Venom Treatment Research Articles

Survey of Wild Animals Used in Zoo-Therapy at Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

This study was done to bring to limelight wild animals and their by-products that are used as alternative therapy in the state capital of Oyo State, Nigeria. Bode market was purposively selected in Ibadan for the study because it is the major market that attracts weavers and sellers of traditional medicines both within and outside of the state in the capital city. Primary data were collected through the use of structured questionnaires administered to all traditional medicine sellers that were ready to respond in the market. A total of eighty nine respondents and questionnaire were completed. The wild animal whose uses were mentioned by at least five persons is reported in this study. Leopard’s hide, Civet cat’s anus, Mongoose’s anus, Gorilla’s penis, Patas Monkey’s skull, Squirrel’s hair, whole Squirrel, Porcupine’s intestine, Pangoline’s head, Aadvark’s bone and Warthogs’s legs; were found to be used in the treatment of anti snake venom, prevention of convulsions, boost immunity against fever, preparation of anti-poison drugs, cure for whooping cough, preparation of anti-poison drugs, preparations for preventing convulsion, treatment for stomach ache, preparation of drug to control bleeding, treatment for backache and prevention of lameness respectively. The study also revealed that Crocodile’s intestine were used in preparing anti-poison drugs; Puff adder’s intestine in use for prevention of adultery in women; Python’s bone for the treatment of backache and spinal cord disorder among others. Policy recommendations were made based on the outcome of the study.

Bee venom treatment reduced C-reactive protein and improved follicle quality in a rat model of estradiol valerate-induced polycystic ovarian syndrome

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a low grade inflammatory disease characterized by hyperandrogenemia and chronic anovulation. C-reactive protein (CRP), released by adipocytes, plays a key role in PCOS. Apis mellifera honeybee venom (HBV) contains a variety of biologically active components with various pharmaceutical properties. This study was designed to assess the possibility of HBV application as an anti-inflammatory therapeutic agent. To induce PCOS, 1 mg/100 g body weight estradiol valerate (EV) was subcutaneously (SC) injected into eight-week-old rats. After 60 days, 0.5 mg/kg HBV was administered SC for 14 consecutive days, and the results of PCOS treatment were investigated. Rats were then anesthetized with chloroform, and their ovaries and livers were surgically removed to determine histomorphometrical changes. Testosterone and 17-β-estradiol were detected by chemiluminescence immunoassay. In order to detect serum CRP, ELISA kit was used in three groups of EV-induced PCOS, HBV-treated PCOS and control animals. Thickness of the theca layer, number of cysts and the level of serum CRP significantly decreased in HBV group in comparison with PCOS group. Moreover, corpus luteum, as a sign of ovulation, was observed in HBV-treated ovaries which were absent in PCOS group. Our results suggest that the beneficial effect of HBV may be mediated through its inhibitory effect on serum CRP levels.

양방 항암치료와 병행하여 산삼약침과 봉약침 치료를 받은 전립선암 환자들의 PSA 수치 변화 관찰 보고

Abstract Objectives: The purpose of this report is to find out how Mountain Ginseng Pharmacopuncture(MGP)and Sweet Bee Venom(SBV) treatments are effective on prostate cancer patients by monitoringProstate specific antigen(PSA) values. Methods: We treated two prostate cancer patients with MGP and SBV from October 2008 to April2011. One patient had localized prostate cancer, the other was in the terminal stage of prostate cancerwith lung and bone metastasis and both had been receiving western anticancer therapy. We had moni-tored the changes of PSA value. Results: In case 1, MGP and SBV treatments seemed to be helpful in preventing the recurrence oflocalized prostate cancer. In case 2, PSA value was decreased by MGP treatment. Conclusions: It is conceivable that MGP and SBV are effective treatments for patients with prostatecancer. 81 http://dx.doi.org/10.3831/KPI.2011.14.4.081 ISSN 2093-6966
dJournal of Pharmacopuncture Ž° £-!ˆ u-!ŽD UyvA AS  AvuaX U Case Report 양방항암치료와병행하여산삼약침과봉약침치료를받은전립선암환자들의PSA 수치변화관찰보고

Advances in allergic skin disease, anaphylaxis, and hypersensitivity reactions to foods, drugs, and insects in 2011

