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Wiezel GA, Oliveira IS, Reis MB, Ferreira IG, Cordeiro KR, Bordon KCF, Arantes EC. The complex repertoire of Tityus spp. venoms: Advances on their composition and pharmacological potential of their toxins. Biochimie 2024; 220:144-166. [PMID: 38176606 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Animal venoms are a rich and complex source of components, including peptides (such as neurotoxins, anionic peptides and hypotensins), lipids, proteins (such as proteases, hyaluronidases and phospholipases) and inorganic compounds, which affect all biological systems of the envenoming victim. Their action may result in a wide range of clinical manifestations, including tachy/bradycardia, hyper/hypotension, disorders in blood coagulation, pain, edema, inflammation, fever, muscle paralysis, coma and even death. Scorpions are one of the most studied venomous animals in the world and interesting bioactive molecules have been isolated and identified from their venoms over the years. Tityus spp. are among the scorpions with high number of accidents reported in the Americas, especially in Brazil. Their venoms have demonstrated interesting results in the search for novel agents with antimicrobial, anti-viral, anti-parasitic, hypotensive, immunomodulation, anti-insect, antitumor and/or antinociceptive activities. Furthermore, other recent activities still under investigation include drug delivery action, design of anti-epileptic drugs, investigation of sodium channel function, treatment of erectile disfunction and priapism, improvement of scorpion antivenom and chelating molecules activity. In this scenario, this paper focuses on reviewing advances on Tityus venom components mainly through the modern omics technologies as well as addressing potential therapeutic agents from their venoms and highlighting this abundant source of pharmacologically active molecules with biotechnological application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisele A Wiezel
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Isadora S Oliveira
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søtolfts Plads, Building 239 Room 006, Kongens Lyngby, 2800, Denmark.
| | - Mouzarllem B Reis
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Isabela G Ferreira
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Kalynka R Cordeiro
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Karla C F Bordon
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Eliane C Arantes
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
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Pashmforoosh N, Baradaran M. Peptides with Diverse Functions from Scorpion Venom: A Great Opportunity for the Treatment of a Wide Variety of Diseases. IRANIAN BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL 2023; 27:84-99. [PMID: 37070616 PMCID: PMC10314758 DOI: 10.61186/ibj.3863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Toxicology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran The venom glands are a rich source of biologically important peptides with pharmaceutical properties. Scorpion venoms have been identified as a reservoir for components that might be considered as great candidates for drug development. Pharmacological properties of the venom compounds have been confirmed in the treatment of different disorders. Ion channel blockers and AMPs are the main groups of scorpion venom components. Despite the existence of several studies about scorpion peptides, there are still valuable components to be discovered. Additionally, owing to the improvement of proteomics and transcriptomics, the number of peptide drugs is steadily increasing, which reflects the importance of these medications. This review evaluates available literatures on some important scorpion venom peptides with pharmaceutical activities. Given that the last three years have been dominated by the COVID-19 from the medical/pharmaceutical perspective, scorpion compounds with the potential against the coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Masoumeh Baradaran
- Corresponding Author: Masoumeh Baradaran Toxicology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran; E-mail:
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Bioactive peptides from scorpion venoms: therapeutic scaffolds and pharmacological tools. Chin J Nat Med 2023; 21:19-35. [PMID: 36641229 DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(23)60382-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Evolution and natural selection have endowed animal venoms, including scorpion venoms, with a wide range of pharmacological properties. Consequently, scorpions, their venoms, and/or their body parts have been used since time immemorial in traditional medicines, especially in Africa and Asia. With respect to their pharmacological potential, bioactive peptides from scorpion venoms have become an important source of scientific research. With the rapid increase in the characterization of various components from scorpion venoms, a large number of peptides are identified with an aim of combating a myriad of emerging global health problems. Moreover, some scorpion venom-derived peptides have been established as potential scaffolds helpful for drug development. In this review, we summarize the promising scorpion venoms-derived peptides as drug candidates. Accordingly, we highlight the data and knowledge needed for continuous characterization and development of additional natural peptides from scorpion venoms, as potential drugs that can treat related diseases.
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Cytotoxicity and Molecular Alterations Induced by Scorpion Venom Antimicrobial Peptide Smp43 in Breast Cancer Cell Lines MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7. Int J Pept Res Ther 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-022-10474-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
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Anti-Cancer Activity of Buthus occitanus Venom on Hepatocellular Carcinoma in 3D Cell Culture. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27072219. [PMID: 35408621 PMCID: PMC9000837 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27072219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most dominant primary liver cancer, which can be caused by chronic hepatitis virus infections and other environmental factors. Resection, liver transplantation, and local ablation are only a few of the highly effective and curative procedures presently accessible. However, other complementary treatments can reduce cancer treatment side effects. In this present work, we evaluated the activity of Moroccan scorpion venom Buthus occitanus and its fractions obtained by chromatography gel filtration against HCC cells using a 3D cell culture model. The venom was fractionated by gel filtration chromatography, each fraction and the crude venom was tested on normal hepatocytes (Fa2N-4 cells). Additionally, the fractions and the crude venom were tested on MCTSs (multicellular tumor spheroids), and this latter was generated by cultivate Huh7.5 cancer cell line with WI38 cells, LX2 cells, and human endothelial cells (HUVEC). Our results indicate that Buthus occitanus venom toxin has no cytotoxic effects on normal hepatocytes. Moreover, it is reported that F3 fraction could significantly inhibit the MCTS cells. Other Protein Separation Techniques (High-performance liquid chromatography) are needed in order to identify the most active molecule.
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Rezaei A, Asgari S, Komijani S, Sadat SN, Sabatier JM, Nasrabadi D, Pooshang Bagheri K, Shahbazzadeh D, Akbari Eidgahi MR, De Waard M, Mirzahoseini H. Discovery of Leptulipin, a New Anticancer Protein from theIranian Scorpion, Hemiscorpius lepturus. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27072056. [PMID: 35408455 PMCID: PMC9000277 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27072056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality in the world. Unfortunately, the present anticancer chemotherapeutics display high cytotoxicity. Accordingly, the discovery of new anticancer agents with lower side effects is highly necessitated. This study aimed to discover an anticancer compound from Hemiscorpius lepturus scorpion venom. Bioactivity-guided chromatography was performed to isolate an active compound against colon and breast cancer cell lines. 2D electrophoresis and MALDI-TOF were performed to identify the molecule. A partial protein sequence was obtained by mass spectrometry, while the full-length was deciphered using a cDNA library of the venom gland by bioinformatics analyses and was designated as leptulipin. The gene was cloned in pET-26b, expressed, and purified. The anticancer effect and mechanism action of leptulipin were evaluated by MTT, apoptosis, and cell cycle assays, as well as by gene expression analysis of apoptosis-related genes. The treated cells displayed inhibition of cell proliferation, altered morphology, DNA fragmentation, and cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, the treated cells showed a decrease in BCL-2 expression and an increase in Bax and Caspase 9 genes. In this study, we discovered a new anticancer protein from H. lepturus scorpion venom. Leptulipin showed significant anticancer activity against breast and colon cancer cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Rezaei
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan 3514799422, Iran; (A.R.); (D.N.)
