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What We Know about Sting-Related Deaths? Human Fatalities Caused by Hornet, Wasp and Bee Stings in Europe (1994-2016). BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11020282. [PMID: 35205148 PMCID: PMC8869362 DOI: 10.3390/biology11020282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Information about fatalities due to stinging insects is scarce. Hymenopteran-related deaths (n = 1691) in 32 European countries based on official registers over a 23-year period (1994–2016) are described. Male adults (25–64 years) were the most common group to be fatally injured and almost half of the fatalities were recorded at “unspecified places”. Fatalities per million inhabitants per year ranged from 0 to 2.24 with an average of 0.26. Geographic, environmental, and ecological factors influence the frequency of stings, and its subsequent reaction. It is necessary to produce and interpret knowledge using diverse sources and in an interdisciplinary way. As part of the One Health philosophy, people and hornets, wasps and bees, as well as the environment that they share are closely connected. Abstract Epidemiology of Hymenopteran-related deaths in Europe, based on official registers from WHO Mortality Database (Cause Code of Death: X23), are presented. Over a 23-year period (1994–2016), a total of 1691 fatalities were recorded, mostly occurring in Western (42.8%) and Eastern (31.9%) Europe. The victims tended to concentrate in: Germany (n = 327; 1998–2015), France (n = 211; 2000–2014) and Romania (n = 149; 1999–2016). The majority of deaths occurred in males (78.1%) between 25–64 years (66.7%), and in an “unspecified place” (44.2%). The highest X23MR (mortality rate) were recorded in countries from Eastern Europe (0.35) followed by Western (0.28), Northern (0.23) and Southern Europe (0.2). The countries with the highest and lowest mean X23MR were Estonia (0.61), Austria (0.6) and Slovenia (0.55); and Ireland (0.05), United Kingdom (0.06) and the Netherlands (0.06), respectively. The X23 gender ratio (X23GR; male/female) of mortality varied from a minimum of 1.4 for Norway to a maximum of 20 for Slovenia. Country-by-country data show that the incidence of insect-sting mortality is low and more epidemiological data at the regional level is needed to improve our understanding of this incidence. With the expansion of non-native Hymenopteran species across Europe, allergists should be aware that their community’s exposures are continually changing
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Asian Hornet, Vespa velutina Lepeletier 1836 (Hym.: Vespidae), Venom Obtention Based on an Electric Stimulation Protocol. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 27:molecules27010138. [PMID: 35011370 PMCID: PMC8746500 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27010138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The yellow-legged Asian hornet (Vespa velutina Lepeletier 1836 (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)) is naturally distributed in China, Southeast Asia, and India; however, recently it has been detected outside of its native area, confirmed as being established in South Korea, Europe, and Japan. Health risks and deaths caused by the invasive Vespa velutina stings have become a public health concern, being the most common cause of anaphylaxis due to hymenopterans in some European regions. This in turn has led to increased demand from medical practitioners and researchers for Vespa velutina venom for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. In this study, a straightforward, quick, and inexpensive method for obtaining Vespa velutina venom by electric stimulation is described. The venom extracts were analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR). The availability of Vespa velutina venom will lead to improved diagnostic and therapeutic methods, mainly by venom immunotherapy (VIT), in patients allergic to this invasive species.
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Wen X, Gongpan P, Meng Y, Nieh JC, Yuan H, Tan K. Functional characterization, antimicrobial effects, and potential antibacterial mechanisms of new mastoparan peptides from hornet venom (Vespa ducalis, Vespa mandarinia, and Vespa affinis). Toxicon 2021; 200:48-54. [PMID: 34237341 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are a major threat to global public health, and there is an urgent need to find effective, antimicrobial treatments that can be well tolerated by humans. Hornet venom is known to have antimicrobial properties, and contains peptides with similarity to known antimicrobial eptides (AMPs), mastoparans. We identified multiple new AMPs from the venom glands of Vespa ducalis (U-VVTX-Vm1a, U-VVTX-Vm1b, and U-VVTX-Vm1c), Vespa mandarinia (U-VVTX-Vm1d), and Vespa affinis (U-VVTX-Vm1e). All of these AMPs have highly similar sequences and are related to the toxic peptide, mastoparan. Our newly identified AMPs have α-helical structures, are amphiphilic, and have antimicrobial properties. Both U-VVTX-Vm1b and U-VVTX-Vm1e killed bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923 and Escherichia coli ATCC25922, at the concentrations of 16 μg/mL and 32 μg/mL, respectively. None of the five AMPs exhibited strong toxicity as measured via their hemolytic activity on red blood cells. U-VVTX-Vm1b was able to increase the permeability of E. coli ATCC25922 and degrade its genomic DNA. These results are promising, demonstrate the value of investigating hornet venom as an antimicrobial treatment, and add to the growing arsenal of such naturally derived treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Wen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650000, Yunnan, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Pianchou Gongpan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Plant Resources and Sustainable Use, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650000, Yunnan, China
| | - Yichuan Meng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650000, Yunnan, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - James C Nieh
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Hongling Yuan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650000, Yunnan, China.
| | - Ken Tan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650000, Yunnan, China.
