Bioactive peptides from scorpion venoms: therapeutic scaffolds and pharmacological tools / 中国天然药物

Evolution and natural selection have endowed animal venoms, including scorpion venoms, with a wide range of pharmacological properties. Consequently, scorpions, their venoms, and/or their body parts have been used since time immemorial in traditional medicines, especially in Africa and Asia. With respect to their pharmacological potential, bioactive peptides from scorpion venoms have become an important source of scientific research. With the rapid increase in the characterization of various components from scorpion venoms, a large number of peptides are identified with an aim of combating a myriad of emerging global health problems. Moreover, some scorpion venom-derived peptides have been established as potential scaffolds helpful for drug development. In this review, we summarize the promising scorpion venoms-derived peptides as drug candidates. Accordingly, we highlight the data and knowledge needed for continuous characterization and development of additional natural peptides from scorpion venoms, as potential drugs that can treat related diseases.

Study on Bactericidal Activity of Thymopentin Peptide and Its Derived Peptides / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To study the bactericidal activity of thymopentin and its derived peptides. METHODS:Agar plate count was adopted to determine the bactericidal activity of thymopentin [arginine(R)-lysine(K)-aspartic acid(D)-valine(V)-tyro-sine(Y),RKDVY],its derived peptide 1 [RKN(agedoite,N)VY] and derived peptide 2(RKKVY)to Gram negative bacterial (Proteusbacillus vulgaris,Escherichia coli) and Gram positive bacterial (Staphylococcus aureus,Enterococcus faecium). There were 15.625-1 000 μg/ml for peptides,102 CFU for bacteria. RESULTS:Three pentapeptides possessed bactericidal activity against Gram negative bacteria. The activities of RKKVY and RKNVY were stronger than RKDVY(P0.05). They also possessed bactericidal activity against Gram positive bacteria,and the activity from strong to weak was RKKVY>RKNVY>RKDVY(P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS:Thymopentin and its derived peptides possess bactericidal activity against Gram negative and positive bacteria,with dose-effect relationship.