Toxicon最新文献

{"title":"Aspergillus spp and aflatoxins in Pakistani rice: A case study on the decontamination effect of accelerated aging and improved storage practices.","authors":"Iqra Naeem, Amir Ismail, Yun Yun Gong, Muhammad Riaz, Aneela Hameed, Mubashir Aziz, Asif Mahmood, Waheed Al Masry, Muhammad Latif, Sher Ali, Carlos Augusto Fernandes de Oliveira","doi":"10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108515","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108515","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This research aimed to isolate aflatoxigenic Aspergillus spp. and quantify the levels of aflatoxins (AF) in Pakistani rice (N = 180) and conduct a case study to assess the AF decontamination effect of accelerated aging (AA) using microwave and improved storage practices of brown rice. AF-producing A. flavus and A. parasiticus strains were recovered from 120 samples analyzed (66.7 %) at median counts of 2.88 and 2.33 Log colony forming units/g, respectively. AF levels in Pakistani rice (paddy, brown, and white rice) exceeded the EU maximum permissible limit (MPL) of 5 μg/kg for AFB₁ and 10 μg/kg for total AFs in 29.8 % and 15.6 % of samples, respectively. Brown rice showed the highest AF contamination (85 %), followed by paddy rice (83.3 %) and white rice (76.7 %), with median levels of 7.65, 5.70 and 4.38 μg/kg, respectively. Compared with traditional storage of brown rice aged naturally, AF levels in kernels submitted to AA along with improved storage had a 46 % reduction during 180-day storage. Compared with naturally aged samples, AA brown rice had lower values of fatty acid, and higher levels of total phenolic content and antioxidant activity at day 180 of storage. Data presented indicated that AA using microwave and proper storage practices are valuable strategies to mitigate AF contamination in brown rice, with additional beneficial effects on the product's quality during storage.</p>","PeriodicalId":23289,"journal":{"name":"Toxicon","volume":" ","pages":"108515"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144769082","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Casuarinin modulates renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system to counter ephedrine-induced myocardial damage in rats.","authors":"Hesham M Hassan, Muhammad Faisal Hayat, Ali Akbar, Azka Zafar, Khalid J Alzahrani, Fuad M Alzahrani, Abrar Aljohani","doi":"10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108522","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108522","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ephedrine (EPH) is a sympathomimetic drug that showed adverse effects on different body organs such as heart. Casuarinin (CAS) is a polyphenolic agent that exhibits various biological as well as pharmacological properties. The current research was performed to explore the mitigative attributes of CAS against EPH instigated sub-chronic cardiotoxicity. Thirty-six Sprague Dawley male rats were divided into control, EPH (20 mgkg^-1), CAS (25 mgkg^-1) + EPH (20 mgkg^-1), and CAS (20 mgkg^-1) alone administered group. Our findings revealed that EPH exposure provoked the gene expression of renin (REN), angiotensinogen (AGT), angiotensin I (Ang I), angiotensin II (Ang II), angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AGTR1), aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2), and mineralocorticoid receptor (NR3C2). The enzymatic activities of heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (54.30 %), superoxide dismutase (SOD) (62.38 %), glutathione reductase (GSR) (54.80 %), catalase (CAT) (67.54 %), glutathione (GSH) (62.14 %) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) (44.25 %) were suppressed while the concentrations of reactive oxygen species (ROS) (2518.52 %) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (2654.55 %) were provoked after EPH intoxication. Besides, the EPH exposure exacerbated the concentration of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (ProBNP) (179.39), creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB) (133.55 %), creatine phosphokinase (CPK) (180.72 %), C-reactive protein (CRP) (348.34 %), troponin-T (TnT) (1210.91 %), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (518.47 %), troponin-I (TnI) (1266.67 %) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) (243.34 %). The expression of Bax, and Caspase-3 were augmented while the expression of Bcl-2 was diminished after EPH administration. Moreover, EPH escalates the levels of interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) (471.71 %), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) (304.16 %), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) (219.96 %), interleukin-6 (IL-6) (316.76 %), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) (343.59 %) as well as significantly (p < 0.05) dysregulated the normal histology of cardiac tissues. Nevertheless, CAS treatment notably alleviated EPH instigated sub-chronic cardiac damage through the regulation of RAAS, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation. These findings suggest that CAS could be employed as cardioprotective agent against EPH intoxication.