This review describes the history of taxonomic research on scorpions and provides an updated checklist and key of the scorpions currently known in China. This checklist is based on a thorough review of the extant lite...This review describes the history of taxonomic research on scorpions and provides an updated checklist and key of the scorpions currently known in China. This checklist is based on a thorough review of the extant literatures on scorpion species whose presence has been confirmed in China through field expeditions and examination of scorpion collections, excepting a few members that have no clear distribution or are currently in doubt. Totally, the scorpion fauna of China consists of 53 species and subspecies belonging to 12 genera crossing five families, with 33 species(62.3%) and one genus being recorded as endemic. Additionally, identification key and the distribution of scorpions from China are provided.展开更多
Objective:To establish a spatial geo-database for scorpions in Iran,and to identify the suitable ecological niches for the most dangerous scorpion species under different climate change scenarios.Methods:The spatial d...Objective:To establish a spatial geo-database for scorpions in Iran,and to identify the suitable ecological niches for the most dangerous scorpion species under different climate change scenarios.Methods:The spatial distribution of six poisonous scorpion species of Iran were modeled:Hemiscorpius lepturus,Androctonus crassicauda,Mesobuthus eupeus,Hottentotta saulcyi,Hottentotta zagrosensis,and Odontobuthus(O.)doriae,under RCP2.6 and RCP8.5 climate change scenarios.The Max Ent ecological niche model was used to predict climate suitability for these scorpion species in the 2030 s and 2050 s,and the data were compared with environmental suitability under the current bioclimatic data.Results:A total of 73 species and subspecies of scorpions belonging to 19 genera in Iran were recorded.Khuzestan Province has the highest species diversity with 34 species and subspecies.The most poisonous scorpion species of Iran are scattered in the semi-arid climates,at an altitudinal range between 11 m and 2954 m above sea level.It is projected that O.doriae,Androctonus crassicauda and Mesobuthus eupeus species would be widely distributed in most parts of the country,whereas the most suitable ecological niches for the other species would be limited to the west and/or southwestern part of Iran.Conclusions:Although the environmental suitability for all the species would change under the two climate change scenarios,the change would be more significant for O.doriae under RCP8.5 in the 2050 s.These findings can be used as basis for future studies in the areas with the highest environmental suitability for the most dangerous scorpion species to fill the gaps in the ecology of scorpion species in these areas.展开更多
Scorpions are distributed almost all over the world and inhabit rainforests,deserts,mountains,and littoral zones.Their multifunctional chelae play a key role in their biology.The chela is the pincer that has originate...Scorpions are distributed almost all over the world and inhabit rainforests,deserts,mountains,and littoral zones.Their multifunctional chelae play a key role in their biology.The chela is the pincer that has originated from the last two segments of the pedipalp.Many previous studies have focused on the morphology of the chela and the overall pincer force.The knowledge about the material properties of scorpion chelae remains rather poor.In particular,little is known about the spines located on the grasping edge of the chela.In this study,we use a combination of nanoindentation,micro-computer tomography,confocal laser scanning microscopy,scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray elemental analysis,to examine the mechanical properties,relative density,sclerotization level,microstructure and biomineralization of both the regular cuticle and the spine cuticle of the chela in the scorpion Androctonus bicolor.Our results show that the mechanical property values of the spine cuticle are significantly higher than those of the regular cuticle.This can reduce the risk of damage to the chela,increase the chance of indentation into the prey tissue and is very likely to result from both higher sclerotization level and biomineralization due to the accumulation of zinc.The specialized microstructure of the cuticle could contribute to the enhancement of the stiffness,strength and toughness of the chela.This study aids in better understanding the material structure,composition and properties of the scorpion chela cuticle.展开更多
Numerous arthropods evolve and optimize sensory systems, enabling them to effectively adapt complex and competitive habitats. Typically, scorpions can precisely perceive the prey location with the lowest metabolic rat...Numerous arthropods evolve and optimize sensory systems, enabling them to effectively adapt complex and competitive habitats. Typically, scorpions can precisely perceive the prey location with the lowest metabolic rate among invertebrates. This biological phenomenon contrasts sharply with engineered systems, which generally associates high accuracy with substantial energy consumption. Inspired by the Scorpion Compound Slit Sensilla (SCSS) with a stress field modulation strategy, a bionic positioning sensor with superior precision and minimal power consumption is developed for the first time, which utilizes the particular Minimum Positioning Units (MPUs) to efficiently locate vibration signals. The single MPU of the SCSS can recognize the direction of collinear loads by regulating the stress field distribution and further, the coupling action of three MPUs can realize all-angle vibration monitoring in plane. Experiments demonstrate that the bionic positioning sensor achieves 1.43 degrees of angle-error-free accuracy without additional energy supply. As a proof of concept, two bionic positioning sensors and machine learning algorithm are integrated to provide centimeter (cm)-accuracy target localization, ideally suited for the man-machine interaction. The novel design offers a new mechanism for the design of traditional positioning devices, improving precision and efficiency in both the meta-universe and real-world Internet-connected systems.展开更多
OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether scorpion extract elicits a neuroprotective effect in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine(MPTP)-treated mice models, and the genes associated with the therapeutic effects usin...OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether scorpion extract elicits a neuroprotective effect in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine(MPTP)-treated mice models, and the genes associated with the therapeutic effects using RNA sequencing(seq)analysis.METHODS: This study investigated the changes in interaction between messenger ribonucleic acid(m RNA) expression and deoxyribonucleic acid(DNA) methylation related to the protective effects of scorpion extracts, in the substantia nigra(SN)region of a MPTP-induced Parkinson's disease(PD)model.RESULTS: In this model, scorpion extracts attenuated the motor impairment as demonstrated by the rotarod and open field tests. Scorpion extracts consistently attenuated the decrease of tyrosine hydroxylase(TH) positive neural cells in the SN and striatum of mice. We profiled genomewide DNA methylation using Methyl-Seq and measured the transcriptome using RNA-Seq in murine SN in the following groups: vehicle-treated MPTP-induced PD mice and scorpion extracttreated MPTP-induced PD mice. In total, 13 479 differentially expressed genes were identified in association with the anti-PD effect of the scorpion extract, mainly in the promoter and coding regions.Among them, 47 were negatively correlated downregulated genes. Nineteen genes out of 47 downregulated genes were negatively correlated with the expression of the other 28 genes. Among these genes, SGSM1 was related to dopaminergic neurons including dopamine transporters, TH, dihydroxyphenylalanine decarboxylase, and dopamine D2 receptor.CONCLUSION: This study provides insights into the anti-parkinsonian effects of scorpion extract and reveals the epigenetic targets in its therapeutic mechanism.展开更多
The Tityus serrulatus scorpion is considered the most dangerous scorpion in Brazil and is responsible for several cases of human envenomation annually. In this study, we performed transcriptome profiling of the T. ser...The Tityus serrulatus scorpion is considered the most dangerous scorpion in Brazil and is responsible for several cases of human envenomation annually. In this study, we performed transcriptome profiling of the T. serrulatus venom gland. In addition to transcripts with housekeeping functions, such as those related to protein synthesis, energy supply and structural processes, transcripts from thirty-five families of venom peptides or proteins were identified. These transcripts included three new complete sequences of toxins and more than a dozen putative venom gland proteins/peptides. The venom gland transcriptome profile was verified by comparison with the previously determined proteomic profile. In conclusion, this transcriptome data provides novel insights into the putative mechanisms underlying the venomous character of T. serrulatus. The collected data of scorpion transcripts and proteins/peptides described herein may be an important resource for identifying candidate targets of molecular therapies and preventative measures.展开更多
Scorpion has strong analgesic effects, but its analgesic mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the effects of scorpion powder on enkephalin expression in the midbrain of rats with nitroglycerin-induced mi...Scorpion has strong analgesic effects, but its analgesic mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the effects of scorpion powder on enkephalin expression in the midbrain of rats with nitroglycerin-induced migraine at mRNA and protein levels. Results confirmed that migraine rat abnormal behavior was significantly improved, and proenkephalin mRNA expression was significantly increased following treatment with scorpion. The number of methionine-enkephalin- positive cells in the migraine rats following treatment with scorpion was significantly increased, but no significant difference in the number of leucine-enkephalin-positive cells was detectable compared with migraine and normal rats. Taken together, these results show that scorpion exerts potentially beneficial effects by promoting enkephalin expression in nitroglycerin-induced migraine rats.展开更多
Scorpion venom heat-resistant peptide(SVHRP)is a component purified from Buthus martensii Karsch scorpion venom. Our previous studies have shown that SVHRP is neuroprotective in models of Alzheimer’s disease and Park...Scorpion venom heat-resistant peptide(SVHRP)is a component purified from Buthus martensii Karsch scorpion venom. Our previous studies have shown that SVHRP is neuroprotective in models of Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. The present study aimed to explore the potential neuroprotective effects of SVHRP on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion(I/R) injury, using a mouse model of middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion(MCAO/R) and a cellular model of oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation(OGD/R). Our results showed that SVHRP treatment decreased the neurological deficit scores, edema formation, infarct volume and neuronal loss in the MCAO/R mice, and protected primary neurons against OGD/R insult. SVHRP pretreatment suppressed the alterations in protein levels of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors(NMDARs) and phosphorylated p38 MAPK as well as some proinflammatory factors in both the animal and cellular models. These results suggest that SVHRP has neuroprotective effects against cerebral I/R injury, which might be associated with inhibition of the NMDA-MAPKmediated excitotoxicity.展开更多
Qian-Zheng-San, a traditional Chinese prescription consisting of Typhonii Rhizoma, Bombyx Batryticatus, Scorpio, has been found to play an active therapeutic role in central nervous system diseases. However, it is unc...Qian-Zheng-San, a traditional Chinese prescription consisting of Typhonii Rhizoma, Bombyx Batryticatus, Scorpio, has been found to play an active therapeutic role in central nervous system diseases. However, it is unclear whether Qian-Zheng-San has therapeutic value for peripheral nerve injury. Therefore, we used Sprague-Dawley rats to investigate this. A sciatic nerve crush injury model was induced by clamping the right sciatic nerve. Subsequently, rats in the treatment group were administered 2 mL Qian-Zheng-San(1.75 g/mL) daily as systemic therapy for 1, 2, 4, or 8 weeks. Rats in the control group were not administered Qian-Zheng-San. Rats in sham group did not undergo surgery and systemic therapy. Footprint analysis was used to assess nerve motor function. Electrophysiological experiments were used to detect nerve conduction function. Immunofluorescence staining was used to assess axon counts and morphological analysis. Immunohistochemical staining was used to observe myelin regeneration of the sciatic nerve and the number of motoneurons in the anterior horn of the spinal cord. At 2 and 4 weeks postoperatively, the sciatic nerve function index, nerve conduction velocity, the number of distant regenerated axons and the axon diameter of the sciatic nerve increased in the Qian-Zheng-San treatment group compared with the control group. At 2 weeks postoperatively, nerve fiber diameter, myelin thickness, and the number of motor neurons in the lumbar spinal cord anterior horn increased in the Qian-Zheng-San treatment group compared with the control group. These results indicate that QianZheng-San has a positive effect on peripheral nerve regeneration.展开更多
