Bee Venom at Different Concentrations Modulates the
Aeroallergen-Induced Activation of Nasal Polyp Epithelial Cells
Pharmacology, 2012 Nov 15;91(1-2):39-47
Bee venom (BV) has long been used as an oriental traditional medicine for the
control of pain and inflammation. However, BV's anti-inflammatory mechanisms
remain unclear.
This study aimed to clarify the potential clinical efficacy of BV concerning
the anti-inflammatory effect on nasal epithelial cell inflammation. Nasal polyp
epithelial cells were obtained from patients. Cells were exposed to Alternaria
alternata, Aspergillus nigra, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides
farina and lipopolysaccharide with or without various concentrations of BV.
Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor
were measured to determine the activation of epithelial cells. Nuclear
factor-ĸB (NF-ĸB) and activator protein 1 expression and activity were
determined with Western blot analysis and ELISA. Cytotoxicity of BV was
measured using a CellTiter-96® aqueous cell proliferation assay kit.
Cell survival was significantly decreased at BV
concentrations exceeding 5 µg/ml. Fungi-induced cytokine production was more
effectively inhibited by BV than house dust mite. Alternaria enhanced NF-ĸB
expression, which was strongly inhibited by BV.
BV appears to be relatively safe, and is of potential value
for the treatment of airway inflammation and/or immunologic diseases.
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