Neuroprotective effects of melittin on hydrogen
peroxide-induced apoptotic cell death in neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells
BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2014, 14:286, Published:
5 August 2014
Background
Free radicals are involved in neuronal cell death in human
neurodegenerative diseases. Since ancient times, honeybee venom has been used
in a complementary medicine to treat various diseases and neurologic disorders.
Melittin, the main component of honeybee venom, has various biologic effects,
including anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory activities.
Methods
We investigated the neuroprotective effects of melittin
against H2O2-induced apoptosis in the human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y.
The neuroprotective effects of melittin on H2O2-induced apoptosis were
investigated using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenylterazolium
bromide assay, caspase 3 activity, 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining, a
lactate dehydrogenase release assay, Western blots, and reverse
transcription-polymerase chain reaction.
Results
The H2O2-treated cells had decreased cell viability with
apoptotic features and increased production of caspase-3. On the other hand,
melittin treatment increased cell viability and decreased apoptotic DNA
fragmentation. Melittin attenuated the H2O2-induced decrease in mRNA and
protein production of the anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2. In addition, melittin
inhibited both the H2O2-induced mRNA and protein expression of Bax-associated
pro-apoptotic factor and caspase-3.
Conclusions
These findings suggest that melittin has potential
therapeutic effects as an agent for the prevention of neurodegenerative
diseases.
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