Naja ashei venom induces mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in human colorectal cancer cells

Abstract

In the present study, we investigated the antiproliferative activity of Naja ashei full venom (NAV) on human colorectal cancer cells. The NAV-induced antiproliferative effect was associated with cell cycle arrest in S phase and increased number of cells with sub G0/G1 DNA content, which is considered a marker of apoptosis. Apoptosis has also been confirmed with annexin V/PI staining. Furthermore, flow cytometric analysis revealed loss of mitochondrial membrane potential with concomitant increase in cytochrome c and Smac/DIABLO protein content. These effects were associated with the activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3, as well as with PARP cleavage. Moreover, phosphorylation of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 protein in NAV-treated HCT116 was observed. In conclusion, our study for the first time documented antiproliferative/pro-apoptotic effect of NAV in colorectal cancer cells. Our results strongly suggest the involvement of mitochondria in NAV induced apoptosis of cancer cells. Future studies are needed to further examine the potential of NAV in the treatment of colon cancer.

Enzymatic activity and brine shrimp lethality of venom from the large brown spitting cobra (Naja ashei) and its neutralization by antivenom

“…Over the last decade, there has been a lot of interest in N. ashei [6][7][8][9][10][11]. The skull structure [9], mitochondrial DNA [10], composition, antiproliferative, and antibacterial properties of N. ashei venom have been reported [6][7][8]11]. However, there has been little focus on the enzymatic, and lethal effects of this venom and the capacity of antivenoms to neutralize them.…”

Enzymatic Activity And Brine Shrimp Lethality Of Venom From The Large Brown Spitting Cobra (Naja Ashei) And Its Neutralization By Antivenom

“…The skull structure, mitochondrial DNA, venom composition, antiproliferative, and antibacterial properties of N. ashei have previously been reported [3,7,8,[15][16][17]. However, there has been little focus on the enzymatic, and lethal effects of this venom and the capacity of antivenom to neutralize them.…”

Enzymatic activity and brine shrimp lethality of venom from the large brown spitting cobra (Naja ashei) and its neutralization by antivenom

“…Over the last decade, there has been a lot of interest in Naja ashei [6][7][8][9][10][11]. The skull structure [9], mitochondrial DNA [10], composition, antiproliferative, and antibacterial properties of Naja ashei venom have been reported [6][7][8]11]. However, there has been little focus on the enzymatic, and lethal effects of this venom and the capacity of antivenoms to neutralize them.…”