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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: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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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2
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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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3
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Effect of Combined Bee Venom Acupuncture and NSAID Treatment for Non-Specific Chronic Neck Pain: A Randomized, Assessor-Blinded, Pilot Clinical Trial. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13070436. [PMID: 34201686 PMCID: PMC8309931 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13070436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of a combined treatment of bee venom acupuncture (BVA) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for the treatment of non-specific chronic neck pain (NCNP). Patients with NCNP for ≥3 months were randomly allocated to a BVA, NSAIDs, or combined group (1:1:1), receiving 6 sessions of BVA, loxoprofen (180 mg daily), or a combination, respectively, for 3 weeks. Recruitment, adherence, and completion rates were calculated to assess feasibility. Bothersomeness, pain, disability, quality of life, depressive status, treatment credibility, and adverse events were assessed. In total, 60 participants were enrolled, and 54 completed the trial. Recruitment, adherence, and completion rates were 100%, 95%, and 90%, respectively. Bothersomeness, pain, disability, and depressive symptoms significantly improved in all groups after treatment (p < 0.05). The combined group showed continuous improvement during the follow-up period (p < 0.05). Quality of life was significantly improved (p < 0.05), and treatment credibility was maintained in the BVA and combined groups. No serious adverse events were reported. Combined treatment of BVA and NSAIDs are feasible for the treatment of NCNP, showing high persistence of the effect, credibility, and safety. Additional trials with longer follow-up are needed to confirm this effect.
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Tender T, Rahangdale RR, Balireddy S, Nampoothiri M, Sharma KK, Raghu Chandrashekar H. Melittin, a honeybee venom derived peptide for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Med Oncol 2021; 38:52. [PMID: 33796975 PMCID: PMC8016801 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-021-01496-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is the most prevalent neurological complication of cancer treatment which involves sensory and motor nerve dysfunction. Severe CIPN has been reported in around 5% of patients treated with single and up to 38% of patients treated with multiple chemotherapeutic agents. Present medications available for CIPN are the use of opioids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, and tricyclic antidepressants, which are only marginally effective in treating neuropathic symptoms. In reality, symptom reappears after these drugs are discontinued. The pathogenesis of CIPN has not been sufficiently recognized and methods for the prevention and treatment of CIPN remain vulnerable to therapeutic problems. It has witnessed that the present medicines available for the disease offer only symptomatic relief for the short term and have severe adverse side effects. There is no standard treatment protocol for preventing, reducing, and treating CIPN. Therefore, there is a need to develop curative therapy that can be used to treat this complication. Melittin is the main pharmacological active constituent of honeybee venom and has therapeutic values including in chemotherapeutic-induced peripheral neuropathy. It has been shown that melittin and whole honey bee venom are effective in treating paclitaxel and oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy. The use of melittin against peripheral neuropathy caused by chemotherapy has been limited despite having strong therapeutic efficacy against the disease. Melittin mediated haemolysis is the key reason to restrict its use. In our study, it is found that α-Crystallin (an eye lens protein) is capable of inhibiting melittin-induced haemolysis which gives hope of using an appropriate combination of melittin and α-Crystallin in the treatment of CIPN. The review summarizes the efforts made by different research groups to address the concern with melittin in the treatment of chemotherapeutic-induced neuropathy. It also focuses on the possible approaches to overcome melittin-induced haemolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tenzin Tender
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Rakesh Ravishankar Rahangdale
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Sridevi Balireddy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Madhavan Nampoothiri
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - K Krishna Sharma
- Department of Ophthalmology and Biochemistry, University of Missouri - Columbia School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Hariharapura Raghu Chandrashekar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India.
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5
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Meligi NM, Ismail SA, Tawfik NS. Protective effects of honey and bee venom against lipopolysaccharide and carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatoxicity and lipid peroxidation in rats. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2020; 9:693-705. [PMID: 33178430 PMCID: PMC7640919 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfaa077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, the protective effects of honey and bee venom (BV) either independently or in combination against lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatoxicity, lipid peroxidation, and hematological alterations in male albino rats were investigated. In addition, histopathological alterations of hepatic tissues induced by LPS/CCL4 were recorded. Sixty-four of male albino rats of average weight 120-150 g were included in this study. Rats were divided into eight equal groups of eight. The obtained results demonstrated that treatment with LPS/CCl4 caused an increase in the levels of alpha-fetoprotein, which was accompanied by changes in the hepatic function biomarkers that characterized by the increased levels of transaminases (AST, ALT). The results showed oxidative stress as assigned by the increase in lipid peroxide. Meantime detraction in the antioxidants, including glutathione peroxidase was observed. Interruptions in biochemical parameters accompanied by disturbances in hematological parameters and liver histopathology were resulted due to exposure to LPS/CCl4. This study showed the use of honey and BV provided a protective effect on hepatotoxicity induced by LPS/CCl4. This might have been occurred through the reduction of hepatic transaminases and the "Alpha-fetoprotein" in serum and the equilibration of the antioxidation system, thereby, inhibiting the reactive oxygen species accumulation. Honey and BV administration reestablish disturbed hematological parameters and liver histopathology persuaded by LPS/CCl4. More interesting, we demonstrated that using a combination of the honey and BV showed promising enhancement in their protective effects over the use of just one of the two reagents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noha M Meligi
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Minia University 61519, Minia, Egypt
| | - Suzan Alaa Ismail
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Minia University 61519, Minia, Egypt
| | - Nagy S Tawfik
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Minia University 61519, Minia, Egypt
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6
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Seol JE, Cho GJ, Park SH, Kim H. A case of foreign body granuloma caused by ‘
Bong‐chim’
at the site of postherpetic neuralgia. Australas J Dermatol 2020; 61:266-268. [DOI: 10.1111/ajd.13292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jung Eun Seol
- Department of Dermatology Busan Paik Hospital College of Medicine Inje University Busan Korea
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Center College of Medicine Inje University Busan Korea
| | - Gyeong Je Cho
- Department of Dermatology Busan Paik Hospital College of Medicine Inje University Busan Korea
| | - So Hee Park
- Department of Dermatology Busan Paik Hospital College of Medicine Inje University Busan Korea
| | - Hyojin Kim
- Department of Dermatology Busan Paik Hospital College of Medicine Inje University Busan Korea
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7
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Suppressive Effects of Bee Venom-Derived Phospholipase A2 on Mechanical Allodynia in a Rat Model of Neuropathic Pain. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11080477. [PMID: 31430923 PMCID: PMC6723753 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11080477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Bee venom (BV) has a long history of being used in traditional Korean medicine to relieve pain. Here, we investigated the effect of BV-derived phospholipase A2 (bvPLA2), a major component of BV, on peripheral nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain in rats. Spinal nerve ligation (SNL) was performed in Sprague Dawley rats to induce neuropathic pain, and paw withdrawal thresholds were measured using von Frey test. Mechanical allodynia, the representative symptom of neuropathic pain, was manifested following SNL and persisted for several weeks. The repetitive bvPLA2 treatment (0.2 mg/kg/day, i.p.) for two days significantly relieved the SNL-induced mechanical allodynia. The antiallodynic effect of bvPLA2 was blocked by spinal pretreatment with α1-adrenergic antagonist prazosin (30 μg, i.t.) but not with α2-adrenergic antagonist idazoxan (50 μg, i.t.). Also, the spinal application of α1-adrenergic agonist phenylephrine (50 μg, i.t.) reduced mechanical allodynia. These results indicate that bvPLA2 could relieve nerve injury-induced neuropathic mechanical allodynia through the activation of spinal α1-adrenergic receptors.
