Bee venom modulates human neutrophil inflammatory functions in Vitro and exerts an anti- inflammatory effect in Vivo in rats

Bee venom (BV) is a complex bioactive mixture known for its paradoxical ability to exert both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects, making it a compelling modulator of inflammatory responses. In this study, we investigated the effect of BV on human neutrophil inflammatory functions in vitro and its effect on inflammation in vivo in rats. Results revealed that BV exhibited a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLF)-induced superoxide production by neutrophils, without affecting PMA-induced superoxide production or superoxide production by the xanthine-xanthine oxidase system. BV was not toxic to neutrophils and did not affect neutrophil adhesion, however, and surprisingly it induced myeloperoxidase release from neutrophils. Interestingly, in vivo BV effectively suppressed xylene-induced ear edema and significantly reduced carrageenan-induced peritonitis by limiting neutrophil recruitment to the peritoneum. These findings suggest that although bee venom can either inhibit or stimulate neutrophil functions in vitro, it still exerts an anti-inflammatory effect in vivo. This dual action highlights the complexity of BV’s bioactive components and the importance of targeted therapeutic modulation in inflammatory conditions.