Lipidomic profiling of the Brazilian yellow scorpion venom: new insights into inflammatory responses following Tityus serrulatus envenomation

Author(s)

Acunha, Tanize ; Rocha, Bruno Alves ; Nardini, Viviani ; Barbosa Jr, Fernando ; Faccioli, Lucia Helena

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH-PART A-CURRENT ISSUES; v. 86, n. 9, p. 13-pg., 2023-03-11.

Abstract

Due to the high prevalence and clinical relevance, scorpionism is a critical public health issue in several Brazilian regions. Tityus serrulatus, commonly known as the Brazilian yellow scorpion, is the most venomous genus found in Brazilian fauna and associated with severe clinical manifestations such as localized pain, hypertension, sweating, tachycardia and complex hyperinflammatory responses. In general, T. serrulatus venom contains a complex mixture of active compounds, including proteins, peptides, and amino acids. Although knowledge of the protein fractions of scorpion venom is available, venom lipid components are not yet comprehensively known. The aim of the present study was to determine and characterize the lipid constituents/profile of the T. serratus venom utilizing liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry. Lipid species (164 in total) belonging to 3 different lipid categories, glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, and glycerolipids, were identified. A further search on MetaCore/MetaDrug platform, which is based upon a manually curated database of molecular interactions, molecular pathways, gene-disease associations, chemical metabolism, and toxicity information, exhibited several metabolic pathways for 24 of previously identified lipid species, including activation of nuclear factor kappa B and oxidative stress pathways. Further several bioactive compounds, such as plasmalogens, lyso-platelet-activating factors, and sphingomyelins, associated with systemic responses triggered by T. serrulatus envenomation were detected. Finally, lipidomic data presented provide advanced and valuable information to better comprehend the mechanisms underlying the complex pathophysiology induced by T. serrulatus envenomation. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/00658-1 - New functional aspects of eicosanoids
• Grantee: Lúcia Helena Faccioli
• Support Opportunities: Multi-user Equipment Program
• FAPESP's process: 21/03633-0 - Development and application of simple and rapid analytical methods for the determination of endocrine disruptors and oxidative stress biomarkers in biological samples for evaluation of exposure of children and pregnant women
• Grantee: Bruno Alves Rocha
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 18/24069-3 - ReSEARCH: Recognizing Signatures of the Exposome to Anticipate the Risks for a Continuous Health
• Grantee: Fernando Barbosa Júnior
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 14/07125-6 - New functional aspects of eicosanoids
• Grantee: Lúcia Helena Faccioli
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 22/07979-1 - Metabolomics of the exposome by Mass Spectrometry
• Grantee: Bruno Alves Rocha
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Technical Training Program - Technical Training
• FAPESP's process: 18/25704-4 - Lipid analysis using ion mobility spectrometry (DMS) for determination of lipid profile in scorpions and snakes venom
• Grantee: Tanize dos Santos Acunha
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral