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In-Vitro Anticancer and Antioxidant Activities of Eremina desertorum (Forsskal, 1775) Snail Mucin
Shimaa Attia Atta1, Amina Mohamed Ibrahim2, Fayed Attia Koutb Megahed3
1Department of Immunology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt.
Objectives:
The aim of the present research is to elucidate the anti-oxidant and anti-tumor activities of the mucin extracted from Ereminia desertorum snails´ mucus against two types of tumor cell lines; human colon adenocarcinoma (CACO-2) cells and human hepatoma (HepG-2) cells.
Methods:
Both cell lines were treated with Ereminia desertorum snails´ mucin and the oxidative markers were measured in culture media and cells by biochemical and gene expression analysis using RT-PCR. The tumor suppressor gene expression was also evaluated using RT-PCR.
Results:
The culture media of HepG-2 or CACO-2 cells treated with the extract have high significant increased levels of catalase, SOD, GSH and total antioxidants. Apart from SOD in CACO-2 cells that didn't differ from untreated cells. Also, Gene expression levels (2^-ddct) of the antioxidant markers in HepG-2 cells; GSTA-1, catalase, SOD, and GPx increased in mucin- treated cells. Also, these antioxidant genetic markers were up-regulated in CACO-2 cells by treatment with mucin extract. Gene expression levels (2^-ddct) of tumor suppression genes (p53, Rb, APC, and PTEN) in both HepG-2 and CaCO-2 cells were increased in mucin extract-treated cells.
Conclusion:
The present study highlighted the anti-oxidant and the anti-cancer activities of the mucin extracted from E. desertorum snails´ mucus that could attract attention to such natural product as a possible source of therapeutic compounds against liver and colon cancers.
Insights
Mucin from Ereminia desertorum snail mucus exhibits significant antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. This natural compound shows potential for developing new therapies against colon and liver cancers.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Snails produce mucus with potential therapeutic properties.
- Ereminia desertorum snail mucus contains mucin with unexplored bioactivities.
- Cancer remains a significant global health challenge requiring novel therapeutic agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antioxidant and anti-tumor effects of Ereminia desertorum snail mucin.
- To evaluate mucin's impact on oxidative stress markers and tumor suppressor genes.
- To assess mucin's efficacy against human colon adenocarcinoma (CACO-2) and hepatoma (HepG-2) cell lines.
Main Methods:
- Treatment of CACO-2 and HepG-2 cell lines with Ereminia desertorum snail mucin.
- Measurement of oxidative stress markers (catalase, SOD, GSH) via biochemical assays.
- Evaluation of antioxidant and tumor suppressor gene expression using RT-PCR.
Main Results:
- Mucin treatment significantly increased antioxidant levels (catalase, SOD, GSH, total antioxidants) in both cell lines.
- Gene expression analysis revealed upregulation of antioxidant markers (GSTA-1, catalase, SOD, GPx) in mucin-treated cells.
- Tumor suppressor gene expression (p53, Rb, APC, PTEN) was elevated in both HepG-2 and CACO-2 cells post-mucin treatment.
Conclusions:
- Ereminia desertorum snail mucin demonstrates potent antioxidant and anti-cancer activities.
- The mucin extract shows promise as a natural therapeutic agent for liver and colon cancers.
- Further research into snail mucin could lead to novel cancer treatment strategies.
