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Gunas V, Maievskyi O, Raksha N, Vovk T, Savchuk O, Shchypanskyi S, Gunas I. Study of the Acute Toxicity of Scorpion Leiurus macroctenus Venom in Rats. ScientificWorldJournal 2024; 2024:9746092. [PMID: 39050385 PMCID: PMC11268967 DOI: 10.1155/2024/9746092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The expansion of the territory of human habitation leads to inevitable interference in the natural range of distribution of one or another species of animals, some of which may be dangerous for human life. Scorpions-the Arachnida class and order Scorpiones-can be considered as such typical representatives. Scorpions of the Buthidae family pose a particular danger to humans. However, LD50 has not yet been defined for many species of this family, in particular, new representatives of the genus Leiurus. Leiurus macroctenus is a newly described species of scorpion distributed in Oman, and the toxicity of its venom is still unknown. Estimating the LD50 of the venom is the first and most important step in creating the antivenom and understanding the medical significance of the researched animal species. The purpose of this study was to determine the lethal dose (LD100), the maximum tolerated dose (LD0), and the average lethal dose (LD50) in rats when using Leiurus macroctenus scorpion venom. Methods and Results 15 sexually mature scorpions were used in the study, which were kept in the same conditions and milked by a common method (electric milking). For the study, 60 male rats were used, which were injected intramuscularly with 0.5 ml of venom solution with a gradual increase in the dose (5 groups, 10 rats in each), and 10 rats were injected intramuscularly with physiological solution as control group. LD calculations were done using probit analysis method in the modification of the method by V.B. Prozorovsky. The LD0 of Leiurus macroctenus scorpion venom under the conditions of intramuscular injection was 0.02 mg/kg, LD100 was 0.13 mg/kg, and LD50 was 0.08 ± 0.01 mg/kg. Conclusions The analysis of scientific publications and other sources of information gives reason to believe that Leiurus macroctenus has one of the highest values of LD50 not only among scorpions but also among all arthropods in the world. All these point to the significant clinical importance of this species of scorpion and require further research that will concern the toxic effect of its venom on various organ systems. Determining the LD50 of the venom for new scorpion species is crucial for creating effective antivenoms and understanding the medical implications of envenomation by this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valery Gunas
- Department of Forensic Medicine and LawNational Pirogov Memorial Medical University, Pyrohova Street, 56, Vinnytsia 21018, Ukraine
| | - Oleksandr Maievskyi
- Department of Clinical MedicineEducational and Scientific Center “Institute of Biology and Medicine” of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Hlushkova Avenue, 2, Kyiv 03127, Ukraine
| | - Nataliia Raksha
- Department of BiochemistryEducational and Scientific Center “Institute of Biology and Medicine” of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Hlushkova Avenue, 2, Kyiv 03127, Ukraine
| | - Tetiana Vovk
- Department of BiochemistryEducational and Scientific Center “Institute of Biology and Medicine” of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Hlushkova Avenue, 2, Kyiv 03127, Ukraine
| | - Oleksiy Savchuk
- Department of BiochemistryEducational and Scientific Center “Institute of Biology and Medicine” of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Hlushkova Avenue, 2, Kyiv 03127, Ukraine
| | - Serhii Shchypanskyi
- Department of BiochemistryEducational and Scientific Center “Institute of Biology and Medicine” of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Hlushkova Avenue, 2, Kyiv 03127, Ukraine
| | - Igor Gunas
- Department of Human AnatomyNational Pirogov Memorial Medical University, Pyrohova Street, 56, Vinnytsia 21018, Ukraine
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Venomics of the Scorpion Tityus ocelote (Scorpiones, Buthidae): Understanding Venom Evolution in the Subgenus Archaeotityus. Int J Pept Res Ther 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-022-10476-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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3
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García-Santibañez T, Rosenblueth M, Bolaños LM, Martínez-Romero J, Martínez-Romero E. The divergent genome of Scorpion Group 1 (SG1) intracellular bacterium from the venom glands of Vaejovis smithi (Scorpiones: Vaejovidae). Syst Appl Microbiol 2022; 45:126358. [PMID: 36174465 DOI: 10.1016/j.syapm.2022.126358] [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: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Scorpions were among the first animals on land around 430 million years ago. Like many arachnids, scorpions have evolved complex venoms used to paralyze their prey and for self-defense. Here we sequenced and analyzed the metagenomic DNA from venom glands from Vaejovis smithi scorpions. A metagenome-assembled genome (MAG) of 624,025 bp was obtained corresponding to the previously reported Scorpion Group 1 (SG1). The SG1 genome from venom glands had a low GC content (25.8%) characteristic of reduced genomes, many hypothetical genes and genes from the reported minimal set of bacterial genes. Phylogenomic reconstructions placed the uncultured SG1 distant from other reported bacteria constituting a taxonomic novelty. By PCR we detected SG1 in all tested venom glands from 30 independent individuals. Microscopically, we observed SG1 inside epithelial cells from the venom glands using FISH and its presence in scorpion embryos suggested that SG1 is transferred from mother to offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mónica Rosenblueth
