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Gaubert J, Mercier PL, Martin G, Giovenazzo P, Derome N. Managing Microbiota Activity of Apis mellifera with Probiotic (Bactocell ®) and Antimicrobial (Fumidil B ®) Treatments: Effects on Spring Colony Strength. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1154. [PMID: 38930537 PMCID: PMC11205764 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Against a backdrop of declining bee colony health, this study aims to gain a better understanding of the impact of an antimicrobial (Fumidil B®, Can-Vet Animal Health Supplies Ltd., Guelph, ON, Canada) and a probiotic (Bactocell®, Lallemand Inc., Montreal, QC, Canada) on bees' microbiota and the health of their colonies after wintering. Therefore, colonies were orally exposed to these products and their combination before wintering in an environmental room. The results show that the probiotic significantly improved the strength of the colonies in spring by increasing the total number of bees and the number of capped brood cells. This improvement translated into a more resilient structure of the gut microbiota, highlighted by a more connected network of interactions between bacteria. Contrastingly, the antimicrobial treatment led to a breakdown in this network and a significant increase in negative interactions, both being hallmarks of microbiota dysbiosis. Although this treatment did not translate into a measurable colony strength reduction, it may impact the health of individual bees. The combination of these products restored the microbiota close to control, but with mixed results for colony performance. More tests will be needed to validate these results, but the probiotic Bactocell® could be administrated as a food supplement before wintering to improve colony recovery in spring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joy Gaubert
- Derome Laboratory, Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes, Département de Biologie, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (P.-L.M.); (N.D.)
- Giovenazzo, Laboratory, Département de Biologie, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada;
| | - Pierre-Luc Mercier
- Derome Laboratory, Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes, Département de Biologie, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (P.-L.M.); (N.D.)
| | - Georges Martin
- Centre de Recherche en Sciences Animales de Deschambault, Deschambault, QC G0A 1S0, Canada;
| | - Pierre Giovenazzo
- Giovenazzo, Laboratory, Département de Biologie, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada;
| | - Nicolas Derome
- Derome Laboratory, Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes, Département de Biologie, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (P.-L.M.); (N.D.)
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Pinto MB, Pires PC, Calhelha RC, Silva AR, Sousa MJ, Vilas-Boas M, Falcão SI, Veiga F, Makvandi P, Paiva-Santos AC. Bee Venom-Loaded Niosomes as Innovative Platforms for Cancer Treatment: Development and Therapeutical Efficacy and Safety Evaluation. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:572. [PMID: 38794142 PMCID: PMC11123916 DOI: 10.3390/ph17050572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite past efforts towards therapeutical innovation, cancer remains a highly incident and lethal disease, with current treatments lacking efficiency and leading to severe side effects. Hence, it is imperative to develop new, more efficient, and safer therapies. Bee venom has proven to have multiple and synergistic bioactivities, including antitumor effects. Nevertheless, some toxic effects have been associated with its administration. To tackle these issues, in this work, bee venom-loaded niosomes were developed, for cancer treatment. The vesicles had a small (150 nm) and homogeneous (polydispersity index of 0.162) particle size, and revealed good therapeutic efficacy in in vitro gastric, colorectal, breast, lung, and cervical cancer models (inhibitory concentrations between 12.37 ng/mL and 14.72 ng/mL). Additionally, they also revealed substantial anti-inflammatory activity (inhibitory concentration of 28.98 ng/mL), effects complementary to direct antitumor activity. Niosome safety was also assessed, both in vitro (skin, liver, and kidney cells) and ex vivo (hen's egg chorioallantoic membrane), and results showed that compound encapsulation increased its safety. Hence, small, and homogeneous bee venom-loaded niosomes were successfully developed, with substantial anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects, making them potentially promising primary or adjuvant cancer therapies. Future research should focus on evaluating the potential of the developed platform in in vivo models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Beatriz Pinto
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Patrícia C. Pires
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Group of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Health Sciences Research Centre (CICS-UBI), University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ricardo C. Calhelha
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal (M.V.-B.); (S.I.F.)
- Laboratório Associado para a Sustentabilidade e Tecnologia em Regiões de Montanha (SusTEC), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
| | - Ana Rita Silva
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal (M.V.-B.); (S.I.F.)
- Laboratório Associado para a Sustentabilidade e Tecnologia em Regiões de Montanha (SusTEC), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
| | - Maria João Sousa
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal (M.V.-B.); (S.I.F.)
- Laboratório Associado para a Sustentabilidade e Tecnologia em Regiões de Montanha (SusTEC), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
| | - Miguel Vilas-Boas
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal (M.V.-B.); (S.I.F.)
- Laboratório Associado para a Sustentabilidade e Tecnologia em Regiões de Montanha (SusTEC), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
| | - Soraia I. Falcão
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal (M.V.-B.); (S.I.F.)
- Laboratório Associado para a Sustentabilidade e Tecnologia em Regiões de Montanha (SusTEC), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
| | - Francisco Veiga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Group of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Pooyan Makvandi
- The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People’s Hospital, Quzhou 324000, China
- Centre of Research Impact and Outreach, Chitkara University, Rajpura 140417, India
- Department of Biomaterials, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, SIMATS, Saveetha University, Chennai 600077, India
| | - Ana Cláudia Paiva-Santos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Group of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
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Dinu M, Tatu AL, Cocoș DI, Nwabudike LC, Chirilov AM, Stefan CS, Earar K, Dumitriu Buzia O. Natural Sources of Therapeutic Agents Used in Skin Conditions. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:492. [PMID: 38672762 PMCID: PMC11051086 DOI: 10.3390/life14040492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Skin conditions are numerous and often have a major impact on patients' quality of life, and effective and safe treatment is very important. The conventional drugs used for skin diseases are usually corticosteroids and antimicrobial products that can induce various side effects, especially with long-term use, which is why researchers are studying alternatives, especially biologically active natural products. Three products caught our attention: bee venom (BV), due to reported experimental results showing anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, antimycotic, and anticancer effects, Ficus carica (FC) due to its demonstrated antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory action, and finally Geranium essential oil (GEO), with proven antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. Following a review of the literature, we produced this paper, which presents a review of the potential therapeutic applications of the three products in combating various skin conditions and for skin care, because BV, FC, and GEO have common pharmacological actions (anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant). We also focused on studying the safety of the topical use of BV, FC, and GEO, and new approaches to this. This paper presents the use of these natural therapeutic agents to treat patients with conditions such as vitiligo, melasma, and melanoma, as well as their use in treating dermatological conditions in patients with diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Dinu
- Centre in the Medical-Pharmaceutical Field, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, “Dunarea de Jos” University of Galati, 800008 Galati, Romania; (M.D.); (C.S.S.); (K.E.); (O.D.B.)
| | - Alin Laurențiu Tatu
- Clinical Medical Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, “Dunarea de Jos” University of Galati, 800008 Galati, Romania;
- Dermatology Department, “Sf. Cuvioasa Parascheva” Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases, 800179 Galati, Romania
- Multidisciplinary Integrative Center for Dermatologic Interface Research MIC-DIR, 800010 Galati, Romania
| | - Dorin Ioan Cocoș
- Centre in the Medical-Pharmaceutical Field, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, “Dunarea de Jos” University of Galati, 800008 Galati, Romania; (M.D.); (C.S.S.); (K.E.); (O.D.B.)
| | | | - Ana Maria Chirilov
- Centre in the Medical-Pharmaceutical Field, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, “Dunarea de Jos” University of Galati, 800008 Galati, Romania; (M.D.); (C.S.S.); (K.E.); (O.D.B.)
| | - Claudia Simona Stefan
- Centre in the Medical-Pharmaceutical Field, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, “Dunarea de Jos” University of Galati, 800008 Galati, Romania; (M.D.); (C.S.S.); (K.E.); (O.D.B.)
| | - Kamel Earar
- Centre in the Medical-Pharmaceutical Field, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, “Dunarea de Jos” University of Galati, 800008 Galati, Romania; (M.D.); (C.S.S.); (K.E.); (O.D.B.)
| | - Olimpia Dumitriu Buzia
- Centre in the Medical-Pharmaceutical Field, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, “Dunarea de Jos” University of Galati, 800008 Galati, Romania; (M.D.); (C.S.S.); (K.E.); (O.D.B.)
