Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins Including Tropical Diseases最新文献

{"title":"A proactive multidisciplinary approach to <i>Naja atra</i> envenomation reduces surgical burden and length of hospital stay.","authors":"Hsien-Po Huang, Ting-Kuang Yeh, Po-Hsiu Huang, Kuo-Lung Lai, Chih-Sheng Lai, Po-Yu Liu, Yan-Chiao Mao","doi":"10.1590/1678-9199-JVATITD-2026-0029","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-9199-JVATITD-2026-0029","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We report that the implementation of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) protocol - integrating early ultrasound surveillance, prompt surgical intervention, targeted antimicrobial therapy, and optimized antivenom administration - was associated with a marked reduction the length of hospital stay and surgical burden among patients with <i>Naja atra</i> envenomation at a tertiary medical center in Taiwan. This approach shifts management from a reactive to a proactive strategy by enabling the early detection of tissue involvement and timely intervention.</p>","PeriodicalId":17565,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins Including Tropical Diseases","volume":"32 ","pages":"e20260029"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13052283/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147633850","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Predictive value of admission blood glucose for early severity stratification in pediatric scorpion envenomation.","authors":"Tatiane Felícia Dos Santos, Ana Thereza Chaves Lages, Adebal Andrade, João Saldanha, Gisele Gomes da Silva, Carlos Chavez-Olortegui, Manoel Otávio da Costa Rocha","doi":"10.1590/1678-9199-JVATITD-2025-0074","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-9199-JVATITD-2025-0074","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Scorpion stings are an increasing public health concern in Brazil, where children are at a heightened risk of severe outcomes. Simple biomarkers, such as admission blood glucose may improve early risk stratification. To assess the association between admission blood glucose and clinical severity in children envenomated by <i>Tityus serrulatus</i>.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This prospective observational cohort study was conducted at João XXIII Hospital, Minas Gerais State Hospital Foundation (FHEMIG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil, from September 2023 to March 2024. We included patients aged 0 to 17 years with confirmed scorpion envenomation. Clinical severity was classified as mild (no antivenom) or moderate/severe (antivenom administered). Blood glucose was measured at admission and two hours thereafter. Predictive performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Sixty-seven children were included; 13.4% progressed to moderate/severe envenomation. Admission glucose ≥ 142 mg/dL showed 100% specificity and a 100% positive predictive value for severe cases (ROC AUC 0.979; 95% CI, 0.937-1.000; p < 0.001). A 105 mg/dL threshold maximized sensitivity (100%) at the expense of lower specificity (79.3%). To our knowledge, this is the first study to systematically evaluate admission glucose in pediatric <i>T. serrulatus</i> envenomation and to propose cutoffs for risk stratification.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Admission blood glucose is an accessible and accurate biomarker for early triage of severity in pediatric scorpion envenomation. A 105 mg/dL threshold favors maximal sensitivity for screening, whereas 142 mg/dL ensures high specificity for severe cases. Although promising, these cutoffs should be treated as clinical hypotheses and require multicenter external validation before widespread adoption.</p>","PeriodicalId":17565,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins Including Tropical Diseases","volume":"32 ","pages":"e20250074"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12974955/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147434122","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A venom fraction from the Philippine tarantula (<i>Orphnaecus</i> sp.) reveals low-molecular-weight compounds that potentiate drug-like neurobehavioral responses in <i>Danio rerio</i>.","authors":"Joshua Lawrence C Bautista, Elian Angelo M Abellanosa, Ralph Emerson John Molino, Jaden G Jardiolin, Rizelle Anne A Calpo, Mark Kevin P Devanadera, Anna Beatriz R Mayor, Olga M Nuñeza, Darrell C Acuña, Camille Rodriguez, Myla R Santiago-Bautista, Gardee T Peña, Hiyas A Junio, Leonardo A Guevarra","doi":"10.1590/1678-9199-JVATITD-2024-0063","DOIUrl":"10.1590/1678-9199-JVATITD-2024-0063","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Spider venoms are rich natural sources of bioactive chemicals ranging from low-molecular-mass compounds to larger molecules such as low molecular mass peptides, proteins, and enzymes. Some compounds have been reported to exhibit neuroactivity and show potential as therapeutic agents against neurological disorders. Thus, this study analyzed the neurobehavioral effects of selected venom fractions from Philippine tarantula species compared to FDA-approved drugs targeting neuroreceptors, ion channels, and enzymes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The venom was collected from the tarantula by electrostimulation and fractionated by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Nine of the eleven fractions were subjected to neurobehavioral analysis using zebrafish (<i>Danio rerio</i>) as the animal model. The fractions were administered intraperitoneally, and their neurobehavioral effects were examined using the novel tank test, fear response, social interaction, and mirror biting tests. Donepezil, lidocaine, and diazepam were used as positive controls, and normal saline solution (NSS) as the negative control of the study. The swimming patterns and trajectories of the zebrafish were monitored using idTracker and were graphed using GraphPad Prism v.9.0. Components of the most polar fraction were further analyzed by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography - Quadrupole Time of Flight Data Dependent Analysis to identify the components structurally.