</p>","PeriodicalId":23289,"journal":{"name":"Toxicon","volume":" ","pages":"108522"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144804881","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Corrigendum to \"Morusin suppresses the stemness characteristics of gastric cancer cells induced by hypoxic microenvironment through inhibition of HIF-1α accumulation\" [Toxicon 241 (2024) 107675].","authors":"Mo Chen, Shufeng Xiao, Ping Sun, Yongfu Li, Zhixing Xu, Jun Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108519","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108519","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":23289,"journal":{"name":"Toxicon","volume":" ","pages":"108519"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144769083","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Parquetina nigrescens leaf extract mitigates aflatoxin B1-induced stress, immune and growth disruptions in broilers.","authors":"Olugbenga D Oloruntola, Adeyeye S Adebowale, Andrew B Falowo, Olumuyiwa J Olarotimi, Deborah A Oloruntola, Simeon O Ayodele, Ojurereoluwa A Ayodele, Francis A Gbore","doi":"10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108523","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108523","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) contamination in poultry feed impairs immunity, induces oxidative stress, and reduces growth and carcass quality. This study assessed the protective role of Parquetina nigrescens leaf extract (PNLE) against AFB₁-induced immuno-inflammatory, oxidative, and metabolic disturbances in broiler chickens. Two hundred day-old Cobb 500 broiler chicks were assigned to four groups: NOC (control), AFCP0 (AFB₁ only, 0.5 mg/kg feed), AFCP1 (AFB₁ + 1 g PNLE/L water), and AFCP2 (AFB₁ + 2 g PNLE/L). AFB₁ exposure (AFCP0) significantly reduced relative growth rate (RGR), dressing percentage, and catalase activity, while increasing liver and spleen weights, lipid/protein peroxidation, and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β). Immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, IgA), triiodothyronine (T₃), and leptin levels were suppressed, with elevations in Hsp70 and adiponectin. PNLE, particularly at 2 g/L, significantly improved antioxidant status, immune response, inflammatory balance, and performance metrics. Correlation analysis revealed strong positive associations between RGR and IgM (r = +0.84) and IgA (r = +0.65), and negative correlations with IL-1β (r = -0.72) and IL-6 (r = -0.61). Dressing percentage correlated positively with IgG, IgM, IgA, and IFN-γ, but negatively with TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β (p < 0.01). These findings underscore the relevance of immune competence and inflammation control in broiler productivity. In conclusion, PNLE mitigates AFB₁-induced toxicity and supports health and performance. A supplementation level of 2 g/L in drinking water is recommended as a practical strategy to reduce aflatoxicosis risk in poultry production.</p>","PeriodicalId":23289,"journal":{"name":"Toxicon","volume":" ","pages":"108523"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144804882","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Astragaloside IV: a natural shield against ochratoxin A-induced hepatotoxicity in chicks by targeting the NRF2/NLRP3 signaling pathway.","authors":"Jingyi Yang, Hao Xu, Ruiqi Ye, Yu Zhang, Jiale Wu, Erhui Jin, Xiaojin Li, Mixia Cao, Shenghe Li, Chang Liu, Lei Li","doi":"10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108513","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108513","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a prevalent contaminant in feed and poses a serious threat to the poultry industry and public health. The liver is the primary target of OTA, and oxidative stress alongside consequent inflammation, is considered the main contributor to OTA-induced liver damage. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV), a key constituent of the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Astragalus membranaceus, exhibits diverse pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunoregulatory, and organ-protective effects. However, whether AS-IV can ameliorate OTA-induced liver damage remains uncertain. In the current investigation, we investigated the effect of AS-IV on OTA-induced liver damage in chicks and elucidated the underlying mechanisms. The results revealed that AS-IV inhibited OTA-induced increases in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activities. Additionally, AS-IV reversed the OTA-induced decrease in glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activities, as well as the increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) content (P < 0.05). The results demonstrated that AS-IV is capable of mitigating mitochondrial damage and reducing the elevation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the chicken liver cell line LMH induced by OTA. Moreover, AS-IV was discovered to reverse the OTA-induced decrease in nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), NADPH quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) expression, and the increase in Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1(Keap1) expression. Meanwhile, AS-IV also counteracted OTA-induced NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome expression. Taken together, our findings suggested that AS-IV ameliorated OTA-induced hepatotoxicity in chicks by regulating the Nrf2 and NLRP3 signaling pathways.