Effect of Hottentotta judaicus Scorpion Venom on Nociceptive Response and Inflammatory Cytokines in Mice Using Experimental Hyperalgesia

 

Effect of Hottentotta judaicus Scorpion Venom on Nociceptive Response and Inflammatory Cytokines in Mice Using Experimental Hyperalgesia

Abstract

Scorpion envenomation is a public health issue in tropical and subtropical regions. Currently, there is limited data on the biological effects of Hottentotta judaicus scorpion venom (HjSV) in mammals. This study aims to analyze the effect of HjSV on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced hyperalgesia in mice and its potential modulation of the immunological inflammatory response. Hyperalgesia is characterized by an increased response to pain, accompanied by heightened sensitivity that ranges from mild discomfort to intense pain. A series of tests were conducted, including heat resistance testing in BALB/c mice injected subcutaneously with LPS to induce hyperalgesia and intraperitoneally with HjSV. The hot plate test, used to assess pain endurance in mice, showed that LPS-injected mice, particularly females, exhibited heightened pain sensitivity. This suggests possible sex-based differences in pain perception. When HjSV was administered alone, a reduction in pain sensitivity was observed in both sexes. Additionally, ELISA tests were performed to assess changes in the secretion of inflammatory cytokines IL-4, IL-10, IL-6, IFN-γ, and TNF-α. A consistent increase in both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines was observed at early time points in females injected with HjSV alone. Moreover, the hyperalgesia induced by LPS was significantly reduced when HjSV was co-administered, indicating an anti-inflammatory effect at early stages. These findings suggest that HjSV has a significant immunomodulatory effect, potentially exerting anti-inflammatory action during acute inflammation. This effect appears to be time-dependent, diminishing as the immune response transitions toward its adaptive phase.

Haddad, L., Chender, A., Roufayel, R., Accary, C., Borges, A., Sabatier, J. M., Fajloun, Z., & Karam, M. (2025). Effect of Hottentotta judaicus Scorpion Venom on Nociceptive Response and Inflammatory Cytokines in Mice Using Experimental Hyperalgesia. Molecules, 30(13), 2750. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30132750

Correction: Haddad et al. Effect of Hottentotta judaicus Scorpion Venom on Nociceptive Response and Inflammatory Cytokines in Mice Using Experimental Hyperalgesia. Molecules 2025, 30, 2750

In the original publication [1], there was an error in the Institutional Review Board Statement. Before this work was carried out, the proposal was submitted to the Proposal Faculty Research Graduate Committee for evaluation. This committee evaluates all proposed research, taking into consideration both the ethical aspects of the work and the specific guidelines established for studies conducted in the university’s animal facility. Following this assessment, the project received clearance and was authorized to proceed (Protocol code: 2023/10; date of approval: December 2023). Upon the establishment of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) at the University of Balamand, the project was retrospectively reviewed based on available documentation, procedures, and ethical considerations. The Committee confirmed that the animal use practices and procedures adhered to generally accepted standards of animal care and use. The approval was then granted (Protocol code: IACUC07/2025; date of approval: 1 September 2025).

The correct Institutional Review Board Statement appears below: Before this work was carried out, the proposal was submitted to the Proposal Faculty Research Graduate Committee for evaluation. This committee evaluates all proposed research, taking into consideration both the ethical aspects of the work and the specific guidelines established for studies conducted in the university’s animal facility. Following this assessment, the project received clearance and was authorized to proceed (Protocol code: 2023/10; date of approval: December 2023). Upon the establishment of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) at the University of Balamand, the project was retrospectively reviewed based on available documentation, procedures, and ethical considerations. The Committee confirmed that the animal use practices and procedures adhered to generally accepted standards of animal care and use. The approval was then granted (Protocol code: IACUC07/2025; date of approval: 1 September 2025).

The authors state that the scientific conclusions are unaffected. This correction was approved by the Academic Editor. The original publication has also been updated.

Haddad, L., Chender, A., Roufayel, R., Accary, C., Borges, A., Sabatier, J. M., Fajloun, Z., & Karam, M. (2025). Correction: Haddad et al. Effect of Hottentotta judaicus Scorpion Venom on Nociceptive Response and Inflammatory Cytokines in Mice Using Experimental Hyperalgesia. Molecules 2025, 30, 2750. Molecules, 30(19), 3874. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30193874