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Laboratory, Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 1316943551, Iran; (S.K.); (S.N.S.); (D.S.)
| | - Saeme Asgari
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Faculty of Advanced Sciences and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran 5157944533, Iran;
| | - Samira Komijani
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Laboratory, Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 1316943551, Iran; (S.K.); (S.N.S.); (D.S.)
| | - Seyedeh Narjes Sadat
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Laboratory, Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 1316943551, Iran; (S.K.); (S.N.S.); (D.S.)
| | - Jean-Marc Sabatier
- Institute of NeuroPhysiopathology (INP), Faculté de Pharmacie, Université D’Aix-Marseille, UMR 7051, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, CEDEX 05, 13385 Marseille, France;
| | - Davood Nasrabadi
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan 3514799422, Iran; (A.R.); (D.N.)
| | - Kamran Pooshang Bagheri
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Laboratory, Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 1316943551, Iran; (S.K.); (S.N.S.); (D.S.)
- Correspondence: (K.P.B.); (M.R.A.E.); (M.D.W.); (H.M.)
| | - Delavar Shahbazzadeh
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Laboratory, Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 1316943551, Iran; (S.K.); (S.N.S.); (D.S.)
| | - Mohammad Reza Akbari Eidgahi
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan 3514799422, Iran; (A.R.); (D.N.)
- Correspondence: (K.P.B.); (M.R.A.E.); (M.D.W.); (H.M.)
| | - Michel De Waard
- L’Institut du Thorax, INSERM, CNRS, University of Nantes, 44000 Nantes, France
- LabEx “Ion Channels, Science & Therapeutics”, 65560 Valbonne, France
- Smartox Biotechnology, 6 Rue Des Platanes, 38120 Saint-Egrève, France
- Correspondence: (K.P.B.); (M.R.A.E.); (M.D.W.); (H.M.)
| | - Hasan Mirzahoseini
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Laboratory, Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 1316943551, Iran; (S.K.); (S.N.S.); (D.S.)
- Correspondence: (K.P.B.); (M.R.A.E.); (M.D.W.); (H.M.)
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de Melo MMA, Oliveira VDS, de Queiroz Neto MF, Paiva WDS, Torres-Rêgo M, Silva SRB, Pontes DDL, Rocha HAO, de Souza MÂF, da Silva-Júnior AA, Fernandes-Pedrosa MDF. TanP: A Multifunctional Anionic Peptide From Tityus stigmurus Scorpion Venom. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 8:785316. [PMID: 35111812 PMCID: PMC8802776 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.785316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Anionic peptides of scorpions are molecules rich in aspartic and/or glutamic acid residues and correspond to a class of peptides without disulfide bonds that are still little explored. TanP is a linear anionic peptide (50 amino acid residues and net charge -20) present in the venom gland of the scorpion, Tityus stigmurus, with chelating properties for Cu2+ ion and immunomodulatory properties. The therapeutic application of chelating molecules is related to cases of acute or chronic intoxication by metals, neurodegenerative diseases, hematological diseases, healing of skin wounds, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. In this approach, the chelating activity of TanP was evaluated in relation to new metal ions (Fe2+ and Zn2+) of biological importance, as well as its antioxidant, hemostatic, immunomodulatory, and healing potential, aiming to expand the biological and biotechnological potential of this peptide. TanP (25 µM) was able to form stable complexes with Fe2+ in a ratio of 1:5 (TanP: Fe2+). Theoretical results suggest that TanP can work as a sensor to identify and quantify Fe2+ ions. The fluorescence intensity of TanP (1.12 µM) decreased significantly after the addition of Fe2+, obtaining the highest ratio 1: 7.4 (TanP: Fe2+) that led to the lowest fluorescence intensity. For Zn2+, no relevant spectral change was noted. TanP (50 µM) showed a maximum of 3% of hemolytic activity, demonstrating biocompatibility, as well as exhibiting a 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging activity of above 70% at all the concentrations tested (1-25 μM), and 89.7% iron-chelating activity at 25 μM and 96% hydroxyl radical-scavenging activity at 73.6 μM. In addition, TanP (12.5 and 25 µM) revealed an anticoagulant effect, prolonging the clotting time in prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time assays, with no fibrinogenolytic activity. TanP (12.5 and 25 µM) induced the release of TNF-α by murine macrophages, in the absence of lipopolysaccharides, with a concentration-dependent increase and also stimulated the migration of 3T3 cells in the in vitro healing assay. Thus, TanP revealed a multifunctional potential, being useful as a prototype for the development of new therapeutic and biotechnological agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menilla Maria Alves de Melo
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Verônica da Silva Oliveira
- Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry and Polymers, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Moacir Fernandes de Queiroz Neto
- Laboratory of Natural Polymer Biotechnology, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Weslley de Souza Paiva
- Laboratory of Natural Polymer Biotechnology, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Manoela Torres-Rêgo
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
- Laboratory of Synthesis and Isolation of Organic Compounds, Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | | | - Daniel de Lima Pontes
- Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry and Polymers, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Hugo Alexandre Oliveira Rocha
- Laboratory of Natural Polymer Biotechnology, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | | | - Arnóbio Antônio da Silva-Júnior
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
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Lozano-Trujillo LA, Garzón-Perdomo DK, Vargas ACR, de Los Reyes LM, Avila-Rodriguez MF, Gay OTG, Turner LF. Cytotoxic Effects of Blue Scorpion Venom (Rhopalurus junceus) in a Glioblastoma Cell Line Model. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2021; 22:636-645. [PMID: 32679017 DOI: 10.2174/1389201021666200717092207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer is one of the leading cause of death worldwide. Besides current therapies and treatments to counter cancer, new alternatives are required to diminish the cell proliferation of oncogenic processes. METHODS One of the most promissory therapy includes the use of blue scorpion venom as a specific cytotoxic agent to kill tumoral cells, including Glioblastoma multiforme. OBJECTIVES We show evidence of the cytotoxic effect of blue scorpion venom in a cellular model of Glioblastoma multiforme. RESULTS Our results demonstrate that 50 μg/ml of scorpion venom is capable to diminish the viability of Glioblastoma populations. CONCLUSION It is possible that the action mechanism could be associated with a loss of membrane integrity. Additionally, some metalloproteinases as MMP2 and MMP9 may also participate in the potential action mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Lozano-Trujillo
- Departamento de Biologia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad del Tolima, 730006299, Ibague, Colombia
| | - Diana K Garzón-Perdomo
- Departamento de Biologia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad del Tolima, 730006299, Ibague, Colombia
| | - Andrea C R Vargas
- Departamento de Biologia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad del Tolima, 730006299, Ibague, Colombia
| | - Lina M de Los Reyes
- Departamento de Biologia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad del Tolima, 730006299, Ibague, Colombia
| | - Marco F Avila-Rodriguez
- Departamento de Ciencias Clinicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Tolima, 730006299, Ibague, Colombia
| | | | - Liliana F Turner
- Departamento de Biologia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad del Tolima, 730006299, Ibague, Colombia
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Silva MA, Souza TG, Melo MEG, Silva JM, Lima JR, Lira AFA, de Aguiar-Júnior FCA, Martins RD, Jorge RJB, Chagas CA, Teixeira VW, Teixeira ÁAC. Tityus stigmurus venom causes genetic damage in blood and testicular cells and affects the number and morphology of gametogenic lineage cells in mice. Toxicon 2020; 185:114-119. [PMID: 32659238 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Scorpion envenomation represents an important health problem in many parts of the world, due to the high number and severity of accidents. Recent studies demonstrated that some species can produce venoms with genetic damage potential. Here, we evaluated whether Tityus stigmurus venom causes genetic damage in blood and testicular cells of Swiss mice. We also analyzed the effect of the venom on the number of spermatogenic lineage cells. Five groups of mice received 0.387 mg/kg of the venom, intraperitoneally; one group received saline solution (control group). Blood and testicular cells were collected for comet assay and histological analysis at different times after treatment (1, 2, 6, 12, and 48 h). Blood was also collected 48 h after treatment for the micronucleus test in erythrocytes. Histological analysis was performed by counting cells of the spermatogenic lineages; the nuclear area of elongated spermatocytes was also evaluated. Treatment with the venom induced DNA damage that endured from 1 h to 48 h, as confirmed by the comet assay. The micronucleus test demonstrated that the venom induced mutations in erythrocytes. The number of spermatogonia and rounded spermatids decreased in some groups; the number of elongated spermatids increased, and their nuclear size decreased 1 h after treatment. Genetic damage can be caused directly by the venom, but we suggested that reactive oxygen species that result from inflammatory process caused by the envenomation may have an important role in the DNA damage. Genetic damage and apoptosis may explain the changes in the number of spermatogenic cells. Furthermore, the decrease in nuclear area may result from chromatin loss. Genetic damage in testicular cells, associated with alterations in the number and morphology of spermatogenic cells, can result in reproduction disorders in animals, or humans, stung by T. stigmurus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meykson A Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciência Animal Tropical, Departamento de Morfologia e Fisiologia Animal, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco - UFRPE, Recife, PE, Brazil; Centro Acadêmico de Vitória, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco-UFPE, Vitória de Santo Antão, PE, Brazil.
