An overview of some enzymes from buthid scorpion venoms from Colombia: and n. sp. aff. .

BACKGROUND

In Colombia, several species of Buthidae scorpions belonging to the genera and 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, and n. sp. aff. were compared to establish the presence and absence of enzymes such as phospholipases, hyaluronidases, and proteases that could be related to venom toxicity. was positive for hyaluronidases, n. sp. aff. for proteases, and 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.