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Černý J, Krishnan N, Hejníková M, Štěrbová H, Kodrík D. Modulation of response to braconid wasp venom by adipokinetic hormone in Drosophila melanogaster. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2024; 285:110005. [PMID: 39154974 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2024.110005] [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: 06/13/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
The minute wasp Habrobracon hebetor venom (HH venom) is a potent cocktail of toxins that paralyzes the victim's muscles and suppresses humoral and cellular immunity. This study examined the effect of HH venom on specific biochemical, physiological, and ultrastructural characteristics of the thoracic and nervous (CNS) tissues of Drosophila melanogaster under in vitro conditions. Venom treatment modulated the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), endogenous Drome-AKH level, and affected the relative viability of the cells. Additionally, it reduced the expression of genes related to the immune system in the CNS, including Keap1, Relish, Nox, Eiger, Gadd45, and Domeless, as well as in the thoracic muscles, except for Nox. Besides, venom treatment led to deteriorative changes in the ultrastructure of muscle cells, particularly affecting the mitochondria. When venom and Drosophila melanogaster-adipokinetic hormone (Drome-AKH) were applied together, the effects of the venom alone were often modulated. The harmful effect of the venom on SOD activity was relatively reduced and the activity returned to a level similar to that of the control. In the CNS, the simultaneous application of venom and hormones abolished the suppression of previously reported immune-related genes (except for Gadd45), whereas in the muscles, this was only true for Eiger. Additionally, Drome-AKH restored cell structure to a level comparable to that of the control and lessened the harmful effects of HH venom on muscle mitochondria. These findings suggest a general body response of D. melanogaster to HH venom and a partial defensive role of Drome-AKH in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Černý
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre, CAS, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Natraj Krishnan
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, MS 39762, USA
| | - Markéta Hejníková
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre, CAS, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Helena Štěrbová
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre, CAS, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Dalibor Kodrík
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre, CAS, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
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2
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Du R, Lu G, Luo WJ, He T, Li CL, Yu Y, Wei N, Luo X, Chen J. Dyadic social interaction paradigm reveals selective role of ovarian estrogen in the caring behavior and socially transferred pain in female mice. Neuropharmacology 2024; 261:110138. [PMID: 39244013 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.110138] [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: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
When a naïve observer meets with a familiar conspecific in pain, mice may have a myriad of social (sniffing, allolicking, allogrooming, huddling) and non-social (self-grooming) behaviors under dyadic social interaction (DSI) paradigm. Unlike male, female observers express more allolicking behavior toward injury site of a familiar female in pain, but with less body allogrooming. In current study, we investigated roles of natural estrus cycle phases and ovarian estrogen in these behaviors and results showed that: (1) there was no changes in above behaviors in terms of latency, time and bouts across different natural estrus cycle phases in intact female. (2) however, ovariectomy (OVX) changed estrus cycle phases, lowered circulating level of ovarian estrogen, reduced time and bouts of allolicking behavior and increased time of self-grooming without affecting other behaviors. Moreover, OVX in observers decreased social buffering effect of DSI on spontaneous pain-related behavior in demonstrator relative to naïve and sham controls. (3) treatment of OVX-female with β-estradiol (E2) or progesterone (PROG) as replacement therapies, only E2 reversed impairment of allolicking behavior. (4) Additionally, socially transferred pain could be identified in intact female across all estrus cycle phases post-DSI, but disappeared in OVX-female, which could be reversed completely by E2 but not by PROG. (5) Finally, serum levels of estrogen, PROG, oxytocin, arginine vasopressin (AVP), prolactin, norepinephrine and 5-HT were examined by ELISA after E2, results showed only AVP level was significantly increased. These results suggest both injury site-targeted caring behavior and socially transferred pain are selectively dependent on ovarian estrogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Du
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, PR China
| | - Guofang Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, PR China
| | - Wen-Jun Luo
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, PR China
| | - Ting He
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, PR China
| | - Chun-Li Li
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, PR China
| | - Yang Yu
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, PR China
| | - Na Wei
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, PR China
| | - Xiao Luo
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, PR China
| | - Jun Chen
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, PR China; Sanhang Institute for Brain Science and Technology, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710129, PR China.
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3
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Stevanović J, Glavinić U, Ristanić M, Erjavec V, Denk B, Dolašević S, Stanimirović Z. Bee-Inspired Healing: Apitherapy in Veterinary Medicine for Maintenance and Improvement Animal Health and Well-Being. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:1050. [PMID: 39204155 PMCID: PMC11357515 DOI: 10.3390/ph17081050] [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: 07/01/2024] [Revised: 08/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
This review aims to present current knowledge on the effects of honey bee products on animals based on in vivo studies, focusing on their application in clinical veterinary practice. Honey's best-proven effectiveness is in treating wounds, including those infected with antibiotic-resistant microorganisms, as evidenced in horses, cats, dogs, mice, and rats. Propolis manifested a healing effect in numerous inflammatory and painful conditions in mice, rats, dogs, and pigs and also helped in oncological cases in mice and rats. Bee venom is best known for its effectiveness in treating neuropathy and arthritis, as shown in dogs, mice, and rats. Besides, bee venom improved reproductive performance, immune response, and general health in rabbits, chickens, and pigs. Pollen was effective in stimulating growth and improving intestinal microflora in chickens. Royal jelly might be used in the management of animal reproduction due to its efficiency in improving fertility, as shown in rats, rabbits, and mice. Drone larvae are primarily valued for their androgenic effects and stimulation of reproductive function, as evidenced in sheep, chickens, pigs, and rats. Further research is warranted to determine the dose and method of application of honey bee products in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jevrosima Stevanović
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (J.S.); (U.G.); (Z.S.)
| | - Uroš Glavinić
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (J.S.); (U.G.); (Z.S.)
| | - Marko Ristanić
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (J.S.); (U.G.); (Z.S.)
| | - Vladimira Erjavec
- Small Animal Clinic, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Barış Denk
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Afyon Kocatepe University, Afyonkarahisar 03204, Turkey;
| | | | - Zoran Stanimirović
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (J.S.); (U.G.); (Z.S.)
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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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Kim BY, Lee KS, Jin BR. Antioxidant Activity and Mechanism of Action of Amwaprin: A Protein in Honeybee ( Apis mellifera) Venom. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:469. [PMID: 38671917 PMCID: PMC11047345 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13040469] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Bee venom contains several bioactive components, including enzymatic and non-enzymatic proteins. There is increasing interest in the bioactive components of bee venom since they have exhibited various pharmacological effects. Recently, Apis mellifera waprin (Amwaprin) was identified as a novel protein in Apis mellifera (honeybee) venom and characterized as an antimicrobial agent. Herein, the novel biological function of Amwaprin as an antioxidant is described. In addition, the antioxidant effects of Amwaprin in mammalian cells were investigated. Amwaprin inhibited the growth of, oxidative stress-induced cytotoxicity, and inflammatory response in mammalian NIH-3T3 cells. Amwaprin decreased caspase-3 activity during oxidative stress and exhibited protective activity against oxidative stress-induced cell apoptosis in NIH-3T3 and insect Sf9 cells. The mechanism underlying the cell protective effect of Amwaprin against oxidative stress is due to its direct binding to the cell membrane. Furthermore, Amwaprin demonstrated radical-scavenging activity and protected against oxidative DNA damage. These results suggest that the antioxidant capacity of Amwaprin is attributed to the synergistic effects of its radical-scavenging action and cell shielding, indicating its novel role as an antioxidant agent.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kwang-Sik Lee
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea;
| | - Byung-Rae Jin
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea;
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Tender T, Rahangdale RR, Nampoothiri M, Raychaudhuri R, Mutalik S, Sharma K, Chandrashekar H R. Revamped mini-αA-crystallin showed improved skin permeation and therapeutic activity against melittin-induced toxicity. Toxicon 2024; 239:107611. [PMID: 38211805 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.107611] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Melittin is honey bee venom's primary and most toxic pharmacologically active component. Melittin causes haemolysis, lymphocyte lysis, long-term pain, localised inflammation followed by rhabdomyolysis, and severe renal failure. Renal failure or cardiovascular complications could lead to the victim's death. Severe honey bee bites are treated with general medication involving antihistaminic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic drugs, as a specific treatment option is unavailable. An earlier study showed the anti-hemolysis and anti-lymphocyte lysis activity of mini- αA-crystallin (MAC), a peptide derived from human eye lens alpha-crystallin. MAC's use has often been restricted despite its high therapeutic potential due to its poor skin permeability. This study compared the skin permeation, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of natural peptide MAC and its modified version (MAC-GRD) formed by attaching cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) and GRD amino residues into MAC. Gel formulations were prepared for MAC and MAC-GRD peptides using carbopol (1% w/w), Tween 80 (1%), and ethanol (10%). An ex-vivo skin permeation study was performed using a vertical-type Franz diffusion apparatus. Preclinical in-vivo experiments were conducted to compare the native and modified peptide formulations against melittin-induced toxicity in Wistar rats. MAC gel, MAC-GRD gel and 1% hydrocortisone cream significantly reduced the melittin-induced writhing (20.16 ± 0.792) response in rats with 15.16 ± 0.47, 11.16 ± 0.477 and 12.66 ± 0.66 wriths, respectively. There was a significant reduction in melittin-induced inflammation when MAC-GRD gel was applied immediately after melittin administration. At 0.5, 1, 3, and 5 h, the MAC-GRD-treated rat paws were 0.9 ± 0.043 mm, 0.750 ± 0.037 mm, 0.167 ± 0.0070 mm, and 0.133 ± 0.031 mm thick. Administration of melittin resulted in reduced GSH (antioxidant) levels (47.33 ± 0.760 μg/mg). However, treatment with MAC-GRD gel (71.167 ± 0.601 μg/mg), MAC gel (65.167 ± 1.138 μg/mg), and 1% hydrocortisone (68.33 ± 0.667 μg/mg) significantly increased the antioxidant enzyme levels. MAC-GRD gel significantly reduced the elevated MDA levels (6.933 ± 0.049 nmol/mg) compared to the melittin group (12.533 ± 0.126 nmol/mg), followed by the 1% hydrocortisone (7.367 ± 0.049 nmol/mg) and MAC gel (7.917 ± 0.048 nmol/mg). MAC-GRD demonstrated more skin permeability and superior anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant activities when compared to MAC gel. When compared to standard 1% hydrocortisone cream, MAC-GRD had better anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, and comparable action in anti-oxidant restoration against melittin. These findings suggest that the developed MAC-GRD gel formulation could help to treat severe cases of honey bee stings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tenzin Tender
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Rakesh Ravishankar Rahangdale
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Madhavan Nampoothiri
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Ruchira Raychaudhuri
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Srinivas Mutalik
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Krishna Sharma
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65212, United States
| | - Raghu Chandrashekar H
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India.
