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Saoudi M, Badraoui R, Chira A, Saeed M, Bouali N, Elkahoui S, Alam JM, Kallel C, El Feki A. The Role of Allium subhirsutum L. in the Attenuation of Dermal Wounds by Modulating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Wistar Albino Rats. Molecules 2021; 26:4875. [PMID: 34443463 PMCID: PMC8398921 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26164875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In our study, Allium subhirsutum L. (AS) was investigated to assess its phenolic profile and bioactive molecules including flavonoids and organosulfur compounds. The antioxidant potential of AS and wound healing activity were addressed using skin wound healing and oxidative stress and inflammation marker estimation in rat models. Phytochemical and antiradical activities of AS extract (ASE) and oil (ASO) were studied. The rats were randomly assigned to four groups: group I served as a control and was treated with simple ointment base, group II was treated with ASE ointment, group III was treated with ASO ointment and group IV (reference group; Ref) was treated with a reference drug "Cytolcentella® cream". Phytochemical screening showed that total phenols (215 ± 3.5 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (172.4 ± 3.1 mg QE/g) were higher in the ASO than the ASE group. The results of the antioxidant properties showed that ASO exhibited the highest DPPH free radical scavenging potential (IC50 = 0.136 ± 0.07 mg/mL), FRAP test (IC50 = 0.013 ± 0.006 mg/mL), ABTS test (IC50 = 0.52 ± 0.03 mg/mL) and total antioxidant capacity (IC50 = 0.34 ± 0.06 mg/mL). In the wound healing study, topical application of ASO performed the fastest wound-repairing process estimated by a chromatic study, percentage wound closure, fibrinogen level and oxidative damage status, as compared to ASE, the Cytolcentella reference drug and the untreated rats. The use of AS extract and oil were also associated with the attenuation of oxidative stress damage in the wound-healing treated rats. Overall, the results provided that AS, particularly ASO, has a potential medicinal value to act as effective skin wound healing agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mongi Saoudi
- Animal Ecophysiology Laboratory, Sciences Faculty of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax 3054, Tunisia; (A.C.); (A.E.F.)
| | - Riadh Badraoui
- Laboratory of General Biology, Department of Biology, University of Ha’il, Ha’il 81451, Saudi Arabia; (M.S.); (N.B.); (S.E.); (J.M.A.)
- Section of Histology and Cytology, Medicine Faculty of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, La Rabta, Tunis 1007, Tunisia
| | - Ahlem Chira
- Animal Ecophysiology Laboratory, Sciences Faculty of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax 3054, Tunisia; (A.C.); (A.E.F.)
| | - Mohd Saeed
- Laboratory of General Biology, Department of Biology, University of Ha’il, Ha’il 81451, Saudi Arabia; (M.S.); (N.B.); (S.E.); (J.M.A.)
| | - Nouha Bouali
- Laboratory of General Biology, Department of Biology, University of Ha’il, Ha’il 81451, Saudi Arabia; (M.S.); (N.B.); (S.E.); (J.M.A.)
| | - Salem Elkahoui
- Laboratory of General Biology, Department of Biology, University of Ha’il, Ha’il 81451, Saudi Arabia; (M.S.); (N.B.); (S.E.); (J.M.A.)
| | - Jahoor M. Alam
- Laboratory of General Biology, Department of Biology, University of Ha’il, Ha’il 81451, Saudi Arabia; (M.S.); (N.B.); (S.E.); (J.M.A.)
| | - Choumous Kallel
- Hematology Laboratory, Hospital Habib Bourguiba, Sfax 3029, Tunisia;
| | - Abdelfattah El Feki
- Animal Ecophysiology Laboratory, Sciences Faculty of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax 3054, Tunisia; (A.C.); (A.E.F.)
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Bakır F, Ozkan O, Alcigir ME, Yagmur EA. The lethality, histological, haematological and biochemical alterations in mice envenomated with Aegaeobuthus nigrocinctus venom. Toxicon 2021; 200:118-126. [PMID: 34302854 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.07.010] [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: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
There is currently no data regarding the toxicity or the in vivo effects of the venom the Aegaeobuthus nigrocinctus species, since it has not been studied thus far according to the best of our knowledge. In the present study, and for the first time, the median lethal dose, the in vivo toxic effects, the histological changes in some of the vital organs were all determined as well as an assessment was made of the histological, biochemical and haematological changes which were caused by the venom injected in mice. The median lethal dose (LD50) of the scorpion venom for mice was found to be 0.38 mg/kg in terms of body weight. The results of the study show that the A. nigrocintus is a potentially lethal scorpion. The evidence related to the venom indicated that it could cause tissue injury in some vital organs. In conclusion, this scorpion venom could cause significant medical complications, and may lead to death, regarding at-risk patients. Therefore, health professionals should be aware of the various scorpion species in their regions and should follow current medical approaches concerning scorpion envenomation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatih Bakır
- Lokman Hekim University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biochemistry, 06100, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ozcan Ozkan
- Çankırı Karatekin University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, 18100, Çankırı, Turkey.
