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Mabunda IG, Zinyemba NK, Pillay S, Offor BC, Muller B, Piater LA. The geographical distribution of scorpions, implication of venom toxins, envenomation, and potential therapeutics in Southern and Northern Africa. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2024; 13:tfae118. [PMID: 39100857 PMCID: PMC11298049 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfae118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Scorpions are predatory arachnids whose venomous sting primarily affects people in tropical and subtropical regions. Most scorpion stings can only cause localized pain without severe envenomation. Less than one-third of the stings cause systemic envenoming and possibly lead to death. About 350,000 scorpion stings in Northern Africa are recorded yearly, resulting in about 810 deaths. In Eastern/Southern Africa, there are about 79,000 stings recorded yearly, resulting in 245 deaths. Farmers and those living in poverty-stricken areas are among the most vulnerable to getting stung by scorpions. However, compared to adults, children are at greater risk of severe envenomation. Scorpion venom is made up of complex mixtures dominated by peptides and proteins that confer its potency and toxicity. These venom toxins have intra- and interspecies variations associated with the scorpion's habitat, sex, diet, and age. These variations alter the activity of antivenoms used to treat scorpion sting envenomation. Thus, the study of the proteome composition of medically important scorpion venoms needs to be scaled up along their geographical distribution and contributions to envenomation in Southern and Northern Africa. This will help the production of safer, more effective, and broad-spectrum antivenoms within these regions. Here, we review the clinical implications of scorpion sting envenomation in Southern and Northern Africa. We further highlight the compositions of scorpion venoms and tools used in scorpion venomics. We discuss current antivenoms used against scorpion sting envenomation and suggestions for future production of better antivenoms or alternatives. Finally, we discuss the therapeutic properties of scorpion venom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isac G Mabunda
- Department of Biochemistry, Corner of Kingsway and University Road, Auckland Park Campus, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, 2006, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Nodji K Zinyemba
- Department of Biochemistry, Corner of Kingsway and University Road, Auckland Park Campus, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, 2006, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Shanelle Pillay
- Department of Biochemistry, Corner of Kingsway and University Road, Auckland Park Campus, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, 2006, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Benedict C Offor
- Department of Biochemistry, Corner of Kingsway and University Road, Auckland Park Campus, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, 2006, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Beric Muller
- South Africa Venom Suppliers cc, 41 Louis, Trichardt 0920, South Africa
| | - Lizelle A Piater
- Department of Biochemistry, Corner of Kingsway and University Road, Auckland Park Campus, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, 2006, Gauteng, South Africa
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Alqahtani AR, Alotaibi NJ, Aly H, Badry A. The phylogenetic relationship among two species of genus Nebo (Scorpiones: Diplocentridae) from Saudi Arabia and Middle East. BMC ZOOL 2023; 8:4. [PMID: 37170303 PMCID: PMC10127397 DOI: 10.1186/s40850-023-00166-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The genus Nebo has been identified as a medically important scorpion species distributed across Arabia and the Middle East. However, its taxonomic status remains unclear. AIM The molecular phylogeny of two Nebo species from Saudi Arabia and comparative sequences from Palestine is presented based on the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. METHODOLOGY Scorpion specimens were collected from two different localities, mainly the Southern part of Saudi Arabia. Then, DNA was extracted, amplified using invertebrate universal primers, and sequenced to identify the COI gene. The obtained sequences were analyzed, and phylogenetic trees based on maximum parsimony, neighbor-joining, and Bayesian inference were constructed. RESULTS The inferred phylogeny indicates the monophyletic status of the family Diplocentridae and its subfamily Nebinae and Diplocentrinae. Also, the phylogenetic analyses support the existence of interspecific and intraspecific variations among/ within Nebo hierichonticus and Nebo yemenensis which may indicate distinct species. CONCLUSION Further morphological studies with additional specimens from the Arabian Peninsula may reveal possible undiscovered and cryptic species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulaziz R Alqahtani
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Bisha, P.O. Box 551, Bisha, 61922, Saudi Arabia
| | - Noura J Alotaibi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif, 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hamdy Aly
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Badry
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt.