| | - Talita G Souza
- Centro Acadêmico de Vitória, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco-UFPE, Vitória de Santo Antão, PE, Brazil
| | - Maria E G Melo
- Centro Acadêmico de Vitória, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco-UFPE, Vitória de Santo Antão, PE, Brazil
| | - Jeanderson M Silva
- Centro Acadêmico de Vitória, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco-UFPE, Vitória de Santo Antão, PE, Brazil
| | - José R Lima
- Centro Acadêmico de Vitória, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco-UFPE, Vitória de Santo Antão, PE, Brazil
| | - André F A Lira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciência Animal Tropical, Departamento de Morfologia e Fisiologia Animal, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco - UFRPE, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | | | - René D Martins
- Centro Acadêmico de Vitória, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco-UFPE, Vitória de Santo Antão, PE, Brazil
| | - Roberta J B Jorge
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal Do Ceará - UFC, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Cristiano A Chagas
- Centro Acadêmico de Vitória, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco-UFPE, Vitória de Santo Antão, PE, Brazil
| | - Valéria W Teixeira
- Departamento de Morfologia e Fisiologia Animal, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco - UFRPE, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Álvaro A C Teixeira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciência Animal Tropical, Departamento de Morfologia e Fisiologia Animal, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco - UFRPE, Recife, PE, Brazil; Departamento de Morfologia e Fisiologia Animal, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco - UFRPE, Recife, PE, Brazil
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Desales-Salazar E, Khusro A, Cipriano-Salazar M, Barbabosa-Pliego A, Rivas-Caceres RR. Scorpion venoms and associated toxins as anticancer agents: update on their application and mechanism of action. J Appl Toxicol 2020; 40:1310-1324. [PMID: 32249452 DOI: 10.1002/jat.3976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Cancer remains one of the deadliest non-infectious diseases of the 21st century, causing millions of mortalities per year worldwide. Analyses of conventional treatments, such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy, have shown not only a lower therapeutic efficiency rate but also plethora of side-effects. Considering the desperate need to identify promising anticancer agents, researchers are in quest to design and develop new tumoricidal drugs from natural sources. Over the past few years, scorpion venoms have shown exemplary roles as pivotal anticancer agents. Scorpion venoms associated metabolites, particularly toxins demonstrated in vitro anticancer attributes against diversified cell lines by inhibiting the growth and progression of the cell cycle, inhibiting metastasis by blocking ion channels such as K+ and Cl- , and/or inducing apoptosis by intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. This review sheds light not only on in vitro anticancer properties of distinct scorpion venoms and their toxins, but also on their mechanism of action for designing and developing new therapeutic drugs in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erasto Desales-Salazar
- Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados en Salud Animal (CIESA), Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México (UAEM), Toluca, Mexico
| | - Ameer Khusro
- Research Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Loyola College, Nungambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Moisés Cipriano-Salazar
- Unidad Académica de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Guerrero, Mexico
| | - Alberto Barbabosa-Pliego
- Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados en Salud Animal (CIESA), Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México (UAEM), Toluca, Mexico
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Mikaelian AG, Traboulay E, Zhang XM, Yeritsyan E, Pedersen PL, Ko YH, Matalka KZ. Pleiotropic Anticancer Properties of Scorpion Venom Peptides: Rhopalurus princeps Venom as an Anticancer Agent. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2020; 14:881-893. [PMID: 32161447 PMCID: PMC7051175 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s231008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
To date, the success of conventional chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted biological therapies in cancer treatment is not satisfactory. The main reasons for such outcomes rely on low target selectivity, primarily in chemo- and radiotherapy, ineffectiveness to metastatic disease, drug resistance, and severe side effects. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors may offer better clinical promise, success is still limited. Since cancer is a complex systemic disease, the need for new therapeutic modalities that can target or block several steps of cancer cell characteristics, modulate or repolarize immune cells, and are less toxic to healthy tissues is essential. Of these promising therapeutic modalities are pleiotropic natural products in which scorpion venom (SV) is an excellent example. SV consists of complex bioactive peptides that are disulfide-rich of different peptides’ length, potent, stable, and exerts various multi-pharmacological actions. SV peptides also contain ion channel inhibitors. These ion channels are dysregulated and overexpressed in cancer cells, and play essential roles in cancer development and invasion, as well as depolarizing immune cells. Furthermore, SV has been found to induce cancer cell apoptosis, and inhibit cancer cells proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis. In the current review, we are presenting data that show the pleiotropic effect of SV against different types of human cancer as well as revealing one potential anticancer agent, Rhopalurus princeps venom. Furthermore, we are addressing what is needed to be done to translate these potential cancer therapeutics to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Peter L Pedersen
- Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine Laboratory, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Young Hee Ko
- Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine Laboratory, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Bonde GV, Ajmal G, Yadav SK, Mittal P, Singh J, Bakde BV, Mishra B. Assessing the viability of Soluplus® self-assembled nanocolloids for sustained delivery of highly hydrophobic lapatinib (anticancer agent): Optimisation and in-vitro characterisation. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2020; 185:110611. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2019.110611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Revised: 10/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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13
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Anti-tumoral effect of scorpion peptides: Emerging new cellular targets and signaling pathways. Cell Calcium 2019; 80:160-174. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2019.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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14
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Gómez Rave LJ, Muñoz Bravo AX, Sierra Castrillo J, Román Marín LM, Corredor Pereira C. Scorpion Venom: New Promise in the Treatment of Cancer. ACTA BIOLÓGICA COLOMBIANA 2019. [DOI: 10.15446/abc.v24n2.71512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a public health problem due to its high worldwide morbimortality. Current treatment protocols do not guarantee complete remission, which has prompted to search for new and more effective antitumoral compounds. Several substances exhibiting cytostatic and cytotoxic effects over cancer cells might contribute to the treatment of this pathology. Some studies indicate the presence of such substances in scorpion venom. In this review, we report characteristics of the principal scorpion venom components found in recent literature and their potential activity against tumor cells. There are different toxin groups present in the venom, and it seems that their mode of actions involves ionic channel blocking, disruption of the cell membrane integrity and damage to internal cell organelles. These properties make good prospects for studies on drugs and adjuvants in cancer treatment.
