Endemic Scorpion Research Articles

Cuban Blue Scorpion Venom and Lung Carcinoma: Is it Always True What Does Not Kill Me Makes Me Stronger?

Historically snake, scorpion, and hymenoptera venom have been used to treat various diseases. It is well known that alternative and/or complementary treatment options are widely used, especially among cancer patients. The case we describe here has lung carcinoma and received blue scorpion venom as an alternative therapy. A 86 years old male patient was admitted complaining of dyspnea. Thorax computed tomography (CT) showed a mass lesion and intraparenchymal nodules on the left upper lobe. Percutaneous transthoracic biopsy was performed, and the diagnosis was reported to be an epidermoid carcinoma. After the shared decision, A shared decision with the family and oncology specialists, the patient decided to try Cuban blue scorpion venom oral drops. Initially, it was well tolerated. However on the sixth day of treatment, sudden death occurred. Scorpion venom has been considered as a natural source for cancer therapy. Rhopalurus junceus is an endemic scorpion species from Cuba. Although it belongs to the most dangerous species related to human scorpionism, and no fatal stings have been reported. Currently published articles investigate the composition and in vitro anticancer activity of the venom; there are no controlled clinical trials evaluating toxicity or effectiveness. Uncontrolled use of alternative treatment options may lead to unexpected interactions with concomitant medications.

Variation of cytochrome oxidase-I gene and venom proteins of Rhopalurus junceus populations in the Moanicum sector: Pharmacological implications

Context: In Cuba, the venom of the endemic scorpion Rhopalurus junceus has been used in traditional medicine for cancer treatment. The genetic variability in populations from distinct origin and differences in the composition of venom –a little explored topic- could influence the pharmacological effects of products used in medical practice. Aims: To characterize the populations of R. junceus from six different districts of the Moanicum sector in northeastern Cuba, taking into account the variations in the sequences of cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene (COI) and peptide masses of venom. Methods: For the genetic characterization, a 658 bp gene fragment of COI was amplified by PCR. The genetic structure of populations was analyzed hierarchically, using an analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA). In proteomic analysis, molecular masses of venom constituents were arranged in increasing order, and different components were considered when masses differed by 2 Da. Results: R. junceus species in the six districts studied in the Moanicum sector belong to different populations. The sequences of COI gene showed high levels of genetic variability, recovering 47 haplotypes (87% unique). The composition of the venom was also significantly different between the districts. The most abundant components presented masses of 3-6 kDa (K+-channel specific peptides) and 6,1-10 kDa (Na+-channel specific peptides). Conclusions: Populations of R. junceus showed high genetic differentiation and a broad intraspecific variation in the venom peptides (3-10 kDa) in six districts of Moanicum sector of Cuba. This richness in scorpion varieties with different toxins profile should be considered for pharmacological applications.

Phylogeographic Patterns in a Semi-Lithophilous Burrowing Scorpion, Opistophthalmus pallipes, from South Africa.

Southern Africa has a diverse endemic scorpion fauna, but a paucity of information currently confounds conservation of the group. Phylogeographic approaches represent a useful tool to identify the patterns and processes which underpin scorpion diversity, but these studies are lacking for southern African species. Among southern African scorpions, the semi-lithophilous Opistophthalmus pallipes has strict habitat requirements, and a distribution historically subjected to profound environmental turnover. As such, the species offers a model system to investigate the interplay between intrinsic and extrinsic factors as drivers of diversity and endemism. To investigate spatial genetic patterns within O. pallipes and the possible drivers thereof, the current study combines mitochondrial DNA and ecological information under a phylogeographic approach. The species is characterized by several genetically discrete and divergent populations. The factors which shape these genetic patterns appear to be both intrinsically (ecological specificity) and extrinsically (landscape structure and ecogeographic conditions) influenced, with major divergences corresponding to periods of profound environmental changes. Taken together, the findings of this study provide evidence of spatial genetic isolation and genetic diversity within a stenotopic southern African scorpion species. These findings partly explain the staggering diversity and endemism in southern African scorpions, but further phylogeographic studies are necessary to propose conservation scenarios for this group.

Synergism of the combination of Rhopalurus junceus scorpion venom with conventional cytostatics in the ct26 tumor cell line.

