Insect Venom Research Articles

Exploring secretory signal sequences useful in excreting recombinant proteins in Beauveria bassiana as biocontrol fungus.

Entomopathogenic fungi excrete a group of proteins to assimilate nutrients and defeat the host immune defense. Functional secretory signal sequences are needed for efficient secretion of the virulence-related proteins in recombinant strain. In this study, secretome analysis was used to explore the secreted proteins of Beauveria bassiana. Enrichment analysis indicated that B. bassiana secretome was mainly associated with metabolism of glucoside, polysaccharide, extracellular ester compound, and so on. In addition, proteins associated with biogenesis of cellular components were also enriched, including those involved in biogenesis of cell wall and vacuole. Then, four secretory signal sequences were functionally verified with green fluorescent protein as reporter. Finally, a signal sequence was used to excrete three insect venom protein serpins in B. bassiana, in which over-expression of serpin 8 gene resulted in a significant increase in fungal virulence. This study highlights that functional secretory signal sequences are potential molecular elements useful in excretion of virulence-related proteins in insect pathogenic fungi.

Anaphylactic Shock Caused by Eating Buckwheat.

Background: Urticaria is a common disease with a marked influence on quality of life. The key cell involved is the mast cell, which can be activated by a vast variety of stimuli, and the major mediator is histamine. Allergic urticaria is a disorder with a large variety of causes: food, drugs, insect venom, skin contact with allergens, and physical exercise. Buckwheat consumption has increased in European countries and the USA because it is gluten-free. It can trigger anaphylactic shock if ingested, inhaled, or handled with the hands. Five common buckwheat allergens named Fag e1 to 5 (Fag e1, 2, and 3 are considered the major allergens) and two tartary buckwheat allergens named Fag t1 and Fag t2 have been described. Method: We present the case of a patient who experienced two anaphylactic shocks and in whom the etiological factor was buckwheat. The patient presented to the Allergology department for the evaluation of two episodes of severe allergic reactions that required emergency therapy, episodes that involved the loss of consciousness and were of major severity. At each anaphylactic shock, an ambulance was requested, and emergency therapy was administered, leading to the patient's recovery within a few hours. Diagnosis: Since each episode occurred a few minutes after eating, the diagnosis was established based on a detailed anamnesis and prick skin tests, followed by specific IgE dosages. Other foods consumed by the patient, assessed by prick skin testing and specific IgE dosages of suspected foods, were excluded as the etiological cause. Increased levels of buckwheat-specific immunoglobulin E were highlighted, thus identifying the etiological agent. The treatment of anaphylactic shock was performed urgently by the ambulance crew with adrenaline, infusion solutions, cortisone preparations, and antihistamines. Result: Following the treatment that was initiated, there was a partial remission of the lesions after a few hours. Conclusions: Buckwheat allergy is rare, but it produces symptoms that affect the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and respiratory tract, as well as anaphylaxis. In a professional environment, it can trigger allergic rhinitis, asthma, and hives. Although buckwheat allergens have been described, their clinical relevance has only been studied in a small number cases. In current practice, the only commercially available allergen is Beech e2 per the ImmunoCAP ISAC microarray. Diagnosis can be difficult in clinical practice. This reported case suggests the need for a thorough anamnesis, since buckwheat is consumed as a hidden allergen, and in Europe, it is not necessary to label foods containing this allergen.

Lacewing venom: Detailed insights into the venom system of a neglected group of venomous insects

Lacewing venom: Detailed insights into the venom system of a neglected group of venomous insects

Mesozoic larva in amber reveals the venom delivery system and the palaeobiology of an ancient lineage of venomous insects (Neuroptera)

The larvae of Neuroptera are predators that feed by injecting bioactive compounds into their prey and then suctioning the fluids through modified mouthparts. We explore the evolutionary history of this feeding structure through the examination of a new fossil larva preserved in Late Cretaceous Kachin amber, which we describe as new genus and species, Electroxipheus veneficus gen et sp. nov. X-ray phase-contrast microtomography enabled us to study the anatomy of the larva in 3D, including the structure of the mouthparts and that of the venom delivery system. The specimen exhibited a unique combination of morphological traits not found in any known fossil or extant lacewing, including an unusual structure of the antenna. Phylogenetic analyses, incorporating a selection of living and fossil larval Neuroptera and enforcing maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference, identified the larva as belonging to the stem group Mantispoidea. The larva shows that the anatomy of the feeding and venom-delivery apparatus has remained unchanged in Neuroptera from the Cretaceous to the present. The morphology of the specimen suggests that it was an active predator, in contrast with the scarcely mobile, specialized relatives, like mantispids and berothids.

