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Vaucel J, Mutricy R, Hoarau M, Pujo JM, Elenga N, Labadie M, Kallel H. Pediatric scorpionism in northern Amazonia: a 16-year study on epidemiological, environmental and clinical aspects. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2020; 26:e202000038. [PMID: 32973890 PMCID: PMC7485965 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2020-0038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The Amazon basin is one of the seven major geographical areas where
scorpionism is recorded. In French Guiana, 90 stings per 100,000 inhabitants
are registered per year. As the severity of cases is higher in children,
descriptive studies are needed to have a better understanding of this
pathology. The aim of the present study is to describe pediatric scorpionism
in French Guiana. Methods: We conducted a monocentric descriptive retrospective study on scorpion
stings in all pediatric patients admitted to Cayenne General Hospital from
January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2018. Results: In this survey, 132 patients were included. Of them, 63% were male. Patients
with general signs of envenomation were younger and lighter (p = 0.04). The
picture was “one sting” (95.3%) by a “big” (47.6%), “black” (60%) and “small
pincer” (58%) scorpion on the extremity of the body (84%). Stings occurred
mainly during the day, while patients changed clothes. There was no
envenomation during night. The monthly evaluation highlights that the number
of stings and percentage of general signs of envenomation were closely
connected to a composite variable including the variation of the level of
rivers (p = 0.005). Cardiac symptoms were recorded in 82% of cases with
general signs of envenomation. The presence of pulmonary; ear, nose, and
throat (ENT); or gastrointestinal symptoms are related to major envenomation
(p = 0.001, p = 0.01, and p = 0.02 respectively). Leukocytosis and glycemia
increased according to the envenomation grade whereas serum potassium and
alkaline reserve decreased. Forty-six patients needed hospitalization and
seven of them required intensive care. No patient died nor presented
sequelae at discharge from the hospital. Conclusion: Pediatric scorpionism in French Guiana is closely associated with child
activities and climatic conditions. Severe envenomation presented most of
the time with cardiac, pulmonary, and gastrointestinal symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jules Vaucel
- Poison Control Center (Centre Antipoison) Nouvelle Aquitaine, Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire Pellegrin, Bordeaux 33076, Aquitaine, France.,Emergency Department, Centre Hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne 97300, French Guiana, France
| | - Remi Mutricy
- Emergency Department, Centre Hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne 97300, French Guiana, France
| | - Maëlle Hoarau
- Emergency Department, Centre Hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne 97300, French Guiana, France
| | - Jean-Marc Pujo
- Emergency Department, Centre Hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne 97300, French Guiana, France
| | - Narcisse Elenga
- Emergency Pediatric Department, Centre Hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne 97300, French Guiana, France
| | - Magali Labadie
- Poison Control Center (Centre Antipoison) Nouvelle Aquitaine, Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire Pellegrin, Bordeaux 33076, Aquitaine, France
| | - Hatem Kallel
- Intensive Care Unit, Centre Hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne 97300, French Guiana, France
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102
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Feola A, Perrone MA, Piscopo A, Casella F, Della Pietra B, Di Mizio G. Autopsy Findings in Case of Fatal Scorpion Sting: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Healthcare (Basel) 2020; 8:healthcare8030325. [PMID: 32899951 PMCID: PMC7551928 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare8030325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Scorpion sting is a public health issue in several countries, particularly in America, the Middle East, India and Africa. The estimated annual global incidence of scorpion envenomings is about 1.5 million, resulting in 2600 deaths. Scorpions are Arthropoda characterized by a tail ending in a terminal bulbous (telson) containing paired venom glands and the stinger. There are 19 known families of scorpions and more than 2200 species, of which about 50 from the families of Buthidae, Hemiscorpiidae and Scorpionidae are harmful to humans. Scorpion venom is a complex structure composed of neurotoxic proteins, salts, acidic proteins and organic compounds, thereby having neurologic, cardiovascular, hematologic and renal side effects, in addition to local effects such as redness, pain, burning and swelling. When the sting is fatal, the mechanism of death is often related to cardiotoxicity with terminal pulmonary edema. However, the cholinergic excess or the neuromuscular excitation can provoke respiratory failure. Sometimes, death is due to an anaphylactic reaction to the envenoming. The purpose of this literature review is to evaluate the autopsy findings in scorpion sting-related deaths in order to better understand the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying them, thus helping pathologists in defining the correct diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Feola
- Department Experimental Medicine, University of Campania, 80138 Naples, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-081-5666-018
| | | | - Amalia Piscopo
- Forensic Medicine, Department of Law, “Magna Graecia” University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (A.P.); (G.D.M.)
| | - Filomena Casella
- Unit of Legal Medicine, AORN “Sant’Anna e San Sebastiano”, 81100 Caserta, Italy;
| | - Bruno Della Pietra
- Department Experimental Medicine, University of Campania, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Giulio Di Mizio
- Forensic Medicine, Department of Law, “Magna Graecia” University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (A.P.); (G.D.M.)
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103
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Prasad R, Kumar A, Jain D, Das BK, Singh UK, Singh TB. Echocardiography versus cardiac biomarkers for myocardial dysfunction in children with scorpion envenomation: An observational study from tertiary care center in northern India. Indian Heart J 2020; 72:431-434. [PMID: 33189207 PMCID: PMC7670248 DOI: 10.1016/j.ihj.2020.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was done to evaluate myocardial function by 2D Echocardiography and Cardiac biomarkers (cTnI, CK-MB, BNP) changes in patients of scorpion envenomation of grade II-IV and correlate mortality of envenomed children with myocardial dysfunction. METHODS A total of 40 patients admitted consecutively with grade II and more scorpion envenomation from October 2015 to July2018 were enrolled in the study. The data included demographics, the time of presentation, clinical features, echocardiographic findings, electrocardiographic findings, cardiac biomarker levels at admission and discharge, use of inotropic medication, oral prazosin, time of discharge, and their outcome. RESULTS The most common ECG abnormality was sinus tachycardia 28 (70%) followed by low voltage complex 13 (32.5%) which got normalized at the time of discharge in majority. Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) levels were more than 0.1 ng/mL, suggesting myocarditis was present in 25 (62.5%) and got normalized at discharge. CK-MB levels were increased in 26 (65%) patients suggesting myocardial involvement. BNP levels were also increased in 24 (60%) patients suggesting heart failure and its value got normalized at discharge. Abnormal 2D Echo findings as reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was present in 18 (45%) cases suggesting myocardial dysfunction and became normal at discharge. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) considering ECHO cardiograph as gold standard were 100, 68.1, 72 and 100% respectively. One patient had died whose Ejection fraction was less than 30%. CONCLUSION Echocardiography and cTnI can identify subgroup of patients, who require early aggressive therapy. Echocardiography, if not available, cardiac troponin I level can guide early therapy and indicates the prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajniti Prasad
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Anil Kumar
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Dharmendra Jain
- Department of Cardiology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India.
| | - B K Das
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Utpal Kant Singh
- Department of Pediatrics, Nalanda Medical College, Patna, 800013, India
| | - T B Singh
- Division of Biostatistics, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
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104
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López-Giraldo AE, Olamendi-Portugal T, Riaño-Umbarila L, Becerril B, Possani LD, Delepierre M, del Río-Portilla F. The three-dimensional structure of the toxic peptide Cl13 from the scorpion Centruroides limpidus. Toxicon 2020; 184:158-166. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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105
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Gómez-Ramírez IV, Riaño-Umbarila L, Olamendi-Portugal T, Restano-Cassulini R, Possani LD, Becerril B. Biochemical, electrophysiological and immunological characterization of the venom from Centruroides baergi, a new scorpion species of medical importance in Mexico. Toxicon 2020; 184:10-18. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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106
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Torrez PPQ, Bertolozzi MR, França FODS. Vulnerabilities and clinical manifestations in scorpion envenomations in Santarém, Pará, Brazil: a qualitative study. Rev Esc Enferm USP 2020; 54:e03579. [PMID: 32844964 DOI: 10.1590/s1980-220x2018050403579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe elements of vulnerabilities and clinical manifestations of the victims of scorpionism in Santarem-Pará. METHOD Quantitative and qualitative study with a theoretical framework of Twenty-eight patients stung by scorpions were interviewed by applying a semi-structured instrument. Data were analyzed according to the technique of discourse analysis. RESULTS Seventeen patients (60.7%) were male and eight (28.6%) were illiterate. Twenty-two (78.5%) patients were small farmers. This study revealed that these patients had an important individual, social and programmatic vulnerability. Interviews revealed limited knowledge about prevention and first aid after the envenomation. Programmatic vulnerability is highlighted because there is difficulty in accessing health services due to the great geographical extension of the Amazon region and also a lack of experience of the health care workers in caring for scorpion sting victims. CONCLUSION This research accurately reveals previously described neuromuscular and sensory nervous system disorders in these victims of scorpionism. As far as we know, this is the first study that addresses the vulnerability of scorpionism using qualitative methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Rita Bertolozzi
- Departamento de Enfermagem em Saúde Coletiva, Escola de Enfermagem, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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107
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Nait Mohamed FA, Laraba-Djebari F. Scorpion envenomation: a deadly illness requiring an effective therapy. TOXIN REV 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/15569543.2020.1800746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Fatima Laraba-Djebari
- USTHB, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Algiers, Algeria
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108
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Evans ERJ, McIntyre L, Northfield TD, Daly NL, Wilson DT. Small Molecules in the Venom of the Scorpion Hormurus waigiensis. Biomedicines 2020; 8:E259. [PMID: 32751897 PMCID: PMC7459668 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8080259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite scorpion stings posing a significant public health issue in particular regions of the world, certain aspects of scorpion venom chemistry remain poorly described. Although there has been extensive research into the identity and activity of scorpion venom peptides, non-peptide small molecules present in the venom have received comparatively little attention. Small molecules can have important functions within venoms; for example, in some spider species the main toxic components of the venom are acylpolyamines. Other molecules can have auxiliary effects that facilitate envenomation, such as purines with hypotensive properties utilised by snakes. In this study, we investigated some non-peptide small molecule constituents of Hormurus waigiensis venom using LC/MS, reversed-phase HPLC, and NMR spectroscopy. We identified adenosine, adenosine monophosphate (AMP), and citric acid within the venom, with low quantities of the amino acids glutamic acid and aspartic acid also being present. Purine nucleosides such as adenosine play important auxiliary functions in snake venoms when injected alongside other venom toxins, and they may have a similar role within H. waigiensis venom. Further research on these and other small molecules in scorpion venoms may elucidate their roles in prey capture and predator defence, and gaining a greater understanding of how scorpion venom components act in combination could allow for the development of improved first aid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward R. J. Evans
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, AITHM, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia; (E.R.J.E.); (N.L.D.)
| | - Lachlan McIntyre
- Independent Researcher, P.O. Box 78, Bamaga, QLD 4876, Australia;
| | - Tobin D. Northfield
- Department of Entomology, Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center, Washington State University, Wenatchee, WA 98801, USA;
| | - Norelle L. Daly
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, AITHM, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia; (E.R.J.E.); (N.L.D.)
| | - David T. Wilson
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, AITHM, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia; (E.R.J.E.); (N.L.D.)