| | - Mehmet Eray Alcigir
- Kırıkkale University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ersen Aydın Yagmur
- Manisa Celal Bayar University Alasehir Vocational High School, 45600, Alasehir, Manisa, Turkey
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Demirel MA, Alcigir ME, Ozkan O, Turkmen MB. The effects of antivenom administrations on the brain tissue of experimentally envenomed pregnant rats and their pups with Androctonus crassicauda scorpion venom during organogenesis period. Toxicon 2021; 200:13-18. [PMID: 34214578 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.06.011] [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: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to show the changing effects of Androctonus crassicauda venom and A. crasicauda specific antivenom during pregnancy in brain tissue of dams and their pups. Totally, 12 pregnant-Wistar Albino rats were randomly divided into two groups as venom-antivenom administration (n = 6) and control groups (n = 6). In venom-antivenom administration group (VAV), the sublethal dose of A. crassicauda venom dissolved in 1 mL physiological saline solution was subcutaneously (s.c.) injected into pregnant rats during organogenesis period (between 7 and 13 days of pregnancy). Four hours after each venom injection, 1 mL/s.c. dose of the specific anti-venom was administered to rats of VAV group. The rats in control group were given sterile saline solution 1 mL/s.c. In both groups, the fetuses were surgically delivered on the 21st day of pregnancy; dams and pups were sacrificed on postnatal 21 days, and their brain tissues were removed. The brain tissue of dams and their pups were evaluated histopathologically and immunohistochemically. To show the neuronal damages, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHDG) and amyloid beta precursor protein (ABPP) immunoexpressions were scored in cerebrum, cerebellum, pons and medulla oblongata of brain. To show the neuroprotection, reelin and beta-arrestin immunoexpressions were scored again in the same way. In this context, 8-OHDG immunoexpressions were increased in neocortex, hippocampus and nucleus accumbens when compared with that of control group. Amyloid beta precursor protein was negative in both groups. Reelin and beta-arrestin partly increased in fore and mid brain of VAV group as a reaction against neuronal damages when compared with that of control pups. The authors believe that prompt intervention using anti-venom to scorpion envenomation can partly stop neuronal damages. This neuroprotection may be increased to high and serial doses of anti-venom to save neonatal lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murside Ayse Demirel
- Laboratory Animals Care and Research Unit, Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gazi University, 06330, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Mehmet Eray Alcigir
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kirikkale University, 71450, Kirikkale, Turkey
| | - Ozcan Ozkan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Cankiri Karatekin University, 18100, Çankırı, Turkey
| | - Merve Biskin Turkmen
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kirikkale University, 71450, Kirikkale, Turkey
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Romero-Imbachi MR, Cupitra N, Ángel K, González B, Estrada O, Calderón JC, Guerrero-Vargas J, Beltrán J, Narvaez-Sanchez R. Centruroides margaritatus scorpion complete venom exerts cardiovascular effects through alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2021; 240:108939. [PMID: 33166680 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2020.108939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Centruroides margaritatus scorpion stings are common in Colombia. However, the cardiovascular toxicity of the venom has not been clarified. AIM To study the effect and mechanisms of action of the complete venom of C. margaritatus (CmV) on the murine cardiovascular system. METHODS We evaluated the in vivo effect of CmV LD50 on the mean arterial pressure (MABP), heart rate, and surface electrocardiogram in male adult normotensive Wistar rats. Ex vivo, we evaluated the vascular reactivity of rat aortic rings to increasing concentrations (1 to 60 μg/mL) of CmV using the blockers L-NAME, indomethacin, seratrodast, and prazosin. RESULTS In the first hour of poisoning, CmV increased the MABP. In the second hour after poisoning, the heart rate decreased as the normalized PR interval and QT corrected increased. After that, cardiovascular shock was demonstrated by a drastic fall in the MABP and signs of cardiac conduction system block. In aortic rings, CmV caused a direct vasoconstrictor effect mediated by alpha-1 adrenergic receptors and counteracted by nitric oxide. CONCLUSION The direct vascular and probably the cardiac alpha-1 effects likely explain the transient hypertension and the maintenance of cardiac function, while interval lengthening may be due to K+ channel blockage. Afterwards, the effects of both the alpha-1 pathway and the K+ channel pathway converged, resulting in fatal cardiovascular shock. This knowledge could aid in understanding the dynamics of the effects of the venom and in designing treatments to address its cardiovascular effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarita Rosa Romero-Imbachi
- Physiology and Biochemistry Research Group-PHYSIS, Faculty of Medicine, University of Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia; Herpetological and Toxinological Research Group, Faculty of Natural, Exact and Educational Sciences, University of Cauca, Popayán, Colombia
| | - Nelson Cupitra
- Physiology and Biochemistry Research Group-PHYSIS, Faculty of Medicine, University of Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Karen Ángel
- Herpetological and Toxinological Research Group, Faculty of Natural, Exact and Educational Sciences, University of Cauca, Popayán, Colombia
| | - Beatriz González
- Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Center for Biophysics and Biochemistry, Venezuelan Institute for Scientific Research, Venezuela
