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Mayer AB, Amaral HDO, de Oliveira DGR, Campos GAA, Ribeiro PG, Fernandes SCR, de Souza ACB, de Castro RJA, Bocca AL, Mortari MR. New fraternine analogues: Evaluation of the antiparkinsonian effect in the model of Parkinson's disease. Neuropeptides 2024; 103:102390. [PMID: 37984248 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2023.102390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Venom-derived peptides are important sources for the development of new therapeutic molecules, especially due to their broad pharmacological activity. Previously, our research group identified a novel natural peptide, named fraternine, with promising effects for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. In the present paper, we synthesized three peptides bioinspired in fraternine: fra-10, fra-14, and fra-24. They were tested in the 6-OHDA-induced model of parkinsonism, quantifying motor coordination, levels of TH+ neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SN), and inflammation mediators TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß in the cortex. Peptides fra-14 and fra-10 improved the motor coordination in relation to 6-OHDA lesioned animals. However, most of the peptides were toxic in the doses applied. All three peptides reduced the intensity of the lesion induced rotations in the apomorphine test. Fra-24 higher dose increased the number of TH+ neurons in SN and reduced the concentration of TNF-α in the cortex of 6-OHDA lesioned mice. Overall, only the peptide fra-24 presented a neuroprotection effect on dopaminergic neurons of SN and a reduction of cytokine TNF-α levels, making it worthy of consideration for the treatment of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andréia Biolchi Mayer
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Henrique de Oliveira Amaral
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Danilo Gustavo R de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Avohay Alves Campos
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Priscilla Galante Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Solange Cristina Rego Fernandes
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Adolfo Carlos Barros de Souza
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Raffael Júnio Araújo de Castro
- Laboratory of Applied Immunology, Department of Cellular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Anamélia Lorenzetti Bocca
- Laboratory of Applied Immunology, Department of Cellular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Márcia Renata Mortari
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil.
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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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Comparison of Metabolites and Gut Microbes between Patients with Parkinson’s Disease and Healthy Individuals—A Pilot Clinical Observational Study (STROBE Compliant). Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10020302. [PMID: 35206916 PMCID: PMC8871597 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10020302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Even if levodopa, dopamine agonists, and others are used for patients with Parkinson’s disease, the effect is not sustained, and side effects such as motor fluctuation and dyskinesia are more likely to appear as the dose increases. Thus, new approaches for managing Parkinson’s disease are needed. This study aimed to compare the metabolites and gut microbes between patients with Parkinson’s disease and healthy individuals. Methods: This was an observational study with a case-control design. Metabolite and gut microbial analyses were performed using blood and stool samples collected from the subjects. Results: Among the metabolites, the acetate, citrate, methionine, and trimethylamine levels were significantly different between the two groups. In the gut microbes, abundance of Bacteroidetes, Prevotella, Phascolarctobacterium, Pseudoflavonifractor, Eisenbergiella, and Gemella were also significantly different between the two groups. Discussion: Metabolites are the products of gut microbes. Therefore, when the gut microbes change, the metabolites change accordingly. Metabolites and gut microbes that were significantly different between the two groups were mostly those involved in lipid and glucose metabolism. Our data may be helpful for the development of new drugs targeting metabolites and gut microbes through large-scale studies in the future.
