Abstract
Propolis is a resin formed by a complex chemical composition of substances that bees collect from plants. Since ancient times, propolis has been used in folk medicine, due to its biological properties, that include antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antitumoral and immunomodulatory activities. Glioblastoma is the most common human brain tumor. Despite the improvements in GBM standard treatment, patients’ prognosis is still very poor. The aim of this work was to evaluate in vitro the Tubi-bee propolis effects on human glioblastoma (U251 and U343) and fibroblast (MRC-5) cell lines. Proliferation, clonogenic capacity and apoptosis were analyzed after treatment with 1 mg/mL and 2 mg/mL propolis concentrations for different time periods. Additionally, glioblastoma cell lines were submitted to treatment with propolis combined with temozolomide (TMZ). Data showed an antiproliferative effect of tubi-bee propolis against glioblastoma and fibroblast cell lines. Combination of propolis with TMZ had a synergic anti-proliferative effect. Moreover, propolis caused decrease in colony formation in glioblastoma cell lines. Propolis treatment had no effects on apoptosis, demonstrating a cytostatic action. Further investigations are needed to elucidate the molecular mechanism of the antitumor effect of propolis, and the study of its individual components may reveal specific molecules with antiproliferative capacity.
Highlights
Propolis is a resinous product composed of various botanical exudates, collected from plants and used by bees as a protective hive barrier against different pathogens
We describe the anti-cancer effects of ethanolic propolis extract produced by Scaptotrigona sp (Tubi-bee propolis) in glioblastoma cell lines, associated or not with TMZ, and in one non-neoplastic fibroblast cell line
The glioblastoma cell lines were treated with a propolis concentration of 2 mg/mL associated with 50 mM of temozolomide
Summary
Propolis is a resinous product composed of various botanical exudates, collected from plants and used by bees as a protective hive barrier against different pathogens. Several reports have shown the antiproliferative effects of propolis from different origins and their fractions in several cancer cell lines (Grunberger et al, 1988; Khalil, 2006). We describe the anti-cancer effects of ethanolic propolis extract produced by Scaptotrigona sp (Tubi-bee propolis) in glioblastoma cell lines, associated or not with TMZ, and in one non-neoplastic fibroblast cell line.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
