Scolopendra polymorpha centipede venom inhibits cell viability and induces proinflammatory cytokines expression in HPV16-transformed epithelial cells

In the group of arthropods, several organisms like spiders, scorpions, bees, wasps and centipedes employ venom as a biological weapon to capture prey or for self-defense. Many enzymatic proteins, non-enzymatic proteins, and other non-peptidic components compose the venom of these animals. Components of centipede venom have shown a great potential as an antiproliferative and antitumoral agent; with a high affinity to tumoral cells. In the present study, Scolopendra polymorpha whole venom was evaluated on the viability of HPV16-transformed epithelial cells (BMK-16 myc) by MTT assay. Additionally, it was analyzed the gene expression of pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines to assess the immune stimulatory effect of whole venom in BMK-16/myc cells by Real-time RT-PCR. Results indicate that the venom reduced around 50% of cell viability compared to untreated cells; showing its major effect at the concentration of 50 and 70 μg/mL. On the other hand, the venom induces a significant upregulation of expression of IL-1, IFN-γ and IL-10 cytokines (<0.05), and a significant downregulation of the expression of IL-2 (<0.05). These findings indicate that Scolopendra polymorpha venom has a cytotoxic and immunomodulatory effect in tumor cell HPV-16 positives and maybe a good candidate for therapy for cervical cancer.