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Wen X, Li K, Wen H, Wang Q, Wu Z, Yao X, Jiao B, Sun P, Ge S, Wen C, Lu L. Acupuncture-Related Therapies for Parkinson's Disease: A Meta-Analysis and Qualitative Review. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:676827. [PMID: 34276340 PMCID: PMC8282198 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.676827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the effects of the combination of acupuncture-related therapies with conventional medication compared with conventional medication in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods: A literature search within eight databases [including Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library, PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Biology Medicine (CBM), VIP, and Wanfang Database] was performed covering a time frame from their inception to August 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing acupuncture-related therapies combined with conventional medication vs. conventional medication in patients with PD were eligible. Two authors independently assessed the risk of bias. Assessments were performed with the total and subscales scores of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), 39-item Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39), the dosage of Madopar, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD). Data were analyzed by adopting the Cochrane Collaboration's RevMan 5.4 (Review Man, Copenhagen, Denmark); and mean effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals were estimated. Tests for heterogeneity were used to assess differences in treatment effects across different types of acupuncture used. Results: Sixty-six trials met the inclusion criteria, of which 61 trials provided data for the meta-analysis. We defined high-quality articles as those with a low risk of bias in four or more domains; and only 10 (15.15%) articles were of high quality. Compared with the controls, acupuncture-related therapies with conventional medication achieved a benefit in the primary outcomes of UPDRS (motor subscore: −3.90, −4.33 to −3.49, P < 0.01; total score: −7.37 points, −8.91 to −5.82, P < 0.001; activities of daily living subscore: −3.96, −4.96 to −2.95, P < 0.01). For the subgroup difference test among the effects of different acupuncture methods, significant differences existed in outcomes with the UPDRS-III, UPDRS-I, UPDRS-IV, and PDQ-39 scores and Madopar dosage, while non-significant differences existed with the UPDRS-total, UPDRS-II, HAMD, and MMSE scores. Conclusions: Acupuncture-related therapies combined with conventional medication may benefit individuals with PD. Our review findings should be considered with caution because of the methodological weaknesses in the included trials. Future, large randomized trials of acupuncture-related therapies for PD with high methodological quality are warranted. Systematic Review Registration: Identifier CRD42021228110.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaopeng Wen
- Department of Neurological Rehabilitation, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Kunbin Li
- Department of Neurological Rehabilitation, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hao Wen
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Medical Imaging, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhiyuan Wu
- Department of Neurological Rehabilitation, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xianli Yao
- Department of Neurological Rehabilitation, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Bing Jiao
- Department of Neurological Rehabilitation, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Pingge Sun
- Department of Neurological Rehabilitation, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shuqi Ge
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chenyang Wen
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Dengfeng City Second People' s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Liming Lu
- Evidence-Based Medicine and Data Science Centre, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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Badawi HM, Abdelsalam RM, Abdel-Salam OM, Youness ER, Shaffie NM, Eldenshary EEDS. Bee venom attenuates neurodegeneration and motor impairment and modulates the response to L-dopa or rasagiline in a mice model of Parkinson's disease. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES 2021; 23:1628-1638. [PMID: 33489038 PMCID: PMC7811814 DOI: 10.22038/ijbms.2020.46469.10731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Objectives This study aimed to investigate the effect of bee venom, a form of alternative therapy, on rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease (PD) in mice. Moreover, the possible modulation by bee venom of the effect of L-dopa/carbidopa or rasagiline was examined. Materials and Methods Rotenone (1.5 mg/kg, subcutaneously; SC) was administered every other day for two weeks and at the same time mice received the vehicle (DMSO, SC), bee venom (0.065, 0.13, and 0.26 mg/kg; intradermal; ID), L-dopa/carbidopa (25 mg/kg, intraperitoneal; IP), L-dopa/carbidopa+bee venom (0.13 mg/kg, ID), rasagiline (1 mg/kg, IP) or rasagiline+bee venom (0.13 mg/kg, ID). Then, wire hanging and staircase tests were performed and mice were euthanized and brains' striata separated. Oxidative stress biomarkers namely, malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), reduced glutathione (GSH), paraoxonase-1 (PON-1), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured. Additionally, butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and dopamine (DA) were evaluated. Brain histopathological changes and caspase-3- expression were done. Results Bee venom significantly enhanced motor performance and inhibited rotenone-induced oxidative/nitrosative stress, observed as a reduction in both MDA and NO along with increasing GSH, PON-1, and TAC. Besides, bee venom decreased MCP-1, TNF-α, and caspase-3 expression together with an increase in BuChE activity and DA content. Conclusion Bee venom alone or in combination with L-dopa/carbidopa or rasagiline alleviated neuronal degeneration compared with L-dopa/carbidopa or rasagiline treatment only. Bee venom via its antioxidant and cytokine reducing potentials might be of value either alone or as adjunctive therapy in the management of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanaa Mm Badawi
- Holding Company for Biological Products, Vaccines and Drugs (VACSERA), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rania M Abdelsalam
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Omar Me Abdel-Salam
- Department of Toxicology and Narcotics, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Eman R Youness
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Ezz-El Din S Eldenshary
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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Martinello M, Mutinelli F. Antioxidant Activity in Bee Products: A Review. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10010071. [PMID: 33430511 PMCID: PMC7827872 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10010071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bee products have been used since ancient times both for their nutritional value and for a broad spectrum of therapeutic purposes. They are deemed to be a potential source of natural antioxidants that can counteract the effects of oxidative stress underlying the pathogenesis of many diseases. In view of the growing interest in using bioactive substances from natural sources to promote health and reduce the risk of developing certain illnesses, this review aims to update the current state of knowledge on the antioxidant capacity of bee products such as honey, pollen, propolis, beeswax, royal jelly and bee venom, and on the analytical methods used. The complex, variable composition of these products and the multitude of analytical methods used to study their antioxidant activities are responsible for the wide range of results reported by a plethora of available studies. This suggests the need to establish standardized methods to more efficiently evaluate the intrinsic antioxidant characteristics of these products and make the data obtained more comparable.
