Effects of spider Macrothele raven venom on cell proliferation and cytotoxicity in HeLa cells.

Abstract

AIM:

To examine the effect of venom from the spider Macrothele raven on cell proliferation and cytotoxicity in human cervical carcinoma, HeLa cells.

METHODS:

Morphological and biochemical signs of apoptosis appeared using acridine orange-ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining. Marked morphological changes in HeLa cells after treatment with spider venom were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Cell proliferation and cytotoxicity were determined by [methyl-3H] thymidine assay ([3H]TdR) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, respectively. DNA fragmentation and cell cycle distribution were monitored using flow cytometry. In addition, Western blot analysis was used to evaluate the level of caspase-3 expression. In vivo examination of the inhibition of the size of tumors in nude mice treated with spider venom was measured.

RESULTS:

Marked morphological changes were observed using AO/EB staining, SEM and TEM assay. Spider venom at concentrations of 10-40 mg/L caused dose- and time-dependent inhibition of HeLa cell proliferation. The ratio of apoptosis and necrosis increased. The activity of caspase-3 was upregulated after spider venom treatment. In vivo study of tumor size revealed that tumors significantly decreased in size from controls to tumors treated for 3 weeks with spider venom (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION:

The inhibition of HeLa cells by the venom of the spider Macrothele raveni was carried out in three ways: induction of apoptosis, necrosis of toxicity damage and direct lysis. Spider venom is a novel anti-tumor material both in vitro and in vivo.

• Authors: Li Gao, Bao-en Shan, Jing Chen, Jian-hui Liu, Da-xiang Song, Bao-cheng Zhu
• Journal: Acta pharmacologica Sinica (Acta Pharmacol Sin) Vol. 26 Issue 3 Pg. 369-76 (Mar 2005) ISSN: 1671-4083 [Print] United States
• PMID: 15715936 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Antineoplastic Agents
• Spider Venoms
• CASP3 protein, human
• Casp3 protein, mouse
• Caspase 3
• Caspases

Topics

• Animals
• Antineoplastic Agents (pharmacology)
• Apoptosis (drug effects)
• Caspase 3
• Caspases (metabolism)
• Cell Cycle (drug effects)
• Cell Proliferation (drug effects)
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Female
• HeLa Cells
• Humans
• Mice
• Mice, Nude
• Neoplasm Transplantation
• Spider Venoms (pharmacology)
• Uterine Cervical Neoplasms (pathology)