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Nainu F, Masyita A, Bahar MA, Raihan M, Prova SR, Mitra S, Emran TB, Simal-Gandara J. Pharmaceutical Prospects of Bee Products: Special Focus on Anticancer, Antibacterial, Antiviral, and Antiparasitic Properties. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10070822. [PMID: 34356743 PMCID: PMC8300842 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10070822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bee products have long been used in traditional healing practices to treat many types of disorders, including cancer and microbial-related diseases. Indeed, several chemical compounds found in bee products have been demonstrated to display anticancer, antibacterial, antiviral, and antiparasitic properties. With the improvement of research tools and in view of recent advances related to bee products, this review aims to provide broad yet detailed insight into the pharmaceutical prospects of bee products such as honey, propolis, bee pollen, royal jelly, bee bread, beeswax, and bee venom, in the domain of cancer and infectious disease management. Available literature confirms the efficacy of these bee products in the alleviation of cancer progression, inhibition of bacterial and viral proliferation, and mitigation of parasitic-related symptoms. With such potentials, bioactive components isolated from the bee products can be used as an alternative approach in the long-run effort to improve humans’ health at a personal and community level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Firzan Nainu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Hasanuddin University, Makassar 90245, Sulawesi Selatan, Indonesia; (A.M.); (M.A.B.); (M.R.)
- Correspondence: (F.N.); (T.B.E.); (J.S.-G.); Tel.: +62-821-9131-0384 (F.N.); +88-01819-942214 (T.B.E.); +34-988-387-001 (J.S.-G.)
| | - Ayu Masyita
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Hasanuddin University, Makassar 90245, Sulawesi Selatan, Indonesia; (A.M.); (M.A.B.); (M.R.)
| | - Muh. Akbar Bahar
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Hasanuddin University, Makassar 90245, Sulawesi Selatan, Indonesia; (A.M.); (M.A.B.); (M.R.)
| | - Muhammad Raihan
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Hasanuddin University, Makassar 90245, Sulawesi Selatan, Indonesia; (A.M.); (M.A.B.); (M.R.)
| | - Shajuthi Rahman Prova
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh; (S.R.P.); (S.M.)
| | - Saikat Mitra
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh; (S.R.P.); (S.M.)
| | - Talha Bin Emran
- Department of Pharmacy, BGC Trust University Bangladesh, Chittagong 4381, Bangladesh
- Correspondence: (F.N.); (T.B.E.); (J.S.-G.); Tel.: +62-821-9131-0384 (F.N.); +88-01819-942214 (T.B.E.); +34-988-387-001 (J.S.-G.)
| | - Jesus Simal-Gandara
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University of Vigo, Ourense Campus, E32004 Ourense, Spain
- Correspondence: (F.N.); (T.B.E.); (J.S.-G.); Tel.: +62-821-9131-0384 (F.N.); +88-01819-942214 (T.B.E.); +34-988-387-001 (J.S.-G.)
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102
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Zhu L, Shi Y, Xiong Y, Ba L, Li Q, Qiu M, Zou Z, Peng G. Emerging self-assembling peptide nanomaterial for anti-cancer therapy. J Biomater Appl 2021; 36:882-901. [PMID: 34180306 DOI: 10.1177/08853282211027882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Recently it is mainly focused on anti-tumor comprehensive treatments like finding target tumor cells or activating immune cells to inhibit tumor recurrence and metastasis. At present, chemotherapy and molecular-targeted drugs can inhibit tumor cell growth to a certain extent. However, multi-drug resistance and immune escape often make it difficult for new drugs to achieve expected effects. Peptide hydrogel nanoparticles is a new type of biological material with functional peptide chains as the core and self-assembling peptide (SAP) as the framework. It has a variety of significant biological functions, including effective local inflammation suppression and non-drug-resistant cell killing. Besides, it can induce immune activation more persistently in an adjuvant independent manner when compared with simple peptides. Thus, SAP nanomaterial has great potential in regulating cell physiological functions, drug delivery and sensitization, vaccine design and immunotherapy. Not only that, it is also a potential way to focus on some specific proteins and cells through peptides, which has already been examined in previous research. A full understanding of the function and application of SAP nanoparticles can provide a simple and practical strategy for the development of anti-tumor drugs and vaccine design, which contributes to the historical transition of peptide nanohydrogels from bench to bedside and brings as much survival benefits as possible to cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisheng Zhu
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yangyang Shi
- Department of Orthopedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ying Xiong
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Li Ba
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiuting Li
- Division of Gastroenterology, Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mengjun Qiu
- Division of Gastroenterology, Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhenwei Zou
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Gang Peng
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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103
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Dabbagh Moghaddam F, Akbarzadeh I, Marzbankia E, Farid M, khaledi L, Reihani AH, Javidfar M, Mortazavi P. Delivery of melittin-loaded niosomes for breast cancer treatment: an in vitro and in vivo evaluation of anti-cancer effect. Cancer Nanotechnol 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s12645-021-00085-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Melittin, a peptide component of honey bee venom, is an appealing candidate for cancer therapy. In the current study, melittin, melittin-loaded niosome, and empty niosome had been optimized and the anticancer effect assessed in vitro on 4T1 and SKBR3 breast cell lines and in vivo on BALB/C inbred mice. "Thin-layer hydration method" was used for preparing the niosomes; different niosomal formulations of melittin were prepared and characterized in terms of morphology, size, polydispersity index, encapsulation efficiency, release kinetics, and stability. A niosome was formulated and loaded with melittin as a promising drug carrier system for chemotherapy of the breast cancer cells. Hemolysis, apoptosis, cell cytotoxicity, invasion and migration of selected concentrations of melittin, and melittin-loaded niosome were evaluated on 4T1 and SKBR3 cells using hemolytic activity assay, flow cytometry, MTT assay, soft agar colony assay, and wound healing assay. Real-time PCR was used to determine the gene expression. 40 BALB/c inbred mice were used; then, the histopathology, P53 immunohistochemical assay and estimate of renal and liver enzyme activity for all groups had been done.
Results
This study showed melittin-loaded niosome is an excellent substitute in breast cancer treatment due to enhanced targeting, encapsulation efficiency, PDI, and release rate and shows a high anticancer effect on cell lines. The melittin-loaded niosome affects the genes expression by studied cells were higher than other samples; down-regulates the expression of Bcl2, MMP2, and MMP9 genes while they up-regulate the expression of Bax, Caspase3 and Caspase9 genes. They have also enhanced the apoptosis rate and inhibited cell migration, invasion in both cell lines compared to the melittin samples. Results of histopathology showed reduce mitosis index, invasion and pleomorphism in melittin-loaded niosome. Renal and hepatic biomarker activity did not significantly differ in melittin-loaded niosome and melittin compared to healthy control. In immunohistochemistry, P53 expression did not show a significant change in all groups.
Conclusions
Our study successfully declares that melittin-loaded niosome had more anti-cancer effects than free melittin. This project has demonstrated that niosomes are suitable vesicle carriers for melittin, compare to the free form.
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104
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Trim CM, Byrne LJ, Trim SA. Utilisation of compounds from venoms in drug discovery. PROGRESS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 2021; 60:1-66. [PMID: 34147202 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmch.2021.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Difficult drug targets are becoming the normal course of business in drug discovery, sometimes due to large interacting surfaces or only small differences in selectivity regions. For these, a different approach is merited: compounds lying somewhere between the small molecule and the large antibody in terms of many properties including stability, biodistribution and pharmacokinetics. Venoms have evolved over millions of years to be complex mixtures of stable molecules derived from other somatic molecules, the stability comes from the pressure to be ready for delivery at a moment's notice. Snakes, spiders, scorpions, jellyfish, wasps, fish and even mammals have evolved independent venom systems with complex mixtures in their chemical arsenal. These venom-derived molecules have been proven to be useful tools, such as for the development of antihypotensive angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and have also made successful drugs such as Byetta® (Exenatide), Integrilin® (Eptifibatide) and Echistatin. Only a small percentage of the available chemical space from venoms has been investigated so far and this is growing. In a new era of biological therapeutics, venom peptides present opportunities for larger target engagement surface with greater stability than antibodies or human peptides. There are challenges for oral absorption and target engagement, but there are venom structures that overcome these and thus provide substrate for engineering novel molecules that combine all desired properties. Venom researchers are characterising new venoms, species, and functions all the time, these provide great substrate for solving the challenges presented by today's difficult targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol M Trim
- Faculty of Science, Engineering and Social Sciences, Natural and Applied Sciences, School of Psychology and Life Sciences, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom
| | - Lee J Byrne
- Faculty of Science, Engineering and Social Sciences, Natural and Applied Sciences, School of Psychology and Life Sciences, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom
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105
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Wang D, He J, Dong J, Wu S, Liu S, Zhu H, Xu T. UM-6 induces autophagy and apoptosis via the Hippo-YAP signaling pathway in cervical cancer. Cancer Lett 2021; 519:2-19. [PMID: 34161791 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Melittin's non-specific cytotoxicity and hemolytic activity restrict its clinical use, but polypeptide modification is thoμght to be highly selective and well-tolerated. Here, we synthesized a novel antineoplastic peptide UM-6 based on melittin and explored the mechanism related to its anti-proliferation and metastasis on cervical cancer (CC). In the present study, we demonstrated that UM-6 inhibits viability of CC cell lines Caski and Hela in vitro by inducing apoptosis and autophagy with low toxicity to normal epithelial cells. UM-6 also triggers the Hippo signaling pathway, promoting cytoplasmic retention and phosphorylation-dependent degradation of YAP, as well as inhibiting YAP-TEAD binding and reducing transcriptional activity, suppressing downstream target gene expression. Injection of UM-6 in mice can significantly inhibit the growth of xenograft tumors, and greatly reduce the number, volume, and burden of abdominal tumors in the metastasis models without significant toxicity. These current results suggest that UM-6 has the potential to serve as a new anticancer drug candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongying Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital, Jilin University, 218 Zi Qiang Street, Changchun, Jilin, 130000, PR China.
| | - Jiaxing He
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital, Jilin University, 218 Zi Qiang Street, Changchun, Jilin, 130000, PR China.
| | - Junxue Dong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital, Jilin University, 218 Zi Qiang Street, Changchun, Jilin, 130000, PR China; Laboratory of Infection Oncology, Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, UKSH, Christian Albrechts University of Kiel, 24105, Germany.
| | - Shuying Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital, Jilin University, 218 Zi Qiang Street, Changchun, Jilin, 130000, PR China.
| | - Shanshan Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital, Jilin University, 218 Zi Qiang Street, Changchun, Jilin, 130000, PR China.
| | - He Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital, Jilin University, 218 Zi Qiang Street, Changchun, Jilin, 130000, PR China.
| | - Tianmin Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital, Jilin University, 218 Zi Qiang Street, Changchun, Jilin, 130000, PR China.