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Preliminary screening of all the fractions revealed that Fraction 1 with 0.1 µg/µL exhibited donepezil-like behavior based on similar rapid-swimming movement from 0 to 31 time intervals, Fraction 4 with 0.1 µg/µL concentration exhibited diazepam-like behavior due to non-significant differences in its time spent on top of the tank ranging from20 to 40 minutes, and Fraction 8 with 0.1 µg/µL concentration exhibited lidocaine-like behavior based on both rapid swimming movement and time spent on top of the tank. Fractions 1, 4, and 8 were further evaluated by determining their dose-dependent response, which follows the effect of their corresponding positive control. Analysis of Fraction 1 resulted in the annotation of several non-peptidic components 4-OH-PhLac434 and its isomer using VenoMS and isopimaric acid, palmitamide, 9-octadecenamide, and 13-docosenamide as putative compounds present in this spider venom using GNPS.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Overall, the fractions of venom from the <i>Orphnaecus</i> tarantula species appear to induce distinct neurobehavioral effects, which may include hyperactivity, anxiolytic-like responses, and potential antinociceptive properties.</p>","PeriodicalId":17565,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins Including Tropical Diseases","volume":"32 ","pages":"e20240063"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12867597/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146119406","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Acute compartment syndrome in <i>Bothrops atrox</i> envenomation: a case-control study in the Brazilian Amazon.","authors":"Glenda de Oliveira Batista do Nascimento, Débora Nery Oliveira, Talia de Oliveira Mota, Suelen Oliveira, André Sachett, Alexandre Vilhena Silva, Wuelton Monteiro, Jacqueline de Almeida Gonçalves Sachett","doi":"10.1590/1678-9199-JVATITD-2025-0039","DOIUrl":"10.1590/1678-9199-JVATITD-2025-0039","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong><i>Bothrops</i> snakebite is common in the Amazon region and can lead to severe complications in the affected limb, including secondary bacterial infections, blisters, necrosis, and acute compartment syndrome (ACS) in extreme cases. Many of these patients reside in remote areas with limited resources, where early recognition of clinical indicators is decisive for the timely identification of ACS and subsequent decision-making by healthcare professionals. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors associated with ACS following <i>Bothrops atrox</i> envenomation in the Brazilian Amazon.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A case-control study was conducted in three health units of Manaus, Western Brazilian Amazon. The allocation ratio was 1:3, with cases defined as <i>B. atrox</i>-envenomed patients developing ACS, and a control group consisting of patients who did not develop ACS.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 37 ACS cases and 111 controls were included in the study. Living in rural areas [OR = 4.59 (95%CI = 1.51-20.0; p = 0.017)], bites in the lower limbs [OR = 7.6 (95%CI = 3.18-19.3; p < 0.001)], time to medical care of 7-12 hours [OR = 4.23 (95%CI = 1.63-11.1; p = 0.003)], blisters [OR = 3.24 (95%CI = 1.12-9.25; p = 0.027)], and secondary bacterial infection [OR = 15 (95%CI = 3.54-103; p < 0.001)] were associated with ACS. Mean values of creatine kinase were significantly higher in ACS patients on the first (p = 0.022) and second (p = 0.013) days of hospitalization.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study presents, for the first time, the factors associated with ACS from <i>B. atrox</i> envenomation, providing a basis for early diagnosis and treatment, and enabling prompt medical intervention. This may reduce adverse events, promote faster recovery, and lower the rate of disability.</p>","PeriodicalId":17565,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins Including Tropical Diseases","volume":"32 ","pages":"e20250039"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12867596/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146119418","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cnidarian toxins: omics approaches and recombinant proteins.","authors":"Jesús Eduardo Vega-Tamayo, Esteban de Jesús Alcantar-Orozco, Ramiro Arturo Mendoza-Ramírez, Luna Gabriela Silva-Díaz, Jorge Alberto Aguilar-Salazar, Diego Hermilo Salvador-Aguilar, Alejandra Rojas-Molina","doi":"10.1590/1678-9199-JVATITD-2025-0019","DOIUrl":"10.1590/1678-9199-JVATITD-2025-0019","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cnidarian venom toxins have attracted increasing interest due to their remarkable molecular diversity and pharmacological