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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Barbosa MDOR, de Paulo MEFDV, Nencioni ALA. Scorpion Envenomation of Lactating Rats Decreases the Seizure Threshold in Offspring. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:853. [PMID: 34941691 PMCID: PMC8707262 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13120853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Few data are available in the literature describing the long-term effects of envenoming in the perinatal period. In this study, the relationship between envenoming of lactating rats and possible behavioral changes in the mother and in her offspring were investigated. Lactating Wistar rats received a single dose of T. serrulatus crude venom on postnatal days 2 (V2), 10 (V10) or 16 (V16), and had their maternal behavior evaluated. The seizure threshold was evaluated in adulthood offspring. A decrease in maternal care during envenoming was observed in V2 and V10 groups. The retrieval behavior was absent in the V2 group, and a lower seizure threshold in the adult offspring of all groups was observed. During envenoming, mothers stayed away from their offspring for a relatively long time. Maternal deprivation during the early postnatal period is one of the most potent stressors for pups and could be responsible, at least in part, for the decrease in the convulsive threshold of the offspring since stress is pointed to as a risk factor for epileptogenesis. Furthermore, the scorpionic accident generates an intense immune response, and inflammation in neonates increases the susceptibility to seizures in adulthood. Therefore, maternal envenoming during lactation can have adverse effects on offspring in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ana Leonor Abrahão Nencioni
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Butantan Institute, Av. Dr. Vital Brazil 1500, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (M.d.O.R.B.); (M.E.F.d.V.d.P.)
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Martins ADN, Neto EB, do Val de Paulo MEF, Nencioni ALA. Exposure of lactating wistar rats to Tityus bahiensis scorpion venom: Effects on cytokine and growth factor (BDNF) levels of offspring. Toxicon 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.12.137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Beraldo-Neto E, da-Silva DL, Coelho GR, Nencioni ALA, Pimenta DC. Biochemical characterization of the major Tityus bahiensis venom toxins. Toxicon 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.12.147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Dorce VAC, da Rocha MMT, Candido DM, Nencioni ALA, Auada AVV, Barbaro KC, Lebrun I. Influence of different processing techniques on the toxicity and biochemical characteristics of Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom. Toxicon 2018; 156:41-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/04/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Nencioni ALA, Neto EB, de Freitas LA, Dorce VAC. Effects of Brazilian scorpion venoms on the central nervous system. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2018; 24:3. [PMID: 29410679 PMCID: PMC5781280 DOI: 10.1186/s40409-018-0139-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In Brazil, the scorpion species responsible for most severe incidents belong to the Tityus genus and, among this group, T. serrulatus, T. bahiensis, T. stigmurus and T. obscurus are the most dangerous ones. Other species such as T. metuendus, T. silvestres, T. brazilae, T. confluens, T. costatus, T. fasciolatus and T. neglectus are also found in the country, but the incidence and severity of accidents caused by them are lower. The main effects caused by scorpion venoms - such as myocardial damage, cardiac arrhythmias, pulmonary edema and shock - are mainly due to the release of mediators from the autonomic nervous system. On the other hand, some evidence show the participation of the central nervous system and inflammatory response in the process. The participation of the central nervous system in envenoming has always been questioned. Some authors claim that the central effects would be a consequence of peripheral stimulation and would be the result, not the cause, of the envenoming process. Because, they say, at least in adult individuals, the venom would be unable to cross the blood-brain barrier. In contrast, there is some evidence showing the direct participation of the central nervous system in the envenoming process. This review summarizes the major findings on the effects of Brazilian scorpion venoms on the central nervous system, both clinically and experimentally. Most of the studies have been performed with T. serrulatus and T. bahiensis. Little information is available regarding the other Brazilian Tityus species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emidio Beraldo Neto
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Butantan Institute, Av. Dr. Vital Brasil, 1500, São Paulo, SP 05503-900 Brazil
- Graduation Program in Sciences – Toxinology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP Brazil
| | - Lucas Alves de Freitas
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Butantan Institute, Av. Dr. Vital Brasil, 1500, São Paulo, SP 05503-900 Brazil
- Graduation Program in Sciences – Toxinology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP Brazil
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Abstract
Scorpion envenomation is a public health problem, especially in tropical and subtropical countries. Considering the high incidence of scorpionism in some areas, pregnant women and nursing mothers may be possible victims. Scorpion stings alter the release of neurotransmitters and some cytokines. These mediators act as organizers and programmers in the adequate formation of the nerves, and non-physiological concentrations of them during the brain organization originate disorders and diseases that can appear later in the life of the individual. Despite the importance of this subject, there are only a few studies showing the effects of scorpion venom on maternal reproductive development, in the morphology and physical and behavioral development of offspring. The present review article summarizes the major findings on this issue. Biochemical changes in the blood – such as hyperglycemia, increase on the level of sodium and on the creatinine concentration – are observed after scorpion sting in humans and experimental animals. Some studies in the literature demonstrate that the scorpion venom affects the maternal reproductive development in humans and in experimental animals, increasing the frequency and amplitude of uterine contraction and the number of resorptions. The venom can also lead to some alterations in the embryonic or fetal development increasing the total weight of fetuses and of some organs. Moreover, it affects the general activity and locomotion during childhood and adulthood, and the anxiety level in adult females and males. It also alters the number of hippocampal neurons and interferes in the level of some cytokines. Altogether, it is evident that the venom, when administered during the pregnancy or lactation, affects the development of the offspring. Studies are being conducted to determine the actual participation of the venom in the development of the offspring, and to what extent they are detrimental to animal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Leticia Coronado Dorce