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106
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Sarkar T, Chetia M, Chatterjee S. Antimicrobial Peptides and Proteins: From Nature's Reservoir to the Laboratory and Beyond. Front Chem 2021; 9:691532. [PMID: 34222199 PMCID: PMC8249576 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.691532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapid rise of antimicrobial resistance against conventional antimicrobials, resurgence of multidrug resistant microbes and the slowdown in the development of new classes of antimicrobials, necessitates the urgent development of alternate classes of therapeutic molecules. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small proteins present in different lifeforms in nature that provide defense against microbial infections. They have been effective components of the host defense system for a very long time. The fact that the development of resistance by the microbes against the AMPs is relatively slower or delayed compared to that against the conventional antibiotics, makes them prospective alternative therapeutics of the future. Several thousands of AMPs have been isolated from various natural sources like microorganisms, plants, insects, crustaceans, animals, humans, etc. to date. However, only a few of them have been translated commercially to the market so far. This is because of some inherent drawbacks of the naturally obtained AMPs like 1) short half-life owing to the susceptibility to protease degradation, 2) inactivity at physiological salt concentrations, 3) cytotoxicity to host cells, 4) lack of appropriate strategies for sustained and targeted delivery of the AMPs. This has led to a surge of interest in the development of synthetic AMPs which would retain or improve the antimicrobial potency along with circumventing the disadvantages of the natural analogs. The development of synthetic AMPs is inspired by natural designs and sequences and strengthened by the fusion with various synthetic elements. Generation of the synthetic designs are based on various strategies like sequence truncation, mutation, cyclization and introduction of unnatural amino acids and synthons. In this review, we have described some of the AMPs isolated from the vast repertoire of natural sources, and subsequently described the various synthetic designs that have been developed based on the templates of natural AMPs or from de novo design to make commercially viable therapeutics of the future. This review entails the journey of the AMPs from their natural sources to the laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sunanda Chatterjee
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, India
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107
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Linville RM, Komin A, Lan X, DeStefano JG, Chu C, Liu G, Walczak P, Hristova K, Searson PC. Reversible blood-brain barrier opening utilizing the membrane active peptide melittin in vitro and in vivo. Biomaterials 2021; 275:120942. [PMID: 34147718 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.120942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) tightly controls entry of molecules and cells into the brain, restricting the delivery of therapeutics. Blood-brain barrier opening (BBBO) utilizes reversible disruption of cell-cell junctions between brain microvascular endothelial cells to enable transient entry into the brain. Here, we demonstrate that melittin, a membrane active peptide present in bee venom, supports transient BBBO. From endothelial and neuronal viability studies, we first identify the accessible concentration range for BBBO. We then use a tissue-engineered model of the human BBB to optimize dosing and elucidate the mechanism of opening. Melittin and other membrane active variants transiently increase paracellular permeability via disruption of cell-cell junctions that result in transient focal leaks. To validate the results from the tissue-engineered model, we then demonstrate that transient BBBO can be reproduced in a mouse model. We identify a minimum clinically effective intra-arterial dose of 3 μM min melittin, which is reversible within one day and neurologically safe. Melittin-induced BBBO represents a novel technology for delivery of therapeutics into the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raleigh M Linville
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alexander Komin
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Xiaoyan Lan
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jackson G DeStefano
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Chengyan Chu
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Guanshu Liu
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Piotr Walczak
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kalina Hristova
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Peter C Searson
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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108
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Carmona-Ribeiro AM, Araújo PM. Antimicrobial Polymer-Based Assemblies: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5424. [PMID: 34063877 PMCID: PMC8196616 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
An antimicrobial supramolecular assembly (ASA) is conspicuous in biomedical applications. Among the alternatives to overcome microbial resistance to antibiotics and drugs, ASAs, including antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and polymers (APs), provide formulations with optimal antimicrobial activity and acceptable toxicity. AMPs and APs have been delivered by a variety of carriers such as nanoparticles, coatings, multilayers, hydrogels, liposomes, nanodisks, lyotropic lipid phases, nanostructured lipid carriers, etc. They have similar mechanisms of action involving adsorption to the cell wall, penetration across the cell membrane, and microbe lysis. APs, however, offer the advantage of cheap synthetic procedures, chemical stability, and improved adsorption (due to multipoint attachment to microbes), as compared to the expensive synthetic routes, poor yield, and subpar in vivo stability seen in AMPs. We review recent advances in polymer-based antimicrobial assemblies involving AMPs and APs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Maria Carmona-Ribeiro
- Biocolloids Laboratory, Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Professor Lineu Prestes 748, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil;
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109
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Tjo K, Varamini P. Nanodiamonds and their potential applications in breast cancer therapy: a narrative review. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2021; 12:1017-1028. [PMID: 33970463 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-021-00996-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related death among women worldwide. With the projected increase in breast cancer cases in recent years, optimising treatment becomes increasingly important. Current treatment modalities in breast cancer present major limitations, including chemoresistance, dose-limiting adverse effects and lack of selectivity in aggressive subtypes of breast cancers such as triple-negative breast cancer. Nanodiamonds have demonstrated promising outcomes in preclinical models from their unique surface characteristics allowing optimised delivery of various therapeutic agents, overcoming some of the significant hurdles in conventional treatment modalities. This review will present an update on preclinical findings of nanodiamond-based drug delivery systems for breast cancer therapy to date, challenges with the use of nanodiamonds along with considerations for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenny Tjo
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2016, Australia
| | - Pegah Varamini
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2016, Australia. .,Sydney Nano Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
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110
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Bee Venom Components as Therapeutic Tools against Prostate Cancer. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13050337. [PMID: 34067049 PMCID: PMC8150751 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13050337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. Despite the development of a variety of therapeutic agents to treat either metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer, advanced prostate cancer, or nonmetastatic/metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, the progression or spread of the disease often cannot be avoided. Additionally, the development of resistance of prostate cancer cells to available therapeutic agents is a well-known problem. Despite extensive and cost-intensive research over decades, curative therapy for metastatic prostate cancer is still not available. Therefore, additional therapeutic agents are still needed. The animal kingdom offers a valuable source of natural substances used for the treatment of a variety of diseases. Bee venom of the honeybee is a mixture of many components. It contains proteins acting as enzymes such as phospholipase A2, smaller proteins and peptides such as melittin and apamin, phospholipids, and physiologically active amines such as histamine, dopamine, and noradrenaline. Melittin has been shown to induce apoptosis in different cancer cell lines, including prostate cancer cell lines. It also influences cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and necrosis as well as motility, migration, metastasis, and invasion of tumour cells. Hence, it represents an interesting anticancer agent. In this review article, studies about the effect of bee venom components on prostate cancer cells are discussed. An electronic literature research was performed utilising PubMed in February 2021. All scientific publications, which examine this interesting subject, are discussed. Furthermore, the different types of application of these promising substances are outlined. The studies clearly indicate that bee venom or melittin exhibited anticancer effects in various prostate cancer cell lines and in xenografts. In most of the studies, a combination of bee venom or the modified melittin with another molecule was utilised in order to avoid side effects and, additionally, to target selectively the prostate cancer cells or the surrounding tissue. The studies showed that systemic side effects and unwanted damage to healthy tissue and organs could be minimised when the anticancer drug was not activated until binding to the cancer cells or the surrounding tissue. Different targets were used, such as the matrix metalloproteinase 2, hormone receptors expressed by prostate cancer cells, the extracellular domain of PSMA, and the fibroblast activation protein occurring in the stroma of prostate cancer cells. Another approach used loaded phosphate micelles, which were cleaved by the enzyme secretory phospholipase A2 produced by prostate cancer cells. In a totally different approach, targeted nanoparticles containing the melittin gene were used for prostate cancer gene therapy. By the targeted nonviral gene delivery, the gene encoding melittin was delivered to the prostate cancer cells without systemic side effects. This review of the scientific literature reveals totally different approaches using bee venom, melittin, modified melittin, or protoxin as anticancer agents. The toxic agents acted through several different mechanisms to produce their anti-prostate cancer effects. These mechanisms are not fully understood yet and more experimental studies are necessary to reveal the complete mode of action. Nevertheless, the researchers have conducted pioneering work. Based on these results, further experimental and clinical studies about melittin and modifications of this interesting agent deriving from nature are necessary and could possibly lead to a complementary treatment option for prostate cancer.
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111
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Manniello MD, Moretta A, Salvia R, Scieuzo C, Lucchetti D, Vogel H, Sgambato A, Falabella P. Insect antimicrobial peptides: potential weapons to counteract the antibiotic resistance. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:4259-4282. [PMID: 33595669 PMCID: PMC8164593 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03784-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Misuse and overuse of antibiotics have contributed in the last decades to a phenomenon known as antibiotic resistance which is currently considered one of the principal threats to global public health by the World Health Organization. The aim to find alternative drugs has been demonstrated as a real challenge. Thanks to their biodiversity, insects represent the largest class of organisms in the animal kingdom. The humoral immune response includes the production of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that are released into the insect hemolymph after microbial infection. In this review, we have focused on insect immune responses, particularly on AMP characteristics, their mechanism of action and applications, especially in the biomedical field. Furthermore, we discuss the Toll, Imd, and JAK-STAT pathways that activate genes encoding for the expression of AMPs. Moreover, we focused on strategies to improve insect peptides stability against proteolytic susceptibility such as D-amino acid substitutions, N-terminus modification, cyclization and dimerization.
