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Yaacoub C, Wehbe R, Roufayel R, Fajloun Z, Coutard B. Bee Venom and Its Two Main Components-Melittin and Phospholipase A2-As Promising Antiviral Drug Candidates. Pathogens 2023; 12:1354. [PMID: 38003818 PMCID: PMC10674158 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12111354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Viruses are known to infect most types of organisms. In humans, they can cause several diseases that range from mild to severe. Although many antiviral therapies have been developed, viral infections continue to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Therefore, the discovery of new and effective antiviral agents is desperately needed. Animal venoms are a rich source of bioactive molecules found in natural goods that have been used since ancient times in alternative medicine to treat a variety of human diseases. Recently, and with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists have regained their interest in the possible use of natural products, such as bee venom (BV), as a potential antiviral agent to treat viral infections. BV is known to exert many therapeutic activities such as anti-proliferative, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, there is limited discussion of the antiviral activity of BV in the literature. Therefore, this review aims to highlight the antiviral properties of BV and its two primary constituents, melittin (MEL) and phospholipase A2 (PLA2), against a variety of enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. Finally, the innovative strategies used to reduce the toxicity of BV and its two compounds for the development of new antiviral treatments are also considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole Yaacoub
- Unité des Virus Emergents, Aix-Marseille University, IRD 190-Inserm 1207, IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France;
- Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology (LBA3B), Azm Center for Research in Biotechnology and Its Applications, Doctoral School for Sciences and Technology, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon;
| | - Rim Wehbe
- Biology Department, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon;
| | - Rabih Roufayel
- College of Engineering and Technology, American University of the Middle East, Egaila 54200, Kuwait;
| | - Ziad Fajloun
- Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology (LBA3B), Azm Center for Research in Biotechnology and Its Applications, Doctoral School for Sciences and Technology, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon;
- Faculty of Sciences III, Department of Biology, Michel Slayman Tripoli Campus, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1352, Lebanon
| | - Bruno Coutard
- Unité des Virus Emergents, Aix-Marseille University, IRD 190-Inserm 1207, IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France;
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Soltan-Alinejad P, Alipour H, Meharabani D, Azizi K. Therapeutic Potential of Bee and Scorpion Venom Phospholipase A2 (PLA2): A Narrative Review. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 2022; 47:300-313. [PMID: 35919080 PMCID: PMC9339116 DOI: 10.30476/ijms.2021.88511.1927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Venomous arthropods such as scorpions and bees form one of the important groups with an essential role in medical entomology. Their venom possesses a mixture of diverse compounds, such as peptides, some of which have toxic effects, and enzymatic peptide Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) with a pharmacological potential in the treatment of a wide range of diseases. Bee and scorpion venom PLA2 group III has been used in immunotherapy, the treatment of neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases. They were assessed for antinociceptive, wound healing, anti-cancer, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-parasitic, and anti-angiogenesis effects. PLA2 has been identified in different species of scorpions and bees. The anti-leishmania, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-malarial activities of scorpion PLA2 still need further investigation. Many pieces of research have been stopped in the laboratory stage, and several studies need vast investigation in the clinical phase to show the pharmacological potential of PLA2. In this review, the medical significance of PLA2 from the venom of two arthropods, namely bees and scorpions, is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Soltan-Alinejad
- Research Center for Health Sciences, Institute of Health, Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hamzeh Alipour
- Research Center for Health Sciences, Institute of Health, Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Davood Meharabani
- Li Ka Shing Center for Health Research and Innovation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada,
Stem Cell Technology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Kourosh Azizi
- Research Center for Health Sciences, Institute of Health, Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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3
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Hiu JJ, Yap MKK. The myth of cobra venom cytotoxin: More than just direct cytolytic actions. Toxicon X 2022; 14:100123. [PMID: 35434602 PMCID: PMC9011113 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2022.100123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cobra venom cytotoxin (CTX) is a non-enzymatic three-finger toxin that constitutes 40-60% of cobra venom. Thus, it plays an important role in the pathophysiology of cobra envenomation, especially in local dermonecrosis. The three-finger hydrophobic loops of CTX determine the cytotoxicity. Nevertheless, the actual mechanisms of cytotoxicity are not fully elucidated as they involve not only cytolytic actions but also intracellular signalling-mediated cell death pathways. Furthermore, the possible transition cell death pattern remains to be explored. The actual molecular mechanisms require further studies to unveil the relationship between different CTXs from different cobra species and cell types which may result in differential cell death patterns. Here, we discuss the biophysical interaction of CTX with the cell membrane involving four binding modes: electrostatic interaction, hydrophobic partitioning, isotropic phase, and oligomerisation. Oligomerisation of CTX causes pore formation in the membrane lipid bilayer. Additionally, the CTX-induced apoptotic pathway can be executed via death receptor-mediated extrinsic pathways and mitochondrial-mediated intrinsic pathways. We also discuss lysosomal-mediated necrosis and the occurrence of necroptosis following CTX action. Collectively, we provided an insight into concentration-dependent transition of cell death pattern which involves different mechanistic actions. This contributes a new direction for further investigation of cytotoxic pathways activated by the CTXs for future development of biotherapeutics targeting pathological effects caused by CTX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Jin Hiu
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Michelle Khai Khun Yap
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia.,Tropical Medicine and Biology Multidisciplinary Platform, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
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4
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Ye R, Zheng Y, Chen Y, Wei X, Shi S, Chen Y, Zhu W, Wang A, Yang L, Xu Y, Peng J. Stable Loading and Delivery of Melittin with Lipid-Coated Polymeric Nanoparticles for Effective Tumor Therapy with Negligible Systemic Toxicity. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:55902-55912. [PMID: 34793125 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c17618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Melittin is a potential anticancer candidate with remarkable antitumor activity and ability to overcome tumor drug resistance. However, the clinical applications of melittin are largely restricted by its severe hemolytic activity and nonspecific cytotoxicity after systemic administration. Here, a biocompatible and stable melittin-loaded lipid-coated polymeric nanoparticle (MpG@LPN) formulation that contains a melittin/poly-γ-glutamic acid nanoparticle inner core, a lipid membrane middle layer, and a polyethylene glycol (PEG) and PEG-targeting molecule outer shell was designed. The formulations were prepared by applying a self-assembly procedure based on intermolecular interactions, including electrostatic attraction and hydrophobic effect. The core-shell MpG@LPN presented high efficiency for melittin encapsulation and high stability in physiological conditions. Hemolysis and cell proliferation assays showed that the PEG-modified MpG@LPN had almost no hemolytic activity and nonspecific cytotoxicity even at high concentrations. The modification of targeting molecules on the MpG@LPNs allowed for the selective binding with target tumor cells and cytolytic activity via apoptosis induction. In vivo experiments revealed that MpG@LPNs can remarkably inhibit the growth of tumors without the occurrence of hemolysis and tissue toxicity. Results suggested that the developed MpG@LPN with a core-shell structure can effectively address the main obstacles of melittin in clinical applications and has great potential in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Ye
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | - Yuan Zheng
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | - Yang Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | - Xiaohui Wei
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | - Sanyuan Shi
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | - Yuetan Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | - Wanxin Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | - Anqi Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | - Liuxin Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | - Yuhong Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
- School of Pharmacy and Chemistry, Dali University, Dali City 671000, P. R. China
| | - Jinliang Peng
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
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Kodrík D, Krištůfek V, Svobodová Z. Bee year: Basic physiological strategies to cope with seasonality. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2021; 264:111115. [PMID: 34775045 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2021.111115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Worker honey bees are subject to biochemical and physiological changes throughout the year. This study aimed to provide the reasons behind these fluctuations. The markers analysed included lipid, carbohydrate, and protein levels in the haemolymph; the activity of digestive enzymes in the midgut; the levels of adipokinetic hormone (AKH) in the bee central nervous system; the levels of vitellogenins in the bee venom and haemolymph; and the levels of melittin in the venom. The levels of all the main nutrients in the haemolymph peaked mostly within the period of maximal bee activity, whereas the activity of digestive enzymes mostly showed a two-peak course. Furthermore, the levels of AKHs fluctuated throughout the year, with modest but significant variations. These data suggest that the role of AKHs in bee energy metabolism is somewhat limited, and that bees rely more on available food and less on body deposits. Interestingly, the non-metabolic characteristics also fluctuated over the year. The vitellogenin peak reached its maximum in the haemolymph in winter, which is probably associated with the immunoprotection of long-lived winter bees. The analysis of bee venom showed the maximal levels of vitellogenin in autumn; however, it is not entirely clear why this is the case. Finally, melittin levels showed strong fluctuations, suggesting that seasonal control was unlikely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalibor Kodrík
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre, CAS, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Václav Krištůfek
- Institute of Soil Biology, Biology Centre, CAS, Na Sádkách 7, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Zdeňka Svobodová
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre, CAS, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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6
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Bee Venom Melittin Disintegrates the Respiration of Mitochondria in Healthy Cells and Lymphoblasts, and Induces the Formation of Non-Bilayer Structures in Model Inner Mitochondrial Membranes. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222011122. [PMID: 34681781 PMCID: PMC8538590 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In this paper, we examined the effects of melittin, a bee venom membrane-active peptide, on mitochondrial respiration and cell viability of healthy human lymphocytes (HHL) and Jurkat cells, as well as on lymphoblasts from acute human T cell leukemia. The viability of melittin-treated cells was related to changes in O2 consumption and in the respiratory control index (RCI) of mitochondria isolated from melittin-pretreated cells as well as of mitochondria first isolated from cells and then directly treated with melittin. It was shown that melittin is three times more cytotoxic to Jurkat cells than to HHL, but O2 consumption and RCI values of mitochondria from both cell types were equally affected by melittin when melittin was directly added to mitochondria. To elucidate the molecular mechanism of melittin’s cytotoxicity to healthy and cancer cells, the effects of melittin on lipid-packing and on the dynamics in model plasma membranes of healthy and cancer cells, as well as of the inner mitochondrial membrane, were studied by EPR spin probes. The affinity of melittin binding to phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidic acid and cardiolipin, and binding sites of phospholipids on the surface of melittin were studied by 31P-NMR, native PAGE and AutoDock modeling. It is suggested that the melittin-induced decline of mitochondrial bioenergetics contributes primarily to cell death; the higher cytotoxicity of melittin to cancer cells is attributed to its increased permeability through the plasma membrane.
