STUDY OF TERATOGENICITY INDUCED BY THE SCORPION Tityus serrulatus VENOM IN AN ALTERNATIVE EMBRYONIC MODEL

• Grant number: 23/16030-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: April 01, 2025
• Status: Discontinued
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy - Toxicological Analysis
• Principal Investigator: Manuela Berto Pucca
• Grantee: Isabela Caroline dos Santos
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCFAR). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araraquara. Araraquara , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 25/07149-7 - Study of the transplacental capacity of Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom in ex vivo human placental perfusion models, BE.EP.MS

Abstract

Envenomations by venomous animals are a public health problem worldwide. In Brazil, although these incidents are considered high-impact, especially in the Amazon region, limited access to antivenoms and treatment, along with underreporting, justifies their classification as Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). According to the Ministry of Health, there was a 440.87% increase in incidents involving animal venom between 2000 and 2016, particularly affecting low-income populations in underdeveloped regions. The scorpions of medical interest in Brazil belong to the Tityus genus, with Tityus serrulatus, the Brazilian yellow scorpion, identified as the most dangerous species in Brazil. However, despite extensive research on the species, little is known about the effects of T. serrulatus venom on pregnant women who experience venomous animal accidents and the potential effects on the fetus. Therefore, this project aims to evaluate the teratogenicity of T. serrulatus venom in an alternative embryonic model and to analyze the cytotoxic and toxicological profile of the venom under study. To achieve this, teratogenicity, cytotoxicity, and toxicity assays will be conducted on different models. For teratogenic assays, the alternative embryonic model (Danio rerio) will be used. The cytotoxicity test will be conducted on the BALB/3T3 clone A31 (mouse fibroblast) monolayer cell line. For the toxicological profile analysis of T. serrulatus venom, the alternative Tenebrio molitor model will be used. This study seeks to significantly contribute to understanding the interaction between the venom, pregnant women, and fetuses, providing a deeper scientific perspective on the impacts of this venom during pregnancy.