Molecular Investigation of the Cytotoxic and Apoptotic Effects of Apilarnil and Queen Bee Larvae in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies affecting women. Due to the side effects of conventional treatments, research into naturally occurring alternative therapeutic agents is critically important. This study aimed to comprehensively investigate, for the first time, the anticancer potential of lyophilized male bee larvae (apilarnil) and queen bee larvae, which are new generation apitherapy products, against breast cancer cells. The cytotoxic effects of apilarnil and queen bee larvae were evaluated in MCF-7 (human breast adenocarcinoma) and MCF-12a (healthy breast epithelium) cell lines using the MTT assay. Following the determination of IC₅₀ values, apoptotic cell death mechanisms were examined at the molecular level using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The study analyzed the mRNA expression levels ofBcl-2,Bax,Caspase-3,Caspase-8, andCaspase-9genes, which play a critical role in apoptosis regulation. Both bee products exhibited potent cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 cancer cells (apilarnil IC₅₀: 7.7 µg/mL; queen bee larvae IC₅₀: 15.9 µg/mL). Molecular analyses revealed that these products increased the expression of proapoptotic genes (Bax,Caspase-3,Caspase-8, andCaspase-9) by 2-8-fold and significantly downregulated the anti-apoptoticBcl-2gene. A proliferative effect was observed in healthy MCF-12a cells at the same concentrations, indicating selective anticancer activity. This study demonstrates, for the first time, that apilarnil and queen bee larvae exhibit potent and selective cytotoxic effects against breast cancer cells. The findings indicate that these apitherapeutic products target cancer cells by activating apoptotic pathways. The results suggest that these natural products have potential as adjuvant therapies in future breast cancer treatments and provide a robust foundation for subsequentin vivoresearch in this field.
Source: Journal of Apitherapy and Nature
DOI: 10.35206/jan.1808482
Authors: Aybüke Afra Babacan, Arif Ayar
Institution: Amasya Üniversitesi
Language: Turkish
Subfield: Insect Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7155957488