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8
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Fernandes TM, Lopes FC, Santana GCOM, Oliveira MKS, Freitas MO, Freitas CIA. Identification and mapping of real acupoints in the anatomical topography of Boa constrictor. BRAZ J BIOL 2018; 79:243-247. [PMID: 29995135 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.179631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Acupuncture is a therapy of the traditional Chinese medicine technique, which over the years has been widespread in the West. Defined as a needle-point treatment technique (acupoints), exactly preconfigured in the body to produce a specific physiological reaction to restore the balance between the function of conflicting states and homeostasis, alternating states of energy and thus maintain the ideal organ and body organization. Thus, the objective of this study was to map and describe the main points of acupuncture in the species Boa constrictor , and their indications to promote the balance of this species. The unprecedented result of the mapping was the discovery of specific acupoints with individual location indications without distribution in specific meridians and dispersedly distributed in the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- T M Fernandes
- Laboratório de Estudos em Imunologia e Animais Silvestres, Departamento de Ciências Animais, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido - UFERSA, BR 110, Km 47, Bairro Presidente Costa e Silva, CEP 59625-900, Mossoró, RN, Brasil
| | - F C Lopes
- Laboratório de Estudos em Imunologia e Animais Silvestres, Departamento de Ciências Animais, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido - UFERSA, BR 110, Km 47, Bairro Presidente Costa e Silva, CEP 59625-900, Mossoró, RN, Brasil
| | - G C O M Santana
- Laboratório de Estudos em Imunologia e Animais Silvestres, Departamento de Ciências Animais, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido - UFERSA, BR 110, Km 47, Bairro Presidente Costa e Silva, CEP 59625-900, Mossoró, RN, Brasil
| | - M K S Oliveira
- Laboratório de Estudos em Imunologia e Animais Silvestres, Departamento de Ciências Animais, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido - UFERSA, BR 110, Km 47, Bairro Presidente Costa e Silva, CEP 59625-900, Mossoró, RN, Brasil
| | - M O Freitas
- Laboratório de Estudos em Imunologia e Animais Silvestres, Departamento de Ciências Animais, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido - UFERSA, BR 110, Km 47, Bairro Presidente Costa e Silva, CEP 59625-900, Mossoró, RN, Brasil
| | - C I A Freitas
- Laboratório de Estudos em Imunologia e Animais Silvestres, Departamento de Ciências Animais, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido - UFERSA, BR 110, Km 47, Bairro Presidente Costa e Silva, CEP 59625-900, Mossoró, RN, Brasil
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9
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Park J, Kwon O, An HJ, Park KK. Antifungal Effects of Bee Venom Components on Trichophyton rubrum: A Novel Approach of Bee Venom Study for Possible Emerging Antifungal Agent. Ann Dermatol 2018; 30:202-210. [PMID: 29606818 PMCID: PMC5839892 DOI: 10.5021/ad.2018.30.2.202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Revised: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bee venom (BV) has been widely investigated for potential medical uses. Recent inadvertent uses of BV based products have shown to mitigate signs of fungal infections. However, the component mediating the antifungal effect has not been identified. Objective This investigation compares bee venom in its whole and partial forms to evaluate the possible component responsible for the antifungal effect. Methods Forty-eight plates inoculated with Trichophyton rubrum were allocated into four groups. The groups were treated with raw BV (RBV), melittin, apamin and BV based mist (BBM) respectively and each group was further allocated accordingly to three different concentrations. The areas were measured every other day for 14 days to evaluate the kinetic changes of the colonies. Results The interactions of ratio differences over interval were confirmed in groups treated with RBV and BBM. In RBV, the level of differences were achieved in groups treated with 10 mg/100 µl (p=0.026) and 40 mg/100 µl (p=0.000). The mean difference of ratio in groups treated with RBV was evident in day 3 and day 5. The groups that were treated with melittin or apamin did not show any significant interaction. In BBM groups, the significant levels of ratio differences over time intervals were achieved in groups treated with 200 µl/100 µl (p=0.000) and 300 µl/100 µl (p=0.030). Conclusion The the bee venom in its whole form delivered a significant level of inhibition and we concluded that the venom in separated forms are not effective. Moreover, BV based products may exert as potential antifungal therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joonsoo Park
- Department of Dermatology, Catholic University of Daegu School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Osung Kwon
- Department of Dermatology, Catholic University of Daegu School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Hyun-Jin An
- Department of Pathology, Catholic University of Daegu School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Kwan Kyu Park
- Department of Pathology, Catholic University of Daegu School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
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Seo BK, Han K, Kwon O, Jo DJ, Lee JH. Efficacy of Bee Venom Acupuncture for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Sham-Controlled Trial. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:toxins9110361. [PMID: 29112155 PMCID: PMC5705976 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9110361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2017] [Revised: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Bee venom acupuncture (BVA) is an effective treatment for chronic low back pain (CLBP) through the pharmacological effects of bee venom and the simultaneous stimulation of acupoints. However, evidence of its efficacy and safety in humans remains unclear. Using a double-blind, randomized study, 54 patients with non-specific CLBP were assigned to the BVA and sham groups. All participants underwent six sessions of real or sham BVA for 3 weeks, in addition to administration of 180 mg of loxonin per day. The primary outcome, that is, “bothersomeness” derived from back pain, was assessed using the visual analog scale. Secondary outcomes included pain intensity, dysfunction related to back pain (Oswestry Disability Index), quality of life (EuroQol 5-Dimension), and depressive mood (Beck’s depression inventory). Outcomes were evaluated every week during the treatment period and followed up at weeks 4, 8, and 12. After 3 weeks of the treatment, significant improvements were observed in the bothersomeness, pain intensity, and functional status in the BVA group compared with the sham group. Although minimal adverse events were observed in both groups, subsequent recovery was achieved without treatment. Consequently, our results suggest that it can be used along with conventional pharmacological therapies for the treatment of CLBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byung-Kwan Seo
- Department of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, 892, Dongnam-ro, Gangdong-gu, Seoul 05278, Korea.
| | - Kyungsun Han
- Clinical Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 34054, Korea.
| | - Ojin Kwon
- Clinical Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 34054, Korea.
| | - Dae-Jean Jo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, 892, Dongnam-ro, Gangdong-gu, Seoul 05278, Korea.
| | - Jun-Hwan Lee
- Clinical Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 34054, Korea.
- Korean Medicine Life Science, University of Science & Technology (UST), Campus of Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 34113, Korea.
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Choi J, Jeon C, Lee JH, Jang JU, Quan FS, Lee K, Kim W, Kim SK. Suppressive Effects of Bee Venom Acupuncture on Paclitaxel-Induced Neuropathic Pain in Rats: Mediation by Spinal α₂-Adrenergic Receptor. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:toxins9110351. [PMID: 29088102 PMCID: PMC5705966 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9110351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Revised: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Paclitaxel, a chemotherapy drug for solid tumors, induces peripheral painful neuropathy. Bee venom acupuncture (BVA) has been reported to have potent analgesic effects, which are known to be mediated by activation of spinal α-adrenergic receptor. Here, we investigated the effect of BVA on mechanical hyperalgesia and spinal neuronal hyperexcitation induced by paclitaxel. The role of spinal α-adrenergic receptor subtypes in the analgesic effect of BVA was also observed. Administration of paclitaxel (total 8 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) on four alternate days (days 0, 2, 4, and 6) induced significant mechanical hyperalgesic signs, measured using a von Frey filament. BVA (1 mg/kg, ST36) relieved this mechanical hyperalgesia for at least two hours, and suppressed the hyperexcitation in spinal wide dynamic range neurons evoked by press or pinch stimulation. Both melittin (0.5 mg/kg, ST36) and phospholipase A2 (0.12 mg/kg, ST36) were shown to play an important part in this analgesic effect of the BVA, as they significantly attenuated the pain. Intrathecal pretreatment with the α₂-adrenergic receptor antagonist (idazoxan, 50 µg), but not α₁-adrenergic receptor antagonist (prazosin, 30 µg), blocked the analgesic effect of BVA. These results suggest that BVA has potent suppressive effects against paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain, which were mediated by spinal α₂-adrenergic receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiho Choi
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdamoon-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea.
| | - Changhoon Jeon
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdamoon-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea.
| | - Ji Hwan Lee
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdamoon-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea.
| | - Jo Ung Jang
- Department of East-West Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdamoon-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea.
| | - Fu Shi Quan
- Department of Medical Zoology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdamoon-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea.
| | - Kyungjin Lee
- Department of Herbology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdamoon-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea.
| | - Woojin Kim
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdamoon-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea.
- Department of East-West Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdamoon-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea.
| | - Sun Kwang Kim
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdamoon-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea.
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdamoon-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea.
- Department of East-West Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdamoon-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea.
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Bee Venom Acupuncture Reduces Interleukin-6, Increases Interleukin-10, and Induces Locomotor Recovery in a Model of Spinal Cord Compression. J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2017; 10:204-210. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jams.2017.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Therapeutic effect of melittin on a rat model of chronic prostatitis induced by Complete Freund's Adjuvant. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 90:921-927. [PMID: 28441718 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.04.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Revised: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The present study was aimed to establish a model of chronic prostatitis in rat with the use of intraprostatic injection of Complete Freund's Adjuvant, and to examine the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of melittin on the newly-developed chronic prostatic pain model. METHODS Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) into the prostate. Twelve days after model rats of the treatment group were injected melittin into the prostate, while those of the control group received sterile saline injection. The nociceptive effects of CFA were evaluated by using a behavior approach (i.e. mechanical pain threshold measurement) on the day of CFA injection and 6, 12, and 18days after CFA injection. After the in-live study was done, the prostate was collected for histological examination of inflammatory cell infiltration. Levels of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 in prostate and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in spinal cord were determined using immunohistochemistry. Rats of the sham control group received intraprostatic injection of sterile saline and were studied using the same methods RESULTS: Intraprostatic CFA injection induced local allodynia that lasted over at least 2 weeks. The pain behavior of rat was associated with increases in inflammatory cell infiltration into the prostate. Levels of COX-2 in prostate and GFAP in spinal cord were also elevated. Treatment with melittin significantly raised pain threshold, decreased inflammatory infiltrates, and suppressed COX-2 and GFAP expression. CONCLUSION Intraprostatic injection of CFA induced neurogenic prostatitis and prostatic pain. The established model will be useful to the study of CP/CPPS pathogenesis. Melittin demonstrated profound anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects on the chronic prostatic pain model, suggesting melittin may hold promise as a novel therapeutic for treatment of CP/CPPS.
