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Benazzouz SM, Benlouahmia N, Bouhadida K, Benlamara M, Arezki N, Sadeddine OEK, Issad M, Attal N, Mansouri K, Derrar F, Djidjik R. Evaluation of the immunoprotective power of a multiple antigenic peptide against Aah II toxin of Androctonus australis hector scorpion. Vaccine X 2024; 19:100503. [PMID: 38868522 PMCID: PMC11167365 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvacx.2024.100503] [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: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Scorpion envenoming (SE) is a public health problem in developing countries. In Algeria, the population exposed to the risk of SE was estimated at 86.45% in 2019. Thus, the development of a vaccine to protect the exposed population against scorpion toxins would be a major advance in the fight against this disease. This work aimed to evaluate the immunoprotective effect of a Multiple Antigenic Peptide against the Aah II toxin of Androctonus australis hector scorpion, the most dangerous scorpion species in Algeria. The immunogen MAP1Aah2 was designed and tested accordingly. This molecule contains a B epitope, derived from Aah II toxin, linked by a spacer to a universal T epitope, derived from the tetanus toxin. The results showed that MAP1Aah2 was non-toxic despite the fact that its sequence was derived from Aah II toxin. The immunoenzymatic assay revealed that the 3 immunization regimens tested generated specific anti-MAP1Aah2 antibodies and cross-reacted with the toxin. Mice immunized with this immunogen were partially protected against mortality caused by challenge doses of 2 and 3 LD50 of the toxin. The survival rate and developed symptoms varied depending on the adjuvant and the challenge dose used. In the in vitro neutralization test, the immune sera of mice having received the immunogen with incomplete Freund's adjuvant neutralized a challenge dose of 2 LD50. Hence, the concept of using peptide dendrimers, based on linear epitopes of scorpion toxins, as immunogens against the parent toxin was established. However, the protective properties of the tested immunogen require further optimizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safouane M. Benazzouz
- Laboratoire de Pharmacologie, Faculté de Pharmacie d’Alger, Université d’Alger 1. 8 Rue du Lieutenant Mohamed Benarfa, El Biar, Alger 16000, Algeria
- Laboratoire des Sérums Thérapeutiques, Département des Produits Biologiques Humains, Direction de la Production, Institut Pasteur d’Algérie. Rue du Petit Staoueli, Dely Ibrahim, Alger 16320, Algeria
| | - Nesrine Benlouahmia
- Laboratoire des Sérums Thérapeutiques, Département des Produits Biologiques Humains, Direction de la Production, Institut Pasteur d’Algérie. Rue du Petit Staoueli, Dely Ibrahim, Alger 16320, Algeria
| | - Karima Bouhadida
- Laboratoire des Sérums Thérapeutiques, Département des Produits Biologiques Humains, Direction de la Production, Institut Pasteur d’Algérie. Rue du Petit Staoueli, Dely Ibrahim, Alger 16320, Algeria
| | - Meriem Benlamara
- Laboratoire des Sérums Thérapeutiques, Département des Produits Biologiques Humains, Direction de la Production, Institut Pasteur d’Algérie. Rue du Petit Staoueli, Dely Ibrahim, Alger 16320, Algeria
| | - Naziha Arezki
- Laboratoire des Sérums Thérapeutiques, Département des Produits Biologiques Humains, Direction de la Production, Institut Pasteur d’Algérie. Rue du Petit Staoueli, Dely Ibrahim, Alger 16320, Algeria
| | - Oum El Kheir Sadeddine
- Laboratoire des Sérums Thérapeutiques, Département des Produits Biologiques Humains, Direction de la Production, Institut Pasteur d’Algérie. Rue du Petit Staoueli, Dely Ibrahim, Alger 16320, Algeria
| | - Mourad Issad
- Laboratoire des Vaccins Viraux Humains, Département des Produits Biologiques Humains, Direction de la Production, Institut Pasteur d’Algérie, Rue du Petit Staoueli, Dely Ibrahim, Alger 16320, Algeria
| | - Nabila Attal
- Laboratoire d’Immunologie, Faculté de Pharmacie d’Alger, Université d’Alger 1. 8 Rue du Lieutenant Mohamed Benarfa, El Biar, Alger 16000, Algeria
- Département d’Immunologie, Direction des Laboratoires, de la Recherche et du Développement, Institut Pasteur d’Algérie, Rue du Petit Staoueli, Dely Ibrahim, Alger 16320, Algeria
| | - Kamel Mansouri
- Laboratoire de Pharmacologie, Faculté de Pharmacie d’Alger, Université d’Alger 1. 8 Rue du Lieutenant Mohamed Benarfa, El Biar, Alger 16000, Algeria
| | - Fawzi Derrar
- Laboratoire de la Grippe et autres Virus Respiratoires, Département de Virologie, Direction des Laboratoires, de la Recherche et du Développement, Institut Pasteur d’Algérie. Rue du Petit Staoueli, Dely Ibrahim, Alger 16320, Algeria
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine d’Alger, Université d’Alger 1. 8 Rue du Lieutenant Mohamed Benarfa, El Biar, Alger 16000, Algeria
| | - Reda Djidjik
- Laboratoire d’Immunologie, Faculté de Pharmacie d’Alger, Université d’Alger 1. 8 Rue du Lieutenant Mohamed Benarfa, El Biar, Alger 16000, Algeria
- Laboratoire d’Immunologie Médicale, CHU Issaad Hassani, Rue Ibrahim Hadjeras, Beni Messous, Alger 16206, Algeria
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Olivares-Hernández R, Riaño-Umbarila L, Becerril B, Alagón A, Vázquez-López H. Pharmacokinetic evaluation of a single chain antibody fragment against scorpion toxins in sheep. Toxicon 2024; 242:107691. [PMID: 38522587 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.107691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
A key aspect during the development of antivenoms is the evaluation of the efficiency and security of the therapeutic molecules. In this work, we report the pharmacokinetic analysis of a neutralizing single chain antibody fragment named LR (scFv LR) where three sheep were used as a large animal model. The animals were injected through i.v. route with 2 mg of scFv LR. Blood samples were drawn every minute within the first 15 min, the sampling continues at 20, 25, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120 min, subsequently at 1-h intervals, 3, 4, 5, 6 h, two more samples at 9 and 12 h and, two more samples at 24 and 48 h and finally at one-day intervals during 4 days. scFv LR levels were measured from blood serum and urine samples by an ELISA. The pharmacokinetics of the experimental data was analyzed using the three-exponential kinetics. The value of the fast initial component (τ1=0.409±0.258min) indicated that the scFv is distributed rapidly into the tissues. The mean residence time, MRT, was 45 ± 0.51 min and the clearance (CL), 114.3 ± 14.3 mL/min. From urine samples it was possible to detect significant amounts of scFv LR, which is evidence of renal elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Olivares-Hernández
- Departamento de Procesos y Tecnología, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Cuajimalpa, Cuajimalpa de Morelos, Ciudad de México, 05348, Mexico
| | - Lidia Riaño-Umbarila
- Investigadora por México, CONAHCYT. Instituto de Biotecnología-Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico; Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología-Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Avenida Universidad 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62210, Mexico
| | - Baltazar Becerril
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología-Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Avenida Universidad 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62210, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Alagón
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología-Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Avenida Universidad 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62210, Mexico
| | - Hilda Vázquez-López
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología-Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Avenida Universidad 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62210, Mexico.
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da Silva Freitas L, de Moura FR, Buffarini R, Feás X, da Silva Júnior FMR. The relationship and consequences of venomous animal encounters in the context of climate change. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2024; 20:589-591. [PMID: 38639422 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Fernando R de Moura
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande-FURG, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Romina Buffarini
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande-FURG, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Xesús Feás
- Academy of Veterinary Sciences of Galicia, Edificio EGAP, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Flavio M R da Silva Júnior
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande-FURG, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- IEAM Editorial Board Member
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Hernández-Muñoz EA, Zavala-Sánchez EV. Scorpion sting envenomation: should it be considered a neglected tropical disease? Int J Epidemiol 2024; 53:dyae070. [PMID: 38757194 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyae070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Alfonso Hernández-Muñoz
- Unit of Epidemiological Surveillance, Family Medicine Unit N° 53, Mexican Institute of Social Security, Zapopan, Jalisco, México
- University Center of Health Sciences (CUCS), University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, México
- Villa Unión Hospital N°16, Mexican Institute of Social Security, Villa Unión, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, México
| | - Eugenio Vladimir Zavala-Sánchez
- Unit of Epidemiological Surveillance, Family Medicine Unit N° 53, Mexican Institute of Social Security, Zapopan, Jalisco, México
- University Center of Health Sciences (CUCS), University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, México
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Martinez PA, Teixeira IBDF, Siqueira-Silva T, da Silva FFB, Lima LAG, Chaves-Silveira J, Olalla-Tárraga MÅ, Gutiérrez JM, Amado TF. Climate change-related distributional range shifts of venomous snakes: a predictive modelling study of effects on public health and biodiversity. Lancet Planet Health 2024; 8:e163-e171. [PMID: 38453382 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(24)00005-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Climate change is expected to have profound effects on the distribution of venomous snake species, including reductions in biodiversity and changes in patterns of envenomation of humans and domestic animals. We estimated the effect of future climate change on the distribution of venomous snake species and potential knock-on effects on biodiversity and public health. METHODS We built species distribution models based on the geographical distribution of 209 medically relevant venomous snake species (WHO categories 1 and 2) and present climatic variables, and used these models to project the potential distribution of species in 2070. We incorporated different future climatic scenarios into the model, which we used to estimate the loss and gain of areas potentially suitable for each species. We also assessed which countries were likely to gain new species in the future as a result of species crossing national borders. We integrated the species distribution models with different socioeconomic scenarios to estimate which countries would become more vulnerable to snakebites in 2070. FINDINGS Our results suggest that substantial losses of potentially suitable areas for the survival of most venomous snake species will occur by 2070. However, some species of high risk to public health could gain climatically suitable areas for habitation. Countries such as Niger, Namibia, China, Nepal, and Myanmar could potentially gain several venomous snake species from neighbouring countries. Furthermore, the combination of an increase in climatically suitable areas and socioeconomic factors (including low-income and high rural populations) means that southeast Asia and Africa (and countries including Uganda, Kenya, Bangladesh, India, and Thailand in particular) could have increased vulnerability to snakebites in the future, with potential effects on public human and veterinary health. INTERPRETATION Loss of venomous snake biodiversity in low-income countries will affect ecosystem functioning and result in the loss of valuable genetic resources. Additionally, climate change will create new challenges to public health in several low-income countries, particularly in southeast Asia and Africa. The international community needs to increase its efforts to counter the effects of climate change in the coming decades. FUNDING German Research Foundation, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación de España, European Regional Development Fund.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Ariel Martinez
- Laboratório de Pesquisas Integrativas em Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Brazil; Instituto de Cambio Global, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain.
| | | | - Tuany Siqueira-Silva
- Laboratório de Pesquisas Integrativas em Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Brazil
| | | | - Luiz Antônio Gonzaga Lima
- Laboratório de Pesquisas Integrativas em Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Brazil
| | - Jonatas Chaves-Silveira
- Laboratório de Pesquisas Integrativas em Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Brazil
| | | | - José María Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Talita Ferreira Amado
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research, Leipzig, Germany; Institute of Biology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.