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Gazerani P. Venoms as an adjunctive therapy for Parkinson's disease: where are we now and where are we going? Future Sci OA 2020; 7:FSO642. [PMID: 33437512 PMCID: PMC7787152 DOI: 10.2144/fsoa-2020-0119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease (PD), are increasing in the aging population. Crucially, neurodegeneration of dopaminergic neurons in PD is associated with chronic inflammation and glial activation. Besides this, bradykinesia, resting tremor, rigidity, sensory alteration, and cognitive and psychiatric impairments are also present in PD. Currently, no pharmacologically effective treatment alters the progression of the disease. Discovery and development of new treatment strategies remains a focus for ongoing investigations. For example, one approach is cell therapy to prevent dopaminergic neuronal loss or to slow PD progression. The neuroprotective role of a diverse range of natural products, including venoms from bees, scorpions, snakes and lizards, are also being tested in preclinical PD models and in humans. The main findings from recent studies that have investigated venoms as therapeutic options for PD are summarized in this special report.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Gazerani
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Health Science & Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg East, Denmark
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8
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Ali AM, Kunugi H. Apitherapy for Parkinson's Disease: A Focus on the Effects of Propolis and Royal Jelly. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2020; 2020:1727142. [PMID: 33123309 PMCID: PMC7586183 DOI: 10.1155/2020/1727142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The vast increase of world's aging populations is associated with increased risk of age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD). PD is a widespread disorder characterized by progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, which encompasses a wide range of debilitating motor, emotional, cognitive, and physical symptoms. PD threatens the quality of life of millions of patients and their families. Additionally, public welfare and healthcare systems are burdened with its high cost of care. Available treatments provide only a symptomatic relief and produce a trail of noxious side effects, which increase noncompliance. Hence, researchers have recently focused on the use of nutraceuticals as safe adjunctive treatments of PD to limit its progress and associated damages in affected groups. Propolis is a common product of the beehive, which possesses a large number of therapeutic properties. Royal jelly (RJ) is a bee product that is fed to bee queens during their entire life, and it contributes to their high physical fitness, fertility, and long lifespan. Evidence suggests that propolis and RJ can promote health by preventing the occurrence of age-related debilitating diseases. Therefore, they have been used to treat various serious disorders such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Some evolving studies used these bee products to treat PD in animal models. However, a clear understanding of the collective effect of propolis and RJ as well as their mechanism of action in PD is lacking. This review evaluates the available literature for the effects of propolis and RJ on PD. Whenever possible, it elaborates on the underlying mechanisms through which they function in this disorder and offers insights for fruitful use of bee products in future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira Mohammed Ali
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing and Mental Health, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Hiroshi Kunugi
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Psychiatry, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Lin TY, Hsieh CL. Clinical Applications of Bee Venom Acupoint Injection. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12100618. [PMID: 32992601 PMCID: PMC7601520 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12100618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Bee venom is a complex natural mixture with various pharmaceutical properties. Among these properties, its peptides and enzymes have potential medical therapy for pain relief and inflammation. In clinical settings, this therapy has been used widely to treat diseases by injecting into acupoints. In this article, we have conducted various research from PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Clinical Key from inception of July 2020. The results revealed that bee venom therapy has been reported effective in anti-inflammatory, antiapoptosis, and analgesic effects. Moreover, bee venom acupuncture has been commonly used for clinical disorders such as Parkinson disease, neuropathic pain, Alzheimer disease, intervertebral disc disease, spinal cord injury, musculoskeletal pain, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, skin disease and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Yen Lin
- Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan;
| | - Ching-Liang Hsieh
- Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- Chinese Medicine Research Center, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-2205-3366-3128
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10
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Significance of Apoidea as Main Pollinators. Ecological and Economic Impact and Implications for Human Nutrition. DIVERSITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/d12070280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Wild and managed bees provide pollination services to crops and wild plants, as well as a variety of other services beneficial to humans. Honey bees are the most economically valuable pollinator worldwide. It has been calculated that 9.5% of the total economic value of agricultural production comes from insect pollination, thus amounting to just under USD 200 billion globally. More than 100 important crops depend on pollination by honey bees. The latter pollinate not only a wide number of commercial crops but also many wild plants, some of which are threatened by extinction and constitute a valuable genetic resource. Moreover, as pollinators, honey bees play a significant role in every aspect of the ecosystem by facilitating the growth of trees, flowers, and other plants that serve as food and shelter for many large and small creatures. In this paper, we describe how the reduction in honey bee populations affects various economic sectors, as well as human health.
