Rhopalurus junceus scorpion venom induces antitumor effect in vitro and in vivo against a murine mammary adenocarcinoma model

Abstract

Objective(s): In Cuba the endemic scorpion species Rhopalurus junceus has been used in traditional medicine for cancer treatment and related diseases. However there is no scientific evidence about its therapeutic potential for cancer treatment. The aim of the study was to determine the antitumor effect of scorpion venom against a murine mammary adenocarcinoma F3II. Materials and Methods: The cytotoxic activity was determined by MTT assay with venom concentrations ranging from 0.1–1 mg/ml. Apoptosis was determined by RT-PCR and flow cytometry. Toxic effect in healthy animals and tumor growth kinetics in F3II bearing-mice were evaluated by using scorpion venom doses (0.2; 0.8; 3.2 mg/kg) after one and ten injections respectively by the intraperitoneal route. Results: Scorpion venom induced a significant cytotoxic effect (P

Keywords

• Antitumor
• Apoptosis
• Cytotoxicity
• Murine mammary adenocarcinoma
• Scorpion venom