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The cave population of Chaerilus Simon, 1877 from Palawan, Philippines, and description of a new species (Scorpiones: Chaerilidae)

Lourenço WR, Rossi A

C. R. Biol., 2018 12 27;342(1-2):45-53.
PMID: 30595495 DOI: 10.1016/j.crvi.2018.12.001

The study of an important collection of scorpions, belonging to the genus Chaerilus, recently collected from a cave in the Palawan Island, Philippines, allows the clarification of the identity of this population, often misidentified with Chaerilus chapmani Vachon & Lourenço, 1985 known from caves in the Gunong Mulu National Park in Sarawak (Borneo). Chaerilus agnellivanniorum sp. n. is described from the Puerto Princesa Underground River Cave in Palawan Island based on 14 specimens, males, females, and juveniles. The new species is totally distinct morphologically from Chaerilus chapmani, a true troglobitic species. Chaerilus agnellivanniorum sp. n. may also be a true troglobitic element, but with a less marked degree of regression for several characters. Some comments on the ecology of the new species and on regional biogeography of Borneo and Palawan islands are also proposed.

Matched MeSH terms: Scorpions/classification*
The genus Hormiops Fage, 1933 (Hormuridae, Scorpiones), a palaeoendemic of the South China Sea: systematics and biogeography

Monod L

C. R. Biol., 2014 Oct;337(10):596-608.
PMID: 25282174 DOI: 10.1016/j.crvi.2014.07.009

The monotypic genus Hormiops Fage, 1933 is so far only known from two groups of granitic islands off the coasts of Peninsular Malaysia and Vietnam. Examination of newly collected material from both archipelagos and of the type series of Hormiops davidovi Fage, 1933 reveals previously disregarded morphological differences sufficient to assign the Malaysian specimens to a distinct species, described here as Hormiops infulcra sp. nov. An updated diagnosis of the genus, as well as a dichotomic key enabling the determination of Hormiops from its close relatives, Hormurus Thorell, 1876 and Liocheles Sundevall, 1833 are also provided. The phylogenetic position, distribution pattern, and ecology of these insular scorpions suggest that they are palaeoendemics, remnants of a previously more widely distributed lineage. A biogeographical model is proposed for the genus based on these observations and on a synthesis of palaeogeographical and palaeoenvironmental data currently available for Sundaland.

Matched MeSH terms: Scorpions/anatomy & histology; Scorpions/classification*; Scorpions/physiology
Fulltext Scorpion and Frog Organ Lysates are Potential Source of Antitumour Activity

Soopramanien M, Khan NA, Abdalla SAO, Sagathevan K, Siddiqui R

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2020 Oct 01;21(10):3011-3018.
PMID: 33112561 DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2020.21.10.3011

OBJECTIVES: It is noteworthy that several animal species are known to withstand high levels of radiation, and are exposed to heavy metals but rarely been reported to develop cancer. For example, the scorpion has been used as folk medicine in ancient civilizations of Iran and China, while amphibian skin is known to possess medicinal properties. Here, we elucidated the anti-tumour activity of the scorpion (Uropygi) and frog (Lithobates catesbeianus).
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Animals were procured and their organ lysates and sera were prepared and tested against Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 breast cancer (MCF-7), prostate cancer (PC3), Henrietta Lacks cervical cancer (HeLa), and normal human keratinocyte cells. Exoskeleton, appendages and hepatopancreas were dissected from the scorpion, whereas liver, lungs, heart, oviduct, gastrointestinal tract, gall bladder, kidneys, eggs and sera were collected from frog and organ lysates/sera were prepared. Growth inhibition assays and cytotoxicity assays were performed.
RESULTS: Appendages, exoskeleton lysates, and hepatopancreas from scorpion exhibited potent growth inhibition, and cytotoxic effects. Furthermore, lungs, liver, gastrointestinal tract, heart, oviduct, kidneys, eggs, and sera from frog displayed growth inhibition and cytotoxic effects.
CONCLUSION: Organ lysates, sera of scorpion, and amphibians possess anti-tumour activities. This is a worthy area of research as the molecular identity of the active molecule(s) together with their mechanism of action will lead to the rational development of novel anticancer agent(s).

