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Sadek KM, Shib NA, Taher ES, Rashed F, Shukry M, Atia GA, Taymour N, El-Nablaway M, Ibrahim AM, Ramadan MM, Abdelkader A, Abdo M, Imbrea I, Pet E, Ali LS, Abdeen A. Harnessing the power of bee venom for therapeutic and regenerative medical applications: an updated review. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1412245. [PMID: 39092234 PMCID: PMC11291246 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1412245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Honeybees have been helpful insects since ancient centuries, and this benefit is not limited to being a honey producer only. After the bee stings a person, pain, and swelling occur in this place, due to the effects of bee venom (BV). This is not a poison in the total sense of the word because it has many benefits, and this is due to its composition being rich in proteins, peptides, enzymes, and other types of molecules in low concentrations that show promise in the treatment of numerous diseases and conditions. BV has also demonstrated positive effects against various cancers, antimicrobial activity, and wound healing versus the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Even though topical BV therapy is used to varying degrees among countries, localized swelling or itching are common side effects that may occur in some patients. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the complex chemical composition of BV, highlighting the diverse range of bioactive compounds and their therapeutic applications, which extend beyond the well-known anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, showcasing the versatility of BV in modern medicine. A specific search strategy was followed across various databases; Web of sciences, Scopus, Medline, and Google Scholar including in vitro and in vivo clinical studies.to outline an overview of BV composition, methods to use, preparation requirements, and Individual consumption contraindications. Furthermore, this review addresses safety concerns and emerging approaches, such as the use of nanoparticles, to mitigate adverse effects, demonstrating a balanced and holistic perspective. Importantly, the review also incorporates historical context and traditional uses, as well as a unique focus on veterinary applications, setting it apart from previous works and providing a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kadry M. Sadek
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt
| | - Naira A. Shib
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt
| | - Ehab S. Taher
- Department of Basic Medical and Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Zarqa University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Fatema Rashed
- Department of Basic Medical and Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Zarqa University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Mustafa Shukry
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt
| | - Gamal A. Atia
- Department of Oral Medicine, Periodontology, and Diagnosis, Faculty of Dentistry, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Noha Taymour
- Department of Substitutive Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad El-Nablaway
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, AlMaarefa University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Ateya M. Ibrahim
- Department of Administration and Nursing Education, College of Nursing, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Family and Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Port Said University, Port Said, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud M. Ramadan
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Afaf Abdelkader
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Abdo
- Department of Animal Histology and Anatomy, School of Veterinary Medicine, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Egypt
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City, Sadat City, Egypt
| | - Ilinca Imbrea
- Department of Forestry, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Technologies, University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Elena Pet
- Department of Management and Rural Development, Faculty of Management and Rural Tourism, University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Lashin S. Ali
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Ahmed Abdeen
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Toukh, Egypt
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Hejníková M, Tomčala A, Černý J, Kodrík D. Melittin-The principal toxin of honeybee venom-Is also produced in the honeybee fat body. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2024; 281:109928. [PMID: 38649084 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2024.109928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Melittin is a powerful toxin present in honeybee venom that is active in a wide range of animals, from insects to humans. Melittin exerts numerous biological, toxicological, and pharmacological effects, the most important of which is destruction of the cell membrane. The phospholipase activity of melittin and its ability to activate phospholipases in the venom contribute to these actions. Using analytical methods, we discovered that the honeybee Apis mellifera produces melittin not only in the venom gland but also in its fat body cells, which remain resistant to this toxin's effects. We suggest that melittin acts as an anti-bacterial agent, since its gene expression is significantly upregulated when honeybees are infected with Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes bacteria; additionally, melittin effectively kills these bacteria in the disc diffusion test. We hypothesize that the chemical and physicochemical properties of the melittin molecule (hydrophilicity, lipophilicity, and capacity to form tetramers) in combination with reactive conditions (melittin concentration, salt concentration, pH, and temperature) are responsible for the targeted destruction of bacterial cells and apparent tolerance towards own tissue cells. Considering that melittin is an important current and, importantly, potential broad-spectrum medication, a thorough understanding of the observed phenomena may significantly increase its use in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markéta Hejníková
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre, CAS, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Aleš Tomčala
- University of South Bohemia, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Water, CENAKVA, Institute of Aquaculture and Protection of Waters, Na Sádkách 1780, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Černý
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre, CAS, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; University of South Bohemia, Faculty of Science, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Dalibor Kodrík
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre, CAS, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; University of South Bohemia, Faculty of Science, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
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Wang K, Nguyen T, Gao Y, Guo R, Fan C, Liao H, Li J, Chai J, Xu X, Gong Y, Chen X. Androcin 18-1, a novel scorpion-venom peptide, shows a potent antitumor activity against human U87 cells via inducing mitochondrial dysfunction. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 170:104137. [PMID: 38759703 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2024.104137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Scorpion venom is a potent natural source for antitumor drug development due to the multiple action modes of anticancer components. Although the sequence of Androcin 18-1 has been identified from the transcriptome profile of the scorpion venom Androctonus bicolor, its bioactivity remains unclear. In this study, we described the antitumor mechanism whereby Androcin 18-1 inhibits the proliferation and induces apoptosis by inducing cell membrane disruption, ROS accumulation, and mitochondrial dysfunction in human U87 glioblastoma cells. Moreover, Androcin 18-1 could suppress cell migration via the mechanisms associated with cytoskeleton disorganization and MMPs/TIMPs expression regulation. The discovery of this work highlights the potential application of Androcin 18-1 in drug development for glioblastoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510280, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tienthanh Nguyen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yihan Gao
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510280, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruiyin Guo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chaofan Fan
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510280, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hang Liao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiali Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinwei Chai
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510280, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xueqing Xu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510280, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Yuxin Gong
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510280, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510280, Guangzhou, China.
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Vahidinia Z, Barati S, Azami Tameh A, Bagheri-Mohammadi S, Garshasebi A. Bee venom as a promising therapeutic strategy in central nervous system diseases. Neuropeptides 2024; 107:102451. [PMID: 38936137 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2024.102451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) disorders are one of the leading health problems today, accounting for a large proportion of global morbidity and mortality. Most these disorders are characterized by high levels of oxidative stress and intense inflammatory responses in degenerated neuronal tissues. While extensive research has been conducted on CNS diseases, but few breakthroughs have been made in treatment methods. To date, there are no disease-modifying drugs available for CNS treatment, underscoring the urgent need for finding effective medications. Bee venom (BV), which is produced by honeybee workers' stingers, has been a subject of interest and study across various cultures. Over the past few decades, extensive research has focused on BV and its therapeutic potentials. BV consists a variety of substances, mainly proteins and peptides like melittin and phospholipase A2 (PLA2). Research has proven that BV is effective in various medical conditions, including pain, arthritis and inflammation and CNS disorders such as Multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the existing knowledge concerning the therapeutic effects of BV and its primary compounds on various CNS diseases. Additionally, we aim to shed light on the potential cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Vahidinia
- Anatomical Sciences Research Center, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
| | - Shirin Barati
- Department of Anatomy, Saveh University of Medical Sciences, Saveh, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Azami Tameh
- Anatomical Sciences Research Center, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Saeid Bagheri-Mohammadi
- Department of Paramedicine, Amol School of Paramedical Sciences, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.; Immunogenetics Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ali Garshasebi
- Anatomical Sciences Research Center, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
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Rad PM, Rahbarnia L, Safary A, ShadiDizaji A, Maani Z. The Synthetic Antimicrobial Peptide Derived From Melittin Displays Low Toxicity and Anti-infectious Properties. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2024; 16:490-500. [PMID: 36988897 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-023-10066-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
The low stability and nonspecific toxicity are the main limiting factors for the clinical applications of melittin (MLT). This study aimed to design and synthesize new analogs of MLT to increase stability, reduce toxicity, and retain their antimicrobial properties against bacterial pathogens. At first, peptide analogs were designed computationally by inducing single mutations in MLT peptides and evaluating their physicochemical properties. The stability of the analogs with the highest scores was determined by Gromacs software. In vitro assays were performed to examine the antimicrobial activity and toxicity of the selected analogs. Two peptide analogs, M1 and M2, were selected based on the SVM score in cell PPD. The M1 analog was created by replacing alanine with leucine on the 15th. The M2 analog was designed by substituting alanine with leucine and isoleucine with arginine at the 15th and 17th positions. According to the Gromacs results, the M2 peptide indicated more stability. RMSD and RMSF results showed no undesirable fluctuations during the 200 ns MD simulation. The MIC and MBC values for the M1 peptide were calculated in a range of 8-128 μg/ml, while the M2 peptide limited the bacterial growth to 32-128 μg/mL. Both peptides indicated less toxicity than natural MLT, based on MTT assay results. The hemolytic activity of the M1 analog was more than M2 at 16 μg/mL concentration. M1 peptide displayed the highest selectivity index against S. aureus and A. baumannii, which were approximately 5.27-fold improvements compared to MLT. In conclusion, we introduced two analogs of MLT with low toxicity, low hemolytic activity, and higher stability, along with retaining antimicrobial properties against gram-negative and positive bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Mansouri Rad
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Leila Rahbarnia
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Azam Safary
- Connective Tissue Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Zahra Maani
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Honari P, Shahbazzadeh D, Behdani M, Pooshang Bagheri K. Highly in vitro anti-cancer activity of melittin-loaded niosomes on non-small cell lung cancer cells. Toxicon 2024; 241:107673. [PMID: 38432612 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.107673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Development of promising medicines from natural sources, specially venom, is of highly necessitated to combat against life-threatening cancers. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has a significant percentage of mortalities. Melittin, from bee venom, is a potent anticancer peptide but its toxicity has limited its therapeutic applications. Accordingly, this study aims to synthesize niosomes with suitable stability and capacity for carrying melittin as a drug. Additionally, it seeks to evaluate the anti-cancer activity of melittin-loaded niosomes on non-small cell lung cancer. METHODS The niosome was prepared by thin film hydration method. Cytotoxicity and apoptosis were assessed on A549, Calu-3, and MRC5 cells. Real-time PCR was used to determine expression of apoptotic and pro-apoptotic Bax, Bcl2, and Casp3 genes. Immunocytochemistry (ICC) was also used to confirm expression of the abovementioned genes. Furthermore, wound healing assay was performed to compare inhibition effects of melittin-loaded niosomes with free melittin on migration of cancer cells. RESULTS IC50 values of melittin-loaded niosomes for A549, Calu-3, and MRC5 cells were respectively 0.69 μg/mL, 1.02 μg/mL, and 2.56 μg/mL after 72 h. Expression level of Bax and Casp3 increased '10 and 8' and '9 and 10.5' fold in A549 and Calu-3, whereas Bcl2 gene expression decreased 0.19 and 0.18 fold in the mentioned cell lines. The cell migration inhibited by melittin-loaded niosomes. CONCLUSIONS Melittin-loaded niosomes had more anti-cancer effects and less toxicity on normal cells than free melittin. Furthermore, it induced apoptosis and inhibited cancer cells migration. Our results showed that melittin-loaded niosomes may be a drug lead and it has the potential to be future developed for lung cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooyan Honari
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Delavar Shahbazzadeh
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab, Medical Biotechnology Dept., Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, P.O BOX. 1316943551, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Behdani
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab, Medical Biotechnology Dept., Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, P.O BOX. 1316943551, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kamran Pooshang Bagheri
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab, Medical Biotechnology Dept., Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, P.O BOX. 1316943551, Tehran, Iran.
