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Scorpion and Frog Organ Lysates are Potential Source of Antitumour Activity
Morhanavallee Soopramanien1, Naveed Ahmed Khan2, Sumayah Abdelnasir Osman Abdalla1
1Department of Biological Sciences, Sunway University, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia.
Objectives:
It is noteworthy that several animal species are known to withstand high levels of radiation, and are exposed to heavy metals but rarely been reported to develop cancer. For example, the scorpion has been used as folk medicine in ancient civilizations of Iran and China, while amphibian skin is known to possess medicinal properties. Here, we elucidated the anti-tumour activity of the scorpion (Uropygi) and frog (Lithobates catesbeianus).
Materials And Methods:
Animals were procured and their organ lysates and sera were prepared and tested against Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 breast cancer (MCF-7), prostate cancer (PC3), Henrietta Lacks cervical cancer (HeLa), and normal human keratinocyte cells. Exoskeleton, appendages and hepatopancreas were dissected from the scorpion, whereas liver, lungs, heart, oviduct, gastrointestinal tract, gall bladder, kidneys, eggs and sera were collected from frog and organ lysates/sera were prepared. Growth inhibition assays and cytotoxicity assays were performed.
Results:
Appendages, exoskeleton lysates, and hepatopancreas from scorpion exhibited potent growth inhibition, and cytotoxic effects. Furthermore, lungs, liver, gastrointestinal tract, heart, oviduct, kidneys, eggs, and sera from frog displayed growth inhibition and cytotoxic effects.
Conclusion:
Organ lysates, sera of scorpion, and amphibians possess anti-tumour activities. This is a worthy area of research as the molecular identity of the active molecule(s) together with their mechanism of action will lead to the rational development of novel anticancer agent(s).
Insights
Scorpion and amphibian organ extracts show potent anti-tumor activity against breast, prostate, and cervical cancer cells. This research opens avenues for developing novel anticancer agents from natural sources.
Area of Science:
- Zoology
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Certain animals exhibit remarkable resistance to environmental stressors like radiation and heavy metals, rarely developing cancer.
- Traditional medicine has historically utilized scorpions and amphibians for their purported medicinal properties.
- Understanding these natural resistances may reveal novel therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anti-tumor potential of scorpion (Uropygi) and frog (Lithobates catesbeianus) organ lysates and sera.
- To evaluate the cytotoxic and growth inhibitory effects of these natural extracts on various cancer cell lines.
Main Methods:
- Organ tissues and sera were collected from scorpions and frogs.
- Lysates were prepared from dissected scorpion exoskeletons, appendages, and hepatopancreas.
- Frog organs including liver, lungs, heart, and others were processed, and all samples were tested against Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) breast, prostate cancer (PC3), and Henrietta Lacks (HeLa) cervical cancer cells using growth inhibition and cytotoxicity assays.
Main Results:
- Scorpion appendages, exoskeleton lysates, and hepatopancreas demonstrated significant growth inhibition and cytotoxic effects on cancer cells.
- Frog organ lysates and sera, including those from the lungs, liver, and gastrointestinal tract, also exhibited potent anti-tumor properties.
- Both scorpion and frog extracts were effective against MCF-7, PC3, and HeLa cancer cell lines.
Conclusions:
- Organ lysates and sera derived from scorpions and amphibians possess significant anti-tumor activities.
- Identifying the specific molecules and their mechanisms of action is crucial for developing new anticancer drugs.
- This study highlights the potential of natural products from invertebrates and amphibians as a source for novel anti-cancer therapeutics.
