PMID: 

Cell Biol Toxicol. 2009 Feb ;25(1):33-43. Epub 2008 Jan 23. PMID: 18214694

Abstract Title: 

Assessment of DNA sensitivity in peripheral blood leukocytes after occupational exposure to microwave radiation: the alkaline comet assay and chromatid breakage assay.

Abstract: 

DNA sensitivity in peripheral blood leukocytes of radar-facility workers daily exposed to microwave radiation and an unexposed control subjects was investigated. The study was carried out on clinically healthy male workers employed on radar equipment and antenna system service within a microwave field of 10 muW/cm(2)-20 mW/cm(2) with frequency range of 1,250-1,350 MHz. The control group consisted of subjects of similar age. The evaluation of DNA damage and sensitivity was performed using alkaline comet assay and chromatid breakage assay (bleomycin-sensitivity assay). The levels of DNA damage in exposed subjects determined by alkaline comet assay were increased compared to control group and showed inter-individual variations. After short exposure of cultured lymphocytes to bleomycin cells of subjects occupationally exposed to microwave (MW) radiation responded with high numbers of chromatid breaks. Almost three times higher number of bleomycin-induced chromatid breaks in cultured peripheral blood lymphocytes were determined in comparison with control group. The difference in break per cell (b/c) values recorded between smokers and non-smokers was statistically significant in the exposed group. Regression analyses showed significant positive correlation between the results obtained with two different methods. Considering the correlation coefficients, the number of metaphase with breaks was a better predictor of the comet assay parameters compared to b/c ratio. The best correlation was found between tail moment and number of chromatid with breaks. Our results indicate that MW radiation represents a potential DNA-damaging hazard using the alkaline comet assay and chromatid breakage assay as sensitive biomarkers of individual cancer susceptibility.

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PMID: 

Biomed Pharmacother. 2019 Jan ;109:610-620. Epub 2018 Nov 3. PMID: 30399598

Abstract Title: 

Hydroalcoholic extract of Brazilian green propolis modulates inflammatory process in mice submitted to a low protein diet.

Abstract: 

The occurrence of inflammation and protein malnutrition is an aggravating risk factor for morbidity and mortality in the clinical setting. The green propolis, a natural product made by Apis mellifera bees from Baccharis dracunculifolia resin, has therapeutic potential to modulate chronic inflammation. However, its effect on inflammation in an impaired nutritional status is not known. The aim of this study was to characterize the effects of the administration of the hydroalcoholic extract of the green propolis in the chronic inflammatory process of mice submitted to a low-protein diet. For this, we used the subcutaneous implantation of sponge disks as an inflammatory model and the animals were distributed in the following groups: standard protein diet (12% protein content), control treatment; standard protein diet, propolis treatment; low-protein diet (3% protein content), control treatment; low-protein diet, propolis treatment. Propolis was given daily at a dose of 500 mg/kg (p.o.) during a period of 7 or 15 days. Our main findings show that animals fed with standard protein diet and treated with propolis had low levels of red blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit, with the subsequent reestablishment of these levels, in addition to monocyte count elevation and higher TNF levels after one week of treatment. In the low-protein diet group, the propolis treatment provided a significant recovery in weight and maintenance of total serum protein levels at the end of two weeks of treatment. Histological analysis showed propolis reduced the inflammatory infiltrate in the sponges of both standard and low-protein diet groups. In addition, the propolis extract presented antiangiogenic effect in both groups. Therefore, our data suggests that the hydroalcoholic extract of the green propolis promotes weight recovery and avoid the reduction of protein levels, inaddition to inhibit inflammation and angiogenesis in animals fed with a low-protein diet.