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Haque S, Hussain A, Joshi H, Sharma U, Sharma B, Aggarwal D, Rani I, Ramniwas S, Gupta M, Tuli HS. Melittin: a possible regulator of cancer proliferation in preclinical cell culture and animal models. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:17709-17726. [PMID: 37919474 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05458-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melittin is a water-soluble cationic peptide derived from bee venom that has been thoroughly studied for the cure of different cancers. However, the unwanted interactions of melittin produce hemolytic and cytotoxic effects that hinder their therapeutic applications. To overcome the shortcomings, numerous research groups have adopted different approaches, including conjugation with tumor-targeting proteins, gene therapy, and encapsulation in nanoparticles, to reduce the non-specific cytotoxic effects and potentiate their anti-cancerous activity. PURPOSE This article aims to provide mechanistic insights into the chemopreventive activity of melittin and its nanoversion in combination with standard anti-cancer drugs for the treatment of cancer. METHODS We looked over the pertinent research on melittin's chemopreventive properties in online databases such as PubMed and Scopus. CONCLUSION In the present article, the anti-cancerous effects of melittin on different cancers have been discussed very nicely, as have their possible mechanisms of action to act against different tumors. Besides, it interacts with different signal molecules that regulate the diverse pathways of cancerous cells, such as cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, metastasis, angiogenesis, and inflammation. We also discussed the recent progress in the synergistic combination of melittin with standard anti-cancer drugs and a nano-formulated version of melittin for targeted delivery to improve its anticancer potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shafiul Haque
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, 45142, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Beirut, 11022801, Lebanon
- Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, 13306, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Arif Hussain
- School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, P.O. Box 345050, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hemant Joshi
- School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India.
| | - Ujjawal Sharma
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, 151401, India
| | - Bunty Sharma
- Department of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, 133207, India
| | - Diwakar Aggarwal
- Department of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, 133207, India
| | - Isha Rani
- Department of Biochemistry, Maharishi Markendashwar College of Medical Sciences and Research (MMCMSR), Sadopur, Ambala, 134007, India
| | - Seema Ramniwas
- University Centre for Research and Development, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali, 140413, India
| | - Madhu Gupta
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, Pushp Vihar, New Delhi, 110017, India
| | - Hardeep Singh Tuli
- Department of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, 133207, India.
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Ghasemitarei M, Ghorbi T, Yusupov M, Zhang Y, Zhao T, Shali P, Bogaerts A. Effects of Nitro-Oxidative Stress on Biomolecules: Part 1-Non-Reactive Molecular Dynamics Simulations. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1371. [PMID: 37759771 PMCID: PMC10527456 DOI: 10.3390/biom13091371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasma medicine, or the biomedical application of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP), is an expanding field within plasma research. CAP has demonstrated remarkable versatility in diverse biological applications, including cancer treatment, wound healing, microorganism inactivation, and skin disease therapy. However, the precise mechanisms underlying the effects of CAP remain incompletely understood. The therapeutic effects of CAP are largely attributed to the generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), which play a crucial role in the biological responses induced by CAP. Specifically, RONS produced during CAP treatment have the ability to chemically modify cell membranes and membrane proteins, causing nitro-oxidative stress, thereby leading to changes in membrane permeability and disruption of cellular processes. To gain atomic-level insights into these interactions, non-reactive molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have emerged as a valuable tool. These simulations facilitate the examination of larger-scale system dynamics, including protein-protein and protein-membrane interactions. In this comprehensive review, we focus on the applications of non-reactive MD simulations in studying the effects of CAP on cellular components and interactions at the atomic level, providing a detailed overview of the potential of CAP in medicine. We also review the results of other MD studies that are not related to plasma medicine but explore the effects of nitro-oxidative stress on cellular components and are therefore important for a broader understanding of the underlying processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Ghasemitarei
- Department of Physics, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran 14588-89694, Iran
- Research Group PLASMANT, Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Tayebeh Ghorbi
- Department of Physics, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran 14588-89694, Iran
| | - Maksudbek Yusupov
- School of Engineering, New Uzbekistan University, Tashkent 100007, Uzbekistan
- School of Engineering, Central Asian University, Tashkent 111221, Uzbekistan
- Laboratory of Thermal Physics of Multiphase Systems, Arifov Institute of Ion-Plasma and Laser Technologies, Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, Tashkent 100125, Uzbekistan
- Research Group PLASMANT, Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Yuantao Zhang
- School of Electrical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, China
| | - Tong Zhao
- School of Electrical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, China
| | - Parisa Shali
- Research Unit Plasma Technology, Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Engineering and Agriculture, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Annemie Bogaerts
- Research Group PLASMANT, Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
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Li Q, Sun H, Liu S, Tang J, Liu S, Yin P, Mi Q, Liu J, yu L, Bi Y. Ginsenoside Rk1 inhibits HeLa cell proliferation through an endoplasmic reticulum signaling pathway. J Ginseng Res 2023; 47:645-653. [PMID: 37720575 PMCID: PMC10499649 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgr.2023.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Changes to work-life balance has increased the incidence of cervical cancer among younger people. A minor ginseng saponin known as ginsenoside Rk1 can inhibit the growth and survival of human cancer cells; however, whether ginsenoside Rk1 inhibits HeLa cell proliferation is unknown. Methods and results Ginsenoside Rk1 blocked HeLa cells in the G0/G1 phase in a dose-dependent manner and inhibited cell division and proliferation. Ginsenoside Rk1 markedly also activated the apoptotic signaling pathway via caspase 3, PARP, and caspase 6. In addition, ginsenoside Rk1 increased LC3B protein expression, indicating the promotion of the autophagy signaling pathway. Protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum signaling pathway was downregulated in Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses, consistent with teal-time quantitative PCR and western blotting that showed YOD1, HSPA4L, DNAJC3, and HSP90AA1 expression levels were dramatically decreased in HeLa cells treated with ginsenoside Rk1, with YOD1 was the most significantly inhibited by ginsenoside Rk1 treatment. Conclusion These findings indicate that the toxicity of ginsenoside Rk1 in HeLa cells can be explained by the inhibition of protein synthesis in the endoplasmic reticulum and enhanced apoptosis, with YOD1 acting as a potential target for cervical cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shiwei Liu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Jinxin Tang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Shengnan Liu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Pei Yin
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Qianwen Mi
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Jingsheng Liu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Lei yu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Yunfeng Bi
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
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Małek A, Strzemski M, Kurzepa J, Kurzepa J. Can Bee Venom Be Used as Anticancer Agent in Modern Medicine? Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3714. [PMID: 37509375 PMCID: PMC10378503 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Honey bee venom in its composition contains many biologically active peptides and enzymes that are effective in the fight against diseases of various etiologies. The history of the use of bee venom for medicinal purposes dates back thousands of years. There are many reports in the literature on the pharmacological properties of bee venom and/or its main components, e.g., anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial or neuroprotective properties. In addition, both crude venom and melittin exhibit cytotoxic activity against a wide range of tumor cells, with significant anti-metastatic activity in pre-clinical studies. Due to the constantly increasing incidence of cancer, the development of new therapeutic strategies in oncology is a particular challenge for modern medicine. A review paper discusses the various properties of bee venom with an emphasis on its anticancer properties. For this purpose, the PubMed database was searched, and publications related to "bee", "venom", "cancer" from the last 10 years were selected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Małek
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Maciej Strzemski
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Joanna Kurzepa
- 1st Department of Radiology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Jacek Kurzepa
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
