Propolis immunomodulatory action in vivo on Toll‐like receptors 2 and 4 expression and on pro‐inflammatory cytokines production in mice

Abstract

Propolis is a bee product and its immunomodulatory action has been the subject of intense investigation lately. The recent discovery and characterization of the family of Toll-like receptors (TLR) have triggered a great deal of interest in the field of innate immunity due to their crucial role in microbial recognition and development of the adaptive immune response. This work aimed to evaluate propolis's effect on TLR-2 and TLR-4 expression and on the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1beta and IL-6). Male BALB/c mice were treated with propolis (200 mg/kg) for three consecutive days, and TLR-2 and TLR-4 expression as well as IL-1beta and IL-6 production were assessed in peritoneal macrophages and spleen cells. Basal IL-1beta production and TLR-2 and TLR-4 expression were increased in peritoneal macrophages of propolis-treated mice. TLR-2 and TLR-4 expression and IL-1beta and IL-6 production were also upregulated in the spleen cells of propolis-treated mice. One may conclude that propolis activated the initial steps of the immune response by upregulating TLRs expression and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in mice, modulating the mechanisms of the innate immunity.

Propolis: Is there a potential for the development of new drugs?

“…Recent articles have provided information of propolis influence on the immune system (Sforcin, 2007;Orsatti et al, 2010a). Immunomodulatory assays have included tests with positive con- trols, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), concanavalin A (Con A), phorbol miristate acetate (PMA), cytokines (IFN-␥) or others to compare propolis efficiency.…”

Suppression of interleukin 17 production by Brazilian propolis in mice with collagen-induced arthritis

“…The composition of propolis depends on variations in its geographical and botanical origin (Marcucci et al 2000). Propolis has been reported to have several biological effects including an immunomodulatory action (Orsatti et al 2010;Park et al 2004), anti-inflammatory (Borrelli et al 2002;Hu et al 2005;Jung et al 2008;Sy et al 2006), antioxidant (Korkina 2007), antiviral (Burdock 1998), antibacterial properties (Boukraa and Sulaiman 2009), and the ability to inhibit cell division (Aso et al 2004;Ishihara et al 2009;Najafi et al 2007). We wondered whether propolis has any effects on IL-17 production in vitro and in vivo.…”

Apitherapy: Holistic Healing Through the Honeybee and Bee Products in Countries with Poor Healthcare System

“…Propolis reportedly has a range of biological activities, including immunomodulatory (Orsatti et al 2010 ;Missima and Sforcin 2008 ), antibacterial (Gonsales et al 2006 ), fungicidal (Silici et al 2005 ;Dota et al 2011 ), anti-infl ammatory, healing (Moraes et al 2011 ), analgesic/anesthetic (Silvestre et al 1985 ;Paulino et al 2006 ), and anticarcinogenic effects (Leitao et al 2004 ). It can be used for a wide range of purposes as anti-infl ammatory and hypotensive agent, immune system stimulant, and bacteriostatic and bactericidal agent, among many other uses (Ghisalberti 1979 ).…”