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Sharaf M, Zahra AA, Alharbi M, Mekky AE, Shehata AM, Alkhudhayri A, Ali AM, Al Suhaimi EA, Zakai SA, Al Harthi N, Liu CG. Bee chitosan nanoparticles loaded with apitoxin as a novel approach to eradication of common human bacterial, fungal pathogens and treating cancer. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1345478. [PMID: 38559346 PMCID: PMC10978808 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1345478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is one of the largest medical challenges because of the rising frequency of opportunistic human microbial infections across the globe. This study aimed to extract chitosan from the exoskeletons of dead bees and load it with bee venom (commercially available as Apitoxin [Api]). Then, the ionotropic gelation method would be used to form nanoparticles that could be a novel drug-delivery system that might eradicate eight common human pathogens (i.e., two fungal and six bacteria strains). It might also be used to treat the human colon cancer cell line (Caco2 ATCC ATP-37) and human liver cancer cell line (HepG2ATCC HB-8065) cancer cell lines. The x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) properties, ζ-potentials, and surface appearances of the nanoparticles were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). FTIR and XRD validated that the Api was successfully encapsulated in the chitosan nanoparticles (ChB NPs). According to the TEM, the ChB NPs and the ChB NPs loaded with Apitoxin (Api@ChB NPs) had a spherical shape and uniform size distribution, with non-aggregation, for an average size of approximately 182 and 274 ± 3.8 nm, respectively, and their Zeta potential values were 37.8 ± 1.2 mV and - 10.9 mV, respectively. The Api@ChB NPs had the greatest inhibitory effect against all tested strains compared with the ChB NPs and Api alone. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the Api, ChB NPs, and Api@ChB NPs were evaluated against the offer mentioned colony forming units (CFU/mL), and their lowest MIC values were 30, 25, and 12.5 μg mL-1, respectively, against Enterococcus faecalis. Identifiable morphological features of apoptosis were observed by 3 T3 Phototox software after Api@ChB NPs had been used to treat the normal Vero ATCC CCL-81, Caco2 ATCC ATP-37, and HepG2 ATCC HB-8065 cancer cell lines for 24 h. The morphological changes were clear in a concentration-dependent manner, and the ability of the cells was 250 to 500 μg mL-1. These results revealed that Api@ChB NPs may be a promising natural nanotreatment for common human pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Sharaf
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, AL-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Abdullah A. Zahra
- Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, AL-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Maha Alharbi
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alsayed E. Mekky
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Abdelrazeq M. Shehata
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Abdulsalam Alkhudhayri
- Department of Biology, College of Sciences, University of Hafr Al Batin, Hafar Al Batin, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed M. Ali
- Department of Biology, Shaqra University, Shaqra, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ebtesam A. Al Suhaimi
- Vice Presidency for Scientific Research and Innovation, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdulaziz and his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity “Mawhiba”, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shadi A. Zakai
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Norah Al Harthi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Chen-Guang Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
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Todorova T, Boyadzhiev K, Dimitrov M, Parvanova P. Bee venom genotoxicity on Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells - The role of mitochondria and YAP1 transcription factor. Toxicology 2024; 503:153768. [PMID: 38442839 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2024.153768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
The present work aims to clarify the genotype differences of a model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae in response to bee venom. The study evaluated various endpoints including cell survival, induction of physiologically active superoxide anions, mitotic gene conversion, mitotic crossing-over, reverse mutations, DNA double-strand breaks, and Ty1 retrotransposition. The role of the intact mitochondria and the YAP1 transcription factor was also evaluated. Our results indicate a genotype-specific response. The first experimental evidence has been provided that bee venom induces physiologically active superoxide anions and DNA double-strand breaks in S. cerevisiae. The lack of oxidative phosphorylation due to disrupted or missing mitochondrial DNA reduces but not diminishes the cytotoxicity of bee venom. The possible modes of action could be considered direct damage to membranes (cytotoxic effect) and indirect damage to DNA through oxidative stress (genotoxic effect). YAP1 transcription factor was not found to be directly involved in cell defense against bee venom treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teodora Todorova
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 2 Gagarin str., Sofia 1113, Bulgaria.
| | - Krassimir Boyadzhiev
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 2 Gagarin str., Sofia 1113, Bulgaria
| | - Martin Dimitrov
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 2 Gagarin str., Sofia 1113, Bulgaria
| | - Petya Parvanova
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 2 Gagarin str., Sofia 1113, Bulgaria
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Kong X, Wang W, Zhong Y, Wang N, Bai K, Wu Y, Qi Q, Zhang Y, Liu X, Xie J. Recent advances in the exploration and discovery of SARS-CoV-2 inhibitory peptides from edible animal proteins. Front Nutr 2024; 11:1346510. [PMID: 38389797 PMCID: PMC10883054 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1346510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is spreading worldwide. Although the COVID-19 epidemic has passed its peak of transmission, the harm it has caused deserves our attention. Scientists are striving to develop medications that can effectively treat COVID-19 symptoms without causing any adverse reactions. SARS-CoV-2 inhibitory peptides derived from animal proteins have a wide range of functional activities in addition to safety. Identifying animal protein sources is crucial to obtaining SARS-CoV-2 inhibitory peptides from animal sources. This review aims to reveal the mechanisms of action of these peptides on SARS-CoV-2 and the possibility of animal proteins as a material source of SARS-CoV-2 inhibitory peptides. Also, it introduces the utilization of computer-aided design methods, phage display, and drug delivery strategies in the research on SARS-CoV-2 inhibitor peptides from animal proteins. In order to identify new antiviral peptides and boost their efficiency, we recommend investigating the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 inhibitory peptides from animal protein sources and non-structural proteins (Nsps) using a variety of technologies, including computer-aided drug approaches, phage display techniques, and drug delivery techniques. This article provides useful information for the development of novel anti-COVID-19 drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyue Kong
- College of Food and Health, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Hangzhou, China
- School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Wang
- School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yizhi Zhong
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Nan Wang
- College of Biology and Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kaiwen Bai
- School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Wu
- School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qianhui Qi
- School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Institute of Quality and Standard for Agriculture Products, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Science, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xingquan Liu
- College of Food and Health, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junran Xie
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Matkivska R, Samborska I, Maievskyi O. Effect of animal venom toxins on the main links of the homeostasis of mammals (Review). Biomed Rep 2024; 20:16. [PMID: 38144889 PMCID: PMC10739175 DOI: 10.3892/br.2023.1704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The human body is affected by environmental factors. The dynamic balance between the organism and its environment results from the influence of natural, anthropogenic and social aspects. The factors of exogenous origin determine development of adaptive changes. The present article summarises the mechanisms of animal venom toxins and homeostasis disruption in the body of mammals. The mechanisms underlying pathological changes are associated with shifts in biochemical reactions. Components of the immune, nervous and endocrine systems are key in the host defense and adaptation processes in response to venom by triggering signalling pathways (PI3kinase pathway, arachidonic acid cascade). Animal venom toxins initiate the development of inflammatory processes, the synthesis of pro-inflammatory mediators (cytokines), ROS, proteolytic enzymes, activate the migration of leukocytes and macrophages. Keratinocytes and endothelial cells act as protective barriers under the action of animal venom toxins on the body of mammals. In addition, the formation of pores in cell membranes, structural changes in cell ion channels are characteristic of the action of animal venom toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruzhena Matkivska
- Department of Descriptive and Clinical Anatomy, Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv 03680, Ukraine
| | - Inha Samborska
- Department of Biological and General Chemistry, National Pirogov Memorial Medical University, Vinnytsya 21018, Ukraine
| | - Oleksandr Maievskyi
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Educational and Scientific Center ‘Institute of Biology and Medicine’ of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv 03127, Ukraine
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Xu P, Zhou J, Xing X, Hao Y, Gao M, Li Z, Li X, Li M, Xiao Y. Melitoxin Inhibits Proliferation, Metastasis, and Invasion of Glioma U251 Cells by Down-regulating F2RL1. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2024:10.1007/s12010-023-04841-y. [PMID: 38252207 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-023-04841-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
As the principal active component of bee venom, melittin has an anti-cancer effect in different cancers. This study was aimed to investigate the effect of melittin in glioma and explore whether F2RL1 is closely involved in glioblastoma cells proliferation. TCGA and GES databases were used to evaluate the role of F2RL1 in gliomas. The U251 cells were divided into a control lentivirus + PBS group (NC-PBS), F2RL1 intervention lentivirus + PBS group (KD-PBS), control lentivirus + melittin group (NC-melittin), and F2RL1 intervention lentivirus + melittin group (KD-melittin). Cell proliferation was detected by MTT and EDU staining assays. The apoptosis rate was assessed by flow cytometry. Expressions of genes related to apoptosis, cycle arrest, migration, and invasion were detected by qRT-PCR. Cellular LDH concentrations were detected by ELISA. The subcutaneous tumor volume of nude mice was analyzed by xenograft method. F2RL1 was significantly overexpressed in glioma tissues and were reduced in the melittin-treated group compared to the blank group. F2RL1 knockdown and melittin alone or in combination increased the proportion of cells in the G1-phase, and the combination was more pronounced. The KD-melittin group showed a decrease in the number of viable cells at 24, 48, 72, and 96 h compared to the NC-PBS group. The number of cell migration and invasion was decreased in the KD-melittin group compared to the other groups. Moreover, the genes related to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis were significantly changed in the KD-melittin group. At weeks 4, 5, and 6, the tumor volume in the KD-melittin group was smaller than that in the KD-PBS group and NC-melittin group. Interference with the target gene F2RL1 inhibited the proliferation of glioma U251 cells, and melittin treatment inhibited the proliferation of glioma U251 cells. Melittin inhibited the proliferation of glioma U251 cells by suppressing the expression of target gene F2RL1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong Province, 252000, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Zhou
- Department of Nursing, Liaocheng Vocational and Technical College, Liaocheng, Shandong Province, 252000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohui Xing
- Department of Neurosurgery, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong Province, 252000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Hao
- Department of Pathology, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong Province, 252000, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingxu Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong Province, 252000, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongchen Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong Province, 252000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong Province, 252000, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengyou Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong Province, 252000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yilei Xiao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong Province, 252000, People's Republic of China.
