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Min S, Picou C, Jeong HJ, Bower A, Jeong K, Chung JK. Melittin-Phospholipase A 2 Synergism Is Mediated by Liquid-Liquid Miscibility Phase Transition in Giant Unilamellar Vesicles. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024; 40:7456-7462. [PMID: 38546877 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c03920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
The primary constituents of honeybee venom, melittin and phospholipase A2 (PLA2), display toxin synergism in which the PLA2 activity is significantly enhanced by the presence of melittin. It has been shown previously that this is accomplished by the disruption in lipid packing, which allows PLA2 to become processive on the membrane surface. In this work, we show that melittin is capable of driving miscibility phase transition in giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) and that it raises the miscibility transition temperature (Tmisc) in a concentration-dependent manner. The induced phase separation enhances the processivity of PLA2, particularly at its boundaries, where a substantial difference in domain thickness creates a membrane discontinuity. The catalytic action of PLA2, in response, induces changes in the membrane, rendering it more conducive to melittin binding. This, in turn, facilitates further lipid phase separation and eventual vesicle lysis. Overall, our results show that melittin has powerful membrane-altering capabilities that activate PLA2 in various membrane contexts. More broadly, they exemplify how this biochemical system actively modulates and capitalizes on the spatial distribution of membrane lipids to efficiently achieve its objectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sein Min
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523 United States
| | - Cyrus Picou
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523 United States
| | - Hye Jin Jeong
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523 United States
| | - Adam Bower
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523 United States
| | - Keunhong Jeong
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523 United States
| | - Jean K Chung
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523 United States
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2
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Zhang HQ, Sun C, Xu N, Liu W. The current landscape of the antimicrobial peptide melittin and its therapeutic potential. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1326033. [PMID: 38318188 PMCID: PMC10838977 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1326033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Melittin, a main component of bee venom, is a cationic amphiphilic peptide with a linear α-helix structure. It has been reported that melittin can exert pharmacological effects, such as antitumor, antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo. In particular, melittin may be beneficial for the treatment of diseases for which no specific clinical therapeutic agents exist. Melittin can effectively enhance the therapeutic properties of some first-line drugs. Elucidating the mechanism underlying melittin-mediated biological function can provide valuable insights for the application of melittin in disease intervention. However, in melittin, the positively charged amino acids enables it to directly punching holes in cell membranes. The hemolysis in red cells and the cytotoxicity triggered by melittin limit its applications. Melittin-based nanomodification, immuno-conjugation, structural regulation and gene technology strategies have been demonstrated to enhance the specificity, reduce the cytotoxicity and limit the off-target cytolysis of melittin, which suggests the potential of melittin to be used clinically. This article summarizes research progress on antiviral, antitumor and anti-inflammatory properties of melittin, and discusses the strategies of melittin-modification for its future potential clinical applications in preventing drug resistance, enhancing the selectivity to target cells and alleviating cytotoxic effects to normal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Qian Zhang
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Chengbiao Sun
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Na Xu
- Academic Affairs Office, Jilin Medical University, Jilin, Jilin, China
| | - Wensen Liu
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Changchun, Jilin, China
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3
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Yu X, Jia S, Yu S, Chen Y, Zhang C, Chen H, Dai Y. Recent advances in melittin-based nanoparticles for antitumor treatment: from mechanisms to targeted delivery strategies. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:454. [PMID: 38017537 PMCID: PMC10685715 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-02223-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
As a naturally occurring cytolytic peptide, melittin (MLT) not only exhibits a potent direct tumor cell-killing effect but also possesses various immunomodulatory functions. MLT shows minimal chances for developing resistance and has been recognized as a promising broad-spectrum antitumor drug because of this unique dual mechanism of action. However, MLT still displays obvious toxic side effects during treatment, such as nonspecific cytolytic activity, hemolytic toxicity, coagulation disorders, and allergic reactions, seriously hampering its broad clinical applications. With thorough research on antitumor mechanisms and the rapid development of nanotechnology, significant effort has been devoted to shielding against toxicity and achieving tumor-directed drug delivery to improve the therapeutic efficacy of MLT. Herein, we mainly summarize the potential antitumor mechanisms of MLT and recent progress in the targeted delivery strategies for tumor therapy, such as passive targeting, active targeting and stimulus-responsive targeting. Additionally, we also highlight the prospects and challenges of realizing the full potential of MLT in the field of tumor therapy. By exploring the antitumor molecular mechanisms and delivery strategies of MLT, this comprehensive review may inspire new ideas for tumor multimechanism synergistic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biomedical Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Hainan Province, One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, China.
| | - Siyu Jia
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
- The First College of Clinical Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Shi Yu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Yaohui Chen
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Chengwei Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Haidan Chen
- The First College of Clinical Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China.
| | - Yanfeng Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biomedical Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Hainan Province, One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, China.
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4
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Parks SC, Okakpu OK, Azizpor P, Nguyen S, Martinez-Beltran S, Claudio I, Anesko K, Bhatia A, Dhillon HS, Dillman AR. Parasitic nematode secreted phospholipase A 2 suppresses cellular and humoral immunity by targeting hemocytes in Drosophila melanogaster. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1122451. [PMID: 37006283 PMCID: PMC10050561 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1122451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
A key aspect of parasitic nematode infection is the nematodes' ability to evade and/or suppress host immunity. This immunomodulatory ability is likely driven by the release of hundreds of excretory/secretory proteins (ESPs) during infection. While ESPs have been shown to display immunosuppressive effects on various hosts, our understanding of the molecular interactions between individual proteins released and host immunity requires further study. We have recently identified a secreted phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) released from the entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) Steinernema carpocapsae we have named Sc-sPLA2. We report that Sc-sPLA2 increased mortality of Drosophila melanogaster infected with Streptococcus pneumoniae and promoted increased bacterial growth. Furthermore, our data showed that Sc-sPLA2 was able to downregulate both Toll and Imd pathway-associated antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) including drosomycin and defensin, in addition to suppressing phagocytosis in the hemolymph. Sc-sPLA2 was also found to be toxic to D. melanogaster with the severity being both dose- and time-dependent. Collectively, our data highlighted that Sc-sPLA2 possessed both toxic and immunosuppressive capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia C. Parks
- Department of Nematology, University of California, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Ogadinma K. Okakpu
- Department of Nematology, University of California, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Pakeeza Azizpor
- Department of Nematology, University of California, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Susan Nguyen
- Department of Nematology, University of California, Riverside, CA, United States
| | | | - Isaiah Claudio
- Department of Nematology, University of California, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Kyle Anesko
- Department of Nematology, University of California, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Anil Bhatia
- Metabolomics Core Facility, IIGB, University of California, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Harpal S. Dhillon
- Department of Nematology, University of California, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Adler R. Dillman
- Department of Nematology, University of California, Riverside, CA, United States
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5
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Teixeira-Cruz JM, Martins-Ferreira J, Monteiro-Machado M, Strauch MA, de Moraes JA, Amaral LS, Valente RC, Melo PA, Quintas LEM. Heparin prevents the cytotoxic activity of Bothrops jararacussu and Apis mellifera venoms in renal cells. Toxicon 2023; 223:107011. [PMID: 36584790 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2022.107011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Envenomation by Bothrops snakes and Apis mellifera bee may imply systemic disorders which affect well-perfused organs such as kidneys, a process that can lead to acute renal failure. Nevertheless, there is scarce information regarding a direct renal cell effect and the putative antagonism by antivenoms. Here the cytotoxic effect of B. jararacussu and A. mellifera venoms was evaluated in the renal proximal tubule cell line LLC-PK1, as well as the antagonism of this effect by heparin. B. jararacussu venom showed significant cytotoxicity as assessed by LDH release and MTT reduction, with a sharp decline of the cell number after 180 min (>90% at 50 μg/mL). A. mellifera venom produced a much faster and potent cytotoxic activity, conferring almost no viable cells after 15 min at 25 μg/mL. Phase contrast microscopy revealed that while B. jararacussu venom induced a progressive loss of cell adhesion and detachment, A. mellifera venom promoted a rapid plasma membrane disruption and nuclear condensation suggestive of necrotic cell death. Pre-incubation of both venoms with heparin for 30 min significantly reduced cytotoxicity. Our results demonstrate direct toxicity of B. jararacussu and A. mellifera venoms toward renal cells but with distinct kinetics and cell pattern, suggesting different mechanisms of action. In addition, the antagonistic, cytoprotective effect of heparin ascribes such compound as a promising drug for preventing renal failure from envenomation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jhonatha M Teixeira-Cruz
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia e Química Medicinal, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Jainne Martins-Ferreira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia e Química Medicinal, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Marcos Monteiro-Machado
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia e Química Medicinal, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Marcelo A Strauch
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia e Química Medicinal, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Instituto Vital Brazil, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - João Alfredo de Moraes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia e Química Medicinal, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Luciana S Amaral
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia e Química Medicinal, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Raphael C Valente
- Núcleo Multidisciplinar de Pesquisa Em Biologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro - Campus Duque de Caxias Professor Geraldo Cidade, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Paulo A Melo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia e Química Medicinal, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Luis Eduardo M Quintas
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia e Química Medicinal, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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6
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Jepson TA, Hall SC, Chung JK. Single-molecule phospholipase A2 becomes processive on melittin-induced membrane deformations. Biophys J 2022; 121:1417-1423. [PMID: 35314142 PMCID: PMC9072580 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
While it is established that the topology of lipid membranes plays an important role in biochemical processes, few direct observations exist regarding how the membranes are actively restructured and its consequences on subsequent reactions. In this work, we investigated how the two major components of bee venom, melittin and phospholipase A2 (PLA2), achieve activation by such membrane remodeling. Their membrane-disrupting functions have been reported to increase when both are present, but the mechanism of this synergism had not been established. Using membrane reconstitution, we found that melittin can form large-scale membrane deformities upon which PLA2 activity is 25-fold higher. Tracking of single-molecule PLA2 revealed that its processive behavior on these deformities underlies the enhanced activity. These results show how melittin and PLA2 work synergistically to enhance the lytic effects of the bee venom. More broadly, they also demonstrate how the membrane topology may be actively altered to modulate cellular membrane-bound reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah C Hall
- Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Jean K Chung
- Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado.
