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Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology
Published in: Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology 6/2016

01-12-2016 | Review Article

Application of bee venom and its main constituent melittin for cancer treatment

Authors: Cui-cui Liu, Ding-jun Hao, Qian Zhang, Jing An, Jing-jing Zhao, Bo Chen, Ling-ling Zhang, Hao Yang

Published in: Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology | Issue 6/2016

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Abstract

Bee venom and its main constituent melittin (MEL) have been extensively studied in the treatment of tumors. However, the non-specific cytotoxicity and hemolytic activity have hampered the clinical application. Currently, a number of research groups have reported a series of optimization strategies, including gene therapy, recombinant immunotoxin incorporating MEL or MEL nanoparticles, targeting tumor cells to attenuate the cytotoxicity and improve its antitumor efficiency and therapeutic capabilities, which have shown very promising in overcoming some of these obstacles. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding anticancer effects of bee venom and its main compound MEL on different kinds of tumor cells as well as elucidate their possible anticancer mechanisms. It could be concluded that MEL exerts multiple effects on cellular functions of cancerous cells such as proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, angiogenesis as well as cell cycle, and the anticancer processes involve diverse signal molecules and regulatory pathways. We also highlight the recent research progress for efficient delivery of MEL peptide, thus providing new ideas and hopeful strategies for the in vivo application of MEL.
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Metadata
Title
Application of bee venom and its main constituent melittin for cancer treatment
Authors
Cui-cui Liu
Ding-jun Hao
Qian Zhang
Jing An
Jing-jing Zhao
Bo Chen
Ling-ling Zhang
Hao Yang
Publication date
01-12-2016
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology / Issue 6/2016
Print ISSN: 0344-5704
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0843
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00280-016-3160-1

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Webinar | 19-02-2024 | 17:30 (CET)

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on antibody–drug conjugates in cancer

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Antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) are novel agents that have shown promise across multiple tumor types. Explore the current landscape of ADCs in breast and lung cancer with our experts, and gain insights into the mechanism of action, key clinical trials data, existing challenges, and future directions.

Dr. Véronique Diéras
Prof. Fabrice Barlesi
Developed by: Springer Medicine
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