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109
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Bjørn-Yoshimoto WE, Ramiro IBL, Yandell M, McIntosh JM, Olivera BM, Ellgaard L, Safavi-Hemami H. Curses or Cures: A Review of the Numerous Benefits Versus the Biosecurity Concerns of Conotoxin Research. Biomedicines 2020; 8:E235. [PMID: 32708023 PMCID: PMC7460000 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8080235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Conotoxins form a diverse group of peptide toxins found in the venom of predatory marine cone snails. Decades of conotoxin research have provided numerous measurable scientific and societal benefits. These include their use as a drug, diagnostic agent, drug leads, and research tools in neuroscience, pharmacology, biochemistry, structural biology, and molecular evolution. Human envenomations by cone snails are rare but can be fatal. Death by envenomation is likely caused by a small set of toxins that induce muscle paralysis of the diaphragm, resulting in respiratory arrest. The potency of these toxins led to concerns regarding the potential development and use of conotoxins as biological weapons. To address this, various regulatory measures have been introduced that limit the use and access of conotoxins within the research community. Some of these regulations apply to all of the ≈200,000 conotoxins predicted to exist in nature of which less than 0.05% are estimated to have any significant toxicity in humans. In this review we provide an overview of the many benefits of conotoxin research, and contrast these to the perceived biosecurity concerns of conotoxins and research thereof.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walden E. Bjørn-Yoshimoto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark; (W.E.B.-Y.); (I.B.L.R.)
| | - Iris Bea L. Ramiro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark; (W.E.B.-Y.); (I.B.L.R.)
| | - Mark Yandell
- Eccles Institute of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA;
- Utah Center for Genetic Discovery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - J. Michael McIntosh
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; (J.M.M.); (B.M.O.)
- George E. Whalen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT 84148, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
| | - Baldomero M. Olivera
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; (J.M.M.); (B.M.O.)
| | - Lars Ellgaard
- Department of Biology, Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark;
| | - Helena Safavi-Hemami
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark; (W.E.B.-Y.); (I.B.L.R.)
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; (J.M.M.); (B.M.O.)
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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Silva MA, Souza TG, Melo MEG, Silva JM, Lima JR, Lira AFA, de Aguiar-Júnior FCA, Martins RD, Jorge RJB, Chagas CA, Teixeira VW, Teixeira ÁAC. Tityus stigmurus venom causes genetic damage in blood and testicular cells and affects the number and morphology of gametogenic lineage cells in mice. Toxicon 2020; 185:114-119. [PMID: 32659238 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Scorpion envenomation represents an important health problem in many parts of the world, due to the high number and severity of accidents. Recent studies demonstrated that some species can produce venoms with genetic damage potential. Here, we evaluated whether Tityus stigmurus venom causes genetic damage in blood and testicular cells of Swiss mice. We also analyzed the effect of the venom on the number of spermatogenic lineage cells. Five groups of mice received 0.387 mg/kg of the venom, intraperitoneally; one group received saline solution (control group). Blood and testicular cells were collected for comet assay and histological analysis at different times after treatment (1, 2, 6, 12, and 48 h). Blood was also collected 48 h after treatment for the micronucleus test in erythrocytes. Histological analysis was performed by counting cells of the spermatogenic lineages; the nuclear area of elongated spermatocytes was also evaluated. Treatment with the venom induced DNA damage that endured from 1 h to 48 h, as confirmed by the comet assay. The micronucleus test demonstrated that the venom induced mutations in erythrocytes. The number of spermatogonia and rounded spermatids decreased in some groups; the number of elongated spermatids increased, and their nuclear size decreased 1 h after treatment. Genetic damage can be caused directly by the venom, but we suggested that reactive oxygen species that result from inflammatory process caused by the envenomation may have an important role in the DNA damage. Genetic damage and apoptosis may explain the changes in the number of spermatogenic cells. Furthermore, the decrease in nuclear area may result from chromatin loss. Genetic damage in testicular cells, associated with alterations in the number and morphology of spermatogenic cells, can result in reproduction disorders in animals, or humans, stung by T. stigmurus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meykson A Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciência Animal Tropical, Departamento de Morfologia e Fisiologia Animal, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco - UFRPE, Recife, PE, Brazil; Centro Acadêmico de Vitória, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco-UFPE, Vitória de Santo Antão, PE, Brazil.
| | - Talita G Souza
- Centro Acadêmico de Vitória, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco-UFPE, Vitória de Santo Antão, PE, Brazil
| | - Maria E G Melo
- Centro Acadêmico de Vitória, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco-UFPE, Vitória de Santo Antão, PE, Brazil
| | - Jeanderson M Silva
- Centro Acadêmico de Vitória, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco-UFPE, Vitória de Santo Antão, PE, Brazil
| | - José R Lima
- Centro Acadêmico de Vitória, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco-UFPE, Vitória de Santo Antão, PE, Brazil
| | - André F A Lira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciência Animal Tropical, Departamento de Morfologia e Fisiologia Animal, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco - UFRPE, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | | | - René D Martins
- Centro Acadêmico de Vitória, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco-UFPE, Vitória de Santo Antão, PE, Brazil
| | - Roberta J B Jorge
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal Do Ceará - UFC, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Cristiano A Chagas
- Centro Acadêmico de Vitória, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco-UFPE, Vitória de Santo Antão, PE, Brazil
| | - Valéria W Teixeira
- Departamento de Morfologia e Fisiologia Animal, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco - UFRPE, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Álvaro A C Teixeira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciência Animal Tropical, Departamento de Morfologia e Fisiologia Animal, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco - UFRPE, Recife, PE, Brazil; Departamento de Morfologia e Fisiologia Animal, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco - UFRPE, Recife, PE, Brazil
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111
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Boubekeur K, L’Hadj M, Selmane S. Demographic and epidemiological characteristics of scorpion envenomation and daily forecasting of scorpion sting counts in Touggourt, Algeria. Epidemiol Health 2020; 42:e2020050. [PMID: 32660217 PMCID: PMC7871152 DOI: 10.4178/epih.e2020050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study was conducted to provide better insights into the demographic and epidemiological characteristics of scorpion envenomation in an endemic area in Algeria and to identify the model that best predicted daily scorpion sting counts. METHODS Daily sting data from January 1, 2013 to August 31, 2016 were extracted from questionnaires designed to elicit information on scorpion stings from the two emergency medical service providers in Touggourt, Algeria. Count regression models were applied to the daily sting data. RESULTS A total of 4,712 scorpion sting cases were documented, of which 70% occurred in people aged between 10 years and 49 years. The male-to-female ratio was 1.3. The upper and lower limbs were the most common locations of scorpion stings (90.4% of cases). Most stings (92.8%) were mild. The percent of people stung inside dwellings was 68.8%. The hourly distribution of stings showed a peak between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. The daily number of stings ranged from 0 to 24. The occurrence of stings was highest on Sundays. The incidence of scorpion stings increased sharply in the summer. The mean annual incidence rate was 542 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The fitted count regression models showed that a negative binomial hurdle model was appropriate for forecasting daily stings in terms of temperature and relative humidity, and the fitted data agreed considerably with the actual data. CONCLUSIONS This study showed that daily scorpion sting data provided meaningful insights; and the negative binomial Hurdle model was preferable for predicting daily scorpion sting counts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaouthar Boubekeur
- L’IFORCE, Faculty of Mathematics, University of Sciences and Technology Houari Boumediene, Bab Ezzouar, Algeria
| | - Mohamed L’Hadj
- Health and Hospital Reform Services, Ministry of Health, Population and Hospital Reform, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Schehrazad Selmane
- L’IFORCE, Faculty of Mathematics, University of Sciences and Technology Houari Boumediene, Bab Ezzouar, Algeria
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Furtado AA, Daniele-Silva A, Silva-Júnior AAD, Fernandes-Pedrosa MDF. Biology, venom composition, and scorpionism induced by brazilian scorpion Tityus stigmurus (Thorell, 1876) (Scorpiones: Buthidae): A mini-review. Toxicon 2020; 185:36-45. [PMID: 32585220 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Scorpionism is a serious public health problem in various regions of the world. In Brazil, a high number of accidents by scorpions have been reported. From 2014 to 2018, about 547,000 cases were recorded, resulting in 466 deaths. The scorpion Tityus stigmurus is the predominant species in the northeast of Brazil, being responsible for most scorpionism cases in this region. With the aid of the transcriptomic approach of the venom gland of this species, components as neurotoxins, antimicrobials, metal chelating peptides and hypotensins, have been identified and characterized in silico, showing different biologic activity in vitro. In addition, the neuronal, pancreatic, renal, and enzymatic effects have been demonstrated for the crude T. stigmurus venom. Therefore, the T. stigmurus scorpion venom constitutes a rich arsenal of bioactive molecules with high potential for therapeutic and biotechnological application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allanny Alves Furtado
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil.
| | - Alessandra Daniele-Silva
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil.
| | - Arnóbio Antônio da Silva-Júnior
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil.
| | - Matheus de Freitas Fernandes-Pedrosa
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil.
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A Relationship Between Clinical and Laboratory Characteristics in Children With Severe Scorpion Envenomation in Çukurova, Turkey. Pediatr Emerg Care 2020; 36:338-344. [PMID: 29698349 DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000001483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Scorpion stings are an important health problem in many parts of the world. The aim of this study was to retrospectively examine cases of scorpion stings to evaluate their epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory features and to determine strategies that can reduce morbidity and mortality in these cases. METHODS Scorpion stings experienced by children between 2007 and 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were categorized into groups based on severities of toxicities, and demographic, clinical, and laboratory features were compared between the groups. RESULTS The mean ± SD age of the 189 patients with scorpion stings was 83.43 ± 59.62 months. There was a significant difference between the clinical stages and the age distribution of the cases (P < 0.05). White blood cell counts differed significantly between the groups (P < 0.05). There was not a significant difference in mean platelet volume and platelet distribution width between the groups, but plateletcrit and low platelet count were significantly different between stage 1 and stage 3 cases (P < 0.05). Glucose, creatinine kinase-myoglobin binding, and troponin I were also significantly different (P < 0.05). The mortality rate was 0%. CONCLUSIONS People living in regions where scorpion stings are frequent should be informed about preventive measures against these stings, cases of scorpion stings should be monitored in appropriate centers, and staff offering care to these cases should be educated about treatment methods. In addition, treatment protocols should be determined in accordance with regions where the stings occur and studies should be performed to describe prognostic indicators.