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7
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Bodláková K, Černý J, Štěrbová H, Guráň R, Zítka O, Kodrík D. Insect Body Defence Reactions against Bee Venom: Do Adipokinetic Hormones Play a Role? Toxins (Basel) 2021; 14:toxins14010011. [PMID: 35050987 PMCID: PMC8780464 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14010011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Bees originally developed their stinging apparatus and venom against members of their own species from other hives or against predatory insects. Nevertheless, the biological and biochemical response of arthropods to bee venom is not well studied. Thus, in this study, the physiological responses of a model insect species (American cockroach, Periplaneta americana) to honeybee venom were investigated. Bee venom toxins elicited severe stress (LD50 = 1.063 uL venom) resulting in a significant increase in adipokinetic hormones (AKHs) in the cockroach central nervous system and haemolymph. Venom treatment induced a large destruction of muscle cell ultrastructure, especially myofibrils and sarcomeres. Interestingly, co-application of venom with cockroach Peram-CAH-II AKH eliminated this effect. Envenomation modulated the levels of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins in the haemolymph and the activity of digestive amylases, lipases, and proteases in the midgut. Bee venom significantly reduced vitellogenin levels in females. Dopamine and glutathione (GSH and GSSG) insignificantly increased after venom treatment. However, dopamine levels significantly increased after Peram-CAH-II application and after co-application with bee venom, while GSH and GSSG levels immediately increased after co-application. The results suggest a general reaction of the cockroach body to bee venom and at least a partial involvement of AKHs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Bodláková
- Biology Centre, Institute of Entomology, CAS, Branišovská 31, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic; (K.B.); (J.Č.); (H.Š.)
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31a, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Černý
- Biology Centre, Institute of Entomology, CAS, Branišovská 31, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic; (K.B.); (J.Č.); (H.Š.)
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31a, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Helena Štěrbová
- Biology Centre, Institute of Entomology, CAS, Branišovská 31, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic; (K.B.); (J.Č.); (H.Š.)
| | - Roman Guráň
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1665/1, 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (R.G.); (O.Z.)
- Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Purkyňova 656/123, 612 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ondřej Zítka
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1665/1, 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (R.G.); (O.Z.)
- Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Purkyňova 656/123, 612 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Dalibor Kodrík
- Biology Centre, Institute of Entomology, CAS, Branišovská 31, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic; (K.B.); (J.Č.); (H.Š.)
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31a, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
- Correspondence:
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8
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Shetab-Boushehri SMH, Hosseini A, Rafinejad J, Ebadollahi-Natanzi A, Shetab-Boushehri SV. Cytotoxic, necrotic, apoptotic, and autophagic properties of venom sac extract of Vespa orientalis in T47D and MCF10A breast cell lines. TOXIN REV 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/15569543.2021.2007404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Asieh Hosseini
- Razi Drug Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Rafinejad
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Ebadollahi-Natanzi
- Medicinal Plants Department, Imam Khomeini Higher Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
| | - Seyed Vahid Shetab-Boushehri
- Razi Drug Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Ameretat Shimi Pharmaceutical Co, Tehran, Iran
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9
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Guha S, Ferrie RP, Ghimire J, Ventura CR, Wu E, Sun L, Kim SY, Wiedman GR, Hristova K, Wimley WC. Applications and evolution of melittin, the quintessential membrane active peptide. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 193:114769. [PMID: 34543656 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Melittin, the main venom component of the European Honeybee, is a cationic linear peptide-amide of 26 amino acid residues with the sequence: GIGAVLKVLTTGLPALISWIKRKRQQ-NH2. Melittin binds to lipid bilayer membranes, folds into amphipathic α-helical secondary structure and disrupts the permeability barrier. Since melittin was first described, a remarkable array of activities and potential applications in biology and medicine have been described. Melittin is also a favorite model system for biophysicists to study the structure, folding and function of peptides and proteins in membranes. Melittin has also been used as a template for the evolution of new activities in membranes. Here we overview the rich history of scientific research into the many activities of melittin and outline exciting future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shantanu Guha
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ryan P Ferrie
- Tulane University School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Jenisha Ghimire
- Tulane University School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Cristina R Ventura
- Seton Hall University, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, South Orange, NJ, USA
| | - Eric Wu
- Tulane University School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Leisheng Sun
- Tulane University School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Sarah Y Kim
- Duke University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Gregory R Wiedman
- Seton Hall University, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, South Orange, NJ, USA
| | - Kalina Hristova
- Johns Hopkins University, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Wimley C Wimley
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Houston, TX, USA.
