Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of gamma Study of some irradiated honey bee venom

Abstract

Introduction: This study was done to assess the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect of
raw and irradiated bee venom.
Materials & methods: Bee venom samples were irradiated at doses of 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 kGy
using gamma irradiator. Antimicrobial characteristics of raw and irradiated venom was
determined using well diffusion assay. 300 μl of sample was poured in well and diameter of
the clear zone of inhibition of growth for the bacteria and fungi was measured. Antiinflammatory
effect of venom was assessed using injection of formalin 2.5% in the paw. 24
rats were assigned to 6 treatments and 4 replicates for measurement of IL-6 and IL-10 in the
blood of rats. Raw and irradiated venom were injected to rats at a dose of 1 mg/kg BW and
blood sample was taken after 2, 4 and 6h, then serum was separated. Spleen was removed and
held in liquid nitrogen until gene expression analysis of IL-6 and IL-10. Data were analyzed
based on randomized complete block design using SAS software.
Results: Irradiated bee venom had no negative effects on antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory
characteristics (P>0.05). IL-6 and IL-10 gene expression in spleen samples in rats taken 6, 48
and 72 h post IP injection down-regulated for venom irradiated doses of 4, 6 and 8 kGy
compared with the control and dose of 2 kGy (P<0.05). Also, IL-6 and IL-10 gene expression
are down regulated in spleen samples of rats taken after 72 h as compared with those taken 6
and 48 h (P<0.05). There were no differ among serum levels of IL-6 and IL-10 in raw venom
and irradiated at doses of 2, 4 and 6 kGy (P>0.05), but serum level of IL-6 increased (P<0.05)
in those received 8 kGy irradiated venom compared with the control and other treatments.
Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, gamma irradiation at a dose of 6 kGy could be
applicable for honey bee venom processing without negative effects on positive venom
characteristics.