Retracted Article: Structural characterization and anti-inflammatory potency of Mesobuthus martensii Karsch oligopeptides in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophages.

Scorpion venom represents a significant source of bio-active peptides. However, the anti-inflammatory potency of scorpion venom oligopeptides (CMOs) has not been well explored. In the current study, thirty-five CMOs were isolated, the amino acid sequences were identified, and the anti-inflammatory potency was further explored in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophages. The results showed that CMO-1 (His-Tyr-Gly-His) demonstrated the best anti-inflammatory potency by attenuating inflammatory cytokine (NO, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) production. CMO-1 also inhibited IκBα degradation and p65 nuclear translocation and suppressed NF-κB activation. Moreover, CMO-1 inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK, JNK, and p38 MAPKs. It is worth noting that CMO-1 exhibited anti-inflammatory potency; thus, it is a potential anti-inflammatory agent.