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Hejníková M, Tomčala A, Černý J, Kodrík D. Melittin-The principal toxin of honeybee venom-Is also produced in the honeybee fat body. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2024; 281:109928. [PMID: 38649084 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2024.109928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Melittin is a powerful toxin present in honeybee venom that is active in a wide range of animals, from insects to humans. Melittin exerts numerous biological, toxicological, and pharmacological effects, the most important of which is destruction of the cell membrane. The phospholipase activity of melittin and its ability to activate phospholipases in the venom contribute to these actions. Using analytical methods, we discovered that the honeybee Apis mellifera produces melittin not only in the venom gland but also in its fat body cells, which remain resistant to this toxin's effects. We suggest that melittin acts as an anti-bacterial agent, since its gene expression is significantly upregulated when honeybees are infected with Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes bacteria; additionally, melittin effectively kills these bacteria in the disc diffusion test. We hypothesize that the chemical and physicochemical properties of the melittin molecule (hydrophilicity, lipophilicity, and capacity to form tetramers) in combination with reactive conditions (melittin concentration, salt concentration, pH, and temperature) are responsible for the targeted destruction of bacterial cells and apparent tolerance towards own tissue cells. Considering that melittin is an important current and, importantly, potential broad-spectrum medication, a thorough understanding of the observed phenomena may significantly increase its use in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markéta Hejníková
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre, CAS, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Aleš Tomčala
- University of South Bohemia, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Water, CENAKVA, Institute of Aquaculture and Protection of Waters, Na Sádkách 1780, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Černý
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre, CAS, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; University of South Bohemia, Faculty of Science, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Dalibor Kodrík
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre, CAS, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; University of South Bohemia, Faculty of Science, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
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Jafari Z, Sadeghi S, Dehaghi MM, Bigham A, Honarmand S, Tavasoli A, Hoseini MHM, Varma RS. Immunomodulatory activities and biomedical applications of melittin and its recent advances. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2024; 357:e2300569. [PMID: 38251938 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202300569] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Melittin (MLT), a peptide containing 26 amino acids, is a key constituent of bee venom. It comprises ∼40%-60% of the venom's dry weight and is the main pricing index for bee venom, being the causative factor of pain. The unique properties of MLT extracted from bee venom have made it a very valuable active ingredient in the pharmaceutical industry as this cationic and amphipathic peptide has propitious effects on human health in diverse biological processes. It has the ability to strongly impact the membranes of cells and display hemolytic activity with anticancer characteristics. However, the clinical application of MLT has been limited by its severe hemolytic activity, which poses a challenge for therapeutic use. By employing more efficient mechanisms, such as modifying the MLT sequence, genetic engineering, and nano-delivery systems, it is anticipated that the limitations posed by MLT can be overcome, thereby enabling its wider application in therapeutic contexts. This review has outlined recent advancements in MLT's nano-delivery systems and genetically engineered cells expressing MLT and provided an overview of where the MLTMLT's platforms are and where they will go in the future with the challenges ahead. The focus is on exploring how these approaches can overcome the limitations associated with MLT's hemolytic activity and improve its selectivity and efficacy in targeting cancer cells. These advancements hold promise for the creation of innovative and enhanced therapeutic approaches based on MLT for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohreh Jafari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Sadeghi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Mirzarazi Dehaghi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ashkan Bigham
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council of Italy (IPCB-CNR), Naples, Italy
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Shokouh Honarmand
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Afsaneh Tavasoli
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Mostafa Haji Molla Hoseini
- Medical Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rajender S Varma
- Department of Chemistry, Centre of Excellence for Research in Sustainable Chemistry, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
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Haque S, Hussain A, Joshi H, Sharma U, Sharma B, Aggarwal D, Rani I, Ramniwas S, Gupta M, Tuli HS. Melittin: a possible regulator of cancer proliferation in preclinical cell culture and animal models. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:17709-17726. [PMID: 37919474 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05458-8] [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: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melittin is a water-soluble cationic peptide derived from bee venom that has been thoroughly studied for the cure of different cancers. However, the unwanted interactions of melittin produce hemolytic and cytotoxic effects that hinder their therapeutic applications. To overcome the shortcomings, numerous research groups have adopted different approaches, including conjugation with tumor-targeting proteins, gene therapy, and encapsulation in nanoparticles, to reduce the non-specific cytotoxic effects and potentiate their anti-cancerous activity. PURPOSE This article aims to provide mechanistic insights into the chemopreventive activity of melittin and its nanoversion in combination with standard anti-cancer drugs for the treatment of cancer. METHODS We looked over the pertinent research on melittin's chemopreventive properties in online databases such as PubMed and Scopus. CONCLUSION In the present article, the anti-cancerous effects of melittin on different cancers have been discussed very nicely, as have their possible mechanisms of action to act against different tumors. Besides, it interacts with different signal molecules that regulate the diverse pathways of cancerous cells, such as cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, metastasis, angiogenesis, and inflammation. We also discussed the recent progress in the synergistic combination of melittin with standard anti-cancer drugs and a nano-formulated version of melittin for targeted delivery to improve its anticancer potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shafiul Haque
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, 45142, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Beirut, 11022801, Lebanon
- Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, 13306, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Arif Hussain
- School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, P.O. Box 345050, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hemant Joshi
- School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India.
| | - Ujjawal Sharma
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, 151401, India
| | - Bunty Sharma
- Department of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, 133207, India
| | - Diwakar Aggarwal
- Department of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, 133207, India
| | - Isha Rani
- Department of Biochemistry, Maharishi Markendashwar College of Medical Sciences and Research (MMCMSR), Sadopur, Ambala, 134007, India
| | - Seema Ramniwas
- University Centre for Research and Development, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali, 140413, India
| | - Madhu Gupta
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, Pushp Vihar, New Delhi, 110017, India
| | - Hardeep Singh Tuli
- Department of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, 133207, India.
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Wang Y, Chen L, Zhang M, Li X, Yang X, Huang T, Ban Y, Li Y, Li Q, Zheng Y, Sun Y, Wu J, Yu B. Exercise-induced endothelial Mecp2 lactylation suppresses atherosclerosis via the Ereg/MAPK signalling pathway. Atherosclerosis 2023; 375:45-58. [PMID: 37245426 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2023.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Lactylation, a recently identified post-translational modification (PTM), plays a central role in the regulation of multiple physiological and pathological processes. Exercise is known to provide protection against cardiovascular disease. However, whether exercise-generated lactate changes lactylation and is involved in the exercise-induced attenuation of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects and mechanisms of exercise-induced lactylation on ASCVD. METHODS AND RESULTS Using the high-fat diet-induced apolipoprotein-deficient mouse model of ASCVD, we found that exercise training promoted Mecp2 lysine lactylation (Mecp2k271la); it also decreased the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (Vcam-1), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (Icam-1), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (Mcp-1), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and increased the level of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (Enos) in the aortic tissue of mice. To explore the underlying mechanisms, mouse aortic endothelial cells (MAECs) were subjected to RNA-sequencing and CHIP-qPCR, which confirmed that Mecp2k271la repressed the expression of epiregulin (Ereg) by binding to its chromatin, demonstrating Ereg as a key downstream molecule for Mecp2k271la. Furthermore, Ereg altered the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathway through regulating the phosphorylation level of epidermal growth factor receptor, thereby affecting the expression of Vcam-1, Icam-1, Mcp-1, IL-1β, IL-6, and Enos in ECs, which in turn promoted the regression of atherosclerosis. In addition, increasing the level of Mecp2k271la by exogenous lactate administration in vivo also inhibits the expression of Ereg and the MAPK activity in ECs, resulting in repressed atherosclerotic progression. CONCLUSIONS In summary, this study provides a mechanistic link between exercise and lactylation modification, offering new insight into the anti-atherosclerotic effects of exercise-induced PTM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China; The Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Liangqi Chen
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China; The Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Meiju Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China; The Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China; The Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Xueyan Yang
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China; The Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Tuo Huang
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China; The Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Yunting Ban
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China; The Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Yunqi Li
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China; The Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Qifeng Li
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China; The Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Yang Zheng
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China; The Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, China.
| | - Yong Sun
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China; The Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, China.
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China; The Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, China; Cardiac Rehabilitation Center, Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
| | - Bo Yu
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China; The Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, China; Cardiac Rehabilitation Center, Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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Lv C, Chen J, Huang F, Fang F, Li B. Melittin inhibits the proliferation migration and invasion of HCC cells by regulating ADAMTS9-AS2 demethylation. Toxicon 2023; 222:106996. [PMID: 36535531 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2022.106996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melittin (MEL) has been reported to exhibit anti-cancer effects in vitro against several types of cancer. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) ADAMTS9-AS2 can be used as a tumor suppressor. However, there is insufficient data on the potential link between MEL and ADAMTS9-AS2 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS RT-qPCR, CCK-8, colony formation, scratch wound healing and transwell assays were used to detect the function of MEL or ADAMTS9-AS2 on HCC cells. Furthermore, Western blot analysis was applied to determine that whether an association existed in MEL or ADAMTS9-AS2 with the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signal pathway. In addition, RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis validated that whether MEL has a demethylation effect. RESULTS All the experimental data showed that MEL or ADAMTS9-AS2 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of MHCC97-H and HepG2 cells, which may relate to PI3K/AKT/mTOR signal pathway. Moreover, the result showed that MEL treatment inhibited the expression of DNA methyltransferase protein-1 (DNMT1), which acted as the role of demethylation, and then up-regulated the expression of ADAMTS9-AS2, affecting the development of HCC. CONCLUSIONS ADAMTS9-AS2 played a role in MEL-induced HCC inhibition. This study provided an interesting theoretical basis and further evidence for the potential application of MEL in the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Lv
- Department of Rehabilitation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, China; Faculty of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, China
| | - Jiaojiao Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, China; Faculty of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, China
| | - Feng Huang
- Department of Rehabilitation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, China; Faculty of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, China
| | - Fanfu Fang
- Department of Rehabilitation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, China; Faculty of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, China.
| | - Bai Li
- Department of Rehabilitation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, China; Faculty of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, China.
