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Małek A, Strzemski M, Kurzepa J, Kurzepa J. Can Bee Venom Be Used as Anticancer Agent in Modern Medicine? Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3714. [PMID: 37509375 PMCID: PMC10378503 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Honey bee venom in its composition contains many biologically active peptides and enzymes that are effective in the fight against diseases of various etiologies. The history of the use of bee venom for medicinal purposes dates back thousands of years. There are many reports in the literature on the pharmacological properties of bee venom and/or its main components, e.g., anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial or neuroprotective properties. In addition, both crude venom and melittin exhibit cytotoxic activity against a wide range of tumor cells, with significant anti-metastatic activity in pre-clinical studies. Due to the constantly increasing incidence of cancer, the development of new therapeutic strategies in oncology is a particular challenge for modern medicine. A review paper discusses the various properties of bee venom with an emphasis on its anticancer properties. For this purpose, the PubMed database was searched, and publications related to "bee", "venom", "cancer" from the last 10 years were selected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Małek
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Maciej Strzemski
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Joanna Kurzepa
- 1st Department of Radiology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Jacek Kurzepa
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
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Schistosomicidal efficacy of bee venom-loaded pluronic F127 nanomicelles in S. mansoni infected CD1 mice. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2022.103344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Bee Venom on Phthalic Anhydride-Induced Atopic Dermatitis. JOURNAL OF ACUPUNCTURE RESEARCH 2020. [DOI: 10.13045/jar.2019.00087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory condition which can be studied using phthalic anhydride (PA) to induce AD. Anti-inflammatory properties of bee venom (BV) wereinvestigated to determine whether it may be a useful treatment for AD.Methods: AD was induced by applying to pical PA to 8-week-old HR-1 mice (<i>N</i> = 50), then treating with (0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 ?g) or without topical BV. Body weight, ear thickness histology, enzymelinked immune sorbent assay (serum IgE concentrations), Western blot analysis [inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, IκB-α, phospho-IκB-α, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), phosphoJNK, p38, phospho-p38, extra cellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and phospho-ERK], and the pull down assay for immunoblotting (p50), were used to measure inflammatory mediators.Results: PA + BV (0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 μg) significantly decreased ear thickness without altering body weight. IgE concentrations decreased in the PA + BV (0.5 ?g)-treated groups compared with PAtreatment. Tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, phospho-IκB-α, phospho-JNK, p38, phospho-p38, and phospho-ERK, all decreased following treatment with PA + BV compared with the PA-treatment alone. p50 was upregulated in the PA + BV-treated groups compared with the PA-treated group. Furthermore, the number of mast cells decreased in the PA + BV-treated groups compared with the PA-treated group. Epidermal thickness was significantly lower in the PA + BV-treated group compared with PA treatment alone.Conclusion: BV maybe a useful anti-inflammatory treatment for AD.
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Atopic Dermatitis-Related Inflammation in Macrophages and Keratinocytes: The Inhibitory Effects of Bee Venom. JOURNAL OF ACUPUNCTURE RESEARCH 2019. [DOI: 10.13045/jar.2019.00038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
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Kocyigit A, Guler EM, Kaleli S. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties of honey bee venom on Freund's Complete Adjuvant-induced arthritis model in rats. Toxicon 2019; 161:4-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Zhang S, Liu Y, Ye Y, Wang XR, Lin LT, Xiao LY, Zhou P, Shi GX, Liu CZ. Bee venom therapy: Potential mechanisms and therapeutic applications. Toxicon 2018; 148:64-73. [PMID: 29654868 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Revised: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Bee venom is a very complex mixture of natural products extracted from honey bee which contains various pharmaceutical properties such as peptides, enzymes, biologically active amines and nonpeptide components. The use of bee venom into the specific points is so called bee venom therapy, which is widely used as a complementary and alternative therapy for 3000 years. A growing number of evidence has demonstrated the anti-inflammation, the anti-apoptosis, the anti-fibrosis and the anti-arthrosclerosis effects of bee venom therapy. With these pharmaceutical characteristics, bee venom therapy has also been used as the therapeutic method in treating rheumatoid arthritis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, liver fibrosis, atherosclerosis, pain and others. Although widely used, several cases still reported that bee venom therapy might cause some adverse effects, such as local itching or swelling. In this review, we summarize its potential mechanisms, therapeutic applications, and discuss its existing problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Zhang
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Capital Medical University, 23 Meishuguanhou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100010, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Capital Medical University, 23 Meishuguanhou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100010, China
| | - Yang Ye
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 6 Fangxingyuan 1st Block, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100078, China
| | - Xue-Rui Wang
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 6 Fangxingyuan 1st Block, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100078, China
| | - Li-Ting Lin
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Capital Medical University, 23 Meishuguanhou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100010, China
| | - Ling-Yong Xiao
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 6 Fangxingyuan 1st Block, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100078, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Capital Medical University, 23 Meishuguanhou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100010, China
| | - Guang-Xia Shi
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Capital Medical University, 23 Meishuguanhou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100010, China
| | - Cun-Zhi Liu
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 6 Fangxingyuan 1st Block, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100078, China.
