Propolis activated human monocytes, and acids were involved differently in propolis activity.

Propolis is a bee product with several biological properties. This study aimed at investigating a propolis-containing mouthwash, its organoleptic properties, microbial contamination and its antibacterial action in vitro. This mouthwash was assessed in vivo to control dental plaque in humans. The presence of microorganisms was analyzed and the minimum inhibitory concentration against Streptococcus mutans was determined. A comparative study was done in vivo using propolis, chlorhexidine, and propolis plus chlorhexidine in lower concentrations for 14 days. Dental plaque was analyzed by the Patient Hygiene Performance (PHP) index. The odontological product was yellow, cloudy, free of microbial contamination, and exerted an inhibitory action in vitro. Individuals who used a propolis-containing mouthwash for 14 consecutive days in combination or not to chlorhexidine showed a similar PHP index to chlorhexidine alone. The product exerted an antibacterial action in vitro and in vivo, exhibiting a positive action in the control of dental plaque.

Propolis is a bee product used in folk medicine to improve health and prevent inflammatory diseases. It has attracted the attention of researchers from the odontological field lately, reducing inflammation resulting from surgical procedures and as an antimicrobial agent in the control of bacterial plaque. Thus far, no side-effects that might compromise oral health have been observed. Chlorhexidine is an antimicrobial agent widely used as an antiseptic, but side-effects restrict its use. This work investigated the effects of an odontological product containing propolis in combination with chlorhexidine in lower concentrations on human monocytes. Cell marker expression, the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway, the production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and the bactericidal activity of these cells against Streptococcus mutans were evaluated. Data showed that the combination of propolis and chlorhexidine may favor the recognition of antigens by monocytes, slightly activates the NF-κB signaling pathway, and increases the bactericidal activity of human monocytes against S. mutans Also, the combination played a role in anti-inflammatory cytokine production, which can be beneficial in the treatment of periodontal diseases. These results may have implications for the development of odontological products with immunomodulatory/anti-inflammatory action, and may have further-reaching implications for the pharmaceutical industry.

Objectives Propolis is a bee-made product used for centuries due to its diverse biological properties, including its immunomodulatory action. This work aimed at investigating whether propolis may affect monocyte functions challenged with retinoic acid (RA), B subunit of Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin (EtxB), human melanoma-associated antigen-1 (MAGE-1) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Methods Monocytes from healthy donors were treated with the stimuli separately or in the presence of propolis. Cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay, cell marker expression was assessed by flow cytometry, cytokine production by ELISA, gene expression by RT-qPCR. Key findings Propolis alone maintained TLR-2, TLR-4, HLA-DR, CD40 and CD80 expression in the monocytes; however, its combination with either MAGE-1 or LPS decreased CD40 expression triggered by the stimuli. Propolis maintained RA action on cell marker expression. Propolis inhibited TNF-α (with either EtxB or MAGE-1) and IL-6 (with either RA or MAGE-1), and increased IL-10 (with MAGE-1) production. Propolis downmodulated LC3 expression induced by LPS. It also induced a lower NF-kB expression than control cells and its combination with RA induced a higher expression than the stimulus alone. Conclusions Propolis potentially affected innate immunity by downmodulating the monocytes pro-inflammatory activity.

Osteosarcoma (OSA) is a type of bone cancer showing an aggressive biological behavior with metastatic progression. Because propolis potential for the development of new antitumoral drugs has been indicated, we evaluated the chemical composition of Colombian propolis samples and the mechanisms involved in their cytotoxic effects on OSA cells. The chemical composition was analyzed by GC–MS and the DPPH free radical scavenging activity was measured. Cluster and principal components analysis were used to establish an association with their inhibitory concentration 50% (IC50). Cell viability was analyzed by MTT assay; apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry; mitochondrial membrane permeability and reactive oxygen species were evaluated by rhodamine 123 and DCFH‐DA. Transwell assay was used to evaluate the invasiveness of propolis‐treated cells. Samples were grouped: Cluster 1 contained diterpenes and benzophenones and showed the highest antiradical activity; Cluster 2 was characterized by triterpenes, fatty acid, and diterpenes. Usm contained diterpenes and triterpenes different of the other samples and Sil contained triterpenes and flavonoids. Apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane alteration, and suppression of cell invasion were the main mechanisms involved in the inhibition of OSA cells in vitro, suggesting the potential of Colombian propolis to discover new antitumor drugs.

No abstract

GEO exerted a pro-inflammatory profile by increasing TLR-4 and CD80 expression and TNF-α production, favouring the activation of the immune/inflammatory response. GEO + DOX did not affect cell viability and presented an immunomodulatory action. Lower concentrations of DOX combined to GEO could be used in cancer patients, avoiding side effects and benefiting from the biological properties of GEO.

No abstract