Untitled

Abstract

Melittin (Mel), a natural detergent, is a major component of bee venom. Mel exhibits favorable clinical effects on the treatment of rheumatoid osteoarthritis, myositis, lumbar muscle strain, and peripheral neurological disorders. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) contributes to the progression of osteoarthritis and is one of the key proinflammatory cytokines. However, the effect of Mel on IL-1β-induced osteoarthritis has not been reported. We examined the effects of Mel on the expressions of inducible NO synthase (iNOS), nuclear transcription factor κB (NF-κB), and I kappa B (I-κB) in the knee joint cells of C518 rats induced by IL-1β. Western blot and qPCR results showed that Mel at 0.1µg/mL or higher significantly inhibited iNOS expression. Similarly, 1µg/mL of Mel prevented IL-β-induced I-κB degradation in the cytoplasm and NF-κB migration from cytoplasm to nucleus. Mel exerts an inhibitory effect on IL-β-induced NF-κB activation by inhibiting both I-κB degradation and NF-κB migration and can potentially be developed as a new antiosteoarthritis drug. Further research is needed to clarify the detailed mechanism.

Pharmacological effects and mechanisms of bee venom and its main components: Recent progress and perspective

“…In addition, MEL showed anti-inflammatory effects on C518 rat knee joint cells induced by IL-1β via suppressing the expression of iNOS and preventing the degradation of IκB in cytoplasm and the migration of NF-κB from cytoplasm to nucleus, which suggested that MEL could be used as an anti-inflammatory candidate against osteoarthritis ( Tang et al, 2021 ). BV and apamin treatment decreased the inflammatory paw edema, and reversed the alternation in weight-bearing distribution in monosodium urate (MSU)-administered mice by inhibiting proinflammatory cytokine production and inflammasome formation, as well as decreased MSU crystal formation, which suggested that BV and apamin could be potential novel agents for gouty arthritis ( Lee Y. M. et al, 2020 ).…”