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Pandey P, Khan F, Khan MA, Kumar R, Upadhyay TK. An Updated Review Summarizing the Anticancer Efficacy of Melittin from Bee Venom in Several Models of Human Cancers. Nutrients 2023; 15:3111. [PMID: 37513529 PMCID: PMC10385528 DOI: 10.3390/nu15143111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Apitherapy (using bee products) has gained broad recognition in cancer therapeutics globally. Honeybee venom has a broad range of biological potential, and its utilization is rapidly emerging in apitherapy. Bee products have significant potential to strengthen the immune system and improve human health. Thus, this review is targeted toward recapitulating the chemo-preventive potential of melittin (MEL), which constitutes a substantial portion of honeybee venom. Honeybee venom (apitoxin) is produced in the venom gland of the honeybee abdomen, and adult bees utilize it as a primary colony defense mechanism. Apitoxin comprises numerous biologically active compounds, including peptides, enzymes, amines, amino acids, phospholipids, minerals, carbohydrates, and volatile components. We are mainly focused on exploring the potential of melittin (a peptide component) of bee venom that has shown promising potential in the treatment of several human cancers, including breast, stomach, lung, prostate, ovary, kidney, colon, gastric, esophageal, cervical cancers, melanoma, osteosarcoma, and hepatocellular carcinoma. This review has summarized all potential studies related to the anticancerous efficacy of melittin (apitoxin), its formulations, conjugates, and nano-formulations against several human carcinomas, which would further pave the way for future researchers in developing potent drugs for cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratibha Pandey
- Department of Biotechnology, Noida Institute of Engineering & Technology, Greater Noida 201306, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Fahad Khan
- Department of Biotechnology, Noida Institute of Engineering & Technology, Greater Noida 201306, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Minhaj Ahmad Khan
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, Punjab, India
| | - Rajnish Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Noida Institute of Engineering and Technology (Pharmacy Institute), Greater Noida 201306, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Tarun Kumar Upadhyay
- Department of Biotechnology, Parul Institute of Applied Sciences and Centre of Research for Development, Parul University, Vadodara 391760, Gujarat, India
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Pérez-Delgado O, Espinoza-Culupú AO, López-López E. Antimicrobial Activity of Apis mellifera Bee Venom Collected in Northern Peru. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12040779. [PMID: 37107142 PMCID: PMC10135115 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12040779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the emergence of microorganisms resistant to antibiotics and the failure of antibiotic therapies, there is an urgent need to search for new therapeutic options, as well as new molecules with antimicrobial potential. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial activity of Apis mellifera venom collected in the beekeeping areas of the city of Lambayeque in northern Peru against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. Bee venom extraction was performed by electrical impulses and separated using the Amicon ultra centrifugal filter. Subsequently, the fractions were quantified by spectrometric 280 nm and evaluated under denaturant conditions in SDS-PAGE. The fractions were pitted against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853. A purified fraction (PF) of the venom of A. mellifera and three low molecular weight bands of 7 KDa, 6 KDa, and 5 KDa were identified that showed activity against E. coli with a MIC of 6.88 µg/mL, while for P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, it did not present a MIC. No hemolytic activity at a concentration lower than 15.6 µg/mL and no antioxidant activity. The venom of A. mellifera contains a potential presence of peptides and a predilection of antibacterial activity against E. coli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orlando Pérez-Delgado
- Health Science Research Laboratory, Universidad Señor de Sipán, Chiclayo 14001, Peru
| | | | - Elmer López-López
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Señor de Sipán, Chiclayo 14001, Peru
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Wang G, Cui Y, Liu H, Tian Y, Li S, Fan Y, Sun S, Wu D, Peng C. Antibacterial peptides-loaded bioactive materials for the treatment of bone infection. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2023; 225:113255. [PMID: 36924650 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2023.113255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial bone infection in open fractures is an urgent problem to solve in orthopedics. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), as a part of innate immune defense, have good biocompatibility. Their antibacterial mechanism and therapeutic application against bacteria have been widely studied. Compared with traditional antibiotics, AMPs do not easily cause bacterial resistance and can be a reliable substitute for antibiotics in the future. Therefore, various physical and chemical strategies have been developed for the combined application of AMPs and bioactive materials to infected sites, which are conducive to maintaining the local stability of AMPs, reducing many complications, and facilitating bone infection resolution. This review explored the molecular structure, function, and direct and indirect antibacterial mechanisms of AMPs, introduced two important AMPs (LL-37 and β-defensins) in bone tissues, and reviewed advanced AMP loading strategies and different bioactive materials. Finally, the latest progress and future development of AMPs-loaded bioactive materials for the promotion of bone infection repair were discussed. This study provided a theoretical basis and application strategy for the treatment of bone infection with AMP-loaded bioactive materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gan Wang
- Orthopaedic Medical Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China
| | - Yutao Cui
- Orthopaedic Medical Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China
| | - He Liu
- Orthopaedic Medical Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China
| | - Yuhang Tian
- Orthopaedic Medical Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China
| | - Shaorong Li
- Orthopaedic Medical Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China
| | - Yi Fan
- Orthopaedic Medical Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China
| | - Shouye Sun
- Orthopaedic Medical Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China
| | - Dankai Wu
- Orthopaedic Medical Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China.
| | - Chuangang Peng
- Orthopaedic Medical Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China.
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Relationship Between Expression of microRNA and Chemotherapy Resistance in Cervical Carcinoma. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2023; 195:1928-1946. [PMID: 36401723 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-022-04227-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Cervical cancer (CC), although being a potentially avoidable disease, is the second most often diagnose gynecological cancer, with at minimum 530,000 new instant reported each year, and optimism for CC remains poor. Nearly half of individuals with locally advanced cervical cancer have a poor pathological response to standard therapy. As a result, research into the molecular pathogenesis of cervical cancer and associated therapeutic targets is a must. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are possible biomarkers in cervical cancer; elevations or reductions in many distinct miRNAs discovered in individuals with this illness indicate that miRNA could contain a function to play in the illness's pathogenesis. Nevertheless, little is known about their significance in detecting individuals who do not respond to traditional therapy. As a consequence, the intention of this study is to look at the relationship among the synthesis of miRNAs (miR 217 and miR-140-3p), which can be utilized as molecular biomarkers to predict pathological responses in cervical cancer patients after radiation and chemotherapy. Various analytical techniques were used to analyze the data, including quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), growth and apoptosis analysis, western blot analysis, luciferase reporter gene analysis, immunohistochemistry, and statistical analysis. The results show that such miRNAs participate a crucial responsibility in CC cell proliferation inhibition. They might be a new therapeutic target for microRNA-mediated cell proliferation inhibition in cervical cancer.
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Mini-αA-Crystallin Stifled Melittin-Induced Haemolysis and Lymphocyte Lysis. Int J Pept Res Ther 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-023-10502-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
AbstractMelittin, the most potent pharmacological ingredient of honey bee venom, induces haemolysis, lymphocyte lysis, long-term pain, localised inflammation, and hyperalgesia. In this study, efforts were made to subdue the melittin’s ill effects using a chaperone peptide called ‘mini-αA-crystallin’ (MAC) derived from eye lens αA-crystallin. Haemolytic test on human red blood cells, percentage viability, and DNA diffusion assay on Human peripheral blood lymphocytes (HPBLs) were performed with melittin in the presence or absence of MAC. Propidium iodide and Annexin V-FITC dual staining were performed to analyse quantitative levels of necrotic and apoptotic induction by melittin in the presence or absence of MAC on HPBLs using a flow cytometer. A computational study to find out the interactions between MAC and melittin was undertaken by modelling the structure of MAC using a PEP-FOLD server. The result showed that MAC inhibited melittin-induced lysis in nucleated (lymphocytes) and enucleated (RBC) cells. Flow cytometric analysis revealed a substantial increase in the necrotic and late apoptotic cells after treating HPBLs with melittin (4 µg/ml) for 24 h. Treatment with MAC at a 2:1 molar ratio prevented HPBLs from developing melittin-induced necrosis and late apoptosis. In the docking study, hydrogen, van der Waals, π-π stacking, and salt bridges were observed between the MAC and melittin complex, confirming a strong interaction between them. The MAC-melittin complex was stable during molecular dynamics simulation. These findings may be beneficial in developing a medication for treating severe cases of honeybee stings.