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Bayraktar M, Hacımüftüoğlu A, Okkay U, Koçak MN, Kösedağ M, Tekin E, Çelik M, Okkay IF, Bayram C, Ertuğrul MS, Sezen S. Use of bee venom in preventive medicine: An experimental hepatic encephalopathy study in rats. Vet Med Sci 2024; 10:e1336. [PMID: 38109225 PMCID: PMC10766040 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Bee venom is used for medicinal purposes, including the treatment of neurological and liver diseases, but its use as a primary health care approach for preventive purposes requires further exploration. The aim of this study was to provide the first investigation into the possible protective effects of bee venom against hepatic encephalopathy, a serious neurodegenerative disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS An experimental animal study was conducted in which healthy albino Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into three groups: healthy, control and bee venom groups. All rats were tested for locomotor activity at the beginning and end of the study. No intervention was made in the healthy group, whereas hepatic encephalopathy was induced in the control and bee venom groups by the administration of thioacetamide (TAA) (200 mg/kg/day). The bee venom group also received bee venom (5 mg/kg/day) subcutaneously every day for 14 days prior to the TAA administration. RESULTS The results for the final locomotor activity tests were statistically better in the bee venom group than in the control group, supporting a beneficial effect of prophylactic bee venom application. Blood ammonia levels and liver weights, determined as indicators of inflammation, were lower in the bee venom group than in the control group and were close to levels in the healthy group, but not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Bee venom administration has protective effects against the development of hepatic encephalopathy and offers a promising therapeutic opportunity in preventive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Bayraktar
- Department of Family MedicineFaculty of MedicineUniversity of AtaturkErzurumTurkey
- Acupuncture and Complementary Medicine Methods Application and Research CenterUniversity of AtaturkErzurumTurkey
| | - Ahmet Hacımüftüoğlu
- Department of PharmacologyFaculty of MedicineUniversity of AtaturkErzurumTurkey
| | - Ufuk Okkay
- Department of PharmacologyFaculty of MedicineUniversity of AtaturkErzurumTurkey
| | - Mehmet Nuri Koçak
- Department of NeurologyFaculty of MedicineUniversity of AtaturkErzurumTurkey
| | - Murat Kösedağ
- Department of BiochemistryFaculty of PharmacyUniversity of AtaturkErzurumTurkey
| | - Erdal Tekin
- Department of EmergencyFaculty of MedicineUniversity of AtaturkErzurumTurkey
| | - Muhammet Çelik
- Department of Medical BiochemistryFaculty of MedicineUniversity of AtaturkErzurumTurkey
| | - Irmak Ferah Okkay
- Department of PharmacologyFaculty of PharmacyUniversity of AtaturkErzurumTurkey
| | - Cemil Bayram
- Department of PharmacologyFaculty of MedicineUniversity of AtaturkErzurumTurkey
| | | | - Selma Sezen
- Department of PharmacologyFaculty of MedicineUniversity of AtaturkErzurumTurkey
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10
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Khalil MH, Hassan SS, Soliman FNK, Hassan MI. In-Ovo injection of melittin into Alexandria chicken eggs: a way for early immune acceleration. Anim Biotechnol 2023; 34:4060-4068. [PMID: 37688385 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2023.2255063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
This study intended to assess the properties of in-ovo administration of Melittin (MLT) on hatchability, chick yield, hematology, immunological indices and relative organs weight of Alexandria chickens at hatch. A total of 600 eggs with an average weight of (45.12 g), were gathered and split into five groups: a non-injected group or negative control (NC), a saline injection group or positive control (PC), and three concentrations of MLT (5, 10 and 15 µg of MLT per egg, respectively). On day 18 of incubation, eggs from the injection groups were injected into the amniotic fluid from the large end with the in-ovo injection solutions (0.2 ml per egg). Results indicated that 10 µg MLT/egg positively affected the weight and yield of chicks. In addition, our findings indicated that the in-ovo administration with 10 or 15 µg MLT/egg was superior in most of the immunological indicators (spleen and bursa relative weights, immunoglobulins IgG and IgM, T cells and B cells). In conclusion, in order to improve the immune efficiency (early immune acceleration) of Alexandria chicks, which may contribute to offering a significant boost to their future performance, this study suggests injecting eggs with 5 or 10 µg MLT/egg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed H Khalil
- Poultry Production Dept., Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Saber S Hassan
- Animal and Poultry Production Dept., Faculty of Agriculture, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt
| | - Farid N K Soliman
- Poultry Production Dept., Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mohamed I Hassan
- Livestock Research Dept., Arid Lands Cultivation Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA- City), New Borg El-Arab, Alexandria, Egypt
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11
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Qin Q, Li Z, Zhang M, Dai Y, Li S, Wu H, Zhang Z, Chen P. Effects of melittin on production performance, antioxidant function, immune function, heat shock protein, intestinal morphology, and cecal microbiota in heat-stressed quails. Poult Sci 2023; 102:102713. [PMID: 37540950 PMCID: PMC10407909 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.102713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of melittin on production performance, antioxidant function, immune function, heat shock protein, intestinal morphology, and cecal microbiota of heat-stressed quails. A total of 120 (30-day-old) male quails were randomly divided into 3 groups. Each group consisted of 4 replicates with 10 birds per replicate. The ambient temperature of the control group (group W) was 24°C ± 2°C. The heat stress group (group WH) and the heat stress + melittin group (group WHA2) were subjected to heat stress for 4 h from 12:00 to 16:00 every day, and the temperature was 36°C ± 2°C for 10 d. The results showed that compared with the group W, heat stress significantly decreased growth performance, serum and liver antioxidative function, immune function, intestinal villus height (VH) and villus height-to-crypt depth ratio (VH/CD), and cecal microbiota Chao and ACE index (P < 0.05). The crypt depth (CD) in the small intestine, and HSP70 and HSP90 mRNA levels in the heart, liver, spleen, and kidney were significantly increased (P < 0.05). Dietary melittin significantly increased growth performance, serum and liver antioxidative function, immune function, intestinal VH and VH/CD, and cecal microbiota Shannon index in heat-stressed quails (P < 0.05). Melittin significantly decreased small intestinal CD, and HSP70 and HSP90 mRNA levels in the viscera (P < 0.05). Furthermore, dietary melittin could have balanced the disorder of cecal microbiota caused by heat stress and increased the abundance and diversity of beneficial microbiota (e.g., Firmicutes were significantly increased). PICRUSt2 functional prediction revealed that most of the KEGG pathways with differential abundance caused by high temperature were related to metabolism, and melittin could have restored them close to normal levels. Spearman correlation analysis showed that the beneficial intestinal bacteria Anaerotruncus, Bacteroidales_S24-7_group_norank, Lachnospiraceae_unclassified, Shuttleworthia, and Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014 increased by melittin were positively correlated with average daily feed intake, the average daily gain, serum and liver superoxide dismutase, IgG, IgA, bursa of Fabricius index, and ileum VH and VH/CD. In sum, our results demonstrate for the first time that dietary melittin could improve the adverse effects of heat stress on antioxidant function, immune function, heat shock protein, intestinal morphology, and cecal microbiota in quails, consequently improving their production performance under heat stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingming Qin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Xinyang Agriculture and Forestry University, Xinyang, Henan Province 464000, PR China
| | - Zhili Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Xinyang Agriculture and Forestry University, Xinyang, Henan Province 464000, PR China
| | - Min Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Xinyang Agriculture and Forestry University, Xinyang, Henan Province 464000, PR China
| | - Yaqi Dai
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Xinyang Agriculture and Forestry University, Xinyang, Henan Province 464000, PR China
| | - Shuohan Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Xinyang Agriculture and Forestry University, Xinyang, Henan Province 464000, PR China
| | - Haigang Wu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Xinyang Agriculture and Forestry University, Xinyang, Henan Province 464000, PR China
| | - Zifu Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Xinyang Agriculture and Forestry University, Xinyang, Henan Province 464000, PR China
| | - Peirong Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Xinyang Agriculture and Forestry University, Xinyang, Henan Province 464000, PR China.