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An evaluation of the chemical content and microbiological contamination of Anatolian bee venom. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0255161. [PMID: 34293062 PMCID: PMC8297878 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Bee venom is a natural substance produced by worker bees. The aim of this research paper is to determine the characteristics of Anatolian bee venom by evaluating its chemical content and microbiological properties. Physical, chemical and microbiological analyses were performed on 25 bee venom samples from different areas of Anatolia, Turkey. Data obtained by 3-replicate studies were evaluated with normality and one-way and two-way ANOVA / Tukey tests. Chemical analyses of the bee venoms revealed average melittin, apamin, and phospholipase A2 contents of 40.57%, 2.12% and 13.67%, respectively. The results suggest that Anatolian bee venom has a high phospholipase A2 content compared to the previous literature. The results for apamin content were similar to those reported in other countries. Melittin content was within the range of standard values. Bee venom samples were also observed to have a high sugar content, associated with pollen and nectar contamination. Total aerobic mesophilic bacteria counts revealed no microbial development in 11 samples of bee venom. Staphylococcus aureus was not detected in any sample. A low microbial load was associated with a high phospholipase A2 content in the bee venom composition, thus contributing to its antimicrobial character. This study presents an examination of Anatolian bee venom in terms of chemical content and microbial quality. The examination of other components in addition to phospholipase A2, melittin and apamin in future studies, together with an analysis of antimicrobial properties will further our understanding of Anatolian bee venom.
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8
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Kang I, Kim W, Lim JY, Lee Y, Shin C. Organ-specific transcriptome analysis reveals differential gene expression in different castes under natural conditions in Apis cerana. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11267. [PMID: 34050219 PMCID: PMC8163739 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90635-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Honeybees are one of the most environmentally important insects, as their pollination of various plant species contributes to the balance among different ecosystems. It has been studied extensively for their unique attribute of forming a caste society. Unlike other insects, honeybees communicate socially by secreting pheromones or by exhibiting specific patterns of motion. In the honeybee industry, the Asian honeybees (Apis cerana) and the Western honeybees (Apis mellifera) are dominant species. However, molecular research on the transcriptomes of A. cerana has not been studied as extensively as those of A. mellifera. Therefore, in this study, caste-specific transcriptional differences were analyzed, which provides a comprehensive analysis of A. cerana. In our dataset, we analyzed gene expression profiles using organs from worker, drone, and queen bees. This gene-expression profile helped us obtain more detailed information related to organ-specific genes, immune response, detoxification mechanisms, venom-specific genes, and ovary development. From our result, we found 4096 transcripts representing different gene-expression pattern in each organ. Our results suggest that caste-specific transcripts of each organ were expressed differently even under natural conditions. These transcriptome-wide analyses provide new insights into A. cerana and that promote honeybee research and conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igojo Kang
- grid.31501.360000 0004 0470 5905Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826 Republic of Korea
| | - Woojin Kim
- grid.411545.00000 0004 0470 4320Department of Agricultural Biology, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, 54896 Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Yun Lim
- grid.31501.360000 0004 0470 5905Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826 Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Lee
- grid.31501.360000 0004 0470 5905Department of Applied Biology and Chemistry, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826 Republic of Korea
| | - Chanseok Shin
- grid.31501.360000 0004 0470 5905Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826 Republic of Korea ,grid.31501.360000 0004 0470 5905Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826 Republic of Korea ,grid.31501.360000 0004 0470 5905Plant Genomics and Breeding Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826 Republic of Korea
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9
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Čaušević A, Hasković E, Eminović I, Fočak M, Mešić A, Lutvikadić I, Pokvić LG, Badnjević A. Hemolytic effect of Vipera ammodytes subspecies venom and it’s cytogenotoxicity on the human lymphocites. HEALTH AND TECHNOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12553-021-00558-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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10
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Colella F, Scillitani G, Pierri CL. Sweet as honey, bitter as bile: Mitochondriotoxic peptides and other therapeutic proteins isolated from animal tissues, for dealing with mitochondrial apoptosis. Toxicology 2020; 447:152612. [PMID: 33171268 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2020.152612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria are subcellular organelles involved in cell metabolism and cell life-cycle. Their role in apoptosis regulation makes them an interesting target of new drugs for dealing with cancer or rare diseases. Several peptides and proteins isolated from animal and plant sources are known for their therapeutic properties and have been tested on cancer cell-lines and xenograft murine models, highlighting their ability in inducing cell-death by triggering mitochondrial apoptosis. Some of those molecules have been even approved as drugs. Conversely, many other bioactive compounds are still under investigation for their proapoptotic properties. In this review we report about a group of peptides, isolated from animal venoms, with potential therapeutic properties related to their ability in triggering mitochondrial apoptosis. This class of compounds is known with different names, such as mitochondriotoxins or mitocans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Colella
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology, Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies, Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Via E. Orabona, 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Ciro Leonardo Pierri
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology, Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies, Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Via E. Orabona, 4, 70125, Bari, Italy; BROWSer S.r.l. (https://browser-bioinf.com/) c/o Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies, Biopharmaceutics, University "Aldo Moro" of Bari, Via E. Orabona, 4, 70126, Bari, Italy.
