Bee venom is secreted by a gland in the abdominal cavity of bees. Venom, especially that of honeybees, contains certain enzymes and peptides that, when administered in high doses, are effective against various diseases. Peptides such as melittin and phospholipase A2 can target multiple cancer cells. This study investigated the antiproliferative effects of administering low-dose bee venom in K-562 chronic myeloid leukaemia cells. Our proteomic study revealed regional variation of the content of bee venom and high levels of melittin, apamin, and secapin, as well as phospholipase A2 and hyaluronidase. In addition, eight new, previously unidentified proteins were identified. The effects of bee venom on cell viability and drug– cell interaction were investigated at 24, 48, and 72 h. According to the MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2- yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide) results, the bee venom decreased K-562 cell viability dosedependently at all time points. Cell viability decreased 48 and 72 h after bee venom administration but increased in the control group left untreated for 72 h. American Apitherapy Society 4 American Apitherapy Society MAR 2025 The inhibition percentages for the highest bee venom concentration (0.4 µM) at 24, 48, and 72 h were 55%, 80%, and 92%, respectively. The cell–drug interactions indicated that the cell surfaces, which were smooth and precise before drug application, gradually deteriorated and started to shrink after the application. In conclusion, at increasing doses, bee venom was found to have a potent antiproliferative effect in K-562 chronic myeloid leukaemia cell lines.
This article was taken from the American Apitherapy Society newsletter this month I am the President of the AAS. www.apitherapy.org
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