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Kim JY, An HJ, Kim WH, Park YY, Park KD, Park KK. Apamin suppresses biliary fibrosis and activation of hepatic stellate cells. Int J Mol Med 2017; 39:1188-1194. [PMID: 28405682 PMCID: PMC5403474 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2017.2922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholestatic liver disease is characterized by the progressive destruction of biliary epithelial cells (BECs) followed by fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver failure. Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and portal fibroblasts are the major cellular effectors of enhanced collagen deposition in biliary fibrosis. Apamin, an 18 amino acid peptide neurotoxin found in apitoxin (bee venom), is known to block Ca2+-activated K+ channels and prevent carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis. In the present study, we aimed to ascertain whether apamin inhibits biliary fibrosis and the proliferation of HSCs. Cholestatic liver fibrosis was established in mouse models with 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC) feeding. Cellular assays were performed on HSC-T6 cells (rat immortalized HSCs). DDC feeding led to increased hepatic damage and proinflammtory cytokine levels. Notably, apamin treatment resulted in decreased liver injury and proinflammatory cytokine levels. Moreover, apamin suppressed the deposition of collagen, proliferation of BECs and expression of fibrogenic genes in the DDC-fed mice. In HSCs, apamin suppressed activation of HSCs by inhibiting the Smad signaling pathway. These data suggest that apamin may be a potential therapeutic target in cholestatic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Yeon Kim
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu 705-718, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Jin An
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu 705-718, Republic of Korea
| | - Woon-Hae Kim
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu 705-718, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon-Yub Park
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu 705-718, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Duck Park
- Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu 705-718, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwan-Kyu Park
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu 705-718, Republic of Korea
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Park KD, Pak SC, Park KK. The Pathogenetic Effect of Natural and Bacterial Toxins on Atopic Dermatitis. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 9:toxins9010003. [PMID: 28025545 PMCID: PMC5299398 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Revised: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common allergic skin disease that is associated with chronic, recurrent eczematous and pruritic lesions at the flexural folds caused by interacting factors related to environmental and immune system changes. AD results in dry skin, and immunoglobulin E-mediated allergic reactions to foods and environmental allergens. While steroids and anti-histamines temporarily relieve the symptoms of AD, the possibility of side effects from pharmacological interventions remains. Despite intensive research, the underlying mechanisms for AD have not been clarified. A study of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) established the role of its toxins in the pathogenesis of AD. Approximately 90% of patients with AD experience S. aureus colonization and up to 50%–60% of the colonizing S. aureus is toxin-producing. Any damage to the protective skin barrier allows for the entry of invading allergens and pathogens that further drive the pathogenesis of AD. Some natural toxins (or their components) that have therapeutic effects on AD have been studied. In addition, recent studies on inflammasomes as one component of the innate immune system have been carried out. Additionally, studies on the close relationship between the activation of inflammasomes and toxins in AD have been reported. This review highlights the literature that discusses the pathogenesis of AD, the role of toxins in AD, and the positive and negative effects of toxins on AD. Lastly, suggestions are made regarding the role of inflammasomes in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung-Duck Park
- Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, 33, Duryugongwon-ro 17-gil, Nam-gu, Daegu 42472, Korea.
| | - Sok Cheon Pak
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Panorama Avenue, Bathurst NSW 2795, Australia.
| | - Kwan-Kyu Park
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, 33, Duryugongwon-ro 17-gil, Nam-gu, Daegu 42472, Korea.