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Akbarzadeh-Khiavi M, Torabi M, Olfati AH, Rahbarnia L, Safary A. Bio-nano scale modifications of melittin for improving therapeutic efficacy. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2022; 22:895-909. [PMID: 35687355 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2022.2088277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Melittin (MLT), a natural membrane-active component, is the most prominent cytolytic peptide from bee venom. Remarkable biological properties of MLT, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-protozoan, and antiarthritic activities, make it an up-and-coming therapeutic candidate for a wide variety of human diseases. Therapeutic applications of MLT may be hindered due to low stability, high toxicity, and weak tissue penetration. Different bio-nano scale modifications hold promise for improving its functionality and therapeutic efficacy. AREAS COVERED In the current review, we aimed to provide a comprehensive insight into strategies used for MLT conjugations and modifications, cellular delivery of modified forms, and their clinical perspectives by reviewing the published literature on PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. We also emphasized the MLT structure modifications, mechanism of action, and cellular toxicity. EXPERT OPINION Developing new analogs and conjugates of MLT as a natural drug with improved functions and fewer side effects is crucial for the clinical translation of this approach worldwide, especially where the chemicals and synthetic drugs are more expensive or unavailable in the healthcare system. MLT-nanoconjugation may be one of the best-optimized strategies for improving peptide delivery, increasing its therapeutic efficacy, and providing minimal nonspecific cellular lytic activity. [Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa Akbarzadeh-Khiavi
- Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases Research Center Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mitra Torabi
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amir-Hossein Olfati
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Leila Rahbarnia
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Azam Safary
- Connective Tissue Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Cong L, Xie X, Liu S, Xiang L, Fu X. Genistein promotes M1 macrophage apoptosis and reduces inflammatory response by disrupting miR-21/TIPE2 pathway. Saudi Pharm J 2022; 30:934-945. [PMID: 35903524 PMCID: PMC9315303 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2022.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are a major cause of mortality, and vascular injury, a common pathological basis of cardiovascular disease, is deeply correlated with macrophage apoptosis and inflammatory response. Genistein, a type of phytoestrogen, exerts cardiovascular protective activities, but the underlying mechanism has not been fully elucidated. In this study, RAW264.7 cells were treated with genistein, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) inhibitor, and/or protein kinase B (AKT) agonist to determine the role of genistein in apoptosis and inflammation in LPS-stimulated cells. Simultaneously, high fat diet-fed C57BL/6 mice were administered genistein to evaluate the function of genistein on LPS-induced cardiovascular injury mouse model. Here, we demonstrated that LPS obviously increased apoptosis resistance and inflammatory response of macrophages by promoting miR-21 expression, and miR-21 downregulated tumor necrosis factor-α-induced protein 8-like 2 (TIPE2) expression by targeting the coding region. Genistein reduced miR-21 expression by inhibiting NF-κB, then blocked toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) pathway and AKT phosphorylation dependent on TIPE2, resulting in inhibition of LPS. Our research suggests that miR-21/TIPE2 pathway is involved in M1 macrophage apoptosis and inflammatory response, and genistein inhibits the progression of LPS-induced cardiovascular injury at the epigenetic level via regulating the promoter region of Vmp1 by NF-κB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Cong
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Changsha 410013, China
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China
- Corresponding authors at: School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China.
| | - Xiaolin Xie
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Sujuan Liu
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Liping Xiang
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Xiaohua Fu
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China
- Corresponding authors at: School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China.
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Eid BG, Alhakamy NA, Fahmy UA, Ahmed OAA, Md S, Abdel-Naim AB, Caruso G, Caraci F. Melittin and diclofenac synergistically promote wound healing in a pathway involving TGF-β1. Pharmacol Res 2022; 175:105993. [PMID: 34801680 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
A dysregulation of the wound healing process can lead to the development of various intractable ulcers or excessive scar formation. Therefore it is essential to identify novel pharmacological strategies to promote wound healing and restore the mechanical integrity of injured tissue. The goal of the present study was to formulate a nano-complex containing melittin (MEL) and diclofenac (DCL) with the aim to evaluate their synergism and preclinical efficacy in an in vivo model of acute wound. After its preparation and characterization, the therapeutic potential of the combined nano-complexes was evaluated. MEL-DCL nano-complexes exhibited better regenerated epithelium, keratinization, epidermal proliferation, and granulation tissue formation, which in turn showed better wound healing activity compared to MEL, DCL, or positive control. The nano-complexes also showed significantly enhanced antioxidant activity. Treatment of wounded skin with MEL-DCL nano-complexes showed significant reduction of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) pro-inflammatory markers that was paralleled by a substantial increase in mRNA expression levels of collagen, type I, alpha 1 (Col1A1) and collagen, type IV, alpha 1 (Col4A1), and hydroxyproline content as compared to individual drugs. Additionally, MEL-DCL nano-complexes were able to significantly increase hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) proteins expression compared to single drugs or negative control group. SB431542, a selective inhibitor of type-1 TGF-β receptor, significantly prevented in our in vitro assay the wound healing process induced by the MEL-DCL nano-complexes, suggesting a key role of TGF-β1 in the wound closure. In conclusion, the nano-complex of MEL-DCL represents a novel pharmacological tool that can be topically applied to improve wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basma G Eid
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nabil A Alhakamy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; Advanced Drug Delivery Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; Center of Excellence for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; Scientific chair "Mohamed Saeed Tamer Chair for Pharmaceutical industries", King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Usama A Fahmy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Osama A A Ahmed
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; Advanced Drug Delivery Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; Center of Excellence for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; Scientific chair "Mohamed Saeed Tamer Chair for Pharmaceutical industries", King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shadab Md
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ashraf B Abdel-Naim
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Giuseppe Caruso
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy.
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy.
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Guha S, Ferrie RP, Ghimire J, Ventura CR, Wu E, Sun L, Kim SY, Wiedman GR, Hristova K, Wimley WC. Applications and evolution of melittin, the quintessential membrane active peptide. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 193:114769. [PMID: 34543656 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Melittin, the main venom component of the European Honeybee, is a cationic linear peptide-amide of 26 amino acid residues with the sequence: GIGAVLKVLTTGLPALISWIKRKRQQ-NH2. Melittin binds to lipid bilayer membranes, folds into amphipathic α-helical secondary structure and disrupts the permeability barrier. Since melittin was first described, a remarkable array of activities and potential applications in biology and medicine have been described. Melittin is also a favorite model system for biophysicists to study the structure, folding and function of peptides and proteins in membranes. Melittin has also been used as a template for the evolution of new activities in membranes. Here we overview the rich history of scientific research into the many activities of melittin and outline exciting future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shantanu Guha
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ryan P Ferrie
- Tulane University School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Jenisha Ghimire
- Tulane University School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Cristina R Ventura
- Seton Hall University, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, South Orange, NJ, USA
| | - Eric Wu
- Tulane University School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Leisheng Sun
- Tulane University School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Sarah Y Kim
- Duke University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Gregory R Wiedman
- Seton Hall University, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, South Orange, NJ, USA
| | - Kalina Hristova
- Johns Hopkins University, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Wimley C Wimley
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Houston, TX, USA.
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Abu-Zeid EH, Khalifa BA, Elewa YHA, Arisha AH, Ismail TA, Hendam BM, Abdel-Hamid SE. Bee venom Apis mellifera lamarckii rescues blood brain barrier damage and neurobehavioral changes induced by methyl mercury via regulating tight junction proteins expression in rat cerebellum. Food Chem Toxicol 2021; 154:112309. [PMID: 34062221 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2021.112309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the current study is to investigate the protective effect of Egyptian bee venom (BV) against methyl mercury chloride (MMC) induced blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage and neurobehavioral changes. Eighty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly grouped into 1st control (C), 2nd BV (0.5 mg/kg S/C for14 days), 3rd MMC (6.7 mg/kg orally/14 days), and 4th MMC + BV group. MMC exposure significantly altered rat cognitive behavior, auditory startle habituation, and swimming performance, increased the exploratory, grooming, and stereotypic behavior. MMC significantly impaired BBB integrity via induction of inflammation, oxidative stress, and down-regulation of tight junction proteins genes (TJPs) mRNA expression levels: Occludin (OCC), Claudins-5 (CLDN5), Zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), while up-regulated the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) mRNA expression levels. MMC revealed a significantly higher percentage of IgG positive area ratio, a higher index ratio of Iba1, Sox10, and ss-DNA, while index ratio of CD31, neurofilament, and pan neuron showed a significant reduction. Administration of BV significantly regulates the MMC altered behavioral responses, TJPs relative mRNA expression, and the immune-expression markers for specific neural cell types. It could be concluded for the first time that BV retains a promising in vivo protection against MMC-induced BBB dysfunction and neurobehavioral toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan H Abu-Zeid
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, 44511, Egypt.
