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. 2024 Nov:209:107430.
doi: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107430. Epub 2024 Sep 26.

The therapeutic potential of bee venom-derived Apamin and Melittin conjugates in cancer treatment: A systematic review

Lucas Fornari Laurindo  1 , Enzo Pereira de Lima  2 , Lívia Fornari Laurindo  3 , Victória Dogani Rodrigues  4 , Eduardo Federighi Baisi Chagas  5 , Ricardo de Alvares Goulart  5 , Adriano Cressoni Araújo  5 , Elen Landgraf Guiguer  6 , Karina Torres Pomini  5 , Rose Eli Grassi Rici  7 , Durvanei Augusto Maria  8 , Rosa Direito  9 , Sandra Maria Barbalho  10
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Free article

The therapeutic potential of bee venom-derived Apamin and Melittin conjugates in cancer treatment: A systematic review

Lucas Fornari Laurindo et al. Pharmacol Res. 2024 Nov.
Free article

Abstract

The therapeutic potential of bee venom-derived peptides, particularly apamin and melittin, in cancer treatment has garnered significant attention as a promising avenue for advancing oncology. This systematic review examines preclinical studies highlighting the emerging role of these peptides in enhancing cancer therapies. Melittin and apamin, when conjugated with other therapeutic agents or formulated into novel delivery systems, have demonstrated improved efficacy in targeting tumor cells. Key findings indicate that melittin-based conjugates, such as polyethylene glycol (PEG)ylated versions, show potential in enhancing therapeutic outcomes and minimizing toxicity across various cancer models. Similarly, apamin-conjugated formulations have improved the efficacy of established anti-cancer drugs, contributing to enhanced targeting and reduced systemic toxicity. These developments underscore a growing interest in leveraging bee venom-derived peptides as adjuncts in cancer therapy. The integration of these peptides into treatment regimens offers a promising strategy to address current limitations in cancer treatment, such as drug resistance and off-target effects. However, comprehensive validation through clinical trials is essential to confirm their safety and effectiveness in human patients. This review highlights the global emergence of bee venom-derived peptides in cancer treatment, advocating for continued research and development to fully realize their therapeutic potential.

Keywords: Apamin; Bee venom; Cancer therapy; Conjugates; Cytotoxicity; Melittin; Nanoformulations; Preclinical studies.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of Competing Interest The authors confirm that the manuscript is an original work and has not been published previously in any form or any other journal. Furthermore, the authors affirm that this manuscript is not currently under review or consideration for publication by any other journal. All authors involved in this research have thoroughly reviewed and approved the manuscript in its current form and consent to its submission to the journal Pharmacological Research. The authors assure that there are no conflicts of interest related to this manuscript and have no financial or personal affiliations that could potentially influence the content or interpretation of the research presented. On behalf of all the co-authors agreement, the Corresponding Author signs. Thank you for taking the time to consider our manuscript for publication in Pharmacological Research. The authors appreciate the opportunity to present their research to your esteemed journal. The authors are confident that the findings and insights reported in their manuscript will make a meaningful and significant contribution to the field of pharmacology.

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