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114
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Kini RM. Toxinology provides multidirectional and multidimensional opportunities: A personal perspective. Toxicon X 2020; 6:100039. [PMID: 32550594 PMCID: PMC7285919 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2020.100039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
In nature, toxins have evolved as weapons to capture and subdue the prey or to counter predators or competitors. When they are inadvertently injected into humans, they cause symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to debilitation and death. Toxinology is the science of studying venoms and toxins that are produced by a wide variety of organisms. In the past, the structure, function and mechanisms of most abundant and/or most toxic components were characterized to understand and to develop strategies to neutralize their toxicity. With recent technical advances, we are able to evaluate and determine the toxin profiles using transcriptomes of venom glands and proteomes of tiny amounts of venom. Enormous amounts of data from these studies have opened tremendous opportunities in many directions of basic and applied research. The lower costs for profiling venoms will further fuel the expansion of toxin database, which in turn will provide greater exciting and bright opportunities in toxin research.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Manjunatha Kini
- Protein Science Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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115
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Pradeep YKL, Bhogaraju VK, Pathania M, Rathaur VK, Kant R. Uncommon presentation of scorpion sting at teaching hospital. J Family Med Prim Care 2020; 9:2562-2565. [PMID: 32754547 PMCID: PMC7380751 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_310_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpion envenomation is a major public health problem in tropical and sub-tropical countries, especially in Africa, Middle East, Latin America, and India. Even though most of the scorpion envenomation are harmless, it is generally seen with a set of clinical features, such as pain, edema, numbness, and tenderness in the area of the sting but rarely have serious clinical sequelae with involvement of vital organ systems like cardiovascular system and respiratory system leading to fatal manifestations like acute pulmonary edema, acute heart failure, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Here we present a case of a 19-year-old village boy who developed myocarditis and cardiogenic shock following scorpion envenomation, which was successfully treated with vasopressors, non invasive ventilation, and other supportive care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y K L Pradeep
- Department of Medicine, AIIMS, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | | | - Monika Pathania
- Department of Medicine, AIIMS, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Vyas K Rathaur
- Department of Pediatrics, AIIMS, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Ravi Kant
- Department of Medicine, AIIMS, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
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Louza GSG, Carmo LLGD, Conceição IM. Effect of Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom on isolated jejunum: A very useful tool to study the interaction between neurons in the enteric nervous system. Auton Neurosci 2020; 227:102676. [PMID: 32464449 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2020.102676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Scorpion envenomation is a public health problem in tropical and subtropical areas. In Brazil, Tityus serrulatus is the biggest cause of accidents with venomous animals. Tityus serrulatus venom causes symptoms related to a great activation of the autonomic system attributed to a massive release of sympathetic and parasympathetic mediators. This effect is attributed to the presence of toxins acting in Na+ and K+ ion channels, leading to an increase in cell excitability. Although gastrointestinal symptoms, like diarrhoea and sialorrhea, is observed in moderate to severe cases, little attention is given in clinical reports. Gastrointestinal motility is controlled by the enteric nervous system which is composed of a wide variety of interconnected neurons that are influenced by the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Thus, this work aimed to characterize the effects of Tityus serrulatus venom on sympathetic and parasympathetic neurotransmission of rat jejunum, as well as to investigate possibles effects on other neurons of the enteric nervous system. To this, we verify the effects of Tityus serrulatus venom on the contractility of isolated rat jejunum through organ-bath experiments. We observed that venom can induce both contraction and relaxation. The contraction was partially inhibited by atropine (1 μM) and by suramin (0.1 mM) through tetrodotoxin-resistant and sensitive mechanisms. The relaxation was completely inhibited by 3 μM propranolol and partially inhibited by 1 μM phentolamine. Suramin induced a slowing of relaxation curve. Tetrodotoxin completely inhibits the relaxation induced by Tityus serrulatus venom, but the contraction curves were only partially reduced in their initial portion. The final part of the curve was largely enhanced by Tetrodotoxin. Atropine blocks almost completely the contraction curve in the presence of Tetrodotoxin. These results indicate that Tityus serrulatus venom induces the release of both excitatory (predominantly acetylcholine) and inhibitory (mainly noradrenaline) neurotransmitters. The effects of Tityus serrulatus venom on organ contractility was quite complex and seem to derive from a diffuse and nonspecific release of mediators from autonomic and enteric nervous systems. Further investigation of venom action and its isolated toxins can reveal important aspects to deepen our knowledge about the enteric nervous system transmission and the interaction between excitatory and inhibitory mediators as well as the physiological role of Na+ and K+ ion channels in gut motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisele S G Louza
- Unit of Mode of Toxin Action (MATx), Laboratory of Pharmacology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
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Torabi E, Behdani M, Khalaj V, Pooshang Bagheri K, Shahbazzadeh D. Complete neutralization of the lethality of Hemiscorpius lepturus crude venom by a novel anti-recombinant phospholipase D1 IgGs. Toxicon 2020; 183:36-43. [PMID: 32445840 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Treatment of scorpion envenomation is a challenging issue since serotherapy is implemented by administration of polyvalent equine antisera. In our previous study we discovered that recombinant phospholipase D1 (Hl-RecPLD1) is responsible for the lethality of Hemiscorpius lepturus (H. lepturus) venom in mice. Accordingly, this study was aimed to investigate the protectivity of purified anti-Hl-RecPLD1 IgG against the lethality or major complications of H. lepturus venom. The neutralization efficiency of purified anti-Hl-RecPLD1 IgGs against sphingomyelinase activities of the crude venom and Hl-RecPLD1 was also assessed. Anti-Hl-RecPLD1 IgGs at optimum amount of 3.7 mg completely neutralized one Lethal Dose 100 (LD100) of crude venom in mice. The anti-Hl-RecPLD1 IgGs remarkably reduced the necrosis area from 6.5 to 1 cm2 in rabbit derma, induced by the crude venom. The anti-Hl-RecPLD1 IgGs remarkably reduced the sphingomyelinase and hemolytic activities of crude venom as well. In conclusion, a novel rabbit monovalent IgG against Hl-RecPLD1 was able to completely protect the mice against the lethality of H. lepturus crude venom and reduced its toxicity as well. Such monovalent anti-Hl-RecPLD1 IgGs may have potential applications in serotherapy of H. lepturus envenomation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Torabi
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab., Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Behdani
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab., Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Khalaj
- Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kamran Pooshang Bagheri
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab., Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Delavar Shahbazzadeh
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab., Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
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Ahmadi S, Knerr JM, Argemi L, Bordon KCF, Pucca MB, Cerni FA, Arantes EC, Çalışkan F, Laustsen AH. Scorpion Venom: Detriments and Benefits. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8050118. [PMID: 32408604 PMCID: PMC7277529 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8050118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpion venom may cause severe medical complications and untimely death if injected into the human body. Neurotoxins are the main components of scorpion venom that are known to be responsible for the pathological manifestations of envenoming. Besides neurotoxins, a wide range of other bioactive molecules can be found in scorpion venoms. Advances in separation, characterization, and biotechnological approaches have enabled not only the development of more effective treatments against scorpion envenomings, but have also led to the discovery of several scorpion venom peptides with interesting therapeutic properties. Thus, scorpion venom may not only be a medical threat to human health, but could prove to be a valuable source of bioactive molecules that may serve as leads for the development of new therapies against current and emerging diseases. This review presents both the detrimental and beneficial properties of scorpion venom toxins and discusses the newest advances within the development of novel therapies against scorpion envenoming and the therapeutic perspectives for scorpion toxins in drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirin Ahmadi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosafety, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Eşkisehir Osmangazi University, TR-26040 Eşkisehir, Turkey;
- Correspondence: (S.A.); (A.H.L.); Tel.: +45-7164-6042 (S.A.); +45-2988-1134 (A.H.L.)
| | - Julius M. Knerr
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
| | - Lídia Argemi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
| | - Karla C. F. Bordon
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto—São Paulo 14040-903, Brazil; (K.C.F.B.); (E.C.A.)
| | - Manuela B. Pucca
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
- Medical School, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista, Roraima 69310-000, Brazil
| | - Felipe A. Cerni
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto—São Paulo 14040-903, Brazil; (K.C.F.B.); (E.C.A.)
| | - Eliane C. Arantes
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto—São Paulo 14040-903, Brazil; (K.C.F.B.); (E.C.A.)
| | - Figen Çalışkan
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosafety, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Eşkisehir Osmangazi University, TR-26040 Eşkisehir, Turkey;
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Letters, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, TR-26040 Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Andreas H. Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
- Correspondence: (S.A.); (A.H.L.); Tel.: +45-7164-6042 (S.A.); +45-2988-1134 (A.H.L.)