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Chung HJ, Lee J, Shin JS, Kim MR, Koh W, Kim MJ, Lee JW, Kim EJ, Lee IH, Kim WK, Lee YJ, Lee SK, Ha IH. In Vitro and In Vivo Anti-Allergic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of eBV, a Newly Developed Derivative of Bee Venom, through Modulation of IRF3 Signaling Pathway in a Carrageenan-Induced Edema Model. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0168120. [PMID: 27930719 PMCID: PMC5145209 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0168120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bee venom (BV), a type of toxin extracted from honeybees (Apis mellifera), has been empirically and widely used to treat inflammatory diseases throughout Asia. Essential BV (eBV) was developed by removing phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and histamine to lower occurrence of allergic reaction. This study investigated the anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory activities of eBV in vitro and in vivo and its underlying mechanism of action. METHODS The anti-inflammatory potential of eBV was assessed in vivo using a carrageenan-induced paw edema model. To further investigate the mechanism by which eBV exerts anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects, compound 48/80-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells were studied in vitro. RESULTS Release of β-hexosaminidase and histamine was increased by eBV in a dose-dependent manner, but these levels were lower in eBV compared to original BV at the same concentration. In addition, eBV suppressed compound 48/80-induced expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in RBL-2H3 cells. eBV was also shown to suppress nitric oxide (NO) production by down-regulating mRNA expression and subsequent protein expression of inflammatory mediators in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Phosphorylation of activators and signal transducers of transcription 1/interferon regulatory factor 3 (STAT1/IRF3) was attenuated by eBV treatment. eBV significantly inhibited carrageenan-induced acute edema in vivo. Serum levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), TNF-α, and IL-1β were also down-regulated by eBV. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that eBV inhibits allergic and inflammatory response by reducing inflammatory mediator production via regulation of the STAT1/IRF3 signaling pathway, suggesting that eBV is a feasible candidate for regulation of allergic-inflammatory response in complementary and alternative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwa-Jin Chung
- Jaseng Spine and Joint Research Institute, Jaseng Medical Foundation, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinho Lee
- Jaseng Spine and Joint Research Institute, Jaseng Medical Foundation, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon-Shik Shin
- Jaseng Spine and Joint Research Institute, Jaseng Medical Foundation, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Me-riong Kim
- Jaseng Spine and Joint Research Institute, Jaseng Medical Foundation, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonil Koh
- Jaseng Spine and Joint Research Institute, Jaseng Medical Foundation, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Jeong Kim
- Jaseng Spine and Joint Research Institute, Jaseng Medical Foundation, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-woong Lee
- Jaseng Spine and Joint Research Institute, Jaseng Medical Foundation, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Jee Kim
- Jaseng Spine and Joint Research Institute, Jaseng Medical Foundation, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Hee Lee
- Jaseng Spine and Joint Research Institute, Jaseng Medical Foundation, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Kyung Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Natural Products Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon Jae Lee
- Jaseng Spine and Joint Research Institute, Jaseng Medical Foundation, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Kook Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Natural Products Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Hyuk Ha
- Jaseng Spine and Joint Research Institute, Jaseng Medical Foundation, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Zolfagharian H, Mohajeri M, Babaie M. Bee Venom (Apis Mellifera) an Effective Potential Alternative to Gentamicin for Specific Bacteria Strains: Bee Venom an Effective Potential for Bacteria. J Pharmacopuncture 2016; 19:225-230. [PMID: 27695631 PMCID: PMC5043086 DOI: 10.3831/kpi.2016.19.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Mellitine, a major component of bee venom (BV, Apis mellifera), is more active against gram positive than gram negative bacteria. Moreover, BV has been reported to have multiple effects, including antibacterial, antivirus, and anti-inflammation effects, in various types of cells. In addition, wasp venom has been reported to have antibacterial properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of BV against selected gram positive and gram negative bacterial strains of medical importance. METHODS This investigation was set up to evaluate the antibacterial activity of BV against six grams positive and gram negative bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Burkholderia mallei and Burkholderia pseudomallei. Three concentrations of crude BV and standard antibiotic (gentamicin) disks as positive controls were tested by using the disc diffusion method. RESULTS BV was found to have a significant antibacterial effect against E. coli, S. aureus, and Salmonella typhyimurium in all three concentrations tested. However, BV had no noticeable effect on other tested bacteria for any of the three doses tested. CONCLUSION The results of the current study indicate that BV inhibits the growth and survival of bacterial strains and that BV can be used as a complementary antimicrobial agent against pathogenic bacteria. BV lacked the effective proteins necessary for it to exhibit antibacterial activity for some specific strains while being very effective against other specific strains. Thus, one may conclude, that Apis mellifera venom may have a specific mechanism that allows it to have an antibacterial effect on certain susceptible bacteria, but that mechanism is not well understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Zolfagharian
- Department of Venomous Animals and Antivenom Production, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Karaj, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mohajeri
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of medical Science, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahdi Babaie
- Young Researchers and Elites Club, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
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Chemical characterization, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic properties of bee venom collected in Northeast Portugal. Food Chem Toxicol 2016; 94:172-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2016.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Revised: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Lee SB. Antifungal Activity of Bee Venom and Sweet Bee Venom against Clinically Isolated Candida albicans. J Pharmacopuncture 2016; 19:45-50. [PMID: 27280049 PMCID: PMC4887751 DOI: 10.3831/kpi.2016.19.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to investigate the antifungal effect of bee venom (BV) and sweet bee venom (SBV) against Candida albicans (C. albicans) clinical isolates. METHODS In this study, BV and SBV were examined for antifungal activities against the Korean Collection for Type Cultures (KCTC) strain and 10 clinical isolates of C. albicans. The disk diffusion method was used to measure the antifungal activity and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays were performed by using a broth microdilution method. Also, a killing curve assay was conducted to investigate the kinetics of the anti- fungal action. RESULTS BV and SBV showed antifungal activity against 10 clinical isolates of C. albicans that were cultured from blood and the vagina by using disk diffusion method. The MIC values obtained for clinical isolates by using the broth microdilution method varied from 62.5 μg/ mL to 125 μg/mL for BV and from 15.63 μg/mL to 62.5 μg/mL for SBV. In the killing-curve assay, SBV behaved as amphotericin B, which was used as positive control, did. The antifungal efficacy of SBV was much higher than that of BV. CONCLUSION BV and SBV showed antifungal activity against C. albicans clinical strains that were isolated from blood and the vagina. Especially, SBV might be a candidate for a new antifungal agent against C. albicans clinical isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Bae Lee
- Department of Animal Resources and Life Science, Sangji University, Wonju, Korea
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Sur B, Lee B, Yeom M, Hong JH, Kwon S, Kim ST, Lee HS, Park HJ, Lee H, Hahm DH. Bee venom acupuncture alleviates trimellitic anhydride-induced atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in mice. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2016; 16:38. [PMID: 26825274 PMCID: PMC4731956 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-016-1019-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Accepted: 01/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bee venom acupuncture (BVA), a novel type of acupuncture therapy in which purified bee venom is injected into the specific acupuncture point on the diseased part of the body, is used primarily for relieving pain and other musculoskeletal symptoms. In the present study, therapeutic potential of BVA to improve atopic dermatitis, a representative allergic dysfunction, was evaluated in the mouse model of trimellitic anhydride (TMA)-induced skin impairment. METHODS Mice were treated with 5% TMA on the dorsal flank for sensitization and subsequently treated with 2% TMA on the dorsum of both ears for an additional 12 days after a 3-day interval. From the 7(th) day of 2% TMA treatment, bilateral subcutaneous injection of BV (BV, 0.3 mg/kg) was performed daily at BL40 acupuncture points (located behind the knee) 1 h before 2% TMA treatment for 5 days. RESULTS BVA treatment markedly inhibited the expression levels of both T helper cell type 1 (Th1) and Th2 cytokines in ear skin and lymph nodes of TMA-treated mice. Clinical features of AD-like symptoms such as ear skin symptom severity and thickness, inflammation, and lymph node weight were significantly alleviated by BV treatment. BV treatment also inhibited the proliferation and infiltration of T cells, the production of Th1 and Th2 cytokines, and the synthesis of interleukin (IL)-4 and immunoglobulin E (IgE)-typical allergic Th2 responses in blood. The inhibitory effect of BVA was more pronounced at BL40 acupoint than non-acupuncture point located at the base of the tail. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that BV injection at specific acupuncture points effectively alleviates AD-like skin lesions by inhibiting inflammatory and allergic responses in a TMA-induced contact hypersensitivity mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bongjun Sur
- Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Hoegi-ding, Dongdaemoon-gu, Seoul, 130-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Bombi Lee
- Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Hoegi-ding, Dongdaemoon-gu, Seoul, 130-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Mijung Yeom
- Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Hoegi-ding, Dongdaemoon-gu, Seoul, 130-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju-Hee Hong
- Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Hoegi-ding, Dongdaemoon-gu, Seoul, 130-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunoh Kwon
- Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Hoegi-ding, Dongdaemoon-gu, Seoul, 130-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Tae Kim
- Division of Meridian and Structural Medicine, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, 628-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyang Sook Lee
- Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Hoegi-ding, Dongdaemoon-gu, Seoul, 130-701, Republic of Korea
- The Graduate School of Basic Science of Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 130-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Hi-Joon Park
- Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Hoegi-ding, Dongdaemoon-gu, Seoul, 130-701, Republic of Korea
- The Graduate School of Basic Science of Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 130-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyejung Lee
- Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Hoegi-ding, Dongdaemoon-gu, Seoul, 130-701, Republic of Korea
- The Graduate School of Basic Science of Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 130-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Hyun Hahm
- Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Hoegi-ding, Dongdaemoon-gu, Seoul, 130-701, Republic of Korea.