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Sevin S, Deveci Ozkan A, Tutun H, Kivrak I, Turna O, Guney Eskiler G. Determination of the Effects of Bee Venom on Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells in Vitro. Chem Biodivers 2023; 20:e202201263. [PMID: 36806913 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202201263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
Honeybees provide multiple products such as bee venom (BV) which are used for various nutritional and medicinal purposes. BV has received great attention due to its wide range of bioactive components with potential anti-cancer effects on different cancers. Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is defined as an aggressive type of breast cancer and new therapeutic targets are required for its treatment. In the current literature information is varied about the composition and quantity of BV bioactive compounds as well as the origin of BV and its significance. In this context, the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of BV with a higher rate of mellitin from Apis mellifera anatoliaca (Muğla ecotype) on MDA-MB-231 cells was evaluated, in vitro. The cytotoxic, apoptotic and morphological effects of BV were determined by WST-1, Annexin V, cell cycle analysis and Acridine Orange staining. The results showed that BV caused apoptotic cell death in TNBC cells at a lower dose (0.47 μg/mL, p<0.01). This study suggests that BV could be developed as a potential therapeutic agent for cancer treatment. However, the mechanism of BV-induced apoptosis death should be clarified at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sedat Sevin
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, 06070, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Asuman Deveci Ozkan
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Sakarya University, 54050, Sakarya, Turkey
| | - Hidayet Tutun
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, 15030, Burdur, Turkey
| | - Ibrahim Kivrak
- Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University -, Muğla Vocational School Department of Chemistry and Chemical Treatment Technologies, 48000, Muğla, Turkey
| | - Ozge Turna
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Istanbul Cerrahpasa University, 34320, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gamze Guney Eskiler
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Sakarya University, 54050, Sakarya, Turkey
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Han G, Wang J, Li Y, Chen Z, Xu X, Liu T, Wang Y, Bai F, Liu K, Zhao Y. Novel Peptide from the Hydrolysate of Hybrid Sturgeon ( Acipenseridae) Spinal Cord: Isolation, Identification, and Anti-proliferative Effects in Human Cervix Cancer Cells. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:770-779. [PMID: 36541899 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c07594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Anti-proliferative peptides have recently attracted attention for their excellent bioactivity and biocompatibility. In this paper, five novel anti-proliferative peptides were identified from the hydrolysate of hybrid sturgeon spinal cord (HSSC). In addition, the structure-activity relationship of the novel anti-proliferative peptides was explored. In vitro experiments indicated that the peptide "VDSVLDVVRK" presented the highest inhibition of HeLa cell growth in all samples (IC50 = 2.5 μM). VDSVLDVVRK showed a random coil secondary structure and nanomicelles in the tumor microenvironment. Transmission electron microscopy results confirmed that nanomicelles disassemble as the concentration of VDSVLDVVRK decreases. Furthermore, VDSVLDVVRK could induce HeLa cell apoptosis by increasing the expression of Cyt-c (98.65 ± 1.85%, p < 0.01) and caspase-9 (39.85 ± 1.81%, p < 0.01). In this study, the anti-proliferative mechanism of the HSSC peptide was discussed, which provided a theoretical basis for the research and development of anti-proliferative functional food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guixin Han
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003 Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Jinlin Wang
- Quzhou Sturgeon Aquatic Food Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd., Quzhou 324002 Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Yujin Li
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003 Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Zefan Chen
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003 Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Xinxing Xu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003 Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Tianhong Liu
- Marine Science Research Institute of Shandong Province, Qingdao 266104 Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Ying Wang
- Marine Science Research Institute of Shandong Province, Qingdao 266104 Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Fan Bai
- Quzhou Sturgeon Aquatic Food Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd., Quzhou 324002 Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Kang Liu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003 Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Yuanhui Zhao
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003 Shandong, P.R. China
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Mirzaei R, Esmaeili Gouvarchin Ghaleh H, Ranjbar R. Antibiofilm effect of melittin alone and in combination with conventional antibiotics toward strong biofilm of MDR-MRSA and - Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1030401. [PMID: 36910230 PMCID: PMC9994733 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1030401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens are being recognized as a critical threat to human health if they can form biofilm and, in this sense, biofilm-forming MDR-methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and -Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains are a worse concern. Hence, a growing body of documents has introduced antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as a substitute candidate for conventional antimicrobial agents against drug-resistant and biofilm-associated infections. We evaluated melittin's antibacterial and antibiofilm activity alone and/or in combination with gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, rifampin, and vancomycin on biofilm-forming MDR-P. aeruginosa and MDR-MRSA strains. Methods Antibacterial tests [antibiogram, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC)], anti-biofilm tests [minimum biofilm inhibition concentration (MBIC), and minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC)], as well as synergistic antibiofilm activity of melittin and antibiotics, were performed. Besides, the influence of melittin alone on the biofilm encoding genes and the cytotoxicity and hemolytic effects of melittin were examined. Results MIC, MBC, MBIC, and MBEC indices for melittin were in the range of 0.625-5, 1.25-10, 2.5-20, and 10-40 μg/ml, respectively. The findings found that the combination of melittin AMP with antibiotics was synergistic and fractional biofilm inhibitory concentration index (FBICi) for most tested concentrations was <0.5, resulting in a significant reduction in melittin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, vancomycin, and rifampin concentrations by 2-256.4, 2-128, 2-16, 4-64 and 4-8 folds, respectively. This phenomenon reduced the toxicity of melittin, whereby its synergist concentration required for biofilm inhibition did not show cytotoxicity and hemolytic activity. Our findings found that melittin decreased the expression of icaA in S. aureus and LasR in P. aeruginosa genes from 0.1 to 4.11 fold for icaA, and 0.11 to 3.7 fold for LasR, respectively. Conclusion Overall, the results obtained from our study show that melittin alone is effective against the strong biofilm of MDR pathogens and also offers sound synergistic effects with antibiotics without toxicity. Hence, combining melittin and antibiotics can be a potential candidate for further evaluation of in vivo infections by MDR pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasoul Mirzaei
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | | | - Reza Ranjbar
- Molecular Biology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Li X, Zhu S, Li Z, Meng Y, Huang S, Yu Q, Li B. Melittin induces ferroptosis and ER stress-CHOP-mediated apoptosis in A549 cells. Free Radic Res 2022; 56:398-410. [PMID: 36194238 DOI: 10.1080/10715762.2022.2131551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Melittin is a natural polypeptide present in bee venom, with significant anti-tumor activity. Melittin has been reported to induce cell death in lung carcinoma cell line A549 cells, suggesting an excellent potential for treating lung cancer. However, the core mechanism underlying melittin-induced cell death in A549 cells remains unclear. This work reports that melittin induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst, upregulates intracellular Fe2+ levels, disrupts the glutathione-glutathione peroxidase 4 antioxidant system, and increases lipid peroxide accumulation, eventually inducing cell death, indicating that ferroptosis may be involved in the antitumor effects of melittin in A549 cells. Furthermore, A549 cells treated with the ferroptosis inhibitors ferrostatin-1 and deferoxamine demonstrated that these inhibitors could reverse the cell death induced by melittin, further confirming that melittin induces A549 cell death via ferroptosis. Furthermore, the results also illustrated that melittin activated the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-CHOP (C/EBP homologous protein) apoptotic signal, closely associated with high-level intracellular ROS. The ER stress inhibitor, 4-Phenyl butyric acid, was used to confirm that ER stress-CHOP apoptotic signaling is another molecular mechanism of melittin-induced A549 cell death. Thus, our results demonstrate that ferroptosis and ER stress-CHOP signaling are key molecular mechanisms of melittin-induced cell death in lung cancer.Key policy highlightsMelittin upregulates intracellular Fe2+ levels, leading to the accumulation of lipid peroxides in A549 cells.Melittin disrupts the glutathione-glutathione peroxidase 4 antioxidant system in A549 cells.Melittin induces activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress-C/EBP homologous protein apoptosis signal.Ferroptosis and ER stress are the core molecular mechanisms underlying melittin-induced apoptosis in A549 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University 730030, Lanzhou, China
| | - Sen Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, 730030, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University 730030, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yuqi Meng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University 730030, Lanzhou, China
| | - Sujie Huang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 730030, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qiyao Yu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University 730030, Lanzhou, China
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University 730030, Lanzhou, China
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Shi P, Xie S, Yang J, Zhang Y, Han S, Su S, Yao H. Pharmacological effects and mechanisms of bee venom and its main components: Recent progress and perspective. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1001553. [PMID: 36238572 PMCID: PMC9553197 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1001553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Bee venom (BV), a type of defensive venom, has been confirmed to have favorable activities, such as anti-tumor, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-infectivity effects, etc. This study reviewed the recent progress on the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of BV and its main components against cancer, neurological disorders, inflammatory diseases, pain, microbial diseases, liver, kidney, lung and muscle injury, and other diseases in literature during the years 2018–2021. The related target proteins of BV and its main components against the diseases include Akt, mTOR, JNK, Wnt-5α, HIF-1α, NF-κB, JAK2, Nrf2, BDNF, Smad2/3, AMPK, and so on, which are referring to PI3K/Akt/mTOR, MAPK, Wnt/β-catenin, HIF-1α, NF-κB, JAK/STAT, Nrf2/HO-1, TrkB/CREB/BDNF, TGF-β/Smad2/3, and AMPK signaling pathways, etc. Further, with the reported targets, the potential effects and mechanisms on diseases were bioinformatically predicted via Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway, disease ontology semantic and enrichment (DOSE) and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analyses. This review provides new insights into the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of BV and its main components on diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiying Shi
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resource and Bee Products, College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Natural Biotoxins, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Peiying Shi, ; Hong Yao,
| | - Shihui Xie
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resource and Bee Products, College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jiali Yang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resource and Bee Products, College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resource and Bee Products, College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shuo Han
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resource and Bee Products, College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Songkun Su
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resource and Bee Products, College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hong Yao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Peiying Shi, ; Hong Yao,
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Mirzaei R, Alikhani MY, Arciola CR, Sedighi I, Irajian G, Jamasbi E, Yousefimashouf R, Bagheri KP. Highly Synergistic Effects of Melittin With Vancomycin and Rifampin Against Vancomycin and Rifampin Resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:869650. [PMID: 35814659 PMCID: PMC9260053 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.869650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE) strains are increasingly emerging as serious pathogens because they can be resistant to many antibiotics called multidrug resistance (MDR) that limit the therapeutic options. In the case of vancomycin- and rifampin-resistant MDR-MRSE, the physicians are not allowed to increase the doses of antibiotics because of severe toxicity. Accordingly, we investigated the synergistic activity of melittin antimicrobial peptide with vancomycin and rifampin against vancomycin-resistant, and rifampin-resistant MDR-MRSE isolates. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICi), and fractional bactericidal concentration index (FBCi) of antimicrobial agents against isolates were determined. Coagulate activities and serum and salt stability as well as melittin cytotoxicity on the human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells and human red blood cells (RBCs) at their synergistic concentrations. MIC and MBC values for melittin were in the range of 0.312–2.5 and 0.312–5, respectively. Results also showed that the interaction of melittin with drugs was highly synergistic in which the geometric means of FICi and FBCi were < 0.5. Induced synergism led to a decrease in melittin, rifampin, and vancomycin concentrations by 8–1,020, 2–16, and 4–16-folds, respectively. This phenomenon caused a reduction in melittin toxicity by which the synergistic concentration of melittin needed to kill bacteria did not show cytotoxicity and hemolytic activity. Besides, no coagulation activity was found for the synergistic and alone concentrations of melittin in both Prothrombin Time (PT) and Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT). Interestingly, the antibacterial activity of melittin in Mueller Hinton Broth (MHB) containing human serum did no significant differences between MIC and MBC values of melittin in MHB and MHB containing 10% human serum. The present findings showed that the therapeutic index of melittin was improved by 32.08- and 12.82-folds when combined with vancomycin and rifampin, respectively. Taken together, the obtained data show that melittin alone was effective against MDR-MRSE isolates and this antimicrobial peptide showed highly synergistic effects with vancomycin and rifampin without causing toxicity. Therefore, the combination of melittin and traditional antibiotics could be a promising strategy for the treatment of infections caused by MDR-MRSE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasoul Mirzaei
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Laboratory, Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Yousef Alikhani
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Carla Renata Arciola
- Laboratorio di Patologia delle Infezioni Associate all’Impianto, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
- Laboratorio di Immunoreumatologia e Rigenerazione Tissutale, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologn, Italy
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Iraj Sedighi
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - GholamReza Irajian
- Microbial Biotechnology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elaheh Jamasbi
- Research Center of Oils and Fats, Kermanshah University of Medical Science, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Rasoul Yousefimashouf
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- *Correspondence: Rasoul Yousefimashouf,
| | - Kamran Pooshang Bagheri
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Laboratory, Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- Kamran Pooshang Bagheri,
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22
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Ion transporters: emerging agents for anticancer therapy. Sci China Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11426-022-1258-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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23
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Kreiser RP, Wright AK, Sasser LR, Rinauro DJ, Gabriel JM, Hsu CM, Hurtado JA, McKenzie TL, Errico S, Albright JA, Richardson L, Jaffett VA, Riegner DE, Nguyen LT, LeForte K, Zasloff M, Hollows JE, Chiti F, Vendruscolo M, Limbocker R. A Brain-Permeable Aminosterol Regulates Cell Membranes to Mitigate the Toxicity of Diverse Pore-Forming Agents. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:1219-1231. [PMID: 35404569 PMCID: PMC9026273 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
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The molecular composition
of the plasma membrane plays a key role
in mediating the susceptibility of cells to perturbations induced
by toxic molecules. The pharmacological regulation of the properties
of the cell membrane has therefore the potential to enhance cellular
resilience to a wide variety of chemical and biological compounds.
