Cytotoxic and Cytolytic Cnidarian Venoms. A Review on Health Implications and Possible Therapeutic Applications

Abstract

The toxicity of Cnidaria is a subject of concern for its influence on human activities and public health. During the last decades, the mechanisms of cell injury caused by cnidarian venoms have been studied utilizing extracts from several Cnidaria that have been tested in order to evaluate some fundamental parameters, such as the activity on cell survival, functioning and metabolism, and to improve the knowledge about the mechanisms of action of these compounds. In agreement with the modern tendency aimed to avoid the utilization of living animals in the experiments and to substitute them with in vitro systems, established cell lines or primary cultures have been employed to test cnidarian extracts or derivatives. Several cnidarian venoms have been found to have cytotoxic properties and have been also shown to cause hemolytic effects. Some studied substances have been shown to affect tumour cells and microorganisms, so making cnidarian extracts particularly interesting for their possible therapeutic employment. The review aims to emphasize the up-to-date knowledge about this subject taking in consideration the importance of such venoms in human pathology, the health implications and the possible therapeutic application of these natural compounds.

Anticancer activity of diterpenes and steroids from Eunicella singularis against two- and threedimensional breast cancer cell models

“…Results showed that the two diterpenes plamonine F and palmonine D exhibited prominent apoptotic activity and induced growth regression of spheroids over ten days of incubation. Few reports have focused on the cytotoxicity of diterpenes, despite more than 40 eunicellan-type diterpenes have been isolated from gorgonian Acalycigorgia, Muricella, Briareum, Erythropodium and Eunicella [47]. Ortega et al [48] showed that palmonines isolated from the gorgonian Eunicella verrucosa presented cytotoxicity to human cancer cells (A549 lung carcinoma, HT29 colon carcinoma, and MEL28 melanoma).…”

Brain Biogenic Monoamines in Relation to Brain Histopathology and Plasma Glutathione Shuttle in Rat after Exposure to Sea Anemone Gyrostoma helianthus Extract

“…Decreased activity of glutathione reductase and increased levels of glutathione transferase parallel the decrease in GSH, indicating an increase in oxidative stress in toxin-exposed animals. As reported recently by Mariottini and Pane [7], several cnidarian venoms have been found to have cytotoxic properties. In this regard, Soletti et al [50] showed that the cytolysins EqTx-II and Bc2 from the sea anemone Sagartia rosea potentiated cytotoxicity in human glioblastoma cells through a necrosis-like cell death.…”

“…Pharmaceutical studies have demonstrated that the venom of several species of sea anemones produces different symptoms and modes of toxicity. Studies of inflammation and allergic reactions [3] hemolytic activities [4], immunomodulating activities [5], cardiotoxicity [6], and cytolytic effects [7] have all produced interesting outcomes. Moreover, the incidence of neurotoxicity reactions such as convulsions, paralysis, respiratory failure, cardiovascular reactions, and stroke [6,8] is mostly recognized.…”

The venom and the toxicity of Pelagia noctiluca (Cnidaria: Scyphozoa). A review of three decades of research in Italian laboratories and future perspectives

“…5,[39][40][41][42][43] In addition, the activity of crude venom on other cnidarians has been assessed.…”