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Taniele-Silva J, Martins LG, de Sousa MB, de Souza LM, Cardoso RMB, Velasco SRU, Ramos GDS, de Miranda CT, Moura AÁ, Anderson L, Bassi ÊJ. Retrospective clinical and epidemiological analysis of scorpionism at a referral hospital for the treatment of accidents by venomous animals in Alagoas State, Northeast Brazil, 2007-2017. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2020; 62:e26. [PMID: 32401958 PMCID: PMC7232956 DOI: 10.1590/s1678-9946202062026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpionism has a high incidence rate in Brazil. It is considered a serious public health problem mainly in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. The number of scorpion accidents have increased over the years and the highest frequencies have been reported mainly in the Brazilian Northeast region. Therefore, in this study we report a retrospective clinical and epidemiological analysis of scorpion stings from 2007 to 2017 in Alagoas State, Northeast Brazil, at a referral hospital for assistance and treatment of accidents by venomous animals. During the analyzed period, the referral hospital treated 27,988 cases, and an increase in the number of cases has taken place over the years. The highest frequency of scorpion stings was observed in females, and the age range most affected was from 20 to 29 years old. The most stung body site was the foot, followed by finger, toe or hand. Regarding the severity, most severe cases were reported in children up to 4 years old (69.4%) and 50% of the total cases treated with serotherapy corresponded to patients in this age range. Interestingly, it was also found that the occurrence of systemic manifestations and the severity of the cases were significantly associated with pediatric patients. In this way, this study highlights the scorpionism as an environmental public health problem in Alagoas State, Northeast Brazil, as well as the need to intensify the epidemiological surveillance and educational campaigns to prevent and control scorpion accidents throughout the year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamile Taniele-Silva
- Universidade Federal de Alagoas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Laboratório de Pesquisas em Virologia e Imunologia, Grupo de Pesquisa em Regulação da Resposta Imune, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
| | - Lycia Gama Martins
- Universidade Federal de Alagoas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Laboratório de Pesquisas em Virologia e Imunologia, Grupo de Pesquisa em Regulação da Resposta Imune, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
- Universidade Federal de Alagoas, Faculdade de Medicina, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
- Universidade Estadual de Ciências da Saúde de Alagoas, Hospital Escola Dr. Hélvio Auto, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Geymerson dos Santos Ramos
- Universidade Federal de Alagoas, Instituto de Computação, Laboratório de Computação Científica e Análise Numérica, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
| | | | - Adriana Ávila Moura
- Universidade Federal de Alagoas, Faculdade de Medicina, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
- Universidade Estadual de Ciências da Saúde de Alagoas, Hospital Escola Dr. Hélvio Auto, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
| | - Letícia Anderson
- Universidade Federal de Alagoas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Laboratório de Pesquisas em Virologia e Imunologia, Grupo de Pesquisa em Regulação da Resposta Imune, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
- Centro Universitário CESMAC, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
| | - Ênio José Bassi
- Universidade Federal de Alagoas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Laboratório de Pesquisas em Virologia e Imunologia, Grupo de Pesquisa em Regulação da Resposta Imune, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
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de Oliveira Yamashita F, Torres-Rêgo M, dos Santos Gomes JA, Félix-Silva J, Ramos Passos JG, de Santis Ferreira L, da Silva-Júnior AA, Zucolotto SM, Fernandes-Pedrosa MDF. Mangaba (Hancornia speciosa Gomes) fruit juice decreases acute pulmonary edema induced by Tityus serrulatus venom: Potential application for auxiliary treatment of scorpion stings. Toxicon 2020; 179:42-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Najafian M, Ghorbani A, Zargar M, Baradaran M, Baradaran N. Scorpion stings in pregnancy: an analysis of outcomes in 66 envenomed pregnant patients in Iran. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2020; 26:e20190039. [PMID: 32405289 PMCID: PMC7204829 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2019-0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Scorpionism is one of the most important health problems in tropical regions, which unfortunately results in thousands of deaths annually. Pregnant women are potential victims in areas with high scorpion-sting prevalence. Limited medical data are available on the effects of scorpion envenomation in pregnant women. This study aimed to examine the effect of scorpion envenomation on pregnancy outcomes in 66 cases. Methods: The present descriptive/analytical cross-sectional study was performed on 66 scorpion-envenomed pregnant women referred to the clinical toxicology unit of Ahvaz Razi Hospital in Iran during 2015-2017. The variables assessed in all cases, via questionnaire and hospital medical records, were: age, patient residency, gestational week, status of the fetus, laboratory anomalies, clinical severity of envenomation, sting site and scorpion species. Pregnancy outcome (miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm birth, normal delivery) and status of the newborns were also evaluated. Data were analyzed using SPSS ® software (version 24.0). Results: The following pregnancy outcomes were recorded from envenomed pregnant women: miscarriage = 1.5% (n = 1), stillbirth = 4.5% (n = 3), preterm birth = 10.6% (n = 7), normal birth = 83% (n = 55). Among participants whose pregnancy led to birth, 11(17.7%) cases had prenatal-neonatal complications. Neonatal complications, including Apgar score less than 8 points at 5 min, were found in 7 (11.3%) preterm birth cases and in 4 (6.4%) normal birth cases, along with birth weight below 2500 g in normal births. A significant relationship was found between adverse pregnancy outcomes and bite location, as well as scorpion species, but no relationship was found with other variables. Conclusion: Envenomation significantly contributes to preterm birth. Moreover, the location of bites and the type of scorpion species have a decisive role in the pregnancy outcome of scorpion-envenomed pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahin Najafian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Ahmad Ghorbani
- Toxicology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mahvash Zargar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Baradaran
- Toxicology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Nafiseh Baradaran
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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Silva de Oliveira SM, Bertani R, Quispe Torrez PP, Lopes de Sousa PR, Martinez Quiroga MM, Bertolozzi MR, Oscar de Siqueira Franca F. Electric shock sensation in the first reports of envenomations by Tityus strandi in the Brazilian Amazon. Toxicon 2020; 178:8-12. [PMID: 32094100 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rogerio Bertani
- Special Laboratory of Ecology and Evolution, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Pasesa Pascuala Quispe Torrez
- Advanced Tropical Medicine Center, Santarém, PA/Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Mariana Margarita Martinez Quiroga
- Advanced Tropical Medicine Center, Santarém, PA/Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria Rita Bertolozzi
- Department of Nursing in Public Health, School of Nursing, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Francisco Oscar de Siqueira Franca
- Advanced Tropical Medicine Center, Santarém, PA/Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Housley DM, Pinyon JL, von Jonquieres G, Perera CJ, Smout M, Liddell MJ, Jennings EA, Wilson D, Housley GD. Australian Scorpion Hormurus waigiensis Venom Fractions Show Broad Bioactivity Through Modulation of Bio-Impedance and Cytosolic Calcium. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E617. [PMID: 32316246 PMCID: PMC7226344 DOI: 10.3390/biom10040617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpion venoms are a rich source of bioactive molecules, but characterisation of toxin peptides affecting cytosolic Ca2+, central to cell signalling and cell death, is limited. We undertook a functional screening of the venom of the Australian scorpion Hormurus waigiensis to determine the breadth of Ca2+ mobilisation. A human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cell line stably expressing the genetically encoded Ca2+ reporter GCaMP5G and the rabbit type 1 ryanodine receptor (RyR1) was developed as a biosensor. Size-exclusion Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography separated the venom into 53 fractions, constituting 12 chromatographic peaks. Liquid chromatography mass spectroscopy identified 182 distinct molecules with 3 to 63 components per peak. The molecular weights varied from 258 Da-13.6 kDa, with 53% under 1 kDa. The majority of the venom chromatographic peaks (tested as six venom pools) were found to reversibly modulate cell monolayer bioimpedance, detected using the xCELLigence platform (ACEA Biosciences). Confocal Ca2+ imaging showed 9/14 peak samples, with molecules spanning the molecular size range, increased cytosolic Ca2+ mobilization. H. waigiensis venom Ca2+ activity was correlated with changes in bio-impedance, reflecting multi-modal toxin actions on cell physiology across the venom proteome.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M. Housley
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; (D.M.H.); (J.L.P.); (G.v.J.); (C.J.P.)
- Department of Otolaryngology, Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Sunshine Coast, QLD 4575, Australia
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, Cairns Campus, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia;
| | - Jeremy L. Pinyon
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; (D.M.H.); (J.L.P.); (G.v.J.); (C.J.P.)
| | - Georg von Jonquieres
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; (D.M.H.); (J.L.P.); (G.v.J.); (C.J.P.)
| | - Chamini J. Perera
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; (D.M.H.); (J.L.P.); (G.v.J.); (C.J.P.)
| | - Michael Smout
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia; (M.S.); (D.W.)
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia
| | - Michael J. Liddell
- Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Science, College of Science & Engineering, Cairns Campus, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia;
| | - Ernest A. Jennings
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, Cairns Campus, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia;
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia; (M.S.); (D.W.)
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia
| | - David Wilson
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia; (M.S.); (D.W.)
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia
| | - Gary D. Housley
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; (D.M.H.); (J.L.P.); (G.v.J.); (C.J.P.)
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Amirgholami N, Karampour NS, Ghadiri A, Tagavi Moghadam A, Ghasemi Dehcheshmeh M, Pipelzadeh MH. A. crassicauda, M. eupeus and H. lepturus scorpion venoms initiate a strong in vivo anticancer immune response in CT26-tumor mice model. Toxicon 2020; 180:31-38. [PMID: 32275983 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In the present in vivo study the anticancer efficacy of the venoms from Androctonus crassicauda, Messobuthus eupeus and Hemiscorpius lepturus scorpions was investigated. In addition, we attempted to clarify whether the immune system is involved in this activity. Initially, the LD50 of the venoms from these scorpions were determined and their 0.1 and 0.2 LD50 were calculated. The toxicity of 0.1 and 0.2 LD50 was tested on healthy mice by daily SC administration of these venoms for 12 consecutive days. CT26 cells were inoculated by SC route in BALB/c mice to establish a sold tumor, and ten days later, the mice were treated with 0.1 and 0.2 LD50 doses of the venoms on daily basis for 12 consecutive days. The tumor volume was measured every 4 days. At day 13, the tumors from untreated-control and venom-treated groups were removed, weighed, and assessed by histopathological and immunohistochemical techniques. In addition, the levels of mRNA expression of IL-12, IFN-γ and IL-1β were measured by real-time PCR. All the venoms induced anticancer effects as evidenced by significant inhibition in tumor growth; significant increases in inflammatory and CD+-T cells and expression of mRNA IL-12 and IFN-γ in tumor microenvironment of venom-treated as compared to untreated-control. These findings demonstrated, for the first time, that sub-lethal doses of the venoms from these scorpions induce their in vivo anticancer effects by stimulating the immune system. Further studies, specifically designed to identify these active constituents are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Amirgholami
- Toxicology Research Centre, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sceinces, Ahvaz, Iran.
| | - Neda Sistani Karampour
- Toxicology Research Centre, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sceinces, Ahvaz, Iran.
| | - Ata Ghadiri
- Department of Immunology, Medical School, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
| | | | - Mohamad Ghasemi Dehcheshmeh
- Department of Immunology, Medical School, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Hassan Pipelzadeh
- Toxicology Research Centre, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sceinces, Ahvaz, Iran.
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Borges A, Lomonte B, Angulo Y, Acosta de Patiño H, Pascale JM, Otero R, Miranda RJ, De Sousa L, Graham MR, Gómez A, Pardal PP, Ishikawa E, Bonilla F, Castillo A, de Avila RAM, Gómez JP, Caro-López JA. Venom diversity in the Neotropical scorpion genus Tityus: Implications for antivenom design emerging from molecular and immunochemical analyses across endemic areas of scorpionism. Acta Trop 2020; 204:105346. [PMID: 31982434 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Scorpions of the Neotropical genus Tityus are responsible for most severe envenomations in the Caribbean, South America, and Lower Central America (LCA). Although Tityus is taxonomically complex, contains high toxin polymorphism, and produces variable clinical manifestations, treatment is limited to antivenoms produced against species with restricted distributions. In this study, we explored the compositional and antigenic diversity of Tityus venoms to provide improved guidelines for the use of available antivenoms at a broader geographic scale. We used immunoblotting, competitive ELISA, and in vivo studies to compare reactivity against commercial antivenoms from Brazil, Venezuela, and Mexico, as well as MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, cDNA sequencing, and phylogenetic analyses to assess venom sodium channel-active toxin (NaTx) content from medically important Tityus populations inhabiting Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela. Additionally, we raised rabbit antibodies against Tityus venoms from LCA to test for cross-reactivity with congeneric species. The results suggest that Tityus spp. possess high venom antigenic diversity, underlying the existence of four toxinological regions in Tropical America, based on venom composition and immunochemical criteria: LCA/Colombia/Amazonia (Region I), Venezuela (Region II), southeast South America (Region III), and a fourth region encompassing species related to toxinologically divergent Tityus cerroazul. Importantly, our molecular and cross-reactivity results highlight the need for new antivenoms against species inhabiting Region I, where scorpions may produce venoms that are not significantly reactive against available antivenoms.
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Baseer KA, Naser MAA. Predictors for Mortality in Children with Scorpion Envenomation Admitted to Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Qena Governorate, Egypt. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 101:941-945. [PMID: 31407657 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to identify the clinical and laboratory manifestations that affect outcome of scorpion envenomation in children. It included 154 children admitted with scorpion sting envenomation over a period of 2 years. The epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory findings of patients were recorded, and grading of severity was performed based on local and systemic involvement. Organ failure was determined according to diagnostic criterion of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, and severity of illness was assessed by the Pediatric Risk of Mortality (PRISM III) score. Of studied children, 58.4% were males and 41.6% were females. Children aged > 5 years suffered more scorpion stings (79.9%) than others did. The place of residence was rural more than urban, outdoor stings more than indoors, nocturnal more than diurnal, and most stings were on the exposed areas of the limbs. Based on clinical evaluation, 37.7% of patients were classified as class I severity followed by class II (48.7%) and class III (13.6%). Among studied cases, 21 deaths (13.6%) were registered; all of them belonged to class III severity. Mortality was significantly higher in children with agitation, coma, convulsions, arrhythmia, heart failure, pulmonary edema, and priapism. There were significantly higher values of leukocytes, platelets, creatinine, liver enzymes, glucose, and creatine phosphokinase in non-survivors than in survivors. The presence of organ failure was associated with mortality. In addition, the need for mechanical ventilation and inotropic support were at increased risk of mortality. Moreover, a significant association was found between PRISM score and the number of failed organs with fatal outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled A Baseer
- Department of Pediatrics, Qena Faculty of Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A A Naser
- Department of Anaesthesia and ICU, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
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Abstract
Scorpion envenomation is common in the tropical and subtropical regions. It poses a major public health problem with some patients having serious clinical manifestations and severe complications including death. Old World and New World scorpions are usually contrasted because of differences in venom composition, clinical presentation and severity, and, accordingly, different therapeutic approaches. The majority of scorpion stings are either dry or result in low amounts of injected venom, thus explaining why up to 95% of scorpion stings ensue only in local signs. For a clinical envenomation to occur, it has been suggested that the interaction between the quantity of venom introduced in the body of the prey and the distribution volume should ensue in a critical threshold of scorpion toxin plasma concentration. In this case, there is a massive release of neurohormonal mediators (mainly catecholamine), with systemic vasoconstrictor effects eliciting a sharp increase in systemic arterial pressure and LV-filling pressure and decreased cardiac output. This early phase of cardiac dysfunction, also called "vascular phase", is followed by a severe cardiomyopathy, a form of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, involving both ventricles and reversible in days to weeks. The more comprehensive understanding of the disease pathophysiology has allowed for a well-codified symptomatic treatment, thus contributing to a substantial reduction in the death toll of scorpion envenomation over the past few decades. The standard intensive-care treatment (when available) overcomes envenomation's consequences such as acute pulmonary edema and cardiogenic shock. Even though it continues to inspire many evaluative studies, immunotherapy seems less attractive because of the major role held by mediators in the pathogenesis of envenomation, and unfavorable pharmacokinetic properties to existing sera compared to venom. Meta-analyses of controlled trials of immunotherapy in severe scorpion envenomation reached similar conclusions: there is an acceptable level of evidence in favor of the use of scorpion antivenom (Fab'2) against Centruroides sp. in USA/Mexico, while there is still a need for a higher level of evidence for immunotherapy in the Old World envenomation.
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Hanafi-Bojd AA, Sharififard M, Jahanifard E, Navidpour S, Vazirianzadeh B. Presence probability of Hemiscorpius lepturus Peters, 1861 using maximum entropy approach in the western areas of Zagros Mountains, Iran. Vet World 2020; 13:296-303. [PMID: 32255972 PMCID: PMC7096305 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2020.296-303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM The purpose of this research was to use environmental variables for predicting the probability of Hemiscorpius lepturus existence in the provinces where situated in the west of the Zagros Mountains. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, 64 occurrence records of the H. lepturus were extracted from the published documents available in electronic databases. MaxEnt model was used for predicting the ecological niches of this species. Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and 19 climatic variables were used as the environmental variables affecting the distribution of this scorpion. The Jackknife test in the model was used to indicate the importance of variables to predict the probability of the presence of the studied species. The logistic threshold that was evaluated using a logistic regression algorithm showed the converting of the probability model into a binary model. The model was evaluated byarea under the curve (AUC). The probability presence map of this scorpion was then prepared in ArcGIS 10.5 Software. RESULTS The results of the analysis showed that the most important environmental factor on the distribution of H. lepturus was the maximum temperature of the warmest month (Bio5) with a contribution rate of 43% and permutation importance of 8%. The Jackknife test revealed that NDVI did not gain any value when it used independently in the model. The logistic threshold was reported 0.255 for the maximum test sensitivity plus specificity. The AUC of the model was 0.7698, shows an acceptable value for model validity. Overall the hot spots for this toxic scorpion seem to be in Khuzestan, Lorestan, and Ilam Provinces of the studied area. CONCLUSION Regarding our findings, MaxEnt algorithm, in combination with geographic information system contributed to revealing the effects of environmental variables on the probability of H. lepturus presence in the west of Zagros Mountains. These visualized maps as a warning alarm can be helpful to policymakers for managing, controlling, and monitoring the scorpionism in high-risk areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Ali Hanafi-Bojd
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mona Sharififard
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Elham Jahanifard
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Shahrokh Navidpour
- Razi Reference Laboratory of Scorpion Research, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran
| | - Babak Vazirianzadeh
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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Tb1, a Neurotoxin from Tityus bahiensis Scorpion Venom, Induces Epileptic Seizures by Increasing Glutamate Release. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12020065. [PMID: 31973132 PMCID: PMC7076872 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12020065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Here, we report the neurotoxic effects aroused by the intracerebral injection (in rats) of Tb1, which is a neurotoxin isolated from Tityus bahiensis scorpion venom. Biochemical analyses have demonstrated that this toxin is similar to the gamma toxin from T. serrulatus, which is a β-scorpion toxin that acts on sodium channels, causing the activation process to occur at more hyperpolarized membrane voltages. Male Wistar rats were stereotaxically implanted with intrahippocampal electrodes and cannulas for electroencephalographic recording and the evaluation of amino acid neurotransmitters levels. Treated animals displayed behavioral and electroencephalographic alterations similar to epileptiform activities, such as myoclonus, wet dog shakes, convulsion, strong discharges, neuronal loss, and increased intracerebral levels of glutamate. Scorpion toxins are important pharmacological tools that are widely employed in ion channel dysregulation studies. The current work contributes to the understanding of channelopathies, particularly epilepsy, which may originate, among other events, from dysfunctional sodium channels, which are the main target of the Tb1 toxin.
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Cid-Uribe JI, Veytia-Bucheli JI, Romero-Gutierrez T, Ortiz E, Possani LD. Scorpion venomics: a 2019 overview. Expert Rev Proteomics 2019; 17:67-83. [DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2020.1705158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jimena I. Cid-Uribe
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - José Ignacio Veytia-Bucheli
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Teresa Romero-Gutierrez
- Departamento de Ciencias Computacionales, Centro Universitario de Ciencias Exactas e Ingenierías, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Ernesto Ortiz
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Lourival D. Possani
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mexico
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Monteiro WM, Gomes J, Fé N, Mendonça da Silva I, Lacerda M, Alencar A, Seabra de Farias A, Val F, de Souza Sampaio V, Cardoso de Melo G, Pardal P, Mota da Silva A, Bernarde PS, Carlos de Lima Ferreira L, Gutierrez JM, de Almeida Gonçalves Sachett J, Fan HW. Perspectives and recommendations towards evidence-based health care for scorpion sting envenoming in the Brazilian Amazon: A comprehensive review. Toxicon 2019; 169:68-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Spider Venom: Components, Modes of Action, and Novel Strategies in Transcriptomic and Proteomic Analyses. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11100611. [PMID: 31652611 PMCID: PMC6832493 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11100611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This review gives an overview on the development of research on spider venoms with a focus on structure and function of venom components and techniques of analysis. Major venom component groups are small molecular mass compounds, antimicrobial (also called cytolytic, or cationic) peptides (only in some spider families), cysteine-rich (neurotoxic) peptides, and enzymes and proteins. Cysteine-rich peptides are reviewed with respect to various structural motifs, their targets (ion channels, membrane receptors), nomenclature, and molecular binding. We further describe the latest findings concerning the maturation of antimicrobial, and cysteine-rich peptides that are in most known cases expressed as propeptide-containing precursors. Today, venom research, increasingly employs transcriptomic and mass spectrometric techniques. Pros and cons of venom gland transcriptome analysis with Sanger, 454, and Illumina sequencing are discussed and an overview on so far published transcriptome studies is given. In this respect, we also discuss the only recently described cross contamination arising from multiplexing in Illumina sequencing and its possible impacts on venom studies. High throughput mass spectrometric analysis of venom proteomes (bottom-up, top-down) are reviewed.
