Anti-tumor Effect of Calloselasma rhodostoma Venom on Human Breast Cancer Cell Line

Abstract

Aim: Breast cancer is a major health issue for women worldwide. The potential anti-tumor effect of snake venom, has been studied and evidences showed reducing tumor size and inhibition of angiogenesis. Present study aims to study the antitumor effect of Calloselasma rhodostoma venom on MDA-MB-231 cells. Methods: The morphological changes of venom-treated MDA-MB-231 and MCF-10A cells in various incubation time were studied. Cytotoxicity of the venom on both cell lines were determined using Cytotoxicity 96® Non-radioactive cytotoxicity assay. Results: Based on the morphology study and cytotoxicity assay study, MDA-MB-231 cells were killed at venom concentration of 10 µg/ml, started at 12 h post treatment and significant killing dose at venom concentration of 20 µg/ml. Cell morphology study of MCF-10A showed that the cells were also killed at venom concentration of 10 µg/ml, started at 12 h post. However, viable MCF-10A cells were observed 48 h post treatment. Conclusion: C. rhodostoma venom can kills both non-tumorgenic breast cells MCF-10A and tumorgenic breast cancer cells MDA-MB-231. However, the venom kills MDA-MB-231 cells at lower concentration than MCF-10A cells. More studies are needed to study antitumor effect of the venom.