Enhancing the Efficacy of Melanoma Treatment: The In Vitro Chemosensitising Impact of Vipera ammodytes Venom on Human Melanoma Cell Lines

TL;DR

This study explores how Vipera ammodytes venom can make melanoma cells more sensitive to chemotherapy, potentially improving cancer treatment.

Contribution

The study demonstrates that viper venom can chemosensitize resistant melanoma cells to cisplatin, a novel finding in oncology.

Findings

Vipera ammodytes venom showed consistent cytotoxicity across three melanoma cell lines with an IC50 of ~1.1 µg/mL.

Venom enhanced cisplatin's effectiveness in resistant cell lines, increasing cell mortality by up to 40%.

Venom components selectively target melanoma cells, suggesting potential for treating resistant or metastatic cases.

Abstract

Research on viper venom has expanded into diverse medical applications, including cancer treatment. This study investigates the potential of Vipera ammodytes venom in oncology, evaluating its cytotoxicity and chemosensitising effects on malignant melanoma cells. Proteomic analysis identified 125 proteins in the venom, with Phospholipases A2, C-type lectins, and metalloproteinases among the most abundant components. These proteins are associated with cytotoxic, anti-proliferative, and tumor-inhibiting properties. Three melanoma cell lines (M001, Me501, and A375) were used to assess venom cytotoxicity. The IC50 values demonstrated consistent venom sensitivity across cell lines (approximately 1.1 µg/mL). Combined treatment with venom and cisplatin significantly increased the cytotoxicity compared to single-agent treatments. Notably, venom enhanced the sensitivity of cisplatin in resistant cell lines (M001 and Me501), increasing cell mortality by up to 40%. The A375 cell line, inherently more sensitive to cisplatin, exhibited additional cytotoxic effects only at higher venom doses. The morphological changes observed under microscopy confirmed venom-induced cellular changes, further supporting its potential as an anti-cancer agent. The selective targeting of melanoma cells by venom components, particularly in muscle-associated metastases, suggests a unique therapeutic niche. While cisplatin was chosen for this pilot study due to its established cytotoxicity, future research will explore venom combinations with contemporary treatments such as immunotherapy and targeted therapies. Although preliminary, these findings provide a foundation for integrating venom-based strategies into advanced melanoma protocols, aiming to improve outcomes in resistant or metastatic cases.

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