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Antitumor effect of Bothrops jararaca venom
Reinaldo J da Silva1, Márcia G da Silva, Lízia C Vilela
1Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brasil.
Mediators of Inflammation
|June 14, 2002
Summary
This study shows that Bothrops jararaca venom (BjV) effectively inhibits tumor growth in mice and increases survival time. BjV also demonstrated a dose-dependent toxic effect on cancer cells in vitro, indicating its potential as an antitumor agent.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Toxicology
- Oncology
Background:
- Snake venoms have been explored for cancer treatment with mixed results.
- The antitumor potential of Bothrops jararaca venom (BjV) requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vivo and in vitro effects of Bothrops jararaca venom (BjV) on Ehrlich ascites tumor (EAT) cells.
Main Methods:
- In vivo: Swiss mice inoculated with EAT cells were treated with BjV (0.4 mg/kg, i.p.) over 14 days. Cell counts and survival were monitored.
- In vitro: EAT and normal peritoneal cells were exposed to varying BjV concentrations (2.5-80 µg) for 3-24 hours. Cell viability was assessed.
Main Results:
- In vivo, BjV treatment inhibited tumor growth, increased survival time, reduced mortality, and elevated polymorphonuclear leukocytes.
- In vitro, BjV exhibited a dose-dependent toxicity against both EAT and normal peritoneal cells, with greater impact on peritoneal cells.
Conclusions:
- Bothrops jararaca venom demonstrates significant antitumor effects in vivo.
- This study provides the first evidence of the in vivo antitumor activity of BjV.