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Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Aug 2021Insects of the order Hymenoptera have a defensive substance that contains many biologically active compounds. Specifically, venom from honeybees () contains many enzymes... (Review)
Review
Insects of the order Hymenoptera have a defensive substance that contains many biologically active compounds. Specifically, venom from honeybees () contains many enzymes and peptides that are effective against various diseases. Different research papers stated the possibility of using bee venom (a direct bee sting or in an injectable form) in treating several complications; either in vivo or in vitro. Other reports used the active fractions of bee venom clinically or at labratory scale. Many reports and publications have stated that bee venom and its constituents have multiple biological activities including anti-microbial, anti-protozoan, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-arthritic properties. The present review aims to refer to the use of bee venom itself or its fractions in treating several diseases and counteracting drug toxicities as an alternative protocol of therapy. The updated molecular mechanisms of actions of bee venom and its components are discussed in light of the previous updated publications. The review also summarizes the potential of venom loaded on nanoparticles as a drug delivery vehicle and its molecular mechanisms. Finally, the products of bee venom available in markets are also demonstrated.
Topics: Allergens; Animals; Bee Venoms; Bees; Enzymes; Humans; Insect Bites and Stings; Peptides; Pharmaceutical Preparations
PubMed: 34443529
DOI: 10.3390/molecules26164941 -
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical... 2017Up to 5% of the US population has suffered anaphylaxis. Fatal outcome is rare, such that even for people with known venom or food allergy, fatal anaphylaxis constitutes... (Review)
Review
Up to 5% of the US population has suffered anaphylaxis. Fatal outcome is rare, such that even for people with known venom or food allergy, fatal anaphylaxis constitutes less than 1% of total mortality risk. The incidence of fatal anaphylaxis has not increased in line with hospital admissions for anaphylaxis. Fatal drug anaphylaxis may be increasing, but rates of fatal anaphylaxis to venom and food are stable. Risk factors for fatal anaphylaxis vary according to cause. For fatal drug anaphylaxis, previous cardiovascular morbidity and older age are risk factors, with beta-lactam antibiotics, general anesthetic agents, and radiocontrast injections the commonest triggers. Fatal food anaphylaxis most commonly occurs during the second and third decades. Delayed epinephrine administration is a risk factor; common triggers are nuts, seafood, and in children, milk. For fatal venom anaphylaxis, risk factors include middle age, male sex, white race, cardiovascular disease, and possibly mastocytosis; insect triggers vary by region. Upright posture is a feature of fatal anaphylaxis to both food and venom. The rarity of fatal anaphylaxis and the significant quality of life impact of allergic conditions suggest that quality of life impairment should be a key consideration when making treatment decisions in patients at risk for anaphylaxis.
Topics: Allergens; Anaphylaxis; Arthropod Venoms; Cardiovascular Diseases; Child; Drug Hypersensitivity; Humans; Incidence; Mortality; Quality of Life; Risk Factors; Survival Analysis; United States; beta-Lactams
PubMed: 28888247
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2017.06.031 -
Toxins Mar 2021Bee venom, which is a complex substance produced by , is widely used to treat various diseases, such as pain [...].
Bee venom, which is a complex substance produced by , is widely used to treat various diseases, such as pain [...].
Topics: Acupuncture Therapy; Animals; Apamin; Bee Venoms; Bees; Humans; Melitten; Phospholipases A2
PubMed: 33799931
DOI: 10.3390/toxins13030191 -
Toxins Jan 2020Arthropods comprise a predominant and well-succeeded phylum of the animal kingdom that evolved and diversified in millions of species grouped in four subphyla, namely,...
Arthropods comprise a predominant and well-succeeded phylum of the animal kingdom that evolved and diversified in millions of species grouped in four subphyla, namely, Chelicerata (arachnids), Crustacea, Myriapoda (centipedes), and Hexapoda (insects) [...].
Topics: Animals; Arthropod Venoms; Insecticides; Peptides
PubMed: 31991714
DOI: 10.3390/toxins12020082 -
Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical... Dec 2022Anaphylaxis is common in old-age adults but is insufficiently understood by physicians, and may be underdiagnosed. This review discusses the specificities of anaphylaxis... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Anaphylaxis is common in old-age adults but is insufficiently understood by physicians, and may be underdiagnosed. This review discusses the specificities of anaphylaxis in this age group and stresses the importance of adrenaline in its management.
RECENT FINDINGS
Data from the European Anaphylaxis Registry on elderly patients is a major finding. Other findings include the prevention of possible anaphylactic reactions in coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination as well as some new epidemiologic data.
SUMMARY
The most common risk factors are hymenoptera venom and food and drug allergy. Cardiovascular symptoms are the most important ones to reverse in old-age adults, especially due to the multiple comorbidities. Anaphylaxis in old-age adults has a more severe outcome than in younger ones. Polypharmacy is a specific factor to be considered. The Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure (ABCDE) algorithm is applicable in all clinical emergencies for immediate assessment and treatment, and should be considered for all patients. Adrenaline is the mainstay of the management of the condition. There are no absolute contraindications to the prescription of self-injectable adrenaline in elderly individuals at risk of anaphylaxis.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Aged; Anaphylaxis; COVID-19; Arthropod Venoms; Epinephrine; Allergens
PubMed: 36165408
DOI: 10.1097/ACI.0000000000000855 -
Toxins Apr 2022Arthropods comprise the largest group of living animals, including thousands of species that inhabit marine and terrestrial niches in the biosphere [...].
