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Abstract Accidents caused by scorpions represent a major health problem on planet, both in individual terms and in the public health sphere. Morbid events can occur in different manifestations, and different clinical conditions must be differentiated for adequate treatment. In addition to the potential injury to human hosts, scorpion venom has been investigated for the therapy of several illnesses. Based on these aspects, the present article aims to present the clinical, diagnostic, therapeutic and prophylactic aspects of scorpionism.

Resumen Los accidentes causados por escorpiones representan un problema mayor de salud pública tanto en términos de daños individuales como en la esfera de la salud pública. Los eventos mórbidos pueden ocurrir con diferentes manifestaciones y condiciones clínicas que deben ser diferenciadas para un manejo adecuado. Ade más del daño potencial que ocasionan a los humanos, el veneno del escorpión ha sido estudiado con el fin de analizar su potencia aplicación para le tratamiento de algunas enfermedades. Este articulo presenta una actualización sobre los aspectos clínicos, terapéuticos y profilácticos del escorpionismo.

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Scorpionism is a relevant public health problem in several countries in tropical and subtropical regions. In Brazil, Tityus serrulatus sting can induce acute lung injury in part as a consequence of inflammation. Despite the occurrence of other scorpions of Tityus genus in Brazilian scorpiofauna, the knowledge regarding pulmonary alterations is related to T. serrulatus venom (Tsv). Here we studied, comparatively, the pathophysiological changes in the rat airways envenomed by Tsv or T. bahiensis venom (Tbv), since both scorpions are involved in human accidents but with severe envenomations occurring when victims are stung by T. serrulatus. After intravenous injection of the venoms (200 µg/kg), both were able to induce Evans blue extravasation (in 30 min) into airways and increased protein extravasation into lungs at 4 and 24 h, but the magnitude of such events was higher in Tsv group. Hemorrhage (in 60 min) in the lungs was higher in Tbv group, while IL-1ß (at 1 h) and IL-6 (at 1 and 4 h) in lung homogenates were detected only in Tsv group. Four and 24 h after envenomation, myeloperoxidase activity in lung was equally augmented in the envenomed groups, as well as an increased in polymorphonuclear cell numbers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. At 4 h blood leukogram showed increased leukocyte values with the highest neutrophilia in Tsv group. The numbers of leukocytes and neutrophils remained higher than control at 24 h in Tsv and Tbv groups, and it was accompanied by lympho (envenomed groups) and monocytosis (Tsv group). In conclusion, although Tbv was capable of inducing acute lung injury and blood leukocyte mobilization, most of the evaluated parameters were more affected by the Tsv. These results could help to explain the pathophysiology of the scorpionism and the clinical data arguing toward the greatest severity associated with T. serrulatus stings.

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Scorpionism is a relevant public health problem in several countries in tropical and subtropical regions. In Brazil, Tityus serrulatus sting can induce acute lung injury in part as a consequence of inflammation. Despite the occurrence of other scorpions of Tityus genus in Brazilian scorpiofauna, the knowledge regarding pulmonary alterations is related to T. serrulatus venom (Tsv). Here we studied, comparatively, the pathophysiological changes in the rat airways envenomed by Tsv or T. bahiensis venom (Tbv), since both scorpions are involved in human accidents but with severe envenomations occurring when victims are stung by T. serrulatus. After intravenous injection of the venoms (200 mu g/kg), both were able to induce Evans blue extravasation (in 30 min) into airways and increased protein extravasation into lungs at 4 and 24 h, but the magnitude of such events was higher in Tsv group. Hemorrhage (in 60 min) in the lungs was higher in Tbv group, while IL-1 beta (at 1 h) and IL-6 (at 1 and 4 h) in lung homogenates were detected only in Tsv group. Four and 24 h after envenomation, myeloperoxidase activity in lung was equally augmented in the envenomed groups, as well as an increased in polymorphonuclear cell numbers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. At 4 h blood leukogram showed increased leukocyte values with the highest neutrophilia in Tsv group. The numbers of leukocytes and neutrophils remained higher than control at 24 h in Tsv and Tbv groups, and it was accompanied by lympho (envenomed groups) and monocytosis (Tsv group). In conclusion, although Tbv was capable of inducing acute lung injury and blood leukocyte mobilization, most of the evaluated parameters were more affected by the Tsv. These results could help to explain the pathophysiology of the scorpionism and the clinical data arguing toward the greatest severity associated with T. serrulatus stings.

