The faunistic diversity of the spiders (Arachnida, Araneae) of the Waterberg District in the Limpopo Province of South Africa

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  The faunistic diversity of the spiders ( Arachnida , Araneae ) of the Waterberg District in the Limpopo Province of South Africa Abstract The South African National Survey of Arachnida ( SANSA ) has conducted surveys in the Waterberg District of the Limpopo Province, South Africa, over more than 40 years. The first annotated checklist for the Waterberg District is provided here, along with the global distributions, endemicity and conservation assessments for each species, as per the International Union for Conservation of Nature ( IUCN ) criteria. A total of 54 families, 292 genera and 600 species were recorded. The study highlights species of special conservation concern, as well as the nine species endemic to the Waterberg District. Salticidae (95 species), followed by Thomisidae (80 species), Araneidae (53 species) and Gnaphosidae (48 species), are the most species-rich families. In contrast, single species represent 14 families. Most species (546; 91.2%) are widely distr...

A Conceptual Review of Naturally Occurring Toxins and Venoms as Peptide Blockers to Combat Chronic Low Back Pain

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Image Credit: By Gionorossi - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=92725163


A Conceptual Review of Naturally Occurring Toxins and Venoms as Peptide Blockers to Combat Chronic Low Back Pain

ABSTRACT

Background

One of the significant putative causes of low back pain (LBP) is degeneration of the intervertebral disc (IVD). Degenerated discs exhibit loss of proteoglycans, notably aggrecan, leading to mechanical dysfunction and aberrant nerve ingrowth. This pathological innervation results in the proliferation of nociceptive and mechanoreceptive neurons, significantly contributing to persistent pain. A critical therapeutic target is the dorsal root ganglion (DRG), which serves as a key neural hub for nociceptive signaling and neurogenic inflammation. Increased calcium influx through voltage-gated calcium channels within DRG neurons underpins heightened neuronal excitability, facilitating persistent pain transmission. Recent evidence highlights the promising role of bioactive peptides derived from reptilian and insect venoms as potent calcium channel blockers.

Methods

This conceptual review explores published evidence and mechanistic rationale on naturally occurring toxins and venoms as peptide calcium channel blockers for chronic LBP. We considered DRG targeted mechanisms and delivery approaches, including incorporation into biomimetic proteoglycans for localized, sustained intradiscal release, and their use along conventional nerve block procedures.

Results

Venom derived peptide families including ω-conotoxins from cone snail and Tx3-family spider peptides from Phoneutria nigriventer selectively block neuronal calcium channels (notably Cav2.2), thereby reducing the release of neurotransmitters that propogate pain signals. Alongside these antinocicpetive effects, the targeted mechanism of action and directed modalities of these peptides offer a novel therapeutic approach with potential advantages over tradiitonal analgesics, which often present challenges related to tolerance and systemic side effects.

Conclusion

Naturally occurring bioactive peptide calcium channel blockers delivered either directly to the DRG or through a multifaceted therapeutic approach with biomimetic proteoglycans into the IVD or conventional nerve block procedures into the epidural space resents a promising future direction in managing chronic LBP. This approach warrants further pre-clinical and clinical evaluation to clarify clinical utility, potentially transforming pain management paradigms and significantly reducing healthcare burdens associated with chronic spinal disorders.


Melrose, J., Sima, S., Chopra, N., Diwan, A., & Gu, Z. (2025). A Conceptual Review of Naturally Occurring Toxins and Venoms as Peptide Blockers to Combat Chronic Low Back Pain. JOR Spine, 8(3), e70107. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsp2.70107