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12
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El Naggar HM, Anwar MM, Khayyal AE, Abdelhameed RM, Barakat AM, Sadek SAS, Elashkar AM. Application of honeybee venom loaded nanoparticles for the treatment of chronic toxoplasmosis: parasitological, histopathological, and immunohistochemical studies. J Parasit Dis 2023; 47:591-607. [PMID: 37520202 PMCID: PMC10382463 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-023-01602-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic intracellular protozoon which may cause severe disease in the immunocompromised patients. Unfortunately, the majority of treatments on the market work against tachyzoites in the acute infection but can't affect tissue cysts in the chronic phase. So, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of bee venom (BV) loaded metal organic frameworks (MOFs) nanoparticles (NPs) for the treatment of chronic murine toxoplasmosis. Ninety laboratory Swiss Albino mice were divided into 9 groups (10 mice each); GI (negative control), GII (infected control), GIII-GXI (infected with Me49 strain of Toxoplasma and treated); GIII (MOFs-NPs), GIV and GV (BV alone and loaded on MOFs-NPs), GVI and GVII (spiramycin alone and loaded on MOFs-NPs), GVIII and GIX (ciprofloxacin alone and loaded on MOFs-NPs). Parasitological examination of brain cyst count, histopathological study of brain, retina, liver, and kidney tissue sections and immunohistochemical (IHC) evaluation of liver was performed. Counting of Toxoplasma brain cysts showed high statistically significant difference between the infected treated groups and GII. GV showed the least count of brain cysts; mean ± SD (281 ± 29.5). Histopathological examination revealed a marked ameliorative effect of BV administration when used alone or loaded MOFs-NPs. It significantly reduced tissue inflammation, degeneration, and fibrosis. IHC examination of liver sections revealed high density CD8+ infiltration in GII, low density CD8+ infiltration in GIII, GVI, GVII, GVIII, and GIX while GIV and GV showed intermediate density CD8+ infiltration. BV is a promising Apitherapy against chronic toxoplasmosis. This effect is markedly enhanced by MOFs-NPs. Graphical abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba M. El Naggar
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mona M Anwar
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amira E. Khayyal
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Reda M Abdelhameed
- Department of Applied Organic Chemistry, Chemical Industries Research Division, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ashraf M. Barakat
- Department of Zoonotic Diseases, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Sabry A. S. Sadek
- Department of Zoonotic Diseases, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ayman M. Elashkar
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha, KSA Saudi Arabia
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13
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Dahdouh F, Belhamzaoui K, Aouadi L, Aldahmash W, Harrath AH, Plavan G, Smaali ME, Berrabah HD. Bee Venom Causes Oxidative Stress, Biochemical and Histopathological Changes in the Kidney of Mice. Physiol Res 2023; 72:455-463. [PMID: 37795888 PMCID: PMC10634568 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.935125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Accidents with venomous bees are a serious worldwide health concern. Since the kidney has been reported as the main venom-target organ, the present study was undertaken to investigate the in vivo nephrotoxic effect of Algerian bee venom (ABV) (Apis mellifera intermissa) collected in the middle east of Algeria. A preliminary study was performed on ABV to identify the ABV using SDS-PAGE analysis and to determine the in vivo intraperitoneal median lethal dose (LD50) using the Probit analysis test. In vivo nephrotoxic effect was assessed through the determination of physiological and kidney biochemical markers in mice intraperitoneally injected with ABV at doses of 0.76 (D1); 1.14 (D2) and 2.29 mg/kg body weight (bwt) (D3), corresponding respectively to LD50/15, LD50/10, and LD50/5 (i.p. LD50=11.48 mg/kg bwt) for seven consecutive days. Results revealed a marked decrease in body weight gain and food intake, and an increase in absolute and relative kidney weights in ABV D2 and D3 treated mice compared with controls. Furthermore, ABV D2 and D3 resulted in a significant increase in serum creatinine, urea, and uric acid. ABV-induced oxidative stress was evidenced by a significant increase in kidney MDA level, and a significant depletion in kidney GSH level, and catalase activity. Meanwhile, no marked changes in the above-mentioned parameters were noticed in ABV D1. Accordingly, the adverse nephrotoxic effect of ABV was proved by the dose-dependent kidney histological changes. In summary, the results of the present study evidence that ABV at doses of 1.14 (D2) and 2.28 mg/kg body weight (bwt) can cause marked changes in kidney biochemical and major antioxidant markers, and histological architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Dahdouh
- Laboratory of Cell Toxicology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Badji-Mokhtar, Annaba University, Annaba, Algeria
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14
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Zheng X, Wang X, Wang Q, Liu M, Peng W, Zhao Y. Severe pathological changes in the blood and organs of SD rats stung by honeybees. Toxicon 2023; 231:107196. [PMID: 37348820 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
With the development of beekeeping, the risk of bee stings in humans is increasing. Severe and life-threatening toxic reactions can occur after multiple bee stings, and their pathogenesis has not been elucidated. To understand the effect of multiple bees (Apis mellifera) stings on the organism in a short period, we stung rats once and five times, respectively. Serum and organs were obtained after 3 h for analysis. The results indicated that skin erythema was more pronounced and hemolysis was more severe as the number of puncture wounds increased. After being stung by five bees, rats had dramatically higher serum levels of direct bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase, producing more differential metabolites that affected mainly four metabolic pathways. In addition, the liver, kidney and heart showed significant congestion and inflammation. This study helps explain the organism's clinical response to bee venom and may be valuable in treating toxic reactions following bee stings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Xue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Qingyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Mengyao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Wenjun Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100093, China.
| | - Yazhou Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100093, China.
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15
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Małek A, Strzemski M, Kurzepa J, Kurzepa J. Can Bee Venom Be Used as Anticancer Agent in Modern Medicine? Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3714. [PMID: 37509375 PMCID: PMC10378503 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Honey bee venom in its composition contains many biologically active peptides and enzymes that are effective in the fight against diseases of various etiologies. The history of the use of bee venom for medicinal purposes dates back thousands of years. There are many reports in the literature on the pharmacological properties of bee venom and/or its main components, e.g., anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial or neuroprotective properties. In addition, both crude venom and melittin exhibit cytotoxic activity against a wide range of tumor cells, with significant anti-metastatic activity in pre-clinical studies. Due to the constantly increasing incidence of cancer, the development of new therapeutic strategies in oncology is a particular challenge for modern medicine. A review paper discusses the various properties of bee venom with an emphasis on its anticancer properties. For this purpose, the PubMed database was searched, and publications related to "bee", "venom", "cancer" from the last 10 years were selected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Małek
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Maciej Strzemski
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Joanna Kurzepa
- 1st Department of Radiology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Jacek Kurzepa
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
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16
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Gaubert J, Giovenazzo P, Derome N. Individual and social defenses in Apis mellifera: a playground to fight against synergistic stressor interactions. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1172859. [PMID: 37485064 PMCID: PMC10360197 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1172859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The honeybee is an important species for the agri-food and pharmaceutical industries through bee products and crop pollination services. However, honeybee health is a major concern, because beekeepers in many countries are experiencing significant colony losses. This phenomenon has been linked to the exposure of bees to multiple stresses in their environment. Indeed, several biotic and abiotic stressors interact with bees in a synergistic or antagonistic way. Synergistic stressors often act through a disruption of their defense systems (immune response or detoxification). Antagonistic interactions are most often caused by interactions between biotic stressors or disruptive activation of bee defenses. Honeybees have developed behavioral defense strategies and produce antimicrobial compounds to prevent exposure to various pathogens and chemicals. Expanding our knowledge about these processes could be used to develop strategies to shield bees from exposure. This review aims to describe current knowledge about the exposure of honeybees to multiple stresses and the defense mechanisms they have developed to protect themselves. The effect of multi-stress exposure is mainly due to a disruption of the immune response, detoxification, or an excessive defense response by the bee itself. In addition, bees have developed defenses against stressors, some behavioral, others involving the production of antimicrobials, or exploiting beneficial external factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joy Gaubert
- Laboratoire Derome, Département de Biologie, Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Laboratoire Giovenazzo, Département de Biologie, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Pierre Giovenazzo
- Laboratoire Derome, Département de Biologie, Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Nicolas Derome
- Laboratoire Derome, Département de Biologie, Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Laboratoire Giovenazzo, Département de Biologie, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
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Espinal P, Fusté E, Sierra JM, Jiménez-Galisteo G, Vinuesa T, Viñas M. Progress towards the clinical use of antimicrobial peptides: challenges and opportunities. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2023:1-10. [PMID: 37366927 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2023.2226796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To overcome the challenge of multidrug resistance, natural and synthetic peptides are candidates to become the basis of innovative therapeutics, featuring diverse mechanisms of action. Traditionally, the time elapsed from medical discoveries to their application is long. The urgency derived from the emergence of antibiotic resistance recommends an acceleration of research to put the new weapons in the hands of clinicians. AREAS COVERED This narrative review introduces ideas and suggestions of new strategies that may be used as a basis upon which to recommend reduced development times and to facilitate the arrival of new molecules in the fight against microbes. EXPERT OPINION Although studies on new innovative antimicrobial treatments are being conducted, sooner rather than later, more clinical trials, preclinical and translational research are needed to promote the development of innovative antimicrobial treatments for multidrug resistant infections. The situation is worrying, no less than that generated by pandemics such as the ones we have just experienced and conflicts such as world wars. Although from the point of view of human perception, resistance to antibiotics may not seem as serious as these other situations, it is possibly the hidden pandemic that most jeopardizes the future of medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Espinal
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology & Antimicrobials, Department of Pathology & Experimental Therapeutics, Medical School, Campus Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ester Fusté
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology & Antimicrobials, Department of Pathology & Experimental Therapeutics, Medical School, Campus Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Public Health, Mental Health, And Maternal and Child Health Nursing, University of Barcelona and IDIBELL, Campus Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep M Sierra
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology & Antimicrobials, Department of Pathology & Experimental Therapeutics, Medical School, Campus Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Guadalupe Jiménez-Galisteo
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology & Antimicrobials, Department of Pathology & Experimental Therapeutics, Medical School, Campus Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Teresa Vinuesa
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology & Antimicrobials, Department of Pathology & Experimental Therapeutics, Medical School, Campus Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel Viñas
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology & Antimicrobials, Department of Pathology & Experimental Therapeutics, Medical School, Campus Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
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Chae SU, Jo SJ, Lee CB, Lee S, Park JH, Jung JS, Park ES, Bae H, Bae SK. Pharmacokinetics and Tissue Distribution of Bee Venom-Derived Phospholipase A2 Using a Sandwich ELISA after Subcutaneous Injection of New Composition Bee Venom in Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10214. [PMID: 37373367 PMCID: PMC10299594 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Bee venom is a traditional drug used to treat the nervous system, musculoskeletal system, and autoimmune diseases. A previous study found that bee venom and one of its components, phospholipase A2, can protect the brain by suppressing neuroinflammation and can also be used to treat Alzheimer's disease. Thus, new composition bee venom (NCBV), which has an increased phospholipase A2 content of up to 76.2%, was developed as a treatment agent for Alzheimer's disease by INISTst (Republic of Korea). The aim of this study was to characterize the pharmacokinetic profiles of phospholipase A2 contained in NCBV in rats. Single subcutaneous administration of NCBV at doses ranging from 0.2 mg/kg to 5 mg/kg was conducted, and pharmacokinetic parameters of bee venom-derived phospholipase A2 (bvPLA2) increased in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, no accumulation was observed following multiple dosings (0.5 mg/kg/week), and other constituents of NCBV did not affect the pharmacokinetic profile of bvPLA2. After subcutaneous injection of NCBV, the tissue-to-plasma ratios of bvPLA2 for the tested nine tissues were all <1.0, indicating a limited distribution of the bvPLA2 within the tissues. The findings of this study may help understand the pharmacokinetic characteristics of bvPLA2 and provide useful information for the clinical application of NCBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soon Uk Chae
- College of Pharmacy and Integrated Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, 43 Jibong-ro, Bucheon-si 14662, Republic of Korea; (S.U.C.); (S.J.J.); (C.B.L.); (S.L.)