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Khalil A, Zidan MMM, Alajmi R, Ahmed AM. Impact of Envenomation With Snake Venoms on Rabbit Carcass Decomposition and Differential Adult Dipteran Succession Patterns. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 60:40-50. [PMID: 36354264 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjac173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The current study investigates the postmortem successional patterns of necrophagous dipteran insects and the rabbit carcass decomposition rate upon envenomation with snake venom. In total, 15 rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus domesticus L. (Lagomorpha, Leporidae), were divided into 3 groups (5 rabbits each; n = 5); the first and second groups were injected with lethal doses of venoms from the Egyptian cobra, Naja haje L. (Squamata, Elapidae), and the horned viper, Cerastes cerastes L. (Squamata, viperidae), respectively. The third group (control) was injected with 0.85% physiological saline and euthanized with CO2. The carcass decomposition stages: fresh, bloating, decay, and dry were recorded and monitored. Data revealed that envenomation shortened the decomposition process by 3 d, 20% shorter than the control. The overall succession pattern of fly species revealed a lower abundance during the fresh stage, which peaked during the decay stage, and declined to the minimum number in the dry stage at the end of the 15-d experimental duration. A total of 2,488 individual flies, belonging to 21 species of 10 families, were collected from all experimental carcasses. The Calliphoridae, Muscidae, and Sarcophagidae were the most abundant and diverse families, whereas the other seven families were rare and least abundant. Although C. cerastes venom was significantly less lethal than N. haje, it showed a faster carcass decomposition process and a higher impact on fly abundance. These data showed that envenomation impacts insect succession and carcass decomposition, which should be taken into account when using insects in forensic investigations since envenomation with snake venoms is one of the leading causes of death worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelwahab Khalil
- Entomology Division, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62521, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud M M Zidan
- Zoology & Entomology Department, Faculty of Sciences, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Reem Alajmi
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ashraf M Ahmed
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Alqahtani AR, Badry A, Amer SA, Al Galil FMA, Ahmed MA, Amr ZS. Intraspecific molecular variation among Androctonus crassicauda (Olivier, 1807) populations collected from different regions in saudi arabia. JOURNAL OF KING SAUD UNIVERSITY - SCIENCE 2022; 34:101998. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jksus.2022.101998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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Alqahtani AR, Badry A, Aly H, Amer SAM, Al Galil FMA, Ahmed MA, Kadasah S, Amr ZS. Genetic diversity and population structure of Androctonus crassicauda (Scorpiones: Buthidae) in different ecogeographical regions of Saudi Arabia and Iran. ZOOLOGY IN THE MIDDLE EAST 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/09397140.2022.2051915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ahmed Badry
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hamdy Aly
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Sayed A. M. Amer
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
- Department of Forensic Sciences, College of Forensic Justice, Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahd Mohammed Abd Al Galil
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Bisha, Bisha, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Thamar University, Yemen
| | - Mervat A. Ahmed
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Bisha, Bisha, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sultan Kadasah
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Bisha, Bisha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zuhair S. Amr
- Department of Biology, Jordan University of Science & Technology, Irbid, Jordan
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Benrazzouk K, Ait Laaradia M, Ait Sidi Brahim M, Ouhaddou S, Ouhammou A, Chait A, Bekkouche K, Markouk M, Larhsini M. In vivo evaluation of antivenom activity of Adenocarpus anagyrifolius methanolic extract against Hottentotta gentili scorpion venom. TOXIN REV 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/15569543.2022.2033778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Karima Benrazzouk
- Laboratory of Agri-Food, Biotechnology, and Valorization of Plant Resources; Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Medicinal Plants Unit, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Mehdi Ait Laaradia
- Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Laboratory of Pharmacology, Neurobiology, Anthropobiology and Environment, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Malika Ait Sidi Brahim
- Laboratory of Agri-Food, Biotechnology, and Valorization of Plant Resources; Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Medicinal Plants Unit, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Soukaina Ouhaddou
- Laboratory of Agri-Food, Biotechnology, and Valorization of Plant Resources; Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Medicinal Plants Unit, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Ahmed Ouhammou
- Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Laboratory of Microbial, Biotechnology, Agrosciences and Environment, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Abderrahman Chait
- Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Laboratory of Pharmacology, Neurobiology, Anthropobiology and Environment, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Khalid Bekkouche
- Laboratory of Agri-Food, Biotechnology, and Valorization of Plant Resources; Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Medicinal Plants Unit, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Mohammed Markouk
