Envenomization with Snake Versus Scorpion Venom: Postmortem Repercussions on the Successional Dynamics of Carcass-Attracted Flies in a Forensic Context

Posted by
  Envenomization with Snake Versus Scorpion Venom: Postmortem Repercussions on the Successional Dynamics of Carcass-Attracted Flies in a Forensic Context Abstract Background: Animal venoms may alter postmortem carcass conditions and thereby influence carrion-associated insects. However, it remains unclear whether lethal envenomization affects adult Diptera as a broad assemblage-level response or as taxon-specific changes during decomposition. Methods: Fifteen rabbits were assigned to control, snake-envenomized, or scorpion-envenomized treatments (with five carcasses each). Carcasses were exposed under semi-natural conditions, until complete dryness, over 11 days postmortem. Adult flies were collected daily for analyzing abundance at total, family, and selected species levels, using negative GLMM, with carcass identity as a random effect and postmortem day as a nonlinear predictor. Results: A total of 5497 adult flies representing 13 species in seven families was recorded. Total fly...

From sting to STING: role of inflammation in wasp sting induced AKI - a narrative review

Posted by

 


From sting to STING: role of inflammation in wasp sting induced AKI - a narrative review

Abstract

Multiple wasp stings that induce acute kidney injury (AKI) pose a significant threat to human health. This review focuses on the roles and mechanisms of inflammation in wasp sting-induced AKI. Relevant clinical studies, although limited in scope, have reported elevated levels of various inflammatory mediators in patients. These increased inflammatory mediators serve as indicators of inflammation and are potential predictors of wasp sting-induced AKI. However, clinical research is impeded by factors such as inconsistent patient baselines and lack of standardization for the use of wasp venom. To further explore the mechanisms, animal and cellular models have been developed to mimic the clinical manifestations. Basic studies have confirmed that inflammation plays a crucial role in such injuries. Importantly, mitochondrial DNA release and the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling axis have been identified as key regulators of the inflammatory response in wasp sting-induced AKI. These studies on inflammation present potential targets for therapeutic interventions, and plasma exchange has been proven effective. Overall, this review provides in-depth insights into the mechanisms and basis of therapeutic strategies for the treatment of wasp sting-induced AKI pathogenesis.


Xu, L., Zhou, Z., Lv, Y. et al. From sting to STING: role of inflammation in wasp sting induced AKI - a narrative review. BMC Nephrol 26, 471 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12882-025-04403-w