Exchange of thiol-disulfide pairs in scorpion envenomation

INTRODUCTION: The present study aims to analyze thiol-disulfide profile tests in scorpion envenomation.
METHODS: This study included 35 patients with scorpion envenomation and 41 healthy individuals. Thiol-disulfide test panel and myeloperoxidase and catalase activities were determined in both groups.
RESULTS: Patients with scorpion envenomation group had significantly higher native thiol concentrations and significantly lower disulfide amounts than the control group (p=0.001, for both). Also, total thiol levels were higher in patients than healthy individuals (p>0.05). Significantly decreased the disulfide/native thiol ratios and significantly increased disulfide/total thiol ratios and native/total thiol ratios were obtained in patients with scorpion sting than in the healthy subjects (p<0.001, for all ratios). Both catalase and myeloperoxidase activities increased in patients with scorpionism than controls (p<0.05, for both).There were powerful relationships among enhanced myeloperoxidase activities and thiol-disulfide system tests (p<0.05, for all).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The equilibrium between thiol-disulfide couples was disrupted in scorpion envenomation. As thiol metabolism is a key component in inflammatory, immune and detoxification mechanisms, excessive thiols may be a response to these processes in scorpionism.