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PMID: 

BMC Nephrol. 2019 Apr 25 ;20(1):140. Epub 2019 Apr 25. PMID: 31023272

Abstract Title: 

Effects of Brazilian green propolis on proteinuria and renal function in patients with chronic kidney disease: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a public health problem worldwide, and proteinuria is a well-established marker of disease progression in CKD patients. Propolis, a natural resin produced by bees from plant materials, has anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and anti-oxidant properties, as well as having been shown to have an antiproteinuric effect in experimental CKD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of Brazilian green propolis extract on proteinuria reduction and the changes in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).METHODS: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study including patients with CKD caused by diabetes or of another etiology, 18-90 years of age, with an eGFR of 25-70 ml/min per 1.73 mand proteinuria (urinary protein excretion> 300 mg/day) or micro- or macro-albuminuria (urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio > 30 mg/g or > 300 mg/g, respectively). We screened 148 patients and selected 32, randomly assigning them to receive 12 months of Brazilian green propolis extract at a dose of 500 mg/day (n = 18) or 12 months of a placebo (n = 14).RESULTS: At the end of treatment, proteinuria was significantly lower in the propolis group than in the placebo group-695 mg/24 h (95% CI, 483 to 999) vs. 1403 mg/24 h (95% CI, 1031 to 1909); P = 0.004-independent of variations in eGFR and blood pressure, which did not differ between the groups during follow-up. Urinary monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 was also significantly lower in the propolis group than in the placebo group-58 pg/mg creatinine (95% CI, 36 to 95) vs. 98 pg/mg creatinine (95% CI, 62 to 155); P = 0.038.CONCLUSIONS: Brazilian green propolis extract was found to be safe and well tolerated, as well as to reduce proteinuria significantly in patients with diabetic and non-diabetic CKD.TRIAL REGISTRATION: ( ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT02766036. Registered: May 9, 2016).

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PMID: 

Food Chem Toxicol. 2019 Jul 10 ;132:110669. Epub 2019 Jul 10. PMID: 31299294

Abstract Title: 

Neuroprotective effects of Brazilian green propolis on oxytosis/ferroptosis in mouse hippocampal HT22 cells.

Abstract: 

Propolis is a sticky dark-colored substance produced by honey bees and comprises resin, balsam, wax, essential and aromatic oils, pollen, and several other substances; it is used in food and beverages to improve health and prevent diseases. We studied the neuroprotective effects of extracts of Brazilian green propolis in the mouse hippocampal cell line HT22. Ethanol extracts of Brazilian green propolis had a more potent preventive effect on oxidative stress-induced cell death, oxytosis/ferroptosis, in HT22 cells than water extracts of Brazilian green propolis, whereas it did not protect against anticancer drug-induced apoptotic cell death. Among the primary constituents of ethanol extracts of Brazilian green propolis, only artepillin C, kaempferide, and kaempferol demonstrated neuroprotective effects against oxytosis/ferroptosis. The flavonoid derivatives kaempferide and kaempferol are antioxidants with radical-scavenging abilities that additionally induce antioxidant response element-mediated transcriptional activity, suggesting that upregulation of endogenous antioxidant defense protects against oxidative stress. In contrast, artepillin C attenuated reactive oxygen species production; however, it did not induce antioxidant response element activation. These findings indicate that the ethanol extracts of Brazilian green propolis help to prevent oxidative stress-related neuronal cell death that is involved in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases.

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PMID: 

J Agric Food Chem. 2019 Aug 1. Epub 2019 Aug 1. PMID: 31369255

Abstract Title: 

Anti-inflammatory and anti-Candida effects of Brazilian organic propolis, a promising source of bioactive molecules and functional food.

Abstract: 

Brazilian organic propolis (BOP) is an unexplored Brazilian propolis that is produced organically and certified according to international legislation. Our results showed that BOP has strong anti-inflammatory effects and acts by reducing NF-кB activation, TNF-α release and neutrophil migration. In addition, BOP6 exhibited antifungal activity on planktonic and biofilm cultures of Candida albicans, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. krusei and C. parapsisolis, and it reduced in vitro yeast cell adhesion to human keratinocytes at sub-inhibitory concentrations. BOP demonstrated significantly low toxicity in Galleria melonella larvae at antifungal doses. Lastly, a chemical analysis revealed the presence of caffeoyltartaric acid, 3,4-Dicaffeoylquinic acid, quercetin, gibberellin A7, A9 and A20 in BOP, which may be responsible for the biological properties observed. Thus, our data indicate that BOP is a promising source of anti-inflammatory and antifungal molecules that may be used as a functional food.

