In vitro Scolicidal effects of Androctonus crassicauda (Olivier, 1807) venom against the protoscolices of Echinococcus granulosus

Emerging therapeutic applications of scorpion venom peptides in the Middle East and North Africa: A comprehensive review

The predominantly arid and semi-arid climate, with high temperatures and vast desert areas in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, creates a favorable environment for scorpions, resulting in diversity of species of different genera. Animal venom, particularly scorpion venom, poses a health risk to victims who are envenomed. However, its abundance of bioactive protein molecules also makes it a promising source for new drug development. Numerous studies worldwide have revealed that venom-based molecules exhibit diverse therapeutic activities, including anticancer, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anti-hypertensive, immunomodulatory, and analgesic properties. Researchers from MENA region are also actively contributing to this global challenge. In this review, we will explore the abundance and diversity of scorpions in the MENA region and examine recent studies on the therapeutic activities of molecules extracted from their venom. Nonetheless, additional research is needed to address the challenges of developing effective natural drugs from scorpion venom.

Antihelimentic effect of Androctonus crassicauda scorpion venom against Trichuris arvicolae isolated from Psammomys obesus in Egypt

Trichuridae family has a genetic and morphological variability between species affecting rodents, but it is considerably hard to morphologically diagnose species within the genus of Trichuris and the individuals of these species are identified according to their host, as it is known that Trichuris spp. is strictly host-specific. However, some species lack host specificity. So, it is necessary to use molecular data in order to well identify the Trichuris spp. in Egyptian rodents. The host examined in the current research is Psammomys obesus and the molecularly identified species from its cecum is Trichuris arvicolae. In addition, Trichuris arvicolae was subjected to in vitro treatment with Androctonus crassicauda Crude Venom as a model of natural alternative treatment for gastrointestinal nematodes that increasingly develop anthelmintic drug resistance. The changes in Trichuris arvicolae were monitored using scanning electron microscopy, Androctonus crassicauda Crude Venom made a significant ultrastructural surface changes in Trichuris arvicolae, including marked cuticular sloughing, disintegrated bacillary glands, bursting of vulva and edema of anal region. This study was done for closer identification of Trichuris spp. infecting rodents in Egypt and evaluating the efficacy of Androctonus crassicauda Crude Venom in vitro.

Toxicity Mechanism of Dangerous Scorpion Stings in Iran

Background

Considering the importance of scorpions and recognizing the mechanisms of toxicity caused by their medically important species in Iran and adopting the best therapeutic approach based on these mechanisms, this study was performed by reviewing the clinical manifestations of scorpion stings.

Methods

The research was conducted by searching for articles and researches in related websites (PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science and CINAHL) and using domestic and international authoritative journals using the keywords of scorpion, clinical manifestations, in a review method. Finally, 104 qualified sources were selected and after reviewing and criticizing these studies, the author's point of view was presented.

Results

Clinical manifestations of Scorpion sting toxicity vary due to the existence of two toxic classes of neurotoxins and cytotoxins or hemotoxins in these arthropods in Iran. The number and distribution of species with neurotoxic venom are higher than the scorpions with cytotoxic venom and are reported throughout Iran. Scorpions with cytotoxic venom are mostly widespread in south and southwest of Iran.

Conclusion

Treatment and prevention of scorpion stings in Iran and neighboring countries in the Middle East should be planned based on the mechanism of toxicity and the presence of toxic classes with neurotoxic or cytotoxic venoms.

Status and prospect of novel treatment options toward alveolar and cystic echinococcosis

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) and alveolar echinococcosis (AE) are the two most important global parasitic infectious diseases caused by species of Echinococcus granulosus and E. multilocularis, respectively. Although numerous trials have been performed in search of novel therapeutic options to curb the neglected zoonosis, no other nonsurgical options are currently available to replace the licensed anti echinococcal drugs albendazole (ABZ) and mebendazole (MBZ). A safer and more effective treatment plan for echinococcosis is therefore urgently needed to compensate for this therapeutic shortfall. Here, we present a review of the literature for state-of-the-art valuable anti-parasitic compounds and novel strategies that have proved effective against CE and AE, which includes details about the pharmaceutical type, practical approach, experimental plan, model application and protoscolecidal effects in vivo and in vitro. The content includes the current application of traditional clinical chemicals, the preparation of new compounds with various drug loadings, repurposing findings, combined programs, the prospects for Chinese herbal medicines, non-drug administrations and the exploration of target inhibitors based on open-source information for parasitic genes. Next the conventional experimental projects and pharmacodynamic evaluation methods are systematically summarized and evaluated. The demands to optimize the construction of the echinococcosis model and improve the dynamic monitoring method in vivo are also discussed given the shortcomings of in vivo models and monitoring methods.