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Affiliation(s)
- M D Manniello
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100, Potenza, Italy
| | - A Moretta
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100, Potenza, Italy
| | - R Salvia
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100, Potenza, Italy
- Spinoff XFlies S.R.L, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100, Potenza, Italy
| | - C Scieuzo
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100, Potenza, Italy
- Spinoff XFlies S.R.L, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100, Potenza, Italy
| | - D Lucchetti
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - H Vogel
- Department of Entomology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knöll-Straße 8, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - A Sgambato
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Centro di Riferimento Oncologico Della Basilicata (IRCCS-CROB), Rionero in Vulture (PZ), Italy
| | - P Falabella
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100, Potenza, Italy.
- Spinoff XFlies S.R.L, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100, Potenza, Italy.
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112
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Melittin inhibits lung metastasis of human osteosarcoma: Evidence of wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway participation. Toxicon 2021; 198:132-142. [PMID: 33930393 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Melittin is a major active peptide component of bee venom that has been demonstrated to show anti-tumor effects. Osteosarcoma is a type of bone tumor with a high degree of malignancy, and metastasis is the main challenge of osteosarcoma therapy. This study aimed to investigate the role of melittin in the lung metastasis of osteosarcoma. 143 B cells were treated with different concentrations of melittin in vitro. Wound-healing and transwell assays were performed to determine the cell migration and invasion potential. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot experiments were performed to evaluate the expression levels of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway-related factors after treatment with melittin. The orthotopic implantation model and hematoxylin-eosin staining were used to investigate the effect of melittin treatment on tumor formation and lung metastasis. Immunohistochemical staining and Western blot experiments were performed to indicate the melittin-mediated expression changes in Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway-related factors. The cell migration and invasion potential were observed to be inhibited in a dose-dependent manner upon treatment with melittin. Treatment with medium and high concentrations of melittin attenuated the mRNA and protein expression of LRP5, β-catenin, MMP-2, cyclin D, c-Myc, survivin, MMP-9, and VEGF genes in vitro. Melittin significantly inhibited the growth of tibia xenografts in nude mice and decreased the number of lung metastatic nodules. Consistent with the results observed in vitro, treatment with melittin at medium and high concentrations attenuated the expression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway-related factors in vivo. In vitro, Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway was involved in Melittin-mediated -migration and invasion potential of 143 B cells. Similarly, as observed in the in vivo experiments, Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway was also associated with the role of melittin on lung metastasis of osteosarcomas.
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113
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Zhou J, Wan C, Cheng J, Huang H, Lovell JF, Jin H. Delivery Strategies for Melittin-Based Cancer Therapy. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:17158-17173. [PMID: 33847113 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c03640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Melittin (MLT) has been studied preclinically as an anticancer agent based on its broad lytic effects in multiple tumor types. However, unsatisfactory tissue distribution, hemolysis, rapid metabolism, and limited specificity are critical obstacles that limit the translation of MLT. Emerging drug delivery strategies hold promise for targeting, controlled drug release, reduced side effects, and ultimately improved treatment efficiency. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the use of diverse carriers to deliver MLT, with an emphasis on the design and mechanisms of action. We further outline the opportunities for MLT-based cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhou
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, P. R. China
| | - Chao Wan
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, P. R. China
| | - Jing Cheng
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, P. R. China
| | - Hao Huang
- Guo Life Science Center, Wuhan Shengrun Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Wuhan 430075, P.R. China
| | - Jonathan F Lovell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York 14260, United States
| | - Honglin Jin
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, P. R. China
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114
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Wu Y, Lu D, Jiang Y, Jin J, Liu S, Chen L, Zhang H, Zhou Y, Chen H, Nagle DG, Luan X, Zhang W. Stapled Wasp Venom-Derived Oncolytic Peptides with Side Chains Induce Rapid Membrane Lysis and Prolonged Immune Responses in Melanoma. J Med Chem 2021; 64:5802-5815. [PMID: 33844923 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c02237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Peptide stapling chemistry represents an attractive strategy to promote the clinical translation of protein epitope mimetics, but its use has not been applied to natural cytotoxic peptides (NCPs) to produce new oncolytic peptides. Based on a wasp venom peptide, a series of stapled anoplin peptides (StAnos) were prepared. The optimized stapled Ano-3/3s were shown to be protease-resistant and exerted superior tumor cell-selective cytotoxicity by rapid membrane disruption. In addition, Ano-3/3s induced tumor ablation in mice through the direct oncolytic effect and subsequent stimulation of immunogenic cell death. This synergistic oncolytic-immunotherapy effect is more remarkable on melanoma than on triple-negative breast cancer in vivo. The efficacies exerted by Ano-3/3s on melanoma were further characterized by CD8+ T cell infiltration, and the addition of anti-CD8 antibodies diminished the long-term antitumor effects. In summary, these results support stapled peptide chemistry as an advantageous method to enhance the NCP potency for oncolytic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Wu
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Dong Lu
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yixin Jiang
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jinmei Jin
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Sanhong Liu
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Lili Chen
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yudong Zhou
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Liberal Arts, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi 38677-1848, United States
| | - Hongzhuan Chen
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Dale G Nagle
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.,Department of Biomolecular Sciences and Research of Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi 38677-1848, United States
| | - Xin Luan
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Weidong Zhang
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.,School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 201203, China
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115
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Ayo A, Laakkonen P. Peptide-Based Strategies for Targeted Tumor Treatment and Imaging. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13040481. [PMID: 33918106 PMCID: PMC8065807 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13040481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The development of cancer-specific diagnostic agents and anticancer toxins would improve patient survival. The current and standard types of medical care for cancer patients, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, are not able to treat all cancers. A new treatment strategy utilizing tumor targeting peptides to selectively deliver drugs or applicable active agents to solid tumors is becoming a promising approach. In this review, we discuss the different tumor-homing peptides discovered through combinatorial library screening, as well as native active peptides. The different structure–function relationship data that have been used to improve the peptide’s activity and conjugation strategies are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abiodun Ayo
- Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland;
| | - Pirjo Laakkonen
- Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland;
- Laboratory Animal Center, HiLIFE—Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +358-50-4489100
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116
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Wen T, Song L, Hua S. Perspectives and controversies regarding the use of natural products for the treatment of lung cancer. Cancer Med 2021; 10:2396-2422. [PMID: 33650320 PMCID: PMC7982634 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.3660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer‐related mortality both in men and women and accounts for 18.4% of all cancer‐related deaths. Although advanced therapy methods have been developed, the prognosis of lung cancer patients remains extremely poor. Over the past few decades, clinicians and researchers have found that chemical compounds extracted from natural products may be useful for treating lung cancer. Drug formulations derived from natural compounds, such as paclitaxel, doxorubicin, and camptothecin, have been successfully used as chemotherapeutics for lung cancer. In recent years, hundreds of new natural compounds that can be used to treat lung cancer have been found through basic and sub‐clinical research. However, there has not been a corresponding increase in the number of drugs that have been used in a clinical setting. The probable reasons may include low solubility, limited absorption, unfavorable metabolism, and severe side effects. In this review, we present a summary of the natural compounds that have been proven to be effective for the treatment of lung cancer, as well as an understanding of the mechanisms underlying their pharmacological effects. We have also highlighted current controversies and have attempted to provide solutions for the clinical translation of these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Wen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, P.R. China
| | - Lei Song
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, P.R. China
| | - Shucheng Hua
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, P.R. China
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117
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Al-Rabia MW, Alhakamy NA, Ahmed OAA, Eljaaly K, Alaofi AL, Mostafa A, Asfour HZ, Aldarmahi AA, Darwish KM, Ibrahim TS, Fahmy UA. Repurposing of Sitagliptin- Melittin Optimized Nanoformula against SARS-CoV-2: Antiviral Screening and Molecular Docking Studies. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:307. [PMID: 33652894 PMCID: PMC8025909 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13030307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in China has become an urgent health and economic challenge. The objective of the current work was to evaluate the efficacy of the combined complex of Sitagliptin (SIT) with melittin (MEL) against SARS-CoV-2 virus. SIT-MEL nano-conjugates were optimized by a full three-factor bi-level (23) factorial design. In addition, SIT concentration (mM, X1), MEL concentration (mM, X2), and pH (X3) were selected as the critical factors. Particle size (nm, Y1) and zeta potential (mV, Y2) were assessed as responses. Characterization of the optimized formula for Fourier-transformed infrared (FTIR) was carried out. The optimized formula showed particle size and zeta potential values of 77.42 nm and 27.67 mV, respectively. When compared with SIT and MEL, the combination of SIT-MEL complex has shown anti-viral potential against isolate of SARS-CoV-2 with IC50 values of 8.439 μM with significant improvement (p < 0.001). In addition, the complex showed IC50 in vitro 3CL-protease inhibition with IC50 7.216 µM. Molecular docking has revealed that formula components have good predicted pocket accommodation of the SARS-CoV-2 3-CL protease. An optimized formulation of SIT-MEL could guarantee both enhanced delivery to the target cells and the enhanced cellular uptake with promising activities against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed W. Al-Rabia
- Department of Medical microbiology and parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (M.W.A.-R.); (H.Z.A.)
| | - Nabil A. Alhakamy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (O.A.A.A.)
- Center of Excellence for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Mohamed Saeed Tamer Chair for Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Osama A. A. Ahmed
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (O.A.A.A.)
- Center of Excellence for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Mohamed Saeed Tamer Chair for Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Eljaaly
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
- Pharmacy Practice and Science Department, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85704, USA
| | - Ahmed L. Alaofi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 12372, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Ahmed Mostafa
- Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Viruses, National Research Centre, Giza 12622, Egypt;
| | - Hani Z. Asfour
- Department of Medical microbiology and parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (M.W.A.-R.); (H.Z.A.)
| | - Ahmed A. Aldarmahi
- College of Sciences and Health Professions, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah 21582, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Khaled M. Darwish
- Medicinal Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt;
| | - Tarek S. Ibrahim
- Department of Pharmaceutical chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Usama A. Fahmy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (O.A.A.A.)