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PMID: 

Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Aug 8 ;20(16). Epub 2019 Aug 8. PMID: 31398894

Abstract Title: 

Brazilian Green Propolis Rescues Oxidative Stress-Induced Mislocalization of Claudin-1 in Human Keratinocyte-Derived HaCaT Cells.

Abstract: 

Claudin-1 (CLDN1) is expressed in the tight junction (TJ) of the skin granular layer and acts as a physiological barrier for the paracellular transport of ions and nonionic molecules. Ultraviolet (UV) and oxidative stress may disrupt the TJ barrier, but the mechanism of and protective agents against this effect have not been clarified. We found that UVB and hydrogen peroxide (HO) caused the internalization of CLDN1 and increased the paracellular permeability of lucifer yellow, a fluorescent marker, in human keratinocyte-derived HaCaT cells. Therefore, the mechanism of mislocalization of CLDN1 and the protective effect of an ethanol extract of Brazilian green propolis (EBGP) were investigated. The UVB- and HO-induced decreases in CLDN1 localization were rescued by EBGP. HOdecreased the phosphorylation level of CLDN1, which was also rescued by EBGP. Wild-type CLDN1 was distributed in the cytosol after treatment with HO, whereas T191E, its HO-insensitive phosphorylation-mimicking mutant, was localized at the TJ. Both protein kinase C activator and protein phosphatase 2A inhibitor rescued the HO-induced decrease in CLDN1 localization. The tight junctional localization of CLDN1 and paracellular permeability showed a negative correlation. Our results indicate that UVB and HOcould induce the elevation of paracellular permeability mediated by the dephosphorylation and mislocalization of CLDN1 in HaCaT cells, which was rescued by EBGP. EBGP and its components may be useful in preventing the destruction of the TJ barrier through UV and oxidative stress.

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PMID: 

Pestic Biochem Physiol. 2019 Sep ;159:127-135. Epub 2019 Jun 12. PMID: 31400774

Abstract Title: 

Propolis relieves the cardiotoxicity of chlorpyrifos in diabetic rats via alleviations of paraoxonase-1 and xanthine oxidase genes expression.

Abstract: 

Pesticides cardiotoxicity in case of diabetic-induced cardiac complications is unidentified. The probable amelioration role of propolis is gauged against the cardiotoxic effects of chlorpyrifos in the diabetic rats through paraoxonase-1 (PON1) and xanthine oxidase (XO) genes dysregulation. Fifty-six male rats were distributed (n = 7) into eight groups. The first one saved as control whereas the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th were kept for propolis aqueous extract (100 mg/kg), diabetes (60 mg/kg streptozotocin) and chlorpyrifos (2.5 mg/kg), respectively. The 5th was diabetes/chlorpyrifos combination, while 6th, 7th, and 8th were intubated with propolis for four weeks after diabetic induction, chlorpyrifos intoxication, and their combination, respectively. The plasma glucose, lipid profiles, cardiac enzymes and interleukin-6 (IL-6) significantly elevated, while insulin decreased in the diabetic and combination groups. Although the cardiac acetylcholinesterase, total thiols, and PON1 significantly reduced after diabetic and/or chlorpyrifos gavage, the protein carbonyl, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and XO significantly elevated. The mRNA genes expression of PON1 and XO have also confirmed the enzymatic activities.Interestingly, propolis significantly restored the hyperglycemia, hypoinsulinemia, hyperlipidemia, IL-6 elevations, and antioxidant defense system disorder. These records revealed that the immunomodulatory, anti-diabetic and antioxidant tasks are fine pointers for the cardiovascular defender of propolis especially during diabetes and/or pesticides exposure.

