ObjectiveThe present study aimed to evaluate cytotoxic, apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory properties of bee venom (BV) as well as changes in cytokine secretion levels and nitric oxide (NO) production using three different cancer cell lines [liver (Hep-G2), breast (MCF-7), and cervical (HPV-18 infected HeLa cells)] and two normal cells (splenocytes and macrophages (MQ).MethodsCytotoxic activity of BV against tumor cell lines and normal splenocytes/MQ was tested by MTT assay. By ELISA (ELISA); Tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), Interleukine (IL-10) and interferon (IFN-γ) were measured. Caspase three expressions was evaluated using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Nitric oxide (NO) was estimated using a colorimetric assay.ResultsBV has a significant cytotoxic effect on all cell lines in a dose- and time-dependent manner; none of them was toxic for normal cells. Treating Hep-G2 cells with BV showed a reduction in IL-10, elevation in TNF-α with no change in IFN-γ level. MCF-7 cells have low IL-10 and TNF-α and high IFN-γ production level. Elevation of IL-10 and IFN-γ coincides with a reduction in TNF-α level was demonstrated in HeLa cells. The expression of Caspase three was dramatically increased with elevation in BV concentration in all tested cancer cell lines. A gradual decrease in NO production by MQ with increasing BV dose was observed.ConclusionTaken together, our results stressed on the importance of BV as a potent anti-tumor agent against various types of cancers (Liver, Breast, and Cervix). Further steps towards the use of BV for pharmacological purposes must be done.

Objectives: the aim of this study is to evaluate the healing and anti-inflammatory effects of propolis in critical wound defects in rats ' buccal mucosa. Subjects& methods: 20 adult male albino rats of average weight 150-250 grams were used. Rats were divided into 2 groups Group I: consists of 10 rats, which were subdivided into 2 sub groups Sub Group I A: consists of 5 rats, the wounds were left un treated for 3 days Sub Group I B: consists of 5 rats, the wounds were left un treated for 7 days Group II: Consists of 10 rats which were subdivided into 2 sub groups Sub Group II A: consists of 5 rats, the wounds were treated with propolis for 3 days Sub Group II B: consists of 5 rats, the wounds were treated with propolis for 7 days The wounds were examined histologically, histochemically and immunohistochemically Results: Histologiacally, histochemical and immunohistochemical results showed that the healing process was faster in propolis treated rats due to anti inflammatory and anti oxidant effects of Propolis. Immunohistochemical labeling of vimentin in propolis treated groups was higher than un treated groups Conclusion: Propolis could improve wound healing by stimulating the proliferation of epithelial cells; and fibroblast proliferation, thus improving wound closure and decreasing inflammation (as prolonged inflammation and the release of inflammatory cytokines could cause tissue damage)