- The Graduate School of Basic Science of Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 130-701, Republic of Korea.
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Kim W, Kim MJ, Go D, Min BI, Na HS, Kim SK. Combined Effects of Bee Venom Acupuncture and Morphine on Oxaliplatin-Induced Neuropathic Pain in Mice. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:33. [PMID: 26805884 PMCID: PMC4773786 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8020033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2015] [Revised: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxaliplatin, a chemotherapeutic drug for colorectal cancer, induces severe peripheral neuropathy. Bee venom acupuncture (BVA) has been used to attenuate pain, and its effect is known to be mediated by spinal noradrenergic and serotonergic receptors. Morphine is a well-known opioid used to treat different types of pain. Here, we investigated whether treatment with a combination of these two agents has an additive effect on oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain in mice. To assess cold and mechanical allodynia, acetone and von Frey filament tests were used, respectively. Significant allodynia signs were observed three days after an oxaliplatin injection (6 mg/kg, i.p.). BVA (0.25, 1, and 2.5 mg/kg, s.c., ST36) or morphine (0.5, 2, and 5 mg/kg, i.p.) alone showed dose-dependent anti-allodynic effects. The combination of BVA and morphine at intermediate doses showed a greater and longer effect than either BVA or morphine alone at the highest dose. Intrathecal pretreatment with the opioidergic (naloxone, 20 μg) or 5-HT3 (MDL-72222, 15 μg) receptor antagonist, but not with α2 adrenergic (idazoxan, 10 μg) receptor antagonist, blocked this additive effect. Therefore, we suggest that the combination effect of BVA and morphine is mediated by spinal opioidergic and 5-HT3 receptors and this combination has a robust and enduring analgesic action against oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woojin Kim
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdamoon-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea.
- Department of East-West Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdamoon-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea.
| | - Min Joon Kim
- Department of East-West Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdamoon-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea.
| | - Donghyun Go
- Department of East-West Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdamoon-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea.
| | - Byung-Il Min
- Yeongju Municipal Hospital, 697 Jangan-ro, Anjeong-myeon, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Yeongju-si 36051, Korea.
| | - Heung Sik Na
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Anam-dong 5-ga, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02842, Korea.
| | - Sun Kwang Kim
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdamoon-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea.
- Department of East-West Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdamoon-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea.
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The protective effect of bee venom on fibrosis causing inflammatory diseases. Toxins (Basel) 2015; 7:4758-72. [PMID: 26580653 PMCID: PMC4663532 DOI: 10.3390/toxins7114758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Revised: 10/24/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Bee venom therapy is a treatment modality that may be thousands of years old and involves the application of live bee stings to the patient’s skin or, in more recent years, the injection of bee venom into the skin with a hypodermic needle. Studies have proven the effectiveness of bee venom in treating pathological conditions such as arthritis, pain and cancerous tumors. However, there has not been sufficient review to fully elucidate the cellular mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory effects of bee venom and its components. In this respect, the present study reviews current understanding of the mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory properties of bee venom and its components in the treatment of liver fibrosis, atherosclerosis and skin disease.
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Behroozi J, Divsalar A, Saboury AA. Honey bee venom decreases the complications of diabetes by preventing hemoglobin glycation. J Mol Liq 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2014.09.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Kwon YB, Li J, Kook JA, Kim TW, Jeong YC, Son JS, Lee H, Kim KW, Lee JH. Bee venom suppresses methamphetamine-induced conditioned place preference in mice. Neurol Res 2013; 32 Suppl 1:101-6. [DOI: 10.1179/016164109x12537002794408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Doo AR, Kim ST, Kim SN, Moon W, Yin CS, Chae Y, Park HK, Lee H, Park HJ. Neuroprotective effects of bee venom pharmaceutical acupuncture in acute 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-induced mouse model of Parkinson's disease. Neurol Res 2013; 32 Suppl 1:88-91. [PMID: 20034453 DOI: 10.1179/016164109x12537002794282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ah-Reum Doo
- Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Korea
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Abstract
Bee venom (BV) (api-toxin) has been widely used in the treatment of some immune-related diseases, as well as in recent times in treatment of tumors. Several cancer cells, including renal, lung, liver, prostate, bladder, and mammary cancer cells as well as leukemia cells, can be targets of bee venom peptides such as melittin and phospholipase A2. The cell cytotoxic effects through the activation of PLA2 by melittin have been suggested to be the critical mechanism for the anti-cancer activity of BV. The induction of apoptotic cell death through several cancer cell death mechanisms, including the activation of caspase and matrix metalloproteinases, is important for the melittin-induced anti-cancer effects. The conjugation of cell lytic peptide (melittin) with hormone receptors and gene therapy carrying melittin can be useful as a novel targeted therapy for some types of cancer, such as prostate and breast cancer. This review summarizes the current knowledge regarding potential of bee venom and its compounds such as melittin to induce cytotoxic, antitumor, immunomodulatory, and apoptotic effects in different tumor cells in vivo or in vitro. The recent applications of melittin in various cancers and a molecular explanation for the antiproliferative properties of bee venom are discussed.
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Lee SJ, Lyu YS, Kang HW, Sohn IC, Koo S, Kim MS, Park BR, Song JH, Kim JH. Antinociception of Heterotopic Electro-Acupuncture Mediated by the Dorsolateral Funiculus. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2012; 35:251-64. [PMID: 17436366 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x07004795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the inhibitory pathways that mediate the antinociceptive effects of heterotopic electro-acupuncture (EA) on formalin injection-induced pain in rats. EA (2 ms, 10 Hz, 3 mA) was delivered to heterotopic acupoints HT7 and PC7 for 30 min; this was followed immediately by subcutaneous injection of formalin into the left hind paw of rats. Naltrexone (10 mg/kg, i.p.), an opioid receptor antagonist, was administered to evaluate the involvement of endogenous opioids. The dorsolateral funiculus (DLF), which is a descending pathway that inhibits pain, was transected at the ipsilateral T10–11 level of the thoracic spinal cord. EA inhibited behavioral responses to formalin injection-induced pain and prevented the pain-induced increase in cFos expression in the lumbar spinal cord. Pretreatment with naltrexone did not inhibit the antinociceptive effects of EA on formalin injection-induced pain. Transection of the DLF ipsilateral to the acupuncture site eliminated the antinociceptive effects of EA. These results suggest that the antinociceptive effects of heterotopic EA are mediated by the DLF and not by endogenous opioids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Jae Lee
- The Institute of New Life Health Center, Boston, USA
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Kim JH, Gwak YS, Lee I, Sohn IC, Kim MS, Choi DO, Baek DB, Park BR. Antinociceptive Effects of Heterotopic Electroacupuncture in Formalin-Induced Pain. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2012; 34:565-74. [PMID: 16883628 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x06004107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the antinociceptive effect of electroacupuncture (EA) to heterotopic acupoints on formalin-induced pain in rats. EA (2 ms, 10 Hz, and 3 mA) was delivered to heterotopic acupoints HE7 and PE7, or non-acupoints at the right fore limb, for 30 min and was immediately followed by subcutaneous formalin injection into the left hind paw, respectively. The quantified pain score, electromyogram (EMG) response of the C-fiber reflex, and cFos immunoreactivity were assessed, respectively. EA to heterotopic acupoints significantly reduced both early- and late-phase pain-like behaviors and significantly decreased the EMG responses of the C-fiber reflex after formalin injection. By contrast, EA to non-acupoints had no significant effects on pain-like behavior or the EMG response. In addition, EA to heterotopic acupoints decreased cFos immunoreactivity in the lumbar spinal dorsal horn. Therefore, EA induced pre-emptive antinociception via the extra-segmental inhibition of the formalin-induced pain, suggesting that EA to heterotopic acupoints is a useful treatment for inflammatory pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Hyo Kim
- Department of Meridian and Acupoints, Wonkwang University College of Oriental Medicine, Iksan 570-749, Korea.
