Melittin suppresses epithelial-mesenchymal transition and metastasis in human gastric cancer AGS cells via regulating Wnt/BMP associated pathway

Melittin suppresses aerobic glycolysis by regulating HSF1/PDK3 to increase chemosensitivity of NSCLC

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), although considered non-immunogenic, is often resistant to chemotherapy agents during the course of treatment in clinical patients. Melittin (C131H229N39O31, CAS: 20449-79-0), the major component of honey bee venom, is a promising anticancer drug. However, the mechanism employed by melittin to reverse chemotherapy resistance of NSCLC cells remains unknown. In this study, the Cell Counting Kit 8, ethynyl deoxyuridine assay, and other assays were utilized to elucidate the melittin effects upon cell proliferation. Proteomics, lung cancer (LC) tissue chip, and Western blot analysis were used to identify potential targets of melittin. A549/DDP cells were employed to investigate the melittin effects against cisplatin resistance. Also, an in vivo animal experiment was conducted to further clarify the regulatory function of melittin towards cisplatin resistance of A549/DDP cells. Results showed that melittin inhibited malignant progression of A549/DDP cells by down-regulation of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 3 (PDK3)-mediated aerobic glycolysis and inhibition of heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) expression. The therapeutic effect of melittin was increased by combination with KNK437 and impaired chemotherapy resistance regarding A549/DDP cells via reversing aerobic glycolysis. The in vivo experiments confirmed that melittin incremented A549/DDP cell cisplatin sensitivities. Collectively, the data suggested that melittin suppressed aerobic glycolysis by regulating HSF1/PDK3, which incremented cisplatin sensitivity of A549/DDP cells. It may provide a new treatment method for chemotherapy resistance in clinical NSCLC patients.

Role of antimicrobial peptides in gastrointestinal diseases: Recent advances

Gastrointestinal diseases, especially gastrointestinal inflammation and tumors, affect millions of people world-wide, adversely affecting the health and quality of life of individuals. In recent years, with the continuous advances of relevant research, the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases have made great progress. However, traditional therapies still have drawbacks such as poor efficacy and side effects. Antimicrobial peptides, as part of the innate immune defense of many organisms, not only have broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and immune modulating function, which can assist in maintaining homeostasis within the gastrointestinal tract, but also can specifically kill tumor cells, showing good prospects in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. In this review, we briefly outline the related studies on the role of antimicrobial peptides in gastrointestinal diseases in the last decade, and discuss the application potential and challenges that they face.

Melittin treatment suppressed malignant NSCLC progression through enhancing CTSB-mediated hyperautophagy

Melittin is preclinically investigated as anticancer agent in multiple tumor types. But its regulation role and regulatory mechanism regarding NSCLC is unknown. In our investigation, Proteomic test was employed to identify proteins that expressed abnormally in cancer cells and that with Melittin treatmented. The results showed CTSB was one of the Top proteins with different expression levels in the lysosomes of Melittin-treatmented cancer cells and showed an up-regulation trend. CTSB expression was increased in NSCLC cancer tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues, as demonstrated in lung cancer tissue chips experiment. However, Melittin treatment increased the CTSB level in lysosomes, which inhibited the malignant progression of NSCLC. We hypothesized that the relative homeostasis of CTSB in cancer cells was destroyed, and CTSB exerts its hydrolytic effect excessively, resulting in excessive autophagy of cancer cells, thus inhibiting the malignant progression of cancer cells. The direct combination of Melittin and CTSB was proposed by molecular docking technique, LiP-SMap was used to analyze the target genes and active components extracted from high-throughput sequencing proteomic data, and successfully verified that melittin was successfully demonstrated to directly target CTSB-binding. In vivo and in vitro studies have shown that Melittin treatment inhibits the malignant progression of A549 and HCC1833 cells and animal tumors, namely non-small cell lung cancer, by promoting CTSB-mediated hyperautophagy. CTSB-specific inhibitor CA-074 Me and autophagy inhibitor 3-MA treatment reversed the inhibit effect of Melittin to the malignant progression of NSCLC. Taken together, Melittin treatment inhibited malignant progression regarding NSCLC through enhancing CTSB-mediated hyperautophagy.

