Work

Diagnostic value of GPX4, IL-13, periostin, and thiol/disulfide balance in adult patients with scorpion envenomation: a prospective observational study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background and Objectives: Scorpion envenomation presents with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, ranging from mild local symptoms to severe systemic complications. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic utility of GPX4, IL-13, periostin, SDF-4, and thiol/disulfide homeostasis parameters in adult patients with confirmed scorpion envenomation. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study included 60 adult patients with confirmed scorpion stings and 33 healthy controls. Serum levels of GPX4, IL-13, periostin, and SDF-4 were measured using ELISA. Thiol/disulfide balance was evaluated by spectrophotometric assay. Clinical severity was graded using a four-level scale (Grade I-IV) based on local and systemic findings. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and logistic regression were performed to assess the diagnostic performance and independent predictive value of biomarkers. Results: Patients exhibited significantly lower GPX4, native thiol, and total thiol levels, and higher disulfide, IL-13, periostin, and SDF-4 levels compared to controls (p < 0.001). The disulfide/native thiol and disulfide/total thiol ratios were also elevated. GPX4 (AUC = 0.984), SDF-4 (AUC = 0.900), and periostin (AUC = 0.850) demonstrated excellent diagnostic accuracy. GPX4 and disulfide levels were identified as independent predictors of envenomation. Biomarker levels significantly correlated with clinical severity grades. Conclusion: Oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers, particularly GPX4, disulfide/native thiol ratio, IL-13, and periostin, provide diagnostic and prognostic value in scorpion envenomation. Incorporating these parameters into clinical assessment may enhance early risk stratification and guide management in the emergency setting.

Source: Frontiers in Toxicology

DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2025.1697677

Authors: Hasan Buyukaslan, Şenay Koçakoğlu

Institution: Harran University

Language: English

Topic: Venomous Animal Envenomation and Studies

Subfield: Genetics

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,077