Cytotoxic Effects of Blue Scorpion Venom (Rhopalurus junceus) in a Glioblastoma Cell Line Model

Background: Cancer is one of the leading cause of death worldwide. Besides current therapies and treatments to counter cancer, new alternatives are required to diminish the cell proliferation of oncogenic processes. Methods: One of the most promissory therapy includes the use of blue scorpion venom as a specific cytotoxic agent to kill tumoral cells, including Glioblastoma multiforme. Objectives: We show evidence of the cytotoxic effect of blue scorpion venom in a cellular model of Glioblastoma multiforme. Results: Our results demonstrate that 50 μg/ml of scorpion venom is capable to diminish the viability of Glioblastoma populations. Conclusion: It is possible that the action mechanism could be associated with a loss of membrane integrity. Additionally, some metalloproteinases as MMP2 and MMP9 may also participate in the potential action mechanism.