Distinct pathophysiological mechanisms of Heterometrus laoticus and Lychas mucronatus scorpion venoms on cardiovascular and renal functions

Posted by
  Distinct pathophysiological mechanisms of Heterometrus laoticus and Lychas mucronatus scorpion venoms on cardiovascular and renal functions Abstract Background:    Heterometrus laoticus and Lychas mucronatus are widely distributed in Southeast Asia, yet their pathophysiological effects of both venoms remain poorly characterized due to low human fatality rates. This study compared their venom compositions and acute cardiovascular and renal effects. Methods:   Anesthetized male New Zealand White rabbits were monitored for blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and renal clearance following intravenous administration of crude venom (0.5 mg/kg). Venom components were identified via LC-MS/MS, and hematological/biochemical parameters were assessed. Results:    H. laoticus venom induced a rapid, transient hypotension ( p < 0.05), followed by a mild, prolonged hypotensive phase (up to 120 min). Conversely, L. mucronatus venom elicited a biphasic response: ...

Harnessing Snake Venom for Therapeutics: A Path from Toxins to Treatments

Posted by

 


Harnessing Snake Venom for Therapeutics: A Path from Toxins to Treatments

Abstract

Snake venom has developed over millions of years as a tool for capturing prey and defending against predators and other threats. Snake venom contains diverse proteins and peptides, which elicit a range of pathophysiological abnormalities including cytotoxic, neurotoxic, myotoxic, hemolytic and inflammatory effects in the victim, and cause severe morbidity. Although these venom proteins have significant pharmacological potential, many remain insufficiently explored for therapeutic applications. Therefore, this article critically reviews the attributes of selected toxic proteins, which make them suitable drugs for the well-being of mankind. Although these toxins have serious adverse effects on human health, research has shown that they can be modified to exhibit beneficial properties and serve as potential treatments for various diseases. In addition to being a model protein for drug development, the similarity in sequence and structure indicates that these toxic proteins can be used in protein replacement therapy to combat several human diseases. The article also addresses the challenges faced during the entire process, starting from the initial phase of choosing venom proteins to drug formulation. While nanotechnology-based formulations of snake venom-derived drugs exhibit promise across diverse therapeutic domains, additional research and development efforts on the different variants of these proteins are essential to fully unlock their clinical advantages and enhance their efficacy for disease treatment.

Citation: Singh P, Jayaraman G. Harnessing Snake Venom for Therapeutics: A Path from Toxins to Treatments. J Pure Appl Microbiol. 2025;19(4):2495-2522. doi: 10.22207/JPAM.19.4.01