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Al-Tamimi J, Alhazza IM, Al-Khalifa M, Metwalli A, Rady A, Ebaid H. Potential effects of samsum ant, Brachyponera sennaarensis, venom on TNF-α/NF-κB mediated inflammation in CCL4-toxicity in vivo. Lipids Health Dis 2016; 15:198. [PMID: 27863485 PMCID: PMC5116174 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-016-0364-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ant venom shows antimicrobial, anti-parasitic and anti-inflammatory activities, both in vitro and in vivo. Our recent studies have confirmed the role of samsum ant venom (SAV) as a powerful antioxidant. This study aimed to investigate whether SAV as a potential treatment for CCl4-induced acute liver toxicity in an animal (rat) model. Methods Thirty-two rats were assigned into four groups; the first one served as the control. The second group received a single dose of 1 ml/kg CCl4 in a 1:1 ratio with olive oil through an intraperitoneal injection. The third group received a single dose of 1 ml/kg CCl4 and then treated with SAV at a dose of 100 μg SAV twice a week for three weeks. The fourth group received a dose of 100 μg SAV only twice a week for three weeks. ELISA, RT-PCR and histopathological examinations were applied. Results Results showed that antioxidant enzymes were significantly reduced in the diseased animals. SAV was found to significantly restore the oxidative stability in diseased animals. ELISA estimation and RT-PCR analysis also showed significant upregulation of both nuclear factor (κB) NF-κB and inhibitor (κB) IκB, respectively, in the diseased animals compared to the normal ones. The expression of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and pro-apoptotic receptor (Fas) were also significantly up-regulated in the diseased rats. Interestingly, SAV was found to significantly restore NF-κB, IκB and TNF-α in the diseased rats to the normal values. As a result, liver enzymes, serum proteins and lipid concentrations were significantly improved by SAV in CCl4-animals in comparison with the control ones. Moreover, SAV obviously improved the hepatic tissues of the same group was. Conclusion SAV treatment restores the normal biochemical and oxidative stability by improving the TNF-α/NF-κB mediated inflammation in CCL4-treated rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jameel Al-Tamimi
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim M Alhazza
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Al-Khalifa
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Metwalli
- Department of Food Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Rady
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hossam Ebaid
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia.
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The protective effect of bee venom on fibrosis causing inflammatory diseases. Toxins (Basel) 2015; 7:4758-72. [PMID: 26580653 PMCID: PMC4663532 DOI: 10.3390/toxins7114758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Revised: 10/24/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Bee venom therapy is a treatment modality that may be thousands of years old and involves the application of live bee stings to the patient’s skin or, in more recent years, the injection of bee venom into the skin with a hypodermic needle. Studies have proven the effectiveness of bee venom in treating pathological conditions such as arthritis, pain and cancerous tumors. However, there has not been sufficient review to fully elucidate the cellular mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory effects of bee venom and its components. In this respect, the present study reviews current understanding of the mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory properties of bee venom and its components in the treatment of liver fibrosis, atherosclerosis and skin disease.