- Center of Excellence for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Mohamed Saeed Tamer Chair for Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
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118
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Rádis-Baptista G. Cell-Penetrating Peptides Derived from Animal Venoms and Toxins. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:147. [PMID: 33671927 PMCID: PMC7919042 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13020147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) comprise a class of short polypeptides that possess the ability to selectively interact with the cytoplasmic membrane of certain cell types, translocate across plasma membranes and accumulate in the cell cytoplasm, organelles (e.g., the nucleus and mitochondria) and other subcellular compartments. CPPs are either of natural origin or de novo designed and synthesized from segments and patches of larger proteins or designed by algorithms. With such intrinsic properties, along with membrane permeation, translocation and cellular uptake properties, CPPs can intracellularly convey diverse substances and nanomaterials, such as hydrophilic organic compounds and drugs, macromolecules (nucleic acids and proteins), nanoparticles (nanocrystals and polyplexes), metals and radionuclides, which can be covalently attached via CPP N- and C-terminals or through preparation of CPP complexes. A cumulative number of studies on animal toxins, primarily isolated from the venom of arthropods and snakes, have revealed the cell-penetrating activities of venom peptides and toxins, which can be harnessed for application in biomedicine and pharmaceutical biotechnology. In this review, I aimed to collate examples of peptides from animal venoms and toxic secretions that possess the ability to penetrate diverse types of cells. These venom CPPs have been chemically or structurally modified to enhance cell selectivity, bioavailability and a range of target applications. Herein, examples are listed and discussed, including cysteine-stabilized and linear, α-helical peptides, with cationic and amphipathic character, from the venom of insects (e.g., melittin, anoplin, mastoparans), arachnids (latarcin, lycosin, chlorotoxin, maurocalcine/imperatoxin homologs and wasabi receptor toxin), fish (pardaxins), amphibian (bombesin) and snakes (crotamine and cathelicidins).
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Affiliation(s)
- Gandhi Rádis-Baptista
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute for Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza 60165-081, Brazil
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119
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Ombredane AS, de Andrade LR, Bonadio RS, Pinheiro WO, de Azevedo RB, Joanitti GA. Melittin sensitizes skin squamous carcinoma cells to 5-fluorouracil by affecting cell proliferation and survival. Exp Dermatol 2021; 30:710-716. [PMID: 33523510 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Combined 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and melittin (MEL) is believed to enhance cytotoxic effects on skin squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). However, the rationale underlying cytotoxicity is fundamentally important for a proper design of combination chemotherapy, and to provide translational insights for future therapeutics in the dermatology field. The aim was to elucidate the effects of 5-FU/MEL combination on the viability, proliferation and key structures of human squamous cell carcinoma (A431). Morphology, plasma membrane, DNA, mitochondria, oxidative stress, cell viability, proliferation and cell death pathways were targeted for investigation by microscopy, MTT, trypan blue assay, flow cytometry and real-time cell analysis. 5-FU/MEL (0.25 µM/0.52 µM) enhanced the cytotoxic effect in A431 cells (74.46%, p < .001) after 72 h exposure, showing greater cytotoxic effect when compared to each isolated compound (45.55% 5-FU and 61.78% MEL). The results suggest that MEL induces plasma membrane alterations that culminate in a loss of integrity at subsequent times, sensitizing the cell to 5-FU action. DNA fragmentation, S and G2/M arrest, disruption of mitochondrial metabolism, and alterations in cell morphology culminated in proliferation blockage and apoptosis. 5-FU/MEL combination design optimizes the cytotoxic effects of each drug at lower concentrations, which may represent an innovative strategy for SCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia S Ombredane
- Laboratory of Bioactive Compounds and Nanobiotechnology (LBCNano, Faculty of Ceilândia, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.,Post-Graduation Program in Nanoscience and Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Laise R de Andrade
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Genetics and Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Raphael S Bonadio
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Genetics and Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Willie O Pinheiro
- Post-Graduation Program in Sciences and Technologies in Health, Faculty of Ceilândia, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Ricardo B de Azevedo
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Genetics and Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Graziella A Joanitti
- Laboratory of Bioactive Compounds and Nanobiotechnology (LBCNano, Faculty of Ceilândia, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.,Post-Graduation Program in Nanoscience and Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.,Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Genetics and Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.,Post-Graduation Program in Sciences and Technologies in Health, Faculty of Ceilândia, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
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120
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Replacement of L-amino acid peptides with D-amino acid peptides mitigates anti-PEG antibody generation against polymer-peptide conjugates in mice. J Control Release 2021; 331:142-153. [PMID: 33444669 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The generation of anti-PEG antibodies in response to PEGylated proteins, peptides, and carriers significantly limits their clinical applicability. IgM antibodies mediate the clearance of these therapeutics upon repeat injection, resulting in toxicity and hindered therapeutic efficacy. We observed this phenomenon in our polymer platform, virus-inspired polymer for endosomal release (VIPER), which employs pH-sensitive triggered display of a lytic peptide, melittin, to facilitate endosomal escape. While the polymer-peptide conjugate was well tolerated after a single injection, we observed unexpected mortality upon repeat injection. Thus, the goal of this work was to enhance the safety and tolerability of VIPER for frequent dosing. Based on previous reports on anti-PEG antibodies and the adjuvant activity of melittin, we characterized the antibody response to polymer, peptide, and polymer-peptide conjugates after repeat-dosing and measured high IgM titers that bound PEG. By substituting the L-amino acid peptide for its D-amino acid enantiomer, we significantly attenuated the anti-PEG antibody generation and toxicity, permitting repeat-injections. We attempted to rescue mice from L-melittin induced toxicity by prophylactic injection of platelet activating factor (PAF) antagonist CV-6209, but observed minimal effect, suggesting that PAF is not the primary mediator of the observed hypersensitivity response. Overall, we demonstrated that the D-amino acid polymer-peptide conjugates, unlike L-amino acid polymer-peptide conjugates, exhibit good tolerability in vivo, even upon repeat administration, and do not elicit the generation of anti-PEG antibodies.
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121
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Melittin Ameliorates Endotoxin-Induced Acute Kidney Injury by Inhibiting Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Cell Death in Mice. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:8843051. [PMID: 33488946 PMCID: PMC7803412 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8843051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Sepsis-related acute kidney injury (AKI) is a worldwide health problem, and its pathogenesis involves multiple pathways. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is an endotoxin that induces systemic inflammatory responses. Melittin, a main constituent of bee venom, exerts several biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic actions. However, whether melittin protects against endotoxin-induced AKI remains undetermined. Here, we aimed to examine the potential action of melittin on LPS-induced renal injury and explore the mechanisms. We showed that acute renal failure and structural damage after injection of LPS were markedly attenuated by administration of melittin. The peptide also suppressed expression of markers of direct tubular damage in kidneys of the LPS-treated mice. Mechanistically, melittin reduced systemic and renal levels of cytokines and inhibited renal accumulation of immune cells with concomitant suppression of nuclear factor kappa-B pathway. Increased amounts of lipid peroxidation products after LPS treatment were largely decreased by melittin. Additionally, the peptide decreased expression of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4 and enhanced nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2-mediated antioxidant defenses. Moreover, melittin inhibited apoptotic and necroptotic cell death after LPS treatment. Lastly, we showed that melittin improved the survival rate of LPS-injected mice. These results suggest that melittin ameliorates endotoxin-induced AKI and mortality through inhibiting inflammation, oxidative injury, and apoptotic and necroptotic death of tubular epithelial cells.
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122
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Furukawa N, Popel AS. Peptides that immunoactivate the tumor microenvironment. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021; 1875:188486. [PMID: 33276025 PMCID: PMC8369429 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2020.188486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has achieved positive clinical outcomes and is revolutionizing cancer treatment. However, cancer immunotherapy has thus far failed to improve outcomes for most "cold tumors", which are characterized by low infiltration of immune cells and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Enhancing the responsiveness of cold tumors to cancer immunotherapy by stimulating the components of the tumor microenvironment is a strategy pursued in the last decade. Currently, most of the agents used to modify the tumor microenvironment are small molecules or antibodies. Small molecules exhibit low affinity and specificity towards the target and antibodies have shortcomings such as poor tissue penetration and high production cost. Peptides may overcome these drawbacks and therefore are promising materials for immunomodulating agents. Here we systematically summarize the currently developed immunoactivating peptides and discuss the potential of peptide therapeutics in cancer immunology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natsuki Furukawa
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.
