Scorpion venom component: AGAP exhibits local anaesthetic effects and attenuates nociceptive pain

The incidences of systemic toxicity and other complications associated with existing local anaesthetics can occur at clinical concentration level and vary with the anaesthetic techniques, types of surgery and patient factors. This evidence suggests the need for therapeutic interventions in peripheral and regional anaesthesia. Buthus martensii Karsch (BmK) scorpion venom is a compound that contains mixtures of peptides that have analgesic properties. This study aimed to investigate the local anaesthetic activity of scorpion venom peptide, AGAP (analgesic-antitumor peptide) in mechanical hyperalgesia or acute inflammatory pain. Method: Formalin was injected into the left hind paw after 20 minutes of infiltration of drugs. The time of licking or flinching of the injected hind paw was recorded as indicative of nociceptive or acute inflammatory pain. Paw flinching or quick withdrawal was considered a positive response to pain in the partial sciatic nerve ligation. The paw-withdrawal threshold (PWT) was determined by consecutively increasing and decreasing the magnitude of the stimulus. Results: The results indicated that AGAP exhibited a 67.9% inhibition in licking or flinching time and an 88.1% inhibition in paw withdrawal in mechanical hyperalgesia. The addition of AGAP to lidocaine showed an 89.5% inhibition in paw withdrawal. Conclusion: The data presented in this study suggest that local infiltration of AGAP significantly reduced mechanical hyperalgesia and acute inflammatory pain

Valorisation potentielle des biomolécules issues des venins de scorpions contre la COVID-19 / Potential role of bioactive molecules from scorpion venoms against COVID-19

Les produits d?origine naturelle sont considérés comme une source précieuse de substances médicamenteuses et constituent une grande diversité structurelle et fonctionnelle. Les venins, de par les propriétés de leurs composés représentent pour l?animal venimeux un moyen de défense contre des prédateurs et d?immobilisation de leurs proies. Ces venins sont responsables des effets néfastes induits lors d?une envenimation en induisant une stimulation du système nerveux autonome par des peptides toxiques, une libération massive des neurotransmetteurs et une réponse inflammatoire systémique excessive. Ces processus sont à l?origine des dommages tissulaires et d?une défaillance multiviscérale. Par ailleurs, certains des composants des venins représentent un potentiel pharmacologique d?intérêt dans le développement de nouveaux médicaments pouvant être utilisés dans plusieurs pathologies telles que la COVID-19. La COVID-19 est une maladie infectieuse transmissible. Lors d?une infection, le virus SARS-CoV-2 induit une réaction immunitaire inadaptée associée à un orage cytokinique et à une coagulopathie, responsables d?un syndrome de détresse respiratoire dans les cas les plus graves. La pandémie de la COVID-19 a causé à travers le monde et ce depuis fin 2019, une crise sanitaire sans précédent et d'énormes pertes économiques. Dans cette revue bibliographique, les principales avancées scientifiques concernant essentiellement la réponse immunitaire et les mécanismes immunopathologiques induits lors d?une infection avec le SARS-CoV-2 seront décrites. Le rôle bénéfique des biomolécules isolées à partir des venins sera également rapporté pour une éventuelle utilisation de nouvelles biomolécules contre la COVID-19.

Natural products are considered as an excellent source of novel drugs and continue to provide greater structural and functional diversity. Venoms, by the properties of their compounds, are used by venomous animal for their defense against predators and to immobilize the prey. These venoms are responsible for the harmful effects induced during envenomation by inducing stimulation of the autonomic nervous system by toxic peptides, massive release of neurotransmitters and an excessive systemic inflammatory response. These processes cause tissue damage and multiple organ failure. However, some of the components of the venoms represent a valuable pharmacological potential in the development of new drugs that can be used in several pathologies such as COVID-19. The infectious, COVID-19 disease, caused by SARS-CoV-2, can lead to an inappropriate immune response, consequently causing cytokine storm and coagulopathy, responsible for respiratory distress syndrome in the most severe cases. Since its onset, the COVID-19 pandemic has spread over the world; it has not only impacted human health, but also the individual behavior, the functioning of society and the economy of all countries. This review provides an overview of the current evidence regarding immune response and the immune-pathological mechanisms involved during infection with SARS-CoV-2. The beneficial role of biomolecules isolated from venoms will be also presented as potential candidate molecules against COVID-19.