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Anti-fibrotic effect of natural toxin bee venom on animal model of unilateral ureteral obstruction. Toxins (Basel) 2015; 7:1917-28. [PMID: 26035488 PMCID: PMC4488681 DOI: 10.3390/toxins7061917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Revised: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 05/01/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Progressive renal fibrosis is the final common pathway for all kidney diseases leading to chronic renal failure. Bee venom (BV) has been widely used as a traditional medicine for various diseases. However, the precise mechanism of BV in ameliorating the renal fibrosis is not fully understood. To investigate the therapeutic effects of BV against unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)-induced renal fibrosis, BV was given intraperitoneally after ureteral ligation. At seven days after UUO surgery, the kidney tissues were collected for protein analysis and histologic examination. Histological observation revealed that UUO induced a considerable increase in the number of infiltrated inflammatory cells. However, BV treatment markedly reduced these reactions compared with untreated UUO mice. The expression levels of TNF-α and IL-1β were significantly reduced in BV treated mice compared with UUO mice. In addition, treatment with BV significantly inhibited TGF-β1 and fibronectin expression in UUO mice. Moreover, the expression of α-SMA was markedly withdrawn after treatment with BV. These findings suggest that BV attenuates renal fibrosis and reduces inflammatory responses by suppression of multiple growth factor-mediated pro-fibrotic genes. In conclusion, BV may be a useful therapeutic agent for the prevention of fibrosis that characterizes progression of chronic kidney disease.
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Strategies to prevent and reverse liver fibrosis in humans and laboratory animals. Arch Toxicol 2015; 89:1727-50. [PMID: 25963329 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-015-1525-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis results from chronic damage to the liver in conjunction with various pathways and is mediated by a complex microenvironment. Based on clinical observations, it is now evident that fibrosis is a dynamic, bidirectional process with an inherent capacity for recovery and remodeling. The major mechanisms involved in liver fibrosis include the repetitive injury of hepatocytes, the activation of the inflammatory response after injury stimulation, and the activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which represents the major extracellular matrix (ECM)-producing cells, stimulated by hepatocyte injury and inflammation. The microenvironment in the liver is synergistically regulated abnormal ECM deposition, scar formation, angiogenesis, and fibrogenesis. Moreover, recent studies have clarified novel mechanism in fibrosis such as epigenetic regulation of HSCs, the leptin and PPARγ pathways, the coagulation system, and even autophagy. Uncovering the mechanisms of liver fibrogenesis provides a basis to develop potential therapies to reverse and treat the fibrotic response, thereby improving the outcomes of patients with chronic liver disease. Although both scientific and clinical challenges remain, emerging studies attempt to reveal the ideal anti-fibrotic drug that could be easily delivered to the liver with high specificity and low toxicity. This review highlights the mechanisms, including novel pathways underlying fibrogenesis that may be translated into preventive and treatment strategies, reviews both current and novel agents that target specific pathways or multiple targets, and discusses novel drug delivery systems such as nanotechnology that can be applied in the treatment of liver fibrosis. In addition, we also discuss some current treatment strategies that are being applied in animal models and in clinical trials.
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Park SH, Cho HJ, Jeong YJ, Shin JM, Kang JH, Park KK, Choe JY, Park YY, Bae YS, Han SM, Moon SK, Kim WJ, Choi YH, Chang YC. Melittin inhibits TGF-β-induced pro-fibrotic gene expression through the suppression of the TGFβRII-Smad, ERK1/2 and JNK-mediated signaling pathway. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2014; 42:1139-1152. [PMID: 25178280 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x14500712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is characterized by the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins such as type I collagen, fibronectin, and by the increased expression of PAI-1. This study evaluated the anti-fibrotic effect of bee venom and its major compounds (melittin and apamin) on TGF-β-induced pro-fibrotic gene expression. Bee venom and melittin significantly suppressed type I collagen, fibronectin, and PAI-1 protein expression in the TGF-β-treated kidney fibroblast. However, apamin only inhibited the expression of fibronectin and type I collagen. These results indicated that the inhibitory effects of bee venom on TGF-β-induced pro-fibrotic gene expression are caused by melittin. Moreover, we attempted to elucidate mechanisms underlying the anti-fibrotic effect of melittin. Melittin dramatically inhibited the phosphorylation of TGFβRII and Smad2/3. Also, melittin inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and JNK, but not the phosphorylation of PI3K, Akt, and p38. These results suggested that melittin inhibits TGF-β-induced pro-fibrotic genes expression through the suppression of TGFβR-Smad2/3, ERK1/2, and JNK phosphorylation, and melittin can be used as a clinical drug for the treatment of fibrosis associated with renal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Hyun Park