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Kodrík D, Čapková Frydrychová R, Hlávková D, Skoková Habuštová O, Štěrbová H. Unusual functions of insect vitellogenins: minireview. Physiol Res 2023; 72:S475-S487. [PMID: 38165752 PMCID: PMC10861248 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.935221] [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: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Insect vitellogenins are an intriguing class of complex proteins. They primarily serve as a source of energy for the developing embryo in insect eggs. Vitellogenesis is a complex hormonally and neurally controlled process that command synthesis of vitellogenin molecules and ensures their transport from the female fat bodies or ovarial cells into eggs. The representatives of all insect hormones such as juvenile hormones, ecdysteroids, and neurohormones participate in vitellogenesis, but juvenile hormones (most insect species) and ecdysteroids (mostly Diptera) play the most important roles in the process. Strikingly, not only insect females, but also males have been reported to synthesize vitellogenins indicating their further utility in the insect body. Indeed, it has recently been found that vitellogenins perform a variety of biological functions in the insect body. They participate in defense reactions against entomopathogens such as nematodes, fungi, and bacteria, as well as against venoms such as the honeybee Apis mellifera venom. Interestingly, vitellogenins are also present in the venom of the honeybee itself, albeit their exact role is unknown; they most likely increase the efficacy of the venom in the victim's body. Within the bee's body vitellogenins contribute to the lifespan regulation as anti-aging factor acting under tight social interactions and hormonal control. The current minireview covers all of these functions of vitellogenins and portrays them as biologically active substances that play a variety of significant roles in both insect females and males, and not only acting as passive energy sources for developing embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Kodrík
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Czech Republic.
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Galante P, Campos GAA, Moser JCG, Martins DB, Dos Santos Cabrera MP, Rangel M, Coelho LC, Simon KS, Amado VM, de A I Muller J, Koehbach J, Lohman RJ, Cabot PJ, Vetter I, Craik DJ, Toffoli-Kadri MC, Monge-Fuentes V, Goulart JT, Schwartz EF, Silva LP, Bocca AL, Mortari MR. Exploring the therapeutic potential of an antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory peptide from wasp venom. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12491. [PMID: 37528129 PMCID: PMC10393941 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38828-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal venoms are rich sources of neuroactive compounds, including anti-inflammatory, antiepileptic, and antinociceptive molecules. Our study identified a protonectin peptide from the wasp Parachartergus fraternus' venom using mass spectrometry and cDNA library construction. Using this peptide as a template, we designed a new peptide, protonectin-F, which exhibited higher antinociceptive activity and less motor impairment compared to protonectin. In drug interaction experiments with naloxone and AM251, Protonectin-F's activity was decreased by opioid and cannabinoid antagonism, two critical antinociception pathways. Further experiments revealed that this effect is most likely not induced by direct action on receptors but by activation of the descending pain control pathway. We noted that protonectin-F induced less tolerance in mice after repeated administration than morphine. Protonectin-F was also able to decrease TNF-α production in vitro and modulate the inflammatory response, which can further contribute to its antinociceptive activity. These findings suggest that protonectin-F may be a potential molecule for developing drugs to treat pain disorders with fewer adverse effects. Our results reinforce the biotechnological importance of animal venom for developing new molecules of clinical interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla Galante
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Gabriel A A Campos
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Jacqueline C G Moser
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Danubia B Martins
- Department of Physics, IBILCE, São Paulo State University, São José do Rio Preto, SP, 15054-000, Brazil
| | | | - Marisa Rangel
- Immunopathology Laboratory, Butantan Institute, Sao Paulo, SP, 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Luiza C Coelho
- Laboratory of Applied Immunology, Department of Cell Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Karina S Simon
- Laboratory of Applied Immunology, Department of Cell Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Veronica M Amado
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Brasília, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, 79910-900, Brazil
| | - Jessica de A I Muller
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Inflammation FACFAN, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, 79070-900, Brazil
| | - Johannes Koehbach
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Rink-Jan Lohman
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Peter J Cabot
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Irina Vetter
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Monica C Toffoli-Kadri
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Inflammation FACFAN, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, 79070-900, Brazil
| | - Victoria Monge-Fuentes
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Jair T Goulart
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Elisabeth F Schwartz
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Luciano P Silva
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, DF, 70770917, Brazil
| | - Anamelia L Bocca
- Laboratory of Applied Immunology, Department of Cell Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Márcia R Mortari
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil.
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Eleiwa NZH, Ali MAA, Said EN, Metwally MMM, Abd-ElHakim YM. Bee venom (Apis mellifera L.) rescues zinc oxide nanoparticles induced neurobehavioral and neurotoxic impact via controlling neurofilament and GAP-43 in rat brain. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:88685-88703. [PMID: 37442924 PMCID: PMC10412495 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28538-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the possible beneficial role of the bee venom (BV, Apis mellifera L.) against zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZNPs)-induced neurobehavioral and neurotoxic impacts in rats. Fifty male Sprague Dawley rats were alienated into five groups. Three groups were intraperitoneally injected distilled water (C 28D group), ZNPs (100 mg/kg b.wt) (ZNPs group), or ZNPs (100 mg/kg.wt) and BV (1 mg/ kg.bwt) (ZNPs + BV group) for 28 days. One group was intraperitoneally injected with 1 mL of distilled water for 56 days (C 56D group). The last group was intraperitoneally injected with ZNPs for 28 days, then BV for another 28 days at the same earlier doses and duration (ZNPs/BV group). Depression, anxiety, locomotor activity, spatial learning, and memory were evaluated using the forced swimming test, elevated plus maze, open field test, and Morris water maze test, respectively. The brain contents of dopamine, serotonin, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and Zn were estimated. The histopathological changes and immunoexpressions of neurofilament and GAP-43 protein in the brain tissues were followed. The results displayed that BV significantly decreased the ZNPs-induced depression, anxiety, memory impairment, and spatial learning disorders. Moreover, the ZNPs-induced increment in serotonin and dopamine levels and Zn content was significantly suppressed by BV. Besides, BV significantly restored the depleted TAC but minimized the augmented MDA brain content associated with ZNPs exposure. Likewise, the neurodegenerative changes induced by ZNPs were significantly abolished by BV. Also, the increased neurofilament and GAP-43 immunoexpression due to ZNPs exposure were alleviated with BV. Of note, BV achieved better results in the ZNPs + BV group than in the ZNPs/BV group. Conclusively, these results demonstrated that BV could be employed as a biologically effective therapy to mitigate the neurotoxic and neurobehavioral effects of ZNPs, particularly when used during ZNPs exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naglaa Z H Eleiwa
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud Abo-Alkasem Ali
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Enas N Said
- Department of Behaviour and Management of Animal, Poultry and Aquatic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
| | - Mohamed M M Metwally
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44511, Egypt
| | - Yasmina M Abd-ElHakim
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.
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Lee KS, Kim BY, Kim YH, Choi YS, Jin BR. Identification of waprin and its microbicidal activity: A novel protein component of honeybee (Apis mellifera) venom. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2023; 266:109561. [PMID: 36738900 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2023.109561] [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: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Bee venom is a rich source of biologically and pharmacologically active proteins. Waprin is a protein component of venoms; however, waprin has yet to be identified in bee venom. Moreover, the biological functions of waprin in venoms remain poorly characterized. Thus, in this study, we have identified and characterized waprin: a novel protein component from the venom of honeybees (Apis mellifera). The waprin in A. mellifera venom (Amwaprin) was found to consist of an 80-amino acid mature peptide, in which the whey acidic protein domain contains four conserved disulfide bonds. We discovered the presence of the Amwaprin protein in secreted venom by using an antibody against recombinant Amwaprin produced in baculovirus-infected insect cells. Recombinant Amwaprin exhibited inhibitory activity against microbial serine proteases and elastases but not thrombin or plasmin. It recognized carbohydrates in the microbial cell wall molecules and bound to the live microbial surfaces. The binding action of Amwaprin produced its microbicidal activity by inducing structural damage to bacterial and fungal cell walls. In addition, recombinant Amwaprin is heat-stable and contains no hemolytic activity. These findings demonstrate that Amwaprin acts as a microbicidal and anti-elastolytic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwang Sik Lee
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea
| | - Bo Yeon Kim
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Hui Kim
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Soo Choi
- Department of Agricultural Biology, National Academy of Agricultural Science, Wanju 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung Rae Jin
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea.