| | - Bouthaina A Khalifa
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, 12211, Egypt
| | - Yaser H A Elewa
- Department of Histology and Cytology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, 44511, Egypt; Laboratory of Anatomy, Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
| | - Ahmed H Arisha
- Department of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo, Egypt; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44511, Egypt
| | - Tamer A Ismail
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Turabah University College, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif, 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Basma M Hendam
- Department of Husbandry and Development of Animal Wealth, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
| | - Shereen El Abdel-Hamid
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44511, Egypt
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11
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The role of the multifunctional antimicrobial peptide melittin in gene delivery. Drug Discov Today 2021; 26:1053-1059. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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12
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Xie X, Cong L, Liu S, Xiang L, Fu X. Genistein alleviates chronic vascular inflammatory response via the miR‑21/NF‑κB p65 axis in lipopolysaccharide‑treated mice. Mol Med Rep 2021; 23:192. [PMID: 33495831 PMCID: PMC7809901 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.11831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic vascular inflammatory response is an important pathological basis of cardiovascular disease. Genistein (GEN), a natural compound, exhibits anti‑inflammatory effects. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of GEN on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‑induced chronic vascular inflammatory response in mice and explore the underlying anti‑inflammatory mechanisms. C57BL/6 mice were fed with a high‑fat diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of LPS to induce chronic vascular inflammation. The expression levels of TNF‑α, IL‑6 and microRNA (miR)‑21 in the vasculature were detected via reverse transcription‑quantitative (RT‑q)PCR. The protein levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and NF‑κB p65 were detected via western blotting. NF‑κB p65 was also analyzed via immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence (IF). In addition, after transfection with miR‑21 mimic or inhibitor for 24 h, vascular endothelial cells (VECs) were treated with GEN and LPS. RT‑qPCR and western blot analyses were performed to detect the expression of TNF‑α, IL‑6, miR‑21 and iNOS, and the protein levels of iNOS and NF‑κB p65, respectively. IF was used to measure NF‑κB p65 nuclear translocation. The results revealed that GEN significantly decreased the expression of inflammation‑associated vascular factors in LPS‑treated C57BL/6 mice, including TNF‑α, IL‑6, iNOS, NF‑κB p65 and miR‑21. Furthermore, miR‑21 antagomir enhanced the anti‑inflammatory effects of GEN. In LPS‑induced VECs, miR‑21 mimic increased inflammation‑associated factor expression and attenuated the anti‑inflammatory effects of GEN, whereas miR‑21 inhibitor induced opposing effects. Therefore, the results of the present study suggested that GEN inhibited chronic vascular inflammatory response in mice, which may be associated with the inhibition of VEC inflammatory injury via the miR‑21/NF‑κB p65 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin Xie
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, P.R. China
- Department of Basic Medicine, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, P.R. China
| | - Li Cong
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, P.R. China
| | - Sujuan Liu
- Department of Basic Medicine, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, P.R. China
| | - Liping Xiang
- Department of Pathology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Xiaohua Fu
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, P.R. China
- Department of Basic Medicine, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, P.R. China
- Correspondence to: Professor Xiaohua Fu, Department of Basic Medicine, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, 371 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan 410013, P.R. China, E-mail:
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13
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Al-Rabia MW, Alhakamy NA, Ahmed OAA, Eljaaly K, Alaofi AL, Mostafa A, Asfour HZ, Aldarmahi AA, Darwish KM, Ibrahim TS, Fahmy UA. Repurposing of Sitagliptin- Melittin Optimized Nanoformula against SARS-CoV-2: Antiviral Screening and Molecular Docking Studies. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:307. [PMID: 33652894 PMCID: PMC8025909 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13030307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in China has become an urgent health and economic challenge. The objective of the current work was to evaluate the efficacy of the combined complex of Sitagliptin (SIT) with melittin (MEL) against SARS-CoV-2 virus. SIT-MEL nano-conjugates were optimized by a full three-factor bi-level (23) factorial design. In addition, SIT concentration (mM, X1), MEL concentration (mM, X2), and pH (X3) were selected as the critical factors. Particle size (nm, Y1) and zeta potential (mV, Y2) were assessed as responses. Characterization of the optimized formula for Fourier-transformed infrared (FTIR) was carried out. The optimized formula showed particle size and zeta potential values of 77.42 nm and 27.67 mV, respectively. When compared with SIT and MEL, the combination of SIT-MEL complex has shown anti-viral potential against isolate of SARS-CoV-2 with IC50 values of 8.439 μM with significant improvement (p < 0.001). In addition, the complex showed IC50 in vitro 3CL-protease inhibition with IC50 7.216 µM. Molecular docking has revealed that formula components have good predicted pocket accommodation of the SARS-CoV-2 3-CL protease. An optimized formulation of SIT-MEL could guarantee both enhanced delivery to the target cells and the enhanced cellular uptake with promising activities against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed W. Al-Rabia
- Department of Medical microbiology and parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (M.W.A.-R.); (H.Z.A.)
| | - Nabil A. Alhakamy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (O.A.A.A.)
- Center of Excellence for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Mohamed Saeed Tamer Chair for Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Osama A. A. Ahmed
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (O.A.A.A.)
- Center of Excellence for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Mohamed Saeed Tamer Chair for Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Eljaaly
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
- Pharmacy Practice and Science Department, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85704, USA
| | - Ahmed L. Alaofi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 12372, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Ahmed Mostafa
- Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Viruses, National Research Centre, Giza 12622, Egypt;
| | - Hani Z. Asfour
- Department of Medical microbiology and parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (M.W.A.-R.); (H.Z.A.)
| | - Ahmed A. Aldarmahi
- College of Sciences and Health Professions, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah 21582, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Khaled M. Darwish
- Medicinal Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt;
| | - Tarek S. Ibrahim
- Department of Pharmaceutical chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Usama A. Fahmy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (O.A.A.A.)
- Center of Excellence for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Mohamed Saeed Tamer Chair for Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
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14
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Melittin Ameliorates Endotoxin-Induced Acute Kidney Injury by Inhibiting Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Cell Death in Mice. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:8843051. [PMID: 33488946 PMCID: PMC7803412 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8843051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Sepsis-related acute kidney injury (AKI) is a worldwide health problem, and its pathogenesis involves multiple pathways. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is an endotoxin that induces systemic inflammatory responses. Melittin, a main constituent of bee venom, exerts several biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic actions. However, whether melittin protects against endotoxin-induced AKI remains undetermined. Here, we aimed to examine the potential action of melittin on LPS-induced renal injury and explore the mechanisms. We showed that acute renal failure and structural damage after injection of LPS were markedly attenuated by administration of melittin. The peptide also suppressed expression of markers of direct tubular damage in kidneys of the LPS-treated mice. Mechanistically, melittin reduced systemic and renal levels of cytokines and inhibited renal accumulation of immune cells with concomitant suppression of nuclear factor kappa-B pathway. Increased amounts of lipid peroxidation products after LPS treatment were largely decreased by melittin. Additionally, the peptide decreased expression of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4 and enhanced nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2-mediated antioxidant defenses. Moreover, melittin inhibited apoptotic and necroptotic cell death after LPS treatment. Lastly, we showed that melittin improved the survival rate of LPS-injected mice. These results suggest that melittin ameliorates endotoxin-induced AKI and mortality through inhibiting inflammation, oxidative injury, and apoptotic and necroptotic death of tubular epithelial cells.
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15
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Carpena M, Nuñez-Estevez B, Soria-Lopez A, Simal-Gandara J. Bee Venom: An Updating Review of Its Bioactive Molecules and Its Health Applications. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12113360. [PMID: 33142794 PMCID: PMC7693387 DOI: 10.3390/nu12113360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Bee venom (BV) is usually associated with pain since, when humans are stung by bees, local inflammation and even an allergic reaction can be produced. BV has been traditionally used in ancient medicine and in acupuncture. It consists of a mixture of substances, principally of proteins and peptides, including enzymes as well as other types of molecules in a very low concentration. Melittin and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) are the most abundant and studied compounds of BV. Literature of the main biological activities exerted by BV shows that most studies focuses on the comprehension and test of anti-inflammatory effects and its mechanisms of action. Other properties such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, neuroprotective or antitumor effects have also been assessed, both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, human trials are necessary to confirm those clinical applications. However, notwithstanding the therapeutic potential of BV, there are certain problems regarding its safety and the possible appearance of adverse effects. On this perspective, new approaches have been developed to avoid these complications. This manuscript is aimed at reviewing the actual knowledge on BV components and its associated biological activities as well as the latest advances on this subject.