Severe Allergy as a Chronic Inflammatory Condition From a Systems Biology Perspective.

Persistent and unresolved inflammation is a common underlying factor observed in several and seemingly unrelated human diseases, including cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Particularly, in atopic conditions, acute inflammatory responses such as those triggered by insect venom, food or drug allergies possess also a life-threatening potential. However, respiratory allergies predominantly exhibit late immune responses associated with chronic inflammation, that can eventually progress into a severe phenotype displaying similar features as those observed in other chronic inflammatory diseases, as is the case of uncontrolled severe asthma. This review aims to explore the different facets and systems involved in chronic allergic inflammation, including processes such as tissue remodelling and immune cell dysregulation, as well as genetic, metabolic and microbiota alterations, which are common to other inflammatory conditions. Our goal here was to deepen on the understanding of an entangled disease as is chronic allergic inflammation and expose potential avenues for the development of better diagnostic and intervention strategies.

The role of basophil activation test in venom ımmunotherapy: comparative evaluation with specific IgE and skin prick tests, ınnovative approaches.

Background. In diagnosing insect venom allergy and making immunotherapy decisions, clinical history, skin tests, and specific serum IgE levels are commonly utilized. This study aims to emphasize the clinical significance of using the basophil activation test in accurately identifying sensitivities in individuals with insect venom allergy and to compare its effectiveness with other testing methods. Methods. This study included a total of 43 patients, who experienced at least one systemic allergic reaction following insect stings and were deemed suitable for immunotherapy.Basophil activation test, specific serum IgE levels, and skin prick test results utilized in making immunotherapy treatment decisions were recorded. Results. Our study determined that the overall clinical sensitivities of the basophil activation test (BAT), specific serum IgE (spIgE), and skin prick test (SPT) for apis mellifera were 95.5%, 95.7%, and 48.4% respectively, while for vespula vulgaris, they were 83.3%, 100%, and 33.3%. Based on these results, the prediction of systemic reactions to bee stings is ordered as spIgE > BAT > SPT. Additionally, early-stage skin prick tests showed a sensitivity of 67% and specificity of 50% at a cut-off value of 1.5 mm, and 33% sensitivity and 83% specificity at 2.5 mm. Conclusions. This study demonstrates that the basophil activation test (BAT) can provide a high positive predictive value in immunotherapy treatment decisions and offer significant insights in clinical practices.

Molecular allergology: a clinical laboratory tool for precision diagnosis, stratification and follow-up of allergic patients.

Identification of the molecular culprits of allergic reactions leveraged molecular allergology applications in clinical laboratory medicine. Molecular allergology shifted the focus from complex, heterogeneous allergenic extracts, e.g. pollen, food, or insect venom, towards genetically and immunologically defined proteins available for invitro diagnosis. Molecular allergology is a precision medicine approach for the diagnosis, stratification, therapeutic management, follow-up and prognostic evaluation of patients within a large range of allergic diseases. Exclusively available for invitro diagnosis, molecular allergology is nonredundant with any ofthe current clinical tools for allergy investigation. As an example of a major application, discrimination of genuine sensitization from allergen cross-reactivity at the molecular level allows the proper targeting of the culprit allergen and thus dramatically improves patient management. This review aims at introducing clinical laboratory specialists to molecular allergology, from the biochemical and genetic bases, through immunological concepts, to daily use in the diagnosis and management of allergic diseases.

Anaphylaxis in a Swiss university emergency department: clinical characteristics and supposed triggers