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11
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Farzad R, Gholami A, Hayati Roodbari N, Shahbazzadeh D. The anti-rabies activity of Caspian cobra venom. Toxicon 2020; 186:175-181. [PMID: 32818494 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Rabies is acute encephalitis that continuously kills thousands of people annually. There is no clinical cure for rabies so far and its prevention is limited to sero-vaccinations based on standard WHO protocols. Certain compounds such as snake venoms contain active biological components with tendency toward acetylcholine receptors and ion channels at the cell surface. These compounds then are able to reduce aggregation of the virus in neuromuscular junction that may lead to inhibit the virus activity. In this study we worked on cytotoxicity and antiviral activity effects of Naja naja oxiana (Iranian Caspian cobra) snake venom components, on Rabies Lyssavirus (Rabies virus; RABV) infected mammalian cells. The concentration of 25 μg/ml F5 fraction separated by FPLC showed minor toxicity on BHK-21 cells by MTT test and high antiviral activity against infected cells by FAT assay. Further studies on F5 fractionation by HPLC showed that the proliferation of infected BHK-21 cells by rabies virus CVS-11 strain was decreased up to 80% by using 20 μg/ml P5 peak, after 48 h. We assume that P5-peptide (MW < 10 kDa) enters the cells through AChR receptors same as rabies virus without competition in binding to the cell receptors and is able to reduce the virus proliferation on post viral infection phase. This is the first report of the presence of an anti-rabies effect of Caspian cobra snake venom component. As per our results the P5 peak is a suitable candidate for further studies as a new agent to reduce CVS-11 rabies virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Farzad
- Biology Department, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Alireza Gholami
- Virology Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Nasim Hayati Roodbari
- Biology Department, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Delavar Shahbazzadeh
- Biotechnology Research Center, Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Laboratory, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
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12
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Abd El-Wahed AA, Khalifa SA, Sheikh BY, Farag MA, Saeed A, Larik FA, Koca-Caliskan U, AlAjmi MF, Hassan M, Wahabi HA, Hegazy MEF, Algethami AF, Büttner S, El-Seedi HR. Bee Venom Composition: From Chemistry to Biological Activity. STUDIES IN NATURAL PRODUCTS CHEMISTRY 2019:459-484. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-64181-6.00013-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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13
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Biswas B, Sundaram EN, Jhansi S, Patel S, Khurana A, Manchanda R. A review on animal-based homoeopathic drugs and their applications in biomedicine. INDIAN JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN HOMOEOPATHY 2019. [DOI: 10.4103/ijrh.ijrh_20_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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14
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Xiong S, Huang C. Synergistic strategies of predominant toxins in snake venoms. Toxicol Lett 2018; 287:142-154. [PMID: 29428543 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2018.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2017] [Revised: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Synergism is a significant phenomenon present in snake venoms that may be an evolving strategy to potentiate toxicities. Synergism exists between different toxins or toxin complexes in various snake venoms, with phospholipaseA2s (PLA2s) (toxins or subunits) the main enablers. The predominant toxins, snake venom PLA2s, metalloproteases (SVMPs), serine proteases (SVSPs) and three-finger toxins (3FTxs), play essential roles in synergistic processes. The hypothetical mechanisms of synergistic effect can be generalized under the effects of amplification and chaperoning. The Toxicity Score is among the few quantitative methods to assess synergism. Selection of toxins involved in synergistically enhanced toxicity as the targets are important for development of novel antivenoms or inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengwei Xiong
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Chunhong Huang
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China.
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15
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Xu T, Cui T, Peng L, Kong S, Zou J, Tian X. The anti-hepatocellular carcinoma activity of Mel-P15 is mediated by natural killer cells. Oncol Lett 2017; 14:6901-6906. [PMID: 29163709 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.7018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mel-P15 is a peptide derived from melittin, the main toxic component in the venom of the European honeybee Apis mellifera. In the present study, the antitumor effects of Mel-P15 and the underlying molecular mechanisms of these effects in vivo were investigated. Mel-P15 directly stimulated natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity in vitro, which was increased to 55.45% at a 4 µg/ml dose of Mel-P15. In the mouse liver cancer (H22) xenograft mice model, Mel-P15 suppressed tumor growth in vivo; the tumor inhibitory rate was 61.15% following treatment with 2 mg/kg Mel-P15. In addition, the immune response was activated following Mel-P15 treatment. Mel-P15 treatment increased the spleen and thymus indices, promoted splenocyte proliferation, stimulated NK cytotoxicity and upregulated the secretion of cytokines, including interleukin-2, interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α. In addition, the tumor inhibitory effect of Mel-P15 on BEL-7402-bearing nude mice was abrogated by the selective depletion of NK cells via the intraperitoneal injection of an anti-asialo GM-1 antibody. The results suggest that Mel-P15 inhibits tumor growth in vivo by promoting NK cell cytotoxicity. Mel-P15 may therefore be a potential immunotherapy candidate for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Tongxing Cui
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Lipan Peng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Shuai Kong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Jianqiang Zou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Xingsong Tian
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
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16
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Shelley MY, Selvan ME, Zhao J, Babin V, Liao C, Li J, Shelley JC. A New Mixed All-Atom/Coarse-Grained Model: Application to Melittin Aggregation in Aqueous Solution. J Chem Theory Comput 2017; 13:3881-3897. [PMID: 28636825 PMCID: PMC5551643 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.7b00071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We introduce a new mixed resolution, all-atom/coarse-grained approach (AACG), for modeling peptides in aqueous solution and apply it to characterizing the aggregation of melittin. All of the atoms in peptidic components are represented, while a single site is used for each water molecule. With the full flexibility of the peptide retained, our AACG method achieves speedups by a factor of 3-4 for CPU time reduction and another factor of roughly 7 for diffusion. An Ewald treatment permits the inclusion of long-range electrostatic interactions. These characteristics fit well with the requirements for studying peptide association and aggregation, where the system sizes and time scales require considerable computational resources with all-atom models. In particular, AACG is well suited for biologics since changes in peptide shape and long-range electrostatics may play an important role. The application of AACG to melittin, a 26-residue peptide with a well-known propensity to aggregate in solution, serves as an initial demonstration of this technology for studying peptide aggregation. We observed the formation of melittin aggregates during our simulations and characterized the time-evolution of aggregate size distribution, buried surface areas, and residue contacts. Key interactions including π-cation and π-stacking involving TRP19 were also examined. Our AACG simulations demonstrated a clear salt effect and a moderate temperature effect on aggregation and support the molten globule model of melittin aggregates. As a showcase, this work illustrates the useful role for AACG in investigations of peptide aggregation and its potential to guide formulation and design of biologics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mee Y. Shelley
- Schrödinger,
Inc., 101 SW Main Street,
Suite 1300, Portland, Oregon 97204, United States
| | - Myvizhi Esai Selvan
- Schrödinger,
Inc., 120 W. 45th Street,
17th Floor, New York, New
York 10036, United
States
| | - Jun Zhao
- Cancer
and Inflammation Program, National Cancer
Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United
States
| | - Volodymyr Babin
- Schrödinger,
Inc., 101 SW Main Street,
Suite 1300, Portland, Oregon 97204, United States
| | - Chenyi Liao
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont 05405, United States
| | - Jianing Li
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont 05405, United States
| | - John C. Shelley
- Schrödinger,
Inc., 101 SW Main Street,
Suite 1300, Portland, Oregon 97204, United States
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17
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Tatsumi R, Suzuki T, Do MKQ, Ohya Y, Anderson JE, Shibata A, Kawaguchi M, Ohya S, Ohtsubo H, Mizunoya W, Sawano S, Komiya Y, Ichitsubo R, Ojima K, Nishimatsu SI, Nohno T, Ohsawa Y, Sunada Y, Nakamura M, Furuse M, Ikeuchi Y, Nishimura T, Yagi T, Allen RE. Slow-Myofiber Commitment by Semaphorin 3A Secreted from Myogenic Stem Cells. Stem Cells 2017; 35:1815-1834. [PMID: 28480592 DOI: 10.1002/stem.2639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Revised: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Recently, we found that resident myogenic stem satellite cells upregulate a multi-functional secreted protein, semaphorin 3A (Sema3A), exclusively at the early-differentiation phase in response to muscle injury; however, its physiological significance is still unknown. Here we show that Sema3A impacts slow-twitch fiber generation through a signaling pathway, cell-membrane receptor (neuropilin2-plexinA3) → myogenin-myocyte enhancer factor 2D → slow myosin heavy chain. This novel axis was found by small interfering RNA-transfection experiments in myoblast cultures, which also revealed an additional element that Sema3A-neuropilin1/plexinA1, A2 may enhance slow-fiber formation by activating signals that inhibit fast-myosin expression. Importantly, satellite cell-specific Sema3A conditional-knockout adult mice (Pax7CreERT2 -Sema3Afl °x activated by tamoxifen-i.p. injection) provided direct in vivo evidence for the Sema3A-driven program, by showing that slow-fiber generation and muscle endurance were diminished after repair from cardiotoxin-injury of gastrocnemius muscle. Overall, the findings highlight an active role for satellite cell-secreted Sema3A ligand as a key "commitment factor" for the slow-fiber population during muscle regeneration. Results extend our understanding of the myogenic stem-cell strategy that regulates fiber-type differentiation and is responsible for skeletal muscle contractility, energy metabolism, fatigue resistance, and its susceptibility to aging and disease. Stem Cells 2017;35:1815-1834.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Takahiro Suzuki
- Department of Animal and Marine Bioresource Sciences.,Department of Molecular and Developmental Biology.,Cell and Tissue Biology Laboratory, Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Mai-Khoi Q Do
- Department of Animal and Marine Bioresource Sciences
| | - Yuki Ohya
- Department of Animal and Marine Bioresource Sciences
| | - Judy E Anderson
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Ayumi Shibata
- Department of Animal and Marine Bioresource Sciences
| | - Mai Kawaguchi
- Department of Animal and Marine Bioresource Sciences
| | - Shunpei Ohya
- Department of Animal and Marine Bioresource Sciences
| | | | | | - Shoko Sawano
- Department of Animal and Marine Bioresource Sciences
| | - Yusuke Komiya
- Department of Animal and Marine Bioresource Sciences
| | | | - Koichi Ojima
- Muscle Biology Research Unit, Division of Animal Products Research, NARO Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | | | | | - Yutaka Ohsawa
- Department of Neurology, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yoshihide Sunada
- Department of Neurology, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
| | - Mako Nakamura
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | | | | | - Takanori Nishimura
- Cell and Tissue Biology Laboratory, Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Takeshi Yagi
- KOKORO-Biology Group, Laboratories for Integrated Biology, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ronald E Allen
- The School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
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18