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Moradi M, Najafi R, Amini R, Solgi R, Tanzadehpanah H, Esfahani AM, Saidijam M. Remarkable apoptotic pathway of Hemiscorpius lepturus scorpion venom on CT26 cell line. Cell Biol Toxicol 2019; 35:373-385. [PMID: 30617443 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-018-09455-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Scorpion venom, considered as a treasure trove of various bioactive molecules, is a new approach to induce cancer cell death via apoptosis pathways. In the present study, we evaluated for first time the anti-proliferative efficacy of Hemiscorpius lepturus scorpion venom and its pathway on a colon carcinoma cell. MATERIALS AND METHODS The CT26 and VERO cell lines were treated with various concentrations of the venom. The IC50 values were estimated by MTT assay test, and the apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry. Moreover, RT-PCR analysis was used to investigate the levels of Bax, Bcl2, Trp53, and Casp3 mRNA expression. The mice xenograft model was established to evaluate the therapy efficiency of venom. Some valuable exponential growth parameters were evaluated in treated mice. RESULT The scorpion venom inhibited the growth of CT26 cells with an IC50 value about 120 μg/ml. However, VERO cells increased to 896 μg/ml under the same condition. A remarkable apoptotic cells in CT26 cells were revealed by flow cytometry assay. A significant over-expression was observed in Bax, Casp3, and Trp53 and downregulated in Bcl2 mRNA level in tumor tissue after treatment with scorpion venom (p < 0.05). All changes of valuable exponential growth parameters showed a shrinking tumor size. CONCLUSION Our findings indicated that Hemiscorpius lepturus venom has a special anti-proliferative effect on CT26 cells via Trp53/Bcl2/Casp3 pathway. Considering its powerful cytotoxic vigor against a colon cancer cell (CT26) and low toxicity to non-tumorigenic cell (VERO), we propose that this venom probably has a specific effect on other colon cancer cells and may turn out to be a novel therapeutic strategy in treating colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammadreza Moradi
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Pejohesh Crossroads, Hamadan, 65178-38678, Iran
| | - Rezvan Najafi
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Pejohesh Crossroads, Hamadan, 65178-38678, Iran
| | - Razieh Amini
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Pejohesh Crossroads, Hamadan, 65178-38678, Iran
| | - Reza Solgi
- Legal Medicine Research Center, Legal Medicine Organization of Iran, Hamadan, Iran
- Felestin Square, General Office of Legal Medicine, Ghobare Hamadani Blvd, Hamadan, 65187-53141, Iran
| | - Hamid Tanzadehpanah
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Pejohesh Crossroads, Hamadan, 65178-38678, Iran
| | - Alireza Monsef Esfahani
- Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Pejohesh Crossroads, Hamadan, 65178-38678, Iran
- Department of Pathology, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Massoud Saidijam
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
- Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Pejohesh Crossroads, Hamadan, 65178-38678, Iran.
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Anti-Breast Cancer Activity of Latroeggtoxin-V Mined from the Transcriptome of Spider Latrodectus tredecimguttatus Eggs. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10110451. [PMID: 30400202 PMCID: PMC6266733 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10110451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Revised: 10/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
As a black widow spider, Latrodectus tredecimguttatus has poisonous components not only in venomous glands but also in eggs. Our previous work had carried out a transcriptome analysis of the spider eggs in an attempt to probe into the molecular basis of the egg toxicity. A proteinaceous toxin, named Latroeggtoxin-V, was mined from the identified transcriptome. In this study, the gene of Latroeggtoxin-V was cloned and heterologously expressed, and the anticancer activity of the recombinant Latroeggtoxin-V (rLatroeggtoxin-V) was characterized. Activity assay found that rLatroeggtoxin-V could selectively act on breast cancer line MDA-MB-231 cells, not only arresting their cell cycle, inhibiting their proliferation and migration, but also inducing their apoptosis. Bioinformatics analysis suggested that Latroeggtoxin-V belongs to the ATPase inhibitor protein family and the further activity assay showed that the rLatroeggtoxin-V inhibited the activity of the Na+/K+-ATPase in MDA-MB-231 cells in a concentration-dependent manner, suggesting that the anticancer activity of Latroeggtoxin-V is based on its affecting the ion transport and receptor functions of Na+/K+-ATPase. The present work not only laid the foundation for the utilization of Latroeggtoxin-V in the anticancer drug development and the related fields, but also provided a new paradigm for exploration of the proteinaceous toxins under the direction of transcriptomics and bioinformatics.