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16
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Mayandi V, Xi Q, Leng G, Koh SK, Jie T, Barathi VA, Urf Turabe Fazil MH, Somaraju Chalasani ML, Varadarajan J, Ting DSJ, Beuerman RW, Chan LW, Agrawal R, Sebastian B, Zhou L, Verma NK, Lakshminarayanan R. Rational Substitution of ε-Lysine for α-Lysine Enhances the Cell and Membrane Selectivity of Pore-Forming Melittin. J Med Chem 2020; 63:3522-3537. [PMID: 32175733 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Here, we present a rational approach that enhances the membrane selectivity of a prolific pore-forming peptide, melittin, based on experimental observations that the cationic polymer, ε-polylysine, disrupts bacterial membranes with greater affinity over mammalian cells when compared to poly-l-lysine and poly-d-lysine. We systematically replaced three α-lysine residues in melittin with ε-lysine residues and identified key residues that are important for cytotoxicity. We then assessed the antimicrobial properties of the modified peptides which carry two or three ε-lysyl residues. Two modified melittin peptides displayed rapid bactericidal properties against antibiotic-resistant strains, low innate resistance development by pathogenic bacteria, remained nonimmunogenic for T lymphocytes, and increased bioavailability in tear fluids. In proof-of-concept in vivo experiments, one of the peptides was noncytotoxic for ocular surfaces and had comparable antimicrobial efficacy to that of fluoroquinolone antibiotics. The results uncover a simple and potential strategy that can enhance the membrane selectivity of cytolytic peptides by ε-lysylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venkatesh Mayandi
- Anti-Infectives Research Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, The Academia, 20 College Road, Discovery Tower, 169856, Singapore.,School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, 60 Nanyang Drive, 637551, Singapore
| | - Qingxiao Xi
- Anti-Infectives Research Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, The Academia, 20 College Road, Discovery Tower, 169856, Singapore
| | - Goh Leng
- Anti-Infectives Research Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, The Academia, 20 College Road, Discovery Tower, 169856, Singapore
| | - Siew Kwan Koh
- Ocular Proteomics Laboratory, Singapore Eye Research Institute, The Academia, 20 College Road, Discovery Tower, 169856, Singapore
| | - Toh Jie
- Anti-Infectives Research Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, The Academia, 20 College Road, Discovery Tower, 169856, Singapore
| | - Veluchamy Amutha Barathi
- Anti-Infectives Research Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, The Academia, 20 College Road, Discovery Tower, 169856, Singapore.,Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 119077, Singapore.,Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, 169857, Singapore
| | - Mobashar Hussain Urf Turabe Fazil
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, 11 Mandalay Road, Clinical Sciences Building, 308232, Singapore
| | - Madhavi Latha Somaraju Chalasani
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, 11 Mandalay Road, Clinical Sciences Building, 308232, Singapore
| | - Jayasudha Varadarajan
- Anti-Infectives Research Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, The Academia, 20 College Road, Discovery Tower, 169856, Singapore
| | - Darren Shu Jeng Ting
- Anti-Infectives Research Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, The Academia, 20 College Road, Discovery Tower, 169856, Singapore.,Academic Ophthalmology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K
| | - Roger W Beuerman
- Anti-Infectives Research Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, The Academia, 20 College Road, Discovery Tower, 169856, Singapore.,Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, 169857, Singapore
| | - Lai Wah Chan
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, 18 Science Drive, 117543, Singapore
| | - Rupesh Agrawal
- National Healthcare Group Eye Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 308433, Singapore
| | - Barkham Sebastian
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, 308433, Singapore
| | - Lei Zhou
- Ocular Proteomics Laboratory, Singapore Eye Research Institute, The Academia, 20 College Road, Discovery Tower, 169856, Singapore.,Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 119077, Singapore.,Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, 169857, Singapore
| | - Navin Kumar Verma
- Anti-Infectives Research Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, The Academia, 20 College Road, Discovery Tower, 169856, Singapore.,Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, 11 Mandalay Road, Clinical Sciences Building, 308232, Singapore.,Skin Research Institute of Singapore, 11 Mandalay Road, Clinical Sciences Building, 308232, Singapore
| | - Rajamani Lakshminarayanan
- Anti-Infectives Research Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, The Academia, 20 College Road, Discovery Tower, 169856, Singapore.,Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, 169857, Singapore.,Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, 18 Science Drive, 117543, Singapore
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17
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The Influence of Bee Venom Melittin on the Functioning of the Immune System and the Contractile Activity of the Insect Heart-A Preliminary Study. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11090494. [PMID: 31461888 PMCID: PMC6784010 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11090494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Melittin (MEL) is a basic polypeptide originally purified from honeybee venom. MEL exhibits a broad spectrum of biological activity. However, almost all studies on MEL activity have been carried out on vertebrate models or cell lines. Recently, due to cheap breeding and the possibility of extrapolating the results of the research to vertebrates, insects have been used for various bioassays and comparative physiological studies. For these reasons, it is valuable to examine the influence of melittin on insect physiology. Here, for the first time, we report the immunotropic and cardiotropic effects of melittin on the beetle Tenebrio molitor as a model insect. After melittin injection at 10−7 M and 10−3 M, the number of apoptotic cells in the haemolymph increased in a dose-dependent manner. The pro-apoptotic action of MEL was likely compensated by increasing the total number of haemocytes. However, the injection of MEL did not cause any changes in the percent of phagocytic haemocytes or in the phenoloxidase activity. In an in vitro bioassay with a semi-isolated Tenebrio heart, MEL induced a slight chronotropic-positive effect only at a higher concentration (10−4 M). Preliminary results indicated that melittin exerts pleiotropic effects on the functioning of the immune system and the endogenous contractile activity of the heart. Some of the induced responses in T. molitor resemble the reactions observed in vertebrate models. Therefore, the T. molitor beetle may be a convenient invertebrate model organism for comparative physiological studies and for the identification of new properties and mechanisms of action of melittin and related compounds.
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18
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Arthropod venoms: Biochemistry, ecology and evolution. Toxicon 2018; 158:84-103. [PMID: 30529476 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.11.433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Comprising of over a million described species of highly diverse invertebrates, Arthropoda is amongst the most successful animal lineages to have colonized aerial, terrestrial, and aquatic domains. Venom, one of the many fascinating traits to have evolved in various members of this phylum, has underpinned their adaptation to diverse habitats. Over millions of years of evolution, arthropods have evolved ingenious ways of delivering venom in their targets for self-defence and predation. The morphological diversity of venom delivery apparatus in arthropods is astounding, and includes extensively modified pedipalps, tail (telson), mouth parts (hypostome), fangs, appendages (maxillulae), proboscis, ovipositor (stinger), and hair (urticating bristles). Recent investigations have also unravelled an astonishing venom biocomplexity with molecular scaffolds being recruited from a multitude of protein families. Venoms are a remarkable bioresource for discovering lead compounds in targeted therapeutics. Several components with prospective applications in the development of advanced lifesaving drugs and environment friendly bio-insecticides have been discovered from arthropod venoms. Despite these fascinating features, the composition, bioactivity, and molecular evolution of venom in several arthropod lineages remains largely understudied. This review highlights the prevalence of venom, its mode of toxic action, and the evolutionary dynamics of venom in Arthropoda, the most speciose phylum in the animal kingdom.
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Deng HF, Wang S, Li L, Zhou Q, Guo WB, Wang XL, Liu MD, Liu K, Xiao XZ. Puerarin prevents vascular endothelial injury through suppression of NF-κB activation in LPS-challenged human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 104:261-267. [PMID: 29775893 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.05.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 05/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In the present study, we aimed to explore the effects of puerarin on vascular endothelial cell injury induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and its underlying mechanisms. METHODS The cell viability and morphological changes were assessed using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and 4´,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining, respectively. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), monocyte/macrophage chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), IL-8, intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), thrombomodulin (TM) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) in cell culture supernatant were determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The neutrophils adhesion to endothelial cells were examined by myeloperoxidase activity assay. The nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65) was assessed by immunofluorescence analysis. RESULTS Compared with the control group, LPS challenge significantly injured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and increased the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, MCP-1, IL-8, ICAM-1, TM and PAI-1 in the cell culture supernatants. The neutrophils adhesion to endothelial cells were significantly increased in LPS-challenged HUVECs. Moreover, LPS challenge increased the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65. However, puerarin pre-treatment attenuated the vascular endothelial injury and reduced the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, MCP-1, IL-8, ICAM-1, TM and PAI-1 in cell supernatants of LPS-challenged HUVECs. In addition, the neutrophils adhesion to HUVECs induced by LPS were also decreased by puerarin pre-treatment. Furthermore, puerarin pre-treatment reduced the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 elicited by LPS. CONCLUSIONS Puerarin prevented LPS-induced vascular endothelial injury, the mechanism of which might be related to the suppression of NF-κB activation and subsequently altered levels of inflammatory factors and coagulation-related factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Fei Deng
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangnan University, Chenzhou, Hunan, 423000, PR China; Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, PR China.
| | - Sha Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangnan University, Chenzhou, Hunan, 423000, PR China
| | - Lian Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangnan University, Chenzhou, Hunan, 423000, PR China
| | - Qin Zhou
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangnan University, Chenzhou, Hunan, 423000, PR China
| | - Wan-Bei Guo
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangnan University, Chenzhou, Hunan, 423000, PR China
| | - Xiao-Li Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, PR China
| | - Mei-Dong Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, PR China
| | - Ke Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, PR China
| | - Xian-Zhong Xiao
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, PR China.
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20
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Zhang S, Liu Y, Ye Y, Wang XR, Lin LT, Xiao LY, Zhou P, Shi GX, Liu CZ. Bee venom therapy: Potential mechanisms and therapeutic applications. Toxicon 2018; 148:64-73. [PMID: 29654868 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Revised: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Bee venom is a very complex mixture of natural products extracted from honey bee which contains various pharmaceutical properties such as peptides, enzymes, biologically active amines and nonpeptide components. The use of bee venom into the specific points is so called bee venom therapy, which is widely used as a complementary and alternative therapy for 3000 years. A growing number of evidence has demonstrated the anti-inflammation, the anti-apoptosis, the anti-fibrosis and the anti-arthrosclerosis effects of bee venom therapy. With these pharmaceutical characteristics, bee venom therapy has also been used as the therapeutic method in treating rheumatoid arthritis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, liver fibrosis, atherosclerosis, pain and others. Although widely used, several cases still reported that bee venom therapy might cause some adverse effects, such as local itching or swelling. In this review, we summarize its potential mechanisms, therapeutic applications, and discuss its existing problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Zhang
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Capital Medical University, 23 Meishuguanhou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100010, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Capital Medical University, 23 Meishuguanhou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100010, China
| | - Yang Ye
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 6 Fangxingyuan 1st Block, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100078, China
| | - Xue-Rui Wang
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 6 Fangxingyuan 1st Block, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100078, China
| | - Li-Ting Lin
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Capital Medical University, 23 Meishuguanhou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100010, China
| | - Ling-Yong Xiao
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 6 Fangxingyuan 1st Block, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100078, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Capital Medical University, 23 Meishuguanhou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100010, China
| | - Guang-Xia Shi
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Capital Medical University, 23 Meishuguanhou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100010, China
| | - Cun-Zhi Liu
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 6 Fangxingyuan 1st Block, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100078, China.