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11
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Abdelhamid MS, El Bohi KM, Sherif MH, Abdelhamid MS, Abdel-Daim MM, Elewa YHA, Metwally MMM, Albadrani GM, Najda A, El Abdel-Hamid S, Abu-Zeid EH. Apitoxin alleviates methyl mercury-induced peripheral neurotoxicity in male rats by regulating dorsal root ganglia neuronal degeneration and oxidative stress. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 161:114521. [PMID: 36921536 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114521] [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: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) toxicity is associated with extensive neuronal degeneration of dorsal root ganglia (DRG). This study aimed to assess the ameliorative effect of bee venom (BV) on methyl mercury chloride (MeHgCl)-induced peripheral neurotoxicity using DRGs in rats. Forty-eight adult male Sprague Dawley rats were allocated into four equal groups: G I: control (gavaged MilliQ water 1 ml/rat), G II: subcutaneously injected with BV (0.5 mg/kg b.wt), G III: gavaged MeHgCl (6.7 mg/kg b.wt), and G IV: received MeHgCl+BV. Dosing was done five times/week for 2 weeks. Ataxic behavior and visual impairments were significantly increased, whereas the movement behavior and motility gait were suppressed in the MeHgCl group. MeHgCl significantly decreased total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in DRG and significantly decreased the serum levels of glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) levels were significantly elevated, whereas interleukin 10 (IL-10) levels were significantly decreased in the MeHgCl group compared with the control group. DRGs of the MeHgCl-exposed rats showed pyknotic shrunken neurons with perineural vacuolations, demyelination of nerve axons, and proliferation of the satellite cells. MeHgCl significantly induced a higher positive index ratio of Iba-1, SOX10, neurofilament, pan-neuron, and vimentin immunostaining in the DRG. BV administration significantly mitigated the MeHgCl-induced alterations in oxidative stress-related indices. BV modified the immunostaining of Iba-1, SOX10, neurofilament, pan-neuron, and vimentin-positive index ratio in the DRG of the MeHgCl group. Our findings acknowledged that BV could enhance in vivo neuroprotective effects against MeHgCl-induced DRGs damage in male rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moustafa S Abdelhamid
- Biochemistry division, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, 44511, Egypt
| | - Khlood M El Bohi
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, 44511, Egypt
| | - Mohamed H Sherif
- Biochemistry division, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, 44511, Egypt
| | - Manar S Abdelhamid
- Biochemistry division, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, 44511, Egypt
| | - Mohamed M Abdel-Daim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacy Program, Batterjee Medical College, P.O. Box 6231, Jeddah 21442, Saudi Arabia; Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | - Yaser H A Elewa
- Department of Histology and Cytology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, 44511, Egypt; Laboratory of Anatomy, Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Mohamed M M Metwally
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44511, Egypt
| | - Ghadeer M Albadrani
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, B.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Agnieszka Najda
- Department of Vegetable Crops and Medicinal Plants University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 50 A Doświadczalna Street, 20-280 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Shereen El Abdel-Hamid
- Department of Behavior and Management of Animal, Poultry and Aquatics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, 44511, Egypt
| | - Ehsan H Abu-Zeid
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, 44511, Egypt.
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12
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Ullah A, Aldakheel FM, Anjum SI, Raza G, Khan SA, Tlak Gajger I. Pharmacological properties and therapeutic potential of honey bee venom. Saudi Pharm J 2023; 31:96-109. [PMID: 36685303 PMCID: PMC9845117 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2022.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Honey bee venom (BV) is a valuable product, and has a wide range of biological effects, and its use is rapidly increasing in apitherapy. Therefore, the current study, we reviewed the existing knowledge about BV composition and its numerous pharmacological properties for future research and use. Honey bee venom or apitoxin is produced in the venom gland in the honey bee abdomen. Adult bees use it as a primary colony defense mechanism. It is composed of many biologically active substances including peptides, enzymes, amines, amino acids, phospholipids, minerals, carbohydrates as well as some volatile components. Melittin and phospholipase A2 are the most important components of BV, having anti-cancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritis, anti-nociceptive and other curative potentials. Therefore, in medicine, BV has been used for centuries against different diseases like arthritis, rheumatism, back pain, and various inflammatory infections. Nowadays, BV or its components separately, are used for the treatment of various diseases in different countries as a natural medicine with limited side effects. Consequently, scientists as well as several pharmaceutical companies are trying to get a new understanding about BV, its substances and its activity for more effective use of this natural remedy in modern medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amjad Ullah
- Department of Zoology, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat 26000, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Fahad Mohammed Aldakheel
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11433, Saudi Arabia,Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz Research Chair for Epidemiology and Public Health, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia
| | - Syed Ishtiaq Anjum
- Department of Zoology, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat 26000, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan,Corresponding author.
| | - Ghulam Raza
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Baltistan, Skardu, Pakistan
| | - Saeed Ahmad Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Ivana Tlak Gajger
- Department for Biology and Pathology of Fish and Bees, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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13
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Othman EM, Hamada HA, Mohamed GI, Abdallah GA, Ahmed ZS, Al-Shenqiti AM, Kadry AM. Clinical and histopathological responses to bee venom phonophoresis in treating venous and diabetic ulcers: a single-blind randomized controlled trial. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1085544. [PMID: 37153087 PMCID: PMC10157245 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1085544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Chronic venous and diabetic ulcers are hard to treat that cause patients long time of suffering as well as significant healthcare and financial costs. Purpose The conducted study was to evaluate the efficacy of bee venom (BV) phonophoresis on the healing of chronic unhealed venous and/or diabetic foot ulcers Also, to compare the healing rate of diabetic and venous ulcers. Methodology The study included 100 patients (71 males and 29 females) with an age range of 40-60 years' old who had chronic unhealed venous leg ulcers of grade I, grade II, or diabetic foot ulcers with type II diabetes mellitus. They randomly assigned into four equal groups of 25: Group A (diabetic foot ulcer study group) and group C (venous ulcer study group) who both received conservative treatment of medical ulcer care and phonophoresis with BV gel, in addition to group B (diabetic foot ulcer control group) and group D (venous ulcer control group) who both received conservative treatment of medical ulcer care and received ultrasound sessions only without BV gel. Wound surface area (WSA) and ulcer volume measurement (UVM) were used to assess the ulcer healing pre-application (P0), post-6 weeks of treatment (P1), and after 12 weeks of treatment (P2). In addition to Ki-67 immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the cell proliferative in the granulation tissue of ulcers pre-application (P0) and after 12 weeks of treatment (P2) for all groups. Results This research revealed a statistical significance improvement (p ≤ 0.0) in the WSA, and UVM with no significant difference between study groups after treatment. Regarding Ki-67 immunohistochemistry showed higher post treatment values in the venous ulcer group in comparison to the diabetic foot ulcer group. Conclusion Bee venom (BV) provided by phonophoresis is effective adjuvant treatment in accelerating venous and diabetic foot ulcer healing with higher proliferative effect on venous ulcer. Clinical trial registration www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT05285930.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman M. Othman
- Department for Surgery, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hamada Ahmed Hamada
- Department for Biomechanics, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ghada I. Mohamed
- Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ghada A. Abdallah
- Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Zeinab S. Ahmed
- Department of Cardiovascular, Respiratory Disorder and Geriatrics, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Ahmed Mahmoud Kadry
- Faculty of Physical Therapy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr el-Sheikh, Egypt
- *Correspondence: Ahmed Mahmoud Kadry
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14
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Sevin S, Kivrak İ, Tutun H, Uyar R, Ayaz F. Apis mellifera anatoliaca Venom Exerted Anti-Inflammatory Activity on LPS-Stimulated Mammalian Macrophages by Reducing the Production of the Inflammatory Cytokines. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2022; 195:3194-3205. [PMID: 36574137 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-022-04284-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Extraction and characterization of natural products provide the opportunity to expand our arsenal of drug candidates against a wide range of diseases including cancer and inflammatory disorders. Previous studies have shown bee venom to have immense potential as an anti-inflammatory drug candidate. In this study, we focused on the venom of Apis mellifera anatoliaca and characterized its content by HPLC. An in vitro inflammation model based on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated mammalian macrophages was utilized to examine the venom's anti-inflammatory potential. Additionally, its antiproliferative activity was evaluated in vitro against a human glioblastoma cell line. Based on the TNF, IL6, GMCSF, and IL12p40 pro-inflammatory cytokine production level in LPS-induced macrophages, venom-treated groups showed substantial decrease in the inflammatory action compared to untreated LPS-stimulated macrophages. When the cells were analyzed for viability, the venom did not have any cytotoxic effect on the macrophages at the concentration ranges that were utilized. Moreover, IC50 value of the venom was above 60 µg/mL on glioblastoma cancer cell line. These results suggest that the Apis mellifera anatoliaca venom does not have anticancer drug candidate potential, whereas it can efficiently be used against inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. To our knowledge, this is the first study to specifically examine the effect of anti-inflammatory activity of Apis mellifera anatoliaca venom on macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sedat Sevin
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - İbrahim Kivrak
- Muğla Vocational School Department of Chemistry and Chemical Treatment Technologies, MuğlaSıtkıKoçman University, Muğla, Turkey
| | - Hidayet Tutun
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Burdur Mehmet AkifErsoy University, Burdur, Turkey
| | - Recep Uyar
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Furkan Ayaz
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Arts and Science, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey.
- Mersin University Biotechnology Research and Application Center, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey.
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15
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Chang MC. Persistent severe muscle pain following mistakenly injected high-dose bee venom: A care-compliant case report. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e32180. [PMID: 36626534 PMCID: PMC9750539 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000032180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE In clinical practice, bee venom injection into acupuncture points is used to relieve various types of musculoskeletal pain. In the current study, we describe a patient who had persistent severe muscle pain caused by mistakenly injected high-dose bee venom. PATIENT CONCERNS A 63-year-old woman mistakenly received an injection of high-dose (2 mL; standard dose, 0.1 mL) bee venom (diluted in saline at a 1:2000 ratio). Immediately after the injection, extreme burning pain developed at the injection site, which persisted for 1 month with a mean pain score of 9 on the numeric rating scale. T1-weighted gadolinium-enhanced axial lumbar magnetic resonance imaging revealed increased intensity in the medial part of the left psoas muscle around the L4-5 intervertebral disc level. DIAGNOSIS This finding indicated the presence of inflammation in the left psoas muscle, which was thought to be associated with pain. INTERVENTIONS A buprenorphine transdermal patch (releasing 5 mcg/hours) was applied to alleviate the pain. OUTCOMES Six months after the bee venom injection, the pain completely resolved. LESSONS Bee venom has a strong toxic effect; therefore, only a minimal dose of diluted bee venom should be administered for musculoskeletal pain control. Special caution is required during bee venom injection to avoid excessive doses of bee venom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Cheol Chang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
- * Correspondence: Min Cheol Chang, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, 317-1, Daemyungdong, Namku, Daegu 705-717, Republic of Korea (e-mail: )
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16
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Kim BY, Kim YH, Park MJ, Yoon HJ, Lee KY, Kim HK, Lee KS, Jin BR. Dual function of a bumblebee (Bombus ignitus) serine protease inhibitor that acts as a microbicidal peptide and anti-fibrinolytic venom toxin. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 135:104478. [PMID: 35716829 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2022.104478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
In bee venoms, low-molecular-weight peptides, including serine protease inhibitors (SPIs), exhibit multifunctional activities. Although SPIs in bee venoms are relatively well known, those that function in both the body and secreted venom of bees are not well-characterized. In this study, we identified a bumblebee (Bombus ignitus) SPI (BiSPI) that displays microbicidal and anti-fibrinolytic activities. BiSPI was found to consist of a trypsin inhibitor-like domain containing a P1 site and ten cysteine residues. We observed that the BiSPI gene was ubiquitously transcribed in the body, including the venom glands. In correlation, the BiSPI protein was detected both in the body and secreted venom by using an antibody against a recombinant BiSPI peptide produced in baculovirus-infected insect cells. Recombinant BiSPI exhibited inhibitory activity against trypsin but not chymotrypsin and inhibited microbial serine proteases and plasmin but not elastase or thrombin. Moreover, recombinant BiSPI recognized carbohydrates and bound to fungi and gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. Consistent with these properties, recombinant BiSPI exhibited microbicidal activities against bacteria and fungi through induction of structural damage by binding to the microbial surfaces. Additionally, recombinant BiSPI inhibited the plasmin-mediated degradation of human fibrin and was thus concluded to exhibit anti-fibrinolytic activity. Moreover, the peptide showed no effect on hemolysis. These findings demonstrate the dual function of BiSPI, which acts as a microbicidal peptide and anti-fibrinolytic venom toxin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Yeon Kim
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan, 49315, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Hui Kim
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan, 49315, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Ji Park
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan, 49315, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung Joo Yoon
- Department of Agricultural Biology, National Academy of Agricultural Science, Wanju, 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeong Yong Lee
- Department of Agricultural Biology, National Academy of Agricultural Science, Wanju, 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Kyung Kim
- Department of Industrial Entomology, Korea National College of Agriculture and Fisheries, Jeonju, 54874, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang Sik Lee
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan, 49315, Republic of Korea.