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Liu NX, Pollanen MS. A mimic of sexually-motivated homicide: insect stings and heat exhaustion in a forest. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2017; 13:213-216. [PMID: 28343286 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-017-9850-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
We report the case a woman who was found dead in a forest. The body was nude and the position of the body suggested a sexually motivated homicide. We concluded that death was not related to homicide, but was related to the conjunction of environmental factors, including insect stings, and acute psychosis. A medicolegal death investigation with postmortem examination was undertaken to determine cause of death. At the scene, the body was supine with legs spread apart and the knees flexed, exposing the external genitalia. There were multiple apparent bruises on the body and neck. At autopsy, based on macroscopic and microscopic examination, the apparent bruises were found to be hemorrhagic insect bites. No significant injuries were present and no semen was found. Death appeared to be related to heat exhaustion and innumerable insect stings. Investigation of the medical history revealed longstanding schizoaffective disorder with episodic psychotic decompensations. In the past, during an acute psychotic episode the decedent removed her clothing and ran wildly in a forest, until she was rescued in a state of exhaustion and marked agitation, and taken to hospital for treatment. We concluded that the same circumstances had been repeated but with a fatal outcome. This case is an example of a mimic of sexually-motivated homicide and is a reminder to forensic pathologists to avoid tunnel vision. We need to be skeptical of the allure of common sense based on first impressions of the scene and the body. Forensic pathologists must be unafraid to scientifically explore improbable, but true, alternate explanations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy X Liu
- Ontario Forensic Pathology Service & Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michael S Pollanen
- Ontario Forensic Pathology Service & Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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19
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Melittin, a Potential Natural Toxin of Crude Bee Venom: Probable Future Arsenal in the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus. J CHEM-NY 2017. [DOI: 10.1155/2017/4035626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Since diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common and serious endocrine metabolic disorders, it is important to elucidate novel antidiabetic therapeutic agents from various sources, including natural products. Bee venom (BV) is a complex mixture of proteins, peptides, and low molecular components, and melittin is the main constituent. Melittin is a peptide consisting of 26 amino acids with the sequence GIGAVLKVLTTGLPALISWIKRKRQQ. It has several important biological effects and has a relatively low toxicity. Recent studies using animal models have confirmed that melittin has significant glucose and lipid lowering activities by acting on several mechanistic pathways. The main antidiabetic activity of melittin is increasing insulin secretion via depolarization of pancreatic β-cells. Other possible mechanisms may involve stimulation of phospholipase A2, increase of glucose uptake, improving lipid profile, and/or reduction of inflammation. This review summarizes the various sources, proteomics, biological roles, adverse effects, and medical applications of melittin and its mechanism of action in combating DM.
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20
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Shulepko MA, Lyukmanova EN, Shenkarev ZO, Dubovskii PV, Astapova MV, Feofanov AV, Arseniev AS, Utkin YN, Kirpichnikov MP, Dolgikh DA. Towards universal approach for bacterial production of three-finger Ly6/uPAR proteins: Case study of cytotoxin I from cobra N. oxiana. Protein Expr Purif 2016; 130:13-20. [PMID: 27702601 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2016.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Revised: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Cytotoxins or cardiotoxins is a group of polycationic toxins from cobra venom belonging to the 'three-finger' protein superfamily (Ly6/uPAR family) which includes small β-structural proteins (60-90 residues) with high disulfide bond content (4-5 disulfides). Due to a high cytotoxic activity for cancer cells, cytotoxins are considered as potential anticancer agents. Development of the high-throughput production methods is required for the prospective applications of cytotoxins. Here, efficient approach for bacterial production of recombinant analogue of cytotoxin I from N. oxiana containing additional N-terminal Met-residue (rCTX1) was developed. rCTX1 was produced in the form of E. coli inclusion bodies. Refolding in optimized conditions provided ∼6 mg of correctly folded protein from 1 L of bacterial culture. Cytotoxicity of rCTX1 for C6 rat glioma cells was found to be similar to the activity of wild type CTX1. The milligram quantities of 13C,15N-labeled rCTX1 were obtained. NMR study confirmed the similarity of the spatial structures of recombinant and wild-type toxins. Additional Met residue does not perturb the overall structure of the three-finger core. The analysis of available data for different Ly6/uPAR proteins of snake and human origin revealed that efficiency of their folding in vitro is correlated with the number of proline residues in the third loop and the surface area of hydrophobic residues buried within the protein interior. The obtained data indicate that hydrophobic core is important for the folding of proteins with high disulfide bond content. Developed expression method opens new possibilities for structure-function studies of CTX1 and other related three-finger proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Shulepko
- Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234, Moscow, Russia; Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117997, Moscow, Russia
| | - E N Lyukmanova
- Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234, Moscow, Russia; Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117997, Moscow, Russia.
| | - Z O Shenkarev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117997, Moscow, Russia; Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Institutskiy Pereulok 9, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141700, Russia
| | - P V Dubovskii
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117997, Moscow, Russia
| | - M V Astapova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117997, Moscow, Russia
| | - A V Feofanov
- Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234, Moscow, Russia; Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117997, Moscow, Russia
| | - A S Arseniev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117997, Moscow, Russia; Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Institutskiy Pereulok 9, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141700, Russia
| | - Y N Utkin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117997, Moscow, Russia
| | - M P Kirpichnikov
- Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234, Moscow, Russia; Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117997, Moscow, Russia
| | - D A Dolgikh
- Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234, Moscow, Russia; Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117997, Moscow, Russia
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21
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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: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [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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22
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Ohno Y, Matsuba Y, Hashimoto N, Sugiura T, Ohira Y, Yoshioka T, Goto K. Suppression of Myostatin Stimulates Regenerative Potential of Injured Antigravitational Soleus Muscle in Mice under Unloading Condition. Int J Med Sci 2016; 13:680-5. [PMID: 27647997 PMCID: PMC5027186 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.16267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Effects of myostatin (MSTN)-suppression on the regeneration of injured skeletal muscle under unloading condition were investigated by using transgenic mice expressing a dominant-negative form of MSTN (MSTN-DN). Both MSTN-DN and wild-type (WT) mice were subjected to continuous hindlimb suspension (HS) for 6 weeks. Cardiotoxin (CTX) was injected into left soleus muscle under anesthesia 2 weeks after the initiation of HS. Then, the soleus muscles were excised following 6-week HS (4 weeks after CTX-injection). CTX-injection caused to reduce the soleus fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) in WT mice under both unloading and weight-bearing conditions, but not in MSTN-DN mice. Under unloading condition, CTX-injected muscle weight and fiber CSA in MSTN-DN mice were significantly higher than those in WT mice. CTX-injected muscle had many damaged and regenerating fibers having central nuclei in both WT and MSTN-DN mice. Significant increase in the population of Pax7-positive nuclei in CTX-injected muscle was observed in MSTN-DN mice, but not in WT mice. Evidences indicate that the suppression of MSTN cause to increase the regenerative potential of injured soleus muscle via the increase in the population of muscle satellite cells regardless of unloading conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshitaka Ohno
- Laboratory of Physiology, School of Health Sciences, Toyohashi SOZO University, Toyohashi, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yusuke Matsuba
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Naohiro Hashimoto
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Aichi, Japan
| | - Takao Sugiura
- Faculty of Education, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Yoshinobu Ohira
- Graduate School of Health and Sports Science, Doshisha University, Kyotanabe, Kyoto, Japan
| | | | - Katsumasa Goto
- Laboratory of Physiology, School of Health Sciences, Toyohashi SOZO University, Toyohashi, Aichi, Japan;; Department of Physiology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Toyohashi SOZO University, Toyohashi, Aichi, Japan
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23
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Kim DS, Cha HN, Jo HJ, Song IH, Baek SH, Dan JM, Kim YW, Kim JY, Lee IK, Seo JS, Park SY. TLR2 deficiency attenuates skeletal muscle atrophy in mice. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2015; 459:534-40. [PMID: 25749338 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.02.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2015] [Accepted: 02/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress and inflammation are associated with skeletal muscle atrophy. Because the activation of toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 induces oxidative stress and inflammation, TLR2 may be directly linked to skeletal muscle atrophy. This study examined the role of TLR2 in skeletal muscle atrophy in wild-type (WT) and TLR2 knockout (KO) mice. Immobilization for 2 weeks increased the expression of cytokine genes and the levels of carbonylated proteins and nitrotyrosine in the skeletal muscle, but these increases were lower in the TLR2 KO mice. Muscle weight loss and a reduction in treadmill running times induced by immobilization were also attenuated in TLR2 KO mice. Furthermore, immobilization increased the protein levels of forkhead box O 1/3, atrogin-1 and muscle ring finger 1 in the WT mice, which was attenuated in TLR2 KO mice. In addition, immobilization-associated increases in ubiquitinated protein levels were lower in the TLR2 KO mice. Immobilization increased the phosphorylation of Akt and p70S6K similarly in WT and KO mice. Furthermore, cardiotoxin injection into the skeletal muscle increased the protein levels of atrogin-1, interleukin-6, and nitrotyrosine and increased the levels of ubiquitinated proteins, although these levels were increased to a lesser extent in TLR2 KO mice. These results suggest that TLR2 is involved in skeletal muscle atrophy, and the inhibition of TLR2 offers a potential target for preventing skeletal muscle atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dae-Sung Kim
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Daegu 705-717, South Korea
| | - Hye-Na Cha
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Daegu 705-717, South Korea
| | - Hye Jun Jo
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Daegu 705-717, South Korea
| | - In-Hwan Song
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Daegu 705-717, South Korea
| | - Suk-Hwan Baek
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Daegu 705-717, South Korea
| | - Jin-Myoung Dan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Gumi CHA University Hospital, Gumi 730-728, South Korea
| | - Yong-Woon Kim
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Daegu 705-717, South Korea
| | - Jong-Yeon Kim
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Daegu 705-717, South Korea
| | - In-Kyu Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 700-721, South Korea
| | - Jae-Sung Seo
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Daegu 705-717, South Korea
| | - So-Young Park
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Daegu 705-717, South Korea.
