Scorpion Bite Research Articles

In silico analysis of potential inhibitors of Ca(2+) activated K(+) channel blocker, Charybdotoxin-C from Leiurus quinquestriatus hebraeus through molecular docking and dynamics studies.

Objective:Charybdotoxin-C (ChTx-C), from the scorpion Leiurus, quinquestriatus hebraeus blocks the calcium-activated potassium channels and causes hyper excitability of the nervous system. Detailed understanding the structure of ChTx-C, conformational stability, and intermolecular interactions are required to select the potential inhibitors of the toxin.Materials and Methods:The structure of ChTx-C was modeled using Modeller 9v7. The amino acid residues lining the binding site were predicted and used for toxin-ligand docking studies, further, selected toxin-inhibitor complexes were studied using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations.Results:The predicted structure has 91.7% of amino acids in the core and allowed regions of Ramachandran plot. A total of 133 analog compounds of existing drugs for scorpion bites were used for docking. As a result of docking, a list of compounds was shown good inhibiting properties with target protein. By analyzing the interactions, Ser 15, Lys 32 had significant interactions with selected ligand molecules and Val5, which may have hydrophobic interaction with the cyclic group of the ligand. MD simulation studies revealed that the conformation and intermolecular interactions of all selected toxin-inhibitor complexes were stable.Conclusion:The interactions of the ligand and active site amino acids were found out for the best-docked poses in turn helpful in designing potential antitoxins which may further be exploited in toxin based therapies.

Effect of Household Wastes on Individuals Health in Rural Villages at Assiut Governorate

Background: Improper disposal of household wastes cause health problem to the people from this problem irritation in eye, gastrointestinal problem, headache and allergies...etc. Aim of study: evaluate effect of household wastes on individuals health in rural villages at Assiut Governorate through assessing participant's knowledge, attitude and behavior about household waste disposal. Subjects and Method: Study conducted in Elwaan and Elmashiaa villages at Assiut Governorate. Descriptive research was used in the study. Tools composed of, first part socio-economic scale, second part knowledge questionnaire about waste disposal, third part attitude rating scale about waste disposal, fourth part behaviors questionnaire about waste disposal and fifth part effect of wastes on health. Results: findings of the study revealed that diarrhea and eye diseases are the most common disease caused by wastes followed by skin diseases, parasitic disease, dysentery, typhoid fever, scorpion bites, poisoning, hepatitis A virus (HAV) and snakes bites. It was clear that (61.2%) of participants had poor behavior. Conclusion: there were relation between poor wastes disposal and diseases and relation between caring with animals and birds in the house and diseases. Recommendations: health education program to the public about solid waste and its related issues through mass media.

Local and systemic toxicity of Echis carinatus venom: neutralization by Cassia auriculata L. leaf methanol extract.

Viper bites cause high morbidity and mortality especially in tropical and subtropical regions, affecting a large number of the rural population in these areas. Even though anti-venoms are available, in most cases they fail to tackle viper venom-induced local manifestations that persist even after anti-venom administration. Several studies have been reported the use of plant products and approved drugs along side anti-venom therapy for efficient management of local tissue damage. In this regard, the present study focuses on the protective efficacy of Cassia auriculata L. (Leguminosae) against Echis carinatus venom (ECV) induced toxicity. C. auriculata is a traditional medicinal plant, much valued in alternative medicine for its wide usage in ayurveda, naturopathy, and herbal therapy. Further, it has been used widely by traditional healers for treatment of snake and scorpion bites in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, India. In the present study, C. auriculata leaf methanol extract (CAME) significantly inhibited enzymatic activities of ECV proteases (96±1%; P=0.001), PLA2 (45±5%; P=0.01) and hyaluronidases (100%; P=0.0003) in vitro and hemorrhage, edema and myotoxicity in vivo. Further, CAME effectively reduced the lethal potency of ECV and increased the survival time of mice by~6 times (17 vs 3h). These inhibitory potentials of CAME towards hydrolytic enzymes, mortal and morbid symptoms of ECV toxins clearly substantiates the use by traditional healers of C. auriculata as a folk medicinal remedy for snakebite.

