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

Al‑Asmari,Abdulrahman  Khazim; Islam,Mozaffarul; Al‑Zahrani,Ali  Mater

doi:10.3892/ol.2015.4036

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

Authors:
- Abdulrahman Khazim Al‑Asmari
- Mozaffarul Islam
- Ali Mater Al‑Zahrani
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Affiliations: Research Center, Prince Sultan Military Medical City Hospital, Riyadh 11159, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Department of Oncology, Prince Sultan Military Medical City Hospital, Riyadh 11159, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Published online on: December 15, 2015 https://doi.org/10.3892/ol.2015.4036
Pages: 1256-1262

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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.

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