Própolis e geoprópolis

As abelhas são observadas pelo ser humano desde a Antiguidade. Elas atuam como agentes determinantes na polinização de muitas espécies vegetais e, desse modo, desempenham papel fundamental na preservação da diversidade de plantas floríferas e asseguram a produção mundial de alimentos. Atualmente, elas também têm importância econômica, pois são essenciais para a apicultura. Neste livro, diversos especialistas apresentam novas investigações sobre o potencial biológico de dois importantes produtos dessa indústria: a própolis e a geoprópolis. A própolis é um material resinoso, produzido por abelhas africanizadas e por abelhas sem ferrão (meliponíneos) e apresenta inúmeras propriedades biológicas. A geoprópolis é produzida por abelhas indígenas ou sem ferrão e é ainda pouco conhecida pela comunidade geral. O leitor acadêmico ou leigo encontrará aqui reunidas informações sobre essas abelhas e atividades biológicas, efeitos colaterais, recomendações de uso, versões comerciais disponíveis e novas estratégias terapêuticas desses produtos

Caracterização de um produto odontológico à base de própolis: ações antibacteriana e imunomoduladora

The caries and periodontal disease are infectious diseases, reflecting failure to balance the oral microbiota, whose agents can be transmitted. Chlorhexidine has been used as anti-caries agent, but its use is controversial due to the occurrence of side-effects. Thus, there is a need to search for new products with antimicrobial activity and fewer side-effects. Propolis is a resinous product produced by bees from different parts of the plants, and stands out for its biological and pharmacological properties, and the application possibility in the pharmaceutical and food industry. In this project, we aimed to investigate propolis, an antimicrobial agent (chlorhexidine) and the combination propolis/chlorhexidine, directly on S. mutans and the action of human monocytes against this bacteria. The quality of propolis-based odontological product was analysed with regard to its stability and possible contamination for 120 days. We evaluated the effect of this product on S. mutans determining the minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration, and its effect on human monocytes, evaluating cell receptors expression, the NF-kB signaling pathway, the production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and the bactericidal activity of these cells against S. mutans. Together, data showed that propolis/chlorhexidine in combination was palatable and contaminant-free, besides inhibiting the growth of S. mutans. The product may favor the recognition of antigens by human monocytes, activate the NF-kB signaling pathway and increase the bactericidal activity of monocytes against S. mutans. Also, the combination played an anti-inflammatory role in cytokine production, what can be beneficial in the treatment of periodontal diseases. The findings open perspectives for further research, denoting the practical application of this research and its implications for the pharmaceutical industryA cárie e a doença periodontal são doenças infecciosas que refletem falha no equilíbrio da microbiota bucal, e seus agentes podem ser transmissíveis. A clorexidina tem sido utilizada como agente antimicrobiano no combate à carie, porém seu uso é controverso devido à ocorrência de efeitos colaterais. Assim, tem sido incansável a busca de novos produtos com atividade antimicrobiana e com menor efeito colateral. A própolis é um produto resinoso, elaborado pelas abelhas a partir de diversas partes das plantas, e se destaca por suas propriedades biológicas e farmacológicas, e pela possibilidade de aplicação na indústria farmacêutica e alimentícia. Neste projeto, visamos comparar a própolis com um agente antimicrobiano (clorexidina), bem como a combinação própolis/clorexidina, diretamente sobre Streptococcus mutans ou sobre a ação de monócitos humanos contra esta bactéria. Para tal, monitoramos a qualidade do produto odontológico elaborado à base de própolis em relação à sua estabilidade e possível contaminação durante 120 dias. Avaliamos o efeito do produto sobre S. mutans, determinando a concentração inibitória mínima e a concentração bactericida mínima, bem como seu efeito sobre monócitos humanos, avaliando a expressão de receptores celulares, a via de sinalização do NF-kB, a produção de citocinas pró- e antiinflamatórias, e a atividade bactericida de monócitos contra este agente causador da cárie. Tomados em conjunto, os dados evidenciaram que o produto apresentou-se palatável e livre de contaminantes, além de inibir o crescimento de S. mutans. Este produto pode favorecer o reconhecimento de antígenos por monócitos, ativar a via de sinalização do NF-kB e aumentar a atividade bactericida de monócitos humanos contra S. mutans. Ademais, o produto também desempenhou papel anti-inflamatório quanto à produção de citocinas, o que pode trazer benefícios no tratamento de doenças...Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP

Produção e análise físico-química de leite in natura em período de seca na região de Avaré, São Paulo, Brasil

The objective is to assess physically and chemically the milk production of five producers, based on animal nutrition during the dry period in the region of Avaré, São Paulo, Brazil. Physico-chemical analysis were acidity, fat, total solids, solids, temperature, relative density at 15oC, cryoscopic index and volume of milk produced per day. The physical-chemical analysis showed no changes in accordance with Normative Instruction 51/02, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA), Brazil. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the milk produced by five producers, with a different diet for a period of drought, have a good physical and chemical quality for human consumption.O objetivo consiste em avaliar física e quimicamente a produção de leite de cinco produtores, com base na alimentação dos animais, no período de seca, na região de Avaré, São Paulo, Brasil. As análises foram físico-química foram a acidez, gordura, extrato seco total, extrato seco desengordurado, temperatura, densidade relativa a 15oC, índice crioscópico e o volume de leite produzido por dia. As análises físico-químicas não apresentaram alterações de acordo com a Instrução Normativa 51/02, do Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento (MAPA). Com base nesses resultados, pode-se concluir que os leites produzidos pelos cinco produtores, com uma dieta diferenciada num período de estiagem, apresentam uma boa qualidade físico-química para o consumo humano