- Laboratory of Agri-Food, Biotechnology, and Valorization of Plant Resources; Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Medicinal Plants Unit, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Mustapha Larhsini
- Laboratory of Agri-Food, Biotechnology, and Valorization of Plant Resources; Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Medicinal Plants Unit, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco
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Jenkins TP, Ahmadi S, Bittenbinder MA, Stewart TK, Akgun DE, Hale M, Nasrabadi NN, Wolff DS, Vonk FJ, Kool J, Laustsen AH. Terrestrial venomous animals, the envenomings they cause, and treatment perspectives in the Middle East and North Africa. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009880. [PMID: 34855751 PMCID: PMC8638997 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The Middle East and Northern Africa, collectively known as the MENA region, are inhabited by a plethora of venomous animals that cause up to 420,000 bites and stings each year. To understand the resultant health burden and the key variables affecting it, this review describes the epidemiology of snake, scorpion, and spider envenomings primarily based on heterogenous hospital data in the MENA region and the pathologies associated with their venoms. In addition, we discuss the venom composition and the key medically relevant toxins of these venomous animals, and, finally, the antivenoms that are currently in use to counteract them. Unlike Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, scorpion stings are significantly more common (approximately 350,000 cases/year) than snakebites (approximately 70,000 cases/year) and present the most significant contributor to the overall health burden of envenomings, with spider bites being negligible. However, this review also indicates that there is a substantial lack of high-quality envenoming data available for the MENA region, rendering many of these estimates speculative. Our understanding of the venoms and the toxins they contain is also incomplete, but already presents clear trends. For instance, the majority of snake venoms contain snake venom metalloproteinases, while sodium channel-binding toxins and potassium channel-binding toxins are the scorpion toxins that cause most health-related challenges. There also currently exist a plethora of antivenoms, yet only few are clinically validated, and their high cost and limited availability present a substantial health challenge. Yet, some of the insights presented in this review might help direct future research and policy efforts toward the appropriate prioritization of efforts and aid the development of future therapeutic solutions, such as next-generation antivenoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy P Jenkins
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Shirin Ahmadi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Matyas A Bittenbinder
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Molecular and Life Sciences, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Trenton K Stewart
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Dilber E Akgun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Melissa Hale
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Nafiseh N Nasrabadi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Centre, Student Research Commitee, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Venomous Animals and Antivenom Production, Razi Vaccine, and Serum Research Institute, Karaj, Iran
| | - Darian S Wolff
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Freek J Vonk
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Molecular and Life Sciences, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Kool
- Amsterdam Institute for Molecular and Life Sciences, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Andreas H Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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Soltan-Alinejad P, Rafinejad J, Dabiri F, Onorati P, Terenius O, Chavshin AR. Molecular analysis of the mitochondrial markers COI, 12S rDNA and 16S rDNA for six species of Iranian scorpions. BMC Res Notes 2021; 14:40. [PMID: 33526064 PMCID: PMC7851938 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-021-05449-3] [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: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Annually, 1.2 million humans are stung by scorpions and severely affected by their venom. Some of the scorpion species of medical importance have a similar morphology to species with low toxicity. To establish diagnostic tools for surveying scorpions, the current study was conducted to generate three mitochondrial markers, Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI gene), 12S rDNA and 16S rDNA for six species of medically important Iranian scorpions: Androctonus crassicauda, Hottentotta saulcyi, Mesobuthus caucasicus, M. eupeus, Odontobuthus doriae, and Scorpio maurus. Results Phylogenetic analyses of the obtained sequences corroborated the morphological identification. For the first time, 12S rDNA sequences are reported from Androctonus crassicauda, Hottentotta saulcyi, Mesobuthus caucasicus and M. eupeus and also the 16S rDNA sequence from Hottentotta saulcyi. We conclude that the mitochondrial markers are useful for species determination among these medically important species of scorpions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Soltan-Alinejad
- Social Determinants of Health, Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.,Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Javad Rafinejad
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farrokh Dabiri
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Piero Onorati
- Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Olle Terenius
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ali Reza Chavshin
- Social Determinants of Health, Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran. .,Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
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Alqahtani AR, Badry A. Interspecific phylogenetic relationship among different species of the genus Buthacus (Scorpiones: Buthidae) inferred from 16S rRNA in Egypt and Saudi Arabia. ZOOLOGY IN THE MIDDLE EAST 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/09397140.2020.1742991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ahmed Badry