| | - Aleksander S Popel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA; The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
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123
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Kasozi KI, Niedbała G, Alqarni M, Zirintunda G, Ssempijja F, Musinguzi SP, Usman IM, Matama K, Hetta HF, Mbiydzenyuy NE, Batiha GES, Beshbishy AM, Welburn SC. Bee Venom-A Potential Complementary Medicine Candidate for SARS-CoV-2 Infections. Front Public Health 2020; 8:594458. [PMID: 33363088 PMCID: PMC7758230 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.594458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is characterized by severe cytokine storm syndrome following inflammation. SARS-CoV-2 directly interacts with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) receptors in the human body. Complementary therapies that impact on expression of IgE and IgG antibodies, including administration of bee venom (BV), have efficacy in the management of arthritis, and Parkinson's disease. A recent epidemiological study in China showed that local beekeepers have a level of immunity against SARS-CoV-2 with and without previous exposure to virus. BV anti-inflammatory properties are associated with melittin and phospholipase A2 (PLA2), both of which show activity against enveloped and non-enveloped viruses, including H1N1 and HIV, with activity mediated through antagonist activity against interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Melittin is associated with the underexpression of proinflammatory cytokines, including nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2), and protein kinase Akt. BV therapy also involves group III secretory phospholipase A2 in the management of respiratory and neurological diseases. BV activation of the cellular and humoral immune systems should be explored for the application of complementary medicine for the management of SARS-CoV-2 infections. BV "vaccination" is used to immunize against cytomegalovirus and can suppress metastases through the PLA2 and phosphatidylinositol-(3,4)-bisphosphate pathways. That BV shows efficacy for HIV and H1NI offers opportunity as a candidate for complementary therapy for protection against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keneth Iceland Kasozi
- Infection Medicine, Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,School of Medicine, Kabale University, Kabale, Uganda
| | - Gniewko Niedbała
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Environmental Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Mohammed Alqarni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gerald Zirintunda
- Faculty of Agriculture and Animal Sciences, Busitema University Arapai Campus, Soroti, Uganda
| | - Fred Ssempijja
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Kampala International University Western Campus, Bushenyi, Uganda
| | | | - Ibe Michael Usman
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Kampala International University Western Campus, Bushenyi, Uganda
| | - Kevin Matama
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, Kampala International University Western Campus, Bushenyi, Uganda
| | - Helal F Hetta
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Ngala Elvis Mbiydzenyuy
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Michael Chilufya Sata School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, Ndola, Zambia
| | - Gaber El-Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt
| | - Amany Magdy Beshbishy
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
| | - Susan Christina Welburn
- Infection Medicine, Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
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Moridi K, Hemmaty M, Akbari Eidgahi MR, Fathi Najafi M, Zare H, Ghazvini K, Neshani A. Construction, cloning, and expression of Melittin antimicrobial peptide using Pichia pastoris expression system. GENE REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2020.100900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Antiproliferative Activity, Proapoptotic Effect, and Cell Cycle Arrest in Human Cancer Cells of Some Marine Natural Product Extract. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2020; 2020:7948705. [PMID: 33294124 PMCID: PMC7714591 DOI: 10.1155/2020/7948705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Bioactive constituents of numerous marine organisms have been investigated recently for their preclinical and clinical anticancer activity. Three marine organisms: black-spotted sea cucumber: Pearsonothuria graeffei (Pg), lollyfish: Holothuria atra (Ha), and sea hare: Aplysia dactylomela (Ad), were collected during winter 2019 from Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea, Egypt, and macerated with ethanol into three different extracts: PgE, HaE, and AdE, where each was in vitro assessed for its antiproliferative and proapoptotic properties on HepG2, HCT-116, and MCF-7 cancer cells. PgE dose-dependently inhibited the growth of HepG2, HCT-116, and MCF-7 cells within IC50 values 16.22, 13.34, and 18.09 μg/mL, respectively, while the IC50 values for the antiproliferative activity of HaE were 12.48, 10.45, and 10.36 μg/mL, respectively, and the IC50 values of AdE were 6.51, 5.33, and 6.87 μg/mL, respectively. All extracts were found to induce G0/G1 cell cycle arrest for HepG2 cells side by side with their inhibition of CDK2 on all three cell lines while all extracts were also showed to induce apoptosis in HepG2 cell line at pre-G 1 phase supplemented by their anticancer activity via proapoptotic protein Bax, caspase-3, and cleavage PARP increase, and antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 downturn. Moreover, necrosis has been relatively noticed in HepG2 cell line as an additional anticancer activity for each extract. Our data introduced three ethanolic marine extracts as natural chemotherapeutic agents to be further developed for cancer control.
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Zhou C, Ma J, Lu Y, Zhao W, Xu B, Lin J, Ma Y, Tian Y, Zhang Q, Wang W, Yan W, Jiao P. TERT promoter regulating melittin expression induces apoptosis and G 0/G 1 cell cycle arrest in esophageal carcinoma cells. Oncol Lett 2020; 21:16. [PMID: 33240422 PMCID: PMC7681202 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.12277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma accounts for a large proportion of cancer-associated mortalities in both men and women. Melittin is the major active component of bee venom, which has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-cancer properties. The aim of the present study was to construct a tumor targeted recombinant plasmid [pc-telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT)-melittin] containing a human TERT promoter followed by a melittin coding sequence and to explore the effects of this plasmid in esophageal cell carcinoma and investigate preliminarily the underlying mechanisms of this effect. TE1 cells were transfected with pcTERT-melittin and the resulting apoptosis was subsequently examined. The viability of TE1 cells transfected with pcTERT-melittin was measured using a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, which indicated inhibited proliferation. The disruption of mitochondrial membranes and the concomitant production of reactive oxygen species demonstrated an inducible apoptotic effect of melittin in TE1 cells. Apoptotic cells were also counted using an Annexin V-FITC and PI double-staining assay. The upregulation of cleaved caspase-9, cleaved caspase-3, Bax and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 in pcTERT-melittin transfected TE1 cells, suggested that pcTERT-melittin-induced apoptosis was associated with the mitochondrial pathway. TE1 cells were also arrested in the G0/G1 phase when transfected with pcTERT-melittin, followed by the decline of CDK4, CDK6 and cyclin D1 expression levels. As cell invasion and metastasis are common in patients with esophageal cancer, a cell migration assay was conducted and it was found that pcTERT-melittin transfection reduced the migratory and invasive abilities of TE1 cells. The findings of the present study demonstrated that pcTERT-melittin may induce apoptosis of esophageal carcinoma cells and inhibit tumor metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Zhou
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Jie Ma
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Yuanhua Lu
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Wan Zhao
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Bingxue Xu
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Jian Lin
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Yongjun Ma
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Yafei Tian
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Weiqun Yan
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Ping Jiao
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
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Stiving AQ, Harvey SR, Jones BJ, Bellina B, Brown JM, Barran PE, Wysocki VH. Coupling 193 nm Ultraviolet Photodissociation and Ion Mobility for Sequence Characterization of Conformationally-Selected Peptides. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2020; 31:2313-2320. [PMID: 32959654 PMCID: PMC8127984 DOI: 10.1021/jasms.0c00259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Ultraviolet photodissociation (UVPD) has emerged as a useful technique for characterizing peptide, protein, and protein complex primary and secondary structure. 193 nm UVPD, specifically, enables extensive covalent fragmentation of the peptide backbone without the requirement of a specific side chain chromophore and with no precursor charge state dependence. We have modified a commercial quadrupole-ion mobility-time-of-flight (Q-IM-TOF) mass spectrometer to include 193 nm UVPD following ion mobility. Ion mobility (IM) is a gas-phase separation technique that enables separation of ions by their size, shape, and charge, providing an orthogonal dimension of separation to mass analysis. Following instrument modifications, we characterized the performance of, and information that could be generated from, this new setup using the model peptides substance P, melittin, and insulin chain B. These experiments show extensive fragmentation across the peptide backbone and a variety of ion types as expected from 193 nm UVPD. Additionally, y-2 ions (along with complementary a+2 and b+2 ions) N-terminal to proline were observed. Combining the IM separation and mobility gating capabilities with UVPD, we demonstrate the ability to accomplish both mass- and mobility-selection of bradykinin des-Arg9 and des-Arg1 peptides followed by complete sequence characterization by UVPD. The new capabilities of this modified instrument demonstrate the utility of combining IM with UVPD because isobaric species cannot be independently selected with a traditional quadrupole alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa Q Stiving
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Resource for Native Mass Spectrometry Guided Structural Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Sophie R Harvey
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Resource for Native Mass Spectrometry Guided Structural Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Benjamin J Jones
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Resource for Native Mass Spectrometry Guided Structural Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Bruno Bellina
- Michael Barber Centre for Collaborative Mass Spectrometry, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, and Photon Science Institute, University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 7DN, United Kingdom
| | | | - Perdita E Barran
- Michael Barber Centre for Collaborative Mass Spectrometry, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, and Photon Science Institute, University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 7DN, United Kingdom
| | - Vicki H Wysocki
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Resource for Native Mass Spectrometry Guided Structural Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
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128
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Carpena M, Nuñez-Estevez B, Soria-Lopez A, Simal-Gandara J. Bee Venom: An Updating Review of Its Bioactive Molecules and Its Health Applications. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12113360. [PMID: 33142794 PMCID: PMC7693387 DOI: 10.3390/nu12113360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Bee venom (BV) is usually associated with pain since, when humans are stung by bees, local inflammation and even an allergic reaction can be produced. BV has been traditionally used in ancient medicine and in acupuncture. It consists of a mixture of substances, principally of proteins and peptides, including enzymes as well as other types of molecules in a very low concentration. Melittin and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) are the most abundant and studied compounds of BV. Literature of the main biological activities exerted by BV shows that most studies focuses on the comprehension and test of anti-inflammatory effects and its mechanisms of action. Other properties such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, neuroprotective or antitumor effects have also been assessed, both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, human trials are necessary to confirm those clinical applications. However, notwithstanding the therapeutic potential of BV, there are certain problems regarding its safety and the possible appearance of adverse effects. On this perspective, new approaches have been developed to avoid these complications. This manuscript is aimed at reviewing the actual knowledge on BV components and its associated biological activities as well as the latest advances on this subject.
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129
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Antigen presentation, autoantibody production, and therapeutic targets in autoimmune liver disease. Cell Mol Immunol 2020; 18:92-111. [PMID: 33110250 PMCID: PMC7852534 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-020-00568-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is an important immunological organ that controls systemic tolerance. The liver harbors professional and unconventional antigen-presenting cells that are crucial for tolerance induction and maintenance. Orchestrating the immune response in homeostasis depends on a healthy and well-toned immunological liver microenvironment, which is maintained by the crosstalk of liver-resident antigen-presenting cells and intrahepatic and liver-infiltrating leukocytes. In response to pathogens or autoantigens, tolerance is disrupted by unknown mechanisms. Intrahepatic parenchymal and nonparenchymal cells exhibit unique antigen-presenting properties. The presentation of microbial and endogenous lipid-, metabolite- and peptide-derived antigens from the gut via conventional and nonconventional mechanisms can educate intrahepatic immune cells and elicit effector responses or tolerance. Perturbation of this balance results in autoimmune liver diseases, such as autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis, and primary sclerosing cholangitis. Although the exact etiologies of these autoimmune liver diseases are unknown, it is thought that the disruption of tolerance towards self-antigens and microbial metabolites and lipids, as well as alterations in bile acid composition, may result in changes in effector cell activation and polarization and may reduce or impair protective anti-inflammatory regulatory T and B cell responses. Additionally, the canonical and noncanonical transmission of antigens and antigen:MHC complexes via trogocytosis or extracellular vesicles between different (non) immune cells in the liver may play a role in the induction of hepatic inflammation and tolerance. Here, we summarize emerging aspects of antigen presentation, autoantibody production, and the application of novel therapeutic approaches in the characterization and treatment of autoimmune liver diseases.
