Can Scorpion Venom Peptides Be Safely Used in Cardiovascular Therapy: A Systematic Review

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  Can Scorpion Venom Peptides Be Safely Used in Cardiovascular Therapy: A Systematic Review Abstract Scorpion venom contains numerous bioactive peptides with potent cardiovascular effects, including bradykinin-potentiating peptides (BPPs), ion channel modulators, and cardioprotective molecules. These peptides show promise for conditions such as hypertension, cardiac injury, and arrhythmias. However, concerns regarding toxicity, immunogenicity, and off-target actions have limited their clinical development. This systematic review evaluates the therapeutic potential and safety of scorpion venom peptides for cardiovascular applications. A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Semantic Scholar identified 1,141 articles. Screening of 463 abstracts and full-text review of 446 eligible studies resulted in 17 publications meeting the inclusion criteria. Extracted data included mechanisms, efficacy, toxicity, and translational challenges. BPPs consistently demonstrated AC...

The recombinant protein of scorpion venom phospholipase A2 exhibits potential anti-leishmanial activity

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By Guy Haimovitch - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=630282

The recombinant protein of scorpion venom phospholipase A2 exhibits potential anti-leishmanial activity

Abstract

The venom of scorpions contains a diverse array of bioactive compounds, including mucoproteins, nucleotides, and enzymes. Among these, phospholipase A2 (PLA2) plays a critical role in hydrolyzing plasma membrane phospholipids, leading to the release of fatty acids and lysophospholipids. In this study, characterized Maurolipin was selected as a candidate for recombinant protein production and evaluation of its anti-leishmanial activity. The recombinant protein was expressed in Escherichia coli strain Origami (DE3) and purified using a Ni-NTA resin column. The anti-parasitic activity of Maurolipin was tested against Leishmania major promastigotes, the causative agent of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL). The growth inhibitory effect was assessed across a range of concentrations (40 to 0.07 μg/ml). Leishmanicidal activity was determined by propidium iodide (PI) staining and flow cytometry, while cytotoxicity to RAW 264.7 macrophages was evaluated using an MTT assay. Maurolipin exhibited potent anti-leishmanial effects, with a 24-hour growth inhibition IC50 of 6.5 μg/ml and a leishmanicidal LC50 of 9.06 μg/ml after 3 hours of exposure. Cytotoxic effects on macrophages were dose- and time-dependent. These findings suggest that recombinant Maurolipin possesses growth-inhibitory and apoptosis-inducing properties, highlighting its potential as a novel therapeutic agent for leishmaniasis.

Soltan-Alinejad, P., Ramezani, A., Asgari, Q. et al. The recombinant protein of scorpion venom phospholipase A2 exhibits potential anti-leishmanial activity. Sci Rep (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-29796-4