| | - Omar Estrada
- Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Center for Biophysics and Biochemistry, Venezuelan Institute for Scientific Research, Venezuela
| | - Juan C Calderón
- Physiology and Biochemistry Research Group-PHYSIS, Faculty of Medicine, University of Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Jimmy Guerrero-Vargas
- Herpetological and Toxinological Research Group, Faculty of Natural, Exact and Educational Sciences, University of Cauca, Popayán, Colombia
| | - José Beltrán
- Herpetological and Toxinological Research Group, Faculty of Natural, Exact and Educational Sciences, University of Cauca, Popayán, Colombia
| | - Raul Narvaez-Sanchez
- Physiology and Biochemistry Research Group-PHYSIS, Faculty of Medicine, University of Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia.
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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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Dorce ALC, Martins ADN, Dorce VAC, Nencioni ALA. Perinatal effects of scorpion venoms: maternal and offspring development. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2017. [PMID: 28630618 PMCID: PMC5471709 DOI: 10.1186/s40409-017-0121-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpion envenomation is a public health problem, especially in tropical and subtropical countries. Considering the high incidence of scorpionism in some areas, pregnant women and nursing mothers may be possible victims. Scorpion stings alter the release of neurotransmitters and some cytokines. These mediators act as organizers and programmers in the adequate formation of the nerves, and non-physiological concentrations of them during the brain organization originate disorders and diseases that can appear later in the life of the individual. Despite the importance of this subject, there are only a few studies showing the effects of scorpion venom on maternal reproductive development, in the morphology and physical and behavioral development of offspring. The present review article summarizes the major findings on this issue. Biochemical changes in the blood – such as hyperglycemia, increase on the level of sodium and on the creatinine concentration – are observed after scorpion sting in humans and experimental animals. Some studies in the literature demonstrate that the scorpion venom affects the maternal reproductive development in humans and in experimental animals, increasing the frequency and amplitude of uterine contraction and the number of resorptions. The venom can also lead to some alterations in the embryonic or fetal development increasing the total weight of fetuses and of some organs. Moreover, it affects the general activity and locomotion during childhood and adulthood, and the anxiety level in adult females and males. It also alters the number of hippocampal neurons and interferes in the level of some cytokines. Altogether, it is evident that the venom, when administered during the pregnancy or lactation, affects the development of the offspring. Studies are being conducted to determine the actual participation of the venom in the development of the offspring, and to what extent they are detrimental to animal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Leticia Coronado Dorce
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Butantan Institute, Av. Dr. Vital Brasil, 1500, São Paulo, SP CEP 05503-900 Brazil
| | - Adriana do Nascimento Martins
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Butantan Institute, Av. Dr. Vital Brasil, 1500, São Paulo, SP CEP 05503-900 Brazil.,Graduate Program in Sciences - Toxinology, Butantan Institute, Av. Dr. Vital Brasil 1500, São Paulo, SP CEP 05503-900 Brazil
| | | | - Ana Leonor Abrahão Nencioni
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Butantan Institute, Av. Dr. Vital Brasil, 1500, São Paulo, SP CEP 05503-900 Brazil
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El Hidan MA, Touloun O, El Hiba O, Laadraoui J, Ferehan H, Boumezzough A. Peripheral and central effects of intracerebroventricular microinjection of Hottentotta gentili (Pallary, 1924) (Scorpiones, Buthidae) venom. Toxicon 2016; 111:22-30. [PMID: 26718260 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2015.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Revised: 12/09/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Central effects of scorpion venom toxins have been neglected, due both to the common belief that scorpion venoms act by targeting peripheral organs and also to the misunderstanding that these peptides do not cross the brain-blood barrier (BBB). Determining whether scorpion neurotoxicity is restricted to peripheral actions or whether a central mechanism may be partly responsible for systemic manifestations could be crucial in clinical therapy trends. The present study therefore aims to assess histopathological damages in some organs (heart, kidney, liver, and lungs) and the related biochemical impairments, together with a neurobehavioral investigation following an intracerebroventricular (i.c.v) micro-injection of Hottentotta gentili (Scorpiones, Buthidae) venom (0.47 μg/kg). I.c.v. injection of venom produced focal fragmentation of myocardial fibers, while lungs showed rupture of the alveolar structure. Concurrently, there was a significant rise in the serum enzymes levels of ASAT, ALAT, CPK and LDH. Meanwhile, we observed behavioral alterations such as a hypoactivity, and in addition the venom seems to have a marked anxiogenic-like effect. The present investigation has brought new experimental evidence of a peripheral impact of central administration of H. gentili venom, such impact was manifested by physiological and behavioral disturbances, the last of these appearing to reflect profound neuro-modulatory action of H. gentili venom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moulay Abdelmonaim El Hidan
- Laboratory of Ecology and Environment L2E, (URAC 32, CNRST, ERACNERS 06) Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, BP 2390-40080, Marrakesh, Morocco.