Catilan extracted from Leiurus quinquestriatus is a specific ion channel blocker.It can specifically bind chloride channels of glioma cells and kill these tumor cells.The questions remain as to whether antigliomatin,t...Catilan extracted from Leiurus quinquestriatus is a specific ion channel blocker.It can specifically bind chloride channels of glioma cells and kill these tumor cells.The questions remain as to whether antigliomatin,the extract from scorpion venom of Buthus martensii Karsch in China,can inhibit glioma growth,and whether this inhibition is correlated with ion channels of tumor cells.The present study treated rat C6 glioma cells with 0.8,1.2,and 1.6 μg/mL antigliomatin for 20 hours.Whole-cell patch clamp technique showed that antigliomatin delayed rectifier potassium channels of C6 glioma cells.Antigliomatin inhibited tumor growth,which could potentially involve potassium channels of tumor cells.展开更多
The present study analyzed the effects of ethanol extracts of scorpion on epilepsy prevention and hippocampal expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein in a lithium chloride-pilocarpine epileptic rat model. Result...The present study analyzed the effects of ethanol extracts of scorpion on epilepsy prevention and hippocampal expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein in a lithium chloride-pilocarpine epileptic rat model. Results were subsequently compared with valproic acid. Results showed gradually- increased hippocampal glial fibrillary acidic protein expression following model establishment; glial fibrillary acidic protein mRNA expression was significantly increased at 3 days, reached a peak at 7 days, and then gradually decreased thereafter. Ethanol extracts of scorpion doses of 580 and 1 160 mg/kg, as well as 120 mg/kg valproic acid, led to a decreased number of glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive cells and glial fibrillary acidic protein mRNA expression, as well as decreased seizure grades and frequency of spontaneously recurrent seizures. The effects of 1 160 mg/kg ethanol extracts of scorpion were equal to those of 120 mg/kg valproic acid. These results suggested that the anti-epileptic effect of ethanol extracts of scorpion were associated with decreased hippocampal glial fibrillary acidic protein expression in a rat model of lithium chlofide-pilocarpine induced epilepsy.展开更多
Poisonous organisms are represented in many taxa, including kingdom Animalia. During evolution, animals have developed special organs for production and injection of venoms. Animal venoms are complex mixtures, composi...Poisonous organisms are represented in many taxa, including kingdom Animalia. During evolution, animals have developed special organs for production and injection of venoms. Animal venoms are complex mixtures, compositions of which depend on species producing venom. The most known and studied poisonous terrestrial animals are snakes, scorpions and spiders. Among marine animals, these are jellyfishes, anemones and cone snails. The toxic substances in the venom ofthese animals are mainly of protein and peptide origin. Recent studies have indicated that the single venom may contain up to several hundred different components producing diverse physiological effects. Bites or stings by certain poisonous species result in severe envenomations leading in some cases to death. This raises the problem of bite treatment. The most effective treatment so far is the application of antivenoms. To enhance the effectiveness of such treatments, the knowledge of venom composition is needed. On the other hand, venoms contain substances with unique biological properties, which can be used both in basic science and in clinical applications. The best example of toxin application in basic science is α-bungarotoxin the discovery of which made a big impact on the studies of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Today compositions of venom from many species have already been examined. Based on these data, one can conclude that venoms contain a large number of individual components belonging to a limited number of structural types. Often minor changes in the amino acid sequence give rise to new biological properties. Change in the living conditions of poisonous animals lead to alterations in the composition of venoms resulting in appearance of new toxins. At the same time introduction of new methods of proteomics and genomics lead to discoveries of new compounds, which may serve as research tools or as templates for the development of novel drugs. The application of these sensitive and comprehensive methods allows studying either of venoms available in tiny amounts or of low abundant components in already known venoms.展开更多
Dengue virus(DENV) and Zika virus(ZIKV) have spread throughout many countries in the developing world and infect millions of people every year, causing severe harm to human health and the economy. Unfortunately, there...Dengue virus(DENV) and Zika virus(ZIKV) have spread throughout many countries in the developing world and infect millions of people every year, causing severe harm to human health and the economy. Unfortunately, there are few effective vaccines and therapies available against these viruses. Therefore, the discovery of new antiviral agents is critical.Herein, a scorpion venom peptide(Smp76) characterized from Scorpio maurus palmatus was successfully expressed and purified in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). The recombinant Smp76(rSmp76) was found to effectively inhibit DENV and ZIKV infections in a dose-dependent manner in both cultured cell lines and primary mouse macrophages. Interestingly,rSmp76 did not inactivate the viral particles directly but suppressed the established viral infection, similar to the effect of interferon(IFN)-b. Mechanistically, rSmp76 was revealed to upregulate the expression of IFN-b by activating interferon regulatory transcription factor 3(IRF3) phosphorylation, enhancing the type-Ⅰ IFN response and inhibiting viral infection.This mechanism is significantly different from traditional virucidal antimicrobial peptides(AMPs). Overall, the scorpion venom peptide Smp76 is a potential new antiviral agent with a unique mechanism involving type-Ⅰ IFN responses,demonstrating that natural AMPs can enhance immunity by functioning as immunomodulators.展开更多
Scorpion fauna of Mongolia, which are thus far poorly understood, were investigated country-wide during a China-Mongolia joint field survey from 2009 to 2012. Of the total 134 sites we surveyed, scorpions were found a...Scorpion fauna of Mongolia, which are thus far poorly understood, were investigated country-wide during a China-Mongolia joint field survey from 2009 to 2012. Of the total 134 sites we surveyed, scorpions were found at 10 sites in the southern Gobi regions, Umnugovi and Dornogovi Aimags （Provinces） of Mongolia. All scorpions collected from Mongolia belong to a single species, Mesobuthus eupeus mongolicus. Combining with its occurrence records in China, we assembled 98 presence data for M. eupeus mongolicus and predicted its geographical distribution using ecological niche modeling approach. This species occurs exclusively in the arid deserts and steppes, ranging from the west extreme of Junggar Basin （Xinjiang） to the Gobi deserts in North China and South Mongolia, with its distributional margins set by the Altai Mountains in the north, the Tian-Shan Mountains and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in the south, and the Loess Plateau in the east. We found that ecological niche models could accurately predict （AUC = 0.880 ± 0.016） geographic distribution of M. eupeus mongolicus. Our results show that climate is a reliable predictor for the geographic range of M. eupeus mongolicus, implying that climate might have exerted a dominant control over the natural occurrence of this species. A brief note on the ecology ofM. eupeus mongolicus was also provided,展开更多
