Abstract
BackgroundPropolis and Hypericum perforatum L. are natural products which contain many active compounds and have numerous beneficial effects, including an antitumor effect. Gliobmastoma multiforme (GBM) is a common primary brain tumor with poor prognosis and limited treatment options. In this study, the effect of propolis (EEP) combined with H. perforatum L. (HPE) on glioblastoma cell line U87MG was investigated for the first time.MethodsAnti-proliferative activity of EEP, HPE and their combination (EEP + HPE) was determined by a cytotoxicity test, DNA binding by [3H]-thymidine incorporation and cell migration assay. Anti-metastatic properties in U87MG treated with EEP, HPE and EEP + HPE were estimated on cells migration test (scratch assay) and metalloproteinases (MMP2 and MMP9) secretion (gelatin zymography).ResultsCombination of HPE and EEP extracts was found to have a time- and dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the viability of U87MG cells. This effect was significantly higher (p < 0.05) when compared to these two extracts applied separately, which was confirmed by the significant reduction of DNA synthesis and significantly higher mitochondrial membrane permeabilization. A significant decreasing in migration cells and in pro-MMP9 and pro-MMP2 secretion in U87MG cells were demonstrated after exposure to combination of EEP (30 μg/ml) with HPE (6.25 μg/ml).ConclusionsIn this study, the combination of ethanolic extract from propolis and ethanolic extract of fresh-cut H. perforatum L. was proved the ability to reduce invasiveness of glioma cells through the inhibition of MMP2 and MMP9 secretion and suppression of cell migration. It has a more potent anti-proliferative effect on U87MG glioma cell line compared to using propolis and H. perforatum L. separately. Further studies are required to verify whether the examined extracts can activate apoptotic pathways.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12906-016-1351-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Highlights
Propolis and Hypericum perforatum L. are natural products which contain many active compounds and have numerous beneficial effects, including an antitumor effect
We examined the influence of propolis extract and other bee products on human glioblastoma cells (U87MG) [23, 24]
The influence of effect of propolis (EEP), H. perforatum L. (HPE) and their combinations on DNA synthesis Our study revealed a slight inhibitory potential on DNA synthesis: 79.2 ± 4.0 % and 89.4 ± 11.8 % of control, respectively, after 48 h of incubation in EEP (30 μg/ml) and HPE (6.25 μg/ml) used separately (Fig. 3)
Summary
Propolis and Hypericum perforatum L. are natural products which contain many active compounds and have numerous beneficial effects, including an antitumor effect. Gliobmastoma multiforme (GBM) is a common primary brain tumor with poor prognosis and limited treatment options. The effect of propolis (EEP) combined with H. perforatum L. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most malignant human brain tumor, with median survival of one year. The malignant glioma cells are able to extensively invade surrounding brain parenchyma. Common resistance to chemotherapy and lack of effective therapy have encouraged search for new forms of treatment. It is common that oncological patients often use supplements with medicinal plant or bee products (such as propolis) to support the therapy [2, 3]. The use of various combinations of plant extracts may improve the effectiveness of treatment but, on the other hand, it can be dangerous because of their possible interactions [4]
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