Histological evolution of the effects of bee venom on squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue

Abstract

Bee venom (apitoxin) composition contains numerous biologically active peptides, including melittin (main component), apamin, peptide mast cell degranulation and enzymes and non-peptide components such as histamine. While the effect of bee venom, according to the literature, would be beneficial in rheumatic diseases, evidence of its action on tumor pathology is inconclusive. In this paper, the potential chemopreventive effect of apitoxin on tumor lesions of the tongue was studied. Materials and Methods: Two groups of rats were used. Both groups were subjected to the carcinogenic action of 4-NQO. One group served as a control, and the other group (experimental) received subcutaneous bee venom that was applied weekly. The incidence of dysplastic lesions and tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) in both groups was determined microscopically. In addition, peritumoral mast cell density was determined at 30 weeks of exposure to a carcinogen. Results: The results showed no significant reduction in the incidence of TSCC. The peritumoral mast cell density found in dysplastic lesions and TSCC was lower than in the normal tongue tissue. Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate poor action of bee venom as a preventive drug in the emergence of TSCC. The lack of recruitment of mast cells indicates that every tumor is influenced by its particular microenvironment.