BACKGROUND： Previous studies have demonstrated that scorpion venom in the scorpion can inhibit epilepsy and apoptosis. However, it remains unclear whether ethanol extracts of scorpion （EES） exhibit similar effects....BACKGROUND： Previous studies have demonstrated that scorpion venom in the scorpion can inhibit epilepsy and apoptosis. However, it remains unclear whether ethanol extracts of scorpion （EES） exhibit similar effects. OBJECTIVE： To investigate the effects of EES on hippocampal apoptosis and caspase-3 expression, and to compare the effects on sodium valproate （positive control drug） in a rat model of status epilepticus induced by lithium chloride-pilocarpine. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： This randomized, controlled study was conducted at the Drug Research and Development Center, Kanghong Pharmaceuticals Group, and the Department of Pathology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences ＆ Sichuan Provincial People＇s Hospital, China from May 2007 to April 2008. MATERIALS： EES were prepared by Huashen Pharmaceutical, China. Sodium valproate （Hunan Xiangzhong Pharmaceutical, China） and lithium chloride-pilocarpine （Sigma, USA） were also used in the present study. METHODS： From a total of 156 rats, six served as normal controls. The remaining rats were intraperitoneally injected with lithium chloride-pilocarpine to establish status epileptlcus models, and then assigned to five groups （n = 30, respectively）. Animals in each group were administered drugs at 15 minutes after epileptic seizure by gavage, i.e. in the normal control and model groups, rats were treated with 1 mL/0.1 kg saline. The sodium valproate group was administered 120 mg/kg/d sodium valproate. The low-, moderate-, and high-dose EES groups received treatments of 290, 580 and 1 160 mg/kg/d EES. The dispensed concentration was 1 mL/0.1 kg. Rat seizure behavior was observed. If status epilepticus did not terminated after 1 hour, the rats were intraperitoneally administered atropine （1 mg/kg） and diazepam （10 mg/kg） to terminate seizure. These rats were continuously observed for 6 hours to ensure seizure termination. Then rats were treated with the above-mentioned drugs at 8：00 am each day until sacrifice, which took place 4 hours after drug administration. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Terminal dUTP nick end labeling （TUNEL）-positive cells and caspase-3 expression were, respectively, determined by TUNEL and immunohistochemistry at 6, 24 48, and 72 hours, as well as 7 days, after status epilepticus. Behavioral changes were also measured. RESULTS： A few caspase-3-positive cells were observed. TUNEL- and caspase-3-positive ceils were mainly visible in the hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions 6 hours following status epilepticus in the model and drug intervention groups. The number of TUNEL-positive cells reached a peak at 48 hours following status epilepticus in the sodium valproate group, as well as the moderate- and high-dose EES groups, and number of TUNEL-positive cells reached a peak at 72 hours in the model and low-dose EES groups. The number of caspase-3-positive cells reached a peak at 48 hours in each group. Following treatment of sodium valproate and EES, the number of TUNEL- and caspase-3-positive cells significantly decreased compared with the model group at various time points （P 〈 0.05）. The number of TUNEL- and caspase-3-positive cells was greatest in the low-dose EES group, followed by the moderate- and high-dose EES groups. The number of TUNEL- and caspase-3-positive cells was similar between the sodium valproate and high-dose EES groups. Epileptic seizure was significantly improved in the sodium valproate group, as well as the moderate- and high-dose EES groups, compared with the model group （P〈 0.05 or P〈 0.01）. Treatment with sodium valproate and high-dose EES resulted in the best outcome, although the results were similar （P 〉 0.05）. CONCLUSION： A dose of 1 160 mg/kg/d EES significantly inhibited status epilepticus. This outcome corresponded to a decreased number of apoptotlc cells and caspase-3-positive cells, which was similar to sodium valproate. These results suggest that it is not necessary to extract a component from the scorpion for the treatment of epilepsy. The high dose of EES significantly inhibited epilepsy, which correlated with decreased hippocampal caspase-3 expression.展开更多
The nucleotide sequence deduced from the amino acid sequence of the scorpion insectotoxin AaIT was chemically synthesized and was expressed in Escherichia coli. The authenticity of this in vitro expressed peptide was ...The nucleotide sequence deduced from the amino acid sequence of the scorpion insectotoxin AaIT was chemically synthesized and was expressed in Escherichia coli. The authenticity of this in vitro expressed peptide was confirmed by N-terminal peptide sequencing. Two groups of bioassays, artificial diet incorporation assay and contact insecticidal effect assay, were carried out separately to verify the toxicity of this recombinant toxin. At the end of a 24 h experimental period, more than 60% of the testing diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) larvae were killed in both groups with LC50 value of 18.4 microM and 0.70 microM respectively. Cytotoxicity assay using cultured Sf9 insect cells and MCF-7 human cells demonstrated that the toxin AaIT had specific toxicity against insect cells but not human cells. Only 0.13 microM recombinant toxin was needed to kill 50% of cultured insect cells while as much as 1.3 microM toxin had absolutely no effect on human cells. Insect cells produced obvious intrusions from their plasma membrane before broken up. We infer that toxin AaIT bind to a putative sodium channel in these insect cells and open the channel persistently, which would result in Na+ influx and finally cause destruction of insect cells.展开更多
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Sciences Foundation of China(31071942)the Basic Project of Ministry of Science and Technology of China(2007FY210800)the 973 program(2010CB529800)
文摘This review describes the history of taxonomic research on scorpions and provides an updated checklist and key of the scorpions currently known in China. This checklist is based on a thorough review of the extant literatures on scorpion species whose presence has been confirmed in China through field expeditions and examination of scorpion collections, excepting a few members that have no clear distribution or are currently in doubt. Totally, the scorpion fauna of China consists of 53 species and subspecies belonging to 12 genera crossing five families, with 33 species(62.3%) and one genus being recorded as endemic. Additionally, identification key and the distribution of scorpions from China are provided.
基金financially supported by the Deputy of research,Tehran University of Medical sciences(No.33493)
文摘Objective:To establish a spatial geo-database for scorpions in Iran,and to identify the suitable ecological niches for the most dangerous scorpion species under different climate change scenarios.Methods:The spatial distribution of six poisonous scorpion species of Iran were modeled:Hemiscorpius lepturus,Androctonus crassicauda,Mesobuthus eupeus,Hottentotta saulcyi,Hottentotta zagrosensis,and Odontobuthus(O.)doriae,under RCP2.6 and RCP8.5 climate change scenarios.The Max Ent ecological niche model was used to predict climate suitability for these scorpion species in the 2030 s and 2050 s,and the data were compared with environmental suitability under the current bioclimatic data.Results:A total of 73 species and subspecies of scorpions belonging to 19 genera in Iran were recorded.Khuzestan Province has the highest species diversity with 34 species and subspecies.The most poisonous scorpion species of Iran are scattered in the semi-arid climates,at an altitudinal range between 11 m and 2954 m above sea level.It is projected that O.doriae,Androctonus crassicauda and Mesobuthus eupeus species would be widely distributed in most parts of the country,whereas the most suitable ecological niches for the other species would be limited to the west and/or southwestern part of Iran.Conclusions:Although the environmental suitability for all the species would change under the two climate change scenarios,the change would be more significant for O.doriae under RCP8.5 in the 2050 s.These findings can be used as basis for future studies in the areas with the highest environmental suitability for the most dangerous scorpion species to fill the gaps in the ecology of scorpion species in these areas.
基金financially supported by the Grant GO995/48-1 to S.N.G.from the National Priority Program SPP2416″Code-Chi-Chitin,chitosan and chitooligosaccharides and their interaction with proteins of the extracellular matrix and cellular signaling”of the German Science Foundation(DFG).
文摘Scorpions are distributed almost all over the world and inhabit rainforests,deserts,mountains,and littoral zones.Their multifunctional chelae play a key role in their biology.The chela is the pincer that has originated from the last two segments of the pedipalp.Many previous studies have focused on the morphology of the chela and the overall pincer force.The knowledge about the material properties of scorpion chelae remains rather poor.In particular,little is known about the spines located on the grasping edge of the chela.In this study,we use a combination of nanoindentation,micro-computer tomography,confocal laser scanning microscopy,scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray elemental analysis,to examine the mechanical properties,relative density,sclerotization level,microstructure and biomineralization of both the regular cuticle and the spine cuticle of the chela in the scorpion Androctonus bicolor.Our results show that the mechanical property values of the spine cuticle are significantly higher than those of the regular cuticle.This can reduce the risk of damage to the chela,increase the chance of indentation into the prey tissue and is very likely to result from both higher sclerotization level and biomineralization due to the accumulation of zinc.The specialized microstructure of the cuticle could contribute to the enhancement of the stiffness,strength and toughness of the chela.This study aids in better understanding the material structure,composition and properties of the scorpion chela cuticle.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.52175269)the Foundation for Innovative Research Groups of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.52021003)+2 种基金Science and Technology Research Project of Education Department of Jilin Province(JJKH20231146KJ,JJKH20241262KJ)Project ZR2024ME104 supported by Shandong Provincial Natural Science FoundationChina Postdoctoral Science Foundation(No.2024M751086).
文摘Numerous arthropods evolve and optimize sensory systems, enabling them to effectively adapt complex and competitive habitats. Typically, scorpions can precisely perceive the prey location with the lowest metabolic rate among invertebrates. This biological phenomenon contrasts sharply with engineered systems, which generally associates high accuracy with substantial energy consumption. Inspired by the Scorpion Compound Slit Sensilla (SCSS) with a stress field modulation strategy, a bionic positioning sensor with superior precision and minimal power consumption is developed for the first time, which utilizes the particular Minimum Positioning Units (MPUs) to efficiently locate vibration signals. The single MPU of the SCSS can recognize the direction of collinear loads by regulating the stress field distribution and further, the coupling action of three MPUs can realize all-angle vibration monitoring in plane. Experiments demonstrate that the bionic positioning sensor achieves 1.43 degrees of angle-error-free accuracy without additional energy supply. As a proof of concept, two bionic positioning sensors and machine learning algorithm are integrated to provide centimeter (cm)-accuracy target localization, ideally suited for the man-machine interaction. The novel design offers a new mechanism for the design of traditional positioning devices, improving precision and efficiency in both the meta-universe and real-world Internet-connected systems.