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Araújo KAMD, Torres-Rêgo M, Gurgel-Medeiros T, Silva-Júnior AAD, Leite RDS, Daniele-Silva A, Fernandes-Pedrosa MDF. Epidemiological study in Brazil: Scorpion sting cases in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24190. [PMID: 38293345 PMCID: PMC10826653 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24190] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Scorpion sting accidents are a public health problem in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The increasing and high incidence of cases in urban areas reveals the importance of studies to determine the epidemiological profile and the spatial distribution of these accidents. This is a retrospective study that describes and analyzes the cases of scorpion stings in the city of Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Northeast Brazil, from 2007 to 2018. Data from the Information System database of Notifiable Diseases (SINAN) were obtained from the Secretary of Health of Rio Grande do Norte. 31,368 accidents due to scorpion stings were reported, more frequently in urban areas of Natal, whose Human Development Index is low. The cases occurred predominantly in hot and humid regions, mainly affecting women aged between 30 and 60 years. Most individuals sought medical attention within 3 h of the incident. The severity and mortality of the injured individuals varied according to the area of occurrence, age of the patient, and the local and systemic symptoms presented. Pain, numbness, and edema were the most frequent local symptoms, and systemic symptoms were frequently described as headache, hyperthermia and sweating. Therefore, scorpionism in the city of Natal is an environmental and public health problem, with a significant growth trend (p < 0.05). Through the data collected on the spatial distribution and risks, this approach allows the creation of effective control strategies to prevent accidents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaliany Adja Medeiros de Araújo
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias Avenue, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil
| | - Manoela Torres-Rêgo
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias Avenue, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil
- Graduate Program of Chemistry, Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Senador Salgado Filho Avenue, 3000, Lagoa Nova, Natal, 59072-970, Brazil
| | - Thaynara Gurgel-Medeiros
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias Avenue, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil
| | - Arnóbio Antônio da Silva-Júnior
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias Avenue, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil
| | - Renner de Souza Leite
- Graduate Program of Physiological Sciences Federal University of Campina Grande, Olho D’água da Bica, S/N, Cuité, Paraíba, 59072-970, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Daniele-Silva
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias Avenue, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil
| | - Matheus de Freitas Fernandes-Pedrosa
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias Avenue, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil
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Ghadiri N, Javidan M, Sheikhi S, Taştan Ö, Parodi A, Liao Z, Tayybi Azar M, Ganjalıkhani-Hakemi M. Bioactive peptides: an alternative therapeutic approach for cancer management. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1310443. [PMID: 38327525 PMCID: PMC10847386 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1310443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is still considered a lethal disease worldwide and the patients' quality of life is affected by major side effects of the treatments including post-surgery complications, chemo-, and radiation therapy. Recently, new therapeutic approaches were considered globally for increasing conventional cancer therapy efficacy and decreasing the adverse effects. Bioactive peptides obtained from plant and animal sources have drawn increased attention because of their potential as complementary therapy. This review presents a contemporary examination of bioactive peptides derived from natural origins with demonstrated anticancer, ant invasion, and immunomodulation properties. For example, peptides derived from common beans, chickpeas, wheat germ, and mung beans exhibited antiproliferative and toxic effects on cancer cells, favoring cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. On the other hand, peptides from marine sources showed the potential for inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis. In this review we will discuss these data highlighting the potential befits of these approaches and the need of further investigations to fully characterize their potential in clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nooshin Ghadiri
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapour University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Moslem Javidan
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapour University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Shima Sheikhi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Özge Taştan
- Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Alessandro Parodi
- Scientific Center for Translation Medicine, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, Russia
| | - Ziwei Liao
- Department of Hematology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mehdi Tayybi Azar
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Mazdak Ganjalıkhani-Hakemi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Regenerative and Restorative Medicine Research Center (REMER), Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA), Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Türkiye
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Wiezel GA, Oliveira IS, Reis MB, Ferreira IG, Cordeiro KR, Bordon KCF, Arantes EC. The complex repertoire of Tityus spp. venoms: Advances on their composition and pharmacological potential of their toxins. Biochimie 2024; 220:144-166. [PMID: 38176606 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.12.012] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Animal venoms are a rich and complex source of components, including peptides (such as neurotoxins, anionic peptides and hypotensins), lipids, proteins (such as proteases, hyaluronidases and phospholipases) and inorganic compounds, which affect all biological systems of the envenoming victim. Their action may result in a wide range of clinical manifestations, including tachy/bradycardia, hyper/hypotension, disorders in blood coagulation, pain, edema, inflammation, fever, muscle paralysis, coma and even death. Scorpions are one of the most studied venomous animals in the world and interesting bioactive molecules have been isolated and identified from their venoms over the years. Tityus spp. are among the scorpions with high number of accidents reported in the Americas, especially in Brazil. Their venoms have demonstrated interesting results in the search for novel agents with antimicrobial, anti-viral, anti-parasitic, hypotensive, immunomodulation, anti-insect, antitumor and/or antinociceptive activities. Furthermore, other recent activities still under investigation include drug delivery action, design of anti-epileptic drugs, investigation of sodium channel function, treatment of erectile disfunction and priapism, improvement of scorpion antivenom and chelating molecules activity. In this scenario, this paper focuses on reviewing advances on Tityus venom components mainly through the modern omics technologies as well as addressing potential therapeutic agents from their venoms and highlighting this abundant source of pharmacologically active molecules with biotechnological application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisele A Wiezel
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Isadora S Oliveira
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søtolfts Plads, Building 239 Room 006, Kongens Lyngby, 2800, Denmark.
| | - Mouzarllem B Reis
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Isabela G Ferreira
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Kalynka R Cordeiro
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Karla C F Bordon
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Eliane C Arantes
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
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Hernández-Muñoz EA, Zavala-Sánchez EV, Rubio-Atondo A, López-Chávez JA, Arredondo-Rojas V, Reyes-Reyes JS. Scorpion sting envenomation outbreak in Mexico. Strategies for prevention and control. Toxicon 2024; 237:107549. [PMID: 38061672 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
In Mexico occurs 25% of all worldwide cases of scorpion sting envenomation (SSE). An outbreak of SSE was identified in Villa Unión, Sinaloa, Mexico. The objective of this study is to describe the outbreak, and prevention and control strategies implemented. The design was a cross-sectional study. Eligibility criteria included confirmed cases (n = 425) identified from the date the outbreak was recognized (from November 08, 2023 to July 10, 2023). The cases from Villa Unión (n = 231) were included for the analysis of epidemiological and clinical findings. The research followed the recommendations of the Initiative Reporting of studies Conducted Using Observational Routinely collected Data (RECORD). Of the total cases (n = 425), 398 (93.6%) were from the municipality of Mazatlán, and 231 (58%) were from Villa Unión. The incidence rate was 13.64 per 1000 persons. The average cases per week was 51.5(SD ± 12). The male-to-female ratio was 3:4, the average age was 30.7(SD ± 19) years. Most of cases occurred in the 25-44 age group. The sting occurred mostly inside houses (n = 200, 86.5%). The predominant symptoms were local pain (95.2%), and local paresthesia (75.8%). The Case fatality rate was 0%. Implementation of prevention and control strategies based on field epidemiological research and scientific evidence are necessary to reduce the incidence and prevent fatal complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- E A Hernández-Muñoz
- Unit of Epidemiological Surveillance, Family Medicine Unit N 53, Mexican Institute of Social Security, Avenida Juan Pablo II Esq Hidalgo 150 Zapopan, Col. Zapopan Centro, Zapopan 45100, Jalisco, Mexico; Postgraduate Specialty Program in Epidemiology, University Center of Health Sciences (CUCS), University of Guadalajara, Sierra Mojada 950, Puerta 7, Edificio A, Col. Independencia, Guadalajara C.P. 44340, Jal, Mexico; Coordination of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Villa Unión Hospital N°16, Mexican Institute of Social Security, Leandro Valle y Carr. Internacional S/N Centro, Villa Unión, Mazatlán 82210, Sinaloa, Mexico; College of History and Philosophy of Medicine of the State of Guanajuato, León, Guanajuato, Mexico.
| | - E V Zavala-Sánchez
- Unit of Epidemiological Surveillance, Family Medicine Unit N 53, Mexican Institute of Social Security, Avenida Juan Pablo II Esq Hidalgo 150 Zapopan, Col. Zapopan Centro, Zapopan 45100, Jalisco, Mexico; Postgraduate Specialty Program in Epidemiology, University Center of Health Sciences (CUCS), University of Guadalajara, Sierra Mojada 950, Puerta 7, Edificio A, Col. Independencia, Guadalajara C.P. 44340, Jal, Mexico.
| | - A Rubio-Atondo
- Coordination of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Villa Unión Hospital N°16, Mexican Institute of Social Security, Leandro Valle y Carr. Internacional S/N Centro, Villa Unión, Mazatlán 82210, Sinaloa, Mexico.
| | - J A López-Chávez
- Villa Unión Hospital N°16, Mexican Institute of Social Security, Villa Unión, Leandro Valle y Carr, Internacional S/N Centro, Mazatlán 82210, Sinaloa, Mexico.
| | - V Arredondo-Rojas
- Department of Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, Health Ministry, Río Culiacan 38, Tellería, Mazatlán, 82017, Sinaloa, Mexico.
| | - J S Reyes-Reyes
- Department of Epidemiology, Health Ministry, Río Culiacan 38, Tellería, Mazatlán 82017, Sinaloa, Mexico.
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Darkaoui B, Aksim M, Aarab A, Lafnoune A, Khourcha S, Cadi R, Filali OA, Oukkache N. Neutralization Capacity of Tissue Alterations Caused by the Venoms of the Most Dangerous Scorpions in North Africa Using a Selective Antivenom. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 16:16. [PMID: 38251233 PMCID: PMC10818304 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16010016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
In North Africa, scorpion stings pose an urgent public health problem, particularly for children with high morbidity and mortality rates. The main species implicated are the Androctonus mauretanicus (Am), Androctonus australis hector (Aah), and Buthus occitanus (Bo). Immunotherapy is the specific therapeutic approach aimed at directly neutralizing toxins, despite their severity and rapid diffusion. In the present study, we evaluate, histologically and immunohistologically, the neutralization potency of the selective antivenom produced against, among other species, the Am, Aah, and Bo at the level of the tissue alterations in Swiss mice, as experimental subjects. Firstly, the lethal doses 50 test was conducted to assess the venom's toxic activity, and then the median effective dose of the antivenom was determined against each venom. The histological and immunohistological analyses were performed by injecting the sublethal dose of venom, the complex venom and antivenom, or the antivenom 2 h following inoculation of venom. Our study revealed the highest toxicity of the Am, followed by the Aah and then the Bo venom. The neutralizing ability and effectiveness of the antivenom to completely or partially neutralize the tissular damages were demonstrated in all organs studied: brain, heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys. Our results highlighted the important cytoplasmic and membranous staining in the heart compared to the brain tissue for the three scorpion venoms. Therefore, the scorpionic antivenoms are able to reach their target even at the tissue level. Immunotherapy represents the specific and recommended treatment against the scorpionic stings in North Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bouchra Darkaoui
- Laboratory of Venoms and Toxins, Pasteur Institute of Morocco, 1 Place Louis Pasteur, Casablanca 20250, Morocco; (B.D.); (A.L.); (S.K.)
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Physiopathology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock, Hassan II University of Casablanca, B.P 5366 Maarif, Casablanca 20000, Morocco; (R.C.); (O.A.F.)
| | - Mohamed Aksim
- Laboratory of Anatomic Pathology, The Regional Hospital Centre Hassan II, Agadir 80000, Morocco;
| | - Ayoub Aarab
- Laboratory of Anatomical Pathology Marrakech, Agadir 80000, Morocco;
| | - Ayoub Lafnoune
- Laboratory of Venoms and Toxins, Pasteur Institute of Morocco, 1 Place Louis Pasteur, Casablanca 20250, Morocco; (B.D.); (A.L.); (S.K.)
| | - Soukaina Khourcha
- Laboratory of Venoms and Toxins, Pasteur Institute of Morocco, 1 Place Louis Pasteur, Casablanca 20250, Morocco; (B.D.); (A.L.); (S.K.)
| | - Rachida Cadi
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Physiopathology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock, Hassan II University of Casablanca, B.P 5366 Maarif, Casablanca 20000, Morocco; (R.C.); (O.A.F.)
| | - Ouafaa Aniq Filali
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Physiopathology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock, Hassan II University of Casablanca, B.P 5366 Maarif, Casablanca 20000, Morocco; (R.C.); (O.A.F.)
| | - Naoual Oukkache
- Laboratory of Venoms and Toxins, Pasteur Institute of Morocco, 1 Place Louis Pasteur, Casablanca 20250, Morocco; (B.D.); (A.L.); (S.K.)