Matched MeSH terms: Scorpions/chemistry*
Fulltext Stonefish envenomation of hand with impending compartment syndrome

Tay TK, Chan HZ, Ahmad TS, Teh KK, Low TH, Wahab NA

J Occup Med Toxicol, 2016;11:23.
PMID: 27168760 DOI: 10.1186/s12995-016-0112-y

BACKGROUND: Marine stings and envenomation are fairly common in Malaysia. Possible contact to various marine life occurs during diving, fishing and food handling. Even though majority of fish stings are benign, there are several venomous species such as puffer fish, scorpion fish, lionfish, stingray and stonefish that require urgent medical treatment. Stonefish is one of the most venomous fish in the world with potential fatal local and systemic toxicity effects to human.
CASE PRESENTATION: We reported a case of stonefish sting complicated with impending compartment syndrome.
CONCLUSIONS: Medical staff should be alert about the possibility of this potential emergency in standard management of stonefish stings.

Matched MeSH terms: Scorpions
Fulltext Heterometrus Spinifer: An Untapped Source of Anti-Tumor Molecules

Soopramanien M, Khan NA, Ghimire A, Sagathevan K, Siddiqui R

Biology (Basel), 2020 Jul 02;9(7).
PMID: 32630812 DOI: 10.3390/biology9070150

Despite intensive research, cancer incidence and mortality continue to rise. Consequently, the necessity to develop effective anti-cancer therapy is apparent. We have recently shown that the gut bacteria of animals living in polluted environments, such as crocodiles, are a potential source of novel anti-tumor molecules. To extend this work to other resilient species, we investigated the anti-tumor effects of gut bacteria of Heterometrus spinifer (a scorpion). Bacteria from the feces and gut were isolated, identified and evaluated for their anti-tumor effects. Bacterial-conditioned media was prepared in Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI) 1640 media, and cytotoxicity and growth inhibitory properties were examined against cervical (HeLa) cancer cells. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was conducted to establish the identity of the molecules. Eighteen bacteria species from the gut (HSG01-18) and ten bacteria species from feces (HSF01-10) were tested for anti-tumor effects. Bacterial-conditioned media from scorpion gut and feces exhibited significant growth inhibitory effects against HeLa cells of 66.9% and 83.8%, respectively. Microscopic analysis of cancer cells treated with conditioned media HSG12 and HSG16 revealed apoptosis-like effects. HSG12 was identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and HSG16 was identified as Bacillus subtilis. Both conditioned media exhibited 100% growth inhibitory effects versus a selection of cancer cells, comprising cervical, breast and prostate cancer cells. LC-MS indicated the presence of 72 and 38 compounds, detected from HSG12 and HSG16, respectively. Out of these compounds, 47 were successfully identified while the remainder were unidentified and are possibly novel. This study suggests that the fecal and gut microbiota of scorpions might possess molecules with anti-cancer properties, however, further intensive research is needed to assess these expectations.

Matched MeSH terms: Scorpions
Comparison of the neurotoxic and myotoxic effects of two Moroccan scorpion venoms and their neutralization by experimental polyclonal antivenom

Oukkache N, Ahmad Rusmili MR, Othman I, Ghalim N, Chgoury F, Boussadda L, et al.

Life Sci, 2015 Mar 1;124:1-7.
PMID: 25623852 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2014.12.031

Scorpion venoms contain complex mixtures of molecules, including peptides. These peptides specifically bind to various targets, in particular ion channels. Toxins modulating Na(+), K(+), Ca(2+) and Cl(-) currents were described from venoms. The Androctonus and Buthus geni of scorpions are widely distributed in Morocco. Their stings can cause pain, inflammation, necrosis, muscle paralysis and death. The myotoxicity is predominantly associated with neurotoxic effects and is a cause of mortality and morbidity. In this study, pharmacological effects of venoms were investigated in vitro on neuromuscular transmission.

Matched MeSH terms: Scorpions