Interspecific and Intraspecific Variation in Venom Proteomics, Composition, and Antivenom Efficacy of Thai Cobras (Naja spp.): Highlighting the Distinct Profile of the Newly Identified Naja fuxi

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  Interspecific and Intraspecific Variation in Venom Proteomics, Composition, and Antivenom Efficacy of Thai Cobras (Naja spp.): Highlighting the Distinct Profile of the Newly Identified Naja fuxi Abstract Cobras ( Naja  spp.) account for a significant number of snakebite incidents in Thailand. The monocled cobra ( Naja kaouthia ) has historically been considered the only non-spitting species, but recent evidence indicates population-level diversification in central and southern regions. Additionally, a newly described non-spitting species, the mountain cobra ( Naja fuxi ), has been identified in mountainous areas. This study investigates venom variation among Thai  Naja  species and populations and evaluates the efficacy of monovalent and polyvalent Thai antivenoms. Proteomic analyses revealed that three-finger toxins dominate  Naja  venoms, whereas  N. fuxi  exhibits a distinct profile enriched in snake venom metalloproteinases and cysteine-rich...

Heteroctenus junceus Scorpion Venom Modulates the Concentration of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines in F3II Tumor Cells

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Heteroctenus junceus Scorpion Venom Modulates the Concentration of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines in F3II Tumor Cells

Abstract

The ability of Heteroctenus junceus scorpion venom to modulate the concentration of cytokines related to its antitumoral effect is unknown. F3II cells were treated with ¼ IC50, ½ IC50 and the IC50 of H. junceus scorpion venom. Tumor growth kinetics in F3II-bearing mice were evaluated after 24 days of oral administration of venom doses. The effect of tumor lysates on F3II cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay, while cytokines present in each sample were determined by ELISA. In supernatant, H. junceus scorpion venom decreased the concentration of IL-6 (p < 0.001), IFN-γ (p < 0.001), IL-1β (p < 0.01); meanwhile IL-12 (p < 0.001) and TNF-α (p < 0.001) levels increased significantly, according to the concentration and the time of incubation. Heteroctenus junceus scorpion venom effectively inhibits in vivo tumor progression. In the sera, a significant decrease was observed in TNF-α levels (p < 0.05). In tumor lysates, IL-6 decreased significantly in the groups treated with 12.5 mg/kg (p < 0.001) and 25 mg/kg (p < 0.05). Heteroctenus junceus scorpion venom is capable of modulating other proinflammatory and protumoral cytokines involved in the inflammation associated with cancer.

Yglesias-Rivera, Arianna, Hermis Sánchez-Rodríguez, Carmen Soto-Febles, and Lianet Monzote. 2023. "Heteroctenus junceus Scorpion Venom Modulates the Concentration of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines in F3II Tumor Cells" Life 13, no. 12: 2287. https://doi.org/10.3390/life13122287