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11
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Ornelas RC, Silva LD, de Macedo LR, de Matos IM. Scorpion Stings in Minas Gerais (Brazil): A Monocentric Retrospective Study Evaluating All Envenoming Cases of Local Scorpionism. Wilderness Environ Med 2023; 34:442-450. [PMID: 37558612 DOI: 10.1016/j.wem.2023.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We aim to provide better insights into the demographic, epidemiological, and seasonal characteristics of scorpion envenomation reported in the Rio Doce Valley, Brazil. METHODS We conducted this monocentric retrospective descriptive study with data on Investigation Forms of Accidents by Venomous Animals, only envenoming cases of scorpion stings, between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2020, belonging to the compulsory notification system of the Municipal Hospital of Governador Valadares. RESULTS There were 3032 accidents, and the male-to-female ratio was 1.17:1 (male, 54%; females, 46%). Accidents occurred every month, but there was an increase in June, July, and October to January. In most cases, the time between the scorpion sting and medical care was between 1 and 3 h (n=1304; 43%). The most frequent clinical and systemic manifestations were pain at the bite site (94%) and vagal symptoms (7%). Cases were mild (n=2750, 91%), moderate (n=221, 7%), and severe (n=56, 2%). Children younger than 10 y constituted the most cases, 522 (17%). There was a significant difference between clinical severity and age (P<0.01). Ten patients developed acute pulmonary edema. Two 4-y-old children died. All severely envenomated patients as well as 74% and 2% of mild and moderately envenomated patients, respectively, received specific scorpion antivenoms. CONCLUSIONS Scorpion envenomation is of greater severity in children aged <10 y. The clinical presentation includes mainly local pain associated with vagal symptoms. Accidents occur every month, but there was an increase in June, July, and October to January.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel C Ornelas
- Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Campus Governador Valadares, Brazil
| | - Letícia D Silva
- Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Campus Governador Valadares, Brazil
| | - Leandro R de Macedo
- Department of Economics, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Campus Governador Valadares, Brazil
| | - Ione M de Matos
- Department of Basic Life Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Campus Governador Valadares, Brazil.
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Valencia-Martínez H, Riaño-Umbarila L, Olamendi-Portugal T, Romero-Moreno JA, Possani LD, Becerril B. Neutralization of Centruroides tecomanus scorpion venom by the use of two human recombinant antibody fragments. Mol Immunol 2023; 164:79-87. [PMID: 37980772 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2023.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
The first toxic component identified against mammals in the venom from Centruroides tecomanus scorpion from Colima, Mexico was Ct1a toxin, which was neutralized by human single chain variable fragment (scFv) RAS27. Venom characterization from these scorpions collected on the Pacific coast of Colima, enabled the identification of a second component of medical importance named Ct71 toxin. Amino acid sequence of Ct71 shares a high identity with Chui5 toxin from C. huichol scorpion, which was neutralized by scFv HV. For this reason, the kinetic parameters of interaction between Ct71 toxin and scFv HV were determined by surface plasmon resonance. Results showed a significantly higher affinity for Ct71 as compared to Chui5. As expected, this toxin was neutralized by scFv HV. The injection of a mixture of scFvs HV and RAS27, resulted in the neutralization of C. tecomanus venom, corroborating that human recombinant antibody fragments can efficiently contribute to the neutralization of medically important toxins and their respective venoms from Mexican scorpions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Valencia-Martínez
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca, 62250, Mexico
| | - Lidia Riaño-Umbarila
- Investigadora por México, CONAHCyT-Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca 62250, Mexico
| | - Timoteo Olamendi-Portugal
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca, 62250, Mexico
| | - José Alberto Romero-Moreno
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca, 62250, Mexico
| | - Lourival D Possani
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca, 62250, Mexico
| | - Baltazar Becerril
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca, 62250, Mexico.
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Xia Z, He D, Wu Y, Kwok HF, Cao Z. Scorpion venom peptides: Molecular diversity, structural characteristics, and therapeutic use from channelopathies to viral infections and cancers. Pharmacol Res 2023; 197:106978. [PMID: 37923027 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Animal venom is an important evolutionary innovation in nature. As one of the most representative animal venoms, scorpion venom contains an extremely diverse set of bioactive peptides. Scorpion venom peptides not only are 'poisons' that immobilize, paralyze, kill, or dissolve preys but also become important candidates for drug development and design. Here, the review focuses on the molecular diversity of scorpion venom peptides, their typical structural characteristics, and their multiple therapeutic or pharmaceutical applications in channelopathies, viral infections and cancers. Especially, the group of scorpion toxin TRPTx targeting transient receptor potential (TRP) channels is systematically summarized and worthy of attention because TRP channels play a crucial role in the regulation of homeostasis and the occurrence of diseases in human. We also further establish the potential relationship between the molecular characteristics and functional applications of scorpion venom peptides to provide a research basis for modern drug development and clinical utilization of scorpion venom resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Xia
- School of Biological and Food Processing Engineering, Huanghuai University, Zhumadian, China
| | - Dangui He
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao; Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao
| | - Yingliang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hang Fai Kwok
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao; Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao; MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao.
| | - Zhijian Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Bio-drug Research Center, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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Kwasniewski FH, da Silva EM, Girotto E, Candido DM, Tóffolo MDC, Siqueira DED, Gomes LRC, Guidoni CM. First report of an accident caused by Jaguajir agamemnon (C.L. Koch, 1839) (Scorpiones, Buthidae) in Paraná state, Brazil. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2023; 56:e02862023. [PMID: 37909508 PMCID: PMC10615333 DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0286-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
We report the first pediatric case of a Jaguajir agamemnon scorpion sting. This case occurred in the state of Paraná and is the first record of this species in southern Brazil. The patient was admitted within 15 min, with pain, local edema, erythema, whole-body pruritus, and tongue paresthesia within the first two hours, which disappeared thereafter. The patient's condition was considered mild, with a positive outcome, and she recovered completely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fábio Henrique Kwasniewski
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Ciências Patológicas, Londrina, PR, Brasil
| | - Emanuel Marques da Silva
- Secretaria de Estado da Saúde do Paraná, Laboratório de Taxonomia de Animais Peçonhentos, Curitiba, PR, Brasil
| | - Edmarlon Girotto
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Londrina, PR, Brasil
| | | | - Miriam de Cássia Tóffolo
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Hospital Universitário, Centro de Informação e Assistência Toxicológica, Londrina, PR, Brasil
| | | | | | - Camilo Molino Guidoni
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Londrina, PR, Brasil
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15
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Takehara CA, Lamas JLT, Gasparino RC, Fusco SDFB. Moderate or severe scorpion sting: identification of risk factors. Rev Esc Enferm USP 2023; 57:e20230022. [PMID: 37902581 PMCID: PMC10615126 DOI: 10.1590/1980-220x-reeusp-2023-0022en] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize scorpion accidents at the Information and Toxicological Assistance Center (CIATox) in Campinas, to analyze risk factors related to the moderate and severe classification, and to determine the age group at greatest risk for this classification. METHOD Cross-sectional and retrospective study, with patients assisted in person at CIATox, who had a scorpion accident, from January 2015 to December 2019. Descriptive and inferential analysis was conducted. For the age variable, a ROC curve was constructed to determine cutoff points in relation to the severity classification. Poisson regression models were adjusted considering severity classification as the dependent variable. RESULTS A total of 754 cases with a mean age of 36.05 years, mostly female and non-occupational accidents that occurred in the urban area, was analyzed. The most frequent scorpion was the Tityus serrulatus. The risk factors found for greater severity were age group up to 22 years and previous care in other health services. CONCLUSION The age range up to 22 years old should be used as a predictive factor of severity in the clinical evaluation of patients stung by scorpions to carry out adequate management of cases.
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Vilarinho AC, Lopez VM, Tizo-Pedroso E, Freire Oliveira CJ, Guillermo Ferreira R. Scorpion envenomation in the neotropical savannah: Environmental predictors and years of lost life. Toxicon 2023; 234:107277. [PMID: 37659666 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
Scorpion stings envenomation (SSE) is a growing medical concern in Brazil, particularly in the state of Minas Gerais, which has recorded a significant number of incidents. This study aimed to investigate the potential predictors of scorpion sting incidence and evaluate the cost-effectiveness of interventions in Minas Gerais. Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) models were constructed using socioeconomic and environmental variables as predictors and scorpion sting incidence as the response variable. The analysis revealed that mean annual temperature and major land use type were significant predictors of scorpion sting incidence, while precipitation and socioeconomic variables showed no relationship with incidence. The total number of cases and annual incidence of scorpion stings overlapped with regions experiencing higher forest conversion and agricultural land use, as well as higher temperatures. The estimated Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALY) for scorpion sting incidents in Minas Gerais was substantial, indicating the need for effective prevention and treatment measures. The cost per DALY averted varied among municipalities, with some requiring minimal investment while others needing significant funding to address the scorpion risk. Mean annual temperature emerged as the main risk factor for scorpion stings, contributing to increased costs associated with antivenom treatment. These findings highlight the importance of considering environmental factors and implementing targeted interventions to mitigate scorpion sting incidents and reduce associated morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina Vilarinho
- Biological Sciences and Health Centre, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil; Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Vinicius Marques Lopez
- Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Graduate Program in Entomology, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | | | | | - Rhainer Guillermo Ferreira
- Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Graduate Program in Entomology, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Zenia S, L’Hadj M, Selmane S. A Hybrid Approach Based on Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average and Neural Network Autoregressive Models to Predict Scorpion Sting Incidence in El Oued Province, Algeria, From 2005 to 2020. J Res Health Sci 2023; 23:e00586. [PMID: 38315901 PMCID: PMC10660509 DOI: 10.34172/jrhs.2023.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study was designed to find the best statistical approach to scorpion sting predictions. Study Design: A retrospective study. METHODS Multiple regression, seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA), neural network autoregressive (NNAR), and hybrid SARIMA-NNAR models were developed to predict monthly scorpion sting cases in El Oued province. The root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) were used to quantitatively compare different models. RESULTS In general, 96909 scorpion stings were recorded in El Oued province from 2005-2020. The incidence rate experienced a gradual decrease until 2012 and since then slight fluctuations have been noted. Scorpion stings occurred throughout the year with peaks in September followed by July and August and troughs in December and January. Sting cases were not evenly distributed across demographic groups; the most affected age group was 15-49 years, and males were more likely to be stung. Of the reported deaths, more than half were in children 15 and younger. Scorpion's activity was conditioned by climate factors, and temperature had the highest effect. The SARIMA(2,0,2)(1,1,1)12, NNAR(1,1,2)12, and SARIMA(2,0,2)(1,1,1)12-NNAR(1,1,2)12 were selected as the best-fitting models. The RMSE, MAE, and MAPE of the SARIMA and SARIMA-NNAR models were lower than those of the NNAR model in fitting and forecasting; however, the NNAR model could produce better predictive accuracy. CONCLUSION The NNAR model is preferred for short-term monthly scorpion sting predictions. An in-depth understanding of the epidemiologic triad of scorpionism and the development of predictive models ought to establish enlightened, informed, better-targeted, and more effective policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safia Zenia
- L’IFORCE, SPA, Higher National Veterinary School of Algiers, Algeria
| | - Mohamed L’Hadj
- Scorp2, BeniMessous University Hospital Centre, Ministry of Health, Algeria
| | - Schehrazad Selmane
- L’IFORCE, Scorp2, Faculty of Mathematics, University of Sciences and Technology Houari Boumediene, Algeria
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Nasr S, Borges A, Sahyoun C, Nasr R, Roufayel R, Legros C, Sabatier JM, Fajloun Z. Scorpion Venom as a Source of Antimicrobial Peptides: Overview of Biomolecule Separation, Analysis and Characterization Methods. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1380. [PMID: 37760677 PMCID: PMC10525675 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12091380] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Scorpion venoms have long captivated scientific researchers, primarily due to the potency and specificity of the mechanism of action of their derived components. Among other molecules, these venoms contain highly active compounds, including antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and ion channel-specific components that selectively target biological receptors with remarkable affinity. Some of these receptors have emerged as prime therapeutic targets for addressing various human pathologies, including cancer and infectious diseases, and have served as models for designing novel drugs. Consequently, extensive biochemical and proteomic investigations have focused on characterizing scorpion venoms. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the key methodologies used in the extraction, purification, analysis, and characterization of AMPs and other bioactive molecules present in scorpion venoms. Noteworthy techniques such as gel electrophoresis, reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, size exclusion chromatography, and "omics" approaches are explored, along with various combinations of methods that enable bioassay-guided venom fractionation. Furthermore, this review presents four adapted proteomic workflows that lead to the comprehensive dissection of the scorpion venom proteome, with an emphasis on AMPs. These workflows differ based on whether the venom is pre-fractionated using separation techniques or is proteolytically digested directly before further proteomic analyses. Since the composition and functionality of scorpion venoms are species-specific, the selection and sequence of the techniques for venom analyses, including these workflows, should be tailored to the specific parameters of the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Nasr
- Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology (LBA3B), Azm Center for Research in Biotechnology and Its Applications, EDST, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon; (S.N.); (C.S.)
| | - Adolfo Borges
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de Toxinas y Receptores, Instituto de Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas 50587, Venezuela;
- Centro para el Desarrollo de la Investigación Científica, Asunción 1255, Paraguay
| | - Christina Sahyoun
- Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology (LBA3B), Azm Center for Research in Biotechnology and Its Applications, EDST, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon; (S.N.); (C.S.)