基金Supported by the Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine:the Verification of Efficacy and Safety for Chung-bu Medicinal Materials Described in the Dong Ui Bo Gam (K18411)Applicational Development of Standardized Herbal Resources (KSN1911420)。
文摘OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether scorpion extract elicits a neuroprotective effect in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine(MPTP)-treated mice models, and the genes associated with the therapeutic effects using RNA sequencing(seq)analysis.METHODS: This study investigated the changes in interaction between messenger ribonucleic acid(m RNA) expression and deoxyribonucleic acid(DNA) methylation related to the protective effects of scorpion extracts, in the substantia nigra(SN)region of a MPTP-induced Parkinson's disease(PD)model.RESULTS: In this model, scorpion extracts attenuated the motor impairment as demonstrated by the rotarod and open field tests. Scorpion extracts consistently attenuated the decrease of tyrosine hydroxylase(TH) positive neural cells in the SN and striatum of mice. We profiled genomewide DNA methylation using Methyl-Seq and measured the transcriptome using RNA-Seq in murine SN in the following groups: vehicle-treated MPTP-induced PD mice and scorpion extracttreated MPTP-induced PD mice. In total, 13 479 differentially expressed genes were identified in association with the anti-PD effect of the scorpion extract, mainly in the promoter and coding regions.Among them, 47 were negatively correlated downregulated genes. Nineteen genes out of 47 downregulated genes were negatively correlated with the expression of the other 28 genes. Among these genes, SGSM1 was related to dopaminergic neurons including dopamine transporters, TH, dihydroxyphenylalanine decarboxylase, and dopamine D2 receptor.CONCLUSION: This study provides insights into the anti-parkinsonian effects of scorpion extract and reveals the epigenetic targets in its therapeutic mechanism.
文摘The Tityus serrulatus scorpion is considered the most dangerous scorpion in Brazil and is responsible for several cases of human envenomation annually. In this study, we performed transcriptome profiling of the T. serrulatus venom gland. In addition to transcripts with housekeeping functions, such as those related to protein synthesis, energy supply and structural processes, transcripts from thirty-five families of venom peptides or proteins were identified. These transcripts included three new complete sequences of toxins and more than a dozen putative venom gland proteins/peptides. The venom gland transcriptome profile was verified by comparison with the previously determined proteomic profile. In conclusion, this transcriptome data provides novel insights into the putative mechanisms underlying the venomous character of T. serrulatus. The collected data of scorpion transcripts and proteins/peptides described herein may be an important resource for identifying candidate targets of molecular therapies and preventative measures.
文摘Scorpion has strong analgesic effects, but its analgesic mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the effects of scorpion powder on enkephalin expression in the midbrain of rats with nitroglycerin-induced migraine at mRNA and protein levels. Results confirmed that migraine rat abnormal behavior was significantly improved, and proenkephalin mRNA expression was significantly increased following treatment with scorpion. The number of methionine-enkephalin- positive cells in the migraine rats following treatment with scorpion was significantly increased, but no significant difference in the number of leucine-enkephalin-positive cells was detectable compared with migraine and normal rats. Taken together, these results show that scorpion exerts potentially beneficial effects by promoting enkephalin expression in nitroglycerin-induced migraine rats.
基金by grants from National Natural Science Foundation of China(81571061 and 81671061)the Scientific Study Project for Institutes of Higher Learning,Ministry of Education,Liaoning Province,China(LZ2017001)+1 种基金Liaoning Provincial Key R&D Program(2019JH2/10300043)the Liaoning Revitalization Talents Program(XLYC1808031).
文摘Scorpion venom heat-resistant peptide(SVHRP)is a component purified from Buthus martensii Karsch scorpion venom. Our previous studies have shown that SVHRP is neuroprotective in models of Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. The present study aimed to explore the potential neuroprotective effects of SVHRP on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion(I/R) injury, using a mouse model of middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion(MCAO/R) and a cellular model of oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation(OGD/R). Our results showed that SVHRP treatment decreased the neurological deficit scores, edema formation, infarct volume and neuronal loss in the MCAO/R mice, and protected primary neurons against OGD/R insult. SVHRP pretreatment suppressed the alterations in protein levels of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors(NMDARs) and phosphorylated p38 MAPK as well as some proinflammatory factors in both the animal and cellular models. These results suggest that SVHRP has neuroprotective effects against cerebral I/R injury, which might be associated with inhibition of the NMDA-MAPKmediated excitotoxicity.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.31571235(to PXZ),31771322(to PXZ),81401007(to ZYW)National Key Basic Research Program of China(973 Program),No.2014CB542201(to PXZ)+2 种基金Beijing Science and Technology New Star Cross Program of China,No.2018019(to PXZ)Natural Science Foundation of Beijing of China,No.7162098(to WGZ)Fostering Young Scholars of Peking University Health Science Center of China,No.BMU2017PY013(to PXZ)
文摘Qian-Zheng-San, a traditional Chinese prescription consisting of Typhonii Rhizoma, Bombyx Batryticatus, Scorpio, has been found to play an active therapeutic role in central nervous system diseases. However, it is unclear whether Qian-Zheng-San has therapeutic value for peripheral nerve injury. Therefore, we used Sprague-Dawley rats to investigate this. A sciatic nerve crush injury model was induced by clamping the right sciatic nerve. Subsequently, rats in the treatment group were administered 2 mL Qian-Zheng-San(1.75 g/mL) daily as systemic therapy for 1, 2, 4, or 8 weeks. Rats in the control group were not administered Qian-Zheng-San. Rats in sham group did not undergo surgery and systemic therapy. Footprint analysis was used to assess nerve motor function. Electrophysiological experiments were used to detect nerve conduction function. Immunofluorescence staining was used to assess axon counts and morphological analysis. Immunohistochemical staining was used to observe myelin regeneration of the sciatic nerve and the number of motoneurons in the anterior horn of the spinal cord. At 2 and 4 weeks postoperatively, the sciatic nerve function index, nerve conduction velocity, the number of distant regenerated axons and the axon diameter of the sciatic nerve increased in the Qian-Zheng-San treatment group compared with the control group. At 2 weeks postoperatively, nerve fiber diameter, myelin thickness, and the number of motor neurons in the lumbar spinal cord anterior horn increased in the Qian-Zheng-San treatment group compared with the control group. These results indicate that QianZheng-San has a positive effect on peripheral nerve regeneration.
