Impact of bee venom and melittin on apoptosis and biotransformation in colorectal carcinoma cell lines

Abstract

This study provides data about anticancer properties of bee venom and its dominant compound, melittin on colorectal carcinoma cells (HCT-116 and SW-480) in regard to their proapoptotic activity and expression of genes involved in biotransformation process. Based on results, they are strong cytotoxins, where the melittin showed also selectivity against cancer cells compared to normal, HaCat. They induce proapoptotic activity by affecting apoptosis signaling molecules (Fas receptors, caspase 9, and members of Bcl-2 family of proteins) and mainly suppress expression of genes involved in their biotransformation, suggesting their ability to develop the resistance of colorectal cancer cells.

Keywords:

• Animal products
• apoptosis
• cell death
• honeybee
• venom

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia [projects III 41010 and OI 172049].