This review highlights some of the research advances in anaphylaxis; hypersensitivity reactions to foods, drugs, and insects; and allergic skin diseases that were reported in the Journal in 2011. Food allergy appears to be increasing in prevalence and carries a strong economic burden. Risk factors can include dietary ones, such as deficiency of vitamin D and timing of complementary foods, and genetic factors, such as filaggrin loss-of-function mutations. Novel mechanisms underlying food allergy include the role of invariant natural killer T cells and influences of dietary components, such as isoflavones. Among numerous preclinical and clinical treatment studies, promising observations include the efficacy of sublingual and oral immunotherapy, a Chinese herbal remedy showing promising in vitro results, the potential immunotherapeutic effects of having children ingest foods with baked-in milk if they tolerate it, and the use of anti-IgE with or without concomitant immunotherapy. Studies of allergic skin diseases, anaphylaxis, and hypersensitivity to drugs and insect venom are elucidating cellular mechanisms, improved diagnostics, and potential targets for future treatment. The role of skin barrier abnormalities, as well as the modulatory effects of the innate and adaptive immune responses, are major areas of investigation.

Bee venom induces apoptosis through intracellular Ca2+‐modulated intrinsic death pathway in human bladder cancer cells

To focus on bee venom-induced apoptosis in human bladder cancer TSGH-8301 cells and to investigate its signaling pathway to ascertain whether intracellular calcium iron (Ca(2+)) is involved in this effect. Bee venom-induced cytotoxic effects, productions of reactive oxygen species and Ca(2+) and the level of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) were analyzed by flow cytometry. Apoptosis-associated proteins were examined by Western blot analysis and confocal laser microscopy. Bee venom-induced cell morphological changes and decreased cell viability through the induction of apoptosis in TSGH-8301 cell were found. Bee venom promoted the protein levels of Bax, caspase-9, caspase-3 and endonuclease G. The enhancements of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related protein levels were shown in bee venom-provoked apoptosis of TSGH-8301 cells. Bee venom promoted the activities of caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9, increased Ca(2+) release and decreased the level of ΔΨm. Co-localization of immunofluorescence analysis showed the releases of endonuclease G and apoptosis-inducing factor trafficking to nuclei for bee venom-mediated apoptosis. The images revealed evidence of nuclear condensation and formation of apoptotic bodies by 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining and DNA gel electrophoresis showed the DNA fragmentation in TSGH-8301 cells. Bee venom treatment induces both caspase-dependent and caspase-independent apoptotic death through intracellular Ca(2+) -modulated intrinsic death pathway in TSGH-8301 cells.

A Clinical Pilot Study Comparing Sweet Bee Venom Treatment Parallel with Acupuncture Treatment in Patients Diagnosed with Lumbar Spine Sprain

A Clinical Pilot Study Comparing Sweet Bee Venom Treatment Parallel with Acupuncture Treatment in Patients Diagnosed with Lumbar Spine Sprain

Scorpion venom (Odontobuthus doriae) induces apoptosis by depolarization of mitochondria and reduces S-phase population in human breast cancer cells (MCF-7)

Venom of some species of scorpions induces apoptosis and arrests proliferation in cancer cells. This is an important property that can be harnessed and can lead to isolation of compounds of therapeutic importance in cancer research. Cytotoxicity was investigated using MTT reduction and confirmed with lactate dehydrogenase release following venom exposure. Apoptosis was evaluated with determination of mitochondrial membrane potential, reactive nitrogen species assay, measurement of Caspase-3 activity and DNA fragmentation analysis. To confirm that venom can inhibit DNA synthesis in proliferating breast cancer cells, immunocytochemical detection of BrdU incorporation was done. Our results demonstrated that venom of Odontobuthus doriae not only induced apoptosis but lead to the inhibition of DNA synthesis in human breast cancer cells (MCF-7). Cell viability decreased with parallel increment of LDH release in dose dependent manner after treatment with varying concentrations of venom. Moreover, venom depleted cellular antioxidants evidenced by depression of GSH and Catalases and concomitantly increased reactive nitrogen intermediates (RNI). These events were related to the depolarization of mitochondria and associated Caspase-3 activation following venom treatment in a concentration dependent manner. Finally, fragmentation of nuclear DNA following venom treatment confirmed the apoptotic property of the said venom. These results suggest that venom of O. doriae can be potential source for the isolation of effective anti-proliferative and apoptotic molecules.

