A new species and a new record of Zoicinae Lehtinen & Hippa, 1979 (Araneae: Lycosidae) from Sumatra Island, with notes on miniaturization in wolf spiders

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  A new species and a new record of Zoicinae Lehtinen & Hippa, 1979 (Araneae: Lycosidae) from Sumatra Island, with notes on miniaturization in wolf spiders Abstract A new species of wolf spider, Zoica veloxilla sp. nov., from Sumatra (Indonesia) is described based on both sexes. Lysania pygmaea Thorell, 1890 is recorded from Sumatra for the first time, and its male is illustrated and redescribed. A distribution map for Zoica and Lysania is provided. The problem of miniaturization in wolf spiders is briefly discussed. Based on an analysis of the literature, 32 minute species of wolf spiders in four subfamilies and eleven genera have been reported. The smallest wolf spider known worldwide seems to be Zoica minuta (McKay, 1979) from Australia. Omelko, M.M. & Fomichev, A.A. (2026) A new species and a new record of Zoicinae Lehtinen & Hippa, 1979 (Araneae: Lycosidae) from Sumatra Island, with notes on miniaturization in wolf spiders. Zootaxa, 5869 (2), 339–350. https://doi.o...

Scorpion Venom Peptides as Therapeutic Agents in Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review

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Scorpion Venom Peptides as Therapeutic Agents in Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background

Scorpions have evolved a highly efficient venom that serves both to capture prey and for self-defense. As a result, peptides isolated from the venom of various scorpion species show great potential for the development of new medicines.

Purpose

This systematic review provides an overview of the therapeutic potential of peptides isolated from scorpion venom that act on the cardiovascular system.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, and the Virtual Health Library for relevant studies published until December 2023, using the terms “peptides,” “scorpion,” “bradykinin potentiating factor,” “effects on cardiovascular diseases,” and “antihypertensive effects.”

Results

The literature search yielded 240 references. After applying the inclusion criteria, 17 studies were selected for analysis. Our review yielded five key findings: First, the identification of canonical bradykinin-potentiating peptides, which act as inhibitors of the angiotensin-converting enzyme, and non-canonical bradykinin-potentiating peptides, which act as B2 receptor agonists, enhancing the physiological effects of bradykinin. Second, a peptide regulating cardiomyocyte proteins was discovered. Third, an inotropic peptide was identified. Fourth, a potent hERG blocker peptide was found. Finally, a peptide with significant sodium current blocking capabilities in ventricular myocytes was identified.

Conclusion

The high specificity and potency of these scorpion venom-derived molecules underscore their potential as novel therapeutic agents in the cardiovascular field. This research highlights the importance of exploring natural bioactive compounds for the development of innovative treatments for cardiovascular diseases.

Santos, F.F., Silva, M. & de Matos, I.M. Scorpion Venom Peptides as Therapeutic Agents in Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review. Int J Pept Res Ther 31, 12 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10989-024-10671-1