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Ghosh A, Roy R, Nandi M, Mukhopadhyay A. Scorpion Venom-Toxins that Aid in Drug Development: A Review. Int J Pept Res Ther 2018; 25:27-37. [PMID: 32214927 PMCID: PMC7088386 DOI: 10.1007/s10989-018-9721-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Scorpion venom components have multifaceted orientation against bacterial, viral, fungal infections and other neuronal disorders. They can modulate the ion channels (K+, Na+, Cl−, Ca2+) of our body and this concept has been hypothesized in formulating pharmaceuticals. The triumphant achievement of these venom components as formulated anticancer agent in Phase I and Phase II clinical trials allure researchers to excavate beneficial venom components prohibiting DNA replication in malignant tumor cells. This review brings forth the achievements of Science and Technology in classifying the venom components as therapeutics and further application in drug product development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arijit Ghosh
- 1Department of Molecular Biology, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Cancer Research Institute, 16 A Park Lane, Kolkata, 700016 India
| | - Rini Roy
- 1Department of Molecular Biology, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Cancer Research Institute, 16 A Park Lane, Kolkata, 700016 India
| | - Monoswini Nandi
- 2Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Kalyani University, University Road, Near Kalyani Ghoshpara Railway Station, District Nadia, Kalyani, West Bengal 741235 India
| | - Ashis Mukhopadhyay
- 3Department of Hemato-Oncology, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Cancer Research Institute, 16 A Park Lane, Kolkata, 700016 India.,4Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Cancer Research Institute, Park Street, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016 India
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Al-Asmari AK, Riyasdeen A, Islam M. Scorpion Venom Causes Upregulation of p53 and Downregulation of Bcl-x L and BID Protein Expression by Modulating Signaling Proteins Erk 1/2 and STAT3, and DNA Damage in Breast and Colorectal Cancer Cell Lines. Integr Cancer Ther 2018; 17:271-281. [PMID: 28438053 PMCID: PMC6041906 DOI: 10.1177/1534735417704949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2016] [Revised: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpion venoms efficiently block the normal neurotransmitter signaling pathway by prejudicing the ion channel operating mechanism in the body system. Besides its negative effect, venoms also possess some beneficial qualities for humans. They have also been shown to exhibit anticancer properties in various cancer types. This unique property of the venom as an anticancer agent is mainly a result of its role in initiating apoptosis and inhibiting several signaling cascade mechanisms that promote cancer cell proliferation and growth. In this study, we examine the effect of venom on phenotypic changes as well as changes at the molecular levels in colorectal and breast cancer cell lines. A dramatic decrease in cell invasion was observed in both cancer cell lines on venom treatment. Additionally, there was decrease in IL-6, RhoC, Erk1/2, and STAT3 in venom-treated cell lines, providing strong evidence of its anticancer properties. Furthermore, decrease in the expression of antiapoptotic proteins and also upregulation of proapoptotic ones by these lines were observed on venom treatment. Moreover, a vivid picture of DNA damage was also detected on venom treatment. In conclusion, scorpion venom possesses significant potential as an anticancer agent against colorectal and breast cancer cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mozaffarul Islam
- Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Khamessi O, Ben Mabrouk H, ElFessi-Magouri R, Kharrat R. RK1, the first very short peptide from Buthus occitanus tunetanus inhibits tumor cell migration, proliferation and angiogenesis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 499:1-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.01.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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20
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Purificación parcial de péptidos y actividad citotóxica del veneno T. macrochirus. BIOMEDICA 2017; 37:238-249. [DOI: 10.7705/biomedica.v37i3.3265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Revised: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Introducción. Los venenos de escorpiones poseen péptidos con actividad neurotóxica, que actúan principalmente en canales iónicos del sistema nervioso de insectos y mamíferos. También se ha determinado acción citolítica y anticancerígena, características biológicas que aún no se han reportado sobre el veneno del escorpión Tityus macrochirus.Objetivo. Evaluar si tanto el veneno total de T. macrochirus, como la fracción de péptidos parcialmente purificados disminuyen el porcentaje de viabilidad de diferentes líneas celulares provenientes de tumores.Materiales y métodos. A partir del veneno de T. macrochirus, obtenido por estimulación eléctrica, se utilizaron métodos cromatográficos, electroforéticos y de centrifugación con Amicon, para la identificación y purificación parcial de sus péptidos. Los ensayos de actividad citotóxica del veneno y de la fracción de péptidos, se realizaron sobre líneas celulares provenientes de tumores, por el método colorimétrico de MTT.Resultados. El veneno de T. macrochirus, posee péptidos con pesos moleculares entre 3 a 10kDa, que fueron parcialmente purificados por medio de ultrafiltración y evaluados por RP¬HPLC. Los ensayos de citotoxicidad con el veneno total T. macrochirus, mostraron mayor disminución de viabilidad en la línea celular PC3, con respecto a las demás líneas celulares evaluadas y la fracción parcialmente purificada de péptidos, logró disminuir la viabilidad en la línea celular HeLa.Conclusión. En el veneno de T. macrochirus se encuentran péptidos que presentaron actividad citotóxica sobre algunas líneas celulares provenientes de tumores, observándose algún tipo de selectividad frente a las diferentes líneas celulares evaluadas.
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Béchohra L, Laraba-Djebari F, Hammoudi-Triki D. Cytotoxic activity of Androctonus australis hector venom and its toxic fractions on human lung cancer cell line. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2016; 22:29. [PMID: 27790250 PMCID: PMC5075196 DOI: 10.1186/s40409-016-0085-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Several studies have showed that animal venoms are a source of bioactive compounds that may inhibit the growth of cancer cells, which makes them useful agents for therapeutic applications. Recently, it was established that venom toxins from scorpions induced cytotoxic, antiproliferative and apoptogenic effects on cancer cells. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the cytotoxic activity of Androctonus australis hector (Aah) scorpion venom and its toxic fractions (FtoxG-50 and F3) on NCI-H358 human lung cancer cells. Methods The cytotoxic and antiproliferative activities were estimated using MTT assay, lactate dehydrogenase release and clonogenic assays. Apoptosis was evaluated by Hoechst 33258 staining, DNA fragmentation assay and caspase-3 activity. Oxidative stress was analyzed by reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl levels along with assessment of antioxidant status. In addition, alteration of mitochondrial membrane potential was analyzed by JC1 fluorescent dye. Results The present findings showed that F3 fraction was more cytotoxic towards NCI-H358 lung cancer cells with an IC50 of 27.05 ± 0.70 μg/mL than venom alone (396.60 ± 1.33 μg/mL) and its toxic fraction FtoxG-50 (45.86 ± 0.91 μg/mL). Nevertheless, F3 fraction was not cytotoxic at these concentrations on normal human lung fibroblast MRC-5 cells. Inhibition of NCI-H358 cell proliferation after F3 fraction exposure occurred mainly by apoptosis as evidenced by damaged nuclei, significant DNA fragmentation level and caspase-3 activation in a dose dependent manner. Moreover, F3 fraction enhanced oxidative and nitrosative stress biomarkers and dissipated mitochondrial membrane potential in lung cancer cells along with significant depletion in cellular enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. Further, the apoptosis induced by F3 fraction was markedly prevented by the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) suggesting the potential mechanism of oxidative stress. Conclusion These findings suggest that F3 fraction could induce apoptosis in lung cancer cells through involvement of oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Hence, these properties make F3 fraction a promising candidate for development of new anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louisa Béchohra
- USTHB, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of cellular and Molecular Biology, BP32, El Alia, Bab Ezzouar, 16111 Algiers, Algeria
| | - Fatima Laraba-Djebari
- USTHB, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of cellular and Molecular Biology, BP32, El Alia, Bab Ezzouar, 16111 Algiers, Algeria
| | - Djelila Hammoudi-Triki
- USTHB, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of cellular and Molecular Biology, BP32, El Alia, Bab Ezzouar, 16111 Algiers, Algeria
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Sarfo-Poku C, Eshun O, Lee KH. Medical application of scorpion venom to breast cancer: A mini-review. Toxicon 2016; 122:109-112. [PMID: 27644898 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2016.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Revised: 04/21/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the leading cause of mortality in women worldwide. Today, 1 in 8 women born in the United States will have an invasive cancer in their lifetime. Despite significant attempts, the prognosis of metastatic breast cancer still remains poor. This has compelled scientists to look elsewhere for better therapeutic outcomes. Recent advances in venomic studies have demonstrated some promise in cancer-related ailments. Scorpion venom, a complex cocktail of biogenic amines, proteins, peptides, mucoproteins, organic salts and neurotoxins has shown a potential therapeutic application due to its cytotoxic, apoptogenic, immunosuppressive and antiproliferative properties. This communication reviews the effects of scorpion venom components on breast cancer and their mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Sarfo-Poku
- Department of Earth & Biological Sciences, School of Medicine Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, United States.