Effect of the Venom of the Scorpion <i>Heterometrus liangi</i> on the Expression of P21 and Caspase-3 Gene in Human Kyse-510 Cell

This paper focuses on the effect of the venom of the scorpion Heterometrus liangi on the proliferation of human KYSE-510 cell line and the related molecular mechanism. Marked morpho-logical changes in KYSE-510 cells after treatment with scorpion venom were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Cell appopsis were deternined using flow cytometry. moreover, RT-PCR and Western blot analysis was used to research the different level of p21 and caspase-3 expression. These results suggest that scorpin venom at concentrations of 50–100 ug/mL caused dose- dependent inhibition of KYSE-510 cell proliferation. The ratio of apoptosis and necrosis increased. The effect of venom treated in KYSE-510 cells in p21 gene expression was reinforced, but the caspase-3 gene expression has indistinctive effect. The activity of p21 and caspase-3 protein expression were upregulated after scorpion venom treatment. scorpion venom is to activate the expressions of p21 and caspase-3 protein to cause selective cell apoptosis.

Around the World

In science news around the world this week, nepotism is rampant in Italian academia, CERN has formed a five-member Cultural Board for the Arts, U.K. health and research institutions were urged to "stop muddling" on gene patent laws, and a new drug became the first scorpion venom treatment to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Clinical immunology review series: an approach to desensitization

Allergen immunotherapy describes the treatment of allergic disease through administration of gradually increasing doses of allergen. This form of immune tolerance induction is now safer, more reliably efficacious and better understood than when it was first formally described in 1911. In this paper the authors aim to summarize the current state of the art in immunotherapy in the treatment of inhalant, venom and drug allergies, with specific reference to its practice in the United Kingdom. A practical approach has been taken, with reference to current evidence and guidelines, including illustrative protocols and vaccine schedules. A number of novel approaches and techniques are likely to change considerably the way in which we select and treat allergy patients in the coming decade, and these advances are previewed.

Enhanced excitatory and reduced inhibitory synaptic transmission contribute to persistent pain-induced neuronal hyper-responsiveness in anterior cingulate cortex

The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) has been demonstrated to play an important role in the affective dimension of pain. Although much evidence has pointed to an increased excitatory synaptic transmission in the ACC in some of the pathological pain state, the inhibitory synaptic transmission in this process has not been well studied. Also, the overall changes of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission have not been comparatively studied in an animal model displaying both long-term persistent nociception and hyperalgesia. Here we used patch clamp recordings in ACC brain slices to observe the changes in synaptic transmission in a pain model induced by peripheral bee venom injection. First, we show that, comparing with those of naive and saline controlled rats, there was a significant increase in spike frequency in ACC neurons harvested from rats after 2 h period of peripheral persistent painful stimuli. Second, it is further shown that the frequency, amplitude and half-width were all increased in spontaneous excitatory post-synaptic currents (sEPSCs), while the amplitude of spontaneous inhibitory post-synaptic currents (sIPSCs) was decreased. The recordings of miniature post-synaptic currents demonstrate an increase in frequency of miniature excitatory post-synaptic currents (mEPSCs) and a decrease in both frequency and amplitude of miniature inhibitory post-synaptic currents (mIPSCs) in rats' ACC slice of bee venom treatment. Taken together, the present results demonstrate an unparalleled change between excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission in the ACC under a state of peripheral persistent nociception that might be underlying mechanisms of the excessive excitability of the ACC neurons. We propose that the painful stimuli when lasts or becomes persistent may cause a disruption of the balance between excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission that can contribute to the functional change in the ACC.

Expression of immune-response genes in lepidopteran host is suppressed by venom from an endoparasitoid, Pteromalus puparum.

BackgroundThe relationships between parasitoids and their insect hosts have attracted attention at two levels. First, the basic biology of host-parasitoid interactions is of fundamental interest. Second, parasitoids are widely used as biological control agents in sustainable agricultural programs. Females of the gregarious endoparasitoid Pteromalus puparum (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) inject venom along with eggs into their hosts. P. puparum does not inject polydnaviruses during oviposition. For this reason, P. puparum and its pupal host, the small white butterfly Pieris rapae (Lepidoptera: Pieridae), comprise an excellent model system for studying the influence of an endoparasitoid venom on the biology of the pupal host. P. puparum venom suppresses the immunity of its host, although the suppressive mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we tested our hypothesis that P. puparum venom influences host gene expression in the two main immunity-conferring tissues, hemocytes and fat body.ResultsAt 1 h post-venom injection, we recorded significant decreases in transcript levels of 217 EST clones (revealing 113 genes identified in silico, including 62 unknown contigs) derived from forward subtractive libraries of host hemocytes and in transcript levels of 288 EST clones (221 genes identified in silico, including 123 unknown contigs) from libraries of host fat body. These genes are related to insect immune response, cytoskeleton, cell cycle and apoptosis, metabolism, transport, stress response and transcriptional and translational regulation. We verified the reliability of the suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) data with semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis of a set of randomly selected genes. This analysis showed that most of the selected genes were down-regulated after venom injection.ConclusionsOur findings support our hypothesis that P. puparum venom influences gene expression in host hemocytes and fat body. Specifically, the venom treatments led to reductions in expression of a large number of genes. Many of the down-regulated genes act in immunity, although others act in non-immune areas of host biology. We conclude that the actions of venom on host gene expression influence immunity as well as other aspects of host biology in ways that benefit the development and emergence of the next generation of parasitoids.