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10
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Das TS, Das BB, Mote C. In vivo and invitro experimentation for scientific validation of the traditional use of Chromolaena odorata (L.) against envenomation of honey bee sting. ADVANCES IN TRADITIONAL MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s13596-021-00593-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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11
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The role of the multifunctional antimicrobial peptide melittin in gene delivery. Drug Discov Today 2021; 26:1053-1059. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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12
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Barbosa AN, Ferreira RS, de Carvalho FCT, Schuelter-Trevisol F, Mendes MB, Mendonça BC, Batista JN, Trevisol DJ, Boyer L, Chippaux JP, Medolago NB, Cassaro CV, Carneiro MTR, de Oliveira APP, Pimenta DC, da Cunha LER, Dos Santos LD, Barraviera B. Single-Arm, Multicenter Phase I/II Clinical Trial for the Treatment of Envenomings by Massive Africanized Honey Bee Stings Using the Unique Apilic Antivenom. Front Immunol 2021; 12:653151. [PMID: 33841437 PMCID: PMC8025786 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.653151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We evaluated the safety, optimal dose, and preliminary effectiveness of a new-approach Africanized honeybee (Apis mellifera) Antivenom (AAV) in a phase I/II, multicenter, non-randomized, single-arm clinical trial involving 20 participants with multiple stings. Participants received 2 to 10 vials of AAV depending on the number of stings they suffered, or a predefined adjuvant, symptomatic, and complementary treatment. The primary safety endpoint was the occurrence of early adverse reactions within the first 24 h of treatment. Preliminary efficacy based on clinical evolution, including laboratory findings, was assessed at baseline and at various time points over the four following weeks. ELISA assays and mass spectrometry were used to estimate venom pharmacokinetics before, during, and after treatment. Twenty adult participants, i.e., 13 (65%) men and 7 (35%) women, with a median age of 44 years and a mean body surface area of 1.92 m2 (median = 1.93 m2) were recruited. The number of stings ranged from 7 to > 2,000, with a median of 52.5. Symptoms of envenoming were classified as mild, moderate, or severe in 80% (16), 15% (3), and 5% (1) of patients, respectively; patients with mild, moderate, or severe envenoming received 2, 6, and 10 vials of AAV as per the protocol. None of the patients had late reactions (serum sickness) within 30 d of treatment. There was no discontinuation of the protocol due to adverse events, and there were no serious adverse events. One patient had a moderate adverse event, transient itchy skin, and erythroderma. All participants completed the intravenous antivenom infusion within 2 h, and there was no loss to follow-up after discharge. ELISA assays showed venom (melittin and PLA2) concentrations varying between 0.25 and 1.479 ng/mL prior to treatment. Venom levels decreased in all patients during the hospitalization period. Surprisingly, in nine cases (45%), despite clinical recovery and the absence of symptoms, venom levels increased again during outpatient care 10 d after discharge. Mass spectrometry showed melittin in eight participants, 30 d after treatment. Considering the promising safety results for this investigational product in the treatment of massive Africanized honeybee attack, and its efficacy, reflected in the clinical improvements and corresponding immediate decrease in blood venom levels, the AAV has shown to be safe for human use. Clinical Trial Registration: UTN: U1111-1160-7011, identifier [RBR-3fthf8].
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Naime Barbosa
- Department of Infectology, Dermatology, Imaging Diagnosis and Radiotherapy, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Rui Seabra Ferreira
- Department of Infectology, Dermatology, Imaging Diagnosis and Radiotherapy, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil.,Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), São Paulo State University (UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Clinical Research, Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP) and Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Francilene Capel Tavares de Carvalho
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil.,Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), São Paulo State University (UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Fabiana Schuelter-Trevisol
- Clinical Research Center, Nossa Senhora da Conceição Hospital, Tubarão, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina at Tubarão, Tubarão, Brazil
| | - Mônica Bannwart Mendes
- Department of Infectology, Dermatology, Imaging Diagnosis and Radiotherapy, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Bruna Cavecci Mendonça
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil.,Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), São Paulo State University (UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - José Nixon Batista
- Clinical Research Center, Nossa Senhora da Conceição Hospital, Tubarão, Brazil
| | - Daisson José Trevisol
- Clinical Research Center, Nossa Senhora da Conceição Hospital, Tubarão, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina at Tubarão, Tubarão, Brazil
| | - Leslie Boyer
- VIPER Institute, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Jean-Philippe Chippaux
- MERIT, IRD, Université Paris 5, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.,CRT, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Natália Bronzatto Medolago
- Clinical Research Unit (UPECLIN), Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Claudia Vilalva Cassaro
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil.,Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), São Paulo State University (UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Márcia Tonin Rigotto Carneiro
- Clinical Research Unit (UPECLIN), Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Ana Paola Piloto de Oliveira
- Clinical Research Unit (UPECLIN), Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Daniel Carvalho Pimenta
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil.,Biochemistry and Biophysics Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Lucilene Delazari Dos Santos
- Department of Infectology, Dermatology, Imaging Diagnosis and Radiotherapy, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil.,Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), São Paulo State University (UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Clinical Research, Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP) and Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Benedito Barraviera
- Department of Infectology, Dermatology, Imaging Diagnosis and Radiotherapy, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil.,Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), São Paulo State University (UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Clinical Research, Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP) and Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil
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13
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Nakashima A, Tomono S, Yamazaki T, Inui M, Morita N, Ichimonji I, Takagi H, Nagaoka F, Matsumoto M, Ito Y, Yanagishita T, Miyake K, Watanabe D, Akashi-Takamura S. Phospholipase A2 from bee venom increases poly(I:C)-induced activation in human keratinocytes. Int Immunol 2021; 32:371-383. [PMID: 31957789 DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxaa005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Bee venom (BV) induces skin inflammation, characterized by erythema, blisters, edemas, pain and itching. Although BV has been found to have an inhibitory effect on toll-like receptors (TLRs), we here show that BV enhances keratinocyte responses to polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid [poly(I:C)], a ligand for TLR3. Our results revealed that the enhanced TLR activity was primarily induced by secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2), a component of BV (BV-sPLA2). PLA2 mediates the hydrolysis of membrane phospholipids into lysophospholipids and free fatty acids. We demonstrated that BV-sPLA2 increased the intracellular uptake of poly(I:C), phosphorylation of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and poly(I:C)-mediated interleukin 8 production in human keratinocytes. We further showed that the enzymatic activity of BV-sPLA2 was essential for the increased uptake of poly(I:C). These findings suggest that BV-sPLA2 may induce a modification of the cell membrane structure, leading to enhanced poly(I:C) uptake in keratinocytes. BV-sPLA2 might be able to promote wound healing by enhancing TLR3 responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akina Nakashima
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Aichi, Japan.,Department of Dermatology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Aichi, Japan
| | - Susumu Tomono
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Aichi, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Yamazaki
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Aichi, Japan
| | - Masanori Inui
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Aichi, Japan
| | - Naoko Morita
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Aichi, Japan
| | - Isao Ichimonji
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hidekazu Takagi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Aichi, Japan
| | - Fumiaki Nagaoka
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Aichi, Japan
| | - Misako Matsumoto
- Department of Vaccine Immunology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Japan.,Nebuta Research Institute for Life Sciences, Aomori University, Kohbata, Aomori, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Ito
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Aichi, Japan
| | - Takeshi Yanagishita
- Department of Dermatology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kensuke Miyake
- Division of Innate Immunity, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daisuke Watanabe
- Department of Dermatology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Aichi, Japan
| | - Sachiko Akashi-Takamura
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Aichi, Japan
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14
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Mendonça-da-Silva I, Monteiro WM, Sachett JAG, Barbosa ES, Cordeiro-Dos-Santos M, Lacerda MVG, Melo GC, Costa AG, Val FFA. Bee sting envenomation severe cases in Manaus, Brazilian Amazon: clinical characteristics and immune markers of case reports. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2020; 54:e20200319. [PMID: 33338119 PMCID: PMC7747811 DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0319-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Bee venom is a natural toxin composed of several peptides. Massive envenoming causes severe local and systemic reactions. We report two cases of severe bee envenomation, of which one was fatal. We also describe clinical characteristics and immune markers. Both victims suffered from respiratory distress, renal failure, rhabdomyolysis, and shock. They required invasive mechanical ventilation, vasoactive drugs, and renal replacement therapy. Moreover, serum levels of chemokines, cytokines, and cell-free circulating nucleic acids demonstrated an intense inflammatory process. Massive envenoming produced systemic injury in the victims, with an uncontrolled inflammatory response, and a more significant chemotactic response in the fatal case.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iran Mendonça-da-Silva
- Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Manaus, AM, Brasil.,Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Instituto de Pesquisa Clínica Carlos Borborema, Manaus, AM, Brasil
| | - Wuelton Marcelo Monteiro
- Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Manaus, AM, Brasil.,Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Instituto de Pesquisa Clínica Carlos Borborema, Manaus, AM, Brasil
| | - Jacqueline Almeida Gonçalves Sachett
- Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Manaus, AM, Brasil.,Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Instituto de Pesquisa Clínica Carlos Borborema, Manaus, AM, Brasil.,Fundação Alfredo da Matta, Diretoria de Ensino e Pesquisa, Manaus, AM, Brasil
| | - Endila Souza Barbosa
- Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Manaus, AM, Brasil.,Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Instituto de Pesquisa Clínica Carlos Borborema, Manaus, AM, Brasil
| | - Marcelo Cordeiro-Dos-Santos
- Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Manaus, AM, Brasil.,Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Instituto de Pesquisa Clínica Carlos Borborema, Manaus, AM, Brasil
| | - Marcus Vinícius Guimarães Lacerda
- Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Manaus, AM, Brasil.,Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Instituto de Pesquisa Clínica Carlos Borborema, Manaus, AM, Brasil.,Instituto Leônidas & Maria Deane, Manaus, AM, Brasil
| | - Gisely Cardoso Melo
- Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Manaus, AM, Brasil.,Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Instituto de Pesquisa Clínica Carlos Borborema, Manaus, AM, Brasil
| | - Allyson Guimarães Costa
- Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Manaus, AM, Brasil.,Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Instituto de Pesquisa Clínica Carlos Borborema, Manaus, AM, Brasil.,Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Imunologia Básica e Aplicada, Manaus, AM, Brasil.,Fundação Hospitalar de Hematologia e Hemoterapia do Amazonas, Diretoria de Ensino e Pesquisa, Manaus, AM, Brasil
| | - Fernando Fonseca Almeida Val
- Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Manaus, AM, Brasil.,Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Instituto de Pesquisa Clínica Carlos Borborema, Manaus, AM, Brasil
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15
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Liu Y, Shi D, Wang J, Chen X, Zhou M, Xi X, Cheng J, Ma C, Chen T, Shaw C, Wang L. A Novel Amphibian Antimicrobial Peptide, Phylloseptin-PV1, Exhibits Effective Anti- staphylococcal Activity Without Inducing Either Hepatic or Renal Toxicity in Mice. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:565158. [PMID: 33193152 PMCID: PMC7649123 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.565158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In order to part address the problem of drug-resistant pathogens, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been proposed as alternatives to traditional antibiotics. Herein, a novel phylloseptin peptide, named phylloseptin-PV1 (PPV1), is described from the defensive skin secretion of the Neotropical white-lined leaf frog, Phyllomedusa vaillantii. The peptide was synthesized by solid phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) and purified by RP-HPLC, prior to assessment of its biological activities. PPV1 not only demonstrated potent antimicrobial activity against planktonic ESKAPE microorganisms and the yeast, Candida albicans, but also inhibited and eradicated Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA biofilms. The antimicrobial mechanism was shown to include permeabilization of target cell membranes. The in vivo antimicrobial activity of the peptide was then evaluated using mice. PPV1 also exhibited antiproliferative activity against the cancer cell lines, H157, MCF-7, and U251MG, but had a lower potency against the normal cell line, HMEC-1. Although, the peptide possessed a moderate hemolytic action on mammalian red blood cells in vitro, it did not induce significant hepatic or renal toxicity in injected infected mice. These studies have thus found PPV1 to be a potent phylloseptin group AMP, which can effectively inhibit staphylococci, both in vitro and in vivo, without eliciting toxicity. These data thus provide support for further evaluation of PPV1 as a novel antimicrobial agent with therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Daning Shi
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom.,School of Government, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Wang
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Pizhou People's Hospital, Pizhou, China
| | - Xiaoling Chen
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Mei Zhou
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Xinping Xi
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Jianming Cheng
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Chengbang Ma
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Tianbao Chen
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Shaw
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Lei Wang
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
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16
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The anticoagulant effect of Apis mellifera phospholipase A 2 is inhibited by CORM-2 via a carbon monoxide-independent mechanism. J Thromb Thrombolysis 2020; 49:100-107. [PMID: 31679116 DOI: 10.1007/s11239-019-01980-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Bee venom phospholipase A2 (PLA2) has potential for significant morbidity. Ruthenium (Ru)-based carbon monoxide releasing molecules (CORM) inhibit snake venoms that are anticoagulant and contain PLA2. In addition to modulating heme-bearing proteins with carbon monoxide, these CORM generate reactive Ru species that form adducts with histamine residues resulting in changes in protein function. This study sought to identify anticoagulant properties of bee venom PLA2 via catalysis of plasma phospholipids required for thrombin generation. Another goal was to determine if Ru-based CORM inhibit bee venom PLA2 via carbon monoxide release or via potential binding of reactive Ru species to a key histidine residue in the catalytic site of the enzyme. Anticoagulant activity of bee venom PLA2 was assessed via thrombelastography with normal plasma. Bee venom PLA2 was then exposed to different CORM and a metheme forming agent and anticoagulant activity was reassessed. Using Ru, boron and manganese-based CORM and a metheme forming agent, it was demonstrated that it was unlikely that carbon monoxide interaction with a heme group attached to PLA2 was responsible for inhibition of anticoagulant activity by Ru-based CORM. Exposure of PLA2 to a Ru-based CORM in the presence of histidine-rich human albumin resulted in loss of inhibition of PLA2. Ru-based CORM likely inhibit bee venom PLA2 anticoagulant activity via formation of reactive Ru species that bind to histidine residues of the enzyme.
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17
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Martínez-Pérez RB, Rodríguez JA, Leyva Soto LA, Gortáres-Moroyoqui P, Diaz-Tenorio LM. Cannonball jellyfish digestion: an insight into the lipolytic enzymes of the digestive system. PeerJ 2020; 8:e9794. [PMID: 33194347 PMCID: PMC7485504 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The digestive system and metabolism of the cannonball jellyfish Stomolophus sp. 2 are not well-known. The digestion study was critical to explain its ecology and bloom success. Different enzymes are involved in food digestion, which hydrolyze carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids. This study detected lipolytic activity in enzymatic extracts from gastric pouches of Stomolophus sp. 2 collected in the summer of 2013 at Bahía de Kino, Sonora, México (28°47′47″N 111°57′25″W). Lipase/esterase activity showed optimal pH at 11.0 and 50–60 °C with a half-life (t1/2) of 33 min at 55 °C, whereas halotolerance of this activity was recorded from 0-4 M NaCl. Metal ions Ca2+ and Mn2+ did not affect the activity, but Mg2+ decreased it 14.2% ± 3.15, while chelating agents as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid reduced the activity 8.55% ± 2.13. Inhibition of lipase/esterase activity with tetrahydrolipstatin and paraoxon-ethyl decreased the activity 18.2% ± 2.3, and 62.80% ± 0.74, respectively, whereas phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride (a protease inhibitor) did not affect it. The enzyme displayed a higher specificity for short-chain triglycerides, but triolein, coconut oil, olive oil, and fish oil were hydrolyzed. For the first time, phospholipase activity from the gastric pouch of Stomolophus sp. 2 was detected using L-α-phosphatidylethanolamine from chicken egg yolk as a substrate. These results suggest that Stomolophus sp. 2 hydrolyze several kinds of lipids, and lipolytic enzymes are active at alkaline pH under different saline conditions, which may be essential to digest different preys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raul B. Martínez-Pérez
- Departamento de Biotecnología y Ciencias Alimentarias, Instituto Tecnológico de Sonora, Ciudad Obregón, Sonora, Mexico
- Biotecnología Industrial, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco A.C., Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Jorge A. Rodríguez
- Biotecnología Industrial, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco A.C., Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Luis Alonso Leyva Soto
- Departamento de Biotecnología y Ciencias Alimentarias, Instituto Tecnológico de Sonora, Ciudad Obregón, Sonora, Mexico
- Dirección de Cátedras, Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Pablo Gortáres-Moroyoqui
- Departamento de Biotecnología y Ciencias Alimentarias, Instituto Tecnológico de Sonora, Ciudad Obregón, Sonora, Mexico
| | - Lourdes M. Diaz-Tenorio
- Departamento de Biotecnología y Ciencias Alimentarias, Instituto Tecnológico de Sonora, Ciudad Obregón, Sonora, Mexico
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18
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Factor XII-Deficient Chicken Plasma as a Useful Target for Screening of Pro- and Anticoagulant Animal Venom Toxins. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12020079. [PMID: 31979411 PMCID: PMC7076771 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12020079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The sensitivity of vertebrate citrated plasma to pro- and anticoagulant venom or toxins occurs on a microscale level (micrograms). Although it improves responses to agonists, recalcification triggers a relatively fast thrombin formation process in mammalian plasma. As it has a natural factor XII deficiency, the recalcification time (RT) of chicken plasma (CP) is comparatively long [≥ 1800 seconds (s)]. Our objective was to compare the ability of bee venom phospholipase A2 (bvPLA2) to neutralize clot formation induced by an activator of coagulation (the aPTT clot) in recalcified human and chicken plasmas, through rotational thromboelastometry. The strategy used in this study was to find doses of bvPLA2 that were sufficient enough to prolong the clotting time (CT) of these activated plasmas to values within their normal RT range. The CT of CP was prolonged in a dose-dependent manner by bvPLA2, with 17 ± 2.8 ng (n = 6) being sufficient to displace the CT values of the activated samples to ≥ 1800 s. Only amounts up to 380 ± 41 ng (n = 6) of bvPLA2 induced the same effect in activated human plasma samples. In conclusion, the high sensitivity of CP to agonists and rotational thromboelastometry could be useful. For example, during screening procedures for assaying the effects of toxins in several stages of the coagulation pathway, such as clot initiation, formation, stability, strength, or dissolution.