| | - Byung Rae Jin
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan, 49315, Republic of Korea.
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17
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Lee KS, Kim BY, Park MJ, Deng Y, Kim JM, Kim YH, Heo EJ, Yoon HJ, Lee KY, Choi YS, Jin BR. Bee Venom Induces Acute Inflammation through a H2O2-Mediated System That Utilizes Superoxide Dismutase. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14080558. [PMID: 36006220 PMCID: PMC9414663 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14080558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Venoms from venomous arthropods, including bees, typically induce an immediate local inflammatory response; however, how venoms acutely elicit inflammatory response and which components induce an inflammatory response remain unknown. Moreover, the presence of superoxide dismutase (SOD3) in venom and its functional link to the acute inflammatory response has not been determined to date. Here, we confirmed that SOD3 in bee venom (bvSOD3) acts as an inducer of H2O2 production to promote acute inflammatory responses. In mouse models, exogenous bvSOD3 rapidly induced H2O2 overproduction through superoxides that are endogenously produced by melittin and phospholipase A2, which then upregulated caspase-1 activation and proinflammatory molecule secretion and promoted an acute inflammatory response. We also showed that the relatively severe noxious effect of bvSOD3 elevated a type 2 immune response and bvSOD3 immunization protected against venom-induced inflammation. Our findings provide a novel view of the mechanism underlying bee venom-induced acute inflammation and offer a new approach to therapeutic treatments for bee envenoming and bee venom preparations for venom therapy/immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwang-Sik Lee
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Korea
| | - Bo-Yeon Kim
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Korea
| | - Min-Ji Park
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Korea
| | - Yijie Deng
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Korea
| | - Jin-Myung Kim
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Korea
| | - Yun-Hui Kim
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Korea
| | - Eun-Jee Heo
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Korea
| | - Hyung-Joo Yoon
- Department of Agricultural Biology, National Academy of Agricultural Science, Wanju 55365, Korea
| | - Kyeong-Yong Lee
- Department of Agricultural Biology, National Academy of Agricultural Science, Wanju 55365, Korea
| | - Yong-Soo Choi
- Department of Agricultural Biology, National Academy of Agricultural Science, Wanju 55365, Korea
| | - Byung-Rae Jin
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-51-200-7594
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18
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Wang Y, Kang H, Jin M, Wang G, Ma W, Liu Z, Xue Y, Li C. Phenotypic and Transcriptomics Analyses Reveal Underlying Mechanisms in a Mouse Model of Corneal Bee Sting. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14070468. [PMID: 35878206 PMCID: PMC9323056 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14070468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal bee sting (CBS) is one of the most common ocular traumas and can lead to blindness. The ophthalmic manifestations are caused by direct mechanical effects of bee stings, toxic effects, and host immune responses to bee venom (BV); however, the underlying pathogenesis remains unclear. Clinically, topical steroids and antibiotics are routinely used to treat CBS patients but the specific drug targets are unknown; therefore, it is imperative to study the pathological characteristics, injury mechanisms, and therapeutic targets involved in CBS. In the present study, a CBS injury model was successfully established by injecting BV into the corneal stroma of healthy C57BL/6 mice. F-actin staining revealed corneal endothelial cell damage, decreased density, skeletal disorder, and thickened corneal stromal. The terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay showed apoptosis of both epithelial and endothelial cells. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis showed that cytokine–cytokine interactions were the most relevant pathway for pathogenesis. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis showed that IL-1, TNF, and IL-6 were the most relevant nodes. RNA-seq after the application of Tobradex® (0.3% tobramycin and 0.1% dexamethasone) eye ointment showed that Tobradex® not only downregulated relevant inflammatory factors but also reduced corneal pain as well as promoted nerve regeneration by repairing axons. Here, a stable and reliable model of CBS injury was successfully established for the first time, and the pathogenesis of CBS and the therapeutic targets of Tobradex® are discussed. These hub genes are expected to be biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the diagnosis and treatment of CBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanzi Wang
- Eye Institute & Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; (Y.W.); (H.K.); (M.J.); (Z.L.)
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Honghua Kang
- Eye Institute & Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; (Y.W.); (H.K.); (M.J.); (Z.L.)
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Mengyi Jin
- Eye Institute & Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; (Y.W.); (H.K.); (M.J.); (Z.L.)
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Guoliang Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China;
| | - Weifang Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, No.4 West China Teaching Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China;
| | - Zhen Liu
- Eye Institute & Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; (Y.W.); (H.K.); (M.J.); (Z.L.)
| | - Yuhua Xue
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China;
- Correspondence: (Y.X.); (C.L.); Tel./Fax: +86-592-2189698 (Y.X.)
| | - Cheng Li
- Eye Institute & Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; (Y.W.); (H.K.); (M.J.); (Z.L.)
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
- Correspondence: (Y.X.); (C.L.); Tel./Fax: +86-592-2189698 (Y.X.)
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19
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Soltan-Alinejad P, Alipour H, Meharabani D, Azizi K. Therapeutic Potential of Bee and Scorpion Venom Phospholipase A2 (PLA2): A Narrative Review. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 2022; 47:300-313. [PMID: 35919080 PMCID: PMC9339116 DOI: 10.30476/ijms.2021.88511.1927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Venomous arthropods such as scorpions and bees form one of the important groups with an essential role in medical entomology. Their venom possesses a mixture of diverse compounds, such as peptides, some of which have toxic effects, and enzymatic peptide Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) with a pharmacological potential in the treatment of a wide range of diseases. Bee and scorpion venom PLA2 group III has been used in immunotherapy, the treatment of neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases. They were assessed for antinociceptive, wound healing, anti-cancer, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-parasitic, and anti-angiogenesis effects. PLA2 has been identified in different species of scorpions and bees. The anti-leishmania, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-malarial activities of scorpion PLA2 still need further investigation. Many pieces of research have been stopped in the laboratory stage, and several studies need vast investigation in the clinical phase to show the pharmacological potential of PLA2. In this review, the medical significance of PLA2 from the venom of two arthropods, namely bees and scorpions, is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Soltan-Alinejad
- Research Center for Health Sciences, Institute of Health, Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hamzeh Alipour
- Research Center for Health Sciences, Institute of Health, Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Davood Meharabani
- Li Ka Shing Center for Health Research and Innovation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada,
Stem Cell Technology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Kourosh Azizi
- Research Center for Health Sciences, Institute of Health, Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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20
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Muller JAI, Chan LY, Toffoli-Kadri MC, Mortari MR, Craik DJ, Koehbach J. Antinociceptive peptides from venomous arthropods. TOXIN REV 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/15569543.2022.2065510] [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]
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A. I. Muller
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Inflammation, FACFAN/Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Lai Y. Chan
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Monica C. Toffoli-Kadri
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Inflammation, FACFAN/Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Marcia R. Mortari
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, IB/University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - David J. Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Johannes Koehbach
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
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21
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Noradrenergic innervations of the medial prefrontal cortex mediate empathy for pain in rats via the α1 and β receptors. Behav Brain Res 2022; 426:113828. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.113828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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22
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Varol A, Sezen S, Evcimen D, Zarepour A, Ulus G, Zarrabi A, Badr G, Daştan SD, Orbayoğlu AG, Selamoğlu Z, Varol M. Cellular targets and molecular activity mechanisms of bee venom in cancer: recent trends and developments. TOXIN REV 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/15569543.2021.2024576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ayşegül Varol
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Serap Sezen
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Istanbul, Turkey
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Science, Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Dilhan Evcimen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kotekli Campus, Mugla Sitki Kocman University, Mugla, Turkey
| | - Atefeh Zarepour
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gönül Ulus
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ali Zarrabi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gamal Badr
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Laboratory of Immunology, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Sevgi Durna Daştan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Asya Gülistan Orbayoğlu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kotekli Campus, Mugla Sitki Kocman University, Mugla, Turkey
| | - Zeliha Selamoğlu
- Department Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Nigde Ömer Halisdemir University, Nigde, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Varol
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kotekli Campus, Mugla Sitki Kocman University, Mugla, Turkey
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23
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El Mehdi I, Falcão SI, Boujraf S, Mustapha H, Campos MG, Vilas-Boas M. Analytical methods for honeybee venom characterization. J Adv Pharm Technol Res 2022; 13:154-160. [PMID: 35935688 PMCID: PMC9355049 DOI: 10.4103/japtr.japtr_166_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of new drugs has benefited significantly from the development of research in venomics, increasing our understanding of the envenomation processes. It has been previously reported that honeybee venom (HBV) exhibits several pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimutagenic, radioprotective, and anticancer activity and may inclusively act as a complementary treatment for SARS-CoV-2. It composition consists mainly on melittin, phospholipase A2, and apamin but other constituents such as hyaluronidase, mast cell degranulating peptide and secapin are also relevant for its bioactivity. However, and because HBV is not officially recognized as a drug, until now, the international community did not establish quality standards for it. To uncover its exact composition, and boost the discovery of HBV-derived drugs, a significant number of techniques were developed. In this review, a relevant overview of the so far published analytical methods for HBV characterization is organized with the aim to accelerate its future standardization. The literature search was performed within PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct by selecting specific documents and exploring HBV evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iouraouine El Mehdi
