Melittin is a principle toxic peptide of bee venom. It is known as a strong anti-inflammatory agent and
used as traditional medicine for treatment of different types of diseases. 5-HT contributes at early stages
on inflammatory processes in response to the local inflammation. However, the anti-inflammatory effect
of melittin on the gastrointestinal (GI) tract has not been elucidated. The aim of the present study was to
investigate the physiological changes of melittin on mice jejunum treated with indomethacin to induce
inflammation. This study was performed on adult Swiss male mice. These mice divided into 4 groups (7
mice for each group): Control group: mice treated with distilled water; Indomethacin group treated with
indomethacin (50 mg/kg) for 1day; Melittin group treated daily with melittin (10 or 40 μg/kg) for 3, 5 and
10 days; Indomethacin-melittin group treated with indomethacin followed by the above melittin doses.
Samples from the jejunum were collected and prepared for physiological studies. Physiological study
showed a significant increase of pro-inflammatory mediator 5-HT in the mucosal tissues of inflamed
jejunum compared to control (337 vs 150 pg/ml), while this level was gradually reduced by melittin
treatment 10 μg/kg for 3, 5 and 10 days (202, 185 and 170 pg/ml, P<0.05 respectively) and by melittin
treatment 40 μg/kg for 3, 5 and 10 days (188, 163 and 148 pg/ml P<0.05 respectively). Melittin attenuated
the inflammation of jejunum by inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory mediator (5-HT). These data
supported the potential use of melittin as anti-inflammatory therapy of GI inflammation.
تاريخ النشر
14/06/2013
الناشر
Global Advanced Research Journal of Environmental Science and Toxicology
عبير الأحمري | Abeer Alahmari | 5373