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Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Melittin on Porphyromonas Gingivalis LPS-Stimulated Human Keratinocytes. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23020332. [PMID: 29401750 PMCID: PMC6017529 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23020332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that contributes to the destruction of the gingiva. Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) can cause periodontitis via its pathogenic lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Melittin, a major component of bee venom, is known to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. However, the role of melittin in the inflammatory response has not been elucidated in periodontitis-like human keratinocytes. Therefore, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of melittin on a P. gingivalis LPS (PgLPS)-treated HaCaT human keratinocyte cell line. The cytotoxicity of melittin was measured using a human keratinocyte cell line, HaCaT, and a Cell Counting Kit-8. The effect of melittin on PgLPS-induced inflammation was determined with Western blot, real-time quantitative PCT, and immunofluorescence. PgLPS increased the expression of toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 and proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). Moreover, PgLPS induced activation of the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and protein kinase B/Akt. Melittin also inhibited the expression of proinflammatory cytokines by suppressing the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway, ERK, and Akt. Melittin attenuates the PgLPS-induced inflammatory response and could therefore be applied in the treatment of periodontitis for anti-inflammatory effects.
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Cheon SY, Chung KS, Roh SS, Cha YY, An HJ. Bee Venom Suppresses the Differentiation of Preadipocytes and High Fat Diet-Induced Obesity by Inhibiting Adipogenesis. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 10:toxins10010009. [PMID: 29295544 PMCID: PMC5793096 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10010009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Bee venom (BV) has been widely used in the treatment of certain immune-related diseases. It has been used for pain relief and in the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases. Despite its extensive use, there is little documented evidence to demonstrate its medicinal utility against obesity. In this study, we demonstrated the inhibitory effects of BV on adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells and on a high fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity mouse model through the inhibition of adipogenesis. BV inhibited lipid accumulation, visualized by Oil Red O staining, without cytotoxicity in the 3T3-L1 cells. Male C57BL/6 mice were fed either a HFD or a control diet for 8 weeks, and BV (0.1 mg/kg or 1 mg/kg) or saline was injected during the last 4 weeks. BV-treated mice showed a reduced body weight gain. BV was shown to inhibit adipogenesis by downregulating the expression of the transcription factors CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins (C/EBPs) and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), using RT-qPCR and Western blotting. BV induced the phosphorylation of AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) in the cell line and in obese mice. These findings demonstrate that BV mediates anti-obesity/differentiation effects by suppressing obesity-related transcription factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se-Yun Cheon
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Korean Medicine, Sang-ji University, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do 26339, Korea.
| | - Kyung-Sook Chung
- Catholic Precision Medicine Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 222, Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul 06591, Korea.
| | - Seong-Soo Roh
- Department of Herbology, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Hanny University, Suseong-gu, Deagu 42158, Korea.
| | - Yun-Yeop Cha
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine of Korean Medicine and Neuropsychiatry, College of Korean Medicine, Sang-ji University, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do 26339, Korea.
| | - Hyo-Jin An
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Korean Medicine, Sang-ji University, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do 26339, Korea.
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Beneficial effects of melittin on ovalbumin-induced atopic dermatitis in mouse. Sci Rep 2017; 7:17679. [PMID: 29247241 PMCID: PMC5732199 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-17873-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory skin disease characterized by intense pruritus and relapsable eczematous lesions. The hallmarks of AD are defects in the epidermal barrier and immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated sensitization to several environmental allergens, as well as an immune disorder mediated by an imbalance toward T-helper-2 response. Melittin, a major component of bee venom, has been studied in various inflammatory diseases. However, the beneficial effects of melittin on mouse with AD-like symptoms have not been explored. Therefore, we investigated the anti-allergic effects of melittin. AD was induced by ovalbumin (OVA) patch. After agent treatment, skin tissues and sera were extracted from the sacrificed mice were used to demonstrate the effects of melittin through various molecular biological methods. The results showed that OVA-induced skin thickening and inflammatory infiltration were decreased in the melittin-treated group. Melittin prevented OVA-induced filaggrin deficiency and imbalanced inflammatory mediators. Furthermore, melittin inhibited IL-4/IL-13-induced filaggrin downregulation through the blockade of STAT3 activation in human keratinocytes. In summary, this study has shown that melittin ameliorated OVA-induced AD-like symptoms from various perspectives. The findings of this study may be the first evidence of the anti-inflammatory effects of melittin on OVA-induced AD.
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Zhang Z, Yang C, Dai X, Ao Y, Li Y. Inhibitory effect of trans-caryophyllene (TC) on leukocyte-endothelial attachment. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2017. [PMID: 28624443 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2017.06.016] [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] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
trans-Caryophyllene (TC) is a major component found in the essential oils of many spices and foods/medicinal plants. It is a natural sesquiterpene and has been the subject of numerous studies. However, the effects of TC on vascular inflammation remain unknown. In this study, we reported that TC treatment in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) prevented attachment of monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1 cells to endothelial cells. In addition, in vivo results indicate that TC inhibited macrophage infiltration to the aortic surface and reduced total serum levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. Importantly, administration of TC could inhibit the induction of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) both in vitro and in vivo. Notably, our data indicate that the inhibitory effects of TC on the expression of VCAM-1 are mediated by the JAK2/STAT1/IRF-1 pathway. TC is a specific agonist of the type 2 cannabinoid receptor (CB2R). Importantly, we further verified that the inhibitory effects of TC on the expression of IRF-1 and VCAM-1 are dependent on activation of CB2R. Inhibition of CB2R by either specific inhibitors or RNA interference abolished the inhibitory effects of TC on the expression of IRF-1 and VCAM-1. Our results suggest that TC might have a capacity to suppress the development of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Zhang
- Department of Pediatric ICU, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Chunfeng Yang
- Department of Pediatric ICU, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Xinlun Dai
- Clinical Medical College, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Yu Ao
- Department of Pediatric ICU, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Yumei Li
- Department of Pediatric ICU, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin, China.
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25
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Suppression of Hepatic Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition by Melittin via Blocking of TGFβ/Smad and MAPK-JNK Signaling Pathways. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:toxins9040138. [PMID: 28406452 PMCID: PMC5408212 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9040138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Revised: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 plays a crucial role in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells (HSC), which contributes to the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. Melittin (MEL) is a major component of bee venom and is effective in rheumatoid arthritis, pain relief, cancer cell proliferation, fibrosis and immune modulating activity. In this study, we found that MEL inhibits hepatic EMT in vitro and in vivo, regulating the TGFβ/Smad and TGFβ/nonSmad signaling pathways. MEL significantly inhibited TGF-β1-induced expression of EMT markers (E-cadherin reduction and vimentin induction) in vitro. These results were confirmed in CCl4-induced liver in vivo. Treatment with MEL almost completely blocked the phosphorylation of Smad2/3, translocation of Smad4 and phosphorylation of JNK in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, these results suggest that MEL suppresses EMT by inhibiting the TGFβ/Smad and TGFβ/nonSmad-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. These results indicated that MEL possesses potent anti-fibrotic and anti-EMT properties, which may be responsible for its effects on liver diseases.
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26
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Lee G, Bae H. Anti-Inflammatory Applications of Melittin, a Major Component of Bee Venom: Detailed Mechanism of Action and Adverse Effects. Molecules 2016; 21:molecules21050616. [PMID: 27187328 PMCID: PMC6273919 DOI: 10.3390/molecules21050616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Revised: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is a pervasive phenomenon triggered by the innate and adaptive immune systems to maintain homeostasis. The phenomenon normally leads to recovery from infection and healing, but when not properly phased, inflammation may cause immune disorders. Bee venom is a toxin that bees use for their protection from enemies. However, for centuries it has been used in the Orient as an anti-inflammatory medicine for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases. Bee venom and its major component, melittin, are potential means of reducing excessive immune responses and provide new alternatives for the control of inflammatory diseases. Recent experimental studies show that the biological functions of melittin could be applied for therapeutic use in vitro and in vivo. Reports verifying the therapeutic effects of melittin are accumulating in the literature, but the cellular mechanism(s) of the anti-inflammatory effects of melittin are not fully elucidated. In the present study, we review the current knowledge on the therapeutic effects of melittin and its detailed mechanisms of action against several inflammatory diseases including skin inflammation, neuroinflammation, atherosclerosis, arthritis and liver inflammation, its adverse effects as well as future prospects regarding the use of melittin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gihyun Lee
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 1 Hoeki-Dong, Dongdaemoon-gu, Seoul 130-701, Korea.
| | - Hyunsu Bae
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 1 Hoeki-Dong, Dongdaemoon-gu, Seoul 130-701, Korea.
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27
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The protective effect of bee venom on fibrosis causing inflammatory diseases. Toxins (Basel) 2015; 7:4758-72. [PMID: 26580653 PMCID: PMC4663532 DOI: 10.3390/toxins7114758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Revised: 10/24/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Bee venom therapy is a treatment modality that may be thousands of years old and involves the application of live bee stings to the patient’s skin or, in more recent years, the injection of bee venom into the skin with a hypodermic needle. Studies have proven the effectiveness of bee venom in treating pathological conditions such as arthritis, pain and cancerous tumors. However, there has not been sufficient review to fully elucidate the cellular mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory effects of bee venom and its components. In this respect, the present study reviews current understanding of the mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory properties of bee venom and its components in the treatment of liver fibrosis, atherosclerosis and skin disease.
