J Cancer Prev.  2017 Mar;22(1):40-46. 10.15430/JCP.2017.22.1.40.

Anti-proliferative Effects of Androctonus amoreuxi Scorpion and Cerastes cerastes Snake Venoms on Human Prostate Cancer Cells

• Akef H
• Kotb N
• Abo-Elmatty D
• Salem S

• KMID: 2375547
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.15430/JCP.2017.22.1.40

Abstract

The present study evaluated the effects of Androctonus amoreuxi scorpion venom, Cerastes cerastes snake venom and their mixture on prostate cancer cells (PC3). An MTT assay was used to determine the anti-proliferative effect of the venoms, while quantitative real time PCR was used to evaluate the expression of apoptosis-related genes (Bax and Bcl-2). Furthermore, colorimetric assays were used to measure the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant enzymes. Our results show that the venoms significantly reduced PC3 cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. On the other hand, these venoms significantly decreased Bcl-2 gene expression. Additionally, C. cerastes venom significantly reduced Bax gene expression, while A. amoreuxi venom and a mixture of A. amoreuxi & C. cerastes venoms did not alter Bax expression. Consequently, these venoms significantly increased the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and the oxidative stress biomarker MDA. Furthermore, these venoms also increased the activity levels of the antioxidant enzymes, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione-S-transferase. Overall, the venoms have cytotoxic and anti-proliferative effects on PC3 cells.

Keyword

Venoms; Apoptosis; Bcl-2 family proteins; Bax/Bcl-2 ratio; Oxidative stress

MeSH Terms

Apoptosis
Catalase
Cell Survival
Gene Expression
Genes, bcl-2
Glutathione Peroxidase
Glutathione Reductase
Hand
Humans*
Malondialdehyde
Oxidative Stress
Prostate*
Prostatic Neoplasms*
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
Scorpion Venoms
Scorpions*
Snake Venoms*
Snakes*
Superoxide Dismutase
Venoms
Viper Venoms
Viperidae*
Catalase
Glutathione Peroxidase
Glutathione Reductase
Malondialdehyde
Scorpion Venoms
Snake Venoms
Superoxide Dismutase
Venoms
Viper Venoms