Having read, A randomized crossover study of bee sting therapy for multiple sclerosis by Wesselius & Heersema et al., I was interested in other possible applications of animal venom in treatments similar to the apitherapy frequently used as an alternative care source for MS patients. In my inquiry I found an article on a sea anenome toxin that may act beneficially in the relapse of MS patients.
By Norton, Pennington and Wulff, Potassium Channel Blockade by the Sea Anemone Toxin ShK for the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis, provides an overview of interaction between the toxin and potassium channels, the role of potassium cell in T-cells and the changes in potassium expression during T-cell differentiation.
Norton et al., site studies which state provide evidence showing that ShK has been able to prevent and treat adopted experimental autoimmune encephalymyelitis (EAE) in rodent models. ShK subcutaneously injected prevented EAE in a study in which all control animals died. ShK was even proven to ameliorate symptoms when treatment with ShK was delivered until after the presentation of the first symptom.
Ultimately, this paper provides just another example of possible solutions to human diseases that may be lie latent and undiscovered in other species. I always try and look at the human body holistically when discussing diseases, thinking of how all the systems interact; however, I think this articles reassures the discussion about preserving as many endangered species as possible, as we may not truly understand the potential that those animals hold.
Reference for the article: http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdf?vid=2&hid=8&sid=8f2a0a67-151f-49cc-8910-280672d21490%40sessionmgr13
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The first thing I thought after reading the bee sting crossover study was that even though the bee venom didn't work for MS patients it still might be useful. MS has a very complicated pathology and there is more to it than inflammation so the anti-inflammatory properties of the bee venom didn't make a significant difference. I would be interested to see how bee sting treatments worked for local inflammation like tendonitis or things like that.
ReplyDeleteThat's true...truth be told, I think there needs to be alot more done with that to understand its true potential. The reality being that if the contents of the venom actually do benefit the body, why not try and isolate them?
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