- Univ Angers, INSERM, CNRS, MITOVASC, Team 2 CarMe, SFR ICAT, 49000 Angers, France
| | - Riad Nasr
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Public Health 3, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1200, Lebanon;
| | - Rabih Roufayel
- College of Engineering and Technology, American University of the Middle East, Egaila 54200, Kuwait;
| | - Christian Legros
- Univ Angers, INSERM, CNRS, MITOVASC, Team 2 CarMe, SFR ICAT, 49000 Angers, France
| | - Jean-Marc Sabatier
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, INP, Inst Neurophysiopathol, 13385 Marseille, France
| | - Ziad Fajloun
- Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology (LBA3B), Azm Center for Research in Biotechnology and Its Applications, EDST, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon; (S.N.); (C.S.)
- Faculty of Sciences 3, Department of Biology, Lebanese University, Campus Michel Slayman Ras Maska, Tripoli 1352, Lebanon
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Murayama GP, Barbosa B, Willemart RH. Experimental approach to the dislodging effect and the mortality of a pesticide in the yellow scorpion Tityus serrulatus. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289104. [PMID: 37498915 PMCID: PMC10374035 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Accidents with scorpions are a problem in several regions of the world. In Brazil, the number of accidents is sometimes higher than 160k/year, and the responsible for most accidents and deaths is the yellow scorpion Tityus serrulatus. Unfortunately, there are few publications testing the effectiveness of most of the products for chemical control of scorpions. Using the pesticide Bifentol, we tested: I-the effect of the pesticide on the mortality of T. serrulatus, II-whether the scorpion avoids areas with pesticide and, III-whether it leaves the shelter if pesticide is applied. In the first experiment, we applied pesticide or water on the dorsal region of the scorpion or substrate according to treatment. For five days we noted whether the scorpion slide (dead) or clung to the substrate (alive) after turning the arena vertically to left and right. After five days, no pesticide-treated scorpions were alive while all water-treated scorpions were. In the second experiment, we placed two shelters, applied pesticide and/or water inside the shelter. We then released a scorpion on the opposite side. We scored latency to enter one of the shelters and the choice made by the scorpions. We did not find differences in latency or in the choice made. In the third experiment, we applied the pesticide or water to the shelter where the scorpion was being maintained, and, on the following day, we recorded whether the scorpion had left the shelter. None of the scorpions left the shelters and only one died. Thus, we obtained evidence that a pesticide can kill scorpions, but we did not find a dislodging effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Pimenta Murayama
- Laboratório de Ecologia Sensorial e Comportamento de Artrópodes (LESCA), Escola e Artes Ciências e Humanidades, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Saulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bruna Barbosa
- Laboratório de Ecologia Sensorial e Comportamento de Artrópodes (LESCA), Escola e Artes Ciências e Humanidades, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Hirata Willemart
- Laboratório de Ecologia Sensorial e Comportamento de Artrópodes (LESCA), Escola e Artes Ciências e Humanidades, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Saulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Frynta D, Elmi HSA, Rexová K, Janovcová M, Rudolfová V, Štolhoferová I, Král D, Sommer D, Berti DA, Frýdlová P. Animals evoking fear in the Cradle of Humankind: snakes, scorpions, and large carnivores. THE SCIENCE OF NATURE - NATURWISSENSCHAFTEN 2023; 110:33. [PMID: 37405495 PMCID: PMC10322782 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-023-01859-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
Theories explain the presence of fears and specific phobias elicited by animals in contemporary WEIRD (Western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic) populations by their evolutionary past in Africa. Nevertheless, empirical data about fears of animals in the Cradle of Humankind are still fragmentary. To fill this gap, we examined which local animals are perceived as the most frightening by Somali people, who inhabit a markedly similar environment and the region where humans have evolved. We asked 236 raters to rank 42 stimuli according to their elicited fear. The stimuli were standardized pictures of species representing the local fauna. The results showed that the most frightening animals were snakes, scorpions, the centipede, and large carnivores (cheetahs and hyenas). These were followed up by lizards and spiders. Unlike in Europe, spiders represent less salient stimuli than scorpions for Somali respondents in this study. This conforms to the hypothesis suggesting that fear of spiders was extended or redirected from other chelicerates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Frynta
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Hassan Sh Abdirahman Elmi
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague 2, Czech Republic
- Amoud University, Borama, Somaliland
| | - Kateřina Rexová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Markéta Janovcová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Rudolfová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Iveta Štolhoferová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - David Král
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - David Sommer
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Alex Berti
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Frýdlová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague 2, Czech Republic.
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Landry M, D’Souza R, Moss S, Chang HH, Ebelt S, Wilson L, Scovronick N. The Association Between Ambient Temperature and Snakebite in Georgia, USA: A Case-Crossover Study. GEOHEALTH 2023; 7:e2022GH000781. [PMID: 37441711 PMCID: PMC10334880 DOI: 10.1029/2022gh000781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
The World Health Organization has identified snakebite envenoming as a highest priority neglected tropical disease, yet there is a dearth of epidemiologic research on environmental risk factors, including outdoor temperature. Temperature may affect snakebites through human behavior or snake behavior; snakes are ectotherms, meaning outdoor temperatures influence their internal body temperature and thus their behavior. Here we investigate the relationship between short-term temperature and snakebites in Georgia, one of the most biodiverse US states in terms of herpetofauna. We acquired emergency department (ED) visit data for Georgia between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2020. Visits for venomous and non-venomous snakebites were identified using diagnosis codes. For comparison, we also considered visits for non-snake (e.g., insects, spiders, scorpions) envenomation. Daily meteorology from the Daymet 1 km product was linked to patient residential ZIP codes. We applied a case-crossover design to estimate associations of daily maximum temperature and snakebite ED visits. During the 7-year study period, there were 3,908 visits for venomous snakebites, 1,124 visits for non-venomous bites and 65,187 visits for non-snake envenomation. Across the entire period, a 1°C increase in same-day maximum temperature was associated with a 5.6% (95%CI: 4.0-7.3) increase in the odds of venomous snakebite and a 5.8% (95%CI: 3.0-8.8) increase in non-venomous snakebite. Associations were strongest in the spring. We also observed a positive and significant (p < 0.05) association for non-snake envenomation, albeit slightly smaller and more consistent across seasons compared to those for snakebites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariah Landry
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental HealthRollins School of Public HealthEmory UniversityAtlantaGAUSA
| | - Rohan D’Souza
- Department of Biostatistics and BioinformaticsRollins School of Public HealthEmory UniversityAtlantaGAUSA
| | - Shannon Moss
- Department of Biostatistics and BioinformaticsRollins School of Public HealthEmory UniversityAtlantaGAUSA
| | - Howard H. Chang
- Department of Biostatistics and BioinformaticsRollins School of Public HealthEmory UniversityAtlantaGAUSA
| | - Stefanie Ebelt
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental HealthRollins School of Public HealthEmory UniversityAtlantaGAUSA
| | | | - Noah Scovronick
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental HealthRollins School of Public HealthEmory UniversityAtlantaGAUSA
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22
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Alvarado-Gonzalez C, Clement H, Ballinas-Casarrubias L, Escarcega-Avila A, Arenas-Sosa I, Lopez-Contreras KS, Zamudio F, Corzo G, Espino-Solis GP. Identification and Venom Characterization of Two Scorpions from the State of Chihuahua Mexico: Chihuahuanus coahuliae and Chihuahuanus crassimannus. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:416. [PMID: 37505685 PMCID: PMC10467103 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15070416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chihuahua is the largest state in Mexico. The ecosystem of this region is composed of large area of bushes, forests, and grasslands, which allows for a specific diversity of fauna; among them are interesting species of non-lethal scorpions. Most of the Chihuahuan scorpions have been previously morphologically and molecularly described; however, this manuscript could be the first to describe the composition of those venoms. This work aimed at the collection of two scorpion species from the region of Jiménez (Southwest of the State of Chihuahua), which belong to the species Chihuahuanus cohauilae and Chihuahuanus crassimanus; the two species were taxonomically and molecularly identified using a 16S DNA marker. Reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) of C. coahuilae and C. crassimanus venoms allowed the identification of three fractions lethal to mice. Additionally, three fractions of each scorpion displayed an effect on house crickets. In the end, three new fractions from the venom of C. coahuilae were positive for antimicrobial activity, although none from C. crassimanus venom displayed growth inhibition. Despite being a preliminary study, the venom biochemical analysis of these two uncharacterized scorpion species opens the opportunity to find new molecules with potential applications in the biomedical and biotechnological fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Alvarado-Gonzalez
- Traslational Research Laboratory, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias Biomédicas, Autonomous University of Chihuahua, Circuito Universitario s/n, Campus II, Chihuahua 31125, Mexico; (C.A.-G.); (K.S.L.-C.)
- Facultad de Ciencias Quimicas, Autonomous University of Chihuahua, Circuito Universitario s/n, Campus II, Chihuahua 31125, Mexico;
| | - Herlinda Clement
- Instituto de Biotecnología—UNAM, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Col. Chamilpa, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico; (H.C.); (I.A.-S.); (F.Z.); (G.C.)
| | - Lourdes Ballinas-Casarrubias
- Facultad de Ciencias Quimicas, Autonomous University of Chihuahua, Circuito Universitario s/n, Campus II, Chihuahua 31125, Mexico;
| | - Angelica Escarcega-Avila
- Veterinary Sciences Department, Autonomous University of Ciudad Juarez, Ciudad Juarez 32310, Mexico;
| | - Ivan Arenas-Sosa
- Instituto de Biotecnología—UNAM, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Col. Chamilpa, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico; (H.C.); (I.A.-S.); (F.Z.); (G.C.)
| | - Karla Sofia Lopez-Contreras
- Traslational Research Laboratory, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias Biomédicas, Autonomous University of Chihuahua, Circuito Universitario s/n, Campus II, Chihuahua 31125, Mexico; (C.A.-G.); (K.S.L.-C.)
| | - Fernando Zamudio
- Instituto de Biotecnología—UNAM, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Col. Chamilpa, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico; (H.C.); (I.A.-S.); (F.Z.); (G.C.)
| | - Gerardo Corzo
- Instituto de Biotecnología—UNAM, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Col. Chamilpa, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico; (H.C.); (I.A.-S.); (F.Z.); (G.C.)
| | - Gerardo Pavel Espino-Solis
- Traslational Research Laboratory, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias Biomédicas, Autonomous University of Chihuahua, Circuito Universitario s/n, Campus II, Chihuahua 31125, Mexico; (C.A.-G.); (K.S.L.-C.)
- Laboratorio Nacional de Citometría de Flujo, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias Biomédicas, Autonomous University of Chihuahua, Circuito Universitario s/n, Campus II, Chihuahua 31125, Mexico
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Carrera-Fernández MC, Herrera-Martínez M, Ordaz-Hernández A, Arreaga-González HM. Medicinal plants from Mexico used in the treatment of scorpion sting. Toxicon 2023; 230:107172. [PMID: 37211060 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107172] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Scorpion sting envenomation is a major public health in Mexico. Rural communities rarely have antivenoms in the health centers, therefore, the people commonly resort to using medicinal plants to treat the symptoms of envenoming caused by scorpion venom, but this knowledge has not yet been reported in detail. In this review, we carry out a review of the medicinal plants used in Mexico against scorpion stings. PubMed, Google, Science Direct, and the Digital Library of Mexican Traditional Medicine (DLMTM) were used to collect data. The results showed the use of at least 48 medicinal plants distributed in 26 families, where Fabaceae (14.6%), Lamiaceae (10.4%), and Asteraceae (10.4%) have the maximum representation. The application of leaves (32%) was preferred followed by roots (20%), stem (17.3%), flowers (16%), and bark (8%). In addition, the most common method of use to treat scorpion stings is decoction (32.5%). The oral and topical routes of administration have similar percentages of use. In vitro and in vivo studies of Aristolochia elegans, Bouvardia ternifolia, and Mimosa tenuiflora were found, which showed an antagonistic effect on the contraction of the ileum caused by the venom of C. limpidus, likewise, they increased the LD50 of said venom and even B. ternofila showed reduced albumin extravasation. The results of these studies demonstrate the promising use of medicinal plants for future pharmacological applications; nevertheless, validation, bioactive compound isolation and toxicity studies are necessary to support and improve therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Carrera-Fernández
- Laboratorio Integral de Investigación en Alimentos, Tecnológico Nacional de México/I.T. Tepic, Lagos del Country, Tepic 63175, Nayarit, Mexico.
| | - M Herrera-Martínez
- Instituto de Farmacobiología, Universidad de la Cañada, Carretera Teotitlán - San Antonio Nanahuatipán Km 1.7 s/n., Paraje Titlacuatitla, Teotitlán de Flores Magón, Oaxaca, 68540, Mexico.
| | - A Ordaz-Hernández
- Instituto de Farmacobiología, Universidad de la Cañada, Carretera Teotitlán - San Antonio Nanahuatipán Km 1.7 s/n., Paraje Titlacuatitla, Teotitlán de Flores Magón, Oaxaca, 68540, Mexico.
| | - H M Arreaga-González
- Laboratorio de Principios Bioactivos, Instituto de Agroindustrias, Universidad Tecnológica de la Mixteca, Carretera a Acatlima Km 2.5, Huajuapan de León, Oaxaca, 69000, Mexico.