- Research Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu School of Medicine, Daegu 705-718, Republic of Korea
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Lee WR, Kim KH, An HJ, Kim JY, Lee SJ, Han SM, Pak SC, Park KK. Apamin inhibits hepatic fibrosis through suppression of transforming growth factor β1-induced hepatocyte epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2014; 450:195-201. [PMID: 24878534 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2014.05.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2014] [Accepted: 05/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Apamin is an integral part of bee venom, as a peptide component. It has long been known as a highly selective block Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (SK) channels. However, the cellular mechanism and anti-fibrotic effect of apamin in TGF-β1-induced hepatocytes have not been explored. In the present study, we investigated the anti-fibrosis or anti-EMT mechanism by examining the effect of apamin on TGF-β1-induced hepatocytes. AML12 cells were seeded at ∼60% confluence in complete growth medium. Twenty-four hours later, the cells were changed to serum free medium containing the indicated concentrations of apamin. After 30 min, the cells were treated with 2 ng/ml of TGF-β1 and co-cultured for 48 h. Also, we investigated the effects of apamin on the CCl4-induced liver fibrosis animal model. Treatment of AML12 cells with 2 ng/ml of TGF-β1 resulted in loss of E-cadherin protein at the cell-cell junctions and concomitant increased expression of vimentin. In addition, phosphorylation levels of ERK1/2, Akt, Smad2/3 and Smad4 were increased by TGF-β1 stimulation. However, cells treated concurrently with TGF-β1 and apamin retained high levels of localized expression of E-cadherin and showed no increase in vimentin. Specifically, treatment with 2 μg/ml of apamin almost completely blocked the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, Akt, Smad2/3 and Smad4 in AML12 cells. In addition, apamin exhibited prevention of pathological changes in the CCl4-injected animal models. These results demonstrate the potential of apamin for the prevention of EMT progression induced by TGF-β1 in vitro and CCl4-injected in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woo-Ram Lee
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Kyung-Hyun Kim
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Hyun-Jin An
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Jung-Yeon Kim
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Sun-Jae Lee
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Sang-Mi Han
- Department of Agricultural Biology, National Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Sok Cheon Pak
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, NSW 2795, Australia
| | - Kwan-kyu Park
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu, South Korea.
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Han SM, Lee KG, Pak SC. Effects of cosmetics containing purified honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) venom on acne vulgaris. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE-JIM 2014; 11:320-6. [PMID: 24063779 DOI: 10.3736/jintegrmed2013043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Acne vulgaris is a chronic dermatologic problem with multiple factors involved in its pathogenesis. Alternative solutions to acne treatment were instigated by antibiotic resistance despite of its extensive use. Purified bee venom (PBV) has been proposed as a promising candidate for that purpose. The present study was designed to confirm the antibacterial effect of PBV and access the efficacy of cosmetics containing PBV in subjects with acne vulgaris. METHODS The skin bacterium Propionibacterium acnes was incubated with PBV at various concentrations and bacterial growth was evaluated using the colony forming unit (CFU) assay. The mechanism of PBV employed in killing P. acnes was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In addition, a total of 12 subjects were randomized in a double-blind, controlled trial to receive either cosmetics containing PBV or cosmetics without PBV for two weeks. Evaluations included lesion counts and skin microorganism. RESULTS PBV exhibited antimicrobial activity in a concentration-dependent manner, reducing the number of P. acnes CFU by approximately 6 logs at a concentration of 0.5 mg. When PBV concentration was higher than 1.0 mg, no P. acnes colonies were spotted on an agar. TEM and SEM of untreated P. acnes illustrated the normal pleomorphic structure, whereas the PBV-treated bacterium lost the integrity of surface architecture. Significant difference (P=0.027) in the grading levels based on numbers of lesion counts for inflammatory and noninflammatory was observed in favour of the PBV group compared with the control group. In terms of average decrement of skin microorganism, subjects receiving cosmetics containing PBV experienced a significant 57.5% decrease of adenosine triphosphate levels, whereas participants receiving cosmetics without PBV experienced a nonsignificant decrease of 4.7%. CONCLUSION These results show that the in vitro actions of antimicrobial activity of PBV were translated in vivo. Cosmetics containing PBV provided a certain degree of efficacy in terms of lesion counts and skin microorganism concentration compared with cosmetics without PBV in subjects with acne vulgaris. PBV may be a good candidate compound for developing therapeutic drug for the treatment of acne vulgaris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Mi Han
