Henrique Ranieri Covali-Pontes

Dr. Henrique Ranieri Covali-Pontes


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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14 August 2025 in Toxins
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
LLLais Corrêa De Lima
Lais Corrêa De Lima
HCHenrique Ranieri Covali-Pontes
Henrique Ranieri Covali-Pontes
OLOhanna Gabriely Souza Leite
Ohanna Gabriely Souza Leite
RPRenata Trentin Perdomo
Renata Trentin Perdomo
LMLuiz Filipe Ramalho Nunes de Moraes
Luiz Filipe Ramalho Nunes de Moraes
MLMalson Lucena
Malson Lucena
In Brazil, the annual scorpion sting cases surpass those of other neglected tropical diseases, highlighting a significant public health issue. The severity of scorpion envenomation relates to the venom’s rapid action, complex composition, species identification challenges, and limited antivenom availability. This work aimed to characterize the venom of Tityus confluens through proteomic, enzymatic, and biological analyses while also assessing its reactivity to anti-scorpion antivenom. The electrophoretic analysis revealed seven protein bands, with the most prominent bands at 30, 15, and 10 kDa. The C18-RP-HPLC analysis isolated sixteen primary fractions. The proteomic analysis identified various toxins, including potassium channel toxins, sodium channel toxins, and antimicrobial peptides, as well as other proteins such as hypotensin and metalloproteinases. Antigenic components were identified in the T. confluens venom, which displayed dose-dependent but time-independent amylolytic activity. The ATPase activity significantly increased with 1–10 μg of venom. No cytotoxic effects were observed on carcinoma or non-tumoral cell lines. The T. confluens venom features a complex protein composition rich in toxins that target ion channels and enzymes. It exhibits active enzymatic and antigenic properties, and displays low cytotoxicity. This is the first proteomic research on the composition of T. confluens venom and may provide valuable insights into understanding the clinical manifestations of scorpion stings.