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24
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Sawano S, Suzuki T, Do MKQ, Ohtsubo H, Mizunoya W, Ikeuchi Y, Tatsumi R. Supplementary immunocytochemistry of hepatocyte growth factor production in activated macrophages early in muscle regeneration. Anim Sci J 2014; 85:994-1000. [DOI: 10.1111/asj.12264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2014] [Accepted: 06/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shoko Sawano
- Department of Animal and Marine Bioresource Sciences; Graduate School of Agriculture; Kyushu University; Fukuoka Japan
| | - Takahiro Suzuki
- Department of Animal and Marine Bioresource Sciences; Graduate School of Agriculture; Kyushu University; Fukuoka Japan
| | - Mai-Khoi Q. Do
- Department of Animal and Marine Bioresource Sciences; Graduate School of Agriculture; Kyushu University; Fukuoka Japan
| | - Hideaki Ohtsubo
- Department of Animal and Marine Bioresource Sciences; Graduate School of Agriculture; Kyushu University; Fukuoka Japan
| | - Wataru Mizunoya
- Department of Animal and Marine Bioresource Sciences; Graduate School of Agriculture; Kyushu University; Fukuoka Japan
| | - Yoshihide Ikeuchi
- Department of Animal and Marine Bioresource Sciences; Graduate School of Agriculture; Kyushu University; Fukuoka Japan
| | - Ryuichi Tatsumi
- Department of Animal and Marine Bioresource Sciences; Graduate School of Agriculture; Kyushu University; Fukuoka Japan
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25
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Gopi K, Renu K, Jayaraman G. Inhibition of Naja naja venom enzymes by the methanolic extract of Leucas aspera and its chemical profile by GC-MS. Toxicol Rep 2014; 1:667-673. [PMID: 28962280 PMCID: PMC5598287 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2014.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2014] [Revised: 07/24/2014] [Accepted: 08/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The present investigation was aimed at evaluating the anti-ophidian properties of ethnomedicinal herb Leucas aspera against Indian cobra, Naja naja venom enzymes. Methods Methanolic extract of Leucas aspera was evaluated, in vitro, for its ability to inhibit the major enzyme activities of Naja naja venom including protease, phospholipase A2, hyaluronidase and hemolytic factors. The type of phytochemicals present in the extract was analyzed. Also, the major phytoconstituents in the extract was determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Results Venom protease and hyaluronidase activities (two isoforms) were completely (100%) neutralized by the L. aspera methanolic extract at ratio of 1:50 w/w (venom: plant extract) and venom hemolytic activity was also completely neutralized at a ratio of 1:80 w/w by the plant extract. However, the extract failed to neutralize phospholipase A2 activity even at the highest concentration used. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, acidic compounds, flavonoids, steroids and cardiac glycosides in the extract. GC–MS analysis indicated that a total of 14 compounds were present in the extract. The major bioactive constituents were found to be 6-octadecenoic acid (32.47%), n-hexadecanoic acid (25.97%), and 17-octadecen-14-yn-1-ol (14.22%) along with the minor constituents, sitosterol (2.45%) and stigmasterol (2%), which was previously reported to exhibit antivenom activity. Conclusion The results obtained demonstrate for the first time that the methanolic extract of Leucas aspera possesses anti-venom activity and could be considered as a potential source for the anti-ophidian metabolites.
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26
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Sakaguchi S, Shono JI, Suzuki T, Sawano S, Anderson JE, Do MKQ, Ohtsubo H, Mizunoya W, Sato Y, Nakamura M, Furuse M, Yamada K, Ikeuchi Y, Tatsumi R. Implication of anti-inflammatory macrophages in regenerative moto-neuritogenesis: promotion of myoblast migration and neural chemorepellent semaphorin 3A expression in injured muscle. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2014; 54:272-85. [PMID: 24886696 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2014.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2014] [Revised: 05/06/2014] [Accepted: 05/22/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Regenerative mechanisms that regulate intramuscular motor innervation are thought to reside in the spatiotemporal expression of axon-guidance molecules. Our previous studies proposed a heretofore unexplored role of resident myogenic stem cell (satellite cell)-derived myoblasts as a key presenter of a secreted neural chemorepellent semaphorin 3A (Sema3A); hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) triggered its expression exclusively at the early-differentiation phase. In order to verify this concept, the present study was designed to clarify a paracrine source of HGF release. In vitro experiments demonstrated that activated anti-inflammatory macrophages (CD206-positive M2) produce HGF and thereby promote myoblast chemoattraction and Sema3A expression. Media from pro-inflammatory macrophage cultures (M1) did not show any significant effect. M2 also enhanced the expression of myoblast-differentiation markers in culture, and infiltrated predominantly at the early-differentiation phase (3-5 days post-injury); M2 were confirmed to produce HGF as monitored by in vivo/ex vivo immunocytochemistry of CD11b/CD206/HGF-positive cells and by HGF in situ hybridization of cardiotoxin- or crush-injured tibialis anterior muscle, respectively. These studies advance our understanding of the stage-specific activation of Sema3A expression signaling. Findings, therefore, encourage the idea that M2 contribute to spatiotemporal up-regulation of extracellular Sema3A concentrations by producing HGF that, in turn, stimulates a burst of Sema3A secretion by myoblasts that are recruited to site of injury. This model may ensure a coordinated delay in re-attachment of motoneuron terminals onto damaged fibers early in muscle regeneration, and thus synchronize the recovery of muscle-fiber integrity and the early resolution of inflammation after injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shohei Sakaguchi
- Department of Animal and Marine Bioresource Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Hakozaki 6-10-1, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 8128581, Japan
| | - Jun-ichi Shono
- Department of Animal and Marine Bioresource Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Hakozaki 6-10-1, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 8128581, Japan
| | - Takahiro Suzuki
- Department of Animal and Marine Bioresource Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Hakozaki 6-10-1, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 8128581, Japan
| | - Shoko Sawano
- Department of Animal and Marine Bioresource Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Hakozaki 6-10-1, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 8128581, Japan
| | - Judy E Anderson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Mai-Khoi Q Do
- Department of Animal and Marine Bioresource Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Hakozaki 6-10-1, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 8128581, Japan
| | - Hideaki Ohtsubo
- Department of Animal and Marine Bioresource Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Hakozaki 6-10-1, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 8128581, Japan
| | - Wataru Mizunoya
- Department of Animal and Marine Bioresource Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Hakozaki 6-10-1, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 8128581, Japan
| | - Yusuke Sato
- Department of Animal and Marine Bioresource Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Hakozaki 6-10-1, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 8128581, Japan
| | - Mako Nakamura
- Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Hakozaki 6-10-1, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 8128581, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Furuse
- Department of Animal and Marine Bioresource Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Hakozaki 6-10-1, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 8128581, Japan
| | - Koji Yamada
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Hakozaki 6-10-1, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 8128581, Japan
| | - Yoshihide Ikeuchi
- Department of Animal and Marine Bioresource Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Hakozaki 6-10-1, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 8128581, Japan
| | - Ryuichi Tatsumi
- Department of Animal and Marine Bioresource Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Hakozaki 6-10-1, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 8128581, Japan.