BackgroundAnaphylaxis is the most severe form of acute systemic and potentially life-threatening reactions triggered by mast and basophilic cells. Recent studies show a worldwide incidence between 50 and 112 occurrences per 100,000 person-years. The most identified triggers are food, medications, and insect venoms. We aimed to analyze triggers and clinical symptoms of patients presenting to a Swiss university emergency department for adults.MethodsSix-year retrospective analysis (01/2013 to 12/2018) of all patients (> 16 years of age) admitted with moderate or severe anaphylaxis (classification of Ring and Messmer ≥ 2) to the emergency department. Patient and clinical data were extracted from the electronic medical database of the emergency department.ResultsOf the 531 includes patients, 53.3% were female, the median age was 38 [IQR 26–51] years. The most common suspected triggers were medications (31.8%), food (25.6%), and insect stings (17.1%). Organ manifestations varied among the different suspected triggers: for medications, 90.5% of the patients had skin symptoms, followed by respiratory (62.7%), cardiovascular (44.4%) and gastrointestinal symptoms (33.7%); for food, gastrointestinal symptoms (39.7%) were more frequent than cardiovascular symptoms (36.8%) and for insect stings cardiovascular symptoms were apparent in 63.8% of the cases.ConclusionsAverage annual incidence of moderate to severe anaphylaxis during the 6-year period in subjects > 16 years of age was 10.67 per 100,000 inhabitants. Medications (antibiotics, NSAID and radiocontrast agents) were the most frequently suspected triggers. Anaphylaxis due to insect stings was more frequently than in other studies. Regarding clinical symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms need to be better considered, especially that initial treatment with epinephrine is not delayed.

Venom Immunotherapy Does Not Affect Survival of Patients with Malignant Tumor in Poland.

Background: Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is a well-established and efficient method of causative treatment for allergic rhinitis, asthma and insect venom allergy. Traditionally, a recent history of malignant neoplasm is regarded as a contraindication to AIT due to concerns that AIT might stimulate tumor growth. However, there are no data confirming that the silencing of the Th2 response affects prognosis in cancer. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate frequency of malignant tumors in patients undergoing AIT and the association between AIT and cancer-related mortality. Patients and Methods: A group of 2577 patients with insect venom allergy undergoing AIT in 10 Polish allergology centers was screened in the Polish National Cancer Registry. Data on cancer type, diagnosis time and patients' survival were collected and compared with the general population. Results: In the study group, 86 cases of malignancies were found in 85 patients (3.3% of the group). The most common were breast (19 cases), lung (9 cases), skin (8 cases), colon and prostate cancers (5 cases each). There were 21 cases diagnosed before AIT, 38 during and 27 after completing AIT. Laplace's crude incidence rate was 159.5/100,000/year (general population rate: 260/100,000/year). During follow-up, 13 deaths related to cancer were revealed (15% of patients with cancer). Laplace's cancer mortality rate was 37.3/100,000/year (general population rate: 136.8/100,000/year). Conclusions: Malignancy was found in patients undergoing immunotherapy less often than in the general population. Patients with cancer diagnosed during or after AIT did not show a lower survival rate, which suggests that AIT does not affect the prognosis.

Identification and Evolutionary Analysis of the Widely Distributed CAP Superfamily in Spider Venom.

Venom plays a crucial role in the defense and predation of venomous animals. Spiders (Araneae) are among the most successful predators and have a fascinating venom composition. Their venom mainly contains disulfide-rich peptides and large proteins. Here, we analyzed spider venom protein families, utilizing transcriptomic and genomic data, and highlighted their similarities and differences. We show that spiders have specific combinations of toxins for better predation and defense, typically comprising a core toxin expressed alongside several auxiliary toxins. Among them, the CAP superfamily is widely distributed and highly expressed in web-building Araneoidea spiders. Our analysis of evolutionary relationships revealed four subfamilies (subA-subD) of the CAP superfamily that differ in structure and potential functions. CAP proteins are composed of a conserved CAP domain and diverse C-terminal domains. CAP subC shares similar domains with the snake ion channel regulator svCRISP proteins, while CAP subD possesses a sequence similar to that of insect venom allergen 5 (Ag5). Furthermore, we show that gene duplication and selective expression lead to increased expression of CAP subD, making it a core member of the CAP superfamily. This study sheds light on the functional diversity of CAP subfamilies and their evolutionary history, which has important implications for fully understanding the composition of spider venom proteins and the core toxin components of web-building spiders.