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19
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Oktiansyah R, Juliandi B, Widayati KA, Juniantito V. Neuronal Cell Death and Mouse ( Mus musculus) Behaviour Induced by Bee Venom. Trop Life Sci Res 2018; 29:1-11. [PMID: 30112137 PMCID: PMC6072724 DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2018.29.2.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal cell death can occur in a tissue or organ, including the brain, which affects memory. The objectives of this study were to determine the dose of bee venom that causes neuronal death and analyse the alteration of mouse behaviour, focusing in particular on spatial memory. Fifteen male mice of Deutsche Denken Yoken (DDY) strain were divided into control and treatment groups. Bee venom was injected six times for two weeks intraperitoneally with 1.88 mg/kg, 3.76 mg/kg, 5.6 mg/kg, and 7.48 mg/kg doses of venom. Brain histology was studied using haematoxylin-eosin stained paraffin embedded 5 μm coronal sections. A Y maze test was used to assay behaviour. Parameters observed were the number of dead neurons and the percentage of mice with altered behaviour. ANOVA showed that the effects of bee venom were significantly different in the case of the neuronal death parameter but were not significantly different in the case of the mice behaviour parameter. Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) demonstrated that P4 (7.48 mg/kg) gave the highest effect of bee venom to promote neuronal death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rian Oktiansyah
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Bogor Agricultural University, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
| | - Berry Juliandi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Bogor Agricultural University, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
| | - Kanthi Arum Widayati
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Bogor Agricultural University, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
| | - Vetnizah Juniantito
- Department of Clinic, Reproduction and Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bogor Agricultural University, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
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20
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A membrane disrupting toxin from wasp venom underlies the molecular mechanism of tissue damage. Toxicon 2018; 148:56-63. [PMID: 29654869 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Revised: 04/08/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The molecular mechanism of the local hypersensitivity reactions to wasp venom including dermal necrosis remains an enigma regardless of the numerosity of the reported cases. In this study, we discovered a new membrane disrupting toxin, VESCP-M2 responsible for tissue damage symptoms following Vespa mandarinia envenomation. Electrophysiological assays revealed a potent ability of VESCP-M2 to permeate the cell membrane whereas in vivo experiments demonstrated that VESCP-M2 induces edema, pain and dermal necrosis characterized by the presence of morphological and behavioral phenotypes, pro-inflammatory mediators, biomarkers as well as the disruption of dermal tissue. This study presents the molecular mechanism and symptom-related function of VESCP-M2 which may form a basis for prognosis as well as therapeutic interventions.
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21
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Massive attack of honeybee on macaws ( Ara ararauna and Ara chloropterus ) in Brazil – A case report. Toxicon 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2017.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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22
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Kilaso M, Tipgomut C, Sanguankiattichai N, Teerapakpinyo C, Chanchao C. Expression and DNA methylation of phospholipase A2 in Thai native honeybees (Hymenoptera: Apidae). Russ J Dev Biol 2016. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062360416030024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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23
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Gajski G, Domijan AM, Žegura B, Štern A, Gerić M, Novak Jovanović I, Vrhovac I, Madunić J, Breljak D, Filipič M, Garaj-Vrhovac V. Melittin induced cytogenetic damage, oxidative stress and changes in gene expression in human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Toxicon 2016; 110:56-67. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2015.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2015] [Revised: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 12/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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24
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KIM YONGWAN, CHATURVEDI PANKAJKUMAR, CHUN SUNGNAM, LEE YANGGU, AHN WOONGSHICK. Honeybee venom possesses anticancer and antiviral effects by differential inhibition of HPV E6 and E7 expression on cervical cancer cell line. Oncol Rep 2015; 33:1675-82. [DOI: 10.3892/or.2015.3760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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25
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El-Tantawy NL. Helminthes and insects: maladies or therapies. Parasitol Res 2014; 114:359-77. [PMID: 25547076 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-4260-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
By definition, parasites cause harm to their hosts. But, considerable evidence from ancient traditional medicine has supported the theory of using parasites and their products in treating many diseases. Maggots have been used successfully to treat chronic, long-standing, infected wounds which failed to respond to conventional treatment by many beneficial effects on the wound including debridement, disinfection, and healing enhancement. Maggots are also applied in forensic medicine to estimate time between the death and discovery of a corpse and in entomotoxicology involving the potential use of insects as alternative samples for detecting drugs and toxins in death investigations. Leeches are segmented invertebrates, famous by their blood-feeding habits and used in phlebotomy to treat various ailments since ancient times. Leech therapy is experiencing resurgence nowadays in health care principally in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Earthworms provide a source of medicinally useful products with potential antimicrobial, antiviral, and anticancer properties. Lumbrokinases are a group of fibrinolytic enzymes isolated and purified from earthworms capable of degrading plasminogen-rich and plasminogen-free fibrin and so can be used to treat various conditions associated with thrombotic diseases. Helminth infection has been proved to have therapeutic effects in both animal and human clinical trials with promising evidence in treating many allergic diseases and can block the induction of or reduce the severity of some autoimmune disorders as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. What is more, venomous arthropods such as scorpions, bees, wasps, spiders, ants, centipedes, snail, beetles, and caterpillars. The venoms and toxins from these arthropods provide a promising source of natural bioactive compounds which can be employed in the development of new drugs to treat diseases as cancer. The possibility of using these active molecules in biotechnological processes can make these venoms and toxins a valuable and promising source of natural bioactive compounds. The therapeutic use of helminthes and insects will be of great value in biomedicine and further studies on insect toxins will contribute extensively to the development of Biomedical Sciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora L El-Tantawy
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, 2 El-Gomhouria Street, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt,
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Behroozi J, Divsalar A, Saboury AA. Honey bee venom decreases the complications of diabetes by preventing hemoglobin glycation. J Mol Liq 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2014.09.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Combined cytogenotoxic effects of bee venom and bleomycin on rat lymphocytes: an in vitro study. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:173903. [PMID: 24822179 PMCID: PMC4009237 DOI: 10.1155/2014/173903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2014] [Accepted: 03/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
This study was carried out to determine the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of bee venom (BV) and/or the chemotherapeutic agent bleomycin (BLM) on healthy isolated rat lymphocytes utilizing morphometric and molecular techniques. Using the Ficoll-Histopaque density gradient centrifugation technique, lymphocytes were isolated, divided into groups, and subjected to BV and/or BLM at incubation medium concentrations of 10 or 20 μg/mL respectively for 24 and 72 hrs. An MTT assay and fluorescent microscopy examinations were used to assess the cytotoxic effects. To determine the predominant type of BV and/or BLM-induced cell death, LDH release assay was employed beside quantitative expression analyses of the apoptosis-related genes (Caspase-3 and Bcl-2). The genotoxic effects of the tested compounds were evaluated via DNA fragmentation assay. The results of these assays demonstrated that BV potentiates BLM-induced cytotoxicity through increased LDH release and diminished cell viability. Nevertheless, BV significantly inhibited the BLM-induced DNA damage. The results verify that BV significantly attenuates the genotoxic effects of BLM on noncancerous isolated rat lymphocytes but does not diminish BLM cytotoxicity.