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Yap MKK, Tan NH, Sim SM, Fung SY, Tan CH. Pharmacokinetics of Naja sumatrana (equatorial spitting cobra) venom and its major toxins in experimentally envenomed rabbits. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e2890. [PMID: 24901441 PMCID: PMC4046969 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2014] [Accepted: 04/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The optimization of snakebite management and the use of antivenom depend greatly on the knowledge of the venom's composition as well as its pharmacokinetics. To date, however, pharmacokinetic reports on cobra venoms and their toxins are still relatively limited. In the present study, we investigated the pharmacokinetics of Naja sumatrana (Equatorial spitting cobra) venom and its major toxins (phospholipase A2, neurotoxin and cardiotoxin), following intravenous and intramuscular administration into rabbits. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The serum antigen concentration-time profile of the N. sumatrana venom and its major toxins injected intravenously fitted a two-compartment model of pharmacokinetics. The systemic clearance (91.3 ml/h), terminal phase half-life (13.6 h) and systemic bioavailability (41.9%) of N. sumatrana venom injected intramuscularly were similar to those of N. sputatrix venom determined in an earlier study. The venom neurotoxin and cardiotoxin reached their peak concentrations within 30 min following intramuscular injection, relatively faster than the phospholipase A2 and whole venom (Tmax=2 h and 1 h, respectively). Rapid absorption of the neurotoxin and cardiotoxin from the injection site into systemic circulation indicates fast onsets of action of these principal toxins that are responsible for the early systemic manifestation of envenoming. The more prominent role of the neurotoxin in N. sumatrana systemic envenoming is further supported by its significantly higher intramuscular bioavailability (Fi.m.=81.5%) compared to that of the phospholipase A2 (Fi.m.=68.6%) or cardiotoxin (Fi.m.=45.6%). The incomplete absorption of the phospholipase A2 and cardiotoxin may infer the toxins' affinities for tissues at the injection site and their pathological roles in local tissue damages through synergistic interactions. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE Our results suggest that the venom neurotoxin is absorbed very rapidly and has the highest bioavailability following intramuscular injection, supporting its role as the principal toxin in systemic envenoming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Khai Khun Yap
- CENAR and Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nget Hong Tan
- CENAR and Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Si Mui Sim
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Shin Yee Fung
- CENAR and Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Choo Hock Tan
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Wu CY, Chen ST, Ho CL, Wang KT. Engineering of Cardiotoxin by Chemical Synthesis: (I) Rapid Synthesis of Fully Active Cardiotoxin II and IV of Taiwan Cobra Venom. J CHIN CHEM SOC-TAIP 2013. [DOI: 10.1002/jccs.199600011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Gajski G, Garaj-Vrhovac V. Melittin: a lytic peptide with anticancer properties. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2013; 36:697-705. [PMID: 23892471 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2013.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2013] [Revised: 06/12/2013] [Accepted: 06/20/2013] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Melittin (MEL) is a major peptide constituent of bee venom that has been proposed as one of the upcoming possibilities for anticancer therapy. Recent reports point to several mechanisms of MEL cytotoxicity in different types of cancer cells such as cell cycle alterations, effect on proliferation and/or growth inhibition, and induction of apoptotic and necrotic cell death trough several cancer cell death mechanisms, including the activation of caspases and matrix metalloproteinases. Although cytotoxic to a broad spectrum of tumour cells, the peptide is also toxic to normal cells. Therefore its therapeutic potential cannot be achieved without a proper delivery vehicle which could be overcome by MEL nanoparticles that possess the ability to safely deliver significant amount of MEL intravenously, and to target and kill tumours. This review paper summarizes the current knowledge and brings latest research findings on the anticancer potential of this lytic peptide with diverse functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goran Gajski
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Mutagenesis Unit, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Vera Garaj-Vrhovac
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Mutagenesis Unit, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Nishizawa S, Koya T, Ohno Y, Goto A, Ikuita A, Suzuki M, Ohira T, Egawa T, Nakai A, Sugiura T, Ohira Y, Yoshioka T, Beppu M, Goto K. Regeneration of injured skeletal muscle in heat shock transcription factor 1-null mice. Physiol Rep 2013; 1:e00071. [PMID: 24303143 PMCID: PMC3835021 DOI: 10.1002/phy2.71] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2013] [Revised: 07/27/2013] [Accepted: 07/29/2013] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate a role of heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1)-mediated stress response during regeneration of injured soleus muscle by using HSF1-null mice. Cardiotoxin (CTX) was injected into the left muscle of male HSF1-null and wild-type mice under anesthesia with intraperitoneal injection of pentobarbital sodium. Injection of physiological saline was also performed into the right muscle. Soleus muscles were dissected bilaterally 2 and 4 weeks after the injection. The relative weight and fiber cross-sectional area in CTX-injected muscles of HSF1-null, not of wild-type, mice were less than controls with injection of physiological saline 4 weeks after the injury, indicating a slower regeneration. Injury-related increase of Pax7-positive muscle satellite cells in HSF1-null mice was inhibited versus wild-type mice. HSF1-deficiency generally caused decreases in the basal expression levels of heat shock proteins (HSPs). But the mRNA expression levels of HSP25 and HSP90α in HSF1-null mice were enhanced in response to CTX-injection, compared with wild-type mice. Significant up-regulations of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL) -6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor mRNAs, with greater magnitude than in wild-type mice were observed in HSF1-deficient mouse muscle. HSF1 and/or HSF1-mediated stress response may play a key role in the regenerating process of injured skeletal muscle. HSF1 deficiency may depress the regenerating process of injured skeletal muscle via the partial depression of increase in Pax7-positive satellite cells. HSF1-deficiency-associated partial depression of skeletal muscle regeneration might also be attributed to up-regulation of proinflammatory cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sono Nishizawa
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, St. Marianna University School of Medicine Kawasaki, Japan
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31
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Neutralization of Apis mellifera bee venom activities by suramin. Toxicon 2013; 67:55-62. [PMID: 23474269 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2013.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2012] [Revised: 01/31/2013] [Accepted: 02/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In this work we evaluated the ability of suramin, a polysulfonated naphthylurea derivative, to antagonize the cytotoxic and enzymatic effects of the crude venom of Apis mellifera. Suramin was efficient to decrease the lethality in a dose-dependent way. The hemoconcentration caused by lethal dose injection of bee venom was abolished by suramin (30 μg/g). The edematogenic activity of the venom (0.3 μg/g) was antagonized by suramin (10 μg/g) in all treatment protocols. The changes in the vascular permeability caused by A. mellifera (1 μg/g) venom were inhibited by suramin (30 μg/g) in the pre- and posttreatment as well as when the venom was preincubated with suramin. In addition, suramin also inhibited cultured endothelial cell lesion, as well as in vitro myotoxicity, evaluated in mouse extensor digitorum longus muscle, which was inhibited by suramin (10 and 25 μM), decreasing the rate of CK release, showing that suramin protected the sarcolemma against damage induced by components of bee venom (2.5 μg/mL). Moreover, suramin inhibited the in vivo myotoxicity induced by i.m. injection of A. mellifera venom in mice (0.5 μg/g). The analysis of the area under the plasma CK vs. time curve showed that preincubation, pre- and posttreatment with suramin (30 μg/g) inhibited bee venom myotoxic activity in mice by about 89%, 45% and 40%, respectively. Suramin markedly inhibited the PLA2 activity in a concentration-dependent way (1-30 μM). Being suramin a polyanion molecule, the effects observed may be due to the interaction of its charges with the polycation components present in A. mellifera bee venom.
