Abstract
Background: Melittin has shown antiproliferative effects on tumor cells. Therefore, it comprises a valuable compound for studies on cancer treatment. To the best of our knowledge, no studies have reported melittin effects on bone metastasis. Herein, we propose an approach based on intrametastatic melittin injection to treat bone metastases in colorectal cancer. Methods: Following the characterization of melittin and antiproliferative tests in vitro, a single dose was injected through intrametastatic route into the mouse bone metastasis model. Following treatment, metastasis growth was evaluated. Results: A single dose of melittin was able to inhibit metastasis growth. Histological analysis showed necrosis and inflammatory processes in melittin-treated metastasis. Except by mild weight loss, no other systemic effects were observed. Conclusion: Our data suggest that melittin might be a promising agent for the future development of treatment strategies aiming to reduce the bone metastasis skeletal-related impact in colorectal cancer patients with bone metastasis.
Highlights
Melittin has shown antiproliferative effects on tumor cells
The MTT assay showed that melittin inhibited HT-29 proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner, decreasing the initial cell number by about 20 % (Figure 1B)
On day 20, the day after melittin injection, local inflammation was observed (Figure 2B), and in the last day of the experiment it was possible to see a tumor reduction by visual inspection (Figure 2C) in animals treated with melittin
Summary
Melittin has shown antiproliferative effects on tumor cells. It comprises a valuable compound for studies on cancer treatment. To the best of our knowledge, no studies have reported melittin effects on bone metastasis. According to a cancer report published by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2020, more than 18 million cancer cases were registered worldwide in 2018. Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally, despite all efforts in screening, early detection, and recent advances in treatment modalities [2]. Given the heterogeneity of metastatic tumors, predicting metastatic survival outcomes remains challenging. The therapy is focused on the patients’ quality of life increase by reducing bone metastasis skeletal-related impact [4]. WHO defines quality of life as “an individual’s perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards and concerns” [5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical Diseases
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