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Butantan Institute, Av. Dr. Vital Brasil, 1500, São Paulo, SP CEP 05503-900 Brazil
| | - Adriana do Nascimento Martins
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Butantan Institute, Av. Dr. Vital Brasil, 1500, São Paulo, SP CEP 05503-900 Brazil.,Graduate Program in Sciences - Toxinology, Butantan Institute, Av. Dr. Vital Brasil 1500, São Paulo, SP CEP 05503-900 Brazil
| | | | - Ana Leonor Abrahão Nencioni
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Butantan Institute, Av. Dr. Vital Brasil, 1500, São Paulo, SP CEP 05503-900 Brazil
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Martins ADN, Nencioni ALA, Dorce ALC, Paulo MEFV, Frare EO, Dorce VAC. Effect of maternal exposure to Tityus bahiensis scorpion venom during lactation on the offspring of rats. Reprod Toxicol 2015; 59:147-58. [PMID: 26746106 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2015.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2014] [Revised: 11/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Scorpion stings are a public health problem in Brazil and lactating women may be affected. We aimed to study the effects of Tityus bahiensis venom in the offspring of rats treated during lactation. Mothers received a subcutaneous injection of saline (1.0ml/kg) or venom (2.5mg/kg) or an intraperitoneal injection of LPS (lipopolysaccharide) (100μg/kg) on postnatal (PN) days 2 (PN2), 10 (PN10) or 16 (PN16). The offspring were evaluated during the childhood and adulthood. Pups showed a delay in physical and reflexological development, and a decrease in motor activity. Adults displayed low anxiety. There was an increase in the number of viable neuronal cells in hippocampal areas CA1 and CA4. The levels of IFN-γ (interferon-gamma) increased in the experimental groups. Several of the parameters analyzed showed important differences between the sexes. Thus, the scorpion venom affects the development in the offspring of mothers envenomed during the lactation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana do Nascimento Martins
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Toxinology of Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
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Rodriguez RV, Dorce VAC, de Freitas LA, Dorce ALC, Lebrun I, Sobral ACM, Portaro FCV, Kuniyoshi AK, Carvalho DC, Nencioni ALA. Intrahippocampal injection of TsTX-I increases the levels of INF-γ in the cerebral tissue but not the levels of glutamate. Toxicon 2015; 103:155-9. [PMID: 26163314 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2015.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Revised: 06/29/2015] [Accepted: 07/02/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
TsTX-I, isolated from Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom, causes epileptic-like discharges when injected into the central nervous system. The involvement of excitatory amino acids and cytokines in this activity was investigated. Our results have demonstrated that TsTX-I increases the release of IFN-γ but does not alter the intracerebral concentration of the excitatory amino acids in rats. Thus, this cytokine seems to be more important in the convulsive process than glutamate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renan Volner Rodriguez
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Toxinology of Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Ivo Lebrun
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
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Dorce ALC, Dorce VAC, Nencioni ALA. Effects of in utero exposure to Tityus bahiensis scorpion venom in adult rats. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2009; 32:187-92. [PMID: 19945531 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2009.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2009] [Revised: 10/30/2009] [Accepted: 11/21/2009] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The toxicity of Tityus bahiensis scorpion venom is well known, but there are little data about the damage in offspring of dams that were exposed to the venom during pregnancy. The objective of this work was to determine the toxic effects of venom in adult offspring of Wistar rats exposed to venom in utero. Dams were divided into a control group, subcutaneously injected with saline solution on the 10th (GD10) and 16th (GD16) days, and two experimental groups, subcutaneously injected with venom (2.5mg/kg) on GD10 or GD16, respectively. Adult offspring were evaluated according to behavioral development and neuronal integrity in the hippocampus. Tests performed in the activity box and in the enriched environment demonstrated that males from GD10 had motor decrease. Females from GD10 showed a depressive-like state and were more anxious, as demonstrated by the forced swimming test and social interaction. The plus-maze discriminative avoidance task demonstrated that GD16 males had lower levels of anxiety. The number of neuronal cells was decreased in CA1, CA3 and CA4 hippocampal areas of males and females from GD10 group and in CA1 of females and CA4 of males from GD16 group. Thus, we conclude that venom exposure in pregnant dams causes subtle alteration in the behavioral and neuronal development of offspring in adult life in a gender-dependent manner.
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Dorce ALC, Bellot RG, Dorce VAC, Nencioni ALA. Effects of prenatal exposure to Tityus bahiensis scorpion venom on rat offspring development. Reprod Toxicol 2009; 28:365-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2009.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2008] [Revised: 03/25/2009] [Accepted: 04/11/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Nencioni ALA, Barreto SA, Lebrun I, Florio JC, Lourenço GA, Dorce VAC. Neurotransmitter evaluation in the hippocampus of rats after intracerebral injection of TsTX scorpion toxin. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2009. [DOI: 10.1590/s1678-91992009000200007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
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