ABSTRACT Leiurus macroctenus belongs to the genus of one of the most dangerous scorpions on the globe. Among the variety of symptoms caused by Leiurus scorpion stings, not much attention is paid to the hemostasis disturbances in patients, and nothing much is known about the coagulation disorders associated with L. macroctenus envenomation. This study is dedicated to the investigation of the alterations in hemostasis system in a L. macroctenus envenomation rat model. The findings of our work suggest about the thrombin time prolongation, decreased levels of circulating fibrinogen, reduced activities of antithrombin-III and α2-antiplasmin, as well as the increased levels of fibrinogen/fibrin degradation products, prothrombin abnormal forms, and elevated activities of heparin and plasmin, all of which indicate the development of venom-induced consumption coagulopathy and anticoagulative properties of the venom. The major changes occurred mainly within 24 hours of envenomation, indicating the peak of envenomation, following the return to the normal values in the next 48 hours. The pattern of venom toxins’ enzymatic activities and the precise molecular mechanisms of their interaction with hemostasis components should also be studied in the future in order to facilitate the appropriate treatment development and to consider the venom as the potential source of bioactive compounds.
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