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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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RESUMEN Introducción. El veneno del escorpión posee péptidos con actividad neurotóxica que actúan principalmente en los canales iónicos del sistema nervioso de insectos y mamíferos. También se ha establecido su acción citolítica y anticancerígena, características biológicas que aún no se han explorado en el veneno del escorpión Tityus macrochirus. Objetivo. Evaluar si tanto el veneno total de T. macrochirus como la fracción de péptidos parcialmente purificados disminuyen el porcentaje de viabilidad de diferentes líneas celulares provenientes de tumores. Materiales y métodos. Mediante métodos cromatográficos, electroforéticos y de ultrafiltración con membranas de Amicon Ultra 0.5®, se identificaron y purificaron parcialmente los péptidos del veneno de T. macrochirus obtenido mediante estimulación eléctrica. Los ensayos de actividad citotóxica del veneno y de la fracción de péptidos se hicieron en líneas celulares provenientes de tumores con el método colorimétrico de reducción de la sal de tetrazolio (Mossman's Tetrazole Test, MTT). Resultados. El veneno de T. macrochirus posee péptidos con pesos moleculares entre 3 y 10 kDa, los cuales se purificaron parcialmente mediante ultrafiltración y se evaluaron mediante cromatografía líquida de alta resolución en fase inversa (Reverse Phase-High Pressure Liquid Chromatography, RP-HPLC). Los ensayos de citotoxicidad del veneno total de T. macrochirus evidenciaron una mayor disminución de la viabilidad en la línea celular PC3 que en las demás líneas celulares evaluadas, en tanto que la fracción parcialmente purificada de péptidos logró disminuir la viabilidad de la línea celular HeLa. Conclusión. Los péptidos del veneno de T. macrochirus presentaron actividad citotóxica en algunas de las líneas celulares provenientes de tumores, y se observó algún grado de selectividad frente a ellas.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Scorpion venom contains peptides with neurotoxic action primarily active on ion channels in the nervous system of insects and mammals. They are also characterized as cytolytic and anticancer, biological characteristics that have not yet been reported for the Tityus macrochirus venom. Objective: To assess if the total T. macrochirus venom and the fraction of partially purified peptides decrease the viability of various tumor-derived cell lines. Materials and methods: The scorpion venom was collected by electrical stimulation and, subsequently, subjected to chromatography, electrophoresis, and ultrafiltration with Amicon Ultra 0.5® membranes for the partial identification and purification of its peptides. The cytotoxic activity of the venom and the peptides fraction trials on tumor-derived cell lines were carried out by the MTT method. Results: The T. macrochirus scorpion venom has peptides with molecular weights ranging between 3 and 10 kDa. They were partially purified using the ultrafiltration technique, and assessed by the RP-HPLC method. Cytotoxicity trials with the whole T. macrochirus venom showed a higher viability decrease on the PC3 cell line compared to the other cell lines assessed, while the partially purified peptides decreased the HeLa cell line viability. Conclusion: Peptides in the T. macrochirus scorpion venom showed cytotoxic activity on some tumor-derived cell lines. We observed some degree of selectivity against other cell lines assessed.

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INTRODUCTION: Scorpion venom contains peptides with neurotoxic action primarily active on ion channels in the nervous system of insects and mammals. They are also characterized as cytolytic and anticancer, biological characteristics that have not yet been reported for the Tityus macrochirus venom. OBJECTIVE: To assess if the total T. macrochirus venom and the fraction of partially purified peptides decrease the viability of various tumor-derived cell lines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The scorpion venom was collected by electrical stimulation and, subsequently, subjected to chromatography, electrophoresis, and ultrafiltration with Amicon Ultra 0.5® membranes for the partial identification and purification of its peptides. The cytotoxic activity of the venom and the peptides fraction trials on tumor-derived cell lines were carried out by the MTT method. RESULTS: The T. macrochirus scorpion venom has peptides with molecular weights ranging between 3 and 10 kDa. They were partially purified using the ultrafiltration technique, and assessed by the RP-HPLC method. Cytotoxicity trials with the whole T. macrochirus venom showed a higher viability decrease on the PC3 cell line compared to the other cell lines assessed, while the partially purified peptides decreased the HeLa cell line viability. CONCLUSION: Peptides in the T. macrochirus scorpion venom showed cytotoxic activity on some tumorderived cell lines. We observed some degree of selectivity against other cell lines assessed.

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Scorpion stings on humans are medically relevant because they may contain toxins that specifically target ion channels. During antivenom production, pharmaceutical companies must use a large number of experimental animals to ensure the antivenom's efficacy according to pharmacopeia methods. Here we present an electrophysiological alternative for the evaluation of horse antivenoms produced against two species of Moroccan scorpions: Buthus mardochei and Androctonus mauretanicus. Human sodium and potassium channels and acetylcholine nicotinic receptors were analyzed by standard patch-clamp techniques. The results showed that the antivenom is capable of reversing ion current disruption caused by the venom application. We propose the use of this in vitro technique for antivenom evaluation as an alternative to using a large number of live animals.

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El escorpionismo se caracteriza por presentar un espectro clínico variable que puede incluir desde la presencia de dolor urente localizado en el sitio de picadura hasta el compromiso de pares craneales, colapso cardiovascular y muerte. Se presenta el caso de un paciente varón de 17 años de edad, sin antecedentes de importancia, quien sufrió escorpionismo; inicialmente presentó dolor generalizado, fasciculaciones musculares, diaforesis, signos de inflamación en el sitio de picadura. Al examen físico se encontró bradicardia sinusal e hipertensión persistente, exantema maculopapular, prolongación en el tiempo de llenado capilar y edema periorbitario. Los exámenes de laboratorio mostraron leucocitosis neutrofílica. Tanto el compromiso simpático como parasimpático persistieron hasta 96 horas luego del ingreso. Aproximadamente en el 85% de los casos las manifestaciones clínicas son leves; mientras que en el 15% restante pueden haber alteraciones cardiacas, pulmonares, neurológicas -a nivel central y periférico- que provoquen una disfunción autonómica, e incluso llegar a la muerte. La familia Buthidae es la principal implicada en este tipo de accidentes

Scorpionism is a public health problem, characterized by a variable clinical spectrum of clinical manifestations like a pain at the sting site, cranial nerves involvement, cardiovascular collapse and death. The following case presents a man without medical history important, who suffers the sting of a scorpion, initiates the symptoms consisting of generalized pain, muscular fasciculations, diaphoresis, signs of inflammation at the sting site. On physical examination presents sinus bradycardia and persistent hypertension, exanthema maculopapular, prolongation in capillary filling time and periorbital edema, in laboratory tests evidence neutrophilic leukocytosis. Approximately 85% of the clinical manifestations of scorpionism are mild but it is estimated that the remaining 15% can generate cardiac and pulmonary manifestations, and central and peripheral nervous system involvement, generating autonomic dysfunction that can evolve to a fatal outcome, being its main family Buthidae

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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.

RESUMO

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.(AU)

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