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Baradaran M, Salabi F. Genome-wide identification, structural homology analysis, and evolutionary diversification of the phospholipase D gene family in the venom gland of three scorpion species. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:730. [PMID: 38049721 PMCID: PMC10694872 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09851-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Venom phospholipase D (PLDs), dermonecrotic toxins like, are the major molecules in the crude venom of scorpions, which are mainly responsible for lethality and dermonecrotic lesions during scorpion envenoming. The purpose of this study was fivefold: First, to identify transcripts coding for venom PLDs by transcriptomic analysis of the venom glands from Androctonus crassicauda, Hottentotta saulcyi, and Hemiscorpius lepturus; second, to classify them by sequence similarity to known PLDs and motif extraction method; third, to characterize scorpion PLDs; fourth to structural homology analysis with known dermonecrotic toxins; and fifth to investigate phylogenetic relationships of the PLD proteins. RESULTS We found that the venom gland of scorpions encodes two PLD isoforms: PLD1 ScoTox-beta and PLD2 ScoTox-alpha I. Two highly conserved regions shared by all PLD1s beta are GAN and HPCDC (HX2PCDC), and the most important conserved regions shared by all PLD2s alpha are two copies of the HKDG (HxKx4Dx6G) motif. We found that PLD1 beta is a 31-43 kDa acidic protein containing signal sequences, and PLD2 alpha is a 128 kDa basic protein without known signal sequences. The gene structures of PLD1 beta and PLD2 alpha contain 6 and 21 exons, respectively. Significant structural homology and similarities were found between the modeled PLD1 ScoTox-beta and the crystal structure of dermonecrotic toxins from Loxosceles intermedia. CONCLUSIONS This is the first report on identifying PLDs from A. crassicauda and H. saulcyi venom glands. Our work provides valuable insights into the diversity of scorpion PLD genes and could be helpful in future studies on recombinant antivenoms production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoumeh Baradaran
- Toxicology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Salabi
- Department of Venomous Animals and Anti-Venom Production, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Ahvaz, Iran.
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Setayesh-Mehr Z, Ghasemi LV, Poorsargol M, Momeni R. Upregulation of GLUT4 Expression and Glucose Homeostasis by Synthetic Peptides HL-7 and HL-10 in in-vitro and in-vivo Diabetic Models. Int J Pept Res Ther 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-023-10507-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2023]
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Safari-Foroushani N, Modarressi MH, Pooshang Bagheri K, Behdani M, Shahbazzadeh D. Cellular Immunity in Mice Vaccinated with Recombinant Phospholipase D Toxoid of Hemiscorpius lepturus Scorpion. J Arthropod Borne Dis 2022; 16:1-12. [PMID: 36636239 PMCID: PMC9807843 DOI: 10.18502/jad.v16i1.11187] [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: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hemiscorpius lepturus is one of the most dangerous scorpions in Iran and the world. Numerous studies have been conducted on phospholipases, especially phospholipase D, in this scorpion's venom, and the results have shown this protein to be the main cause of death. Therefore, one of the most effective ways of preventing fatalities is to produce a toxoid vaccine from the deadly toxin of the venom. The present study was conducted to assess the non-toxicity of this toxoid and the safety of the vaccine candidate in BALB/c mice. Methods The production of interferon-gamma and interleukin-4 cytokines in the spleen cells of the mice was measured using ELISpot assay 28 days following immunization with rPLD toxoid. Results The unpaired t-test results showed a significant increase in the concentration of IFN-γ cytokine in the vaccinated mice (P= 0.001), indicating that the immune system is directed toward the Th1 pattern, while no significant difference was observed in the levels of IL-4 (P= 0.16) despite an increase in this cytokine. The in-vivo tests showed that the mice immunized with interval doses of 80µg of toxoid were completely protected against 10 × the LD100 of the venom. Moreover, the toxoid had no dermonecrotic effects and caused no necrotic and inflammatory complications in the rabbit skin. Conclusion As a vaccine, the toxoid has the potential to increase the Th1 cytokine response and, subsequently, increase acquired cellular immunity. Thus, this toxoid appears to be able to provide an effective vaccine against the venom of Hemiscorpius lepturus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kamran Pooshang Bagheri