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Effects of Electroacupuncture at BL60 on Formalin-Induced Pain in Rats. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2012; 2012:324039. [PMID: 22550540 PMCID: PMC3328898 DOI: 10.1155/2012/324039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2011] [Revised: 11/23/2011] [Accepted: 12/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Acupuncture was used to treat symptoms of pain in the ancient orient. The present study was conducted to determine the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at the BL60 acupoint on male Sprague-Dawley rats. Each rat received EA at BL60 acupoint before formalin injection. Behavioral responses were recorded using a video camera and c-Fos immunohistochemistry was performed thereafter. Treatment of EA at BL60 significantly inhibited flinching behavior and c-fos expression induced by formalin injection into the paw, compared to a control group. These results suggest that electroacupuncture at BL60 acupoint may be effective in relieving inflammatory pain.
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Han SM, Lee KG, Yeo JH, Hwang SJ, Jang CH, Chenoweth PJ, Pak SC. Effects of Bee Venom Treatment on Growth Performance of Young Pigs. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2012; 37:253-60. [DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x09006813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the effect of whole bee venom (BV) as a potential stimulant of the piglet immune system, on growth performance, blood parameters, plasma protein and immune globulin content of serum. Piglets (n = 97) received combinations of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 mg/kg of parenterally administered BV on 4 occasions between birth and Day 30. In the apipuncture group (n = 31), piglets were acupunctured with the worker honeybee. Two acupoints, GV-1 (Jiao-chao) and GV-20 (Bai-hui), were selected for apipuncture. All piglets (n = 128) in the treatment groups were treated 4 times throughout the study period of 60 days. The control piglets received no treatments. Blood was taken via jugular venipuncture on Day 30 after birth. Body weight and survivability were measured, and changes in hematological values were analyzed. Both the BV injection group and apipuncture group increased body weight and survivability by 26.6% and 21.8%, and 7.9% and 6.7% respectively compared to the controls. The numbers of leukocytes, erythrocytes, lymphocytes and monocytes were not influenced by treatments. However, a potential clinical benefit of high dose therapy was seen in increased populations of leukocytes, lymphocytes and monocytes compared with either the apipuncture or control groups. Other blood parameters such as total protein and albumin were not affected by treatment. However, IgG levels were generally higher in treated groups than in the controls. These findings indicate that BV might be useful to stimulate immuno-competence in pig production, possibly via the primary bioactive components of melittin, phospholipase A 2 and apamin. The administration of BV, either via injection or acupuncture, did not make any differences in growth performance of young pigs. These results would be useful for further purification and characterization of immune boosting agents from BV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Mi Han
- Laboratory of Applied Material Science, Department of Agricultural Biology, National Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, RDA, Suwon, 441-100, South Korea
| | - Kwang Gill Lee
- Laboratory of Applied Material Science, Department of Agricultural Biology, National Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, RDA, Suwon, 441-100, South Korea
| | - Joo Hong Yeo
- Laboratory of Applied Material Science, Department of Agricultural Biology, National Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, RDA, Suwon, 441-100, South Korea
| | - Sung Jin Hwang
- Department of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Chul Ho Jang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Peter J. Chenoweth
- School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, Australia
| | - Sok Cheon Pak
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, Australia
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Yu AR, Kim JJ, Park GS, Oh SM, Han CS, Lee MY. The Antifungal Activity of Bee Venom against Dermatophytes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.3839/jabc.2011.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Kang SY, Roh DH, Yoon SY, Moon JY, Kim HW, Lee HJ, Beitz AJ, Lee JH. Repetitive treatment with diluted bee venom reduces neuropathic pain via potentiation of locus coeruleus noradrenergic neuronal activity and modulation of spinal NR1 phosphorylation in rats. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2012; 13:155-66. [PMID: 22217441 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2011.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2011] [Revised: 10/14/2011] [Accepted: 10/26/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED We previously demonstrated that a single injection of diluted bee venom (DBV) temporarily alleviates thermal hyperalgesia, but not mechanical allodynia, in neuropathic rats. The present study was designed to determine whether repetitive injection of DBV produces more potent analgesic effects on neuropathy-induced nociception and whether those effects are associated with increased neuronal activity in the locus coeruleus (LC) and with the suppression of spinal NMDA receptor NR1 subunit phosphorylation (pNR1). DBV (.25 mg/kg) was administered subcutaneously twice a day for 2 weeks beginning on day 15 post-chronic constrictive injury surgery. Pain responses were examined and potential changes in LC Fos expression and spinal pNR1 expression were determined. Repetitive DBV administration significantly reduced mechanical allodynia, as well as thermal hyperalgesia. The activity of LC noradrenergic neurons was increased and spinal pNR1 expression was significantly suppressed by repetitive DBV as compared with those of vehicle or single DBV injection. These suppressive effects of repetitive DBV on neuropathic pain and spinal pNR1 were prevented by intrathecal pretreatment of idazoxan, an alpha-2 adrenoceptor antagonist. These results indicate that repetitive DBV produces potent analgesic effects on neuropathic pain and this is associated with the activation of the LC noradrenergic system and with a reduction in spinal pNR1. PERSPECTIVE The results of current study demonstrate that repetitive administration of DBV significantly suppresses neuropathic pain. Furthermore, this study provides mechanistic information that repetitive treatment of DBV can produce more potent analgesic effect than single DBV treatment, indicating a potential novel strategy for the management of chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suk-Yun Kang
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
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Gajski G, Garaj-Vrhovac V. Bee venom induced cytogenetic damage and decreased cell viability in human white blood cells after treatment in vitro: a multi-biomarker approach. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2011; 32:201-211. [PMID: 21843800 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2011.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2011] [Revised: 05/06/2011] [Accepted: 05/18/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate cytogenotoxic effects of bee venom to human lymphocytes and take a look into the mechanisms behind them. Bee venom was tested in concentrations ranging from 0.1μg/ml to 20μg/ml over different lengths of time. Cell viability, type of the cell death, and morphological alterations were evaluated using phase-contrast and fluorescent microscopy in addition to DNA diffusion assay, whereas cytogenotoxic effects were assessed with the micronucleus test. DNA damage and its relation to oxidative stress were evaluated combining the standard alkaline and the Fpg-modified comet assay. Our results showed lower cell viability, morphological cell alterations, cytogenotoxicity, and dominantly necrotic type of cell death in human lymphocytes after treatment with bee venom. All the effects were time- and dose-dependent. These results provide an insight into the effects of bee venom on the cell structure that could be relevant for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goran Gajski
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Mutagenesis Unit, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
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Kang SY, Kim CY, Roh DH, Yoon SY, Park JH, Lee HJ, Beitz AJ, Lee JH. Chemical stimulation of the ST36 acupoint reduces both formalin-induced nociceptive behaviors and spinal astrocyte activation via spinal alpha-2 adrenoceptors. Brain Res Bull 2011; 86:412-21. [PMID: 21889580 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2011.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2011] [Revised: 07/27/2011] [Accepted: 08/19/2011] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Spinal astrocytes have emerged as important mechanistic contributors to pathological and chronic pain. Recently, we have demonstrated that injection of diluted bee venom (DBV) into the Zusanli (ST36) acupoint produces a potent anti-nociceptive effect via the activation of spinal alpha-2 adrenoceptors. However, it is unclear if this anti-nociceptive effect is associated with alterations in spinal astrocytes. Thus, the present study was designed to determine: (1) whether DBV's anti-nociceptive effect in the formalin test involves suppression of spinal astrocyte activation; (2) whether DBV-induced astrocyte inhibition is mediated by spinal alpha-2 adrenoceptors; and (3) whether this glial modulation is potentiated by intrathecal administration of the glial metabolic inhibitor, fluorocitrate (FC) in combination with DBV injection. DBV was injected directly into the ST36 acupoint, and spinal expression of the astrocytic marker, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), was assessed together with effects on formalin-induced nociception. DBV treatment reduced pain responses in the late phase of the formalin test and significantly blocked the formalin-evoked increase in spinal GFAP expression. These effects of DBV were prevented by intrathecal pretreatment with selective alpha-2A and alpha-2C adrenoceptor antagonists. Moreover, low dose intrathecal injection of FC in conjunction with low dose DBV injection into the ST36 acupoint synergistically suppressed pain responses and GFAP expression. These results demonstrate that DBV stimulation of the ST36 acupoint inhibits the formalin-induced activation of spinal astrocytes and nociceptive behaviors in this inflammatory pain model and this inhibition is associated with the activation of spinal alpha-2 adrenoceptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suk-Yun Kang
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-742, Republic of Korea
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Electrical characterization of proposed transpositional acupoints on the urinary bladder meridian in a rat model. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2011; 2011:295475. [PMID: 21350605 PMCID: PMC3042615 DOI: 10.1155/2011/295475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2010] [Revised: 12/18/2010] [Accepted: 01/10/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Specific electrical characteristicsof acupointswere investigated on the urinary bladder (BL) meridian in 14 rats. BL acupointsand non-acupoints on the back were selected and their electrical voltages were measured by using aSPACsystem.The mean voltages of each point or each line were statistically analyzed by using the ANOVA test.The BL meridian showed voltages higher than those of the reference line (P < .05). Bilateral 1st BL lines presented higher voltages than bilateral 2nd BL lines (P < .05). Most BL acupoints had voltageshigher than those for the corresponding reference points (P < .05). In particular, theright BL16 exhibited the biggest difference from the reference point, followed by the left extra BL point-2, the right BL27, the left BL17, and theleft BL45. Additionally, the distributions of neurofilamentsfor several points were investigated by using immunohistochemistry. There was a trend for the BL acupoints to have larger numbers of neurofilaments than the reference points, and that trend seemed to be directly proportional to the difference in voltage between the points.In conclusion, BL acupoints on the back in ratsexhibited specific electric and histologic characteristics. Therefore, those acupointsmay be utilized to investigate the efficacy of acupuncturewith laboratory animals.