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130
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Lima WG, de Brito JCM, Cardoso VN, Fernandes SOA. In-depth characterization of antibacterial activity of melittin against Staphylococcus aureus and use in a model of non-surgical MRSA-infected skin wounds. Eur J Pharm Sci 2020; 156:105592. [PMID: 33049305 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2020.105592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Skin infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) require the development of new and effective topical antibiotics. In this context, melittin, the main component of apitoxin, has a potent antibacterial effect. However, little is known regarding the anti-inflammatory potential this peptide in infection models, or its ability to induce clinically important resistance. Here, we aimed to conduct an in-depth characterization of the antibacterial potential of melittin in vitro and evaluate the pharmaceutical potential of an ointment containing melittin for the treatment of non-surgical infections induced by MRSA. The minimum inhibitory concentration of melittin varied from 0.12 to 4 μM. The antibacterial effect was mainly bactericidal and fast (approximately 0.5 h after incubation) and was maintained even in stationary cells and mature MRSA biofilms. Melittin interacts synergistically with beta-lactams and aminoglycosides, and its ability to form pores in the membrane reverses the resistance of vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (VISA) to amoxicillin, and vancomycin. Its ability to induce resistance in vitro was absent, and melittin was stable in several conditions often associated with infected wounds. In vivo, aointment containing melittin reduced bacterial load and the content of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-1 beta. Collectively, these data point to melittin as a potential candidate for topical formulations aimed at the treatment of non-surgical infections caused by MRSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Gustavo Lima
- Laboratório de Radioisótopos, Departamento de Análises Clinicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Valbert Nascimento Cardoso
- Laboratório de Radioisótopos, Departamento de Análises Clinicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Simone Odília Antunes Fernandes
- Laboratório de Radioisótopos, Departamento de Análises Clinicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
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131
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Bee Venom Melittin Protects against Cisplatin-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Mice via the Regulation of M2 Macrophage Activation. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12090574. [PMID: 32899913 PMCID: PMC7551791 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12090574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is an essential biological response that eliminates pathogenic bacteria and repairs tissue after injury. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with systemic and intrarenal inflammation as the inflammatory process decreases renal function and promotes progression to advanced chronic kidney disease. Macrophages are key mediators of the inflammatory response; their activation influences the immune system and may have various effects. Classically activated type I macrophages (M1) produce a variety of pro-inflammatory cytokines at the lesion site. However, anti-inflammatory type II macrophages (M2) are alternatively activated upon exposure to anti-inflammatory cytokines and are associated with wound healing and tissue repair following AKI. Here, we used melittin from bee venom to enhance the polarization of M2 macrophages and promote renal recovery after AKI. Melittin was administered to mice intraperitoneally for 5 days at various concentrations (10, 50, and 100 µg/kg); serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were analyzed 72 h after cisplatin administration to confirm renal dysfunction. Melittin inhibited the cisplatin-induced increase in creatinine and BUN, an indicator of renal dysfunction. The expression of M1 markers (CD16/32) decreased significantly, whereas that of M2 markers (CD206, Arg1nase I) increased after melittin administration. Consistently, tubular necrosis was substantially reduced in melittin-treated mice. Thus, melittin alleviates cisplatin-induced AKI by regulating M2 macrophage expression.
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132
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Kim DH, Lee HW, Park HW, Lee HW, Chun KH. Bee venom inhibits the proliferation and migration of cervical-cancer cells in an HPV E6/E7-dependent manner. BMB Rep 2020. [PMID: 32317085 PMCID: PMC7473477 DOI: 10.5483/bmbrep.2020.53.8.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Da-Hyun Kim
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Hyun-Woo Lee
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Hyun-Woo Park
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Han-Woong Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Kyung-Hee Chun
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
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133
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New opportunities and challenges of venom-based and bacteria-derived molecules for anticancer targeted therapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 80:356-369. [PMID: 32846203 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Due to advances in detection and treatment of cancer, especially the rise in the targeted therapy, the five-year relative survival rate of all cancers has increased significantly. However, according to the analysis of the survival rate of cancer patients in 2019, the survival rate of most cancers is still less than five years. Therefore, to combat complex cancer and further improve the 5-year survival rate of cancer patients, it is necessary to develop some new anticancer drugs. Because of the adaptive evolution of toxic species for millions of years, the venom sac is a "treasure bank", which has millions of biomolecules with high affinity and stability awaiting further development. Complete utilization of venom-based and bacteria-derived drugs in the market is still staggering because of incomplete understanding regarding their mode of action. In this review, we focused on the currently identified targets for anticancer effects based on venomous and bacterial biomolecules, such as ion channels, membrane non-receptor molecules, integrins, and other related target molecules. This review will serve as the key for exploring the molecular mechanisms behind the anticancer potential of venom-based and bacteria-derived drugs and will also lay the path for the development of anticancer targeted therapy.
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134
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Melittin from Apis florea Venom as a Promising Therapeutic Agent for Skin Cancer Treatment. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9080517. [PMID: 32823904 PMCID: PMC7460526 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9080517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Melittin, a major component found in bee venom, is produced by the Apis species of the honey bee. In this study, the effect of melittin derived from Apis florea (Mel-AF), which is a wild honey bee species that is indigenous to Thailand, was investigated against human malignant melanoma (A375) cells. In this study, Mel-AF exhibited considerable potential in the anti-proliferative action of A375 cells. Subsequently, the cellular mechanism of Mel-AF that induced cell death was investigated in terms of apoptosis. As a result, gene and protein expression levels, which indicated the activation of cytochrome-c release and caspase-9 expression, eventually triggered the release of the caspase-3 executioner upon Mel-AF. We then determined that apoptosis-mediated cell death was carried out through the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway. Moreover, advanced abilities, including cell motility and invasion, were significantly suppressed. Mel-AF manipulated the actin arrangement via the trapping of stress fibers that were found underneath the membrane, which resulted in the defective actin cytoskeleton organization. Consequently, the expression of EGFR, a binding protein to F-actin, was also found to be suppressed. This outcome strongly supports the effects of Mel-AF in the inhibition of progressive malignant activity through the disruption of actin cytoskeleton-EGFR interaction and the EGFR signaling system. Thus, the findings of our current study indicate the potential usefulness of Mel-AF in cancer treatments as an apoptosis inducer and a potential actin-targeting agent.
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135
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Feng JP, Zhu R, Jiang F, Xie J, Gao C, Li M, Jin H, Fu D. Melittin-encapsulating peptide hydrogels for enhanced delivery of impermeable anticancer peptides. Biomater Sci 2020; 8:4559-4569. [PMID: 32672773 DOI: 10.1039/c9bm02080b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Anticancer peptides (ACPs) have gained significant attention in the past few years. Most ACPs only act toward intracellular targets. However, their low membrane penetrability often limits their anticancer efficacy. Here we developed a novel melittin-RADA28 (MR) hydrogel, composed of RADA28 and melittin, through a peptide fusion method in order to promote the membrane permeability of tumor cells with the membrane-disrupting ability of melittin. As a proof of concept, we loaded the MR hydrogel with a therapeutic peptide, KLA (KLAKLAKKLAKLAK), to show the enhanced delivery efficiency of the hydrogel. Our results demonstrated that the formed melittin-RADA28-KLA peptide (MRP) hydrogel has a nanofiber structure, sustained release profile, and attenuated hemolysis effects. Compared with free KLA, the MRP hydrogel markedly increased the cellular accumulation of KLA, produced the highest ratio of the depolarized mitochondrial membrane, and decreased cell viability in vitro. Following peritumoral injection, the MRP hydrogel treatment suppressed CT26 tumor growth by more than 85%, compared to controls. In summary, we provide a facile and efficient strategy to enhance the delivery of impermeable peptides to improve their therapeutic efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jue-Ping Feng
- Department of Oncology, Wuhan Fourth Hospital; PuAi Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430034, China.
| | - Ru Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Fagang Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Jie Xie
- Department of Oncology, Wuhan Fourth Hospital; PuAi Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430034, China.
| | - Chang Gao
- Department of Oncology, Wuhan Fourth Hospital; PuAi Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430034, China.
| | - Min Li
- Department of Oncology, Wuhan Fourth Hospital; PuAi Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430034, China.
| | - Honglin Jin
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Dehao Fu
- Department of Orthopaedics, West Campus, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430056, China.
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136
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Luan X, Wu Y, Shen YW, Zhang H, Zhou YD, Chen HZ, Nagle DG, Zhang WD. Cytotoxic and antitumor peptides as novel chemotherapeutics. Nat Prod Rep 2020; 38:7-17. [PMID: 32776055 DOI: 10.1039/d0np00019a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Covering: up to 2020Treatment resistance and drug-induced refractory malignancies pose significant challenges for current chemotherapy drugs. There have been increasing research efforts aimed at developing novel chemotherapeutics, especially from natural products and related derivatives. Natural cytotoxic peptides, an emerging source of chemotherapeutics, have exhibited the advantage of overcoming drug resistance and displayed broad-spectrum antitumor activities in the clinic. This highlight examines the increasingly popular cytotoxic peptides from isolated natural products. In-depth review of several peptides provides examples for how this novel strategy can lead to the improved anti-tumor effects. The mechanisms and current application of representative natural cytotoxic peptides (NCPs) have also been discussed, with a particular focus on future directions for interdisciplinary research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Luan
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
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137
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Noble K, Rohaj A, Abegglen LM, Schiffman JD. Cancer therapeutics inspired by defense mechanisms in the animal kingdom. Evol Appl 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/eva.12963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Noble
- Huntsman Cancer Institute University of Utah Salt Lake City Utah
| | - Aarushi Rohaj
- Huntsman Cancer Institute University of Utah Salt Lake City Utah
| | - Lisa M. Abegglen
- Huntsman Cancer Institute University of Utah Salt Lake City Utah
- Department of Pediatrics University of Utah Salt Lake City Utah
| | - Joshua D. Schiffman
- Huntsman Cancer Institute University of Utah Salt Lake City Utah
- Department of Pediatrics University of Utah Salt Lake City Utah
- PEEL Therapeutics, Inc. Salt Lake City Utah
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138
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Significance of Apoidea as Main Pollinators. Ecological and Economic Impact and Implications for Human Nutrition. DIVERSITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/d12070280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Wild and managed bees provide pollination services to crops and wild plants, as well as a variety of other services beneficial to humans. Honey bees are the most economically valuable pollinator worldwide. It has been calculated that 9.5% of the total economic value of agricultural production comes from insect pollination, thus amounting to just under USD 200 billion globally. More than 100 important crops depend on pollination by honey bees. The latter pollinate not only a wide number of commercial crops but also many wild plants, some of which are threatened by extinction and constitute a valuable genetic resource. Moreover, as pollinators, honey bees play a significant role in every aspect of the ecosystem by facilitating the growth of trees, flowers, and other plants that serve as food and shelter for many large and small creatures. In this paper, we describe how the reduction in honey bee populations affects various economic sectors, as well as human health.
