Effect of spider venom on cell apoptosis and necrosis rates in MCF-7 cells
Li Gao1, Shuhong Yu, Yuefeng Wu
1College of Life Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of antitumor activity of the venom from the spider Macrothele raven (Araneae, Hexathelidae) on the human breast carcinoma cell line, MCF-7. The spider venom affected cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner as observed by [(3)H]-methyl thymidine incorporation assay. Cytotoxicity changes in MCF-7 cells caused by the spider venom at concentrations of 10, 20, and 40 mug/mL were determined by lactate dehydrogenase release assay. Flow cytometry showed that the spider venom induced apoptosis and necrosis of MCF-7 cells at these concentrations. MCF-7 cells treated with spider venom were accumulated on the G(2)/M and G(0)/G(1) phases. In addition, Western blotting analysis indicated that one of the pharmacological mechanisms of spider venom was to activate the expression of p21. In vivo examination of the inhibition of tumor growth in nude mice by the spider venom (at concentrations of 1.6, 1.8, and 2.0 mug/g mice) revealed that tumor size significantly decreased compared to controls by 21 days of treatment and at all points of analysis thereafter for 7 weeks (p < 0.01). We thus propose that the in vivo and in vitro effects of the spider venom can be possibly estimated.
Insights
Spider venom from Macrothele raven exhibits significant antitumor activity against human breast cancer cells. This venom effectively reduced tumor growth in vivo and induced cell death in vitro, suggesting therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Oncology
Background:
- Spider venoms are a rich source of bioactive compounds.
- Investigating novel antitumor agents is crucial for cancer therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antitumor effects of Macrothele raven spider venom on human breast carcinoma (MCF-7) cells.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the venom's cytotoxic activity.
Main Methods:
- In vitro assays: [(3)H]-methyl thymidine incorporation, lactate dehydrogenase release, flow cytometry, and Western blotting.
- In vivo studies: Tumor growth inhibition in nude mice.
Main Results:
- Spider venom demonstrated dose- and time-dependent cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cells.
- Venom induced apoptosis and necrosis, arresting cell cycle at G(2)/M and G(0)/G(1) phases.
- In vivo, venom significantly reduced tumor size in mice (p < 0.01).
- Western blotting revealed p21 expression activation.
Conclusions:
- Macrothele raven spider venom possesses potent antitumor properties.
- The venom's mechanism involves inducing cell death and cell cycle arrest.
- Spider venom shows promise as a potential therapeutic agent for breast cancer.