| | - Seong Jun Jo
- College of Pharmacy and Integrated Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, 43 Jibong-ro, Bucheon-si 14662, Republic of Korea; (S.U.C.); (S.J.J.); (C.B.L.); (S.L.)
| | - Chae Bin Lee
- College of Pharmacy and Integrated Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, 43 Jibong-ro, Bucheon-si 14662, Republic of Korea; (S.U.C.); (S.J.J.); (C.B.L.); (S.L.)
| | - Sangyoung Lee
- College of Pharmacy and Integrated Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, 43 Jibong-ro, Bucheon-si 14662, Republic of Korea; (S.U.C.); (S.J.J.); (C.B.L.); (S.L.)
| | - Ji-Hyun Park
- INISTst R&D Center, 19th F, Higgs U-Tower, 184, Jungbu-daero, Yongin-si 17095, Republic of Korea; (J.-H.P.); (J.-S.J.); (E.-S.P.)
| | - Jin-Su Jung
- INISTst R&D Center, 19th F, Higgs U-Tower, 184, Jungbu-daero, Yongin-si 17095, Republic of Korea; (J.-H.P.); (J.-S.J.); (E.-S.P.)
| | - Eui-Suk Park
- INISTst R&D Center, 19th F, Higgs U-Tower, 184, Jungbu-daero, Yongin-si 17095, Republic of Korea; (J.-H.P.); (J.-S.J.); (E.-S.P.)
| | - Hyunsu Bae
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02453, Republic of Korea;
| | - Soo Kyung Bae
- College of Pharmacy and Integrated Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, 43 Jibong-ro, Bucheon-si 14662, Republic of Korea; (S.U.C.); (S.J.J.); (C.B.L.); (S.L.)
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Fernandes ES, da Silva Figueiredo IF, Monteiro CRAV, Monteiro-Neto V. Antimicrobial and Anti-Infective Activity of Natural Products-Gaining Knowledge from Novel Studies. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1051. [PMID: 37370369 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12061051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in the development of antimicrobial drugs in the last centuries, antimicrobial resistance has consistently raised in the last decades, compromising their effectiveness. Novel antimicrobial compounds, especially from natural sources, including plants, microorganisms, and animals, have since become a growing area of research. In this context, studies covering the investigation of their ability to combat resistant microorganisms, either by neutralization or inactivation of pathogen resistance mechanisms and virulence properties, have gained attention. Herein, a collection of 19 manuscripts focused on the antimicrobial and anti-infective activity of natural products, including their mechanisms of action, in silico evidence of antimicrobial activity, synergistic associations with antibiotics, and other aspects, will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth S Fernandes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia Aplicada à Saúde da Criança e do Adolescente, Faculdades Pequeno Príncipe, Av. Iguaçu No 333, Curitiba 80230-020, PR, Brazil
- Instituto de Pesquisa Pelé Pequeno Príncipe, Av. Silva Jardim No 1632, Curitiba 80240-020, PR, Brazil
| | - Isabella F da Silva Figueiredo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia Aplicada à Saúde da Criança e do Adolescente, Faculdades Pequeno Príncipe, Av. Iguaçu No 333, Curitiba 80230-020, PR, Brazil
| | - Cinara R A V Monteiro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, Av. dos Portugueses No 1966, Cidade Universitária Dom Delgado, São Luís 65085-040, MA, Brazil
| | - Valério Monteiro-Neto
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, Av. dos Portugueses No 1966, Cidade Universitária Dom Delgado, São Luís 65085-040, MA, Brazil
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20
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Ali YA, Soliman HA, Abdel-Gabbar M, Ahmed NA, Attia KAA, Shalaby FM, El-Nahass ES, Ahmed OM. Rutin and Hesperidin Revoke the Hepatotoxicity Induced by Paclitaxel in Male Wistar Rats via Their Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antiapoptotic Activities. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2023; 2023:2738351. [PMID: 37275575 PMCID: PMC10238143 DOI: 10.1155/2023/2738351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Paclitaxel, one of the most effective chemotherapeutic drugs, is used to treat various cancers but it is exceedingly toxic when used long-term and can harm the liver. This study aimed to see if rutin, hesperidin, and their combination could protect male Wistar rats against paclitaxel (Taxol)-induced hepatotoxicity. Adult male Wistar rats were subdivided into 5 groups (each of six rats). The normal group was orally given the equivalent volume of vehicles for 6 weeks. The paclitaxel-administered control group received intraperitoneal injection of paclitaxel at a dose of 2 mg/Kg body weight twice a week for 6 weeks. Treated paclitaxel-administered groups were given paclitaxel similar to the paclitaxel-administered control group together with oral supplementation of rutin, hesperidin, and their combination at a dose of 10 mg/Kg body weight every other day for 6 weeks. The treatment of paclitaxel-administered rats with rutin and hesperidin significantly reduced paclitaxel-induced increases in serum alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase activities as well as total bilirubin level and liver lipid peroxidation. However, the levels of serum albumin, liver glutathione content, and the activities of liver superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase increased. Furthermore, paclitaxel-induced harmful hepatic histological changes (central vein and portal area blood vessel congestion, fatty changes, and moderate necrotic changes with focal nuclear pyknosis, focal mononuclear infiltration, and Kupffer cell proliferation) were remarkably enhanced by rutin and hesperidin treatments. Moreover, the elevated hepatic proapoptotic mediator (caspase-3) and pro-inflammatory cytokine (tumor necrosis factor-α) expressions were decreased by the three treatments in paclitaxel-administered rats. The cotreatment with rutin and hesperidin was the most effective in restoring the majority of liver function and histological integrity. Therefore, rutin, hesperidin, and their combination may exert hepatic protective effects in paclitaxel-administered rats by improving antioxidant defenses and inhibiting inflammation and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmine A. Ali
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, P.O. Box 62521, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Hanan A. Soliman
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, P.O. Box 62521, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Abdel-Gabbar
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, P.O. Box 62521, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Noha A. Ahmed
- Physiology Division, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, P.O. Box 62521, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Kandil A. A. Attia
- Clinical Nutrition Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, P.O. Box 114, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Evaluation of Natural Resources, Environmental Studies and Research Institute, El-Sadat City University, El-Sadat City 32897, Egypt
| | - Fatma M. Shalaby
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - El-Shaymaa El-Nahass
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Beni-Suef University, P.O. Box 62521, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Osama M. Ahmed
- Physiology Division, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, P.O. Box 62521, Beni-Suef, Egypt
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21
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Dumitriu Buzia O, Păduraru AM, Stefan CS, Dinu M, Cocoș DI, Nwabudike LC, Tatu AL. Strategies for Improving Transdermal Administration: New Approaches to Controlled Drug Release. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15041183. [PMID: 37111667 PMCID: PMC10143057 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In this work, we aim to address several strategies to improve transdermal drug delivery, such as iontophoresis, sonophoresis, electroporation and micron. We also propose a review of some transdermal patches and their applications in medicine. TDDs (transdermal patches with delayed active substances) are multilayered pharmaceutical preparations that may contain one or more active substances, of which, systemic absorption is achieved through intact skin. The paper also presents new approaches to the controlled release of drugs: niosomes, microemulsions, transfersomes, ethosomes, but also hybrid approaches nanoemulsions and microns. The novelty of this review lies in the presentation of strategies to improve the transdermal administration of drugs, combined with their applications in medicine, in light of pharmaceutical technological developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olimpia Dumitriu Buzia