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28
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Luo H, Wang J, Qiao C, Ma N, Liu D, Zhang W. Pycnogenol attenuates atherosclerosis by regulating lipid metabolism through the TLR4-NF-κB pathway. Exp Mol Med 2015; 47:e191. [PMID: 26492950 PMCID: PMC4673476 DOI: 10.1038/emm.2015.74] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2015] [Revised: 06/10/2015] [Accepted: 06/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of death worldwide and is characterized by lipid-laden foam cell formation. Recently, pycnogenol (PYC) has drawn much attention because of its prominent effect on cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, its protective effect against atherosclerosis and the underlying mechanism remains undefined. Here PYC treatment reduced areas of plaque and lipid deposition in atherosclerotic mice, concomitant with decreases in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels and increases in HDL cholesterol levels, indicating a potential antiatherosclerotic effect of PYC through the regulation of lipid levels. Additionally, PYC preconditioning markedly decreased foam cell formation and lipid accumulation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human THP-1 monocytes. A mechanistic analysis indicated that PYC decreased the lipid-related protein expression of adipose differentiation-related protein (ADRP) and adipocyte lipid-binding protein (ALBP/aP2) in a dose-dependent manner. Further analysis confirmed that PYC attenuated LPS-induced lipid droplet formation via ADRP and ALBP expression through the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway, because pretreatment with anti-TLR4 antibody or a specific inhibitor of NF-κB (PDTC) strikingly mitigated the LPS-induced increase in ADRP and ALBP. Together, our results provide insight into the ability of PYC to attenuate bacterial infection-triggered pathological processes associated with atherosclerosis. Thus PYC may be a potential lead compound for the future development of antiatherosclerotic CVD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Luo
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan, China
| | - Chenhui Qiao
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan, China
| | - Ning Ma
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan, China
| | - Donghai Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan, China
| | - Weihua Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan, China
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Choi JH, Jang AY, Lin S, Lim S, Kim D, Park K, Han SM, Yeo JH, Seo HS. Melittin, a honeybee venom‑derived antimicrobial peptide, may target methicillin‑resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Mol Med Rep 2015; 12:6483-90. [PMID: 26330195 PMCID: PMC4626175 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2015.4275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2014] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is difficult to treat using available antibiotic agents. Honeybee venom has been widely used as an oriental treatment for several inflammatory diseases and bacterial infections. The venom contains predominantly biologically active compounds, however, the therapeutic effects of such materials when used to treat MRSA infections have not been investigated extensively. The present study evaluated bee venom and its principal active component, melittin, in terms of their antibacterial activities and in vivo protection against MRSA infections. In vitro, bee venom and melittin exhibited comparable levels of antibacterial activity, which was more marked against MRSA strains, compared with other Gram-positive bacteria. When MRSA-infected mice were treated with bee venom or melittin, only the latter animals were successfully rescued from MRSA- induced bacteraemia or exhibited recovery from MRSA-infected skin wounds. Together, the data of the present study demonstrated for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, that melittin may be used as a promising antimicrobial agent to enhance the healing of MRSA-induced wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hae Choi
- Radiation Biotechnology Research Division, Advanced Radiation Technology Institute, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Jeongeup Si, North Jeolla 580‑185, Republic of Korea
| | - A Yeung Jang
- Radiation Biotechnology Research Division, Advanced Radiation Technology Institute, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Jeongeup Si, North Jeolla 580‑185, Republic of Korea
| | - Shunmei Lin
- Radiation Biotechnology Research Division, Advanced Radiation Technology Institute, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Jeongeup Si, North Jeolla 580‑185, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangyong Lim
- Radiation Biotechnology Research Division, Advanced Radiation Technology Institute, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Jeongeup Si, North Jeolla 580‑185, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongho Kim
- Radiation Biotechnology Research Division, Advanced Radiation Technology Institute, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Jeongeup Si, North Jeolla 580‑185, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungho Park
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco and Northern California Institute for Research and Education, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA
| | - Sang-Mi Han
- Sericultural and Apicultural Materials Division, National Academy of Agricultural Science, Rural Development Association, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do 441‑100, Republic of Korea
| | - Joo-Hong Yeo
- Sericultural and Apicultural Materials Division, National Academy of Agricultural Science, Rural Development Association, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do 441‑100, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho Seong Seo
- Radiation Biotechnology Research Division, Advanced Radiation Technology Institute, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Jeongeup Si, North Jeolla 580‑185, Republic of Korea
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30
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Pharmacological Alternatives for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Disorders: Wasp and Bee Venoms and Their Components as New Neuroactive Tools. Toxins (Basel) 2015; 7:3179-209. [PMID: 26295258 PMCID: PMC4549745 DOI: 10.3390/toxins7083179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Revised: 08/01/2015] [Accepted: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are relentlessly progressive, severely impacting affected patients, families and society as a whole. Increased life expectancy has made these diseases more common worldwide. Unfortunately, available drugs have insufficient therapeutic effects on many subtypes of these intractable diseases, and adverse effects hamper continued treatment. Wasp and bee venoms and their components are potential means of managing or reducing these effects and provide new alternatives for the control of neurodegenerative diseases. These venoms and their components are well-known and irrefutable sources of neuroprotectors or neuromodulators. In this respect, the present study reviews our current understanding of the mechanisms of action and future prospects regarding the use of new drugs derived from wasp and bee venom in the treatment of major neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, Epilepsy, Multiple Sclerosis and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
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31
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Kim YM, Kim NH, Lee JW, Jang JS, Park YH, Park SC, Jang MK. Novel chimeric peptide with enhanced cell specificity and anti-inflammatory activity. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2015; 463:322-8. [PMID: 26028561 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.05.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Accepted: 05/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
An antimicrobial peptide (AMP), Hn-Mc, was designed by combining the N-terminus of HPA3NT3 and the C-terminus of melittin. This chimeric AMP exhibited potent antibacterial activity with low minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs), ranging from 1 to 2 μM against four drug-susceptible bacteria and ten drug-resistant bacteria. Moreover, the hemolysis and cytotoxicity was reduced significantly compared to those of the parent peptides, highlighting its high cell selectivity. The morphological changes in the giant unilamellar vesicles and bacterial cell surfaces caused by the Hn-Mc peptide suggested that it killed the microbial cells by damaging the membrane envelope. An in vivo study also demonstrated the antibacterial activity of the Hn-Mc peptide in a mouse model infected with drug-resistant bacteria. In addition, the chimeric peptide inhibited the expression of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cytokines in RAW 264.7 cells by preventing the interaction between LPS and Toll-like receptors. These results suggest that this chimeric peptide is an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory candidate as a pharmaceutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Min Kim
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, Jeonnam 540-950, South Korea
| | - Nam-Hong Kim
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, Jeonnam 540-950, South Korea
| | - Jong-Wan Lee
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, Jeonnam 540-950, South Korea
| | - Jin-Sun Jang
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, Jeonnam 540-950, South Korea
| | - Yung-Hoon Park
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, Jeonnam 540-950, South Korea
| | - Seong-Cheol Park
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, Jeonnam 540-950, South Korea.
| | - Mi-Kyeong Jang
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, Jeonnam 540-950, South Korea.
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32
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Moreno M, Giralt E. Three valuable peptides from bee and wasp venoms for therapeutic and biotechnological use: melittin, apamin and mastoparan. Toxins (Basel) 2015; 7:1126-50. [PMID: 25835385 PMCID: PMC4417959 DOI: 10.3390/toxins7041126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 206] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2015] [Revised: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
While knowledge of the composition and mode of action of bee and wasp venoms dates back 50 years, the therapeutic value of these toxins remains relatively unexploded. The properties of these venoms are now being studied with the aim to design and develop new therapeutic drugs. Far from evaluating the extensive number of monographs, journals and books related to bee and wasp venoms and the therapeutic effect of these toxins in numerous diseases, the following review focuses on the three most characterized peptides, namely melittin, apamin, and mastoparan. Here, we update information related to these compounds from the perspective of applied science and discuss their potential therapeutic and biotechnological applications in biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Moreno
- Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Baldiri i Reixac, 10, Barcelona 08028, Spain.
| | - Ernest Giralt
- Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Baldiri i Reixac, 10, Barcelona 08028, Spain.
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Apamin inhibits PDGF-BB-induced vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration through suppressions of activated Akt and Erk signaling pathway. Vascul Pharmacol 2015; 70:8-14. [PMID: 25737404 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2014.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2014] [Revised: 11/13/2014] [Accepted: 12/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The increased proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) are key process in the development of atherosclerosis lesions. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) initiates a multitude of biological effects that contribute to VSMC proliferation and migration. Apamin, a component of bee venom, has been known to block the Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels. However, the effects of apamin in the regulation PDGF-BB-induced VSMC proliferation and migration has not been identified. In this study, we investigate the inhibitory effect of apamin on PDGF-BB-induced VSMC proliferation and migration. Apamin suppressed the PDGF-BB-induced VSMC proliferation and migration with no apparent cytotoxic effect. In accordance with these findings, apamin induced the arrest of cell cycle progression at G0/G1 phase. Apamin also decreased the expressions of G0/G1 specific regulatory proteins including proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), cyclin D1, cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) 4, cyclin E and CDK2, as well as increased the expression of p21(Cip1) in PDGF-BB-induced VSMC. Moreover, apamin inhibited PDGF-BB-induced phosphorylation of Akt and Erk1/2. These results suggest that apamin plays an important role in prevention of vascular proliferation and migration through the G0/G1 cell cycle arrest by PDGF signaling pathway. Thus, apamin may be a promising candidate for the therapy of atherosclerosis.
