Anti-Tumor Activity of Viper Snake Venom Photo-products SV1 and SV2 against Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma in Mice

Abstract:

Objectives: To evaluate antitumor activity potential of viper venom photoproducts SV₁ and SV₂ against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in mice. Materials and Methods: Viper venom photoproducts SV₁ (Vipera russelli ) and SV₂ (Echis carinatus) were generated by exposure of the venoms to UV sensitized methylene blue for 15 min. and 90 min. at 37⁰C respectively. The Antitumor activity of SV₁ and SV₂ at two concentrations (1/10^th and 1/20^th dilutions) was evaluated on Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) inoculated to Swiss male mice. The antitumor response was measured from tumor volume (TV), packed cell volume (PCV), body weight (BW), hematological parameters (Hb, RBC, total WBC) and biochemical parameters (serum LDH, ALT, AST and hepatic tissue total protein, reduced GSH and TBAR (MDA). Half of the animals (n=6) were used to determine the mean survival time (MST) and the percentage increase in the life span (%ILS). Results: The SV₁ and SV₂ decreased dose dependently TV, PCV, BW, WBC, serum levels of LDH, ALT; increased dose dependently serum AST level, hepatic total protein, reduced GSH, TBARs (MDA) and serum Hb in SV_2A. The results were statistically significant. The % ILS at the 1/10^th dilution of SV₁ and SV₂ was 40.27% and 29.52% respectively. Conclusion: SV₁ and SV₂ at 1/10^th dose level showed significant antitumor activity based on percent increase in the survival time, reduction in the tumor volume, packed cell volume and restoration of hematological and biochemical parameters towards normal value.

Key words: Non-herbal, Vipera russelli, Echis carinatus, Methylene blue, Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma.