Snake venom components
Snake venom containing cystatin decreases tumor invasion and
metastasis. Snake venom components can be specifically directed
to cancer cells by combining the components with nanoparticles[5].
Cobra venom factor is an important factor for the synthesis of
immunoconjugates, which are more specific towards carcinoma
cells[3]. Cobra venom in very minute doses has powerful analgesic
activity than morphine and can reduce intractable pain associated
with cancer[1,2]. The enzyme LAAOs isolated from snake venoms
induce apoptosis, alterations in cell cycle processes and cytotoxicity
and have promising potentials in development of new antitumor
agents[9,10]. Production of hydrogen peroxide during enzymatic
reaction, caspases activation and interaction of LAAOs with
membrane receptors are some of the possible mechanisms behind
the actions of snake venom LAAOs[10].