- Department of Agricultural Biology, National Academy of Agricultural Science, Suwon 441-100, Korea; E-mail:
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Ai G, Liu Q, Hua W, Huang Z, Wang D. Hepatoprotective evaluation of the total flavonoids extracted from flowers of Abelmoschus manihot (L.) Medic: In vitro and in vivo studies. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2013; 146:794-802. [PMID: 23422335 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2012] [Revised: 01/30/2013] [Accepted: 02/06/2013] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The decoction of the flowers of Abelmoschus manihot (L.) Medic is traditionally used for the treatment of jaundice and various types of chronic and acute hepatitis in Anhui and Jiangsu Provinces of China. Phytochemical studies have indicated that total flavonoids extracted from flowers of Abelmoschus manihot (L.) Medic (TFA) were the major constituents of the flowers. The present study was designed to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of the plant extracts against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatocyte damage in vitro and liver injury in vivo. MATERIAL AND METHODS In the in vitro studies, freshly isolated rat hepatocytes were exposed to CCl4 (1%) along with/without various concentrations of TFA (4.5-72mg/L). Cell damage was assessed by the trypan blue exclusion method and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the medium were analyzed. In the in vivo studies, the hepatoprotective activity of TFA (125, 250 and 500mg/kg) were investigated on CCl4-induced liver damages in mice. The levels of ALT, AST and ALP, gamma glutamyltransferase (γ-GT), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and nitric oxide (NO) were determined in serum. Hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT) and glutathione transferase (GST) were measured in the liver homogenates. Cytokine transcript levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the liver tissues of mice were measured using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Livers were dissected out and evaluated for histomorphological changes. RESULTS A concentration-dependent increase in the percentage viability was observed when CCl4-exposed hepatocytes were treated with different concentrations of TFA. Levels of ALT, AST and ALP in the medium were significantly decreased. In the animal studies, TFA showed significant protection with the depletion of ALT, AST, ALP and γ-GT in serum as was raised by the induction of CCl4. Moreover, TFA decreased the MDA level and elevated the content of GSH in the liver as compared to those in the CCl4 group. Furthermore, activities of antioxidative enzymes, including SOD, GPx, CAT and GST, were enhanced dose dependently with TFA. Meanwhile, the inflammatory mediators (e.g., TNF-α, IL-1β and NO) were inhibited by TFA treatment both at the serum and mRNA levels. Additionally, histological analyses also showed that TFA reduced the extent of liver lesions induced by CCl4. CONCLUSION These results suggested that TFA protected mice against CCl4-induced liver injury through antioxidant stress and antiinflammatory effects. This finding justified the use of this plant in traditional medicine for the treatment of liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo Ai
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, PR China; Department of Pharmacy, 302 Hospital of PLA, Beijing 100039, PR China
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Han SM, Lee KG, Park KK, Pak SC. Skin sensitization study of bee venom (Apis mellifera L.) in guinea pigs and rats. Cutan Ocul Toxicol 2012; 32:27-30. [PMID: 22813357 DOI: 10.3109/15569527.2012.698402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bee venom (Apis mellifera L., BV) possessing a rich source of pharmacologically active substances has the potential to be used as a cosmetic ingredient for antiaging, antiinflammatory and antibacterial functions. The aim of this study was to assess the skin sensitization of BV on experimental animals using the Buehler test. MATERIALS AND METHODS Guinea pigs were randomly allocated into three groups of BV-sensitization, positive control-sensitization, and ethyl alcohol-sensitization group for induction and challenge. On the other hand, two groups of rats were administered with BV at doses of 0 and 1500 mg/kg. Clinical signs, mortality and body weight changes were continually monitored during the study period. RESULTS No treatment-related clinical signs or body weight changes were observed in both animal models. The average skin reaction evaluated by erythema and edema on the challenge sites, and sensitization rate in the BV-sensitization group of guinea pigs were substantially low compared with those in positive control group, representing a negligible sensitizing potential of BV. CONCLUSION It was concluded that BV was well tolerated and exhibited no dermal irritation potential in guinea pigs and rats. Our findings may provide a developmental basis of BV for a cosmetic ingredient or external application for topical uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Mi Han