- Centro de Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Luis M Bolaños
- Centro de Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mexico; School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Julio Martínez-Romero
- Centro de Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mexico
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Forde A, Jacobsen A, Dugon MM, Healy K. Scorpion Species with Smaller Body Sizes and Narrower Chelae Have the Highest Venom Potency. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:219. [PMID: 35324715 PMCID: PMC8951363 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14030219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Scorpionism is a global health concern, with an estimation of over one million annual envenomation cases. Despite this, little is known regarding the drivers of scorpion venom potency. One widely held view is that smaller scorpions with less-developed chelae possess the most potent venoms. While this perception is often used as a guide for medical intervention, it has yet to be tested in a formal comparative framework. Here, we use a phylogenetic comparative analysis of 36 scorpion species to test whether scorpion venom potency, as measured using LD50, is related to scorpion body size and morphology. We found a positive relationship between LD50 and scorpion total length, supporting the perception that smaller scorpions possess more potent venoms. We also found that, independent of body size, scorpion species with long narrow chelae have higher venom potencies compared to species with more robust chelae. These results not only support the general perception of scorpion morphology and potency, but also the presence of an ecology trade-off with scorpions either selected for well-developed chelae or more potent venoms. Testing the patterns of venom variations in scorpions aids both our ecological understanding and our ability to address the global health burden of scorpionism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alannah Forde
- Venom Systems & Proteomics Lab, School of Natural Sciences, Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland; (A.F.); (A.J.); (M.M.D.)
| | - Adam Jacobsen
- Venom Systems & Proteomics Lab, School of Natural Sciences, Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland; (A.F.); (A.J.); (M.M.D.)
| | - Michel M. Dugon
- Venom Systems & Proteomics Lab, School of Natural Sciences, Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland; (A.F.); (A.J.); (M.M.D.)
| | - Kevin Healy
- Macroecology Lab, School of Natural Sciences, Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
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Arroyave-Muñoz A, Meijden AVD, Estrada-Gómez S, García LF. Linking toxicity and predation in a venomous arthropod: the case of Tityus fuhrmanni (Scorpiones: Buthidae), a generalist predator scorpion. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2022; 28:e20210036. [PMID: 35082841 PMCID: PMC8747031 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2021-0036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Scorpions are arachnids that have a generalist diet, which use venom to
subdue their prey. The study of their trophic ecology and capture behavior
is still limited compared to other organisms, and aspects such as trophic
specialization in this group have been little explored. Methods: In order to determine the relationship between feeding behavior and venom
toxicity in the scorpion species Tityus fuhrmanni, 33
specimens were offered prey with different morphologies and defense
mechanisms: spiders, cockroaches and crickets. In each of the experiments we
recorded the following aspects: acceptance rate, immobilization time and the
number of capture attempts. The median lethal dose of T.
fuhrmanni venom against the three different types of prey was
also evaluated. Results: We found that this species does not have a marked difference in acceptance
for any of the evaluated prey, but the number of capture attempts of spiders
is higher when compared to the other types of prey. The immobilization time
is shorter in spiders compared to other prey and the LD50 was
higher for cockroaches. Conclusions: These results indicate that T. fuhrmanni is a scorpion with
a generalist diet, has a venom with a different potency among prey and is
capable of discriminating between prey types and employing distinct
strategies to subdue them.