| | - Oliver Eshun
- Department of Earth & Biological Sciences, School of Medicine Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, United States.
| | - Kyung Hyun Lee
- Department of Earth & Biological Sciences, School of Medicine Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, United States
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Saidani C, Hammoudi-Triki D, Laraba-Djebari F, Taub M. In vitro studies with renal proximal tubule cells show direct cytotoxicity of Androctonus australis hector scorpion venom triggered by oxidative stress, caspase activation and apoptosis. Toxicon 2016; 120:29-37. [PMID: 27470530 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2016.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Revised: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Scorpion envenomation injures a number of organs, including the kidney. Mechanisms proposed to explain the renal tubule injury include direct effects of venom on tubule epithelial cells, as well as indirect effects of the autonomic nervous system, and inflammation. Here, we report direct effects of Androctonus australis hector (Aah) scorpion venom on the viability of Renal Proximal Tubule (RPT) cells in vitro, unlike distal tubule and collecting duct cells. Extensive NucGreen nuclear staining was observed in immortalized rabbit RPT cells following treatment with Aah venom, consistent with cytotoxicity. The involvement of oxidative stress is supported by the observations that 1) anti-oxidants mitigated the Aah venom-induced decrease in the number of viable RPT cells, and 2) Aah venom-treated RPT cells were intensively stained with the CellROX(®) Deep Red reagent, an indicator of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). Relevance to normal RPT cells is supported by the red fluorescence observed in Aah venom treated primary rabbit RPT cell cultures following their incubation with the Flica reagent (indicative of caspase activation and apoptosis), and the green fluorescence of Sytox Green (indicative of dead cells).
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanez Saidani
- Université des Sciences et de la Technologie Hourari Boumediene (USTHB), Faculty of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, BP32, El Alia, Bab Ezzouar 16111, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Djelila Hammoudi-Triki
- Université des Sciences et de la Technologie Hourari Boumediene (USTHB), Faculty of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, BP32, El Alia, Bab Ezzouar 16111, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Fatima Laraba-Djebari
- Université des Sciences et de la Technologie Hourari Boumediene (USTHB), Faculty of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, BP32, El Alia, Bab Ezzouar 16111, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Mary Taub
- Biochemistry Department, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.
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Olvera F, Rosales A, Olvera A, Diaz P, Sevcik C, Salazar V, Alagón A, Hernández H, D'Suze G. An efficient approach to clone and express active Neopladine 2, an anticancer peptide from Tityus discrepans scorpion venom. Process Biochem 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2016.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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D'Suze G, Sandoval M, Sevcik C. Characterizing Tityus discrepans scorpion venom from a fractal perspective: Venom complexity, effects of captivity, sexual dimorphism, differences among species. Toxicon 2015; 108:62-72. [PMID: 26415902 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2015.09.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2015] [Revised: 09/20/2015] [Accepted: 09/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
A characteristic of venom elution patterns, shared with many other complex systems, is that many their features cannot be properly described with statistical or euclidean concepts. The understanding of such systems became possible with Mandelbrot's fractal analysis. Venom elution patterns were produced using the reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with 1 mg of venom. One reason for the lack of quantitative analyses of the sources of venom variability is parametrizing the venom chromatograms' complexity. We quantize this complexity by means of an algorithm which estimates the contortedness (Q) of a waveform. Fractal analysis was used to compare venoms and to measure inter- and intra-specific venom variability. We studied variations in venom complexity derived from gender, seasonal and environmental factors, duration of captivity in the laboratory, technique used to milk venom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina D'Suze
- Laboratory on Cellular Neuropharmacology, Centro de Biofísica y Bioquímica, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Apartado 20632, Caracas 1020A, Venezuela
| | - Moisés Sandoval
- Laboratory on Cellular Neuropharmacology, Centro de Biofísica y Bioquímica, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Apartado 20632, Caracas 1020A, Venezuela
| | - Carlos Sevcik
- Laboratory on Cellular Neuropharmacology, Centro de Biofísica y Bioquímica, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Apartado 20632, Caracas 1020A, Venezuela.
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Beneficial effects of Androctonus australis hector venom and its non-toxic fraction in the restoration of early hepatocyte-carcinogenesis induced by FB1 mycotoxin: Involvement of oxidative biomarkers. Exp Mol Pathol 2015; 99:198-206. [PMID: 26142225 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2015.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2015] [Revised: 06/08/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Some venom components are known to present potential biological activities that are useful as tools in therapeutics. In this study anti-tumoral activity of Androctonus australis hector (Aah) venom and its purified fraction on early step of hepato-carcinogenesis initiated by Fumonisin (FB1), was tested. Initiated hepatic tumor was assessed in mice by decreased doses of Fumonisin B1 associated to phenobarbital. Scorpion venom was used to investigate its activity on initiated tumor by FB1. Evaluation of oxidative unbalance, enzymatic activities and DNA quantification in the liver were correlated with tissue analysis. Obtained results showed that the initiated pathogenesis by FB1 at seven months was characterized by tissue alterations and biomarker variations. These alterations were characterized by atypical lesions such as muffled nucleus, karyo- and cyto-megaly; up normal and large number of nuclei into hepatocytes. These alterations were confirmed by DNA alteration. An unbalance of oxidative status was also observed, characterized by an increased levels of respectively oxidant (NO and MDA) and antioxidant (GSH and catalase activity) mediators. Aah venom and its non-toxic fraction used at low doses seemed to be able to restore partially the hepatic altered tissue induced by FB1. Decreased levels of oxidative and anti-oxidative mediators were also observed. DNA in hepatocytes returned also to the physiological values. Structure of hepatic tissue showed restoration of some alterations such as karyo- and cyto-megaly; decrease of polyploidy hepatocytes induced by FB1. Aah venom and its non-toxic fraction seem to contain some bioactive components with anti-tumoral activity. Purification of this activity from non-toxic fraction F1 could be of interest to identify the components with anti-tumoral activities.
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de Melo ET, Estrela AB, Santos ECG, Machado PRL, Farias KJS, Torres TM, Carvalho E, Lima JPMS, Silva-Júnior AA, Barbosa EG, Fernandes-Pedrosa MDF. Structural characterization of a novel peptide with antimicrobial activity from the venom gland of the scorpion Tityus stigmurus: Stigmurin. Peptides 2015; 68:3-10. [PMID: 25805002 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2015.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Revised: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
A new antimicrobial peptide, herein named Stigmurin, was selected based on a transcriptomic analysis of the Brazilian yellow scorpion Tityus stigmurus venom gland, an underexplored source for toxic peptides with possible biotechnological applications. Stigmurin was investigated in silico, by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, and in vitro. The CD spectra suggested that this peptide interacts with membranes, changing its conformation in the presence of an amphipathic environment, with predominance of random coil and beta-sheet structures. Stigmurin exhibited antibacterial and antifungal activity, with minimal inhibitory concentrations ranging from 8.7 to 69.5μM. It was also showed that Stigmurin is toxic against SiHa and Vero E6 cell lines. The results suggest that Stigmurin can be considered a potential anti-infective drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edinara Targino de Melo
- Laboratório de Tecnologia e Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Andréia Bergamo Estrela
- Laboratório de Tecnologia e Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Taffarel Melo Torres
- Departamento de Ciências Animais, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, Mossoró, RN, Brazil
| | - Enéas Carvalho
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Arnóbio Antonio Silva-Júnior
- Laboratório de Tecnologia e Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | | | - Matheus de Freitas Fernandes-Pedrosa
- Laboratório de Tecnologia e Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil.
