In-Vitro Anticancer and Antioxidant Activities of Eremina desertorum (Forsskal, 1775) Snail Mucin

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present research is to elucidate the anti-oxidant and anti-tumor activities of the mucin extracted from Ereminia desertorum snails´ mucus against two types of tumor cell lines; human colon adenocarcinoma (CACO-2) cells and human hepatoma (HepG-2) cells. METHODS: Both cell lines were treated with Ereminia desertorum snails´ mucin and the oxidative markers were measured in culture media and cells by biochemical and gene expression analysis using RT-PCR. The tumor suppressor gene expression was also evaluated using RT-PCR. RESULTS: The culture media of HepG-2 or CACO-2 cells treated with the extract have high significant increased levels of catalase, SOD, GSH and total antioxidants. Apart from SOD in CACO-2 cells that didn’t differ from untreated cells. Also, Gene expression levels (2(^-ddct)) of the antioxidant markers in HepG-2 cells; GSTA-1, catalase, SOD, and GPx increased in mucin- treated cells. Also, these antioxidant genetic markers were up-regulated in CACO-2 cells by treatment with mucin extract. Gene expression levels (2(^-ddct)) of tumor suppression genes (p53, Rb, APC, and PTEN) in both HepG-2 and CaCO-2 cells were increased in mucin extract-treated cells. CONCLUSION: The present study highlighted the anti-oxidant and the anti-cancer activities of the mucin extracted from E. desertorum snails´ mucus that could attract attention to such natural product as a possible source of therapeutic compounds against liver and colon cancers.