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133
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Iserson KV, Jagit Ramcharran SD. Black Scorpion (Tityus obscurus) Fatalities in Guyana and a Literature Review. J Emerg Med 2019; 57:554-559. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2019.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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134
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Reis MB, Zoccal KF, Gardinassi LG, Faccioli LH. Scorpion envenomation and inflammation: Beyond neurotoxic effects. Toxicon 2019; 167:174-179. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.06.219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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135
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Vaughn MG, Holzer KJ, Carbone JT, Salas-Wright CP. Arthropod Bites and Stings Treated in Emergency Departments: Recent Trends and Correlates. Wilderness Environ Med 2019; 30:394-400. [PMID: 31405548 DOI: 10.1016/j.wem.2019.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite increasing health effects of arthropod bites and associated costs, research on their frequency is limited, especially at the population level. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence, correlates, and recent trends in visits to US emergency departments related to arthropod bites and stings. METHODS The prevalence of arthropod bites, including information regarding location of the bite, was calculated for years 2010 through 2014 using data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Emergency Department Sample. Sex- and age-stratified multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted with "arthropod bite" as the dependent variable and patient and hospital characteristics as independent variables. RESULTS Overall, there were significant increases in bites over the study period with higher rates of bites in the summer months (June-August), especially among children. Individuals who seek treatment for arthropod bites in the emergency department are more likely to reside in zip codes with lower median household income and to be without insurance coverage or with Medicaid rather than private insurance. The cost of care related to arthropod bites increased approximately 40% over the study period. CONCLUSIONS These results provide updated surveillance on the prevalence and correlates of arthropod bites and stings in the US population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael G Vaughn
- School of Social Work, College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO; Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Katherine J Holzer
- School of Social Work, College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO.
| | - Jason T Carbone
- School of Social Work, College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO
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Rincón-Cortés CA, Olamendi-Portugal T, Carcamo-Noriega EN, Santillán EG, Zuñiga FZ, Reyes-Montaño EA, Vega Castro NA, Possani LD. Structural and functional characterization of toxic peptides purified from the venom of the Colombian scorpion Tityus macrochirus. Toxicon 2019; 169:5-11. [PMID: 31402191 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The soluble venom of the scorpion Tityus macrochirus was separated by chromatographic procedures and three homogeneous peptides were obtained and their primary structures were determined. They were called: Tma1-Tma3, from the abbreviated name of the scorpion. Tma1 is a peptide containing 65 amino acids with four disulfide linkages and a molecular weight of 7386.2 Da. It is a mammalian toxin, shown to affect human sodium-channels sub-types hNav1.6 and hNav1.4. Tma2 and Tma3 are peptides containing 69 amino acids linked by four disulfide bonds, molecular weights 7819.7 and 7830.0 Da, respectively. They do not affect human sodium-channels but are lethal to insects (crickets). A phylogenic analysis of the three peptides and those of other toxic peptides isolated from the genus Tityus and Centruroides were grouped together and analyzed, permitting to obtain a topology with two main clades, one includes most sodium-channel anti-insect scorpion toxins and others includes mostly sodium-channel scorpion toxins anti-mammalian. Tma1 segregates among a group of well-studied β-class toxins of other Tityus species such as T. discrepans, T. obscurus and T. pachyurus. Tma2 and Tma3 are associated with anti-insect toxins, particularly with one of T. obscurus. This phylogenetic analysis confirms and enforces our experimental results obtained with these three new sodium-channel scorpion toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Andrea Rincón-Cortés
- Grupo de Investigación en Proteínas, Departamento de Química, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia; Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas y Ambientales, U.D.C.A., Bogotá, D.C., Colombia
| | - Timoteo Olamendi-Portugal
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad, 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62210, Mexico
| | - Edson Norberto Carcamo-Noriega
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad, 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62210, Mexico
| | - Edmundo González Santillán
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad, 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62210, Mexico
| | - Fernando Zamudio Zuñiga
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad, 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62210, Mexico
| | - Edgar Antonio Reyes-Montaño
- Grupo de Investigación en Proteínas, Departamento de Química, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia
| | - Nohora Angélica Vega Castro
- Grupo de Investigación en Proteínas, Departamento de Química, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia
| | - Lourival Domingos Possani
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad, 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62210, Mexico.
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137
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Galíndez-Cerón JD, Jorge RJB, Chavez-Acosta MH, Jorge ARC, Alves NTQ, Prata MMG, Rodrigues FADP, Havt A, Sampaio TL, Martins AMC, Guerrero-Vargas JA, Monteiro HSA, Beltrán-Vidal JT. Renal Alterations Induced by the Venom of Colombian Scorpion Centruroides Margaritatus. Curr Top Med Chem 2019; 19:2049-2057. [PMID: 31364515 DOI: 10.2174/1568026619666190731143523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Scorpion venom causes renal injury and affects vascular ion-channels function. Centruroides margaritatus scorpion is found in Colombia and is frequently the cause of envenomation accidents; however, its renal impact has never been investigated. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of C. margaritatus venom (CmV) on renal parameters using isolated rat kidney and renal cell culture models. METHODS Wistar rats (n = 5, weighing 240-300 g) were first perfused with Krebs-Henseleit solution containing 6 g 100 mL-1 bovine serum albumin. After 30 minutes, the kidneys were perfused with CmV to a final concentration of 10 μgmL-1; evaluation was performed by measuring Perfusion Pressure (PP), Renal Vascular Resistance (RVR), Urinary Flow (UF), Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR), and percentage of electrolyte tubular transport. Moreover, kidney histological analyses and cell cytotoxicity in renal tubule epithelial cells (MDCK) and proximal tubular cells (LLC-MK2) were assessed. RESULTS CmV increased PP and RVR 60 min after perfusion. On the other hand, UF, GFR, and the percentages of sodium, potassium and chloride tubular transport decreased after experimental envenomation. UF dropped after 120 min, while GFR and percentage of electrolyte tubular transport diminished after 60, 90 and 120 min. CmV was not toxic to MDCK cell line but reduced the viability of LLC-MK2 cells at concentrations ranging from 6.25 to 200 μgmL-1. Histological analyses disclosed hydropic degeneration, edema, and protein deposits. Flow cytometry disclosed that cell death occurred predominantly by necrosis. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that C. margaritatus venom can trigger renal impairment, mainly in the proximal kidney tubule.
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Affiliation(s)
- J D Galíndez-Cerón
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Exactas y de la Educación, Grupo de Investigaciones Herpetológicas y Toxinológicas, Universidad del Cauca, Popayán, Colombia
| | - R J B Jorge
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - M H Chavez-Acosta
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Exactas y de la Educación, Grupo de Investigaciones Herpetológicas y Toxinológicas, Universidad del Cauca, Popayán, Colombia
| | - A R C Jorge
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - N T Q Alves
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - M M G Prata
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - F A de Paulo Rodrigues
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - A Havt
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - T L Sampaio
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - A M C Martins
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - J A Guerrero-Vargas
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Exactas y de la Educación, Grupo de Investigaciones Herpetológicas y Toxinológicas, Universidad del Cauca, Popayán, Colombia
| | - H S A Monteiro
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - J T Beltrán-Vidal
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Exactas y de la Educación, Grupo de Investigaciones Herpetológicas y Toxinológicas, Universidad del Cauca, Popayán, Colombia
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Evaluation of Scorpion Envenomation by Tityus trivittatus in Adults: An Analysis of Variables Related to Severity of Clinical Presentation. Wilderness Environ Med 2019; 30:274-280. [PMID: 31351826 DOI: 10.1016/j.wem.2019.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2018] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In Argentina, the scorpion species Tityus trivittatus has been the species most commonly associated with serious injury and death. METHODS We performed a retrospective study of cases of T trivittatus envenomation that presented to the emergency department at an infectious disease hospital in Cordoba, Argentina, between December 2014 and February 2015. All cases were taxonomically confirmed using criteria established in the Argentine Ministry of Health national guidelines. The primary outcome was classification of clinical presentation (mild/moderate/severe). Classification of clinical presentation was performed in a post hoc fashion using the national guidelines and compared to the classification of clinical presentation given to patients at the time of diagnosis in the emergency department. RESULTS We included 450 individuals with T trivittatus envenomation. The median age of was 36 y (interquartile range 25-52), and 57% were female. In the emergency department, only 5 patients (<1%) were diagnosed as moderate cases and received antivenom; all other cases were diagnosed as mild. Conversely, in our post hoc classification of clinical presentations, 280 patients had mild presentations, 170 had moderate presentations, and no patients had severe presentations. In our cohort, there were no deaths, no inpatient hospital admissions, and no requirements for continuous cardiac monitoring. We found that age >50 y, (odds ratio [OR] 2.5, P<0.001), time from sting to presentation >120 min (OR 2.6, P=0.02), and pre-existing hypertension (OR=3.9, P<0.001) were all independently associated with worse post hoc classification severity. CONCLUSIONS Our study exposed factors associated with moderate presentations of scorpion envenomation and proposes the option of conservative treatment for affected adults.
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Kazemi SM, Sabatier JM. Venoms of Iranian Scorpions (Arachnida, Scorpiones) and Their Potential for Drug Discovery. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24142670. [PMID: 31340554 PMCID: PMC6680535 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24142670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpions, a characteristic group of arthropods, are among the earliest diverging arachnids, dating back almost 440 million years. One of the many interesting aspects of scorpions is that they have venom arsenals for capturing prey and defending against predators, which may play a critical role in their evolutionary success. Unfortunately, however, scorpion envenomation represents a serious health problem in several countries, including Iran. Iran is acknowledged as an area with a high richness of scorpion species and families. The diversity of the scorpion fauna in Iran is the subject of this review, in which we report a total of 78 species and subspecies in 19 genera and four families. We also list some of the toxins or genes studied from five species, including Androctonus crassicauda, Hottentotta zagrosensis, Mesobuthus phillipsi, Odontobuthus doriae, and Hemiscorpius lepturus, in the Buthidae and Hemiscorpiidae families. Lastly, we review the diverse functions of typical toxins from the Iranian scorpion species, including their medical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Mahdi Kazemi
- Zagros Herpetological Institute, No 12, Somayyeh 14 Avenue, 3715688415 Qom, Iran.
| | - Jean-Marc Sabatier
- Institute of NeuroPhysiopathology, UMR 7051, Faculté de Médecine Secteur Nord, 51, Boulevard Pierre Dramard-CS80011, 13344-Marseille Cedex 15, France
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Delgado-Prudencio G, Possani LD, Becerril B, Ortiz E. The Dual α-Amidation System in Scorpion Venom Glands. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11070425. [PMID: 31330798 PMCID: PMC6669573 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11070425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Many peptides in scorpion venoms are amidated at their C-termini. This post-translational modification is paramount for the correct biological function of ion channel toxins and antimicrobial peptides, among others. The discovery of canonical amidation sequences in transcriptome-derived scorpion proproteins suggests that a conserved enzymatic α-amidation system must be responsible for this modification of scorpion peptides. A transcriptomic approach was employed to identify sequences putatively encoding enzymes of the α-amidation pathway. A dual enzymatic α-amidation system was found, consisting of the membrane-anchored, bifunctional, peptidylglycine α-amidating monooxygenase (PAM) and its paralogs, soluble monofunctional peptidylglycine α-hydroxylating monooxygenase (PHMm) and peptidyl-α-hydroxyglycine α-amidating lyase (PALm). Independent genes encode these three enzymes. Amino acid residues responsible for ion coordination and enzymatic activity are conserved in these sequences, suggesting that the enzymes are functional. Potential endoproteolytic recognition sites for proprotein convertases in the PAM sequence indicate that PAM-derived soluble isoforms may also be expressed. Sequences potentially encoding proprotein convertases (PC1 and PC2), carboxypeptidase E (CPE), and other enzymes of the α-amidation pathway, were also found, confirming the presence of this pathway in scorpions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Delgado-Prudencio
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, Mexico
| | - Lourival D Possani
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, Mexico
| | - Baltazar Becerril
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, Mexico
| | - Ernesto Ortiz
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, Mexico.
