Can Scorpion Venom Peptides Be Safely Used in Cardiovascular Therapy: A Systematic Review

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  Can Scorpion Venom Peptides Be Safely Used in Cardiovascular Therapy: A Systematic Review Abstract Scorpion venom contains numerous bioactive peptides with potent cardiovascular effects, including bradykinin-potentiating peptides (BPPs), ion channel modulators, and cardioprotective molecules. These peptides show promise for conditions such as hypertension, cardiac injury, and arrhythmias. However, concerns regarding toxicity, immunogenicity, and off-target actions have limited their clinical development. This systematic review evaluates the therapeutic potential and safety of scorpion venom peptides for cardiovascular applications. A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Semantic Scholar identified 1,141 articles. Screening of 463 abstracts and full-text review of 446 eligible studies resulted in 17 publications meeting the inclusion criteria. Extracted data included mechanisms, efficacy, toxicity, and translational challenges. BPPs consistently demonstrated AC...

A new genus in the mygalomorph spider family Ischnothelidae, Tepuithele n. gen., from Ecuador

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A new genus in the mygalomorph spider family Ischnothelidae, Tepuithele n. gen., from Ecuador

Abstract

A new genus from the mygalomorph family Ischnothelidae is described from Ecuador. Tepuithele n. gen. was collected in the Tepui formation found in the Zamora Chinchipe province, Ecuador. The new species, Tepuithele nangaritza n. sp. (♂♀), possesses a unique combination of morphological characters not found in any other members of the family: male chelicerae with large forward prongs, leg I without tibial apophysis, and metatarsus I without keel. Images of both male and female are presented, in addition to a distribution map.

Dupérré, N. & Tapia, E. (2025b). A new genus in the mygalomorph spider family Ischnothelidae, Tepuithele n. gen., from Ecuador. Arachnology 20(2): 238-244.