potential. Omics technologies - such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics - have facilitated the identification of toxin-encoding genes, providing key insights into their evolutionary trajectories and structure-function relationships, which are essential for understanding their mechanisms of action and therapeutic value. Nevertheless, the functional validation and production of complex toxins remain challenging, particularly for those requiring intricate folding or post-translational modifications. Recombinant expression has emerged as a strategic alternative to traditional purification methods, enabling controlled toxin production and the possibility of modifying their properties through genetic engineering. In parallel, advances in synthetic biology, such as cell-free protein synthesis systems, are creating new opportunities for toxin characterization, although their industrial scalability remains limited. Computational tools, including those based on artificial intelligence, are beginning to support the prioritization and functional analysis of toxins identified through omics approaches. This review provides an updated overview of the advances, limitations, and future perspectives in cnidarian toxin research, highlighting their promising role as a valuable source of bioactive compounds with therapeutic and biotechnological applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":17565,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins Including Tropical Diseases","volume":"31 ","pages":"e20250019"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12767216/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145911931","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Telemedicine for COVID-19 management in Brazil: outcomes and health system implications from a prospective cohort study.","authors":"Ana Silvia Sartori Barraviera Seabra Ferreira, Cassiana Mendes Bertoncelo Fontes, Lehana Thabane, Carolina Russo Simon, João Pedro Pereira Caetano de Lima, Jean Carlos Possidônio da Silva, Benedito Barraviera, Raul Borges Guimarães, Pasqual Barretti, Rui Seabra Ferreira","doi":"10.1590/1678-9199-JVATITD-2025-0030","DOIUrl":"10.1590/1678-9199-JVATITD-2025-0030","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in traditional disease surveillance systems, particularly in data reporting and contact tracing. Telemedicine emerged as a promising approach to expand remote access to healthcare. This study aimed to evaluate a newly implemented telemedicine system designed to manage patients with COVID-19, reduce hospital overload, enable early case detection and isolation, ensure rapid response to clinical deterioration, simplify medical records, and provide ongoing patient support.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A prospective cohort study was conducted using the E-care telemedicine system to assist adult patients presenting with COVID-19 symptoms at a Brazilian university between June 2021 and June 2024.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The E-care system delivered care to 6,129 patients, predominantly female, white university students. Physicians attended over 80% (4,903/6,129) of patients and prescribed medications to nearly 28% (1,411/5,041). Medical certificates for time off work were issued to 43% (2,635/6,129) of participants. COVID-19 tests were recommended for approximately 24% of patients, with a positivity rate above 81% among those who returned results. Only 66 patients (1.2%) required in-person care, and no COVID-19-related deaths were reported. Patient satisfaction was high, with 96% (5,584/6,129) expressing satisfaction or high satisfaction with the service.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study provides robust evidence supporting the successful implementation of a telemedicine system for managing COVID-19 cases. The large number of users highlights an unmet demand for virtual healthcare. Telemedicine was rapidly adopted, achieved high patient satisfaction, and contributed to reducing hospital burden, promoting early detection, and minimizing in-person consultations. These findings reinforce the value of telemedicine as an essential tool for health systems and policymakers to strengthen care delivery beyond the pandemic.</p>","PeriodicalId":17565,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins Including Tropical Diseases","volume":"31 ","pages":"e20250030"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12707318/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145774949","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cecal appendicitis as a rare manifestation of paracoccidioidomycosis: A case report and systematic review of the literature.","authors":"Isadora de Lima Xavier Andrade, Bruna Abdul Ahad Saad, Alexandre Albuquerque Bertucci, Marcel Arakaki Asato, João Paulo Gregório Machado, Maína de Oliveira Nunes, Eliana da Costa Alvarenga de Brito, James Venturini, Sandra Maria do Valle Leone de Oliveira, Cláudia Elizabeth Volpe-Chaves, Anamaria Mello Miranda Paniago","doi":"10.1590/1678-9199-JVATITD-2025-0015","DOIUrl":"10.1590/1678-9199-JVATITD-2025-0015","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic mycosis endemic to Latin America, with the acute/subacute form predominantly affecting children and young adults. Cases of cecal appendicitis caused by <i>Paracoccidioides</i> spp. have rarely been reported. This study aimed to describe the clinical manifestations and evolution of a case of cecal appendicitis due to PCM and to conduct a systematic literature review.