- Centre in the Medical-Pharmaceutical Field, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, "Dunarea de Jos" University of Galați, 800008 Galați, Romania
| | - Ana Maria Păduraru
- Centre in the Medical-Pharmaceutical Field, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, "Dunarea de Jos" University of Galați, 800008 Galați, Romania
| | - Claudia Simona Stefan
- Centre in the Medical-Pharmaceutical Field, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, "Dunarea de Jos" University of Galați, 800008 Galați, Romania
| | - Monica Dinu
- Centre in the Medical-Pharmaceutical Field, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, "Dunarea de Jos" University of Galați, 800008 Galați, Romania
| | - Dorin Ioan Cocoș
- Centre in the Medical-Pharmaceutical Field, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, "Dunarea de Jos" University of Galați, 800008 Galați, Romania
| | | | - Alin Laurențiu Tatu
- Clinical Medical Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, "Dunarea de Jos" University, 800008 Galati, Romania
- Dermatology Department, "Sf. Cuvioasa Parascheva" Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases, 800179 Galati, Romania
- Multidisciplinary Integrative Center for Dermatologic Interface Research MIC-DIR, 800010 Galati, Romania
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Dashevsky D, Baumann K, Undheim EAB, Nouwens A, Ikonomopoulou MP, Schmidt JO, Ge L, Kwok HF, Rodriguez J, Fry BG. Functional and Proteomic Insights into Aculeata Venoms. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:toxins15030224. [PMID: 36977115 PMCID: PMC10053895 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15030224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Aculeate hymenopterans use their venom for a variety of different purposes. The venom of solitary aculeates paralyze and preserve prey without killing it, whereas social aculeates utilize their venom in defence of their colony. These distinct applications of venom suggest that its components and their functions are also likely to differ. This study investigates a range of solitary and social species across Aculeata. We combined electrophoretic, mass spectrometric, and transcriptomic techniques to characterize the compositions of venoms from an incredibly diverse taxon. In addition, in vitro assays shed light on their biological activities. Although there were many common components identified in the venoms of species with different social behavior, there were also significant variations in the presence and activity of enzymes such as phospholipase A2s and serine proteases and the cytotoxicity of the venoms. Social aculeate venom showed higher presence of peptides that cause damage and pain in victims. The venom-gland transcriptome from the European honeybee (Apis mellifera) contained highly conserved toxins which match those identified by previous investigations. In contrast, venoms from less-studied taxa returned limited results from our proteomic databases, suggesting that they contain unique toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Dashevsky
- Australian National Insect Collection, Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
- Correspondence: (D.D.); (B.G.F.)
| | - Kate Baumann
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Eivind A. B. Undheim
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, Department of Bioscience, University of Oslo, N-0316 Oslo, Norway
| | - Amanda Nouwens
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Maria P. Ikonomopoulou
- Translational Venomics Group, Madrid Institute for Advanced Studies in Food, 4075 Madrid, Spain
| | - Justin O. Schmidt
- Southwestern Biological Institute, 1961 W. Brichta Dr., Tucson, AZ 85745, USA
| | - Lilin Ge
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base for TCM Quality and Efficacy, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Qixia District, Nanjing 210046, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau
| | - Hang Fai Kwok
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau
| | - Juanita Rodriguez
- Australian National Insect Collection, Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Bryan G. Fry
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
- Correspondence: (D.D.); (B.G.F.)
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23
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Sevin S, Deveci Ozkan A, Tutun H, Kivrak I, Turna O, Guney Eskiler G. Determination of the Effects of Bee Venom on Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells in Vitro. Chem Biodivers 2023; 20:e202201263. [PMID: 36806913 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202201263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
Honeybees provide multiple products such as bee venom (BV) which are used for various nutritional and medicinal purposes. BV has received great attention due to its wide range of bioactive components with potential anti-cancer effects on different cancers. Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is defined as an aggressive type of breast cancer and new therapeutic targets are required for its treatment. In the current literature information is varied about the composition and quantity of BV bioactive compounds as well as the origin of BV and its significance. In this context, the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of BV with a higher rate of mellitin from Apis mellifera anatoliaca (Muğla ecotype) on MDA-MB-231 cells was evaluated, in vitro. The cytotoxic, apoptotic and morphological effects of BV were determined by WST-1, Annexin V, cell cycle analysis and Acridine Orange staining. The results showed that BV caused apoptotic cell death in TNBC cells at a lower dose (0.47 μg/mL, p<0.01). This study suggests that BV could be developed as a potential therapeutic agent for cancer treatment. However, the mechanism of BV-induced apoptosis death should be clarified at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sedat Sevin
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, 06070, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Asuman Deveci Ozkan
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Sakarya University, 54050, Sakarya, Turkey
| | - Hidayet Tutun
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, 15030, Burdur, Turkey
| | - Ibrahim Kivrak
- Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University -, Muğla Vocational School Department of Chemistry and Chemical Treatment Technologies, 48000, Muğla, Turkey
| | - Ozge Turna
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Istanbul Cerrahpasa University, 34320, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gamze Guney Eskiler
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Sakarya University, 54050, Sakarya, Turkey
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Therapeutic Use of Bee Venom and Potential Applications in Veterinary Medicine. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10020119. [PMID: 36851423 PMCID: PMC9965945 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10020119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Apitherapy is a branch of alternative medicine that consists of the treatment of diseases through products collected, processed, and secreted by bees, specifically pollen, propolis, honey, royal jelly, and bee venom. In traditional medicine, the virtues of honey and propolis have been well-known for centuries. The same, however, cannot be said for venom. The use of bee venom is particularly relevant for many therapeutic aspects. In recent decades, scientific studies have confirmed and enabled us to understand its properties. Bee venom has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, central nervous system inhibiting, radioprotective, antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, among others. Numerous studies have often been summarised in reviews of the scientific literature that have focused on the results obtained with mouse models and their subsequent transposition to the human patient. In contrast, few reviews of scientific work on the use of bee venom in veterinary medicine exist. This review aims to take stock of the research achievements in this particular discipline, with a view to a recapitulation and stabilisation in the different research fields.