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Santos KS, Stephano MA, Marcelino JR, Ferreira VMR, Rocha T, Caricati C, Higashi HG, Moro AM, Kalil JE, Malaspina O, Castro FFM, Palma MS. Production of the first effective hyperimmune equine serum antivenom against Africanized bees. PLoS One 2013; 8:e79971. [PMID: 24236166 PMCID: PMC3827448 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0079971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2013] [Accepted: 10/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Victims of massive bee attacks become extremely ill, presenting symptoms ranging from dizziness and headache to acute renal failure and multiple organ failure that can lead to death. Previous attempts to develop specific antivenom to treat these victims have been unsuccessful. We herein report a F(ab)(´)(2)-based antivenom raised in horse as a potential new treatment for victims of multiple bee stings. The final product contains high specific IgG titers and is effective in neutralizing toxic effects, such as hemolysis, cytotoxicity and myotoxicity. The assessment of neutralization was revised and hemolysis, the primary toxic effect of these stings, was fully neutralized in vivo for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keity Souza Santos
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, FMUSP, São Paulo, Brazil
- Institute for Investigation in Immunology–INCT, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Heart Institute (InCor), LIM-19, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Virginia Maria Resende Ferreira
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, FMUSP, São Paulo, Brazil
- Institute for Investigation in Immunology–INCT, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Thalita Rocha
- Medical School, São Francisco University, Bragança Paulista, SP, Brazil
| | - Celso Caricati
- Special Pilot Laboratory of Research and Development of Veterinary Immunobiologicals, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Ana Maria Moro
- Institute for Investigation in Immunology–INCT, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceuticals in Animal Cells, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Jorge Elias Kalil
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, FMUSP, São Paulo, Brazil
- Institute for Investigation in Immunology–INCT, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Heart Institute (InCor), LIM-19, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Osmar Malaspina
- Institute for Investigation in Immunology–INCT, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Department of Biology/Institute of Biosciences, Center for the Study of Social Insects, University of São Paulo State (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
| | - Fabio Fernandes Morato Castro
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, FMUSP, São Paulo, Brazil
- Institute for Investigation in Immunology–INCT, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Heart Institute (InCor), LIM-19, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Mário Sérgio Palma
- Institute for Investigation in Immunology–INCT, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Department of Biology/Institute of Biosciences, Center for the Study of Social Insects, University of São Paulo State (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
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Palm NW, Rosenstein RK, Yu S, Schenten DD, Florsheim E, Medzhitov R. Bee venom phospholipase A2 induces a primary type 2 response that is dependent on the receptor ST2 and confers protective immunity. Immunity 2013; 39:976-85. [PMID: 24210353 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2013.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2013] [Accepted: 10/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Venoms consist of toxic components that are delivered to their victims via bites or stings. Venoms also represent a major class of allergens in humans. Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) is a conserved component of venoms from multiple species and is the major allergen in bee venom. Here we examined how bee venom PLA2 is sensed by the innate immune system and induces a type 2 immune response in mice. We found that bee venom PLA2 induced a T helper type 2 (Th2) cell-type response and group 2 innate lymphoid cell activation via the enzymatic cleavage of membrane phospholipids and release of interleukin-33. Furthermore, we showed that the IgE response to PLA2 could protect mice from future challenge with a near-lethal dose of PLA2. These data suggest that the innate immune system can detect the activity of a conserved component of venoms and induce a protective immune response against a venom toxin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah W Palm
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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Černe K, Erman A, Veranič P. Analysis of cytotoxicity of melittin on adherent culture of human endothelial cells reveals advantage of fluorescence microscopy over flow cytometry and haemocytometer assay. PROTOPLASMA 2013; 250:1131-1137. [PMID: 23456458 DOI: 10.1007/s00709-013-0489-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2012] [Accepted: 02/12/2013] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Melittin, from the honeybee venom, is a membrane active protein, whose cytotoxicity to human endothelial cells has not been described yet. In this work, we studied its time-dependent cytotoxicity on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Since HUVECs grow in culture as adherent cells, suspension of cells is required before measuring cytotoxicity with a haemocytometer or flow cytometry. Therefore, we also tried to discover whether the result of cytotoxicity tests of melittin is influenced by the preparation of the cell suspension. For this purpose, we compared the results of haemocytometer-based trypan blue assay and flow cytometry using 7-aminoactinomycin D (7-AAD) with results of fluorescence microscopy using 7-AAD and 4', 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI). Melittin over 60 min exposure evoked a rapid decline in the survival of HUVEC. After 60 min exposure to melittin, the phase contrast microscopy demonstrated massive necrosis in the remaining attached cells. Fluorescence microscopy detected both viable and non-viable cells in adequate proportions at all exposure times, whereas haemocytometer-based assay and flow cytometry highly underestimated the percentage of non-viable cells or even failed to detect any dead cells. Our data clearly indicate that the induction of large-scale damage to adherent endothelial cells by melittin results in a loss of the majority of necrotic cells during sample preparation for flow cytometry or a haemocytometer-based assay. In the case of adherent cell culture, therefore, fluorescence microscopy was shown to be a more appropriate method for quantitative analysis of cell death caused by a fast-acting cytolytic toxin such as melittin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Černe
- Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia,
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Baracchi D, Mazza G, Michelucci E, Pieraccini G, Turillazzi S, Moneti G. Top-down sequencing of Apis dorsata apamin by MALDI-TOF MS and evidence of its inactivity against microorganisms. Toxicon 2013; 71:105-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2013.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2013] [Revised: 05/18/2013] [Accepted: 05/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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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: 192] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [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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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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Moreau SJM. "It stings a bit but it cleans well": venoms of Hymenoptera and their antimicrobial potential. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2013; 59:186-204. [PMID: 23073394 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2012.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2012] [Revised: 10/01/2012] [Accepted: 10/04/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Venoms from Hymenoptera display a wide range of functions and biological roles. These notably include manipulation of the host, capture of prey and defense against competitors and predators thanks to endocrine and immune systems disruptors, neurotoxic, cytolytic and pain-inducing venom components. Recent works indicate that many hymenopteran species, whatever their life style, have also evolved a venom with properties which enable it to regulate microbial infections, both in stinging and stung animals. In contrast to biting insects and their salivary glands, stinging Hymenoptera seem to constitute an under-exploited ecological niche for agents of vector-borne disease. Few parasitic or mutualistic microorganisms have been reported to be hosted by venom-producing organs or to be transmitted to stung animals. This may result from the presence of potent antimicrobial molecules in venoms, histological features of venom apparatuses and selective effects of venoms on immune defenses of targeted organisms. The present paper reviews for the first time the venom antimicrobial potential of solitary and social Hymenoptera in molecular, ecological, and evolutionary perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien J M Moreau
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte, CNRS UMR 7261, Université François-Rabelais, UFR Sciences et Techniques, Parc Grandmont, 37200 Tours, France.