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Scorpion venom increases acetylcholine release by prolonging the duration of somatic nerve action potentials. Neuropharmacology 2019; 153:41-52. [PMID: 30995441 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Scorpionism is frequently accompanied by a massive release of catecholamines and acetylcholine from peripheral nerves caused by neurotoxic peptides present in these venoms, which have high specificity and affinity for ion channels. Tityus bahiensis is the second most medically important scorpion species in Brazil but, despite this, its venom remains scarcely studied, especially with regard to its pharmacology on the peripheral (somatic and autonomic) nervous system. Here, we evaluated the activity of T. bahiensis venom on somatic neurotransmission using myographic (chick and mouse neuromuscular preparations), electrophysiological (MEPP, EPP, resting membrane potentials, perineural waveforms, compound action potentials) and calcium imaging (on DRG neurons and muscle fibres) techniques. Our results show that the major toxic effects of T. bahiensis venom on neuromuscular function are presynaptically driven by the increase in evoked and spontaneous neurotransmitter release. Low venom concentrations prolong the axonal action potential, leading to a longer depolarization of the nerve terminals that enhances neurotransmitter release and facilitates nerve-evoked muscle contraction. The venom also stimulates the spontaneous release of neurotransmitters, probably through partial neuronal depolarization that allows calcium influx. Higher venom concentrations block the generation of action potentials and resulting muscle twitches. These effects of the venom were reversed by low concentrations of TTX, indicating voltage-gated sodium channels as the primary target of the venom toxins. These results suggest that the major neuromuscular toxicity of T. bahiensis venom is probably mediated mainly by α- and β-toxins interacting with presynaptic TTX-sensitive ion channels on both axons and nerve terminals.
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Gómez Rave LJ, Muñoz Bravo AX, Sierra Castrillo J, Román Marín LM, Corredor Pereira C. Scorpion Venom: New Promise in the Treatment of Cancer. ACTA BIOLÓGICA COLOMBIANA 2019. [DOI: 10.15446/abc.v24n2.71512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a public health problem due to its high worldwide morbimortality. Current treatment protocols do not guarantee complete remission, which has prompted to search for new and more effective antitumoral compounds. Several substances exhibiting cytostatic and cytotoxic effects over cancer cells might contribute to the treatment of this pathology. Some studies indicate the presence of such substances in scorpion venom. In this review, we report characteristics of the principal scorpion venom components found in recent literature and their potential activity against tumor cells. There are different toxin groups present in the venom, and it seems that their mode of actions involves ionic channel blocking, disruption of the cell membrane integrity and damage to internal cell organelles. These properties make good prospects for studies on drugs and adjuvants in cancer treatment.
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Dissecting Toxicity: The Venom Gland Transcriptome and the Venom Proteome of the Highly Venomous Scorpion Centruroides limpidus (Karsch, 1879). Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11050247. [PMID: 31052267 PMCID: PMC6563264 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11050247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Venom glands and soluble venom from the Mexican scorpion Centruroides limpidus (Karsch, 1879) were used for transcriptomic and proteomic analyses, respectively. An RNA-seq was performed by high-throughput sequencing with the Illumina platform. Approximately 80 million reads were obtained and assembled into 198,662 putative transcripts, of which 11,058 were annotated by similarity to sequences from available databases. A total of 192 venom-related sequences were identified, including Na+ and K+ channel-acting toxins, enzymes, host defense peptides, and other venom components. The most diverse transcripts were those potentially coding for ion channel-acting toxins, mainly those active on Na+ channels (NaScTx). Sequences corresponding to β- scorpion toxins active of K+ channels (KScTx) and λ-KScTx are here reported for the first time for a scorpion of the genus Centruroides. Mass fingerprint corroborated that NaScTx are the most abundant components in this venom. Liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectometry (LC-MS/MS) allowed the identification of 46 peptides matching sequences encoded in the transcriptome, confirming their expression in the venom. This study corroborates that, in the venom of toxic buthid scorpions, the more abundant and diverse components are ion channel-acting toxins, mainly NaScTx, while they lack the HDP diversity previously demonstrated for the non-buthid scorpions. The highly abundant and diverse antareases explain the pancreatitis observed after envenomation by this species.
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Inhibition of Tityus serrulatus venom hyaluronidase affects venom biodistribution. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007048. [PMID: 31002673 PMCID: PMC6493768 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The hyaluronidase enzyme is generally known as a spreading factor in animal venoms. Although its activity has been demonstrated in several organisms, a deeper knowledge about hyaluronidase and the venom spreading process from the bite/sting site until its elimination from the victim's body is still in need. Herein, we further pursued the goal of demonstrating the effects of inhibition of T. serrulatus venom (TsV) hyaluronidase on venom biodistribution. Methods and principal findings We used technetium-99m radiolabeled Tityus serrulatus venom (99mTc-TsV) to evaluate the venom distribution kinetics in mice. To understand the hyaluronidase’s role in the venom’s biodistribution, 99mTc-TsV was immunoneutralized with specific anti-T.serrulatus hyaluronidase serum. Venom biodistribution was monitored by scintigraphic images of treated animals and by measuring radioactivity levels in tissues as heart, liver, lungs, spleen, thyroid, and kidneys. In general, results revealed that hyaluronidase inhibition delays venom components distribution, when compared to the non-neutralized 99mTc-TsV control group. Scintigraphic images showed that the majority of the immunoneutralized venom is retained at the injection site, whereas non-treated venom is quickly biodistributed throughout the animal’s body. At the first 30 min, concentration peaks are observed in the heart, liver, lungs, spleen, and thyroid, which gradually decreases over time. On the other hand, immunoneutralized 99mTc-TsV takes 240 min to reach high concentrations in the organs. A higher concentration of immunoneutralized 99mTc-TsV was observed in the kidneys in comparison with the non-treated venom. Further, in situ neutralization of 99mTc-TsV by anti-T.serrulatus hyaluronidase serum at zero, ten, and 30 min post venom injection showed that late inhibition of hyaluronidase can still affect venom biodistribution. In this assay, immunoneutralized 99mTc-TsV was accumulated in the bloodstream until 120 or 240 min after TsV injection, depending on anti-hyaluronidase administration time. Altogether, our data show that immunoneutralization of hyaluronidase prevents venom spreading from the injection site. Conclusions By comparing TsV biodistribution in the absence or presence of anti-hyaluronidase serum, the results obtained in the present work show that hyaluronidase has a key role not only in the venom spreading from the inoculation point to the bloodstream, but also in venom biodistribution from the bloodstream to target organs. Our findings demonstrate that hyaluronidase is indeed an important spreading factor of TsV and its inhibition can be used as a novel first-aid strategy in envenoming. Hyaluronidases are known as the venom components responsible for disseminating toxins from the injection site to the victim’s organism. Therefore, understanding how the venom distribution occurs and the role of hyaluronidases in this process is crucial in the field of toxinology. In this study, we inhibited Tityus serrulatus venom (TsV) hyaluronidase’s action using specific anti-Ts-hyaluronidase antibodies. Labeling TsV with a radioactive compound enabled monitoring of its biodistribution in mice. Our results show that, upon hyaluronidase inhibition, TsV remains at the injection site for longer, and only a reduced amount of the venom reaches the bloodstream. Consequently, the venom arrives later at target organs like the heart, liver, lungs, spleen, and thyroid. Considering the possible application of hyaluronidase inhibition as a therapeutic resource in envenoming first-aid treatment, we performed the administration of hyaluronidase neutralizing antibodies at different times after TsV injection. We observed that TsV remains in the bloodstream and its arrival at tissues is delayed by 120 or 240 min after TsV injection, depending on anti-hyaluronidase administration times. Our data show that hyaluronidase plays a crucial role in TsV spreading from the injection site to the bloodstream and from the bloodstream to the organs, thus suggesting that its inhibition can help to improve envenoming’s treatment.
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Abd El-Aziz FEZA, El Shehaby DM, Elghazally SA, Hetta HF. Toxicological and epidemiological studies of scorpion sting cases and morphological characterization of scorpions ( Leiurusquin questriatus and Androctonus crassicauda) in Luxor, Egypt. Toxicol Rep 2019; 6:329-335. [PMID: 31049294 PMCID: PMC6479097 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2019.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpion sting is still a threatening heath problem in developing countries as Egypt. Scorpion stings are common among children. Local reactions to scorpion stings were; pain at sting site was most frequent followed by redness and swelling. Systemic manifestations of were vomiting, headache, disturbed conscious level and abnormalities in ECG. Cardiac dysrhythmia was the main cause of death. Manifestations due to Leiurus quinquestriatus envenamation are more severe than that due to Androctonus crassicauda, while latent onset of manifestations in Androctonus crassicauda cases responsible for bad prognosis and high mortality.
