title: Neuroprotective effects of melittin on hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptotic cell death in neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Free radicals are involved in neuronal cell death in human neurodegenerative diseases. Since ancient times, honeybee venom has been used in a complementary medicine to treat various diseases and neurologic disorders. Melittin, the main component of honeybee venom, has various biologic effects, including anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory activities.
  
  
  METHODS
  We investigated the neuroprotective effects of melittin against H2O2-induced apoptosis in the human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y. The neuroprotective effects of melittin on H2O2-induced apoptosis were investigated using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenylterazolium bromide assay, caspase 3 activity, 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining, a lactate dehydrogenase release assay, Western blots, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The H2O2-treated cells had decreased cell viability with apoptotic features and increased production of caspase-3. On the other hand, melittin treatment increased cell viability and decreased apoptotic DNA fragmentation. Melittin attenuated the H2O2-induced decrease in mRNA and protein production of the anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2. In addition, melittin inhibited both the H2O2-induced mRNA and protein expression of Bax-associated pro-apoptotic factor and caspase-3.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings suggest that melittin has potential therapeutic effects as an agent for the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.
authors.affiliation: Department of Agricultural Biology, National Academy of Agricultural Science, RDA, Suwon 441-100, Korea. sangmih@korea.kr.
authors.forename: Sang Mi
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Han
authors.forename: Jung Min
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Kwan Kyu
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Young Chae
authors.initials: YC
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Sok Cheon
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Pak
mesh_terms: D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D053148:Caspase 3 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D053938:DNA Fragmentation / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide / Q000633:toxicity*; D008555:Melitten / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009447:Neuroblastoma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051028:bcl-2-Associated X Protein / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D051028:bcl-2-Associated X Protein; D008555:Melitten; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide; D053148:Caspase 3
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