Strengthening essential medicines policy to improve antivenom availability and affordability for snakebite envenomation in rural sub-Saharan Africa

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  Strengthening essential medicines policy to improve antivenom availability and affordability for snakebite envenomation in rural sub-Saharan Africa Abstract Snakebite envenomation remains a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) globally and in most sub-Saharan African countries; however, it causes the majority of morbidities, disabilities, and mortalities, affecting mostly the rural population who engage in agriculture, pastoralism, and hunting. Despite the inclusion of antivenom in the World Health Organization (WHO) Essential Medicines List, access to and affordability of safe and effective antivenom in rural areas in most sub-Saharan countries remain severely constrained by higher cost, a fragile supply chain, and policy implementation gaps. Consequently, preventable snakebite-related morbidities, mortalities, and disabilities persist in rural areas with higher incidences of snakebites. Therefore, this article examines the epidemiological burden of snakebite envenomation in rural a...

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