Safety evaluation of the venom from scorpion Rhopalurus junceus: Assessment of oral short term, subchronic toxicity and teratogenic effect. (March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lagarto, Alicia; Bueno, Viviana; Pérez, María R.; Rodríguez, Caridad C.; Guevara, Irania; Valdés, Odalys; Bellma, Addis; Gabilondo, Tatiana; Padrón, Alejandro S.
• Is Part Of: Toxicon. Volume 176(2020)
• Page Start: 59
• Page End: 66
• Publication Date: 2020-03
• Subjects: Rhopalurus junceus -- Scorpion venom -- Oral toxicity -- Teratogenic -- Toxicological profile; LABIOFAM Laboratories of Biopharmaceuticals and Chemistries Productions -- CENPALAB Laboratory Animal National Centre -- SVE scorpion venom extract; Toxins -- Periodicals; Venom -- Periodicals; 615.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.02.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0041-0101

Abstract

Abstract: Rhopalurus junceus is the most common scorpion in Cuba and the venom is often used as a natural product for anti-cancer therapy. Despite this, no study has been published concerning its toxicological profile. The aim of the study was characterizing the short-term, subchronic toxicity and the teratogenic potential of Rhopalurus junceus scorpion venom by oral route in mice. Short-term oral toxicity was test in both sexes NMRI mice that received 100 mg/kg/day of scorpion venom extract for 28 days. For the subchronic study, mice were administered with three doses (0.1, 10, and 100 mg/kg) by oral route for 90 days. Teratogenic potential was tested in pregnant mice administered from day 6–15 post conception. Significant differences were observed in body weight and food intake of animal treated for short-term and subchronic assays. Variations in serum urea and cholesterol were observed after 90 days oral treatment. Spontaneous findings not related to the treatment were reveal in histology evaluation. Exposure in pregnant mice did not produce maternal toxicity. Signs of embryo-fetal toxicity were not observed. The current study provides evidence that exposure to low or moderate dose of Rhopalurus junceus scorpion venom by oral route did not affect health of animals and has low impact on reproductive physiology. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Toxic effect of oral dosing of Rhopalurus junceus scorpion venom was examined. Exposure to scorpion venom by oral route did not affect health of animals. The subchronic oral NOAEL for scorpion venom was 100 mg/kg/day. Oral exposure to scorpion venom during organogenesis did not induce maternal and embryo-fetal toxicity.