- Prof. Said, Clinical Neurosciences Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy; Department of Biophysics and Clinical MRI Methods, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Sidi Mohamed ben Abdellah, Fez, Morocco,Department of Biophysics and Clinical MRI Methods, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Sidi Mohamed ben Abdellah, Fez, Morocco,Centro de Investigação de Montanha, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, Bragança, Portugal
| | - Soraia I. Falcão
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, Bragança, Portugal
| | - Saïd Boujraf
- Prof. Said, Clinical Neurosciences Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy; Department of Biophysics and Clinical MRI Methods, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Sidi Mohamed ben Abdellah, Fez, Morocco,Department of Biophysics and Clinical MRI Methods, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Sidi Mohamed ben Abdellah, Fez, Morocco,Address for correspondence: Prof. Dr. Saïd Boujraf, Department of Biophysics and Clinical MRI Methods, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Sidi Mohamed ben Abdellah, BP. 1893; Km 2.200, Sidi Hrazem Road, Fez 30000, Morocco. E-mail:
| | - Harandou Mustapha
- Prof. Said, Clinical Neurosciences Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy; Department of Biophysics and Clinical MRI Methods, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Sidi Mohamed ben Abdellah, Fez, Morocco
| | - Maria G. Campos
- Observatory of Drug-Herb Interactions, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Health Sciences Campus, Azinhaga de Santa Comba,Coimbra Chemistry Centre (CQC, FCT Unit 313) (FCTUC), Univ Coimbra, Rua Larga, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Miguel Vilas-Boas
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, Bragança, Portugal
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24
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Bodláková K, Černý J, Štěrbová H, Guráň R, Zítka O, Kodrík D. Insect Body Defence Reactions against Bee Venom: Do Adipokinetic Hormones Play a Role? Toxins (Basel) 2021; 14:toxins14010011. [PMID: 35050987 PMCID: PMC8780464 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14010011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Bees originally developed their stinging apparatus and venom against members of their own species from other hives or against predatory insects. Nevertheless, the biological and biochemical response of arthropods to bee venom is not well studied. Thus, in this study, the physiological responses of a model insect species (American cockroach, Periplaneta americana) to honeybee venom were investigated. Bee venom toxins elicited severe stress (LD50 = 1.063 uL venom) resulting in a significant increase in adipokinetic hormones (AKHs) in the cockroach central nervous system and haemolymph. Venom treatment induced a large destruction of muscle cell ultrastructure, especially myofibrils and sarcomeres. Interestingly, co-application of venom with cockroach Peram-CAH-II AKH eliminated this effect. Envenomation modulated the levels of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins in the haemolymph and the activity of digestive amylases, lipases, and proteases in the midgut. Bee venom significantly reduced vitellogenin levels in females. Dopamine and glutathione (GSH and GSSG) insignificantly increased after venom treatment. However, dopamine levels significantly increased after Peram-CAH-II application and after co-application with bee venom, while GSH and GSSG levels immediately increased after co-application. The results suggest a general reaction of the cockroach body to bee venom and at least a partial involvement of AKHs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Bodláková
- Biology Centre, Institute of Entomology, CAS, Branišovská 31, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic; (K.B.); (J.Č.); (H.Š.)
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31a, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Černý
- Biology Centre, Institute of Entomology, CAS, Branišovská 31, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic; (K.B.); (J.Č.); (H.Š.)
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31a, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Helena Štěrbová
- Biology Centre, Institute of Entomology, CAS, Branišovská 31, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic; (K.B.); (J.Č.); (H.Š.)
| | - Roman Guráň
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1665/1, 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (R.G.); (O.Z.)
- Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Purkyňova 656/123, 612 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ondřej Zítka
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1665/1, 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (R.G.); (O.Z.)
- Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Purkyňova 656/123, 612 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Dalibor Kodrík
- Biology Centre, Institute of Entomology, CAS, Branišovská 31, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic; (K.B.); (J.Č.); (H.Š.)
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31a, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
- Correspondence:
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25
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Kodrík D, Krištůfek V, Svobodová Z. Bee year: Basic physiological strategies to cope with seasonality. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2021; 264:111115. [PMID: 34775045 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2021.111115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Worker honey bees are subject to biochemical and physiological changes throughout the year. This study aimed to provide the reasons behind these fluctuations. The markers analysed included lipid, carbohydrate, and protein levels in the haemolymph; the activity of digestive enzymes in the midgut; the levels of adipokinetic hormone (AKH) in the bee central nervous system; the levels of vitellogenins in the bee venom and haemolymph; and the levels of melittin in the venom. The levels of all the main nutrients in the haemolymph peaked mostly within the period of maximal bee activity, whereas the activity of digestive enzymes mostly showed a two-peak course. Furthermore, the levels of AKHs fluctuated throughout the year, with modest but significant variations. These data suggest that the role of AKHs in bee energy metabolism is somewhat limited, and that bees rely more on available food and less on body deposits. Interestingly, the non-metabolic characteristics also fluctuated over the year. The vitellogenin peak reached its maximum in the haemolymph in winter, which is probably associated with the immunoprotection of long-lived winter bees. The analysis of bee venom showed the maximal levels of vitellogenin in autumn; however, it is not entirely clear why this is the case. Finally, melittin levels showed strong fluctuations, suggesting that seasonal control was unlikely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalibor Kodrík
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre, CAS, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Václav Krištůfek
- Institute of Soil Biology, Biology Centre, CAS, Na Sádkách 7, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Zdeňka Svobodová
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre, CAS, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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26
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Bee Venom Acupuncture Effects on Pain and Its Mechanisms: An Updated Review. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13090608. [PMID: 34564611 PMCID: PMC8472865 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13090608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Bee venom (BV) is a complex natural toxin that contains various pharmaceutical compounds. Bee venom acupuncture (BVA), involving a BV injection into a certain acupuncture point, has been utilized to relieve a range of pain conditions. Regardless of whether pain is caused by disease or injury, if not effectively treated, pain can exert a detrimental effect on all aspects of life. In the past decade, many researchers have investigated the anti-nociceptive effects of BVA through clinical use and experimental evaluation. This report reviews the existing knowledge on the analgesic effects of BVA, focusing on musculoskeletal pain, inflammatory pain and neuropathic pain, and its analgesic mechanisms. Although further clinical trials are needed to clinical application of experimental results, this review will contribute to the standardization and generalization of BVA.
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27
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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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28
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Khalil A, Elesawy BH, Ali TM, Ahmed OM. Bee Venom: From Venom to Drug. Molecules 2021; 26:4941. [PMID: 34443529 PMCID: PMC8400317 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26164941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Insects of the order Hymenoptera have a defensive substance that contains many biologically active compounds. Specifically, venom from honeybees (Apis mellifera) contains many enzymes and peptides that are effective against various diseases. Different research papers stated the possibility of using bee venom (a direct bee sting or in an injectable form) in treating several complications; either in vivo or in vitro. Other reports used the active fractions of bee venom clinically or at labratory scale. Many reports and publications have stated that bee venom and its constituents have multiple biological activities including anti-microbial, anti-protozoan, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-arthritic properties. The present review aims to refer to the use of bee venom itself or its fractions in treating several diseases and counteracting drug toxicities as an alternative protocol of therapy. The updated molecular mechanisms of actions of bee venom and its components are discussed in light of the previous updated publications. The review also summarizes the potential of venom loaded on nanoparticles as a drug delivery vehicle and its molecular mechanisms. Finally, the products of bee venom available in markets are also demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelwahab Khalil
- Entomology Division, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62521, Egypt;
| | - Basem H. Elesawy
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Tarek M. Ali
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62521, Egypt
| | - Osama M. Ahmed
- Physiology Division, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62521, Egypt
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29
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Kim BY, Lee KS, Lee KY, Yoon HJ, Jin BR. Anti-fibrinolytic activity of a metalloprotease inhibitor from bumblebee (Bombus ignitus) venom. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2021; 245:109042. [PMID: 33838314 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2021.109042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Bee venom is a mixture of bioactive components that include proteases and protease inhibitors. A metalloprotease inhibitor has been predicted to be a bumblebee-specific toxin in the venom proteome of Bombus terrestris; however, the identification and functional roles of bee venom metalloprotease inhibitors have not been previously determined. In this study, we identified a bumblebee (B. ignitus) venom metalloprotease inhibitor (BiVMPI) that exhibits anti-fibrinolytic activity. BiVMPI contains a trypsin inhibitor-like cysteine-rich domain that exhibits similarity to inducible metalloprotease inhibitor. Using an anti-BiVMPI antibody raised against a recombinant BiVMPI protein produced in baculovirus-infected insect cells, the presence of BiVMPI in the venom gland and secreted venom of B. ignitus worker bees was confirmed. The recombinant BiVMPI protein demonstrated inhibitory activity against a metalloprotease, trypsin, chymotrypsin, protease K, and plasmin, but not subtilisin A, elastase, or thrombin. Additionally, the recombinant BiVMPI bound to plasmin and inhibited the plasmin-mediated degradation of fibrin, demonstrating an anti-fibrinolytic role for BiVMPI as a bee venom metalloprotease inhibitor. Our results provide the first evidence for the identification and anti-fibrinolytic activity of a metalloprotease inhibitor from bee venom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Yeon Kim
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang Sik Lee
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeong Yong Lee
- Department of Agricultural Biology, National Academy of Agricultural Science, Wanju 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung Joo Yoon
- Department of Agricultural Biology, National Academy of Agricultural Science, Wanju 55365, Republic of Korea.
| | - Byung Rae Jin
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea.
