In vitro analysis of the anticancer properties of scorpion venom in colorectal and breast cancer cell lines

Abstract

Abstract. Scorpion venom contains various types of proteins and peptides that are able to act as inhibitors of neurotransmitter molecules. This is achieved primarily via the inhibition of ion channels. In addition, scorpion venom has been demonstrated to exhibit anticancer properties in prostate and breast cancer, as well as leukemia. The anticancer properties of scorpion venom are due to its inhibitory effect on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, which leads to reduced motility and invasion in tumor cells. The inhibitory effects of venom on MMPs additionally lead to a reduction in the metastatic potential of malignant tumors. In the present study, the effect of venom obtained from a local serpentarium facility was examined in colorectal and breast cancer cell lines. Cell motility and clonogenic survival assays revealed a significant decrease (60-90%) in cell motility and colony formation, two significant hallmarks of cancer survival, following treatment with various concentrations of venom. These results were in agreement with previous studies demonstrating the anticancer activity of scorpion venom. In conclusion, the venom utilized at the Research Center of Prince Sultan Military Medical City Hospital (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) possesses significant anticancer potential against colorectal and breast cancer cell lines.

In vitro determination of the efficacy of scorpion venoms as anti-cancer agents against colorectal cancer cells: a nano-liposomal delivery approach

“…These proteins and peptides inhibit cell proliferation and growth in vitro by interacting with different molecules involved in the signal transduction pathway. 17 This study is in continuation of our previously published work. 17 Currently, we have developed a mechanism to make scorpion venom more efficient against colorectal cancer cell line by adopting the nanomedicine approach.…”

“…17 This study is in continuation of our previously published work. 17 Currently, we have developed a mechanism to make scorpion venom more efficient against colorectal cancer cell line by adopting the nanomedicine approach. We studied the effect of nanoformulations on cell viability, ROS generation, programmed cell death (cell apoptosis), and cell cycle arrest on a well-established and characterized HCT-8 colorectal cancer cell line.…”

“…Furthermore, the lipid bilayers and the aqueous core of liposomes can also serve as a reservoir for the drug or venoms. [22][23][24] This established phenomenon was the driving force to undertake this approach of venom encapsulation and correlates well with the objective of this study, which is to enhance the already reported anticancer activity of the scorpion venom 17 through liposomal drug delivery approach, on HCT-8 cells. Scorpion venoms AB, AC, and LQ dramatically reduced the cell survival of colorectal cancer cells (Figure 4).…”

“…Additionally, from new antibiotics to potential anti-cancer constituents, scorpion venom has been found to hold an effective source of biologically active molecules. 17 Many of these components have been found with the unique properties to circumvent the global therapeutic challenges. 18 Venoms and purified toxins of scorpion, such as chlorotoxin (a 36-amino acid peptide), are effective inhibitors of glioma cells.…”

Biomimetic strategies for targeted nanoparticle delivery

“…For example, chlorotoxin is a peptide from scorpion venom that was originally found to block chloride ion channels, and is a highly used targeting peptide . Although the exact mechanism of chlorotoxin's binding is still under some controversy, it has been shown to preferentially bind several types of cancers . Gliomas in particular are highly sensitive to the peptide, which binds to the cells via both high and low affinity sites, making it a good ligand to use for imaging of brain tumors .…”