Clinical Profile of Patients with Scorpion Sting

Introduction: Scorpion sting is a major public health problem in developing countries, especially in villagers. Manifestations include vomiting, profuse sweating, piloerection, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, loss of sphincter control and priapism. Stimulation of Alpha receptor results in hypertension, tachycardia, myocardial dysfunction, pulmonary edema and cool extremities. Aims: The study is undertaken to know the clinical profile of the patients with scorpion sting. Methods and Materials: prospective study was conducted from October 2011 to September 2013 at Mamata General Hospital, khammam in adult patients 18yrs and above with history of scorpion sting. Detailed physical examination and grading of envenomation was done. Results: Eighty two patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria for the time period studied. Fifty two patients (62.25%) were male and thirty (37.50%) were female. Mean age of patients with scorpion sting was 31.23±7.23 years. Pain (87.50%),Sweating (81.25%) tingling & numbness (77.50%) were the most common presenting symptoms Conclusion: The present study shows that scorpion bite is more common in males. Local pain and signs of sympathetic over activity were the commonest features.

Snake bite poisoning: A neglected life-threatening occupational hazard

Snake bite poisoning: A neglected life-threatening occupational hazard

Scorpion envenomation in children and its management

Introduction: The present study was aimed to describe our experience with epidemiological characteristics, management options, and outcome of scorpion envenomation in children. Materials and Methods: The present retrospective study was conducted at Narayana Medical College and Hospital. The epidemiologic details including geographical locality of the event, age distribution, gender, and sting sites were noted in all hospitalized children with scorpion bite injury. Results: During the study period, a total 52 children were managed for scorpion sting. Mean age was 8.87 years. Male children were commoner victims of scorpion sting. Scorpion sting had bimodal pattern. Prazocin was used in 25 children. There was evidence of pulmonary edema in 23 cases. Seven patients required elective ventilation, and 5 of them could be weaned off within 72 hours. Mean hospital stay was 3.69 days. Two children expired in the present series. Conclusion: In present study, there was bimodal distribution of the scorpion sting cases, male children were more affected, and almost all of them improved with good outcome. We did not use anti-venin in the present study. The data from the study will serve not only to create heightened public awareness about scorpion envenomation but also to develop public awareness strategies and preventive measures.

Neutralizing effects of Mimosa tenuiflora extracts against inflammation caused by Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom.

Scorpion bite represents a significant and serious public health problem in certain regions of Brazil, as well as in other parts of the world. Inflammatory mediators are thought to be involved in the systemic and local immune response induced by Tityus serrulatus scorpion envenomation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of extracts of Mimosa tenuiflora on model envenomation. In mice, the envenomation model is induced by Tityus serrulatus venom. Previous treatment of mice with fractions from M. tenuiflora was able to suppress the cell migration to the peritoneal cavity. The treatment of mice with M. tenuiflora extracts also decreased the levels of IL-6, IL-12, and IL-1β. We concluded that the administration of the extract and fractions resulted in a reduction in cell migration and showed a reduction in the level of proinflammatory cytokines. This study demonstrates, for the first time, the anti-inflammatory effect of aqueous extract from the Mimosa tenuiflora plant on T. serrulatus venom.

Herbal Treatment of Scorpion Envenomation: Plant Extracts Inhibited Opisthacanthus Capensis Venom Phospholipase A2 Activity

The inhibitory effects of Momordica charantia linn, Isoberlinia doka, Terminalia avicennioides, Tamarindus indica and Crotalaria retusa L aqueous leaves extracts on Opisthacanthus capensis (Black creeping scorpion) venom phospholipase A2 (PLA2 ) activity was investigated. The enzyme from O. capensis venom had a pH and temperature optima of 5 and 60˚C respectively with an activation energy of 5.20 Kcal/mol. Different concentrations (4mg, 6mg and 8mg/ml) of Isoberlinia doka and Momordica charantia Linn inhibited the activity of O capensis venom PLA2 in vitro displaying an uncompetitive inhibition pattern with a decrease in the computed index of efficiency (Kcat). Different concentrations (4mg, 6mg and 8mg/ml) of Terminalia avicennioides, Tamarindus indica and Crotalaria retusa L also inhibited O. capensis venom PLA2 activity in vitro but the inhibition pattern was competitive inhibition with Kcat remaining unchanged. This study reveals that the use of these plants by herbalists in northern Nigeria in the treatment of scorpion bites could be justifiable.