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Alonso Villela SM, Kraïem-Ghezal H, Bouhaouala-Zahar B, Bideaux C, Aceves Lara CA, Fillaudeau L. Production of recombinant scorpion antivenoms in E. coli: current state and perspectives. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2023:10.1007/s00253-023-12578-1. [PMID: 37199752 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12578-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Scorpion envenomation is a serious health problem in tropical and subtropical zones. The access to scorpion antivenom is sometimes limited in availability and specificity. The classical production process is cumbersome, from the hyper-immunization of the horses to the IgG digestion and purification of the F(ab)'2 antibody fragments. The production of recombinant antibody fragments in Escherichia coli is a popular trend due to the ability of this microbial host to produce correctly folded proteins. Small recombinant antibody fragments, such as single-chain variable fragments (scFv) and nanobodies (VHH), have been constructed to recognize and neutralize the neurotoxins responsible for the envenomation symptoms in humans. They are the focus of interest of the most recent studies and are proposed as potentially new generation of pharmaceuticals for their use in immunotherapy against scorpion stings of the Buthidae family. This literature review comprises the current status on the scorpion antivenom market and the analyses of cross-reactivity of commercial scorpion anti-serum against non-specific scorpion venoms. Recent studies on the production of new recombinant scFv and nanobodies will be presented, with a focus on the Androctonus and Centruroides scorpion species. Protein engineering-based technology could be the key to obtaining the next generation of therapeutics capable of neutralizing and cross-reacting against several types of scorpion venoms. KEY POINTS: • Commercial antivenoms consist of predominantly purified equine F(ab)'2fragments. • Nanobody-based antivenom can neutralize Androctonus venoms and have a low immunogenicity. • Affinity maturation and directed evolution are used to obtain potent scFv families against Centruroides scorpions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hazar Kraïem-Ghezal
- Laboratoire Des Venins Et Molécules Thérapeutiques, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, 13 Place Pasteur BP74, 1002, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Balkiss Bouhaouala-Zahar
- Laboratoire Des Venins Et Molécules Thérapeutiques, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, 13 Place Pasteur BP74, 1002, Tunis, Tunisia.
- Faculté de Médecine de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.
| | - Carine Bideaux
- TBI, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INRAE, INSA, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Luc Fillaudeau
- TBI, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INRAE, INSA, Toulouse, France
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25
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Hilal I, Khourcha S, Safi A, Hmyene A, Asnawi S, Othman I, Stöcklin R, Oukkache N. Comparative Proteomic Analysis of the Venoms from the Most Dangerous Scorpions in Morocco: Androctonus mauritanicus and Buthus occitanus. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13051133. [PMID: 37240778 DOI: 10.3390/life13051133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Morocco is known to harbor two of the world's most dangerous scorpion species: the black Androctonus mauritanicus (Am) and the yellow Buthus occitanus (Bo), responsible for 83% and 14% of severe envenomation cases, respectively. Scorpion venom is a mixture of biological molecules of variable structures and activities, most of which are proteins of low molecular weights referred to as toxins. In addition to toxins, scorpion venoms also contain biogenic amines, polyamines, and enzymes. With the aim of investigating the composition of the Am and Bo venoms, we conducted an analysis of the venoms by mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) after separation by reversed-phase HPLC chromatography. Results from a total of 19 fractions obtained for the Am venom versus 22 fractions for the Bo venom allowed the identification of approximately 410 and 252 molecular masses, respectively. In both venoms, the most abundant toxins were found to range between 2-5 kDa and 6-8 kDa. This proteomic analysis not only allowed the drawing of an extensive mass fingerprint of the Androctonus mauritanicus and Buthus occitanus venoms but also provided a better insight into the nature of their toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Hilal
- Laboratory of Venoms and Toxins, Pasteur Institute of Morocco, Casablanca 20360, Morocco
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Environment and Food Technology, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques of Mohammedia, Mohammedia 20650, Morocco
| | - Soukaina Khourcha
- Laboratory of Venoms and Toxins, Pasteur Institute of Morocco, Casablanca 20360, Morocco
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Environment and Food Technology, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques of Mohammedia, Mohammedia 20650, Morocco
| | - Amal Safi
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Environment and Food Technology, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques of Mohammedia, Mohammedia 20650, Morocco
| | - Abdelaziz Hmyene
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Environment and Food Technology, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques of Mohammedia, Mohammedia 20650, Morocco
| | - Syafiq Asnawi
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia
| | - Iekhsan Othman
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia
| | - Reto Stöcklin
- Atheris Laboratories, Case Postale 314, CH-1233 Bernex, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Naoual Oukkache
- Laboratory of Venoms and Toxins, Pasteur Institute of Morocco, Casablanca 20360, Morocco
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Trinidad-Porfirio BE, Morales-Pérez A, Nava-Aguilera E, Flores-Moreno M, Morales-Nava L, García-Leyva J, Silva-Domínguez R, Cortés-Guzmán AJ, Fernández-Salas I, Andersson N. Occurrence of scorpion sting and associated factors in a highly marginalized municipality in Guerrero, Mexico: A cross-sectional study. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011271. [PMID: 37126488 PMCID: PMC10150966 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Scorpion sting is a neglected public health problem, despite a global estimate of 1.2 million scorpion stings and some 3,250 deaths annually. METHODS This cross-sectional study estimates the occurrence of scorpion stings and identifies associated factors in seven communities in the highly marginalized municipality of Chilapa, in the Mexican state of Guerrero. After informed consent, 1,144 households provided information on 4,985 residents. The questionnaire collated sociodemographic data, characteristics of the dwelling, efforts to avoid scorpion stings, and individual information of scorpion stings suffered in the last year. Cluster-adjusted (acl), bivariate and multivariate analysis relied on the Mantel-Haenszel procedure. RESULTS The overall period prevalence of scorpion stings in the year prior to the study was 4.4% (218/4985), 5.4% in men (126/2320), and 3.5% in women (92/2665), p<0.01. The majority occurred at home 68.3% (149/218), followed by agricultural fields 26.6% (58/218), street 2.8% (6/218), and work 2.3% (5/218). Factors associated with scorpion sting were carrying firewood (OR 2.1; CI95%acl 1.40-3.09), keeping free-range hens around of the home (OR 1.9; CI95%acl 1.19-2.85), residing in a rural area (OR 1.7; CI95%acl 1.04-2.78), being male (OR 1.6; CI95%acl 1.18-2.28), and helping with housework (OR 1.6; CI95%acl 1.04-2.40). CONCLUSION This study confirms scorpion bites are a public health problem in these marginalized communities in Guerrero State, with risk factors related to living conditions and the work process at home and in the fields. Almost all risk factors identified could be reduced with low-cost interventions implemented by the communities themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arcadio Morales-Pérez
- Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Acapulco, Guerrero, México
| | - Elizabeth Nava-Aguilera
- Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Acapulco, Guerrero, México
| | - Miguel Flores-Moreno
- Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Acapulco, Guerrero, México
| | - Liliana Morales-Nava
- Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Acapulco, Guerrero, México
| | - Jaime García-Leyva
- Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Acapulco, Guerrero, México
| | - Rufino Silva-Domínguez
- Departamento de Epidemiología y Medicina Preventiva, Secretaría de Salud Guerrero, Chilpancingo, Guerrero, México
| | - Antonio Juan Cortés-Guzmán
- Departamento de Epidemiología y Medicina Preventiva, Secretaría de Salud Guerrero, Chilpancingo, Guerrero, México
| | - Ildefonso Fernández-Salas
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, San Nicolás de los Garza, Nuevo León, México
| | - Neil Andersson
- Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Acapulco, Guerrero, México
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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Martins JG, de Castro Figueiredo Bordon K, Moreno-González JA, Almeida B, Pardal P, Lira A, Candido D, Arantes EC, Procópio R. On the noxious black Amazonian scorpion, Tityus obscurus (Scorpiones, Buthidae): Taxonomic notes, biology, medical importance and envenoming treatment. Toxicon 2023; 228:107125. [PMID: 37054995 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Tityus obscurus has caused mild, moderate and severe accidents of medical relevance in the eastern Brazilian Amazon and French Guiana. Tityus obscurus has sexual dimorphism although males and females have uniform black coloration. In the Amazon, one of the habitats of this scorpion is seasonally flooded forests (igapós and várzeas). However, most stings occur in terra firme forest areas (non-flooded region), where most rural communities are located. Adults and children stung by T. obscurus may experience an "electric shock" sensation for more than 30 h after the sting. Our data shows that people inhabiting remote forest areas, including rubber tappers, fishermen and indigenous people, with no access to anti-scorpion serum, use parts of native plants, such as seeds and leaves, against pain and vomiting caused by scorpion stings. Although there is a technical effort to produce and distribute antivenoms in the Amazon, many cases of scorpion stings are geographically unpredictable in this region, due to the lack of detailed knowledge of the natural distribution of these animals. In this manuscript, we compile information on the natural history of T. obscurus and the impact of its envenoming on human health. We identify the natural sites that host this scorpion in the Amazon, in order to warn about the risk of human envenoming. The use of specific antivenom serum is the recommended treatment for accidents involving venomous animals. However, atypical symptoms not neutralized by the available commercial antivenom are reported in the Amazon region. Facing this scenario, we present some challenges to the study of venomous animals in the Amazon rainforest and possible experimental bottlenecks and perspectives for establishing a method aimed at producing an efficient antivenom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Gama Martins
- Pós-Graduação em Genética, Conservação e Biologia Evolutiva, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA), Manaus, AM, Brazil.
