Intraspecific variation in snake venom composition has been the subject of many studies, revealing the differences in venom proteomes according to age, diet, sex, and geographic region. Previous research on M. lebetinus venom mainly focused on protein purification, proteomic characterization, and biological activities. Although venom proteomes of its subspecies from different geographical areas were compared, it is a widespread species and there is limited knowledge regarding the individual venom variation of M. lebetinus in the same area. In this study, individual variation in M. lebetinus obtusa venom was investigated in terms of protein profiles, protease, phospholipase A2, ʟ-amino acid oxidase, hyaluronidase and phosphodiesterase, and hemolytic activities based on nine individuals collected in the province of Şanlıurfa (southeastern Türkiye). HPLC analysis indicated more striking differences compared to SDS-PAGE. Phosphodiesterase activity varied most between the individuals, followed by hyaluronidase and phospholipase A2. Hemolytic activity did not show significant alteration based on the blood agar method. The results of this initial study revealed that M. lebetinus venom shows variation between the individuals inhabiting the same habitat, which should be taken into account in the development of antivenoms and the clinical assessment of the bite cases.
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