In this study, we investigate the ability of claramine, a blood–brain
barrier permeable small molecule in the aminosterol class, to neutralize
the toxicity of acute biological threat agents, including melittin
from honeybee venom and α-hemolysin from Staphylococcus
aureus. Our results show that claramine neutralizes
the toxicity of these pore-forming agents by preventing their interactions
with cell membranes without perturbing their structures in a detectable
manner. We thus demonstrate that the exogenous administration of an
aminosterol can tune the properties of lipid membranes and protect
cells from diverse biotoxins, including not just misfolded protein
oligomers as previously shown but also biological protein-based toxins.
Our results indicate that the investigation of regulators of the physicochemical
properties of cell membranes offers novel opportunities to develop
countermeasures against an extensive set of cytotoxic effects associated
with cell membrane disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan P. Kreiser
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, United States
| | - Aidan K. Wright
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, United States
| | - Liam R. Sasser
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, United States
| | - Dillon J. Rinauro
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K
| | - Justus M. Gabriel
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, United States
| | - Claire M. Hsu
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, United States
| | - Jorge A. Hurtado
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, United States
| | - Tristan L. McKenzie
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, United States
| | - Silvia Errico
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - J. Alex Albright
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, United States
| | - Lance Richardson
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, United States
| | - Victor A. Jaffett
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, United States
| | - Dawn E. Riegner
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, United States
| | - Lam T. Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, United States
| | - Kathleen LeForte
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, United States
| | - Michael Zasloff
- MedStar-Georgetown Transplant Institute, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia 20010, United States
| | - Jared E. Hollows
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, United States
| | - Fabrizio Chiti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Michele Vendruscolo
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K
| | - Ryan Limbocker
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, United States
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24
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Mirzaei R, Alikhani MY, Arciola CR, Sedighi I, Yousefimashouf R, Bagheri KP. Prevention, inhibition, and degradation effects of melittin alone and in combination with vancomycin and rifampin against strong biofilm producer strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 147:112670. [PMID: 35123230 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE) bacteria are being recognized as true pathogens as they are able to resist methicillin and commonly form biofilms. Recent studies have shown that antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising agents against biofilm-associated bacterial infections. In this study, we aimed to explore the antibiofilm activity of melittin, either alone or in combination with vancomycin and rifampin, against biofilm-producing MRSE strains. Minimum biofilm preventive concentration (MBPC), minimum biofilm inhibition concentration (MBIC), and minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC), as well as fractional biofilm preventive-, inhibitory-, and eradication concentrations (FBPCi, FBICi, and FBECi), were determined for the antimicrobial agents tested. Cytotoxicity and hemolytic activity of melittin at its synergistic concentration were examined on human embryonic kidney cells (HEK-293) and Red Blood Cells (RBCs), respectively. The effect of melittin on the downregulation of biofilm-associated genes was explored using Real-Time PCR. MBPC, MBIC, and MBEC values for melittin were in the range of 0.625-20, 0.625-20, and 10-40 μg/μL, respectively. Melittin showed high synergy (FBPCi, FBICi and FBECi < 0.5). The synergism resulted in a 64-512-fold, 2-16 and 2-8-fold reduction in melittin, rifampicin and vancomycin concentrations, respectively. The synergistic melittin concentration found to be effective did not manifest either cytotoxicity on HEK-293 or hemolytic activity on RBCs. Results showed that melittin downregulated the expression of biofilm-associated icaA, aap, and psm genes in all isolates tested, ranging from 0.04-folds to 2.11-folds for icaA and from 0.05 to 3.76-folds for aap and psm. The preventive and therapeutic indexes of melittin were improved 8-fold when combined with vancomycin and rifampin. Based on these findings, the combination of melittin with conventional antibiotics could be proposed for treating or preventing biofilm-associated MRSE infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasoul Mirzaei
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran; Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab, Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Yousef Alikhani
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Carla Renata Arciola
- Laboratorio di Patologia delle Infezioni Associate all'Impianto IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy; Laboratorio di Immunoreumatologia e Rigenerazione Tissutale, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy; Department of Experimental, Diagnostic, and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Iraj Sedighi
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Rasoul Yousefimashouf
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
| | - Kamran Pooshang Bagheri
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab, Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
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25
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Bose D, Chaudhary A, Padmavati M, Chatterjee J, Banerjee R. In vitro evaluation of anti-proliferative activity of protein from Litchi chinensis honey against human cervical cancer cell line (HeLa). J Herb Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hermed.2021.100518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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26
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Qi J, Liu Y, Xu H, Xue T, Su Y, Lin Z. Anti-cancer effect of melittin-Au25(MHA)18 complexes on human cervical cancer HeLa cells. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2021.103078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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27
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Shetab-Boushehri SMH, Hosseini A, Rafinejad J, Ebadollahi-Natanzi A, Shetab-Boushehri SV. Cytotoxic, necrotic, apoptotic, and autophagic properties of venom sac extract of Vespa orientalis in T47D and MCF10A breast cell lines. TOXIN REV 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/15569543.2021.2007404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Asieh Hosseini
- Razi Drug Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Rafinejad
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Ebadollahi-Natanzi
- Medicinal Plants Department, Imam Khomeini Higher Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
| | - Seyed Vahid Shetab-Boushehri
- Razi Drug Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Ameretat Shimi Pharmaceutical Co, Tehran, Iran
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28
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Chang SN, Kim SH, Kim HJ, Jeong YJ, Lee KC. In Vitro and In Vivo Investigation of the Radiation-Sensitizing Effects of Melittin in Breast Cancer Cells. Int J Pept Res Ther 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-021-10313-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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29
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de Andrade DX, Alves ED, de Almeida AR, Colherinhas G. Laminar peptide structure: Energetic and structural evaluation using molecular dynamics. J Mol Liq 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2021.117261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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30
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Fischer T, Riedl R. Paracelsus' legacy in the faunal realm: Drugs deriving from animal toxins. Drug Discov Today 2021; 27:567-575. [PMID: 34678490 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.10.003] [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: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Given the vast number of venomous and poisonous animals, it is surprising that only relatively few animal-derived toxins have been explored and made their way into marketed drugs or are being investigated in ongoing clinical trials. In this review, we highlight marketed drugs deriving from animal toxins as well as ongoing clinical trials and preclinical investigations in the field. We emphasize that more attention should be paid to the rich supply of candidates that nature provides as valuable starting points for addressing serious unmet medical needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Fischer
- Center of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Zurich University of Applied Sciences ZHAW, Einsiedlerstrasse 31, 8820 Wädenswil, Switzerland
| | - Rainer Riedl
- Center of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Zurich University of Applied Sciences ZHAW, Einsiedlerstrasse 31, 8820 Wädenswil, Switzerland.
