Antiproliferative Effects of Crotalus cerastes Venom and Potential for Targeted Anticancer Therapy

Snake venom is known for its medicinal potential and antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects on cancer cells. This study investigated the effects of Crotalus cerastes (CC) venom on human lung carcinoma cells (A549) and healthy renal epithelial cells from green monkey (VERO). The xCELLigence system monitored cell adherence and proliferation in real-time, expressed as cell index (CI), while the MTS colorimetric assay measured metabolic activity (MA). Results showed a dose-dependent decrease in cell proliferation. Increasing concentrations led to a more pronounced reduction in CI in A549 cancer cells compared to healthy VERO cells, relative to untreated controls. Notably, the lowest concentration (0.01 µg/ml) did not reduce CI; instead, it significantly increased it (P < 0.001). The MTS assay mirrored these findings: low venom concentration increased metabolic activity, while higher doses decreased it, especially at 10 µg/ml in both cell lines. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) for VERO cells was 0.126 µg/ml, whereas for A549 cells it was much lower at 0.0426 µg/ml, indicating greater venom potency against cancer cells. Results suggest that CC venom is a promising candidate for targeted cancer therapy. However, further research is necessary to establish safe dosing and administration methods that minimise harm to healthy cells.