Report of 267 Cases of Scorpion Bite Referring to an Emergency Department during One Year.

Scorpion bite is a common health problem in many parts of the world, including the Iran's tropics. There are thousands of cases and a number of deaths due to scorpion bite every year in the country. The present study aims to provide further data regarding the details, complications and outcomes of scorpion bite cases referring to Razi Hospital, Ahwaz, from March 2011 to April 2012. 267 patients (56.3% females) with a mean age of 35.2±15.8 years were included in the study. The most common genus of scorpion involved was Hemiscorpius (69.3%) and the most frequent body part involved was the lower limb (38.9%). The frequency of hemolysis-induced renal insufficiency and death after scorpion bite were 1.9% and 1.1%, respectively. Of all the factors evaluated in this series only the old age was associated with higher possibility of renal insufficiency (P<0.001).

Nutritional Content, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Litsea Garciae

In Sarawak, Litsea garciae are known as “Engkala”. The tree of ‘Engkala’ can grow in inland riparian forest and secondary forest. This medium-sized tree have long brittle spreading branches and the leaves lanceolate or obovate often with unequal side (asymmetric) and non-hairy. This seasonal fruit turn pink, or pinkish, greenish white when it is ripping depending on the variety. It is used as antidote against scorpion, centipede and snake bite by Bidayuh and Iban communities. It is also used to treat muscular pains, sprained ankles and knees, skin disease and blood in stools. The metanolic leaves, barks and fruits extracts of L. garciae were tested for its nutritional value, antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The nutritional values, such as N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, B, moisture, ash, protein, carbohydrates and fat were determined based on MS677 and ICP-AES. The antioxidant assay was carried out using DPPH, free radical scavenging activity while the antibacterial assays were carried out using minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and disk diffusion method against five bacteria. The findings showed that L. garciae is a good source of carbohydrate and protein. In addition, it is also demonstrated weak activities towards antioxidant and antibacterial. The phytochemistry study on this plant is being carried out to identify bioactive compounds. Preliminary results suggest that L. garciae is rich in stearic acid. This common saturated fatty acids derived from plants may be used in the production of biodegradable soaps and cosmetics such as shampoo and shaving cream products.

Computational analysis of bioactive phytochemicals as potential inhibitors for calcium activated potassium channel blocker, tamulotoxin from Mesobuthus tamulus

Several research works are being carried out on natural medicines because they are cost effective and play a vital role in providing a permanent remedy. Phytochemicals are pharmacologically important source of plant products which targets many diseases especially finding antidote for envenomation. Accidental toxin bite becomes highly lethal due to lack of proper treatment. The red Indian scorpion, Mesobuthus tamulus produces a highly toxic protein called tamulotoxin (TmTx). TmTx blocks the Ca2+ activated K+ ion channels, which is responsible for cellular proliferation and migration. Several antidotes were used for neutralizing the action of scorpion bites because most of the synthetic drugs produce undesirable side effects. In this work, we have found some of the potential lead molecules (chemical compounds and their analogs) obtained from plant source and a series of bioinformatics based studies including computational analogs search, virtual screening, pharmacokinetic profiling and molecular interaction were executed. From this study, we suggest that some of the potential ligands having a therapeutic effect against TmTx protein. This work will help researchers to enhance their analysis toward designing a protocol for antidote based therapy against TmTx protein.