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Al Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
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Ward MJ, Ellsworth SA, Nystrom GS. A global accounting of medically significant scorpions: Epidemiology, major toxins, and comparative resources in harmless counterparts. Toxicon 2018; 151:137-155. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Ward MJ, Rokyta DR. Venom-gland transcriptomics and venom proteomics of the giant Florida blue centipede, Scolopendra viridis. Toxicon 2018; 152:121-136. [PMID: 30086358 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The limited number of centipede venom characterizations have revealed a rich diversity of toxins, and recent work has suggested centipede toxins may be more rapidly diversifying than previously considered. Additionally, many identified challenges in venomics research, including assembly and annotation methods, toxin quantification, and the ability to provide biological or technical replicates, have yet to be addressed in centipede venom characterizations. We performed high-throughput, quantifiable transcriptomic and proteomic methods on two individual Scolopendra viridis centipedes from North Florida. We identified 39 toxins that were proteomically confirmed, and 481 nontoxins that were expressed in the venom gland of S. viridis. The most abundant toxins expressed in the venom of S. viridis belonged to calcium and potassium ion-channel toxins, venom allergens, metalloproteases, and β-pore forming toxins. We compared our results to the previously characterized S. viridis from Morelos, Mexico, and found only five proteomically confirmed toxins in common to both localities, suggesting either extreme toxin divergence within S. viridis, or that these populations may represent entirely different species. By using multiple assembly and annotation methods, we generated a comprehensive and quantitative reference transcriptome and proteome of a Scolopendromorpha centipede species, while overcoming some of the challenges present in venomics research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micaiah J Ward
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Darin R Rokyta
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA.
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Bouimeja B, El Hidan MA, Touloun O, Ait Laaradia M, Ait Dra L, El Khoudri N, Chait A, Boumezzough A. Anti-scorpion venom activity of Thapsia garganica methanolic extract: Histopathological and biochemical evidences. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2018; 211:340-347. [PMID: 28993279 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2017.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Revised: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Thapsia garganica, is a herbal medicine traditionally used as diuretic, emetic and purgative. It is also used as anti-scorpion venom in Morocco; however, its protective effects against scorpion venom remain elusive. AIM OF THE STUDY The present study was undertaken to evaluate anti-venom activity of T. garganica in vivo through histological and biochemical studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS Methanolic leaves extract of T. garganica was evaluated for anti-venom activity against buthus. occitanus under in vivo conditions. Histopathological and biochemical changes in envenomed and treated mice were also examined. Phytochemical screening was conducted to estimate the major constituents whereas DPPH, β -Carotene-linoleic acid and reducing power assays were performed to evaluate the anti-oxidant activity of T. garganica extract. RESULTS Methanolic leaves extract of T. garganica (2g/kg) increased the survival time (> 18h) of mice injected with lethal doses of B. occitanus venom, with remarkable recovery of histology damage. Furthermore T. garganica induced a significant decreased of biochemical markers of kidney, liver and heart function. Phytochemistry screening revealed the presence of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins and steroids/terpenoids, which might explain the bioactivity of the extract. It was also shown that the extract has an exceptionally high antioxidant activity compared to well-known antioxidants used as standards. CONCLUSION The present study provides strong evidence that support the use of T. garganica as anti-scorpion venom in traditional medicine in Morocco. However, additional studies are required to isolate and identify the metabolites responsible for the activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Btissam Bouimeja
- Laboratory of Ecology and Environment, Department of Biology, PO Box 2390, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco.
| | - Moulay Abdelmonaim El Hidan
- Laboratory of Ecology and Environment, Department of Biology, PO Box 2390, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco.
| | - Oulaid Touloun
- Laboratory of Ecology and Environment, Department of Biology, PO Box 2390, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco; Polyvalent Laboratory of Research & Development LPVRD, Department of Biology, Polydisciplinary Faculty, University Sultan Moulay Slimane, Beni Mellal, Morocco.
| | - Mehdi Ait Laaradia
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Neurobiology and Behavior. Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia University Cadi Ayyad, Marrakesh, Morocco.
| | - Loubna Ait Dra
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Protection and Valorization of Plant Resources; Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Medicinal Plants Unit, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, POB 2390, 40000 Marrakech, Morocco.
| | | | - Abderrahman Chait
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Neurobiology and Behavior. Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia University Cadi Ayyad, Marrakesh, Morocco.
| | - Ali Boumezzough
- Laboratory of Ecology and Environment, Department of Biology, PO Box 2390, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco.