基金the Science and Technology Development Program of Jilin Province, No. 20050407-6
文摘Catilan extracted from Leiurus quinquestriatus is a specific ion channel blocker.It can specifically bind chloride channels of glioma cells and kill these tumor cells.The questions remain as to whether antigliomatin,the extract from scorpion venom of Buthus martensii Karsch in China,can inhibit glioma growth,and whether this inhibition is correlated with ion channels of tumor cells.The present study treated rat C6 glioma cells with 0.8,1.2,and 1.6 μg/mL antigliomatin for 20 hours.Whole-cell patch clamp technique showed that antigliomatin delayed rectifier potassium channels of C6 glioma cells.Antigliomatin inhibited tumor growth,which could potentially involve potassium channels of tumor cells.
基金sponsored by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 30740035Key Scientific and Technological Project of Sichuan Province, No. 05SG1672
文摘The present study analyzed the effects of ethanol extracts of scorpion on epilepsy prevention and hippocampal expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein in a lithium chloride-pilocarpine epileptic rat model. Results were subsequently compared with valproic acid. Results showed gradually- increased hippocampal glial fibrillary acidic protein expression following model establishment; glial fibrillary acidic protein mRNA expression was significantly increased at 3 days, reached a peak at 7 days, and then gradually decreased thereafter. Ethanol extracts of scorpion doses of 580 and 1 160 mg/kg, as well as 120 mg/kg valproic acid, led to a decreased number of glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive cells and glial fibrillary acidic protein mRNA expression, as well as decreased seizure grades and frequency of spontaneously recurrent seizures. The effects of 1 160 mg/kg ethanol extracts of scorpion were equal to those of 120 mg/kg valproic acid. These results suggested that the anti-epileptic effect of ethanol extracts of scorpion were associated with decreased hippocampal glial fibrillary acidic protein expression in a rat model of lithium chlofide-pilocarpine induced epilepsy.
基金Supported by The research funding from Russian Foundation for Basic Research,No.15-04-01843
文摘Poisonous organisms are represented in many taxa, including kingdom Animalia. During evolution, animals have developed special organs for production and injection of venoms. Animal venoms are complex mixtures, compositions of which depend on species producing venom. The most known and studied poisonous terrestrial animals are snakes, scorpions and spiders. Among marine animals, these are jellyfishes, anemones and cone snails. The toxic substances in the venom ofthese animals are mainly of protein and peptide origin. Recent studies have indicated that the single venom may contain up to several hundred different components producing diverse physiological effects. Bites or stings by certain poisonous species result in severe envenomations leading in some cases to death. This raises the problem of bite treatment. The most effective treatment so far is the application of antivenoms. To enhance the effectiveness of such treatments, the knowledge of venom composition is needed. On the other hand, venoms contain substances with unique biological properties, which can be used both in basic science and in clinical applications. The best example of toxin application in basic science is α-bungarotoxin the discovery of which made a big impact on the studies of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Today compositions of venom from many species have already been examined. Based on these data, one can conclude that venoms contain a large number of individual components belonging to a limited number of structural types. Often minor changes in the amino acid sequence give rise to new biological properties. Change in the living conditions of poisonous animals lead to alterations in the composition of venoms resulting in appearance of new toxins. At the same time introduction of new methods of proteomics and genomics lead to discoveries of new compounds, which may serve as research tools or as templates for the development of novel drugs. The application of these sensitive and comprehensive methods allows studying either of venoms available in tiny amounts or of low abundant components in already known venoms.
基金supported by grants from National Science Fund of China (Nos. 31572289, 31872239 and 81630091)International S&T Cooperation Program of China (No. S2016G3110)+3 种基金Hubei Science Fund (Nos. 2015CFA042 and 2016CFA018)China-Kazakhstan Cooperation Program (No. CK-07-09)Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities in China (Nos. 2042017kf0242 and 2042017kf0199)financial support from Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan
文摘Dengue virus(DENV) and Zika virus(ZIKV) have spread throughout many countries in the developing world and infect millions of people every year, causing severe harm to human health and the economy. Unfortunately, there are few effective vaccines and therapies available against these viruses. Therefore, the discovery of new antiviral agents is critical.Herein, a scorpion venom peptide(Smp76) characterized from Scorpio maurus palmatus was successfully expressed and purified in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). The recombinant Smp76(rSmp76) was found to effectively inhibit DENV and ZIKV infections in a dose-dependent manner in both cultured cell lines and primary mouse macrophages. Interestingly,rSmp76 did not inactivate the viral particles directly but suppressed the established viral infection, similar to the effect of interferon(IFN)-b. Mechanistically, rSmp76 was revealed to upregulate the expression of IFN-b by activating interferon regulatory transcription factor 3(IRF3) phosphorylation, enhancing the type-Ⅰ IFN response and inhibiting viral infection.This mechanism is significantly different from traditional virucidal antimicrobial peptides(AMPs). Overall, the scorpion venom peptide Smp76 is a potential new antiviral agent with a unique mechanism involving type-Ⅰ IFN responses,demonstrating that natural AMPs can enhance immunity by functioning as immunomodulators.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31000951)the External Cooperation Program of BIC,Chinese Academy of Sciences(GJHZ201311,GJHZ1023)
