Background:
In Colombia, several species of Buthidae scorpions belonging to the genera
Centruroides
and
Tityus
coexist, and
their stings are considered life-threatening to humans because of their
venom neurotoxins. Despite previous studies focusing on neurotoxins from
these scorpion genera, little is known about the enzymes present in their
venoms and their relationship with whole venom toxicity.
Methods:
Here, using proteomic and biochemical protocols the enzymatic activities of
the venoms of three Colombian scorpion species,
C. margaritatus, T.
pachyurus,
and
T.
n. sp. aff.
metuendus,
were compared to establish the presence and
absence of enzymes such as phospholipases, hyaluronidases, and proteases
that could be related to venom toxicity.
Results:
C. margaritatus
was positive for hyaluronidases,
T.
n. sp. aff.
metuendus
for proteases, and
T.
pachyurus
exhibited activity for all three mentioned
enzymes.
Conclusion:
This information provides valuable insights into the specific enzyme
diversity of each species’ venom and their potential role in venom toxicity,
which could contribute to the development of better treatments and
prevention strategies for scorpion envenomation.