The Protective Effect of Bee Venom against Ethanol‐Induced Hepatic Injury via Regulation of the Mitochondria‐Related Apoptotic Pathway

Alcohol consumption increases apoptosis of hepatocytes. Death of hepatocytes is a characteristic feature of chronic liver disease for various causes. Bee venom (Apis mellifera) has been traditionally used for the treatment of various chronic diseases, such as chronic inflammatory arthritis and chronic liver disease. However, the precise mechanism for bee venom in chronic liver disease is not still cleared. To assess the effects of bee venom in chronic liver disease, we investigated the potential role of the bee venom in the ethanol-induced hepatocyte apoptosis. Bee venom treatment inhibited the apoptotic cell morphology and increased the cell viability in ethanol-induced hepatocyte apoptosis. With ethanol treatment, bee venom-treated hepatocytes increased activity of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, reduced activity of Bax, Caspase and PARP. In conclusion, bee venom treatment in ethanol-induced hepatocyte apoptosis occurred through the regulation of Bcl family with subsequent inactivation of the Caspase and PARP. These results suggest that bee venom could be an effective agent to reduce ethanol-induced hepatocyte apoptosis.

Brown spider venom toxins interact with cell surface and are endocytosed by rabbit endothelial cells

Bites from the Loxosceles genus (brown spiders) cause severe clinical symptoms, including dermonecrotic injury, hemorrhage, hemolysis, platelet aggregation and renal failure. Histological findings of dermonecrotic lesions in animals exposed to Loxosceles intermedia venom show numerous vascular alterations. Study of the hemorrhagic consequences of the venom in endothelial cells has demonstrated that the degeneration of blood vessels results not only from degradation of the extracellular matrix molecule or massive leukocyte infiltration, but also from a direct and primary activity of the venom on endothelial cells. Exposure of an endothelial cell line in vitro to L. intermedia venom induce morphological alterations, such as cell retraction and disadhesion to the extracellular matrix. The aim of the present study was to investigate the interaction between the venom toxins and the endothelial cell surface and their possible internalization, in order to illuminate the information about the deleterious effect triggered by venom. After treating endothelial cells with venom toxins, we observed that the venom interacts with cell surface. Venom treatment also can cause a reduction of cell surface glycoconjugates. When cells were permeabilized, it was possible to verify that some venom toxins were internalized by the endothelial cells. The venom internalization involves endocytic vesicles and the venom was detected in the lysosomes. However, no damage to lysosomal integrity was observed, suggesting that the cytotoxic effect evoked by L. intermedia venom on endothelial cells is not mediated by venom internalization.

Anti-inflammatory effect of bee venom on antigen-induced arthritis in rabbits: Influence of endogenous glucocorticoids

Aim of the study This study assessed the involvement of endogenous glucocorticoids (GCs) in the anti-arthritic properties of bee venom (BV) on antigen-induced arthritis (AIA) in rabbits. Materials and methods BV (1.5–6 μg/kg/day) was injected for 7 days before AIA induction, whereas the control group received sterile saline. The total and differential leukocyte count, PGE 2 levels in synovial fluid and synovial membrane cell infiltrate were evaluated. The contribution of GCs to BV action was assessed in rabbits treated with BV plus metyrapone, an inhibitor of GC synthesis, or RU-38 486, a steroid antagonist. Results Treatment with BV (1.5 μg/kg/day) reduced the leukocyte count and PGE 2 level (18571 ± 1909 cells/mm 3 and 0.49 ± 0.05 ng/mL, respectively) as well as the cellular infiltrate compared with the control group (40968 ± 5248 cells/mm 3 and 2.92 ± 0.68 ng/mL, p < 0.05). The addition of metyrapone to BV treatment completely reversed the inhibition of AIA, whereas RU-38 486 was ineffective. Conclusion Our data show that bee venom treatment prevents the development of antigen-induced arthritis in rabbits through the action of GCs.