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25
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Abd El-Hakam FEZ, Abo Laban G, Badr El-Din S, Abd El-Hamid H, Farouk MH. Apitherapy combination improvement of blood pressure, cardiovascular protection, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses in dexamethasone model hypertensive rats. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20765. [PMID: 36456799 PMCID: PMC9714403 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24727-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertension-induced ventricular and vascular remodeling causes myocardial infarction, heart failure, and sudden death. Most available pharmaceutical products used to treat hypertension lead to adverse effects on human health. Limited data is available on apitherapy (bee products) combinations for treatment of hypertension. This study aims to evaluate the antihypertensive effects of combinations of natural apitherapy compounds used in the medical sector to treat a variety of diseases. Rats were assigned into six groups consisting of one control group and five hypertensive groups where hypertension (blood pressure > 140/90) was induced with dexamethasone. One of these groups was used as a hypertension model, while the remaining four hypertensive groups were treated with a propolis, royal jelly, and bee venom combination (PRV) at daily oral doses of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/kg, and with losartan 10 mg/kg. The PRV combination at all doses decreased arterial blood pressure below the suboptimal value (p < 0.001), and PRV combination treatment improved dexamethasone-induced-ECG changes. The same treatment decreased angiotensin-II, endothelin-1, and tumor growth factor β serum levels in hypertensive rats. Additionally, PRV combination improved histopathological structure, and decreased serum levels of NF-kB and oxidative stress biomarkers. We concluded that PRV combination therapy may be used as a potential treatment for a variety of cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma El-Zahraa Abd El-Hakam
- grid.411303.40000 0001 2155 6022Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, 11884 Cairo Egypt
| | - Gomaa Abo Laban
- grid.411303.40000 0001 2155 6022Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, 11884 Cairo Egypt
| | - Sahar Badr El-Din
- grid.411303.40000 0001 2155 6022Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, 11884 Cairo Egypt
| | - Hala Abd El-Hamid
- grid.411303.40000 0001 2155 6022Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, 11884 Cairo Egypt
| | - Mohammed Hamdy Farouk
- grid.411303.40000 0001 2155 6022Animal Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, 11884 Cairo Egypt
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Shi P, Xie S, Yang J, Zhang Y, Han S, Su S, Yao H. Pharmacological effects and mechanisms of bee venom and its main components: Recent progress and perspective. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1001553. [PMID: 36238572 PMCID: PMC9553197 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1001553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Bee venom (BV), a type of defensive venom, has been confirmed to have favorable activities, such as anti-tumor, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-infectivity effects, etc. This study reviewed the recent progress on the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of BV and its main components against cancer, neurological disorders, inflammatory diseases, pain, microbial diseases, liver, kidney, lung and muscle injury, and other diseases in literature during the years 2018–2021. The related target proteins of BV and its main components against the diseases include Akt, mTOR, JNK, Wnt-5α, HIF-1α, NF-κB, JAK2, Nrf2, BDNF, Smad2/3, AMPK, and so on, which are referring to PI3K/Akt/mTOR, MAPK, Wnt/β-catenin, HIF-1α, NF-κB, JAK/STAT, Nrf2/HO-1, TrkB/CREB/BDNF, TGF-β/Smad2/3, and AMPK signaling pathways, etc. Further, with the reported targets, the potential effects and mechanisms on diseases were bioinformatically predicted via Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway, disease ontology semantic and enrichment (DOSE) and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analyses. This review provides new insights into the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of BV and its main components on diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiying Shi
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resource and Bee Products, College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Natural Biotoxins, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Peiying Shi, ; Hong Yao,
| | - Shihui Xie
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resource and Bee Products, College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jiali Yang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resource and Bee Products, College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resource and Bee Products, College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shuo Han
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resource and Bee Products, College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Songkun Su
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resource and Bee Products, College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hong Yao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Peiying Shi, ; Hong Yao,
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Matysiak J, Matuszewska E, Packi K, Klupczyńska-Gabryszak A. Diagnosis of Hymenoptera Venom Allergy: State of the Art, Challenges, and Perspectives. Biomedicines 2022; 10:2170. [PMID: 36140269 PMCID: PMC9496208 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hymenoptera venom allergy is the most common cause of anaphylaxis in adults and the second-most frequent in children. The proper diagnosis of this life-threatening allergy remains a challenge. This review focuses on the current knowledge regarding diagnostics of Hymenoptera venom allergy. The paper includes a brief description of the representatives of Hymenoptera order and the composition of their venoms. Then, diagnostic tests for allergy to Hymenoptera venom are described. Common diagnostic problems, especially double positivity in tests for IgE antibodies specific to honeybee and wasp venom, are also discussed. Special attention is paid to the search for new diagnostic capabilities using modern methodologies. Multidimensional molecular analysis offers an opportunity to characterize changes in body fluids associated with Hymenoptera venom allergy and yields a unique insight into the cell status. Despite recent developments in the diagnostics of Hymenoptera venom allergy, new testing methodologies are still needed to answer questions and doubts we have.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Matysiak
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Calisia University-Kalisz, 62-800 Kalisz, Poland
| | - Eliza Matuszewska
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland; (E.M.); (K.P.); (A.K.-G.)
| | - Kacper Packi
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland; (E.M.); (K.P.); (A.K.-G.)
- AllerGen, Center of Personalized Medicine, 97-300 Piotrkow Trybunalski, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Klupczyńska-Gabryszak
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland; (E.M.); (K.P.); (A.K.-G.)
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28
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Wang Y, Kang H, Jin M, Wang G, Ma W, Liu Z, Xue Y, Li C. Phenotypic and Transcriptomics Analyses Reveal Underlying Mechanisms in a Mouse Model of Corneal Bee Sting. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14070468. [PMID: 35878206 PMCID: PMC9323056 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14070468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal bee sting (CBS) is one of the most common ocular traumas and can lead to blindness. The ophthalmic manifestations are caused by direct mechanical effects of bee stings, toxic effects, and host immune responses to bee venom (BV); however, the underlying pathogenesis remains unclear. Clinically, topical steroids and antibiotics are routinely used to treat CBS patients but the specific drug targets are unknown; therefore, it is imperative to study the pathological characteristics, injury mechanisms, and therapeutic targets involved in CBS. In the present study, a CBS injury model was successfully established by injecting BV into the corneal stroma of healthy C57BL/6 mice. F-actin staining revealed corneal endothelial cell damage, decreased density, skeletal disorder, and thickened corneal stromal. The terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay showed apoptosis of both epithelial and endothelial cells. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis showed that cytokine–cytokine interactions were the most relevant pathway for pathogenesis. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis showed that IL-1, TNF, and IL-6 were the most relevant nodes. RNA-seq after the application of Tobradex® (0.3% tobramycin and 0.1% dexamethasone) eye ointment showed that Tobradex® not only downregulated relevant inflammatory factors but also reduced corneal pain as well as promoted nerve regeneration by repairing axons. Here, a stable and reliable model of CBS injury was successfully established for the first time, and the pathogenesis of CBS and the therapeutic targets of Tobradex® are discussed. These hub genes are expected to be biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the diagnosis and treatment of CBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanzi Wang
- Eye Institute & Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; (Y.W.); (H.K.); (M.J.); (Z.L.)
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Honghua Kang
- Eye Institute & Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; (Y.W.); (H.K.); (M.J.); (Z.L.)
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Mengyi Jin
- Eye Institute & Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; (Y.W.); (H.K.); (M.J.); (Z.L.)
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Guoliang Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China;
| | - Weifang Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, No.4 West China Teaching Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China;
| | - Zhen Liu
- Eye Institute & Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; (Y.W.); (H.K.); (M.J.); (Z.L.)
| | - Yuhua Xue
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China;
- Correspondence: (Y.X.); (C.L.); Tel./Fax: +86-592-2189698 (Y.X.)
| | - Cheng Li
- Eye Institute & Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; (Y.W.); (H.K.); (M.J.); (Z.L.)
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
- Correspondence: (Y.X.); (C.L.); Tel./Fax: +86-592-2189698 (Y.X.)
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Roque-Borda CA, Gualque MWDL, da Fonseca FH, Pavan FR, Santos-Filho NA. Nanobiotechnology with Therapeutically Relevant Macromolecules from Animal Venoms: Venoms, Toxins, and Antimicrobial Peptides. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:891. [PMID: 35631477 PMCID: PMC9146920 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14050891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Some diseases of uncontrolled proliferation such as cancer, as well as infectious diseases, are the main cause of death in the world, and their causative agents have rapidly developed resistance to the various existing treatments, making them even more dangerous. Thereby, the discovery of new therapeutic agents is a challenge promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO). Biomacromolecules, isolated or synthesized from a natural template, have therapeutic properties which have not yet been fully studied, and represent an unexplored potential in the search for new drugs. These substances, starting from conglomerates of proteins and other substances such as animal venoms, or from minor substances such as bioactive peptides, help fight diseases or counteract harmful effects. The high effectiveness of these biomacromolecules makes them promising substances for obtaining new drugs; however, their low bioavailability or stability in biological systems is a challenge to be overcome in the coming years with the help of nanotechnology. The objective of this review article is to describe the relationship between the structure and function of biomacromolecules of animal origin that have applications already described using nanotechnology and targeted delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesar Augusto Roque-Borda
- Tuberculosis Research Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, Brazil; (C.A.R.-B.); (F.R.P.)
| | - Marcos William de Lima Gualque
- Proteomics Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, Brazil;
| | - Fauller Henrique da Fonseca
- Department of Biochemistry and Organic Chemistry, Chemistry Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, Brazil;
| | - Fernando Rogério Pavan
- Tuberculosis Research Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, Brazil; (C.A.R.-B.); (F.R.P.)
| | - Norival Alves Santos-Filho
- Department of Biochemistry and Organic Chemistry, Chemistry Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, Brazil;
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Aburayan WS, Alajmi AM, Alfahad AJ, Alsharif WK, Alshehri AA, Booq RY, Alsudir SA, Alsulaihem FM, Bukhary HA, Badr MY, Alyamani EJ, Tawfik EA. Melittin from Bee Venom Encapsulating Electrospun Fibers as a Potential Antimicrobial Wound Dressing Patches for Skin Infections. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14040725. [PMID: 35456558 PMCID: PMC9030956 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14040725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Skin infection compromises the body’s natural defenses. Several antibiotics are no longer effective owing to the evolution of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria, hence, the constant development of novel antibacterial agents. Naturally occurring antibacterial agents may be potential candidates for AMR bacterial infection treatments; however, caution should be taken when administering such agents due to the high incidence of toxicity. A fibrous material system from a biocompatible polymer that could be used as a skin patch for skin infections treatment caused by AMR bacteria is proposed in this study. Bee venom’s active ingredient, melittin, was fabricated using electrospinning technology. Scanning electron microscopy showed that melittin-loaded fibers had smooth surfaces with no signs of beads or pores. The average diameter of this fibrous system was measured to be 1030 ± 160 nm, indicating its successful preparation. The melittin fibers’ drug loading and entrapment efficiency (EE%) were 49 ± 3 µg/mg and 84 ± 5%, respectively. This high EE% can be another successful preparatory criterion. An in vitro release study demonstrated that 40% of melittin was released after 5 min and achieved complete release after 120 min owing to the hydrophilic nature of the PVP polymer. A concentration of ≤10 µg/mL was shown to be safe for use on human dermal fibroblasts HFF-1 after 24-h exposure, while an antibacterial MIC study found that 5 μg/mL was the effective antimicrobial concentration for S. aureus, A. baumannii, E. coli and Candida albicans yeast. A melittin-loaded fibrous system demonstrated an antibacterial zone of inhibition equivalent to the control (melittin discs), suggesting its potential use as a wound dressing patch for skin infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walaa S. Aburayan
- National Center of Biotechnology, Life Science and Environment Research Institute, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia; (W.S.A.); (A.M.A.); (A.J.A.); (W.K.A.); (A.A.A.); (R.Y.B.); (S.A.A.); (F.M.A.); (E.J.A.)