- Department of Agricultural Biology, National Academy of Agricultural Science, Suwon, Korea
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Abstract
Acute hepatic failure remains an extremely poor prognosis and still results in high mortality. Therefore, better treatment is urgently needed. Melittin, a major component of bee venom, is known to inhibit inflammatory reactions induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in various cell types. However, there is no evidence of the anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effect of melittin on liver cells. In the present study, we investigated the effects of melittin on D: -galactosamine (GalN)/lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute hepatic failure. Acute liver injury was induced with GalN/LPS to determine in vivo efficacy of melittin. Mice were randomly divided into four groups: sterile saline treated group (NC), melittin only treated group (NM), GalN/LPS-treated group (GalN/LPS), and GalN/LPS treated with melittin group (M+GalN/LPS). Mice were given intraperitoneal GalN/LPS with or without melittin treatment. Liver injury was assessed biochemically and histologically. Inflammatory cytokines in the serum, apoptosis of hepatocytes, and cleavage of caspase-3 in the liver were determined. The expression of TNF-α and interleukin (IL)-1β were increased in the GalN/LPS group. However, treatment of melittin attenuated the increase of inflammatory cytokines. The M+GalN/LPS group showed significantly fewer apoptotic cells compared to the GalN/LPS group. Melittin significantly inhibited the expression of caspase and bax protein levels as well as cytochrome c release in vivo. In addition, melittin prevented the activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) induced by GalN/LPS. These results clearly indicate that melittin provided protection against GalN/LPS-induced acute hepatic failure through the inhibition of inflammatory cytokines and apoptosis.
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Park JH, Kum YS, Lee TI, Kim SJ, Lee WR, Kim BI, Kim HS, Kim KH, Park KK. Melittin attenuates liver injury in thioacetamide-treated mice through modulating inflammation and fibrogenesis. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2011; 236:1306-1313. [PMID: 21969711 DOI: 10.1258/ebm.2011.011127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis represents a process of healing and scarring in response to chronic liver injury. Following injury, an acute inflammation response takes place resulting in moderate cell necrosis and extracellular matrix damage. Melittin, the major bioactive component in the venom of honey bee Apis mellifera, is a 26-residue amphipathic peptide with well-known cytolytic, antimicrobial and proinflammatory properties. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for the anti-inflammatory activity of melittin have not been elucidated in liver fibrosis. We investigated whether melittin ameliorates liver inflammation and fibrosis in thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis. Two groups of mice were treated with TAA (200 mg/L, in drinking water), one of the groups of mice was co-treated with melittin (0.1 mg/kg) for 12 weeks while the other was not. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were cultured with tumor necrosis factor α in the absence or presence of melittin. Melittin suppresses the expression of proinflammatory cytokines through the nuclear factor (NF)- κB signaling pathway. Moreover, melittin reduces the activity of HSCs in vitro, and decreases the expression of fibrotic gene responses in TAA-induced liver fibrosis. Taken together, melittin prevents TAA-induced liver fibrosis by inhibiting liver inflammation and fibrosis, the mechanism of which is the interruption of the NF- κB signaling pathway. These results suggest that melittin could be an effective agent for preventing liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Bong-Il Kim
- Department of Anesthesiology, Catholic University of Daegu, College of Medicine, 3056–6 Daemyung 4-Dong, Nam-Gu, Daegu 705–718
| | - Hyun-Soo Kim
- Department of Microbiology, Keimyung University, College of Natural Science, 1000 Shindang-dong, Dalseo-Gu, Daegu 704–701, Republic of Korea
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TGF-β1 and BRCA2 expression are associated with clinical factors in breast cancer. Cell Biochem Biophys 2011; 60:245-8. [PMID: 21222048 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-010-9146-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the possible association between the expression of transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) and breast cancer type2 susceptibility protein (BRCA2) with clinical factors in breast cancer. TGF-β1, BRCA2, human epidermal growth factor receptor2 (HER2), estrogen receptor, and progesterone receptor protein levels were measured in 67 samples from breast cancer patients by immunohistochemistry. The expression of these proteins was correlated with various clinical factors including age, pathohistological grade and status of axillary lymph node implication. TGF-β1 and BRCA2 were expressed in breast cancer tissues and expression of HER2 and TGF-β1 was significantly correlated with BRCA2. The authors conclude that elevated expression of BRCA2 correlates with TGF-β1 and HER2 in breast cancer and these three factors act in synergy to promote cancer. Thus, detection of both TGF-β1 and BRCA2 may therefore assist in the prognosis and treatment of breast cancer.