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Kokot ZJ, Matysiak J, Urbaniak B, Dereziński P. New CZE-DAD method for honeybee venom analysis and standardization of the product. Anal Bioanal Chem 2011; 399:2487-94. [PMID: 21221542 PMCID: PMC3035776 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-010-4627-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2010] [Revised: 11/29/2010] [Accepted: 12/17/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to develop a new precise and accurate CZE-DAD method for honeybee venom analysis using cytochrome c as an internal standard. The 64.5 cm total length, 56 cm effective length, 75 μm ID, and 360 μm OD uncoated fused-silica capillary was used. The samples were injected into the capillary under a 50-mbar pressure for 7 s. There were 15 kV of electric field across the capillary applied. The current intensity was 26 μA. The separation was carried out at 25 °C. The analysis was run with the normal electrode polarity. The following steps and parameters were taken into account for the validation of the developed method: selectivity, precision, accuracy, linearity, limit of detection and limit of quantitation. All steps of the validation procedure proved that the developed analytical procedure was suitable for its intended purpose. Possibly this was the first study in which several honeybee venom components were separated and five of them were identified by capillary zone electrophoresis. In addition, the developed method was applied for quantitative analysis of 38 honeybee venom samples. The content (relative to the dry venom mass) of analyzed peptides in honeybee venom samples collected in 2002–2007 was as follows: apamine from 0.93% to 4.34% (mean, 2.85 ± 0.79%); mast cell degranulating peptide (MCDP) from 1.46% to 4.37% (mean, 2.82 ± 0.64%); phospholipase A2 from 7.41% to 20.25% (mean, 12.95 ± 3.09%); melittin from 25.40% to 60.27%, (mean, 45.91 ± 9.78%). The results were compared with the experimental data obtained for the same venom samples analyzed earlier by the HPLC method. It was stated that HPCE and HPLC data did not differ significantly and that the HPCE method was the alternative for the HPLC method. Moreover, using the results obtained principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to clarify the general distribution patterns or similarities of four major honeybee venom constituents collected from two different bee strains in various months and years. PCA has shown that the strain of bee appears to be the only criteria for bee venom sample classification. Strong correlations between apamine, MCDP, phospholipase A2, and melittin were confirmed. These correlations have to be taken into account in the honeybee venom standardization. The developed method due to its simplicity can be easily automated and incorporated into routine operations both in the bee venom identification, quality control, and standardization of the product.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zenon J Kokot
- Department of Inorganic & Analytical Chemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland.
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Kim KW, Kim HW, Li J, Kwon YB. Effect of bee venom acupuncture on methamphetamine-induced hyperactivity, hyperthermia and Fos expression in mice. Brain Res Bull 2010; 84:61-8. [PMID: 20950675 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2010.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2010] [Revised: 10/02/2010] [Accepted: 10/05/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Acupuncture has been used to treat drug addiction by nicotine, alcohol, cocaine and morphine. This study was designed to investigate the effect of bee venom (BV) acupuncture on hyperactivity and hyperthermia induced by acute exposure to methamphetamine (METH, 1mg/kg, s.c.) in mice. Diluted BV (20μl of 0.01, 0.1, 1 and 10mg/ml in saline, s.c.) was administered bilaterally into the Zusanli acupoint (ST36) or control points (SP9 or GB39 or tail base). BV injection into ST36 dose dependently reduced METH-induced hyperactivity and hyperthermia, while BV injection (1mg/ml) into control points did not produce these suppressive effects. METH injection significantly increased Fos expression in several brain regions including nucleus accumbens (NA), caudate putamen (CPU), ventral tegmental area (VTA), substantia nigra (SN) and locus coeruleus (LC). Interestingly, BV (1mg/ml) injection into ST36 further increased METH-induced Fos expression in NA (core and shell), SN and LC. When we performed sciatic denervation or combination treatment of BV and lidocaine (BV diluted in 5% lidocaine solution), the enhancement of Fos elevation by BV was completely blocked in the NA, SN and LC in METH-injected mice, indicating that BV-induced peripheral nerve stimulation played an important role in the BV effect. Furthermore, the effects of BV were completely blocked by the α₂-adrenoceptor antagonist, idazoxan (3mg/kg, i.p.), but not by β-adrenoceptor antagonist, propranolol (10mg/kg, i.p.). Taken together, these findings suggest that BV acupuncture into ST36 may modulate METH-induced hyperactivity, hyperthermia and Fos expression through activation of the peripheral nerve and the central α₂-adrenergic activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kee Won Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute for Medical Science, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Dukjin-gu, Jeonju, South Korea
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Han S, Lee K, Yeo J, Kim W, Park K. Biological effects of treatment of an animal skin wound with honeybee (Apis mellifera. L) venom. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2010; 64:e67-72. [PMID: 20943448 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2010.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2010] [Revised: 08/05/2010] [Accepted: 08/12/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wound healing is a dynamic and complex process of tissue repair, which involves a number of cellular and molecular events. It progresses from an inflammatory response to re-epithelialisation and, finally, to the formation of a permanent scar. The pharmacological activities of honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) venom (BV) have been used in wound healing for centuries. METHODS To study wound healing, full-thickness skin defects were produced on the dorsal area of mice. We measured the relative sizes and conducted histological assays of the wounds on days 3, 5 and 7. The expressions of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, fibronectin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and collagen-I mRNA in the wound healing area was measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The amount of TGF-β1, fibronectin, VEGF and collagen-I was determined using immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS The wound sizes were small in the BV group compared with the control and Vaseline groups. The BV group demonstrated decreased TGF-β1, fibronectin and VEGF mRNA levels and increased collagen-I mRNA levels. The expressions of TGF-β1, fibronectin and VEGF proteins were significantly lower in the BV group compared with the control group, while the expression of collagen-I was increased in the BV group as indicated by immunohistochemical staining. CONCLUSION These data suggested that BV had significant wound-healing activity. The results from this study indicated that the effects of BV on wound healing may involve biological mechanisms associated with the expressions of TGF-β1, fibronectin, VEGF and collagen-I.
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Affiliation(s)
- SangMi Han
- Department of Agricultural Biology, National Academy of Agricultural Science, 61, Seodun-Dong, Suwon 441-100, Republic of Korea.