| | - Areej M. Alajmi
- National Center of Biotechnology, Life Science and Environment Research Institute, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia; (W.S.A.); (A.M.A.); (A.J.A.); (W.K.A.); (A.A.A.); (R.Y.B.); (S.A.A.); (F.M.A.); (E.J.A.)
| | - Ahmed J. Alfahad
- National Center of Biotechnology, Life Science and Environment Research Institute, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia; (W.S.A.); (A.M.A.); (A.J.A.); (W.K.A.); (A.A.A.); (R.Y.B.); (S.A.A.); (F.M.A.); (E.J.A.)
| | - Wijdan K. Alsharif
- National Center of Biotechnology, Life Science and Environment Research Institute, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia; (W.S.A.); (A.M.A.); (A.J.A.); (W.K.A.); (A.A.A.); (R.Y.B.); (S.A.A.); (F.M.A.); (E.J.A.)
| | - Abdullah A. Alshehri
- National Center of Biotechnology, Life Science and Environment Research Institute, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia; (W.S.A.); (A.M.A.); (A.J.A.); (W.K.A.); (A.A.A.); (R.Y.B.); (S.A.A.); (F.M.A.); (E.J.A.)
| | - Rayan Y. Booq
- National Center of Biotechnology, Life Science and Environment Research Institute, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia; (W.S.A.); (A.M.A.); (A.J.A.); (W.K.A.); (A.A.A.); (R.Y.B.); (S.A.A.); (F.M.A.); (E.J.A.)
| | - Samar A. Alsudir
- National Center of Biotechnology, Life Science and Environment Research Institute, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia; (W.S.A.); (A.M.A.); (A.J.A.); (W.K.A.); (A.A.A.); (R.Y.B.); (S.A.A.); (F.M.A.); (E.J.A.)
| | - Fatemah M. Alsulaihem
- National Center of Biotechnology, Life Science and Environment Research Institute, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia; (W.S.A.); (A.M.A.); (A.J.A.); (W.K.A.); (A.A.A.); (R.Y.B.); (S.A.A.); (F.M.A.); (E.J.A.)
| | - Haitham A. Bukhary
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 24381, Saudi Arabia; (H.A.B.); (M.Y.B.)
| | - Moutaz Y. Badr
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 24381, Saudi Arabia; (H.A.B.); (M.Y.B.)
| | - Essam J. Alyamani
- National Center of Biotechnology, Life Science and Environment Research Institute, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia; (W.S.A.); (A.M.A.); (A.J.A.); (W.K.A.); (A.A.A.); (R.Y.B.); (S.A.A.); (F.M.A.); (E.J.A.)
| | - Essam A. Tawfik
- National Center of Biotechnology, Life Science and Environment Research Institute, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia; (W.S.A.); (A.M.A.); (A.J.A.); (W.K.A.); (A.A.A.); (R.Y.B.); (S.A.A.); (F.M.A.); (E.J.A.)
- Correspondence:
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Apis mellifera syriaca Venom: Evaluation of Its Anticoagulant Effect, Proteolytic Activity, and Cytotoxicity along with Its Two Main Compounds-MEL and PLA2-On HeLa Cancer Cells. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27051653. [PMID: 35268753 PMCID: PMC8911881 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27051653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Bee venom (BV) is one of the most remarkable natural products that has been a subject of studies since ancient times. Recent studies have shown that Apis mellifera syriaca venom possesses antibacterial as well as cytotoxic effects on cancer cell lines. The venom contains a variety of bioactive molecules—mainly melittin (MEL) and phospholipase A2 (PLA2), as well as other compounds that are not well characterized. In this work, we continue the biological characterization of A. mellifera syriaca venom by testing its anticoagulant effect on human plasma using the prothrombin time (PT) test, as well as assessing its proteolytic activity. In addition, the cytotoxicity of the crude venom—and of its two main components, MEL and PLA2—was tested on HeLa cancer cell lines for the first time. The results obtained showed the capacity of A. mellifera syriaca venom to increase clotting time, thereby proving its anticoagulant effect. Moreover, the venom did not demonstrate a significant proteolytic activity unless administrated at concentrations ≥ 5 mg/mL. Finally, we showed that crude A. mellifera syriaca venom, along with MEL, exhibit a strong in vitro cytotoxic effect on HeLa cancer cell lines, even at low concentrations. In summary, our findings could serve as a basis for the development of new natural-based drug candidates in the therapeutic field.
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Abdulmalek S, Mostafa N, Gomaa M, El‑Kersh M, Elkady AI, Balbaa M. Bee venom-loaded EGFR-targeting peptide-coupled chitosan nanoparticles for effective therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma by inhibiting EGFR-mediated MEK/ERK pathway. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272776. [PMID: 35947632 PMCID: PMC9365195 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the world's most risky diseases due to the lack of clear and cost-effective therapeutic targets. Currently, the toxicity of conventional chemotherapeutic medications and the development of multidrug resistance is driving research into targeted therapies. The nano-biomedical field's potential for developing an effective therapeutic nano-sized drug delivery system is viewed as a significant pharmaceutical trend for the encapsulation and release of numerous anticancer therapies. In this regard, current research is centered on the creation of biodegradable chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) for the selective and sustained release of bee venom into liver cancer cells. Furthermore, surface modification with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and GE11 peptide-conjugated bee venom-CSNPs allows for the targeting of EGFR-overexpressed liver cancer cells. A series of in vitro and in vivo cellular analyses were used to investigate the antitumor effects and mechanisms of targeted bee venom-CSNPs. Targeted bee venom-CSNPs, in particular, were found to have higher cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells than SMMC-7721 cells, as well as stronger cellular uptake and a substantial reduction in cell migration, leading to improved cancer suppression. It also promotes cancer cell death in EGFR overexpressed HepG2 cells by boosting reactive oxygen species, activating mitochondria-dependent pathways, inhibiting EGFR-stimulated MEK/ERK pathway, and elevating p38-MAPK in comparison to native bee venom. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)-induced mice, it has anti-cancer properties against tumor tissue. It also improved liver function and architecture without causing any noticeable toxic side effects, as well as inhibiting tumor growth by activating the apoptotic pathway. The design of this cancer-targeted nanoparticle establishes GE11-bee venom-CSNPs as a potential chemotherapeutic treatment for EGFR over-expressed malignancies. Finally, our work elucidates the molecular mechanism underlying the anticancer selectivity of targeted bee venom-CSNPs and outlines therapeutic strategies to target liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaymaa Abdulmalek
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Nouf Mostafa
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
- Plant Protection Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Giza, Egypt
| | - Marwa Gomaa
- Plant Protection Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mohamed El‑Kersh
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Ayman I. Elkady
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud Balbaa
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
- * E-mail:
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Kodrík D, Krištůfek V, Svobodová Z. Bee year: Basic physiological strategies to cope with seasonality. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2021; 264:111115. [PMID: 34775045 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2021.111115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Worker honey bees are subject to biochemical and physiological changes throughout the year. This study aimed to provide the reasons behind these fluctuations. The markers analysed included lipid, carbohydrate, and protein levels in the haemolymph; the activity of digestive enzymes in the midgut; the levels of adipokinetic hormone (AKH) in the bee central nervous system; the levels of vitellogenins in the bee venom and haemolymph; and the levels of melittin in the venom. The levels of all the main nutrients in the haemolymph peaked mostly within the period of maximal bee activity, whereas the activity of digestive enzymes mostly showed a two-peak course. Furthermore, the levels of AKHs fluctuated throughout the year, with modest but significant variations. These data suggest that the role of AKHs in bee energy metabolism is somewhat limited, and that bees rely more on available food and less on body deposits. Interestingly, the non-metabolic characteristics also fluctuated over the year. The vitellogenin peak reached its maximum in the haemolymph in winter, which is probably associated with the immunoprotection of long-lived winter bees. The analysis of bee venom showed the maximal levels of vitellogenin in autumn; however, it is not entirely clear why this is the case. Finally, melittin levels showed strong fluctuations, suggesting that seasonal control was unlikely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalibor Kodrík
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre, CAS, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Václav Krištůfek
- Institute of Soil Biology, Biology Centre, CAS, Na Sádkách 7, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Zdeňka Svobodová
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre, CAS, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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