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Simone Y, van der Meijden A. Armed stem to stinger: a review of the ecological roles of scorpion weapons. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2021; 27:e20210002. [PMID: 34527038 PMCID: PMC8425188 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2021-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpions possess two systems of weapons: the pincers (chelae) and the stinger (telson). These are placed on anatomically and developmentally well separated parts of the body, that is, the oral appendages and at the end of the body axis. The otherwise conserved body plan of scorpions varies most in the shape and relative dimensions of these two weapon systems, both across species and in some cases between the sexes. We review the literature on the ecological function of these two weapon systems in each of three contexts of usage: (i) predation, (ii) defense and (iii) sexual contests. In the latter context, we will also discuss their usage in mating. We first provide a comparative background for each of these contexts of usage by giving examples of other weapon systems from across the animal kingdom. Then, we discuss the pertinent aspects of the anatomy of the weapon systems, particularly those aspects relevant to their functioning in their ecological roles. The literature on the functioning and ecological role of both the chelae and the telson is discussed in detail, again organized by context of usage. Particular emphasis is given on the differences in morphology or usage between species or higher taxonomic groups, or between genders, as such cases are most insightful to understand the roles of each of the two distinct weapon systems of the scorpions and their evolutionary interactions. We aimed to synthesize the literature while minimizing conjecture, but also to point out gaps in the literature and potential future research opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Simone
- CIBIO Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, InBIO, Porto, Portugal
| | - Arie van der Meijden
- CIBIO Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, InBIO, Porto, Portugal
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7
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Estrada-Gómez S, Vargas-Muñoz LJ, Saldarriaga-Córdoba MM, van der Meijden A. MS/MS analysis of four scorpion venoms from Colombia: a descriptive approach. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2021; 27:e20200173. [PMID: 34290759 PMCID: PMC8277192 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2020-0173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Scorpions are widely known for the neurotoxic effects of their venoms, which contain peptides affecting ionic channels. Although Colombia is recognized for its scorpion diversity, only a few studies are available describing the venom content. Methods In this descriptive study, we analyzed the MS/MS sequence, electrophoretic and chromatographic profile linked to a bioinformatics analysis of the scorpions Chactas reticulatus (Chactidae), Opisthacanthus elatus (Hormuridae), Centruroides edwardsii (Buthidae) and Tityus asthenes (Buthidae) from Colombia. Results Each scorpion showed a specific electrophoretic and chromatographic profile. The electrophoretic profiles indicate the presence of high molecular mass compounds in all venoms, with a predominance of low molecular mass compounds in the Buthidae species. Chromatographic profiles showed a similar pattern as the electrophoretic profiles. From the MS/MS analysis of the chromatographic collected fractions, we obtained internal peptide sequences corresponding to proteins reported in scorpions from the respective family of the analyzed samples. Some of these proteins correspond to neurotoxins affecting ionic channels, antimicrobial peptides and metalloproteinase-like fragments. In the venom of Tityus asthenes, the MSn analysis allowed the detection of two toxins affecting sodium channels covering 50% and 84% of the sequence respectively, showing 100% sequence similarity. Two sequences from Tityus asthenes showed sequence similarity with a phospholipase from Opisthacanthus cayaporum indicating the presence of this type of toxin in this species for the first time. One sequence matching a hypothetical secreted protein from Hottentotta judaicus was found in three of the studied venoms. We found that this protein is common in the Buthidae family whereas it has been reported in other families - such as Scorpionidae - and may be part of the evolutionary puzzle of venoms in these arachnids. Conclusion Buthidae venoms from Colombia can be considered an important source of peptides similar to toxins affecting ionic channels. An interesting predicted antimicrobial peptide was detected in three of the analyzed venoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Estrada-Gómez
- Toxinology Research Group - Serpentarium, University of Antioquia (UdeA), Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia.,School of Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences, University of Antioquia (UdeA), Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
| | | | | | - Arie van der Meijden
- Research Center in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources (CIBIO), University of Porto, Vila do Conde, Portugal