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PMID: 

Environ Int. 2012 Jan ;38(1):29-36. Epub 2011 Sep 10. PMID: 21982030

Abstract Title: 

Cohort study on the effects of everyday life radio frequency electromagnetic field exposure on non-specific symptoms and tinnitus.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: There is public concern regarding potential health effects of radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) exposure, as produced by mobile phones or broadcast transmitters. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between RF-EMF exposure and non-specific symptoms and tinnitus in a prospective cohort study.METHODS: In 2008, 1375 randomly selected participants from Basel, Switzerland, were enrolled in a questionnaire survey with follow-up after one year (participation rate 82%). A score for somatic complaints (von Zerssen list) and headache (HIT-6) was assessed. Far-field environmental RF-EMF exposure was predicted using a validated prediction model. Regarding near-field exposure, self-reported mobile and cordless phone use as well as mobile phone operator data were collected. In multivariate regression models, we investigated whether exposure at baseline (cohort analysis) or changes in exposure between baseline and follow-up (change analysis) were related to changes in health scores.RESULTS: For participants in the top decile of environmental far-field RF-EMF exposure at baseline, in comparison to participants exposed below the median value, the change in the von Zerssen- and HIT-6-scores between baseline and follow-up was -0.12 (95%-CI: -1.79 to 1.56) and -0.37 (95%-CI: -1.80 to 1.07) units, respectively. Exposure to near-field sources and a change in exposure between baseline and follow-up were not related to non-specific symptoms. Similarly, no association between RF-EMF exposure and tinnitus was observed.CONCLUSIONS: In this first cohort study using objective and well-validated RF-EMF exposure measures, we did not observe an association between RF-EMF exposure and non-specific symptoms or tinnitus.

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PMID: 

Clin Pharmacol. 2018 ;10:175-181. Epub 2018 Dec 13. PMID: 30588129

Abstract Title: 

Treatment of acne with a combination of propolis, tea tree oil, andcompared to erythromycin cream: two double-blind investigations.

Abstract: 

Introduction: Antibiotics that suppressare the standard treatment for acne but are becoming less effective, due to the appearance of antibiotic-resistant strains. Many plants are known to have innate antimicrobial action and can be used as alternatives to antibiotics; thus, it is necessary to prove their effectiveness in vivo. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-acne efficacy of a new cream based on three natural extracts, comparing it to erythromycin cream and placebo.Patients and methods: Sixty patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris were randomly divided into three groups: treated with cream containing 20% propolis, 3%"tea tree oil", and 10%""(PTAC) (n=20); or with 3 % erythromycin cream (ERC) (n=20); or with placebo (n=20). At baseline, after 15 and 30 days, investigators evaluated response to treatment by counting acne lesions through noninvasive measurements and macrophotography.Results: All the clinical and instrumental values studied were statistically different from placebo except for sebometry, pHmetry, and erythema index values, measured on healthy skin. Unlike in the placebo group, papular and scar lesions showed high erythema reduction after 15 and 30 days of PTAC and ERC application.Conclusion: The PTAC formulation was better than ERC in reducing erythema scars, acne severity index, and total lesion count.

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PMID: 

Nat Prod Res. 2019 Jan 2:1-4. Epub 2019 Jan 2. PMID: 30600703

Abstract Title: 

In vitro and in silico study of Aloe vera leaf extract against human breast cancer.

Abstract: 

Aloe vera leaf contains some bioactive compounds that have a strong binding affinity toward estrogen receptor as compared to standard drug tamoxifen. In this study, we have found that the ICof Aloe vera leaf extract against breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) is 23 µg/mL which is much lower than the IC(332 µg/mL) of Aloe vera leaf extract against non-cancerous cell line (NIH-3T3). We have also calculated the total concentration of phenolic acid (385.662 µg/mL), flavonoids (160.402 µg/mL) and alkaloids (276.754 µg/mL) in Aloe vera leaf extract. The free radical scavenging activity of Aloevera leaf extract is 67% to 89% (at 50 to 300 µg/ml). Our virtual molecular docking study suggests that bioactive compounds like Aloe-emodin (-8.8 Kcal/mol), 7-hydroxy-2,5 dimethylchromone (-7.5 Kcal/mol), Beta-sitosterol (-7.3 Kcal/mol) etc. have a greater binding affinity toward estrogenalpha receptor as compared to standard drug Tamoxifen (-6.4 Kcal/mol).

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