Basophil activation in insect venom allergy: comparison of an established test using liquid reagents with a test using 5-color tubes with dried antibody reagents

BackgroundFlow cytometry-based basophil activation tests (BAT) have been performed with various modifications, differing in the use of distinct identification and activation markers. Established tests use liquid reagents while a new development involves the use of tubes with dried antibody reagents. The aim of this pilot study was to compare these two techniques in patients with insect venom allergy.MethodsSeventeen patients with an insect venom allergy were included in the study. The established “BAT 1” utilizes conventional antibody solutions of anti-CCR3 for basophil identification and anti-CD63 to assess basophil activation, whereas “BAT 2” uses dried anti-CD45, anti-CD3, anti-CRTH2, anti-203c and anti-CD63 for identification and activation measurement of basophils. Negative and positive controls as well as incubations with honey bee venom and yellow jacket venom at three concentrations were performed.ResultsSeven patients had to be excluded due to low basophil counts, high values in negative controls or negative positive controls. For the remaining 10 patients the overall mean (± SD) difference in activated basophils between the two tests was 0.2 (± 12.2) %P. In a Bland-Altman plot, the limit of agreement (LoA) ranged from 24.0 to -23.7. In the qualitative evaluation (value below/above cut-off) Cohen’s kappa was 0.77 indicating substantial agreement. BAT 2 took longer to perform than BAT 1 and was more expensive.ConclusionThe BAT 2 technique represents an interesting innovation, however, it was found to be less suitable compared to an established BAT for the routine diagnosis of insect venom allergies.

Elderly Patients and Insect Venom Allergy: Are the Clinical Pictures and Immunological Parameters of Venom Allergy Age-Dependent?

Insect venom is one of the most common triggers of anaphylaxis in the elderly population. Venom immunotherapy (VIT) remains the only treatment for Hymenoptera venom allergy (HVA). However, little is known about the differences in indication for VIT in the group of patients aged 60 years and older. The objective of this study was to assess the clinical and diagnostic differences of HVA in elderly patients. The study compared data from patients aged ≥ 60 (N = 132) to data from patients aged from 11 to 60 years (N = 750) in terms of HVA severity, comorbidities, and immunological parameters, namely, intradermal testing (IDT), specific IgE (sIgE) levels against extracts and major allergenic molecules, and serum tryptase level (sBT). The severity of systemic HVA (I-IV Müller scale) did not differ between adults and seniors. However, the severity of cardiovascular reactions (IV) increased with age, while the frequency of respiratory reactions (III) decreased. No differences were found in the immunological parameters of sensitization IDT, venom-specific IgE concentrations, or sIgE against Api m 1, 2, 4, 5, and 10 between patients below and above 60 or 65 years of age. Differences were noted for sIgE against Ves v1 and Ves v5; they were higher and lower, respectively, in seniors. In the seniors group, sBT levels were higher. Elevated tryptase levels, along with the aging process, can represent a risk factor within this age category. Nevertheless, advanced age does not influence the immunological parameters of immediate HVA reactions, nor does it impact the diagnosis of HVA.

Allergen-specific immunotherapy : A brief overview in association with allergic conjunctivitis

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is the only causal and disease-modifying treatment for immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated typeI allergies. Regular exposure to the causative allergen results in an immunomodulatory effect by which the predominant T‑helper (Th) 2 lymphocyte response is shifted to aTh1 lymphocyte response and more allergen-specific blocking immunoglobulins are produced. The approval of substances for AIT is regulated by the Therapy Allergens Ordinance (TAV). There are subcutaneous and/or sublingual AITs for the following indications: allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, allergic asthma and insect venom allergy. In this article the indications for allergic conjunctivitis are discussed in particular. Clinical symptoms and a relevant type 1 sensitization are the prerequisites for the indications for AIT. The assessment of the indications and carrying out an AIT should only be carried out by physicians who have been trained in allergology.

Insect venom allergies-What will change in times of global change?

In Germany, honeybees (Apis mellifera) and various Vespula species (wasps) are primarily relevant for hypersensitivity reactions to stings. Hornets (Vespa crabro), bumblebees, paper wasps (Polistes) and yellowjackets (Dolichovespula) less frequently cause sting reactions. What effects do intensive agricultural utilization and climate change have on the living conditions and occurrence of Hymenoptera and what consequences do they have for the diagnostics and treatment of hypersensitivity reactions to Hymenoptera stings. A literature search was carried out. Honeybees and wild bees are endangered due to introduced diseases, invasive species and pesticides. The aim of widespread beekeeping activity is to protect honeybees, which is why no reduction in stings is to be expected despite increased bee mortality. In Germany, there is evidence of the spread of thermophilic Polistes species (paper wasps) from south to north and the immigration of Vespa velutina nigrithorax (Asian hornet). It is unlikely that these species will lead to asignificant increase in sting reactions. Nests of the red fire ant (Solenopsis invicta), which was originally common in South America, were first detected in Sicily in 2022. Red fire ants are aggressive insects with ahigh potential for adverse sting reactions. Invasive insects must be considered as a trigger in the anamnesis and diagnostics. Diagnostics are only available for the detection of Polistes sensitization. Therapeutic allergens can be obtained from other European countries for venom immunotherapy of a Polistes allergy. Due to cross-reactivity, diagnostic and therapeutic allergens from Vespula spp. are used for the diagnosis and treatment of suspected allergies to the Asian hornet.

