Therapeutic effect of topical application of bee venom in the treatment of experimental atopic dermatitis skin lesions

Objective: In this study, it was aimed to reveal the effect of topical Bee Venom (BV) applications in the experimental Atopic Dermatitis model created with dinitrochlorobenzene (DNBC), with the release of cytokines and histopathological findings. Materials and Methods: Thirty female BALB/c mice aged 8-12 weeks and weighing 25-30 g were used for the study. After the dorsal parts of the mice were shaved, the shaved area was sensitized with DNCB to produce AD-like skin lesions. One day after dorsal epilation (approximately 4 cm2), 150 ml of 1% DNCB acetone: olive oil mixture (3:1) was applied to the dorsal skin daily for 9 days. 10 days after dorsal epilation, 0.2% DNCB acetone: olive oil mixture (3:1) was applied to the dorsal skin (150 ml) 7 times for 16 days. After 9 days of sensitization, the mice were divided into 5 groups of 6 mice each. Acetone/olive oil mixture without DNCB was applied to the control group. Agents were applied locally to the acetone-olive oil/bee venom (BV)/corticosteroid groups 1 time daily for 16 days. At the end of the treatment period, blood samples were taken from the mice and skin samples taken after the mice were anesthetized were fixed in 3.7% formalin, stained with hematoxylin/eosin solution and evaluated histopathologically by light microscopy. Blood serum samples were analyzed for IgE, IL13, IL5, IFN-γ with mouse specific ELISA kits. Results: Hyperkeratosis and fibrosis in the dermal papillae were observed in the DNCB group. Hyperkeratosis, vacuolar degeneration of epithelium and infiltration of mast cells and eosinophil leukocytes in the dermis were observed in Acetone-Olive Oil group. In BV group, fibrosis in the papillary dermis and few eosinophil leukocyte infiltration were observed. In the corticosteroid group, ulceration and necrosis were observed in the epidermis and fungus was observed. IgE concentrations were 2.1±0.4 ng/L, 5.3±0.8 ng/L (p<0.05), 5.6±1.04 ng/L, 2.44±0.6 ng/L and 3.5±0.8 ng/L in control, DNCB, Acetone-Olive oil, BV and corticosteroid groups, respectively; IL-13 concentrations were 29.7±4.8 ng/L, 30.9±3.9 ng/L, 38.4±7.8 ng/L, 37.4±4.5 ng/L, respectively; IL-5 concentrations were 60.5±3.7 ng/L, 57.2±8.5 ng/L, 58.2±8.5 ng/L, 53.4±7.8 ng/L, 38.4±4.9 ng/L, respectively; 38,4±4,9 ng/L; IL-5 concentrations were 60,5±3,7 ng/L; 57,2±8,5 ng/L; 53,4±7,8 ng/L; 58,3±7,8 ng/L; 60,2±5,8 ng/L; IFN-γ concentrations were 278±38,3 ng/L; 284,8±29,6 ng/L; 280,2±53,6 ng/L; 390±101 ng/L; 298,2±67,4 ng/L, respectively. IgE concentration was significantly lower in control, BV and corticosteroid groups, while IFN-γ level was significantly higher in BV group. There was no difference in IL-13 and IL-5 levels between the groups. Conclusion: Bee venom significantly decreased IgE concentration in Atopic Dermatitis. None of the side effects of corticosteroids, the classical treatment modality in Atopic Dermatitis, were observed in the BV group. Therefore, it was determined that an alternative agent can be used in the treatment of Atopic Dermatitis. Keywords: Atopic Dermatitis, IgE, IL-13, IL-5 and IF- γ