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31
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Akhzari S, Nabian S, Shayan P, Fard RMN, Soltani M, Taheri M. Designing of RNA Molecule Translating for Activitable Melittin as Selective Targeting of Leishmania Infected Cells. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2021; 16:443-453. [PMID: 34630590 PMCID: PMC8476729 DOI: 10.18502/ijpa.v16i3.7098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Leishmaniasis is characterized by strong inflammatory responses with high levels of inflammatory cytokines that induce microRNA 21 and matrix metalloproteinases. Melittin has inhibitory effects on proliferation of various cells via induction of apoptosis. Melittin can be integrated in cell membranes and induce apoptosis. Thus, designation of biomolecules for the selective destroy of the infected cells is a treatment option. One approach is the precise engineering of constructs for the selective expression of melittin in the infected cells. Methods For this aim we designed a construct composing melittin nucleotide sequence and nucleotide sequence coding for polyanionic peptide function inhibitory element to further guarantee the selective function of melittin in inflamed tissues and infected cells, were included in a construct as melittin inhibitor via matrix metalloproteinase degradable linker. Results Reverse complementary sequences were designed so melittin sequences for the selective targeting of Leishmania could be expressed in infected cells using cell microRNA machinery. Conclusion Translation machinery in infected cells with increased miR-21 could translate melittin, MMP linker and polyanionic inhibitor through a non-canonical pathway. Then, the MMP linker is degraded and selective killing of Leishmania infected cells would happen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soheila Akhzari
- Department of Parasitology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sedigheh Nabian
- Department of Parasitology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parviz Shayan
- Department of Parasitology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ramin Mazaheri Nezhad Fard
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Minoo Soltani
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Taheri
- Rastegar Reference Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
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32
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Guha S, Ferrie RP, Ghimire J, Ventura CR, Wu E, Sun L, Kim SY, Wiedman GR, Hristova K, Wimley WC. Applications and evolution of melittin, the quintessential membrane active peptide. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 193:114769. [PMID: 34543656 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Melittin, the main venom component of the European Honeybee, is a cationic linear peptide-amide of 26 amino acid residues with the sequence: GIGAVLKVLTTGLPALISWIKRKRQQ-NH2. Melittin binds to lipid bilayer membranes, folds into amphipathic α-helical secondary structure and disrupts the permeability barrier. Since melittin was first described, a remarkable array of activities and potential applications in biology and medicine have been described. Melittin is also a favorite model system for biophysicists to study the structure, folding and function of peptides and proteins in membranes. Melittin has also been used as a template for the evolution of new activities in membranes. Here we overview the rich history of scientific research into the many activities of melittin and outline exciting future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shantanu Guha
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ryan P Ferrie
- Tulane University School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Jenisha Ghimire
- Tulane University School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Cristina R Ventura
- Seton Hall University, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, South Orange, NJ, USA
| | - Eric Wu
- Tulane University School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Leisheng Sun
- Tulane University School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Sarah Y Kim
- Duke University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Gregory R Wiedman
- Seton Hall University, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, South Orange, NJ, USA
| | - Kalina Hristova
- Johns Hopkins University, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Wimley C Wimley
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Houston, TX, USA.
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33
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El Bakary NM, Alsharkawy AZ, Shouaib ZA, Barakat EMS. Role of Bee Venom and Melittin on Restraining Angiogenesis and Metastasis in γ-Irradiated Solid Ehrlich Carcinoma-Bearing Mice. Integr Cancer Ther 2021; 19:1534735420944476. [PMID: 32735464 PMCID: PMC7401046 DOI: 10.1177/1534735420944476] [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] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathological angiogenesis and apoptosis evasion are common hallmarks of cancer. The present work was an endeavor to evaluate the influence of bee venom (BV) or its major constituent melittin (MEL) as antiapoptotic and angiogenic regulator modifier on the tumor growth and the cell sensitivity to ionizing radiation targeting the improvement of cancer therapeutic protocols. BV (0.56 mg/kg/day) and MEL (500 µg/kg body weight/day) were injected intraperitoneally to mice bearing 1 cm3 solid tumor of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) for 21 consecutive days. Mice were whole-body exposed to 1 Gray (Gy) of γ-radiation (2 fractionated doses). Treatment with BV or MEL markedly suppresses the proliferation of tumor in EAC mice. The concentrations of m-RNA for angiogenic factors (TNF-α, VEGF) as well as MMPs 2 and 9 activities and NO concentration were significantly decreased, combined with improvements in apoptotic regulators (caspase-3 activity) and normal cells redox tone (catalase and free radicals content) compared with EAC mice. Moreover, the histopathological investigation confirms the improvement exerted by BV or MEL in the EAC mice group or EAC + R group. Exposure to γ-radiation sustained the modulatory effect of BV on tumor when compared with EAC + BV mice. Convincingly, the role of BV or MEL as a natural antiangiogenic in the biological sequelae after radiation exposure is verified. Hence, BV and its major constituent MEL might represent a potential therapeutic strategy for increasing the radiation response of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nermeen M El Bakary
- National Centre for Radiation Research and Technology, Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt
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34
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Lebel AA, Kisembo V M, Soucy MFN, Hébert MA, Morin P, Boudreau LH. Molecular characterization of the anticancer properties associated with bee venom and its components in glioblastoma multiforme. Chem Biol Interact 2021; 347:109622. [PMID: 34375656 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2021.109622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a frequent form of malignant glioma. Strategic therapeutic approaches to treat this type of brain tumor currently involves a combination of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Nevertheless, survival of GBM patients remains in the 12-15 months range following diagnosis. Development of novel therapeutic approaches for this malignancy is therefore of utmost importance. Interestingly, bee venom and its components have shown promising anti-cancer activities in various types of cancer even though information pertaining to GBMs have been limited. The current work was thus undertaken to better characterize the anti-cancer properties of bee venom and its components in Hs683, T98G and U373 human glioma cells. MTT-based cell viability assays revealed IC50 values of 7.12, 15.35 and 7.60 μg/mL for cell lines Hs683, T98G and U373 treated with bee venom, respectively. Furthermore, melittin treatment of these cell lines resulted in IC50 values of 7.77, 31.53 and 12.34 μg/mL, respectively. Cell viability assessment by flow cytometry analysis confirmed signs of late apoptosis and necrosis after only 1 h of treatment with either bee venom or melittin in all three cell lines. Immunoblotting-based quantification of apoptotic markers demonstrated increased expression of Bak and Bax, while Caspsase-3 levels were significantly lower when compared to control cells. Quantification by qRT-PCR showed increased expression levels of long non-coding RNAs RP11-838N2.4 and XIST in glioma cells treated with either bee venom or melittin. Overall, this study provides preliminary insight on molecular mechanisms via which bee venom and its main components can impact viability of glioma cells and warrants further investigation of its anticancer potential in gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andréa A Lebel
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Université de Moncton, 18 Antonine-Maillet Avenue, Moncton, New Brunswick, E1A 3E9, Canada; New Brunswick Center for Precision Medicine, 27 Providence Street, Moncton, New Brunswick, E1C 8X3, Canada
| | - Michée Kisembo V
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Université de Moncton, 18 Antonine-Maillet Avenue, Moncton, New Brunswick, E1A 3E9, Canada; New Brunswick Center for Precision Medicine, 27 Providence Street, Moncton, New Brunswick, E1C 8X3, Canada
| | - Marie-France N Soucy
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Université de Moncton, 18 Antonine-Maillet Avenue, Moncton, New Brunswick, E1A 3E9, Canada; New Brunswick Center for Precision Medicine, 27 Providence Street, Moncton, New Brunswick, E1C 8X3, Canada
| | - MathieuP A Hébert
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Université de Moncton, 18 Antonine-Maillet Avenue, Moncton, New Brunswick, E1A 3E9, Canada; New Brunswick Center for Precision Medicine, 27 Providence Street, Moncton, New Brunswick, E1C 8X3, Canada
| | - Pier Morin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Université de Moncton, 18 Antonine-Maillet Avenue, Moncton, New Brunswick, E1A 3E9, Canada.
| | - Luc H Boudreau
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Université de Moncton, 18 Antonine-Maillet Avenue, Moncton, New Brunswick, E1A 3E9, Canada; New Brunswick Center for Precision Medicine, 27 Providence Street, Moncton, New Brunswick, E1C 8X3, Canada.
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35
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Askari P, Namaei MH, Ghazvini K, Hosseini M. In vitro and in vivo toxicity and antibacterial efficacy of melittin against clinical extensively drug-resistant bacteria. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol 2021; 22:42. [PMID: 34261542 PMCID: PMC8281584 DOI: 10.1186/s40360-021-00503-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melittin is one of the most studied antimicrobial peptides, and several in vitro experiments have demonstrated its antibacterial efficacy. However, there is evidence showing melittin has non-promising effects such as cytotoxicity and hemolysis. Therefore, concerns about unwanted collateral toxicity of melittin lie ahead in the path toward its clinical development. With these considerations, the present study aimed to fill the gap between in vitro and in vivo studies. METHODS In the first step, in vitro toxicity profile of melittin was assessed using cytotoxicity and hemolysis tests. Next, a maximum intraperitoneal (i.p.) sub-lethal dose was determined using BALB/c mice. Besides toxicity, antimicrobial efficacy of melittin against extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Acinetobacter baumannii, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumonia (KPC-KP) pathogens were tested using both in vitro and in vivo methods. RESULTS Melittin showed extensive hemolysis (HD50 = 0.44 µg/mL), and cytotoxicity (IC50 = 6.45 µg/mL) activities with i.p. LD50 value of 4.98 mg/kg in BALB/c mice. In vitro antimicrobial evaluation showed melittin MIC range from 8 to 32 µg/mL for the studied pathogens. Treatment of infected mice with repeated sub-lethal doses of melittin (2.4 mg/kg) displayed no beneficial effect on their survival and peritoneal bacterial loads. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that melittin at its safe dose could not exhibit antimicrobial activity, which hinders its application in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parvin Askari
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hasan Namaei
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Kiarash Ghazvini
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
- Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Mehran Hosseini
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.
