Apis mellifera syriaca Venom: Evaluation of Its Anticoagulant Effect, Proteolytic Activity, and Cytotoxicity along with Its Two Main Compounds-MEL and PLA2-On HeLa Cancer Cells

Molecules. 2022 Mar 2;27(5):1653. doi: 10.3390/molecules27051653.

Abstract

Bee venom (BV) is one of the most remarkable natural products that has been a subject of studies since ancient times. Recent studies have shown that Apis mellifera syriaca venom possesses antibacterial as well as cytotoxic effects on cancer cell lines. The venom contains a variety of bioactive molecules-mainly melittin (MEL) and phospholipase A2 (PLA2), as well as other compounds that are not well characterized. In this work, we continue the biological characterization of A. mellifera syriaca venom by testing its anticoagulant effect on human plasma using the prothrombin time (PT) test, as well as assessing its proteolytic activity. In addition, the cytotoxicity of the crude venom-and of its two main components, MEL and PLA2-was tested on HeLa cancer cell lines for the first time. The results obtained showed the capacity of A. mellifera syriaca venom to increase clotting time, thereby proving its anticoagulant effect. Moreover, the venom did not demonstrate a significant proteolytic activity unless administrated at concentrations ≥ 5 mg/mL. Finally, we showed that crude A. mellifera syriaca venom, along with MEL, exhibit a strong in vitro cytotoxic effect on HeLa cancer cell lines, even at low concentrations. In summary, our findings could serve as a basis for the development of new natural-based drug candidates in the therapeutic field.

Keywords: Apis mellifera syriaca; HeLa cell lines; PLA2; anticoagulant effect; bee venom; melittin; proteolytic activity.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anticoagulants* / chemistry
  • Anticoagulants* / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Bee Venoms* / chemistry
  • Bee Venoms* / pharmacology
  • Bees
  • Blood Coagulation / drug effects
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Melitten* / chemistry
  • Melitten* / pharmacology
  • Phospholipases A2* / metabolism
  • Proteolysis / drug effects

Substances

  • Melitten
  • Bee Venoms
  • Anticoagulants
  • Phospholipases A2
  • Antineoplastic Agents