| | - Karla de Castro Figueiredo Bordon
- Departamento de Ciências BioMoleculares, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Jairo A Moreno-González
- Division of Invertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History New York, Central Park West at 79th Street, 10024-5192, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Bruno Almeida
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Pará, Campus Itaituba, PA, Brazil
| | - Pedro Pardal
- Laboratório de Entomologia Médica e Animais Peçonhentos, Núcleo de Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA), Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - André Lira
- Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Centro de Educação e Saúde, Cuité, PB, Brazil
| | - Denise Candido
- Laboratório de Artrópodes, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eliane Candiani Arantes
- Departamento de Ciências BioMoleculares, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Rudi Procópio
- Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia e Recursos Naturais da Amazônia, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas (UEA), Manaus, AM, Brazil
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28
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Nath S, Mukherjee AK. Ethnomedicines for the treatment of scorpion stings: A perspective study. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 305:116078. [PMID: 36567038 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.116078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Scorpion sting is a public health concern with limited clinical symptomatic treatment. The clinical treatment uses anti-scorpion antivenom and prazosin (α-adrenergic inhibitor), often in combination with insulin, to reduce scorpion venom-induced hyperglycemia and other complications. However, these therapies also possess some limitations, necessitating urgent exploration of ethnomedicines, mainly traditional medicinal plants, to treat scorpion stings. Unfortunately, several conventional treatments are not scientifically validated, thus raising questions about their quality and utility. Therefore, pharmacological re-assessment of such medicinal plants to alleviate scorpion stings' complications is essential. AIM OF THE STUDY The principal objectives of this study are to provide a brief overview of medically important scorpions of the world, outline the extant traditional practices, and comprehensively review plants used in conventional ethnic medicines to treat scorpion stings over time. Modern technological advances in identifying and characterizing plant bioactive molecules are also mentioned in this review. MATERIALS AND METHODS The traditionally used medicinal plants against scorpion stings were reviewed from the available literature in the database. The Plant List (http://www.theplantlist.org/) was used to validate the scientific names of the plants mentioned in this study. The search targeted literature on conventional treatments and crude plant extracts or their bioactive components with proven neutralization capacity against scorpion stings. Search words used were 'scorpion sting,' 'treatment for a scorpion sting,' 'antivenom and scorpion sting,' 'traditional treatment for scorpion stings, and 'natural compounds against scorpion stings'. RESULTS A list of more than 200 medicinal plants traditionally used in several countries for treating scorpion stings is presented in this review. Though some myth-based remedies are practiced to treat scorpion stings, no empirical evidence exists to validate this aspect of traditional knowledge. Only 38 traditional medicinal plant extracts have been tested under in-vivo and in-vitro conditions to determine their neutralization potency of scorpion envenomation. Although a few bioactive plant constituents showing scorpion venom neutralization potency have been characterized, they are not yet commercially available for clinical application. CONCLUSIONS There is tremendous potential locked in medicinal plants' traditional knowledge for scorpion envenomation treatment. Translating this knowledge into the clinical application will require pharmacological reassessment, in tandem with isolation and characterization of active compounds to prove their prophylactic prowess. Almost equally important would be the formulation of stringent strategies to conserve such medicinal plants from overexploitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susmita Nath
- Division of Life Sciences, Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Vigyan Path, Paschim Boragaon, Garchuk, Guwahati, 781035, Assam, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Gaziabad, India.
| | - Ashis K Mukherjee
- Division of Life Sciences, Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Vigyan Path, Paschim Boragaon, Garchuk, Guwahati, 781035, Assam, India; On Deputation from Tezpur University, Tezpur, Assam, India.
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Mendes LC, Viana GMM, Nencioni ALA, Pimenta DC, Beraldo-Neto E. Scorpion Peptides and Ion Channels: An Insightful Review of Mechanisms and Drug Development. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:238. [PMID: 37104176 PMCID: PMC10145618 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15040238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The Buthidae family of scorpions consists of arthropods with significant medical relevance, as their venom contains a diverse range of biomolecules, including neurotoxins that selectively target ion channels in cell membranes. These ion channels play a crucial role in regulating physiological processes, and any disturbance in their activity can result in channelopathies, which can lead to various diseases such as autoimmune, cardiovascular, immunological, neurological, and neoplastic conditions. Given the importance of ion channels, scorpion peptides represent a valuable resource for developing drugs with targeted specificity for these channels. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the structure and classification of ion channels, the action of scorpion toxins on these channels, and potential avenues for future research. Overall, this review highlights the significance of scorpion venom as a promising source for discovering novel drugs with therapeutic potential for treating channelopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lais Campelo Mendes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências—Toxinologia do Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
- Laboratório de Bioquímica do Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Emidio Beraldo-Neto
- Laboratório de Bioquímica do Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
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Beraldo-Neto E, Vigerelli H, Coelho GR, da Silva DL, Nencioni ALA, Pimenta DC. Unraveling and profiling Tityus bahiensis venom: Biochemical analyses of the major toxins. J Proteomics 2023; 274:104824. [PMID: 36646272 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2023.104824] [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: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Among the scorpions found in Brazil, Tityus bahiensis is one of the species that causes most of the reported human accidents. In spite of this important constatation, the venom composition description is not available in the literature. Thus, this venom remains not properly studied, segregating this particular species into an abandoned, forgotten condition. In the present study, chromatographic separation (RP-HPLC-C18) and proteomic analyses were employed to unravel the diversity, complexity, and proportional distribution of the main peptides and proteins found in the scorpion venom. Moreover, sequence analyses and the presence of new isoforms and toxins are discussed based on a database comparison with other Tityus toxins. Our results show the presence of a wide diversity of potassium and sodium channel toxins and enzymes, such as metallopeptidases and hyaluronidases, as previously described for other species. However, the current work also describes for the first time, at the protein level, phospholipase, angiotensin-converting enzyme, cysteine-rich proteins, serine peptidase inhibitors peptides, and antimicrobial peptides. Finally, thorough data analyses allowed the description of the venom toxins distribution regarding their diversity and relative quantity. SIGNIFICANCE: The work presents the first Tityus bahiensis proteome. We have focused on describing the neurotoxin variability in terms of their isoforms/amino acid substitutions. Understanding the natural variations in the toxins' sequences is essential, once the affinity of these peptides to their respective receptors/ionic channels will vary depending on the specific peptide sequences. Moreover, the current study describes some proteins present in the venom, including enzymes being described for the first time in scorpion venoms, such as PLA2 and ACE. Moreover, we describe the individual relative quantity distribution for the different protein classes identified, as well as their variability in the T.bahiensis venom. Finally, this study also reports the development of a simple straightforward chromatographic method for scorpion venom fractionation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emidio Beraldo-Neto
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Toxinologia do Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil; Laboratório de Bioquímica, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Hugo Vigerelli
- Laboratório de Genética, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Daiane Laise da Silva
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Toxinologia do Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil; Laboratório de Bioquímica, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
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Nystrom GS, Ellsworth SA, Rokyta DR. The remarkably enzyme-rich venom of the Big Bend Scorpion (Diplocentrus whitei). Toxicon 2023; 226:107080. [PMID: 36907567 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Scorpion venoms have long been studied for their peptide discovery potential, with modern high-throughput venom-characterization techniques paving the way for the discovery of thousands of novel putative toxins. Research into these toxins has provided insight into the pathology and treatment of human diseases, even resulting in the development of one compound with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. Although most of this research has focused on the toxins of scorpion species considered medically significant to humans, the venom of harmless scorpion species possess toxins that are homologous to those from medically significant species, indicating that harmless scorpion venoms may also serve as valuable sources of novel peptide variants. Furthermore, as harmless scorpions represent a vast majority of scorpion species diversity, and therefore venom toxin diversity, venoms from these species likely contain entirely new toxin classes. We sequenced the venom-gland transcriptome and venom proteome of two male Big Bend scorpions (Diplocentrus whitei), providing the first high-throughput venom characterization for a member of this genus. We identified a total of 82 toxins in the venom of D. whitei, 25 of which were identified in both the transcriptome and proteome, and 57 of which were only identified in the transcriptome. Furthermore, we identified a unique, enzyme-rich venom dominated by serine proteases and the first arylsulfatase B toxins identified in scorpions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunnar S Nystrom
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Schyler A Ellsworth
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Darin R Rokyta
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA.
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Brites-Neto J, Dell Ducas V, Figueiredo FS. Spatial Analysis in Areas with High Occurrence of Accidents Caused by Tityus serrulatus and Tityus bahiensis (Scorpiones: Buthidae) in Brazil. Wilderness Environ Med 2023; 34:63-71. [PMID: 36543614 DOI: 10.1016/j.wem.2022.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In Brazil, scorpion stings are recorded in high numbers with an increasing epidemiological situation in most municipalities. In the present study, data between 1998 and 2018 in Americana, São Paulo, were analyzed. METHODS In total, 4122 records on scorpion stings were georeferenced using a Garmin eTREX 30X global positioning system device, with WGS84 datum projection and Universal Transverse Mercator zone 23S. Multiple Poisson regression was used to explore the relationship between the incidence rates of stings and urban planning areas (UPAs). Eight quantitative variables were used to establish the environmental and anthropic characterization of UPAs associated or not associated with scorpionism. A spatial analysis was performed for geoprocessing maps of Americana using spatial statistics tools (optimized hotspot analysis and kernel density function) from cartographic clusters in the ArcMap software, version 10.5. RESULTS The optimized hotspot analysis tool identified spatial clusters with high values of the incidence of scorpion stings in the surroundings of all UPAs in the municipality. The estimation of the kernel function of event intensity showed a wide distribution of stings across the area of the entire municipal territory, with UPA-02 and UPA-06 exhibiting the highest occurrence of scorpion stings. Six significant hotspots were established as highest-event-density areas (with occurrences of 160-270) and were contiguous to 4 environmental protection areas, located in more peripheral regions, and to 2 municipal cemeteries, which were located in urban central areas. CONCLUSIONS This analysis showed that the risk of scorpion stings in different Americana's UPAs has increased occurrence and incidence intensity.
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Scorpion envenomation in Brazil: Current scenario and perspectives for containing an increasing health problem. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011069. [PMID: 36757916 PMCID: PMC9910716 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Opportunistic scorpion species can colonize urban environments, establishing high-density communities that enhance the chances of human accidents. This scenario has been taking place in Brazil, in which some Tityus species have taken city centers, causing an explosion in the number of scorpion envenoming cases. The characteristics of this scorpionism epidemic in Brazil is discussed in the present work. The number of Brazilian scorpion stings has surpassed 120,000 cases in 2017, and has been maintained above this number ever since, representing a more than 3-fold increase in 10 years, which was higher than the number of cases for most of the neglected tropical diseases in the country. The escalation in scorpionism cases is even higher in some regions of Brazil. Fortunately, the proportion of mild cases has also increased in the analyzed period, as well as the number of victims seeking for medical attention within the first hour after the accident. The species Tityus serrulatus, Tityus stigmurus, Tityus bahiensis, and Tityus obscurus are traditionally accountable for most of the scorpion accidents in different regions of Brazil, but other species deserve to be closely watched. Despite scorpionism being a notable health problem in Brazil, accident prevention and pest control regarding this venomous animal have not been properly addressed by the scientific community nor by policy makers. Therefore, this review also aims to point possible fields of research that could help to contain the aggravation of the current scorpionism landscape in Brazil.