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Du G, He P, Zhao J, He C, Jiang M, Zhang Z, Zhang Z, Sun X. Polymeric microneedle-mediated transdermal delivery of melittin for rheumatoid arthritis treatment. J Control Release 2021; 336:537-548. [PMID: 34237400 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Transdermal drug delivery systems for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have been receiving increasing attention as they can potentially overcome drawbacks which exist in traditional oral or injection strategies, including low patient compliance and serious gastrointestinal side effects. However, transdermal delivery of RA drugs especially biological drugs suffers from low drug delivery efficiency due to the robust skin barrier. Herein, we fabricated melittin-loaded hyaluronic acid (HA) microneedles and investigated their capacity for inhibiting RA. We showed that melittin-loaded HA microneedles possessed high mechanical strength for successful delivery of melittin into the skin and effectively inhibited RA progression in adjuvant induced both rodent and murine models, as shown by results in histological, paw swelling and arthritis score. Furthermore, after modifying HA with cross-linkable groups, the fabricated microneedles with sustained release properties could further improve the therapeutic potency. Cytokine and T cell analysis in the paws and lymphatic organs indicated that the application of microneedles suppressed the levels of pro-inflammation cytokines including IL-17 and TNF-α, and increased the percentage of regulatory CD4 T cells. Our study revealed that polymeric microneedle-mediated transdermal delivery of melittin could serve as a new therapy with high compliance and good therapeutic efficacy for RA and other autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangsheng Du
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, PR China
| | - Penghui He
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, PR China
| | - Jiaxuan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, PR China
| | - Chunting He
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, PR China
| | - Min Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, PR China
| | - Zhihua Zhang
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Zhibing Zhang
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Xun Sun
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, PR China.
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Bevalian P, Pashaei F, Akbari R, Pooshang Bagheri K. Eradication of vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus on a mouse model of third-degree burn infection by melittin: An antimicrobial peptide from bee venom. Toxicon 2021; 199:49-59. [PMID: 34087287 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Third-degree burn infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria are of high clinical concern. Chemical antibiotics are not promising in eradication of bacterial infections. In this challenging condition, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are recently introduced as novel promising agents to overcome the issue. Accordingly, our study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of 'melittin' as natural peptide in bee venom, in eradicating vancomycin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) on a mouse model of third-degree burn infection. In vitro pharmacological value of melittin was determined by examining its inhibitory and killing activities on VRSA isolates at different doses and time periods. The action mechanism of 'melittin' was evaluated by fluorescent release assay and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) analyses. In vivo activity and toxicity of melittin were also examined on a mouse model of third-degree burn infection. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and the Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of melittin on all isolates ranged from '0.125-2 μg/mL' and '0.125-4 μg/mL', respectively. Rapid antibacterial activity of melittin on VRSA isolates was demonstrated by killing kinetics assays. Fluorometric and FE-SEM analyses indicated the membranolytic effects of melittin on VRSA isolates. The colonized VRSA bacteria were eradicated by melittin at 16 μg, in a single dose. No dermal toxicity and in vivo hemolysis were observed in the examined mice. The lack of in vivo toxicity of melittin along with its potent antibacterial activity indicated its promising therapeutic value as a topical drug against S. aureus associated third-degree burn infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parvaneh Bevalian
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab., Biotechnology Dept., Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Pashaei
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab., Biotechnology Dept., Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Akbari
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab., Biotechnology Dept., Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran; Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, West Azerbaijan, Iran
| | - Kamran Pooshang Bagheri
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab., Biotechnology Dept., Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
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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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Borojeni SK, Zolfagharian H, Babaie M, Javadi I. Cytotoxic Effect of Bee ( A. mellifera) Venom on Cancer Cell Lines. J Pharmacopuncture 2020; 23:212-219. [PMID: 33408897 PMCID: PMC7772077 DOI: 10.3831/kpi.2020.23.4.212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Nowadays cancer treatment is an important challenge in the medical world that needs better therapies. Many active secretions produced by insects such as honey bees used to discover new anticancer drugs. Bee venom (BV) has a potent anti inflammatory, anti cancer and tumor effects. The aim of present study is evaluation of anticancer effects induced by Apis mellifera venom (AmV) on cell Lines. Methods AmV was selected for study on cancer cell lines. Total protein, molecular weight and LD50 of crude venom were determined. Then, cells were grown in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum and 1% antibiotics. The A549, HeLa and MDA-MB-231 cell Lines were exposed by different concentration of AmV. The morphology of cells was determined and cell viability was studed by MTT assay. Evaluation of cell death was determined by and DNA fragmentation. Results The results from MTT assay showed that 3.125 µg/mL of A549, 12.5 for HeLa and 6.25 µg/mL of MDA-MB-231 killed 50% of cells (p < 0.05). Morphological analysis and the results from hoescht staining and DNA fragmentation indicated that cell death induced by AmV was significantly apoptosis. Conclusion The data showed that using lower dosage of AmV during treatment period cause inhibition of proliferation in time and dose dependant manner. Findings indicated that some ingredients of AmV have anticancer effects and with further investigation it can be used in production of anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sima Khalilifard Borojeni
- Department of Venomous Animals and Antivenom Production, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
| | - Hossein Zolfagharian
- Department of Venomous Animals and Antivenom Production, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
| | - Mahdi Babaie
- Department of Venomous Animals and Antivenom Production, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran.,Young Researchers and Elites Club, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Iraj Javadi
- Department of Toxicology, Islamic Azad University, Shahreza Branch, Shahreza, Isfahan, Iran
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Venom peptides in cancer therapy: An updated review on cellular and molecular aspects. Pharmacol Res 2020; 164:105327. [PMID: 33276098 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Based on the high incidence and mortality rates of cancer, its therapy remains one of the most vital challenges in the field of medicine. Consequently, enhancing the efficacy of currently applied treatments and finding novel strategies are of great importance for cancer treatment. Venoms are important sources of a variety of bioactive compounds including salts, small molecules, macromolecules, proteins, and peptides that are defined as toxins. They can exhibit different pharmacological effects, and in recent years, their anti-tumor activities have gained significant attention. Several different compounds are responsible for the anti-tumor activity of venoms, and peptides are one of them. In the present review, we discuss the possible anti-tumor activities of venom peptides by highlighting molecular pathways and mechanisms through which these molecules can act effectively. Venom peptides can induce cell death in cancer cells and can substantially enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Also, the venom peptides can mitigate the migration of cancer cells via suppression of angiogenesis and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Notably, nanoparticles have been applied in enhancing the bioavailability of venom peptides and providing targeted delivery, thereby leading to their elevated anti-tumor activity and potential application for cancer therapy.
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41
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Enigk K, Jentsch H, Rodloff AC, Eschrich K, Stingu CS. Activity of five antimicrobial peptides against periodontal as well as non-periodontal pathogenic strains. J Oral Microbiol 2020; 12:1829405. [PMID: 33133417 PMCID: PMC7580719 DOI: 10.1080/20002297.2020.1829405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Due to the increasing emergence of multi-resistant bacteria the search for alternative antimicrobial substances is of high interest. Promising agents are antimicrobial peptides which are host defense molecules of the innate immune system in a wide range of different species. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the activity of nisin, melittin, lactoferrin, parasin-1 and LL-37 against 35 oral bacteria and Candida albicans employing the gold standard method for anaerobic susceptibility testing. Methods: The activity of the peptides was determined by an agar dilution method under anaerobic and aerobic conditions. The test media contained final peptide concentrations between 0.125 µg/ml and 8 µg/ml (melittin, lactoferrin, parasin-1, LL-37) and between 0.125 µg/ml and 128 µg/ml (nisin). Results: Nisin completely inhibited the growth of Megasphaera sp., Bifidobacterium longum, Parvimonas micra, Actinomyces israelii, Actinomyces naeslundii, Actinomyces odontolyticus, Prevotella intermedia, Streptococcus anginosus, Streptococcus constellatus and Staphylococcus aureus. Melittin and lactoferrin reduced the growth of Megasphaera sp., P. micra, B. longum (melittin) and Selenomonas flueggei (lactoferrin). Parasin-1 and LL-37 showed no activity. Conclusion: AMPs, especially nisin and to a smaller degree lactoferrin, might be promising alternatives to antibiotics because of their antimicrobial activity, high resistance to environmental conditions and partially low costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Enigk
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Holger Jentsch
- Center for Periodontology, Department of Cariology, Endodontology and Periodontology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Arne C. Rodloff
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Klaus Eschrich
- Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Catalina-Suzana Stingu
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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Aghazadeh H, Ganjali Koli M, Ranjbar R, Pooshang Bagheri K. Interactions of GF-17 derived from LL-37 antimicrobial peptide with bacterial membranes: a molecular dynamics simulation study. J Comput Aided Mol Des 2020; 34:1261-1273. [DOI: 10.1007/s10822-020-00348-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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43
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Duffy C, Sorolla A, Wang E, Golden E, Woodward E, Davern K, Ho D, Johnstone E, Pfleger K, Redfern A, Iyer KS, Baer B, Blancafort P. Honeybee venom and melittin suppress growth factor receptor activation in HER2-enriched and triple-negative breast cancer. NPJ Precis Oncol 2020; 4:24. [PMID: 32923684 PMCID: PMC7463160 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-020-00129-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite decades of study, the molecular mechanisms and selectivity of the biomolecular components of honeybee (Apis mellifera) venom as anticancer agents remain largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that honeybee venom and its major component melittin potently induce cell death, particularly in the aggressive triple-negative and HER2-enriched breast cancer subtypes. Honeybee venom and melittin suppress the activation of EGFR and HER2 by interfering with the phosphorylation of these receptors in the plasma membrane of breast carcinoma cells. Mutational studies reveal that a positively charged C-terminal melittin sequence mediates plasma membrane interaction and anticancer activity. Engineering of an RGD motif further enhances targeting of melittin to malignant cells with minimal toxicity to normal cells. Lastly, administration of melittin enhances the effect of docetaxel in suppressing breast tumor growth in an allograft model. Our work unveils a molecular mechanism underpinning the anticancer selectivity of melittin, and outlines treatment strategies to target aggressive breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciara Duffy
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009 Australia.,Cancer Epigenetics Group, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA 6009 Australia.,Plant Energy Biology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009 Australia.,Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009 Australia
