Envenomation by a Razi’s Viper, Macrovipera razii (Serpentes: Viperidae) in Iran: A Neglected Public Health Threat, Report of Two Cases, and Clinical Implications

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  Envenomation by a Razi’s Viper, Macrovipera razii (Serpentes: Viperidae) in Iran: A Neglected Public Health Threat, Report of Two Cases, and Clinical Implications Abstract Snakebite envenomation remains a significant global health concern, with viperid snakes responsible for substantial mortality and disability. In Iran, the genus Macrovipera is of considerable medical importance. Macrovipera razii is an endemic Iranian species distributed across central and southern regions of the country; however, detailed clinical reports of envenomation by this species remain scarce. We report two cases of M. razii envenomation from Iran. The first case involved a 36-year-old male who sustained a bite to the middle finger in Nazmabad, Arak, Markazi Province, Iran, in 2017. He was admitted to hospital approximately 15 min after the bite and received six vials of polyvalent antivenom. Progressive local tissue injury developed, followed by severe necrosis of the affected finger, resulting in ...

Snake Venom Meets Oncology: Unraveling the Anticancer Potential of Crotamine

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By Leandro Avelar - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=49733700

Snake Venom Meets Oncology: Unraveling the Anticancer Potential of Crotamine

Abstract

Cancer remains a significant global health challenge, prompting the search for novel therapeutic strategies that minimize the limitations of current treatments. Crotamine, a cationic myotoxin isolated from the venom of Crotalus durissus spp., has emerged as a promising anticancer candidate due to its selective cytotoxicity toward tumor cells and multifaceted biological activities. This review examines the structural and functional characteristics of crotamine, emphasizing its mechanisms of action, such as disruption of ionic homeostasis through calcium influx, inhibition of voltage-gated potassium channels (Kv), and its preferential uptake by proliferating cells as a cell-penetrating peptide (CPP). Moreover, crotamine facilitates the intracellular delivery of bioactive compounds, enhancing drug selectivity and efficacy. Preclinical studies have demonstrated its ability to inhibit tumor growth both in vitro and in vivo, with minimal toxicity to normal tissues and low immunogenicity. These features position crotamine as a strong candidate for anticancer drug development. However, further investigation is essential to fully elucidate its molecular targets and mechanisms and to support its clinical translation.
Jacob, B., Alberghini-dos-Santos, J., Ferreira, I., Vieira, B., Malachias-Pires, G., Cerni, F., Pucca, M., Arantes, E., & Oliveira, I. (2025). Snake Venom Meets Oncology: Unraveling the Anticancer Potential of Crotamine. Toxicon, 108670. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108670