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Ortiz E, Gurrola GB, Schwartz EF, Possani LD. Scorpion venom components as potential candidates for drug development. Toxicon 2015; 93:125-35. [PMID: 25432067 PMCID: PMC7130864 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2014.11.233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 214] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2014] [Accepted: 11/25/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Scorpions are well known for their dangerous stings that can result in severe consequences for human beings, including death. Neurotoxins present in their venoms are responsible for their toxicity. Due to their medical relevance, toxins have been the driving force in the scorpion natural compounds research field. On the other hand, for thousands of years, scorpions and their venoms have been applied in traditional medicine, mainly in Asia and Africa. With the remarkable growth in the number of characterized scorpion venom components, several drug candidates have been found with the potential to tackle many of the emerging global medical threats. Scorpions have become a valuable source of biologically active molecules, from novel antibiotics to potential anticancer therapeutics. Other venom components have drawn attention as useful scaffolds for the development of drugs. This review summarizes the most promising candidates for drug development that have been isolated from scorpion venoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto Ortiz
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autonóma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico
| | - Georgina B Gurrola
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autonóma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico
| | - Elisabeth Ferroni Schwartz
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil
| | - Lourival D Possani
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autonóma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico.
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Ebrahim K, Shirazi FH, Vatanpour H, Zare A, Kobarfard F, Rabiei H. Anticancer Activity of Cobra Venom Polypeptide, Cytotoxin-II, against Human Breast Adenocarcinoma Cell Line (MCF-7) via the Induction of Apoptosis. J Breast Cancer 2014; 17:314-22. [PMID: 25548578 PMCID: PMC4278049 DOI: 10.4048/jbc.2014.17.4.314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2014] [Accepted: 11/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Breast cancer is a significant health problem worldwide, accounting for a quarter of all cancer diagnoses in women. Current strategies for breast cancer treatment are not fully effective, and there is substantial interest in the identification of novel anticancer agents especially from natural products including toxins. Cytotoxins are polypeptides found in the venom of cobras and have various physiological effects. In the present study, the anticancer potential of cytotoxin-II against the human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF-7) was investigated. Methods The cytotoxic effects of cytotoxin-II were determined by morphological analysis and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The mode and mechanism of cell death were investigated via acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EtBr) double staining, flow cytometric analysis of cell death, detection of mitochondrial membrane potential, measurement of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), annexin V/propidium iodide staining, and caspase-9 activity assays. Results The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of cytotoxin-II in MCF-7 cells was 4.18±1.23 µg/mL, while the value for cisplatin was approximately 28.02±1.87 µg/mL. Morphological analysis and AO/EtBr double staining showed typical manifestations of apoptotic cell death (in doses lower than 8 µg/mL). Dose- and time-dependent ROS generation, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, caspase-9 activation, and cell cycle arrest were observed in their respective tests. Conclusion In conclusion, cytotoxin-II has potent anticancer effects in the MCF-7 cell line, which are induced via the intrinsic pathways of apoptosis. Based on these findings, cytotoxin-II is a suitable choice for breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim Ebrahim
- Department of Toxicology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences School of Pharmacy, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farshad H Shirazi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hosein Vatanpour
- Department of Toxicology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences School of Pharmacy, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abas Zare
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Karaj, Iran
| | - Farzad Kobarfard
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences School of Pharmacy, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hadi Rabiei
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Karaj, Iran
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Díaz P, D'Suze G, Sevcik C. Ability of horse anti-Tityus discrepans F(ab')2 ELISA assay to recognize Tityus discrepans venom toxins. Toxicon 2014; 88:88-92. [PMID: 24932739 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2014.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2014] [Revised: 05/29/2014] [Accepted: 06/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Anti-Tityus discrepans F(ab')2 ELISA recognition of T. discrepans toxins was measured with regression analysis and its slope called ELISA recognition value (ERv). Fractions containing toxins affecting mammal macrophages or Na(+)-channels have Ervs >19. Toxins affecting potassium channels or insect NaV channels have ERvs <10. Fractions including curarizing or antineoplasic peptides had ERvs <1. Erv increases in proportion to mammalian toxin toxicity rather than to toxin molecular mass.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Díaz
- Laboratory on Cellular Neuropharmacology, Centro de Biofísica y Bioquímica, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Apdo. 20632, 1020A Caracas, Miranda, Venezuela
| | - G D'Suze
- Laboratory on Cellular Neuropharmacology, Centro de Biofísica y Bioquímica, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Apdo. 20632, 1020A Caracas, Miranda, Venezuela.
| | - C Sevcik
- Laboratory on Cellular Neuropharmacology, Centro de Biofísica y Bioquímica, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Apdo. 20632, 1020A Caracas, Miranda, Venezuela
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Ding J, Chua PJ, Bay BH, Gopalakrishnakone P. Scorpion venoms as a potential source of novel cancer therapeutic compounds. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2014; 239:387-93. [PMID: 24599885 DOI: 10.1177/1535370213513991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpions and their venoms have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years in China, India and Africa. The scorpion venom is a highly complex mixture of salts, nucleotides, biogenic amines, enzymes, mucoproteins, as well as peptides and proteins (e.g. neurotoxins). One of the recently observed biological properties of animal venoms and toxins is that they possess anticancer potential. An increasing number of studies have shown that scorpion venoms and toxins can decrease cancer growth, induce apoptosis and inhibit cancer progression and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Several active molecules with anticancer activities, ranging from inhibition of proliferation and cell cycle arrest to induction of apoptosis and decreasing cell migration and invasion, have been isolated from scorpion venoms. These observations have shed light on the application of scorpion venoms and toxins as potential novel cancer therapeutics. This mini-review focuses on the anticancer potential of scorpion venoms and toxins and the possible mechanisms for their antitumor activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Ding
- Venom and Toxin Research Programme, Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117 597
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Caliskan F, Ergene E, Sogut I, Hatipoglu I, Basalp A, Sivas H, Kanbak G. Biological assays on the effects of Acra3 peptide from Turkish scorpion Androctonus crassicauda venom on a mouse brain tumor cell line (BC3H1) and production of specific monoclonal antibodies. Toxicon 2013; 76:350-61. [PMID: 24055552 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2013.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2013] [Revised: 09/08/2013] [Accepted: 09/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Constitutes of the venom scorpion are a rich source of low molecular mass peptides which are toxic to various organisms, including man. Androctonus crassicauda is one of the scorpions from the Southeastern Anatolia of Turkey with public health importance. This work is focused on the investigation of biological effects of Acra3 peptide from Androctonus crassicauda. For this purpose, Acra3 isolated from crude venoms was tested for its cytotoxicity on BC3H1 mouse brain tumor cells using tetrazolium salt cleavage and lactate dehydrogenase activity assays. To determine whether the cytotoxic effects of Acra3 was related to the induction of apoptosis, the morphology of the cells and the nuclear fragmentation was examined by using Acridin Orange staining and DNA fragmentation assay, respectively. Caspase 3 and caspase 9 activities were measured spectrophotometrically and flow cytometric assay was performed using Annexin-V FITC and Propidium Iodide staining. Furthermore toxic peptide Acra3 was used as an antigen for immunological studies. Results showed that Acra3 exerted very strong cytotoxic effect on BC3H1 cells with an IC50 value of 5 μg/ml. Exposure of the cells to 0.1 and 0.5 μg/ml was resulted in very strong appearance of the apoptotic morphology in a dose dependent manner. On the other side, not any DNA fragmentation was observed after treatment of the cells. Caspase 3 and 9 activities were slightly decreased with Acra3. Results from flow cytometry and lactate dehydrogenase activity assays indicate that Acra3 exerts its effects by inducing a stronger necrosis than apoptosis in BC3H1 cells. To evaluate its immunogenicity, monoclonal antibody (MAb) specific for Acra3 antigen (5B9) was developed by hybridoma technology using spleen and lymph nodes of mice and immunoglobulin type of antibody was found to be IgM. We suggest that Acra3 may exert its effects by inducing both necrotic and apoptotic pathway in some way on mouse brain tumor cells. These findings will be useful for understanding the mechanism of cell death caused by venom in vitro. Anti-Acra3 monoclonal antibody can be further used as a bioactive tools for exploring the structure/function relationship and the pharmacological mechanism of scorpion peptide neurotoxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Figen Caliskan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Art, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey.