Introduction: The endemic scorpion venom of Cuba, Rhopalurus junceus (R. junceus), decreases the viability of tumor cells of epithelial origin and has no cytotoxic effect on normal cells. However, its antineoplastic effect on murine colon tumor cells and the type of pharmacological interaction of its combination with conventional chemotherapeutic agents used in the clinic for the treatment of colon cancer have not been evaluated. Objective: To determine the potentiality of the R. junceus scorpion venom to increase the cytotoxic effect of conventional cytostatics on colon tumor cells. Materials and methods: CT26 murine colon tumor cells were treated simultaneously at a constant rate of concentrations equal to or lower than the mean inhibitory concentration (IC50) of the venom of the scorpion R. junceus and the cytostatics: doxorubicin (DOX), cisplatin (CDPP) and paclitaxel (PTX), respectively. Cell viability was determined by the MTT assay, after 72 hours of incubation and the determination of apoptotic cell formation was determined by DAPI staining after 24 hours of combination with ½ of the IC50. The combination and dose reduction rate was determined by the Compusyn software. Results: The combination of venom with CPDX, PTX, and DOX, paclitaxel and doxorubicin significantly reduced the viability of the CT26 tumor line, compared to individual treatments. The type of drug interaction of said combination was synergistic at high concentrations. Individual treatment with ½ of the IC50 of R. junceus scorpion venom or with conventional cytostatics and the combination of each cytostatic with the venom induced morphological changes characteristic of cell death by apoptosis. Conclusion: R. junceus scorpion venom in combination with CDDP, PTX, and DOX paclitaxel, doxorubicin and cisplatin increases the cytotoxicity of these chemotherapeutic agents on colon tumor cells.

Rhopalurus junceus scorpion venom induces antitumor effect in vitro and in vivo against a murine mammary adenocarcinoma model.

Objective(s):In Cuba the endemic scorpion species Rhopalurus junceus has been used in traditional medicine for cancer treatment and related diseases. However there is no scientific evidence about its therapeutic potential for cancer treatment. The aim of the study was to determine the antitumor effect of scorpion venom against a murine mammary adenocarcinoma F3II. Materials and Methods:The cytotoxic activity was determined by MTT assay with venom concentrations ranging from 0.1–1 mg/ml. Apoptosis was determined by RT-PCR and flow cytometry. Toxic effect in healthy animals and tumor growth kinetics in F3II bearing-mice were evaluated by using scorpion venom doses (0.2; 0.8; 3.2 mg/kg) after one and ten injections respectively by the intraperitoneal route. Results:Scorpion venom induced a significant cytotoxic effect (P<0.05) in F3II cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The cell death event involves the apoptotic pathway due to up-regulation of pro-apoptotic genes (p53, bax), down-regulation of antiapoptotic gene (bcl-2), and 33% of Annexin V+/PI- cells at early apoptosis and 10.21% of Annexin V+/PI+ cells at late apoptosis. Scorpion venom induced significant inhibition of tumor progression (P<0.05) in F3II bearing-mice in a dose-dependent manner. The antitumor effect was confirmed due to dose-dependent reduction of Ki-67 and CD31 proteins present in tumor tissue. Conclusion:Evidence indicates that scorpion venom can be an attractive natural product for deep investigation and developing a novel therapeutic agent for breast cancer treatment.

Island Ancestors and New World Biogeography: A Case Study from the Scorpions (Buthidae: Centruroidinae)

Scorpions are an excellent system for understanding biogeographical patterns. Most major scorpion lineages predate modern landforms, making them suitable for testing hypotheses of vicariance and dispersal. The Caribbean islands are endowed with a rich and largely endemic scorpion fauna, the origins of which have not been previously investigated with modern biogeographical methods. Three sets of hypotheses have been proposed to explain present patterns of diversity in the Caribbean: (1) connections via land bridges, (2) vicariance events, and (3) overwater dispersal from continents and among islands. The present study investigates the biogeographical diversification of the New World buthid scorpion subfamily Centruroidinae Kraus, 1955, a clade of seven genera and more than 110 species; infers the ancestral distributions of these scorpions; and tests the relative roles of vicariance and dispersal in the formation of their present distributions. A fossil-calibrated molecular phylogeny was estimated with a Bayesian criterion to infer the dates of diversification events from which ancestral distributions were reconstructed, and the relative likelihood of models of vicariance vs. dispersal, calculated. Although both the timing of diversification and the ancestral distributions were congruent with the GAARlandia land-bridge hypothesis, there was no significant difference between distance-dependent models with or without the land-bridge. Heteroctenus Pocock, 1893, the Caribbean-endemic sister taxon of Centruroides Marx, 1890 provides evidence for a Caribbean ancestor, which subsequently colonized Central America and North America, and eventually re-colonized the Greater Antilles. This ‘reverse colonization’ event of a continent from an island demonstrates the importance of islands as a potential source of biodiversity.