Melittin Inhibits Colorectal Cancer Growth and Metastasis by Ac-Tivating the Mitochondrial Apoptotic Pathway and Suppressing Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Angiogenesis

Melittin has previously been found to have a positive effect on colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment, one of the most difficult-to-treat malignancies, but the mechanism by which this effect occurs remains unclear. We evaluated melittin's pro-apoptotic and anti-metastatic effects on CRC in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that melittin-induced mitochondrial ROS bursts decreased ΔΨm, inhibited Bcl-2 expression, and increased Bax expression in both cells and tumor tissues. This led to increased mitochondrial membrane permeability and the release of pro-apoptotic factors, particularly the high expression of Cytochrome C, initiating the apoptosis program. Additionally, through wound-healing and transwell assays, melittin inhibited the migration and invasion of CRC cells. In vivo, the anti-metastatic effect of melittin was also verified in a lung metastasis mouse model. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry analysis indicated that melittin suppressed the expression of MMPs and regulated the expression of crucial EMT markers and related transcription factors, thereby inhibiting EMT. Furthermore, the melittin disrupts neovascularization, ultimately inhibiting the metastasis of CRC. In conclusion, melittin exerts anti-CRC effects by promoting apoptosis and inhibiting metastasis, providing a theoretical basis for further research on melittin as a targeted therapeutic agent for CRC.

Anti-metastatic Effects of Bee Venom and Melittin in Breast Cancer Cells by Upregulation of BRMS1 and DRG1 Genes

Apitherapy has started to gain tremendous recognition because of extraordinary pharmacological importance of honeybee-related ingredients and their derivatives. There has been a renewed interest in the bee venom-based therapies. Interdisciplinary researchers are studying the chemistry and translational value of venom for effective cancer treatment. Bee venom and its major component, melittin, are cytotoxic in cancer cells. In this study, MTT and scratch assays were performed for analysis of melittin-mediated antimetastatic effects. QPCR was used for expression profiling of metastasis-related genes. Three anti-metastatic genes (BRMS1, DRG1, and KAI1/CD82) were studied for the first time after bee venom and melittin treatment in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells compared with normal breast cells, and two prometastatic genes (EGFR and WNT7B) were also examined. KAI1/CD82 and BRMS1 are the negative regulators of EGFR. WNT7B is a negative regulator of KAI1/CD82. Selective cytotoxicity of bee venom and melittin was found to be higher as compared to cisplatin. Melittin induced an increase in the expression of BRMS1 and DRG1, whereas bee venom upregulated DRG1 and KAI1/CD82 expression in breast cancer. WNT7B was downregulated in bee venom-treated breast cancer cells. Results suggested that bee venom/melittin exerted antimetastatic effects primarily through upregulation of BRMS1, DRG1, and KAI1/CD82, and downregulation of WNT7B.

Harnessing the power of bee venom for therapeutic and regenerative medical applications: an updated review

Honeybees have been helpful insects since ancient centuries, and this benefit is not limited to being a honey producer only. After the bee stings a person, pain, and swelling occur in this place, due to the effects of bee venom (BV). This is not a poison in the total sense of the word because it has many benefits, and this is due to its composition being rich in proteins, peptides, enzymes, and other types of molecules in low concentrations that show promise in the treatment of numerous diseases and conditions. BV has also demonstrated positive effects against various cancers, antimicrobial activity, and wound healing versus the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Even though topical BV therapy is used to varying degrees among countries, localized swelling or itching are common side effects that may occur in some patients. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the complex chemical composition of BV, highlighting the diverse range of bioactive compounds and their therapeutic applications, which extend beyond the well-known anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, showcasing the versatility of BV in modern medicine. A specific search strategy was followed across various databases; Web of sciences, Scopus, Medline, and Google Scholar including in vitro and in vivo clinical studies.to outline an overview of BV composition, methods to use, preparation requirements, and Individual consumption contraindications. Furthermore, this review addresses safety concerns and emerging approaches, such as the use of nanoparticles, to mitigate adverse effects, demonstrating a balanced and holistic perspective. Importantly, the review also incorporates historical context and traditional uses, as well as a unique focus on veterinary applications, setting it apart from previous works and providing a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners in the field.