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8
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Visser JH, Geerts S. Describing sexual dimorphism and fine scale spatial distributions in the Drab Thick-tail Scorpion, Parabuthus planicauda. AFRICAN ZOOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/15627020.2020.1796525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jacobus H Visser
- Department of Conservation and Marine Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sjirk Geerts
- Department of Conservation and Marine Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa
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9
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Furtado AA, Daniele-Silva A, Silva-Júnior AAD, Fernandes-Pedrosa MDF. Biology, venom composition, and scorpionism induced by brazilian scorpion Tityus stigmurus (Thorell, 1876) (Scorpiones: Buthidae): A mini-review. Toxicon 2020; 185:36-45. [PMID: 32585220 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Scorpionism is a serious public health problem in various regions of the world. In Brazil, a high number of accidents by scorpions have been reported. From 2014 to 2018, about 547,000 cases were recorded, resulting in 466 deaths. The scorpion Tityus stigmurus is the predominant species in the northeast of Brazil, being responsible for most scorpionism cases in this region. With the aid of the transcriptomic approach of the venom gland of this species, components as neurotoxins, antimicrobials, metal chelating peptides and hypotensins, have been identified and characterized in silico, showing different biologic activity in vitro. In addition, the neuronal, pancreatic, renal, and enzymatic effects have been demonstrated for the crude T. stigmurus venom. Therefore, the T. stigmurus scorpion venom constitutes a rich arsenal of bioactive molecules with high potential for therapeutic and biotechnological application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allanny Alves Furtado
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil.
| | - Alessandra Daniele-Silva
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil.
| | - Arnóbio Antônio da Silva-Júnior
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil.
| | - Matheus de Freitas Fernandes-Pedrosa
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil.
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10
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Niermann CN, Tate TG, Suto AL, Barajas R, White HA, Guswiler OD, Secor SM, Rowe AH, Rowe MP. Defensive Venoms: Is Pain Sufficient for Predator Deterrence? Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12040260. [PMID: 32316477 PMCID: PMC7232307 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12040260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain, though unpleasant, is adaptive in calling an animal’s attention to potential tissue damage. A long list of animals representing diverse taxa possess venom-mediated, pain-inducing bites or stings that work by co-opting the pain-sensing pathways of potential enemies. Typically, such venoms include toxins that cause tissue damage or disrupt neuronal activity, rendering painful stings honest indicators of harm. But could pain alone be sufficient for deterring a hungry predator? Some venomologists have argued “no”; predators, in the absence of injury, would “see through” the bluff of a painful but otherwise benign sting or bite. Because most algogenic venoms are also toxic (although not vice versa), it has been difficult to disentangle the relative contributions of each component to predator deterrence. Southern grasshopper mice (Onychomys torridus) are voracious predators of arthropods, feeding on a diversity of scorpion species whose stings vary in painfulness, including painful Arizona bark scorpions (Centruroides sculpturatus) and essentially painless stripe-tailed scorpions (Paravaejovis spinigerus). Moreover, southern grasshopper mice have evolved resistance to the lethal toxins in bark scorpion venom, rendering a sting from these scorpions painful but harmless. Results from a series of laboratory experiments demonstrate that painful stings matter. Grasshopper mice preferred to prey on stripe-tailed scorpions rather than bark scorpions when both species could sting; the preference disappeared when each species had their stingers blocked. A painful sting therefore appears necessary for a scorpion to deter a hungry grasshopper mouse, but it may not always be sufficient: after first attacking and consuming a painless stripe-tailed scorpion, many grasshopper mice went on to attack, kill, and eat a bark scorpion even when the scorpion was capable of stinging. Defensive venoms that result in tissue damage or neurological dysfunction may, thus, be required to condition greater aversion than venoms causing pain alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal N. Niermann
- Department of Biology, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX 77340, USA; (C.N.N.); (T.G.T.)
| | - Travis G. Tate
- Department of Biology, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX 77340, USA; (C.N.N.); (T.G.T.)
| | - Amber L. Suto
- Department of Integrative Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (A.L.S.); (O.D.G.)
| | - Rolando Barajas
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (R.B.); (H.A.W.)
