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Publications

Journal Article Epublish 4 citations

PubMed: 40649269 DOI: 10.3390/molecules30132750

Effect of Hottentotta judaicus Scorpion Venom on Nociceptive Response and Inflammatory Cytokines in Mice Using Experimental Hyperalgesia.

Molecules 30(13)

Authors: Lara Haddad, Amira Chender, Rabih Roufayel, Claudine Accary, Adolfo Borges, Jean Marc Sabatier, Ziad Fajloun, Marc Karam

Affiliations

  • Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Balamand, Dekouaneh, Beirut P.O. Box 55251, Lebanon.
  • Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Balamand, Al-Kourah, P.O. Box 100, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon.
  • College of Engineering and Technology, American University of the Middle East, Egaila 54200, Kuwait.
  • Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Balamand, Al-Kourah, P.O. Box 100, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon. Faculty of Arts and Sciences, University of Balamand, Al-Kourah, P.O. Box 100, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon.
  • Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de Toxinas y Receptores, Instituto de Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas 50587, Venezuela.
  • Centro para el Desarrollo de la Investigación Científica, Asunción 1255, Paraguay.
  • Inst Neurophysiopathol (INP), CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, 13385 Marseille, France.
  • Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology (LBA3B), Department of Cell Culture, Azm Center for Research in Biotechnology and Its Applications, EDST, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon.
  • Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences 3, Lebanese University, Michel Slayman Tripoli Campus, Ras Maska 1352, Lebanon.
  • Faculty of Arts and Sciences, University of Balamand, Al-Kourah, P.O. Box 100, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon.

Abstract

Scorpion envenomation is a public health issue in tropical and subtropical regions. Currently, there is limited data on the biological effects of Hottentotta judaicus scorpion venom (HjSV) in mammals. This study aims to analyze the effect of HjSV on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced hyperalgesia in mice and its potential modulation of the immunological inflammatory response. Hyperalgesia is characterized by an increased response to pain, accompanied by heightened sensitivity that ranges from mild discomfort to intense pain. A series of tests were conducted, including heat resistance testing in BALB/c mice injected subcutaneously with LPS to induce hyperalgesia and intraperitoneally with HjSV. The hot plate test, used to assess pain endurance in mice, showed that LPS-injected mice, particularly females, exhibited heightened pain sensitivity. This suggests possible sex-based differences in pain perception. When HjSV was administered alone, a reduction in pain sensitivity was observed in both sexes. Additionally, ELISA tests were performed to assess changes in the secretion of inflammatory cytokines IL-4, IL-10, IL-6, IFN-γ, and TNF-α. A consistent increase in both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines was observed at early time points in females injected with HjSV alone. Moreover, the hyperalgesia induced by LPS was significantly reduced when HjSV was co-administered, indicating an anti-inflammatory effect at early stages. These findings suggest that HjSV has a significant immunomodulatory effect, potentially exerting anti-inflammatory action during acute inflammation. This effect appears to be time-dependent, diminishing as the immune response transitions toward its adaptive phase.

MeSH

Cytokines, Pain, Sex, Hyperalgesia, Scorpion Venoms, Venoms