Open AccessStudies on biochemical and biomedical properties of Conus betulinus venom
Author(s) -
Giji Sadhasivam,
A. Muthuvel,
R. Rajasekaran,
Abirami Pachaiyappan,
T. Balasubramanian
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
asian pacific journal of tropical disease
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.208
H-Index - 33
ISSN - 2222-1808
DOI - 10.1016/s2222-1808(14)60423-0
Subject(s) - venom , conus , hyaluronidase , brine shrimp , chemistry , biochemistry , enzyme , biology , anatomy , fishery
Objective: To study the biochemical and biomedical properties of predatory gastropod Conus\udbetulinus venom.\udMethods: Molecular weight of the crude venom extract was determined by using SDS-PAGE.\udToxicity studies were carried out using haemolytic and brine shrimp lethality assays. Fibrin\udplate assay and substrate SDS-PAGE were used to determine the effect of sample on fibrin(ogen)\udolytic and proteolytic activity. The FTIR characterisation and chemical fingerprinting of amino\udacid were done with HPTLC. Enzymatic activities like phospholipase and hyaluronidase were\udmeasured spectrophotometrically and calculated in units. Anticancer screening was carried out\udby MTT assay.\udResults: Studies on this deadly venom revealed six different molecular weight proteins of medical\udsignificance ranging between 20.0 kDa and 97.4 kDa. The protein content was estimated as 0.9 mg/\udmL. Haemolytic activity in erythrocytes was recorded and LC50 (Artemia) at 31.5 µg/mL. Further\udthe venom showed considerable enzymatic properties like gelatinolytic, caesinolytic, fibrinolytic\udand fibrinogenolytic activities. The hyaluronidase and phospholipase activities were recorded\udat meagre range. The venom exhibited significant activity against HeLa cell lines. Moreover\udthe evolution of venom is the crucial nature of Conus peptides in their challenging ecosystem.\udPeriodical study on these peptides will unveil more peptides of biomedical use.\udConclusions: Although quite a lot of works have dealt with paralytic effects of Conus venom, it\udstill remains as an unexplored cocktail with promising molecules for drug development