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Tabebordbar M, Wang ET, Wagers AJ. Skeletal muscle degenerative diseases and strategies for therapeutic muscle repair. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY-MECHANISMS OF DISEASE 2012; 8:441-75. [PMID: 23121053 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathol-011811-132450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Skeletal muscle is a highly specialized, postmitotic tissue that must withstand chronic mechanical and physiological stress throughout life to maintain proper contractile function. Muscle damage or disease leads to progressive weakness and disability, and manifests in more than 100 different human disorders. Current therapies to treat muscle degenerative diseases are limited mostly to the amelioration of symptoms, although promising new therapeutic directions are emerging. In this review, we discuss the pathological basis for the most common muscle degenerative diseases and highlight new and encouraging experimental and clinical opportunities to prevent or reverse these afflictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammadsharif Tabebordbar
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University and Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
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36
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Almeida RAMDB, Olivo TET, Mendes RP, Barraviera SRCS, Souza LDR, Martins JG, Hashimoto M, Fabris VE, Ferreira Junior RS, Barraviera B. Africanized honeybee stings: how to treat them. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2012; 44:755-61. [PMID: 22231250 DOI: 10.1590/s0037-86822011000600020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2010] [Accepted: 06/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In 1956, Africanized honeybees (AHB) migrated from Brazil to other regions of the Western Hemisphere, including South, Central, and North America, except for Canada. Despite being productive, they are highly aggressive and cause fatal accidents. This study aimed to evaluate patients at the Clinical Hospital of Botucatu Medical School (HC-FMB) and to propose treatment guidelines. METHODS From 2005 to 2006, the clinical and laboratorial aspects of 11 patients (7 male and 4 female) and the anatomopathological aspects of one patient who had died in 2003 were analyzed. RESULTS The age of the surviving patients varied from 5 to 87 years, with a mean of 42.5 years. The majority of accidents occurred in the afternoon, and the number of stings ranged from 20 to 500. The principal signs and symptoms were pain and local inflammatory signs, nausea, tachycardia, and vomiting. Biochemical findings presented increased levels of creatine phosphokinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and aspartate/alanine aminotransferase. An 11-year-old male patient died upon entering the attic of a two-story building where he was attacked by a swarm, receiving more than 1,000 stings. He was sent to HC-FMB where he was treated, but he died 24h later. Observed at the autopsy were erythematous-purpuric skin lesions besides necrosis at the sting locations, rhabdomyolysis, focal myocardial necrosis, tubular hydropic degeneration and focal tubular acute necrosis of the kidneys, myoglobinuria, and centrolobular necrosis in the liver. CONCLUSIONS Accidents caused by multiple AHB stings always constitute a medical emergency. As there is no specific antivenom, we have developed guidelines, including first aid, drugs, and the proper removal of stingers.
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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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Florea A, Crăciun C. Bee (Apis mellifera) venom produced toxic effects of higher amplitude in rat thoracic aorta than in skeletal muscle--an ultrastructural study. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2012; 18:304-316. [PMID: 22436333 DOI: 10.1017/s1431927611012876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
In this study, changes produced in aorta and triceps surae muscle of Wistar rats as response to bee venom (BV) envenomation were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy and morphometry. A subchronic treatment of 30 days with daily doses of 700 μg BV/kg and an acute-lethal treatment with a single dose of 62 mg BV/kg were performed. The subchronic treatment resulted in endothelial cell retraction, a thicker subendothelial layer, and thinner elastic laminae and musculoelastic layers in aorta, and thicker endothelium and basal laminae in skeletal muscle. In both tissues polymorphous, swollen mitochondria with disrupted cristae were observed. The acute treatment produced extensive endothelial lesions, breakdown of the collagen layer and migration of muscle cells toward the intima in the aorta, and dilatation of endoplasmic reticulum in the skeletal muscle cells. Mitochondria were almost devoid of cristae or with few circular cristae in the smooth muscle cells while most of the mitochondria presented abnormal circular cristae in the skeletal muscle cells. Degenerative alterations in the aorta were of higher intensity in our experiments-both the intima and media strongly responded to BV, in contrast to those found at the level of the skeletal muscle cells where a moderate degenerative myopathy was recorded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Florea
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Pasteur St., 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
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Hood JL, Jallouk AP, Campbell N, Ratner L, Wickline SA. Cytolytic nanoparticles attenuate HIV-1 infectivity. Antivir Ther 2012; 18:95-103. [DOI: 10.3851/imp2346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/16/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Ferreira RS, Almeida RAMB, Barraviera SRCS, Barraviera B. Historical perspective and human consequences of Africanized bee stings in the Americas. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2012; 15:97-108. [PMID: 22401177 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2012.645141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
In 1956, Africanized bees began to spread in the American continent from southern Brazil, where original African bees mated with European bees. A few years later, in 1990, these Africanized bees reached the United States and were found in Texas. Currently, these hybrid bees are found in several North American states and will probably reach the Canadian border in the future. Although the presence of Africanized bees had produced positive effects on Brazilian economy, including improvement in crop pollination and in honey production, turning Brazil into a major exporter, the negative impacts-such as swarming, aggressive behavior, and the ability to mass attack-resulted in serious and fatal envenomation with humans and animals. Victims of bee attacks usually develop a severe envenomation syndrome characterized by the release of a large amount of cytokines [interleukins (IL) IL-1, IL-6, IL-8], and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Subsequently, such cytokines produce an acute inflammatory response that triggers adverse effects on skeletal muscles; bone marrow; hepatic and renal functions; and cardiovascular, central nervous, and immune systems. Finally, the aim of the present review is to study historical characteristics and current status of Africanized bees' spread, the composition of their venom, the impact of the bees on the Brazilian economy and ecology, and clinical aspects of their stings including immune response, and to suggest a protocol for bee sting management since there is no safe and effective antivenom available.
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Affiliation(s)
- R S Ferreira
- Department of Tropical Diseases and Image Diagnosis, São Paulo State University (UNESP–Univ Estadual Paulista), São Paulo, Brazil.
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Baracchi D, Francese S, Turillazzi S. Beyond the antipredatory defence: Honey bee venom function as a component of social immunity. Toxicon 2011; 58:550-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2011.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2011] [Revised: 08/29/2011] [Accepted: 08/30/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Heinen TE, Gorini da Veiga AB. Arthropod venoms and cancer. Toxicon 2011; 57:497-511. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2011.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2010] [Revised: 12/13/2010] [Accepted: 01/04/2011] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Sciani JM, Marques-Porto R, Lourenço Junior A, Orsi RDO, Ferreira Junior RS, Barraviera B, Pimenta DC. Identification of a novel melittin isoform from Africanized Apis mellifera venom. Peptides 2010; 31:1473-9. [PMID: 20472009 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2010.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2010] [Revised: 05/05/2010] [Accepted: 05/05/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Apis mellifera, the European honey bee, is perhaps the most studied insect in the Apidae family. Its venom is comprised basically of melittin, phospholipase A(2), histamine, hyaluronidase, cathecolamines and serotonin. Some of these components have been associated to allergic reactions, among several other symptoms. On the other hand, bee mass-stinging is increasingly becoming a serious public health issue; therefore, the development of efficient serum-therapies has become necessary, with a consequent better characterization of the venom. In this work, we report the isolation and biochemical characterization of melittin-S, an isoform of melittin comprising a Ser residue at the 10th position, from the venom of Africanized A. mellifera. This peptide demonstrated to be less hemolytic than melittin and to adopt a less organized secondary structure, as assessed by circular dichroism spectroscopy. Melittin-S venom contents varied seasonally, and the maximum secretion occurred during the (southern) winter months. Data on the variation of the honey bee venom composition are necessary to guide future immunological studies, aiming for the development of an efficient anti-serum against Africanized A. mellifera venom and, consequently, an effective treatment for the victims of mass-stinging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Mozer Sciani
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Biofísica, Instituto Butantan, Avenida Vital Brasil, 1500, São Paulo, SP 05503-900, Brazil
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44