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Contreras-Ortiz JME, Vázquez-Chagoyán JC, Martínez-Castañeda JS, Estrada-Franco JG, Aparicio-Burgos JE, Acosta-Dibarrat J, Barbabosa-Pliego A. Resistance of cervical adenocarcinoma cells (HeLa) to venom from the scorpion Centruroides limpidus limpidus. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2013; 19:20. [PMID: 24004568 PMCID: PMC3844314 DOI: 10.1186/1678-9199-19-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2013] [Accepted: 08/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The venom of Centruroides limpidus limpidus (Cll) is a mixture of pharmacologically active principles. The most important of these are toxic proteins that interact both selectively and specifically with different cellular targets such as ion channels. Recently, anticancer properties of the venom from other scorpion species have been described. Studies in vitro have shown that scorpion venom induces cell death, inhibits proliferation and triggers the apoptotic pathway in different cancer cell lines. Herein, after treating human cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa) cells with Cll crude venom, their cytotoxic activity and apoptosis induction were assessed. RESULTS Cll crude venom induced cell death in normal macrophages in a dose-dependent manner. However, through viability assays, HeLa cells showed high survival rates after exposure to Cll venom. Also, Cll venom did not induce apoptosis after performing ethidium bromide/acridine orange assays, nor was there any evidence of chromatin condensation or DNA fragmentation. CONCLUSIONS Crude Cll venom exposure was not detrimental to HeLa cell cultures. This may be partially attributable to the absence of specific HeLa cell membrane targets for molecules present in the venom of Centruroides limpidus limpidus. Although these results might discourage additional studies exploring the potential of Cll venom to treat human papilloma cervical cancer, further research is required to explore positive effects of crude Cll venom on other cancer cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- José María Eloy Contreras-Ortiz
- Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados en Salud Animal (CIESA), Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia (FMVZ), Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México (UAEM), Carretera Panamericana Toluca-Atlacomulco, km 15.5, código postal 50200, Toluca, México
| | - Juan Carlos Vázquez-Chagoyán
- Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados en Salud Animal (CIESA), Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia (FMVZ), Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México (UAEM), Carretera Panamericana Toluca-Atlacomulco, km 15.5, código postal 50200, Toluca, México
| | - José Simón Martínez-Castañeda
- Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados en Salud Animal (CIESA), Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia (FMVZ), Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México (UAEM), Carretera Panamericana Toluca-Atlacomulco, km 15.5, código postal 50200, Toluca, México
| | - José Guillermo Estrada-Franco
- Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados en Salud Animal (CIESA), Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia (FMVZ), Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México (UAEM), Carretera Panamericana Toluca-Atlacomulco, km 15.5, código postal 50200, Toluca, México
| | - José Esteban Aparicio-Burgos
- Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados en Salud Animal (CIESA), Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia (FMVZ), Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México (UAEM), Carretera Panamericana Toluca-Atlacomulco, km 15.5, código postal 50200, Toluca, México
| | - Jorge Acosta-Dibarrat
- Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados en Salud Animal (CIESA), Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia (FMVZ), Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México (UAEM), Carretera Panamericana Toluca-Atlacomulco, km 15.5, código postal 50200, Toluca, México
| | - Alberto Barbabosa-Pliego
- Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados en Salud Animal (CIESA), Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia (FMVZ), Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México (UAEM), Carretera Panamericana Toluca-Atlacomulco, km 15.5, código postal 50200, Toluca, México
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Das Gupta S, Halder B, Gomes A, Gomes A. Bengalin initiates autophagic cell death through ERK–MAPK pathway following suppression of apoptosis in human leukemic U937 cells. Life Sci 2013; 93:271-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2013.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2012] [Revised: 05/29/2013] [Accepted: 06/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Morgan C, Nigam Y. Naturally derived factors and their role in the promotion of angiogenesis for the healing of chronic wounds. Angiogenesis 2013; 16:493-502. [DOI: 10.1007/s10456-013-9341-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2012] [Accepted: 02/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Song X, Zhang G, Sun A, Guo J, Tian Z, Wang H, Liu Y. Scorpion venom component III inhibits cell proliferation by modulating NF-κB activation in human leukemia cells. Exp Ther Med 2012; 4:146-150. [PMID: 23060939 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2012.548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2011] [Accepted: 04/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpion venom contains various groups of compounds that exhibit anticancer activity against a variety of malignancies through a poorly understood mechanism. While the aberrant activation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) has been linked with hematopoietic malignancies, we hypothesized that scorpion venom mediates its effects by modulating the NF-κB signaling pathway. In the present study, we examined the effects of scorpion venom component III (SVCIII) on the human leukemia cell lines THP-1 and Jurkat and focused on the NF-κB signaling pathway. Our results showed that SVCIII inhibited cell proliferation, caused cell cycle arrest at G1 phase and inhibited the expression of cell cycle regulatory protein cyclin D1 in a dose-dependent manner in THP-1 and Jurkat cells. SVCIII also suppressed the constitutive NF-κB activation through inhibition of the phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα. NF-κB luciferase reporter activity was also inhibited by SVCIII. Our data suggest that SVCIII, a natural compound, may exert its antiproliferative effects by inhibiting the activation of NF-κB and, thus, has potential use in the treatment of hematopoietic malignancies, alone or in combination with other agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangfeng Song
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou; ; Department of Immunology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang
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