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de Oliveira Amaral H, Monge-Fuentes V, Biolchi Mayer A, Alves Campos GA, Soares Lopes K, Camargo LC, Ferroni Schwartz M, Galante P, Mortari MR. Animal venoms: therapeutic tools for tackling Parkinson's disease. Drug Discov Today 2019; 24:2202-2211. [PMID: 31539640 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2019.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative pathology of the central nervous system, mainly involving the selective and progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons from the substantia nigra, resulting in motor and non-motor symptoms. PD remains an incurable ailment; thus, treatments are limited to symptom alleviation. With long-term use, conventional treatments can become inefficient, often triggering possible side effects. Considering these drawbacks, drug discovery constantly turns to nature as a source of efficient therapeutics. Thus, this review explores animal venoms as a rich source of bioactive compounds with potent neuropharmacological profiles for the development of effective adjuvant treatments with fewer side effects, ultimately aiming for the neuroprotection of dopaminergic neurons and the symptomatic relief of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrique de Oliveira Amaral
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Victoria Monge-Fuentes
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil.
| | - Andréia Biolchi Mayer
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Avohay Alves Campos
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Kamila Soares Lopes
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Luana C Camargo
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Matheus Ferroni Schwartz
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Priscilla Galante
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Márcia R Mortari
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
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12
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Kim KH, Kim M, Lee J, Jeon HN, Kim SH, Bae H. Comparison of the Protective Effects of Bee Venom Extracts with Varying PLA 2 Compositions in a Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11060358. [PMID: 31248167 PMCID: PMC6628630 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11060358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Bee venom contains a number of pharmacologically active components, including enzymes and polypeptides such as phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and melittin, which have been shown to exhibit therapeutic benefits, mainly via attenuation of inflammation, neurotoxicity, and nociception. The individual components of bee venom may manifest distinct biological actions and therapeutic potential. In this study, the potential mechanisms of action of PLA2 and melittin, among different compounds purified from honey bee venom, were evaluated against Parkinson’s disease (PD). Notably, bee venom PLA2 (bvPLA2), but not melittin, exhibited neuroprotective activity against PD in a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) mouse model of PD. MPTP-induced behavioral deficits were also abolished after bvPLA2 treatment, depending on the PLA2 content. Further, bvPLA2 administration activated regulatory T cells (Tregs) while inhibiting inflammatory T helper (Th) 1 and Th17 cells in the MPTP mouse model of PD. These results indicate that bvPLA2, but not melittin, protected against MPTP and alleviated inflammation in PD. Thus, bvPLA2 is a promising and effective therapeutic agent in Parkinson’s disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung Hwa Kim
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea.
| | - Minhwan Kim
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea.
| | - Jaehwan Lee
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea.
| | - Hat Nim Jeon
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea.
| | - Se Hyun Kim
- Inist ST Co. Ltd., 159 Sagimakgol-ro, Jungwon-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13202, Korea.
| | - Hyunsu Bae
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea.
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Neurotherapeutic Effects of Bee Venom in a Rotenone-Induced Mouse Model of Parkinson’s Disease. NEUROPHYSIOLOGY+ 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s11062-019-09777-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Animal protein toxins: origins and therapeutic applications. BIOPHYSICS REPORTS 2018; 4:233-242. [PMID: 30533488 PMCID: PMC6245134 DOI: 10.1007/s41048-018-0067-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Venomous animals on the earth have been found to be valuable resources for the development of therapeutics. Enzymatic and non-enzymatic proteins and peptides are the major components of animal venoms, many of which can target various ion channels, receptors, and membrane transporters. Compared to traditional small molecule drugs, natural proteins and peptides exhibit higher specificity and potency to their targets. In this review, we summarize the varieties and characteristics of toxins from a few representative venomous animals, and describe the components and applications of animal toxins as potential drug candidates in the treatment of human diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, neuropathic pain, as well as autoimmune diseases. In the meantime, there are many obstacles to translate new toxin discovery to their clinical applications. The challenges, strategies, and perspectives in the development of the protein toxin-based drugs are discussed as well.