文摘Scorpion fauna of Mongolia, which are thus far poorly understood, were investigated country-wide during a China-Mongolia joint field survey from 2009 to 2012. Of the total 134 sites we surveyed, scorpions were found at 10 sites in the southern Gobi regions, Umnugovi and Dornogovi Aimags （Provinces） of Mongolia. All scorpions collected from Mongolia belong to a single species, Mesobuthus eupeus mongolicus. Combining with its occurrence records in China, we assembled 98 presence data for M. eupeus mongolicus and predicted its geographical distribution using ecological niche modeling approach. This species occurs exclusively in the arid deserts and steppes, ranging from the west extreme of Junggar Basin （Xinjiang） to the Gobi deserts in North China and South Mongolia, with its distributional margins set by the Altai Mountains in the north, the Tian-Shan Mountains and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in the south, and the Loess Plateau in the east. We found that ecological niche models could accurately predict （AUC = 0.880 ± 0.016） geographic distribution of M. eupeus mongolicus. Our results show that climate is a reliable predictor for the geographic range of M. eupeus mongolicus, implying that climate might have exerted a dominant control over the natural occurrence of this species. A brief note on the ecology ofM. eupeus mongolicus was also provided,
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.30740035the Tackle Key Program of Sichuan Province,No.05SG1672
文摘BACKGROUND： Previous studies have demonstrated that scorpion venom in the scorpion can inhibit epilepsy and apoptosis. However, it remains unclear whether ethanol extracts of scorpion （EES） exhibit similar effects. OBJECTIVE： To investigate the effects of EES on hippocampal apoptosis and caspase-3 expression, and to compare the effects on sodium valproate （positive control drug） in a rat model of status epilepticus induced by lithium chloride-pilocarpine. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： This randomized, controlled study was conducted at the Drug Research and Development Center, Kanghong Pharmaceuticals Group, and the Department of Pathology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences ＆ Sichuan Provincial People＇s Hospital, China from May 2007 to April 2008. MATERIALS： EES were prepared by Huashen Pharmaceutical, China. Sodium valproate （Hunan Xiangzhong Pharmaceutical, China） and lithium chloride-pilocarpine （Sigma, USA） were also used in the present study. METHODS： From a total of 156 rats, six served as normal controls. The remaining rats were intraperitoneally injected with lithium chloride-pilocarpine to establish status epileptlcus models, and then assigned to five groups （n = 30, respectively）. Animals in each group were administered drugs at 15 minutes after epileptic seizure by gavage, i.e. in the normal control and model groups, rats were treated with 1 mL/0.1 kg saline. The sodium valproate group was administered 120 mg/kg/d sodium valproate. The low-, moderate-, and high-dose EES groups received treatments of 290, 580 and 1 160 mg/kg/d EES. The dispensed concentration was 1 mL/0.1 kg. Rat seizure behavior was observed. If status epilepticus did not terminated after 1 hour, the rats were intraperitoneally administered atropine （1 mg/kg） and diazepam （10 mg/kg） to terminate seizure. These rats were continuously observed for 6 hours to ensure seizure termination. Then rats were treated with the above-mentioned drugs at 8：00 am each day until sacrifice, which took place 4 hours after drug administration. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Terminal dUTP nick end labeling （TUNEL）-positive cells and caspase-3 expression were, respectively, determined by TUNEL and immunohistochemistry at 6, 24 48, and 72 hours, as well as 7 days, after status epilepticus. Behavioral changes were also measured. RESULTS： A few caspase-3-positive cells were observed. TUNEL- and caspase-3-positive ceils were mainly visible in the hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions 6 hours following status epilepticus in the model and drug intervention groups. The number of TUNEL-positive cells reached a peak at 48 hours following status epilepticus in the sodium valproate group, as well as the moderate- and high-dose EES groups, and number of TUNEL-positive cells reached a peak at 72 hours in the model and low-dose EES groups. The number of caspase-3-positive cells reached a peak at 48 hours in each group. Following treatment of sodium valproate and EES, the number of TUNEL- and caspase-3-positive cells significantly decreased compared with the model group at various time points （P 〈 0.05）. The number of TUNEL- and caspase-3-positive cells was greatest in the low-dose EES group, followed by the moderate- and high-dose EES groups. The number of TUNEL- and caspase-3-positive cells was similar between the sodium valproate and high-dose EES groups. Epileptic seizure was significantly improved in the sodium valproate group, as well as the moderate- and high-dose EES groups, compared with the model group （P〈 0.05 or P〈 0.01）. Treatment with sodium valproate and high-dose EES resulted in the best outcome, although the results were similar （P 〉 0.05）. CONCLUSION： A dose of 1 160 mg/kg/d EES significantly inhibited status epilepticus. This outcome corresponded to a decreased number of apoptotlc cells and caspase-3-positive cells, which was similar to sodium valproate. These results suggest that it is not necessary to extract a component from the scorpion for the treatment of epilepsy. The high dose of EES significantly inhibited epilepsy, which correlated with decreased hippocampal caspase-3 expression.
基金This work was supported by a grant from 863High Technology Program,Chinese Ministry of Sci-ence and Technology
文摘The nucleotide sequence deduced from the amino acid sequence of the scorpion insectotoxin AaIT was chemically synthesized and was expressed in Escherichia coli. The authenticity of this in vitro expressed peptide was confirmed by N-terminal peptide sequencing. Two groups of bioassays, artificial diet incorporation assay and contact insecticidal effect assay, were carried out separately to verify the toxicity of this recombinant toxin. At the end of a 24 h experimental period, more than 60% of the testing diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) larvae were killed in both groups with LC50 value of 18.4 microM and 0.70 microM respectively. Cytotoxicity assay using cultured Sf9 insect cells and MCF-7 human cells demonstrated that the toxin AaIT had specific toxicity against insect cells but not human cells. Only 0.13 microM recombinant toxin was needed to kill 50% of cultured insect cells while as much as 1.3 microM toxin had absolutely no effect on human cells. Insect cells produced obvious intrusions from their plasma membrane before broken up. We infer that toxin AaIT bind to a putative sodium channel in these insect cells and open the channel persistently, which would result in Na+ influx and finally cause destruction of insect cells.
