Ameliorative effect of Leiurus quinquestriatus venom on acetic acid-induced colitis in mice

Scorpion venom has anti-microbial, anti-cancer, and anti-malarial activities. Also, it has an effective role in the treatment of autoimmune disease and as a pain-relieving agent. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic deteriorating inflammatory bowel disease. It is urgent to find new and safe products with lesser side effects. This study aimed to use scorpion Leiurus quinquestriatus venom (L.Q venom) for the first time as an anti-inflammatory agent to ameliorate the colon condition after UC induction. Also, to detect the effect of the combinatorial treatment of L.Q venom and Meslazine (Mes) drug. Fifty male albino mice were divided into 5 groups ( n = 10); the first group (Gp1) served as a negative control. UC was induced in Gp2, Gp3, Gp4 and Gp5 by 4% acetic acid. Gp2 served as a positive control. After 24 h of UC induction, Gp3 was injected with L.Q venom (3.12 mu g/kg) inter peritoneal (i.p), and Gp4 was administered orally by Mes (100 mg/kg). Gp5 was treated with L.Q venom and Mes as in Gp3 and Gp4. All treatments were taken for 7 consecutive days. Disease activity index (DAI), the macroscopic and microscopic investigations, TREM-1, MMP-9, caspase-3, NO, MPO levels were measured. Moreover, COX-2 and IL-22 were investigated in colonic tissue and TLR-9 expression was determined by RT-PCR. The results showed that all previous mentioned parameters were increased in the positive control group (Gp2), however, treatment with L.Q venom (Gp3) decreased these parameters. Interestingly, the combinatorial treatment with L.Q venom/Mes showed an additive effect that was able to ameliorate the physiological, biochemical and histopathological changes that were induced in UC-mice. Collectively, the L.Q venom showed a promising anti-inflammatory effect, which could be used to ameliorate the side effects of UC, either alone or in combination with Mes. (C) 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of African Institute of Mathematical Sciences / Next Einstein Initiative