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Transcriptome analysis of the effects of gomisin a on the recovery of carbon tetrachloride-induced damage in rat liver. Lab Anim Res 2011; 27:161-9. [PMID: 21826177 PMCID: PMC3146004 DOI: 10.5625/lar.2011.27.2.161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2011] [Revised: 06/08/2011] [Accepted: 06/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Gomisin A possesses a hepatic function-facilitating property in liver-injured rats. Its preventive action on carbon tetrachloride-induced cholestasis is due to maintenance of the function of the bile acids-independent fraction. To investigate alterations in gene expression after gomisin A treatment on injured rat liver, DNA microarray analyses were performed on a Rat 44K 4-Plex Gene Expression platform with duplicated reactions after gomisin A treatment. We identified 255 up-regulated and 230 down-regulated genes due to the effects of gomisin A on recovery of carbon tetrachloride-induced rat liver damage. For functional characterization of these genes, Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes biochemical pathways analyses were performed. Many up-regulated or down-regulated genes were related to cell cycle or focal adhesion and cell death genes, respectively. Our microarray experiment indicated that the liver repair mechanism induced by gomisin A was strongly associated with increased gene expressions related to cell cycle and suppression of the gene expression related in cell death.
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Favoretto BC, Ricardi R, Silva SR, Jacysyn JF, Fernandes I, Takehara HA, Faquim-Mauro EL. Immunomodulatory effects of crotoxin isolated from Crotalus durissus terrificus venom in mice immunised with human serum albumin. Toxicon 2011; 57:600-7. [PMID: 21223974 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2010.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2010] [Revised: 12/22/2010] [Accepted: 12/24/2010] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Crotalus durissus terrificus venom and its main component, crotoxin (CTX), have the ability to down-modulate the immune system. Certain mechanisms mediated by cells and soluble factors of the immune system are responsible for the elimination of pathogenic molecules to ensure the specific protection against subsequent antigen contact. Accordingly, we evaluated the immunomodulatory effects of CTX on the immune response of mice that had been previously primed by immunisation with human serum albumin (HSA). CTX inoculation after HSA immunisation, along with complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) or Aluminium hydroxide (Alum) immunisation, was able to suppress anti-HSA IgG1 and IgG2a antibody production. We showed that the inhibitory effects of this toxin are not mediated by necrosis or apoptosis of any lymphoid cell population. Lower proliferation of T lymphocytes from mice immunised with HSA/CFA or HSA/Alum that received the toxin was observed in comparison to the mice that were only immunised. In conclusion, CTX is able to exert potent inhibitory effects on humoral and cellular responses induced by HSA immunisation, even when injected after an innate immune response has been initiated.
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Affiliation(s)
- B C Favoretto
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Instituto Butantan, Av Vital Brasil, 1500, Butantã, CEP 05503-900, São Paulo, Brazil.
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