Cellular toxicity and biological activities of honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) venom

Abstract

Bee venom (BV) has been suggested as an apitherapy tool to be considered for various diseases including cancer. However, the mechanisms action of BV and its toxicity on tumorigenic and nontumorigenic cells are poorly understood. Here, we investigated the antiproliferative, cytotoxic and antibacterial activities of honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) venom on nontumorigenic cells, several tumor cell lines and multidrug resistant human pathogens (MDRP) such as Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamases producing Escherichia coli and Vancomycinresistant Enterococcus Enterococcus faecium. BV treatment showed significant antiproliferative, cytotoxic and antibacterial activities. Our results suggest that BV is highly toxic not only to cancer cell lines but also to nontumorigenic cell line as well. We also investigated the mechanism action of BV, which caused a cleavage of genomic DNA and inhibition of cell migration, indicating induction of apoptosis. Immunohistochemistry studies demonstrated that BV decreased the expression of Bcl-2 and P16. BV showed antimicrobial activity against several tested-MDRP. Our results indicate that clinic consideration of BV for the treatment of malignancy needs to be re-evaluated due to its cytotoxicity against normal cells.

Bee Venom: Overview of Main Compounds and Bioactivities for Therapeutic Interests

“…Despite the convincing data regarding the potential use of BV, more specifically melittin, against a variety of cancer types, its applicability to humans remains very challenging because of its non-specific cytotoxicity [80]. Current optimization methods are focusing on nanoparticle-based delivery of melittin in order to avoid such problems.…”

Bee Venom: From Venom to Drug

“…These allergic reactions can be categorized to be mild and restricted to the skin or moderate to severe with a risk of life-threatening anaphylaxis. Although there are many convincing results regarding the potential use of bee venom, more specifically melittin, against various types of cancer, its applicability to humans remains very challenging owing to its non-specific cytotoxicity [85].…”

Antifungal and antibiofilm activities of bee venom loaded on chitosan nanoparticles: a novel approach for combating fungal human pathogens

“…Modern pharmacological studies showed that in vitro and in vivo, BV has antibacterial effects against bacteria, viruses, and fungi (El-Seedi et al 2020). However, the use of B.V. has shown adverse effects on normal cells as reported by Gülmez et al (2017), Cherniack and Govorushko (2018). Thus, there is still a need for more studies that can eliminate or even decrease the cytotoxic effect of B.V. and enhance its therapeutic effect in the target organ.…”