Allyl isothiocyanate induces DNA damage and inhibits DNA repair-associated proteins in a human gastric cancer cells in vitro

Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) is abundant in cruciferous vegetables and it present pharmacological activity including anticancer activity in many types of human cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Currently, no available information to show AITC affecting DNA damage and repair-associated protein expression in human gastric cancer cells. Therefore, in the present studies, we investigated AITC-induced cytotoxic effects on human gastric cancer in AGS and SNU-1 cells whether or not via the induction of DNA damage and affected DNA damage and repair associated poteins expressions in vitro. Cell viability and morphological changes were assayed by flow cytometer and phase contrast microscopy, respectively, the results indicated AITC induced cell morphological changes and decreased total viable cells in AGS and SNU-1 cells in a dose-dependently. AITC induced DNA condensation and damage in a dose-dependently which based on the cell nuclei was stained by 4', 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole present in AGS and SNU-1 cells. DNA damage and repair associated proteins expression in AGS and SNU-1 cells were measured by Western blotting. The results indicated AITC decreased nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), glutathione, and catalase, but increased superoxide dismutase (SOD (Cu/Zn)), and nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in AGS cells, however, in SNU-1 cells are increased HO-1. AITC increased DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK), phosphorylation of gamma H2A histone family member X on Ser139 (γH2AXpSer139 ), and heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) in AGS cells. AITC increased DNA-PK, mediator of DNA damage checkpoint protein 1 (MDC1), γH2AXpSer139 , topoisomerase II alpha (TOPIIα), topoisomerase II beta (TOPIIβ), HSP90, and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) in SNU-1 cells. AITC increased p53, p53pSer15 , and p21 but decreased murine double minute 2 (MDM2)pSer166 and O6 -methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) in AGS cells; however, it has a similar effect of AITC except increased ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3 -related protein (ATR)pSer428 , checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1), and checkpoint kinase 2 (CHK2) in SNU-1 cells. Apparently, both cell responses to AITC are different, nonetheless, all of these observations suggest that AITC inhibits the growth of gastric cancer cells may through induction off DNA damage in vitro.

miRNA/epithelial-mesenchymal axis (EMT) axis as a key player in cancer progression and metastasis: A focus on gastric and bladder cancers

The metastasis a major hallmark of tumors that its significant is not only related to the basic research, but clinical investigations have revealed that majority of cancer deaths are due to the metastasis. The metastasis of tumor cells is significantly increased due to EMT mechanism and therefore, inhibition of EMT can reduce biological behaviors of tumor cells and improve the survival rate of patients. One of the gaps related to cancer metastasis is lack of specific focus on the EMT regulation in certain types of tumor cells. The gastric and bladder cancers are considered as two main reasons of death among patients in clinical level. Herein, the role of EMT in regulation of their progression is evaluated with a focus on the function of miRNAs. The inhibition/induction of EMT in these cancers and their ability in modulation of EMT-related factors including ZEB1/2 proteins, TGF-β, Snail and cadherin proteins are discussed. Moreover, lncRNAs and circRNAs in crosstalk of miRNA/EMT regulation in these tumors are discussed and final impact on cancer metastasis and response of tumor cells to the chemotherapy is evaluated. Moreover, the impact of miRNAs transferred by exosomes in regulation of EMT in these cancers are discussed.

Application Value of Antimicrobial Peptides in Gastrointestinal Tumors

Gastrointestinal cancer is a common clinical malignant tumor disease that seriously endangers human health and lacks effective treatment methods. As part of the innate immune defense of many organisms, antimicrobial peptides not only have broad-spectrum antibacterial activity but also can specifically kill tumor cells. The positive charge of antimicrobial peptides under neutral conditions determines their high selectivity to tumor cells. In addition, antimicrobial peptides also have unique anticancer mechanisms, such as inducing apoptosis, autophagy, cell cycle arrest, membrane destruction, and inhibition of metastasis, which highlights the low drug resistance and high specificity of antimicrobial peptides. In this review, we summarize the related studies on antimicrobial peptides in the treatment of digestive tract tumors, mainly oral cancer, esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, and colorectal cancer. This paper describes the therapeutic advantages of antimicrobial peptides due to their unique anticancer mechanisms. The length, net charge, and secondary structure of antimicrobial peptides can be modified by design or modification to further enhance their anticancer effects. In summary, as an emerging cancer treatment drug, antimicrobial peptides need to be further studied to realize their application in gastrointestinal cancer diseases.

Can Bee Venom Be Used as Anticancer Agent in Modern Medicine?