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>We present the case of a 20-year-old male with generalized lymphadenopathy who was diagnosed with PCM and treated with oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. After the initial improvement, the patient returned with clinical deterioration. The treatment was changed to liposomal amphotericin B. Six days later; the patient developed an acute abdomen and underwent exploratory laparotomy with appendectomy. Histopathological examination confirmed acute granulomatous appendicitis due to PCM, and the patient showed postoperative clinical improvement. A systematic review were conducted using Embase, Web of Science, Lilacs, Medline, LIEPCS, PubMed, SciELO, and Gray Literature databases. Of the ten identified articles included in the systematic review, most case reports with a low risk of bias were found in South American countries. Seven patients were confirmed appendicitis due to PCM through biopsy, whereas one had confirmed PCM at another site. Two patients were initially misdiagnosed with Crohn's. Most studies have reported favorable outcomes.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Appendicitis caused by PCM is rare, even in endemic countries. It has a benign course when properly treated with both clinical and surgical management. This should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen with lymphadenopathy in endemic regions.</p>","PeriodicalId":17565,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins Including Tropical Diseases","volume":"31 ","pages":"e20250015"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12705073/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145768711","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Therapeutic potential of iron oxide nanoparticles for cutaneous leishmaniasis: a systematic review of <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in viv</i>o studies.","authors":"Priscila de Cássia da Silva, Bruna de Macedo Lima, Camila Sales Nascimento, Anna Carolina Pinheiro Lage, Celso Pinto de Melo, Carlos Eduardo Calzavara-Silva, Érica Alessandra Rocha Alves","doi":"10.1590/1678-9199-JVATITD-2025-0004","DOIUrl":"10.1590/1678-9199-JVATITD-2025-0004","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is challenged by limited therapeutic options, high drug toxicity, and frequent treatment failure. In this context, iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have emerged as promising therapeutic alternatives. This review summarizes experimental findings on the <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> anti-<i>Leishmania</i> activity of IONPs, highlighting their potential as a treatment for CL. A systematic search of PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus identified 16 studies evaluating the anti-<i>Leishmania</i> effects of IONPs across various CL models. The studies assessed IONPs' physicochemical properties (size, shape, polydispersity index, and zeta potential), functionalization strategies, and efficacy against axenic and intracellular <i>Leishmania</i> forms, as well as in animal models. Most studies investigated spherical IONPs ranging from 5 to 90 nm, with polydispersity index values between 0.2 and 1.0 and zeta potentials from -13 mV to +35 mV. Functionalization improved dispersion and enabled antimicrobial conjugation. IONPs reduced axenic <i>Leishmania</i> viability, decreased intracellular parasitism, and lowered parasite loads in infected mouse lesions. <i>In vitro</i>, parasite death was linked to lysosomal rupture, oxidative stress, apoptosis, necrosis, and nitric oxide production by macrophages. <i>In vivo</i>, treated animals exhibited reduced parasite burdens, milder lesions, and enhanced IFN-γ production, suggesting improved immune responses. Despite these promising effects, issues such as formulation optimization, biocompatibility, and evaluation of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics remain to be addressed. IONPs represent a novel and promising dual-action therapeutic strategy for CL, combining antiparasitic effects with immune modulation. However, important knowledge gaps persist regarding their mechanisms of action, long-term safety, efficacy across different <i>Leishmania</i> species and clinical scenarios. Further research is needed to advance IONPs as a safe and effective treatment for CL.</p>","PeriodicalId":17565,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins Including Tropical Diseases","volume":"31 ","pages":"e20250004"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12500319/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145244248","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Proteasome-driven modulation of immune and oxidative pathways during scorpion envenomation pathogenesis.","authors":"Amal Megdad-Lamraoui, Sonia Adi-Bessalem, Fares Daachi, Fatima Laraba-Djebari","doi":"10.1590/1678-9199-JVATITD-2025-0007","DOIUrl":"10.1590/1678-9199-JVATITD-2025-0007","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Scorpion venom contains a variety of toxin molecules that are the drivers of inflammation and oxidative stress, leading to significant tissue damage. While several mechanisms underlying these responses have been studied, the involvement of the proteasome complex - a key regulator of inflammation - remains poorly understood. This study explored the role of the proteasome in modulating inflammatory and oxidative responses to envenomation by <i>Androctonus australis hector</i> venom.