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Prado M, Solano-Trejos G, Lomonte B. Acute physiopathological effects of honeybee (Apis mellifera) envenoming by subcutaneous route in a mouse model. Toxicon 2010; 56:1007-17. [PMID: 20638400 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2010.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2010] [Revised: 07/08/2010] [Accepted: 07/08/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Bee stings are a health concern in the Americas, where fatal envenomings due to massive attacks by Africanized honeybees have been documented in the last decades. Most studies on the toxic effects of honeybee venom in experimental animals have been performed using the intravenous or intraperitoneal injection routes. The aim of this study was to develop a mouse model that would better resemble a massive honeybee attack by using the subcutaneous (s.c.) route to induce a severe, sublethal systemic envenoming. An array of acute venom effects were characterized, including biochemical, hematological, histological, and inflammatory alterations, after the s.c. injection of 0.5 median lethal dose of venom. Rapid increases in serum alanine (ALT) and aspartate (AST) transaminases, creatinine, urea nitrogen, uric acid, sodium and chloride electrolytes, and creatine kinase (CK) were recorded, indicating damage to liver, kidneys, and skeletal muscle. Also, coagulation disturbances (fibrinogen decrease, and moderate delay in prothrombin and partial thromboplastin times) were demonstrated. Circulating platelet and leukocyte numbers remained unaltered, but a hemoconcentration effect (hematocrit and hemoglobin increase) was observed. This effect might be related to the marked edema induced by the venom. In addition, this inflammatory response included a systemic increase in cytokines (IL-1 beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha), together with an elevation of serum malondialdehyde and nitric oxide. The myotoxic effects of venom, melittin, and phospholipase A(2) were demonstrated after injection by s.c. route. No synergistic myotoxicity between melittin and PLA(2) was observed. Moreover, these two components, when injected at equivalent concentrations to those present in venom, induced a lower increase in serum CK than venom, suggesting that other components also contribute to its strong systemic toxicity towards skeletal muscle. The model here presented may be useful in preclinical studies to assess therapeutic antivenoms developed to cope with the problem of massive bee attacks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Prado
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
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45
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Choo YM, Lee KS, Yoon HJ, Kim BY, Sohn MR, Roh JY, Je YH, Kim NJ, Kim I, Woo SD, Sohn HD, Jin BR. Dual function of a bee venom serine protease: prophenoloxidase-activating factor in arthropods and fibrin(ogen)olytic enzyme in mammals. PLoS One 2010; 5:e10393. [PMID: 20454652 PMCID: PMC2862700 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0010393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2010] [Accepted: 04/08/2010] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Bee venom contains a variety of peptides and enzymes, including serine proteases. While the presence of serine proteases in bee venom has been demonstrated, the role of these proteins in bee venom has not been elucidated. Furthermore, there is currently no information available regarding the melanization response or the fibrin(ogen)olytic activity of bee venom serine protease, and the molecular mechanism of its action remains unknown. Here we show that bee venom serine protease (Bi-VSP) is a multifunctional enzyme. In insects, Bi-VSP acts as an arthropod prophenoloxidase (proPO)-activating factor (PPAF), thereby triggering the phenoloxidase (PO) cascade. Bi-VSP injected through the stinger induces a lethal melanization response in target insects by modulating the innate immune response. In mammals, Bi-VSP acts similarly to snake venom serine protease, which exhibits fibrin(ogen)olytic activity. Bi-VSP activates prothrombin and directly degrades fibrinogen into fibrin degradation products, defining roles for Bi-VSP as a prothrombin activator, a thrombin-like protease, and a plasmin-like protease. These findings provide a novel view of the mechanism of bee venom in which the bee venom serine protease kills target insects via a melanization strategy and exhibits fibrin(ogen)olytic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Moo Choo
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan, Korea
| | - Kwang Sik Lee
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan, Korea
| | - Hyung Joo Yoon
- Department of Agricultural Biology, National Academy of Agricultural Science, Suwon, Korea
| | - Bo Yeon Kim
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan, Korea
| | - Mi Ri Sohn
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan, Korea
| | - Jong Yul Roh
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yeon Ho Je
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Nam Jung Kim
- Department of Agricultural Biology, National Academy of Agricultural Science, Suwon, Korea
| | - Iksoo Kim
- Department of Agricultural Biology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Soo Dong Woo
- Department of Plant Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Hung Dae Sohn
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan, Korea
| | - Byung Rae Jin
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan, Korea
- * E-mail:
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46
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Ferreira Junior RS, Sciani JM, Marques-Porto R, Junior AL, Orsi RDO, Barraviera B, Pimenta DC. Africanized honey bee (Apis mellifera) venom profiling: Seasonal variation of melittin and phospholipase A(2) levels. Toxicon 2010; 56:355-62. [PMID: 20403370 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2010.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2009] [Revised: 03/19/2010] [Accepted: 03/23/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Apis mellifera venom is comprised basically of melittin, phospholipase A(2), histamine, hyaluronidase, catecholamine and serotonin. Some of these components have been associated with allergic reactions, amongst several other symptoms. On the other hand, bee mass stinging, caused by Africanized honey bee (AHB), is increasingly becoming a serious public health issue in Brazil; therefore, the development of efficient serum-therapies has become necessary. In this work, we have analyzed the venom composition of AHB in Brazil through one year. In order to verify the homogeneity of this venom, one specific hive was selected and the correlation with climatic parameters was assessed. It was possible to perceive a seasonal variation on the venom contents of melittin and phospholipase A(2). Moreover, both compounds presented a synchronized variation of their levels, with an increased production in the same months. This variation does not correlate or synchronize with any climatic parameter. Data on the variation of the AHB venom composition is necessary to guide future intra and inter species studies.
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47
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Baracchi D, Turillazzi S. Differences in venom and cuticular peptides in individuals of Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae) determined by MALDI-TOF MS. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2010; 56:366-75. [PMID: 19932113 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2009.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2009] [Revised: 11/16/2009] [Accepted: 11/16/2009] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The fraction between 950 and 4000Da of the venom of Apis mellifera has been analyzed with MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and statistical facilities of the ClinProTools software. Consistent differences in the composition of this venom fraction were observed between queens and workers while younger and older workers (nurses and guards as well as foragers) differ for the relative percentages of two well known cytolytic peptides, namely Melittin and Apamin. Total in situ body methanol extracts and methanol micro-extractions on the cuticle of various parts of the body of drones and females confirmed that venom peptides are smeared on the body surface of females in a not yet clarified way. The observation that venom peptides have been found also on comb wax rises the hypothesis that the use of venom as antimicrobial agent makes part of the social immunity system of A. mellifera.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Baracchi
- Dipartimento di Biologia Evoluzionistica Leo Pardi, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Via Romana 17, 50125 Firenze, Italy.
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48
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Francese S, Lambardi D, Mastrobuoni G, la Marca G, Moneti G, Turillazzi S. Detection of honeybee venom in envenomed tissues by direct MALDI MSI. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2009; 20:112-123. [PMID: 18849171 DOI: 10.1016/j.jasms.2008.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2008] [Revised: 09/01/2008] [Accepted: 09/02/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
A new analytical approach using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI MSI) for the study of honeybee venom is shown. In vitro and in vivo models simulating the bee sting have been developed using live honeybees and, as the envenomation sites, pig ears and rat legs; MALDI MSI has been used to map, over time, the diffusion and distribution of three venom allergens (Api m 1, Api m 4, and Api m 6) and two venom toxins (apamine and mast cell degranulating peptide). In conjunction with other classical biochemical techniques and high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), structural data have been obtained that contribute to current understanding of honeybee venom composition. Initial data have also been obtained demonstrating the feasibility of mapping the organism's response to the sting. The opportunity to monitor venom diffusion and the organism's response at the same time might open new pathways for in vivo preclinical studies in designing and testing new venom immunotherapy (VIT).
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Francese
- Interdepartmental Centre of Mass Spectrometry, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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49
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Increase of the cytotoxic effect of Bothrops jararacussu venom on mouse extensor digitorum longus and soleus by potassium channel blockers and by Na+/K+-ATPase inhibition. Toxicon 2008; 52:551-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2008.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2008] [Revised: 06/30/2008] [Accepted: 07/01/2008] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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50
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Abdulkader RC, Barbaro KC, Barros EJG, Burdmann EA. Nephrotoxicity of Insect and Spider Venoms in Latin America. Semin Nephrol 2008; 28:373-382. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semnephrol.2008.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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