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Badry A, Younes M, Sarhan MMH, Saleh M. On the scorpion fauna of Egypt, with an identification key (Arachnida: Scorpiones). ZOOLOGY IN THE MIDDLE EAST 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/09397140.2017.1414976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Badry
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Cairo
| | - Mahmoud Younes
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Cairo
| | | | - Mostafa Saleh
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Cairo
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Sousa P, Arnedo MA, Harris DJ. Updated catalogue and taxonomic notes on the Old-World scorpion genus Buthus Leach, 1815 (Scorpiones, Buthidae). Zookeys 2017; 686:15-84. [PMID: 29200915 PMCID: PMC5672565 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.686.12206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the publication of the ground-breaking "Catalogue of the scorpions of the world (1758-1998)" (Fet et al. 2000) the number of species in the scorpion genus Buthus Leach, 1815 has increased 10-fold, and this genus is now the fourth largest within the Buthidae, with 52 valid named species. Here we revise and update the available information regarding Buthus. A new combination is proposed: Buthus halius (C. L. Koch, 1839), comb. n. from Portugal and Spain. B. halius is removed from junior synonymy with Buthus occitanus (Amoreux, 1789), and proposed as a senior synonym of B. ibericus Lourenço & Vachon, 2004, syn. n. Moreover, following I.C.Z.N. article 23.9.2 we propose to maintain as valid B. ibericus(nomen protectum) and to consider the disued B. halius as a nomen oblitum . Buthus europaeus tridentatus Franganillo, 1918 is proposed as a junior synonym of B. occitanus (Amoreux, 1789), syn. n.Buthus sabulicola Touloun, 2012 is proposed as a junior synonym of Buthus bonito Lourenço & Geniez, 2005, syn. n.Buthus occitanus tunetanus neeli Gysin, 1969 is proposed as an informal senior synonym of Buthus tassili Lourenço, 2002, informal syn. n. Two taxa are rised to species rank, Buthus nigrovesiculosus Hirst, 1925, stat. n. and Buthus parroti Vachon, 1949, stat. n.. We further confirm the restricted distribution of B. occitanus that is confined to southeastern France and northwestern Iberian Peninsula and does not occur in North Africa. Additionally, Androctonus barbouri (Werner, 1932), comb. n. from the Agadir region of Morocco, is hereby transferred to the genus Androctonus. We summarize and provide a critical appraisal of the diagnostic characters currently in use for the genus. The catalogue section considers the names for species, subspecies and varieties that have been used for Buthus scorpions. Information about types, including collection numbers and localities are included when available. Finally, an annotated listing of synonymies and an updated bibliography are given.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Sousa
- CIBIO Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, InBIO, Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, Vairão, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, and Biodiversity Research Institute (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miquel A. Arnedo
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, and Biodiversity Research Institute (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - D. James Harris
- CIBIO Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, InBIO, Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, Vairão, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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15
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Evolutionary History of the Morocco lizard-Fingered Geckos of the Saurodactylus brosseti Complex. Evol Biol 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s11692-017-9417-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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16
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Sadílek D, Nguyen P, Koç H, Kovařík F, Yağmur EA, Šťáhlavský F. Molecular cytogenetics ofAndroctonusscorpions: an oasis of calm in the turbulent karyotype evolution of the diverse family Buthidae. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/bij.12488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David Sadílek
- Department of Zoology; Faculty of Science; Charles University in Prague; Viničná 7 CZ-12844 Prague Czech Republic
| | - Petr Nguyen
- Institute of Entomology; Biology Centre ASCR; Branišovská 31 37005 České Budějovice Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science; University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice; Branišovská 1760 37005 České Budějovice Czech Republic
| | - Halіl Koç
- Biology Department; Science and Art Faculty; Sinop University; Sinop Turkey
| | - František Kovařík
- Department of Zoology; Faculty of Science; Charles University in Prague; Viničná 7 CZ-12844 Prague Czech Republic
| | - Ersen Aydin Yağmur
- Celal Bayar University; Alaşehir Vocational School; Alaşehir Manisa Turkey
| | - František Šťáhlavský
- Department of Zoology; Faculty of Science; Charles University in Prague; Viničná 7 CZ-12844 Prague Czech Republic
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