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Lee WR, Kim KH, An HJ, Kim JY, Han SM, Lee KG, Park KK. Protective effect of melittin against inflammation and apoptosis on Propionibacterium acnes-induced human THP-1 monocytic cell. Eur J Pharmacol 2014; 740:218-26. [PMID: 25062791 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2014.06.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2014] [Revised: 06/24/2014] [Accepted: 06/26/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Melittin is a cationic, hemolytic peptide that is the main toxic component in the venom of the honey bee (Apis mellifera). It has been used in treatment of various chronic inflammatory diseases. However, the cellular mechanism and the anti-apoptotic effect of melittin in Propionibactierium acnes (P. acnes)-induced THP-1 cells have not been explored. In the present study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic mechanism by examining the effect of melittin on P. acnes-induced THP-1 monocytic cells. THP-1 monocytic cells were stimulated by heat-killed P. acnes in the presence of melittin. The expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, NF-κB signaling, caspase family, and PARP signaling were measured by ELISA or Western blot analysis. The number of apoptotic cells and changes of cell morphology were examined using fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. Heat-killed P. acnes increased the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and cleavage of caspase-3 and -8 in heat-killed P. acnes-induced THP-1 cells. However, treatment with melittin inhibited the pro-inflammatory cytokines and cleavage of the caspase-3 and -8. Moreover, the cleaved PARP appeared after 8h of heat-killed P. acnes treatment and its cleavage was reduced by melittin treatment. These results demonstrate that 1.0×10(7) CFU/ml of heat-killed P. acnes induces THP-1 cell apoptosis and secretion of inflammatory cytokines. Also, administration of melittin significantly decreases the expression of various inflammatory cytokines in heat-killed P. acnes-treated THP-1 monocytic cells. In particular, melittin exerts anti-apoptotic effects against 1.0×10(7) CFU/ml of heat-killed P. acnes injury to THP-1 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woo-Ram Lee
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, 3056-6, Daemyung-4-Dong, Nam-gu, Daegu 705-718, South Korea
| | - Kyung-Hyun Kim
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, 3056-6, Daemyung-4-Dong, Nam-gu, Daegu 705-718, South Korea
| | - Hyun-Jin An
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, 3056-6, Daemyung-4-Dong, Nam-gu, Daegu 705-718, South Korea
| | - Jung-Yeon Kim
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, 3056-6, Daemyung-4-Dong, Nam-gu, Daegu 705-718, South Korea
| | - Sang-Mi Han
- Department of Agricultural Biology, National Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Kwang-Gil Lee
- Department of Agricultural Biology, National Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Kwan-Kyu Park
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, 3056-6, Daemyung-4-Dong, Nam-gu, Daegu 705-718, South Korea.
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Zhu H, Yang X, Liu J, Ge Y, Qin Q, Lu J, Zhan L, Liu Z, Zhang H, Chen X, Zhang C, Xu L, Cheng H, Sun X. Melittin radiosensitizes esophageal squamous cell carcinoma with induction of apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Tumour Biol 2014; 35:8699-705. [PMID: 24870598 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-014-2146-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2014] [Accepted: 05/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, unresectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is primarily treated by chemoradiotherapy. However, the outcome has not improved significantly because of radioresistance of cancer cells. This study aimed to determine the radiosensitizing effect of melittin, a novel component of bee venom, in ESCC. ESCC cell lines were irradiated with or without melittin. Cell proliferation was detected by Cell Counting Kit 8 assay. Radiosensitization was evaluated by clonogenic survival assay. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Results show that melittin potently sensitized ESCC cells to radiation with a sensitization enhancement ratio of 1.15-1.42. Radiosensitization was accompanied with enhanced apoptosis and regulated by apoptosis proteins. The results were confirmed by in vivo studies on tumor-bearing xenografts. In summary, these results provide support that melittin may be a potentially promising radiosensitizer in ESCC radiation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongcheng Zhu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guanzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, China
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Lee WR, Kim KH, An HJ, Kim JY, Lee SJ, Han SM, Pak SC, Park KK. Apamin inhibits hepatic fibrosis through suppression of transforming growth factor β1-induced hepatocyte epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2014; 450:195-201. [PMID: 24878534 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2014.05.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2014] [Accepted: 05/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Apamin is an integral part of bee venom, as a peptide component. It has long been known as a highly selective block Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (SK) channels. However, the cellular mechanism and anti-fibrotic effect of apamin in TGF-β1-induced hepatocytes have not been explored. In the present study, we investigated the anti-fibrosis or anti-EMT mechanism by examining the effect of apamin on TGF-β1-induced hepatocytes. AML12 cells were seeded at ∼60% confluence in complete growth medium. Twenty-four hours later, the cells were changed to serum free medium containing the indicated concentrations of apamin. After 30 min, the cells were treated with 2 ng/ml of TGF-β1 and co-cultured for 48 h. Also, we investigated the effects of apamin on the CCl4-induced liver fibrosis animal model. Treatment of AML12 cells with 2 ng/ml of TGF-β1 resulted in loss of E-cadherin protein at the cell-cell junctions and concomitant increased expression of vimentin. In addition, phosphorylation levels of ERK1/2, Akt, Smad2/3 and Smad4 were increased by TGF-β1 stimulation. However, cells treated concurrently with TGF-β1 and apamin retained high levels of localized expression of E-cadherin and showed no increase in vimentin. Specifically, treatment with 2 μg/ml of apamin almost completely blocked the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, Akt, Smad2/3 and Smad4 in AML12 cells. In addition, apamin exhibited prevention of pathological changes in the CCl4-injected animal models. These results demonstrate the potential of apamin for the prevention of EMT progression induced by TGF-β1 in vitro and CCl4-injected in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woo-Ram Lee
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Kyung-Hyun Kim
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Hyun-Jin An
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Jung-Yeon Kim
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Sun-Jae Lee
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Sang-Mi Han
- Department of Agricultural Biology, National Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Sok Cheon Pak
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, NSW 2795, Australia
| | - Kwan-kyu Park
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu, South Korea.
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Feng J, Li A, Deng J, Yang Y, Dang L, Ye Y, Li Y, Zhang W. miR-21 attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced lipid accumulation and inflammatory response: potential role in cerebrovascular disease. Lipids Health Dis 2014; 13:27. [PMID: 24502419 PMCID: PMC3922422 DOI: 10.1186/1476-511x-13-27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2013] [Accepted: 01/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Atherosclerosis constitutes the leading contributor to morbidity and mortality in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Lipid deposition and inflammatory response are the crucial triggers for the development of atherosclerosis. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have drawn more attention due to their prominent function on inflammatory process and lipid accumulation in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. Here, we investigated the involvement of miR-21 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lipid accumulation and inflammatory response in macrophages. Methods After stimulation with the indicated times and doses of LPS, miR-21 mRNA levels were analyzed by Quantitative real-time PCR. Following transfection with miR-21 or anti-miR-21 inhibitor, lipid deposition and foam cell formation was detected by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and Oil-red O staining. Furthermore, the inflammatory cytokines interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interleukin 10 (IL-10) were evaluated by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assay. The underlying molecular mechanism was also investigated. Results In this study, LPS induced miR-21 expression in macrophages in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Further analysis confirmed that overexpression of miR-21 by transfection with miR-21 mimics notably attenuated lipid accumulation and lipid-laden foam cell formation in LPS-stimulated macrophages, which was reversely up-regulated when silencing miR-21 expression via anti-miR-21 inhibitor transfection, indicating a reverse regulator of miR-21 in LPS-induced foam cell formation. Further mechanism assays suggested that miR-21 regulated lipid accumulation by Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway as pretreatment with anti-TLR4 antibody or a specific inhibitor of NF-κB (PDTC) strikingly dampened miR-21 silence-induced lipid deposition. Additionally, overexpression of miR-21 significantly abrogated the inflammatory cytokines secretion of IL-6 and increased IL-10 levels, the corresponding changes were also observed when silencing miR-21 expression, which was impeded by preconditioning with TLR4 antibody or PDTC. Conclusions Taken together, these results corroborated that miR-21 could negatively regulate LPS-induced lipid accumulation and inflammatory responses in macrophages by the TLR4-NF-κB pathway. Accordingly, our research will provide a prominent insight into how miR-21 reversely abrogates bacterial infection-induced pathological processes of atherosclerosis, indicating a promising therapeutic prospect for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis by miR-21 overexpression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Feng
- Department of Cerebral vessels, First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China.
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The protective effects of melittin on Propionibacterium acnes-induced inflammatory responses in vitro and in vivo. J Invest Dermatol 2014; 134:1922-1930. [PMID: 24496237 DOI: 10.1038/jid.2014.75] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2013] [Revised: 01/03/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Melittin is the main component in the venom of the honey bee (Apis mellifera). It has multiple effects including antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory activities in various cell types. However, the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of melittin have not been elucidated in Propionibactierium acnes (P. acnes)-induced keratinocyte or inflammatory skin disease animal models. In this study, we examined the effects of melittin on the production of inflammatory cytokines in heat-killed P. acnes-induced HaCaT cells. Heat-killed P. acnes-treated keratinocytes increased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and Toll-like receptor 2. However, melittin treatment significantly suppressed the expression of these cytokines through regulation of the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. Subsequently, the living P. acnes (1 × 10(7) CFU) were intradermally injected into the ear of mice. Living P. acnes-injected ears showed cutaneous erythema, swelling, and granulomatous response at 24 hours after injection. However, melittin-treated ears showed markedly reduced swelling and granulomatous responses compared with ears injected with only living P. acnes. These results demonstrate the feasibility of applying melittin for the prevention of inflammatory skin diseases induced by P. acnes.