- Venom and Bio therapeutics Molecules Lab, Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Behdani
- Venom and Bio therapeutics Molecules Lab, Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Delavar Shahbazzadeh
- Venom and Bio therapeutics Molecules Lab, Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran,Corresponding author: Dr Delavar Shahbazzadeh,
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Nikolaidou E, Makarona K, Fachouris Z, Stathi I, Papadopoulou S. Reconstruction of a massive defect of the neck after a scorpion sting: A case report. Trauma Case Rep 2022; 39:100624. [PMID: 35284614 PMCID: PMC8914559 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcr.2022.100624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cutaneous traumas from scorpion sting envenomation are rare in European countries. Regarding Greece, Euscorpius sicanus' complex is the most widespread scorpion species. The venom of these small dark brown arthropods, which shelter in woods, usually provokes local cutaneous symptoms: erythema, edema, cellulitis, urticarial plaques, ulcers and rarely skin necrosis. We present a case of a massive soft tissue defect of the neck due to a scorpion sting managed by a Plastic Surgery Department in Greece. Case report In March 2020, a 60 year-old lumberjack was referred to our Clinic due to a neck wound resulting from Euscorpius cf. sicanus sting. After multiple surgical debridements in combination with negative pressure wound therapy healthy tissue was achieved. Reconstruction followed using a 7cmX15cm vertical island trapezius musculocutaneous flap based on the dorsal scapular artery and rotated to cover the defect. The trapezius flap, donor site and graft healed well and resulted in satisfying contouring at the one–year follow–up. Conclusion This case report is the first presenting Plastic Surgery reconstructive techniques for a massive neck defect after a Euscorpius cf. sicanus scorpion sting. Major complications of such stings need to be managed drastically for the optimum patient's outcome.
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Bagheri-Ziari S, Shahbazzadeh D, Sardari S, Sabatier JM, Pooshang Bagheri K. Discovery of a New Analgesic Peptide, Leptucin, from the Iranian Scorpion, Hemiscorpius lepturus. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26092580. [PMID: 33925223 PMCID: PMC8124257 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26092580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hemiscorpius lepturus scorpion stings do not induce considerable pain based on epidemiological surveys conducted in the southwest part of Iran. Accordingly, this study was aimed to identify the analgesic molecule in H. lepturus venom by analyzing a cDNA library of the scorpion venom gland looking for sequences having homology with known animal venom analgesic peptides. The analgesic molecule is a cysteine rich peptide of 55 amino acids. the synthetic peptide was deprotected and refolded. RP-HPLC, Ellman's, and DLS assays confirmed the refolding accuracy. Circular dichroism (CD) showed helix and beta sheet contents. This peptide, called leptucin, demonstrated 95% analgesic activity at the dose of 0.48 mg/kg in hot plate assay. Leptucin at the doses of 0.32, 0.48, and 0.64 mg/kg showed 100% activity in thermal tail flick test. No hemolysis or cytotoxicity was observed at 8 and 16 µg. Histopathology evaluations indicated no hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and cardiotoxicity. We thus report that leptucin is the analgesic agent of H. lepturus venom. Regarding the high in vivo efficacy of leptucin and the fact it shows no observable toxicity, it could be suggested as a drug lead in a preclinical study of acute pain as well as the study of its mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sedigheh Bagheri-Ziari
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Laboratory, Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 1316943551, Iran; (S.B.-Z.); (D.S.)
| | - Delavar Shahbazzadeh
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Laboratory, Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 1316943551, Iran; (S.B.-Z.); (D.S.)
| | - Soroush Sardari
- Drug Design and Bioinformatics Unit, Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 1316943551, Iran;
| | - Jean-Marc Sabatier
- Institute of NeuroPhysiopathology (INP), Faculté de Pharmacie, Université d’Aix-Marseille, UMR 7051, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, CEDEX, 13385 Marseille, France;
| | - Kamran Pooshang Bagheri
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Laboratory, Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 1316943551, Iran; (S.B.-Z.); (D.S.)