Modulatory effects of propolis samples from Latin America (Brazil, Cuba and Mexico) on cytokine production by human monocytes

Propolis has been used in folk medicine in different regions of the world including Latin America. Propolis is a resinous mixture of substances collected by honey bees from several botanical sources, and its composition contains a rich chemical variety, depending on the geographical area and plant sources. Our aim was to compare the modulatory effect of propolis samples from three different countries of Latin America (Brazil, Cuba and Mexico) on pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine production (tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-10, respectively) by human monocytes. Cells were incubated with propolis for 18 h at 37°C. Cell viability was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide method, and cytokine production was determined by ELISA. All samples did not affect monocyte viability. Brazilian propolis stimulated both TNF-α and IL-10 production by monocytes. Cuban propolis stimulated TNF-α and inhibited IL-10 production, while Mexican sample exerted the opposite effect, inhibiting TNF-α and stimulating IL-10 production. The major compounds found in Brazilian, Cuban and Mexican propolis samples were artepillin C, isoflavonoids and pinocembrin, respectively. Brazilian, Cuban and Mexican propolis contained different components that may exert pro- and anti-inflammatory activity depending on concentration, what may provide a novel approach to the development of immunomodulatory drugs containing propolis

Estudo preliminar do efeito do consumo forçado de etanol sobre a dieta nutricional de rato macho adulto Wistar

In the preliminary study was used male Wistar rats to evaluate the effect of forced ethanol consumption to 10% on the nutritional diet. We measured the body mass, food intake, consumption of filtered water ad libitium, and consumption of ethanol solution to 10%. The analysis showed changes in fluid intake (water and ethanol solution 10%) in food intake and body mass. Based on the results, we conclude that the solution of ethanol influenced the nutritional parameters of male Wistar rats.No estudo preliminar foi utilizado rato macho da linhagem Wistar com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito do consumo forçado de etanol a 10% sobre a dieta nutricional. Foram mensurados a massa corpórea, consumo de ração, consumo de água filtrada ad libitium, e consumo de solução de etanol a 10%. A análise apresentou alterações no consumo de líquidos (água e solução de etanol a 10%), no consumo alimentar e na massa corpórea. Com base nos resultados, conclui-se que a solução de etanol influenciou os parâmetros nutricionais dos ratos machos da linhagem Wistar

Propolis anti-inflammatory effects on MAGE-1 and retinoic acid-treated dendritic cells and on Th1 and T regulatory cells

Abstract Background: Propolis exhibits huge potential in the pharmaceutical industry. In the present study, its effects were investigated on dendritic cells (DCs) stimulated with a tumor antigen (MAGE-1) and retinoic acid (RA) and on T lymphocytes to observe a possible differential activation of T lymphocytes, driving preferentially to Th1 or Treg cells. Methods: Cell viability, lymphocyte proliferation, gene expression (T-bet and FoxP3), and cytokine production by DCs (TNF-α, IL-10, IL-6 and IL-1β) and lymphocytes (IFN-γ and TGF-β) were analyzed. Results: MAGE-1 and RA alone or in combination with propolis inhibited TNF-α production and induced a higher lymphoproliferation compared to control, while MAGE-1 + propolis induced IL-6 production. Propolis in combination with RA induced FoxP3 expression. MAGE-1 induced IFN-γ production while propolis inhibited it, returning to basal levels. RA inhibited TGF-β production, what was counteracted by propolis. Conclusion: Propolis affected immunological parameters inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines and favoring the regulatory profile, opening perspectives for the control of inflammatory conditions

Apoptosis-related gene expression induced by Colombian propolis samples in canine osteosarcoma cell line

Background and Aim: Osteosarcoma (OSA) is the most common bone tumor in canines and humans. This study aimed to assess the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of Colombian propolis samples on a canine OSA cell line (OSCA-8) by evaluating the expression of BCL-2, BAX, CASPASE 9, CASPASE 8, and TNFR1 genes involved in the apoptosis pathway. Materials and Methods: After treating the cells with five Colombian propolis samples (Usm, Met, Fus, Sil, and Caj), we evaluated cell viability and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. Early and late apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry using annexin V/propidium iodide. Furthermore, the effects of three selected samples on gene expression were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: The Colombian propolis samples reduced OSCA-8 cell viability and increased LDH release. All samples induced apoptosis significantly and upregulated BCL-2 and CASPASE 8 expression. Usm and Sil increased BAX expression, Met and Sil induced CASPASE 9 expression, and Usm increased TNFR1. Conclusion: Colombian propolis samples exhibited cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on canine OSA cells, and CASPASE 8 upregulation indicated apoptosis induction by the extrinsic pathway

Microbiological control and antibacterial action of a propolis-containing mouthwash and control of dental plaque in humans

<p>Propolis is a bee product with several biological properties. This study aimed at investigating a propolis-containing mouthwash, its organoleptic properties, microbial contamination and its antibacterial action <i>in vitro</i>. This mouthwash was assessed <i>in vivo</i> to control dental plaque in humans. The presence of microorganisms was analyzed and the minimum inhibitory concentration against <i>Streptococcus mutans</i> was determined. A comparative study was done <i>in vivo</i> using propolis, chlorhexidine, and propolis plus chlorhexidine in lower concentrations for 14 days. Dental plaque was analyzed by the Patient Hygiene Performance (PHP) index. The odontological product was yellow, cloudy, free of microbial contamination, and exerted an inhibitory action <i>in vitro</i>. Individuals who used a propolis-containing mouthwash for 14 consecutive days in combination or not to chlorhexidine showed a similar PHP index to chlorhexidine alone. The product exerted an antibacterial action <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i>, exhibiting a positive action in the control of dental plaque.</p