Role of serotonergic mechanism in gastric contractions induced by Indian Red Scorpion (Mesobuthus tamulus) venom

Indolealkylamines in the venom of the scorpion Thorellius intrepidus

Scorpions are a group of arthropods that strike fear in many people due to their severe medical symptoms, even death, caused by their venomous stings. Even so, not all scorpion species contain harmful venoms against humans but still have valuable bioactive molecules, which could be used in developing new pharmaceutical leads for treating important diseases. This work conducted a comprehensive analysis of the venom from the scorpion Thorellius intrepidus. The venom of T. intrepidus was separated by size exclusion chromatography, and four main fractions were obtained. Fraction IV (FIV) contained small molecules representing over 90% of the total absorbance at 280 nm. Analysis of fraction FIV by RP-HPLC indicated the presence of three main molecules (FIV.1, FIV.2, and FIV.3) with similar UV absorbance spectra profiles. The molecular masses of FIV.1, FIV.2, and FIV.3 were determined, resulting in 175.99, 190.07, and 218.16 Da, respectively. Further confirmation through 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR analyses revealed that these molecules were serotonin, N-methylserotonin, and bufotenidine. These intriguing compounds are speculated to play a pivotal role in self-defense and increasing venom toxicity and could also offer promising biotechnological applications as small bioactive molecules.

Bioactive peptides from scorpion venoms: therapeutic scaffolds and pharmacological tools

Evolution and natural selection have endowed animal venoms, including scorpion venoms, with a wide range of pharmacological properties. Consequently, scorpions, their venoms, and/or their body parts have been used since time immemorial in traditional medicines, especially in Africa and Asia. With respect to their pharmacological potential, bioactive peptides from scorpion venoms have become an important source of scientific research. With the rapid increase in the characterization of various components from scorpion venoms, a large number of peptides are identified with an aim of combating a myriad of emerging global health problems. Moreover, some scorpion venom-derived peptides have been established as potential scaffolds helpful for drug development. In this review, we summarize the promising scorpion venoms-derived peptides as drug candidates. Accordingly, we highlight the data and knowledge needed for continuous characterization and development of additional natural peptides from scorpion venoms, as potential drugs that can treat related diseases.

Scorpion Venom: Detriments and Benefits

Scorpion venom may cause severe medical complications and untimely death if injected into the human body. Neurotoxins are the main components of scorpion venom that are known to be responsible for the pathological manifestations of envenoming. Besides neurotoxins, a wide range of other bioactive molecules can be found in scorpion venoms. Advances in separation, characterization, and biotechnological approaches have enabled not only the development of more effective treatments against scorpion envenomings, but have also led to the discovery of several scorpion venom peptides with interesting therapeutic properties. Thus, scorpion venom may not only be a medical threat to human health, but could prove to be a valuable source of bioactive molecules that may serve as leads for the development of new therapies against current and emerging diseases. This review presents both the detrimental and beneficial properties of scorpion venom toxins and discusses the newest advances within the development of novel therapies against scorpion envenoming and the therapeutic perspectives for scorpion toxins in drug discovery.

Toxicological and epidemiological studies of scorpion sting cases and morphological characterization of scorpions (Leiurusquin questriatus and Androctonus crassicauda) in Luxor, Egypt

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Scorpion sting is still a threatening heath problem in developing countries as Egypt.

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Scorpion stings are common among children.

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Local reactions to scorpion stings were; pain at sting site was most frequent followed by redness and swelling.

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Systemic manifestations of were vomiting, headache, disturbed conscious level and abnormalities in ECG. Cardiac dysrhythmia was the main cause of death.

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Manifestations due to Leiurus quinquestriatus envenamation are more severe than that due to Androctonus crassicauda, while latent onset of manifestations in Androctonus crassicauda cases responsible for bad prognosis and high mortality.

Background and aim

Scorpion envenomation is a common acute life threatening health problem in developing countries as Egypt. Scorpion venom is a complex structure composed of neurotoxic proteins, salts, acidic proteins, and organic compounds, thereby having of neurologic, cardiovascular, hematologic, and renal side effects, in addition to local effects such as redness, pain, burning, and swelling.

Aims

The study consisted of two parts to describe demographic characteristics, toxicological manifestations of scorpion sting cases in Luxor, Egypt and morphological characterization of the commonest scorpion species in the studied community for easy rapid identification of scorpion species by doctors from the patient history to provide better choices of management

Materials & methods

First part of the study include all cases of scorpion envenomation attending General Hospital of Esna, Luxor, Egypt during the period of scorpion activity 2017, demographic data was collected then cases were assessed for clinical manifestations, ECG, complications and deaths related to scorpion species. Second part: scorpions were collected from areas around patient housing for morphological description of their sense organs and venom apparatus by Scanning Electron Microscopy.

Results

A total of 110 cases of scorpion stings were reviewed, males 81 (72.9%) and females 30 (27.1%), with a mean age of 31.9 ± 17.9 years. Localized pain was the most frequent presenting complaint (89 80.2%), vomiting was the commonest clinical symptom (90.9%). All scorpion stings were due to the most endemic species in North Africa, Leiurusquinquestriatus & Androctonuscrassicauda. Death rate among cases was (5.5%) all were Abroug’s Grade III. Cardiac dysrhythmia and subsequent pulmonary edema were the commonest cause of death. Clinical manifestations were more sever in Leiurus quinquestriatus stings while death rate was more in Androctonus crassicauda stings. The morphological characterization of the sense organs (eyes, pedipalps, pectines& sensory setae) and venom apparatus of the scorpions L. quinquestriatus & A. crassicauda were described by Scanning Electron Microscopy.

Conclusion

Scorpion sting is an acute heath threating in Southern Egypt, Leiurus quinquestriatus & Androctonus crassicauda are most endemic scorpion species in Southern Egypt. More attention for scorpion envenomation in such subtropical hyper desert localities is required to eradicate toxic scorpion species and prevent possible causes of deaths.