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30
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Lipolytic Activity of a Carboxylesterase from Bumblebee ( Bombus ignitus) Venom. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13040239. [PMID: 33810599 PMCID: PMC8065460 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13040239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bee venom is a complex mixture composed of peptides, proteins with enzymatic properties, and low-molecular-weight compounds. Although the carboxylesterase in bee venom has been identified as an allergen, the enzyme's role as a venom component has not been previously elucidated. Here, we show the lipolytic activity of a bumblebee (Bombus ignitus) venom carboxylesterase (BivCaE). The presence of BivCaE in the venom secreted by B. ignitus worker bees was confirmed using an anti-BivCaE antibody raised against a recombinant BivCaE protein produced in baculovirus-infected insect cells. The enzymatic activity of the recombinant BivCaE protein was optimal at 40 °C and pH 8.5. Recombinant BivCaE protein degrades triglycerides and exhibits high lipolytic activity toward long-chain triglycerides, defining the role of BivCaE as a lipolytic agent. Bee venom phospholipase A2 binds to mammalian cells and induces apoptosis, whereas BivCaE does not affect mammalian cells. Collectively, our data demonstrate that BivCaE functions as a lipolytic agent in bee venom, suggesting that BivCaE will be involved in distributing the venom via degradation of blood triglycerides.
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31
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Wang JL, Wang Y, Sun W, Yu Y, Wei N, Du R, Yang Y, Liang T, Wang XL, Ou CH, Chen J. Spinophilin modulates pain through suppressing dendritic spine morphogenesis via negative control of Rac1-ERK signaling in rat spinal dorsal horn. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 152:105302. [PMID: 33609640 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Both spinophilin (SPN, also known as neurabin 2) and Rac1 (a member of Rho GTPase family) are believed to play key roles in dendritic spine (DS) remodeling and spinal nociception. However, how SPN interacts with Rac1 in the above process is unknown. Here, we first demonstrated natural existence of SPN-protein phosphatase 1-Rac1 complex in the spinal dorsal horn (DH) neurons by both double immunofluorescent labeling and co-immunoprecipitation, then the effects of SPN over-expression and down-regulation on mechanical and thermal pain sensitivity, GTP-bound Rac1-ERK signaling activity, and spinal DS density were studied. Over-expression of SPN in spinal neurons by intra-DH pAAV-CMV-SPN-3FLAG could block both mechanical and thermal pain hypersensitivity induced by intraplantar bee venom injection, however it had no effect on the basal pain sensitivity. Over-expression of SPN also resulted in a significant decrease in GTP-Rac1-ERK activities, relative to naive and irrelevant control (pAAV-MCS). In sharp contrast, knockdown of SPN in spinal neurons by intra-DH pAAV-CAG-eGFP-U6-shRNA[SPN] produced both pain hypersensitivity and dramatic elevation of GTP-Rac1-ERK activities, relative to naive and irrelevant control (pAAV-shRNA [NC]). Moreover, knockdown of SPN resulted in increase in DS density while over-expression of it had no such effect. Collectively, SPN is likely to serve as a regulator of Rac1 signaling to suppress DS morphogenesis via negative control of GTP-bound Rac1-ERK activities at postsynaptic component in rat DH neurons wherein both mechanical and thermal pain sensitivity are controlled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang-Lin Wang
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, Shaanxi Province, PR China; Department of Pain Management, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan Province, PR China
| | - Yan Wang
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, Shaanxi Province, PR China; Key Laboratory of Brain Stress and Behavior, People's Liberation Army, Xi'an 710038, PR China
| | - Wei Sun
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, Shaanxi Province, PR China; Key Laboratory of Brain Stress and Behavior, People's Liberation Army, Xi'an 710038, PR China
| | - Yang Yu
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, Shaanxi Province, PR China; Key Laboratory of Brain Stress and Behavior, People's Liberation Army, Xi'an 710038, PR China
| | - Na Wei
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, Shaanxi Province, PR China; Key Laboratory of Brain Stress and Behavior, People's Liberation Army, Xi'an 710038, PR China
| | - Rui Du
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, Shaanxi Province, PR China; Key Laboratory of Brain Stress and Behavior, People's Liberation Army, Xi'an 710038, PR China
| | - Yan Yang
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, Shaanxi Province, PR China; Key Laboratory of Brain Stress and Behavior, People's Liberation Army, Xi'an 710038, PR China
| | - Ting Liang
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, Shaanxi Province, PR China; Key Laboratory of Brain Stress and Behavior, People's Liberation Army, Xi'an 710038, PR China
| | - Xiao-Liang Wang
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, Shaanxi Province, PR China; Key Laboratory of Brain Stress and Behavior, People's Liberation Army, Xi'an 710038, PR China
| | - Ce-Hua Ou
- Department of Pain Management, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan Province, PR China
| | - Jun Chen
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, Shaanxi Province, PR China; Key Laboratory of Brain Stress and Behavior, People's Liberation Army, Xi'an 710038, PR China.
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Minutti-Zanella C, Gil-Leyva EJ, Vergara I. Immunomodulatory properties of molecules from animal venoms. Toxicon 2021; 191:54-68. [PMID: 33417946 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The immune system can amplify or decrease the strength of its response when it is stimulated by chemical or biological substances that act as immunostimulators, immunosuppressants, or immunoadjuvants. Immunomodulation is a progressive approach to treat a diversity of pathologies with promising results, including autoimmune disorders and cancer. Animal venoms are a mixture of chemical compounds that include proteins, peptides, amines, salts, polypeptides, enzymes, among others, which produce the toxic effect. Since the discovery of captopril in the early 1980s, other components from snakes, spiders, scorpions, and marine animal venoms have been demonstrated to be useful for treating several human diseases. The valuable progress in fields such as venomics, molecular biology, biotechnology, immunology, and others has been crucial to understanding the interaction of toxins with the immune system and its application on immune pathologies. More in-depth knowledge of venoms' components and multi-disciplinary studies could facilitate their transformation into effective novel immunotherapies. This review addresses advances and research of molecules from venoms that have immunomodulatory properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Minutti-Zanella
- Departamento de Ciencias Químico-Biológicas, Universidad de Las Américas Puebla, ExHda. Sta. Catarina Mártir s/n, San Andrés Cholula, 72820, Puebla, Mexico
| | - E J Gil-Leyva
- Departamento de Ciencias Químico-Biológicas, Universidad de Las Américas Puebla, ExHda. Sta. Catarina Mártir s/n, San Andrés Cholula, 72820, Puebla, Mexico
| | - I Vergara
- Departamento de Ciencias Químico-Biológicas, Universidad de Las Américas Puebla, ExHda. Sta. Catarina Mártir s/n, San Andrés Cholula, 72820, Puebla, Mexico.
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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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Carpena M, Nuñez-Estevez B, Soria-Lopez A, Simal-Gandara J. Bee Venom: An Updating Review of Its Bioactive Molecules and Its Health Applications. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12113360. [PMID: 33142794 PMCID: PMC7693387 DOI: 10.3390/nu12113360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Bee venom (BV) is usually associated with pain since, when humans are stung by bees, local inflammation and even an allergic reaction can be produced. BV has been traditionally used in ancient medicine and in acupuncture. It consists of a mixture of substances, principally of proteins and peptides, including enzymes as well as other types of molecules in a very low concentration. Melittin and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) are the most abundant and studied compounds of BV. Literature of the main biological activities exerted by BV shows that most studies focuses on the comprehension and test of anti-inflammatory effects and its mechanisms of action. Other properties such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, neuroprotective or antitumor effects have also been assessed, both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, human trials are necessary to confirm those clinical applications. However, notwithstanding the therapeutic potential of BV, there are certain problems regarding its safety and the possible appearance of adverse effects. On this perspective, new approaches have been developed to avoid these complications. This manuscript is aimed at reviewing the actual knowledge on BV components and its associated biological activities as well as the latest advances on this subject.
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Substance P Release by Sensory Neurons Triggers Dendritic Cell Migration and Initiates the Type-2 Immune Response to Allergens. Immunity 2020; 53:1063-1077.e7. [PMID: 33098765 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2020.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) of the cDC2 lineage initiate allergic immunity and in the dermis are marked by their expression of CD301b. CD301b+ dermal DCs respond to allergens encountered in vivo, but not in vitro. This suggests that another cell in the dermis may sense allergens and relay that information to activate and induce the migration of CD301b+ DCs to the draining lymph node (dLN). Using a model of cutaneous allergen exposure, we show that allergens directly activated TRPV1+ sensory neurons leading to itch and pain behaviors. Allergen-activated sensory neurons released the neuropeptide Substance P, which stimulated proximally located CD301b+ DCs through the Mas-related G-protein coupled receptor member A1 (MRGPRA1). Substance P induced CD301b+ DC migration to the dLN where they initiated T helper-2 cell differentiation. Thus, sensory neurons act as primary sensors of allergens, linking exposure to activation of allergic-skewing DCs and the initiation of an allergic immune response.