| | - Anabel Sorolla
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA 6009 Australia.,Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009 Australia
| | - Edina Wang
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA 6009 Australia.,Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009 Australia
| | - Emily Golden
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA 6009 Australia.,Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009 Australia
| | - Eleanor Woodward
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA 6009 Australia.,Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009 Australia
| | - Kathleen Davern
- Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009 Australia.,Monoclonal Antibody (MAb) Facility, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA 6009 Australia
| | - Diwei Ho
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009 Australia
| | - Elizabeth Johnstone
- Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009 Australia.,Molecular Endocrinology and Pharmacology, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA 6009 Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre for Personalised Therapeutics Technologies, Perth, Australia
| | - Kevin Pfleger
- Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009 Australia.,Molecular Endocrinology and Pharmacology, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA 6009 Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre for Personalised Therapeutics Technologies, Perth, Australia.,Dimerix Limited; Nedlands, Perth, WA 6009 Australia
| | - Andrew Redfern
- School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009 Australia
| | - K Swaminathan Iyer
- Monoclonal Antibody (MAb) Facility, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA 6009 Australia
| | - Boris Baer
- Centre for Integrative Bee Research (CIBER), Department of Entomology; University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521 USA
| | - Pilar Blancafort
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009 Australia.,Cancer Epigenetics Group, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA 6009 Australia.,Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009 Australia.,The Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229 USA
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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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45
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Qi J, Chen Y, Xue T, Lin Y, Huang S, Cao S, Wang X, Su Y, Lin Z. Graphene oxide-based magnetic nanocomposites for the delivery of melittin to cervical cancer HeLa cells. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2020; 31:065102. [PMID: 31645027 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ab5084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Melittin (MEL), the primary active component of bee venom, has recently emerged as a promising cancer chemotherapeutic agent. However, the instability and rapid degradation of MEL is a significant challenge in practical therapeutic applications. In the present study, graphene oxide (GO)-based magnetic nanocomposites (PEG-GO-Fe3O4) were prepared and adopted as the drug delivery vehicles of MEL, and the anticancer effects of PEG-GO-Fe3O4/MEL complexes on human cervical cancer HeLa cells were studied. PEG-GO-Fe3O4 exhibited a series of unique physical and chemical properties resulting in multiple interactions with MEL, and ultimately the release of MEL. In vitro experiments showed that PEG-GO-Fe3O4/MEL not only distinctly enhanced the inhibition effect on HeLa cells, but also induced pore formation in the cell membrane that ultimately led to cell lysis. In this newly developed drug delivery system, PEGylated GO plays the role of a MEL protector while Fe3O4 nanoparticles act as magnetic responders; therefore active MEL can be released over a long period of time (up to 72 h) and maintain its inhibition effect on HeLa cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxia Qi
- Center of Scientific Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, People's Republic of China
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Soliman C, Eastwood S, Truong VK, Ramsland PA, Elbourne A. The membrane effects of melittin on gastric and colorectal cancer. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0224028. [PMID: 31622415 PMCID: PMC6797111 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The cytotoxic effects of melittin, a bee-venom peptide, have been widely studied towards cancer cells. Typically, these studies have examined the effect of melittin over extended-time courses (6-24 hours), meaning that immediate cellular interactions have been overlooked. In this work, we demonstrate the rapid effects of melittin on both gastric and colorectal cancer, specifically AGS, COLO205 and HCT-15 cell lines, over a period of 15 minutes. Melittin exhibited a dose dependent effect at 4 hours of treatment, with complete cellular death occurring at the highest dose of 20 μg/mL. Interestingly, when observed at shorter time points, melittin induced cellular changes within seconds; membrane damage was observed as swelling, breakage or blebbing. High-resolution imaging revealed treated cells to be compromised, showing clear change in cellular morphology. After 1 minute of melittin treatment, membrane changes were observed, and intracellular material could be seen expelled from the cells. Overall, these results enhance our understanding of the fast acting anti-cancer effects of melittin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Soliman
- School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora West Campusm Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sarah Eastwood
- School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora West Campusm Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Vi Khanh Truong
- School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora West Campusm Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
- Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, RMIT University, Melbourne City Campus, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul A. Ramsland
- School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora West Campusm Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Immunology, Central Clinical School (Monash University), Alfred Medical Research and Education Precinct, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Surgery Austin Health (University of Melbourne), Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Aaron Elbourne
- School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora West Campusm Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
- Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, RMIT University, Melbourne City Campus, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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An overview of the bioactive compounds, therapeutic properties and toxic effects of apitoxin. Food Chem Toxicol 2019; 134:110864. [PMID: 31574265 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2019.110864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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48
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The Influence of Bee Venom Melittin on the Functioning of the Immune System and the Contractile Activity of the Insect Heart-A Preliminary Study. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11090494. [PMID: 31461888 PMCID: PMC6784010 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11090494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Melittin (MEL) is a basic polypeptide originally purified from honeybee venom. MEL exhibits a broad spectrum of biological activity. However, almost all studies on MEL activity have been carried out on vertebrate models or cell lines. Recently, due to cheap breeding and the possibility of extrapolating the results of the research to vertebrates, insects have been used for various bioassays and comparative physiological studies. For these reasons, it is valuable to examine the influence of melittin on insect physiology. Here, for the first time, we report the immunotropic and cardiotropic effects of melittin on the beetle Tenebrio molitor as a model insect. After melittin injection at 10−7 M and 10−3 M, the number of apoptotic cells in the haemolymph increased in a dose-dependent manner. The pro-apoptotic action of MEL was likely compensated by increasing the total number of haemocytes. However, the injection of MEL did not cause any changes in the percent of phagocytic haemocytes or in the phenoloxidase activity. In an in vitro bioassay with a semi-isolated Tenebrio heart, MEL induced a slight chronotropic-positive effect only at a higher concentration (10−4 M). Preliminary results indicated that melittin exerts pleiotropic effects on the functioning of the immune system and the endogenous contractile activity of the heart. Some of the induced responses in T. molitor resemble the reactions observed in vertebrate models. Therefore, the T. molitor beetle may be a convenient invertebrate model organism for comparative physiological studies and for the identification of new properties and mechanisms of action of melittin and related compounds.
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Bee Venom: Overview of Main Compounds and Bioactivities for Therapeutic Interests. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24162997. [PMID: 31430861 PMCID: PMC6720840 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24162997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Apitherapy is an alternate therapy that relies on the usage of honeybee products, most importantly bee venom for the treatment of many human diseases. The venom can be introduced into the human body by manual injection or by direct bee stings. Bee venom contains several active molecules such as peptides and enzymes that have advantageous potential in treating inflammation and central nervous system diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Moreover, bee venom has shown promising benefits against different types of cancer as well as anti-viral activity, even against the challenging human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Many studies described biological activities of bee venom components and launched preclinical trials to improve the potential use of apitoxin and its constituents as the next generation of drugs. The aim of this review is to summarize the main compounds of bee venom, their primary biological properties, mechanisms of action, and their therapeutic values in alternative therapy strategies.
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Shaw P, Kumar N, Hammerschmid D, Privat-Maldonado A, Dewilde S, Bogaerts A. Synergistic Effects of Melittin and Plasma Treatment: A Promising Approach for Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11081109. [PMID: 31382579 PMCID: PMC6721819 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11081109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Melittin (MEL), a small peptide component of bee venom, has been reported to exhibit anti-cancer effects in vitro and in vivo. However, its clinical applicability is disputed because of its non-specific cytotoxicity and haemolytic activity in high treatment doses. Plasma-treated phosphate buffered saline solution (PT-PBS), a solution rich in reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) can disrupt the cell membrane integrity and induce cancer cell death through oxidative stress-mediated pathways. Thus, PT-PBS could be used in combination with MEL to facilitate its access into cancer cells and to reduce the required therapeutic dose. The aim of our study is to determine the reduction of the effective dose of MEL required to eliminate cancer cells by its combination with PT-PBS. For this purpose, we have optimised the MEL threshold concentration and tested the combined treatment of MEL and PT-PBS on A375 melanoma and MCF7 breast cancer cells, using in vitro, in ovo and in silico approaches. We investigated the cytotoxic effect of MEL and PT-PBS alone and in combination to reveal their synergistic cytological effects. To support the in vitro and in ovo experiments, we showed by computer simulations that plasma-induced oxidation of the phospholipid bilayer leads to a decrease of the free energy barrier for translocation of MEL in comparison with the non-oxidized bilayer, which also suggests a synergistic effect of MEL with plasma induced oxidation. Overall, our findings suggest that MEL in combination with PT-PBS can be a promising combinational therapy to circumvent the non-specific toxicity of MEL, which may help for clinical applicability in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Shaw
- Research Group PLASMANT, Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, BE-2610 Wilrijk-Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Naresh Kumar
- Research Group PLASMANT, Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, BE-2610 Wilrijk-Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Dietmar Hammerschmid
- Laboratory of Protein Science, Proteomics & Epigenetic Signaling, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, BE-2610 Wilrijk-Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Angela Privat-Maldonado
- Research Group PLASMANT, Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, BE-2610 Wilrijk-Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sylvia Dewilde
- Laboratory of Protein Science, Proteomics & Epigenetic Signaling, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, BE-2610 Wilrijk-Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Annemie Bogaerts
- Research Group PLASMANT, Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, BE-2610 Wilrijk-Antwerp, Belgium.
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