Investigating the Effects of Hemiscorpius Lepturus Scorpion Venom on Survival, Apoptosis, Nitric Oxide Release, Poly (ADP-ribose) Polymerase Level and Adenomatous Polyposis Coli Gene Expression in Colorectal Cancer Cell Line

Abstract

Introduction: Some scorpion venoms contain compounds with potential anti-cancer properties. Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in women and the third most common in men. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Hemiscorpius lepturus scorpion venom on the HT-29 colorectal cancer cell line.

Methods: The effect of scorpion venom on the survival of cancer cells and fibroblasts was investigated using the MTT method. APC gene expression level were determined by Real-time PCR. PPAR protein levels were measured by ELISA, and nitric oxide secretion was assessed using the Griess reaction.

Results: The viability of HT-29 cells and fibroblasts decreased significantly after 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours of treatment, depending on the concentration of scorpion venom and the duration of exposure (P≤0.05). The IC50 value for cancer cells was higher than that for fibroblast cells. The lactate dehydrogenase assay indicated that this decrease in viability was associated with the loss of cell membrane integrity. Treatment with the IC50 concentration of scorpion venom induced a significant increase in apoptosis and APC gene expression P≤0.05 while significantly decreasing PARP protein levels and nitric oxide production P≤0.05.

Conclusion: Based on the findings of the present study, it can be recommended that Hemiscorpius lepturus scorpion venom has cytotoxic effects through the stimulation of apoptosis. Additionally, it exerts anti-colorectal cancer effects by reducing APC gene expression and PARP protein levels.