The Inhibition of Inflammasome by Brazilian Propolis (EPP-AF)

Juliana I Hori,Gustavo Henrique Goldman,Daniel B Carrão,Andresa A Berretta,Dario S Zamboni

doi:10.1155/2013/418508

Abstract

Propolis extracts have gained the attention of consumers and researchers due to their unique chemical compositions and functional properties such as its anti-inflammatory activity. Recently, it was described a complex that is also important in inflammatory processes, named inflammasome. The inflammasomes are a large molecular platform formed in the cell cytosol in response to stress signals, toxins, and microbial infections. Once activated, the inflammasome induces caspase-1, which in turn induces the processing of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and IL-18. So, to understand inflammasomes regulation becomes crucial to treat several disorders including autoinflammatory diseases. Since green propolis extracts are able to regulate inflammatory pathways, this work purpose was to investigate if this extract could also act on inflammasomes regulation. First, the extract was characterized and it demonstrated the presence of important compounds, especially Artepillin C. This extract was effective in reducing the IL-1β secretion in mouse macrophages and this reduction was correlated with a decrease in activation of the protease caspase-1. Furthermore, we found that the extract at a concentration of 30 μg/mL was not toxic to the cells even after a 18-hour treatment. Altogether, these data indicate that Brazilian green propolis (EPP-AF) extract has a role in regulating the inflammasomes.

Highlights

Over the last few decades, interest in natural medicines has been growing fast, leading to the discovery of new functional components and products that may help preventing or treating diseases
These data indicate that Brazilian green propolis (EPP-AF) extract has a role in regulating the inflammasomes
The results showed the presence of caffeic (1), p-coumaric (2) and trans-cinnamic (3) acids, the flavonoid aromadendrin (4) and the prenylated compound artepillin C (Figure 1) with respective values presented in Table 1

Summary

Introduction

Over the last few decades, interest in natural medicines has been growing fast, leading to the discovery of new functional components and products that may help preventing or treating diseases In this context, propolis extracts have gained special attention of consumers and researchers, due to their unique chemical compositions and functional properties [1, 2]. More than 300 compounds, among polyphenols, terpenoids, steroids, sugar, and amino acids, have been detected in raw propolis Their abundance is influenced by geographical factors and botanical origins, as well as by collection season [3]. In this context, green propolis is only obtained from Brazil and its most important plant source is Baccharis dracunculifolia D.C. Several works reported biological activities to green propolis such as antiulcer [4, 5], anti-inflammatory [6], immunomodulatory activity (Machado et al, 2012, in press), antimutagenic [7], antifungal/antibacterial [3, 8], wound healing [9], and antiCandida albicans [10]

Methods

Results

Conclusion