Immunomodulatory efficacy of ethanol extract of propolis on tumor-bearing mice with disseminated candidiasis.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

This study was aimed at investigating the effect of propolis on immunosurveillance by measuring the levels of serum interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interferon (IFN)-γ in tumor-bearing mice with disseminated candidiasis.

METHODS:

The ethanol extract of propolis was selected for this study. Balb/C female mice were infected with Candida albicans (C. albicans) and inoculated with spontaneous mouse mammary tumor (SMMT). The serum levels of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1(TIMP-1) were assessed by enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Mice were treated daily with propolis solution (100mg/kg, 0.1 mL, orally) for 3 days before IV challenge with C. albicans and SC challenge with SMMT and continued for 10 days. The rates of survival and tumor growth of understudy mice were investigated as well. The levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10 and IL-17 cytokines in culture supernatants were determined by ELISA.

RESULTS:

The mean tumor size was significantly increased in tumor-bearing mice infected with C. albicans (16.98 ± 0.49 mm(2)) as compared to other mice groups (P<0.05). The results showed a significant decline of IL-4 and IL-10 levels after propolis administration to tumor-bearing mice infected with C. albicans (53.41 pg/mL, 156.81 pg/mL and 63.45 pg/mL) (P < 0.05). The increment of TNF-α (433.85 pg/mL) and IFN-γ (120.43 pg/mL) levels were also observed.

CONCLUSION:

Data revealed that propolis has remarkable immunomodulatory effect, which provides a scientific validation for the popular use of this natural substance, and further investigation will help to understand propolis usefulness during immunosuppressive conditions.

• Authors: A R Khosravi, H Shokri, S Darvishi, M Taghavi
• Journal: Journal de mycologie medicale (J Mycol Med) Vol. 24 Issue 4 Pg. e143-8 (Dec 2014) ISSN: 1773-0449 [Electronic] France
• PMID: 25442915 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Validation Study)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Anti-Infective Agents
• Ethanol
• Propolis

Topics

• Animals
• Anti-Infective Agents (chemistry, pharmacology)
• Candida albicans
• Candidiasis (complications, immunology, pathology)
• Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast (complications, immunology, pathology)
• Ethanol
• Female
• Immunomodulation (drug effects)
• Mammary Neoplasms, Animal (complications, immunology, pathology)
• Mice
• Mice, Inbred BALB C
• Propolis (chemistry, pharmacology)
• Treatment Outcome