Background and aim Scorpion envenomation is a common acute life threatening health problem in developing countries as Egypt. Scorpion venom is a complex structure composed of neurotoxic proteins, salts, acidic proteins, and organic compounds, thereby having of neurologic, cardiovascular, hematologic, and renal side effects, in addition to local effects such as redness, pain, burning, and swelling. Aims The study consisted of two parts to describe demographic characteristics, toxicological manifestations of scorpion sting cases in Luxor, Egypt and morphological characterization of the commonest scorpion species in the studied community for easy rapid identification of scorpion species by doctors from the patient history to provide better choices of management Materials & methods First part of the study include all cases of scorpion envenomation attending General Hospital of Esna, Luxor, Egypt during the period of scorpion activity 2017, demographic data was collected then cases were assessed for clinical manifestations, ECG, complications and deaths related to scorpion species. Second part: scorpions were collected from areas around patient housing for morphological description of their sense organs and venom apparatus by Scanning Electron Microscopy. Results A total of 110 cases of scorpion stings were reviewed, males 81 (72.9%) and females 30 (27.1%), with a mean age of 31.9 ± 17.9 years. Localized pain was the most frequent presenting complaint (89 80.2%), vomiting was the commonest clinical symptom (90.9%). All scorpion stings were due to the most endemic species in North Africa, Leiurusquinquestriatus & Androctonuscrassicauda. Death rate among cases was (5.5%) all were Abroug’s Grade III. Cardiac dysrhythmia and subsequent pulmonary edema were the commonest cause of death. Clinical manifestations were more sever in Leiurus quinquestriatus stings while death rate was more in Androctonus crassicauda stings. The morphological characterization of the sense organs (eyes, pedipalps, pectines& sensory setae) and venom apparatus of the scorpions L. quinquestriatus & A. crassicauda were described by Scanning Electron Microscopy. Conclusion Scorpion sting is an acute heath threating in Southern Egypt, Leiurus quinquestriatus & Androctonus crassicauda are most endemic scorpion species in Southern Egypt. More attention for scorpion envenomation in such subtropical hyper desert localities is required to eradicate toxic scorpion species and prevent possible causes of deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Doaa M El Shehaby
- Department of Forensic Medicine & Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Egypt
| | - Shimaa A Elghazally
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Egypt
| | - Helal F Hetta
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Egypt.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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Pimenta RJG, Brandão-Dias PFP, Leal HG, do Carmo AO, de Oliveira-Mendes BBR, Chávez-Olórtegui C, Kalapothakis E. Selected to survive and kill: Tityus serrulatus, the Brazilian yellow scorpion. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0214075. [PMID: 30943232 PMCID: PMC6447240 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0214075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Annually, more than 1.2 million scorpion stings and more than 3,000 deaths occur worldwide. Tityus serrulatus Lutz and Mello, 1922 (Scorpiones, Buthidae) is the most medically relevant species in Brazil where it is spreading rapidly and causing over 90,000 cases of envenomation yearly. We monitored T. serrulatus longevity and ability to reproduce under conditions of food and/or water deprivation. We found that T. serrulatus is highly tolerant to food deprivation, with individuals enduring up to 400 days without food. On the other hand, access to water played a pivotal role in T. serrulatus survival. Food and water deprived scorpions showed weight reduction. Reproduction occurred throughout the year for food-deprived scorpions and controls, but not in the water-deprived groups. Remarkably, food-deprived animals were able to give birth after 209 days of starvation. Tityus serrulatus resistance to food and water deprivation is likely to be an additional factor underlying this species' geographic expansion and the difficulties encountered in controlling it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo José Gonzaga Pimenta
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Pedro Ferreira Pinto Brandão-Dias
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Hortênsia Gomes Leal
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Anderson Oliveira do Carmo
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Carlos Chávez-Olórtegui
- Departamento de Bioquímica-Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Evanguedes Kalapothakis
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Bitencourt MAO, Torres-Rêgo M, de Souza Lima MCJ, Furtado AA, de Azevedo EP, do Egito EST, da Silva-Júnior AA, Zucolotto SM, Fernandes-Pedrosa MDF. Protective effect of aqueous extract, fractions and phenolic compounds of Hancornia speciosa fruits on the inflammatory damage in the lungs of mice induced by Tityus serrulatus envenomation. Toxicon 2019; 164:1-9. [PMID: 30902683 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Scorpion envenomation has been considered a public health issue around the world. Tityus serrulatus represents a specie of major medical importance in Brazil due to mortality rates of approximately 1% among children and elderly populations. The aim of this work was to evaluate the in vivo anti-inflammatory potential of aqueous extract from Hancornia speciosa fruits, its fractions and its phenolic compounds against T. serrulatus envenomation. After receiving the T. serrulatus venom (TsV, 0.8 mg/kg) intraperitoneally, the animals were treated intravenously with the aqueous extract (20, 30 and 40 mg/kg), the arachnid antivenom (50 μL/animal), the dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions (20 mg/kg) as well as rutin and chlorogenic acid (2, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg). The treatment with the aqueous extract, fractions and phenolic compounds decreased the migration of leukocytes to the peritoneal cavity and reduced the levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-12. Moreover, the pulmonary histopathologic analysis showed a reduction in both interstitial and alveolar edema, as well as in the leukocytes infiltration and vascular ectasia in the mice's lungs, which evidences a protective effect attributed to H. speciosa. This is the first study that demonstrates the inhibitory potential of the aqueous extract from H. speciosa fruits against inflammation induced by TsV. These findings suggest that the bioactive compounds from the aqueous extract, especially chlorogenic acid and rutin, are responsible for the reported anti-inflammatory activity of H. speciosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Angélica Oliveira Bitencourt
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil; Graduate Program of Biotechnology, Potiguar University (UnP), Avenida Senador Salgado Filho, 1610, Lagoa Nova, Natal, 59056-000, Brazil.
| | - Manoela Torres-Rêgo
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil.
| | - Maíra Conceição Jerônimo de Souza Lima
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil; Department of Veterinary Medicine, Potiguar University (UnP), Avenida Senador Salgado Filho, 1610, Lagoa Nova, Natal, 59056-000, Brazil.
| | - Allanny Alves Furtado
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil.
| | - Eduardo Pereira de Azevedo
- Graduate Program of Biotechnology, Potiguar University (UnP), Avenida Senador Salgado Filho, 1610, Lagoa Nova, Natal, 59056-000, Brazil.
| | - Eryvaldo Sócrates Tabosa do Egito
- Laboratory of Dispersed Systems (LaSiD), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, 59012-570, Natal, Brazil.
| | - Arnóbio Antônio da Silva-Júnior
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil.
| | - Silvana Maria Zucolotto
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy (PNBio), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil.
| | - Matheus de Freitas Fernandes-Pedrosa
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil.
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de Roodt AR, Lanari LC, Laskowicz RD, Costa de Oliveira V, Litwin S, Calderon L, Damin CF, Dokmetjian JC, Dolab JA, Lago NR, Lértora E. Study on the obtaining of Tityus trivittatus venom in Argentina. Toxicon 2019; 159:5-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Revised: 12/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Rojas-Azofeifa D, Sasa M, Lomonte B, Diego-García E, Ortiz N, Bonilla F, Murillo R, Tytgat J, Díaz C. Biochemical characterization of the venom of Central American scorpion Didymocentrus krausi Francke, 1978 (Diplocentridae) and its toxic effects in vivo and in vitro. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2019; 217:54-67. [PMID: 30517877 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2018.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Venoms of medically important scorpions from Buthidae family have been intensively studied, in contrast to non-buthid venoms, for which knowledge is scarce. In this work, we characterized the venom of a Diplocentridae species, Didymocentrus krausi, a small fossorial scorpion that inhabits the Tropical Dry Forest of Central America. D. krausi venom soluble fraction contains proteases with enzymatic activity on gelatin and casein. Mass spectrometry and venomic analysis confirmed the presence of elastase-like, cathepsin-O-like proteases and a neprilysin-like metalloproteinase. We did not detect phospholipase A2, C or D, nor hyaluronidase activity in the venom. By homology-based venom gland transcriptomic analysis, NDBPs, a β-KTx-like peptide, and other putative toxin transcripts were found, which, together with a p-benzoquinone compound present in the venom, could potentially explain its direct hemolytic and cytotoxic effects in several mammalian cell lines. Cytotoxicity of D. krausi venom was higher than the effect of venoms from two buthid scorpion species distributed in Costa Rica, Centruroides edwardsii and Tityus pachyurus. Even though D. krausi venom was not lethal to mice or crickets, when injected in mouse gastrocnemius muscle at high doses it induced pathological effects at 24 h, which include myonecrosis, weak hemorrhage, and inflammatory infiltration. We observed an apparent thrombotic effect in the skin blood vessels, but no in vitro fibrinogenolytic activity was detected. In crickets, D. krausi venom induced toxicity and paralysis in short periods of time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Rojas-Azofeifa
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica; Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Mahmood Sasa
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica; Escuela de Biología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Elia Diego-García
- Cátedras CONACYT-El Colegio de la Frontera Sur (ECOSUR), Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico; Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Leuven, Belgium
| | - Natalia Ortiz
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica; Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Fabián Bonilla
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Renato Murillo
- Centro de Investigaciones en Productos Naturales, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Leuven, Belgium
| | - Cecilia Díaz
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica; Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.
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150
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Zoccal KF, Gardinassi LG, Bordon KCF, Arantes EC, Marleau S, Ong H, Faccioli LH. EP80317 Restrains Inflammation and Mortality Caused by Scorpion Envenomation in Mice. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:171. [PMID: 30886580 PMCID: PMC6409428 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Over 1 million cases of scorpion stings are estimated every year, whereas current treatment is limited to antivenom serum combined with supportive therapy. Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom (TsV) is composed of diverse molecules, including toxins that induce a catecholamine storm and mediate classical symptoms of scorpion envenomation. However, the same toxins promote an intense inflammatory response coordinated by innate immune cells, such as macrophages, contributing significantly to the lung edema and mortality caused by TsV injection. Macrophages sense TsV via innate immune receptors, including TLR2, TLR4, and CD14 that promote inflammation and mortality via PGE2/cAMP/PKA/NF-κB/IL-1β axis. The scavenger receptor CD36 also recognizes TsV, but in contrast to the other receptors, it drives the production of leukotriene B4 (LTB4). This lipid mediator operates via BLT1 receptor to reduce cAMP production and consequently IL-1β release, which results in resistance to fatal outcomes of experimental scorpion envenomation. EP80317 is an hexapeptide that serves as a ligand for CD36 and features protective effects under conditions such as atherosclerosis and vascular inflammation. In this study, we evaluated the effects of EP80317 treatment during experimental scorpion envenomation. EP80317 treatment suppressed mouse peritoneal macrophage production of IL-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), CCL3, and PGE2 in vitro. EP80317 treatment also boosted the production of LTB4 and IL-10 in response to TsV. Importantly, EP80317 restrained lung inflammation and mortality caused by TsV in vivo. Taken together, these data indicate a strong therapeutic potential of EP80317 as a supportive treatment to control inflammation induced by scorpion envenomation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina F Zoccal
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Centro Universitário Barão de Mauá, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Luiz G Gardinassi
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Karla C F Bordon
- Departamento de Física e Química, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Eliane C Arantes
- Departamento de Física e Química, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Sylvie Marleau
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Huy Ong
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Lúcia H Faccioli
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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