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Dantas CG, Nunes TL, Nunes TL, da Paixão AO, Reis FP, Júnior WDL, Cardoso JC, Gomes MZ, Gramacho KP. Pharmacological evaluation of bee venom and melittin. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE FARMACOGNOSIA-BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOGNOSY 2014. [DOI: 10.1590/0102-695x20142413365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Ahn TG, Lee JY, Cheon SY, An HJ, Kook YB. Protective effect of Sam-Hwang-Sa-Sim-Tang against hepatic steatosis in mice fed a high-cholesterol diet. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2013; 13:366. [PMID: 24364887 PMCID: PMC3900264 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-13-366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2013] [Accepted: 11/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sam-Hwang-Sa-Sim-Tang (SHSST) is a traditional Oriental medication that has been commonly used in Korea for the treatment of hypertension, insomnia, and chest pain. In addition, some studies reported that administration of SHSST results suppression of hyperlipidemia in rats or lowering lipid plasma level such as total cholesterol (TC). Those results made us find and demonstrate positive effect of SHSST much more. The aim of the current study was to examine whether SHSST exerts an effect against hepatic steatosis and two type of SHSST has different efficacy on liver steatosis. METHODS Total 40 mice were divided randomly and equally into 4 groups: a normal diet (CON) group, high-cholesterol diet (HC) group, and treatment groups fed a high-cholesterol diet (HCD) with a 30% or 80% ethanol extract of SHSST (SHSST-L and SHSST-H, respectively). The HCD was given for 9 weeks. The SHSST-treated groups were orally administered SHSST at a dose of 150 mg/kg, whereas the other groups received physiological saline. RESULTS SHSST administration to mice resulted in a decline in serum levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein. Histological examination showed that lipid droplets were smaller in the SHSST-treated group than in the HC group. At the protein level, expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP-2) was suppressed by SHSST. In addition, the mRNA expression of cholesterol metabolism-related molecules such as SREBP-2, liver X receptor (LXR), low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), and 3-hydroxy-3methylglutary-CoA (HMG-CoA) was also suppressed in SHSST-treated groups in the liver. In the aorta tissue, SHSST decreased the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1(VCAM-1), transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, and fibronectin. CONCLUSIONS The present study indicates that SHSST protects against liver steatosis and protects vessels against inflammation arising from excessive ingestion of cholesterol. These findings may also suggest that SHSST could be used as an adjuvant remedy for protection against liver steatosis.
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Inflammatory Regulation Effect and Action Mechanism of Anti-Inflammatory Effective Parts of Housefly (Musca domestica) Larvae on Atherosclerosis. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2013; 2013:340267. [PMID: 23554828 PMCID: PMC3603546 DOI: 10.1155/2013/340267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2012] [Accepted: 01/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The protein-enriched extracts of housefly larvae were segregated by gel-filtration chromatography (GFC) and then anti-inflammatory activity screening in RAW264.7 (induced by LPS) was carried out. After acquire the anti-inflammatory effective parts, its anti-atherosclerotic properties in vivo were then evaluated. Results showed that the anti-inflammatory effective parts of housefly larvae were low-molecular-weight parts. After treated with the effective parts oral gavaged for 4 weeks, the atherosclerotic lesions of the mouse were significantly decreased. The inflammatory and lipid parameters were also reduced (except HDL which was increased). Western blot analysis demonstrated that the effective parts exerted potent inhibitory effect on expression of p65 in nucleus and cytoplasm. The results of immunofluorescence microscopy analysis also showed that the expressions of p65 both in cytoplasm and nucleus were significantly reduced. The hypothesis that the anti-inflammatory effective parts of housefly larvae possessed anti-atherosclerosis activity in mouse and the possible mechanism could be associated with the inhibition of expression and nuclear transfer of NF-κB p65 could be derived.
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Lee WR, Kim KH, An HJ, Park YY, Kim KS, Lee CK, Min BK, Park KK. Effects of chimeric decoy oligodeoxynucleotide in the regulation of transcription factors NF-κB and Sp1 in an animal model of atherosclerosis. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2012; 112:236-43. [PMID: 23107157 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.12029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2012] [Accepted: 10/09/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial and progressive disease in which the inflammatory reaction and inflammation-related factors play important roles at all stages. Modulation of NF-κB and Sp1 expression may be important targets for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerotic vascular disease. To develop a novel therapeutic approach in atherosclerosis, we examined the simultaneous suppression of the transcription factors NF-κB and Sp1 which regulate inflammation. We employed chimeric decoy oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) containing the consensus of NF-κB and Sp1-binding sites to suppress these transcription factors simultaneously and to test chimeric decoy for anti-atherogenic effects in an atherogenic diet-induced atherosclerotic mouse model with inflammatory stimulation. C57BL/6 mice were fed with an atherogenic diet (15% fat, 1.25% cholesterol and 0.5% cholic acid) for 12 weeks to induce atherosclerosis; lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 2 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected in the first week of study to simulate underlying infectious burden during development of atherosclerosis. Decoy ODNs were injected into tail vein at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks after only three LPS injections in mice fed the atherogenic diet. Chimeric decoy ODN alleviated atherosclerotic changes and reduced serum cholesterol and inflammatory cytokines. In accordance with these results, the expressions of atherosclerotic markers were inhibited by chimeric decoy ODN. Chimeric decoy ODN modulates multiple pathogenic aspects of an atherogenic diet-induced atherosclerosis with inflammatory stimulation: hypercholesterolaemia and inflammation. Therefore, this study demonstrates the efficacy of chimeric decoy ODN on atherosclerosis with immunological complication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woo-Ram Lee
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu, South Korea
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Current world literature. Curr Opin Cardiol 2012; 27:682-95. [PMID: 23075824 DOI: 10.1097/hco.0b013e32835a0ad8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Wang J, Si Y, Wu C, Sun L, Ma Y, Ge A, Li B. Lipopolysaccharide promotes lipid accumulation in human adventitial fibroblasts via TLR4-NF-κB pathway. Lipids Health Dis 2012; 11:139. [PMID: 23072373 PMCID: PMC3485618 DOI: 10.1186/1476-511x-11-139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2012] [Accepted: 09/30/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Atherosclerosis is a chronic degenerative disease of the arteries and is thought to be one of the most common causes of death globally. In recent years, the functions of adventitial fibroblasts in the development of atherosclerosis and tissue repair have gained increased interests. LPS can increase the morbidity and mortality of atherosclerosis-associated cardiovascular disease. Although LPS increases neointimal via TLR4 activation has been reported, how LPS augments atherogenesis through acting on adventitial fibroblasts is still unknown. Here we explored lipid deposition within adventitial fibroblasts mediated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to imitate inflammatory conditions. Results In our study, LPS enhanced lipid deposition by the up-regulated expression of adipose differentiation-related protein (ADRP) as the silencing of ADRP abrogated lipid deposition in LPS-activated adventitial fibroblasts. In addition, pre-treatment with anti-Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) antibody diminished the LPS-induced lipid deposition and ADRP expression. Moreover, LPS induced translocation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), which could markedly up-regulate lipid deposition as pre-treatment with the NF-κB inhibitor, PDTC, significantly reduced lipid droplets. In addition, the lowering lipid accumulation was accompanied with the decreased ADRP expression. Furthermore, LPS-induced adventitial fibroblasts secreted more monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1), compared with transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). Conclusions Taken together, these results suggest that LPS promotes lipid accumulation via the up-regulation of ADRP expression through TLR4 activated downstream of NF-κB in adventitial fibroblasts. Increased levels of MCP-1 released from LPS-activated adventitial fibroblasts and lipid accumulation may accelerate monocytes recruitment and lipid-laden macrophage foam cells formation. Here, our study provides a new explanation as to how bacterial infection contributes to the pathological process of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, the General Hospital of PLA, Beijing, 100853, China
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Aliverdieva D, Mamaev D, Snezhkova L, Sholtz C. Evaluation of molecularity of rate-limiting step of pore formation by antimicrobial peptides studied using mitochondria as a biosensor. Toxicol In Vitro 2012; 26:939-49. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2012.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2011] [Revised: 03/09/2012] [Accepted: 04/05/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Melittin has an inhibitory effect on TNF-α-induced migration of human aortic smooth muscle cells by blocking the MMP-9 expression. Food Chem Toxicol 2012; 50:3996-4002. [PMID: 22926441 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2012.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2012] [Revised: 08/11/2012] [Accepted: 08/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) after an arterial injury. In this study, we investigated the potential molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-atheroscleroic effects of melittin, a major component of bee venom, in human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs). Melttin significantly suppressed MMP-9 and MMP-2 secretion, as well as TNF-α-induced MMP-9 expression in the HASMCs. In addition, we found that the inhibitory effects of melittin on TNF-α-induced MMP-9 protein expression are associated with the inhibition of MMP-9 transcription levels. Mechanistically, Melittin suppressed TNF-α-induced MMP-9 activity by inhibiting the phosphorylation of p38 and ERK1/2, but did not affect the phosphorylation of JNK and Akt. Reporter gene and western blotting assays showed that melittin inhibits MMP-9 transcriptional activity by blocking the activation of NF-κB via IκBα signaling pathway. Moreover, the matrigel migration assay showed that melittin reduced TNF-α-induced HASMC migration. These results suggest that melittin suppresses TNF-α-induced HASMC migration through the selective inhibition of MMP-9 expression and provide a novel role of melittin in the anti-atherosclerotic action.
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