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Khalil A, Zidan MMM, Alajmi R, Ahmed AM. Impact of Envenomation With Snake Venoms on Rabbit Carcass Decomposition and Differential Adult Dipteran Succession Patterns. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 60:40-50. [PMID: 36354264 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjac173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The current study investigates the postmortem successional patterns of necrophagous dipteran insects and the rabbit carcass decomposition rate upon envenomation with snake venom. In total, 15 rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus domesticus L. (Lagomorpha, Leporidae), were divided into 3 groups (5 rabbits each; n = 5); the first and second groups were injected with lethal doses of venoms from the Egyptian cobra, Naja haje L. (Squamata, Elapidae), and the horned viper, Cerastes cerastes L. (Squamata, viperidae), respectively. The third group (control) was injected with 0.85% physiological saline and euthanized with CO2. The carcass decomposition stages: fresh, bloating, decay, and dry were recorded and monitored. Data revealed that envenomation shortened the decomposition process by 3 d, 20% shorter than the control. The overall succession pattern of fly species revealed a lower abundance during the fresh stage, which peaked during the decay stage, and declined to the minimum number in the dry stage at the end of the 15-d experimental duration. A total of 2,488 individual flies, belonging to 21 species of 10 families, were collected from all experimental carcasses. The Calliphoridae, Muscidae, and Sarcophagidae were the most abundant and diverse families, whereas the other seven families were rare and least abundant. Although C. cerastes venom was significantly less lethal than N. haje, it showed a faster carcass decomposition process and a higher impact on fly abundance. These data showed that envenomation impacts insect succession and carcass decomposition, which should be taken into account when using insects in forensic investigations since envenomation with snake venoms is one of the leading causes of death worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelwahab Khalil
- Entomology Division, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62521, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud M M Zidan
- Zoology & Entomology Department, Faculty of Sciences, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Reem Alajmi
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ashraf M Ahmed
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Bioactive peptides from scorpion venoms: therapeutic scaffolds and pharmacological tools. Chin J Nat Med 2023; 21:19-35. [PMID: 36641229 DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(23)60382-6] [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: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Cardoso-Arenas S, Clement H, Arenas I, Olvera F, Zamudio F, Caliskan F, Corrales-García LL, Corzo G. Recombinant expression and antigenicity of two peptide families of neurotoxins from Androctonus sp. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2022; 28:e20220026. [PMID: 36578820 PMCID: PMC9769139 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2022-0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Scorpion neurotoxins such as those that modify the mammalian voltage-gated sodium ion channels (Nav) are the main responsible for scorpion envenomation. Their neutralization is crucial in the production of antivenoms against scorpion stings. Methods In the present study, two in silico designed genes - one that codes for a native neurotoxin from the venom of the Anatolian scorpion Androctonus crassicauda, named Acra 4 - and another non-native toxin - named consensus scorpion toxin (SccTx) obtained from the alignment of the primary structures of the most toxic neurotoxins from the Middle Eastern and North African scorpions - were recombinantly expressed in E. coli Origami. Results Following bacterial expression, the two expressed neurotoxins, hereafter named HisrAcra4 and HisrSccTx, were obtained from inclusion bodies. Both recombinant neurotoxins were obtained in multiple Cys-Cys isoforms. After refolding, the active protein fractions were identified with molecular masses of 8,947.6 and 9,989.1 Da for HisrAcra4 and HisrSccTx, respectively, which agreed with their expected theoretical masses. HisrAcra4 and HisrSccTx were used as antigens to immunize two groups of rabbits, to produce either anti-HisrAcra4 or anti-HisrSccTx serum antibodies, which in turn could recognize and neutralize neurotoxins from venoms of scorpion species from the Middle East and North Africa. The antibodies obtained from rabbits neutralized the 3LD50 of Androctonus australis, Leiurus quinquestriatus hebraeus and Buthus occitanus venoms, but they did not neutralize A. crassicauda and A. mauritanicus venoms. In addition, the anti-HisrAcra4 antibodies did not neutralize any of the five scorpion venoms tested. However, an antibody blend of anti-HisrAcra4 and anti-HisrSccTx was able to neutralize A. crassicauda and A. mauritanicus venoms. Conclusions Two recombinant Nav neurotoxins, from different peptide families, were used as antigens to generate IgGs for neutralizing scorpion venoms of species from the Middle East and North Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Cardoso-Arenas
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Bioprocesses, Institute of Biotechnology, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Herlinda Clement
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Bioprocesses, Institute of Biotechnology, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Iván Arenas
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Bioprocesses, Institute of Biotechnology, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Felipe Olvera
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Bioprocesses, Institute of Biotechnology, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Fernando Zamudio
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Bioprocesses, Institute of Biotechnology, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Figen Caliskan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Letters, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Ligia Luz Corrales-García
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Bioprocesses, Institute of Biotechnology, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico.,Department of Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences, University of Antioquia (UdeA), Medellín, Colombia
| | - Gerardo Corzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Bioprocesses, Institute of Biotechnology, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico.,Correspondence:
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Turgut K, Yavuz E, Gülaçtı U, Aydın İ, Sönmez C, Aktaş N, Arslan E. Comparison of Intravenous Paracetamol, Dexketoprofen Trometamol, or Topical Lidocaine Use for Pain Relief in Scorpion Stings: A Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Study. Wilderness Environ Med 2022; 33:379-385. [PMID: 36229383 DOI: 10.1016/j.wem.2022.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION After a scorpion sting, patients commonly present to hospitals with pain. Our study sought to compare the analgesic efficacy of IV paracetamol, IV dexketoprofen trometamol, topical lidocaine, and placebo in patients reporting pain after presenting with a history of scorpion sting. METHODS This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study was conducted in the emergency department of a tertiary hospital. Adult patients who presented with the complaint of pain after a scorpion sting and did not have systemic findings were randomly assigned to 1 of the following 4 groups: IV paracetamol, IV dexketoprofen trometamol, topical lidocaine, and placebo. The visual analog scale scores were measured at the time of presentation to the emergency department and at 30 and 60 min to determine the pain intensity. RESULTS The study included 106 patients, of whom 30 were in the paracetamol group, 26 in the dexketoprofen trometamol group, 25 in the topical lidocaine group, and 25 in the placebo group. We did not find a different analgesic effect among the groups in the first 30 min (P=0.185). IV paracetamol, dexketoprofen trometamol, and topical lidocaine did not show different analgesic effects in the first 60 min (P>0.05). IV paracetamol and dexketoprofen trometamol were found to provide a more effective analgesia than the placebo at 60 min (P<0.05). The analgesic effects of topical lidocaine and placebo did not differ (P=0.330). CONCLUSIONS IV paracetamol and IV dexketoprofen trometamol provided analgesia in the first 60 min, similar to topical lidocaine but superior to placebo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasım Turgut
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Research and Training Hospital, Adiyaman University, Adiyaman, Turkey
| | - Erdal Yavuz
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Research and Training Hospital, Adiyaman University, Adiyaman, Turkey.
| | - Umut Gülaçtı
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Research and Training Hospital, Adiyaman University, Adiyaman, Turkey
| | - İrfan Aydın
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Research and Training Hospital, Adiyaman University, Adiyaman, Turkey
| | - Cihat Sönmez
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Research and Training Hospital, Adiyaman University, Adiyaman, Turkey
| | - Nurettin Aktaş
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Research and Training Hospital, Adiyaman University, Adiyaman, Turkey
| | - Ebru Arslan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Research and Training Hospital, Adiyaman University, Adiyaman, Turkey
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Elmourid A, Elhidan MA, Boussaa S, Bhiri M, Touloun O. Epidemiological and faunistic characterization of scorpionism in the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region, Central Morocco. Toxicon 2022; 218:70-75. [PMID: 36087714 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2022.09.001] [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: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Scorpionism is a serious public health problem in several parts of the world including Morocco, where is considered as the first cause of intoxication. The Beni Mellal-Khenifra region is one of the most affected regions by this health problem. The aim of this study is to describe the epidemiological and faunistic characteristics of scorpionism in this area. A retrospective epidemiological study was conducted based on the data of 16,388 cases of scorpion stings recorded between 2016 and 2020. In the laboratory, the collected scorpions were determined morphologically based on the valid taxonomic keys. Statistical and descriptive analyses were performed using Excel 2016. Statistical significance was determined by P-value < 0.05. The study comprised 16,388 stung patients. The scorpion stings incidence was 123.58 cases/100,000 population/year and was significantly higher at Azilal province (217.69 cases/100,000 population/year). We found a positive correlation between the scorpion stings incidence and the percentage of the rural population (r = 0.72) and between the scorpion stings incidence and the number of harmful species found in each province (r = 0.69). The general lethality rate was on average of 0.30% with a higher rate in Fquih Ben Salah province (0.63%) followed by Azilal province (0.32%). Children have the highest lethality than adults (p < 0.05). In the study area, eight species were identified, belonging to the families Buthidae and Scorpionidae, including dangerous species. Scorpionism is a real health problem in the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region, which is a rich and diverse area of scorpion fauna. Our findings can be useful for better understanding the problem of scorpionism in this region in order to better control it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdessamad Elmourid
- Polyvalent Team in Research and Development (LPVRD), Department of Biology & Geology, Polydisciplinary Faculty, University, Sultan My Slimane, Beni Mellal, 23030, Morocco.
| | | | - Samia Boussaa
- ISPITS-Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques, Ministry of Health and Social Protection, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Mourad Bhiri
- Regional Directorate of Health and Social Protection of the Beni Mellal-Khenifra Region, Morocco
| | - Oulaid Touloun
- Polyvalent Team in Research and Development (LPVRD), Department of Biology & Geology, Polydisciplinary Faculty, University, Sultan My Slimane, Beni Mellal, 23030, Morocco
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Antimicrobial Activity Developed by Scorpion Venoms and Its Peptide Component. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14110740. [PMID: 36355990 PMCID: PMC9693228 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14110740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial infections represent a problem of great importance at the public health level, with a high rate of morbidity-mortality worldwide. However, treating the different diseases generated by microorganisms requires a gradual increase in acquired resistance when applying or using them against various antibiotic therapies. Resistance is caused by various molecular mechanisms of microorganisms, thus reducing their effectiveness. Consequently, there is a need to search for new opportunities through natural sources with antimicrobial activity. One alternative is using peptides present in different scorpion venoms, specifically from the Buthidae family. Different peptides with biological activity in microorganisms have been characterized as preventing their growth or inhibiting their replication. Therefore, they represent an alternative to be used in the design and development of new-generation antimicrobial drugs in different types of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. Essential aspects for its disclosure, as shown in this review, are the studies carried out on different types of peptides in scorpion venoms with activity against pathogenic microorganisms, highlighting their high therapeutic potential.
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Vaucel JA, Larréché S, Paradis C, Courtois A, Pujo JM, Elenga N, Résière D, Caré W, de Haro L, Gallart JC, Torrents R, Schmitt C, Chevalier J, Labadie M, Kallel H. French Scorpionism (Mainland and Oversea Territories): Narrative Review of Scorpion Species, Scorpion Venom, and Envenoming Management. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14100719. [PMID: 36287987 PMCID: PMC9611377 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14100719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Sixty-seven scorpion species have been described in France and its territories, where they have been found to be heterogeneously distributed. Indeed, only one species can be found on Réunion Island, while 38 species exist in French Guiana. The number of stings is also heterogenous, with up to 90 stings per 100,000 inhabitants occurring annually. Scorpion species can frequently be determined through simple visual factors, including species of medical importance (i.e., Buthus, Centruroides and Tityus). Scorpion venom is composed of local enzymes and peptides with a cysteine-stabilized α/β motif (NaTxs, Ktxs, Calcines), which allow for venom diffusion and the prey's incapacitation, respectively. Harmful scorpion species are limited to Centruroides pococki in the French West Indies, which can induce severe envenoming, and the Tityus obscurus and Tityus silvestris in French Guiana, which can cause fatalities in children and can induce severe envenoming, respectively. Envenomation by one of these scorpions requires hospital monitoring as long as systemic symptoms persist. Typical management includes the use of a lidocaine patch, pain killers, and local antiseptic. In the case of heart failure, the use of dobutamine can improve survival, and pregnant women must consult an obstetrician because of the elevated risk of preterm birth or stillbirth. France does not have scorpion antivenom, as scorpion stings are generally not fatal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jules-Antoine Vaucel
- Bordeaux Poison Control Centre, Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire Bordeaux Pellegrin, 33000 Bordeaux, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-05-5679-8776
| | - Sébastien Larréché
- Medical Biology Department, Hôpital d’Instruction Des Armées Bégin, 94160 Saint-Mandé, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) UMR-S 1144, Université de Paris, 75000 Paris, France
| | - Camille Paradis
- Bordeaux Poison Control Centre, Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire Bordeaux Pellegrin, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Arnaud Courtois
- Bordeaux Poison Control Centre, Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire Bordeaux Pellegrin, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Jean-Marc Pujo
- Emergency Department, Centre Hospitalier de Cayenne, 97300 Cayenne, France
| | - Narcisse Elenga
- Pediatric Unit, Centre Hospitalier de Cayenne, 97300 Cayenne, France
| | - Dabor Résière
- Intensive Care Unit, Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire Martinique, 97200 Fort de France, France
| | - Weniko Caré
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) UMR-S 1144, Université de Paris, 75000 Paris, France
- Paris Poison Control Center, Fédération de Toxicologie (FeTox), Hôpital Fernand Widal, AP-HP, 75000 Paris, France
- Internal Medicine Department, Hôpital d’Instruction des Armées Bégin, 94160 Val-de-Marne, France
