In Colombia, several species of Buthidae scorpions belonging to the genera Centruroides and Tityus coexist, and their stings are considered life-threatening to humans because of their venom neurotoxins. Despite previous studies focusing on neurotoxins from these scorpion genera, little is known about the enzymes present in their venoms and their relationship with whole venom toxicity.
Here, using proteomic and biochemical protocols the enzymatic activities of the venoms of three Colombian scorpion species, C. margaritatus, T. pachyurus, and T. n. sp. aff. metuendus, were compared to establish the presence and absence of enzymes such as phospholipases, hyaluronidases, and proteases that could be related to venom toxicity. Results: C. margaritatus was positive for hyaluronidases, T. n. sp. aff. metuendus for proteases, and T. pachyurus exhibited activity for all three mentioned enzymes.
Mendoza-Tobar, L.L., Clement, H., Arenas, I., Sepulveda-Arias, J.C., Vargas, J.A.G. and Corzo, G.. (2024), “An overview of some enzymes from buthid scorpion venoms from Colombia: Centruroides margaritatus, Tityus pachyurus, and Tityus n. sp. aff. metuendus ”, Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins Including Tropical Diseases, Centro de Estudos de Venenos e Animais Peçonhentos (CEVAP/UNESP), Vol. 30, p. e20230063. https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-9199-JVATITD-2023-0063