| | - Hope A. White
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (R.B.); (H.A.W.)
| | - Olivia D. Guswiler
- Department of Integrative Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (A.L.S.); (O.D.G.)
| | - Stephen M. Secor
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA;
| | - Ashlee H. Rowe
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA;
| | - Matthew P. Rowe
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-405-325-6539
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González-Gómez JC, Valenzuela-Rojas JC, García LF, Franco Pérez LM, Guevara G, Buitrago S, Cubillos A, Van Der Meijden A. Sexual dimorphism in the biomechanical and toxicological performance in prey incapacitation of two morphologically distinct scorpion species (Chactas sp. and Centruroides sp.). Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blz146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Morphological differences between the sexes are a common feature in many groups of animals and can have important ecological implications for courtship, mating, access to prey and, in some cases, intersex niche partitioning. In this study, we evaluated the role of sexual dimorphism in the performance of the two structures that mediate the ability to access prey, the pinchers or chelae and the venomous stinger, in two species of scorpions with contrasting morphologies: Chactas sp., which has marked sexual dimorphism in the chelae, and Centruroides sp., which does not have such marked dimorphism in the chelae. We evaluated aspects such as chela pinch force, toxicity to prey (LD50) and the volume of venom in males and females of each species. We found significant differences between males and females of Chactas sp. in the chela pinch force, volume of venom and LD50. In contrast, for Centruroides sp., no differences between males and females were found in any of these traits. We discuss several potential selective regimes that could account for the pattern observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio César González-Gómez
- Grupo de investigación Biología y Ecología de Artrópodos (BEA), Corporación Huiltur, Neiva, Huila y Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad del Tolima, Altos de Santa Helena, Ibagué, Tolima, Colombia
| | - Juan Carlos Valenzuela-Rojas
- Grupo de investigación Biología y Ecología de Artrópodos (BEA), Corporación Huiltur, Neiva, Huila y Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad del Tolima, Altos de Santa Helena, Ibagué, Tolima, Colombia
| | - Luis Fernando García
- Grupo de investigación Biología y Ecología de Artrópodos (BEA), Corporación Huiltur, Neiva, Huila y Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad del Tolima, Altos de Santa Helena, Ibagué, Tolima, Colombia
- Grupo Multidisciplinario en Ecología para la Agricultura, Centro Universitario Regional del Este, Universidad de la República, Simón del Pino, 1132 Treinta y Tres, Uruguay
| | - Lida Marcela Franco Pérez
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Matemáticas, Universidad de Ibagué, Carrera 22 Calle 67, Ibagué, Colombia
| | - Giovany Guevara
- Grupo de Investigación en Zoología (GIZ), Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad del Tolima, Altos de Santa Helena, Ibagué, Tolima, Colombia
| | - Sandra Buitrago
- Grupo de investigación Biología y Ecología de Artrópodos (BEA), Corporación Huiltur, Neiva, Huila y Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad del Tolima, Altos de Santa Helena, Ibagué, Tolima, Colombia
| | - Allison Cubillos
- Grupo de investigación Biología y Ecología de Artrópodos (BEA), Corporación Huiltur, Neiva, Huila y Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad del Tolima, Altos de Santa Helena, Ibagué, Tolima, Colombia
| | - Arie Van Der Meijden
- Grupo de investigación Biología y Ecología de Artrópodos (BEA), Corporación Huiltur, Neiva, Huila y Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad del Tolima, Altos de Santa Helena, Ibagué, Tolima, Colombia
- CIBIO-InBIO, Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando Quintas 7, 4485-661 Vairão, Vila do Conde, Portugal
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12
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Evans ERJ, Northfield TD, Daly NL, Wilson DT. Venom Costs and Optimization in Scorpions. Front Ecol Evol 2019. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2019.00196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
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13
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Rojas-Azofeifa D, Sasa M, Lomonte B, Diego-García E, Ortiz N, Bonilla F, Murillo R, Tytgat J, Díaz C. Biochemical characterization of the venom of Central American scorpion Didymocentrus krausi Francke, 1978 (Diplocentridae) and its toxic effects in vivo and in vitro. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2019; 217:54-67. [PMID: 30517877 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2018.