Induction of Apoptosis in Glioblastoma Cell Line (U87-MG) by Caspian Cobra ( Naja naja oxiana ) Snake Venom

Due to drug resistance, efforts are ongoing to develop new anticancer agent especially from the screening of natural compounds. The current study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of crude venom of Caspian cobra ( Naja naja oxiana , NNO) in glioblastoma cell line, U87-MG cells. After 24 h exposure to the venom at the concentrations of 5, 20, and 40 µg/ml, the percentage of cells undergoing apoptosis and necrosis were evaluated by flow cytometry analysis. Gene expression of bax and bcl-2 were also measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The findings showed that venom of NNO is cytotoxic against U87-MG cells through dose-dependent increase in the percentage of apoptotic cells and bax gene expression. Furthermore, venom of NNO induced necrosis at the high dose of 40 µg/ml. The results suggest that NNO venom may initiate the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis in the glioblastoma cancer cell line by affection of the mitochondrial pathways.