In-Vitro Anticancer and Antioxidant Activities of Eremina desertorum (Forsskal, 1775) Snail Mucin

Abstract

Objectives:The aim of the present research is to elucidate the anti-oxidant and anti-tumor activities of the mucin extracted from Ereminia desertorum snails´ mucus against two types of tumor cell lines; human colon adenocarcinoma (CACO-2) cells and human hepatoma (HepG-2) cells. Methods: Both cell lines were treated with Ereminia desertorum snails´ mucin and the oxidative markers were measured in culture media and cells by biochemical and gene expression analysis using RT-PCR. The tumor suppressor gene expression was also evaluated using RT-PCR. Results: The culture media of HepG-2 or CACO-2 cells treated with the extract have high significant increased levels of catalase, SOD, GSH and total antioxidants. Apart from SOD in CACO-2 cells that didn't differ from untreated cells. Also, Gene expression levels (2 ^-ddct ) of the antioxidant markers in HepG-2 cells; GSTA-1, catalase, SOD, and GPx increased in mucin-treated cells. Also, these antioxidant genetic markers were up-regulated in CACO-2 cells by treatment with mucin extract. Gene expression levels (2 ^-ddct ) of tumor suppression genes (p53, Rb, APC, and PTEN) in both HepG-2 and CaCO-2 cells were increased in mucin extract-treated cells. Conclusion: The present study highlighted the anti-oxidant and the anti-cancer activities of the mucin extracted from E. desertorum snails´ mucus that could attract attention to such natural product as a possible source of therapeutic compounds against liver and colon cancers.

Gastropod Mucus: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Biological Activities, Applications, and Strategic Priorities

“…Antimelanogenic and antitumor effects against melanoma cells have also been demonstrated . Extracts from lyophilized H. aspersa mucus decreased the viability of Caco-2 colorectal cancer cells, while mucin from Ereminia desertorum snail mucus displayed antioxidant effects and upregulated antioxidant and tumor suppressor genes in colon and liver cancer cell lines, suggesting its potential as a natural source of therapeutic compounds against liver and colon cancers . Additionally, extracellular vesicles derived from Arion vulgaris mucus were successfully loaded with the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin.…”

“…57 Extracts from lyophilized H. aspersa mucus decreased the viability of Caco-2 colorectal cancer cells, 58 while mucin from Ereminia desertorum snail mucus displayed antioxidant effects and upregulated antioxidant and tumor suppressor genes in colon and liver cancer cell lines, suggesting its potential as a natural source of therapeutic compounds against liver and colon cancers. 59 Additionally, extracellular vesicles derived from Arion vulgaris mucus were successfully loaded with the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin. Using in vitro internalization assays, it was demonstrated that these vesicles can penetrate human glioblastoma cells, 60 highlighting opportunities for targeted cancer therapy.…”

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Eremina desertorum snail mucin on experimentally induced intestinal inflammation and testicular damage

“…GC-MS/MS analyses led to the identification of ten compounds that were sesquiterpenes, fatty acid esters, monoterpenes, and quinolones [7]. Furthermore, the study of Atta et al [15] proved that mucin extracted from E. desertorum snails´ mucus had promising effects against cancer and oxidative stress damages thus it could be used as a natural therapeutic source fighting colon and liver cancers.…”

Evaluation of antioxidant, antityrosinase, and anticancer activity of mucus extract from both Egyptian land snails, Eremina desertorum and Helix aspersa, with emphasis on their chemical profiles

“…allantoin, proteins, and peptides (Atta et al, 2021;Cilia & Fratini, 2018;El Mubarak et al, 2013;Trapella et al, 2018). The mucus has been used commercially to treat burns, wounds, keratosis, scars, psoriasis, acne, wrinkles, and skin damage (Milinsk et al, 2006;Pitt et al, 2015).…”

“…Mucin extracted from Eremina desertorum snail has anticancer and antioxidant activities (Atta et al, 2021). Based on the previous study, slime from Helix aspersa contains molecular compounds and bioactivities that might be related to the animal's specialized functions and have potential medical applications (Aouji et al, 2023).…”