Study on inhibitory mechanism of polypeptide extract from scorpion venom on ovarian cancer / 中草药

ABSTRACT

Objective: To research the inhibitory mechanism of the polypeptide extract from scorpion venom (polypeptide extract from scorpion venom, PESV) on tumor growth, which would provides the theory basis for clinic treatment of malignant tumor. Methods: SKOV3 xenograft models were established, and tumors were excised after administration to observe the inhibitory effect of PESV. The effect of PESV on the tumor growth was observed by recording tumor growth curve and calculating the inhibitory rate; Immunohistochemistry and ELISA were applied to detect the levels of PTEN, PI3K, and P-Akt. Results: The inhibitory rates of the high-dose (20 mg/kg) and low-dose (10 mg/kg) PESV groups were 50.8% and 31.5%. Compared with the control group, the protein expressions of PI3K and P-Akt significantly decreased (P < 0.05 or 0.01) and the protein expressions of PTEN significantly increased (P < 0.05 or 0.01) in the high-and low-dose PESV groups. Conclusion: PESV could inhibit the growth of ovarian cancer. Its mechanisms might be associated with inhibiting the expressions of PI3K and P-Akt and increasing PTEN in the microenvironment of tumors.