Abstract
Stonefish are regarded as one of the most venomous fish in the world. Research on stonefish venom has chiefly focused on the in vitro and in vivo neurological, cardiovascular, cytotoxic and nociceptive effects of the venom. The last literature review on stonefish venom was published over a decade ago, and much has changed in the field since. In this review, we have generated a global map of the current distribution of all stonefish (Synanceia) species, presented a table of clinical case reports and provided up-to-date information about the development of polyspecific stonefish antivenom. We have also presented an overview of recent advancements in the biomolecular composition of stonefish venom, including the analysis of transcriptomic and proteomic data from Synanceia horrida venom gland. Moreover, this review highlights the need for further research on the composition and properties of stonefish venom, which may reveal novel molecules for drug discovery, development or other novel physiological uses.
Highlights
While these reports highlight the burden of fish stings in the Indo-Pacific region, stonefish envenomation is grossly underreported in the literature [4]
This binding action indicates that S. verrucosa venom might act on postsynaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), agreeing with previous research on chick biventer cervicis nerve preparations using S. horrida venom [48]
Stings caused by venomous fish species occur worldwide
Summary
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Synanceia species have up to 15 dorsal fin spines that are erected when the fish is disturbed [2]. Stings from this medically important group of fish are known to cause painful and lethal human envenomations. Clinical reports of stings and injuries from Synanceia species have been reported since the end of the 19th century [3], studies into their venom biology, chemistry and pharmacology have been scarce, and the mechanisms of action of the venom remain mostly unknown. This review attempts to comprehensively summarize and update the current state of knowledge of Synanceia spp., with a focus on geographic distribution, human impact, disease burden, venom composition and the mechanisms of action of venom components
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