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Venoms of medically important scorpions from Buthidae family have been intensively studied, in contrast to non-buthid venoms, for which knowledge is scarce. In this work, we characterized the venom of a Diplocentridae species, Didymocentrus krausi, a small fossorial scorpion that inhabits the Tropical Dry Forest of Central America. D. krausi venom soluble fraction contains proteases with enzymatic activity on gelatin and casein. Mass spectrometry and venomic analysis confirmed the presence of elastase-like, cathepsin-O-like proteases and a neprilysin-like metalloproteinase. We did not detect phospholipase A2, C or D, nor hyaluronidase activity in the venom. By homology-based venom gland transcriptomic analysis, NDBPs, a β-KTx-like peptide, and other putative toxin transcripts were found, which, together with a p-benzoquinone compound present in the venom, could potentially explain its direct hemolytic and cytotoxic effects in several mammalian cell lines. Cytotoxicity of D. krausi venom was higher than the effect of venoms from two buthid scorpion species distributed in Costa Rica, Centruroides edwardsii and Tityus pachyurus. Even though D. krausi venom was not lethal to mice or crickets, when injected in mouse gastrocnemius muscle at high doses it induced pathological effects at 24 h, which include myonecrosis, weak hemorrhage, and inflammatory infiltration. We observed an apparent thrombotic effect in the skin blood vessels, but no in vitro fibrinogenolytic activity was detected. In crickets, D. krausi venom induced toxicity and paralysis in short periods of time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Rojas-Azofeifa
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica; Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Mahmood Sasa
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica; Escuela de Biología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Elia Diego-García
- Cátedras CONACYT-El Colegio de la Frontera Sur (ECOSUR), Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico; Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Leuven, Belgium
| | - Natalia Ortiz
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica; Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Fabián Bonilla
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Renato Murillo
- Centro de Investigaciones en Productos Naturales, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Leuven, Belgium
| | - Cecilia Díaz
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica; Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.
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Martin-Eauclaire MF, Adi-Bessalem S, Hammoudi-Triki D, Laraba-Djebari F, Bougis PE. Serotherapy against Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel-Targeting αToxins from Androctonus Scorpion Venom. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11020063. [PMID: 30678116 PMCID: PMC6410273 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11020063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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: 11/23/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Because of their venom lethality towards mammals, scorpions of the Androctonus genus are considered a critical threat to human health in North Africa. Several decades of exploration have led to a comprehensive inventory of their venom components at chemical, pharmacological, and immunological levels. Typically, these venoms contain selective and high affinity ligands for the voltage-gated sodium (Nav) and potassium (Kv) channels that dictate cellular excitability. In the well-studied Androctonus australis and Androctonus mauretanicus venoms, almost all the lethality in mammals is due to the so-called α-toxins. These peptides commonly delay the fast inactivation process of Nav channels, which leads to increased sodium entry and a subsequent cell membrane depolarization. Markedly, their neutralization by specific antisera has been shown to completely inhibit the venom’s lethal activity, because they are not only the most abundant venom peptide but also the most fatal. However, the structural and antigenic polymorphisms in the α-toxin family pose challenges to the design of efficient serotherapies. In this review, we discuss past and present accomplishments to improve serotherapy against Androctonus scorpion stings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sonia Adi-Bessalem
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, USTHB, BP 32, El-Alia Bab Ezzouar, 16111 Algiers, Algeria.
| | - Djelila Hammoudi-Triki
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, USTHB, BP 32, El-Alia Bab Ezzouar, 16111 Algiers, Algeria.
| | - Fatima Laraba-Djebari
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, USTHB, BP 32, El-Alia Bab Ezzouar, 16111 Algiers, Algeria.
| | - Pierre E Bougis
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, CNRS, Aix Marseille Univ, UMR 7291, 13003 Marseille, France.
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15
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Ombati R, Luo L, Yang S, Lai R. Centipede envenomation: Clinical importance and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Toxicon 2018; 154:60-68. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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16
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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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17
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Simone Y, van Der Meijden A. Fast and fine versus strong and stout: a trade-off between chela closing force and speed across nine scorpion species. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blx139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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