In 2021, 273 Rocky Mountain spotted fever cases were reported nationwide in Mexico. In Chihuahua City, fourteen samples were obtained from children suspected of rickettsial infection. The analysis of samples (January to December 2021) showed prevalence rates of 28.5%, 43%, and 28.5% for Rickettsia rickettsii, Ehrlichia canis, and both pathogens in coinfection, respectively. The analysis of clinical haematological and biochemistry analytes showed alterations; 100% of the children had elevated liver enzymes and coagulation times, 64% showed leukocytosis due to neutrophilia, 55% had thrombocytopenia, lymphopenia, and hypoalbuminemia, and 45% showed normocytic normochromic anaemia. Statistically significant differences were observed in the expression of the chemokines IL-8, RANTES, CXCL9/MIG, and CXCL10/IP-10 across the coinfected and control groups, and the difference in IP-10 expression was significant for patients infected by R. rickettsii compared to the control group. Additionally, significant differences were observed for expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, IFNγ, and TNFα among the R. rickettsii-positive group compared to the control group. On the other hand, the coinfected group exhibited modified levels of IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 compared with the control group. Finally, significant differences were observed for CD8⁺ T lymphocyte subpopulations between individuals positive for R. rickettsii and those positive for E. canis.

Chihuahua is the largest state in Mexico. The ecosystem of this region is composed of large area of bushes, forests, and grasslands, which allows for a specific diversity of fauna; among them are interesting species of non-lethal scorpions. Most of the Chihuahuan scorpions have been previously morphologically and molecularly described; however, this manuscript could be the first to describe the composition of those venoms. This work aimed at the collection of two scorpion species from the region of Jiménez (Southwest of the State of Chihuahua), which belong to the species Chihuahuanus cohauilae and Chihuahuanus crassimanus; the two species were taxonomically and molecularly identified using a 16S DNA marker. Reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) of C. coahuilae and C. crassimanus venoms allowed the identification of three fractions lethal to mice. Additionally, three fractions of each scorpion displayed an effect on house crickets. In the end, three new fractions from the venom of C. coahuilae were positive for antimicrobial activity, although none from C. crassimanus venom displayed growth inhibition. Despite being a preliminary study, the venom biochemical analysis of these two uncharacterized scorpion species opens the opportunity to find new molecules with potential applications in the biomedical and biotechnological fields.

Breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women worldwide, with limited therapeutic efficacy due to treatment resistance and adverse effects. Emerging evidence suggests that ion channels play crucial roles in tumor progression, regulating proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and metastasis. Voltage-gated potassium (Kv) and sodium (Nav) channels have been implicated in oncogenic signaling pathways. Scorpion venom peptides, known for their selective ion-channel-blocking properties, have demonstrated promising antineoplastic activity. This study explores the potential therapeutic applications of bioactive fractions derived from Chihuahuanus coahuilae, in breast cancer cell lines. Through chromatographic separation, mass spectrometry, and functional assays, we assess their effects on cell viability, proliferation, and ion channel modulation. Our preliminary data suggest that these venom-derived peptides interfere with cancer cell homeostasis by altering ion fluxes, promoting apoptosis, and inhibiting metastatic traits. These findings support the therapeutic potential of ion-channel-targeting peptides as selective anticancer agents. Further investigations into their molecular mechanisms may pave the way for novel, targeted therapies with improved efficacy and specificity for breast cancer treatment.

Background: Antibiotic resistance is a major global health challenge driven by the declining availability of effective antimicrobials. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from venomous organisms are promising alternatives because of their broad-spectrum activity and low propensity for resistance development. Chihuahuanus coahuilae, an endemic scorpion from northern Mexico, produces a venom rich in bioactive peptides with potential therapeutic applications. Methods: Venom gland transcriptomic analysis identified four novel AMP sequences, which were chemically synthesized and evaluated through structural, antimicrobial, hemolytic, cytotoxicity, and immunological assays. Antibacterial activity was assessed against clinically relevant bacterial strains, including a multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolate. Hemolysis was evaluated using human erythrocytes, and immunocompatibility was determined in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) by measuring T-cell viability and cytokine production. Results: The peptides exhibited bactericidal activity against Enterococcus faecalis (EC50 = 86.5-157.3 µM), Escherichia coli (EC50 = 22.7-69.6 µM), and multidrug resistant A. baumannii (EC50 = 11.4-97.7 µM). Hemolytic activity remained below 10% at concentrations up to 20 µM. T-cell viability exceeded 85% at antimicrobial EC50 concentrations, indicating limited cytotoxicity. Cytokine profiling revealed no significant induction of TNF-α or IL-6 at therapeutically relevant concentrations, supporting a favorable immunocompatibility profile. Conclusion: These findings identify four novel venom-derived AMPs with potent antibacterial activity, low hemolytic and cytotoxic effects, and minimal immunostimulatory properties. Their combined antimicrobial efficacy and favorable safety profile support further preclinical development as candidates for treating multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.