Scorpion Anti-Venom Activity of Botanicals: A Pharmacological Approach

Scorpion bite is considered as one of the common and dangerous phenomenon throughout the world. The clinical manifestations include pulmonary edema, myocardial damage, intracerebral haemorrhage, brachial plexopathy, renal failure etc. which sometimes leads to mortality. The common antivenin therapy includes anti-scorpion venom serum or prazosin. In the vast rural areas of the third world countries phytotherapy is considered as an alternative system of medicine and scorpion sting is treated with the help of medicinal botanicals. As the safety and efficacy are considered as important aspects of anti venin therapy, conventional treatment can be supported by the herbal remedy. The present review compiles a number of medicinal plants pharmacologically evaluated in vitro and/or in vivo for scorpion antivenin properties. Considering the aspects like cost effectiveness, availability, lesser side effects and development of drug resistance, plant based anti venin therapy may be considered as a possible remedy against scorpion envenomation.

A study on ethnomedicinal plants of Kalavai, Vellore District, Tamil Nadu, India

Article history: Received on: 28/10/2012 Revised on: 15/11/2012 Accepted on: 21/11/2012 Available online: 28/01/2013 A qualitative ethanobotanical survey was carried out among the local Irula tribals of Kalavai village, Vellore district, Tamil Nadu, to study the various medicinal plants that are used by the people for the treatment of common ailments such as fever, cold, cough, diabetes, jaundice, diarrhea, rheumatism, snake bite, and headache, in order to evaluate the potential medicinal uses of local plants. 250 respondents were interviewed. A total of 50 species of plants used by the local tribes of Kalavai are described in this study based on questionnaire, interviews and discussions with the local people. Several plants were found to be effective in curing asthma, skin disease, headache, wound healing, cough, cancer, fever, cold, rheumatism, hepatitis, diarrhea, paralysis, dyspepsia, ulcers, dysentery, tumors, some viral infections and scorpion bite. Conservation and cultivation of these plants is essential for sustaing the medicinal and cultural resource of mankind.

Effect of previous scorpion bite(s) on the action of intrathecal bupivacaine: A case control study

Background:During the routine practice in the institution, it was observed that there were persistent incidents of inadequate/failed spinal anaesthesia in patients with a history of single or multiple scorpion bite/s. To test any possible correlation between scorpion bite and the altered response to spinal anaesthesia, a case control study was conducted involving patients with a history of scorpion bite/s and without such a history.Methods:Randomly selected 70 (n=70) patients of either sex and age range of 18-80 years, were divided into two equal groups, giving past history of one or multiple scorpion bites and giving no such a history. The anaesthetic management was identical inclusive of subarachnoid block with 3.5 ml. 0.5% bupivacaine heavy. The onsets of sensory, motor and peaks of sensory and motor blocks were observed with the pin-prick method and Bromage scale. After waiting for 20 min, if the block was inadequate, then balanced general anaesthesia was administered. The analysis of the data and application of various statistical tests was carried out using Chi-square test, percentages, independent sample t-test and paired t-test.Results:Demographically both groups were comparable. In scorpion bite group, the time of onsets of both sensory and motor blocks and time for the peak of sensory and motor blocks were significantly prolonged, 4 patients had failed/inadequate sensory block and 5 patients had failed/inadequate motor block while all the patients in non-bite group had adequate intra-operative block.Conclusion:We conclude that there appears to be a direct correlation between the histories of old, single or multiple scorpion bites and development of resistance to effect of local anaesthetics administered intra-thecally.

Food allergy and anaphylaxis – 2038. Insect and sting allergy

This article was originally published online on 23 April 2013 Insect and sting allergy in immunocompetent populations. A comparison. Observation made in diferent subsets of population who had insect and sting allergy (bees, wasps, scorpions, mosquitos parasites etc). 1) Immunocompetent population in the developing world engaged in farming and related activities regularly exposed to all gradient of allergens like dust molds, dander, pets, etc and when they are exposed to insect and mosquito bites, bees and wasps stings even scorpion bites they suffer to a lesser extent. 2) Immunocompromised population in the developed world far away from natural gradient of exposure of nearly all the allergens and when they are exposed to scorpion bite or bees and wasp stings there are reports of fatal reactions and even mosquito and insect bites causes serious wheal and flare reaction, this observation was made specially on the second generation of children from parents of Indian origin now living in USA and other affluent countries, where there is minimal exposure to all the allergens. Based on the observation made on nearly 2 lakh patients it was observed that there is a direct relationship of levels of exposure to all the natural allergens and the immunotolerance achieved by this natural exposure or natural immunotherapy. After above mentioned observations we reached to the conclusion that exposure to natural gradient of allergens, insect bites mosquito bites is troublesome for the immunocompromised populations who follow avoidance of exposure to allergens as a rule and this is a disaster for them there are many deaths reported due to the above mantioned exposure, at the same time the immunotolerant population which is exposed to all sorts of allergens insect bites mosquito bites bees and wasps stings suffers to a lesser extent.

First Report of Leaf Spot Caused by Alternaria porri on Velvet Bean (Mucuna pruriens) in China.

Mucuna pruriens is a tropical legume known as velvet bean. It has many traditional and medicinal usages in treating Parkinson's disease (1), abdominal pain, cholera, infertility, scorpion bites, diabetes (3) and is found in tropical Africa, India, the Caribbean and China. During the fall of 2011, the velvet bean plants in Longan County, Guangxi, China, were damaged by a leaf disease previously unreported in China. Field inspections revealed disease incidences as high as 80%. Symptoms consisted of large spots developing between the leaf veins that ranged in length from 1 to 3 cm. Spots were dark brown, generally rectangular, and were visible from both sides of the leaf. Lots of black mycelia and conidia were found on the backs of the lesions. Lesions typically expanded and affected the entire leaf, resulting in leaves withered and killed. An Alternaria sp. having conidia with prominent beaks and spores produced singly was consistently observed on and isolated from symptomatic leaf tissue. The conidia body was brown, ovoid, obclavate, muriform, and septate, with transverse and longitudinal septa that varied from 6 to 9 and 0 to 2, respectively, and its dimensions varied from 60 to 120 × 15 to 20 μm. The beaks were 10 to 70 × 3 to 6 μm and were filamentous, slender, and unbranched. Pure culture of the fungus was made from a single spore. DNA was extracted and used in an internal transcribed spacer (ITS) PCR used ITS1 and ITS4 primers. The PCR products were purified and sequenced. The sequences were used in BLAST searches to interrogate the GenBank for sequence similarity. High sequence similarity of 100% was obtained with Alternaria porri isolate AP-18. Based on the morphological and molecular characterization, the isolate was identified as A. porri (Ellis) Ciferri (GenBank Accession No. JX556683) (2). The pathogenicity of five isolates was investigated to demonstrate Koch's postulates. Forty 8-week-old seedlings of M. pruriens, without wounding on their leaves, were sprayed with the spore suspension (105 spores per ml), prepared by using 10-day-old cultures of the isolates grown on potato dextrose agar at 28°C in the dark. Every plant was sprayed with 4 ml of spore suspension. The inoculated plants were incubated in a humid chamber for 48 h and then maintained in a greenhouse. After 5 to 7 days, leaf spots similar to those observed in the field developed on all inoculated plants. The pathogen was reisolated and identified as A. porri. Control plants sprayed with distilled water remained symptomless. The inoculation test was repeated and results were the same. Because A. porri was reported to infect plants of Allium spp and cause purple blotch, we also inoculated this isolate to small onion plants, and the symptoms of purple blotch appeared after 13 days at 25 to 28°C in a greenhouse. To our knowledge, this is the first report of leaf spot caused by A. porri on velvet bean in China.

