The toxicity induction in human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) cells by saliva of Echis carinatus sochureki

Echis carinatus are small in size and are considered to be very biting invasive snakes. Snake venom is a type of snake saliva that is secreted through the salivary glands and stored in the venom sac. A problem in human societies, especially in rural areas, is snake bites, which are not treated properly. The aim of this study is evaluation of toxicity of saliva of Echis carinatus sochureki on cells growth and the mechanisms involved.

In this study, the effect of Echis carinatus sochureki saliva on human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) cells growth was determined by the inverted microscope, MTT assay, and Neutral red assay. The integrity of the cell membrane through LDH release was also measured.

The MTT assay and Neutral red assay showed a significant (p < /em>˂0.001) cytotoxic effect of Echis carinatus sochureki salvia on HDF cells growth after 24 hours treatment. Also, Echis carinatus sochureki venom caused a significant (p < /em>˂0.001) increase in LDH release. Various morphological abnormalities were observed in cells.

The Echis carinatus sochureki saliva causes cytotoxic effects on HDF cells by the necrotic mechanism. The results of this study will be useful for future research in this field, as well as therapeutic methods for snake bites.