Inflammatory effects of phospholipase A2s present in snake venom of the genus Bothrops

PLA2s are a family of enzymes that play a role in many inflammatory processes. These enzymes hydrolyze phospholipids at the sn-2 position and release lysophospholipids and arachidonic acid, which are converted into eicosanoids, which are inflammatory mediators. PLA2s from bothropic snake venoms are orthologous to those of mammals, belonging to group GIIA (family Viperidae) and they are involved in both myotoxic and inflammatory effects observed in snake envenoming. This chapter focuses on the recent findings of the snake venom PLA2 biochemistry and inflammatory action in in vivo and in vitro studies.