Rapidly improving acute myocarditis after a scorpion sting

Scorpion stings are usually benign, but especially cardiovascular death has been reported due to complications. Local reactions at the site of the sting as well as organ dysfunction may be due to the effects of a systemic toxin. As a result of the toxic effects of the scorpion toxin on the cardiovascular system, hypertension, arrhythmia, myocarditis, acute heart failure, and pulmonary edema may occur. In this report, we present a 49-year-old male patient who was admitted to our hospital with acute pulmonary edema and respiratory distress following scorpion sting at the wrist. In this case, detection of diffuse left ventricular systolic dysfunction on presentation, immediate improvement with medical treatment, and increased troponin levels in the absence of critical stenosis on coronary angiography suggest the diagnosis of acute myocarditis associated with scorpion bite.

Can repeated scorpion bite lead to development of resistance to the effect of local anesthetics? Maybe it does!

An 80 years old, bronchial asthmatic, male was posted for left cataract extraction with intra ocular lens implantation. He was administered peribulbar block/left facial nerve block. There was no sensory or motor block. Thereafter peribulbar block was repeated. Only partial akinesia was achieved, so under intermittent intra venous sedation, the surgery continued for 40 minutes. In the post-operative period, no signs of any residual/delayed block were noted. On specific enquiry, patient gave history of scorpion bite thrice, at the age of 27 years on his right foot, about 8-9 years back and again about 6-7 months back on his right hand. On 4th post-operative day after obtaining informed consent, local infiltration of the skin on the ventral aspect of the forearm, using, 6 mL, 2% lignocaine with adrenaline, was carried out. Confirming the suspicion, there was no sensory block after the injection, confirmed by pin prick method. Peribulbar block produces adequate intra-operative analgesia for cataract extraction. The cause of the failures may be due to technical inability to achieve block. However failure that occurs despite of technically correct injection of the correct drug can be mystifying. As the scorpion venom is known to affect the pumping mechanism of sodium channels in the nerve fibres, which are involved in the mechanism of action of local anaesthetic drugs, it may be responsible for the development of “resistance” to the action of local anaesthetic agents.

Response to "Does scorpion bite lead to resistance to the effect of local anaesthetics?"

Response to "Does scorpion bite lead to resistance to the effect of local anaesthetics?"

In vitro anti-breast cancer activity of ethanolic extract of Wrightia tomentosa: Role of pro-apoptotic effects of oleanolic acid and urosolic acid

Ethnopharmacological relevanceWrightia tomentosa Roem. & Schult. (Apocynaceae) is known in the traditional medicine for anti-cancer activity along with other broad indications like snake and scorpion bites, renal complications, menstrual disorders etc. However, the anti-cancer activity of this plant or its constituents has never been studied systematically in any cancer types so far. Aim of the studyTo evaluate the anti-cancer activities of the ethanolic extract of W. tomentosa and identified constituent active molecule(s) against breast cancer. Material and methodsPowdered leaves of W. tomentosa were extracted with ethanol. The ethanolic extract, subsequent hexane fractions and fraction F-4 of W. tomentosa were tested for its anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects in breast cancer cells MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231. ResultsThe ethanolic extract, subsequent hexane fractions and fraction F-4 of W. tomentosa inhibited the proliferation of human breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231. The fraction F-4 obtained from hexane fraction inhibited proliferation of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells in concentration and time dependent manner with IC50 of 50μg/ml and 30μg/ml for 24h, 28μg/ml and 22μg/ml for 48h and 25μg/ml and 20μg/ml for 72h respectively. The fraction F-4 induced G1 cell cycle arrest, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and subsequent apoptosis. Apoptosis is indicated in terms of increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, enhanced Annexin-V positivity, caspase 8 activation and DNA fragmentation. The active molecule isolated from fraction F-4, oleanolic acid and urosolic acid inhibited cell proliferation of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells at IC50 value of 7.5μM and 7.0μM respectively, whereas there is devoid of significant cell inhibiting activity in non-cancer originated cells, HEK-293. In both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, oleanolic acid and urosolic acid induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis as indicated by significant increase in Annexin-V positive apoptotic cell counts. ConclusionOur results suggest that W. tomentosa extracts has significant anti-cancer activity against breast cancer cells due to induction of apoptosis pathway. Olenolic and urosolic acid are important constituent molecules in the extract responsible for anti-cancer activity of W. tomentosa.