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Cho KH, Kim TH, Jung WS, Moon SK, Ko CN, Cho SY, Jeon CY, Choi TY, Lee MS, Lee SH, Chung EK, Kwon S. Pharmacoacupuncture for Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2018; 2018:3671542. [PMID: 30046336 PMCID: PMC6036809 DOI: 10.1155/2018/3671542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pharmacoacupuncture is a new acupuncture treatment that stimulates acupuncture points by injecting herbal medicine into them. Recently, pharmacoacupuncture has been widely used in the treatment of idiopathic Parkinson's disease in traditional East Asian medicine. The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmacoacupuncture in the treatment of idiopathic Parkinson's disease. METHODS The following electronic databases were searched for studies published in or before December 2016: Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), EMBASE, OASIS, and CNKI, without language restriction. The main outcome assessed was the total Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) score. The details of the pharmacoacupuncture intervention, such as the herbal medicine and acupuncture points used, were also investigated. RESULTS From 138 studies, 3 randomized controlled trials were included; the number of patients analyzed was 134. Most of the studies showed considerable methodological flaws. There was heterogeneity of the intervention type and treatment duration in the included studies. Therefore, we could not conduct a meta-analysis. In one study, adjunctive bee venom pharmacoacupuncture therapy significantly improved total UPDRS scores compared with conventional therapy alone. Another study, which used adjunctive Kakkonein pharmacoacupuncture, did not reveal significant improvement compared with conventional therapy alone. A third study reported that Mailuoning pharmacoacupuncture was able to significantly improve the modified Webster Symptom Score when compared with no treatment. Adverse events related to the pharmacoacupuncture were reported in only one case, itching caused by the bee venom. CONCLUSIONS Our findings regarding the efficacy of pharmacoacupuncture as a therapy for idiopathic Parkinson's disease are currently inconclusive. Further large and rigorous clinical trials are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki-Ho Cho
- Department of Cardiology and Neurology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Hun Kim
- Korean Medicine Clinical Trial Center, Korean Medicine Hospital, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Sang Jung
- Department of Cardiology and Neurology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Kwan Moon
- Department of Cardiology and Neurology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Nam Ko
- Department of Cardiology and Neurology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Yeon Cho
- Department of Cardiology and Neurology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan-Yong Jeon
- Department of Korean Internal Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Gachon University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Young Choi
- Clinical Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Myeong Soo Lee
- Clinical Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Ho Lee
- Gangdong Mokhuri Oriental Medical Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Kyoung Chung
- Division of Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungwon Kwon
- Department of Cardiology and Neurology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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de Souza JM, Goncalves BDC, Gomez MV, Vieira LB, Ribeiro FM. Animal Toxins as Therapeutic Tools to Treat Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Pharmacol 2018. [PMID: 29527170 PMCID: PMC5829052 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases affect millions of individuals worldwide. So far, no disease-modifying drug is available to treat patients, making the search for effective drugs an urgent need. Neurodegeneration is triggered by the activation of several cellular processes, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial impairment, neuroinflammation, aging, aggregate formation, glutamatergic excitotoxicity, and apoptosis. Therefore, many research groups aim to identify drugs that may inhibit one or more of these events leading to neuronal cell death. Venoms are fruitful natural sources of new molecules, which have been relentlessly enhanced by evolution through natural selection. Several studies indicate that venom components can exhibit selectivity and affinity for a wide variety of targets in mammalian systems. For instance, an expressive number of natural peptides identified in venoms from animals, such as snakes, scorpions, bees, and spiders, were shown to lessen inflammation, regulate glutamate release, modify neurotransmitter levels, block ion channel activation, decrease the number of protein aggregates, and increase the levels of neuroprotective factors. Thus, these venom components hold potential as therapeutic tools to slow or even halt neurodegeneration. However, there are many technological issues to overcome, as venom peptides are hard to obtain and characterize and the amount obtained from natural sources is insufficient to perform all the necessary experiments and tests. Fortunately, technological improvements regarding heterologous protein expression, as well as peptide chemical synthesis will help to provide enough quantities and allow chemical and pharmacological enhancements of these natural occurring compounds. Thus, the main focus of this review is to highlight the most promising studies evaluating animal toxins as therapeutic tools to treat a wide variety of neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, brain ischemia, glaucoma, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M de Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Bruno D C Goncalves
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Marcus V Gomez
- Department of Neurotransmitters, Instituto de Ensino e Pesquisa Santa Casa, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Luciene B Vieira
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Fabiola M Ribeiro
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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