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Li D, Yoo JH, Kim SK. Long-Lasting and Additive Analgesic Effects of Combined Treatment of Bee Venom Acupuncture and Venlafaxine on Paclitaxel-Induced Allodynia in Mice. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12100620. [PMID: 32998357 PMCID: PMC7600305 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12100620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Paclitaxel, a primary chemotherapeutic agent used to treat numerous solid malignancies, is commonly associated with debilitating peripheral neuropathy. However, a satisfactory gold-standard monotherapy for this neuropathic pain is not currently available. A combination strategy of two or more medications with different properties may achieve more beneficial effects than monotherapy. Thus, we investigated the analgesic efficacies and spinal mechanisms of the combination strategy, including bee venom acupuncture (BVA) and venlafaxine (VLX) against paclitaxel-induced allodynia in mice. Four intraperitoneal infusions of paclitaxel on alternating days (2 mg/kg/day) induced cold and mechanical allodynia for at least 1 week as assessed using acetone and the von Frey hair test, respectively. Co-treatment of BVA (1.0 mg/kg, s.c., ST36) with VLX (40 mg/kg, i.p.) at the medium dose produced a longer-lasting and additive effect than each monotherapy at the highest dose (BVA, 2.5 mg/kg; VLX, 60 mg/kg). Spinal pre-administration of idazoxan (α2-adrenergic receptor antagonist, 10 μg), methysergide (mixed 5-HT1/5-HT2 receptor antagonist, 10 μg), or MDL-72222 (5-HT3 receptor antagonist, 10 μg) abolished this analgesia. These results suggest that the combination therapy with BVA and VLX produces long-lasting and additive analgesic effects on paclitaxel-induced allodynia, via the spinal noradrenergic and serotonergic mechanism, providing a promising clinical strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daxian Li
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea;
| | - Ju Hyuk Yoo
- Department of East-West Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea;
| | - Sun Kwang Kim
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea;
- Department of East-West Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea;
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
- Correspondence:
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Jang S, Kim KH. Clinical Effectiveness and Adverse Events of Bee Venom Therapy: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12090558. [PMID: 32872552 PMCID: PMC7551670 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12090558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Bee venom has been used to treat many diseases because of its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. However, the secretions of bee venom can also cause life-threatening adverse reactions. The objective of this paper was to review the clinical effectiveness of bee venom and adverse events induced by bee venom, regardless of the disease. Four electronic databases were searched in April 2020. The reference lists of the retrieved articles and previous review articles were also hand-searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using any type of bee venom other than live bee stings for the clinical treatment of any disease other than cancer were included. The studies were selected, the data were extracted, and the quality of the studies was assessed by two authors. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias standards. Twelve RCTs were included in this review—three on Parkinson’s disease, four on arthralgia, four on musculoskeletal disorders, and one on polycystic ovary syndrome. The types of bee venom used were acupuncture injections, ultrasound gel, and an ointment. Six studies reported adverse events, and skin reactions such as pruritus and swelling were the most common. The large-scale clinical trials of bee venom therapy are needed to verify the statistical difference, and the reporting system for adverse events is also required to increase the safety of bee venom therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soobin Jang
- Clinical Medicine Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 34054 Korea;
| | - Kyeong Han Kim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Woosuk University, Jeonju 54986, Jeollabuk-do, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-63-290-9031; Fax: +82-63-291-1240
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Bee venom-derived antimicrobial peptide melectin has broad-spectrum potency, cell selectivity, and salt-resistant properties. Sci Rep 2020; 10:10145. [PMID: 32576874 PMCID: PMC7311438 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-66995-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides have attracted attention as alternatives to conventional antibiotics. Previously, a novel antimicrobial peptide, melectin, consisting of 18 amino acids was isolated from the venom of a bee, Melecta albifrons. Here, we investigated the antibacterial activity of melectin against drug-resistant bacteria. Melectin showed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity but low cytotoxicity and no hemolytic activity. Melectin maintained its antimicrobial activity at physiological salt concentrations. Melectin is an α-helical structure that binds to the bacterial membrane via electrostatic interactions and kills bacteria in a short time by bacterial membrane targeting. Collectively, our results suggest that melectin has antibacterial activity and anti-inflammatory activity.
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Effect of bee venom on reproductive performance and immune response of male rabbits. Physiol Behav 2020; 223:112987. [PMID: 32492496 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2020.112987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The current study aimed to investigate the effects of injecting bucks with different doses of bee venom (BV) on reproductive performance and immune response during the summer season. Forty-eight male V-line rabbits were randomly distributed among four homogeneous groups (12 bucks each). Three groups were injected BV under the neck skin with 0.1 (G1), 0.2 (G2) and 0.3 (G3) mg/rabbit twice weekly over 20 wks of treatment period. The 4th group (G0) was not injected BV and served as a control group. Buck groups that were treated with BV showed significantly (p≤0.05) shorter reaction time (increased libido) compared to the control, and this effect was BV dose-dependent manner. Viable sperm and concentration, total sperm output, live sperm, and fertility percentage were significantly (p≤0.05) higher in BV groups than in the control group. Additionally, testosterone concentration, and some other blood biochemical constituents (total protein, albumin, and glucose) were significantly (p≤0.05) higher in BV groups than those in the control group. The BV doses resulted in a significant (p≤0.05) increase of antioxidant indices (TAC, GST, and GSH) compared to the control group. Furthermore, the Immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) were significantly (p≤0.05) higher in BV groupscompared to the control group. From these results, we concluded that BV had significant positive impacts on some semen quality traits, sexual behavior, blood biochemical parameters, blood antioxidant content, lipid peroxidation biomarkers, and immune response in V-line bucks.
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Zhou G, Wu J, Xia C, Liu S, Jiang F, Liu Z, Zhou Y, Ji Y. Identifying the toxins in hornet (Vespa basalis) venom that induce rat pain responses. Toxicon 2020; 179:33-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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The similar past pain experience evokes both observational contagious pain and consolation in stranger rat observers. Neurosci Lett 2020; 722:134840. [PMID: 32081568 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2020.134840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 02/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Laboratory rodents have been shown to have an ability to recognize the injury site and negative emotional state of their conspecifics in pain, resulting in empathic consoling behaviors and observational contagious pain (OCP). However, these empathic responses have been shown to be familiarity-dependent. In this report, we further explored whether the past pain experience could evoke empathic response in stranger observers. In our rodent model, two types of empathic response have been identified from naive cagemate observer (COnaive) during and after a priming dyadic social interaction (PDSI) with a cagemate demonstrator in pain (CDpain): the consolation and OCP. Consolation is represented by allolicking and allogrooming behaviors toward the CDpain, while the OCP is represented by a long-term mechanical pain hypersensitivity. The current results showed that: (1) neither the consolation nor OCP could be identified in the naive noncagemate observer (NCOnaive) during and after a PDSI with a noncagemate demonstrator in pain (NCDpain); (2) nor were the two types of empathic response seen in the NCO, who had just experienced acute pain (NCOpainexp), during and after a PDSI with a naive unfamiliar conspecific (NCDnaive). However, both the consolation and OCP were dramatically identified in the NCOpainexp during and after a PDSI with a NCD in pain (NCDpain). The current results demonstrated that the past pain experience can evoke both consolation and OCP in stranger rat observers when witnessing a conspecific in pain, implicating that the processing of empathy for pain can be modulated by past negative mood experience.
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A Retrospective Study on the Clinical Safety of Bee Venom Pharmacopuncture at Craniofacial Acupuncture Points for the Treatment of Facial Disorders. JOURNAL OF ACUPUNCTURE RESEARCH 2019. [DOI: 10.13045/jar.2019.00241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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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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Yu Y, Li CL, Du R, Chen J. Rat Model of Empathy for Pain. Bio Protoc 2019; 9:e3266. [PMID: 33654786 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.3266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2019] [Revised: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Empathy for pain is referred to as an evolutionary behavior of social animals and humans associated with the ability to feel, recognize, understand and share the other's distressing (pain, social rejection and catastrophe) states. Impairment of empathy can definitely lead to deficits in social communication and sociability (attachment, bond, reciprocity, altruism and morality) that may be fundamental to some psychiatric disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), psychopathy, misconduct, antisocial personality disorder and schizophrenia. So far, the underlying mechanisms of empathy are poorly known due to lack of animal models and scarce understanding of its biological basis. Recently, we have successfully identified and validated the behavioral identities of empathy for pain in rats that can be widely used as a rodent model for studying the underlying biological mechanisms of empathy. Priming dyadic social interaction between a naive cagemate observer (CO) and a cagemate demonstrator (CD), rather than a non-cagemate, in pain for 30 min in a testing box can repeatedly and constantly result in empathic responses of the CO toward the familiar CD's distressing condition, displaying as allo-licking at the injury site, allo-grooming at the body and social transfer of pain. The familiarity-based, distress-specific social consolation and subsequent social transfer of pain can be qualitatively and quantitatively rated as experimental biomarkers for empathy for pain. The rodent model of empathy for pain is state-of-the-art and has more advantages than the existing ones used for social neuroscience since it can reflect sensory, emotional and cognitive processes of the brain in running the prosocial and altruistic behaviors in animals who could not report verbally. Here we would like to provide and share the protocol of the model for wide use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yu
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Brain Stress and Behavior, People's Liberation Army, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Chun-Li Li
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Brain Stress and Behavior, People's Liberation Army, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Rui Du
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an P.R. China
| | - Jun Chen
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Brain Stress and Behavior, People's Liberation Army, Xi'an, P.R. China
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Cao FL, Xu M, Gong K, Wang Y, Wang R, Chen X, Chen J. Imbalance Between Excitatory and Inhibitory Synaptic Transmission in the Primary Somatosensory Cortex Caused by Persistent Nociception in Rats. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2019; 20:917-931. [PMID: 30742914 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2018.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Revised: 08/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
There is substantial evidence supporting the notion that the primary somatosensory (S1) cortex is an important structure involved in the perceptional component of pain. However, investigations have mainly focused on other pain-related formations, and few reports have been provided to investigate the synaptic plasticity in the S1 cortex in response to persistent pain. In the present study, we report that bee venom (BV) injection triggered an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission in the S1 cortex in rats. Using a multi-electrode array recording, we found that BV-induced persistent inflammatory pain led to temporal and spatial enhancement of synaptic plasticity. Moreover, slice patch clamp recordings on identified pyramidal neurons demonstrated that BV injection increased presynaptic and postsynaptic transmission in excitatory synapses and decreased postsynaptic transmission in inhibitory synapses in the layer II/III neurons within the S1 cortex. In immunohistochemistry and Western blot sections, the distribution and expression of total AMPA receptor subunits and gamma-amino butyric acid-A (GABAA) were unaffected, although the membrane fractions of GluR2 and GABAA were decreased, and their cytosolic fractions were increased in contrast. The change of GluR1 was opposite to that of GluR2, and GluR3 did not change significantly. Our studies, therefore, provide direct evidence for both presynaptic and postsynaptic changes in synapses within the S1 cortex in persistent nociception, which are probably related to the membrane trafficking of GluR1, GluR2, and GABAA. Perspective: Increased synaptic plasticity was detected in S1 after peripheral nociception, with enhanced excitatory and decreased inhibitory synaptic transmissions. Increased GluR1, and decreased GABAAα1 and GluR2 membrane trafficking were detected. Therefore, the disrupted excitatory/inhibitory balance in transmissions is involved in nociception processing, and S1 can be a potential antinociceptive site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fa-Le Cao
- The Department of Neurology, The 88th Hospital of PLA, Tai'an, PR China; Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain and Institute for Functional Brain Disorders, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Min Xu
- The Department of Nephrology, The 88th Hospital of PLA, Tai'an, PR China
| | - Kerui Gong
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of California San Francisco, California
| | - Yan Wang
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain and Institute for Functional Brain Disorders, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Ruirui Wang
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain and Institute for Functional Brain Disorders, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Xuefeng Chen
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain and Institute for Functional Brain Disorders, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Jun Chen
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain and Institute for Functional Brain Disorders, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, PR China.
