Scorpion envenomation and inflammation: Beyond neurotoxic effects

Author(s)

Reis, Mouzarllem Barros ^{[1, 2]} ; Zoccal, Karina Furlani ^[3] ; Gardinassi, Luiz Gustavo ^[1] ; Faccioli, Lucia Helena ^{[1, 2]}

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Ciencias Farmaceut Ribeirao Preto, Dept Anal Clin Toxicol & Bromatol, Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Med Ribeirao Preto, Programa Posgrad Imunol Bas & Aplicada, Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil

^[3] Ctr Univ Barao Maud, Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Review article
• Source: Toxicon; v. 167, p. 174-179, SEP 2019.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Scorpion envenomation results in a wide range of clinical manifestations that are mostly attributed to the activation of the autonomic nervous system by venom toxins. In fact, sympathetic and parasympathetic disturbances play important roles during poisoning. However, scorpion venom also induces a complex hyperin-flammatory state that occurs parallel to systemic inflammatory response syndrome and acute sepsis. After a scorpion sting, innate immune cells are exposed to the venom molecules, which bind to pattern recognition receptors and activate pro-inflammatory pathways that contribute toward the promotion of severe symptoms, such as pulmonary edema, and eventually lead to death. In this review, we highlight studies that pointed out inflammation as a major pathological facet of scorpion envenomation, so as to provide novel targets to improve therapeutics for scorpionism. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/02314-3 - Investigation of cardiac changes that occur in poisoning by Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom
• Grantee: Mouzarllem Barros dos Reis
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 14/07125-6 - New functional aspects of eicosanoids
• Grantee: Lúcia Helena Faccioli
• Support type: Research Projects - Thematic Grants