The protective effect of bee venom against ethanol‐induced hepatic injury via regulation of the mitochondria‐related apoptotic pathway

Alcohol consumption increases apoptosis of hepatocytes. Death of hepatocytes is a characteristic feature of chronic liver disease for various causes. Bee venom (Apis mellifera) has been traditionally used for the treatment of various chronic diseases, such as chronic inflammatory arthritis and chronic liver disease. However, the precise mechanism for bee venom in chronic liver disease is not still cleared. To assess the effects of bee venom in chronic liver disease, we investigated the potential role of the bee venom in the ethanol‐induced hepatocyte apoptosis. Bee venom treatment inhibited the apoptotic cell morphology and increased cell viability in ethanol‐induced hepatocyte apoptosis. With ethanol treatment, bee venom treated hepatocytes increased activity of Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐xL, reduced activity of Bax, Caspase and PARP. In conclusion, bee venom treatment in ethanol‐induced hepatocyte apoptosis occurred through the regulation of Bcl‐family with subsequent inactivation of the Caspase and PARP. These results suggest that bee venom could be an effective agent to reduce ethanol‐induced hepatocyte apoptosis.This work was supported by a grant (2007030103400101) from Biogreen 21 Program, Rural Development Administration, Republic of Korea.

Bee venom inhibits tumor angiogenesis and metastasis by inhibiting tyrosine phosphorylation of VEGFR-2 in LLC-tumor-bearing mice

Bee venom (BV) treatment is the therapeutic application of honeybee venom (HBV) for treating various diseases in Oriental medicine. In the present work, the authors investigated the functional specificity of BV as an angiogenesis inhibitor using in vitro models and in vivo mouse angiogenesis and lung metastasis models. BV significantly inhibited the viability of Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cells but did not affect peripheral blood mononuclear lymphocytes (PBML) cells. BV also inhibited vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced proliferation, migration and capillary-like tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Western blotting analysis showed that BV inhibited AKT and MAPK phosphorylation in LLC cells and HUVECs and down regulated expression of VEGF and VEGFR-2 of LLC cells and HUVECs. Also, BV effectively disrupted VEGF-induced neovascularization in Matrigel plugs in our in vivo angiogenesis assay. When given subcutaneously, BV also significantly suppressed tumor angiogenesis through inhibition of VEGF and VEGFR-2 in LLC model. Mice bearing subcutaneous LLC tumors were treated with 1 μg/ml or 10 μg/ml of BV. They showed reductions ranging between 49% and 62% in primary tumor volume and reduction of spontaneous pulmonary metastasis occurrences. Furthermore, BV treatment in the spontaneous lung metastases model after primary tumor excision prolonged their median survival time from 27 to 58 days. These results suggest that the tumor-specific anti-angiogenic activity of BV takes effect during different stages of tumor progression by blocking the tyrosine phosphorylation of VEGFR-2, and validate the application of BV in lung cancer treatment.