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Jansen C, Shimoda LMN, Starkus J, Lange I, Rysavy N, Maaetoft-Udsen K, Tobita C, Stokes AJ, Turner H. In vitro exposure to Hymenoptera venom and constituents activates discrete ionotropic pathways in mast cells. Channels (Austin) 2020; 13:264-286. [PMID: 31237176 PMCID: PMC8670737 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2019.1629225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcium entry is central to the functional processes in mast cells and basophils that contribute to the induction and maintenance of inflammatory responses. Mast cells and basophils express an array of calcium channels, which mediate responses to diverse stimuli triggered by small bioactive molecules, physicochemical stimuli and immunological inputs including antigens and direct immune cell interactions. These cells are also highly responsive to certain venoms (such as Hymenoptera envenomations), which cause histamine secretion, cytokine release and an array of pro-inflammatory functional responses. There are gaps in our understanding of the coupling of venom exposure to specific signaling pathways such as activation of calcium channels. In the present study, we performed a current survey of a model mast cell line selected for its pleiotropic responsiveness to multiple pro-inflammatory inputs. As a heterogenous stimulus, Hymenoptera venom activates multiple classes of conductance at the population level but tend to lead to the measurement of only one type of conductance per cell, despite the cell co-expressing multiple channel types. The data show that ICRAC, IARC, and TRPV-like currents are present in the model mast cell populations and respond to venom exposure. We further assessed individual venom components, specifically secretagogues and arachidonic acid, and identified the conductances associated with these stimuli in mast cells. Single-cell calcium assays and immunofluorescence analysis show that there is heterogeneity of channel expression across the cell population, but this heterogeneity does not explain the apparent selectivity for specific channels in response to exposure to venom as a composite stimulus.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Jansen
- a Laboratory of Immunology and Signal Transduction, Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics , Chaminade University , Honolulu , Hawai'I , USA
| | - L M N Shimoda
- a Laboratory of Immunology and Signal Transduction, Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics , Chaminade University , Honolulu , Hawai'I , USA
| | - J Starkus
- a Laboratory of Immunology and Signal Transduction, Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics , Chaminade University , Honolulu , Hawai'I , USA
| | - I Lange
- b Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, University of Hawai'i at Hilo , Hilo , Hawai'i , USA
| | - N Rysavy
- a Laboratory of Immunology and Signal Transduction, Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics , Chaminade University , Honolulu , Hawai'I , USA
| | - K Maaetoft-Udsen
- a Laboratory of Immunology and Signal Transduction, Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics , Chaminade University , Honolulu , Hawai'I , USA
| | - C Tobita
- a Laboratory of Immunology and Signal Transduction, Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics , Chaminade University , Honolulu , Hawai'I , USA
| | - A J Stokes
- c Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, John A. Burns School of Medicine , University of Hawai'i , Honolulu , Hawai'i , USA
| | - H Turner
- a Laboratory of Immunology and Signal Transduction, Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics , Chaminade University , Honolulu , Hawai'I , USA
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140
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Huang S, Wang J, Guo Z, Wang Y, Liu C. Quantitative Measurement of Melittin in Asian Honeybee Venom Using a New Method Including UPLC-QqTOF-MS. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12070437. [PMID: 32635485 PMCID: PMC7404999 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12070437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Asian honeybee venom is widely used in traditional oriental medicine. Melittin is the main component of Asian honeybee venom. In the present study, an ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QqTOF-MS) method was used for accurate qualitative and quantitative analyses of melittin in Asian honeybee venom. The results showed that the dynamic linear range of melittin was from 0.094 to 20 μg/mL, and the limit of quantification was 0.3125 μg/mL. The spiking recovery of melittin in honeybee venom ranged from 84.88% to 93.05%. Eighteen Asian honeybee venom samples in eighteen batches were collected from two different zones of China, and their melittin contents were measured. The contents of melittin in Asian honeybee venom samples was 33.9–46.23% of dry weight. This method proved a useful tool for the rapid evaluation of the authenticity and quality of Asian honeybee venom in terms of the melittin contents, and will contribute to a broader understanding of Asian honeybee venom.
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141
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Saisavoey T, Sangtanoo P, Srimongkol P, Reamtong O, Karnchanatat A. Hydrolysates from bee pollen could induced apoptosis in human bronchogenic carcinoma cells (ChaGo-K-1). Journal of Food Science and Technology 2020; 58:752-763. [PMID: 33568869 DOI: 10.1007/s13197-020-04592-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
In order to examine bee pollen hydrolysates to assess their anticancer and antioxidant properties, hydrolysis of bee pollen was first performed using three different commercially available enzymes: Alcalase®, Neutrase®, and Flavourzyme®. The study used DPPH and ABTS assay to evaluate the antioxidant properties of the hydrolysates obtained from bee pollen. All of the tested hydrolysates demonstrated antioxidant activity, while hydrolysate based on Alcalase® offered a high value for IC50 and was therefore chosen for further separation into five sub-fractions via ultrafiltration. The greatest antioxidant activity was presented by the MW < 0.65 kDa fraction, which achieved an IC50 value of 0.39 ± 0.01 µg/mL in the DPPH assay and 1.52 ± 0.01 µg/mL for ABTS. Purification of the MW < 0.65 kDa fraction was completed using RP-HPLC, whereupon the three fractions from the original six which had the highest antioxidant activity underwent further examination through ESI-Q-TOF-MS/MS. These particular peptides had between 7 and 11 amino acid residues. In the case of the MW < 0.65 kDa fraction, testing was also carried out to determine the viability of lung cancer cell lines, represented by ChaGo-K1 cells. Analysis of the antiproliferative properties allowed in vitro assessment of the ChaGo-K1 cells' viability following treatment using the MW < 0.65 kDa fraction. Flow-cytometry generated date which revealed that it was possible for the MW < 0.65 kDa fraction to induce apoptosis in the ChaGo-K1 cells in comparison to the results with cells which had not been treated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanatorn Saisavoey
- Research Unit in Bioconversion/Bioseparation for Value-Added Chemical Production, Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand
| | - Papassara Sangtanoo
- Research Unit in Bioconversion/Bioseparation for Value-Added Chemical Production, Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand
| | - Piroonporn Srimongkol
- Research Unit in Bioconversion/Bioseparation for Value-Added Chemical Production, Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand
| | - Onrapak Reamtong
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Ratchawithi Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand
| | - Aphichart Karnchanatat
- Research Unit in Bioconversion/Bioseparation for Value-Added Chemical Production, Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand
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Anti-fungal properties and mechanisms of melittin. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 104:6513-6526. [PMID: 32500268 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-10701-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Many fungal diseases remain poorly addressed by public health authorities, despite posing a substantial threat to humans, animals, and plants. More worryingly, few classes of anti-fungals have been developed to combat fungal infections thus far. These medications also have certain drawbacks in terms of toxicity, spectrum of activity, and pharmacokinetic properties. Hence, there is a dire need for discovery of novel anti-fungal agents. Melittin, the main constituent in the venom of European honeybee Apis mellifera, has attracted considerable attention among researchers owing to its potential therapeutic applications. To our knowledge, there has been no review pertinent to anti-fungal properties of melittin, prompting us to synopsize the results of experimental investigations with a special emphasis upon underlying mechanisms. In this respect, melittin inhibits a broad spectrum of fungal genera including Aspergillus, Botrytis, Candida, Colletotrichum, Fusarium, Malassezia, Neurospora, Penicillium, Saccharomyces, Trichoderma, Trichophyton, and Trichosporon. Melittin hinders fungal growth by several mechanisms such as membrane permeabilization, apoptosis induction by reactive oxygen species-mediated mitochondria/caspase-dependent pathway, inhibition of (1,3)-β-D-glucan synthase, and alterations in fungal gene expression. Overall, melittin will definitely open up new avenues for various biomedical applications, from medicine to agriculture. KEYPOINTS: • Venom-derived peptides have potential for development of anti-microbial agents. • Many fungal pathogens are susceptible to melittin at micromolar concentrations. • Melittin possesses multi-target mechanism of action against fungal cells.