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Munoz LE, Maueröder C, Chaurio R, Berens C, Herrmann M, Janko C. Colourful death: Six-parameter classification of cell death by flow cytometry—Dead cells tell tales. Autoimmunity 2013; 46:336-41. [DOI: 10.3109/08916934.2012.755960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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33
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Sato Y, DO MKQ, Suzuki T, Ohtsubo H, Mizunoya W, Nakamura M, Furuse M, Ikeuchi Y, Tatsumi R. Satellite cells produce neural chemorepellent semaphorin 3A upon muscle injury. Anim Sci J 2012; 84:185-9. [PMID: 23384361 DOI: 10.1111/asj.12014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2012] [Accepted: 09/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Regenerative mechanisms that regulate intramuscular motor innervation. including configuration of the neuromuscular connections are thought to reside in the spatiotemporal expression of axon-guidance molecules. Our previous studies proposed a heretofore unexplored role of satellite cells as a key source of a secreted neural chemorepellent semaphorin 3A (Sema3A) expression. In order to verify this concept, there is still a critical need to provide direct evidence to show the up-regulation of Sema3A protein in satellite cells in vivo upon muscle injury. The present study employed a Sema3A/MyoD double-immunohistochemical staining for cryo-sections prepared from cardiotoxin injected gastrocnemius muscle of adult mouse lower hind-limb. Results clearly demonstrated that Sema3A expression was up-regulated in myogenic differentiation-positive satellite cells at 4-12 days post-injury period, the time that corresponds to the cell differentiation phase characterized by increasing myogenin messenger RNA expression. This direct proof encourages a possible implication of satellite cells in the spatiotemporal regulation of extracellular Sema3A concentrations, which potentially ensures coordinating a delay in neurite sprouting and re-attachment of motoneuron terminals onto damaged muscle fibers early in muscle regeneration in synchrony with recovery of muscle-fiber integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Sato
- Department of Animal and Marine Bioresource Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Fukuoka, Japan
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34
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Hung SW, Hsiao PY, Lu MC, Chieng CC. Thermodynamic Investigations Using Molecular Dynamics Simulations with Potential of Mean Force Calculations for Cardiotoxin Protein Adsorption on Mixed Self-Assembled Monolayers. J Phys Chem B 2012; 116:12661-8. [DOI: 10.1021/jp304695w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Wei Hung
- Department of Engineering
and
System Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Pai-Yi Hsiao
- Department of Engineering
and
System Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chang Lu
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Chang Chieng
- Department of Engineering
and
System Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Department
of Mechanical and Biomedical
Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
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Abstract
Bee venom (BV) (api-toxin) has been widely used in the treatment of some immune-related diseases, as well as in recent times in treatment of tumors. Several cancer cells, including renal, lung, liver, prostate, bladder, and mammary cancer cells as well as leukemia cells, can be targets of bee venom peptides such as melittin and phospholipase A2. The cell cytotoxic effects through the activation of PLA2 by melittin have been suggested to be the critical mechanism for the anti-cancer activity of BV. The induction of apoptotic cell death through several cancer cell death mechanisms, including the activation of caspase and matrix metalloproteinases, is important for the melittin-induced anti-cancer effects. The conjugation of cell lytic peptide (melittin) with hormone receptors and gene therapy carrying melittin can be useful as a novel targeted therapy for some types of cancer, such as prostate and breast cancer. This review summarizes the current knowledge regarding potential of bee venom and its compounds such as melittin to induce cytotoxic, antitumor, immunomodulatory, and apoptotic effects in different tumor cells in vivo or in vitro. The recent applications of melittin in various cancers and a molecular explanation for the antiproliferative properties of bee venom are discussed.
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Gajski G, Domijan AM, Garaj-Vrhovac V. Alterations of GSH and MDA levels and their association with bee venom-induced DNA damage in human peripheral blood leukocytes. ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS 2012; 53:469-477. [PMID: 22730252 DOI: 10.1002/em.21708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2011] [Revised: 05/02/2012] [Accepted: 05/07/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Bee venom (BV) has toxic effects in a variety of cell systems and oxidative stress has been proposed as a possible mechanism of its toxicity. This study investigated the in vitro effect of BV on glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and their association with BV-induced DNA strand breaks and oxidative DNA damage in human peripheral blood leukocytes (HPBLs). Blood samples were treated with BV at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 10 μg/ml over different lengths of time, and DNA damage in HPBLs was monitored with the alkaline and formamidopyrimidine glycoslyase (FPG)-modified comet assays, while GSH and MDA levels were determined in whole blood. Results showed a significant increase in overall DNA damage and FPG-sensitive sites in DNA of HPBLs exposed to BV compared with HPBLs from controls. An increase in DNA damage (assessed with both comet assays) was significantly associated with changes in MDA and GSH levels. When pretreated with N-acetyl-L-cysteine, a source of cysteine for the synthesis of the endogenous antioxidant GSH, a significant reduction of the DNA damaging effects of BV in HPBLs was noted. This suggests that oxidative stress is at least partly responsible for the DNA damaging effects of BV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goran Gajski
- Mutagenesis Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia.
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Gajski G, Garaj-Vrhovac V. Bee venom induced cytogenetic damage and decreased cell viability in human white blood cells after treatment in vitro: a multi-biomarker approach. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2011; 32:201-211. [PMID: 21843800 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2011.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2011] [Revised: 05/06/2011] [Accepted: 05/18/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate cytogenotoxic effects of bee venom to human lymphocytes and take a look into the mechanisms behind them. Bee venom was tested in concentrations ranging from 0.1μg/ml to 20μg/ml over different lengths of time. Cell viability, type of the cell death, and morphological alterations were evaluated using phase-contrast and fluorescent microscopy in addition to DNA diffusion assay, whereas cytogenotoxic effects were assessed with the micronucleus test. DNA damage and its relation to oxidative stress were evaluated combining the standard alkaline and the Fpg-modified comet assay. Our results showed lower cell viability, morphological cell alterations, cytogenotoxicity, and dominantly necrotic type of cell death in human lymphocytes after treatment with bee venom. All the effects were time- and dose-dependent. These results provide an insight into the effects of bee venom on the cell structure that could be relevant for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goran Gajski
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Mutagenesis Unit, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
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38
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Gajski G, Garaj-Vrhovac V. Increased frequency of sister chromatid exchanges and decrease in cell viability and proliferation kinetics in human peripheral blood lymphocytes after in vitro exposure to whole bee venom. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2010; 45:1654-1659. [PMID: 20730658 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2010.506144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The present study was aimed to investigate the impact of bee venom on frequency of sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) and viability in human peripheral blood lymphocytes in vitro. In addition, the proportion of lymphocytes that undergo one, two or three cell divisions as well as proliferative rate index (PRI) have been determined. Aqueous solution of whole bee venom was added to whole blood samples in concentrations ranging from 0.1 microg/mL to 20 microg/mL in different lengths of time. Results showed that whole bee venom inhibited cell viability, resulting in a 22.86 +/- 1.14% and 51.21 +/- 0.58% reduction of viable cells at 1 hour and 6 hours, respectively. The mean SCE per cell in all the exposed samples was significantly higher than in the corresponding controls. In addition, the percentage of high frequency cells (HFC) for each sample was estimated using the pooled distribution of all SCE measurements. This parameter was also significantly higher compared to the control. Inhibition of proliferation was statistically significant for both exposure times and concentrations and was time and dose dependent. These data indicate that whole bee venom inhibited cell proliferation, resulting in a 36.87 +/- 5.89% and 38.43 +/- 1.96% reduction of proliferation at 1 hour and 6 hours, respectively. In conclusion, this report demonstrated that whole bee venom is capable of inducing DNA alterations by virtue of increasing sister chromatid exchanges in addition to the cell viability decrease and inhibition of proliferation kinetics in human peripheral blood lymphocytes in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goran Gajski
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Mutagenesis Unit, Zagreb, Croatia.