- Correspondence:
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Ben Yekhlef R, Felicori L, Santos LH, F. B. Oliveira C, Fadhloun R, Torabi E, Shahbazzadeh D, Pooshang Bagheri K, Salgado Ferreira R, Borchani L. Antigenic and Substrate Preference Differences between Scorpion and Spider Dermonecrotic Toxins, a Comparative Investigation. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:E631. [PMID: 33019554 PMCID: PMC7601583 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12100631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hemiscorpius lepturus scorpion and brown spider Loxosceles intermedia represent a public health problem in Asia and America, respectively. Although distinct, these organisms contain similar toxins responsible for the principal clinical signs of envenomation. To better understand the properties of these toxins, we designed a study to compare recombinant Heminecrolysin (rHNC) and rLiD1, the major phospholipase D toxins of scorpion and spider venom, respectively. Using a competitive ELISA and a hemolytic inhibition test, we come to spot a cross reaction between scorpion and spider venoms along with an epitopic similarity between rHNC and rLiD1 associated with neutralizing antibodies. Results show that the ability of the rHNC to hydrolyze lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) is equivalent to that of rLiD1 to hydrolyze sphingomyelin and vice-versa. rHNC exclusively catalyze transphosphatidylation of LPC producing cyclic phosphatidic acid (cPA). The in-silico analysis of hydrogen bonds between LPC and toxins provides a possible explanation for the higher transphosphatidylase activity of rHNC. Interestingly, for the first time, we reveal that lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) can be a substrate for both enzymes using cellular and enzymatic assays. The finding of the usage of LPA as a substrate as well as the formation of cPA as an end product could shed more light on the molecular basis of Hemiscorpius lepturus envenomation as well as on loxoscelism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramla Ben Yekhlef
- Laboratoire des Venins et Biomolécules Thérapeutiques LR16IPT08, Université de Tunis El Manar, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (R.B.Y.); (R.F.)
| | - Liza Felicori
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universida de Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270-901, Brazil; (L.F.); (L.H.S.); (C.F.B.O.); (R.S.F.)
| | - Lucianna Helene Santos
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universida de Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270-901, Brazil; (L.F.); (L.H.S.); (C.F.B.O.); (R.S.F.)
| | - Camila F. B. Oliveira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universida de Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270-901, Brazil; (L.F.); (L.H.S.); (C.F.B.O.); (R.S.F.)
| | - Raoudha Fadhloun
- Laboratoire des Venins et Biomolécules Thérapeutiques LR16IPT08, Université de Tunis El Manar, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (R.B.Y.); (R.F.)
| | - Elham Torabi
- Venom and Biotherapeutic Molecules Lab., Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 13169-43551, Iran; (E.T.); (D.S.); (K.P.B.)
| | - Delavar Shahbazzadeh
- Venom and Biotherapeutic Molecules Lab., Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 13169-43551, Iran; (E.T.); (D.S.); (K.P.B.)
| | - Kamran Pooshang Bagheri
- Venom and Biotherapeutic Molecules Lab., Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 13169-43551, Iran; (E.T.); (D.S.); (K.P.B.)
| | - Rafaela Salgado Ferreira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universida de Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270-901, Brazil; (L.F.); (L.H.S.); (C.F.B.O.); (R.S.F.)
| | - Lamia Borchani
- Laboratoire des Venins et Biomolécules Thérapeutiques LR16IPT08, Université de Tunis El Manar, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (R.B.Y.); (R.F.)