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Matysiak J, Schmelzer CEH, Neubert RHH, Kokot ZJ. Characterization of honeybee venom by MALDI-TOF and nanoESI-QqTOF mass spectrometry. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2010; 54:273-8. [PMID: 20850943 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2010.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2010] [Revised: 07/30/2010] [Accepted: 08/15/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to comprehensively characterize different honeybee venom samples applying two complementary mass spectrometry methods. 41 honeybee venom samples of different bee strains, country of origin (Poland, Georgia, and Estonia), year and season of the venom collection were analyzed using MALDI-TOF and nanoESI-QqTOF-MS. It was possible to obtain semi-quantitative data for 12 different components in selected honeybee venom samples using MALDI-TOF method without further sophisticated and time consuming sample pretreatment. Statistical analysis (ANOVA) has shown that there are qualitative and quantitative differences in the composition between honeybee venom samples collected over different years. It has also been demonstrated that MALDI-TOF spectra can be used as a "protein fingerprint" of honeybee venom in order to confirm the identity of the product. NanoESI-QqTOF-MS was applied especially for identification purposes. Using this technique 16 peptide sequences were identified, including melittin (12 different breakdown products and precursors), apamine, mast cell degranulating peptide and secapin. Moreover, the significant achievement of this study is the fact that the new peptide (HTGAVLAGV+Amidated (C-term), M(r)=822.53Da) has been discovered in bee venom for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Matysiak
- Department of Inorganic & Analytical Chemistry, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Grunwaldzka 6 Street, 60-780 Poznań, Poland
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The anti-nociceptive effect and the possible mechanism of acupoint stimulation caused by chemical irritants in the bee venom pain model. Brain Res 2010; 1355:61-9. [PMID: 20696145 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2010.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2010] [Revised: 07/26/2010] [Accepted: 08/03/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Many studies have demonstrated the anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of injecting bee venom (BV) into the Zusanli (ZSL) acupoint in rats. The present study was designed to determine whether the injection of other chemical irritants, such as formalin and complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA), into the ZSL acupoint can produce anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects in the BV pain model and to determine the possible mechanisms underlying these effects. First, the effects of injecting BV, formalin, CFA, or saline into the ZSL acupoint on intraplantar BV-induced persistent spontaneous pain, mechanical hyperalgesia, and inflammatory swelling of the injected paw were observed. BV, formalin, CFA, and saline injection into the ZSL acupoint significantly inhibited intraplantar BV-induced persistent spontaneous nociception (PSN) and mechanical hyperalgesia but had no effect on intraplantar BV-induced inflammatory swelling. Next, the effects of pretreatment with naloxone (5mg/kg, ip) or injection of 0.15% capsaicin into the ZSL acupoint on the anti-nociceptive effect of BV acupuncture (BVA) were observed. Pretreatment with naloxone had no effect on the BVA-induced anti-nociceptive effect, intraplantar BV-induced PSN, and mechanical hyperalgesia. Pretreatment with capsaicin produced partial blockage of the BVA-induced anti-nociceptive effect on PSN, but it had no effect on BVA-induced anti-nociception of mechanical hyperalgesia. These results suggest that (1) chemical irritant acupuncture produces the anti-nociceptive effect but not the anti-inflammatory effect in the BV pain model, and (2) chemical irritant acupuncture-induced analgesia is a common mechanism that is not specific to BV acupuncture. Our results also suggest that the BVA-induced anti-nociceptive mechanism is partially mediated by capsaicin-sensitive primary afferent fibers but not by endogenous mu opioid receptors in the BV pain model.
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Chen J, Lariviere WR. The nociceptive and anti-nociceptive effects of bee venom injection and therapy: a double-edged sword. Prog Neurobiol 2010; 92:151-83. [PMID: 20558236 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2010.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2009] [Revised: 03/31/2010] [Accepted: 06/08/2010] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Bee venom injection as a therapy, like many other complementary and alternative medicine approaches, has been used for thousands of years to attempt to alleviate a range of diseases including arthritis. More recently, additional theraupeutic goals have been added to the list of diseases making this a critical time to evaluate the evidence for the beneficial and adverse effects of bee venom injection. Although reports of pain reduction (analgesic and antinociceptive) and anti-inflammatory effects of bee venom injection are accumulating in the literature, it is common knowledge that bee venom stings are painful and produce inflammation. In addition, a significant number of studies have been performed in the past decade highlighting that injection of bee venom and components of bee venom produce significant signs of pain or nociception, inflammation and many effects at multiple levels of immediate, acute and prolonged pain processes. This report reviews the extensive new data regarding the deleterious effects of bee venom injection in people and animals, our current understanding of the responsible underlying mechanisms and critical venom components, and provides a critical evaluation of reports of the beneficial effects of bee venom injection in people and animals and the proposed underlying mechanisms. Although further studies are required to make firm conclusions, therapeutic bee venom injection may be beneficial for some patients, but may also be harmful. This report highlights key patterns of results, critical shortcomings, and essential areas requiring further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Chen
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain and Institute for Functional Brain Disorders, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, 1 Xinsi Road, Baqiao District, Xi'an 710038, PR China.
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Kim GH, Yeom M, Yin CS, Lee H, Shim I, Hong MS, Kim CJ, Hahm DH. Acupuncture manipulation enhances anti-nociceptive effect on formalin-induced pain in rats. Neurol Res 2010; 32 Suppl 1:92-5. [PMID: 20034454 DOI: 10.1179/016164109x12537002794327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In order to apply appropriate acupuncture stimulation, different needle manipulation techniques are required. These manipulations are performed in many ways such as twirling the needle, varying the insertion angle, etc. The present study was designed to evaluate the antinociceptive effect of these manipulations to the acupuncture point ST36 on formalin-induced pain in rats. METHODS Animals were divided into four groups: non-treated control (CON), acupuncture without manipulation (AT), acupuncture with twirling manipulation (TM) and acupuncture with lifting-thrusting manipulation (LM) group. Level of pain was measured in formalin-injected rats in the early (0-10 minutes) and the late (10-60 minutes) phase. Several pain-related gene expressions were investigated in the spinal cord using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis. RESULTS Formalin-induced pain was significantly reduced in the TM and the LM groups, compared with the CON and the AT groups. TM was more effective than LM in both phases. Needle manipulation was also effective in suppressing the mRNA expression of pain-related genes such as Fos, opioid receptor-like 1, tachykinin 1, tachykinin receptor 1, mu-opioid receptor and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2A in the spinal cord. DISCUSSION The TM and the LM groups showed enhanced analgesia, compared with the AT group. This effect might be related to the suppression of the transcription of pain-related genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gun Ho Kim
- Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Korea
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The assessment of bee venom responses in an experimental model of mono-arthritis using Tc-99m DPD bone scintigraphy. Ann Nucl Med 2010; 24:455-60. [PMID: 20379856 DOI: 10.1007/s12149-010-0380-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2010] [Accepted: 03/20/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Several recent studies have shown that bee venom (BV) has an anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effect on arthritis. However, objective methods for evaluation of the therapeutic effect of BV is insufficient in animal studies and clinical trials. Our purpose was to determine the usefulness of bone scintigraphy using Tc-99m DPD (3,3-diphosphono-1,2-propan-dicarbonacid) about effects of BV applied to carrageenan-induced mono-arthritis (CIA) model. METHODS Mono-arthritis was induced by an intra-articular injection of carrageenan in Sprague-Dawley rats. Administration of BV (0.8 mg/kg) was performed at 30 min before and at 4 h after the induction of mono-arthritis. We assigned rats to BV-before, BV-after, control-before and control-after groups and compared the results of each group by the weight-loading test and bone scintigraphy. The rats received an intravenous injection of 37 MBq of Tc-99m DPD by the tail vein and then scanning was performed at 4 and 24 h after the injection. Visual assessment and quantitative analysis were performed for both knees. RESULTS The BV-before and BV-after groups were more improved than the control groups on the weight load test (p < 0.05). Bone scintigraphy showed lower activity in the BV-before group than in the control-before group (p < 0.05) on the 4 h imaging. However, a significant difference in the BV-before and BV-after groups was not observed on the 24 h imaging. CONCLUSIONS BV had therapeutic effects by anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity in the CIA and bone scintigraphy performed on 4 h imaging provided visual and quantitative information for the assessment of the therapeutic response to BV as an objective method in mono-arthritis model.