| | - Luc de Haro
- Marseille Poison Control Centre, Assistance Public des Hôpitaux de Marseille, 13000 Marseille, France
| | - Jean-Christophe Gallart
- Toulouse Poison Control Centre, Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire de Toulouse, 31000 Toulouse, France
| | - Romain Torrents
- Marseille Poison Control Centre, Assistance Public des Hôpitaux de Marseille, 13000 Marseille, France
| | - Corinne Schmitt
- Marseille Poison Control Centre, Assistance Public des Hôpitaux de Marseille, 13000 Marseille, France
| | | | - Magali Labadie
- Bordeaux Poison Control Centre, Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire Bordeaux Pellegrin, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Hatem Kallel
- Intensive Care Unit, Centre Hospitalier de Cayenne, 97300 Cayenne, France
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Alqahtani AR, Badry A, Abd Al Galil FM, Amr ZS. Morphometric and meristic diversity of the species Androctonus crassicauda (Olivier, 1807) (Scorpiones: Buthidae) in Saudi Arabia. PeerJ 2022; 10:e14198. [PMID: 36281363 PMCID: PMC9587716 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14198] [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: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Intraspecific molecular and morphological variations among geographically isolated populations are useful for understanding the evolutionary processes, which is considered early stage of allopatric speciation. Also, the knowledge of the regional variation of scorpion venom composition is needed to improve antivenom therapeutic management. Androctonus crassicauda (Olivier, 1807) is the most common and medically important species in Arabia and the Middle East. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the geographic morphological variation among A.crassicaudapopulations, regarding its geographical distribution in unexplored arid regions in Saudi Arabia. Samples were collected and examined morphologically under a dissecting microscope from different four eco-geographical regions. The results of ANOVA and multivariate statistical analyses provide strong evidence of geographical variation. The two populations from OTU3 and OUT4 showed the greatest degree of morphological difference from populations of OUT1 and OUT2. Each OTU3 and OTU4 populations showed significant speciation without overlapping in the two groups, while the remaining overlapped groups comprised two other populations. Several body variables influenced male separation, including carapace posterior width, metasoma 3rd length, and metasoma 2nd length. For females, telson length, metasoma 1st width, and sternite 7th width were highly influential variables. Such variation may suggest the existence of cryptic taxa within A. crassicauda populations in Saudi Arabia. Moreover, metasoma ratios can be used as good indicators in intraspecific variation studies of Scorpions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ahmed Badry
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Fahd Mohammed Abd Al Galil
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Bisha, Bisha, Saudi Arabia,Department of Biology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Thamar University, Thamar, Yemen
| | - Zuhair S. Amr
- Department of Biology, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Jordan, Jordan
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Pondehnezhadan E, Chamani A, Salabi F, Soleimani R. Identification, characterization, and molecular phylogeny of scorpion enolase ( Androctonus crassicauda and Hemiscorpius lepturus). TOXIN REV 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/15569543.2022.2080223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elham Pondehnezhadan
- Environmental Science Department, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Atefeh Chamani
- Environmental Science Department, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Salabi
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Reihaneh Soleimani
- Demartment of Plant Protection, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
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43
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Martinez PA, Gutiérrez JM, Olalla-Tárraga MÁ, Amado TF. Venomous animals in a changing world. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2022; 28:3750-3753. [PMID: 35384171 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The climatic changes of the next decades will modify human and livestock interactions with venomous animals; Some venomous species will disappear in the coming decades; Other venomous species will shift their distributions or increase their geographic ranges invading new countries that may not have specific antivenoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Ariel Martinez
- Laboratório de Pesquisa Integrativa em Biodiersidade - PIBi Lab, Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristovão, Brazil
- Biodiversity & Macroecology Lab - BioMa, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Móstoles, España
| | - José Maria Gutiérrez
- Facultad de Microbiología, Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | | | - Talita Ferreira Amado
- Biodiversity & Macroecology Lab - BioMa, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Móstoles, España
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Alqahtani AR, Badry A, Amer SA, Al Galil FMA, Ahmed MA, Amr ZS. Intraspecific molecular variation among Androctonus crassicauda (Olivier, 1807) populations collected from different regions in saudi arabia. JOURNAL OF KING SAUD UNIVERSITY - SCIENCE 2022; 34:101998. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jksus.2022.101998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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45
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In vitro laboratory analyses of commercial anti-scorpion (Mesobuthus tamulus) antivenoms reveal their quality and safety but the prevalence of a low proportion of venom-specific antibodies. Toxicon 2022; 215:37-48. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2022.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Ghezellou P, Jakob K, Atashi J, Ghassempour A, Spengler B. Mass-Spectrometry-Based Lipidome and Proteome Profiling of Hottentotta saulcyi (Scorpiones: Buthidae) Venom. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14060370. [PMID: 35737031 PMCID: PMC9228814 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14060370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpion venom is a complex secretory mixture of components with potential biological and physiological properties that attracted many researchers due to promising applications from clinical and pharmacological perspectives. In this study, we investigated the venom of the Iranian scorpion Hottentotta saulcyi (Simon, 1880) by applying mass-spectrometry-based proteomic and lipidomic approaches to assess the diversity of components present in the venom. The data revealed that the venom’s proteome composition is largely dominated by Na+- and K+-channel-impairing toxic peptides, following the enzymatic and non-enzymatic protein families, e.g., angiotensin-converting enzyme, serine protease, metalloprotease, hyaluronidase, carboxypeptidase, and cysteine-rich secretory peptide. Furthermore, lipids comprise ~1.2% of the dry weight of the crude venom. Phospholipids, ether-phospholipids, oxidized-phospholipids, triacylglycerol, cardiolipins, very-long-chain sphingomyelins, and ceramides were the most intensely detected lipid species in the scorpion venom, may acting either independently or synergistically during the envenomation alongside proteins and peptides. The results provide detailed information on the chemical makeup of the venom, helping to improve our understanding of biological molecules present in it, leading to a better insight of the medical significance of the venom, and improving the medical care of patients suffering from scorpion accidents in the relevant regions such as Iran, Iraq, Turkey, and Afghanistan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parviz Ghezellou
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany;
- Correspondence: (P.G.); (B.S.)
| | - Kevin Jakob
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany;
| | - Javad Atashi
- Medicinal Plants and Drugs Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran 1983969411, Iran; (J.A.); (A.G.)
| | - Alireza Ghassempour
- Medicinal Plants and Drugs Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran 1983969411, Iran; (J.A.); (A.G.)
| | - Bernhard Spengler
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany;
- Correspondence: (P.G.); (B.S.)
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Ben Abderrazek R, Ksouri A, Idoudi F, Dhaouadi S, Hamdi E, Vincke C, Farah A, Benlasfar Z, Majdoub H, El Ayeb M, Muyldermans S, Bouhaouala-Zahar B. Neutralizing Dromedary-Derived Nanobodies Against BotI-Like Toxin From the Most Hazardous Scorpion Venom in the Middle East and North Africa Region. Front Immunol 2022; 13:863012. [PMID: 35514999 PMCID: PMC9063451 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.863012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Scorpion envenoming is a severe health problem in many regions causing significant clinical toxic effects and fatalities. In the Middle East/North Africa (MENA) region, Buthidae scorpion stings are responsible for devastating toxic outcomes in human. The only available specific immunotherapeutic treatment is based on IgG fragments of animal origin. To overcome the limitations of classical immunotherapy, we have demonstrated the in vivo efficacy of NbF12-10 bispecific nanobody at preclinical level. Nanobodies were developed against BotI analogues belonging to a distinct structural and antigenic group of scorpion toxins, occurring in the MENA region. From Buthus occitanus tunetanus venom, BotI-like toxin was purified. The 41 N-terminal amino acid residues were sequenced, and the LD50 was estimated at 40 ng/mouse. The BotI-like toxin was used for dromedary immunization. An immune VHH library was constructed, and after screening, two nanobodies were selected with nanomolar and sub-nanomolar affinity and recognizing an overlapping epitope. NbBotI-01 was able to neutralize 50% of the lethal effect of 13 LD50 BotI-like toxins in mice when injected by i.c.v route, whereas NbBotI-17 neutralized 50% of the lethal effect of 7 LD50. Interestingly, NbBotI-01 completely reduced the lethal effect of the 2 LD50 of BotG50 when injected at 1:4 molar ratio excess. More interestingly, an equimolar mixture of NbBotI-01 with NbF12-10 neutralized completely the lethal effect of 7 and 5 LD50 of BotG50 or AahG50, at 1:4 and 1:2 molar ratio, respectively. Hence, NbBotI-01 and NbF12-10 display synergic effects, leading to a novel therapeutic candidate for treating Buthus occitanus scorpion stings in the MENA region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahma Ben Abderrazek
- Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques, Institut Pasteur Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Ayoub Ksouri
- Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques, Institut Pasteur Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Faten Idoudi
- Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques, Institut Pasteur Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Sayda Dhaouadi
- Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques, Institut Pasteur Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Emna Hamdi
- Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques, Institut Pasteur Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Cécile Vincke
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Myeloid Cell Immunology Lab, Vlaams Interuniversitair Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB) Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Azer Farah
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Zakaria Benlasfar
- Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques, Institut Pasteur Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hafedh Majdoub
- Unité des Services Communs de Recherche (USCR) Séquenceur de Protéines, Faculté des Sciences de Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed El Ayeb
- Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques, Institut Pasteur Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Serge Muyldermans
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Balkiss Bouhaouala-Zahar
- Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques, Institut Pasteur Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.,Unité des Services Communs de Recherche (USCR) Séquenceur de Protéines, Faculté des Sciences de Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia.,Faculté de Médecine de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
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Molecular data do not support the traditional morphology-based groupings in the scorpion family Buthidae (Arachnida: Scorpiones). Mol Phylogenet Evol 2022; 173:107511. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2022.107511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Lacerda AB, Lorenz C, De Azevedo TS, Cândido DM, Wen FH, Eloy LJ, Bersusa AAS, Chiaravalloti Neto F. Scorpion envenomation in the state of São Paulo, Brazil: Spatiotemporal analysis of a growing public health concern. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266138. [PMID: 35395017 PMCID: PMC8992990 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpion envenomation is a significant public health concern in São Paulo, Brazil, and its incidence and mortality have increased in recent decades. The present study analyzed documented scorpion envenomation notifications from 2008 to 2018 throughout the 645 municipalities of São Paulo. Annual incidence and mortality rates were calculated and stratified according to sex and age. The local empirical Bayesian method and Getis-Ord Gi* statistic were used to represent standardized incidence rates in the municipalities and to identify high- and low-risk agglomerates. The incidence rate of scorpion envenomation quintupled between 2008 and 2018. Overall, the risk was higher for man, and increased with age. Deaths due to envenomation, however, were concentrated almost entirely in children 0–9 years of age. Incidence maps showed that the risk of envenomation increased in almost all regions and municipalities of São Paulo throughout the study period. The highest incidence rates were found in the western, northwestern and northern regions of the state, in contrast to the São Paulo metropolitan area and southern and coastal regions. Hot spots were identified in the Presidente Prudente, Barretos, São José do Rio Preto, and Araçatuba regional health districts, which over time formed a single high-risk cluster. In spatial terms, however, deaths were randomly distributed. In this study, we identified areas and populations at risk of scorpion envenomation and associated–fatalities, which can be used to support decision-making by health services to reduce human contact with these arachnids and avoid fatalities, especially in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alec Brian Lacerda
- Faculdade de Saúde Pública–Universidade De São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| | - Camila Lorenz
- Faculdade de Saúde Pública–Universidade De São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thiago Salomão De Azevedo
- Faculdade de Saúde Pública–Universidade De São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Secretaria de Saúde do Município de Santa Bárbara d’Oeste–SP, Santa Bárbara d’Oeste, Brazil
| | | | | | - Luciano José Eloy
- Centro de Vigilância Epidemiológica “Prof. Alexandre Vranjac”, São Paulo, Brazil
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sVmKTx, a transcriptome analysis-based synthetic peptide analogue of Vm24, inhibits Kv1.3 channels of human T cells with improved selectivity. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 199:115023. [PMID: 35358481 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Kv1.3 K+ channels play a central role in the regulation of T cell activation and Ca2+ signaling under physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Peptide toxins targeting Kv1.3 have a significant therapeutic potential in the treatment of autoimmune diseases; thus, the discovery of new toxins is highly motivated. Based on the transcriptome analysis of the venom gland of V. mexicanus smithi a novel synthetic peptide, sVmKTx was generated, containing 36 amino acid residues. sVmKTx shows high sequence similarity to Vm24, a previously characterized peptide from the same species, but contains a Glu at position 32 as opposed to Lys32 in Vm24. Vm24 inhibits Kv1.3 with high affinity (Kd = 2.9 pM). However, it has limited selectivity (~1,500-fold) for Kv1.3 over hKv1.2, hKCa3.1, and mKv1.1. sVmKTx displays reduced Kv1.3 affinity (Kd = 770 pM) but increased selectivity for Kv1.3 over hKv1.2 (~9,000-fold) as compared to Vm24, other channels tested in the panel (hKCa3.1, hKv1.1, hKv1.4, hKv1.5, rKv2.1, hKv11.1, hKCa1.1, hNav1.5) were practically insensitive to the toxin at 2.5 μM. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that introduction of a Glu instead of Lys at position 32 led to a decreased structural fluctuation of the N-terminal segment of sVmKTx, which may explain its increased selectivity for Kv1.3. sVmKTx at 100 nM concentration decreased the expression level of the Ca2+ -dependent T cell activation marker, CD40 ligand. The high affinity block of Kv1.3 and increased selectivity over the natural peptide makes sVmKTx a potential candidate for Kv1.3 blockade-mediated treatment of autoimmune diseases.
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