In vivo anti-tumor effect of Egyptian scorpion Leiurus quinquestriatus venom in Ehrlich ascites carcinomabearing mice

Purpose: To investigate the anti-tumor efficacy of scorpion Leiurus quinquestriatus venom (LQV) in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) mouse model.Methods: Mice were divided into 4 groups (n = 8), with Group 1 as negative control. Groups 2 to 4 mice were inoculated with EAC cells (1 x 106/mouse) intraperitoneally (ip). Group 2 mice were untreated while groups 3 and 4 mice were injected with 2 mg/kg of cisplatin (Cis) and 0.025 mg/kg of LQV ip, respectively, for 7 days. Tumor profile, as well as hematological and biochemical analyses were carried out.Results: Tumor volume and tumor cell counts decreased significantly (p < 0.05) following LQV treatment. Also, LQV potentiated necrosis, apoptosis and arrested tumor cells in the G0 and S-phases. Furthermore, it upregulated apoptotic-related gene (Bax and caspase-3) expressions and down-regulated anti-apoptotic gene (bcl-2) expression in EAC cells (p < 0.05).Conclusion: LQV has potential anti-tumor activity against EAC cells in mouse models. Therefore, it should be further investigated in vivo as an anti-tumor agent.