AaTs-1, a Tetrapeptide from Scorpion Venom Mitigates Demyelination and Neuroinflammation in a Cuprizone-Induced Model of Multiple Sclerosis

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  AaTs-1, a Tetrapeptide from Scorpion Venom Mitigates Demyelination and Neuroinflammation in a Cuprizone-Induced Model of Multiple Sclerosis Abstract Purpose This study focuses on the evaluation of the therapeutic potential of Tetrascorpin-1 (AaTs-1), a tetrapeptide isolated from Androctonus australis hector venom, proposed as a putative formyl peptide receptor 2 (FPR2) antagonist, in a cuprizone-induced murine model of Multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune and inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. Methods Acute demyelination was induced in mice by administering cuprizone (0.2% w/w in the diet) for six weeks. During the sixth week of cuprizone intake, demyelinated mice received intranasal administration of AaTs-1 at a dose of 50–100 µg/kg for five consecutive days, with 24-hour intervals between treatments. Results Behavioral assessments, immunological assays, and histological analyses revealed that AaTs-1 improved body weight, reduced behavioral impairments...

Pharmacological Potential of Scorpion Venom: From Molecular Targets, Peptide Chemistry to Clinical Translation

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Pharmacological Potential of Scorpion Venom: From Molecular Targets, Peptide Chemistry to Clinical Translation

Abstract

Scorpion venom is extremely expensive and dangerous, but it also has fascinating medical applications, particularly in regulating biological mechanisms due to its structural and functional specificity. In this regard, the current review article aims to address medical issues, discuss prospects, and provide recommendations for future directions, including the development of drugs and clinical applications of scorpion venom. The scorpion venom is also a valuable source for pharmacological and clinical applications, including cytotoxic, antiproliferative, antibacterial, antiviral, antiparasitic, diabetic control, wound healing, and pain relief. Additionally, it can help to develop new medicines that control the immune system and prevent autoimmune diseases. The clinical applications show the development of cancer therapies and other antitumor effects. Approximately 350 peptides derived from the most studied scorpion species comprise of a mixture rich in neurotoxins, enzymes, nucleotides, water, and a combination of salts, amino acids, biogenic amines, mucopolysaccharides, and other proteins, all of which contribute to their biological activity. The pharmacological properties suppress tumor cell migration, trigger apoptosis, and modulate ion channels. The peptides exhibit cytotoxicity and antiviral activity and reflect significant clinical applicability. This review aims to summarize previous findings and seek to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research, patterns, and trends in those fields, and the significance of scorpions in the field of medicine.

Summer, M., Bibi, R. & Ali, S. Pharmacological Potential of Scorpion Venom: From Molecular Targets, Peptide Chemistry to Clinical Translation. Rev. Bras. Farmacogn. 36, 35 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43450-026-00739-y