</p>","PeriodicalId":23289,"journal":{"name":"Toxicon","volume":" ","pages":"108513"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144804880","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An assessment of the biotransformation and bioavailability of zearalenone and its modified forms using the Caco-2 cell line.","authors":"Adam Pierzgalski, Dominik Popowski, Marcin Bryła, Marek Roszko, Agnieszka Waśkiewicz","doi":"10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108517","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108517","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Zearalenone (ZEN) is a common Fusarium mycotoxin that is found in cereal products and has xenoestrogenic properties. ZEN's toxicity and interaction with the environment in vivo have been widely studied, but fewer data are available on its metabolites. This study aimed to evaluate the intestinal permeability of ZEN, its hydrogenated metabolites, and its glucosidic conjugates and qualitatively assess the metabolism of these compounds in the epithelium. A monolayer of Caco-2 cells was used as the bioavailability prediction model. The MTT cytotoxicity assay (metabolic activity assessment) was used to determine the concentrations of the test compound that do not reduce cell viability. Permeability coefficients were determined based on the compounds' concentrations in the acceptor compartment. Cell lysates were analyzed to obtain a qualitative assessment of the potential of ZEN metabolisation in epithelial cells. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed using LC-HRMS. The results indicate the efficient and variable intestinal permeability of ZEN and its hydrogenated metabolites. A lower permeability of the glucoside metabolites compared with the native forms was observed. Glucosidic conjugates were characterised by higher efflux ratios, suggesting more efficient intestinal reflux. Concerning the metabolism occurring in the intestinal epithelium model, the hydrolysis of ZEN derivatives and the release of native toxins, the bilateral conversion between ZEN and α-zearalenol (α-ZOL)/β-zearalenol (β-ZOL), and the presence of glucuronide metabolites were observed. Sulfated metabolites of α-ZOL and β-ZOL were also detected.</p>","PeriodicalId":23289,"journal":{"name":"Toxicon","volume":" ","pages":"108517"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144785407","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Four-year surveillance of mycotoxins in feed and raw materials (2021–2024): Occurrence, co-contamination, and risk implications","authors":"Paweł Skrzydlewski,&nbsp;Robert Kosicki,&nbsp;Jan Grajewski,&nbsp;Magdalena Twarużek","doi":"10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108618","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108618","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by molds, primarily by species of <em>Penicillium</em>, <em>Fusarium</em>, and <em>Aspergillus</em> genera. They are widespread contaminants of foods, feeds and various feed materials. This study aimed to evaluate the levels of mycotoxin contamination in raw materials and animal feed products in Poland between 2021 and 2024. A total of 2,411 samples were collected from farmers and producers across the country, including 1,102 feed samples for swine, poultry and cattle; 519 maize samples; 569 small grain samples; 183 total mixed ration (TMR) samples; and 38 corn silages samples. Samples were examined for several mycotoxins commonly found in Europe, including aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, zearalenone, deoxynivalenol, nivalenol, T-2 toxin, H-2 toxin and fumonisins, Trichothecenes, zearalenone, and fumonisins were analyzed using the LC-MS/MS technique, while ochratoxin A and aflatoxins were analyzed using the HPLC-FLD method. Deoxynivalenol and HT-2 toxin were the most prevalent in feed samples (100 % and 99.9 % occurrence, respectively). In maize, deoxynivalenol and zearalenone were also dominant (99.5 % and 99.7 % occurrence, respectively). The highest concentrations of deoxynivalenol and zearalenone were 11,033 μg/kg and 4,487 μg/kg, respectively, observed in maize. Two maize samples exceeded the maximum recommended concentration level for zearalenone as set by the European Union. These findings confirm that mycotoxins remain widespread contaminants in feed and feed materials, underscoring the need for continuous monitoring and preventive measures.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23289,"journal":{"name":"Toxicon","volume":"268 ","pages":"Article 108618"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145259268","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Fatal Bothrops atrox snakebite with thrombotic microangiopathy, hemorrhagic stroke and acute kidney injury","authors":"Larissa Rocha Alípio Duarte ,&nbsp;Érica Carvalho ,&nbsp;Tigran Francis Chehuan Melo ,&nbsp;Fabiane Bianca Albuquerque Barbosa ,&nbsp;Rosilene Viana de Andrade ,&nbsp;Marco Sartim ,&nbsp;Felipe Queiroz Araújo ,&nbsp;Jacqueline Sachett ,&nbsp;Guilherme Pivoto ,&nbsp;Luiz Carlos de Lima Ferreira ,&nbsp;Wuelton Monteiro","doi":"10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108610","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108610","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Bothrops atrox</em> is responsible for most snakebite envenomations in the Amazon region. Its venom induces systemic hemostatic disturbances and local tissue damage, potentially leading to severe complications. This report describes a fatal case of <em>B. atrox</em> envenomation in a 53-year-old male with a history of hypertension and alcoholism. The patient