Heteropterans: a treasure trove of therapeutic proteins

Abstract Heteroptera belongs to a group of highly diversified insect forms ranging from plant feeders, blood-feeders, predators, scavengers, detritivores, and fungivores with terrestrial or aquatic habitats. These insects have been used in entomophagy and entomotherapeutic practices. Edible insects are a source of essential bioactive secondary metabolites and bioactive peptides, having nutraceutical potential to deal with metabolic disorders. Various venomous peptides from heteropterans with therapeutic properties have been reported and are constantly being investigated for various medical conditions. This review enlists heteropteran edible insects and bioactive peptides identified from heteropterans for use as an alternative medicine. The heteropteran categories and feeding habits have been briefly outlined. The role of bioinformatics in putting up a translational aspect of insect venom has been discussed. Further, the possible exploration of therapeutic function-based proteins and peptides and the need for advanced studies using modern bioinformatics tools, and scientific validation processes are also discussed.

Basophil activation test in Hymenoptera venom allergy.

Before starting venom-specific immunotherapy (VIT), systemic sting reactions to Hymenoptera venoms require allergological workup in order to prove an IgE-mediated reaction and to identify the culprit insect venom. In addition to skin tests and the determination of specific IgE antibodies, the basophil activation test (BAT) using flow cytometry has emerged as a powerful tool and sensitive marker for this purpose in recent years. BAT seems to have a better informative value in terms of clinical relevance compared to the other tests. In Hymenoptera venom allergies, BAT is particularly useful for the diagnosis of cases with unclear or contradictory history and sensitization profile. Its results are associated with adverse reactions during VIT and efficacy of VIT and therefore have a certain predictive value for side effects and treatment failure of VIT. In research, it is mainly used to characterize the allergenic components of Hymenoptera venoms. This review article focuses on these topics.

The Metamorphosis as a Critique of Enlightenment

This research article deals with the failure of enlightenment in Gregor Samsa’s life which The Metamorphosis reflects. Enlightenment means the way of enlightening with the help of reasons, logics and skeptical power of knowledge on any subject/discipline. It implies the emancipation from superstitious beliefs through the power of reasons. It can be regarded as the cradle of modernity. Anyway, the God-centered medieval age is converted into the man-centered renaissance age, which is regarded as the beginning of enlightenment in the modern history of mankind. Different theorists of enlightenment believe that human life becomes perfect and social due to reasons. The modern technology and science that are uplifting the lifestyle of human beings is due to the power of reasons. However, the philosophy that reason is the core of human beings becomes a great failure in the life of Gregor Samsa in The Metamorphosis. After Samsa’s physical metamorphosis into a venomous insect, he suffers from alienation, consciousness, and existentialism though he uses his inherent rationalistic power of thinking. Hence, Immanual Kant’s theory of enlightenment can be applied to show the futility of enlightenment due to the effect of modernity. Likewise, Rene Descartes’ theory of existentialism can be applied to show the struggle of an individual despite the effect of modernity for the survival. Thus, for the broad theoretical framework, Kant and Descartes can be used as theorists. Their theory of enlightenment and existentialism can be used for the textual analysis of the select novella to discover that The Metamorphosis is a critique of judgment.

꿀벌 독의 독성 강도와 동물에 미치는 영향

Sting injury by bees or wasps have become frequent recently and have become a matter to prevent and consider in companion animal health care. Therefore, it is necessary to better understand the level of toxicity of Hymenoptera insect venom, and in this study, we were to investigate the toxicity of honey bee venom and its effects on animals through an acute toxicity test using mice. The mouse acute toxicity test was performed by intraperitoneally administering 0, 2.5, 5, and 7.5 mg/kg of bee venom to C57BL/6 mice. Body weight changes and blood glucose levels were measured before and after administration. During the administration, major common symptoms were observed. Lethal dose 50(LD50)values were calculated and blood samples were collected from sacrificed animals and used for hematologic examination to measure blood levels of ALB, ALT, AST, BUN, LDL, HDL, and total cholesterol. As a result of the mouse acute toxicity test, the LD50 value was found to be 4.48 mg/kg in male and 5.86 mg/kg in female C57BL/6 mice. Information on the toxicity of bee venom and hematological analysis results will provide basic data for the health care and emergency treatment of animals stung by bees.