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El-Seedi H, Abd El-Wahed A, Yosri N, Musharraf SG, Chen L, Moustafa M, Zou X, Al-Mousawi S, Guo Z, Khatib A, Khalifa S. Antimicrobial Properties of Apis mellifera's Bee Venom. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12070451. [PMID: 32664544 PMCID: PMC7404974 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12070451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bee venom (BV) is a rich source of secondary metabolites from honeybees (Apis mellifera L.). It contains a variety of bioactive ingredients including peptides, proteins, enzymes, and volatile metabolites. The compounds contribute to the venom’s observed biological functions as per its anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. The antimicrobial action of BV has been shown in vitro and in vivo experiments against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The synergistic therapeutic interactions of BV with antibiotics has been reported. The synergistic effect contributes to a decrease in the loading and maintenance dosage, a decrease in the side effects of chemotherapy, and a decrease in drug resistance. To our knowledge, there have been no reviews on the impact of BV and its antimicrobial constituents thus far. The purpose of this review is to address the antimicrobial properties of BV and its compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hesham El-Seedi
- International Research Center for Food Nutrition and Safety, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, S-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
- Al-Rayan Research and Innovation Center, Al-Rayan Colleges, Medina 42541, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom 32512, Egypt; (A.A.E.-W.); (N.Y.)
- Correspondence: (H.E.-S.); (S.K.); Tel.: +46-18-4714207 (H.E.-S.)
| | - Aida Abd El-Wahed
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom 32512, Egypt; (A.A.E.-W.); (N.Y.)
- Department of Bee Research, Plant Protection Research Institute, Agricultural Research Centre, Giza 12627, Egypt
| | - Nermeen Yosri
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom 32512, Egypt; (A.A.E.-W.); (N.Y.)
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (X.Z.); (Z.G.)
| | - Syed Ghulam Musharraf
- H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan;
| | - Lei Chen
- College of Food Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China;
| | - Moustafa Moustafa
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Kuwait, Safat 13060, Kuwait; (M.M.); (S.A.-M.)
| | - Xiaobo Zou
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (X.Z.); (Z.G.)
| | - Saleh Al-Mousawi
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Kuwait, Safat 13060, Kuwait; (M.M.); (S.A.-M.)
| | - Zhiming Guo
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (X.Z.); (Z.G.)
| | - Alfi Khatib
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Pahang 25200, Malaysia;
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Airlangga University, Surabaya 60155, Indonesia
| | - Shaden Khalifa
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, S-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
- Correspondence: (H.E.-S.); (S.K.); Tel.: +46-18-4714207 (H.E.-S.)
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First Characterization of The Venom from Apis mellifera syriaca, A Honeybee from The Middle East Region. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11040191. [PMID: 30935025 PMCID: PMC6521255 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11040191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Bee venom is a mixture of several components with proven therapeutic benefits, among which are anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and various cardiovascular conditions. In this work, we analyzed for the first time the proteomic content and biological properties of the crude venom from Apis mellifera syriaca, a honeybee from the Middle East region. Using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, we evidence the venom contains phospholipase A2, hyaluronidase, mast cell-degranulating peptide, adolapin, apamin, and melittin. The latter was purified by solid phase extraction method (SPE) and tested in parallel with crude venom for biological activities. Precisely, crude venom-but not melittin-exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. Alongside, hemolytic activity was observed in human blood subjected to the venom at high doses. A. mellifera syriaca venom displayed antioxidant activities, and not surprisingly, PLA2 catalytic activity. Eventually, the venom proved to exert antiproliferative effects against MCF-7 and 3T3 cancer cells lines. This first report of a new bee venom opens new avenues for therapeutic uses of bee venoms.
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Jiménez-Vargas JM, Possani LD, Luna-Ramírez K. Arthropod toxins acting on neuronal potassium channels. Neuropharmacology 2017; 127:139-160. [PMID: 28941737 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Revised: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Arthropod venoms are a rich mixture of biologically active compounds exerting different physiological actions across diverse phyla and affecting multiple organ systems including the central nervous system. Venom compounds can inhibit or activate ion channels, receptors and transporters with high specificity and affinity providing essential insights into ion channel function. In this review, we focus on arthropod toxins (scorpions, spiders, bees and centipedes) acting on neuronal potassium channels. A brief description of the K+ channels classification and structure is included and a compendium of neuronal K+ channels and the arthropod toxins that modify them have been listed. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Venom-derived Peptides as Pharmacological Tools.'
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Affiliation(s)
- Juana María Jiménez-Vargas
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad, 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico
| | - Lourival D Possani
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad, 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico
| | - Karen Luna-Ramírez
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
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