presented with persistent incoagulable blood, thrombocytopenia, anemia, and progressive renal dysfunction. These findings were consistent with venom-induced consumption coagulopathy (VICC) associated with thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). He subsequently developed intracranial hemorrhage, the autopsy revealed a confirmed subarachnoid hemorrhage, and acute kidney injury (AKI), which contributed to systemic decompensation. Postmortem findings included subarachnoid hemorrhage, acute tubular necrosis, hepatic steatosis, and fibrin thrombi in cutaneous vessels. This case highlights the potential for severe systemic involvement in <em>Bothrops atrox</em> envenomation, particularly in patients with preexisting comorbidities, and underscores the need for early recognition of complications such as VICC and TMA to guide appropriate clinical management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23289,"journal":{"name":"Toxicon","volume":"268 ","pages":"Article 108610"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145271241","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Antinociceptive and neuromodulatory effects of the scorpion venom tetrapeptide tetrascorpin-1 in a long-lasting pain hypersensitivity model in mice","authors":"Salvatore Pagano ,&nbsp;Rebecca Limongelli ,&nbsp;Wassim Moslah ,&nbsp;Mohamed-Chiheb Saada ,&nbsp;Iolanda Manzo ,&nbsp;Roozbe Bonsale ,&nbsp;Milena Melake Teweldemedhin ,&nbsp;Antimo Fusco ,&nbsp;Francesca Guida ,&nbsp;Carmela Belardo ,&nbsp;Andrea Maria Morace ,&nbsp;Michela Perrone ,&nbsp;Federica Ricciardi ,&nbsp;Gorizio Pierretti ,&nbsp;Maria Giovanna Vastarella ,&nbsp;Rosmara Infantino ,&nbsp;Najet Srairi-Abid ,&nbsp;Sabatino Maione ,&nbsp;Enza Palazzo ,&nbsp;Livio Luongo","doi":"10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108611","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108611","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>We evaluated the effects of Tetrascorpin-1 from <em>Androctonus australis</em> (AaTs-1), a tetrapeptide obtained from scorpion venom, previously hypothesized to bind the formyl peptide receptor like-1 (FPRL-1) known as formyl peptide receptor-2 (FPR-2) in vitro, on pain responses and cytokines, neuronal and glial morpho-functional alterations in the spinal cord of mice with formalin-induced long-lasting pain hypersensitivity<strong>.</strong> Due to the peptide chemical nature and for favoring its penetration into the central nervous system, AaTs-1 was daily administered intranasally for 10 days. In formalin-injected mice the AaTs-1 treatment abolished mechanical allodynia, thermal hyperalgesia, hyperactivation of spinal nociceptive-specific (NS) neurons, and partially restored spinal anti-inflammatory/pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and microglia/astrocyte phenotype alterations. Additionally, in contrast to what occurred in formalin-injected mice, AaTs-1 treatment facilitated the firing activity of NS neurons and consistently altered the levels of some spinal cytokines under investigation in healthy mice. Based on the opposing effects of AaTs-1 under physiological and pathological conditions, we suspect that it acts as a partial agonist <em>in vivo</em> rather than as an antagonist of FPR-2, as other <em>in vitro</em> data would suggest.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23289,"journal":{"name":"Toxicon","volume":"268 ","pages":"Article 108611"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145252889","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Venom gland transcriptomics of the Black Judaicus scorpion (Hottentotta judaicus) reveals its toxin arsenal and potential bioeconomic value","authors":"Tim Lüddecke ,&nbsp;Josephine Dresler ,&nbsp;Sabine Hurka ,&nbsp;Yachen Wang ,&nbsp;Tamara Pohler ,&nbsp;Yuri Simone ,&nbsp;Jonas Krämer ,&nbsp;Andreas Vilcinskas ,&nbsp;Volker Herzig","doi":"10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108609","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108609","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Scorpion venoms are likewise a medical burden as well as a source of novel bioresources. Despite their important dual role, the venoms of most scorpion species remain under- or unstudied. Among these is the venom of the Black Judaicus scorpion, <em>Hottentotta judaicus</em> (Simon, 1872), a common yet neglected species native to the Middle East. Here, we employ venom gland transcriptomics to investigate its toxin-encoding precursor profile to gain insight into its toxin repertoire. The venom was found to be composed primarily of various short scorpion toxins, long scorpion toxins from the 3 C-C as well as the 4 C-C type, and enzymatic components. Minor components include, defensins and putative antimicrobial peptides. Several identified toxins show similarity to known neurotoxins from lethal buthids or to toxins with translational value in biomedicine, agriculture, and industrial production, thus rendering <em>H. judaicus</em> both, a potential health concern but possibly also as source of novel bioresources. Our work provides an extended perspective on the venom profile of this species and represents a basis for future follow-up studies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23289,"journal":{"name":"Toxicon","volume":"268 ","pages":"Article 108609"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145233551","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}