Molecular Insights into the Immunomodulating and Anticancer Mechanisms of Eremina desertorum (Forsskal, 1775) Mucin in HepG-2 and CACO-2 Cells.

backgroundThe aim of the present research is to deeply investigate the cytotoxic and immunomodulatory activities of the mucin extracted from Ereminia desertorum snails´ mucus against two tumor cell lines; human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG-2) and human colon adenocarcinoma (CACO-2) cells. Both cell lines were treated with Ereminia desertorum snails´ mucin and the anti-cancer potential of the mucin was evaluated by the crystal violet assay test and gene expression analysis using reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

resultsThe extract showed cytotoxic activity on both tumor cell lines however it was more pronounced CACO-2 (IC50: 0.20±0.05 (µl/ml)) than HepG-2 (0.103±0.019 (µl/ml)). Gene expression levels (2-ddct) of the transforming growth factor (TGF) β1, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α showed increased expression in HepG-2 and CACO-2 cells treated with the mucin extract by (18.38 and 19.14) and (14.38 and 10.69) folds respectively. Apoptotic gene expression (Cas3 and Cas9) in HepG-2 and CACO-2 cells showed increased expression after treatment with the mucin extract by (16.14, and 11.00) and (23.58 and 12.50) folds, respectively. Gene expression levels (2-ddct) of Oncogenic markers (c-myc, Ras, β-catenin, and EGFR) in HepG-2 and CACO-2 cells treated with mucin extract decreased by (0.025, 0.025, 0.047 and 0.040) and (0.064, 0.183, 0.111 and 0.26) folds, respectively.

conclusionThe present study highlighted the anticancer and immunomodulatory activities of the mucin extracted from E. desertorum snails´ mucus. This could attract attention to such natural compound as a possible source of a therapeutic product against liver and colon cancers.