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Yun SP, Sun BC. Apipuncture Treatment for Central Post-Stroke Pain. J Altern Complement Med 2010; 16:223-4. [DOI: 10.1089/acm.2009.7094-o] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sang Pil Yun
- Saint Paul's Oriental Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
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Park JH, Kim KH, Kim SJ, Lee WR, Lee KG, Park JH, Park KK. Effect of bee venom on transforming growth factor-beta1-treated hepatocytes. Int J Toxicol 2010; 29:49-56. [PMID: 20075187 DOI: 10.1177/1091581809353948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Bee venom (BV) has been used as treatment against a wide variety of ailments, including inflammatory diseases. Various studies have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects of BV. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 induces hepatocyte apoptosis via the mitochondrial permeability transition. However, there is no evidence or information regarding the antiapoptotic effect of BV on hepatocytes. The authors investigated the antiapoptotic effect of BV on TGF-beta1-treated hepatocytes. The results showed significant protection from DNA damage by BV treatment compared to corresponding TGF-beta1-treated hepatocytes without BV. BV suppressed TGF-beta1-induced activation of the bcl-2 family and caspase family of proteins, which resulted in inhibition of poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage. Furthermore, BV is not cytotoxic in the low concentrations used in this study. Low concentrations of BV potently suppress the apoptotic response in TGF-beta1-treated hepatocytes; therefore, BV may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Hyun Park
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Eulji University Hospital, Daejeon, South Korea
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Radioprotective Effects of Honeybee Venom (Apis mellifera) Against 915-MHz Microwave Radiation–Induced DNA Damage in Wistar Rat Lymphocytes: In Vitro Study. Int J Toxicol 2009; 28:88-98. [DOI: 10.1177/1091581809335051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to investigate the radioprotective effect of bee venom against DNA damage induced by 915-MHz microwave radiation (specific absorption rate of 0.6 W/kg) in Wistar rats. Whole blood lymphocytes of Wistar rats are treated with 1 μg/mL bee venom 4 hours prior to and immediately before irradiation. Standard and formamidopyrimidine-DNA glycosylase (Fpg)–modified comet assays are used to assess basal and oxidative DNA damage produced by reactive oxygen species. Bee venom shows a decrease in DNA damage compared with irradiated samples. Parameters of Fpg-modified comet assay are statistically different from controls, making this assay more sensitive and suggesting that oxidative stress is a possible mechanism of DNA damage induction. Bee venom is demonstrated to have a radioprotective effect against basal and oxidative DNA damage. Furthermore, bee venom is not genotoxic and does not produce oxidative damage in the low concentrations used in this study.
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Kokot ZJ, Matysiak J. Simultaneous Determination of Major Constituents of Honeybee Venom by LC-DAD. Chromatographia 2009. [DOI: 10.1365/s10337-009-1052-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Warm needle acupuncture at Pungsi (GB31) has an enhanced analgesic effect on formalin-induced pain in rats. Brain Res Bull 2009; 78:164-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2008.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2008] [Revised: 09/02/2008] [Accepted: 10/16/2008] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Yoon SY, Roh DH, Kwon YB, Kim HW, Seo HS, Han HJ, Lee HJ, Beitz AJ, Lee JH. Acupoint stimulation with diluted bee venom (apipuncture) potentiates the analgesic effect of intrathecal clonidine in the rodent formalin test and in a neuropathic pain model. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2008; 10:253-63. [PMID: 19010737 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2008.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2008] [Revised: 08/18/2008] [Accepted: 09/02/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Although intrathecal (i.t.) administration of the alpha(2)-adrenoceptor agonist clonidine has a pronounced analgesic effect, the clinical use of clonidine is limited by its side effects. Previously, our laboratory has demonstrated that the subcutaneous injection of diluted bee venom (DBV) into an acupoint (termed apipuncture) produces significant analgesic effect in various pain animal models. The present study was designed to examine whether DBV injection into the Zusanli acupoint (ST-36) could enhance lower-dose clonidine-induced analgesic effects without the development of hypotension, bradycardia, or sedation. In the mouse formalin test, DBV injection produced a dramatic leftward shift in the dose-response curve for clonidine-induced analgesia. In a rat neuropathic pain model i.t. clonidine dose dependently suppressed chronic constriction injury (CCI)-induced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, and this clonidine-induced analgesic effect was significantly potentiated by apipuncture pretreatment. DBV apipuncture alone or in combination with a low dose of i.t. clonidine produced an analgesic effect similar to that of the high dose of clonidine, but without significant side effects. The analgesic effect produced by the combination of i.t. clonidine and apipuncture was completely blocked by pretreatment with an alpha(2)-adrenoceptor antagonist. These data show that DBV-apipuncture significantly enhances clonidine-induced analgesia and suggest that a combination of low dose clonidine with acupuncture therapy represents a novel strategy for pain management that could eliminates clonidine's side effects. PERSPECTIVE This study demonstrated that intrathecal clonidine-induced analgesia is significantly enhanced when it is combined with chemical acupuncture treatment. The administration of low-dose clonidine in combination with acupuncture produced a potent analgesic effect without significant side effects and thus represents a potential novel strategy for the management of chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seo-Yeon Yoon
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and BK21 Program for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
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Hamedani M, Vatanpour H, Saadat F, Reza Khorramizaheh M, Mirshafiey A. Bee Venom, Immunostimulant or Immunosuppressor? Insight into the Effect on Matrix Metalloproteinases and Interferons. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2008; 27:671-81. [PMID: 16435584 DOI: 10.1080/08923970500418943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The current evidence has defined conflicting properties for bee venom. The goal of this study was to determine whether bee venom (BV) is an immunosuppressor or immunostimulant. The WEHI-164, HT-1080, and K562 cell lines were used for assaying toxicity, proliferative response, matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 (MMP-2 and MMP-9) activity, and interferon production. The Australian and Iranian BV (ABV and IBV) were used at concentrations of 0.025-1 microg/ml in triplicate and 2-fold dilutions. MMP-2 and -9 activities were evaluated using the zymography method. The production of interferons (IFN-alpha and IFN-beta) were assessed using enzyme-linked immunoassay procedure. Our results show no significant difference between two sources of honeybee venom (ABV and IBV) when they are added to an identified cell line, whereas the response of various cell lines against BV could be different. The increasing amounts of ABV and/or IBV (between doses 0.025-0.5 microg/ml) to human monocyte cell line (K562) exhibit a significant increase in proliferative response. Our data show that the immunomodulatory effect of ABV and/or IBV on MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity in both cell culture media, WEHI-164 and K562, is similar. The stimulatory effect of BV on MMP-2 and -9 activities is occurred between doses 0-0.05 microg/ ml. In contrast, the inhibitory effect of BV on these two MMPs is seen at concentrations of >0.05 microg/ml. The ABV and/or IBV has no influence on IFN-alpha production in cell culture media, whereas adding the BV to K562 cell line could significantly increase the production level of IFN-beta only on day 8 posttreatment. We conclude that time- and dose-dependent response as well as the type of treated cell line could determine the immunosuppressive and/or immunostimulant property of bee venom that could be effective in future therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Hamedani
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Shaheed Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Gajski G, Garaj-Vrhovac V. Genotoxic potential of bee venom (Apis Mellifera) on human peripheral blood lymphocytes in vitro using single cell gel electrophoresis assay. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2008; 43:1279-1287. [PMID: 18642151 DOI: 10.1080/10934520802177862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Bee venom (BV) has been known to have therapeutic applications in traditional medicine to treat variety of diseases. It is also known that bee venom possesses anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects and that it can inhibit proliferation and induces apoptosis in cancer cells, but there is lack of information regarding genotoxicity of whole bee venom on normal human cells. In the present study, peripheral blood human lymphocytes from healthy donor were exposed in vitro to different concentration (5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 micro g/mL) of whole bee venom at different time periods (1, 6 and 24 hours). The single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) assay was used to evaluate the genotoxicity towards human cells. Results showed statistically significant increase in DNA damage caused in BV treated human lymphocytes compared to corresponding control cells for the tail length and tail moment. These results show that the extent of DNA damage, determined by the use of single cell gel electrophoresis is time and dose dependent. Based on the results it is clear that whole bee venom induces DNA damage and has genotoxic potential on human peripheral blood lymphocytes in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goran Gajski
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Mutagenesis Unit, Zagreb, Croatia.
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Kokot ZJ, Matysiak J. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry determination of metals in honeybee venom. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2008; 48:955-9. [PMID: 18617350 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2008.05.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2008] [Revised: 05/21/2008] [Accepted: 05/26/2008] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) technique was used to analyze the contamination of selected 20 metals in 32 samples of honeybee venom and to demonstrate differences in the content of these elements. Among the analyzed metal microelements (Al, Co, Cu, Zn, Mn, Mo, B, V, Sr and Ni), macro-elements (Ca, Mg, K and Na) and toxic metals (As, Ba, Pb, Cd, Sb and Cr) were identified. The presented results showed that the metal levels in honeybee venom are much lower than the tolerable upper intake levels for the elements. Also the toxic metal contamination is much lower than the permissible levels for drugs established by the United States Pharmacopeia and the European Pharmacopeia. As opposed to the pharmacopeial tests for metals, a multi-element ICP-MS method has been developed. In order to confirm data obtained, the following steps and parameters were taken into account for the validation of the method: calibration verification, recovery, accuracy, precision, detection limit (LOD), quantitation limit (LOQ), spectral and matrix interference and comparison between ICP-MS and GFAAS (graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry) for Mn. All steps of validation proved the accuracy of the results. This is most likely the first study in which the metal content in honeybee venom was evaluated by ICP-MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zenon J Kokot
- Department of Inorganic & Analytical Chemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Grunwaldzka 6 Street, 60-780 Poznań, Poland.
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