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AbstractThe venom of the Odontobuthus doriae scorpion, prevalent in East Asia and Iran, has not been fully characterized. This study provides the first proteomic profile of O. doriae venom to explore its potential as a medical. 2D-PAGE analysis revealed 96 protein spots with isoelectric points from 3 to 9 and molecular weights between 6.6 to 205 kDa. Fourteen toxin fractions were isolated via HPLC, and SDS-PAGE showed seven protein bands ranging from 3.8 to 182 kDa. MALDI-TOF MS identified Peptide 1 and Peptide 2, resembling Hemoglobin beta-2 chain and Chaperonin HSP60 and suggest potential therapeutic applications for P1 and P2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geographical diversity appears in the phenotype of different populations of a given species and specific geographical factors are directly or indirectly involved in this variation. Due to their wide distribution range, snakes of the genus Platyceps Blyth, 1860 are wonderful case studies for morphological evaluation. In this study, 49 specimens of the Platyceps rhodorachis-ventromaculatus species complex in four geographic areas from Iran were examined using morphological characters. The results of statistical analysis did not show any sexual demorphisem except in the character of Gular scales (P value = 0.038), but did show significant variation in the number of scales and in other morphological characters among populations in this group. Generally, four morphological clusters were distinguished with Sistan and Baluchestan Province being the most distinct from each other. Additionally, there was a visible slope of changes in some morphological characters associated with latitude, so that with increasing latitude, the body size of the specimens increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Platyceps rhodorachis (JAN, 1863) and P. karelini (BRANDT, 1838) are both members of the P. rhodorachis complex species, which is widely distributed in Iran and includes many local populations in the country. These two species are molecularly and to some extent morphologically valid. However, hybrids between P. karelini and P. rhodorachis have been described, but so far their ecological differentiation have not been evaluated. In this study, the ecological niche models was predicted for these two members of the P. rhodorachis complex using bioclimatic layers and geographical coordinates. Possible habitat models show the distribution density of these two species in the southern (including some islands in the Persian Gulf) regions, and some areas in northeastern Iran. The results of niche similarity tests (identity and niche overlap tests) based on the criteria of environmental species, in order to assess the degree of species differentiation, indicate the degree of differentiation between these two sister species and raises the possibility of a hybrid belt in southern Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Infectious diseases, mainly caused by bacterial agents, are one of the most common causes of death worldwide. A significant number of these agents have been resistant to one or more antibiotics; some of them are multi-drug resistant and others are extensively drug resistant. Various antimicrobial and anticancer compounds have been reported from the venom of various species of scorpions. In this study, the antibacterial effects of crude venom and protein fractions of Hottentotta saulcyi were studied. Materials and Methods: In this study, the electrophoresis and chromatographic patterns of crude venom of the scorpion were obtained. Then, the antibacterial properties of the crude venom and its protein fractions on a Gram-positive bacterium, Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis), and a Gram-negative bacterium, Escherichia coli (E. coli), were evaluated using the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay by microdilution method. Results: In the Tricine SDS-PAGE profile of the crude venom, 7 protein bands, with a molecular weight of 4.1 to 104 kDa were observed. In chromatographic studies, 14 main peaks were isolated and collected, of which 9 fractions contained protein. The crude venom at a concentration of 200 µg/ml had a significant inhibitory effect on Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The effect of the protein fractions of the crude venom was also different in these two types of bacteria. Conclusion: The results of this study showed for the first time that the crude venom of Hottentotta saulcyi and some of its protein fractions have antibacterial properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives In recent years the isolation of effective molecules from snake venom as drug to treatment of some incurable diseases is considered by many biological research centers. The aim of this investigation was to determine electrophorotic and chromatographic patterns of Pseudocerastes persicus venom and in-vitro study of bactericidal and anti-cancer properties of its fractions in human hepatocellular liver carcinoma cell line (HepG2). Subjects and Methods The fractions of venom were isolated and collected using preparative RP-HPLC. The Bactericidal activity of fractions in 20µg/ml of protein concentration was investigated toward Gramnegative and Gram-positive bacteria using MTT and MIC assays. Then, the cytotoxic effects of fractions with higher antibacterial properties were measured by MTT reduction, neutral uptake and comet assays following exposure of HepG2 cancer cells to 20 and 40 μg/ml of protein concentration. Results SDS-PAGE pattern of the crude venom revealed 10 major bands with molecular weight ranging from 13.2 to 99.25 kDa and the separation of fractions from the venom by HPLC resulted in collection of 11 different fractions. The results of this study showed that two fractions (4 & 8) have a significant antibacterial activity against Gram-positive as compared to Gram-negative bacteria. The study of the anti-cancer effect of these two fractions also showed that fraction 8 was more toxic in HepG2 cells. Conclusion We for the first time reported bactericidal and anti cancer effects of isolated fractions of Persian horned viper venom. These properties make components of these fractions a favorable source for isolation of molecule (s) with antibacterial and anti tumor activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The venoms of some scorpions are rich in bioactive components that may be used in the development and discovery of new antibacterial drugs. The venoms have many components, such as neurotoxins, salts, proteins and peptides with therapeutic properties, and can rapidly eliminate a broad range of bacteria. This study evaluated the anti-bacterial activity of Odontobuthus bidentatus' crude venom against typical Gram-positive and negative bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Escherichia coli. Methods: The antibacterial effects of the crude venom were evaluated using Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and MTT assays and its IC50 value was determined, using GraphPad software. Results: The crude venom significantly inhibited the growth of both Gram-positive and negative bacteria. Also the MTT results showed that the crude venom significantly reduced the viability of E. Coli, S. Aureus, and B. Subtilis bacteria compared with that for the controls. The IC50 values of the venom for E.coli, S.aureus, and B.subtilis were 30.19, 17.64, and 24.13 µM, respectively. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the venom of O. bidentatus scorpion has antibacterial properties. Also, our results offer preliminary clues toward the development of new antibacterial agents and new drugs with high therapeutic potentials for use in animals and humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Nowadays, infections with antibiotic-resistant bacteria are among the most important causes of mortality worldwide. This has attracted the attention of researchers to seek suitable alternatives for antibiotics. The venom of many toxic species such as arthropods has antibacterial properties. In this study, we investigated antibacterial effects of crude venom of Latrodectus dahli on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis. Methods: Lyophilized crude venom of L. dahli was dissolved in 50 mM Tris-HCl buffer. Protein concentration was determined by the Bradford assay. Then, the bacteria were exposed to different concentrations (31.25-250 ng/mL) of the crude venom. Inhibitory activity of the venom against the bacteria was determined by MTT assay and determining minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Results: Results of the MTT assay showed that the crude venom significantly inhibited the growth of E. coli (31.25 and 62.5 ng/mL), S. aureus (at 250 ng/mL) and B. subtilis (at 125 and 250 ng/mL). In the MIC experiment, the crude venom significantly inhibited the growth of E. coli (at concentrations of 31.25 and 62.5ng/mL), S. aureus (at concentrations of 31.25-250 ng/mL) and B. subtilis (at concentrations of 31.25-250ng/mL). Conclusion: The crude venom of L. dahli and its components showed relatively strong antibacterial effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]