Arthropods comprise the largest group of living animals, including thousands of species that inhabit marine and terrestrial niches in the biosphere [...].
Topics: Animals; Arthropods; Venoms
PubMed: 35448892
DOI: 10.3390/toxins14040283 -
Biomolecules Mar 2022Wasps, members of the order Hymenoptera, use their venom for predation and defense. Accordingly, their venoms contain various constituents acting on the circulatory,... (Review)
Review
Wasps, members of the order Hymenoptera, use their venom for predation and defense. Accordingly, their venoms contain various constituents acting on the circulatory, immune and nervous systems. Wasp venom possesses many allergens, enzymes, bioactive peptides, amino acids, biogenic amines, and volatile matters. In particular, some peptides show potent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and anticoagulant activity. Additionally, proteinous components from wasp venoms can cause tissue damage or allergic reactions in organisms. These bioactive peptides and proteins involved in wasp predation and defense may be potential sources of lead pharmaceutically active molecules. In this review, we focus on the advances in bioactive peptides and protein from the venom of wasps and their biological effects, as well as the allergic reactions and immunotherapy induced by the wasp venom.
Topics: Allergens; Animals; Hypersensitivity; Peptides; Wasp Venoms; Wasps
PubMed: 35454116
DOI: 10.3390/biom12040527 -
Immunology and Allergy Clinics of North... Feb 2022There is strong evidence of an association between severe anaphylaxis, especially hymenoptera venom induced, and mast cell (MC) disorders. It has been thought that... (Review)
Review
There is strong evidence of an association between severe anaphylaxis, especially hymenoptera venom induced, and mast cell (MC) disorders. It has been thought that intrinsic abnormalities in MCs, including the presence of the activating KIT D816V mutation in mastocytosis or of genetic trait, hereditary alpha-tryptasemia, may influence susceptibility to severe anaphylaxis. This article evaluates the potential mechanisms leading to severe MC activation, as well as the differential diagnosis of and range of symptoms attributable to MC mediator release. Also, we offer a global classification for disorders related to MC activation.
Topics: Anaphylaxis; Arthropod Venoms; Humans; Mast Cells; Mastocytosis; Tryptases
PubMed: 34823750
DOI: 10.1016/j.iac.2021.09.007 -
Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical... Oct 2020To discuss the association between the common dominantly inherited genetic trait hereditary alpha-tryptasemia (HαT) and hymenoptera venom-induced anaphylaxis (HVA). (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
To discuss the association between the common dominantly inherited genetic trait hereditary alpha-tryptasemia (HαT) and hymenoptera venom-induced anaphylaxis (HVA).
RECENT FINDINGS
Elevated BST has been correlated with more severe systemic anaphylaxis in humans in a number of settings - most notably in HVA. Clonal mast cell disease, in particular, systemic mastocytosis, is frequently associated with elevated BST, and is a major risk factor for severe HVA. However, clonal mast cell diseases are believed to be rare, whereas HVA is relatively more common. HαT affects an estimated 3-5% of Western populations and is the common cause for elevated BST in these individuals. An association between HαT and severe HVA, as well as clonal mast cell disease has recently been demonstrated wherein this trait modifies reaction severity in venom allergic individuals. A mechanism underlying this association has been proposed through the identification of naturally occurring heterotetrameric tryptases and characterization of their unique physical attributes.
SUMMARY
Here we discuss the long-standing association between elevated BST and HVA severity, how HαT fits into this landscape, and review the clinical and mechanistic evidence that supports HαT as a modifier of HVA.
Topics: Anaphylaxis; Animals; Arthropod Venoms; Genetic Diseases, Inborn; Humans; Hymenoptera; Insect Bites and Stings; Mast Cells; Mastocytosis, Systemic; Severity of Illness Index; Tryptases
PubMed: 32769710
DOI: 10.1097/ACI.0000000000000678 -
Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences Jul 2022Venomous arthropods such as scorpions and bees form one of the important groups with an essential role in medical entomology. Their venom possesses a mixture of diverse... (Review)
Review
Venomous arthropods such as scorpions and bees form one of the important groups with an essential role in medical entomology. Their venom possesses a mixture of diverse compounds, such as peptides, some of which have toxic effects, and enzymatic peptide Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) with a pharmacological potential in the treatment of a wide range of diseases. Bee and scorpion venom PLA2 group III has been used in immunotherapy, the treatment of neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases. They were assessed for antinociceptive, wound healing, anti-cancer, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-parasitic, and anti-angiogenesis effects. PLA2 has been identified in different species of scorpions and bees. The anti-leishmania, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-malarial activities of scorpion PLA2 still need further investigation. Many pieces of research have been stopped in the laboratory stage, and several studies need vast investigation in the clinical phase to show the pharmacological potential of PLA2. In this review, the medical significance of PLA2 from the venom of two arthropods, namely bees and scorpions, is discussed.
Topics: Animals; Bee Venoms; Bees; Peptides; Phospholipases A2; Scorpion Venoms; Scorpions
PubMed: 35919080
DOI: 10.30476/IJMS.2021.88511.1927