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Mice were pretreated intraperitoneally with bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor, at low (0.05 mg/kg), medium (0.25 mg/kg), or high (0.5 mg/kg) doses, 30 minutes prior to sublethal venom administration (0.5 mg/kg, subcutaneous). Twenty-four hours after venom administration, animals were euthanized, blood and organs were collected to evaluate vascular permeability (via Evans blue dye extravasation), the extent of inflammatory cell infiltration (myeloperoxidase and eosinophil peroxidase enzymatic activities), and oxidative/nitrosative stress markers (nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide_, malondialdehyde, catalase activity, and glutathione). Histopathological examinations were performed to identify structural alterations, such as edema, hemorrhage, and cellular infiltration. Biochemical parameters reflecting organ function, including serum levels of CPK, LDH, ALT, ALP, urea, and creatinine, were also measured to assess the degree of systemic damage.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Our findings revealed a dose-dependent immune-modulatory role of the proteasome system. A medium dose of bortezomib reduced inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, such as vascular permeability, eosinophil peroxidase, neutrophil peroxidase, nitric oxide, and malondialdehyde in renal tissue, suggesting a reduction in local inflammation and oxidative damage. In contrast, a higher dose showed pronounced preventive effects in cardiopulmonary and hepatic tissues, significantly reducing inflammatory mediators and oxidative markers, restoring antioxidant enzyme activity (catalase) and glutathione, as well as, improving tissue structure and organ function.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings underscore the proteasome involvement in inflammatory regulation, likely through modulation of vascular permeability, immune cell activation, and oxidative stress, making it a key target in scorpion envenomation.</p>","PeriodicalId":17565,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins Including Tropical Diseases","volume":"31 ","pages":"e20250007"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12431687/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145065028","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"IMRC-Exo mitigates <i>Deinagkistrodon acutus</i> venom-induced limb injury in rabbits by inhibiting GSDME-dependent pyroptosis.","authors":"Haohao Wu, Lutao Xie, Wang Du, Linjie Lai, Peixin Shangguan, Xingzhen Wu, Jiefeng Xu, Pin Lan","doi":"10.1590/1678-9199-JVATITD-2025-0009","DOIUrl":"10.1590/1678-9199-JVATITD-2025-0009","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Inflammation plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of limb injury caused by <i>Deinagkistrodon acutus</i> snakebite. Investigating its regulatory mechanisms and intervention strategies may help identify effective treatments. Recent studies have shown that pyroptosis exacerbates organ damage by amplifying inflammatory responses. Additionally, immune and matrix-regulatory cells (IMRC), a novel type of mesenchymal stem cell, and their exosomes (Exo) have demonstrated potential in mitigating inflammation-mediated injury by suppressing pyroptosis. This study aimed to evaluate whether IMRC-Exo could alleviate <i>D. acutus</i> venom-induced limb injury in rabbits by suppressing pyroptosis, thereby attenuating the associated inflammatory response.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Eighteen healthy male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly assigned to Sham, Model, and IMRC-Exo groups. The Model group was established by intramuscular injection of <i>D. acutus</i> venom (1.5 mg/kg), followed by intravenous snake antivenom (80 U/kg) after 2 hours. The IMRC-Exo group received IMRC-Exo (7.5 × 10¹⁰ particles) post-modeling. Within 24 hours, left thigh circumference, serum creatine kinase (CK), and myoglobin (Mb) were assessed. Muscle tissues were collected for histopathology, apoptosis analysis, inflammatory cytokine quantification [high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), IL-1β, IL-18], and pyroptosis-related protein detection [caspase-3, cleaved caspase-3, gasdermin E (GSDME), N-terminal GSDME (N-GSDME)].</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Compared to Sham, venom injection significantly increased thigh circumference, CK, Mb, histopathological damage, apoptosis, inflammatory cytokines, and pyroptosis-related proteins. IMRC-Exo significantly reduced these indicators, mitigating muscle injury and inflammation. Additionally, inflammatory cytokines and pyroptosis markers were significantly lower in the IMRC-Exo group than in the Model group.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>IMRC-Exo effectively alleviates <i>D. acutus</i> venom-induced limb injury in rabbits, likely through inhibition of GSDME-dependent pyroptosis-mediated inflammation. These findings suggest that IMRC-Exo may serve as a promising therapeutic approach for snakebite-induced inflammatory injury.</p>","PeriodicalId":17565,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins Including Tropical Diseases","volume":"31 ","pages":"e20230009"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12412906/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145015625","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}