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Li CL, Yu Y, He T, Wang RR, Geng KW, Du R, Luo WJ, Wei N, Wang XL, Wang Y, Yang Y, Yu YQ, Chen J. Validating Rat Model of Empathy for Pain: Effects of Pain Expressions in Social Partners. Front Behav Neurosci 2018; 12:242. [PMID: 30386220 PMCID: PMC6199527 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Pain can be socially transferred between familiar rats due to empathic responses. To validate rat model of empathy for pain, effects of pain expressions in a cagemate demonstrator (CD) in pain on empathic pain responses in a naïve cagemate observer (CO) after 30 min priming dyadic social interactions (PDSI) were evaluated. The CD rats were prepared with four pain models: bee venom (BV), formalin, complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA), and spared nerve injury (SNI). Both BV and formalin tests are characterized by displayable and eye-identifiable spontaneous pain-related behaviors (SPRB) immediately after treatment, while CFA and SNI models are characterized by delayed occurrence of evoked pain hypersensitivity but with less eye-identifiable SPRB. After 30 min PDSI with a CD immediately after BV and formalin, respectively, the empathic mechanical pain hypersensitivity (EMPH) could be identified at both hind paws in CO rats. The BV—or formalin-induced EMPH in CO rats lasted for 4–5 h until full recovery. However, EMPH failed to develop in CO after socially interacting with a CD immediately after CFA, or 2 h after BV when SPRB completely disappeared. The CO's EMPH was partially relieved when socially interacting with an analgecized CD whose SPRB had been significantly suppressed. Moreover, repeated exposures to a CD in pain could enhance EMPH in CO. Finally, social transfer of pain hypersensitivity was also identified in CO who was being co-housed in pairs with a conspecific treated with CFA or SNI. The results suggest that development of EMPH in CO rats would be determined not only by extent of familiarity but also by visually identifiable pain expressions in the social partners during short period of PDSI. However, the visually unidentifiable pain can also be transferred to naïve cagemate when being co-housed in pairs with a distressed conspecific. In summary, the vicariously social contagion of pain between familiar rats is dependent upon not only expressions of pain in social partners but also the time that dyads spent in social communications. The rat model of empathy for pain is a highly stable, reproducible and valid model for studying the neural mechanisms of empathy in lower animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Li Li
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Key Laboratory of Brain Stress and Behavior, PLA, Xi'an, China
| | - Yang Yu
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Key Laboratory of Brain Stress and Behavior, PLA, Xi'an, China
| | - Ting He
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Key Laboratory of Brain Stress and Behavior, PLA, Xi'an, China
| | - Rui-Rui Wang
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Key Laboratory of Brain Stress and Behavior, PLA, Xi'an, China
| | - Kai-Wen Geng
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Rui Du
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wen-Jun Luo
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Na Wei
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Key Laboratory of Brain Stress and Behavior, PLA, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiao-Liang Wang
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Key Laboratory of Brain Stress and Behavior, PLA, Xi'an, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Key Laboratory of Brain Stress and Behavior, PLA, Xi'an, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Key Laboratory of Brain Stress and Behavior, PLA, Xi'an, China
| | - Yao-Qing Yu
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Key Laboratory of Brain Stress and Behavior, PLA, Xi'an, China
| | - Jun Chen
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Key Laboratory of Brain Stress and Behavior, PLA, Xi'an, China
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Abstract
Bee venom is a blend of biochemicals ranging from small peptides and enzymes to biogenic amines. It is capable of triggering severe immunologic reactions owing to its allergenic fraction. Venom components are presented to the T cells by antigen-presenting cells within the skin. These Th2 type T cells then release IL-4 and IL-13 which subsequently direct B cells to class switch to production of IgE. Generating venom-specific IgE and crosslinking FcεR1(s) on the surface of mast cells complete the sensitizing stage in allergic individuals who are most likely to experience severe and even fatal allergic reactions after being stung. Specific IgE for bee venom is a double-edged sword as it is a powerful mediator in triggering allergic events but is also applied successfully in diagnosis of the venom allergic patient. The healing capacity of bee venom has been rediscovered under laboratory-controlled conditions using animal models and cell cultures. The potential role of enzymatic fraction of bee venom including phospholipase A2 in the initiation and development of immune responses also has been studied in numerous research settings. Undoubtedly, having insights into immunologic interactions between bee venom components and innate/specific immune cells both locally and systematically will contribute to the development of immunologic strategies in specific and epitope-based immunotherapy especially in individuals with Hymenoptera venom allergy.
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48
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Li F, Xue Z, Yuan Y, Huang S, Fan Y, Zhu X, Wei L. Upregulation of CXCR4 through promoter demethylation contributes to inflammatory hyperalgesia in rats. CNS Neurosci Ther 2018; 24:947-956. [PMID: 29577638 PMCID: PMC6489799 DOI: 10.1111/cns.12845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM AND METHODS Chronic pain associated with inflammation is a common clinical problem, and the underlying mechanisms yet are incompletely defined. DNA methylation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic pain. However, the specific genes regulated by DNA methylation under inflammatory pain condition remain largely unknown. Here, we investigated how chemokine receptor CXCR4 expression is regulated by DNA methylation and how it contributes to inflammatory pain induced by complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) in rats. RESULTS Intraplantar injection of CFA could not only induce significant hyperalgesia in rats, but also significantly increase the expression of CXCR4 mRNA and protein in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG). Intrathecal injection of CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 significantly relieved hyperalgesia in inflammatory rats in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Bisulfite sequencing and methylation-specific PCR demonstrate that CFA injection led to a significant demethylation of CpG island at CXCR4 gene promoter. Consistently, the expression of DNMT3b was significantly downregulated after CFA injection. Online software prediction reveals three binding sites of p65 in the CpG island of CXCR4 gene promoter, which has confirmed by the chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, CFA treatment significantly increases the recruitment of p65 to CXCR4 gene promoter. Inhibition of NF-kB signaling using p65 inhibitor pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate significantly prevented the increases of the CXCR4 expression. CONCLUSION Upregulation of CXCR4 expression due to promoter demethylation followed by increased recruitment of p65 to promoter of CXCR4 gene contributes to inflammatory hyperalgesia. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the treatment of chronic pain from an epigenetic perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Li
- Department of AnesthesiologyThe First People's Hospital of YanchengYanchengJiangsuChina
| | - Zhou‐Ya Xue
- Department of AnesthesiologyThe First People's Hospital of YanchengYanchengJiangsuChina
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Department of OtolaryngologyThe First People's Hospital of YanchengYanchengJiangsuChina
| | - Sai‐Sai Huang
- Department of AnesthesiologyAffiliated Hospital of Nantong UniversityNantonChina
| | - Yi‐Hui Fan
- Department of ImmunologySchool of MedicineNantong UniversityNantongChina
| | - Xiang Zhu
- Department of AnesthesiologyAffiliated Hospital of Nantong UniversityNantonChina
| | - Lei Wei
- Department of AnesthesiologySuzhou Municipal Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical UniversitySuzhouJiangsuChina
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49
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Discovery of Novel Caeridins from the Skin Secretion of the Australian White's Tree Frog, Litoria caerulea. Int J Genomics 2018; 2018:8158453. [PMID: 30116731 PMCID: PMC6079455 DOI: 10.1155/2018/8158453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Abundant biologically active peptides have been discovered from frog skin secretions, a rich natural source of bioactive compounds with great potential in drug discovery. In this study, three Caeridin peptides, namely, Caeridin-1, S5-Caeridin-1, and Caeridin-a1, were discovered from the skin secretion of the Australian White's tree frog, Litoria caerulea, for the first time, by means of combining transcriptomic and peptidomic analyses. It also represents the first report on bioactive Caeridins since this family of peptides was initially studied 20 years ago. Chemically synthetic versions of each natural Caeridin demonstrated promising bioactivities either on rat smooth muscles or against microbial growth. Specifically, Caeridin-1 produced contraction of rat bladder smooth muscle, while S5-Caeridin-1 induced relaxation of rat ileum smooth muscle, both at nanomolar concentrations. Moreover, Caeridin-a1 was shown to potently inhibit the growth of the planktonic Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis), the Gram-negative bacterium, Escherichia coli (E. coli), and the yeast, Candida albicans (C. albicans). The discovery of these Caeridins may induce further intensive and systematic studies of frog skin peptides to promote the discovery of natural templates as lead compounds for drug discovery and therapeutic application.
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50
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Li S, Sun C, Rong P, Zhai X, Zhang J, Baker M, Wang S. Auricular vagus nerve stimulation enhances central serotonergic function and inhibits diabetic neuropathy development in Zucker fatty rats. Mol Pain 2018; 14:1744806918787368. [PMID: 29921169 PMCID: PMC6055102 DOI: 10.1177/1744806918787368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Painful neuropathy is a frequent comorbidity in diabetes. Zucker diabetic fatty (fa/fa) rats develop type 2 diabetes spontaneously with aging and show nociceptive hypersensitivity at the age of 13 weeks. In preclinical and clinical studies, the treatment of diabetic neuropathy is challenging, but complementary medicine such as transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) appears beneficial to the relief of neuropathic pain. However, the mechanism behind the effectiveness of taVNS remains unclear. In this study, we show that daily 30-min taVNS (2/15 Hz, 2 mA) for consecutive 27 days effectively inhibited the development of nociceptive hypersensitivity in Zucker diabetic fatty rats as detected by thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia in hindpaw. We also demonstrated that this beneficial effect in nociceptive behavior is related to an elevated serotonin (5-HT) plasma concentration and an upregulated expression of 5-HT receptor type 1A (5-HT1AR) in hypothalamus. We conclude that daily 30-min taVNS sessions lessen diabetic neuropathy development by enhancing serotonergic function in genetically diabetes prone individuals. Perspective This article presents taVNS as a new approach to inhibit the development of diabetic neuropathy in genetically prone individuals. This approach could potentially help clinicians who seek to avoid the complication of neuropathic pain in diabetic patient or to relieve the pain if there was one.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoyuan Li
- 1 Department of Anatomy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China.,2 Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chunli Sun
- 1 Department of Anatomy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Peijing Rong
- 2 Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Zhai
- 2 Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jinling Zhang
- 2 Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Max Baker
- 3 Department of Anesthesia, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Shuxing Wang
- 1 Department of Anatomy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China.,3 Department of Anesthesia, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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