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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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Soleimani Moez A, H. Sajedi R, Pooshang Bagheri K, Sabatier JM, Shahbazzadeh D. Novel Mutant Phospholipase D from Hemiscorpius lepturus Acts as A Highly Immunogen in BALB/c Mice Against the Lethality of Scorpion Venom. Molecules 2020; 25:E1673. [PMID: 32260428 PMCID: PMC7180795 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25071673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hemiscorpius lepturus (H. lepturus) which belongs to the Scorpionidae family, is the deadliest scorpion in Iran. It causes pathological manifestations like dermonecrosis, hemolysis, renal failure, necrotic ulcers, and in some cases, even death. The venom of this scorpion is well-known for its cytotoxic effects in comparison with the other venomous scorpions which show significant neurotoxic effects. Due to the painless nature of the sting of this scorpion, the clinical symptoms occur in victims 24 to 72 h post-sting. In our previous studies during the last decade, we demonstrated that the medical complications are attributable to the presence of phospholipase D (PLD) as a major toxin in the venom. With the purpose of designing and constructing a vaccine against H. lepturus for humans, animal model experiments were performed. To achieve this goal, non-toxic PLD was developed by mutation of two critical catalytic residues-His12 and His48-into alanines and the product was then denominated mut-rPLD1. The in-vivo tests showed that the mice immunized with interval doses of 10 µg of mut-rPLD1, were completely protected against 10× the LD100 of the venom. In conclusion, this mutant may be an effective vaccine candidate against scorpion envenomation by H. lepturus in future clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abouzar Soleimani Moez
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran P.O. Box 14115-111, Iran;
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab., Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran P.O. Box 13169-43351, Iran;
| | - Reza H. Sajedi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran P.O. Box 14115-111, Iran;
| | - Kamran Pooshang Bagheri
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab., Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran P.O. Box 13169-43351, Iran;
| | - Jean-Marc Sabatier
- Institute of Neuro Physiopathology (INP), Université d’Aix-Marseille, UMR 7051, Faculté de Pharmacie, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille Cedex, France;
| | - Delavar Shahbazzadeh
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab., Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran P.O. Box 13169-43351, Iran;
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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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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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Nanobodies as novel therapeutic agents in envenomation. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2018; 1862:2955-2965. [PMID: 30309831 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2018.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An effective therapy against envenoming should be a priority in view of the high number scorpion stings and snakebites. Serum therapy is still widely applied to treat the envenomation victims; however this approach suffers from several shortcomings. The employment of monoclonal antibodies might be an outcome as these molecules are at the core of a variety of applications from protein structure determination to cancer treatment. The progress of activities in the twilight zone between genetic and antibody engineering have led to the development of a unique class of antibody fragments. These molecules possess several benefits and lack many possible disadvantages over classical antibodies. Within recombinant antibody formats, nanobodies or single domain antigen binding fragments derived from heavy chain only antibodies in camelids occupy a privileged position. SCOPE OF REVIEW In this paper we will briefly review the common methods of envenomation treatment and focus on details of various in vivo research activities that investigate the performance of recombinant, monoclonal nanobodies in venom neutralization. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS Nanobodies bind to their cognate target with high specificity and affinity, they can be produced in large quantities from microbial expression systems and are very robust even when challenged with harsh environmental conditions. Upon administering, they rapidly distribute throughout the body and seem to be well tolerated in humans posing low immunogenicity. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Scorpion and snake envenomation is a major issue in developing countries and nanobodies as a venom-neutralizing agent can be considered as a valuable and promising candidate in envenomation therapy.
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Developing recombinant phospholipase D1 (rPLD1) toxoid from Iranian Hemiscorpius lepturus scorpion and its protective effects in BALB/c mice. Toxicon 2018; 152:30-36. [PMID: 29981815 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Hemiscorpius lepturus (H. lepturus) is one of the most dangerous scorpions and the most medically important scorpion in Iran. The clinical signs of H. lepturus envenomation, including dermonecrosis, hematuria, renal failure and early death, are attributed to phospholipase D activity. This study was conducted to develop a novel recombinant phospholipase D1 (rPLD1) toxoid and investigate its immunogenicity and protective effects against the lethality of H. lepturus venom. The lethal protein recombinant phospholipase D1 was expressed from PLD H. lepturus venom gland. The rPLD1 toxin was converted into toxoid (the first toxoid of H. lepturus PLD) with a 0.25% concentration of formalin and stored for ten days at room temperature. In the toxicity test, the lethal activity of recombinant phospholipase D1 was fully inhibited. When it reached up to 3 times higher than the maximal effective concentration of the purified toxin (11.1 μg), rPLD1 toxoid was used. The sphingomyelinase activity was inhibited when up to 5.4 times of the LD100 of the purified toxin (20 μg), toxoid was used. It was then used to produce an antibody in BALB/c as an antigen and the mice were then challenged with rPLD1 toxin and the whole venom. The immunogenicity of rPLD1 toxoid was evaluated and the maximum titer of the raised antibodies was determined by ELISA assay. The optimum titer for anti-rPLD1 toxoid sera was obtained at the third intraperitoneal injection of rPLD1 toxoid, and a high titer was reached at the fourth injection in the mice. This toxoid increased the amount of antibodies and produced a protective antiserum against the whole venom of H. lepturus and rPLD1 toxin. The in-vivo test results showed that the mice were completely resistant against 200 times the LD100 of recombinant phospholipase D1 and the whole venom of H. lepturus. To conclude, rPLD1 can be used in toxoid form as an immunogen in the production of a new generation of neutralizing antibodies against the lethality and toxicity of H. lepturus whole venom.
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Amorim FG, Cordeiro FA, Pinheiro-Júnior EL, Boldrini-França J, Arantes EC. Microbial production of toxins from the scorpion venom: properties and applications. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2018; 102:6319-6331. [PMID: 29858954 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-018-9122-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Revised: 05/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Scorpion venom are composed mainly of bioactive proteins and peptides that may serve as lead compounds for the design of biotechnological tools and therapeutic drugs. However, exploring the therapeutic potential of scorpion venom components is mainly impaired by the low yield of purified toxins from milked venom. Therefore, production of toxin-derived peptides and proteins by heterologous expression is the strategy of choice for research groups and pharmaceutical industry to overcome this limitation. Recombinant expression in microorganisms is often the first choice, since bacteria and yeast systems combine high level of recombinant protein expression, fast cell growth and multiplication and simple media requirement. Herein, we present a comprehensive revision, which describes the scorpion venom components that were produced in their recombinant forms using microbial systems. In addition, we highlight the pros and cons of performing the heterologous expression of these compounds, regarding the particularities of each microorganism and how these processes can affect the application of these venom components. The most used microbial system in the heterologous expression of scorpion venom components is Escherichia coli (85%), and among all the recombinant venom components produced, 69% were neurotoxins. This review may light up future researchers in the choice of the best expression system to produce scorpion venom components of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Gobbi Amorim
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. Do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-903, Brazil.
| | - Francielle Almeida Cordeiro
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. Do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Ernesto Lopes Pinheiro-Júnior
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. Do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Johara Boldrini-França
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. Do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Eliane Candiani Arantes
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. Do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-903, Brazil.
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Dehghani R, Kamiabi F, Mohammadi M. Scorpionism by Hemiscorpius spp. in Iran: a review. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2018; 24:8. [PMID: 29507581 PMCID: PMC5833132 DOI: 10.1186/s40409-018-0145-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpions are distributed throughout Iran and the genus Hemiscorpius is particularly important in this region. Hemiscorpius lepturus is the most significant species within the genus in the country. Since scorpionism provoked by Hemiscorpius comprises a medical emergency, the present study is focused on this important issue. In order to perform the present work, a review of the medical and health-related literature was carried out in several databases. The current findings indicate that six species of Hemiscorpius are found in 15 states of Iran, mainly in the south and southwest. Deaths caused by stings were reported only for two species. The morphological characteristics and geographical distribution of H. lepturus in Iran, its venom and the toxic compounds, epidemiologic data and clinical manifestations of envenomation as well as treatment for affected people are herein reviewed and described. H. lepturus venom toxicity differs from other Iranian scorpions regarding duration and severity. Scorpionism is an important public health problem in Iran, especially in southwest and south regions and in urban areas. It is more prevalent in children and young people. H. lepturus venom is primarily a cytotoxic agent and has hemolytic, nephrotoxic and to some extent hepatotoxic activity. The use of polyvalent antivenom to prevent scorpion sting symptoms is recommended. A well-planned health education program might be useful in preventing scorpionism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rouhullah Dehghani
- Social Determinants of Health (SDH) Research Center and Department of Environment Health, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Kamiabi
- Faculty of Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Malihe Mohammadi
- Social Determinants of Health (SDH) Research Center and Department of Environment Health, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
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