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Mittal A, Bhatnagar S, Kumar A, Paul PK, Kuang S, Kumar A. Genetic ablation of TWEAK augments regeneration and post-injury growth of skeletal muscle in mice. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2010; 177:1732-42. [PMID: 20724600 DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2010.100335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Impairment in the regeneration process is a critical determinant for skeletal muscle wasting in chronic diseases and degenerative muscle disorders. Inflammatory cytokines are known to cause significant muscle wasting, however, their role in myofiber regeneration is less clear. In this study we have investigated the role of tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) in skeletal muscle regeneration in vivo. Our results show that expression levels of TWEAK and its receptor Fn14 are significantly increased in skeletal muscles of mice after injury. Genetic deletion of TWEAK increased the fiber cross-sectional area and levels of embryonic isoform of myosin heavy chain in regenerating tibial anterior muscle. Conversely, muscle-specific transgenic overexpression of TWEAK reduced the fiber cross-sectional area and levels of the embryonic myosin heavy chain in regenerating muscle. TWEAK induced the expression of several inflammatory molecules and increased interstitial fibrosis in regenerating muscle. Genetic ablation of TWEAK suppressed, whereas overexpression of TWEAK increased, the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B without affecting the activation of Akt or p38 kinase in regenerating myofibers. Primary myoblasts from TWEAK-null mice showed enhanced differentiation in vitro, whereas myoblasts from TWEAK-Tg mice showed reduced differentiation compared with wild-type mice. Collectively, our study suggests that TWEAK negatively regulates muscle regeneration and that TWEAK is a potential therapeutic target to enhance skeletal muscle regeneration in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwani Mittal
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, USA
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40
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Wu WG, Tjong SC, Wu PL, Kuo JH, Wu K. Role of heparan sulfates and glycosphingolipids in the pore formation of basic polypeptides of cobra cardiotoxin. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2010; 677:143-9. [PMID: 20687487 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4419-6327-7_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cobra venom contains cardiotoxins (CTXs) that induce tissue necrosis and systolic heart arrest in bitten victims. CTX-induced membrane pore formation is one of the major mechanisms responsible for the venom's designated cytotoxicity. This chapter examines how glycoconjugates such as heparan sulfates (HS) and glycosphingolipids, located respectively in the extracellular matrix and lipid bilayers of the cell membranes, facilitate CTX pore formation. Evidences for HS-facilitated cell surface retention and glycosphingolipid-facilitated membrane bilayer insertion of CTX are reviewed. We suggest that similar physical steps could play a role in the mediation of other pore forming toxins (PFT). The membrane pores formed by PFT are expected to have limited lifetime on biological cell surface as a result of membrane dynamics during endocytosis and/or rearrangement of lipid rafts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Guey Wu
- National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center and Department of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, 101 Kuang Fu Road 2nd Sec, Hsinchu 30043, Taiwan.
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Wan-Yu W, Qiu-Ming L, Yu Z, Qin-Xiong M. Cobra (Naja Naja Atra) Membrane Toxin Isoforms: Structure and Function. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.3109/15569549809040408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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42
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Ownby CL. Structure, Function and Biophysical Aspects of the Myotoxins from Snake Venoms. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.3109/15569549809009250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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43
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Matsuba Y, Goto K, Morioka S, Naito T, Akema T, Hashimoto N, Sugiura T, Ohira Y, Beppu M, Yoshioka T. Gravitational unloading inhibits the regenerative potential of atrophied soleus muscle in mice. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2009; 196:329-39. [PMID: 19040712 DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-1716.2008.01943.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
AIM The present study was performed to investigate the influence of unloading on the regeneration of atrophied and injured skeletal muscle. METHODS Male mice (C57BL/6J), aged 8 weeks, were used. Cardiotoxin (CTX) was injected into soleus muscles bilaterally. Gravitational unloading on soleus muscle was performed by hind limb suspension for 2 weeks before and additionally 6 weeks after CTX injection in one group. Soleus muscles in the remaining groups were loaded keeping the mice in the cages and were dissected 14, 28 and 42 days after the injection. RESULTS Recovery of the wet weight and protein content of soleus in the CTX-injected group was inhibited by unloading. Increase in satellite cell number, induced by CTX injection and loading, was also inhibited by unloading. Disappearance of infiltration of mononucleated cells into the necrotic area was also delayed. This phenomenon suggests that regeneration, which is indicated by the appearance of fibres with central nuclei, was inhibited by unloading. CONCLUSION Results suggested that loading plays an important role in the activation of the regenerating potential of injured skeletal muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Matsuba
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, St Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan
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44
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Radioprotective Effects of Honeybee Venom (Apis mellifera) Against 915-MHz Microwave Radiation–Induced DNA Damage in Wistar Rat Lymphocytes: In Vitro Study. Int J Toxicol 2009; 28:88-98. [DOI: 10.1177/1091581809335051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to investigate the radioprotective effect of bee venom against DNA damage induced by 915-MHz microwave radiation (specific absorption rate of 0.6 W/kg) in Wistar rats. Whole blood lymphocytes of Wistar rats are treated with 1 μg/mL bee venom 4 hours prior to and immediately before irradiation. Standard and formamidopyrimidine-DNA glycosylase (Fpg)–modified comet assays are used to assess basal and oxidative DNA damage produced by reactive oxygen species. Bee venom shows a decrease in DNA damage compared with irradiated samples. Parameters of Fpg-modified comet assay are statistically different from controls, making this assay more sensitive and suggesting that oxidative stress is a possible mechanism of DNA damage induction. Bee venom is demonstrated to have a radioprotective effect against basal and oxidative DNA damage. Furthermore, bee venom is not genotoxic and does not produce oxidative damage in the low concentrations used in this study.
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Morioka S, Goto K, Kojima A, Naito T, Matsuba Y, Akema T, Fujiya H, Sugiura T, Ohira Y, Beppu M, Aoki H, Yoshioka T. Functional overloading facilitates the regeneration of injured soleus muscles in mice. J Physiol Sci 2009; 58:397-404. [PMID: 18845057 DOI: 10.2170/physiolsci.rp004008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2008] [Accepted: 09/22/2008] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The effect of functional overloading on the regenerating process of injured skeletal muscle was investigated in 10-week-old male mice (C57BL/6J). Functional overloading on soleus of both hindlimbs was performed by cutting the distal tendons of plantaris and gastrocnemius muscles for 2 weeks before cardiotoxin (CTX) injection as the preconditioning and also during 10 weeks of recovery. To activate the necrosis-regeneration cycle, 0.1 ml of 10-microM CTX was injected into soleus muscle. The mean values of absolute muscle weight and the percentage of Pax7-positive nuclei in soleus were increased by the preconditioning. These values, as well as total muscle protein content, in the group with CTX injection plus overloading were larger than in the group with CTX injection alone. Fibers with central nucleus were noted in the group with CTX injection with or without overloading. The rate of disappearance of fibers having central nucleus during recovery was stimulated by overloading. Histological analyses revealed that the regeneration of injured soleus muscle with overloading proceeded more rapidly than the muscle without overloading. These results, in combination with previous lines of evidence, strongly suggest that functional overloading may facilitate the regeneration of injured skeletal muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigeta Morioka
- Department of Physiology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, 216-8511 Japan
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Naito T, Goto K, Morioka S, Matsuba Y, Akema T, Sugiura T, Ohira Y, Beppu M, Yoshioka T. Administration of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor facilitates the regenerative process of injured mice skeletal muscle via the activation of Akt/GSK3αβ signals. Eur J Appl Physiol 2008; 105:643-51. [DOI: 10.1007/s00421-008-0946-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/11/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Ponnappa KC, Saviour P, Ramachandra NB, Kini RM, Gowda TV. INN-toxin, a highly lethal peptide from the venom of Indian cobra (Naja naja) venom-Isolation, characterization and pharmacological actions. Peptides 2008; 29:1893-900. [PMID: 18760317 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2008.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2008] [Revised: 07/30/2008] [Accepted: 07/30/2008] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
A novel toxic polypeptide, INN-toxin, is purified from the venom of Naja naja using combination of gel-permeation and ion-exchange chromatography. It has a molecular mass of 6951.6Da as determined by MALDI-TOF/MS and the N-terminal sequence of LKXNKLVPLF. It showed both neurotoxic as well as cytotoxic activities. INN-toxin is lethal to mice with a LD(50) of 1.2mg/kg body weight. IgY raised in chicks against basic peptide pool neutralized the toxicity of INN-toxin. INN-toxin did not inhibit cholinesterase activity. It is toxic to Ehrlich ascites tumor (EAT) cells, but it is not toxic to leukocyte culture. The toxin appears to be specific in its mode of action. Interaction of N-bromosuccinamide (NBS) with the peptide resulted in the modification of tryptophan residues and loss of lethal toxicity of INN-toxin.
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Affiliation(s)
- K C Ponnappa
- Department of Studies in Biochemistry, Manasagangotri, University of Mysore, Mysore 570 006, India
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Sitprija V. Animal toxins and the kidney. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 4:616-27. [DOI: 10.1038/ncpneph0941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2008] [Accepted: 07/30/2008] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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