Atopic Dermatitis-Related Inflammation in Macrophages and Keratinocytes: The Inhibitory Effects of Bee Venom

Abstract

Background: This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of bee venom (BV) through the inhibition of nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB) expression in macrophages and keratinocytes. Methods: Cell viability assays were performed to investigate the cytotoxicity of BV in activated macrophages [lipopolysaccharide (LPS)] and keratinocytes [interferon-gamma/tumor necrosis factor-alpha (IFN-γ/ TNF-α)]. A luciferase assay was performed to investigate the cellular expression of NF-κB in relation to BV dose. The expression of NF-κB inhibitors (p-IκBα, IκBα, and p50 and p65) were determined by Western Blot analysis, and the electromobility shift assay. A nitrite quantification assay was performed to investigate the effect of BV, and NF-κB inhibitor on nitric oxide (NO) production in macrophages. In addition, Western Blot analysis was performed to investigate the effect of BV on the expression of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) in activated macrophages and keratinocytes. Results: BV was not cytotoxic to activated macrophages and keratinocytes. Transcriptional activity of NF-κB, and p50, p65, and p-IκBα expression was reduced by treatment with BV in activated macrophages and keratinocytes. Treatment with BV and an NF-κB inhibitor, reduced the production of NO by activated macrophages, and also reduced NF-κB transcriptional activity in activated keratinocytes (compared with either BV, or NF-κB inhibitor treatment). Furthermore, BV decreased p38, p-p38, JNK, and p-JNK expression in LPS-activated macrophages and IFN-γ/TNF-α-activated keratinocytes. Conclusion: BV blocked the signaling pathway of NF-κB, which plays an important role in the inflammatory response in macrophages and keratinocytes. These findings provided the possibility of BV in the treatment of atopic dermatitis.

The Anti-Atopic Dermatitis Effects of Mentha arvensis Essential Oil Are Involved in the Inhibition of the NLRP3 Inflammasome in DNCB-Challenged Atopic Dermatitis BALB/c Mice

“…We demonstrated the anti-inflammatory properties of MAEO, specifically related to the NLRP3 inflammasome, in both LPS + ATP-induced BMDMs and an AD murine model induced by DNCB. AD is a persistent inflammatory condition of the skin that is influenced by several cofactors, including impaired skin barrier function, immune system modifications, and a complex genetic background [28]. The aforementioned factors contribute to the disruption of the epithelial structure, leading to increased epidermal thickness, swelling, redness, and formation of lichenized plaques in AD [29,30].…”

Bee venom ameliorates cardiac dysfunction in diabetic hyperlipidemic rats

“…The cardioprotective effects of bee venom can be ascribed to the reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation through inhibition production of reactive oxygen spices and inflammatory mediators due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. 15,16,106…”

“…12 Several studies have shown bee venom is utilized as a hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant agent. [13][14][15][16] Melittin, apamin, and phospholipase A2 are the key components of bee venom. Individual components, as well as the whole bee venom, have been shown to exhibit myocardium protective effects through regulation of inflammation, magnesium ions, calcium ions, and activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-a and -c. Phospholipase A2 inhibits lipid accumulation in the aortic valve and aorta, and protects against atherosclerosis by suppressing the transition of macrophages into foam cells.…”

“…The cardioprotective effects of bee venom can be ascribed to the reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation through inhibition production of reactive oxygen spices and inflammatory mediators due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. 15,16,106 A quantification analysis of the area % abnormal cardiomyocytes was also performed, revealing a significant difference between the positive control and all treated groups and a non-significant difference between the negative control and all treated groups. These results demonstrate the potential effect of bee venom-treated group (1.23 mg/kg) plus metformin and atorvastatin treated group.…”

“…12 Several studies have shown bee venom is utilized as a hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant agent. 13–16…”