Mellitin peptide quantification in seasonally collected crude bee venom and its anticancer effects on myelogenous K562 human leukaemia cell line

Abstract

Background Apitherapy is an emerging field in cancer research, particularly in developing communities. The potency of Melittin (MEL), a major constituent in bee venom is accounted for the cytotoxic capacity against cancer cells. It is postulated that the genotype of bees and the time of venom collection influences its specific activity against certain types of cancer. Method Hereby, Jordanian crude bee venom (JCBV) was collected during different seasons of the year, specifically spring, summer and autumn and investigated for in vitro antitumour effects. Venom collected during springtime comprised the highest quantity of MEL in comparison to venom collected some other time. Springtime-collected JCBV extract and MEL were tested on an immortal myelogenous leukaemia cell line, namely K562 leukemic cells. Treated cells were examined for cell modality via flow cytometry analysis and cell death mediating gene expressions. Results Springtime-collected JCBV extract and MEL showed an IC50 of 3.7 ± 0.37 μg/ml and 1.84 ± 0.75 μg/ml, respectively. In comparison to JCBV and positive control, MEL-treated cells exhibited late apoptotic death with a moderate cellular arrest at G0/G1 and an increase of cell number at G2/M phase. Expression of NF-κB/MAPK14 axis was inhibited in MEL and JCBV-treated cells, as well as expression of c-MYC and CDK4. Moreover, marked upregulation in ABL1, JUN and TNF was observed. In conclusion, springtime-collected JCBV showed the highest content of MEL while both JCBV and pure MEL showed apoptotic, necrotic, and cell cycle arrest efficiency against K562 leukemic cells. Conclusion Integration of bee venom in chemotherapy needs more investigation and should be carefully translated into clinical use. During such translation, the correlation of bee genotype, collection time and concentration of MEL in CBV should be profiled.

Bee Venom: Composition and Anticancer Properties

“…The three most abundant peptide components of BV are MEL, apamin, and MCD peptide [ 12 , 15 , 21 , 49 , 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 , 71 ]. It has to be pointed out that the composition of bee venom is subject to various factors such as the region and time of year when the venom is collected [ 47 , 72 ].…”

“…Toxins 2024, 16, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 20 [12,15,21,49,[67][68][69][70][71]. It has to be pointed out that the composition of bee venom is subject to various factors such as the region and time of year when the venom is collected [47,72].…”

Can Bee Venom Be Used as Anticancer Agent in Modern Medicine?

“…Main bee venom components (adapted from Bee Venom Lab LLC, Georgia). The composition of the venom depends on many factors, including the region of the world and the time of year when the venom is collected [11].…”

Recent advances in melittin-based nanoparticles for antitumor treatment: from mechanisms to targeted delivery strategies

“…MLT was proven to regulate multiple cellular and molecular pathways associated with apoptosis, such as the JAK/STAT and PI3K/Akt pathways, to develop an antitumorigenic effect [ 16 ]. It was also found to induce chronic myeloid leukaemia cell death via modulation of the NF-κB/MAPK14 axis, inhibition of c-MYC and CDK4, and upregulation of JUN genes [ 17 ]. MLT not only activates caspases, the main component of the molecular mechanism of apoptosis, but is also involved in intrinsic/mitochondrial-dependent pathways [ 18 ].…”