Effects of Hemiscorpius lepturus scorpion venom fractions on cytokine release in male rats

Background and Aim: The secretion and activation of cytokines play a significant role in the pathogenesis of scorpion venom. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Hemiscorpius lepturus scorpion venom fractions on the release of IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α cytokines in male rats. Methods: In this study, scorpion venom was divided into six fractions using chromatography. A total of 180 male rats were randomly assigned to 15 equal groups, and the fractions were administered at two doses of 1000 µg/kg and 3000 µg/kg (equivalent to 1/2 and 3/1 LD50). The groups included one control group, one group treated with raw venom at a dose of 1000 µg/kg, one group treated with raw venom at a dose of 3000 µg/kg, six groups treated with venom fractions at 1000 µg/kg, and six groups treated with venom fractions at 3000 µg/kg. All treatments were administered intraperitoneally. Blood samples were collected at 1, 3, 6, and 24 hours post-injection, and cytokine levels were measured using laboratory kits. Results: The results showed that the activity of all cytokines was significantly higher in the raw venom groups compared to the control group and other experimental groups (P<0.05). The highest effect was observed in the raw venom group, followed by fraction 2, and then fraction 6, which showed the most significant impact. Conclusion: Fraction 2 of Hemiscorpius lepturus scorpion venom appears to be the most important component responsible for inducing inflammation and inflammatory symptoms in the body.