Abstract
Molluscs are one of the sources of biologically active substances, which are now intensively studied, especially for their anti-cancer properties. Malignant melanoma originates from melanocytes, develops very quickly and is associated with poor prognosis. Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess the properties of biologically active compounds in sterile mucus isolated from slugs Limax maximus and Arion rufus. Tested mucus were isolated using the new self-developed method which is safe for the environment and the animal donors. The impact of the mucus on human keratinocytes CCD 1106 KERTr and malignant melanoma cells A-375 was examined using MTT assay and SRB assay, which allowed us to determine the cell metabolic activity and cell number after treating them with slug mucus isolated from Limax maximus and Arion rufus decreased human keratinocytes and melanoma cells metabolic activity as well as manifested properties of reducing the number of cells in both tested cell lines, and therefore can be a source of biologically active substances with anticancer potential.
Highlights
Molluscs are one of the sources of biologically active substances, which are intensively studied, especially for their anti-cancer properties
The results indicate that a 4 mg/mL concentration of mucus decreased the survival of keratinocytes by 80% compared to the untreated control cells, while 2 mg/mL concentration of mucus inhibited the survival of cells by 65% (Fig. 1)
The results indicated that a concentration of 4 mg/mL decreased the survival of keratinocytes by 75% compared to the control, and a concentration of 2 mg/mL inhibited the survival by 35% compared to control (Fig. 2)
Summary
Molluscs are one of the sources of biologically active substances, which are intensively studied, especially for their anti-cancer properties. The impact of the mucus on human keratinocytes CCD 1106 KERTr and malignant melanoma cells A-375 was examined using MTT assay and SRB assay, which allowed us to determine the cell metabolic activity and cell number after treating them with slug mucus isolated from Limax maximus and Arion rufus decreased human keratinocytes and melanoma cells metabolic activity as well as manifested properties of reducing the number of cells in both tested cell lines, and can be a source of biologically active substances with anticancer potential. Based on the available data, there is currently no specific drug approved for the treatment of superficial malignant melanoma This generates the need to search for new biologically active compounds with anti-tumor potential against this type of cancer. It was reported that Helix aspersa maxima snail mucus shows antitumor activity against human melanoma c ells[12] and Cornu aspersum snail lyophilisate significantly reduces the survival rate of Caco-2 colon cancer c ells[20]. Despite their presence in culture and natural medicine[24], slugs did not arouse much interest among scientists, with the exception of Limax slugs which were behaviorally tested[25,26,27,28,29]
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