Honey bee venom in its composition contains many biologically active peptides and enzymes that are effective in the fight against diseases of various etiologies. The history of the use of bee venom for medicinal purposes dates back thousands of years. There are many reports in the literature on the pharmacological properties of bee venom and/or its main components, e.g., anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial or neuroprotective properties. In addition, both crude venom and melittin exhibit cytotoxic activity against a wide range of tumor cells, with significant anti-metastatic activity in pre-clinical studies. Due to the constantly increasing incidence of cancer, the development of new therapeutic strategies in oncology is a particular challenge for modern medicine. A review paper discusses the various properties of bee venom with an emphasis on its anticancer properties. For this purpose, the PubMed database was searched, and publications related to "bee", "venom", "cancer" from the last 10 years were selected.

An Updated Review Summarizing the Anticancer Efficacy of Melittin from Bee Venom in Several Models of Human Cancers

Apitherapy (using bee products) has gained broad recognition in cancer therapeutics globally. Honeybee venom has a broad range of biological potential, and its utilization is rapidly emerging in apitherapy. Bee products have significant potential to strengthen the immune system and improve human health. Thus, this review is targeted toward recapitulating the chemo-preventive potential of melittin (MEL), which constitutes a substantial portion of honeybee venom. Honeybee venom (apitoxin) is produced in the venom gland of the honeybee abdomen, and adult bees utilize it as a primary colony defense mechanism. Apitoxin comprises numerous biologically active compounds, including peptides, enzymes, amines, amino acids, phospholipids, minerals, carbohydrates, and volatile components. We are mainly focused on exploring the potential of melittin (a peptide component) of bee venom that has shown promising potential in the treatment of several human cancers, including breast, stomach, lung, prostate, ovary, kidney, colon, gastric, esophageal, cervical cancers, melanoma, osteosarcoma, and hepatocellular carcinoma. This review has summarized all potential studies related to the anticancerous efficacy of melittin (apitoxin), its formulations, conjugates, and nano-formulations against several human carcinomas, which would further pave the way for future researchers in developing potent drugs for cancer management.

Biological functions and molecular interactions of Wnt/β-catenin in breast cancer: Revisiting signaling networks

Changes in lifestyle such as physical activity and eating habits have been one of the main reasons for development of various diseases in modern world, especially cancer. However, role of genetic factors in initiation of cancer cannot be ignored and Wnt/β-catenin signaling is such factor that can affect tumor progression. Breast tumor is the most malignant tumor in females and it causes high mortality and morbidity around the world. The survival and prognosis of patients are not still desirable, although there have been advances in introducing new kinds of therapies and diagnosis. The present review provides an update of Wnt/β-catenin function in breast cancer malignancy. The upregulation of Wnt is commonly observed during progression of breast tumor and confirms that tumor cells are dependent on this pathway Wnt/β-catenin induction prevents apoptosis that is of importance for mediating drug resistance. Furthermore, Wnt/β-catenin signaling induces DNA damage repair in ameliorating radio-resistance. Wnt/β-catenin enhances proliferation and metastasis of breast tumor. Wnt/β-catenin induces EMT and elevates MMP expression. Furthermore, Wnt/β-catenin participates in tumor microenvironment remodeling and due to its tumor-promoting factor, drugs for its suppression have been developed. Different kinds of upstream mediators Wnt/β-catenin signaling in breast cancer have been recognized that their targeting is a therapeutic approach. Finally, Wnt/β-catenin can be considered as a biomarker in clinical trials.

Pharmacological effects and mechanisms of bee venom and its main components: Recent progress and perspective

Bee venom (BV), a type of defensive venom, has been confirmed to have favorable activities, such as anti-tumor, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-infectivity effects, etc. This study reviewed the recent progress on the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of BV and its main components against cancer, neurological disorders, inflammatory diseases, pain, microbial diseases, liver, kidney, lung and muscle injury, and other diseases in literature during the years 2018-2021. The related target proteins of BV and its main components against the diseases include Akt, mTOR, JNK, Wnt-5α, HIF-1α, NF-κB, JAK2, Nrf2, BDNF, Smad2/3, AMPK, and so on, which are referring to PI3K/Akt/mTOR, MAPK, Wnt/β-catenin, HIF-1α, NF-κB, JAK/STAT, Nrf2/HO-1, TrkB/CREB/BDNF, TGF-β/Smad2/3, and AMPK signaling pathways, etc. Further, with the reported targets, the potential effects and mechanisms on diseases were bioinformatically predicted via Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway, disease ontology semantic and enrichment (DOSE) and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analyses. This review provides new insights into the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of BV and its main components on diseases.