In vitro anti-parasitic effects of scorpion peptides Smp24 and Smp43 on Trichinella spiralis: Toxicity, ultrastructural alterations, molecular docking, and gene expression

Theodor Bilharz Research Institute

Bibliographic Information

Authors: Ibrahim H.A.-F.M.; Hussein A.A.A.; Abdelmaksoud H.F.; Al-Awadhi R.M.; Elnahas S.M.M.; Saleh A.M.; Megahed F.A.K.; Abdel-Rahman M.A.; Ayed A.S.

Journal: Toxicon

Publisher: Elsevier Ltd

Publication Date: October 2026

Volume / Issue: Volume 281

Article No.: 109182

ISSN: 410101

DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2026.109182

Scopus: View on Scopus

PubMed: 42250768

Document Type: Article

Authors and Affiliations

Ibrahim H.A.-F.M., Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt; Hussein A.A.A., Medical Malacology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt; Abdelmaksoud H.F., Parasitology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt; Al-Awadhi R.M., Department of Science, College of Basic Education, The Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET), Kuwait; Elnahas S.M.M., Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt; Saleh A.M., Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El-Aini Street, Cairo, 11562, Egypt; Megahed F.A.K., Nucleic Acid Research Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA City), Alexandria, 21934, Egypt; Abdel-Rahman M.A., Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt; Ayed A.S., Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt

Abstract

Trichinella spiralis is a zoonotic nematode responsible for trichinellosis, a disease with significant public health and economic implications. The current treatment of trichinellosis has limited efficacy, so the development of novel therapeutic agents is essential for effective parasite control. Scorpion venoms contain active compounds, including antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which have efficacy against a variety of microbes principally through membrane destruction. In this study, the in vitro anti-parasitic effects of Smp24 and Smp43, scorpion venom-derived AMPs, were evaluated against T. spiralis through toxicity assays, ultrastructural analysis, molecular docking, and gene expression profiling. In vitro toxicity assays demonstrated significant inhibitory effects of Smp24 and Smp43 (0-100 μg/mL) against adult worms and muscle larvae in a dose-dose-time dependent manner. Ultrastructural SEM analysis after treatment of either Smp24 or Smp43 at LC50 concentrations for 48 h revealed extensive morphological and structural damage in treated parasites, including disruption of the cuticle, indicating a direct cytotoxic effect. Molecular docking studies predicted strong binding interactions between Smp24, Smp43, and T. spiralis thymidylate synthase, suggesting inhibition of DNA synthesis as a potential mechanism of action. Moreover, gene expression revealed significant upregulation in apoptosis-related genes (Casp3, Casp9, P53) and downregulation of oncogene marker (Ras) in both T. spiralis adult worms and muscle larvae after treatment with the LC50 of Smps peptides, indicating the induction of apoptosis. These findings highlight the potent antiparasitic activity of Smp24 and Smp43 through multiple mechanisms, including direct toxicity, thymidylate synthase inhibition, and apoptotic cell death, suggesting they are promising candidates for controlling T. spiralis infections. © 2026 Elsevier Ltd

Keywords

Apoptosis; Smp24; Smp43; Thymidylate synthase; Trichinella spiralis; Animals; Molecular Docking Simulation; Peptides; Scorpion Venoms; Scorpions; albendazole; caspase 3; caspase 9; isoflurane; polypeptide antibiotic agent; protein p53; scorpio maurus palmatus 24 residue peptide; scorpio maurus palmatus peptide 43; scorpion venom; unclassified drug; peptide; adult; animal experiment; animal model; antiparasitic activity; antiparasitic therapy; Article; artificial intelligence; cell death; cell ultrastructure; cell viability; computer model; controlled study; DNA synthesis; feces analysis; gene expression; hydrophobicity; in vitro study; larva; LC50; molecular docking; molecular dynamics; mouse; nematode; nonhuman; physical chemistry; public health; rat; scanning electron microscopy; scorpion; toxicity; trichinosis; upregulation; animal; chemistry; drug effect; genetics; ultrastructure

Citation Information

Scopus Citations: 0

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