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

Scorpion envenomation is a common acute life threatening health problem in developing countries as Egypt. Scorpion venom is a complex structure composed of neurotoxic proteins, salts, acidic proteins, and organic compounds, thereby having of neurologic, cardiovascular, hematologic, and renal side effects, in addition to local effects such as redness, pain, burning, and swelling. The study consisted of two parts to describe demographic characteristics, toxicological manifestations of scorpion sting cases in Luxor, Egypt and morphological characterization of the commonest scorpion species in the studied community for easy rapid identification of scorpion species by doctors from the patient history to provide better choices of management. First part of the study include all cases of scorpion envenomation attending General Hospital of Esna, Luxor, Egypt during the period of scorpion activity 2017, demographic data was collected then cases were assessed for clinical manifestations, ECG, complications and deaths related to scorpion species. Second part: scorpions were collected from areas around patient housing for morphological description of their sense organs and venom apparatus by Scanning Electron Microscopy. A total of 110 cases of scorpion stings were reviewed, males 81 (72.9%) and females 30 (27.1%), with a mean age of 31.9 ± 17.9 years. Localized pain was the most frequent presenting complaint (89 80.2%), vomiting was the commonest clinical symptom (90.9%). All scorpion stings were due to the most endemic species in North Africa, Leiurusquinquestriatus & Androctonuscrassicauda. Death rate among cases was (5.5%) all were Abroug's Grade III. Cardiac dysrhythmia and subsequent pulmonary edema were the commonest cause of death. Clinical manifestations were more sever in Leiurus quinquestriatus stings while death rate was more in Androctonus crassicauda stings. The morphological characterization of the sense organs (eyes, pedipalps, pectines& sensory setae) and venom apparatus of the scorpions L. quinquestriatus & A. crassicauda were described by Scanning Electron Microscopy. Scorpion sting is an acute heath threating in Southern Egypt, Leiurus quinquestriatus & Androctonus crassicauda are most endemic scorpion species in Southern Egypt. More attention for scorpion envenomation in such subtropical hyper desert localities is required to eradicate toxic scorpion species and prevent possible causes of deaths.

Genetic and morphological analyses indicate that the Australian endemic scorpion Urodacus yaschenkoi (Scorpiones: Urodacidae) is a species complex.

BackgroundAustralian scorpions have received far less attention from researchers than their overseas counterparts. Here we provide the first insight into the molecular variation and evolutionary history of the endemic Australian scorpion Urodacus yaschenkoi. Also known as the inland robust scorpion, it is widely distributed throughout arid zones of the continent and is emerging as a model organism in biomedical research due to the chemical nature of its venom.MethodsWe employed Bayesian Inference (BI) methods for the phylogenetic reconstructions and divergence dating among lineages, using unique haplotype sequences from two mitochondrial loci (COXI, 16S) and one nuclear locus (28S). We also implemented two DNA taxonomy approaches (GMYC and PTP/dPTP) to evaluate the presence of cryptic species. Linear Discriminant Analysis was used to test whether the linear combination of 21 variables (ratios of morphological measurements) can predict individual’s membership to a putative species.ResultsGenetic and morphological data suggest that U. yaschenkoi is a species complex. High statistical support for the monophyly of several divergent lineages was found both at the mitochondrial loci and at a nuclear locus. The extent of mitochondrial divergence between these lineages exceeds estimates of interspecific divergence reported for other scorpion groups. The GMYC model and the PTP/bPTP approach identified major lineages and several sub-lineages as putative species. Ratios of several traits that approximate body shape had a strong predictive power (83–100%) in discriminating two major molecular lineages. A time-calibrated phylogeny dates the early divergence at the onset of continental-wide aridification in late Miocene and Pliocene, with finer-scale phylogeographic patterns emerging during the Pleistocene. This structuring dynamics is congruent with the diversification history of other fauna of the Australian arid zones.DiscussionOur results indicate that the taxonomic status of U. yaschenkoi requires revision, and we provide recommendations for such future efforts. A complex evolutionary history and extensive diversity highlights the importance of conserving U. yaschenkoi populations from different Australian arid zones in order to preserve patterns of endemism and evolutionary potential.

A new Bothriurus (Scorpiones, Bothriuridae) from the Somuncura Plateau, with additions to the knowledge to the endemic scorpion fauna of the area

A new Bothriurus (Scorpiones, Bothriuridae) from the Somuncura Plateau, with additions to the knowledge to the endemic scorpion fauna of the area

A new Bothriurus (Scorpiones, Bothriuridae) from the Somuncura Plateau, with additions to the knowledge to the endemic scorpion fauna of the area

Bothriurus nendai n. sp. is described. This species is endemic to the upper level of the Somuncura plateau, a Patagonian island placed in the Monte Phytogeographic province. This is the third known endemic scorpion from this area. Bothriurus nendai n. sp. is closely related to the patagonicus group; however, several morphological characters separate B. nendai from the species of this group. New data on the scorpion species of the plateau are also provided.

Tityus fasciolatus envenomation induced cardio-respiratory alterations in rats

The present study characterized envenomation in young rats by Tityus fasciolatus, an endemic scorpion to Central Brazilian and state of Minas Gerais. Electrocardiographic examinations were performed prior to treatment and every 5 min during the first 30 min after envenomation. The cardiac blood profile [creatine kinase, CK isoenzyme MB, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase and troponina] together with macroscopic and microscopic alterations in the lungs and heart were evaluated. Envenomated animals showed ECG changes suggesting electrolytic imbalance, myocarditis and venom interference on the conduction tissue. Biochemical analyses indicated myocardial damage with high levels of CK, CK-MB and LDH. Macroscopic and microscopic findings included detection of pulmonary haemorrhages. In conclusion, T. fasciolatus venom leads to acute cardio-respiratory changes in young rats.

A new endemic scorpion species from the Somuncura Plateau, in northern Patagonia (Scorpiones, Bothriuridae)

A new endemic scorpion species from the Somuncura Plateau, in northern Patagonia (Scorpiones, Bothriuridae)