Induced pathophysiological alterations by the venoms of the most dangerous Moroccan scorpions Androctonus mauretanicus and Buthus occitanus: A comparative pathophysiological and toxic-symptoms study

Abstract

Scorpion envenomation is a serious public health issue. Androctonus mauretanicus ( Am) and Buthus occitanus ( Bo) are the most dangerous scorpions in Morocco. Despite their medical relevance, no study has yet related their kinetics of symptom apparition and the consequent tissue disorders at the same interval post-injection. This work achieved the first comparative pathophysiological and toxic-symptoms study between the Am and Bo venoms from a biochemical, toxicological and physiopathological standpoint. The activity of venoms and their subletal dose were determined by administration of increasing concentrations of the venoms. 30, 60 and 120 min following the experimental envenomation in mice, the profile of clinical symptoms was underlined and the main organs: brain, heart, lungs, liver and kidneys were removed for histological examination. The Am venom is a rich source of proteins and three-times more toxic than the Bo. The most observed clinical symptoms are neurological and cardiopulmonary. The Am venom caused histopathological alterations at 30, 60, and 120 min which were more important than the Bo. This study highlighted that both venoms exhibited a strong toxicity with variable intensities. Moreover, we showed the presence of correlation between the level of histopathological disorders observed and the intensity of signs appeared at the same time following venom inoculation.

Neutralization Capacity of Tissue Alterations Caused by the Venoms of the Most Dangerous Scorpions in North Africa Using a Selective Antivenom

“…The evaluation of severe histopathological changes induced by Am and Bo scorpion venoms was carried out at the nervous, cardiac, pulmonary, hepatic, and renal levels [ 21 ]. Most of them were neutralized, although renal parenchyma still showed a disorganization due to its vascularized nature.…”

“…Convulsion, bradycardia, cardiovascular collapse, hypotension, dyspnea, cyanosis, ataxia, and paralysis are among the additional human symptoms observed in patients [ 18 ]. The systemic symptoms can be developed within minutes or delayed for as long as 24 h. They are also responsible for major tissular and metabolic complications, such as alveolar destruction, degeneration of the myofibrils, sinusoidal dilation, glomerular disorganization, and high levels of blood sugar and urea [ 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ].…”

Comparative Proteomic Analysis of the Venoms from the Most Dangerous Scorpions in Morocco: Androctonus mauritanicus and Buthus occitanus

“…Its venom is highly toxic, with an LD 50 of 2.4 µg/mouse, and responsible for adverse pathophysiological effects and intense electrolyte imbalance. Meanwhile, B. occitanus is considered the second most dangerous scorpion in the kingdom, with an LD 50 of 5.7 µg/mouse [ 36 , 38 , 43 ].…”

“…The most widely used is ESI-MS because its advantage of being more accurate and sensitive in mass determination [ 34 ]. Even though several studies have been done for these two venoms [ 25 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 ], no comparative proteomic study has been conducted before. The present work offers an exhaustive view of the mass fingerprinting of the most dangerous scorpions in Morocco, Androctonus mauritanicus and Buthus occitanus , using the proteomic strategies focusing on mass spectrometry, intending to obtain more fundamental knowledge on the compositional, toxical, and structural characteristics of these venoms.…”

Development and Efficacy of the Antivenom Specific to Severe Envenomations in Morocco and North Africa: Advancements in Scorpion Envenomation Management

“…Although the inherent toxicity of scorpion venom induces a plurality of more marked clinical and pathophysiological effects, this complexity highlights the multifactorial nature of bodily responses to envenomation. The variety of clinical manifestations and physiological disturbances reflects the diversity of bioactive components present in the venom; each element interacts in a specific manner with the body's biological systems, thereby triggering a wide range of pathological reactions [15,[17][18][19]. The use of scorpion antivenom is surrounded by some controversy, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines [20].…”