of stroke

Scientists from the Monash University and the University of Queensland argued that the protein encapsulated in the venom of this deadly spider appears to be a promising solution for developing a treatment for stroke. Professor Glenn King, the lead researcher of the study, argued that he and his team believe that this is the first time when they managed to find a method to diminish the effects of a stroke over the human brain.

The protein, which is called Hi1a, can block acid-sensing ion channels located in the brain. These channels represent the most significant drivers of brain affections after a stroke. Researchers revealed that just one dose of Hi1a administrated up to 8 hours after the stroke, it protects the brain tissue and boosts neurological performance. King stated that this amazing discovery is bound to help researchers obtain positive results for stroke survivors by limiting or even annihilating the disability caused by a stroke.

The protein from a spider venom may help scientists develop a treatment for stroke

Every year, approximately six million people die because of strokes globally. Researchers also revealed that about five million people survive but are forced to live with a permanent disability. King noted that he believes this finding could definitely enable positive outcomes for stroke patients. He also pointed out that the most important thing about the protein Hi1a is that it is prone to offer high levels of protection for 8 hours after a stroke.

This represents an extended window of opportunity to start the treatment. The protein from the deadly spider venom provides protection for the core brain region which was most affected by oxygen deprivation. This is usually believed to be unrecoverable because of the rapid cell death which was one of the effects of the stroke.

Many Australian funnel-web spider subfamilies produce dangerous venom which is extremely toxic to humans. Moreover, six of these species cause severe injuries to their victims. Now, researchers need to use the data obtained to develop clinical trials on humans and analyze the effects.

Image courtesy of: wikipedia