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Published on: February 23, 2020
[Effects of the spider venom on proliferation of human lung adenocarcinoma cell A549]
Zengxiang Hu1, Yulei Du, Quanxi Liu
1Department of the First Internal Medicine, 260th Hospital of PLA, Shijiazhuang, China. huzx429@sohu.com
Background And Objective:
The spider venom may inspire new drugs to treat cancer. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects and mechanisms of spider venom on lung adenocarcinoma cell A549.
Methods:
The proliferation of lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells was detected by MTT. The apoptosis rate was observed with MTT assay and flow cytometer. The activity of catalase was detected by colorimetry. The malondialdehyde (MDA) content was determined by improved thiobarbituric acid fluorometric method. The expression of P38MAPK protein was analyzed with Western blot.
Results:
Spider venom can remarkably inhibite the proliferation of lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells, increased activity of catalase and MDA content, down-regulated expression of P38MAPK compared with the control group.
Conclusions:
The reduced proliferation of lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells by spider venom is may be associated with the increased of activity of catalase and MDA content and decreased expression of P38MAPK.
Insights
Spider venom inhibits lung cancer cell growth by increasing catalase and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and decreasing P38MAPK expression. This research explores novel cancer treatment avenues using natural compounds.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Oncology
Background:
- Spider venom components show potential for novel anti-cancer drug development.
- Lung adenocarcinoma is a significant form of lung cancer requiring new therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anti-cancer effects of spider venom on lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of spider venom's action, focusing on oxidative stress and specific signaling pathways.
Main Methods:
- Cell proliferation assessed using MTT assay.
- Apoptosis rates determined via MTT assay and flow cytometry.
- Catalase activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and P38MAPK protein expression were quantified.
Main Results:
- Spider venom significantly inhibited A549 cell proliferation.
- Elevated catalase activity and MDA content were observed in venom-treated cells.
- Down-regulation of P38MAPK protein expression was noted post-venom treatment.
Conclusions:
- Spider venom's anti-proliferative effect on lung adenocarcinoma cells is linked to enhanced catalase and MDA levels.
- The observed effects may involve the modulation of the P38MAPK signaling pathway.
