Assessment of bee venom therapy in animal model of statin-induced myopathy

Ann Abdel Kader,Alshaimaa Sobhi Khalil,Radwa Azmy,Eman A. Maher,Basma Bahgat El Sayed,Manal Mahmoud,Mohammad Ghalwash

doi:10.1186/s41983-019-0120-9

Ann Abdel Kader, Alshaimaa Sobhi Khalil + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s41983-019-0120-9

Copy DOI

Abstract

BackgroundStatin-induced myopathy is the most common adverse effect of statins. Bee venom provides a potential mean of controlling immune responses and inflammatory reactions; the proposed mechanisms for statin-induced myopathy.ObjectiveThe present study aimed at clarification of the role of the bee venom in prevention of statin-induced myopathy.Materials and methodsIt was carried out on 30 Sprague-Dawley female rats. Rats were randomly classified into 3 groups: control group, statin group which received statins for 2 weeks, and venom group that was exposed to alternate day actual bee sting concurrent to statins administration for 2 weeks. Quantitative electromyography (QEMG) was performed as well as serum creatine kinase (CK) and cholesterol levels, in addition to in vitro muscle contractility tests.ResultsQEMG and contractility tests showed significant changes in the statin group compared to both control and venom groups. Serum cholesterol level decreased with increase in CK levels in the statin and venom groups compared to controls; however, the CK level was significantly lower in the venom group as compared to the statin group.ConclusionBee venom therapy offers a simple and available means of prophylaxis against the myopathic effects induced by statins in animal model. However, it partly restricts the therapeutic effect of statins.

Highlights

Drug-induced myopathy is a common adverse effect that has been reported with several drugs including steroids, alcohol, colchicine, azidothymidine, clofibrate, and cholesterollowering agents [1]
Quantitative electromyography (QEMG) and contractility tests showed significant changes in the statin group compared to both control and venom groups
Serum cholesterol level decreased with increase in creatine kinase (CK) levels in the statin and venom groups compared to controls; the CK level was significantly lower in the venom group as compared to the statin group

Summary

Introduction

Drug-induced myopathy is a common adverse effect that has been reported with several drugs including steroids, alcohol, colchicine, azidothymidine, clofibrate, and cholesterollowering agents [1]. Statin-associated muscle symptoms are the most important cause of discontinuation of treatment [2]. Their effect on skeletal muscles ranges from muscle fatigue and weakness to pain and fatal rhabdomyolysis [3]. The bee venom is a natural toxin produced by the honey bees to protect themselves against their predators [5]. It is a mixture of bioactive molecules that have immunogenic and neurotoxic effects. Bee venom provides a potential mean of controlling immune responses and inflammatory reactions; the proposed mechanisms for statininduced myopathy

Methods

Results

Conclusion