The underlying mechanism of scorpion venom peptide BmK AS in reducing epilepsy seizures: mediated through dual modulation of Nav1.6 and the inflammasome pathway

Posted by
  The underlying mechanism of scorpion venom peptide BmK AS in reducing epilepsy seizures: mediated through dual modulation of Nav1.6 and the inflammasome pathway Abstract Introduction:  Voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) dysregulation, particularly of the Nav1.6 subtype, is a core mechanism underlying epileptogenesis and its associated neuropsychiatric comorbidities. The scorpion venom peptide BmK AS has demonstrated anticonvulsant potential, but its efficacy in chronic epilepsy and the precise mechanisms of action remain undefined. Methods:  Here, we show that BmK AS exerts robust anti-epileptic and neuroprotective effects through converging mechanisms. In a kainic acid-induced mouse model, BmK AS treatment reduced mortality and seizure parameters. Electrophysiological studies assessed BmK AS modulation of VGSC subtypes. The functional relevance of Nav1.6 targeting was confirmed by the loss of BmK AS’s anti-seizure efficacy upon its pharmacological blockade in a PTZ-in...

Envenomation by the Mediterranean black widow spider Latrodectus tredecimguttatus (Araneae: Theridiidae) in Albania: hospital case studies and local knowledge

Posted by

 


Envenomation by the Mediterranean black widow spider Latrodectus tredecimguttatus (Araneae: Theridiidae) in Albania: hospital case studies and local knowledge

Abstract

The true widow spiders, Latrodectus Walckenaer, 1805, comprise 35 species worldwide, nine of which are found in Europe. Only Latrodectus tredecimguttatus (Rossi, 1790), known as the Mediterranean black widow, has been documented in Albania. This spider is medically important due to the potent neurotoxin α-latrotoxin, which can be life threatening if left untreated. An intensive study was conducted in 2024, collecting data from a decade of clinical cases of spider bites in western Albania. A total of 238 hospitalized cases were collected, representing 9.92 cases per million population, with data on demographics and hospitalization. However, no deaths were recorded in the hospital wards, with the exception of one death that became apparent from discussion with the medical staff of Lushnje district. In addition, a comprehensive questionnaire was conducted in the same areas in May and June 2024 to assess knowledge and precautions regarding Mediterranean black widow spiders in the local population. The survey included responses from 532 people. The results showed varying levels of awareness and preparedness among the population, highlighting gaps in knowledge and preventive practices. In addition, extensive fieldwork was carried out to search for L. tredecimguttatus in areas and villages with higher numbers of bites. The results indicate that the local population of the municipality of Divjakë is at high risk due to the high abundance of Mediterranean black widow spiders. While the public health impact of L. tredecimguttatus has not been fully assessed across Albania, our observations in the western lowlands provide valuable recommendations for the local community.

Blerina Vrenozi "Envenomation by the Mediterranean black widow spider Latrodectus tredecimguttatus (Araneae: Theridiidae) in Albania: hospital case studies and local knowledge," Arachnology, 20(2), 287-297, (7 July 2025) https://doi.org/10.13156/arac.2025.20.2.287