Phytochemically analysed extract of Ageratina adenophora (Sprengel) R.M.King & H. Rob. initiates caspase 3-dependant apoptosis in colorectal cancer cell: A synergistic approach with chemotherapeutic drugs

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAgeratina adenophora (Sprengel) R.M.King & H.Rob. has been used as traditional indigenous medicine all across the globe for its diverse therapeutic applications such as anticancer, analgesic, antipyretic, thermogenic, antiseptic, antimicrobial as well as astringent. The various ethnic groups of India use plant parts to treat cuts and wounds, venomous insect bites, skin lesions, blisters, scabies and other skin irritations, gastritis and indigestion problems, cough, stomach ache and dysentery. The Portuguese traditionally extract the juice from the plant and use it for cancer, diabetes, liver disorder, gallbladder and stomach ailments. Nigerian healers use different parts of the plant to treat diabetes, fever and inflammation. Aim of the studyThe aim of this study is to investigate the cytotoxic potential of A. adenophora hydroalcoholic leaves extract (AHL) on Colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines (HCT-116, HCT-15 and HT-29), synergistic potential with chemotherapeutic drugs 5FU and Cisplatin as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, based on the sample collected from Mao district of Manipur, India. Identification of bioactive phytocompounds in AHL was also performed by HRLCMS. MethodsThe AHL was evaluated for its cytotoxic as well as antiproliferative activities by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, clonogenic and cell migration assays. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were quantified by Folin-ciocalteu and Aluminium chloride assays respectively. Caspase 3 activation was evaluated using Caspase-3 Assay Kit. Apoptosis detection by flow cytometry was carried out using annexin V-FITC/PI apoptosis detection kit. The apoptotic cells were also visualized by Giemsa and 4′,6-Diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining. The intracellular Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was also evaluated using fluorescent probe 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein di-acetate (H2DCFDA) in flow cytometry. The combination effects of AHL with chemotherapeutic drugs 5FU and Cisplatin were also evaluated. The identification of phytochemical constituents of AHL were analysed by HR-LCMS. ResultsThe AHL induced cytotoxic activity significantly in HCT-116 with IC50 of 65.65 ± 2.10 μg/mL, but non-cancerous cell HeK-293 was least cytotoxic. Colony formation and cell migration were inhibited in a dose and time dependent manner. The cell morphology upon AHL treatment was significantly altered with apoptotic features. The extract was rich in total phenolic (82.09 ± 0.35mgGAE/g) and total flavonoid (58.31 ± 0.55 mgQAE/g) contents. AHL induced apoptosis as detected by AnnexinV/PI, via activation of caspase 3 and elevated production of Reactive oxygen species (ROS). AHL in combination with 5FU and Cisplatin acts synergistically and potentiates the therapeutic properties of the extract. Sesquiterpenes, phenolic as well as flavonoid derivatives with anticancer properties were detected in AHL by HRLCMS, and these phytoconstituents may be attributed for anticancer property of AHL. ConclusionThe present study evaluates the effectiveness of AHL against Colorectal cancer cell lines. AHL is cytotoxic and induces apoptosis in HCT-116 cells by caspase 3 activation and increased ROS production that can be attributed to sesquiterpenoids. Thus, the plant A. adenophora has therapeutic potential for Colorectal cancer and can be further exploited for developing anticancer drug.

Impact of chemical modifications on the antimicrobial and hemolytic activity of helical amphipathic peptide Lasioglossin LL-III.

Insect venom is abundant in potential antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which can serve as novel alternatives to conventional antibiotics. Among them, Lasioglossin III LL-III) is a promising candidate with a broad spectrum against many fungi strains and both types of bacteria, whereas almost non-toxic to red blood cells. Many chemical approaches have been recently applied to improve its pharmacological properties and provide useful information regarding structure-activity relationships. Hence, this review focused on highlighting the lesson learned from each modification and supporting the future design of potent, selective, and metabolically stable AMPs.