| | - Oulaid Touloun
- Laboratory of Ecology and Environment L2E, (URAC 32, CNRST, ERACNERS 06) Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, BP 2390-40080, Marrakesh, Morocco; Polyvalent Laboratory of Research & Development LPVRD, Department of Biology, Polydisciplinary Faculty, University Sultan Moulay Slimane, Beni Mellal, Morocco
| | - Omar El Hiba
- Neurosciences, Pharmacology and Environment Unit, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh, Morocco
| | - Jawad Laadraoui
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Neurobiology and Behavior, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh, Morocco
| | - Hind Ferehan
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Neurobiology and Behavior, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh, Morocco
| | - Ali Boumezzough
- Laboratory of Ecology and Environment L2E, (URAC 32, CNRST, ERACNERS 06) Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, BP 2390-40080, Marrakesh, Morocco.
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El Hidan MA, Touloun O, El Hiba O, Boumezzough A. Pathophysiological and neurobehavioral injuries in mice experimentally envenomed with Androctonus liouvillei (Pallary, 1928) scorpion venom. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 68:133-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.etp.2015.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2015] [Revised: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Behavioral, histopathological and biochemical impairments observed in mice envenomed by the scorpion: Hottentota gentili (Pallary, 1924). Toxicon 2015; 103:19-29. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2015.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Revised: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Dorce ALC, Dorce VA, Nencioni ALA. Mild reproductive effects of the Tityus bahiensis scorpion venom in rats. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2014; 20:4. [PMID: 24521392 PMCID: PMC3927621 DOI: 10.1186/1678-9199-20-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2013] [Accepted: 02/06/2014] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Scorpion envenoming is a public health problem in Brazil, where Tityus serrulatus and T. bahiensis are considered the most dangerous scorpions. They are well adapted to urbanized environments, and there is an increasing probability of human exposure to these venoms, including during pregnancy. Not much is known about the effects of prenatal exposure to the venom, and no information is available to aid in the rational treatment of victims stung during pregnancy. Thus, this study aimed to investigate whether venom from the scorpion T. bahiensis administered once to pregnant female rats at a dose that causes a moderate envenomation may lead to deleterious effects on the reproductive performance of the dams and on the development of their offspring. This is the first work demonstrating that T. bahiensis venom, when administered experimentally to rats, alters maternal reproductive performance and the morphological development of fetuses. The venom was given to dams on the 5th (GD5) or on the 10th (GD10) gestational day. After laparotomy, on GD21, fetuses and placentas were counted, weighed and externally analyzed. The corpora lutea were counted. The sex and vitality of fetuses were evaluated, and each litter was then randomly divided for visceral or skeletal analyses. Data were analyzed by ANOVA followed by the Tukey-Kramer test and Fisher’s exact test. The significance level for all tests was set at p < 0.05. Results GD5 group presented an increased number of pre-implantation losses. Weight gains in fetuses and placentas were observed in the GD5 and GD10 groups. Weights of the heart and lungs were elevated in GD5 and GD10 and liver weight in GD10. Conclusions Moderate envenomation by T. bahiensis scorpion venom alters maternal reproductive performance and fetal development. However, these are preliminary results whose causes should be investigated more carefully in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ana Leonor A Nencioni
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Butantan Institute, Avenue Dr, Vital Brasil, 1500, São Paulo, SP CEP 05503-900, Brazil.
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de Roodt AR, Coronas FI, Lago N, González ME, Laskowicz RD, Beltramino JC, Saavedra S, López RA, Reati GJ, Vucharchuk MG, Bazán E, Varni L, Salomón OD, Possani LD. General biochemical and immunological characterization of the venom from the scorpion Tityus trivittatus of Argentina. Toxicon 2010; 55:307-19. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2009.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2009] [Revised: 08/11/2009] [Accepted: 08/11/2009] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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