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Enhancement of radiation response by scorpion venom in colorectal cancer cells: An in vitro study
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N. Chegeni   , R. Moghadas Ghahfarokhi , M. Mahdavinia , A. Karimi , N. Neisi , Z. Salehnia , S. Farhadi Shehni , O. Azadbakht |
| Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran , omidazadbakht68@gmail.com |
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Abstract: (41 Views) |
Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a highly prevalent malignancy, with conventional treatments often challenged by resistance. Mesobuthus eupeus venom (MEV), recognized for its cytotoxicity against cancer cells, was investigated in this study as a novel adjuvant to CRC radiotherapy, with the hypothesis of enhancing its effectiveness. Materials and Methods: MEV was extracted and fractionated, and its protein content was determined. Human colorectal carcinoma (HT-29) cells were then exposed to varying concentrations of MEV fractions, both alone and combined with X-radiation (2, 4, and 6Gy). Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay, and clonogenicity was analyzed via clonogenicity assays. Apoptosis induction was analyzed using flow cytometry. Results: MEV significantly reduced HT-29 cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, achieving an IC50 value of 0.2μg/ml at 48 hours. Crucially, combining MEV with radiation led to a marked decrease in colony formation compared to radiation alone. For instance, the combination of MEV with 6Gy radiation resulted in a colony formation rate of 38.9 ± 8.7%, indicating approximately a 30% increase in efficacy compared to radiation alone. Flow cytometry further confirmed a significant increase in apoptosis in CRC cells when MEV was combined with radiation (approximately 48.3% apoptosis in the MEV+2Gy group vs. 27.6% with 2Gy alone). This underscores a synergistic interaction between the two treatments. Conclusion: MEV holds promise as a potential adjuvant to radiotherapy for CRC. The observed synergistic effect suggests MEV could enhance radiotherapy efficacy by sensitizing cancer cells and potentially overcoming treatment resistance. Further investigation into its underlying mechanisms and utility in preclinical and clinical settings is warranted. |
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| Keywords: Mesobuthus eupeus venom (MEV), colorectal cancer (CRC), radiation, cell viability, apoptosis. |
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Full-Text [PDF 1107 kb]
(6 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Original Research |
Subject:
Radiation Biology
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