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143
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Salama MA, Younis MA, Talaat RM. Cytokine and inflammatory mediators are associated with cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory and apoptotic activity of honeybee venom. JOURNAL OF COMPLEMENTARY & INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 18:75-86. [PMID: 32452823 DOI: 10.1515/jcim-2019-0182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present study aimed to evaluate cytotoxic, apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory properties of bee venom (BV) as well as changes in cytokine secretion levels and nitric oxide (NO) production using three different cancer cell lines [liver (Hep-G2), breast (MCF-7), and cervical (HPV-18 infected HeLa cells)] and two normal cells (splenocytes and macrophages (MQ). METHODS Cytotoxic activity of BV against tumor cell lines and normal splenocytes/MQ was tested by MTT assay. By ELISA (ELISA); Tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), Interleukine (IL-10) and interferon (IFN-γ) were measured. Caspase three expressions was evaluated using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Nitric oxide (NO) was estimated using a colorimetric assay. RESULTS BV has a significant cytotoxic effect on all cell lines in a dose- and time-dependent manner; none of them was toxic for normal cells. Treating Hep-G2 cells with BV showed a reduction in IL-10, elevation in TNF-α with no change in IFN-γ level. MCF-7 cells have low IL-10 and TNF-α and high IFN-γ production level. Elevation of IL-10 and IFN-γ coincides with a reduction in TNF-α level was demonstrated in HeLa cells. The expression of Caspase three was dramatically increased with elevation in BV concentration in all tested cancer cell lines. A gradual decrease in NO production by MQ with increasing BV dose was observed. CONCLUSION Taken together, our results stressed on the importance of BV as a potent anti-tumor agent against various types of cancers (Liver, Breast, and Cervix). Further steps towards the use of BV for pharmacological purposes must be done.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Salama
- Molecular Biology Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI), University of Sadat City (USC), Sadat, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Younis
- Molecular Biology Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI), University of Sadat City (USC), Sadat, Egypt
| | - Roba M Talaat
- Molecular Biology Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI), University of Sadat City (USC), Sadat, Egypt
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Roy A, Bharadvaja N. Venom-Derived Bioactive Compounds as Potential Anticancer Agents: A Review. Int J Pept Res Ther 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-020-10073-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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145
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Münstedt K, Männle H. Bee products and their role in cancer prevention and treatment. Complement Ther Med 2020; 51:102390. [PMID: 32507447 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Apitherapy, a method from the field of complementary and alternative medicine, promises better survival and even cure in cases of cancer. DESIGN 129 books on apitherapy in English, French and German languages were analysed regarding the recommendations concerning cancer. The recommendations were compared to the results from clinical studies in the literature. RESULTS Eighteen books recommend apitherapy for cancer prevention, thirty-nine for complementary cancer treatment and seventeen books considered apitherapy able to cure cancer. Pollen and Propolis were mainly recommended in order to stimulate the immune system and/or to improve cancer nutrition. Interestingly, few books provided specific information and no book provided adequate information in comparison to what is known from clinical studies on bee products. Data on relevant aspects of cancer treatment were not mentioned. This especially refers to data of bee products and radiotherapy, chemotherapy and radio-chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis, radiotherapy-induced skin toxicity, radiotherapy-induced xerostomia, cancer-related fatigue, febrile neutropenia, cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity, tyrosine kinase inhibitor-induced toxicity, side effects of antihormonal treatment and cancer-related wounds. CONCLUSIONS Apitherapeutic books are not good advisors regarding all aspects of cancer. However, the potential of some bee products justifies further trials, especially on cancer prevention and complementary treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karsten Münstedt
- Ortenau Klinikum Offenburg-Kehl, Ebertplatz 12, 77654 Offenburg, Germany.
| | - Heidrun Männle
- Ortenau Klinikum Offenburg-Kehl, Ebertplatz 12, 77654 Offenburg, Germany
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Rangel K, Curty Lechuga G, Almeida Souza AL, Rangel da Silva Carvalho JP, Simões Villas Bôas MH, De Simone SG. Pan-Drug Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, but Not Other Strains, Are Resistant to the Bee Venom Peptide Mellitin. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9040178. [PMID: 32295149 PMCID: PMC7235889 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9040178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii is a prevalent pathogen in hospital settings with increasing importance in infections associated with biofilm production. Due to a rapid increase in its drug resistance and the failure of commonly available antibiotics to treat A. baumannii infections, this bacterium has become a critical public health issue. For these multi-drug resistant A. baumannii, polymyxin antibiotics are considered the only option for the treatment of severe infections. Concerning, several polymyxin-resistant A. baumannii strains have been isolated over the last few years. This study utilized pan drug-resistant (PDR) strains of A. baumannii isolated in Brazil, along with susceptible (S) and extreme drug-resistant (XDR) strains in order to evaluate the in vitro activity of melittin, an antimicrobial peptide, in comparison to polymyxin and another antibiotic, imipenem. From a broth microdilution method, the determined minimum inhibitory concentration showed that S and XDR strains were susceptible to melittin. In contrast, PDR A. baumannii was resistant to all treatments. Treatment with the peptide was also observed to inhibit biofilm formation of a susceptible strain and appeared to cause permanent membrane damage. A subpopulation of PDR showed membrane damage, however, it was not sufficient to stop bacterial growth, suggesting that alterations involved with antibiotic resistance could also influence melittin resistance. Presumably, mutations in the PDR that have arisen to confer resistance to widely used therapeutics also confer resistance to melittin. Our results demonstrate the potential of melittin to be used in the control of bacterial infections and suggest that antimicrobial peptides can serve as the basis for the development of new treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karyne Rangel
- FIOCRUZ, Center for Technological, Development in Health (CDTS)/National, Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Neglected Population Diseases (INCT-IDPN), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900; (G.C.L.); (A.L.A.S.); (J.P.R.d.S.C.)
- Correspondence: (K.R.); (S.G.D.S.)
| | - Guilherme Curty Lechuga
- FIOCRUZ, Center for Technological, Development in Health (CDTS)/National, Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Neglected Population Diseases (INCT-IDPN), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900; (G.C.L.); (A.L.A.S.); (J.P.R.d.S.C.)
- FIOCRUZ, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Laboratory of Cellular Ultrastructure, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | - André Luis Almeida Souza
- FIOCRUZ, Center for Technological, Development in Health (CDTS)/National, Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Neglected Population Diseases (INCT-IDPN), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900; (G.C.L.); (A.L.A.S.); (J.P.R.d.S.C.)
| | - João Pedro Rangel da Silva Carvalho
- FIOCRUZ, Center for Technological, Development in Health (CDTS)/National, Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Neglected Population Diseases (INCT-IDPN), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900; (G.C.L.); (A.L.A.S.); (J.P.R.d.S.C.)
| | - Maria Helena Simões Villas Bôas
- FIOCRUZ, Microbiology Department, National Institute for Quality Control in Health (INCQS), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil;
| | - Salvatore Giovanni De Simone
- FIOCRUZ, Center for Technological, Development in Health (CDTS)/National, Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Neglected Population Diseases (INCT-IDPN), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900; (G.C.L.); (A.L.A.S.); (J.P.R.d.S.C.)
- FIOCRUZ, Federal Fluminense University, Biology Institute, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Rio de Janeiro, Niterói 24020-140, Brazil
- Correspondence: (K.R.); (S.G.D.S.)
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Chen QC, Liu L, Yu TY, Tang L, Yin ML, Zhu WH, Jiang XY, Wang HY. High-Level Expression and Purification of Melittin in Escherichia coli Using SUMO Fusion Partner. Int J Pept Res Ther 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-020-10060-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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148
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Trac NT, Chung EJ. Peptide-based targeting of immunosuppressive cells in cancer. Bioact Mater 2020; 5:92-101. [PMID: 31956738 PMCID: PMC6962647 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2020.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer progression is marked by the infiltration of immunosuppressive cells, such as tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs), and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). These cells play a key role in abrogating the cytotoxic T lymphocyte-mediated (CTL) immune response, allowing tumor growth to proceed unabated. Furthermore, targeting these immunosuppressive cells through the use of peptides and peptide-based nanomedicine has shown promising results. Here we review the origins and functions of immunosuppressive cells in cancer progression, peptide-based systems used in their targeting, and explore future avenues of research regarding cancer immunotherapy. The success of these studies demonstrates the importance of the tumor immune microenvironment in the propagation of cancer and the potential of peptide-based nanomaterials as immunomodulatory agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah T. Trac
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Eun Ji Chung
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Melittin-A Natural Peptide from Bee Venom Which Induces Apoptosis in Human Leukaemia Cells. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10020247. [PMID: 32041197 PMCID: PMC7072249 DOI: 10.3390/biom10020247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Bee venom is a very complex mixture produced and secreted by the honeybee (Apis mellifera). Melittin is a major component of bee venom that accounts for about 52% of its dry mass. A vast number of studies have been dedicated to the effects of melittin’s regulation of apoptosis and to the factors that induce apoptosis in various types of cancer such as breast, ovarian, prostate, lung. The latest evidence indicates its potential as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of leukaemia. The aim of our present study is to evaluate melittin’s ability to induce apoptosis in leukaemia cell lines of different origin acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (CCRF-CEM) and chronic myelogenous leukaemia (K-562). We demonstrated that melittin strongly reduced cell viability in both leukaemia cell lines but not in physiological peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PMBCs). Subsequent estimated parameters (mitochondrial membrane potential, Annexin V binding and Caspases 3/7 activity) clearly demonstrated that melittin induced apoptosis in leukaemia cells. This is a very important step for research into the development of new potential anti-leukaemia as well as anticancer therapies. Further analyses on the molecular level have been also planned (analysis of proapoptotic genes expression and DNA damages) for our next research project, which will also focus on melittin.
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Marques Pereira AF, Albano M, Bérgamo Alves FC, Murbach Teles Andrade BF, Furlanetto A, Mores Rall VL, Delazari Dos Santos L, de Oliveira Orsi R, Fernandes Júnior A. Influence of apitoxin and melittin from Apis mellifera bee on Staphylococcus aureus strains. Microb Pathog 2020; 141:104011. [PMID: 32004624 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2020.104011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The antibacterial activities of apitoxin, a venom produced by Apis mellifera bee, and melittin, an antimicrobial peptide from apitoxin, were tested against planktonic and biofilm states of Staphylococcus aureus methicillin-resistant (MRSA), including clinical, and enterotoxin-producing isolates. Also, the synergism of apitoxin and melittin in combination with oxacillin were evaluated as well. The induced morphological changes on S. aureus cells of both products were detected by transmission electronic microscopy (TEM). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were 7.2 μg/mL, and 6.7 μg/mL, for apitoxin and melittin, respectively. The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values were 28.7 μg/mL, and 26 μg/mL for apitoxin and melittin, respectively. The time-kill curve assays of apitoxin or melittin with oxacillin exhibited bactericidal synergism against MRSA isolates. TEM images showed cell distortion, cell disintegration with leakage of cytoplasmic content and loss of cytoplasm content. However, apitoxin and melittin did not interfere with staphylococcal enterotoxin production or release. Thus, apitoxin and melittin are potential agents against MRSA that can serve as possible models for new antibacterial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mariana Albano
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, São Paulo State University, 18618-691, Brazil
| | | | | | - Alessandra Furlanetto
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, São Paulo State University, 18618-691, Brazil
| | - Vera Lúcia Mores Rall
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, São Paulo State University, 18618-691, Brazil
| | | | - Ricardo de Oliveira Orsi
- CEVAP- Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals, São Paulo State University, 18610-307, Brazil
| | - Ary Fernandes Júnior
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, São Paulo State University, 18618-691, Brazil
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