Evaluation of antiviral activity of honeybee venom on DNA and RNA virus models

The virucidal activity (direct action) of bee venom on Herpes simplex virus type-1(HSV-1) and Adenovirus type -7(adeno-7) as a DNA virus models studies revealed that there was no significant decrease in HSV-1 infectivity titer after 3, 6 and 24 hours of treatments (P>0.05) while 48 hours later a significant viral depletion rate was recoded in the order of 1 log (10)/0.1 ml was detected. Also, the virucidal activity on Adeno-7 virus model showed no change after insignificance 3 hrs of bee venom treatment. There was a significant depletion rate of virus infectivity titer 6 and 24 hrs post treatment recording 3.7 log (10)/0.1 ml and 2.75 log (10)/0.1 ml respectively. Also, the evaluation of virucidal activity of bee venom against RNA model virus of West Nile virus (WNV) revealed that there was a significant decreased in WNV infectivity titer post thermal treatment incubation at 37oC for 3, 6, and 24 and 48 hours post treatment with venom recording 5.1 log (10)/0.1 ml, 4.5 log (10)/0.1 ml, 2.1 log (10)/0.1 ml and 0.55 log (10)/0.1 ml respectively. The antiviral activity of bee venom of HSV-1 as a DNA model virus showed that there was a non significant decrease in the infectivity titer post thermal treatment. In the mean time, the antiviral activity of bee venom against Adeno virus sero-type -7 revealed that there was a non significant decrease in Adeno–7 titer 3, 6 and 24 hours post incubation at 37oC. Also, evaluation of the antiviral activity of bee venom against RNA model virus West Nile Virus revealed that there was a non significant decrease in West Nile Virus titer after incubation period of 3, 6 and 24 hours post treatment at 37oC. Antiviral activity of bee venom was also compared with that of the standard antiviral drug; interferon -2 a (IFN - 2a). HSV-1 was insignificantly decreased recording 5.5 log (10)/0.1 ml in the bee venom treated cells compared to significant decrease when treated with (IFN - 2a) recording 3.2 log (10)/0.1 ml. In the mean time antiviral activity against adenovirus-7 recorded a significant decrease in virus infectivity titer recording 3.4 log (10)/0.1 ml post bee venom compared with 3.25 log (10)/0.1 ml post IFN treatment which mean that the in vitro studies of the effect of standard IFN used was the same as bee venom on the Adeno-7 virus. The RNA model virus ;WNV was well influenced by bee venom than IFN where the virus infectivity titer recorded 1 log (10) /0.1 ml post bee venom treatment compared with 2.5 log (10)/0.1 ml virus infectivity titer post IFN treatment.

인체폐암세포에서 봉독에 의한 prostagladin E2생성 및 telomerase 활성 저하

본 연구에서는 봉독의 처리에 따른 A549 폐암세포의 증식억제에서 <TEX>$PGE_2$</TEX> 생성 및 telomerase 활성의 변화 관련성을 조사하였다. A549 세포의 증식은 봉독 처리에 의하여 유의적으로 감소되었으며, 이는 apoptosis 유발과 연관성이 있음을 알 수 있었다. 봉독 처리 농도의 증가에 따라 COX-2의 발현이 전사 및 번역 수준에서 모두 감소되었으며 이에 따른 <TEX>$PGE_2$</TEX>의 생성이 현저하게 감소되었으나, COX-1의 발현에는 큰 변화가 없었다. 또한 봉독 처리에 따라 telomere 조절인자들 중, hTERT, hTR 및 c-myc의 발현이 억제되었으며, telomerase의 활성도 매우 감소되었다. 본 연구의 결과는 <TEX>$PGE_2$</TEX> 생성과 telomerase 활성 저하가 봉독의 항암 작용 표적인자로서 작용될 수 있음을 보여준다. In modern oriental medicine, bee venom therapy is being used for aqua-acupuncture to relieve pain and to cure inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and gout. Bee venom therapy has been processed and reported in many experimental studies, with regard to its effects on pain alleviation, anti-inflammation, removal of fever, anti-convulsion, suppression of tumor and immunity strengthening, etc., however, its mechanism of action, molecular targeting on prostaglandin <TEX>$E_2$</TEX> (<TEX>$PGE_2$</TEX>) production and telomere length regulation in human cancer remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of bee venom on the levels of cyclooxygenases (COXs) and telomere regulatory components of A549 human lung cancer cells. Bee venom-induced anti-proliferative effects of A549 cells were associated with the inhibition of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) as well as human telomerase RNA (hTR), transcription factor c-myc and the activity of telomerase. In addition, bee venom treatment markedly decreased the levels of COX-2 mRNA and protein expression without significant changes in the expression of COX-1, which was correlated with a decrease in <TEX>$PGE_2$</TEX> synthesis. Taken together, these findings provide important new insights into the possible molecular mechanisms of the anti-cancer activity of bee venom.

İlköğretim 7. Sınıf Öğrencilerinde Yılanlarla İlgili Alternatif Kavramlar ve Yaygın İnanışlar

In this study, alternative conceptions and myths concerning with snakes of 7 th grade students were investigated. The study sample consisted of 423 students (211 girls, 202 boys) in nine cities (Adiyaman, Aydm, Denizli, Diyarbakir, Gaziantep, Izmir, Mardin, Mus, Batman). Data were gathered through a questionnaire consisting of 28 items, which was developed by the researcher. The items in the questionnaire were grupped under four sections as; venom and emergency medical treatment for snake bites; human-snake relationships and myths; feeding habits of snakes; classification and morphological properties of snakes. Statistical analysis showed that; students don't have enough knowledge about snakes and therefore they have various alternative conceptions; common beliefs are frequently observed among students and they are the causes of alternative conceptions.