While knowledge of the composition and mode of action of bee and wasp venoms dates back 50 years, the therapeutic value of these toxins remains relatively unexploded. The properties of these venoms are now being studied with the aim to design and develop new therapeutic drugs. Far from evaluating the extensive number of monographs, journals and books related to bee and wasp venoms and the thera...

background: the anti-cancer effects of honey bee venom (bv) and chrysin might open a new window for treatment of chemo-resistant cancers. this study was designed to evaluate cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic effects of bv and chrysin on a2780cp cistplatin- resistant human ovarian cancer cells. methods: as per the study objectives, a2780cp cells were categorized to 4 groups: 3 experiment groups (treat...

Under the above title Dr. A. R. D'Abreau has an article in the Indian Medical Gazette for November 1926, and as a few very striking cases have come under my personal observation, I am publishing this note. The species generally credited with evil effects is Apis mellifica. L. Brant and Ratzeburg were the first to study bee venom in 1833. Paul Bert in 1865 and Carlet in 1884 also studied it, but...

The diagnosis of insect venom allergy and the indication for specific immunotherapy is based on history, skin tests and demonstration of hymenoptera venom-specific IgE-antibodies. Cellular tests can add useful information but the role of basophil activation tests for the different venoms has to be elucidated further. We evaluated positive reactions in a basophil activation test using CD63 expre...

The potency of various bee antigens including bee venom, several whole bee body extracts and fractions of bee venom was studied using the RAST inhibition method. As compared to whole bee body extract, bee venom was a much more potent inhibitor of both bee venom and whole body RAST, suggesting that venom has a greater capacity to bind specific bee IgE antibodies. Whole body extracts also varied ...

Bee venom immunotherapy (b-VIT) can be combined with omalizumab therapy in order to suppress systemic reactions developing due to b-VIT itself. Omalizumab acts as a premedication and gains time for the immunotherapy to develop its immunomodulatory effects. However, the combination of omalizumab and b-VIT is not always effective enough. Herein we present a patient in whom successful immunotherap...