Major biological activities and protein profiles of skin secretions of Lissotriton vulgaris and Triturus ivanbureschi

Abstract

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to determine the total protein amounts, protein profiles, in vitro cytotoxicities, antimicrobial activities and hemolytic effects of skin secretions of the Lissotriton vulgaris and Triturus ivanbureschi. Methods Skin secretions were obtained, clarified, supernatants snap-frozen then lyophilized. Total protein amounts were determined by BCA assay kit. Protein profiles were revealed by the SDS-PAGE. The cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity were determined by using MTT assay and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method. Hemolytic effects were measured on rabbit red blood cells. Results Lissotriton vulgaris and T. ivanbureschi skin secretions have totally 18 and 20 protein fractions. IC50 values were detected between 1.40 and 40.28 μg/mL. The MIC results were found between 7.8 and 250 μg/mL. Lissotriton vulgaris skin secretion showed low hemolytic effect while T. ivanbureschi skin secretion showed high hemolytic effect. Conclusion This study is the first report showing the potential of L. vulgaris and T. ivanbureschi skin secretions for cytotoxicity, antimicrobial and hemolytic activity as an alternative therapeutic approach for traditional uses. Further studies need to focus on purification of the active components from these skin secretions and mode of action on cancer cell lines and microorganisms as anti-agents.